Replication of PTPRC as genetic biomarker of response to TNF inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Genetic biomarkers could be useful for orienting treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but none has been convincingly validated yet. Putative biomarkers include 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms that have shown association with response to TNF inhibitors (TNFi) in candidate gene studies and that we assayed here in 755 RA patients. Three of them, in the PTPRC, IL10 and CHUK genes, were significantly associated with response to TNFi. The most significant result was obtained with rs10919563 in PTPRC, which is a confirmed RA susceptibility locus. Its RA risk allele was associated with improved response (B=0.33, P=0.006). This is the second independent replication of this biomarker (P=9.08 × 10(-8) in the combined 3003 RA patients). In this way, PTPRC has become the most replicated genetic biomarker of response to TNFi. In addition, the positive but weaker replication of IL10 and CHUK should stimulate further validation studies.

Validity of self-reported exposure to second-hand smoke in hospitality venues

The aim was to assess the validity of self-reported exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) in 50 hospitality venues of Madrid (Spain) in 2010, taking as a reference vapour-phase nicotine measured by active sampling. The questions posed in the questionnaire permitted distinguishing between the different levels of SHS. However, the moderate relationship found (Spearman׳s correlation=0.387, p<0.001) suggests that intensity of exposure to SHS in hospitality venues, based solely on self-reported information, should be used with caution.

[Interpretation of thyroid incidentalomas in (18)F-FDG PET/CT studies]

OBJECTIVE

Thyroid findings or incidentalomas in (18)F-FDG PET/CT studies are relatively frequent, being its clinical significance subject of controversy. The aim of this study was to show our experience in the detection of thyroid incidentalomas by PET/CT studies as well as its follow up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective and descriptive review was conducted on patients who had thyroid incidentalomas detected in (18)F-FDG PET/CT studies between June 2010 and March 2013. Patient's medical records were reviewed for age, genre, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), thyroid diseases, TSH and antithyroid antibodies levels, ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and cytology.

RESULTS

4085 PET/CT studies for several purposes were performed. Eighty-three of these studies (2.03%) showed thyroid incidentalomas. Thirty-seven patients showed a diffuse increase of glucose metabolism in the thyroid gland and 46 showed a focal increase of glucose metabolism. Five out of 46 patients with focal uptake were diagnosed of a neoplastic disease by cytology (11%). The SUVmax of malignant pathology did not differ from that of benign thyroid diseases (Mean: 10,26 and 5,92 respectively).

CONCLUSION

In our experience, focal thyroid incidentalomas detected in (18)F-FDG PET/CT studies are related to a significant risk of malignancy (11%). Therefore, in these situations, an ultrasound study with fine needle biopsy should be recommended. Moreover, a diffuse increase of glucose metabolism in the thyroid gland is often associated with benign thyroid pathology.

Variability in the correlation between nicotine and PM2.5 as airborne markers of second-hand smoke exposure

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between particulate matter of diameter≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) and airborne nicotine concentration as markers of second-hand smoke exposure with respect to the setting studied, the intensity of exposure, and the type of environment studied (indoors or outdoors). Data are derived from two independent studies that simultaneously measured PM2.5 and nicotine concentrations in the air as airborne markers of second-hand smoke exposure in public places and workplaces, including health care centres, bars, public administration offices, educational centres, and transportation. We obtained 213 simultaneous measures of airborne nicotine and PM2.5. Nicotine in the air was measured with active samplers containing a sodium bisulphate-treated filter that was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. PM2.5 was measured with a SidePak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor. We calculated Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) between both measures for overall data and stratified by setting, type of environment (indoors/outdoors), and intensity of second-hand smoke exposure (low/high, according to the global median nicotine concentration). We also fitted generalized regression models to further explore these relationships. The median airborne nicotine concentration was 1.36 µg/m3, and the median PM2.5 concentration was 32.13 µg/m3. The overall correlation between both markers was high (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient=0.709; 95% CI: 0.635-0.770). Correlations were higher indoors (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient=0.739; 95% CI: 0.666-0.798) and in environments with high second-hand smoke exposure (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient=0.733; 95% CI: 0.631-0.810). The multivariate analysis adjusted for type of environment and intensity of second-hand smoke exposure confirmed a strong relationship (7.1% increase in geometric mean PM2.5 concentration per µg/m3 nicotine concentration), but only in indoor environments in a stratified analysis (6.7% increase; 95% CI: 4.3-9.1%). Although the overall correlation between airborne nicotine and PM2.5 is high, there is some variability regarding the type of environment and the intensity of second-hand smoke exposure. In the absence of other sources of combustion, air nicotine and PM2.5 measures can be used indoors, while PM2.5 should be used outdoors with caution.

Depressive-type emotional response pattern in impulsive-aggressive patients with borderline personality disorder

INTRODUCTION

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is typically characterized by severe affective dysregulation leading to impulsive behaviors. Accordingly, preliminary data suggest the hypothesis that BPD patients could have a specific and altered pattern of subjective emotional response to stimuli. The nature of the emotional response in BPD can be compared with other affective disorders and provide further insight on the nosological proximity with other psychiatric disorders.

METHODS

Subjective emotional response was investigated in 19 patients with DSM-IV BPD with no current depressive episode and in 19 healthy control subjects by using the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). The intensity of arousal, valence and dominance was rated in response to 60 images categorized as pleasant, unpleasant and neutral by using a self-assessment instrument. ANOVA of multiple factors was used for between-groups comparisons.

RESULTS

The obtained pattern showed that BPD patients considered the unpleasant and neutral images as less aversive than controls, but the activation that these images induced was higher. Patients showed significantly greater arousal than controls for unpleasant and neutral images (p<0.05) but presented greater valence (more positive emotion) for these images (p<0.05). In addition, BPD patients showed lower dominance (greater insecurity and dyscomfort) for positive images (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The subjective emotional response pattern of BPD patients suggests a trait of vulnerability to pleasant stimuli and is similar to the pattern found in depressive patients in previous studies. This supports the evidence that BPD could in part be related with the spectrum of the affective temperament and affective disorders.

Orbitofrontal dysfunction related to depressive symptomatology in subjects with borderline personality disorder

OBJECTIVE

In order to explore the relationships of fronto-limbic dysfunction with the clinical features of borderline personality disorder (BPD), the authors investigated brain electrophysiological activity in BPD patients following stimulation with emotionally arousing images.

METHODS

Seventeen non-medicated patients with borderline personality disorder were studied with magneto-encephalography. Regional cortical activities were obtained by minimum norm estimate (MNE) of steady-state visual evoked fields (ssVEFs). Linear regression models were conducted to explore clinical correlates of brain activity.

RESULTS

Although no interaction group × picture category × brain region was found, a significant interaction group × brain region appeared for orbito-frontal cortex (OFC). BPD patients showed significantly reduced magnetocortical activity in left OFC across all picture categories (F = 26.4; p<.05; F = 31.4). Left OFC activity was inversely correlated with depression score in the BDI (r: -0.48, p < 0.05), with score in the Cornell Dysthymia rating scale (r: -0.52, p < 0.05) and with the number of criteria met for depressive personality disorder (r: -0.44, p < 0.05). Left orbitofrontal activity was also inversely correlated with the global score in the GAF (r-0.63, p < 0.01). No correlations were found between OFC activity and impulsivity or global severity of BPD symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal functioning at orbitofrontal areas in BPD could be related to the presence of affective symptomatology and is associated with greater functional deterioration of patients.

Harnessing engineered antibodies of the IgE class to combat malignancy: initial assessment of FcɛRI-mediated basophil activation by a tumour-specific IgE antibody to evaluate the risk of type I hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND

IgE antibodies, sequestered into tissues and retained locally by the high-affinity IgE receptor, FcɛRI, on powerful effector cells such as mast cells, macrophages and eosinophils, may offer improvements in the therapy of solid tumours. The chimeric antibody, MOv18 IgE, against the human ovarian carcinoma antigen, folate receptor α (FRα), is more effective than its IgG1 counterpart in xenograft models of ovarian cancer. Although MOv18 IgE binds to a single epitope on FRα and cannot cross-link IgE receptors on basophils, there remains a risk that components in the circulation of ovarian cancer patients might cross-link FRα-MOv18-IgE-receptor-FcɛRI complexes on basophils to cause type I hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the propensity for MOv18 used in a therapeutic setting to cause FcɛRI-mediated type I hypersensitivity.

METHODS

As validated readouts of the potential for MOv18 to cause FcɛRI-mediated type I hypersensitivity we measured release of a granule-stored mediator from a rat basophilic leukaemia cell line RBL SX-38 stably transfected with human tetrameric (αβγ2) FcɛRI, and induction of CD63 on blood basophils from patients with ovarian carcinoma and healthy controls ex vivo.

RESULTS

Serum FRα levels were increased in ovarian cancer patients compared with healthy controls. MOv18 IgE alone, or in the presence of its antigen recombinant human FRα, or of healthy volunteer (n=14) or ovarian carcinoma patient (n=32) sera, did not induce RBL SX-38 cell degranulation. Exposure to FRα-expressing ovarian tumour cells at target-to-effector ratios expected within tumours induced degranulation. MOv18 IgE did not induce expression of CD63 in blood basophils from either healthy volunteers (n=6), or cancer patients, despite detectable levels of circulating FRα (n=5).

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These encouraging data are compatible with the hypothesis that, when ovarian carcinoma patients are treated with MOv18, FcɛRI-mediated activation of effector cells occurs within the tumour mass but not in the circulation mandating, with due caution, further pre-clinical studies.

[Estimation of environmental tobacco smoke exposure: review of questionnaires used in Spain]

INTRODUCTION

In the last few years, health surveys and epidemiological studies on smoking have introduced questions on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. However, a standardized questionnaire is lacking.

METHODS

Between January and May 2008, we reviewed surveys containing items on ETS exposure carried out in Spain by public administrations, scientific societies and research institutes. The wording of the questions was reviewed and classified according to the study type, target population, geographical setting and place of exposure.

RESULTS

We identified 27 surveys that included questions on passive smoking. Most were health surveys (81.5%) and were aimed at the general population (70.4%). The most frequent geographical setting consisted of autonomous regions (48.1%) and the most common place of exposure was the home (88.9%)

DISCUSSION

The results show wide variability in the questions used. Questionnaire items on ETS exposure should be homogenized to allow comparison of the results of surveys.

Producing New Stone Consolidants for the Conservation of Monumental Stones

A customary procedure in the protection of monumental buildings is the consolidation of decaying stone by the application of commercial products containing tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). These products polymerize within the porous structure of the decaying stone, significantly increasing the cohesion of the material. However, TEOS-based consolidants suffer practical drawbacks, such as cracking of the network during the drying phase, and significant blocking of the rock pores. These limitations are related to the growth of a dense microporous network of the xerogel inside the stone material, which is typical from TEOS sols. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to increase porosity of the product by including colloidal particles in the starting sol.

We prepared a colloid-polymer composite gel using TEOS and a commercial silica colloid. The percentage by weight of silica colloid particles to total silica was 54%. Ethanol and dibutyltindilaurate (DBLT) were chosen as solvent and catalyst, respectively. This catalyst promotes the gelation at a neutral pH, preventing stone decay related to acid or basic catalysis. We characterized the properties playing a key role in consolidation. Data were compared with those obtained using a popular commercial product: Tegovakon V 100 produced by Goldsmith.

In spite of the colloidal particle addition, sols exhibited viscosity values close to those of the commercial products, as a consequence of their dispersion in ethanol. A gelation time similar to that of commercial consolidants was maintained, whereas the contained sol was stable over a period of up to six months. Concerning textural parameters, the addition of colloid permitted to obtain a crack-free, mesoporous material structure. This generated a crack-free material whereas the gel from Tegovakon V 100 exhibited cracking.

We also evaluated the consolidant efficacy on a biocalcareous stone, one of the most common monumental building stone employed in the southwest of Spain. Three key parameters -penetration depth in the rock, mechanical properties and water vapour diffusivity- were measured. Stone permeation was similar to that from the commercial product. Notably, a significant improvement of compression strength of the stone was observed. Reduction in vapour diffusivity of the treated stone was slightly lower for our gel than for the commercial consolidant.

Nodavirus encephalopathy in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus): inflammation, nitric oxide production and effect of anti-inflammatory compounds

Nodaviruses are the etiological agents of one of the most serious viral diseases affecting marine fish aquaculture. Nodavirus infection produces an abnormal swimming behaviour and causes encephalopathy and retinopathy associated to important mortalities. The expression of TNF-alpha, IRF-1 and Mx was increased in turbot after nodavirus infection. A significant increase in the production of nitrogen radicals was also observed in experimentally infected turbot. Several anti-inflammatory compounds (the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisolone and aminoguanidine) were assayed to determine the role of inflammation on nodavirus infection. Cortisone and aminoguanidine were able to accelerate the mortality onset associated to nodavirus infection, modulating the gene expression of TNF-alpha and, in addition, modifying the arrival time of nodavirus to the brain. These results suggest the importance of early inflammatory processes to overcome the infection.

Phase I feasibility study of carboplatin plus capecitabine followed by maintenance capecitabine in patients (pts) with recurrent platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)

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Background: In a previous study, we noted a response rate (RR) of 61% for the 3 drug combination of carboplatin, epirubicin and capecitabine in platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC. This combination however resulted in excessive grade (G) 3–4 haematological toxicity (55%) (BJC 2006; 94:74). The current trial therefore assessed the feasibility and efficacy of the 2 drugs, carboplatin and capecitabine as second- or third-line treatment. Methods: Pts were administered carboplatin (AUC5) day 1 and capecitabine at a starting dose of 750 mg/m2 bd, days 1–21, q21 (dose level 1). The capecitabine dose was deescalated to 625 mg/m2 (dose level -1) and 500 mg/m2 (dose level -2) according to toxicity. Pts with an objective response or stable disease received maintenance capecitabine (at the same dose level) for up to 12 months or until progression. Responses were assessed with RECIST criteria and CA-125. Results: 19 of the 20 pts enrolled were evaluable for toxicity and response. Dose-limiting toxicity was observed at dose level 1 (G3 fatigue, G3 diarrhoea, G3 neutropenia of > 14 days; n = 3/5), dose level -1 (G3 angina (n = 2), G3 vomiting, G3 palmar plantar erythema; n = 4/7) and dose level-2 (diarrhoea / fatigue; n = 1/7). One patient had a G3 carboplatin hypersensivity reaction. 8 pts received maintenance capecitabine which was well tolerated. The overall RR was 53% with 10 partial responses and 5 stable diseases. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 6.5 months (m) and the 6mPFS was 63% with 2 pts currently ongoing treatment. The median PFS on maintenance was 3.2 m. Conclusions: The combination was well tolerated at the recommended phase II dose of carboplatin (AUC 5) and capecitabine (500 mg/m2 bd) with partial responses in over half of the cases.

[Table: see text]

[Neuroimaging studies in borderline personality disorder]

DSM-IV defines Borderline personality disorder (BPD) as a personality disorder that can be primarily characterized by emotional instability, extremely polarized thought and chaotic interpersonal relations. It is the most common personality disorder. Its prevalence is estimated to be from 0.2% to 1.8% of the general population, and the 76% of them are women. However, despite these data and the different biologic findings, there are few publications on neuroimage about this nosologic entity. Recent studies suggest that a dual cerebral disorder, including frontal and limbic circuits, could be present in characterize BPD. These cerebral areas would also be involved in the serotonergic dysfunction that seems to be related to the impulse dyscontrol and self-aggressive behaviour, characteristic of these patients. Most authors point out the importance of traumatic precedents in the BPD genesis, with a direct relation between stress and the neurobiological findings observed, including the neuroimage changes. The aim of this article is to make a revision of the main neuroimage data found in BPD, including the new techniques such as functional MRI, diffusion tensor MRI and spectroscopy.

Effects of atorvastatin on progression-regression of renal injury in hyperlipidemic chickens

Complex interrelationships exist between hyperlipidemia and the progression of renal injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of high plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels on renal structure and the effects of atorvastatin on progression-regression of renal injury. One-hundred chickens were divided into five groups: Group A: Standard diet (SD) for 6 months; Group B: Hyperlipidemic diet (HD) for 6 months; Group C: HD for three months and SD during the next 3 months; Group D: HD for 3 months and SD during the next 3 months, when they received oral atorvastatin (3 mg/kg/d); Group E: HD for the whole 6 months, and atorvastatin (3 mg/kg/d) during the last 3 months. Increased alpha-actine immunostaining was found in glomeruli of groups B and C. An important decrease of immunostaining was observed in glomeruli of atorvastatin treated groups. Group D showed the lowest value for presence of lipids, and significant differences were found with respect to the rest of the groups. The glomeruli of group B presented the highest damage grades and those of group D showed the lowest grades and presented significant differences from the rest of the groups. The combination of atorvastatin therapy and proper diet proved to be effective in promoting renal disease regression. However, the study of several parameters indicates that neither only diet nor atorvastatin in the progression group resulted completely effective in decreasing the progression of the disease.