Clinics
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Lung lymphatic drainage occurs mainly through a peribronchial path, but it is hypothesized that visceral pleural invasion could alter this path. This study aims to investigate the association between visceral pleural invasion, node upstaging, and N2 skip metastasis and the impact on survival in a population of patients with non-small cell lung cancer of 3 cm or smaller. ⋯ The visceral pleural invasion was an independent factor associated with N2 skip metastasis and had worse disease-free and overall survival.
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Observational Study
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cataract surgeries in Brazil: A retrospective study.
This study aimed to describe the behavioral patterns of data on cataract surgery performed in the Brazilian public health system before, during, and after the COVID-19 outbreak and estimate the setbacks generated by the pandemic to guide public policies. ⋯ The COVID-19 pandemic did not worsen the situation of cataract blindness in Brazil due to the efficacy of the measures taken by the government in resuming elective surgeries. However, the auhtors recommend that the distribution of resources for cataract surgeries should consider regional discrepancies based on epidemiological data.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant global impact since its declaration in March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted cancer patients, particularly those with breast cancer. This study aims to analyze the effects of the pandemic on women diagnosed with breast cancer recurrence. ⋯ The present study is among the first to investigate the pandemic's specific effects on breast cancer recurrence, revealing concerning delays in detection and a decrease in survival rates. Prompt diagnosis, timely treatment initiation, and comprehensive support are crucial during public health crises. These findings urge healthcare systems to prioritize tailored care for breast cancer patients during pandemics.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Assessment of body composition by dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry in renal transplant patients, hemodialysis patients, and a control group of healthy subjects.
The clinical findings of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which is characterized by malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, uremia, and catabolism associated with dialysis produce changes in Body Composition (BC), causing increased Fat Mass (FM), decreased in both Lean Mass (LM) and Body Mineral Density (BMD), even despite uremic reversal after a Kidney Transplant (KT); immunosuppressive medications alter BC, increasing the risk of loss of the kidney transplant and cardiovascular diseases. ⋯ Although a comprehensive improvement in BC was expected after kidney transplantation, the results are not close to "normal' values, when compared with those of healthy subjects of the same age.
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Observational Study
Polidocanol-foam treatment of varicose veins: Quality-of-life impact compared to conventional surgery.
Lower limb varicose veins are a prevalent disease associated with several available treatment options, including conventional surgery and polidocanol foam sclerotherapy. However, few studies have analyzed therapeutic modality outcomes based on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). This large sample-size study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of polidocanol foam sclerotherapy compared to conventional surgery based on an analysis of PROMs. ⋯ Both polidocanol foam sclerotherapy and conventional surgery positively impact patients' quality of life after 30 days, but the improvement is more significant for patients who undergo conventional surgery.