RESUMEN
Purpose: Although the association between residential location and survival in patients with different cancer types has been established, the conclusions are contentious, and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we reviewed the impact of residence on the survival of patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to compare the impact of rural and urban residence on the survival rates of patients with GBM diagnosed in Riyadh City and outside Riyadh. All patients in this study were treated in a tertiary care hospital, and their survival rates were analyzed in relation to their residence and other related factors, namely radiotherapy timing. Results: Overall, 125 patients were included: 61 from Riyadh City and 64 from outside. The majority of patients in both groups were aged >50 years (p = 0.814). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (p = 0.430), seizure (p = 0.858), or initiation timing of radiotherapy (p = 0.781). Furthermore, the median survival rate in the Riyadh group versus the other group was 14.4 months and 12.2 months, respectively, with no statistical significance (p = 0.187). Conclusions: Our study showed that residential location had no significant effect on GBM prognosis. However, further studies with a larger sample size are required to delineate the other factors of referral within the healthcare system to facilitate the management of these patients within a specific timeframe.
RESUMEN
Metal based nanocomposites are gaining popularity for the past few years due to their promising chemical and physical properties. These nanocomposites can be obtained by incorporation of metal nanoparticles with glass, ceramic and polymer. Metal polymer nanoparticles can be formed through direct reduction method, in situ methods like chemical reduction, photoreduction and thermal decomposition of metallic salt inside the polymer, ex-situ by direct insertion of metallic nanoparticles into the polymer, through vapor phase deposition techniques and ion implantation. Natural polymers such as cellulose, starch, chitin, chitosan, gelatin, dextran, alginate, pectin, guar gum, rubber and fibrin are preferred than the synthetic ones due to their amazing properties including maximized purity and crystallinity, tensile solidity, improved elasticity and extensive surface area. In our review, we spotlight the fabrication methods and the innovative applications of many natural polymers metal nanocomposites, as well as their antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.