Opiniones y experiencias de profesionales sanitarios en el manejo nutricional del paciente oncológico: estudio ONA / Opinions and experiences of healthcare professionals in the nutritional management of oncology patients: the ONA study

Objetivos: un abordaje inadecuado de la desnutrición en el paciente con cáncer puede conducir a un empeoramiento de su calidad de vida y una respuesta deficiente al tratamiento. El estudio ONA (Oncología, Nutrición y Adherencia) tiene como objetivo describir el manejo nutricional del paciente con cáncer en la práctica clínica, así como las opiniones de los profesionales sanitarios involucrados en el mismo. Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal dirigido a profesionales sanitarios españoles. El cuestionario online fue diseñado a partir de una revisión bibliográfica, un grupo focal de pacientes (n = 6) y un comité científico multidisciplinar (n = 5), y distribuido por las sociedades científicas que avalan el estudio. Resultados: de los 461 profesionales sanitarios participantes, el 95,0 % consideraron fundamental la figura del profesional sanitario con formación específica en nutrición, pero el 22,8 % no tenían acceso a ella y solo el 49,0 % habían recibido formación. El 58,4 % afirmaron realizar el cribado nutricional o derivar al paciente para este fin. El 86,6 % de los participantes indicaron que se informa al paciente sobre aspectos nutricionales y consideraron que este estaba moderadamente satisfecho con la información recibida. En caso de detectarse desnutrición o riesgo de desnutrición, los profesionales afirmaron realizar una evaluación nutricional completa (73,1 %) y, de necesitarse soporte nutricional, este se prescribiría/recomendaría (87,4 %), evaluándose la adherencia al mismo (86,8 %). Conclusiones: a pesar de que la desnutrición es un problema común en el paciente con cáncer, casi la mitad de los profesionales no realizan un cribado nutricional. Además, el proceso de información y evaluación de la adherencia nutricional es subóptimo (AU)

Objectives: an inadequate approach to prevent malnutrition in cancer patients may worsen their quality of life and reduce their response to treatment. This study aims to describe the nutritional management of cancer patients in clinical practice, as well as the opinions of the healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved. Methods: this was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study addressed to HCPs in the Spanish healthcare setting. The online questionnaire was designed based on a literature review, one focus group of patients (n = 6), and the experience of the multidisciplinary scientific committee (n = 5), and was distributed by the scientific societies endorsing the study. Results: a total of 461 HCPs answered the survey. Most of them considered that a nutrition expert (95.0 %) is essential for the nutritional management of patients. However, 22.8 % of HCPs did not have access to this expert, and only 49.0 % had received training. Nutritional screening or patient referral for screening was performed by 58.4 % of HCPs. Of the total of HCPs, 86.6 % stated that nutritional information is provided to patients and considered them moderately satisfied with the information received. In malnourished patients or in those at risk of malnutrition, a complete nutritional assessment was performed by HCPs (73.1 %). Most HCPs (87.4 %) reported prescribing or recommending nutritional support if needed, and assessing adherence (86.8 %). Conclusions: despite malnutrition being a common problem in cancer patients, almost half of professionals do not perform any nutritional screening. In addition, patient information and assessment of nutritional adherence appear to be suboptimal (AU)

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.

Molecular and hydrodynamic properties of human epidermal growth factor receptor HER2 extracellular domain and its homodimer: Experiments and multi-scale simulations.

BACKGROUND: In a broad range of human carcinomas gene amplification leads to HER2 overexpression, which has been proposed to cause spontaneous dimerization and activation in the absence of ligand. This makes HER2 attractive as a therapeutic target. However, the HER2 homodimerization mechanism remains unexplored. It has been suggested that the "back-to-back" homodimer does not form in solution. Notwithstanding, very recently the crystal structure of the HER2 extracellular domain homodimer formed with a "back-to-head" interaction has been resolved. We intend to explore the existence of such interactions. METHODS: A combination of experiments, molecular dynamics and hydrodynamic modeling were used to monitor the transport properties of HER2 in solution. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS: We have detected the HER2 extracellular domain homodimer in solution. The results show a high degree of molecular flexibility, which ultimately leads to quite higher values of the intrinsic viscosity and lower values of diffusion coefficient than those corresponding to globular proteins. This flexibility obeys to the open conformation of the receptor and to the large fluctuations of the different domains. We also report that for obtaining the correct hydrodynamic constants from the modeling one must consider the glycosylation of the systems. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Conformational features of epidermal growth factor receptors regulate their hydrodynamic properties and control their activity. It is essential to understand the dynamics of these systems and the role of the specific domains involved. To find biophysical correlations between dynamics and macroscopic transport properties is of general interest for researches working in this area. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Biochemistry of Synthetic Biology - Recent Developments" Guest Editor: Dr. Ilka Heinemann and Dr. Patrick O'Donoghue.

Fibroma asociado al tratamiento de disyunción maxilar / No disponible

Los fibromas son tumores benignos formados por tejido conectivo fibroso denso cubierto por un epitelio escamoso estratificado. Son una patología bastante frecuente, representando casi un 20% de las lesiones de la cavidad oral, aunque algunos autores afirman que su prevalencia es mucho menor, ya que los verdaderos fibromas son raros y lo que se observa en boca, frecuentemente, son hiperplasias fibrosas. Ambas lesiones, están estrechamente relacionadas y es muy difícil diferenciarlas1. En cuanto a la etiología, se atribuyen, principalmente, a causas traumáticas o diapnéusicas. En la literatura existen pocas publicaciones que relacionen tratamientos de ortodoncia y lesiones en la mucosa oral. Sin embargo, en la práctica clínica es bastante habitual observarlas, siendo las ulceraciones, inflamaciones gingivales, erosiones y contusiones, las lesiones halladas con más frecuencia2. Las hiperplasias de la mucosa oral suelen estar relacionadas con el arco utilizado en ortodoncia fija2,3 pero no hemos encontrado ninguna publicación que relacione los fibromas o hiperplasias fibrosas con aparatos de expansión maxilar. Clínicamente aparecen como una tumoración asintomática, dura y firme a la palpación, de crecimiento lento y con coloración similar a la mucosa sobre la que asienta1. Presentamos el caso de una niña, de 12 años de edad, con lesión papulosa en paladar duro, persistente desde hace 2 años y que según refiere tiene un lento, aunque constante, aumento de su tamaño. El diagnóstico clínico inicial es fibroma por irritación, pero se requiere diagnóstico diferencial, ya que la paciente tiene antecedentes cutáneos de papiloma. La observación macroscópica del tejido biopsiado describe un fragmento nodular blanquecino de 3 mm de diámetro. La anatomía patológica confirma el diagnóstico de presunción como fibroma, que se asocia al tratamiento ortodóncico que recibió la niña previamente a su aparición (Figuras 1 y 2). Dicho tratamiento consistió en un aparato de expansión maxilar (disyuntor de McNamara - Figura 3) asociado a otro de tracción anterior (máscara facial de uso nocturno). La duración del mismo fue de 12 meses, periodo durante el cual, bien el apoyo del tornillo de expansión del disyuntor o la presión negativa originada en la mucosa palatina por la deglución, produjeron el desarrollo del fibroma (AU)

No disponible

Factores que predicen el desarrollo de metástasis óseas por cáncer de próstata: recomendaciones de seguimiento y opciones terapéuticas / Factors that predict the development of bone metastases due to prostate cancer: Recommendations for follow-up and therapeutic options

Contexto: El cáncer de próstata representa un problema de salud pública en España y en el mundo occidental. En las fases avanzadas de la enfermedad la afectación ósea es prácticamente constante, asociada a una notable morbilidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión de los factores pronósticos utilizados en la práctica clínica habitual que predicen el desarrollo de metástasis óseas y analizar las opciones de seguimiento y tratamiento en estos perfiles de pacientes. Adquisición de evidencia: Realizamos una revisión de la literatura sobre los factores útiles en el contexto de terapia de intención curativa; incluimos los valores clínicos clásicos al diagnóstico (PSA, estadio clínico, Gleason de la biopsia) factores patológicos (estadio pT, márgenes, invasión de vesículas, volumen tumoral, afectación ganglionar) y la cinética de PSA en sus diferentes contextos, así como parámetros histológicos y moleculares. Síntesis de evidencia: El grado de diferenciación tumoral «Gleason» y el PSA son los factores predictivos más importantes en la predicción de metástasis óseas en pacientes con intención curativa. Factores cinéticos como TDPSA < 8 meses o PSA > 10 ng/ml en la situación de CPRC son factores predictivos de desarrollo de metástasis. El ácido zoledrónico y el denosumab han demostrado su efectividad para el tratamiento de la enfermedad ósea en estudios aleatorizados. Conclusiones: Existen factores predictivos dentro de la práctica clínica habitual que permiten reconocer el «paciente riesgo» para el desarrollo de enfermedad metastásica ósea. Los tratamientos actualmente disponibles, ácido zoledrónico o denosumab, pueden ayudarnos en el manejo de paciente con riesgo de desarrollo de metástasis o metastásico, aumentando la calidad de vida y disminuyendo los eventos esqueléticos

Context: Prostate cancer is a public health problem in Spain and in the Western world. Bone involvement, associated to significant morbidity, is practically constant in the advanced stages of the disease. This work aims to review the prognostic factors used in the usual clinical practice that predict the development of bone metastases and to analyze the follow-up and treatment option in these patient profiles. Acquiring of evidence: We performed a review of the literature on the useful factors in the context of therapy with intention to cure. We included the classical clinical values in the diagnosis (PSA, clinical stage, Gleason score on the biopsy) pathological factors (pT stage, margins, bladder invasion, tumor volume, lymph node involvement) and PSA kinetics in their different contexts and the histological and molecular parameters. Synthesis of evidence: The tumor differentiation «Gleason» score and PSA are the most important predictive factors in the prediction of bone metastases in patients with intention to cure. Kinetic factors such as PSA doubling time (TDPSA) < 8 months or PSA > 10 ng/ml in the case of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CPRC), are predictive factors for the development of metastasis. Zoledronic acid and denosumab have demonstrated their effectiveness for the treatment of bone disease in randomized studies. Conclusions: There are predictive factors within the usual clinical practice that make it possible to recognize the «patient at risk» to develop bone metastatic disease. The currently available treatments, zoledronic acid or denosumab, can help us in the management of the patient at risk of developing metastasis or metastatic patient, increasing the quality of life and decreasing skeletal events

Factors that predict the development of bone metastases due to prostate cancer: Recommendations for follow-up and therapeutic options.

CONTEXT: Prostate cancer is a public health problem in Spain and in the Western world. Bone involvement, associated to significant morbidity, is practically constant in the advanced stages of the disease. This work aims to review the prognostic factors used in the usual clinical practice that predict the development of bone metastases and to analyze the follow-up and treatment option in these patient profiles. ACQUIRING OF EVIDENCE: We performed a review of the literature on the useful factors in the context of therapy with intention to cure. We included the classical clinical values in the diagnosis (PSA, clinical stage, Gleason score on the biopsy) pathological factors (pT stage, margins, bladder invasion, tumor volume, lymph node involvement) and PSA kinetics in their different contexts and the histological and molecular parameters. SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE: The tumor differentiation "Gleason" score and PSA are the most important predictive factors in the prediction of bone metastases in patients with intention to cure. Kinetic factors such as PSA doubling time (TDPSA) < 8 months or PSA > 10 ng/ml in the case of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CPRC), are predictive factors for the development of metastasis. Zoledronic acid and denosumab have demonstrated their effectiveness for the treatment of bone disease in randomized studies. CONCLUSIONS: There are predictive factors within the usual clinical practice that make it possible to recognize the "patient at risk" to develop bone metastatic disease. The currently available treatments, zoledronic acid or denosumab, can help us in the management of the patient at risk of developing metastasis or metastatic patient, increasing the quality of life and decreasing skeletal events.

Correlación del cociente PSA complex/PSA total con el cociente PSA libre/PSA total, sensibilidad y especificidad de ambos marcadores para el diagnóstico del cáncer de prostata / Correlation between the Complex PSA/total PSA Ratio and the Free PSA/total PSA Ratio, Sensitivity and Specificity of Both Markers for the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

Objetivo: Comparamos el comportamiento del cociente PSA complex/PSA total porcentual (PSAc%) frente al cociente PSA libre/PSA total (PSAl%) y analizamos ambos marcadores en su utilidad para el diagnóstico del cáncer de próstata. Material y métodos: Se midieron los niveles de PSA total (PSAt), PSA libre (PSAl), PSA complex (PSAc), PSAl% y PSAc% en 158 pacientes. Noventa y ocho (62%) fueron biopsiados si presentaban PSAt ≥3 ng/dl y PSAl% < 20, PSAt > 10, tacto rectal sospechoso o nódulo ecográfico sospechoso. Se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal y de regresión Passing-Bablock. Se calcularon las curvas ROC para estudiar la sensibilidad y especificidad del PSAl% y PSAc% y se compararon entre ellas. Se analizaron los diagnósticos de cáncer de próstata por el PSAl% y el PSAc% aplicando el test χ2. Resultados: El coeficiente de correlación (r) fue bueno, 0,7447 (p < 0,0001) y el índice de determinación (r2) fue de 0,5. El resultado del análisis Passing-Bablock fue una pendiente de 1.658 (1.452 a 1.897) e intersección de 2.044 (−0,936 a 5.393). El punto de corte óptimo de PSAl%, ≤ 14.7854, mostró una sensibilidad del 89,29% (IC 95%; 0,642-0,823) y una especificidad del 54,29% (IC 95%; 0,642-0,823) y el punto de corte óptimo de PSAc%, > 89.7796, una sensibilidad del 71,43% (IC 95%; 0,616-0,802) y una especificidad del 71,43% (IC 95%; 0,616-0,802). No hubo diferencias significativas al comparar las áreas bajo la curva de ambos marcadores (p = 0,59). El VPP del PSAl% fue menor respecto al PSAc% (45,7% vs 71%). Conclusión: Existe una buena correlación entre el PSAl% y PSAc%. El PSAc% ha demostrado una mayor especificidad y eficacia que el PSAl% en el diagnóstico del cáncer de próstata (AU)

Objective: To compare the behaviour of the PSAcomplex/PSAtotal percentage (PSAc%) against the PSA free/PSA total (PSAl%) and analyse both markers for their usefulness in diagnosing prostate cancer. Material and methods: We measured total PSA (PSAt), free PSA (PSAl), complex PSA (PSAc), PSAl% and PSAc% levels in 158 patients. Of these, 98 (62%) were biopsied for presenting PSAt ≥3 ng/dl and PSAl% < 20, PSAt > 10, suspicious rectal examination or suspicious ultrasound node. We performed linear regression and Passing-Bablok regression analyses. The ROC curves were calculated to study the sensitivity and specificity of PSAl% and PSAc% and were compared to each other. The prostate cancer diagnoses were analysed by PSAl% and PSAc% by applying the χ2 test. Results: The correlation coefficient (r) was good (0.7447, P <0 .0001), and the index of determination (r2) was 0,5. The result of the Passing-Bablok analysis was a slope of 1.658 (1.452 to 1.897) and an intersection of 2.044 (−0,936 to 5.393). The optimal cutoff for PSAl% (≤ 14.7854) showed a sensitivity of 89.29% [95% CI, 0,642-0,823] and a specificity of 54.29% (95% CI, 0,642-0,823). The optimal cutoff for PSAc% (>89.7796) had a sensitivity of 71.43% (95% CI, 0,616-0,802) and a specificity of 71.43% (95% CI, 0,616-0,802). There were no significant differences when comparing the areas under the curve of both markers (P = 0.59). The PPV of PSAl% was less than that of PSAc% (45.7% vs. 71%). Conclusion: There was a good correlation between PSAl% and PSAc%. PSAc% has demonstrated greater specificity and efficacy than PSAl% in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (AU)

Correlation between the complex PSA/total PSA ratio and the free PSA/total PSA ratio, sensitivity and specificity of both markers for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the behaviour of the PSAcomplex/PSAtotal percentage (PSAc%) against the PSA free/PSA total (PSAl%) and analyse both markers for their usefulness in diagnosing prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We measured total PSA (PSAt), free PSA (PSAl), complex PSA (PSAc), PSAl% and PSAc% levels in 158 patients. Of these, 98 (62%) were biopsied for presenting PSAt≥3 ng/dl and PSAl%<20, PSAt>10, suspicious rectal examination or suspicious ultrasound node. We performed linear regression and Passing-Bablok regression analyses. The ROC curves were calculated to study the sensitivity and specificity of PSAl% and PSAc% and were compared to each other. The prostate cancer diagnoses were analysed by PSAl% and PSAc% by applying the χ(2) test. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient (r) was good (0.7447, P<.0001), and the index of determination (r(2)) was 0,5. The result of the Passing-Bablok analysis was a slope of 1.658 (1.452 to 1.897) and an intersection of 2.044 (-0,936 to 5.393). The optimal cutoff for PSAl% (≤14.7854) showed a sensitivity of 89.29% [95% CI, 0,642-0,823] and a specificity of 54.29% (95% CI, 0,642-0,823). The optimal cutoff for PSAc% (>89.7796) had a sensitivity of 71.43% (95% CI, 0,616-0,802) and a specificity of 71.43% (95% CI, 0,616-0,802). There were no significant differences when comparing the areas under the curve of both markers (P=.59). The PPV of PSAl% was less than that of PSAc% (45.7% vs. 71%). CONCLUSION: There was a good correlation between PSAl% and PSAc%. PSAc% has demonstrated greater specificity and efficacy than PSAl% in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Cloning and expression of ethylene receptor ERS1 at various developmental and ripening stages of mango fruit.

Ethylene induces characteristic ripening reactions in climacteric fruits through its binding to histidine-kinase (HK) receptors, activating the expression of ripening genes. Ethylene receptors have been found in Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) and some fruits; number and expression patterns differ among species. In mango, only ethylene receptor ETR1 was known. We cloned ERS1 cDNA from mango, and evaluated the expression of Mi-ERS1 and Mi-ETR1 by qPCR in developmental and ripening stages of this fruit. The Mi-ERS1 coding sequence is 1890 bp long and encodes 629 amino acids, similar to ERS1 from other fruits. Also, the amino acid sequence of ERS1 C-terminal HK domain shows the cognate fold after molecular modeling. Mi-ERS1 expression levels increased as mangoes ripened, showing the highest levels at the climacteric stage, while Mi-ETR1 levels did not change during development and ripening. We conclude that the patterns of expression of Mi-ERS1 and Mi-ETR1 differ in mango fruit.

[Effectiveness and tolerability of zoledronic acid in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer]. / Efectividad y tolerabilidad del acido zoledrónico en el tratamiento del cancer de próstata metastásico.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of zoledronic acid in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases at the hormone-sensitive (HS) and hormone-independent (HI) stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationwide, observational, prospective, open and multi-centre trial was devised, with a total of 218 male patients diagnosed with prostate cancer at the HS stage (36%) or HI stage (64%) who were administered zoledronic acid (4 mg/IV/month for 6 months) in addition to their specific oncological treatment. Effectiveness was assessed by the following means: 1) Assessment of the improvement in pain and mobility; 2) Incidence and time to onset of skeletal-related events (SREs) and 3) Analysis of bone markers. Tolerability was assessed by means of registering the number and type of adverse effects. A satisfaction survey was carried out amongst the patients after the end of the trial. RESULTS: Out of the 218 patients, 170 (78%) were evaluable for effectiveness. A decrease in pain ratings at rest and during movement was observed in all patients, whether in the HS or HI groups (p < 0.0001). Improved mobility was observed likewise (p = 0.005), as was quality of life. The global incidence of skeletal events was 11.2%, with a time to onset of SREs of 10.7 months. There were no significant differences observed between HS vs. HI patients. Osteolysis markers (N-telopeptide) decreased significantly with the treatment across both the HS and HI groups. For safety reasons. 212 patients were evaluable (97.2%). The incidence of adverse drug reactions was 16% (34/212) and was found to be significantly higher in HS patients (22.4%) compared with HI patients (11.9%). Overall, the tolerability of zoledronic acid was good, with no significant morbidity in either group (HS and HI). 66% of the patients reported feeling satisfied or very satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Zoledronic acid proved effective in the relief of pain, improving mobility and quality of life as well as reducing or delaying the occurrence of skeletal-related events in prostate cancer patients presenting metastatic bone disease, regardless of the phase, whether HS or HI, they found themselves in. Tolerability and patient satisfaction were rates as good.

Efectividad y tolerabilidad del ácido zoledrónico en el tratamiento del cancer de próstata metastásico / Effectiveness and tolerability oz zoledronic acid in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer

Objetivos: Evaluar la efectividad y tolerabilidad del ácido zoledrónico en pacientes con cáncer de próstata y metástasis óseas en fase hormono sensible (HS) y hormono independiente (HI). Material y Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de ámbito nacional, observacional, prospectivo, abierto, y multicéntrico, Se incluyeron un total de 218 varones diagnosticados de cáncer de próstata en fase HS (36%) o HI (64%) que recibieron, además del tratamiento oncológico específico, ácido zoledrónico (4 mg/IV/mes durante 6 meses). Se evaluó la efectividad mediante: 1) Evaluación de la mejoría del dolor y movilidad; 2) Incidencia y tiempo de aparición de eventos esqueléticos (TEE); y 3) Análisis de marcadores óseos. La tolerabilidad se estudió registrando el número y tipo de efectos adversos. Se realizó una encuesta de satisfacción al paciente tras finalizar el tratamiento. Resultados: De los 218 pacientes, 170 (78%) fueron evaluables para efectividad. En todos ellos, ya fueran del grupo HS o HI, se observó una disminución de la puntuación del dolor en reposo y en movimiento (p<0,0001), una mejora en la movilidad (p=0,005), y en la calidad de vida. La incidencia global de eventos esqueléticos fue del 11,2%, con un TEE de 10,7 meses. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los pacientes HS respecto a los HI. Los marcadores de osteolisis (N-telopéptido) descendieron significativamente con el tratamiento, tanto en los HS como HI. Para seguridad fueron evaluables 212 pacientes (97,2%). La incidencia de las reacciones adversas fue del 16% (34/212), siendo significativamente mayor en los pacientes HS (22,4%) con respecto a los HI (11,9%). Globalmente la tolerabilidad al ácido zoledrónico fue buena, sin morbilidad significativa entre ambos grupos (HS y HI).Un 66% de los pacientes contestaron sentirse satisfechos o muy satisfechos. Conclusiones: El ácido zoledrónico se mostró eficaz para aliviar el dolor, mejorar la movilidad y aumentar la calidad de vida y reducir o retrasarlos eventos esqueléticos en los pacientes con cáncer de próstata con enfermedad ósea metastásica sintomática, independientemente de la fase, HSo HI en que se encuentren. La tolerabilidad y la satisfacción de los pacientes fue buena (AU)

Objetives: To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of zoledronic acid in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases at the hormone-sensitive (HS) and hormone-independent (HI) stages. Materials and Methods: A nationwide, observational, prospective, open and multi-centre trial was devised, with a total of 218 male patients diagnosed with prostate cancer at the HS stage (36%) or HI stage (64%) who were administered zoledronic acid (4 mg/IV/month for 6 months) in addition to their specific oncological treatment. Effectiveness was assessed by the following means: 1) Assessment of the improvement in pain and mobility; 2) Incidence and time to onset of skeletal-related events (SREs) and 3) Analysis of bone markers. Tolerability was assessed by means of registering the number and type of adverse effects. A satisfaction survey was carried out amongst the patients after the end of the trial. Results: Out of the 218 patients, 170 (78%) were evaluable for effectiveness. A decrease in pain ratings at rest and during movement was observed in all patients, whether in the HS or HI groups (p<0,0001). Improved mobility was observed likewise (p=0,005), as was quality of life. The global incidence of skeletal events was 11.2%, with a time to onset of SREs of 10.7 months. There were no significant differences observed between HS vs. HI patients. Osteolysis markers (N-telopeptide) decreased significantly with the treatment across both the HS and HI groups. For safety reasons, 212 patients were evaluable (97.2%). The incidence of adverse drug reactions was 16% (34/212) and was found to be significantly higher in HS patients (22.4%) compared with HI patients (11.9%). Overall, the tolerability of zoledronic acid was good, with no significant morbidity in either group (HS and HI). 66% of the patients reported feeling satisfied or very satisfied. Conclusions: Zoledronic acid proved effective in the relief of pain, improving mobility and quality of life as well as reducing or delaying the occurrence of skeletal-related events in prostate cancer patients presenting metastatic bone disease, regardless of the phase, whether HS or HI, they found themselves in. Tolerability and patient satisfaction were rates as good (AU)

Grupos de ayuda mutua en el duelo: eficacia y perspectivas / Mutual help groups in mourning: efficiency and perspectives

Con el objetivo determinar el grado de eficacia del acompañamiento terapéutico a personas en duelo en grupos de ayuda mutua, realizamos un estudio de una población de 44 personas en duelo, distribuidas en siete grupos de ayuda mutua, coordinados por un experto. Partiendo de una evaluación personal del duelo de cada participante, hemos hecho un seguimiento de la evolución de las personas a lo largo de diez sesiones de acompañamiento de ayuda a la elaboración del duelo. El estudio cualitativo de los resultados autoriza a concluir lo siguiente: todas las personas de la población en estudio se benefician considerablemente de la elaboración del duelo en grupo. Una gran mayoría realiza progresos significativos en términos de mejora de síntomas, expresión y manejo de emociones asociadas a la pérdida; disminución considerable de sentimientos de culpa y reproches; incremento de la actividad y de las ocasiones de goce y disfrute de la vida; aceptación progresiva de la ausencia del ser querido y asunción de nuevos roles en su medio junto con una progresiva vuelta a la normalidad en sus relaciones sociales. Estos avances hacia la normalidad son más modestos en un porcentaje que se sitúa en torno a un diez por ciento de la muestra en estudio, siendo estas personas las que mostraban una vulnerabilidad mayor anterior a la pérdida, bien por una estructura de personalidad más débil, bien por un estilo de relación con el fallecido de tipo dependiente y con límites poco definidos entre el yo-tú. Constatamos, así mismo, que resulta beneficioso combinar estrategias de aceptación incondicional que favorezcan la autoexpresión de los participantes y su implicación en el grupo con tareas y técnicas activas que favorezcan la generalización y consolidación de los progresos en la aceptación de la pérdida, el automanejo emotivo y el compromiso con las demandas vitales de cada uno

In order to determine the grade of efficiency of therapeutical assistance to people in mourning in mutual help groups, we have carried out a study on a group of 44 people in mourning. They were divided in seven mutual help groups which were coordinated by an expert. We have carried out a personal evaluation of each participant’s mourning throughout ten sessions of mourning guidance. The study of the results leads to the following conclusions: all the people involved in the study are substantially benefit from participating in mourning help groups. A vast majority of the participants experiment a significant progress in their symptoms as well as in how they express and deal with the emotions associated with their loss. They also experiment a considerable decrease of their feelings of guilt and reproach, and an increase in their activity and in the occasions of enjoyment of life. We have also noticed a progressive acceptance of the absence of the loved one as well as the assumption of new roles within their environment, which leads to the normalization of their social relationships. All these improvements towards normality seem to be more modest in ten per cent of the people participating in this study. These people showed more vulnerability, which can be explained by a weaker personality structure, or by the kind of relationship they had with the deceased, characterized by dependence and few or no limits between the self and the other. Likewise, we have verified the benefit of combining strategies of unconditional acceptance –which are favourable to the participants’ self-expression and their involvement in the group– with active tasks and techniques which favour the generalization and consolidation of the improvements they have reached in the acceptance of the loss, the emotional self-control and the compromise with each one’s vital demands

Consensus Statement on the Management of Paediatric Asthma

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Consenso sobre tratamiento del asma en Pediatría / Consensus on the treatment of asthma in pediatrics

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[Age's influence in superficial bladder cancer's behaviour]. / Influencia de la edad en el comportamiento de los carcinomas uroteliales superficiales.

INTRODUCTION: Transitional bladder cancer is infrequent in younger people. The tumor's aggressiveness in this population is subject of discussion. We present our experience. MATERIAL & METHOD: 551 primary tumors, with at least one year of follow-up. Group A (less than 41 years old), Group B (bigger than 40 years old). We compare, stage, grade, lymphatic permeation, multiplicity, recurrence, progression, sex, T.L.E. (time free of disease), volume. We do uni and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 17 tumors in younger than 41 years (2.1%). The recurrence rate is 11.8% in Group A and 36% in Group B (p .041). Progression rate: 0% in A and 4.1% in B (p .253). In Group A, T1 tumors (13.3% vs. 39%), G2 tumors (0% vs. 36.7%); withouts in lymphatic permeation (0% vs. 35%) and solitary tumors (13.3% vs. 35.3%) have statistically less recurrence. In univariate analysis we appreciate statistical differences in relation with grade (p .002) and sex (p .011). In multivariate analysis, stage, "group of age" and prophylactic treatment are independent variables for recurrence, and grade for progression. CONCLUSIONS: In younger than 41 years old: Less pathologic aggressivity (0% G3); Group of age is independent prognostic variable for recurrence, but not p for progression, despite a "less aggressive behaviour": 11.8% recurrence, 0% progression; T.L.E. bigger (one year more); Higher incidence in women (41% vs. 11%); Less recurrence in T1 tumors (13.3% vs. 39%), G2 tumors (0% vs. 36.7%) and solitary tumors (13.3% vs. 35.32%).

Influencia de la edad en el comportamiento de los carcinomas uroteliales superficiales / Age's influence in superficial bladder cancer's behaviour

Introducción: El carcinoma urotelial de vejiga es infrecuente en la población joven. Existe debate sobre la menor o igual agresividad de estos tumores en esta población. Presentamos nuestra experiencia. Material y método: 551 tumores primarios, todos con seguimiento superior a un año salvo recidiva. Dividimos la serie en dos grupos: menores de 41 años (grupo A) y mayores de 40 años (Grupo B). Comparamos: estadio, grado, permeación linfática, multiplicidad, recidiva, progresión, sexo, T.L.E. (tiempo libre de enfermedad), volumen tumoral. Realizamos análisis estadístico uni y multivariado de las variables Resultados: 17 tumores en menores de 41 años (31 años). T.L.E. 54 meses en el Grupo A y 39 en el grupo B (p .028) Recidivan el 11,8% del Grupo A y el 36% del grupo B (p .041) Progresan el 0% del A y el 4,1% del B (p .253) En el Grupo A los tumores T1 (13,3% frente a 39%), los tumores G2 (0% frente a 36,7%); sin permeación linfática (0% frente a 35%) y los tumores únicos (13,3% frente a 35,3%) recidivan significativamente menos. En el estudio univariado apreciamos diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto a grado (p .002), sexo (p .011) En el multivariado son variables independientes para recidiva el estadio, “Grupo de Edad”, el realizar tto. profiláctico con BCG. Para progresión sólo el grado tiene valor pronóstico independiente. Conclusiones: En los menores de 41 años: - Menor agresividad histológica (0% G3) - La edad es un factor pronóstico independiente de recidiva pero no de progresión a pesar de un comportamiento menos “agresivo”: - 11,8% de recidiva - 0% progresión - T.L.E. mayor (un año más) - Mayor incidencia en mujeres (41% frente 11%) - Menor recidiva de los tumores T1 (13,3% frente a 39%), los tumores G2 (0% frente a 36,7%) y los tumores únicos (13,3% frente a 35,32%)

Introduction: Transitional bladder cancer is infrequent in younger people. The tumor´s agresiveness in this poulation is subject of discussion.. We present our experience. Material & method: 551primary tumors, with at least one year of follow-up. Group A (less than 41 years old), Group B (bigger than 40 years old). We compare, stage, grade, lymphatic permeation, multiplicity, recurrence, progression, sex, T.L.E. (time free of disease), volume. We do uni and multivariate analysis. Results: 17 tumors in youngers than 41 years (2,1%) The recurrence rate is 11,8% in Group A and 36% in Group B (p .041) Progresión rate: 0% in A and 4,1% in B (p .253) In Group A, T1 tumors T1 (13,3% vs. 39%), G2 tumors (0% vs. 36,7%); withoutsin lymphatic permeation (0% vs a 35%) and solitary tumors (13,3% vs. 35,3%) have statistically less recurrence In univariate analysis we apreciate statitsticaly differences in relation with grade (p .002) and sex (p .011). In multivariate analysis, stage, “group of age” and prophylactic treatment are independent variables for recurrence, and grade for progression Conclusions: In youngers than 41 years old: - Less patologic agressivity (0% G3) - Group of age is independent prognostic variable for recurrence, but not pfor progression, despite a “less agressive behaviour”: - 11,8% recurrence - 0% progression - T.L.E. bigger (one year more) - Higher incidence in women (41% vs. 11%) - Less recurrence in T1 tumors (13,3% vs. 39%), G2 tumors (0% vs 36,7%) and solitary tumors (13,3% vs 35,32%)