Caring for others without neglecting oneself? Grandparent caregivers, gender, and perceived health-related quality of life.

In this study, we explored the impact of caregiving on quality of life and health perceptions and outlined the profile of grandparent caregivers in Andalusia (Spain) in terms of a range of sociodemographic variables related to the care of their grandchildren. A sample of 171 participants (21.6% men) completed the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) questionnaire and another ad hoc one providing sociodemographic and caregiving data. We studied the relationships between these variables and HRQoL using ANOVA, chi-square and Multiple Linear Regression. We found a mainly female profile for the care of grandchildren and interesting relationships for the physical and mental components of HRQoL. Some relationships were marked by gender: caregiving for pleasure was more often the motive for men while by imposition was more common among women. We discuss the impact of caregiving on health according to the Self-Determination Theory and suggest practical implications derived from the main findings.

[Influencia de las redes de apoyo sociofamiliares en el cuidado de las personas mayores dependientes: un estudio cualitativo.] / Influence of social-family support networks on the care of dependent older people: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Socio-family support networks (SFSN) are necessary for the care of dependent people. This study aimed to explore the types of support provided in the SFSN for dependent older people in the Aljarafe Health District-Sevilla Norte (Spain) from a gender perspective. METHODS: A qualitative biographical study was carried out, based on semi-structured interviews. The sample size met the theoretical saturation criterion. A total of twenty-four people participated in the study, fifteen women and nine men. For the qualitative analysis of the content and discourse of the people interviewed, Grounded Theory was followed. RESULTS: Four categories emerged corresponding to the types of support provided: cognitive, material, instrumental and emotional support. These categories corresponded to the prototypes that caregivers and patients built through the ideas and concepts they had about caring for dependent people. The different types of support provided reduced the discomfort of all members of the SFSN. Differences were evident in the speeches between men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Caring continues to be an activity that women usually do. The types of support analyzed show that the existence of a network is a guarantee of care and the use of SFSN reduces the overload of the caregiver by being compensated with the other members of the network. Therefore, networks are a health protection factor for family caregivers.

OBJECTIVE: Las redes de apoyo sociofamiliares son necesarias para el cuidado de las personas dependientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar los tipos de apoyo que se dan en las Redes de Apoyo Sociofamiliares (RASF) de las personas dependientes mayores del Distrito Sanitario Aljarafe-Sevilla Norte (España) desde una perspectiva de género. METHODS: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo de corte biográfico, basado en la realización de entrevistas semiestructuradas. El tamaño de la muestra atendió al criterio de saturación teórica. Participaron en el estudio un total de veinticuatro personas, quince mujeres y nueve hombres. Para el análisis cualitativo del contenido y del discurso de las personas entrevistadas se siguió la Teoría Fundamentada. RESULTS: Emergieron cuatro categorías correspondientes a los tipos de apoyo prestados: apoyo cognitivo, material, instrumental y emocional. Estas categorías correspondían a los prototipos que las personas cuidadoras y pacientes construían a través de las ideas y conceptos que tenían sobre el cuidado a personas dependientes. Los distintos tipos de apoyo prestados disminuían el malestar de todos los componentes de las RASF. Se evidenciaron diferencias en los discursos entre hombres y mujeres. CONCLUSIONS: Cuidar continúa siendo una actividad que suelen realizar las mujeres. Los tipos de apoyos analizados demuestran que la existencia de una red es una garantía de cuidados y que el empleo de las RASF reduce la sobrecarga de la persona cuidadora al estar compensadas con los otros miembros de la red. Por tanto, las redes son un factor de protección de la salud para las personas cuidadoras familiares.

Cross-sectional clinical cancer genomics community of practice survey analysis of provider attitudes and beliefs regarding the use of deceased family member tissue to guide living family member genetic cancer risk assessment.

Next-generation tumor tissue sequencing techniques may result in the detection of putative germline pathogenic variants (PVs), raising the possibility that germline cancer predisposition could be identified from archival medical tissue samples of deceased relatives. The approach, termed traceback, is designed to inform risk management recommendations for living family members. Provider perspectives regarding traceback testing have not yet been explored, so we conducted a cross-sectional survey of Clinical Cancer Genomics Community of Practice providers regarding their attitudes and beliefs toward traceback testing. Self-reported demographics, provider characteristics, attitudes and perceived barriers were collected. We evaluated responses in the context of whether providers had previous experience with traceback testing. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact testing. Among 207 respondents (of 816 eligible), most were women (89.4%), white (85.5%), and not Hispanic or Latino (89.7%). US-based providers represented the majority of respondents (87.4%). Relatively, few providers 32 of 207 (15.5%) had previous experience with traceback. Among the individuals without experience in traceback, 84.0% thought there would be barriers to implementation; however, only 68.8% of individuals with previous traceback experience agreed (p = .04). Respondents in both groups thought that traceback would be valuable in their practice (82.6%, p = .22) and that they would feel comfortable discussing the concept (83.6%, p = .83), interpreting the results (72.2%, p = .24), and discussing the results with their patients (80.7%, p = .38). Patient interest and cost were seen as less of a barrier by those with experience with traceback testing. Recurrent themes obtained in open-ended responses are also presented. Overall, providers believe that traceback would be a valuable tool in their practice. Individuals with previous experience identified less barriers with implementation of this testing, highlighting an area for future research and education.

[Glass ceilings in the scientific societies and professional associations in the field of health in Spain in 2019]. / Techos de cristal en las sociedades científicas y los colegios profesionales del ámbito de la salud en España en 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the composition of the management structures of Spanish professional associations and scientific societies in the field of health in 2019 and compare them with the data obtained in 2014 and 2015. METHOD: descriptive cross-sectional study. Scientific societies in the health field with state representation as of May 30, 2019 and data from professional associations with provincial, regional or state representation were collected as of June 1, 2019. They are compared to 2014 and 2015. RESULTS: 259 professional associations and 163 scientific societies were analyzed. Both professional associations and scientific societies in the field of Health in 2019 exceed the percentage of 40% of balanced composition. The positions that have increased the most in percentage of women are those of vice-secretary (20,8%) or secretaries (9,3% in companies), vice-presidencies (8,8% and 11%) and members (6,4% and 4%). Presidency (2%) and dean (6%), the least. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to continue with the efforts to advance in an equitable representation by sex.

Assessment of Plasmodium falciparum anti-malarial drug resistance markers in pfcrt and pfmdr1 genes in isolates from Honduras and Nicaragua, 2018-2021.

BACKGROUND: Central America and the island of Hispaniola have set out to eliminate malaria by 2030. However, since 2014 a notable upturn in the number of cases has been reported in the Mosquitia region shared by Nicaragua and Honduras. In addition, the proportion of Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases has increased significantly relative to vivax malaria. Chloroquine continues to be the first-line drug to treat uncomplicated malaria in the region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the emergence of chloroquine resistant strains of P. falciparum using a genetic approach. Plasmodium vivax populations are not analysed in this study. METHODS: 205 blood samples from patients infected with P. falciparum between 2018 and 2021 were analysed. The pfcrt gene fragment encompassing codons 72-76 was analysed. Likewise, three fragments of the pfmdr1 gene were analysed in 51 samples by nested PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: All samples revealed the CVMNK wild phenotype for the pfcrt gene and the N86, Y184F, S1034C, N1042D, D1246 phenotype for the pfmdr1 gene. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in falciparum malaria cases in Nicaragua and Honduras cannot be attributed to the emergence of chloroquine-resistant mutants. Other possibilities should be investigated further. This is the first study to report the genotype of pfmdr1 for five loci of interest in Central America.

GASTRIC AND ORAL FEEDING IN SEVERE ACUTE PANCREATITIS.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy about the initiation of gastric or oral feeding in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) because they could increase pancreatic stimulation and exacerbate symptoms and complications. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics and results of patients with SAP who underwent gastric tube or oral feeding versus parenteral or jejunal feeding. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on patients over 18 years old with SAP diagnostic, who had been treated in critical care units. We excluded patients coming from other hospitals and those with incomplete medical records. RESULTS: Thirty patients with SAP were included, fifty three percent of them tolerated the gastric tube or oral feeding, and most of them were females and older than patients who received parenteral or jejunal feeding. Other clinical characteristics and outcomes were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Gastric tube or oral feeding is no absolute contraindication for SAP.

Alimentação oral e gástrica na pancreatite aguda grave / Gastric and oral feeding in severe acute pancreatitis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There is controversy about the initiation of gastric or oral feeding in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) because they could increase pancreatic stimulation and exacerbate symptoms and complications. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics and results of patients with SAP who underwent gastric tube or oral feeding versus parenteral or jejunal feeding. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on patients over 18 years old with SAP diagnostic, who had been treated in critical care units. We excluded patients coming from other hospitals and those with incomplete medical records. RESULTS: Thirty patients with SAP were included, fifty three percent of them tolerated the gastric tube or oral feeding, and most of them were females and older than patients who received parenteral or jejunal feeding. Other clinical characteristics and outcomes were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Gastric tube or oral feeding is no absolute contraindication for SAP.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Há controvérsias sobre o início da alimentação gástrica ou oral em pacientes com pancreatite aguda grave (PAG), pois elas podem aumentar a estimulação pancreática e exacerbar os sintomas e complicações. OBJETIVO Descrever as características clínicas e os resultados de pacientes com PAG submetidos à alimentação por sonda gástrica ou via oral versus alimentação parenteral ou jejunal. MÉTODOS Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo em pacientes maiores de 18 anos com diagnóstico de PAG, atendidos em unidades de terapia intensiva. Excluímos pacientes procedentes de outros hospitais e aqueles com prontuário incompleto. RESULTADOS Trinta pacientes com PAG foram incluídos, 53% deles toleravam a sonda gástrica ou alimentação via oral, e a maioria era do sexo feminino e tinha mais idade do que os pacientes que receberam alimentação parenteral ou jejunal. Outras características clínicas e resultados foram semelhantes em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO A sonda gástrica ou alimentação oral não é contra-indicação absoluta para PAG.

Genetic epidemiology of BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated cancer across Latin America.

The prevalence and contribution of BRCA1/2 (BRCA) pathogenic variants (PVs) to the cancer burden in Latin America are not well understood. This study aims to address this disparity. BRCA analyses were performed on prospectively enrolled Latin American Clinical Cancer Genomics Community Research Network participants via a combination of methods: a Hispanic Mutation Panel (HISPANEL) on MassARRAY; semiconductor sequencing; and copy number variant (CNV) detection. BRCA PV probability was calculated using BRCAPRO. Among 1,627 participants (95.2% with cancer), we detected 236 (14.5%) BRCA PVs; 160 BRCA1 (31% CNVs); 76 BRCA2 PV frequency varied by country: 26% Brazil, 9% Colombia, 13% Peru, and 17% Mexico. Recurrent PVs (seen ≥3 times), some region-specific, represented 42.8% (101/236) of PVs. There was no ClinVar entry for 14% (17/125) of unique PVs, and 57% (111/196) of unique VUS. The area under the ROC curve for BRCAPRO was 0.76. In summary, we implemented a low-cost BRCA testing strategy and documented a significant burden of non-ClinVar reported BRCA PVs among Latin Americans. There are recurrent, population-specific PVs and CNVs, and we note that the BRCAPRO mutation probability model performs adequately. This study helps address the gap in our understanding of BRCA-associated cancer in Latin America.

Multiple Gestations and Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Qualitative Study of the Discourse of Health Professionals in Spain.

Multiple gestations have become an increasing phenomenon that has impacted public health globally, largely due to the application of assisted reproductive technologies. The objective of this work was to find out the discourse that the health professionals involved in its follow-up have in our context. For this, a qualitative methodology was chosen, with semi-structured interviews recorded in audio, prior authorisation, and transcribed verbatim. It was based on a script designed for this purpose, with the following analysis categories: the current trend of multiple gestations, impact, and follow-up. The content analysis was based on the experiences, knowledge, and perceptions of the professionals interviewed. Professionals stated that the current socioeconomic and legal context hinders a single embryo transfer policy that decreases multiple gestation rates. They emphasised the importance of the psychic impact of such gestations on the couple, on the mother in particular, as well as the economic effect on families, health, and society in general. They expressed the need to create specific protocols to assist these gestations. Midwives, in particular, demanded that the health administration recognise and support the differentiated care they perform with this type of gestation. Work on specific models is needed to adequately size the impact of multiple gestations, as well as to generate social health policies that lead to co-responsible reconciliation measures that favour women having one pregnancy at a time.

Development and Pilot Implementation of the Genomic Risk Assessment for Cancer Implementation and Sustainment (GRACIAS) Intervention in Mexico.

PURPOSE: Genomic cancer risk assessment (GCRA) is standard-of-care practice that uses genomic tools to identify individuals with increased cancer risk, enabling screening for early detection and cancer prevention interventions. GCRA is not available in most of Mexico, where breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer death and ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate. METHODS: Guided by an implementation science framework, we piloted the Genomic Risk Assessment for Cancer Implementation and Sustainment (GRACIAS) intervention, combining GCRA training, practice support, and low-cost BRCA1/2 (BRCA) gene testing at four centers in Mexico. The RE-AIM model was adapted to evaluate GRACIAS intervention outcomes, including reach, the proportion of new patients meeting adapted National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria who participated in GCRA. Barriers to GCRA were identified through roundtable sessions and semistructured interviews. RESULTS: Eleven clinicians were trained across four sites. Mean pre-post knowledge score increased from 60% to 67.2% (range 53%-86%). GCRA self-efficacy scores increased by 31% (95% CI, 6.47 to 55.54; P = .02). Participant feedback recommended Spanish content to improve learning. GRACIAS promoted reach at all sites: 77% in Universidad de Guadalajara, 86% in Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, 90% in Tecnológico de Monterrey, and 77% in Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán. Overall, a pathogenic BRCA variant was identified in 15.6% (195 of 1,253) of patients. All trainees continue to provide GCRA and address barriers to care. CONCLUSION: We describe the first project to use implementation science methods to develop and deliver an innovative multicomponent implementation intervention, combining low-cost BRCA testing, comprehensive GCRA training, and practice support in Mexico. Scale-up of the GRACIAS intervention will promote risk-appropriate care, cancer prevention, and reduction in related mortality.

Germline mutations and age at onset of lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To identify additional at-risk groups for lung cancer screening, which targets persons with a long history of smoking and thereby misses younger or nonsmoking cases, the authors evaluated germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in patients with lung adenocarcinoma for an association with an accelerated onset. METHODS: The authors assembled a retrospective cohort (1999-2018) of oncogenetic clinic patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Eligibility required a family history of cancer, data on smoking, and a germline biospecimen to screen via a multigene panel. Germline PVs (TP53/EGFR, BRCA2, other Fanconi anemia [FA] pathway genes, and non-FA DNA repair genes) were interrogated for associations with the age at diagnosis via an accelerated failure time model. RESULTS: Subjects (n = 187; age, 28-89 years; female, 72.7%; Hispanic, 11.8%) included smokers (minimum of 5 pack-years; n = 65) and nonsmokers (lighter ever smokers [n = 18] and never smokers [n = 104]). Overall, 26.7% of the subjects carried 1 to 2 germline PVs: TP53 (n = 5), EGFR (n = 2), BRCA2 (n = 6), another FA gene (n = 11), or another DNA repair gene (n = 28). After adjustment for smoking, sex, and ethnicity, the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma was accelerated 12.2 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-20.6 years) by BRCA2 PVs, 9.0 years (95% CI, 0.5-16.5 years) by TP53/EGFR PVs, and 6.1 years (95% CI, -1.0 to 12.6 years) by PVs in other FA genes. PVs in other DNA repair genes showed no association. Germline associations did not vary by smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Among lung adenocarcinoma cases, germline PVs (TP53, EGFR, BRCA2, and possibly other FA genes) may be associated with an earlier onset. With further study, the criteria for lung cancer screening may need to include carriers of high-risk PVs, and findings could influence precision therapy and reduce lung cancer mortality by earlier stage diagnosis.

A Multicountry Comparison of Three Coverage Evaluation Survey Sampling Methodologies for Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Coverage evaluation surveys (CESs) are an important complement to routinely reported drug coverage estimates following mass drug administration for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Although the WHO recommends the routine use of CESs, they are rarely implemented. Reasons for this low uptake are multifaceted; one is uncertainty on the best sampling method. We conducted a multicountry study to compare the statistical characteristics, cost, time, and complexity of three commonly used CES sampling methods: the Expanded Program on Immunization's (EPI's) 30 × 7 cluster survey, a stratified design with systematic sampling within strata to enable lot quality assurance sampling (S-LQAS) decision rules, and probability sampling with segmentation (PSS). The three CES methods were used in Burkina Faso, Honduras, Malawi, and Uganda, and results were compared across the country sites. All three CES methods were found to be feasible. The S-LQAS approach took the least amount of time to complete and, consequently, was the least expensive; however, all three methods cost less than $5,000 per district. The PSS design resulted in an unbiased, equal-probability sample of the target populations. By contrast, the EPI approach had inherent bias related to the selection of households. Because of modifications needed to maintain feasibility, the S-LQAS method also resulted in a non-probability sample with less precision than the other two methods. Given the comparable cost and time of the three sampling methods and the statistical advantages of the PSS method, the PSS method was deemed to be the best for CESs in NTD programs.

[Clinical profile and results of acute pancreatitis in the Intensive and Intermediate Care Unit of a general hospital]. / Perfil clínico y resultados de la pancreatitis aguda en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos e Intermedios de un hospital general.

INTRODUCTION: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are diagnosed more frequently because the higher use of radiologic exams, in that sense they are a great challenge to define its management and treatment in relation to its potential malignant transformation. OBJECTIVE: To describe IPMN clinical profile, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) characteristics and survival in all patients diagnosed with IPMN by EUS at HNERM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort of patients with IPMN diagnosed at HNERM by EUS from 2013 to 2018. Descriptive statistics was used for clinical profile and EUS characteristics. Kaplan Meir Method and Cox regression analysis was applied for survival analysis. RESULTS: 133 patients with IPMN were included. Medium age was 68.6 years, 80 (60.2%) were female. According to IPMN subtypes, 89 (66.9%) originated from secondary branch, 23 (17.3%) from main duct (MD) and 21 (15.8%) were mixed type (MT). Head of pancreas was the main localization (41.4%). In follow-up, 22 (16.5%) were derived to surgery. Mortality occurred in 16.5% (22 cases) after a median follow-up of 522 days. Malignant transformation was diagnosed in 6% (8 cases). Survival was 86.8% (IC 95%, 79.6-91.6) at 1 year and 81.9% (IC95%, 73.3-88.0) at 3 years. Univariate analysis demonstrated that factors associated to survival were MD-IPMN (p=0.02) y MT-IPMN (p=0.005), male gender (p=004), nodule size ≥30 mm (p=0.000), presence of nodules (p=0.014) and Wirsung ≥10 mm (p=0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that predictive factors for survival were MD-IPMN (HR=6.3, p=0.005), MT-IPMN (HR=4.9, p=0.008) and nodule size ≥30 mm (HR=7.1, p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of MD-IPMN and MT-IPMN are predictive factors for survival as well as nodule size ≥ 30mm.

Perfil clínico y resultados de la pancreatitis aguda en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos e Intermedios de un hospital general / Clinical profile and results of acute pancreatitis in the Intensive and Intermediate Care Unit of a general hospital

RESUMEN La pancreatitis aguda (PA) es un proceso inflamatorio agudo del páncreas que, de acuerdo con la clasificación de Atlanta del 2012, puede ser leve, moderada o grave. Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, terapéuticas y los resultados de pacientes con PA ingresados a la unidad de cuidados intensivos e intermedios de un hospital general y compararlos con los descritos en la literatura nacional e internacional. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional de pacientes con PA atendidos en un periodo de 3 años. Resultados: Se incluyeron 59 casos; predominó el sexo femenino (54,2%), la edad media fue de 59,3 años, la etiología más frecuente fue biliar (84,7%). Los puntajes de severidad promedio al ingreso fueron APACHE II de 12,4 puntos, SOFA de 4,9 puntos y Marshall modificado de 2,8 puntos; la falla orgánica más frecuente fue la respiratoria (47,5%). La estancia media en cuidados fue 13,9 días y en el hospital fue de 23,3 días. Ningún paciente con PA leve o moderada falleció durante su estancia hospitalaria, 6 pacientes con PA grave fallecieron durante su estancia hospitalaria (20% de los casos de PA grave). Conclusión: Los casos de nuestro hospital tuvieron un perfil clínico y terapéutico semejante al descrito en la literatura mundial y latinoamericano. Se evidenció una estancia hospitalaria mayor a la descrita en trabajos recientes, pero nuestra mortalidad fue menor.

ABSTRACT Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas that, according to the 2012 Atlanta classification, can be mild, moderate or severe. Objective: Describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and outcomes of patients with AP admitted to the intensive care and intermediate care unit of a general hospital and compare them with those described in the national and international literature. Materials and methods: Observational study of patients with AP treated over a period of 3 years. Results: 59 cases were included; the female sex prevailed (54.2%), the average age was 59.3 years, the most frequent etiology was biliary (84.7%). Average entry severity scores were APACHE II of 12.4 points, SOFA of 4.9 points and Marshall modified of 2.8 points; The most frequent organ failure was respiratory (47.5%). The average stay in care was 13.9 days and in the hospital it was 23.3 days. No patients with mild or moderate AP died during their hospital stay, 6 patients with severe AP died during their hospital stay (20% of cases of severe AP). Conclusion: The cases of our hospital had a clinical and therapeutic profile similar to that described in the world and Latin American literature. A hospital staying was greater than that described in recent works, but our mortality was lower.

Personalized circulating tumor DNA analysis to detect residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer.

Longitudinal analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has shown promise for monitoring treatment response. However, most current methods lack adequate sensitivity for residual disease detection during or after completion of treatment in patients with nonmetastatic cancer. To address this gap and to improve sensitivity for minute quantities of residual tumor DNA in plasma, we have developed targeted digital sequencing (TARDIS) for multiplexed analysis of patient-specific cancer mutations. In reference samples, by simultaneously analyzing 8 to 16 known mutations, TARDIS achieved 91 and 53% sensitivity at mutant allele fractions (AFs) of 3 in 104 and 3 in 105, respectively, with 96% specificity, using input DNA equivalent to a single tube of blood. We successfully analyzed up to 115 mutations per patient in 80 plasma samples from 33 women with stage I to III breast cancer. Before treatment, TARDIS detected ctDNA in all patients with 0.11% median AF. After completion of neoadjuvant therapy, ctDNA concentrations were lower in patients who achieved pathological complete response (pathCR) compared to patients with residual disease (median AFs, 0.003 and 0.017%, respectively, P = 0.0057, AUC = 0.83). In addition, patients with pathCR showed a larger decrease in ctDNA concentrations during neoadjuvant therapy. These results demonstrate high accuracy for assessment of molecular response and residual disease during neoadjuvant therapy using ctDNA analysis. TARDIS has achieved up to 100-fold improvement beyond the current limit of ctDNA detection using clinically relevant blood volumes, demonstrating that personalized ctDNA tracking could enable individualized clinical management of patients with cancer treated with curative intent.

Female employees' perception of breastfeeding-friendly support in a public university in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To explore women's experience with continuing breastfeeding when they returned to work. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were female employees at the University of Seville who gave birth in the last 10 years while working at University. MEASURES: A questionnaire in Spanish was used to collect information on sociodemographic variables, employment characteristics, continued breastfeeding behavior after returning to work and the dimensions of the validated scale the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale (WBSS). RESULTS: A total of 197 women responded, consisting of 53.8% faculty and 46.2% administrative staff. Almost all the women had breastfed their children (92.9%). The proportion of women who continued to breastfeed after they returned to work was 51.3%. The main reason given for interrupting lactation was the challenge of reconciling family and work (53.1%). Faculty members took more breaks for breastfeeding (p = 0.002) and were able to arrange their breaks more easily (p < 0.001). Since it was easier for them to find a quiet place to pump breast milk (p = 0.025), they were more likely to continue breastfeeding after returning to work than were administrative staff (59.8% vs. 41.1%, p < 0.009). CONCLUSION: A designated lactation space and amenities should be provided in order to extend the duration of breastfeeding.

G6PD deficiency, primaquine treatment, and risk of haemolysis in malaria-infected patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of malaria in the Americas has decreased markedly in recent years. Honduras and the other countries of Mesoamerica and the island of Hispaniola have set the goal of eliminating native malaria by the year 2020. To achieve this goal, Honduras has recently approved national regulations to expand the possibilities of a shortened double dose primaquine (PQ) treatment for vivax malaria. Considering this new shortened anti-malarial treatment, the high frequency of G6PDd genotypes in Honduras, and the lack of routinely assessment of the G6PD deficiency status, this study aimed at investigating the potential association between the intake of PQ and haemolysis in malaria-infected G6PDd subjects. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort and open-label study. Participants with malaria were recruited. Plasmodium vivax infection was treated with 0.25 mg/kg of PQ daily for 14 days. Safety and signs of haemolysis were evaluated by clinical criteria and laboratory values before and during the 3rd and 7th day of PQ treatment. G6PD status was assessed by a rapid test (CareStart™) and two molecular approaches. RESULTS: Overall 55 participants were enrolled. The frequency of G6PD deficient genotypes was 7/55 (12.7%), where 5/7 (71.4%) were hemizygous A- males and 2/7 (28.6%) heterozygous A- females. Haemoglobin concentrations were compared between G6PD wild type (B) and G6PDd A- subjects, showing a significant difference between the means of both groups in the 3rd and 7th days. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was evident in the change in haemoglobin concentration between the 3rd day and the 1st day for both genotypes, but there was no statistical difference for the change in haemoglobin concentration between the 7th day and the 1st day. Besides these changes in the haemoglobin concentrations, none of the patients showed signs or symptoms associated with severe haemolysis, and none needed to be admitted to a hospital for further medical attention. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support that the intake of PQ during 14 days of treatment against vivax malaria is safe in patients with a class III variant of G6PDd. In view of the new national regulations in the shortened treatment of vivax malaria for 7 days, it is advisable to be alert of potential cases of severe haemolysis that could occur among G6PD deficient hemizygous males with a class II mutation such as the Santamaria variant, previously reported in the country.