The EUropean PErioperative MEdical Networking (EUPEMEN) project and recommendations for perioperative care in colorectal surgery: a quality improvement study.

BACKGROUND: Despite consensus supporting enhanced recovery programs, their full implementation in such a context is difficult due to conventional practices within various groups of professionals. The goal of the EUropean PErioperative MEdical Networking (EUPEMEN) project was to bring together the expertise and experience of national clinical professionals who have previously helped deliver major change programs in their countries and to use them to spread enhanced recovery after surgery protocols (ERAS) in Europe. The specific aim of this study is to present and discuss the key points of the proposed recommendations for colorectal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five partners from university hospitals in four European countries developed the project as partners. Following a non-systematic review of the literature, the European consensus panel generated a list of recommendations for perioperative care in colorectal surgery. A list of recommendations was formulated and distributed to collaborators at each center to allow modifications or additional statements. These recommendations were then discussed in three consecutive meetings to share uniform ERAS protocols to be disseminated. RESULT: The working group developed (1) the EUPEMEN online platform to offer, free of charge, evidence-based standardized perioperative care protocols, learning activities, and assistance to health professionals interested in enhancing the recovery of their patients; (2) the preparation of the EUPEMEN Multimodal Rehabilitation manuals; (3) the training of the trainers to teach future teachers; and (4) the dissemination of the results in five multiplier events, one for each partner, to promote and disseminate the protocols. CONCLUSION: The EUPEMEN project allowed the sharing of the expertise of many professionals from four different European countries with the objective of training the new generations in the dissemination of ERAS protocols in daily clinical practice through a new learning system. This project was proposed as an additional training tool for all the enhanced recovery program teams.

Use of Darvadstrocel (Allogenic Stem Cell Therapy) for Crohn's Fistulas in Real Clinical Practice: The National Project to Implement Mesenchymal Stem Cell for the Treatment of Perianal Crohn's Fistula (the PRIME Study).

BACKGROUND: Perianal fistulas may affect 15% to 50% of patients with Crohn's disease. Treatment is complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Darvadstrocel (allogenic mesenchymal cells obtained from lipoaspirates) was approved in 2018 by the European and Spanish Agencies of Medicines and Medical Products as a treatment for fistulas in Crohn's disease. Recent guidelines from the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation and Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis state that darvadstrocel is effective with a favorable safety profile and a strong level of evidence (n = 2). OBJECTIVE: Presenting real-world effectiveness data for darvadstrocel in a Spanish population. DESIGN: Observational retrospective cohort study with prospective data gathering. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at 14 institutions in Spain. PATIENTS: From November 2019 to April 2022, all patients (n = 73) treated with darvadstrocel in these institutions were included, fulfilling the following criteria: 1) complex fistula/s in a patient with Crohn's disease; 2) failure of conventional and antitumor necrosis factor treatment; and 3) the absence of collections of >2 cm confirmed by pelvic MRI at the time of surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Darvadstrocel treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical response (closure of 50% or more of external openings), complete clinical closure (100% of external openings), and radiological closure (no fluid collection >2 cm, edema, or inflammation) evaluated 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: Clinical response was observed in 63 patients (86.3%), complete clinical closure in 50 patients (68.5%), and radiological closure in 45 patients (69.2%). Combined clinical and radiological response was observed in 41 patients (63.1%). Not all clinically healed patients had radiological closure, and vice versa. No serious adverse events were reported. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective nature of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Study results were consistent with those reported in previous clinical trials, real-world efficacy findings from the INSPIRE study (assessing darvadstrocel effectiveness in Europe, Israel, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Japan), and previously published literature. Darvadstrocel was effective and demonstrated a favorable safety profile when used in normal clinical practice for the treatment of fistulas in Crohn's disease. See Video Abstract . USO DE DARVADSTROCEL TERAPIA CON CLULAS MADRE ALOGNICAS PARA FSTULA EN ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN EN LA PRCTICA CLNICA REAL EL PROYECTO NACIONAL PARA IMPLEMENTAR DE CLULAS MADRE MESENQUIMALES PARA EL TRATAMIENTO DE LA FSTULA DE CROHN PERIANAL EL ESTUDIO PRIME: ANTECEDENTES:Las fístulas perianales pueden afectar entre el 15 y el 50% de los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn. El tratamiento es complejo y requiere un enfoque multidisciplinario. El darvadstrocel (células mesenquimales alogénicas obtenidas a partir de lipoaspirados) fue aprobado en 2018 por las Agencias Europea y Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios como tratamiento de las fístulas en la EC. Las recientes directrices de la Organización Europea de Crohn y Colitis y del Grupo de Trabajo Español sobre la Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa afirman que darvadstrocel es eficaz con un perfil de seguridad favorable y un sólido nivel de evidencia (2).OBJETIVO:Presentar datos de eficacia real de darvadstrocel en población española.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo observacional con recopilación prospectiva de datos.ESCENARIO:14 instituciones.PACIENTES:Desde noviembre de 2019 hasta abril de 2022, se incluyeron todos los pacientes (73) tratados con darvadstrocel en estas instituciones, que cumplieron los siguientes criterios: 1) fístula/s compleja/s en un paciente con enfermedad de Crohn; 2) fracaso del tratamiento convencional y anti factor de necrosis tumoral; 3) ausencia de colecciones > 2 cm confirmada por resonancia magnética pélvica en el momento de la cirugía.INTERVENCIONES:Tratamiento con Darvadstrocel.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Respuesta clínica (cierre de ≥50% de las aberturas externas), cierre clínico completo (100% de las aberturas externas) y cierre radiológico (sin acumulación de líquido >2 cm, sin edema ni inflamación) evaluados 6 meses después del tratamiento.RESULTADOS:Se observó respuesta clínica en 63 pacientes (86.3%), cierre clínico completo en 50 pacientes (68.5%) y cierre radiológico en 45 pacientes (69.2%). Se observó respuesta clínica y radiológica combinada en 41 pacientes (63.1%). No todos los pacientes clínicamente curados tuvieron cierre radiológico y viceversa. No hubo eventos adversos graves reportados.LIMITACIONES:Estudio retrospectivoCONCLUSIONES:Los resultados del estudio fueron consistentes con los informados en ensayos clínicos anteriores, los hallazgos de eficacia en el mundo real del estudio INSPIRE (que evalúa la efectividad de darvadstrocel en Europa, Israel, Suiza, el Reino Unido y Japón) y la literatura publicada anteriormente. Darvadstrocel fue eficaz y demostró un perfil de seguridad favorable cuando se utiliza en la práctica clínica habitual para el tratamiento de fístulas en la enfermedad de Crohn. (Traducción-Dr. Jorge Silva Velazco ).

Home-based prehabilitation improves physical conditions measured by ergospirometry and 6MWT in colorectal cancer patients: a randomized controlled pilot study.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Prehabilitation aims to improve physical condition in the preoperative period and, therefore, decrease the loss of cardiopulmonary capacity postoperatively, with the aim of reducing complications and promoting an early recovery. This study aims to evaluate the impact of home-based prehabilitation on the physical condition of patients treated surgically for colorectal cancer. METHODS: A prospective and randomized clinical study was conducted on 60 patients during two periods from October 2018 to February 2019 and from September 2019 to September 2020, in a single university hospital. Patients were randomized into two study groups (30 per group): prehabilitation vs. standard care. Changes in physical condition, measured at diagnosis, the day before surgery, and at 6-8 weeks after surgery using the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were evaluated. RESULTS: Prehabilitation reduced postoperative complications (17.4% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.22) and hospital stay (5.74 vs. 6.67 days, p = 0.30). 6MWT showed a significant improvement in the prehabilitation group (+78.9 m). Six weeks after surgery, prehabilitation showed a significant improvement in the 6MWT (+68.9 m vs. -27.2 m, p = 0.01). Significant differences were also observed in the ergospirometry between the diagnosis and postoperative study (+0.79 METs vs. -0.84 METs, p = 0.001). A strong correlation was observed between CPET and 6MWT (0.767 (p < 0.001)). CONCLUSION: Home prehabilitation achieved lower overall postoperative complications than standard care and reached significant improvements in 6MWT and CET. A strong correlation was observed between CET and 6MWT, which allows validation of 6MWT as a valid and reliable measure of functional exercise capacity in colorectal patients when other, more specific and expensive tests are not available. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov in August 2018 with registration number https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03618329?cond=Prehabilitation%20cancer&term=arroyo&distance=50&rank=1  (NCT03618329). Initial results published in Supportive Care in Cancer: Effect of home-based prehabilitation in an enhanced recovery after surgery program for patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06343-1 .

Phytochemicals Determination, and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Activities of Blackberry Fruits.

A comprehensive characterization of the phytochemicals present in a blackberry fruit extract by HPLC-TOF-MS has been carried out. The main compounds in the extract were ursane-type terpenoids which, along with phenolic compounds, may be responsible for the bioactivity of the extract. In vitro antioxidant capacity was assessed through Folin-Ciocalteu (31.05 ± 4.9 mg GAE/g d.w.), FRAP (637.8 ± 3.2 µmol Fe2+/g d.w.), DPPH (IC50 97.1 ± 2.4 µg d.w./mL) and TEAC (576.6 ± 8.3 µmol TE/g d.w.) assays. Furthermore, the extract exerted remarkable effects on in vitro cellular antioxidant activity in HUVEC cells at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. Antimicrobial activity of the extract was also tested. Most sensible microorganisms were Gram-positive bacteria, such as E. faecalis, B. cereus and Gram-negative E. coli (MBC of 12.5 mg/mL). IC50 values against colon tumoral cells HT-29 (4.9 ± 0.2 mg/mL), T-84 (5.9 ± 0.3 mg/mL) and SW-837 (5.9 ± 0.2 mg/mL) were also obtained. Furthermore, blackberry extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-8 cytokines in two cellular models (HT-29 and T-84) in a concentration-dependent manner. These results support that blackberry fruits are an interesting source of bioactive compounds that may be useful in the prevention and treatment of different diseases, mainly related to oxidative stress.

Discontinuation of mechanical bowel preparation in advanced ovarian cancer surgery: an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) initiative.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of discontinuation of mechanical bowel preparation in advanced ovarian cancer surgery within the context of the ERAS program. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery with simultaneous colon and/or rectal resection from January 2012 to November 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether preoperative mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) was given (pre-ERAS) or not (post-ERAS). Patient characteristics, including duration of antibiotic treatment, surgical complexity, and incidence of surgical and nonsurgical complications, were compared. RESULTS: During the study period, 114 patients who underwent colon and/or rectal resection were examined, of whom 39 received MBP and 75 did not receive MBP (NMBP). On comparison between the two groups, no significant differences were noted in the assessed patient characteristics, including mean age, FIGO stage, ASA class, BMI, or residual tumor. One patient (2.6%) in the MBP group, and 4 patients (5.3%) in the NMBP group experienced an anastomotic leakage (p = 0.11). No significant differences were found with respect to surgical site infection. (p = 0.5). CONCLUSION: MBP was not associated with any specific benefit for advanced ovarian cancer surgery. Gynecologic oncologists who use MBP should consider discontinuing this practice.

Consideraciones en torno a la génesis de las infecciones posoperatorias

Introducción: La tasa de complicaciones infecciosas posoperatorias se eleva en el paciente quirúrgico, entre otras razones, debido a que con elevada frecuencia, resulta insuficiente el conocimiento sobre la génesis de los factores que las provocan. Se realizó una revisión documental sobre el tema durante 2020 y 2021. Fueron consultadas las bases de datos Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, SciElo así como el motor de búsqueda Google académico. Se seleccionaron 32 artículos en idiomas inglés y español. Objetivo: Analizar los aspectos fundamentales concernientes a la génesis de las infecciones posoperatorias. Desarrollo: Las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico constituyen el 25 % de las asociadas a la atención de salud. A pesar de todas las medidas para su prevención, no se ha logrado su desaparición, lo que conlleva una elevada morbilidad, aumento de los costos de hospitalización, de la estadía hospitalaria y uso de antibióticos de última generación. Esto puede explicarse por la aparición de microorganismos resistentes a los antibióticos y el aumento de pacientes quirúrgicos de edad avanzada e inmunodeprimidos por enfermedades asociadas, con inclusión de los trasplantados, con injertos o prótesis. Conclusiones: Los microorganismos que provocan las infecciones posquirúrgicas, pertenecen predominantemente a la microbiota presente en el lugar de la incisión. Los factores del enfermo, de la técnica quirúrgica y los relacionados con la hospitalización, juegan roles importantes en su aparición.

Introduction: The rate of postoperative infectious complications rises in the surgical patient, among other reasons, frequently due to insufficient knowledge about the genesis of the factors that cause them. A documentary review on the subject was carried out during 2020-2021. The Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, SciElo databases were consulted, as well as the academic Google search engine. There were selected 32 articles in English and Spanish. Objective: To analyse the fundamental aspects concerning the genesis of postoperative infections. Development: Surgical site infections constitute 25 % of those associated with health care. Despite all the measures for its prevention, its disappearance has not been achieved, which entails high morbidity, increased costs of hospitalization, hospital stay and use of the latest generation of antibiotics. This can be explained by the appearance of microorganisms resistant to antibiotics and the increase in surgical patients of advanced age and immunosuppressed by associated diseases, including those transplanted, with grafts or prostheses. Conclusions: The microorganisms that cause postoperative infections predominantly belong to the microbiota present at the incision site. The factors of the patient, the surgical technique and those related to hospitalization play important roles in its appearance.

Caracterización de las infecciones posoperatorias en un servicio de cirugía general / Characterization of Postoperative Infections in a General Surgery Service

Introducción: Las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico u operatorio constituyen un grave problema sanitario por lo que su prevención y tratamiento representan un reto para las instituciones hospitalarias. Objetivo: Describir las características de las infecciones posoperatorias según las principales causas relacionadas con su aparición. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y observacional con 207 pacientes ingresados y operados de cirugías mayores que presentaron infecciones posoperatorias en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial Docente "Saturnino Lora" de Santiago de Cuba, durante 2018-2020. Resultados: La tasa global de infecciones posquirúrgicas fue de 4,18 pr ciento. Las infecciones incisionales superficiales, seguidas de las profundas fueron las más frecuentes. El número de pacientes infectados se triplicó en los operados con urgencia respecto a los electivos, con predominio de los apendicectomizados. El tiempo quirúrgico y la estadía hospitalaria promedio se elevaron en los pacientes infectados. Fallecieron 12 integrantes de la casuística, atribuible a la infección generalizada y el choque séptico. Conclusiones: La aparición de las infecciones posquirúrgicas se relacionan con factores dependientes del enfermo; de la propia cirugía como es la calificación del cirujano actuante, así como la presencia de factores de riesgos preoperatorios y durante la intervención. La infección incisional superficial es la más frecuente, en tanto que la mayoría de los pacientes que fallecen corresponden a aquellos con infección de órganos y espacios(AU)

Introduction: Surgical (or operative) site infections are a serious health problem, a reason why their prevention and treatment represent a challenge for hospital institutions. Objective: To describe the characteristics of postoperative infections according to the main causes related to their occurrence. Methods: A descriptive and observational study was carried out with 207 patients admitted and operated on in major surgeries who presented postoperative infections in the general surgery service of Saturnino Lora Provincial Teaching Hospital of Santiago de Cuba, during 2018-2020. Results: The overall rate of postoperative infections was 4.18 percent. Superficial incisional infections, followed by deep incisional infections, were the most frequent. The number of infected patients was tripled in those operated on urgently compared to electively, with a predominance of appendectomized patients. Surgical time and average hospital stay were higher in infected patients. 12 members of the casuistics have passed, attributable to generalized infection and septic shock. Conclusions: The occurrence of postoperative infections is related to factors depending on the patient; on the surgery itself, such as the qualification of the surgeon; as well as on the presence of preoperative and intraoperative risk factors. Superficial incisional infection is the most frequent, while most of the patients who die correspond to those with infection of organs and spaces(AU)

Layer-Specific Global Longitudinal Strain Predicts Arrhythmic Risk in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a life-threatening disease which predispose to malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the early stages of the disease. Risk stratification relies on the electrical, genetic, and imaging data. Our study aimed to investigate how myocardial deformation parameters may identify the subjects at risk of known predictors of major ventricular arrhythmias. Methods: A cohort of 45 subjects with definite or borderline diagnosis of AC was characterized using the advanced transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and divided into the groups according to the potential arrhythmic risk markers, such as non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and genetic status. Layer-specific global longitudinal strain (GLS) by TTE 2D speckle tracking was compared in patients with and without these arrhythmic risk markers. Results: In this study, 23 (51.1%) patients were men with mean age of 43 ± 16 years. Next-generation sequencing identified a potential pathogenic mutation in 39 (86.7%) patients. Thirty-nine patients presented LGE (73.3%), mostly located at the subepicardial-to-mesocardial layers. A layer-specific-GLS analysis showed worse GLS values at the epicardial and mesocardial layers in the subjects with NSVT and LGE. The epicardial GLS values of -15.4 and -16.1% were the best cut-off values for identifying the individuals with NSVT and LGE, respectively, regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Conclusions: The layer-specific GLS assessment identified the subjects with high-risk arrhythmic features in AC, such as NSVT and LGE. An epicardial GLS may emerge as a potential instrument for detecting the subjects at risk of SCD in AC.

Factores asociados a la supervivencia de pacientes operados de cáncer de colon con metástasis hepáticas sincrónicas / Factors Associated to Survival in Patients Operated on for Colon Cancer with Synchronic Liver Metastases

Introducción: La metástasis hepática del cáncer de colon es una entidad frecuente. Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la supervivencia en pacientes intervenidos de cáncer de colon con metástasis hepática sincrónica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal a 34 pacientes operados con este diagnóstico, en el servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial Docente "Saturnino Lora" de Santiago de Cuba, desde 2010 hasta 2019. Fue estimada la supervivencia global y por diferentes periodos de tiempo en la cohorte, según el método de Kaplan-Meier. La comparación de las curvas de supervivencia para las covariables seleccionadas se realizó mediante la prueba de igualdad de distribuciones (Log-Rank de Mantel y Cox). Resultados: La supervivencia global a los seis meses y al año del diagnóstico fue de 66,5 por ciento y 66,2 por ciento, respectivamente, con mediana de dos años (IC 95 por ciento: 0,97-3,02). La supervivencia fue superior si el paciente presentó una metástasis versus dos o más, así como la de ambos lóbulos marca la menor probabilidad de supervivencia. Los tumores bien y moderadamente diferenciados mostraron mayor probabilidad de supervivencia al año que los pocos diferenciados, sin diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: La cirugía permite mejorar la sobrevida global y libre de enfermedad, aunque el uso de las distintas opciones terapéuticas para el cáncer colónico con metástasis hepática sincrónica continúa controvertido. La supervivencia de estos enfermos está condicionada por la estadificación, diferenciación histológica del tumor, localización y número de metástasis, entre otros factores(AU)

Introduction: Liver metastasis from colon cancer is a frequent entity. Objective: To identify the factors associated with survival in patients operated on for colon cancer with synchronic liver metastasis. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, from 2010 to 2019, with 34 patients with this diagnosis operated on in the general surgery service of Saturnino Lora Provincial Teaching Hospital of Santiago de Cuba. Overall survival was estimated, as well as by different time periods in the cohort, using the Kaplan-Meier method. The comparison of the survival curves for the selected covariates was carried out using the test of equality of distributions (log-rank or Mantel-Cox test). Results: Overall survival six months and one year after diagnosis was 66.5 percent and 66.2 percent, respectively, with a median of two years (95 percent CI: 0.97-3.02). Survival was higher if the patient had one metastasis versus two or more, while metastasis in both lobules represents the lowest probability of survival. Well and moderately differentiated tumors showed higher probability of survival at one year than the little differentiated ones, without significant differences. Conclusions: Surgery improves overall and disease-free survival, although the use of different therapeutic options for colon cancer with synchronic liver metastases remains controversial. The survival of these patients is conditioned by staging, histological differentiation of the tumor, location and number of metastases, among other factors(AU)

Cáncer de colon con metástasis hepáticas sincrónicas / Colon Cancer with Synchronous Hepatic Metastases

Introducción: El cáncer de colon constituye un grave problema sanitario debido a su alta incidencia y mortalidad. Objetivo: Describir algunos aspectos epidemiológicos, etiopatogénicos, diagnósticos, terapéuticos y evolutivos del cáncer de colon con metástasis hepáticas. Métodos: Revisión documental en bases de datos bibliográficos biomédicas sobre el tema durante el período 2015-2020. Se seleccionaron 31 artículos relacionados con el objetivo propuesto. Desarrollo: Los pacientes con cáncer de colon con metástasis hepáticas sincrónicas son tratados mediante tres estrategias: la tradicional o clásica consiste en la resección quirúrgica del tumor primario y posteriormente, quimioterapia, radioterapia o ambas, para proceder a la resección de las lesiones hepáticas tres a seis meses después; la simultánea, consistente en la resección de la lesión tumoral primaria y de las metástasis hepáticas en un mismo acto quirúrgico, seguida de quimioterapia, radioterapia o ambas y la inversa, que administra de tres a seis ciclos de quimioterapia sistémica, seguidos por la resección de las metástasis hepáticas y en un segundo tiempo resecar el tumor primario, todo esto con quimioterapia durante el intervalo entre ambas cirugías. Conclusiones: El único tratamiento con potencial curativo en los pacientes con metástasis hepáticas debe ser la resección de todo el volumen tumoral hepático con márgenes adecuados y la suficiente preservación del parénquima sano (25 - 30 por ciento), según criterios oncológicos y anatómicos establecidos, lo que incide en la calidad de vida y la supervivencia de estos enfermos(AU)

Introduction: Colon cancer is a serious health concern due to its high incidence and mortality. Objective: To describe some epidemiological, etiopathogenic, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of colon cancer with hepatic metastases. Methods: Documentary review about the subject carried out in biomedical bibliographic databases, during the period 2015-2020. Thirty-one articles related to the proposed objective were selected. Development: Colon cancer patients with synchronous hepatic metastases are treated using three strategies: the traditional, or classic, strategy consists in surgical resection of primary tumor and, subsequently, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both, before proceeding then to resection of liver lesions three to three six months later; the simultaneous strategy consists in resection of primary tumor lesion and hepatic metastases in the same surgical procedure, followed by chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both; and the reverse strategy, in which three to six cycles of systemic chemotherapy are administered, followed by resection of hepatic metastases and, in a second stage, resection of primary tumor, all this with chemotherapy during the interval between both surgeries. Conclusions: The only treatment with curative potential in patients with hepatic metastases should be the resection of the entire hepatic tumor volume with adequate margins and sufficient preservation of the healthy parenchyma (25-30 percent), according to established oncological and anatomical criteria, which has an incidence on the quality of life and survival of these patients(AU)

Especificidades clínico-epidemiológicas y diagnósticas del cáncer de colon con metástasis hepáticas sincrónicas / Clinical-Epidemiological Specificities of Colon Cancer Diagnosed with Synchronic Metastasis

Introducción: El cáncer de colon se erige como la neoplasia del tubo digestivo más frecuente en la presente centuria. Objetivo: Identificar algunos factores clínicos, epidemiológicos y diagnósticos en pacientes operados de cáncer de colon con metástasis hepática sincrónica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de una muestra de 31 pacientes operados con diagnóstico definitivo de cáncer de colon con metástasis hepática sincrónica, en el servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial Docente "Saturnino Lora" de Santiago de Cuba durante el periodo comprendido entre 2010 y 2019. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 63,2 años. Existió predominio de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal como antecedente patológico personal, y del alcoholismo como factor de riesgo. La sintomatología predominante fue dolor abdominal y cambios del hábito intestinal, así como el tumor palpable al examen físico del abdomen. La ecografía abdominal y el colon por enema fueron los procederes de diagnóstico más utilizados. Prevalecieron los tumores en el colon izquierdo a nivel del descendente. Todos los tumores malignos fueron adenocarcinomas a predominio de los moderadamente diferenciados. Conclusiones: Las edades avanzadas de la vida, así como la presencia de tabaquismo y alcoholismo son factores epidemiológicos característicos de la población de enfermos aquejados de cáncer de colon con metástasis hepática. Los elementos clínicos identificados constituyeron los habitualmente descritos en la literatura médica, aunque los estudios imaginológicos utilizados preoperatoriamente resultaron limitados para el diagnóstico del cáncer de colon con metástasis hepática sincrónica, precisándose el hallazgo de las lesiones metastásicas durante la intervención quirúrgica(AU)

Introduction: Colon cancer is the most frequent digestive-tract neoplasm in the present century. Objective: To identify some clinical, epidemiological and diagnostic factors in patients operated on for colon cancer and synchronic hepatic metastasis. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 31 patients operated on with a definitive diagnosis of colon cancer and synchronic hepatic metastasis, in the general surgery service of Saturnino Provincial Teaching Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, during the period between 2010 and 2019. Results: The average age was 63.2 years. There was a predominance of inflammatory intestinal disease as a personal pathological antecedent, as well as alcoholism as a risk factor. The predominant symptoms were abdominal pain and changes in intestinal habits, as well as a tumor palpable on physical abdominal examination. Abdominal ultrasound and lower barium enema were the most used diagnostic procedures. Tumors prevailed at the level of the left descending colon. All malignant tumors were adenocarcinomas, predominantly moderately differentiated ones. Conclusions: Advanced ages of life, as well as smoking and alcoholism are characteristic epidemiological factors among the population of patients suffering from colon cancer with hepatic metastases. The clinical elements identified were those usually described in the medical literature, although the imaging studies used preoperatively were limited for the diagnosis of colon cancer with synchronic hepatic metastasis, a fact that required finding metastatic lesions during surgery(AU)

The Thiel cadaveric model for pelvic floor surgery: Best rated in transferable simulation-based training for postgraduate studies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the Thiel cadaveric model is better and more realistic than other surgical simulation techniques for learning pelvic floor and perineal surgical procedures according to the opinions of urogynecologists and surgeons participating in international postgraduate pelvic floor surgery courses using cadavers embalmed by the Thiel method. STUDY DESIGN: An observational prospective study was performed in urogynecologists and surgeons attending international postgraduate pelvic floor and perineal surgery courses using cadavers embalmed by the Thiel method. A survey was completed by the participants after finishing the course. Based on the answers collected, we analyzed the differences, including in the satisfaction degree and teaching level for each surgical procedure, between different surgical simulation models that the participants had already used and the Thiel simulation method employed. RESULTS: The students recognized that Thiel cadavers present more similarities to patients than other simulation methods. The Thiel cadaveric method was considered by most responders to be the best for the simulation of surgical procedures on the pelvic floor and perineum. Most of the surgeons surveyed recommended conducting these courses with Thiel cadavers for different colleagues in other specialties as a reliable simulation method for training for difficult surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Participants in the course on pelvic floor surgery in Thiel cadavers recognized that this is the most realistic model for surgical simulation and the best way to gain confidence, self-determination and precise surgical skills for performing pelvic floor and perineal surgery.

Experience with tocilizumab in severe COVID-19 pneumonia after 80 days of follow-up: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics and predictors of major outcomes in patients treated with tocilizumab (TCZ) for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case series of all sequential patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia treated with TCZ at an Academic Spanish hospital (March 12 - May 2, 2020). Clinical outcomes: death, length of hospital stay. An early clinical response to TCZ (48-72 h after the administration) was assessed by variations in respiratory function markers, Brescia COVID Respiratory Severity Scale (BCRSS), inflammatory parameters, and patients' and physicians' opinion. Associations were tested by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: From a cohort of 236 patients, 77 patients treated with TCZ were included (median age 62 years (IQR 53.0-72.0), 64.9% were males), 42.9% had Charlson index ≥3; hypertension (41.6%), obesity (34.7%), and diabetes (20.8%). Median follow-up was 83.0 days (78.0-86.5), no patient was readmitted. ICU admission was required for 42 (54.5%), invasive mechanical ventilation in 38 (49.4%) and 10 patients died (12.9% global, 23.8% at ICU admitted). After multivariate adjustment, TCZ response by BCRSS (OR 0.03 (0.01-0.68), p = 0.028), and Charlson index (OR 3.54 (1.20-10.44), p = 0.022) has been identified as independent factors associated with mortality. Median of hospital stay was 16.0 days (11.0-23.0); BCRSS, physician subjective and D-dimer response were associated with shorter hospitalization stay. CONCLUSIONS: In a Mediterranean cohort, use of tocilizumab for severe COVID-19 show 12.9% of mortality. Early TCZ-response by BCRSS and low comorbidity were associated with increased survival. Early TCZ-response was related to shorter median hospital stay.

Sistema familiar y consumo de alcohol en adolescentes estudiantes de bachillerato de zonas suburbanas / Family system and alcohol consumption in adolescent high school students from suburban areas

Introducción: durante la adolescencia, la familia es pieza fundamental para el desarrollo del ser humano, ya que es una etapa en la que se busca la identidad propia, además de cambios biológicos, psicológicos y sociales. En México, la edad media de inicio del consumo de alcohol ha pasado de 17.9 años en 2008 a 16.7 años en 2016; sin embargo, algunos registros de adolescentes indican que inician el consumo antes de los 12 años. Objetivo: determinar la relación entre sistema familiar y consumo de alcohol en adolescentes estudiantes de bachillerato en zonas suburbanas del estado de Jalisco. Metodología: estudio cuantitativo, correlacional, transversal y prospectivo realizado en una zona suburbana del estado de Jalisco, México. Con una muestra de 317 estudiantes se realizó un muestro bietápico por estratos con método de selección aleatorio simple y afijación proporcional al estrato. Para la obtención de los datos se utilizaron dos instrumentos. Resultados: existe una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el sistema familiar y el consumo de alcohol de -0.282 (rho de Spearman), con una muestra de 317 sujetos de estudio, y se observó una pendiente con correlación inversa. Conclusión: a mayor sistema familiar protector, menor consumo de alcohol.

Introduction: During adolescence, the family is a fundamental piece for the development of the human being; since it is a stage where one's identity is sought in addition to the presence of physical, psychological, biological and social changes. In Mexico, the average age of starting alcohol consumption has gone from 17.9 years in 2008 to 16.7 years in 2016, however, there are records of adolescents who start before the age of 12. Objective: To determine the association between family sys- tem and alcohol consumption in adolescents of a suburban high school in Jalisco. Methods: Quantitative, relational, cross-sectional and prospective study, performed in Jalisco, Mexico. A sample of 317 students was carried out, two-stage sampling by strata with simple random selection method with affixation proportional to the stratum. Two instruments were used to obtain the data. Results: There is a statistically significant relationship be- tween the family system and alcohol consumption of -0.282 Spearman's Rho, with a sample of 317 study subjects, observing a slope with inverse correlation. Conclusion: A greater family protection system, less alcohol consumption.

Relación entre consumo de alcohol y violencia de pareja en estudiantes de educación superior / Relationship between alcohol consumption and partner violence in students of higher education

Introducción: la Organización Mundial de la Salud reporta que la violencia se considera un problema de salud pública, siendo las mujeres con una relación de pareja uno de los grupos más vulnerables, generando en ellas consecuencias físicas, psicológicas y sociales, dicho problema se relaciona con el consumo de drogas, particularmente el alcohol. Objetivo: establecer la relación entre el consumo de alcohol y la violencia de pareja en estudiantes de una escuela de educación superior. Metodología: estudio observacional, prospectivo, transversal de nivel relacional. El universo estuvo conformado por 418 estudiantes de sexo femenino, muestreo aleatorio simple estratificado por grado escolar y grupo de 118 estudiantes. Resultados: no existe correlación entre el consumo de alcohol y la violencia de pareja, encontrando un nivel de significancia mayor a lo esperado. Sin embargo, al realizar el cruce de variables sobre el número de consumiciones con los tipos de violencia, se encuentra correlación, evidenciando que las estudiantes que sufren violencia psicológica consumen más bebidas alcohólicas. Conclusión: el tipo de violencia más frecuente es la psicológica, siendo de mayor impacto el aumento de la violencia sexual. No existe correlación entre el consumo de alcohol y la violencia de pareja, contrario a lo que socialmente se espera, siendo este resultado la pauta para futuras investigaciones.

Introduction: The World Health Organization reported violence as a public health problem, being women with a relationship one of the most vulnerable groups, generating in them physical, psychological and social consequences, this problem is related to the consumption of drugs particularly alcohol. Objective: To establish the relationship between alcohol consumption and partner violence in students of a higher education school. Methodology: Observational, prospective, cross-sectional study of relational level. Universe conformed by 418 students, stratified simple random samplingof 118 students. Results: There is no correlation between alcohol consumption and partner violence, finding a level of significance higher than expected, however, when Crossing the variables of the number of drinks with the types of violence, correlation is found showing that the students who suffer psychological violence consume more alcoholic beverages. Conclusión: The most frequent type of violence is psychological, with the greatest impact being the increase in sexual violence. There is no correlation between alcohol consumption and partner violence, contrary to what is socially expected, this result being the guideline for future research.

Autologous adipose-derived stem cells for the treatment of complex cryptoglandular perianal fistula: A randomized clinical trial with long-term follow-up.

The aim of this clinical trial (ID Number NCT01803347) was to determine the safety and efficacy of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for treatment of cryptoglandular fistula. This research was conducted following an analysis of the mistakes of a same previous phase III clinical trial. We designed a multicenter, randomized, single-blind clinical trial, recruiting 57 patients. Forty-four patients were categorized as belonging to the intent-to-treat group. Of these, 23 patients received 100 million ASCs plus intralesional fibrin glue (group A) and 21 received intralesional fibrin glue (group B), both after a deeper curettage of tracks and closure of internal openings. Fistula healing was defined as complete re-epithelialization of external openings. Those patients in whom the fistula had not healed after 16 weeks were eligible for retreatment. Patients were evaluated at 1, 4, 16, 36, and 52 weeks and 2 years after treatment. Results were assessed by an evaluator blinded to the type of treatment. After 16 weeks, the healing rate was 30.4% in group A and 42.8% in group B, rising to 55.0% and 63.1%, respectively, at 52 weeks. At the end of the study (2 years after treatment), the healing rate remained at 50.0% in group A and had reduced to 26.3% in group B. The safety of the cellular treatment was confirmed and no impact on fecal continence was detected. The main conclusion was that autologous ASCs for the treatment of cryptoglandular perianal fistula is safe and can favor long-term and sustained fistula healing.

Myocardial fibrosis in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: a genotype-phenotype correlation study.

AIMS: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) is a life-threatening entity with a highly heterogeneous genetic background. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can identify fibrofatty scar by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Our aim is to investigate genotype-phenotype correlation in ARVC/D mutation carriers, focusing on CMR-LGE and myocardial fibrosis patterns. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cohort of 44 genotyped patients, 33 with definite and 11 with borderline ARVC/D diagnosis, was characterized using CMR and divided into groups according to their genetic condition (desmosomal, non-desmosomal mutation, or negative). We collected information on cardiac volumes and function, as well as LGE pattern and extension. In addition, available ventricular myocardium samples from patients with pathogenic gene mutations were histopathologically analysed. Half of the patients were women, with a mean age of 41.6 ± 17.5 years. Next-generation sequencing identified a potential pathogenic mutation in 71.4% of the probands. The phenotype varied according to genetic status, with non-desmosomal male patients showing lower left ventricular (LV) systolic function. LV fibrosis was similar between groups, but distribution in non-desmosomal patients was frequently located at the posterolateral LV wall; a characteristic LV subepicardial circumferential LGE pattern was significantly associated with ARVC/D caused by desmin mutation. Histological analysis showed increased fibrillar connective tissue and intercellular space in all the samples. CONCLUSION: Desmosomal and non-desmosomal mutation carriers showed different morphofunctional features but similar LV LGE presence. DES mutation carriers can be identified by a specific and extensive LV subepicardial circumferential LGE pattern. Further studies should investigate the specificity of LGE in ARVC/D.

Análisis de la mortalidad por cáncer de mama, tendencias y pronóstico en Santiago de Cuba / Analysis of breast cancer mortality, trends and prognosis in Santiago de Cuba

RESUMEN Introducción: En los últimos diez años, la tasa de mortalidad por cáncer de mama se ha mantenido aparentemente estable, una de cada 8 mujeres está afectada por esta enfermedad, y de aquí a 20 años esta cifra podría elevarse. Objetivos: Estimar la tendencia de la mortalidad por cáncer de mama, y predecir la magnitud de la mortalidad por esta enfermedad para el quinquenio 2015 a 2020. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico, observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial "Saturnino Lora" de Santiago de Cuba, en el periodo comprendido entre septiembre del año 2012 y diciembre del año 2015. La población de referencia estuvo constituida por todos los pacientes fallecidos en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba 1579 portadores de cáncer de mama. Resultados: El 37,4 % del total falleció entre el año 2010 y el año 2014, tasa de letalidad más elevada fue en el periodo comprendido entre los años 2000 y 2004. Conclusiones: El riesgo de morir y la gravedad de la enfermedad han disminuido de forma significativa en el periodo de análisis. Se evidencia una tendencia ligeramente elevada de los casos de cáncer de mama en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, donde se espera que esta situación de salud continúe al alza para el próximo lustro(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the last ten years, the mortality rate from breast cancer has remained apparently stable, one in 8 women is affected by this disease, and in 20 years this figure could rise. Objectives: Estimate the trend of mortality from breast cancer, and predict the magnitude of mortality from this disease for the five-year period 2015-2020. Methods: A multicenter, observational, descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out in the General Surgery Service of the Provincial Hospital "Saturnino Lora" in Santiago de Cuba, in the period between September 2012 and December 2015. The population The reference was made up of all 1579 patients who died in the province of Santiago de Cuba, carriers of breast cancer. Results: 37.4% of the total died between 2010 and 2014, the highest case fatality rate was in the period between 2000 and 2004. Conclusions: The risk of dying and the severity of the disease have decreased significantly in the analysis period. A slightly elevated trend is evident in breast cancer cases in the province of Santiago de Cuba, where it is expected that this health situation will continue to rise for the next five years(AU)