Combined inhibition of IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36 signalling by targeting IL1RAP ameliorates skin and lung fibrosis in preclinical models of systemic sclerosis.

Background: The interleukin (IL)-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) is an essential coreceptor required for signalling through the IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36 receptors. Here, we investigate the antifibrotic potential of the combined inhibition of these cytokines by an anti-IL1RAP antibody to provide a scientific background for clinical development in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: The expression of IL1RAP-associated signalling molecules was determined by data mining of publicly available RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data as well as by imaging mass cytometry.

The Outcome of Ventricular Arrhythmias Associated With Mitral Valve Prolapse After Catheter Ablation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The presence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) varies from asymptomatic to life-threatening arrhythmias. Catheter ablation (CA) is widely used to treat ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) associated with MVP. Despite having high procedural success, outcome data after CA is limited, especially in a long-term setting.

Neurologic sequelae of severe chikungunya infection in the first 6 months of life: a prospective cohort study 24-months post-infection.

Background: Perinatally chikungunya infected neonates have been reported to have high rates of post-infection neurologic sequelae, mainly cognitive problems. In older children and adults chikungunya does not appear to have sequelae, but data on postnatally infected infants are lacking.

Methods: We performed a prospective, non-controlled, observational study of infants infected before the age of 6 months with a severe chikungunya infection during the 2014-2015 epidemic in Curaçao, Dutch Antilles.

Multiple trauma management in mountain environments - a scoping review : Evidence based guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom). Intended for physicians and other advanced life support personnel.

Background: Multiple trauma in mountain environments may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared to urban environments.

Objective: To provide evidence based guidance to assist rescuers in multiple trauma management in mountain environments.

Eligibility Criteria: All articles published on or before September 30th 2019, in all languages, were included.

The morphology and application of stem cells in digestive system surgery.

Background: Stem cells constitute a group of cells which possess the ability to self-renew as well as the capacity to differentiate into a vast number of different cells within the human organism. Moreover, stem cells are able to undergo a potentially unlimited number of divisions and this characteristic is clinically essential. Specific fields of its application include treatment of diseases mainly in the field of haematology, orthopaedics, surgery, dentistry, and neurology.

Incidence and Risk of Various Disorders of the External Ear in Patients With Hearing Aids Treated in ENT Practices in Germany.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the presence of a hearing aid (HA) and the occurrence of various disorders of the external ear, using data from ear, nose, and throat (ENT) practices in Germany from a nationwide, representative practice database.

Methods: In the period between 2012 and 2016, the incidences of disorders of the external ear (ICD-10 groups H60 and H61) in patients with HA prescriptions were compared retrospectively with a control group without HA prescriptions (1:1 matching).

Results: A total of 20,127 patients with HA prescriptions were compared with 20,127 controls.

Seborrheic keratosis evolution into squamous cell carcinoma: A truly modified sun-related tumor? A case report and review of the literature.

The incidence of seborrheic keratosis (SK) generally increases with age and are mostly localized on the trunk, face and neck, especially on sun-exposed areas. The association between SK and skin malignancies appears to be accidental, but transformation occurs more frequently in sun-exposed areas. Histopathological examination of all SK cases should be considered, especially when SK lesions exhibit atypical clinical manifestations, such as ulceration and cresting, as they may herald malignant transformation.

New porcine model of perineal tear and its utility in physicians' training on the reconstruction of 3rd and 4th degree perineal tear during vaginal delivery.

Objectives: One of the most serious complications of vaginal delivery is 3rd and 4th degree perineal tear and its incorrect management results in anal incontinence. Animal-based anatomical models of childbirth-induced perineal tear are an important element of the physicians' practical training [1]. The proposed new model, prepared using porcine tongue and intestine, closely mimics all the tissues and organs subjected to injury during complicated deliveries and constitutes an educational opportunity for the reconstruction of the injuries.

Perinatal Outcomes in Vertically Infected Neonates During a Chikungunya Outbreak on the Island of Curaçao.

Recent outbreaks of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection confirm the vulnerability of neonates after vertical transmission. In 2014, CHIKV was reported for the first time in the Americas, including the island of Curaçao. We describe the outcomes of symptomatic neonates with vertically transmitted CHIKV infection during the CHIKV epidemic, who were admitted in the Saint Elisabeth Hospital, Willemstad, Curaçao.

Anorectal malformation as a cause of recurring perineal abscesses - value of anorectal endosonography and magnetic resonance imaging: a case report.

Malformations of the rectum and urinary tract frequently coexist, and the prevalence of urogenital defects in patients with a rectal defect ranges from 20 to 54%. In most patients, anorectal malformations are diagnosed and treated surgically in early childhood. In this report, we present a case of a 52-year-old male with a history of urological operations in infancy due to a congenital urethral malformation and multiple recurrent episodes of perineal abscesses with urinary retention.

Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound is accurate and reproducible in determining type and height of anal fistulas.

Aim: Surgical treatment of high anal fistulas is associated with the potential risk of faecal incontinence and recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) in the assessment of height and type of anal fistulas, compared to the intra-operative findings (gold standard). The secondary aim was to evaluate the inter-observer reproducibility of 3D-EAUS.

Functional reconstruction of a chronically ruptured extensor apparatus after patellectomy.

Rupture of the knee extensor mechanism after previous patellectomy is rare. A treatment protocol therefore is not available. This article presents a new and easy technique using a gracilis-semitendinosus tendon autograft for successful reconstruction of a ruptured knee extensor mechanism after previous patellectomy.

In-one-continuity rectal excision and anal mucosectomy of a giant villous adenoma: an alternative surgical approach.

Background: The authors present a woman suffering from McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome (MKWS) with a giant rectal villous adenoma. MKWS is a rare disorder caused by fluid and electrolyte hypersecretion from a rectal tumor. The most frequently reported tumors are villous adenomas.

Femoral hernia: is a conservative policy justified?

Objective: To find out the incidence of complications among patients who present with femoral hernias and whether they are preventable.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Teaching hospital, The Netherlands.

Clinical value and cumulative pregnancy rates following rigid salpingoscopy during laparoscopy for infertility.

This study was designed to evaluate the routine use of rigid salpingoscopy during diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility, and to relate the morphologic image of the endosalpinx with pregnancy outcome. A total of 158 consecutive patients (232 Fallopian tubes) undergoing a diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility were studied. Salpingoscopy was performed at the time of diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility.