Metabolic Shifts as the Hallmark of Most Common Diseases: The Quest for the Underlying Unity.

A hyper-specialization characterizes modern medicine with the consequence of classifying the various diseases of the body into unrelated categories. Such a broad diversification of medicine goes in the opposite direction of physics, which eagerly looks for unification. We argue that unification should also apply to medicine. In accordance with the second principle of thermodynamics, the cell must release its entropy either in the form of heat (catabolism) or biomass (anabolism). There is a decreased flow of entropy outside the body due to an age-related reduction in mitochondrial entropy yield resulting in increased release of entropy in the form of biomass. This shift toward anabolism has been known in oncology as Warburg-effect. The shift toward anabolism has been reported in most diseases. This quest for a single framework is reinforced by the fact that inflammation (also called the immune response) is involved in nearly every disease. This strongly suggests that despite their apparent disparity, there is an underlying unity in the diseases. This also offers guidelines for the repurposing of old drugs.

Is Specialisation Needed in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy? A Retrospective Cohort Study of 5122 Patients.

Background: Gallstone disease is a common problem and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a common elective procedure. This operation was performed by a general surgeon, colorectal surgeons, breast and vascular surgeons according to the largest UK's audit (CholeS study). Objectives: To compare the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by a specialist upper gastrointestinal (UGI) surgeon to that of CholeS and large international studies. Our hypothesis is: UGI specialist is producing better outcomes for LC patients. Methods: All patient who underwent LC between 1999 and 2019 at one hospital by an UGI consultant and 2014-2019 at another hospital by another UGI consultant surgeon were included. The inclusion criteria were LC performed by UGI surgeon. Lost to follow up, procedures done by trainees and gallbladder cancer patients were excluded. The outcome measures of bile leak, bile duct injuries, bleeding, infectious complications, bowel injuries, vascular injuries and pseudoaneurysms, neuralgia, port site hernia, mesenteric haematoma, 30-day mortality and conversion to open were reported. Statistical tests were used to assess the significant differences, the confidence interval was 95% and the p-value was taken as 0.05. Results: Two UGI specialists performed 5122 LC, 4396 (86%) were female and 715 (14%) male. The age was 13-93 year (median of 48 years). 3681 (72 %) was done as a day surgery case. 1431(28%) as an inpatient and 287 (5.6%) emergency LC. There was no death in the 30 days periods of surgery, 8 (0.15%) biliary leak from the duct of Luschka, 4 (0.19%) common bile duct (CBD) injuries, 9(0.02%) conversions and 17(0.33%) procedures were abandoned. There were significant differences in the above complications between our study and the CholeS report. Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with acceptable outcomes, low risk of bile duct injury and no mortality when performed by a specialist upper GI surgeon.

La evaluación final en la especialidad Medicina Interna: propuesta de adecuaciones / Final evaluation in Internal Medicine specialty: proposal of adjustments

Introducción: La evaluación de graduación constituye el examen de culminación de los estudios de la especialización, correspondiente a la enseñanza de posgrado. Objetivo: Proponer y fundamentar la realización de modificaciones en la evaluación de graduación de la especialidad Medicina Interna, en nuestro contexto. Método: Investigación sustentada en el análisis de documentos metodológicos y en una reflexión crítica de la praxis, para la construcción teórica de la propuesta de modificaciones. Resultados: A partir de la identificación de puntos de mejoría y guiados por una serie de principios, se proponen los siguientes cambios: 1) readecuación en la secuencia de los ejercicios teóricos y prácticos que conforman el examen estatal, 2) mayor peso de las actividades prácticas en la evaluación, tanto por aumento del número de actividades como por el tiempo destinado a las ejecuciones, 3) representación más amplia de la diversidad de habilidades y competencias objetivo de aprendizaje en la residencia, y 4) una mirada más exigente y valorizada de las competencias investigativas en general, y del trabajo de terminación de la especialidad en particular. Conclusiones: Mediante los cambios que se proponen se logra una certificación más real y objetiva de las competencias profesionales de los educandos para el cumplimiento del encargo social, y contribuye al mejoramiento de la calidad del profesional egresado, al estimular un proceso formativo dirigido a garantizar la aplicación de los conocimientos(AU)

Introduction: The graduation evaluation constitute the final assessment of the specializing studies, corresponding to postgraduate education. Objective: To propose and to substantiate the conduction of modifications in the graduation evaluation of Internal Medicine specialty, in our context. Method: A research based on the analysis of methodological documents and on praxis critical reflection was carried out for the theoretical construction of the proposed modifications. Results: From the identification of çimprovement points and guided by a series of principles, the following changes are proposed: 1) Readjusting the sequence of theoretical and practical exercises that make up the state exams, 2) Providing greater importance of practical activities in the assessment, both due to the increase in the number of activities and the time allocated to performing, 3) Bringing broader representation of the diversity of skills and competencies which are learning objective in the residence, and 4) Demanding and measuring more the research competences in general, and of the completion paper of the specialty in particular. Conclusions: These proposed changes result in more real and objective certification of the professional competences of the students for achieving the fulfillment of the social mandate. These changes improve the quality of the professional, by stimulating a training process aimed at guaranteeing the application of knowledge(AU)

Patients with shoulder pain referred to specialist care; treatment, predictors of pain and disability, emotional distress, main symptoms and sick-leave: a cohort study with a six-months follow-up.

Objectives Recommendations for referral of patients with shoulder pain from primary to specialist care are mainly clinical. Several patients are referred without meeting these criteria for referral, whereas some are referred for a second opinion although surgery is not recommended. The aims of this study were to describe a shoulder pain cohort in specialist healthcare according to demographic data, clinical, and psychological factors; evaluate changes in pain and disability, distress and main symptoms from baseline to six-month follow-up; and to assess predictors of pain and disability, changes in the main symptoms and sick-leave at six-months. Results were compared to previous randomised trials conducted at the same clinic in patients with subacromial shoulder pain. Methods This prospective study included 167 patients from an outpatient clinic in specialist healthcare with shoulder pain for more than 6 weeks. Clinical (pain duration, intensity, pain sites), sociodemographic (age, gender, educational level, work status) and psychological variables (emotional distress (HSCL-10), fear of pain, screening of "yellow flags", health-related quality of life) were collected. Shoulder pain and disability (SPADI-score) were assessed and the patients were asked about their outcome expectation and to predict their status of their shoulder problem the next month. They underwent a clinical interview, a clinical assessment of shoulder function and orthopaedic tests for diagnostic purposes. After six months they received a questionnaire with main variables. Results Of the 167 patients (55% women), 50% had symptoms for more than 12 months and 37 (22%) were on sick-leave. Characteristics were in general comparable to patients previously included in clinical trials at the same department. The SPADI-score was 46 (23) points. Mean emotional distress was within the normal range (1.7 (SD 0.6)). More than 80% had received treatment before, mainly physiotherapy in addition to the GPs treatment. One hundred and thirty-seven patients (82%) were re-referred to physiotherapy, 74 (44%) in the outpatient clinic specialist healthcare, and 63 (38%) in primary care. One hundred and eighteen (71%) answered the follow-up questionnaire. Mean change in SPADI-score was 10.5 points (95% CI (6.5-14.5)), and 29% of the patients improved more than the smallest detectable difference (SDD). The percentage sick-listed was 19.5%, and mean change in main symptoms (-9 to +9) was 3.4 (SD 3.9). The subgroup of patients receiving physiotherapy in outpatient specialist care did not show any significant change in the main variables. The prediction models suggested that a lower level of education, more fear of pain and a high baseline SPADI-score, predicted a higher SPADI-score at follow-up. A high baseline HSCL-10 score was the only significant predictor for a high HSCL-10 score. At follow-up, less pain at rest predicted more change in main symptoms and more yellow flags (a higher score on the Örebro screening test) predicted sick-leave. Conclusions Within the limitations of a cohort study, patients with persistent shoulder pain referred to an outpatient specialist clinic had similar baseline characteristics but shorter treatment duration, inferior clinical results and predictors somewhat different compared with previous clinical trials conducted at the same clinic. The study raises some questions about the effectiveness of the routines in daily clinical practice, the selection of patients, the treatment duration and content.

Conflict of Interest: Are Iranian Breast Cancer Specialists Prone to it?

INTRODUCTION: Giving gifts is a common way to promote and encourage the use of products of trading companies and increase the patient referrals to diagnostic centers. The present study aimed to assess the practice of physicians of different (sub) specialties/educational levels engaged in breast cancer management in some conflict of interest (COI) situations in their relation with pharmaceutical companies and paraclinical centers. METHODS: A self-administered online questionnaire including questions on demographic and professional information as well as the attitude of physicians toward COI by answering the questions in three different practical scenarios was developed. Respondents were asked to answer each question by selecting one of the five options: strongly agree, agree, undecided/neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree in their own practices as well as the same questions asking the same subject for what they think of the other physicians. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to report qualitative and quantitative variables. RESULT: The response rate was 66.24%. In general, physicians considered their performance better than that of other physicians in the situations asked. More than 90% stated that they would participate in the sponsorship congress for introducing new drugs. One fifth of the physicians stated that they would accept the 30% financial proposition for the referral of every single patient to other clinics. More than half of the physicians stated that they had considered the risks resulted from the COI for referring patients to private radiobiological centers. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that physicians in the field of breast cancer were at the risk of COI. Even within the medical field, there is not sufficient trust in the proper functioning of doctors in dealing with COI situations.
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Implementing a stepwise educational approach for bridging the gap between specialty and primary care for childhood cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: To create a community of learning involving primary care providers and subspecialist to enhance providers' knowledge regarding care of adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS). METHODS: A stepwise approach was used to develop educational opportunities for providers. This process started with a local/regional in-person conference, which informed a webinar series, and resulted in the development of enduring material using a dynamic learning management system. RESULTS: Participants in all three learning platforms had an increase in knowledge from baseline regarding care for adult CCS. Majority of participants at the in-person conference and webinar series were oncology or other specialty providers. The enduring dynamic learning management system successfully reached a variety of providers and other allied health providers across the country. There was a slightly higher rate of participation on this platform by primary care providers of 12.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Care providers' knowledge of survivorship needs of adult CCS can be increased by multiple forms of instruction. However, the dynamic learning management system was most successful at reaching a broad audience. Advertisement through local and national organizations was not as successful as anticipated. Additional strategies are needed to successfully engage providers, specifically primary care providers (PCPs). IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The professional development needs of primary care providers regarding care of adult CCS is well recognized. A dynamic learning management system may represent the most convenient and accessible way to provide education, but new strategies for increasing providers' awareness and engagement are required. The goal of improving care of adult CCS requires increased providers knowledge.

Youtube as a Source of Patients' and Specialists' Information on Hemorrhoids and Hemorrhoid Surgery.

BACKGROUND: In the past, most people sought medical information by consulting health care professionals. Nowadays, many people started to use online resources to access medical information. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to investigate whether YouTube videos on hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid surgery can be a useful e-learning source for the general population, surgical trainees and specialists. METHODS: A YouTube search was performed in October 2019 using the keywords "hemorrhoids" and "hemorrhoid surgery", and the videos were divided into 2 groups according to the keywords. Three independent researchers assessed the metadata and classified them according to the level of accuracy (hemorrhoid group) and the level of usefulness (hemorrhoid surgery group). Cohen's test and Kappa (K) value were used to evaluate the inter-investigators agreement. RESULTS: A total of 200 videos were analyzed, 100 for each keyword. Regarding the hemorrhoid group, 43 videos (48.3%) were misleading, 9 were accurate (10.1%), 18 were approximate (20.2%), and 19 were considered a personal experience (21.4%). Regarding the hemorrhoid surgery group, around 60% of the videos were lacking a clear explanation, while about 16% were inaccurate. Only the remaining 24% were considered useful for teaching. CONCLUSION: Around half of the YouTube videos regarding hemorrhoids topic were found to be misleading or inaccurate and present a risk of harmful consequences. Credible videos with accurate information need to be uploaded by medical professionals and medical institutions and some sort of filtering, using categories by the staff of YouTube, appears to be necessary. Care must be taken to produce clear, high-quality operative clips with proper scientific commentary.

Well-trained gynecologic oncologists can perform bowel resection and upper abdominal surgery safely.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to examine the safety of bowel resection and upper abdominal surgery in patients with advanced ovarian cancer performed by gynecologic oncologists after training in a monodisciplinary surgical team. METHODS: We implemented a monodisciplinary surgical team consisting of specialized gynecologic oncologist for advanced ovarian cancer. In the initial learning period in 65 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) III/IV, a gynecologic oncologist who had a certification as a general surgeon trained 2 other gynecologic oncologists in bowel resection and upper abdominal surgery for 4 years. After the initial learning period, the trained gynecologic oncologists performed surgeries without the certificated general surgeon in 195 patients with FIGO III/IV. The surgical outcomes and perioperative complications during the 2 periods were evaluated. RESULTS: The rates of achieving no gross disease after cytoreductive surgery were 80.0% in the initial learning period and 83.6% in the post-learning period (p=0.560). The incidence of anastomotic leakage after rectosigmoid resection, symptomatic pleural effusion or pneumothorax after right diaphragm resection, and pancreatic fistula after splenectomy with distal pancreatectomy in the 2 periods were 2 of 34 (6.0%), 1 of 33 (3.0%), and 3 of 15 (20.0%) patients in the initial learning period, and 12 of 147 (8.2%), 1 of 118 (0.8%), and 11 of 84 (13.1%) patients in the post-learning period, respectively. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups (p=0.270, p=0.440, p=0.520, respectively). CONCLUSION: Bowel resection and upper abdominal surgery can be performed safely by gynecologic oncologists.

Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist in Palliative Radiation Therapy: Report of an Orientation, Training, and Support Program.

INTRODUCTION: A clinical specialist radiation therapist (CSRT) position in palliative radiation therapy (RT) was created at our institution. Herein, we report the details of the CSRT's orientation, training, and support program. METHODS: We performed an audit and needs assessment of palliative RT services at our centre. This identified opportunities for improvement that could be facilitated by the CSRT. We defined the CSRT job description including priority responsibilities: (1) optimizing palliative RT services for outpatients and developing a rapid access palliative RT program, (2) optimizing palliative RT services for inpatients at our institution, (3) improving links to community physicians and hospitals caring for patients with advanced cancers. We formed a core resource team to provide ongoing support and to design and implement the orientation and training program. The program involved training in clerical and administrative systems as well as treatment planning and physics training relevant to palliative RT. Clinical placements at several hospitals were arranged in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The CSRT worked with radiation and medical oncologists, palliative care specialists, nurse practitioners, hospitalists, and social workers. RESULTS: Through clinical placements and self-directed learning, the CSRT gained knowledge and competencies in patient care coordination, history taking and physical examination, clinical oncology practice including the evidence-based use of palliative RT and symptom control measures, treatment planning, communication, patient advocacy, and advance care planning. We provided practice resources including office space and a planning station, educational opportunities including workshops in palliative and psychosocial care, and research opportunities including methodologic and research ethics training. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of its kind for an advanced practice radiation therapy role. We hope our report will inform the design and implementation of programs elsewhere to help prepare individuals for similar roles in palliative RT. CONCLUSION: The CSRT in palliative RT at our institution underwent a comprehensive orientation and training program. Institutions with similar CSRT positions are encouraged to report the details of their own programs.

Defining advanced practice in radiation therapy: A feasibility assessment of a new healthcare provider role in Ontario, Canada.

INTRODUCTION: This study assesses the feasibility of a new role for radiation therapists in Ontario, Canada, called the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT), which would address health service pressures and improve patients' access to care. METHODS: A literature search and expert consensus were used to define advanced practice. A standardized template was used to record each APRTs activities/competencies, along with the requisite knowledge, skills and judgment required to perform these competencies. A thematic analysis of the lists was undertaken to develop a single competency profile. Seven APRTs were deployed at four cancer centres to gather contextual information on the development and integration of the new role. RESULTS: The definition of AP consists of seven key traits and includes a framework identifying stages of practice from entry-level practitioner through expert to advanced practitioner. The competency profile consists of clinical, technical and professional domains which further define the scope of practice and shepherd the role through stages of implementation. Role testing showed support for the role and demonstrated that APRTs can deliver specialized services, perform delegated tasks and their work can lead to program efficiencies and new services. The new role may also lead to improved radiation therapist recruitment rates and work satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility assessment served as the foundation for the future long-term implementation of the Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT) Project. As of 2018, there were 24 CSRTs in Ontario. The APRT role is a natural progression for a readying profession which can play a transformative role in addressing health human resource shortages.

Opportunities for improving the efficiency of keratinocyte carcinoma care in primary and specialist care: Results from population-based Dutch cohort studies.

BACKGROUND: High incidence rates of keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) in Western countries put pressure on healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to describe clinical practice in order to identify areas for improvement. METHODS: A random selection of patients from the Integrated Primary Care Information database who consulted their general practitioner (GP) for suspicious or confirmed KC (n = 1597) was made in the analysis. For secondary care, 1569 patients with histologically confirmed KC were randomly selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. All patients were diagnosed between 2009 and 2013 and followed up until 2016. Details on diagnosis, treatment and care during follow-up were described. RESULTS: Among 942 patients who consulted their GP, KC was included in the working or differential diagnosis, but two-thirds (629) were not KC. If the GP suspected KC, the GP directly referred to a medical specialist in most cases (548 of 942). In half (470 of 967) of all confirmed KCs, a skin malignancy was not described in the initial working or differential diagnosis of the GP. The medical specialist treated the first primary KC in 86% (1369 of 1596) by excision, 4% (69 of 1596) by Mohs surgery and 10% (158 of 1596) by another treatment. Although follow-up is not recommended for low-risk basal cell carcinoma, 83% (29 of 35) received follow-up care. In contrast, 82% (60 of 73) patients with squamous cell carcinoma received less follow-up than recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening the diagnostic pathway for KC in primary care and reduction of low-value follow-up visits in secondary care seem potential areas for improving the efficiency of KC care.

Non-specialist palliative care: A principle-based concept analysis.

BACKGROUND: Building palliative care capacity among all healthcare practitioners caring for patients with chronic illnesses, who do not work in specialist palliative care services (non-specialist palliative care), is fundamental in providing more responsive and sustainable palliative care. Varying terminology such as 'generalist', 'basic' and 'a palliative approach' are used to describe this care but do not necessarily mean the same thing. Internationally, there are also variations between levels of palliative care which means that non-specialist palliative care may be applied inconsistently in practice because of this. Thus, a systematic exploration of the concept of non-specialist palliative care is warranted. AIM: To advance conceptual, theoretical and operational understandings of and clarity around the concept of non-specialist palliative care. DESIGN: The principle-based method of concept analysis, from the perspective of four overarching principles, such as epistemological, pragmatic, logical and linguistic, were used to analyse non-specialist palliative care. DATA SOURCES: The databases of CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library and Embase were searched. Additional searches of grey literature databases, key text books, national palliative care policies and websites of chronic illness and palliative care organisations were also undertaken. CONCLUSION: Essential attributes of non-specialist palliative care were identified but were generally poorly measured and understood in practice. This concept is strongly associated with quality of life, holism and patient-centred care, and there was blurring of roles and boundaries particularly with specialist palliative care. Non-specialist palliative care is conceptually immature, presenting a challenge for healthcare practitioners on how this clinical care may be planned, delivered and measured.

Standard baseline data collections in obesity management clinics: A Delphi study with recommendations from an expert panel.

We aimed to develop an expert consensus on standardizing data collections in specialist obesity management clinics in Australia. A panel of 16 experts participated in a structured consensus-driven Delphi process to reach agreement on a minimum set of baseline patient data collections for consideration in specialist obesity services. The panel included surgeons, clinicians, allied health professionals (dietician, exercise physiologist, psychologist), a bariatric nurse and obesity researchers. We produced a recommended list of core and useful data items that should comprise the baseline patient data set. Consensus was achieved for recommended measures of demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, weight-loss history, medication, medical history and comorbidity data items using a 70% agreement threshold. In this iterative process, there was also consideration of specific data items for patients referred for bariatric surgery. We present the first expert panel consensus on recommendations for a minimum and standard set of baseline patient data collections in obesity management services in Australia. These may be relevant to other countries with similar obesity management service models. Implementation of these recommendations should facilitate data pooling for clinical audits and research collaborations across clinics seeking to improve the quality of specialist obesity care.

Colorectal trainees in the UK struggle to meet JAG certification standards in colonoscopy by the end of their training.

AIM: Colonoscopy certification in the UK is taken in two parts - provisional and full - mandating lifetime procedure counts of 200 or 300, respectively. The aim of this study was to determine the number of procedures performed by colorectal trainees by the end of training compared with their gastroenterology peers and to determine the factors associated with achieving the 300-procedure target for full certification. METHOD: Dates of entry onto the specialist register were obtained from the General Medical Council. This list was cross-referenced with procedure counts from the Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) Endoscopy Training System database to determine the number of colonoscopies and polypectomies performed during training. Factors associated with achieving 300 procedures were analysed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Procedures numbers were obtained for 234 gastroenterology and 148 colorectal surgery trainees. Over the last 5 years, the number of colonoscopies performed during training has declined for colorectal surgery trainees but increased for gastroenterology trainees. Gastroenterology trainees are more likely to achieve provisional and full certification. For trainees completing training in 2017, 19% of colorectal surgery trainees compared with 88% of gastroenterology trainees were able to reach the threshold of 300 procedures for full certification. CONCLUSION: Colorectal surgery trainees lag behind their gastroenterology counterparts in accruing endoscopy experience. This affects the ability of colorectal surgery trainees to achieve certification prior to completion of training. An urgent debate is required to decide what endoscopy training is required of a colorectal surgeon and how a robust training system can be put in place to ensure this is achieved.

Evaluating the effects of surgical subspecialisation on patient outcomes following emergency laparotomy: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: General surgeons have become increasingly subspecialised in their elective practice. Emergency laparotomies, however, are performed by a range of subspecialists who may or may not have an interest in the affected area of gastrointestinal tract. This retrospective cohort study evaluates the impact of surgical subspecialisation on patient outcomes following emergency laparotomy. METHODS: Data was collected for patients who underwent an emergency abdominal procedure on the gastrointestinal tract in the North of England from 2001 to 2016. This included demographics, co-morbidities, diagnoses and procedures undertaken. Patients were grouped according to consultants' subspecialist interest. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day postoperative mortality. RESULTS: 24,291 emergency laparotomies were performed with an associated 30-day postoperative mortality of 11.7%. Laparotomies undertaken by upper gastrointestinal (UGI) or colorectal surgeons have significantly lower mortality (10.1%) when compared with other subspecialities (13.5%). More specifically, mortality was decreased for UGI (7.9% vs. 12.9%) and colorectal procedures (10.9% vs. 14.2%) when performed by surgeons with a specialist interest in the relevant area of the gastrointestinal tract (both p < 0.001). The utilisation of laparoscopic surgery is higher, in both UGI (21.8% vs. 9.0%) and colorectal procedures (7.2% vs. 3.5%), when the causative pathology is relevant to the surgeon's subspeciality (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Mortality following emergency laparotomy is improved when performed under the care of gastrointestinal surgeons. Both UGI and colorectal emergency procedures have improved outcomes, with lower mortality and higher rates of laparoscopy, when under the care of a surgeon with a subspecialist interest in the affected area of the gastrointestinal tract.