Tumor microenvironment in thyroid cancer: Immune cells, patterns, and novel treatments.

The tumor immune microenvironment of thyroid cancer is the heterogeneous histological space in which tumor cells coexist with host cells. Published data from this review were identified by search and selection database of Pubmed, Elsevier, and Science Direct. Searching was made in two steps using different keywords. In thyroid pathology, the inflammatory response is very important, and might have a key role finding new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, particularly in thyroid cancer. Different immune cells may be more or less present in different types of thyroid cancer and may even have different functions, hence the importance of knowing their presence in different thyroid tumor pathologies. Cancer-related inflammation could be a useful target for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies by analyzing peritumoral and intratumoral immune cells in different types of thyroid tumors. Moreover, novel strategies for thyroid cancer treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies targeting checkpoint inhibitors, are emerging as promising alternatives.

Incidental versus clinical diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Long-term prognosis. / Diagnóstico incidental versus clínico del microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides. Pronóstico a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has increased in recent years, especially in patients operated on for presumably benign thyroid disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences between PTMC incidentally diagnosed and PTMC clinically diagnosed, as well as its long-term prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of patients with a histological diagnosis of PTMC. Patients with previous thyroid surgery, other synchronous thyroid or extrathyroid malignancies and an ectopic location of PTMC were excluded. Two groups were compared: patients with PTMC incidentally diagnosed (group 1) and patients with PTMC clinically diagnosed (group 2). A multivariate analysis of differentiating factors was performed. RESULTS: PTMC clinically diagnosed had a high frequency of hypothyroidism (4.6% vs. 18.9%; P=.004), extrathyroidal extension (5.7% vs. 17.6%; P=.018), metastatic lymph nodes (1.1% vs. 18.9%; P<.001) and lymphocytic thyroiditis (5.7% vs. 27%; P<.001). In the multivariate analysis, metastatic lymph nodes (OR: 22.011, IC 95%: 2.621-184.829; P=.004) and lymphocytic thyroiditis (OR: 4.949; IC 95%: 1.602-15.288; P=.005) were associated with the clinical diagnosis of PTMC. During a mean follow-up of 119.8±65.1 months, one recurrence was detected in group 2 (0% vs. 1,4%; P=.460). No patient died due to the disease. CONCLUSIONS: PTMC clinically diagnosed, although it has more aggressive histopathological characteristics (extrathyroidal extension and metastatic lymph nodes), presents a long-term prognosis similar to the PTMC incidentally diagnosed. The presence of metastatic lymph nodes and lymphocytic thyroiditis were independent factors associated with PTMC clinically diagnosed.

Evolución del reflujo gastroesofágico tras la gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica. Estudio radiológico, manométrico y pH-métrico / Evolution of gastroesophageal reflux after laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy. A radiographic, manometric and pH-metric study

Introducción: la relación entre la gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica (GVL) y el reflujo gastroesofágico (RGE) es aún controvertida, por lo que su investigación tiene gran interés para llegar a conclusiones definitivas. Nuestro objetivo es determinar si la GVL modifica el RGE pH-métrico de los pacientes obesos y, en caso de que así sea, analizar algunos factores que pudieran explicarlo. Pacientes y métodos: incluimos los primeros 26 pacientes que recibieron una GVL en nuestro centro. Se realizaron un tránsito baritado, una pH-metría ambulatoria de 24 horas y una manometría intraluminal esofágica (MIE) con cuatro canales previamente y al año de la operación. Resultados: de los datos pH-métricos, el índice de DeMeester mostró un aumento significativo (p = 0.028) tras la intervención, mientras que los demás parámetros fueron similares. Por otra parte, se observó que el 50% de los pacientes con RGE pH-métrico preoperatorio mostraron tasas normales al año de la operación. En la MIE objetivamos que la presión del esfínter esofágico inferior (EEI) disminuyó, así como la amplitud media de las ondas en el tercio distal esofágico (p = 0,007 y p = 0,025, respectivamente). En el estudio radiológico la tasa de hernias de hiato "de novo" fue del 36,4%. Conclusión: la GVL determina un aumento leve del RGE, probablemente relacionado con la aparición de hernias de hiato así como con una disminución de la presión del EEI y de la capacidad de barrido esofágico. Sin embargo, no debe contraindicarse la GVL a pacientes con RGE preoperatorio pH-métrico pues puede negativizarse tras la operación

Introduction: the relationship between laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy (LVG) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is still controversial. Therefore, its study is of great interest in order to obtain definitive conclusions. The goal of the study was to establish whether LVG modifies pH-metric GER in obese patients and to analyze the associated factors. Patients and methods: the first 26 patients who underwent LVG in our institution were enrolled in the study. A barium swallow, 24-hour ambulatory pH-metry and four-channel intraluminal esophageal manometry (IEM) were all performed before and one year after surgery. Results: among the pH-metric data, there was a significant increase in the DeMeester index after the procedure (p = 0.028), while other parameters remained unchanged. Furthermore, 50% of patients with preoperative pH-metric GER had normal values at one year after surgery. IEM showed a decrease in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and in the mean wave amplitude at the distal third of the esophagus (p = 0.007 and p = 0.025, respectively). The rate of newly-developed hiatal hernias in the radiographic study was 36.4%. Conclusion: LVG mildly increases GER, which is likely related to the development of hiatal hernias and a decrease in LES pressure and esophageal sweep. However, LVG should not be contraindicated for patients with preoperative pH-metric GER, as this may clear after the procedure

Fístula quilosa como complicación de la cirugía tiroidea en patología maligna / Chyle fistula as complication of thyroid surgery in malignant pathology

Introducción: La fístula quilosa (FQ) cervical es excepcional y no existe consenso sobre su tratamiento. El objetivo es analizar la eficacia de los tratamientos conservador y quirúrgico en esta patología. Método: Población a estudio constituida por pacientes con cirugía tiroidea que presentan en la evolución posquirúrgica una FQ. Grupos a estudio: 1) Grupo con tratamiento conservador, formado por FQ con débito inferior a 300cm3/día, tardías o coleccionadas en el cuello; y 2) Grupo con tratamiento quirúrgico, formado por FQ precoces con débito superior a 300cm3/día. Variables a estudio: Se analizan los resultados en cuanto a tasas de curación y la tasa de reconversión a tratamiento quirúrgico. Resultados: Nueve pacientes presentaron una FQ. Todos iniciaron tratamiento conservador; de ellos, el 67% (n=6) con intención curativa, resolviéndose el 50% de los casos (n=3). Los restantes, tras más de 150 días de tratamiento, fueron ingresados para añadir dieta absoluta y nutrición parenteral. Uno de ellos se resolvió, siendo los otros 2 casos remitidos a cirugía. En los casos restantes (33%; n=3) se indicó la cirugía como tratamiento definitivo inicial. El abordaje fue cervical con ligadura y punto transfixivo del conducto torácico. En uno de los pacientes, que asociaba un quilotórax, se asoció una toracoscopia. En los 2 casos en quienes fracasó el tratamiento conservador, se indicó la cirugía mediante cervicotomía, identificando el punto de reflujo linfático. Todos los operados han presentado resolución de la fístula. Conclusiones: El tratamiento conservador es efectivo en el 66% de las FQ de bajo débito. En las fístulas de débito alto, o donde el tratamiento conservador no es efectivo, la cirugía ofrece una resolución efectiva y rápida del cuadro

Introduction: Cervical chyle fistula (CF) is exceptional, and there is no agreement on its treatment. The study objective was to assess the efficacy of conservative and surgical treatment in this condition. Method: Study population: Patients undergoing thyroid surgery who experience CF after the procedure. Study groups: 1) Group with conservative treatment: CF with flow rates less than 300cm3/day, late or collected in the neck; and 2) Group with surgical treatment: early CF with flow rates greater than 300 cm3/day. Study variables: Cure rates and rate of conversion to surgery were analyzed. Results: Nine patients experienced CF. Conservative treatment was started in all of them, in 67% (n=6) with curative intent. Fifty percent of treated cases were resolved (n=3). The remaining patients were hospitalized after more than 150 days of treatment to add absolute diet and parenteral nutrition. The condition resolved in one patient, and the other two were referred for surgery. In the remaining patients (33%, n=3), surgery was indicated as the initial definitive treatment. A cervical approach, with ligature and transfixion stitch of the thoracic duct, was used. In one of the patients, who also had chylothorax, thoracoscopy was also performed. In the two patients where conservative treatment failed, cervicotomy was indicated, identifying in both the lymphatic reflux point. Fistula resolved in all operated patients. Conclusions: Conservative treatment was effective in 66% of low flow CFs. Surgery effectively and rapidly resolves fistulas with a high flow or not responding to conservative treatment

Attitudes of Latin American Immigrants Resident in Florida (United States) Toward Related Living Kidney Donation.

INTRODUCTION: Latin American immigrants comprise an important population group in the United States. The purpose of this study was to analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation found among Latin American citizens who are residents in Florida and to identify the psychosocial variables affecting their attitude. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of Latin American residents in the state of Florida was randomly obtained and stratified by nationality, age, and sex (n = 1524). Attitude was assessed through a validated questionnaire that was self-administered and completed anonymously. Descriptive, Student t test and the χ2 test were used to analyze findings. RESULTS: The questionnaire completion rate was 94% (N = 1433), with 59% (n = 845) in favor of related living donation, 40% (n = 571) were opposed to donation, with the remaining 1% (n = 17) undecided. The following variables were related to attitude toward living donation: country of origin (P < .001), marital status (P < .001), having descendants (P = .004), educational background (P < 0.001), having had previous experience of donation and transplantation (P < .001), attitude toward deceased donation (P < .001), considering the possibility of needing a transplant (P < .001), the respondent's partner's opinion (P < .001), having considered the subject with one's family (P < .001), having carried out prosocial type activities (P < .001), the respondent's religion (P < .001), knowing that one's religion is in favor of this therapy (P < .001), concern about mutilation after donation (P < .001), and considerations of the risks of living donation (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward related living kidney donation of Latin American residents in Florida is not very favorable (only 59%).

The Knowledge of the Brain Death Concept Among Latin Americans Residing in Florida (USA).

OBJECTIVES: The knowledge of the concept of brain death is fundamental for being able to understand the organ donation process and helps to achieve its acceptance. Our aim was to analyze levels of understanding of the brain death concept among Latin Americans residing in Florida (USA) and to determine the factors affecting this understanding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of residents of Latin American origin in the state of Florida was randomized and stratified by nationality, age, and sex (N = 1524). Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire, which was self-administered and completed anonymously. For statistical analysis of descriptive data, we used t test, the chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The questionnaire completion rate was 95% (n = 1450). We found that 24% (n = 350) understood the concept of brain death, 54% (n = 777) did not understand it, and the remaining 22% (n = 323) believed it did not mean a person's death. The following variables were related to understanding this concept: (1) country of origin (P ⟨ .001), (2) sex (P = .001), (3) marital status (P ⟨ .001), (4) level of formal education (P < .001), (5) having spoken about the subject with one's family (P < .001), (6) a partner's attitude toward donation (P < .001), and (6) religion (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, the following factors continued to be related: country of origin, level of formal education, and religion. A more positive attitude toward organ donation was found among those who understood the concept of brain death (29% vs 22%; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the concept of brain death among Latin American residents in Florida is limited, with marked differences depending on the respondent's country of origin, level of formal education, and religion.

Chyle fistula as complication of thyroid surgery in malignant pathology. / Fístula quilosa como complicación de la cirugía tiroidea en patología maligna.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical chyle fistula (CF) is exceptional, and there is no agreement on its treatment. The study objective was to assess the efficacy of conservative and surgical treatment in this condition. METHOD: Study population: Patients undergoing thyroid surgery who experience CF after the procedure. Study groups: 1) Group with conservative treatment: CF with flow rates less than 300cm3/day, late or collected in the neck; and 2) Group with surgical treatment: early CF with flow rates greater than 300 cm3/day. STUDY VARIABLES: Cure rates and rate of conversion to surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: Nine patients experienced CF. Conservative treatment was started in all of them, in 67% (n=6) with curative intent. Fifty percent of treated cases were resolved (n=3). The remaining patients were hospitalized after more than 150 days of treatment to add absolute diet and parenteral nutrition. The condition resolved in one patient, and the other two were referred for surgery. In the remaining patients (33%, n=3), surgery was indicated as the initial definitive treatment. A cervical approach, with ligature and transfixion stitch of the thoracic duct, was used. In one of the patients, who also had chylothorax, thoracoscopy was also performed. In the two patients where conservative treatment failed, cervicotomy was indicated, identifying in both the lymphatic reflux point. Fistula resolved in all operated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment was effective in 66% of low flow CFs. Surgery effectively and rapidly resolves fistulas with a high flow or not responding to conservative treatment.

Prophylactic thyroidectomy in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 (MEN2) patients with the C634Y mutation: A long-term follow-up in a large single-center cohort.

BACKGROUND: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is the main cause of death in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A (MEN2A) patients. It is therefore important to treat this disease at an early stage. The mutation in codon 634 is considered to be associated with an aggressive clinical course, whereas the C634Y mutation may result in a more indolent course. Prophylactic thyroidectomy is performed before thyroid disease occurs. However, controversy surrounds this disease regarding levels of calcitonin (Ct) and age. In this context, few studies have investigated this mutation over a long period. OBJECTIVE: To analyze a large cohort of patients with the C634Y mutation who received prophylactic thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a group of 110 MEN2 patients, we analyzed those with the C634Y mutation who had received prophylactic thyroidectomy (absence of clinical and radiological thyroid disease) treated in a tertiary referral hospital between 1983 and 2016. MTC is related to age and Ct. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 test, partial correlations, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Fifty patients with a mean age of 12 ±â€¯9 years were analyzed; 56% of these had MTC (100% stage I). There was no case of hypoparathyroidism or permanent recurrent damage. MTC was associated mainly with age (OR 1.38). One 5-year-old patient presented with MTC. Mean follow-up time was 16 ±â€¯6 years, and no cases of recurrence were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Performing prophylactic thyroidectomy in patients with the C634Y mutation allows us to cure the disease without causing long-term complications. Our results support the notion that age <5 years should be a criterion for carrying out prophylactic thyroidectomy in these patients.

Evaluación del nódulo tiroideo con ecografía y elastografía de alta resolución sin la punción-aspiración con aguja fina / Evaluation of the thyroid nodule with high-resolution ultrasonography and elastography without fine needle aspiration biopsy

Introducción: La punción-aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) es la técnica diagnóstica gold standard en el protocolo diagnóstico del nódulo tiroideo. Sin embargo, no está exenta de complicaciones. Objetivo: Establecer los nódulos tiroideos en los que se podría evitar la PAAF en el protocolo diagnóstico con la inclusión de la ecografía de alta definición y la elastografía. Material y método: Se realiza un estudio prospectivo no aleatorizado. Se incluyen nódulos tiroideos solitarios y los nódulos dominantes del bocio multinodular. Se excluyeron los pacientes con cirugía tiroidea previa. A todos los pacientes se les realiza primero una ecografía de alta resolución y una elastografía, y posteriormente una PAAF. Se analizan las variables ecográficas en 2D y doppler, las elastográficas, y el resultado de la PAAF según Bethesda. Para correlacionar los datos, los nódulos se clasifican como benignos o malignos. Para el análisis estadístico se aplica el test de la t de Student, el test de Chi-cuadrado y un análisis de regresión logística. Resultados: Se analizan 221 nódulos tiroideos, de los cuales 32 fueron malignos (14%). Los hallazgos ecográficos más predictores de malignidad (p<0,05) son la ecoestructura hipoecoica o compleja (OR=11,832), las microcalcificaciones (OR=9,637) y la vascularización caótica con el doppler (OR=46,464). Respecto a la elastografía, el patrón elastográfico I y II se asocian a benignidad (p=0,0004 y p<0,0001, respectivamente). Cuando se combina la elastografía tipo I o II, y la ecografía con ecoestructura no hipoecoica ni compleja, sin microcalcificaciones y sin vascularización caótica en la ecografía doppler, el 100% de los casos eran benignos, con una especificidad del 100% y una sensibilidad del 14%. Conclusiones: La combinación de la ecografía de alta resolución y la elastografía permite seleccionar casos donde no es necesario realizar una PAAF. Los casos susceptibles de seguimiento periódico sin realización de PAAF son aquellos que no presentan ecoestructura hipoecoica o compleja, que no muestran microcalcificaciones y en los que la vascularización no es caótica, junto con una elastografía tipo I y II

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the gold standard screening technique used in the diagnostic protocol for thyroid nodules. However, it is not free of complications. Objective: To identify thyroid nodules in which FNAB could be avoided during the diagnostic process by means of the use of a high-resolution ultrasonography or elastography. Material and method: A prospective, non-randomized study was carried out. Single thyroid nodules and dominant nodules of multinodular goiter were included. Patients who had undergone thyroid surgery in the past were excluded. All patients underwent a high-resolution ultrasound and elastography, and, subsequently, a FNAB. We analyzed the ultrasound variables in 2D and Doppler, followed by the elastographic variables, and the results of the FNAB according to Bethesda. To correlate the data, the nodules were classified as benign or malignant. Student's t test, the Chi-square test and a logistic regression analysis were applied for the statistical analysis. Results: A total of 221 thyroid nodules were analyzed, 32 of which were malignant (14%). The most predictive ultrasound findings of malignancy (P<.05) were a hypoechoic or complex echostructure (OR=11.832), the presence of microcalcifications (OR=9.637) and chaotic vascularization observed in the Doppler (OR=46.464). With regard to the elastography, elastographic patterns I and II were seen to be associated with benignity (P=.0004 and P<.0001, respectively). When type I or II elastography was combined with an ultrasound showing a non-hypoechoic nor complex echostructure, without microcalcifications nor chaotic vascularization in the Doppler ultrasound, 100% of the cases were benign with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 14%. Conclusions: The combination of a high-resolution ultrasound with an elastography makes it possible to select cases where a FNAB does not have to be performed. Cases susceptible to a periodic follow-up without the use of a FNAB are those without a hypoechoic nor complex structure, no microcalcifications, non-chaotic vascularization and a type I or II elastography

Knowledge of the Concept of Brain Death Among the Latin-American Population Residing in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: The knowledge of brain death is fundamental for being able to understand the organ donation process and for ensuring its acceptance or rejection. Here, we analyzed the level of knowledge of the concept of brain death among Latin-American individuals who are residents of Spain to determine the factors affecting this knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our patient group was a sample of 1314 Latin-American residents of Spain, obtained randomly and stratified according to the respondent's nationality, age, and sex. Their attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. RESULTS: The questionnaire completion rate was 94% (n = 1237). Of total respondents, 25% (n = 313) knew the concept of brain death, which they considered to be an individual's death, 56% (n = 697) did not know the term, and 19% (n = 227) believed that it did not mean death. The variables related to knowledge of the brain death concept included (1) country of origin, with a better knowledge among those with Mexican nationality (P < .001); (2) male sex (30% vs 23%; P = .003); (3) having university-level education (35% vs 23%; P = .044); (4) having discussed the matter within the family (29% vs 23%; P = .044); (5) having a partner with a favorable attitude toward donation (39% vs 21%; P = .001); and (6) the respondent's religion (47% vs 7%; P < .001). The following factors persisted in the multivariate analysis: country of origin (odds ratio of 2.972), sex (odds ratio of 1.416), education level (odds ratio of 2.228), attitude of the respondent's partner (odds ratio of 1.835), and religion (odds ratio of 4.490). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the concept of brain death is limited among Latin-American residents of Spain, with marked differences among country of origin and other socio-personal factors.

Evaluation of the thyroid nodule with high-resolution ultrasonography and elastography without fine needle aspiration biopsy. / Evaluación del nódulo tiroideo con ecografía y elastografía de alta resolución sin la punción-aspiración con aguja fina.

INTRODUCTION: Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the gold standard screening technique used in the diagnostic protocol for thyroid nodules. However, it is not free of complications. OBJECTIVE: To identify thyroid nodules in which FNAB could be avoided during the diagnostic process by means of the use of a high-resolution ultrasonography or elastography. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective, non-randomized study was carried out. Single thyroid nodules and dominant nodules of multinodular goiter were included. Patients who had undergone thyroid surgery in the past were excluded. All patients underwent a high-resolution ultrasound and elastography, and, subsequently, a FNAB. We analyzed the ultrasound variables in 2D and Doppler, followed by the elastographic variables, and the results of the FNAB according to Bethesda. To correlate the data, the nodules were classified as benign or malignant. Student's t test, the Chi-square test and a logistic regression analysis were applied for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 221 thyroid nodules were analyzed, 32 of which were malignant (14%). The most predictive ultrasound findings of malignancy (P<.05) were a hypoechoic or complex echostructure (OR=11.832), the presence of microcalcifications (OR=9.637) and chaotic vascularization observed in the Doppler (OR=46.464). With regard to the elastography, elastographic patterns i and ii were seen to be associated with benignity (P=.0004 and P<.0001, respectively). When type i or ii elastography was combined with an ultrasound showing a non-hypoechoic nor complex echostructure, without microcalcifications nor chaotic vascularization in the Doppler ultrasound, 100% of the cases were benign with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 14%. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of a high-resolution ultrasound with an elastography makes it possible to select cases where a FNAB does not have to be performed. Cases susceptible to a periodic follow-up without the use of a FNAB are those without a hypoechoic nor complex structure, no microcalcifications, non-chaotic vascularization and a type i or ii elastography.

The attitude of Latin American immigrants in Florida (USA) towards deceased organ donation - a cross section cohort study.

The Latin American (LA) population resident in the USA is a growing subgroup of the population. To find out the structure of attitude towards organ donation in the LA population resident in Florida (USA). A sample was taken of LA residents in Florida, randomized and stratified by nationality, age and sex (n = 1524). Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO Rios) that was self-completed anonymously. The survey completion rate was 95% (n = 1450). Attitude was favourable in 33% of respondents (n = 485), against in 40% (n = 575) and undecided in 27% (n = 390). The following variables were associated with a favourable attitude: country of origin (Dominican Republic; P = 0.038); sex (female; P < 0.001); marital status (married; P < 0.001); level of education (university; P < 0.001); previous experience of the subject (P < 0.001); considering the need for a transplant in the future (P < 0.001); understanding the concept of brain death (P = 0.003); attitude towards donating a family member's organs (P < 0.001); having discussed organ donation and transplantation with one's family (P < 0.001) or with one's partner (P < 0.001); participation in pro-social type activities (P < 0.001); the respondent's religion (atheist-agnostic; P < 0.001); a respondent's knowledge of the attitude of his or her religion towards organ donation (P < 0.001); no concern about mutilation after donation (P < 0.001); acceptance of cremation (P < 0.001); burial (P < 0.001); and an autopsy if one were needed (P < 0.001). The attitude towards donation of LA in Florida is worse than that reported in the native population and is associated with certain psychosocial factors.

Utilidad de la elastografía en los nódulos tiroideos con citología indeterminada o sospechosa de malignidad / Utility of elastography in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology

No disponible

Impacto de los calcimiméticos en la cirugía del hiperparatiroidismo secundario / Impact of calcimimetics in surgery of secondary hyperparathyroidism

No disponible

Acceptance of organ xenotransplantation among Latin American immigrants resident in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Making xenotransplantation socially acceptable is the first step in working toward the promotion of this potential therapy option for providing transplant organs. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward xenotransplantation among the Latin American population resident in Florida (the USA), and to determine the variables affecting this attitude. METHODS: A sample of Latin American residents in the state of Florida was randomized and stratified according to nationality, age, and sex (n = 1524). Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire (PCID-XenoTx Rios) which was self-completed anonymously. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: descriptive analysis, Student's t-test, the chi-square test, and a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The questionnaire completion rate was 95% (n = 1450). If it was assumed that xenotransplanted organs functioned as well as human ones, 10% (n = 147) would be in favor, 73% (n = 1092) against, and 17% (n = 246) undecided. If the results were worse, only 2% (n = 35) would be in favor. This favorable attitude was related to country of origin (Honduras and Guatemala; P < 0.001); age (P < 0.001); sex (women; P < 0.001); marital status (married; P < 0.001); descendents (yes; P < 0.001); level of formal education (secondary education and university; P < 0.001); participation in voluntary prosocial activities (yes; P < 0.001); having spoken about donation and transplantation within the family (yes; P < 0.001); a partner's favorable attitude toward transplantation (P = 0.040); religion (catholic; P < 0.001); knowing the attitude of one's religion toward donation (yes; P < 0.001); previous experience of donation and/or transplantation (yes; P < 0.001); a belief that one might need a transplant in the future (yes; P < 0.001); and a favorable attitude toward human donation (yes; P < 0.001). The following were associated with attitude in the multivariate analysis: age (≥40 yrs; OR = 1.152); marital status (married; OR = 500); prosocial activities (yes, I participate in them; OR = 9.196. No, but I would like to; OR = 332.538); religion (catholic; OR = 2000); attitude toward deceased organ donation (in favor; OR = 2000); and previous experience of donation and/or transplantation (yes; OR = 500). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude of Latin Americans resident in Florida toward xenotransplantation is very negative, and is determined by many psychosocial factors, mainly related to their prior attitude toward the different kinds of human organ donation.

Acceptance of living liver donation among medical students: A multicenter stratified study from Spain.

AIM: To analyze the attitude of Spanish medical students toward living liver donation (LLD) and to establish which factors have an influence on this attitude. STUDY TYPE: A sociological, interdisciplinary, multicenter and observational study. STUDY POPULATION: Medical students enrolled in Spain (n = 34000) in the university academic year 2010-2011. SAMPLE SIZE: A sample of 9598 students stratified by geographical area and academic year. Instrument used to measure attitude: A validated questionnaire (PCID-DVH RIOS) was self-administered and completed anonymously. Data collection procedure: Randomly selected medical schools. The questionnaire was applied to each academic year at compulsory sessions. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student´s t test, χ(2) test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The completion rate was 95.7% (n = 9275). 89% (n = 8258) were in favor of related LLD, and 32% (n = 2937) supported unrelated LLD. The following variables were associated with having a more favorable attitude: (1) age (P = 0.008); (2) sex (P < 0.001); (3) academic year (P < 0.001); (4) geographical area (P = 0.013); (5) believing in the possibility of needing a transplant oneself in the future (P < 0.001); (6) attitude toward deceased donation (P < 0.001); (7) attitude toward living kidney donation (P < 0.001); (8) acceptance of a donated liver segment from a family member if one were needed (P < 0.001); (9) having discussed the subject with one's family (P < 0.001) and friends (P < 0.001); (10) a partner's opinion about the subject (P < 0.001); (11) carrying out activities of an altruistic nature; and (12) fear of the possible mutilation of the body after donation (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Spanish medical students have a favorable attitude toward LLD.

[Concept of clientele: discourse analysis of the benevolence in the context of the Brazilian psychiatrich reform]. / Concepção de clientela: análise do discurso da benevolência no contexto da reforma psiquiátrica brasileira.

This study aims to know the dynamic and controversial which is the practice in mental health. For that, it's analyzes the discourse of workers of mental health about the concept of on the concept of the clientele of the service. The corpus of this work is composed for interviews applied to 17 of the 25 professionals of mental health who work in a service substitute of a city of the Brazilian South Region. The theoretical-philosophical referential was the Critical Discourse Análisis. The methodological device was the "axiologic-discursive diagram". The results demonstrate that the workers assume relations of benevolence because the clientele conceptual undefinition, fruit of the difficulty in establishing what is normal and pathological in mental health. We wait that the study it contributes to problematize the process of consolidation of the Brazilian psychiatric reform.

Concepção de clientela: análise do discurso da benevolência no contexto da reforma psiquiátrica brasileira / Concepción de clientela: análisis del discurso de la benevolencia en el contexto de la reforma psiquiatrica brasileña / Concept of clientele: discourse analysis of the benevolence in the context of the Brazilian psychiatrich reform

Este estudo pretende conhecer o contexto dinâmico e controverso onde ocorre a prática em saúde mental. Para isso, analisou-se o discurso de trabalhadores de saúde mental sobre a concepção da clientela do serviço. O corpus deste trabalho é composto por entrevistas aplicadas a 17 dos 25 profissionais de saúde mental que trabalham em um serviço substitutivo de uma cidade da Região Sul do Brasil. O referencial teórico-filosófico foi a Análise Crítica do Discurso. O dispositivo metodológico que subsidiou a sistematização dos dados foi o "diagrama axiológico-discursivo". Os resultados demonstram que os trabalhadores assumem relações de benevolência em função da indefinição conceitual sobre a clientela do serviço, fruto da dificuldade em estabelecer o que é normal e patológico em saúde mental. Esperamos que o estudo contribua para problematizar o processo de consolidação da reforma psiquiátrica brasileira.

This study aims to know the dynamic and controversial which is the practice in mental health. For that, it's analyzes the discourse of workers of mental health about the concept of on the concept of the clientele of the service. The corpus of this work is composed for interviews applied to 17 of the 25 professionals of mental health who work in a service substitute of a city of the Brazilian South Region. The theoretical-philosophical referential was the Critical Discourse Análisis. The methodological device was the "axiologic-discursive diagram". The results demonstrate that the workers assume relations of benevolence because the clientele conceptual undefinition, fruit of the difficulty in establishing what is normal and pathological in mental health. We wait that the study it contributes to problematize the process of consolidation of the Brazilian psychiatric reform.

Este estudio pretende conocer el contexto dinámico y contradictorio en la práctica de salud mental. Para eso, se ha analizado el discurso de los trabajadores de salud mental sobre la concepción de la clientela del servicio. El corpus del trabajo es compuesto por entrevistas aplicadas a 17 de los 25 profesionales que trabajan en un servicio sustitutivo de una ciudad de la Región Sur de Brasil. El referencial teórico-filosófico fue el Análisis Crítico del Discurso. El dispositivo metodológico fue el "diagrama axiológico-discursivo". Los resultados demuestran que los trabajadores asumen relaciones de benevolencia por la indefinición conceptual de la clientela, resultado de la dificultad de establecer lo que es normal y patológico en salud mental. Esperamos que este estudio pueda contribuir para problematizar el proceso de consolidación de la reforma psiquiátrica brasileña.