Search

Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence of hyperthyroidism in Spain, including its geographical distribution and prevalence across different age groups., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Samples submitted to a reference laboratory to evaluate serum total thyroxine concentration (TT4) during a 3-year period were evaluated (n = 27,888). A cat was considered hyperthyroid if the TT4 concentration was greater than 60.4 nmol/l (4.7 μg/dl). Hyperthyroid cats were classified based on their TT4 concentration at diagnosis as mildly (TT4 60.4-124.8 nmol/l [4.7-9.7 μg/dl]), moderately (TT4 124.8-249.68 nmol/l [9.7-19.4 μg/dl]) or severely (TT4 >249.6 nmol/l [>19.4 μg/dl]) hyperthyroid. The samples were also grouped by life stage, into young adults (1-6 years old), mature adults (7-10 years old) and seniors (>10 years old). The study included samples from 17 regions of Spain and geographical mapping was based on seven domains., Results: One thousand seven hundred and twenty-two out of 27,888 cats (6.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.9-6.5) were classified as hyperthyroid. Within the hyperthyroid group, ages ranged from 2 to 25 years old, with a median of 14 years. Within the hyperthyroid population, 14/368 (3.8%), 27/368 (7.3%) and 327/368 (88.8%) were young adults, mature adults and seniors, respectively. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism in this laboratory-based sample in Spain was 2.7 (95% CI = 0.4-5.7) to 6.9% (95% CI = 6.4-7.4), depending on the geographical region. During the study period, 8.2% of cases that were initially non-hyperthyroid were later diagnosed with hyperthyroidism., Conclusions and Relevance: Prevalence of hyperthyroidism in Spain is 6.2% (95% CI = 5.9-6.5) overall and 7.9% (95% CI = 7.2-8.8) in cats older than 10 years. The distribution of the disease is heterogeneous between different geographical regions. Further large-scale prospective studies are required to determine the risk factors in each region and understand the reasons for this variation., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: CD44 is a cell-surface transmembrane glycoprotein that participates in the regulation of many cellular processes, including cell division, adhesion, migration and stem-like characteristics. CD63 is involved in the exocytosis process., Objective: To evaluate the relationship between CD44 and CD63 expression and clinicopathological features, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PIK3CA) mutation and survival., Methodology: CD44 and CD63 were stained in samples from 101 breast cancer cases from Peruvian women., Results: Median age was 52 years, most were most were grade-3 (68%), estrogen receptor (ER)+ (64%) and stage II-III (92%). Median ki67 was 30%, median stromal TIL was 30% and PIK3CA mutation was found in 49%. Longer survival was associated with earlier stages ( p = 0.016), lower ki67 ( p = 0.023), ER+ ( p = 0.034), luminal phenotype ( p = 0.029) and recurrence ( p < 0.001). CD44 was classified as high cell density staining in 57% and high intensity in 55%. High CD44 density was associated with younger age ( p = 0.043), triple-negative phenotype ( p = 0.035) and shorter survival ( p = 0.005). High CD44 expression was associated with short survival ( p = 0.005). High CD63 cell density was found in 56% of cases and was associated with ER-positive ( p = 0.045), low TIL levels ( p = 0.007), Luminal-A ( p = 0.015) and low CD44 intensity ( p = 0.032)., Conclusion: CD44 expression was associated with aggressive features and low CD63 density staining., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© the authors; licensee ecancermedicalscience.)

Background: Compatibility of DiamondTemp (DT) radiofrequency (RF) catheter with the Rhythmia mapping system has not been manufacturer-reported nor its tracking accuracy reported., Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing macroreentrant atrial tachycardia ablation guided by Rhythmia and ablated using DT were prospectively enrolled. Following catheter configuration, ablation lines were performed and remapped to measure the RF tag to effective-ablation-line-center (RFT-ALC) distance., Results: Among 20 consecutive patients (54 maps), 40 ablation lines were evaluated. Overall, the RFT-ALC distance was 3.88 ± 2.95 mm, and the operator assessment of accuracy was high. No complications occurred., Conclusion: The use of DT catheter guided by the Rhythmia mapping system is feasible and accurate., Competing Interests: Daniel Rodriguez Muñoz and Fernando Arribas Ynsaurriaga have received speaker honoraria and research funding from Medtronic, Inc. The rest of the authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Arrhythmia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society.)

Objective: To evaluate the frequency distribution of viral infections in Peruvian Breast Cancer (BC) lesions and its association with clinicopathological features. Additionally, a prospective evaluation of p16 and Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) levels were performed for developing a comprehensive analysis., Methods: Detection of high risk- human papillomavirus (HR- HPV) through qPCR was performed in 447 BC and 79 non-cancer frozen samples. Paired paraffin samples from 238 BC were stained with Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and p16 immunohistochemistry. TIL was calculated in 397 BC cases., Results: HCMV was positive in 72.5%. HR- HPV was detected in 2.9% of BC and 1.3% of non-malignant samples. P16+ was found in 28.15% and median TIL percentage was 30. HR- HPV infection was associated with non-ductal histology (p=0.003) and p16+ (p=0.017). Positive P16+ was associated with higher T stage (p=0.022), grade (p=0.009), TIL level (p=0.002), and triple-negative phenotype (p=0.021)., Conclusion: HCMV is frequent, but HR- HPV infection is unusual in Peruvian BC. P16+ is associated with HR- PVH infection, high TIL and aggressive features.

Objective: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infections have been extensively recognised as gastric cancer (GC) triggers, and recent publications suggest they could behave as predictive markers for immune-modulating therapies. Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have also been identified as a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy in different malignancies. This study aimed to investigate the association between EBV and HP infection with TIL levels in GC., Methods: TIL evaluation in haematoxylin-eosin was performed by a pathologist and density of CD3, CD8 and CD163 positive (immunohistochemistry staining) immune cells was calculated with the use of digital pathology software. EBV infection was detected by in situ hybridisation (ISH) and by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Methylation status of EBV-related genes was detected by PCR and a methylome analysis was performed by the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. HP status was detected by qPCR., Results: We included 98 resected GC Peruvian cases in our evaluation. Median TIL percentage was 30. The proportion of EBV+ detected by ISH was 24.1%, of EBV+ detected by qPCR was 41.8%, while 70% showed methylation of EBV-related genes, and 58.21% of cases were HP+. Younger age ( p = 0.024), early stages ( p = 0.001), HP+ ( p = 0.036) and low CD8 density ( p = 0.046) were associated with longer overall survival (OS). High TIL level was associated with intestinal subtype ( p < 0.001), with grade 2 ( p < 0.001), with EBV qPCR+ ( p = 0.001), and with methylation of EBV-related genes ( p = 0.007). Cases with high TIL level and cases that are EBV positive share eight genes with similarly methylated status in the metabolomic analysis. High CD8 density was associated with EBV PCR+ ( p = 0.012) and HP- (0.005)., Conclusion: Lower CD8 density and HP+ predict longer OS. High TIL level is associated with EBV+ and methylation of EBV-related genes, while lower CD8 density is associated with HP+ GC., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© the authors; licensee ecancermedicalscience.)

Objectives: Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease and in European countries is caused by Leishmania infantum . Cats are considered secondary reservoirs of the infection in endemic areas. The objective of this retrospective study is to describe the clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of feline leishmaniosis (FeL) in 16 cats in Spain., Methods: Medical records of cats diagnosed with leishmaniosis were retrospectively reviewed for cases that met the following inclusion criteria: identification of Leishmania organisms and/or DNA on cytological and/or histological specimens and/or a high anti- Leishmania antibody titre, compatible clinical findings and pathological abnormalities., Results: Sixteen cats met the inclusion criteria, all of which were living in areas endemic for canine leishmaniosis. Systemic signs were present in 11 cases (68.8%). The most common clinical signs on presentation included cutaneous lesions in 12 cats (75%), ocular disease in six cats (37.5%) and anorexia in six cats (37.5%). A polyclonal gammopathy was noted in 12 cats (85.7%). Non-regenerative anaemia and renal abnormalities were present in six (37.5%) and five patients (31.3%), respectively. In nine cats (56.3%), immunosuppressive conditions/comorbidities were identified. The diagnosis was made in eight of the cats (50%) by cytology, but a combination of diagnostic tests was needed for definitive diagnosis in the remaining patients. Twelve cats (75%) were treated specifically for leishmaniosis. Five of the 12 cats (41.7%) did not improve with treatment. The median survival time in the group of patients treated specifically for leishmaniosis was 17 months. Median survival of patients treated with concomitant diseases was 13 months vs 41 months in those without, although this was not statistically significant ( P  = 0.557)., Conclusions and Relevance: Presentation of FeL appears to be similar to canine leishmaniosis but with some specific features: ulcerative and nodular skin lesions are the predominant cutaneous signs; cats with immunosuppressive conditions or coexisting diseases were more commonly present than typically seen in dogs (mainly feline immunodeficiency virus). A combination of diagnostic tests may be needed for definitive diagnosis.

Objectives: To assess the utility of urine dipstick strips for detection of feline proteinuria when used in combination with urine-specific gravity, compared with urine protein-to-creatinine ratio as the gold standard., Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical records of comprehensive urine examination obtained from cats presented to a referral hospital. Diagnostic agreement and test accuracy were calculated for the dipstick test alone and in combination with the urine-specific gravity, using different cut-off values for proteinuria. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were also calculated., Results: A total of 121 urine samples were included. The diagnostic agreement between dipstick and urine protein-creatinine ratio was poor. A dipstick result of equal or greater than "Trace" (0.1-0.3 g/L) had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 31% to detect proteinuria. Grouping the samples by urine-specific gravity did not increase dipstick agreement with the urine protein-creatinine ratio and only resulted in a slight improvement in the accuracy of detecting proteinuria., Clinical Significance: The dipstick test was not accurate for detecting proteinuria when combined with urine-specific gravity in cats. Clinicians should not rely on this test and, regardless of the urine concentration, other appropriate quantitative methods such as urine protein-creatinine ratio should always be performed to detect proteinuria in cats., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Small Animal Practice published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Small Animal Veterinary Association.)

Aim: Helicobacter pylori is usually detected based on hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) features, but, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) are more precise in chronic-gastritis. We evaluated the relevance of these tests in Peruvian gastric cancer samples. Materials & methods: We performed and evaluated H-E, IHC staining and RT-PCR in 288 gastric tumors. Slides were independently evaluated by three pathologists. Results: H. pylori was detected in 167/287 through H-E, 140/288 through IHC and 175/288 through RT-PCR, and positive-status were associated (p < 0.001). H. pylori detection by H-E had a good concordance with IHC (kappa index = 0.632) but poor with RT-PCR (kappa index = 0.317). Higher median gene-copies were found in high H. pylori density through H-E or IHC (p < 0.001). Conclusion : H-E evaluation is accurate in gastric cancer, and IHC and RT-PCR can complement its results.

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between the presence of H. pylori in paired samples of tap water and gastric cancer (GC) lesion in Lima city (Peru)., Material and Methods: Gastric tissue and tap-water samples were prospectively collected from 82 Gastric Cancer who lived in Lima. HspA and ureA genes were evaluated by qPCR in the samples.  Results: The median age of patients with GC was 63 years, 52.4% were men and stage-II in 36.6%. A home-living time> 10 years was reported in 84.1% of patients. Boiling water treatment was indicated in 85.4% of cases. H. pylori was detected in 69.5% of gastric tissues and in 12.2% of analyzed tap-water. There was no differences in gastric infection rates among those with or without water contamination (70% vs. 69.4%, p=0.971). Conclusion & Impact: H. pylori was found in tap-water samples, however, detection rates were lower than in gastric cancer samples. Other sources of infection transmission should be investigated.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the association between composition of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and expression of p16 in acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), and their impact on prognosis., Materials and Methods: A cohort of 148 surgical pathology specimens of ALM was studied. TIL were evaluated by immunohistochemical detection of CD3 and CD8, along with CD20, CD4, CD68, and CD163 in a subset of 43 cases. p16 protein expression was also investigated in all the cases., Results: The median age was 66 years, median Breslow thickness was 6.0 mm, grade III TIL was found in 28.4% and lymph nodes were involved in 54.2%. Breslow thickness (p < 0.001), stage I-II (p < 0.001), negative lymph nodes (p < 0.001) and < 10% p16 (p = 0.01) were associated with longer survival. Grade III of TIL was associated with thinner Breslow thickness (p = 0.008) and lower mitosis (p = 0.047). A higher density of CD3 TIL was associated with male gender (p = 0.008), thinner Breslow thickness (p = 0.047), negative lymph node (p = 0.031), early stage (p = 0.046), and p16 nuclear expression of > 10% (p = 0.045). Higher CD8 TIL was associated with > p16 (p = 0.03). Survival analysis found that longer survival had a trend to be associated with high TIL (p = 0.090). Levels of CD3+ and CD8+ cells were correlated with those of CD4+, CD20+, CD68+ and CD163+ immune cells., Conclusions: Higher levels of TIL tend to be associated with better overall survival in ALM. Loss of expression of p16 is associated with lower levels of CD3+ and CD8+ TIL, indicating a probable relationship between p16 and TIL immune response in ALM .