Association between genetic variants in key vitamin-D-pathway genes and external apical root resorption linked to orthodontic treatment.

This study evaluated the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vitamin-D-related genes and the amount of external apical root resorption linked to orthodontic treatment. One hundred and forty-three individuals were assessed. The amount of external apical root resorption of upper central incisors (EARRinc ) and lower first molars (EARRmol ) were evaluated in radiographs. Seven SNPs were genotyped across four genes including the vitamin D receptor [VDR], group-specific component [GC], cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1 [CYP27B1], and cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1 [CYP24A1]. Linear regressions were implemented to determine allele-effects on external apical root resorption. Individuals carrying the AA genotype in VDR rs2228570 had a 21% higher EARRmol than those having AG and GG genotypes (95% CI: 1.03,1.40). EARRmol in heterozygous rs2228570, was 12% lower than for homozygotes (95%CI: 0.78,0.99). Participants with the CCG haplotype (rs1544410-rs7975232-rs731236) in VDR had an EARRmol 16% lower than those who did not carry this haplotype. Regarding CYP27B1 rs4646536, EARRinc in participants who had at least one G allele was 42% lower than for homozygotes AA (95%CI: 0.37,0.93). Although these results did not remain significant after multiple testing adjustment, potential associations may still be suggested. Further replication studies are needed to confirm or refute these findings.

Mitochondria as a key player in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous, multisystemic autoimmune disease with a broad clinical spectrum. Loss of self-tolerance and chronic inflammation are critical markers of SLE pathogenesis. Although alterations in adaptive immunity are widely recognized, increasing reports indicate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in activating pathogenic pathways involving the innate immune system. Among these, disarrangements in mitochondrial DNA copy number and heteroplasmy percentage are related to SLE activity. Furthermore, increased oxidative stress contributes to post-translational changes in different molecules (proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids), release of oxidized mitochondrial DNA through a pore of voltage-dependent anion channel oligomers, and spontaneous mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein oligomerization. Finally, a reduction in mitophagy, apoptosis induction, and NETosis has been reported in SLE. Most of these pathways lead to persistent and inappropriate exposure to oxidized mitochondrial DNA, which can stimulate plasmacytoid dendritic cells, enhance autoreactive lymphocyte activation, and release increased amounts of interferons through stimulation of toll-like receptors and cytosolic DNA sensors. Likewise, abnormal T-cell receptor activation, decreased regulatory T cells, enhanced Th17 phenotypes, and increased monocyte maturation to dendritic cells have also been observed in SLE. Targeting the players involved in mitochondrial damage can ultimately help.

Worldwide trends on molar incisor and deciduous molar hypomineralisation research: a bibliometric analysis over a 19-year period.

AIM: To identify the worldwide trends in scientific evidence and gaps in knowledge regarding molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and deciduous molar hypomineralisation/hypomineralised second primary molars (DMH/HSPM), exploring the contribution of authors and countries, possible etiological factors and proposed treatments, in order to guide future research in the area. METHODS: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Lilacs/BBO, Embase and Google Scholar. Studies employing the terms MIH, DMH/HSPM and their linguistic variations were included. The following data were extracted: title, authors, year and journal of publication and first author's affiliation country. Studies were categorized according to topic, dentition, study design, etiological factors and types of treatments. Categories were analysed in relation to their distribution, co-occurrence, cross-correlation and/or autocorrelation. RESULTS: Five hundred and three studies were included. The most published authors were Manton D (n = 47), de Souza JF (n = 22) and Ghanim A (n = 22) and four main collaboration clusters have been identified. Most of the studies were conducted on permanent dentition (MIH) (87.4%); with observational design (57.2%). The "European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry" was the most published journal (13.3%) and a significant increase in the number of publications was observed in the last decade. MIH was most studied in relation to prevalence/incidence, systemic factors involved in its aetiology and treatment with composite restorations, while a gap in knowledge was observed for extraction and sealants. Less studies were published on DMH/HSPM and most of them evaluated risk factors or prevalence/incidence. The gap of knowledge was observed in relation to treatments and patient's quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric review provided a comprehensive overview of research in MIH and DMH/HSPM over the past 19 years. Within the limitations of the present study, the following conclusions can be drawn: global trends point to an increasing peak of scientific publication, especially in the last decade, while there is a shortage of clinical studies on treatments, mainly evaluating tooth extractions. Finally the multifactorial nature should be further explored, considering environmental and systemic factors together.

Atypical phenotype and response of B cells in patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be classified as seropositive or seronegative according to the presence of autoantibodies. An abnormal B cell phenotype and function could be one of the main components of the immunopathology of seropositive patients; however, there is little information regarding B cell defects in these patients. This study shows a broad characterization of the B cell phenotype and function in patients with seropositive RA. We focused mainly on the evaluation of subsets, the expression of modulatory molecules of cell activation (CD22, FcÉ£RIIb and FcµR), calcium mobilization, global tyrosine phosphorylation, expression of activation markers, cytokine and immunoglobulin (Ig) production, proliferation and the in-vitro generation of plasma cells. Increased frequency of CD27- IgM- IgD- and CD21- B cells was observed in patients with seropositive RA compared with healthy donors (HD). Decreased expression of CD22 was primarily found in memory B cells of patients with RA regardless of seropositivity. B cells from seropositive patients exhibited normal proliferation, calcium mobilization kinetics and global tyrosine phosphorylation, but showed an increased frequency of CD86+ B cells compared with HD. B cells of seropositive patients secrete less interleukin-10 after in-vitro activation and showed a decreased frequency of plasma cell differentiation and IgM production compared with HD. Our data indicate that patients with seropositive RA have an increased frequency of atypical B cell populations previously associated with chronic activation and antigen exposure. This may result in the observed low responsiveness of these cells in vitro.

Correction to: PANLAR consensus statement on biosimilars.

The two co-authors of the mentioned above article were incorrect. The correct are authors should have been "P. A. Beltrán" instead of "P. A. B. Roa" and "J. F. Diaz-Coto" instead of "L. Diaz Soto".

PANLAR consensus statement on biosimilars.

INTRODUCTION: Biologics have improved the treatment of rheumatic diseases, resulting in better outcomes. However, their high cost limits access for many patients in both North America and Latin America. Following patent expiration for biologicals, the availability of biosimilars, which typically are less expensive due to lower development costs, provides additional treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases. The availability of biosimilars in North American and Latin American countries is evolving, with differing regulations and clinical indications. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to present the consensus statement on biosimilars in rheumatology developed by Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR). METHODS: Using a modified Delphi process approach, the following topics were addressed: regulation, efficacy and safety, extrapolation of indications, interchangeability, automatic substitution, pharmacovigilance, risk management, naming, traceability, registries, economic aspects, and biomimics. Consensus was achieved when there was agreement among 80% or more of the panel members. Three Delphi rounds were conducted to reach consensus. Questionnaires were sent electronically to panel members and comments about each question were solicited. RESULTS: Eight recommendations were formulated regarding regulation, pharmacovigilance, risk management, naming, traceability, registries, economic aspects, and biomimics. CONCLUSION: The recommendations highlighted that, after receiving regulatory approval, pharmacovigilance is a fundamental strategy to ensure safety of all medications. Registries should be employed to monitor use of biosimilars and to identify potential adverse effects. The price of biosimilars should be significantly lower than that of reference products to enhance patient access. Biomimics are not biosimilars and, if they are to be marketed, they must first be evaluated and approved according to established regulatory pathways for novel biopharmaceuticals. KEY POINTS: • Biologics have improved the treatment of rheumatic diseases. • Their high cost limits access for many patients in both North America and Latin America. • Biosimilars typically are less expensive, providing additional treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases. • PANLAR presents its consensus on biosimilars in rheumatology.

Growth performance, carcass traits and breast meat fatty acids profile of helmeted guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) fed increasing level of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) and pumpkin seed (Cucurbita moschata) meals

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary inclusion with linseed and pumpkin seed meals on growth performance, carcass traits and breast meat fatty acids profile of helmeted guinea fowls. A total of 120 meat-type helmeted guinea fowl females of 12 weeks of age were fed with 0 (T0), 100 (T1) and 200 (T2) g/kg of linseed (LM) and pumpkin seed meals (PSM) for 56 days, in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates per treatment and four birds per replicate. The inclusion up to 200 g/kg of LM and PSM did not affect the livability, initial live weight and feed intake (p>0.05). However, final live weight and feed:gain ratio improved significantly (p0.05). The oleaginous seeds (LM and PSM) decreased (p0.05) and the eicosatrienoic and arachidonic acids in breast meat (p<0.05). It is recommended the inclusion of 100 g/kg of LM and PSM to improve the live weight, weight and yield of the edible portions and the essential fatty acids in breast meat of guinea fowl, without affecting the sensory quality of the meat.

Growth performance, carcass traits and breast meat fatty acids profile of helmeted guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) fed increasing level of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) and pumpkin seed (Cucurbita moschata) meals

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary inclusion with linseed and pumpkin seed meals on growth performance, carcass traits and breast meat fatty acids profile of helmeted guinea fowls. A total of 120 meat-type helmeted guinea fowl females of 12 weeks of age were fed with 0 (T0), 100 (T1) and 200 (T2) g/kg of linseed (LM) and pumpkin seed meals (PSM) for 56 days, in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates per treatment and four birds per replicate. The inclusion up to 200 g/kg of LM and PSM did not affect the livability, initial live weight and feed intake (p>0.05). However, final live weight and feed:gain ratio improved significantly (p<0.05). The T1 increased (p<0.05) the carcass yield and the T2 improved the breast weight and weight and yield of leg. Also, these experimental diets did not affect the carcass weight, breast yield and sensory quality of meat (p>0.05). The oleaginous seeds (LM and PSM) decreased (p<0.05) the mystic, palmitic and octadecanoic acids and the w-6/w-3 ratio, as well as increased the linoleic, a-linolenic, eicosapentanoic and docosahexanoic acids (p<0.05), but did not modify the concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (p>0.05) and the eicosatrienoic and arachidonic acids in breast meat (p<0.05). It is recommended the inclusion of 100 g/kg of LM and PSM to improve the live weight, weight and yield of the edible portions and the essential fatty acids in breast meat of guinea fowl, without affecting the sensory quality of the meat.(AU)

Estudio cualitativo de la práctica fonoaudiológica en el contexto de rehabilitación basada en la comunidad, en la Quinta Región de Valparaíso / Community based speech and language rehabilitation qualitative study, in the fifth Region of Valparaíso

El enfoque de Rehabilitación Basada en la Comunidad (RBC) representa una estrategia cuyo propósito es lograr la plena integración e inclusión de las personas en situación de discapacidad (PsSD) a nivel social. Considerando que la comunicación y el lenguaje humano representan herramientas de expresión del pensamiento, la Asociación Americana de Habla, Lenguaje y Audición (ASHA) insta a promover el desarrollo de una comunicación efectiva como un derecho humano accesible para todas las personas, en consideración de su dignidad inherente. OBJETIVO: conocer el quehacer de fonoaudiólogos(as) que se desempeñan en el contexto de RBC, en la Quinta Región de Valparaíso. MÉTODO: investigación de tipo cualitativa, con enfoque fenomenológico. Se realizó una entrevista semiestructurada y posteriormente se procedió a realizar un análisis de contenido. RESULTADOS: Los fonoaudiólogos(as) ejecutan acciones atingentes a los cinco pilares de la RBC y se observa la práctica de actos vinculados a la gestión del intersector. CONCLUSIONES: Los profesionales adoptan la estrategia RBC incorporada en la visión de la institución en la que se encuentran insertos, adoptando un perfil orientado a la transdisciplina.

The Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) approach represents a strategy whose purpose is to achieve full social integration and inclu sion of people with disabilities. Considering that communication and human language represent tools of expression of thought, the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) advo cates the development of effective communication promotion, as a human right accessible to all people, considering its inherent dignity. OBJECTIVE: to analyze speech and language pathologist's CBR prac tices in the fifth region of Valparaíso. METHOD: qualitative research, with a phenomenological approach. A semi-structured interview was conducted followed by a content analysis. RESULTS: speech and Language pathologists carry out actions related to the five CBR key components and also the practice of actions in accord to intersector. CONCLUSIONS: The professionals adopt the CBR approach incorporat ing the institutional vision of service in which they are inserted and adopting a profile oriented to transdisciplinary.

Tuberculous sacroiliitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and literature review.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are at higher risk of developing opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis (TB), especially extrapulmonary forms like osteoarticular TB, compared to the general population. However, tuberculous sacroiliitis has been scarcely reported in these patients. We present a 34-year-old woman with SLE who developed articular tuberculosis simultaneously affecting the right sacroiliac joint and the left knee. The patient was successfully treated with antituberculosis therapy for nine months. In this case, in addition to the immunological abnormalities of lupus, the long-term glucocorticoid therapy at high dosages was the main risk factor for the development of osteoarticular tuberculosis.

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 as biomarkers for lupus nephritis in Colombian SLE patients.

Background Information regarding urinary biomarkers in Mestizo and Afro-Latin-American patients is very limited. We investigated whether levels of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) are good biomarkers to differentiate patients with lupus nephritis among Latin-American systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods SLE patients meeting the revised American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE were recruited. Urinary levels of NGAL and MCP-1 were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Serum anti-C1q antibodies were measured by ELISA. SLE activity was measured with the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI). Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare data and Spearman's rank correlations were used to examine associations between continuous variables. In addition, receiver operating characteristic curves were performed. Results One hundred and twenty SLE patients were recruited (87% women) with a median age of 32.8 ± 12.1 years and median disease duration of 7.3 ± 6.9 years. Afro-Latin-Americans had a significantly higher prevalence of lupus nephritis and higher SLEDAI scores than Mestizos. The three biomarkers were significantly higher in patients with lupus nephritis than in patients without lupus nephritis. In addition, urinary NGAL and MCP-1 were significantly higher in patients with active lupus nephritis than in inactive lupus nephritis. Urinary NGAL levels were significantly higher in Afro-Latin-American patients. A receiver operating characteristic curve for urinary biomarkers for lupus nephritis in all SLE patients showed a good level of sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion In our cohort of SLE patients, we found that urinary NGAL and MCP-1 in addition to anti-C1q antibodies were useful biomarkers for the identification of renal involvement and discrimination of active lupus nephritis among patients with renal disease.

The Lymphocytes Stimulation Induced DNA Release, a Phenomenon Similar to NETosis.

The release of DNA into the extracellular milieu by neutrophil during a process called NETosis has been postulated as an additional source of autoantigens; a process believed to be important in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, it is not established if the B and T cells undergo the release of DNA to the extracellular milleu, in response to different stimuli. In this study, it was observed that the treatment of B and T cells with PMA, ionomycin and the serum from patients with SLE induced the extracellular DNA presence in B and T cells. These findings suggest that the phenomenon were similar to those observed in neutrophil's Etosis; B and T cells also released their DNA into the extracellular milieu. The findings express that serum from patients with SLE and SLEDAI ≤ 8 triggers the release of extracellular DNA in neutrophils, B and T cells, that suggested the presence of soluble factors in the serum that favoured this phenomenon.

Pleuropulmonary involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from a Latin American inception cohort (GLADEL).

Objectives The objectives of this study were to examine the demographic and clinical features associated with the occurrence of pleuropulmonary manifestations, the predictive factors of their occurrence and their impact on mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Materials and methods The association of pleuropulmonary manifestations with demographic and clinical features, the predictive factors of their occurrence and their impact on mortality were examined in GLADEL patients by appropriate univariable and multivariable analyses. Results At least one pleuropulmonary manifestation occurred in 421 of the 1480 SLE patients (28.4%), pleurisy being the most frequent (24.0%). Age at SLE onset ≥30 years (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.10-1.83), the presence of lower respiratory tract infection (OR 3.19; 95% CI 2.05-4.96), non-ischemic heart disease (OR 3.17; 95% CI 2.41-4.18), ischemic heart disease (OR 3.39; 95% CI 2.08-5.54), systemic (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.37-2.91), ocular (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.16-2.14) and renal manifestations (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.09-1.83) were associated with pleuropulmonary manifestations, whereas cutaneous manifestations were negatively associated (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.29-0.76). Non-ischemic heart disease (HR 2.24; 95% CI 1.63-3.09), SDI scores ≥1 (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.10-2.17) and anti-La antibody positivity (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.39-4.57) independently predicted their subsequent occurrence. Cutaneous manifestations were protective of the subsequent occurrence of pleuropulmonary manifestations (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43-0.90). Pleuropulmonary manifestations independently contributed a decreased survival (HR: 2.79 95% CI 1.80-4.31). Conclusion Pleuropulmonary manifestations are frequent in SLE, particularly pleuritis. Older age, respiratory tract infection, cardiac, systemic and renal involvement were associated with them, whereas cutaneous manifestations were negatively associated. Cardiac compromise, SDI scores ≥1 and anti-La positivity at disease onset were predictive of their subsequent occurrence, whereas cutaneous manifestations were protective. They independently contributed to a decreased survival in these patients.

Preeclampsia leve y severa: estudio de casos y controles en el Hospital de Chiquinquirá 2012-2014 / Mild and severe preeclampsia: case-control study at the Hospital de Chiquinquirá 2012-2014 / Pré-eclâmpsia leve e severa: estudo de casos e controles no Hospital de Chiquinquirá 2012-2014

La preeclampsia es una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad materna y fetal en Colombia y un problema de salud pública \r\nimportante en la zona de influencia del Hospital Regional de Chiquinquirá (Boyacá, Colombia), pero no se ha cuantificado su \r\nmagnitud ni los factores de riesgo. El objetivo de este estudio analítico fue determinar los factores de riesgo en casos de pree\r\n-\r\nclampsia leve y severa en gestantes atendidas en dicha institución entre 2012 y 2014 para ayudar al diagnóstico temprano, la \r\nvigilancia y la prevención de complicaciones y secuelas. Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles retrospectivo. Se evaluaron 356 \r\nhistorias clínicas, 122 casos y 234 controles. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, bivariados apoyados por OR con IC 95%, comparación entre grupos a partir de pruebas T-student y U de Mann-Whitney y análisis estratificado por edades. Los resultados: procedencia, \r\nraza, régimen y educación no presentaron asociaciones significativas (p >0,05); antecedentes de preeclampsia, hipertensión arte\r\n-\r\nrial, cesárea en embarazos anteriores, período intergenésico mayor a 10 años e índice de masa corporal al final del embarazo \r\nmayor a 35, son factores de riesgo (p <0,05). Se concluye que el estrato socioeconómico 2 y la raza mestiza son factores protec\r\n-\r\ntores; los análisis estratificados no mostraron confusión por la variable edad; no existe distorsión de la relación entre las variables \r\nantecedentes de preeclampsia, hipertensión, cesáreas anteriores y preeclampsia. Las acciones de intervención para factores de \r\nriesgo en la población de estudio deben dirigirse a los estratos más bajos y población más vulnerable.

Preeclampsia is one of the principle causes of maternal and \r\nfetal morbidity and mortality in Colombia, and it is a major \r\npublic health problem in the area of influence of the Hospital \r\nRegional de Chiquinquirá (Boyacá, Colombia), yet its magni\r\n-\r\ntude and risk factors have not been quantified. The objective \r\nof this analytical study was to determine the risk factors in cases \r\nof mild and severe preeclampsia in pregnant women attended \r\nat the mentioned institution during 2012-2014, to assist in \r\nearly diagnosis, vigilance, and prevention of complications \r\nand sequela. A retrospective study of cases and controls was \r\nperformed. 356 medical records, 122 cases, and 234 controls \r\nwere evaluated. Descriptive, bivariate analyses supported by \r\nan OR with a 95% CI were performed, as were comparison \r\nbetween groups through Student's T-tests and Mann-Whitney \r\nU test and an analysis stratified by age.\r\nResults: Background, race, medical regiment, and education \r\ndidn ́t present significant associations (p >0.05); history of \r\npreeclampsia, hypertension, cesarean in previous pregnan\r\n-\r\ncies, an interpregnancy interval period greater than 10 years, \r\nand a BMI greater than 35 at the end of pregranacy are risk \r\nfactors (p <0.05). It is concluded that the number 2 socioeco\r\n-\r\nnomic stratum and mixed ethnicity are protective factors; \r\nstratified analyzes showed no confounding due to age; there \r\nis no distortion of the relationship between the variables: \r\nhistory of preeclampsia, hypertension, previous cesarean and \r\npreeclampsia. Intervention actions for risk factors in the study \r\npopulation should be directed to the lower strata and to the \r\nmost vulnerable population.

A pré-eclâmpsia é uma das principais causas de morbidade e \r\nmortalidade materna e fetal na Colômbia e é um problema de \r\nsaúde pública importante na zona de influência do Hospital \r\nRegional de Chiquinquirá (Boyacá, Colômbia), mas não tem \r\nsido quantificada sua magnitude nem os fatores de risco. O \r\nobjetivo foi determinar os fatores de risco nos casos de pré-e\r\n-\r\nclâmpsia leve e grave em gestantes atendidas no hospital \r\ndurante 2012-2014, para ajudar ao diagnóstico precoce, vigi\r\n-\r\nlância e prevenção de complicações e sequelas. Realizou-se \r\num estudo de casos e controles retrospectivo. Avaliaram-se \r\n356 prontuários, 122 casos e 234 controles. Realizaram-se \r\nanalises descritivas, bivariadas respaldadas por OR com IC de \r\n95%, os grupos foram comparados usando o teste T-student \r\ne U de Mann-Whitney, além de análise estratificada por idade. \r\nResultados: Origem, raça, sistema de saúde e nível educativo \r\nnão apresentaram associações significantes (p >0,05). Histórico \r\nde pré-eclâmpsia, hipertensão, cesariana na gestação anterior, \r\nperíodo intergenésico maior que 10 anos e IMC no final da \r\ngravidez maior que 35 são fatores de risco (p <0,05). Conclusões: \r\nnível socioeconômico 2 e a raça mestiça são fatores protetores; \r\nas análises estratificadas não mostraram confusão pela variável \r\nidade; não existe distorção da relação entre as variáveis ante\r\n-\r\ncedentes de pré-eclâmpsia, hipertensão, cesáreas anteriores e \r\npré-eclâmpsia. Ações de intervenção para fatores de risco na \r\npopulação estudada devem ser direcionadas para os níveis \r\nsocioeconômicos mais baixos e população mais vulnerável.

Experimental early pathogenesis of Streptococcus agalactiae infection in red tilapia Oreochromis spp.

Streptococcus agalactiae causes a severe systemic disease in fish, and the routes of entry are still ill-defined. To address this issue, two groups of 33 red tilapia Oreochromis spp. each of 10 g were orally infected with S. agalactiae (n = 30), and by immersion (n = 30), six individuals were control-uninfected fish. Three tilapias were killed at each time point from 30 min to 96 h post-inoculation (pi); controls were killed at 96 h. Samples from most tissues were examined by haematoxylin-eosin (H&E), indirect immunoperoxidase (IPI) and periodic acid-Schiff; only intestine from fish infected by gavage was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. The results of both experiments suggest that the main entry site of S. agalactiae in tilapia is the gastrointestinal epithelium; mucus seems to play an important defensive role, and environmental conditions may be an important predisposing factor for the infection.

Utilidad de la ultrasonografía en la orientación diagnóstica en una artritis indiferenciada a raíz de un caso clínico / Utility of ultrasonography in diagnostic orientation for undifferentiated arthritis, based on a clinical case

La ultrasonografía se ha convertido en un examen muy útil para el estudio de artritis inflamatorias indiferenciadas, ya que posee mayor sensibilidad que el examen físico para detectar sinovitis y entesitis. La necesidad de realizar el diagnóstico de forma precoz, ha permitido que esta herramienta se vuelva un pilar fundamental en el enfrentamiento de estas patologías. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 37 años que consulta por cuadro de seis meses de evolución de poliartralgias de distribución asimétrica en manos, hombros y codos. Al examen físico se detecta sinovitis en articulaciones metacarpofalángicas e interfalángicas proximales. Finalmente se solicita ultrasonografía de manos, la cual revela sinovitis activa en articulaciones interfalángicas distales. En base a esto se rescata antecedente familiar de psoriasis, se realiza HLA-B27 que resulta negativo y un TAC de sacroiliacas sugerente de sacroileítis bilateral. Por los hallazgos y el nuevo antecedente se diagnostica como Artritis Psoriática.

Ultrasonography has become a useful imaging test in the assessment of undifferentiated arthritis, due to its greater sensitivity in detecting synovitis and enthesitis in comparison with physical examination. In the need of making an early diagnosis, this exam has turn into a cornerstone when approaching certain arthritis. We present the case of a 37 years old women, with a six months history of asymmetric polyarthralgias in hands, shoulders and elbows. Synovitis is detected with physical exam in metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. An ultrasonography is requested, revealing active synovitis in distal interphalangeal joints. Based on these information, the family background of psoriasis is obtained. HLA-B27 results negative and a sacroiliac CT suggests bilateral sacroiliitis. According to these findings the diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis is finally made.

Utilidad del plasma rico en plaquetas en neumología / Usefulness of platelet-rich plasma in pneumology

The use of Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) involves a very complex network of molecular effects favoring tissue regeneration, due the presence of multiple mediators and growth factors. There are several communications about its use on the dental implantology field, plastic surgery and orthpedics. Besides, its utility has been suggested on peripheral nerves regeneration after trauma. In this article we present our experience on the use of PRP on acute injury of the respiratory system. We present a clinical series of 8 patients treated with PRP with positive response. Four of them presenting a massive hemoptysis were treated by direct endoscopic instillation of autologous PRP on the site of lesion; an immediate favorable result was obtained in all of them, without recurrence of bleeding on the follow-up period. A fifth case was a HIV seropositive patient with a spontaneous pneumothorax on intersticial pneumonia. He was treated by direct instillation of PRP through a thoracic tube. Full lung reexpansion was achieved within 72 h. Finally two patients with a respiratory fistula and another patient who suffered a traumatic tracheal rupture were treated with PRP endoscopic instillation, all of them with favorable clinical outcome. The use of autologous products as PRP has shown a good performance in all the clinical situations described, proposing it as a potentially very useful technique, particularly when a minimally invasive approach is required.

El uso de plasma rico en plaquetas (PRP) involucra una compleja red de efectos moleculares que favorecerían la regeneración tisular, dada la presencia en él de múltiples mediadores y factores de crecimiento. Se ha comunicado su uso con éxito en implantología odontológica, cirugía plástica y ortopedia como también se ha sugerido su utilidad en la regeneración de nervios periféricos posterior a trauma. No existe difusión acerca de su uso en patología respiratoria. Comunicamos nuestra experiencia en el uso de PRP en daño agudo del aparato respiratorio. En esta serie de casos, se trataron 4 pacientes con hemoptisis masiva mediante preparación de PRP autólogo previo al procedimiento e instilación vía endoscópica en el sitio del defecto, con buen resultado inmediato y sin recidiva del sangrado al seguimiento; 1 caso de neumotórax espontáneo con infiltrados pulmonares con fracaso del manejo con sonda endopleural (SEP), que resultó ser una neumonía intersticial con quistes pulmonares en un paciente VIH sero-positivo, instilándose PRP por SEP, reexpandiendo el pulmón a las 72 h; 2 pacientes portadores de fístula respiratoria y 1 paciente portador de ruptura traqueal traumática, todos con buena respuesta. El uso de productos autólogos como PRP ha logrado un favorable rendimiento en todas las situaciones clínicas planteadas, lo que lo sitúa como una herramienta con notable potencial de desarrollo particularmente en casos que por sus características particulares requieren de un manejo mínimamente invasivo.

Modulatory effects of CD14+CD16++ monocytes on CD14++CD16- monocytes: a possible explanation of monocyte alterations in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: In various chronic inflammatory processes, both the proportion and numbers of monocyte subsets are altered. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), this has not been clearly determined. The monocyte subpopulations in patients with SLE, patients with other autoimmune diseases, and healthy controls were evaluated. The effects of nonclassic monocytes and apoptotic cells (ACs) on the differentiation and function of CD14++CD16- monocytes were also studied. METHODS: Monocyte subpopulations derived from the blood samples of SLE patients (n = 88), patients with other autoimmune diseases (n = 37), and healthy control subjects (n = 61) were separated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. To evaluate the effect of CD14+CD16++ monocytes and ACs on the differentiation of CD14++CD16- monocytes, we developed a coculture model of highly purified sorted monocyte subpopulations, which were reconstituted with defined proportions of CD14++CD16- and CD14+CD16++ monocytes in the presence or absence of ACs. After differentiation into macrophages, CD3+ lymphocytes were added, and the proliferating cells and CD3+IFNγ+ cells were evaluated. A cytokine bead array panel was used to test the coculture supernatants. RESULTS: There was a reduction in CD14+CD16++ monocytes in patients with active SLE. Monocytes from SLE patients had decreased expression of HLA-DR and decreased ability to bind and phagocytize ACs. In healthy controls, but not SLE patients, treatment with macrophages derived from CD14+CD16++ monocytes reduced T cell proliferation and proliferating CD3+IFNγ+ cells and increased the accumulation of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and IL-1ß. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that CD14+CD16++ monocytes, a population that is reduced and nonfunctional in SLE patients, have modulatory effects on CD14++CD16- monocytes and T cells.

Aneurisma esplénico / Splenic aneurysm

Introduction: The splenic aneurysm (AAE) is a rare disease that occurs mainly in women, being mostly asymptomatic until rupture. Clinical case: We report a case of a woman aged 65, previously healthy, who complains of pain in the left upper quadrant, two-month history, performing a CT of the abdomen showing a 4.7 cm AAE without signs of rupture. Aneurysm resection was performed with splenic preservation with no signs of complication...

Introducción: El aneurisma esplénico (AAE) es una enfermedad poco frecuente, que ocurre principalmente en mujeres, siendo en su mayoría asintomático, hasta su ruptura. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 65 años, previamente sana, que consulta por dolor en hipocondrio izquierdo, de dos meses de evolución, realizándose una tomografía de abdomen, que muestra un AAE de 4,7 cm sin signos de ruptura. Se realiza resección de aneurisma con preservación esplénica, sin signos de complicación en el postoperatorio. Aunque presenta infartos esplénicos en el control se mantiene asintomática...