Category: Nevin Manimala

Medeni Med J. 2023 Jun 20;38(2):111-119. doi: 10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2023.42383.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Currently, multiple classification systems exist for the assessment of facial nerve paralysis. This study was designed to choose the most practical system for use in a clinical setting depending on the clinician need. We compared the responsiveness of the 3 facial nerve grading systems, i.e., House-Brackmann, Sydney, and Sunnybrook, as the subjective method and compared the outcomes with the objective method, i.e., the nerve conduction study. The correlation between the subjective and objective assessments was determined.

METHODS: A total of 22 consented participants with facial palsy was assessed with photos and videography recordings where they performed 10 standard facial expressions. The severity of facial paralysis was evaluated with the House-Brackmann, Sydney, and Sunnybrook grading scales subjectively and with the facial nerve conduction study objectively. The assessments were repeated after 3 months.

RESULTS: A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that there were statistically significant change in all three gradings after 3-month of assessment. The responsiveness of the nerve conduction study was significant for the nasalis and orbicularis oris muscles. It was not significant for the orbicularis oculi muscle. The nasalis and orbicularis oculi showed statistically significant correlation with the three classification systems except for the orbicularis oculi muscle.

CONCLUSIONS: All three grading systems, House-Brackmann, Sydney, and Sunnybrook, showed statistically significant responsiveness after 3 months of evaluation. The nasalis and orbicularis oculi muscle can be used to predict facial palsy recovery because they showed strong positive and negative correlations with the extent of facial nerve degeneration from the nerve conduction study.

PMID:37338861 | DOI:10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2023.42383

Medeni Med J. 2023 Jun 20;38(2):102-110. doi: 10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2023.48768.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Neuroblastoma is one of the common tumors of childhood. The demonstration of new factors such as isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) mutations will be important in the diagnosis and treatment. IDH1 and IDH2 mutations have been found in many types of cancer, such as malignant gliomas, acute myeloid leukemias, chondrosarcoma, and thyroid carcinoma. This study aimed to investigate the presence of IDH1 or IDH2 mutations in patients with neuroblastoma and to determine whether these mutations were different in terms of age, clinical findings, and response to treatment.

METHODS: Biopsy specimens of 25 patients with pediatric neuroblastoma patients were evaluated for IDH mutations. The clinical and laboratory features of the patients with/without mutation were retrospectively analyzed from a hospital database.

RESULTS: A total of 25 patients for whom genetic analysis could be performed were included in the study (60% male, n=15). The mean age was 32.2±25.9 months (3 days-96 months). IDH1 mutation was detected in 8 (32%) and IDH2 mutations in 5 (20%) patients. These mutations showed no statistically significant relationship with age, tumor localization, laboratory results, stage, and prognosis. However, in the case of IDH mutation, patients were diagnosed at the advanced stage.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the relationship between neuroblastoma and IDH mutation for the first time. Because to the fact that the mutation is very heterogeneous, it would be appropriate to conduct a larger series of patients in terms of the impact of the clinical significance of each mutation on the diagnosis and prognosis.

PMID:37338860 | DOI:10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2023.48768

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2023 Jun;21(6):645-647. doi: 10.1111/ddg.15003_g.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:37338840 | DOI:10.1111/ddg.15003_g

Int Braz J Urol. 2023 Jun 20;49. doi: 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2023.9909. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze the histology and distribution of abdominal testicular vessels in human fetuses Patients and Methods: We studied 19 fetuses (34 testes) ranging in age from 12 to 19 weeks post-conception. The fetuses were evaluated regarding crown-rump length (CRL), total length (TL) and body weight immediately before dissection. Each testis was dissected and embedded in paraffin, from which 5 μm thick sections were obtained and stained with Masson’s trichrome and Anti-CD31 antibody to quantify the vessels. The stereological analysis was carried out with the Image Pro and Image J programs, using a grid to determine volumetric densities (Vv). Means were statistically compared using the unpaired T-test (p<0.05).

RESULTS: The fetuses presented mean weight of 222.5g, mean CRL of 15.3 cm and mean TL of 23.2 cm. All testes were in the abdominal position. The mean percentage of vessels (Vv) in the upper portion of the testis was 7.6% (4.6 to 15%) and in the lower portion the mean was 5.11% (2.3 to 9.8%), with a significant difference (p=0.0001). In the analysis between the upper portion of the right and left testes (p=0.99) and in the analysis of the lower portion of the right and left testes (p=0.83), we did not observe significant differences.

CONCLUSION: The upper portion of the abdominal testis in human fetuses had a higher concentration of vessels than the lower portion. These results suggest that manipulation of the lower end of the testis during Fowler-Stephens surgery should be avoided in order to preserve the collateral circulation.

PMID:37338817 | DOI:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2023.9909

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2023 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s12011-023-03726-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 210 women divided into a case group (obese, n = 84) and a control group (eutrophic, n = 126). Body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and hip and neck circumference were measured and the waist-hip ratio and conicity index were calculated. Selenium in plasma, erythrocytes and urine, erythrocyte GPx activity, lipid profile, Castelli I and II indices, and systolic and diastolic blood (DBP) pressure were evaluated. Mean dietary selenium intake (µg/kg/day) and plasma and erythrocyte concentrations were lower in the obese group compared to the healthy group (p < 0.001). while urinary selenium concentrations were higher (p < 0.001). There was a statistical difference between groups regarding cardiovascular risk parameters: waist circumference, neck circumference, waist-hip ratio, conicity index, triacylglycerols (TGC), and lipoproteins rich in triacylglycerols (VLDL-c) (p > 0.05). There was a negative correlation between plasma selenium concentrations and total cholesterol (TC), non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Urinary selenium correlated negatively with waist circumference and hip circumference and positively with neck circumference, TC, TGC, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), non-HDL, and VLDL-c. There was a negative correlation between dietary selenium and waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, neck circumference, conicity index, non-HDL cholesterol, LDL-c, and Castelli indices I and II, as well as a positive correlation with HDL-c and diastolic blood pressure. Women with obesity present changes in their nutritional status related to selenium, as well as increased cardiovascular risk parameters. Thus, the positive role of selenium in protecting the risk of cardiovascular disease is likely.

PMID:37338800 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-023-03726-9

Braz J Microbiol. 2023 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s42770-023-01039-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of infection by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the second highest among bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide. It can lead to severe complications, especially in the female reproductive system. So, the objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in a large population of female patients from a private health service in São Paulo (Brazil), thereby identifying the main age groups affected by the agent and how prevalence progressed over time.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the results of all molecular biology tests performed for detecting Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The tests were conducted between January 2005 and December 2015. Positive test results were grouped by year and age group.

RESULTS: Of those tests, 35,886 were considered eligible for the statistical data. The overall prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in the study population was 0.4%. A higher prevalence of infection was observed in the group whose participants’ age was ≤ 25 years, at a rate of 0.6%. There was no significant increase or decrease in the number of positive test results over time. The prevalence of the infection in those aged between 10 and 19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, and 60 years or above was respectively 0.87%, 0.50%, 0.36%, 0.22%, 0.17%, and 0.26%.

CONCLUSION: The screening of asymptomatic young women would have the potential to reduce infection, transmission, and sequelae of infection by this agent.

PMID:37338789 | DOI:10.1007/s42770-023-01039-6

Braz J Microbiol. 2023 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s42770-023-01027-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) infect, respectively, 67% and 13% of the world population, most commonly causing mild symptoms, such as blisters/ulcers. However, severe conditions such as keratitis, encephalitis, and systemic infections may occur, generally associated with the patient’s immunological condition. Although Acyclovir® (ACV) and its analogs are the reference drugs for herpetic infections, the number of ACV-resistant HSV infections is growing exponentially. Therefore, new natural products’ bioactive compounds have been studied to develop novel effective anti-herpetics. Trichilia catigua is a plant widely used in traditional medicine, including the treatment of skin diseases and sexual infections. In our study, 16 extracts from the bark of T. catigua, obtained with different solvents and their combinations, were evaluated against HSV-1 AR and HSV-2, respectively, ACV resistance and genital strains in vitro. The extracts with the highest selectivity index were used to prepare new topical anti-herpetic formulations and confirmed in vivo. Two new topical formulations were suggested to treat cutaneous and genital herpetic recurrent lesions. The cytotoxicity and antiviral activity were tested using the MTT method. The cytotoxic (CC₅₀) and inhibitory (IC₅₀) concentrations of 50% and the selectivity index (SI: CC₅₀/IC₅₀) were determined. Tc12, Tc13, and Tc16 were added to the formulations. Infected BALB/c mice were treated for 8 days, and the severity of the herpetic lesions was analyzed daily. All CEs showed a CC₅₀ value ranging from 143 to 400 µg/mL, except for Tc3 and Tc10. Tc12, Tc13, and Tc16 showed the best SI in the 0 h, virucidal, and adsorption inhibition assays. In the in vivo test against HSV-1 AR, the infected animals treated with creams were statistically different from the infected non-treated animals and similar to ACV-treated mice. In HSV-2-infected genitalia, similar effects were found for Tc13 and Tc16 gels. The present study demonstrated that extracts from the bark of T. catigua, traditionally used in folk medicine, are a valuable source of active compounds with anti-herpetic activity. The extracts showed a virucidal mechanism of action and prevented the initial stages of viral replication. The cutaneous and genital infections were strongly inhibited by the Tc12, Tc13, and Tc16 extracts. New topical therapeutic alternatives using Trichilia catigua extracts are suggested for patients infected with ACV-resistant strains of HSV.

PMID:37338788 | DOI:10.1007/s42770-023-01027-w

J Relig Health. 2023 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s10943-023-01843-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The birth of a child is a process in which family life and daily routines undergo significant changes and adjustments. This study aims to investigate the relationship between spiritual coping styles and hope levels in mothers with disabled children. The study was conducted between January and April 2022 with mothers whose children were enrolled in a rehabilitation center of a district located in eastern Turkey. The target population of the study was 110 mothers who had children enrolled in the rehabilitation center. The sample of the study was 102 mothers who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form, the Trait Hope Scale, and the Maternal Spiritual Coping Scale. Spiritual coping mean scores were high in mothers who had a female disabled child, did not have any other disabled children, received support from the state for their child’s care, did not ignore their other children’s care due to the special condition of the disabled child and did not feel guilty, and were worried about their children’s future. The difference between the mean scores was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Hope mean scores were found to be high in women who had children with physical and hearing disability, were illiterate, had a low economic condition, and received psychological support for the condition of their children. The difference between the mean scores was statistically significant (p < 0.05). A positive relationship was found between maternal spiritual coping levels and hope levels. In-line with this result, it is recommended to organize programs to help mothers to accept their children’s condition and cope with their situation.

PMID:37338778 | DOI:10.1007/s10943-023-01843-2

Clin Rheumatol. 2023 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s10067-023-06673-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND / AIM: The use of PET / CT is becoming more common in the elucidation of inflammatory processes in which the underlying cause cannot be determined by conventional examinations. Although PET / CT is an effective method for detecting inflammatory foci, the precise diagnosis may not be obtained in all cases. In addition, considering factors such as radiation exposure and cost, it becomes important to identify patients who can get results with PET / CT. In this study, it was aimed to examine the factors that can predict the differential diagnostic value of PET / CT by retrospectively scanning patients who underwent PET / CT for inflammation of unknown origin (IUO) in rheumatology practice.

METHODS: Demographic, clinical and laboratory information of the patients followed up in our clinic and who underwent PET / CT for differential diagnosis were enrolled. Whether they were diagnosed after PET / CT and during the follow – up period, and their diagnoses were examined.

RESULTS: A total of 132 patients were included in the study. A previous diagnosis of rheumatic disease was present in 28.8 % of the patients, and a history of malignancy was present in 2.3 % . The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 patients with increased FDG uptake in PET / CT and diagnosis confirmed by PET / CT, group 2 patients with increased FDG uptake in PET / CT but diagnosis was not confirmed, and group 3 patients without increased FDG uptake in PET / CT. Increased FDG uptake in PET / CT was detected in 73 % of the patients. While PET / CT helped the diagnosis in 47 (35.6 %) patients (group 1), it did not help the diagnosis in 85 (64.4 %) (groups 2 and 3). Thirty – one (65.9 %) of the diagnosed patients were diagnosed with a rheumatologic disease. When the 3 groups were compared, male gender, advanced age, CRP levels, presence of constitutional symptoms, SUVmax values and number of different organs with increased FDG uptake were higher in Group 1. Sixty – six percent and 74 % of the patients in groups 2 and 3 were not diagnosed during the follow – up period. No patient in group 3 was diagnosed with malignancy during follow – up.

CONCLUSION: PET / CT has high diagnostic value when combined with clinical and laboratory data in the diagnosis of IUO. Our study revealed that various factors can affect the diagnostic value of PET / CT. Similar to the literature, the statistically significant difference in CRP levels shows that patients with high CRP levels are more likely to be diagnosed with an aetiology in PET / CT. Although detection of involvement in PET / CT is not always diagnostic, there was an important finding that no malignancy was detected in the follow – up in any patient without PET / CT involvement. Key points • PET / CT is an effective method for detecting inflammatory foci. • PET / CT has proven to be effective in the diagnosis of rheumatological diseases, the extent of disease and the evaluation of response to treatment. • Indications for the use of PET / CT in the field of rheumatology and the associated factors and clinical features supporting the diagnosis with PET / CT are still to be fully clarified. • In routine practice, with PET / CT, both delays in diagnosis and examinations performed during diagnosis and the cost can be reduced.

PMID:37338744 | DOI:10.1007/s10067-023-06673-x

Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2023 Jun 1;24:1. doi: 10.23804/ejpd.2023.1848.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between sequential visits in dental caries treatments and dental anxiety levels of paediatric patients through the use of anxiety scales and physiological measurements.

METHODS: A total of 224 children aged 5-8 years who needed at least two bilateral restorative dental caries treatments of the mandibular first primary molar was included in the study. The treatment duration was approximately 20 minutes and time span between the two appointments was a maximum of two weeks. The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS) and The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) were used for subjective measurements and the objective measurement of dental anxiety was performed by measuring the heart rate using a portable pulse oximeter. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 (IBM corp. Armonk, NY, USA).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study show a significant reduction in dental anxiety after sequental dental visits in children aged 5-8 years, which highlights the importance of the sequental visits in paediatric dentistry.

PMID:37337965 | DOI:10.23804/ejpd.2023.1848