Category: Nevin Manimala

J Acoust Soc Am. 2023 Dec 1;154(6):3627-3643. doi: 10.1121/10.0022577.

ABSTRACT

Hearing aids show more benefit in traditional laboratory speech-in-noise tests than in real-world noisy environments. Real-world noise comprises a large range of acoustic properties that vary randomly and rapidly between and within environments, making quantifying real-world noise and using it in experiments and clinical tests challenging. One approach is to use acoustic features and statistics to quantify acoustic properties of real-world noise and control for them or measure their relationship to listening performance. In this study, the complexity of real-world noise from different environments was quantified using entropy in both the time- and frequency-domains. A distribution of noise segments from low to high entropy were extracted. Using a trial-by-trial design, listeners with normal hearing and hearing loss (in aided and unaided conditions) repeated back sentences embedded in these noise segments. Entropy significantly affected speech perception, with a larger effect of entropy in the time-domain than the frequency-domain, a larger effect for listeners with normal hearing than for listeners with hearing loss, and a larger effect for listeners with hearing loss in the aided than unaided condition. Speech perception also differed between most environment types. Combining entropy with the environment type improved predictions of speech perception above the environment type alone.

PMID:38051522 | DOI:10.1121/10.0022577

Ann Ital Chir. 2023;94:478-482.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The inguinal hernia is the protrusion of intra-abdominal contents through a defect of the abdominal wall. This content can be represented by omentum, most frequently intestine. Theoretically, any intraperitoneal organ can be located in the hernia sac.The inguinal hernia is distinguished by several features: it is the most common form of hernia, it can occur in any age category, the only treatment is the surgical treatment, in the absence of the treatment, severe complications can endanger the patient’s life.The treatment of hernias consists either in the use of a classical (“open”) surgical procedure or of a laparoscopic procedure. The objective of both procedures is to remove and treat the hernia sac and repair the defect that appeared in the posterior wall of the groin canal.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the two surgery types, considering the immediate postoperative pain.

METHODS: This paper is a prospective study conducted between September 2019 and February 2020, including a number of 80 patients admitted in the Department of General Surgery I and II, Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Târgu Mureș. In the study were included patients with uncomplicated inguinal hernia for which a classical or laparoscopic procedure was performed. Patients with complicated inguinal hernia (strangulation, incarceration) and patients with associated comorbidities (neoplasms, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders) were excluded. For the study group were taken into consideration: demographic data (age, gender), type of surgery and the pain assessment using the VAS scale.

RESULTS: Following the study, it was statistically confirmed the prevalence of elderly patients to the detriment of young patients in both classical and laparoscopic study group. As we age, the pain sensitivity decreases, an aspect highlighted in the classical study group, the statistics showing the presence of less pain in elderly patients on the second postoperative day compared to young patients. Regarding the pain in both postoperative days, it was statistically proved that the pain tends to decrease in intensity on the second postoperative day compared to the first postoperative day.

CONCLUSIONS: As seen from this paper, taking into consideration the pain aspect, the two surgeries are very similar. Regardless of the chosen type of procedure, a preponderance of elderly patients was observed. The “Open Tension Free” procedure is a modern and efficient technique due to the absence of the local tension that can generate recurrence. The laparoscopic procedure has the advantage of reducing surgical trauma and minimizing recurrences. In the end, the type of treatment should be chosen by the surgeon after taking into consideration the type of hernia, the age and the patient’s comorbidities and the economic considerations.

KEY WORDS: Classical procedure, Inguinal hernia, Laparoscopic procedure.

PMID:38051514

Ann Ital Chir. 2023;94:483-492.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic approach for inguinal hernia offers considerable advantages. Several risk factors for postoperative pain have been investigated, but few articles can be found about learning curve and surgeon’s influence on postoperative pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted including 105 patients. Surgical procedures were performed by two general surgeons performing TAPP procedure. Follow up was realized at one and three months after surgery.

RESULTS: Majority of investigated data were without significant differences. In case of the Senior Surgeon we registered higher SEI (surgeon experience index), increased proportion of bilateral inguinal hernias (P = 0.0309) and higher percentage of longer surgical procedures (P = 0.0309). Meantime in case of the Junior Surgeon we recorded operations with intermediate duration (P = 0.0232) in a greater manner. During the follow up period, similar incidence of pain senzation was remarked among patients, without statistical significance.

CONCLUSION: With adequate learning program and supervision TAPP procedure can be a safe technique when performed by young specialist too, presenting similar postoperative results with those of experienced surgeons.

KEY WORDS: Inguinal hernia, TAPP, Selfgripping surgical mesh, Postoperative pain.

PMID:38051509

Ann Ital Chir. 2023;94:512-517.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hernia repair using prosthetic mesh materials has become the preferred method of repair, as the recurrence rates are much lower than with conventional repair techniques. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare open small- and medium-sized abdominal wall hernia repair with flat patch mesh versus three-dimensional mesh (plug) in terms of recurrence and complication rates.

METHODS: The medical records of 300 patients who underwent abdominal wall hernia repair using flat patch mesh versus three-dimensional mesh between January 2010 to December 2015 were reviewed. All patients were followed up after 1 month, 3 month and 1 year. The rate of recurrence, and short-term postoperative complications such as incidence of Surgical Site Infections (SSIs), hematoma and seroma were evaluated.

RESULTS: Short-term follow-up data were available for all patients. The first group was composed of 150 patients that were treated with a flat polypropylene mesh (68% presened umbilical hernia and 32% presented epigastric hernia). The second group was composed of 150 patients that were treated with a three-dimensional polypropylene mesh (60% presented umbilical hernia and 40% presented epigastric hernia). The majority of postoperative (1-month) complications were wound related, representing superficial SSI or seroma. Our results showed a statistically significant reduction of SSIs [3 (2%) vs 13 (8.6%); p = 0.038] and seroma [2 (1.3%) vs 12 (8%); p = 0.030] in the group of patients treated with plugs compared to flat-mesh group. There was no statistically significant difference in hernia recurrences.

DISCUSSION: Usage three-dimensional mesh for open small- and medium-sized umbilical or epigastric hernia repair represents a feasible and safe technique that significantly lowers the incidence of complications such as SSIs and seroma. Furthermore, compared to flat patch mesh, plugs displayed non-inferiority in terms recurrence. Further, well-designed clinical trials could be realized to investigate possible applications of plugs in treatment of small- and medium-sized umbilical and epigastric hernias.

KEY WORDS: Mesh, Umbilical Hernia.

PMID:38051502

Ann Ital Chir. 2023;94:506-511.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate if antiplatelet therapy in elderly patients undergoing surgical excision of nasal non-melanoma skin cancer and contemporary reconstruction with full-thickness skin graft can be related to a better vitality of the graft and consequently improved aesthetic result.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients affected by BCC or SCC of the nose that underwent surgical excision and contemporary reconstruction with full-thickness skin graft were divided into two groups according to antiplatelet therapy. Medications were performed 7 and 15 days after surgery. To asses engraftment, we clinically evaluated the percentage of vital flap recognizing 3 different results: less than 20%, between 20% and 80%, and more than 80% of vital surface. Finally, patients were asked to express a subjective evaluation of the aesthetic result using a numeric scale ranging from 1 to 10. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 15.0 for Windows.

RESULTS: Twenty-four of the 36 eligible patients took antiplatelet therapy (Group 1). Statistical analysis was very close to demonstrate a significant difference between the two groups after the first evaluation (X2= 3.6; p-value = 0.0578) and it showed a clear significant difference between the two groups after the second evaluation (X2 = 13.5692 e p-value = 0.0002). The average value of the subjective evaluation conducted only on 32 of 36 patients, was 9.12. Any significant difference was observed between the two groups (p-value >0.1).

CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results seem to suggest that antiplatelet therapy in elderly patients with non-melanoma skin cancer of the nose treated with surgical excision and contemporary reconstruction with fill-thickness skin graft could favor the graft vitality with low risk of bleeding. Further studies will be useful to determinate if antiplatelet drugs can be prescribed in the perioperative period to selected patients presenting risk factors for wound healing to increase the chances of engraftment.

KEY WORDS: Antiplatelet Therapy, Non Melanoma Skin Cancer, Skin Graft.

PMID:38051499

Sleep Breath. 2023 Dec 5. doi: 10.1007/s11325-023-02946-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess changes in sleep-related symptoms in patients with breast cancer, endometrial cancer and melanoma previously examined for sleep-related symptoms and the presence of PSG (polysomnography)-determined OSA, ≥ 3 years post-treatment; and to evaluate how CPAP treatment affects sleep-related symptoms in patients previously diagnosed with OSA.

METHODS: Patients initially recruited from breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and melanoma follow-up clinics at Westmead Hospital (Sydney, Australia) participated in this questionnaire-based study. Demographic and change in cancer status data were collected at follow-up. Patients completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [poor sleep quality, PSQI_TOTAL ≥ 5au], Insomnia Severity Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire; with ΔPSQI_TOTAL ≥ 3au indicating a clinically meaningful change in sleep quality over follow-up. PSG-determined OSA was confirmed using the apnoea-hypopnoea index. CPAP compliance was determined via self-report (CPAP compliant, CPAP; not compliant, non-CPAP). Logistic regression models determined if changes in cancer status, AHI, cancer subgroup or CPAP treatment was predictive of ΔPSQI_TOTAL ≥ 3 au and p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

RESULTS: The 60 patients recruited had breast cancer (n = 22), endometrial cancer (n = 15), and melanoma (n = 23). Cancer subgroups were similarly aged, and all had median follow-up PSQI_TOTAL scores ≥ 5au; breast cancer patients scoring the highest (p < 0.05). The CPAP group had significantly reduced PSQI_TOTAL scores (p = 0.02) at follow-up, unlike the non-CPAP group. Cancer subgroups had similar median ISI_TOTAL, ESS_TOTAL and FOSQ-10_TOTAL scores at follow-up, regardless of CPAP treatment. There were no significant predictors of ΔPSQI_TOTAL ≥ 3 au at follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Sleep-related symptoms persist in patients with cancer ≥ 3 years after treatment, although these symptoms improve with CPAP. Future studies should evaluate how CPAP affects survival outcomes in cancer patients with comorbid OSA.

PMID:38051468 | DOI:10.1007/s11325-023-02946-6

J Neurooncol. 2023 Dec 5. doi: 10.1007/s11060-023-04497-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: ALK-positive NSCLC patients exhibit a particularly high propensity for the development of brain metastases. Current guidelines suggest transit to next-line therapy (SysTx) or local radiotherapy (RadTx) including whole-brain radiotherapy and radiosurgery. However, the clinical impact of these two strategies remains unclear.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis focusing on patients with stage IV ALK-positive NSCLC who underwent first-line ALK TKI treatment. Patients with intracranial progression may receive two different treatment strategies: SysTx and RadTx. Our objective was to investigate the outcomes associated with these two distinct treatment pathways.

RESULTS: A total 20 patients of ALK-positive NSCLC who received first-line ALK TKI therapy and subsequently developed intracranial progression were enrolled. About 55% of patients had brain metastasis initially. Nine patients (45%) were treated with crizotinib at first. Patients treated with crizotinib demonstrated a significantly shorter intracranial PFS1 (crizotinib: 8.27 months vs. others: 27.0 months, p = 0.006). Following intracranial progression, approximately 60% of patients transitioned to the next line of systemic treatment (SysTx), while the remaining 40% opted for local cranial radiotherapy (RadTx). Intriguingly, our analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in intracranial progression-free survival (PFS2) between these two distinct treatment strategies. (SysTx: 20.87 months vs. RadTx: 28.23 months, p = 0.461).

CONCLUSION: The intracranial progression-free survival showed no difference between the two strategies suggesting that both local radiotherapy and systemic therapy may be valid options. Individualized strategy, molecular analysis, and multidisciplinary conferences may all play a pivotal role in decision-making.

PMID:38051455 | DOI:10.1007/s11060-023-04497-y

Indian J Pediatr. 2023 Dec 5. doi: 10.1007/s12098-023-04930-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of national iron prophylaxis policy in 9-12 mo-old infants in Turkey.

METHODS: This study was planned as a cross-sectional study, and it included healthy infants aged 9 to 12 mo who presented to the pediatric outpatient clinic for routine check-ups. Parents were interviewed to identify risk factors for iron deficiency (ID) and gather information on Fe⁺³ – iron polymaltose complex (IPC) prophylaxis usage. Blood samples were collected for hemogram and ferritin analysis. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine risk factors for ID and iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

RESULTS: The study included 317 infants. In the non-prophylaxis group, the frequency of IDA was 31.1%, compared to 13.4% in the regular prophylaxis group. Iron deficiency was detected in 25% of individuals receiving regular prophylaxis and 13.1% of those without prophylaxis. The risk factors for IDA were insufficient iron diets (OR 2.45, 95% CI: 1.35-4.45) and not receiving Fe⁺³ – IPC prophylaxis (OR 2.57, 95% CI: 1.24-5.31). The relationship between Fe⁺³ – IPC prophylaxis and ID did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.253).

CONCLUSIONS: Fe⁺³ – IPC prophylaxis is associated with a lower risk of iron deficiency anemia, but not iron deficiency.

PMID:38051446 | DOI:10.1007/s12098-023-04930-0

Indian J Pediatr. 2023 Dec 5. doi: 10.1007/s12098-023-04921-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To compare and evaluate the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with computed tomography (CT) in bronchiectasis; to compare MRI and CT scores with pulmonary function tests (PFT) and to evaluate the role of Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in bronchiectasis.

METHODS: In this prospective study, 25 patients between 7-21 y of age with a clinical/radiological diagnosis of bronchiectasis underwent MDCT and MRI chest. MRI and CT scoring was performed using modified Bhalla-Helbich’s score by two independent radiologists for all parameters. A final consensus score was recorded. The overall image quality of different MRI sequences to identify pathologies was also assessed. Appropriate statistical tests were used for inter-observer agreements, and correlation amongst CT and MRI; as well as CT, MRI and PFT.

RESULTS: Strong agreement (ICC 0.80-0.95) between CT and MRI was seen for extent and severity of bronchiectasis, number of bullae, sacculation/abscess, emphysema, collapse/ consolidation, mucus plugging, and mosaic perfusion. Overall CT and MRI scores had perfect concordance (ICC 0.978). Statistically significant (p-value <0.01) intra-observer and inter-observer agreement for all CT and MRI score parameters were seen. A strong negative correlation was seen between total CT and MRI severity scores and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow (FEF) 25-75%. DWI MR, with an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) cut-off of 1.62 × 10^-3 mm³/s had a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 75% in detecting true mucus plugs.

CONCLUSIONS: MRI with DWI can be considered as a radiation-free alternative in the diagnostic algorithm for assessment of lung changes in bronchiectasis, especially in follow-up.

PMID:38051445 | DOI:10.1007/s12098-023-04921-1

J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2023 Dec 5. doi: 10.1007/s10840-023-01713-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Nifekalant is a class III antiarrhythmic drug that exerts antiarrhythmic effects by inhibiting rapid rectifying potassium channels and extending the effective refractory period of cardiomyocytes. It has a high success rate in converting atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm. Whether the failure of intravenous nifekalant cardioversion is an independent predictor for persistent AF recurrence after catheter ablation has not been reported.

METHODS: A total of 92 patients with drug-refractory persistent AF were retrospectively enrolled. After all ablations, intravenous nifekalant was administrated. Patients were assigned to the success group (group 1) and failure group (group 2) based on nifekalant cardioversion results and followed for 12 months to note any episode of atrial arrhythmia recurrence.

RESULTS: Each group included 46 patients. After 12 months of follow-up, nine (19.6%) patients from group 1 and 23 (50.0%) patients from group 2 had a recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (P = 0.002). AF duration and type 2 diabetes were strongly associated with failure of intravenous nifekalant cardioversion. Univariable Cox proportional hazard regression showed that failure of intravenous nifekalant cardioversion, AF duration, and type 2 diabetes were potential risk factors. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression showed that failure of nifekalant cardioversion was statistically associated with AF recurrence (adjusted RR = 2.257, 95% CI: 1.006-5.066, P = 0.048). Failure of intravenous nifekalant cardioversion could bring a positive effect on the prognostic differentiation when added into the multivariable model (0.767 ± 0.042 vs. 0.774 ± 0.045, P = 0.025).

CONCLUSION: Failure of nifekalant cardioversion is an independent predictor for persistent AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

PMID:38051431 | DOI:10.1007/s10840-023-01713-7