Proposal for encoding the surgical treatment in abdominal wall pathology based on a multidimensional analysis of history.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a multidimensional method that allows to identify different treatment concepts, techniques, protagonists, and their connections in surgical pathology of the abdominal wall throughout its historical development, serving as a basis or guide for the future. METHOD: First, an extensive and rigorous review of the literature was conducted to search for and group the different treatments described in the most common abdominal wall pathologies, including both groin and ventral hernias. Then, all treatment approaches were chronologically ordered and grouped according to their author, surgical approach, and method of approach. With all the information gathered, a table was created following a rational and multidimensional criterion that allows for the encoding of the set. RESULTS: 21 treatment modalities were identified and distributed into 8 groups. Additionally, 3 types of authors were detected: the creator, the innovator, and the popularizer. The assignment of values to different dimensions allowed us to obtain an alphanumeric code representative of the set. CONCLUSION: Multidimensional historical analysis allows analytical objectivity and set encoding. Its practical scope should be investigated.

Reconstrucción poscirugía de Hartmann / Stoma reversal after the Hartmann's procedure

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la reconstrucciónn del tránsito intestinal luego de una operación de Hartmann es un procedimiento habitualmente complejo y con alta morbilidad. Objetivo: analizar la tasa de reconstrucción después de la cirugía de Hartmann y resultados posoperatorios en nuestra experiencia. Material y métodos: análisis retrospectivo de pacientes a los que se les practicó la reconstrucción del tránsito intestinal posterior a una cirugía de Hartmann en un período 16 años. Revisamos la bibliografía y nuestra base de datos. Luego traspasamos la información disponible a una grilla de datos construida con variables habitualmente analizadas en la literatura. Finalmente, analizamos los resultados mediante medidas básicas de tendencia central. Resultados: en 16 años realizamos 92 operaciones de Hartmann, de las cuales 69 (75%) llegaron a la reconstrucción. Edad promedio: 58 años. El 52% de los pacientes fueron hombres. La operación de Hartmann fue de urgencia en el 48% y 58% resultaron malignas. Tiempo transcurrido hasta la reconstrucción: en promedio, 9 meses, y el 90% (N 62) de los casos se realizó por vía laparoscópica. Morbilidad general 38% y ajustada a los grados III y IV de Clavien-Dindo fue 11,5%. No hubo mortalidad. Conclusión: los resultados obtenidos son semejantes a los publicados y nuestra experiencia nos motiva a continuar eligiendo el abordaje laparoscópico.

ABSTRACT Background: Background: Stoma reversal after Hartman's operation is usually a complex procedure and is associated high morbidity. Objective: To analyze the rate of reversal after the Hartmann's procedure and the postoperative outcomes in our experience. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing reversal after the Hartmann's procedure over a 16-year period with review of the literature and of our database and transferred the available information to a data grid constructed with variables commonly analyzed in the literature. Finally, we analyzed the results using basic measures of central tendency. Results: Over a 16-year period, we performed 92 Hartmann's operations; 69 (75%) reached the reversal stage. Mean age was 58 years and 52% were men. Forty-eight percent of the Hartmann's procedures were emergency surgeries and 58% were due to cancer. Mean time to reversal was 9 months and 90% (n = 62) were laparoscopic procedures. Overall morbidity and adjusted for complications grade III and IV of the Clavien-Dindo classification were 38% and 11.5%, respectively. None of the patients died. Conclusion: The results obtained are similar to those published and our experience motivates us to continue choosing the laparoscopic approach.

Prevalencia y características clínicas de la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa sintomática en la artritis reumatoide en una población española / Prevalence and clinical characteristics of symptomatic diffuse interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis in a Spanish population

Antecedentes y objetivos: En España, los estudios epidemiológicos de prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa (EPID) en artritis reumatoide (AR) son escasos y limitados. Nuestro objetivo fue estimar la prevalencia de EPID sintomática en AR y sus características en nuestra área. Materiales y métodos: Se diseñó un estudio observacional longitudinal prospectivo en la consulta interdisciplinar de Reumatología y Neumología, en el que incluimos AR con síntomas respiratorios y EPID confirmada por tomografía computarizada de alta resolución. Resultados: De las 2.729 personas con AR de nuestra área, 47 presentaban EPID sintomática, estimándose una prevalencia de EPID sintomática en AR del 1,72% (intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1,26-2,29) con una edad al diagnóstico de AR de 57,3±13,3 años. Fue más frecuente en hombres, el 60,6% tenía antecedente de tabaquismo y el 84,3 y el 84,7% factor reumatoide y anticuerpos antipéptidos cíclicos citrulinados, respectivamente. El patrón más frecuente fue neumonía intersticial usual (NIU) en 28 (31,1%), la neumonía intersticial no específica (NINE) fue más frecuente en mujeres y el síndrome combinado enfisema-fibrosis (SCEF) exclusivamente en hombres. Conclusiones: En este estudio hemos analizado la prevalencia de AR-EPID sintomática en nuestra área, la cual está por debajo de lo esperado, probablemente en relación con las definiciones utilizadas. Así mismo, hemos descrito que el patrón NIU es el más frecuente en la AR, seguido del NINE y analizado por primera vez la prevalencia de SCEF en la AR, que alcanza el 13% (AU)

Background and objectives: In Spain, epidemiological studies of the prevalence of diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are limited. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic ILD in RA and its characteristics in our area. Materials and methods: In our hospital's interdisciplinary rheumatology and pulmonology clinic, a prospective longitudinal observational study was designed in which we included RA with respiratory symptoms and ILD confirmed by high resolution computed tomography. Results: Of the 2,729 people with RA in our area, 47 had symptomatic ILD, estimating a prevalence of symptomatic ILD in RA of 1.72% (95% CI 1.26 - 2.29) with an age at diagnosis of RA of 57.3±13.3 years. It was more frequent in men, 60.6% had a history of smoking, and 84.3% and 84.7% had rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibodies, respectively. The most frequent pattern was usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP), appearing in 28 (31.1%). Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was more frequent in women, while the combined pulmonary fibrosis-emphysema (CPFE) syndrome presented exclusively in men. Conclusions: We have analysed the prevalence of symptomatic RA-ILD in our area, which is lower than expected, probably in relation to the definitions used. We have also described that the UIP pattern is the most frequent in RA in our environment, followed by the NSIP. Lastly, we have analysed the prevalence of CPFE in RA, which reaches 13%, for the first time (AU)

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of symptomatic diffuse interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis in a Spanish population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Spain, epidemiological studies of the prevalence of diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are limited. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic ILD in RA and its characteristics in our area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our hospital's interdisciplinary rheumatology and pulmonology clinic, a prospective longitudinal observational study was designed in which we included RA with respiratory symptoms and ILD confirmed by high resolution computed tomography. RESULTS: Of the 2729 people with RA in our area, 47 had symptomatic ILD, estimating a prevalence of symptomatic ILD in RA of 1.72% (95% CI 1.26-2.29) with an age at diagnosis of RA of 57.3 ±â€¯13.3 years. It was more frequent in men, 60.6% had a history of smoking, and 84.3% and 84.7% had rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibodies, respectively. The most frequent pattern was usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP), appearing in 28 (31.1%). Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was more frequent in women, while the combined pulmonary fibrosis-emphysema (CPFE) syndrome presented exclusively in men. CONCLUSIONS: We have analysed the prevalence of symptomatic RA-ILD in our area, which is lower than expected, probably in relation to the definitions used. We have also described that the UIP pattern is the most frequent in RA in our environment, followed by the NSIP. Lastly, we have analysed the prevalence of CPFE in RA, which reaches 13%, for the first time.

Mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por gripe / Mortality in hospitalized patients with influenza

OBJETIVO: La gripe es una enfermedad muy prevalente y es responsable anualmente de entre 3 y 5 millones de casos graves, que llevan a 0,3-0,6 millones de muertes y cuantiosas pérdidas económicas. Por ello, es importante analizar qué factores, complicaciones u otro tipo de características podrían existir en los pacientes ingresados por gripe que pudiesen relacionarse con la mortalidad. MÉTODOS: Estudio unicéntrico, observacional, transversal y retrospectivo de los pacientes ingresados por gripe en el Hospital Universitario La Paz en las temporadas 2013-2014 y 2014-2015, con análisis de las variables recogidas en el documento del historial clínico y de los documentos de declaración obligatoria. RESULTADOS: 16 pacientes fallecieron de los 179 ingresados por gripe en las temporadas 2013-14 y 2014-15, lo que supone un 8,9%. Los fallecidos tenían mayor edad y algún tipo de inmunodeficiencia previa. Once tuvieron neumonía, cinco distrés respiratorio, siete fallo multiorgánico y cuatro de ellos ingresaron en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Además, la duración del tratamiento antiviral fue menor en comparación con los enfermos vivos al alta. Únicamente seis estaban vacunados. Según el análisis multivariante, la edad avanzada, cualquier tipo de inmunodeficiencia, el desarrollo de neumonía y el distrés respiratorio fueron factores asociados de forma independiente a la mortalidad. CONCLUSIONES: La edad avanzada, el padecimiento de cualquier tipo de inmunodeficiencia, el desarrollo de neumonía y de síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo constituyeron factores de riesgo independientes para la mortalidad en enfermos ingresados por gripe

BACKGROUND: Influenza is a highly prevalent disease and is responsible of three to five million cases of severe illness every year, leading to 0.3-0.6 million of deaths and important health costs. Therefore, it is important to analyze which factors, complications and other characteristics could be related with patients admitted with flu who die. METHODS: Single-center, observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study of patients admitted with influenza at La Paz University Hospital during 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons, with analysis of the variables collected in the clinical history and in the documents of "notifiable diseases". RESULTS: 16 patients admitted with influenza out of 179 died in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, which represent 8.9%. These were older patients, and more frequently suffered from some type of immunodeficiency. Eleven had pneumonia, five respiratory distress, seven multi-organ failure and four of them were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The duration of antiviral treatment was shorter in the living patients at discharge. Only six were vaccinated. According to the multivariate analysis, advanced age, suffering from any type of immunodeficiency, the development of pneumonia and respiratory distress are factors independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, suffering from any type of immunodeficiency, the development of pneumonia and respiratory distress are independent risk factors for mortality in patients admitted with influenza

Should we consider paranasal and chest computed tomography in severe asthma patients?

BACKGROUND: It is essential to recognize and treat findings that can simulate or worsen symptoms to improve asthma control and thereby to reduce costs. Guidelines highlight a paranasal (PS) and chest computed tomography (CT) scan as a tool for disease evaluation and, although they suggest its indication in patients whom presentation is atypical, there are not well-defined criteria. OBJECTIVES: To describe the most common findings in the PS and chest CT in severe asthma patients and to analyse the characteristics of asthmatics with the finding of nasal polyps or bronchiectasis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 161 adults with confirmed severe asthma who had undergone to PS and/or chest CT. Clinical data from their electronic health record and the findings from a PS and/or chest CT within the last five years were collected. RESULTS: In the PS CT, 70.5% of patients presented mucous thickening and 46.7% presented nasal polyps. Both findings were associated with male gender and level of blood eosinophils. In chest CT, 28% of individuals showed atelectasis, 16.5% air trapping, 17.7% affectation of the small airway, 11.6% pulmonary infiltrates and 10.4% emphysema. Bronchiectasis were identified in 60.4% of subjects, who were older and had poorer lung function. CONCLUSION: Paranasal and thoracic computed tomography are important tools in the treatment of severe asthma because they allow us to detect highly prevalent findings in this disease that can lead to poorer control of it.

Tuberculosis cutánea y pulmonar en paciente inmunocompetente / No disponible

La tuberculosis continúa siendo, en la actualidad, una enfermedad frecuente en nuestro medio debido principalmente a dos factores, la inmigración y la coinfección con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. La afectación cutánea por Mycobacterium tuberculosis es muy poco habitual y, concretamente, la forma periorificial o ulcerosa, que se asocia a tuberculosis pulmonar extensa, es excepcional. Sin embargo, su incidencia puede aumentar en el futuro debido a los factores anteriormente citados junto a la inmunodepresión asociada al envejecimiento de la población y a los tratamientos inmunosupresores, por lo que se hace imprescindible incluir dicha enfermedad en el diagnóstico diferencial de las lesiones cutáneas en pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar. Su diagnóstico requiere el aislamiento en el cultivo o la positividad en la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa de M. tuberculosis, y su tratamiento es el mismo que el de la tuberculosis pulmonar

Tuberculosis remains today a common disease in our daily lives mainly due to two causes, immigration and coinfection with the human immunodeficiency virus. Skin involvement by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is highly unusual, and particularly periorificial or ulcer form, which is associated with extensive pulmonary tuberculosis, is uncommon. However, its appearance may increase in the future due to the causes mentioned above, as well as immunosuppression associated with an aging population, and immunosuppressive treatments. Therefore, it is essential to include this disease in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Diagnosis requires culture isolation or positivity of the M. tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction technique. Its treatment is the same as that of the pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis pulmonar y cerebral en un paciente inmunocompetente / No disponible

La infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis tiene una alta prevalencia y está en íntima relación con la migración. Afecta fundamentalmente al pulmón, pero también a otros órganos, como el sistema nervioso central, conllevando una alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Se considera a los tuberculomas una forma de presentación a nivel cerebral, diagnosticándose mediante punción-aspiración o biopsia quirúrgica cuando es accesible o a través de técnicas de imagen. En caso de afectación meníngea, es obligado el estudio del líquido cefalorraquídeo. En función de la clínica, el tratamiento de los tuberculomas será quirúrgico o predominantemente farmacológico con cuatro antituberculostáticos y corticoides. Para la prevención de complicaciones, especialmente en inmunocomprometidos, es fundamental el diagnóstico precoz así como el tratamiento inmediato ante la mínima sospecha clínica. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 41 años inmunocompetente que, tras estudio radiológico y microbiológico, se diagnosticó de tuberculosis pulmonar y cerebral y que mejoró satisfactoriamente

Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is highly prevalent and is closely related to migration. It mainly affects lungs, but can also involve other organs such as the central nervous system. This neurologic complication is accompanied by a high morbidity and mortality. Tuberculomas are considered one form of presentation in the brain, and could be diagnosed by needle aspiration or surgical biopsy when they are accessible, or through imaging techniques. In the case of meningeal involvement, study of the cerebrospinal fluid is required for the diagnosis. Anti-tuberculosis drugs and corticosteroids are mainly used for the treatment of tuberculomas, but depending on the clinical situation, surgical procedures could also be performed. To prevent complications, especially in immunocompromised patients, early suspect and diagnosis is important to start immediately the administration of anti-tuberculosis drugs. We report the case of a 41-year-old-man immunocompetent who was diagnosed of pulmonary and cerebral tuberculosis and who was effectively treated

Global harmonization of quality assurance naming conventions in radiation therapy clinical trials.

PURPOSE: To review the various radiation therapy quality assurance (RTQA) procedures used by the Global Clinical Trials RTQA Harmonization Group (GHG) steering committee members and present the harmonized RTQA naming conventions by amalgamating procedures with similar objectives. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A survey of the GHG steering committee members' RTQA procedures, their goals, and naming conventions was conducted. The RTQA procedures were classified as baseline, preaccrual, and prospective/retrospective data capture and analysis. After all the procedures were accumulated and described, extensive discussions took place to come to harmonized RTQA procedures and names. RESULTS: The RTQA procedures implemented within a trial by the GHG steering committee members vary in quantity, timing, name, and compliance criteria. The procedures of each member are based on perceived chances of noncompliance, so that the quality of radiation therapy planning and treatment does not negatively influence the trial measured outcomes. A comparison of these procedures demonstrated similarities among the goals of the various methods, but the naming given to each differed. After thorough discussions, the GHG steering committee members amalgamated the 27 RTQA procedures to 10 harmonized ones with corresponding names: facility questionnaire, beam output audit, benchmark case, dummy run, complex treatment dosimetry check, virtual phantom, individual case review, review of patients' treatment records, and protocol compliance and dosimetry site visit. CONCLUSIONS: Harmonized RTQA harmonized naming conventions, which can be used in all future clinical trials involving radiation therapy, have been established. Harmonized procedures will facilitate future intergroup trial collaboration and help to ensure comparable RTQA between international trials, which enables meta-analyses and reduces RTQA workload for intergroup studies.

[Transforming growth factor ß in prostate cancer: cellular effects and basic molecular mechanisms]. / "Transforming growth factor ß" im Prostatakarzinom : Zelluläre Wirkungen und molekulare Grundlagen.

The multifunctional cytokine transforming growth factor ß (TGFß) plays a dual role in prostate cancer (PCa), cell growth and tumorigenesis, reflected by its opposing properties of anti-oncogenic (e.g. growth inhibition and apoptosis) and pro-oncogenic effects (e.g. proliferation, cell motility and remodelling of the microenvironment). In the later stages of PCa, TGFß loses anti-proliferative and thereby tumor-suppressive functions and shifts to a tumorigenic phenotype, mainly initiated by cross-talk between TGFß signalling and other proliferation signal transduction pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and androgen receptor (AR) signalling. Although TGFß plays an important role in tumor progression little is known about the underlying effects of TGFß in the molecular pathology of PCa.

[Airway complications following lung transplantation - clinic, diagnosis, and interventional management]. / Atemwegskomplikationen nach Lungentransplantation - Klinik, Diagnose und interventionelle Behandlung.

Tracheobronchial complications following lung transplantation are defined as local structural or infectious alterations of the airways, which occur early or several months after lung transplantation (LTx). They preferentially develop in the region of the bronchial anastomosis. The most frequently reported complications are bronchial stenosis, bronchial dehiscence, exophytic excessive granulation tissue formation, tracheo-bronchomalacia, bronchial fistulas, and endobronchial infections. Airway complications are mainly attributed to ischaemia of the donor bronchus during the immediate post-transplant period. The most relevant risk factors for the development of airway complications include local infections, surgical techniques, and the immunosuppressive regimen. Thus, management of post-transplant bronchial complications requires early interventional bronchoscopic procedures including balloon bronchoplasty, cryotherapy, laser photoresection, endobronchial brachytherapy, and bronchial stents. In addition, antibiotic treatment, or non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation may be necessary. The procedures required depend on the time of occurrence, the type, and clinical relevance of the airway complication. This review summarises clinical presentation, risk factors, the diagnostic methods as well as management options for the most common LTx-associated airway complications.

Phosphoproteomic identification of a PDX-1/14-3-3ε interaction in pancreatic beta cells.

Glucose-dependent activation of the homeodomain transcription factor PDX-1 leads to its phosphorylation, to an increase in DNA binding capacity, and to NLS dependent translocation into the nucleus. To uncover unknown mediators of PDX-1 activation, PDX-1 interacting proteins were analysed by pull-down from (32)P-labelled, glucose-stimulated MIN6 cells. Recovered proteins were analysed by 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. We identified 14-3-3ε as a novel PDX-1 binding protein and confirmed the interaction in vivo by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) analysis. We propose that 14-3-3ε interacts directly with PDX-1 to regulate its cellular distribution in pancreatic beta cells.

Diagnóstico de supuesto cáncer pulmonar asociado al uso de metotrexato / Diagnosis of the supposed lung cancer associated to the use of methotrexate

Resumen. La atritis reumatoide es una enfermedad que engloba manifestaciones articulares y extraarticulares como la neumonitis. Igualmente, ciertas medicaciones usadas para su tratamiento, como el metotrexato, se han asociado a neumopatías y a la presencia de atipias epiteliales y bronquiales. Reportamos el caso de una mujer de 63 años, diagnosticada de artritis reumatoide y con tratamiento con metotrexato, que presentó una neumonía intersticial, la cual inicialmente fue etiquetada de carcinoma pulmonar (AU)

Abstract. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that includes articular and extraarticular manifestations such as pneumonitis. Equally, certain medications used for its treatment, such as methotrexate, have been associated to lung diseases and the presence of epithelial and bronchial atypias. We report the case of a 63-year old woman diagnosed of rheumatoid arthritis and under treatment with methotrexate, who had interstitial pneumonia, which was initially labeled as lung cancer (AU)

Affinity capture mass spectrometry of biomarker proteins using peptide ligands from biopanning.

Affinity capture mass spectrometry was used to isolate and ionize protein A from Staphylococcus aureus from both a commercial source and cell culture lysate using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. Two surfaces are compared: gold surfaces with immunoglobulin G covalently immobilized and silica surfaces with a covalently bound small peptide discovered via biopanning. A detection limit of 2.22 bacterial cells/mL of culture fluid was determined for the immobilized peptide surfaces. This study emphasizes the ability to use peptide ligands to effectively capture a biomarker protein out of a complex mixture. This demonstrates the potential to use biopanning to generate capture ligands for a large variety of target proteins and subsequently detect the captured protein using MALDI mass spectrometry.

[Interferon-alpha as treatment option in severe persistent uncontrolled bronchial asthma: an open label study]. / Interferon-alpha als Therapieoption bei der Behandlung des schwergradig persistierenden, unkontrollierten Asthma bronchiale: Eine offene Studie.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term safety and therapeutic effects of IFN-alpha in patients with severe persistent uncontrolled asthma on long-term oral glucocorticoid (GC) treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 16 patients (2 male, 14 female; age 39 years [range: 24 - 63]) with severe persistent asthma. Diagnosis and severity classification of asthma were established according to the guidelines of the "Deutsche Atemwegsliga". Eight patients stopped the therapy within 7 months due to side effects (n = 3), costs not covered by health insurance (n = 2), non-compliance (n = 2), and change of residence (n = 1). 8 patients (8 female, age 49 years [range: 35 - 68], duration of disease 16 years [range: 5 - 24]) were treated for at least 12 months with IFN-alpha (9 microg) 3 times/week. All patients were on oral glucocorticoids (GCs) for more than 5 years (average dose 17.5 [range: 5.0 - 64.0] mg/d). Clinical signs, lung function, need for reliever medication, number of emergency visits and hospitalisations and diary were assessed prior to and after 12 months of treatment. Data are given as percent of normal or median [range]. RESULTS: IFN-alpha improved lung function after 12 months: FEV1 64 vs. 75 %; FEV1/IVC 76 vs. 89 %; RV 153 % vs. 129 %; Rtot 193 vs. 111 % and morning PEF by 50 - 190 L/min. IFN-alpha also significantly reduced the use of reliever medication (10 [2 - 20] vs. 1 [0 - 3] puffs/d), nocturnal awakening (11 [4 - 30] vs. 1 [0 - 5]/month), emergency visits (7 [2 - 15] vs. 0 [0 - 5]/month) and hospitalisations (4 [1 - 8] vs. 0 [0 - 5]/year). In 5 patients the asthma attacks and nightly disturbances disappeared completely. The improvements were achieved despite a tapering of the oral GCs in all patients from 17.5 (5.0 - 64.0) to 2 (0 - 16) mg/d. In 5 patients GC treatment could be discontinued. The number of blood eosinophils decreased from 0.46 to 0.28 Gpt/L. Adverse events were transient and usually decreased within 3 to 4 weeks. Two patients developed an autoimmune thyreoiditis. CONCLUSION: In severe persistent, uncontrolled, and GC-dependent asthma, treatment with IFN-alpha leads to sustained clinical improvement and allows the reduction or discontinuation of oral GCs. Severe side effects may occur in isolated cases.

Hidroneumotórax producido por la migración de un clavo de Kirschner / Hydropneumothorax caused by migration of a Kirschner wire

Las agujas de fijación tienen un amplio uso en el manejo quirúrgico de fracturas y luxaciones. Infrecuentemente se ha descrito la migración intratorácica de las mismas, que generalmente origina complicaciones graves. Presentamos un caso en el que una aguja de Kirschner, utilizada para la fijación de una luxación posterior de hombro, dio lugar a un neumotórax y a un derrame pleural hemático masivo que presenta especial interés por su curso insidioso, relacionado en parte a las características especiales de la paciente (AU)

Pins and wires have a wide use in the management of fractures and dislocations. Migration of these devices within the chest is rare, but can cause serious complications. We report a case of intrathoracic migration of a Kirschner wire used for the treatment of a posterior shoulder dislocation, causing pneumothorax and massive hemothorax, having an insidious course, probably related to the special characteristics of the patient (AU)

Diagnóstico de tromboembolismo pulmonar en una mujer con situs inversus / Diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism in a woman with situs inversus

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[Establishing a protein signature from prostate tissue biopsies]. / Erstellung eines Proteinprofils aus Gewebeproben der Prostata.

The prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) has been a major factor contributing to a better management of prostate cancer. The low specificity limits its use in diagnosis especially in early detection of prostate cancer. Multiply expressed proteins need to be identified to establish a disease-specific protein signature that distinguishes between cancerous and noncancerous tissue. The first aim of our study is to identify differentially expressed proteins in both tissues using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and subsequent mass spectrometry. We elucidated whether prostate biopsies are useful. First results have shown a different protein expression pattern in cancerous and noncancerous tissue. PCR revealed an increasing amount of mRNA for some upregulated proteins. We conclude that biopsies are useful material to establish protein expression patterns.