Use of aromatic plants and essential oils in the teaching of physics and chemistry to enhance motivation and sustainability awareness among primary education trainee teachers.

This work faces the known problem of negative visión among prospective primary teachers regarding science teaching and learning. This is even more acute if gender is taken into account. To overcome this, the use of ethnobotany as a science of proximity is proposed. Specifically, an educational intervention is described that is based on a combination of active methodologies and the use of ethnobotany as a teaching tool for a subject with physics and chemistry contents. Ninety-two university-based primary education trainee teachers participated in the research. By means of questionnaires, information was collected regarding attitudes toward the subject and the use of ethnobotany as a teaching tool, evaluation of the proposal, sustainability awareness, and affective and emotional dimensions. The data indicated a great impact and acceptability. The results show a significant increase in motivation, an improvement in attitudes toward sustainable behavior and a favorable assessment of the proposed didactic tool. This hybrid methodology demonstrates, in the context used, effectiveness in improving the perception of science.

Role of the mesenchymal stromal cells in bone marrow failure of Fanconi Anemia patients.

Introduction: Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited disorder characterized by bone marrow failure, congenital malformations, and predisposition to malignancies. Alterations in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) have been reported, but little is known regarding the bone marrow (BM) stroma. Thus, the characterization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) would help to elucidate their involvement in the BM failure. Methods: We characterized MSCs of 28 FA patients (FA-MSC) before and after treatment (hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, HSCT; or gene therapy, GT). Phenotypic and functional properties were analyzed and compared with MSCs expanded from 26 healthy donors (HD-MSCs). FA-MSCs were genetically characterized through, mitomycin C-test and chimerism analysis. Furthermore, RNA-seq profiling was used to identify dysregulated metabolic pathways. Results: Overall, FA-MSC had the same phenotypic and functional characteristics as HD-MSC. Of note, MSC-GT had a lower clonogenic efficiency. These findings were not confirmed in the whole FA patients' cohort. Transcriptomic profiling identified dysregulation in HSC self-maintenance pathways in FA-MSC (HOX), and was confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Discussion: Our study provides a comprehensive characterization of FA-MSCs, including for the first time MSC-GT and constitutes the largest series published to date. Interestingly, transcript profiling revealed dysregulation of metabolic pathways related to HSC self-maintenance. Taken together, our results or findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of the disease, although whether these niche defects are involved in the hematopoietic defects seen of FA deserves further investigation.

Evaluation of the impact of an online video game as an educational intervention on sexual health and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infection: A randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is increasing, especially among young people. Tools are needed to increase knowledge about sex education and STI prevention and treatment. Gamification can be a good training tool for both young people and health professionals. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of a training intervention on STI prevention, detection, and treatment in primary care professionals. METHODS/DESIGN: Multicentre cluster randomized controlled trial. Groups of primary care professionals will receive an intervention (online video game on sex education and STIs [SEXIT]) and will be compared with control groups that will not receive the intervention. Group assignments will be randomized by clusters. The study will consist of a pre-post evaluation of the intervention: a knowledge test will be administered before and after the intervention and 3 months after the intervention. This test will also be carried out on the same time sequence in the control groups. The impact of the training intervention will be assessed over a 6-month period, focusing on various variables associated with the clinical management of STIs. This evaluation entails the clinical records of diagnostic tests and antibiotic prescriptions related to the clinical approach to STIs. The required sample size is 262 (131 per group). DISCUSSION: Compared with those in the control group, improvements in knowledge and clinical behavioural outcomes after the intervention are expected for participants in the intervention groups. We plan to develop an educational video game to increase the knowledge about sexuality, STIs and violence. Protocol registered at ISRCTN with reference number ISRCTN17783607.

Treatment of Synthetic Wastewater Containing Polystyrene (PS) Nanoplastics by Membrane Bioreactor (MBR): Study of the Effects on Microbial Community and Membrane Fouling.

The persistent presence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in aquatic environments, particularly via effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), poses significant ecological risks. This study investigated the removal efficiency of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) using a lab-scale aerobic membrane bioreactor (aMBR) equipped with different membrane types: microfiltration (MF), commercial ultrafiltration (c-UF), and recycled ultrafiltration (r-UF) membranes. Performance was assessed using synthetic urban wastewater spiked with PS-NPs, focusing on membrane efficiency, fouling behavior, and microbial community shifts. All aMBR systems achieved high organic matter removal, exceeding a 97% COD reduction in both the control and PS-exposed reactors. While low concentrations of PS-NPs did not significantly impact the sludge settleability or soluble microbial products initially, a higher accumulation increased the carbohydrate concentrations, indicating a protective bacterial response. The microbial community composition also adapted over time under polystyrene stress. All membrane types exhibited substantial NP removal; however, the presence of nano-sized PS particles negatively affected the membrane performance, enhancing the fouling phenomena and increasing transmembrane pressure. Despite this, the r-UF membrane demonstrated comparable efficiency to c-UF, suggesting its potential for sustainable applications. Advanced characterization techniques including pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) were employed for NP detection and quantification.

Risk factors for long COVID syndrome in postmenopausal women with previously reported diagnosis of COVID-19.

PURPOSE: Long COVID-19 syndrome occurs in 10-20 % of people after a confirmed/probable SARS-COV-2 infection; new symptoms begin within three months of COVID-19 diagnosis and last > 8 weeks. Little is known about risk factors for long COVID, particularly in older people who are at greater risk of COVID complications. METHODS: Data are from Women's Health Initiative (WHI) postmenopausal women who completed COVID surveys that included questions on whether they had ever been diagnosed with COVID and length and nature of symptoms. Long COVID was classified using standard consensus criteria. Using WHI demographic and health data collected at study enrollment (1993-98) through the present day, machine learning identified the top 20 risk factors for long COVID. These variables were tested in logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of n = 37,280 survey respondents, 1237 (mean age = 83 years) reported a positive COVID-19 test and 425 (30 %) reported long COVID. Symptoms included an array of neurological, cardio-pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and general fatigue, and malaise symptoms. Long COVID risk factors included weight loss, physical and mobility limitations, and specific heath conditions (e.g., history of heart valve procedure, rheumatoid arthritis). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of risk factors for long COVID may be the first step in understanding the etiology of this complex disease.

Exploring patients and caregivers needs and experiences in oncological physiotherapy: a call for collaborative care.

PURPOSE: This study explores whether the full potential of physiotherapy is reaching cancer patients and their caregivers at all stages of the oncological process, aiming to identify gaps and opportunities for improving care. METHODS: The World Cafe co-design methodology facilitated discussions among cancer patients and caregivers. This dynamic, inclusive, and engaging approach fostered diverse perspectives and deeper insights through collaborative and flexible discussions. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen participants were involved (eight cancer survivors and eight caregivers). The mean age of cancer survivors was 63.8 years, while the average age of caregivers was 59.3 years. Breast cancer was the most prevalent diagnosis among patients, and most caregivers had lost their family members to cancer. Analysis revealed two primary themes: "feeling cared for" and "the role of physiotherapy in the oncological process." Key findings highlight the need for more humanized healthcare, with professionals providing support through effective communication and empathy. Significant gaps were detected in both systematic referrals to physiotherapists and their integration into care teams. Testimonies highlighted the lack of knowledge about the full potential of physiotherapy in oncology, hindering access. There was also a demand for recognizing specialized oncological physiotherapists. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight significant gaps in physiotherapy care for cancer survivors and caregivers, including unmet needs due to the lack of information, resources, and effective communication. Future efforts should focus on increasing the visibility of physiotherapy, integrating specialized physiotherapists into oncology teams, and enhancing the emotional education of healthcare professionals to provide more humanized care.

Effects of moderate/vigorous activity on 3-year body composition changes in postmenopausal women: a target trial emulation.

Background and Objective Postmenopausal women tend to experience significant changes in body composition, particularly abdominal adipose tissue (AAT) deposition patterns, which are hypothesized to be critical factors influencing future cardiometabolic disease risk. Physical activity has a demonstrable effect on body composition and overall health. However, there is little evidence for how different intensities and durations of physical activity over a sustained period of time influence AAT patterns and other measures of body composition in postmenopausal women. We emulated a target trial of physical activity interventions, including the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommendations, on 3-year changes in AAT and body composition. Methods We analyzed observational data from 4,451 postmenopausal women aged 50-79 years in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to emulate a three-year target trial of adhering to increasing minutes of moderate (at least 15, 30, 75, 150, 300 minutes/week) and vigorous (at least 15, 30, 75, 150 minutes/week) physical activity aligned with the physical activity guidelines. All participants had repeated whole body Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans with derived abdominal visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). The measured differences in average levels of VAT, SAT, and other body composition measures determined at end of follow-up were estimated with the parametric-g formula. Results Over 3 years, interventions of increasing minutes of moderate activity would result in dose-dependent reductions in abdominal VAT, SAT, and overall body fat, and increases in lean soft tissue, with the greatest estimated benefit at the 2018 physical activity guideline recommendation of 150 mins/wk or more. Compared to no intervention, if all participants had adhered to at least 150 mins/wk of moderate physical activity, they would have 16.8 cm2 lower VAT (95% CI -23.1, -10.4), 26.8 cm2 lower SAT (95% CI -36.3, -17.3), 1.3% lower total body fat% (95% CI -1.8, -0.7), 1.2 % higher total lean soft tissue% (95% CI 0.7, 1.8), and 2.6 kg lower total bodyweight (95% CI -3.6, -1.5). We saw similar patterns in our vigorous-intensity activity interventions - if all participants adhered to at least 150 mins/wk, they would have experienced 6.7 cm2 lower VAT (95% CI -17.7, 4.3), 13.3 cm2 lower SAT (95% CI -28.8, 2.1), 1.0 % lower total body fat percent (95% CI -2.0, 0.0 ), % higher total lean soft tissue percent (95% CI) and a 0.9 kg lower total bodyweight (95% CI -2.7, 0.8). Conclusion This hypothetical emulated intervention indicated that postmenopausal women who adhere to physical activity guideline recommendations would experience beneficial changes in abdominal VAT, SAT, and overall body composition over 3 years. The study results underscore the imperative to explore further how physical activity may serve as a potential determinant of body composition.

Classification of anticancer drugs: an update with FDA- and EMA-approved drugs.

Anticancer systemic therapy comprises a complex and growing group of drugs. Some of the new agents with novel mechanisms of action that have appeared are difficult to fit in the groups of classical chemotherapy, hormones, tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. We propose a classification based on two levels of information: the site of action and the mechanism of action. Regarding the former, drugs can exert their action in the tumor cell, the tumor vasculature, the immune system, or the endocrine system. The mechanism of action refers to the molecular target.

New developments in biotechnology applied to microorganisms.

EFSA was requested by the European Commission (in accordance with Article 29 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002) to provide a scientific opinion on the application of new developments in biotechnology (new genomic techniques, NGTs) to viable microorganisms and products of category 4 to be released into the environment or placed on the market as or in food and feed, and to non-viable products of category 3 to be placed on the market as or in food and feed. A horizon scanning exercise identified a variety of products containing microorganisms obtained with NGTs (NGT-Ms), falling within the remit of EFSA, that are expected to be placed on the (EU) market in the next 10 years. No novel potential hazards/risks from NGT-Ms were identified as compared to those obtained by established genomic techniques (EGTs), or by conventional mutagenesis. Due to the higher efficiency, specificity and predictability of NGTs, the hazards related to the changes in the genome are likely to be less frequent in NGT-Ms than those modified by EGTs and conventional mutagenesis. It is concluded that EFSA guidances are 'partially applicable', therefore on a case-by-case basis for specific NGT-Ms, fewer requirements may be needed. Some of the EFSA guidances are 'not sufficient' and updates are recommended. Because possible hazards relate to genotypic and phenotypic changes introduced and not to the method used for the modification, it is recommended that any new guidance should take a consistent risk assessment approach for strains/products derived from or produced with microorganisms obtained with conventional mutagenesis, EGTs or NGTs.

Assessment of Fungal Lytic Enzymatic Extracts Produced Under Submerged Fermentation as Enhancers of Entomopathogens' Biological Activity.

The application of enzymes in agricultural fields has been little explored. One potential application of fungal lytic enzymes (chitinases, lipases, and proteases) is as an additive to current biopesticides to increase their efficacy and reduce the time of mortality. For this, a screening of lytic overproducer fungi under submerged fermentation with a chemical-defined medium was performed. Then, the enzymatic crude extract (ECE) was concentrated and partially characterized. This characterization consisted of measuring the enzymatic activity (lipase, protease and, chitinase) and determining the enzyme stability after storage at temperatures of - 80, - 20 and, 4 °C. And lastly, the application of these concentrated enzymatic crude extracts (C-ECE) as an enhancer of spores-based fungal biopesticide was proven. Beauveria were not as good producers of lytic enzymes as the strains from Trichoderma and Metarhizium. The isolate M. robertsii Mt015 was selected for the co-production of chitinases and proteases; and the isolate T. harzianum Th180 for co-production of chitinases, lipases, and proteases. The C-ECE of Mt015 had a protease activity of 18.6 ± 1.1 U ml-1, chitinase activity of 0.28 ± 0.01 U ml-1, and no lipase activity. Meanwhile, the C-ECE of Th180 reached a chitinase activity of 0.75 U ml-1, lipase activity of 0.32 U ml-1, and protease activity of 0.24 U ml-1. Finally, an enhancing effect of the enzymatic extracts of M. robertsii (66.7%) and T. harzianum (43.5%) on the efficacy of B. bassiana Bv064 against Diatraea saccharalis larvae was observed. This work demonstrates the non-species-specific enhancing effect of enzymatic extracts on the insecticidal activity of conidial-based biopesticides, which constitutes a contribution to the improvement of biological control agents' performance.

Consumption of illicit drugs and benzodiazepines in six Spanish cities during different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) can provide objective and real time information about the use of addictive substances. A national study was conducted by measuring the most consumed illicit drugs, other drugs whose consumption is not so widespread but has increased significantly in recent years, and benzodiazepines in untreated wastewater from seven wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in six Spanish cities. Raw composite wastewater samples were collected from December 2020 to December 2021, a period in which the Spanish and regional governments adopted different restriction measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Samples were analyzed using a validated analytical methodology for the simultaneous determination of 18 substances, based on solid-phase extraction and liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Except for heroin, fentanyl, 6-acetylmorphine and alprazolam, all the compounds were found in at least one city and 9 out of 18 compounds were found in all the samples. In general, the consumption of illicit drugs was particularly high in one of the cities monitored in December 2020, when the restrictions were more severe, especially for cannabis and cocaine with values up to 46 and 6.9 g/day/1000 inhabitants (g/day/1000 inh), respectively. The consumption of MDMA, methamphetamine and mephedrone was notably higher in June 2021, after the end of the state of alarm, in the biggest population investigated in this study. Regarding the use of benzodiazepines, the highest mass loads corresponded to lorazepam. This study demonstrates that WBE is suitable for complementing epidemiological studies about the prevalence of illicit drugs and benzodiazepines during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Choosing T-cell sources determines CAR-T cell activity in neuroblastoma.

Introduction: The clinical success of chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-T cells) for hematological malignancies has not been reproduced for solid tumors, partly due to the lack of cancer-type specific antigens. In this work, we used a novel combinatorial approach consisting of a versatile anti-FITC CAR-T effector cells plus an FITC-conjugated neuroblastoma (NB)-targeting linker, an FITC-conjugated monoclonal antibody (Dinutuximab) that recognizes GD2. Methods: We compared cord blood (CB), and CD45RA-enriched peripheral blood leukapheresis product (45RA) as allogeneic sources of T cells, using peripheral blood (PB) as a control to choose the best condition for anti-FITC CAR-T production. Cells were manufactured under two cytokine conditions (IL-2 versus IL-7+IL-15+IL-21) with or without CD3/CD28 stimulation. Immune phenotype, vector copy number, and genomic integrity of the final products were determined for cell characterization and quality control assessment. Functionality and antitumor capacity of CB/45RA-derived anti-FITC CAR-T cells were analyzed in co-culture with different anti-GD2-FITC labeled NB cell lines. Results: The IL-7+IL-15+IL-21 cocktail, in addition to co-stimulation signals, resulted in a favorable cell proliferation rate and maintained less differentiated immune phenotypes in both CB and 45RA T cells. Therefore, it was used for CAR-T cell manufacturing and further characterization. CB and CD45RA-derived anti-FITC CAR-T cells cultured with IL-7+IL-15+IL-21 retained a predominantly naïve phenotype compared with controls. In the presence of the NB-FITC targeting, CD4+ CB-derived anti-FITC CAR-T cells showed the highest values of co-stimulatory receptors OX40 and 4-1BB, and CD8+ CAR-T cells exhibited high levels of PD-1 and 4-1BB and low levels of TIM3 and OX40, compared with CAR-T cells form the other sources studied. CB-derived anti-FITC CAR-T cells released the highest amounts of cytokines (IFN-γ and TNF-α) into co-culture supernatants. The viability of NB target cells decreased to 30% when co-cultured with CB-derived CAR-T cells during 48h. Conclusion: CB and 45RA-derived T cells may be used as allogeneic sources of T cells to produce CAR-T cells. Moreover, ex vivo culture with IL-7+IL-15+IL-21 could favor CAR-T products with a longer persistence in the host. Our strategy may complement the current use of Dinutuximab in treating NB through its combination with a targeted CAR-T cell approach.

Oral mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus: Case report and literature review / Mucormicosis oral asociada a COVID-19 y diabetes mellitus: descripción de un caso.

Mucormycosis is an invasive opportunistic fungal infection with high mortality, mainly detected in people with COVID-19, especially those with underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Mucormycosis prevalence is 0.005 to 1.7 cases per million inhabitants, and it has been increasing in countries like India and Pakistan. This mycosis can affect different organs, and clinical manifestations reflect the transmission mechanism. Frequent forms are rhino-orbital-cerebral and pulmonary. This disease should be suspected in patients with necrotic injuries on mucous membranes or skin. We present a case of a patient with diabetes mellitus and diagnosed with oral mucormycosis associated with COVID-19.

La mucormicosis es una infección fúngica oportunista e invasiva, con una elevada tasa de mortalidad. Se ha detectado principalmente en pacientes con COVID-19, especialmente en personas con enfermedades concomitantes como la diabetes mellitus. La prevalencia de las mucormicosis es de 0,005 a 1,7 casos por millón de habitantes y ha ido en aumento en países como India y Pakistán; puede afectar diferentes órganos y su forma clínica refleja el mecanismo de transmisión. Entre las formas frecuentes están la rino-orbital-cerebral y la pulmonar, por ello, debe sospecharse mucormicosis en los pacientes con lesiones necróticas en mucosas o piel. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con antecedentes de diabetes mellitus que fue diagnosticado con mucormicosis oral asociada a la COVID-19.

Transposition and substitution-letter effects in a flanker task: Evidence from children and adults.

Several studies have shown that parafoveal processing is essential in reading development. In this study, we explore the effect of transposing and substituting inner and outer letters in a flanker lexical decision task administered to 78 children and 65 adults. The results show a significant interaction between the Group factor and the Flanker factor, suggesting differences in the effects of flankers for children and adults. In the case of adults, transposed and substituted letters generated benefit of the same magnitude in comparison with the unrelated condition, but of lesser magnitude than the Identity condition. In the case of children, the results show facilitation for the transposed conditions of the same magnitude as the Identity condition. However, the substitution conditions failed to generate any benefit in comparison with the unrelated condition. The results for the adults are in line with the predictions of the open bigram model, whereas the results for the children are explained through a developmental perspective of the dual-route architecture and open bigram framework.

The Relationship Between the COVID-19 Pandemic and Pediatric Trauma.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic created difficulties in access to care. There was also increased penetrating trauma in adults, which has been attributed to factors including increased firearm sales and social isolation. However, less is known about the relationship between the pandemic and pediatric trauma patients (PTPs). This study aimed to investigate the national incidence of penetrating trauma in PTPs, hypothesizing a higher rate with onset of the pandemic. We additionally hypothesized increased risk of complications and death in penetrating PTPs after the pandemic versus prepandemic. METHODS: We included all PTPs (aged ≤17-years-old) from the 2017-2020 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database, dividing the dataset into two eras: prepandemic (2017-2019) and pandemic (2020). We performed subset analyses of the pandemic and prepandemic penetrating PTPs. Bivariate analyses and a multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Of the 474,524 PTPs, 123,804 (26.1%) were from the pandemic year. The pandemic era had increased stab wounds (3.3% versus 2.8%, P > 0.001) and gunshot wounds (5.5% versus 4.0%, P < 0.001) compared to the prepandemic era. Among penetrating PTPs, the rates and associated risk of in-hospital complications (2.6% versus 2.8%, P = 0.23) (odds ratio 0.90, confidence interval 0.79-1.02, P = 0.11) and mortality (4.9% versus 5.0%, P = 0.58) (odds ratio 0.90, confidence interval 0.78-1.03, P = 0.12) were similar between time periods. CONCLUSIONS: This national analysis confirms increased penetrating trauma, particularly gunshot wounds in pediatric patients following onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this increase, there was no elevated risk of death or complications, suggesting that trauma systems adapted to the "dual pandemic" of COVID-19 and firearm violence in the pediatric population.

The Association Between Lean-to-Fat Mass Ratio and Cardiometabolic Abnormalities: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a global health threat, significantly impacting Latin America. Cardiometabolic abnormalities (CAs), encompassing lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose, and blood pressure, contribute to CVD prevalence. Despite high CA incidence, research in Latin America has primarily focused on traditional adiposity indices, overlooking the intricate relationship between fat and lean body components. The study aimed to analyze the association between the lean-to-fat mass ratio (LFMR) and CAs in the adult Peruvian population. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study using secondary data from the PERU MIGRANT study (2007, 989 participants). The main outcome variable was CA defined as having ≥ 2 out of six metabolic components (high triglycerides, impaired fasting glucose, high blood pressure, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, insulin resistance, and high C-reactive protein). The main exposure variable LFMR was divided into tertiles. A generalized linear model was used with log link and robust variance Poisson family to calculate crude (cPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: A total of 959 adults aged 30 years or older were included in the analysis (53% females). The prevalence of CA was 50.9%. Females aged 30 - 44 years old showed statistically significant inverse associations for the middle (aPR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.42 - 0.78) and highest (aPR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.14 - 0.35) LFMR categories. Similar trends were seen for females aged 45 - 59 years and ≥ 60 years, and males aged 30 - 44 years, while for males aged 45 - 59 years, only the middle LFMR category was associated. No statistically significant association between LFMR and CA was found among old males. Conclusions: LFMR was negatively associated with CA, among the Peruvian adult population. These findings underscore the relevance of LFMR in understanding cardiometabolic health disparities.

Fear of Recurrence in Advanced Cancer Patients: Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Psychological Correlates.

Fear of cancer recurrence significantly impacts advanced cancer patients, prompting emotional distress and increased healthcare utilization. This present study aims to analyze the fear of recurrence among patients with advanced cancer undergoing systemic treatment and its relationship with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 oncology departments across Spain, involving patients with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic cancer eligible for systemic treatment. Participants provided demographic information and completed instruments such as the Cancer Worry Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory, Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, and the Duke-UNC-11 Functional Social Support Questionnaire (DUFSSQ). A total of 1195 participants participated: median age 66, 56% male, mostly metastatic cancers (80%), and common tumor sites. Two fear groups emerged: 28% low and 72% high levels of fear. High fear was associated with being female, being younger, lower levels of education, and worse survival estimates. High fear correlated with more depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, uncertainty, and stronger social support. Multivariate analyses indicated that younger patients, those with shorter survival estimates, higher depression and anxiety scores, more uncertainty, and stronger social support had a greater likelihood of experiencing fear of recurrence, while the opposite was true for older patients. This study underscores distinct fear of recurrence profiles in advanced cancer patients, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and support. Future research should delve deeper into understanding their repercussions for improving patient care and well-being.

Repeated pancreatic resection for pancreatic metastases from renal cell Carcinoma: A Spanish multicenter study (PANMEKID).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recurrent isolated pancreatic metastasis from Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) after pancreatic resection is rare. The purpose of our study is to describe a series of cases of relapse of pancreatic metastasis from renal cancer in the pancreatic remnant and its surgical treatment with a repeated pancreatic resection, and to analyse the results of both overall and disease-free survival. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study of patients undergoing pancreatic resection for RCC pancreatic metastases, from January 2010 to May 2020. Patients were grouped into two groups depending on whether they received a single pancreatic resection (SPS) or iterative pancreatic resection. Data on short and long-term outcome after pancreatic resection were collected. RESULTS: The study included 131 pancreatic resections performed in 116 patients. Thus, iterative pancreatic surgery (IPS) was performed in 15 patients. The mean length of time between the first pancreatic surgery and the second was 48.9 months (95 % CI: 22.2-56.9). There were no differences in the rate of postoperative complications. The DFS rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 86 %, 78 % and 78 % vs 75 %, 50 % and 37 % in the IPS and SPS group respectively (p = 0.179). OS rates at 1, 3, 5 and 7 years were 100 %, 100 %, 100 % and 75 % in the IPS group vs 95 %, 85 %, 80 % and 68 % in the SPS group (p = 0.895). CONCLUSION: Repeated pancreatic resection in case of relapse of pancreatic metastasis of RCC in the pancreatic remnant is justified, since it achieves OS results similar to those obtained after the first resection.

Traditional Mexican dietary pattern and cancer risk among women of Mexican descent.

PURPOSE: To examine the association of a traditional Mexican diet score with risk of total, breast, and colorectal cancer among women of Mexican ethnic descent in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). METHODS: Participants were WHI enrollees who self-identified as being of Mexican descent. Data from food frequency questionnaires self-administered at study baseline were used to calculate the MexD score, with higher scores indicating greater adherence to an a priori-defined traditional Mexican diet (high in dietary fiber, vegetables, and legumes). Incident cancers were self-reported by participants from 1993 to 2020 and adjudicated by trained physicians. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Among 2,343 Mexican descent women (median baseline age: 59 years), a total of 270 cancers (88 breast, 37 colorectal) occurred during a mean follow-up of 14.4 years. The highest tertile of MexD score was associated with a lower risk of all-cancer incidence (HR: 0.67; 95% CI 0.49-0.91; p-trend: 0.01) and colorectal cancer (HR: 0.38; 95% CI 0.14-0.998; p-trend < 0.05), with each unit increase in the MexD score associated with a 6% lower risk of all-cancer incidence (HR: 0.94; 95% CI 0.88-0.99). There was no statistically significant association with risk of breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Consumption of a traditional Mexican diet was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cancer incidence and colorectal cancer. Confirmation of these findings in future studies is important, given the prevalence of colorectal cancer and a growing U.S. population of women of Mexican descent.

Resilience and family quality of life in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Resilience and quality of life (QOL) can involve a positive approach in group interventions for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study aims to evaluate resilience and family QOL at the start of a psychoeducational group. METHODS: Cross-sectional assessment of resilience and family QOL used the Family Quality of Life Scale (ECVF) and 14-item Resilience Scale (RS-14). RESULTS: The study group showed high levels of resilience. Parents considered the resources/support domain crucial, although satisfaction in this area was comparatively lower. Concerns about low satisfaction with available resources and support were notable. Gender differences were observed but not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: The study's findings support prior research on parental resilience in families of children with ASD. The literature on the QOL for these families presents mixed findings. The importance of parental involvement in service planning is highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the importance of resilience in parents of children with ASD, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target. The findings underscore the need to address the perceived low quality of available resources and support. Further investigation is needed.