Category: Nevin Manimala

J Sep Sci. 2022 Apr 11. doi: 10.1002/jssc.202200062. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Codonopsis Radix, a popular food homology medicine, is widely used in clinical traditional Chinese medicine and food supplement, raw products and three types of processed products are the main form of decoction pieces in China. However, there is no scientific basis for comprehensive chemical characterization of raw and three types of processed products. Herein, we investigated qualitatively and quantificationally secondary and primary metabolites in raw Codonopsis Radix and three types of processed products by metabolomics and glycomics employing multiple chromatography-mass spectrometry technology combined with chemometric analysis further to look for differential compounds and propose the processing-induced chemical mechanisms. The results indicated Codonopsis Radix became dark-colored and smell of burnt incense odor after processing. Principal component analysis demonstrated that secondary metabolome and glycome were significant altered between raw and processed products, and 36 differential secondary metabolites and 11 differential primary metabolites were finally screened through orthogonal partial least-squares-discriminant analysis. The main types of compounds are alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, amino acids, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides and furfural derivatives. Meanwhile, Chemical mechanisms could be involved, including oxidation, glycosidic hydrolysis, esterification, dehydration and Maillard reaction. This work supplies chemical basis for the application of various types of Codonopsis Radix decoction pieces. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35403814 | DOI:10.1002/jssc.202200062

Int J Numer Method Biomed Eng. 2022 Apr 11:e3601. doi: 10.1002/cnm.3601. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This article presents an effort towards building an artificial intelligence (AI) assisted framework, coined ReconGAN, for creating a realistic digital twin of the human vertebra and predicting the risk of vertebral fracture (VF). ReconGAN consists of a Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (DCGAN), image-processing steps, and finite element (FE) based shape optimization to reconstruct the vertebra model. This DCGAN model is trained using a set of quantitative micro-computed tomography (micro-QCT) images of the trabecular bone obtained from cadaveric samples. The quality of synthetic trabecular models generated using DCGAN are verified by comparing a set of its statistical microstructural descriptors with those of the imaging data. The synthesized trabecular microstructure is then infused into the vertebra cortical shell extracted from the patient’s diagnostic CT scans using an FE-based shape optimization approach to achieve a smooth transition between trabecular to cortical regions. The final geometrical model of the vertebra is converted into a high-fidelity FE model to simulate the VF response using a continuum damage model under compression and flexion loading conditions. A feasibility study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of digital twins generated using this AI-assisted framework to predict the risk of VF in a cancer patient with spinal metastasis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35403831 | DOI:10.1002/cnm.3601

ANZ J Surg. 2022 Apr 11. doi: 10.1111/ans.17700. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients presenting for thyroidectomy may have an unrecognized pre-existing vocal cord palsy (VCP). This raises the danger of bilateral VCP if a patient sustains an injury to the RLN on the sole functioning side. Part of the rationale for routine preoperative laryngoscopy is to eliminate such a risk. This paper endeavours to quantify the relevant potential risk.

METHODS: Patients who underwent laryngoscopy prior to thyroid or parathyroid surgery in an endocrine surgical unit over a 5 year period were identified. Literature review revealed four papers in which VCP prevalence in patients without risk factors was reported. Using our data, combined with that of these other authors, the background rate of pre-existing VCP was ascertained, and the subsequent risk of bilateral VCP estimated.

RESULTS: Of our 632 patients who underwent preoperative laryngoscopy, there were four patients (0.63%) who were found to have a unilateral VCP, but all had voice symptoms or previous neck surgery. When patients with these risk factors are excluded, our data combined with the published data provides a pre-existing VCP rate of 0.2%. Calculations estimate that if preoperative laryngoscopy is omitted in patients with no risk factors, the risk of bilateral VCP, due to the nerve on the sole functioning side being injured, would be between 1/50000 and 1/150000, depending on an individual surgeon’s level of experience.

CONCLUSION: Selective use of laryngoscopy prior to thyroidectomy would result in an acceptably low statistical risk of bilateral VCP. Routine laryngoscopy for all patients is not necessary.

PMID:35403799 | DOI:10.1111/ans.17700

Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022 Apr 11. doi: 10.1111/dom.14712. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To assess efficacy, safety and tolerability of cotadutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this phase 2a study (NCT03550378), patients with BMI 25-45 kg/m² , estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) rate 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m² and type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 6.5-10.5% [48-91 mmol/mol]) controlled with insulin and/or oral therapy combination, were randomized 1:1 to once-daily subcutaneous cotadutide (50-300 μg) or placebo for 32 days. Primary endpoint was plasma glucose concentration assessed using a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT).

RESULTS: Participants receiving cotadutide (n = 21) had significant reductions in MMTT area under the glucose concentration-time curve (AUC) (-26.71% vs +3.68%, p < 0.001), more time in target glucose range on continuous glucose monitoring (+14.79% vs -21.23%, p = 0.001) and significant reductions in absolute bodyweight (-3.41 kg vs -0.13 kg, p < 0.001) versus placebo (n = 20). In patients with baseline micro- or macroalbuminuria (n = 18), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios (UACR) decreased by 51% at day 32 with cotadutide versus placebo (p = 0.0504). No statistically significant difference was observed in mean change in eGFR between treatments. Mild/ moderate adverse events occurred in 71.4% of participants receiving cotadutide and 35.0% receiving placebo.

CONCLUSIONS: We established the efficacy of cotadutide in this patient population, with significantly improved postprandial glucose control and reduced bodyweight versus placebo. Reductions in UACR suggest potential benefits of cotadutide on kidney function, supporting further evaluation in larger, longer-term clinical trials. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35403793 | DOI:10.1111/dom.14712

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Apr 11. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14984. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory disease. The etiology of the disease is still unknown. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have all been reported as inflammatory markers in recent studies. However, these inflammatory markers have not been explored in SD patients. This study aimed to explore inflammatory and hematological parameters in SD patients with healthy controls (HCs) and evaluate their possible relationship with disease severity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients who presented to our hospital and were diagnosed with SD and 74 HCs were retrospectively included in our study. The seborrheic dermatitis area severity index (SDASI) score was used to assess the severity of the SD.

RESULTS: The patient group’s mean PLR, MPV ve CRP levels were statistically significantly higher than the HCs (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the patients compared to the control group regarding RDW, NLR, MHR, and SII levels (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between NLR, PLR, MPV, Monocyte/HDL cholesterol, SII levels with age, and SDASI in the patient group. There was a significant correlation between CRP with age and RDW with SDASI score.

CONCLUSION: Hematological parameters and CRP are low-cost tests. These tests can be used to define inflammation levels in inflammatory diseases. This study shows that PLR, CRP, and MPV may be used as novel inflammatory markers in SD.

PMID:35403790 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.14984

Cytopathology. 2022 May;33(3):301-304. doi: 10.1111/cyt.13083.

ABSTRACT

This article serves as the first in a series that will offer recommendations for optimal data reporting, specifically focusing on statistical methods most frequently reported by the Cytopathology audience. Recommendations for reporting statistical results when comparing proportions is the first topic in the series since comparing proportions, particularly utilising the chi-square test, was the most commonly reported inferential statistical test category over 2.5 years of Cytopathology articles.¹ While this article will provide a summary of common tests used to compare proportions, an extensive review of each method, including test assumptions and calculations, is beyond the scope of this summary. The author recommends consulting a trained statistician prior to data collection to discuss an analytical plan, including determining the appropriate statistical test(s) to use.

PMID:35403761 | DOI:10.1111/cyt.13083

Cytopathology. 2022 May;33(3):292. doi: 10.1111/cyt.13118.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:35403762 | DOI:10.1111/cyt.13118

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2022 Apr 11. doi: 10.1111/sms.14164. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of specific collagen peptides (SCP) combined with resistance training (RT) on changes in tendinous and muscular properties. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study, 40 healthy male volunteers (age: 26.3 ± 4.0 years) completed a 14-week high-load resistance training program. One group received a daily dosage of 5g SCP while the other group received 5g of a placebo (PLA) supplement. Changes in Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), tendon stiffness, muscular strength and thickness of the plantar flexors were measured. The SCP supplementation led to a significantly (p = 0.002) greater increase in tendon CSA (+11.0%) compared with the PLA group (+4.7%). Moreover, the statistical analysis revealed a significantly (p = 0.014) greater increase in muscle thickness in the SCP group (+7.3%) compared with the PLA group (+2.7%). Finally, tendon stiffness and muscle strength increased in both groups, with no statistical difference between the groups. In conclusion, the current study shows that the supplementation of specific collagen peptides combined with RT is associated with a greater hypertrophy in tendinous and muscular structures than RT alone in young physically active men. These effects might play a role in reducing tendon stress (i.e. deposition of collagen in load bearing structures) during daily activities.

PMID:35403756 | DOI:10.1111/sms.14164

Child Care Health Dev. 2022 Apr 11. doi: 10.1111/cch.13013. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: 22q11DS11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a complex multi-system syndrome characterised by physical abnormalities, psychiatric comorbidities and cognitive deficits. The views of children and young people (CYP) about the challenges associated with their mental health, behaviour, learning and communication difficulties have not been reported. The aim of this study was to address this gap and to understand whether they had help and support with these and their views of this.

METHODS: A three-phase mixed-methods study was undertaken, involving interviews with CYP with 22q11DS, a follow-up survey for those aged 11-25 years and a stakeholder workshop at which CYP presented their views of living with 22q11DS to health professionals and parents. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed and non-parametric statistics were used to analyse survey data.

RESULTS: The interviews (n=13) and survey (n=32) indicated a mixed picture, with some CYP not reporting ongoing problems; others who had problems received help but a sizeable proportion had unmet needs and wanted to receive help. Two-thirds reported often experiencing negative feelings and almost half had difficulties with social interactions. Family members were the main sources of support, with teaching assistants identified as an important support at school.

CONCLUSIONS: The emotional impact of 22q11DS on CYP can be significant: they often do not understand the consequences of having 22q11DS and are frequently not given strategies to understand and manage their feelings, behaviour or problems. This leads to a range of emotions which manifest in different ways at home and at school. CYP are able to talk about the impact of different aspects of 22q11DS on them, facilitated by the use of creative methods, but they differ in how the condition affects them and their perceptions about that. It is imperative that CYP themselves are asked about their experiences, feelings and needs to ensure tailoring of interventions to their individual requirements.

PMID:35403745 | DOI:10.1111/cch.13013

Stat Med. 2022 May 10;41(10):1797-1814. doi: 10.1002/sim.9329. Epub 2022 Feb 2.

ABSTRACT

Effect decomposition is a critical technique for mechanism investigation in settings with multiple causally ordered mediators. Causal mediation analysis is a standard method for effect decomposition, but the assumptions required for the identification process are extremely strong. Moreover, mediation analysis focuses on addressing mediating mechanisms rather than interacting mechanisms. Mediation and interaction for mediators both contribute to the occurrence of disease, and therefore unifying mediation and interaction in effect decomposition is important to causal mechanism investigation. By extending the framework of controlled direct effects, this study proposes the effect attributable to mediators (EAM) as a novel measure for effect decomposition. For policymaking, EAM represents how much an effect can be eliminated by setting mediators to certain values. From the perspective of mechanism investigation, EAM contains information about how much a particular mediator or set of mediators is involved in the causal mechanism through mediation, interaction, or both. EAM is more appropriate than the conventional path-specific effect for application in clinical or medical studies. The assumptions of EAM for identification are considerably weaker than those of causal mediation analysis. We develop a semiparametric estimator of EAM with robustness to model misspecification. The asymptotic property is fully realized. We applied EAM to assess the magnitude of the effect of hepatitis C virus infection on mortality, which was eliminated by controlling alanine aminotransferase and treating hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID:35403735 | DOI:10.1002/sim.9329