Uric acid and acute kidney injury in high-risk patients for developing acute kidney injury undergoing cardiac surgery: A prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: It is unclear whether preoperative serum uric acid (SUA) elevation may play a role in the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with cardiac surgery (CSA-AKI). We conducted a cohort study to evaluate the influence of preoperative hyperuricemia on AKI in patients at high risk for developing SC-AKI. DESIGN: Multicenter prospective international cohort study. SETTING: Fourteen university hospitals in Spain and the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: We studied 261 consecutive patients at high risk of developing CSA-AKI, according to a Cleveland score ≥ 4 points, from July to December 2017. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: AKIN criteria were used for the definition of AKI. Multivariable logistic regression models and propensity score-matched pairwise analysis were used to determine the adjusted association between preoperative hyperuricemia (≥7 mg/dL) and AKI. Elevated preoperative AUS (≥7 mg/dL) was present in 190 patients (72.8%), whereas CSA-AKI occurred in 145 patients (55.5%). In multivariable logistic regression models, hyperuricemia was not associated with a significantly increased risk of AKI (adjusted Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81-3; P = .17). In propensity score-matched analysis of 140 patients, the hyperuricemia group experienced similar adjusted odds of AKI (OR 1.05, 95%CI 0.93-1.19, P = .37). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperuricemia was not associated with an increased risk of AKI in this cohort of patients undergoing cardiac surgery at high risk of developing CSA-AKI.

Biological behavior of familial papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: Spanish multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Familial papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (FPTMC) can present a more aggressive behavior than the sporadic microcarcinoma. However, few studies have analyzed this situation. The objective is to analyze the recurrence rate of FPTMC and the prognostic factors which determine that recurrence in Spain. METHODS: Spanish multicenter longitudinal analytical observational study was conducted. Patients with FPTMC received treatment with curative intent and presented cure criteria 6 months after treatment. Recurrence rate and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed. Two groups were analyzed: group A (no tumor recurrence) vs. group B (tumor recurrence). RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were analyzed. During a mean follow-up of 73.3 ± 59.3 months, 13 recurrences of FPTMC (13.83%) were detected and mean DFS was 207.9 ± 11.5 months. There were multifocality in 56%, bilateral thyroid involvement in 30%, and vascular invasion in 7.5%; that is to say, they are tumors with histological factors of poor prognosis in a high percentage of cases. The main risk factors for recurrence obtained in the multivariate analysis were the tumor size (OR: 2.574, 95% CI 1.210-5.473; p = 0.014) and the assessment of the risk of recurrence of the American Thyroid Association (ATA), both intermediate risk versus low risk (OR: 125, 95% CI 10.638-1000; p < 0.001) and high risk versus low risk (OR: 45.454, 95% CI 5.405-333.333; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: FPTMC has a recurrence rate higher than sporadic cases. Poor prognosis is mainly associated with the tumor size and the risk of recurrence of the ATA.

Experiencias docentes en el cambio curricular vivido en la carrera de enfermería de la FES, Iztacala / Teaching experiences in the curricular change experienced in the nursing career of the FES Iztacala

Introducción: la calidad educativa en las IES (Instituciones de Educación Superior) ha sido avalada por procesos de evaluación y acreditación a nivel institucional y curricular, llevando a cabo un proceso de mejora continua, mediante recomendaciones sugeridas por los evaluadores, lo anterior garantizará la calidad institucional ante la formación de futuros profesionales. Objetivo: analizar las experiencias del profesorado de la carrera de enfermería de la Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, sobre el cambio curricular vivido. Material y métodos: estudio cualitativo con enfoque fenomenológico, mediante entrevista a profundidad a doce profesores de enfermería. Muestreo por conveniencia de acuerdo a la saturación de datos. En aspectos éticos y legales, se realizó carta de consentimiento informado. El análisis de datos fue basado en Miles y Huberman, con abordaje teórico según Van Manen. Resultados: surgieron dos categorías: 1. Sentimientos y afectaciones emocionales respecto al cambio curricular y laborales; 2. impacto del cambio curricular en los aprendizajes de los estudiantes, las cuales evidenciaron cómo el profesorado ha vivido los cambios curriculares en los 17 años desde que fue implementada la licenciatura. Conclusiones: los informantes narraron que en cada cambio curricular surgen emociones diferentes, entre incertidumbre, compromiso, responsabilidad y asumir empoderamiento para implementar la curricula, con ello, lograr los objetivos esperados por la misma, considerando perfil de egreso y rendimiento académico de los estudiantes.

Introduction: the educational quality at the higher level in schools and faculties has been endorsed by evaluation and accreditation processes at the institutional and curricular level, carrying out an improvement process, through the recommendations suggested by the evaluators, thus covering them in a certain time. The foregoing will guarantee the institutional quality before the training of future professionals. Objective: to analyze experiences of the teaching staff of the nursing career of the Iztacala Faculty of Higher Studies, on the curricular change experienced. Material and methods: Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach, through an in-depth interview with twelve nursing professors. Convenience sampling according to data saturation. In ethical and legal aspects, an informed consent letter was drawn up. The data analysis was through Miles and Huberman, with a theoretical approach based on Van Manen. Results: two categories emerged: 1. Feelings and emotional affectations regarding the curricular and work change; 2. impact of curricular change on student learning, which showed how teachers have experienced curricular changes in the 17 years since the degree was implemented. Conclusions: the informants narrated that in each curricular change different emotions arise, between uncertainty, commitment, responsibility and assuming empowerment to implement the curriculum, thereby achieving the objectives expected by it, considering the graduation profile and the academic performance of the students.

Retinochoroidal findings and lung cancer: first report in mexican population. / Alteraciones retinocoroideas y cáncer pulmonar: primer reporte en población mexicana.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer (LC) is the most common tumour, and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although cases of choroidal metastasis and cancer-associated retinopathy have been reported in LC, no studies have been conducted on the Mexican population to describe retinochoroidal findings during the course of LC, and the relationship with its stage. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients with a diagnosis of LC, and to describe the posterior segment findings in relationship to the stage of LC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted on 50 patients with LC (100 eyes). The demographic data included age, gender, histological type, evolution time, stage, treatment, and comorbidities. The measurement variables included visual acuity (LogMAR), anterior segment biomicroscopy, retinal photography, fluorescein retinal angiography, optical coherence tomography, and electroretinogram. All patients were evaluated by two ophthalmologists. RESULTS: The study included a total of 26 men and 24 women, with a mean age of 65 years, and a mean time from LC diagnosis of 6 months. The principal histological type was adenocarcinoma (70%), and most (50%) were in stage II at the time of evaluation, with 15 (30%) patients having a metastasis (stage IV). The changes in the posterior segment included choroidal metastasis (16%), retinal metastasis (10%), cancer-associated retinopathy (6%), and vascular occlusions (4%). The majority of patients who presented with posterior segment alterations were in stage IV. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular occlusions, cancer-associated retinopathy, choroidal and retinal metastases may be found in LC, with an incidence higher than that reported in the literature, especially in advanced stages of LC, although they can be found from stage II in asymptomatic patients.

Diagnostic performance of 18F-choline PET-CT in prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of 18F-choline PETCT in staging prostate cancer (PC) and whether the use of this imaging modality changes the therapeutic decision in patients previously staged by conventional imaging. The secondary aim was to determine the prognostic factors associated with positive choline PETCT findings in both detection of disseminated disease and in changes in the therapeutic indication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicentre, retrospective, observational study of 269 patients diagnosed with PC. Mean age was 69 ± 9.2 years. Of the 269 patients, 62 (23%) had high-risk localized PC (group 1), 118 (43.9%) biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (group 2), and 89 (33.1%) biochemical failure after radiotherapy (group 3). None of the patients showed clear evidence of distant disease on computed tomography or bone scans. The following potential prognostic factors were assessed: PSA level at diagnosis; primary and secondary Gleason; Gleason score (GS); clinical and pathologic T and N stage; number of positive cylinders in the biopsy; presence of vascular or lymphatic invasion; status of surgical margins; androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); time to biochemical recurrence; and PSA, PSA doubling time (PSADT), and PSA velocity (PSAV) at failure. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and receiver-operating curves calculated. RESULTS: The mean PSA by groups was, group 1: 31.22 ng/ml, group 2: 2.52 ng/ml and group 3: 5.85 ng/ml. The tumor detection rate with 18F-choline PETCT was 74% (group 1: 85.5%, group 2: 55.1% and group 3: 91%). Prognostic factors for positive 18F-choline PETCT were identified only in group 2: PSA at failure and PSADT. 18F-choline PETCT changed the therapeutic indication in 62.8% (group 1: 71%, group 2: 55.2% and group 3: 70.1%). The prognostic factors for a change in treatment were identified only in group 1: secondary Gleason ≤ 4 and GS ≤ 7 and in group 2: PSA at failure, PSA nadir after surgery and pathologic stage N0. 18F-choline PETCT identified lymph node and/or metastatic disease in 32.7% (group 1: 25.8%, group 2: 29.7% and group 3: 41.6%). Prognostic factors for detecting lymph node/metastasis were identified in the group 2: PSA failure ≥ 1.37 ng/ml and PSADT < 4 months and in the group 3: PSADT < 4.6 months and time to failure < 5 years. CONCLUSION: These findings support the clinical use de 18F-choline PET-CT in staging high-risk patients with a secondary Gleason ≤ 4 and GS ≤ 7, in restaging patients with biochemical recurrence after RP if PSA at failure ≥ 1.37 ng/ml or PSADT ≤ 4 months and in patients with biochemical failure after RT, if PSADT ≤ 4.6 months and time to failure < 5 years, because it determines a change in the therapeutic indication.

Evaluation of the resistance to bacterial growth of star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) grafted onto functionalized carbon nanotubes nanocomposites.

Nanocomposites of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTsf) as nanofillers, and a copolymer of star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone) (stPCL) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a polymeric matrix were synthesized, characterized, and their resistance to the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated. CNTsf contain hydroxyl, carboxyl and acyl chloride groups attached to their surface. Nanocomposites were prepared by mixing CNTsf to a solution of stPCL-PEG copolymer. Raman and FT-IR spectroscopies confirm the functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Star-shaped PCL-PEG copolymer was characterized by Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that CNTsf are grafted to the stPCL-PEG copolymer. Crystallization behavior of the nanocomposites depends on the amount of CNTsf used in their preparation, detecting nucleation (nanocomposites prepared with 0.5 wt.% of CNTsf) or anti-nucleation (nanocomposites prepared with 1.0 wt.% of CNTsf) effects. Young's Moduli and thermal stability of nanocomposites were higher, but their resistence to the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was lower than the observed for their pure polymer matrix.

Transplantation of Human Neural Progenitor Cells (NPC) into Putamina of Parkinsonian Patients: A Case Series Study, Safety and Efficacy Four Years after Surgery.

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer from motor and mental disturbances due to degeneration of dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neuronal systems. Although they provide temporary symptom relief, current treatments fail to control motor and non-motor alterations or to arrest disease progression. Aiming to explore safety and possible motor and neuropsychological benefits of a novel strategy to improve the PD condition, a case series study was designed for brain grafting of human neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to a group of eight patients with moderate PD. A NPC line, expressing Oct-4 and Sox-2, was manufactured and characterized. Using stereotactic surgery, NPC suspensions were bilaterally injected into patients' dorsal putamina. Cyclosporine A was given for 10 days prior to surgery and continued for 1 month thereafter. Neurological, neuropsychological, and brain imaging evaluations were performed pre-operatively, 1, 2, and 4 years post-surgery. Seven of eight patients have completed 4-year follow-up. The procedure proved to be safe, with no immune responses against the transplant, and no adverse effects. One year after cell grafting, all but one of the seven patients completing the study showed various degrees of motor improvement, and five of them showed better response to medication. PET imaging showed a trend toward enhanced midbrain dopaminergic activity. By their 4-year evaluation, improvements somewhat decreased but remained better than at baseline. Neuropsychological changes were minor, if at all. The intervention appears to be safe. At 4 years post-transplantation we report that undifferentiated NPCs can be delivered safely by stereotaxis to both putamina of patients with PD without causing adverse effects. In 6/7 patients in OFF condition improvement in UPDRS III was observed. PET functional scans suggest enhanced putaminal dopaminergic neurotransmission that could correlate with improved motor function, and better response to L-DOPA. Patients' neuropsychological scores were unaffected by grafting. Trial Registration: Fetal derived stem cells for Parkinson's disease https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN39104513Reg#ISRCTN39104513.

Neuropeptide Y Y2 antagonist treated ovariectomized mice exhibit greater bone mineral density.

Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by progressive bone loss and increased risk of fracture, often results from menopausal loss of estrogen in women. Neuropeptide Y has been shown to negatively regulate bone formation, with amygdala specific deletion of the Y2 receptor resulting in increased bone mass in mice. In this study, ovariectomized (OVX) mice were injected once daily with JNJ-31020028, a brain penetrant Y2 receptor small molecule antagonist to determine the effects on bone formation. Antagonist treated mice had reduced weight and showed increased whole-body bone mineral density compared to vehicle-injected mice. Micro computerized tomography (micro-CT) demonstrated increased vertebral trabecular bone volume, connectivity density and trabecular thickness. Femoral micro-CT analysis revealed increased bone volume within trabecular regions and greater trabecular number, without significant difference in other parameters or within cortical regions. A decrease was seen in serum P1NP, a measure used to confirm positive treatment outcomes in bisphosphonate treated patients. C-terminal telopeptide 1 (CTX-1), a blood biomarker of bone resorption, was decreased in treated animals. The higher bone mineral density observed following Y2 antagonist treatment, as determined by whole-body DEXA scanning, is indicative of either enhanced mineralization or reduced bone loss. Additionally, our findings that ex vivo treatment of bone marrow cells with the Y2 antagonist did not affect osteoblast and osteoclast formation suggests the inhibitor is not affecting these cells directly, and suggests a central role for compound action in this system. Our results support the involvement of Y2R signalling in bone metabolism and give credence to the hypothesis that selective pharmacological manipulation of Y2R may provide anabolic benefits for treating osteoporosis.

Biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of [64Cu]copper dichloride: first-in-human study in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, Copper-64 (T1/2 = 12.7 h) in the chemical form of copper dichloride ([64Cu]CuCl2) has been identified as a potential agent for PET imaging and radionuclide therapy targeting the human copper transporter 1, which is overexpressed in a variety of cancer cells. Limited human biodistribution and radiation dosimetry data is available for this tracer. The aim of this research was to determine the biodistribution and estimate the radiation dosimetry of [64Cu]CuCl2, using whole-body (WB) PET scans in healthy volunteers. Six healthy volunteers were included in this study (3 women and 3 men, mean age ± SD, 54.3 ± 8.6 years; mean weight ± SD, 77.2 ± 12.4 kg). After intravenous injection of the tracer (4.0 MBq/kg), three consecutive WB emission scans were acquired at 5, 30, and 60 min after injection. Additional scans were acquired at 5, 9, and 24 h post-injection. Low-dose CT scan without contrast was used for anatomic localization and attenuation correction. OLINDA/EXM software was used to calculate human radiation doses using the reference adult model. RESULTS: The highest uptake was in the liver, followed by lower and upper large intestine walls, and pancreas, in descending order. Urinary excretion was negligible. The critical organ was liver with a mean absorbed dose of 310 ± 67 µGy/MBq for men and 421 ± 56 µGy/MBq for women, while the mean WB effective doses were 51.2 ± 3.0 and 61.8 ± 5.2 µSv/MBq for men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of [64Cu]CuCl2 in healthy volunteers. Measured absorbed doses and effective doses are higher than previously reported doses estimated with biodistribution data from patients with prostate cancer, a difference that could be explained not just due to altered biodistribution in cancer patients compared to healthy volunteers but most likely due to the differences in the analysis technique and assumptions in the dose calculation.

Cost analysis of surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse by laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy or transvaginal mesh. / Análisis de costes del tratamiento del prolapso de órganos pélvicos mediante colposacropexia laparoscópica o malla transvaginal.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to compare direct costs of repairing pelvic organ prolapse by laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LS) against vaginal mesh (VM). Our hypothesis is the correction of pelvic organ prolapse by LS has a similar cost per procedure compared to VM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We made a retrospective comparative analysis of medium cost per procedure of first 69 consecutive LS versus first 69 consecutive VM surgeries. We calculate direct cost for each procedure: structural outlays, personal, operating room occupation, hospital stay, perishable or inventory material and prosthetic material. Medium cost per procedure were calculated for each group, with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: LS group has a higher cost related to a longer length of surgery, higher operating room occupation and anesthesia; VM group has a higher cost due to longer hospital stay and more expensive prosthetic material. Globally, LS has a lower medium cost per procedure in comparison to VM (5,985.7 €±1,550.8 € vs. 6,534.3 €±1,015.5 €), although it did not achieve statistical signification. CONCLUSIONS: In our midst, pelvic organ prolapse surgical correction by LS has at least similar cost per procedure compared to VM.

Aprendizaje del cuidado obstétrico, experiencia de los estudiantes de enfermería en la práctica clínica / Obstetric care learning, experience of nursing students in the clinical practice / Aprendizagem do cuidado obstétrico, experiência dos estudantes de enfermagem na prática clínica

Introducción: La práctica clínica es un elemento medular en la formación de los profesionales de enfermería, así, el aprendizaje del cuidado está estructurado por un proceso individual, influenciado por el contexto que cada sujeto vive y el entorno que lo determina. Objetivo: Determinar el sentido y la importancia pedagógica de los fenómenos educativos vividos cotidianamente por los estudiantes en el aprendizaje del cuidado obstétrico a partir de las experiencias en la práctica clínica. Método: Estudio cualitativo-descriptivo, enfoque fenomenológico, interpretativo. Se realizaron 8 entrevistas a profundidad, a estudiantes de 7.o semestre de la Licenciatura en Enfermería y Obstetricia. Se empleó análisis temático de contenido, se señalan conceptos significativos y se asignan identificadores para generar categorías. Validación de resultados a través de criterios de credibilidad, confirmabilidad, transferibilidad y confiabilidad. Resultados: El estudio del cotidiano del estudiante de enfermería en el aprendizaje del cuidado a la gestante permitió reconocer como categoría «Praxis en el aprendizaje¼, con 2 subcategorías: a) Construcción del saber en la práctica para la transformación y b) Manteniendo motivación, iniciativa y confianza. El individuo construye el conocimiento a partir de la interacción con el entorno físico y social, donde pone en juego el desarrollo de sus capacidades cognitivas mediante la aplicación y el reajuste de sus propios esquemas cognitivos y de aplicación de destrezas. Conclusiones: El deseo por aprender algo lleva a las personas a procurar y adquirir conocimientos, habilidades, actitudes o valores que más tarde le permitirán desarrollarlas en diversos ámbitos. El impulso e interés por aprender sobre determinada temática que llame particularmente la atención o sea placentera será el motor que conduzca a profundizar en la búsqueda de conocimientos y/o mayores habilidades con resultados ampliamente satisfactorios.

Introduction: Clinical practice is a modular element within the formation of nursing professionals, and this care learning is structured through an individual process which is influenced by the specific context and its determinants. Objective: To determine the sense and pedagogical importance of the educational phenomena lived by students in their obstetric care learning process. Method: This is a qualitative-descriptive study with a phenomenological and interpretative focus. Eight in-depth interviews were performed on students of the seventh semester of a Baccalaureate in Nursing and Obstetrics program. Topic-content analysis was used. Significant concepts were pointed out, and diverse identifiers were assigned to different categories. The validation of the results is founded on the criteria of credibility, confirmability, transferability, and trustworthiness. Results: The exploration of nursing students in their pregnant women care learning process allowed us to acknowledge a ''Praxis at Learning'' category with 2 sub-categories: a) building of knowledge in the transformation practice; and b) maintenance of motivation, initiative, and confidence. Indeed, the individual builds knowledge from the interaction with the physical and social surrounding; where he/she applies and adjusts his/her cognitive capacities and skills. Conclusions: The desire for learning drives persons to procure acquiring knowledge, skills, and values which they will eventually put into practice in diverse environments. The impulse and interest for learning on a specific area of interest will be the motivation to deepen into the pleasure of acquiring more knowledge and skills.

Introdução: A prática clínica é um elemento medular na formação dos profissionais de enfermagem, assim, a aprendizagem do cuidado está estruturada por um processo individual, influenciado pelo contexto que cada sujeito vive e o ambiente que o determina. Objetivo: Determinar o sentido e a importância pedagógica dos fenómenos educativos vividos cotidianamente pelos estudantes na aprendizagem do cuidado obstétrico a partir de experiências na prática clínica. Método: Estudo qualitativo-descritivo, abordagem fenomenológica, interpretativa. Realizaram-se oito entrevistas a profundidade a estudantes do sétimo semestre da Licenciatura em Enfermagem e Obstetrícia. Realizou-se análise temática de conteúdo, assinalaram-se conceitos significativos e atribuíram-se identificadores para gerar categorias. Validação de resultados a través de critérios de credibilidade confirmabilidade, transferibilidade e confiabilidade. Resultados: O estudo do cotidiano do estudante de enfermagem na aprendizagem do cuidado à gestante permitiu reconhecer como categoria ''Práxis na aprendizagem'', com duas sub-categorias: a) Construção do saber na prática para a transformação e b) Mantendo motivação, iniciativa e confiança. O indivíduo constrói o conhecimento a partir da interação com o ambiente físico e social, onde põe em jogo o desenvolvimento de suas capacidades cognitivas a través da aplicação e o reajuste de seus próprios esquemas cognitivos de aplicação de competências. Conclusões: O desejo por aprender algo leva às pessoas a procurar adquirir conhecimentos, habilidades, atitudes ou valores que mais tarde permitirão desenvolvê-las em diversos âmbitos. O impulso e interesse por aprender sobre determinada temática que chame particularmente a atenção, quer dizer, prazeroso; será o motor que conduz a aprofundar na busca de conhecimentos e/o maiores habilidades com resultados amplamente satisfatórios.

Patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma experiencing disease progression after treatment with brentuximab vedotin have poor outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is a key therapeutic agent for patients with relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). The outcomes of patients experiencing disease progression after BV are poorly described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed our institutional database to identify patients with cHL treated with BV who were either refractory to treatment or experienced disease relapse. We collected clinicopathologic features, treatment details at progression and outcome. RESULTS: One hundred patients met inclusion criteria, with a median age of 32 years (range 18-84) at progression after BV. The median number of treatments before BV was 3 (range 0-9); 71 had prior autologous stem cell transplant. The overall response rate (ORR) to BV was 57%, and the median duration of BV therapy was 3 months (range 1-25). After disease progression post-BV, the most common treatment strategies were investigational agents (n = 30), gemcitabine (n = 15) and bendamustine (n = 12). The cumulative ORR to therapy was 33% (complete response 15%). After a median follow-up of 25 months (range 1-74), the median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 3.5 and 25.2 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, no factors analyzed were predictive of PFS; age at progression >45 years and serum albumin <40 g/l at disease progression were associated with increased risk of death. Among patients who achieved response to therapy, allogeneic stem cell transplantation was associated with a non-significant trend toward superior OS (P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BV-resistant cHL have poor outcomes. These data serve as a reference for newer agents active in BV-resistant disease.

Subfoveal perfluorocarbon liquid. Removal after three months. / Perfluorocarbono líquido subfoveal. Extracción después de 3 meses.

CLINICAL CASE: A case of surgical removal of a subfoveal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) bubble that remained trapped inside the subretinal space. PFCL bubble extraction was performed by performing a therapeutic and vacuum PFCL bubble macular retinal detachment. DISCUSSION: The elapsed time before subfoveal PFCL extraction seems to influence the visual result. There are other factors which could influence the final visual acuity significantly, nevertheless it is possible to achieve useful vision, as long as the fovea is not damaged and iatrogenic injuries are avoided during PFCL bubble extraction.

Factors influencing outcome in advanced stage, low-grade follicular lymphoma treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center in the rituximab era.

BACKGROUND: The optimal initial therapy of follicular lymphoma (FL) remains unclear. The aims of this study were to compare primary treatment strategies and assess the impact of maintenance rituximab and patterns of treatment failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with treatment-naive advanced stage, grade 1-2 FL treated at our center from 2004 to 2014. We included 356 patients treated on clinical trials or standard of care with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP, n = 119); R-CHOP with maintenance (R-CHOP + M, n = 65); bendamustine/rituximab (BR, n = 45); BR with maintenance (BR + M, n = 35); R(2) (n = 94). We compared baseline characteristics, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and analyzed prognostic factors using univariate and multivariate analysis adjusted for treatment. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 4 years (range 0.2-15.0), the 3-year PFS was 60% [95% confidence interval (CI) 51% to 69%] for R-CHOP, 72% (59% to 82%) for R-CHOP + M, 63% (42% to 78%) for BR, 97% (80% to 100%) for BR + M and 87% (78% to 93%) for R(2). Patients treated with R-chemotherapy had more high-risk features than patients treated with R(2) but, by adjusted multivariate analysis, treatment with R(2) [hazard ratio (HR) 0.39 (0.17-0.89), P = 0.02] was associated with a superior PFS. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance status of one or more predicted inferior OS. Among patients treated with R-chemotherapy, maintenance was associated with the superior PFS [HR 0.38 (95% CI 0.21-0.68)]. By adjusted multivariate analysis, disease progression within 2 years [HR 5.1 (95% CI 1.57-16.83)] and histologic transformation (HT) [HR 11.05 (95% CI 2.84-42.93)] increased risk of death. CONCLUSION: Induction therapy with R(2) may result in disease control which is comparable with R-chemotherapy. Early disease progression and HT are predictive of inferior survival.

Use of near infrared fluorescence during robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Partial nephrectomy is the treatment of choice for T1a tumours. The open approach is still the standard method. Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery offers advantages that are applicable to partial nephrectomy, such as the use of the Firefly® system with near-infrared fluorescence. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the implementation of fluorescence in nephron-sparing surgery. CASE REPORT: This case concerned a 37-year-old female smoker, with obesity. The patient had a right kidney tumour measuring 31 mm, which was found using tomography. She therefore underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, with a warm ischaemia time of 22 minutes and the use of fluorescence with the Firefly® system to guide the resection. There were no complications. The tumour was a pT1aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma, with negative margins. Robot-assisted renal laparoscopic surgery is employed for nephron-sparing surgery, with good oncological and functional results. The combination of the Firefly® technology and intraoperative ultrasound can more accurately delimit the extent of the lesion, increase the negative margins and decrease the ischaemia time. CONCLUSION: Near-infrared fluorescence in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is useful for guiding the tumour resection and can potentially improve the oncological and functional results.

Milk fatty acid profile from grazing buffaloes fed a blend of soybean and linseed oils / Perfil de ácidos graxos do leite de búfalas a pasto recebendo uma mistura de óleo de soja e linhaça na dieta

The aim of the study was to examine the changes in milk fatty acid (FA) profile of grazing buffaloes fed either low (L, 276g/d) or high (H, 572g/d) doses of a blend (70:30, wt/wt) of soybean and linseed oils. Fourteen multiparous Mediterranean buffaloes grazing on a native pasture were fed 4 kg/day of a commercial concentrate containing no supplemental oil over a pre-experimental period of ten days. The baseline milk production and composition and milk FA profile were measured over the last three days. After this pre-experimental period the animals received the same concentrate added with either the L or H oil doses for 26 additional days. Milk yield (g/animal/day) did not differ at the start (1776 ± 522 and 1662 ± 291 for L and H, respectively, P<0.622) or at the end of the trial (4590 ± 991 and 4847 ± 447 in L and H, respectively, P<0.543). Baseline milk fat content (g/kg) averaged 77.1 (±20.5) in L and 74.3 (±9.9) in H (P<0.10) and was reduced (P<0.031) to 60.7 (±23.6) and 49.4 (±11.2) (P<0.0031) respectively after L and H with no differences between treatments (P<0.277). Baseline milk protein content (L=43.2 ± 3.4 and H= 44.3 ± 6.9g/kg) increased after oil supplementation (P<0.0001) in both L (73.2 ± 6.0g/kg) and H (68.4 ± 4.9g/kg) without differences between oil doses (P<0.123). Milk fat content of 14:0 decreased after oil supplementation only in the H treatment (5.29 to 4.03, P<0.007) whereas that of 16:0 was reduced (P<0.001) at both L (24.49 to 19.75g/100g FA) and H (25.92 to 19.17g/100g FA) doses. The reduction of total content of 12:0 to 16:0 was higher (P<0.052) in H (32.02 to 23.93g/100g FA) than L (30.17 to 25.45g/100g FA). Vaccenic acid content increased (P<0.001) from 5.70 to 13.24g/100g FA in L and from 5.25 to 16.77 in H, with higher results in the in H treatment (P<0.001). Baseline rumenic acid was sharply increased (P<0.001) in L (1.80 to 4.09g/100g FA, +127%) and H (1.60 to 4.61g/100g FA, +187%) with no differences between...

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as mudanças no perfil de ácidos graxos do leite de búfalas leiteiras recebendo baixas (B, 276g/d) ou altas (A, 572g/d) doses de uma mistura de óleos de soja e linhaça (70:30, peso/peso) na dieta. Quatorze búfalas multíparas da raça Mediterrânea, mantidas em pastagens nativas, receberam 4kg/dia de um concentrado comercial sem adição de óleo (pré-tratamento) ao longo de umperíodopré-experimental de 10 dias. A produção de leiteindividual e amostras de leite foram coletadas individualmente para determinação dos valores basais de composição e perfil de ácidos graxos do leite nos últimos trêsdias. Após este período, os animais receberam o mesmo concentrado adicionado deBou Apor 26 dias. A produção de leite (g/animal/dia) não diferiu no início (1776 ± 522 e 1662 ± 291para B e A, respectivamente (P<0,622) e no final do período experimental(4590 ±991e4847 ± 447 para LeH, respectivamente, P<0,543). O teor de gordura do leite (g/100g) apresentou valores médios de 77,1(±20,5)paraBe74,3 (±9,9)paraA(P<0,10) durante o período pré-tratamento,mas foi reduzido (P<0,03) após o fornecimento das dietas com óleo para 60,7 (± 23,6) e 49,4 (± 11,2), respectivamente para B e A, não havendo diferenças entre tratamentos (P<0,277). Os teores basais de proteína do leite (B=43,2 ± 3,4 e A=44,3 ± 6,9g/kg) aumentaram após a suplementação com óleo (P<0,0001) em ambos B (73,2 ± 6,0g/kg) e A (68,4 ± 4,9g/kg), não ocorrendo diferenças entre tratamentos (P<0,123). O teor médio basal de 14:0 na gordura do leite (4,76g/100g AG) foi reduzido após a suplementação da dieta com óleo somente no tratamento A (5,29 para 4,03, P<0,007). O teor de 16:0 na gordura do leite foi reduzido (P<0,001) nos tratamentos B (24,49 para 19,75g/100g AG) e A (25,92 para 19,17g/100g AG). A redução nos teores de 12:0+14:0+16:0 na gordura do leite foi maior (P<0,052) em A (32,02 para 23,93g/100g AG) do que em B (30,17 para 25,45g/100g AG). O teor de ácido vacênico (AV)...

Preparation and preclinical evaluation of (66)Ga-DOTA-E(c(RGDfK))2 as a potential theranostic radiopharmaceutical.

INTRODUCTION: Integrin αvß3 plays an important role in angiogenesis and is over-expressed in tumoral endothelial cells and some other tumor cells. RGD (Arg-Gly-Asn) peptides labeled with (68)Ga (t1/2=68min) have showed good characteristics for imaging of αvß3 expression using positron emission tomography (PET). Gallium-66 has been proposed as a PET imaging alternative to (68)Ga and given the unique high energy of its emitted positrons (Emax 4.15MeV) it may also be useful for therapy. The aim of this research is to prepare [(66)Ga]DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 and evaluate in mice its potential as a new theranostic radiopharmaceutical. METHODS: High specific activity (66)Ga was produced via the (66)Zn(p,n) reaction, and the labelling method of DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 with (66)Ga was optimized. Radiochemical purity was determined by TLC, and in vitro stability and protein binding were determined. Serial microPET imaging and biodistribution studies were carried out in nude mice bearing C6 xenografts. Radiation absorbed dose estimates were based on the biodistribution studies, where tumor and organs of interest were collected at 0.5, 1, 3, 5 and 24h post-injection of [(66)Ga]DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2. RESULTS: Our results have shown that [(66)Ga]DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 can be prepared with high radiochemical purity (>97%), specific activity (36-67GBq/µmol), in vitro stability, and moderate protein binding. MicroPET imaging up to 24 post-injection showed contrasting tumors reflecting αvß3-targeted tracer accumulation. Biodistribution studies and dosimetry estimations showed a stable tumor uptake, rapid blood clearance, and favorable tumor-to-tissue ratios. CONCLUSIONS: The peptide conjugated DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 labeled with (66)Ga may be attractive as a theranostic agent for tumors over-expressing αvß3 integrins.

The usefulness of ultrasound imaging in digital and extradigital glomus tumors.

Recent years have witnessed an increase in the use of ultrasound imaging of the skin in the field of dermatology, as the technique reveals details of vessels and other structures that cannot be detected on physical examination. Extradigital glomus tumors are rarely seen in clinical practice and can pose a diagnostic challenge for dermatologists. We report on 4 patients with a clinical suspicion of extradigital glomus tumor and on 1 patient with a clinical suspicion of subungual glomus tumor. All 5 patients underwent ultrasound examination in B mode and color and pulsed-wave Doppler prior to surgical excision of the tumor and histologic examination, which confirmed the diagnosis in each case. Ultrasound imaging of the skin, combined with clinical findings, provided a simple, noninvasive way of making a prompt diagnosis and identifying the exact location of the lesion for surgical removal.