Category: Nevin Manimala

Ophthalmol Ther. 2024 Oct 26. doi: 10.1007/s40123-024-01054-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMA) in eyes with advanced nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) using multimodal approach in co-located areas focusing on central retina (up to 50°) and to look at possible correlations between IRMA and other structural changes, like ischemia and presence of microaneurysms.

METHODS: The RICHARD study (NCT05112445) included 60 eyes from 60 patients with type 2 diabetes with moderate-severe NPDR, diabetic retinopathy severity levels 43, 47, and 53 (DRSS). IRMA were defined as capillary tortuosity covering a minimum circular area of 300 µm (calculated to correspond to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study standard photo 8A) and were identified using multimodal imaging with distinct fields of view (FoV): color fundus photography (CFP) using a Topcon TRC-50DX camera (Topcon Medical Systems, Japan), Optos California ultra wide field fundus fluorescein angiography (UWF-FFA) (Optos plc, UK), and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) (PLEX® Elite 9000, ZEISS, USA). Different areas of the retina were examined: central macula (up to 20°) and posterior pole (between 20° and 50°).

RESULTS: Multimodal imaging was used to identify IRMA in co-located areas (FoV < 50°) including UWF-FFA, CFP, and SS-OCTA. In eyes with DRSS levels 47 and 53, IRMA were identified in both areas of the retina, while in eyes with DRSS level 43, IRMA were detected only outside of the central macula (FoV > 20°). Our results show that when evaluating the presence of IRMA (FoV < 50°), UWF-FFA detected 203 IRMA, SS-OCTA detected 133 IRMA, and CFP detected 104 IRMA. Our results also show that the presence of IRMA was positively associated with presence of microaneurysms.

CONCLUSIONS: Identification of IRMA in eyes with advanced NPDR is better achieved by UWF-FFA than CFP and SS-OCTA. A statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of IRMA and the increase in number of microaneurysms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05112445.

PMID:39460896 | DOI:10.1007/s40123-024-01054-2

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2024 Oct 26;36(1):212. doi: 10.1007/s40520-024-02864-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) may be associated with an increased risk of disability. However, to date, this has not been investigated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), while the mediators are largely unknown.

AIMS: Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between DAO and activities of daily living (ADL) disability, and to identify potential mediators among older adults from six LMICs.

METHODS: Cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health were analyzed. Data on 20,198 adults aged ≥ 60 years were analyzed [mean (SD) age 69.3 (13.1) years; 54.1% females]. Dynapenia was defined as handgrip strength of < 26 kg for men and < 16 kg for women. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference of > 88 cm for women and > 102 cm for men. DAO was defined as having both dynapenia and abdominal obesity. Disability was defined as severe or extreme difficulty in conducting at least one of six types of ADL. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analysis were conducted.

RESULTS: Compared to no dynapenia and no abdominal obesity, DAO was significantly associated with 2.08 (95%CI = 1.37-3.17) times higher odds for ADL disability Mediation analysis showed that diabetes (mediated percentage 4.7%), hypertension (7.2%), and angina (7.7%) were significant mediators in the association between DAO and ADL disability.

CONCLUSIONS: DAO was associated with increased odds for ADL disability among older adults from LMICs. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to assess temporal associations, and whether addressing or preventing DAO can impact on future occurrence of disability.

PMID:39460890 | DOI:10.1007/s40520-024-02864-x

Curr Med Sci. 2024 Oct 26. doi: 10.1007/s11596-024-2932-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and parsing ability of GPT 4.0 for Japanese medical practitioner qualification examinations in a multidimensional way to investigate its response accuracy and comprehensiveness to medical knowledge.

METHODS: We evaluated the performance of the GPT 4.0 on Japanese Medical Licensing Examination (JMLE) questions (2021-2023). Questions are categorized by difficulty and type, with distinctions between general and clinical parts, as well as between single-choice (MCQ1) and multiple-choice (MCQ2) questions. Difficulty levels were determined on the basis of correct rates provided by the JMLE Preparatory School. The accuracy and quality of the GPT 4.0 responses were analyzed via an improved Global Qualily Scale (GQS) scores, considering both the chosen options and the accompanying analysis. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-square tests were used to examine performance across exam years, question difficulty, type, and choice. GPT 4.0 ability was evaluated via the GQS, with comparisons made via the Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS: The correct response rate and parsing ability of the GPT4.0 to the JMLE questions reached the qualification level (80.4%). In terms of the accuracy of the GPT4.0 response to the JMLE, we found significant differences in accuracy across both difficulty levels and option types. According to the GQS scores for the GPT 4.0 responses to all the JMLE questions, the performance of the questionnaire varied according to year and choice type.

CONCLUSION: GTP4.0 performs well in providing basic support in medical education and medical research, but it also needs to input a large amount of medical-related data to train its model and improve the accuracy of its medical knowledge output. Further integration of ChatGPT with the medical field could open new opportunities for medicine.

PMID:39460888 | DOI:10.1007/s11596-024-2932-9

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2024 Oct 26;56(8):359. doi: 10.1007/s11250-024-04197-3.

ABSTRACT

Egg quality is a vital factor in the poultry industry. High-quality eggs not only meet consumer expectations for appearance, taste, and nutritional value but also have high marketability, profitability, and consumer satisfaction. Accordingly, we executed our research with the purpose of determining chromosomal regions and genetic markers associated with egg quality in an F2 cross-bred chicken population under tropical conditions; we determined these through a genome-wide association study and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. This population was created by cross-breeding the L2 line of Taiwan Country chickens, which is adapted to local conditions in Taiwan, with an experimental line (R-line) of Rhode Island Red layer chickens, which was developed by the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment. A 60 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping array for chickens was employed to execute the analysis. Our analysis revealed 40 QTLs associated with egg quality under tropical conditions, namely 20 QTLs with genome-wide statistical significance and 20 QTLs with chromosome-wide statistical significance. Furthermore, we identified 93 SNPs exerting discernible effects on egg quality, with 10 of these effects exhibiting genome-wide significance and 83 exhibiting potential significance. The majority of the detected QTL regions and SNPs agreed with those identified as having an association with egg quality or production traits in previous studies, thus supporting the interrelationships determined between the studied characteristics. The findings of this study enhance the understanding regarding the genetic regulation governing chicken egg quality, thereby serving as a valuable reference for future functional investigations.

PMID:39460847 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-024-04197-3

Eur J Health Econ. 2024 Oct 26. doi: 10.1007/s10198-024-01720-z. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39460843 | DOI:10.1007/s10198-024-01720-z

Environ Monit Assess. 2024 Oct 26;196(11):1108. doi: 10.1007/s10661-024-13254-1.

ABSTRACT

Water quality monitoring is paramount in identifying and mitigating pollution sources, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and ensuring safe water for human and wildlife consumption. This study is aimed at evaluating the quality of drinking water sources in three communities located in a Sustainable Use Conservation Unit in the municipality of Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, employing a multivariate statistical analysis. A total of 161 water samples were collected from January to December 2022, encompassing 32 surface water and 129 tap water samples. Physicochemical parameters were determined in situ employing a Horiba U50 multiparameter probe. The samples were stored and transported at 4 °C to the laboratory for microbiological analyses concerning total coliforms and Escherichia coli using a commercial enzymatic test. All samples contained coliforms, while E. coli were detected in 87% of the samples. The multivariate analysis indicated that the microbiological water quality in sampling region R2 was influenced by rainy periods and that, in general, the water quality within R3 was the most affected by the transport of solids to the water sources. The statistical methods applied herein aided in characterizing the study areas and detecting points of attention regarding physicochemical and microbiological parameters that significantly influence the water quality of each sampling point. Representative points for each study region were identified and may be employed for future monitoring and prevention actions.

PMID:39460842 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-024-13254-1

Mol Biol Rep. 2024 Oct 26;51(1):1097. doi: 10.1007/s11033-024-10043-4.

ABSTRACT

The polyphagous phytopathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing Stem rot disease is a major biotic stress in Brassica, and affects the yield and quality in various crops of agricultural significance. It affects the crop at pre-maturity which causes a reduction in the seed yield and deteriorates the oil quality in rapeseeds and Indian mustard globally. The hemibiotrophic nature and long persistence in the soil as sclerotia have made this pathogen difficult to manage through conventional agronomical practices. Hence, for alternative strategies, it is important to understand the basic aspects of the pathogen and the pathogenesis processes in the host. The current developments in technologies for omics studies including whole-genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes have deciphered various genes, transcription factors, effectors and their target molecules involved in interaction, disease establishment and pathogen progress in the host tissues. The current review encompasses the studies that were conducted to decipher the Brassica-S. sclerotiorum pathosystem and the molecular factors identified through multi-omics studies for their application in building resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot disease in the susceptible cultivars of oilseed Brassica.

PMID:39460825 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-024-10043-4

Lasers Med Sci. 2024 Oct 26;39(1):264. doi: 10.1007/s10103-024-04215-8.

ABSTRACT

The bone volume preservation after dental extraction is challenging in case of implant rehabilitation for functional and aesthetics results. Photobiomodulation (or LLLT) is used in medicine for its properties of accelerating the healing process. The aim of the systematic review was to determine if the use of photobiomodulation had an impact on implant stability and on alveolar bone healing, either in quality or in quantity. A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted on the databases PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar. The review was registered on Prospero under the number CRD42023467581. 414 articles were screened, of which 12 were selected for the review. In 10 of the 12 articles, LLLT seemed to show a positive impact on bone healing and implant stability. Regarding alveolar preservation, 6 out of 8 studies found statistically significant results. Regarding implant stability, 3 out of the 4 articles found a statistically significant impact of photobiomodulation versus control group. Despite the great heterogeneity of the studies, some LLLT protocols seemed consensual: the use of a Ga-Al-As laser with an emission over 800 nm with a continuous emission consisting of 3 to 4 sessions each with a duration of 4 to 5 min, on a sole application point. The use of photobiomodulation seemed to inhance the alveolar bone healing after a dental extraction, and the implant stability in case of immediate extraction-implantation. Further randomized controlled trials with a placebo group seem mandatory to corroborate the results.

PMID:39460822 | DOI:10.1007/s10103-024-04215-8

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2024 Oct 26;36(1):211. doi: 10.1007/s40520-024-02863-y.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in elderly are a significant problem in Ukraine. It is expected that the ongoing war will augment this problem. The study aimed to analyze the trends of disability due to NCDs s in newly-diagnosed elderly patients between 2013 and 2023.

METHODS: This retrospective study included data obtained from the official document “Report on the Causes of Disability and Indications for Medical, Professional, and Social Rehabilitation” commissioned by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. The data on disability due to NCDs s were obtained from for 2013-2023.

RESULTS: During the 2013-2021 the average number of disabled elderly patients due to NCDs per 10,000 elderly persons was significantly lower in compare with working-age. During the first year of full-scaled war the average number of disabled elderly patients due to NCDS s per 10,000 elderly persons dramatically increased by 2-fold, and in 2023 – by 2.8-fold against 2013 value (p < 0.05), while in working-age the disability rate increased significantly only in 2023 by 1.4-fold compared to the pre-war level. In 2013-2021 the main causes of disability among those related to NCDs in elderly were cardiovascular diseases, followed by cancer. In 2022 compared to the pre-war level, the indicators of disability of the elderly due to CVD increased by 1.5 times, due to cerebrovascular diseases – by 2.2 times, due to cancer – by 1.7 times, due to musculoskeletal diseases – by 2 times (p < 0.05). The most significant increase in the number of elderly people with disabilities during the full-scale war occurred due to coronary artery disease – by 55.1%, and osteoarthritis – by 83.4% from baseline in 2013. It estemated the differences in indicators of disability of elderly between regions of Ukraine, significantly higher indicators of disability of the elderly due to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, musculoskeletal diseases were noted in the frontline regions.

CONCLUSIONS: Data on primary disability among elderly Ukrainians indicates a significant increase in NCDs-related disability during the war in compare with working population, especially in frontline regions and regions with a high concentration of displaced persons. In this structure of NCDs-related increasing disability, CVD, oncology and musculoskeletal diseases system prevailed.

PMID:39460821 | DOI:10.1007/s40520-024-02863-y

J Robot Surg. 2024 Oct 26;18(1):382. doi: 10.1007/s11701-024-02138-8.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a global health issue that significantly increases morbidity and mortality when the Body Mass Index (BMI) reaches values ≥ 50. While metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective treatment for severe obesity, it carries risks. Robotic surgery is promising but not extensively studied in Mexico, which presents an opportunity for research at a National Hospital with an academic program.

METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 44 patients who underwent robotic MBS using the da Vinci surgical system from January 2018 to August 2023 at Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, ISSSTE. Data collected included surgery type, duration, complications, and weight loss metrics over 54 months post-operatively.

RESULTS: The study involved 44 patients with severe obesity including BMI ≥ 50-59.9 kg/m² for group 1 and BMI ≥ 60 kg/m² for group 2. The average initial BMI was 54.7 kg/m² for group 1 and 68 kg/m² for group 2. The average operative times for group 1 were 10.09 min for docking, 86.23 min for robotic console time, and 95.73 min for total intraoperative time. Group 2 had average times of 9.80 min for docking, 82.4 min for robotic console time, and 92.2 min for total intraoperative time. Follow-up showed significant weight loss initially, with weight recurrence after 24 months due to different factors. No serious complications or mortality were observed.

CONCLUSION: Robotic MBS at a national academic medical center in Mexico shows promising outcomes for patients with BMI ≥ 50-59.9 and BMI ≥ 60, with significant weight and BMI improvements at 54 month follow-up. Further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up are needed to strengthen these findings.

PMID:39460819 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-024-02138-8