TGFB1, FOXO1, and COMP Genes Expression in Blood of Patients with Osteoarthritis after SARS-CoV2 Infection

Abstract—Nowadays the possible influence of the coronavirus infection on cartilage degeneration and synovial membrane inflammation during chronic joint pathology—osteoarthritis—remains largely unelucidated. The aim of the presented work is to analyze the TGFB1, FOXO1, and COMP gene expression and free radical generation intensity in blood of patients suffering from osteoarthritis after beating the SARS-CoV2 infection. The work was carried out using molecular genetics and biochemistry methods. The decrease of the TGFB1 and FOXO1 expression level was shown to be more evident in the osteoarthritis patients after COVID-19 if compared to the group with knee osteoarthritis during simultaneous and more prominent diminishing of both superoxide dismutase and catalase activity (possibly indicating cell redox state disruption and TGF- P1-FOXO1 signaling attenuation) in patients with osteoarthritis after SARS-CoV2 disease. At the same time, the more prominent decrease of COMP gene expression level was demonstrated in patients with osteoarthritis after COVID-19 compared to the group with knee osteoarthritis and more intense increase of the COMP concentration in patients with osteoarthritis after the SARS-CoV2 infection was revealed. These data indicate more significant activation of cell destructive processes after the infection as well as further pathology progression.

Management of giant presacral schwannoma. Clinical series and literature review

PURPOSE

Presacral schwannomas are rare tumors. Due to their benign nature and slow growth, these tumors are often giant and become difficult to treat. Their removal is a surgical challenge with different strategies reported in the literature. This study presents the consecutives cases of presacral schwannomas operated on in our institution, our surgical strategy and literature review.

METHODS

This retrospective study includes all consecutive patients operated on for a pre-sacral schwannoma in our department between 2006 and 2019, i.e. 6 patients. We report clinical features, pre and post-operative imaging, surgical data and post-operative outcomes.

RESULTS

All patients had symptoms before surgery (constipation, dysuria, radicular or lower back pain) with an average duration of 7.4 months. All patients underwent an MRI and a CT scan before the surgery. Five patients had type III schwannoma according to Klimo classification and one patient had a type II. The average size was 504,9 cm³ (range 53,1-1495,4). All the patients were operated on by an anterior approach in a double team with an mean duration of 246 min. Intraoperative bleeding was less than 500 ml for 4 patients, 2 patients had significant bleeding (2700 and 2900 mL). Excision was total or subtotal in all cases. One patient had an intraoperative complication (air embolism). Follow up at 3 months was excellent with a disappearance of symptoms for all patients except one patient who retained constipation. One patient had a late complication (bowel obstruction due to tissue adhesions). At last follow-up after phone interview, no patient had clinical symptoms that could suggest a recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The anterior approach with a double surgical team is a great option for the treatment of presacral schwannoma. Combined with adequate preoperative imaging and intraoperative stimulation, it reduces the risk of intra and postoperative complications.

[Nasopharyngeal carriage of SARS-CoV-2 among health personnel with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 in a University Hospital in the Paris suburbs]

Introduction

Une consultation dédiée aux professionnels de santé symptomatiques a été ouverte au début de l'épidémie de COVID-19, afin de répondre aux besoins spécifiques de cette population. L'objectif de ce travail était d'estimer la fréquence du portage nasopharyngé du SARS-Cov-2 chez les personnels de santé symptomatiques suspects de COVID-19, et de déterminer les facteurs associés à ce portage.

Méthodes

Étude descriptive des caractéristiques cliniques et épidémiologiques des consultants, conduite du 5 mars au 17 avril 2020. Le recueil des données cliniques et des résultats du test RT-PCR a été conduit à l'aide de formulaires standardisés.

Résultats

Des 522 consultants, 308 exerçaient à l'Hôpital et 214 à l'extérieur. Ils avaient des formes bénignes de COVID-19 et des signes cliniques non spécifiques à l'exception de l'agueusie/anosmie, significativement plus fréquente chez ceux avec RT-PCR positive. Le taux de positivité de la RT-PCR était globalement de 38 %, sans différence significative selon la profession, supérieur chez les consultants extérieurs (47 % versus 31 %). À l'hôpital, ce taux était significativement moindre pour les personnels symptomatiques des secteurs de soins, comparé aux personnels des plateaux techniques et laboratoires (24 %, versus 45 %, p = 0,006 et 54 %, p < 0,001, respectivement), mais ne différait pas entre personnels des unités COVID et des autres secteurs de soins (30 % versus 28 %). Parmi les consultants extérieurs, les taux de positivité des personnels des EHPAD et des libéraux (53 % et 55 % respectivement) étaient plus du double de celui du personnel soignant hospitalier (24 %, p < 0,001).

Conclusions

Ces données confirment l'impact fort du COVID-19 sur les professionnels de santé. Les taux de positivité plus élevés chez les professionnels symptomatiques exerçant en dehors de l'hôpital, comparativement à ceux exerçant à l'hôpital, pourraient s'expliquer en partie par une pénurie en équipements de protection et par des difficultés d'accès au diagnostic virologique, qui étaient plus importants en dehors de l'hôpital quand l'épidémie a commencé.

Sound Coding in the Auditory Nerve: From Single Fiber Activity to Cochlear Mass Potentials in Gerbils

Auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) convey acoustic information from the sensory cells to the brainstem using an elaborated neural code based on both spike timing and rate. As the stimulus tone frequency increases, time coding fades and ceases, resulting in high-frequency tone encoding that relies mostly on the spike discharge rate. Here, we recapitulated our recent single-unit data from gerbil's auditory nerve to highlight the most relevant mode of coding (spike timing versus spike rate) in tone-in-noise. We report that high-spontaneous rate (SR) fibers driven by low-frequency tones in noise are able to phase lock ∼30 dB below the level that evoked a significant elevation of the discharge rate, whereas medium- and low-SR fibers switch their preferential mode of coding from rate coding in quiet, to time coding in noise. For high-frequency tone, the low-threshold/high-SR fibers reach their maximum discharge rate in noise and do not respond to tones, whereas medium- and low-SR fibers are still able to respond to tones making them more resistant to background noise. Based on these findings, we first discuss the ecological function of the ANF distribution according to their spontaneous discharge rate. Then, we point out the poor synchronization of the low-SR ANFs, accounting for the discrepancy between ANF number and the amplitude of the compound action potential of the of the auditory nerve. Finally, we proposed a new diagnostic tool to assess low-SR fibers, which does not rely on the onset response of the ANFs.

Computer-assisted intraosseous anaesthesia for molar and incisor hypomineralisation teeth. A preliminary study

Anesthetizing MIH (Molar and Incisor Hypomineralisation) teeth is one of the major challenges in paediatric dentistry. Computer-assisted IO injection (CAIO) of 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine (Alphacaine, Septodont) has been shown to be an efficient way to anesthetize teeth in children. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of this method with MIH teeth. This preliminary study was performed using the Quick Sleeper system (Dental Hi Tec, Cholet, France) that allows computer-controlled rotation of the needle to penetrate the bone and computer-controlled injection of the anaesthetic solution. Patients (39) of the department of Paediatric Dentistry were included allowing 46 sessions (including 32 mandibular first permanent molars) to be assessed. CAIO showed efficacy in 93.5% (43/46) of cases. Failures (3) were due to impossibility to reach the spongy bone (1) and to achieve anaesthesia (2). This prospective study confirms that CAIO anaesthesia is a promising method to anesthetize teeth with MIH that could therefore be routinely used by trained practitioners.

[Development and cardiomyopathy: serum response factor, a key protein]

Serum response factor (SRF) is a widely expressed transcription factor involved in the transcription of various genes linked to muscle differentiation and cellular growth. Recent studies show the pivotal role of SRF in orchestrating genetic programs essential for cardiac development and function. Dominant negative isoforms of SRF resulting from caspase cleavage or alternative splicing have been identified in different forms of cardiomyopathies. This review summarizes the role of SRF, its structure, function and its role in human cardiopathies. Finally, we discuss the results of recently developed murine models which address the role of SRF in the adult heart in vivo. The existing biological data suggest that SRF could be a target of neurohumoral activation which is involved in myocardial hypertrophy. Conversely, inhibition of SRF activity in different murine models leads to dilated cardiomyopathy.

[Biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion of orthodontic wires]

Various materials are currently used to make orthodontic wires. This article suggests a synthesis on their resistance to corrosion and biocompatibility. In the first part, after a review of some basic notions on the corrosion processes, the authors develop the electrochemical characteristics of the three main groups of alloys used in orthodontics. They study more precisely corrosion resistance of nickel-titanium alloys and, through their own experimental results, they show that this type of alloy is subject to corrosion in acid and fluoridated environment. In the second part, the authors study those alloys biocompatibility. They first mention nickel toxicity and allergy induced by this element. Then, biocompatibility of alloys used in orthodontics is assessed following studies on the release of metallic elements from orthodontic wires, and studies on cell-compatibility when in contact with those wires. It is proved that the state of materials surface has a very high influence on their biocompatibility. As a conclusion, in spite of numerous studies carried out so far, showing a satisfactory biological behaviour of those orthodontic wires, many questions are yet to be answered: long term in vivo performances of those materials have not yet been exactly assessed. Further studies must definitely be carried out.

[When to consult an orthodontist?]

Orthodontics aims to improve face and teeth harmony and to allow a good development of orofacial and occlusive functions. Orthodontic treatment is adapted to each individual case and may be early or late. Orthodontic indications and management require a collaboration between the paediatrician, the dentist and the orthodontist. The main indications are described.

Key factors determining the course of methyl iodide oxidative addition to diamidonaphthalene-bridged diiridium(I) and dirhodium(I) complexes

The course of methyl iodide oxidative addition to various nucleophilic complexes, [Ir2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(CO)2(PiPr3)2] (1), [IrRh(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(CO)2(PiPr3)2] (2), and [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(CO)2(PR3)2] (R = iPr, 3; Ph, 4; p-tolyl, 5; Me, 6), has been investigated. The CH3I addition to complex 1 readily affords the diiridium(II) complex [Ir2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)I(CH3)(CO)2(PiPr3)2] (7), which undergoes slow rearrangement to give a thermodynamically stable stereoisomer, 8. The reaction of the Ir-Rh complex 2 gives the ionic compound [IrRh(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(CH3)(CO)2(PiPr3)2]I (10). The dirhodium compounds, 3-5, undergo one-center additions to yield acyl complexes of the formula (Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)I(COCH3)(CO)(PR3)2] (R = iPr, 12; Ph, 13; p-tolyl, 14). The structure of 12 has been determined by X-ray diffraction. Further reactions of these Rh(III)-Rh(I) acyl derivatives with CH3I are productive only for the p-tolylphosphine derivative, which affords the bis-acyl complex [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(CH3CO)2I2(P(p-tolyl)3)2] (15). The reaction of the PMe3 derivative, 6, allows the isolation of the bis-methyl complex [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(mu-I)(CH3)2(CO)2(PMe3)2]I (16a), which emanates from a double one-center addition. Upon reaction with methyl triflate, the starting materials, 1, 2, 3, and 6, give the isostructural cationic methyl complexes 9, 11, 17, and 18, respectively. The behavior of these cationic methyl compounds toward CH3I, CH3OSO2CF3, and tetrabutylamonium iodide is consistent with the role of these species as intermediates in the SN2 addition of CH3I. Compounds 18 and 17 react with an excess of methyl triflate to give [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(mu-OSO2CF3)(CH3)2(CO)2(PMe3)2][CF3SO3] (19) and [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(OSO2CF3)(COCH3)(CH3)(CO)(PiPr3)2][CF3SO3] (20), respectively. Upon treatment with acetonitrile, complexes 17 and 18 give the isostructural cationic acyl complexes [Rh2(mu-1,8-(NH)2naphth)(COCH3)(NCCH3)(CO)(PR3)2][CF3SO3] (R = iPr, 21; Me, 22). A kinetic study of the reaction leading to 21 shows that formation of these complexes involves a slow insertion step followed by the fast coordination of the acetonitrile. The variety of reactions found in this system can be rationalized in terms of three alternative reaction pathways, which are determined by the effectiveness of the interactions between the two metal centers of the dinuclear complex and by the steric constraints due to the phosphine ligands.

Marsupialization of dentigerous cyst associated with foreign body using 3D CT images: a case report

This paper documents a marsupialized dentigerous cyst associated with an amalgam. The surgical challenge was removing the amalgam from the cystic lining with zero visibility. To achieve this, the surgical procedure was computer assisted and used 3D images. Distances between the amalgam and various anatomical landmarks were assessed in order to define a path from the top of the ridge to the amalgam. The path was reconstructed at the surgical site and the amalgam removed by suction. Orthodontic treatment was associated with surgery. Three dimensional imaging is a useful procedure for deciding on the type of surgical technique likely to minimize trauma. This report is also a contribution to the literature by reporting two dentigerous cysts associated with amalgam.

Systemic and local gut-specific antibody responses in preruminant calves sensitive to soya

The systemic and local (gut) patterns of antibodies against various proteins from soyabean were analysed in preruminant calves fed milk substitutes based on skim milk powder (SMP) or heated soyabean flour (HSF) as the main protein sources. The titres of IgM, IgA, IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies were determined against feed extracts and purified soyabean proteins by dot-blotting in plasma after three months and jejunal mucous secretions after six months of feeding the experimental diets. The calves fed HSF had higher levels of circulating IgA, IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies against raw or heated soya extracts and purified proteins including alpha-conglycinin, beta-conglycinin, Bowman-Birk protease inhibitors and lectins than the calves fed SMP. In contrast, the differences between the IgM titres of the groups were most often not significant. The patterns of specific antibodies present in the jejunum were broadly similar to those observed in the blood, although the differences between the groups of calves more often reached significance for IgG2 and IgM than for IgA and IgG1, when the purified soyabean proteins were considered.

Hypolipidemic effects of beta-cyclodextrin in the hamster and in the genetically hypercholesterolemic Rico rat

The effect of increasing amounts of a cyclic oligosaccharide, beta-cyclodextrin (BCD), included in the diet on plasma cholesterol and triglycerides, was investigated in two animal models, namely in male genetically hypercholesterolemic Rico rats and in male Syrian hamsters. The distribution of bile acids in the gastrointestinal tract and in the feces of hamsters was also determined. In the Rico rats and hamsters, plasma cholesterol and triglycerides decreased linearly with increasing doses of BCD. In these two species, 20% BCD as compared to control diet lowered cholesterolemia (-35%) and triglyceridemia (-70%). In the hamster, the BCD diet caused a marked decrease in cholesterol and triglycerides in chylomicrons and very low density lipoprotein, and in high density lipoproteins cholesterol. Composition and amounts of bile acids were modified in the gastrointestinal tract of hamsters receiving 10% BCD as compared to the control group. The total bile acid content of the gallbladder of treated hamsters was fourfold higher than in the control group, and the bile contained a large amount of hydrophilic bile acids. This trend was also observed in the small intestine, in which percentages and total quantities of cholic plus deoxycholic acids (cholic pathway) were higher than those of chenodeoxycholic plus ursodeoxycholic plus lithocholic acids (chenodeoxycholic pathway). The bile acid contents of the cecum and colon of treated hamsters were 2.7-fold higher than those of control animals, but the bile acid composition was similar in the two groups of hamsters.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)