Clinical and genetic factors involved in Porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder after oxaliplatin exposure.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oxaliplatin (OX) has been described as a potential etiologic agent for porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD). Our aim was to describe the natural history of PSVD due to OX in colon cancer (CRC) and identify risk factors for its development. METHODS: We made a multicenter retrospective case-control (ratio 1:3) study with patients diagnosed of PSVD-OX. Baseline data, end of treatment, years of follow-up and diagnosis of PSVD were collected and compared to controls (without PSVD). Besides, 16 different SNPs were selected from bibliography and analyzed by genotyping in the case group to identify potential genetic risk factors. RESULTS: 41 cases were identified, with a median time to PSVD diagnosis after the end of OX of 34 months. Spleen diameter was the strongest predictor of PSVD during treatment (OR 43.94 (14.48-133.336); p < 0.0001). Additionally, thrombocytopenia (<150 × 10^9) at one year was a significant disease risk marker (OR 9.35; 95% CI: 3.71-23.58; p = 0.001). We could not establish any significant association between the selected SNPs and PSVD diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The increase of spleen diameter is the strongest predictor of PSVD in patients treated with OX for CRC. These patients could be candidates for a specific follow-up of portal hypertension-related complications.

Caracterización electroquímica de cuatro biomateriales metálicos de uso odontológico / Electrochemical characterization of four metallic biomaterials used in dentistry

En la literatura médica se ha sugerido el uso de aleaciones con un mínimo de 50 por ciento de contenido de oro para minimizar la corrosión en la unión implante-restauración. Sin embargo, las implicaciones clínicas a largo plazo de la colocación de dos metales diferentes en restauraciones sobre implantes es aún desconocido. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar la caracterización electroquímica de cuatro biomateriales metálicos de uso odontológico para determinar la posibilidad de corrosión entre ellos cuando se ponen en contacto durante los procedimientos restauradores sobre implantes. Se realizó un estudio in vitro de tipo descriptivo, prospectivo y comparativo. Se trabajó con cuatro tipos de biomateriales metálicos: titanio comercialmente puro, tomando como muestra un implante SuperCAT® de la casa Lifecore (Lifecore Biomedical Inc., Chaska, MN.); metal altamente noble, con un colado que se realizó a partir de un pilar plástico tipo UCLA® (Lifecore Biomedical Inc., Chaska, MN), con aleación IPS d.sign 91® (Williams, Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Liechtenstein); aleación de metal base con un colado que se realizó a partir de un pilar plástico tipo UCLA® con aleación IPS d.sign 15®, y aleación de titanio (Ti6Al 4V), usando un aditamento protésico tipo COC® de la casa comercial Lifecore. Se hizo la caracterización electroquímica de las cuatro aleaciones metálicas mediante un potenciostato Bas Zãhner, con una celda de tres electrodos, usando como electrodo de referencia el electrodo de Ag/AgCl, obteniendo tres curvas de polarización para cada grupo en su forma pasivada y sin pasivar. La lectura de las curvas potenciodinámicas realizadas en este estudio, con cuatro biomateriales metálicos, y tomando como criterio el potencial de corrosión, concluye un excelente comportamiento para la aleación de titanio y de metales altamente nobles. La mejor combinación, teniendo en cuenta los criterios de potencial de corrosión y corriente a potenciales anódicos, se da con el titanio...

Pilot test of a cervical cancer prevention video developed for Alaska Native women.

Cancer of the cervix is twice as likely to occur among Alaska Native women than among Caucasian women in the United State. To understand some of the factors associated with this high incidence, a random sample of 528 Alaska Native women were surveyed about their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding cervical cancer and its risk factors. From the results of the Alaska Native Women's Health Project study, the need for more public education related to cervical cancer prevention was identified. A review of existing educational resources revealed that no culturally appropriate materials related to cervical cancer had been developed for Alaska Native women. To increase Native women's knowledge about cervical cancer and to motivate them to obtain annual Papanicolaou tests, a 12-minute videotape presentation was developed specifically for this population. The videotape portrayed Alaska Native women as role models from the community discussing cervical cancer and Papanicolaou tests and engaging in healthy lifestyles. The videotape was pilot tested with several groups of Alaska Native women. The women were surveyed before and after watching the video and were asked to rate the tape and make comments about it. The results of the posttest demonstrated a significant increase in the knowledge level of the participants. The videotape was well received because of its cultural sensitivity and appropriateness. On the basis of this study, the development of additional culturally appropriate educational materials related to cancer prevention of Alaska Native women is recommended.