Category: Nevin Manimala

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2023 Jun 27:S0022-5223(23)00536-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.06.010. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether wedge resection (WR) was appropriate for the patients with peripheral T1N0 solitary subsolid invasive lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

METHODS: Patients with peripheral T1N0 solitary subsolid invasive LUAD who received sublobar resection were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathologic characteristics, 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and 5-year lung cancer-specific overall survival (LCS-OS) were analyzed. Cox regression model was used to elucidate risk factors for recurrence.

RESULTS: 258 patients receiving WR and 1245 patients receiving segmentectomy (SEG) were included. The mean follow-up time was 36.87±16.21 months. 5-year RFS following WR was 96.89% for patients with ground-glass nodule (GGN) ≤2cm and 0.25< consolidation to tumor ratio (CTR) ≤0.5, not statistically different from 100% for those with GGN≤2cm and CTR≤0.25 (p=0.231). The 5-year RFS was 90.12% for patients with GGN between 2-3cm and CTR≤0.5, significantly lower than that of patients with GGN≤2cm and CTR≤0.25 (p=0.046). For patients with GGN≤2cm and 0.25<CTR≤0.5, 5-year RFS and LCS-OS were 97.87% and 100% following WR versus 97.73% and 92.86% following SEG (RFS: p=0.987; LCS-OS: p=0.199), respectively. For patients with GGN between 2-3cm and CTR≤0.5, 5-year RFS following WR was significantly lower than that following SEG (90.61% vs. 100%, p=0.043). Multi-variable Cox regression analysis showed that STAS, visceral pleural invasion and nerve invasion remained independent risk factors for recurrence of patients with GGN between 2-3cm and CTR≤0.5 following WR.

CONCLUSIONS: WR might be appropriate for patients with invasive LUAD appearing as peripheral GGN≤2cm and CTR≤0.5, but inappropriate for those with invasive LUAD appearing as peripheral GGN between 2-3cm and CTR≤0.5.

PMID:37385528 | DOI:10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.06.010

Sci Total Environ. 2023 Jun 27:164908. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164908. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Deltas are the locus of river-borne sediment accumulation, however, their role in sequestering plastic pollutants is still overlooked. By combining geomorphological, sedimentological, and geochemical analyses, which include time-lapse multibeam bathymetry, sediment provenance, and μFT-IR analyses, we investigate the fate of plastic particles after a river flood event providing an unprecedented documentation of the spatial distribution of sediment as well as of microplastics (MPs), including particles fibers, and phthalates (PAEs) abundances in the subaqueous delta. Overall sediments are characterized by an average of 139.7 ± 80 MPs/kg d.w., but display spatial heterogeneity of sediment and MPs accumulation: MPs are absent within the active sandy delta lobe, reflecting dilution by clastic sediment (ca. 1.3 Mm³) and sediment bypass. The highest MP concentration (625 MPs/kg d.w.) occurs in the distal reaches of the active lobe where flow energy dissipates. In addition to MPs, cellulosic fibers are relevant (of up to 3800 fibers/kg d.w.) in all the analyzed sediment samples, and dominate (94 %) with respect to synthetic polymers. Statistically significant differences in the relative concentration of fiber fragments ≤0.5 mm in size were highlighted between the active delta lobe and the migrating bedforms in the prodelta. Fibers were found to slightly follow a power law size distribution coherent with a one-dimensional fragmentation model and thus indicating the absence of a size dependent selection mechanism during burial. Multivariate statistical analysis suggests traveling distance and bottom-transport regime as the most relevant factors controlling particle distribution. Our findings suggest that subaqueous prodelta should be considered hot spots for the accumulation of MPs and associated pollutants, albeit the strong lateral heterogeneity in their abundances reflects changes in the relative influence of fluvial and marine processes.

PMID:37385497 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164908

Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2023 Jun 27:110809. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110809. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This study aimed to provide a global insight into initiatives in type 1 diabetes care driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and associations with glycemic outcomes.

METHODS: An online questionnaire regarding diabetes care before and during the pandemic was sent to all centers (n=97, 66,985 youth with type 1 diabetes) active in the SWEET registry. Eighty-two responded, and 70 (42,798 youth with type 1 diabetes) had available data (from individuals with type 1 diabetes duration >3 months, aged ≤21 years) for all 4 years from 2018 to 2021. Statistical models were adjusted, among others, for technology use.

RESULTS: Sixty-five centers provided telemedicine during COVID-19. Among those centers naive to telemedicine before the pandemic (n=22), four continued only face-to-face visits. Centers that transitioned partially to telemedicine (n=32) showed a steady increase in HbA1c between 2018 and 2021 (p<0.001). Those that transitioned mainly to telemedicine (n=33%) improved HbA1c in 2021 compared to 2018 (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Changes to models of care delivery driven by the pandemic showed significant associations with HbA1c shortly after the pandemic outbreak and 2 years of follow-up. The association appeared independent of the concomitant increase in technology use among youth with type 1 diabetes.

PMID:37385473 | DOI:10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110809

Respir Med. 2023 Jun 27:107330. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107330. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic lung disease is a proposed risk factor for immune checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (ICI-pneumonitis); however, data is sparse regarding the impact of pre-existing lung disease and baseline chest imaging abnormalities on the risk of developing ICI-pneumonitis.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with ICI treatment for cancer from 2015 to 2019. ICI-pneumonitis was determined by the treating physician with corroboration via an independent physician review and exclusion of alternative etiologies. Controls were patients treated with ICI without a diagnosis of ICI-pneumonitis. Fisher’s exact tests, Student’s t-tests, and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: We analyzed 45 cases of ICI-pneumonitis and 135 controls. Patients with abnormal baseline chest CT imaging (emphysema; bronchiectasis; reticular, ground glass and/or consolidative opacities) had increased risk for ICI-pneumonitis (OR 3.41, 95%CI: 1.68-6.87, p = 0.001). Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (OR 3.83, 95%CI: 1.90-7.70, p = < 0.0001) also had increased risk for ICI-pneumonitis. On multivariable logistic regression, patients with abnormal baseline chest imaging and/or GERD remained at increased risk for ICI-pneumonitis. Eighteen percent of all patients (32/180) had abnormal baseline chest CT consistent with chronic lung disease without a documented diagnosis.

CONCLUSION: Patients with baseline chest CT abnormalities and GERD were at increased risk for developing ICI-pneumonitis. The large proportion of patients with baseline radiographic abnormalities without a clinical diagnosis of chronic lung disease highlights the importance of multidisciplinary evaluation prior to ICI initiation.

PMID:37385460 | DOI:10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107330

Value Health. 2023 Jun 27:S1098-3015(23)03025-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.06.008. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Digital health technologies (DHTs) can optimise healthcare costs and improve quality and efficiency of care. However, the fast-paced rate of innovation and varying evidence standards can make it difficult for decision-makers to assess these technologies in an efficient and evidence-based manner.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop a comprehensive framework to assess the value of novel patient-facing DHTs used to manage chronic diseases by eliciting stakeholder value preferences.

METHODS: Literature review and primary data collection from a three-round web-Delphi exercise was utilised. 79 participants from five stakeholder groups (patients, physicians, industry, decision-makers and influencers) and three countries (USA, UK and Germany) took part. Likert scale data was statistically analysed to determine inter-group differences in both country and stakeholder groups, stability of results, and overall consensus.

RESULTS: The resulting co-created framework comprised 33 stable indicators with consensus from quantitative value judgements across domains: health inequalities, data rights and governance, technical and security, economic characteristics, clinical characteristics and user preferences. Lack of stakeholder consensus was observed on the importance of value-based care models, optimizing resources for sustainable systems, and stakeholder involvement in DHT design, development, and implementation; however, this was due to high rates of neutrality and not negative judgements. Supply-side actors and academic experts were the most unstable stakeholder groups.

CONCLUSION: Stakeholder value judgements revealed a need for a coordinated regulatory and HTA policy response that updates laws to meet technological innovations, offers a pragmatic approach to evidence standards to assess DHTs and involves stakeholders to understand and meet their needs.

PMID:37385445 | DOI:10.1016/j.jval.2023.06.008

Neuroreport. 2023 Aug 24;34(11):575-582. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0000000000001927. Epub 2023 Jun 7.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal variations of S100β in the hippocampus, cerebellum and cerebral cortex of neonatal rats (Wistar strain) under anoxic conditions. Real-time PCR and western blotting techniques were used for gene expression and protein analysis. Animals were divided into two groups, a control group and an anoxic group, and further separated at different time points for analysis. After anoxia, S100β gene expression showed a significant peak in the hippocampus and cerebellum after 2 h, followed by a decline compared to the control group at other time points. The increased gene expression in these regions was also accompanied by an increase in S100β protein levels in the anoxia group, observable 4 h after injury. In contrast, S100β mRNA content in the cerebral cortex never exceeded control values at any time point. Similarly, the protein content of S100β in the cerebral cortex did not show statistically significant differences compared to control animals at any assessment time point. These results suggest that the production profile of S100β differs by brain region and developmental stage. The observed differences in vulnerability between the hippocampus, cerebellum and cerebral cortex may be attributed to their distinct developmental periods. The hippocampus and cerebellum, which develop earlier than the cerebral cortex, showed more pronounced effects in response to anoxia, which is supported by the gene expression and protein content in this study. This result reveals the brain region-dependent nature of S100β as a biomarker of brain injury.

PMID:37384931 | DOI:10.1097/WNR.0000000000001927

Telemed J E Health. 2023 Jun 29. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0073. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objective: The pandemic has pushed hospital system to re-evaluate the ways they provide care. West Tennessee Healthcare (WTH) developed a remote patient monitoring (RPM) program to monitor positive COVID-19 patients after being discharged from the hospital for any worsening symptomatology and preemptively mitigate the potential of readmission. Methods: We sought to compare the readmission rates of individuals placed on our remote monitoring protocol with individuals not included in the program. We selected remotely monitored individuals discharged from WTH from October 2020 to December 2020 and compared these data points with a control group. Results: We analyzed 1,351 patients with 241 patients receiving no RPM intervention, 969 patients receiving standard monitoring, and 141 patients enrolled in our 24-h remote monitoring. Our lowest all cause readmission rate was 4.96% (p = 0.37) in our 24-h remote monitoring group. We also collected 641 surveys from the monitored patients with two statistically significant answers. Discussion: The low readmission rate noted in our 24-h remotely monitored cohort signifies a potential opportunity that a program of this nature can create for a health care system struggling during a resource-limited time to continue to provide quality care. Conclusion: The program allowed the allocation of hospital resources for individuals with more acute states and monitored less critical patients without using personal protective equipment. The novel program was able to offer an avenue to improve resource utilization and provide care for a health system in a rural area. Further investigation is needed; however, significant opportunities can be seen with data obtained during the study.

PMID:37384922 | DOI:10.1089/tmj.2023.0073

Biomed Khim. 2023 Jun;69(3):184-187. doi: 10.18097/PBMC20236903184.

ABSTRACT

Renalase (RNLS) is a recently discovered protein, which plays different roles inside and outside cells. Intracellular RNLS is a FAD-dependent oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.3.5), while extracellular RNLS lacks its N-terminal peptide, FAD cofactor, and exhibits various protective effects in a non-catalytic manner. Certain evidence exists, that plasma/serum RNLS is not an intact protein secreted into the extracellular space, and exogenous recombinant RNLS is effectively degraded during short-term incubation with human plasma samples. Some synthetic analogues of the RNLS sequence (e.g. the Desir’s peptide RP-220, a 20-mer peptide corresponding to the RNLS sequence 220-239) have effects on cell survival. This suggests that RNLS-derived peptides, formed during proteolytic processing, may have own biological activity. Based on results of a recent bioinformatics analysis of potential cleavage sites of RNLS (Fedchenko et al., Medical Hypotheses, 2022) we have investigated the effect of four RNLS-derived peptides as well as RP-220 and its fragment (RP-224) on the viability of two cancer cell lines: HepG₂ (human hepatoma) and PC3 (prostate cancer). Two RNLS-derived peptides (RP-207 and RP-220) decreased the viability of HepG₂ cells in a concentration dependent manner. The most pronounced and statistically significant effect (30-40% inhibition of cell growth) was observed at 50 μM concentration of each peptide. In the experiments with PC3 cells five of six RNLS-derived peptides had a significant impact on the cell viability. RP-220 and RP-224 decreased cell viability; however, no concentration dependence of this effect was observed in the range of concentrations studied (1-50 μM). Three other RNLS-derived peptides (RP-207, RP-233, and RP-265) increased viability of PC3 cells by 20-30%, but no concentration-dependence of this effect was found. Data obtained suggest that some RNLS-derived peptides may influence the viability of various cells and manifestation and direction of the effect (increase of decrease of the cell viability) is cell-type-specific.

PMID:37384910 | DOI:10.18097/PBMC20236903184

Dent Med Probl. 2023 Apr-Jun;60(2):267-272. doi: 10.17219/dmp/149278.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by a group of specific microorganisms that provoke the destruction of the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone, along with pocket formation or recession, or both.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline in improving fibrin clot adhesion over manually instrumented periodontally affected root surfaces with the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 45 single-rooted extracted teeth were sectioned into 45 dentinal blocks and divided into 3 groups: tetracycline (group I); doxycycline (group II); and minocycline (group III). A drop of blood was added over the dentinal blocks, allowed to clot, and later rinsed with phosphatebuffered saline (PBS),1% formaldehyde, and 0.02% glycine. Then, the surfaces were post-fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and dehydrated in a graded ethanol series of 30%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 95%, and 100%. Afterward, the samples were examined under a SEM to assess fibrin clot adhesion and the number of blood cells.

RESULTS: Minocycline demonstrated better fibrin clot adhesion, followed by tetracycline and doxycycline. Statistical significance was observed at ×2,000 magnification (p = 0.021), whereas no significance was noted at ×5,000 magnification.

CONCLUSIONS: Dentinal blocks treated with minocycline had a better fibrin network and a greater number of entrapped erythrocytes, which is vital in the early wound-healing process leading to the formation of connective tissue attachment.

PMID:37384897 | DOI:10.17219/dmp/149278

JCO Glob Oncol. 2023 Jun;9:e2200263. doi: 10.1200/GO.22.00263.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Over 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer around the world each year, with over 80% of these children residing in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to summarize the epidemiology and care patterns of newly diagnosed childhood cancer patients in Northern Tanzania.

METHODS: Data from all children and adolescents (age 0-19 years) with newly diagnosed cancers were collected from the Kilimanjaro Cancer Registry located at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants over time, stage, and status at last contact. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Secondary descriptive analysis was conducted on a subset sample with available staging data.

RESULTS: A total of 417 patients were diagnosed with cancer between 2016 and 2021. There was an increase in the rate of patients with newly diagnosed pediatric cancer each year, particularly among children under age 5 years and 10 years. Leukemias and lymphomas were the leading diagnoses and accounted for 183 (43.8%) of all patients. Over 75% of patients were diagnosed at stage III or above. From a subset analysis of patients with available staging data (n = 101), chemotherapy was the most common treatment (87.1%), compared with radiotherapy and surgery.

CONCLUSION: There is a significant burden of children with cancer in Tanzania. Our study fills crucial gaps in the literature related to the large burden of disease and survival for children with cancer in the Kilimanjaro region. Furthermore, our results can be used to understand the regional needs and guide research and strategic interventions to improve childhood cancer survival in Northern Tanzania.

PMID:37384861 | DOI:10.1200/GO.22.00263