A possible role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) in the pathomechanism of sarcoidosis must be considered in the analysis of this disorder since elevated concentrations of this cytokine have been found. In addition, TNFalpha expression could be demonstrated in sarcoid granulomata [1]. It is well known that TNFalpha plays a crucial role in granulomatous inflammation, e.g., in mycobacterial diseases [2]. Therefore, TNFalpha blockade is a potential approach in the therapy for sarcoidosis. Up to now, various cases of therapy-resistant sarcoidosis treated with anti-TNFalpha (infliximab and etanercept) have been reported [3-8]. Here, we describe successful treatment using adalimumab, a human recombinant immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 anti-TNF monoclonal antibody [9].
Sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystem disease of unknown etiology, characterized by noncaseating granulomatous infiltration of virtually any organ system. Treatment is often undertaken in an attempt to resolve symptoms or prevent progression to organ failure. Previous studies have suggested a prominent role for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the inflammatory process seen in sarcoidosis. TNF-α and interleukin-1 are released by alveolar macrophages in patients with active lung disease. Corticosteroids have proved to be efficacious in the treatment of sarcoidosis, possibly by suppressing the production of TNF-α and other cytokines. Three agents are currently available as specific TNF antagonists: etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab. Although data from noncomparative trials suggest that all three have comparable therapeutic effects in rheumatoid arthritis, their effects in a granulomatous disease such as sarcoidosis are less consistent. In this review, current data on the effectiveness are summarized.
Lourdes López-Pérez es doctora con mención internacional en ciencias sociales, licenciada en ciencias de la comunicación por la Universidad de Málaga y master en información y comunicación científica por la Universidad de Granada. Ha desempeñado su carrera profesional en el ámbito de la comunicación científica en medios de comunicación, centros de investigación y museos y ha sido docente de redacción periodística en la Escuela de Protocolo de Granada. Forma parte del grupo de investigación Acceso y evaluación de la información científica de la Universidad de Granada y es coautora de varios artículos publicados en revistas especializadas nacionales e internacionales. ResumenEste trabajo analiza el uso que los centros del CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) y las universidades pú-blicas españolas hacen de la web 2.0 para la divulgación de sus investigaciones. La metodología utilizada se sustenta en el diseño de una ficha de evaluación cuantitativa para la recogida de datos centrada en tres áreas: el uso de las aplicaciones web 2.0; la conectividad (número de seguidores); y la intensidad (número de comentarios publicados). Entre los resultados destaca el escaso uso que ambos tipos de centros hacen de las redes sociales para la difusión de la investigación. En el caso de las universidades, en 2014 la presencia en Facebook y Twitter estuvo en torno al 40%, un 22% en YouTube y sólo un 22% tienen blogs. En cuanto a los centros del CSIC, en torno al 30% tenía perfiles en Facebook y Twitter, un 18,9% en YouTube, y un 6,8% contaban con blogs de divulgación. Palabras claveComunicación científica; Comunicación pública de la ciencia; Web 2.0; Redes sociales; Blogs; Cultura científica; Universidades; CSIC. AbstractThis paper analyzes the use that the Spanish National Research Council centers (CSIC, by its Spanish abbreviation) and Spanish public universities make of web 2.0 in disseminating their research. The methodology used is based on an ad hoc checklist design for collecting data, focusing on three areas: the use of web 2.0 tools; connectivity (number of followers); and intensity (number of comments published). One significant finding was that both types of organizations made little use of social networks to disseminate their research. In the case of universities in 2014, around 40% were present on Facebook and Twitter, 22% on YouTube, and only 22% had blogs. In regard to CSIC centers, around 30% had Facebook and Twitter profiles, 18.9% were on YouTube, and 6.8% had informative blogs.Artículo recibido el 22-11-2015 Aceptación definitiva: 16-02-2016
Lourdes López-Pérez es licenciada en ciencias de la comunicación y máster en información y comunicación científica por la Universidad de Granada. Ha desarrollado su carrera profesional en el ámbito de la comunicación científica tanto en medios de comunicación, como centros de investigación y museos y ha ejercido como docente de redacción periodística en la Escuela de Protocolo de Granada. Forma parte del grupo de investigación Acceso y evaluación de la información cientí-fica de la Universidad de Granada y es coautora de varios artículos publicados en revistas especializadas nacionales e internacionales. ResumenSe analiza el tratamiento de la información científica en las ediciones digitales de los periódicos de mayor audiencia en España, El país, El mundo, ABC y 20 minutos, en diciembre de 2012, 2013 y 2014. El objeto de estudio son las noticias publicadas, de las que se ha determinado su número, se han identificado las fuentes de información utilizadas y el tema tratado, en lo que a área científica se refiere. Los datos obtenidos concluyen que las ediciones online, más allá de superar los handicaps de homogeneización y selectividad presentes en la cobertura en la prensa escrita, lo han acentuado. En los cuatro medios la biología y la biomedicina, así como a la astrofísica, son las áreas más mediáticas. Además, recurren fundamentalmente a dos tipos de fuentes, las revistas de alto impacto y los centros de investigación, en su mayoría de procedencia internacional. Palabras clavePeriodismo científico; Revistas de impacto; Fuentes de información; Ciencia; Periodismo digital; Comunicación pública de la ciencia. AbstractThe treatment of scientific information is analysed in the digital edition of the most-read newspapers in Spain: El país, El mundo, ABC and 20 minutos in December 2012. The subject of inquiry is the published news, of which the quantity has been determined, the sources identified, and each issue categorized by the area of science to which it refers. The data obtained leads to the conclusion that the online editions, rather than overcoming the disadvantages of homogenisation and selectivity, have accentuated them. Biology and biomedicine, along with astrophysics, are the most high-profile areas. Furthermore, they rely fundamentally on two types of source: high-impact journals and research centres, most of them international.
Sir-We have read with interest the paper of Kasparian, et al. 1 about Raynaud´s phenomenon (RP) in systemic lupus erythematosus and its correlation with elevated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP). We present the results of our study in patients with scleroderma and the correlation observed between severity of RP and PASP with exercise.We performed exercise echocardiography in 49 patients with systemic scleroderma. In eight patients, the flow of tricuspid regurgitation could not be measured, so the final sample included 41 patients, 27% with diffuse form and 73% with limited form. The PASP was calculated using maximum speed of tricuspid insufficiency according to common practice (PASP = 4v 2 + right atrial pressure) at peak of maximal exercise using a cycloergometer according to World Heart Organization´s protocol. We defined severe RP if ulcers or digital necrosis was present or if it was necessary to treat with bosentan, sildenafil or prostaglandin. To evaluate the possible effect of these treatments on PASP, a drug-free interval of at least 3 months was required. All patients had a normal PASP at rest defined as a PASP <35 mmHg. A nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was used for ecocardiographic comparisons between severe and nonsevere RP and Chi-square test for categorical data comparisons.RP was present in 97.5% of patients and was considered severe in eight patients (19.5%). In this latter group, the PASP at exercise was significantly higher than in patients with nonsevere RP (54.3 mmHg vs 41.6 mmHg; P < 0.05). In a group of patients with the highest PASP (>65 mmHg), the prevalence of severe RP was 3/4 (75%) patients. Right heart catheterization only was performed in the group of patients with PASP >65 mmHg at exercise, and in all cases, the pulmonary arterial medial pressure at rest was normal.
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