The tumor angiogenesis process is believed to be dependent on an "angiogenic switch" formed by a cascade of biologic events as a consequence of the "cross-talk" between tumor cells and several components of local microenvironment including endothelial cells, macrophages, mast cells and stromal components. Oxidative stress represents an important stimulus that widely contributes to this angiogenic switch, which is particularly relevant in lungs,where oxidative stress is originated from different sources including the incomplete reduction of oxygen during respiration,exposure to hypoxia/reoxygenation, stimulated resident or chemoattracted immune ceils to lung tissues, as well as by a variety of chemicals compounds. In the present review we highlight the role of oxidative stress in tumor angiogenesis as a key signal linked to other relevant actors in this complex process.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of pantoprazole magnesium (pantoprazole-Mg) 40 mg in the relief of esophageal and extra-esophageal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), particularly night-time symptoms. METHODS: Patients (aged 18-50 years) with 3-month history of heartburn and/or acid regurgitation plus at least one other symptom in the last week were enrolled in a nationwide, prospective and observational study in Mexico. Patients received pantoprazole-Mg 40 mg once daily during 4 weeks. Symptoms were assessed through a physician-administered structured interview and the patient-completed ReQuest in Practice(TM) questionnaire. Night-time GERD was defined as arousal from sleep during the night due to GERD-associated symptoms. RESULTS: Out of 4,343 patients included at basal visit, 3,665 were considered for the effectiveness per protocol analysis. At baseline, patients had a median of 8 GERD related symptoms. Patients with night-time GERD symptoms (42.7%) were more likely to have extra-esophageal symptoms (P < 0.001) than other GERD patients. Pantoprazole-Mg 40 mg once daily for 4 weeks improved a broad range of GERD-associated symptoms from baseline (80% reduction on physicians assessments; 68-77% reduction on ReQuest in Practice(TM) dimensions), including both day- and night-time GERD symptoms; improvements were the greatest for extra-esophageal symptoms in patients with night-time symptoms. Pantoprazole-Mg was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Pantoprazole-Mg 40 mg significantly improved a broad range of esophageal and extra-esophageal GERD related symptoms including sleep disturbances, as well as well-being, in patients with daytime or night-time GERD, making it a good option for patients with GERD, especially when extra-esophageal and night-time symptoms are present.
Arousal ; Gastroesophageal Reflux* ; Heartburn ; Humans ; Magnesium* ; Mexico ; Observational Study ; Prospective Studies ; Proton Pump Inhibitors ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of computer minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (CNMIS TLIF). METHODS: Blood loss, operating time, complications, and hospital stay were identified through chart review. Numeric rating scale (NRS) scores for pain were taken during recent follow-ups, and these were compared to the pre-operative scores. Three different examiners assessed the pre-operative lumbosacral spine radiographs. At a 2-years follow-up, the patients were evaluated with NRS and the radiographs reassessed by three other examiners. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients with a mean age of 54 years underwent CNMIS TLIF. Average blood loss was 300 mL, operative time was 4.5 hours, and the average length of hospital stay was 8.5 days. A total of four complications were noted in our study. There was an improvement of mean local lordosis and regional lordosis. The paired-sample t-test showed that the anterior, middle, and posterior disc heights at the cage level were significantly increased compared to the pre-operative values. CONCLUSION: CNMIS TLIF is a safe and efficient method to achieve spinal fusion. There was a significant improvement in clinical outcomes in terms of pain relief. Radiologic parameters such as local lordosis, regional lordosis, and anterior, middle, and posterior disc heights showed significant improvements at 2-years follow-up.
Spinal Fusion ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Computers

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted students' lives and daily routines, resulting in increased stress and mental health issues that impact their perceived life satisfaction and self-efficacy. While life satisfaction and self-efficacy may influence student academic performance and success, current data on life satisfaction and self-efficacy in Filipino occupational therapy students is limited. Objectives: This study aims to describe the life satisfaction and self-efficacy level of occupational therapy students at a university in Metro Manila, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the relationship between these two variables. Methods: The study adopted an analytic cross-sectional study design and records review methodology utilizing the Student Life Survey 2021 database. Data from the survey participants who fit the study's inclusion criteria were extracted to determine their life satisfaction and self-efficacy based on their responses on the Satisfaction with Life Scale and Self-Efficacy Formative Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics using measures of central tendency and dispersion were used to analyze data. Spearman-Rho correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlation between participants’ life satisfaction and self-efficacy. Results: A total of 205 occupational therapy students completed the survey. Results reveal that the participants were slightly dissatisfied with their lives (M=18.45; SD=1.52) and that they had satisfactory or adequate self-efficacy (M=64.66; SD=1.37). An analysis of their self-efficacy scores reveals that participants had a poor belief in their personal ability (M=37.71; SD=1.33) and a satisfactory or adequate belief that their ability can grow with effort (M=26.92; SD=1.32). Life satisfaction and self-efficacy were found to decrease as the participants’ year level increased. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant moderate correlation between participants’ life satisfaction and self-efficacy (⍴=0.40, p<0.05). Conclusion The participants have a slightly dissatisfied level of life satisfaction and a satisfactory or adequate level of self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Life satisfaction and self-efficacy were found to have moderate correlation. Online learning adjustments, pandemic restrictions, and societal expectations are factors that may have influenced these findings, as emphasized in existing studies. This study may inform the academe in modifying existing learning environments and providing enhancement programs to deliberately target these constructs influencing overall academic performance.
Self Efficacy