Positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging applications in pediatric musculoskeletal tumors.

Background: The hybrid imaging positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) is an important tool in the management of pediatric oncology patients, particularly in malignant musculoskeletal pathologies, because it combines the functional and metabolic information of tumor provided by PET with the high soft-tissue contrast and the functional information offered by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: We performed an observational retrospective study that included pediatric patients diagnosed with primary bone or soft-tissue sarcomas in the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit at the HM Montepríncipe University Hospital, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid (Spain) who underwent whole-body F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET/MRI as a staging study and for follow-up evaluation for treatment response from September 2017 to January 2023. This study explores the protocols, the practical application of the PET/MRI technique and our clinical experience at our center in the diagnosis and follow-up of primary bone tumors and soft-tissue sarcomas in children.

Proteomic profiles of peritoneal fluid-derived small extracellular vesicles correlate with patient outcome in ovarian cancer.

Cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are capable of modifying the tumor microenvironment and promoting tumor progression. Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is a lethal malignancy that preferentially spreads through the abdominal cavity. Thus, the secretion of such vesicles into the peritoneal fluid could be a determinant factor in the dissemination and behavior of this disease.

Treatment of ureteral stones with LithoEVO device and Vapor Tunnel tool.

Background: Vapor Tunnel (VT) technology is the result of a pulse modulation during holmium laser emission which reduces stone retropulsion. We present the outcomes of this tool in the treatment of ureteral stones.

Methods: Two hundred ten patients with a ureteral stone were randomly assigned to holmium laser lithotripsy with (group A) or without (group B) the VT technology.

WHO Ordinal Scale and Inflammation Risk Categories in COVID-19. Comparative Study of the Severity Scales.

Background: The WHO ordinal severity scale has been used to predict mortality and guide trials in COVID-19. However, it has its limitations.

Objective: The present study aims to compare three classificatory and predictive models: the WHO ordinal severity scale, the model based on inflammation grades, and the hybrid model.

Clusters of inflammation in COVID-19: descriptive analysis and prognosis on more than 15,000 patients from the Spanish SEMI-COVID-19 Registry.

Uncontrolled inflammation following COVID-19 infection is an important characteristic of the most seriously ill patients. The present study aims to describe the clusters of inflammation in COVID-19 and to analyze their prognostic role. This is a retrospective observational study including 15,691 patients with a high degree of inflammation.

The Use of Corticosteroids or Tocilizumab in COVID-19 Based on Inflammatory Markers.

Background: The inflammatory cascade is the main cause of death in COVID-19 patients. Corticosteroids (CS) and tocilizumab (TCZ) are available to treat this escalation but which patients to administer it remains undefined.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of immunosuppressive/anti-inflammatory therapy in COVID-19, based on the degree of inflammation.

Triglycerides and Residual Atherosclerotic Risk.

Background: Even when low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are lower than guideline thresholds, a residual risk of atherosclerosis remains. It is unknown whether triglyceride (TG) levels are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation regardless of LDL-C.

Objectives: This study sought to assess the association between serum TG levels and early atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation in apparently healthy individuals.

Feasibility and learning curve of unsupervised colorectal endoscopic submucosal hydrodissection at a Western Center.

Objectives: Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (CR-ESD) is an evolving technique in Western countries. We aimed to determine the results of the untutored implementation of endoscopic submucosal hydrodissection for the treatment of complex colorectal polyps and establish the learning curve for this technique.

Methods: This study included data from 80 consecutive CR-ESDs performed by a single unsupervised western therapeutic endoscopist.

Fractional CO laser treatment for vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms and vaginal rejuvenation in perimenopausal women.

Background: This study investigated a novel fractional carbon dioxide (CO) laser for treatment of symptoms associated with vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) in perimenopausal women.

Methods: The study included 21 perimenopausal women (mean age 45±7 years) treated three times by CO laser resurfacing and coagulation of the vaginal canal tissue and mucosal tissue of the introitus. Vaginal health index (VHI) scores were computed by the investigator at baseline and follow-ups.