Investigating group A antibiotic tolerance in necrotizing fasciitis.

Group A (GAS) necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a difficult-to-treat bacterial infection associated with high morbidity and mortality despite extensive surgery and targeted antibiotic treatment. Difficult-to-treat infections are often characterized by the presence of bacteria surviving prolonged antibiotic exposure without displaying genetic resistance, referred to as persisters. In the present study, we investigated the presence of GAS persisters in tissue freshly debrided from patients as well as in an mouse model of NF and examined the phenomenon of antibiotic tolerance.

Efficacy of closed reduction of nasal fractures-a retrospective analysis with focus on factors affecting functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Background: Nasal bone fractures are the most common type of facial bone fractures. While the nasal anatomy and closed reduction techniques of nasal fractures are well described, there is a paucity of data reporting on the need for revision rhinoplasty. The objective of this study is to analyze the factors affecting the outcome and need for revision rhinoplasty in patients who underwent closed reduction for nasal bone fracture.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Free-Flap Breast Reconstructive Surgery over Time (PRO-BREST).

Introduction: Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) are increasingly relevant to assess surgical quality and guide decisions in breast reconstruction (BR). Satisfaction with outcomes may change as time progresses. We assessed satisfaction in patients who underwent free-flap BR in the last 12 years.

Systematic review of lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for the treatment of lymphedema.

Introduction: Lymphedema is a chronic condition caused by the obstruction or impairment of lymphatic fluid transport resulting in irreversible skin fibrosis. Besides conservative therapy, surgical techniques for lymphedema including liposuction, lymphatico-lymphatic bypass, lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA), and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) are options with increasing popularity in the recent past. In our review, we investigated the efficacy of LVA for the treatment of lymphedema.

Efficacy of six month neoadjuvant endocrine therapy in postmenopausal, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients--a phase II trial.

Background: Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT) is playing an increasing role in the clinical management of breast cancer (BC) and may improve surgical outcomes for postmenopausal, oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC patients. However, there is currently no consensus on the optimal duration of NHT before surgery. Here, we present the outcomes of the TEAM IIA trial, a multicentre, phase II trial investigating the efficacy of six months of neoadjuvant exemestane in postmenopausal, strong ER-positive (ER+, ⩾50%) BC patients.

Physical activity and survival of postmenopausal, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients: results of the Tamoxifen Exemestane Adjuvant Multicenter Lifestyle study.

Background: Physical activity has been related to improved breast cancer outcomes. Especially in the older breast cancer population, physical activity may be important because old age is associated with comorbidities and decreased physical function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between physical activity and overall survival, breast cancer-specific survival, and recurrence in several age groups of postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

Germline variants in the CYP19A1 gene are related to specific adverse events in aromatase inhibitor users: a substudy of Dutch patients in the TEAM trial.

Musculoskeletal adverse events (MSAEs) and vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) are known side-effects of aromatase inhibitors, and may be related to genetic variations of the aromatase gene (CYP19A1). We investigated the relationship between these specific AEs and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CYP19A1 gene in postmenopausal, hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer (BC) patients treated with adjuvant exemestane for 5 years. Dutch patients who were randomized to receive 5 years of exemestane in the Tamoxifen Exemestane Adjuvant Multinational (TEAM) trial were included.

Specific adverse events predict survival benefit in patients treated with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors: an international tamoxifen exemestane adjuvant multinational trial analysis.

Purpose: Specific adverse events (AEs) associated with endocrine therapy and related to depletion or blocking of circulating estrogens may be related to treatment efficacy. We investigated the relationship between survival outcomes and specific AEs including vasomotor symptoms (VMSs), musculoskeletal adverse events (MSAEs), and vulvovaginal symptoms (VVSs) in postmenopausal patients with breast cancer participating in the international Tamoxifen Exemestane Adjuvant Multinational (TEAM) trial.

Patients And Methods: Primary efficacy end points were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and distant metastases (DM).

Timing of the sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy - recommendations for clinical guidance.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is an increasingly important component in the treatment of both locally advanced and early-stage breast cancer. With this, a debate on the timing of the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has emerged. At the end of the last century, the SLNB was introduced as an axillary staging modality, and this paper aims to further elucidate this issue in the context of NAC.

Can Zoledronic Acid be Beneficial for Promoting Tumor Response in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy?

The antitumor effect of bisphosphonates (BPs) is under increasing scrutiny. Preclinical and clinical evidence has shown that BPs might sensitize breast tumors to chemotherapy. Here, we present a review of current preclinical and clinical evidence for antitumor effects of BPs, and evaluate how BPs might play a role in neoadjuvant treatment of women with breast cancer.

Two decades of percutaneous transjejunal biliary intervention for benign biliary disease: a review of the intervention nature and complications.

Objective: To assess outcomes of percutaneous transjejunal biliary intervention (PTJBI) in terms of success and effectiveness in patients with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for benign biliary strictures and stones.

Methods: Clinical and radiographic records of 63 patients with a Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy or hepaticojejunostomy for benign disease who underwent at least one PTJBI between 1986 and 2007 were reviewed. Effectiveness was determined by successful access rate, rates of stricture dilatation and/or stone extraction, morbidity, complications and hospitalisation.

Influence of semi-quantitative oestrogen receptor expression on adjuvant endocrine therapy efficacy in ductal and lobular breast cancer - a TEAM study analysis.

Background: Multiple studies suggest better efficacy of chemotherapy in invasive ductal breast carcinomas (IDC) than invasive lobular breast carcinomas (ILC). However, data on efficacy of adjuvant endocrine therapy regimens and histological subtypes are sparse. This study assessed endocrine therapy efficacy in IDC and ILC.