Correlation between metabolic response determined with [F]FDG PET/CT and pathological response after neoadjuvant treatment and surgery in patients with esophageal cancer.

Aim: To assess the correlation between the result of the PET/CT study with [18 F]FDG and the histological outcome in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy and subsequent surgery.

Material And Methods: 41 patients (35 men) diagnosed with esophageal cancer during a 10-year interval were retrospectively evaluated. PERCIST criteria and SULpeak (ΔSULpeak) variation between pre- and post-treatment PET/CT studies were used.

The Use of Silica Microparticles to Improve the Efficiency of Optical Hyperthermia (OH).

Although optical hyperthermia could be a promising anticancer therapy, the need for high concentrations of light-absorbing metal nanoparticles and high-intensity lasers, or large exposure times, could discourage its use due to the toxicity that they could imply. In this article, we explore a possible role of silica microparticles that have high biocompatibility and that scatter light, when used in combination with conventional nanoparticles, to reduce those high concentrations of particles and/or those intense laser beams, in order to improve the biocompatibility of the overall procedure. Our underlying hypothesis is that the scattering of light caused by the microparticles would increase the optical density of the irradiated volume due to the production of multiple reflections of the incident light: the nanoparticles present in the same volume would absorb more energy from the laser than without the presence of silica particles, resulting either in higher heat production or in the need for less laser power or absorbing particles for the same required temperature rise.

Changes in dental plaque following hospitalisation in a critical care unit: an observational study.

Introduction: Previous research has suggested that deterioration in oral health can occur following hospitalisation. The impact of such deterioration could increase the risk of oral disease, reduce quality of life and increase the potential for healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) such as healthcare-associated pneumonia (HAP). However, the strength of the evidence is limited by, amongst other factors, the few observational studies published that assess oral health longitudinally.

The impact of hospitalization on dental plaque accumulation: an observational study.

Aim: To investigate the effect of hospitalization on oral health as assessed by dental plaque.

Materials And Methods: Observational study in a critical care unit (CCU). Participants were recruited within 24 h of admission.

The impact of hospitalization on oral health: a systematic review.

Background: Poor oral health of hospitalized patients is associated with an increased risk of hospital-acquired infections and reduced life quality.

Objectives: To systematically review the evidence on oral health changes during hospitalization.

Data Sources: Cochrane library, Medline, OldMedline, Embase and CINAHL without language restrictions.