Computed tomography in sciatica

Lumber facet arthropathy and a herniated disk are two major causes of low back pain and sciatica. The authors evaluated the importance of computed tomography (CT) in 243 patients with low back pain and/or sciatica. Lumbar facet abnormalities were found in 139 patients (57%), and a herniated disk was found in 48 patients (20%). CT findings correlated precisely with surgical observations in cases involving a herniated disk and correlated well with the results of an intra-articular facet block in a small series of patients. CT can effectively diagnose and differentiate between lumbar facet arthropathy and a herniated disk.     

Obesity impairs leukocyte‐endothelium cell interactions and oxidative stress in humans

Background

To evaluate the relationship between leukocyte‐endothelial cell interactions and oxidative stress parameters in non‐diabetic patients with different grades of obesity.

Material and methods

For this cross‐sectional study, 225 subjects were recruited from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016 and divided into groups according to BMI (<30 kg/m², 30‐40 kg/m² and >40 kg/m²). We determined clinical parameters, systemic inflammatory markers, soluble cellular adhesion molecules, leukocyte‐endothelium cell interactions—rolling flux, velocity and adhesion—, oxidative stress parameters—total ROS, total superoxide, glutathione—and mitochondrial membrane potential in leukocytes.

Results

We verified that HOMA‐IR and hsCRP increased progressively as obesity developed, whereas A1c, IL6 and TNFα were augmented in the BMI > 40 kg/m² group. The cellular adhesion molecule sP‐selectin was increased in patients with obesity, while sICAM, total ROS, total superoxide and mitochondrial membrane potential were selectively higher in the BMI > 40 kg/m² group. Obesity induced a progressive decrease in rolling velocity and an enhancement of rolling flux and leukocyte adhesion.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that endothelial dysfunction markers are altered in human obesity and are associated with proinflammatory cytokines and increased oxidative stress parameters.     

Apoptotic-like activity of staurosporine in axenic cultures of Trypanosoma evansi

Trypanosoma evansi is a blood protozoan parasite of the genus Trypanosoma which is responsible for surra (Trypanosomosis) in domestic and wild animals. This study addressed apoptotic-like features in Trypanosoma evansi in vitro. The mechanism of parasite death was investigated using staurosporine as an inducing agent. We evaluated its effects through several cytoplasmic features of apoptosis, including cell shrinkage, phosphatidylserine exposure, maintenance of plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial trans-membrane potential. For access to these features we have used the flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy with cultures in the stationary phase and adjusted to a density of 10(6) cells/mL. The apoptotic effect of staurosporine in T. evansi was evaluated at 20 nM final concentration. There was an increase of phosphatidylserine exposure, whereas mitochondrial potential was decreased. Moreover, no evidence of cell permeability increasing with staurosporine was observed in this study, suggesting the absence of a necrotic process. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the possible pathways associated with this form of cell death in this hemoparasite.     

Radioresistant malignant myoepithelioma of the breast with high level of ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein

Malignant myoepithelioma of the breast (MMB) is a rare and often aggressive disease with poor prognosis. Little is known regarding its optimal treatment and progression. We describe the clinical history of a woman following excision of a benign adenomyoepithelioma which recurred years later as a radioresistant malignant myoepithelioma with high levels of ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein and mutant p53 (Cys135Phe). MMB requires close follow‐up and aggressive treatment. If adjuvant radiotherapy is adopted to improve local control, minimal postoperative delay and higher doses than for standard post‐mastectomy radiation are recommended.