Prediction model for spontaneous preterm birth less than 32 weeks of gestation in low-risk women with mid-trimester short cervical length: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: A short cervix in mid-trimester pregnancy is a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth. However, there is currently a lack of predictive models and classification systems for predicting spontaneous preterm birth in these patients, especially those without additional risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study of low-risk singleton pregnant women with a short cervix (≤ 25 mm) measured by transvaginal ultrasonography between 22 and 24 weeks was conducted. A multivariate logistic regression model for spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks in low-risk pregnant women with a short cervix was constructed. Moreover, we developed a nomogram to visualize the prediction model and stratified patients into three risk groups (low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups) based on the total score obtained from the nomogram model. RESULTS: Between 2020 and 2022, 213 low-risk women with a short cervix in mid-trimester pregnancy were enrolled in the study. Univariate logistic analysis revealed that a high body mass index, a history of three or more miscarriages, multiparity, a short cervical length, leukocytosis, and an elevated C-reactive protein level were associated with spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks, but multivariate analysis revealed that multiparity (OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.13-9.68), leukocytosis (OR, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.24-12.61) and a short cervical length (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82-0.94) were independent predictors of sPTB < 32 weeks. The model incorporating these three predictors displayed good discrimination and calibration, and the area under the ROC curve of this model was as high as 0.815 (95% CI, 0.700-0.931). Patients were stratified into low- (195 patients), intermediate- (14 patients) and high-risk (4 patients) groups according to the model, corresponding to patients with scores ≤ 120, 121-146, and > 146, respectively. The predicted probabilities of spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks for these groups were 6.38, 40.62, and 71.88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A noninvasive and efficient model to predict the occurrence of spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks in low-risk singleton pregnant women with a short cervix and a classification system were constructed in this study and can provide insight into the optimal management strategy for patients with different risk stratifications according to the score chart.

Disproportionate preponderance of HPV genotypes associated with anogenital warts among HIV-positive MSM.

Background: In this study, we characterized the HPV genotype distribution in a population of 489 adults already positive for HPV DNA. The study population was divided into two groups: 244 HIV-positive (HIV+) men who have sex with men (MSM) undergoing routine anal screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and 245 women undergoing routine cervical cancer screening. Acknowledging the fact that women and MSM represent two independent circles of sexual practices, which are-largely-exclusive of each other, we were interested in determining if particular genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) disproportionately predominate in one of these circles compared to the other. Results: HIV+ MSM are significantly more likely to be infected with multiple genotypes at a time, with an odds ratio (OR) of 9.30 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.91-22.1) and a p-value of <0.001. In addition, multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that anal swab samples were significantly more likely to harbor lrHPV infections, with an OR of 6.67 (95% CI: 2.42-18.4) and a p-value of <0.001, in particular, HPV 6, with an OR of 8.92 (95% CI: 3.84-20.7) compared to cervical samples of screening women. Conclusion: Given the significant impact of recurrent anogenital warts (AGWs) on quality of life and the accompanying predisposition to invasive anal cancer, our data underscore the critical need for HPV vaccination. This includes expanding vaccination eligibility to include both boys and adults within high-risk populations.

Low doses of ionising radiation: definitions and contexts.

The term 'low dose' is applied to different levels of dose depending on the circumstances of exposure, with the potential for confusion unless the reasoning is clear. The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Ionising Radiation has defined low absorbed doses of ionising radiation as below about 100 mGy, and low dose rates as below 0.1 mGy min-1 (6 mGy h-1). These values relate to the interpretation of scientific evidence from epidemiological and biological studies. The International Commission on Radiological Protection has used similar values of 100 mSv and 5 mSv h-1 and applied this categorisation directly to the specific situation of patients undergoing diagnostic procedures: doses below 100 mSv were referred to as 'low' and doses below 10 mSv as 'very low'. Consideration of other exposure situations suggest that the same terms can be used for exposures received by emergency workers. However, for workers and members of the public in planned exposure situations, it is suggested that the term 'low dose' applies to doses below 10 mSv and 1 mSv, respectively - that is, below the dose limits. In each case, dose is being used as a surrogate for risk - risks at low doses are uncertain and estimates may change, but order of magnitude considerations are sufficient in most cases. Doses of < 100 mSv, < 10 mSv and < 1 mSv correspond to life-time cancer risk estimates of the order of < 10-2, < 10-3 and < 10-4, respectively. .

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement is Ready for Most Low-risk Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has undergone rapid expansion, emerging as a viable therapeutic option for low-risk patients in lieu of surgical aortic valve replacement. This paper aims to provide a review of the scientific evidence concerning TAVR in low-risk patients, encompassing both observational and clinical trial data. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of low-risk patients possesses a bicuspid aortic valve, necessitating careful examination of the pertinent anatomic and clinical considerations to TAVR that is highlighted in this review. Additionally, the review expands upon some of the unique challenges associated with alternate access in low-risk patients evaluated for TAVR. Last, this review outlines the pivotal role of a multidisciplinary heart team approach in the execution of all TAVR procedures and the authors' vision of 'minimalist TAVR' as a new era in low-risk TAVR.

Assessing Public-Reported Perceptions of Low-Risk Hand Surgery Provided in the Office Versus an Ambulatory Surgery Center: Survey Study.

Purpose: There is growing evidence for the safety of wide-awake, office-based, low-risk hand surgery. However, there is limited insight into patient receptiveness to these procedures. Here, we evaluate the public perceptions and degree of tolerance of low-risk, office-based hand surgery. Methods: A prospective study was performed using a 26-question, paid survey via a clinically validated, public, online marketplace. Participants were divided based on (pre-education) perceptions of in-office hand surgery into three cohorts as follows: in-office surgery (IOS), no in-office surgery, or no preference (NP). Educational material was then presented comparing three surgical settings and anesthetic types. Then, participants selected their setting/anesthetic preferences for the following four procedures: trigger finger release, cyst excision, carpal tunnel release, and distal radius fracture. Statistical analyses with unpaired t tests and chi-square tests were performed. P < .05 was significant. Results: There were 509 respondents-266 in the IOS group, 104 in the no in-office surgery group, and 139 in the NP group. Previous outpatient surgery was most frequent in the IOS cohort. In-office surgery and NP cohorts were more likely to believe that surgical procedures could be performed in the clinic setting. The remaining demographics were similar across cohorts. After reviewing the education graphic, 50 of the 139 in the NP group switched to prefer IOS. For procedure-specific questioning, 40.6% (207/509) were amenable to in-office trigger finger release and 58.3% (297/509) for cyst excision, unlike more invasive procedures (carpal tunnel release: 25.6% (130/509); distal radius fracture: 9.8% (50/509). The most influential factors determining surgical location were comfort during the procedure and total encounter time. The IOS group favored location to be at the surgeon's discretion more than the no in-office surgery group. Conclusions: In-office, low-risk, hand surgery appears desirable to select patients. If presented with the option for in-office trigger finger release or cyst excision, approximately 40.6% (207/509) and 58.3% (297/509), respectively, may be amenable to IOS. Type of study/level of evidence: Prospective IB.

Aortic valve replacement versus conservative treatment in asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis: long-term follow-up of the AVATAR trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The question of when and how to treat truly asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function is still subject to debate and ongoing research. Here, the results of extended follow-up of the AVATAR trial are reported (NCT02436655, clinical trials.gov). METHODS: The AVATAR trial randomly assigned patients with severe, asymptomatic AS and LV ejection fraction ≥50% to undergo either early surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) or conservative treatment with watchful waiting strategy. All patients had negative exercise stress testing. The primary hypothesis was that early AVR will reduce a primary composite endpoint comprising all-cause death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke or unplanned hospitalization for heart failure (HF), as compared to conservative treatment strategy. RESULTS: A total of 157 low-risk patients (mean age 67 years, 57% men, mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 1.7%) were randomly allocated to either early AVR group (n=78) or conservative treatment group (n=79). In an intention-to-treat analysis, after a median follow-up of 63 months, the primary composite endpoint outcome event occurred in 18/78 patients (23.1%) in the early surgery group and in 37/79 patients (46.8%) in the conservative treatment group (hazard ratio [HR] early surgery vs. conservative treatment 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.73, p=0.002). The Kaplan-Meier estimates for individual endpoints of all-cause death and HF hospitalization were significantly lower in the early surgery compared with the conservative group (HR 0.44; 95% CI 0.23-0.85, p=0.012 for all-cause death, and HR 0.21; 95% CI 0.06-0.73, p=0.007 for HF hospitalizations). CONCLUSIONS: The extended follow-up of the AVATAR trial demonstrates better clinical outcomes with early surgical AVR in truly asymptomatic patients with severe AS and normal LV ejection fraction compared with patients treated with conservative management on watchful waiting. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02436655 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Racial inequities in cesarean use among high- and low-risk deliveries: An analysis of childbirth hospitalizations in New Jersey from 2000 to 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To examine racial inequities in low-risk and high-risk (or "medically appropriate") cesarean delivery rates in New Jersey during the era surrounding the United States cesarean surge and peak. STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN: This retrospective repeated cross-sectional study examined the universe of childbirth hospitalizations in New Jersey from January 1, 2000 through September 30, 2015. We estimate the likelihood of cesarean delivery by maternal race and ethnicity, with mixed-level logistic regression models, stratified by cesarean risk level designated by the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM). DATA SOURCES AND ANALYTIC SAMPLE: We used all-payer hospital discharge data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's State Inpatient Discharge Database and linked this data to the American Hospital Association Annual Survey. ZIP-code Tabulation Area (ZCTA)-level racialized economic segregation index data were from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey. We identified 1,604,976 statewide childbirth hospitalizations using International Classification of Diseases-9-CM (ICD-9) diagnosis and procedure codes and Diagnosis-Related Group codes, and created an indicator of cesarean delivery using ICD-9 codes. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Among low-risk deliveries, Black patients, particularly those in the age group of 35-39 years, had higher predicted probabilities of giving birth via cesarean than White people in the same age categories (Black-adjusted predicted probability = 24.0%; vs. White-adjusted predicted probability = 17.3%). Among high-risk deliveries, Black patients aged 35 to 39 years had a lower predicted probability (by 2.7 percentage points) of giving birth via cesarean compared with their White counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: This study uncovered a lack of medically appropriate cesarean delivery for Black patients, with low-risk Black patients at higher odds of cesarean delivery and high-risk Black patients at lower odds of cesarean than their White counterparts. The significant Black-White inequities highlight the need to address misalignment of evidence-based cesarean delivery practice in the efforts to improve maternal health equity. Quality metrics that track whether cesareans are provided when medically needed may contribute to clinical and policy efforts to prevent disproportionate maternal morbidity and mortality among Black patients.

MRI characteristics predict risk of pathological upgrade in patients with ISUP grade group 1 prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyse multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) characteristics of patients diagnosed with ISUP grade group (GG) 1 prostate cancer (PC) on initial target plus systematic MRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsy and investigate histopathological progression during follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective single-centre cohort analysis was conducted on consecutive patients with mpMRI visible lesions (PI-RADS ≥ 3) and detection of ISUP-1-PC at the time of initial biopsy. The study assessed clinical, mpMRI, and histopathological parameters. Subcohorts were analysed with (1) patients who had confirmed ISUP-1-PC and (2) patients who experienced histopathological upgrading to ISUP ≥ 2 PC during follow-up either at re-biopsy or radical prostatectomy (RP). RESULTS: A total of 156 patients (median age 65 years) between March 2014 and August 2021 were included. Histopathological upgrading to ISUP ≥ 2 was detected in 55% of patients during a median follow-up of 9.5 months (IQR 2.2-16.4). When comparing subgroups with an ISUP upgrade and sustained ISUP 1 PC, they differed significantly in contact length of the index lesion to the pseudocapsule, ADC value, PI-RADS category, and the MRI grading group (mGG) (p < 0.05). In the ISUP GG ≥ 2 subgroup, 91% of men had PI-RADS category 4 or 5 and 82% exhibited the highest mGG (mGG3). In multivariate analysis, mGG was the only independent parameter for predicting ISUP ≥ 2-PC in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: MRI reveals important information about PC aggressiveness and should be incorporated into clinical decision-making when ISUP-1-PC is diagnosed. In cases of specific MRI characteristics adverse to the histopathology, early re-biopsy might be considered. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In cases with clear MRI characteristics for clinically significant prostate cancer (e.g., mGG 3 and/or PI-RADS 5, cT3, or clear focal PI-RADS 4 lesions on MRI) and ISUP GG 1 PC diagnosed on initial prostate biopsy, MRI findings should be incorporated into clinical decision-making and early re-biopsy (e.g., within 6 months) might be considered. KEY POINTS: MRI reveals important information about prostate cancer (PC) aggressiveness. MRI should be incorporated into clinical decision-making when ISUP GG 1 PC is diagnosed on initial prostate biopsy. In cases of specific MRI characteristics adverse to the histopathology, early re-biopsy might be considered.

Severe adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes according to the planned birth setting being midwife-led birth centers or obstetric-led units.

INTRODUCTION: The establishment of midwife-led birth centers (MLBCs) is still being debated. The study aimed to compare severe adverse outcomes and mode of birth in low-risk women according to their birth planned in MLBCs or in obstetric-led units (OUs) in France. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used nationwide databases to select low-risk women at the start of care in labor in MLBCs (n = 1294) and in OUs (n = 5985). Using multilevel logistic regression, we compared severe adverse maternal and neonatal morbidity as a composite outcome and as individual outcomes. These include severe postpartum hemorrhage (≥1000 mL of blood loss), obstetrical anal sphincter injury, maternal admission to an intensive care unit, maternal death, a 5-minute Apgar score <7, neonatal resuscitation at birth, neonatal admission to an intensive care unit, and stillbirth or neonatal death. We also studied the mode of birth and the role of prophylactic administration of oxytocin at birth in the association between birth settings and severe postpartum hemorrhage. RESULTS: Severe adverse maternal and neonatal outcome indicated a slightly higher rate in women in MLBCs compared to OUs according to unadjusted analyses (4.6% in MLBCs vs. 3.4% in OUs; cOR 1.36; 95%CI [1.01-1.83]), but the difference was not significant between birth settings after adjustment (aOR 1.37 [0.92-2.05]). Severe neonatal morbidity alone was not different (1.7% vs. 1.6%; aOR 1.17 [0.55-2.47]). However, severe maternal morbidity was significantly higher in MLBCs than in OUs (3.0% vs. 1.9%; aOR 1.61 [1.09-2.39]), mainly explained by higher risks of severe postpartum hemorrhage (2.4 vs. 1.1%; aOR 2.37 [1.29-4.36]), with 2 out of 5 in MLBCs partly explained by the low use of prophylactic oxytocin. Cesarean and operative vaginal births were significantly decreased in women with a birth planned in MLBCs. CONCLUSIONS: In France, 3 to 4% of low-risk women experienced a severe adverse maternal or neonatal outcome regardless of the planned birth setting. Results were favorable for MLBCs in terms of mode of birth but not for severe postpartum hemorrhage, which could be partly addressed by revising practices of prophylactic administration of oxytocin.

Temporal Trends in Patient Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of TAVR: Over a Decade of Practice.

Background/Objective: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is indicated for severe aortic stenosis patients with a prohibitive surgical risk. However, its use has been expanding in recent years to include intermediate- and low-risk patients. Thus, registry data describing changes in patient characteristics and outcomes are needed. The aim of this study was to analyse the temporal changes in patient profiles and clinical outcomes of all-comer TAVR. Methods: Baseline characteristics and VARC-3 outcomes of 1632 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR between 2008 and 2021 were analysed. Results: The annual rate of TAVR increased from 30 procedures in 2008-2009 to 398 in 2020-2021. Over the follow-up period, patient age decreased from 85 ± 4 to 80 ± 6.8 (p < 0.001) and the STS score decreased from 5.9% to 2.8% (p < 0.001). Procedural characteristics significantly changed, representing a shift into a minimally invasive approach: adoption of local anaesthesia (none to 48%, p < 0.001) and preference of transfemoral access (74% in 2011-2012 vs. 94.5% in 2020-2021, p < 0.001). The rates of almost all procedural complications decreased, including major vascular and bleeding complications, acute kidney injury (AKI) and in-hospital heart failure. There was a striking decline in rates of complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) and the need for a permanent pacemaker (PPM). PPM rates, however, remain high (17.8%). Thirty-day and one-year mortality significantly declined to 1.8% and 8.3%, respectively. Multivariable analysis shows that AKI, bleeding and stroke are strong predictors of one-year mortality (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The TAVR procedure has changed dramatically during the last 14 years in terms of patient characteristics, procedural aspects and device maturity. These shifts have led to improved procedural safety, contributing to improved short- and long-term patient outcomes.

Long-term brain structural and cognitive outcomes in a low-risk preterm-born sample.

Prematurity has been related to altered brain structure and cognition, and so our aim was to describe them in the absence of major structural brain injury following low-risk preterm birth during adolescence and young adulthood. The sample consisted of 250 participants, 132 of whom were low-risk preterm (30-36 weeks' gestational age) and 118 were full-term individuals (37-42 weeks' gestational age), aged between 16 and 38 years old. All participants underwent an extensive neuropsychological assessment. T1- and diffusion-weighted MRI images of 33 low-risk preterm and 31 full-term young adults (20-32 years old) were analyzed. No differences were found in terms of general cognitive functioning score or current socioeconomic status; however, the low-risk preterm group obtained lower scores in phonetic and semantic fluencies, and theory of mind. Significant reductions were identified in the thalamus volume as well as thicker cortex in the inferior temporal gyrus in the low-risk preterm group. Low-risk preterm young adults evidenced greater regional AD and MD compared to the full-term sample; while low-risk preterm group showed lower mean NDI and ODI (FWE-corrected, p < 0.05). Being born preterm is associated with poorer performance in various cognitive domains (i.e., phonetic and semantic fluencies, and theory of mind) later in life, along with differences in normative structural brain development in inferior temporal gyrus and regional white matter microstructure.

Impact of high-risk and low-risk human papillomavirus infections on the male genital tract: effects on semen inflammation and sperm quality.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, comprises high-risk (HR-HPV) and low-risk (LR-HPV) viruses, the former posing a high risk for developing malignancies whereas the latter mainly for benign warts. Despite increasing awareness of HPV's impact on men's health, the influence of HR-HPV and LR-HPV urogenital infections on male fertility potential remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate whether male urogenital infection with HR- or LR-HPV associates with impaired sperm quality, oxidative stress, and inflammation. A total of 205 male patients attending an urology clinic were enrolled. Semen samples were analyzed for HPV using PCR and genotyped by RFLP. Semen quality was evaluated following WHO guidelines. Semen leukocytes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and sperm viability were analyzed using flow cytometry. HPV was detected in 19% (39/205) of semen samples. HR-HPV infections were more prevalent, with HPV-16 being the most frequent genotype. Neither HR-HPV nor LR-HPV were associated with significant alterations in routine sperm quality parameters. However, HR-HPV+ individuals showed significantly higher levels of sperm necrosis and exhibited increased proportions of ROS+ spermatozoa compared to LR-HPV+ or control individuals. Furthermore, no significant semen inflammation was detected in patients infected with either HR-HPV or LR-HPV, and unexpectedly reduced semen leukocytes and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1ß) were observed in HR-HPV+ patients compared to controls. These observations underscore the importance of comprehensive HPV screening, including genotyping, in urology and fertility clinics to understand the progression of the infection, potential adverse effects on reproductive health, and the oncogenic risks involved.

Long-Term Outcome of Patients with Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Treated with Total Thyroidectomy Alone.

BACKGROUND: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), mainly papillary (PTC), at low risk of recurrence is currently managed with active surveillance strategies or less aggressive surgeries. However, total thyroidectomy with 131I treatment is still performed both if these tumors are diagnosed before or occasionally after surgery. This real-life study aimed to evaluate the rate of biochemical, structural, and functional events in a large series of consecutive DTCs at low risk of recurrence treated by total thyroidectomy, but not with 131I, in a medium-long-term follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated clinical-pathologic data of 383 consecutive patients (2006-2012) with unifocal DTC [T1a/b(s)] at low risk of recurrence, treated with total thyroidectomy but without lymph node dissection and 131I treatment after surgery. We evaluated if structural, biochemical, and functional events were detected during the follow-up. RESULTS: Females accounted for 75.7% of our study group, and the median age was 50 years. The median tumor dimension was 0.4 cm (range 0.1-1.2). Most of the patients had a unifocal T1a tumor (98.9%), and 73.6% had a classic variant of PTC. We divided the patients according to the absence (group A-n = 276) or presence (group B-n = 107) of interfering TgAb at first control after surgery. After a median follow-up of 10 years, no structural events were detected. Sixteen out of three hundred and eighty-three (4.2%) patients developed biochemical events: 12/276 (4.3%) in group A and 4/107 (3.7%) in group B. The median time elapsed from surgery to detecting a biochemical event was 14.5 and 77.5 months in groups A and B, respectively. No patients performed additional treatments and were followed up with an active surveillance strategy. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that patients with DTC at low risk of recurrence showed an excellent outcome in a medium long-term follow-up since no structural events were diagnosed. Significant variations in Tg/TgAb were detected in a few cases, all managed with an active surveillance strategy without the need for other treatments. Therefore, a relaxed follow-up with neck ultrasound and Tg/TgAb measurement is enough to early identify those very unusual cases of recurrence.

Initial Diagnosis and Treatment of Low-Risk Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia.

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is a rare form of cancer that is treated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) risk score, which predicts responsiveness to single-agent chemotherapy. Patients with WHO risk scores ≤6 have low-risk GTN, for which cure rates near 100%. Most women with low-risk GTN will respond to single-agent chemotherapy, which is given with either methotrexate or dactinomycin, and allows women to retain their fertility. This article also discusses less common treatment paradigms including second dilation and curettage and hysterectomy, as well as the emerging role of immunotherapy in managing low-risk GTN.

Efficacy of postoperative radioactive iodine therapy for patients with low and intermediate risk papillary thyroid carcinoma.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) and its impact on recurrence rates and survival benefits in low- to intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: This retrospective study involved the examination of 1286 patients diagnosed with low- to intermediate-risk PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection, supplemented with postoperative RAI therapy or not between the years 2000 and 2021. RESULTS: From the patient pool, 589 (45%) were classified as low-risk and 697 (55%) as intermediate-risk according to the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines. Among the low-risk group, 375 (63.7%) underwent postoperative RAI, while in the intermediate-risk group, 566 (82.2%) underwent the procedure. The overall survival and disease-free survival rates were not statistically different between the groups that received RAI and those that did not, in both the low- and intermediate-risk categories. In a subgroup analysis, within the intermediate-risk category, postoperative RAI was significantly correlated with decreased recurrence in two subgroups: patients over 55 years with pN1b disease (hazard ratio 0.043, 95% confidence interval 0.004-0.500, p = 0.012) and patients over 55 years with five or more metastatic lymph nodes (hazard ratio 0.060, 95% confidence interval 0.005-0.675, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that, while post-total thyroidectomy RAI does not substantially influence recurrence or survival rates in most low-risk and intermediate-risk PTC patients, it may be beneficial in specific subgroups, particularly patients over 55 with pN1b disease or those presenting with five or more metastatic lymph nodes.

Impact of a simple informative leaflet on Brazilian doctors' attitudes towards active surveillance of thyroid microcarcinomas.

Introduction: Active surveillance (AS) is increasingly recognized as an appropriate strategy for selected patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMC). However, some factors, including physician-related ones, hinder its widespread adoption. Methods: To explore the prevailing barriers and the impact of information on attitudes towards AS implementation, we developed a questionnaire that was completed before and after reading a simple information leaflet by 317 doctors working in different work environments. This leaflet provides information about the overdiagnosis of PTMC, the concept of AS, results of early studies, and main advantages and disadvantages of AS. Results: We observed a greater resistance to AS among male physicians who were more likely to maintain the initial recommendation for surgery or referral to a head and neck surgeon than female physicians (77 % vs. 46 %, p = 0.01), regardless of their medical specialty. Fear of disease progression and of the patient losing follow-up were the main concerns. Reading the educational material significantly increased the number of physicians who endorsed AS as an initial approach to PTMC without risk factors from 14 % to 34 % (p < 0,001). This change in attitude was even more significant when doctors were confronted with a case of PTMC in an elderly patient. Gender, medical specialty, age range and academic environment were the factors that were determinants on the influence of the informative leaflet on the decision-making. The leaflet also increased the number of doctors who considered themselves capable of dealing with this patient profile; however, 17 % declared that the place where they worked would not be able to meet the need for periodic assessments and necessary examinations. This was particularly true for the 20 % of the professionals working in rural areas. Conclusion: A simple educational leaflet with basic information presented via social media increased the number of Brazilian physicians who endorsed AS for PTMC management and proved to be a facilitating tool for understanding and accepting it. Our results suggest that this method can be easily extended to larger population.

Impact of Phlebotomy on Quality of Life in Low-Risk Polycythemia Vera.

Polycythemia vera is an indolent myeloproliferative disorder that predisposes patients to venous and arterial thrombosis and can transform into myelofibrosis and acute myeloid leukemia. Consistent phlebotomy prevents life-threatening cerebrovascular and coronary artery disease and prolongs survival in low-risk polycythemia vera (patients under 60 years without thrombosis). However, despite its effectiveness in preventing serious complications, phlebotomy does not necessarily enhance the quality of life (QoL). This review assesses QoL issues associated with low-risk PV, explores alternative management strategies such as erythrocytapheresis, and discusses the roles of hydroxyurea, peginterferon, ruxolitinib, and other novel agents in potentially improving disease management and patient outcomes.

Outcomes of I-125 Low-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy in Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis from a Specialized Tertiary Referral Center.

Low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy with I-125 seeds is one of the most common primary tumor treatments for low-risk and low-intermediate-risk prostate cancer. This report aimed to present an analysis of single-institution long-term results. We analyzed the treatment outcomes of 119 patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer treated with LDR brachytherapy at our institution between 2014 and 2020. The analysis focused on biochemical recurrence rates (BRFS), overall survival (OS), cumulative local recurrence rate (CLRR), and the incidence of acute and late toxicities. Patient-reported quality of life measures were also evaluated to provide a holistic view on the treatment's impact. The median follow-up period was 46 months. CLRR was 3.3% (4/119), five-year BRFS was 87%, and the five-year OS rate was 95%. Dysuria was the most common acute urinary toxicity, reported in 26.0% of patients as grade 1 and 13.4% as grade 2. As a late side effect, 12.6% of patients experienced mild dysuria. Sexual dysfunction persisted in 6.7% of patients as grade 1, 7.5% as grade 2, and 10.0% as grade 3. LDR brachytherapy in patients with prostate cancer is an effective treatment, with favorable clinical outcomes and manageable toxicity. The low CLRR and high OS rates, as well as low incidence of severe side effects, support the continued use of LDR brachytherapy as a primary treatment modality for localized prostate cancer.

Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Women in Wuhan, China: A Retrospective Study.

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection worldwide, with its persistence being a significant factor in the development of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Understanding the prevalence and genotypes distribution of HPV can aid in the implementation of more focused strategies for cervical cancer prevention and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infection among outpatient-based populations in Wuhan, China. Methods: Our study retrospectively analyzed the results of cervical HPV screening in 14,492 outpatient women. The cervicovaginal infection of 18 high-risk genotypes and 10 low-risk genotypes were analyzed by PCR and reverse dot hybridization techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of HPV infection in the outpatient female population was 15.33%, with a predominance of single infection and a predominance of dual infection among multiple infections. The top five genotypes in terms of prevalence of HR-HPV and LR-HPV were HPV-52 (3.77%), 53 (1.46%), 16 (1.31%), 58 (1.19%), 39 (1.18%) for HR-HPV, and HPV-54 (1.23%), 61 (1.08%), 81 (1.04%), 42 (0.87%), 44 (0.70%) for LR-HPV. Two peaks of HPV infection prevalence were observed among women under 25 years (22.88%) and over 56 years (24.26%). The prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infection varied among different outpatient populations, with higher rates of HPV single infection, multiple infections, and infection across all ages observed in the gynecology outpatient population compared to the health check-up population. Conclusion: This study revealed the HPV prevalence and genotype distribution among different outpatient populations in Wuhan city, which may provide guidance for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention strategies in the region.