Category: Nevin Manimala

Analyst. 2023 May 23. doi: 10.1039/d2an01035f. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Mid-infrared spectroscopic imaging (MIRSI) is an emerging class of label-free techniques being leveraged for digital histopathology. Modern histopathologic identification of ovarian cancer involves tissue staining followed by morphological pattern recognition. This process is time-consuming and subjective and requires extensive expertise. This paper presents the first label-free, quantitative, and automated histological recognition of ovarian tissue subtypes using a new MIRSI technique. This optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) imaging technique provides a 10× enhancement in spatial resolution relative to prior instruments. It enables sub-cellular spectroscopic investigation of tissue at biochemically important fingerprint wavelengths. We demonstrate that the enhanced resolution of sub-cellular features, combined with spectroscopic information, enables reliable classification of ovarian cell subtypes achieving a classification accuracy of 0.98. Moreover, we present a statistically robust analysis from 78 patient samples with over 60 million data points. We show that sub-cellular resolution from five wavenumbers is sufficient to outperform state-of-the-art diffraction-limited techniques with up to 235 wavenumbers. We also propose two quantitative biomarkers based on the relative quantities of epithelia and stroma that exhibit efficacy in early cancer diagnosis. This paper demonstrates that combining deep learning with intrinsic biochemical MIRSI measurements enables quantitative evaluation of cancerous tissue, improving the rigor and reproducibility of histopathology.

PMID:37218522 | DOI:10.1039/d2an01035f

Bratisl Lek Listy. 2023 May 23. doi: 10.4149/BLL_2023_084. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and inflammatory events has been shown in many studies. Because it is an inflammatory process in coronary progression, it is aimed to examine the relationship between coronary artery disease progression and epicardial adipose tissue thickness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our research was conducted with 50 patients (33 men, 17 women) who underwent planned or emergency coronary angiography, by evaluating the coronary artery disease progression from the coronary angiography images together with the echocardiographic epicardial adipose tissue thickness measurement. Patients were examined in two groups according to their tissue thickness, 17 patients with less than 0.55 cm were defined as group 1 and 33 patients with ≥ 0.55 were determined as group 2.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of gender, diabetes, age, hypertension. In addition, a significant relationship was found with epicardial adipose tissue thickness (> 0.5 cm), ejection fraction and smoking in the group with coronary progression. Patients without stenotic changes were found to be statistically significantly lower p < 0.005.

CONCLUSION: An independent relationship was found between epicardial adipose tissue and coronary artery progression. In the light of these findings, it can be concluded that epicardial adipose tissue residue is effective in the development of coronary artery stenosis and calcific-atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries. In the light of the information obtained, a positive correlation was determined between epicardial adipose tissue thickness and coronary artery disease (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 15). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: coronary artery disease, epicardial adipose tissue, progression.

PMID:37218483 | DOI:10.4149/BLL_2023_084

Bratisl Lek Listy. 2023 May 23. doi: 10.4149/BLL_2023_081. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Despite known risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), the research community still tries to discover new markers that would widen our diagnostic and therapeutic approach to diabetes. Therefore, research on microRNA (miR) in diabetes thrives. This study aimed to assess the utility of miR-126, miR-146a, and miR-375 as novel diagnostic markers for T2D.

METHODS: We examined relative quantities of miR-126, miR-146a, and miR-375 in the serum of patients with established type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 68) and compared these with a control group (n = 29). We also undertook a ROC analysis of significantly changed miR to examine their use as a diagnostic test.

RESULTS: MiR-126 (p < 0.0001) and miR-146a (p = 0.0005) showed a statistically significant reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MiR-126 also proved to be an exceptional diagnostic test in our study cohort, with high sensitivity (91 %) and specificity (97 %). We did not find any difference in our study groups’ relative quantities of miR-375.

CONCLUSION: The study proved a statistically significant reduction of miR-126 and miR-146a in patients with T2D (Tab. 4, Fig. 6, Ref. 51). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: microRNA, epigenetics, genomics, type 2 diabetes mellitus, miR-126, miR-146a and miR-375.

PMID:37218480 | DOI:10.4149/BLL_2023_081

Bratisl Lek Listy. 2023 May 23. doi: 10.4149/BLL_2023_078. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic and surgical intervention in treating anastomotic leaks after oesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leak after oesophagectomy is a severe complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to analyse our experience with the management of anastomotic leak after oesophagectomy.

METHODS: A retrospective study evaluated the treatment outcome and duration of treatment in patients with anastomotic dehiscence or conduit necrosis after oesophagectomy from November 2008 to November 2021.

RESULTS: The group consists of forty-seven patients. Twenty-one (44.7 %) patients had dehiscence of the neck anastomosis, twenty patients (42.6 %) had dehiscence of the chest anastomosis, and six (12.8 %) patients had conduit necrosis. Nineteen patients with dehiscence were primarily treated by endoscopic insertion of a self-expanding metal stent with perianastomotic drainage; the other patients were primarily treated surgically. Mortality associated with anastomosis dehiscence was 27.7 % (thirteen patients). Stent use in treatment was a statistically significant parameter regarding the length of hospital stay and mortality.

CONCLUSION: Self-expanding metal stents can reduce leak-related morbidity and mortality after oesophagectomy and may be considered a cost-effective treatment alternative (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 21).

PMID:37218474 | DOI:10.4149/BLL_2023_078

ACS Nano. 2023 May 23;17(10):8837-8842. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04894.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:37218415 | DOI:10.1021/acsnano.2c04894

Int Wound J. 2023 May 22. doi: 10.1111/iwj.14233. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In the presented study, the transdermal results from the areas surrounding the ulcerated skin areas were compared with those obtained from healthy skin tissue. The analysis of electrical parameters, such as the slope of the Nyquist plot, min. IM, min. RE, min. f, Imagine part index, Phase index, Real part index, and Magnitude index were conducted. Electrical parameters have been measured in the group without lower leg ulceration and in the group with lower leg ulcers. On the basis of the statistical analysis, it was determined that these parameters may be effective in the evaluation of the skin. In fact, the skin surrounding the ulceration was characterised by different values of electrical parameters as compared with healthy skin tissue. A statistically significant difference was found in the electrical parameters obtained for the healthy leg skin and the skin surrounding the ulceration. This study was to investigate the applicability of electrical parameters in the evaluation of the skin in lower leg ulcers. The electrical parameters can be used as an effective tool in assessing the condition of the skin, both healthy and surrounding the ulcerations. The most useful parameters in assessing skin condition using electrical parameters include min. IM, min. RE, min. f, Imagine part index, Phase index, and Magnitude index.

PMID:37218406 | DOI:10.1111/iwj.14233

J Vet Intern Med. 2023 May 22. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16724. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy (RT) is an effective treatment for dogs presented with neurologic signs caused by pituitary tumors. However, its impact on the outcome of concurrent pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) is controversial.

OBJECTIVES: Determine whether dogs with PDH have longer survival after pituitary RT compared with dogs with nonhormonally active pituitary masses and to evaluate whether clinical, imaging, and RT variables affect survival.

ANIMALS: Ninety-four dogs divided into 2 groups: PDH and non-PDH, based on the presence of hypercortisolism. Forty-seven dogs were allocated to the PDH group and 47 to the non-PDH group.

METHODS: Retrospective cohort study in which clinical records of dogs undergoing RT for pituitary macroadenomas between 2008 and 2018 at 5 referral centers were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS: Survival was not statistically different between PDH and non-PDH groups (median survival time [MST], 590 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0-830 days and 738 days; 95% CI, 373-1103 days, respectively; P = .4). A definitive RT protocol was statistically associated with longer survival compared with a palliative protocol (MST 605 vs 262 days, P = .05). The only factor statistically associated with survival from multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis was total radiation dose (Gy) delivered (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: No statistical difference in survival was identified between the PDH and non-PDH groups, and longer survival was associated with higher Gy delivered.

PMID:37218395 | DOI:10.1111/jvim.16724

J Intellect Disabil Res. 2023 May 22. doi: 10.1111/jir.13042. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder. To date, the scientific literature regarding micronutrient status in children and adolescents with DS has not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, our aim was to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic.

METHODS: We identified all relevant case-control studies published by 1 January 2022, by searching the PubMed and Scopus databases for original English-language articles analysing the micronutrient status of individuals with DS. Forty studies were included in the systematic review and 31 in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between individuals with DS (cases) and non-DS (controls) (P ≤ 0.05) were obtained for zinc, selenium, copper, vitamin B12, sodium and calcium. Serum, plasma and whole blood analyses showed lower zinc levels in cases than controls {standardised mean difference [SMD] serum [95% confidence interval (CI)] = -2.32 [-3.22, -1.41], P < 0.00001; SMD plasma [95% CI] = -1.29 [-2.26, -0.31], P < 0.01; SMD blood [95% CI] = -1.59 [-2.29, -0.89], P < 0.00001}. Similarly, plasma and blood selenium concentrations were significantly lower in cases than controls (SMD plasma [95% CI] = -1.39 [-2.26, -0.51], P = 0.002; SMD blood [95% CI] = -1.86 [-2.59, -1.13], P < 0.00001). Intraerythrocytic copper and serum B12 were higher in cases than controls (SMD Cu [95% CI] = 3.33 [2.19, 4.46], P < 0.00001; SMD B12 [95% CI] = 0.89 [0.01, 1.77], P = 0.048). Blood calcium was lower in cases than controls (SMD Ca [95% CI] = -0.77 [-1.34, -0.21], P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first systematic overview of micronutrient status in children and adolescents with DS and has shown that relatively little consistent research has been executed in this field. There is a clear need for more well-designed, clinical trials to study the micronutrient status and effects of dietary supplements in children and adolescents with DS.

PMID:37218392 | DOI:10.1111/jir.13042

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2023 May 22. doi: 10.1111/bcp.15797. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

About 15 to 28% of treated patients with thiopurines experienced adverse drug reactions, such as hematological and hepatic toxicities. A part of them is related to the polymorphic activity of the thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT), the key detoxifying enzyme of thiopurine metabolism. We report here a case of thiopurine-induced ductopenia with a comprehensive pharmacological analysis on thiopurine metabolism. A 34-year-old woman, with a medical history of severe systemic lupus erythematosus with recent introduction of azathioprine therapy, presented with mild fluctuating transaminase blood levels consistent with an hepatocellular patter, which evolved to a cholestatic pattern over the next weeks. A blood thiopurine metabolite assay revealed low 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN) level and a dramatically increased 6-methylmercaptopurine ribonucleotides (6-MMPN) level, together with an unfavorable [6-MMPN:6-TGN] metabolite ratio and a high TPMT activity. After a total of about six months of thiopurine therapy, a transjugular liver biopsy revealed a ductopenia and azathioprine discontinuation led to further clinical improvement. In line with previous reports from the literature, our case supports the fact that ductopenia is a rare adverse drug reaction of azathioprine. The mechanism of reaction is unknown but may involve high 6-MMPN blood level, due to unusual thiopurine metabolism (switched metabolism). Early therapeutic drug monitoring with measurement of 6-TGN and 6-MMPN blood levels may help physicians to identify patients at risk of similar duct injury.

PMID:37218386 | DOI:10.1111/bcp.15797

J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2023 May 22:ocad087. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocad087. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Although interactive data visualizations are increasingly popular for health communication, it remains to be seen what design features improve psychological and behavioral targets. This study experimentally tested how interactivity and descriptive titles may influence perceived susceptibility to the flu, intention to vaccinate, and information recall, particularly among older adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We created data visualization dashboards on flu vaccinations, tested in a 2 (explanatory text vs none) × 3 (interactive + tailored, static + tailored, static + nontailored) + questionnaire-only control randomized between-participant online experiment (N = 1378).

RESULTS: The flu dashboards significantly increased perceived susceptibility to the flu compared to the control: static+nontailored dashboard, b = 0.14, P = .049; static-tailored, b = 0.16, P = .028; and interactive+tailored, b = 0.15, P = .039. Interactive dashboards potentially decreased recall particularly among the elderly (moderation by age: b = -0.03, P = .073). The benefits of descriptive text on recall were larger among the elderly (interaction effects: b = 0.03, P = .025).

DISCUSSION: Interactive dashboards with complex statistics and limited textual information are widely used in health and public health but may be suboptimal for older individuals. We experimentally showed that adding explanatory text on visualizations can increase information recall particularly for older populations.

CONCLUSION: We did not find evidence to support the effectiveness of interactivity in data visualizations on flu vaccination intentions or on information recall. Future research should examine what types of explanatory text can best support improved health outcomes and intentions in other contexts. Practitioners should consider whether interactivity is optimal in data visualization dashboards for their populations.

PMID:37218375 | DOI:10.1093/jamia/ocad087