Female sexual function in long-term cervical cancer survivors compared with healthy women and women affected by benign gynecological disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the female sexual function between cervical cancer survivors and healthy women or with benign gynecological diseases. STUDY DESIGN: From January 1, 2010 to January 31, 2019, a case-control study was conducted to compare the female sexual function of 106 cervical cancer survivors from a tertiary hospital and 185 women admitted to a gynecological outpatient clinic from the same health area for a routine gynecological examination (n=46) or for a benign gynecological disorder (symptomatic, n=113; asymptomatic, n=26). We prospectively assessed the female sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). For the contrastive analysis hypothesis, we employed R statistical software. RESULTS: Cervical cancer survivors reported lower sexual activity rates than controls, in general, did (47.12% vs. 88.65%, p=0.0001), and, particularly, compared with healthy and symptomatic controls (47.12% vs. 82.61%, p=0.003; 47.12% vs. 87.61%, p=0.0001, respectively). Sixty and fifty-eight hundredths percent of the cervical cancer survivors experienced female sexual dysfunction, mainly due to hypoactive sexual desire (93.27%). Female sexual dysfunction was diagnosed in 64.32% of the controls, with sexual arousal disorders being the most common diagnosis (44.86%). Compared with controls, cervical cancer survivors exhibited considerably lower FSFI total scores and in sexual desire and lubrication domains (p <0.000; p <0.0001; p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical cancer survivors had worse female sexual function and less sexual activity than controls did, although scores in both groups were in range of FSD. Rates of female sexual dysfunction were similar across cervical cancer survivors and controls, with hypoactive sexual desire and sexual arousal disorders as the most common diagnoses, respectively.

Quality of life in long-term cervical cancer survivors compared with healthy women and women with benign gynecological disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of cervical cancer treatment on the quality of life of long-term survivors compared with the general female population is controversial, and no studies have been conducted comparing patients with benign gynecological diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life of cervical cancer survivors with that of healthy controls. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study was conducted to compare the quality of life of 106 cervical cancer survivors from a tertiary hospital and 185 women admitted to a gynecological outpatient clinic from the same health area for a healthy woman check-up (n 46) or for a benign gynecological disorder (symptomatic, n 113; asymptomatic, n 26). To measure quality of life, self-administered questionnaires, such as the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-cervix and World Health Organization quality of life-brief version, were employed. Baseline scores were collected when patients first reported, and further evaluations were completed at 0-6, 7-12, 13-24, 25-60, and more than 60 months. For the contrastive analysis hypothesis, we employed R statistical software. RESULTS: Except for the environment domain at 0-6, 7-12, and 13-24 months (51.52 vs. 60.73, p < 0.0001; 52 vs. 60.73, p < 0.0001; 49.81 vs. 60.73, p < 0.0001, respectively), we found no statistically significant differences in the quality of life between cervical cancer survivors and controls. We did find differences in the physical health domain scores at 0-6 months (60.22 vs. 72.42, p = 0.039) and the social relationships domain scores at 13-24 months (54 vs. 71.42, p = 0.017) between cases and asymptomatic controls. CONCLUSION: Except for physical well-being, environment and social relationships, which were substantially better for controls, especially in the asymptomatic, long-term cervical cancer survivorsquality of life did not vary from that of controls.

Biophysical effects of a natural peloid on normal skin.

A protocol study was designed to examine cutaneous behavior after continuous application of a peloid in the dry mineral residue of Lanjarón-Capuchina natural mineral water. This study aims to analyze the biomechanical behavior of normal skin using various non-invasive bioengineering techniques after the application of this peloid. We determine the effects of its application for 3 months on 38 healthy volunteers (41.4 ± 5.9 years, range 32-58) without a previous history of skin diseases by courtmetry, sebumetry, pH-metry, reviscometry, and tewametry. It was shown that the production of cutaneous sebum is significantly reduced by 6%, trans epidermal skin loss (TEWL) by 21%, skin fatigue by 30%, elasticity increased by 19%, firmness by 5%, and a skin redensification by 6% was obtained under these experimental conditions. Disparate and non-significant results were obtained concerning pH and viscoelasticity. Continuous skin care with the Lanjarón-Capuchina natural peloid modifies skin behavior, normalizing sebaceous secretion, favoring the biomechanical properties of the skin and the skin barrier function without modifying skin homeostasis.

Development and internal validation of a multivariable prediction model for the quality of life of cervical cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: To elaborate a prediction model for quality of life of cervical cancer survivors. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 229 cervical cancer survivors. The quality of life measures included the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Cervix version 4.0 and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief version self-administered questionnaires. We imported the data into the statistical software program R and developed a gamma generalized linear model. RESULTS: Our internally validated predictive model for the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Cervix total score was composed of the following predictors: pain, appetite, vaginal bleeding/discharge/odor, and WHOQOL-BREF social relationships domain. The Harrell's concordance index was 0.75. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a solid and internally validated predictive model in cervical cancer survivors based on predictors, such as pain, appetite, vaginal bleeding/odor/discharge, and WHOQOL-BREF social relationships subscale score that contribute significantly to quality of life as targets for potential intervention.

Comparative analysis of balneotherapy in European public health systems: Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal.

Balneotherapy comprises the use of natural mineral waters for health and/or well-being purposes. When balneotherapy is offered by the public health system, some countries with Latin-based languages call it social thermalism. The aim of this study is to compare balneotherapy in health systems of Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal. The study involves a qualitative systematic review of the literature using the systematic search flow method. Twenty-two documents, from 2000 to 2022, were included and its findings were described in seven categories: the first outlines the historical characterization of social thermalism in the systems analyzed and the others outline the components of the health systems: coverage/access, health financing, workforce, inputs and techniques, organization and regulation, and network provision of services. The models of insurance and social security that cover part of the thermal treatment are highlighted. Doctors with competence in medical hydrology constitute the majority of the workforce. Similarities regarding inputs and techniques are observed, with variation in the number of days of the balneotherapy treatment cycle. In the regulation of services, the Ministry of Health of each country is prominent. The provision of services is mainly performed in specialized care in accredited balneotherapy establishments. Despite the limitations of the method, the comparisons made may serve to support public policies for balneotherapy.

Cross-sectional study on the impact of age, menopause and quality of life on female sexual function.

We sought to determine the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and to examine the influence of age, menopausal state and quality of life (QoL) on the female sexual function (FSF) of healthy women and those with benign gynaecological disease. With this purpose, we conducted a cross-sectional study, based on self-report questionnaires (sociodemographic, WHOQOL-BREF and FSFI), enrolling 107 women. Some 51.6% (n = 55) were diagnosed with FSD. We found no statistical significant differences between grouped reason for consultation and FSFI total score (p = .72) and its domains (p > .05). The results showed a negative strong correlation between age and FSFI total score (S= -0.71) and a positive moderate correlation between WHOQOL-BREF and FSFI total scores (S = 0.39). We observed statistically significant differences between menopausal state and FSFI total score (p = .001). In conclusion, the prevalence of FSD in our population was 51.6%. Our study results reveal that a reduction in FSFI scores has a negative impact on QoL and vice versa, regardless of the reason for consultation. Elderly age and postmenopausal state have deleterious effects on FSF.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Poor QoL can adversely affect FSF and vice versa. The study of FSF is relatively recent and there is controversy regarding the deleterious effects of elderly age and menopause on FSF. The prevalence of FSD is difficult to precisely determine, given the studies' use of different definitions for FSD and the highly heterogeneous study populations, as well as the types of tests and questionnaires employed. Sexual difficulties are problems seldom discussed between patients and their physicians. Lack of time, misconceptions, shame and frustration, considering sexuality as too intimate to discuss in the doctor's office, uncertainty regarding therapeutic options and insufficient training of health professionals are just some of the reasons mentioned for not addressing sexual dysfunction in a general consultation.What do the results of this study add? Our study is the first research in Spain on the impact of age, menopause and QoL on gynaecological patients´ FSF. Our results indicate that an impaired FSF could be related to poorer well-being and QoL; however, benign gynaecological disease does not appear to affect FSF. Elderly age and postmenopausal state can have deleterious effects on FSF.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Sexuality is an important aspect of QoL. Therefore, gynaecologists should discuss issues of sexuality with their patients in routine visits, especially in case of elderly and postmenopausal women. In addition, gynaecologists should train in the diagnosis and treatment of the female sexual dysfunction.

Pseudomixoma peritoneal primario de origen ovárico / Primary pseudomyxoma peritonei originated from ovaries

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El pseudomixoma peritoneal es muy raro; se caracterizada por ascitis mucinosa e implantes peritoneales relacionados con la rotura y diseminación del contenido de un tumor mucinoso. En 80 al 90% de los casos el tumor primario es apendicular y el ovario es una localización realmente excepcional. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 49 años que acudió a consulta debido a un dolor abdominal. En las pruebas de imagen se visualizó una tumoración anexial izquierda y se advirtieron hallazgos sugerentes de pseudomixoma peritoneal. En la cirugía, la masa ovárica se objetivó parcialmente fragmentada, con el apéndice aumentado de tamaño y extensos implantes peritoneales; además de gran cantidad de mucina libre en la cavidad peritoneal. El análisis anatomopatológico determinó la existencia de un adenocarcinoma mucinoso en el ovario afectado, con inmunohistoquímica positiva para CK7+ y CK20+, múltiples implantes de mucina y el apéndice sin daño. Por lo anterior se diagnosticó: pseudomixoma peritoneal de origen ovárico. Luego de dos intervenciones quirúrgicas no se consiguió la citorreducción completa. La paciente permaneció estable durante siete años, momento en el que fue evidente el avance de los síntomas de la enfermedad, circunstancia que la condujo a la muerte. CONCLUSIÓN: Determinar el origen de un pseudomixoma peritoneal sigue siendo un reto pues, con frecuencia, tanto el apéndice como los ovarios se afectan simultáneamente. Por ello, la apendicectomía y la exploración bilateral de los ovarios deben ser prácticas de rutina. El análisis extenso de las muestras y la inmunohistoquímica pueden facilitar la catalogación de estos infrecuentes tumores.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei is very rare; it is characterized by mucinous ascites and peritoneal implants related to rupture and dissemination of the contents of a mucinous tumor. In 80 to 90% of cases the primary tumor is appendicular and the ovary is a truly exceptional location. CLINICALCASE: A 49 year old female patient presented for consultation due to abdominal pain. Imaging tests showed a left adnexal tumor and findings suggestive of pseudomyxoma peritonei. At surgery, the ovarian mass was partially fragmented, with an enlarged appendix and extensive peritoneal implants; in addition to a large amount of free mucin in the peritoneal cavity. The anatomopathological analysis determined the existence of a mucinous adenocarcinoma in the affected ovary, with positive immunohistochemistry for CK7+ and CK20+, multiple mucin implants and an undamaged appendix. Therefore, a diagnosis was made: pseudomyxoma peritoneum of ovarian origin. After two surgical interventions she did not achieve complete cytoreduction. The patient remained stable for seven years, at which time the symptoms of the disease became evident and led to her death. CONCLUSION: Determining the origin of a pseudomyxoma peritonei remains a challenge as often both the appendix and ovaries are affected simultaneously. Therefore, appendectomy and bilateral ovarian exploration should be routine practice. Extensive specimen analysis and immunohistochemistry can facilitate cataloging of these infrequent tumors.

Cáncer de endometrio: tratamiento quirúrgico en un hospital comunitario de España / Endometrial cancer: surgical treatment in a community hospital in Spain

Resumen OBJETIVO: Exponer los desenlaces quirúrgicos de las pacientes intervenidas por cáncer de endometrio, analizar si existen puntos de mejora en nuestra práctica clínica y aportar más datos a la evidencia publicada, para ayudar al avance en el tratamiento quirúrgico de las pacientes con esta enfermedad MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo llevado a cabo en la Unidad de Oncología Ginecológica del Hospital Regional Virgen Macarena de Sevilla, España, entre junio de 2013 y febrero de 2020. Se reunieron los reportes quirúrgicos de pacientes intervenidas por alguna afección endometrial premaligna o maligna. Variables de estudio: edad, IMC, cirugías previas, diagnóstico histopatológico y estadio, vía de acceso quirúrgico y terapia coadyuvante. Se exponen los desenlaces relacionados con complicaciones quirúrgicas y tasa de curación, así como el tiempo de intervención, vía de acceso quirúrgico y estancia hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 250 pacientes, la mayoría (76%) con diagnóstico de adenocarcinoma endometrioide de endometrio. La vía de acceso quirúrgico más utilizada fue la laparoscopia (51.6%), con un porcentaje de complicaciones intraoperatorias del 10% y posoperatorias del 9.2%. El 88.4% de las pacientes permanece viva y libre de enfermedad después del tratamiento, con recaídas solo en el 11.6% y 8% de fallecimientos. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento inicial de elección, en pacientes con hiperplasia con atipias o cáncer de endometrio en estadios tempranos, es la cirugía, mediante histerectomía, doble anexectomía y en algunos casos linfadenectomía asociada. La elección de la vía quirúrgica de acceso debe individualizarse a las condiciones particulares de cada paciente. La laparoscopia ofrece múltiples ventajas, es una técnica en auge y cada día más practicada.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To expose the surgical outcomes of patients operated on for endometrial cancer, to analyze if there are points of improvement in our clinical practice and to contribute more data to the published evidence, to help advance the surgical treatment of patients with this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive, and retrospective study carried out in the Gynecologic Oncology Unit of the Virgen Macarena Regional Hospital of Seville, Spain, between June 2013 and February 2020. Surgical reports of patients operated on for any premalignant or malignant endometrial condition were collected. Study variables: age, BMI, previous surgeries, histopathological diagnosis and stage, surgical access route and adjuvant therapy. Outcomes related to surgical complications and cure rate are presented, as well as operation time, surgical access route and hospital stay. RESULTS: 250 patients were studied, the majority (76%) with a diagnosis of endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma. The most used surgical access route was laparoscopy (51.6%), with a percentage of intraoperative complications of 10% and postoperative complications of 9.2%. 88.4% of patients remain alive free of disease after treatment, with relapses in only 11.6% and 8% deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The initial treatment of choice in patients with hyperplasia with atypia or early-stage endometrial cancer is surgery, by hysterectomy, double adnexectomy and in some cases associated lymphadenectomy. The choice of surgical approach must be individualized to the conditions of each patient. Laparoscopy offers multiple advantages; it is a technique that is on the rise and is being used more and more frequently.

Effects of Sodium Chloride-Rich Mineral Water on Intestinal Epithelium. Experimental Study.

Since knowledge concerning the cellular and tissue substrate that explains the therapeutic action of mineral waters is generally very scarce, we address the different effects that Lanjarón-Capuchina mineral water exerts on the intestinal epithelium in an experimental model as a prototype of the sodium chloride-rich mineral waters used in digestive disorders. In the experimental protocol, two groups of five adult Wistar rats received unrestricted mineral water in their diet or mineral water directly into the gastrointestinal tract through a catheter. A third control group was given a standard diet and water ad libitum. Intestinal samples for scanning electron microscopy were analyzed according to standardized methods. The observations carried out by microscope after the administration of the sodium chloride-rich mineral water clearly indicate that the hypertonic action of this mineral water affects the structure of the intestinal epithelium. It modifies the microvilli absorption in terms of the groups of enterocytes and the secretion of goblet cells, but it particularly affects the epithelial renewal process, accelerating and stimulating cell extrusion. The type of extrusion mechanism observed by microscope allows us to affirm that, although this increased after direct administration, it does not generate an epithelial disruption as it occurs in other circumstances with other extrusion modalities.

Peloids as Thermotherapeutic Agents.

The use of peloids as heat-providing therapeutic systems dates back to antiquity. Such systems consist of a liquid phase and an organic or inorganic solid phase. The latter facilitates the handling, preparation and stability of the solid-liquid system, modifying its organoleptic and phy-sicochemical properties, and improves its efficacy and tolerance. Peloids enable the application of heat to very specific zones and the release of heat at a given rate. The aims of this work are to study 16 reference peloids used in medical spa centers as thermo-therapeutic agents as well as to propose nine raw materials as a solid phase for the preparation of peloids. The physical properties studied are the centesimal composition, the instrumental texture and the thermal parameters. In conclusion, the peloids of the medical spas studied are used as thermotherapeutic agents in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, especially in knee osteoarthritis and to a lesser extent in back pain and psoriatic arthropathy. The clinical experience in these centers shows that the main effects of the application of their peloids are the reduction of pain, an increase in the joint's functional capacity and an improvement in the quality of life. As thermotherapeutic agents, all the peloids of the me-dical spas studied and the pastes (raw materials with distilled water) examined showed a heat flow rate of up to four times lower than that shown by the same amount of water. The raw materials studied can be used as solid phases for the preparation of peloids with mineral waters.

Treatment and Impact of Cervical-Cancer-Related Lymphatic Disorders on Quality of Life and Sexuality Compared with Controls.

Background: Lymphatic disorders are frequent complications related to treatment for cervical cancer (CC). The aims of the study are to evaluate the impact of lymphatic disorders on quality of life (QOL) and sexuality in CC survivors after the completion of oncological treatment and to compare them with controls. Methods and Results: An ambispective cohort study was performed by using the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy (FACT)-Cervix (Cx) fourth version, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Twelve patients affected by lymphatic disorders comprised the study group, 251 comprised the CC control group, and 185 comprised the non-CC control group. Regarding QOL, there were no statistically significant differences between the lymphatic disorder-unaffected and non-CC control groups, except in the WHOQOL-BREF environment domain. A weak positive correlation between lymphatic disorder and FACT-Cx additional concerns (σ = 0.135) was observed. Regarding sexuality, a weak negative correlation was detected between lymphatic disorders and FSFI sexual satisfaction (σ = -0.200) and a weak positive correlation was observed between lymphatic disorders and FSFI dyspareunia (σ = 0.148). We did not observe statistically significant differences in QOL satisfaction between the lymphatic disorder-affected and non-CC control groups. Symptomatic controls reported significantly higher physical health scores than the lymphatic disorder-affected group (p < 0.05). Regarding the psychological domain, the asymptomatic controls obtained significantly higher scores than the lymphatic disorder-affected group (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Lymphatic disorders notably influenced the QOL of CC survivors compared with the non-CC control groups. Lymphatic disorders had a significant negative impact on physical and psychological health. Sexuality was scarcely affected by lymphatic disorders.

Evaluation of the Feasibility of a Two-Week Course of Aquatic Therapy and Thalassotherapy in a Mild Post-Stroke Population.

Strokes are a leading cause of disability in developed countries. Patients with disabilities need rehabilitation to improve their physical functioning, mental status, and quality of life. Currently, no high-quality evidence can be found attesting the benefits of any of the interventions that are nowadays used. Water-based exercise may improve the physical conditions and quality of life of people in the post-stroke phase. The objective of this study is to test whether aquatic therapy in an enriched environment at the seaside (a thalassotherapy center) could play a role in this condition. A quasi-experimental prospective study consisting of a specific program assessed 62 patients with a mild-moderate disability pre- and post-2 weeks of intensive treatment. They followed a thalassotherapy regimen including aquatic therapy in a sea water pool at 32-34 °C for 45 min daily five times a week. The outcomes measured were the Berg Balance scale, the Timed Up and Go test, the 10-meter walking test, the 6-min walking test, the Pain Visual Analogue Scale, the WHO Well-being index, EuroQoL VAS and EuroQoL 5D. We observed a significant improvement in all outcomes measured (p < 0.001, except mobility EuroQoL p < 0.05), except in the other four dimensions of the EuroQoL 5D and 10-metre walking test (NS). Conclusion: A two-week intensive course of aquatic therapy and thalassotherapy may be beneficial in the short term by reducing pain and improving the functional status and overall well-being of post-stroke patients.

Importancia del consumo de agua en la salud y la prevención de la enfermedad: situación actual / The importance of water consumption in health and disease prevention: the current situation

Aunque el agua es un nutriente esencial para la vida y el componente más abundante de nuestro cuerpo, recibe escasa atención en las recomendaciones dietéticas y las guías clínicas. Existen inconvenientes para determinar las cifras óptimas, tanto para la cantidad de agua que debe contener el cuerpo como para su ingesta. La ingesta y eliminación del agua dependen de factores no constantes y difíciles de medir, a su vez compensados por la capacidad del organismo para la homeostasis. Dada la falta de evidencia científica para el establecimiento de recomendaciones, se han estimado las "ingestas adecuadas" (para mantener un estado de hidratación adecuado) utilizando datos de ingestas de agua en grupos de personas sanas. La Autoridad Europea de Seguridad Alimentaria (EFSA) también considera la osmolaridad deseable en la orina para estimar la ingesta adecuada de agua en los adultos. Los estudios clínicos han mostrado en general beneficios con una hidratación adecuada y perjuicios con sus desequilibrios, ya sean cuantitativos (deshidratación y sobrehidratación) o cualitativos (agua extracelular e intracelular). Desafortunadamente, estos estudios son escasos y suelen tener diseños deficientes, ya sean transversales, de casos y controles o prospectivos, utilizando muestras pequeñas o métodos indirectos para evaluar el estado de hidratación. En este artículo se presenta información de actualización respecto a: 1) la adherencia a las recomendaciones de consumo de agua y sugerencias para mejorarla; 2) técnicas disponibles para medir el estado de hidratación y sus aplicaciones clínicas; 3) efectos de la hidratación/deshidratación en las actividades físicas o cognitivas y en las enfermedades crónicas; y 4) normativa española sobre calidad y salubridad del agua

Water is an essential nutrient for life and the most abundant component in the human body. However, its dietary recommendations or clinical management guidelines do not receive as much attention as they deserve. In addition, there are some obstacles to establishing optimal values, both for the amount of water the body must contain and for water ingestion. Water intake and elimination depend on unsteady factors that are difficult to measure and, at the same time, compensated by the body's ability to regulate homeostasis. Since scientific evidence is lacking for establishing recommendations, "adequate intakes" (to maintain an adequate hydration state) have been estimated using data on water intake from groups of healthy people. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also considers desirable the use of urine osmolarity to estimate the adequacy of water intake in adults. Clinical studies have generally shown the benefits of adequate hydration and the damage caused by water imbalance, whether quantitative (dehydration and overhydration) or qualitative (extracellular and intracellular water). Unfortunately, these studies are few and often have poor cross-sectional, case-control, or prospective designs, and use small samples or indirect methods to assess hydration status. This article presents up-to-date information on subjects such as: 1) compliance with water consumption recommendations and suggestions for improvement; 2) techniques available to measure hydration status and their clinical applications; 3) effects of hydration/dehydration on physical or cognitive activities and chronic diseases; and 4) existing Spanish regulations on the quality and salubrity of water

Balneotherapy for knee osteoarthritis in S. Jorge: a randomized controlled trial.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a public health concern with considerable social impacts and related-costs. Among the treatments available, several benefits of bathing in natural mineral water have been proposed: (1) to identify possible health benefits (in terms of effects on dimensions of pain, functionality, emotional and social aspects, and quality of life) of a 3-week balneotherapy intervention in patients with knee osteoarthritis; (2) to assess the clinical relevance of any benefits detected; and (3) to determine if these effects persist. Participants of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) were 120 patients randomly assigned to (1) an experimental group (3 weeks of balneotherapy consisting of daily whirlpool baths, hydrokinesitherapy sessions, and knee shower/massages) or (2) control group in which no form of treatment apart from their usual analgesia medication was given. Treatment benefits were assessed using the following tools: (1) visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, (2) Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), (3) WOMAC osteoarthritis questionnaire, and (4) SF 36 health survey questionnaire. In the experimental group, these tests were conducted immediately before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at 3 months of follow-up. Patients assigned to the control group were assessed at the study start and 3 months later. Data processing and statistical analysis were performed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 22.0. Out of 60 patients in the experimental group, 45 were found to benefit from the treatment intervention in terms of pain relief among other aspects, and also when test scores were compared to those obtained in the control group. Improvements were often clinical relevant and in most patients persisted 3 months after treatment onset.

Efficacy of aquatic therapy for neck pain: a systematic review.

This study systematically reviews the current state of aquatic treatment of neck pain and assesses the scientific evidence of its benefits. The databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PEDro were searched for relevant reports published from January 1, 2008, to November 7, 2017, using the keywords "neck pain" in addition to "balneotherapy", "spa treatment", "spa", "thalassotherapy", "hydrotherapy", "aquatic therapy" or "aquatic". Inclusion criteria were full-text articles published in journals included in Journal Citation Reports in English and Spanish describing human studies. Case studies, letters to the editor and meeting presentations or other contributions were excluded. Of 367 articles identified, only 13 fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 5 randomized trials, 1 single blind controlled study, 2 pilot studies, 2 observational retrospective studies, 1 prospective study, 1 clinical study and 1 not specified. Participants were 658 subjects with chronic neck pain. Main symptoms and signs treated were neck pain, disability, cervical disc herniation and compromised quality of life. Evidence that aquatic treatment improves quality of life in affected individuals was good in four studies, fair in eight and weak in one. Treatment of neck pain using different waters and techniques reduced pain and disability, and improved functional capacity, quality of life, joint mobility, balance, relaxation and mood.

Direct trocar insertion without previous pneumoperitoneum versus insertion after insufflation with Veress needle in laparoscopic gynecological surgery: a prospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to determine whether direct trocar entry without prior pneumoperitoneum at umbilical level (DTI) can be a safe alternative to access the abdominal cavity in gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. We present a prospective observational analytical study of cohorts, comparing DTI with umbilical entry with trocar after previous insufflation with a Veress needle at umbilical level (V). The study period was performed from June 2013 to April 2016; data was collected on 600 patients who underwent gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. There were no significant differences in the risk of suffering a complication during the access manoeuvres between DTI (6.49%) and V (7.39%), OR 0.89 (95% CI: 0.42-1.81). The duration of the access manoeuvres was 69 s in DTI and 193 s in V (p < .001). The percentage of patients in whom two or more access attempts were performed was lower in DTI (7.8%) than in V (12.3%) (p > .05). We concluded that DTI is at least as safe as V, regarding the risk of suffering complications arising from access into the abdominal cavity. DTI has advantages with regard to V, such as: the shorter duration of access manoeuvres or the lesser number of unsuccessful entry or insufflation attempts. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? There are few international publications comparing DTI and V. When we conducted a search in PubMed for the terms 'Veress needle and direct trocar insertion', 51 publications were obtained. When we increased the restriction and added the terms 'laparoscopic entry and laparoscopy complications', 27 publications were obtained; thus, the uniqueness of our study. What do the results of this study add? We present a 3-year observational prospective study of cohorts that included 600 patients. The aim of this study was to determine that in laparoscopic gynaecological surgery, DTI is an access method to the abdominal cavity at least as safe as V, with respect to the risk of complications. On the other hand, DTI has some advantages such as the shorter duration of access manoeuvres or the lower number of failed entry attempts. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Given the limited number of publications that compared both techniques, our study indicates that DTI can be a safe alternative for access to abdominal cavity in gynaecological surgery, compared to the traditional V.

Salt water and skin interactions: new lines of evidence.

In Health Resort Medicine, both balneotherapy and thalassotherapy, salt waters and their peloids, or mud products are mainly used to treat rheumatic and skin disorders. These therapeutic agents act jointly via numerous mechanical, thermal, and chemical mechanisms. In this review, we examine a new mechanism of action specific to saline waters. When topically administered, this water rich in sodium and chloride penetrates the skin where it is able to modify cellular osmotic pressure and stimulate nerve receptors in the skin via cell membrane ion channels known as "Piezo" proteins. We describe several models of cutaneous adsorption/desorption and penetration of dissolved ions in mineral waters through the skin (osmosis and cell volume mechanisms in keratinocytes) and examine the role of these resources in stimulating cutaneous nerve receptors. The actions of salt mineral waters are mediated by a mechanism conditioned by the concentration and quality of their salts involving cellular osmosis-mediated activation/inhibition of cell apoptotic or necrotic processes. In turn, this osmotic mechanism modulates the recently described mechanosensitive piezoelectric channels.

Tumor ovárico del seno endodérmico (Yolk Sac). Dolor abdominal en el puerperio inmediato como síntoma diagnóstico / Endodermal sinus ovarian tumor (Yolk Sac). Abdominal pain in the immediate puerperium as a diagnostic symptom

RESUMEN Los tumores del seno endodérmico ovárico (Yolk Sac), son neoplasias malignas de origen germinal, que se caracterizan por su diferenciación embriológica a partir de estructuras del saco vitelino. Son tumoraciones muy infrecuentes, de crecimiento rápido y que suelen desarrollarse en adolescentes y mujeres jóvenes, en edad reproductiva. Su diagnóstico se basa en la combinación de pruebas de imagen asociado a niveles plasmáticos elevados de marcadores tumorales como la alfafetoproteína. El manejo terapéutico es eminentemente quirúrgico (pudiendo ser conservador en pacientes con deseo genésico no cumplido), asociado a pautas de quimioterapia sistémica combinada con bleomicina, etopósido y platino. Exponemos el caso de una paciente que en el puerperio tardío, presenta un cuadro clínico de dolor, distensión abdominal y fiebre, siendo diagnosticada tras el tratamiento quirúrgico y el estudio histológico posterior, de un tumor del seno endodérmico ovárico.

ABSTRACT Ovarian endodermal sinus tumors (Yolk Sac), are malignant neoplasms of germinal origin, which are characterized by their embryological differentiation from yolk sac structures. These tumors are very infrequent, of rapid growth and tend to develop in adolescents and young women of reproductive age. Its diagnosis is based on the combination of imaging tests associated with high plasma levels of tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein. The therapeutic management is eminently surgical (with a more conservative approach reserved for patients still considering later pregnancy), associated with patterns of systemic chemotherapy combined with bleomycin, etoposide and platinum. We present the case of a patient who, in the late puerperium, presents symptoms of pain, abdominal distension and fever, being diagnosed after the surgical treatment and the subsequent histological study of a tumor of the endodermal ovarian sinus.

Adenocarcinoma sincrónico de alto grado de endometrio y ovario; a propósito de un caso clínico / Synchronous high-grade adenocarcinoma of the endometrium and ovary; about a clinical case

RESUMEN El cáncer sincrónico endometrial y ovárico (SEOC) representa alrededor de un 5-10% de las neoplasias de endometrio y ovario. Cuando no existe extensión locorregional y presentan un patrón histológico de bajo grado, actúan como si fueran dos tumores primarios independientes, en lugar de comportarse como un cáncer en estadio avanzado. Los mecanismos para diferenciar si su origen es metastásico o por el contrario, son tumores primarios independientes conlleva una gran dificultad y ha generado una importante controversia dentro del estudio de este tipo de neoplasias. En este artículo, exponemos el caso clínico de una paciente de 46 años que presenta un tumor sincrónico de endometrio y ovario en estadio IA, desconocido hasta el estudio histológico de la pieza quirúrgica.

ABSTRACT Endometrial and ovarian synchronous cancer (SEOC) accounts for about 5-10% of endometrial and ovarian neoplasms. When there is no local extension and they present a low-grade histological pattern, they act as if they were two independent primary tumours, instead of behaving as an advanced stage cancer. Therefore, the differentiation of its origin (metastatic or independent primary tumours) is fraught with difficulty and has generated a significant controversy in the study of this type of neoplasms. In this article, we present the clinical case of a 46-year-old patient presenting a synchronous tumor of the endometrium and ovary in IA stage, unknown until the histological study of the surgical sample.