Submucosal fat accumulation in Crohn’s disease: evaluation with sonography

( Tomás Ripollés ),( María Jesús Martínez-pérez ),( José María Paredes ),( José Vizuete ),( Gregorio Martin ),( Lidia Navarro ) 대한장연구학회 2023 Intestinal Research Vol.21 No.3

Background/Aims: The study objective is to investigate the ultrasound features that allow suspecting the presence of submucosal fat deposition, called the fat halo sign (FHS), in the intestinal wall of patients with Crohn’s disease. Methods: Computed tomography (CT) examinations over a period of 10 years were reviewed for the presence of the FHS in the bowel wall. A measurement of less than -10 Hounsfield units was regarded as indicative of fat. We included only patients who had undergone ultrasound examinations 3 months before or after CT. The study cohort group comprised 68 patients. Wall and submucosal thickness were measured on longitudinal ultrasound sections. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the best cutoff of ultrasound submucosal wall thickness value for predicting FHS in the bowel wall determined on CT. Results: The FHS was present in 22 patients (31%) on CT. There were significant differences between submucosal thickness of patients with FHS and patients without FHS (4.19 mm vs. 2.41 mm). From the receiver operating characteristic curve, a threshold value of 3.1 mm of submucosal thickness had the best sensitivity and specificity to suspect FHS (95.5% and 89.1%, respectively; area under the curve, 0.962), with an odds ratio of 172. All of 16 patients with a submucosal thickness >3.9 mm had FHS. Conclusions: FHS in patients with Crohn’s disease can be suspected on ultrasound in cases with marked thickening of the submucosa layer. In these cases, the activity of the disease should be measured by other parameters such as the color Doppler. (Intest Res 2023;21:385-391)

The Fiesta of the Patios: Intangible Cultural Heritage and Tourism in Cordoba, Spain

Tomás López-Guzmán,Francisco Gonzalez Santa Cruz 국립민속박물관 2016 International Journal of Intangible Heritage Vol.11 No.-

The inscription of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) by UNESCO has a broad reflection on the cultural and tourism industry, and it occasionally involves a significant economic development in the area that houses that heritage. In this paper we present a study of the Fiesta of the Patios (Festival of the Courtyards) in Cordoba, Spain, recognised as ICH by UNESCO, and its relationship to tourism development in the city. The methodology used in this research involved conducting a survey of tourists who attended the Festival in order to know their profile, knowledge thereof, their rating on it and degree of satisfaction. This research shows the significant economic impact of this ICH in the city, mostly related to cultural heritage and tourism. The study highlights the relationship between culture and tourism, the significant economic impact, the positive opinion of the tourists surveyed with the Fiesta of the Patios and the high level of satisfaction of the visitors.

Twenty Years of Clinical Experience with Cardiac Myxomas: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow Up

Tomás Francisco Cianciulli,Alberto Cozzarin,Juan Bautista Soumoulou,María Cristina Saccheri,Ricardo José Méndez,Martín Alberto Beck,Juan Alberto Gagliardi,Jorge Alberto Lax 한국심초음파학회 2019 Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging (J Cardiovasc Im Vol.27 No.1

BACKGROUND Cardiac myxomas are the most frequent cardiac tumors. Although histologically benign, in some cases myxomas may be lethal, due to impairment of cardiac dynamics and their thromboembolic potential. The study aimed to assess the clinical presentation of cardiac myxomas and their correlation with echocardiographic features and to describe the perioperative results and long-term outcome of surgically treated patients. METHODS A prospective study of 53 patients with cardiac myxomas who were operated the Hospital Argerich, followed clinically and with echocardiography from 1993 until 2013. All patients underwent echocardiographic studies. RESULTS The patient's mean age was 53 ± 16 years (62.3% were women). The most common findings were dyspnea followed by embolic events. Most tumors were localized in the left atrium (77.4%), mainly in the fossa ovalis (63%). Mean size of the tumors was 4.76 x 3.50 cm. Tumors were generally mobile (88%) and went beyond the valve plane, causing mild mitral or tricuspid valve obstruction (58%) and dilation of the respective atrial chamber. Patients whose tumors were obstructive had higher pulmonary artery systolic pressures (50 vs 33 mmHg p < 0.01). According to the echocardiographic appearance 67% of tumors had a smooth surface and the remaining 32% had a villous surface. All patients with embolic manifestations had tumors with a villous surface. CONCLUSIONS Clinical presentation relates to the ultrasound characteristics of myxomas. Smooth tumors are larger, occur with obstructive symptoms, and benefit from an elective surgery, whereas villous myxomas entailed a high embolic risk and require prompt surgical treatment.

Non-Infectious Granulomatous Lung Disease: Imaging Findings with Pathologic Correlation

Tomás Franquet,Teri J. Franks,Jeffrey R. Galvin,Marchiori Edson,Giménez Ana,Mazzini Sandra,Johkoh Takeshi,Kyung Soo Lee 대한영상의학회 2021 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.22 No.8

Non-infectious granulomatous lung disease represents a diverse group of disorders characterized by pulmonary opacities associated with granulomatous inflammation, a relatively nonspecific finding commonly encountered by pathologists. Some lesions may present a diagnostic challenge because of nonspecific imaging features; however, recognition of the various imaging manifestations of these disorders in conjunction with patients’ clinical history, such as age, symptom onset and duration, immune status, and presence of asthma or cutaneous lesions, is imperative for narrowing the differential diagnosis and determining appropriate management of this rare group of disorders. In this pictorial review, we describe the pathologic findings of various non-infectious granulomatous lung diseases as well as the radiologic features and high-resolution computed tomography imaging features.

ATP13A2 and Alpha-synuclein: a Metal Taste in Autophagy

Tomás Lopes da Fonseca,Tiago Fleming Outeiro 한국뇌신경과학회 2014 Experimental Neurobiology Vol.23 No.4

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a complex and multifactorial disorder of both idiopathic and genetic origin. Thus far, more than 20 geneshave been linked to familial forms of PD. Two of these genes encode for ATP13A2 and alpha-synuclein (asyn), proteins that seemto be members of a common network in both physiological and disease conditions. Thus, two different hypotheses have emergedsupporting a role of ATP13A2 and asyn in metal homeostasis or in autophagy. Interestingly, an appealing theory might combinethese two cellular pathways. Here we review the novel findings in the interaction between these two proteins and debate the excitingroads still ahead.

Automated design of optimum longitudinal reinforcement for flexural and axial loading

Antonio Tomás,Antonio Alarcón 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2012 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.10 No.2

The problem of a concrete cross section under flexural and axial loading is indeterminate due to the existence of more unknowns than equations. Among the infinite solutions, it is possible to find the optimum, which is that of minimum reinforcement that satisfies certain design constraints (section ductility, minimum reinforcement area, etc.). This article proposes the automation of the optimum reinforcement calculation under any combination of flexural and axial loading. The procedure has been implemented in a program code that is attached in the Appendix. Conventional-strength or high-strength concrete may be chosen, minimum reinforcement area may be considered (it being possible to choose between the standards ACI 318 or Eurocode 2), and the neutral axis depth may be constrained in order to guarantee a certain sectional ductility. Some numerical examples are presented, drawing comparisons between the results obtained by ACI 318, EC 2 and the conventional method.

Microbial symbionts of Leaf-cutting ants (Atta and Acromyrmex )

Adrián Pinto-Tomás 한국응용곤충학회 2018 한국응용곤충학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2018 No.10

Mature colonies of leaf-cutting ants (LCA) in the genus Atta are among the largest of any social insect. These “superorganisms” harvest substantial amounts of leaf material per year, which they use to cultivate a specialized symbiotic fungus for food (Basidiomycota, Agaricales, Leucoagaricus). This complex symbiosis is not bipartite as originally thought, as it includes at least four coevolved and integrated organisms: the farming ants, the fungi that the ants cultivate for food, a genus of fungi (Escovopsis) that are specialized mycoparasites of the ant’s fungal gardens, and actinomycete bacteria (genus Pseudonocardia) that the ants culture on their bodies and from which they obtain antibiotics against the Escovopsis parasites. More recently we described an additional symbiosis with Nitrogen-fixing bacteria that colonize the fungus gardens and contribute to supplement the ants’ nutrition. Our present research efforts in Costa Rica focus on potential biotechnological application of the ants’ microbial symbionts, including bioprospecting for novel antibiotics. We currently investigate the contributions of symbiotic bacteria in cellulose degradation within the fungus garden, employing a combination of culture-dependent and independent techniques coupled with ultrastructural analysis based on high resolution microscopy. Further, given that the ants constitute one of the main agricultural pests in Latin America, we study microbial parasites of both the ants and the fungus gardens to develop biocontrol products that can be incorporated into Integrated Management Strategies to control the detrimental effects of these insects.

Intestinal ultrasonography and fecal calprotectin for monitoring inflammation of ileal Crohn’s disease: two complementary tests

José María Paredes,Tomás Ripollés,Ángela Algarra,Rafael Diaz,Nadia Moreno,Patricia Latorre,María Jesús Martínez,Pilar Llopis,Antonio López,Eduardo Moreno-Osset 대한장연구학회 2022 Intestinal Research Vol.20 No.3

Background/Aims: Tight control of inflammation and adjustment of treatment if activity persists is the current strategy for the management of Crohn’s disease (CD). The usefulness of fecal calprotectin (FC) in isolated involvement of the small intestine in CD is controversial. To assess the usefulness of FC to determine the inflammatory activity detected by intestinal ultrasonography (IUS) in ileal CD. Methods: Patients with exclusively ileal involvement CD who underwent IUS and an FC were prospectively included. Simple ultrasound index was used to determine inflammatory activity. The usual statistical tests for comparison of diagnostic techniques were used. Results: One hundred and five patients were included, IUS showed inflammatory activity in 59% of patients and complications in 18.1%. FC showed a significant correlation with IUS in the weak range (Spearman coefficient <i>r</i>=0.502; <i>P</i><0.001); the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.88; <i>P</i><0.001). The FC value that best reflected the activity in IUS was 100 μg/g with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 73.0%, 71.4%, 79.3% and 63.8%, respectively. There were no differences in FC concentration between patients with or without transmural complications. The addition of serum C-reactive protein to FC did not improve the ability to assess IUS activity.Conclusions: FC has a significant correlation with IUS to monitor ileal CD activity. This correlation is weak and it does not allow assessing the presence of CD complications. Both tests should be used in conjunction for tight control of ileal CD. More studies on noninvasive tests in this location are needed.

Clinical, Psychopathological, Physical, and Sleep Evolution in Adolescents with Restrictive Anorexia Nervosa Participating in a Day Hospital Program

Sofí,a M Martí,nez-Sá,nchez,Tomá,s E Martí,nez-Garcí,a,Diego Munguí,a-Izquierdo 대한신경정신의학회 2020 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.17 No.4

Objective To analyze the clinical, psychopathological, physical, and sleep-related evolution of adolescents with restricting-type of anorexia nervosa (AN-R) after 10 weeks of a daytime hospital program. Methods Body composition, physical activity and sleep were measured objectively before and after 10 weeks of treatment. In addition, psychopathology and body image disturbances were measured with a self-report questionnaire. Results Fourteen female adolescents with AN-R (14.3±1.6 years old) participated in the study. A significant increase was found in eight of the ten variables for body composition (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in psychopathology, body image disturbances or physical activity. Concerning sleep, a significant, moderately standardized and substantial increase in night latency was found (p=0.002), and there was a significant, small standardized and substantial decrease in night efficiency (p=0.035). Conclusion After 10 weeks of follow-up with adolescent patients with AN-R who attended a day hospital program, there was a positive evolution of body composition. However, with regard to sleep patterns, there was a worsening of latency and night efficiency. Therefore, sleep care should be addressed in acute treatment programs for adolescents with AN-R.

Antimicrobial resistance studies in staphylococci and streptococci isolated from cows with mastitis in Argentina

Elisa Crespi,Ana M. Pereyra,Tomás Puigdevall,María V. Rumi,María F. Testorelli,Nicolás Caggiano,Lucía Gulone,Marta Mollerach,Elida R. Gentilini,Mariela E. Srednik 대한수의학회 2022 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.23 No.6

Background: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae are the main cause of clinical mastitis in dairy cattle in Argentina, whereas coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) and environmental streptococci are the main cause of subclinical mastitis. Bacteria isolated from infected animals show increasing antimicrobial resistance. Objectives: This study aims to determine the antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci and streptococci isolated from milk with mastitis, and to genotypically characterize the methicillin-resistant (MR) staphylococci. Methods: Isolation was performed on blood agar and identification was based on biochemical reactions. Antimicrobial susceptibility was according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The antimicrobial resistance genes, SCCmec type and spa type were detected by the polymerase chain reaction method. Results: We isolated a total of 185 staphylococci and 28 streptococci from 148 milk samples. Among the staphylococcal isolates, 154 were identified as CNS and 31 as S. aureus. Among the 154 CNS, 24.6% (n = 38) were resistant to penicillin, 14.9% (n = 23) to erythromycin, 17.5% (n = 27) to clindamycin, 6.5% (n = 10) to cefoxitin and oxacillin. Among the S. aureus isolates, 16.1% (n = 5) were resistant to penicillin, 3.2% (n = 1) to cefoxitin and oxacillin (MRSA). Six MR isolates (5 CNS and 1 MRSA) were positive to the mecA gene, and presented the SCCmec IVa. The MRSA strain presented the sequence type 83 and the spa type 002. Among the 28 streptococcal isolates, 14.3% (n = 4) were resistant to penicillin, 10.7% (n = 3) to erythromycin and 14.3% (n = 4) to clindamycin. Conclusions: The present findings of this study indicate a development of antimicrobial resistance in main bacteria isolated from cows with mastitis in Argentina.