AIM OF THE STUDY: Patients with cancer might have an increased risk for severe outcome of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To identify risk factors associated with a worse outcome of COVID-19, a nationwide registry was developed for patients with cancer and COVID-19.

METHODS: This observational cohort study has been designed as a quality of care registry and is executed by the Dutch Oncology COVID-19 Consortium (DOCC), a nationwide collaboration of oncology physicians in the Netherlands. A questionnaire has been developed to collect pseudonymised patient data on patients' characteristics, cancer diagnosis and treatment. All patients with COVID-19 and a cancer diagnosis or treatment in the past 5 years are eligible.

RESULTS: Between March 27th and May 4th, 442 patients were registered. For this first analysis, 351 patients were included of whom 114 patients died. In multivariable analyses, age ≥65 years (p < 0.001), male gender (p = 0.035), prior or other malignancy (p = 0.045) and active diagnosis of haematological malignancy (p = 0.046) or lung cancer (p = 0.003) were independent risk factors for a fatal outcome of COVID-19. In a subgroup analysis of patients with active malignancy, the risk for a fatal outcome was mainly determined by tumour type (haematological malignancy or lung cancer) and age (≥65 years).

CONCLUSION: The findings in this registry indicate that patients with a haematological malignancy or lung cancer have an increased risk of a worse outcome of COVID-19. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these vulnerable patients should avoid exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, whereas treatment adjustments and prioritising vaccination, when available, should also be considered.

The assessment of motor conduction along the pudendal nerve is an accurate objective measure of pudendal nerve function. Measurement of its latency (that is the time interval between electrical stimulation of the nerve and induced contraction of the external anal sphincter) has been demonstrated to be abnormally long following vaginal delivery, particularly if the delivery was associated with a heavy fetus or a prolonged second stage of labor. The significance of pudendal neuropathy and its relationship to abnormal degrees of descent of the pelvic floor have also been examined in this review.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies suggested that direct immunofluorescence (DIF) slides can be stored at room temperature.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the durability of DIF slides stored at room temperature for 5 years.

METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 83 DIF slides archived at room temperature during 2010. The pattern of immunoreactants was compared with those noted in the original report.

RESULTS: Loss of reactivity was limited to cases with weak fluorescence at original diagnosis. Loss of IgG was noted in 12.5% of cases, IgA in 12%, C3 in 10%, and IgM in 9.75%. Fibrin showed no loss of reactivity. Preservation of immunofluorescence was not related to site of deposition. Overall, a reliable diagnosis could be made in 75 of 79 archived cases (94.9%).

LIMITATIONS: Cases had been archived for periods varying from 4.5 to 5 years. Variations in processing and fluorochromes could affect durability. We have no way of knowing how long slides had been exposed to ultraviolet light at the time of initial examination.

CONCLUSION: DIF showed excellent durability in slides kept at room temperature for 5 years.

A report on the 50/50 combination of Du Pont de Nemours of Wilmington, USA with Sabanci Holding of Istanbul, Turkey is presented. Du Pont's polyester capacity, in t/year, is noted for 2004. Production is based in three countries, the UK, Turkey, and Germany. 10 million euros have been invested in the Turkish plant in Adana. Developments in the use of polyester fibres in nonwoven fabrics are considered. Research into polyethylene terephthalate is outlined.