Search

Introduction Most cancers occur in older individuals, who are more vulnerable due to functional impairment, multiple comorbidities, cognitive impairment, and lack of socio-familial support. These can undermine patients’ sense of dignity. This study seeks to compare dignity scores in older patients with advanced cancer on sociodemographic and clinical variables and analyze the predictive value of anxiety, depression, functional limitations, and social support on dignity scores. Methods A prospective, multicenter, observational study conducted with participation of 15 hospitals in Spain from February 2020 to October 2021. Patients with newly-diagnosed, advanced cancer completed the dignity (PPDS), anxiety and depression (BSI), Social Support (Duke–UNC-11), and functional limitations (EORTC-C30) scales. Lineal regression analyses explored the effects of anxiety, depression, functional status, and social support on dignity, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Results A total of 180 subjects participated in this study. The results of the correlation analysis revealed that dignity correlated negatively with anxiety, depression, and sex, and positively with social support, functional status, and longer estimated survival. Thus, women, and more anxious and depressed individuals scored lower on the dignity scale, whereas patients with more social support, fewer functional limitations, and longer estimated survival scored higher. Conclusion In conclusion, being female, having a lower educational level, lower estimated survival, depression, anxiety, less social support, and limited functionality are correlated with less dignity in the elderly with advanced cancer. It is a priority to manage both physical and psychological symptoms in patients with unresectable advanced cancer to mitigate psychological distress and increase their sense of dignity.

Contaminated surfaces are one of the ways that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be transmitted. SARS-CoV-2 can be detected on environmental surfaces; however, few environmental sampling studies have been conducted in nonclinical settings. The objective of this study was to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA on environmental surfaces in public areas in Las Vegas, Nevada. In total, 300 surface samples were collected from high-touch surfaces from high-congregate public locations and from a public health facility (PHF) that was visited by COVID-19 patients. Environmental samples were analyzed with quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) using SARS-CoV-2 specific primers and probes for three target genes. Results showed that 31 out of 300 (10.3%) surface samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 24 at the PHF and 7 in high-congregate public locations. Concentrations ranged from 102 to 106 viral particles per 3 ml sample on a wide variety of materials. The data also showed that the N gene assay had greater sensitivity compared to the S and ORF gene assays. Besides frequently touched surfaces, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in restrooms, on floors and surfaces in contact with floors, as well as in a mop water sample. The results of this study describe the extent and distribution of environmental SARS-CoV-2 contamination in public areas in Las Vegas, Nevada. A method using the N gene PCR assay was developed for SARS-CoV-2 environmental monitoring in public areas. Environmental monitoring with this method can determine the specific sites of surface contamination in the community and may be beneficial for prevention of COVID-19 indirect transmission, and evaluation and improvement of infection control practices in public areas, public health facilities, universities, and businesses.

Background Inconsistent doses and schemes are commonly used in older patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. We performed this study in patients with cancer and age ≥ 70 years to determine the frequency of undertreatment and overtreatment as well as factors influencing the decision to modify chemotherapy doses. Patients and Methods Patients aged ≥70 years starting new chemotherapy regimens were prospectively included in a multicentre study. The schedule and drug doses were determined by the treating oncologist. Pre-chemotherapy assessment included sociodemographics, treatment details and geriatric assessment (GA) variables. Association between these factors and undertreatment (use of less intensive cancer treatment [LICT] in a fit patient) or overtreatment (use of standard cancer treatment in an unfit older patient) were examined by multivariate logistic regression. Results Three- hundred ninety-seven patients were included, 43% of whom received LICT. If not adjusted for GA, toxicity did not differ between those receiving LICT (38%) or standard doses of chemotherapy (37%). If the dose of chemotherapy was analyzed according to the results of GA 61 (15%) patients had been undertreated and 133 (34%) had been overtreated. Undertreatment was related with increasing age and decreased renal function. Factors related with overtreatment were younger age, curative intention of treatment, prescription of G-CSF as primary prophylaxis and adequate cognitive status. Overtreated patients had more grade 3–4 toxicity than those receiving treatment adapted to fragility (42% vs 31%; p Conclusions The use of chemotherapy without considering GA leads to overtreatment more commonly than undertreatment in older patients with cancer. Oncologists should take into account the results of GA to stratify patients and to avoid under or overtreatment.

Identifying the druggable target is crucial for patients with nonsquamous advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This article adds to the spectrum of ROS1 fusion cases described in NSCLC. We describe a novel SLC12A2‐ROS1 rearrangement that has not been previously reported in other cancers: a fusion that has clinical and radiological sensitivity to crizotinib. Fluorescence in situ hybridization detected the SLC12A2‐ROS1 fusion and it was confirmed through hybrid capture‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS); however, the fusion could not be detected by amplicon‐based assay. The success of implementing NGS into routine clinical practice depends on the accuracy of testing. The test's methodological features should then be considered because they significantly affect the results. Given this patient's response to crizotinib, identifying patients with undescribed ROS1 fusions has important therapeutic implications. Key Points This is the first known description of an SLC12A2‐ROS1 fusion. Considering the patient's clinical features and tumor response observed after crizotinib therapy, the authors confirm that this new rearrangement has relevant clinical impact for patients with non‐small cell lung cancer.The success of implementing next‐generation sequencing (NGS) into routine clinical practice depends on the accuracy of the testing. Different assays and NGS platforms can achieve differing results. Each assay's limitations need to be considered to ensure the quality of precision medicine in clinical practice., This case report is the first known report of an SLC12A2‐ROS1 fusion in non‐small cell lung cancer and describes the clinical features and tumor response observed after crizotinib therapy.

BACKGROUND: High intraoperative PEEP with recruitment manoeuvres may improve perioperative outcomes. We re-examined this question by conducting a patient-level meta-analysis of three clinical trials in adult patients at increased risk for postoperative pulmonary complications who underwent non-cardiothoracic and non-neurological surgery. METHODS: The three trials enrolled patients at 128 hospitals in 24 countries from February 2011 to February 2018. All patients received volume-controlled ventilation with low tidal volume. Analyses were performed using one-stage, two-level, mixed modelling (site as a random effect; trial as a fixed effect). The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative pulmonary complications within the first week, analysed using mixed-effect logistic regression. Pre-specified subgroup analyses of nine patient characteristics and seven procedure and care-delivery characteristics were also performed. RESULTS: Complete datasets were available for 1913 participants ventilated with high PEEP and recruitment manoeuvres, compared with 1924 participants who received low PEEP. The primary outcome occurred in 562/1913 (29.4%) participants randomised to high PEEP, compared with 620/1924 (32.2%) participants randomised to low PEEP (unadjusted odds ratio [OR]=0.87; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.75-1.01; P=0.06). Higher PEEP resulted in 87/1913 (4.5%) participants requiring interventions for desaturation, compared with 216/1924 (11.2%) participants randomised to low PEEP (OR=0.34; 95% CI, 0.26-0.45). Intraoperative hypotension was associated more frequently (784/1913 [41.0%]) with high PEEP, compared with low PEEP (579/1924 [30.1%]; OR=1.87; 95% CI, 1.60-2.17). CONCLUSIONS: High PEEP combined with recruitment manoeuvres during low tidal volume ventilation in patients undergoing major surgery did not reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03937375 (Clinicaltrials.gov).

Objective: Long-term survivors (LS) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without driver alterations, displaying an overall survival (OS) of more than 3 years, comprise around 10% of cases in several series treated with chemotherapy. There are classical prognosis factors for these cases [stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), etc.], but more data are required in the literature. In this multi-center study, we focused on LS of advanced NSCLC with OS above 36 months to perform a clinical-pathological and molecular characterization. Methods: In the first step, we conducted a clinical-pathological characterization of the patients. Afterwards, we carried out a genetic analysis by comparing LS to a sample of short-term survivors (SS) (with an OS less than 9 months). We initially used whole-genome RNA-seq to identify differentiating profiles of LS and SS, and later confirmed these with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the rest of the samples. Results: A total of 94 patients were included, who were mainly men, former smokers, having adenocarcinoma (AC)-type NSCLC with an ECOG of 0–1. We obtained an initial differential transcriptome expression, displaying 5 over- and 33 under-expressed genes involved in different pathways: namely, the secretin receptor, surfactant protein, trefoil factor 1 (TFF1), serpin, Ca-channels, and Toll-like receptor (TLRs) families. Finally, RT-PCR analysis of 40 (20 LS/20 SS) samples confirmed that four genes (surfactant proteins and SFTP) were significantly down-regulated in SS compared to LS by using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model: SFTPA1 (P = 0.023), SFTPA2 (P = 0.027), SFTPB (P = 0.02), and SFTPC (P = 0.047). Conclusions: We present a sequential genetic analysis of a sample of NSCLC LS with no driver alterations, obtaining a differential RNA-seq/RT-PCR profile showing an abnormal expression of SF genes.

Background Standard oncology tools are inadequate to distinguish which older patients are at higher risk of developing chemotherapy-related complications. Materials and Methods Patients over 70 years of age starting new chemotherapy regimens were prospectively included in a multicenter study. A prechemotherapy assessment that included sociodemographics, tumor/treatment variables, and geriatric assessment variables was performed. Association between these factors and the development of grade 3–5 toxicity was examined by using logistic regression. Results A total of 551 patients were accrued. Chemotherapy doses (odds ratio [OR] 1.834; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.237–2.719) and creatinine clearance (OR 0.989; 95% CI 0.981–0.997) were the only factors independently associated with toxicity. Only 19% of patients who received reduced doses of chemotherapy and had a creatinine clearance ≥40 mL/minute had grade 3–4 toxicity, compared with 38% of those who received standard doses or had a creatinine clearance Conclusion Chemotherapy doses and renal function were identified as the major risk factors for developing severe toxicity in the older patient. These factors should be considered when planning to initiate a new chemotherapy regimen and should also lead to a closer follow-up in these patients.

Background Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) is common and of prognostic importance. Little is known about MINS in orthopaedic surgery. The diagnostic criterion for MINS was a level of ≥0.03 ng/mL on a non-high-sensitivity troponin T (TnT) assay due to myocardial ischemia. Methods We undertook an international, prospective study of 15,103 patients ≥45 years of age who had inpatient noncardiac surgery; 3,092 underwent orthopaedic surgery. Non-high-sensitivity TnT assays were performed on postoperative days 0, 1, 2, and 3. Among orthopaedic patients, we determined (1) the prognostic relevance of the MINS diagnostic criteria, (2) the 30-day mortality rate for those with and without MINS, and (3) the probable proportion of MINS cases that would go undetected without troponin monitoring because of a lack of an ischemic symptom. Results Three hundred and sixty-seven orthopaedic patients (11.9%) had MINS. MINS was associated independently with 30-day mortality including among those who had had orthopaedic surgery. Orthopaedic patients without and with MINS had a 30-day mortality rate of 1.0% and 9.8%, respectively (odds ratio [OR], 11.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.72 to 18.92). The 30-day mortality rate was increased for patients with MINS who had an ischemic feature (i.e., symptoms, or evidence of ischemia on electrocardiography or imaging) (OR, 18.25; 95% CI, 10.06 to 33.10) and for those who did not have an ischemic feature (OR, 7.35; 95% CI, 3.37 to 16.01). The proportion of orthopaedic patients with MINS who were asymptomatic and in whom the myocardial injury would have probably gone undetected without TnT monitoring was 81.3% (95% CI, 76.3% to 85.4%). Conclusions One in 8 orthopaedic patients in our study had MINS, and MINS was associated with a higher mortality rate regardless of symptoms. Troponin levels should be measured after surgery in at-risk patients because most MINS cases (>80%) are asymptomatic and would go undetected without routine measurements. Level of evidence Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Dostarlimab is an anti-programmed cell death protein-1 antibody being evaluated in recurrent/advanced solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in the ongoing Phase I, multi-center, open-label, 2-part (dose escalation and cohort expansion) GARNET study (NCT02715284).Here, we report an interim analysis of patients with recurrent/advanced NSCLC who progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients received dostarlimab (500 mg IV every 3 weeks [Q3W] for Cycles 1-4, then 1000 mg Q6W) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity for2 years. The primary endpoints were immune-related objective response rate (irORR) per investigator-assessed irRECIST and safety.As of 8, July 2019, 67 patients with recurrent/advanced NSCLC were enrolled and treated with dostarlimab; the majority had programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) tumor proportion score (TPS)1% (35.8% of patients) or PD-L1 TPS 1%-49% (29.9% of patients); 7.5% had PD-L1 TPS ≥ 50%, and 26.9% had unknown PD-L1 TPS status. Median follow-up was 13.8 months (range: 0.0-22.6). irORR was 26.9%, including 2 complete and 16 partial responses. The median duration of response of 11.6 months (range: 2.8-19.4). Responses were observed in 2 of 24 (16.7%) patients with PD-L1 TPS1%, 4 of 20 (20.0%) patients with PD-L1 TPS 1%-49% and 2 of 5 (40.0%) patients with PD-L1 TPS ≥ 50%. Fatigue (4.5%) was the most common Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse event (TRAE). Immune-related TRAEs (any grade) were observed in 28.4% of patients.Dostarlimab demonstrated promising antitumor activity in advanced/recurrent NSCLC that progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy, including across all PD-L1 subgroups, and has an acceptable safety profile.

Among the side effects of anticancer treatment, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most feared given its high prevalence, affecting up to 40% of patients. It can impair patient's quality of life and provoke low adherence to cancer treatment or chemotherapy dose reductions that can comprise treatment efficacy. Suffering CINV depends on factors related to the intrinsic emetogenicity of antineoplastic drugs and on patient characteristics. CINV can appear at different times regarding the administration of antitumor treatment and the variability of risk according to the different antitumor regimens has, as a consequence, the need for a different and adapted antiemetic treatment prophylaxis to achieve the desired objective of complete protection of the patient in the acute phase, in the late phase and in the global phase of emesis. As a basis for the recommendations, the level of emetogenicity of anticancer treatment is considered and they are classified as high, moderate, low and minimal emetogenicity and these recommendations are based on the use of antiemetic drugs with a high therapeutic index: anti 5-HT, anti-NK and steroids. Despite having highly effective treatments, clinical reality shows that they are not applied enough, so evidence-based recommendations are needed to show the best options and help in decision-making. To cover all the antiemetic prophylaxis options, we have also included recommendations for oral treatments, multiday regimens and radiation-induced emesis prevention.

Blackground: La pandemia COVID-19 ha puesto en una situación de sobrecarga al sistema sanitario español, y, como consecuencia, la atención al paciente oncológico se ha visto afectada. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar un análisis descriptivo de la atención al paciente oncológico y del funcionamiento de los Comités de Tumores en el Hospital Universitario la Paz durante la primera ola de la pandemia. Material y métodos: Análisis descriptivo basado en los resultados obtenidos a través de una encuesta realizada a los 18 Comités de Tumores del Adulto y a los 3 Comités de Tumores Infantiles del Hospital Universitario La Paz. El estudio se completó con la información obtenida a partir de los Servicios implicados en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes oncológicos. Resultados: Durante la primera ola se disminuyó significativamente la realización de técnicas diagnósticas. Se suspendió la cirugía de la mayoría de tumores en el hospital durante varias semanas, retrasándose o derivándose a otro centro. Se mantuvieron los tratamientos sistémicos y radioterápicos asociados a un mayor beneficio, incrementándose la frecuencia de la administración preoperatoria. Sin embargo, el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los tumores infantiles no sufrió alteraciones. El funcionamiento de los Comités de Tumores se vio afectado, y cada uno de ellos llevó a cabo ajustes diferentes. Los diferentes Servicios implicados realizaron planes de contingencia para minimizar el impacto sobre los pacientes. Conclusión: Este estudio muestra cómo la atención al paciente oncológico y el funcionamiento de los Comités de Tumores se vio afectada de forma generalizada durante la pandemia COVID-19.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a postnatal withdrawal syndrome among neonates born to mothers with drug dependence disorders. NAS poses a significant public health challenge nationally, with a six-fold increase in incidence (1.2 to 6.7 per 1000 hospital births/year) from 2000&ndash, 2016. Besides national data, it is critical to quantify NAS at the state-level to identify target areas for prevention. The objectives of this study were to ascertain statewide burden, including county and regional distribution of NAS in Nevada during 2016&ndash, 2018, and to investigate potential factors associated with NAS. This study utilized hospital administrative data, and a total of 100,845 inpatient pediatric discharges were examined to identify NAS cases. Statistical analyses included estimation of crude incidence rates per 1000 hospital births and multilevel logistic regression modeling. NAS incidence in Nevada decreased slightly from 8.6 to 7.7 per 1000 hospital births between 2016 and 2018, but the overall incidence of 8 was substantially higher than earlier estimates (4.8/1000 hospital births) reported for 2013. Incidence was disproportionately higher among white newborns (12, 95% CI 11.0,13.0) and Medicaid enrollees (13.2, 95% CI 11.0,15.0). Southern Nevada had the highest incidence rate of 8.2 per 1000 hospital births. Nearly 75% of NAS cases were residents of Clark County. Incidence rates of NAS parallel the growing opioid prescription rates in Nevada and highlight the need for adopting opioid control prescribing practices to combat this drug epidemic. These findings might help in designing and evaluating state- and system-level interventions introduced to combat the opioid epidemic.

We present a clinical case of a solitary fibrous pleural tumor (TFSP) with abnormal behavior due to its high aggressiveness and poor short-term prognosis, where an ALK translocation was identified. TFSP is an infrequent tumor, with an estimated incidence of around 8 per 100,000 inhabitants and with few cases reported in the literature. The most common is that it is a neoplasm of benign behavior, with debut as a localized mass and whose The treatment of choice is surgical resection. All the data in the literature contrast with our experience, which we report below.Presentamos un caso clínico de un tumor fibroso solitario pleural (TFSP) de comportamiento anómalo por su alta agresividad y mal pronóstico a corto plazo, en el que se identificó una translocación de ALK. El TFSP es un tumor infrecuente, con una incidencia estimada en torno a 8 casos por 100,000 habitantes y con pocos reportes en la literatura. Lo más habitual es que se trate de una neoplasia de comportamiento benigno, con debut como una masa localizada y cuyo tratamiento de elección es la resección quirúrgica. Todos los datos de la literatura contrastan con nuestra experiencia, que presentamos a continuación.

Background We aimed to examine whether using a high fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) in the context of an individualised intra- and postoperative open-lung ventilation approach could decrease surgical site infection (SSI) in patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. Methods We performed a multicentre, randomised controlled clinical trial in a network of 21 university hospitals from June 6, 2017 to July 19, 2018. Patients undergoing abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to receive a high (0.80) or conventional (0.3) FIO2 during the intraoperative period and during the first 3 postoperative hours. All patients were mechanically ventilated with an open-lung strategy, which included recruitment manoeuvres and individualised positive end-expiratory pressure for the best respiratory-system compliance, and individualised continuous postoperative airway pressure for adequate peripheral oxyhaemoglobin saturation. The primary outcome was the prevalence of SSI within the first 7 postoperative days. The secondary outcomes were composites of systemic complications, length of intensive care and hospital stay, and 6-month mortality. Results We enrolled 740 subjects: 371 in the high FIO2 group and 369 in the low FIO2 group. Data from 717 subjects were available for final analysis. The rate of SSI during the first postoperative week did not differ between high (8.9%) and low (9.4%) FIO2 groups (relative risk [RR]: 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59–1.50; P=0.90]). Secondary outcomes, such as atelectasis (7.7% vs 9.8%; RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.48–1.25; P=0.38) and myocardial ischaemia (0.6% [n=2] vs 0% [n=0]; P=0.47) did not differ between groups. Conclusions An oxygenation strategy using high FIO2 compared with conventional FIO2 did not reduce postoperative SSIs in abdominal surgery. No differences in secondary outcomes or adverse events were found. Clinical trial registration NCT02776046.

Worldwide, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. Despite a trend towards an escalating diagnosis of resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), overall survival (OS) in patients with resectable NSCLC remains poor. The incorporation of chemotherapy into the neoadjuvant setting has improved disease-free survival (DFS), time to distant recurrence, and OS. Furthermore, the incorporation of immunotherapy and the combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy have improved pathological responses, which seems to be associated with increased survival. Therefore, immunotherapy represents a paradigm shift in treating resectable NSCLC. However, validation in large randomized trials is mandatory and a longer postoperative follow-up period is required. Additionally, neoadjuvant therapy trials offer an exceptional environment for testing predictive biomarkers. PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden (TMB) are the most helpful tools for predicting the likelihood of response with immunotherapy in metastatic NSCLC. However, in the neoadjuvant setting, PD-L1 expression and TMB have had opposite results until now. Recently, the immune profiling and some immune-related genes also appear to be involved in the prognosis and response to immunotherapy in NSCLC. Further prospective studies are needed to derive definitive conclusions.

Background Despite the causal relationship between obesity and colon cancer being firmly established, the effect of obesity on the course of cancer calls for further elucidation. The objective of this study was to assess differences in clinical-pathological and psychosocial variables between obese and nonobese individuals with colon cancer. Materials and Methods This was a prospective, multicentric, observational study conducted from 2015–2018. The sample comprised patients with stage II–III, resected colon cancer about to initiate adjuvant chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidine in monotherapy or associated with oxaliplatin and grouped into nonobese (body mass index Results Seventy-nine of the 402 individuals recruited (19.7%) were obese. Obese subjects exhibited more comorbidities (≥2 comorbidities, 46.8% vs. 30.3%, p = .001) and expressed feeling slightly more postoperative pain (small size-effect). There was more depression, greater helplessness, less perceived social support from friends, and greater extraversion among the obese versus nonobese subjects (all p < .04). The nonobese group treated with fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin suffered more grade 3–4 hematological toxicity (p = .035), whereas the obese had higher rates of treatment withdrawal (17.7% vs. 7.7%, p = .033) and more recurrences (10.1% vs. 3.7%, p = .025). No differences in sociodemographic, quality of life, or 12-month survival variables were detected. Conclusion Obesity appears to affect how people confront cancer, as well as their tolerance to oncological treatment and relapse. Implications for Practice Obesity is a causal factor and affects prognosis in colorectal cancer. Obese patients displayed more comorbidities, more pain after cancer surgery, worse coping, and more depression and perceived less social support than nonobese patients. Severe hematological toxicity was more frequent among nonobese patients, whereas rates of withdrawal from adjuvant chemotherapy were higher in the obese cohort, and during follow-up, obese patients presented greater 12-month recurrence rates. With the growing and maintained increase of obesity and the cancers associated with it, including colorectal cancer, the approach to these more fragile cases that have a worse prognosis must be adapted to improve outcomes.

Plasma samples from 72 EGFR‐mutant advanced NSCLC patients, collected upon progression to first‐line TKI, were analyzed by seven methodologies (two NGS‐based methods, three high‐sensitivity PCR‐based platforms, and two FDA‐approved methods). Our study demonstrates a good to excellent agreement between methodologies and supports the use of liquid biopsies for therapy decision‐making., Several platforms for noninvasive EGFR testing are currently used in the clinical setting with sensitivities ranging from 30% to 100%. Prospective studies evaluating agreement and sources for discordant results remain lacking. Herein, seven methodologies including two next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based methods, three high‐sensitivity PCR‐based platforms, and two FDA‐approved methods were compared using 72 plasma samples, from EGFR‐mutant non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients progressing on a first‐line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). NGS platforms as well as high‐sensitivity PCR‐based methodologies showed excellent agreement for EGFR‐sensitizing mutations (K = 0.80–0.89) and substantial agreement for T790M testing (K = 0.77 and 0.68, respectively). Mutant allele frequencies (MAFs) obtained by different quantitative methods showed an excellent reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.86–0.98). Among other technical factors, discordant calls mostly occurred at mutant allele frequencies (MAFs) ≤ 0.5%. Agreement significantly improved when discarding samples with MAF ≤ 0.5%. EGFR mutations were detected at significantly lower MAFs in patients with brain metastases, suggesting that these patients risk for a false‐positive result. Our results support the use of liquid biopsies for noninvasive EGFR testing and highlight the need to systematically report MAFs.

Background/aim Predicting response to treatment in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) still remains a clinical challenge. The standard-of-care for first-line chemotherapy, based on a combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel, achieves a high response rate. However, the development of drug resistance is one of the major limitations to efficacy. Therefore, identification of biomarkers able to predict response to chemotherapy in patients with HGSOC is a critical step for prognosis and treatment of the disease. Several studies suggest that angiogenesis is an important process in the development of ovarian carcinoma and chemoresistance. The aim of this study was to identify a profile of angiogenesis-related genes as a biomarker for response to first-line chemotherapy in HGSOC. Materials and methods Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from 39 patients with HGSOC who underwent surgical cytoreduction and received a first-line chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel were included in this study. Expression levels of 82 angiogenesis-related genes were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using TaqMan low-density arrays. Results Univariate analysis identified five genes [angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1), aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), CD34, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and matrix metallopeptidase 3 (MMP3)] as being statistically associated with response to treatment. Multivariable analysis by Lasso-penalized Cox regression generated a model with the combined expression of seven genes [angiotensinogen (AGT), CD34, EGF, erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), interleukin 8 (IL8), MMP3 and MMP7)]. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (0.679) and cross-validated Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate the accuracy of these predictors. Conclusion An angiogenesis-related gene expression profile useful for response prediction in HGSOC was identified, supporting the important role of angiogenesis in HGSOC.

HIV/AIDS remains a major public health problem despite the efforts to prevent and decrease its spread. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) represents 70% of the global number of people living with HIV and 73% of all HIV/AIDS-related deaths. Young adults age 15-24 years are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS in SSA with 34% of people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and 37% of newly diagnosed individuals being in this age group. It is important that PLWHIV be linked to care to facilitate antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and limit the spread of infection. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify effective interventions designed to improve linkage to care among HIV-infected young adults in SSA. One hundred and forty-six titles and abstracts were screened, 28 full-texts were reviewed, and 6 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Home-based HIV counseling and testing, home-based HIV self-testing, and mobile HIV counseling and testing followed by proper referral of HIV-positive patients to HIV care were effective for improving linkage of young adults to care. Other factors such as referral forms, transportation allowance, home initiation of HIV care, and volunteer escort to the HIV treatment clinic were effective in reducing time to linkage to care. There is a vast need for research and interventions that target HIV-positive young adults in SSA which aim to improve their linkage and access to HIV care. The results of this study illustrate effective interventions in improving linkage to care and reducing time to linkage to care of young adults in SSA.

Pulmonary carcinoids are relatively rare neuroendocrine neoplasms, accounting for only 1-2% of malignant thoracic tumours. We describe our experience in the management and follow-up of such an infrequent tumour, with special emphasis on possible problems that might arise.We present a descriptive retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with carcinoid tumour between January 2013 and January 2018. Demographic, histological and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Survival was recorded. SPSS version 21 was used for the statistical analysis.42 patients with an average age of 66.26 years were included. The mean period of follow-up was 60 months and the average survival 59.12 months. The only statistically significant factor related to an improved survival time was tumour stage at diagnosis.Carcinoid tumours are infrequent, which makes the objective collecting of data difficult. For this reason, we hope that the present study will contribute to a better understanding of their evolution.

BackgroundUse of minimally invasive surgical techniques for lung resection surgery (LRS), such as video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS), has increased in recent years. However, there is little information about the best anesthetic technique in this context. This surgical approach is associated with a lower intensity of postoperative pain, and its use has been proposed in programs for enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This study compares the severity of postoperative complications in patients undergoing LRS who have received lidocaine intraoperatively either intravenously or via paravertebral administration versus saline.Methods/designWe will conduct a single-center randomized controlled trial involving 153 patients undergoing LRS through a thoracoscopic approach. The patients will be randomly assigned to one of the following study groups: intravenous lidocaine with more paravertebral thoracic (PVT) saline, PVT lidocaine with more intravenous saline, or intravenous remifentanil with more PVT saline. The primary outcome will be the comparison of the postoperative course through Clavien-Dindo classification. Furthermore, we will compare the perioperative pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response by monitoring biomarkers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood, as well as postoperative analgesic consumption between the three groups of patients. We will use an ANOVA to compare quantitative variables and a chi-squared test to compare qualitative variables.DiscussionThe development of less invasive surgical techniques means that anesthesiologists must adapt their perioperative management protocols and look for anesthetic techniques that provide good analgesic quality and allow rapid rehabilitation of the patient, as proposed in the ERAS protocols. The administration of a continuous infusion of intravenous lidocaine has proven to be useful and safe for the management of other types of surgery, as demonstrated in colorectal cancer. We want to know whether the continuous administration of lidocaine by a paravertebral route can be substituted with the intravenous administration of this local anesthetic in a safe and effective way while avoiding the risks inherent in the use of regional anesthetic techniques. In this way, this technique could be used in a safe and effective way in ERAS programs for pulmonary resection.Trial registrationEudraCT, 2016–004271-52; ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT03905837. Protocol number IGGFGG-2016 version 4.0, 27th April 2017.

Objectives Among all known risk factors of preterm birth, psychosocial factors form an intricate collection, which includes a multidimensional spectrum of interrelated mediating mechanisms. The understanding of these interconnected mechanisms is vital for designing targeted interventions to reduce preterm births. The objective of this systematic review was to investigate potential psychosocial maternal factors and their interactions to cause preterm birth. Methods PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for U.S.-based English language studies published between 1989 and 2019. Titles, abstracts, and full-texts were screened to determine eligibility for inclusion. Data were extracted from eligible studies using a customized data collection form. The National Institutes of Health assessment tool was utilized for quality assessment. Results Among the 76 full texts that were reviewed, 9 records met the eligibility criteria, and were included in the final review. The included publications addressed psychosocial factors including racial disparity, lifetime racism, neighborhood disadvantage, lack of partner support, childhood maltreatment and life-course variations, including homelessness and marital status. Antenatal stress was identified as a common mechanism through which psychosocial mediators may act to cause preterm birth. Conclusions This review highlights the need for controlling potential risk factors of maternal stress by improving prenatal care, providing proper housing, and establishing conducive social environments for pregnant women. The review also suggests the importance of maternal psychological counselling and extensive maternal health monitoring among minority groups during the pregnancy period.

We present the case for the establishment of hospital tumour registries in order to facilitate the use of epidemiological data and the development of preventive policies.Retrospective descriptive analysis of the data of the tumour registry of the Hospital "La Paz" including tumoral location (ICD-O), diagnostic method, tumour grade and treatment.1987 cases were included. Median age at diagnosis was 66.2 years; 53.3% of cases were male and 46.7 female. The most frequent tumoral sites recorded were the digestive tract, skin, breast and urinary tract. The most common diagnostic method used was biopsy (83.1%), followed by cytology (5.7%). 84.5% of cases were originally recorded as localized disease, whilst 15.4% were disseminated. Surgery was the most common treatment (78.8%), followed by systemic therapy (16.2%).The establishment of hospital tumour registries should be prioritized, in order to collect epidemiological data which will enhance our understanding of cancer.

BACKGROUND Measurement of inflammatory mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) during lung resection surgery with periods of one-lung ventilation (OLV) has revealed an intense local pulmonary response. The role of each lung in the inflammation that occurs during this procedure has never been investigated. OBJECTIVE(S) The primary objective of our study was to compare the inflammatory response in the dependent lung with that of the nondependent lung by measuring inflammatory markers in BAL. Our secondary objective was to assess the behaviour of these inflammatory mediators in patients with and without postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). DESIGN A prospective, observational study. SETTING Department of Anaesthesiology in a university hospital. PATIENTS Forty-six consecutive patients undergoing lung resection surgery. INTERVENTION(S) BAL samples were taken from dependent and nondependent lung 10 min before initiating OLV and at the end of OLV (once two-lung ventilation was established). All patients were followed up until 30 days after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The concentration of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) was analysed in both lungs before and after OLV. PPCs were recorded. RESULTS In BAL fluid, all measured biomarkers, apart from IL-10, were significantly greater (P < 0.05) at the end of OLV than those obtained before OLV, both for the dependent and nondependent lung. The increase in measured biomarkers was similar in both lungs. Eight patients developed PPC. Patients who developed PPC had higher levels of TNF-α (P < 0.05) in BAL from the nondependent lung before and after OLV than patients who did not have PPC. Patients who developed PPC had a smaller increase in MMP-2 levels (P < 0.05) in the dependent lung than patients who did not have PPC. CONCLUSION In lung resection surgery, the inflammatory response is similar in both lungs. However, the greater increase in TNF-α levels in the nondependent lung and the smaller increase of MMP-2 concentration in the dependent lung may increase the susceptibility to develop PPC.

Background The effects of individualised perioperative lung-protective ventilation (based on the open-lung approach [OLA]) on postoperative complications is unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects of intraoperative and postoperative ventilatory management in patients scheduled for abdominal surgery, compared with standard protective ventilation. Methods We did this prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial in 21 teaching hospitals in Spain. We enrolled patients who were aged 18 years or older, were scheduled to have abdominal surgery with an expected time of longer than 2 h, had intermediate-to-high-risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications, and who had a body-mass index less than 35 kg/m(2). Patients were randomly assigned (1: 1: 1: 1) online to receive one of four lung-protective ventilation strategies using low tidal volume plus positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP): open-lung approach (OLA)-iCPAP (individualised intraoperative ventilation [individualised PEEP after a lung recruitment manoeuvre] plus individualised postoperative continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP]), OLA-CPAP (intraoperative individualised ventilation plus postoperative CPAP), STD-CPAP (standard intraoperative ventilation plus postoperative CPAP), or STD-O-2 (standard intraoperative ventilation plus standard postoperative oxygen therapy). Patients were masked to treatment allocation. Investigators were not masked in the operating and postoperative rooms; after 24 h, data were given to a second investigator who was masked to allocations. The primary outcome was a composite of pulmonary and systemic complications during the first 7 postoperative days. We did the primary analysis using the modified intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02158923. Findings Between Jan 2, 2015, and May 18, 2016, we enrolled 1012 eligible patients. Data were available for 967 patients, whom we included in the final analysis. Risk of pulmonary and systemic complications did not differ for patients in OLA-iCPAP (110 [46%] of 241, relative risk 0.89 [95% CI 0.74-1.07; p=0.25]), OLA-CPAP (111 [47%] of 238, 0.91 [0.76-1.09; p=0.35]), or STD-CPAP groups (118 [48%] of 244, 0.95 [0.80-1.14; p=0.65]) when compared with patients in the STD-O-2 group (125 [51%] of 244). Intraoperatively, PEEP was increased in 69 (14%) of patients in the standard perioperative ventilation groups because of hypoxaemia, and no patients from either of the OLA groups required rescue manoeuvres. Interpretation In patients who have major abdominal surgery, the different perioperative open lung approaches tested in this study did not reduce the risk of postoperative complications when compared with standard lung-protective mechanical ventilation.

Objective: To determine the prognostic relevance, clinical characteristics, and 30-day outcomes associated with myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) in vascular surgical patients. Background: MINS has been independently associated with 30-day mortality after noncardiac surgery. The characteristics and prognostic importance of MINS in vascular surgery patients are poorly described. Methods: This was an international prospective cohort study of 15,102 noncardiac surgery patients 45 years or older, of whom 502 patients underwent vascular surgery. All patients had fourth-generation plasma troponin T (TnT) concentrations measured during the first 3 postoperative days. MINS was defined as a TnT of 0.03 ng/mL of higher secondary to ischemia. The objectives of the present study were to determine (i) if MINS is prognostically important in vascular surgical patients, (ii) the clinical characteristics of vascular surgery patients with and without MINS, (iii) the 30-day outcomes for vascular surgery patients with and without MINS, and (iv) the proportion of MINS that probably would have gone undetected without routine troponin monitoring. Results: The incidence of MINS in the vascular surgery patients was 19.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 15.7%-22.6%). 30-day all-cause mortality in the vascular cohort was 12.5% (95% CI 7.3%-20.6%) in patients with MINS compared with 1.5% (95% CI 0.7%-3.2%) in patients without MINS (P < 0.001). MINS was independently associated with 30-day mortality in vascular patients (odds ratio, 9.48; 95% CI, 3.46-25.96). The 30-day mortality was similar in MINS patients with (15.0%; 95% CI, 7.1-29.1) and without an ischemic feature (12.2%; 95% CI, 5.3-25.5, P = 0.76). The proportion of vascular surgery patients who suffered MINS without overt evidence of myocardial ischemia was 74.1% (95% CI, 63.6-82.4). Conclusions: Approximately 1 in 5 patients experienced MINS after vascular surgery. MINS was independently associated with 30-day mortality. The majority of patients with MINS were asymptomatic and would have gone undetected without routine postoperative troponin measurement.

Background and objectives: Neuromuscular relaxants are essential during general anesthesia for several procedures. Classical anesthesiology literature indicates that the use of neuromuscular blockade in thoracic surgery may be deleterious in patients in lateral decubitus position in one-lung ventilation. The primary objective of our study was to compare respiratory function according to the degree of patient neuromuscular relaxation. Secondary, we wanted to check that neuromuscular blockade during one-lung ventilation is not deleterious. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal observational study was made in which each patient served as both treated subject and control. 76 consecutive patients programmed for lung resection surgery in Gregorio Marañon Hospital along 2013 who required one-lung ventilation in lateral decubitus were included. Ventilator data, hemodynamic parameters were registered in different moments according to train-of-four response (intense, deep and moderate blockade) during one-lung ventilation. Results: Peak, plateau and mean pressures were significantly lower during the intense and deep blockade. Besides compliance and peripheral oxygen saturation were significantly higher in that moments. Heart rate was significantly higher during deep blockade. No mechanical ventilation parameters were modified during measurements. Conclusions: Deep neuromuscular blockade attenuates the poor lung mechanics observed during one-lung ventilation. Resumo: Justificativa e objetivos: Os relaxantes neuromusculares são essenciais durante a anestesia geral para vários procedimentos. A literatura clássica de anestesiologia indica que o uso do bloqueio neuromuscular em cirurgia torácica pode ser prejudicial em pacientes posicionados em decúbito lateral com ventilação seletiva. O objetivo primário deste estudo foi comparar a função respiratória de acordo com o grau de relaxamento neuromuscular do paciente. O objetivo secundário foi verificar que o bloqueio neuromuscular durante a ventilação seletiva não é prejudicial. Métodos: Estudo observacional, prospectivo e longitudinal no qual cada paciente serviu como indivíduo de estudo e controle. Foram incluídos 76 pacientes consecutivos, agendados para cirurgia de ressecção do pulmão no Hospital Gregorio Marañon ao longo de 2013, submetidos à ventilação seletiva em decúbito lateral. Os dados do ventilador e os parâmetros hemodinâmicos foram registrados em diferentes momentos de acordo com a resposta por sequência de quatro estímulos (bloqueio intenso, profundo e moderado) durante a ventilação seletiva. Resultados: As pressões de pico, platô e média foram significativamente menores durante os bloqueios intenso e profundo. Além disso, complacência e saturação periférica de oxigênio foram significativamente maiores nesses momentos. A frequência cardíaca foi significativamente maior durante o bloqueio profundo. Não houve alteração dos parâmetros da ventilação mecânica durante as mensurações. Conclusões: O bloqueio neuromuscular profundo atenua a mecânica pulmonar deficiente observada durante a ventilação seletiva. Keywords: Neuromuscular block, One-lung ventilation, Lung resection surgery, Palavras-chave: Bloqueio neuromuscular, Ventilação seletiva, Cirurgia de ressecção pulmonar

In the last few years, the treatment of castration-resistant prostate carcinoma (CRPC) has changed completely. The approval of docetaxel and subsequent investigation in this field have led to development of new agents that have demonstrated an improvement in overall survival in the post-docetaxel setting, such as cabazitaxel and abiraterone. Radium-223 chloride is a radioisotope that has recently shown efficacy after docetaxel and in patients unfit for docetaxel, with improvements in overall survival and the time to the first skeletal-related event, compared with placebo, without increasing toxicity. These findings have made this agent a new option for treatment of these patients in the near future.

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the ventilatory mode used during one-lung ventilation (OLV) and intraoperative and early postoperative arterial oxygenation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Methods A prospective, randomized clinical trial. Setting A tertiary care university hospital single institution. Participants One hundred ten patients scheduled for thoracic surgery with at least 1 hour of OLV. Interventions Patients were prospectively randomized into 2 groups depending on the ventilatory mode used during OLV: volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) or pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). In VCV, the authors used a tidal volume (Vt) of 8 mL/kg and in the PCV group an inspiratory pressure to provide a tidal volume of 8 mL/kg. Measurements and Main Results Airway pressures and arterial blood gases were obtained at 20, 30, and 40 minutes after OLV. The authors recorded the ratio of arterial oxygen tension to inspired oxygen fraction (PaO 2 /F I O 2 ) at 4 hours (RU1) and 24 hours (RU2) after surgery. During OLV, there were no differences in arterial oxygenation, airway plateau pressure, and mean pressure between groups, although peak pressure was higher in the VCV group ( p 2 /F I O 2 ratio at RU1 was 312.6 ± 106 in the VCV group and 322.1 ± 104. In the PCV group at RU2, it was 402.4 ± 105 and 389.6 ± 114, respectively, and there were no significant differences between the groups. Conclusions In patients undergoing thoracic surgery, the use of PCV compared with VCV during OLV with the same Vt of 8 mL/kg does not affect arterial oxygenation during OLV or early postoperative oxygenation.

Background: Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) is a regional block technique increasingly used for the early management of postthoracotomy pain. We compare three different postoperative analgesic approaches based on TPVB: anesthetist, anesthetist plus surgeon, and surgeon. Materials and methods: We randomized 54 patients undergoing elective thoracotomy to three different postoperative analgesia groups: paravertebral percutaneous catheter (PVA group), paravertebral percutaneous catheter plus incisional (subcutaneous) catheter (PVA + Inc), and paravertebral catheter under direct vision (PVS group). During early postoperative 48 h, we measured pain intensity, intravenous morphine afforded by the patient-controlled analgesia pump, and the spirometric test. Results: There were no statistically significant differences among the collected preoperative data. No significant differences were observed on postoperative spirometric values. Analgesic quality was better in PVA + Inc group at 12 and 24 postoperative hours. In this group, intravenous morphine use to improve analgesia was significantly lower from 8 h until 48 h postoperative. Conclusions: Association of thoracic paravertebral block to continuous infusion of a local anesthetic in the surgical incision area affords a better pain relief than paravertebral block alone (introduced by the surgeon or the anesthetist). # 2009 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Background and Objectives: Epinephrine is often added to local anesthetic solutions to minimize and slow the systemic absorption of local anesthetics, and thus reduce the possibility of adverse effects of these drugs. In an earlier study we found that the injection of 5 mg/kg of lidocaine via the paravertebral route depressed myocardial contractility by up to 30%, with practically no changes in heart rate or blood pressure. In the present study we investigated whether these alterations are due to systemic absorption of the local anesthetic, and whether such absorption can be minimized by adding epinephrine to the local anesthetic solution. Methods: A prospective, blind, and randomized study was made of 50 patients subjected to lung resection surgery. The subjects were divided into two groups: Lid group (5 mg/kg bolus dose of lidocaine in the thoracic paravertebral space) and Lid+E group (addition of 5 mcg/mL of epinephrine to the local anesthetic). The anesthetic solution was administered through a paravertebral catheter ipsilateral to the operative side. In addition to routine hemodynamic monitoring (heart rate and radial artery blood pressure), an aortic transpulmonary thermodilution catheter was inserted into the femoral artery for recording of the following variables: cardiac index, cardiac function index, maximum pressure derivative, global end diastolic volume, and intrathoracic total blood volume index. Data collection was carried out immediately before administration of the anesthetic solution and 15, 30, and 45 minutes after administration. Measurements were made of the plasma lidocaine levels at those same postparavertebral injection time points. Results: Prior to paravertebral dosing there were no differences in terms of the hemodynamic variables studied. However, 15 minutes after dosing in the Lid+E group, lesser reductions in contractility, cardiac function index, and cardiac index were recorded, compared with the Lid group, with a significant reduction in cardiac filling volumes. Blood lidocaine levels were 53% and 34% lower in Lid+E group, as recorded 15 and 30 minutes after injection. The patients who, 15 minutes after paravertebral injection, had blood lidocaine levels greater than 3 mcg/mL (independently of the type of anesthetic solution used) had a significant reduction in mean blood pressure, cardiac function index, cardiac index, and maximum pressure derivative, compared with the patients with lower blood lidocaine concentrations. Conclusions: Addition of epinephrine to lidocaine when performing thoracic paravertebral block, attenuates the cardiodepressive effects associated with the systemic absorption of lidocaine and also, as a result of the beta-adrenergic consequences of epinephrine, systemic absorption from the paravertebral space.

Objective: To compare the effects that the use of general intravenous anesthesia (propofol-fentanyl) (GA) or general anesthesia combined with thoracic epidural anesthesia with meperidine (TEA-M) may have on arterial oxygenation during one-lung ventilation (OLV). Design: Prospective. Setting: Tertiary care hospital. Participants: Seventy-two patients undergoing OLV for thoracic surgery. Interventions: Patients were prospectively randomized into two groups: GA (n = 37) fentanyl, propofol, rocuronium anesthesia was used; and group TEA-M (n = 35) were anesthetized with propofol, rocuronium and thoracic epidural meperidine (2 mg/kg in 10–12 mL) administered before anesthetic induction. A double-lumen endotracheal tube was inserted, and mechanical ventilation with 100% oxygen was used during study. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate and arterial and venous blood gases were recorded with the patients in the lateral decubitus position in three phases: during two-lung ventilation (TLV), 15 and 30 minutes after beginning OLV (OLV + 15 and OLV + 30 respectively). The authors measured arterial and venous central oxygen tension, arterial and venous central oxygen saturation, arterial and venous central oxygen content and venous admixture percentage (Qs/Qt%). Measurements and Main Results: There were no statistical differences between the two groups for PaO 2 during OLV + 15 (GA = 165 mmHg, TEA-M = 153 mmHg) and OLV + 30 (GA = 176 mmHg, TEA-M = 158 mmHg); and with values for Qs/Qt%. Conclusions: It is concluded that GA combined with TEA-M (2 mg/kg) do not affect arterial oxygenation during OLV in thoracic surgery.

Background: Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) was defined as prognostically relevant myocardial injury due to ischemia that occurs during or within 30 days after noncardiac surgery. The study's four objectives were to determine the diagnostic criteria, characteristics, predictors, and 30-day outcomes of MINS. Methods: In this international, prospective cohort study of 15,065 patients aged 45 yr or older who underwent in-patient noncardiac surgery, troponin T was measured during the first 3 postoperative days. Patients with a troponin T level of 0.04 ng/ml or greater (elevated abnormal laboratory threshold) were assessed for ischemic features (i.e., ischemic symptoms and electrocardiography findings). Patients adjudicated as having a nonischemic troponin elevation (e.g., sepsis) were excluded. To establish diagnostic criteria for MINS, the authors used Cox regression analyses in which the dependent variable was 30-day mortality (260 deaths) and independent variables included preoperative variables, perioperative complications, and potential MINS diagnostic criteria. Results: An elevated troponin after noncardiac surgery, irrespective of the presence of an ischemic feature, independently predicted 30-day mortality. Therefore, the authors' diagnostic criterion for MINS was a peak troponin T level of 0.03 ng/ml or greater judged due to myocardial ischemia. MINS was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.96-5.08) and had the highest population-attributable risk (34.0%, 95% CI, 26.6-41.5) of the perioperative complications. Twelve hundred patients (8.0%) suffered MINS, and 58.2% of these patients would not have fulfilled the universal definition of myocardial infarction. Only 15.8% of patients with MINS experienced an ischemic symptom. Conclusion: Among adults undergoing noncardiac surgery, MINS is common and associated with substantial mortality.

Background The University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine recently opened an orthodontic treatment clinic to address the needs of the racially and ethnically diverse population of Southern Nevada, primarily focusing on the treatment and care of low-income and minority patients. Although orthodontic treatment and therapy has been shown to induce changes in the oral cavity, much of this evidence was collected from traditional White, teenage orthodontic clinic populations. The primary goal of this study was to describe the microbial burden of the cariogenic and periodontal pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis within the UNLV-SDM patient population. Methods Representative saliva samples were collected from healthy adult patients for DNA isolation. Relative endpoint polymerase chain reaction (RE-PCR) was performed to ascertain the presence and relative microbial burden of these oral pathogens. Results Nearly one quarter (13/56) or 23.3% of these patients had elevated levels of S. mutans, while (10/56) and 17.8% of these samples were found to have elevated levels of P. gingivalis, - with (90%) of P. gingivalis-positive samples from minority patients (X 2 = 17.921, d.f. = 1; p < 0.0001). Conclusions These findings of elevated P. gingivalis levels, primarily among minority patients, may suggest underlying oral health practices contributing to adverse oral health conditions within this population. Oral health knowledge and practices among minority patients may be strongly influenced by other factors, including education and socioeconomic status, suggesting additional research may be needed to accurately determine the most appropriate standards for care and oral health education within this patient population.

The objective of the present study was to investigate respiratory and hemodynamic changes by measuring continuous cardiac output, cardiac filling, and stroke volume variation after lung recruitment in thoracic surgery.A prospective, observational study.A tertiary care university hospital single institution.Forty patients undergoing thoracotomy for lung resection with at least 1 hour of one-lung ventilation (OLV).During OLV, an alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) was performed.Based on Edwards Vigileo/FloTrac system (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA), the arterial pressure-based cardiac output, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, stroke volume variation, and central venous oxygen saturation were recorded immediately before the maneuver and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 minutes after the maneuver. Stroke volume variation was the parameter most affected during and after the maneuver; it increased to 50% and 40% in the first and second minute, respectively (p0.01). The cardiac index was also affected and decreased 9.4% (p0.05) in the first minute after the maneuver. ScvO2 decreased significantly during the first 2 minutes (7% and 6.5%, respectively). However, after 3 minutes, all values recorded were similar to prerecruitment values. The PaO2 and PcvO2 from samples taken 10 minutes after the maneuver improved considerably with respect to the values before alveolar recruitment.The authors concluded that during open-chest surgery with OLV, an ARM effectively improved oxygenation without inducing important circulatory changes.

Infections with Encephalitozoon (phylum Microspora) protozoa in immunodeficient patients have emerged worldwide. The prevalence of infections due to Encephalitozoon species in nonclinical populations remains unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of two rural highland villages in Mexico by using monoclonal antibody 3B6 to Encephalitozoon in immunofluorescence to assess the prevalence of Encephalitozoon spores in human stools. We found that 20 (7.84%) of the 255 subjects were positive and that 15 (21.4%) of the 70 households had at least one member who was positive. These results suggest that Encephalitozoon species, most likely Encephalitozoon intestinalis, may be commonly present in community settings.

Background In recent studies, periodontal health has been linked to being overweight and/or obese. Among common oral bacteria, Selenomonas noxia has been implicated in converting periodontal health to disease, and Selenomonas species have also been found in gastric ulcers. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for the specific and rapid detection of S. noxia. Methods Two oligonucleotide primer pairs and one probe were designed and tested to determine optimal amplification signal with three strains of S. noxia. The PCR assay was tested against fourteen non-target organisms, including closely related oral Selenomonads, one phylogenetically closely related bacterium, and two commonly isolated oral bacteria. Results One of the primer sets was more sensitive at detecting the target organism and was selected for optimization and validation experiments. The designed primers and probe amplified the target organism with 100 % specificity. PCR inhibition was observed with an internal positive control, and inhibition was resolved by diluting the DNA extract. Conclusions The qPCR assay designed in this study can be used to specifically detect S. noxia in the clinical setting and in future research involving the enhanced detection of S. noxia. The assay can also be used in epidemiological studies for understanding the role of S. noxia in disease processes including, but not limited to, oral health and obesity of infectious origin.