An inflamed synovial membrane plays a major role in joint destruction and is characterized by immune cells infiltration and fibroblast proliferation. This proteomic study considers the inflammatory process at the molecular level by analyzing synovial biopsies presenting a histological inflammatory continuum throughout different arthritis joint diseases. Knee synovial biopsies were obtained from osteoarthritis (OA; n = 9), chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy (CPPA; n = 7) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 8) patients. The histological inflammatory score was determined using a semi-quantitative scale based on synovial hyperplasia, lymphocytes, plasmocytes, neutrophils and macrophages infiltration. Proteomic analysis was performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Differentially expressed proteins were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Out of the 1871 proteins identified and quantified by LC-MS/MS, 10 proteins (LAP3, MANF, LCP1, CTSZ, PTPRC, DNAJB11, EML4, SCARA5, EIF3K, C1orf123) were differentially expressed in the synovial membrane of at least one of the three disease groups (RA, OA and CPPA). Significant increased expression of the seven first proteins was detected in RA and correlated to the histological inflammatory score. Proteomics is therefore a powerful tool that provides a molecular pattern to the classical histology usually applied for synovitis characterization. Except for LCP1, CTSZ and PTPRC, all proteins have never been described in human synovitis.

Background: Meningioma is the most frequent primary benign intracranial tumor, with a higher incidence in women. Treatment with progesterone acetates, including cyproterone, nomegestrol, chlormadinone, promegestone, medrogestone, and medroxyprogesterone acetate, has been identified as a risk factor of meningioma, particularly in the anterior and middle cranial fossae. Discontinuation of these treatments often leads to volume stabilization or regression of the tumor. Case Description: A 42-year-old woman undergoing treatment with nomegestrol acetate (NA) presented with headaches and visual loss in her right eye. She was diagnosed with a large spheno-orbital meningioma invading the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses, associated with hyperostosis of the sphenoid wing. An initial resection was performed using an extended endonasal approach. Immunohistochemistry confirmed a chondroid meningioma, Grade II, with progestin receptor in 100% of the tumor cell nuclei and a Ki-67 proliferation index of 3–5%. NA was immediately stopped on diagnosis. Despite the cessation of the NA, the intraosseous sphenoidal part of the tumor continued to grow, leading to optic nerve compression. A second surgery was performed using a right fronto-temporo-orbito-zygomatic approach. Examination of the dura of the middle fossa showed subtle tumoral infiltration, while the Ki-67% index was estimated at 1%. Examination of the sphenoid bone demonstrated reactive hyperostosis with minimal to no tumor infiltration. Conclusion: This case illustrates that the proliferative activity of the progestin-associated meningioma does not account for intraosseous progression within the sphenoid bone following cessation of progestin therapy. Our observations suggest an upregulation of osteogenesis in infiltrated bone, even as the dural part of the meningioma regresses.

Background/Objectives: In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), cervical cancer (CC) ranks as the leading gynecological cancer. This study assesses the physicians’ knowledge and clinical practices regarding CC screening in both university and non-university hospitals across four provinces in the northeast of the country. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 15, 2025 to June 15, 2025, in Kisangani, Buta, Isiro, and Bunia, the respective capitals of the provinces of Tshopo, Bas-Uele, Haut-Uele, and Ituri, in the DRC. We collected data using a self-administered questionnaire completed by 26 physicians from university hospitals and 106 physicians from non-university hospitals. Data analysis was performed using R software, version 4.3.2. Results: Of the 175 eligible physicians, 132 (75.4%) were surveyed. Regardless of the hospital where they worked, respondents demonstrated similar knowledge regarding most CC screening modalities. However, physicians working in university hospitals had significantly better knowledge of the targeted age range (p-value=0.001). Overall, 41 respondents (31.1%) had sufficient knowledge. Physicians at university clinics and those living in Bunia/Ituri province (p-value=0.047 and p-value=0.017 respectively) were more susceptible to have sufficient knowledge. In both university and non-university hospitals, the majority of physicians (57.7% and 49.1% respectively), reported having screened 1–10 women in the previous 12 months, using the VILI (57.7 % and 32.1% respectively). Good screening practices were observed in six participants (4.5%), including some obstetrician-gynecologists (p-value=0.037). Conclusion: Most physicians in northeastern DRC lack adequate knowledge of CC screening, and their screening practices remain suboptimal. Improving their knowledge and clinical practices may require stronger involvement from obstetrician-gynecologists and university hospitals, as well as a cooperation with experienced healthcare providers from other provinces or neighboring countries.

Background/Objectives: In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), cervical cancer (CC) is the most common gynecological cancer. This study assesses physicians’ knowledge and self-reported clinical practices regarding CC screening in both university and non-university hospitals across four provinces in northeastern DRC. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 April 2025 to 15 June 2025, in Kisangani, Buta, Isiro, and Bunia, the respective capitals of the provinces of Tshopo, Bas-Uele, Haut-Uele, and Ituri in the DRC. We collected data using a self-administered questionnaire completed by 26 physicians from university hospitals and 106 physicians from non-university hospitals. Data analysis was performed using R software, version 4.6.0. Results: Of the 175 eligible physicians, 132 (75.4%) were surveyed. Respondents demonstrated similar knowledge regarding most screening modalities regardless of hospital type. However, physicians at university hospitals had significantly better knowledge of the target age range (p-value = 0.001) and diagnostic confirmation test (p-value = 0.03). Overall, 34 respondents (25.8%) had sufficient knowledge, with higher proportions among those at university hospitals and those residing in Bunia, Ituri Province (p-value = 0.001 and p-value = 0.02, respectively). Regarding self-reported practices, 57.7% of physicians in university hospitals and 49.0% of those in non-university hospitals reported screening 1–24 women in the previous 12 months, with naked-eye VILI use reported more frequently (57.7% vs. 32.1%, p-value = 0.03). Only six participants (4.5%) reported a high level of screening- and management-related activities, including some obstetrician–gynecologists (p-value = 0.02). Conclusions: Our findings revealed knowledge gaps and suboptimal self-reported CC screening practices among physicians in northeastern DRC, underscoring the need for strengthened training and professional support. Greater involvement of obstetrician–gynecologists, mentorship from university hospitals, and collaboration across provinces may help improve CC screening.