bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educare ad una maschilità riflessiva: commento ad Alberto Pellai
Authors: Deriu Marco
Published: April 2024

L’'educazione del maschio' è una delle sfide contemporanee più urgenti e più radicali se si riconosce che molte delle problematiche del mondo in cui viviamo – dalla violenza di genere, alla criminalità, alla guerra, alla devastazione della natura, alla crisi di natalità – sono in qualche modo connesse ad una ingombrate egemonia di modelli patologici e (auto)distruttivi di virilità e alla lenta e faticosa elaborazione nella coscienza e nella pratica sociale di modelli alternativi, più ecologici e nonviolenti di maschilità. [...]
Replica ai commenti dei colleghi
Authors: Pellai Alberto
Published: April 2024

I commenti dei colleghi Buffagni, Deriu e Durante al mio articolo sono un’ulteriore occasione di confronto, rielaborazione e significazione di un tema che, come si evince anche dalle loro parole, oggi è al centro dell’attenzione di tutti noi e richiede un ripensamento collettivo, ma anche specialistico. Il modo in cui proponiamo progetti educativo-preventivi nei diversi contesti comunitari, ma anche la formazione che proponiamo a chi si dovrà occupare in termini clinici di salute mentale, di terapia individuale e di coppia, di sostegno alle genitorialità, di psicoterapia dell’infanzia e dell’adolescenza deve oggi tenere conto di tutti quegli aspetti legati al genere, ai ruoli, agli stereotipi, ai disagi che derivano da qualcosa che chiede di essere attraversato ed elaborato a livello sia individuale che collettivo. [...]
Il percorso di gruppo per familiari secondo il New Maudsley Model: l’esperienza di Parma
Authors: Bruschi Gianfranco
Published: April 2024

Nell’ambito del Programma Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare della Ausl di Parma, una delle azioni portate avanti, insieme al lavoro clinico e terapeutico con le/i pazienti, è quella dei percorsi di gruppo per familiari secondo il New Maudsley Model. I gruppi per genitori e familiari (anche fratelli e sorelle maggiorenni, fidanzati e/o mariti/mogli, ecc.) costituiscono un importante aiuto in un’ottica di collaborative caring, il prendersi cura di persone con disturbi alimentari non solo da parte dei professionisti dell’equipe multidisciplinare (psichiatri e neuropsichiatri, psicologi, nutrizionisti/e-dietisti/e, infermieri/e), ma anche con l’aiuto delle famiglie. [...]
Clinicopathological Characteristics of Patients with Cancer Esophagus at a Tertiary Hospital in Sub-Himalayan Region
Authors: Singh Sunil Kumar , Sunil Hanumanthappa , Gupta Amit , Sundriyal Deepak , Gupta Rohit , Rajkumar K. S. , Bose Bodhisattva , Solanki Pratik , Mondal Avijit , Mareshwari S. K. S.
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Carcinoma esophagus has heterogeneous and changing epidemiology and clinicopathological characteristics. A thorough literature search revealed a knowledge gap regarding esophageal cancers in this sub-Himalayan region.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective, descriptive, observational study was conducted at a tertiary institute in the sub-Himalayan region, including 119 patients from January 2021 to December 2022. Patients above 18 years of age with histologically proven cancer esophagus and giving their informed consent were recruited. The aim was to study the clinicopathological characteristics of adult patients with carcinoma esophagus. Descriptive data were collected, and statistical analysis was done using the SPSS version 23 software.

Results:

The mean age of presentation was 58.55 ± 10.76 years, with the male-to-female ratio of 1.70:1 and rural-to-urban distribution of 2.05:1. Distribution was higher at higher altitudes. The majority of patients consumed large amounts of hot beverages on a regular basis (83.2%). The disease was more common in the lower (V) and upper lower (IV) socioeconomic status. Progressive dysphagia (Grade III to V in 96.6%), loss of appetite, and unintentional significant weight loss were the common presenting symptoms. The most common involved subsite was middle thoracic (53.4%), followed by lower thoracic (40.5%), upper thoracic (28.4%), and cervical esophagus (12.1%). Only 12.6% of patients presented as Stage II, the rest were in a higher stage. All patients were having squamous cell carcinoma except one case (0.8%) of adenocarcinoma and small-cell carcinoma and two cases (1.6%) of NET. The mean primary delay was 1.73 ± 0.90 months, and the mean secondary delay was 1.02 ± 0.77 months.

Conclusion:

Our results align with the published literature with additional observations of changes in disease distribution with altitudes. However, a following study is required for trend analysis and develop policies for the primary prevention and early detection of carcinoma esophagus.
Theory of mind deficit in women with breast cancer and depression
Authors: Datta Arunima , Guha Prathama , Rathi Megha , Chaudhuri Tamohan
Published: April 2024

Background:

Studies have established that Theory of Mind (ToM) is impaired in patients with depression, but few studies have investigated the status of ToM in breast cancer patients who often suffer from depression. Our objective was to compare the ToM deficits in women with breast cancer with and without depression with a control group.

Methods:

The study was conducted at the Oncology department of a multi-speciality hospital in Kolkata. It was a cross sectional matched control study. We compared the ToM performance of women with breast cancer and depression (N=39), breast cancer without depression (N=63) and a healthy control group (N=34) using the widely used ToM task, Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (Eyes Test). Depression was diagnosed using Mini - International Neuropsychiatric Interview following International Classification of Diseases - 10th edition guidelines. Chi-square and one-way analysis of variances was done.

Results:

Both groups of patients had greater impairment in ToM compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). Among breast cancer patients, presence of depression predicted even greater impairment of ToM (p<0.05). Lower income, less education and not being in any occupation other than homemaking were associated with greater ToM impairment across all groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Breast cancer patients suffering from depression may have an additional burden of impaired social cognition, which may reduce their ability to shore up social support when it is most required. This needs to be addressed urgently to ensure better quality of life.
Diagnostic dilemma in hyperechoic breast masses
Authors: Shah Rajesh R , Hussain Maharra S
Published: April 2024

Hyperechoic breast lesions are relatively uncommon, constituting only 0.6–6% of all breast masses and 0.6% of all biopsied lesions. The majority of these lesions are benign. There are rare malignancies that can present as hyperechoic masses and careful ultrasonographic assessment must be employed to avoid misdiagnosis.[1] We discuss the case of a 67-year-old female patient with a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer, who presented with one such rare breast cancer in a hyperechoic mass.
Assessment of health-related quality of life in cancer patients undergoing treatment using Health Utilities Index (HUI-3Ò) in East Delhi, India
Authors: Gupta Utsav , Upadhyay Madhu K , Sharma Rahul
Published: April 2024

Background:

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a construct that focuses on the capacity for living afforded by the health status of a patient. Measurement of HRQOL allows a composite estimation of the capacity for living of a patient and can help capture the suffering experienced by the patient due to adverse effects of therapeutic interventions. This study was conducted to understand the health-related quality of life of cancer patients undergoing various modalities of treatment to generate evidence source for need-based intervention, to assess patients diagnosed with cancers, using Health Utilities Index - 3 (HUI-3Ò) and assign them single-score values to gauge HRQOL and to measure the various domains of HRQOL and change in HRQOL after a period of three months of treatment.

Methods:

A descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted amongst patients aged more than 18 years, who were diagnosed with cancer at a tertiary care multispecialty hospital in New Delhi. They were administered a standardized HUI-3 QuestionnaireÒ and their responses were recorded, simultaneously. Statistical significance for change in HRQOL score was assessed with paired t-test. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify the various correlates of HRQOL.

Results:

The mean (± standard deviation) overall HRQOL score for all participants was 0.71 (± 0.262) [range=-0.09 to 1.00]. A follow-up assessment was carried out after three months and changes in health scores were subsequently recorded. A significant decrease in mean overall HRQOL score was seen for the entire group after three months of having been administered treatment. Single-attributes of emotion and ambulation were maximally affected amongst cancer patients after three months of treatment. On linear regression analyses, baseline HRQOL was a significant correlate of HRQOL at follow-up after three months.

Conclusion:

Addressing the HRQOL of a cancer patient before starting treatment would address morbidity that might be present even after three months.
How common is burnout? Are there protective factors? A study from a tertiary cancer center
Authors: Hota Arati , Khan Joad Anjum S.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Heathcare professionals (HCPs) in the field of oncology face challenging clinical situations, difficult conversations, and death. This can seriously affect their physical and psychological health.

Methods:

One hundred and eighty doctors and nurses participated in this descriptive study. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of burnout in HCPs in a tertiary care cancer hospital. The secondary objectives included assessment of psychological morbidity, correlation of burnout with demographic factors and years of experience, and resilience and its correlation with burnout. Data were collected using Maslach Burnout Inventory, General Health Questionnaire–28 (GHQ-28), and a Resilience scale (Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi and Dr. Shruti Narain). Descriptive statistics correlation and regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results:

One hundred and twenty-six (70%) respondents were young adults. Thirty-two (17.78%) respondents had a high Emotional Exhaustion (EE) score. A high Depersonalization score (DP) was seen in 24 (13.33%) and a low sense of Personal Accomplishment (PA) was perceived by 22 (12.22%). More nurses (55, 52.4%) had high resilience scores compared with doctors (21, 28%). Doctors (21, 28%) experienced more psychological morbidity than nurses (15, 14%). Among the domains of GHQ-28, high scores were observed in Somatic, Anxiety/Insomnia, and Social Dysfunction (mean 4.44 ± 3.92, 4.61 ± 3.85, and 4.54 ± 3.16, respectively) and low scores in the severe depression domain (mean 2.48/±3.29).

Conclusion:

Fifteen to eighteen percent of HCPs scored high levels of EE, DP, and low PA. Burnout was more common in doctors who had worked in the cancer center for longer. However, the converse was true for nurses. HCPs with high resilience scores had less burnout. Age and resilience protect from burnout.
Application of laparoscopic ultrasound in retroperitoneal radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma with Type II inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy
Authors: Cao Wen , Mi Shijun , Yu Zexing , Guo Dichen , Qu Peng , Liang Xiaoning , Xing Nianzeng , Zhang Junhui , Zhang Jianzhong , Guo Ruijun
Published: April 2024

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate the application value of laparoscopic ultrasound (LU) in retroperitoneal radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma with Type II inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy (RRN-RCC-TII-IVCTT).

Methods:

The clinical data (operative time, length of tumor thrombus, tumor length, intraoperative bleeding, clinical stage, histological type, residual tumor tissue, and postoperative follow-up) of 6 patients who underwent LU-guided RRN-RCC-TII-IVCTT were retrospectively analyzed, and the intraoperative experience of LU was also summarized.

Results:

All 6 patients recovered well with liver and kidney functions returning to normal, and no tumor recurrence, metastasis, or vena cava tumor thrombus.

Conclusions:

LU-guided RRN-RCC-TII-IVCTT is a feasible treatment option, which locates the tumor accurately by retroperitoneal approach and provides the additional benefit of reduced intraoperative bleeding and shortened operative time, also achieving the much sought-after goal of precision.
Evaluation of predictive factors in patients with bladder cancer undergoing atezolizumab treatment
Authors: Tacar Seher Y. , Yilmaz Mesut , Baytekin Halil F. , Tural Deniz
Published: April 2024

This series consists of three cases. Clinical features and pathological characteristics, expression of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), TIL-PD-L1 expression, microsatellite instability (MSI), and programmed death-ligand (PD-L1) were evaluated for predicting response to immunotherapy in patients receiving atezolizumab for advanced bladder cancer. Tumor PDL-1 level was 80% in case 1; however, PDL-1 level was detected as 0% in other cases. TIL PDL-1 level was 5% in the first case, and 1% and 0% in the second and third cases, respectively. TIL density was higher in the first case than in the other two cases. MSI was not detected in any of the cases. With atezolizumab treatment, the radiologic response was obtained only in the first case and progression free survival (PFS) lasting 8 months was detected. In the other two cases, there was no response with atezolizumab and the disease progressed. When the clinical factors (performance status, hemoglobin level, presence of liver metastases, and response time to platinum regimen) predicting the response to the second series of treatments were evaluated, patients had a risk factor of 0, 2, and 3, respectively. The overall survival of the cases was determined as 28, 11, and 11 months, respectively. In our study, when compared with the other cases, the first case reported a higher PD-L1, higher TIL PD-L1 level, higher TIL density, and low clinical risk factors and had longer survival with atezolizumab.
Nivolumab rechallenge after severe immune hepatitis in a metastatic renal cell cancer patient with hepatitis B and no detectable primary
Authors: Demir Lutfiye , Canaz Funda
Published: April 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an aggressive tumor with high metastatic potential and most of cases are determined incidentally on radiologic imaging. Metastatic RCC (mRCC) without a primary is very rare, and only a small number of cases have been reported in the literature. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been used to treat mRCC, but they are associated with immune-related adverse events. Immune hepatitis is rare and usually observed within three months of initiation of therapy. Patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have generally been excluded from immunotherapy trials, although a small number of reports and retrospective studies exist on the use of immunotherapy in patients with HBV infection. A 59-year-old man was diagnosed with mRCC with adrenal and liver metastases and vena cava inferior thrombosis but without evidence of a primary. Second-line therapy with nivolumab achieved a good clinical response, but grade IV immune-related hepatitis was observed after one year. He also had an occult HBV infection. However, HBV reactivation did not occur with continuous entecavir prophylaxis. The hepatitis gradually resolved within two months without any management, and the patient was rechallenged with nivolumab. Metastatic RCC rarely presents without a primary mass in the kidney. In such cases, histologic and immunohistochemical characteristics are critical. Nivolumab-induced immune hepatitis may occur as late as one year after initiation of therapy. Rechallenge of immunotherapy may be considered in selected patients. HBV infection is not a contraindication for immunotherapy, these patients can be treated safely with frequent monitoring and antiviral prophylaxis.
Treatment outcome of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia patients in Egypt
Authors: Edesa Wael A , Ayad Noha N , Mounir Ashraf M , Haggag Mamdouh H
Published: April 2024

Background:

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) are a spectrum of tumors that develop from placental tissue. We aimed to evaluate the management and treatment outcome of GTN.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with GTN presented to Kasr Alainy Center of Clinical Oncology between 2008 and 2017 were included in this study. Patients were assigned to low or high-risk according to the World Health Organization (WHO) scoring system. All data were tabulated and statistically studied by descriptive analysis; comparison between the two groups was done using student t-test for continuous data and Chi-square test for categorical data.

Results:

A total of 111 patients were studied; the majority of them had WHO low-risk score. In low-risk group, the overall response rate to methotrexate-folinic acid (MTX- FA) or actinomycin D (ActD) was 48.5%, comparable response rate observed between MTX and ActD was 48.2% vs 50%, respectively. Those who received MTX-FA 8-day regimen had higher response rate compared to a weekly schedule, however, no statistical significant difference was observed (51.6% vs 44.4%, respectively, P = 0.586), all low-risk patients who failed MTX or ActD achieved complete remission (CR) with subsequent chemotherapy. Patients with WHO score 5–6 had a significantly lower CR rate compared to patients with scores <5, (28% and 60%, respectively; P = 0.01). Five-years overall survival was significantly lower in high-risk than low-risk patients (79.3% vs 100%, respectively, P = <0.001).

Conclusion:

Low-risk patients have a survival rate of 100% even if they did not respond to first-line chemotherapy, MTX-FA 8-day regimen seems to be more effective than MTX weekly regimen.
Prevalence and determinants of breast and cervical cancer screening among women aged between 30 and 49 years in India
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Yuvaraj , Ganesh Karthika , Sakthivel Manikandanesan
Published: April 2024

Background:

Breast and cervical cancers are the two leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in India. Early diagnosis of these cancers through screening offers the best chance to achieve successful treatment outcomes. Hence, the current study was done to determine the prevalence and predictors of breast and cervical cancer screening among women aged 30-49 years in India.

Methods:

We have analyzed the most recent National Family Health Survey-4 data (NFHS-4) gathered from Demographic Health Survey program. Stratification and clustering in the sample design were accounted using svyset command. Adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported.

Results:

In total, 336,777 women aged 30-49 years were included. Proportion of women aged 30-49 years with history of breast cancer examination in their lifetime was 12.9% (95% CI: 12.6-13.2%), while it was 29.8% (95% CI: 29.3-30.3%) for cervical cancer. It was found that women aged 45-49 years (aPR=1.09), married (aPR=2.18), higher educational level (aPR=1.28), richest quantile (aPR=1.96), no history of pill use (aPR=1.24), obese (aPR=1.06), and healthy dietary habits (aPR=1.47) were more likely to be screened for breast cancer. Predictors for cervical cancer screening were higher age group (aPR=1.06), married (aPR=2.94), secondary educational level (aPR=1.05), richest quantile (aPR=2.24), nonpill user (aPR=1.24), nontobacco user (aPR=1.07), and lower parity (aPR=1.09).

Conclusion:

A total of 1 out of 10 women in reproductive age group were screened for breast cancer while less than one in three for cervical cancer. Hence, it is important to spread awareness and increase access to screening services to achieve early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
Human papillomavirus and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in a UK population
Authors: Al-Dabbagh Raghad , Al-Hazmi Nadia , Alhazzazi Turki Y , Barrett AW , Speight Paul M
Published: April 2024

Background:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an evolving important risk factor for head and neck cancer (HNC), especially for individuals who do not smoke and drink alcohol. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of HPV infection and elucidate its association with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients in UK population.

Methods:

The presence and association of HPV was investigated in HNSCC patients in this retrospective clinical study. Samples were obtained from archived biopsies and resections. HPV screening was performed by the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the GP5+/GP6+ and the SPF1/2 consensus as primers and by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Samples of viral warts that were IHC positive for HPV and fibroepethelial polyps (FEP) were used, as positive and negative controls, respectively.

Results:

The cohort included 124 patients with HNSCC with an age range of 27–97 years (median, 60 years) and a male to female ratio of 2:1. Among the 124 HNSCC, 43/124 (34.7%) were from the tongue, 74/124 (60%) presented with advanced stage III or IV disease, 112/124 (90%) had a conventional phenotype, 84/124 (68%) were moderately differentiated, and 89/124 (72%) had bands or cords at the invasive front. Of the 124 patients with HNSCC, 84/124 (68%) demonstrated the presence of HPV, 0/124 (0%) was for oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). HPV16 was the associated virus type in all positive samples. However, no significant association was observed between HPV positivity and other clinico-pathological variables including age and gender of the patients, stage, and malignancy differentiation.

Conclusion:

The results we provide suggest that HPV infection is low in HNSCC, in general, and absent in OSCC, specifically, in this UK population during this time period. This implies that HPV infection may not play an important role in HNSCC carcinogenesis compared to other risk factors in UK population. This information can aid in more effective treatment approaches for treating UK cases of HNSCC.
Power Doppler sonography – A supplement to hysteroscopy in abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: Batra Shuchita , Khanna Anuradha , Shukla R C
Published: April 2024

Background:

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is a very frequent cause of gynecological visits in women of all age groups. Ultrasound pelvis with or without endometrial sampling have been conventionally used to make diagnosis. Power Doppler is a comparatively recent modality which can be used to screen patients who will need endometrial biopsy/ curretage. We hereby conducted a study to compare the diagnostic accuracy of power Doppler sonography and hysteroscopy with histopathology associated with abnormal uterine bleeding. We also calculated the incidence of uterine pathology in AUB by power Doppler ultrasound and hysteroscopy and compared it with histopathology.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. After excluding 42 women, a total of 100 women fulfilling the inclusion criteria contributed to our study. Selected women underwent power Doppler ultrasound and hysteroscopy with guided biopsy. Results were compared with histopathology as per the gold standard. Evaluation of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were performed for each modality. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 11.0 statistical package. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests used.

Results:

Sensitivity and specificity of power Doppler are 75% and 100% for carcinoma endometrium, 72.72% and 98.9% for endometrial hyperplasia, and 81.81% and 100% for endometrial polyp, respectively.

Conclusion

: Power Doppler sonography can be used to screen outpatients who do not need an endometrial biopsy for abnormal uterine bleeding. This will avoid unnecessary hysteroscopy in definitive benign cases, and watchful hysteroscopy in suspected premalignant and malignant cases. Irregular branching vessels and color splashes were found to be the best parameters for diagnosing endometrial carcinoma. Power Doppler should be done along with transvaginal sonography in all cases of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Factors predicting contralateral nodal spread in papillary carcinoma of thyroid
Authors: Verma Harish , Shah Nija , Jain Prateek , Manikantan Kapila , Sharan Rajeev , Arun Pattatheyil
Published: April 2024

Background:

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is evident in about 20–50% of cases at presentation in papillary carcinoma thyroid (PTC). There are no clear recommendations for the need and extent of lateral and central compartment dissection in PTC.

Methods:

A total of 83 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and bilateral selective neck dissection for diagnosed PTC from September 2011 to October 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

Tumor site was bilobar or involving isthmus in 40 patients. Contralateral LNM was seen in 42 patients. Both radiological (median size 2.6 cm, P = 0.051) and pathological (median size 3.65 cm, P = 0.015) size of tumor, tumor involving isthmus or bilateral lobes (P = 0.006), and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (P = 0.026) had significant correlation with contralateral LNM.

Conclusion:

Size and site of tumor, ipsilateral lateral compartment nodes involvement, and LVI status of tumor significantly increases the probability of contralateral LNM in patients of PTC.
Survival outcomes of pneumonectomy with left atrial resection for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Celik Ali , Sayan Muhammet , Ozkan Nur D , Bas Aynur , Kurul Ismail C , Tastepe Abdullah I
Published: April 2024

Background:

Lung cancer invading left atrium is accepted as T4 tumor and surgical treatment in this situation is controversial. The aim of our study was to determine the prognostic factors of patients with surgically treated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invading left atrium.

Methods:

After the approval of local ethics committee, the study was conducted in Gazi University, Department of Thoracic Surgery (Ankara-Turkey). The records of the patients were obtained from the encrypted hospital management software. Sequential codes were given to the data of patients and it was transferred to the statistics program without their names and ID numbers. The data of patients were collected as follows: those who had extended pneumonectomy from the surgery reports were found, then their pathology reports were examined, and those who had atrial muscle tissue were included in the study. Selected cases included as follows: patients who were medically suitable for surgery, patients who could tolerate surgery in cardiology evaluation, patients who had adequate lung capacity for pneumonectomy. Data of patients were analyzed according to age, gender, lymph node invasion, complete resection, and operative mortality.

Results:

A total of 18 patients were included in the study. There were 16 (88.8%) men and 2 (12.2%) women. The mean age was 60.8 (range: 44 -76; Standard deviation: ± 1.8) years. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in only one patient. The 30-day mortality was 5.5%. 1, 3, and 5-years overall survivals were 77%, 18.6%, and 9.3%, respectively. Mediastinal lymph node metastasis in N1 and N2 stations was detected 10 and 2, respectively. There was statistically significant correlation between recurrence and lymph node invasion status including N1 and N2 station (P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Although surgery is controversial in patients with NSCLC invading left atrium, it can be performed in selected cases. Morbidity and mortality rates were acceptable.
Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for evaluating chemotherapy response in patients with acute leukemia
Authors: Tian Xue , Niu Jinliang , Li Wenjin , Zhou Xiaohong Joe , Wu Wenqi , Li Xiaojun , Wang Jun , Wang Hongwei
Published: April 2024

Background:

At present, the diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of acute leukemia (AL) are assessed by bone marrow aspiration, which is invasive and subject to sampling errors. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop a noninvasive and accurate imaging method to evaluate bone marrow changes in patients with AL. This study aimed to compare the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values obtained from fluid-attenuated inversion recovery diffusion-weighted imaging (FLAIR-DWI) and conventional DWI in the lumbar bone marrow of patients with AL and to investigate their performance for evaluating response to induction chemotherapy.

Methods:

A total of 28 patients with newly diagnosed AL and 25 patients with AL after induction chemotherapy underwent MRI scans at 1.5 Tesla using a conventional DWI and a FLAIR-DWI sequence on sagittal planes covering the lumbar bone marrow. Further, the ADC values from these two sequences, denoted as ADCCON and ADCFLAIR, were measured on multiple vertebrae. The percentage of leukemia cells in bone marrow was recorded, and bone marrow aspiration was performed on treated patients to determine complete remission (CR) and nonremission (NR).

Results:

ADCFLAIR [(0.453 ± 0.103) × 10−3 mm2/s] was significantly lower than ADCCON [(0.486 ± 0.096) × 10−3 mm2/s] in the 28 untreated patients (t = 3.051, P = 0.005). In the 25 treated patients, ADCFLAIR and ADCCON values [(0.566 ± 0.239) × 10−3 mm2/s] and [(0.716 ± 0.235) × 10−3 mm2/s], respectively, were higher compared with the untreated patients. The ADCCON values showed a nonsignificant difference between the CR (n = 18) and NR (n = 7) groups (t = 1.409, P = 0.305). However, the ADCFLAIR values exhibited statistically significant difference (t = 2.542, P = 0.018) between the two groups. In a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) using ADCFLAIR (0.770) was larger than that of ADCCON (0.611) in distinguishing the CR and NR patients following the chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

Although both ADCCON and ADCFLAIR are sensitive to tissue changes induced by chemotherapy, FLAIR-DWI outperformed conventional DWI in separating AL patients with CR from NR after chemotherapy. A possible mechanism is that FLAIR-DWI suppresses signals from free water, making the ADC measurement more sensitive to structural changes in the bone marrow.
Cotard's syndrome in the postoperative period following head and neck cancer surgery – A case report
Authors: Thakur Nitish , Gupta Mahima , Gupta Raghav , Mishra Seema
Published: April 2024

Major head and neck surgery is a known factor for postoperative delirium; however, Cotard's syndrome (CS) has been rarely reported following head and neck surgery. We report a case of a 51-year-old man who underwent surgery for carcinoma right buccal mucosa and developed agitation and nihilistic delusion after extubation. The patient had a preexisting psychiatric history which is often reported as a risk factor for CS. Of interest, though is that this condition subsided as quickly as it emerged with only supportive counselling and brief pharmacotherapy.
Significance of cancer testis-associated antigens (SPAG9 and FBXO39) in colon cancer
Authors: Ramadan Ragaa A , Morsy Heba , Samir Mohamed , Shamseya Mohamed , Shalaby Maha , El-Attar Eman A
Published: April 2024

Background:

Cancer testis antigens (CTA) are normally expressed in immune privileged tissues such as the testis. They are considered tumor-associated antigens because they are specifically expressed in different cancers. Their distinct nature rendered them appealing targets for cancer diagnosis, prognosis. and immunotherapy. We aimed to identify the association of two CTA genes with colon cancer (CC) in a cohort of Egyptian patients.

Methods:

We measured the relative gene expression levels of two CTAs: SPAG9 and FBXO39 in colonic tumor tissue and adjacent normal-appearing mucosa in 50 newly diagnosed colon cancer patients by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Gene expression was also studied in relation to demographic and pathological criteria.

Results:

SPAG9 and FBXO39 were overexpressed in 22% and 40% of cases, respectively. Overexpression of both genes was evident in 14% of cases. We report the significant expression of FBXO39 (P < 0.01) in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue. SPAG9 was significantly increased in large sized tumors compared to smaller sized tumors. Otherwise, there was no significant association between gene expression and the evaluated clinicopathological features (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

SPAG9 and FBXO39 are possible CC diagnostic biomarkers. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings.
Management of Lateral Luxation Injury in a 3½-year-old Boy
Authors: Lodha Vipul , Saraf Tanvi , Kalsi Harjit Singh , Jawdekar Ashwin , Mistry Laresh , Kannan Jeyshree
Published: April 2024

This case report documents the trauma and follow-up care of lateral luxation injury of upper central incisors in a 3½-year-old boy. Traumatic dental injuries in children occur very frequently and lateral luxation is a kind of injury in which the tooth is displaced in either labial or palatal/lingual direction. Lateral luxation injuries are one of the most severe periodontal injuries in dental trauma. A correct diagnosis followed by repositioning of the tooth in the right position is fundamental to the periodontal ligament healing. A 3½-year-old boy reported with a fall on his upper front tooth while laying at home and his upper central incisors got laterally luxated. The teeth were repositioned by digital pressure subsequently, on finding necrotic changes pulpectomy was performed in 51 and 61. Clinical and radiographic follow-up of 7 months is presented showing uneventful healing. Immediate repositioning along with occlusal relief, endodontic management, and proper follow-up with adequate patient engagement can be considered for treating lateral luxation injury.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Metabolic Syndrome among Police Officers in Kozhikode Corporation
Authors: Padmanabhan Aparna , Thayyil Jayakrishnan , Alan G , Kumar Siju
Published: April 2024

Context:

Police personnel constitute a special occupational group with exposure to stressful work environment indirectly resulting in a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including metabolic syndrome (MS), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle is reported among policemen. Surveillance activities are limited in the present scenario.

Aims:

The present study was designed to measure the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors among police officers in Kozhikode district and observe the trend over the last 10 years.

Settings and Design:

The design was cross-sectional and spanned 630 policemen of Kozhikode Corporation in Kerala Methods and Material: Data collection was done using a pre-tested questionnaire. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were carried out using standard techniques. MS was diagnosed using the National Cholesterol Education Program—Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 20.0 software. Prevalence of MS and cardiovascular risk factors were expressed as percentages (95% CI). Associated factors with MS were identified using Chi square test.

Results:

MS was observed in 45.1% of the study population. Obesity and lack of physical activity were the commonest abnormalities. Cardiovascular risk factors identified were high body mass index (67.3%), lack of physical activity (47.1%), hypertension (16.7%), alcohol use (24.2%), smoking (17.3%) and diabetes (8.8%).

Conclusions:

There is a rising prevalence (16.8% in 2012 to 45.1% in 2021) of Metabolic Syndrome among policemen in Calicut Corporation. All the cardio vascular risk factors are also highly prevalent among the policemen. Policy makers might seriously take up the issue and introduce effective policies that might help reduce the incidence of MS and other cardio vascular risk factors in the newly recruited young policemen.
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Corrugated Box Factory Workers in India
Authors: Kulkarni Madhur S. , Shaikh Falak F.
Published: April 2024

Context:

Corrugated box factory workers routinely perform various tasks at their workplace which may impact their musculoskeletal system and quality of life (QoL).

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess work-related musculoskeletal disorders and health related QoL in corrugated box factory workers of an urban city in India.

Study Setting:

Corrugated box factory.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional.

Methods and Materials:

The study encompassed 60 participants fulfilling laid down inclusion criteria. Assessment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) was done by using the Hindi version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using World Health Organization Quality of Life brief questionnaire.

Statistical Analysis:

This was done using descriptive statistics. Mean, standard deviations, and percentages were calculated using Microsoft Excel, and the data were presented in tabular and graphical format.

Results:

In total, 98.33% workers reported of having work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The area-wise affection showed the highest incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in shoulder and lower back, i.e. 52.54% each followed by knee (41.23%) thereafter the other joints.

Conclusions:

This study concludes that WRMSDs are significantly prevalent among corrugated box factory workers in urban India along with manifestations of lower HRQoL.
Sneddon’s Syndrome and the Capability to Work: With Regard to a Clinical Case
Authors: Ribeiro Rui , Saldanha Nuno , Matos Pedro , Teófilo Vanessa , Moreira Salomé , Pinho Paulo , Norton Pedro
Published: April 2024

Sneddon’s syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the presence of neurocutaneous lesions, including reticular livedo and an increase in thrombotic risk, and it is associated with a greater risk of cerebrovascular disease. It is diagnosed through a skin biopsy and neurological manifestations. In this study, we present a clinical report of a 39-year-old nurse exposed to shift and night work in an intensive care unit. She was diagnosed with Sneddon’s syndrome, whose workplace had to be readapted, considering the complications and restrictions of her condition and aiming her protection and healthcare promotion. Night work can exacerbate cerebral and cardiovascular events due to its impact on metabolism, blood pressure profile, and hormone concentrations. Therefore, given a syndrome characterized by an increased thrombotic risk associated with cerebrovascular events, the restriction of night work is imperative. The occupational physician is responsible for intervening in the workplace and preventing long-term consequences for employees.
Perceived Work Stress and Quality of Life Among Bankers in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Adekeye Abolaji P. , Elegbede Adetokunbo O. , Tunde-Ayinmode Mosunmola F.
Published: April 2024

Work-related stress is the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and challenge their ability to cope. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines quality of life (QOL) as individuals’ perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. This study aimed to determine the pattern of perceived work stress and its impact on the QOL of bankers in Ado-Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among three hundred and two bankers in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The single-stage study obtained data on the socio-demographics, work history, and medical history of respondents with the socio-demographic questionnaire. The perception of work stress by the respondents was assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the QOL was assessed with the WHO QOL Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Fifty-seven (18.9%) had a low perception of stress, 233 (77.1%) had a moderate perception of stress, and 12 (4.0%) had a high perception of stress. In this study, an association was found between perceived work stress and social relationship domain of QOL. This study showed that there is a high prevalence of moderately perceived work stress among bankers. It also showed a significant association between perceived work stress and QOL.
Assessing Health Seeking Behaviors and Economic Consequences of Morbidity in Indian Construction Workers: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Soundararajan Soundarya , Viramgami Ankit , Sheth Ankit , Beerappa Ravichandran , Kalahasthi Ravibabu , Sampathraju Raghavan , Venugopal Dhananjayan , Sarkar Kamalesh , Balachandar Rakesh
Published: April 2024

Background:

Construction laborers succumb to poor health due to the inherent workplace health hazards and poor socio-economic living conditions. With rising healthcare expenses, the increased risk of poor health may aggravate their economic status, pushing them deeper into poverty.

Settings and Design:

The current cross-sectional multicenter study comprehensively investigated the determinants of health, health-seeking behavior, and poor economic impact regarding catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) among construction laborers.

Methods and Material:

We collected details on illnesses among self and family members of the construction laborers that required healthcare visits during the previous year and their approximate expenses. Among the 1110 participants with complete data, 37% reported illness requiring a healthcare visit either for self or a family member.

Results:

Regression models to ascertain demographic and living condition determinants of perceived illness revealed an increased risk of illness when the kitchen is shared with the living space (OR = 1.87) and use unhygienic smoky cooking fuels (OR = 1.87). More than 25% of those who reported illness incurred CHE.

Conclusion:

We conclude that the frequency of perceived illness and the economic impact, i.e., CHE is relatively higher among the construction laborers. Our results demonstrate that poor living conditions add to the burden of morbidity in construction workers and families. Providing healthcare coverage for this population and engaging and educating them about affordable healthcare are necessary future steps to prevent the worsening of the economic situation.
Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effects of Purified Mercury in Human Gingival Fibroblasts—In vitro Study
Authors: Mehrotra Deepshikha , Shetty Rajmohan Y. , Shetty Jayaprakasha , Kumar B. Mohana , Shetty A. Veena , Shetty Shraddha , Shetty Rashmi N.
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Since the introduction of amalgam for tooth fillings, there have been concerns that mercury toxicity could pose unacceptable health risks. Rasa shastra is an ancient medical discipline that focuses on the utilization of metals and minerals for the treatment of diseases. Nevertheless, these minerals cannot be directly administered to the human body in their natural state due to their potential adverse effects. Hence, for medicinal purposes, these metals and minerals need to undergo purification (Shodhana) to eliminate impurities and modify their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.

Methodology:

Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) were exposed to commercially available mercury (CA-Hg) and ayurvedically purified mercury (AP-Hg) at concentrations of 6.25 μM, 12.5 μM, 25 μM and 50 μM. The unexposed HGF cultured in basal media was considered a control. All the samples were cultured for 24 hours and 48 hours, and the cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay.

Results:

Cell viability between the control and experimental groups varied at 24 hours, however, the results were not statistically significant (p>0.05). At 48 hours, cell viability was higher in the AP-Hg group as compared to the CA-Hg group at the concentration of 6.25 μM, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The cell proliferation assay results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the mean optical density values (p<0.05) between CA-Hg and AP-Hg at 12.50 μM, 25 μM, and 50, μM concentrations observed at 24 hours. At 48 hours, a statistically significant difference in the mean OD values (p<0.05) between CA-Hg and AP-Hg at all four concentrations was observed. Conclusion: AP-Hg at a concentration of 6.25 μM demonstrated higher cell viability at 48 hours. Further, the cell proliferation rate was also higher for AP-Hg at all concentrations at 24 and 48 hours. These results indicated a less cytotoxic effect of AP-Hg than CA-Hg in HGF and hence could be employed for dental amalgam preparations.
Neurogenic potential of NG2 in neurotrauma: a systematic review
Authors: Rigo Yuri R. , Benvenutti Radharani , Portela Luis V. , Strogulski Nathan R.
Published: April 2024

Regenerative approaches towards neuronal loss following traumatic brain or spinal cord injury have long been considered a dogma in neuroscience and remain a cutting-edge area of research. This is reflected in a large disparity between the number of studies investigating primary and secondary injury as therapeutic targets in spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. Significant advances in biotechnology may have the potential to reshape the current state-of-the-art and bring focus to primary injury neurotrauma research. Recent studies using neural-glial factor/antigen 2 (NG2) cells indicate that they may differentiate into neurons even in the developed brain. As these cells show great potential to play a regenerative role, studies have been conducted to test various manipulations in neurotrauma models aimed at eliciting a neurogenic response from them. In the present study, we systematically reviewed the experimental protocols and findings described in the scientific literature, which were peer-reviewed original research articles (1) describing preclinical experimental studies, (2) investigating NG2 cells, (3) associated with neurogenesis and neurotrauma, and (4) in vitro and/or in vivo, available in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science or SCOPUS, from 1998 to 2022. Here, we have reviewed a total of 1504 papers, and summarized findings that ultimately suggest that NG2 cells possess an inducible neurogenic potential in animal models and in vitro. We also discriminate findings of NG2 neurogenesis promoted by different pharmacological and genetic approaches over functional and biochemical outcomes of traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury models, and provide mounting evidence for the potential benefits of manipulated NG2 cell ex vivo transplantation in primary injury treatment. These findings indicate the feasibility of NG2 cell neurogenesis strategies and add new players in the development of therapeutic alternatives for neurotrauma.