Author: Nevin Manimala

Retina. 2022 Apr 22. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000003510. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine effects of baseline characteristics and laser type performed on outcomes in people with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) undergoing panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).

METHODS: Medical records of all consecutive patients with PDR naïve to PRP, identified using an electronic database, evaluated at the Macula Clinic, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, receiving their first PRP between 1st January 2016 and 30th June 2017, and followed for a minimum of 6 months following stabilization of PDR, were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes included time to stabilization following PRP, progression of PDR, and mean change in best-corrected visual acuity from baseline to last follow-up. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for the effect of baseline characteristics and type of laser on outcomes following treatment.

RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen patients (135 eyes) with a mean age of 57.6 (SD: 13.1) years were included, 67% males. People receiving pattern or mixed laser had a statistically significantly delayed stabilization (HR: 0.54, p=0.004; and HR: 0.41, p=0.001, respectively) and increased risk of progression (HR: 1.83, p=0.028; and HR: 2.04, p=0.018, respectively) when compared to those receiving standard laser. Among other potential predictors in multivariable regression analysis, only vitreous hemorrhage and fibrosis or traction at baseline increased risk of progression (HR: 1.70, p=0.017; and HR: 4.14, p<0.001 respectively). Baseline characteristics and type of laser had no statistically significant effect on vision.

CONCLUSION: These findings should be considered when selecting laser treatment, planning surveillance, and counselling patients with PDR undergoing PRP.

PMID:35504028 | DOI:10.1097/IAE.0000000000003510

Eur J Sport Sci. 2022 May 3:1-8. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2065927. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Seminal work has found a negative association between physical exercise and impulsivity levels in humans. This paper aims to strengthen these findings by evaluating the association between the amount of self-reported physical exercise per week and emotion-related impulsivity whilst considering age and gender as covariates on a large-scale dataset.Participants completed an online self-report questionnaire about emotion-related impulsivity (i.e. Feelings Trigger Action) and exercise-related questions. After quality control, 773 participants were included in the analysis. Correlational analyses and a multiple regression model explaining the emotion-related impulsivity scores via the amount of exercise per week and demographic characteristics (i.e. age and gender) were performed.The number of hours spent exercising per week was significantly inversely correlated with the Feelings Trigger Action score (r = -.131, p < .001) and two out of its three subscales. The multiple linear regression model showed that hours of exercise per week and gender were significantly associated with the Feelings Trigger Action score (std. β = -.122, p < .001), however, this model explained only 3.2% of the overall variance.This large-scale dataset confirms seminal work displaying an inverse association between emotion-related impulsivity and hours of exercise per week. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between the two variables. HighlightsThis study (N = 773) confirms seminal work on the connection between exercise and impulsivity.When controlling for demographic variables, the amount of exercise per week was inversely correlated (small effect size) with emotion-related impulsivity levels.In the multiple-regression model, hours of exercise per week and gender were significantly associated with the Feelings Trigger Action score.

PMID:35504027 | DOI:10.1080/17461391.2022.2065927

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2022 Apr 30. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001540. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The use of music as a basis for overcoming depressive personality disorders is possible only if the individual is ready for this therapy. Music therapy affects, first of all, the very structure of personality, its dynamic filling with current social and political tendencies, and allows to highlight problem areas, which are often viewed as complex in the structure of other psychological problems. The purpose of the current study was the determination and justification of the corresponding criteria in relation to this, as well as the methodology for diagnosing the studied phenomenon. The diagnostics involved five groups of psychologists (in general, 438 persons). The preparedness of therapists for preventive and remedial work with patients with depressive conduct disorder was evaluated. To test the truth of the statistical hypothesis the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney criterion was used. The novelty of the article is determined by the fact that the use of music is considered only as a therapeutic measure, and not associated with the use of medication or sedation. The developed system of the use of music therapy can be implemented only under the condition of applying special factors and principles. These factors include, first of all, the ability to respond to the personality and, if necessary, adjust the therapy strategy.

PMID:35504020 | DOI:10.1097/NMD.0000000000001540

Radiat Res. 2022 May 3. doi: 10.1667/RADE-21-00234.1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a treatment modality for cancer that involves radiations of different qualities. A formalism that proved suitable to compute doses in photon-equivalent units is the photon isoeffective dose model. This study addresses the question whether considering in vitro or in vivo radiobiological studies to determine the parameters involved in photon isoeffective dose calculations affects the consistency of the model predictions. The analysis is focused on head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), a main target that proved to respond to BNCT. The photon isoeffective dose model for HNSCC with parameters from in vitro studies using the primary human cell line UT-SCC-16A was introduced and compared to the one previously reported with parameters from an in vivo oral cancer model in rodents. Both models were first compared in a simple scenario by means of tumor dose and control probability calculations. Then, the clinical impact of the different dose models was assessed from the analysis of a group of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) patients treated with BNCT. Traditional dose calculations using the relative biological effectiveness factors derived from the SCC cell line were also analyzed. Predictions of tumor control from the evaluated models were compared to the patients’ outcome. The quantification of the biological effectiveness of the different radiations revealed that relative biological effectiveness/compound biological effectiveness (RBE/CBE) factors for the SCC cell line are up to 20% higher than those assumed in clinical BNCT, highlighting the importance of using experimental data intimately linked to the tumor type to derive the model’s parameters. The comparison of the different models showed that photon isoeffective doses based on in vitro data are generally greater than those from in vivo data (∼8-16% for total tumor absorbed doses of 10-15 Gy). However, the predictive power of the two models was not affected by these differences: both models fulfilled conditions to guarantee a good predictive performance and gave predictions statistically compatible with the clinical outcome. On the other hand, doses computed with the traditional model were substantially larger than those obtained with both photon isoeffective models. Moreover, the traditional model is statistically rejected, which reinforces the assertion that its inconsistencies are intrinsic and not due to the use of RBE/CBE factors obtained for a tumor type different from HN cancer. The results suggest that the nature of the radiobiological data would not affect the consistency of the photon isoeffective dose model in the studied cases of SCC head and neck cancer treated with BPA-based BNCT.

PMID:35504003 | DOI:10.1667/RADE-21-00234.1

J Proteome Res. 2022 May 3. doi: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00051. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics has become a high-throughput technology for the identification and quantification of thousands of proteins in complex biological samples. Two frequently used tools, MaxQuant and MSstats, allow for the analysis of raw data and finding proteins with differential abundance between conditions of interest. To enable accessible and reproducible quantitative proteomics analyses in a cloud environment, we have integrated MaxQuant (including TMTpro 16/18plex), Proteomics Quality Control (PTXQC), MSstats, and MSstatsTMT into the open-source Galaxy framework. This enables the web-based analysis of label-free and isobaric labeling proteomics experiments via Galaxy’s graphical user interface on public clouds. MaxQuant and MSstats in Galaxy can be applied in conjunction with thousands of existing Galaxy tools and integrated into standardized, sharable workflows. Galaxy tracks all metadata and intermediate results in analysis histories, which can be shared privately for collaborations or publicly, allowing full reproducibility and transparency of published analysis. To further increase accessibility, we provide detailed hands-on training materials. The integration of MaxQuant and MSstats into the Galaxy framework enables their usage in a reproducible way on accessible large computational infrastructures, hence realizing the foundation for high-throughput proteomics data science for everyone.

PMID:35503992 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00051

Anesthesiology. 2022 May 3. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000004259. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Whether a particular surgeon’s opioid prescribing behavior is associated with prolonged postoperative opioid use is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the patients of surgeons with a higher propensity to prescribe opioids are more likely to utilize opioids long-term postoperatively.

METHODS: We identified 612,378 Medicare fee-for-service patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016. We then defined “high-intensity” surgeons as those whose patients were, on average, in the upper quartile of opioid utilization in the immediate perioperative period (preoperative day 7 to postoperative day 7), We then estimated whether patients of “high-intensity” surgeons had higher opioid utilization in the mid-term (postoperative days 8-90) and long-term (postoperative days 91-365), utilizing an instrumental variables approach to minimize confounding from unobservable factors.

RESULTS: In the final sample of 604,093 patients, the average age was 74 years (SD 5) and there were 413,121 (68.4%) females. 180,926 patients (30%) were treated by “high-intensity” surgeons. On average, patients receiving treatment from a “high-intensity” surgeon received 36.1 (SD 35.0) oral morphine equivalents (MME)/day during the immediate perioperative period compared to 17.3 MME (SD 23.1) per day for all other patients (+18.9 MME/day difference; 95%CI 18.7 to 19.0; p<0.001). After adjusting for confounders, receiving treatment from a “high-intensity” surgeon was associated with higher opioid utilization in the mid-term opioid postoperative period (+2.4 MME/day difference, 95%CI 1.7 to 3.2, p<0.001, [11.4 MME/day vs 9.0]), and lower opioid utilization in the long-term postoperative period (-1.0 MME/day difference, 95%CI -1.4 to -0.6, p<0.001, [2.8 MME/day vs 3.8]). While statistically significant, these differences were clinically small.

CONCLUSIONS: Among Medicare fee-for-service patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, surgeon-level variation in opioid utilization in the immediate perioperative period was associated with statistically significant but clinically insignificant differences in opioid utilization in the medium- and long-term postoperative periods.

PMID:35503990 | DOI:10.1097/ALN.0000000000004259

J Oral Implantol. 2022 May 3. doi: 10.1563/aaid-joi-D-20-00191. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The choice of material used to fill screw access channels in implant-supported prostheses depends, in most cases, on operator’s preference, without considering the susceptibility of biofilm colonization. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine and compare the total amount of biofilm formed on different materials used to fill screw access channels in implant abutments. For this propose, titanium implant analogs were attached on abutments and divided into 5 groups: positive control (no filling material); negative control (closed with resin); filled with cotton, gutta-percha, or polytetrafluoroethylene-PTFE. The analogs with attached abutments were then immersed in a brain heart infusion medium containing Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and incubated aerobically at 37°C with gentle agitation. After 15 days, materials were removed and total viable biofilm on each material was quantified by methyl tetrazolium (MTT) reduction assay at 490nm. All experiments were performed in triplicate. Data were processed by IBM SPSS Statistic software using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni pos hoc tests to analyze differences between groups, with overall significance level=.05 (P<.001). A significant difference was observed between cotton and gutta-percha (P<.017) and between cotton and PTFE (P<.025). However, there was no statistical difference between gutta-percha and PTFE (P>.050). Thus, this in vitro experiment showed that gutta-percha and PTFE presented lower biofilm formation in comparison with cotton when used to fill screw access channels. These results can provide a basis for future clinical studies that can be a guide to decreasing the occurrence of gaps and bacterial growth inside the implant/abutment attachment site. In addition, controlled in vivo studies are necessary to confirm the clinical viability of findings of this study.

PMID:35503968 | DOI:10.1563/aaid-joi-D-20-00191

Am J Audiol. 2022 May 3:1-11. doi: 10.1044/2022_AJA-21-00234. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has produced unique challenges for persons with hearing loss. There is a unique concern that adults with hearing loss may be more susceptible to isolation than adults with normal hearing.

PURPOSE: This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of older adults with and without hearing loss.

RESEARCH DESIGN: This was a longitudinal study with pre-COVID-19 and six mid-COVID-19 interviews, spanning from March 1, 2020, to October 31, 2020.

STUDY SAMPLE: The study enrolled 12 participants with hearing aids and 12 with cochlear implants aged 55-80 years that were compared to 18 age-matched adults with hearing within normal limits.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Surveys were completed to evaluate the impact of time alone and loneliness, social contact, depression, and the impact of masks on hearing. A mixed-effects statistical model was used to analyze each question.

RESULTS: Participants commonly reported stress and anxiety during monthly video calls. Adults with varying degrees of hearing loss reported decreased social interaction and increased stress during the pandemic, similar to the rates observed by participants with healthy hearing. Face coverings were commonly reported to affect the intelligibility of conversational speech. Participants with hearing loss found satisfactory methods for maintaining social connection during the pandemic that they hope will continue once restrictions ease fully.

CONCLUSIONS: Participants from the hearing loss groups in this study were frustrated by challenges posed by facial masks and were resilient in their ability to cope with COVID-19 and found the use of technology to be helpful. Audiologists are encouraged to use these successful electronic means of connecting with their patients even after restrictions are fully lifted.

PMID:35503964 | DOI:10.1044/2022_AJA-21-00234

J Oral Implantol. 2022 May 3. doi: 10.1563/aaid-joi-D-20-00358. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), the rate of sinus membrane perforation in osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) performed with and without a graft material. Thirty patients with 52 OSFE sites were included in the study. Patients were divided into the control group (OSFE performed without graft material) and test groups (OSFE performed with autograft or xenograft). The autograft was harvested from the maxillary tuberosity using bone forceps. The xenograft was a commercial product originated from bovine bone. Graft volume was measured using the water displacement method. CBCT was performed at initial examination and immediately after surgery to measure the residual bone height and to evaluate the endo-sinus bone gain and membrane perforation. The rate of sinus membrane perforation was 15.4%. Of the 52 OSFE procedures, 26.9% were performed without grafting, and 34.6% and 38.5% were performed with autografts and xenografts, respectively. Membrane perforation was significantly higher in the autograft group (p=0.033). The median volume of graft materials was 0.3 mL. The difference in graft volume between the autograft and xenograft was not statistically significant (p=0.768). The mean endo-sinus bone gain was 6.55 mm in patients without membrane perforation and 8.71 mm in patients with membrane perforation; this difference was statistically significant (p=0.035). The volume and physical properties of graft materials are important factors in membrane perforation. Further clinical studies with larger and standardized samples are needed to confirm the effect of graft materials on sinus membrane perforation in OSFE.

PMID:35503963 | DOI:10.1563/aaid-joi-D-20-00358

Psychiatr Danub. 2021 Spring-Summer;33(Suppl 4):1330-1334.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent diseases that contribute to global disability, especially if they are not early recognised and properly treated. They occur as part of many chronic diseases, often remain unrecognised at an early stage, and significantly contribute to the progression of the underlying disease reducing the quality of life in these patients. Numerous studies have shown that anxiety / depression and dyspnea are the leading symptoms in patients with COPD that are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the degree of depression, anxiety and stress, using DASS- 21 scale, and changes in locomotor parameters in smokers who are prone to develop COPD.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 164 patients, smokers and non-smokers, who underwent spirometry, 6-minute walk test and bicycle ergometer. They were all measured for body weight, height, waist circumference, pulse, blood pressure and each patient completed DASS-21, CAT and IPAQ questionnaire.

RESULTS: The results of the IPAQ questionnaire indicated a statistically significant difference in the physical activity of smokers and non-smokers. A statistically significant was found between DASS-21 and patients physical activity (p=0.0001), 6-minute walk test (r=-0.186, p=0.017), VO2 max (r=-0.220, p=0.005) and weekly calorie consumption (r=-0.222, p=0.004).

CONCLUSION: According to the results of the study, an increased degree of anxiety, depression and stress is an important factor influencing changes in locomotor parameters in smokers who are prone to develop COPD.

PMID:35503952