Lower Limb Lymphedema Awareness among Gynecological Cancer Patients: An International Survey Supported by the European Network of Gynecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ENGAGe) Group.

INTRODUCTION: Patient awareness of postoperative lymphedema in the field of gynecologic oncology has been poorly documented in the international literature. We wished to capture and document the awareness among gynecological cancer survivors about postoperative lymphedema, including aspects such as the adequacy of perioperative counseling, management, and quality of life. METHODS: A web-based survey comprising 25 multiple-choice questions was distributed to gynecological cancer advocacy groups within the European Network of Gynecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ENGAGe) group. The survey was validated in a pilot group of gynecological patients prior to distribution. RESULTS: Overall, 386 women from 20 countries completed the questionnaire. Only half of the patients (n = 211) knew what lymphedema is, whereas 52% of the respondents stated that they were never informed at their pre-operative assessment about the potential risk of developing lymphedema. Fifty-three percent of those women who were informed about the risk and management of lymphedema received information through self-initiative, connecting mainly with patient groups or online. Approximately 84% of patients with lymphedema reported that they informed their doctor about their symptoms. Ninety-four patients (55.3%, which is not 55% of the 386) were treated for lymphedema. Forty-five women out of 136 reported that lymphedema significantly affected their everyday lives. DISCUSSION: We report a large lack of awareness and a significant gap of knowledge about the risks and treatment options related to postoperative lymphedema among gynecological cancer survivors. Institutional practice routines and awareness among professionals need to be urgently recalled and adapted to adequately inform and support gynecological cancer patients.

Ethanol Sclerotherapy in the Management of Ovarian Endometrioma: Technical Considerations for Catheter- and Needle-Directed Sclerotherapy.

PURPOSE: To provide technical guidance on applying catheter-directed and needle-directed ethanol sclerotherapy for endometriomas and present the results of these sclerotherapy methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2015 to March 2021, the results of the patients with symptomatic ovarian endometriomas who underwent needle-directed or catheter-directed sclerotherapy were evaluated, retrospectively. The decision to apply which sclerotherapy technique was made during the procedure for each patient considering the following factors: cyst size, cyst location, cyst viscosity, and tissue rigidity. RESULTS: Both needle-directed (n = 34 cysts) and catheter-directed (n = 34 cysts) sclerotherapy techniques were effective, with a 100% technical success rate and a 97% clinical success rate. In two of 34 cysts (6%) treated with needle-directed sclerotherapy, recurrence was detected and successfully retreated with catheter-directed sclerotherapy. Significant reductions in cyst size, pain, and serum cancer antigen 125 levels (p < 0.05) were noted. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels remained unaffected, indicating preserved ovarian reserve (p > 0.05). Among those treated for infertility, the pregnancy rate was 54% (n = 6/11). The mean ± SD cyst size decline was greater in catheter-directed sclerotherapy than needle-directed sclerotherapy (5.5 ± 3.1 cm vs. 4.0 ± 2.1 cm, p < 0.05). However, the pretreatment cyst volumes were considerably higher in catheter-directed sclerotherapy group (202.0 ± 233.5 mL vs. 78.8 ± 59.7 mL, p < 0.05) and were associated with significant post-treatment volume decrease (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The choice between catheter-directed and needle-directed ethanol sclerotherapy should be determined during the procedure, with a preference for catheter-directed sclerotherapy when feasible. Crucial factors in making this decision include cyst size, cyst location, cyst viscosity, and tissue rigidity. Level of evidence Level 3, non-controlled retrospective cohort study.

Genital tract microbiota composition profiles and use of prebiotics and probiotics in gynaecological cancer prevention: review of the current evidence, the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology prevention committee statement.

Female genital tract (FGT) microbiota has been associated with the development of gynaecological cancers. Thus, the possibility of whether manipulation of the FGT microbiota can help in the prevention of disease should be investigated. Various prebiotics, probiotics, and other non-clinician prescribed agents have been reported to have therapeutic effects in cervical disease. Numerous studies have reported an association between human papillomavirus infection and subsequent cervical dysplasia and a decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus species. A continuum of microbiota composition is observed from the vagina to the upper parts of the FGT, but no evidence suggests that manipulation of the vaginal microbiota can help to modify the composition of other FGT compartments. Although prebiotics and probiotics have been reported to be beneficial, the studies are small and of varying design, and high-quality evidence to support their use is lacking. Currently, no studies have examined these therapeutics in other gynaecological malignancies. Thus, recommendation of probiotics, prebiotics, or other over-the-counter supplements for the prevention of gynaecological cancers warrants larger, well designed studies.

The evaluation of the nutritional status in Parkinson's disease: geriatric nutritional risk index comparison with mini nutritional assessment questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: The symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease may lead to reduced food consumption and in turn, malnutrition. It is therefore important to apply a reliable nutrition screening tool to evaluate the nutritional status of individuals with Parkinson's disease. This cross-sectional study aims to compare the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire and the Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index (GNRI) in the assessment of the nutritional status of individuals with Parkinson's disease, and to evaluate the usability of the GNRI in cases of Parkinson's disease. METHODS: The study was conducted with 89 individuals over the age of 60 who were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Study data were collected using a questionnaire form administered through face-to-face interviews, the MNA-Long Form (MNA-LF), and the GNRI was calculated. RESULTS: The mean GNRI scores were significantly lower in the participants with malnutrition (106.5 ± 19.4) than in the participants at risk of malnutrition (121.0 ± 10.3) and the participants with no malnutrition (125.3 ± 9.6) according to the MNA-LF (p < 0.001). Although there was a positive correlation between the MNA-LF and the GNRI scores, this correlation was not significant (p = 0.095). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to research the nutritional status of individuals with Parkinson's disease using the GNRI. The malnutrition rate detected by GNRI was found to be lower than MNA in Parkinson's patients receiving outpatient treatment. Similar studies are recommended to determine the usability of GNRI on inpatients.

Foreign Accent Syndrome After COVID 19 Infection: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: Foreign accent syndrome (FAS) is an extremely rare disorder characterized by the appearance of speech changes that are perceived by the speaker and listeners as an acquired foreign accent. It still remains a poorly understood condition. Three main types of FAS have been reported in the medical literature as neurogenic, psychogenic, and mixed type. Psychogenic FAS includes all cases of FAS in which an organic cause has not been identified and a clear psychological factor has been identified after careful clinical, neurological, and neuroradiological examination. Although the COVID-19 epidemic, which has been ongoing since February 2020, primarily manifests itself with upper respiratory tract infection findings, it is seen that it also causes a wide range of neurological and psychiatric signs and symptoms. In this study, a 42-year-old female patient who started to have speech disorder after COVID-19 infection is presented in the light of clinical history, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis literature findings.

Evaluation of colposcopy after the addition of human papillomavirus testing to the Turkish cervical cancer screening program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate colposcopy performance following the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA screening program in Turkey. METHODS: Women aged 30-65 years are screened for cervical cancer every 5 years, with individuals positive for HPV 16 and/or 18 or other high-risk HPV types with abnormal cytology referred for colposcopy. Both HPV test and cytology are obtained at the same visit. If HPV is negative, cytology will not be assessed. However, if HPV is positive, both cytology and HPV genotyping will be performed. Colposcopy-require was defined as HPV 16/18 positivity or abnormal smear results with any hrHPV positivity, and the remaining patients (normal smear with hrHPV positivity other than HPV 16/18) were grouped as colposcopy non-required. National data on colposcopy outcomes and unnecessary performance rates in February 2018-2019 were evaluated via a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 9808 patients were included, divided based on colposcopy requirement: 5751 (58.6%) patients required colposcopy and 4057 (41.4%) did not. Unnecessary colposcopy was performed on 90.1% of the non-required group (3657 of 4057 patients). In the colposcopy-required group, 4455 patients (79.9%) underwent punch biopsy; 3194 (57.1%), endocervical curettage (ECC); and 421 (7.5%), "see and treat" in the non-required group, the results were 2790 (76.3%), 1957 (53.2%), and 211 (5.7%), respectively. A total of 746 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)-3 isolates were detected, including 702 using existing screening and triage with 94.1% sensitivity (702/746). Multiple biopsies were taken in 69.8% (n = 3110) of patients from the colposcopy-required group and 63.7% (n = 1777) from the non-required group. The ECC samples included 19 cervical cancers and 212 ≥CIN-3 lesions in the colposcopy-required group, and four cancers and 41 ≥CIN-3 lesions in the non-required group. The proportion of ≥CIN-3 lesions detected by ECC only was 4.7% (35 of 746 ≥CIN-3 lesions). CONCLUSION: Our results showed high rates of unnecessary colposcopies, and a high percentage of multiple and random punch biopsies and ECC.

Cervical proprioception in Parkinson's disease and its correlation with manual dexterity function.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical proprioception plays a crucial role in posture and movement control. This study aimed to determine the relationships of cervical proprioception, cervical muscle strength and endurance with manual dexterity and hand strength in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Twenty individuals with PD (mean age: 63.9 years) and 20 healthy individuals as a control group (mean age: 61.9 years) were recruited. Cervical joint position error (JPE), static endurance of neck muscles, activation of deep cervical flexor muscles (Craniocervical Flexion Test, CCFT), manual dexterity (Purdue Pegboard Test, PPT), cognitive and motor tasks of the PPT, finger tapping test (FTT), pinch strength, and grip strength were assessed. RESULTS: Cervical JPE was significantly higher in individuals with PD than in controls (p < 0.05). The strength and endurance of the cervical muscles were significantly decreased in individuals with PD (p < 0.05). Cervical JPE measurements were negatively correlated with PPT, cognitive and motor tasks of the PPT in individuals with PD (all p < 0.05). The endurance of cervical flexor muscles was negatively correlated with PPT and cognitive PPT scores in the PD group (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between cervical flexor endurance and hand strength in the PD group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cervical proprioception and the strength and endurance of cervical muscles decrease in individuals with PD compared to healthy individuals. Impairment of cervical proprioception appears to be associated with poorer upper extremity performance. Detailed evaluation of the cervical region in PD may help determine the factors affecting upper extremity function.

Retinal dysfunction in Parkinson's disease-results of the extended protocol for photopic negative response (PHNR) full-field electroretinogram (ERG).

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether the photopic negative response (PhNR) in the electroretinogram (ERG) was affected in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and whether it was associated with retinal changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Thirty-two patients with PD and 31 age and sex-matched healthy controls from a single tertiary centre were included in the study. Hoehn and Yahr scale scores and the presence of REM sleep behaviour were recorded. PhNR, a-wave and b-wave responses in photopic ERG (red on blue background) and retinal layer thicknesses in OCT were obtained. RESULTS: The mean age was 61 ± 10.4 in the PD group (female/male: 18/14) and 60.9 ± 7 in the control group (female/male: 18/13). The amplitudes of the PhNR, a- and b-waves in the ERG were significantly decreased in the PD group, but the implicit times were not significantly different. BCVA was significantly correlated with Hoehn and Yahr scores (p < 0.001, r = - 0.596). There was a significant correlation between BCVA and a-wave amplitude (p = 0.047, r = - 0.251). On OCT analysis, the thickness of the nasal INL was increased, and the temporal and inferior OPL and temporal peripapillary RNFL were decreased in the PD group compared to healthy controls (p = 0.032, p = 0.002, p = 0.016 and p = 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated reduced a-wave, b-wave and PhNR-wave amplitudes on ERG measurements in PD patients. These findings suggest that the whole ERG response, not just the PhNR, is attenuated in patient with PD, suggesting a possible involvement of the visual system in the disease.

Quality assurance in human papillomavirus testing for primary cervical screening.

The recommendation for cervical screening is that it should be based on human papillomavirus (HPV) molecular testing. For all screening programs, attention to quality assurance is required to fully realize the benefits. Internationally recognized quality assurance recommendations for HPV-based screening are needed that are ideally applicable for a variety of settings, including in low- and middle-income countries. We summarize the main points of quality assurance for HPV screening, with a focus on the selection, implementation, and use of an HPV screening test, quality assurance systems (including internal quality control and external quality assessment), and staff competence. While we recognize that it might not be possible to fulfill all points in all settings, an awareness of the issues is essential.

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) consensus statement on the management of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) developed consensus statements on pre-invasive vulvar lesions in order to improve the quality of care for patients with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN). The management of VaIN varies according to the grade of the lesion: VaIN 1 (low grade vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL)) can be subjected to follow-up, while VaIN 2-3 (high-grade vaginal SIL) should be treated. Treatment needs individualization according to the patient's characteristics, disease extension and previous therapeutic procedures. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment and should be performed if invasion cannot be excluded. Total vaginectomy is used only in highly selected cases of extensive and persistent disease. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser may be used as both an ablation method and an excisional one. Reported cure rates after laser excision and laser ablation are similar. Topical agents are useful for persistent, multifocal lesions or for patients who cannot undergo surgical treatment. Imiquimod was associated with the lowest recurrence rate, highest human papillomavirus (HPV) clearance, and can be considered the best topical approach. Trichloroacetic acid and 5-fluorouracil are historical options and should be discouraged. For VaIN after hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3, laser vaporization and topical agents are not the best options, since they cannot reach epithelium buried in the vaginal scar. In these cases surgical options are preferable. Brachytherapy has a high overall success rate but due to late side effects should be reserved for poor surgical candidates, having multifocal disease, and with failed prior treatments. VaIN tends to recur and ensuring patient adherence to close follow-up visits is of the utmost importance. The first evaluation should be performed at 6 months with cytology and an HPV test during 2 years and annually thereafter. The implementation of vaccination against HPV infection is expected to contribute to the prevention of VaIN and thus cancer of the vagina. The effects of treatment can have an impact on quality of life and result in psychological and psychosexual issues which should be addressed. Patients with VaIN need clear and up-to-date information on a range of treatment options including risks and benefits, as well as the need for follow-up and the risk of recurrence.

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) Consensus Statement on the Management of Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia.

ABSTRACT: The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) developed consensus statements on pre-invasive vulvar lesions in order to improve the quality of care for patients with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN). The management of VaIN varies according to the grade of the lesion: VaIN 1 (low grade vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL)) can be subjected to follow-up, while VaIN 2-3 (high-grade vaginal SIL) should be treated. Treatment needs individualization according to the patient's characteristics, disease extension and previous therapeutic procedures. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment and should be performed if invasion cannot be excluded. Total vaginectomy is used only in highly selected cases of extensive and persistent disease. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser may be used as both an ablation method and an excisional one. Reported cure rates after laser excision and laser ablation are similar. Topical agents are useful for persistent, multifocal lesions or for patients who cannot undergo surgical treatment. Imiquimod was associated with the lowest recurrence rate, highest human papillomavirus (HPV) clearance, and can be considered the best topical approach. Trichloroacetic acid and 5-fluorouracil are historical options and should be discouraged. For VaIN after hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3, laser vaporization and topical agents are not the best options, since they cannot reach epithelium buried in the vaginal scar. In these cases surgical options are preferable. Brachytherapy has a high overall success rate but due to late side effects should be reserved for poor surgical candidates, having multifocal disease, and with failed prior treatments. VaIN tends to recur and ensuring patient adherence to close follow-up visits is of the utmost importance. The first evaluation should be performed at 6 months with cytology and an HPV test during 2 years and annually thereafter. The implementation of vaccination against HPV infection is expected to contribute to the prevention of VaIN and thus cancer of the vagina. The effects of treatment can have an impact on quality of life and result in psychological and psychosexual issues which should be addressed. Patients with VaIN need clear and up-to-date information on a range of treatment options including risks and benefits, as well as the need for follow-up and the risk of recurrence.

Review of the literature on combined oral contraceptives and cancer.

Millions of women have given preference to the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) since its introduction in the 1960s. Both oestrogens and progestogens can regulate proliferation and it is plausible these effects may contribute to carcinogenesis. We aimed to review the accumulated knowledge to date to appreciate the modifying effects combined oral contraceptives may have on carcinogenesis. Our methodology involved a review of the current published literature, paying attention to studies published in the last 20 years. It has been noted that the overall cancer odds do not change with the use of COCs. Increased risk for breast cancer with COC use is not consistently backed in the literature; the results range from no increase in risk to a 20%-30% elevation in risk, and the risk seems to be temporary, limited to recent or current regular COC use. Also, diagnosed breast cancer cases seem to be clinically advanced in ever-users compared to never-users. Data show that the ongoing and prolonged use of COCs may provide diminished risk for endometrial, colorectal and ovarian cancers. Although studies do not clearly support increased risk with COC use in high-risk groups, such as women with family history of cancer or BRCA carriers, local and international guidelines are available for clinical decision-making. For cervical cancer, COCs seem to enhance the risk with more than 5 years of use, and in many studies, this enhanced risk diminishes after discontinuation and restores to those of never-users within 10 years. The relationship between COC use and liver malignancy risk assessments has provided conflicting findings. Some studies have suggested that hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of not only hepatocellular carcinoma but also intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Combined oral contraceptives are safe and effective and the effects are reversible. Patients who pursue family planning should be warned of possible carcinogenic outcomes, but it should also be explained that-in addition to sexual health advantages-preferring COCs may also decrease the risks of endometrial, colorectal and ovarian cancers.

Terminology for cone dimensions after local conservative treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and early invasive cervical cancer: 2022 consensus recommendations from ESGO, EFC, IFCPC, and ESP.

Local cervical treatment for squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) removes or ablates a cone-shaped or dome-shaped part of the cervix that contains abnormal cells. This Series paper introduces the 2022 terminology for cone dimensions after local conservative treatment for SIL, CIN, or early invasive cervical cancer. The terminology was prepared by the Nomenclature Committee of the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology, the European Federation for Colposcopy, the International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy, and the European Society of Pathology. Cone length should be tailored to the type of transformation zone. Treatment of SIL or CIN is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, which escalates with increasing cone length. There is a lack of agreement regarding terms used to report excised specimen dimensions both intraoperatively and in the pathology laboratory. Consensus is needed to make studies addressing effectiveness and safety of SIL or CIN treatment comparable, and to facilitate their use to improve accuracy of antenatal surveillance and management. This Series paper summarises the current terminology through a review of existing literature, describes new terminology as agreed by a group of experts from international societies in the field of cervical cancer prevention and treatment, and recommends use of the new terminology that will facilitate communication between clinicians and foster more specific treatment guidelines that balance obstetrical harm against therapeutic effectiveness.

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD) and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) consensus statements on pre-invasive vulvar lesions.

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) developed consensus statements on pre-invasive vulvar lesions in order to improve the quality of care for patients with vulvar squamous intraepithelial neoplasia, vulvar Paget disease in situ, and melanoma in situ. For differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN), an excisional procedure must always be adopted. For vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (VHSIL), both excisional procedures and ablative ones can be used. The latter can be considered for anatomy and function preservation and must be preceded by several representative biopsies to exclude malignancy. Medical treatment (imiquimod or cidofovir) can be considered for VHSIL. Recent studies favor an approach of using imiquimod in vulvar Paget's disease. Surgery must take into consideration that the extension of the disease is usually wider than what is evident in the skin. A 2 cm margin is usually considered necessary. A wide local excision with 1 cm free surgical margins is recommended for melanoma in situ. Following treatment of pre-invasive vulvar lesions, women should be seen on a regular basis for careful clinical assessment, including biopsy of any suspicious area. Follow-up should be modulated according to the risk of recurrence (type of lesion, patient age and immunological conditions, other associated lower genital tract lesions).

Evaluation of Utilizing the Distinct Genes as Predictive Biomarkers in Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by a devastating decline in cognitive activities among all types of dementia, and it severely affects the quality of life. Late-onset AD (LOAD) occurs after the age of 65 years and develops sporadically. Although aging comes first along the main risk factors underlying LOAD, disease-causing susceptibility genes have been associated with disease pathogenesis. In our study, we included the genes PARP1 , POLB , HTRA2 , SLC1A2 , HS1BP3 , and DRD3 to be investigated in LOAD patients based on their expression levels. Within this framework, we aimed to determine the possible functions of these genes in the pathophysiology of the disease. We investigated whether the utilization of these genes as biomarkers in the early diagnosis of LOAD may help the treatment scheme to be applied in the clinic. We involved 50 individuals in the study and collected peripheral blood samples from the patients and control groups for molecular genetic analysis. Subsequently, RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples, and expression analyzes were performed using qualitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results obtained were evaluated by using proper statistical methods. Our results demonstrated that there was no difference between patient and control groups in terms of HTRA2 , DRD3 , HS1BP3 , and POLB genes. The expression levels of the SLC1A2 and PARP1 genes were significantly lower in the patient group compared with the control group. In conclusion, we presume that the PARP1 and SLC1A2 genes can be utilized as molecular biomarkers for LOAD.