Current Trends in Incidence and Management of T1a and T1b Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) identified incidentally (iPCa) after surgical treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is considered low risk by the most current guidelines. Management protocols for iPCa are conservative and are identical to other prostate cancers classified as having favorable prognoses. The objectives of this paper are to discuss the incidence of iPCa stratified by BPH procedure, to highlight predictors of cancer progression, and to propose potential modifications to mainstream guidelines for the optimal management of iPCa. The correlation between the rate of iPCa detection and the method of BPH surgery is not clearly defined. Old age, small prostate volume, and high pre-operative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are associated with an increased likelihood of detecting iPCa. PSA and tumor grade are strong predictors of cancer progression and can be used along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and potential confirmatory biopsies to determine disease management. In instances that iPCa requires treatment, radical prostatectomy (RP), radiation therapy, and androgen deprivation therapy all have oncologic benefits but may be associated with increased risk after the BPH surgery. It is advised that patients with low to favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer undergo post-operative PSA measurement and prostate MRI imaging before electing to choose between observation, surveillance without confirmatory biopsy, immediate confirmatory biopsy, or active treatment. Subdividing the binary T1a/b cancer staging into more categories with ranging percentages of malignant tissue would be a helpful first step in tailoring the management of iPCa.

Neurodata Tracker: Software for computational assessment of hand motor skills based on optical motion capture in a virtual environment.

Objectives: Deficits affecting hand motor skills negatively impact the quality of life of patients. The NeuroData Tracker platform has been developed for the objective and precise evaluation of hand motor deficits. We describe the design and development of the platform and analyse the technological feasibility and usability in a relevant clinical setting. Methods: A software application was developed in Unity (C#) to obtain kinematic data from hand movement tracking by a portable device with two cameras and three infrared sensors (leap motion®). Four exercises were implemented: (a) wrist flexion-extension (b) finger-grip opening-closing (c) finger spread (d) fist opening-closing. The most representative kinematic parameters were selected for each exercise. A script in Python was integrated in the platform to transform real-time kinematic data into relevant information for the clinician. The application was tested in a pilot study comparing the data provided by the tool from ten healthy subjects without any motor impairment and ten patients diagnosed with a stroke with mild to moderate hand motor deficit. Results: The NeuroData Tracker allowed the parameterization of kinematics of hand movement and the issuance of a report with the results. The comparison of the data obtained suggests the feasibility of the tool for detecting differences between patients and healthy subjects. Conclusions: This new platform based on optical motion capturing provides objective measurement of hand movement allowing quantification of motor deficits. These findings require further validation of the tool in larger trials to verify its usefulness in the clinical setting.

Development of a Predictive Model for Agave Prices Employing Environmental, Economic, and Social Factors: Towards a Planned Supply Chain for Agave-Tequila Industry.

The interest of consumers to acquire Tequila has caused an increase in its sales. As demand increases, the Tequila industry must obtain its raw material at a constant rate and agave farmers must be prepared to satisfy this supply chain. Because of this, modernization of the strategies used to ensure a planned, scheduled, timely, and predictable production will allow farmers to maintain the current demand for Tequila. This has been evidenced in official historical records from 1999 to 2020 where there is a fluctuation in the price of agave due to supply and demand. Given this scenario, this research shows the development of a multivariable predictive mathematical model that will permit the agave−Tequila production chain to work based on a smart implementation of planned actions to guarantee the agave supply to the Tequila industry. The proposed model has a goodness of fit (R = 0.8676; R¯2 = 0.8609; F(1,20) = 131.01 > F0.01 (1,20) = 8.10) and demonstrates the impact on agave prices is due to several factors: Tequila exports (α = 0.50) > agave plants harvested "jima" (α = 0.44) > dollar exchange (α = 0.43) > Tequila production (α = 0.06) > annual accumulated precipitation (α = 0.05). Nevertheless, the price forecast can be influenced by climate change or economic crises that affect the supply chain. In conclusion, a prediction of agave price stabilization for five years is shown where authorized producers can evaluate future scenarios so that the agave supply chain can be guaranteed for Tequila production, facilitating the decision making regarding its raw material.

Guía de práctica clínica para la prevención primaria y secundaria y diagnóstico temprano de cáncer gástrico / Clinical practice guide for primary and secondary prevention and early diagnosis of gastric cancer

Resumen Objetivo: Generar recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia, para la prevención primaria y secundaria, el tratamiento de las lesiones preneoplásicas y el diagnóstico temprano del cáncer gástrico en población adulta, con el propósito de reducir la carga de la enfermedad. Materiales y métodos: El grupo desarrollador estuvo integrado por profesionales de la salud y tomadores de decisiones. Se construyeron preguntas clínicas contestables y se realizó la graduación de los desenlaces. Se elaboró la búsqueda de la información en MEDLINE; EMBASE y CENTRAL, siendo actualizada el 18 de octubre de 2018. La pesquisa también abarcó otras fuentes de información como la Revista Colombiana de Gastroenterología y la lectura en "bola de nieve" de las referencias incluidas. Se contactó a expertos en la materia con el objetivo de identificar estudios relevantes no publicados. Para la construcción de las recomendaciones, se realizó un consenso acorde con los lineamientos propuestos por la metodología GRADE, sopesando los beneficios, los efectos adversos derivados de la intervención, las preferencias de los pacientes y el potencial impacto de las intervenciones sobre los costos. Resultados: Se presenta la versión corta de la "Guía de práctica clínica para la prevención primaria, secundaria y diagnóstico temprano de cáncer gástrico", junto con su evidencia de soporte y respectivas recomendaciones. Conclusiones: Como recomendación central para la implementación, se recomienda erradicar la infección por H. pylori en los pacientes con o sin factores de riesgo, como estrategia de prevención de las condiciones precursoras de cáncer gástrico. La Guía deberá actualizarse en tres años.

Abstract Objetive: Generate recommendations for primary and secondary prevention, treatment of gastric preneoplastic lesions, and early diagnosis of gastric cancer in the adult population, to increase the detection of gastric cancer in early stages. Material and methods: The developer group was made up of health professionals, decision-makers, and a representative of the patients. Answerable clinical questions were constructed and outcomes were graded. The search for information in MEDLINE was carried out; EMBASE and CENTRAL, being updated on October 18, 2018. The search also covered other sources of information such as the Colombian Journal of Gastroenterology and the "snowball" reading of the references included. Experts in the field were contacted to identify studies. For the construction of the recommendations, a consensus was made according to the guidelines proposed by the GRADE methodology, weighing the benefits, the adverse effects derived from the intervention, the preferences of the patients, and the potential impact of the interventions on costs. Results: The short version of the "Clinical practice guidelines for the primary, secondary, and early diagnosis of gastric cancer" is presented together with its supporting evidence and respective recommendations. Conclusions: As a central recommendation for implementation, it is recommended to eradicate H. pylori infection in patients with or without risk factors in whom it is detected to prevent gastric cancer precursor conditions. The Guide will need to be updated in three years.

Institutional financial toxicity of failure to adhere to treatment guidelines for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Delays in treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are known to increase disease recurrence, generating the need for additional salvage treatment, often with immunotherapy. METHODS: Three treatment metrics were identified: time from diagnosis to treatment initiation (TTI), time from surgery to postoperative radiotherapy (surg → PORT), and total treatment package time (TPT). Financial toxicity was calculated using hazard ratios, pembrolizumab cost, and dosing data for a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) institutional cohort (n = 338) and a standardized cohort (n = 100). RESULTS: Estimated financial toxicity for the VHA cohort was $2 047 407, $316 545, and $1 114 101 for TTI, surg → PORT, and TPT, respectively. Estimated financial toxicity for the standardized patient cohort was $454 028, $544 576, and $1 879 628 for TTI, surg → PORT, and TPT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Failure to meet established HNSCC treatment metrics generates significant, yet avoidable, institutional financial toxicity which is particularly relevant to integrated single-payer systems such as the VHA in the modern immunotherapy era.

Multicenter Assessment of Antibiotic Prophylaxis Spectrum on Surgical Infections in Head and Neck Cancer Microvascular Reconstruction.

Objective To characterize and identify risk factors for 30-day surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients with head and neck cancer who underwent microvascular reconstruction. Study Design Cross-sectional study with nested case-control design. Setting Nine American tertiary care centers. Subjects and Methods Hospitalized patients were included if they underwent head and neck cancer microvascular reconstruction from January 2003 to March 2016. Cases were defined as patients who developed 30-day SSI; controls were patients without SSI at 30 days. Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis (POABP) regimens were categorized by Gram-negative (GN) spectrum: no GN coverage, enteric GN coverage, and enteric with antipseudomonal GN coverage. All POABP regimens retained activity against anaerobes and Gram-positive bacteria. Thirty-day prevalence of and risk factors for SSI were evaluated. Results A total of 1307 patients were included. Thirty-day SSI occurred in 189 (15%) patients; median time to SSI was 11.5 days (interquartile range, 7-17). Organisms were isolated in 59% of SSI; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (6%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9%) were uncommon. A total of 1003 (77%) patients had POABP data: no GN (17%), enteric GN (52%), and antipseudomonal GN (31%). Variables independently associated with 30-day SSI were as follows: female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2), no GN POABP (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.5-3.3), and surgical duration ≥11.8 hours (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7). Longer POABP durations (≥6 days) or antipseudomonal POABP had no association with SSI. Conclusions POABP without GN coverage was significantly associated with SSI and should be avoided. Antipseudomonal POABP or longer prophylaxis durations (≥6 days) were not protective against SSI. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions should be made to limit unnecessary antibiotic exposures, prevent the emergence of resistant organisms, and improve patient outcomes.

Trends in the Incidence of Lung Cancer Hospitalizations in Spain, 2001-2011. / Tendencias en la incidencia de hospitalizaciones por cáncer de pulmón en España entre 2001 y 2011.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze changes in the incidence, diagnostic procedures, comorbidity, length of hospital stay and costs of patients hospitalized for lung cancer in Spain between 2001 and 2011. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study including all patients hospitalised with a primary diagnosis of lung cancer between 2001 and 2011. Data were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Database, encompassing the entire Spanish population. Economic and sociodemographic characteristics and health-related variables were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 298,435 hospitalizations occurred. The overall crude incidence increased from 61.18 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2001 to 65.08 per 100,000 in 2011 (P <.05), with a decrease in men and a proportionate increase in women. The age group with the highest incidence was 70 to 79 years. In 2001, 4.5% of patients had a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) >2, and in 2011, prevalence of CCI >2 increased to 9.1% (P<.05). Mean length of hospital stay decreased during the study period. Computed tomography was the most common procedure. Mean cost per patient increased from €4,471.22 in 2001 to €5,562.54 (P<.05) in 2011. Factors related to the incidence of hospitalizations were age, sex and year of study in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We found a decrease in the rate of hospitalizations in men and an increase in women, with a concomitant increase in comorbidities and cost; however, length of hospital stay decreased. Factors related to incidence of hospitalizations were age, sex and year of study.

Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by PCR in fresh cheese from local markets in Hidalgo, Mexico.

The objective of this study was to identify the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex bacterial DNA in samples extracted from fresh cheeses; 95 samples of fresh cheese were obtained from municipal markets in the state of Hidalgo, in central Mexico, and were analyzed in triplicate. The exogenous control for the amplification was the mitochondrial gene for cytochrome b (cyt-b). M. tuberculosis complex DNA was detected by nested-PCR amplification of a fragment of the mpb70 gene in six samples, four of which were obtained from regions with enzootic bovine tuberculosis. These results suggest that cheeses prepared with raw milk contaminated with M. bovis are being sold and consumed by humans, which may cause tuberculosis.

Three-dimensional volumetric ultrasound: a valid method for blinded assessment of response to therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the responsiveness and repeatability of volumetric power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) evaluation of synovitis and bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Twenty-three patients with RA (19 women, mean age 52.7 ± 12.6 yrs, mean disease duration 10.1 ± 8.6 yrs) were prospectively enrolled. All patients were beginning therapy with rituximab because of disease activity despite therapy with synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and tumor necrosis factor-blocking agents. Patients underwent clinical, laboratory, and volumetric PDUS examination at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Ten centers participated in the study. Four centers recruited the patients and performed the volumetric acquisitions of PDUS images, while the remaining 6 centers assessed the PDUS volumes, blinded to the identity of patients and date of the visits. The most symptomatic hand and foot were scored for B-mode synovitis, synovial PD signal, and bone erosions. The repeatability of the volumetric PDUS assessment was investigated. RESULTS: An overall improvement in clinical and PDUS measurements was found at the followup assessments. The mean indexes for synovial PD signal and bone erosions and the number of sites with abnormalities decreased significantly throughout the followup (p < 0.05). The intraacquisition, intrareader reliability was excellent for all PDUS measurements (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.9). CONCLUSION: The results of our pilot study suggest that volumetric PDUS can be responsive and repeatable in multicenter cohort studies of RA. This technique may minimize assessment biases and reduce acquisition variability in open-label and observational studies.

[Outpatient use of topical antimicrobials in Spain associated with other drugs (2005-2007)]. / Consumo español de antibióticos tópicos asociados a otros principios activos (2005-2007).

INTRODUCTION: The consumption of antibiotics for systemic use has been well studied. However, data of topical use in our country are an anecdotal reference in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outpatient use of topical antimicrobials in Spain associated with other drugs during the period December 2005 and November 2007. METHODS: A descriptive quantitative study was conducted between December 1, 2005 to November 30, 2007. The sample amounted to a total of 112 drugs, representing 131 dosage forms. The data on consumption of drugs were sold by the company Intercontinental Marketing Services (IMS), while demographic data were obtained from the municipal census of 2006 and 2007. The study variables were grouped into three categories: those relating to consumption, those on medications and other variables such as geographic location and time period. RESULTS: During the study period the outpatient consumption of topical antimicrobials in Spain was 41.755.951 vials (130.637.368 euros) whose composition included associations between antimicrobials or antimicrobials with other drugs. The average monthly consumption amounted to 1.739.831 vials and 5.443.223 euros. The dermal route of administration was the most dispensed and according to the Anatomical, Therapeutic, Chemical classification system (ATC) and the D07CC subgroup was the most used. The association between tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension as 30% was the drug most used in Spain. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of topical antimicrobials in Spain during the period 2006-2007 increased by 2.36% in the number of vials and 7.28% in economic cost. These antimicrobials were more used in summer. The average cost of a topical antimicrobial was half (3.13 euros) compared to the average cost of a drug (7.89 euros).

External validation of University of California, San Francisco, Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment score.

OBJECTIVES: In 2005, the University of California, San Francisco, proposed the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (UCSF-CAPRA) score to predict the risk of biochemical recurrence (BR) after radical prostatectomy. This study provides external validation and a modified version of the model using a large cohort of men treated with radical prostatectomy at a high-volume, tertiary referral center. METHODS: From 1984 to 2006, 6737 men underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution for clinical Stage T1c-T3a prostate cancer with available follow-up information and no neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy before BR. The BR-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by UCSF-CAPRA score using the log-rank statistic. Performance of the UCSF-CAPRA was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and Harrell's concordance (c) index and compared with the Kattan nomogram. The UCSF-CAPRA score and final pathologic findings were assessed by odds ratios. RESULTS: The 5-year BR-free survival rate was 83.1% overall and decreased from 94.4% for men with a UCSF-CAPRA score of 1 or less to 25.8% for those with a score of 7 or more (P <0.0001). The hazards ratio approximately doubled for each UCSF-CAPRA point until a score of 4, when the hazards ratio increased at a slower rate. The c-index of the UCSF-CAPRA and Kattan nomogram was 0.76 and 0.78, respectively. A greater UCSF-CAPRA score correlated with the final pathologic findings. CONCLUSIONS: The UCSF-CAPRA performed well in this tertiary, referral-based cohort with a c-index similar to that of the Kattan nomogram. It remains an effective prognostic instrument for predicting the risk of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

De novo bacterial genome sequencing: millions of very short reads assembled on a desktop computer.

Novel high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies allow researchers to characterize a bacterial genome during a single experiment and at a moderate cost. However, the increase in sequencing throughput that is allowed by using such platforms is obtained at the expense of individual sequence read length, which must be assembled into longer contigs to be exploitable. This study focuses on the Illumina sequencing platform that produces millions of very short sequences that are 35 bases in length. We propose a de novo assembler software that is dedicated to process such data. Based on a classical overlap graph representation and on the detection of potentially spurious reads, our software generates a set of accurate contigs of several kilobases that cover most of the bacterial genome. The assembly results were validated by comparing data sets that were obtained experimentally for Staphylococcus aureus strain MW2 and Helicobacter acinonychis strain Sheeba with that of their published genomes acquired by conventional sequencing of 1.5- to 3.0-kb fragments. We also provide indications that the broad coverage achieved by high-throughput sequencing might allow for the detection of clonal polymorphisms in the set of DNA molecules being sequenced.