Controversy in the initial nodal staging of rectal cancer (MRI or PET/CT?).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the usefulness of MRI and PET/CT in nodal staging (N) of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with LARC, who completed their initial staging with PET/CT, between January-20 and March-23. Regional nodes were assessed, and N was determined using both techniques according to TNM criteria. Concordance between MRI and PET/CT was analyzed. The accuracy of both techniques was calculated for those patients who underwent direct surgery. Non-regional pelvic lymph nodes were evaluated by both modalities. RESULTS: Among the 73 patients, 48 were ultimately diagnosed with a locally advanced stage. Of these, 39 underwent neoadjuvant treatment (chemoradiotherapy) followed by surgery, and 9 direct surgery. In 25, the PET/CT extension study revealed distant disease, leading to systemic treatment. Weak concordance was observed between MRI and PET/CT in determining N (k=0.286; p<0.005). Out of 73 patients, 31(42%) exhibited concordance, and 42(58%) showed discordance. In 83% of the discordant cases, MRI overstaged compared to PET/CT, with 17 cases indicating nodal involvement (N+) by MRI and N0 by PET/CT. Diagnostic accuracy was 78% for both techniques. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 80%, 75%, 80%, and 75% for MRI, and 60%, 100%, 100%, and 67%, for PET/CT. PET/CT identified pelvic metastatic adenopathies in 8 patients that were not visible/doubtful by MRI. CONCLUSIONS: In the initial nodal staging of rectal cancer MRI overstages relative to PET/CT. Both modalities are complementary, PET/CT offers higher specificity and MRI higher sensitivity.

Prognostic 18F-FDG Radiomic Features in Advanced High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is an aggressive disease with different clinical outcomes and poor prognosis. This could be due to tumor heterogeneity. The 18F-FDG PET radiomic parameters permit addressing tumor heterogeneity. Nevertheless, this has been not well studied in ovarian cancer. The aim of our work was to assess the prognostic value of pretreatment 18F-FDG PET radiomic features in patients with HGSOC. A review of 36 patients diagnosed with advanced HGSOC between 2016 and 2020 in our center was performed. Radiomic features were obtained from pretreatment 18F-FDGPET. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Optimal cutoff values with receiver operating characteristic curve/median values were used. A correlation between radiomic features and DFS/OS was made. The mean DFS was 19.6 months and OS was 37.1 months. Total Lesion Glycolysis (TLG), GLSZM_ Zone Size Non-Uniformity (GLSZM_ZSNU), and GLRLM_Run Length Non-Uniformity (GLRLM_RLNU) were significantly associated with DFS. The survival-curves analysis showed a significant difference of DSF in patients with GLRLM_RLNU > 7388.3 versus patients with lower values (19.7 months vs. 31.7 months, p = 0.035), maintaining signification in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.048). Moreover, Intensity-based Kurtosis was associated with OS (p = 0.027). Pretreatment 18F-FDG PET radiomic features GLRLM_RLNU, GLSZM_ZSNU, and Kurtosis may have prognostic value in patients with advanced HGSOC.

Successful Primary Treatment of Ankle Fractures in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy Using a Tibiotalocalcaneal Nail: A Case Series.

Background: Among diabetics, patients with peripheral neuropathy are at increased risk of developing complications following an ankle fracture. While the outcomes in these patients treated nonoperatively have been poor, the outcomes in those undergoing open reduction and internal fixation are at the best modest. We hypothesize that closed reduction and internal fixation with tibiotalocalcaneal nail is an effective primary procedure in this complication prone patient group. Methods: A retrospective review of diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy who underwent acute treatment of an ankle fracture with closed reduction and internal fixation with a tibiotalocalcaneal nail at two Level 1 trauma centers was performed. 30 patients were identified and divided into 2 groups with respect to their postoperative weight bearing protocol: 20 patients in the early weight bearing (EWB) group and 10 patients in the touch-down weight bearing (TDWB). The primary outcome was the rate of return to baseline function and the secondary outcomes included the incidence of wound dehiscence, wound infection, implant failure, loss of fixation, loss of reduction and amputation. Results: In the EWB group, 15/20 patients returned to their baseline function, 5/20 had wound dehiscence and infection, 2/20 had implant failure, 5/20 had loss of fixation, 4/20 had loss of reduction, and 4/20 underwent amputation. In the TDWB group, 9/10 patients returned to their baseline function, 1/10 had implant failure, 1/10 had loss of fixation. No patients from this group had loss of reduction or underwent amputation. Conclusion: Treatment with tibiotalocalcaneal nail is an effective primary procedure in this complication prone group of patients, assuming that weight bearing is delayed for six weeks to protect soft tissues and surgical incisions. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Toxicity evaluation of Pinus radiata D.Don bark wax for potential cosmetic application.

Radiata pine bark is a widely available organic waste, requiring alternative uses due to its environmental impact on soil, fauna, and forest fires. Pine bark waxes could be used as cosmetic substitutes, but their toxicity requires evaluation since pine bark may contain toxic substances or xenobiotics, depending on the extraction process. This study evaluates the toxicity of radiata pine bark waxes obtained through various extraction methods on human skin cells grown in vitro. The assessment includes using XTT to evaluate mitochondrial activity, violet crystal dye to assess cell membrane integrity, and ApoTox-Glo triple assay to measure cytotoxicity, viability, and apoptosis signals. Pine bark waxes extracted via T3 (acid hydrolysis and petroleum ether incubation) and T9 (saturated steam cycle, alkaline hydrolysis, and petroleum ether incubation) exhibit non-toxicity up to 2% concentration, making them a potential substitute for petroleum-based cosmetic materials. Integrating the forestry and cosmetic industries through pine bark wax production under circular economy principles could promote development while replacing petroleum-based materials. Extraction methodology affects pine bark wax toxicity in human skin cells due to the retention of xenobiotic compounds including methyl 4-ketohex-5-enoate; 1-naphthalenol; dioctyl adipate; eicosanebioic acid dimethyl ester; among others. Future research will investigate whether the extraction methodology alters the molecular structure of the bark, affecting the release of toxic compounds in the wax mixture.

Trato digno en la atención de salud a la comunidad LGBTIQA+ / Dignity in treatment in health care to the LGBTIQA+ community

El trato digno, igualitario e inclusivo se ha constituido en un fenómeno de estudio en el contexto de la atención sanitaria, pero su abordaje es aún limitado frente al desconocimiento respecto al tema por parte del equipo de salud hacia las personas de la comunidad de la diversidad sexual, hoy conocida con la sigla que les representa como LGBTIQA+, quienes están inmersos fundamentalmente, en una sociedad heteronormada, donde la formación profesional con enfoque de género y diversidad sexual es aún limitada. El objetivo de la argumentación del escrito es presentar algunas referencias conceptuales, derechos legales, consecuencias para la salud que fundamentan una propuesta para el cambio de las instituciones de salud y de las enfermeras y enfermeros que iluminen el derecho de las personas de esta comunidad a recibir un trato digno.

Dignified, equal and inclusive treatment has become a study phenomenon in the context of health care, but its approach is still limited due to the lack of knowledge on the subject by the health team towards people from the diversity sexual, today known by the acronym that represents them as LGBTIQA+, who are fundamentally immersed in a heteronormative society, where professional training with a gender and sexual diversity approach is still limited. The objective of the argumentation of the writing is to present some conceptual references, legal rights, health consequences that support a proposal for the change of the health institutions and of the nurses that illuminate the right of people in this community to receive a decent deal.

Biopolymer sarcoid-like foreign-body granulomas: Case report and literature review / Reacción granulomatosa de tipo sarcoideo secundaria a biopolímeros: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

Iatrogenic allogenosis is a disease caused by the injection of biopolymers with esthetic purposes. Clinical manifestations can occur between six hours and 30 years after the procedure with local and/or systemic symptoms. The pathological findings are characterized by the presence of foreign body granulomas with a sarcoid-like reaction. Its interpretation is difficult given its association with sarcoidosis. We report the clinical case of a female patient with granulomatous lesions in reaction to a foreign body secondary to the multiple application of unknown substances on the face and buttocks.

La alogenosis iatrogénica es la enfermedad causada por la aplicación de biopolímeros con fines estéticos. Sus manifestaciones clínicas pueden presentarse entre las seis horas y los 30 años posteriores a la aplicación, con síntomas locales o sistémicos. El principal rasgo de la histopatología es la presencia de granulomas por cuerpo extraño con reacción de tipo sarcoideo, la cual es difícil de interpretar por su asociación con la sarcoidosis. Se reporta aquí el caso de una paciente con lesiones granulomatosas de tipo sarcoideo por reacción a cuerpo extraño, secundaria a la aplicación de múltiples sustancias desconocidas en cara y glúteos.

Reacción granulomatosa de tipo sarcoideo secundaria a biopolímeros: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Biopolymer sarcoid-like foreign-body granulomas: Case report and literature review

La alogenosis iatrogénica es la enfermedad causada por la aplicación de biopolímeros con fines estéticos. Sus manifestaciones clínicas pueden presentarse entre las seis horas y los 30 años posteriores a la aplicación, con síntomas locales o sistémicos. El principal rasgo de la histopatología es la presencia de granulomas por cuerpo extraño con reacción de tipo sarcoideo, la cual es difícil de Interpretar por su asociación con la sarcoidosis. Se reporta aquí el caso de una paciente con lesiones granulomatosas de tipo sarcoideo por reacción a cuerpo extraño, secundaria a la aplicación de múltiples sustancias desconocidas en cara y glúteos.

Iatrogenic allogenosis is a disease caused by the injection of biopolymers with esthetic purposes. Clinical manifestations can occur between six hours and 30 years after the procedure with local and/or systemic symptoms. The pathological findings are characterized by the presence of foreign body granulomas with a sarcoid-like reaction. Its Interpretation Is difficult given Its association with sarcoidosis. We report the clinical case of a female patient with granulomatous lesions In reaction to a foreign body secondary to the multiple application of unknown substances on the face and buttocks.

Clinical, sociodemographic, pharmacological and quality of life characterization of patients with a diagnosis of moderate to severe psoriasis treated in a specialized psoriasis clinic / Caracterización clínica, sociodemográfica, farmacológica y calidad de vida de pacientes con diagnóstico de psoriasis moderada a severa atendidos en una clínica especializada en psoriasis

Abstract Introduction: psoriasis is a systemic, inflammatory, and chronic disease with a global prevalence between 0.6-6.5 %. It is related to multiple comorbidities and generates a significant decrease in quality of life. Objective: to characterize sociodemographic, clinical, pharmacological, and quality of life variables in a population of patients with moderate-severe psoriasis. Methods: descriptive observational study the patients with a diagnosis of severe-moderate psoriasis treated in the Clínica Integral de Psoriasis-CLIPSO between May 2018 - June 2020. A collection format was designed for defined variables and a univariate analysis was performed. Results: 948 patients were identified with a median age of 50 years (IQR: 38-60) of which 51.0 % were women. 23.6 % were incidents with a median treatment time of 114 days (IQR: 98-127) and 73.9 % were prevalent with a median treatment time of 228 days (IQR: 160-371). The type of therapy used was mainly non-biological systemic and 90.9 % of the patients were adherent to the treatment. The clinical variables were similar for both groups and the most common phenotype was psoriasis vulgaris (57.1 %). The health-related quality of life in both groups was greater than 60 points and the affected dimensions were physical and psychological health. 27.3 % of the patients had comorbidities associated with cardiovascular risk and 44.7 % were overweight. Conclusion: knowing the sociodemographic, clinical, pharmacological, and quality of life characteristics of patients with moderate-severe psoriasis allows the identification of risk factors and comprehensive management of the disease.

Resumen Introducción: la psoriasis es una enfermedad sistémica, inflamatoria y crónica con una prevalencia global entre 0,6-6,5 %. Está relacionada con múltiples comorbilidades y genera una disminución significativa en la calidad de vida. Objetivo: caracterización sociodemográfica, clínica, farmacológica y calidad de vida de un grupo de pacientes con psoriasis moderada-severa. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de psoriasis moderada-severa atendidos en la Clínica Integral de Psoriasis (CLIPSO) entre mayo 2018 y junio 2020. Se diseñó un formato para la recolección de las variables definidas y se realizó un análisis univariado. Resultados: se identificaron 948 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 50 años (RIC:38-60) de los cuales el 51 % eran mujeres. El 23,6 % eran incidentes, con una mediana en tiempo de tratamiento de 114 días (RIC:98-127) y 73,9 % eran prevalentes, con una mediana de tiempo de tratamiento de 228 días (RIC:160-371). El tipo de terapia utilizada fue principalmente sistémica no biológica y el 90,9 % de los pacientes eran adherentes al tratamiento. Las variables clínicas fueron similares en los incidentes y los prevalentes y el fenotipo más común fue psoriasis vulgar (57,1 %). La calidad de vida en ambos grupos fue mayor a 60 puntos y las dimensiones más afectadas en la calidad de vida fueron la salud física y la psicológica. El 27,3 % presentaban comorbilidades asociadas a riesgo cardiovascular y 44,7 % presentaban sobrepeso. Conclusión: conocer las características sociodemográficas, clínicas, farmacológicas y calidad de vida de los pacientes con psoriasis moderada-severa permite la identificación de factores de riesgo y un manejo integral de la enfermedad.

Returning Individual Tap Water Testing Results to Research Study Participants after a Wildfire Disaster.

After the devastating wildfire that destroyed most of the town of Paradise, California in 2018, volatile organic compounds were found in water distribution pipes. Approximately 11 months after the fire, we collected tap water samples from 136 homes that were still standing and tested for over 100 chemicals. Each participant received a customized report showing the laboratory findings from their sample. Our goal was to communicate individual water results and chemical information rapidly in a way that was understandable, scientifically accurate, and useful to participants. On the basis of this process, we developed a framework to illustrate considerations and priorities that draw from best practices of previous environmental results return research and crisis communication, while also addressing challenges specific to the disaster context. We also conducted a follow-up survey on participants' perceptions of the results return process. In general, participants found the results return communications to be understandable, and they felt less worried about their drinking water quality after receiving the information. Over one-third of the participants reported taking some kind of action around their water usage habits after receiving their results. Communication with participants is a critical element of environmental disaster research, and it is important to have a strategy to communicate results that achieves the goals of timeliness, clarity, and scientific accuracy, ultimately empowering people toward actions that can reduce exposure.

Mortality from anti-personnel mines before and during the Colombian peace process / Mortalidad secundaria a minas antipersona antes y durante el proceso de paz colombiano

Abstract Introduction: Although the peace process in Colombia resulted in a significant reduction in the number of anti-personnel mines across the country, there are no reliable data on the effects of this phenomenon on outcomes for patients who were victims of these devices. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess mortality from landmine injuries before and during the Colombian peace process. Furthermore possible associations between peace negotiations and mortality were explored. Methods: For this study, we used the "Colombian Victims of Antipersonnel Mines Injuries registry" (MAP/MUSE database) data from 2002 to 2018. This registry was launched in 2001 by the government of Colombia with the aim of prospectively and systematically collect information on all the cases of anti-personnel mine injuries in the country. The period between 2002-2012 was classified as the pre-negotiation period (período de guerra), and 2014-2018 as the peace negotiations period, with 2013 classified as a washout year. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the association between peace negotiations and mortality among anti-personnel landmine injured individuals. Results: A total of 10306 landmine injury cases were registered. Of these, 1180 (11.4%) occurred in the peace-negotiation period. Mortality was significantly lower during the period of peace negotiations. After adjusting for sex, age group, race, active duty soldier status, rural area, and geographic Departamentos case volumes, the peace negotiation period was found to be associated with lower risk-adjusted odds of mortality after suffering a landmine injury (OR= 0.6, 95% CI, 0.5-0.7; p<0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest an association between the period of peace negotiation and a lower likelihood of mortality among victims of anti-personnel landmines.

Resumen Introducción: Aunque el proceso de paz colombiano produjo una reducción en la cantidad de minas antipersona en el país, no hay estimativos sobre el efecto de este fenómeno en los desenlaces de los pacientes víctimas de estos artefactos. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la mortalidad por minas antipersona antes y durante la negociación del proceso de paz en Colombia. Además, exploramos posibles asociaciones entre las negociaciones de paz y la mortalidad. Métodos: Para este estudio utilizamos los datos del "Registro de víctimas colombianas de lesiones de minas antipersona" (base de datos MAP / MUSE) de 2002 a 2018. Este registro fue lanzado en 2001 por el gobierno de Colombia con el objetivo de recolectar información de manera prospectiva y sistemática de los casos de trauma por minas antipersona en el país. Clasificamos el período comprendido entre 2002 y 2012 como el período previo a la negociación (período de guerra), el comprendido entre 2014 y 2018 como el período de negociaciones de paz y el año 2013 como período de "depuración". Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística multivariados para explorar las asociaciones entre las negociaciones de paz y la mortalidad. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 10306 casos de lesiones por minas antipersona. De estos, 1180 (11.4%) ocurrieron en el período de negociación de paz. La mortalidad fue significativamente menor durante el período de negociaciones de paz. El análisis de regresión logística multivariado determinó que el período de negociación de paz se asoció con una menor probabilidad de mortalidad después de sufrir una lesión por minas antipersona (OR = 0,6, IC 95%, 0,5-0,7; p <0,001). Conclusiones: Nuestros hallazgos sugieren una asociación entre el período de negociación de paz y una menor probabilidad de mortalidad entre las víctimas de las minas antipersona.

Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate: Dermatological and toxicological aspects, case report / [Pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata: aspectos dermatológicos y toxicológicos, a propósito de un caso].

Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate is a rare disease whose clinical manifestations appear even years after the contact, making its diagnosis difficult on occasions. It is characterized by the presence of blue-gray macules or plaques on the skin or mucosa in the contact area, sometimes very similar to melanocytic lesions and melanoma, which constitute the main differential diagnosis. We report the case of a male patient from Medellín, Colombia, with a family history of melanoma and the presence of these lesions throughout his body.

La pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata es una enfermedad poco frecuente, cuyas manifestaciones clínicas pueden aparecer años después del contacto, lo que en ocasiones dificulta su diagnóstico. Se caracteriza por la presencia de máculas o placas azul-grisáceas en la piel o las mucosas de la zona de contacto que, en ocasiones, son muy similares a las lesiones melanocíticas y al melanoma, sus principales diagnósticos diferenciales. Se reporta el caso de un paciente de Medellín, Colombia, con antecedentes familiares de melanoma y presencia de estas lesiones en todo el cuerpo.

Pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata: aspectos dermatológicos y toxicológicos, a propósito de un caso / Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate: Dermatological and toxicological aspects, case report

Resumen | La pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata es una enfermedad poco frecuente, cuyas manifestaciones clínicas pueden aparecer años después del contacto, lo que en ocasiones dificulta su diagnóstico. Se caracteriza por la presencia de máculas o placas azul-grisáceas en la piel o las mucosas de la zona de contacto que, en ocasiones, son muy similares a las lesiones melanocíticas y al melanoma, sus principales diagnósticos diferenciales. Se reporta el caso de un paciente de Medellín, Colombia, con antecedentes familiares de melanoma y presencia de estas lesiones en todo el cuerpo.

Abstract | Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate is a rare disease whose clinical manifestations appear even years after the contact, making its diagnosis difficult on occasions. It is characterized by the presence of blue-gray macules or plaques on the skin or mucosa in the contact area, sometimes very similar to melanocytic lesions and melanoma, which constitute the main differential diagnosis. We report the case of a male patient from Medellín, Colombia, with a family history of melanoma and the presence of these lesions throughout his body.

Rapidly Progressive Lung Sarcomatoid Carcinoma Managed with Doxorubicin Plus Ifosfamide and Pemetrexed.

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare subtype of nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It carries a poor prognosis, even among other subtypes of NSCLC. Currently, most treatment strategies for PSC are derived from regimens aimed at managing soft tissue sarcomas or NSCLC. The use of doxorubicin plus ifosfamide and pemetrexed has been well established in the management of soft tissue carcinoma and other nonsmall-cell lung cancers, respectively. We report the case of a 69-year-old male diagnosed with PSC who was managed with doxorubicin plus ifosfamide and pemetrexed therapy. Our patient initially responded to the therapy but had rapid progression and died 8 months after the initiation of treatment. Upon genetic analysis, it was revealed the patient had overexpression of the MDM2 protein, which has been associated with poor response to therapy. This case highlights the need for a personalized treatment approach, as well as the need for a standardized treatment regimen for managing PSC.

ArnD is a deformylase involved in polymyxin resistance.

The modification of lipid A with cationic 4-amino-4-deoxy-l-arabinose residues serves to confer resistance against cationic peptide antibiotics in Gram-negative bacteria. In this work, the enzyme ArnD is shown to act as a metal-dependent deformylase in the biosynthesis of this carbohydrate.

Una introducción al enfoque del curso de vida y su uso en la investigación pediátrica: principales conceptos y principios metodológicos / An introduction to the life course approach and its use in pediatric research: main concepts and methodological principles

Resumen Desde su concepción, el enfoque del curso de vida se ha utilizado ampliamente en la investigación sociodemográfica y en los estudios sociológicos. El empleo de esta perspectiva se ha difundido desde hace algunos años en la investigación en salud. Sin embargo, su uso ha sido muy limitado en pediatría. Este trabajo presenta una exposición de los principales conceptos del enfoque del curso de vida y algunos principios metodológicos para el desarrollo de investigaciones desde esta perspectiva. Además, se incluyen una serie de proyectos de investigación que se han valido de este enfoque como fundamentación conceptual en su diseño e implementación y algunas fuentes de información que pueden ser utilizadas para el desarrollo de investigaciones desde esta conceptualización en México.

Abstract Since its inception, the life course approach has been widely used in the socio-demographic research and sociological studies. The use of this perspective in health research has spread for some years, although its use in pediatrics has been limited. This work presents the main concepts of the life course approach and some methodological principles for the development of research from this perspective. In addition, a series of research projects that have used this approach as a conceptual basis in their design and implementation are included, as well as some sources of information that can be used for the development of research since this conceptualization in Mexico.

An introduction to the life course approach and its use in pediatric research: main concepts and methodological principles.

Since its inception, the life course approach has been widely used in the socio-demographic research and sociological studies. The use of this perspective in health research has spread for some years, although its use in pediatrics has been limited. This work presents the main concepts of the life course approach and some methodological principles for the development of research from this perspective. In addition, a series of research projects that have used this approach as a conceptual basis in their design and implementation are included, as well as some sources of information that can be used for the development of research since this conceptualization in Mexico.

Desde su concepción, el enfoque del curso de vida se ha utilizado ampliamente en la investigación sociodemográfica y en los estudios sociológicos. El empleo de esta perspectiva se ha difundido desde hace algunos años en la investigación en salud. Sin embargo, su uso ha sido muy limitado en pediatría. Este trabajo presenta una exposición de los principales conceptos del enfoque del curso de vida y algunos principios metodológicos para el desarrollo de investigaciones desde esta perspectiva. Además, se incluyen una serie de proyectos de investigación que se han valido de este enfoque como fundamentación conceptual en su diseño e implementación y algunas fuentes de información que pueden ser utilizadas para el desarrollo de investigaciones desde esta conceptualización en México.

Potential Economic Benefits of Limited Clinical and Radiographic Follow-up After Plate Fixation of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The role of routine clinical and radiographic follow-up after clavicle fractures are healed was evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective study performed in two level-1 trauma centers included 246 adults with healed clavicle fractures treated surgically between 2000 and 2013 and at least 24-month follow-up. Based on radiographs, changes in fracture alignment or implant position from union to final follow-up were documented. The average reimbursement for a follow-up clinical visit and a clavicle radiograph was estimated. RESULTS: Mean time to union and mean time of follow-up were of 4.8 and 31.4 months, respectively. No changes in implant position or fracture alignment occurred after the fracture had healed. The amount reimbursed to our institution for two clinical visits and two clavicle radiographs was approximately $300 to $540. CONCLUSION: Once clavicle fractures are healed, further radiographic imaging does not provide any notable information. Limiting routine follow-up is safe and could be cost-effective for the healthcare system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level-III retrospective cohort study.

Creating and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence: Insights From Accomplished University Team-Sport Coaches.

PURPOSE: Winning several national championships is an extraordinary feat that very few university coaches have accomplished. The objective of this study was to investigate how some of Canada's most accomplished university team-sport coaches created and sustained a culture of excellence in their programs. METHOD: Six university coaches who had won more than 30 national titles participated in this study. Each coach participated in a semistructured interview, and the qualitative data were inductively analyzed using a thematic analysis. RESULTS: The coaches noted that hard work and daily attention to detail, effective emotional management of themselves and their athletes, and continuous self-assessment (self-reflection and seeking mentors) were crucial elements that led to sustained excellence in their programs. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers one of the first empirical accounts of how highly successful university coaches developed and maintained a culture of excellence and success in their high-performance sport setting.

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a web-based smoking cessation intervention for HIV-infected smokers: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a Web-based tobacco treatment for persons living with HIV (PLWH). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: HIV-care center in the Bronx, New York. SUBJECTS: Eligibility criteria included HIV infection, current tobacco usage, interest in quitting, and access to a computer with internet. One hundred thirty-eight subjects enrolled, and 134 completed the study. INTERVENTION: Positively Smoke Free on the Web (PSFW), an 8-session, 7-week targeted tobacco treatment program for PLWH, was compared with standard care (brief advice to quit and self-help brochure). All subjects were offered nicotine patches. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main feasibility outcomes were number of sessions logged into, number of Web pages visited, number of interactive clicks, and total time logged in. The main efficacy outcome was biochemically verified, 7-day point prevalence abstinence 3 months after intervention. RESULTS: PSFW subjects logged into a mean of 5.5 of 8 sessions and 26.2 of 41 pages. They executed a mean of 10 interactive clicks during a mean total of 59.8 minutes logged in. Most required reminder phone calls to complete the sessions. Educational level, anxiety score, and home access of the Web site were associated with Web site usage. Ten percent of the PSFW group vs. 4.3% of controls achieved the abstinence end point. Among those who completed all 8 sessions, 17.9% were abstinent, and among women completers, 30.8% were abstinent. CONCLUSIONS: Web-based treatment is a feasible strategy for PLWH smokers, and preliminary findings suggest therapeutic efficacy.

A critical question for cancer therapy: what new targets exist?

Designing molecular targeted therapy with high specificity based on novel tumor biomarkers is a high priority in lung cancer research. Several molecular aberrations have been already identified in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with subsequent development of drugs targeted to these aberrations. A more recent actionable target is MET, a multifaceted receptor tyrosine kinase which frequently interacts with other key oncogenic tyrosine kinases including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ERBB3 leading to resistance to anti-EGFR therapies. However a phase III trial enrolling only patients with MET-positive tumors was stopped in early March due to futility since there was no evidence that the addition of onartuzumab to erlotinib has any positive effect. From the results of the MET lung phase III trial, we provide new pieces of information that can contribute to further preclinical validation and also be part of the armamentarium for clinical translational research.