Historical evolution of cancer genomics research in Latin America: a comprehensive visual and bibliometric analysis until 2023.

Background: Cancer genomics, as an interdisciplinary research area within the Global Cancer Research agenda, genomics and precision medicine, its important in research and clinical practice in Latin America. To date, there has been no study investigating evolution of this area in this region. The aim of this study was to evaluate for first time, the historical evolution of cancer genomics research in Latin America. Methods: Bibliometric cross-sectional study of documents on cancer genomics published by Latin American authors until 2023 in Scopus was performed. Statistical and visual analysis was performed with R programming language. Results: A total of 1534 documents were obtained. The first document of cancer genomics research was published in 1997, marking the inception of a 26-year evaluation period that extended until 2023. Among the documents, 74.3% (n = 1140) constituted original articles, followed by 22.7% (n = 349) classified as reviews. International collaboration was observed in 6.5% (n = 100) of the articles. Within the compilation of the ten most prolific authors in this region, 90% of them are from Brazil. This observed pattern extends to affiliations as well, wherein the Universidade de São Paulo emerges as the most active institution (n = 255 documents). This arrangement firmly establishes Brazil's prominence as the preeminent country in the region concerning cancer genomics research, showcasing robust collaboration networks both regionally and intercontinentally. An important transition in the studied hot topics over the last 20 years was identified, from the exploration of the human genome and the characterization of genomic and proteomic cancer profiles (1997-2010) to an in-depth investigation of cancer stem cells and personalized medicine (2011-2023). Among the array of cancer types under study, predominant attention has been directed towards breast, lung, prostate, and leukemia. Conclusion: Over the course of the past 26 years, a favorable and notable evolution has characterized cancer genomics research within Latin America, with Brazil leading the way, which possess a robust network of regional and intercontinental collaboration. Furthermore, the lines of research and hot topics have change in harmony with the region's objectives, strategies, and requisites.

Huge gastric trichobezoar caused by involuntary nocturnal trichophagia and trichotillomania in a female adolescent.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Gastric trichobezoar consist of the accumulation of chewed hair in the stomach and can extend to other structures of the digestive tract. The relevance of this entity is that it affects the process of nutrition and digestion, and depending on the size and distension of the digestive tract structures, it can cause perforation, infections, cholangitis and obstructive jaundice, intussusception and pancreatitis. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 15-year-old female patient came to the emergency department with a clinical picture of 8 h of evolution, abundant vomiting and lack of appetite for more than 15 days. Physical examination revealed a palpable mass in the epigastrium and left hypochondrium, without pain. Elective laparotomy was performed with findings of a mass of hard consistency and well organized with gastric shape, with hairs intertwined throughout its thickness, weighing 385 g. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Currently, there are gaps in the evidence on the best approach to this condition, although both laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques and open surgery have been used, with satisfactory results. However, for the definitive solution of the primary cause, the surgical team must investigate further to avoid recurrence and greater burden of disease in the future. CONCLUSION: Gastric trichobezoar may be caused by involuntary nocturnal trichotillomania. Trichobezoar can seriously compromise the nutritional and physical condition of the affected person. The surgical team can inquire about causes of psychological or psychiatric origin, which may explain the development of trichobezoar, giving an answer to the primary cause and avoiding recurrence.

Intraoperative finding of papyraceous twin fetus in pregnant woman without specialized follow-up: A summary of difficulties in accessing prenatal services in low- and middle-income countries.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The papyraceous fetus is the product of the intrauterine fetal death of a twin in early pregnancy, with retention of the fetus for a minimum of 10 weeks, resulting in mechanical compression of the small fetus. It is a finding that can be found early by ultrasound to avoid increased obstetric risk, but in low- to middle-income countries it is not always available. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 22-year-old multipara patient was remitted to the emergency department due to a one-hour history of premature rupture of the membranes. Only one control ultrasound was performed at 25 weeks of pregnancy. Cesarean section was performed and two products were found, one of them a papyraceous fetus. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Almost 50% of women in low- and middle-income countries don't receive adequate antenatal care. It has been estimated that up to half of twins and almost all triplets are born premature and have a higher risk of dying compared to those born at term; specifically, this risk is much higher if the pregnancy is accompanied by rare pathological conditions. CONCLUSION: The papyraceous fetus is a rare condition that represents a risk to the health of the mother and other babies, in case of multiple pregnancy; but it can be diagnosed early through imaging studies. Socio-cultural, socio-economic and direct difficulties of the health system may be the cause of the delay in the diagnosis of this pathological entity, making it an unexpected finding during delivery or intraoperatively.

Broken beer bottle as a cause of sigmoid perforation: A summary of causes and predictors in the management of traumatic and non-traumatic colorectal perforation.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The presence of foreign bodies at the colorectal level and associated complications is a problem that has become increasingly common in emergency departments. This condition carries high health costs, in addition to having high morbidity and mortality rates, due to the large number of complications such as perforation. CASE PRESENTATION: 46-year-old male patient, who came to the emergency department of a low-level hospital with a clinical picture of approximately one day of evolution consisting of the violent introduction of a foreign body (bottle) at the anorectal level secondary to aggression in a fight, with subsequent endoluminal rupture. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The most recent evidence indicates that the incidence of perforation as a complication of colorectal foreign body introduction is low. However, the presence of profuse bleeding, advanced age, presence of comorbidities and sepsis are predictors of poor prognosis in these cases. In general, perforation secondary to non-traumatic causes is more frequent, being predominantly due to colorectal cancer, ischemia, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, inadequate use of enema, iatrogenic endoscopy or anorectal manometry or fecal impaction. The presence of unfavorable factors prolongs hospital stay, the risk of reoperation, perianal infection, peritonitis, sepsis and wound infection, generating mortality rates of up to 38%. CONCLUSION: Colorectal perforation is more frequent in non-traumatic situations and carries health costs and risk of mortality. Its management depends on hospital aspects, clinical context of the patient and training of health personnel. However, most of the outcomes are favorable.