Splenectomy: Indications in the General Surgery Department of Ignace Deen Hospital

Introduction: Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen. It can be performed during various pathologies, ranging from abdominal trauma to hemoglobinopathies. The progress made in the knowledge of the immune functions of the spleen and the fear of post-splenectomy infectious complications have favored the development of surgical or non-surgical splenic preservation techniques calling into question the dogma of splenectomy. The aim of this study was to determine the indications for splenectomy. Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive study lasting 5 years in the general surgery department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. All files of splenectomized patients were included, our variables were clinical, therapeutic and progressive. Results: We collected 42 cases of splenectomies out of the 2478 surgical procedures performed, representing 1.7% of the department’s surgical activities. The average age was 44 years. The age group of 41 to 50 years was the most represented, i.e. 26% (n = 11) of cases. Sex ratio = 1. Abdominal pain was the reason for consultation in patients, i.e. 100% (n = 42) of cases. The antecedents were dominated by recurrent malaria with 52.3% (n = 22) of cases, then recurrent anemia in 21% (n = 9), and 16.7% (n = 7) had sickle cell disease. Splenomegaly was found in 31 patients, or 73.6%. Ultrasound was performed in all patients. The indications for splenectomy were: isolated splenomegaly with risk of rupture (38%, n = 16), hypersplenism (26%, n = 11) and trauma to the spleen (19.04%, n = 8). Total splenectomy was performed in all cases. The surgical consequences were favorable in 85.7%, (n = 36) with morbidity of 14% (n = 6) and mortality of 9.52% (n = 4). The average length of hospitalization was 10.4 days with extremes of 1 and 22 days. Conclusion: Splenectomy constitutes a relatively common surgical procedure in our context. The indications for splenectomy were isolated splenomegaly with risk of rupture, hypersplenism and trauma to the spleen and total splenectomy was the rule.

The Importance of Uterine Tumors in the Day-to-Day Practice of the General Surgery Department of Ignace Deen National Hospital

Introduction: Uterine tumors are all abnormal cell proliferations developed at the expense of one or more tissue types, which may be located in any uterine segment and have anatomopathological characteristics of benignity or malignancy. The aim of this study was to report on the management of uterine tumors in the general surgery department of Ignace Deen Hospital in Conakry. Methodology: This was a retrospective study lasting five (5) years, from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015: All complete records of patients with the diagnosis of a uterine tumor managed in the department were included. Our results are presented in tables and figures. Results: 3200 patients underwent surgery. Among them, 82 cases concerned uterine tumors, i.e. 2% of the department’s overall activity. The average age of our patients was 38.5 years, with extremes of 18 and 59 years. The age group most affected was 41 - 50, with a rate of 39.02%. Housewives and married civil servants were the socio-professional strata most affected, with a predominance of married women. We estimated an increasing proportion of patients admitted to the department during the study period, proving that our study site plays a significant role in the management of uterine tumors. Conclusion: The management of uterine tumors is a major public health problem. Information, communication and education of all socio-professional groups seem necessary.

Liposarcoma Retro-Peritoneal in the General Surgery Department of the Hospital of the District of the Commune IV

Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas in the retroperitoneal/intra-abdominal regions represent 10% - 15% of all cases of soft tissue sarcoma. Liposarcomas, which are the most common histological type, account for 20% - 45% of retroperitoneal/intra-abdominal sarcoma cases, and 20% of liposarcomas cases are primary retroperitoneal liposarcomas. Surgical resection in case of malignancy remains the treatment of choice for liposarcomas, according to the guidelines of most major international companies. Our goal was to improve the management of retroperitoneal liposarcoma. This was a 65-year-old patient, with no medical or surgical history, who was referred to us for abdominal swelling, in whom clinical and paraclinical examination found retroperitoneal liposarcoma stage IV, and the surgical treatment consisted in making a tumor reduction. Conclusion: Retro-peritoneal liposarcoma is an undervalued malignant tumor, and the diagnosis is often late.

Thyroidectomy: Frequency and Indications in the General Surgery Department of the Hôpital National Ignace Deen/CHU de Conakry

Introduction: Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The aim of this study was to report the results of thyroidectomy in the general surgery department of the Hôpital national Ignace Deen/CHU de Conakry. Methodology: This was a retrospective study, of seven (07) years (January 1, 2016 - August 31, 2023), in the General Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital-CHU in Conakry. We included all records of patients admitted and operated on for thyroidectomy and with up-to-date medical records. The variables were epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic. Results: During the study period, we recorded 3221 cases of surgery, including 40 thyroidectomies (1.24% of cases). The average age was 42.4 years. Women were the most represented, with a sex ratio of 0.16. The reason for consultation was anterior cervical swelling in 86% (n = 25) of cases, followed by signs of cervical compression 21% (n = 6) and signs of thyrotoxicosis 31% (n = 9). Indications for thyroidectomy were dominated by homogeneous goitres in 69% (n = 20) of cases, basedow’s disease in 20.7% (n = 6) and nodular goitres in 6.9% (n = 2) of cases. The surgical procedures were lobo-isthmectomies in 72.4% (n = 21), subtotal thyroidectomies 13.8% (n = 4), total thyroidectomies 10.3% (n = 3). Postoperative follow-up was straightforward in 69% (n = 20). Complications included haemorrhage in 20.7% (n = 6) and recurrence in 6.9% (n = 2). The average hospital stay was 7 days. Conclusion: Thyroidectomy is a relatively frequent surgical procedure in our department. Indications are dominated by homogeneous goitres. Morbidity is related to hemorrhage. Rigorous hemostasis could improve the quality of thyroidectomy.

The Management of Neonatal Peritonitis in the Paediatric Surgery Department of the Donka National Hospital

Introduction: Neonatal peritonitis is a rare but serious condition requiring early diagnosis and management. The lack of antenatal diagnosis, the precariousness of neonatal intensive care, and the delay in diagnosis and treatment are the factors of poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to study the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of neonatal peritonitis in order to improve its management in the pediatric surgery department of the CHU-Donka. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of the records of patients treated for neonatal peritonitis from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. Results: Results: We compiled 17 records of patients operated on for neonatal peritonitis, representing a frequency of 3.85% and an incidence of 2.83 cases/year. The mean age of our patients was 8.29 days, with extremes of D0 and D25. Males were more dominant, with a frequency of 71% and a sex ratio of 2.4. The average consultation time was 72 h, with extremes of 12 h and 144 h. Abdominal bloating was the main reason for consultation (100%). Fever and vomiting were frequent, at 70.59% and 82.35% respectively. PSA revealed pneumoperitoneum in 12 patients (70.59%). The colon was the most frequent site of perforation at 29.41%. ECUN was the main etiology with 35.29%. Ostomy was the main surgical procedure in 58.82% of cases, followed by suture excision in 29.41%. Postoperative follow-up was simple in 3 patients (17.65%) and complicated in 14 (82.35%). Sepsis was the main cause of death (47.59%). The mortality rate was 76.47%. Conclusion: Mortality from neonatal peritonitis remains high in developing countries. Early diagnosis, early surgical management, and the presence of well-equipped neonatal intensive care units with qualified staff are essential for an improvement in the prognosis of neonatal peritonitis.

Diagnosis and Therapeutic Aspects of the Ileo-Sigmoidian Node in the General Surgery Department of Gabriel Toure Chu

Introduction: Emergency medico-surgical ileosigmoid node is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Diagnosis and treatment must be prompt. Objective: To determine the frequency of NIS, to describe the diagnostic aspects, therapeutic aspects and to analyze the postoperative effects. Methodology: Retrospective and prospective study from January 2006 to December 2020 including all patients operated on for ileosigmoid node confirmed by the intraoperative diagnosis at the CHU Gabriel Touré. Results: From January 2006 to December 2020 (15 years), 30 cases of ileo-sigmoid node were recorded in the service. During this period NIS accounted for 0.19% of surgeries. Abdominal pain was present in (100%) of cases, vomiting was present in 80% and cessation of materials and gas (57%). All of our patients underwent ASP and CT (1 case). All of our patients were operated on, and exploration revealed intestinal necrosis in 97%. The surgical procedures performed were colostomy according to HARTMANN (63%), anastomosis resection (16%), devolvulation (10%). Restoration of continuity was achieved in (73%). The postoperative consequences were straightforward in (80%). Morbidity was 17% including infection of the lining. Mortality was 3% (1 case). Conclusion: NIS is an emergency, the diagnosis and the management must be fast and precise.

Mortality Observed in the General Surgery Department “A” at the University Hospital Center of Point “G” in Bamako

In Mali, few studies have concerned overall mortality in general surgery, but several specific studies have concerned the different affections. Reflection on the causes of death is an inherent part of the activity of any motivated surgical team. Objective: To analyze the rate and the main causes of mortality in the General “A” surgical department of the Point “G” CHU. Patients Method: Our study was retrospective, descriptive and covered a period of 5 years from 01/01/2014 to 12/31/2018. We collected 152 deaths for 2011 hospitalized patients. The data were collected from the files of these deaths on pre-established investigation forms. The deceased patients were classified as operative and non-operative death, death from non-cancerous and cancerous diseases, deaths occurring in emergencies and deaths in regulated surgery. Results: We recorded 152 cases of death for 2011 hospitalized patients, either an overall mortality rate of 7.55%. The average age of deaths was 44.20 years +- 17.51 years with extremes ranging from 7 years to 85 years. The sex ratio was 1.62 in favor of men. The causes of death were represented by cancerous pathologies (69 deaths or 34.67%), non-cancerous pathologies (83 deaths or 4.58%). Conclusion: The mortality rate in general surgery remains high and is mainly linked to cancerous pathologies and the delay in taking care of patients.

Volvulus of Colon Sigmoide in the General Surgery Department of Chu Gabriel Toure

Introduction: Sigmoid colon volvulus is a medico-surgical emergency which represents a common cause of colonic occlusion, it is characterized by strangulation of the sigmoid loop around its meso colic axis producing low mechanical occlusion [1]. Apart from this form conventionally described, the volvulus of the sigmoid colon can occur along an organoaxial axis. This form has been highlighted in the literature thanks to the diagnostic contribution of multi-detector scanners [2]. Objective: To determine the hospital frequency of sigmoid colon volvulus;to write the clinical and para-clinical aspects of sigmoid colon volvulus;write down the different treatments used for the management of sigmoid colon volvulus. Material and methods: This was a retrospective and prospective study that took place from January 2008 to December 2020 in the General Surgery Department of Gabriel Touré. The retrospective phase ran from January 2008 to December 2019 and the prospective phase from January 2020 to December 2020. Results: From January 2008 to December 2020, we collected 320 cases of patients operated on for sigmoid colon volvulus out of 7989 surgical emergencies over a 12-year period, or 3.64%. In our study, the most represented age group was between 16 and 60 years old, i.e. 81.88%. The mean age was 42.6 ± 17.4 years with extremities of 16 and 90 years. The male sex was the most represented, 89% with a sex ratio of 8.41. The surgical history was found in 13.75% of our patients. The clinic was dominated by abdominal pain (100%), meteorism (100%), and gas and matter arrest (91.3%). The most common radiological image found in the ASP was the double jamb, i.e. 74.69% of cases. We found sigmoid necrosis in 18.13% of cases. We found an absence of necrosis in the majority of cases, i.e. 91.56%. The most performed operative procedure in our patients was the RACR, i.e. 75.63% of cases. The reoperation was performed in only 5.94% of our patients. Complications were grade V in 42.55% according to the Clavin Dindo classification.

The Epidemiological Profile of Acute Appendicitis, about 124 Cases, in the General Surgery Department of the Amissa Bongo Regional Hospital Center in Franceville, Gabon

Acute appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the appendix. It is a surgical emergency. It was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study, between September 2015 and October 2021, focusing on acute appendicitis. It is seen mainly in young subjects and in children, but not exclusively. Its diagnosis is essentially clinical. These were 124 patients operated on for acute appendicitis, with a male predominance: 78 men (62.90%) against 46 women (37.10%). The majority of patients came from Franceville (n = 66) 53.22%. The average age was 29.4 years (extremes 4 years and 54 years). The average admission time was +5.16 or -5.58 hours. Abdominal pain was the main reason for consultation. Physical signs were dominated by MAC Burney sign positivity in 91.1% of cases. Faced with certain doubtful cases, we requested an abdominal ultrasound. Phlegmonous appendicitis was the most frequent (n = 47) 45.96%. The ileocecal localization represented (n = 82) 66.12%, and other particularities in particular: Claudius AMIAND (n = 6), an appendicular duplication, appendicitis and pregnancy a case of crural appendicitis. Conventional appendectomy with burial by Mac Burney was the most used technique (n = 119) 95.42%. Anatomy pathology was rarely performed. The postoperative course was simple in 95.4% of cases. The average stay in inpatient surgery was 4.8 days. Isolated or combined antibiotic therapy was the rule. Postoperative follow-up at 1 month was systematic. Parietal suppuration was the main complication.

The Epidemiological Profile of Acute Peritonitis and Sensitivity to Antibiotics, about 167 Cases, in the General Surgery Department of the Amissa Bongo Regional Hospital Center in Franceville, Gabon

The objective of this study is to determine the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic aspects, and the sensitivity to antibiotics for acute peritonitis at CHRAB Franceville. This was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study, between September 2015 and December 2021. Generalized acute peritonitis was one of the digestive surgical emergencies. There were 167 patients operated on for acute peritonitis, including 116 men (69.46%) and 51 women (30.34%). The majority of patients came from Franceville (n = 62) 37.12%. The average age was 33.4 years (extreme 4 years and 75 years). The admission time was on average +6.15 or -6.54 hours. The main etiology was acute appendicitis with (n = 122) 73.05%, followed by gastric perforations (n = 26) 15.56%, bowel perforations (n = 5) 2.99%. Some post-surgical cases (n = 4) 2.39%. Biological examinations found: hyperleukocytosis in 64.67% of cases, anemia in 52.9% of cases, and hematocrit down in 28.3% of cases. Ultrasounds found 17.36% peritoneal effusions and 12.57% acute appendicitis. The abdomen without preparation revealed 13.17% cases of pneumoperitoneum. Anatomy pathology found acute appendicitis, gastroduodenal ulcers, peritoneal tuberculosis, and peritoneal carcinomatosis. Biliary drainage choledotomy with Kher drain, supernumerary spleen splenectomy, hysterectomy. The average duration in intensive care was 6.5 days with extremes of 5 to 10 days. The average stay in inpatient surgery was 10.8 days. Isolated or combined antibiotic therapy was the rule. Postoperative follow-up at 1 month was systematic. Parietal suppuration was the main complication. We had recorded 2 cases of fistula and 4.19% of deaths.

Breast Cancer in Young Women about 87 Cases in the General Surgery Department CHU Gabriel Touré

Our objectives were to determine the frequency of breast cancer in young women, to determine the risk factors for breast cancer in young women, to detail the diagnostic process of the disease, to determine the different therapeutic strategies. This was a retrospective and descriptive study going from January 2005 to December 2021, a period of 17 years. The study involved 87 women with an average age of 33.2 years. Patients consulted 66 times or 75.9% for breast mass. The size of the tumor was greater than or equal to 5 cm in 62 patients;it was localized in the supero external quadrant 41 times or 47.1%. Molecular classification revealed the following results: Luminal A 21.4%;receptive (HER2) positive 28.6%, and triple negative 42.9%. Stage II was the most represented with 47.4%. Histology found infiltrating carcinoma of non-specific type in 76 patients. The treatment was mastectomy axillary dissection in 66 patients, quadrantectomy + axillary dissection in 6 cases (6.9%) associated with radiotherapy in 6 patients, chemotherapy was performed in 79 of our patients and hormone therapy in 10 patients. Conclusion: Breast cancer is frequent in our country. Patients generally consult us at a late stage. The possibility of determining certain receptors and carrying out certain non-surgical treatments on site would improve the prognosis.

Epidemiological, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects of Breast Cancer in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the CHU Gabriel Touré from 2020 to 2022

In Mali, breast cancer remains a real health problem in the absence of an adequate and adapted health policy for their early diagnosis and their often late or even non-existent treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to study the epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of breast cancer to write the clinical aspects of breast cancer in the gynecology-obstetrics department of the CHU Gabriel Touré from 2020 to 2022. Methodology: This was a retrospective and descriptive study of 219 cases of breast cancer that were diagnosed in the gynecology and obstetrics department of the CHU Gabriel Touré in Bamako, from 2020 to 2022. Results: The annual frequency was 77.2 cases per year, the average age 45.55 years with extremes of 16 to 85 years;housewives represented 92.7%;multiparas were reported at 57%. Considering the history, the personal history of benign breast pathology was 55.6%. Regarding the localization, the left breast was the most affected with 53.9%, and the tumor was found in the supero-external quadrant in 53.9%. The cancer was metastatic in 81.28%. The diagnosis biopsy + histology contributed to 98.6%. The histological type was invasive carcinoma of non-specific type in 95%. As for the histoprognostic grade of SBR studied, grade II was predominant at 46%, grade III at 34.95%. The therapeutic strategy was chemotherapy in 83.1%. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery in 10%, primary surgery in 6.4%, radiotherapy in 0.5%. Conclusion: The major challenges in the fight against breast cancer in Mali remain a better organization of the system for early diagnosis, the establishment of a screening program, early diagnosis in women from the age of 40 and also adequate care.

Fishbone-Type Pharyngeal Foreign Body with Cutaneous Migration in the ENT Department of the Mamou Regional Hospital: A Case Report

We report a case of pharyngeal foreign body with cutaneous migration in the form of a fishbone in a 24-year-old rural resident, presented with odynophagia, dysphagia, pain and left antero-latero-cervical swelling fistulated to the skin following ingestion of a fishbone during a meal that had been evolving for 2 weeks. Vital parameters were normal, with an unremarkable psychological examination. Clinical examination revealed a left antero-latero-cervical swelling that was painful to palpation, fistulous to the skin and draining frank pus, revealing a sharp fishbone. A standard X-ray showed that the foreign body had exited the pharynx and was located in the soft tissues of the lower neck. An exploratory cervicotomy was performed, allowing extraction of a serrated fishbone. The post-operative course was favorable.

Assessment of Thyroidectomies in Children at the ENT Department of the Thiès Regional Hospital, about 29 Cases over 16 Years (2003-2018)

Thyroidectomy is a complete or partial surgical removal of the thyroid gland. The aim was to review the particularities of thyroid surgery in children, to review our operative indications and our working method as well as the results by comparing them with the data in the literature. This was a retrospective study covering a sixteen-year period from January 2003 to December 2018. We collated 29 patient records from 3 to 15 years of age. The epidemiological aspect, the indication and the operative gesture, the anatomopathological result were studied. Data were processed using Epi Info version 3.5.4 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Our study shows that thyroid surgery in children accounted for 2% of all thyroidectomies performed (1350 cases). Females were most affected, with a sex ratio of 0.16. The mean age was 12 years, with extremes of 3 and 15 years. Three indication groups: Graves’ disease 62%, heteromulti nodular goiter (HMNG) 28%, thyroid nodule 10%. Thyroid surgery was total in 65.5% of cases;subtotal thyroidectomy in 20.7%. Partial thyroidectomy was performed in 13.7% of cases. We dissected 54 recurrent nerves, and the parathyroids were controlled. Drainage was systematic. We noted one complication (3.4%). It involved immediate postoperative dyspnea requiring a life-saving tracheotomy, and decanulation was performed 48 hours after surgery.

A CombustionModel for Explosive Charge Affected by a Bottom Gap in the Launch Environment

Launch safety of explosive charges has become an urgent problem to be solved by all countries in the world aslaunch situation of ammunition becomes consistentlyworse.However, the existing numericalmodels have differentdefects. This paper formulates an efficient computational model of the combustion of an explosive charge affectedby a bottom gap in the launch environment in the context of the material point method. The current temperatureis computed accurately from the heat balance equation, and different physical states of the explosive charges areconsidered through various equations of state. Microcracks in the explosive charges are described with respectto the viscoelastic statistical crackmechanics (Visco–SCRAM) model. Themethod for calculating the temperatureat the bottomof the explosive charge with respect to the bottomgap is described. Based on this combustionmodel,the temperature history of a Composition B (COMB) explosive charge in the presence of a bottom gap is obtainedduring the launch process of a 155-mm artillery. The simulation results show that the bottom gap thickness shouldbe no greater than 0.039 cm to ensure the safety of the COM B explosive charge in the launch environment. Thisconclusion is consistent with previous results and verifies the correctness of the proposed model. Ultimately, thispaper derives amathematical expression for themaximumtemperature of the COMB explosive chargewith respectto the bottomgap thickness (over the range of 0.00–0.039 cm), and establishes a quantitative evaluationmethod forthe launch safety of explosive charges.The research results provide some guidance for the assessment and detectionof explosive charge safety in complex launch environments.

Impact of open hepatectomy on postoperative bile leakage in patients with biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND Bile leakage is a common and serious complication of open hepatectomy for the treatment of biliary tract cancer.AIM To evaluate the incidence,risk factors,and management of bile leakage after open hepatectomy in patients with biliary tract cancer.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 120 patients who underwent open hepatectomy for biliary tract cancer from February 2018 to February 2023.Bile leak was defined as bile drainage from the surgical site or drain or the presence of a biloma on imaging.The incidence,severity,timing,location,and treatment of the bile leaks were recorded.The risk factors for bile leakage were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.RESULTS The incidence of bile leak was 16.7%(20/120),and most cases were grade A(75%,15/20)according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery classification.The median time of onset was 5 d(range,1-14 d),and the median duration was 7 d(range,2-28 d).The most common location of bile leakage was the cut surface of the liver(70%,14/20),followed by the anastomosis site(25%,5/20)and the cystic duct stump(5%,1/20).Most bile leaks were treated conservatively with drainage,antibiotics,and nutritional support(85%,17/20),whereas some required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stenting(10%,2/20)or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with drainage(5%,1/20).Risk factors for bile leakage include male sex,hepatocellular carcinoma,major hepatectomy,blood loss,and blood transfusion.CONCLUSION Bile leakage is a frequent complication of open hepatectomy for biliary tract cancer.However,most cases are mild and can be conservatively managed.Male sex,hepatocellular carcinoma,major hepatectomy,blood loss,and blood transfusion were associated with an increased risk of bile leak.

Chinese expert consensus on the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Primary liver cancer(PLC)is the fourth-most common malignancy and second leading cause of tumor-related deaths in China.Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)accounts for 75-85%of PLCs.[1]At present,radical surgery remains the most effective treatment option for HCC,including liver resection and liver transplantation(LT).The indications of LT for HCC are relatively strict because of a shortage of donor livers and the risk of postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis.Patients with tumor burdens exceeding LT criteria may undergo downstaging treatment to meet the criteria.In recent years,new drugs for HCC have been continuously developed.Among them,systemic therapeutic drugs represented by molecular targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)have created a new era in the treatment of HCC.

Method Verification and Validation of Hydralazine Hydrochloride: Spectrophotometric Analysis in Pure and Pharmaceutical Formulations

The new method proposed is based on the formation of hydralazine-Bromophenol blue ion pair simply and without further extraction or heating. The ion pair was prepared in the presence of pH 3 citrate buffer forming a yellow-colored chromogen. A new maximum UV-visible band formed at 416 nm. The color was stable for more than 10 hours and obeyed Beer’s Law over the concentration range of 10 - 50 µg/mL. The calculated molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity were 1.01 × 104 L∙mol−1∙cm−1 and 0.0514 µg/mL, respectively. The elements of method validation stipulated by The International Conference on Harmonization [Q2 (R1)] were applied for hydralazine hydrochloride assay in pure and pharmaceutical tablet formulation. The average recoveries of the pure solution and the pharmaceutical formulation were 98.94% and 99.50%, respectively. The results were statistically compared by F-test, which indicates that the method can be precise and repeatable for both pure and pharmaceutical solutions. The method was found to be accurate, reproducible, and cost-effective, and validated for the assay of hydralazine in terms of the routine quality control.

Real-World Evidence in Localized Pancreatic: Coping with Uncertainty in Unselected Populations

Background: Localized pancreatic cancer, including resectable (R), borderline resectable (BR) and locally advanced unresectable disease (LAU), is considered in clinical guidelines for diverse treatment options based on clinical trials in selected populations. Hence, exploring with real world evidence (RWE) clinicians’ preferences for treatment options and their results seems pertinent. Methods: In a set of consecutive patients with localized pancreatic cancer assisted in a third level hospital from January 2013 to December 2022, medical records, symptoms, diagnostic process, distribution between subtypes, and treatment plans, with safety and efficacy results, were assessed. Results: A total of 152 patients with localized disease were included (43.4% R, 21.0% BR, 33.6% LAU). The population characteristics exemplified differences between daily practice and clinical trials. Tumor location and symptoms were as expected. Treatment plan was conditioned by PS or comorbidities in 23.0% of patients. In patients with R disease, surgery followed by different adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) regimes was the antineoplastic treatment of choice (64.8%) with efficacy results (OS 37.5 months;95% CI 18.4 - 56.7), in the range of contemporary standards. The common use of neoadjuvant CT for BR disease (94.4%), with surgery in 50% of them, and its results (OS 30.8 months;95% CI 10.5 - 51.2) reflected current controversies of treatment recommendations and evolution in this scenario. Paliative CT with or without radiotherapy was the standard specific treatment in LAU disease (95.1%) with survival results (PFS: 10.8 months;95% CI 8.8 - 12.7. OS: 20.3 months;95% CI 13.5 - 27.2) that justify the distinct character and the specific study of this entity. Conclusion: RWE for localized pancreatic cancer aroused from the analysis of this population confirms the distinct nature of patients assisted in daily practice, as well as mirrors the complexity of decision making in clinical assumptions in which achieving stronger evidence should be paramount.

Intergenerational Trauma and Resilience among Im/Migrant Families: Child Mental Health Outcomes and Psychosocial Mechanisms of Transmission

Research Background: Psychological stressors leading to poor mental health outcomes accumulate throughout the migration process. The impact of a parent or caregiver’s posttraumatic stress on non-traumatized children is significant and may lead to adverse development and mental health outcomes. Research Objectives: The objective of this review is to explore both the consequences of parental trauma transmission on descendants’ psychological adjustment and well-being, and the mechanisms through which trauma has been transmitted among im/migrant populations. Methods: Criteria outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guided this systemic review. The questions guiding this review are: (a) What are the consequences of parental trauma transmission on the psychological adjustment and well-being of im/migrant offspring? And (b) What are the psychosocial mechanisms of trauma and resilience transmission among im/migrant populations? Each potential study was assessed based on relevance to the review question(s). Results: Parental trauma can lead to adverse mental health outcomes among descendants including increased internalizing and externalizing problems, the adoption of coping behaviors and worldviews, and worsening school performance. Mechanisms that influence trauma transmission include parental trauma symptom severity, the parent-child dyad, social learning, and family stressors. Pathways of resilience exist across socioecological levels to include individual resilience such as coping skills and meaning making, family resilience, structural protective factors, and social and cultural protective factors. Conclusions: Despite the prevalence of traumatic events throughout the migration process, im/migrant families display strong levels of resilience. Mental health services and providers should incorporate a strength-based approach in designing interventions that are culturally responsive and take into accounts the broader ecological contexts in which im/migrant families live.