Enhancing Chitosan Fibers: A Dual Approach with Tripolyphosphate and Ursolic Acid.

Chitosan, a well-established biomaterial known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity, has been the focus of extensive research in recent years. This study explores the enhancement of chitosan fibers' properties through wet impregnation with either ursolic acid (UA) or cross-linking with tripolyphosphate (TPP). In the first experiment, chitosan fibers were treated with UA, for varying immersion set points (1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h). FTIR, SEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy analyses demonstrated a chemical reaction between chitosan and UA, with stability reached after 2 h of immersion. Antibacterial testing revealed that chitosan fibers impregnated with UA exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, notably Staphylococcus aureus. The second experiment involved modifying chitosan fibers' surfaces with a 1% w/v TPP solution for the same periods of time (1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h). Subsequently, the investigation involved FTIR, SEM, and dynamometry analyses, which revealed successful cross-linking between chitosan and TPP ions, resulting in improved tensile strength after 2 h of immersion. This dual-approach study highlights the potential of chitosan fibers for diverse applications, from wound-healing dressings to antibacterial materials against Gram-positive bacteria.

Three-Dimensional Plastic Modeling on Bone Frames for Cost-Effective Neuroanatomy Teaching.

Cadaveric models remain an essential part of medical training across all specialties. Due to their scarcity, high costs, and possible health hazards, there is a need for more accessible and affordable alternatives, especially in low-resource settings. We introduce cost-effective and easily replicable three-dimensional (3D) printed models to help democratize access to hands-on neuroanatomy education. Silicone-based glue is applied on the surface of a 3D-printed or cadaveric bone frame. Using plastiline on a 3 mm 3D acrylonitrile butadiene styrene pen, the desired anatomical structure is printed on the bone frame. A heat gun is used to smoothen the plastic edges. The structure can then be painted according to its appearance in the real anatomy. Using this technique, we successfully generated a variety of anatomical models to study the cerebrovascular anatomy, the course of the cranial nerves in relation to the skull base, and extracranial structures including the spine. Procurement and conservation of cadaveric specimens can be cumbersome. Our model may be an affordable and easily replicable approach to bridging the gap in anatomy education between low- and high-resource facilities.

TRA-1-60-positive/CD45low cells found in the peripheral blood of prostate cancer patients with metastatic disease - A proof-of-concept study.

PURPOSE: Over 90% of all cancer related deaths are due to metastasis. However, current diagnostic tools can't reliably discriminate between invasive and localized cancers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this proof-of-concept study, we employed the embryonic stem cell marker TRA-1-60 (TRA+) to identify TRA + cells within the blood of prostate cancer patients and searched for TRA + cells in men with metastatic and localized cancers. We isolated whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 26 metastatic prostate cancer patients, from 13 patients with localized prostate cancer and from 17 healthy controls. Cells were stained for DAPI, CD45 and TRA + by immunofluorescence and imaged by epi-fluorescence microscopy. Imaged-based software was used both to identify TRA + cells, and to analyze CD45 levels in TRA+ and negative cells. RESULTS: We found high numbers of TRA + cells within the blood of metastatic cancer patients, whereas healthy individuals or men with localized prostate cancer showed none or very low numbers of TRA + cells. Further analysis of the CD45 levels of TRA + cells revealed a small population of TRA + cells with almost undetectable CD45 levels that were found frequently in metastatic prostate cancer patients. By excluding CD45 positive cells from the TRA + cell pool, we were able to refine the assay to be highly specific in identifying men with metastatic disease. In fact, the difference of CD45 levels between TRA+ and negative cells was a robust measure to distinguish between men with localized and metastatic prostate cancers in this small patient cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that metastatic prostate cancer patient have significant numbers of TRA+/CD45low cells which might represent a potential tool for diagnostic assessment in the future.

Endovascular Repair of Inflammatory Aortic Aneurysms: Experience in a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA) remained a rare cause of aneurysmal aortic disease, with incidences between 5% and 10%. The current treatment for IAAA consists of open surgical repair and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Avoiding an inflamed, fibrotic retroperitoneum is the driving force behind the desire to repair IAAA endovascularly. The latest published works confirm the promising results after EVAR for IAAA, but there is still a paucity of data regarding hydroureter and hydronephrosis. In this article, we describe our experience with 5 patients diagnosed with IAAA and treated by EVAR, of whom 3 presented with associated hydronephrosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of our endovascular database identified five patients who underwent EVAR for IAAA. Unilateral ureteral involvement in the inflammatory process was seen in 3 patients, accompanied by secondary hydronephrosis. One patient presented retroperitoneal fibrosis with duodenal stenosis. Primary outcomes were primary technical success, aneurysm-related mortality, change in aneurysm size, perianeurysmal fibrosis (PAF), and hydronephrosis. Secondary outcomes were requirement for reintervention, progression/resolution of symptoms, and short-term clinical success. RESULTS: Follow-up duration ranged from 3 to 61 months. No patients were lost to follow-up. Primary technical success was obtained in all patients. One patient died three months after the operation due to persistence of the duodenal stenosis in spite of subsequent endoscopic treatments and corticotherapy. The aneurysm sac progressively reduced in 4 patients and remained unchanged in one patient. PAF regressed in 2 patients, reduced in two, and remained unchanged in one patient. Hydronephrosis persisted in all three patients preoperatively diagnosed with this condition. No patient required subsequent intervention. Four patients had complete resolution of their symptoms at a follow-up visit at 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: This series suggests that EVAR for IAAA is technically feasible, excludes the aneurysm effectively, and reduces PAF with an acceptable morbidity and mortality rate. EVAR does not seem to offer any benefits for hydronephrosis, and closer follow-up in patients presenting renal or ureter involvement treated by EVAR is necessary.

Multidisciplinary management of testicular cancer complicated by thrombosis of the inferior vena cava: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular cancer is a rare disease, most commonly seen in young adults. It represents 1% of solid cancers in men. Inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis remains a rare complication of testicular cancer and is often associated with a high risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). CASE REPORT: The authors report a case of a 26-year-old man presenting with advanced testicular cancer, left-sided retroperitoneal metastasis and parietal infiltration of the IVC complicated with thrombosis of the left iliac vein and the IVC, both responsible for PE. DISCUSSION: A multidisciplinary management which included curative excision of the lesions, placement of a temporary IVC filter and adjuvant chemotherapy permitted an optimal approach. No complications occurred and the post-operative healing was uneventful. No recurrences were observed on the long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: IVC Thrombosis is a rare complication that should be taken into consideration when diagnosing testicular cancer. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to minimize the risk of PE which can be life-threatening.

Influencia de la edad en la enfermedad neumocócica invasiva y en la resistencia a antimicrobianos / Influence of age on the clinical manifestations of invasive pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance rates

Fundamento y objetivo: La enfermedad invasiva por Streptococcus pneumoniae (EISP) presenta variaciones epidemiológicas en relación con la edad y el serotipo de neumococo aislado. Los objetivos del trabajo fueron analizar las formas clínicas y la mortalidad de EISP, los serotipos aislados y la tasa de resistencia a antimicrobianos en diferentes grupos de edad. Pacientes y método: Se estudiaron 141 pacientes con EISP diagnosticados entre 2002 y 2008 y se clasificaron en 4 grupos: ≤ 2 años, 3-14 años, 15-64 años y ≥ 65 años. Resultados: La neumonía que la manifestación más frecuente (71%) en todos los grupos de edad. En el grupo ≤ 2 años destacó una mayor prevalencia de meningitis (28 frente a 9%, p = 0,054) y en el grupo 3-14 años el empiema fue más frecuente (31 frente a 5%, p < 0,001). La mortalidad se asoció con la edad ≥ 65 años (odds ratio [OR] 7, intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 1,9-28,9), la bacteriemia primaria (OR 7, IC 95% 1,9-28,9) y la intubación orotraqueal (OR 9, IC 95% 1,9-41,1). Los serotipos más prevalentes en ≤ 2 años fueron 14, 19A y 19F, el serotipo 1 en el grupo 3-14 años y el 3 en ≥ 65 años. En la población pediátrica se observó una mayor tasa de cepas no sensibles a penicilina (42 frente a 18%, p = 0,007). Conclusiones: La edad se relacionó con las formas clínicas, la mortalidad y la resistencia a antimicrobianos. La bacteriemia primaria constituyó uno de los factores asociados con una mayor mortalidad (AU)

Background and objective: Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) shows different epidemiological characteristics depending on age and pneumococcus serotype. The aims of the work were to analyze the clinical manifestations and mortality associated with IPD, the serotype isolated and the antibiotic resistance rates in different age groups. Patients and method: Retrospectively, 141 patients with IPD diagnosed between 2002 and 2008 were studied. Patients were classified in 4 age groups: 2 year-old, 3-14 year-old, 15-64 year-old and 65 year-old. Results: Pneumonia was the most common manifestation in all age groups (71%). Pneumococcal meningitis was more prevalent in patients 2 year-old (28 vs. 9%, P = .054) and empyema was more frequent in those between 3-14 year-old (31 vs. 5%, P < .001). Mortality was associated with age 65 year-old (odds ratio [OR] 7, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.9-28.9), primary bacteremia (OR 7, 95% CI 1.9-28.9) and orotracheal intubation (OR 9, 95% CI 1.9-41.1). The more prevalent serotypes among patients 2 year-old were 14, 19A and 19F. The serotype 1 was most common in patients between 3-14 year-old and serotype 3 in those 65 year-old. A higher rate of non-susceptible penicillin strains was observed in pediatric population (42 vs. 19%, P = .007). Conclusions: Age was related to the clinical manifestations, mortality and antibiotic resistance rates. Primary bacteremia was one of the risk factors of mortality (AU)

Absceso cerebral sobre infarto isquémico previo / Cerebral abscess over a previous ischemic infarction

No disponible

[Influence of age on the clinical manifestations of invasive pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance rates]. / Influencia de la edad en la enfermedad neumocócica invasiva y en la resistencia a antimicrobianos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) shows different epidemiological characteristics depending on age and pneumococcus serotype. The aims of the work were to analyze the clinical manifestations and mortality associated with IPD, the serotype isolated and the antibiotic resistance rates in different age groups. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospectively, 141 patients with IPD diagnosed between 2002 and 2008 were studied. Patients were classified in 4 age groups: ≤ 2 year-old, 3-14 year-old, 15-64 year-old and ≥ 65 year-old. RESULTS: Pneumonia was the most common manifestation in all age groups (71%). Pneumococcal meningitis was more prevalent in patients ≤ 2 year-old (28 vs. 9%, P=.054) and empyema was more frequent in those between 3-14 year-old (31 vs. 5%, P<.001). Mortality was associated with age ≥ 65 year-old (odds ratio [OR] 7, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.9-28.9), primary bacteremia (OR 7, 95% CI 1.9-28.9) and orotracheal intubation (OR 9, 95% CI 1.9-41.1). The more prevalent serotypes among patients ≤ 2 year-old were 14, 19A and 19F. The serotype 1 was most common in patients between 3-14 year-old and serotype 3 in those ≥ 65 year-old. A higher rate of non-susceptible penicillin strains was observed in pediatric population (42 vs. 19%, P=.007). CONCLUSIONS: Age was related to the clinical manifestations, mortality and antibiotic resistance rates. Primary bacteremia was one of the risk factors of mortality.

Accuracy of endorectal magnetic resonance/transrectal ultrasound fusion for detection of prostate cancer during brachytherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of 3 Tesla endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (erMRI) with fusion to real-time transrectal ultrasound to detect a dominant cancer focus within the prostate gland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The safety and effectiveness of identifying suspicious lesions using erMRI was assessed in men undergoing brachytherapy perineal implants. Suspicious lesions identified on erMRI fused to real-time transrectal ultrasound were biopsied at brachytherapy seed placement. In addition, a biopsy was also obtained from an area identified as negative for cancer. This prospective study was performed for 30 patients who had previously provided consent for brachytherapy. Eligible patients had to have a lesion on erMRI that was ≥1.0 cm × 1.0 cm. Their mean prostate-specific antigen level was 7.3 ng/mL, mean Gleason score 6.75, and mean percentage of positive diagnostic core biopsies was 29%. RESULTS: Cancer was detected in a suspicious area in 53% of the patients. In 9 of these patients, the cancer was Gleason score 3 + 3, in 6, Gleason score 3 + 4, and in 1, Gleason score 4 + 3. Cancer was detected in unsuspected areas in 10% of patients; all Gleason score 3 + 3 in <10% of the core. No adverse events from the biopsy were reported. CONCLUSION: Although biopsy of lesions identified by erMRI is safe and more effective than would be expected by blind biopsy, a significant "miss" rate was still found. However, the negative predictive (10%) value of this technique might be useful for determining which regions of the gland might not need treatment in the setting of focal therapy.

Synovial fluid eosinophilia: a case series with a long follow-up and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: To establish the frequency and describe the characteristics of a cohort of patients with SF eosinophilia (SFE) and a long clinical follow-up. A systematic review of the literature on this topic was performed. METHODS: From November 2005 to May 2010, 982 consecutive arthrocentesis procedures performed at a tertiary care hospital were reviewed. Clinical and analytical data of patients with SFE at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up until 31 January 2012, were recorded. According to the percentage of eosinophils in SF, SFE was classified as minor (<10%) or major (>10%). Also, a literature search of all publications on eosinophilic synovitis found in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science without publication date restrictions was performed. RESULTS: Eosinophils in SF were found in 10 of 982 (1.02%) patients: minor SFE was recorded in three patients, all of them with haemorrhagic fluid and without peripheral eosinophilia. Major SFE was found in seven patients, and only two of them had peripheral eosinophilia. In six patients, an underlying cause of the arthritis was found. Only one patient was classified as having idiopathic SFE. Most SFE promptly resolved with NSAIDs without relapses or new deformities. The literature search identified 56 patients with SFE; 49 of them (88%) had major SFE and 7 (12%) had minor SFE. CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophils are infrequently found in SF, and in most cases peripheral eosinophilia was not detected. Most patients with SFE had a benign course with prompt resolution and few relapses.

High prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

OBJECTIVE: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a vascular disorder causing mucocutaneous telangiectases and visceral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is considered an uncommon complication of HHT whose impact on the survival of these patients is currently unknown. METHODS: From January 1995 to December 2008, 29 hospitalized patients with definite HHT were included and followed until January 2011. Data on demographics, clinical symptoms and survival were recorded. PH was classified according to echocardiographic probability. RESULTS: A CT angiogram was performed in 24 of the 29 patients with HHT and AVMs were detected in 16 of them (67%): hepatic in 58%, pulmonary in 33% and spinal in 3%; 37% had both pulmonary and hepatic AVMs. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) was performed in 21 patients. PH was considered possible in 4 (14%) and probable in 9 (31%). The mean age at diagnosis was lower in patients with PH than in patients without PH (54±16.5 years vs 73±8.8 years, p=0.002). PH was more prevalent in patients with AVMs (56 vs. 23%, p=0.036). The mean follow-up of the entire cohort was 6±4.4 years (range: 2 months-17 years), during this time 18 patients died (62%; mean age 73±8.1 years). Patients with PH died at a younger age (68±8.4 vs. 79±2.7 years, p=0.015) than those without PH. CONCLUSIONS: PH is a severe condition that significantly reduces survival on HHT patients. PH should be suspected in all HHT patients with dyspnea and hepatic AVMs.

Autoimmune manifestations of Kikuchi disease.

OBJECTIVES: Kikuchi's disease (KD) has been associated with the presence of autoantibodies, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of autoimmune manifestations in a KD cohort with a long follow-up. METHODS: Twenty patients with histologically confirmed KD since January 1990 until December 2010 were studied; 12 of them were periodically followed up as outpatients. Another 7 patients were contacted by telephone to offer them a specific consultation and a complete autoimmunity study. RESULTS: Thirteen of 20 patients were women (65%) with a mean age of 29 years (range, 15-79). The age at diagnosis was higher in men (44 vs 27 years, P < 0.05). Lymphopenia was present in 75% of the patients (15/20) and was the more frequent hematological abnormality. The mean follow-up of the 17 patients included in the autoimmunity study was 119 months (range, 15-252). Autoimmune diseases were detected in 9 women (53%): SLE was diagnosed in 4 patients (2 SLE before, 1 simultaneous, and 1 after KD), 2 patients developed primary Sjögren's syndrome after KD, 1 thyroiditis before KD, 1 SLE-like, and 1 antiphospholipid antibodies after KD. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis was found in 2 patients; 1 of them eventually developed SLE. Female sex, painful adenopathies, and cytopenias were significantly associated with autoimmune diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with KD, only women developed autoimmune manifestations. Therefore, long-term follow-up and active surveillance of autoimmune diseases in patients with KD, especially women, are recommended.

Osteonecrosis asintomática de la cadera en los pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana / Asymptomatic osteonecrosis of the hip in HIV-infected patients

Introducción La osteonecrosis de la cadera (OTNC) en los pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) se ha relacionado con el uso de corticoides, dislipidemia, alcoholismo, lipodistrofia, el tratamiento antirretroviral (ARV) y con la propia infección por VIH. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de la OTNC asintomática en los pacientes infectados por VIH y su asociación con los distintos factores de riesgo. Métodos De un total de 1.200 pacientes de la consulta de VIH del Hospital Xeral-Cíes de Vigo, se seleccionaron aquéllos con diagnóstico de VIH previo a enero de 2006 y edad entre 20 y 70 años que acudieron a consulta entre los meses de marzo y mayo de 2008. Los pacientes diagnosticados de OTNC o con síntomas se excluyeron. Se efectuó una resonancia magnética (RM) de las caderas. Resultados Se incluyeron 97 pacientes de raza blanca, con una mediana de edad de 44 años, de los cuales 68 eran hombres. Se detectó OTNC en 4 enfermos (4,1%), 2 de éstas eran bilaterales. Los 4 pacientes eran varones, con una mediana de edad de 44,5 años. Se registraron múltiples factores de riesgo de OTNC en cada paciente. El nadir de linfocitos CD4 (p=0,034), la proporción de pacientes con estadio C (p=0,039) y el número de pacientes con tratamiento corticoideo previo (p=0,042) fueron significativamente diferentes entre los pacientes con OTNC y aquéllos con RM normal. Conclusiones La prevalencia de OTNC asintomática fue del 4,1%. Los factores de riesgo más importantes de OTNC fueron el tratamiento con corticoides, un nadir de linfocitos CD4 bajo y el diagnóstico de enfermedad definitoria de sida. El tratamiento con ARV no se asoció con osteonecrosis(AU)

Background Osteonecrosis (ON) of the hip in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients has been related to corticosteroid use, dyslipidemia, alcoholism, lipodystrophy, antiretroviral drug use, and HIV infection, itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of silent ON of the hip in HIV-infected patients and its association with several risk factors. Methods From a total of 1200 patients followed up at the HIV clinic of Xeral-Cies Hospital in Vigo (Spain), we selected those diagnosed with HIV infection before January 2006, aged 20–70 years, who came to the clinic during the period of March to May 2008. Patients with a diagnosis of ON of the hip and those with current symptoms were excluded. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the hips was performed. ResultsNinety-seven Caucasian patients (68 men) with a median age of 44 years were included. ON of the hip was detected in 4 patients (4.1%), with bilateral involvement in 2 patients. All 4 patients were men, with a median age of 44.5 years. Several risk factors for ON of the hip were recorded in each patient. CD4 lymphocyte nadir (P=0.034), percentage of patients with CDC stage C (P=0.039), and number of patients with previous corticosteroid treatment (P=0.042) were significantly different between patients with ON of the hip and those with normal MRI findings. Conclusions The prevalence of asymptomatic ON of the hip in HIV-infected patients was 4.1%. The most important risk factors for developing this condition were corticosteroid treatment, lower CD4 lymphocyte nadir, and AIDS-defining disease. Antiretroviral treatment was not associated with osteonecrosis(AU)

[Asymptomatic osteonecrosis of the hip in HIV-infected patients]. / Osteonecrosis asintomática de la cadera en los pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana.

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis (ON) of the hip in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients has been related to corticosteroid use, dyslipidemia, alcoholism, lipodystrophy, antiretroviral drug use, and HIV infection, itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of silent ON of the hip in HIV-infected patients and its association with several risk factors. METHODS: From a total of 1200 patients followed up at the HIV clinic of Xeral-Cies Hospital in Vigo (Spain), we selected those diagnosed with HIV infection before January 2006, aged 20-70 years, who came to the clinic during the period of March to May 2008. Patients with a diagnosis of ON of the hip and those with current symptoms were excluded. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the hips was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-seven Caucasian patients (68 men) with a median age of 44 years were included. ON of the hip was detected in 4 patients (4.1%), with bilateral involvement in 2 patients. All 4 patients were men, with a median age of 44.5 years. Several risk factors for ON of the hip were recorded in each patient. CD4 lymphocyte nadir (P=0.034), percentage of patients with CDC stage C (P=0.039), and number of patients with previous corticosteroid treatment (P=0.042) were significantly different between patients with ON of the hip and those with normal MRI findings. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asymptomatic ON of the hip in HIV-infected patients was 4.1%. The most important risk factors for developing this condition were corticosteroid treatment, lower CD4 lymphocyte nadir, and AIDS-defining disease. Antiretroviral treatment was not associated with osteonecrosis.