Outcomes of Long Bones Treated With Carbon-Fiber Nails for Oncologic Indications: International Multi-institutional Study.

Background: Intramedullary nail fixation is commonly used for prophylactic stabilization of impending and fixation of complete pathological fractures of the long bones. However, metallic artifacts complicate imaging evaluation for bone healing or tumor progression and postoperative radiation planning. Carbon-fiber implants have gained popularity as an alternative, given their radiolucency and superior axial bending.

Cross-link augmentation enhances CFR-PEEK short fixation in lumbar metastasis stabilization.

Spinal stability plays a crucial role in the success of the surgical treatment of lumbar vertebral metastasis and, in current practice, less invasive approaches such as short constructs have been considered. Concurrently, carbon fiber-reinforced (CFR) poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) fixation devices are expanding in oncologic spinal surgery thanks to their radiotransparency and valid mechanical properties. This study attempts to provide an exhaustive biomechanical comparison of different CFR-PEEK surgical stabilizations through a highly reproducible experimental setup.

A SARS-CoV-2 Infection High-Uptake Program on Healthcare Workers and Cancer Patients of the National Cancer Institute of Naples, Italy.

Background: From the beginning of 2020, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) quickly spread worldwide, becoming the main problem for the healthcare systems. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of infection and can be a dangerous vehicle for the spread of the virus. Furthermore, cancer patients (CPs) are a vulnerable population, with an increased risk of developing severe and lethal forms of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19).

Clinical and epidemiological impact of varicella infection in children prior to the introduction of the varicella vaccine in the national immunization schedule of Argentina.

Introduction: In Argentina, an estimated 400 000 varicella cases occur annually. Given the under-recording of existing cases, the actual burden of disease is unknown.

Objective: To assess the burden of varicella before the introduction of the varicella vaccine in the national immunization schedule.

[Helicobacter cinaedi bacteremia: Presentation of the first cases reported in Argentina].

Two cases of bacteremia caused by Helicobacter cinaedi are presented. The first case was diagnosed in a 76-year-old male patient, and was secondary to a vascular access device placement; the second case corresponded to a febrile infant of 37 days of life, and was associated with acute gastroenteritis. H.