Physical exercise alleviates oxidative stress in brown adipose tissue and causes changes in body composition and nutritional behavior in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome.

AIM: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common endocrine disorder in women. We investigate the effect of physical exercise on body composition, nutritional parameters, and oxidative stress in rats with PCOS. METHODS: Female rats were into three groups: Control, PCOS, and PCOS + Exercise. PCOS was induced by letrozole (1 mg/kg via p.o.) for 21 days consecutively. Physical exercise was swimming, for 21 consecutive days, 1 h/day with 5 % load. In all groups, we assessed the nutritional and murinometric parameters, body composition, thermography, and oxidative stress in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and peri-ovarian adipose tissue (POAT). KEY FINDINGS: In PCOS we observed an increase (P < 0.05) in body weight vs. the Control group. But, the PCOS + Exercise group prevent this weight gain (P < 0.05). The temperature in BAT, decrease (P < 0.05) in the PCOS group vs. Control group. PCOS + Exercise prevented this reduction (P < 0.05) in BAT temperature vs. PCOS groups. We observed decreases (P < 0.05) in Lee Index and BMI in POS + Exercise vs. PCOS group. In PCOS rats, we observed an increase (P < 0.05) in murinometric (SRWG, EI, and FE) and body composition parameters (TWB, ECF, ICF, and FFM) vs. the Control group. The PCOS + Exercise prevents (P < 0.05) these changes in all groups, compared with PCOS. Regarding the BAT, we observe an increase (P < 0.05) in MPO and MDA levels in the PCOS vs. Control group. PCOS + Exercise prevents (P < 0.05) these increases vs. the PCOS group. SIGNIFICANCE: PCOS modifies body composition, and nutritional parameters, and induces changes in oxidative stress in BAT. Physical exercise prevented these alterations.

DNA methylation biomarkers accurately detect esophageal cancer prior and post neoadjuvant chemoradiation.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer (ECa) is associated with high mortality, mostly due to late diagnosis, precluding curativeintent surgery. Hence, neoadjuvant chemoradiation (ChRT) is recommended in most patients regardless of histological subtype. A proportion of these patients, however, achieve complete disease remission and might be spared of radical surgery. The lack of reliable, minimally invasive biomarkers able to detect post-ChRT disease persistence is, nonetheless, a major drawback. We have previously shown that miRNA promotor methylation enables accurate cancer detection in tissues and liquid biopsies but has been seldom explored in ECa patients. AIMS: Herein, we sought to unveil and validate novel candidate biomarkers able to detect ECa prior and post ChRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Promoter methylation of miR129-2, miR124-3 and ZNF569 was assessed, using quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP), in tissue samples from normal esophagus, treatment-naïve and post-ChRT ECa, as well as in liquid biopsies from ECa patients. RESULTS: All genes disclosed significantly different promoter methylation levels between ECa and normal esophagus, accurately detecting post-ChRT disease, especially for adenocarcinoma. Remarkably, miR129-2me /ZNF569me methylation panel identified ECa in liquid samples with 53% sensitivity and 87% specificity. DISCUSSION: MiR129-2me , miR124-3me and ZNF569me accurately discriminate ECa, either pre- or post-ChRT, from normal tissue, enabling ECa detection. Furthermore, circulalting methylation-based biomarkers are promising minimally invasive tools to detect post-ChRT residual ECa. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results encourage the use of miRNA methylation biomarkers as accurate ECa detection tools as a novel approach for ChRT response monitoring.

Os efeitos clínicos e institucionais do dispositivo "Construção do Caso Clínico" em um Serviço Residencial Terapêutico / Clinical and institutional effects of the "Case-building method" in a Terapeutic Residential Service / Les effects cliniques et institucionnels de la méthode "Construction de Cas Cliniques" dans un Service Thérapeutique Résidentiel / Los efectos clínicos e institucionales del dispositivo "Consctrucción de Caso Clínico" en Servicio Residencial Terapéutico

Este artigo apresenta os Serviços Residenciais Terapêuticos (SRT) como equipamentos destinados à moradia de pessoas egressas de longos períodos de internação em hospital psiquiátrico, analisando, a partir da teoria psicanalítica, o trabalho desenvolvido por uma equipe de SRT orientada pelo método da Construção do Caso Clínico. Objetiva discutir os efeitos clínicos e institucionais da Construção do Caso Clínico para a estabilização da psicose de um morador do SRT. O campo de estudo é localizado no Bairro Bom Jardim, na cidade de Fortaleza-CE. A pesquisa foi realizada de dezembro de 2020 a agosto de 2021. Conclui-se que a Construção do Caso Clínico é uma contribuição rica da psicanálise para a noção de Projeto Terapêutico Singular (PTS), possibilitando redimensionar a direção do cuidado. Convoca-se, assim, a equipe a partir do caso; e não sobre o saber prévio acerca dele.

This article presents the Therapeutic Residential Services (TRS) as facilities for housing people discharged from long hospitalization periods at a psychiatric hospital by analyzing, based on psychoanalytic theory, the work developed by a SRT team guided by the case-building method. It discusses the clinical and institutional effects of case-building for stabilizing the psychosis of a SRT resident. The SRT surveyed is located at Bom Jardim, a neighborhood in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Research was conducted from December 2020 to August 2021. In conclusion, case-building is a rich contribution from psychoanalysis to the notion of the Singular Therapeutic Project (STP), allowing to restructure the scope of care offered. Thus, the team is convened based on the case itself and not on the previous knowledge about it.

Cet article présente les Services Thérapeutiques Résidentiels (SRT) comme des équipements d'accueil pour les personnes sortant d'une longue hospitalisation en hôpital psychiatrique en analysant, à partir de la théorie psychanalytique, le travail développé par une équipe SRT guidée par la méthode de construction de cas clinique. On discute les effets cliniques et institutionnels de la construction de cas clinique pour stabiliser la psychose d'un résident du SRT. Le SRT enquêté est situé dans le quartier Bom Jardim, dans la ville de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brésil. La recherche a été menée de décembre 2020 à août 2021. En conclusion, la construction de cas clinique est un apport riche de la psychanalyse à la notion de Projet Thérapeutique Singulier (PTS), permettant de restructurer l'orientation du soin. Ainsi, l'équipe est convoquée en fonction du cas lui-même et non en fonction des connaissances préalables à celui-ci.

Este artículo presenta los Servicios Residenciales Terapéuticos (SRT) como mecanismos destinados al alojamiento de personas egresadas de largos períodos de hospitalización en un hospital psiquiátrico, además analiza, desde la teoría psicoanalítica, el trabajo desarrollado por un equipo SRT guiado por el método de construcción de casos. Su objetivo es discutir los efectos clínicos e institucionales de la construcción del caso clínico para estabilizar la psicosis de un residente de SRT. El campo de estudio está ubicado en el barrio Bom Jardim, en la ciudad de Fortaleza, en Ceará (Brasil), y la encuesta se realizó entre diciembre de 2020 y agosto de 2021. Se concluye que la construcción del caso clínico es un gran aporte del psicoanálisis a la noción de Proyecto Terapéutico Singular (PTS) por permitir redimensionar la orientación del cuidado. Así, no se convoca el equipo desde el conocimiento previo del caso, sino desde su función.

Best additional management after non-curative endoscopic resection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic resection (ER) is an accepted first-line treatment for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but when curative resection is not achieved, further treatment is not standardised. We aimed at evaluating outcomes of management strategies (esophagectomy, chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy (CRT/RT) or follow-up (FUP)) after a non-curative ESCC ER. METHODS: A systematic review was performed evaluating outcomes of different management strategies after ESCC submitted to primary ER (T1a/T1b), without curative criteria (R1/Rx, T1a-m3/T1b, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) or poor differentiation). Primary outcomes included recurrence, overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Secondary outcomes consisted of treatment-related adverse events. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included for qualitative analysis (16 observational and 1 randomized controlled trial) including 788 patients with ESCC submitted to ER, managed by additional CRT/RT (n = 530), surgery (n = 98) or FUP (n = 160). Eight studies suited quantitative analysis. Patients only followed up after ER experienced recurrence rates of 0-36.4% (OR 3.6 (95%CI 1.06-12.20) vs further treatments). When submitted to CRT/RT following non-curative ER, recurrence was observed in 0-27.2% (OR 8.00 (95%CI 1.74-36.80) whereas after surgery no recurrence was noticeable. Reported 5 y-OS after CRT/RT for non-curative ER ranged among 75-100% whereas, for those offered surgeries, 5 y-OS was 89.5%. OS ranged between 54.5% and 100% after FUP. CRT/RT and surgery-related adverse events ranged from 0% to 32% and 14% to 28.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Additional treatment should be provided in ESCC after non-curative ER. Adjuvant esophagectomy might be the preferred treatment to medically fit patients with high-risk features (namely LVI). Properly designed trials assessing the role of CRT/RT are needed to manage these patients.

Risk rates of workplace accidents in Brazil: effect of the Accidental Prevention Factor (APF)? / Taxas de risco de acidentes de trabalho no Brasil: efeito do Fator Acidentário de Prevenção (FAP)?

Historically, the conflict of interests between employers and workers obliged the State to assume the role of regulating this relationship, instituting laws and overseeing the application of health and safety standards at work. The Accident Prevention Factor (FAP) is one of these guidelines. This article aims to analyze the correlations between the FAP and the risk rate for occupational accidents in Brazil in the period between 2006 and 2016. Ecological study, which analyzed the occupational accidents, registered in the Brazilian Social Security database in the period between 2006 and 2016. The analysis included the calculation of accident risk rates according to the Brazilian regions, divisions of the CNAE, reason/situation, ICD-10 chapters, sex and age. The comparison between results from the two periods was performed using the average risk rates from the two periods using Student t test, Spearman correlation and beta value. Basically, all rate series analyzed had a strong downward trend in the FAP period, contrary to what occurred in the immediately previous period.

A ocorrência de acidentes e de doenças relacionadas ao trabalho são expressões concretas da exposição dos trabalhadores aos riscos presentes no ambiente laboral. Historicamente o conflito de interesses entre empregadores e trabalhadores obrigou o Estado a assumir a função de regulação desta relação, instituindo leis e fiscalizando a aplicação das normas de saúde e segurança no trabalho. O Fator Acidentário de Prevenção (FAP) é uma dessas estratégias. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a correlação entre as taxas de risco de acidentes de trabalho no Brasil antes (2006-2009) e depois (2010-2016) da vigência do FAP. Estudo ecológico com análise temporal de séries de taxas de acidentes de trabalho registrados nas bases de dados da Previdência Social no período 2006 e 2016. A análise incluiu o cálculo das taxas de risco de acidentes segundo grandes regiões brasileiras, divisões do CNAE, motivo/situação, capítulos do CID-10, sexo e idade. A comparação entre os resultados dos dois períodos foi realizada utilizando-se as taxas de risco médias com a aplicação do teste t de Student e da correlação de Spearman. Basicamente todas as séries de taxas analisadas obtiveram forte tendência de redução no período de vigência do FAP, ao contrário do que ocorreu no período imediatamente anterior.

Treatment optimization of locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer (Review).

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumor types, being the sixth leading cause of mortality worldwide and the fourth in Europe. Globally, it has a mortality/incidence ratio of 98%, and the 5­year survival rate in Europe is only 3%. Although risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol consumption and genetic factors, have been identified, the causes of PDAC remain elusive. Additionally, the only curative treatment for PDAC is surgery with negative margins. However, upon diagnosis, ~30% of the patients already present with locally advanced disease. In these cases, a multidisciplinary approach is required to improve disease­related symptoms and prolong patient survival. In the present article, a comprehensive review of PDAC epidemiology, physiology and treatment is provided. Moreover, guidelines on patient treatment are suggested. Among the different available therapeutic options for the treatment of advanced PDAC, results are modest, most likely due to the complexity of the disease, and so the prognostic remains poor. Molecular approaches based on multi­omics research are promising and will contribute to groundbreaking personalized medicine. Thus, economic investment that promotes research of pancreatic cancer will be critical to the development of more efficient diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Taxas de risco de acidentes de trabalho no Brasil: efeito do Fator Acidentário de Prevenção (FAP)? / Risk rates of workplace accidents in Brazil: effect of the Accidental Prevention Factor (APF)?

Resumo A ocorrência de acidentes e de doenças relacionadas ao trabalho são expressões concretas da exposição dos trabalhadores aos riscos presentes no ambiente laboral. Historicamente o conflito de interesses entre empregadores e trabalhadores obrigou o Estado a assumir a função de regulação desta relação, instituindo leis e fiscalizando a aplicação das normas de saúde e segurança no trabalho. O Fator Acidentário de Prevenção (FAP) é uma dessas estratégias. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a correlação entre as taxas de risco de acidentes de trabalho no Brasil antes (2006-2009) e depois (2010-2016) da vigência do FAP. Estudo ecológico com análise temporal de séries de taxas de acidentes de trabalho registrados nas bases de dados da Previdência Social no período 2006 e 2016. A análise incluiu o cálculo das taxas de risco de acidentes segundo grandes regiões brasileiras, divisões do CNAE, motivo/situação, capítulos do CID-10, sexo e idade. A comparação entre os resultados dos dois períodos foi realizada utilizando-se as taxas de risco médias com a aplicação do teste t de Student e da correlação de Spearman. Basicamente todas as séries de taxas analisadas obtiveram forte tendência de redução no período de vigência do FAP, ao contrário do que ocorreu no período imediatamente anterior.

Abstract Historically, the conflict of interests between employers and workers obliged the State to assume the role of regulating this relationship, instituting laws and overseeing the application of health and safety standards at work. The Accident Prevention Factor (FAP) is one of these guidelines. This article aims to analyze the correlations between the FAP and the risk rate for occupational accidents in Brazil in the period between 2006 and 2016. Ecological study, which analyzed the occupational accidents, registered in the Brazilian Social Security database in the period between 2006 and 2016. The analysis included the calculation of accident risk rates according to the Brazilian regions, divisions of the CNAE, reason/situation, ICD-10 chapters, sex and age. The comparison between results from the two periods was performed using the average risk rates from the two periods using Student t test, Spearman correlation and beta value. Basically, all rate series analyzed had a strong downward trend in the FAP period, contrary to what occurred in the immediately previous period.

Long-term outcomes after radiofrequency catheter ablation of the atrioventricular node: The experience of a Portuguese tertiary center.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with supraventricular arrhythmias and high ventricular rate, unresponsive to rate and rhythm control therapy or catheter ablation, atrioventricular (AV) node ablation may be performed. OBJECTIVES: To assess long-term outcomes after AV node ablation and to analyze predictors of adverse events. METHODS: We performed a detailed retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent AV node ablation between February 1997 and February 2019, in a single Portuguese tertiary center. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients, mean age 69±9 years and 52% male, underwent AV node ablation. Most of them presented atrial fibrillation at baseline (65%). During a median follow-up of 8.5 years (interquartile range 3.8-11.8), patients improved heart failure (HF) functional class (NYHA class III-IV 46% versus 13%, p=0.001), and there were reductions in hospitalizations due to HF (0.98±1.3 versus 0.28±0.8, p=0.001) and emergency department (ED) visits (1.1±1 versus 0.17±0.7, p=0.0001). There were no device-related complications. Despite permanent pacemaker stimulation, left ventricular ejection fraction did not worsen (47±13% vs. 47%±12, p=0.63). Twenty-eight patients died (23%). The number of ED visits due to HF before AV node ablation was an independent predictor of the composite adverse outcome (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.24-2.61, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Despite pacemaker dependency, the clinical benefit of AV node ablation persisted at long-term follow-up. The number of ED visits due to HF before AV node ablation was an independent predictor of the composite adverse outcome. AV node ablation should probably be considered earlier in the treatment of patients with supraventricular arrhythmias and HF, especially in cases that are unsuitable for selective ablation of the specific arrhythmia.

A DNA methylation-based test for esophageal cancer detection.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer (ECa) is the 7th most incident cancer and the 6th leading cause of cancer-related death. Most patients are diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic disease, enduring poor survival. Biomarkers enabling early cancer detection may improve patient management, treatment effectiveness, and survival, are urgently needed. In this context, epigenetic-based biomarkers such as DNA methylation are potential candidates. METHODS: Herein, we sought to identify and validate DNA methylation-based biomarkers for early detection and prediction of response to therapy in ECa patients. Promoter methylation levels were assessed in a series of treatment-naïve ECa, post-neoadjuvant treatment ECa, and normal esophagus tissues, using quantitative methylation-specific PCR for COL14A1, GPX3, and ZNF569. RESULTS: ZNF569 methylation (ZNF569me) levels significantly differed between ECa and normal samples (p < 0.001). Moreover, COL14A1 methylation (COL14A1me) and GPX3 methylation (GPX3me) levels discriminated adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, respectively, from normal samples (p = 0.002 and p = 0.009, respectively). COL14A1me & ZNF569me accurately identified adenocarcinomas (82.29%) whereas GPX3me & ZNF569me identified squamous cell carcinomas with 81.73% accuracy. Furthermore, ZNF569me and GPX3me levels significantly differed between normal and pre-treated ECa. CONCLUSION: The biomarker potential of a specific panel of methylated genes for ECa was confirmed. These might prove useful for early detection and might allow for the identification of minimal residual disease after adjuvant therapy.

Late gadolinium enhancement location assessed by magnetic resonance and arrhythmogenic risk in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extent has emerged as a predictor of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), however little is known about the arrhythmogenic relevance of its specific location in the left ventricle. Our aim was to analyze the influence of LGE location on the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and SCD in patients with HCM. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and Holter records of HCM patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance at our center. LGE extent and distribution were assessed using the American Heart Association 17-segment model. VA was defined as non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation or SCD. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients (age 57.0±16.7 years) were included and VA occurred in 24.6% (n=15). Patients with VA showed greater LGE extent than those without (7.40±5.3 vs. 3.52±3.0 segments, p=0.007). Analyzing the distribution of LGE, a set of arrhythmogenic segments (apex/basal inferior/basal anterolateral/mid inferoseptal) was found. The extent of LGE involvement in these segments was also greater in patients with VA (2.07±1.03 vs. 0.65±0.71 segments, p<0.001; area under the curve 0.861 for VA) and this difference remained significant after adjustment for potentially confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of LGE involvement of a set of segments with an apparent relation to cardiac areas of increased mechanical stress was significantly and independently associated with the occurrence of VA, suggesting that not only the extent but also the location of LGE is important for the assessment of SCD risk in HCM patients.

Asymmetricity Between Sister Cells of Pluripotent Stem Cells at the Onset of Differentiation.

Various somatic stem cells divide asymmetrically; however, it is not known whether embryonic stem cells (ESCs) divide symmetrically or asymmetrically, not only while maintaining an undifferentiated state but also at the onset of differentiation. In this study, we observed single ESCs using time-lapse imaging and compared sister cell pairs derived from the same mother cell in either the maintenance or differentiation medium. Mouse ESCs were cultured on E-cadherin-coated glass-based dishes, which allowed us to trace single cells. The undifferentiated cell state was detected by green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression driven by the Nanog promoter, which is active only in undifferentiated cells. Cell population analysis using flow cytometry showed that the peak width indicating distribution of GFP expression broadened when cells were transferred to the differentiation medium compared to when they were in the maintenance medium. This finding suggested that the population of ESCs became more heterogeneous at the onset of differentiation. Using single-cell analysis by time-lapse imaging, we found that although the total survival ratio decreased by changing to differentiation medium, the one-live-one-dead ratio of sister cell pairs was smaller compared with randomly chosen non-sister cell pairs, defined as an unsynchronized cell pair control, in both media. This result suggested that sister cell pairs were more positively synchronized with each other compared to non-sister cell pairs. The differences in interdivision time (the time interval between mother cell division and the subsequent cell division) between sister cells was smaller than that between non-sister cell pairs in both media, suggesting that sister cells divided synchronously. Although the difference in Nanog-GFP intensity between sister cells was smaller than that between non-sister cells in the maintenance medium, it was the same in differentiation medium, suggesting asymmetrical Nanog-GFP intensity. These data suggested that ESCs may divide asymmetrically at the onset of differentiation resulting in heterogeneity.

Lapatinib-capecitabine versus capecitabine alone as radiosensitizers in RAS wild-type resectable rectal cancer, an adaptive randomized phase II trial (LaRRC trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative radiochemotherapy followed by surgical removal of the rectum with total mesorectum excision is the preferred treatment option for stages II and III rectal cancer. However, development of metastatic disease is the main cause of death for these patients with 5-year disease-free survival rates of 56 %. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted therapy is effective in metastatic rectal cancer, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) signaling may mediate resistance to EGFR inhibitors. Moreover, preclinical data support a synergistic effect of EGFR inhibition with radiation therapy. METHODS/DESIGN: This Bayesian phase II trial with adaptive randomization was designed to assess the efficacy of adding lapatinib, a dual inhibitor of EGFR and HER-2, to standard radiochemotherapy with capecitabine in stages II and III rectal cancer. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will provide evidence of the feasibility and efficacy of the combination of lapatinib-capecitabine as radiosensitizers and explore potential predictive biomarkers for response to this novel neoadjuvant approach to resectable rectal cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT 2013-001203-36 . Registered on 13 December 2013.

In vivo dosimetry using Gafchromic films during pelvic intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize in vivo dose distributions during pelvic intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) for rectal cancer and to assess the alterations introduced by irregular irradiation surfaces in the presence of bevelled applicators. METHODS: In vivo measurements were performed with Gafchromic films during 32 IOERT procedures. 1 film per procedure was used for the first 20 procedures. The methodology was then optimized for the remaining 12 procedures by using a set of 3 films. Both the average dose and two-dimensional dose distributions for each film were determined. Phantom measurements were performed for comparison. RESULTS: For flat and concave surfaces, the doses measured in vivo agree with expected values. For concave surfaces with step-like irregularities, measured doses tend to be higher than expected doses. Results obtained with three films per procedure show a large variability along the irradiated surface, with important differences from expected profiles. These results are consistent with the presence of surface hotspots, such as those observed in phantoms in the presence of step-like irregularities, as well as fluid build-up. CONCLUSION: Clinical dose distributions in the IOERT of rectal cancer are often different from the references used for prescription. Further studies are necessary to assess the impact of these differences on treatment outcomes. In vivo measurements are important, but need to be accompanied by accurate imaging of positioning and irradiated surfaces. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: These results confirm that surface irregularities occur frequently in rectal cancer IOERT and have a measurable effect on the dose distribution.

Erratum: Attenuation measurements show that the presence of a TachoSil surgical patch will not compromise target irradiation in intra-operative electron radiation therapy or high-dose-rate brachytherapy.

After publication of this study [1], the authors noticed that the funding was incorrectly acknowledged. The correct Acknowledgements section can be found below: "This work was partly funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), in the framework of the project PTDC/SAU-ENB/117631/2010, which is cofinanced by FEDER, through Programa Operacional Fatores de Competitividade - COMPETE of QREN (reference FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-021141)."

Assessment of clinically relevant dose distributions in pelvic IOERT using Gafchromic EBT3 films.

PURPOSE: In IOERT a single dose of radiation is delivered to the tumour site during surgery. Manual dose calculations are used and the irradiation target volume, electron energy and applicator are decided on site by the radiation oncologist. This work assesses the effect that irregular and curved surfaces, typical of pelvic IOERT, may have on the expected dose distribution. METHODS: The feasibility of using Gafchromic EBT3 films and a slab phantom to obtain 2D dose distributions was investigated. Different set-ups were tested by comparison with water tank measurements, applying the gamma function analysis with 2% and 2 mm criteria. The validated set-up was then used to obtain reference dose distributions, which were converted to colour-coded graphical representations. Phantoms with step-like and curved surfaces were created to simulate typical pelvic IOERT irradiation surfaces, and the dose distributions were obtained and compared with the reference distributions. RESULTS: Good agreement with water tank measurements was obtained for all applicators below 2 mm, using the chosen setup in reference conditions. In non-reference conditions, the presence of a step-like surface creates an adjacent hotspot, followed by a quick reduction of the dose in depth. With curved surfaces, the dose distribution is shifted forward, becoming curved and deeper, but when the applicator is larger than the hole, hotspots are also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The shape of the irradiation surfaces alters the dose distribution. Visualization of these effects is important to assess target coverage and interpret in vivo measurements in pelvic IOERT.

Attenuation measurements show that the presence of a TachoSil surgical patch will not compromise target irradiation in intra-operative electron radiation therapy or high-dose-rate brachytherapy.

BACKGROUND: Surgery of locally advanced and/or recurrent rectal cancer can be complemented with intra-operative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) to deliver a single dose of radiation directly to the unresectable margins, while sparing nearby sensitive organs/structures. Haemorrhages may occur and can affect the dose distribution, leading to an incorrect target irradiation. The TachoSil (TS) surgical patch, when activated, creates a fibrin clot at the surgical site to achieve haemostasis. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of TS on the dose distribution, and ascertain whether it could be used in combination with IOERT. This characterization was extended to include high dose rate (HDR) intraoperative brachytherapy, which is sometimes used at other institutions instead of IOERT. METHODS: CT images of the TS patch were acquired for initial characterization. Dosimetric measurements were performed in a water tank phantom, using a conventional LINAC with a hard-docking system of cylindrical applicators. Percentage Depth Dose (PDD) curves were obtained, and measurements made at the depth of dose maximum for the three clinically used electron energies (6, 9 and 12MeV), first without any attenuator and then with the activated patch of TS completely covering the tip of the IOERT applicator. For HDR brachytherapy, a measurement setup was improvised using a solid water phantom and a Farmer ionization chamber. RESULTS: Our measurements show that the attenuation of a TachoSil patch is negligible, both for high energy electron beams (6 to 12MeV), and for a HDR (192)Ir brachytherapy source. Our results cannot be extrapolated to lower beam energies such as 50 kVp X-rays, which are sometimes used for breast IORT. CONCLUSION: The TachoSil surgical patch can be used in IORT procedures using 6MeV electron energies or higher, or HDR (192)Ir brachytherapy.

Aborted sudden cardiac death as first presentation of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) can be the first clinical manifestation of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. Catheter ablation of accessory pathways is now a safe and effective procedure, and is widely recommended in patients with WPW syndrome. However, management of the asymptomatic WPW patient remains controversial. Recent studies have readdressed the issue of risk stratification and prophylactic catheter ablation. We describe a case of malignant arrhythmia and aborted SCD as first presentation of WPW syndrome in a previously asymptomatic 17-year-old patient.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: is anatomy still the limiting factor?

INTRODUCTION: Despite rapid advances in transcatheter aortic valve prostheses, anatomical constraints remain that can limit access to this treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of patients anatomically suitable for this technique using the different devices and approaches available. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 145 consecutive patients referred to our center for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Aortic annulus diameter was measured by transesophageal echocardiography and minimum iliofemoral diameter was determined by multidetector computed tomography. We determined the proportion of patients anatomically suitable for current devices (26-mm, 29-mm and 31-mm Medtronic CoreValve for transfemoral, transaxillary or transaortic approaches, and 23-mm, 26-mm and 29-mm Edwards Sapien XT for transfemoral or transapical approaches). RESULTS: The Medtronic CoreValve was suitable for 89% of patients via transfemoral access and 93.8% via transaxillary or transaortic approaches, while the Edwards Sapien XT was suitable for 82.1% of patients via transfemoral and 97.2% via transapical approaches. Only 1.4% of patients were anatomically unsuitable for all devices and approaches. CONCLUSIONS: In this population, most patients were anatomically suitable for transcatheter aortic valve implantation if assessed on the basis of multiple devices and multiple access approaches.

[Isolated left ventricular non-compaction: a single-center experience]. / Não compactação isolada do ventrículo esquerdo: experiência de um centro.

Isolated left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy characterized by excessive and prominent trabeculations associated with deep recesses that communicate with the ventricular cavity. Determining the natural history of this condition has been hampered by differences in clinical features and prognosis in published series, which are partly the result of differing diagnostic criteria and the lack of management guidelines. This work aims to contribute to the characterization of isolated LVNC by analyzing an affected population in terms of clinical presentation, diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment and follow-up. We also discuss the most relevant data from the literature concerning this cardiomyopathy.