Current management of patients with cutaneous melanoma with a positive sentinel lymph node / Tratamiento actual de pacientes con melanoma cutáneo y ganglio centinela positivo

Abstract Introduction : Immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND) performed in patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) cutaneous melanoma is not associated with improved melanoma specific survival versus active surveillance (AS) using nodal ul trasound. Clinical practice experience and outcomes of AS and adjuvant therapy is now starting to be published in literature. Methods : Retrospective analysis of patients with a positive-SLNB between June/2017-February/2022. Impact of management on any-site recurrence free survival (RFS), isolated nodal recurrence (INR), distant metasta sis-free survival (DMFS) and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) was evaluated. Results : From 126 SLNB, 31 (24.6%) were positive: 24 received AS and 7 CLND. Twenty-one (68%) received ad juvant therapy (AS, 67% and CLND, 71%). With a median follow-up of 18 months, 10 patients developed recur rent disease with an estimated 2-yr RFS of 73% (CI95%, 0.55-0.86) (30% in AS group vs. 43% in dissection group; P = 0.65). Four died of melanoma with an estimated 2-yr MSS of 82% (CI 95%, 0.63-0.92) and no differences between AS and CLND groups (P = 0.21). Estimated 2-yr DMFS of the whole cohort was 76% (CI 95%, 0.57-0.88) with no differences between groups (P = 0.33). Conclusion : Active surveillance strategy has been adopted for most positive-SLNB cutaneous melanoma patients. Adjuvant therapy without immediate CLND was delivered in nearly 70% of patients. Our results align with outcomes of randomized control trials and previous real-world data.

Resumen Introducción : La linfadenectomía inmediata (LI) re alizada en pacientes con biopsia de ganglio centinela (BGC) positivo por melanoma cutáneo no está asociada a mejoría en la supervivencia libre de enfermedad vs. vigilancia activa (VA). Resultados oncológicos y experi encia en la práctica clínica con dicha conducta asociados a tratamiento adyuvante comienzan a ser publicados en la literatura. Métodos : Análisis retrospectivo incluyendo paci entes con BGC-positiva por melanoma cutáneo entre junio/2017-febrero/2022. Se evaluó impacto del manejo en: supervivencia libre de recurrencia (SLR), recurren cia ganglionar aislada (RGA), supervivencia libre de metástasis a distancia (SLMD) y supervivencia libre de enfermedad (SLE). Resultados : De 126 pacientes, 31 (24.6%) fueron positi vos: en 24 se realizó VA y en 7 LI. Veintiún pacientes (68%) recibieron tratamiento adyuvante (VA, 67% y LI, 71%). Con una media de seguimiento de 18 meses, 10 pacientes presentaron recurrencia de la enfermedad con una SLR estimada a 2 años del 73% (CI95%, 0.55-0.86) (30% en VA vs. 43% en LI; P = 0.65). Cuatro murieron de melanoma con una SLE a 2 años del 82% (CI 95%, 0.63-0.92); sin diferencia entre ambos grupos (P = 0.21). La SLMD a 2 años de toda la cohorte fue de 76% (CI 95%, 0.57-0.88; P = 0.33). Conclusión : La vigilancia activa se ha adoptado como conducta para la mayoría de los pacientes con BGC-positivo. El tratamiento adyuvante sin linfadenectomía inmediata se realizó en cerca del 70% de nuestra serie. Los resultados de nuestra serie son similares a los re portados en la literatura.

Validación de técnica de ganglio centinela en cáncer de endometrio en el Hospital de Talca / Validation of sentinel lymph node technique in endometrial cancer at the Hospital de Talca

Objetivo: Validar la técnica de ganglio centinela utilizando verde de indocianina en la estadificación del cáncer de endometrio. Método: Realizamos un estudio prospectivo entre enero y diciembre de 2021. Se incluyeron todas las pacientes portadoras de cáncer de endometrio clínicamente en etapa 1, de todos los grados de diferenciación e histologías. Todas las pacientes fueron sometidas a una estadificación laparoscópica. Se inició el procedimiento con identificación de ganglio centinela utilizando verde de indocianina. Posteriormente, se completó la cirugía de estadiaje estándar en todas las pacientes. Los ganglios centinelas fueron procesados con técnica de ultraestadiaje. Resultados: Se incluyeron 33 pacientes. El 81% presentaron histología endometrioide. El 100% fueron sometida además a una linfadenectomía pelviana estándar y el 20% a una linfadenectomía paraaórtica simultáneamente. Se detectó al menos un ganglio centinela en el 100% de los casos. La detección bilateral ocurrió en el 90,9%. La localización más frecuente fue la fosa obturatriz y la arteria hipogástrica. Obtuvimos una sensibilidad del 90% para detectar enfermedad ganglionar y un valor predictivo negativo del 95,8%. Conclusiones: La técnica de ganglio centinela utilizando verde de indocianina es replicable. Los resultados de nuestra serie nos permiten realizar procedimientos menos agresivos al estadificar el cáncer de endometrio.

Objective: To validate sentinel node mapping using indocyanine green in endometrial cancer staging. Method: A prospective study was conducted between January and December 2021. All patients with clinically stage 1 endometrial cancer, of all grades and histologies were included. All patients underwent laparoscopic staging. The procedure began with identification of the sentinel node using indocyanine green. Subsequently, standard staging surgery was completed in all patients. Sentinel nodes were processed using ultrastaging technique. Results: Thirty-three patients were enrolled. 81% of cases had endometrioid histology. All patients also underwent a standard pelvic lymphadenectomy and in 20% of cases a para-aortic lymphadenectomy. At least one sentinel node was detected in 100% of the cases. Bilateral detection occurred in 90.9%. The most frequent location was obturator fossa and hypogastric artery. Sensitivity to detect lymph node disease was 90% and negative predictive value 95.8%. Conclusions: Sentinel lymph node mapping using indocyanine green is a replicable technique. Our results allows us to perform less aggressive procedures in endometrial cancer staging.

Carcinoma sebáceo, 6 años de experiencia en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer

Objetivo: El carcinoma sebáceo (CS) es una neoplasia infrecuente, de la cual no existen reportes nacionales, ni guías de manejo en Chile. El Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (INC) es un centro de referencia nacional en el manejo de patologías oncológicas; el objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia y tratamiento del carcinoma sebáceo en nuestro centro. Material y Método: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva, descriptiva, de fichas clínicas entre marzo de 2016 y marzo de 2022 en el INC, en las cuales la biopsia definitiva fuese confirmatoria de CS. Resultados: Se reclutaron 10 pacientes, 6 hombres (60%) y 4 mujeres. Edad promedio fue de 62,9 años ± 18,7 DS. En el 80% de los casos el tumor se encontró en cabeza y cuello y solo 2 casos fueron CS ocular (20%). 4 pacientes tenían asociación al Síndrome de Muir-Torre (SMT) (40%), en el 100% de la muestra se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico con resección oncológica y control de márgenes intraoperatorio, utilizándose en solo 3 casos la técnica Cirugía Micrográfica de Mohs (MMS). En 4 pacientes (40%) se realizó biopsia de linfonodo centinela (BLNC), de los cuales ninguno resulto positivo para metástasis. Ningún paciente presento recidiva local, después de la cirugía y no hubo casos de mortalidad a causa de CS. Ningún paciente recibió radioterapia, quimioterapia o inmunoterapia adyuvante, solo 1 paciente recibió braquiterapia (BT) adyuvante. Conclusión: El CS es una patología compleja e infrecuente, que requiere un tratamiento multidisciplinario y cuyo pilar es la cirugía.

Objective: Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is an infrequent neoplasm, without national reports nor management guidelines in Chile. National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a reference center for this kind of disease. The aim of this research is to describe the experience and treatment of the sebaceous carcinoma in our center. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive review of clinical records was performed, between March 2016 and March 2022 at the INC, in which the definitive biopsy was confirmatory of CS. Results: A total of 10 patients were enrolled; 6 male (60%) and 4 women. The mean age was 62.9 years ± 18.7 (SD). 80% of the cases were located at the head or the cervical area and only 2 cases were found in the ocular region (20%). Association with SMT (40%) was found in 4 patients. Surgical treatment with oncological resection and intraoperative assessment of margins was performed in 100% of the cases, using MMS technique. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (BLNC) was performed in 4 patients (40%), of which none had metastasis. No patient presented local recurrence after surgery and there were no cases of mortality due to CS. No patient received radiotherapy, chemotherapy or adjuvant immunotherapy. Just 1 received adjuvant brachytherapy. Conclusion: SC is a complex and infrequent disease, which requires multidisciplinary treatment mainly with surgery.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy after nipple?sparing mastectomy in early postoperative period: Is it feasible?

Background: Axillary lymph node status is one of the most important prognostic factors for breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) after mastectomy is highly controversial. There is not enough data about SLNB in the early period after nipple?sparing mastectomy (NSM). This study investigated the feasibility of SLNB in the early postoperative period of NSM. Materials and Methods: Patients who were operated on for breast cancer in Acibadem Maslak Hospital between 2009 and 2018 were searched retrospectively. Results of SLNB as the second session in patients whose final pathology report revealed breast carcinoma after contralateral/bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and mastectomy for benign lesions were evaluated. Results: In the early period (median 14 days) after NSM, SLNB was performed by intradermal radioisotope injection in five patients with occult breast cancer in contralateral/bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and in one patient with preoperatively suspicious mass which yielded breast cancer at final pathology. In five (80%) patients, SLNB was performed, whereas in one patient axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was performed due to the undetectability of SLN. In one patient, micrometastasis was observed, whereas no metastasis was observed in other patients including the one who underwent ALND. No complication due to SLNB was detected. No recurrence and distant metastasis were detected in a mean follow?up of 42.82 (19�) months. While SLNB did not change the treatment of patients with contralateral occult carcinoma, other patients had hormonal therapy due to negative SLNB. Conclusion: SLNB in the early postoperative period of NSM can be performed by intradermal radioisotope injection. However, further studies are needed to determine the feasibility of SLNB in the early postoperative period of NSM

Outcomes and bioethical implications of lymphadenectomy in mastectomized patients: Importance and indication of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy / Resultados e implicaciones bioéticas de la linfadenectomía en pacientes mastectomizadas: Importancia y recomendación de biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina guiada por ecografía / Resultados e implicações bioéticas da linfadenectomia em pacientes mastectomizadas: Importância e recomendação da biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina guiada por ultrassom

Introduction: Lymph node involvement is the main prognostic factor in breast cancer. Mastectomized patients usually undergo lymphadenectomy (LA) of micrometastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) despite the evidence of AMAROS trial to replace this therapy with radiotherapy in select cases. Objective: Demonstrate the ability of ultrasonography to detect non-metastatic or micrometastatic SLNs. Materials and methods: 132 patients who underwent mastectomy were evaluated. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was indicated for suspicious lymph nodes. LA and SNL biopsy (SLNB) were performed in patients with positive and negative FNAB, respectively. LA was performed in FNAB positive or SLNB positive cases, except in the presence of isolated tumor cells and micrometastatic SLNs. The tumor burden after LA in patients with negative FNAB and positive SLNB was measured; the presence of two or fewer positive SLNs was considered a low burden. Results: Sensitivity of FNAB for detecting positive lymph nodes in patients with a high tumor burden was 93% and specificity was 84%. Positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 60% and 79%, respectively. Conclusions: LA could have been avoided in 90% of mastectomized patients with negative FNAB and a low tumor burden who met the AMAROS criteria with a high NPV (79%).

Introducción: La afectación ganglionar es el principal factor pronóstico en cáncer de seno. Generalmente, pacientes mastectomizadas se somenten a linfadenectomia (LA) de ganglios linfáticos centinela micrometastásicos (GLCs), a pesar de la evidencia del ensayo AMAROS en ciertos casos para reemplazarla con radioterapia. Objetivo: Demostrar la importancia de la ecografía para detectar GLCs no metastásicos o micrometastásicos. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron132 pacientes sometidas a mastectomía. Se recomendó biopsia aspirativa con aguja fina (BAAF) por ultrasonido para ganglios linfáticos sospechosos. Se realizó Biopsia LA y biopsia de GLCs (BGLC) en pacientes con BAAF positiva y negativa, respectivamente. En casos positivos de BAAF o BGLC se ejecutó LA, excepto en presencia de células tumorales aisladas y GLCs. Se evaluó la carga tumoral posterior a LA en pacientes con BAAF negativa y BGLC positiva. La presencia de dos o menos GLC positivos se consideró carga baja. Resultados: La sensibilidad de BAAF para detectar nódulos linfáticos positivos en pacientes con alta carga tumoral fue del 93%; la especificidad fue del 79%. Valores predictivos positivo (60%) y negativo (79%). Conclusiones: Se podría haber evitado LA en 90% de pacientes mastectomizadas con BAAF negativa y baja carga tumoral que cumplían criterios AMAROS con alto VPN (79%).

Introdução: O comprometimento dos gânglios é o principal fator prognóstico no câncer de mama. Geralmente, pacientes mastectomizadas são submetidas a linfadenectomia (LA) de gânglios linfáticos sentinelas de micrometástases (GLSs), apesar da evidência do estudo AMAROS em certos casos para substituí-la por radioterapia. Objetivo: Demonstrar a importância da ultrassonografia na detecção de GLSs não metastáticos ou micrometástase. Materiais e métodos: Foram avaliadas 132 pacientes submetidas à mastectomia. A biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina (BAAF) ultrassônica foi recomendada para gânglios linfáticos suspeitos. A biópsia LA e a biópsia do GLSs (BGLS) foram realizadas em pacientes com BAAF positivo e negativo, respectivamente. Nos casos positivos de BAAF ou BGLS, a LA foi realizada, exceto na presença de células tumorais isoladas e GLSs. A carga tumoral após a LA foi avaliada em pacientes com BAAF negativa e BGLS positiva. A presença de dois ou menos GLS positivos foi considerada carga baixa. Resultados: A sensibilidade do BAAF para detectar linfonodos positivos em pacientes com alta carga tumoral foi de 93%; a especificidade foi de 79%. Valores preditivos positivos (60%) e negativos (79%). Conclusões: a LA poderia ter sido evitada em 90% das pacientes mastectomizadas com BAAF negativa e baixa carga tumoral que preencheram os critérios AMAROS com alto VPN (79%).

Treatment of patients with sentinel bleeding after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To compare the results of operative versus interventional treatments in patients presenting with sentinel hemorrhage after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.Methods:The clinical data of patients presenting with sentinel hemorrhage after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from August 2017 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Of 82 patients who were enrolled in this study, there were 50 males and 32 females, aged (59.0±7.7) years. The patients were divided into the interventional group ( n=42) and the surgical group ( n=40) based on the treatment they received for sentinel hemorrhage. The vascular injury rate, the first operation time for sentinel bleeding, the rate of successful hemostasis in a single operation, the number of deaths and other indicators were compared between groups. Results:In both the two groups of patients who underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage, hepatectomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, hilar cholangiocarcinoma resection and cholecystectomy were mainly performed hepatic artery injury, pancreaticoduodenectomy with gastroduodenal artery injury, and splenectomy with splenic artery injury. In the intervention group, 36 patients (85.7%) were successfully hemostasis after single treatment, and 32 patients (80.0%) in the operation group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (χ 2=0.47, P=0.492). The first operation time for the intervention group was (40.5±8.5) min and the mortality rate was 2.4% (1/42), which were significantly better than that of the operation group (90.6±20.8) min and 15.0% (6/40) (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Interventional therapy can be used as the first-line diagnosis and treatment for sentinel bleeding after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. It has the advantages of a lower mortality rate in treating these patients.

Analysis of clinicopathologic features of false negative sentinel lymph nodes in patients with endometrial cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To compare the clinicopathological features of patients with false negative and true negative pathological biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes in endometrial cancer, and to explore the related factors of missed diagnosis of sentinel lymph nodes.Methods:From January 2020 to January 2022, 31 patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy combined with systematic lymph node resection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University were retrospectively analyzed, of which 2 were false negative and 29 were true negative. PubMed literature on sentinel lymph node false negative of endometrial cancer was searched from the establishment of the database to December 2022, with the search terms "Sentinel lymph node" "Endometrial neoplasms" and "False negative" . A total of 15 cases of false negative patients with similar methods to this study were extracted. In the false negative group, there were 17 false negative patients with sentinel lymph node negative but systemically excised lymph node positive, including 2 cases in our hospital and 15 cases in the literature. The true negative group included 29 true negative patients with negative sentinel and systemic lymph nodes, all from our hospital. The clinicopathologic features of the two groups were compared.Results:There were statistically significant differences in tumor grade ( χ2=6.09, P=0.014) , lymph vascular space invasion ( P=0.012) and myometrial invasion ( χ2=9.66, P=0.002) between the two groups. However, there was no significant difference in histological type between the two groups ( χ2=0.19, P=0.661) . Conclusion:There is a risk of false negative for sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with endometrial carcinoma with high-grade tumor, myometrial invasion ≥1/2 and lymph vascular space invasion.

Research advances in near-infrared fluorescence imaging technology for breast cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRFI) is a new noninvasive detection and diagnosis technology, with the continuous development of NIRFI technology, now widely used in the clinic, characterized by high sensitivity, high penetration, no harmful radiation and simple equipment operation. This article describes the recent applications of NIRFI in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and looks at future developments and perspectives in this field.

Meta-analysis of the feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients with axillary lymph nodes turned to negative after neoadjuvant chemotherapy / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients with positive axillary lymph nodes turned to clinical negative after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Methods:Full-text journal databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang, VIP, and CNKI were searched to include research literature on sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients who had axillary lymph nodes turned negative after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The retrieval time was self-established to November 2020. Meta-analysis was performed on the literature that met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity among studies was analyzed by I2 test. If I2<30%, the heterogeneity among studies was considered to be small. If the value of I2 was between 30% and 70%, it was considered that there was a certain heterogeneity among the studies. If I2> 70%, it was considered that there was great heterogeneity among the studies. Small heterogeneity was analyzed by fixed effects model, otherwise, random effects model was used. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot and Egger′s test. Results:Finally, 14 literatures were included, including 4 Chinese literatures and 10 English literatures. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the sentinel lymph node detection rate was 90.7% and the false negative rate was 12.2%.Conclusions:In breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node turning negative, the detection rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy can meet the acceptable clinical standard for sentinel lymph node biopsy, but the false negative rate is still higher than the clinically acceptable standard. It is necessary to screen suitable patients and apply new techniques to reduce the false negative rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Timing of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with early breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy / 国际外科学杂志

Neoadjuvant therapy has been continuously improved the outcomes of early breast cancer patients, and more patients with positive axillary lymph node achieve complete pathological responds. The timing of sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy has also had a new strategy, especially for the patients with clinical positive axillary lymph node before treatment and become clinical negative after neoadjuvant therapy, sentinel lymph node biopsy after neoadjuvant therapy has gradually become a standard axillary surgery procedure. However, there are still many differences in clinical practice domestic in China and abroad. This article discussed the timing of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with early breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, in order to draw the attention of domestic surgical colleagues to this issue and promote standardized surgery and multidisciplinary cooperation.

Changes in HIV prevalence and intervention service utilization among MSM under sentinel monitoring in Taizhou of Zhejiang Province / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the changes in HIV， syphilis and hepatitis C prevalence among men who have sex with men （MSM） in Taizhou City， Zhejiang Province from 2017 to 2022， and the utilization of HIV intervention services and its influencing factors. MethodsMSM participants were recruited from HIV sentinel surveillance in Taizhou through snowball sampling method. Participants’ socio-demographic characteristics， sexual behavior characteristics， knowledge of HIV and utilization of HIV intervention services were collected and statistically described by questionnaire survey. Blood samples from MSM sentinel population were also collected for HIV， syphilis， and HCV antibody testing. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors for utilizing HIV intervention services among MSM. ResultsA total of 2 499 MSM were included in the analysis from 2017 to 2022， with HIV prevalence of 5.8%， syphilis prevalence of 4.0%， and HCV prevalence of 0.6%. The infection rate， proportion of homosexual anal sex and heterosexual sex showed a decreasing trend， while the proportion of condom use during homosexual anal sex， condom publicity and distribution， AIDS consultation and testing， acceptance of peer education， and online temporary homosexual sex showed an increasing trend. All these differences were statistically significant. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that COVID-19 epidemic （aOR=1.66， 95%CI：1.04‒2.64） and HIV knowledge awareness （aOR=2.57， 95%CI：1.22‒5.40） were positively correlated with increased acceptance of condom publicity and distribution， and utilization of AIDS counseling and testing. Those who sought male sexual partners through offline route （aOR=3.44， 95%CI： 1.16‒10.21）， and had a history of sexually transmitted diseases within one year （aOR=5.47， 95%CI： 1.04‒28.76） were positively correlated with community-based methadone maintenance therapy， clean needle provision and exchange services， while COVID-19 epidemic （aOR=0.35， 95%CI： 0.14‒0.88） was negatively correlated with the utilization of these services. COVID-19 epidemic （aOR=2.11， 95%CI： 1.54‒2.89）， HIV knowledge awareness （aOR=2.09， 95%CI： 1.08‒4.02）， offline search for male sexual partners （aOR=1.47， 95%CI： 1.03‒2.11）， and awareness of HIV infection of sexual partners （aOR=2.09， 95%CI： 1.62‒2.69） were positively correlated with the increased use of peer education service， while married or cohabited （aOR=0.73， 95%CI： 0.55‒0.98） and VCT （aOR=0.61， 95%CI： 0.46‒0.82） were negatively correlated with utilization of peer education service. ConclusionHIV infection rate of sentinel MSM population in Taizhou decreases， while the utilization of HIV intervention services increases in general. Targeted measures should be developed according to the changes in sexual behavior and HIV intervention services among MSM populations in Taizhou to improve the HIV intervention services for the MSM population.

Advantages of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the localization and diagnostics of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are the first station of lymph nodes that extend from the breast tumor to the axillary lymphatic drainage. The pathological status of these LNs can predict that of the entire axillary lymph node. Therefore, the accurate identification of SLNs is necessary for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to replace axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). The quality of life and prognosis of breast cancer patients are related to proper surgical treatment after the precise identification of SLNs. Some of the SLN tracers that have been identified include radioisotope, nano-carbon, indocyanine green (ICG), and methylene blue (MB). However, these tracers have certain limitations, such as pigmentation, radiation dangers, and the requirement for costly detection equipment. Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) have good specificity and sensitivity, and thus can compensate for some shortcomings of the mentioned tracers. This technique is also being applied to SLNB in patients with breast cancer, and can even provide an initial judgment on SLN status. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has the advantages of high distinguishability, simple operation, no radiation harm, low cost, and accurate localization; therefore, it is expected to replace the traditional biopsy methods. In addition, it can significantly enhance the accuracy of SLN localization and shorten the operation time.

Prevalence of HCV Antibody and its Associated Factors: A Study from Sentinel Hospitals in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#The prevalence and related factors of serum anti-HCV in different regions and hospitals have not been studied extensively in China. We used routine screening data to determine the prevalence of HCV antibody in hospital patients, evaluate the epidemic trend of hepatitis C and formulate screening strategies.@*METHODS@#Patient information and HCV antibody testing results were collected from January 2017 to December 2019 in 77 HCV sentinel hospitals in China. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the characteristics and associations.@*RESULTS@#HCV antibody prevalence rates were distinct among patients in different departments, with a range of 0.33%-6.93%. Patients who were admitted to the liver disease-related departments (a OR = 10.76; 95% CI, 10.27-11.28), Internal Medicine (a OR = 2.87; 95% CI, 2.75-3.00), and Department of Surgery (a OR = 1.95; 95% CI, 1.87-2.04), were more likely to be tested for HCV antibody positive. HCV antibody prevalence was associated with patients aged 45 years and older (a OR = 2.74; 95% CI, 2.69-2.80), testing in infetious disease hospitals (a OR = 2.33; 95% CI, 2.26-2.40) and secondary hospitals (a OR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.69-1.75). Patients in sentinel hospitals of the Northeast (a OR = 12.75; 95% CI, 12.40-13.11), the Central (a OR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.61-1.70), and the West (a OR = 1.78; 95% CI, 1.73-1.83) China had higher HCV prevalence than those who were in the Eastern coastal area.@*CONCLUSION@#Those who were over 45 years old and saw doctors for liver diseases, and invasive diagnosis and treatment should be referred to HCV antibody testing.

Value of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound in Sentinel Lymph Node after Primary Breast Cancer Resection / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of percutaneous and intravenous contrast-enhanced ultrasound（P-Ⅳ-CEUS） in sentinel lymph nodes（SLNs） after resection of early-stage primary breast cancer. MethodsA retrospective analysis was done on the clinical and imaging data of 42 early breast cancer patients. Following primary tumor resection， all these patients underwent reoperation in our hospital. SLNs were examined by preoperative P-Ⅳ-CEUS and intraoperative sentinel lymph node biopsy（SLNB） was performed by using Methylene blue as a tracer. Then we analyzed the detection and false-negative rate in CEUS and SLNB respectively. By using the surgical pathological results as the gold standard， the diagnostic efficacy of CEUS for SLNs was explored. ResultsThe detection rate and false negative rate of SLNs in percutaneous contrast-enhanced ultrasound （P-CEUS） were 92.9% （39/42） and 7.1% （3/42）， respectively. The detection rate in methylene blue staining was 100% （41/41） and one patient underwent neoadjuvant therapy due to biopsy-confirmed metastasis. The sensitivity， specificity， positive predictive value， negative predictive value and accuracy of P-Ⅳ-CEUS were 66.7% （2/3）， 100% （37/37）， 100% （2/2）， 97.3% （36/37） and 97.4% （38/39）， respectively. ConclusionsP-Ⅳ-CEUS after resection of early-stage primary breast cancer can accurately detect SLNs and characterize their status， which is a reliable clinical basis for reducing invasive SLNB.

Surveillance on pinworm infection among rural children in Anhui Province from 2017 to 2021 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the status of pinworm infection in rural children aged 3-9 years in Anhui Province, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control strategy of pinworm disease.@*Methods@#According to the National Surveillance Program of Liver Fluke Disease and Soil Transmitted Nematodiasis(Trial), no less than 10% counties(cities and districts) in Anhui Province were selected as mobile surveillance sites every year. Each surveillance site was divided into 5 areas on the basis of geographical location(east, west, south, north and middle), from each of the areas, one administrative village was selected from one township(town, community) for conducting surveillance. Children at age 3-9 years from each site were examined for pinworm infection with the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method and the adhesive cellophane tape perianal swab method. Chi square test was used to compare the infection rate.@*Results@#From 2017 to 2021, the 5 year average infection rate of pinworm in rural Anhui was 1.34%(128/9 557), and there was no significant difference in the infection rate over the years( P >0.05). The detection rates of the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method and the adhesive cellophane tape perianal swab method were 0.28% and 1.23%, respectively, the difference was statistically significant( χ 2=72.97, P <0.01). In different regions, the 5 year average infection rate of Fuyang City was the highest(4.27%), and the rate of each city was positively correlated with the number of local resident population( r =0.54, P <0.05). There was no significant sex difference in the 5 year average infection rates( P >0.05). The 5 year average infection rate of children aged 3 to 9 years in rural areas were 0.62%, 1.10%, 1.44%, 1.57%, 0.94%, 2.09% and 1.57%, respectively, showed an increasing trend with the increase of age( χ 2=14.41, χ 2 trend =6.70, P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the average infection rate between scattered children and collectively living children( P >0.05).@*Conclusion@#From 2017 to 2021, the infection rate of pinworm among children in rural Anhui province remains at a low level. In the future, health education and monitoring should be strengthened.

Measurement of extracapsular extension in sentinel lymph node as a possible predictor of residual axillary disease in breast cancer

Abstract Background The presence of Extracapsular Extension (ECE) in the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is still a doubt in the literature. Some studies suggest that the presence of ECE may be related to a greater number of positive axillary lymph nodes which could impact Disease Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS). This study searches for the clinical significance of the ECE. Methods Retrospective cohort comparing the presence or absence of ECE in T1-2 invasive breast cancer with positive SLNB. All cases treated surgically at the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP) between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed. All patients with axillary disease in SLNB underwent AD. Outcomes Identify the association between the presence and length of ECE and additional axillary positive lymph nodes, OS and DFS between both groups. Results 128 patients with positive SLNB were included, and 65 had ECE. The mean metastasis size of 0.62 (SD = 0.59) mm at SLNB was related to the presence of ECE (p < 0.008). The presence of ECE was related to a higher mean of positive sentinel lymph nodes, 3.9 (± 4.8) vs. 2.0 (± 2.1), p = 0.001. The median length of follow-up was 115 months. The OS and DFS rates had no differences between the groups. Conclusion The presence of ECE was associated with additional positive axillary lymph nodes in this study. Therefore, the OS and DFS were similar in both groups after 10 years of follow-up. It is necessary for additional studies to define the importance of AD when SLNB with ECE.

Evaluation of tumor load in sentinel lymph node in patients with cutaneous melanoma / Avaliação da carga do tumor em linfonodo sentinela nos doentes portadores de melanoma cutâneo

ABSTRACT Introduction: cutaneous melanoma (MC) is a malignant neoplasm derived from melanocytic cells with an aggressive behavior. It is usually associated with the multifactorial interaction of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure, usually ultraviolet radiation. Despite advances in treatment, the disease remains relentless with poor prognosis. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a technique used to screen patients in need of lymph node dissection. Objectives: to correlate the tumor burden in the SLN with the mortality of patients undergoing SLN biopsy. Methodology: the medical records and histological slides of patients with MC who underwent SLN biopsy treated at HC-Unicamp from 2001 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The positive SLN were measured according to the size of the tumor infiltration area, for analysis of the depth of invasion (DI), closest proximity to the capsule (CPC) and tumor burden (TB). For statistical analysis, associations between variables were analyzed using Fishers exact test, with post Bonferroni test and Wilcoxon test. Results: 105 records of patients who underwent SLN biopsy of MC were identified. Of these, nine (8.6%) had positive SLN and 81 (77.1%) had negative SLN. The performed lymphadenectomies resulted in 55.6% (n=5) affected, 22.2% (n=2) without disease and 22.2% (n=2) were not performed. Mean CPC, TB, and DI were 0.14mm, 32.10mm and 2.33mm, respectively. Patients with T2 and T3 tumors were more likely to show the SLN affected (p=0.022). No patient with positive SLN died during follow-up. Conclusion: patients who presented T3 staging are the ones who most presented positive SLN.

RESUMO Introdução: o melanoma cutâneo (MC) é uma neoplasia maligna de comportamento agressivo, derivada das células melanocíticas, geralmente causado pela associação de interação da suscetibilidade genética e a exposição ambiental. A biópsia do linfonodo sentinela (LNS) é um procedimento utilizado para rastreamento de doentes com necessidade ou não de linfadenectomia, diminuindo a exposição do paciente a cirurgias maiores. Objetivos: correlacionar a carga do tumor no LNS com a mortalidade de pacientes com MC. Métodos: foram examinados retrospectivamente prontuários e lâminas histológicas de doentes com MC submetidos a biópsia de LNS atendidos no HC-Unicamp entre o período compreendido de 2001 a 2021. Os LNS positivos foram mensurados quanto ao tamanho da área de infiltração do tumor, para análise da profundidade de invasão (PI), menor proximidade com a cápsula (MPC) e carga do tumor (CT). As associações entre as variáveis foram analisadas pelo teste Exato de Fisher, com pós teste de Bonferroni e Wilcoxon. Resultados: foram identificados 105 pacientes com biópsia de LNS, sendo nove (8,6%) casos com LNS positivo. A média de MDC, CT e PI foram 0,14 mm, 32,10 mm, e 2,33 mm, respectivamente. Doentes com tumores T2 e T3 apresentaram maior chance de acometimento do LNS (p=0,022). Nenhum paciente com LNS positivo foi a óbito durante o acompanhamento. Conclusão: doentes que apresentaram tumores maiores (T2 e T3) apresentaram maior chance de linfonodos sentinelas positivos. Além do tamanho do tumor, a presença de maior carga do tumor demonstrou que os mesmos podem ser beneficiados pela biópsia de LNS.

Detección y cuantificación de SARS-CoV-2 en plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales de diferentes ciudades de Chile: hacia la implementación de una vigilancia centinela permanente

Introducción: La cuantificación de SARS-CoV-2 en aguas residuales es una herramienta que permite determinar la tendencia de la circulación viral en un área geográfica determinada. Objetivo: Cuantificar el virus SARS-CoV-2 en 15 plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales en diferentes ciudades de Chile para establecer una comparación con las variables de: i) casos activos por cada 100.000 habs.; ii) positividad diaria (casos nuevos); y iii) fases del plan de confinamiento. Metodología: SARS-CoV-2 se concentró a partir de muestras de aguas residuales. Para obtener el número de genomas del virus por litro se realizó una cuantificación absoluta utilizando qRT-PCR. Resultados: Entre enero y junio de 2021 se procesaron 253 muestras, siendo todas positivas para la presencia del virus. Asimismo, se logró determinar que la tasa de casos activos por cada 100.000 habs. es la variable que mejor se ajusta a las tendencias obtenidas con la cuantificación de la carga viral en las aguas residuales. Conclusiones: La cuantificación de SARS-CoV-2 en las aguas residuales de manera permanente es una herramienta eficiente para determinar la tendencia del virus en un área geográfica determinada y, en conjunto con una vigilancia genómica, puede constituirse en una vigilancia centinela ideal generando alertas sobre futuros brotes.

Background: The quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater is a tool that allows determining the trend of viral circulation in a particular geographical area. Aim: To quantify the SARS-CoV-2 virus in 15 wastewater treatment plants in different Chilean cities to establish a comparison with the variables of: i) Active cases per 100,000 inhabitants; ii) daily positivity (novel cases); and iii) phases of the lockdown strategy. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 was concentrated from wastewater samples. To obtain the number of virus genomes per liter, absolute quantification was performed using qRT-PCR. Results: Between January and June 2021, 253 samples were processed, all of which were positive for the presence of the virus. Likewise, it will be determined that the rate of active cases per 100,000 inhabitants is the variable that best fits the trends obtained with the quantification of the viral load in wastewater. Conclusions: The quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater as a continuous strategy is an efficient tool to determine the trend of the viral circulation in a delimited geographical area and, combined with genomic surveillance, it can constitute an ideal sentinel surveillance alert on future outbreaks.

Comparison of prevention of parent-to-child HIV transmission programme & national biennial HIV sentinel surveillance data for tracking HIV epidemic in India

Background & objectives: HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS) among antenatal women in India has been used to track the epidemic for many years. However, reliable tracking at the local level is not possible as ANC sentinel sites are limited in number and cover a smaller sample size at each site. Prevention of parent-to-child-transmission (PPTCT) programme data has a potential advantage due to better geographical coverage, which could provide more precise HIV case estimates; therefore, we compared HSS ANC data with PPTCT programme data for HIV tracking. Methods: Out of the 499 surveillance sites, where HSS and PPTCT programme was being conducted in 2015, 210 sites (140 urban and 70 rural) were selected using a stratified random sampling method. HSS (n=72,981) and PPTCT (n=112,832) data records were linked confidentially. The sociodemographic characteristics of HSS and PPTCT attendees were compared. HIV prevalence from HSS ANC was compared with the PPTCT programme data using Chi-square test. State- and site-level correlation of HIV prevalence was also done. Concordance between HSS and PPTCT HIV positivity was estimated using kappa statistics. Results: The age distribution of HSS and PPTCT attendees was similar (range: 23 to 27 yr); however, HSS ANC participants were better educated, whereas PPTCT recorded a higher proportion of homemakers. The correlation of HIV prevalence between HSS and PPTCT was high (r=0.9) at the State level and moderate at the site level (r=0.7). The HIV positivity agreement between HSS ANC and PPTCT was good (kappa=0.633). A similar prevalence was reported across 26 States, whereas PPTCT had a significantly lower prevalence than HSS in three States where PPTCT coverage was low. Overall HIV prevalence was 0.31 per cent in HSS and 0.22 per cent in PPTCT (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: High-quality PPTCT programme data can provide reliable HIV trends in India. An operational framework for PPTCT-based surveillance should be pilot-tested in a phased manner before replacing HSS with PPTCT.

Effectiveness of Teaching Standardized Protocol on Safe Medication Administration Process Upon the Level of Knowledge among Nurses at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Chennai

Strategies to improve medication safety focused on acute care settings. Twenty-six studies and descriptions of quality improvement projects were identified. Strategies used to focus on recommendations to prevent medication errors at various stages, from a nationwide voluntary organization to improve safety of patients and empower education system of nurses and other health care providers in safe practices in health care system and vast growing technology.