Spanish Society of Medical Oncology recommendations for comprehensive assessment and care of cancer survivors' needs.

This article reviews the contemporary and inclusive definition of cancer survivorship, including patients with and without disease who have completed or continue to undergo treatment. The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) describes in this article the needs of these patients and outlines a care model based on an estimation of cancer incidence and identification of patient needs, to enable the provision of practical actions to achieve effective care. The objectives of this review are to identify the main effects of cancer on survivors and to establish appropriate ways of measuring these effects, as well as discussing the management of physical, psychological and social, occupational, financial, and other health-related needs. We suggest a multidisciplinary care model and training programs for the different professionals involved in care, and highlight challenges and the future role of the SEOM and health-care policy in ensuring optimum care of cancer survivors.

Maximal Aerobic Power, Quality of Life, and Ejection Fraction in Survivors of Childhood Cancer Treated with Anthracyclines.

BACKGROUND: Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a frequent complication that can occur at any stage of treatment, even in survivors. OBJECTIVE: To determine maximum aerobic power, quality of life, and left ventricular ejection fraction in childhood cancer survivors treated with anthracyclines. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. METHODS: The left ventricular ejection fraction was obtained from the transthoracic echocardiogram report in the medical records. Each patient underwent a 6-minute walk test, assessment of maximum aerobic power on a cycle ergometer, and evaluation of perceived exertion using the EPInfant scale, and finally, their quality of life was evaluated using the pediatric quality of life inventory model. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients were studied, with an average of 16.2 years of age. All patients exhibited a left ventricular ejection fraction >60%, the mean distance covered in the 6-minute walk test was 516.7 m, and the mean of the maximum aerobic power was 70 W. Low quality of life scores were obtained in the physical and psychosocial aspects. In the Pearson test, a weak correlation without statistical significance was found between all the variables studied. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneously with the detection of cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors, it is pertinent to perform physical evaluations as physical condition and cardiotoxicity seem to be issues that are not necessarily dependent.

Disaster solidarity and survivor ethics: a case study of Hurricane María in Puerto Rico.

Liminal periods of disaster solidarity in the aftermath of disaster are a common experience of many survivors. These periods have a specifically ethical component in that people spontaneously engage in collective, altruistic action and magnanimously expand their ethical focus beyond normative social distinctions and hierarchies. Inevitably, however, such solidarity seems to wane, and people return to pre-disaster patterns of interaction. Nevertheless, some individuals move beyond opportune acts of assistance to more extensive reorganisations of their lives during the recovery period and reshape their ethical commitments in new and durable directions. These individuals help make visible marginalised 'others' and draw collaborators to share new ethical visions. Based on observational and interview data collected after Hurricane María (2017) in a mountainous Puerto Rican municipality and employing the framework of virtue ethics, this paper examines the differential effects of disaster solidarity on survivors' ethical responses and the different contributions these make to society.

Declaración de consenso de la organización ejercicio y ciencias del deporte - Australia: el ejercicio como medicina en el manejo del cáncer / The Exercise and Sports Science Australia position statement: Exercise medicine in cancer management / Declaração de consenso da Organização de Ciências do Exercício e do Esporte - Austrália: Exercício como medicamento no tratamento do câncer

Resumen Desde la primera publicación de la declaración de consenso sobre pautas de ejercicio para personas con cáncer, de la asociación Ejercicio y Ciencias del Deporte - Australia (ESSA, Exercise and Sports Science Australia), ha ocurrido un crecimiento exponencial en las investigaciones que evalúan el papel del ejercicio antes, durante y después del tratamiento del cáncer. El propósito de este reporte es utilizar la evidencia científica actual, junto a la experiencia clínica y los principios de las ciencias del ejercicio, para poner al día la declaración de consenso de ESSA sobre la prescripción de ejercicio específica para el cáncer. En esta declaración de consenso se reporta un resumen de los beneficios alcanzados mediante el ejercicio luego de un diagnóstico de cáncer, así como las fortalezas y limitaciones de la evidencia acumulada. Se propone, entonces, un marco de prescripción del ejercicio para permitir la aplicación de consideraciones específicas para el cáncer en la individualización, especificidad, seguridad, factibilidad y progresión del ejercicio para toda clase de pacientes. Se ofrecen consideraciones adicionales específicas para la prescripción del ejercicio cuando hay presencia de enfermedades hematológicas, osteomusculares, sistémicas, cardiovasculares, linfáticas, gastrointestinales, genitourinarias y neurológicas y preocupaciones relacionadas con su tratamiento, así como la presencia crónica de comorbilidades. Además, se identifican y comentan temas prácticos específicos y barreras que deben tomarse en cuenta para la prescripción del ejercicio. Si bien es cierto que el ejercicio multimodal de intensidad moderada a intensa será apropiado para la mayoría, no hay una prescripción establecida ni una dosificación semanal, que se puedan considerar basadas en la evidencia, para todos los pacientes de cáncer. Es necesaria una prescripción del ejercicio dirigida específicamente a esta población, que asegure el mayor beneficio (conforme lo defina cada paciente) a corto y largo plazo, con un bajo riesgo de perjuicio.

Abstract Objectives: Since Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) first published its position statement on exercise guidelines for people with cancer, there has been exponential growth in research evaluating the role of exercise pre-, during and post-cancer treatment. Design and Methods: The purpose of this report is to use the current scientific evidence, alongside clinical experience and exercise science principles to update ESSA's position statement on cancer-specific exercise prescription. Results: Reported in this position statement is a summary of the benefits accrued through exercise following a cancer diagnosis and the strengths and limitations of this evidence-base. An exercise prescription framework is then proposed to enable the application of cancer-specific considerations for individualisation, specificity, safety, feasibility and progression of exercise for all patients. Additional specific exercise prescription considerations are provided for the presence of haematological, musculoskeletal, systemic, cardiovascular, lymphatic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and neurological disease- and treatment-related concerns, as well as presence of co-morbid chronic disease. Further, we also identify and discuss cancer-specific pragmatic issues and barriers requiring consideration for exercise prescription. Conclusions: While for the majority, multimodal, moderate to high intensity exercise will be appropriate, there is no set prescription and total weekly dosage that would be considered evidence-based for all cancer patients. Targeted exercise prescription, which includes the provision of behaviour change advice and support, is needed to ensure greatest benefit (as defined by the patient) in the short and longer term, with low risk of harm.

Resumo Desde a primeira publicação da declaração de consenso da Organização de Ciências do Exercício e do Esporte - Austrália ((ESSA, Exercise and Sports Science Australia) sobre diretrizes de exercícios para pessoas com câncer, tem ocorrido um crescimento exponencial nas pesquisas que avaliam o papel dos exercícios antes, durante e depois do tratamento do câncer. O objetivo deste relatório é usar as evidências científicas atuais com a experiência clínica e os princípios da ciência do exercício, para atualizar a declaração de consenso da ESSA sobre a prescrição de exercícios específica para o câncer. Esta declaração de consenso relata um resumo dos benefícios obtidos por meio de exercícios após o diagnóstico de câncer, bem como os pontos fortes e as limitações da evidência acumulada. Assim, propõe-se uma estrutura de prescrição de exercícios para permitir a aplicação de considerações específicas para o câncer na individualização, especificidade, segurança, viabilidade e progressão do exercício para todas as classes de pacientes. Considerações adicionais específicas para a prescrição de exercícios são fornecidas quando há doenças hematológicas, osteomusculares, sistêmicas, cardiovasculares, linfáticas, gastrointestinais, geniturinárias, neurológicas e preocupações relacionadas ao seu tratamento, bem como a presença crônica de comorbidades. Além disso, questões práticas específicas e barreiras à prescrição de exercícios são identificadas e discutidas. Embora seja verdade que o exercício multimodal de intensidade moderada a vigorosa seja apropriado para a maioria, não há uma prescrição definida ou dosagem semanal que possa ser considerada baseada em evidências para todos os pacientes com câncer. Há uma necessidade de prescrição de exercícios especificamente direcionada a essa população, garantindo o maior benefício (conforme definido pelo paciente individual) em curto e longo prazos, com baixo risco de danos.

Liver transplant in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: A retrospective cohort from Northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) manifests within a broad ethnic and racial spectrum, reflecting different levels of access to health care. AIM: To evaluate the clinical profile, complications and survival rates of patients with PSC undergoing liver transplantation (LTx) at a Brazilian reference center. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with PSC before or after LTx were included. The medical records were reviewed for demographic and clinical variables, including outcomes and survival. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Our cohort represented 1.6% (n = 34) of the 2113 patients receiving liver grafts at our service over the past two decades. Most were male (n = 19; 56%). The average age (40 ± 14 years) was similar for men and women (P = 0.347). The mean follow-up time from diagnosis to LTx was 68 mo. Most patients had the classic form of PSC. Three women had PSC/autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome, and one patient had small-duct PSC. Alkaline phosphatase levels at diagnosis and pre-LTx model for end-stage liver disease. scores were significantly higher in males. Inflammatory bowel research (IBD) was investigated by colonoscopy in 26/34 (76%) and was present in most cases (18/26; 69%). IBD was less common in women than in men (44.4% vs. 55.6%) (P = 0.692). Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) was diagnosed in 2/34 (5.9%) patients by histopathology of the explant (survival: 3 years 6 mo, and 4 years 11 mo). Two patients had complications requiring a second LTx (one after 7 d due to hepatic artery thrombosis and one after 17 d due to primary graft dysfunction). Five patients (14.7%) developed biliary stricture. The overall median post-LTx survival was 66 mo. Most deaths occurred in the first year (infection n = 2, primary liver graft dysfunction n = 3, unknown cause n = 1). The 1-year and 5-year survival rates of this cohort were 82.3% and 70.6%, respectively, matching the mean overall survival rates of LTx patients at our center (87.1% and 69.43%, respectively) (P = 0.83). CONCLUSION: Survival after 1 and 5 years was similar to that of other LTx indications. The observed CCA survival rate suggests CCA may be an indication for LTx in selected cases.

Adherence to safe food-handling practices and dietary patterns in cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: In Chile there is a high risk profile of developing cancer which is associated, among other factors, to eating behaviors and, in this line, it is essential for cancer survivors to have access to nutritional advice that includes aproppriate food safety practices. The objective of this study is to characterize the level of adherence of cancer survivors to safe food-handling practices and dietary patterns in a Chilean National Health Survey. METHODS: Secondary analysis study, conducted using the National Health Survey 2016-2017 database. The association between adherence to dietary patterns and safe food-handling practices was conducted by means of a logistic regression analisys, considering a p value of <0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: 2765 participants, females, 5.8% were cancer survivors who adhered twice more to the safe food-handling practice "wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food and before eating", and 1.5 times more to the practice "keep raw meat separate from other foods when preparing food or cooking". In both groups, it was observed a low adherence to achieve the recommendations on healthy weight, physical activity, fruits and vegetables consumption, and alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages consumption of the WCRF/AICR. CONCLUSIONS: Partial adherence to the safe food-handling recommendations and low adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations were observed among cancer survivors and subjects without cancer.

The risks of the new morbidities acquired during pediatric onco-critical care and their life-shortening effects.

OBJECTIVE: The authors investigated the functional status at ICU admission and at hospital discharge, and the impact of dysfunctions on survivors' lifespan. METHOD: Single-center retrospective cohort. The FSS (Functional Status Scale) was calculated at ICU admission and at hospital discharge. A new morbidity was defined as an increase in FSS ≥ 3. RESULTS: Among 1002 patients, there were 855 survivors. Of these, 194 (22.6%) had died by the end of the study; 45 (5.3%) had a new morbidity. Means in the motor domain at admission and discharge were 1.37 (SD: 0.82) and 1.53 (SD 0.95, p = 0.002). In the feeding domain, the means were 1.19 (SD 0.63) and 1.30 (SD 0.76), p = 0.002; global means were 6.93 (SD 2.45) and 7.2 (SD 2.94), p = 0.007.  Acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, the score PRISM IV, age < 5 years, and central nervous system tumors were independent predictors of new morbidity. New morbidity correlated with lower odds of survival after hospital discharge, considering all causes of death (p = 0.014), and was independently predictive of death (Cox hazard ratio = 1.98). In Weibull models, shortening in the life span of 14.2% (p = 0.014) was estimated as a new morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: New morbidities are related to age, disease severity at admission, and SNC tumors. New morbidities, in turn, correlate with lower probabilities of survival and shortening of the remaining life span. Physical rehabilitation interventions in this population of children may have the potential to provide an increase in lifespan.

The risks of the new morbidities acquired during pediatric onco-critical care and their life-shortening effects

Abstract Objective: The authors investigated the functional status at ICU admission and at hospital discharge, and the impact of dysfunctions on survivors' lifespan. Method: Single-center retrospective cohort. The FSS (Functional Status Scale) was calculated at ICU admission and at hospital discharge. A new morbidity was defined as an increase in FSS ≥ 3. Results: Among 1002 patients, there were 855 survivors. Of these, 194 (22.6%) had died by the end of the study; 45 (5.3%) had a new morbidity. Means in the motor domain at admission and discharge were 1.37 (SD: 0.82) and 1.53 (SD 0.95, p = 0.002). In the feeding domain, the means were 1.19 (SD 0.63) and 1.30 (SD 0.76), p = 0.002; global means were 6.93 (SD 2.45) and 7.2 (SD 2.94), p = 0.007. Acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, the score PRISM IV, age < 5 years, and central nervous system tumors were independent predictors of new morbidity. New morbidity correlated with lower odds of survival after hospital discharge, considering all causes of death (p = 0.014), and was independently predictive of death (Cox hazard ratio = 1.98). In Weibull models, shortening in the life span of 14.2% (p = 0.014) was estimated as a new morbidity. Conclusions: New morbidities are related to age, disease severity at admission, and SNC tumors. New morbidities, in turn, correlate with lower probabilities of survival and shortening of the remaining life span. Physical rehabilitation interventions in this population of children may have the potential to provide an increase in lifespan.

Physical activity of children with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: what were the most relevant studies published from August 2019 to July 2021? / Actividad física em niños con cáncer durante la covid-19: ¿cuáles fueron las publicaciones más relevantes entre agosto de 2019 y julio de 2021? / Atividade física de crianças com câncer durante a covid-19: o que foi publicado de mais relevante entre agosto de 2019 e julho de 2021?

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate up-to-date scientific information about physical activity, COVID-19, and childhood cancer. This study is an integrative review. Research was conducted in the Science Direct database, using keywords in three different combinations. In total, 50 publications classified as the most relevant of each keyword combination were selected, 26 eligible publications were reached from August 2019 to July 2021, of which nine were duplicates. When exclusion criteria were applied, 11 complete studies were selected. The level of physical activity (PA) of children diagnosed with cancer or those who survived cancer is low. Changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic include the decrease in the level of PA and the increase in the use of technological devices. The minimum PA recommendations for this population vary but some evidence supports its importance and benefits in minimizing the adverse effects arising from cancer and from the performed medical treatment. Exercise-based interventions should be chosen and carried out considering the type of cancer and the stage of treatment the child is in due to the evidence of its effectiveness.

RESUMEN Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar, en la base de datos ScienceDirect, la información científica actualizada sobre actividad física, COVID-19 y cáncer infantil, mediante una revisión integradora, en la cual se utilizaron las palabras clave en tres combinaciones diferentes. Se seleccionaron cincuenta publicaciones clasificadas como las más relevantes de cada combinación, y se alcanzaron 26 publicaciones elegibles en el periodo entre agosto de 2019 y julio de 2021, de las cuales nueve fueron textos duplicados. Al aplicar los criterios de exclusión, se seleccionaron 11 artículos completos. El nivel de actividad física (AF) de los niños diagnosticados de cáncer o supervivientes de cáncer es bajo, y entre los cambios provocados por la pandemia de la COVID-19 se encuentran la disminución del nivel de AF y el aumento en el uso de dispositivos tecnológicos. Las recomendaciones mínimas de AF para esta población varían entre sí, sin embargo, existe evidencia que respalda su importancia y los beneficios en la minimización de los efectos adversos derivados del propio cáncer y del tratamiento médico realizado. Las intervenciones basadas en ejercicios, para la cual ya existe evidencia de efectividad, deben elegirse y llevarse a cabo teniendo en cuenta el tipo de cáncer y la etapa de tratamiento en la que se encuentra el niño.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar, na base de dados Science Direct, informações científicas sobre atividade física, covid-19 e câncer infantojuvenil, através de uma revisão integrativa, utilizando três combinações de palavras-chave. Cinquenta publicações mais relevantes de cada combinação de palavras-chave foram selecionadas, e chegou-se a 26 artigos elegíveis no período compreendido entre agosto de 2019 e julho de 2021, dos quais nove eram textos duplicados. Aplicando-se os critérios de exclusão, foram selecionados 11 estudos completos. Constatou-se que o nível de atividade física (AF) de crianças com câncer ou sobreviventes do câncer é baixo e que entre as mudanças causadas pela pandemia de covid-19 estão a diminuição do nível de AF e o aumento do uso de dispositivos tecnológicos. As recomendações mínimas de AF para essa população variam, entretanto há evidências que sustentam sua importância e seus benefícios ao minimizar os efeitos adversos oriundos do próprio câncer e do tratamento médico realizado. As intervenções baseadas em exercícios, para as quais já há evidência de eficácia, devem ser escolhidas e realizadas a partir do tipo de câncer e na fase do tratamento em que a criança está.

Sentimentos e percepções do luto de sobreviventes ao suicídio de jovens / Feelings and perceptions of grief among survivors of youth suicide / Sentimientos y percepciones de duelo entre sobrevivientes de suicidio de jóvenes

Sobreviventes ao suicídio são pessoas que têm suas vidas profundamente afetadas e apresentam sofrimento psicológico, físico ou social após serem expostas a esse fato. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a experiência de sobreviventes ao suicídio de jovens, a partir do luto. Participaram sete sobreviventes entre familiares, amigos e parceiros amorosos de jovens que cometeram suicídio. A análise de conteúdo de entrevistas narrativas apontou que os participantes utilizam explicações racionalizadas ou dissociadas, criando uma distância entre o evento e eles mesmos. Como formas de lidar com o sofrimento podem buscar o isolamento, apoio entre amigos, prática religiosa e/ou a dedicação ao trabalho. Reafirma-se a dimensão do luto diante dessa experiência, além da importância da prevenção ao suicídio e da posvenção aos sobreviventes.(AU)

Suicide survivors are people who have their lives deeply affected; they experience psychological, physical, and social suffering following the occurrence. The aim of this study is to analyze the experience of survivors of youth suicide attempts, based on grief. Seven survivors participated among family, friends, and romantic partners of young people who committed suicide. The content analysis of narrative interviews showed that the participants use rationalized or dissociated explanations, creating a distance between the event and themselves. As ways to deal with suffering, they seek isolation, support among friends, religious practice, and/or dedication to work. The dimension of grief in the face of this experience is reaffirmed, as well as the importance of suicide prevention and postvention for survivors.(AU)

Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar la construcción metodológica desarrollada en una investigación de maestría, en la que sostenemos la escritura de escenas como método de investigación de la escucha clínica. Las escenas del trabajo en cuestión se recogieron a lo largo del tiempo desde la experiencia en un proyecto de extensión universitario de atención a la niñez y adolescencia en situación de vulnerabilidad social aplicado en una comunidad periférica. En este texto, presentamos los interrogantes que se elaboraron en torno a la elección por el trabajo con escenas y compartimos el rescate histórico de las mismas como un método de escribir la clínica y la reanudación del análisis a partir de la tradición psicoanalítica. Amparadas en el psicoanálisis y en lecturas y contribuciones del filósofo francés Jacques Derrida, nos basaremos en la noción de que la escena se constituye como un lugar de producción, engendrando la configuración particular de elementos significantes en los procesos de subjetivación y de construcción social. La escena no es aquí una representación de lo que pasa en la clínica, sino un modo de producir escucha y sus procesos de investigación.(AU)

¿La Respuesta Psicofisiológica de Estrés-Relajación es la Misma en todas las Pacientes Sobrevivientes de Cáncer? / Is the Psychophysiological Stress-Relaxation Response the Same in all Cancer Survivors?

Resumen Un sobreviviente de cáncer padece continuamente manifestaciones autonómicas debidas a la enfermedad, su tratamiento oncológico, y el estrés psicológico con que se enfrenta continuamente. Una de las medidas psicofisiológicas utilizada para la valoración del estrés es la disminución de la temperatura periférica. En contraparte, los procedimientos psicológicos de relajación para el manejo de estrés buscan incrementar la temperatura. Sin embargo, se desconoce si esta respuesta es igual en todas pacientes. El objetivo de esta investigación fue examinar los cambios de temperatura durante un protocolo de estrés psicosocial y relajación en pacientes sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama. Adicionalmente, se evaluó el autorreporte de dolor y su interferencia con el funcionamiento psicosocial. Los resultados mostraron variaciones de temperatura periférica en las pacientes; sin embargo, no todas las pacientes presentaron el mismo patrón de temperatura, encontrando 3 subgrupos de pacientes, cuyas trayectorias lineales de temperatura permitieron generar un pronóstico afectivo para el manejo de estrés. Por autorreporte, no se encontraron diferencias psicosociales entre los subgrupos, aunque sí se encontró una asociación inversa entre la interferencia del sueño y la temperatura periférica. Se concluye que la temperatura periférica permite distinguir a las pacientes que se les dificulta el manejo del estrés psicosocial de aquellas que se benefician de los procedimientos psicológicos de relajación.

Abstract A cancer survivor continually suffers from autonomic manifestations due to the disease, their cancer treatment, and the psychological stress they continually face. One of the psychophysiological measures used to assess stress is the decrease in peripheral temperature. In contrast, psychological relaxation procedures for stress management seek to increase temperature. However, it is unknown if this response is the same in all patients. This research examined breast cancer survivors' temperature changes during psychosocial stress and relaxation protocol. Additionally, self-reported pain and its interference with psychosocial functioning were evaluated. The results showed peripheral temperature variations in the patients; however, not all patients presented with the same temperature pattern, finding three subgroups of patients whose linear temperature trajectories allowed generating an affective prognosis for stress management. By self-report, no psychosocial differences were found between the subgroups, although an inverse association between sleep interference and peripheral temperature was found. It is concluded that peripheral temperature distinguishes patients who find it challenging to manage psychosocial stress from those who benefit from psychological relaxation procedures.

Sexual dysfunction as a challenge in treated breast cancer: in-depth analysis and risk assessment to improve individual outcomes.

The increasing number of breast cancer survivors has led to a greater emphasis on issues related to quality of life (QoL). Up to 75% of women treated for breast cancer (BC) report sexual disorders. However, most oncologists are not trained to recognize which patients are at high-risk of developing sexual disorders. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is common in patients with BC; we found that patients without FSD prior to BC treatment are at risk of developing FSD after treatment. Treatment of early BC relies on the combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. All these treatments have side effects or sequelae identified as high-risk factors for the development of FSD. The choice of less toxic treatments in each modality could reduce the risk of FSD in some cases, without affecting the risk of recurrence or effectiveness. A comprehensive approach of BC must consider FSD as a determinant factor of QoL in survivors.

The Prevalence of Spiritual and Social Support Needs and Their Association With Postintensive Care Syndrome Symptoms Among Critical Illness Survivors Seen in a Post-ICU Follow-Up Clinic.

OBJECTIVES: Spiritual and social support may be key facilitators for critical illness recovery and are identified as high priority for research. Understanding the prevalence of spiritual and social support needs in critical illness survivors may guide development of targeted interventions for support, which, in turn, may improve critical illness survivor quality of life. To characterize unmet spiritual and social support needs in critical illness survivors approximately 1 month after hospital discharge and examine the association of these needs with postintensive care syndrome (PICS)-related symptom burden. DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. PATIENTS: One hundred ninety-six consecutive adult critical illness survivors seen during an initial post-ICU clinic visit from June 2018 to March 2020. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patient-reported clinical outcome measures assessing spiritual and social support needs and PICS-related symptoms were extracted from the electronic health record. Patients had a median age of 61 (interquartile range [IQR], 51-68.5), and majority were male (55.1%) with a moderate comorbidity burden (Charlson comorbidity index median score, 3; IQR, 2-5). Social support and spiritual needs were prevalent. Of the 196 patients, over 50% reported unpreparedness/fearful for the future, half of patients reported not feeling in control of their care, and over one-third reported needing more support than their family, friends, or insurance can provide. Nearly 13% of respondents reported feeling abandoned or punished by God/not supported by their church/faith. Many patients reported overlapping PICS-related symptom domains (physical, psychologic, and cognitive). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed associations between reported PICS-related symptoms and the presence of spiritual and social needs. CONCLUSIONS: Patients surviving critical illness experience significant social support and spiritual needs independent of commonly identified manifestations of PICS. These findings support the need for formal assessment and tailored interventions for social support and spiritual needs in critical illness survivors.

Future care for long-term cancer survivors: towards a new model.

PURPOSE: The increase in the prevalence "long-term cancer survivor" (LCS) patients is expected to increase the cost of LCS care. The aim of this study was to obtain information that would allow to optimise the current model of health management in Spain to adapt it to one of efficient LCS patient care. METHODS: This qualitative study was carried out using Delphi methodology. An advisory committee defined the criteria for participation, select the panel of experts, prepare the questionnaire, interpret the results and draft the final report. RESULTS: 232 people took part in the study (48 oncologists). Absolute consensus was reached in three of the proposed sections: oncological epidemiology, training of health professionals and ICT functions. CONCLUSION: The role of primary care in the clinical management of LCS patients needs to be upgraded, coordination with the oncologist and hospital care is essential. The funding model needs to be adapted to determine the funding conditions for new drugs and technologies.

First characterization of the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Costa Rican pineapple silages.

BACKGROUND: Agro-industrial waste from tropical environments could be an important source of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with probiotic potential. METHODS: Twelve LAB isolates were isolated from pineapple silages. The species identification was carried out considering 16S rRNA and pheS genes. Experiments to evaluate the probiotic potential of the isolates included survival under simulated gastrointestinal environment, in vitro antagonistic activity (against Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes), auto-aggregation assays, antibiotic susceptibility, presence of plasmids, adhesiveness to epithelial cells, and antagonistic activity against Salmonella in HeLa cells. RESULTS: Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lentilactobacillus parafarraginis, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Weissella ghanensis were identified. Survival of one of the isolates was 90% or higher after exposure to acidic conditions (pH: 2), six isolates showed at least 61% survival after exposure to bile salts. The three most promising isolates, based on survivability tests, showed a strong antagonistic effect against Salmonella. However, only L. paracasei_6714 showed a strong Listeria inhibition pattern; this isolate showed a good auto-aggregation ability, was resistant to some of the tested antibiotics but was not found to harbor plasmids; it also showed a high capacity for adhesion to epithelial cells and prevented the invasion of Salmonella in HeLa cells. After further in vivo evaluations, L. paracasei_6714 may be considered a probiotic candidate for food industry applications and may have promising performance in acidic products due to its origin.

Safety of growth hormone (GH) treatment in GH deficient children and adults treated for cancer and non-malignant intracranial tumors-a review of research and clinical practice.

Individuals surviving cancer and brain tumors may experience growth hormone (GH) deficiency as a result of tumor growth, surgical resection and/or radiotherapy involving the hypothalamic-pituitary region. Given the pro-mitogenic and anti-apoptotic properties of GH and insulin-like growth factor-I, the safety of GH replacement in this population has raised hypothetical safety concerns that have been debated for decades. Data from multicenter studies with extended follow-up have generally not found significant associations between GH replacement and cancer recurrence or mortality from cancer among childhood cancer survivors. Potential associations with secondary neoplasms, especially solid tumors, have been reported, although this risk appears to decline with longer follow-up. Data from survivors of pediatric or adult cancers who are treated with GH during adulthood are scarce, and the risk versus benefit profile of GH replacement of this population remains unclear. Studies pertaining to the safety of GH replacement in individuals treated for nonmalignant brain tumors, including craniopharyngioma and non-functioning pituitary adenoma, have generally been reassuring with regards to the risk of tumor recurrence. The present review offers a summary of the most current medical literature regarding GH treatment of patients who have survived cancer and brain tumors, with the emphasis on areas where active research is required and where consensus on clinical practice is lacking.

Participatory decision-making for cancer care in a high-risk sample of low income Mexican-American breast cancer survivors: The role of acculturation.

BACKGROUND: Despite declining cancer incidence and mortality rates, Latina patients continue to have lower 5-year survival rates compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. Much of this difference has been attributed to lack of healthcare access and poorer quality of care. Research, however, has not considered the unique healthcare experiences of Latina patients. METHODS: Latina women with prior diagnoses of stage 0-III breast cancer were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey assessing several socio-demographic factors along with their experiences as cancer patients. Using a series of linear regression models in a sample of 68 Mexican-American breast cancer survivors, we examined the extent to which patients' ratings of provider interpersonal quality of care were associated with patients' overall healthcare quality, and how these associations varied by acculturation status. RESULTS: Findings for Latina women indicated that both participatory decision-making (PDM) (ß = 0.62, p < .0001) and trust (ß = 0.53, p = .02) were significantly associated with patients' ratings of healthcare quality. The interaction between acculturation and PDM further suggested that participating in the decision-making process mattered more for less acculturated than for more acculturated patients (ß = -0.51, p ≤ .01). CONCLUSIONS: The variation across low and high acculturated Latinas in their decision-making process introduces a unique challenge to health care providers. Further understanding the relationship between provider-patient experiences and ratings of overall healthcare quality is critical for ultimately improving health outcomes.

Knowledge, Motivations and Concerns about Participation in Breast Cancer Clinical Trials in Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials (CT) in breast cancer have been crucial for new treatment discoveries. While participation in cancer CT is low, minorities are particularly underrepresented. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the participation in CTs based on the experiences of Latina breast cancer survivors in Puerto Rico (PR), especially their CT knowledge, motivations, and concerns. METHOD: Focus groups (FG) were conducted by two social workers and the University of Puerto Rico/MD Anderson Community Health Educator. Participants were stratified into two subgroups: a) women with CT experience and b) those without CT experience. Seven FG were completed among breast cancer survivors (n=34) at two hospitals located in Caguas and San Juan, PR. RESULTS: Our findings showed that participants expressed a basic knowledge and understanding of clinical trials. Motivations to participate included a desire to help others, non-monetary incentives to participation, self-benefits, readiness to participate based on the phases of illness, and enhanced relationships with the clinical trial recruitment team. Regardless of their previous experience with CTs, participants expressed concerns about participation including limited of knowledge about trial procedures and results, and lack of transportation, childcare, and support from family. RECOMMENDATIONS: The barriers and motivations identified for CT participation are modifiable and best targeted using a multidisciplinary approach. Social workers could play a potential role in participant recruitment and retention by clarifying research protocols to potential participants, as well as conducting CT. Our findings can help enhance capacity and training efforts for health professionals involved in CT recruitment and retention in culturally-relevant ways.

Defective regression models for cure rate modeling with interval-censored data.

Regression models in survival analysis are most commonly applied for right-censored survival data. In some situations, the time to the event is not exactly observed, although it is known that the event occurred between two observed times. In practice, the moment of observation is frequently taken as the event occurrence time, and the interval-censored mechanism is ignored. We present a cure rate defective model for interval-censored event-time data. The defective distribution is characterized by a density function whose integration assumes a value less than one when the parameter domain differs from the usual domain. We use the Gompertz and inverse Gaussian defective distributions to model data containing cured elements and estimate parameters using the maximum likelihood estimation procedure. We evaluate the performance of the proposed models using Monte Carlo simulation studies. Practical relevance of the models is illustrated by applying datasets on ovarian cancer recurrence and oral lesions in children after liver transplantation, both of which were derived from studies performed at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center in São Paulo, Brazil.

Saccharum angustifolium (Nees) Trin. (Poales: Poaceae) as hibernacle for stink bugs during the soybean and corn off-season in Southern Brazil / Saccharum angustifolium (Nees) Trin. (Poales: Poaceae) como hibernáculo para percevejos durante a entressafra de soja e milho no sul do Brasil

Host plants are key factors in the survival of true bugs during unfavorable periods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the composition, diversity and abundance of pentatomid bugs in Saccharum angustifolium (Nees) Trin. (Poales: Poaceae). Plants were evaluated during the soybean and corn off--season for five years. A total of 250 plants were sampled, the true bug population was counted and used for statistical and faunistic analysis. We observed the occurrence of the species: Euschistus heros (F.), Dichelops furcatus (F.), Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas), Edessa meditabunda (F.), and Edessa ruformaginata (De Geer). Among the species, the highest population density was verified for E. meditabunda, E. heros, and D. furcatus. We also observed a direct effect of the clump diameter on the population density of E. heros, D. furcatus, and E. meditabunda. Finally, we conclude that S. angustifolium plants serve as adequate hibernacles for the survival of true bugs of economic importance during the soybean and corn off-season.(AU)

Plantas hospedeiras são fatores fundamentais na sobrevivência de percevejos durante períodos desfavoráveis. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição, diversidade e abundância de espécies de percevejos pentatomídeos ocorrentes em plantas de Saccharum angustifolium (Nees) Trin (Poales: Poaceae). As plantas foram avaliadas durante a entressafra de soja e milho por cinco anos. Foram amostradas 250 plantas, sendo a população de percevejos contabilizada e utilizada para a análise estatística e faunística. Observamos a ocorrência das espécies: Euschistus heros (F.), Dichelops furcatus (F.), Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas), Edessa meditabunda (F.) e Edessa ruformaginata (De Geer). Entre as espécies, foi verificada uma maior densidade populacional para E. meditabunda, E. heros e D. furcatus. Observamos, também, o efeito direto do diâmetro de touceira sobre a densidade populacional de E. heros, D. furcatus e E. meditabunda. Por fim, concluímos que plantas de S. angustifolium servem como hibernáculos adequados para a sobrevivência de percevejos de importância econômica durante a entressafra de soja e milho.(AU)