The experience of the rigid lockdown in the dental emergency room and urgency care during COVID-19 pandemic: a transnational multicenter observational study

OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on our lives all over the world. Changes have occurred in daily life as well as in all medical services. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the emergency accesses in four universities' emergency services during the lockdown period from March to June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 44,787 patients to evaluate the emergency services of university centers. The medical data of Medical Emergency Service Data (MESD) were assessed by five independent operators considering the epidemiological findings for statistics methods.

RESULTS

A lower level of emergency access was reported in March-July compared to the pre-COVID period. The epidemiological data confirmed that female pathologies were more frequent compared to male patients. A fluctuation for almost all urgent healthcare centers was detected, showing one/two peaks per year during the years 2017-2019. The COVID-19 pandemic period did not influence the variety of pathology detected.

CONCLUSIONS

After the lockdown period, the emergency services slowly increased in cases. The pre-COVID period showed an overlapping of the most frequent pathologies compared to the post-COVID period: periodontitis (Bari and Tirana), dental fractures (Bari and Bucharest), odontogenic abscess (Bari, Cluj and Tirana).

Outcomes of endoscopic full thickness resection in the colon rectum at an Italian tertiary center

PURPOSE

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is an innovative technique for the treatment of colonic lesions not feasible by conventional endoscopic resection. Here, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Full-Thickness Resection Device (FTRD) for colonic lesions in a high-volume tertiary referral center.

METHODS

A review of a prospectively collected database on patients that underwent EFTR with FTRD for colonic lesions from June 2016 to January 2021 at our institution was performed. Data regarding the clinical history, previous endoscopic treatments, pathological examination, technical and histological success, and follow-up were evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (26 males, median age 69 years) underwent FTRD for colonic lesion. Eighteen lesions were in the left colon, three in the transverse, and 12 in the right colon. The median size of the lesions was 13 (range 10-40) mm. Resection was technically successful in 94% of patients. The mean hospital stay was 3.2 (SD ± 1.2) days. Adverse events were reported in four cases (11.4%). Histological complete resection (R0) was achieved in 93.9% of cases. Endoscopic follow-up was available in 96.8% of patients, at a median duration of 14.6 months (3-46 months). Recurrence was observed in 19.4% of cases at a median time of 3 months (3-7 months). Five patients had multiple FTRD performed, with R0 resection in three cases. In this subset, adverse events were observed in 40% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

FTRD is safe and feasible for standard indication. The non-negligible rate of recurrence observed suggests the need for close endoscopic follow-up in these patients. Multiple EFTR could help achieve complete resection in selected cases; however, in this setting, a higher risk of adverse events was observed.

Autologous tooth for bone regeneration: dimensional examination of Tooth Transformer® granules

OBJECTIVE

Since 1967, when the osteoinduction properties of autogenous demineralized dentin matrix were discovered, autologous tooth grafts have been advocated as a viable option to autologous or heterologous bone graft. Tooth graft materials may be extracted from the patient's whole tooth using a granulating device. The aim of this study was to examine the size of granules obtained by the Tooth Transformer (TT)® device, using a laser instrument with high precision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The TT® device can obtain bone graft material in a short period from an extracted tooth. The resulting material can act as an osteoconductive scaffold, providing a mineral substrate during resorption, including platelet growth factors and morphogenetic proteins. Different studies have investigated the dimension and behavior of various graft material particles, since the size of the grafted particles may play a role in osteogenesis and bone regeneration.

RESULTS

Different dimensions of granules are available: small (< 400 µm), medium (400 µm-1,000 µm) and large (1,000 µm-2,000 µm). From 4.03 µm to 100 µm the percentage of granules was 14.52 ± 1.93%. A larger part of the granules was up to 100 µm, while 85.47 ± 1.93% of the granules were from 100 µm to 1,000 µm.

CONCLUSIONS

85% of the granules produced were in accordance with the dimensions suggested in the literature.

Soft tissue regeneration in animal models using grafts from adipose mesenchymal stem cells and peripheral blood fibrin gel

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of soft tissue regeneration in nude mice using grafts made from the combination of adipocytes from fat tissue mesenchymal stem cells and fibrin gel from peripheral blood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from adipose tissue and identified according to ISCT criteria. The scaffold used was fibrin obtained from peripheral blood. The grafts in this study were generated by transferring mesenchymal stem cells onto a fibrin scaffold. Two types of grafts, the research sample (fibrin scaffold containing adipocytes differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells) and the control sample (fibrin scaffold only), were grafted under the dorsal skin of the same mouse. After each research period, samples were collected and evaluated by histological methods to observe the existence and growth of cells inside the grafts.

RESULTS

The results showed that the study group's graft integrated better within the tissue when compared with the control group. In addition, the grafts in the study group showed the presence of cells with characteristic morphology of adipocytes one week after transplantation. In contrast, control samples showed dimorphous shapes and features mainly composed of non-homogenous fragments.

CONCLUSIONS

These initial conclusions might be considered a first step in generating safe bio-compatible engineered grafts specifically usable in post-traumatic tissue regeneration procedures.

Non-thyroidal illness syndrome in chronic diseases: role of irisin as modulator of antioxidants

OBJECTIVE

Non-thyroidal-illness syndrome (NTIS) refers to condition found in chronic diseases that is an adaptive mechanism. However, oxidative stress is related to NTIS in a vicious circle, due to deiodinases alteration and negative effects of low T3 on antioxidant levels or activity. Muscle is one of the main targets of thyroid hormones and it can secrete a myokine named irisin, which is able to induce the browning of white adipose tissue, energy expenditure and protect against insulin resistance. Inconclusive data have been reported about irisin role in chronic diseases. Moreover, no correlation with antioxidants has been investigated. Therefore, we performed a case-control study with the primary endpoint to evaluate irisin levels in two models of NTIS, such as chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) during haemodialytic treatment. The secondary endpoint was the correlation with total antioxidant capacity (TAC) to establish a possible role of irisin in the modulation of antioxidant systems.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three groups of subjects were enrolled. Group A included CHF patients (n=18; aged 70.22 ± 2.78 ys; BMI ± 27.75 ± 1.28 kg/m2); Group B included CKD patients (n=29; aged 67.03 ± 2.64; BMI 24.53 ± 1.01); finally, 11 normal subjects (Group C) have been enrolled as controls. Irisin has been evaluated by ELISA method and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) by spectrophotometric method.

RESULTS

Irisin was significantly higher in Group B vs. A and C groups (Mean ± SEM: 20.18 ± 0.61 ng/ml vs. 2.77 ± 0.77 and 13.06 ± 0.56, respectively; p<0.05); a significant correlation between irisin and TAC was observed in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary data suggest a possible role of irisin in the modulation of antioxidants in two chronic syndromes with low T3 (i.e., CHF and CKD) with differential pattern in these two models studied. Further insights are needed to confirm this pilot study, which could be the basis for a longitudinal investigation, to assess a prognostic role of irisin with possible therapeutic implications.

High-performance Fe(Se,Te) films on chemical CeO2-based buffer layers

The fabrication of a Fe-based coated conductor (CC) becomes possible when Fe(Se,Te) is grown as an epitaxial film on a metallic oriented substrate. Thanks to the material's low structural anisotropy, less strict requirements on the template microstructure allow for the design of a simplified CC architecture with respect to the REBCO multi-layered layout. This design, though, still requires a buffer layer to promote the oriented growth of the superconducting film and avoid diffusion from the metallic template. In this work, Fe(Se,Te) films are grown on chemically-deposited, CeO₂-based buffer layers via pulsed laser deposition, and excellent properties are obtained when a Fe(Se,Te) seed layer is used. Among all the employed characterization techniques, transmission electron microscopy proved essential to determine the actual effect of the seed layer on the final film properties. Also, systematic investigation of the full current transport properties J(θ, H, T) is carried out: Fe(Se,Te) samples are obtained with sharp superconducting transitions around 16 K and critical current densities exceeding 1 MA cm^-2 at 4.2 K in self-field. The in-field and angular behavior of the sample are in line with data from the literature. These results are the demonstration of the feasibility of a Fe-based CC, with all the relative advantages concerning process simplification and cost reduction.

Increased levels of plasma neudesin in adult growth hormone deficiency and their relationship with plasma liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 levels: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Adult growth hormone deficiency (aGHD) is characterized by an altered metabolic profile and increased cardiovascular risk. Neudesin is a newly discovered protein mainly secreted from adipose tissue and brain, under evaluation for its possible activity as a negative regulator of energy expenditure. Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide (LEAP)-2 is a competitive antagonist of ghrelin on its receptor. An observational cross-sectional study was performed to test the hypothesis that plasma neudesin levels may be modified in aGHD. Given the role played in the energy balance, any possible relationships between neudesin, LEAP-2 and metabolic and anthropometric parameters were evaluated.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Thirty-eight patients were included: 18 aGHD patients (7 females and 11 males, aged 59.7 ± 2.6 years, BMI 30.2 ± 2.2 kg/m²); 20 healthy controls (12 females and 8 males, aged 47.1 ± 2.5 years, BMI 24.1 ± 0.9 kg/m²). All patients were evaluated for glucose, insulin, HOMA and QUICKI index, total/LDL/HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and IGF-1. Plasma neudesin, LEAP-2, and ghrelin were measured by ELISA. Fat mass was evaluated by DEXA.

RESULTS

Neudesin levels were significantly higher in aGHD versus controls. We confirmed the finding of significantly lower ghrelin levels and significantly higher LEAP-2/ghrelin ratio in aGHD patients and found a significant direct correlation between neudesin and LEAP-2 levels. A significant direct correlation between neudesin and fat mass percentage was found in the whole population.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest the onset of adaptive responses to an altered metabolic picture in aGHD. The changes in two distinct pathways that modulate food intake and the still limited knowledge about neudesin suggest future developments in this field.

Evaluation of Kisspeptin levels in prepubertal obese and overweight children: sexual dimorphism and modulation of antioxidant levels

OBJECTIVE

Kisspeptin, neuropeptide involved in puberty beginning and regulation of pituitary-gonadal axis, has been shown to stimulate antioxidant defenses in murine models. Its levels are greater in females than males and also in obese prepubertal girls. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate sex-related differences in prepubertal obese patients and the relationships of Kisspeptin with metabolic/hormonal parameters.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied Kisspeptin concentrations in 54 children (22 males and 32 females, Tanner stage 1), 5-12 ys, classified according to Cole's criteria into 17 overweight and 37 obese; 25 normal-weight children, aged 6-12 years, were studied as controls. We evaluated metabolic (glucose and insulin levels after oral glucose load, total- LDL- HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid) and hormonal (fT3, fT4, TSH, IGF-1, leptin) parameters. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was evaluated by spectrophotometric method, using the system H202-metmyoglobin-ABTS. Kisspeptin levels were measured by RIA.

RESULTS

We did not find significant differences between obese and normal-weight children, but obese males presented significantly lower levels than females. Kisspeptin did not correlate with BMI, HOMA-IR, Insulin peak levels and TAC; a significant correlation was found between Kisspeptin and fT3 (r2=0.25; p=0.003) in the obese group; leptin levels, significantly greater in obese vs. overweight and control children, significantly correlated with TAC (r2=0.39; p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that both hormones could modulate antioxidants, Kisspeptin indirectly via influence on thyroid hormones, and Leptin by a direct effect. This mechanism seems to be sex-related, not attributable to peripheral steroid levels. Further studies can clarify the complex interrelationship between central and peripheral Kisspeptin secretion and oxidative stress in children obesity.

A French National Study on Gastropleural and Gastrobronchial Fistulas After Bariatric Surgery: the Impact of Therapeutic Strategy on Healing

PURPOSE

Gastropleural and gastrobronchial fistulas (GPF/GBFs) are serious but rare complications after bariatric surgery whose management is not consensual. The aim was to establish a cohort and evaluate different clinical presentations and therapeutic options.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multicenter and retrospective study analyzing GPF/GBFs after bariatric surgery in France between 2007 and 2018, via a questionnaire sent to digestive and thoracic surgery departments.

RESULTS

The study included 24 patients from 9 surgical departments after initial bariatric surgery (21 sleeve gastrectomies; 3 gastric bypass) for morbid obesity (mean BMI = 42 ± 8 kg/m²). The GPF/GBFs occurred, on average, 124 days after bariatric surgery, complicating an initial post-operative gastric fistula (POGF) in 66% of cases. Endoscopic digestive treatment was performed in 79% of cases (n = 19) associated in 25% of cases (n = 6) with thoracic endoscopy. Surgical treatment was performed in 83% of cases (n = 20): thoracic surgery (n = 5), digestive surgery (n = 8), and combined surgery (n = 7). No patient died. Overall morbidity was 42%. The overall success rate of the initial and secondary strategies was 58.5% and 90%, respectively. The average healing time was approximately 7 months. Patients who had undergone thoracic surgery (n = 12) had more initial management failures (n = 9/12) than patients who had not (n = 3/12), p = 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Complex and life-threatening fistulas that are revealed late require a multidisciplinary strategy. Thoracic surgery should be reserved once the abdominal leak heals; otherwise, it is associated with a higher risk of failure.

Is Chronic Exposure to Raw Water a Possible Risk Factor for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? A Pilot Case-Control Study

Background: The etiopathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is still largely unknown. Methods: We performed a case-control study (33 cases and 35 controls) in Umbria, Italy. We investigated associations between common lifestyle, clinical factors, as well as environmental exposures potentially implicated with ALS onset. Face-to-face interviews were carried out. All cases were recruited and diagnosed according to El Escorial criteria. Case-control comparisons were made for educational and residential status, occupational exposures, and clinical and lifestyle factors prior to cases’ dates of diagnosis. Results: Our results showed an increased risk of ALS for subjects chronically exposed to raw water use (odds ratio (OR) = 6.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.24–19.12). Garden activities showed a tight association with ALS as well, very likely as a consequence of chronic raw water exposure. Indeed, we could exclude an impact for pesticides, as no significant differences were observed in pesticide exposure in the two groups interviewed. However, cases were more often exposed to fertilizers. After adjustment for age, sex, and heavy physical activities, exposure to raw water was still associated with increased ALS risk (OR = 4.74, 95% CI: 1.33–16.85). Discussion: These findings suggest an association between ALS and exposure to raw water, which should be further investigated for the presence of chemicals interfering with nervous system functionality.

Hormonal deficiencies in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: prevalence and impact on diastolic dysfunction: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, catabolic mechanisms have a strong negative impact on mortality and morbidity. The relationship between anabolic hormonal deficiency, thyroid function, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has still been poorly investigated. Therefore, we aimed to define the multi-hormonal deficiency prevalence in HFpEF patients and the relationships between hormonal deficiency and echocardiographic indexes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, fasting glucose, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine, insulin-like growth factor-1, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), total testosterone (only in male subjects) in 40 patients with HFpEF were evaluated. An echocardiographic evaluation was performed.

RESULTS

One (2.5%) patient (2.5%) had no hormonal deficiencies; 8 (20%) patients had deficits of one hormone, 18 patients (45%) of two axes, 12 patients (30%) of three axes, and one patient (2.5%) of all four axes. Among them, 97.5% had DHEA-S deficiency, 67.5% IGF-1 deficiency, 37% testosterone deficiency, 22.5% a "Low T3 syndrome", and 20% subclinical hypothyroidism. Patients with IGF-1 deficit showed higher left atrial volume values, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), tricuspid peak velocity (TPV), and lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and TAPSE/SPAP ratio values. Patients with testosterone deficiency had higher SPAP and TPV. Patients with low T3 syndrome had higher value of right ventricular mid cavity diameter. Hormonal dysfunction was independent from the presence of comorbidities and no difference between male and female subjects was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Multi-hormonal deficiencies are associated with right ventricular dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction in patients with HFpEF.

Fe(II) interaction with cement phases: Method development, wet chemical studies and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Fe(II) interaction with cement phases was studied by means of co-precipitation and sorption experiments in combination with X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. Oxidation of Fe(II) was fast in alkaline conditions and therefore, a methodology was developed which allowed Fe(II) to be stabilised in the sorption experiments and to prepare samples for spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the co-precipitation samples showed uptake of a small portion of Fe(II) by calcium-silicate-hydrates (C-S-H) in the interlayer indicated by an increase in the interlayer spacing. Fe(II) incorporation by AFm phases was not indicated. Wet chemical experiments using ⁵⁵Fe radiotracer revealed linear sorption of Fe(II) irrespective of the Ca/Si ratio of C-S-H and equilibrium pH. The K_d values for Fe(II) sorption on C-S-H are more than three orders of magnitude lower as compared to Fe(III), while they are comparable to those of other bivalent metal cations. XAFS spectroscopy showed Fe(II) binding by C-S-H in an octahedral coordination environment. The large number of neighbouring atoms rules out the formation of a single surface-bound Fe(II) species. Instead the data suggest presence of Fe(II) in a structurally bound entity. The data from XRD and XAFS spectroscopy suggests the presence of both surface- and interlayer-bound Fe(II) species.

OP0236 RELEVANCE OF BIASED PAR2 INHIBITORS IN REDUCING INFLAMMATION AND CARTILAGE DEGRADATION IN IN VITRO AND IN VIVO MODELS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) is a member of a family of G-protein-coupled receptors involved in multiple physiological mechanisms. Compelling evidences have unravelled the key roles of PAR2 in the pathology of both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA)1. Indeed, in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experiments showed that this receptor promotes inflammation, cartilage erosion (and subsequent bone degradation), and pain. However, the signalling pathways involved in these functions are not well understood2. This is of importance as some pathways can promote the pathogenesis3while others prevent it4. We developed a new series of small molecules as novel biased PAR2 inhibitors to treat rheumatic diseases.

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of action of new biased PAR2 inhibitors on cartilage erosion and inflammation.

Methods:

The potency of compounds to inhibit human PAR2 signalling was evaluated in vitro by FLIPR calcium assay in HEK293 cells. The same assay was used to determine their selectivity over human PAR1 and PAR4 as well as murine versions of PAR2. The effect of several PAR2 inhibitors on 9 signalling pathways (Gi2, GoB, Gz, Gq, G13, G14, G15, B arrestin 2, EPAC) was evaluated by the BRET-based bioSens-All™ technology. In vitro anti-hypertrophic effect was determined by measuring the mRNA level of type II collagen, aggrecan and MMP13 in rat chondrocytes after IL1β stimulation. In vitro anti-inflammatory effect was determined by measuring the secretion of IL6, IL8, IL1β, TNFα and IFNγ by human monocytes. In vivo, the pharmacodynamic of our small molecules was assessed after intravenous and oral administration. Therapeutic efficacy of a compound was then evaluated in a collagen-induced arthritis model in DBA1/J mice. In this model, measures of the arthritis index score, body weight, plasma level of TNFα, IL6, IL8 and IL1β and histological evaluation of cartilage erosion were performed.

Results:

Our new series of small molecules are potent PAR2 inhibitors (IC50<1nM in calcium assay) with some selectivity over PAR1 and PAR4. Our compounds significantly inhibited PAR2 mediated recruitment of Gz, Gq, G13, G14 and G15. However, surprisingly, these small molecules had no effect on B arrestin 2, EPAC, Gi2 and GoB demonstrating that they are biased inhibitors. The effect of our compounds on PAR2 signalling was clearly different from 3 already existing PAR2 inhibitors described in the literature (I-117, AZ3451 and P2pal-18s). We compared the in vitro anti-hypertrophic effect on chondrocyte and anti-inflammatory effect on monocytes of these compounds to determine the importance of PAR2 signalling pathways in these cellular functions. In vivo, our small molecules had good bioavailability after oral administration of 10mg/kg in mice (clearance = 0.038L/h/kg; T½ = 9.9h; AUC= 162564 ng.h/mL; Cmax = 9005 ng/mL). The in vivo therapeutic efficacy of a biased PAR2 inhibitor in a model of collagen-induced arthritis will be presented.

Conclusion:

Our results show the potency of biased PAR2 inhibitors to reduce both the inflammation and cartilage erosion in rheumatoid arthritis. They confirm the huge potential of PAR2 as a therapeutic target and unravel the relevance of biased antagonism of this receptor to treat rheumatic diseases.

References:

[1]McCulloch et al., Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2018;2Hollenberg et al., British Journal of Pharmacology, 2014;3Sharma et al., Genes and Immunity, 2015;4Rayees et al., Cell Reports, 2019

Disclosure of Interests:

Thibaut Brugat Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Baptiste Rugeri Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Gaël Hommet Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Alexia Dumont Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Luc Baron Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Célia Halter Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Meriem Sémache Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Arturo Mancini Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Camille Amalric Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Marie Giambelluco Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Nathalie Lenne Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Marjorie Sidhoum Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Christel Franchet Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Stanislas Mayer Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Xavier Leroy Employee of: Domain Therapeutics, Stephan Schann Employee of: Domain Therapeutics

Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma and non-classic adreno-genital syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common fatal cancer in the world and androgens are among the possible etiological factors. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of inherited diseases caused by enzyme failure in the steroid biosynthesis of the adrenal cortex, resulting in an augmented 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and testosterone production. While the occurrence of testicular adrenal rest tumors and adrenocortical tumors in congenital adrenal hyperplasia is well described in the literature, no data on HCC occurrence are available.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 35-years-old Italian man of Caucasian origin, affected by non-classic CAH due to partial 21-hydroxylase deficiency came to observation for revaluation of his adrenal picture. Besides common hormonal and biochemical analysis, an abdomen Magnetic Resonance Imaging was performed, resulting in an 18 mm large nodular lesion between liver segments VII and VIII. Radiological reports matched with an increased serum α-fetoprotein level. A surgical removal of the lesion was performed. After that, several recurrences of the lesion, which was consequently treated by radiofrequency ablation, occurred. Every recurrence was accompanied by an increase in testosterone and steroid hormone binding globulin serum levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our report suggests the need for screening of liver lesions in males affected by this syndrome.

Oxidative stress as a possible mechanism underlying multi-hormonal deficiency in chronic heart failure

OBJECTIVE

Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) is associated with multi-hormonal derangement depicting a prevalence of catabolic vs. anabolic axes. Moreover, thyroid adaption is characterized by the reduced conversion of thyroxine to the active hormone triiodothyronine. On the other hand, hormones modulate synthesis and utilization of antioxidant systems. Therefore, hormonal failure can cause unbalance between reactive radical species and the defenses, resulting in oxidative stress (OS). OS is well described in CHF, but the relationship with the hormonal picture is not entirely known. In the present review, we firstly analyze the mechanisms of ROS production in the heart, discussing animal and human studies, and focusing on new discovered protective mechanisms such as sirtuins and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). The second section is dedicated to the role of main anabolic axes influencing antioxidant systems. Finally, we present some data supporting the hypothesis that OS could be the link between hormonal derangement and clinical outcome of CHF.

Porosity, bulk density and CaCO3 content of travertines. A new dataset from Rapolano, Canino and Tivoli travertines (Italy)

The dataset presented in this article is used in the Quaternary Science Review research article "Evaluating the geogenic CO₂ flux from geothermal areas by analysing Quaternary travertine masses. New data from western Central Italy and review of previous CO₂ flux data" [1]. The present data article reports the physical properties and new compositional data of 86 travertine samples from Rapolano, Canino and Tivoli travertine deposits (Italy). The dataset include the following parameters: mass, volume, porosity, bulk density, CaCO₃ content and insoluble fraction. The dataset is integrated with the photographic documentation of the sampling areas, the location and the stratigraphic position of each sample.

Relevance of early CT scan diagnosis of blunt diaphragmatic injury: A retrospective analysis from the Northern French Alps Emergency Network

INTRODUCTION

Diaphragmatic rupture following blunt trauma occurs rarely. Classically described after high-velocity accidents, ruptures are often associated with multiple organ injuries. The diagnosis is sometimes difficult. The goal of this study was to analyze and to discuss the modalities of early radiologic diagnosis and management of these injuries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study included patients seen between 2009 and 2017 within the Northern Alpine Emergency Network [REseau Nord Alpin des Urgences (RENAU)]. Clinical, radiologic and surgical data from all patients sustaining blunt diaphragmatic rupture were studied.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients (18 men and 13 women), median age 44, were included. The principle mechanism of injury was road or traffic accidents for 22 patients. Diaphragmatic rupture occurred on the left side in 23 patients. Diagnosis was delayed in two patients, at 11 days and three months after the initial accident. Chest X-rays were diagnostic in 18 of 29 patients. CT scan was the reference investigation since it was performed in all patients and confirmed the diagnosis in 26 instances. Repair was surgical via a midline laparotomy in 27 patients, via laparoscopy in three, and via thoracoscopy in one. Three patients died.

CONCLUSION

At urgent surgical exploration in the unstable blunt trauma patient, the surgeon should keep in mind the relatively poor diagnostic performance of chest X-rays. Accurate diagnosis relies on routine inspection of the diaphragmatic cupolas. In the stable trauma victim, contrast-enhanced abdomino-thoracic CT with reconstruction can lead to early diagnosis, which allows for repair under optimal conditions, whether by laparotomy, laparoscopy or thoracoscopy, according to local conditions and expertise.

Multiple hormonal and metabolic deficiency syndrome in chronic heart failure: rationale, design, and demographic characteristics of the T.O.S.CA. Registry

Recent evidence supports the concept that progression of chronic heart failure (CHF) depends upon an imbalance of catabolic forces over the anabolic drive. In this regard, multiple hormonal deficiency syndrome (MHDS) significantly has impacts upon CHF progression, and is associated with a worse clinical status and increased mortality. The T.O.S.CA. (Trattamento Ormonale nello Scompenso CArdiaco; Hormone Therapy in Heart Failure) Registry (clinicaltrial.gov = NCT02335801) tests the hypothesis that anabolic deficiencies reduce survival in a large population of mild-to-moderate CHF patients. The T.O.S.CA. Registry is a prospective multicenter observational study coordinated by "Federico II" University of Naples, and involves 19 centers situated throughout Italy. Thyroid hormones, insulin-like growth factor-1, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone , and insulin are measured at baseline and every year for a patient-average follow-up of 3 years. Subjects with CHF are divided into two groups: patients with one or no anabolic deficiency, and patients with two or more anabolic deficiencies at baseline. The primary endpoint is the composite of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization. Secondary endpoints include the composite of all-cause mortality and hospitalization, the composite of cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization, and change of VO₂ peak. Patient enrollment started in April 2013, and was completed in July 2017. Demographics and main clinical characteristics of enrolled patients are provided in this article. Detailed cross-sectional results will be available in late 2018. The T.O.S.CA. Registry represents the most robust prospective observational trial on MHDS in the field of CHF. The study findings will advance our knowledge with regard to the intimate mechanisms of CHF progression and hopefully pave the way for future randomized clinical trials of single or multiple hormonal replacement therapies in CHF.

Non Conventional Fractionation in Radiotherapy of the Musculo-Skeletal Sarcomas

In 1989 we started an accelerated hyperfractionated schedule of radiotherapy (two 1.6 Gy daily fractions) in standard risk localized Ewing's sarcoma of bone, with the aim at reducing late effects in young patients and at improving disease control through a better integration of treatment modalities. From 1991, the same schedule was used in preoperative radiotherapy of adult soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities: the main purpose was to reduce the time to surgery and to evaluate surgical complications in comparison with a previous experience of hypofractionated radiotherapy (one 3 Gy daily fraction). From 1991 to 1997, 76 patients with Ewing's sarcoma and 24 patients with soft tissue sarcoma were treated at our Institution. Results and complication rates are analyzed in comparison with historical data. In Ewing's sarcoma, a correct evaluation of improvement in local control was difficult because of changing treatment policy (bulky disease was not included in the present series). Late effects, as evaluated in patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 years, occurred with similar incidence, but at higher total dose levels in patients treated with accelerated hyperfractionation. In patients with soft tissue sarcomas, incidence of surgical complications is reduced as compared to historical experience. Major problems of wound healing were seen in association with intraoperative brachitherapy boost.

Endoscopic Treatment of Postradiation Strictures

Background

Esophageal stricture is a rare complication of radiotherapy: reports on its incidence and management are therefore anecdotal.

Methods

From January 1978 to September 1992, 44 patients presenting with an esophageal stricture related to a previous radiation treatment were endo-scopically dilated at the Endoscopy Division of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan.

Results

Esophageal recanalization was obtained in 95 % of the patients treated, and in 79 % of these normal eating habits were restored. No strict correlation was observed between radiation dose and severity of the stricture, or time elapsed between first treatment and endoscopic dilation.

Conclusions

In our experience, endoscopic dilation was a safe effective procedure and represented an effective palliative tool in dysphagic patients with esophageal strictures due to previous local radiotherapy.

Undifferentiated (Embryonal) Sarcoma of the Liver in Childhood: Results of a Retrospective Italian Study

The clinical features and the treatment of undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma of the liver in 8 patients younger than 19 years old were analyzed. AH these cases were registered in the retrospective multicentric study on childhood malignant tumors of the liver, conducted between 1983 and 1985 by the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology. The age of the patients ranged from 94 to 190 months (median = 113.5 months); all children were males. An abdominal mass was the common presenting features. Abnormalities in hemogram and common liver tests were rarely reported. Angiography revealed various degrees of vascularization in these tumors. Two patients achieved a surgical complete remission (CR) at diagnosis; one patient achieved surgical CR after primary chemotherapy with vincristine, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil, which reduced the tumor volume and permitted surgical resection. Two of these patients are still in CR at 14 and 60 months after diagnosis; the third patient died of liver failure without evidence of recurrence 6 months after diagnosis. All of the other patients, who never achieved CR, died of disease. One was lost to follow-up, and one surgical death occurred. Reports of childhood undifferentiated sarcoma are reviewed.

Nonmetastatic Osteosarcoma of the Extremity: Results of a Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Protocol (IOR/OS-3) with High-dose Methotrexate, Intraarterial or Intravenous Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, and Salvage Chemotherapy Based on Histologic Tumor Response

Aims and Background

From 1986 to 1989, a study for the treatment of nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity (IOR/OS-2) was carried out at the Rizzoli Institute. The cumulative dose of doxorubicin delivered was 480 mg/m2, and severe heart failure developed in 5 (3%) of the 164 treated patients. The specific aim of the subsequent study was to assess the efficacy of a protocol, similar to IOR/OS-2, but with a reduced cumulative dose of doxorubicin (390 mg/m2). Additional aims were to assess the role of the route of infusion (intraarterial or intravenous) of cisplatin on histologic response of the primary tumor and the use of ifosfamide as salvage chemotherapy in poor responders.

Methods

The new chemotherapy regimen (IOR/OS-3) was comprised of a preoperative phase with methotrexate (10 g/m2), cisplatin (120 mg/m2 intraarterially or intravenously), and doxorubicin (60 mg/m2). After surgery, the same drugs were administered, with the addition of ifosfamide (10 g/m2) in patients who had a poor histologic response to primary chemotherapy.

Results

Ninety-five patients entered the study. The rate of good histologic response was 64% with intraarterial cisplatin and 43% with intravenous cisplatin (P = 0.05). The 8-year event-free survival and overall survival were 54% and 61%, respectively, with no significant difference according to the histologic response. No cases of clinical doxorubicin-induced cardiopathy were recorded. Event-free and overall survival did not significantly differ from those achieved with IOR/OS-2 (8-year disease-free and overall survival, respectively 63% and 72%).

Conclusions

The reduction in the doxorubicin cumulative dose avoided episodes of cardiotoxicity, without consequences on the efficacy of treatment. The addition of ifosfamide was an effective “salvage” therapy for poor responders. A better histologic response with intraarterial cisplatin was observed, but owing to the availability of an effective salvage therapy for poor responders, the advantages in terms of histologic response did not compensate for the cost and discomfort for the patients of this modality of infusion of cisplatin.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Localized Ewing's Sarcoma of the Extremities: Preliminary Results of a Protocol Which uses Surgery (Alone or Followed by Radiotherapy) for Local Control

From June 1983 to December 1985, thirty-eight paients with localized Ewing's sarcoma of the extremities were treated with a protocol that consisted of an initial nine week period of polychemotherapy (vincristine, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide) followed by local therapy and additional chemotherapy (vincristine, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide and dactino-mycln) for one year. As local treatment all patients were offered surgery; thirty-two accepted and six refused. These six patients were locally treated with radiotherapy alone (50 Gy). In the remaining patients an amputation was performed in one case and a resection in thirty-one. In resected patients when a wide margin was achieved (24 cases) no further local treatment was performed; when it was marginal (5 cases) or intralesional (2 cases) radiotherapy at lower doses (40 Gy) followed. At mean follow-up of thirty-seven months the percentage of continuously disease-free patients was 50 % for those treated with radiotherapy, 76 % with surgery, and 85 % with surgery and radiotherapy. Eight patients developed metastatic disease and two patients had local recurrence and metastases. The local recurrences were seen in one patient locally treated with surgery and in one locally treated with radiotherapy. Nine major local complications were observed: three in patients treated with radiotherapy, five in patients treated with surgery, and one in a patient treated with surgery and radiotherapy. These results indicate that after induction chemotherapy conservative surgery is possible in almost all cases of Ewing's sarcoma of the extremities and that such treatment is better than radiotherapy alone as local therapy.

Radio-induced Sarcomas in Survivors of Ewing's Sarcoma

Of 255 cases of Ewing's sarcoma recorded at the Bone Tumor Center of the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, 78 patients (irradiated and with a follow-up of longer than 3 years) were considered « at risk » for the development of a second radio-induced sarcoma (RIS). Three of the 78 patients developed an RIS in the irradiated field. Theoretical and statistical analyses were carried out considering different modalities of local treatment. Statistically, the only significant factor was related to the irradiation dose. Surgical resection seems to prevent RIS.

Prevalence of Myopia in Open Angle Glaucoma

In this study concerning the prevalence of myopia in patients with open angle glaucoma, its distribution was analyzed within the sample tested in relation to the refraction defect size, compared with a control group of non-glaucomatous myopic subjects.

The overall myopic rate was 17.2% of the glaucomatous patients; high myopia was more frequent in the subjects with open angle glaucoma (p<0.001) than in the myopic patients, thus appearing as a possible risk factor for the development of glaucoma.

Sarcomatous Variant of Wilms’ Tumor. A Light and Immunohistochemical Study of Four Cases

Four cases of infantile sarcomatous renal tumors are reported. Rhabdomyoblastic differentiation was investigated in these tumors by the immunoperoxidase method using antimyoglobin sera. Rhabdomyoblastic cells were found in 2 cases and in a metastasis of one case in which the primary tumor was composed by undifferentiated cells negative for myoglobin stain. The histogenesis of these neoplasias is discussed, and it is suggested that they are a sarcomatous variant of Wilms’ tumor.

Significantly Improved Survival Time in Pigs with Complete Liver Ischemia Treated with a Novel Bioartificial Liver

Aim of the study was to evaluate treatment efficacy and safety of a scaled-up version of our porcine hepatocytes based BAL system in pigs with complete liver ischemia (LIS).

Thirty-one pigs underwent total devascularization of the liver (LIS) by termino-lateral porta-caval shunts and sutures around the bile duct, the common hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries and their accessory branches. The hepato-duodenal ligament was completely transected. Four experimental groups were studied: the first control group (LIS Control, n = 10) received glucose infusion only, the second control group (LIS Plasmapheresis, n = 8) was connected to a centrifugal plasma-separator with a bottle representing the bioreactor volume, the third control group (LIS Empty-BAL, n = 5) received BAL treatment without cells, and the treated group (LIS Cell-BAL, n = 8) was connected for a maximum period of 24 hours to our scaled-up BAL seeded with around 14 billion viable primary porcine hepatocytes.

BAL treatment significantly prolonged life in large animals (-35 kg) with complete LIS (Controls, mean ± SEM: 33.1 ± 3 h, Cell-BAL: 51.1 ± 3.4 h; p = 0.001; longest survivor 63 h). In addition, blood ammonia and total bilirubin levels decreased significantly, indicating metabolic activity of porcine hepatocytes in the bioreactor. No significant differences were noticed among the three control groups, indicating that there was no device effect and that the plasmapheresis procedure was well tolerated. No important adverse effectes were observed.

Serum from differently exercised subjects induces myogenic differentiation in LHCN-M2 human myoblasts

Myogenesis is the formation of muscle tissue from muscle precursor cells. Physical exercise induces satellite cell activation in muscle. Currently, C2C12 murine myoblast cells are used to study myogenic differentiation. Herein, we evaluated whether human LHCN-M2 myoblasts can differentiate into mature myotubes and express early (myotube formation, creatine kinase activity and myogenin) and late (MyHC-β) muscle-specific markers when cultured in differentiation medium (DM) for 2, 4 and 7 days. We demonstrate that treatment of LHCN-M2 cells with DM supplemented with 0.5% serum from long-term (3 years) differently exercised subjects for 4 days induced myotube formation and significantly increased the early (creatine kinase activity and myogenin) and late (MyHC-β expression) differentiation markers versus cells treated with serum from untrained subjects. Interestingly, serum from aerobic exercised subjects (swimming) had a greater positive effect on late-differentiation marker (MyHC-β) expression than serum from anaerobic (body building) or from mixed exercised (soccer and volleyball) subjects. Moreover, p62and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression was lower in LHCN-M2 cells cultured with human sera from differently exercised subjectst han in cells cultured with DM. In conclusion, LHCN-M2 human myoblasts represent a species-specific system with which to study human myogenic differentiation induced by serum from differently exercised subjects.

Retrospective study of thoracotomy performed in a French level 1-trauma center

OBJECTIVE

Resuscitative thoracotomy, a potentially life-saving procedure, is used exceptionally, and essentially for penetrating trauma. Most of the available literature is American while reports from Europe are sparse. We report our experience in a French level 1-trauma center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patient records (patient age, gender, mechanism of injury, indication for emergency thoracotomy, anatomic injuries, interventions and survival) for all patients who underwent emergency thoracotomy between January 2005 and December 2015 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (19 males) underwent emergency thoracotomy. Median age was 27.5 (12-67) years. Twelve were performed for blunt trauma (55%) and 10 for penetrating injuries (45%). Thirteen patients presented with cardiac arrest, while nine had deep and refractory hypotension. Overall, survival was 32% (n=7). There were no survivors in the blunt trauma group while seven of ten with penetrating injuries survived. All patients presenting with cardiac arrest died.

CONCLUSION

The survival rate in this French retrospective study was in accordance with the literature.

Determination of spermatic vein reflux after varicocele repair helps to define the efficacy of treatment in improving sperm parameters of subfertile men

PURPOSE

A continuous spermatic venous reflux (SVR) at colour Doppler ultrasound (CDU) is an evidence for varicocele, a frequent correlate for male subfertility. We explored whether SVR after left varicocele repair is predictive for changes in semen quality in subfertile men.

METHODS

Blood hormones (FSH, LH, and total testosterone) and scrotal CDU were obtained in subfertile patients with left grade II or grade III varicocele on physical evaluation and a poor sperm quality. Semen analysis and CDU were re-evaluated 6 months after a retrograde internal spermatic vein scleroembolisation.

RESULTS

The retrospective study included 100 men with a baseline SVR >3 cm/s; 60 men showed a disappearance (group 1) and 40 men (group 2) showed a reduced SVR after varicocele repair. Total motile sperm count (TMC) was markedly increased after treatment (p < 0.0001; F = 35.79) and the increase was more relevant in group 1 compared to group 2 (p = 0.04; F = 4.20). TMC and left SVR values after varicocele repair were negatively correlated (R = -0.218; p = 0.035). Multivariate analysis showed that adjusted SVR after repair negatively predicted TMC change (TMC after repair minus baseline TMC) (ß = -2.56; p = 0.022). Disappearance of a continuous left SVR at CDU after varicocele repair was associated to a better improvement of semen parameters in subfertile men.

CONCLUSION

Recording of a continuous left spermatic vein reflux is an objective method to assess a successful varicocele repair aimed to improve sperm parameters in subfertile men.