SARSCoV-2 antibody prevalence and titers in persons living with HIV cared for at a large tertiary reference center in Mexico City.

OBJECTIVE: To assess SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence and titers in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) on antiretroviral treatment (ART) enrolled at a tertiary reference hospital in Mexico. METHODS: Two plasma aliquots per person, used for HIV viral load follow-up between 01/2020 and 09/2021, were used to assess total anti-N and neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Sociodemographic, clinical, and SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk information were collected. The risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 exposure and associations with antibody titers were analyzed with logistic, Cox, and linear multivariable models. RESULTS: 803 PLWHIV participated; 233 had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (prevalent cases), and 132 seroconverted (incident cases). Overall, the adjusted prevalence was 46.45%, with an incidence rate of 3.78 cases/100 person-months. Factors associated with prevalent cases included lower age, location (western zone of Mexico City and the neighboring Mexico State), use of public transport, attendance at meetings without social distancing, and higher CD4 + T cell counts (p < 0.05; multivariable logistic model). BNT162b2 vaccination reduced incident cases (Cox adjusted HR = 0.4; p = 0.013). Notably, previously infected and vaccinated individuals showed maximization of neutralizing activity (p < 0.001). No associations between SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and HIV-related variables (CD4 + T cell counts, viral load, number of years in viral suppression, ART regimen) were found in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with community risk rather than HIV-associated variables in PLWH on ART and clinical follow-up. Antibody neutralization activity in vaccinated participants was maximized with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast with squamous differentiation: prognostic factors and multidisciplinary treatment.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of patients diagnosed with metaplastic carcinoma of the breast with squamous differentiation and to identify the particular clinical and histological characteristics that need to be taken into account in this type of tumors. CASE PRESENTATION: Retrospective observational study of two patients managed at our hospital between 2014 and 2020 (15 months mean follow-up), plus all cases published in the last 7 years (8 patients). Thus, a total of 10 cases were analyzed, all with less than 2 years mean global survival. Studied variables were: age, medical background, tumor size, axillary involvement, radiological characteristics, surgical approach, complementary treatments, histologic characteristics, and progression of the disease. In 50% of cases, the disease appeared as a palpable mass of rapid growth, associated with axillary infiltration; 80% of the tumors were triple negative; 30% of them progressed to distant metastatic disease in 30%. CONCLUSIONS: This unusual carcinoma requires a complex multidisciplinary treatment. Its prognosis is unfavorable due to its high local aggressiveness, with rapid progression and appearance of metastatic disease. The predominance of different histological components may determine the response to medical treatments.

Superior mesenteric vein aneurysm.

A 41-year-old female patient was under study for abdominal pain located in the epigastrium and mesogastrium with no other associated symptoms. There was no record of previous episodes of pancreatitis and she denied abdominal trauma and laboratory tests were normal. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed.

Adenocarcinoma of the small intestine in Crohn's disease.

The first case of small-bowel carcinoma (SBC) associated with Crohn's disease (CD) was described by Ginzburg in 1956. Since then, only 220 cases have been published in the literature.

Prevalence and risk factors for oral human papillomavirus infection in Mexican HIV-infected men.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for oral high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infec- tion in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-infected men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive male outpatients with HIV-infection were enrolled. Demographic and behav- ioral risk data were obtained. Anal swabs and oral rinses were tested for HR-HPV DNA. Oral, pharyngeal and video laryngoscopy examinations were performed for detection of lesions. RESULTS: The prevalence of HR-HPV oral infection was 9.3% (subtypes other than HR HPV 16/18 predominated). The prevalence of anal HR-HPV infection was 75.7%. The risk factors for oral infection with HR-HPV were tonsillectomy (OR=13.12) and years from HIV diagnosis (OR=1.17). CONCLUSIONS: Tonsillectomy and years from HIV diagnosis were associated with oral HPV infection. No association was found between oral and anal HR-HPV infections. This is the first study reporting the prevalence and risk factors for oral HR-HPV infection in Mexican HIV-infected population.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo para infección oral por virus de papiloma humano de alto ries- go (VPH-AR) en individuos con VIH. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron pacientes ambulatorios consecutivos con VIH. Se recabó información demográfica y sobre factores de riesgo conductuales. Se detectó DNA de VPH-AR en hisopado rectal y enjuague bucal. Se efectuó exploración de boca, faringe y videolaringoscopía para detectar lesiones. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de VPH-AR oral fue 9.3% (predominaron subtipos diferentes de VPH-AR 16/18). La prevalencia de VPH-AR anal fue 75.7%. Los factores de riesgo para VPH-AR oral fueron la tonsilectomía (OR=13.12) y los años de diagnóstico del VIH (OR=1.17). CONCLUSIONES: La tonsilectomía y los años de diagnóstico del VIH se asociaron con VPH-AR oral. No hubo asociación entre VPH-AR oral y anal. Este es el primer reporte sobre prevalencia y factores de riesgo para VPH-AR oral en población mexicana con VIH.

Surgery and considerations for the repair of Petersen's space hernia after mini gastric bypass.

This paper reports a case of Petersen's space hernia after mini gastric bypass. This is an anecdotal post-operative complication in the mini gastric bypass technique, with an estimated rate of 1/5000 cases. Similar cases described in the literature were treated by the surgical hernia reduction and the closure of the mesenteric defect. Our patient had a unique management, performing a conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with dissection of the biliopancreatic limb at the anastomosis and creation of a variable foot-point anastomosis with excellent mid-term post-operative results. This should provide better long-term results as compared to simple mesenteric closure, avoiding the complications of mini gastric bypass technique.

Adult gastric duplication: an unknown condition within the spectrum of gastric submucosal lesions.

BACKGROUND: Gastric duplication is an uncommon condition in adults representing only 4-8% of all gastrointestinal duplications. It develops as a cystic growth within the thick gastric wall that is surrounded by a layer of smooth muscle and lined with gastric mucosa. It is usually asymptomatic but may present with nonspecific abdominal symptoms as well as cyst-related complications such as gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, ulceration and even pancreatitis. They are difficult to distinguish from other gastric submucosal lesions and may also mimic a gastrointestinal tumor (GIST) or mucinous cyst of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is the most widely used diagnostic procedure and histology provides a definitive diagnosis. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 36-year-old female patient with a history of a "contained" perforated gastric ulcer that was managed conservatively. The patient was diagnosed with a gastric GIST which prompted a laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction with a good postoperative outcome. DISCUSSION: The definitive histological diagnosis was gastric duplication. Thus, the previous diagnosis of a "contained" perforated gastric ulcer was in fact a complication of the gastric duplication itself.

Endoscopic management of a gastric leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy using the over-the-scope-clip (Ovesco®) system.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is currently used for the management of morbid obesity. Gastric fistula is the primary life-threatening complication, and its resolution continues to be a strong challenge for surgeons. Multiple treatment options are available, ranging from conservative therapy to endoscopic use of clips or stents, and even surgical reoperation involving total gastrectomy or conversion to a different bariatric technique. The applicability of each individual option will depend on the type of fistula and the patient clinical status. A clinical case is reported of a 29-year-old male patient with a body mass index at 49% who following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy had a delayed gastric fistula that failed to respond to conservative management but was successfully treated using the over-the-scope clip (Ovesco®) system.

The level of acceptance of spanish medical students of the transplantation of solid organs from animals: a stratified and multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Research into the transplantation of solid organs from animals (xenotransplantation) is generating interest and curiosity given that this could be a way of resolving the shortage in transplant organs. However, the fact is that currently xenotransplantation is far from becoming a clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the attitude of medical students from Spanish universities towards the donation of organs from animals and to determine the factors affecting their attitudes. TYPE OF STUDY: A sociological, interdisciplinary, observational and multicentre study in Spain. STUDY POPULATION: Students enrolled on the medical degree in Spain (n = 34 000). SAMPLE SIZE: A sample of 9598 students (a confidence level of 99% and precision of ± 1%) stratified by geographical area and academic year. Instrument of measurement: A validated questionnaire of attitude towards organ xenotransplantation (PCID-XenoTx RIOS) which was self-administered and completed anonymously. RESULTS: A completion rate of 95.7% (n = 9275) was obtained. If the results of xenotransplantation were as good as in human donation, 81% (n = 7491) would be in favour, 3% (n = 308) against and 16% (n = 1476) undecided. The following variables affected this attitude: sex (P < 0.001); academic year (P < 0.001); discussion of transplantation with one's family (P < 0.001) and friends (P < 0.001); the opinion of one's partner (P < 0.001); the respondent's attitude towards organ donation (P < 0.001); religion (P < 0.001); and participation in altruistic activities (P < 0.001). The following variables persisted in the multivariate analysis: (1) being a female (OR = 1.794; P < 0.001); (2) academic year (OR = 2.487; P < 0.001); (3) having spoken about the issue with one's family (OR = 1.200; P = 0.019); (4) the favourable opinion of one's partner (OR = 1.526; P = 0.028); (5) an attitude in favour of donation (OR = 2.087; P < 0.001); (6) being an atheist/agnostic, (OR = 2.5; P < 0.001); and (7) a belief that one's religion is in favour of transplantation (OR = 1.317; P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Spanish medical students have a favourable attitude towards xenotransplantation. This willingness and interest could be a decisive platform for the development and strengthening of research, both for centres with a pre-clinical xenotransplantation programme and new healthcare centres.

General surgery training in Spain: core curriculum and specific areas of training.

The royal decree RD 639/2014 has been published, regulating among others, the core curriculum, and specific areas of training (SAT). It is of great interest for the specialty of General and Digestive Surgery (GS and DS). The aim is to expose and clarify the main provisions and reflect on their implications for the practical application of the core curriculum and SAT in the specialty of General and Digestive Surgery, to promote initiatives and regulations. This RD will be a milestone in our specialty that will test the strength of the specialty, if it does not finally culminate in its degradation against the emergence of new surgical specialties. A new stage begins in which the Spanish Association of Surgeons should be involved to define the conceptual basis of GS and DS in the XXI century, and the creation of new SAT to continue to maintain the "essence of our specialty".

Left-sided appendicitis: diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment.

Intestinal malrotation and situs inversus can have important repercussions if acute abdominal pain develops. Intraabdominal structures can have inverted position and thus may easily mislead the surgeon during physical examination. Fortunately, radiological exams have improved the preoperative diagnosis of these patients. However, in difficult cases when an underlying surgical disease is suspected, laparoscopy remains the gold standard in order to diagnose and treat if possible the suspected disorder. We present a case of acute left-side appendicitis in a child with unknown congenital intestinal malrotation. In addition, this case stressed the value of laparoscopy in daily practice to evaluate patients with atypical abdominal pain.

Bariatric Surgery: An Opportunity to Improve Quality of Life and Healthy Habits.

Bariatric surgery therapy (BST) is an effective treatment for obesity; however, little is known about its impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and related factors. This study aimed to evaluate changes in HRQoL and its relationship with weight loss, depression status, physical activity (PA), and nutritional habits after BST. Data were obtained before and 18 months postprocedure from 56 obese patients who underwent BST. We administered four questionnaires: Short Form-36 health survey for HRQoL, 14-item MedDiet adherence questionnaire, Rapid Assessment of PA (RAPA) questionnaire, and Beck's Depression Inventory-II. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with improvement in HRQoL. After the surgery, MedDiet adherence and HRQoL improved significantly, especially in the physical component. No changes in PA were found. Patients without previous depression have better mental quality of life, and patients who lost more than 25% of %TBWL have better results in physical and mental quality of life. In the multivariable analysis, we found that %TBWL and initial PCS (inversely) were related to the improvement in PCS and initial MCS (inversely) with the MCS change. In conclusion, BST is an effective intervention for obesity, resulting in significant weight loss and improvements in HRQoL and nutritional habits.

Hypercalcemia associated with adenosquamous pancreatic carcinoma: a reason to initiate palliative treatment.

BACKGROUND: hypercalcemia in patients with diagnosed carcinoma has predominantly a humoral basis mediated by parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH-rP). Among the reported cases, hypercalcemia associated with the majority of abdominal malignancies indicates an advanced stage of disease. CASE REPORT: we present a case of a 78-year-old patient with an adenosquamous pancreatic carcinoma associated with humoral hypercalcemia mediated by PTH-rP. CONCLUSION: in this case, demonstration of unexpectantly rapid increase in calcium serum correlated with aggressive tumor growth led us to raise the hypothesis that PTH-rP could be a mediator of invasion and dissemination secreted by some tumors, and probably indicates the appropriate time to initiate palliative treatment.

Axillary management in patients with breast cancer and positive axilla at diagnosis. Experience in a Spanish university hospital with a 5-year follow-up.

Background: Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was the standard in breast cancer with axillary involvement until recently. Along with the number of metastatic nodes, axillary positivity was considered a main prognostic factor and scientific evidence shows that the administration of radiotherapy on ganglion areas decreases the risk of recurrence even in positive axilla. The objective of this study was to evaluate the axillary treatment in patients with positive axilla at diagnosis, the evolution of them over time, and to assess patient's follow-up with the aim of avoiding the morbidity associated with axillary dissection. Methods: A retrospective observational study of breast cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 was performed. In total, 1,100 patients were studied, out of which 168 were women with clinically and histologically positive axilla at diagnosis. Seventy-six percent received primary chemotherapy and subsequent treatment with sentinel node biopsy, axillary dissection, or both. Patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy received either radiotherapy or lymphadenectomy depending on the year time they were diagnosed. Results: For 60 patients out of 168, neoadjuvant chemotherapy resulted in a complete pathological axillary response. Axillary recurrence was registered for six patients. No recurrence was detected in the biopsy group associated with radiotherapy. These results support the benefit of lymph node radiotherapy for patients with positive sentinel node biopsy after receiving primary chemotherapy. Conclusion: Sentinel node biopsy provides useful and reliable information about cancer staging and might prevent lymphadenectomy, leading to a decrease in morbidity. Pathological response to systemic treatment came out as the most important predictive factor of disease-free survival of breast cancer.

[Staged oesophageal reconstruction for benign disease]. / Reconstrucción diferida del esófago tras su interrupción para el tratamiento de una patología benigna.

OBJECTIVES: To assess morbidity, mortality and quality of life after oesophageal reconstruction in patients with oesophageal exclusion for benign diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2002 to 2011, 20 of 24 patients with esophageal exclusion due to benign disease underwent a delayed reconstruction. We analyzed morbidity, mortality and health-related quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire, before and after reconstruction. RESULTS: Twenty patients were operated (16 men and 4 women) with an average age of 54.5 ± 10.5 years. Main causes of oesophageal disconnection were: 10 cases of caustics ingestion, 3 iatrogenic perforations, 4 anastomotic leaks and 3 cases with Boerhaave syndrome. Fourteen (60%) coloplasties and 6 (25%) gastric interpositions were performed with an average time of 212,2 ± 23.5 days after oesophageal exclusion. Pulmonary complications were the most common postoperative complications (55% patients) and according to the modified Clavien classification were divided into: grade 1 (10%), grade 2 (15%), grade 3a (40%), grade 3b (10%), and grade 4a (10%). The 30-day mortality (grade 5) of the series was 10%. Quality of life after reconstruction improved significantly in all analyzed domains of the SF-36 questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Deferred oesophageal reconstruction is associated with a high morbidity and a mortality rate of 10%. After reconstruction, the quality of life improved in all the parameters evaluated.