A comprehensive examination of mental health in patients with head and neck cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with head and neck cancer present particularly considerable levels of emotional distress. However, the actual rates of clinically relevant mental health symptoms and disorders among this population remain unknown. METHODS: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses and Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-compliant systematic review and quantitative random-effects meta-analysis was performed to determine suicide incidence and the prevalence of depression, anxiety, distress, posttraumatic stress, and insomnia in this population. MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register, KCI Korean Journal database, SciELO, Russian Science Citation Index, and Ovid-PsycINFO databases were searched from database inception to August 1, 2023 (PROSPERO: CRD42023441432). Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to investigate the effect of clinical, therapeutical, and methodological factors. RESULTS: A total of 208 studies (n = 654 413; median age = 60.7 years; 25.5% women) were identified. Among the patients, 19.5% reported depressive symptoms (95% confidence interval [CI] = 17% to 21%), 17.8% anxiety symptoms (95% CI = 14% to 21%), 34.3% distress (95% CI = 29% to 39%), 17.7% posttraumatic symptoms (95% CI = 6% to 41%), and 43.8% insomnia symptoms (95% CI = 35% to 52%). Diagnostic criteria assessments revealed lower prevalence of disorders: 10.3% depression (95% CI = 7% to 13%), 5.6% anxiety (95% CI = 2% to 10%), 9.6% insomnia (95% CI = 1% to 40%), and 1% posttraumatic stress (95% CI = 0% to 84.5%). Suicide pooled incidence was 161.16 per 100 000 individuals per year (95% CI = 82 to 239). Meta-regressions found a statistically significant higher prevalence of anxiety in patients undergoing primary chemoradiation compared with surgery and increased distress in smokers and advanced tumor staging. European samples exhibited lower prevalence of distress. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with head and neck cancer presented notable prevalence of mental health concerns in all domains. Suicide remains a highly relevant concern. The prevalence of criteria-meeting disorders is significantly lower than clinically relevant symptoms. Investigating the effectiveness of targeted assessments for disorders in highly symptomatic patients is essential.

Epigenetic modifications in the ferroptosis pathway in cord blood cells from newborns of smoking mothers and their influence on fetal growth.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases oxidative stress and decreases antioxidant capacity in newborns. Uncontrolled oxidative stress plays a role in fetal development disorders and in adverse perinatal outcomes. In order to identify molecular pathways involved in low fetal growth, epigenetic modifications in newborns of smoking and non-smoking mothers were examined. Low birth weight newborns of mothers who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day during the first trimester of pregnancy and normal birth weight newborns of mothers who did not smoke during pregnancy were included in the study. DNA was extracted from umbilical cord blood of term newborns. 125 differentially methylated regions were identified by MeDIP-Seq. Functional analysis revealed several pathways, such as ferroptosis, that were enriched in differentially methylated genes after prenatal smoke exposure. GPX4 and PCBP1 were found to be hypermethylated and associated with low fetal growth. These epigenetic modifications in ferroptosis pathway genes in newborns of smoking mothers can potentially contribute to intrauterine growth restriction through the induction of cell death via lipid peroxidation of cell membranes. The identification of epigenetic modifications in the ferroptosis pathway sheds light on the potential mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of low birth weight in infants born to smoking mothers.

Substance use during pregnancy and risk of postpartum depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mental health condition affecting women globally within the first year following childbirth. Substance use during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of developing PPD, but the evidence remains inconclusive. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively assess the effects of different substances on PPD risk, exploring potential modifiers and confounding factors. Objectives: To examine the proportion of PPD among substance users during pregnancy, compared to non-users, and investigate the specific risk associated with different substances (tobacco, alcohol, and non-specified substance use/multiple substance use). Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted from inception to November 2022 using the Web of Science database (Clarivate Analytics), incorporating Web of Science Core Collection, the BIOSIS Citation Index, the KCI-Korean Journal Database, MEDLINE®, the Russian Science Citation Index, the SciELO Citation Index, and the Cochrane Central Register of Reviews, and Ovid/PsycINFO databases. Inclusion criteria comprised original studies with pregnant women, using validated depression scales and substance use reporting. Results: Among the 26 included studies, encompassing 514,441 women, the pooled prevalence of PPD among substance users during pregnancy was 29% (95% CI 25-33). Meta-analyzes revealed an overall odds ratio (OR) of 3.67 (95% CI 2.31-5.85, p < 0.01) indicating a significantly higher risk of PPD among substance users compared to non-users. Subgroup analyzes demonstrated a higher risk for women with non-specified or multiple substance use (OR 4.67, 95% CI 2.59-8.41; p < 0.01) and tobacco use (OR 4.01, 95% CI 2.23-7.20; p < 0.01). Alcohol use showed a trend toward higher risk that did not reach statistical significance (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.00-3.55; p = 0.051). Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides evidence of an increased risk of PPD among pregnant substance users, particularly those using multiple substances or tobacco. However, caution is needed in interpreting the association with alcohol use due to its non-significant result. Systematic review registration: This study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (registration number: CCRD42022375500).

Case Report: Mycosis fungoides as an exclusive manifestation of common variable immunodeficiency in a family with a NFKB2 gene mutation.

Background: Common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVIDs), which are primary immunodeficiencies characterized by the failure of primary antibody production, typically present with recurrent bacterial infections, decreased antibody levels, autoimmune features, and rare atypical manifestations that can complicate diagnosis and management. Although most cases are sporadic, approximately 10% of the patients may have a family history of immunodeficiency. Genetic causes involving genes related to B-cell development and survival have been identified in only a small percentage of cases. Case presentation: We present the case of a family with two brothers who presented with mycosis fungoides as an exclusive symptom of a common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID). Whole-exome sequencing of the index patient revealed a pathogenic variant of the NFKB2 gene. Based on this diagnosis and re-evaluation of other family members, the father and brother were diagnosed with this rare immune and preneoplastic syndrome. All CVID-affected family members presented with mycosis fungoides as their only symptom, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case to be reported. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of high-throughput sequencing techniques for the proper diagnosis and treatment of hereditary hematological disorders.

Parsing neurobiological heterogeneity of the clinical high-risk state for psychosis: A pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling study.

Introduction: The impact of the clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P) construct is dependent on accurately predicting outcomes. Individuals with brief limited intermittent psychotic symptoms (BLIPS) have higher risk of developing a first episode of psychosis (FEP) compared to individuals with attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS). Supplementing subgroup stratification with information from candidate biomarkers based on neurobiological parameters, such as resting-state, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), may help refine risk estimates. Based on previous evidence, we hypothesized that individuals with BLIPS would exhibit increased rCBF compared to APS in key regions linked to dopaminergic pathways. Methods: Data from four studies were combined using ComBat (to account for between-study differences) to analyse rCBF in 150 age- and sex-matched subjects (n = 30 healthy controls [HCs], n = 80 APS, n = 20 BLIPS and n = 20 FEP). Global gray matter (GM) rCBF was examined in addition to region-of-interest (ROI) analyses in bilateral/left/right frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Group differences were assessed using general linear models: (i) alone; (ii) with global GM rCBF as a covariate; (iii) with global GM rCBF and smoking status as covariates. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Whole-brain voxel-wise analyses and Bayesian ROI analyses were also conducted. No significant group differences were found in global [F(3,143) = 1,41, p = 0.24], bilateral frontal cortex [F(3,143) = 1.01, p = 0.39], hippocampus [F(3,143) = 0.63, p = 0.60] or striatum [F(3,143) = 0.52, p = 0.57] rCBF. Similar null findings were observed in lateralized ROIs (p > 0.05). All results were robust to addition of covariates (p > 0.05). No significant clusters were identified in whole-brain voxel-wise analyses (p > 0.05FWE). Weak-to-moderate evidence was found for an absence of rCBF differences between APS and BLIPS in Bayesian ROI analyses. Conclusion: On this evidence, APS and BLIPS are unlikely to be neurobiologically distinct. Due to this and the weak-to-moderate evidence for the null hypothesis, future research should investigate larger samples of APS and BLIPS through collaboration across large-scale international consortia.

Identification of miRNAs Involved in Foetal Growth Restriction Due to Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking during pregnancy is associated with reduced foetal growth, amongst other effects. Epigenetic modification in the foetus and placenta during embryonic development as a result of changes in the function of miRNAs is one of the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for this. This dysregulation may be due to environmental changes or toxins such as tobacco. OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of smoking during pregnancy and its role in intrauterine growth restriction via hypermethylated miRNAs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The differences in methylation patterns for miRNAs in umbilical cord blood from low-birth-weight newborns of smoking mothers were compared with those from normal-weight newborns using MedIP-seq (StarArray). RESULTS: Seven hypermethylated miRNAs were identified in the epigenetic study of cord blood from low-birth-weight newborns of smoking mothers in our sample. The miRNAs found to be hypermethylated were: MIR7-1, MIR3918, MIR1244-1, MIR4721, MIR25, MIR93, MIR3656. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine exposure to tobacco induces hypermethylation-mediated miRNA silencing in low-birth-weight newborns by modifying the expression of factors involved in vascular development, growth, and adaptation to hypoxia.

Correlación entre funcionamiento familiar y estilos de vida saludable en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal / Correlation between family functioning and healthy lifestyles in patients with colorectal cancer / Correlação entre funcionamento familiar e estilos de vida saudável em pacientes com câncer colorrectal

Resumen Objetivo: analizar la relación entre el funcionamiento familiar y los estilos de vida saludable en los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal. Materiales y métodos: se trató de un estudio descriptivo transversal correlacional realizado entre febrero y noviembre de 2016 en Bogotá (Colombia). Se encuestaron 78 pacientes a quienes se les evaluó el funcionamiento familiar y los estilos de vida promotores de salud con los cuestionarios ASF-E y HPLP II respectivamente. Se estudió el grado de relación lineal entre las dos variables mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: existe una correlación positiva entre el funcionamiento familiar y estilos de vida promotores de salud (r: 0,224, p<0,05). La dimensión actividad física de los estilos de vida saludable fue la que se asoció con un mejor funcionamiento familiar global (r: 0,303, p<0,01) y con un mayor número de dimensiones (coherencia, individuación y mantenimiento) y metas (estabilidad, control y espiritualidad). Conclusiones: un mejor funcionamiento familiar de los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal se asocia positivamente con estilos de vida saludable. Conclusiones: un mejor funcionamiento familiar de los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal se asocia positivamente con estilos de vida saludable.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the relationship between family functioning and healthy lifestyles in patients with colorectal cancer. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted between February and November 2016 in Bogotá (Colombia). A total of 78 patients were evaluated for family functioning and for healthpromoting lifestyles using the ASF-E and HPLP II questionnaires, respectively. The degree of linear relationship between the two quantitative variables was quantified using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: There is a positive correlation between family functioning and health promoting lifestyles (r: 0.224, p<0.05). The physical activity dimension of healthy lifestyles was associated with a better global family functioning (r: 0.303, p<0.01) and with a greater number of dimensions (coherence, individuation, and maintenance) and goals (stability, control and spirituality). Conclusions: Better family functioning of patients with colorectal cancer is positively associated with healthy lifestyles.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a relação entre o funcionamento familiar e os estilos de vida saudável nos pacientes com câncer colorrectal. Materiais e métodos: tratou-se de um estudo descritivo transversal correlacional feito entre fevereiro e novembro de 2016 em Bogotá (Colômbia). Entrevistaram-se 78 pacientes a quem foram avaliados com o funcionamento familiar e os estilos de vida promotores de saúde com os questionários ASF-E e HPLP II respectivamente. Estudou-se o grau de relação lineal entre as duas variáveis mediante o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Resultados: existe uma correlação positiva entre o funcionamento familiar e estilos de vida promotores de saúde (r: 0,224, p<0,05). A dimensão atividade física dos estilos de vida saudável foi a que se associou com um melhor funcionamento familiar global (r: 0,303, p<0,01) e com um maior número de dimensões (coerência, individualização e manutenção) e metas (estabilidade, controle e espiritualidade). Conclusões: um melhor funcionamento familiar dos pacientes com câncer colorrectal se associa positivamente com estilos de vida saudável.

Germline CEBPA mutation in familial acute myeloid leukemia.

Myeloid Neoplasms with germline predisposition become part of 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematological malignancies since 2016. CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha (CEBPA) is a myeloid transcription factor located in chromosome 19q. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with biallelic mutations of CEBPA AML with recurrent genetic abnormalities according to WHO classification. The inheritance of a germline CEBPA mutation predisposes to the development of AML with autosomal dominant inheritance. Familial CEBPA AML share characteristics with somatic CEBPA AML. However, a higher relapse incidence is reported. We present the case of a 46-years-old male with family history of acute leukemia who was diagnosed with single mutated CEBPA acute myeloid leukemia. The same mutation was found in two of his siblings. The clinical suspicion and proper diagnosis of familial cases is necessary, especially when a related allogenic transplant is indicated in order to select an adequate donor.

[Living in nursing homes. Prognostic factor of mortality in respiratory infections?] / Vivir en residencias de ancianos ¿Factor pronóstico de mortalidad en infecciones respiratorias?

Respiratory infection is one of the most frequent diagnoses associated with high mortality. Living in a nursing home could be a predictive risk factor for mortality. The objective was to study the characteristics of patients with respiratory infection according to whether they came from their home or nursing homes, and to analyze whether their origin is a risk factor for mortality. It was a prospective cohort study, that included 208 patients with respiratory infection admitted to the Internal Medicine Service, that participated in the study. Clinical, analytical, epidemiological, prognostic and therapeutic variables were collected and a multivariate analysis was performed. Patients had an average age of 83 years and 64.9% came from their home. 44.7% had heart failure as a clinical history. Most of patients met criteria of pluripatology, polypharmacy and were moderately dependent according to Barthel's index. Mortality at admission was 16 patients (7.7%), and during the six-month follow-up of 37 patients (17.8%). Those coming from nursing homes had a higher mortality rate, 37%, than those who lived in their own home, 19.3% (p = 0.005). In the multivariate analysis, the prognostic factors for mortality were a higher level of urea at admission (OR = 2.33, IC 95% = 1.06-5.11) and the non-prescription of oxygen at discharge (OR = 2.96, IC 95% = 1.29-6.82). In conclusion, a higher percentage of mortality is observed in patients coming from nursing homes, however further research is needed to clarify whether living in a residence for elderly can be considered an independent risk factor for mortality.

La infección respiratoria es uno de los diagnósticos más frecuentes en el ámbito sanitario asociado a una elevada mortalidad. Residir en una residencia de ancianos podría ser un factor de riesgo predictivo de mortalidad. El objetivo fue estudiar las características de los pacientes con infección respiratoria según procedieran de su domicilio o de residencias de ancianos, y analizar si la procedencia es un factor de riesgo de mortalidad. Se trata de un estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Participaron 208 pacientes con infección respiratoria ingresados en un Servicio de Medicina Interna. Se recogieron variables clínicas, analíticas, epidemiológicas, pronosticas y terapéuticas realizándose un análisis multivariado. Los pacientes tuvieron una edad media 83 años y 135 (64.9%) procedían de su domicilio. El 44.7% presentaban insuficiencia cardiaca como antecedente clínico. La mayoría cumplían criterios de pluripatología, polifarmacia y tenían una dependencia moderada según índice de Barthel. La mortalidad durante el internamiento hospitalario fue de 16 pacientes (7.7%), y durante el seguimiento a seis meses de 37 (17.8%). Los procedentes de residencias de ancianos presentaron una mayor mortalidad, un 37%, que los que vivían en su propio domicilio, un 19,3% (p = 0.005). En el análisis multivariado los factores pronósticos de mortalidad fueron un mayor nivel de urea al ingreso (OR = 2.33, IC 95% = 1.06-5.11) y la no prescripción de oxígeno al alta (OR = 2.96, IC 95% = 1.29-6.82). En conclusión, se observó un mayor porcentaje de mortalidad en los pacientes procedentes de residencias de ancianos, sin embargo, es necesario realizar más investigaciones para clarificar si el residir en un centro geriátrico puede ser considerado un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad.

Vivir en residencias de ancianos ¿Factor pronóstico de mortalidad en infecciones respiratorias? / Living in nursing homes. Prognostic factor of mortality in respiratory infections?

Resumen La infección respiratoria es uno de los diagnósticos más frecuentes en el ámbito sanitario asociado a una elevada mortalidad. Residir en una residencia de ancianos podría ser un factor de riesgo predictivo de mortalidad. El objetivo fue estudiar las características de los pacientes con infección respiratoria según procedieran de su domicilio o de residencias de ancianos, y analizar si la procedencia es un factor de riesgo de mortalidad. Se trata de un estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Participaron 208 pacientes con infección respiratoria ingresados en un Servicio de Medicina Interna. Se recogieron variables clínicas, analíticas, epidemio lógicas, pronosticas y terapéuticas realizándose un análisis multivariado. Los pacientes tuvieron una edad media 83 años y 135 (64.9%) procedían de su domicilio. El 44.7% presentaban insuficiencia cardiaca como antecedente clínico. La mayoría cumplían criterios de pluripatología, polifarmacia y tenían una dependencia moderada según índice de Barthel. La mortalidad durante el internamiento hospitalario fue de 16 pacientes (7.7%), y durante el seguimiento a seis meses de 37 (17.8%). Los procedentes de residencias de ancianos presentaron una mayor mortalidad, un 37%, que los que vivían en su propio domicilio, un 19,3% (p = 0.005). En el análisis multivariado los factores pronósticos de mortalidad fueron un mayor nivel de urea al ingreso (OR = 2.33, IC 95% = 1.06-5.11) y la no prescripción de oxígeno al alta (OR = 2.96, IC 95% = 1.29-6.82). En conclusión, se observó un mayor porcentaje de mortalidad en los pacientes procedentes de residencias de ancianos, sin embargo, es necesario realizar más investigaciones para clarificar si el residir en un centro geriátrico puede ser considerado un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad.

Abstract Respiratory infection is one of the most frequent diagnoses associated with high mortality. Living in a nursing home could be a predictive risk factor for mortality. The objective was to study the characteristics of patients with respi ratory infection according to whether they came from their home or nursing homes, and to analyze whether their origin is a risk factor for mortality. It was a prospective cohort study, that included 208 patients with respiratory infection admitted to the Internal Medicine Service, that participated in the study. Clinical, analytical, epidemiologi cal, prognostic and therapeutic variables were collected and a multivariate analysis was performed. Patients had an average age of 83 years and 64.9% came from their home. 44.7% had heart failure as a clinical history. Most of patients met criteria of pluripatology, polypharmacy and were moderately dependent according to Barthel's index. Mortality at admission was 16 patients (7.7%), and during the six-month follow-up of 37 patients (17.8%). Those coming from nursing homes had a higher mortality rate, 37%, than those who lived in their own home, 19.3% (p = 0.005). In the multivariate analysis, the prognostic factors for mortality were a higher level of urea at admission (OR = 2.33, IC 95% = 1.06-5.11) and the non-prescription of oxygen at discharge (OR = 2.96, IC 95% = 1.29-6.82). In conclusion, a higher percentage of mortality is observed in patients coming from nursing homes, however further research is needed to clarify whether living in a residence for elderly can be considered an independent risk factor for mortality.

Impact of Reducing Sitting Time in Women with Fibromyalgia and Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Sitting time has negative effects on health, increasing the risk of obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer. Thus, primary health care education interventions aimed to reduce sitting time and sedentary behavior could have beneficial effects on people's health and wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an intervention based on reducing sitting time to decrease cardiometabolic risk on a sample of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia and moderate obesity. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention to decrease cardiometabolic risk in 84 participants. Sedentary behavior was monitored using an accelerometer before and at 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, body mass index decreased, and the number of steps taken increased, in the intervention group 3 months after the intervention. No significant differences were found in the rest of the variables measured. CONCLUSION: The intervention group decreased sitting time after the intervention. Group activities and support from primary care may be useful to improve treatment adherence. RCT registration: NCT01729936.

Universal and Selective Interventions to Prevent Poor Mental Health Outcomes in Young People: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Much is not known about the efficacy of interventions to prevent poor mental health outcomes in young people by targeting either the general population (universal prevention) or asymptomatic individuals with high risk of developing a mental disorder (selective prevention). METHODS: We conducted a PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of Web of Science to identify studies comparing post-test efficacy (effect size [ES]; Hedges' g) of universal or selective interventions for poor mental health outcomes versus control groups, in samples with mean age <35 years (PROSPERO: CRD42018102143). Measurements included random-effects models, I2 statistics, publication bias, meta-regression, sensitivity analyses, quality assessments, number needed to treat, and population impact number. RESULTS: 295 articles (447,206 individuals; mean age = 15.4) appraising 17 poor mental health outcomes were included. Compared to control conditions, universal and selective interventions improved (in descending magnitude order) interpersonal violence, general psychological distress, alcohol use, anxiety features, affective symptoms, other emotional and behavioral problems, consequences of alcohol use, posttraumatic stress disorder features, conduct problems, tobacco use, externalizing behaviors, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder features, and cannabis use, but not eating-related problems, impaired functioning, internalizing behavior, or sleep-related problems. Psychoeducation had the highest effect size for ADHD features, affective symptoms, and interpersonal violence. Psychotherapy had the highest effect size for anxiety features. CONCLUSION: Universal and selective preventive interventions for young individuals are feasible and can improve poor mental health outcomes.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of nivolumab in routine clinical practice. A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: A review of the literature about the anti-programmed death 1 monoclonal antibody nivolumab permits to verify the existence  of several issues still unresolved about their dosing schedule. The aim of the present work was to explore possibilities of nivolumab treatment  personalization through therapeutic drug monitoring, in order to  improve their effectiveness and efficiency. METHOD: Observational, prospective study carried out from May 2017  through June 2019 in patients with different tumor diagnoses treated with nivolumab. Blood samples were obtained in the routine  clinical practice, once nivolumab steady state was reached. Serum  nivolumab levels were determined by means of quantitative ELISA. The  standard schedule of 3 mg/kg every two weeks (Q2W) was modified in  some patients due to different circumstances, and resulting serum  concentrations were compared with those from the non-modified  patients and the published data. RESULTS: Blood samples from 19 patients in treatment with nivolumab were analyzed. A total of 39 samples of nivolumab were  analyzed between 6th and 27th cycles. The standard schedule of 3  mg/kg every two weeks was modified in 12/19 (60%) patients, with  intervals of 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 weeks, once the steady state was reached.  No statistically significant differences were detected when comparing  every two weeks and every four week intervals. When the intervals  were six or seven weeks, mean plasma concentration showed a  statistically significant difference compared with every two weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Current data contribute to confirm former suspects about the possibilities of exploring new scenarios to improve and  personalize nivolumab dosage. Additional studies to confirm it in bigger  series and correlate it with clinical results, and to better define the role  of therapeutic drug monitoring in the treatment, are warranted, not only by financial concerns but also for improving quality of life of patients  and clinical management aspects.

Objetivo: Una revisión de la literatura sobre nivolumab permite  verificar la existencia de diversos aspectos sin resolver sobre su  intervalo de dosificación. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido  explorar las posibilidades de personalización del tratamiento con  nivolumab mediante la monitorización terapéutica de sus  concentraciones séricas para mejorar su efectividad y eficiencia.Método: Estudio observacional, prospectivo, realizado entre mayo de 2017 y junio de 2019 en pacientes tratados con nivolumab que  estaban diagnosticados de diferentes tumores. Se obtuvieron muestras  de sangre en la práctica clínica habitual, una vez alcanzado el estado de  equilibrio de nivolumab. Las concentraciones séricas de nivolumab  fueron determinadas mediante ELISA cuantitativo. La pauta posológica  habitual de 3 mg/kg cada dos semanas tuvo que ser modificada en  algunos pacientes debido a diferentes circunstancias, y las  concentraciones séricas resultantes se compararon con las  correspondientes a los pacientes en los que no se modificó y con datos  publicados.Resultados: Se analizaron muestras de 19 pacientes que recibieron inicialmente 3 mg/kg de nivolumab cada dos semanas. Se  analizó un total de 39 muestras, entre los ciclos 6 y 27. La pauta  habitual se modificó, una vez alcanzado el estado de equilibrio, en  12/19 (60%) pacientes, en los que se amplió el intervalo a 3, 4, 5, 6 o 7 semanas. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas  al comparar la administración cada dos semanas y cada cuatro  semanas. Cuando los intervalos fueron de seis o siete semanas, la  concentración sérica media mostró una diferencia estadísticamente  significativa en comparación con la administración cada dos semanas.Conclusiones: La información recogida parece confirmar la necesidad de explorar nuevos escenarios para personalizar la  dosificación de nivolumab. Se necesitan estudios adicionales en series  de mayor tamaño para confirmar esta información, correlacionarla con  los resultados clínicos y definir mejor el papel de la monitorización  terapéutica, no solo por motivos económicos, sino también para mejorar  la calidad de vida de los pacientes y facilitar la administración  clínica del tratamiento.

Funcionamiento familiar y estilos de vida saludable en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal, según características sociodemográficas / Functioning and healthy lifestyles in patients with colorectal canceraccording to sociodemographic characteristics

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las familias funcionales se caracterizan por la efectividad al manejar situaciones estresantes como grupo. Los estilos de vida saludable son las maneras de vivir, en sintonía con la protección de la salud integral. OBJETIVO: Analizar la relación entre el funcionamiento familiar y los estilos de vida saludable, con las variables sociodemográficas en familias de pacientes con cáncer colorrectal. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Se determinaron las características sociodemográficas mediante encuestas autoadministradas a 78 pacientes en tratamiento o post-tratamiento, que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Los instrumentos fueron la Escala de Funcionamiento Familiar (ASF-E)y de Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) en español. El análisis estadístico fue univariado y bivariado. Corresponde a un estudio con riesgo mínimo. RESULTADOS: La mayor parte de los participantes percibieron funcionamiento familiar medio/alto y se asoció con un alto nivel de estudios, recibir apoyo familiar permanente y pertenecer a una familia nuclear. Las conductas promotoras de salud más practicadas fueron crecimiento espiritual, responsabilidad en salud y relaciones interpersonales, la menos practicada fue la actividad física. Se asociaron positivamente con ser mujer, tener más de 62 años, ocuparse de las labores del hogar y recibir todo tipo de apoyo. CONCLUSIONES: Es vital valorar el funcionamiento familiar y los estilos de vida saludable durante la atención integral al paciente con cáncer colorrectal e involucrar a las familias en el cuidado, a partir del apoyo en todas sus formas, la práctica de actividad física, el cambio de hábitos de vida y relaciones familiares.

INTRODUCTION: Functional families are characterized by effectiveness in handling stressful situations as a group. Healthy lifestyles are ways of living, in tune with the protection of integral health. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between family functioning and healthy lifestyles, with sociodemographic variables in families of patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Sociodemographic characteristics were determined through self-administered surveys of 78 patients in treatment or post-treatment, who met the inclusion criteria. The instruments were the Family Functioning Scale (ASF-E) and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) in Spanish. Statistical analysis was univariate and bivariate. It corresponds to a minimal risk study. RESULTS: Most of the participants perceived medium / high family functioning and associated with a high level of education, receiving permanent family support and belonging to a nuclear family. The most practiced health promoting behaviors were spiritual growth, responsibility in health and interpersonal relationships, the least practiced was physical activity. They were positively associated with being a woman, being over 62 years old, taking care of household chores and receiving all kinds of support. CONCLUSIONS: It is vital to assess family functioning and healthy lifestyles during comprehensive care for patients with colorectal cancer and to involve families in care, based on support in all its forms, the practice of physical activity, the change of life habitsand family relationships.

Mortalidad hospitalaria de las infecciones respiratorias comunitarias y asociadas a cuidados socio-sanitarios: una revisión sistemática / Hospital mortality of community respiratory infections and associated with long-term care facilities: a systematic review

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones respiratorias son causa de preocupación socio-sanitaria por su elevada mortalidad y el coste económico que conllevan. El número de pacientes procedentes de centros socio-sanitarios con infecciones respiratorias que requieren ingreso hospitalario está aumentando en las últimas décadas. Las particularidades de estos pacientes pueden influir en la evolución de estas infecciones. Objetivo: Analizar si existen diferencias entre las infecciones respiratorias de origen comunitario y las asociadas a cuidados sanitarios respecto a la mortalidad. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática en tres bases de datos: Medline, Web of Science y Scopus. Se incluyeron estudios empíricos, publicados entre 2000 y 2016. Resultados: La procedencia de los enfermos, la edad y la malnutrición fueron los factores que se asociaron con peor pronóstico, junto con la presencia de co-morbilidad cardiaca o neurológica. La mortalidad fue más elevada en los pacientes procedentes de centros socio-sanitarios respecto a aquellos que procedían de su domicilio. Conclusión: Los profesionales de la salud deberían tener en cuenta la procedencia de los enfermos para dar un cuidado personalizado acorde a las particularidades de estos enfermos.

Background: Respiratory infections are a cause of socio-health concern due to their high mortality and the economic cost. The number of patients from social care centers with respiratory infections requiring hospital admission is increasing in recent decades. The particularities of these patients could influence the evolution of these infections. Aim: To analyze if there are differences respect to mortality between respiratory infections of community origin and those associated with social care centers. Methods: A systematic review was carried out in three databases: Medline, Web of Science and Scopus. Empirical studies, published between 2000 and 2016, were included. Results: The origin of the patients, age and malnutrition were the factors associated with worse prognosis, together with the presence of cardiac or neurological comorbidity. Mortality was higher in patients from social care centers compared to those who came from their home. Conclusion: Health professionals should take into account the origin of the patients in order to give a more personalized care according to the particularities of these patients.

Modelo de supervisión integrativo: Construyendo una identidad profesionalen el campo de la Consejería Psicológica en Guatemala / Integrative supervision model: Building a professional identity in Psychological Counseling in Guatemalac

Este estudio contribuye a avanzar la incipiente investigaciónsobre la supervisión en Guatemala y tiene como objetivoevaluar elmodelo utilizado en un programa de maestría en Consejería Psicológica y Salud Mental de una universidad privada del país. Es un estudio cualitativo en el que cuatro supervisoras entrevistaron a 14 mujeres profesionales egresadas o estudiantes de este programa.La entrevistaincluyópreguntas sobre el significado y propósito, beneficios e importancia, impacto en el cliente, las habilidades personales y la alianza de supervisión. Las respuestas se codificaron, agruparon y analizaron por temas de las cuales surgieron: (a) la definición de supervisión como un proceso de aprendizaje y evaluación a través del acompañamiento y realimentación; (b) la confirmación que la supervisión tiene un impacto en el cliente; (c) la necesidad de definir el modelo, guía y estandarización del formato y práctica y (d) las características relevantes de la persona quien supervisa en la relación de supervisión. Las características encontradas más relevantes son: respeto, apoyo, orientación, escucha, confianza, habilidades de comunicación, responsabilidad, empatía, apertura, respeto a la diversidad, realimentación, aprendizaje y orden.Este trabajo abre la oportunidad para continuar investigaciones similares en ambientes académicos, comunitarios, profesionales y de formación que trasciendan los límites de este programa y se apliquen a otros contextos latinoamericanos.(AU)

Este estudo contribui para o avanço da pesquisa incipiente sobre supervisão na Guatemala e visa avaliar o modelo utilizado em um programa de mestrado em Aconselhamento Psicológico e Saúde Mental de uma universidade privada do país. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, no qual quatro orientadores entrevistaram 14 profissionais graduadas e alunas desse programa. A entrevista incluiu perguntas sobre o significado e propósito, benefícios e importância, impacto no cliente, habilidades pessoais e a aliança de supervisão. As respostas foram codificadas, agrupadas e analisadas por tópicos dos quais emergiram: (a) a definição de supervisão como processo de aprendizagem e avaliação por meio de acompanhamento e feedback, (b) confirmação de que a supervisão tem impacto no cliente, (c) a necessidade de definir o modelo orientador e a padronização do formato e da prática e (d) as características relevantes da pessoa que supervisiona a relação de supervisão. As características mais relevantes encontradas são: respeito, apoio, orientação, escuta, confiança, habilidades de comunicação, responsabilidade, empatia, abertura, respeito à diversidade, feedback, aprendizado e ordem. Este trabalho abre a oportunidade de continuar pesquisas semelhantes em ambientes acadêmicos, comunitários, profissionais e de treinamento que transcendem os limites deste programa e se aplicam a outros contextos latino-americanos.(AU)

This research is part of a series of pioneering studies on supervision in Guatemala and aims to evaluate the model used in a psychological counseling and mental healthmaster program of a private Guatemalan University. It is a qualitative study where 14 professionals, women graduated or students from this program were interviewed. The interview included questions about the meaning and purpose of supervision, benefits and importance of the process, impact on the client and personal skills, and the supervision alliance.Answers were coded, grouped, and analyzed by themes offering: a) the definition of supervision as a learning and assessment process with companionship and feedback; b) confirmation that supervision has an impact in client, c) the need of defining a model, guidelines, and format standardization for practicum; and d) the most relevant supervisor´s characteristics in the supervision relationship. In this study, the main characteristics of the supervision relationship are: respect, support, guidance, active listening, safe space, communication abilities, responsibility, empathy, openness, respect for cultural diversity, feedback, learning and structure. This research is an opportunity to pursue similar research in academic, community, professional environments, and training that transcend the geographic borders of this program and are applicable to other LatinAmerican contexts.(AU)

Propionic acid metabolism and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate production by a prpC mutant of Herbaspirillum seropedicae Z69.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are thermoplastic polyesters produced by a wide range of bacteria as carbon and energy reserves. PHA accumulation is typically increased under unbalanced growth conditions and with carbon source in excess. Although polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) could be used for specific applications, it is brittle and not a useful alternative for plastics like polypropylene. Far more useful polypropylene-like PHAs, are copolymers composed of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyvalerate, P(3HB-co-3HV). Propionic acid is one of the carbon sources that can be used to generate 3HV. A mutant derived from Herbaspirillum seropedicae Z69, a strain previously described as capable of producing P(3HB-co-3HV) from propionic acid, was constructed to increase 3HV biosynthetic efficiency. The strategy involved elimination of a catabolic route for propionyl-CoA by deficiency marker exchange of a selected gene. The mutant (Z69Prp) was constructed by elimination of the 2-methylcitrate synthase (PrpC) gene of the 2-methylcitrate cycle for propionate catabolism. Strain Z69Prp was unable to grow on sodium propionate, but in cultures with glucose-propionate accumulated 50% of its dry weight as copolymer. Z69Prp had 14.1 mol% 3HV; greater than that of strain Z69 (2.89 mol%). The 3HV yield from propionic acid (Y3HV/prop) was 0.80 g g-1, and below the maximum theoretical value (1.35 g g-1).

Reduction mammaplasty improves levels of anxiety, depression and body image satisfaction in patients with symptomatic macromastia in the short and long term.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychological consequences (anxiety, depression and body image dissatisfaction) of symptomatic macromastia and the effectiveness of breast reduction surgery in re-establishing the mental health of the patient in the short and long term. METHOD: 119 patients over 18 years old who had been diagnosed with symptomatic macromastia were assessed, before surgery, one month after the operation and one year later. Patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Body Image Dissatisfaction subscale of the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-2). Participants were also asked about their physical appearance, social relationships and their satisfaction with regards to clothing and dress. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 40.7 (SD = 12.02), 80.2% had a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2. Before surgery, we found psychological distress with values indicating clinical anxiety and body image dissatisfaction. Younger women (< 36 years old) were more psychologically affected. At one month after surgery, there were significant improvements: there were lower scores for anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001) and body image dissatisfaction (p < 0.001). When compared with the pre-surgery scores, all these results showed improvement one year after the intervention (p < 0.001). There were also improvements in social relationships (p < 0.001) and satisfaction with clothing and dress. CONCLUSION: Reduction mammaplasty can alleviate the psychological impact of symptomatic macromastia.

Funcionalidad familiar y estilos de vida saludable en pacientes con linfoma Hodgkin en Bogotá / Family functionality and healthy lifestyles in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, Bogota / Funcionalidade familiar e estilos de vida saudável em pacientes com linfoma de Hodgkin, em Bogota

Se realizó una investigación cuantitativa descriptiva y transversal en un grupo de pacientes con linfoma Hodgkin para determinar \r\nla relación entre funcionalidad familiar y los estilos de vida saludable. Se usaron los instrumentos Escala de Evaluación de la Funcio\r\n-\r\nnalidad Familiar y el Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, los dos en su versión en español. El informante familiar fue el paciente con \r\ndiagnóstico de linfoma Hodgkin. Se encontró predominio de un nivel bajo de funcionalidad familiar y frecuencia de estilos de \r\nvida saludable A veces y Frecuentemente; se determinó que solo hubo correlación con significancia estadística entre la dimensión \r\nRelaciones interpersonales\r\n, perteneciente a los estilos de vida saludable, y la funcionalidad familiar. Se requiere profundizar en esta \r\ntemática con otros grupos de pacientes para lograr un mejor conocimiento al respecto.

A descriptive and cross-quantitative investigation in a group \r\nof patients with Hodgkin lymphoma was conducted to \r\ndetermine the relationship between family functionality \r\nand healthy lifestyles. The instruments Evaluation Scale of \r\nFamily Functionality in Spanish and the Health Promoting \r\nLifestyle Profile II in its version of the Spanish language were \r\nused, the family informant was the patient diagnosed with \r\nHodgkin lymphoma. Predominance of a low level of family \r\nfunctionality and frequent healthy lifestyles of "Sometimes" \r\nand "Often" was found; it was determined that there were \r\nonly statistically significant correlation for the dimension of \r\ninterpersonal relationships\r\n, pertaining to healthy lifestyles, with \r\nfamily functionality. It is required to deepen this subject, with \r\nother patient groups to achieve a better knowledge about it.

Uma pesquisa descritiva e cross-quantitativa em um grupo de \r\npacientes com linfoma de Hodgkin foi realizado para deter\r\n-\r\nminar a relação entre o funcionamento familiar e estilos de \r\nvida saudáveis. Os instrumentos Escala de Avaliação da Família \r\nfuncionalidade em espanhol e promoção da saúde Lifestyle \r\nProfile II, na sua versão em espanhol utilizado, o informante da \r\nfamília era o paciente diagnosticado com linfoma de Hodgkin. \r\nPredominância de uma baixa frequência de funcionamento \r\nfamiliar e estilos de vida saudáveis "às vezes" e "Muitas vezes" \r\nfoi encontrado; determinou-se que havia apenas estatisti\r\n-\r\ncamente dimensão correlação significativa para as \r\nrelações \r\ninterpessoais\r\n, pertencentes a estilos de vida saudáveis, com o \r\nfuncionamento familiar. É necessário aprofundar este assunto, \r\ncom outros grupos de pacientes para alcançar um melhor \r\nconhecimento sobre o assunto.

Quality of Life Following Symptomatic Macromastia Surgery: Short- and Long-term Evaluation.

UNLABELLED: Mammary hypertrophy or macromastia can cause a wide range of symptoms (physical, psychosomatic or behavioral), which affect patients' quality of life. Breast reduction can, in most of the cases, solve the problem. However, certain factors could have a negative effect on the outcome of surgery. The aims of this study were to discover the degree of patient satisfaction (short- and long-term) and to evaluate results of reduction mammoplasty, and also to ascertain which factors may have a negative role on the effectiveness of breast reduction surgery. We carried out a prospective and longitudinal study of 121 patients who underwent breast reduction surgery. Quality of life, outcome of surgery (complications and sequelae) and degree of patient satisfaction were evaluated at 1 month and at 1 year after reduction mammoplasty. Mean patient age was 40.71 (SD = 12.02). Among them, 35.5% were overweight, 44.6% were obese and 34.7% were smokers. The most common symptom was pain. The mean amount of resected breast tissue was 1785 g (SD = 876). A total of 27.3% of the patients suffered complications and 30.60% suffered sequelae. Our results show an improvement in symptoms (p < 0.001) and quality of life (p < 0.001 to p = 0.002) 1 month after and 1 year after breast reduction compared with the preoperative situation. Neither age, body mass index, smoking habit nor the amount of tissue removed had a negative effect on the results of surgery. One year after surgery, the majority of patients were satisfied with the outcome (96.6%), they would recommend it to others (96.6%), and they would undergo surgery a second time (95.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Breast reduction is highly efficient in resolving symptoms and in improving quality of life. It leads to a high level of short- and long-term satisfaction irrespective of each patient's individual characteristics.