Rev Invest Clin
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In Latin America, breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, and limited available data suggest that up to 15% of all breast cancer cases in the region are hereditary. Genetic cancer risk assessment and counseling is a critical component of the appropriate clinical care of patients with hereditary breast cancer and their families. ⋯ In this review, we highlight relevant initiatives undertaken in several Latin American countries aimed at creating genetic cancer risk assessment programs. Additionally, we present a review of the scientific literature on the current status of breast cancer genomics in Latin America, with specific emphasis on demographic indicators, access to cancer genetic care, training and strategies to improve outcomes, and international collaborations.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Usefulness of Gum Chewing to Decrease Postoperative Ileus in Colorectal Surgery with Primary Anastomosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Postoperative ileus generates a high impact on morbidity, hospital stay, and costs. ⋯ The use of chewing gum after colorectal surgery was associated with less postoperative ileus and vomiting, and with an increased passage of flatus within the first 48 hours after surgery. Since gum chewing is an inexpensive procedure and is not associated with higher morbidity, it can be safely used for a faster postoperative recovery in elective colorectal surgery.
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Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by total or partial interruptions of airflow during sleep, despite ongoing efforts to breathe. These pauses result from repeated upper airway obstructions that generate a systemic inflammatory condition with consequences for the endothelial function that increase the risk of cardiometabolic events. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea during pregnancy is greater than that observed in the general population and increases in the third trimester. ⋯ Experimental and prospective studies in humans have demonstrated an association between obstructive sleep apnea and low birth weight. Endothelial dysfunction may be the link that underlies the association of obstructive sleep apnea with high perinatal risk. The information reviewed herein suggests that treating obstructive sleep apnea with positive-pressure devices could be an effective strategy for decreasing perinatal morbidity and mortality.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Therapeutic Effects of Bipolar Coagulation Forceps on Open Thyroid Surgery.
The aim was to compare the therapeutic effects of bipolar coagulation forceps, harmonic scalpel, and conventional thyroidectomy on open thyroid surgery. ⋯ The effects of bipolar coagulation forceps on open thyroid surgery exceeded those of the harmonic scalpel and conventional thyroidectomy. This method is worthy of promotion in clinical practice.
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Observational Study
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Secondary to Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09: Clinical Characteristics and Mortality Predictors.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus is the leading cause of death among this patient population. Expanding the knowledge of its course and predictors of mortality is relevant to decision making. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and identify factors associated with mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 during the 2013-2014 influenza season. ⋯ We described the clinical characteristics and course of a cohort of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and developed a predictive model of mortality based on the covariates age, levels of lactate dehydrogenase, and white cell count on admission to the respiratory intensive care unit.