Radiation safety compliance awareness among healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been a marked growth in the use of ionizing radiation in medical imaging for both diagnosis and therapy, which in turn has led to increased radiation exposure among healthcare workers. AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of safety compliance awareness among healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation. RESEARCH DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for this investigation. SETTING: This study was conducted online, using social media sites such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. SUBJECTS: A purposive sample of 384 Egyptian healthcare workers was enrolled in the current study. TOOL: A safety compliance awareness questionnaire was used in this study to collect pertinent data. RESULTS: The result of this study showed that 65.4% and 64.1% of the studied sample chose the correct answers that mammography and CT scans involve the use of x-rays. However, 64.3% and 67.2% of the studied sample chose the wrong answers, saying that MRI and Ultrasound involve the use of X-rays. Moreover, 47.14%, 43.5%, and 57% of the studied sample never used a dosimeter, did not follow dosimeter controls, and did not wear a lead collar. CONCLUSION: Most of the healthcare workers studied had poor knowledge about radiation exposure safety. Moreover, most of the healthcare workers in the current study demonstrated inadequate practice compliance concerning radiation protection procedures. RECOMMENDATION: Should encourage hospital training programs to include radiation safety topics in their training plans for healthcare workers.

The use of lidocaine infusion in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Being one of the most common abdominal surgical procedures, numerous techniques have been adapted to decrease post-operative pain post cholecystectomy. However, the efficacy of intravenous (IV) lidocaine in managing post operative pain after LC is still controversial, according to many recent studies. This study aims to detect the effectiveness of IV lidocaine compared to other medications in managing post-operative pain. PubMed, Scopes, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies from inception to June 2023, and a systematic review and meta-analysis was done. According to eligibility criteria, 14 studies (898 patients) were included in our study. The pooled results of the included studies showed that the pain score after 6, 12 and 24 h after the surgery was significantly lower in those who received IV lidocaine as a painkiller (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] 6H, mean difference [MD] = -1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.20, -0.20, P = 0.02; I2 = 98%, VAS 12H, MD = -0.90, 95% CI = -1.52, -0.29, P = 0.004; I2 = 96% and VAS 24H, MD = -0.86, 95% CI = -1.48, -0.24, P = 0.007; I2 = 92%). In addition, IV lidocaine is associated with a significant decrease in the opioid requirement after the surgery (opioid requirements, MD = -29.53, 95% CI = -55.41, -3.66, P = 0.03; I2 = 98%). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting after the surgery between the two groups (nausea and vomiting, relative risk = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.57, 1.45, P = 0.69; I2 = 50%). Lidocaine infusion in LC is associated with a significant decrease in post operative pain and in opioid requirements after the surgery.

Radiological characteristics of invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast.

AIM: To analyse the various imaging features of invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC), a distinct variant of breast cancer, by mammography, ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced mammography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 68 female patients with histopathologically proven invasive micropapillary carcinoma who underwent mammography, ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced mammography examinations. The findings encountered by each imaging tool were analysed using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon. RESULTS: In this retrospective study, 64.7% of cases were of the pure form of IMPC. Most of the cases showed an aggressive clinical course, with lymphovascular invasion noted in 76.5% of cases, while 60.3% of cases showed associated pathological lymphadenopathy. The N3 stage was reported in 25% of cases. On analysing the mammographic and ultrasound imaging findings, a significant association between irregular shape and a non-circumscribed margin with IMPC was found. Associated calcification was noted in 47% of cases. Pathological enhancement of moderate or marked conspicuity was noted in cases that underwent contrast-enhanced mammography, with the most commonly encountered finding being enhancing irregular and non-circumscribed masses. CONCLUSION: The mammographic and ultrasound imaging features of IMPC are indistinguishable from other aggressive types of breast cancer. At contrast-enhanced mammography examination, pathological enhancement of moderate to marked conspicuity was shown in all cases. The observed strong association of IMPC with lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis with higher nodal stage in this study mandate meticulous sonographic examination of the axilla, as well as the infra, and supraclavicular regions if pathological axillary lymphadenopathy was noted.

Quality of life measures and cost analysis of biologic versus synthetic mesh for ventral hernia repair: The Preventing Recurrence in Clean and Contaminated Hernias randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Although the most durable method for ventral hernia repairs involves using mesh, whether to use biologic mesh versus synthetic mesh remains controversial. This study aimed to compare synthetic and biologic meshes with respect to patient-reported quality of life scores and costs after ventral hernia repair surgeries. METHODS: This study is part of the Preventing Recurrence in Clean and Contaminated Hernias (PRICE) pragmatic randomized control trial conducted from March 2014 through October 2018. Patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo ventral hernia repair using either a biologic or synthetic mesh. The coprimary outcomes were 2-year changes in Visual Analog Scale, Activities Assessment Scale, Hernia-Related Quality-of-Life Survey, and Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) quality-of-life scores from repair. The secondary outcome was the overall cost per patient. RESULTS: Among the 165 patients included in the study, 82 were randomized to biologic meshes and 83 to synthetic meshes. There were no significant differences in the performance between the 2 mesh types with regard to quality-of-life measures using a mixed model approach. This result was consistent even when performing subgroup analysis based on wound contamination. However, nonparametric tests comparing the differences in quality-of-life measures from preoperative to 24-month postoperative timepoints revealed that the synthetic mesh group showed a greater reduction in disability than biologic mesh for the SF-36 (median [interquartile range] of 20 [5-30] vs 6 [1-20], P = .025). This difference was due to reductions in the physical role limitations (62 [0-100] vs 0 [0-50], P = .018) and the pain (38 [12-50] vs 12 [0-25], P = .012) domains of the SF-36. Overall cost per patient was greater for biologic meshes (mean [95% confidence interval] of $80,420 [$66,485-$94,355] vs $61,036 [$48,946-$73,125], P = .038), regardless of insurance type. CONCLUSION: In this randomized clinical trial, there were no differences in changes in quality-of-life scores at the 2-year timepoint except for the SF-36, where the synthetic mesh may be associated with less pain and physical role limitations than the biologic mesh. Overall costs per patient were less for synthetic than biologic mesh.

SCORE: a randomised controlled trial evaluating shared care (general practitioner and oncologist) follow-up compared to usual oncologist follow-up for survivors of colorectal cancer.

Background: SCORE is the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) to examine shared oncologist and general practitioner (GP) follow-up for survivors of colorectal cancer (CRC). SCORE aimed to show that shared care (SC) was non-inferior to usual care (UC) on the EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health Status/Quality of Life (GHQ-QoL) scale to 12 months. Methods: The study recruited patients from five public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia between February 2017 and May 2021. Patients post curative intent treatment for stage I-III CRC underwent 1:1 randomisation to SC and UC. SC replaced two oncologist visits with GP visits and included a survivorship care plan and primary care management guidelines. Assessments were at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Difference between groups on GHQ-QoL to 12 months was estimated from a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM), with a non-inferiority margin (NIM) of -10 points. Secondary endpoints included quality of life (QoL); patient perceptions of care; costs and clinical care processes (CEA tests, recurrences). Registration ACTRN12617000004369p. Findings: 150 consenting patients were randomised to SC (N = 74) or UC (N = 76); 11 GPs declined. The mean (SD) GHQ-QoL scores at 12 months were 72 (20.2) for SC versus 73 (17.2) for UC. The MMRM mean estimate of GHQ-QoL across the 6 month and 12 month follow-up was 69 for SC and 73 for UC, mean difference -4.0 (95% CI: -9.0 to 0.9). The lower limit of the 95% CI did not cross the NIM. There was no clear evidence of differences on other QoL, unmet needs or satisfaction scales. At 12 months, the majority preferred SC (40/63; 63%) in the SC group, with equal preference for SC (22/62; 35%) and specialist care (22/62; 35%) in UC group. CEA completion was higher in SC. Recurrences similar between arms. Patients in SC on average incurred USD314 less in health costs versus UC patients. Interpretation: SC seems to be an appropriate and cost-effective model of follow-up for CRC survivors. Funding: Victorian Cancer Agency and Cancer Australia.

The Gut-Brain Axis in Autoimmune Diseases: Emerging Insights and Therapeutic Implications.

The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a two-way communication system that is influenced by signals from the nervous system, hormones, metabolism, the immune system, and microbes. The GBA may play a key role in gastrointestinal and neurological illnesses. Signaling events from the gut can regulate brain function. As a result, mounting data point to a connection between autoimmune disorders (AIDs), both neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, and the GBA. Clinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies have shown that a variety of neurological illnesses are linked to alterations in the intestinal environment, which are suggestive of disease-mediated inter-organ communication between the gut and the brain. This review's objective is to draw attention to the clinical and biological relationship between the gut and the brain, as well as the clinical importance of this relationship for AIDs, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation. We also discuss the dysbiosis in the gut microbiota that has been linked to various AIDs, and we make some assumptions about how dietary changes such as prebiotics and probiotics may be able to prevent or treat AIDs by restoring the composition of the gut microbiota and regulating metabolites.

The Use of a Robotic Arm for Fixation of Pelvic Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate unplanned cortical or neuroforaminal violation of iliosacral and transsacral screw placement using fluoroscopy versus screw placement using a robotic arm. DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study. SETTING: Single surgeon, single North American level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Radiographic and clinical data for 21 consecutive adult trauma patients with pelvic ring fractures undergoing surgical treatment were prospectively collected. Treatment consisted of iliosacral and/or transsacral screws with or without anterior fixation. INTERVENTION: Ten patients were treated with the assistance of a robotic arm. Eleven patients were treated with standard fluoroscopic techniques. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Thirty-two screws were placed and evaluated with postoperative computed tomography or O-arm spins to assess unplanned cortical or neuroforaminal violation. Violations were graded according to the Gertzbein and Robbins system for pedicle screw violation, categorizing screw violation in 2-mm increments. The postoperative images were blindly reviewed by 5 fellowship-trained orthopaedic traumatologists. The treating surgeon was excluded from review. RESULTS: The Mann-Whitney U test on the Gertzbein and Robbins system results demonstrated significantly (P = 0.02) fewer violations with robotic assistance. χ2 analysis of whether there was a cortical violation of any distance demonstrated significantly (P = 0.003) fewer cortical violations with robotic assistance. There were no neurovascular injuries in either group. CONCLUSION: Robotic assistance demonstrated significantly fewer unplanned cortical or neuroforaminal violations. Further research is needed with additional surgeons and sites to evaluate the accuracy of iliosacral and transsacral screw placement with robotic assistance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level II.

Women with gynaecological cancer awaiting radiotherapy: Self-reported wellbeing, general psychological distress, symptom distress, sexual function, and supportive care needs.

OBJECTIVE: To better serve women with gynaecological cancers, we need a sound understanding of their health, wellbeing and needs. This study sought to explore these issues in a sample of Australian women before commencing curative radiotherapy. METHODS: We undertook a secondary analysis of baseline data from a supportive care trial (n = 311). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise responses to measures of wellbeing, general psychological distress, symptom distress, sexual function and vaginal changes, and supportive care needs. Pre-specified regression models were used to examine sources of variation in wellbeing and sexual function. RESULTS: Women reported lower emotional, functional and physical wellbeing than population norms (all p < 0.001). The prevalence of general psychological distress was 31% (95% CI 26-36%). Distress caused by physical symptoms was typically low. Health system and information needs comprised eight of the top ten moderate-to-high supportive care needs. Most women reported no change in interest for physical contact or sex compared to pre-diagnosis, but some sexually active women (16-24%) reported smaller vaginal size, increased dryness, and more pain on intercourse. General psychological distress was a robust marker of poorer wellbeing and sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: Before radiotherapy, a substantial minority of women with gynaecological cancers experience general psychological distress, reduced wellbeing and moderate-to-high health system and information needs. A model of comprehensive care incorporating assessment of unmet needs, general psychological distress, and sexual issues is recommended. Healthcare providers may require training to elicit and respond to a constellation of interrelated issues and access relevant services for women requiring additional support.

Comparison of staged repair versus single-stage complete repair for pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To evaluate comparative outcomes of the repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PAVSD), done as staged repair (SR) or single-stage complete repair (CR). METHODS: A systematic online search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane database, The Virtual Health Library, Clinical trials.gov, and ScienceDirect for studies comparing SR versus CR for treatment of PAVSD. Total mortality rate, operative and early post-operative mortality rate, post-operative ventilation duration, duration of post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) stay, need for post-operative extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support rate, transcatheter re-intervention rate, unplanned re-operation rate, freedom from right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) re-intervention, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were the evaluated outcome parameters. RESULTS: Four comparative studies reporting a total of 264 patients who underwent SR (167 patients) or CR (97 patients) were included. Total mortality was higher in the SR group compared to the CR group (odds ratio (OR) 2.58, P = 0.03). Two groups were comparable regarding operative and early post-operative mortality (OR 1.37, P = 0.62), post-operative ventilation duration (mean difference (MD) - 1.58, P = 0.43), need for post-operative ECMO support rate (OR 4.72, P = 0.16), transcatheter re-intervention rate (OR 0.60, P = 0.53), unplanned re-operation rate (OR 0.73, P = 0.57), and LOS (MD - 3.39, P = 0.45). Higher rate of freedom from RVOT re-intervention was observed in the SR group (OR 4.16, P = 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Single-staged early CR of PAVSD significantly reduced total mortality rate as compared with SR. However, there is life-long risk of frequent need for RVOT re-interventions. Future high-quality randomised studies with robust methodological qualities are encouraged to evaluate the optimal timing and technique for repair of PAVSD, by analysing more outcomes in large patient groups and multi-centre studies.

The survivorship experience for patients with metastatic melanoma on immune checkpoint and BRAF-MEK inhibitors.

PURPOSE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BMi) have improved survival in metastatic melanoma (MM). However, the experience of long-term responders remains undescribed. This study characterised survivorship issues faced by long-term responders to ICI or BMi. METHODS: Patients with MM, aged ≥ 18 years old, ≥ 6 months post-ICI or BMi initiation with an objective response or stable disease. A 72-question survey assessed physical and psychological effects, impact on lifestyle, access to information, satisfaction with care, and availability of supports. RESULTS: One hundred and five of 120 (88%) patients completed the survey (ICI 69/BMI 36). For the ICI cohort, 39 (57%) were receiving ongoing treatment, 17 ceased due to toxicity and 13 due to a sustained response. For the BMi cohort, 31 (85%) were receiving ongoing treatment, 4 ceased due to toxicity and 1 due to a sustained complete response. At data cut-off on 18 December 2018, median PFS (range) was 2.5 years (1.3-8.5) for ICI and 3.1 years (0.6-7.3) for BMi. Long-term toxicities included dry/itchy skin (ICI 51, 74%/ BMi 25, 69%), arthralgias (ICI 30, 58%/ BMi 23, 64%) and fatigue (ICI 62, 90%/ BMi 33, 92%). Psychological morbidity was common, including anxiety awaiting results (ICI 50, 72%/ BMi 29, 81%), fear of melanoma recurring or progressing (ICI 56, 81%/ BMi 31, 86%) or death (ICI 44, 64%/ BMi 26, 72%). CONCLUSION: MM survivors experience chronic treatment toxicities and frequently report psychological concerns. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Survivors may benefit from discussions regarding long-term toxicities and tailored psychological supports.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor: evaluation of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization as ancillary molecular diagnostic techniques.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, biologically aggressive soft tissue neoplasm of uncertain differentiation, most often arising in the abdominal and pelvic cavities of adolescents and young adults with a striking male predominance. Histologically, it is characterized by islands of uniform small round cells in prominent desmoplastic stroma, and it has a polyimmunophenotypic profile, typically expressing WT1 and cytokeratin, desmin, and neural/neuroendocrine differentiation markers to varying degrees. Tumors at other sites and with variant morphology are more rarely described. DSRCT is associated with a recurrent t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation, leading to the characteristic EWSR1-WT1 gene fusion. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), to detect EWSR1 rearrangement, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to assess for EWSR1-WT1 fusion transcripts are routine diagnostic ancillary tools. We present a large institutional comparative series of FISH and RT-PCR for DSRCT diagnosis. Twenty-six specimens (from 25 patients) histologically diagnosed as DSRCT were assessed for EWSR1 rearrangement and EWSR1-WT1 fusion transcripts. Of these 26 specimens, 24 yielded positive results with either FISH or RT-PCR or both. FISH was performed in 23 samples, with EWSR1 rearrangement seen in 21 (91.3%). RT-PCR was performed in 18 samples, of which 13 (72.2%) harbored EWSR1-WT1 fusion transcripts. The sensitivity of FISH in detecting DSRCT was 91.3%, and that of RT-PCR was 92.8% following omission of four technical failures. Therefore, both methods are comparable in terms of sensitivity. FISH is more sensitive if technical failures for RT-PCR are taken into account, and RT-PCR is more specific in confirming DSRCT. Both methods complement each other by confirming cases that the other method may not. In isolation, FISH is a relatively non-specific diagnostic adjunct due to the number of different neoplasms that can harbor EWSR1 rearrangement, such as Ewing sarcoma. However, in cases with appropriate morphology and a typical pattern of immunostaining, FISH is confirmatory of the diagnosis.

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma: Clinical, morphologic and genetic features.

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is a bland spindle cell neoplasm that typically arises in the deep soft tissues of the proximal extremities or trunk of young adults. The majority of LGFMS are characterized by a recurrent (7;16)(q34;p11) translocation, resulting in the FUS-CREB3L2 fusion gene, which generates a chimeric protein with transcriptional regulatory activity. Small numbers harbor a FUS-CREB3L1 fusion resulting from t(11;16)(p11;p11), whilst rare cases harbor the EWSR1-CREB3L1 fusion. LGFMS is of low to moderate cellularity and consists of bland spindle cells with small, angulated nuclei and scant, wispy cytoplasm, arranged in a whorled growth pattern and typically showing abrupt transition from myxoid to fibrous areas. Immunohistochemical expression of MUC4 is a consistent finding. Hyalinized spindle cell tumor with giant rosettes (HSCTGR) is a morphological variant of LGFMS that shares the same balanced translocation, and is also immunoreactive for MUC4. A potential relationship between LGFMS and sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF), a rare fibroblastic neoplasm that most commonly arises in the deep soft tissues of the lower extremities, limb girdles or trunk, has also been suggested. SEF is classically composed of nests and cords of epithelioid cells with clear or eosinophilic cytoplasm embedded within densely sclerotic stroma. In some cases, areas indistinguishable from LGFMS are present, and these have been shown to contain FUS-CREB3L2 fusion transcripts. The majority of pure SEF tumors harbor EWSR1 rearrangements, with EWSR1-CREB3L1 and more rarely EWSR1-CREB3L2 gene fusions more common than those involving FUS. MUC4 immunoreactivity is also seen in approximately 70% of SEF. Surgical resection of these tumors with clear margins is the treatment of choice. Correct diagnosis is important because of the significant potential for recurrence and late metastatic spread. We review LGFMS and SEF, discussing morphology and immunohistochemistry, genetics and molecular findings, and the differential diagnosis.

Solid-Pattern Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is an aggressive small round cell sarcoma that typically occurs intra-abdominally in adolescents and young adults, and is characterized by a recurrent t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation leading to generation of the EWSR1-WT1 fusion gene, which codes for a chimeric protein with transcriptional regulatory activity. DSRCT has a characteristic histologic appearance of nests of uniform small cells within prominent fibroblastic stroma and immunohistochemically it shows multidirectional differentiation, with expression of epithelial, neural, and muscle markers. We illustrate a case of DSRCT that presented as a large intra-abdominal mass, which harbored EWSR1 rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization and EWSR1-WT1 fusion transcripts by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and which histologically had an entirely solid morphology, lacking evidence of desmoplastic stroma. This purely solid variant emphasizes that even when occurring at a typical location, DSRCT may be difficult to recognize when lacking nonclassical morphology. This is of clinical relevance, as DSRCT with this pattern could be misdiagnosed as Ewing sarcoma if RT-PCR is not performed, with resulting prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Acute toxicity and gastroprotective effect of the Schiff base ligand ¹H-indole-3-ethylene-5-nitrosalicylaldimine and its nickel (II) complex on ethanol induced gastric lesions in rats.

The present study was performed to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of Schiff base ligand derived from the condensation reaction of tryptamine (an indole derivative) and 5-nitrosalicylaldehyde (TNS) and its nickel (II) complex against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. The compounds were orally administered with low (30 mg/kg) and high (60 mg/kg) doses to ulcer-induced Sprague-Dawley rats. Macroscopically, the ulcer control group exhibited severe mucosal injury, whereas pre-treatment with either cimetidine or TNS and its nickel (II) complex each resulted in significant protection against gastric mucosal injury. Flattening of gastric mucosal folds was also observed in rats pretreated with TNS and its nickel complex. Histological studies of the gastric wall of ulcer control group revealed severe damage of gastric mucosa, along with edema and leucocytes infiltration of the submucosal layer compared to rats pre-treated with either cimetidine or TNS and its nickel (II) compound, where there was marked gastric protection along with reduction of edema and leucocytes infiltration of the submucosal layer. Acute toxicity study done on mice with a higher dose of 5 g/kg of TNS and its nickel (II) complex did not manifest any toxicological signs. Research finding suggest that TNS and its nickel (II) complex could be considered as effective gastroprotective compounds.

Bis{2-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl-imino-meth-yl]phenolato-κN,O}nickel(II) N,N-dimethyl-formamide disolvate.

The Ni atom in the title compound, [Ni(C(17)H(15)N(2)O)(2)]·2C(3)H(7)NO, lies on a twofold rotation axis. It is N,O-chelated by the deprotonated Schiff base 2-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl-imino-meth-yl]phenolate ligand in a square-planar coordination environment. The mol-ecule is linked to a solvent mol-ecule by an indole-dimethyl-formamide N-H⋯O hydrogen bond.