Nevin Manimala

Bull Exp Biol Med. 2023 Mar 7. doi: 10.1007/s10517-023-05719-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The LPO processes and the state of the antioxidant system in perinatally HIV-exposed newborns were studied. Perinatally HIV-exposed (n=62) and healthy newborns (n=80; control) were examined retrospectively (Apgar score 8 in both groups). Blood plasma and erythrocyte hemolysate were used as the material for biochemical tests. Using spectrophotometric, fluorometric, and statistical methods, we found enhanced LPO processes insufficiently compensated by the antioxidant system with excessive accumulation of damaging metabolites in the blood of perinatally HIV-exposed newborns. These changes can be a consequence of oxidative stress during the perinatal period.

PMID:36881282 | DOI:10.1007/s10517-023-05719-z

Mol Imaging Biol. 2023 Mar 7. doi: 10.1007/s11307-023-01808-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The preferred nuclear medicine method for identification of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism (HPT) develops continuously in relation to the technological progress. Diagnostic methods based on PET/CT have during recent years evolved with new tracer possibilities competing with traditional scintigraphic methods. This investigation is a head-to-head comparison of Tc-99m-sestamibi SPECT/CT gamma camera scintigraphy (sestamibi SPECT/CT) and C-11-L-methionin PET/CT imaging (methionine PET/CT) for preoperative identification of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands.

PROCEDURES: The study is a prospective cohort study including 27 patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Two nuclear medicine physicians assessed all examinations independently and blinded. All scanning assessments were matched to the final surgical diagnosis as confirmed by histopathology. Biochemical monitoring of the therapeutical effects was performed preoperatively by PTH-measurements and followed postoperatively for up to 12 months. Comparisons were made for differences in sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV).

RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (18 females, 9 males; mean age (range): 58.9 years (34.1-79)) were enrolled into the study. The 27 patients had a total of 33 identified sites of lesions of which 28 (85%) turned out to be histopathological verified hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands. The sensitivity and PPV for sestamibi SPECT/CT were 0.71 and 0.95; that of methionine PET/CT was 0.82 and 1, respectively. Both sensitivity and PPV were slightly lower for sestamibi SPECT/CT than for methionine PET PET/CT (-0.11, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -0.29 to 0.08; -0.05, 95% CI: -0.14 to 0.04, respectively), but not to a statistically significant extent (p=0.38 and p=0.31). The sensitivity and PPV for diagnostic CT were 0.64 (95% CI: 0.44 to 0.81) and 1 (95% CI: 0.81 to 1).

CONCLUSIONS: Methionine PET/CT performed comparable to sestamibi SPECT/CT with respect to identification and localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands prior to surgery.

PMID:36881250 | DOI:10.1007/s11307-023-01808-7

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Mar 7. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-25978-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The release of chloroform from water to air in an indoor swimming pool (ISP) exhibits complex physicochemical interactions among many variables, including environmental conditions, occupant activities, and geometry of the ISP. By combining the relevant variables, a structured mathematical model, the double-layer air compartment (DLAC) model, was developed to predict the level of chloroform in ISP air. A physical parameter, the indoor airflow recycle ratio (R), was incorporated into the DLAC model due to internal airflow circulation resulting in the ISP structural configuration. The theoretical R-value for a specific indoor airflow rate (v_y) can be found by fitting the predicted residence time distribution (RTD) to the simulated RTD from computational fluid dynamics (CFD), showing a positive linear relationship with v_y. The mechanical energies induced by occupant activities were converted into a lumped overall mass-transfer coefficient to account for the enhanced mass transfer of chloroform from the water into the air and mixing in ISP air. The DLAC model predicted that chloroform air concentrations were statistically less accurate without considering the influence of R compared with the online open-path Fourier transform infrared measurements. A novel index, the magnitude of emission (MOE) from swimmers, was linked to the level of chloroform in ISP water. The capability of the DLAC model associated with the MOE concept may facilitate upgrading the hygiene management of ISPs, including the ability to administer necessary chlorine additives in pool water and monitor the chloroform in ISP air.

PMID:36881228 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-25978-7

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Mar 7. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-26088-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Facing the current situation of tourism and urban prosperity and development, whether there is a contradiction between urban tourism and urban development, and whether they can always coordinate with each other will affect the sustainable development of both. In this context, the coordination of urban tourism and urban development has become an urgent research object. Based on the statistics of twenty indicators of urban tourism and urban development in Xiamen from 2014 to 2018, the article uses the TOPSIS analysis method to develop the number of tourists. Research results show that (1) the selected indicators all showed significant growth characteristics, and over time the coordination coefficient increases year by year and gradually approaches the ideal optimal value. (2) Among them, 2018 has the highest coordination coefficient, 0.9534. (3) The occurrence of “big events” has a double-sided effect on urban tourism and development coordination.

PMID:36881225 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-26088-0

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Mar 7. doi: 10.1007/s00405-023-07896-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Disturbance of cochlear microcirculation is discussed as final common pathway of various inner ear diseases. Hyperfibrinogenemia causing increased plasma viscosity is a possible factor for a critical reduction of cochlear blood flow that might lead to sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). The aim was to determine the efficacy and safety of drug-induced defibrinogenation by ancrod for SSHL.

METHODS: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel group, phase II (proof-of-concept) study (planned enrollment: 99 patients). Patients received an infusion of ancrod or placebo (day 1) followed by subcutaneous administrations (day 2, 4, 6). Primary outcome was the change in pure tone audiogram air conduction average until day 8.

RESULTS: The study was terminated early due to slow recruiting (31 enrolled patients: 22 ancrod, 9 placebo). A significant improvement of hearing loss was registered in both groups (ancrod: – 14.3 dB ± 20.4 dB, – 39.9% ± 50.4%; placebo: – 22.3 dB ± 13.7 dB, – 59.1% ± 38.0%). A statistically significant group-difference was not detected (p = 0.374). Placebo response of 33.3% complete and 85.7% at least partial recovery was observed. Plasma fibrinogen levels were reduced significantly by ancrod (baseline: 325.2 mg/dL, day 2: 107.2 mg/dL). Ancrod was tolerated well, no adverse drug reaction was of severe intensity, no serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION: Ancrod reduced fibrinogen levels that support its mechanism of action. The safety profile can be rated positively. Since the planned number of patients could not be enrolled, no efficacy conclusion can be drawn. The high rate of placebo response challenges clinical trials for SSHL and needs to be considered in future investigations. Trial registrations This study was registered in the EU Clinical Trials Register, EudraCT-No. 2012-000066-37 at 2012-07-02.

PMID:36881166 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-023-07896-z

Clin Oral Investig. 2023 Mar 7. doi: 10.1007/s00784-023-04906-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between oral health status in terms of present teeth, implants, removable prostheses, and polypharmacy and/or multimorbidity in three Swiss nursing homes with affiliated or integrated dental care.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three Swiss geriatric nursing homes with integrated dental care. Dental information consisted of the number of teeth, root remnants, implants, and presence of removable dental prostheses. Furthermore, the medical history was assessed in terms of diagnosed medical conditions and prescribed medication. Age, dental status, polypharmacy, and multimorbidity were compared and correlated using t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients.

RESULTS: One hundred eighty patients with a mean age of 85.5 ± 7.4 years were included of which a portion of 62% presented with multimorbidity and 92% with polypharmacy. The mean number of remaining teeth and remnant roots were 14.1 ± 9.9 and 1.0 ± 3.1, respectively. Edentulous individuals comprised 14%, and over 75% of the population did not have implants. Over 50% of the included patients wore removable dental prostheses. A negative correlation with statistical significance (p = 0.001) between age and tooth loss (r = – 0.27) was observed. Finally, there was a non-statistically correlation between a higher number of remnant roots and specific medications linked to salivary dysfunction; specifically antihypertensive medication and central nervous system stimulants.

CONCLUSION: The presence of a poor oral health status was associated with polypharmacy and multimorbidity among the study population.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Identifying elderly patients in need of oral healthcare in nursing homes is a challenge. In Switzerland, the collaboration of dentists and nursing staff is still improvable, but is urgently needed due to the demographic changes and raising treatment demand of the oldest portion of the population.

PMID:36881159 | DOI:10.1007/s00784-023-04906-6

J Neurol. 2023 Mar 7. doi: 10.1007/s00415-023-11636-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Performing cognitive-motor dual tasks (DTs) may result in reduced walking speed and cognitive performance. The effect in persons with progressive multiple sclerosis (pwPMS) having cognitive dysfunction is unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To profile DT-performance during walking in cognitively impaired pwPMS and examine DT-performance by disability level.

METHODS: Secondary analyses were conducted on baseline data from the CogEx-study. Participants, enrolled with Symbol Digit Modalities Test 1.282 standard deviations below normative value, performed a cognitive single task ([ST], alternating alphabet), motor ST (walking) and DT (both). Outcomes were number of correct answers on the alternating alphabet task, walking speed, and DT-cost (DTC: decline in performance relative to the ST). Outcomes were compared between EDSS subgroups (≤ 4, 4.5-5.5, ≥ 6). Spearman correlations were conducted between the DTC_motor with clinical measures. Adjusted significance level was 0.01.

RESULTS: Overall, participants (n = 307) walked slower and had fewer correct answers on the DT versus ST (both p < 0.001), with a DTC_motor of 15.8% and DTC_cognitive of 2.7%. All three subgroups walked slower during the DT versus ST, with DTC_motor different from zero (p’s < 0.001). Only the EDSS ≥ 6 group had fewer correct answers on the DT versus ST (p < 0.001), but the DTC_cognitive did not differ from zero for any of the groups (p ≥ 0.039).

CONCLUSION: Dual tasking substantially affects walking performance in cognitively impaired pwPMS, to a similar degree for EDSS subgroups.

PMID:36881147 | DOI:10.1007/s00415-023-11636-y

Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2023 Mar 7. doi: 10.1007/s00262-023-03400-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: We have previously reported that polyfunctional T cell responses can be induced to the cancer testis antigen NY-ESO-1 in melanoma patients injected with mature autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with long NY-ESO-1-derived peptides together with α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), an agonist for type 1 Natural Killer T (NKT) cells.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether inclusion of α-GalCer in autologous NY-ESO-1 long peptide-pulsed DC vaccines (DCV + α-GalCer) improves T cell responses when compared to peptide-pulsed DC vaccines without α-GalCer (DCV).

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Single-centre blinded randomised controlled trial in patients ≥ 18 years old with histologically confirmed, fully resected stage II-IV malignant cutaneous melanoma, conducted between July 2015 and June 2018 at the Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre of the Capital and Coast District Health Board.

INTERVENTIONS: Stage I. Patients were randomised to two cycles of DCV or DCV + α-GalCer (intravenous dose of 10 × 10⁶ cells, interval of 28 days). Stage II. Patients assigned to DCV + α-GalCer were randomised to two further cycles of DCV + α-GalCer or observation, while patients initially assigned to DCV crossed over to two cycles of DCV + α-GalCer.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary: Area under the curve (AUC) of mean NY-ESO-1-specific T cell count detected by ex vivo IFN-γ ELISpot in pre- and post-treatment blood samples, compared between treatment arms at Stage I. Secondary: Proportion of responders in each arm at Stage I; NKT cell count in each arm at Stage I; serum cytokine levels at Stage I; adverse events Stage I; T cell count for DCV + α-GalCer versus observation at Stage II, T cell count before versus after cross-over.

RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients gave written informed consent; 5 were excluded before randomisation due to progressive disease or incomplete leukapheresis, 17 were assigned to DCV, and 16 to DCV + α-GalCer. The vaccines were well tolerated and associated with increases in mean total T cell count, predominantly CD4⁺ T cells, but the difference between the treatment arms was not statistically significant (difference – 6.85, 95% confidence interval, – 21.65 to 7.92; P = 0.36). No significant improvements in T cell response were associated with DCV + α-GalCer with increased dosing, or in the cross-over. However, the NKT cell response to α-GalCer-loaded vaccines was limited compared to previous studies, with mean circulating NKT cell levels not significantly increased in the DCV + α-GalCer arm and no significant differences in cytokine response between the treatment arms.

CONCLUSIONS: A high population coverage of NY-ESO-1-specific T cell responses was achieved with a good safety profile, but we failed to demonstrate that loading with α-GalCer provided an additional advantage to the T cell response with this cellular vaccine design.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12612001101875. Funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

PMID:36881133 | DOI:10.1007/s00262-023-03400-y

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2023 Mar 7. doi: 10.1007/s00261-023-03853-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of dual reader interpretation of prostate MRI in the evaluation/detection of prostate cancer, using the PI-RADS v2.1 scoring system.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective study to assess the utility of dual reader interpretation for prostate MRI. All MRI cases compiled for analysis were accompanied with prostate biopsy pathology reports that included Gleason scores to correlate to the MRI PI-RADS v2.1 score, tissue findings and location of pathology within the prostate gland. To assess for dual reader utility, two fellowship trained abdominal imagers (each with > 5 years of experience) provided independent and concurrent PI-RADS v2.1 scores on all included MRI examinations, which were then compared to the biopsy proven Gleason scores.

RESULTS: After application of inclusion criteria, 131 cases were used for analysis. The mean age of the cohort was 63.6 years. Sensitivity, specificity and positive/negative predictive values were calculated for each reader and concurrent scores. Reader 1 demonstrated 71.43% sensitivity, 85.39% specificity, 69.77% PPV and 86.36% NPV. Reader 2 demonstrated 83.33% sensitivity, 78.65% specificity, 64.81% PPV and 90.91% NPV. Concurrent reads demonstrated 78.57% sensitivity, 80.9% specificity, 66% PPV and 88.89% NPV. There was no statistically significant difference between the individual readers or concurrent reads (p = 0.79).

CONCLUSION: Our results highlight that dual reader interpretation in prostate MRI is not needed to detect clinically relevant tumor and that radiologists with experience and training in prostate MRI interpretation establish acceptable sensitivity and specificity marks on PI-RADS v2.1 assessment.

PMID:36881131 | DOI:10.1007/s00261-023-03853-w

J Orofac Orthop. 2023 Mar 7. doi: 10.1007/s00056-023-00456-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to compare and evaluate the surface texture of different restorative computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials before bonding and after debonding of metal orthodontic brackets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 rectangular ceramic test specimens (n = 20 in each group) were prepared using feldspathic ceramic blocks (FLD; served as control), hybrid ceramic blocks (HC), and lithium disilicate ceramic blocks (LDC). Surface roughness (Ra) analysis was conducted using a profilometer before bonding the metal brackets. After the debonding and polishing procedures, a second surface roughness analysis was conducted on each specimen. The shear bond strength (SBS) test was applied to each specimen using a universal test machine for debonding the metal brackets. The debonded specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope and scored using a 4-step adhesive remnant index (ARI). The Ra and SBS values and the ARI scores were saved, and the data were analyzed statistically at a significance level of 0.05. One specimen from each group was examined under atomic force microscopy to visualize surface roughness. Furthermore, one specimen from each group was additionally prepared for scanning electron microscopy analysis.

RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in SBS measurements were observed between all three groups. The highest SBS values were obtained from the FLD group, the lowest from the LDC group. The HC group showed significantly (P = 0.001) lower Ra values than the LDC and FLD groups after debonding and polishing. No significant differences were observed in the ARI scores between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid ceramics could be a suitable alternative for fixed restorations in adult patients receiving subsequent treatments with fixed orthodontic appliances.

PMID:36881111 | DOI:10.1007/s00056-023-00456-4