Technical and Clinical Differences Between Transgender and Cisgender Females Undergoing Breast Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Gender-affirming surgery is a quickly expanding field. However, it is facing a shortage of specialized surgeons for a population exceeding 1.4 million individuals. Many studies comparing outcomes between cisgender and transgender patients fail to describe the technical differences of the operation. Breast augmentation in the transgender female patient involves important anatomical, technical, and clinical features that differ from the cisgender female. In this study, we aimed to describe and compare these characteristics between these 2 groups to better inform the new generation of gender-affirming surgeons. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent primary breast augmentation between 2009 and 2019 at a specialized tertiary center for transgender care was performed. Mastopexy, secondary augmentation, and reconstructive procedures were excluded. Demographic, operative, and clinical data were collected from medical records. All patients had a minimum of 1 year of follow-up after the initial surgery. Bivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 250 cisgender females and 153 transgender females were included. The transgender group showed higher rates of smoking ( P < 0.0001), immunosuppression ( P < 0.0001), obesity ( P < 0.0001), mental health disorders ( P < 0.0001), and hypertension ( P = 0.002). Median base width ( P < 0.0001), sternal notch to nipple distance ( P < 0.0001), and implant size (500 mL [interquartile range, 425-600 mL] vs 350 mL [interquartile range, 325-385 mL]; P < 0.0001) were larger in transgender patients. Transgender patients also demonstrated a stronger correlation between implant size and body surface area ( r = 0.71, P < 0.0001). Readmission, reoperation, and complication rates were similar between the groups; however, transgender females had a higher incidence of surgical site infections (3.9% vs 0.4%, P < 0.013). Capsular contracture was the most common complication and indication for reoperation in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: There are important anatomical, clinical, and technical differences between reconstructive gender-affirming breast augmentation in transgender female patients and cosmetic breast augmentation in the cisgender female. The gender-affirming surgeon must know these differences to provide the best quality of care and help patients achieve better congruence between their gender identity and body image.

The Effect of Preoperative Diagnosis of Depression and/or Anxiety on Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Chest Wall Masculinization Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with gender dysphoria have disproportionately high rates of depression and anxiety compared to the cisgender population. Although the benefits of gender affirmation surgery have been well documented, it is unclear whether depression and anxiety affect postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PRO). OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluated the impact of preoperative anxiety or depression on clinical and PRO in patients undergoing chest masculinization surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent chest masculinization surgery within a 5-year period were reviewed. Demographics and clinical variables were abstracted from medical records. PRO of chest, nipple, and scar satisfaction were obtained postoperatively with the BODY-Q. Groups were stratified by preoperative anxiety, preoperative depression, both, or no history of mental health diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 135 patients with complete survey responses, 10.4% had anxiety, 11.9% depression, 20.7% both diagnoses, and 57.0% no diagnosis. Clinical data and outcomes were similar. Patients with preoperative depression correlated with lower satisfaction scores for scar appearance (P = .006) and were significantly more likely to report feelings of depression postoperatively (P = .04). There were no significant differences in chest or nipple satisfaction among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although anxiety and depression are prevalent in gender minorities, we found no association with postoperative clinical outcomes. Patients with preoperative depression were more likely to report lower satisfaction with scar appearance and feelings of depression postoperatively. However, there were no differences in chest or nipple satisfaction. These results highlight the importance of perioperative mental health counseling but also suggest that patients can be satisfied with their results despite a coexisting mental health diagnosis.

Current Applications of Ultrasound Imaging in the Preoperative Planning of DIEP Flaps.

BACKGROUND: The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap has become the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction at many institutions. Although the deep inferior epigastric artery displays significant anatomic variability in its intramuscular course, branching pattern and location of perforating vessels, the ability to preoperatively visualize and map relevant vascular anatomy has increased the efficiency, safety and reliability of the DIEP flap. While computed tomography angiography (CTA) is often cited as the preoperative imaging modality of choice for perforator flaps, more recent advances in ultrasound technology have made it an increasingly attractive alternative. METHODS: An extensive literature review was performed to identify the most common applications of ultrasound technology in the preoperative planning of DIEP flaps. RESULTS: This review demonstrated that multiple potential uses for ultrasound technology in DIEP flap reconstruction including preoperative perforator mapping, evaluation of the superficial inferior epigastric system and as a potential adjunct in flap delay procedures. Available studies suggest that ultrasound compares favorably to other widely-used imaging modalities for these indications. CONCLUSION: This article presents an in-depth review of the current applications of ultrasound in the preoperative planning of DIEP flaps and explores some potential areas for future investigation.

Surviving Older Patients Show Preserved Cellular and Humoral Immunological Memory Several Months After SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Understanding how older people respond to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is critical if we are to confront the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and establish effective vaccination strategies. Immunosenescence reduces the ability to respond to neoantigens and may compromise the life of infected individuals. Here, we analyzed the immunological memory to SARS-CoV-2 in 102 recovered patients aged over 60 years several months after the infection had been resolved. Specific memory T lymphocytes against the virus were measured by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and granzyme B release by ELISpot; memory B-lymphocyte responses were quantified by detection of anti-S IgG1 producer cells by ELISpot and anti-S and anti-N antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Memory T lymphocytes were found in peripheral blood of most of the studied donors, more than 7 months after the infection in some of them. Fewer patients maintained memory B lymphocytes, but antibodies, mainly anti-S, were highly durable and positively correlated with T responses. More robust humoral responses were found in patients who had more severe symptoms and had been admitted to hospital. We concluded that specific immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is effectively preserved regardless of age, despite the great heterogeneity of their immune responses, and that memory T lymphocytes and anti-S IgG might be more durable than memory B cells and anti-N IgG.

Evaluation of a midwifery network to guarantee outpatient postpartum care: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: The necessity of outpatient postpartum care has increased due to shorter hospital stays. In a health care system, where postpartum care after hospital discharge must be arranged by families themselves, this can be challenging for those experiencing psychosocial disadvantages. Therefore, we compared characteristics of users of a midwifery network which referred women to outpatient postpartum care providers with those of women organising care themselves. Additionally, we investigated benefits of the network for women and health professionals. METHODS: Evaluation of the services of a midwifery network in Switzerland. We combined quantitative secondary analysis of routine data of independent midwives with qualitative telephone interviews with users and a focus group with midwives and nurses. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression modelling were done using Stata 13. Content analysis was applied for qualitative data. RESULTS: Users of the network were more likely to be: primiparas (OR 1.52, 95% CI [1.31-1.75, p < 0.001]); of foreign nationality (OR 2.36, 95% CI [2.04-2.73], p < 0.001); without professional education (OR 1.89, 95% CI [1.56-2.29] p < 0.001); unemployed (OR 1.28, 95% CI [1.09-1.51], p = 0.002) and have given birth by caesarean section (OR 1.38, 95% CI [1.20-1.59], p < 0.001) compared to women organising care themselves. Furthermore, users had cumulative risk factors for vulnerable transition into parenthood more often (≥ three risk factors: 4.2% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001). Women appreciate the services provided. The collaboration within the network facilitated work scheduling and the better use of resources for health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: The network enabled midwives and nurses to reach families who might have struggled to organise postpartum care themselves. It also facilitated the work organisation of health professionals. Networks therefore provide benefits for families and health professionals.

Mortalidad por sida en Uruguay: perfil de las personas fallecidas en 2014 / AIDS mortality in Uruguay Profile of deceased people in 2014

Introducción: el diagnóstico precoz del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana y el acceso a un tratamiento antirretroviral temprano y continuado son estrategias clave para evitar el fallecimiento por sida. En Uruguay, desde el año 2005, luego de un ascenso continuo, se observa una estabilización de la mortalidad por sida, no presentando el descenso previsto. Se realizó un estudio con el objetivo de caracterizar el perfil clínico-epidemiológico de la población fallecida por sida en 2014 en Uruguay y valorar la distribución de las muertes en la cascada de continuo de atención. Método: retrospectivo y observacional, en base a información de registros en certificados de defunción e historias clínicas de personas de edad igual o mayor a 18 años fallecidas por sida durante el año 2014. Resultados: de los 175 fallecidos, se accedió a 124 registros, correspondiendo a 105 las muertes por sida; 77% del subsector público y 68% varones. Se caracterizó por ser una población de adultos jóvenes (43,7±11,6 años) y con condiciones de vulnerabilidad (alguna vez consumo de drogas 47,1%; situación de calle y privación de libertad 15,4%; 37,5% beneficiarios de planes sociales). El 71,4% presentó diagnóstico tardío y el 37,1% falleció en el primer año del diagnóstico. El 60% falleció sin haber logrado contacto o continuidad en la atención (11,4% previnculación, 48,6% sin retención en cuidados). Conclusiones: la elevada proporción de pacientes fallecidos sin haber establecido vinculación y seguimiento en el sistema de salud, en una población con rasgos de vulnerabilidad social, evidencia la necesidad de adoptar estrategias integrales probadas para mejorar el acceso y la continuidad de la atención.

Introduction: early diagnosis of HIV and early and continuos antirretroviral treatment constitute key strategies to avoid dying of aids. After a steady increase, HIV-related mortality has remained stable since 2005, although the expected reduction has not occurred. A study was conducted in order to characterize the clinical and epidemiological profile of the population that died of AIDS in Uruguay in 2014 and to assess the distribution of deaths in the continuum of care cascade. Method: retrospective and observational study, based on information kept in files containing death certificates and medical histories of people who were 18 years old or older and died of AIDS in 2014. Results: we had access to 124 records of the 175 deaths, finding that 105 corresponded to HIV-related deaths, 77% of them came from the public subsector and 68% of them being men. Most of them were young adults (43.7±11.6 years old) and lived in vulnerable conditions (47.1% had used drugs; 15.4% were homeless or in prison; 37.5% benefited from social plans). In 71.4% of cases diagnosis was late and 37.1% died within the first year of diagnosis. 60% died without having consulted the health system or continued treatment (11.4% failed to seek health assistance, 48.6% interrupted treatment). Conclusions: the increased proportion of patients who died without having sought health assistance or follow up in the health system within a population of social vulnerability evidences the need to adopt comprehensive strategies that have been proved successful to increase access and continuation of treament.

Introdução: o diagnóstico precoce da infecção por VIH e o acesso rápido e continuo ao tratamento antirretroviral são estratégias chaves para evitar a morte por AIDS. Desde 2005, depois de um crescimento continuo, observa-se no Uruguai, a estabilização da mortalidade por AIDS não apresentando o descenso previsto. Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de identificar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico da população falecida por AIDS em 2014 no país e avaliar a distribuição das mortes na cascada do continuo da atenção. Método: estudo retrospectivo e observacional, analisando a informação dos atestados de óbitos e prontuário de paciente de pessoas com 18 ou mais anos de idade falecidas por AIDS durante 2014. Resultados: foram identificadas 175 mortes; 124 registros foram analisados, dos quais 105 eram mortes por AIDS, sendo 77% do subsetor público e 68% do sexo masculino. Era uma população de adultos jovens (43.7±11.6 anos) em condições de vulnerabilidade (consumo de drogas eventual 47.1%, morador de rua e privação de liberdade 15.4%; 37.5% beneficiários de planos sociais). 71.4% foi diagnosticado tardiamente e 37.1% faleceu no primeiro ano após o diagnóstico. 60% faleceu sem haver tido e/ou sem continuidade da atenção de saúde (11.4% pré vinculação, 48.6% sem retenção nos cuidados). Conclusões: a elevada proporção de pacientes falecidos sem ter estabelecido um vínculo e seguimento no sistema de saúde, em uma população com características de vulnerabilidade social, mostra a necessidade de adotar estratégias integrais provadas para melhorar o aceso e a continuidade da atenção.

Effects of morin on snake venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2).

Flavonoids are potent anti-inflammatory compounds isolated from several plant extracts, and have been used experimentally against inflammatory processes. In this work, a PLA2 isolated from the Crotalus durissus cascavella venom and rat paw oedema were used as a model to study the effect of flavonoids on PLA2. We observed that a treatment of PLA2 with morin induces several modifications in the aromatic amino acids, with accompanying changes in its amino acid composition. In addition, results from circular dichroism spectroscopy and UV scanning revealed important structural modifications. Concomitantly, a considerable decrease in the enzymatic and antibacterial activities was observed, even though anti-inflammatory and neurotoxic activities were not affected. These apparent controversial results may be an indication that PLA2 possess a second pharmacological site which does not affect or depend on the enzymatic activity.