Neuroimmune Mediators of Pruritus in Hispanic Scalp Psoriatic Itch.

Scalp psoriatic itch is a common, bothersome, yet understudied, condition with numerous associated treatment challenges. The aim of this study was to enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of scalp psoriatic itch. Immunohistochemical analysis of known neuroimmune mediators of pruritus was conducted using scalp biopsies from 27 Hispanic psoriatic patients. Patients were categorized into mild/moderate or severe itch groups according to their itch intensity rating of scalp itch. Protease activated receptor (PAR2), substance P, transient receptor potential (TRP)V3, TRPM8 and interleukin-23 expression all correlated  significantly with itch intensity. The pathophysiology of scalp psoriasis is largely non-histaminergic, mediated by PAR2, interleukin-23, transient receptor potential channels, and substance P.

Cyclin D1 expression in Rosai-Dorfman disease: a near-constant finding that is not invariably associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway activation.

Activating mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway have been shown in nearly half of the cases of Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD). Cyclin D1, a key cell cycle regulator, constitutes a major downstream target of the MAPK/ERK pathway. In this study, we aim to further understand the pathogenesis of RDD by assessing the lesional histiocytes for cyclin D1, p-ERK, Ki-67, and BCL-2 by immunohistochemistry. We assessed 35 samples of RDD and a control group of histiocyte-rich reactive lesions. Cyclin D1 was expressed in about 90% of cases of RDD. Cyclin D1 was positive in 25-95% (median, 85%) of lesional histiocytes, was moderately/strongly expressed in 97% of cyclin D1-positive cases, and was significantly higher than in control specimens. p-ERK was positive in 16 of 30 (53%) cases of RDD and was negative in all controls. All p-ERK-positive RDD cases had concurrent cyclin D1 expression, whereas more than a third of cyclin D1-positive cases were negative for p-ERK. Ki-67 was low in RDD (median, 3%). BCL-2 was positive in lesional histiocytes in nine of 10 RDD cases assessed. Overall, these findings point to unexpected, potential roles of these molecules in the pathogenesis of RDD. Overexpression of cyclin D1 in the absence of ERK phosphorylation in a subset of RDD cases opens the possibility of oncogenic mechanisms bypassing ERK and supports the notion that cyclin D1 overexpression in RDD is multifactorial. Moreover, the observed lack of correlation between cyclin D1 with Ki-67 proliferative index suggests that prosurvival actions of cyclin D1 are, at least in part, cell cycle independent. Finally, expression of BCL-2 and the low Ki-67 index suggest that RDD might be driven by antiapoptotic rather than proproliferative oncogenic mechanisms.

Post COVID-19 pneumo-hematocele: clinical presentation and treatment pathway.

OBJECTIVES: The appearance of characteristic pulmonary lesions has been noted after COVID-19, being described as post-COVID-19 pneumo-hematocele. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical, histopathologic, and imaging features of pneumo-hematocele and to suggest a treatment algorithm for these patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in patients admitted with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV2 infection from March 2020 to September 2021 who presented a pneumo-hematocele on imaging studies. Clinical and demographic variables were recorded, and CT scans were analyzed. A secondary analysis was performed to estimate the risk provided by the pneumo-hematocele diameter of developing pneumothorax. RESULTS: 37 patients were diagnosed with pneumo-hematoceles, 97.3% were males with a median age of 41 ± 13 years and 51% were smokers. The mean diameter of the pneumatocele was 6.3 ± 2.8 cm; they were more common on the subpleural surface and in the inferior lobe. Thirty patients had ruptured pneumo-hematoceles and developed pneumothorax (81.1%); a total of 26 patients required surgery (70.3%). Lesions measuring 5 cm had a high risk of rupture (OR 6.8, CI 95% 1.1-42); those measuring 3 cm were prone to this complication. For each centimeter that the pneumo-hematocele diameter increases, the OR for rupture increases 1.5. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that post-COVID-19 pneumo-hematocele occurs secondary to encapsulation of blood accumulation inside the lung, as a result of micro-capillary bleeding, with partial reabsorption of blood and subsequent air filling. We recommend surgery for patients with pneumo-hematoceles of 5 cm and those with persistent lesions of 3 cm. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05067881.

Clinical, histopathologic, and immunoarchitectural features of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy: an update.

Dermatopathic lymphadenopathy is a distinctive form of paracortical lymph node hyperplasia that usually occurs in the setting of chronic dermatologic disorders. The aim of this study is to update our understanding of the clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic features of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy. The study cohort was 50 lymph node samples from 42 patients diagnosed with dermatopathic lymphadenopathy. The patients included 29 women and 13 men with a median age of 49 years (range, 12-79). Twenty-two (52%) patients had a dermatologic disorder, including mycosis fungoides (n = 6), chronic inflammatory dermatoses (n = 13), melanoma (n = 1), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1), and Kaposi sarcoma in the context of human immunodeficiency virus infection (n = 1). Twenty (48%) patients did not have dermatologic manifestations. Lymph node biopsy specimens were axillary (n = 22), inguinal (n = 21), cervical (n = 4), and intramammary (n = 3). All lymph nodes showed paracortical areas expanded by lymphocytes; dendritic cells, including interdigitating dendritic cells and Langerhans cells; and macrophages. Melanophages were detected in 48 (98%) lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical analysis provided results that are somewhat different from those previously reported in the literature. In the paracortical areas of lymph node, S100 protein was expressed in virtually all dendritic cells, and CD1a was expressed in a significantly greater percentage of cells than langerin (80 vs. 35%, p < 0.0001). These results suggest that the paracortical regions of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy harbor at least three immunophenotypic subsets of dendritic cells: Langerhans cells (S100+, CD1a+(high), langerin+), interdigitating dendritic cells (S100+, CD1a+(low), langerin-), and a third (S100+, CD1a-, langerin-) minor population of dendritic cells. Furthermore, in more than 60% of dermatopathic lymph nodes, langerin highlighted trabecular and medullary sinuses and cords, showing a linear and reticular staining pattern, which could be a pitfall in the differential diagnosis with Langerhans cell histiocytosis involving lymph nodes.

Seroreactivity and prevalence of syphilis in donors at a blood bank in Barranquilla, Colombia / Serorreacción y prevalencia de sífilis en donantes de un banco de sangre de Barranquilla, Colombia

Introduction: Syphilis is a public health concern given its high impact on morbidity and mortality. Objective: We aimed to determine the association of syphilis seroreactivity and seroprevalence with sociodemographic variables of donors at a blood bank in the district of Barranquilla, Colombia, during 2015 and 2016. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study based on the results of the treponemal and nontreponemal tests and the sociodemographic variables of the study population. We performed a univariate analysis to determine the absolute and relative frequencies for each categorical variable. We determined the seroreactivity against Treponema pallidum and the prevalence of active syphilis infection, and we used Pearson's chi-square test to evaluate the differences between the proportions. Results: We found a seroreactivity of 1.86% in individuals with previous T. pallidum infection, and a prevalence of 0.93% in those with active T. pallidum infection. These values were higher in adult men and older adults, widowers, the unemployed, and people living in municipalities of the Department of Atlántico other than Barranquilla and its metropolitan area. The incidence of syphilis infection showed a significant association with sex and occupation. Conclusion: In comparison to the national average, syphilis seroreactivity was high among blood donors. There was an association between syphilis infection incidence and sociodemographic variables such as sex and occupation.

Introducción. La sífilis es una enfermedad de interés en salud pública por sus elevadas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad. Objetivo. Determinar la serorreacción y la seroprevalencia de sífilis según las variables sociodemográficas de los donantes de un banco de sangre del distrito de Barranquilla, Colombia, durante 2015 y 2016. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal basado en los resultados de las pruebas treponémicas y no treponémicas. Se analizaron las variables sociodemográficas de la población estudiada y se hizo un análisis univariado en el que se determinaron las frecuencias absoluta y relativa de cada una de las variables categóricas. Se determinó la serorreacción a Treponema pallidum y la prevalencia de la infección activa. Se utilizó la prueba de ji al cuadrado de Pearson para evaluar las diferencias entre las proporciones. Resultados. Se encontró una serorreacción de 1,86 % para la infección previa con T. pallidum y una prevalencia de 0,93 % para la infección activa, las cuales fueron más altas en hombres adultos y en adultos mayores, viudos, desempleados y personas residentes en otros municipios del departamento de Atlántico diferentes de Barranquilla y su área metropolitana. Se encontró una asociación significativa entre la sífilis y las variables de sexo y ocupación. Conclusión. Se registró una serorreacción elevada a T. pallidum en donantes de sangre, comparada con el promedio nacional. Se encontró asociación entre la sífilis, y las variables sociodemográficas de sexo y ocupación, principalmente.

Serorreacción y prevalencia de sífilis en donantes de un banco de sangre de Barranquilla, Colombia / Seroreactivity and prevalence of syphilis in donors at a blood bank in Barranquilla, Colombia

Resumen Introducción. La sífilis es una enfermedad de interés en salud pública por sus elevadas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad. Objetivo. Determinar la serorreacción y la seroprevalencia de sífilis según las variables sociodemográficas de los donantes de un banco de sangre del distrito de Barranquilla, Colombia, durante 2015 y 2016. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal basado en los resultados de las pruebas treponémicas y no treponémicas. Se analizaron las variables sociodemográficas de la población estudiada y se hizo un análisis univariado en el que se determinaron las frecuencias absoluta y relativa de cada una de las variables categóricas. Se determinó la serorreacción a Treponema pallidum y la prevalencia de la infección activa. Se utilizó la prueba de ji al cuadrado de Pearson para evaluar las diferencias entre las proporciones. Resultados. Se encontró una serorreacción de 1,86 % para la infección previa con T. pallidum y una prevalencia de 0,93 % para la infección activa, las cuales fueron más altas en hombres adultos y en adultos mayores, viudos, desempleados y personas residentes en otros municipios del departamento de Atlántico diferentes de Barranquilla y su área metropolitana. Se encontró una asociación significativa entre la sífilis y las variables de sexo y ocupación. Conclusión. Se registró una serorreacción elevada a T. pallidum en donantes de sangre, comparada con el promedio nacional. Se encontró asociación entre la sífilis, y las variables sociodemográficas de sexo y ocupación, principalmente.

Abstract Introduction: Syphilis is a public health concern given its high impact on morbidity and mortality. Objective: We aimed to determine the association of syphilis seroreactivity and seroprevalence with sociodemographic variables of donors at a blood bank in the district of Barranquilla, Colombia, during 2015 and 2016. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study based on the results of the treponemal and nontreponemal tests and the sociodemographic variables of the study population. We performed a univariate analysis to determine the absolute and relative frequencies for each categorical variable. We determined the seroreactivity against Treponema pallidum and the prevalence of active syphilis infection, and we used Pearson's chi-square test to evaluate the differences between the proportions. Results: We found a seroreactivity of 1.86% in individuals with previous T. pallidum infection, and a prevalence of 0.93% in those with active T. pallidum infection. These values were higher in adult men and older adults, widowers, the unemployed, and people living in municipalities of the Department of Atlántico other than Barranquilla and its metropolitan area. The incidence of syphilis infection showed a significant association with sex and occupation. Conclusion: In comparison to the national average, syphilis seroreactivity was high among blood donors. There was an association between syphilis infection incidence and sociodemographic variables such as sex and occupation.

Seroprevalencia en una zona de hiperendemia por dengue, Barranquilla, Colombia / Sero-Prevalence in a Hyperendemic Area of Dengue: Barranquilla-Colombia / Soroprevalência numa área de hiperendemia por dengue, Barranquilla-Colômbia

RESUMEN Objetivo: Estimar seroprevalencia de anticuerpos IgG e IgM para dengue y factores asociados. Método: estudio transversal, mediante la aplicación de encuesta y estimación serológica para IgG e IgM para dengue en mayores de 15 años con representabilidad por localidad y sexo. 478 sujetos encuestados en la ciudad de Barranquilla Colombia Análisis estadístico, mediante el programa SPSS®, versión 22. Se estimó la sero-prevalencia para el análisis univariado y el análisis bivariado mediante la odds ratio de proporciones con una p<0,05. Resultados: la seroprevalencia para IgG fue 88,2% (IC 95% =85,2-91,1) y para IgM de 11,8% (IC 95%= 8,80-14,75). Se encontró asociación estadística en edades de 30 a 49 y 50-69 años (OR=7,09 [2,6-19,3] y OR= 8,93 [2,9-27,0] respectivamente), pertenecer al régimen de salud subsidiado (OR=2,56[1,18-5,53]) y ocupación hogar (OR= 3,38[1,31-8,67]. Conclusiones: la alta seroprevalencia para IgG es explicada por la circulación de los cuatro serotipos en el país, los brotes epidémicos cada dos a tres años y los comportamientos y prácticas desfavorables relacionadas con el manejo de agua. Se requiere cambios de conducta frente al manejo de factores predisponentes, la atención oportuna de sintomáticos y vigilancia activa comunitaria e institucional ante casos sospechosos.

ABSTRACT Objective: estimate the sero-prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies for dengue and associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was done by means of a survey and serological estimation for IgG and IgM for dengue in subjects over 15 years of age with representability by location and gender. In all, 478 subjects were surveyed in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia. The SPSS® program, version 22, was used for the statistical analysis. Sero-prevalence was estimated for univariate analysis and bivariate analysis using the odds ratio of proportions with p <0.05. Results: The sero-prevalence for IgG was 88.2% (95% CI = 85.2-91.1); for IgM, it was 11.8% (95% CI = 8.80-14.75). A statistical association was found between subjects ages 30 to 49 and those ages 50 to 69 (OR = 7.09 [2.6-19.3] and OR = 8.93 [2.9-27.0] respectively) who are part of the subsidized health system (OR = 2.56 [1.18-5.53]) and list homemaker as their occupation (OR = 3.38 [1.31-8.67]). Conclusions: The high sero-prevalence for IgG is explained by circulation of the four serotypes in the country, epidemic outbreaks every two to three years, and unfavorable behavior and practices related to water management. Behavioral changes are needed when it comes to dealing with predisposing factors, timely symptomatic care and active community and institutional surveillance in response to suspected cases.

RESUMO Objetivo: estimar a soroprevalência de anticorpos IgG e IgM para dengue e fatores associados. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com a aplicação de questionário e estimativa sorológica para IgG e IgM para dengue em maiores de 15 anos com representabilidade por localidade e sexo. 478 sujeitos entrevistados na cidade de Barranquilla, Colômbia. Análise estatística por meio do programa SPSS®, versão 22. Foi estimada a soroprevalência para a análise univariada e a análise bivariada mediante a odds ratio de proporções com p<0,05. Resultados: a soroprevalência para IgG foi 88,2 % (IC 95 % =85,2-91,1) e para IgM de 11,8 % (IC 95%= 8,80-14,75). Constatou-se associação estatística em idades de 30 a 49 e 50 a 69 anos (OR=7,09 [2,6-19,3] e OR= 8,93 [2,9-27,0] respectivamente), pertencer ao sistema de saúde subsidiado (OR=2,56[1,18-5,53]) e ocupação do lar (OR= 3,38[1,31-8,67]. Conclusões: a alta soroprevalência para IgG é explicada pela circulação dos quatro sorotipos no país, os surtos epidêmicos a cada dois ou três anos e os comportamentos e práticas desfavoráveis relacionados com o uso da água. São requeridas mudanças de comportamento diante dos fatores predisponentes, atenção oportuna de sintomáticos e vigilância ativa comunitária e institucional ante casos suspeitos.

Microbiological Study of Cast Posts before Cementation.

This study identifies the most common microorganisms present in type III gold cast posts related to pulpal disease and evaluates the sterilization/disinfection method before cementation in the root canal. Forty-five type III gold cast posts were aseptically collected in sterile sealed plastic bags and taken to the microbiology laboratory to carry out the study: fifteen cast posts had no treatment, fifteen were disinfected (immersion in 70% alcohol during 15 minutes), and fifteen were autoclaved at 121°C for 15 minutes by using saturated steam under 15 psi pressure. By using a two-proportion z-test, the difference was statistically significant (p > 0.05) and demonstrates that, in spite of the aseptic pattern used in the cast post collection and laboratory procedures, some cast posts arrive contaminated at the consulting office. The disinfection process worked out in a high percentage and demonstrated that the sterilization by autoclaving eliminated completely the pathogenic microbiota without affecting the cast post shape and integrity that could compromise their final fitting.

Enfermedad por el virus del Chikungunya: historia y epidemiología / Chikungunya fever: history and epidemiology

El 9 de diciembre de 2013 la Organización Panamericana de la Salud emitió una alerta epidemiológica debido a la detección de los primeros casos autóctonos de fiebre del Chikungunya en el continente americano; desde entonces este se ha convertido en un problema de salud pública. El primer reporte de un brote por el virus del Chikungunya se presentó en 1952-1953 en Tanzania. Las experiencias en epidemias en otros países han centrado la atención en que la presentación clínica no siempre tiene un comportamiento similar. Hasta 2005 todos los reportes mencionaban la presentación de la enfermedad como benigna y con cuadros clínicos bastantes similares, sin embargo, la aparición de epidemias después de ese año en las Islas Reunión y en la India describieron la presencia de cuadros graves, atípicos y un aumento de la mortalidad relacionados con la enfermedad. La región de las Américas debe prepararse para esta nueva epidemia. Esto hace necesario mejorar los conocimientos sobre la enfermedad; y un primer abordaje es a través de una descripción de la historia y epidemiología de la enfermedad por el virus del Chikungunya en el mundo.

On December 9, 2013, the Pan American Health Organization issued an epidemiological alert due to the detection of the first local (autochthonous) cases of Chikungunya fever in Las Americas, since it has become a public health problem. The first report of an outbreak of Chikungunya virus occurred in 1952-1953 in Tanzania. The experiences about epidemics in other countries, have focused attention on the clinical presentation does not always have a similar behavior. Until 2005, all reports mentioned the presentation of the disease as benign and clinical behavior quite similar, however, the emergence of epidemics after 2005 on Reunion Island and India, described the presence of severe disease, atypical and an increase in mortality associated with the disease. The Americas region must prepare for this new epidemic. So, is necessary to improve knowledge of the disease, and a first approach is through a description of the history and epidemiology of the disease Chikungunya virus worldwide.

Streptococcus mutans y caries dental / Streptococcus mutans and dental caries

Streptococcus mutans es uno de los microorganismos cariogénicos asociados a la caries dental. De acuerdo con la hipótesis de la placa ecológica, la caries dental es la consecuencia de cambios en el balance natural de la microflora de la placa dental causados por la alteración de las condiciones ambientales locales (homeostasis microbiana oral). El estudio de su participación en la colonización de tejidos dentales, implantación e interacción con otros microrganismos es de mucha importancia para la comprensión de la dinámica de las biopelículas dentales. Por medio de técnicas de biología molecular, se ha avanzado en la identificación de los diferentes tipos que habitan la cavidad oral, los productos que generan y que son críticos para su implantación, las interacciones con otras especies y el desarrollo de nuevos procedimientos que ayuden su identificación como uno de los agentes más importantes en la caries dental. Esta revisión examina los últimos avances en la biología de Streptococcus mutans, su papel en la génesis de la caries y las técnicas de identificación y estudio más usadas en los últimos años.

Streptococcus mutans is one of cariogenic microorganisms associated with tooth decay. According with the hypothesis of the ecological plaque, dental caries is the consequence of changes in the natural balance in the dental plaque microflora (oral microbial homeostasis). Its role in the colonization of dental tissues, implantation and interaction with other microorganisms is of paramount importance for the understanding of the dynamics of dental biofilms. By means of molecular biology techniques, there have been advances in the identification of the different types that live in the oral cavity, the products they produce which are critical for its implantation, the interaction with other species and the development of new procedures that help its identification as one of the most important agents in dental caries. This review examines the latest advances in the biology of Streptococcus mutans, its role in the genesis of the caries and the identification and study techniques most used in recent years.

Nefroblastoma bilateral tumor de Wilms: reporte de caso clínico / Bilateral Nefroblastoma tumor of wilms: report of clinical case

Expone que el nefroblastoma bilateral o tumor de willms es la neoplasia más frecuente del tracto urinario de la infancia la presentación bilateral representa aproximadamente el 4,4xciento. Presentamos un caso de localización bilateral en una niña de dos años y medio que consultó al Instituto SOLCA con tumoración abdominal observada y palpada por primera vez por su madre y confirmada su diagnóstico con exploración clínica, estudios radiológicos; recibiendo tratamiento quimioterápico pre-quirúrgico, luego se realizó nefrectomía parcial bilateral y recibió quimioterapia adyuvante; con buena evolución...

Tuberculosis como pseudo tumor del tracto genital inferior femenino: reporte de caso clínico / Tuberculosis like pseudo tumor of tracto genital inferior feminine: report of clinical case

Presenta dos casos de tuberculosis del tracto genital como pseudos tumores son descritos. La tuberculosis del tracto genital es infrecuente en nuestro país y menos todavía en presentación pseudo tumororal del cérvix y muy raro como tumor de vulva. Esta enfermedad es usualmente secundaria a un foco primario o a contacto directo con pacientes con tuberculosis de vías urinarias y/o vesículas seminales. La infección a distancia se realiza por vía hematógena y su diagnóstico es confirmado con estudio anátomo patológico y por técnica Ziehl Neelsen...