Shotgun Metagenomics Reveals Taxonomic and Functional Patterns of the Microbiome Associated with Barbour's Seahorse (Hippocampus barbouri).

This study aimed to investigate the taxonomic and functional patterns of the microbiome associated with Barbour's seahorse (Hippocampus barbouri) using a combination of shotgun metagenomics and bioinformatics. The analyses revealed that Pseudomonadota and Bacillota were the dominant phyla in the seahorse skin microbiome, whereas Pseudomonadota and, to a lesser extent, Bacillota and Bacteroidota were the dominant phyla in the seahorse gut microbiome. Several metabolic pathway categories were found to be enriched in the skin microbiome, including amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, cofactor and vitamin metabolism, energy metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, as well as membrane transport, signal transduction, and cellular community-prokaryotes. In contrast, the gut microbiome exhibited enrichment in metabolic pathways associated with the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, and quorum sensing. Additionally, although the relative abundance of bacteriocins in the skin and gut was slightly similar, notable differences were observed at the class level. Specifically, class I bacteriocins were found to be more abundant in the skin microbiome, whereas class III bacteriocins were more abundant in the gut microbiome. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first comprehensive examination of the taxonomic and functional patterns of the skin and gut microbiome in Barbour's seahorse. These findings can greatly contribute to a deeper understanding of the seahorse-associated microbiome, which can play a pivotal role in predicting and controlling bacterial infections, thereby contributing to the success of aquaculture and health-promoting initiatives.

A systematic review of loneliness and social isolation scales used in epidemics and pandemics.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened social isolation and loneliness. There is a lack of consensus on rating scales to measure these constructs. Our objectives were to identify commonly used loneliness and social isolation scales over the last two decades and test their user characteristics. 7928 articles were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and APA PsychINFO databases. 41 articles were included based on study criteria. Among fourteen scales reported, UCLA 3-item loneliness scale was found to be most commonly used. The scale is specifically developed for telephone use and is the fastest taking less than a minute for self-administration.

Predictors of fatigue and persistent fatigue in early rheumatoid arthritis: a longitudinal observational study, data from the ESPOIR cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To determine, in a cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), factors associated with fatigue at baseline, describe its evolution over 5 years of follow-up, and determine baseline predictors of persistent fatigue. METHOD: We selected patients fulfilling the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria for RA included in the ESPOIR cohort. Using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models, we examined baseline variables associated with baseline fatigue (defined by visual analogue scale fatigue > 20) and baseline predictors of persistent fatigue (if the patient experienced fatigue at all visits during the 5 year follow-up period). RESULTS: We analysed 673 patients; 80.7% reported fatigue at baseline. At baseline, fatigue was associated with female gender, younger age, greater severity of morning stiffness, sleep problems, higher Health Assessment Questionnaire levels, presence of sicca symptoms, history of thyroid problems, and presence of psychological distress (depressive or anxiety symptoms). At 5 years of follow-up, the percentage of fatigued patients who reported fatigue at all time-points since baseline was 24.6% (referred to as 'persistent fatigue'). Independent baseline predictors were presence of sicca symptoms, greater severity of morning stiffness, and psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue is a frequent symptom in RA. The presence of sicca symptoms, greater severity of morning stiffness, and presence of psychological distress at baseline were associated with baseline fatigue and persistent fatigue at 5 years. We did not observe any association between baseline fatigue or persistent fatigue and the Disease Activity Score based on 28-joint count-erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Differences in clinical manifestations and increased severity of systemic lupus erythematosus between two groups of Hispanics: European Caucasians versus Latin American mestizos (data from the RELESSER registry).

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is regarded as a prototype autoimmune disease because it can serve as a means for studying differences between ethnic minorities and sex. Traditionally, all Hispanics have been bracketed within the same ethnic group, but there are differences between Hispanics from Spain and those from Latin America, not to mention other Spanish-speaking populations. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics, severity, activity, damage, mortality and co-morbidity of SLE in Hispanics belonging to the two ethnic groups resident in Spain, and to identify any differences. METHODS: This was an observational, multi-centre, retrospective study. The demographic and clinical variables of patients with SLE from 45 rheumatology units were collected. The study was conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Hispanic patients from the registry were divided into two groups: Spaniards or European Caucasians (EC) and Latin American mestizos (LAM). Comparative univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were carried out. RESULTS: A total of 3490 SLE patients were included, 90% of whom were female; 3305 (92%) EC and 185 (5%) LAM. LAM patients experienced their first lupus symptoms four years earlier than EC patients and were diagnosed and included in the registry younger, and their SLE was of a shorter duration. The time in months from the first SLE symptoms to diagnosis was longer in EC patients, as were the follow-up periods. LAM patients exhibited higher prevalence rates of myositis, haemolytic anaemia and nephritis, but there were no differences in histological type or serositis. Anti-Sm, anti-Ro and anti-RNP antibodies were more frequently found in LAM patients. LAM patients also had higher levels of disease activity, severity and hospital admissions. However, there were no differences in damage index, mortality or co-morbidity index. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounders, in several models the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for a Katz severity index >3 in LAM patients was 1.45 (1.038-2.026; p = 0.02). This difference did not extend to activity levels (i.e. SLEDAI >3; 0.98 (0.30-1.66)). CONCLUSION: SLE in Hispanic EC patients showed clinical differences compared to Hispanic LAM patients. The latter more frequently suffered nephritis and higher severity indices. This study shows that where lupus is concerned, not all Hispanics are equal.

A genome-wide association study identifies a new locus associated with the response to anti-TNF therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (anti-TNF) drugs are biologic agents commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, anti-TNFs are not effective in approximately one out of four treated patients. We conducted a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to identify the genetic variation associated with the response to anti-TNF therapy in RA. In the discovery stage, 372 RA patients treated with an anti-TNF agent (infliximab, adalimumab or etanercept) were analyzed and treatment response was defined at 12 weeks of therapy. We found a genome-wide significant association in the MED15 gene with the response to etanercept (P<1.5e-8). Using an independent cohort of 245 RA patients, we performed a replication study of the most significant GWAS associations. We replicated the association at the MED15 locus and found suggestive evidence of association in the previously associated MAFB locus. The results of this study suggest novel mechanisms associated with the response to anti-TNF therapies.

IMRT: preliminary results in a series of advanced head-and-neck cancer patients

PURPOSE: To determine retrospectively 2-3 year local and regional control (LRC), free-of-disease survival (FDS) and overall survival (OS), as well as summarized toxicities in a group of 31 advanced head-and-neck cancer patients, treated at our institution between 2004 and 2011 with definitive IMRT low-dose concomitant boost, the majority of them with concurrent chemotherapy based on cisplatin. The results are also shown in the sub-group of nasopharyngeal cancer patients (NPC: 15 cases). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Radiological basal and contrasted CT series, MR-CT or PET/CT fused images in the setup position with immobilization mask were registered in simulation therapy patients. Planed doses were: 70 Gy in primary tumor and positive nodes >1 cm; 63 Gy in high-risk areas of microscopic diseases +10 mm safety margin; and 56 Gy in low risk of diseases regional lymph nodes. Treatment was delivered using a Varian 2100 Clinac with sliding windows IMRT. Spinal cord doses were limited to a strict maximum of 45 Gy, and optimization aimed for mean doses in parotid glands below 26 Gy, especially in the contralateral parotid gland. Online DRR-portal X-ray comparison images were taken every day with a deviation module tolerance ≤3 mm. RESULTS: The mean follow-up since IMRT was 34 months (interval: 8-89; median 31 months). Median follow-up in living patients was 22 months. The 2-year rate for global LRC was 64 %, for FDS 61 % and OS 77 %. For the NPC group after 2 years, LRC was 73 %, FDS 73 % and OS 93 %. The 3-year rates were similar. Seven patients died as a consequence of local and/or regional progression (mean time 10 months). Relapses were observed in eight patients (26 %), but only seven could be confirmed by biopsy (22.6 %; mean time to relapse: 8.6 months). Global acute mucositis was 61 % and chronic mucositis was shown in six cases which developed xerostomia (19 %) in the first control after IMRT, but 1 year later it was reduced to only four patients, two Grade 2 and two Grade 1. CONCLUSIONS: No excessive, unwarranted toxicities were observed using concomitant low doses boost in IMRT. High rates of compliance to concurrent chemotherapy were achieved. Late xerostomia associated with this regime decreased 1 year after conclusion of treatment. The implementation of IMRT requires advances in imaging for better tumor delineation; otherwise the physician loses the advantage of dose modulation or faces a risk of geographical miss (AU)

Multicenter longitudinal study of B-lymphocyte depletion in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: the LESIMAB study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of single and repeated courses of rituximab in patients with refractory lupus. METHODS: LESIMAB is a multicenter, retrospective, longitudinal study of lupus patients who have not responded to standard therapy and have been treated with rituximab. Response rates at six months and at follow-up were defined as efficacy outcomes. Complete response was defined as a SELENA-SLEDAI score ≤ two and a SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index of zero. Partial response was defined as a reduction in the SELENA-SLEDAI score of ≥four points with no new or worsening of symptoms. Adverse events were collected. RESULTS: Seventy-three (62.9%) of 116 patients achieved a response at six months (complete in 22 and partial in 51). Ninety-seven (77.6%) of 128 patients achieved a response after a mean follow-up of 20.0 ± 15.2 months (complete in 50 and partial in 47). High baseline SLEDAI score, previous treatment with ≥100 mg/day prednisone, and no history of severe hematologic flare were associated with response after the first treatment course. The median time to response was 6.5 months (95% CI, 5.0-8.0). Thirty-seven patients (38.1%) relapsed after the first infusion. The flare was severe in seven cases and mild to moderate in 29 cases. Serious infection rate was 12.6/100 patient-years. A schedule of four weekly doses was associated with more serious infections. Six patients died: two of infection and four of lupus complications. CONCLUSION: Rituximab can be an effective treatment option for patients who have refractory lupus with severe or life-threatening disease with an acceptable tolerance profile.

CXCR3 and CCR5 are both required for T cell-mediated protection against C. trachomatis infection in the murine genital mucosa.

Chemokine receptors direct T lymphocytes to the site of an infection by following coordinated chemokine gradients, which allow their recruitment to specific tissues. Although identification of receptors needed for homing to some mucosal sites, such as skin and gut, have been elucidated, the receptors that direct lymphocytes to the genital mucosa remain relatively uncharacterized. In this study we identify that the chemokine receptors CXCR3 (chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 3) and CCR5 (chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5) are pivotal for T-lymphocyte access to the genital tract during Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Chlamydia-specific CD4(+) transgenic T cells that lack CXCR3 or CCR5 do not accumulate in the genital mucosa following infection. Loss of either CXCR3 or CCR5 impairs the protective capacity of Chlamydia-specific T cells, whereas T cells lacking both receptors are completely nonprotective. These results show that CXCR3 and CCR5 are the predominant chemokine receptors that act cooperatively to promote homing to the genital mucosa during Chlamydia infection.

Vasculopatía cerebral fulminante en el síndrome de Sjögren / No disponible

No disponible

Estado de la asistencia reumatológica en el sector sanitario público de Cataluña / Manpower of Rheumatology in Catalonia (Spain)

Objetivo: Actualizar el registro de reumatólogos que trabajan en Cataluña, basándose en los estudios previos hechos en los años 1990 y 1996 por la Societat Catalana de Reumatologia. Métodos: El registro incluye a todos los reumatólogos que trabajan en Cataluña (España). Se enviaron cuestionarios a todos los reumatólogos incluidos en el registro; los cuestionarios preguntaban el lugar de trabajo, el tipo de trabajo y el contrato laboral. Resultados: Ciento veinte y cuatro reumatólogos trabajaban en el sector público en Cataluña, 80 (65%) trabajaban en hospitales. Ciento cinco reumatólogos (84,6%) se localizaban en la provincia de Barcelona. Una quinta parte de los reumatólogos tiene un trabajo temporal. Diez hospitales generales carecían de reumatólogo. Conclusión: Aunque el número de reumatólogos en Cataluña ha aumentado, hay diferencias importantes en la localización de éstos, especialmente entre Barcelona y el resto de las provincias. Aún existen hospitales sin reumatólogo(AU)

Objective: To determine the changes in Rheumatology provision and working practice that have occurred on the basis of the 1990, 1996 surveys carried out to update the Catalan Society for Rheumatology register Methods: The register includes all rheumatologists in Catalonia (Spain) who are registered and who do clinical work. Questionnaires were sent to all rheumatologists on the register. The questionnaires asked about location and clinical commitments. Results: One hundred twenty-four rheumatologists work at the public system in Catalonia, 80 (65%) work at hospitals. The majority of rheumatologists (105; 84,6%) are located in the province of Barcelona. One fith of the rheumatologists have a temporal work. Ten general hospitals are still lacking of rheumatologists. Conclusion: Although the number of rheumatologists in Catalonia has increased there are ongoing inequalities in the provision of Rheumatology, especially between Barcelona and the rest of provinces(AU)

Paget's disease of bone in early adult life.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the range and activity of the clinical and biological features of patients aged <40 with Paget's disease of bone. METHODS: A retrospective two centre study of 314 patients with Paget's disease of bone from two university hospitals. The disease was diagnosed by radiological, serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels, or clinical features, and bone scintigraphy in most patients. Demographic data, reason for diagnosis, bones affected, disease extent using Coutris' index, complications during progression, and disease activity using Renier's index were assessed. Patients over and under 40 were compared. RESULTS: 18/314 (5.7%) patients were diagnosed before the age of 40; median (SD) age was 35.4 (5.5) (range 18-40) and AP 555.6 (566.3) IU/l (range 70-1949). Coutris' extension index was 12.8 (10.5) and Renier's activity index 35.9 (31.9). Younger patients had more affected bones (p<0.05) than those aged >40, higher level of extension (p<0.05), higher AP value (p = 0.05), and greater incidence of thoracolumbar spine disease. Disease activity did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Paget's disease diagnosed before the age of 40 is more extensive but not more active, with higher AP values than in those diagnosed after age 40.

[Manpower of rheumatology in catalonia (Spain)]. / Estado de la asistencia reumatológica en el sector sanitario público de Cataluña.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in Rheumatology provision and working practice that have occurred on the basis of the 1990, 1996 surveys carried out to update the Catalan Society for Rheumatology register METHODS: The register includes all rheumatologists in Catalonia (Spain) who are registered and who do clinical work. Questionnaires were sent to all rheumatologists on the register. The questionnaires asked about location and clinical commitments. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four rheumatologists work at the public system in Catalonia, 80 (65%) work at hospitals. The majority of rheumatologists (105; 84,6%) are located in the province of Barcelona. One fith of the rheumatologists have a temporal work. Ten general hospitals are still lacking of rheumatologists. CONCLUSION: Although the number of rheumatologists in Catalonia has increased there are ongoing inequalities in the provision of Rheumatology, especially between Barcelona and the rest of provinces.

[Spinal cord compression: an unusual clinical manifestation of retroperitoneal fibrosis]. / Síndrome de compresión medular: una rara forma de presentación de la fibrosis retroperitoneal.

INTRODUCTION: Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disorder consisted of a periaortic fibrous mass that compresses retroperitoneal organs. CASE REPORT: We report a case of retroperitoneal fibrosis diagnosed after a spinal cord compression. Magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a prevertebral mass which affected a vertebral body. It extended to the epidural space and compressed the spinal cord. The final diagnosis was established through the mass biopsy by means of mediastinoscopy. After prednisone treatment, both clinical remission and mass reduction in the follow-up MRI were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The spinal cord compression is an extremely unusual initial manifestation of retroperitoneal fibrosis. Nevertheless, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord compression syndrome, specially given the possibility of its medical treatment instead of aggressive surgical treatment.

Síndrome de compresión medular: una rara forma de presentación de la fibrosis retroperitoneal / Spinal cord copression: an unusual clinical manifetation of retroperitoneal fibrosis

Introducción. La fibrosis retroperitoneal es una rara enfermedad que se caracteriza por la presencia de una masa fibrosa periaórtica que comprime los órganos retroperitoneales. Los uré- teres resultan afectados a menudo, pero también pueden afectarse otras estructuras de forma menos frecuente. Caso clínico. Presentamos un caso en el que esta enfermedad se diagnosticó a partir de un síndrome medular subagudo. En las imágenes de resonancia magnética se observaba una masa prevertebral que afectaba a un cuerpo vertebral, se extendía al espacio epidural y comprimía el cordón medular. La biopsia de la lesión mostró un tejido fibroso con un infiltrado inflamatorio linfoplasmocitario compatible con fibrosis retroperitoneal. El paciente recibió tratamiento con prednisona y la clínica remitió, además de reducirse dicha lesión en el estudio radiológico. Conclusiones. El síndrome de compresión medular es una rara forma de presentación de la fibrosis retroperitoneal. A pesar de ello, esta enfermedad debe incluirse en su diagnóstico diferencial, sobre todo por la posibilidad de tratamiento médico (AU)

Introduction. Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disorder consisted of a periaortic fibrous mass that compresses retroperitoneal organs. Case report. We report a case of retroperitoneal fibrosis diagnosed after a spinal cord compression. Magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a prevertebral mass which affected a vertebral body. It extended to the epidural space and compressed the spinal cord. The final diagnosis was established through the mass biopsy by means of mediastinoscopy. After prednisone treatment, both clinical remission and mass reduction in the follow-up MRI were observed. Conclusions. The spinal cord compression is an extremely unusual initial manifestation of retroperitoneal fibrosis. Nevertheless, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord compression syndrome, specially given the possibility of its medical treatment instead of aggressive surgical treatment (AU)

Fiebre, exantema y anquilosis de carpo / Fever, exanthema and carpal ankylosis

No disponible

Rumbo a lo desconocido: destino final de los resúmenes presentados a un congreso de reumatología / The twilight zone: final fate of abstracts presented at a rheumatology congress

Objetivo: Conocer el destino final de los resúmenes presentados al XXII Congreso de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología (SER) celebrado en Zaragoza en el año 1996. Material y métodos: Se investigó la publicación en revistas incluidas en MEDLINE de todas las comunicaciones libres, orales o póster, presentadas al XXII Congreso de la SER y publicados en forma de resumen en la REVISTA ESPAÑOLA DE REUMATOLOGÍA (1996;23[5]:153-216). La búsqueda se basó en los nombres de los autores, sin límite de idioma o tipo de publicación. Se obtuvieron el año y la revista de publicación y el resumen de ésta. Se calculó el intervalo entre la comunicación en el congreso y la ulterior publicación. Resultados: Se revisaron 249 resúmenes: 200 (80 por ciento) pósters y 49 (20 por ciento) orales. Se publicaron en revistas biomédicas incluidas en la base de datos MEDLINE, 52 resúmenes (21 por ciento). El intervalo entre su presentación en el congreso y su publicación fue de 18,5 meses (0-51). Las revistas de reumatología fueron el destino final de un 63 por ciento de las publicaciones realizadas. El factor impacto total fue de 163,58. Conclusiones: El 21 por ciento de los resúmenes científicos presentados en el XXII congreso de la SER se publicó en revistas biomédicas incluidas en MEDLINE. El factor impacto total fue de 163,58 (AU)