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In recent years, multidisciplinary programs have been implemented that include different actions during the pre, intra and postoperative period, aimed at reducing perioperative stress and therefore improving the results of patients undergoing surgical interventions. Initially, these programs were developed for colorectal surgery and from there they have been extended to other surgeries. Thoracic surgery, considered highly complex, like other surgeries with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, may be one of the specialties that most benefit from the implementation of these programs. This review presents the recommendations made by different specialties involved in the perioperative care of patients who require resection of a lung tumor. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized and non-randomized controlled studies, and retrospective studies conducted in patients undergoing this type of intervention have been taken into account in preparing the recommendations presented in this guide. The GRADE scale has been used to classify the recommendations, assessing on the one hand the level of evidence published on each specific aspect and, on the other hand, the strength of the recommendation with which the authors propose its application. The recommendations considered most important for this type of surgery are those that refer to pre-habilitation, minimization of surgical aggression, excellence in the management of perioperative pain and postoperative care aimed at providing rapid postoperative rehabilitation.

Disseminated and recurrent infundibulofolliculitis is an uncommon non-infectious skin eruption characterized by recurrent, sometimes pruritic, follicular papules commonly seen on the trunk and proximal extremities. We describe the clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic characteristics of disseminated and recurrent infundibulofolliculitis in three young pediatric patients from the tropical regions of Mexico, Guerrero, and Chiapas.

We report the first case of onychomycosis caused by Kloeckera apiculata in a woman with multiple sclerosis. Video-dermoscopic examination showed a spiked pattern and distal irregular aspect. Colonies on Sabouraud agar were white, creamy, and smooth. A microscopic examination showed blastoconidia. MALDI-TOF confirmed Kloeckera apiculata as the causal agent.

Malakoplakia in humans most often affects the urinary bladder and is characterized by inflammation with von Hansemann–type macrophages, with or without Michaelis-Gutmann bodies, and is frequently associated with Escherichia coli infection. We describe the microscopic features of malakoplakia in the urinary bladder of 4 puppies. In all cases, the lamina propria of the urinary bladder was markedly expanded by sheets of large, round to polygonal macrophages with intracytoplasmic, periodic acid-Schiff-positive granules and granular inclusions, and rare Prussian blue–positive inclusions. Macrophages were positive for CD18 and Iba1. In 2 cases, Michaelis-Gutmann bodies were detected with hematoxylin and eosin stain and were best demonstrated with von Kossa stain. E. coli infection was confirmed in 2 cases with bacterial culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Transmission electron microscopy of one case demonstrated macrophages with abundant lysosomes, phagolysosomes, and rod-shaped bacteria. Microscopic features were similar to human cases of malakoplakia. In dogs, the light microscopic characteristics of malakoplakia closely resemble granular cell tumors and histiocytic ulcerative colitis.

Resumen Introducción: Los condilomas son la infección de transmisión sexual más frecuente en el mundo y tiene estrecha relación con la infección por VIH. La topografía y la serología son variables, y algunos presentan mayor riesgo de malignización. Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia, características clínicas, topográficas y factores asociados a la presencia de condilomas ano-genitales en pacientes con infección por VIH/SIDA en Guanajuato. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y transversal realizado entre junio y diciembre de 2014. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos con infección por VIH/SIDA, de ambos sexos, del CAPASITS León, México. Se aplicó un cuestionario que incluyó: datos de identificación, y factores de riesgo relacionados a los condilomas ano-genitales, y se les revisó dicha región corporal en busca de condilomas. Se realizó estadística descriptiva de acuerdo al tipo y distribución de las variables y se compararon las medianas de linfocitos T CD4 (LTCD4+) de los pacientes, con y sin condilomas, con la prueba U- Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Se incluyeron 213 pacientes con infección por VIH/SIDA, 181 (85%) hombres. La prevalencia de condilomas ano-genitales fue de 30% (IC95%:23-36%), con mayor frecuencia en la región anal, con 21% de los casos. Encontramos una diferencia significativa entre las medianas en el recuento de linfocitos LTCD4+ en los pacientes, con y sin condilomas, (425 vs 510 LTCD4+/mL, p = 0,034). Conclusiones: Se obtuvo una prevalencia alta de pacientes con condilomas ano-genitales. La presencia de condilomas fue mayor en pacientes con menor recuento de linfocitos LTCD4+. Considerando la elevada prevalencia, se recomienda la aplicación de la vacuna en este grupo de pacientes.

To present the outcomes of arthroscopic electrothermal shrinkage for partial scapholunate (SL) ligament tears, isolated or with associated triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries. A prospective study of 20 patients with symptomatic instability of SL ligament (14 of them also with TFCC wrist injuries) treated with arthroscopic electrothermal shrinkage was conducted using a monopolar radiofrequency probe. No patient showed radiologic signs of static dissociation (mean SL interval 2.2 ± 0.6 mm; mean SL angle 41.4° ± 6.7°) before surgery. All patients underwent follow-up at our clinic regularly for an average of 50.6 months (range 29–80 months). The modified Mayo wrist score improved from a mean of 59 ± 17.1 points preoperatively to 88.3 ± 16.2 points at the final follow-up. At the final clinical examination, a painful Watson scaphoid shift test was found in 3 patients (15%). The mean flexion–extension arc was unchanged (132° ± 19°), and mean grip strength improved 12 kg. No patient showed radiologic signs of arthritis or instability after surgery (mean SL interval 1.9 ± 0.7 mm; mean SL angle 42.7° ± 7.3°). Of the 14 patients with combined TFCC injuries, 3 patients continued complaining of ulnar-sided point tenderness. At the end of the follow-up, 80% of the subjects were satisfied or very satisfied. SL ligament and TFCC electrothermal shrinkage effectively provided pain relief and grip strength increase for most of the patients treated. Level IV.

Background and aims: Emergency General Surgery (EGS) conditions account for millions of deaths worldwide, yet it is practiced without benchmarking-based quality improvement programs. The aim of this observational, prospective, multicenter, nationwide study was to determine the best benchmark cutoff points in EGS, as a reference to guide improvement measures. Methods: Over a 6-month period, 38 centers (5% of all public hospitals) attending EGS patients on a 24-h, 7-days a week basis, enrolled consecutive patients requiring an emergent/urgent surgical procedure. Patients were stratified into cohorts of low (i.e., expected morbidity risk = 40.9%, length of hospital stays

Antecedentes y objetivo: La endocarditis infecciosa (EI) es una infección de mal pronóstico, con una mortalidad intrahospitalaria que va del 15-20%. La terapia óptima requiere antibioticoterapia efectiva por tiempo prolongado y cirugía valvular en algunos casos. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar la epidemiología y desenlaces de pacientes con EI en un centro de referencia en la Ciudad de México. Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes admitidos al Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán con diagnóstico de EI en un periodo de 10 años, de enero de 2009 a enero de 2019. Se incluyeron a pacientes que cumplían la definición de diagnóstico definitivo de endocarditis infecciosa de acuerdo a los criterios modificados de Duke. Resultados: Se incluyeron a 62 pacientes (50.85 ± 17.46 años, 40.3% mujeres). Todos los casos tuvieron cultivos positivos, siendo S. aureus el microorganismo más frecuente (34%). El 58.1% de los pacientes recibió tratamiento quirúrgico y 41.9% recibió únicamente tratamiento médico. La mortalidad a 30 días fue de 25.8% y a 12 meses fue de 41.9%. Comparando los grupos de tratamiento médico y quirúrgico, se encontró que 50% y 36% de cada grupo, respectivamente, habían fallecido a los 12 meses. Conclusiones: Encontramos una alta prevalencia de EI asociada a los cuidados de la salud, principalmente en relación a accesos intravasculares. Casi todos los pacientes presentaban un criterio quirúrgico al momento del diagnóstico. Los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y función sistólica del ventrículo derecho disminuida presentaron una mayor mortalidad a 12 meses.

Introduction Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy (HITHOC) is a therapeutic option for treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Anaesthetic management might be challenging. Patients and methods A descriptive analysis of a case series is presented. Seven patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnostic undergoing HITHOC surgery were studied. Combined general and epidural anaesthesia were administered. An intensive haemodynamic monitorization was implemented. Data regarding perioperative course was analyzed. Results Between May 2015 and October 2018 7 patients underwent HITHOC procedure. Blood transfusions were administered in all patients, and 5 of the 7 patients required vasoactive drug administration. Extubation at the end of the procedure was able in 6 of the 7 patients. The median length of stay in ICU was 4 days, and 29 days for the whole hospitalary stay. No significant postoperative pain was observed. Conclusions HITHOC surgery is a complex procedure in which several haemodynamic changes occur. An intensive intraoperative monitorization was useful for controlling complications.

Summary Background Although COVID-19 has greatly affected many low-income and middle-income countries, detailed information about patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is still scarce. Our aim was to examine ventilation characteristics and outcomes in invasively ventilated patients with COVID-19 in Argentina, an upper middle-income country. Methods In this prospective, multicentre cohort study (SATICOVID), we enrolled patients aged 18 years or older with RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 who were on invasive mechanical ventilation and admitted to one of 63 ICUs in Argentina. Patient demographics and clinical, laboratory, and general management variables were collected on day 1 (ICU admission); physiological respiratory and ventilation variables were collected on days 1, 3, and 7. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. All patients were followed until death in hospital or hospital discharge, whichever occurred first. Secondary outcomes were ICU mortality, identification of independent predictors of mortality, duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, and patterns of change in physiological respiratory and mechanical ventilation variables. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04611269, and is complete. Findings Between March 20, 2020, and Oct 31, 2020, we enrolled 1909 invasively ventilated patients with COVID-19, with a median age of 62 years [IQR 52–70]. 1294 (67·8%) were men, hypertension and obesity were the main comorbidities, and 939 (49·2%) patients required vasopressors. Lung-protective ventilation was widely used and median duration of ventilation was 13 days (IQR 7–22). Median tidal volume was 6·1 mL/kg predicted bodyweight (IQR 6·0–7·0) on day 1, and the value increased significantly up to day 7; positive end-expiratory pressure was 10 cm H2O (8–12) on day 1, with a slight but significant decrease to day 7. Ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) to fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) was 160 (IQR 111–218), respiratory system compliance 36 mL/cm H2O (29–44), driving pressure 12 cm H2O (10–14), and FiO2 0·60 (0·45–0·80) on day 1. Acute respiratory distress syndrome developed in 1672 (87·6%) of patients; 1176 (61·6%) received prone positioning. In-hospital mortality was 57·7% (1101/1909 patients) and ICU mortality was 57·0% (1088/1909 patients); 462 (43·8%) patients died of refractory hypoxaemia, frequently overlapping with septic shock (n=174). Cox regression identified age (hazard ratio 1·02 [95% CI 1·01–1·03]), Charlson score (1·16 [1·11–1·23]), endotracheal intubation outside of the ICU (ie, before ICU admission; 1·37 [1·10–1·71]), vasopressor use on day 1 (1·29 [1·07–1·55]), D-dimer concentration (1·02 [1·01–1·03]), PaO2/FiO2 on day 1 (0·998 [0·997–0·999]), arterial pH on day 1 (1·01 [1·00–1·01]), driving pressure on day 1 (1·05 [1·03–1·08]), acute kidney injury (1·66 [1·36–2·03]), and month of admission (1·10 [1·03–1·18]) as independent predictors of mortality. Interpretation In patients with COVID-19 who required invasive mechanical ventilation, lung-protective ventilation was widely used but mortality was high. Predictors of mortality in our study broadly agreed with those identified in studies of invasively ventilated patients in high-income countries. The sustained burden of COVID-19 on scarce health-care personnel might have contributed to high mortality over the course of our study in Argentina. These data might help to identify points for improvement in the management of patients in middle-income countries and elsewhere. Funding None. Translation For the Spanish translation of the Summary see Supplementary Materials section.

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease related to HLA-DR8. Susceptibility to onychomycosis has been found in Mexican mestizos with HLA-DR8. The frequency of onychomycosis in this neurological disease is unknown. Objectives To determine the frequency of onychomycosis and its clinical, mycological, and dermoscopic characteristics in patients with MS in comparison with the general population. Methods Observational, cross-sectional, case-control study in patients with MS from October 2017 to February 2018. Age, gender, MS type, and time of progression from diagnosis to date and baseline treatment were collected after signed informed consent. A neurological exploration and clinical examination of fingernails and toenails for onychomycosis was conducted. Mycological and dermoscopic studies of the infected nails were performed on patients with clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis. A healthy control group was taken for each case (1:1), paired by age and gender. Results The frequency of onychomycosis in patients with MS was higher than the healthy population (32% vs. 26%, P = 0.509). A higher frequency of non-dermatophyte fungi was found, although it was not statistically significant. The clinical manifestations and dermoscopic findings in patients with MS and onychomycosis were similar to those of the general population. Conclusion The frequency of onychomycosis in patients with MS is slightly higher than that of the general population. A possible association of HLA-DR8 as a susceptibility factor for onychomycosis is proposed. The etiology of opportunistic fungi in MS patients with onychomycosis may be related to immunosuppressive treatment.

In this retrospective descriptive study, we characterized the clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of 13 cases of canine gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma (GB-NEC). Immunohistochemical stains for neuroendocrine (neuron-specific enolase [NSE], chromogranin A, synaptophysin) and gastrin markers were evaluated, and clinicopathologic and follow-up data were obtained for all cases. The average age at diagnosis was 8.9 y, and breeds included 6 Boston Terriers, 2 Bichon Frise, 1 Poodle, 1 English Bulldog, 1 French Bulldog, and 2 mixed-breed dogs. Boston Terriers were overrepresented in this cohort, and therefore a breed predilection is possible. Most dogs were presented with emesis and elevated liver enzyme activities: 13 of 13 had elevated alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities; 8 of 13 had elevated aspartate aminotransferase activity; 7 of 13 had elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase activity. Abdominal ultrasound and/or exploratory surgery revealed a gallbladder mass. All neoplasms had similar histologic features and positive immunoreactivity for NSE, chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and gastrin. Vascular invasion was noted in 8 of 13 neoplasms, and metastasis was present in 6 of 13 cases (4 hepatic and 2 pulmonary metastases). The median survival time was 3.7 y in patients who died; 5 of 8 deaths were directly attributed to the GB-NEC, 3 of which had metastatic spread. GB-NECs have the potential to metastasize; however, surgical excision may be curative in a subset of dogs.

Background In 2018 an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) was established in our Hospital, implementing guidelines for preoperative surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP). Our objective was to describe the adequacy of SAP in colorectal cancer surgery (CCS) in our centre. Methods A prospective study was carried out in Hospital General Universitario Reina Sofia, Murcia. Patients subjected to CCS between January 1st and November 30th of 2019 were included. No exclusion criteria were established. Interventions were classified following ECDC Surgical Site Infection Surveillance guidelines. ASP data were obtained from clinical documents and electronic records, evaluated following ASP guidelines and classified as adequate or inadequate. Inadequate SAP was divided into five categories: “Length of administration”, “Antibiotic election”, “Inadequate Timing”, “Antibiotic indication” and “Other”. Results A total of 77 interventions were recorded, 75.3% being laparoscopic (LCOL) and 24.7% open (OCOL). All the interventions received SAP, but only 41.5% were adequate. The main causes of inadequacy were inadequate timing (40%) and length of administration (37.7%). Among the LCOL procedures, the main causes were length of administration (42.8%) followed by timing (37.1%). In contrast, the cause of inadequacy in OCOL was inadequate timing (50%) followed by an inadequate antibiotic election (30%) Conclusions Despite the implementation of an ASP and diffusion of guidelines among professionals, we found that less than half of colorectal cancer surgeries in our centre received an adequate SAP. Overall, inadequate timing of administration was the main cause, although we found length of administration as the main cause of inadequacy in LCOL. Due to these results, a PDCA cycle was started. Key messages Implementation of a program does not always mean compliance. Surveillance is key to monitoring results… and keep improving!

Because high frequency and late presentation of HIV disease in our population, we decided to explore the presence of myocarditis among people with HIV-infection and advanced immunosuppression (less than 200 CD4+ cells/μL), and to describe the inflammatory changes observed after combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiation in an observational, longitudinal, prospective cohort performing cardiovascular MRI (cMRI) and doppler trans-thoracic echocardiogram (TTE).

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an idiopathic demyelinating disease in which meningeal inflammation correlates with accelerated disease progression. The study of meningeal inflammation in MS has been limited because of constrained access to MS brain/spinal cord specimens and the lack of experimental models recapitulating progressive MS. Unlike induced models, a spontaneously occurring model would offer a unique opportunity to understand MS immunopathogenesis and provide a compelling framework for translational research. We propose granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) as a natural model to study neuropathological aspects of MS. GME is an idiopathic, progressive neuroinflammatory disease of young dogs with a female bias. In the GME cases examined in this study, the meninges displayed focal and disseminated leptomeningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging, which correlated with heavy leptomeningeal lymphocytic infiltration. These leptomeningeal infiltrates resembled tertiary lymphoid organs containing large B cell clusters that included few proliferating Ki67+ cells, plasma cells, follicular dendritic/reticular cells, and germinal center B cell–like cells. These B cell collections were confined in a specialized network of collagen fibers associated with the expression of the lympho-organogenic chemokines CXCL13 and CCL21. Although neuroparenchymal perivascular infiltrates contained B cells, they lacked the immune signature of aggregates in the meningeal compartment. Finally, meningeal B cell accumulation correlated significantly with cortical demyelination reflecting neuropathological similarities to MS. Hence, during chronic neuroinflammation, the meningeal microenvironment sustains B cell accumulation that is accompanied by underlying neuroparenchymal injury, indicating GME as a novel, naturally occurring model to study compartmentalized neuroinflammation and the associated pathology thought to contribute to progressive MS.

Peripheral odontogenic fibroma (POF) is an uncommon finding in the mouth of cats. Few cases have been reported in the literature. The present report describes an adolescent, male-castrated domestic shorthair cat with POFs at the rostral upper and lower jaws that were treated via marginal excision including removal of underlying bone. Despite the high incidence of recurrence reported in the literature, recheck examinations up to 11 months postoperatively did not show regrowth of the gingival masses. Thus, marginal excision including removal of underlying bone appears to be a viable treatment option for POF in cats.

Background Adalimumab biosimilars experience in real practice is still limited. Some changes in efficacy, safety, adherence or tolerance in comparison with the original could lead to a cessation of this drug. We propose the use of persistence as a reliable parameter to report the absence of drug withdrawal. To date, there are no studies specifically about the persistence of these biosimilars compared to the original and this project aimed to analyze it, in addition to advance concerning safety. Methods We performed a retrospective study with 104 patients from our hospital, consecutively selected between 2018–20. Data were obtained from the digital medical record. The primary outcome measure was persistence during 1 year, represented in Kaplan-Meier analysis. We gathered secondary endpoints such as the treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE), clinical efficacy, serum biomarkers such as protein-C-reactive (CRP) and faecal calprotectin (FC). Were considered mild TEAE which did not require its withdrawal and we were considered severe those which led to discontinuing the drug, needed hospital admission or specialized care. Clinical response was considered according to Harvey–Bradshaw Index (HBI) (decrease ≥3 below the baseline) or Partial Mayo Index (PMS)( ≤ 2 points below baseline). We considered p < 0.05 as statistical significance. Results Our sample included 104 patients divided into 3 groups: 50 received biosimilar (A), 29 original (B), and 25 started with biosimilar but previously had received original (were “denominated mixed group”)(C). The persistence of group A was higher (p =0.04) while concerning adverse reactions, no differences were obtained about mild and there were differences in severe ones (p = 0.009). Group C obtained higher severe TEAE. The inflammatory biomarkers were reduced in a similar proportion in the 3 groups, and 43% had a clinical response to Adalimumab at week 20 without differences between them. Conclusion According to our study, patients who received exclusive biosimilar presented a higher persistence. Regarding safety, biosimilars are safe with a similar profile in comparison to the reference drug in most clinical settings. However, based on our data, the switch within the same active principle (from original to biosimilar) could generate interferences in the clinical results and could cause the appearance of TEAEs that would suppose drug withdrawal. These aspects are related to the nocebo effect, and our advice is to avoid this strategy to minimize these negative effects of therapy switch. Further research is needed to improve the knowledge about adalimumab biosimilars with longer follow-up and with larger cohorts including multicentric researches.

Background Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are at increased risk of postoperative infectious complications (PIC). There are few studies and conflicting data regarding the risk factors involved in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of infectious complications and postoperative mortality in patients with IBD who underwent intestinal surgery, as well as describe the characteristics of our population and identify possible risk factors. Methods Retrospective study on patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)) treated in “Virgen de las Nieves” University Hospital between January 2019 and December 2020. Patients who underwent small bowel or colorectal surgery were included. Information regarding demographic and clinical data, procedures, treatments and surgical outcomes were collected. Clinical outcomes documented were postoperative infectious complications and in-hospital mortality. Descriptive inferential were carried out. Results 36 patients were included (47.2% male, median age 44.9 years). All the characteristics of our sample are detailed in Figures 1 and 2. Regarding surgical outcomes, 7 patients developed PIC (6 surgical site infection (SSI) and 1 multiple infections including pneumonia, candidemia and SSI). The features of these patients are detailed in Figures 3 and 4. Conclusion Postoperative infectious complications after intestinal surgery are an important cause of morbi-mortality in CD and UC patients. Identifying risk factors early, could help reduce the incidence of these complications. Seven patients (19,4%) in our sample developed PIC, mostly SSI. All of them diagnosed of CD, which explains the greater need of surgery in them compared to patients with UC. These patients had more severe disease: penetrating pattern (B3 according to Montreal Classification) and ileocolonic location (L3). Most patients were receiving immunosuppressive treatments by the time of surgery, especially biological treatments. The median time of evolution of the disease was high, describing a profile of disease more advanced. Our efforts should be determined to early prevention and treatment of modifiable risk factors during the perioperative period. In order to achieve this aim, further research is needed, with prospective, multicenter and wider population studies, trying to control any confusion factors. Finally, we would like to highlight the need of studies analyzing UC population, as most of them focus on patients with CD.

We describe a case of fat droplets and blood in the cerebral subarachnoid space secondary in a patient with a complex sacral fracture without associated cranial trauma, a few days after admission. To our knowledge, there is only one published case with similar findings and without any other underlying lesion as cause. We explain the differences in the mechanism of production between this direct fat embolism and brain fat embolism syndrome, which is an intravascular embolism with different radiological appearance. The most important features of sacral fracture with spondylopelvic dissociation are described. Finally, this entity should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of the few causes of fat in the subarachnoid space. In the context of high-energy trauma fractures of the sacrum or spine must be ruled out as a potential cause of this uncommon intracranial finding.

Objectives To evaluate the utility of virtual cystoscopy (VC) performed with CT urography in patients being studied under gross hematuria or patients being followed-up after a previous bladder cancer and compare the results with those obtained with gold standard technique (optical cystoscopy). Methods Retrospective study of 117 patients who were referred for VC by the Urology Department between May 2014 and May 2015. Those patients presented with gross hematuria or they were previously treated patients from bladder cancer being followed up. These patients were evaluated with MDCT and virtual cystoscopy after distending the bladder with air. The results were compared with those obtained with optical cystoscopy which was performed no more than a week after. Results The global sensitivity and specificity of VC were 81.8 and 92.1 per cent. Additional findings detected in CT urography were an aortic dissection, urinary lithiasis and colonic metastasis. Conclusion VC seems an useful technique in the diagnosis and follow-up for bladder cancer with a good correlation with OC. The main limitations are the impossibility of biopsy during the procedure and the detection of erythematous lesions. Collateral findings can be detected performed with CT urography although the high radiation exposure does not recommend their combined use.

The performance of invasive procedures in patients undergoing oral anticoagulation represents a risk. Without conclusive data on this issue, the recommendations on managing oral anticoagulation are generally weak, and its management is controversial and heterogeneous. We conducted a review of the evidence on the elective periprocedural management of oral anticoagulation following the publication of the 9th edition of the guidelines of the American College of Chest Physicians. Except for cases of procedures with minimal hemorrhagic risk, the use of oral anticoagulants is suspended with sufficient time so that it can be performed without a significant anticoagulant effect, which will depend on the half-life of the drug. For direct oral anticoagulants, the half-life is determined by the renal function. Recent studies have shown that the use of bridge therapy with heparin in patients who temporarily suspended the use of oral anticoagulation provided no benefits and increased the bleeding. However, there is no conclusive evidence against its use in patients with a high thromboembolic risk.

The performance of invasive procedures in patients undergoing oral anticoagulation represents a risk. Without conclusive data on this issue, the recommendations on managing oral anticoagulation are generally weak, and its management is controversial and heterogeneous. We conducted a review of the evidence on the elective periprocedural management of oral anticoagulation following the publication of the 9 th edition of the guidelines of the American College of Chest Physicians. Except for cases of procedures with minimal haemorrhagic risk, the use of oral anticoagulants is suspended with sufficient time so that it can be performed without a significant anticoagulant effect, which will depend on the half-life of the drug. For direct oral anticoagulants, the half-life is determined by the renal function. Recent studies have shown that the use of bridge therapy with heparin in patients who temporarily suspended the use of oral anticoagulation provided no benefits and increased the bleeding. However, there is no conclusive evidence against its use in patients with a high thromboembolic risk.

This paper features the performance of the AGoRA lower-limb exoskeleton in knee rehabilitation therapy. Given that stroke rehabilitation focuses on functionality recovery, robotic devices for such purpose need to be able to move the limbs safely and naturally. Thus, rigid orthoses have lately implemented impedance-based controllers to ensure compliance of non-backdrivable mechanical structures and guarantee easy operation. Following such compliance recovery concepts, the exoskeleton presented here utilizes an admittance controller to deploy a learning mode (LM) in which a trajectory pattern defined by a therapist is recorded for future use. Once the trajectory has been saved, an assistance mode (AM) based on a gravity compensation module passively replays such behavior on the user's limb while the motor position and velocity profiles are monitored. A preliminary test in a healthy subject was conducted to assess the performance of this control architecture. Results drawn from this trial suggest that the proposed therapeutic approach might be useful for early stages of knee rehabilitation where continuous repetitive movements are recommended, since position and velocity errors were not greater than ±1.5°, and ±17% of maximum velocity value, respectively.

Summary A 14-year-old domestic longhaired cat presented with a 2-year history of nasal discharge and a recent onset of inappetence and submandibular lymphadenopathy. The cat was humanely destroyed after developing severe respiratory distress. Necropsy examination revealed thickened nasal turbinates and soft palate, and friable red–tan material within the frontal sinus, nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The lungs contained multifocal irregular friable tan nodules. Multiple lymph nodes were enlarged, friable and red–tan in colour. Histopathology revealed a mature type extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) within the frontal sinus, nasal cavity, soft palate, larynx, trachea, lungs and multiple lymph nodes. The lymph nodes and larynx also contained marked granulomatous inflammation with extensive intrahistiocytic (and lesser amounts of extracellular) lambda light chain amyloid, confirmed by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Neoplastic cells expressed CD79a and MUM1. This is the first report of an infiltrative EMP of the feline respiratory tract with lymph node metastasis and predominantly intrahistiocytic amyloid.

Introduction Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. It is a genetic disorder of autosomal dominant inheritance and one of its most striking features is its multi-systemic involvement with a wide clinical phenotype. Patients and methods Data from 107 patients with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of the disease were retrospectively analysed from the database of a national reference division for neuromuscular diseases. Demographic and clinical data were collected over a 7-year period. Results The most frequent age of symptom onset was adulthood (66.4%). 35% showed exclusive distal weakness and a majority (63.6%) had clinical myotonia. Only 10 patients lacked neuromuscular symptoms at diagnosis and up to 9.5% were restricted to a wheelchair. The implantation of a pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator was conducted in 16 patients but no sudden cardiac death was detected. A venous thromboembolic disease incidence rate of 5.6 cases per 1000 patient-year was identified. More than half of the patients (54%) in the series developed respiratory failure. 13 patients died during the follow-up period, with respiratory failure being the main cause of death. Conclusions The follow-up and clinical management of patients with DM1 should be multidisciplinary. In our series, the main cause of morbidity and mortality was respiratory disorders, whereas the incidence of cardiac disorders was lower. In addition, there is a notable frequency of complications derived from falls, which can have serious consequences. Finally, a higher than expected incidence of thromboembolic events was identified, which deserves further study in other cohorts of patients.

Background:Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This cannot be entirely explained by traditional risk factors. Inflammation and autoimmunity may play a role in the cardiovascular risk excess. Subclinical atherosclerosis is associated with a risk comparable to established coronary heart disease. In RA it has been investigated by carotid artery ultrasound and carotid atherosclerotic plaques are more prevalent in RA patients than controls. EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk management consider that carotid ultrasound may be part of the risk evaluation in patients with RA. Recent studies in general population have shown that plaques in femoral arteries are more common and are associated with higher cardiovascular risk.Objectives:To study the usefulness of femoral artery ultrasound for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis and its ability to improve cardiovascular risk assessment in RA patients.Methods:Cross-sectional observational study of prevalence in 140 RA patients aged 40 to 65 years. Subclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated by carotid and femoral artery ultrasound.Results:Atherosclerotic plaques were found in 86.4% of RA patients (60.7% in carotid arteries and 78.6% in femoral arteries). Patients with plaques were older and more frequently past or present tobacco users. Femoral plaques were larger and more numerous than the carotid plaques and people with plaques in both locations had more extensive subclinical atherosclerotic disease (table). Only 7.9% of RA patients were considered as having very high cardiovascular risk by clinical factors, after carotid ultrasound this increased to 57.1% and after femoral ultrasound to 86.4%.Conclusion:Ultrasound examinations of the femoral artery in addition to the carotid artery increased the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis and determine a group of patients with higher intensity of atherosclerotic disease. Examinations of both arteries allowed a greater number of RA patients previously considered to have low to moderate cardiovascular risk to be classified as very high cardiovascular risk.References:[1]Agca R, Heslinga SC, Rollefstad S, Heslinga M, McInnes IB, Peters MJL, et al. EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory joint disorders: 2015/2016 update. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 Jan;76(1):17–28.[2]Ambrosino P, Lupoli R, Di Minno A, Tasso M, Peluso R, Di Minno MND. Subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A meta-analysis of literature studies. Thromb Haemost. 2015 May;113(5):916–30.[3]Laclaustra M, Casasnovas JA, Fernández-Ortiz A, Fuster V, León-Latre M, Jiménez-Borreguero LJ, et al. Femoral and Carotid Subclinical Atherosclerosis Association With Risk Factors and Coronary Calcium: The AWHS Study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016 Mar 22;67(11):1263–74.TableOnly carotid plaquesn= 11Only femoral plaquesn= 36Femoral and carotid plaquesn= 74Number of carotid plaques per patient1,3 ± 0,5-2,5 ±2,0*Carotid plaques size (mm)1,63 ±0,20-2,08 ±0,69*Number of femoral plaques per patient-2,3 ±1,73,7 ± 2,9**Femoral plaque size (mm)-2,20 ± 0,593,10 ± 1,10**Total number of plaques per patient1,3 ± 0,52,3 ± 1,7*6,2 ± 4,3***†Results in mean ± sd. *pDisclosure of Interests:Julio Medina: None declared, Francisco Aramburu: None declared, Carmen González Montagut: None declared, Dolores Sánchez: None declared, Estíbaliz Loza Grant/research support from: Roche, Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Novartis, Gebro, Adacap, Astellas, BMS, Lylly, Sanofi, Eisai, Leo, Sobi

Background:Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is an uncommon chronic inflammatory disease characterized by myalgia, soft tissue hardening, peripheral eosinophilia and increased acute phase reactants, often triggered after strenuous physical exercise. Its appearance has been described as a rare complication after allogeneic transplantation of hematopoietic progenitors in the context of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Its etiopathogenesis is not well known and usually the treatment with systemic corticosteroids is effectiveObjectives:Describe the clinical and transplant-related characteristics of a cohort of patients with eosinophilic fasciitis-like in the context of cGVHDMethods:Observational, retrospective and descriptive study of the clinical characteristics of 28 patients affected by EF-like followed in a multidisciplinary consultation of cGVHD, started in March, 2014. Regular demographic variables, clinical characteristics related to the transplant and with the cGVHD, laboratory parameters, rescue therapies and their response were collected. The statistical analysis was done with Microsoft Excel 2007.Results:Seventeen (60.7%) patients were male and 11 (39.35%) were women with a mean age of 48.75 years (range from 10 to 74). Acute myeloid leukemia was the most frequent cause of the transplant in 11 patients (39.3%). Transplant related characteristics are reflected in Table 1 and the clinical manifestations, therapies received and their response in Table 2. Four (14.2%) patients died during their follow-up, being the cause of death in 2 cases due to sepsis, and in 1 case attributable to GVHD.Table 1.Baseline and transplant related characteristics (N = 28)..VariablesN (%)Donor Type (related / not related)13(46.4%)/15(53.6%)Type of conditioning (reduced intensity / myeloablative)18(64.25%)/10(35.7%)Source of cells (Peripheral blood / bone marrow)27(96.4%/1(3.6%)cGVHD type quiescent / de novo / progressive11(39.3%)/13(46.4%)/4(14.3%)Other affected organs (cGVHD score)-Mouth6(21.4%)-Eyes10(35.7%)-Lung2(7.1%)-Liver3(10.7%)-Gastrointestinal tract0(0%)-Genital2(7.1%)-Cutaneous16(57.14%)Global ScoreNIH1(mild / moderate / severe)4(14.2%)/14(50%)/10(35.7%)1NIH: National Institute of Health.Table 2.Clinical manifestations and therapies (N = 28)..VariablesN (%)/Median (range)Prodromic symptoms: yes / no20(71%)/8(29%)- Stiffness2(7.1%)- Artromyalgia17(60.7%)- Edema3(10.7%)Time until first visit31.3 months (range 9-73)Contracture Yes / No18(64.3%)/10(35.7%)Mobility limitation (mild / moderate)13(46.4%)/9(32.1%)ECOG1affected11(39.2%)Eosinophilia17(60.7%)Positive autoantibodies8(28.5%)First line therapies (corticosteroids)28(100%)Extracorporeal photoapheresis19(67.9%)Therapies of 2nd line/ 3rd or more6(21.4%)/12 (42.8%)Physiotherapy14 (50%)Response: complete / sequels10(35.7%)/18(64.2%)1ECOG: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale to assess the quality of lifeConclusion:Nonspecific joint symptoms such as stiffness, edema or arthromyalgia in patients undergoing allogeneic transplantation of hematopoietic progenitors may be factors that predict the development of sclerotic GVHD type eosinophilic fasciitis-like and should be closely monitored in order to be able to perform early stage diagnoses of the disease. It is necessary to deepen the pathogenesis of this entity and the multidisciplinary approach to improve the prognosis of patients with GVHDReferences:[1]Inamoto Y. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014;66(4):1044–52.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background Crohn’s disease is an entity with wide variability in its clinical manifestations, which mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract, and may also involve another organs. We have a wide variety of treatments available, being the most recent ones biological therapies. One of them is ustekinumab, which due to its innovative mechanism of action has improved the quality of life of many patients with an excellent safety profile. Our objective was to analyze the baseline situation of 37 patients undergoing treatment with ustekinumab in our centre and the evolution of different clinical and analytical parameters at 12, 24 and 52 weeks after starting it. Methods 37 patients currently receiving ustekinumab treatment with indication of Crohn’s disease at Virgen de las Nieves Hospital were selected (Tables 1 and 2). Clinical response was analyzed according to the Harvey–Bradshaw Index (HBI) (clinical remission Results There are no significant differences in HBI or baseline CRP depending on previous or not treatment with anti-TNF or vedolizumab. No differences in HBI, CRP at weeks 12, 24 and 52 depending on if previous treatment with anti-TNF or vedolizumab. The decrease in the median values of HBI was statistically significant at weeks 12, 24 and 52; as well as CRP values at weeks 24 and 52 (Table 3). According to HBI, clinical response was obtained in 41,38%, 50% and 61,11% of patients at weeks 12, 24 and 52 and clinical remission in 20,69%, 33,33% and 27,78% respectively (Table 3). No response predictors were identified at week 12 except for non-perianal fistulas associated with a greater response (58,3% vs. 41,7%; p = 0,0459) (Table 4). Conclusion In this group of patients potentially difficult to treat (62% previous surgery, long-term disease, 95% previous treatment with immunomodulators and/or biological therapies (66% ≥2 anti-TNF), etc.), ustekinumab achieves clinical response in 41,38%, 50%, 61,11% at week 12, 24 and 52. Surgery was required in 2 cases and only 3 patients suffered relevant adverse effects. In a pivotal study of ustekinumab UNITI-1, 50,6% of patients who received the induction dose of 6 mg/kg had previously been treated with ≥2 anti-TNF, in our group, 65,71%. In our cohort, only 29,73% of patients received corticosteroids concomitantly at the start of ustekinumab treatment vs. 43,3% at UNITI-1. Despite these differences against our group, clinical response and remission data are similar to UNITI-1 (41,38% vs. 37,8% and 20,69% vs. 20,9% respectively). Prospective studies with more patients could identify who would benefit most from this treatment.

Background Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a homologue of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and produces angiotensin peptides (APs), such as angiotensin 1‐9 and 1‐7 that are vasodilatory and natriuretic, and act to counterbalance angiotensin II. Hypothesis Evidence of ACE2 can be found in tissues and plasma of dogs. Equilibrium concentrations of renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) APs differ in dogs with heart disease compared to healthy dogs and recombinant human ACE2 (rhACE2) alters relative concentrations of APs. Animals Forty‐nine dogs with and 34 dogs without heart disease. Methods Immunohistochemistry and assays for tissue and plasma ACE2 activity and equilibrium concentrations of plasma RAAS APs were performed. Results Immunolabeling for ACE2 was present in kidney and myocardial tissue. Median plasma ACE2 activity was significantly increased in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF; 6.9 mU/mg; interquartile range [IQR], 5.1‐12.1) as compared to control (2.2 mU/mg; IQR, 1.8‐3.0; P = .0003). Plasma equilibrium analysis of RAAS APs identified significant increases in the median concentrations of beneficial APs, such as angiotensin 1‐7, in dogs with CHF (486.7 pg/mL; IQR, 214.2‐1168) as compared to those with preclinical disease (41.0 pg/mL; IQR, 27.4‐45.1; P

Artículo con numerosos autores. Sólo quedan reflejados el primero, los de la UAM y el Grupo Colectivo, To evaluate the impact of comorbidities on physical function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline visit from the Cardiovascular in Rheumatology study. Multivariate models with physical function as the dependent variable (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and Health Assessment Questionnaire for AS and PsA, respectively) were performed. Independent variables were a proxy for the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCIp; range 0–27), sociodemographic data, disease activity (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] in AS; Disease Activity Score in 28 joints [DAS28] using the ESR in PsA), disease duration, radiographic damage, and treatments. Results were reported as beta coefficients, 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and P values. Results: We included 738 patients with AS and 721 with PsA; 21% of patients had >1 comorbidity. Comorbidity burden (CCIp) was independently associated with worse adjusted physical function in patients with PsA (β = 0.11). Also, female sex (β = 0.14), disease duration (β = 0.01), disease activity (DAS28-ESR; β = 0.19), and the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (β = 0.09), glucocorticoids (β = 0.11), and biologics (β = 0.15) were associated with worse function in patients with PsA. A higher education level was associated with less disability (β = –0.14). In patients with AS, age (β = 0.03), disease activity (BASDAI; β = 0.81), radiographic damage (β = 0.61), and the use of biologics (β = 0.51) were independently associated with worse function on multivariate analyses, but CCIp was not. Conclusion: The presence of comorbidities in patients with PsA is independently associated with worse physical function. The detection and control of the comorbidities may yield an integral management of the disease.

Sporotrichosis is a cosmopolitan, chronic granulomatous mycosis, acquired by traumatic inoculation and caused by Sporothrix schenckii complex. Several methods of diagnostic are available, from KOH to molecular biology. In this review, we describe from the simplest (clinical diagnosis) to the most advanced diagnostic techniques (molecular biology).

Summary An 11-year-old miniature horse gelding presented for a left maxillary facial swelling and surgical removal of 2 ovoid mineralised masses located near the tooth roots of the left maxillary second and third premolars. Preoperative radiographs were performed to triangulate the location of the calcified masses for removal, and an oral examination revealed that the left maxillary second premolar was nonvital with multiple feed-packed pulp exposures. Both the radiographs and oral examination indicated that the mineralised masses were associated with the nonvital second premolar. Therefore, the tooth was extracted intraorally, and the masses were removed via a maxillary trephine dorsal to the extracted tooth. Both masses were submitted for histopathology, which diagnosed the masses as true cementomas (cementoblastomas) with adenomatous hyperplasia of the surrounding nasal glandular tissue.

Objective To determine whether there is an association between thromboelastography (TEG) data and necropsy evidence of thrombosis in a cohort of critically ill dogs. Design Retrospective study (2005–2010). Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Thirty-nine client-owned critically ill dogs for which TEG was performed within 7 days of complete necropsy. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Thrombi were found in 26 (67%) dogs. Spayed females (n = 20) were significantly more likely to have thrombosis (P = 0.0127). No significant association was found between presence of thrombosis and any TEG parameter, the calculated coagulation index, results of coagulation testing, type of vascular access, or clinical diagnosis. D-dimers were significantly higher in dogs with thrombosis (P = 0.0207) and a weak positive correlation was found between D-dimer value and number of sites of thrombosis (ρ = 0.18, P = 0.0045). Dogs with WBC > 16 × 103/μL were more likely to have thrombosis compared to others (odds ratio 5.56, 95% confidence interval 1.2–25.7, P = 0.025). Conclusions This study found no association between any TEG parameter and the presence of thrombosis on postmortem examination.

ResumenObjetivoEstablecer la utilidad de la medición de aminotransferasas en flujo vaginal para el diagnóstico de la rotura prematura de membranas.Material y métodosSe seleccionaron 270 embarazadas que asistieron al Hospital Central «Dr. Urquinaona», Maracaibo, Venezuela. Los grupos consistieron en pacientes con rotura prematura de membranas (grupo A) y embarazadas con membranas íntegras (grupo B) como controles. Se evaluaron características generales, concentraciones de aminotransferasas en flujo vaginal y efectividad diagnóstica.ResultadosLa edad gestacional al momento de la determinación de las concentraciones de aminotransferasas en flujo vaginal fue 28.2±7.2 semanas para el grupo A y 27.5±7.3 semanas para el grupo B (p=ns). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las otras características generales (p=ns). Las pacientes del grupo A mostraron concentraciones significativamente más altas de alaninoaminotransferasa y aspartatoaminotransferasa en flujo vaginal comparado con las embarazadas del grupo B (p

espanolObjetivo: evaluar cual de los cinco sistemas de clasificacion resulta mas simple para que un kinesiologo pueda entender los niveles de evidencia y grados de recomendacion. Diseno: estudio clinico aleatorizado, estudio piloto. Participantes: kinesiologos dedicados a la rehabilitacion traumatologica. Intervencion: caso clinico que describia a una paciente con diagnostico de artrosis leve de rodilla derecha. Se realiza una busqueda especifica en Medline para responder la siguiente pregunta: ?puede el ultrasonido terapeutico disminuir el dolor y mejorar la funcion fisica? Se encontro una revision sistematica que responde a la pregunta. La misma evidencia fue presentada de diferente forma segun las siguientes clasificaciones de evidencia: NICE, SIGN, GRADE, CEBM y CTPHC. Resultados: aceptaron participar ocho kinesiologos. Un 87,5% considero GRADE la clasificacion mas simple en comparacion con un 12,5% (otros sistemas), presentando un RR = 7,0 (1.090, 44,6 IC95%) y una Diferencia de Riesgo (DR) = 75% (42.59, 107,4 IC95%). Para ver la asociacion que presenta la relacion entre los expuestos y no expuestos al sistema de clasificacion GRADE se utilizo el estadistico Chi2 de Mantel-Haenszel, que presento un valor p = 8.438. Conclusion: al parecer GRADE es la forma mas simple para que los kinesiologos puedan entender la evidencia cientifica. EnglishObjective: To evaluate which of the five classification systems is simpler to understand a Physical therapy evidence levels and grades of recommendation Design: Randomized controlled trial, pilot study. Participants: Physical therapy dedicated to musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Intervention: Case report describing a female patient diagnosed with mild osteoarthritis of the right knee, a specific Medline search was performed to answer the following question: Can therapeutic ultrasound reduce pain and improve physical function? A systematic review that answers the question was not found. The same evidence was presented differently according to the following categories of evidence: NICE, SIGN, GRADE, EMBC and CTPHC. Results: 8 therapists agreed to participate. A GRADE 87.5 % considered the simplest classification compared to 12.5 % (other systems), with a RR = 7.0 (1.090, 95% CI 44.6) and Risk Difference DR = 75 % (42.59, 95% CI 107.4). To see the association showing the relationship between the exposed and unexposed GRADE classification system was used Chi2 statistical Mantel-Haenszel, with a value p = 8.438. Conclusion: Apparently GRADE is the most simple for therapists to understand how scientific evidence.

Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood from the lower respiratory tract. It is usually a self-limited event, even if mass can be a potentially fatal condition requiring the admission of the patient in an intensive care unit and performing diagnostic tests and emergency treatment. Before assuming that the source of bleeding is the lower respiratory tract, it should consider appropriate blood gastrointestinal or upper airway. The diagnostic evaluation should begin with a medical history and physical examination. The chest radiograph is essential and the first diagnostic test to be performed. Bronchoscopy plays a major role, and chest computed tomography and angiography serve as a complement and extension of diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. Its management must be done in stages, prioritizing the protection of the airway and respiratory and hemodynamic stabilization of the patient, to ensure adequate gas exchange and cardiovascular function.

Dyspnea is defined as any unpleasant respiratory experience which make a lot of disturbances in the patient's physiology. The perception of dyspnea can differ between individuals, and we might to identify the causes to managing properly. Blood arterial gasometry is crucial to diagnosing respiratory failure, and other parameters such as BNP to guide to cardiac aethiology. Treatment must be applied early providing oxygen through mask or nasal cannula, or in certain settings, through mechanical ventilation. The use of BIPAP is been extending to the emergency departments because of its potential efficacy and lower risks than with invasive ventilation.

Ossifying fibroma (OF) and fibrous dysplasia (FD) are benign, intraosseous, proliferative fibro-osseous lesions (PFOLs) characterized by replacement of normal bone by a fibrous matrix with various degrees of mineralization and ossification. Osteomas are benign tumors composed of mature, well-differentiated bone. Clinical, imaging, and histologic features of 15 initially diagnosed benign PFOLs and osteomas of the canine oral cavity were evaluated. Final diagnoses after reevaluation were as follows: OF (3 cases), FD (4 cases), low-grade osteosarcoma (LG-OSA) (3 cases), and osteoma (5 cases). Histology alone often did not result in a definitive diagnosis for PFOL. OF appeared as a well-circumscribed, radiopaque mass with some degree of bone lysis on imaging. Most lesions of FD showed soft tissue opacity with bone lysis and ill-defined margins. Low-grade OSA appeared as a lytic lesion with a mixed opacity and ill-defined margins. Osteomas were characterized by a mineralized, expansile, well-circumscribed lesion. Although histologic features of PFOLs were typically bland, the lesions diagnosed as LG-OSA had some features of malignancy (eg, bone invasion or a higher mitotic index). Treatment varied widely. Of the 10 dogs with benign PFOL or osteoma with known outcome (10/12), 9 showed either complete response (6/10) or stable disease (3/10) after treatment. Of the 2 dogs with LG-OSA with known outcome, 1 showed complete response after curative intent surgery, but 1 patient had recurrence after partial maxillectomy. Definitive diagnosis of mandibular/maxillary PFOL is challenging via histopathologic examination alone, and accurate diagnosis is best achieved through assimilation of clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features.

Milk source is one of the several factors that can affect lamb body weight (BW) and immune status before weaning. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of milk source (natural rearing method, named NR group, vs. artificial rearing method using a commercial milk replacer, named MR group vs. artificial rearing method using whole powdered cow milk, named CM group) on the BW and immune status of lambs during the milk feeding and weaning period. In this study, 60 lambs were equally divided according to sex and then randomly divided in three groups (NR, MR and CM). Blood plasma was collected to measure the immunoglobulin concentration (IgG and IgM), the chitotriosidase activity and complement system activity, total complement activity (TCA) and alternative complement activity (ACA). Results showed that lambs reared with NR presented, in general, higher BW, IgG, IgM, TCA and ACA than animals reared with MR or CM at 3 and 5 days after birth (P

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most commonly encountered malignant oral tumor in cats. The etiology of this locally invasive tumor is likely multifactorial. Several risk factors have been identified, including the use of flea collars, and a history of feeding canned food and canned tuna. Clinical signs vary depending on tumor location. The tumor commonly arises from the gingiva and mucosa of the maxilla, mandible, tongue, sublingual area, or tonsillar region. Maxillary SCC commonly presents clinically as an ulcerative lesion, whereas mandibular SCC is commonly proliferative, expansile, and firm. Lingual/sublingual SCC may be ulcerative, necrotic, infiltrative, or proliferative. In general, feline oral SCC is an invasive and malignant neoplasm regardless of its location. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and combinations thereof have been attempted with rarely a satisfactory response. Currently, cures are obtained only in a small subset of cats whose tumors are amenable to complete resection, or where resection with microscopic residual disease is followed by definitive radiation therapy. A multimodal treatment approach likely offers the best chance of success. For cats with advanced disease, palliative care may improve patients' quality of life, albeit transiently. Sequelae associated with tumor progression and local tissue destruction often result in euthanasia of feline patients with oral SCC.

Foodborne diseases (FDs) are an important public health issue at the global level due to their incidence, serious sequels and mortality. FDs present different causal agents, among them those of biological origin such as viruses, fungi, bacteria and parasites. Bacillus cereus is considered an opportunistic pathogen and producer of food poisoning. Meat, cooked vegetables, rice, soups, milk, cheese and raw vegetable sprouts are the foods generally involved in its incidence. This article shows a general perspective of the FDs, specifically of those that have B. cereus as causal agent. Their biochemistry and metabolism is included, as well as some biotechnological alternatives for prevention and contamination control in foods.

The treatment of dementia includes a syndromic approach in which, first of all, it is compulsory to rule out a confusional syndrome. Once the clinician has got the right diagnose and its cause, a global therapeutical approach is needed, addressed to take into account environmental and pharmacological factors and to counsel and give support to the patient and the caregiver. Treatment must be coordinated and continuous, conducted by physicians from primary and specialized settings, nurses, psychologists and social workers.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative process that involves considerable suffering. The etiopathogenic context is complex and the physical and social environments are usually fragile, so all therapeutic efforts must be framed to slowing down the course of the disease and improve quality of life (QoL). Care is based on the treatment of medical comorbidity, prevention and management of psychological and behavioral problems, specific the pharmacological treatment and information, advice and ongoing support for both the patient and caregiver. Cholinesterase inhibitor drugs (ICE) and memantine delay cognitive decline and improve apathy and psychotic symptoms. Non-pharmacological therapies provide additional and complementary benefits in areas where drugs are usually less effective (emotions, behavior and QoL). There are several lines of pharmacological research for AD that could delay the onset of dementia or prolong the milder stages of the disease.

Open‐source, MATLAB‐based treatment planning systems FoCa and matRAD were used in a pilot project for training prospective medical physicists and postgraduate physics students in treatment planning and beam modeling techniques for proton therapy. In the four exercises designed, students learnt how proton pencil beams are modeled and how dose is calculated in three‐dimensional voxelized geometries, how pencil beam scanning plans (PBS) are constructed, the rationale behind the choice of spot spacing in patient plans, and the dosimetric differences between photon IMRT and proton PBS plans. Sixty students of two courses participated in the pilot project, with over 90% of satisfactory rating from student surveys. The pilot experience will certainly be continued.

Background Malassezia, a skin saprophyte, is frequently isolated from patients with seborrheic dermatitis, which is one of the most common dermatoses in HIV-infected patients. Its role in pathophysiology has not been defined. Objective To determine whether patients living with HIV and seborrheic dermatitis have more Malassezia than those without seborrheic dermatitis. Method This is an descriptive, observational, prospective cross-sectional study to which all adult patients living with HIV that attend the infectious disease outpatient clinic at the Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez General Hospital were invited. Patients presenting with scale and erythema were included in Group 1, while patients without erythema were included in Group 2. Samples were taken from all patients for smear and culture. Results Thirty patients were included in each group. All patients with seborrheic dermatitis had a positive smear, with varying amounts of yeasts. In the control group, 36.7% of patients had a negative smear. The results are statistically significant, as well as the number of colonies in the cultures. Study limitations The study used a small sample size and the subspecies were not identified. Conclusions Patients with clinical manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis have larger amounts of Malassezia. Further studies need to be performed to analyze if the greater amount is related to imbalances in the microbiota of the skin.

An adult cat was presented for acute history of vomiting and collapse. Radiographs showed the presence of air within small intestinal walls and arborizing gas patterns within the liver, compatible with pneumatosis intestinalis and presumed portal venous gas, respectively. An abdominal ultrasound the following day was suggestive of gas within the intestinal wall, however, gas within the hepatic vasculature, parenchyma, or biliary tree was not evident. Due to progressive clinical deterioration of the patient, the owners elected humane euthanasia. Necropsy revealed severe necrotizing hemorrhagic enterotyphlocolitis secondary to Clostridium difficile toxin.