[Risk factors associated with lethality on patients with central cord syndrome]. / Factores asociados a la letalidad en pacientes con síndrome medular central agudo postraumático.

Background: Central Cord Syndrome is the most common incomplete spinal cord injury, and it represents 9% of all spinal injuries of the adult. Objective: to determine the risk factors associated with lethality or/and mechanical ventilation (MV) in patients with Central Cord Syndrome (CCS). Material and Methods: upon a retrospective cohort with patients with posttraumatic CCS we evaluated at the time of emergency admission and until the hospital discharge. The dependent variable was dead or MV. We calculated incidence, relative risk (RR) with CI95% and a multivariate model for the association of statistically significant variables by means of a risk coefficient model upon the variables that evidenciated tendencies towards risk. Results: From 101 patients with CCS, 85.1% with a severe medullary canal stenosis and 9.9% required MV; the mortality was 13.9%. The only risk factor associated with dead was the use of MV with an RR of 3.6 (CI95% 1.4-9.5); the risk with tendencies towards MV was being older than 60 RR 5.4 (CI95% 0.6-44.2). Other factors demonstrated a tendency towards mortality, but they were not statistically significant. Conclusions: MV is a risk factor associated with mortality, other factors evidenciated tendencies towards mortality; being older than 60, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, narrow spinal canal, more than 20 days of hospital stay and being intervened farther than 10 days from the accident. The incidence of mortality in our sample is greater than thus reported previously on other international articles. To know and identify these and other factors will let us identify patients with a greater risk of complications.

Introducción: el síndrome medular central es la lesión medular incompleta más común y representa el 9% de las lesiones medulares del adulto. Objetivo: determinar la letalidad del síndrome medular central (SMC) y sus factores de riesgo asociados a fallecer y/o uso de ventilación mecánica (VM). Material y métodos: cohorte retrospectiva en pacientes con SMC que acuden a urgencias y valorados hasta su egreso. La variable dependiente fue VM o muerte. Se calculó la incidencia, riesgo relativo (RR) e IC95%; se usaron modelos multivariados de asociación con las variables significativas mediante un modelo de cocientes de riesgos, y aquellas que presentaron algún grado de tendencia de acuerdo con el RR por encima de 1. Resultados: se recolectó la información de una muestra de 101 pacientes con SMC que recibieron atención en la unidad entre 2015 y 2021, 85.1% presentaron estenosis medular, 9.9% de pacientes requirieron VM, la mortalidad fue de 13.9%. El factor de riesgo asociado a muerte fue la VM con RR 3.6 (IC95%: 1.4-9.5); el factor con tendencia a VM fue ser mayor de 60, RR 5.4 (IC95%: 0.6-44.2). Otros factores evidenciaron tendencia a mortalidad o VM sin significancia estadística. Conclusiones: el factor de riesgo asociado a mortalidad fue VM, otros evidencian tendencia hacia mortalidad, como ser mayor de 60 años, hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, estenosis medular por debajo de los 10 milímetros, más de 20 días de estancia hospitalaria y ser intervenidos más de 10 días posterior al accidente. La mortalidad en nuestra población se encuentra muy elevada en comparación con estudios internacionales previos. Conocer los factores de riesgo ayudaran a identificar a los pacientes con mayor riesgo de muerte o VM.

Understanding search autocompletes from the perspectives of English and Spanish speakers during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of the study was to explore differences in Google search autocompletes between English and Spanish-speaking users during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Twenty-nine individuals who were in areas with shelter-in-place state orders participated in a virtual focus group meeting to understand the algorithm bias of COVID-19 Google autocompletes. The three focus group meetings lasted for 90-120 minutes. A codebook was created and transcripts were coded using NVivo qualitative software with a 95% intercoder reliability between two coders. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Among the 29 participants, six self-identified as White, seven as Black/African American, five as American Indian or Alaska Native, four as Asian Indian, and three as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. In terms of ethnicity, 21 participants identified as Hispanic/Latino. The themes that emerged from the study were: (1) autocompletes evoked fear and stress; (2) skepticism and hesitation towards autocomplete search; (3) familiarity with COVID-19 information impacts outlook on autocomplete search; (4) autocompletes can promote preselection of searches; and (5) lesser choice of autocomplete results for Spanish-speaking searchers. Spanish speakers expressed concerns and hesitation due to social factors and lack of information about COVID-19.

A Case of Neuromyelitis Optica: Puerto Rican Woman with an Increased Time Lag to Diagnosis and a High Response to Eculizumab Therapy.

A link between intractable hiccups, as the initial symptom, and a possible neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) diagnosis is confusing but vital and may not be made by health care providers (HCPs) if they are not aware of the 2015 NMOSD criteria. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential to prevent disease progression. We report the case of a 46-year-old Puerto Rican female who presented intractable hiccups when she was 31 (in 2004). Almost 15 years passed since the initial symptom, and after two severe relapses, she received a formal NMOSD diagnosis in March 2019. Treatment started with rituximab 1000 mg IV in April 2019. However, a lack of response to treatment led to a switch to eculizumab therapy in August 2019. The patient had cervical and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted in June 2020, which depicted a remarkable decrease in swelling and hyperintensity within the cervical spinal cord with no enhancing lesions when compared with the first MRI from February 2019. In addition, the patient suffered no new relapses, an improvement regarding disability, and a reduction of the cervical spinal cord lesion size. Nonetheless, this substantial decrease does not occur on all NMOSD patients, but more awareness of the disease is needed, especially in Puerto Rico. This case illustrates the efficacy of eculizumab therapy and the importance of differentiating the clinical, histopathological, and neuroimaging characteristics that separate demyelinating autoimmune inflammatory disorders, such as NMOSD and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Exploring Online Health Reviews to Monitor COVID-19 Public Health Responses in Alabama State Department of Corrections: Case Example.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has devastated incarcerated people throughout the United States. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a COVID-19 Health Review for Correctional Facilities. METHODS: The COVID-19 Health Review survey for the Department of Corrections was developed in Qualtrics to assess the following: (1) COVID-19 testing, (2) providing personal protective equipment, (3) vaccination procedures, (4) quarantine procedures, (5) COVID-19 mortality rates for inmates, (6) COVID-19 mortality rates for correctional officers and prison staff, (7) COVID-19 infection rates for inmates, (8) COVID-19 infection rates for correctional officers and prison staff, and (9) uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. The estimated time to review the Alabama State Department of Corrections COVID-19 responses on their website and complete the survey items was 45 minutes to 1 hour. RESULTS: Of the 21 participants who completed the COVID-19 Health Review for Correctional Facilities survey, 48% (n=10) identified as female, 43% (n=9) identified as male, and 10% (n=2) identified as transgender. For race, 29% (n=6) self-identified as Black or African American, 24% (n=5) Asian, 24% (n=5) White, 5% (n=1) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, and 19% (n=4) Other. In addition, 5 respondents self-identified as returning citizens. For COVID-19 review questions, the majority concluded that information on personal protective equipment was "poor" and "very poor," information on COVID-19 testing was "fair" and above, information on COVID-19 death/infection rates between inmates and staff was "good" and "very good," and information on vaccinations was "good" and "very good." There was a significant difference observed (P=.03) between nonreturning citizens and returning citizens regarding the health grade review with respect to available information on COVID-19 infection rates. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 health reviews may provide an opportunity for the public to review the COVID-19 responses in correctional settings.

Adrenal Insufficiency and Its Implications on Dental Treatment.

Adrenal insufficiency is a rare disease affecting the function of the adrenal glands leading to hormone deficiency. Medical management of these patients often consists of a scheduled regimen of hormone replacement therapies along with patient education on the management of medical emergencies, such as adrenal crisis. The primary goal of the clinician in the dental management of these patients is the minimization of stressful stimuli while being adept and equipped to manage spontaneous occurrences of adrenal crisis. Understanding the pharmacological effects and interactions of these patients' medications is also important in managing their treatment. This article outlines the underlying pathology and clinical manifestation of adrenal insufficiency and underscores specific recommendations for the medical and dental management of such patients to avoid adrenal crisis both inside and outside the clinical setting. The dentist, as one of the primary care providers for these patients, should be able to identify the physical and orofacial signs and symptoms associated with this disorder so that the patient may be diagnosed and treated as best as possible.

Significados sobre bioética que emergen en los pacientes participantes en los procesos de formación médica. Medellín-Colombia, 2017 / Meanings about bioethics that emerge in patients who had participated in medical training processes. Medellín, Colombia. 2017

RESUMEN Objetivo: comprender los significados sobre bioética que emergen entre los pacientes atendidos en las prácticas académicas en los procesos de formación médica de pregrado y posgrado en Medellín en 2017. Materiales y métodos: se realizaron 17 entrevistas semiestructuradas en mayores de edad, con un enfoque hermenéutico basado en el paradigma constructivista. El análisis se efectuó con el uso de técnicas de la teoría fundamentada. Resultados: como significado central emergió la instrumentalización del paciente cuando participa en el proceso de aprendizaje de los estudiantes, perciben que prima el interés formativo sobre la atención. Otros significados que surgieron son: la subordinación jerárquica en las relaciones clínicas y académicas, la limitación del reconocimiento de derechos y deberes, así como diversidad en la satisfacción con la atención; se resalta su aporte al aprendizaje, pero expresaron molestia cuando se sentían ignorados en la comunicación docente-estudiantes. Discusión y conclusión: existe una disposición favorable de los pacientes para participar en la formación médica en procesos no invasivos, pero con limitación del número de estudiantes y con un docente responsable de la atención. La formación médica debe otorgar al paciente un papel activo en las prácticas académicas, reconocer sus necesidades de diálogo, confidencialidad, intimidad, respeto a su autonomía y dignidad, promoviendo relaciones de ellos con estudiantes y profesores basados en valores y principios bioéticos.

SUMMARY Objective: To understand the meanings about bioethics that emerge among patients treated in academic practices, in undergraduate and postgraduate medical training processes in Medellín, 2017. Materials and methods: With a hermeneutic approach based on the constructivist paradigm, 17 semistructured interviews were conducted in adults. The analysis was carried out with the use of grounded theory techniques. Results: As a central meaning, the instrumentalization of the patient emerged in the learning process of the students, in which the formative interest over the patient's care prevails. Other meanings that emerged are: hierarchical subordination in clinical and academic relationships, limitation of recognition of rights and duties of patients, as well as diversity in satisfaction with care. There was discomfort when the patient felt ignored in the teaching communication - students. The contribution of the patient to learning is highlighted. Discussion and conclusion: There is a favorable disposition of the patients to participate in the medical training in non-invasive processes, with limitation of the number of students and with a teacher who is aware of the patient. Medical training should give the patient an active role in academic practices, recognize their needs for dialogue, confidentiality, privacy, respect for their autonomy and dignity, promoting relationships between patients, students and teachers based on bioethical values and principles.

Medición de niveles de colinesterasas eritrocitarias en agricultores usuarios de plaguicidas y en practicantes de agroecología, San Cristóbal, Medellín, Colombia / Measurement of erythrocyte cholinesterase levels in farmers who use pesticides and agroecology practitioners from San Cristóbal, Medellín, Colombia / Medição dos níveis de colinesterases eritrocitárias em cultivadores usuários de pesticidas e profissionais de agroecologia, San Cristóbal, Medellín, Colômbia

Resumen Objetivo: analizar el valor de las colinesterasas eritrocitarias como biomarcador de exposición a plaguicidas (organofosforados y carbamatos) y los posibles efectos en la salud de sus usuarios y de quienes practicaban la agroecología en el corregimiento de San Cristóbal, Medellín, Colombia. Metodología: Estudio de corte. A una muestra de 40 agricultores se les realizó medición de este biomarcador. Se relacionó con información demográfica, descripción de las prácticas agrícolas y examen clínico. Resultados: Según los niveles de colinesterasa eritrocitaria en individuos que usan o no plaguicidas, los resultados mostraron un valor significativo en los que no los emplean (p= 0,042). No se presentaron resultados significativos (p> 0,05) entre las mujeres que usaron plaguicidas que alteran las colinesterasas y las que no, mientras que en los hombres sí lo fueron (p< 0,032). Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las colinesterasas eritrocitarias entre el grupo de los usuarios de plaguicidas y los practicantes de la agroecología. Un hallazgo importante fue el deficiente uso del equipo de protección personal y la poca supervisión técnica acerca del uso adecuado de plaguicidas. No se encontraron síntomas asociados con intoxicación por plaguicidas al momento de recolección de la información. Conclusiones: Los usuarios de plaguicidas inhibidores de las colinesterasas tuvieron niveles de colinesterasas eritrocitarias más bajos que quienes practicaban la agroecología. El uso de equipo protector fue deficiente. Por todo esto, esta población debería mejorar las medidas de protección y fomentar prácticas agrícolas más amigables con la salud y el medio ambiente, como la agroecología.

Abstract Objective: To analyze erythrocyte cholinesterase values as biomarkers of exposure to pesticides (organophosphates and carbamates) and their possible effects on their users and agroecology practitioners' health in the village of San Cristóbal, Medellín, Colombia. Methodology: Cross-sectional study in which a sample of 40 farmers was measured to see the presence of this biomarker. The measurement was then compared to demographic information, description of agricultural practices, and clinical examinations. Results: Depending on the erythrocyte cholinesterase levels in subjects who use or do not use pesticides, results showed a significant value in those who do not use them (p = 0.042). Results between women using pesticides modifying cholinesterase levels and those not using them were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). On the contrary, results in men were significant (p < 0.032). However, no statistically significant differences in erythrocyte cholinesterase levels were found between the groups of pesticide users and agroecology practitioners. An important finding was a deficient use of personal protective gear and poor technical supervision of proper use of pesticides. No symptoms associated with pesticide poisoning were found at the moment of data collection. Conclusions: Pesticides users inhibiting cholinesterase presented lower cholinesterase erythrocyte levels compared to those who practiced agroecology. The use of protection gear was poor. Therefore, this population should improve protection measures and promote more health and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, such as agroecology.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar o valor das colinesterases eritrocitárias como biomarcador da exposição a pesticidas (organofosfatos e carbamatos) e os possíveis efeitos na saúde de os seus usuários e estagiários do curso agroecologia no distrito de San Cristóbal, Medellín, Colômbia. Metodologia: Estudo em metodologia de corte. Uma amostra de 40 cultivadores foi medida para esse biomarcador. Relacionou-se com informação demográfica, descrição das práticas agrícolas e exame clínico. Resultados: De acordo com os níveis de colinesterase eritrocitária em indivíduos que usam ou não pesticidas, os resultados mostraram um valor significativo naqueles que não os utilizam (p = 0,042). Não houve resultados significativos (p> 0,05) entre as mulheres que usavam pesticidas que alteram a colinesterase e as que não usavam, enquanto nos homens eram (p <0,032). No entanto, não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas na colinesterase eritrocitária entre o grupo de usuários de pesticidas e estagiários da agroecologia. Uma descoberta importante foi o uso errado do equipamento de proteção individual e a falta de supervisão técnica respeito do uso adequado de pesticidas. Não foram encontrados sintomas associados ao envenenamento por pesticidas no momento em que as informações foram coletadas. Conclusões: Usuários de pesticidas inibidores das colinesterases apresentaram níveis mais baixos de colinesterase eritrocitária do que aqueles que praticavam agroecologia. O uso de equipamentos de proteção foi ruim. Por tudo isso, essa população deve melhorar as medidas de proteção e promover práticas agrícolas mais amigáveis à saúde e ao meio ambiente, como a agroecologia.

Visual quality after presbyopia correction with excimer laser ablation using micromonovision and modulation of spherical aberration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the quality of vision after excimer laser (MEL 80) correction of presbyopia using micromonovision and aspheric aberration patterns. SETTING: Hospital Universitario QuirónSalud, Madrid, Spain. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Patients were assigned to 1 of 3 groups based on the preoperative spherical equivalent. Visual acuity, spherical aberration, contrast sensitivity, quality of vision, and safety of the procedure were assessed preoperatively and at the end of the study. The dominant eye was treated for distance vision and the nondominant eye for near vision, with modulation of spherical aberration. RESULTS: The study comprised 50 patients (100 eyes). The mean patient age was 46.84 years ± 4.17 (SD). Stereopsis at the end of the study improved in Group 3, from 215.29 ± 99.63 seconds of arc (arcsec) and 169.41 ± 71.10 arcsec (P = .025); no changes were seen in the other groups. Contrast sensitivity at 18 cycles per degree increased in Group 2 (P = .021), with no changes in the other groups. Group 1 and Group 2 had the best optical quality of vision after the surgery based on Optical Quality Analysis System frequency of the modulation transfer function values of 100%, 20%, and 9% and the Strehl ratio. CONCLUSION: The correction of presbyopia by micromonovision and aspheric aberration ablation with an excimer laser led to minimal changes in stereopsis, contrast sensitivity, and optical quality.

HERC1 Ubiquitin Ligase Is Required for Normal Axonal Myelination in the Peripheral Nervous System.

A missense mutation in HERC1 provokes loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells, tremor, and unstable gait in tambaleante (tbl) mice. Recently, we have shown that before cerebellar degeneration takes place, the tbl mouse suffers from a reduction in the number of vesicles available for release at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The aim of the present work was to study to which extent the alteration in HERC1 may affect other cells in the nervous system and how this may influence the motor dysfunction observed in these mice. The functional analysis showed a consistent delay in the propagation of the action potential in mutant mice in comparison with control littermates. Morphological analyses of glial cells in motor axons revealed signs of compact myelin damage as tomacula and local hypermyelination foci. Moreover, we observed an alteration in non-myelinated terminal Schwann cells at the level of the NMJ. Additionally, we found a significant increment of phosphorylated Akt-2 in the sciatic nerve. Based on these findings, we propose a molecular model that could explain how mutated HERC1 in tbl mice affects the myelination process in the peripheral nervous system. Finally, since the myelin abnormalities found in tbl mice are histological hallmarks of neuropathic periphery diseases, tbl mutant mice could be considered as a new mouse model for this type of diseases.

Comparing surgically induced astigmatism calculated by means of simulated keratometry versus total corneal refractive power.

PURPOSE: To evaluate surgically induced astigmatism as computed by means of either simulated keratometry (KSIM) or total corneal refractive power (TCRP) after temporal incisions. METHODS: Prospective observational study including 36 right eyes undergoing cataract surgery. Astigmatism was measured preoperatively during the 3-month follow-up period using Pentacam. Surgically induced astigmatism was computed considering anterior corneal surface astigmatism at 3 mm with KSIM and considering both corneal surfaces with TCRP from 1 to 8 mm (TCRP3 for 3 mm). The eyes under study were divided into two balanced groups: LOW with KSIM astigmatism <0.90 D and HIGH with KSIM astigmatism ≥0.90 D. Resulting surgically induced astigmatism values were compared across groups and measuring techniques by means of flattening, steepening, and torque analysis. RESULTS: Mean surgically induced astigmatism was higher in the HIGH group (0.31 D @ 102°) than in the LOW group (0.04 D @ 16°). The temporal incision resulted in a steepening in the HIGH group of 0.15 D @ 90°, as estimated with KSIM, versus 0.28 D @ 90° with TCRP3, but no significant differences were found for the steepening in the LOW group or for the torque in either group. Differences between KSIM- and TCRP3-based surgically induced astigmatism values were negligible in LOW group. CONCLUSION: Surgically induced astigmatism was considerably higher in the high-astigmatism group and its value was underestimated with the KSIM approach. Eyes having low astigmatism should not be included for computing the surgically induced astigmatism because steepening would be underestimated.

Cambios en la mucosa nasal de los médicos por exposición al humo por electrocoagulación / Changes in the nasal mucosa of physicians due to exposure to smoke from electrocoagulation / Mudanças na mucosa nasal por exposição à fumaça por electrocoagulação

Objetivo: demostrar que la exposición al humo, producto de la electrocoagulación, origina cambios en la mucosa nasal en médicos en formación de un hospital público en México. Metodología: se realizó un estudio de cohorte fija prospectivo, cuyo universo de trabajo estuvo conformado por un total de 43 médicos, 20 corresponden a médicos de especialidades no quirúrgicas (no expuestos a la inhalación de humo del cauterio) y 23 médicos de especialidades quirúrgicas (expuestos a la inhalación de humo del cauterio), a quienes se les realizó una biopsia nasal al inicio y otra al finalizar los 4 años de su formación como especialistas. Las biopsias fueron revisadas por el Jefe de Patología del hospital, se calculó incidencia de cambios en la mucosa nasal, en los grupos expuesto y no expuesto, índice de exposición y riesgo relativo. Resultados: el total de los médicos especialistas en formación incluidos en el estudio, presentaron biopsia sin daños en la mucosa nasal al inicio del estudio; mismos que al término de sus 4 años de especialidad presentaron lo siguiente: el 70% de los médicos residentes expuestos tuvieron algún cambio histopatológico en la mucosa nasal (hiperplasia o metaplasia escamosa), mientras que solo el 5% (1/20) de los no expuestos lo presentó; el factor de riesgo de presentar daño a la mucosa nasal por la exposición en estudio se calculó en 13,8. Las lesiones más frecuentes por la exposición al humo producido por la electrocoagulación fueron la hiperplasia y la metaplasia escamosa. Conclusiones: nuestros resultados demuestras que los residentes expuestos al humo producido por la electrocoagulación presentan cambios en la mucosa nasal.

Objective: to prove that exposure to smoke resulting from electrocoagulation causes changes in the nasal mucosa of physicians in training at a public hospital in Mexico. Methodology: a prospective fixed cohort study was conducted with a working universe consisting of 43 physicians distributed as follows: a group of 20 professionals with non-surgical specialties (thus unexposed to electrocautery smoke inhalation), and another group of 23 with surgical specialties (thus they were exposed to electrocautery smoke inhalation). They underwent two nasal biopsies: one at the beginning of the study and another after training as specialists for four years. The biopsies were reviewed by the hospital´s chief of Pathology and the incidence of changes in the nasal mucosa in both groups was calculated together with exposure index and the relative risk. Results: the biopsies performed at baseline showed that none of the specialists in training included in this study had damages in the nasal mucosa. The final biopsies, performed after the four-year medical training, had the following results: 70% of the medical residents, who were exposed, showed some histopathological changes in the nasal mucosa (hyperplasia or squamous metaplasia), whereas only 5% (1/20) of the unexposed individuals had them; the risk factor for nasal mucosa damage by exposure was estimated at 13.8. The most common lesions resulting from exposure to smoke from electrocoagulation were hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia. Conclusions: our results demonstrate that residents exposed to smoke produced by electrocoagulation have changes in the nasal mucosa.

Objetivo: Demonstrar que a exposição à fumaça produzida pela electrocoagulação gera mudanças na mucosa nasal de médicos estudantes de um hospital público do México. Metodologia: Realizou-se um estudo prospectivo de coorte fixa, com um universo de trabalho de 43 médicos. 20 médicos de especialidades não cirúrgicas (não expostos à fumaça do cautério), e 23 médicos de especialidades cirúrgicas (expostos à fumaça do cautério). Realizou-se uma biopsia nasal no início e outra no final, após 4 anos da sua formação como especialistas. As biopsias foram realizadas pelo chefe de Patologia do hospital e os resultados foram processados com o programa Social Sciences (SPSS Statistics), versão 18. Foi possível avaliar a incidência das mudanças na mucosa nasal dos grupos expostos e dos grupos não expostos, também se calculou o índice de exposição e o risco relativo. Resultados : Nenhum dos médicos especialistas em formação incluídos no estudo tinha danos na sua mucosa nasal, segundo a biopsia feita no início do estudo. Depois de 4 anos na especialização: 70% dos médicos residentes expostos teve alguma mudança histopatológica na mucosa nasal (hiperplasia o metaplasia escamosa), enquanto que somente 5% (1/20) dos não expostos apresentou mudança. O fator de risco do dano na mucosa nasal pela exposição estudada se calculou em 13,8. Os prejuízos mais frequentes pela exposição à fumaça produzida pela electrocoagulação foram a hiperplasia e a metaplasia escamosa. Conclusão: Nossos resultados demonstram que os residentes expostos à fumaça produzida pela electrocoagulação apresentam mudanças na sua mucosa nasal.

Patterns of care and outcome for patients with glioblastoma diagnosed during 2008-2010 in Spain.

BACKGROUND: To assess management patterns and outcome in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treated during 2008-2010 in Spain. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical, therapeutic, and survival data collected through filled questionnaires from patients with histologically confirmed GBM diagnosed in 19 Spanish hospitals. RESULTS: We identified 834 patients (23% aged >70 years). Surgical resection was achieved in 66% of patients, although the extent of surgery was confirmed by postoperative MRI in only 41%. There were major postoperative complications in 14% of patients, and age was the only independent predictor (Odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.01-1.05; P = .006). After surgery, 57% received radiotherapy (RT) with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide, 21% received other regimens, and 22% were not further treated. In patients treated with surgical resection, RT, and chemotherapy (n = 396), initiation of RT ≤42 days was associated with longer progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.8; 95% CI, 0.64-0.99; P = .042) but not with overall survival (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62-1.00; P = .055). Only 32% of patients older than 70 years received RT with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. The median survival in this group was 10.8 months (95% CI, 6.8-14.9 months), compared with 17.0 months (95% CI, 15.5-18.4 months; P = .034) among younger patients with GBM treated with the same regimen. CONCLUSIONS: In a community setting, 57% of all patients with GBM and only 32% of older patients received RT with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. In patients with surgical resection who were eligible for chemoradiation, initiation of RT ≤42 days was associated with better progression-free survival.

Results of consevative treatment of breast cancer in low risk women with hypofractionated radiotherapy

Objetivos: Actualmente la irradiación de toda la mama después de una intervención quirúrgica conservadora sigue siendo un procedimiento estándar en el cáncer de mama, en la que clásicamente se administra una dosis de 50 Gy con fraccionamiento de 2 Gy. Sin embargo, diferentes dosis y fraccionamiento han demostrado al menos la misma eficacia. El objetivo principal del estudio fue determinar la tasa de recidiva local en pacientes sometidas a cirugía conservadora y radioterapia postoperatoria hipofraccionada. Los objetivos secundarios fueron la incidencia y el grado de toxicidad aguda y tardía. Pacientes y métodos: Desde enero de 2004 a diciembre de 2006, se seleccionó a 122 pacientes para radioterapia hipofraccionada con las características siguientes: edad ≥ 50 años, estadio temprano, margen de resección libre de tumor y espesor de la mama < 23 cm. La dosis administrada fue 42,5 Gy con fraccionamiento de 2,66 Gy por sesión. Resultados: Con una mediana de seguimiento de 58,29 meses, 116 (95,08%) pacientes están vivas: 114 libres de enfermedad y 2 con metástasis óseas. La recidiva local a 5 años fue 1,64% y sólo un caso (0,81%) presentó recidiva regional. Hubo un 2,46% de pacientes con segundo tumor primario y un 4,91% con metástasis. La toxicidad, tanto aguda como tardía, ha sido leve. Conclusiones: La radioterapia hipofraccionada en pacientes de riesgo bajo proporciona los mismos beneficios que el tratamiento clásico con una baja toxicidad aguda y tardía (AU)

Aims: Whole breast irradiation, typically administered at a dose of 50 Gy in 2 Gy fractions after conservative surgery, continues to be a standard procedure in breast cancer. However, different doses and fractionation have shown to be at least as effective. The main objective of this study was to determine the rate of local recurrence in patients undergoing conservative surgery and hypofractionated postoperative radiotherapy. The secondary objectives were to determine the incidence and grade of both acute and delayed toxicity. Patients and methods: From January 2004 to December 2006, 122 patients who had the following characteristics were selected to receive hypofractionated radiotherapy to the whole breast: age ≥ 50 years, early stage, tumour free resection margins ≥ 10 mm, thickness of the breast ≤ than 23 cm. The total dose was 42.5 Gy with fractionation of 2.66. Results: With a median follow up of 58.29 months, 116 (95.08%) patients were alive: 114 were free of disease and 2 had metastases. The 5 year local recurrence rate was 1.64%, and only in one case (0.81%) there was a regional recurrence. Only 2.46% of the patients developed a second primary tumour. Distant metastases were present in 4.91%. Toxicity, both acute and late, was mild (grade 1-2). Conclusions: Hypofractionated radiotherapy, in patients with low risk breast cancer after conservative surgery, provides the same benefits as the classical treatment with a low acute, as well as and delayed, toxicity (AU)