Reliability of the OMERACT Giant cell arteritis Ultrasonography Score (OGUS): results of a patient-based exercise involving experts and non-experts in vascular ultrasonography.

Objective: To test the reliability of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Giant cell arteritis (GCA) Ultrasonography Score (OGUS) and other composite scores in a patient-based exercise involving experts and non-experts in vascular ultrasonography.

Methods: Six GCA patients were scanned twice (two rounds separated ≥3 hours) by 12 experts and 12 non-experts. Non-experts received 90 min of theoretical and 240 min of practical training between rounds 1 and 2.

Serum and urinary levels of MIF, CD74, DDT and CXCR4 among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes and healthy individuals: Implications for further research.

Background: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a highly conserved cytokine with pleiotropic properties, mainly pro-inflammatory. MIF seems to exert its pro-inflammatory features by binding to its transmembrane cellular receptor CD74. MIF also has CXCR4, which acts as a co-receptor in this inflammatory process.

ESR Essentials: arterial vascular access and closure devices-practice recommendations by the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe.

Vascular access is the initial, very important, step of endovascular procedures. Various access sites include the common femoral artery, brachial artery, radial artery, popliteal artery, and distal tibial vessels (pedal arteries). Successful arterial access requires advanced knowledge of anatomy, as well as proper training and experience.