Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) allows a fast and reliable bacterial identification from culture plates. Direct analysis of clinical ...samples may increase its usefulness in samples in which a fast identification of microorganisms can guide empirical treatment, such as blood cultures (BC). Three hundred and thirty BC, reported as positive by the automated BC incubation device, were processed by conventional methods for BC processing, and by a fast method based on direct MALDI-TOF MS. Three hundred and eighteen of them yield growth on culture plates, and 12 were false positive. The MALDI-TOF MS-based method reported that no peaks were found, or the absence of a reliable identification profile, in all these false positive BC. No mixed cultures were found. Among these 318 BC, we isolated 61 Gram-negatives (GN), 239 Gram-positives (GP) and 18 fungi. Microorganism identifications in GN were coincident with conventional identification, at the species level, in 83.3% of BC and, at the genus level, in 96.6%. In GP, identifications were coincident with conventional identification in 31.8% of BC at the species level, and in 64.8% at the genus level. Fungaemia was not reliably detected by MALDI-TOF. In 18 BC positive for Candida species (eight C. albicans, nine C. parapsilosis and one C. tropicalis), no microorganisms were identified at the species level, and only one (5.6%) was detected at the genus level. The results of the present study show that this fast, MALDI-TOF MS-based method allows bacterial identification directly from presumptively positive BC in a short time (<30 min), with a high accuracy, especially when GN bacteria are involved.
Background
Acquired perforating dermatosis (APD) is a rare group of skin disorders of unknown aetiology and pathogenesis and is associated with several systemic diseases.
Objective
We review the ...clinicopathological features, associated systemic diseases and treatment response in a series of APD patients.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective observational study of all patients histologically diagnosed with APD in Hospital San Jorge (Huesca, Spain) between 2002 and 2014. Demographic and clinical features were collected from medical records. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS software (version 20.0; IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA).
Results
The study population consisted of 31 patients (19 women and 12 men), with a mean age of 54 years. Reactive perforating collagenosis (n = 15, 45%) was the most common histopathologic type. The most frequently affected area was the lower limbs (66.6%, n = 22), and pruritus was present in 19 patients (61.3%, P = 0.005). Arterial hypertension (30.3%) was the most common associated condition. Five patients were receiving treatment with infliximab when diagnosed with APD. Most patients responded to topical steroids and oral antihistamines (n = 15).
Limitations
This study is retrospective, and the sample size is limited.
Conclusion
Acquired perforating dermatosis is an underdiagnosed dermatosis frequently associated with systemic disorders. Its pathogenesis may involve vascular damage, not only in patients with diabetes, but also in those with arterial hypertension and chronic venous insufficiency. Control of pruritus and underlying extracutaneous disorders, as well as discontinuation of the treatment with biologics, are important aspects of the management of this dermatosis.
Using the Two Micron All Sky Survey Photometric Redshift catalogue we perform a number of statistical tests aimed at detecting possible departures from statistical homogeneity and isotropy in the ...large-scale structure of the Universe. Making use of the angular homogeneity index, an observable proposed in a previous publication, as well as studying the scaling of the angular clustering and number counts with magnitude limit, we place constraints on the fractal nature of the galaxy distribution. We find that the statistical properties of our sample are in excellent agreement with the standard cosmological model, and that it reaches the homogeneous regime significantly faster than a class of fractal models with dimensions D < 2.75. As part of our search for systematic effects, we also study the presence of hemispherical asymmetries in our data, finding no significant deviation beyond those allowed by the concordance model.
To evaluate the effects of premixed calcium silicate based ceramic sealers on the viability and osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). The ...materials evaluated were TotalFill BC Sealer (TFbc), AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer (AHPbc), and Neosealer Flo (Neo). Standardized discs and 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 eluates of the tested materials were prepared. The following in vitro experiments were carried out: ion release, cell metabolic activity 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell migration, immunofluorescence experiment, cell attachment, gene expression, and mineralization assay. Statistical analyses were performed using one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (p < .05). Increased Ca2+ release was detected in TFbc compared to AHPbc and Neo (*p < .05). Biological assays showed a discrete cell metabolic activity and cell migration in Neo‐treated cell, whereas scanning electronic microscopy assay exhibited that TFbc group had a better cell adhesion process of substrate attachment, spreading, and cytoskeleton development on the niche‐like structures of the cement than AHPbc and Neo. The sealers tested were able to induce overexpression of the CEMP‐1, ALP, and COL1A1 genes in the first days of exposure, particularly in the case of TFbc (***p < .001). All materials tested significantly increased the mineralization of hPDLSCs when compared to the negative control, although more pronounced calcium deposition was observed in the TFbc‐treated cells (***p < .001). Our results suggested that TFbc promotes cell differentiation, both by increasing the expression of key osteo/odontogenic genes and by promoting mineralization of the extracellular matrix, whereas this phenomenon was less evident in Neo and AHPbc.
Research Highlights
TFbc group had a better cell adhesion process of substrate attachment, spreading, and cytoskeleton development on the niche‐like structures of the cement than AHPbc and Neo.
The sealers tested were able to induce overexpression of the CEMP‐1, ALP, and COL1A1 genes in the first days of exposure, particularly in the case of TFbc.
All materials tested significantly increased the mineralization of hPDLSCs when compared to the negative control, although more pronounced calcium deposition was observed in the TFbc‐treated cells.
New ceramic formulations for clinical use in endodontics are constantly being introduced to the market. Due to the interaction between the material and the periapical tissues, a good endodontic sealer should not damage the periapical tissues or prevent the tissue healing process, especially at the cellular level. The present study aimed to evaluate the osteo/cementogenic potential of different materials by analyzing cell viability, migration, morphology, cell attachment, gene expression, and mineralization assays.
Summary Objectives To evaluate the efficacy in vitro and in vivo of a new antibacterial suture (PGAB) compared with a traditional braided suture (PG). Our primary goals were to study microbiological ...effectiveness and impact on wound healing of PGAB vs PG. Secondary goal was to analyze influence on inflammatory response. Methods In vitro study: clinical samples of Staphylococcus epidermidis , Staphylococcus aureus , S. hominis , Staphylococcus haemolyticus , Staphylococcus auricularis , Enterococcus faecalis , Corynebacterium spp. and Escherichia coli were studied. We also implanted a flat mesh in 10 minipigs, four incisions each (two PG and two PGAB) two contaminated with S. epidermidis and two not contaminated. Finally, we performed four colic anastomosis in each of 10 minipigs, two contaminated with E. coli and two not contaminated (two PG and two PGAB). We studied the inflammatory and wound healing processes in both models. Results We observed a bactericidal efficacy of PGAB against grampositive, and bacteriostatic effect against E. coli . Mesh study: recovered CFU were lower in the group PGAB vs PG. In the group PGAB, inflammatory mediators' concentrations were lower. In the group PGAB, concentrations of wound healing mediators were normal. Colic anastomosis: recovered CFU were lower in the group PGAB vs the group PG. In the group PGAB we observed a reduction of inflammatory mediators. In the group PGAB we observed normalized concentrations of wound healing mediators. Conclusions This study demonstrates microbiological efficacy of PGAB, that normalizes wound healing process, and an anti-inflammatory effect.
El estándar de tratamiento para la enfermedad de la vesícula biliar es la colecistectomía laparoscópica. Una disección del triángulo hepatocístico complicada con sangrado puede resultar en conversión ...a cirugía abierta durante el procedimiento, la cual se asocia a una mayor morbilidad. La identificación de factores de riesgo por la conversión en el contexto de colecistitis aguda permitirá individualizar el cuidado del paciente y mejorar los resultados.
Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles que incluyó a todos los pacientes admitidos en un centro académico de tercer nivel desde enero de 1991 hasta enero de 2012 con diagnóstico de colecistitis aguda según las guías de Tokio 2018. Analizamos las variables utilizando regresión logística para identificar los factores de riesgo para conversión. Las variables que se identificaron como predictores de conversión significativos en el análisis univariado fueron incluidas en un modelo multivariado. Finalmente realizamos un análisis exploratorio para identificar la sumatoria de factores con mayor sensibilidad para conversión.
El estudio incluyó a 321 pacientes con colecistitis aguda. La edad promedio fue de 49 años (DE: ± 16.8). El 65% fueron del sexo femenino y el 35% del sexo masculino. Treinta y nueve casos (12.14%) se convirtieron a cirugía abierta. En el análisis univariado, la mayor edad, el sexo masculino, el grosor de pared vesicular y el líquido pericolecístico se asociaron con un mayor riesgo de conversión. En el análisis multivariado, todas las variables con excepción del líquido pericolecístico mantuvieron asociación con conversión. Nuestro modelo de predicción de riesgo demostró una sensibilidad del 84%.
Es posible utilizar datos clínicos preoperatorios para identificar a pacientes que tienen un mayor riesgo de conversión a cirugía abierta. Conocer dichos factores puede mejorar la planeación del plan quirúrgico y estar preparados para casos desafiantes.
The standard of care for gallbladder disease is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Difficult dissection of the hepatocytic triangle and bleeding can result in conversion to open cholecystectomy, which is associated with increased morbidity. Identifying risk factors for conversion in the context of acute cholecystitis will allow patient care to be individualized and improve outcomes.
A retrospective case-control study included all patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines, admitted to a tertiary care academic center, from January 1991 to January 2012. Using logistic regression, we analyzed variables to identify risk factors for conversion. Variables that were found to be significant predictors of conversion in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate model. We then performed an exploratory analysis to identify the risk factor summation pathway with the highest sensitivity for conversion.
The study included 321 patients with acute cholecystitis. Their mean age was 49 years (±16.8 SD), 65% were females, and 35% were males. Thirty-nine cases (12.14%) were converted to open surgery. In the univariate analysis, older age, male sex, gallbladder wall thickness, and pericholecystic fluid were associated with a higher risk for conversion. In the multivariate analysis all of the variables, except pericholecystic fluid, were associated with conversion. Our risk factor summation model had a sensitivity of 84%.
Preoperative clinical data can be utilized to identify patients with a higher risk of conversion to open cholecystectomy. Being aware of such risk factors can help improve perioperative planning and preparedness in challenging cases.
Clinical implications of the genus Mycoplasma Gómez Rufo, D; García Sánchez, E; García Sánchez, J E ...
Revista española de quimioterapia,
06/2021, Letnik:
34, Številka:
3
Journal Article
Concerns have been raised about the possibility that inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) could predispose individuals to severe COVID-19; however, epidemiological evidence ...is lacking. We report the results of a case-population study done in Madrid, Spain, since the outbreak of COVID-19.
In this case-population study, we consecutively selected patients aged 18 years or older with a PCR-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 requiring admission to hospital from seven hospitals in Madrid, who had been admitted between March 1 and March 24, 2020. As a reference group, we randomly sampled ten patients per case, individually matched for age, sex, region (ie, Madrid), and date of admission to hospital (month and day; index date), from Base de datos para la Investigación Farmacoepidemiológica en Atención Primaria (BIFAP), a Spanish primary health-care database, in its last available year (2018). We extracted information on comorbidities and prescriptions up to the month before index date (ie, current use) from electronic clinical records of both cases and controls. The outcome of interest was admission to hospital of patients with COVID-19. To minimise confounding by indication, the main analysis focused on assessing the association between COVID-19 requiring admission to hospital and use of RAAS inhibitors compared with use of other antihypertensive drugs. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs, adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular comorbidities and risk factors, using conditional logistic regression. The protocol of the study was registered in the EU electronic Register of Post-Authorisation Studies, EUPAS34437.
We collected data for 1139 cases and 11 390 population controls. Among cases, 444 (39·0%) were female and the mean age was 69·1 years (SD 15·4), and despite being matched on sex and age, a significantly higher proportion of cases had pre-existing cardiovascular disease (OR 1·98, 95% CI 1·62–2·41) and risk factors (1·46, 1·23–1·73) than did controls. Compared with users of other antihypertensive drugs, users of RAAS inhibitors had an adjusted OR for COVID-19 requiring admission to hospital of 0·94 (95% CI 0·77–1·15). No increased risk was observed with either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (adjusted OR 0·80, 0·64–1·00) or angiotensin-receptor blockers (1·10, 0·88–1·37). Sex, age, and background cardiovascular risk did not modify the adjusted OR between use of RAAS inhibitors and COVID-19 requiring admission to hospital, whereas a decreased risk of COVID-19 requiring admission to hospital was found among patients with diabetes who were users of RAAS inhibitors (adjusted OR 0·53, 95% CI 0·34–0·80). The adjusted ORs were similar across severity degrees of COVID-19.
RAAS inhibitors do not increase the risk of COVID-19 requiring admission to hospital, including fatal cases and those admitted to intensive care units, and should not be discontinued to prevent a severe case of COVID-19.
Instituto de Salud Carlos III.
Aims
To investigate the cytotoxicity and bioactivity of several pulpotomy materials: Biodentine (Septodont, Saint‐Maur‐des‐Fosses, France) MTA (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil), Theracal LC (Bisco ...Inc., Schamburg, IL, USA) and IRM (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany), after contact with stem cells isolated from human exfoliated primary teeth (SHEDs).
Methodology
SHEDs were cultured in the presence of the eluates of various pulpotomy materials for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cell viability was determined by mitochondrial dehydrogenase enzymatic (MTT) assay. Apoptosis and changes in cell phenotype were evaluated by flow cytometry. Also, an in vitro scratch wound‐healing assay was used to determine their effects on cell migration. To assess cell morphology and attachment to the different pulpotomy materials, SHEDs were directly seeded onto the material surfaces and analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, the deposition of a calcified matrix in presence of these materials was verified by Alizarin Red staining. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance and Bonferroni or Tukey post‐test (α = 0.05).
Results
Cell viability in the presence of Biodentine eluates was significantly higher to that obtained using complete medium alone (control; P < 0.01) and was also significantly higher than using MTA Angelus from 48 h of incubation (P < 0.01). However, Theracal LC and IRM were associated with low rates of cell viability (P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained in an apoptosis assay. In addition, SHEDs maintained their mesenchymal phenotype in all conditions although their capacity to migrate was higher in the presence of Biodentine. SEM studies revealed a suitable proliferation rate, cell spreading and attachment, especially when using Biodentine and MTA Angelus discs. Finally, Biodentine eluates significantly induced calcified matrix deposition from 7 days of culture (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
Biodentine exhibited better cytocompatibility and bioactivity than MTA Angelus, Theracal LC and IRM.
Lipoma ulcerado como causa infrecuente de tumor gástrico Garrido-Márquez, I.; García-Pérez, P.V.; Moya-Sánchez, E. ...
Revista de gastroenterología de México,
October-December 2022, 2022-10-00, 2022-10-01, Letnik:
87, Številka:
4
Journal Article