Genital Surgery Outcomes Using an Individualized Algorithm for Hormone Management in Transfeminine Individuals.

CONTEXT: Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals have greater access to genital surgery (GS) with improved insurance coverage and access to trained surgeons and interdisciplinary gender affirming providers. OBJECTIVE: To determine perioperative medical and behavioral health outcomes in transfeminine (TF) individuals undergoing GS with use of a specific gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) algorithm based on individualized risk factor assessment. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study from 2017-2022. Pre- and post-operative data collected included clinical and biochemical assessment, GAHT regimens, validated behavioral health measures, and post-operative complications. SETTING: Single-center tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: 183 TF individuals, grouped into estradiol continued (Group 1) vs estradiol temporarily discontinued for 2-6 weeks preoperatively (Group 2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence, non-VTE postoperative complication incidence, and change in behavioral health assessments. RESULTS: The majority of individuals continued estradiol perioperatively [Group 1; 138 (75.4%)]. Individuals who temporarily held estradiol preoperatively [Group 2; 45 (24.6%)] were statistically older (p < 0.01), had higher incidence of cardiometabolic comorbidities (p < 0.01), and higher Caprini scores (p < 0.01). Group 1 was statistically more likely to use oral estradiol (p < 0.01). One episode (0.05%) of VTE occurred (Group 1). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications or behavioral health measures between groups. CONCLUSION: An individualized algorithm for preoperative hormone management for TF GS resulted in perioperative continuation of GAHT for the majority of individuals without significantly increasing the risk for post-operative surgical complications while maintaining stable behavioral health measures perioperatively.

Parabens Promote Protumorigenic Effects in Luminal Breast Cancer Cell Lines With Diverse Genetic Ancestry.

Context: One in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Yet, the burden of disease is greater in Black women. Black women have a 40% higher mortality rate than White women, and a higher incidence of breast cancer at age 40 and younger. While the underlying cause of this disparity is multifactorial, exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in hair and other personal care products has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Parabens are known EDCs that are commonly used as preservatives in hair and other personal care products, and Black women are disproportionately exposed to products containing parabens. Objective: Studies have shown that parabens impact breast cancer cell proliferation, death, migration/invasion, and metabolism, as well as gene expression in vitro. However, these studies were conducted using cell lines of European ancestry; to date, no studies have utilized breast cancer cell lines of West African ancestry to examine the effects of parabens on breast cancer progression. Like breast cancer cell lines with European ancestry, we hypothesize that parabens promote protumorigenic effects in breast cancer cell lines of West African ancestry. Methods: Luminal breast cancer cell lines with West African ancestry (HCC1500) and European ancestry (MCF-7) were treated with biologically relevant doses of methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Results: Following treatment, estrogen receptor target gene expression and cell viability were examined. We observed altered estrogen receptor target gene expression and cell viability that was paraben and cell line specific. Conclusion: This study provides greater insight into the tumorigenic role of parabens in the progression of breast cancer in Black women.

A 64-year-Old patient assigned male at birth with COPD and worsening dyspnea while on estrogen and antiandrogen agents.

Among patients with COPD, ventilatory inefficiency in response to exercise can be due to respiratory muscle dysfunction or expiratory flow limitation causing air-trapping and dynamic hyperinflation. We discuss a case of severe ventilatory limitation in response to exercise due to reduced respiratory muscle mass in the setting of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), and how the interpretation of pulmonary function testing (PFT) and respiratory symptoms among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients can be influenced by GAHT.

Synthesis of fluorescent chalcones, photophysical properties, quantitative structure-activity relationship and their biological application.

The development of fluorescent pigments is an area of interest in several research fields due to their high sensitivity. In the current study-eight known and three new N,N-dimethylamino-chalcones (12a-k) were synthesized with good yields using the Claisen-Schmidt reaction. For each molecular system, the photophysical properties, including the maximum absorption wavelength (λAbsorption), molar absorption coefficient (ε), maximum excitation wavelength (λExcitation), maximum emission wavelength (λEmission), Stokes Shift (Δλ), fluorescence quantum yield (Φfl), fluorescence lifetime (τfl), radiative and non-radiative rate constants (kR and kNR, respectively) were evaluated. Variations in each of these properties were analyzed depending on the substituents present on each compound. To relate the chemical structures of the synthesized compounds to their photophysical properties, Hansch analysis (2D-QSPR) was applied. As a result of Hansch analysis, we found different photophysical properties related to molecular orbitals and the energy of their derivatives (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital-HOMO, Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital-LUMO, Difference between LUMO-HOMO-ΔLH, Chemical potential-µ, Hardness-η, Softness-S, and electrophilic global index-ω) as well as to the atomic charges on atoms C5, Cα, Cß, and CO. The application of this type of analysis has made it possible to understand and subsequently design new molecules with defined photophysical properties. Finally, the compounds were use as fluorescent pigment to get living cell imaging on breast cancer cells, obtaining the compound 12a as promissory alternative.

Dorsal Vascular Complex Nonligation Method and Preservation of Puboprostatic Ligaments and Endopelvic Fascia During Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Effect on Continence.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact on continence rate during 1-year follow-up of a preservation technique that included nonligation of the dorsal vascular complex and sparing of the puboprostatic ligaments and the endopelvic fascia during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Information from 30 patients who underwent the preservation technique was prospectively collected and compared with data from 60 patients who underwent the nonpreservation traditional technique. A single surgeon performed all procedures. RESULTS: Demographic and preoperative characteristics were similar. The mean patient age was 59 years in both groups. All patients were stage cT1c or cT2. Operative time was significantly lower in the preservation technique group (229.6 vs. 262.7 minutes, P < .001). There were no significant differences in intraoperative bleeding, discharge hemoglobin level, blood transfusion rate, length of hospitalization, and drop in the hemoglobin level. The probability of continence recovery was significantly higher in the preservation technique group than in the traditional technique group (hazard ratio = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.31-0.81). The continence rate (0 pads/day) for the preservation technique group versus the traditional technique group at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was, respectively, 53.3% versus 30% (P = .031), 90% versus 45% (P < .001), 90% versus 63.3% (P = .008), and 96.6% versus 78.3% (P = .024). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding potency and oncologic outcomes. CONCLUSION: Nonligation of the dorsal vascular complex and preservation of the puboprostatic ligaments and the endopelvic fascia improved urinary continence compared with the traditional nonpreservation technique, with no impact in terms of bleeding and oncologic outcomes.

Impaired response of blood neutrophils to cell-death stimulus differentiates AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD from MOGAD.

BACKGROUND: In neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), neutrophils are found in CNS lesions. We previously demonstrated that NMOSD neutrophils show functional deficiencies. Thus, we hypothesized that neutrophil accumulation in the CNS may be facilitated by impairments affecting mechanisms of neutrophil death. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cell death in blood neutrophils from aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG-seropositive NMOSD and MOGAD patients as well as matched healthy controls (HC) using in vitro assays. METHODS: Twenty-eight AQP4 + NMOSD and 19 MOGAD patients in stable disease phase as well as 45 age- and sex-matched HC were prospectively recruited. To induce cell death, isolated neutrophils were cultured with/without phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Spontaneous and PMA-induced NETosis and apoptosis were analyzed using 7-AAD and annexin-V by flow cytometry. Caspase-3 was assessed by western blot. Myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes (MPO-DNA), MPO and elastase were evaluated by ELISA, and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) by a fluorescence-based assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated by a dihydrorhodamine 123-based cytometric assay. Serum GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, TNF-ɑ and IL-10 were evaluated by multiplex assays, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) by single-molecule array assay. RESULTS: In response to PMA, neutrophils from AQP4 + NMOSD but not from MOGAD patients showed an increased survival, and subsequent reduced cell death (29.6% annexin V+ 7-AAD+) when compared to HC (44.7%, p = 0.0006). However, AQP4 + NMOSD also showed a mild increase in annexin V+ 7-AAD- early apoptotic neutrophils (24.5%) compared to HC (20.8%, p = 0.048). PMA-induced reduction of caspase-3 activation was more pronounced in HC (p = 0.020) than in AQP4 + NMOSD neutrophils (p = 0.052). No differences were observed in neutrophil-derived MPO-DNA or serum levels of MPO, elastase, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-ɑ. IL-15 levels were increased in both groups of patients. In AQP4 + NMOSD, an increase in cfDNA, GM-CSF and IL-10 was found in serum. A positive correlation among cfDNA and NfL was found in AQP4 + NMOSD. CONCLUSIONS: AQP4 + NMOSD neutrophils showed an increased survival capacity in response to PMA when compared to matched HC neutrophils. Although the data indicate that the apoptotic but not the NETotic response is altered in these neutrophils, additional evaluations are required to validate this observation.

Enhancing Diversity in the Ophthalmology Workforce.

Health care teams are most effective at addressing complex problems and improving health outcomes for underserved populations when team members bring diverse life experiences and perspectives to the effort. With rates of visual impairment expected to increase in the United States by 2050, especially among minority populations, diversification of the ophthalmology workforce will be critical in reducing disparities in access to and quality of vision health care. Currently, ophthalmology is less diverse with respect to race, ethnicity, and gender than graduating medical classes and other medical specialties, as well as the general US population. In addition, data on diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity, socioeconomic status, and disability are lacking in ophthalmology. The Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring and Rabb-Venable Excellence in Ophthalmology Programs are examples of initiatives to increase racial and ethnic diversity in the workforce and can serve as models for increasing other aspects of inclusiveness. Other strategies for improving vision health care for all Americans include continuing to support existing diversity programs and creating new ones; addressing unconscious and implicit bias in medical school, residency, and faculty selections; conducting holistic reviews of medical school and residency applications; diversifying selection committees and leadership; and encouraging faculty development of underrepresented groups.

Síndrome de Alport: una genómica para tener presente

Introducción. El síndrome de Alport es una alteración heterocigótica que afecta las cadenas alfas del colágeno tipo IV, manifestándose clínicamente de forma variable principalmente por hematuria persistente. Existen diferentes manifestaciones clínicas en esta patología, encontrando casos de enfermedad renal crónica. Es crucial establecer medidas que permitan la detección oportuna disminuyendo las complicaciones. Objetivo. Describir la relación e importancia entre el síndrome de Alport y las alteraciones renales, resaltar las manifestaciones clínicas y manejo terapéutico. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en las bases de datos de PubMed y Scielo orientada hacia artículos actualizados y relevantes en inglés o español publicados en los últimos 5 años. Se evaluó a relación entre el síndrome de Alport y la patología renal permitiendo describir importancia clínica, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Resultados. Diferentes estudios evidencian la relación directa entre el síndrome de Alport y la disfunción renal asociado a procesos inflamatorios crónicos. El tratamiento no está estandarizado, pero se encuentra dirigido al bloqueo del sistema renina-angiotensina aldosterona. Se deben continuar los estudios evaluando el desenlace de la afectación renal asociada a esta patología. Conclusiones. El síndrome de Alport es una causa importante de disfunción renal, primordialmente si no se asocia a un tratamiento; por lo cual, es importante realizar un diagnóstico oportuno mediante la sospecha inicial, diagnóstico diferencial y abordaje adecuado partiendo del reconocimiento clínico de esta entidad asociada con el deterioro de la función renal

Introduction. Alport syndrome is a heterozygous alteration that affects the alpha chains of type IV collagen, manifesting itself clinically in a variable manner, mainly by persistent hematuria. There are different clinical manifestations in this pathology, fnding cases of chronic renal disease. It is crucial to establish measures that allow timely detection, thus reducing complications. Objective. To describe the relationship and importance between Alport syndrome and renal alterations, highlight the clinical manifestations and therapeutic management. Methods. A literature search was performed in PubMed and Scielo databases oriented towards updated and relevant articles in English or Spanish published in the last 5 years. The relationship between Alport syndrome and renal pathology was evaluated to describe clinical signifcance, diagnosis and treatment. Results. Different studies show a direct relationship between Alport syndrome and renal dysfunction associated with chronic inflammatory processes. The treatment is not standardized, but is aimed at blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Studies should continue to evaluate the outcome of renal involvement associated with this pathology. Conclusions. Alport syndrome is an important cause of renal dysfunction, especially if it is not associated with treatment; therefore, it is important to make a timely diagnosis through initial suspicion, differential diagnosis and appropriate approach based on the clinical recognition of this entity associated with the deterioration of renal function

Introdução. A síndrome de Alport é uma desordem heterozigótica que afeta as cadeias alfa do colágeno tipo IV. afeta as cadeias alfa do colágeno tipo IV, manifestando-se clinicamente de forma variável, principalmente pela hematúria persistente. Existem diferentes manifestações clínicas desta patologia, incluindo casos de doença renal crônica. É crucial estabelecer medidas que permitam a detecção oportuna e reduzam as complicações. Objetivo. Para descrever a relação e a importância entre a síndrome de Alport e as alterações renais, destacar as manifestações clínicas e o manejo terapêutico. Métodos. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados PubMed e Scielo, orientada para artigos atualizados e relevantes em inglês ou espanhol publicados nos últimos 5 anos. A relação entre a síndrome de Alport e a patologia renal foi avaliada para descrever seu significado clínico, diagnóstico e tratamento. Resultados. Diferentes estudos mostram uma relação direta entre a síndrome de Alport e as disfunções renais associadas aos processos inflamatórios crônicos. O tratamento não é padronizado, mas visa bloquear o sistema renina-angiotensina aldosterona. Outros estudos devem continuar a avaliar o resultado do envolvimento renal associado a esta patologia. Conclusões. A síndrome de Alport é uma causa importante de disfunção renal, especialmente se não associada ao tratamento; portanto, é importante fazer um diagnóstico oportuno através da suspeita inicial, diagnóstico diferencial e abordagem apropriada baseada no reconhecimento clínico desta entidade associada à função renal prejudicada

Mixed-Metal MOF-Derived Carbon Sponges for Oil Absorption.

AIMS: In this work, we propose the implementation of three carbon sponges, generated from the carbonization of melamine-formaldehyde sponges coated with different HKUST-type metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in different thermal conditions. BACKGROUND: Nowadays, numerous investigations are focused on the development of new technologies for the rapid separation of water/oil mixtures. Several of these processes use hydrophobic materials of different nature for efficient oil capture. Despite these efforts, the water/oil separation still remains a great challenge. The main oil absorbers that are commercially available tend to be expensive and have complex synthesis; however, they usually have an acceptable cost/benefit ratio. Despite this, the passage of time has brought us new generations of materials, which seek to solve the problems in a more efficient way, as in the case of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which stand out for the great ease with which their morphological and surface aspects can be controlled. MOFs are extensively investigated in the fields of adsorption and catalysis; the MOF coated sponges do not meet the selectivity and stability standards to be applied in oil spills in water. However, this completely changes when subjected to the pyrolysis process, giving the material an increase in its surface area, hydrophobic and magnetic properties in addition to making the material suitable for its application. OBJECTIVE: Creation of a low-cost 3D template and the study of morphological properties of MOFs, for the formation of carbon-based materials by a fast, simple and low-cost method, promoting the use of new generations of materials to more effectively solve persistent environments. METHODS: The employed MOF precursors were trimesic acid (BTC), nickel and cobalt salts. The monometallic HKUST type MOFs were synthesized using a simple method of controlled precipitation, which starts from two precursor solutions. The first one consisted of a ligand solution, dissolving the BTC in deionized water. In the case of mixed-metal MOFs, they were synthesized using the same procedure described for monometallic MOFs, but in this case, a mixture of metal salts with a 1:1 molar ratio was performed. The methodology for the production of the sponges decorated with MOF was carried out in two steps. In the first stage, the sponges were subjected to a wash to remove dust and impurities, being rinsed with acetone in an ultrasonic bath for 30 min. The sponges were subsequently immersed in deionized water and subjected to an ultrasonic bath for 10 min. Finally, the sponges were dried at 60°C for 3 h. The second step was the addition of the HKUST-type MOFs to the sponges was carried out by means of the immersion method, preparing a dispersion of the corresponding MOFs in ethanol. RESULTS: It was revealed that the carbon sponges can selectively absorb oil in the water/oil mixture, possessing magnetic and enhanced hydrophobic and superhydrophobic properties. All the pyrolyzed carbon sponges, obtained at 500 and 700°C, were not the most optimal since they had absorption capacities of around 25 g/g and only supported up to 4 absorption cycles. On the other hand, the carbon sponges, obtained at 300°C, had absorption capacities greater than 40 g/g, in addition to being able to be reused up to 12 times without showing significant changes in their absorption capacity and having acceptable hydrophobic characteristics for the removal of oil dispersed in water. Among the three sponges obtained at 300°C, we highlight the sponges coated with BTC-Co, which have the highest absorption capacity (54 g/g) among all fabricated sponges. CONCLUSIONS: The sponges obtained in the present work are a promising alternative to the materials that are traditionally used since they have great advantages such as their simple production method, low-cost starting materials and good absorption capacities. This work sheds light on the production of carbon materials from 3D templates decorated with MOFs, through a one-step carbonization process and we demonstrate that these materials have characteristics that make them applicable in the removal of oil dispersed in water, giving us a practical, economic and friendly alternative to the environment.

Prevalencia de fracturas periprotésicas de fémur en una serie determinada de pacientes con reemplazo de cadera / Prevalence of periprosthetic femoral fractures in a selected series of hip replacement patients

Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de fracturas periprotésicas en pacientes con antecedente de reemplazo de cadera que ingresaron a un servicio de ortopedia entre el 2010 al 2018. Materiales y métodos 709 pacientes fueron atendidos, pero solo 15 pacientes presentaron fracturas periprotésicas. Resultados La prevalencia de fracturas periprotésicas fue del 2.1% (IC 95%: 1.05; 3.17). La mayor parte de los casos se presentaron en el sexo femenino con un porcentaje de 53,3%, con edad promedio de 74.2 año. Las principales causas de fractura periprotésica fueron el trauma en la cadera por caída desde su propia altura. Solo el 12.12% presentaron alguna complicación local o sistémica. Conclusiones La prevalencia de fracturas periprotésicas fue menor del 3%; esta patología depende de distintos factores que se deben tener en cuenta al momento de realizar los procedimientos quirúrgicos.

Objective To determine the prevalence of periprosthetic fractures in patients with a history of hip replacement admitted to an orthopedic service between 2010 and 2018. Materials and methods 709 patients were seen, but only 15 patients had periprosthetic fractures. Results The prevalence of periprotic fractures was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.05; 3.17). The majority of cases occurred in females with a percentage of 53.3%, with an average age of 74.2 years. The main causes of periprotic fracture were hip trauma from falling from its own height. Only 12.12% presented some local or systemic complication. Conclusions The prevalence of periprosthetic fractures was less than 3%; this pathology depends on different factors that must be taken into account when performing surgical procedures.

Frequentist and Bayesian Hypothesis Testing: An Intuitive Guide for Urologists and Clinicians / Pruebas de hipótesis frecuentista y bayesiana: Una Guía intuitiva para urólogos y clínicos

Given the limitations of frequentist method for null hypothesis significance testing, different authors recommend alternatives such as Bayesian inference. A poor understanding of both statistical frameworks is common among clinicians. The present is a gentle narrative review of the frequentist and Bayesian methods intended for physicians not familiar with mathematics. The frequentist p-value is the probability of finding a value equal to or higher than that observed in a study, assuming that the null hypothesis (H0) is true. The H0 is rejected or not based on a p threshold of 0.05, and this dichotomous approach does not express the probability that the alternative hypothesis (H1) is true. The Bayesian method calculates the probability of H1 and H0 considering prior odds and the Bayes factor (Bf). Prior odds are the researcher's belief about the probability of H1, and the Bf quantifies how consistent the data is concerning H1 and H0. The Bayesian prediction is not dichotomous but is expressed in continuous scales of the Bf and of the posterior odds. The JASP software enables the performance of both frequentist and Bayesian analyses in a friendly and intuitive way, and its application is displayed at the end of the paper. In conclusion, the frequentist method expresses how consistent the data is with H0 in terms of p-values, with no consideration of the probability of H1. The Bayesian model is a more comprehensive prediction because it quantifies in continuous scales the evidence for H1 versus H0 in terms of the Bf and the

Dadas las limitaciones del método de significancia frecuentista basado en la hipótesis nula, diferentes autores recomiendan alternativas como la inferencia bayesiana. Es común entre los médicos una comprensión deficiente de ambos marcos estadísticos. Esta es una revisión narrativa amigable de los métodos frecuentista y bayesiano dirigida quienes no están familiarizados con las matemáticas. El valor de p frecuentista es la probabilidad de encontrar un valor igual o superior al observado en un estudio, asumiendo que la hipótesis nula (H0) es cierta. La H0 se rechaza o no con base en un umbral p de 0.05, y este enfoque dicotómico no expresa la probabilidad de que la hipótesis alternativa (H1) sea verdadera. El método bayesiano calcula la probabilidad de H1 y H0 considerando las probabilidades a priori y el factor de Bayes (fB). Las probabilidades a priori son la creencia del investigador sobre la probabilidad de H1, y el fB cuantifica cuán consistentes son los datos con respecto a H1 y H0. La predicción bayesiana no es dicotómica, sino que se expresa en escalas continuas del fB y de las probabilidades a posteriori. El programa JASP permite realizar análisis frecuentista y bayesiano de una forma simple e intuitiva, y su aplicación se muestra al final del documento. En conclusión, el método frecuentista expresa cuán consistentes son los datos con H0 en términos de valores p, sin considerar la probabilidad de H1. El modelo bayesiano es una predicción más completa porque cuantifica en escalas continuas la evidencia de H1 versus H0 en términos del fB y de las probabilidades a posteriori.

Esclerodermia cutánea localizada (Morfea): reporte de caso

RESUMEN La esclerodermia cutánea localizada es una enfermedad crónica del tejido conectivo, etiología desconocida, caracterizada por áreas de piel induradas. Existen varias formas. La Morfea es una enfermedad rara con incidencia de 0,3-3 casos por 100.000 habitantes / año. Más común en mujeres, proporción 4:1 mujer/hombre. Mujer, 21 años acude al Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital de Clínicas por cuadro de 3 años de evolución de mancha roja en cadera de lado derecho que luego se vuelve marrón, aparece luego otra lesión similar en muslo y rodilla derechos con misma evolución, sin desencadenante aparente ni síntomas acompañantes. Al examen físico se observa varias placas hipocrómicas algunas con bordes eritematosos, entre 2-3 cm, límites netos y bordes irregulares distribuidos en muslo derecho. Placas hipercrómicas induradas entre 1-6 cm de diámetro, límites netos, bordes regulares en cadera y muslo derechos, y brazo izquierdo. Piel difícil de plegar. Biopsia de piel compatible con Morfea. Recibe tratamiento con hidroxicloroquina, metotrexate, corticoides tópicos, vitamina A, C, E con respuesta y evolución favorable. Esclerodermia localizada aparece en adultos entre 40- 50 años, en comparación con paciente que afectó segunda década de vida. Tronco como localización más frecuente, característica de la paciente, además en miembros superiores e inferiores. Artralgias se presentan en 44% de casos, coincidentes con la paciente. Aumento del factor reumatoideo, eosinofilia, VSG guían hacia diagnóstico de Morfea en fase activa, no apreciables en el caso. Tratamiento con metotrexate como inmunosupresor es la terapéutica con evolución favorable, así como indican estudios, complementados con hidroxicloroquina y vitaminas A y E.

ABSTRACT Localized scleroderma is a chronic connective tissue disease, unknown etiology, characterized by areas of indurated skin. There are several types. It is a rare disease with an incidence of 0.3-3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants / year. More common in Caucasian women, with a 2-4:1 female/male ratio. Woman, 21 years of age goes to the Dermatology Department of the Hospital de Clínicas for the 3-year history of the red woman on the right who later turns brown, a similar lesion appears on the right leg, apparently not trigger or symptoms companions. On physical examination, several hypochromic plaques were observed, some with erythematous borders, between 2-3 cm, net boundaries and irregular borders distributed in the right thigh. Indurated hyperchromic plates between 1 and 6 cm in diameter, net boundaries, regular edges in red and right thighs, and left side. Skin difficult to fold. Skin biopsy compatible with Morphea. Treated with hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, topical corticosteroids, vitamin A, C, E with response and favorable evolution. Localized scleroderma appears in adults between 40-50 years, in comparison with the patient who affected the second decade of life. The trunk as the most frequent location, found in the patient, also in the upper and lower limbs. Join pains are presented in 44% of cases. Increase of the rheumatoid factor, eosinophilia, VSG guide to the diagnosis of Morphea in active phase, not appreciable in the case. Treatment with methotrexate as an immunosuppressant is the appropriate therapy, as indicated by studies, supplemented with hydroxychloroquine and vitamins A and E.

Hyaluronate Functionalized Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Loaded with Carboplatin Enhance Cytotoxicity on Human Cancer Cell Lines.

Cancer is a major global public health problem and conventional chemotherapy has several adverse effects and deficiencies. As a valuable option for chemotherapy, nanomedicine requires novel agents to increase the effects of antineoplastic drugs in multiple cancer models. Since its discovery, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are intensively investigated for their use as carriers in drug delivery applications. This study shows the development of a nanovector generated with commercial carbon nanotubes (cCNTs) that were oxidized (oxCNTs) and chemically functionalized with hyaluronic acid (HA) and loaded with carboplatin (CPT). The nanovector, oxCNTs-HA-CPT, was used as a treatment against HeLa and MDA-MB-231 human tumor cell lines. The potential antineoplastic impact of the fabricated nanovector was evaluated in human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and mammary adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231). The oxCNTs-HA-CPT nanovector demonstrate to have a specific antitumor effect in vitro. The functionalization with HA allows that nanovector bio-directed towards tumor cells, while the toxicity effect is attributed mainly to CPT in a dose-dependent manner.

Fingolimod Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis Leads to the Enrichment of a Subpopulation of Aged NK Cells.

Fingolimod is an approved oral treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) that modulates agonistically the sphingosin-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR), inhibiting thereby the egress of lymphocytes from the lymph nodes. In this interventional prospective clinical phase IV trial, we longitudinally investigated the impact of fingolimod on frequencies of NK cell subpopulations by flow cytometry in 17 RRMS patients at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment initiation. Clinical outcome was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and annualized relapse rates (ARR). Over the study period, median EDSS remained stable from month 3 to month 12, and ARR decreased compared to ARR in the 24 months prior treatment. Treatment was paralleled by an increased frequency of circulating NK cells, due primarily to an increase in CD56dimCD94low mature NK cells, while the CD56bright fraction and CD127+ innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) decreased over time. An unsupervised clustering algorithm further revealed that a particular fraction of NK cells defined by the expression of CD56dimCD16++KIR+/-NKG2A-CD94-CCR7+/-CX3CR1+/-NKG2C-NKG2D+NKp46-DNAM1++CD127+ increased during treatment. This specific phenotype might reflect a status of aged, fully differentiated, and less functional NK cells. Our study confirms that fingolimod treatment affects both NK cells and ILC. In addition, our study suggests that treatment leads to the enrichment of a specific NK cell subset characterized by an aged phenotype. This might limit the anti-microbial and anti-tumour NK cell activity in fingolimod-treated patients.

A new standardized nomenclature in Otorhinolaryngology: Criteria and quantitative and qualitative evaluation indicators of medical procedures. / Nuevo nomenclátor estandarizado en Otorrinolaringología: criterios e indicadores cuantitativos y cualitativos de baremación de actos médicos.

PURPOSE: At the request of the Organización Médica Colegial, we have elaborated a new nomenclature of medical and surgical procedures in Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (ENT-HNS) based on the International Classification of Diseases ICD-9-MC. We have defined new quantitative and qualitative criteria and indicators that may allow scale and remuneration to be determined in private medical practice. METHODS: Obsolete processes were eliminated from the current list of nomenclature, new ones were added or updated, procedures from other specialties that typically belong to ENT-HNS were imported, descriptions were modified accordingly, and others were transferred from one group to another for reasons of surgical complexity. In addition, it was requested that four quantitative criteria and indicators should be assigned for each procedure: unit cost per group, professional training and complexity, professional responsibility, potential complications, and health value, assigning a final value as a product of the sum of each of the indicators. RESULTS: The new scale presents a total of 395 procedures, compared to 150 in the previous list, an increase of 163%. Surgical procedures increased from 113 to 313 (177%). By subspecialty, Laryngology (213%) has the greatest number of new procedures followed by Rhinology (141%) and Otology (82%). Twenty of 150 procedures were found to be outdated and were therefore removed from the list. Eighty-seven per cent of the procedures remained on the list, 40% as they were and 47% modified, respectively, and, in all cases retaining their original Organización Médica Colegial code. CONCLUSIONS: The new ENT-HNS nomenclature proposed by the SEORL-CCC updates and improves the previous outdated scale, adapting the current procedures to the ICD-9-CM and incorporating the new techniques developed. The updated scale establishes new evaluation criteria with quantitative and qualitative indicators to optimize the calculation of the value of a medical or surgical procedure that, eventually, will allow an assessment of its monetary value in our specialty.

Prospective evaluation of the association between varicocele and benign prostatic hyperplasia in men over 40 years of age.

We investigated the association between varicocele and benign prostatic hyperplasia in men over the age of 40 years. A total of 296 outpatients were evaluated. Prostate volume was measured with transrectal ultrasound. Varicocele was diagnosed by physical examination and ultrasound. Prostatic hyperplasia was defined as prostate volume greater than or equal to 40 ml. Two groups were compared: patients with prostate volume less than 40 ml and patients with prostate volume greater than or equal to 40 ml. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of mean age, post-void residual, International Prostate Symptom Score and PSA. The percentage of patients with clinical varicocele in the group with a volume less than 40 ml and the group with a volume equal to or greater than 40 ml was 38.2% and 47.7% respectively (p = .12). There were no differences between the two groups in the percentage of patients with clinical or subclinical varicocele (43.2% vs. 52.2%, respectively, p = .12). No differences were found in the percentage of patients with varicocele when comparing men with prostates smaller than 40 ml and greater than or equal to 40 ml.

Experiencing communication related to knowing the cancer diagnosis and prognosis: A multi-perspective interpretative phenomenological study.

PURPOSE: To understand the phenomenon of communication related to knowing the diagnosis and prognosis, by exploring the perspectives of patients with advanced cancer and those of their caregivers, physicians and nurses. METHODS: Drawing upon a multi-perspective design, a total of 27 semi-structured interviews involving four different groups of stakeholders (7 patients, 7 caregivers, 6 physicians, and 7 nurses) -who were linked by a carer-cared relationship-were conducted in two Oncology Departments of two Italian hospitals. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to interpret the participants' narratives. RESULTS: Two overarching themes were identified: The first theme "the «what is it?¼ and the «what will happen to me?¼" illustrates the two different paths of communication of diagnosis and prognosis. The second theme "Matching and mismatching in identifying the others as speakers" shows that not each of the four parties recognizes the others as reciprocal speakers on topics related to diagnosis and prognosis, although all of them display reciprocal communication interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Communication related to diagnosis and prognosis is often handled by health professionals without a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the communication approach. There is a correspondence between the nurses' perception of their extraneousness to the diagnosis and the prognosis related communication, and the descriptions and perceptions of the nurse's role reported by the other participants. Understanding how the different groups of stakeholders reciprocally interact and influence each other, can help to identify potential positive resources and detect hindrance in the implementation of an effective patient-centered approach, while avoiding silo cultures.

Subcutaneous cladribine to treat multiple sclerosis: experience in 208 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report on safety and effectiveness of subcutaneous cladribine (Litak®) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. METHODS: Litak® was offered to MS-patients irrespective of disease course. Litak® 10 mg was administered for 3-4 days during week 1. Based on lymphocyte count at week 4, patients received another 0-3 doses at week 5. A second course was administered 11 months later. Follow-up included adverse events, relapses, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), 9-hole-peg and Timed-25-foot-walking tests, no-evidence-of-disease-activity (NEDA), no-evidence-of-progression-or-active-disease (NEPAD), MRI, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light chain (NfL), and lymphocyte counts. RESULTS: In all, 208 patients received at least one course of treatment. Age at baseline was 44 (17-72) years and EDSS 0-8.5. Cladribine was generally well tolerated. One myocardial infarction, one breast cancer, and three severe skin reactions occurred without long-term sequelae. Two patients died (one pneumonia, one encephalitis). Lymphopenia grade 3 occurred in 5% and grade 4 in 0.5%. In 94 out of 116 pwMS with baseline and follow-up (BaFU) data after two treatment courses, EDSS remained stable or improved. At 18 months, 64% of patients with relapsing MS and BaFU data (n = 39) had NEDA. At 19 months, 62% of patients with progressive MS and BaFU data (n = 13) had NEPAD. Of n = 13 patients whose CSF-NfL at baseline was elevated, 77% were normalised within 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Litak® was well tolerated. Effectiveness in relapsing MS appeared similar to cladribine tablets and was encouraging in progressive MS. Our data suggest cladribine may be safe and effective in MS-patients irrespective of their disease stage.

The Quality of Life of People with Solid Cancer is Less Worse than Other Diseases with better Prognosis, Except in the Presence of Depression.

Background: Suffering from Solid Cancer (SC) may adversely impact the Health-related Quality of Life (H-QoL). The aims of this study are to measure the H-QoL in a sample of people suffering from SC and to clarify the role of the co-occurrence of depressive episodes. Results were compared with a healthy control group and with groups of other disorders. Methods: In 151 patients with SC (mean±sd age 63.1±11.5; female 54.3%), H-QoL was assessed by SF-12, depressive episodes were identified by PHQ-9. The attributable burden of SC in impairing H-QoL was calculated as the difference between SF-12 score of a community sex and age » matched healthy control group and that of the study sample. The attributable burden of SC was compared with other chronic diseases using specific diagnostic groups drawn from case-control studies that used the same database for selecting control samples. Results: H-QoL in people with SC was significantly worse than in the healthy control group (p<0.0001). The attributable burden in worsening the H-QoL due to SC was similar to those of severe chronic diseases, but lower than Multiple Sclerosis (p<0.0001) or Fibromyalgia (p<0.00001). Having a depressive episode was a strong determinant of decreasing H-QoL, regardless of the severity of cancer. Conclusion: The findings confirm a strong impact of SC but showed that H-QoL in SC was higher than in chronic diseases with better "quoad vitam" outcome. Since depression was a strong determinant, its prevention, early detection and therapy are the main objectives that must be reached in cancer patients.