Solitary fibrous tumor of the parapharyngeal space: report of 2 cases and a literature review.

The solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is usually described as a lesion arising from the pleura. Rarely, it has been described in the parapharyngeal space (PS). This study aims to report two cases of SFT in the PS and to perform a literature review on this topic. Two patients undergoing surgical resection of a SFT in the PS, were reported. A literature review on SFT of the PS, was also performed. Two patients were analyzed. Both patients underwent surgical resection, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy, for SFT arising from the PS. The postoperative course was uneventful and both patients recovered well after the procedure. No recurrences were diagnosed during the followup. SFT of the PS is an infrequent entity. Surgical resection is the most used treatment, and adjuvant radiation should be considered in patients with recurrence risk factors or distant metastases.

50 Years After Schizophrenia and Cyclothymia, Results and Problems / A 50 años de Esquizofrenia y Ciclotimia, resultados y problemas.

Análisis del libro: Esquizofrenia y Ciclotimia, resultados y problemas, Comp. Gerd Huber, Ed. Morata, Madrid, 1972.

Advancements in portable instruments based on affinity-capture-migration and affinity-capture-separation for use in clinical testing and life science applications.

The shift from testing at centralized diagnostic laboratories to remote locations is being driven by the development of point-of-care (POC) instruments and represents a transformative moment in medicine. POC instruments address the need for rapid results that can inform faster therapeutic decisions and interventions. These instruments are especially valuable in the field, such as in an ambulance, or in remote and rural locations. The development of telehealth, enabled by advancements in digital technologies like smartphones and cloud computing, is also aiding in this evolution, allowing medical professionals to provide care remotely, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving patient longevity. One notable POC device is the lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), which played a major role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic due to its ease of use, rapid analysis time, and low cost. However, LFIA tests exhibit relatively low analytical sensitivity and provide semi-quantitative information, indicating either a positive, negative, or inconclusive result, which can be attributed to its one-dimensional format. Immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis (IACE), on the other hand, offers a two-dimensional format that includes an affinity-capture step of one or more matrix constituents followed by release and electrophoretic separation. The method provides greater analytical sensitivity, and quantitative information, thereby reducing the rate of false positives, false negatives, and inconclusive results. Combining LFIA and IACE technologies can thus provide an effective and economical solution for screening, confirming results, and monitoring patient progress, representing a key strategy in advancing diagnostics in healthcare.

Seguridad y factibilidad de la reconstrucción microquirúrgica en tumores de cabeza y cuello en pacientes mayores de 70 años / Safety and feasibility of free-flap reconstruction in head and neck tumors in patients aged 70 years or older

RESUMEN Antecedentes: debido al aumento en la expectativa de vida, se ha incrementado la incidencia de tumores de cabeza y cuello en pacientes añosos. Objetivo: evaluar los resultados de la reconstrucción con colgajos microquirúrgicos luego de la resección radical (RRMC) de tumores de cabeza y cuello en pacientes de 70 años o mayores. Material y métodos: se analizó una serie de pacientes sometidos a RRCM por tumores de cabeza y cuello en el período 2000-2020. Se dividió la muestra en dos grupos: G1: ≥ de 70 años y G2: < de 70 años. Se analizaron variables demográficas, quirúrgicas, posoperatorias y factores de riesgo de trombosis del colgajo en los pacientes ≥ de 70 años. Resultados: se incluyó un total de 178 pacientes, 61 en G1 y 117 en G2. Ambos grupos fueron homogéneos respecto del sexo, IMC (índice de masa corporal), alcoholismo, tabaquismo, tratamiento neoadyuvante e incidencia de HPV (virus del papiloma humano). Hubo mayor cantidad de pacientes con riesgo ASA ≥ III en G1 vs. G2; (p: 0,005). En G1, 33 (54%) correspondieron a estadio oncológico ≥ III vs. 99 (87%) en G2 (p: 0,001). Cuarenta y dos (69%) pacientes en G1 recibieron adyuvancia vs. 94 (83%) en G2 (p: 0,02) y no hubo diferencias en la morbimortalidad global y en fallas del colgajo. El sexo femenino fue el único factor de riesgo de trombosis del pedículo vascular (p: 0,05). Conclusión: la RRCM para tumores de cabeza y cuello es factible y segura en pacientes añosos, con una incidencia de morbimortalidad similar a la del resto de la población.

ABSTRACT Background: The higher life expectancy has increased the incidence of head and neck tumors in elder patients. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of free flap reconstructions after radical resection (FFRR) of head and neck tumors in patients aged 70 years or older. Material and methods: We analyzed a series of patients undergoing FFR due to head and neck tumors between 2000-2020. The patients were divided into two groups: G1: ≥ 70 years, and G2: < 70 years. The demographic, operative and postoperative variables and the risk factors for flap thrombosis in patients ≥ 70 years were analyzed. Results: A total of 178 patients were included, 61 in G1 and 117 in G2. Both groups were homogeneous regarding sex, BMI (body mass index), alcohol consumption, smoking habits, neoadjuvant treatment, and incidence of HPV (human papillomavirus). The incidence of ASA grade ≥ III was significantly higher in G1 vs. G2; (p: 0,005). In G1, 33 patients (54%) corresponded to cancer stage ≥ III vs. 99 (87%) in G2 (p: 0.001). Forty-two (69%) patients in G1 received adjuvant therapy vs. 94 (83%) in G2 (p = 0.02) and there were no differences in overall morbidity and mortality and in flap failure. Female sex was the only predictor of vascular flap thrombosis (p = 0.05). Conclusion: FFRR in head and neck tumors is feasible and safe in elderly patients, with morbidity and mortality rates similar to those of the general population.

Immunoaffinity Capillary Electrophoresis in the Era of Proteoforms, Liquid Biopsy and Preventive Medicine: A Potential Impact in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Disease Progression.

Over the years, multiple biomarkers have been used to aid in disease screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and response to therapy. As of late, protein biomarkers are gaining strength in their role for early disease diagnosis and prognosis in part due to the advancements in identification and characterization of a distinct functional pool of proteins known as proteoforms. Proteoforms are defined as all of the different molecular forms of a protein derived from a single gene caused by genetic variations, alternative spliced RNA transcripts and post-translational modifications. Monitoring the structural changes of each proteoform of a particular protein is essential to elucidate the complex molecular mechanisms that guide the course of disease. Clinical proteomics therefore holds the potential to offer further insight into disease pathology, progression, and prevention. Nevertheless, more technologically advanced diagnostic methods are needed to improve the reliability and clinical applicability of proteomics in preventive medicine. In this manuscript, we review the use of immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis (IACE) as an emerging powerful diagnostic tool to isolate, separate, detect and characterize proteoform biomarkers obtained from liquid biopsy. IACE is an affinity capture-separation technology capable of isolating, concentrating and analyzing a wide range of biomarkers present in biological fluids. Isolation and concentration of target analytes is accomplished through binding to one or more biorecognition affinity ligands immobilized to a solid support, while separation and analysis are achieved by high-resolution capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled to one or more detectors. IACE has the potential to generate rapid results with significant accuracy, leading to reliability and reproducibility in diagnosing and monitoring disease. Additionally, IACE has the capability of monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic agents by quantifying companion and complementary protein biomarkers. With advancements in telemedicine and artificial intelligence, the implementation of proteoform biomarker detection and analysis may significantly improve our capacity to identify medical conditions early and intervene in ways that improve health outcomes for individuals and populations.

Centric relation registration with intraoral central bearing on curved vs. flat plates with rim trays in edentulous patients.

The aim of this study was to compare jaw relation record in the completely edentulous patient using acrylic rim trays with curved or flat registration plates or using the manual guidance technique. The study included 17 patients - 11 female and 6 male, average age 70 years. Three jaw relation records were taken during one session, in the same vertical dimension, using acrylic rim trays: (1) with manual guidance (IM), (2) with self-guided recording system with acrylic rim tray and central support using a curved plate (BYC) and (3) with self-guided recording system with acrylic rim tray and central support using a flat plate (BYR). The models were mounted on a Whip Mix 2240 articulator to which a condyle position device (Orthodent) was added to register, at the level of the condyle box and incisal table, the differences among the positions recorded with the different setups (IM, BYC and BYR). The distances were measured on millimeter paper provided by the recording system manufacturer. For statistical analysis, confidence intervals (95%) were calculated for the mean differences and Student's t-test for paired data (significance level: alpha<0.05). On both the mesiodistal plane and the vertical plane at the level of each condyle box and the incisal table, there were statistically significant differences among the three systems (p<0.001). At the level of incisal table, BYC and BYR provided more retrusive records than IM [arithmetic means (standard deviations) in millimeters: 3.82 (2.10) and 4.53 (2.18), respectively). The records obtained with BYR were significantly more retrusive with BYC [arithmetic mean (standard deviation) in millimeters: 1.41 (1.00)]. We reject the null hypothesis that proposes that all three registration systems described are clinically equivalent for establishing a jaw relation record in completely edentulous patients.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el registro de la posición intermaxilar en el paciente desdentado total obtenido con el uso de cubetas rodete de acrílico y platinas de registro curva o recta y con la técnica de inducción manual. Se incluyeron en el estudio 17 pacientes, 11 mujeres y 6 varones con edad promedio de 70 años. En cada uno de ellos se obtuvieron en la misma sesión y en la misma dimensión vertical tres registros intermaxilares con cubetas rodete de acrílico: uno con inducción manual (IM), otro autoinducido con el sistema de cubeta rodete de acrílico y apoyo central único utilizando una superficie palatina de registro curva (BYC) y un tercero con este mismo sistema pero con la superficie palatina recta (BYR). Los modelos correspondientes fueron montados en un articulador Whip Mix modelo 2240 al que se le adicionó un dispositivo de posición condilar (Orthodent) para registrar, a nivel de la caja condílea y la platina incisiva, las diferencias existentes entre las posiciones obtenidas con cada una de las variantes de las platinas en las cubetas rodete acrílicas y la posición registrada con inducción manual. Las distancias fueron medidas sobre papel milimetrado provisto por el fabricante del sistema de registro. El análisis estadístico se llevó a cabo mediante el cálculo de intervalos de confianza (95%) para las diferencias medias y prueba de t de student para datos apareados (nivel de significancia: alfa<0,05). Tanto en el plano mesiodistal como en el vertical a nivel de cada caja condilea como en la platina incisiva, se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las tres variables de registro (p<0,001). A nivel de las platinas incisivas tanto BYC como BYR proporcionaron registros más retrusivos que IM [medias aritméticas (desviaciones estándar) en milímetros: 3,82 (2,1º) y 4,53 (2,18), respectivamente). Los obtenidos con BYR fueron significativamente más retrusivos que en el grupo BYC [media aritmética (desviación estándar) en milímetros: 1,41 (1,00)]. Rechazamos la hipótesis nula que propone que los tres sistemas de registro expuestos son clínicamente equivalentes para establecer una posición de registro intermaxilar en desdentados totales.

Multistage allocation problem for Mexican pension funds.

The problem of multistage allocation is solved using the Target Date Fund (TDF) strategy subject to a set of restrictions which model the latest regulatory framework of the Mexican pension system. The investment trajectory or glide-path for a representative set of 14 assets of heterogeneous characteristics is studied during a 161 quarters long horizon. The expected returns are estimated by the GARCH(1,1), EGARCH(1,1), GJR-GARCH(1,1) models, and a stationary block bootstrap model is used as a benchmark for comparison. A fixed historical covariance matrix and a multi-period estimation of DCC-GARCH(1,1) are also considered as inputs of the objective function. Forecasts are evaluated through their asymmetric dependencies as quantified by the transfer entropy measure. In general, we find very similar glide-paths so that the overall structure of the investment is maintained and does not rely on the particular forecasting model. However, the GARCH(1,1) under a fixed historical covariance matrix exhibits the highest Sharpe ratio and in this sense represents the best trade-off between wealth and risk. As expected, the initial stages of the obtained glide-paths are initially dominated by risky assets and gradually transition into bonds towards the end oof the trajectory. Overall, the methodology proposed here is computationally efficient and displays the desired properties of a TDF strategy in realistic settings.

Centric relation registration with intraoral central bearing on curved vs. flat plates with rim trays in edentulous patients / Registro de relación céntrica con apoyo central intraoral en platinas curvas vs. rectas con cubetas rodete en edéntulos

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare jaw relation record in the completely edentulous patient using acrylic rim trays with curved or flat registration plates or using the manual guidance technique. The study included 17 patients - 11 female and 6 male, average age 70 years. Three jaw relation records were taken during one session, in the same vertical dimension, using acrylic rim trays: (1) with manual guidance (IM), (2) with self-guided recording system with acrylic rim tray and central support using a curved plate (BYC) and (3) with self-guided recording system with acrylic rim tray and central support using a flat plate (BYR). The models were mounted on a Whip Mix 2240 articulator to which a condyle position device (Orthodent) was added to register, at the level of the condyle box and incisal table, the differences among the positions recorded with the different setups (IM, BYC and BYR). The distances were measured on millimeter paper provided by the recording system manufacturer. For statistical analysis, confidence intervals (95%) were calculated for the mean differences and Student's t-test for paired data (significance level: alpha<0.05). On both the mesiodistal plane and the vertical plane at the level of each condyle box and the incisal table, there were statistically significant differences among the three systems (p<0.001). At the level of incisal table, BYC and BYR provided more retrusive records than IM [arithmetic means (standard deviations) in millimeters: 3.82 (2.10) and 4.53 (2.18), respectively). The records obtained with BYR were significantly more retrusive with BYC [arithmetic mean (standard deviation) in millimeters: 1.41 (1.00)]. We reject the null hypothesis that proposes that all three registration systems described are clinically equivalent for establishing a jaw relation record in completely edentulous patients.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el registro de la posición intermaxilar en el paciente desdentado total obtenido con el uso de cubetas rodete de acrílico y platinas de registro curva o recta y con la técnica de inducción manual. Se incluyeron en el estudio 17 pacientes, 11 mujeres y 6 varones con edad promedio de 70 años. En cada uno de ellos se obtuvieron en la misma sesión y en la misma dimensión vertical tres registros intermaxilares con cubetas rodete de acrílico: uno con inducción manual (IM), otro autoinducido con el sistema de cubeta rodete de acrílico y apoyo central único utilizando una superficie palatina de registro curva (BYC) y un tercero con este mismo sistema pero con la superficie palatina recta (BYR). Los modelos correspondientes fueron montados en un articula-dor Whip Mix modelo 2240 al que se le adicionó un dispositivo de posición condilar (Orthodent) para registrar, a nivel de la caja condílea y la platina incisiva, las diferencias existentes entre las posiciones obtenidas con cada una de las variantes de las platinas en las cubetas rodete acrílicas y la posición registrada con inducción manual. Las distancias fueron medidas sobre papel milimetrado provisto por el fabricante del sistema de registro. El análisis estadístico se llevó a cabo mediante el cálculo de intervalos de confianza (95%) para las diferencias medias y prueba de t de student para datos apareados (nivel de significancia: alfa<0,05). Tanto en el plano mesiodistal como en el vertical a nivel de cada caja condilea como en la platina incisiva, se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las tres variables de registro (p<0,001). A nivel de las platinas incisivas tanto BYC como BYR proporcionaron registros más retrusivos que IM [medias aritméticas (desviaciones estándar) en milímetros: 3,82 (2,1°) y 4,53 (2,18), respectivamente). Los obtenidos con BYR fueron significativamente más retrusivos que en el grupo BYC [media aritmética (desviación estándar) en milímetros: 1,41 (1,00)]. Rechazamos la hipótesis nula que propone que los tres sistemas de registro expuestos son clínicamente equivalentes para establecer una posición de registro intermaxilar en desdentados totales.

A Systematic Review of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies in Perinatally HIV-Infected Individuals.

Over the past few years, neuroimaging studies have been performed in young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) to study the impact of HIV infection on the central nervous system (CNS), but no recent review have been published. This review aims to identify brain areas where PHIV eems to have greater impact taking into account demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics in PHIV infected patients. For this purpose, PubMed and Medline searches were carried out which included studies from 2010 to April 2020. We performed a systematic review and included 26 articles using structural (brain morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging) and functional magnetic resonance imaging methods involving 1182 PHIV-infected participants. Ample evidence has been provided of HIV effects on underlying brain structure. However, information recorded in the studies is commonly incomplete and results sometimes contradictory. In addition to future improvements and dissemination of tools for the developing brain MRI processing and analysis, the inclusion of data related to HIV infection itself (including clinical and immunovirological characteristics as well as detailed information about antiretroviral treatment such as age at ART initiation) may be of vital importance to the better understanding of the impact of the disease on CNS.

Comportamiento biológico de mallas para la reparación de paredes abdominales. Resultados preliminares en un modelo animal / Biological behavior of meshes used for abdominal wall surgery. Preliminary results in an animal model

Resumen La falla en la reparación de los defectos de la pared abdominal se relaciona con una alteración en la integración del material protésico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el comportamiento biológico de mallas utilizadas en cirugía de paredes abdominales en un modelo animal. Luego de la confección de un defecto parietal se colocó una malla intraperitoneal, utilizando 4 grupos de 10 ratas; 1) Prolene (polipropileno microporo de alto peso), 2) Ultrapro (polipropileno + poliglecaprone, macroporo de bajo peso), 3) Proceed (polipropileno + polidoxanona + celulosa oxidada regenerada, macroporo de peso intermedio), y 4) Physiomesh (polipropileno + poliglecaprone, macroporo de bajo peso). Se realizó análisis macroscópico y microscópico a los 30 días y los resultados fueron evaluados por dos observadores independientes. Al examen macroscópico, la integración de la prótesis fue > 75% en todos los grupos. El análisis microscópico mostró mayor inflamación global y número de células gigantes multinucleadas en Prolene (p < 0.01) y menor cantidad de células inflamatorias en la interface músculo-malla en Physiomesh < Ultrapro (p < 0.05). La organización de las fibras de colágeno fue similar para todas las mallas, aunque hubo mayor depósito de colágeno en los espacios inter-filamento para las mallas macroporosas (p < 0.01). Concluimos que las mallas de polipropileno microporo y alto peso producen mayor reacción inflamatoria y de cuerpo extraño. Por lo tanto, las mallas compuestas tendrían una mejor biocompatibilidad y serían mejor toleradas por el huésped.

Abstract An adequate integration of the prosthetic materials used to repair abdominal wall defects is necessary for satisfactory outcomes. We aimed to evaluate, in an animal model, the biological behavior of meshes used for abdominal wall surgery. Four groups of 10 rats were separated. After laparotomy, intraperitoneal prostheses were placed: 1) Prolene (polypropylene microporous, heavy-weight), 2) Ultrapro (polypropylene + poliglecaprone, macroporous low-weight), 3) Proceed (polypropylene + polidoxanone + regenerated oxidized cellulose, microporous medium-weight), 4) Physiomesh (polypropylene + poliglecaprone, macroporous lowweight). Macroscopic and microscopic analyses were performed at 30 days. The results were evaluated by two independent observers and expressed in means with standard deviation. For statistical analysis p < 0.05 was considered significant. On macroscopic examination, mesh integration was greater than 75% in all cases. Microscopic analysis showed greater global inflammation and more multinucleated giant cells in Prolene (p < 0.01). Less inflammatory cells were observed at the muscle-mesh interface in Physiomesh vs. Ultrapro (p < 0.05). Collagen fibers disposition was similar in all meshes, although, microporous meshes had higher collagen deposit in the interfilamentous spaces (p < 0.01). In conclusion, in our animal model, microporous and heavy-weight polypropylene meshes produce greater inflammatory and foreign body reaction. Thus, composite meshes would have greater biocompatibility and better tolerance by the host.

[Biological behavior of meshes used for abdominal wall surgery. Preliminary results in an animal model]. / Comportamiento biológico de mallas para la reparación de paredes abdominales. Resultados preliminares en un modelo animal.

An adequate integration of the prosthetic materials used to repair abdominal wall defects is necessary for satisfactory outcomes. We aimed to evaluate, in an animal model, the biological behavior of meshes used for abdominal wall surgery. Four groups of 10 rats were separated. After laparotomy, intraperitoneal prostheses were placed: 1) Prolene® (polypropylene microporous, heavy-weight), 2) Ultrapro® (polypropylene + poliglecaprone, macroporous low-weight), 3) Proceed® (polypropylene + polidoxanone + regenerated oxidized cellulose, microporous medium-weight), 4) Physiomesh® (polypropylene + poliglecaprone, macroporous lowweight). Macroscopic and microscopic analyses were performed at 30 days. The results were evaluated by two independent observers and expressed in means with standard deviation. For statistical analysis p < 0.05 was considered significant. On macroscopic examination, mesh integration was greater than 75% in all cases. Microscopic analysis showed greater global inflammation and more multinucleated giant cells in Prolene® (p < 0.01). Less inflammatory cells were observed at the muscle-mesh interface in Physiomesh® vs. Ultrapro® (p < 0.05). Collagen fibers disposition was similar in all meshes, although, microporous meshes had higher collagen deposit in the interfilamentous spaces (p < 0.01). In conclusion, in our animal model, microporous and heavy-weight polypropylene meshes produce greater inflammatory and foreign body reaction. Thus, composite meshes would have greater biocompatibility and better tolerance by the host.

La falla en la reparación de los defectos de la pared abdominal se relaciona con una alteración en la integración del material protésico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el comportamiento biológico de mallas utilizadas en cirugía de paredes abdominales en un modelo animal. Luego de la confección de un defecto parietal se colocó una malla intraperitoneal, utilizando 4 grupos de 10 ratas; 1) Prolene® (polipropileno microporo de alto peso), 2) Ultrapro® (polipropileno + poliglecaprone, macroporo de bajo peso), 3) Proceed® (polipropileno + polidoxanona + celulosa oxidada regenerada, macroporo de peso intermedio), y 4) Physiomesh® (polipropileno + poliglecaprone, macroporo de bajo peso). Se realizó análisis macroscópico y microscópico a los 30 días y los resultados fueron evaluados por dos observadores independientes. Al examen macroscópico, la integración de la prótesis fue > 75% en todos los grupos. El análisis microscópico mostró mayor inflamación global y número de células gigantes multinucleadas en Prolene® (p < 0.01) y menor cantidad de células inflamatorias en la interface músculo-malla en Physiomesh® < Ultrapro® (p < 0.05). La organización de las fibras de colágeno fue similar para todas las mallas, aunque hubo mayor depósito de colágeno en los espacios inter-filamento para las mallas macroporosas (p < 0.01). Concluimos que las mallas de polipropileno microporo y alto peso producen mayor reacción inflamatoria y de cuerpo extraño. Por lo tanto, las mallas compuestas tendrían una mejor biocompatibilidad y serían mejor toleradas por el huésped.

Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients with Melanoma: Which Is Its Prognostic Value?

Oncological impact of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in melanoma remains controversial. We aimed to determine the significance of TILs on melanoma-specific survival (MSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and sentinel lymph node status (SLN). A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing melanoma resection during the period 2009-2019 was performed. Using the Melanoma Institute Australia grading system for TILs, the cohort was divided into two groups: group 1 (G1), patients with TILs grades 1, 2, or 3 and Group 2 (G2), patients with TILs grade 0. From a total of 386 melanoma resections, 151 (39%) were included in G1 and 39 (10%) in G2. Among the 151 patients who underwent SLN biopsy, the positivity rate according to the TILs grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 was 32%, 18%, 14%, and 0%, respectively, p = 0.02. With an average follow-up of 48 months, the 5-year MSS (G1: 86% vs G2: 75%, p = 0.002) and the 5-year RFS (G1: 81% vs G2: 60%, p = 0.004) were significantly higher in G1 than G2. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in melanoma are associated with the SLN status and with a better MSS and RFS.

[Long-term survival after small doses of radioiodine therapy for brain metastases of thyroid cancer]. / Supervivencia prolongada luego de pequeñas dosis de terapia con radioyodo en metástasis cerebral de cáncer de tiroides.

Differentiated thyroid cancer is generally accompanied by a long term survival. However, in some cases distant metastases can develop and among them, brain localizations are of poor prognosis. The aim of this presentation is to communicate the clinical case of a 65 year-old woman who consulted for diplopia in vertical gaze which had appeared one month earlier. MRI showed a big mass at the level of the occipital condyle. Diagnosis of primary brain tumor was made so she was operated twice with incomplete tumor resection. The pathological study was confirmatory of a metastatic lesion of thyroid carcinoma. A total thyroidectomy with resection of a papillary cancer of the follicular variant was performed. Then, she was successfully treated with small repetitive radioiodine amounts for a total accumulated dose of 325 mCi 131I, with a long-term survival.

El cáncer diferenciado de tiroides generalmente se acompaña de una supervivencia a largo plazo. Sin embargo, en algunos casos pueden desarrollarse metástasis a distancia y, entre ellas, las localizaciones cerebrales son de mal pronóstico. El objetivo de esta presentación es comunicar el caso clínico de una mujer de 65 años que consultó por diplopía en la mirada vertical que había aparecido un mes antes. La resonancia magnética mostró una gran masa a nivel del cóndilo occipital. Se realizó el diagnóstico de tumor cerebral primario, por lo que fue operada dos veces con resección tumoral incompleta. El estudio histopatológico confirmó una lesión metastásica de carcinoma de tiroides. Se realizó una tiroidectomía total con resección de un cáncer papilar de la variante folicular. Luego, fue tratada con éxito con pequeñas cantidades repetitivas de yodo radiactivo para una dosis total acumulada de 325 mCi 131I, con una supervivencia a largo plazo.

A Two-Dimensional Affinity Capture and Separation Mini-Platform for the Isolation, Enrichment, and Quantification of Biomarkers and Its Potential Use for Liquid Biopsy.

Biomarker detection for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic response is becoming increasingly reliable and accessible. Particularly, the identification of circulating cell-free chemical and biochemical substances, cellular and subcellular entities, and extracellular vesicles has demonstrated promising applications in understanding the physiologic and pathologic conditions of an individual. Traditionally, tissue biopsy has been the gold standard for the diagnosis of many diseases, especially cancer. More recently, liquid biopsy for biomarker detection has emerged as a non-invasive or minimally invasive and less costly method for diagnosis of both cancerous and non-cancerous diseases, while also offering information on the progression or improvement of disease. Unfortunately, the standardization of analytical methods to isolate and quantify circulating cells and extracellular vesicles, as well as their extracted biochemical constituents, is still cumbersome, time-consuming, and expensive. To address these limitations, we have developed a prototype of a portable, miniaturized instrument that uses immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis (IACE) to isolate, concentrate, and analyze cell-free biomarkers and/or tissue or cell extracts present in biological fluids. Isolation and concentration of analytes is accomplished through binding to one or more biorecognition affinity ligands immobilized to a solid support, while separation and analysis are achieved by high-resolution capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled to one or more detectors. When compared to other existing methods, the process of this affinity capture, enrichment, release, and separation of one or a panel of biomarkers can be carried out on-line with the advantages of being rapid, automated, and cost-effective. Additionally, it has the potential to demonstrate high analytical sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity. As the potential of liquid biopsy grows, so too does the demand for technical advances. In this review, we therefore discuss applications and limitations of liquid biopsy and hope to introduce the idea that our affinity capture-separation device could be used as a form of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic technology to isolate, concentrate, and analyze circulating cells, extracellular vesicles, and viruses.

Supervivencia prolongada luego de pequeñas dosis de terapia con radioyodo en metástasis cerebral de cáncer de tiroides / Long-term survival after small doses of radioiodine therapy for brain metastases of thyroid cancer

Resumen El cáncer diferenciado de tiroides generalmente se acompaña de una supervivencia a largo plazo. Sin embargo, en algunos casos pueden desarrollarse metástasis a distancia y, entre ellas, las localizaciones cerebrales son de mal pronóstico. El objetivo de esta presentación es comunicar el caso clínico de una mujer de 65 años que consultó por diplopía en la mirada vertical que había aparecido un mes antes. La resonancia magnética mostró una gran masa a nivel del cóndilo occipital. Se realizó el diagnóstico de tumor cerebral primario, por lo que fue operada dos veces con resección tumoral incompleta. El estudio histopatológico confirmó una lesión metastásica de carcinoma de tiroides. Se realizó una tiroidectomía total con resección de un cáncer papilar de la variante folicular. Luego, fue tratada con éxito con pequeñas cantidades repetitivas de yodo radiactivo para una dosis total acumulada de 325 mCi 131I, con una supervivencia a largo plazo.

Abstract Differentiated thyroid cancer is generally accompanied by a long term survival. However,in some cases distant metastases can develop and among them, brain localizations are of poor prognosis. The aim of this presentation is to communicate the clinical case of a 65 year-old woman who consulted for diplopia in vertical gaze which had appeared one month earlier. MRI showed a big mass at the level of the occipital condyle. Diagnosis of primary brain tumor was made so she was operated twice with incomplete tumor resection. The pathological study was confirmatory of a metastatic lesion of thyroid carcinoma. A total thyroidectomy with resection of a papillary cancer of the follicular variant was performed. Then, she was successfully treated with small repetitive radioiodine amounts for a total accumulated dose of 325 mCi 131I, with a long-term survival.

Factores de riesgo de hipocalcemia severa postiroidectomía total / Risk factors for severe hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy

Antecedentes: la hipocalcemia es la complicación más frecuente luego de una tiroidectomía total y puede manifestarse de manera bioquímica, o con síntomas leves o severos. Objetivos: analizar factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de hipocalcemia severa postiroidectomía total. Material y métodos: se incluyeron pacientes en los que se realizó tiroidectomía total primaria, analizando factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de hipocalcemia severa (signos y síntomas que requirieron internación y tratamiento con calcio intravenoso o persistencia de signosintomatología luego de 48 horas de haber recibido tratamiento inicial vía oral). Se analizaron variables demográficas, clínico-quirúrgicas e histopatológicas. Resultados: se realizaron un total de 1665 tiroidectomías entre 2007 y 2018 y, de estas, 918 fueron tiroidectomías totales primarias. Un total de 203 (22%) pacientes desarrollaron hipocalcemia. De ellos, 183 (20%) presentaron hipocalcemia leve y 20 (2%) hipocalcemia severa. En el análisis univariado, la edad, la intervención por cirujano especialista en cabeza y cuello, el peso de la glándula tiroides mayor de 30 gramos, la resección paratiroidea y la patología maligna se vieron asociados al desarrollo de hipocalcemia severa. En el análisis multivariado, los últimos tres fueron factores de riesgo asociados a esta complicación, con significancia estadística. Conclusiones: en nuestra serie, los factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de hipocalcemia severa postiroidectomía total fueron la resección, advertida o inadvertida de las glándulas paratiroides, el peso de la glándula tiroides mayor de 30 gramos y la patología maligna. Por lo tanto, en estos pacientes debemos prestar especial atención al desarrollo de dicha complicación en el posoperatorio.

Background: Hypocalcemia is the most common complication after a total thyroidectomy. It may occur as biochemical hypocalcemia, or with mild or severe symptoms. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors associated with the development of severe hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. Material and methods: Patients undergoing primary total thyroidectomy were included. The risk factors for the development of severe hypocalcemia (signs and symptoms requiring hospitalization and treatment with intravenous calcium or persistence of signs and symptoms after 48 hours of initial oral treatment) were analyzed. The evaluation included analysis of the demographic, clinical, surgical and histopathological variables. Results: Of 1665 thyroid resections performed between 2007 and 2018, 918 corresponded to primary total thyroidectomies; 203 (22%) of these patients developed hypocalcemia. Mild hypocalcemia occurred in 183 (20%) cases and sever hypocalcemia in 20 (2%) patients, The univariate analysis showed that a procedure performed by head and neck surgeons, thyroid gland weight > 30 g, resection of the parathyroid glands and thyroid cancer were associated with the development of severe hypocalcemia. On multivariate analysis, the last three variables were risk factors significantly associated with this complication. Conclusions: In our series, noticed or inadvertent resection of the parathyroid glands with subsequent reimplantation, high weight of the thyroid gland and malignancy were identified as risk factors for the development of severe hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. Therefore, we should pay special attention to the development of such complication in the postoperative period.

Self-estimation of surgical skills and competencies based on the learning curve theory in medical residents and fellows.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to explore how in-training junior physicians perceive their surgical performance compared with the one externally rated by their senior surgeon trainers, using a general learning curve model. METHODS: Between April and June 2018, a prospective study was conducted at a community hospital associated with a school of medicine. To assess how in-training physicians estimated their surgical performance, 48 surgical residents and fellows were invited to choose one among six options using a scale ranging from "novice" to "automatic expert." In addition, five senior surgeons who supervised the residents/fellows were asked to give their own opinions on each surveyed physician's expertise level, according to the same categories. Concordance analysis was done to compare residents' and fellows' self-perceived skills and their actual performance as estimated by senior surgeons. RESULTS: Self-assessments tended to overestimate residents' and fellows' position on the learning curve; particularly for "proficient" over "competent," and for "automatic expert" over "expert" categories (p = 0.025). The average degree of agreement among senior physicians was 50.0%. Comparison between residents' and fellows' perceived skills and their performances as estimated by senior surgeons showed a weak concordance (kappa = 0.494, 95% confidence interval 0.359-0.631, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 51% of the residents/fellows included in some surgical specialty training program overestimated his/her actual performance as evaluated by classical learning curve categories. Underestimation of self-assessed performance was also observed in 17% of respondents. A better feedback from expert observers to in-training surgeons could result in a more accurate self-perception of their real surgical skills and competencies.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar cómo los médicos en formación (juniors) perciben su propio desempeño quirúrgico en comparación con la calificación otorgada por sus instructores (seniors) según un modelo de curva de aprendizaje. MÉTODOS: Entre abril y junio de 2018 se realizó un estudio prospectivo en un hospital comunitario. Para evaluar cómo los médicos juniors estimaban su propio desempeño, 48 residentes/becarios de especialidades quirúrgicas eligieron una entre seis opciones excluyentes en una escala entre «novicio¼ y «experto automático¼. Además, cinco cirujanos que supervisaban a los residentes/becarios dieron sus propias opiniones sobre el nivel de desempeño de cada médico encuestado, usando las mismas categorías. Se realizó un análisis de concordancia para comparar las habilidades autopercibidas y el desempeño real según lo estimado por los cirujanos seniors. RESULTADOS: Cuarenta y siete juniors y 50 seniors completaron la encuesta. El 51% sobrestimó y el 17% subestimó su ubicación en la curva de aprendizaje con respecto a los observadores externos (p = 0.025). El grado promedio de acuerdo entre seniors fue del 50%. La comparación entre la autopercepción de los juniors con respecto a sus observadores seniors mostró una concordancia pobre (kappa = 0.494; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 0.359-0.631; p < 0.0001; sesgo promedio de Bland-Altman: 0.40; IC 95%: 0.11-0.70). CONCLUSIONES: La mitad de los residentes/fellows sobrestimó, y uno de cada seis subestimó, su verdadera ubicación en la curva de aprendizaje en comparación a la opinión de los seniors. Un mejor conocimiento de la existencia de este sesgo de estimación del propio desempeño podría redundar en una mejor confiabilidad del juicio médico.

Behavior of right atrial strain in high systolic pulmonary artery pressure.

AIMS: Evaluate the ability of right atrial (RA) strain to predict systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were prospectively enrolled. Conventional echocardiographic measures were performed. RA volume was calculated. Mean maximum right ventricle (RV) strain and lateral RA strain were obtained. Pearson's correlation test was used. A multivariate analysis was performed to compare SPAP with RA strain, RV strain, and baseline characteristics of the patients. RA strain was compared between patients with SPAP ≤ 37 mm Hg with those with SPAP > 37 mm Hg. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed. A P < 0.01 value was considered statistically significant. AGE: 58.7 ± 15.7 years. Male: 46 (45.1%). The correlation coefficient between SPAP and RA strain was -0.64 (P < 0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.75 to -0.50). Quadratic R2 coefficient = 0.52. In the multivariate analysis, RA strain was independently associated with SPAP level. There were significant differences in RA strain between patients with SPAP ≤ 37 mm Hg (63.3 ± 13.3%; 95% CI: 59.4%-65.1%) and >37 mm Hg (32.7 ± 11.1%; 95% CI: 26.5%-38.39%) (P < 0.01). RA strain < 42.5% was capable to predict a SPAP > 37 mm Hg with 93% sensitivity and 94% specificity, area under the curve (AUC) of 98% (95% CI: 94%-100%). CONCLUSIONS: Right atrial strain is independently associated with SPAP level. RA strain lower than 42.5% can predict a SPAP > 37 mm Hg with high sensitivity and specificity.

Comparative Molecular and Morphological Variation Analysis of Siderastrea (Anthozoa, Scleractinia) Reveals the Presence of Siderastrea stellata in the Gulf of Mexico.

The genus Siderastrea exhibits high levels of morphological variability. Some of its species share similar morphological characteristics with congeners, making their identification difficult. Siderastrea stellata has been reported as an intermediary of S. siderea and S. radians in the Brazilian reef ecosystem. In an earlier study conducted in Mexico, we detected Siderastrea colonies with morphological features that were not consistent with some siderastreid species previously reported in the Gulf of Mexico. Thus, we performed a combined morphological and molecular analysis to identify Siderastrea species boundaries from the Gulf of Mexico. Some colonies presented high morphologic variability, with characteristics that corresponded to Siderastrea stellata. Molecular analysis, using the nuclear ITS and ITS2 region, corroborated the morphological results, revealing low genetic variability between S. radians and S. stellata. Since the ITS sequences did not distinguish between Siderastrea species, we used the ITS2 region to differentiate S. stellata from S. radians. This is the first report of Siderastrea stellata and its variability in the Gulf of Mexico that is supported by morphological and molecular analyses.