PICO questions and DELPHI methodology for improving the management of patients with acute hepatic porphyria.

BACKGROUND: Acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) are a group of rare diseases that encompasses acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and 5-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency porphyria. Symptoms of AHP are nonspecific which, together with its low prevalence, difficult the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This project used DELPHI methodology to answer PICO questions related to management of patients with AHPs. The objective was to reach a consensus among multidisciplinary porhyria experts providing answers to those PICO questions for improving diagnosis and follow-up of patients with AHP. RESULTS: Ten PICO questions were defined and grouped in four domains: 1. Biochemical diagnosis of patients with AHP. 2. Molecular tests for patients with AHP. 3. Follow-up of patients with AHP. 4. Screening for long-term complications of patients with AHP. CONCLUSIONS: PICO questions and DELPHI methodology have provided a consensus on relevant and controversial issues for improving the management of patients with AHP.

Azithromycin-loaded liposomes and niosomes for the treatment of skin infections: Influence of excipients and preparative methods on the functional properties.

The aim of this study was to develop azithromycin (AZT)-loaded liposomes (LP) and niosomes (NS) useful for the treatment of bacterial skin infections and acne. LP based on phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk (EPC) or from soybean lecithin (SPC), and NS composed of sorbitan monopalmitate (Span 40) or sorbitan monostearate (Span 60) were prepared through the thin film hydration (TFH) and the ethanol injection (EI) methods. The formulations were subsequently characterized for their physico-chemical and functional properties. Vesicles prepared through TFH showed higher average sizes than the corresponding formulations obtained by EI. All the vesicles presented adequate encapsulation efficiency and a negative ζ potential, which assured good stability during the storage period (except for LP-SPC). Formulations prepared with TFH showed a more prolonged AZT release than those prepared through EI, due to their lower surface area and multilamellar structure, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy nanomechanical characterization. Finally, among all the formulations, NS-Span 40-TFH and LP-EPC-TFH allowed the highest drug accumulation in the skin, retained the antimicrobial activity and did not alter fibroblast metabolism and viability. Overall, they could ensure to minimize the dosing and the administration frequency, thus representing promising candidates for the treatment of bacterial skin infections and acne.

Augusto Bonome and his revolutionary studies on leprosy in the early 20th century.

BACKGROUND: Augusto Bonome (1857-1922), professor at the University of Padua until 1922, was involved in a study about a particular kind of pulmonary leprosy, being the first to testify the lepromatous alterations also in the deepest parts of the respiratory tract, even though the same Gerhard Hansen (1841-1912) had denied the possibility that lungs could host Mycobacterium leprae. OBJECTIVES: It is necessary to reevaluate the research done by Bonome to also demonstrate how it can still be relevant today in further comprehension of leprosy. METHODS: Bonome's advances in leprosy studies are testified by some specimens from the Morgagni Museum of Pathological Anatomy of the University of Padua. Among the specimens, there is a peculiar case of advanced tuberous leprosy in an adolescent, who died in 1908, of which the face, the larynx, the hands and genitals are still preserved today in the Museum. RESULTS: Through autoptic and histological analysis of this specimen, Bonome succeeded in identifying a peculiar case of bone toxoid-infectious dystrophy besides characteristic leprous laryngitis, which caused the death of the young leprosy patient. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed the innovative research carried on by Bonome during his medical career, being among the first to offer an important contribution to improving and revolutionary knowledge on leprosy which could still be useful today.

Trombosis venosa cerebral en adultos: cohorte de 35 casos de un hospital terciario / Cerebral venous thrombosis in adults: A case series of 35 patients from a tertiary hospital

Objetivos Describir las características basales, de presentación clínica, de imagen y evolución e identificar potenciales factores pronósticos en una cohorte de pacientes con trombosis venosa cerebral (TVC). Pacientes y métodos Estudio observacional retrospectivo, unicéntrico, que incluye a pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de TVC desde enero 2016 hasta diciembre 2020. Las variables fueron recogidas a través de la historia clínica electrónica. Resultados Se incluyeron 35 pacientes con una edad media al diagnóstico de 50,3 (±17,8) años, siendo la mayoría mujeres (74,4%). El 95% de los pacientes presentaba al menos un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de TVC. El 97,1% recibió tratamiento anticoagulante con heparinas en la fase aguda, en su mayoría heparina de bajo peso molecular (75%). El evento compuesto (muerte, ingreso en unidad de cuidados intensivos, National institute of Health Stroke Scale al alta >3, recurrencia de TVC, hemorragia mayor, o la presencia de complicaciones) en las primeras dos semanas ocurrió en el 28,6%. El seguimiento medio fue de 3,3 años, durante el cual el 14,3% falleció (solo un paciente en relación con la TVC), un paciente presentó hemorragia mayor y ningún paciente presentó recurrencia de TVC. Conclusiones En nuestra cohorte, la TVC afectó con mayor frecuencia a mujeres jóvenes, y ocurrió en pacientes con al menos un factor de riesgo para TVC. La presencia de edema en la tomografía computarizada y el tratamiento con corticosteroides asociaron un peor pronóstico a corto plazo. Se observó un buen pronóstico a largo plazo en términos de mortalidad, recurrencia y sangrado (AU)

Objective To describe the baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, imaging tests and outcomes, and identify potential prognostic factors in a cohort of patients diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Patients and methods This retrospective, single-center, observational study included adult patients diagnosed with CVT from January 2016 to December 2020. The variables were reviewed using electronic medical records. Results A total of 35 patients were included, with a median age at diagnosis of 50.3 (± 17.8) years, and the majority being women (74.4%). Nearly 95% of the patients presented at least one risk factor for the development of CVT. Heparins were used for the acute phase in 97.1% of cases, with 75% of those being low molecular weight heparins. During the first two weeks, a compound event (death, intensive care unit admission, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at discharge >3, CVT recurrence, major bleeding, or the presence of complications) occurred in 28.6% of patients (10 patients). Over the mean follow-up period of 3.3 years, 14.3% of the patients died (with only one death attributed to CVT), one patient experienced major bleeding, and no patients had a recurrence of CVT. Conclusions In our cohort, CVT predominantly affected young women with at least one risk factor for its development. The presence of edema on CT and corticosteroid treatment were associated with a poor short-term prognosis. However, we observed a favorable long-term prognosis in terms of mortality, recurrence, and bleeding (AU)

Cerebral venous thrombosis in adults: a case series of 35 patients from a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, imaging tests and outcomes, and identify potential prognostic factors in a cohort of patients diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective, single-center, observational study included adult patients diagnosed with CVT from January 2016 to December 2020. The variables were reviewed using electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were included, with a median age at diagnosis of 50.3 (+/- 17.8) years, and the majority being women (74.4%). Nearly 95% of the patients presented at least one risk factor for the development of CVT. Heparins were used for the acute phase in 97.1% of cases, with 75% of those being low molecular weight heparins.During the first two weeks, a compound event (death, intensive care unit admission, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at discharge >3, CVT recurrence, major bleeding, or the presence of complications) occurred in 28.6% of patients (10 patients).Over the mean follow-up period of 3.3 years, 14.3% of the patients died (with only one death attributed to CVT), one patient experienced major bleeding, and no patients had a recurrence of CVT. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, CVT predominantly affected young women with at least one risk factor for its development. The presence of edema on CT and corticosteroid treatment were associated with a poor short-term prognosis. However, we observed a favorable long-term prognosis in terms of mortality, recurrence, and bleeding.

[Risk of thrombosis recurrence among patients with COVID-19- and surgery-associated venous thromboembolism]. / Riesgo de recurrencia de la trombosis en pacientes con tromboembolia venosa asociada a COVID-19 y a cirugía.

Introduction: Recent surgery is a well-known major transient risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to the low risk of VTE recurrence after anticoagulation is discontinued. On the other hand, the risk of VTE recurrence among patients with COVID-19-associated VTE is unknown. This study aimed to compare the risk of VTE recurrence between patients with COVID-19- and surgery-associated VTE. Methods: A prospective observational single-center study was performed including consecutive patients diagnosed with VTE in a tertiary hospital from January 2020 to May 2022 and followed up for at least 90 days. Baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes were assessed. The incidence of VTE recurrence, bleeding, and death was compared between both groups. Results: A total of 344 patients were included in the study: 111 patients with surgery-associated VTE and 233 patients with COVID-19-associated VTE. Patients with COVID-19-associated VTE were more frequently men (65.7% vs 48.6%, p = 0.003). VTE recurrence was 3% among COVID-19 patients and 5.4% among surgical patients, with no significant differences (p = 0.364). The incidence rate of recurrent VTE was 1.25 per 1000 person-months in COVID-19 patients and 2.29 person-months in surgical patients, without significant differences (p = 0.29). In the multivariate analysis, COVID-19 was associated with higher mortality (HR 2.34; 95% CI 1.19-4.58), but not with a higher risk of recurrence (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.17-1.61). No differences were found in recurrence in the multivariate competing risk analysis (SHR 0.82; 95% CI 0.40 - 2.05). Conclusions: In patients with COVID-19 and surgery-associated VTE, the risk of recurrence was low, with no differences between both groups.

Riesgo de recurrencia de la trombosis en pacientes con tromboembolia venosa asociada a COVID-19 y a cirugía / Risk of thrombosis recurrence among patients with COVID-19- and surgery-associated venous thromboembolism

Introducción La cirugía reciente es un factor de riesgo transitorio mayor y conocido de tromboembolia venosa (TEV) debido al bajo riesgo de recurrencia de la TEV una vez suspendida la anticoagulación. Por otro lado, se desconoce el riesgo de recurrencia de la TEV en los pacientes con TEV asociada a COVID-19. El objetivo de este estudio consistió en comparar el riesgo de recurrencia de la TEV entre pacientes con TEV asociada a COVID-19 y a cirugía. Método Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, observacional y unicéntrico en el que participaron pacientes consecutivos diagnosticados de TEV en un hospital terciario entre enero de 2020 y mayo de 2022 y que fueron objeto de seguimiento durante un mínimo de 90 días. Se evaluaron las características iniciales, el cuadro clínico y los resultados clínicos. Se compararon las incidencias de recurrencia de la TEV, hemorragias y muertes entre ambos grupos. Resultado En el estudio se incluyó a un total de 344 pacientes: 111 con TEV asociada a cirugía y 233 con TEV asociada a COVID-19. Entre los pacientes con TEV asociada a COVID-19 hubo una mayor frecuencia de varones (65,7 vs. 48,6%, p = 0,003). La recurrencia de la TEV fue de 3% en los pacientes con COVID-19 y de 5,4% en los pacientes quirúrgicos, sin diferencias significativas (p = 0,364). La tasa de incidencia de TEV recurrente fue de 1,25 y 2,29 por 1.000 personas-meses en los pacientes con COVID-19 y quirúrgicos, respectivamente, sin diferencias significativas (p = 0,29). En el análisis multifactorial, la COVID-19 se asoció a una mayor mortalidad (HR = 2,34; IC 95%, 1,19-4,58), pero no a un mayor riesgo de recurrencia (HR = 0,52; IC 95%, 0,17-1,61). En el análisis multifactorial de riesgos competitivos no se observaron diferencias en cuanto a recurrencias (SHR = 0,82; IC 95%, 0,40-2,05). Conclusiones El riesgo de recurrencia fue bajo en los pacientes con TEV asociada a COVID-19 y a cirugía, sin diferencias entre ambos grupos (AU)

Introduction Recent surgery is a well-known major transient risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to the low risk of VTE recurrence after anticoagulation is discontinued. On the other hand, the risk of VTE recurrence among patients with COVID-19-associated VTE is unknown. This study aimed to compare the risk of VTE recurrence between patients with COVID-19- and surgery-associated VTE. Methods A prospective observational single-center study was performed including consecutive patients diagnosed with VTE in a tertiary hospital from January 2020 to May 2022 and followed up for at least 90 days. Baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes were assessed. The incidence of VTE recurrence, bleeding, and death was compared between both groups. Result A total of 344 patients were included in the study: 111 patients with surgery-associated VTE and 233 patients with COVID-19-associated VTE. Patients with COVID-19-associated VTE were more frequently men (65.7% vs 48.6%, p = 0.003). VTE recurrence was 3% among COVID-19 patients and 5.4% among surgical patients, with no significant differences (p = 0.364). The incidence rate of recurrent VTE was 1.25 per 1000 person-months in COVID-19 patients and 2.29 person-months in surgical patients, without significant differences (p = 0.29). In the multivariate analysis, COVID-19 was associated with higher mortality (HR 2.34; 95% CI 1.19-4.58), but not with a higher risk of recurrence (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.17-1.61). No differences were found in recurrence in the multivariate competing risk analysis (SHR 0.82; 95% CI 0.40 – 2.05). Conclusions In patients with COVID-19 and surgery-associated VTE, the risk of recurrence was low, with no differences between both groups (AU)

Risk of thrombosis recurrence among patients with COVID-19 and surgery-associated venous thromboembolism.

INTRODUCTION: Recent surgery is a well-known major transient risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to the low risk of VTE recurrence after anticoagulation is discontinued. On the other hand, the risk of VTE recurrence among patients with COVID-19-associated VTE is unknown. This study aimed to compare the risk of VTE recurrence between patients with COVID-19- and surgery-associated VTE. METHODS: A prospective observational single-center study was performed including consecutive patients diagnosed with VTE in a tertiary hospital from January 2020 to May 2022 and followed up for at least 90 days. Baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes were assessed. The incidence of VTE recurrence, bleeding, and death was compared between both groups. RESULTS: A total of 344 patients were included in the study: 111 patients with surgery-associated VTE and 233 patients with COVID-19-associated VTE. Patients with COVID-19-associated VTE were more frequently men (65.7% vs 48.6%, p =  0.003). VTE recurrence was 3% among COVID-19 patients and 5.4% among surgical patients, with no significant differences (p =  0.364). The incidence rate of recurrent VTE was 1.25 per 1000 person-months in COVID-19 patients and 2.29 person-months in surgical patients, without significant differences (p =  0.29). In the multivariate analysis, COVID-19 was associated with higher mortality (HR 2.34; 95% CI 1.19-4.58), but not with a higher risk of recurrence (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.17-1.61). No differences were found in recurrence in the multivariate competing risk analysis (SHR 0.82; 95% CI 0.40-2.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COVID-19 and surgery-associated VTE, the risk of recurrence was low, with no differences between both groups.

Guías de uso de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico en ortodoncia: revisión narrativa / Guidelines for the use of cone-beam computed tomography in orthodontics: narrative review

Introducción: La tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT, del inglés Cone-Beam Computed Tomography) se ha masificado en odontología, incluyendo ortodoncia. Organismos internacionales proponen guías para la indicación de CBCT en odontología. Hasta la fecha no existen publicaciones que recopilen y analicen las guías actuales de uso de CBCT en ortodoncia. El propósito de la presente revisión narrativa es analizar las indicaciones de CBCT en ortodoncia en revisiones sistemáticas y guías actuales de organismos internacionales. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda principal en PubMed, Web of Science y Scopus. Para la búsqueda complementaria se usaron las listas de referencias de los artículos incluidos a texto completo obtenidos de la búsqueda principal y sitios web oficiales de instituciones guías de uso de CBCT en ortodoncia. Los criterios de inclusión correspondieron a guías, y revisiones sistemáticas sobre el uso de CBCT en ortodoncias no incluidas en las referencias de las guías, en idioma inglés. Resultados: Se encontraron 7 guías y 1 revisión sistemática. La CBCT no se recomienda para uso rutinario ni como examen imagenológico inicial en ortodoncia. Sus usos son en su mayoría para casos particulares, en que la radiografía convencional no aporta información suficiente para un correcto diagnóstico y posterior tratamiento. Conclusión: Las organizaciones internacionales concuerdan que la CBCT en ortodoncia se justifica solo cuando beneficia al paciente. La CBCT es una herramienta diagnóstica confiable en casos donde la evaluación en tres dimensiones es obligatoria para tomar la decisión terapéutica más adecuada. Aún falta nueva evidencia en esta área, la que debe considerar los principios de protección radiológica de optimización y justificación. (AU)

Introduction: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been popularized in dentistry, including orthodontics. International organizations have published guidelines for the use of CBCT in dentistry. To date, there are no publications that compile and analyze the current guidelines for the use of CBCT in orthodontics. The aim of this narrative review is to analyze the indications for CBCT in orthodontics both in systematic reviews and current guidelines from international organizations. Materials and methods: A main search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. For the complementary search, the reference lists of the articles included in full text obtained from the main search and official websites of institutions with guidelines for the use of CBCT in orthodontics, were used. The inclusion criteria corresponded to guides on the use of CBCT in orthodontics, and systematic reviews not included in the references of the guides, in English. Review: Seven guidelines and one systematic review were found. CBCT is not recommended for routine use or as an initial imaging examination in orthodontics. The uses are mostly for particular cases, in which conventional radiography does not provide the information for a correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Conclusions: There is a consensus among international organizations regarding the use of CBCT in orthodontics, justifying its use only when it provides a benefit to the patient. CBCT is a reliable diagnostic tool in cases where three-dimensional evaluation is mandatory to take the most appropriate therapeutic decision. New evidence is still lacking in this area, which must consider the principles of optimization and exam justification. (AU)

Complicaciones de los pacientes con uveítis en un estudio poblacional español: proyecto UveCAM / Complications of uveitis in a Spanish population, UveCAM study

Objetivo Estimar la frecuencia poblacional de complicaciones de uveítis y evaluar sus principales factores de riesgo en los pacientes con uveítis del estudio UveCAM. Pacientes y método Desarrollo de complicaciones de los 386 pacientes con uveítis de toda el área sanitaria de la provincia de Toledo (estudio UveCAM) durante el periodo de un año. Descripción de complicaciones y estudio de los posibles determinantes mediante modelos de regresión multivariante. Resultados Se dispuso de información sobre el desarrollo de complicaciones en 371 de los 386 pacientes del estudio. El 45,8% de los pacientes presentó al menos una complicación, siendo las más frecuentes las sinequias posteriores (19,0%), la hipertensión ocular (14,0%), el edema macular (7,5%), la membrana epirretiniana (6,9%), el glaucoma (6,6%), la atrofia iridiana (5,6%) y las cataratas (5,5%). El riesgo de complicaciones aumenta con la edad, las formas intermedias y panuveítis, y las de evolución crónica o recurrente. Conclusión Las uveítis se asocian con una elevada frecuencia de complicaciones, especialmente en pacientes de edad avanzada, con localización intermedia o posterior del proceso inflamatorio y con evolución crónica o recurrente (AU)

Objective To estimate the population frequency of uveitis complications and to evaluate their main risk factors in the patients with uveitis from the UveCAM study. Patients and methods Development of complications in 386 patients with uveitis in the whole health area of the province of Toledo (UveCAM study) during a period of one year. Description of complications and study of their possible determinants by means of multivariate regression models. Results Information on the development of complications was available in 371 of the 386 patients of the UveCAM study. 45.8% of patients had at least one complication, the most frequent were posterior synechiae (19.0%), ocular hypertension (14.0%), macular oedema (7.5%), epiretinal membrane (6.9%), glaucoma (6.6%), iridian atrophy (5.6%), and atrophy (5.6%) and cataracts (5.5%). The risk of complications increases with age, intermediate and panuveitis locations, and those of chronic or recurrent evolution. Conclusion Uveitis is associated with a high frequency of complications, especially in older patients, with intermediate or posterior localization of the inflammatory process, and chronic or recurrent evolution (AU)

Complications of uveitis in a Spanish population, UveCAM study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the population frequency of uveitis complications and to evaluate their main risk factors in the patients with uveitis from the UVECAM study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Development of complications in 386 patients with uveitis in the whole health area of the province of Toledo (UVECAM study) during a period of 1 year. Description of complications and study of their possible determinants by means of multivariate regression models. RESULTS: Information on the development of complications was available in 371 of the 386 patients of the UVECAM study. The most frequent complications were posterior synechiae (19.0%), ocular hypertension (14.0%), macular edema (7.5%), epirretinal membrane (6.9%), glaucoma (6.6%), iridian atrophy (5.6%) and cataract (5.5%). The risk of complications increases with age, intermediate and panuveitis locations, and those of chronic or recurrent evolution. CONCLUSION: Uveitis is associated with a high frequency of complications, especially in older patients, with intermediate or posterior localization of the inflammatory process and chronic or recurrent evolution.

Microstructural features assessment of different waterlogged wood species by NMR diffusion validated with complementary techniques.

Wood is a hygroscopic, multi-scale and anisotropic natural material composed of pores with different size and differently oriented. In particular, archaeologically excavated wood generally is waterlogged wood with very high moisture content (400%-800%) that need to have a rapid investigation at the microstructural level to obtain the best treatment with preservative agents. Time-dependent diffusion coefficient D(t) quantified by Pulse Field Gradient (PFG) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques provides useful information about complex porous media, such as the tortuosity (τ) describing pore connectivity and fluid transport through media, the average-pore size, the anisotropic degree (an). However, diffusion NMR is intrinsically limited since it is an indirect measure of medium microstructure and relies on inferences from models and estimation of relevant diffusion parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to validate the information obtained from NMR diffusion parameters through complementary investigations. In this work, the structures of five waterlogged wood species were studied by PFG of absorbed water. D(t) and τ of water diffusing along and perpendicular to vessels/tracheids main axes together with relaxation times and an were quantified. From these parameters, the pore sizes distribution and the wood microstructure characterization were obtained. Results among wood species were compared, validated and integrated by micro-imaging NMR (µ-MRI), environmental-scanning electron-microscope (ESEM) images, wood dry density and imbibition times measurement of all woods. The work suggests that an vs τ rather than the estimated pore size diversifies and characterize the different wood species. As a consequence diffusion-anisotropy vs tortuosity could be an alternative method to characterize and differentiate wood species of waterlogged wood when high resolution images (µ-MRI and ESEM) are not available. Moreover, the combined use of D(t) and micro-MRI expands the scale of dimensions observable by NMR covering all the interesting length scales of wood.

IgG4 related disease. / Enfermedad relacionada con IgG4.

IgG4-related disease (ER-IgG4) is a recognised systemic disease. It was described after patients diagnosed with autoimmune pancreatitis showed signs of extra-pancreatic disease. The clinical manifestation of these patients is subacute and is manifested by the appearance of pseudotumoral lesions, or inflammatory or fibrous tumours. Sometimes it can be serious as in the case of patients with cholangitis or large vessel vasculitis. Diagnostic criteria include, among others, serum IgG4 elevation and/or histological parameters. The 18F-FDG-PET/CT is useful in the initial diagnosis, biopsy guidance as well as in the assessment of response to therapy. It usually responds to steroid therapy.

Epidemiology of Uveitis in a Spanish Region: Prevalence and Etiology.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of uveitis and to describe its etiologic and anatomical patterns based on a population study carried out in a Spanish region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive, population-based multicenter study was conducted. The selection criteria consisted of having a diagnosis of uveitis. All data were collected from existing information in medical records.Clinical information was collected in all cases that had a diagnosis of uveitis, regardless of its etiology, in participating centers from the date of the study to the end of the following year. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, which included assessment of their visual acuity, biomicroscopy, applanation tonometry, and indirect ophthalmoscopy. RESULTS: During the study, 389 cases of uveitis were registered. The prevalence was 58.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 53.0-64.9). The mean age was 47.0 ± 20.6 years and 57.8% were women. The most prevalent anatomical pattern was anterior uveitis (54.2; 95% CI 48.1-60.8). For adults, the idiopathic group constituted the highest prevalence (31.7; 95% CI: 27.1-36.9), while autoimmune etiology was most frequent for children (10.6; 95% CI: 5.8-17.7). CONCLUSION: The results of this population-based study offer a representative estimate of the magnitude of uveitis in this area of Spain.

Bacteria associated with periodontal disease are also increased in health.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this cross-sectional clinical study was to analyze the differences in the microbiome in gingival sulci of adult patients in the presence or absence of chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with or without periodontal disease were included in this cross-sectional study. Subgingival biofilm samples were collected and analyzed by 16S massive pyrosequencing. Functional analyses were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 15 phyla, 154 genera and 351 species were detected globally. Differences between disease and non-disease samples were observed in all taxonomical levels which suggest functional profile changes in the community. It was found that the main species associated with non-disease samples were reduced in disease but not completely suppressed. Analysis of the functional potential of the biofilms revealed a significantly higher activity related to endocytosis and phosphatidylinositol signaling in the disease group but lower cell adhesion molecules. CONCLUSIONS: Specific differences between health and disease suggest functional profile changes in the community, although bacteria associated with periodontal disease are also increased in health. Transcriptome studies should be conducted to confirm and deepen metabolic dysfunctions.

Atomic force microscopy as an imaging tool to study the bio/nonbio complexes.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) besides X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy is one of the most attractive methods to study bio/nonbio complexes. Information on how biomacromolecules interact with nanomaterials under different environmental conditions has important implications for the practice of nanomedicine and concerning the safety of nanomaterials. These complexes cover a broad range both in terms of stability and composition. AFM offers a wealth of structural and functional data about such assemblies. The variety of samples investigated using AFM in biology includes nanometre-sized proteins, lipids, DNA, amyloid fibrils, as well as larger objects such as cells. Herein we choose to review the significance of AFM to study various biological aspects of selected assemblies. We have focused on the exploitation of AFM operating in the air. The presented AFM research offers a unique and often unexpected insight into the structure and function of the bio/nonbio complexes. LAY DESCRIPTION: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) besides X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy is one of the most attractive methods to study bio/nonbio complexes. Information on how biomacromolecules interact with nanomaterials under different environmental conditions has important implications for the practice of nanomedicine and concerning the safety of nanomaterials. These complexes cover a broad range both in terms of stability and composition. AFM offers a wealth of structural and functional data about such assemblies. The variety of samples investigated using AFM in biology includes nanometre-sized proteins, lipids, DNA, amyloid fibrils, as well as larger objects such as cells. Herein we choose to review the significance of AFM to study various biological aspects of selected assemblies. The presented AFM research offers a unique and often unexpected insight into the structure and function of the bio/nonbio complexes. Nature has set us a perfect example of how to elegantly optimise and fine tune different types of processes. The relatively young field of nanotechnology has studied biological processes and exploited their unique strengths as novel materials. The resulting area of bionanotechnology has adopted interaction schemes presented to us by biology, to provide enhanced selectivity, efficiency or versatility of molecular attachment strategies. Two scenarios of this synergistic scheme are: the conjugation of nanostructures as a tool for research in biological science and the conjugation of biological particles as a tool for nanotechnology. The use of nanotechnologies for medical applications raises high expectations regarding diagnosis, drug delivery, gene therapy, and tissue engineering. There is an increasing number of reports using AFM as a nanodiagnostic tool with patient cells. The use of AFM, in combination with more conventional analytical approaches, could inform decisions related to recommendations for treatments. Applying AFM techniques in nanomedicine is becoming well established. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is one of the most functional and powerful microscopy technology for studying biological and material samples at the nanoscale. It is advantageous because an atomic force microscope can image three-dimensional topography of very small objects. It also provides various types of surface measurements to the needs of scientists and engineers if combined with other electromagnetic waves. It is powerful because an AFM can generate images at atomic resolution with 10-9 m scale resolution height information, with minimum sample preparation. AFM gives details on how biological molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and amyloid aggregates, interact with nanomaterials under different environmental conditions. Here, we have shown several examples of relevant applications of AFM to study structural, functional and mechanical properties useful for the medicine and concerning the safety of nanomaterials.

Incidence of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and elevated D-dimer levels.

AIM: An increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) has been reported. Whether COVID-19 increases the risk of VTE in non-ICU wards remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the burden of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in COVID-19 patients with elevated D-dimer levels. METHOD: In this prospective study consecutive patients hospitalized in non-intensive care units with diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia and D-dimer > 1000 ng/ml were screened for asymptomatic DVT with complete compression doppler ultrasound (CCUS). The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. RESULTS: The study comprised 156 patients (65.4% male). All but three patients received standard doses of thromboprophylaxis. Median days of hospitalization until CCUS was 9 (IQR 5-17). CCUS was positive for DVT in 23 patients (14.7%), of whom only one was proximal DVT. Seven patients (4.5%) had bilateral distal DVT. Patients with DVT had higher median D-dimer levels: 4527 (IQR 1925-9144) ng/ml vs 2050 (IQR 1428-3235) ng/ml; p < 0.001. D-dimer levels > 1570 ng/ml were associated with asymptomatic DVT (OR 9.1; CI 95% 1.1-70.1). D-dimer showed an acceptable discriminative capacity (area under the ROC curve 0.72, 95% CI 0.61-0.84). CONCLUSION: In patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia and elevated D-dimer levels, the incidence of asymptomatic DVT is similar to that described in other series. Higher cut-off levels for D-dimer might be necessary for the diagnosis of DVT in COVID-19 patients.

Niemann-Pick disease type-B: a unique case report with compound heterozygosity and complicated lipid management.

BACKGROUND: Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disease characterized by deficient activity of acid sphingomyelinase. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of NPD type B with a unique compound heterozygosity for SMPD1 (NM_000543.4:c.[84delC];[96G > A]) in which both mutations that induce an early stop codon are located before the second in-frame initiation codon. The clinical presentation of the patient is compatible with NPD type B. She was initially diagnosed of Gaucher Disease, but her altered lipid profile led to a clinical suspicion of NPD. Combined high doses of atorvastatin and ezetimibe were given to treat the severe hypercholesterolemia. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacological management of the lipid profile in these patients is important. A unique compound mutation in SMPD1 gene is described.