Evaluating the effects of hypoxic storage on platelet function and health using a novel storage system.

BACKGROUND: Thousands of units of whole blood (WB) and blood components are transfused daily to treat trauma patients. Improved methods for blood storage are critical to support trauma-related care. The Hemanext ONE® system offers a unique method for hypoxic storage of WB, with successfully demonstrated storage of clinically viable RBCs. This work evaluated the system for the storage of WB, focusing on platelet health and function. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: WB was collected from healthy donors and processed through the Hemanext ONE® system. Hemoglobin oxygen saturation (HbSO2) levels of WB were depleted to 10%, 20%, or 30% of total HbSO2 and then stored in PVC bags sealed in oxygen-impermeable bags (except for normoxic control) with samples collected on days 1, 7, and 14 post-processing. Flow cytometry assessed the activation and apoptosis of platelets. Clot dynamics were assessed based on aggregometry and thromboelastography assays, as well as thrombin generation using a calibrated-automated thrombogram method. RESULTS: Hypoxic storage conditions were maintained throughout the storage period. Hypoxia triggered increased lactate production, but pH changes were negligible compared to normoxic control. Storage at 10% HbSO2 had a significant impact on platelet function, resulting in increased activation and reduced clot formation and aggregation. These effects were less significant at 20% and 30% HbSO2. DISCUSSION: This study indicates that platelets are sensitive to hypoxic storage and suffer significant metabolic and functional deterioration when stored at or below 10% HbSO2.

Five Years of Multidisciplinary Care in Hereditary Cancer: Our Experience in a Spanish University Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the evolution of a multidisciplinary heredofamilial cancer unit (HFCU) in a university hospital. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of the activity of our HFCU in its first 5 years of existence. RESULTS: Between July 2010 and July 2015, 1,518 patients from 1,318 families attended our HFCU. Genetic testing was offered to 862 patients. Of those, 833 (96.6%) accepted testing, with available results for 636 (76.4%). Pathogenic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 were found in 175 patients. Lynch syndrome and adenomatous polyposis were the most frequent syndromes diagnosed (151/175, 86.3%) among 17 different syndromes studied. Of the 404 patients without a previous genetic diagnosis in the family, 62 (15.3%) were found to have mutations in disease-causing genes. Prophylactic surgery and follow-up (33.7%) or follow-up only (66.3%) was proposed for mutation carriers according to international guidelines and patients' preferences. CONCLUSION: We have a high mutation detection rate, genetic test acceptance, and compliance with risk reduction strategies. However, there is room for improvement, especially in genetic testing timing, considering that an increase in the indications for genetic testing is expected.

External-beam radiation therapy after surgical resection and intraoperative electron-beam radiation therapy for oligorecurrent gynecological cancer. Long-term outcome.

PURPOSE: The goal of the present study was to analyze prognostic factors in patients treated with external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT), surgical resection and intraoperative electron-beam radiotherapy (IOERT) for oligorecurrent gynecological cancer (ORGC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1995 to December 2012, 61 patients with ORGC [uterine cervix (52 %), endometrial (30 %), ovarian (15 %), vagina (3 %)] underwent IOERT (12.5 Gy, range 10-15 Gy), and surgical resection to the pelvic (57 %) and paraaortic (43 %) recurrence tumor bed. In addition, 29 patients (48 %) also received EBRT (range 30.6-50.4 Gy). Survival outcomes were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and risk factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Median follow-up time for the entire cohort of patients was 42 months (range 2-169 months). The 10-year rates for overall survival (OS) and locoregional control (LRC) were 17 and 65 %, respectively. On multivariate analysis, no tumor fragmentation (HR 0.22; p = 0.03), time interval from primary tumor diagnosis to locoregional recurrence (LRR) < 24 months (HR 4.02; p = 0.02) and no EBRT at the time of pelvic recurrence (HR 3.95; p = 0.02) retained significance with regard to LRR. Time interval from primary tumor to LRR < 24 months (HR 2.32; p = 0.02) and no EBRT at the time of pelvic recurrence (HR 3.77; p = 0.04) showed a significant association with OS after adjustment for other covariates. CONCLUSION: External-beam radiation therapy at the time of pelvic recurrence, time interval for relapse ≥ 24 months and not multi-involved fragmented resection specimens are associated with improved LRC in patients with ORGC. As suggested from the present analysis a significant group of ORGC patients could potentially benefit from multimodality rescue treatment.

Intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy and extended surgical resection for gynecological pelvic recurrent malignancies with and without external beam radiation therapy: long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze prognostic factors in patients treated with intraoperative electrons containing resective surgical rescue of locally recurrent gynecological cancer (LRGC). METHODS: From January 1995 to December 2012, 35 patients with LRGC [uterine cervix (57%), endometrial (20%), ovarian (17%), vagina (6%)] underwent extended [multiorgan (54%), bone (9%), soft tissue (54%), vascular (14%)] surgery and intraoperative electron-beam radiation therapy [IOERT (10-15 Gy)] to the pelvic recurrence tumor bed. Sixteen (46%) patients also received external beam radiation therapy [EBRT (30.6-50.4 Gy)]. Survival outcomes were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and risk factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Median follow-up time for the entire cohort of patients was 46 months (range, 3-169). Ten-year rates for locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) were 58 and 16%, respectively. On multivariate analysis non-EBRT at the time of pelvic re-recurrence [HR 4.15; p = 0.02], no tumor fragmentation [HR 0.13; p=0.05] and time interval from primary tumor to LRR < 24 months [HR 5.16; p=0.01], retained significance with regard to LRR. Non-EBRT at the time of pelvic re-recurrence [HR 4.18; p=0.02] and time interval from primary tumor to LRR < 24 months [HR 6.67; p=0.02] showed a significant association with OS after adjustment for other covariates. CONCLUSIONS: EBRT treatment integrated for rescue, time interval for relapse ≥ 24 months, and not multi-involved fragmented resection specimens are associated with improved LRC in patients with LRGC in the pelvis. Present results suggest that a significant group of patients may benefit from EBRT treatment integrated with extended surgery and IOERT.

Ran stimulates spindle assembly by altering microtubule dynamics and the balance of motor activities.

The guanosine tri-phosphatase Ran stimulates assembly of microtubule spindles. However, it is not known what aspects of the microtubule cytoskeleton are subject to regulation by Ran in mitosis. Here we show that Ran-GTP stimulates microtubule assembly by increasing the rescue frequency of microtubules three- to eightfold. In addition to changing microtubule dynamics, Ran-GTP also alters the balance of motor activities, partly as a result of an increase in the amount of motile Eg5, a plus-end-directed microtubule motor that is essential for spindle formation. Thus, Ran regulates multiple processes that are involved in spindle assembly.

SARS-CoV-2 screening of asymptomatic women admitted for delivery must be performed with a combination of microbiological techniques: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the value of systematic screening in asymptomatic women admitted for spontaneous delivery with a combination of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cycle threshold (Ct) and serum antibodies. METHODS: Since May 6 all women admitted for spontaneous delivery underwent RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs and specific antibodies IgG of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in serum that were performed as part of routine clinical care in our institution. Ct of the PCR was recorded. We analyzed the first 100 women consecutively admitted for spontaneous delivery at our institution. RESULTS: Nine women were positive for SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal samples (9%) and 13 (13%) presented positive specific antibodies of the coronavirus. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 prior exposure was 15%. The Ct determination (RT-PCR test) of our 9 positive patients ranged from 36 to 41 cycles with a median of 40. Vaginal delivery occurred in 94% of the cases and only 6% underwent a cesarean section, always for obstetric reasons. No fetal transmission was observed and maternal and neonatal prognosis was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: During epidemic episodes in asymptomatic women in labor, universal testing with RT-PCR (considering Ct determination), and the detection of antibodies, permits a better interpretation of the results and avoid unnecessary isolation procedures.

[Breast cancer during pregnancy]. / Cáncer de mama durante el embarazo.

As women in western countries delay childbearing, it has been hypothesized that the incidence of breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy will increase. Breast carcinoma during pregnancy(BCP) put the health of the mother in conflict with that of the fetus. The aim is to give optimal treatment to the mother to maximise the chances of survival, whilst minimising the risk of harm of the fetus. Few breast surgeons or oncologist develop expertise in this area owing the rarity of the association. We report the epidemiology, pathology, clinical picture, therapeutic management and fetal outcome of pregnant women with breast cancer treated in our institution.

Intraoperative electron-beam radiation therapy with or without external-beam radiotherapy in the management of paraaortic lymph-node oligometastases from gynecological malignancies.

PURPOSE: To analyze long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with paraaortic lymph-node oligometastases (LNO) from gynecological malignancies treated in a multimodal protocol. METHODS: Patients with a histological diagnosis of LNO gynecological cancer [uterine cervix (n = 14, 40 %), endometrial (n = 18, 51 %), ovarian (n = 3, 9 %)] who underwent surgery with radical intent and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), median dose 12.5 Gy) were considered eligible for participation in this study. Additionally, 51 % received external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT). RESULTS: From 1997 to 2012, a total of 35 patients from a single institution were analyzed. With a median follow-up time of 55 months (range 2-148), 5-year loco-regional control (LRC), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 79, 44 and 49 %, respectively. On multivariate analysis, no EBRT treatment to the LNO (p = 0.03), and time interval from primary tumor diagnosis to LNO <24 months (p = 0.04) remained significantly associated with locoregional recurrence (LRR). We found on multivariate analysis that only R1 margin status (p = 0.01) was significantly associated with OS. CONCLUSION: From the current series of patients with gynecological LNO, it emerges the fact that EBRT promotes local control. Future prospective studies might be designed according to the predicted risk of LRR focusing on different subgroups.

[Pelvic fibromatosis, as a cause of abdominal mass]. / Fibromatosis pélvica, como causa de masa abdominal.

Pelvic fibromatosis was found in a 26-year-old patient who was operated on for a possible uterine myoma. The histopathological diagnosis revealed an idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis. A second operation was performed in order to complete the exercise of the mass. Immunohistochemical techniques backed the initial diagnosis of pelvic fibromatosis.

The use of radiotherapy for early breast cancer in woman at different ages.

Age is an important feature at the time of early breast cancer diagnosis. Radiotherapy is a mandatory component of treatment for breast-conserving strategies in early disease stages. Breast radiotherapy has rapidly evolved in the last 20 years. A tendency to less treatment volume (partial-breast irradiation) and less treatment time (hypofractionation) is consolidated in modern radiation oncology practice. Age and risk for local recurrence guide the decision-making process to electro-optimal treatment. Radiotherapy technological versatility offers multiple options for individualized (risk-age adapted) recommendations.

Intraoperative electron-beam radiation therapy with or without external-beam radiotherapy in the management of paraaortic lymph-node oligometastases from gynecological malignancies

Purpose. To analyze long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with paraaortic lymph-node oligometastases (LNO) from gynecological malignancies treated in a multimodal protocol. Methods. Patients with a histological diagnosis of LNO gynecological cancer [uterine cervix (n = 14, 40 %), endometrial (n = 18, 51 %), ovarian (n = 3, 9 %)] who underwent surgery with radical intent and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), median dose 12.5 Gy) were considered eligible for participation in this study. Additionally, 51 % received external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Results. From 1997 to 2012, a total of 35 patients from a single institution were analyzed. With a median follow-up time of 55 months (range 2–148), 5-year loco-regional control (LRC), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 79, 44 and 49 %, respectively. On multivariate analysis, no EBRT treatment to the LNO (p = 0.03), and time interval from primary tumor diagnosis to LNO <24 months (p = 0.04) remained significantly associated with locoregional recurrence (LRR). We found on multivariate analysis that only R1 margin status (p = 0.01) was significantly associated with OS. Conclusion. From the current series of patients with gynecological LNO, it emerges the fact that EBRT promotes local control. Future prospective studies might be designed according to the predicted risk of LRR focusing on different subgroups (AU)

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[Schistosomiasis (bilharziosis). Importance of cytology. Report of 2 cases]. / Esquistosomiasis (Bilharziosis). Importancia de la citología. A propósito de dos casos.

We report two cases of bilharziasis of the bladder in immigrants who presented with spontaneous hematuria. This condition was diagnosed by urine cytology. The current tide of immigration and tourism have led to an increased number of diseases acquired abroad. A simple, economic and rapid method for diagnosing schistosomiasis in patients at risk with hematuria is described.

The use of radiotherapy for early breast cancer in woman at different ages

Age is an important feature at the time of early breast cancer diagnosis. Radiotherapy is a mandatory component of treatment for breast-conserving strategies in early disease stages. Breast radiotherapy has rapidly evolved in the last 20 years. A tendency to less treatment volume (partial-breast irradiation) and less treatment time (hypofractionation) is consolidated in modern radiation oncology practice. Age and risk for local recurrence guide the decision-making process to electro-optimal treatment. Radiotherapy technological versatility offers multiple options for individualized (risk-age adapted) recommendations (AU)

No disponible

Melanotic adenocarcinoma of the anorectum.

A variety of tumors, besides those formed by melanocytes, may contain melanin pigment. Most of them have originated from the neural crest. Epithelial tumors with melanosomes are very unusual. We report the case of a 76-year-old woman with rectal adenocarcinoma that invaded the intestine and vagina extensively. At the anorectal site, melanin pigment was found in the cytoplasm of the malignant neoplastic epithelial cells, and melanosomes were ultrastructurally confirmed at various developmental stages. Melanocytes with cytoplasmic processes spreading between neoplastic cells were also present as the apparent source of the pigment contained in the neoplastic cells.