Category: Nevin Manimala

Foot Ankle Int. 2021 May 24:10711007211007843. doi: 10.1177/10711007211007843. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hallux rigidus is a common and painful degenerative condition of the great toe limiting a patient’s physical function and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate pre- and postoperative physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) levels of patients undergoing synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty (SCI) vs arthrodesis (AD) for treatment of hallux rigidus using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).

METHODS: PROMIS PF and PI t scores were analyzed for patients who underwent either SCI or AD. Postoperative final PROMIS t scores were obtained via phone survey. Linear mixed model analysis was used to assess differences in PF and PI at each follow-up point. Final follow-up scores were analyzed using independent sample t tests.

RESULTS: Total 181 (59 SCI, 122 AD) operatively managed patients were included for analysis of PROMIS scores. Final phone survey was performed at a minimum of 14 (mean 33, range, 14-59) months postoperatively, with 101 patients (40 SCI, 61 AD) successfully contacted. The mean final follow-up was significantly different for SCI and AD: 27 vs 38 months, respectively (P < .01). The mean age of the SCI cohort was lower than the AD cohort (57.5 vs 61.5 years old, P = .01). Average PF t scores were higher in the SCI cohort at baseline (47.1 and 43.9, respectively, P = .01) and at final follow-up (51.4 vs 45.9, respectively, P < .01). A main effect of superior improvement in PF was noted in the SCI group (+4.3) vs the AD group (+2) across time intervals (P < .01). PI t scores were similar between the 2 procedures across time points.

CONCLUSION: The SCI cohort reported slightly superior PF t scores preoperatively and at most follow-up time points compared with the arthrodesis group. No differences were found for PI or complication rates between the 2 treatment groups during this study time frame.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID:34024138 | DOI:10.1177/10711007211007843

Isr Med Assoc J. 2021 May;23(5):286-290.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Consent rates for organ donation remain one of the most important factors determining the number of organs available for transplantation. Trauma casualties constitute a substantial part of the deceased organ donor pool and have unique characteristics that distinguish them from the general donor population. However, this group has not been extensively studied.

OBJECTIVES: To identify donor factors associated with positive familial consent for solid organ donation among trauma casualties.

METHODS: This retrospective study included all trauma casualties who were admitted to the Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson hospital, during the period from January 2008 to December 2017, who were potential organ donors. Data collected included demographic features, the nature of the injury, surgical interventions, and which organs were donated. Data was collected from the Rabin Medical Center Trauma Registry.

RESULTS: During the study period 24,504 trauma patients were admitted and 556 died over their hospital course. Of these 76 were potential donors, of whom 32 became actual donors and donated their organs. Two factors showed a statistically significant correlation to donation, namely female gender (P = 0.018) and Jewish religion of the deceased (P = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS: Only a small group of in hospital trauma deaths were potential solid organ donors (13.7%) and less than half of these became actual donors. Consent rates were higher when the deceased was female or Jewish.

PMID:34024044

Int Urol Nephrol. 2021 May 22. doi: 10.1007/s11255-021-02892-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To review the literature regarding any clinically significant association between prostate size and the incidence of prostate cancer (PCa). No previous review or meta-analysis has reported this clinical question.

METHODS: A thorough literature review was performed using PubMed and applying the ‘PRISMA’ guidelines. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined.

RESULTS: A total of 30 articles met the search criteria. Of these 30 articles, 27 reported an inverse correlation between prostate volume (PV) and incidence of biopsy-proven PCa. The remaining three articles provided no clear statistically significant results, and there was no study showing a direct or positive correlation between PV and the incidence of PCa.

CONCLUSION: This review and meta-analysis is the first report summarizing the literature on the clinical question of whether prostate size affects the incidence of PCa. Ninety percent of studies (27/30) show significant evidence supporting the hypothesis that prostate size may be protective of PCa. This review and the outlined discussion should encourage other clinical investigators to explore the relationship between PV and the incidence and aggressiveness of PCa. If future studies should confirm the hypothesis of the dynamic interactions between the different prostatic zones in a growing prostate, it will have relevant clinical implications on the management of BPH and PCa.

PMID:34024008 | DOI:10.1007/s11255-021-02892-w

Neurol Ther. 2021 May 22. doi: 10.1007/s40120-021-00258-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) is a clinically heterogeneous disease caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. The most common mutation, Val30Met, can manifest as an early- or late-onset disease.

METHODS: The Transthyretin Amyloidosis Outcomes Survey (THAOS) is an ongoing, global, longitudinal, observational survey of patients with transthyretin amyloidosis, including both inherited and wild-type disease and asymptomatic patients with TTR mutations. This is a descriptive analysis of symptomatic patients with ATTRv Val30Met amyloidosis with late- (age at least 50 years) vs. early-onset (age less than 50 years) disease in THAOS (data cutoff August 1, 2019).

RESULTS: Of 1389 patients with ATTRv Val30Met amyloidosis, 491 (35.3%) had late-onset disease. Compared with early-onset, patients with late-onset were more likely to be male (66.2% vs. 53.6%) and have a longer mean (standard deviation [SD]) time from onset to diagnosis (3.8 [3.4] vs. 2.7 [4.1] years). Late-onset disease was associated with more severe neurological impairment at enrollment (median [10th, 90th percentile] derived Neuropathy Impairment Score in the Lower Limbs, 25.0 [4.0, 69.3] vs. 8.0 [0, 54.8]; Neurologic Composite Score, 42.0 [2.0, 155.0] vs. 21.0 [0, 102.0]). Cardiac findings were more prominent in late-onset disease. An overall interpretation of electrocardiogram as abnormal was reported in 72.1% of late-onset patients (vs. 44.3% early-onset). A left-ventricular septal thickness of at least 12 mm was reported in 69.7% of late-onset patients (vs. 14.6% early-onset). All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: In THAOS, late-onset ATTRv Val30Met amyloidosis is common, presenting with more severe neurologic and cardiac findings at enrollment. Heterogeneity of disease may make it more difficult to diagnose. Increased recognition of late-onset ATTRv Val30Met amyloidosis could lead to more timely diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00628745.

PMID:34024024 | DOI:10.1007/s40120-021-00258-z

Eur Spine J. 2021 May 23. doi: 10.1007/s00586-021-06868-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The molecular mechanism behind pain in degenerative disc disease (DDD) and chronic low back pain (LBP) patients is largely unknown. This present study examines the association of LBP and disability to mediators of the inflammatory cascade, as indexed by mRNA gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine markers in the intervertebral disc (IVD).

METHODS: Biopsies of the annulus fibrosus (AF) and the nucleus pulposes (NP) from patients with DDD undergoing 1-2 level fusion surgery at L4/L5 or L5/S1 were obtained from total of 34 patients [9 M, 25 F] with average age of 53 [32-63]. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the AF and NP was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the expression level of these markers was correlated to the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores (0-100) for pain and disability.

RESULTS: We report a statistically significant positive correlation between pain intensity (VAS score) and the expression of TNF-α in both the AF (r = 0.54, p = 0.001) and NP (r = 0.40, p = 0.02), similarly with IL-1β in AF (r = 0.37, p = 0.02) and IL-6 in NP (r = 0.40, p = 0.02). In addition, we found significant positive correlation observed between disability score (ODI) and expression of IL-6 in both AF (r = 0.36, p = 0.03) and NP (r = 0.41, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION: We conclude that the intensity of LBP and disability is associated with the level of inflammation in the disc.

PMID:34023967 | DOI:10.1007/s00586-021-06868-3

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 May 22. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-14479-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The investigation of sediment transport in tropical rivers is essential for planning effective integrated river basin management to predict the changes in rivers. The characteristics of rivers and sediment in the tropical region are different compared to those of the rivers in Europe and the USA, where the median sediment size tends to be much more refined. The origins of the rivers are mainly tropical forests. Due to the complexity of determining sediment transport, many sediment transport equations were recommended in the literature. However, the accuracy of the prediction results remains low, particularly for the tropical rivers. The majority of the existing equations were developed using multiple non-linear regression (MNLR). Machine learning has recently been the method of choice to increase model prediction accuracy in complex hydrological problems. Compared to the conventional MNLR method, machine learning algorithms have advanced and can produce a useful prediction model. In this research, three machine learning models, namely evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR), multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP) and M5 tree model (M5P), were implemented to model sediment transport for rivers in Malaysia. The formulated variables for the prediction model were originated from the revised equations reported in the relevant literature for Malaysian rivers. Among the three machine learning models, in terms of different statistical measurement criteria, EPR gives the best prediction model, followed by MGGP and M5P. Machine learning is excellent at improving the prediction distribution of high data values but lacks accuracy compared to observations of lower data values. These results indicate that further study needs to be done to improve the machine learning model’s accuracy to predict sediment transport.

PMID:34023993 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-021-14479-0

Odontology. 2021 May 23. doi: 10.1007/s10266-021-00617-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Oral diseases such as periodontitis can have a more negative influence on the quality of life of obese than in normal-weight patients. The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of one-stage full-mouth disinfection (OSFMD) therapy on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQL) of obese and non-obese individuals with periodontitis. Fifty-five obese and thirty-nine non-obese patients were evaluated. The questionnaires oral impacts on daily performance (OIDP) and oral health and quality of life (OHQoL) were given to all patients at baseline and 6 months after periodontal treatment by the OSFMD protocol. For statistical analysis, Chi-square, the two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA, and correlation tests were used. At baseline, mean global OHQoL and OIDP scores were similar for both groups (p > 0.05). At 6 months, OSFMD resulted in OHQoL and OIDP global scores improvements in both groups (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between groups. The most impaired activity at baseline was eating and cleaning teeth for both groups. Periodontal parameters were associated with worse values in the OHQoL and OIDP questionnaires only in obese patients. In conclusion, OSFMD yielded similar improvements in overall OHRQL in both obese and non-obese individuals. Periodontal parameters were associated with a worse quality of life in obese patients. Periodontal treatment can be an important component to improve the OHRQL of obese individuals, and clinicians should expect similar results as those obtained with non-obese patients.

PMID:34023952 | DOI:10.1007/s10266-021-00617-0

Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2021 May 22. doi: 10.1007/s00420-021-01715-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether there is an increased risk for noise-induced hearing loss at high altitude rsp. in hypobaric hypoxia.

METHODS: Thirteen volunteers got standard audiometry at 125, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz before and after 10 min of white noise at 90 dB. The system was calibrated for the respective altitude. Measurements were performed at Kathmandu (1400 m) and at Gorak Shep (5300 m) (Solo Khumbu/Nepal) after 10 days of acclimatization while on trek. Temporary threshold shift (TTS) was analyzed by descriptive statistics and by factor analysis.

RESULTS: TTS is significantly more pronounced at high altitudes. Acclimatization does not provide any protection of the inner ear, although it increases arterial oxygen saturation.

CONCLUSION: The thresholds beyond which noise protection is recommended (> 80 dB) or necessary (> 85 dB) are not sufficient at high altitudes. We suggest providing protective devices above an altitude of 1500 m (“ear threshold altitude”) when noise level is higher than 75 dB and using them definitively above 80 dB. This takes the individual reaction on hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude into account.

PMID:34023963 | DOI:10.1007/s00420-021-01715-w

Clin Imaging. 2021 May 18;78:194-200. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.05.007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The use of the ethiodized oil- Lipiodol in conventional trans-arterial chemoembolization (cTACE) ensures radiopacity to visualize drug delivery in the process of providing selective drug targeting to hepatic cancers and arterial embolization. Lipiodol functions as a carrier of chemo drugs for targeted therapy, as an embolic agent, augmenting the drug effect by efflux into the portal veins as well as a predictor for the tumor response and survival.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the role of 3D quantitative assessment of intra-procedural Lipiodol deposition in liver tumors on CBCT immediately after cTACE as a predictive biomarker for the outcome of cTACE.

MATERIALS & METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of data from an IRB-approved prospective clinical trial. Thirty-two patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastases underwent contrast enhanced CBCT obtained immediately after cTACE, unenhanced MDCT at 24 h after cTACE, and follow-up imaging 30-, 90- and 180-days post-procedure. Lipiodol deposition was quantified on CBCT after cTACE and was characterized by 4 ordinal levels: ≤25%, >25-50%, >50-75%, >75%. Tumor response was assessed on follow-up MRI. Lipiodol deposition on imaging, correlation between Lipiodol deposition and tumor response criteria, and correlation between Lipiodol coverage and median overall survival (MOS) were evaluated.

RESULTS: Image analysis demonstrated a high degree of agreement between the Lipiodol deposition on CBCT and the 24 h post-TACE CT, with a Bland-Altman plot of Lipiodol deposition on imaging demonstrated a bias of 2.75, with 95%-limits-of-agreement: -16.6 to 22.1%. An inverse relationship between Lipiodol deposition in responders versus non-responders for two-dimensional EASL reached statistical significance at 30 days (p = 0.02) and 90 days (p = 0.05). Comparing the Lipiodol deposition in Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) responders versus non-responders showed a statistically significant higher volumetric deposition in responders for European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)-30d, EASL-90d, and quantitative EASL-180d. The correlation between the relative Lipiodol deposition and the change in enhancing tumor volume showed a negative association post-cTACE (30-day: p < 0.001; rho = -0.63). A Kaplan-Meier analysis for patients with high vs. low Lipiodol deposition showed a MOS of 46 vs. 33 months (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION: 3D quantification of Lipiodol deposition on intra-procedural CBCT is a predictive biomarker of outcome in patients with primary or metastatic liver cancer undergoing cTACE. There are spatial and volumetric agreements between 3D quantification of Lipiodol deposition on intra-procedural CBCT and 24 h post-cTACE MDCT. The spatial and volumetric agreement between Lipiodol deposition on intra-procedural CBCT and 24 h post-cTACE MDCT could suggest that acquiring MDCT 24 h after cTACE is redundant. Importantly, the demonstrated relationship between levels of tumor coverage with Lipiodol and degree and timeline of tumor response after cTACE underline the role of Lipiodol as an intra-procedural surrogate for tumor response, with potential implications for the prediction of survival.

PMID:34022765 | DOI:10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.05.007

Int Health. 2021 May 22:ihab026. doi: 10.1093/inthealth/ihab026. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Application of chemotherapeutics in cancer patients may provide an immunosuppressive milieu, favourable for parasitic infections. Giardia duodenalis is an important zoonotic intestinal parasite responsible for diarrhoea in humans worldwide.

METHODS: The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of G. duodenalis and respective odds ratios (ORs) in cancer patients around the globe. Four online databases-PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar-were carefully explored for relevant literature without time limitation until 28 November 2020. Meta-analysis was done based on a random effects model to pool the estimations and define 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: The overall weighted prevalence of G. duodenalis infection in cancer patients was calculated to be 6.9% (95% CI 0.5 to 9.3) globally, based on data from 32 studies. Although not statistically significant, eight case-control studies revealed that cancer patients were 1.24 times (95% CI 0.66 to 2.31; p=0.501) more exposed to G. duodenalis infection than healthy controls. Moreover, the prevalence of infection was not significantly associated with quantitative variables, including publication year (regression coefficient -0.0135, p=0.578), sample size (regression coefficient -0.0007, p=0.074) and human development index (regression coefficient -1.6263, p=0.419). Also, subgroup analysis of the pooled G. duodenalis infection was performed for publication year, World Health Organization regions, countries, continents, cancer types and country income.

CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the epidemiology of G. duodenalis infection and its associated risk factors in immunocompromised individuals, especially cancer patients, is still open to question and deserves comprehensive investigations.

PMID:34022771 | DOI:10.1093/inthealth/ihab026