Magnetic resonance imaging and BMB score in the evaluation of bone involvement in Gaucher’s disease patients

AbstractObjective:To evaluate by magnetic resonance imaging changes in bone marrow of patients undergoing treatment for type I Gaucher’s disease.Materials and Methods:Descriptive, cross-sectional study of Gaucher’s disease patients submitted to 3 T magnetic resonance imaging of femurs and lumbar spine. The images were blindly reviewed and the findings were classified according to the semiquantitative bone marrow burden (BMB) scoring system.Results:All of the seven evaluated patients (three men and four women) presented signs of bone marrow infiltration. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head was found in three patients, Erlenmeyer flask deformity in five, and no patient had vertebral body collapse. The mean BMB score was 11, ranging from 9 to 14.Conclusion:Magnetic resonance imaging is currently the method of choice for assessing bone involvement in Gaucher’s disease in adults due to its high sensitivity to detect both focal and diffuse bone marrow changes, and the BMB score is a simplified method for semiquantitative analysis, without depending on advanced sequences or sophisticated hardware, allowing for the classification of the disease extent and assisting in the treatment monitoring.

Trabecular bone score in kidney transplant recipients.

UNLABELLED: It is uncertain whether bone mineral density (BMD) can accurately predict fracture in kidney transplant recipients. Trabecular bone score (TBS) provides information independent of BMD. Kidney transplant recipients had abnormal bone texture as measured by lumbar spine TBS, and a lower TBS was associated with incident fractures in recipients. INTRODUCTION: Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a texture measure derived from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) lumbar spine images, providing information independent of bone mineral density. We assessed characteristics associated with TBS and fracture outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: We included 327 kidney transplant recipients from Manitoba, Canada, who received a post-transplant DXA (median 106 days post-transplant). We matched each kidney transplant recipient (mean age 45 years, 39 % men) to three controls from the general population (matched on age, sex, and DXA date). Lumbar spine (L1-L4) DXA images were used to derive TBS. Non-traumatic incident fracture (excluding hand, foot, and craniofacial) (n = 31) was assessed during a mean follow-up of 6.6 years. We used multivariable linear regression models to test predictors of TBS, and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) per standard deviation decrease in TBS to express the gradient of risk. RESULTS: Compared to the general population, kidney transplant recipients had a significantly lower lumbar spine TBS (1.365 ± 0.129 versus 1.406 ± 0.125, P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression revealed that receipt of a kidney transplant was associated with a significantly lower mean TBS compared to controls (-0.0369, 95 % confidence interval [95 % CI] -0.0537 to -0.0202). TBS was associated with fractures independent of the Fracture Risk Assessment score including BMD (adjusted HR per standard deviation decrease in TBS 1.64, 95 % CI 1.15-2.36). CONCLUSION: Kidney transplant recipients had abnormal bone texture as assessed by TBS and a lower lumbar spine TBS was associated with fractures in recipients.

A Meta-Analysis of Trabecular Bone Score in Fracture Risk Prediction and Its Relationship to FRAX.

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a gray-level textural index of bone microarchitecture derived from lumbar spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images. TBS is a bone mineral density (BMD)-independent predictor of fracture risk. The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine whether TBS predicted fracture risk independently of FRAX probability and to examine their combined performance by adjusting the FRAX probability for TBS. We utilized individual-level data from 17,809 men and women in 14 prospective population-based cohorts. Baseline evaluation included TBS and the FRAX risk variables, and outcomes during follow-up (mean 6.7 years) comprised major osteoporotic fractures. The association between TBS, FRAX probabilities, and the risk of fracture was examined using an extension of the Poisson regression model in each cohort and for each sex and expressed as the gradient of risk (GR; hazard ratio per 1 SD change in risk variable in direction of increased risk). FRAX probabilities were adjusted for TBS using an adjustment factor derived from an independent cohort (the Manitoba Bone Density Cohort). Overall, the GR of TBS for major osteoporotic fracture was 1.44 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-1.53) when adjusted for age and time since baseline and was similar in men and women (p > 0.10). When additionally adjusted for FRAX 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture, TBS remained a significant, independent predictor for fracture (GR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.24-1.41). The adjustment of FRAX probability for TBS resulted in a small increase in the GR (1.76, 95% CI 1.65-1.87 versus 1.70, 95% CI 1.60-1.81). A smaller change in GR for hip fracture was observed (FRAX hip fracture probability GR 2.25 vs. 2.22). TBS is a significant predictor of fracture risk independently of FRAX. The findings support the use of TBS as a potential adjustment for FRAX probability, though the impact of the adjustment remains to be determined in the context of clinical assessment guidelines. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Modelling the disability severity score in motor insurance claims: an application to the Spanish case

Bodily injury claims have the greatest impact on the claim costs of motor insurance companies. The disability severity of motor claims is assessed in numerous European countries by means of score systems. In this paper a zero inflated generalized Poisson regression model is implemented to estimate the disability severity score of victims in-volved in motor accidents on Spanish roads. We show that the injury severity estimates may be automatically converted into financial terms by insurers at any point of the claim handling process. As such, the methodology described may be used by motor insurers operating in the Spanish market to monitor the size of bodily injury claims. By using insurance data, various applications are presented in which the score estimate of disability severity is of value to insurers, either for computing the claim compensation or for claim reserve purposes.

Early adversity and 5-HTT-BDNF genes: New evidences of Gene-Environment interactions on depressive symptoms in a general population

Background Adverse childhood experiences have been described as one of the major environmental risk factors for depressive disorder. Similarly, the deleterious impact of early traumatic experiences on depression seems to be moderated by individual genetic variability. Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulate the effect of childhood adversity on adult depression, although inconsistencies across studies have been found. Moreover, the gene×environment (G×E) interaction concerning the different types of childhood adversity remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the putative interaction between the 5-HTT gene (5-HTTLPR polymorphism), the BDNF gene (Val66Met polymorphism) and childhood adversity in accounting for adult depressive symptoms. Method A sample of 534 healthy individuals filled in self-report questionnaires of depressive symptomatology [the Symptom Check List 90 Revised (SCL-90-R)] and different types of childhood adversities [the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)]. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) and the Val66Met polymorphism (BDNF gene) were genotyped in the whole sample. Results Total childhood adversity (β=0.27, p<0.001), childhood sexual abuse (CSA; β=0.17, p<0.001), childhood emotional abuse (β=0.27, p<0.001) and childhood emotional neglect (β=0.22, p<0.001) had an impact on adult depressive symptoms. CSA had a greater impact on depressive symptoms in Met allele carriers of the BDNF gene than in the Val/Val group (F=5.87, p<0.0001), and in S carriers of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) (F=5.80, p<0.0001). Conclusions Childhood adversity per se predicted higher levels of adult depressive symptoms. In addition, BDNF Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms seemed to moderate the effect of CSA on adult depressive symptoms.

La evaluación del estrés y del trauma: presentación de la versión española de la escala de trauma acumulativo (CTS)

This paper reviews some of the most usual definitions of stress and trauma including the notion of accumulative trauma. Then, the Spanish version of the Cumulative Trauma Scale by Kira et al (2008) is presented. It has been developed by following a process of translation and by applying it to two small groups of subjects to test it for comprehension (pilot test).

Indirect likelihood inference (revised)

Standard indirect Inference (II) estimators take a given finite-dimensional statistic, Z_{n} , and then estimate the parameters by matching the sample statistic with the model-implied population moment. We here propose a novel estimation method that utilizes all available information contained in the distribution of Z_{n} , not just its first moment. This is done by computing the likelihood of Z_{n}, and then estimating the parameters by either maximizing the likelihood or computing the posterior mean for a given prior of the parameters. These are referred to as the maximum indirect likelihood (MIL) and Bayesian Indirect Likelihood (BIL) estimators, respectively. We show that the IL estimators are first-order equivalent to the corresponding moment-based II estimator that employs the optimal weighting matrix. However, due to higher-order features of Z_{n} , the IL estimators are higher order efficient relative to the standard II estimator. The likelihood of Z_{n} will in general be unknown and so simulated versions of IL estimators are developed. Monte Carlo results for a structural auction model and a DSGE model show that the proposed estimators indeed have attractive finite sample properties.

Christina Rossetti's "Goblin market" : Milton revised or revived?

The present study examines Christina Rossetti's (1830-94) best-known poem "Goblin Market" (1859) as a response to John Milton's (1608-74) Paradise Lost (1667) and Paradise Regained (1674). Rossetti's poem relates to Milton's twin epics with a surprising degree of complexity, something that the thesis demonstrates through a large number of hitherto unexplored textual parallels. In its recontextualisation of Rossetti's poetry, this study balances interpretative strategies evolved by feminism with more historicist readings. SinceGilbert and Gubar's landmark feminist work of 1979, it has become something of a critical commonplace that Milton was a figure of patriarchal oppression whom women writers have challenged through revision. As a consequence, intertextual Rossetti studies have tended to emphasise such a revisionist element in her achievement. But if we place "Goblin Market" within the larger context of Rossetti's thoughts on religion and poetry throughout her writing, and if we de-emphasise the dichotomy between Rossetti and her male precursor, alternative patterns of reading begin to emerge. This thesis argues that Rossetti's aim was not only to revise Milton but also to revive him. It develops this point in several ways: first, by introducing the subject and theoretically arguing that literary allusiveness is not necessarily a matter of oedipal or feminist envy only (Chapter One); second, by determining the nature and extent of Rossetti's Miltonic allusions in terms of theme, imagery and language (Chapter Two);and third, by examining their function in terms of argument (Chapters Three andFour). I n an age of increasing religious doubt, Rossetti's poetry provided a subtle challenge not so much to Milton as to the emerging scepticism and aestheticism in Victorian society and its art-world, and not least to the secular tendencies of the second generation of Pre-Raphaelites, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Christina Rossetti was ahead of her time (and perhaps ours) in seeing the feminist potential in both John Milton and the Christian message. In the soul's relation to Christ, gender does not matter. What matters is the individual's quest for salvation, a quest in which poetry is a sacramental act, with a transformative, unifying function. Rossetti's poems both depict and constitute such a quest for union with God, on the assumption that God's word offers a pathway that is open to men as well as women.

Prevenção e atendimento inicial do trauma e doenças cardiovasculares: um programa de ensino

A Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, ao cumprir as prerrogativas da universidade quanto ao ensino, pesquisa e prestação de serviços à comunidade, tem desenvolvido programas direcionados à graduação e à coletividade, abrangendo diversos aspectos do trauma e das doenças cardiovasculares. Respeitando protocolos internacionais, cursos teórico-práticos são organizados e ministrados por instrutores reconhecidos pela American Heart Association e American College of Surgeons. A comparação entre pré e pós-testes demonstrou resultado melhor quando os alunos eram profissionais da área da saúde, o que foi atribuído a seu melhor preparo em relação à comunidade leiga. Entretanto, como a finalidade era a capacitação de todos, profissionais da saúde ou não, uma reavaliação da metodologia tornou-se necessária, salientando-se como principal preocupação uma duração maior das atividades práticas e maior possibilidade de discussões.

TANDEM-trauma

Kirjallisuusarvostelu

Ferimento de hipofaringe no trauma cervical penetrante

O tratamento dos ferimentos de hipofaringe ainda é controvertido na literatura. A maior parte dos autores acredita que o tratamento preferencial consiste na exploração cirúrgica imediata, com reparo primário da lesão e drenagem ou somente a drenagem, e que o tratamento conservador estaria indicado em casos selecionados. Entre 157 ferimentos cervicais penetrantes, num período de quatro anos, encontramos sete (4,4%) casos de perfuração de hipofaringe. Destes, seis (85,7%) foram tratados cirurgicamente, cinco (71 ,4%) com sutura primária e drenagem. A taxa de mortalidade foi nula e a morbidade foi de 28,6%, sendo de 11,2 dias o tempo médio de internação.

Utilidade dos exames pré-operatórios em trauma

Os exames complementares são realizados rotineiramente no pré-operatório de procedimentos cirúrgicos médios e grandes. Entretanto, a sua utilidade é questionável, uma vez que muitos deles são normais ou seus resultados são previsíveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a real utilidade da propedêutica complementar pré-operatória na prevenção de complicações cirúrgicas. Foram revistos 117 prontuários de pacientes submetidos a operações por traumas abdominais (66,6%) e/ou torácicos (33,4%) de grande porte, no Setor de Urgência do Hospital João XXIII de Belo Horizonte, no período de 1985- 1995. Avaliaram-se os exames complementares pré-operatórios e sua relação com eventuais complicações cirúrgicas. A idade dos 76 homens e 4l mulheres variou entre 20 e 79 anos. Os 49,2% dos exames laboratoriais alterados corresponderam a achados previsíveis pelo exame clínico. Somente 1,6% das anormalidades nesses exames foram relacionadas com complicações pós-operatórias. Nenhuma das 70,4% radiografias alteradas correlacionaram-se com complicações pós-operatórias. As complicações pós-operatórias mais freqüentes foram abscesso de parede, parada cardiorrespiratória e pneumonia. Nenhuma complicação poderia ter sido prevenida pelos exames complementares pré-operatórios. Os resultados obtidos nos exames complementares pré-operatórios não influenciaram as condutas, e as alterações encontradas não foram relacionadas às complicações cirúrgicas em serviço de urgência.

Pancreatectomia distal no trauma: estudo multicêntrico

No período de cinco anos, 87 doentes com trauma pancreático foram tratados por pancreatectomia corpo-caudal em cinco serviços de emergência. A idade variou de 7 a 64 anos (média de 28), sendo que 73 (84%) eram do sexo masculino. O principal mecanismo de trauma foi o ferimento penetrante em 72,5%, com ferimentos por projéteis de arma de fogo em 3/4 dos casos. Lesões associadas ocorreram em 96% dos doentes. A extensão da ressecção pancreática correspondeu de 30% a 70%, em 62% dos casos. O baço foi preservado em 45,6% dos 57 doentes que se apresentaram sem lesão esplênica. A taxa de complicações foi de 40,2%, sendo a fístula pancreática e a pancreatite pós-operatória as mais freqüentes. A mortalidade total foi de 12 doentes (13,7%). As conclusões deste estudo foram as seguintes: a) há relação nas taxas de morbidade com o mecanismo de lesão; b) a morbidade é mais freqüente em doentes com trauma fechado; c) não há diferença na incidência de complicações com o método de fechamento do pâncreas remanescente nem com a extensão da ressecção; d) não há relação da mortalidade com o mecanismo de trauma; e) há uma tendência no aumento da taxa de mortalidade no trauma fechado com presença de lesões associadas.