Short-term survival analysis of a risk-adjusted model for ovarian cancer care.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the impact on short-term ovarian cancer survival associated with treatment at high-performing hospitals using the observed-to-expected ratio (O/E) for adherence to ovarian cancer treatment guidelines as a risk-adjusted measure of hospital quality care. METHODS: This was a retrospective population-based study of stage I-IV invasive epithelial ovarian cancer reported to California Cancer Registry 1996-2017. A fit logistic regression model, risk-adjusted for patient and disease characteristics, was used to calculate O/E for each hospital stratified by hospital annual case volume. Cox proportional hazards model was used for survival analyses at 3, 6, 12, 24 months and stratified according to sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: The study population included 35,725 subjects treated at 443 hospitals: Low-O/E - 26.4% of cases; Intermediate-O/E - 55.5% of cases; and High-O/E - 18.1% of cases. Overall median survival by hospital category was: High-O/E = 72.5 months (95% CI = 68.6-78.6 months), Intermediate-O/E = 68.6 months (95% CI = 65.9-71.6 months), Low-O/E = 47.0 months (95% CI = 44.2-49.2 months). Initial treatment at a High-O/E hospital (HR = 1.00) was a statistically significant and independent predictor of improved short-term survival compared to Low-O/E hospitals at 3 months (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.29-1.65), 6 months (HR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.22-1.50), 12 months (HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.17-1.38), and 24 months (HR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.11-1.27). Significant and independent associations between improved sort-term survival and High/O/E care were observed for Whites, Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders (A/PI), across SES strata, and among all payer categories. CONCLUSION: Ovarian cancer care at a High-O/E hospital is an independent predictor of improved outcome and the survival advantage is disproportionately weighted toward the short-term time horizon following diagnosis.

Corynebacterium guaraldiae sp. nov.: a new species of Corynebacterium from human infections.

Non-diphtheria Corynebacterium species (NDC) belonging to the human skin and mucosa microbiota are frequently neglected as contaminants. However, reports of human infections by Corynebacterium spp. have increased considerably in recent years. In this study, a group of six NDC isolates of urine (n = 5) and sebaceous cyst (n = 1) from two South American countries were identified at genus level or misidentified based on API® Coryne and genetic/molecular analyses. The 16S rRNA (99.09-99.56%) and rpoB (96.18-97.14%) gene sequence similarities of the isolates were higher when compared with Corynebacterium aurimucosum DSM 44532 T. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) indicated that these six NDC isolates compose a distinctive phylogenetic clade. Genome-based taxonomic analysis with the whole-genome sequences was able to separate these six isolates from other known Corynebacterium type strains. Average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI), and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between closely related type strains and the six isolates were considerably lower than the currently recommended threshold values for species circumscription. Phylogenetic and genomic taxonomy analyses indicated these microorganisms as a novel Corynebacterium species, for which we formally propose the name Corynebacterium guaraldiae sp. nov. with isolate 13T (= CBAS 827T = CCBH 35012T) as type strain.

Early death, morbidity and pharmacotherapy in extremely premature and very premature in neonatal intensive care units / Morte precoce, morbidade e farmacoterapia em prematuros extremos e muito prematuros em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the evolution of extremely preterm and very preterm infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units, regarding the use of ventilatory support, morbidities, medication use, death, survival and viability. Methods: a non-concurrent cohort study, with 163 very premature and extreme newborns hospitalized in three neonatal intensive care units, during 2016 and 2017. A descriptive analysis of the data obtained from the medical records was performed. The outcomes studied were the use of ventilatory support, morbidities, medication use, death and causes of death. A survival curve was constructed and a viability limit was defined. Results: in the study, 28.2% were extreme and 71.8% were very premature. In this order of subgroups, the need for mechanical ventilation was higher for the extremes (65.2% and 41.0%) and the main diagnosis was early sepsis (78.6% and 82.6). Off-label (60.5% and 47.9%) and off-license (25.3% and 29.0%) medications were used. Most deaths (57.8%) occurred between the extremes, mainly due to septic shock. Survival was lower for the lowest gestational ages and the limit of viability was between 26 and 27 weeks. Conclusions: the main morbidities were from the respiratory system, with high use of off-label and unlicensed medications. Extremes had a greater demand for intensive care in addition to needing more drugs and progressing more to death.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a evolução dos prematuros extremos e muito prematuros internados em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatais, quanto ao uso de suporte ventilatório e de medicamentos, óbito, sobrevida e viabilidade. Métodos: estudo de coorte não concorrente, com 163 recém-nascidos muito prematuros e extremos internados em três unidades de terapia intensiva neonatais, durante 2016 e 2017. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados obtidos dos prontuários. Os desfechos estudados foram o uso de suporte ventilatório, morbidades, uso de medicamentos, óbito e causas de óbito. Foi construída curva de sobrevivência e delimitado um limite de viabilidade. Resultados: no estudo, 28,2% eram extremos e 71,8% muito prematuros. Nessa ordem de subgrupos, a necessidade de ventilação mecânica foi maior para os extremos (65,2% e 41,0%) e o principal diagnóstico foi sepse precoce (78,6% e 82,6).Medicamentos off-label (60,5% e 47,9%) e sem-licença (25,3% e 29,0%) foramutilizados. A maioria dos óbitos (57,8%) ocorreu entre os extremos, principalmente por choque séptico. A sobrevivência foi menor para as menores idades gestacionais e o limite de viabilidade ficou entre 26 e 27 semanas. Conclusões: as principais morbidades foram do sistema respiratório, com alto uso de medicamentos off-label e sem licença. Extremos tiveram maior demanda de cuidados intensivos além de necessitarem de mais medicamentos e evoluírem mais ao óbito.

Role of mammography accessibility, deprivation and spatial effect in breast cancer screening participation in France: an observational ecological study.

BACKGROUND: The detection of cancer in its early latent stages can improve patients' chances of recovery and thereby reduce the overall burden of the disease. Our objectives were to investigate factors (geographic accessibility and deprivation level) affecting mammography screening participation variation and to determine how much geographic variation in participation rates can be explained by spillover effects between adjacent areas, while controlling for covariates. METHODS: Mammography screening participation rates between 2015 and 2016 were calculated by census blocks (CB), for women aged 50-74 years, residing in Lyon metropolitan area. Global spatial autocorrelation tests were applied to identify the geographic variation of participation. Spatial regression models were used to incorporate spatial structure to estimate associations between mammography participation rate and the combined effect (geographic accessibility and deprivation level) adjusting for modes of travel and social cohesion. RESULTS: The mammography participation rate was found to have a statistically significant and positive spatial correlation. The participation rate of one CB was significantly and positively associated with the participation rates of neighbouring CB. The participation was 53.2% in residential and rural areas and 46.6% in urban areas, p < 0.001. Using Spatial Lag models, whereas the population living in most deprived CBs have statistically significantly lower mammography participation rates than lower deprived ones, significant interaction demonstrates that the relation differs according to the degree of urbanization. CONCLUSIONS: This study makes an important methodological contribution in measuring geographical access and understanding better the combined effect of deprivation and the degree of urbanization on mammography participation and other contextual factors that affect the decision of using mammography screening services -which is a critical component of healthcare planning and equity.

Spatial-Temporal Trends in Ovarian Cancer Outcomes in California.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that geographic location may affect ovarian cancer (OC) outcomes. Insurance status often remains an important predictor of outcomes. The Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010 to expand access to affordable health insurance. Our objective was to examine spatiotemporal trends in OC treatment nonadherence and disease-specific mortality in California (USA) among women diagnosed with OC. METHODS: Newly diagnosed epithelial OC cases between 1996 and 2017 were identified from the California Cancer Registry. Spatiotemporal trends in adherence to treatment guidelines were examined using generalized additive models and OC-specific mortality using Cox proportional hazards additive models. Prediction grids covering California were used to display the odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios of location using the median value for the study area as the referent value. Seven overlapping 5-year periods and 2 larger ones (pre- and post-2013) were assessed. Analyses were stratified according to stage (early vs advanced) and used P = .05 to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Statistically significant spatial patterns in treatment nonadherence were observed for every time period examined (P < .001). Odds of treatment nonadherence associated with geographic location were highest among women with early-stage OC in southern Los Angeles County during 2014-2017 (OR max = 3.89, confidence interval = 1.04 to 7.61). For women with advanced-stage OC, residing in northern California was generally associated with lower odds ratios, whereas southern California was associated with higher odds ratios, with higher odds in the latter time period (OR range = 0.53-1.84 in 1996-2012 vs 0.49-2.37 in 2013-2017). Geographic location was not a statistically significant predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Residential location was statistically significantly associated with treatment received in California, with spatial patterns varying over time but not OC-specific mortality. Changes in insurance status over time were accompanied by shifts in population demographics and increased travel distances to receive care.

Concentration of Cannabis and Tobacco Retailers in Los Angeles County, California: A Spatial Analysis of Potential Effects on Youth and Ethnic Minorities.

OBJECTIVE: Cannabis and tobacco retailers are believed to cluster in areas with more racial/ethnic minorities, which could account for the disproportionate use of blunts in Black and Hispanic communities. The current study examined the spatial relationship between cannabis and licensed tobacco retailers in Los Angeles County, California, and assessed whether various neighborhood and business factors influenced the spatial patterning. METHOD: Generalized additive models were used to test the association between the location of cannabis retailers (N = 429) and their accessibility potential (AP) to tobacco retailers (N = 8,033). The covariates included cannabis licensure status, median household income, population density, percentages of racial/ ethnic minorities and young adults (18-34), unemployment status, families living in poverty, minimum completion of high school/General Educational Development (GED) credential, and industrial businesses by census tract. RESULTS: The location of cannabis retailers was significantly associated with AP in all adjusted models (p < .005). The percentage of racial/ethnic minorities, age (18-34 years), and nonlicensure of cannabis retailers, which were positively correlated with AP (p < .05), confounded the association between AP and cannabis retailer location. CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of unlicensed cannabis retailers and tobacco retailers in young and racially/ethnically diverse neighborhoods may increase access to and use of cigarillos for blunt smoking. Jurisdictions within Los Angeles County should consider passing ordinances requiring minimum distances between cannabis and tobacco retailers.

Infecções parasitárias intestinais em crianças e adolescentes na comunidade: aspectos socioeconômicos e higiênico-sanitários / Intestinal parasite infections among children and adolescents in the community: socioeconomic and hygienic-sanitary aspects

Introdução: as parasitoses intestinais estão distribuídas mundialmente e são frequentes entre indivíduos com maior contato interpessoal. A prevalência destas infecções reflete a precariedade das condições sanitárias e socioeconômicas que propiciam sua disseminação na população. Objetivos: determinar a frequência de parasitos intestinais e analisar o perfil socioeconômico e higiênico-sanitário entre crianças e adolescentes em Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brasil. Metodologia: estudo transversal conduzido em 116 participantes a partir de entrevista e análise coproparasitológica segundo o método Hoffman, Pons e Janer. O programa EpiInfo Windows versão 3.5.4 foi utilizado para a criação e análise dos bancos de dados. Valor de p<0,05 e IC de 95% foram considerados como significativos. Resultados: foi identificada prevalência de 77,6% de indivíduos parasitados. A média de idade foi de 9,6 anos e 57,8% eram do sexo masculino. Os patógenos mais frequentes foram Giardia duodenalis (35,5%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (16,6%), Enterobius vermicularis (3,3%) e Ascaris lumbricoides (1,1%). Organismos comensais foram encontrados em 93,3% dos indivíduos infectados. Verificou-se que 97,8% tinham abastecimento de água tratada; 76,7% possuíam rede de esgoto; 86,7% tinham acesso à coleta de lixo; 72,2% consumiam água filtrada ou fervida em casa e 41,1% declararam higienizar as frutas, verduras e hortaliças antes do consumo. Conclusão: foi identificada alta taxa de parasitismo retratando as condições socioeconômicas e higiênico-sanitárias da população estudada. Destaca-se a necessidade de maiores esforços para a realização de programas de educação em saúde para que a população seja modificadora da sua realidade a partir da conscientização sobre a problemática.

Introduction: intestinal parasites are distributed worldwide and are frequent among individuals with greater interpersonal contact. The prevalence of these infections reflects the precariousness of the sanitary and socioeconomic conditions that promote their dissemination in the population. Objectives: to determine the frequency of intestinal parasites and to analyze the socioeconomic and hygienic-sanitary profile among children and teenagers in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted in 116 participants based on interview and parasitological analysis of feces according to the Hoffman, Pons and Janer method. The EpiInfo Windows version 3.5.4 software was used to create and analyze the databases. p-value <0.05 and 95% CI were considered significant. Results: a prevalence of 77.6% of parasitized individuals was identified. The average age was 9.6 years and 57.8% were male. The most frequent pathogens were Giardia duodenalis (35.5%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (16.6%), Enterobius vermicularis (3.3%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (1.1%). Commensal organisms were found in 93.3% of infected individuals. It was found that 97.8% had treated water supply; 76.7% had a sewage system; 86.7% had access to garbage collection; 72.2% consumed filtered or boiled water at home and 41.1% declared to clean fruits, vegetables and vegetables before consumption. Conclusion: we identified a high rate of parasitism representing the socioeconomic and hygienic-sanitary conditions of the studied population. We highlight the need for greater efforts in carrying out health education programs so that the population can modify their reality based on awareness of the problem.

Ambient air pollution and ovarian cancer survival in California.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether exposure to ambient ozone, particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and distance to major roadways (DTR) impact ovarian cancer-specific survival, while considering differences by stage, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. METHODS: Women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer from 1996 to 2014 were identified through the California Cancer Registry and followed through 2016. Women's geocoded addresses were linked to pollutant exposure data and averaged over the follow-up period. Pollutants were considered independently and in multi-pollutant models. Cox proportional hazards models assessed hazards of disease-specific death due to environmental exposures, controlling for important covariates, with additional models stratified by stage at diagnosis, race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: PM2.5 and NO2, but not ozone or DTR, were significantly associated with survival in univariate models. In a multi-pollutant model for PM2.5, ozone, and DTR, an interquartile range increase in PM2.5 (Hazard Ratio [HR], 1.45; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.41-1.49) was associated with worse prognosis. Similarly, in the multi-pollutant model with NO2, ozone, and DTR, women with higher NO2 exposures (HR for 20.0-30.0 ppb, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.25-1.36 and HR for >30.0 ppb, 2.48; 95% CI, 2.32-2.66) had greater mortality compared to the lowest exposed (<20.0 ppb). Stratified results show the effects of the pollutants differed by race/ethnicity and were magnified among women diagnosed in early stages. CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses suggest that greater exposure to NO2 and PM2.5 may adversely impact ovarian cancer-specific survival, independent of sociodemographic and treatment factors. These findings warrant further study.

Prescrição de medicamentos off-label e sem licença para prematuros de unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal / Prescription of off-label and unlicensed drugs for preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o uso de medicamentos off-label e sem licença em recém-nascidos prematuros hospitalizados em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. Métodos: Estudo de coorte não concorrente, incluindo prematuros admitidos em três unidades de terapia intensiva neonatais, nos anos de 2016 e 2017, acompanhados durante o período neonatal. O uso de medicamentos e o número foram registrados para todo o período e classificados segundo a Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e bivariadas dos dados para avaliar associações entre o número de medicamentos utilizados (total, off-label e sem licença) e as variáveis explicativas de interesse. Resultados: Os 400 neonatos prematuros utilizaram 16.143 medicamentos, com 86 especialidades diferentes; 51,9% desses itens foram classificados como off-label e 23,5% como sem licença. Os mais prescritos foram gentamicina e ampicilina (17,5% e 15,5% dos off-label, respectivamente) e cafeína (75,5% dos não licenciados). O estudo demonstrou associações significativas do uso de medicamentos off-label com a menor idade gestacional, baixo peso ao nascer, menor escore de Apgar no quinto minuto, manobra de reanimação avançada em sala de parto e óbito. Com os medicamentos não licenciados, foram verificadas associações com a menor idade gestacional, baixo peso ao nascer e escore de Apgar no quinto minuto menor que 7. Conclusão: Os neonatos internados em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatais são muito expostos ao uso de medicamentos off-label e sem licença. Tornam-se necessários mais investimentos em estudos para alcançar maior segurança e qualidade da terapêutica medicamentosa empregada em neonatologia.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the use of off-label and unlicensed medications in preterm infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: This nonconcurrent cohort study included preterm infants admitted to 3 neonatal intensive care units in 2016 and 2017 who were followed up during the neonatal period. The type and number of medications used were recorded for the entire period and classified based on the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical. Descriptive and bivariate data analyses were performed to assess associations between the number of drugs used (total, off-label and unlicensed) and the explanatory variables of interest. Results: Four hundred preterm infants received 16,143 prescriptions for 86 different pharmaceuticals; 51.9% of these medications were classified as off-label and 23.5% as unlicensed. The most prescribed drugs were gentamicin and ampicillin (17.5% and 15.5% among off-label, respectively) and caffeine (75.5% among unlicensed). The results indicated significant associations between the use of off-label drugs and lower gestational age, low birth weight, lower 5-minute Apgar score, advanced resuscitation maneuver in the delivery room and death. The prescription of unlicensed drugs was associated with lower gestational age, low birth weight and 5-minute Apgar score below 7. Conclusion: Neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units are highly exposed to off-label and unlicensed medications. Further studies are needed to achieve greater safety and quality of drug therapy used in neonatology.

Critical review on PFOA, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer.

The carcinogenicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been reviewed previously by several different regulatory agencies and researchers, with contradictory conclusions-especially regarding epidemiological findings on kidney cancer and testicular cancer. In addition, previous dose-response assessments have focused primarily on evidence from animal studies. This critical review summarizes peer reviewed epidemiological studies on PFOA and cancers of the kidneys and testes, using modified Hill's criteria to assess the evidence for causation. We converted exposures to a common scale based on serum PFOA concentrations and applied meta-analysis to estimate the average increase in cancer risk reported by the studies with sufficient information to estimate serum PFOA. Using random effects meta-analysis, we found that the average relative increase in cancer risk per 10 ng/mL increase in serum PFOA for these studies is 16% (95% CI: 3%, 30%) for kidney cancer and 3% (95% CI: 2%, 4%) for testicular cancer. These associations are most likely causal, but results are limited by the small number of studies for testicular cancer, the overlapping study populations for several studies, and the lack of measured or modeled serum PFOA concentrations for several studies.Implications: Our review meta-analysis indicates an average increase in cancer risk per 10 ng/mL increase in serum PFOA for kidney and testicular cancers. These associations are most likely causal, but results are limited by the small number of studies for testicular cancer, the overlapping study populations for several studies, and the lack of measured or modeled serum PFOA concentrations for several studies. The weight of evidence could be even stronger with the addition of future studies conducted in large cohorts.

Vertically transmitted infections and extrauterine growth restriction in preterm neonates: a new risk factor / Infecções de transmissão vertical e restrição do crescimento extrauterino em neonatos prematuros: novo fator de risco

Abstract Objectives: to investigate the association between Vertically Transmitted Infections (VTI) and Extrauterine Growth Restriction (EUGR) among premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Methods: part of a large non-concurrent cohort study with medical records analysis. We evaluated EUGR in premature infants at a gestational age at birth of > 32 weeks and <36 weeks and presented a corrected gestational age of 36 completed weeks during a 27-day birth follow-up. Premature infants with major congenital anomalies were excluded. We analyzed associations among EUGR, VTI and covariables related to maternal disease, birth characteristics, perinatal morbidities and clinical practices. Results: out of the 91 premature infants, 59.3% (CI95%=48.9-69.0%) developed EUGR. VTI were observed in 4.4%o of the population; all premature infants affected by VTI had EUGR. The VTI found were syphilis, cytomegalovirus disease and toxoplasmosis. The final analysis has showed a positive association between VTI and EUGR (RR=1.57; CI95%o=1.07-2.30); the female covariables (RR=1.50; CI95%=1.11-2.02), moderate premature classification (RR=1.41; CI95%=1.06-1.87) and small for gestational age (RR=2.69; CI95% 1.853.90) have also influenced this outcome. Conclusion: this study revealed VTI as an important morbidity factor, with impact on the increased risk of EUGR between premature infants affected by these diseases.

Resumo Objetivos: investigar associação das Infecções de Transmissão Vertical (ITV) com a Restrição do Crescimento Extrauterino (RCEU) entre prematuros em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN). Métodos: recorte de um estudo de coorte não concorrente, com análise em prontuários. Avaliou-se a ocorrência de RCEU em prematuros que tiveram a idade gestacional de nascimento^ 32 semanas e < 36 semanas e que apresentaram idade gestacional corrigida de 36 semanas completas dentro do período de acompanhamento de 27 dias de vida.Foram excluídos os prematuros com anomalias congênitas maiores. Analisou-se associações entre RCEU, as ITV e as covariáveis relacionadas à doença materna, características do nascimento, morbidades perinatais e práticas clínicas. Resultados: dos 91 prematuros, 59,3% (IC95%o 48,9-69,0%o) desenvolveram RCEU. As ITVforam observadas em 4,4%o da população; todos os prematuros acometidos por ITV apresentaram RCEU. As ITV encontradas foram sífilis, citomegalovirose e toxoplasmose. A análise final demonstrou associação positiva das ITV com RCEU (RR=1,57; IC95%o= 1,072,30); as covariáveis sexo feminino (RR=1,50; IC95%o= 1,11-2,02), classificação prematuro moderado (RR=1,41; IC95%o=1,06-1,87) e pequeno para a idade gestacional (RR=2,69; IC95%1,85-3,90) também influenciaram este desfecho. Conclusão: este estudo revelou as ITV como importante fator de morbidade, com impacto no aumento do risco de RCEU entre prematuros acometidos por essas doenças.

Premature birth: topics in physiology and pharmacological characteristics

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To review the main physiological and pharmacological changes related to prematurity, to promote the evidence-based clinical practice. METHODS: This is a narrative review whose research was carried out in the ScienceDirect and Medline databases via PubMed, searching for articles in any language from January 2000 to February 2020. RESULTS: Premature newborns are born before completing the maturation process that prepares them for extrauterine life, which occurs especially in the last weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, they have their own characteristics in development. Several physiological peculiarities stand out, such as disturbances in glucose regulation, adrenal function, thermoregulation, immunity, in addition to changes in liver, renal and respiratory functions. Pharmacological aspects were also highlighted, involving pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the recent advances in prematurity, it is still an area with many uncertainties, since several changes occur quickly and there are ethical issues that make studies difficult. Thus, it is clear that the therapeutic management of premature infants is still very much based on clinical practice.

Birth defects and unconventional natural gas developments in Texas, 1999-2011.

Unconventional natural gas developments (UNGD) may release air and water pollutants into the environment, potentially increasing the risk of birth defects. We conducted a case-control study evaluating 52,955 cases with birth defects and 642,399 controls born between 1999 and 2011 to investigate the relationship between UNGD exposure and the risk of gastroschisis, congenital heart defects (CHD), neural tube defects (NTDs), and orofacial clefts in Texas. We calculated UNGD densities (number of UNGDs per area) within 1, 3, and 7.5 km of maternal address at birth and categorized exposure by density tertiles. For CHD subtypes with large case numbers, we also performed time-stratified analyses to examine temporal trends. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association with UNGD exposure, accounting for maternal characteristics and neighborhood factors. We also included a bivariable smooth of geocoded maternal location in an additive model to account for unmeasured spatially varying risk factors. Positive associations were observed between the highest tertile of UNGD density within 1 km of maternal address and risk of anencephaly (aOR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.55, 3.86), spina bifida (aOR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.99), gastroschisis among older mothers (aOR: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.77, 5.73), aortic valve stenosis (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.71), hypoplastic left heart syndrome (aOR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.39, 2.86), and pulmonary valve atresia or stenosis (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.66). For CHD subtypes, results did not differ substantially by distance from maternal address or when residual confounding was considered, except for atrial septal defects. We did not observe associations with orofacial clefts. Our results suggest that UNGDs were associated with some CHDs and possibly NTDs. In addition, we identified temporal trends and observed presence of spatial residual confounding for some CHDs.

Contribution of socioeconomic and environmental factors to geographic disparities in breast cancer risk in the Nurses' Health Study II.

BACKGROUND: Evidence of geographic disparities in breast cancer incidence within the U.S. and spatial analyses can provide insight into the potential contribution of environmental exposures or other geographically-varying factors to these disparities. METHODS: We applied generalized additive models (GAMs) to smooth geocoded residential coordinates while adjusting for covariates. Our analysis included 3,478 breast cancer cases among 24,519 control women from the Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII). We first examined associations with residential location during adolescence (high school address) or early adulthood (address in 1991). We then assessed the contribution from known individual-level risk factors, measures of socioeconomic status (SES), and occupational and environmental factors that vary spatially and have been linked to breast cancer. Secondary analyses by estrogen receptor (ER) and menopausal status were also conducted. RESULTS: We identified geographic patterns of breast cancer risk associated with location during adolescence, with increased risk apparent in Michigan, the Northwest, and the New York City area, that shifted to southern New England when addresses during early adulthood were analyzed. Similar results were observed after adjustment for individual- and area-level factors, although spatial associations were no longer statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer risk is not spatially uniform across the U.S. and incidence patterns varied depending on the timing during life of the residence considered. Geographic disparities persisted even after accounting for established and suspected breast cancer risk factors, suggesting that unmeasured environmental or lifestyle risk factors may explain geographic variation in risk in different parts of the country.

Ovarian cancer in California: Guideline adherence, survival, and the impact of geographic location, 1996-2014.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that geographic location may independently contribute to ovarian cancer survival. We aimed to investigate how the association between residential location and ovarian cancer-specific survival in California varies by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. METHODS: Additive Cox proportional hazard models were used to predict hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between geographic location throughout California and survival among 29,844 women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer between 1996 and 2014. We conducted permutation tests to determine a global P-value for significance of location. Adjusted analyses considered distance traveled for care, distance to closest high-quality-of-care hospital, and receipt of National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline care. Models were also stratified by stage, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Location was significant in unadjusted models (P = 0.009 among all stages) but not in adjusted models (P = 0.20). HRs ranged from 0.81 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.93) in Southern Central Valley to 1.41 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.73) in Northern California but were attenuated after adjustment (maximum HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.27). Better survival was generally observed for patients traveling longer distances for care. Associations between survival and proximity to closest high-quality-of-care hospitals were null except for women of lowest socioeconomic status living furthest away (HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.43). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, geographic variations observed in ovarian cancer-specific survival were due to important predictors such as receiving guideline-adherent care. Improving access to expert care and ensuring receipt of guideline-adherent treatment should be priorities in optimizing ovarian cancer survival.

Nutrição parenteral: panorama das amostras analisadas no Instituto Nacional de Controle de Qualidade em Saúde / Parenteral nutrition: overview of the samples analyzed at the National Institute for Quality Control in Health / Nutrición parenteral: panorama de las muestras analizadas en el Instituto Nacional de Control de Calidad en Salud

Justificativa e objetivos: A Nutrição Parenteral Total (NPT) possui grande importância clínica no tratamento e prevenção da desnutrição de pacientes com problemas no sistema digestório. Apesar das boas práticas de manipulação de NPT estarem bem estabelecidas, a contaminação desses produtos ainda ocorre, e esses produto permanecem como um medicamento de alto risco pelo Institute for Safe Medication Practices. O presente estudo teve como objetivo obter um panorama sobre os dados documentais das amostras de nutrição parenteral encaminhadas ao Instituto Nacional de Controle de Qualidade em Saúde da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo descritivo e quantitativo, com base em um coorte transversal de amostras de NPT analisadas no período de 2000 a 2016. Resultados: Foram encaminhadas 134 amostras de NPT no período do estudo. 11,20% das amostras foram encaminhadas em 2001, 0,80%, em 2005, 8,20%, em 2006, 16,40% em 2007, 63,40% em 2013. Seis amostras (4,5%) foram canceladas e 113 submetidas ao ensaio de esterilidade, resultando em 13,3% de amostras insatisfatórias. Conclusão: No período do estudo, quatro eventos suspeitos de contaminação bacteriana por enterobactérias em NPTs administradas em pacientes foram relatados, sendo três deles ainda não descritos na literatura. Para que a segurança dos pacientes que fazem uso de NPT seja garantida, sugere-se que as normas que regulamentam a terapia com NPT sejam revisadas e atualizadas e sejam estabelecidos programas de monitoramento da qualidade dessas preparações.(AU)

Background and objectives: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has great clinical importance in malnutrition treatment and prevention in patients with digestive problems. Although good practices for handling TPN are well established, contamination of these products still occurs, and this product remains listed as a higher risk drug by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. The present study aimed to obtain an overview of the documentary data of the parenteral nutrition samples sent to the National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS) of Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Methods: This is a qualitative descriptive and quantitative study carried out based on a cross-section of TPN samples analyzed from 2000 to 2016. Results: A total of TPN 134 samples were sent during the study period. 11.20% of the samples were sent in 2001, 0.80% in 2005, 8.20% in 2006, 16.40% in 2007, 63.40% in 2013. Six samples (4.5%) were canceled and 113 submitted to sterility testing, resulting in 13.3% unsatisfactory samples. Conclusion: During the study period, four suspected events of enterobacterial contamination in TPNs administered to patients were reported, three of which have not yet been described in the scientific literature. For the safety of patients using TPN to be guaranteed, it is suggested that the norms that regulate TPN therapy be reviewed and updated, and programs to monitor the quality of these preparations should be established.(AU)

Justificatión y objetivos: La Nutrición Parenteral Total (NPT) tiene una gran importancia clínica en el tratamiento y la prevención de la desnutrición en pacientes con problemas en el sistema digestivo. Aunque las buenas prácticas para el manejo del TNP están bien establecidas, la contaminación de estos productos aún ocurre, y este producto sigue siendo catalogado como un medicamento de alto riesgo por el Institute for Safe Medication Practices. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo obtener una visión general de los datos documentales de muestras de nutrición parenteral enviadas a Instituto Nacional de Control de Calidad en Salud (INCQS) por Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo cualitativo y cuantitativo basado en una sección transversal de muestras de NPT analizadas entre 2000 y 2016. Resultados: Se enviaron un total de 134 muestras de NPT durante el período de estudio. 11,20% de las muestras enviadas en 2001, 0,80%, en 2005, 8,20%, en 2006, 16,40%, en 2007, 63,40%, en 2013. Seis muestras (4,5%) fueron cancelados y 113 sometidos a la prueba de esterilidad, resultando en 13,3% de muestras insatisfactorias. Conclusión: Durante el período de estudio, se informaron cuatro eventos sospechosos de contaminación por enterobaterias en NPT administrados a pacientes, tres de los cuales aún no se han descrito en la literatura. Para garantizar la seguridad de pacientes que usan NPT, se sugiere revisar y actualizar las normas que regulan la terapia de NPT y se deben establecer programas para controlar la calidad de estas preparaciones.(AU)

Determinants of preterm infants deaths at the Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Northeast Countryside in Brazil / Determinantes do óbito em prematuros de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatais no interior do Nordeste

Abstract Objectives: to assess preterm infants' characteristics, health conditions and neonatal care effect on their death at the neonatal ICU. Methods: this was a non-concurrent cohort study, including preterm infants from three neonatal ICUs from January 1st to December 31st, 2016, followed during the neonatal period and deaths registered during the entire hospitalization. Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression. Results: of the 181 preterm infants, 18.8% died during hospitalization. Associated with the outcome: a gestational age between 28 and 32 weeks (RR= 5.66; CI95%= 2.08-15.40), and less than 28 weeks (RR=9.24; CI95%=3.27-26.12), Apgar score of 5th minutes less than 7 (RR: 1.82; CI95%=1.08-3.08), use of invasive mechanical ventilation up to 3 days (RR= 4.44; CI95%= 1.66-11.87) and 4 days and more (RR=6.87; CI95%=2.58-18.27). Besides the late sepsis (RR: 3.72, CI95%=1.77-7.83), acute respiratory distress syndrome (RR=2.86, CI95%=1.49-5.46), pulmonary hemorrhage (RR=1.97; CI95%=1.40-2.77), and necrotizing enterocolitis (RR= 3.41; CI95%=1.70-6.83). Conclusions: the results suggest the importance of using strategies to improve care during childbirth, conditions for extremely premature infants, early weaning from a mechanical ventilation and prevention on nosocomial infection.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar o efeito das características, condições de saúde e atenção neonatal sobre os óbitos dos prematuros de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) neonatais. Métodos: estudo de coorte não concorrente, incluindo prematuros de três UTI neonatais, entre 1º de janeiro a 31 de dezembro de 2016, acompanhados durante o período neonatal e os óbitos registrados para toda a internação. Análise multivariada foi realizada através da regressão de Poisson. Resultados: dos 181 prematuros, 18,8% evoluíram para óbito durante o internamento. Associaram-se ao desfecho: a idade gestacional entre 28 a 32 semanas (RR= 5,66; IC95%= 2,08-15,40) e menor que 28 semanas (RR= 9,24; IC95%= 3,27 -26,12), escore de Apgar 5º minuto menor que 7 (RR= 1,82; IC95%= 1,08-3,08), uso de ventilação mecânica invasiva até 3 dias (RR= 4,44; IC95%= 1,66-11,87) e 4 dias e mais (RR= 6,87; IC95%= 2,58-18,27). Além da sepse tardia (RR= 3,72; IC95%= 1,77-7,83), síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo (RR=2,86; IC95%= 1,49-5,46), hemorragia pulmonar (RR= 1,97; IC95%= 1,40-2,77) e enterocolite necrosante (RR= 3,41; IC95%= 1,70-6,83). Conclusões: os resultados sugerem a importância da utilização de estratégias para a melhoria da assistência durante o parto, condução dos prematuros extremos, desmame precoce da ventilação mecânica e prevenção de infecção nosocomial.

Dioxin exposure and breast cancer risk in a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Dioxins are persistent organic pollutants generated from industrial combustion processes such as waste incineration. To date, results from epidemiologic studies of dioxin exposure and breast cancer risk have been mixed. OBJECTIVES: To prospectively examine the association between ambient dioxin exposure using a nationwide spatial database of industrial dioxin-emitting facilities and invasive breast cancer risk in the Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII). METHODS: NHSII includes female registered nurses in the US who have completed self-administered biennial questionnaires since 1989. Incident invasive breast cancer diagnoses were self-reported and confirmed by medical record review. Dioxin exposure was estimated based on residential proximity, duration of residence, and emissions from facilities located within 3, 5, and 10 km around geocoded residential addresses updated throughout follow-up. Cox regression models adjusted for breast cancer risk factors were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: From 1989 to 2013, 3840 invasive breast cancer cases occurred among 112,397 participants. There was no association between residential proximity to any dioxin facilities (all facilities combined) and breast cancer risk overall. However, women who resided within 10 km of any municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) compared to none had increased breast cancer risk (adjusted HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.28), with stronger associations noted for women who lived within 5 km (adjusted HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.52). Positive associations were also observed for longer duration of residence and higher dioxin emissions from MSWIs within 3, 5, and 10 km. There were no clear differences in patterns of association for ER + vs. ER-breast cancer or by menopausal status. DISCUSSION: Results from this study support positive associations between dioxin exposure from MSWIs and invasive breast cancer risk.

A Risk-Adjusted Model for Ovarian Cancer Care and Disparities in Access to High-Performing Hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the observed/expected ratio for adherence to ovarian cancer treatment guidelines as a risk-adjusted measure of hospital quality care, and to identify patient characteristics associated with disparities in access to high-performing hospitals. METHODS: This was a retrospective population-based study of stage I-IV invasive epithelial ovarian cancer reported to the California Cancer Registry between 1996 and 2014. A fit logistic regression model, which was risk-adjusted for patient and disease characteristics, was used to calculate the observed/expected ratio for each hospital, stratified by hospital annual case volume. A Cox proportional hazards model was used for survival analyses, and a multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of access to high-performing hospitals. RESULTS: The study population included 30,051 patients who were treated at 426 hospitals: low observed/expected ratio (n=304) 23.5% of cases; intermediate observed/expected ratio (n=92) 57.8% of cases; and high observed/expected ratio (n=30) 18.7% of cases. Hospitals with high observed/expected ratios were significantly more likely to deliver guideline-adherent care (53.3%), compared with hospitals with intermediate (37.8%) and low (27.5%) observed/expected ratios (P<.001). Median disease-specific survival time ranged from 73.0 months for hospitals with high observed/expected ratios to 48.1 months for hospitals with low observed/expected ratios (P<.001). Treatment at a hospital with a high observed/expected ratio was an independent predictor of superior survival compared with hospitals with intermediate (hazard ratio [HR] 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11, P<.05) and low (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.16, P<.001) observed/expected ratios. Being of Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.93, P<.001, compared with white), having Medicare insurance (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.68-0.81 P<.001, compared with managed care), having a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 2 or greater (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.99, P<.05), and being of lower socioeconomic status (lowest quintile OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.36-0.46, P<.001, compared with highest quintile) were independent negative predictors of access to a hospital with a high observed/expected ratio. CONCLUSION: Ovarian cancer care at a hospital with a high observed/expected ratio is an independent predictor of improved survival. Barriers to high-performing hospitals disproportionately affect patients according to sociodemographic characteristics. Triage of patients with suspected ovarian cancer according to a performance-based observed/expected ratio hospital classification is a potential mechanism for expanded access to expert care.

Contribution of Geographic Location to Disparities in Ovarian Cancer Treatment.

BACKGROUND: More than 14,000 women in the United States die of ovarian cancer (OC) every year. Disparities in survival have been observed by race and socioeconomic status (SES), and vary spatially even after adjusting for treatment received. This study aimed to determine the impact of geographic location on receiving treatment adherent to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for OC, independent of other predictors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women diagnosed with all stages of epithelial OC (1996-2014) were identified through the California Cancer Registry. Generalized additive models, smoothing for residential location, were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for receiving nonadherent care throughout California. We assessed the impact of distance traveled for care, distance to closest high-quality hospital, race/ethnicity, and SES on receipt of quality care, adjusting for demographic and cancer characteristics and stratifying by disease stage. RESULTS: Of 29,844 patients with OC, 11,419 (38.3%) received guideline-adherent care. ORs for nonadherent care were lower in northern California and higher in Kern and Los Angeles counties. Magnitudes of associations with location varied by stage (OR range, 0.45-2.19). Living farther from a high-quality hospital increased the odds of receiving nonadherent care (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.29), but travel >32 km to receive care was associated with decreased odds (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.70-0.84). American Indian/other women were more likely to travel greater distances to receive care. Women in the highest SES quintile, those with Medicare insurance, and women of non-Hispanic black race were less likely to travel far. Patients who were Asian/Pacific Islander lived the closest to a high-quality hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Among California women diagnosed with OC, living closer to a high-quality center was associated with receiving adherent care. Non-Hispanic black women were less likely to receive adherent care, and women with lower SES lived farthest from high-quality hospitals. Geographic location in California is an independent predictor of adherence to NCCN Guidelines for OC.