Composition, ζ Potential, and Molar Mass Distribution of 20 Must and Wine Colloids from Five Different Cultivars Obtained during Four Consecutive Vintages

Colloids are responsible for undesirable haze formation in wine. Here, we characterized 20 colloid batches after isolation by ultrafiltration of musts and wines from five cultivars obtained from four consecutive vintages. Polysaccharide and protein concentrations of the colloids ranged from 0.10 to 0.65 and 0.03 to 0.40 mg/L, respectively. Protein profiling in must and wine colloids by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) and liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS/MS) analyses indicated a lower number of proteins in wine than in must colloids. Molar mass distribution analyses revealed all colloids to consist of two carbohydrate- (424-33,390 and 48-462 kg/mol) and one protein-rich (14-121 kg/mol) fractions. The observed barely negative ζ potentials (-3.1 to -1.1 mV) in unstable wines unraveled that colloid instability might be partly related to their poor electrostatic repulsion in the wine matrix. ζ potentials of the colloids from pH 1 to 10 are also presented. Our data support future developments to eliminate haze-forming colloids from wine.

Clinical Features and Survival of Multiple Primary Melanoma: A Belgian Single Center Cohort

INTRODUCTION

It remains unclear whether multiple primary melanoma (MPM) patients have a worse survival prognosis compared with single primary melanoma (SPM) patients.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the demographics, histological features, and survival of MPM versus SPM patients.

METHODS

Cox regression analyses compared survival between SPM and MPM patients. Furthermore, demographics and histological features of the MPM cohort were compared with the SPM patients retrieved from dermatopathology files between 2000 and 2019.

RESULTS

Out of 3853 melanoma patients, 95 MPM patients were retrieved: 81 with two primary melanomas (85.2%) and 14.8% with three or more. Mean Breslow of the first melanoma was 0.84 mm [minimum (min): 0 mm, maximum (max): 16 mm, standard deviation (SD) 1.77] versus 0.37 mm (second MPM) (min: 0 mm, max: 2.5 mm, SD 0.50) and 0.33 mm (third MPM) (min: 0 mm, max: 0.6 mm, SD 0.22). The mean Breslow for the second MPM was significantly higher for men than women (0.59 mm versus 0.27 mm). First and second melanoma in MPM patients developed on preexisting melanocytic nevi in 13% and 12%, respectively. In contrast with the mean age of primary melanoma in Belgium for women (58.2 years) and men (63.3 years), MPM patients developed their first melanoma earlier, at 44.8 years and 54.6 years, respectively. The mean distribution of anatomical localization of primary and secondary melanoma was highly similar in women, whereas in men a shift towards lower extremities was observed (19% versus 28%). The thicker the primary melanoma was, the sooner the second appeared. Follow-up (2-4/year) versus (1/year) yielded a mean Breslow of 0.29 mm and 0.55 mm, respectively. Cox regression analysis with time-varying covariate revealed a tendency for a worse prognosis in 5-year survival rates, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Patient phenotypes were not available on the histological reports.

CONCLUSION

A closer follow-up regimen of MPM versus SPM patients is probably justified.

[Impact of prolonged second stage of labor on perinatal morbidity : what is our experience ?]

OBJECTIVE

the management of the second stage of labor and its optimal duration are controversial, particularly for nulliparous women. Our aim is to analyze the impact of a prolonged second stage on perinatal morbidity in our institution.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

this is a retrospective study conducted in the University Hospital of Liège (Belgium) from January to July 2019. The 160 patients included were divided into two groups according to the duration of the second stage and compared in terms of mode of delivery, maternal and neonatal morbidity.

RESULTS

group 1 (85 %) had a second stage of labor inferior to 3 hours and group 2 (15 %) ? 3 hours. The cesarean deliveries for non-engagement of the fetus were significantly higher in group 2. No significant difference was observed in terms of maternal morbidity. The median Apgar score at 5 minutes was higher in group 1. The proportion of babies transferred to neonatal intensive care and to the neonatology department was higher in group 2.

CONCLUSION

we mainly noted an increase in neonatal morbidity when the second stage exceeded 3 hours, which is consistent with literature where an increase in maternal morbidity is also described. Prolonging the second stage therefore seems inappropriate to us in the current state of knowledge.

Monteggia fractures: analysis of patient-reported outcome measurements in correlation with ulnar fracture localization

BACKGROUND

Monteggia fractures and Monteggia-like lesions result after severe trauma and have high complication rates. Preliminary biomechanical studies suggested a correlation between ulnar fracture localization and clinical result.

OBJECTIVES

Key objective was to evaluate whether the site of the ulnar fracture can be correlated to clinical outcome after open reduction and internal stabilization.

METHODS

In a retrospective, monocentric study 35 patients who underwent surgical treatment after suffering a Monteggia injury or Monteggia-like lesion were included. Fractures were classified according to Bado and Jupiter, the site of the fracture location at the proximal ulna and regarding the potential accompanying ligamentary injury. In a follow-up examination validated patient-reported outcome measures and functional parameters were evaluated. Furthermore, treatment strategy and complications were analysed.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 51.9 years (± 18.0). 69% were females (n = 24). Follow-up took place after 50.5 months (± 22.1). Fractures were classified according to Bado (I:2, II:27, III:4, IV:2). Bado II-fractures were further classified according to Jupiter (A:7, B:16, C:3, D:1). Cases were divided into subgroups depending upon the distance of the ulnar fracture site in respect to its distal endpoint (A: < 7 cm and B: > 7 cm). Average overall MEPS was 84.1 (± 19.0). Oxford elbow score and DASH were 37.2 (± 10.5) and 20.4 (± 20.5). Average extension capability reached - 7° (± 7.5). Mean flexion was 134.8° (± 19.7). Average pain according to visual analogue scale was 1.6 (± 1.9). We found no differences between the subgroups regarding the PROMs. Subgroup A displayed a worse extension capability (p = 0.027) and patients were significantly older (p < 0.01). Comparing patients with and without fracture of the radial head, we observed no differences. Patients with an accompanying injury of the coronoid process displayed higher pain levels (p = 0.011), a worse functionality (p = 0.027) and overall lower scoring in PROM.

CONCLUSION

The presented results suggest that in Monteggia fractures and Monteggia-like lesions, the localization of the ulna fracture can give a hint for its postoperative outcome. However, we could not confirm the hypothesis of an increasing instability in ulnar fractures located further distally (high severity of the potential ligamentous injury). Intraarticular fractures or injuries with a close relation to the joint have a worse prognosis, especially if the coronoid process is injured. Trial registration Registration was done with ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT05325268.

POS0084-PARE IMPACT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS ON PATIENT QUALITY OF LIFE: IS THERE AN EVOLUTION BETWEEN THE 2013 AND 2021 LARGE-SCALE SURVEYS “STOP OSTEOARTHRITIS” CONDUCTED IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM?

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 500 million people globally. OA is characterized by chronic mechanical pain and stiffness in the joints, limiting patient physical activities, leading to sedentarism, and disability. The results of the French web-based survey “Stop OA” (N=4227 participants) conducted in 2013 were presented at EULAR 2014. They evidenced the heavy burden of OA in France.

Objectives

The survey was repeated in France/Belgium between 2019 and 2021 (N=3465). This study aimed at assessing the impact of OA on patient quality of life and looking at a potential evolution between the two surveys.

Methods

Participants were invited to complete the survey questionnaire online via the website www.stop-arthrose.org. The questions focused on demographic and socio-economic aspects, history of the disease, physical activities, beliefs about OA, its impact on daily life, assessment of health status and the consequences, as well as the needs and expectations of the participants.

Results

3465 questionnaires (France N = 2822, Belgium N = 643) were thus collected between September 2019 and January 2021. The average filling time of the survey was 40 minutes. In the 2021 survey, 80.8% of participants (mean age 60 years, 80.3% women) declared that OA had a negative impact on their morale and 64.1% that they had a deteriorated self-image due to the disease. 25% of participants thought that difficulties in their couple were caused by OA and 33% reported problems in sexual life. 24.8% found it hard to cope with the discouragement generated by the disease. Even if psychological repercussions were observed in 21.2%, less than 5% consulted a psychologist. The impact on leisure (78.1%) and family life (61.9%) was also significant, as well as on social activities (58.0%) and professional life (43.7%). The disease also hindered walking (67.4%) and prevented daily actions (32.0%). Some help was necessary, mainly for gardening or tinkering (28.7%), picking up or opening objects (22.9%) as well as shopping and household chores (17.7%). 50% reported difficulty falling asleep and 67.6% were being woken up at night during their sleep because of pain caused by OA. Fatigue was difficult to live with for 47.9% of the participants. Compared to the results of the 2013 survey, there was no significant improvement evidenced in any of the areas studied.

Conclusion

OA represents a real burden that affects the mental health of patients, their relationships and the quality of their sleep. There has been no improvement of OA impact in patient’ quality of life between the two surveys (i.e., 8 years). This reflects the lack of resources for research to find new treatments and implement evidence-based therapeutic strategies in the current medical practice. A better understanding of these repercussions will allow effective strategies to be adopted in order to deal with these issues.

References

[1]L. Grange, F. Rannou, F. Berembaum, P. Richette, F. Beroud, A. Chaussier-Delboy, X. Chevalier, C. Dreux, P.A. Joseph, C. Roques, A. Sautet, F. Srour, J. Giraud, D.R. Bertholon, F. Nock, H. Servy, First national osteoarthritis patients survey in France: patients insights first, 2014 PARE00022.

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements to expanscience, Labhra, UBSA, and Tilman laboratory for their institutional support

Disclosure of Interests

LAURENT GRANGE Speakers bureau: Expanscience, IBSA, Consultant of: Lohmann & Rauscher, Grunenthal, MSD, Grant/research support from: Thuasne, Sublimed, Remedee, Celine Mathy: None declared, Francoise Alliot Launois: None declared, Gerard Chales: None declared, Laurence Seidel: None declared, Adelin Albert: None declared, Rik Lories Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, Kabi-Fresenius, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Biosplice (Samumed) and UCB., Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen (formerly Celgeneà, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, Kabi-Fresenius, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Biosplice (Samumed) and UCB., Yves Henrotin Consultant of: Tilman, Nestlé, Wobenzym, Genequine, Expanscience, Lahra, Biose

[Clinical impact of small bowell capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding : retrospective single-center study]

INTRODUCTION

The small-bowel capsule endoscopy (VCE) has been validated in the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of VCE for OGIB in routine practice, in terms of subsequent management and the risk of rebleeding.

METHODS

Our retrospective study analyzed the VCE at the CHU of Liège from March 2016 to December 2019 (cohort of 110 patients with OGIB).

RESULTS

We found a diagnostic yield of 58 %, a change in therapeutic attitude in 39 % of patients and a recurrence rate of 22.5 % (out of 102 patients followed at 2 years). The rate of rebleeding was particularly low in patients with normal VCE and in those for whom a therapeutic modification was made. Finally, about 45 % of patients did not have any change in therapeutic attitude nor recurrence.

CONCLUSION

VCE leads to a therapeutic modification in about 40 % of patients with a low risk of relapse. However, VCE could be avoided in some patients as evidenced by a subgroup representing 45 % of patients for whom there was no therapeutic modification nor recurrence.

The impact of an ultra-trail on the dynamic of cardiac, inflammatory, renal and oxidative stress biological markers correlated with electrocardiogram and echocardiogram

The aim of this study was to describe the effects of a 64.2 km ultra-trail on the biomarkers of muscle damage, inflammation and oxidative stress, and compare the results observed with an ECG and an echocardiogram, both performed before and after the race.Thirty-three ultra-trail volunteers (45.8 ± 8.7 years old) were enrolled in our study. Three blood tests were drawn from each runner, one just before (TPRE), one just after (TPOST) and the last 3 h after the end of the race (TPOST3h).All the markers increased. The maximum concentrations observed were at TPOST3h and were significant (p < 0.001) for creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoform MB, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, uric acid and for the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidised glutathione. However, in the case of myoglobin, high-sensitive troponin T, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, oxidised glutathione, myeloperoxidase, cystatin C and creatinine, the most significant increases were at TPOST (p < 0.001). Modifications were observed in the medical imaging using echocardiography such as reduction of left ventricule end-sytolic and diastolic volumes and left ventricular global longitudinal strain. ECG showed electrical criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy and incomplete right bundle branch block after the race.Endurance races cause significant physiological stress to the body that can be measured by the increase of different biomarkers. From a laboratory perspective, it is important to take into account the possible exercise performed previous to the testing to avoid a misinterpretation of the results. From a training perspective, due to these increases in biomarkers, it is recommended that runners wait at least 72 h after an ultra-trail before subsequent training. In addition a transient impairment of ventricular function due to dehydration were observed.

Ustekinumab in bio-naïve and bio-failure Crohn's disease patients: Results from a « real-life » monocentric cohort

BACKGROUND

The pivotal clinical trials have largely demonstrated the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in Crohn's disease. Real-life cohorts published so far only include very few bio-naïve patients. This study assesses effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab in bio-naïve and bio-failure patients treated with ustekinumab in routine practice and look for predictors of response.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective monocentric study. Initial response was assessed by maintenance therapy beyond week 16. Sustained response was assessed by the continuation or cessation of therapy over time for another reason than stopping in sustained remission. Treatment persistence was assessed by Kaplan Meier curves and predictors of treatment persistence were studied by univariate and multivariate Cox model.

RESULTS

Out of 156 recorded patients, three patients were still in their induction phase at time of analysis and 5 patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 148 patients for clinical effectiveness analyses, including 35 bio-naïve when starting ustekinumab. A maintenance therapy was initiated in 79.7%. At one year, the probability to be still treated with ustekinumab was 73.8%. Treatment cessation increased with smoking in multivariate analysis. Previous biologic failure (as a whole), CRP and fecal calprotectin baseline levels did not influence initial response and treatment persistence.

CONCLUSION

A large proportion of CD patients initially respond to ustekinumab and continue this treatment beyond one year. Treatment persistence is as high in bio-failure as in bio-naïve patients.

[Elective induction of labor in nulliparous women : should we stop ?]

In Wallonia, almost one fourth of cesarean sections are performed on nulliparous women with vertex nonanomalous singleton gestations who underwent induction of labor. The purpose of this study is to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes with elective induction of labor versus spontaneous onset of labor. Data for all deliveries at CHU de Liège over a two-year period were obtained. Women with vertex nonanomalous singleton gestations who delivered from 3900 to 40+6 weeks were selected. We tested the association of elective induction and operative vaginal delivery, cesarean section, post-partum hemorrhage, episiotomy and perineal lacerations, length of labor, length of stay, 1-min and 5-min APGAR inferior to 7 and admission to neonatal intensive care unit. Length of stay was significantly longer in all induced women. In nulliparous women, there was a 45 % probability of operative vaginal delivery or cesarean section delivery in those who underwent elective induction of labor. In light of these results, it seems that our policy of elective induction of labor in nulliparous women is causing unnecessary and potentially avoidable interventions.

Predictors of a good response to inhaled corticosteroids in obesity-associated asthma

INTRODUCTION

Asthma in obese subjects is poorly understood. According to GINA guidelines, pulmonologists increase ICS in case of poor asthma control but lung volume restriction may also worsen respiratory symptoms in obese asthmatics leading to overtreatment in this subpopulation.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study on 1217 asthmatics recruited from University Hospital of Liege. 92 patients with a BMI ≥30 came at least two times at the asthma clinic (mean interval: 335 days). In this obese population, we identified predictors of good (decrease in ACQ ≥0.5) versus poor response (rise in ACQ ≥0.5) to ICS step-up therapy.

RESULTS

Obese asthmatics had a poorer asthma control and quality of life as compared to non-obese and exhibited reduced FVC, higher levels of blood leucocytes and markers of systemic inflammation. The proportion of asthma inflammatory phenotypes was similar to that observed in a general population of asthmatics. Among uncontrolled obese asthmatics receiving ICS step-up therapy, 53% improved their asthma control while 31% had a worsening of their asthma. Uncontrolled obese asthmatics showing a good response to increase in ICS had higher ACQ, lower CRP levels, higher sputum eosinophil counts and higher FeNO levels at visit 1. Uncontrolled obese asthmatics that worsened after increasing the dose of ICS had lower FVC, lower sputum eosinophil counts and higher sputum neutrophil counts.

CONCLUSION

We observed poorer asthma control in obese asthmatics despite similar bronchial inflammation. Managing obese asthmatics according to ACQ alone seems to underestimate asthma control and the contribution of restriction to dyspnea. Increasing the dose of ICS in the absence of sputum eosinophilic inflammation or in the presence of restriction or bronchial neutrophilia led to poorer asthma control. In those patients, management of obesity should be the first choice.

Variation of the maximum velocity along the umbilical vein supports the Reynolds pulsometer model

OBJECTIVE

To challenge, with a modern sonographic approach and a numerical model, the Reynolds's concept which suggests that the vascular structure of the umbilical cord could act as a pulsometer facilitating the venous return to the foetus.

METHOD

Forty-five patients between 20 and 28 weeks of gestation were included in the study. The blood maximum velocity in the umbilical vein, measured at both foetal and placental ends, was assessed. Several sonographic parameters of the cord, including the diameter of the umbilical vein at both extremities, cord cross-sectional area and Wharton's jelly section surface were measured. We compare our data with those of a numerical model.

RESULTS

A difference in maximum velocity between the two extremities of the umbilical vein (Δ^UVV_max) was noted. The maximum velocity was significantly higher at the foetal umbilical end (14.12 +/-3.18 cm/s) than at the placental end (11.93 +/-2.55 cm/s; p < 0.0001). The mean difference is 2.2 +/- 2.3 cm/s. No difference in the umbilical vein diameter was measured at both cord ends (umbilical 4.85 +/-0.9 mm, placental 4.86 +/-0.87 mm, p < 0.0001). There is no significant relationship between Δ^UVV_max and the cord cross-sectional area or Wharton's jelly index.

CONCLUSION

Modifications of the spatial velocity profile together with the pulsometer model could explain the maximum velocity changes that is measured in the umbilical vein along the cord. This numerical model consolidates the sonographic observations.

WITHDRAWN: A single center experience in resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma : the limitations of the surgery-first approach. Critical review of the literature and proposals for practice update

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors and editor because of incorrect authorship, which is considered a form of unethical publication. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

A single center experience in resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma : the limitations of the surgery-first approach. Critical review of the literature and proposals for practice update

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The current standard of care for resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is surgery-first followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. We review our single center experience in a PDAC cohort managed by the surgery-first strategy. We then compare our data to those of Belgian and international literature.

PATIENTS METHODS

We reviewed a series of 83 consecutive resectable patients with PDAC, treated by the surgery-first approach in a Belgian Academic Hospital between 2007 and 2013. The outcomes were assessed with univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn according to patient groups.

RESULTS

For the entire population, the median survival (MS) was 18.4 months; the 1-year relapse-free survival was 56%, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 13%. The size of the primary tumor larger than 3 cm (OS, HR = 1.76, p = 0.033) and vascular resection (DFS, HR = 2.1, p = 0.024) were the single independent prognostic factors in the multivariate analysis of this cohort. Only 69% of the patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, and more than 75% of them demonstrated no chance of survival beyond 3 years because they harbored poor prognostic factors, recognized only postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results and those published in the literature brought to light the limited perspectives of the surgery-first strategy in a population of apparently resectable pancreatic cancers. In comparison, data from reported neo-adjuvant series deserve our interest to bring this strategy upfront in selected patients in the context of close observational monitoring and randomized trials. The actual standard of care for resectable PDAC is surgery-first followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The performance of this strategy relies on the dedicated imaging that does not accurately recognize the limits of the tumor and the high prevalence of adverse prognostic factors. Moreover, pancreatectomy remains associated with high postoperative complication rates and the poor completion of adjuvant therapy. This translates into poor long-term survival figures. In our series the MS was 18.4 months and 5-year OS was 13%. The disease-free survival (DFS) was 15.6 months, 1 and 3-year DFS were 56 and 26%, respectively. The variables that significantly correlated with OS in univariate analysis are tumor size and lymph node involvement. Regarding DFS, vascular resection was the only significant factor. In the multivariate analysis, the only significant factor related to OS remained the tumor size >3 cm in greatest diameter. Vascular resection remained significant for DFS. 31% of the patients did not receive any chemotherapy at all before the 6-month period following resection. The rates of complete resections compared favorably with those of a surgery-first strategy with no excess of operative mortality, complications and early relapse rates. The advantages of a chemotherapy-first approach, eventually combined with chemo-radiotherapy, are to offer higher combined therapy completion rates and improve the level of free resection margins, lymph node involvement and patient selection. The advent of safe, more potent chemotherapy combinations has the potential to further improve survival when administered upfront.

Induction of Long-Lasting Changes of Visual Cortex Excitability by Five Daily Sessions of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Healthy Volunteers and Migraine Patients

We have shown that in healthy volunteers (HV) one session of 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the visual cortex induces dishabituation of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) on average for 30 min, while in migraineurs one session of 10 Hz rTMS replaces the abnormal VEP potentiation by a normal habituation for 9 min. In the present study, we investigated whether repeated rTMS sessions (1 Hz in eight HV; 10 Hz in eight migraineurs) on 5 consecutive days can modify VEPs for longer periods. In all eight HV, the 1 Hz rTMS-induced dishabituation increased in duration over consecutive sessions and persisted between several hours ( n = 4) and several weeks ( n = 4) after the fifth session. In six out eight migraineurs, the normalization of VEP habituation by 10 Hz rTMS lasted longer after each daily stimulation but did not exceed several hours after the last session, except in two patients, where it persisted for 2 days and 1 week. Daily rTMS can thus induce long-lasting changes in cortical excitability and VEP habituation pattern. Whether this effect may be useful in preventative migraine therapy remains to be determined.

Persisting signs of disease activity at Magnetic Resonance Enterocolonography predict clinical relapse and disease progression in quiescent Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION

Deep remission including clinical remission and tissue healing has been advocated as the therapeutic target in Crohn's disease. Yet, the definition of deep remission remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the persisting lesions at magnetic resonance enterocolonography (MREC) in clinically quiescent Crohn's disease as well as their relapse predictive value.

METHODS

we performed a prospective monocentre cohort study. We included patients with clinical remission. At baseline, these patients had blood tests, the measurement of fecal calprotectin and underwent a MREC. They were then followed up clinically for a minimum of 1 year. A relapse was defined by a HBI > 4 with an increase of at least 3 points. Correlations between clinical, demographic, biological parameters and MREC signs were assessed as well as the time-to-relapse predictive value of the studied variables.

RESULTS

Twenty seven patients were recruited. Fourteen out of 27 had persisting disease activity at MREC. MREC signs only partly correlated with biomarkers. Ten out of 27 patients relapsed over a median follow up of 25 months. In univariate analysis, relative contrast enhancement of the most affected segment (HR: 2.56; P = 0.046), ulcers (HR: 12.5; P = 0.039), fistulas (HR: 14.1; P = 0.009) and target sign (HR: 3.63; P = 0.049) were associated with relapse. In multivariate analysis, fistula was the only one.

CONCLUSIONS

Half of the patients with clinically quiescent Crohn's disease had persisting signs of disease activity at MREC. These signs predicted time-to-relapse.

Oncological and surgical outcome after oncoplastic breast surgery

BACKGROUND

Oncoplastic surgery combines breast-conserving treatment and plastic surgery techniques. The aim of the study was to identify breast and tumor-related characteristics that contribute to the rate of complications and recurrence.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 72 patients with a median follow-up of 32 months. For each patient, a comprehensive set of data was collected, including epidemiology, tumor characteristics, preoperative information, detailed pathology reports, radiotherapy treatment and type of surgical technique. The rate of complications, recurrence and survival were studied.

RESULTS

Complete tumor removal was performed with clear margins in all patients but in 25 of them margins were less than 2 mm. One patient had local recurrence and another developed distant metastases. The study showed that the size of the margin was not predictive of recurrence as long as not positive; the greater the resection volume, the larger the excision margin. The resection size was the only factor influencing complications and no specific tumor-related factor significantly increased the complication rate. Surgical complications did not delay the initiation of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first oncoplastic study where both tumor and breast characteristics were analyzed using the most recent criteria of the literature. Oncoplastic surgery can be considered as oncologically safe. The resection size was the sole significant risk factor for postoperative complications. Complications after oncoplastic breast surgery did not differ neoadjuvant therapy. Long-term event-free survival was excellent (96% at 7 years).

Oncological and Surgical Outcome after Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

BACKGROUND

Oncoplastic surgery combines breast-conserving treatment and plastic surgery techniques. The aim of the study was to identify breast and tumor-related characteristics that contribute to the rate of complications and recurrence.

MATERIAL & METHODS

This retrospective study included 72 patients with a median follow-up of 32 months. For each patient, a comprehensive set of data was collected, including epidemiology, tumor characteristics, preoperative information, detailed pathology reports, radiotherapy treatment and type of surgical technique. The rate of complications, recurrence and survival were studied.

RESULTS

Complete tumor removal was performed with clear margins in all patients but in 25 of them margins were less than 2 mm. One patient had local recurrence and another developed distant metastases. The study showed that the size of the margin was not predictive of recurrence as long as not positive; the greater the resection volume, the larger the excision margin. The resection size was the only factor influencing complications and no specific tumor-related factor significantly increased the complication rate. Surgical complications did not delay the initiation of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

This is the first oncoplastic study where both tumor and breast characteristics were analyzed using the most recent criteria of the literature. Oncoplastic surgery can be considered as oncologically safe. The resection size was the sole significant risk factor for postoperative complications. Complications after oncoplastic breast surgery did not differ neoadjuvant therapy. Long-term event-free survival was excellent (96% at 7 years).

Depth of remission in Crohn's disease patients seen in a referral centre : associated factors and impact on disease outcome

INTRODUCTION

Our goals were to assess the prevalence of biological and tissue remission in routine practice in Crohn's disease, and to evaluate the correlation between biological or tissue remission and clinical or demographic characteristics as well as their impact on disease outcome.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective monocenter study. Biological remission was defined by a CRP < 5 mg/I. Tissue remission was defined by the absence of ulcer at endoscopy and/or absence of signs of acute inflammation at MRI. Association with demographic, clinical and laboratory markers was studied by logistic regression models and rates of relapses, hospitalizations and surgeries were compared using the logrank test.

RESULTS

Among the 263 patients included, 147 were in clinical remission; 102/147 (69%) were in biological remission. Fifty-six patients also had morphological evaluation: 37 (66%) were in tissue remission. Biological remission was associated with older age, higher hemoglobin and lower BMI. Tissue remission was associated with older age, lower platelets count, absence of previous surgery, and the use of immunosuppressant. Time-to-relapse was significantly longer in patients with biological remission and in patients with tissue remission as compared to patients without biological or tissue remission.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the patients in clinical remission seen as outpatients, two thirds were either in biological and/or tissue remission. Biological and/or tissue remission was associated with a better outcome than clinical remission alone.

Serum calprotectin as a biomarker for Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In Crohn's disease, correlation between clinical assessment and disease activity at tissue level is weak. Our aim was to evaluate the value of serum calprotectin as a biomarker for Crohn's disease.

METHODS

The STORI trial patients (n=115) were studied at baseline, in clinical remission before infliximab withdrawal, or at the time of relapse after infliximab withdrawal. Forty healthy controls were also studied. Serum calprotectin level was measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed through correlation analyses, Kaplan Meier curves and Cox model, using available Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS), fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein levels (hsCRP).

RESULTS

Median serum calprotectin was 8892 ng/mL (range: 410-125,000 ng/mL) in Crohn disease patients as compared with 1318 ng/mL (range: 215.8-3770 ng/mL) in controls (P<0.0001). Serum calprotectin was significantly higher for active disease (median=19,584 ng/mL) than for inactive disease (median=8353 ng/mL) (P<0.0001). Serum calprotectin correlated with hsCRP (r=0.4092, P<0.0001) and CDAI (r=0.4442, P<0.0001), but not with CDEIS, on the contrary to fecal calprotectin (r=0.6458, 0.5515, 0.2577 with P<0.0001, P<0.0001, P=0.019 respectively). In multivariate analysis, serum calprotectin used as a discrete variable (threshold: 5675 ng/ml), appeared complementary to hsCRP (>5 mg/l) and fecal calprotectin (>250 μg/g) to predict relapse after infliximab withdrawal (P=0.0173, 0.0024 and 0.0002; HR: 3.191, 3.561 and 4.120).

CONCLUSIONS

As a CD biomarker, serum calprotectin has a similar profile as hsCRP. It is also complementary to fecal calprotectin and hsCRP for prediction of relapse after infliximab withdrawal.

Pressure dependent product formation in the photochemically initiated allyl + allyl reaction

Photochemically driven reactions involving unsaturated radicals produce a thick global layer of organic haze on Titan, Saturn's largest moon. The allyl radical self-reaction is an example for this type of chemistry and was examined at room temperature from an experimental and kinetic modelling perspective. The experiments were performed in a static reactor with a volume of 5 L under wall free conditions. The allyl radicals were produced from laser flash photolysis of three different precursors allyl bromide (C3H5Br), allyl chloride (C3H5Cl), and 1,5-hexadiene (CH2CH(CH2)2CHCH2) at 193 nm. Stable products were identified by their characteristic vibrational modes and quantified using FTIR spectroscopy. In addition to the (re-) combination pathway C3H5+C3H5 → C6H10 we found at low pressures around 1 mbar the highest final product yields for allene and propene for the precursor C3H5Br. A kinetic analysis indicates that the end product formation is influenced by specific reaction kinetics of photochemically activated allyl radicals. Above 10 mbar the (re-) combination pathway becomes dominant. These findings exemplify the specificities of reaction kinetics involving chemically activated species, which for certain conditions cannot be simply deduced from combustion kinetics or atmospheric chemistry on Earth.

Onset of quantum chaos in molecular systems and the zeros of the Husimi function

The distribution of zeros of the Husimi function has proven a useful tool in the characterization of regular and chaotic quantum states of dynamical systems. In a previous paper [Phys. Rev. E 82, 026201 (2010)], we showed how the quantum transition from order to chaos in three different molecular systems (LiCN, HCN, and HO(2)) can be understood by means of the correlation diagram of eigenenergies versus the Planck's constant. An order-chaos frontier of scars (eigenstates localized over unstable and stable complementary, in the sense of the Poincaré-Birkhoff theorem, periodic orbits) was observed. In this paper, we show how the distribution of zeros of the Husimi function can be related to the onset of chaos in these molecular systems, showing a very interesting feature at the frontier of scars; namely, some zeros of the Husimi function localize over the stable and unstable fixed points corresponding to the two complementary periodic orbits, this representing the quantum equivalent to the Poincaré-Birkhoff theorem.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of Waldeyer's ring has distinct clinicopathologic features: a GELA study

BACKGROUND

Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) arising in specific extranodal sites have peculiar clinicopathologic features.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed a cohort of 187 primary Waldeyer's ring (WR) DLBCLs retrieved from GELA protocols using anthracyclin-based polychemotherapy.

RESULTS

Most patients (92%) had stage I-II disease. A germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) immunophenotype was observed in 61%, and BCL2 expression in 55%, of WR DLBCLs. BCL2, BCL6, IRF4 and MYC breakpoints were observed in, respectively, 3 of 42 (7%), 9 of 36 (25%), 2 of 26 (8%) and 4 of 40 (10%) contributive cases. A variable follicular pattern was evidenced in 30 of 68 (44%) large biopsy specimens. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and the overall survival (OS) of 153 WR DLBCL patients with survival information were 69.5% and 77.8%, respectively. The GCB immunophenotype correlated with a better OS (P = 0.0015), while BCL2 expression predicted a worse OS (P = 0.037), an effect overcome by the GCB/non-GCB classification. Compared with matched nodal DLBCLs, WR DLBCLs with no age-adjusted international prognostic index factor disclosed a better 5-year PFS rate (77.5% versus 70.7%; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

WR DLBCLs display distinct clinicopathologic features compared with conventional DLBCLs, with usual localized-stage disease, common follicular features and a high frequency of GCB immunophenotype contrasting with a low rate of BCL2 rearrangements. In addition, they seem to be associated with a better outcome than their nodal counterpart.

Does co-treatment with immunosuppressors improve outcome in patients with Crohn's disease treated with adalimumab?

BACKGROUND

There is clear benefit from combination therapy with infliximab and immunosuppressive drugs (IS), but few data are available for adalimumab (ADA).

AIM

To assess the efficacy of ADA monotherapy and ADA+IS for induction and maintenance therapy in Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients with Crohn's disease treated with ADA in Oxford, UK or Liège, Belgium. Treatment periods were divided into 6-month semesters. A combination therapy semester was defined as ADA+IS for at least 3 months; successful induction meant clinical response; a semester with flare as ADA dose escalation, starting steroids, perianal complication, or surgery; and ADA failure as ADA withdrawal for secondary loss of response or intolerance. Semesters with and without flares were compared through univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Successful induction was achieved in 171/207 (83%) patients, with no significant difference between ADA+IS and ADA monotherapy (85% vs. 82%, P = 0.50). Five hundred and sixty-two semesters in 181 patients were included for maintenance analysis. ADA+IS was not associated with fewer semesters with flare (34% vs. 35%, P = 0.96), or with ADA failure (6% vs. 8%, P = 0.43). Nevertheless, combination therapy in the first semester was associated with a lower risk of ADA failure (5% vs. 10%, P = 0.04, OR = 0.48) and combination therapy beyond 6 months was associated with fewer semesters with flares (14% vs. 36%, P = 0.02, OR = 0.31).

CONCLUSIONS

There may be a benefit from adalimumab+immunosuppressive drugs combination therapy during the first semester of initiating adalimumab, with a slight decrease in adalimumab failure and lower need for adalimumab dosage escalation.

Is FENO50 useful diagnostic tool in suspected asthma?

BACKGROUND

Asthma diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and the demonstration of airflow variability. Airway inflammation measured by fractional exhaled nitric oxide, measured at a flow rate of 50 ml/s (FE(NO50)) remains a controversial diagnostic tool.

AIM

To assess the ability of FE(NO50) to identify bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to methacholine (provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV(1); PC20M ≤ 16 mg/ml) and to establish whether or not symptoms relate to FE(NO50) and PC20M in patients with no demonstrated reversibility to β(2) -agonist.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study on 174 steroid naive patients with respiratory symptoms, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1) ) ≥ 70% predicted and no demonstrated reversibility to β(2) -agonist. Patients answered to a standardised symptom questionnaire and underwent FE(NO50) and methacholine challenge. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analysis assessed the relationship between PC20M and FE(NO50) , taking into account covariates (smoking, atopy, age, gender and FEV(1)).

RESULTS

A total of 82 patients had a PC20M ≤ 16 mg/ml and had significantly higher FE(NO50) (19 ppb vs. 15 ppb; p < 0.05). By constructing ROC curve, we found that FE(NO50) cut-off value of 34 ppb was able to identify not only BHR with high specificity (95%) and positive predictive value (88%) but low sensitivity (35%) and negative predictive value (62%). When combining all variables into the logistic model, FE(NO50) (p = 0.0011) and FEV(1) (p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of BHR whereas age, gender, smoking and atopy had no influence. The presence of diurnal and nocturnal wheezing was associated with raised FE(NO50) (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The value of FE(NO50) > 34 ppb has high predictive value of PC20M < 16 in patients with suspected asthma in whom bronchodilating test failed to demonstrate reversibility or was not indicated. However, FE(NO50) ≤ 34 ppb does not rule out BHR and should prompt the clinician to ask for a methacholine challenge.

Combustion Chemistry of the Butane Isomers in Premixed Low-Pressure Flames

The combustion chemistry of the two butane isomers represents a subset in a comprehensive description of C1–C4 hydrocarbon and oxygenated fuels. A critical examination of combustion models and their capability to predict emissions from this class of fuels must rely on high-quality experimental data that address the respective chemical decomposition and oxidation pathways, including quantitative intermediate species mole fractions. Premixed flat low-pressure (40 mbar) flames of the two butane isomers were thus studied under identical, fuel-rich (φ=1.71) conditions. Two independent molecular-beam mass spectrometer (MBMS) set-ups were used to provide quantitative species profiles. Both data sets, one from electron ionization (EI)-MBMS with high mass resolution and one from photoionization (PI)-MBMS with high energy resolution, are in overall good agreement. Simulations with a flame model were used to analyze the respective reaction pathways, and differences in the combustion behavior of the two isomers are discussed.

Scars at the edge of the transition from order to chaos in the isomerizing molecular systems LiNC-LiCN and HCN-HNC, and HO2

Correlation diagrams of energy levels using ℏ as the varying parameter have proven very useful in the characterization of quantum vibrational dynamics of small polyatomic molecules, specially in relation to the transition from order to chaos. In this paper, we present calculations of such correlation diagrams for three molecular systems with very different characteristics, which can be traced down to the topology of their potential energy surfaces. By studying the broad avoided crossings existing in the diagrams, we show that the transition from regular to irregular states always corresponds to a frontier formed by scarred states.

[Comparative study of five techniques of preparation of platelet-rich plasma]

AIM OF THE STUDY

Injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) constitute a new therapeutic for treating chronic tendinopathies. The injection being carried out in the tendon, the volume of PRP should thus be minimal (to decrease the intratendinous pressure and to minimize pain). This PRP should also have a raised platelet count. The quantity of released growth factors could be related to the system of preparation employed. We thus carried out a comparative study of five techniques of preparation of PRP described in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Samples of venous blood were taken among five patients in order to compare five techniques of preparation of PRP: University Hospital of Liège technique, Curasan(®) PRP Kit, Plateltex(®), GPS(®)II and RegenLab(®).

RESULTS

The various techniques make it possible to obtain more important platelet concentration than in blood, with variable volumes (0,3 to 6ml). The number of platelets per microlitre appears higher with Plateltex(®) and obtains smallest volume of PRP. The other techniques also give small volumes except for the GPS(®)II. The number of collected platelets with this technique appears thus higher. The best collect efficiency is obtained with RegenLab(®).

CONCLUSION

The technique Plateltex(®) makes it possible to collect the highest concentration of platelets in the smallest volume available.

[Predictive index for preeclampsia before conception and primary prevention]

OBJECTIVE

To derive a prediction index based on the most salient history, laboratory and clinical parameters for identifying women at high risk of developing preeclampsia (PE) and to suggest a primary prevention.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Non-pregnant women with a history of PE (n=101) were compared to non-pregnant parous women with a history of one or more successful normotensive pregnancies (n=50) but with comparable age, gestation and parity profiles. The parameters included history and clinical examination; laboratory studies (hemostasis, coagulation, vitamins); and morphological and functional tests (cardiovascular and renal functions). Stepwise logistic regression analysis was applied to develop a three step PE prediction index based on the most discriminant parameters. Strategies to prevent PE in the high-risk group are described.

RESULTS

Identification of women at high risk of PE can be done efficiently (88% sensitivity and specificity) using a predictive index based on a simple history, laboratory, clinical and functional information. Strategies to prevent PE in our high-risk group have given encouraging results during next pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Our study gives a predictive index of PE outside of pregnancy and possibilities to do a primary prevention.