Nevin Manimala

Sports Med Open. 2023 Nov 8;9(1):104. doi: 10.1186/s40798-023-00653-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have shown that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown has had negative impacts on mental health and eating behaviors among the general population and athletes, few studies have examined the long-term effects on elite and sub-elite athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mental health and eating behaviors in elite versus sub-elite athletes two years into the pandemic. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted between March and April 2022, involving athletes from 14 countries, using a convenient non-probabilistic and snowball sampling method. A total of 1420 athletes (24.5 ± 7.9 years old, 569 elites, 35% women, and 851 sub-elites, 45% women) completed an online survey-based questionnaire. The questionnaire included a sociodemographic survey, information about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) for mental health assessment, and the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants (REAP-S) for assessing eating behavior.

RESULTS: The results showed that compared to sub-elite athletes, elite athletes had lower scores on the DASS-21 (p = .001) and its subscales of depression (p = .003), anxiety (p = .007), and stress (p < .001), as well as a lower REAP-S score indicating lower diet quality (p = .013).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, two years into the pandemic, elite athletes were likelier to have better mental health profiles than sub-elite athletes but surprisingly had lower diet quality.

PMID:37938473 | DOI:10.1186/s40798-023-00653-w

Matern Child Health J. 2023 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s10995-023-03814-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with a risk of suspected developmental delay (SDD) in high-risk children in Thailand.

METHODS: We used data on children enrolled for developmental delay (DD) screening across Thailand collected by the Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development, Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Children who were under 5 years of age with a birth weight of fewer than 2500 g and/or birth asphyxia in Thailand with high risk of DD were assessed using the Developmental Assessment for Intervention Manual (DAIM) between August 2013 and November 2019 (N = 14,314).

RESULTS: The high-risk children who had a gestational age at birth of < 37 weeks (adjusted odds ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval = 1.39-1.70) and/or had a birth weight < 2500 g (1.22; 1.02-1.45), or had mothers who were not government officers (1.46; 1.11-1.93), had a low education level (1.36; 1.19-1.55), had a poor nutritional status (1.34; 1.09-1.65), and/or who were living in a high-altitude area (1.59; 1.32-1.91) were at a higher risk of SDD.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Children with a low birth weight and/or asphyxia during birth had a high risk of DD. SDD monitoring of children by community health workers and/or by developing outreach strategies, especially in underserved regions, should be considered. In addition, developing policies and guidelines, and intervention for high-risk children ought to be conducted to reduce the subsequent problems caused by the late detection of DD.

PMID:37938440 | DOI:10.1007/s10995-023-03814-1

J Cancer Surviv. 2023 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s11764-023-01483-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The impact of changes in therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) on the prevalence of physical performance limitations and participation restrictions among survivors is unknown. We aimed to describe the prevalence of reduced function among ALL and NHL survivors by treatment era.

METHODS: Participants included survivors of childhood ALL and NHL, and a cohort of their siblings, participating in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS). Physical function was measured using questionnaire. The prevalence of reduced function was compared to siblings using generalized estimating equations, overall and stratified by treatment decade. Associations between organ system-specific chronic conditions (CTCAE v4.03) and function were also evaluated.

RESULTS: Among 6511 survivors (mean age 25.9 years (standard deviation 6.5)) and 4127 siblings, risk of performance limitations (15.2% vs. 12.5%, prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.5, 95%CI = 1.3-1.6), restrictions in personal care (2.0% vs. 0.6%, PR = 3.1, 95% CI = 2.0-4.8), routine activities (5.5% vs. 1.6%, PR = 3.6, 95% CI = 2.7-4.8), and work/school attendance (8.8% vs. 2.1%, PR = 4.5, 95% CI = 3.6-5.7) was increased in survivors vs. siblings. The prevalence of survivors reporting reduced function did not decrease between the 1970s and 1990s. The presence of neurological and cardiovascular conditions was associated with reduced function regardless of treatment decade.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite changes in therapy, the prevalence of poor physical function remained constant between the 1970s and 1990s. The CCSS clinical trial registration number is NCT01120353 (registered May 6, 2010).

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Our findings support screening for reduced physical function so that early interventions to improve physical performance and mitigate chronic disease can be initiated.

PMID:37938431 | DOI:10.1007/s11764-023-01483-1

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2023 Nov 8. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004857. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To report normative measurements of L1-S1 lumbar neuroforamina on plain film radiography (PFR), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), accounting for patient sex and ethnicity.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Quantitative criteria for diagnosis of neuroforaminal stenosis (NFS) remains unknown. Acquiring a thorough understanding of normative foraminal dimensions is a key step in formulating objective parameters for NFS.

METHODS: We measured 988 images from 494 patients between 18 and 35 years-old without spinal pathology who received PFR, CT, or MRI within one year of each other. Neuroforaminal measurements were defined as the height, area, and sagittal and axial widths. Statistical analyses were performed to assess relationships among PFR-, CT-, and MRI-derived neuroforaminal measurements as well as the influence of patient sex and ethnicity.

RESULTS: 330 PFR, 377 CT, and 281 MRI were measured. Of these, 213 PFR and CT, 117 PFR and MRI, and 164 MRI and CT intrapatient images were compared. Statistically significant differences were observed among PFR, CT, and MRI measurements across all levels L1-S1. PFR measurements were larger compared to those derived from CT and MRI. Weak-to-moderate correlations were observed between PFR and CT, PFR and MRI, and CT and MRI, with the magnitude of correlation decreasing caudally from L1-S1. Variations in neuroforaminal anatomy were observed based on sex and ethnicity.

CONCLUSION: This study reports 25,951 measurements of normal L1-S1 neuroforaminal anatomy assessed by PFR, CT, and MRI. The values reported in this study may be used as normative reference measurements of the lumbar neuroforamina. PFR measurements of the neuroforamina are larger compared to those derived from CT and MRI across all levels from L1-S1. There is poor correlation among PFR, CT and MRI when measuring the lumbar neuroforamina. Differences in neuroforaminal anatomy are evident based on patient sex and ethnicity.

PMID:37937514 | DOI:10.1097/BRS.0000000000004857

Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2023 Nov 1;51(6):89-96. doi: 10.15586/aei.v51i6.914. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 (LAD-1) is an inborn error of immunity characterized by a defect in leukocyte trafficking.

METHODS: Patients with clinical suspicion of LAD-1 were referred to our institution. Complete blood count and flow cytometric analysis, to identify the expression of CD18, CD11b, and the lymphocyte population phenotyping, were performed, and statistical analysis was completed.

RESULTS: We report clinical manifestations and immunological findings of six Mexican patients diagnosed with LAD-1. The diagnosis was based on typical clinical presentation, combined with laboratory demonstration of leukocytosis, and significant reduction or near absence of CD18 and its associated molecules CD11a, CD11b, and CD11c on leukocytes. We found atypical manifestations, not described in other countries, such as early-onset autoimmunity or infections caused by certain microorganisms.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LAD-1 may present with atypical manifestations, making flow cytometry an indispensable tool to confirm the diagnosis. We present the first report of LAD-1 patients in a Latin American country.

PMID:37937501 | DOI:10.15586/aei.v51i6.914

Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2023 Nov 1;51(6):83-88. doi: 10.15586/aei.v51i6.924. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To detect serum metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and T helper cells 1-T helper cells 2 (Th1-Th2) levels in asthma patients and assess their clinical significance.

METHODS: A total of 72 patients experiencing acute asthma (acute group), 66 stable asthma patients (stable group), and 60 healthy volunteers (control group) were included in this study. The levels of TIMP-1, COX-2, and Th1-Th2 in patients with acute asthma were measured following treatment with budesonide aerosol inhalation. In addition, the levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, COX-2 and Th1-Th2 were compared in patients with different severity of acute asthma before and after treatment.

RESULTS: The serum levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and COX-2 showed an increasing trend in the control, stable, and acute groups, while levels of Th1-Th2 showed a sequential decreasing trend, and the differences were statistically significant. Comparison of lung function indexes among the three groups of patients established a negative correlation between serum MMP-9 and its forced vital capacity% predicted (FEV%pred), TIMP-1, and COX-2, and FEV%pred and forced expiratory volume in 1 s-forced vital capacity (FEV₁/FVC) levels, but a positive correlation between Th1-Th2 and FEV₁/FVC levels in the acute group. A significant difference was observed on comparing the levels of serum MMP-9, TIMP-1, COX-2, and Th1-Th2 in patients with different conditions in the acute group. Specifically, as the condition worsened, a significant increase in serum MMP-9, TIMP-1, and COX-2 levels but a significant decrease in Th1-Th2 levels was observed. After treatment, we observed a significant decrease in serum MMP-9, TIMP-1, and COX-2 levels but a significant increase in Th1-Th2 levels in the acute group.

CONCLUSION: The serum levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, COX-2, and Th1-Th2 are valuable indicators reflecting the condition of asthma patients and could be considered promising clinical monitoring indicators.

PMID:37937500 | DOI:10.15586/aei.v51i6.924

Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2023 Nov 1;51(6):45-53. doi: 10.15586/aei.v51i6.927. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life, depression, and anxiety scores of children with primary immunodeficiency (PID) and depression, anxiety scores, and the caregiving burden of their mothers.

METHODS: A total of 149 children aged 2-18 years and their mothers were included in the present study, along with 125 healthy children and their mothers as a control group. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Child Depression Inventory (CDI), and Screening for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) questionnaire were used based on the views of children and their mothers. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A), and Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCB) were used for the mothers.

RESULTS: According to children and their mothers, the scores of the PedsQL were lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, according to the views of children and mothers, we found that PID children had higher depression and anxiety scores than healthy children (P < 0.05). The depression and anxiety levels of mothers in the patient group were also significantly higher than those in the control group (P = 0.05 and P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Statistically, we found significantly lower psychosocial health summary scores and total scale score levels from the subclass of PedsQL in the patient group than in the control group. According to the views of both children and mothers, we observed that PID children had higher depression and anxiety scores than healthy children. It was also found that the BDI and BAI values in case of mothers in the patient group were significantly higher than those in the control group.

PMID:37937495 | DOI:10.15586/aei.v51i6.927

ChemSusChem. 2023 Nov 8:e202301311. doi: 10.1002/cssc.202301311. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The present research article delves into the preparation of a new class of bio-based polyesters from α,ω-diene furandicarboxylate monomers. In particular, it exploits the use of acyclic diene metathesis polymerization on 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid -derived monomers. First, a library of furan-based α,ω-diene monomers was prepared via acid- or base-catalyzed transesterification of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester (FDME) with commercially available alcohols incorporating terminal olefins, Then, the novel monomers were subject to ADMET polymerization employing different catalysts and reaction conditions. Interestingly, first-generation Grubbs catalyst was found to be the best promoter for ADMET polymerization. This catalyst allowed the preparation of a new family of polyesters with high molecular weights, excellent thermal stability, and adaptable cis-trans conformations. Results also revealed that the monomer structure had a direct impact on the polymerization efficiency and the resulting thermal properties. The effect of green bio-based solvents such as Cyrene™, dimethyl isosorbide (DMI) and γ-valerolactone (GVL) on the polymerization process was also studied. Data collected showed that the solvent concentration influenced both the yield and length of polymers formed. Furthermore, some copolymerization experiments were conducted; the successful integration of different monomers in the resulting copolymer was shown to affect the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resulting materials.

PMID:37937483 | DOI:10.1002/cssc.202301311

Int J Med Robot. 2023 Nov 8:e2596. doi: 10.1002/rcs.2596. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) is associated with a lower conversion rate and less blood loss than laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). LDP has similar oncological outcomes as open surgery in PDAC. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes in obese patients with RDP versus LDP for PDAC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, all obese patients who underwent RDP or LDP for PDAC between 2012 and 2022 at 12 international expert centres were included.

RESULTS: out of 372, 81 patients were included. All baseline features were comparable between the two groups. RDP was associated with decreased blood loss (495mlLDP vs. 188mlRDP; p = 0.003), lower conversion rate (13.5%RDP vs. 36.4%LDP; p = 0.019) and lower rate of Clavien-Dindo ≥3 complications (13.5%RDP vs. 36.4%LDP; p = 0.019). Overall and disease-free survival were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS: In obese patients with left-sided PDAC, the robotic approach was associated with improved intraoperative outcomes and fewer severe complications.

PMID:37937476 | DOI:10.1002/rcs.2596

Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2023 Nov 8:15353702231199464. doi: 10.1177/15353702231199464. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Preeclampsia increases the risk of pregnancy-related complications, nevertheless a successful spiral vessel remodeling, and trophoblast invasion reduces disorders of pregnancy. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) clears the path for trophoblast invasion, and activation of MMP-2 largely depends on extracellular matrix metalloproteinases inducer (EMMPRIN) protein. This study aimed to investigate EMMPRIN gene polymorphism and MMP-2 activity in preeclampsia patients. Archival whole blood and serum samples of 74 preeclampsia and 66 normotensive pregnant women age-matched were used in this case-control study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood samples and EMMPRIN gene amplified with specific primers following fragments sequence mutation analysis. Serum MMP-2 activity was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and socio-demographic data of participants retrieved from the database. Age of preeclampsia patients (32.78 ± 6.39) years and body mass index (BMI) (33.09 ± 7.27) kg/m² compared with the normotensive counterparts (32.33 ± 5.56) years and (32.33 ± 5.56) kg/m²,respectively, were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Serum matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) activity was significantly reduced in preeclampsia group (16.34 ± 7.07) compared with the normotensives (25.63 ± 4.56) (P < 0.001), and rs424243T/G variant (55.6%) was overrepresented among the cases compared with the normotensives (16.7%). The single-nucleotide polymorphism T/G was found to be associated with preeclampsia (odds ratio [OR] = 7.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.95-14.75; P < 0.0001). Decreased activity of MMP-2 and rs424243T/G SNP of EMMPRIN gene was reported in preeclampsia. These preliminary data warrant a further investigation into the relationship between EMMPRIN gene polymorphism and MMP-2 activity in preeclampsia.

PMID:37937473 | DOI:10.1177/15353702231199464