Espectro de neuromielitis óptica: ¿seropositivo para la anticuaporina es una entidad diferente de los pacientes que son seronegativos? Una perspectiva de Colombia / Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: Do patients positive and negative for anti–aquaporin-4 antibodies present distinct entities? A Colombian perspective

Introducción: La neuromielitis óptica es una enfermedad inflamatoria del sistema nervioso central, caracterizada por ataques de neuritis óptica y mielitis transversa longitudinalmente extensa. El descubrimiento del biomarcador diagnóstico anticuerpo anti-acuaporina-4 y los hallazgos imagenológicos en resonancia magnética cerebral han permitido el reconocimiento de un fenotipo clínico más amplio y detallado denominado espectro neuromielitis óptica. Objetivo: Determinar las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes diagnosticados con NMO/NMOSD, de acuerdo con la seropositividad del anticuerpo, en dos instituciones de cuarto nivel de complejidad en Bogotá. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio tipo serie de casos. Fueron incluidos aquellos pacientes > 18 años con diagnóstico de NMO/NMOSD, valorados en el Servicio de Neurología de dos hospitales de alta complejidad entre los años 2013 y 2017, con disponibilidad de estudios imagenológicos y resultados de serología. Se evaluaron variables demográficas, clínicas e imagenológicas, y se realizó un análisis de estas variables, según seropositividad del Ac-AQP4. Resultados: Se incluyeron 35 pacientes con NMO/NMOSD, la mediana de edad de inicio fue de 46,5 años (P25-P75 = 34,2-54,0), la mayoría de los pacientes tuvo manifestaciones clínicas a nivel sensitivo (n = 25) y motor (n = 26), en seis (n = 6) pacientes se identificó una enfermedad autoinmune concomitante. Se encontró seropositividad en 20 pacientes. Encontramos algunas diferencias en las características clínicas e imagenológicas, pero solo la edad y el compromiso de nervio óptico mostraron diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,03). Conclusiones: No se encontraron grandes diferencias clínicas, imagenológicas y de laboratorio, según la seropositividad del Ac-AQP4, excepto en la edad de inicio y el compromiso de nervio óptico (uni o bilateral), pero deben ser estudiadas de manera más detallada en poblaciones más amplias.(AU)

Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterised by attacks of optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. The discovery of anti–aquaporin-4 (anti-AQP4) antibodies and specific brain MRI findings as diagnostic biomarkers have enabled the recognition of a broader and more detailed clinical phenotype, known as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Objective: This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with NMO/NMOSD with and without seropositivity for anti-AQP4 antibodies, in 2 quaternary-level hospitals in Bogotá. Methods: Our study included patients > 18 years of age and diagnosed with NMO/NMOSD and for whom imaging and serology results were available, assessed between 2013 and 2017 at the neurology departments of hospitals providing highly complex care. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were gathered and compared in patients with and without seropositivity for anti-AQP4 antibodies. Results: The sample included 35 patients with NMO/NMOSD; the median age of onset was 46.5 years (P25-P75, 34.2-54.0); most patients had sensory (n = 25) and motor manifestations (n = 26), and a concomitant autoimmune disease was identified in 6. Twenty patients were seropositive for anti-AQP4 antibodies. Only age and presence of optic nerve involvement showed statistically significant differences between groups (p = .03). Conclusions: Clinical, imaging, and laboratory variables showed no major differences between patients with and without anti-AQP4 antibodies, with the exception of age of onset and presence of optic nerve involvement (uni- or bilateral); these factors should be studied in greater detail in larger populations.(AU)

Genotyping of Helicobacter pylori CagA/CagE strains in gastric mucosa and its association with gastric illness.

The aim of this work was associate the presence of the virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori, cagA/cagE, with gastric illness. We found evidence that indicate the contribution of these genotypes with the severity of gastric lesions in patients infected, principally in histological subtypes as atrophic gastritis, and metaplasia.

Herramientas para la evaluación integral de la función sexual en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple / Tools for comprehensive evaluation of sexual function in patients with multiple sclerosis

Introducción: La esclerosis múltiple (EM) es una enfermedad desmielinizante del sistema nervioso central (SNC) que afecta a adultos jóvenes, ocasionando una variedad de síntomas (motores, visuales, control de esfínteres, alteraciones de la marcha) que impactan la funcionalidad del paciente; sin embargo, otros síntomas, como la disfunción sexual (DS), también pueden tener un efecto sobre la calidad de vida.DesarrolloLa DS puede presentarse en cualquier momento del curso de la enfermedad, su prevalencia varía entre 50 y 90%, puede ser secundaria a lesiones desmielinizantes en médula espinal y/o cerebro, ocasionada por síntomas que no incluyen directamente el sistema nervioso —fatiga, aspectos psicológicos, sociales y culturales—. Si bien se ha logrado establecer su prevalencia y su impacto sobre la calidad de vida, la DS todavía es una condición frecuentemente subestimada, razón por la cual en este artículo se revisan las diferentes escalas que ayudan a evaluar la presencia o la severidad de esta para dar un manejo multidisciplinario temprano, según corresponda.ConclusiónCinco cuestionarios han sido evaluados y/o diseñados para pacientes con EM, los cuales podrían identificar la presencia de DS, su etiología y, con esto, determinar posibilidades de tratamiento. La EM debe ser comprendida como una enfermedad compleja que abarca y compromete diferentes aspectos de la salud de los pacientes, y va más allá de solo medir escalas de discapacidad. (AU)

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects young adults, causing a variety of symptoms (motor alterations, visual alterations, loss of sphincter control, gait alterations) that impair the patient's functional status. However, other symptoms, such as sexual dysfunction, can also have an effect on quality of life.DevelopmentSexual dysfunction can occur at any time during the course of the disease; its prevalence varies between 50% and 90%, and it can be secondary to demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord and/or brain or caused by symptoms that do not directly involve the nervous system (fatigue; psychological, social, and cultural factors; etc.). Although its prevalence and impact on quality of life are well known, sexual dysfunction is still frequently underestimated. Therefore, in this article we review the different scales for assessing presence or severity of sexual dysfunction, in order to offer early multidisciplinary management.ConclusionWe evaluated 5 questionnaires that could identify the presence of sexual dysfunction in patients with MS and determine its aetiology, assisting in treatment decision making. MS must be understood as a complex disease that encompasses and compromises different aspects of patients’ health, and goes beyond simply measuring disability. (AU)

Tools for comprehensive evaluation of sexual function in patients with multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects young adults, causing a variety of symptoms (motor alterations, visual alterations, loss of sphincter control, gait alterations) that impair the patient's functional status. However, other symptoms, such as sexual dysfunction, can also have an effect on quality of life. DEVELOPMENT: Sexual dysfunction can occur at any time during the course of the disease; its prevalence varies between 50% and 90%, and it can be secondary to demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord and/or brain or caused by symptoms that do not directly involve the nervous system (fatigue; psychological, social, and cultural factors; etc.). Although its prevalence and impact on quality of life are well known, sexual dysfunction is still frequently underestimated. Therefore, in this article we review the different scales for assessing presence or severity of sexual dysfunction, in order to offer early multidisciplinary management. CONCLUSION: We evaluated 5 questionnaires that could identify the presence of sexual dysfunction in patients with MS and determine its aetiology, assisting in treatment decision making. MS must be understood as a complex disease that encompasses and compromises different aspects of patients' health, and goes beyond simply measuring disability.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: do patients positive and negative for anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies present distinct entities? A Colombian perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterised by attacks of optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. The discovery of anti-aquaporin-4 (anti-AQP4) antibodies and specific brain MRI findings as diagnostic biomarkers have enabled the recognition of a broader and more detailed clinical phenotype, known as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with NMO/NMOSD with and without seropositivity for anti-AQP4 antibodies, in 2 quaternary-level hospitals in Bogotá. METHODS: Our study included patients > 18 years of age and diagnosed with NMO/NMOSD and for whom imaging and serology results were available, assessed between 2013 and 2017 at the neurology departments of hospitals providing highly complex care. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were gathered and compared in patients with and without seropositivity for anti-AQP4 antibodies. RESULTS: The sample included 35 patients with NMO/NMOSD; the median age of onset was 46.5 years (P25-P75, 34.2-54.0); most patients had sensory (n = 25) and motor manifestations (n = 26), and a concomitant autoimmune disease was identified in 6. Twenty patients were seropositive for anti-AQP4 antibodies. Only age and presence of optic nerve involvement showed statistically significant differences between groups (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical, imaging, and laboratory variables showed no major differences between patients with and without anti-AQP4 antibodies, with the exception of age of onset and presence of optic nerve involvement (uni- or bilateral); these factors should be studied in greater detail in larger populations.

Tres versiones del "Ogtt Squeezer", un programa para evaluar de un vistazo la información metabólica de la curva de tolerancia a la glucosa / Three versions of the "Ogtt Squeezer", a program to evaluate ataglance the metabolic information of the oral glucose tolerance test

El diagnóstico clínico de resistencia insulínica (RI) es difícil, ya que el Clamp no es aplicable a la clínica. El así llamado "síndrome metabólico", un predictor clínico de la RI, no identifica alrededor de la mitad de los sujetos afectados. Previamente, definimos adecuadamente (Análisis ROC) los niveles de corte diagnóstico de los siguientes predictores bioquímicos: HOMA1, HOMA2, QUICKI e ISI-Composite, a través de analizar datos de 90 sujetos (53 no resistentes y 37 resistentes) que tenían una medición directa de su resistencia insulínica (Test de supresión pancreática, TSP, Test de Reaven) y también, una curva de tolerancia a la glucosa oral (CTG). Los puntos de corte obtenidos exhibieron un mucho mejor desempeño diagnóstico comparados con los puntos de corte convencionales. También encontramos un predictor nuevo, simple, económico y eficiente, el I0*G60. Definimos la "normalidad metabólica" de la CTG usando las medianas de los valores de varios parámetros en 312 sujetos con un G120 dentro de los 2 primeros terciles del grupo de normo-tolerantes a la glucosa (NGT, n=468; G120: 51-110 mg/dL, los con mejor función beta insular). A las medianas de la función beta insular y de la sensibilidad insulínica se les asignó un valor de un 100%. Se calculó el % relativo de función beta insular (%RFBI) y el % relativo de sensibilidad insulínica (%RSI) del resto de la cohorte (n=573) contra estos valores de referencia. El "OGTT Squeezer" se escribió en Excel. Las glicemias y las insulinemias de la CTG fueron las entradas del programa. Las salidas fueron: I0*G60, ISI-OL, QUICKI, and HOMA1 (predictores) y el índice insulinogénico, el índice de disposición, %RFBI y %RSI (parámetros). El programa también caracterizó la tolerancia glucídica de acuerdo a los criterios de la ADA 2003. El formato final del programa, HTML 5, facilita su uso. Desarrollamos tres versiones del programa: completa, abreviada y mínima.

Clinically, diagnosing insulin resistance (IR) is difficult since the Clamp is not applicable to clinical work. The so-called "Metabolic Syndrome", a clinical surrogate of IR, fails to identify around 50% of affected subjects. Previously, we properly defined (ROC Analysis) the diagnostic cut-offs of the following biochemical predictors: HOMA1, HOMA2, QUICKI, and ISI-Composite by analyzing data from 90 subjects (53 non-insulin-resistant and 37 insulin-resistant subjects) who had a direct measurement of insulin resistance (Pancreatic Suppression Test, PST, Reaven's Test), and also, an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). The resulting cut-offs exhibited much better performances compared with the conventional cut-offs. We also found a new, simple, inexpensive and efficient predictor, the I0*G60. We chose to define the "metabolic normalcy" of the OGTT by using the median values of several parameters in 312 NGT subjects with a G120 in the first 2 tertiles of the NGT group (n=468; G120: 51-110 mg/dL, those with the best beta-cell function). The median values of both Beta-Cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity of these subjects were assigned a 100% value. Both % Relative Beta-Cell Function (%RBCF) and % Relative Insulin Sensitivity (%RIS) of everyone else in the cohort (n=573) was calculated against these reference values. The "OGTT Squeezer" was written in Excel. The OGTT's glucose and insulin values served as the inputs of the program. The outputs were: I0*G60, ISI-OL, QUICKI, and HOMA1 (predictors), and Insulinogenic Index, Disposition Index, %RBCF, and %RIS (parameters). Moreover, the program characterized the OGTT according to the ADA 2003 criteria. The HTML 5 format of the program facilitates its use. We developed 3 versions of the program: complete, abbreviated, and minimal versions.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: Do patients positive and negative for anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies present distinct entities? A Colombian perspective. / Espectro de neuromielitis óptica: ¿seropositivo para la anticuaporina es una entidad diferente de los pacientes que son seronegativos? Una perspectiva de Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterised by attacks of optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. The discovery of anti-aquaporin-4 (anti-AQP4) antibodies and specific brain MRI findings as diagnostic biomarkers have enabled the recognition of a broader and more detailed clinical phenotype, known as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with NMO/NMOSD with and without seropositivity for anti-AQP4 antibodies, in 2 quaternary-level hospitals in Bogotá. METHODS: Our study included patients > 18 years of age and diagnosed with NMO/NMOSD and for whom imaging and serology results were available, assessed between 2013 and 2017 at the neurology departments of hospitals providing highly complex care. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were gathered and compared in patients with and without seropositivity for anti-AQP4 antibodies. RESULTS: The sample included 35 patients with NMO/NMOSD; the median age of onset was 46.5 years (P25-P75, 34.2-54.0); most patients had sensory (n = 25) and motor manifestations (n = 26), and a concomitant autoimmune disease was identified in 6. Twenty patients were seropositive for anti-AQP4 antibodies. Only age and presence of optic nerve involvement showed statistically significant differences between groups (p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical, imaging, and laboratory variables showed no major differences between patients with and without anti-AQP4 antibodies, with the exception of age of onset and presence of optic nerve involvement (uni- or bilateral); these factors should be studied in greater detail in larger populations.

Tools for comprehensive evaluation of sexual function in patients with multiple sclerosis. / Herramientas para la evaluación integral de la función sexual en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects young adults, causing a variety of symptoms (motor alterations, visual alterations, loss of sphincter control, gait alterations) that impair the patient's functional status. However, other symptoms, such as sexual dysfunction, can also have an effect on quality of life. DEVELOPMENT: Sexual dysfunction can occur at any time during the course of the disease; its prevalence varies between 50% and 90%, and it can be secondary to demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord and/or brain or caused by symptoms that do not directly involve the nervous system (fatigue; psychological, social, and cultural factors; etc.). Although its prevalence and impact on quality of life are well known, sexual dysfunction is still frequently underestimated. Therefore, in this article we review the different scales for assessing presence or severity of sexual dysfunction, in order to offer early multidisciplinary management. CONCLUSION: We evaluated 5 questionnaires that could identify the presence of sexual dysfunction in patients with MS and determine its aetiology, assisting in treatment decision making. MS must be understood as a complex disease that encompasses and compromises different aspects of patients' health, and goes beyond simply measuring disability.

Neurofibromatosis segmentaria: Comunicación de dos casos / Segmental Neurofibromatosis: A report of two cases

Resumen La neurofibromatosis (NF) segmentaria, actualmente llamada NF mosaico, es una variante rara de neurofibromatosis, sin afectación sistémica y limitada a un segmento corporal. Los pacientes no presentan historia familiar de enfermedad. El cuadro clínico se caracteriza por manchas café con leche, neurofibromas o ambos. Se comunican dos casos de niñas con NF segmentaria solo con cambios pigmentarios,sin alteraciones sistémicas.

Abstract True segmental neurofibromatosis is an uncommon variant of neurofibromatosis, without systemic involvementand limited to a body segment. Patients don´t have family history of disease. The manifestations arecharacterized by café au lait spots, neurofibromas or both. We report two cases of girls with segmental NF with pigmentary changesonly, without systemic alterations.

Anticancer activity of two novel ruthenium compounds in gastric cancer cells.

AIMS: Ruthenium (II) complexes are promising anticancer molecules due its pharmacological properties and selectivity to cells tumor. The aim of this work was to study the cytotoxic activity, and apoptosis induction of two new ruthenium complexes on a human gastric cancer cell line. MAIN METHODS: Two ruthenium(II) complexes were synthesized: [(H2pbbzim)Ru(tpy-Ph-COOCH3)](Cl)2 (Ru-UCN1), and [(tpy)Ru(tpy-Ph-bzH)](Cl)2 (Ru-UCN3), and their anticancer capacity determined by cytotoxic assays, gene expression analysis, caspase activation and confocal microscopy. KEY FINDINGS: Ru-UCN3 is more notably cytotoxic than cisplatin in human gastric cancer cells AGS at 24 h, while Ru-UCN1 is more active against gastric cancer cells than cisplatin at 48 h. The complexes induce apoptosis as shown by RT-qPCR, protease activity, and confocal microscopy. Ru-UCN1 induces the overexpression of pro-apoptotic genes at 3 and 6 h, whereas Ru-UCN3 induces overexpression of these genes at 12 and 24 h. Ru-UCN1 treatment shows a strong activation of caspases 3/7 at 24 h, which was not observed for Ru-UCN3 treatment in the same timeframe. SIGNIFICANCE: Taken together, this data suggests that Ru-UCN1 and to a lesser extent, Ru-UCN3, may be interesting anticancer agents for gastric cancer.

Masa palpable en muslo con antecedente traumático / Palpable mass in thigh with trauma antecedent

No disponible

Metástasis coroidea como signo de presentación de un adenocarcinoma de pulmón con respuesta a afatinib / Choroidal metastasis as a presenting manifestation of a lung adenocarcinoma with response to afatinib

CASO CLÍNICO: Presentamos el caso de un varón de 55 años, con un adenocarcinoma no microcítico de pulmón, que comenzó con una metástasis coroidea. El paciente mostraba disminución de la agudeza visual. El examen reveló una metástasis coroidea unilateral secundaria al tumor. Tras el tratamiento con afatinib, se consiguió la regresión completa. DISCUSIÓN: Las metástasis coroideas pueden ser la primera manifestación de un cáncer de pulmón. De ahí la importancia de una evaluación completa en pacientes con tumores coroideos. El afatinib se mostró efectivo en el tratamiento de las metástasis coroideas de un carcinoma de pulmón con mutación EFGR

CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 55-year-old man with a non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma, who presented with choroidal metastasis. The patient showed a decrease in visual acuity. His evaluation revealed unilateral choroidal metastasis secondary to carcinoma of the lung. The patient received afatinib with complete regression of choroidal metastasis after one year follow-up. DISCUSSION: Choroidal metastasis may be the initial sign of lung cancer. This case highlights the importance of a thorough systemic evaluation in patients with choroidal tumours. Afatinib was effective against choroidal metastasis of a lung adenocarcinoma with EFGR mutation

Tratamiento quirúrgico del carcinoma de células renales en personas de edad avanzada / Surgical treatment of renal-cell carcinoma in elderly people

Objetivo: Describir las características oncológicas y evolución de los pacientes con 65 años o más que son sometidos a cirugía por cáncer de células renales (CCR). Métodos: Revisamos en nuestra base de datos a todos los pacientes con CCR tratados quirúrgicamente. Aquellos mayores de 65 años fueron seleccionados. Se analizaron las características clínicas y patológicas, así como los desenlaces oncológicos y funcionales. La supervivencia global (SG) fue estimada con el método de Kaplan-Meier. El análisis multivariado fue hecho con el modelo de Cox para determinar los predictores de SG. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 156 pacientes ancianos con una edad media de 72,0 ± 5,5 años (rango 65-92) y una mediana de seguimiento de 33 meses. El abordaje quirúrgico fue nefrectomía radical abierta en 114 (73,5%) pacientes, nefrectomía radical laparoscópica en 13 (8,4%), nefrectomía parcial abierta en 23 (14,2%) y nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica en 6 (3,9%). El estadio patológico fue: estadio i 71 (45,5%), estadio ii 27 (17,3%), estadio iii 48 (30,8%) y estadio iv 10 (6,4%). Finalmente, 51 (32,6%) pacientes murieron, 22 (43,1%) por cáncer. La SG a 5 años de acuerdo al estadio patológico fue 77,6%, 71,9%, 45,1% y 11,7% para los estadios i, ii, iii y iv, respectivamente (p < 0,001). En el análisis multivariado el estadio patológico fue un factor independiente para predecir la SG (HR: 1,96, IC 95% [1,36-2,84], p = 0,0003). Conclusiones: El tratamiento quirúrgico del CCR parece seguro en pacientes mayores de 65 años debidamente seleccionados. El estadio patológico predice la supervivencia en esta población

Objective: To describe the oncological characteristics and evolution of patients 65 years or older who underwent surgery for renal-cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: We reviewed our prospectively maintained database of patients with RCC treated surgically. Those ≥ 65 years old were selected. We analyzed clinical and pathological characteristics as well as oncological and functional outcomes. Overall survival (OS) was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox-proportional hazards model was used to determine predictors of OS. Results: A total of 156 elderly patients with mean age 72.0 ± 5.5 years (range 65-92) and median follow-up of 33 months were included. Surgical approach was open radical nephrectomy in 114 (73.5%), laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in 13 (8.4%), open partial nephrectomy in 23 (14.2%) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in 6 (3.9%). Pathological stage was: Stage I, 71 (45.5%); Stage II, 27 (17.3%); Stage III, 48 (30.8%); and Stage IV, 10 (6.4%). Lastly, 51 (32.6%) patients died, 22 (43.1%) from cancer. The 5-year OS according to pathological stage was 77.6%, 71.9%, 45.1% and 11.7% for stage I, II, III and IV, respectively (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, pathological stage independently predicted OS (HR 1.96, 95% CI [1.36-2.84], P = .0003). Conclusions: The surgical management of RCC appears to be safe in properly selected patients 65 years or older. Pathological stage predicts survival in this population

Choroidal metastasis as a presenting manifestation of a lung adenocarcinoma with response to afatinib. / Metástasis coroidea como signo de presentación de un adenocarcinoma de pulmón con respuesta a afatinib.

CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 55-year-old man with a non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma, who presented with choroidal metastasis. The patient showed a decrease in visual acuity. His evaluation revealed unilateral choroidal metastasis secondary to carcinoma of the lung. The patient received afatinib with complete regression of choroidal metastasis after one year follow-up. DISCUSSION: Choroidal metastasis may be the initial sign of lung cancer. This case highlights the importance of a thorough systemic evaluation in patients with choroidal tumours. Afatinib was effective against choroidal metastasis of a lung adenocarcinoma with EFGR mutation.

Surgical treatment of renal-cell carcinoma in elderly people. / Tratamiento quirúrgico del carcinoma de células renales en personas de edad avanzada.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the oncological characteristics and evolution of patients 65 years or older who underwent surgery for renal-cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: We reviewed our prospectively maintained database of patients with RCC treated surgically. Those ≥ 65 years old were selected. We analyzed clinical and pathological characteristics as well as oncological and functional outcomes. Overall survival (OS) was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox-proportional hazards model was used to determine predictors of OS. RESULTS: A total of 156 elderly patients with mean age 72.0±5.5 years (range 65-92) and median follow-up of 33 months were included. Surgical approach was open radical nephrectomy in 114 (73.5%), laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in 13 (8.4%), open partial nephrectomy in 23 (14.2%) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in 6 (3.9%). Pathological stage was: Stage I, 71 (45.5%); Stage II, 27 (17.3%); Stage III, 48 (30.8%); and Stage IV, 10 (6.4%). Lastly, 51 (32.6%) patients died, 22 (43.1%) from cancer. The 5-year OS according to pathological stage was 77.6%, 71.9%, 45.1% and 11.7% for stage I, II, III and IV, respectively (P<.001). On multivariate analysis, pathological stage independently predicted OS (HR 1.96, 95% CI [1.36-2.84], P=.0003). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical management of RCC appears to be safe in properly selected patients 65 years or older. Pathological stage predicts survival in this population.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of three physiotherapeutic treatments for subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dexketoprofen administered by phonophoresis or iontophoresis is more effective for the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) than conventional ultrasound therapy. DESIGN: Randomised clinical trial. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-nine participants with SIS without a complete tear of the rotator cuff were assigned at random to three intervention groups. INTERVENTION GROUPS: Participants received ultrasound (n=32), phonophoresis with dexketoprofen (50mg/session) (n=33) or iontophoresis with dexketoprofen (50mg/session) (n=34). All participants completed 20 treatment sessions plus exercise therapy and cryotherapy. OUTCOME MEASURES: A visual analogue scale (VAS), the Constant-Murley Scale (CMS) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire were administered pre-treatment (baseline), post-treatment and 1 month post-treatment. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no differences between the groups. Post-treatment, VAS score improved by -1.2 points and CMS score improved by 8.9 points in the ultrasound group compared with the iontophoresis group [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.2 to -2.2 and 95% CI 17.0 to 0.7, respectively]. CMS score improved by 7.1 points in the phonophoresis group compared with the iontophoresis group (95% CI 14.8 to -0.7). At 1 month post-treatment, no significant differences were detected between the groups. VAS, CMS and DASH scores of all groups improved post-treatment and at 1 month post-treatment. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound, iontophoresis with dexketoprofen and phonophoresis with dexketoprofen can improve pain, shoulder function, and physical functioning and symptoms in the upper limb in patients with SIS without a complete tear of the rotator cuff. CLINICAL TRIALS. GOV REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01748188.

Determination of the genotype and phenotype of serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) status in a group of agricultural and nonagricultural workers in the Coquimbo Region, Chile.

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a glycosylated enzyme that is found associated with high-density lipoproteins in blood. In addition to its endogenous antioxidant role, this enzyme is also involved in hydrolysis of organophosphate (OP) pesticides in plasma. PON1 activity shows great variability in the population as a result of a polymorphism in the coding sequence that is expressed as a Glu(Q)/Arg(R) substitution at position 192 of the amino acid sequence. The aim of this study was to determine the activity levels (phenotype) and genotype of PON1 in a group of 85 agricultural workers occupationally exposed to OP pesticides and compared to 97 control subjects without occupational exposure. Allelic and genotypic frequencies of PON1Q192R polymorphism, as well as their catalytic activities, were established for the first time in a group of agricultural Chilean workers. The Q allele was more frequently represented in our studied population (approximately 60%). The Q allele is less efficient than the R allele at metabolizing chlorpyrifos (CPF), the most widely used OP pesticide in the geographical areas where samples were obtained. Further, a large interindividual variability in PON1 activity was observed, suggesting wide variation of individual susceptibility to CPF, an issue that needs to be considered in human monitoring studies.

Nfkb1 is a haploinsufficient DNA damage-specific tumor suppressor.

NF-κB proteins play a central and subunit-specific role in the response to DNA damage. Previous work identified p50/NF-κB1 as being necessary for cytotoxicity in response to DNA alkylation damage. Given the importance of damage-induced cell death for the maintenance of genomic stability, we examined whether Nfkb1 acts as a tumor suppressor in the setting of alkylation damage. Hprt mutation analysis demonstrates that Nfkb1(-/-) cells accumulate more alkylator-induced, but not ionizing radiation (IR)-induced, mutations than similarly treated wild-type cells. Subsequent in vivo tumor induction studies reveal that following alkylator treatment, but not IR, Nfkb1(-/-) mice develop more lymphomas than similarly treated Nfkb1(+/+) animals. Heterozygous mice develop lymphomas at an intermediate rate and retain functional p50 in their tumors, indicating that Nfkb1 acts in a haploinsufficient manner. Analysis of human cancers, including therapy-related myeloid neoplasms, demonstrates that NFKB1 mRNA expression is downregulated compared with control samples in multiple hematological malignancies. These data indicate that Nfkb1 is a haploinsufficient, pathway-specific tumor suppressor that prevents the development of hematologic malignancy in the setting of alkylation damage.

Trends in laryngeal cancer incidence in a health area between 2007 and 2013.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to study the trend between 2007 and 2013 in the incidence of larynx cancer in a health district of 300,000 inhabitants. MATERIAL AND METHOD: With information from the hospital cancer registry for the reference health area, we calculated the incidence and subsequently performed a joinpoint regression using specific software. RESULTS: We found a statistically-significant downward trend with an annual percentage change of -10.83 LC 95% (-16.85, -4.40) between 2007 and 2013. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the tendency of incidence in larynx cancer decreased, mainly in males, where the results were statistically significant. These results should encourage continuing prevention of smoking and alcohol consumption.