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Negative Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency at Diagnosis on Breast Cancer Survival: A Prospective Cohort Study
Full text linkObjective. We prospectively evaluated the association between vitamin D concentration at diagnosis and overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in postmenopausal women treated for breast cancer. Methods. This study included 192 patients newly diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, aged ≥45 years, and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25 (OH)D) concentration assessment at diagnosis. Patients were classified into groups according to 25 (OH)D concentrations: sufficient (≥30 ng/mL), insufficient (between 20 and 29 ng/mL), and deficient (<20 ng/mL). The primary outcome was OS, and the secondary outcomes were DFS and CSS. The Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression model were used to assess the association between 25 (OH)D concentrations and survival rates. Differences in survival were evaluated by hazard ratios (HRs). Results. The mean age was 61.3 ± 9.6 years, 25 (OH)D concentration was 26.9 ± 7.5 ng/mL (range 12.0–59.2 ng/mL), and the follow-up period was between 54 and 78 months. Sufficient 25 (OH)D was detected in 33.9% of patients, insufficient in 47.9%, and deficient in 18.2%. A total of 51 patients (26.6%) died during the study period, with a mean OS time of 54.4 ± 20.2 months (range 9–78 months). Patients with 25 (OH)D deficiency and insufficiency at diagnosis had a significantly lower OS, DFS, and CSS compared with patients with sufficient values (). After adjustment for clinical and tumoral prognostic factors, patients with 25 (OH)D concentrations considered deficient at diagnosis had a significantly higher risk of global death (HR, 4.65; 95% CI, 1.65–13.12), higher risk of disease recurrence (HR, 6.87; 95% CI, 2.35–21.18), and higher risk of death from the disease (HR, 5.91; 95% CI, 1.98–17.60) than the group with sufficient 25(OH)D concentrations. Conclusion. In postmenopausal women treated for breast cancer, vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency at diagnosis were independently associated with lower OS, DFS, and CSS compared with patients with sufficient 25(OH)D concentrations.
1. Introduction
Breast cancer is the type of cancer that mostly affects women in the world, in both developing and developed countries, with about 2.3 million new cases in 2020, comprising 25% of all cancers diagnosed in women [1]. In Brazil, the National Cancer Institute (INCA) estimates 66,280 new cases of breast cancer, for each year of the 2020–2022 triennium [2]. According to data from the American Cancer Society, the 5- and 10-year relative survival rates for women with invasive breast cancer are 90% and 84%, respectively [1]. Despite being considered a relatively good prognosis cancer if diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, the AMAZONA study demonstrated that Brazilian women have a higher risk of being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer and at a younger age than women in high-income countries [3].
Vitamin D concentration can be considered a prognostic factor in women with breast cancer [4, 5]. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that has various physiologic effects on several tissues [6]. The major source of vitamin D is endogenous synthesis in the skin (dermis and epidermis). When the skin is exposed to sunlight, 7-dehydrocholesterol absorbs UVB radiation, leading to chemical bonds within the 7-dehydrocholesterol molecule to break and rearrange, resulting in the formation of previtamin D3. In the skin, previtamin D3 undergoes rapid thermally induced transformation to vitamin D3. Cutaneously synthesized vitamin D3 is released from the plasma membrane and is transported to the liver, where it is hydroxylated at carbon 25 to 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25 (OH)D). The activation of vitamin D requires hydroxylation of 25 (OH)D at position 1 in the proximal renal tubules. This step is catalyzed by the enzyme 1α-hydroxylase, which converts 25 (OH)D to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), the biologically active form of vitamin D [7, 8].
The main organs where vitamin D acts are those involved in calcium homeostasis, including bones, intestine, and kidneys, but most tissues of the body express vitamin D receptor (VDR), including the mammary gland [6]. These receptors were also present in a breast cancer cell line, suggesting a possible association between vitamin D and cancer [9]. The effects of the active form of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) on the breast are mediated by VDR, which controls the expression of genes that regulate antineoplastic actions, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, which is in accordance with scientific evidence linking hypovitaminosis D to breast cancer incidence and mortality [10, 11]. The antiproliferative effect of 1,25(OH)2D cancer cells has since been confirmed in most normal and cancerous cells whereby 1,25(OH)2D especially inhibits cell cycle progression at the G1 stage. The VDR was not a marker for malignancy but might play a role in the pathogenesis or evolution of cancer [9]. Demonstrating the role of vitamin D in cancer mortality, an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with 13% reduced cancer mortality over 3–10 years of follow-up [12]
Prevalence, Severity, and Predictors of Poststroke Depression in a Prospective Cohort of Jordanian Patients
Full text linkPoststroke depression (PSD) is common and remains a significant risk factor for poor outcomes. This prospective study is aimed at assessing the prevalence, severity, and predictors of PSD among Jordanian stroke survivors. A total of 151 patients who were consequently admitted to a tertiary teaching hospital with ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes were enrolled. Participants were screened on admission for premorbid depression using the PHQ-9 questionnaire; then, screening for PSD was repeated one and three months after stroke using the same tool. Depression prevalence at each screening was reported, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate for significant predictors. PHQ-9 scores suggestive of depression were reported by 15%, 24.83%, and 17.39% of respondents on admission and after one and three months, respectively. Scores suggesting severe depression were reported by 0.71%, 2.13%, and 6.52% of respondents, respectively. Significant predictors of PSD were having chronic kidney disease, current smoking status, moderate or severe disability (mRS score) at stroke onset, and severe dependence (BI) after one month ( values 0.007, 0,002, 0.014, and 0.031, respectively). Patients with secondary and high school education levels were less likely to get depression compared with illiterate patients ( 0.042). This study showed that nearly one in four Jordanian stroke survivors experienced PSD after one month. In contrast, while the overall PSD prevalence declined towards the end of follow-up period, patients who remained depressed showed a tendency towards higher PSD severity.
1. Introduction
Stroke is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally [1]. It is the second leading noncommunicable cause of death in Jordan and a considerable source of complications and physical disability [2, 3]. Stroke survivors are liable to a multitude of physical, psychiatric, social, and functional impacts. Poststroke depression (PSD) is the most frequent and a very important neuropsychiatric complication. Stroke survivors who develop PSD are at a greater risk of poor functional outcomes, lower quality of life, increasing cognitive impairment, recurrent vascular events, and higher mortality than those without depression [4–6].
The DSM-V defines poststroke mood disorders as mood disorders due to stroke, with the specifiers of depressive features, major depressive-like episode, or mixed mood features [6]. Studies evaluating PSD have reported varying findings owing to heterogeneous settings, populations, and methodologies. Also, several studies suggested that PSD prevalence differs with the time interval between stroke and depression assessment [7]. Additionally, some neurological symptoms such as aphasia and cognitive impairment may conceal mood abnormalities, and there is a lack of consensus over the best screening tool for case-finding [7, 8]. Subsequently, the range of estimated PSD prevalence is wide [9, 10]. However, meta-analyses with large databases reported that approximately one-third of survivors developed PSD at any time point up to 5 years following stroke [11–13]. Surveys from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region also reported a wide prevalence of PSD (17-73%) [10], while previous surveys from Jordan reported a range from 25% to 76% [14–17]. Studies aiming to identify risk factors predisposing to PSD have also been inconsistent. The most frequently identified risk factors include the level of physical disability, stroke severity, and history of mental illness [7, 18].
Different instruments have been used to screen stroke survivors for PSD [19]. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a self-administered tool that employs nine standard questions to score each of the nine DSM criteria as zero (not at all) to three (nearly every day) [20]. It has been well-validated in different settings as a brief screener for PSD [19, 21, 22]. A meta-analysis found that PHQ-9 had a summary sensitivity of 0.77 and a specificity of 0.94 (0.90–0.97) [23]. Cut-off PHQ-9 scores of 5, 10, 15, and 20 represent mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression, respectively [20]. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and severity of PSD at one and three months after stroke and at investigating PSD predictors among Jordanian stroke survivors
Successful Surgical Treatment of Intractable Post-Radiation Rectal Bleeding
Full text linkPatients will typically present symptoms of chronic post-radiation colitis and proctitis 8–12 months after finishing their treatment. Endoscopic methods play the main role the treatment of bleeding caused by post-radiation colitis and proctitis. Surgical treatment is required for remained approximately 10% of patients. Here we present a 64 year old female with metastatic breast cancer, who was referred to us for intractable rectal bleeding. Total colonoscopy and rigid rectosigmoidoscopy revealed proctitis, rectal and sigmoidal telangiectasis, multiple necrotic ulcers between 15 to 30 cm from the anal verge, and also huge ishemic ulcer with patchy necrotic areas about 10 cm from the anal verge. This abnormal irradiated part was resected and then mucosectomy of the remnant rectum, both transabdominally and transanally was done. We performed pull-through technique of normal proximal colon to anal region through the remnant rectal wall and finally did coloanal anastomosis. Diverting stoma was not made because of anastomosis in anal region. With this technique we can achieve benefits such as avoidance of harsh dissection in a frozen pelvis and its consequences, we can avoid intra-abdominal anastomosis, there is no need to a diverting stoma and, most important of all, definite bleeding control
The Quest for Outpatient Mastectomy in COVID-19 Era: Barriers and Facilitators
Full text linkBackground. The rate of inpatient mastectomies remains high despite multiple studies reporting favourably on outpatient mastectomies. Outpatient mastectomies do not compromise quality of patient care and are more efficient than inpatient care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of outpatient mastectomy. Materials and Methods. Implementation of an outpatient mastectomy program was evaluated in a retrospective study. All patients who underwent mastectomy between January 2019 and September 2021 were included. Results. 213 patients were enrolled in the study: 62.4% (n = 133) outpatient mastectomies versus 37.6% (n = 80) inpatient mastectomies. A steady rise in outpatient mastectomies was observed over time. The second quarter of 2020, coinciding with the first COVID-19 wave, showed a peak in outpatient mastectomies. The only significant barrier to outpatient mastectomy proved to be bilateral mastectomy. Unplanned return to care was observed in 27.8% of the outpatient versus 36.3% of the inpatient mastectomies (); the reason for unplanned return of care was similar in both groups. Conclusions. Outpatient mastectomy is shown to be feasible and safe with a steady increase during the study period. A barrier to outpatient mastectomy was bilateral mastectomy. Incidence of unplanned return to care or complications did not differ significantly between the outpatient and inpatient cohorts
Determinants of Stroke Mortality through Survival Models: The Case of Mettu Karl Referral Hospital, Mettu, Ethiopia
Full text linkIntroduction. Every year worldwide, between five to six million deaths are associated with stroke; on average, one stroke-related death occurs every four minutes. In Ethiopia, stroke is a frequent cause of mortality and morbidity from noncommunicable diseases. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining factors associated to stroke mortality through survival models in Mettu Karl Referral Hospital. Methods. This study was conducted from September 1, 2014, to April 1, 2017, and encompassed 202 stroke patients at Mettu Karl Referral Hospital. The Cox semiparametric regression was used for analyzing survival analysis of stroke patients using R software. Results. A total of 202 stroke patients were included in the study, and among those patients, 72.8% and 27.2% were censored and died, respectively. According to the result of Cox semiparametric regression model, sex of patients, hypertension, baseline complication, and stroke type had significant effect on survival of the stroke patient at 5% significance level. Conclusion. The results from Cox semiparametric regression model indicated that sex of patients, hypertension, baseline complication, and stroke type were major factors related to the survival time of stroke patients. The researcher recommends that the people should be aware on the burden of those risk factors and well informed about the disease
Inframammary Fold Banking of the Non-Dominant Superficial Epigastric Vein (SIEV) in Unilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Simple and Helpful Backup Option for Revision Surgery
Full text linkFree flaps from the lower abdomen represent the workhorses of modern autologous, microvascular breast reconstruction. Rare signs of venous congestion often become evident during the primary index operation, but a secondary shift of the initially dominant drainage of the DIEV system to the SIEV system with consequent malperfusion is a feared, rare event requiring urgent decision, and complex skill using vein grafts and additional anastomosis to restore a sufficient venous outflow. For secondary anastomosis of the SIEV, especially in stacked flaps, a vein graft to the DIEV or retrograde IMV may be necessary, but this requires an additional donor site, thus prolonging procedure time during the emergency operation and resulting in additional scars of the graft’s donor site. We report on a versatile, easy technique of scheduled inframammary fold banking of the dissected, flushed, and clipped non-dominant superficial epigastric vein (SIEV) in unilateral autologous breast reconstruction during the index operation. The banked graft may service as an easy and convenient accessible vein graft in the rare event of secondary shifting of the initial dominant drainage of the DIEV to the SIEV system with the need for urgent re-operation. We retrospectively evaluated the management and outcome of all suitable patients receiving autologous breast reconstruction with a unilateral abdominal DIEP or MS-Tram flap accompanied by banking of the SIEV in the breast pocket between 2017 and 2020 in the present study. In two out of 42 patients (4.8%) receiving autologous breast reconstruction with an abdominal DIEP or MS-TRAM flap with banking of the SIEV in the breast pocket, secondary malperfusion of the flap with progressive venous congestion occurred during the first 48 h perioperatively, between 2 and 37 (mean: 19.5) hours after skin closure. In both cases malperfusion was due to secondary SIEV system dominance, and the banked vein was used as an interpositional graft to the retrograde IMV (case 1) or the DIEV (case 2). Revision surgery lasted between 95 and 121 (mean: 108) minutes without the need for further vein graft harvesting, and further healing was uneventful. Based on the limited cases, inframammary fold banking of the non-dominant SIEV is a versatile, beneficial, and feasible concept with scarce additional dissection time and can be done in all unilateral breast reconstructions to have a reliable graft for emergency re-exploration. It is a useful approach in the context of spare part surgery and tissue banking to safeguard against the rare instance of venous congestion and need for an interpositional graft
Re-Do Surgery after Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Single Center Comparison between Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass
Full text linkIntroduction: According to the high rate of patients requiring a Re-Do surgery after a primary Sleeve Gastrectomy, due to failure on weight loss, this study proposes a comparison between RYGB and OAGB as a secondary intervention for morbidly obese patients. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent revisional surgery to convert SG to RYGB or OAGB at our institution from November 2011 to November 2019 was performed. Results: A subset of sixty-three patients with previous SG underwent revisional surgery due to failure of the primary intervention. The OAGB group (n = 17) had a mean BMI at the time of the sleeve of 62 kg/m2 and a mean BMI of 50.7 kg/m2, the length of the Omega was 139.35 cm. The RYGB (n = 46) group showed a mean BMI of 47 kg/m2 at the time of the sleeve and a BMI of 34.8 kg/m2 at the time of the revision. The RYGB was performed according to the 70/120 cm standard for all the patients. One patient also had a revision from secondary OAGB to RYGB due to persistent biliary reflux, in this case the biliary branch was settled at 150 cm and the alimentary at 50 cm. Conclusions: The outcomes in the OAGB group showed a 29%WL and a 47%EWL (out of a 17%WL and 28%EWL at the time of the sleeve), on the other side the RYGB group reached a 33%WL and 72%EWL (out of a 25%WL and a 54%EWL at the time of the sleeve). According to our data we assume that RYGB is more effective in terms of weight loss as a revisional surgery afte
COVID-19 Lockdown Has No Significant Impact on Trauma Epidemiology and Outcomes in a Tertiary Trauma Center—Retrospective Cohort Study
Full text linkBackground: The aim of this study was to describe the impact of a COVID-19 lockdown on the variation in the volumes and types of injuries at a level one trauma center while focusing on preserving trauma care resources. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study of prospectively collected data from the Trauma Registry. Data collection included patient demographics, injury mechanism, injury type and treatment required. The time periods studied corresponded with the lockdown period in Israel and a parallel period in 2019. Results: Overall, there was no reduction in all injury-related admissions. There was a significant reduction in pedestrian injuries (p < 0.02) and a non-significant increase in children admissions aged 0–2 years. Compared to the previous years, the severity of injuries during the March–April 2020 lockdown was unchanged. Hospital resources (number and percentage of trauma patients who required an operation, ICU stay and LOS) were not different between the lockdown period compared to the previous 5 years. Less trauma patients arrived with a Trauma Team Activation code during the lockdown period (58, 33% decrease compared to the control), but a significantly higher proportion of those patients required hospitalization (77.6%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: During a lockdown period, road accidents were still the main cause for major trauma admissions, resulting in prolonged and complex surgeries, and hospitals should continue to provide full services until resource limitations are unavoidable. Maintenance of an effective full-staffed trauma service is vital throughout a COVID-19 lockdown
Effects of Surgical Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis on Sleep and Mental Health in Adolescents
Full text linkllergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic condition that is usually treated medically. Adolescents form a unique population in which AR-associated symptoms are greater than those in adults or children, and are closely related to sleep and mental disorders. In the current study, a retrospective analysis was performed to illustrate the surgical effects of AR symptoms on sleep and mental disorders in adolescents. In 81 adolescents with AR symptoms refractory to medical management, the severity of the AR symptoms was correlated with that of sleep or mental disorders. As a standard surgical procedure, submucosal bony resection of inferior turbinates with posterior nasal neurectomy was performed and half of the subjects underwent septoplasty due to severe deviation of the nasal septum. The degree of improvement in AR-associated symptoms by surgical treatment was correlated with that of mental disorders in adolescent patients who had sleep and mental disorders preoperatively. Considering the impact of AR symptoms on the quality of life of adolescents, surgical treatment can be a potent option for the treatment of AR refractory to medical management in this populatio
Influenza Vaccine Utilization: A Comparison between Urban and Rural Counties in Florida
Full text link1) Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that every person aged six months and over receive the influenza vaccine every year. Previous studies indicate that rural-area residents have less access to preventative health care services. This study aims to examine the variation in influenza vaccine use among rural and urban counties in Florida. (2) Methods: The study studied 24,116 participants from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System database. The study included only patients who live in Florida. We performed logistic regression analysis using survey procedures available in SAS®. Our regression model assessed the association between receiving the influenza vaccine and county status, age, income level, education level, and health coverage. We used ArcGIS software to create prevalence and vaccination maps. (3) Results: Of the total number of the study participants, 45.31% were residents of rural counties, and 54.69% were residents of urban counties. The logistic regression model showed no significant association between residing in rural counties and not receiving influenza vaccine in the past year (−0.05560, p-value = 0.0549). However, we found significant associations between not receiving influenza vaccine and age, high education level, and not having health care coverage (−0.0412, p-value < 0.0001; −0.04462, p-value = 0.0139; and 0.4956, p-value < 0.0001, respectively). (4)Conclusions: Our study did not find an association between influenza vaccine use among rural and urban residence. Increasing age, higher education, and having health care insurance had positive associations with influenza vaccine use