Retrograde peripheral nerve regeneration from sensory to motor pathways in rats: a new experimental concept in nerve repair.

BACKGROUND: The polarity of nerve grafts does not interfere with axon growth. Our goal was to investigate whether axons can regenerate in a retrograde fashion within sensory pathways and then extend into motor pathways, leading to muscle reinnervation. METHODS: Fifty-four rats were randomized into four groups. In Group 1, the ulnar nerve was connected end-to-end to the superficial radial nerve after neurectomy of the radial nerve in the axilla. In Group 2, the ulnar nerve was connected end-to-end to the radial nerve distal to the humerus; the radial nerve then was divided in the axilla. In Group 3, the radial nerve was divided in the axilla, but no nerve reconstruction was performed. In Group 4, the radial nerve was crushed in the axilla. Over 6 months, we behaviorally assessed the recovery of toe spread in the right operated-upon forepaw by lifting the rat by its tail and lowering it onto a flat surface. Six months after surgery, rats underwent reoperation, nerve transfers were tested electrophysiologically, and the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) was removed for histological evaluation. RESULTS: Rats in the crush group recovered toe spread between 5 and 8 days after surgery. Rats with nerve transfers demonstrated electrophysiological and histological findings of nerve regeneration but no behavioral recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar nerve axons regrew into the superficial radial nerve and then into the PIN to reinnervate the extensor digitorum communis. We were unable to demonstrate behavioral recovery because rats cannot readapt to cross-nerve transfer.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment in Cancer Patients-A Comprehensive Review.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease for which medical treatment with immunomodulating drugs is increasingly used earlier to prevent disability. Additionally, cancer occurrence in IBD patients is increased for several reasons, either IBD-related or therapy-associated. Doctors are therefore facing the challenge of managing patients with IBD and a past or current malignancy and the need to balance the risk of cancer recurrence associated with immunosuppressive drugs with the potential worsening of IBD activity if they are withdrawn. This review aims to explore the features of different subtypes of cancer occurring in IBD patients to present current evidence on malignancy recurrence risk associated with IBD medical therapy along with the effects of cancer treatment in IBD and finally to discuss current recommendations on the management of these patients. Due to sparse data, a case-by-case multidisciplinary discussion is advised, including inputs from the gastroenterologist, oncologist, and patient.

How many biomarker measurements are needed to predict prognosis in Crohn's disease patients under infliximab?-A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Timely stratification of Crohn's disease (CD) is essential for patients' management. The use of noninvasive accurate biomarkers is key to monitor treatment and to pursue mucosal healing, the ultimate treatment endpoint in CD. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the performance of readily available biomarkers and develop risk matrices to predict CD progression. METHODS: Data from 289 CD patients receiving infliximab (IFX) maintenance therapy for 2 years was collected; those patients were included in DIRECT, a prospective multicenter observational study. Disease progression was evaluated using two composite outcomes incorporating clinical and drug-related factors, the first including IFX dose and/or frequency adjustments. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and to develop risk matrices. RESULTS: The isolated presence of anemia at least once during follow-up was a significant predictor of disease progression (OR 2.436 and 3.396 [p ≤ 0.001] for composite outcomes 1 and 2, respectively) regardless of confounding factors. Isolated highly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP; >10.0 mg/L) and fecal calprotectin (FC; >500.0 µg/g) in at least one visit were also significant predictors, while milder elevations (3.1-10.0 mg/L and 250.1-500.0 µg/g) were only relevant when detected in at least two visits (consecutive or not). The combination of biomarkers in risk matrices had good ability to predict progression; patients simultaneously presenting anemia, highly elevated CRP and FC at least once had 42%-63% probability of achieving the composite outcomes. CONCLUSION: The combined evaluation of hemoglobin, CRP, and FC in at least one time point and their incorporation into risk matrices seems to be the optimal strategy for CD management, as data from additional visits did not meaningfully influence the predictions and may delay decision-making.

Early-onset colorectal cancer: A review of current knowledge.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Although most prevalent among older people, its incidence above 50 years old has been decreasing globally in the last decades, probably as a result of better screening. Paradoxically, its incidence in patients below 50 years old [early-onset CRC (EO-CRC)] has been increasing, for reasons not yet fully understood. EO-CRC's increasing incidence is genre independent but shows racial disparities and has been described to occur worldwide. It follows a birth-cohort effect which probably reflects a change in exposure to CRC risk factors. Its incidence is predicted to double until 2030, which makes EO-CRC a serious public health issue. Both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors have been identified - some are potential targets for preventive measures. EO-CRC is often diagnosed at advanced stages and histological features associated with poor prognosis have been described. EO-CRC presents some distinctive features: Microsatellite in-stability is common, but another subtype of tumours, both microsatellite and chromosome stable also seems relevant. There are no age-specific treatment protocols and studies on EO-CRC survival rates have shown conflicting data. Due to the higher germline pathological mutations found in EO-CRC patients, an accurate genetic risk evaluation should be performed. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on epidemiological, clinical, histopathological and molecular features of EO-CRC and discuss the contribution of genetics and lifestyle risk factors. We further comment on screening strategies and specific dimensions to consider when dealing with a younger cancer patient.

Incidence and risk factors for neoplasia in inflammatory bowel disease.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients may have an increased risk of neoplasia. The aim was to evaluate the incidence of malignant neoplasia in IBD patients, associated risk factors and therapy adjustments. METHODS: Unicentric retrospective cohort study. All patients followed for IBD in a tertiary portuguese hospital and oncological centre during 2015-2020 were included. RESULTS: 318 patients were included female 55.0%, age at diagnosis = 37.24(±15,28), Crohn's disease 52.5%, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis n = 7, family history of cancer n = 12, previous diagnosis of neoplasia n = 23(7.2%). 42 cancers were diagnosed in 35 patients (11.0%) - median of 12.0(IQR = 7.5-21.0) years after IBD diagnosis. Most affected organs were the skin (n = 15 in 11 patients; melanoma = 1), colon/rectum (n = 8 in 6 patients), prostate (n = 4), breast (n = 3) and anal canal (n = 2). In those with non-melanoma skin cancer, 6 were under active treatment with azathioprine and 2 had stopped it for more than two years. In the univariate analysis, the occurrence of neoplasia was positively associated with tobacco exposure (p = 0.022), age at IBD diagnosis (p = 0.021), and negatively with infliximab exposure (p = 0.046). In 9 cases, cancer treatment was different because of the IBD, while IBD treatment was changed in 9 patients. In those affected by cancer, in the univariate analysis, its cure/remission was negatively associated with tobacco exposure (p = 0.004) and positively with salicylates use (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: In IBD patients, cancer mostly affected the skin and the lower digestive system. As in the general population, tobacco exposure was a risk factor for the development of neoplasia.

Transmural remission improves clinical outcomes up to 5 years in Crohn's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence supporting transmural remission (TR) as a long-term treatment target in Crohn's disease (CD) is still unavailable. Less stringent but more reachable targets such as isolated endoscopic (IER) or radiologic remission (IRR) may also be acceptable options in the long-term. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study including 404 CD patients evaluated by magnetic resonance enterography and colonoscopy. Five-year rates of hospitalization, surgery, use of steroids, and treatment escalation were compared between patients with TR, IER, IRR, and no remission (NR). RESULTS: 20.8% of CD patients presented TR, 23.3% IER, 13.6% IRR and 42.3% NR. TR was associated with lower risk of hospitalization (odds-ratio [OR] 0.244 [0.111-0.538], p < 0.001), surgery (OR 0.132 [0.030-0.585], p = 0.008), steroid use (OR 0.283 [0.159-0.505], p < 0.001), and treatment escalation (OR 0.088 [0.044-0.176], p < 0.001) compared to no NR. IRR resulted in lower risk of hospitalization (OR 0.333 [0.143-0.777], p = 0.011) and treatment escalation (OR 0.260 [0.125-0.540], p < 0.001), while IER reduced the risk of steroid use (OR 0.442 [0.262-0.745], p = 0.002) and treatment escalation (OR 0.490 [0.259-0.925], p = 0.028) compared to NR. CONCLUSIONS: TR improved clinical outcomes over 5 years of follow-up in CD patients. Distinct but significant benefits were seen with IER and IRR. This suggests that both endoscopic and radiologic remission should be part of the treatment targets of CD.

Endoscopic Approach to Duodenal Adenomas in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Retrospective Cohort.

Introduction: Over 90% of the patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) will develop duodenal adenomas. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic excision of large duodenal adenomas in FAP patients. Methods: All FAP patients from a familial risk clinic submitted to endoscopic therapy for duodenal adenomas ≥10 mm between January 2010 and February 2021 were included. Results: From 151 FAP families, 22 patients (50 lesions) were included: 54.5% female; median follow-up 8.5 (IQR: 5.8-12.3) years after the first endoscopy. First therapeutic endoscopy occurred at a median age of 41.0 years (IQR: 33.0-58.2). Repeat therapeutic endoscopy was required in 54.5% of patients. Median size of the largest adenoma was 15 mm (IQR: 10-18 mm); resection was piecemeal in 63.1% and en bloc in the remaining. In 2 cases, the resection was incomplete (fibrosis due to previous resection and difficult positioning). Complications occurred in 6.3% of the resected lesions (4 patients): 2 immediate (bleeding, perforation); 4 in the first week (1 bleeding, 2 mild pancreatitis, 1 perforation requiring surgery; the latter two after ampullectomy). Histology revealed low-grade dysplasia adenomas in 90.1%; no adenocarcinomas were found. One patient with Spigelman stage IV disease not amenable to endoscopic control underwent elective duodenopancreatectomy (without duodenal cancer). Conclusion: Endoscopic surveillance and treatment of duodenal adenomas in FAP patients was safe and effective in the prevention of duodenal cancer.

Introdução: Mais de 90% dos doentes com Polipose Adenomatosa Familiar (PAF) desenvolvem adenomas duodenais. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficacia e seguranca da excisao endoscopica de adenomas duodenais em doentes com PAF. Métodos: Incluidos todos os doentes com PAF submetidos a terapeutica endoscopica de adenomas duodenais ≥10 mm entre janeiro/2010-fevereiro/2021. Resultados: Em 151 familias com PAF, incluidos 22 doentes (50 lesoes): 54.5% mulheres; mediana do follow-up 12.3 (IQR: 6.0­19.0) anos. Primeira endoscopia terapeutica (ressecao de polipos duodenais ≥10 mm) ocorreu numa mediana de idades 41.0 (IQR: 33.0­58.2) anos. Em 54.5% dos casos, foi necessaria uma nova endoscopia terapeutica. Dimensao mediana do maior adenoma: 15 mm (IQR: 10­18 mm); ressecao realizada em piecemeal em 63.1% e em bloco nos restantes. Em dois casos, a ressecao endoscopica foi incompleta (fibrose em local de ressecao previa:1; posicionamento: 1). Complicacoes em 6.3% das lesoes ressecadas (4 doentes): 2 imediatas (hemorragia e perfuracao, manejadas endoscopicamente); 4 na primeira semana (1 hemorragia controlada endoscopicamente, 2 pancreatites ligeiras tratadas conservadoramente, 1 perfuracao com necessidade de cirurgia; as duas ultimas apos ampulectomia). A avaliacao histologica revelou adenomas com displasia de baixo grau em 90.1%; nenhum adenocarcinoma. Um doente com doenca Spigelman IV nao controlavel endoscopicamente realizou duodenopancreatectomia (sem cancro). Conclusão: A vigilancia e tratamento endoscopicos de adenomas duodenais em doentes com PAF revelaram-se seguros e eficazes na prevencao de cancro duodenal.

Routine Immunohistochemical Analysis of Mismatch Repair Proteins in Colorectal Cancer-A Prospective Analysis.

Recognition of a hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome is crucial and Lynch Syndrome (LS) is the most frequent immunohistochemistry (IHC)-screening for mismatch repair proteins (MMR) deficiency in CRC is therefore advocated. An unicentric cohort study was conducted in a central Oncological Hospital to assess its results. All patients under 70 years-old admitted between July 2017-June 2019 and submitted to surgery for CRC were included. Of 275 patients, 56.0% were male, median age 61.0 (IQR:54.5-65.0), with synchronous tumors in six. Histology revealed high grade adenocarcinoma in 8.4%; mucinous and/or signet ring differentiation in 11.3%; and lymphocytic infiltration in 29.8%. Amsterdam (AC) and Bethesda (BC) Criteria were fulfilled in 11 and 74 patients, respectively. IHC revealed loss of expression of MMR proteins in 24 (8.7%), mostly MLH1 and PMS2 (n = 15) and PMS2 (n = 4). Among these, no patients fulfilled AC and 13 fulfilled BC. BRAF mutation or MLH1 promoter hypermethylation was found in four patients with MLH1 loss of expression. Genetic diagnosis was performed in 51 patients, 11 of them with altered IHC. LS was diagnosed in four, and BC was present in three. One patient would not have been diagnosed without routine IHC screening. These results strengthen the important role of IHC screening for MMR proteins loss of expression in CRC.

Colorectal cancer carcinogenesis: From bench to bedside.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the main causes of cancer death in developed countries. Yet, it is potentially preventable, by removing the precursor lesions - adenomas or serrated lesions. Several studies proved that this intervention reduces CRC mortality and that the first colonoscopy's results can guide surveillance strategies. More recently, it became clear that several carcinogenesis pathways may lead to sporadic CRC. CRC is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by multiple molecular subtypes. Three main pathways have been implicated in the development of CRC: Chromosomal instability, microsatellite instability, and the "serrated" pathways, with overlapping features between them. This and other molecular and genetic based CRC classifications are known to have clinical implications, spanning from familial risk assessment to therapy choices. The authors review basic science data and provide insight on current implications for the management of patients with CRC.

Colorectal malignant polyps: a modern approach.

Colorectal malignant polyps (MP) are polyps with invasive cancer into the submucosa harboring a variable risk of lymph node involvement, which can be estimated through evaluation of morphological, endoscopic, and histologic features. The recent advances in imaging endoscopic techniques have led to the possibility of performing an optical diagnosis of T1 colorectal cancer, allowing the selection of the best therapeutic modality to optimize outcomes for the patient. When MP are diagnosed after endoscopic removal, their management can be challenging. Differentiating low- and high-risk histologic features that influence the possibility of residual tumor, the risk of recurrence and the risk of lymph node metastasis, is crucial to further optimize treatment and surveillance plans. While the presence of high-risk features indicates a need for surgery in the majority of cases, location, comorbidities and the patient's preference should be taken in account when making the final decision. This is a particularly important issue in the management of low rectal MP presenting with high-risk features, where chemoradiotherapy followed by a watch-and-wait strategy has demonstrated promising results. In this review we discuss the important prognostic features of MP and the most modern approaches regarding their management.

Subclinical Persistent Inflammation as Risk Factor for Crohn's Disease Progression: Findings From a Prospective Real-World Study of 2 Years.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Subclinical intestinal inflammation is common in Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to explore its impact in the disease progression of infliximab-treated patients and the usefulness of fecal calprotectin (FC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as surrogate minimally invasive biomarkers. METHODS: The registry-based, prospective, observational, multicenter DIRECT (study to investigate the correlation of fecal calprotectin with serum Drug levels and development of an antI-dRug antibodiEs among adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease reCeiving anti-TNF-alfa treatment or vedoluzimab treatment) study followed infliximab-treated CD patients for 2 years in a tertiary care setting. Persistent inflammation definition was based on FC (>150 µg/g, >250 µg/g, or >350 µg/g) or serum CRP (>3 µg/mL) concentrations over 2 consecutive or at least 3 visits. Patients were categorized according to a composite outcome reflecting disease progression that incorporated surgery; hospitalizations; new fistulae, abscess, or stricture; and treatment escalation. RESULTS: Of 322 DIRECT study patients, 180 asymptomatic, infliximab treated on maintenance regimen were included in the analysis. Patients developing the composite endpoint (n = 96) presented higher median levels of FC (205 [interquartile range, 98-515] µg/g; P = .045) but not of CRP (2.50 [interquartile range, 0.80-6.00] µg/mL; P = .895). Biomarker-defined persistent subclinical inflammation prevalence ranged from 24% to 81%. Considering FC >250 µg/g in 2 consecutive visits, prevalence was 50%, odds of achieving the endpoint were increased 3-fold (odds ratio, 2.996 [95% confidence interval, 1.557-5.776]), and time-to-outcome occurrence was significantly lower among subjects with persistent inflammation (median time: 11 months). Both clinical-related and treatment-related components were significantly associated with persistent inflammation. Definitions based on CRP >3 µg/mL, FC >150 µg/g, FC >350 µg/g, double biomarkers (FC >250 µg/g and/or CRP >3 µg/mL), or more visits did not improve predictive ability. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent inflammation, defined simply and readily by FC >250 µg/g over 2 consecutive visits, was associated with a significantly higher risk and shorter time to occurrence of a composite outcome reflecting disease progression in asymptomatic infliximab-treated CD patients.

Beliefs, knowledge, actions of nursing techniques in breastfeeding in pain management in immunization / Creencias, conocimiento, acciones de técnicas de enfermería en la lactancia materna en el manejo del dolor en la inmunización / Crenças, conhecimento, ações de técnicas de enfermagem na amamentação no manejo da dor na imunização

ABSTRACT Objective: Understand the beliefs, knowledge, and actions of nursing technicians on breastfeeding as a form of non-pharmacological intervention to relieve pain in newborns and infants during immunization. Methods: Qualitative study carried out through semi-structured interviews with nine nursing technicians from three Basic Health Units in a city in the state of São Paulo. The theoretical approach of the Belief Model and the methodological framework of Thematic Analysis supported this study. Results: Three themes originated: Beliefs, Knowledge, and Actions of nursing technicians. Final considerations: Despite knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding as the most effective method for relieving pain in newborns and infants during vaccination, their restrictive beliefs overrode the evidence, leading them to act in ways that discourage or prevent the mother from breastfeed during vaccination. Formal training is recommended to align with current evidence-based practices.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender creencias, conocimiento y acciones de técnicas de enfermería sobre la lactancia materna como forma de intervención no farmacológica en el alivio del dolor en neonatos y en lactantes durante la inmunización. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo realizado mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas con nueve técnicas de enfermería de tres Unidades Básicas de Salud de una ciudad de São Paulo. El abordaje teórico del Modelo de Creencias y el referencial metodológico del Análisis Temático ampararon este estudio. Resultados: Originado tres temas: Creencias, Conocimiento y Acciones de las técnicas de enfermería. Consideraciones finales: Aunque del conocimiento sobre los beneficios de la lactancia materna como el método más eficaz para el alivio del dolor en neonatos y lactantes durante la vacunación, sus creencias restrictivas antepuestas a la evidencia, llevándolas a actuar de modo a desanimar o impedir la madre de amamantar durante la vacunación. Recomendado entrenamiento formal para alineamiento de prácticas actuales basadas en evidencias.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender as crenças, o conhecimento e as ações das técnicas de enfermagem sobre a amamentação como forma de intervenção não farmacológica no alívio da dor em recém-nascidos e em lactentes durante a imunização. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo realizado mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas com nove técnicas de enfermagem de três Unidades Básicas de Saúde de uma cidade do estado de São Paulo. A abordagem teórica do Modelo de Crenças e o referencial metodológico da Análise Temática ampararam este estudo. Resultados: Originaram-se três temas: Crenças, Conhecimento e Ações das técnicas de enfermagem. Considerações finais: Apesar do conhecimento sobre os benefícios da amamentação como o método mais eficaz para o alívio da dor em recém nascidos e lactentes durante a vacinação, suas crenças restritivas sobrepuseram-se à evidência, levando-as a agir de modo a desencorajar ou impedir a mãe de amamentar durante a vacinação. Recomenda-se treinamento formal para alinhamento de práticas atuais baseadas em evidências.

Patient-Derived Explants of Colorectal Cancer: Histopathological and Molecular Analysis of Long-Term Cultures.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Although short-term cultures of tumour sections and xenotransplants have been used to determine drug efficacy, the results frequently fail to confer clinically useful information. Biomarker discovery has changed the paradigm for advanced CRC, though the presence of a biomarker does not necessarily translate into therapeutic success. To improve clinical outcomes, translational models predictive of drug response are needed. We describe a simple method for the fast establishment of CRC patient-derived explant (CRC-PDE) cultures from different carcinogenesis pathways, employing agitation-based platforms. A total of 26 CRC-PDE were established and a subset was evaluated for viability (n = 23), morphology and genetic key alterations (n = 21). CRC-PDE retained partial tumor glandular architecture and microenvironment features were partially lost over 4 weeks of culture. Key proteins (p53 and Mismatch repair) and oncogenic driver mutations of the original tumours were sustained throughout the culture. Drug challenge (n = 5) revealed differential drug response from distinct CRC-PDE cases. These findings suggest an adequate representation of the original tumour and highlight the importance of detailed model characterisation. The preservation of key aspects of the CRC microenvironment and genetics supports CRC-PDE potential applicability in pre- and co-clinical settings, as long as temporal dynamics are considered.

Dysplasia Surveillance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with colonic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), whereby surveillance colonoscopy is recommended. AIM: To study the clinical and endoscopic variables associated with dysplasia in IBD patients. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted on IBD patients who were part of a colonoscopy surveillance program between 2011 and 2016. RESULTS: A total of 342 colonoscopies were performed on 162 patients (105 with ulcerative colitis [UC] and 57 with Crohn's disease). Random biopsies were performed at least once on 81.5% of patients; 33.3% of the patients underwent chromoendoscopy (CE) at least once. Endoscopically resectable lesions were detected in 55 patients (34%), and visible lesions deemed unfit for endoscopic resection were found in 5 patients (3.1%). Overall, 62 dysplastic visible lesions (58 with low-grade dysplasia and 3 with high-grade dysplasia) and 1 adenocarcinoma were found in 34 patients. Dysplasia in random biopsies was present in 3 patients, the yield of random biopsies for dysplasia being 1.85%/patient (3/162), 1.75%/colonoscopy (6/342), and 0.25%/biopsy (9/3,637). Dysplasia detected in random biopsies was significantly associated with a personal history of visible dysplasia (p = 0.006). Upon univariate analysis, dysplasia was significantly associated with the type of IBD, the performance of random biopsies, and CE (p = 0.016/0.009/0.05, respectively). On multivariate analysis, dysplasia was associated with duration of disease. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that patients with long-standing IBD, in particular UC, should be enrolled in dysplasia surveillance programs, and that performing CE and random biopsies seems to help in the detection of colonic neoplastic lesions.

INTRODUÇÃO: Nos doentes com doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) está recomendada vigilancia por colonoscopia para detetar e tratar lesões neoplásicas iniciais, dado o risco aumentado de cancro colo-rectal (CCR). O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar variáveis clínicas e endoscópicas associadas a displasia. MÉTODOS: Estudo coorte − doentes com DII integrados num programa de vigilância de displasia entre 2011­2016. RESULTADOS: Um total de 342 colonoscopias foi realizado em 162 doentes, 105 com colite ulcerosa (CU) e 57 com doença de Crohn (DC). Foram efetuadas biopsias aleatorias (BA) em 81,5% dos doentes (média: 27.5 ± 6.4 biopsias/colonoscopia) e 33.3% realizaram cromoendoscopia. 55 doentes apresentaram lesões endoscopicamente ressecáveis e 5 doentes lesões irressecáveis. No total, em 34 doentes, foram identificadas 6 lesões displásicas visíveis (58 com displasia de baixo grau e 3 com displasia de alto grau) e um adenocarcinoma. Foi detetada displasia em BA em 3 doentes sendo o rendimento das BA de 1.85% por doente (3/162), 1.75% por colonoscopia (6/342) e 0.25% por biopsia (9/3,637). A displasia em BA associou-se à historia pessoal de lesões displásicas (p = 0.006). A presença de displasia associouse, na análise univariada, com: tipo de DII (p = 0.016), realização de BA (p = 0.009) e cromoendoscopia (p = 0.05). Na anàlise multivariada, verificou-se associação com a duração da doença. CONCLUSÃO: Doentes com DII de longa duração deverão ser incluidos num programa de vigilància de displasia. A realizado de cromoendoscopia e BA é útil na deteção de lesões displásicas do cólon.

Age at Diagnosis Is Determinant for the Outcome of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Is It a Myth?

INTRODUCTION: Patients with elderly-onset inflammatory bowel disease were previously associated with a less aggressive course of the disease. However, there are conflicting data that need further validation. We aimed to determine the association between age at diagnosis and the development of progressive disease in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: This cohort study included patients with CD and UC followed in 6 secondary and tertiary care centers in mainland Portugal. Patients were divided into a derivation (80%) cohort and a validation (20%) cohort. The primary outcome was progressive disease. Logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curves, and the areas under the curve (AUC) were performed. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. RESULTS: The derivation cohorts included 1245 patients with CD (68% with progressive disease) and 1210 patients with UC (37% with progressive disease), whereas the validation cohorts included 302 patients with CD and 271 patients with UC, respectively, with similar outcome proportions. In our final model, age at diagnosis older than 60 years was significantly associated with a lower risk of developing progressive disease (odds ratio 0.390, 95% CI 0.164-0.923, P = 0.032), with a high discriminative power (AUC 0.724, 95% CI 0.693-754) in patients with CD. However, according to this model, no significant associations were found between age at diagnosis and the risk of developing progressive disease in patients with UC. No differences were observed in the AUC values between the validation and the derivation cohorts. DISCUSSION: Patients with elderly-onset CD, but not patients with UC, were associated with a less progressive course of the disease.

Use of the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale in the real life setting: what affects it?

Adequacy of bowel cleansing is a quality measure for colonoscopy, affecting both its safety and diagnostic accuracy. Among several bowel preparation quality scales referred to in literature, the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) is regarded as one of the most valid and reliable. However, BBPS is conditioned by a partially subjective appraisal. We report the results of a retrospective study that evaluated the quality of bowel preparation using BBPS and the factors associated with cleansing in routine clinical practice, in a series of consecutive examinations performed in a tertiary care hospital.

Crenças da equipe de enfermagem sobre a amamentação como intervenção não farmacológica no alívio da dor em neonatos e em lactentes durante a imunização / Nursing team beliefs about breastfeeding as a non-pharmacological intervention for pain relief in newborns and infants during immunization

Introdução: A dor em recém-nascidos e lactentes merece atenção especial pelos profissionais de enfermagem, uma vez que provoca consequências neurológicas e psicológicas a curto e longo prazo. Existem intervenções não-farmacológicas para o alívio da dor que podem ser oferecidas, como por exemplo, a amamentação durante o procedimento da vacina, considerada o melhor método para alívio da dor. No entanto, na literatura e na prática, observamos que os profissionais apresentam dificuldades para facilitar a amamentação. Diante dessa realidade, nos indagamos: por que o profissional, mesmo informado, não utiliza a amamentação durante a vacina como método de alívio da dor? Nesse sentido, este estudo tem como pergunta: Quais as crenças da equipe de enfermagem das Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) sobre a utilização da amamentação, como forma de intervenção não farmacológica no alívio da dor de recém-nascidos e lactentes, durante a imunização? Objetivos: Descrever e compreender as crenças da equipe de enfermagem sobre a amamentação como forma de intervenção não farmacológica no alívio da dor em neonatos e em lactentes durante a imunização nas UBS.Metodologia: Estudo exploratório e descritivo com abordagem qualitativa realizado em três UBS de Jundiaí (SP). A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais da saúde e a análise dos dados apoiada no referencial metodológico Análise Temática e na abordagem Teórica do Modelo de Crenças (Illness Beliefs Model - IBM). Resultados: Os dados foram organizados em três temas e nove subtemas. 1. Crenças dos profissionais de saúde; 2. Conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde e 3. Ações dos profissionais de saúde. O tema 1 identificou as falas que englobam as crenças e as percepções dos profissionais em relação ao lactente, à sua dor e à família, desde o acolhimento na UBS até sua saída, assim como crenças pessoais dos profissionais sobre outros aspectos que podem influenciar ou não na amamentação durante a vacina como método de alívio da dor. No tema 2, os profissionais de saúde demonstraram apresentar conhecimento sobre métodos gerais de alívio da dor do lactente durante a aplicação das vacinas, dentre estes a amamentação ou outros possíveis métodos. No tema 3 estão inseridos os relatos sobre as ações que os profissionais adotam ou deixam de adotar em relação à dor do lactente durante a aplicação da vacina e o que estes consideram que são ações que promovem o alívio da dor. Conclusão: Foi possível concluir que, mesmo após evidências científicas recentes comprovando que a amamentação é o método mais eficaz para o alívio da dor durante a vacinação, lactentes ainda continuam sentindo dor devido às práticas de manejo inadequadas dos profissionais, que, por muitas vezes, têm ciência da evidência científica, mas suas crenças limitantes mostraram se sobressair à evidência, levando-os a não incentivar a mãe amamentar durante a aplicação da vacina.

Introduction: Pain in newborns and infants deserves special attention by nursing professionals, as it causes short- and long-term neurological and psychological consequences. There are non-pharmacological interventions for pain relief that can be offered, such as breastfeeding during the vaccine procedure, considered the best method for pain relief. However, in the literature and in practice, we observe that professionals have difficulties in facilitating breastfeeding. Given this reality, we ask ourselves: why the professional, even if informed, does not use breastfeeding during the vaccine as a pain relief method? In this sense, this study has the question: What are the beliefs of the nursing staff of the Primary health care services (PHC) about the use of breastfeeding as a form of non-pharmacological intervention to relieve the pain of newborns and infants during immunization ? Objectives: To describe and understand the nursing team\'s beliefs about breastfeeding as a form of non- pharmacological intervention for pain relief in newborns and infants during immunization in the PHC. Methodology: Exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach carried out in three PHC services in Jundiaí (SP). Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with health professionals and data analysis supported by the Thematic Analysis methodological framework and the Theoretical Approach of the Beliefs Model (Illness Beliefs Model - IBM). Results: Data were organized into three themes and nine subthemes. 1. Beliefs of health professionals; 2. Knowledge of health professionals and 3. Actions of health professionals. Theme 1 identified the statements that encompass the beliefs and perceptions of professionals regarding the infant, their pain and the family, from the reception at the PHC until their departure, as well as the professionals\' personal beliefs about other aspects that may or may not influence in breastfeeding during the vaccine as a method of pain relief. In theme 2, health professionals demonstrated knowledge about general methods of pain relief for infants during the application of vaccines, including breastfeeding or other possible methods. Theme 3 includes reports on the actions that professionals adopt or fail to adopt in relation to the infant\'s pain during the application of the vaccine and what they consider to be actions that promote pain relief. Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that, even after recent scientific evidence proving that breastfeeding is the most effective method for pain relief during vaccination, infants still feel pain due to the professionals\' inadequate management practices, which, many times, they are aware of the scientific evidence, but their limiting beliefs have been shown to stand out from the evidence, leading them not to encourage the mother to breastfeed during vaccine application.

Low rectal cancer treatment strategies: a cohort study assessing watch and wait.

PURPOSE: Treatment strategies for low rectal cancer have been evolving toward achieving less treatment morbidity with the same oncological success-we aimed to assess the results of the new watch and wait (W&W) strategy in our cohort. METHODS: A tertiary care cohort study was conducted. New patients with rectal adenocarcinoma up to 6 cm from the anal margin, cM0, locally staged higher than cT1N0, evaluated between November 2014 and October 2018, were included. All 93 patients received neoadjuvant radiotherapy ± chemotherapy. Re-evaluation was planned 8-12 weeks after the end of treatment. Patients showing clinical complete response (cCR) were given the choice of either to proceed to surgery or to enter W&W. RESULTS: Of the 93 patients, 82.8% were re-evaluated and 20.8% had cCR. Patients in clinical stages II/III were significantly less likely to achieve cCR than those in stage I (p = 0.017). After a mean follow-up of 17.44 months, there were 4 regrowths in the 16 patients under W&W, all submitted to R0 surgery, ypN0; there were no deaths or local recurrences; one patient with regrowth had distant recurrence. Sixty patients underwent direct surgery after a mean follow-up of 16.23 months; 3 patients had local and distant recurrences; 7 others had only distant recurrences; there were 8 deaths. There were no statistically significant differences between patients under W&W and patients who underwent direct surgery regarding local or distant recurrences, or death (p > 0.9; p = 0.44; p = 0.19, respectively). CONCLUSION: The W&W strategy for low rectal cancer achieved the same oncological outcomes as the traditional strategy while sparing some patients from surgery.

Methylation patterns in dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Background and aims: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with colonic involvement increases colorectal cancer risk. However, the distinction between IBD related and sporadic dysplasia in IBD patients is difficult. Some data favors the importance of abnormal DNA methylation in IBD-related carcinogenesis. We aimed to define methylation patterns in patients with colonic cancer or dysplasia diagnosis following an IBD diagnosis.Methods: Multicentric cross-sectional study-91 samples from colonic mucosa with/without dysplasia from 9 patients with IBD-related dysplasia/cancer and 26 patients with IBD and sporadic dysplasia/cancer were included. Methylation patterns of CpG islands in the promoter regions of 67 genes were studied by Methylation-specific Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification.Results: Mean age at IBD diagnosis: 42 ± 16 years;at dysplasia diagnosis: 56 ± 14 years. Twenty-ninepatients had ulcerative colitis. Twenty-five patients had at least 1 lesion endoscopically described as adenoma-like, 4 at least 1 non-adenoma like, 3 had cancer and 3 had dysplasia in flat mucosa. No patient had both adenoma-like and non-adenoma-like lesions. Patients with an IBD-related lesion were significantly younger at IBD diagnosis (p = .003) and at dysplasia/cancer diagnosis (p = .039). Promoter methylation of IGF2, RARB, ESR1, CHFR, CDH13, WT1, GATA5, WIF1genes was significantly associated to dysplasia/cancer; methylation of MSH6, TIMP3 was significantly associated to IBD-related dysplasia/cancer. Promoter methylation of MSH6, MSH3, RUNX3, CRABP1, TP73, RARB, CDH13, PAX5, WT1, THBS1, TP53, SFRP1, WIF1, APAF1, BCL2 genes was significantly associated to active IBD.Conclusions: Methylation analysis, namely of MSH6, may contribute to the classification of dysplastic lesions in IBD- to be further tested in prospective studies.

Colon Adenocarcinoma Stage IIA-Can We Predict Relapse?

PURPOSE: To determine prognostic factors for stage IIA colon cancer (CC) recurrence in patients undergoing curative intent surgery without adjuvant treatment. METHODS: Single-centre cohort study. All patients with stage IIA CC discussed in a multidisciplinary colorectal cancer clinic from January 2010 to December 2012 were evaluated. Clinical data, laboratory data and tumour features, including expression of DNA repair proteins (EDRP), were analysed. Assessment of overall and disease free survival, recurrence, recurrence site and recurrence's method of diagnosis was performed. The associations between variables were tested through the Fisher's exact test (SPSS 23). RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were included (55% male gender; mean age at diagnosis was 70.3 years (42-88)). CC was in the left colon in 62%, high grade in 7% and had lymphovascular invasion in 7% of the cases. Only one patient was submitted to emergent surgery for obstructive symptoms. In 55% of cases ≥ 12 lymph nodes were collected. There was EDRP loss in nine patients (MLH1/PMS2: six; MSH2/MSH6: three)-only two fulfilled revised Bethesda criteria. Recurrence occurred in five patients (8.9%), and it was diagnosed through surveillance in all of them. No variable showed a statistically significant association with recurrence; however, there were no recurrences in patients with EPRD loss (p = 0.209). Mean follow-up time was 43 months (2-70). In those with recurrence, mean disease-free survival was 23.4 months. CONCLUSIONS: The overall good prognosis and absence of recurrence predictive factors were confirmed, validating the decision of not to submit stage IIA CC patients to chemotherapy risks.