Radiation Oncology in the Philippines: Current State and Future Directions.

Purpose: As global cancer incidence continues to rise, low- to middle-income countries like the Philippines are projected to experience a disproportionate increase in cancer burden, further straining already limited resources. Radiation therapy (RT) is an essential and cost-effective modality in cancer care, both in the curative and palliative settings. In this article, we provide a brief narrative on the history of the field of radiation oncology in the Philippines and review the current challenges to effective and equitable RT service delivery in the country. Methods and Materials: We gathered data from the official websites of the Philippine government's health and statistics agencies, the Philippine Radiation Oncology Society, and the Directory of Radiotherapy Centers of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to review available human and infrastructure resources related to RT delivery in the country. Using the 6 health care dimensions of the World Health Organization's Building Blocks of Health Systems framework, we identified barriers to access and proposed possible initiatives for development. Results: Despite the remarkable growth of radiation oncology in the country in the past 2 decades, many challenges remain in the areas of human resources, infrastructure, policymaking, health economics, education, and service delivery. Radiation health workers and facilities are concentrated in the National Capital Region, limiting accessibility in rural areas. Out-of-pocket spending on RT-related expenditures remains high. The proper allocation of resources according to varying regional needs is impeded by the lack of a robust national cancer registry. Legislative reforms have been initiated but have yet to be fully implemented. Conclusions: Addressing these gaps in RT access will require in-depth study and multi-sectoral commitment aimed at establishing and implementing a nationwide framework for RT service delivery that can be readily adapted to varying regional needs. Despite many complex geographic, social, and economic obstacles, efforts by private and public sectors of society to provide ready access to RT services for all Filipinos continue to gain momentum.

Efficacy of a comprehensive strategy for the detection and treatment of hepatitis C infection in a population attending addiction centers.

Background and aims: The burden hepatitis C infection in people with history or current drug use suppose a high risk of hepatic complications and transmission infectious disease. This population is poor linked to heath system and is difficult to achieve them and support treatment because they have high rates of lost follow-up. Our aim was to evaluate an intervention for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C and HIV in this population. Methods: Six-hundred and eighty-three people attended in Drugs and Addictions Centers (DAC) were asked to participate in health counseling and provide blood sample for test HCV, HIV, and syphilis from April 2019 to June 2020. Totally 556 subjects were surveyed and tested. All of them were assigned to a patient navigation program to improve health education and linking to the sanitary system. Hepatitis C infection patients were evaluated in an ampliated medical consult to evaluate hepatic stage with transient liver elastography and initiated Direct Acting Antivirals to achieve Sustained Viral Response. Results: Of the 556 patients who agreed to participate in the study, 33 (5.9%) had active HCV infection. Of the 33 patients infected with HCV, three were lost to follow-up once the diagnosis of HCV infection was made. Twenty-eight patients (93.3%) completed treatment and 26 achieved Sustained Viral Response (78.8%). Of the 30 patients, seven (23.3%) had advanced fibrosis, and of these, four (16.6%) had liver cirrhosis. One of the cirrhotic patients had hepatic space-occupying lesions at the baseline evaluation and was diagnosed with hepatocarcinoma. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the implementation of strategies based on personalized intervention models can contribute to the control of HCV infection in DAC users.

Can Radiation Therapy Quality Assurance Improve Nasopharyngeal Cancer Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Reporting the First Phase of a Prospective International Atomic Energy Agency Study.

PURPOSE: Most new nasopharyngeal cancer cases occur in low-income and middle-income countries, and these patients experience poorer overall survival than that of new nasopharyngeal cancer cases in high-income countries. The goal of this research project is to determine whether the introduction of a radiation therapy quality assurance program can ultimately improve outcomes for nasopharyngeal cancer patients in lower-income and middle-income countries. This study reports the results of the first phase of the International Atomic Energy Agency Coordinated Research Project (325-E3-TM-47712). METHODS AND MATERIALS: This prospective study has 2 phases. Phase 1 is a survey of radiation therapy resources, patient characteristics and treatment, and results of radiation therapy quality assurance performed by the expert panel. An educational workshop reviewing phase 1 results for each center was completed before accrual of patients for phase 2. The ultimate aim of the study is to compare the first and second cohort of patients to see if quality assurance can result in fewer major protocol deviations and a 15% improvement in patients' 3-year progression-free survival. RESULTS: Of 14 participating centers, 13 (93%) had computed tomography simulators and linear accelerators (LINAC) with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) capacity, median 3 LINAC (range, 1-13), and median 10 radiation oncologists (range, 5-51). The annual number of nasopharyngeal cancer cases irradiated was median 54 (range, 10-627). Five of 14 centers (36%) had no local radiation therapy quality assurance. For the current phase 1 study, 134 patients were evaluated, 82.1% had MRI staging, 99.3% had metastatic workup, 65.6% undifferentiated histology, 51% stage 3 and 49% stage 4. Radiation therapy quality assurance revealed 81 (60.4%) of 134 patients had major protocol violations in gross tumor volume and high dose planning target volume contours and/or dosimetry, 28.4% patients had borderline plans, 15 (11.2%) acceptable, and only 6 (4.2%) had inevitable compromise due to tumor extent. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first International Atomic Energy Agency study to address the fundamental issue of treatment quality rather than altered treatment regimens. The high rate of unacceptable radiation therapy plans is a major concern, and we hope phase 2 will show a significant reduction and improved patient outcomes.

Metalloproteinases 1 and 3 as Potential Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Development.

Breast cancer continues to be one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality globally and was the leading cause of cancer death in women in Spain in 2020. Early diagnosis is one of the most effective methods to lower the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer. The human metalloproteinases (MMP) mainly function as proteolytic enzymes degrading the extracellular matrix and plays important roles in most steps of breast tumorigenesis. This retrospective cohort study shows the immunohistochemical expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 in 154 women with breast cancer and 42 women without tumor disease. The samples of breast tissue are assessed using several tissue matrices (TMA). The percentages of staining (≤50%->50%) and intensity levels of staining (weak, moderate, or intense) are considered. The immunohistochemical expression of the MMP-1-intensity (p = 0.043) and MMP-3 percentage (p = 0.018) and intensity, (p = 0.025) present statistically significant associations with the variable group (control-case); therefore, expression in the tumor tissue samples of these MMPs may be related to the development of breast cancer. The relationships between these MMPs and some clinicopathological factors in breast cancer are also evaluated but no correlation is found. These results suggest the use of MMP-1 and MMP-3 as potential biomarkers of breast cancer diagnosis.

A systematic review of the effective laser wavelength range in delivering photobiomodulation for pain relief in active orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to establish an effective wavelength range for PhotoBioModulation (PBM) to relieve pain in orthodontic treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The electronic literature search was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane. In the initial search, 255 papers were obtained. Deleting duplicates in the search left 180 items. One manually searched study was included for a total of 181 studies. According to PRISMA guidelines and a thorough analysis of their methodology, the final sample was composed of 13 RCTs. The final statistical analysis was performed in 11 studies. The statistical analysis sought to strengthen the collected data, determining the correlation coefficient (r) for the same time interval (24h) using a scale equivalent to the standard value (0-10cm). Aiming to reduce the effect of heterogeneity, the difference in cm between control group (GC) and experimental group (EG) averages was considered the outcome. This difference was correlated with the wavelength in nm, calculating the Pearson linear correlation coefficient, and calculating a logarithmic correlation. RESULTS: The dispersion of the data obtained in the experimental groups at each given wavelength showed that the most significant number of studies were in the ranges of 780-830nm. The correlation between the wavelength and the difference between the control and experimental group averages, either linear (R2=0.0564, r=0.237) or logarithmic (R2=0.0688, r=0.262) was not significant (P>0.90). Therefore, pain reduction after 24h is not significantly dependent of wavelength. CONCLUSION: The majority of RCTs related to pain relief in orthodontic treatment showed 780-830nm as the most effective photobiomodulation wavelength range for orthodontic pain relief. However, pain reduction after 24h is not significantly dependent of wavelength. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019119799).

Effective Wavelength Range in Photobiomodulation for Tooth Movement Acceleration in Orthodontics: A Systematic Review.

Objective: The present systematic review aims to establish an effective range of low-level laser therapy wavelengths to accelerate tooth movement in orthodontic treatments. Materials and methods: The electronic literature search was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The protocol (CRD42019117648) was registered in PROSPERO. Results: According to PRISMA guidelines and after applying the inclusion criteria, nine RCTs were included. Three blind reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and evidence level of selected articles. Evidence level classification was established according to the recommendations of SIGN 50 (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 2012) and was high quality being ++, acceptable +, low quality -, unacceptable -, reject 0. Conclusions: The majority of RCTs related to accelerating the tooth movement in orthodontic treatments are ideally between 780 and 830 nm wavelengths. The average increase in speed movement calculated as a percentage of the control group in nine studies is 24%. Further studies are necessary to establish the exact dosimeter in photobiomodulation during orthodontic movement.

Evaluation of a non-invasive screening approach to determine hepatitis E virus status of pig farms.

BACKGROUND: Identifying pig farms infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a key aspect to implement surveillance programmes for this emerging zoonotic agent. Detection of HEV in blood has several drawbacks, including animal handling, economic costs and animal stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-invasive screening approach for determining the HEV status of pig farms under different management systems. METHODS: Forty stool samples randomly collected from the pen floor of 17 intensive pig farms and the yard of nine extensive ones were tested for HEV RNA. The invasive method used to confirm the HEV status of the farm was HEV RNA analysis of serum samples randomly collected from 40 animals on each farm. RESULTS: Twenty-one HEV-positive farms were detected by invasive and non-invasive methods. No positive serum or stool samples were detected on five intensive farms. A high intertest agreement (K=1; P<0.00001) was observed between both methodologies, showing the stool screening approach a 100 per cent of sensitivity and specificity with respect to the invasive method. Likewise, a significant negative relationship was observed between the HEV within-farm prevalence and the number of the first HEV-positive stool sample found (Spearman's rho=-0.64; P=0.0004). This negative relationship was higher in intensively managed farms. CONCLUSION: This non-invasive screening approach could be reliably applied in a large-scale surveillance programme for determining the HEV status of pig farms under different management systems.

Photobiomodulation as oedema adjuvant in post-orthognathic surgery patients: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been used in multiple applications in general medicine as powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic and reducing oedema in different parts of the body. The aim of this study is to compare the effect on post-surgical oedema after mandibular orthognathic surgery, between two different laser power densities and oral medication with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial, on 60 patients who were subject to mandibular orthognathic surgery were divided into three groups. All groups received sodium naproxen 250mg every 8hours for 6days. Two groups were irradiated with two different laser application protocols and the other was a control group. In G1 group the irradiation parameters three times per week for two weeks were: 940nm, in continuous mode, 2.5W, 120s, 85.71J/cm2, 0.89W/cm2, over the right and left side with a distance from the skin surface of 1mm with the whitening handpiece (spot size of 2.8cm2). In G2, the irradiation parameters three times a week for two weeks were: 940nm, in continuous mode, 4.1W, 120s, 68.33J/cm2, 0.58W/cm2 over the right and left side with a distance from the skin surface of 15mm, with the deep tissue handpiece (spot size of 7.1cm2). In all the groups, millimetric facial measurements were taken from tragus to lateral commissure, and from lateral commissure to gonion in both sides. RESULTS: All differences between T1 and T6 were significant for the three groups, (paired T, P<0.05). The differences between the groups were generally not significant (P>0.05) except for commissure - right and left gonion when compared G1 vs CG (P<0.05) and G2 vs CG (P<0.05). Initial changes (T1-T2) between groups were significantly different except for the measurement from commissure to right tragus G1 vs CG (P=0.411) and from commissure to left tragus G2 vs CG (P=0.94). The faster resolution of the oedema occurred in G2 group. PTBM with an energy density of 68.33J/cm2 was the most effective adjuvant to oral medication with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, to decrease post-surgical oedema after mandibular orthognathic surgery.

Asociación entre desenlaces clínicos y cumplimiento del protocolo de recuperación mejorada después de la cirugía (ERAS) en procedimientos colorrectales: estudio multicéntrico / Association between clinical outcomes and compliance with the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol in colorectal procedures: A multicenter study

Introducción. Los protocolos de recuperación mejorada después de cirugía se han diseñado como una innovación en salud tras demostrarse que la mejora en los dispositivos médicos y la depuración de técnicas alcanzaron la meseta en disminución de complicaciones. Con estas estrategias de la medicina perioperatoria, en cirugía colorrectal se reducen la morbilidad y estancia hospitalaria. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar si la tasa de adherencia al programa de recuperación mejorada después de la cirugía (ERAS) está asociada con los resultados quirúrgicos. Métodos. Estudio multicéntrico, observacional, retrospectivo de cohorte (2015-2019), en cinco hospitales latinoamericanos certificados por la sociedad ERAS. Se calculó la incidencia de complicaciones quirúrgicas durante el posquirúrgico inmediato (30 días) y la duración de la estancia hospitalaria. Se utilizaron análisis bivariado y regresión logística multivariada para evaluar los factores asociados con la tasa de complicaciones. Resultados. Fueron incluidos en el estudio 648 pacientes en cinco hospitales ERAS, con edad promedio de 61 años y mayor porcentaje de hombres (51 %). El cumplimiento global al protocolo ERAS fue de 75 % y la estancia promedio de 6,2 días (mediana: 4 días). Se tuvo un cumplimiento óptimo del protocolo ERAS (igual o mayor al 80 %) en 23,6 % de los pacientes. Se documentó fuga de la anastomosis en 4 %, complicaciones infecciosas en 8,4 %, íleo en 5,7 %, reingreso en 10,2 % y mortalidad de 1,1 %. El análisis multivariado mostró que los niveles de adherencia óptima al protocolo ERAS reducen significativamente la aparición de complicaciones como fuga de la anastomosis (OR 0,08; IC95% 0,01-0,48; p=0,005) y complicaciones infecciosas (OR 0,17; IC95%0,03-0,76; p=0,046).Discusión. Los resultados sugieren que un cumplimiento del programa ERAS mayor al 80 % se asocia a menor frecuencia de complicaciones en pacientes con cirugía electiva colorrectal

Introduction. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has been designed as an innovation in health after demonstrating that the improvement in medical devices and the refinement of techniques reached the plateau in reducing complications. With these strategies of perioperative medicine, in colorectal surgery morbidity and hospital stay are reduced. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the rate of adherence to the ERAS protocol is associated with surgical outcomes.Methods. Multicenter, observational, retrospective cohort study (2015-2019), in five Latin American hospitals certified by the ERAS Society. The incidence of surgical complications during the immediate postoperative period (30 days) and length of hospital stay were calculated. Bivariate analyzes and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess factors associated with complication rates.Results. 648 patients were included in the study in five ERAS hospitals, with an average age of 61 years and a higher percentage of men (51%). Overall compliance with the ERAS protocol was 75% and the average stay was 6.2 days (median: 4 days). There was optimal compliance with the ERAS protocol (equal to or greater than 80%) in 23.6% of the patients. Anastomotic leak was documented in 4%, infectious complications in 8.4%, ileus in 5.7%, readmission in 10.2%, and mortality in 1.1%. Multivariate analysis showed that optimal adherence levels to the ERAS protocol significantly reduce the appearance of complications such as anastomotic leakage (OR 0.08; 95%CI 0.01-0.48; p=0.005) and infectious complications (OR 0.17; 95%CI 0.03-0.76; p=0.046).Discussion. The results suggest that compliance with the ERAS program greater than 80% is associated with a lower frequency of complications in patients with elective colorectal surgery

Hepatitis E virus in Spanish donors and the necessity for screening.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents a major health problem worldwide. As the course of HEV cases is often subclinical, asymptomatic infections could represent an important source of viral spread and infection via routes such as blood donations. Before universal screening for HEV in blood donations can be implemented, studies evaluating the incidence of infection are needed to establish the potential risk of viral transmission. This is a prospective longitudinal study that included blood donors recruited at the Hospital de Ciudad Real Transfusion Service between October 2017 and January 2018. Pools of eight donations were tested for HEV viremia by PCR. Positive pools were individually evaluated following the same procedure. Positive samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG and IgM. Recipients of blood transfusions obtained from HEV-positive donors were retrospectively evaluated. The prevalence of HEV was calculated. A total of 11 313 healthy donors were analysed during the study period. Four blood donations from four different donors were HEV RNA-reactive. The prevalence of HEV infection was 0.035% (95% CI: 0.01%-0.09%), which meant a ratio of one positive donation per 2828 donations. All donors were negative for anti-HEV IgM at the time of the donation. Five patients received transfusions from HEV-positive blood donations, none of them showed an increase in alanine aminotransferase levels after transfusion. In conclusion, our study found a high prevalence of HEV infection in blood donors from south-central Spain. In view of the prevalence, Spanish blood banks should carefully consider including screening for HEV.

Quiste broncogénico gástrico: una localización singular / Gastric bronchogenic cyst: a singular presentation

Los quistes broncogénicos son formaciones quísticas originadas por una anomalía de desarrollo del eje traqueobronquial durante la embriogénesis a partir de la pared ventral del intestino anterior. Se define al quiste broncogénico como una yema pulmonar ectópica cuya localización más frecuente es en la carina, intraparenquimatoso y en el mediastino; presenta otras localizaciones atípicas y menos comunes, como las regiones cervical, supraclavicular, esofágica, retroperitoneal y cutánea. Se presenta el caso de una mujer joven que consultó al servicio de urgencias con síntomas de dolor abdominal, a quien se le practicaron múltiples pruebas y se le diagnosticó un quiste broncogénico gástrico.

Bronchogenic cysts are cystic formations originated by a tracheobronchial axis developmental anomaly during embryogenesis from the ventral wall of the anterior intestine. A bronchogenic cyst is defined as an ectopic pulmonary bud with most frequent location in the carina, intraparenchymal and mediastinal, presenting atypical and less common locations such as the cervical, supraclavicular, esophageal, retroperitoneal, and cutaneous regions. We present the case of a young woman, who consults the emergency department with abdominal pain, who is subjected to multiple tests being diagnosed as gastric bronchogenic cyst

Reevaluation of the Strain Pressure Theory: Toward a Better Understanding the Biology of Tooth Movement / Reevaluación de la Teoría Presión - Tensión: Hacia una Mejor Comprensión de la Biología del Movimiento Dental

The aim of this report was to analyze the majority of publications referred to orthodontic movement Biological basis, principally strain- pressure theory taking account contemporaneous methodological study designs. The literature published in Pubmed from 1967 to 2014 was reviewed, in addition to well-known scientific reports that were not classified under this database like classical manuscripts since 1839. The comment items are: Limitations of animal models, Histological slices, what to watch for, Rats as an experimental model in orthodontics, Strain­pressure, the force used in these studies that fundament this theory, Reevaluation studies about strain-pressure theory in biology movement using contemporaneous models, Up to date concepts, Theory reevaluation the first step to understanding new acceleration concepts and Movement biology research, present and future. After analyzing those items we concluded: A 3D perspective is essential for a complete understanding of events in tooth movement involves two interrelated processes: the bending of alveolar bone and remodeling of the periodontal tissues. It's important to start, and acknowledge that the PDL cannot be divided into two different areas that react independently to an applied force. It´s a continuous periodontal compartment in OTM, rather than a pressure side and a tension side. When an orthodontic force is applied there are two simultaneous effects that correlate. Alveolar bone flexion and remodeling of the periodontal tissues. Alveolar Bone deformation compromising the main structures (PDL, bone and cement), compression and tension can coexist in different directions. The magnitudes of compression and tension are typically different in different directions. As the majority of research and studies indicate that fundamental movement biology are made on animal models, it is important to know that their results and conclusions, under the actual evidenced based practice guidelines do not allow to make clinical decisions even if they are included on systematic reviews.

El objetivo de esta revisión es analizar la mayoría de las publicaciones relacionadas a la fundamentación sobre el movimiento de ortodoncia, principalmente la teoría presión-tensión, teniendo en cuenta los diseños de estudios metodológicos contemporáneos. Se revisó la literatura publicada en la base de datos de MEDLINE, 1967-2013 , además de los informes conocidos que no fueron clasificados en esta base de datos como manuscritos clásicos desde 1839. Los temas principales en los que se divide el artículo son: Limitaciones de los modelos animales, cortes histológicos, las ratas como modelo experimental en ortodoncia, la fuerza utilizada en los estudios que fundamentan esta teoría, reevaluación sobre los estudios de la teoría presión ­tensión en modelos contemporáneos, conceptos actuales en biología del movimiento, reevaluación de la teoría: el primer paso para entender los nuevos métodos en aceleración del movimiento, conceptos e investigaciones en biología del movimiento: presente y futuro. Una perspectiva 3D es esencial para una comprensión completa de los acontecimientos. El movimiento dental implica dos procesos interrelacionados: la curvatura del hueso alveolar y la remodelación de los tejidos periodontales. Es importante empezar, y reconocer que el PDL no puede ser dividido en dos áreas diferentes que reaccionan de forma independiente a una fuerza aplicada. Está en un compartimiento continuo periodontal , en lugar de un lado de presión y un lado de tensión. Al aplicar una fuerza de ortodoncia hay dos efectos simultáneos: la flexión del hueso Alveolar y la remodelación de los tejidos periodontales. La deformación del hueso compromete las estructuras principales (PDL, hueso y cemento) y la compresión y la tensión pueden coexistir en diferentes direcciones.

Definición de nanomateriales para Colombia / Definition of Nanomateriais for Colombia / Definição de nanomateriais para a Colômbia

Debido a la creciente producción y uso de nanomateriales para actividades de investigación y desarrollo en Colombia, es necesario establecer una definición del término nanomaterial que facilite la toma de decisiones en torno a iniciativas de carácter regulatorio y de normatividad. Se presenta la definición de nanomateriales para Colombia que ha adoptado el Consejo Nacional Asesor de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología adscrito a la Red Colombiana de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología.

Due to the increasing production and use of nanomaterials in research and development activities in Colombia, it is necessary to define the nanomaterial term in order to facilitate decision-making process regarding initiatives with a regulatory or normative character. This article presents the nanomaterials definition that has been adopted by the National Advisory Council for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, a Colombian Network of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Dada a crescente produção e utilização de nanomateriais para a pesquisa e desenvolvimiento na Colombia, é urgente estabelecer uma definição do termo de nanomaterial para facilitar a tomada de decisão sobre iniciativas na regulamentação e as leis. É apresentada uma definição de nanomateriais para a Colombia que aprovou o Conselho Consultivo Nacional de Nanociência e Nanotecnologia ligado à Rede Colombiana de Nanociência e Nanotecnologia.

Progression of liver stiffness predicts clinical events in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with compensated cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to assess the predictive value of the changes of liver stiffness (LS) for clinical outcome in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with compensated liver cirrhosis and a LS value < 40 kPa. METHODS: Prospective cohort of 275 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with cirrhosis, no previous liver decompensation (LD) and LS < 40 kPa. The time from diagnosis to LD and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the predictors of this outcome were evaluated. Significant progression of LS was defined as an increase ≥ 30 % over the baseline value at any time during the follow-up. RESULTS: After a median (Q1-Q3) follow-up of 32 (20-48) months, 19 (6.9 %, 95 % CI: 3.8 %-9.9 %) patients developed a first LD and/or HCC. At the end of the follow-up, 247 (90 %) patients had undergone a further LS examination. Of them, 77 (31 %) patients had a significant progression of LS. The mean (SD) survival time free of LD and/or HCC was 67 (3) and 77 (1) months in patients with or without significant progression of LS (p = 0.01). Significant progression of LS was an independent predictor of LD and/or HCC (Adjusted Hazard Ratio 4.63; 95 % confidence interval: 1.34-16.02; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Significant progression of LS is associated with a higher risk of clinical events in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with compensated cirrhosis and LS < 40 kPa.

Adenomiomatosis de la vía biliar, incidencia de 10 años y revisión de la bibliografía actual / Adenomyomatosis of the biliary tree, ten-year incidence and review of current literature

Introducción. La adenomiomatosis es una entidad anatomo-clínica de difícil diagnóstico. Se puede clasificar en generalizada, segmentaria y localizada. Suele presentarse con síntomas de colelitiasis, aunque puede variar desde ser completamente asintomática hasta sugerir una lesión maligna. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar la afectación adenomiomatosa de la vesícula biliar y los conductos biliares intrahepáticos y extrahepáticos, así como su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de 10 años de duración en los servicios de Cirugía Digestiva y Anatomía Patológica del Hospital Universitario San Cecilio en Granada, España. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes que presentaban afectación adenomiomatosa de la vesícula biliar y del sistema biliar intrahepático y extrahepático. Resultados, Entre los años 2000 y 2010, se identificaron 24 pacientes, 19 mujeres y 5 hombres, con adenomiomatosis de un total de 5.141 piezas quirúrgicas. Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron de colelitiasis en 20 (83,3 %) pacientes, de colecistitis en 2 (8,35 %) y de obstrucción (ictericia) en 2 (8,35 %), y correspondieron con los hallazgos histopatológicos: se encontraron 20 lesiones localizadas en el fondo de la vesícula, dos en el conducto cístico y dos en el colédoco distal. En la mayoría de los casos se practicó colecistectomía laparoscópica simple; los últimos dos se sometieron a duodenopancreatectomía cefálica u operación de Whipple, por sospecharse afectación maligna. Conclusión. Esta enfermedad puede presentarse con ausencia completa de síntomas, o con manifestaciones de colelitiasis, colecistitis o de síndrome colestásico. En los casos en que se sospeche una afectación maligna, lo adecuado es hacer un examen histopatológico intraoperatorio, antes de practicar cirugías complejas.

Introduction: Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder and biliary ducts is an anatomic and medical entity of difficult diagnosis. It can be classified as generalized, segmentary or localized. Typical clinical presentation includes symptoms of cholelithiasis, but it can range from completely asymptomatic to suspicion of malignancy. The aim of this study was to review the gallbladder and intra and extrahepatic biliary ducts affectation by adenomyomatosis, its diagnosis and treatment. Patients and Method: Ten-year retrospective study, held at San Cecilio University Hospital's Digestive Surgery and Pathology Services in Granada, Spain. All patients with gallbladder and intra and extrahepatic biliary ducts adenomyomatosis were included. Results: 24 patients with adenomyomatosis were identified out of 5,141 surgical specimen in the ten-year period 2000-2010; 19 were female and five male. Twenty (83.3%) patients presented with symptoms of cholelithiasis, two (8.35%) with symptoms of cholecystitis, and two (8.35%) with obstructive signs (jaundice),all of which were consistent with the pathology findings: 20 lesions were located in the gallbladder fundus, two in the cystic duct, and two in the distal common bile duct. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in all but the last two cases, in which a cephalic pancreatico-duodenectomy, or Whipple procedure, was perfomed for suspected malignancy. Conclusion: This entity's clinical condition can present as totally asymptomatic, or with symptoms of cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, or cholestatic syndrome. When malignancy is suspected, intra-operative pathological confirmation is recommended before undertaking a complex surgical procedure.

Low risk of liver decompensation among human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients with mild fibrosis in the short term.

UNLABELLED: Liver fibrosis is used to make decisions about the timing of therapy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) in routine clinical practice, which should be based on the short-term likelihood of liver decompensations. Thus, we aimed at evaluating the risk of decompensations and death among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV-coinfected individuals according to their baseline fibrosis classified by either liver biopsy or liver stiffness measurement (LSM). Patients coinfected with HIV/HCV, naive or without sustained virological response to HCV therapy, were included in this cohort. Fibrosis was classified by biopsy in 683 patients and by LSM in 1046 individuals. Reference categories were fibrosis stage 0 and LSM <6 kPa. For patients with biopsy, the adjusted subhazard ratio for decompensations and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) by fibrosis stage were as follows: stage 1, 2.3 (0.27-20.3), P = 0.443; stage 2, 2.8 (0.33-24), P = 0.345; stage 3, 4.91 (0.60-41), P = 0.137; stage 4, 9.89 (1.25-79.5), P = 0.030. For patients with LSM, the adjusted subhazard ratio and 95% CI by LSM category were as follows: 6-9.4 kPa, 1.89 (0.18-20.3), P = 0.599; 9.5-14.5 kPa, 6.59 (0.73-59.2), P = 0.092; ≥14.6 kPa, 59.5 (8.3-427), P < 0.0001. Regarding the risk of death, the adjusted hazard ratio and 95% CI for death by fibrosis stage were as follows: stage 1, 1.3 (0.4-4.11), P = 0.677; stage 2, 2.68 (0.86-8.36), P = 0.090; stage 3, 2.58 (0.82-8.15), P = 0.106; stage 4, 4.35 (1.43-13.3), P = 0.010. For patients with LSM, the adjusted hazard ratio and 95% CI for death by LSM were as follows: 6-9.4 kPa, 1.7 (0.63-4.79), P = 0.288; 9.5-14.5 kPa, 3.38 (1.2-9.5), P = 0.021; ≥14.6 kPa, 12.7 (4.9-33.6), P < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: Patients coinfected with HIV/HCV without advanced fibrosis are at very low risk of decompensations in the short term; deferral of HCV therapy for a few years and monitoring fibrosis progression is a safe option until cheaper, more effective, and more convenient HCV treatment becomes widely available.

Dental movement acceleration: Literature review by an alternative scientific evidence method.

The aim of this study was to analyze the majority of publications using effective methods to speed up orthodontic treatment and determine which publications carry high evidence-based value. The literature published in Pubmed from 1984 to 2013 was reviewed, in addition to well-known reports that were not classified under this database. To facilitate evidence-based decision making, guidelines such as the Consolidation Standards of Reporting Trials, Preferred Reporting items for systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses, and Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Non-randomized Designs check list were used. The studies were initially divided into three groups: local application of cell mediators, physical stimuli, and techniques that took advantage of the regional acceleration phenomena. The articles were classified according to their level of evidence using an alternative method for orthodontic scientific article classification. 1a: Systematic Reviews (SR) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), 1b: Individual RCT, 2a: SR of cohort studies, 2b: Individual cohort study, controlled clinical trials and low quality RCT, 3a: SR of case-control studies, 3b: Individual case-control study, low quality cohort study and short time following split mouth designs. 4: Case-series, low quality case-control study and non-systematic review, and 5: Expert opinion. The highest level of evidence for each group was: (1) local application of cell mediators: the highest level of evidence corresponds to a 3B level in Prostaglandins and Vitamin D; (2) physical stimuli: vibratory forces and low level laser irradiation have evidence level 2b, Electrical current is classified as 3b evidence-based level, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field is placed on the 4(th) level on the evidence scale; and (3) regional acceleration phenomena related techniques: for corticotomy the majority of the reports belong to level 4. Piezocision, dentoalveolar distraction, alveocentesis, monocortical tooth dislocation and ligament distraction technique, only had case series or single report cases (4(th) level of evidence). Surgery first and periodontal distraction have 1 study at level 2b and corticision one report at level 5. Multiple orthodontic acceleration reports on humans were identified by an alternative evidence level scale, which is a simple and accurate way of determining which techniques are better and have a higher rate of effectiveness. The highest level of evidence for a specific procedure to accelerate orthodontic dental movement up to October 2013 was surgery first followed by low level laser application, corticotomy and periodontal distraction located on level 2, recommendation grade b from this proposed scientific evidence-based scale.

Incidence of liver damage of uncertain origin in HIV patients not co-infected with HCV/HBV.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several studies have reported that a significant number of HIV patients not co-infected with HCV/HBV develop liver damage of uncertain origin (LDUO). The objective of our study was to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for the development of LDUO in HIV infected patients not co-infected with HCV/HBV. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study that included HIV-infected patients free of previous liver damage and viral hepatitis B or C co-infections. Patients were followed up at 6-monthly intervals. Liver stiffness was measured at each visit. Abnormal liver stiffness (ALS) was defined as a liver stiffness value greater than 7.2 kPa at two consecutive measurements. For patients who developed ALS, a protocol was followed to diagnose the cause of liver damage. Those patients who could not be diagnosed with any specific cause of liver disease were diagnosed as LDUO and liver biopsy was proposed. RESULTS: 210 patients matched the inclusion criteria and were included. 198 patients completed the study. After a median (Q1-Q3) follow-up of 18 (IQR 12-26) months, 21 patients (10.6%) developed ALS. Of these, fifteen patients were diagnosed as LDUO. The incidence of LDUO was 7.64 cases/100 patient-years. Histological studies were performed on ten (66.6%) patients and all showed liver steatosis. A higher HOMA-IR value and body mass index were independently associated with the development of LDUO. CONCLUSION: We found a high incidence of LDUO in HIV-infected patients associated with metabolic risk factors. The leading cause of LDUO in our study was non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Liver stiffness measurement versus liver biopsy to predict survival and decompensations of cirrhosis among HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prognostic performance of liver biopsy with that of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) to predict survival and liver decompensations among HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Cohort of 297 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, who underwent a liver biopsy and LSM separated by 12 months or less, followed in 10 Spanish tertiary care centers from December 2005 to December 2011 (median follow-up, 5 years; interquartile range, 4.2-5.4 years). Liver biopsies were staged following the Scheuer's score. LSM was obtained by hepatic transient elastometry. A survival analysis was carried out and the integrated discrimination improvement was computed to compare the ability of the survival models to predict outcomes. The incidence of death from any cause and of development of the first decompensation of cirrhosis was calculated. RESULTS: Overall mortality rate was 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-2.49] per 100 person-years. The adjusted hazard ratio [AHR (95% CI)] of baseline fibrosis (per stage of fibrosis) was 1.52 (1.08-2.15, P=0.017) and of LSM (per 5 kPa increase) 1.28 (1.12-1.46, P<0.001). LSM including models yielded a performance 3.9% better than the liver biopsy-based models (P=0.072). For the prediction of liver decompensations, the AHR (95% CI) of baseline fibrosis by liver biopsy (per stage of fibrosis) was 1.67 (1.15-2.43, P=0.007) and of LSM (per 5 kPa increase) 1.37 (1.21-1.54, P<0.001). LSM-based models yielded a performance 8.4% better than the liver biopsy-based models (P=0.045). CONCLUSION: LSM-based prediction achieves a similar yield than liver biopsy-based models to predict overall mortality in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. Models including LSM could predict better liver decompensations than liver biopsy.