The World's consumption of free web-based Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery educational resources: A global assessment of video usage trends.

Objectives: Online educational platforms with open access have seen a growing adoption in the field of medical education. However, the extent of their global usage is still unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, our objective is to examine the usage patterns of two renowned open-access resources in Otolaryngology. This includes identifying the most sought-after topics and understanding the demographics of their users. Methods: Retrospective study of web analytics data between 2016 and 2021 extracted from the Headmirror.com and Mayo Clinic Otolaryngology YouTube channel platforms analyzing demographic and education topic trends via descriptive, geospatial, time-series, t-tests, and ANOVA analyses. Results: Viewership spanned 124 countries in 7 different geographic regions, with 72 countries comprising low- to middle-income countries, mostly represented ages of 25-34 years old, came from high-income countries rather than low-income (p < .001), and used mobile phones followed by computers for device access. Video-educational material comprised of subspecialty topics on Rhinology and Sinus Surgery (25%) at the highest end and Facial Trauma (1%) at the lowest. Controlling for the age of the video content, the most-accessed videos comprised of subspecialty topics on Head and Neck Surgery at the highest end and Laryngology at the lowest with significant differentiation across topics of interest (p < .044). Conclusions: This assessment of web-analytics platforms from two widely used otolaryngology free, online-access materials showed increasing global usage trends with significant differentiating factors along viewership demographics, as well as sought-after subspecialty topics of interest. In turn, our results not only lay the groundwork for characterizing the global otolaryngology audience but also for future development of targeted educational materials and accessibility initiatives aimed at ameliorating global educational disparities in the field.

Comparison of Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair for Primary Mitral Regurgitation Outcomes to Hospital Volumes of Surgical Mitral Valve Repair.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve (MV) repair (TEER) is an effective treatment for patients with primary mitral regurgitation at prohibitive risk for surgical MV repair (MVr). High-volume MVr centers and high-volume TEER centers have better outcomes than low-volume centers, respectively. However, whether MVr volume predicts TEER outcomes remains unknown. We hypothesized that high-volume MV surgical centers would have superior risk-adjusted outcomes for TEER than low-volume centers. METHODS: We combined data from the American College of Cardiology/Society of Thoracic Surgeons Transcatheter Valve Therapy registry and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons adult cardiac surgery database. MVr was defined as leaflet resection or artificial chords with or without annuloplasty and was evaluated as a continuous variable and as predefined categories (<25, 25-49, and ≥50 MV repairs/year). A generalized linear mixed model was used to evaluate risk-adjusted in-hospital/30-day mortality, 30-day heart failure readmission, and TEER success (mitral regurgitation ≤2+ and gradient <5 mm Hg). RESULTS: The study comprised 41 834 patients from 500 sites of which 332 (66.4%) were low, 102 (20.4%) intermediate, and 66 (13.2%) high-volume surgical centers (P<0.001). TEER success was 54.6% and was not statistically significantly different across MV surgical site volumes (P=0.4271). TEER mortality at 30 days was 3.5% with no significant difference across MVr volume on unadjusted (P=0.141) or adjusted (P=0.071) analysis of volume as a continuous variable. One-year mortality was 15.0% and was lower for higher MVr volume centers when adjusted for clinical and demographic variables (P=0.027). Heart failure readmission at 1 year was 9.4% and was statistically significantly lower in high-volume centers on both unadjusted (P=0.017) or adjusted (P=0.015) analysis. CONCLUSIONS: TEER can be safely performed in centers with low volumes of MV repair. However, 1-year mortality and heart failure readmission are superior at centers with higher MVr volume.

Pattern and Severity of Allergic Rhinitis Correlated with Patient Characteristics: A Rural Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is rising in incidence in both developed and developing countries. Genetics and epigenetics have a potential role to play. The pattern and severity of AR have implications with regard to choice of treatment, which itself could be related to patient specific genetic and epigenetic factors. Hence, the present study was undertaken to correlate the patient characteristics with AR pattern and severity, in order to understand the pathophysiology of AR. The study also aimed to find out the allergen sensitivity pattern among patients attending a tertiary care centre of rural central India, where climatic variations make it a high prevalence zone. Prospective Observational study on 90 patients with clinically diagnosed Allergic Rhinitis confirmed by Skin Prick Tests. Patient characteristics like demographic data, data relevant to allergen exposure, occupation, family history of atopy and gender; and Disease characteristics like severity (mild, mod-severe), pattern (continuous/ intermittent), type of disease (seasonal/perennial) were noted, analysed and correlation studied. Majority of the patients with AR were in the age group of 15-40 years. Medical students (52%) suffered from moderate to severe type of Allergic Rhinitis, with Persistent disease in approximately 80%. Similarly, 70.59% of farmers had moderate to severe type of the disease, with persistent disease in 70%. In the present study, in clinically diagnosed allergic rhinitis patients, Mite was the commonest allergen found on Skin Prick Test overall and in Medical students, whereas Pollen sensitivity was more common among farmers. 56.66% of the patients had negative family history of atopy. Severity and type of AR depend on allergen exposure. In farmers and medical professionals, persistent and moderate to severe type of disease was more common, as they were persistently exposed to different type of allergens, mites in case of medical professionals and pollens in farmers. Hence, the Disease characteristics, as defined by ARIA guidelines, should not be taken in isolation and management should consider the Patient characteristics for deciding and devising protocols. In the present study, more than 50% patients were without family history of atopy. Hence, the role of various environmental factors, leading to epigenetic changes could be a major contributor in the increase in incidence of allergic rhinitis in recent times. Occurrence of perennial moderate to severe form of disease, in majority of farmers, defies the phenomenon of "Hygiene Hypothesis", focusing on the role of epigenetic changes and various outdoor allergens in the development of allergic rhinitis in them.

A Comprehensive Retrospective Institutional Study for Decoding Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background Oral cancer is found to be the thirteenth most common cancer as stated by the WHO (World Health Organization 2023). Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with deleterious oral habits such as smoking, chewing tobacco and betel quid, alcohol consumption, low socioeconomic status, sharp teeth, and various causative factors. Materials and methods A three-year retrospective analysis (March 2020-September 2023) was carried out with the available patient records in the Dental Information Archival Software (DIAS) used in a private dental college in Chennai. The demographic data such as age, gender, and habit duration and clinicopathological data such as the anatomical site; tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) staging; perineural invasion (PNI); lymphovascular invasion (LVI); and oral health-related quality of life were retrieved. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results Males (78.35%) more commonly reported OSCC than females (21.62%), and the majority of them were in the age category of fifth to seventh decades of life. The most affected region was the buccal mucosa with 33.3%, followed by the lower alveolus with 30.63%. The duration of harmful habits varied from one year to more than 40 years, and the majority of the patients had T4a staging (40.54%), followed by T2 staging (29.73%) with a habit duration of more than five years. Approximately 22.52% and 0.9% had PNI and LVI, respectively. The correlation between the two variables was evaluated using the Pearson correlation test and was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05), i.e., habit to gender and staging with gender were p = 0.027 and p = 0.028, respectively. Conclusion The majority of cases reported were found to be at T4a tumor staging with a habitual duration of more than five years, and more than half of the study population had severe compromise in their quality of life. The presence of perineural invasion and lymphovascular invasion has an impact on nodal metastasis, treatment choices, recurrence, and oral health-related quality of life. To address this challenge, oral health programs can implement comprehensive antitobacco counseling strategies, oral cancer public awareness programs to tackle the rising incidence of OSCC, and early oral precancer screening measures to enhance the prevention and overall quality of life of individuals with oral cancer.

The Association Between Well-Being and Empathy in Medical Residents: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Objective: To evaluate the extent to which personal well-being may be associated with empathy, while controlling for potential confounders. Settings/Location: Residency programs throughout the United States. Subjects: A total of 407 medical residents from residencies including general medicine, surgery, specialized and diagnostic medicine participated in this study. Outcome Measures: Well-being was measured using the modified existential well-being subscale of the spiritual well-being scale. Empathy was measured using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Results: Well-being was found to be positively correlated with empathy when adjusted for possible confounders (p < 0.001). In addition to well-being, other factors noted to be statistically significant contributors to higher empathy scores while controlling for the others included age, gender, year in residency, specialty, and work-hours (p < 0.05 for each). After controlling for these factors, a resident's year in residency was not found to be a statistically significant contributor to empathy score. Conclusions: In this study, well-being was associated with empathy in medical and surgical residents. Empathy is a fundamental component of physician competency, and its development is an essential aspect of medical training. These findings suggest that efforts to increase well-being may promote empathy among medical residents.

Clinicopathological Profile and Survival Outcomes in Patients with Localised Extremity Synovial Sarcomas.

AIMS: Synovial sarcoma is a rare but aggressive variant of soft-tissue sarcoma. Literature is sparse and reported mostly from the West. We analysed the clinical profiles and prognostic factors of extremity synovial sarcoma patients in order to study their clinical journey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis. All patients with extremity synovial sarcoma treated between 1992 and 2020 were included. Patients with metastases at presentation were excluded. A descriptive analysis of demographic and clinicopathological features of patients undergoing limb salvage surgery (LSS) or amputation was carried out. Overall survival and disease-free survival were calculated for the entire cohort as well as for the LSS and amputation groups. Factors prognostic for survival were identified. RESULTS: In total, 157 patients had localised extremity synovial sarcoma. Predominantly, young adults (median 31 years) and males (61%) were affected. Over 70% of patients presented after recurrence or unplanned surgeries. Sixty-seven per cent of tumours were >5 cm, 69% were deep and 23% involved bone. The limb salvage rate was 64%. In the LSS group, adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy were given to 72% and 68% of patients, respectively. In the amputation group, 72% of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. In a median follow-up of 59 months, 39.4% of patients had recurrences, the majority (61.2%) were systemic. Five-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 53.4% and 49.8%, respectively. Overall survival was 63.9% and 29.7% in the LSS and amputation groups, respectively. On multivariate analysis, tumour size, depth, omission of radiotherapy and bone invasion were found to be the adverse prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: This is one of the largest studies on extremity synovial sarcoma. Mostly males and young adults were affected. The limb salvage rate was 64%, despite most being referred after unplanned surgery. Almost 70% of patients received radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Overall survival was inferior in the amputation group. Tumour size >5 cm, depth and bone invasion were negative, whereas adjuvant radiotherapy was a positive prognostic factor for survival. Chemotherapy had no impact on survival.

Demographic and clinical profile of 1106 adult soft tissue sarcoma patients: A single institutional prospective database experience from India.

BACKGROUND: Adult soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare and diverse. Current management is based on limited literature from the West. Therefore, data from different geographical regions is required, including the low-middle-income countries. This is our experience managing adult sarcomas in the tertiary cancer center of North India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of the structured sarcoma database of patients treated in the surgical oncology department between 1992 and 2020. The descriptive analysis includes demography, site distribution, diagnosis, histopathology variations, prior surgical interventions, and stage. RESULTS: A total of 1106 soft tissue sarcoma patients were treated in three decades. Age distribution was 13%, 43%, 31%, and 11% in <20, 21-40, and 41-60 and >60 years, respectively. The male-to-female ratio was 1.73. The anatomical distribution was 17%, 42%, 23%, 7%, 7%, and 3% in upper extremity, lower extremity, trunk, retroperitoneum, head and neck, and viscera, respectively. Overall, 49% of patients had undergone prior suboptimal surgeries at community hospitals. Common histology subtypes were synovial sarcoma (18%), undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) (13%), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (12%), and liposarcoma (9%). A pathological discordance of 13% was identified between the initial and the final histologies. Overall, 61% of tumors were high-grade. Memorial Sloan Kettering Stages II and III were present in 33% and 35% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the largest single institutional experiences of STS from the Asian population. Mostly young adults were affected with male preponderance. The lower extremity and trunk were common subsites. Frequent histologies were synovial sarcoma and UPS. A high rate of suboptimal surgical intervention at the community level and pathological discordance was noted. This study highlights the need to establish prospective structured databases for capturing quality information related to rare malignancies and providing insights for future research.

Spatial Epidemiology of Signet-ring Cell Colorectal Cancer in India.

Background: Signet-ring cell colorectal carcinoma (SRCC) is an extremely aggressive yet uncommon histologic subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC) with an unknown etiology. There is a stark difference in the prevalence of signet cancers between Western countries and the Indian subcontinent; however, India itself is a vast and diverse country with variable cancer incidence. Objective: To study the spatial epidemiology of SRCC in India for identifying regions with high prevalence. Methods: This retrospective study included all patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma at Tata Memorial Hospital, the largest colorectal cancer referral unit in India, between January 2020 and December 2022. Geocoding based on the location of the residence was done to map the incidences. Comparisons were performed between the proportion of signet cell and non-signet colorectal cancers. Results: A total of 4100 patients with colon or rectal adenocarcinomas were included, of which signet cell histology was found in 624 (15%) patients. SRCC accounted for the highest proportions of CRCs in the Central (19%) and Northern (19%) regions, and the lowest in the North-Eastern (10%) and Western (12%) regions of India (P < 0.001), with non-overlapping confidence intervals. Compared with patients with non-signet CRCs, those with SRCC more commonly had colon cancers (22% vs. 17%; P = 0.003) and belonged to a lower socioeconomic background (67% vs. 59%; P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study found that SRCCs accounted for a significant proportion of CRC cases in India, but there was no substantial disparity in distribution across regions.

Clinical profile of 1208 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients in Tamil Nadu-A multi-centric survey.

BACKGROUND: An increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is being reported in developing countries, including India. Most Indian studies on CRC are retrospective and single-centered. The present study is an attempt to understand the current clinical profile and stage of newly diagnosed CRCs across multiple centers in Tamil Nadu, India. METHODS: A multi-centric observational survey was conducted between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022, under the aegis of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology - Tamil Nadu chapter. Patients 18 years of age and older with a recent diagnosis of CRC fulfilling the inclusion criteria were prospectively recruited at the participating centers. Their demographic, clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, histopathologic, radiologic and risk factor details were systematically collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Across 23 centers in Tamil Nadu, 1208 patients were recruited. The male:female ratio was 1.49:1, while mean (SD) age was 57.7 (13.5) years. A majority (81.9%) were Tamils and 78.5% belonged to lower socioeconomic classes. The predominant symptoms were hematochezia (30.2%) and a change in bowel habits (27.5%). The most common locations were the rectum (34.3%) and rectosigmoid (15.1%). Synchronous CRCs were seen in 3.3% and synchronous colorectal polyps in 12.8%. Predisposing factors for CRC were seen in 2%. A past history of any cancer among CRC patients was obtained in 3.1% and a family history of any cancer was found in 7.6%. Patients who were either overweight or obese constituted 46.4% of the study population. At presentation, the predominant stages were stage III (44.7%) and stage IV (20.8%). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients with newly diagnosed CRC in Tamil Nadu belonged to the lower socioeconomic classes. About 60% had CRCs located within the reach of the flexible sigmoidoscope. Two-thirds of the patients exceeded stage II disease at presentation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Demographics and additional haematologic cancers of patients with histiocytic/dendritic cell neoplasms.

AIMS: The discovery of somatic genetic alterations established many histiocytic disorders as haematologic neoplasms. We aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics and additional haematologic cancers of patients diagnosed with histiocytic disorders in The Netherlands. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrieved data on histiocytosis patients from the Dutch Nationwide Pathology Databank (Palga). During 1993 to 2022, more than 4000 patients with a pathologist-assigned diagnosis of a histiocytic disorder were registered in Palga. Xanthogranulomas were the most common subtype, challenging the prevailing assumption that Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is the most common histiocytic disorder. LCH and juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) had a peak incidence in the first years of life; males were overrepresented among all histiocytosis subgroups. 118 patients had a histiocytic disorder and an additional haematologic malignancy, including 107 (91%) adults at the time of histiocytosis diagnosis. In 16/118 patients, both entities had been analysed for the same genetic alteration(s). In 11 of these 16 patients, identical genetic alterations had been detected in both haematologic neoplasms. This included two patients with PAX5 p.P80R mutated B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and secondary histiocytic sarcoma, further supporting that PAX5 alterations may predispose (precursor) B cells to differentiate into the myeloid lineage. All 4/11 patients with myeloid neoplasms as their additional haematologic malignancy had shared N/KRAS mutations. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study highlights the frequency of xanthogranulomas. Furthermore, our data add to the growing evidence supporting clonal relationships between histiocytic/dendritic cell neoplasms and additional myeloid or lymphoid malignancies. Particularly adult histiocytosis patients should be carefully evaluated for the development of these associated haematologic cancers.

Demographic and imaging features of oral squamous cell cancer in Serbia: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The mortality of oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) in Serbia increased in the last decade. Recent studies on the Serbian population focused mainly on the epidemiological aspect of OSCC. This study aimed to investigate the demographic and imaging features of OSCC in the Serbian population at the time of diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed computed tomography (CT) images of 276 patients with OSCC diagnosed between 2017 and 2022. Age, gender, tumor site, tumor volume (CT-TV, in cm3), depth of invasion (CT-DOI, in mm), and bone invasion (CT-BI, in %) were evaluated. TNM status and tumor stage were also analyzed. All parameters were analyzed with appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: The mean age was 62.32 ± 11.39 and 63.25 ± 11.71 for males and females, respectively. Male to female ratio was 1.63:1. The tongue (36.2%), mouth floor (21.0%), and alveolar ridge (19.9%) were the most frequent sites of OSCC. There was a significant gender-related difference in OSCC distribution between oral cavity subsites (Z=-4.225; p < 0.001). Mean values of CT-TV in males (13.8 ± 21.5) and females (5.4 ± 6.8) were significantly different (t = 4.620; p < 0.001). CT-DOI also differed significantly (t = 4.621; p < 0.001) between males (14.4 ± 7.4) and females (10.7 ± 4.4). CT-BI was detected in 30.1%, the most common in the alveolar ridge OSCC. T2 tumor status (31.4%) and stage IVA (28.3%) were the most dominant at the time of diagnosis. Metastatic lymph nodes were detected in 41.1%. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed significant gender-related differences in OSCC imaging features. The predominance of moderate and advanced tumor stages indicates a long time interval to the OSCC diagnosis.

Cause-Specific Mortality and Racial Differentials in Life Expectancy, Chicago 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND: In Chicago in 2018, the average life expectancy (ALE) for NH Blacks was 71.5 years, 9.1 fewer years than for NH Whites (80.6 years). Inasmuch as some causes of death are increasingly recognized products of structural racism, in urban areas, such causes may have potential for reducing racial inequities through public health intervention. Our purpose is to allocate racial inequities in ALE in Chicago to differentials in cause-specific mortality. METHODS: Using multiple decrement processes and decomposition analysis, we examine cause-specific mortality in Chicago to determine the causes of death that contribute to the gap in life expectancy between NH Blacks and NH Whites. RESULTS: Among females, the racial difference in ALE was 8.21 years; for males, it was 10.53 years. We find that cancer and heart disease mortality account for 3.03 years or 36% of the racial gap in average life expectancy among females. Differences in homicide and heart disease mortality rates comprised over 45% of the disparity among males. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for improving inequities in life expectancy should account for differences between males and females in cause-specific mortality rates. In urban areas with high levels of segregation, reducing inequities in ALE may be possible by dramatically reducing mortality rates from some causes. CONTRIBUTION: This paper illustrates the state of inequities in ALE between NH Blacks and NH Whites in Chicago for the period just prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, using a well-established method of decomposing mortality differentials for sub-populations.

[Change in the age spectrum in strabismus surgery]. / Änderung des Altersspektrums in der Strabismus-Chirurgie.

BACKGROUND: The proportion of children undergoing strabismus surgery in the total volume of eye muscle operations appears to have decreased. To verify this we analyzed the age of patients who underwent extraocular muscle (EOM) surgery. METHODS: The data of patients who underwent EOM surgery at the University Eye Hospital Giessen between 1991 and 2019 were reviewed and the numbers of operations in decadal age groups were compared to the German population in the respective period. In addition, the types of strabismus which led to surgery were evaluated. The data pool comprised > 25,000 surgeries involving > 60,000 muscles. RESULTS: In comparison to 1991, in 2019 the proportion of children aged ≤ 10 years decreased from 50.2% to 31.8%, corresponding to a relative decrease of more than one third. The proportion of patients aged > 50 years increased from 6.5% to 22.5%, i.e., by a factor > 3, while the population ≤ 10 years in 2019 was 13% smaller than in 1991 and the population aged > 50 years increased by 37%. The major reason for the decreasing proportion of children was a 53% reduction in surgery for esotropia. We found no apparent changes in the 2nd-5th decades of life. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The lower proportion of children undergoing EOM surgery appears to indicate an improvement in vision screening during the past 4 decades. The increasing proportion of older patients may result from better information on potential treatment and increased incidence of acquired strabismus with corresponding complaints. The demographic shift played a secondary role. Due to the population structure in Germany, a further increase in the demand for EOM surgery is to be expected.

Non-invasive age estimation based on faecal DNA using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting for Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

Age is necessary information for the study of life history of wild animals. A general method to estimate the age of odontocetes is counting dental growth layer groups (GLGs). However, this method is highly invasive as it requires the capture and handling of individuals to collect their teeth. Recently, the development of DNA-based age estimation methods has been actively studied as an alternative to such invasive methods, of which many have relied on used biopsy samples. However, if DNA-based age estimation can be developed from faecal samples, age estimation can be performed entirely non-invasively. We developed an age estimation model using the methylation rate of two gene regions, GRIA2 and CDKN2A, measured through methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) from faecal samples of wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). The age of individuals was known through conducting longitudinal individual identification surveys underwater. Methylation rates were quantified from 36 samples collected from 30 individuals. Both gene regions showed a significant correlation between age and methylation rate. The age estimation model was constructed based on the methylation rates of both genes which achieved sufficient accuracy (after LOOCV: MAE = 5.08, R2 = 0.33) for the ecological studies of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, with a lifespan of 40-50 years. This is the first study to report the use of non-invasive faecal samples to estimate the age of marine mammals.

Differences in health-related quality of life between native and foreign-born gynaecological cancer patients in Sweden: a five-year cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To examine differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between native and foreign-born gynaecological cancer patients in Sweden, taking into account clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: The 30-item European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and a study-specific questionnaire covering demographic and socioeconomic factors were answered by 684 women aged ≥ 18 years old, diagnosed in 2014, 2016, or 2018 with gynaecological cancer in the Stockholm-Gotland health care region, Sweden. Clinical data were obtained from the Swedish Cancer Register. Data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and linear regression. RESULTS: The women had a mean age of 65.4 years, with 555 (81.1%) born in Sweden, 54 (7.9%) in other Nordic countries (ONC), 43 (6.3%) in other European countries (OEC), and 32 (4.7%) in non-European countries (NEC). HRQoL differed significantly between the four groups for 14 of the 15 QLQ-C30 scales/items. On average, Swedish-born women scored 2.0, 15.2, and 16.7 points higher for QoL/functioning scales/items and 2.2, 14.1, and 18.7 points lower for symptom scales/items, compared with ONC-, OEC-, and NEC-born women, respectively. In adjusted analyses, none of the differences between Swedish-born and ONC-born women were significant, while for OEC- and NEC-born women the differences were significant for most QLQ-C30 scales/items. CONCLUSION: HRQoL differs between native and foreign-born gynaecological cancer patients in Sweden, with lower HRQoL the further from Sweden the women are born. A more individualised cancer care, with tailored support to optimize HRQoL is needed for this vulnerable group of patients.

The burden of young-onset pancreatic cancer and its risk factors from 1990 to 2019: A systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate worldwide incidence, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and risk factors for young-onset pancreatic cancer (YOPC) using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019-20 data. METHODS: We queried the Global Health Data Exchange tool for "pancreatic cancer" and "incidence", "deaths" as the "measure", and "DALYs" as the "cause" for the age group of 15-49 years to determine global, regional, and national trends in the incidence, deaths, and DALYs of YOPC. Sociodemographic index (SDI) was used to evaluate the associations between socioeconomic development and YOPC. Risk factors including smoking, tobacco use, hi2gh body mass index (BMI), and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were evaluated, and their attributable burden was estimated. RESULTS: Global incidence, death, and DALY rates of YOPC significantly increased from 1990 to 2019 ((0.30 (p = 0.001), 0.25 (p = 0.001), and 11.18 (p = 0.002), respectively). Regions with the highest and lowest incidence, death, and DALY rates of YOPC were Eastern Europe and Central Sub-Saharan Africa, respectively. Incidence, death, and DALY rates increased with increasing age and SDI. Leading risk factors for YOPC in 2019 were smoking and tobacco use. DALYs attributable to smoking and tobacco use decreased from 1990 to 2019, especially in females, while those attributable to high BMI and FPG increased during the same period. CONCLUSIONS: The global incidence, death and DALY rates of YOPC have significantly increased over 3 decades. Certain regions and nations are witnessing a higher increase in this trend. There is an urgent need for global efforts targeting preventable causes of YOPC.

Valores de referencia de espirometría forzada de adultos residentes sobre o bajo 1500 m s. n. m.: revisión sistemática

Introducción: La espirometría es una prueba de función pulmonar usada en la valoración de programas de rehabilitación para evaluar exposiciones a tóxicos y alérgenos, en estudios epidemiológicos y en el desarrollo de ecuaciones de referencia en poblaciones específicas; estos valores pueden variar de acuerdo con la altura. Objetivo: Establecer las diferencias entre los valores de referencia de espirometría forzada en población adulta residentes en alturas mayores y menores a 1500 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Métodos: Revisión sistemática, se encontraron 536 estudios, se evaluaron 66 en texto completo, 33 en calidad metodológica con las listas de chequeo Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies y Quality Assessment of Case-Control Studies; 21 estudios fueron seleccionados para la revisión y 12 surtieron metanálisis. Resultados: Se contó con 48 923 participantes de alturas entre 2,4 y 4440 m s. n. m. Hay diferencias iniciales al relacionar la altura (+/-1500 m s. n. m) con el VEF1 (hombres: DM 0,29; IC: 0,03-0,55; mujeres: DM 0,27; IC: -0,07-0,60) y los valores de referencia con el sexo: CVF (DM 1,31; IC: 1,24-1,37) y VEF1 (DM: 1,03; IC: 0,95-1,11). Se reportó alta heterogeneidad y riesgo de sesgo de publicación. Discusión: Estas diferencias se dan en función de aspectos antropométricos y fisiológicos como la aclimatación y el envejecimiento pulmonar. Los mecanismos que influyen en estos cambios son la adaptación genética, molecular, fisiológica y anatómica, que permiten compensar los efectos de la hipoxia aguda o crónica, lo cual aumenta la ventilación alveolar y los valores espirométricos. Conclusiones: Los valores de referencia de espirometría varían de acuerdo con la altura (mayores en alturas > 1500 m s. n. m) y el sexo (más elevados en hombres). Es necesario contar con evidencias más amplias y contundentes en la temática.

Introduction: Spirometry is a lung function test used in the evaluation of rehabilitation programs to evaluate exposures to toxics and allergens in epidemiological studies and in the development of reference equations in specific populations; these values may vary according to height. Objective: To establish the differences between the reference values of forced spirometry in the adult population living at altitudes greater than and less than 1,500 meters above sea level. Methods: Systematic review a total of 536 studies were found; 66 were assessed in full text and 33 were assessed for methodological quality using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies and Quality Assessment of Case-Control Studies checklists; 21 studies were selected for the review and 12 provided meta-analyses. Results: There were 48,923 participants from heights between 2.4 and 4,440 m.a.s.l. There are initial differences when relating height (+/-1,500 m.a.s.l.) with FEV1 (men: MD 0.29; CI: 0.03-0.55; women: MD 0.27; CI: -0.07-0 .60); and the reference values with gender: FVC (MD 1.31, CI: 1.24-1.37) and FEV1 (MD: 1.03, CI: 0.95-1.11). High heterogeneity and risk of publication bias are reported. Discussion: These differences occur based on anthropometric and physiological aspects such as acclimatization and lung aging. The mechanisms that influence these changes are genetic, molecular, physiological and anatomical adaptations that allow compensation for the effects of acute or chronic hypoxia, which increases alveolar ventilation and spirometric values. Conclusions: The spirometry reference values vary according to height (higher at heights >1,500 m.a.s.l.) and sex (higher in men). It is necessary to have broader and more convincing evidence on the subject.

Mortality from Breast Cancer in Women under 50 Years of Age in Colombia / Mortalidade por câncer de mama em mulheres com menos de 50 anos de idade na Colômbia

Abstract Objective To calculate and analyze the mortality rates from breast cancer in women under 50 years of age in Colombia and to compare them with those of other countries in the region. Methods Based on data from the registry of deaths in 2018 and the results of the National Population and Housing Census of Colombia for the same year, specific mortality rates in women with breast cancer, specific mortality according to age group, standardized by age, proportional mortality, potential years of life lost, and years of life expectancy lost in women under 50 years of age who died from breast cancer were calculated. The mortality rate of regional countries was consulted on the Global Cancer Observatory webpage. Results In the group from 20 to 49 years, the specific mortality rate was higher in the age range from 45 to 49 years, with a rate of 23.42 × 100,000, a value that was above the specific mortality rate due to breast cancer in women in Colombia, 15.17 × 100.000. In the age range of 45 to 49 years, the potential years of life lost were 42.16. Of the 0.275 years of life expectancy lost by the population due to this neoplasia, women under 50 years of age represented 0.091 (33%). Colombia is the fifth in the rank of mortality in Latin American countries in this age group. Conclusion Breast cancer in patients from 30 to 59 years is the number one cause for the decrease in life expectancy of women in Colombia. Women under 50 years of age represent one third of this decrease. This neoplasm is also the leading cause of mortality in women younger than 50 years in South America.

Immune indices and oral health in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

BACKGROUND: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). During the incubation period of AIDS, oral manifestations may precede systemic symptoms; therefore, it is vitally important to explore the relationship between HIV and oral health and other indicators. This study aimed to further assess the correlation between demographic risk factors, the dental health of HIV-infected patients, and the correlation of oral health indicators with CD4+ T-cell counts (CTCCs) and HIV viral loads (HIV-VLs). METHODS: Demographic data on 108 HIV-infected patients were first recorded by questionnaire from March 2016 to November 2018. Patients' dental health and oral lesions were assessed by a dental specialist; in addition, they were tested for CTCCs and HIV-VLs by flow cytometry and NucliSENS EasyQ® HIV-1 virometer. Finally, the links between CTCC, HIV-VL, and the dental health (including oral lesions) of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: We found that age, marital status, and body mass index (BMI) were relevant to the patient's dental health (P < 0.05) and that their oral hygiene was relevant to their dental health (P < 0.05). However, HIV-VL was not directly related to periodontal/dental clinical indicators (P > 0.05). We discovered that the oral lesions in HIV-infected patients were related to decreased CTCCs and increased HIV-VLs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that HIV-infected patients with severely impaired immune function tend to have poor dental health. Moreover, the prevalence of oral lesions was negatively correlated with CTCC and positively correlated with HIV-VL.

Modelling the spread of cystic fibrosis in Brittany using genealogical data over five centuries.

BACKGROUND: The French region of Brittany presents one of the highest cystic fibrosis (CF)-causing allele frequency in Europe. Here, we tested two hypotheses: i) CF-causing allele carriers arrived by sea in the middle of the 1st millennium AD, and ii) a selective advantage for healthy carriers explains this high rate. METHODS: From the census of cystic fibrosis patients, frequency maps of the most widespread alleles were established. A mathematical model was developed, based on birth date and place of the ancestors of these patients over 5 centuries, to determine the distribution of local migrations and their parameters for inter-generational intervals of 32 years. This model was applied to simulate the spread of CF-causing variant carriers, according to different scenarios that corresponded to the immigration of a given number of variant carriers at different times (year) and places, and to compare their results to current frequency maps. RESULTS: Migrants carrying a CFTR variant settled in several locations, around which they spread, notably in Central Brittany (F508del variant), Léon (G551D variant) and Cornouaille (1078delT variant). Until the end of the 18th century, the spreading of disease-causing allele carriers was relatively slow, and allele frequencies progressively increased. Then, the mean migration distances increased rapidly, leading to a decline in local frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: The main CFTR variants could only have reached their current frequencies through a selective advantage for healthy carriers of the order of 4-6 % at each generation. For the most widespread variant (F508del), the model supports the hypothesis that it appeared around 190 generations ago.