Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are pathologically defined by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Compared to other breast cancers, TNBC has a relatively high mortality. In addition, TNBC patients are more likely to relapse in the first few years after treatment, and experiencing a shorter median time from recurrence to death. Detecting the presence of tumor in patients who are technically “disease-free” after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery as early as possible might be able to predict recurrence of patients, and then provide timely intervention for additional therapy. To this end, I applied the analysis of “liquid biopsies” for early detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) on early-stage TNBC patients using next-generation sequencing. For the first part of this study, I focused on detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from TNBC patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. First, patient-specific somatic mutations were identified by sequencing primary tumors. From these data, 82% of the patients had at least one TP53 mutation, followed by 16% of the patients having at least one PIK3CA mutation. Next, I sequenced matched plasma samples collected after surgery to identify ctDNA with the same mutations. I observed that by detecting corresponding ctDNA I was able to predict rapid recurrence, but not distant recurrence. To increase the sensitivity of MRD detection, in the second part I developed a strategy to co-detect ctDNA along with circulating tumor RNA (ctRNA). An advantage of ctRNA is its active release into the circulation from living cancer cells. Preliminary data showed that more mutant molecules were identified after incorporating ctRNA with ctDNA detection in a metastatic breast cancer setting. A validation study in early-stage TNBC is in progress. In summary, my study suggests that co-detection of ctDNA and ctRNA could be a potential solution for the early detection of disease recurrence. / 2021-08-05

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common non-skin malignancy of men in developed countries. In spite of treatment with curative intent up to 30-40% of patients have disease recurrence after treatment, resulting from any combination of lymphatic, hematogenous, or contiguous local spread. The concept of early detection of PCa offer benefits in terms of reduced mortality, but at the cost of over-diagnosis and overtreatment of indolent disease. This is largely due to the random nature of conventional biopsies, with a risk of missing significant cancer and randomly hitting indolent disease. In the present thesis, diagnostic performance of MRI DWI and 11C Acetate PET/CT lymph node staging of intermediate and high risk PCa, was investigated, and additionally, predictive factors of regional lymph node metastases were evaluated. Further, additional value of targeted biopsies to conventional biopsies, for detection of clinically significant PCa, was investigated. In paper one and two, 53 and 40 patients with predominantly high risk PCa underwent 11C Acetate PET/CT and 3T MRI DWI, respectively, for lymph node staging, before extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). The sensitivity and specificity for PET/CT was 38% and 96% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for MRI DWI was 55% and 90% respectively. In paper three, 53 patients with newly diagnosed PCa were included. All patients underwent multi-parametric MRI, followed by two cognitive targeted biopsies. Five more clinically significant cancers were detected by adding targeted biopsies to conventional biopsies. In paper four the value of quantitative and qualitative MRI DWI and 11C Acetate PET/CT parameters, alone and in combination, in predicting regional lymph node metastases were examined. ADCmean in lymph nodes and T-stage on MRI were independent predictors of lymph node metastases in multiple logistic regression analysis. In conclusion the specificity of diffusion weighted MRI and 11C Acetate PET/CT for lymph node staging was high, although the sensitivity was low. Predictive factors of regional lymph node metastases could be retrieved from diffusion weighted MRI and 11C Acetate PET/CT. By combining targeted biopsies with conventional biopsies the detection rate of clinically significant PCa could be increased.

Le sulfure d'hydrogène (H2S) est un métabolite bactérien produit notamment par les bactéries sulfato-réductrices du côlon à partir des acides aminés soufrés, des sulfates/sulfites alimentaires et des sulfomucines. A fortes concentrations, le H2S est un gaz toxique, de par sa capacité à inhiber la cytochome c oxydase, et par conséquent, la respiration mitochondriale. A l'inverse, notre travail montre qu'à faibles concentrations, le H2S induit une énergisation mitochondriale des cellules épithéliales coliques humaines HT 29 Glc-/+ lui conférant aussi un rôle de substrat minéral énergétique. Dans ce travail, nous avons déterminé les concentrations de H2S permettant l'oxydation/détoxication de H2S par les cellules HT 29 Glc-/+ et celles provoquant une inhibition de la consommation d'oxygène. L'oxydation du H2S nécessite la coopération entre la « sulfide oxidation unit » et la chaîne respiratoire. La capacité des cellules HT29 Glc-/+ à oxyder le H2S est associée à la présence des transcrits codant les enzymes constituant la « sulfide oxidation unit » : la sulfure d'hydrogène quinone reductase (SQR), la dioxygenase ETHE1 et la thiosulfate transferase (TST). Nous avons démontré la priorité de l'oxydation du H2S sur les substrats carbonés . En effet, nos résultats suggèrent que les électrons venant de la SQR sont transférés au pool d'ubiquinone aux dépens de ceux venant du complexe I. Nos résultats démontrent que la SQR joue un rôle déterminant pour l'oxydation de H2S. De plus, la détoxication du H2S par les cellules HT29 Glc-/+ augmente au cours de la différenciation spontanée ou induite par un traitement au butyrate. L'augmentation de la détoxication de H2S au cours de la différenciation est associée à une augmentation de la réserve respiratoire soulignant l'importance de la chaîne respiratoire comme composante de la fonction de détoxication du H2S. En situation d'inhibition de la cytochrome c oxydase, la grande capacité des cellules coliques humaines à détoxiquer le H2S pourrait être en partie due à la présence d'un transfert réverse des électrons issus de l'oxydation de H2S de la SQR vers le complexe I. Outre le butyrate, le zinc un autre composé de la lumière colique, exerce un effet protecteur contre la toxicité cellulaire du H2S. Enfin, notre travail a mis en évidence une diminution de l'expression d'un gène codant pour une enzyme de la « sulfide oxidation unit » (la TST) dans le rectum comparée à différents segments du côlon, ce qui pourrait correspondre à des capacités de détoxication du H2S différente en fonctions des segments du gros intestin humain. / Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a metabolite produced notably by colonic sulphate-reducing bacteria from alimentary sulphur-containing amino acids, sulfates / sulfites and sulfomucines. At high concentrations, H2S is a toxic gas due to its ability to inhibit cytochome c oxidase, and therefore mitochondrial respiration. In contrast, our study shows that at low concentrations, H2S induces mitochondrial energization in human colonic epithelial cells HT-29 Glc -/+ assigning it a role as the first inorganic oxidative substrate in human cells. In this work, we have determined sulphide concentrations allowing sulphide oxidation/detoxification by HT-29 cells and those which inhibit oxygen consumption. The oxidation of H2S requires cooperation between the “sulphide oxidation unit” and the respiratory chain. The capacity of HT-29 Glc -/+ to oxidize H2S is associated with the presence of transcripts encoding the enzymes constituting the “sulfide oxidation unit”: the sulphide quinine reductase (SQR), the sulphur dioxygenase or Ethylmalonic encephalopathy 1 (ETHE1) and the thiosulfate sulphur transferase (TST). We demonstrate that the oxidation of H2S takes precedence over the oxidation of carbon substrates. Indeed, our results suggest that electrons from SQR are transferred to the ubiquinone pool at the expense of those originating from the complex I. Our results point out that SQR represents a determinanat factor in the oxidation of H2S. In addition, the detoxification of H2S by HT-29 Glc -/+ cells increases during spontaneous differentiation and differentiation induced by treatment with butyrate. The increase in the detoxification of H2S during the differentiation is associated with an increase of the respiratory reserve pointing out the importance of the respiratory chain as a component of the detoxification function of H2S. In situations of inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase, the capacity of human colon cells to detoxify H2S could be due in part to the presence of a reverse transfer of electrons from the oxidation of H2S to the SQR complex I. In addition to butyrate, zinc, another compound of the colonic lumen has a protective effect against cell toxicity associated with H2S. Lastly, we have shown a decreased expression of the gene encoding an enzyme of the “sulfide oxidation unit” (TST) in the rectum compared to the other segments of human colon. This observation may correspond to different detoxification capacities towards H2S according to the different parts of the human large intestine.

A Aspergilose Broncopulmonar alérgica (ABPA) é uma doença complexa,desencadeada por uma reação de hipersensibilidade ao Aspergillus fumigatus, que apresenta vários estágios, sendo que no estágio mais grave, os pacientes apresentam bronquiectasias. O diagnóstico da doença é difícil e o maior problema é a falta de antígenos padronizados necessários para a determinação de anticorpos específicos. O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar se os testes cutâneos com os análogos de Asp f 1 podem auxiliar no diagnóstico e no estadiamento da ABPA. Três grupos de pacientes classificados por testes sorológicos foram obtidos a saber 20 ABPA (16BQ+; 4BQ-), 25 possíveis -ABPA (14BQ+;11BQ-) e 24 asmáticos sem ABPA (11BQ+;13BQ-). Fizeram parte do estudo 10 pessoas sem asma . Todos foram submetidos a testes intradérmicos com três antígenos a-sarcina, mitogilina e estrictocina.Houve uma intensa reação a todos os antígenos e as reações produzidas foram semelhantes para os três antígenos. As reações de leitura tardia positivas à mitogilina foram biopsiadas. As biopsias de 2 (12,5%) dos pacientes BQ+ do grupo ABPA e 5 do grupo ABPA possível com BQ+ (35,6%) mostraram vasculite por depósito de imunocomplexos. 11 pacientes do terceiro grupo não apresentaram vasculite. O quarto grupo não apresentou reação tardia. Todos os pacientes com reação positiva apresentaram BQ+. alfa-sarcina, a mitogilina e a restrictocina diferenciaram pacientes com ABPA por testes intradérmicos e podem ser aplicados no diagnóstico da doença. A maior incidência de bronquiectasias foi encontrada no primeiro grupo (80%) e no segundo (56%). No terceiro grupo nenhum caso foi encontrado em 23 pacientes com asma e teste ID positivo ao aspergillus fumigatus todos os pacientes com vasculite tinham bronquiectasia. Há possibilidade de que as lesões produzidas nos pulmões sejam produzidas por vasculite. / Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex disease, triggered by a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus. The disease diagnosis is difficult, and a major problem is the lack of standardized allergens for the determination of specific antibodies. The aim of the present study is to evaluate if intradermal (ID) tests with analogs of Asp f 1 can aid in the diagnosis and stage assessment of abpa. Three groups of patients classified by serological tests were obtained. 20 ABPA (16BQ+; 4BQ-), 25 possible-ABPA (14BQ+; 11BQ-), 24 asthmatic-ABPAfree (11BQ+; 13BQ-) and 10 asthma-free people were submitted to id tests with three antigens: mitogillin, a-sarcin and restrictocin. There was intense reaction to all three antigens and the response was similar. The positive reactions to mitogillin were biopsied. The skin biopsies of two (12,5%) bq+ patients of the first group and 5 BQ+ (35,6%) patients of the second one showed vasculitis by immune complexes (IC) deposition. 11 patients of the third group had negative biopsies. The fourth group didn\'t have late-reaction. All patients with positive reaction were BQ+. By ID test, alfa-sarcin, mitogillin and restrictocin could differentiate patients with abpa and can be applicable in disease diagnosis. The higher incidence of bronchiectasis was found in the first (80%) and second (56%) groups. In the third group, IC wasn\'t found in 23 asthma patients and id test was positive to A. fumigatus. All patients with vasculitis by IC had bronchiectasis. Therefore, the results indicate that this kind of pulmonary lesion is caused by vasculitis.

Cette thèse, ayant comme thème scientifique le recalage qu'il soit géométrique ou iconique, décrit trois applications cliniques dans le domaine de l'urologie. Elle s'appuie en grande partie sur l'utilisation de l'échographie comme capteur peropératoire.<br />Elle présente trois chapitres :<br />1. La ponction du rein dont le but est d'atteindre par voie percutanée une cible à l'intérieur du rein. Dans un premier temps, une approche de recalage par une mise en correspondance de nuages de points d'image échographiques et scanner est décrite avant l'évaluation d'une approche iconique sur fantôme et sur un sujet sain. Dans un second temps, une approche consistant à mettre en correspondance de façon automatique, à l'aide d'un localisateur externe, le trajet de ponction échographique dans des images de fluoroscopie est décrite puis validée sur fantôme et 11 patients.<br />2. La ponction des trous sacrés dans le but de placer une aiguille au contact des racines de nerfs sacrés. Nous décrivons une approche consistant à recaler par une approche géométrique des images scanner et échograpiques en détectant dans les images scanner l'interface os/muscle visible en échographie. Nous décrivons les expériences sur un fantôme et un sujet anatomique.<br />3. Le dernier chapitre décrit le développement de deux applications concernant le cancer de la prostate. La première est la reconstruction d'images 3D anatomopathologique de la prostate et leur recalage avec des images IRM dans le but de développer un atlas statistique de la distribution du cancer et d'améliorer la sémiologie radiologique. La méthode est décrite à partir de données de sujets anatomiques et d'un patient. La seconde est la localisation des biopsies de prostate par voie endorectale en employant une approche de recalage iconique échographique 3D monomodale afin d'améliorer la cartographie biopsique qui est essentielle pour le diagnostic et la prise en charge du cancer. Contrairement aux méthodes précédentes de recalage peropératoire décrite dans cette thèse, celle-ci est uniquement basée sur les images et permet donc de s'affranchir de l'utilisation d'un localisateur externe. Notre approche est validée par une étude clinique sur 14 patients.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential efficacy of percutaneous image-guided interventions over open surgical interventions. The conventional image-guided procedures are limited by the freehand technique, requiring mental 3D registration and hand-eye coordination for needle placement. The outcomes of these procedures are associated with longer duration and increased patient discomfort with high radiation exposure. Previously, a static image overlay system was proposed for aiding needle interventions. Certain drawbacks associated with the static system limited the clinical translation. To overcome the ergonomic issues and longer calibration duration associated with static system, an adjustable image overlay system was proposed. The system consisted of monitor and semi-transparent mirror, attached together to an articulated mobile arm. The 90-degree mirror-monitor configuration was proposed to improve the physician access around the patient. MicronTracker was integrated for dynamic tracking of the patient and device. A novel method for auto-direct calibration of the virtual image overlay plane was proposed. Due to large mechanical structure, the precise movement was limited and consumed useful space in the procedure room. A mobile image overlay system with reduced system weight and smaller dimensions was proposed to eliminate the need for mechanical structure. A tablet computer and beamsplitter were used as the display device and mirror respectively. An image overlay visualization module of the 3D Slicer was developed to project the correct image slice upon the tablet device. The system weight was reduced to 1 kg and the image overlay plane tracking precision (0.11mm STD=0.05) was similar to the printed physical markers. The auto-calibration of the image overlay plane can be done in two simple steps, away from the patient table and without additional phantom. Based on the successful pre-clinical testing of the previous static system, the mobile image overlay system with reduced weight, increased tracking precision and easier maneuverability, can be possibly hand-held by the physician to explore the image volume over the patient and be used for a wide range of procedures. The mobile image overlay system shall be classified as Class II device as per FDA regulations, do not require extensive verification and validation efforts and further improves the commercialization opportunities. / Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-06-26 18:51:03.958

A Doença Celíaca (DC) é uma doença autoimune que afeta o intestino delgado de indivíduos geneticamente susceptíveis após contato com o glúten. Diversos estudos têm relatado aumento da prevalência ao longo dos anos. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de DC em pacientes adultos sem diarreia encaminhados à Disciplina de Gastroenterologia do HUPE da UERJ para serem submetidos a Endoscopia Digestiva Alta (EDA).Comparar os resultados do histopatológico das biópsias duodenais com os resultados sorológicos, utilizando o anticorpo antitransglutaminase tecidual IgA (ATGt IgA). Métodos: Pacientes que foram encaminhados ao nosso serviço para serem submetidos a EDA entre Julho de 2008 e Julho de 2010, com idade entre 18 e 85 anos foram aceitos no estudo. Critérios de exclusão foram cirrose, neoplasias do trato gastrointestinal, HIV, uso de imunossupressores e anticoagulantes, diarreia, hemorragia digestiva e DC. Coleta de sangue para pesquisa do anticorpo ATGt IgA (utilizando KIT ORGENTEC - Alemanha), avaliação endoscópica e exame histopatológico das biópsias de segunda porção duodenal foram feitos para cada paciente. Biópsias foram avaliadas de acordo com o critério de Marsh modificado. Resultados: Trezentos e noventa e nove pacientes consecutivos (112 homens, 287 mulheres), média de idade 49,616,4 anos, variando de 18-85 anos, sem diarreia, foram prospectivamente aceitos. Os sintomas clínicos mais prevalentes foram dor abdominal em 99,5%, pirose em 41,1%, plenitude pós prandial em 30,6%, náuseas e vômitos em 21,3%. Os achados endoscópicos foram: normais em 41,6%, lesões pépticas (esofagite, gastrite, duodenite e úlceras) em 41,6%, hérnia hiatal em 5,5%, pólipos gástricos em 3%, neoplasias em 1,3% e miscelânea em 7%. DC foi endoscopicamente diagnosticada em 13 pacientes (3,3%) com mucosa duodenal exibindo serrilhamento das pregas em 8 (2%), diminuição do pregueado em 2 (0,5%) e mucosa exibindo padrão nodular e mosaico em 3 (0,75%). Os achados histopatológicos de duodeno foram normais em 96,7%, duodenites inespecíficas em 2,7% e 3 pacientes (0,75%) confirmaram DC pelos critérios de Marsh modificado (IIIa, IIIb e IIIc). O anticorpo ATGt IgA foi positivo (>10 U/ml) em 1,3% (5/399). Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou que a prevalência de DC em pacientes dispépticos sem diarreia atendidos na Disciplina de Gastroenterologia e Endoscopia do HUPE/UERJ foi de 0,75% (1:133). A acurácia diagnóstica do anticorpo ATGt IgA é boa para pacientes com Marsh III e achados endoscópicos sugestivos. Nenhum dos pacientes tinha alterações Marsh I ou II. A EDA se mostrou um excelente método de triagem para definir os pacientes com graus mais acentuados de atrofia e que se beneficiariam de biópsia e sorologia para confirmação diagnóstica. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho não justificam uma triagem rotineira de DC. / Celiac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine in genetically susceptible individuals after contact with gluten. Several studies have reported increased prevalence over the years. Objective:To determine the prevalence of CD in adult dyspeptic patients without diarrhea referred to the Gastroenterology Division at Pedro Ernesto University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro (HUPE- UERJ) to undergo esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD). Compare the results of histopathology of duodenal biopsies with the serological results using IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (IgA anti-tTG). Methods: Patients with dyspepsia referred to our clinic to undergo EGD between July 2008 and July 2010, aged 18 and 85 years were enrolled into the study. Exclusion criteria were cirrhosis, gastrointestinal neoplasms, HIV, use of immunosuppressive drugs and anticoagulants, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding and CD. Samples for IgA anti-tTG antibody (using ORGENTEC KIT -Germany), endoscopic evaluation and histological examination of biopsies of the second duodenal portion were made for each patient. Biopsies were evaluated according to the modified Marsh criteria. Results: Three hundred and ninety-nine consecutive patients (112 men, 287 women), mean age 49.6 16.4 years, ranging from 18-85 years, without diarrhea, were prospectively accepted. The most prevalent clinical symptoms were abdominal pain in 99.5%, heartburn in 41.1%, postprandial fullness in 30.6%, nausea and vomiting in 21.3%. Endoscopic findings were normal in 41.6%, peptic lesions (esophagitis, gastritis, duodenitis and ulcers) in 41.6%, hiatal hernia in 5.5%, gastric polyps in 3%, cancer by 1.3% and miscellaneous 7%. CD was diagnosed endoscopically in 13 patients (3.3%) with duodenal mucosa exhibiting scalloped folds in 8 (2%), decreased in the number of folds in 2 (0.5%), nodular mucosa and mosaic pattern in 3 (0.75%).The histopathological findings of duodenum were normal in 96.7%, nonspecific duodenitis in 2.7% and 3 patients (0.75%) confirmed by the CD modified Marsh criteria (IIIa, IIIb and IIIc). IgA anti-tTG antibody was positive (>10U/ml) in 1.3% (5/399). Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of CD in patients without diarrhea seen at the Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital was 0.75% (1:133). The diagnostic accuracy of IgA anti-tTG is good for patients with Marsh III and suggestive endoscopic findings. None of the patients had Marsh I or II changes. The EGD has proved an excellent screening method to define patients with more marked degrees of atrophy and could benefit from biopsy and serology for diagnosis confirmation. The results of this study do not justify routine screening of CD.

A Doença Celíaca (DC) é uma doença autoimune que afeta o intestino delgado de indivíduos geneticamente susceptíveis após contato com o glúten. Diversos estudos têm relatado aumento da prevalência ao longo dos anos. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de DC em pacientes adultos sem diarreia encaminhados à Disciplina de Gastroenterologia do HUPE da UERJ para serem submetidos a Endoscopia Digestiva Alta (EDA).Comparar os resultados do histopatológico das biópsias duodenais com os resultados sorológicos, utilizando o anticorpo antitransglutaminase tecidual IgA (ATGt IgA). Métodos: Pacientes que foram encaminhados ao nosso serviço para serem submetidos a EDA entre Julho de 2008 e Julho de 2010, com idade entre 18 e 85 anos foram aceitos no estudo. Critérios de exclusão foram cirrose, neoplasias do trato gastrointestinal, HIV, uso de imunossupressores e anticoagulantes, diarreia, hemorragia digestiva e DC. Coleta de sangue para pesquisa do anticorpo ATGt IgA (utilizando KIT ORGENTEC - Alemanha), avaliação endoscópica e exame histopatológico das biópsias de segunda porção duodenal foram feitos para cada paciente. Biópsias foram avaliadas de acordo com o critério de Marsh modificado. Resultados: Trezentos e noventa e nove pacientes consecutivos (112 homens, 287 mulheres), média de idade 49,616,4 anos, variando de 18-85 anos, sem diarreia, foram prospectivamente aceitos. Os sintomas clínicos mais prevalentes foram dor abdominal em 99,5%, pirose em 41,1%, plenitude pós prandial em 30,6%, náuseas e vômitos em 21,3%. Os achados endoscópicos foram: normais em 41,6%, lesões pépticas (esofagite, gastrite, duodenite e úlceras) em 41,6%, hérnia hiatal em 5,5%, pólipos gástricos em 3%, neoplasias em 1,3% e miscelânea em 7%. DC foi endoscopicamente diagnosticada em 13 pacientes (3,3%) com mucosa duodenal exibindo serrilhamento das pregas em 8 (2%), diminuição do pregueado em 2 (0,5%) e mucosa exibindo padrão nodular e mosaico em 3 (0,75%). Os achados histopatológicos de duodeno foram normais em 96,7%, duodenites inespecíficas em 2,7% e 3 pacientes (0,75%) confirmaram DC pelos critérios de Marsh modificado (IIIa, IIIb e IIIc). O anticorpo ATGt IgA foi positivo (>10 U/ml) em 1,3% (5/399). Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou que a prevalência de DC em pacientes dispépticos sem diarreia atendidos na Disciplina de Gastroenterologia e Endoscopia do HUPE/UERJ foi de 0,75% (1:133). A acurácia diagnóstica do anticorpo ATGt IgA é boa para pacientes com Marsh III e achados endoscópicos sugestivos. Nenhum dos pacientes tinha alterações Marsh I ou II. A EDA se mostrou um excelente método de triagem para definir os pacientes com graus mais acentuados de atrofia e que se beneficiariam de biópsia e sorologia para confirmação diagnóstica. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho não justificam uma triagem rotineira de DC. / Celiac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine in genetically susceptible individuals after contact with gluten. Several studies have reported increased prevalence over the years. Objective:To determine the prevalence of CD in adult dyspeptic patients without diarrhea referred to the Gastroenterology Division at Pedro Ernesto University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro (HUPE- UERJ) to undergo esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD). Compare the results of histopathology of duodenal biopsies with the serological results using IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (IgA anti-tTG). Methods: Patients with dyspepsia referred to our clinic to undergo EGD between July 2008 and July 2010, aged 18 and 85 years were enrolled into the study. Exclusion criteria were cirrhosis, gastrointestinal neoplasms, HIV, use of immunosuppressive drugs and anticoagulants, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding and CD. Samples for IgA anti-tTG antibody (using ORGENTEC KIT -Germany), endoscopic evaluation and histological examination of biopsies of the second duodenal portion were made for each patient. Biopsies were evaluated according to the modified Marsh criteria. Results: Three hundred and ninety-nine consecutive patients (112 men, 287 women), mean age 49.6 16.4 years, ranging from 18-85 years, without diarrhea, were prospectively accepted. The most prevalent clinical symptoms were abdominal pain in 99.5%, heartburn in 41.1%, postprandial fullness in 30.6%, nausea and vomiting in 21.3%. Endoscopic findings were normal in 41.6%, peptic lesions (esophagitis, gastritis, duodenitis and ulcers) in 41.6%, hiatal hernia in 5.5%, gastric polyps in 3%, cancer by 1.3% and miscellaneous 7%. CD was diagnosed endoscopically in 13 patients (3.3%) with duodenal mucosa exhibiting scalloped folds in 8 (2%), decreased in the number of folds in 2 (0.5%), nodular mucosa and mosaic pattern in 3 (0.75%).The histopathological findings of duodenum were normal in 96.7%, nonspecific duodenitis in 2.7% and 3 patients (0.75%) confirmed by the CD modified Marsh criteria (IIIa, IIIb and IIIc). IgA anti-tTG antibody was positive (>10U/ml) in 1.3% (5/399). Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of CD in patients without diarrhea seen at the Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital was 0.75% (1:133). The diagnostic accuracy of IgA anti-tTG is good for patients with Marsh III and suggestive endoscopic findings. None of the patients had Marsh I or II changes. The EGD has proved an excellent screening method to define patients with more marked degrees of atrophy and could benefit from biopsy and serology for diagnosis confirmation. The results of this study do not justify routine screening of CD.

Background: Excess white adipose tissue (WAT) in humans is considered as a harmful health index. However, increased brown adipose tissue (BAT) and brown-like adipose tissue activity are associated with increased resting energy expenditure (REE) that may help to control body weight. Exercise may enhance browning formation of WAT and reduce WAT that may lead to health improvements. Aims: a) to examine the effects of physical activity on the link between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and fibronectin type III domaincontaining protein 5 (FNDC5) genes in muscle, circulating Irisin and uncoupling protein one (UCP1) of WAT in humans (study 1); b) to examine the relationship between UCP1 mRNA and protein expression as well as PGC-1α, peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor alpha (PPARα) and PPARγ genes with physical activity levels in WAT of healthy men (study 2); c) to examine the effects of different types of exercise and de-training on the UCP1 mRNA and protein expression (study 3), and d) on leptin mRNA in WAT of healthy men (study 4). Method: Study 1: A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses. Studies 2-4: The total of 46 healthy men subjected to measurements for physical activity levels, diet, anthropometry, body composition, REE, peak oxygen consumption, 1-repetition maximum and provided subcutaneous fat biopsies to determine mRNA and protein expression of six genes in one cross-sectional study and one randomized controlled trial. Results: Study 1: No link was found between PGC- 1α and FNDC5, circulating Irisin and UCP1 of WAT in response to physical activity. Study 2: The mRNA of, UCP1, PGC-1α, PPARα and PPARγ genes of WAT were not associated with physical activity levels. The UCP1 protein expression however, was negatively associated with physical activity levels. Studies 3-4: Different types of chronic exercise and de-training do not affect UCP1 mRNA and protein expression 3 and leptin mRNA in WAT. However, effect size analyses demonstrated increased UCP1 mRNA and protein expression, PPARγ and leptin in response to chronic exercise. Conclusions: There is no evidence to support the link between PGC-1α and FNDC5 in human muscle or the link between FNDC5 and circulating Irisin and UCP1 in WAT in response to exercise. There are no effects of exercise and de-training on browning formation of WAT and no link between browning formation indices and REE, body weight as well as leptin mRNA in healthy men. Further research is required to elaborate the aforementioned phenomena.

A Aspergilose Broncopulmonar alérgica (ABPA) é uma doença complexa,desencadeada por uma reação de hipersensibilidade ao Aspergillus fumigatus, que apresenta vários estágios, sendo que no estágio mais grave, os pacientes apresentam bronquiectasias. O diagnóstico da doença é difícil e o maior problema é a falta de antígenos padronizados necessários para a determinação de anticorpos específicos. O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar se os testes cutâneos com os análogos de Asp f 1 podem auxiliar no diagnóstico e no estadiamento da ABPA. Três grupos de pacientes classificados por testes sorológicos foram obtidos a saber 20 ABPA (16BQ+; 4BQ-), 25 possíveis -ABPA (14BQ+;11BQ-) e 24 asmáticos sem ABPA (11BQ+;13BQ-). Fizeram parte do estudo 10 pessoas sem asma . Todos foram submetidos a testes intradérmicos com três antígenos a-sarcina, mitogilina e estrictocina.Houve uma intensa reação a todos os antígenos e as reações produzidas foram semelhantes para os três antígenos. As reações de leitura tardia positivas à mitogilina foram biopsiadas. As biopsias de 2 (12,5%) dos pacientes BQ+ do grupo ABPA e 5 do grupo ABPA possível com BQ+ (35,6%) mostraram vasculite por depósito de imunocomplexos. 11 pacientes do terceiro grupo não apresentaram vasculite. O quarto grupo não apresentou reação tardia. Todos os pacientes com reação positiva apresentaram BQ+. alfa-sarcina, a mitogilina e a restrictocina diferenciaram pacientes com ABPA por testes intradérmicos e podem ser aplicados no diagnóstico da doença. A maior incidência de bronquiectasias foi encontrada no primeiro grupo (80%) e no segundo (56%). No terceiro grupo nenhum caso foi encontrado em 23 pacientes com asma e teste ID positivo ao aspergillus fumigatus todos os pacientes com vasculite tinham bronquiectasia. Há possibilidade de que as lesões produzidas nos pulmões sejam produzidas por vasculite. / Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex disease, triggered by a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus. The disease diagnosis is difficult, and a major problem is the lack of standardized allergens for the determination of specific antibodies. The aim of the present study is to evaluate if intradermal (ID) tests with analogs of Asp f 1 can aid in the diagnosis and stage assessment of abpa. Three groups of patients classified by serological tests were obtained. 20 ABPA (16BQ+; 4BQ-), 25 possible-ABPA (14BQ+; 11BQ-), 24 asthmatic-ABPAfree (11BQ+; 13BQ-) and 10 asthma-free people were submitted to id tests with three antigens: mitogillin, a-sarcin and restrictocin. There was intense reaction to all three antigens and the response was similar. The positive reactions to mitogillin were biopsied. The skin biopsies of two (12,5%) bq+ patients of the first group and 5 BQ+ (35,6%) patients of the second one showed vasculitis by immune complexes (IC) deposition. 11 patients of the third group had negative biopsies. The fourth group didn\'t have late-reaction. All patients with positive reaction were BQ+. By ID test, alfa-sarcin, mitogillin and restrictocin could differentiate patients with abpa and can be applicable in disease diagnosis. The higher incidence of bronchiectasis was found in the first (80%) and second (56%) groups. In the third group, IC wasn\'t found in 23 asthma patients and id test was positive to A. fumigatus. All patients with vasculitis by IC had bronchiectasis. Therefore, the results indicate that this kind of pulmonary lesion is caused by vasculitis.