Sex-Related Effect of Aging in Gingival Gamma-Delta T Cells

Aging affects the number and function of gamma-delta (γδ) T cells in a tissue-specific manner, modifying the risk for inflammatory disease. These aging-related γδT-cell variations in gingival tissues that could increase the risk for inflammation and periodontal disease remain unknown. Here we sought to identify quantitative and qualitative variations in gingival γδT cells associated with aging that could have an impact in oral immunoinflammatory responses. For this, gingival tissues from young (4 mo) and aged (24 mo) male and female mice were collected and analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell suspensions were stimulated and stained with eFluor450 (cell viability), anti-CD45 (hematopoietic cells), anti-CD3 (lymphocytes), anti-TCRγδ (γδT cells), anti-IL-15rα (cell proliferation), and anti-Notch-3 (senescence marker). Detection of intracellular cytokines IL-17A and interferon γ (IFNγ) was performed. Gingival expression of specific γ- and δ-chains and cytokines was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A significantly higher number of IL-17A-producing γδT cells and IL-17A expression levels were observed in gingival tissues from aged females but not males. Similarly, the number of gingival Notch-3+ γδT cells increased with aging only in females. IL-15rα was not detected in gingival γδT cells. Chains γ1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 as well as δ1, 2, 4, and 6 were detected. Detection levels of all γ chains except γ1 as well as δ1 and δ2 changed with aging in males, females, or both. Interestingly, number of IL-17A-producing conventional T cells similarly increased with aging only in females. Both sexes showed increased IFNγ+ conventional T-cell numbers with aging; however, it reached significance only in females. In conclusion, the number of gingival IL-17A-producing γδT cells and IL-17A expression increase naturally with aging specifically in females. This sexual dimorphism in gingival γδT and conventional Th17 cell numbers and phenotypes suggests distinct aging-related mechanisms of periodontitis in males and females.

The posterior interosseus artery flap (piaf) in reconstructive surgery of the hand: strategies of use and medico-legal implications

Background and aim

The fascio-cutaneous posterior interosseus artery flap (PIAF) is used in hand reconstruction, especially to repair skin or tissue defects such as burn injuries, open fractures, gunshot wounds or traumatic amputations. The aim of this study is to examine the anatomical features of this flap, to describe the surgical harvesting technique and the difficulties associated with the dissection.

Methods

From January 2016 to January 2022, we performed PIAF in 10 patients (3 women and 7 men) with a mean age of 28 years (range 22-44). This flap is taken from the back of the forearm, between the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) muscle and the extensor digitorum common (EDC) muscle.

Results

We analyzed retrospectively our patients indicating the failures of this reconstructive surgery, the complications that have arisen and the results using DASH score with the related clinical and medico-legal implications.

Conclusions

Due to its location and structure, PIAF is one of the most versatile fascio-cutaneous flaps in upper limb reconstructive surgery and can be used to reconstruct parts of the hand, wrist, or elbow, allowing to restore limb function and improve the quality of life of patients even if there could be some medico-legal implications.

HPB P07 A propensity matched retrospective study of metal vs plastic stents in the preoperative biliary drainage of patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Preoperative biliary drainage is required in the majority of patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). Most centres use plastic stents rather than uncovered self-expanding metal stents (uSEMS) because of the potential difficulties associated in removing uSEMS. In the palliative setting, however, uSEMS are associated with superior patency and even improved survival. The aim of this study is to compare the utility of uSEMS versus plastic stents in the pre-operative drainage of patients with resectable pCCA.

Methods

In this retrospective, multicentre, international cohort study, all consecutive patients with a high suspicion of resectable pCCA who underwent an initial endoscopic biliary drainage with uSEMS or plastic stent between 2010–2020 were included. Analyses were stratified by groups according to initial stent type. The primary outcome was stent failure, which was a composite endpoint of cholangitis and/or re-intervention due to biliary complications or inadequate biliary drainage. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed to adjust for age, gender, primary sclerosing cholangitis, Bismuth classification, WHO performance status and ASA classification.

Results

A total of 474 patients with successful initial stent placement were included. Of these patients 61 received uSEMS and 413 plastic stents. Matching resulted in two groups of 59 patients. Stent failure occurred significantly less in the uncovered uSEMS group (31% vs 64%, P<0.001) and resulted in a significant reduction in the number of repeat ERCP procedures (14% vs 54%, P<0.001). Despite this the number of patients eventually required percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was similar (9% vs 7%, P=1). uSEMS placement was also associated with a reduction in episodes of cholangitis (15% vs 31%, P=0.012), although other ERCP and stent related complications did not differ. The number of patients ultimately undergoing surgical resection was not significantly different (81% vs 90%, P=0.19) between groups with uSEMS removal during surgery successful in all patients. The median overall survival after initial stent placement was 482 days [95% CI, 338–787] in the uSEMS group and 429 [95% CI, 263–881] in the plastic stent group (log-rank P=0.81). Survival after surgical resection was similar and post-operative outcomes also comparable: R1 resections (58% vs 59%, P=0.569), complications according to Clavien-Dindo (P=0.227), and hepatico-jejunostomy associated complications (leak: 4% vs 14%, P=0.393, stricture: 15% vs 21%, P=0.822).

Conclusions

Stent failure occurred significantly less often in uSEMS group resulting in fewer drainage procedures and reduced episodes of cholangitis. Removal of uSEMS during surgery was feasible and surgical outcomes were comparable. Although preoperative biliary drainage by uSEMS shows promising results further study is warranted and multicentre randomized controlled trials with a clear treatment strategy should be performed.

Correction: A new computational strategy to calculate the edge energy of a relaxed step. Calcite (CaCO3) as a case study

Correction for ‘A new computational strategy to calculate the edge energy of a relaxed step. Calcite (CaCO3) as a case study’ by M. Bruno et al., CrystEngComm, 2021, 23, 7340–7347, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CE01119G.

Epitaxy: a methodological approach to the study of an old phenomenon

We describe the use of an integrated methodological approach to study epitaxial phenomena.

4K versus 3D total laparoscopic hysterectomy by resident in training: a prospective randomised trial

Background

The introduction of ultra-high-definition laparoscopic cameras (4K), by providing stronger monocular depth perception, could challenge the existing 3D technology. There are few available studies on this topic, especially in gynaecological setting.

Objectives

Prospective, single institution, randomised clinical trial (NCT04209036).

Materials and Methods

The two laparoscopes utilised were the 0°ULTRA Telescopes with 4K technology and the 0°3D-HD by Olympus. The surgeons were all trainees and in their last year of residency and who had obtained the certificate of first or second level of the Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgical Education and Assessment program - GESEA program. Twenty-nine patients with benign uterine pathology were enrolled.

Main outcome measures

To compare if the use three-dimensional (3D) versus ultra-high-definition laparoscopic vision system (4K) for total laparoscopic hysterectomy performed by trainees was associated with a shorter operative time.

Results

The 3D vision system did not prove to be superior to the 4K vision system. Operators reported significantly more vision-related side effects when using 3D than 4K. Completing the GESEA training program was the only factor with a positive and statistically significant impact on the overall time of the procedure, especially when greater dexterity and tissue handling were required.

Conclusions

Neither technology used proved superior to the other, although operators showed a preference for 4K over 3D due to the lower number of visual side effects. Attendance at courses on laparoscopic simulators and training programs allowed trainees to demonstrate excellent surgical skills.

Simultaneous Multislice for Accelerating Diffusion MRI in Clinical Neuroradiology Protocols

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diffusion MR imaging sequences essential for clinical neuroradiology imaging protocols may be accelerated with simultaneous multislice acquisitions. We tested whether simultaneous multislice-accelerated diffusion data were clinically equivalent to standard acquisitions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, clinical diffusion sequences obtained before and after implementation of 2-slice simultaneous multislice acceleration and an altered diffusion gradient sampling scheme using the same 3T MRI scanner and 20-channel coil (n = 25 per group) were independently and blindly evaluated by 2 neuroradiologists for perceived quality, artifacts, and overall diagnostic utility. Diffusion tractography was performed in 13 patients both with and without 2-slice simultaneous multislice acceleration (b = 0, 1000, 2000 s/mm²; 60 directions). The corticospinal tract and arcuate fasciculus ipsilateral to the lesion were generated using the same ROIs and then blindly assessed by a neurosurgeon for anatomic fidelity, perceived quality, and impact on surgical management. Tract volumes were compared for spatial overlap.

RESULTS

Two-slice simultaneous multislice diffusion reduced acquisition times from 141 to 45 seconds for routine diffusion and from 7.5 to 5.9 minutes for diffusion tractography using 3T MR imaging. The simultaneous multislice-accelerated diffusion sequence was rated equivalent for diagnostic utility despite reductions to perceived image quality. Simultaneous multislice-accelerated diffusion tractography was rated clinically equivalent. Dice similarity coefficients between routine and simultaneous multislice-generated corticospinal tract and arcuate fasciculus tract volumes were 0.78 (SD, 0.03) and 0.71 (SD, 0.05), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-slice simultaneous multislice diffusion appeared clinically equivalent for standard acquisitions and diffusion tractography. Simultaneous multislice makes it feasible to acquire higher angular and q-space-resolution diffusion acquisitions required for translating advanced diffusion models into clinical practice.

A new computational strategy to calculate the surface energy of a dipolar crystal surface

We propose a new computational strategy to calculate the surface energy of a dipolar crystal face by generating a twinned slab without dipole moment.

A new computational strategy to calculate the edge energy of a relaxed step. Calcite (CaCO3) as a case study

We propose a new computational strategy to calculate the edge energy of any [uvw] step on any (hkl) crystal face.

Derivation and validation of a scoring system to predict after discharge risk of cardiac events in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization

Background

In the acute coronary syndromes (ACS) setting, despite the extensive use of coronary revascularization and P2Y12 inhibitors such as prasugrel and ticagrelor, with a more pronounced inhibitory effect on platelets than clopidogrel, the rate of death and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) at 1 year is still high. In this clinical setting the development of a risk score which takes into account patient's and procedural characteristics could represent a useful tool to identify patients at high risk for ischaemic events at 1 year who could take advantage from more aggressive secondary prevention strategies.

Purpose

The aim of our study was to develop a risk score to predict 1-year probability of after discharge cardiac events (recurrent MI and cardiac death) in patients with acute MI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled all consecutive patients hospitalized for acute MI between 2003 and 2017 treated with PCI with/without stent placement at our center. We excluded patients who died in-hospital or who experienced in-hospital recurrent MI and patients undergoing surgical revascularization by coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The patients of the final study cohort were therefore randomly assigned to either a derivation sample (60%) or a validation sample (40%). Based on the multivariate analysis we developed a point system according to the “Framingham Risk Score” method.

Results

The final study cohort, represented by 4922 patients, was split in a derivation sample of 2972 patients and in a validation sample of 1950 patients: in both groups the median age was around 70 years; the male prevalence was 73%; 65% of patients were dagnosed with ST-segment elevation MI.

The clinical prediction score underlined as risk factors for recurrent cardiac events older age, diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease, prior MI, Killip class >2 at presentation, higher platelet count and creatinine values, lower left ventricular ejection fraction; radial access and the use of second generation drug eluting stents resulted to be protective. This model showed a good discrimination power in both the derivation and the validation samples with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75 and 0.71, respectively. The calibration showed a good concordance between predicted and observed events in both the derivation and the validation samples. Same results were observed in patients with/without ST-segment elevation MI and in gender subgroups.

Conclusions

The present study, conducted retrospectively on a large population of patients with acute MI treated with PCI enrolled prospectively, enabled us to derivate and validate a risk score of cardiac death and recurrent MI at 1 year which took into account both clinical and procedural characteristics and which demonstrated a good predictive performance.

After-discharge events by risk subgroups

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Direct In Vivo MRI Discrimination of Brain Stem Nuclei and Pathways

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The brain stem is a complex configuration of small nuclei and pathways for motor, sensory, and autonomic control that are essential for life, yet internal brain stem anatomy is difficult to characterize in living subjects. We hypothesized that the 3D fast gray matter acquisition T1 inversion recovery sequence, which uses a short inversion time to suppress signal from white matter, could improve contrast resolution of brain stem pathways and nuclei with 3T MR imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After preliminary optimization for contrast resolution, the fast gray matter acquisition T1 inversion recovery sequence was performed in 10 healthy subjects (5 women; mean age, 28.8 ± 4.8 years) with the following parameters: TR/TE/TI = 3000/2.55/410 ms, flip angle = 4°, isotropic resolution = 0.8 mm, with 4 averages (acquired separately and averaged outside k-space to reduce motion; total scan time = 58 minutes). One subject returned for an additional 5-average study that was combined with a previous session to create a highest quality atlas for anatomic assignments. A 1-mm isotropic resolution, 12-minute version, proved successful in a patient with a prior infarct.

RESULTS

The fast gray matter acquisition T1 inversion recovery sequence generated excellent contrast resolution of small brain stem pathways in all 3 planes for all 10 subjects. Several nuclei could be resolved directly by image contrast alone or indirectly located due to bordering visualized structures (eg, locus coeruleus and pedunculopontine nucleus).

CONCLUSIONS

The fast gray matter acquisition T1 inversion recovery sequence has the potential to provide imaging correlates to clinical conditions that affect the brain stem, improve neurosurgical navigation, validate diffusion tractography of the brain stem, and generate a 3D atlas for automatic parcellation of specific brain stem structures.

Salvage lymphadenectomy in recurrent ovarian cancer patients: Analysis of clinical outcome and BRCA1/2 gene mutational status

OBJECTIVE

This study is aimed to analyze the clinical outcome of recurrent ovarian cancer patients bearing isolated lymph-node recurrence (ILNR) who underwent salvage lymphadenectomy (SL). The prognostic role of clinicopathological variables and the mutational status of BRCA1/2 have also been investigated.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-institutional study included women with platinum-sensitive lymph node recurrence underwent to SL between June 2008 and June 2018. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of clinical parameters, and BRCA1/2 mutational status on post salvage lymphadenectomy progression-free survival (PSL-PFS).

RESULTS

As of June 2019, the median follow-up after SL was 30 months, and the relapse has been documented in 48 (56.5%) patients. In the whole series, the median PSL-PFS was 21 months, and the 3-year PSL-PFS was 36.7%. The median PSL-PFS, according to patients with ILNR (N = 71) versus patients with lymph-nodes and other sites of disease (N = 14), was 27 months versus 12 months, respectively. Univariate analysis of variables conditioning PSL-PFS showed that platinum-free interval (PFI) ≥12 months, normal Ca125 serum levels, and number of metastatic lymph-nodes ≤3 played a statistically significant favorable role. In multivariate analysis, PFI duration ≥12 months and the number of metastatic lymph nodes ≤3 were shown to keep their favorable, independent prognostic value on PSL-PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of SL, the patients with long PFI and low metastatic lymph node numbers at ILNR diagnosis have the best outcome. The BRCA mutational status seems not associated with clinical variables and PSL-PFS, differently from other sites of disease in ROC patients.

The influence of Ca–Mg disorder on the growth of dolomite: a computational study

A new growth model for primary dolomite is proposed, in which a disordered dolomite/calcite interface seems to promote dolomite nucleation on a newly formed calcite crystal.

Theoretical equilibrium shape of hydroxyapatite, revised

The theoretical equilibrium shape of the monoclinic hydroxyapatite crystal is revised, having taken into account, for the first time, a new set of {h0l} pinacoids: {101̄}, {102} and {1̄04}.

A two-step nucleation model based on diffuse interface theory (DIT) to explain the non-classical view of calcium carbonate polymorph formation

A two-step nucleation model to explain the non-classical pathway of crystallization of calcium carbonate polymorphs.

Phase II Trial of 4′-Epi-Doxorubicin in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer

Patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma received an i.v. bolus of 4′-epi-doxorubicin, 75/mg/m2/cycle, every 21 days. Partial responses were observed in 5 of 23 evaluable patients (21.7%). Treatment was generally well tolerated and toxicity was mild. The response rate to epirubicin appears to be very similar to that reported for doxorubicin. Larger doses of epirubicin could be safely used in future studies, and further evaluation of epirubicin in phase III trials is indicated.

Accidental Death Due to Erroneous Intravenous Infusion of Hypertonic Saline Solution for Hemodialysis

The case of a continuous hemodialysis patient who died shortly after erroneous infusion with undiluted hypertonic solution is reported. Autopsy showed small parenchymal hemorrhages in all organs. Although producers take measures to prevent such errors by hospital staff, further steps are suggested for types of dialysis requiring reinfusion of large quantities of reinfusion hemodialysis solution.

The effect of impurities on the structure and energy of a crystal surface: Mg impurities in calcite as a case study

A new calculation methodology to study doped surfaces.

Pedunculated liposarcoma of the esophagus

Polypoid tumours of the esophagus present diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Liposarcomas are infrequent among them. We report a recent case. A 73-year-old male patient was seen in May 1995 in the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department, Clinica Modelo de Morón, with intermittent dysphagia and dyspnoea due to recurrent vomiting. A laryngeal lineal tomography showed a subglottic obstruction due to extrinsic compression. The patient was referred to the Gastroenterology Department, where an upper gastrointestinal (upper GI) series demonstrated mega-esophagus with abundant retained food. Endoscopy showed a large intraluminal mass covered by normal mucosa which arose on the posterior wall. Videofluoroscopy and chest CT diagnosed a probable polypoid lipoma due to its densitometric characteristics. The tumour was resected by left cervicotomy and left esophagotomy. The patient's progress to date is favourable. Pathology studies showed a well-differentiated liposarcoma. According to the literature, the first case was reported in 1983, and ours is only the seventh case in the world to be documented.

A new computational approach to the study of epitaxy: the calcite/dolomite case

A new way to determine the adhesion and interfacial energies in epitaxial systems is presented.

Posterior capsule opacity in Retinitis Pigmentosa according to different biomaterials of intraocular lenses: Our clinical experience

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Complicated Cataract is frequently associated with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). This retinopathy is a great cause of visual impairment, and cataract surgery may resolve partially the situation and restore sight. Unfortunately, in this case there is a very high incidence of Posterior Capsule Opacity (PCO) ranging in several studies a percentage of 100% at six months. Our goal was to evaluate whether the high incidence of PCO is associated to specific type of Intraocular Lens (IOL) biomaterials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This observational retrospective study deals with 75 eyes of 43 patients affected with RP who underwent to cataract surgery with posterior chamber IOL implants (40% ECCE and 60% Phaco). Selected biomaterials were: 30 Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), 11 silicone, 34 acrylic. Observations were performed with retro-illumination camera and when recorded capsular fibrosis a PCO YAG laser capsulotomy was made. The patients were controlled at 3-6-12 months after the initial surgical treatment.

RESULTS

At three months of follow up, 80% of patients with PMMA, 81.8% silicone implants underwent to YAG capsulotomy while only 44% of acrylic type. At six months of follow-up 83.3% of patients with PMMA and 81.8% silicone implants underwent to YAG capsulotomy while only 49.88% of acrylic type. At 12 months of follow up 89.9% of patients with PMMA and 90.95 silicone implants underwent to YAG capsulotomy while only 52.82% of acrylic type.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not be able to differentiate incidence between different brand type of lens in PMMA. For Acrylic lens instead we noted an incidence of PCO of 41.38% with hydrophobic material and 60.0% of hydrophilic material. In conclusion to avoid massive PCO in RP, our experience is statistically significant, in fact the protective action of smooth material hydrophobic lens avoids the epithelial growth and fibrosis towards the center of visual axis.

Endoscopic ultrasound in the preoperative staging of gastric cancer: key messages for surgeons

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a frequent and important cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Many factors affect the prognosis of GC, but invasion and metastasis are the leading causes of death. Due to the various stage-oriented therapies available, after the diagnosis of GC it is important to determine the staging preoperatively in order to choose the appropriate management. GC staging is the workhorse of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). EUS can distinguish the different wall layers of the gastrointestinal tract as well as assess regional lymph nodes. Furthermore, samples of suspicious lesions or lymph nodes can be obtained by means of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). In this narrative review, we highlight the current status of the usefulness of EUS for GC staging, with focus on early GC that still remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In particular, the possibility to ameliorate the accuracy of EUS, in this context, by using instruments with increased ultrasound frequency is emphasized.

The emerging role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided core biopsy for the evaluation of solid pancreatic masses

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a lethal cancer with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment but only 20% are eligible for resection at the time of diagnosis. Early detection of cancer is of paramount importance in the management. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the preferred modality for obtaining tissue diagnosis of pancreatic masses. However, the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA may be limited by several factors like availability of onsite cytopathology, adequacy of tissue core for histology, location of the mass, presence of underlying chronic pancreatitis, and experience of the endoscopist. Modern oncology is focusing on personalizing treatment based on tissue analysis of genetic aberrations and molecular biomarkers which are now available. Core tissue also aids in the diagnosis of disease entities like lymphoma, metastatic tumors, neuroendocrine tumors and autoimmune pancreatitis whose diagnosis rely on preserved tissue architecture and immunohistochemistry. Making accurate diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses is critical to avoid unnecessary resections in patients with benign lesions like focal lesions of chronic pancreatitis and autoimmune pancreatitis which mimic cancer. To overcome the limitations of FNA and to obtain adequate core tissue, a Tru-Cut biopsy needle was developed which met with variable success due to stiffness, cumbersome operation and technical failure using it in the duodenum/pancreatic head. More recently fine needle biopsy needles, with reverse bevel technology have become available in different sizes (19, 22, 25-gauge). The aim of this article was to review the emerging role of core biopsy needles in acquiring tissue in solid pancreatic masses and discuss its potential role in personalized medicine.

Hegemony and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the field of gastroenteropancreatic-neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs)

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are a group of neoplasms arising from the diffuse neuroendocrine system of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They often represent a diagnostic challenge because of their little dimensions, the deep localization into the retroperitoneum or in extramucosal sites, the possibility to be multilocated and the heterogeneous patterns of presentation. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a cost-effective technique that enables to look very definitely at a suspicious mass and at the surrounding area both within the GI wall and in the pancreas, allowing to precisely assess T and N stage. Under EUS-guidance it is possible to obtain tissue samples in order to reach a definitive diagnosis and to establish the tumor grade. In the therapeutic field, EUS is crucial to assess the safety and the feasibility of resective endoscopic techniques for the GI-wall NETs and it can guide local ablative techniques for pancreatic NETs. After treatment, EUS can be successfully useful to assess complete endoscopic resection and to follow-up resected or ablated patients. It is so evident that EUS has a role in the whole route of NETs management, from diagnosis, evaluation, grading and staging assessment, to therapy and consequent follow-up.