Bismuth-Based Therapy: The New Therapy for Obese Patients Undergoing Gastric Bypass Surgery?

AIMS: Our aim was to assess, in obese patients undergoing Roux-en Y gastric bypass surgery, the bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) eradication rates at the first-line Helicobacter pylori (Hp) treatment as proposed by the Maastricht V/Florence consensus in areas with high clarithromycin (CLT) resistance rates-10 days proton pump inhibitor bid and three-in-one single capsule bismuth therapy containing bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline, marketed as Pylera four times a day. METHODS: This is a single-center prospective study over a 3-year period. Endoscopy and Hp assessment by histology was performed at baseline, and posttreatment Hp status was assessed by C13 urea breath test 4-6 weeks after the end of therapy. Data analysis was performed using the IBM® SPSS® Statistics 28.0 (IBM Corp. 2021, Armonk, NY) using mostly nonparametric comparisons (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 598 adult obese Hp-positive patients [476, 78.6% female, age 43.2 (± 10.4) years] consecutively scheduled for Hp eradication therapy. Hp was eradicated in 500 patients [83.6.3% (95% CI: 80.4%-86.5%)], and the eradication was independent of gender, age, endoscopic diagnosis, and smoking status (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ten days of BQT did achieve Maastricht V/Florence recommended first-line eradication rates (at least 80%) in obese Portuguese patients undergoing Roux-en Y gastric bypass, being by now the most reliable choice for Hp eradication.

Differences in the incidence and clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection between Italian and non-Italian nationals using routine data.

OBJECTIVES: This study was to compare the incidence and clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection between Italian and non-Italian nationals. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively analysed data from the COVID-19 Italian integrated surveillance system (14 September 2020 to 17 October 2021). METHODS: We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of infection and, among cases, the HRs of death, hospitalisation and subsequent admission to intensive care unit in non-Italian nationals relative to Italian nationals. Estimates were adjusted for differences in sociodemographic characteristics and in the week and region of diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 4,111,067 notified cases, 336,265 (8.2%) were non-Italian nationals. Compared with Italian nationals, non-Italians showed a lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (HR = 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80-0.81). However, once diagnosed, they were more likely to be hospitalised (HR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.87-1.92) and then admitted to intensive care unit (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.13), with differences larger in those coming from countries with a lower human development index. Compared with Italian cases, an increased rate of death was observed in non-Italian cases from low-human development index countries (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.23-1.62). The HRs of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe outcomes slightly increased after the start of the vaccination campaign. CONCLUSIONS: Underdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis in non-Italian nationals could explain their lower incidence compared with Italians and, among cases, their higher probability to present clinical conditions leading to worse outcomes. Facilitating early access to vaccination, diagnosis and treatment would improve the control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and health outcomes in this vulnerable group.

Utilidad y aceptación del seguimiento telefónico de un asistente virtual a pacientes COVID-19 tras el alta / Usefulness and acceptance of telephone monitoring by a virtual assistant for patients with COVID-19 following discharge

La COVID-19 ha supuesto una gran sobrecarga para el sistema sanitario, y ha sido necesario poner en marcha herramientas nuevas para realizar el seguimiento no presencial de los pacientes y garantizar la calidad de sus cuidados. Se evalúa la utilidad y aceptación de los pacientes de un cuidador virtual diseñado para su seguimiento tras el alta hospitalaria por COVID-19. El asistente virtual, con tecnología de voz e inteligencia artificial, realizó llamadas telefónicas a las 48h, 7, 15 y 30 días del alta, formulando 5 preguntas sobre su estado de salud. Si la contestación era afirmativa, generaba una alerta que se transfería a un profesional sanitario. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes en el proyecto. Se generaron 85 alertas en 45 de los pacientes, la mayoría de ellas al mes del alta; el 94% lo resolvió enfermería telefónicamente. La satisfacción de los pacientes con el cuidador virtual fue alta (AU)

COVID-19 has placed a significant burden on the healthcare system, making it necessary to implement new tools that allow patients to be monitored remotely and guarantee quality and continuity of care. The usefulness and acceptance by patients of a virtual caregiver designed for follow-up in the month following hospital discharge for COVID-19 are evaluated. The virtual assistant, based on voice and artificial intelligence technology, made telephone calls at 48hours, seven days, 15 days, and 30 days after discharge and asked five questions about the patient's health. If the answer to any of the questions was affirmative, it generated an alert that was transferred to a healthcare professional One hundred patients were included in the project and 85 alerts were generated in 45 of the patients, most at one month after hospital discharge. The nursing staff resolved 94% of them by telephone. Patient satisfaction with the virtual caregiver was high (AU)

Usefulness and acceptance of telephone monitoring by a virtual assistant for patients with COVID-19 following discharge.

COVID-19 has placed a significant burden on the healthcare system, making it necessary to implement new tools that allow patients to be monitored remotely and guarantee quality and continuity of care. The usefulness and acceptance by patients of a virtual caregiver designed for follow-up in the month following hospital discharge for COVID-19 are evaluated. The virtual assistant, based on voice and artificial intelligence technology, made telephone calls at 48 h, seven days, 15 days, and 30 days after discharge and asked five questions about the patient's health. If the answer to any of the questions was affirmative, it generated an alert that was transferred to a healthcare professional One hundred patients were included in the project and 85 alerts were generated in 45 of the patients, most at one month after hospital discharge. The nursing staff resolved 94% of them by telephone. Patient satisfaction with the virtual caregiver was high.

[Usefulness and acceptance of telephone monitoring by a virtual assistant for patients with COVID-19 following discharge]. / Utilidad y aceptación del seguimiento telefónico de un asistente virtual a pacientes COVID-19 tras el alta.

COVID-19 has placed a significant burden on the healthcare system, making it necessary to implement new tools that allow patients to be monitored remotely and guarantee quality and continuity of care. The usefulness and acceptance by patients of a virtual caregiver designed for follow-up in the month following hospital discharge for COVID-19 are evaluated. The virtual assistant, based on voice and artificial intelligence technology, made telephone calls at 48 hours, seven days, 15 days, and 30 days after discharge and asked five questions about the patient's health. If the answer to any of the questions was affirmative, it generated an alert that was transferred to a healthcare professional One hundred patients were included in the project and 85 alerts were generated in 45 of the patients, most at one month after hospital discharge. The nursing staff resolved 94% of them by telephone. Patient satisfaction with the virtual caregiver was high.

Multidisciplinary Management of the Adverse Effects of Apremilast. / Manejo de los efectos adversos de apremilast desde un abordaje multidisciplinar.

We present a series of general and specific recommendations based on pathophysiologic considerations for managing the most common adverse effects of apremilast that lead to treatment discontinuation: diarrhea, nausea, and headache. The recommendations are based on a review of the literature and the experience of a multidisciplinary team of 14 experts including dermatologists, rheumatologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, pharmacists, and nurses. We propose a series of simple algorithms that include clinical actions and suggestions for pharmacologic treatment. The adverse effects of apremilast can be managed from a multidisciplinary approach. The purpose of optimizing management is to bring clinical benefits to patients.

Exposure to BTEX in buses: The influence of vehicle fuel type.

Diesel-fueled buses have been replaced by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to minimize the high level of emissions in urban areas. However, differences in indoor exposure levels to Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX) in those vehicles have not been investigated so far. The primary aim of this study was to determine if passengers are exposed to different BTEX levels when using buses powered by CNG or by diesel, and further explore if indoor levels are influenced by external air quality. For this purpose, BTEX air concentrations were measured in bus cabins (CNG and diesel), parking stations and in a background urban area using passive air samplers. Results showed that BTEX concentrations inside vehicles were higher than outside, but no significant differences were found between buses powered by CNG or by diesel. In CNG vehicles, high and significant positive correlation was found between benzene and the number of journeys in the same route (rs = 0.786, p < 0.05), vehicle operating time (rs = 0.738, p < 0.05), exposure time (rs = 0.714, p < 0.05) and exposure index (rs = 0.738, p < 0.05), but this was not observed for diesel vehicles. Benzene in bus cabins was found to be significantly below reference value for human health protection. However, excepting p-xylene, all other aromatic pollutants have a mean concentration significantly above the lowest effect level (p ≤ 0.002 for all comparisons). Additionally, higher BTEX levels in cabin buses than in outdoor air suggest the presence of other emission sources in indoor cabins. These findings emphasize the need for further studies to fully characterize indoor emission sources in order to minimize the negative impact of BTEX exposure to human health.

Environmental and biological monitoring of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) exposure in residents living near gas stations.

The volatile organic compounds benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are emitted into the atmosphere at gas stations (GS) leading to chronic exposure of nearby residents, which raises public health concerns. This study aimes at determining the contribution of GS emissions to BTEX exposure in nearby residents. Three Control and Exposed areas to BTEX emissions from GS were defined in a medium-sized European city (Porto, Portugal). BTEX atmospheric levels were determined in Control and Exposed areas using passive samplers deployed outdoors (n = 48) and indoors (n = 36), and human exposure was estimated for 119 non-smoking residents using the first urine of the day. Results showed that median BTEX outdoor and indoor concentrations were significantly higher for Exposed than Control areas, with exception of ethylbenzene and xylene indoor concentrations, where no marked differences were found. Comparison of urinary concentrations between Exposed and Control residents demonstrated no significant differences for benzene and ethylbenzene, whereas levels of toluene and xylene were significantly higher in Exposed residents. No marked correlation was obtained between atmospheric BTEX concentrations and urinary concentrations. Data indicate the potential impact on air quality of BTEX emissions from GS, which confirms the importance of these findings in urban planning in order to minimize the impact on health and well-being of surrounding populations.

Terapia descongestiva compleja en grados iniciales de linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama / Complex decongestive therapy in the early stages of breast cancer-related lymphoedema

Objetivos: Analizar los resultados del tratamiento con terapia descongestiva compleja (TDC) aplicada por primera vez en sujetos con linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama (LSCM) grados 0-I. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo con sujetos diagnosticados de LSCM de grado 0 y I en una Unidad de Linfedema, a los que se les realiza TDC por primera vez entre los años 2013 y 2016. Se compara el porcentaje de exceso de volumen (PEV) del linfedema en 3 intervalos (inicial, postratamiento y en la revisión médica) y se calcula la reducción del mismo (RPEV) después del tratamiento. Se registran datos demográficos, clínicos y las características del linfedema. Resultados: Fueron incluidas 27 mujeres, con una media de edad de 55 años (49-62). El 88,90% de ellas (n = 24) intervenidas de linfadenectomía y el 85,20% (n = 23) con radioterapia coadyuvante. Se realizaron de media de 23 sesiones. Previo a la TDC 7 participantes tenían LSCM de grado 0 y 20 de grado I; después del tratamiento 16 participantes tenían linfedema de grado 0 y 11 de grado I. La media inicial de PEV fue de 11,76%, 8,77% después del tratamiento y 7,57% en la revisión médica. El PEV se redujo en 22 participantes después del tratamiento (81,50%). Exceptuando un caso, la reducción de volumen se mantuvo estable en la revisión médica. La RPEV después del tratamiento fue 28,15% y 44,79% en la revisión médica. Conclusión: Este estudio muestra unos resultados favorables al empleo de TDC para el tratamiento de linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama de grado 0 y/o I

Objectives: To analyse the outcomes of Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) applied for the first time in patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema (BCRL) stages 0-I. Material and methods: A descriptive and retrospective study performed on subjects with BCRL severity stages 0 and I recruited in the Lymphology Unit, and who had CDT for the first time between 2013 and 2016. A comparison was made of the percent excess volume (PEV) of lymphoedema at 3 intervals (initial, post-treatment, and medical check-up) and we calculated the percent excess volume reduction (PEVR) after treatment. Demographic data, clinical and lymphoedema characteristics were recorded. Results: The study included a total of 27 women, with mean age of 55 years (49-62). A lymphadenectomy had been performed on 88.90% (n = 24), and 85.20% (n = 23) had radiation therapy. There was a mean of 23 sessions. Before CDT, 7 participants had stage 0 BCRL and 20 had stage I. After treatment, 16 participants had lymphoedema stage 0 and 11 had stage I. The mean initial PEV was 11.76%, 8.77% after treatment and 7.57% in the medical check-up. PEV was reduced in 22 participants after treatment (81.50%). There was only one case where the reduction of volume remained stable in the medical check-up. The mean PEVR after treatment was 28.15% and 44.79% in the medical check-up. Conclusion: This study shows favourable results of Complex Decongestive Therapy in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema stages 0 and I

Lengua geográfica inducida por inhibidores de la angiogénesis / Geographic tongue induced by angiogenesis inhibitors

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Manejo del linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama empleando terapia descongestiva compleja con presoterapia multicompartimental secuencial. Experiencias en una unidad de linfedema / Management of breast cancer-related lymphoedema utilizing complex decongestive therapy and intermittent multi-chamber pneumatic compression. Experiences of a lymphoedema unit

Objetivo: El protocolo de tratamiento para los pacientes con linfedema sigue siendo controvertido. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el resultado de la Terapia Descongestiva Compleja con presoterapia multicompartimental secuencial aplicada por primera vez a pacientes con linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama en una Unidad de Linfedema. Material y métodos: Este estudio observacional con seguimiento retrospectivo está basado en la revisión de historias clínicas durante el periodo 2013-2016. 48 pacientes reunieron los criterios de inclusión de: diagnóstico de linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama, realizar por primera vez sesiones completas de Terapia Descongestiva Compleja (con drenaje linfático manual, presoterapia multicompartimental secuencial y vendaje multicapas) haber realizado la toma de medidas y firmar el consentimiento informado. La valoración se realizó comparando las medidas en centímetros del perímetro del miembro tratado y el contralateral en 7 niveles en 3 momentos (inicial, postratamiento y en la revisión) usando la fórmula de Kuhnke para obtener los volúmenes aproximados. Resultados: La diferencia entre los volúmenes de ambos miembros bajó desde el 21,61% de media inicial, al 15,98% a corto plazo y al 15,64% a medio plazo, consiguiéndose bajada de volumen en 39 de los pacientes y bajada del grado de linfedema en 21 de ellos. Conclusiones: Los resultados avalan la elección de la Terapia Descongestiva Compleja con presoterapia multicompartimental secuencial como tratamiento estándar en el linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama. Es necesaria más investigación con estudios objetivables y reproducibles que incluyan resultados a largo plazo

Objective: The optimal treatment protocol for lymphoedema patients is still controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the results of Complex Decongestive Therapy with intermittent multi-chamber pneumatic compression applied for the first time in patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema in a Lymphoedema Unit. Material and methods: This retrospective observational study was based on a review of medical records from 2013-2016. A total of 48 patients met the inclusion criteria, ie, those who had received a diagnosis of breast cancer-related lymphoedema, had undergone complete sessions of Complex Decongestive Therapy (with manual lymphatic drainage, intermittent multi-chamber pneumatic compression and multi-layer bandaging) for the first time, had available recorded measurements and had signed an informed consent form. The assessment was conducted by comparing the measurement in centimetres of the circumference of the affected limb with the contralateral measurements at 7 levels in 3 time intervals (initial, post-treatment and at the medical follow-up). The Kuhnke method was used to obtain the approximate volumes. Results: The difference between the volumes of the two limbs decreased from an initial mean of 21.61%, to 15.98% in the short-term and 15.64% in the medium-term, so there was a volume reduction in 39 patients. Moreover, the stage of lymphoedema decreased in 21 of them. Conclusions: The results support the choice of Complex Decongestive Therapy with intermittent multi-chamber pneumatic compression as a standard treatment in breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Further research is required on this issue with measurable and reproducible studies that include long-term-results

SPINA classification of cleft lip and palate: A suggestion for a complement.

Spina's classification uses the incisive foramen as an anatomic reference to define groups I, II, and III. In some cases, the morphological manifestation of the cleft arises simultaneously pre- and postforamen, but without communicating. Considering that group I refers to isolated clefts of the primary palate and group III includes isolated clefts of the secondary palate, the authors suggest the classification group IIa for the association of these two occurrences in the same patient, thus associating two classifications. The original structure proposed by Spina is maintained and simply complemented and updated to Spina-A classification.

Metabolic syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

The objective of this study was to investigate the factors underlying the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in HIV-infected patients. Two hundred and sixty-six clinical cases were selected for a retrospective study. The sample was classified using the Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines and the identification of risk or protective factors associated with MetS evaluated via multivariate logistic or multinomial regressions. HIV-infected individuals diagnosed with MetS tend to be older, overweight, or obese (85% have a BMI ≥ 25), with a waist circumference > 90 cm (96.5 [88.8-105.5] cm, median [interquartile range]). Blood testing these individuals revealed high fasting levels of insulin (8.1 [5.8-21.6] pg/ml), glucose (98.0 [84.0-116.0] mg/dl), triglycerides (201.0 [142.0-267.3] mg/dl), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (36.5 [29.8-43.3] mg/dl) in addition with higher levels of inflammatory mediators such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (2.5 [1.0-4.9] mg/dl) and interleukin-6 (3.4 [2.8-3.8] pg/ml). The likelihood of HIV-infected individuals who are virally suppressed developing MetS is about 60% higher than those with acute infection. Treatment with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and protease inhibitors (PIs) increases the chance of developing MetS by around 2.4 times. Individuals with a lower antioxidant capacity (total antioxidant status [TAS] <1.33) have a 2.6 times higher risk of developing MetS. HIV-related chronic inflammation, a low TAS, and treatment with NRTIs in association with PIs are additional MetS risk factors.

Cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the mouse brain: relevance for Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Because of their low levels of expression and the inadequacy of current research tools, CB2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2R) have been difficult to study, particularly in the brain. This receptor is especially relevant in the context of neuroinflammation, so novel tools are needed to unveil its pathophysiological role(s). METHODS: We have generated a transgenic mouse model in which the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) is under the control of the cnr2 gene promoter through the insertion of an Internal Ribosomal Entry Site followed by the EGFP coding region immediately 3' of the cnr2 gene and crossed these mice with mice expressing five familial Alzheimer's disease (AD) mutations (5xFAD). RESULTS: Expression of EGFP in control mice was below the level of detection in all regions of the central nervous system (CNS) that we examined. CB2R-dependent-EGFP expression was detected in the CNS of 3-month-old AD mice in areas of intense inflammation and amyloid deposition; expression was coincident with the appearance of plaques in the cortex, hippocampus, brain stem, and thalamus. The expression of EGFP increased as a function of plaque formation and subsequent microgliosis and was restricted to microglial cells located in close proximity to neuritic plaques. AD mice with CB2R deletion exhibited decreased neuritic plaques with no changes in IL1ß expression. CONCLUSIONS: Using a novel reporter mouse line, we found no evidence for CB2R expression in the healthy CNS but clear up-regulation in the context of amyloid-triggered neuroinflammation. Data from CB2R null mice indicate that they play a complex role in the response to plaque formation.

¿Es útil el sistema transobturatriz ajustable ATOMS(R) para el tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria masculina en centros urológicos de bajo y medio volumen? / Is the adjustable transobturator system ATOMS(R) useful for the treatment of male urinary incontinence in low to medium volume urological centers?

Introducción: La incontinencia urinaria (IU) es una complicación de la prostatectomía radical (PR) y de la resección transuretral de próstata (RTUP). El tratamiento de referencia es el esfínter urinario artificial; sin embargo, han surgido nuevos tratamientos. Objetivo: Examinar el resultado de un sistema masculino transobturador ajustable (ATOMS(R)) en varones con IU tras cirugía prostática en un centro de continencia de volumen bajo a medio. Materiales y métodos: Veinticinco hombres con IU han sido implantados con el sistema ATOMS(R) entre 2012 y 2014. La indicación más común ha sido la IU después de PR (92%), seguida de IU por RTUP (8%). Once pacientes (44%) habían recibido radioterapia adyuvante (RT). Se han considerado «secos» los que dejaron de usar compresas o necesitaron solo una compresa protectora; y mejorados aquellos en que el número de compresas usadas disminuyó por la mitad. Se ha utilizado el cuestionario de calidad de vida de la incontinencia (ICIQ-SF), agregando una pregunta sobre la satisfacción del paciente. Resultados: Después de un seguimiento medio de 21,56 meses, el 64% estaban secos y el 8% revelaron una mejoría significativa. El éxito del procedimiento se correlacionó negativamente con la severidad de la IU previa y con el tratamiento con RT. Al final, el 84% repetirían el procedimiento. Conclusión: ATOMS(R) ofrece una elevada tasa de éxito con una tasa razonable de complicaciones menores. Los resultados de este estudio, realizado en un centro de continencia de volumen bajo a medio, son comparables a los resultados obtenidos en centros de continencia de alto volumen

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a complication of radical prostatectomy (RP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The gold-standard treatment is the artificial urinary sphincter, however, new treatments have been investigated. Objective: To examine the outcome of an adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS(R)) in men with UI after prostatic surgery in a low to medium volume continence center. Materials and methods: Twenty-five men with UI were implanted with ATOMS(R) system between 2012 and 2014. The most common indication was UI after RP (92%), followed by UI after TURP (8%). Eleven patients (44%) had received adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (RT). Patients were considered to be ‘dry’ if they stopped wearing pads or needed just one protective pad per day; and improved if the daily number of pads used decreased by at least half. The Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire (ICIQ-SF) was used, adding a verbal question about the satisfaction of the patient considering the outcome. Results: After a mean follow-up of 21.56 months, 64% were dry and 8% revealed a significant improvement. The success of the procedure was negatively correlated with the severity of the previous UI and with previous treatment with RT. Concerning patients satisfaction, 84% of the patients would repeat the procedure. Conclusion: ATOMS(R) offers good rates of cure and improvement of UI after prostatic surgery with a reasonable rate of minor complications. The results of this study, performed in a low to medium volume continence center, are comparable to the results achieved in high volume continence centers

Is the adjustable transobturator system ATOMS® useful for the treatment of male urinary incontinence in low to medium volume urological centers? / ¿Es útil el sistema transobturatriz ajustable ATOMS® para el tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria masculina en centros urológicos de bajo y medio volumen?

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a complication of radical prostatectomy (RP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The gold-standard treatment is the artificial urinary sphincter, however, new treatments have been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To examine the outcome of an adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS®) in men with UI after prostatic surgery in a low to medium volume continence center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five men with UI were implanted with ATOMS® system between 2012 and 2014. The most common indication was UI after RP (92%), followed by UI after TURP (8%). Eleven patients (44%) had received adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (RT). Patients were considered to be 'dry' if they stopped wearing pads or needed just one protective pad per day; and improved if the daily number of pads used decreased by at least half. The Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire (ICIQ-SF) was used, adding a verbal question about the satisfaction of the patient considering the outcome. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 21.56 months, 64% were dry and 8% revealed a significant improvement. The success of the procedure was negatively correlated with the severity of the previous UI and with previous treatment with RT. Concerning patients satisfaction, 84% of the patients would repeat the procedure. CONCLUSION: ATOMS® offers good rates of cure and improvement of UI after prostatic surgery with a reasonable rate of minor complications. The results of this study, performed in a low to medium volume continence center, are comparable to the results achieved in high volume continence centers.

Cumulative Helicobacter Pylori Eradication Rates by Adopting First- and Second- Line Regimens Proposed by the Maastricht IV Consensus in Obese Patients Undergoing Gastric Bypass Surgery.

AIMS AND METHODS: Our aim was to assess, in obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, the cumulative Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication rates by adopting Maastricht IV guidelines in areas of high clarithromycin resistance rates (CLT)-14 days concomitant first-line therapy with proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) bid, CLT 500 mg bid, metronidazole (MTZ) 500 bid, and amoxicillin (AMX) 1000 mg bid and 14 days second-line therapy with PPI bid, AMX 1000 mg bid and levofloxacin (LVF) 500 mg od. Single-center prospective study was over 4 years. Endoscopy and HP assessment (by histology or C13 urea breath test) were performed at baseline and post-treatment HP status was assessed by C13 urea breath test 4-6 weeks after the end of therapy. RESULTS: Seven hundred seventy-seven consecutive HP-positive patients completed concomitant first-line treatment: 636 (81.9%) female, age 41.1 (± 10.2) years. HP was eradicated in 556 patients-71.56% (95% CI: 68.28-74.62%). In the remaining 221 patients, second-line LVF-based regimens eradicated HP in 121 patients-54.75% (95% CI: 48.16-61.18%). These results give 87.13% (95% CI: 84.58-89.31%) ITT and 89.43% (95% CI: 87.03-91.44%) PP cumulative eradication rates. Eradication rates were not significantly different by gender, age, endoscopy findings, and smoking habits. CONCLUSIONS: By adopting Maastricht IV consensus quadruple concomitant first-line treatment and second-line LVF-based therapy, high cumulative HP eradication rates are achieved but still leaves around 10.6% of obese patients undergoing RYGB in need of the culture and susceptibility testing prior to third-line treatment.

TARDBP mutation associated with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia, case report and review of the literature.

Semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) is a clinical syndrome included in the frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum. Unlike other forms of FTD, it is sporadic in the majority of cases and not commonly associated with motor neuron disease (MND). We describe a case of svPPA associated with MND in the same family, due to a mutation of the transactive response DNA binding protein (TARDBP) gene, and review the literature.