Eye and hair color prediction of human DNA recovered from Lucilia sericata larvae.

Forensic entomological evidence is employed to estimate minimum postmortem interval (PMImin), location, and identification of fly samples or human remains. Traditional forensic DNA analysis (i.e., STR, mitochondrial DNA) has been used for human identification from the larval gut contents. Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP), predicting human appearance from DNA-based crime scene evidence, has become an established approach in forensic genetics in the past years. In this study, we aimed to recover human DNA from Lucilia sericata (Meigen 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) gut contents and predict the eye and hair color of individuals using the HIrisPlex system. Lucilia sericata larvae and reference blood samples were collected from 30 human volunteers who were under maggot debridement therapy. The human DNA was extracted from the crop contents and quantified. HIrisPlex multiplex analysis was performed using the SNaPshot minisequencing procedure. The HIrisPlex online tool was used to assess the prediction of the eye and hair color of the larval and reference samples. We successfully genotyped 25 out of 30 larval samples, and the most SNP genotypes (87.13%) matched those of reference samples, though some alleles were dropped out, producing partial profiles. The prediction of the eye colors was accurate in 17 out of 25 larval samples, and only one sample was misclassified. Fourteen out of 25 larval samples were correctly predicted for hair color, and eight were misclassified. This study shows that SNP analysis of L. sericata gut contents can be used to predict eye and hair color of a corpse.

Predicting Eye and Hair Color in a Turkish Population Using the HIrisPlex System.

Forensic DNA Phenotyping (FDP) can reveal the appearance of an unknown individual by predicting the ancestry, phenotype (i.e., hair, eye, skin color), and age from DNA obtained at the crime scene. The HIrisPlex system has been developed to simultaneously predict eye and hair color. However, the prediction accuracy of the system needs to be assessed for the tested population before implementing FDP in casework. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the HIrisPlex system on 149 individuals from the Turkish population. We applied the single-based extension (SNaPshot chemistry) method and used the HIrisPlex online tool to test the prediction of the eye and hair colors. The accuracy of the HIrisPlex system was assessed through the calculation of the area under the receiver characteristic operating curves (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). The results showed that the proposed method successfully predicted the eye and hair color, especially for blue (100%) and brown (95.60%) eye and black (95.23) and brown (98.94) hair colors. As observed in previous studies, the system failed to predict intermediate eye color, representing 25% in our cohort. The majority of incorrect predictions were observed for blond hair color (40.7%). Previous HIrisPlex studies have also noted difficulties with these phenotypes. Our study shows that the HIrisPlex system can be applied to forensic casework in Turkey with careful interpretation of the data, particularly intermediate eye color and blond hair color.

Relationship between primary tumour 18F-FDG uptake and immunohistochemical and clinical prognostic parameters in breast carcinoma / Asociación entre la captación de 18F-FDG y las características inmunohistoquímicas y factores pronósticos en el cáncer de mama

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between level of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) accumulation in primary breast tumour assessed by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and histopathological and clinical prognostic factors. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis was performed using the medical records of 58 female patients (age range: 31-86 years, mean age: 56) with biopsy of proven breast carcinoma, and who had undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT examination before chemotherapy/surgery. The 18F-FDG uptake of breast tumours was calculated as tumour to background ratio (TBR), which was compared with histopathological and clinical prognostic parameters. Results. The histology of the breast tumour in the 58 patients was ductal type in 52 (90%), lobular in 4 (7%), and mucinous in 2 (3%). Tumour size was ≤ 2cm in 31 (53%) patients, and>2cm in 27 (47%). The levels of TBRs were not significantly different between the patients groups with tumours of 2cm or less and greater than 2cm (P=0.131). No significant difference between levels of TBR was observed neither with regards to axillary lymph node involvement (P=0.065) nor in terms of distant metastases (p=0.123). No statistically significant difference was found in levels of TBRs between patients with c-erbB-2 receptor positive and negative ones (P=0.107). Progesterone receptor (PR) expression was observed in 33 patients (57%), and 25 patients (43%) were PR negative. As regards progesterone receptor status, a statistically significant difference was observed in mean TBR levels between patients with and without progesterone receptor expression (P=0.020). Oestrogen receptor expression was positive in 41 (71%) patients, and negative in 17 (29%) patients. The difference in the levels of TBRs between patients with and without oestrogen receptor expression was at the level of significancy (P=0.050). Conclusions. It is concluded that 18F-FDG uptake correlates with progesterone negativity of the tumour. However, a significant association with clinical prognostic parameters and level of 18F-FDG uptake levels could not be demonstrated (AU)

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la asociación entre el nivel de captación de 18F-fluorodeoxiglucosa (18F-FDG) en el tumor de mama primario, valorado mediante tomografía por emisión de positrones/tomografía computarizada (PET/TC) y correlacionarlo con los factores pronósticos histopatológicos y clínicos. Material y métodos. Se analizaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de 58 mujeres (rango de edad: 31-86 años, edad media: 56 años) con biopsia de carcinoma de mama, que se sometieron a una exploración 18F-FDG PET/TC antes de la quimioterapia/cirugía. El grado de captación de 18F-FDG en los tumores de mama se calculó como el índice tumor/fondo (ITF) que se comparó con parámetros pronósticos histopatológicos y clínicos. Resultados. La histología del tumor de mama en las 58 pacientes fue de tipo ductal en 52 (90%), lobular en 4 (7%) y mucinoso en 2 (3%). En 31 pacientes (53%) el tamaño del tumor fue ≤2cm y en 27 (47%) fue >2cm. Los niveles de ITF no fueron significativamente diferentes entre el grupo de pacientes con un tumor ≤2cm y el grupo con tumor >2cm (p=0,131). No se observaron diferencias significativas entre los ITF ni con respecto a la afectación de los ganglios linfáticos axilares (p=0,065), ni en términos de metástasis a distancia (p=0,123). Tampoco hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los niveles de ITF entre los pacientes con los receptores de c-erbB-2 positivos y negativos (p=0,107). Treinta y tres pacientes (57%) presentaron receptores de progesterona positivos y en 25 pacientes (43%) eran negativos. Respecto al estado de los receptores de progesterona, se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en los niveles medios de ITF entre pacientes con y sin la expresión del receptor de progesterona (p=0,020). Los receptores estrogénicos fueron positivos en 41 pacientes (71%) y negativos en 17 (29%). Con relación a los receptores estrogénicos, la diferencia en el ITF entre los casos con receptores positivos y los negativos estaba en el nivel de significación (p=0,050). Conclusiones. Se concluye que la captación de 18F-FDG se relaciona con la negatividad de los receptores de progesterona del tumor. Sin embargo, no se demostró una asociación significativa con los parámetros pronósticos clínicos y el grado de captación de 18F-FDG (AU)

Relationship between primary tumour 18F-FDG uptake and immunohistochemical and clinical prognostic parameters in breast carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between level of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) accumulation in primary breast tumour assessed by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and histopathological and clinical prognostic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed using the medical records of 58 female patients (age range: 31-86 years, mean age: 56) with biopsy of proven breast carcinoma, and who had undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT examination before chemotherapy/surgery. The 18F-FDG uptake of breast tumours was calculated as tumour to background ratio (TBR), which was compared with histopathological and clinical prognostic parameters. RESULTS: The histology of the breast tumour in the 58 patients was ductal type in 52 (90%), lobular in 4 (7%), and mucinous in 2 (3%). Tumour size was ≤ 2cm in 31 (53%) patients, and>2cm in 27 (47%). The levels of TBRs were not significantly different between the patients groups with tumours of 2cm or less and greater than 2cm (P=0.131). No significant difference between levels of TBR was observed neither with regards to axillary lymph node involvement (P=0.065) nor in terms of distant metastases (p=0.123). No statistically significant difference was found in levels of TBRs between patients with c-erbB-2 receptor positive and negative ones (P=0.107). Progesterone receptor (PR) expression was observed in 33 patients (57%), and 25 patients (43%) were PR negative. As regards progesterone receptor status, a statistically significant difference was observed in mean TBR levels between patients with and without progesterone receptor expression (P=0.020). Oestrogen receptor expression was positive in 41 (71%) patients, and negative in 17 (29%) patients. The difference in the levels of TBRs between patients with and without oestrogen receptor expression was at the level of significancy (P=0.050). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that 18F-FDG uptake correlates with progesterone negativity of the tumour. However, a significant association with clinical prognostic parameters and level of 18F-FDG uptake levels could not be demonstrated.

Characterization and antimicrobial performance of nano silver coatings on leather materials.

In this study, the characterization and the antimicrobial properties of nano silver (nAg) coating on leather were investigated. For this purpose, turbidity, viscosity and pH of nAg solutions prepared by the sol-gel method were measured. The formation of films from these solutions was characterized according to temperature by Differential Thermal Analysis-Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG) equipment. The surface morphology of treated leathers was observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The antimicrobial performance of nAg coatings on leather materials to the test microorganisms as Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , Candida albicans and Aspergillius niger was evaluated by the application of qualitative (Agar overlay method) and quantitative (percentage of microbial reduction) tests. According to qualitative test results it was found that 20 µg/cm (2) and higher concentrations of nAg on the leather samples were effective against all microorganisms tested. Moreover, quantitative test results showed that leather samples treated with 20 µg/cm (2) of nAg demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli with 99.25% bacterium removal, whereas a 10 µg/cm (2) concentration of nAg on leather was enough to exhibit the excellent percentage reduction against S. aureus of 99.91%. The results are promising for the use of colloidal nano silver solution on lining leather as antimicrobial coating.

Characterization and antimicrobial performance of nano silver coatings on leather materials

In this study, the characterization and the antimicrobial properties of nano silver (nAg) coating on leather were investigated. For this purpose, turbidity, viscosity and pH of nAg solutions prepared by the sol-gel method were measured. The formation of films from these solutions was characterized according to temperature by Differential Thermal Analysis-Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG) equipment. The surface morphology of treated leathers was observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The antimicrobial performance of nAg coatings on leather materials to the test microorganisms as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillius niger was evaluated by the application of qualitative (Agar overlay method) and quantitative (percentage of microbial reduction) tests. According to qualitative test results it was found that 20 μg/cm2 and higher concentrations of nAg on the leather samples were effective against all microorganisms tested. Moreover, quantitative test results showed that leather samples treated with 20 μg/cm2 of nAg demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli with 99.25% bacterium removal, whereas a 10 μg/cm2 concentration of nAg on leather was enough to exhibit the excellent percentage reduction against S. aureus of 99.91%. The results are promising for the use of colloidal nano silver solution on lining leather as antimicrobial coating.

Evaluación mediante PET/TAC con 18FDG de la actividad metabólica hepática en pacientes con hígado graso de origen no alcohólico / Evaluation of hepatic metabolic activity in non-alcoholic fatty livers on 18FDG PET/CT

Objetivo. El hígado se ha usado como órgano de referencia para evaluar la captación anormal de la 18F-fluoro-2-deoxi- d -glucosa (18FDG). Algunos trabajos publicados muestran que la esteatosis hepática modifica la captación hepática de 18FDG, mientras que otros no encuentran modificaciones. Este trabajo ha estudiado si la captación hepática de 18FDG se ve afectada por la infiltración grasa difusa del hígado. Material y métodos. En este estudio se incluyeron 156 casos. Se definieron diferentes grupos de pacientes de acuerdo a las unidades Hounsfield (HU) del hígado. En todos los pacientes, las HU se calcularon a partir de la TAC sin contraste. Además se calculó el SUVmedio y el SUVmáx en el estudio PET con 18FDG. Para ello se dibujaron regiones de interés (ROI) sobre el área hepática. Se realizó una comparación estadística del SUVmedio y SUVmáx medidos en los pacientes con hígado graso y en un grupo control. Resultados. En el grupo de pacientes, los promedios de SUVmedio y SUVmáx fueron 2,58±0,66 y 3,94±1, respectivamente; en el grupo control fueron 2,54±0,57 y 3,7±0,88, respectivamente. Encontramos que los promedios del SUVmedio y SUVmáx en los pacientes con hígado graso no fueron significativamente diferentes a los valores del grupo control (p>0,05). Asimismo, no detectamos correlación estadísticamente significativa entre los valores de la densidad media del hígado, medida en HU, y el promedio de los SUV (p>0,05). Conclusión. La infiltración grasa no parece tener un efecto significativo sobre la captación hepática de 18FDG. Por ello, el hígado se puede usar como órgano de referencia en los estudios PET con 18FDG realizados en pacientes con enfermedad grasa hepática(AU)

Objective. The liver has been used as a reference organ for the assessment of abnormal 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose (18FDG) in the body. Some researchers found that hepatosteatosis significantly changed the hepatic 18FDG uptake, while others did not. This study investigated whether the liver's 18FDG uptake was affected by the diffuse fatty infiltration of the liver. Material and methods. A total of 156 cases were included in this study. Different patient groups were defined according to the liver Hounsfield unit (HU). The HU was calculated from an unenhanced CT, for all patients, and we calculated the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on an 18FDG PET scan. For this purpose, we placed regions of interest (ROIs) on the liver image. We statistically compared the SUVmean and SUVmax measured in the fatty liver patients and the control group. Results. The average SUVmean and SUVmax values were calculated as 2.58±0.66 and 3.94±1, respectively, in the patient group and 2.54±0.57 and 3.7±0.88, respectively, in the control group. We found the average SUVmean and SUVmax values in the fatty liver group and its subsets were not significantly different from the values in the control group (p>0.05). We also did not find any statistically significant correlation between average liver density (HU) and the average SUV values (p>0.05). Conclusion. Fatty infiltration may not have a significant effect on the liver's 18FDG uptake. Thus, the liver may be used as a reference or comparator on 18FDG PET scans in patients with fatty liver disease(AU)

Chronic myeloid leukemia detected on FDG PET/CT imaging in a patient with renal cell carcinoma / Leucemia mieloide crónica detectada con FDG PET/TAC en un paciente con carcinoma de células renales

Es por todos conocido que la estimulación citocina hematopoyética puede causar un aumento en la acumulación de fluorodeoxiglucosa (FDG) en la medula ósea en las imágenes del PET/TAC de pacientes con metástasis en la medula ósea. Sin embargo, la captación aumentada por la medula ósea puede deberse a otras etiologías. Presentamos el caso de un paciente operado de carcinoma de células renales sin una historia de estimulación hematopoyética. Las imágenes de la FDG PET/TAC muestran la captación aumentada de FDG en la medula ósea y el paciente fue diagnosticado de leucemia mieloide crónica. Este caso muestra que la captación aumentada de FDG en la medula ósea puede relacionarse con la enfermedad neoplástica de los tejidos hematopoyéticos(AU)

It is well known that hematopoietic cytokine stimulation can cause increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) accumulation in bone marrow on PET/CT imaging, which simulates that seen in patients with bone marrow metastases. However, increased bone marrow FDG uptake can be caused by other etiologies. We report a patient with operated renal cell carcinoma had no history of hematopoietic cytokine stimulation. The FDG PET/CT images showed increased bone marrow FDG uptake, and the patient was diagnosed as chronic myeloid leukemia. This case revealed that increased FDG uptake on bone marrow may be related to neoplastic disease of the hematopoietic tissues(AU)

Evaluation of hepatic metabolic activity in non-alcoholic fatty livers on 18FDG PET/CT.

OBJECTIVE: The liver has been used as a reference organ for the assessment of abnormal (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ((18)FDG) in the body. Some researchers found that hepatosteatosis significantly changed the hepatic (18)FDG uptake, while others did not. This study investigated whether the liver's (18)FDG uptake was affected by the diffuse fatty infiltration of the liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 156 cases were included in this study. Different patient groups were defined according to the liver Hounsfield unit (HU). The HU was calculated from an unenhanced CT, for all patients, and we calculated the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on an (18)FDG PET scan. For this purpose, we placed regions of interest (ROIs) on the liver image. We statistically compared the SUVmean and SUVmax measured in the fatty liver patients and the control group. RESULTS: The average SUVmean and SUVmax values were calculated as 2.58±0.66 and 3.94±1, respectively, in the patient group and 2.54±0.57 and 3.7±0.88, respectively, in the control group. We found the average SUVmean and SUVmax values in the fatty liver group and its subsets were not significantly different from the values in the control group (p>0.05). We also did not find any statistically significant correlation between average liver density (HU) and the average SUV values (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Fatty infiltration may not have a significant effect on the liver's (18)FDG uptake. Thus, the liver may be used as a reference or comparator on (18)FDG PET scans in patients with fatty liver disease.

Chronic myeloid leukemia detected on FDG PET/CT imaging in a patient with renal cell carcinoma.

It is well known that hematopoietic cytokine stimulation can cause increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) accumulation in bone marrow on PET/CT imaging, which simulates that seen in patients with bone marrow metastases. However, increased bone marrow FDG uptake can be caused by other etiologies. We report a patient with operated renal cell carcinoma had no history of hematopoietic cytokine stimulation. The FDG PET/CT images showed increased bone marrow FDG uptake, and the patient was diagnosed as chronic myeloid leukemia. This case revealed that increased FDG uptake on bone marrow may be related to neoplastic disease of the hematopoietic tissues.

[Mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal scan for the differential diagnosis of acute tubular necrosis and interstitial nephritis associated to vancomycin]. / Renograma con mercaptoacetiltriglicina para el diagnóstico diferencial de necrosis tubular aguda y nefritis intersticial asociada a vancomicina.

The differential diagnosis of vancomycin associated renal toxicity includes acute tubular necrosis and interstitial nephritis. We report a case of vancomycin induced renal toxicity shown by Tc-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal scan. Nephrotoxicity was evolved secondary to vancomycin used for treating a patient with meningitis. Tc-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal scan may play a role in differentiation between acute tubular necrosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis of vancomycin associated renal toxicity and can facilitate the clinical decision making.

To study the correlation between carrier status of nasal Staphylococcus aureus in patients on haemodialysis with hepatitis C, hepatitis B and their sociodemographic features.

AIM: To study the correlation of nasal Staphylococcus aureus carrier status in patients on haemodialysis, infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and their sociodemographic features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A survey, including patients' sociodemographic features, was applied to patients by physicians in face to face interviews. Medical records regarding their serologic data were recorded from haemodialysis centres. Nasal swab samples of 2 cm depth from both nostrils of patients were obtained for nasal culture. Samples were inoculated in 5% sheep blood agar and incubated in an incubator at a temperature of 37 degrees C for 24 hours. The results were studied by the same microbiologist. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients were enrolled in the study. According to culture results, 14.1% of patients (n = 26) had methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and 1.1% (n = 2) had methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Status of viral hepatitis was 3.8% (n = 8), 10.8% (n = 20) for HBV and HCV respectively. Forty per cent (n = 8) of patients with HBV (+) had MSSA carrier status. Statistically significant positive correlation between MSSA and HCV carrier was detected (r = 0.325, p = 0.001) but not between HBV carrier and MSSA (p = 0.255). CONCLUSION: In the present study, significant positivity was detected between MSSA carrier status and HCV in patients on haemodialysis and who have lived together with < or = 2 family members at home. Particularly, statistically significant correlation between HCV(+) and MSSA carrier was observed.

The value of FDG-PET/CT in the post-treatment evaluation of endometrial carcinoma: a comparison of PET/CT findings with conventional imaging and CA 125 as a tumour marker.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study was designed to assess the value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging (PET/CT) in the post-treatment evaluation of the patients with endometrial carcinoma and to compare PET/CT scan with conventional imaging (CI) including computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CA 125 with both 20U/ml and 35U/ml cut-off values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 31 patients who were treated for histopathologically proven endometrial adenocarcinoma, underwent PET/CT examination for restaging and suspected recurrence. Thirty five PET/CT studies were performed in 31 patients. Lesion status was determined on the basis of clinical follow-up including radiological imaging (follow-up CT scan) at least 6 months and response to therapy. RESULTS: Of the 35 PET/CT studies, 13 (37%) studies were positive, whereas 22 (63%) of them were negative. On study-based analysis the overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy for PET/CT imaging were 100%, 96% and 97%, respectively. The corresponding information for CI were 46%, 87% and 74%, for CA 125 (cut off=20U/ml) measurement were 45%, 88% and 74%, and for CA 125 (cut off=35U/ml) measurement were 27%, 100% and 78%, respectively. On lesion-based analysis, PET/CT revealed only one false positive case. In none of 21 patients with negative 22 PET/CT studies, no subsequent clinical or radiological recurrences were observed with a follow-up of at least 6 months. CONCLUSION: FDG-PET/CT is found more useful modality than CI and CA 125 in the evaluation of post-treatment endometrial carcinoma patients, for suspected recurrence.

The value of FDG-PET/CT in the post-treatment evaluation of endometrial carcinoma: A comparison of PET/CT findings with conventional imaging and CA 125 as a tumour marker

Objetivos. Este estudio retrospectivo fue diseñado para evaluar el valor de la tomografía por emisión de positrones/tomografía axial computerizada (PET/TAC) en la evaluación pos-tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer de endometrio y comparar el estudio de PET/TAC con imágenes convencionales (IC), incluyendo la tomografía axial computerizada (TAC), ecografía (echo) y resonancia magnética (RM) y CA 125 con valores de corte de 20U/Ml y 35ml. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de PET/TAC en 31 pacientes tratados por adenocáncer endometrio comprobado histopatologicamente para obtener reestadiaje y en la presencia de sospecha de recaída. Se realizaron 35 estudios de PET/TAC en 31 pacientes. El estado de la lesión fue determinado a partir del seguimiento clínico, incluyendo imágenes radiológicas (seguimiento del estudio de TAC) después de al menos 6 meses y respuesta a tratamiento. Resultados. Trece (37%) de los 35 estudios PET/TAC fueron positivos y 22 (63%) negativos. El análisis basado en el estudio demostró sensibilidad, especificidad, precisión para las imágenes de PET/TAC de 100%, 96% y 97%, respectivamente. Los datos correspondientes para la IC fueron 46%, 87% y 74% y para CA 125 (punto de corte=20U/ml), las mediciones fueron 27%, 100% y 78%, respectivamente. Basado en el análisis de la lesión, la PET/TAC sólo demostró un caso de falso positivo. No fueron observadas recaídas clínicas o radiológicas con un seguimiento de al menos 6 meses en los 21 pacientes con 22 estudios negativos de PET/TAC. Conclusiones. La FDG-PET/TAC es una modalidad más útil que la IC y CA 125 en la evaluación post-tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer de endometrio en búsqueda de sospecha de recaída(AU)

Objectives. This retrospective study was designed to assess the value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging (PET/CT) in the post-treatment evaluation of the patients with endometrial carcinoma and to compare PET/CT scan with conventional imaging (CI) including computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CA 125 with both 20U/ml and 35U/ml cut-off values. Materials and methods. A total of 31 patients who were treated for histopathologically proven endometrial adenocarcinoma, underwent PET/CT examination for restaging and suspected recurrence. Thirty five PET/CT studies were performed in 31 patients. Lesion status was determined on the basis of clinical follow-up including radiological imaging (follow-up CT scan) at least 6 months and response to therapy. Results. Of the 35 PET/CT studies, 13 (37%) studies were positive, whereas 22 (63%) of them were negative. On study-based analysis the overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy for PET/CT imaging were 100%, 96% and 97%, respectively. The corresponding information for CI were 46%, 87% and 74%, for CA 125 (cut off=20U/ml) measurement were 45%, 88% and 74%, and for CA 125 (cut off=35U/ml) measurement were 27%, 100% and 78%, respectively. On lesion-based analysis, PET/CT revealed only one false positive case. In none of 21 patients with negative 22 PET/CT studies, no subsequent clinical or radiological recurrences were observed with a follow-up of at least 6 months. Conclusion. FDG-PET/CT is found more useful modality than CI and CA 125 in the evaluation of post-treatment endometrial carcinoma patients, for suspected recurrence(AU)

To study the correlation between carrier status of nasal Staphylococcus aureus in patients on haemodialysis with hepatitis C, hepatitis B and their sociodemographic features / Estudiar la correlación entre el portador del Estafilococo dorado nasal en pacientes de hemodiálisis con hepatitis C, hepatitis B y sus características sociodemográficas

AIM: To study the correlation of nasal Staphylococcus aureus carrier status in patients on haemodialysis, infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and their sociodemographic features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A survey, including patients ' sociodemographic features, was applied to patients by physicians in face to face interviews. Medical records regarding their serologic data were recorded from haemodialysis centres. Nasal swab samples of 2 cm depth from both nostrils of patients were obtained for nasal culture. Samples were inoculated in 5% sheep blood agar and incubated in an incubator at a temperature of 37ºCfor 24 hours. The results were studied by the same microbiologist. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients were enrolled in the study. According to culture results, 14.1% of patients (n = 26) had methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and 1.1% (n = 2) had methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Status of viral hepatitis was 3.8% (n = 8), 10.8% (n = 20) for HBV and HCV, respectively. Forty per cent (n = 8) of patients with HBV (+) had MSSA carrier status. Statistically significant positive correlation between MSSA and HCV carrier was detected (r = 0.325, p = 0.001) but not between HBV carrier and MSSA (p = 0.255). CONCLUSION: In the present study, significant positivity was detected between MSSA carrier status and HCV in patients on haemodialysis and who have lived together with < 2 family members at home. Particularly, statistically significant correlation between HCV (+) and MSSA carrier was observed.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar la correlación entre el portador del Estafilococo dorado (Staphylococcus aureus) nasal en pacientes de hemodiálisis infectados por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC), el virus de la hepatitis B (VHB), y sus características sociodemográficas. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Una encuesta que incluía características sociodemográficas de los pacientes fue aplicada a pacientes por médicos en entrevistas cara a cara. Historias clínicas contentivas de sus datos serológicos, fueron registradas a partir de los centros de hemodiálisis. Muestras defrotis nasales de 2 cm de profundidad de ambas fosas nasales, fueron obtenidas para un cultivo nasal. Se inocularon muestras en agar de sangre de oveja al 5%, e incubadas en una incubadora a una temperatura de 37ºC por 24 horas. Los resultados fueron examinados por el mismo microbiólogo. RESULTADOS: Un total de 185 pacientes fueron enrolados en el estudio. Según los resultados del cultivo, 14.1% pacientes (n = 26) tenían estafilococo dorado sensible a la meticilina (MSSA) y 1.1% (n = 2) tenían estafilococo dorado resistente a la meticilina (MRSA). El estatus de las hepatitis virales fue 3.8% (n = 8), y 10.8% (n = 20) para HVB y HVC respectivamente. Cuarentapor ciento (n = 8) de los pacientes con HVB (+) eran portadores del MSSA. Estadísticamente, se detectó una correlación positiva significativa (r = 0.325, p = 0.001), entre MSSA y el portador de VHC, no así entre el portador del VHByMSSA (p = 0.255). CONCLUSIÓN: En el estudio presente, se detectó una positividad significativa entre el estatus de; portador de MSSA y los pacientes de VHC en hemodiálisis, que vivían junto con [= dos o menos de dos] miembros de la familia en casa. En particular, se observó una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre HCV (+) y el portador MSSA.

El papel de FDG-PET/TAC en pacientes con cáncer de ovario con marcadores tumorales altos o lesión con sospecha con TAC con contraste en la evaluación de recurrencia y/o en la determinación de metástasis intraabdominales / The Role of FDG-PET/CT in Ovarian Cancer Patients with High Tumor Markers or Suspicious Lesion on Contrast-Enhanced CT in Evaluation of Recurrence and/or in Determination of Intraabdominal Metastases

Objetivos. Este estudio retrospectivo fue diseñado para investigar el papel de una tomografía por emisión de positrones con 18F-fluorodeoxiglucosa/tomografía axial computerizada (PET-FDG) (FDG- PET/CT) en la determinación de recurrencia y/o metástasis intraabdominal en pacientes con cáncer de ovario con marcadores tumorales aumentados o lesión de sospecha detectada con TAC abdominal con contraste (TAC-c). Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio PET/TAC en 34 pacientes femeninos tratados por cáncer de ovario verificado histopatológicamente para reestratificación y sospecha de recurrencia. Se incluyeron a pacientes con informe patológico, niveles de marcador tumoral, TAC-c y PET/TAC dentro de un mes del estudio. Resultados. Se reclutaron a 34 pacientes, 25 de las cuales tenían un nivel alto del marcador tumoral CA 125. Las 9 pacientes restantes tenían sospecha de recurrencia en la imagen del TAC-c con niveles del marcador tumoral normales. Se confirmaron recurrencia con re-operación y biopsia (n=4), seguimiento clínico y de imagen (n=21) en 25 pacientes y marcadores tumorales elevados. No se encontraron enfermedad recurrente en 5 de 25 pacientes en la imagen TAC-c y 1 de 25 pacientes en la imagen PET/TAC con altos niveles de CA125. Tanto TAC-c y el PET/TAC demostraron enfermedad recurrente en 19 de 25 pacientes. La sensibilidad, especificidad y presión del PET/TAC fueron 96,1, 100 y 97%, respectivamente. Conclusión. PET/TAC es un método beneficioso para la detección de recurrencia en pacientes con un nivel de CA 125 en suero elevado y hallazgos negativos en la TAC, o con un nivel normal de CA 125 y recurrencia detectado por TAC llevado a cabo debido a síntomas clínicos(AU)

Objectives. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the role of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) in determination of recurrence and/or intraabdominal metastasis in patients with ovarian cancer having increased tumor markers or suspicious lesion detected by a contrast-enhanced abdominal CT (ceCT). Materials and methods. A total of 34 female patients who were treated for histopathologically proven ovarian cancer, underwent PET/CT examination for restaging and suspected recurrence. Patients with pathology report, tumor marker levels, ceCT and PET/CT performed within one month were included in the study. Results. A total of 34 patients were included in the study. 25 of 34 patients had high tumor marker (CA 125) level. The remaining 9 patients had suspected recurrence on ceCT imaging with normal tumor marker levels. Recurrence was confirmed by re-operation and biopsy (n=4), clinical and imaging follow-up (n=21) in 25 patients with elevated tumor markers. Recurrent disease was not shown in 5 of 25 patients on ceCT imaging and 1 of 25 patients on PET/CT imaging with high CA125 values. Both ceCT and PET/CT revealed recurrent disease in 19 of 25 patients. PET/CT showed more lesions in 11 of 19 patients. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the PET/CT were 96.1%, 100% and 97%, respectively. Conclusion. PET/CT is found as a beneficial method for detection of the recurrence, in patients with increased serum CA 125 level and negative CT findings or with normal CA 125 level and recurrence detected by CT which was performed due to clinical symptoms(AU)

Metástasis esplénica y abdominal múltiples de un carcinoma de endometrio detectado con FDG / Splenic and multiple abdominal metastases of endometrial carcinoma detected with FDG-PET/CT

Paciente de 58 años fue derivada para un FDG-PET/TAC para el re-estadiaje de un adenocarcinoma de endometrio. En cuanto a la evaluación del tratamiento, en el FDG-PET/TAC realizado 18 meses postcirugía no se detectó metástasis. Durante el seguimiento, se llevaron a cabo un FDG-PET/TAC a los 6 meses del previo para reestadificación, detectando una lesión con actividad metabólica aumentada (SUV: máx: 10,21) en el bazo que no se había detectado en el estudio previo. La lesión concordaba con metástasis de carcinoma de endometrio. Es muy poco común detectar una metástasis esplénica del endometrio. En la bibliografía, únicamente se han encontrado 13 casos de una metástasis esplénica de carcinoma de endometrio. Asimismo, se han informado de un caso de metástasis esplénica del carcinoma del endometrio en la bibliografía con imágenes del FDG-PET. Hasta donde nosotros conocemos, este es el primer informe de metástasis esplénica solitaria de un carcinoma de endometrio diagnosticado por imagen con el FDG-PET/TAC(AU)

A 58 year old female was referred for FDG-PET/CT for restaging of endometrial adenocarcinoma. For evaluation of treatment, no metastases were detected on FDG-PET/CT which was performed 18 months later after the surgery. During follow-up, FDG-PET/CT was performed 6 months later than the previous FDG-PET/CT for restaging. A lesion with increased metabolic activity (SUV max: 10.21) was detected at spleen which was not seen on previous FDG-PET/CT scan. The lesion was consistent with metastasis of endometrial carcinoma. Splenic metastasis of endometrial carcinoma is extremely rare. There are only 13 cases of splenic metastasis from endometrial carcinoma that reported in the literature before. There is only one splenic metastasis of endometrial carcinoma case reported in the literature which is imaged with FDG-PET. To best of our knowledge this is the first report of solitary splenic metastasis of endometrial carcinoma that is imaged with FDG-PET/CT(AU)