Nevin Manimala

Eur Geriatr Med. 2023 Jul 21. doi: 10.1007/s41999-023-00842-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of acupressure on constipation symptoms and quality of life in older people.

METHODS: The study was a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, qualitative and quantitative mixed-method study. Individuals in the acupressure group received acupressure for 21 min per day for a total of 12 sessions. The other group received sham acupressure for the same duration. Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS), Constipation Quality of Life Scale (PAC-QOL), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and individual follow-up form were used to evaluate quantitative data, and semi-structured interview form was used to evaluate qualitative data.

RESULTS: A total of 81 participants were randomized to acupressure (n = 41, mean age: 70.56 ± 4.76, 70.7% female) or sham acupressure (n = 40, mean age: 71.17 ± 5.19, 67.5% female). Repeated measurements of the participants showed that CAS scores differed significantly between acupressure applications (p < 0.001). There were also statistically significant differences between the two groups in PAC-QOL and VAS after the application, number of defecations and laxative use (p < 0.001). Compared to the placebo group, the acupressure group had significantly lower mean post-test scores in all constipation rating scales. Qualitative findings from the study also support the quantitative findings.

CONCLUSION: For older people seeking evidence-based alternative therapy, acupressure may be a solution to reduce the constipation symptoms. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our study findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05506397, 17 August 2022, retrospectively registered.

PMID:37477804 | DOI:10.1007/s41999-023-00842-6

Hernia. 2023 Jul 21. doi: 10.1007/s10029-023-02841-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of IV dexamethasone added to one single injection Ilioinguinal/Iliohypogastric Nerve (IIN/IHN) block on tramadol consumption and Modified Rebound Pain Score (MRPS) in the first postoperative 24 h in inguinal hernia surgery.

METHODS: Five mg IV dexamethasone as an analgesic adjunct in the multimodal analgesia was administered to the patients who were scheduled for Inguinal Hernia Surgery and randomized to Group Dex and normal saline was administered to the patients who were randomized to the Control Group in addition to IIN/IHN Block. Postoperative tramadol consumption, Modified Rebound Pain Score (MRPS), the incidence of Rebound Pain, Rebound Pain time, postoperative 48-h opioid consumption, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Quality of Recovery Score (QoR-15), Sleep Quality, and adverse events were evaluated in the patients.

RESULTS: The mean scores of MRPS were lower in Group Dex than in the Control Group, both at rest (p = 0.001) and with motion (p = 0.001). Tramadol consumption in the first postoperative 24 h was 45.17 ± 49.59 mg in Group Dex and 95 ± 59.23 mg in the Control Group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, adding IV dexamethasone as a part of multimodal analgesia to IIN/IHN block for inguinal hernia surgery resulted in lower MRPS and lower postoperative opioid (tramadol) consumption. For this reason, IV dexamethasone can be added to the IIN/IHN block after inguinal hernia surgery to reduce the incidence of rebound pain, rebound pain scores, and NRS scores for pain, decrease postoperative opioid consumption, and improve the quality of recovery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: Ref; NCT05172908, Date: December 29, 2021.

PMID:37477788 | DOI:10.1007/s10029-023-02841-9

Endocrine. 2023 Jul 21. doi: 10.1007/s12020-023-03459-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Differences in syndromic manifestations of multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 A (MEN2A) between index and non-index patients are ill-defined.

METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of 602 REarranged during Transfection (RET) carriers (156 index and 446 non-index patients) who underwent thyroidectomy, adrenalectomy, and/or parathyroidectomy between 1985 and 2022, stratified by mutational risk.

RESULTS: Index patients were 5.8-13.9 years older at thyroidectomy than non-index patients, at which point they had developed 10.6-14.4 mm larger medullary thyroid cancers. Correlations between index status and primary tumor size (ρ = 0.489-0.544) were stronger than correlations between index status and age at thyroidectomy (ρ = 0.359-0.438). For pheochromocytoma and primary hyperparathyroidism, no significant differences were noted. When stratified by time of surgery before vs. in the new millennium, age at thyroidectomy fell significantly only for non-index patients in the new millennium: from 28.6 to 21.2 years (moderate-high risk mutations; P = 0.049) and from 23.1 to 12.3 years (high-risk mutations; P < 0.001). All other inter-millennium comparisons did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION: These findings imply that differences between index and non-index patients impact the first syndromic manifestation without extending to subsequent syndromic manifestations. Because they exhibited similar age and tumor characteristics for the secondary and tertiary manifestations of MEN2A, screening for these syndromic components remains an integral element of MEN2A management in index and non-index patients alike. Wider use of population genomic screening may work to diminish the observed disparities between index and non-index patients going forward.

PMID:37477781 | DOI:10.1007/s12020-023-03459-8

Int Urol Nephrol. 2023 Jul 21. doi: 10.1007/s11255-023-03710-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To prospectively compare the uptake of ⁶⁸Ga-prostate specific membrane antigen (⁶⁸Ga-PSMA)-11 and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and investigate the correlation between radiological parameters and pathological features of UTUC.

METHODS: Clinicopathologic and imaging data were collected from 10 UTUC patients who underwent preoperative ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 and ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans. The diagnostic capabilities of both imaging techniques were analyzed and compared in UTUC. Angiogenesis in the malignancies was assessed using Chalkley counting and the expression of folate hydrolase 1 (FOLH1) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in UTUC were evaluated in the surgical specimens. Double immunofluorescence staining of PSMA and CD34 was used to examine tumor neovascularization. Tracer uptake and expression were compared and explored. Additionally, 10 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) were included for prospective, comparative research.

RESULTS: Ten UTUC patients with 12 malignant lesions and another 10 ccRCC patients were included. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated a more effective detection of UTUC foci compared to ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT (the SUV_max of 18.48 ± 6.73 vs. 4.38 ± 1.45, P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the expression of PSMA and GLUT1 in UTUC (P = 0.048), with higher pathological grades showing more intense GLUT1 staining than PSMA (75% vs. 12.5%). The Chalkley counting of angiogenesis in ccRCC was significantly higher than that in UTUC (229.34 vs. 71.67), which was proportional to ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT SUV_max (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT holds better clinical potential for evaluating UTUC and detecting lymph node metastasis compared to ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT, likely due to the relatively scant expression of FOLH1 in tumor neovascular endothelium while the abundant expression of GLUT1 in malignancy. Furthermore, the lower neovascular density in UTUC should not be overlooked.

PMID:37477778 | DOI:10.1007/s11255-023-03710-1

Pediatr Surg Int. 2023 Jul 21;39(1):237. doi: 10.1007/s00383-023-05520-z.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site occurrences (SSO), including surgical site infection, dehiscence, and incisional hernia, are complications following laparotomy. SSO rates in premature neonates are poorly understood. We hypothesize that SSO rates are higher among extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants compared to very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and strive to determine the optimal abdominal closure method for these infants.

METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of infants < 1.5 kg (kg) undergoing laparotomy at two institutions from 1/1/2020 to 5/1/2022. Patients were grouped by weight and closure; SSO rates were computed and the association tested using Fisher’s exact test.

RESULTS: We identified 59 patients and 104 total operations. At initial surgery, 37 patients weighed < 1 kg (ELBW); 22 patients weighed 1-1.5 kg (VLBW). Complication rate for ELBW was 6(16%) vs. 2(9%) in VLBW, but not significant (p = 0.45). More complications followed a single-layer compared to a two-layer closure (18 vs. 2), but not significant (p = 0.30).

CONCLUSIONS: SSO rates are higher for ELBW infants undergoing laparotomy, and fewer complications follow two-layer closure. However, these findings did not reach statistical significance. Further studies are needed to identify modifiable factors to reduce postoperative complications in these infants.

PMID:37477761 | DOI:10.1007/s00383-023-05520-z

Insights Imaging. 2023 Jul 21;14(1):132. doi: 10.1186/s13244-023-01471-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study provides a quantitative meta-analysis of pancreatic CT perfusion studies, investigating choice of study parameters, ability for quantitative discrimination of pancreatic diseases, and influence of acquisition and reconstruction parameters on reported results.

METHODS: Based on a PubMed search with key terms ‘pancreas’ or ‘pancreatic,’ ‘dynamic’ or ‘perfusion,’ and ‘computed tomography’ or ‘CT,’ 491 articles published between 1982 and 2020 were screened for inclusion in the study. Inclusion criteria were: reported original data, human subjects, five or more datasets, measurements of pancreas or pancreatic pathologies, and reported quantitative perfusion parameters. Study parameters and reported quantitative measurements were extracted, and heterogeneity of study parameters and trends over time are analyzed. Pooled data were tested with weighted ANOVA and ANCOVA models for differences in perfusion results between normal pancreas, pancreatitis, PDAC (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma), and non-PDAC (e.g., neuroendocrine tumors, insulinomas) and based on study parameters.

RESULTS: Reported acquisition parameters were heterogeneous, except for contrast agent amount and injection rate. Tube potential and slice thickness decreased, whereas tube current time product and scan coverage increased over time. Blood flow and blood volume showed significant differences between pathologies (both p < 0.001), unlike permeability (p = 0.11). Study parameters showed a significant effect on reported quantitative measurements (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in perfusion measurements between pathologies could be shown for pooled data despite observed heterogeneity in study parameters. Statistical analysis indicates most influential parameters for future optimization and standardization of acquisition protocols.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Quantitative CT perfusion enables differentiation of pancreatic pathologies despite the heterogeneity of study parameters in current clinical practice.

PMID:37477754 | DOI:10.1186/s13244-023-01471-0

Clin Oral Investig. 2023 Jul 21. doi: 10.1007/s00784-023-05164-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to assess how incorporating a short-fiber composite (SFC) core would affect the fracture behavior of direct and indirect overlays. Furthermore, to examine the relationship between the thickness ratio of SFC core to particulate-filled composite (PFC) veneering and the fracture-behavior of bilayered-structured restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 molars were used to create MOD cavities, with palatal cusps removed. Four different groups of direct overlays were then made (n = 15/group), all of which featured a SFC core (everX Flow) with varying thicknesses (0, 1, 4, and 5 mm), as well as a surface layer of PFC (G-aenial Posterior), with the overall thickness of the bilayered-structured restoration set at 5 mm. Additionally, four groups of CAD/CAM restorations were created (Cerasmart 270 and Initial LiSi Block), with or without 2 mm of SFC core reinforcement. Following the fabrication of these restorations, cyclic fatigue aging was carried out for a total of 500,000 cycles, with an applied maximum load (F_max) of 150 N. Subsequently, each restoration underwent quasi-static loading until fracture. The fracture mode was subsequently evaluated using optical microscopy and SEM.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) observed in the fracture resistance of indirect overlays reinforced with a 2-mm SFC core compared to those made solely from restorative materials. Direct overlays constructed using plain SFC or with a 4-mm layer thickness of SFC core exhibited significantly higher fracture resistance values (2674 ± 465 and 2537 ± 561 N) (p < 0.05) when compared to all other groups tested, according to the statistical analysis ANOVA.

CONCLUSIONS: The most effective method for restoring large MOD cavities was found to be direct restoration using SFC either alone or as a bulk core in combination with PFC composite.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of SFC as bulk reinforcing base will significantly improve the loading performance of directly layered restorations.

PMID:37477724 | DOI:10.1007/s00784-023-05164-2

Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2023 Jul 21. doi: 10.1007/s00787-023-02253-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience various sleep problems. Sleep problems co-occur in a bidirectional relationship with ASD core symptoms and behavioral problems. However, studies on how these three factors are intricately linked to each other are limited. This meta-analysis examined the differential relationship between specific sleep problems, core symptoms, and behavioral problems in this population. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022339695). We systematically searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to April 27, 2022. Observational studies that reported correlations between measures of sleep problems, ASD core symptoms, or ASD behavioral problems were included, and participants aged 18 years or below were enrolled. The correlation coefficient (r) was assessed as the primary effect metric. Total 22 cross-sectional studies were included, which comprised 2655 participants (mean age = 6.60 years old; mean percentage of boys = 80.64%). We found correlations between total sleep problems and total core symptoms (r 0.293 [95% confidence interval – 0.095 to 0.604]), total sleep problems and total behavioral problems (r 0.429 [0.299-0.544]), and total core symptoms and total behavioral problems (r – 0.050 [- 0.177 to 0.079]) and identified statistically significant correlations between specific components of sleep problems, ASD core symptoms, and ASD behavioral problems. Each specific sleep problem showed a unique association with core symptoms and behavioral problems. Sleep problems in ASD should be explored in detail, and the closely linked core symptoms and behavioral problems should be common therapeutic targets.

PMID:37477722 | DOI:10.1007/s00787-023-02253-1

J Pediatr Orthop B. 2023 Jul 19. doi: 10.1097/BPB.0000000000001109. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) was described to treat misshapen femoral head that is causing intraarticular hip pain. The published literature showed discrepancies in patient selection, surgical techniques, and decision to perform concurrent acetabular osteotomy. Very few studies used Standardized Outcome Measures (SOMs). This study aims to describe the technique of FHRO and report the results of our series of 22 patients using SOMs and compare them to former peer-reviewed articles. Twenty-two hips in 22 patients with hip pain caused by mishshapen femoral were treated with FHRO with or without triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO). Patients with poor hip range of motion and significant hip joint arthritis were excluded. The mean patient age was 15.8 (range, 9.2-23.9). Clinical results were reported using the HHS. Radiographical results were reported by comparing Lateral Center Edge Angle (LCEA), extrusion index, Tonnis angle, head size percent, sphericity index, and distance from tip of trochanter to center of femoral head. The mean follow-up was 3.2 years. Only 5 patients received TPO. The HHS showed statistical improvement from 62.0 to 81.6 (The median interquartile range 63.5-88.5). Five patients had HHS less than 70 at the latest follow up. All radiographic parameters except the Tonnis angle, showed statistically significant improvement. FHRO with or without pelvic osteotomy is a good salvage procedure for patients presenting with misshapen femoral head with intraarticular hip pain, who still have good preoperative ROM with no signs of hip arthritis. Level of evidence: IV.

PMID:37477108 | DOI:10.1097/BPB.0000000000001109

J Gynecol Oncol. 2023 Jul 7. doi: 10.3802/jgo.2023.34.e78. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Traditional uterine manipulator is considered as the main reason for short survival of patients with early-stage cervical cancer during minimally invasive surgery. This study aims to assess the sealing effect of magnetic-sealing uterine manipulators (MUMs) in isolated uteruses.

METHODS: The study was performed on isolated uterus from patients with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent open abdominal radical hysterectomy between November 2019 to April 2021. Right-angle forceps closure tests (groups 1 and 3) were defined as control tests. One experimental MUM closure test (group 2) and 2 control tests were respectively carried out in each of the isolated uterus. DNA ploidy analysis system was used to observe exfoliated cells. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test to assess the sealing effect of MUM.

RESULTS: We identified 36 patients. No regional node metastasis was discovered and only one tumor was larger than 4.0 cm in diameter. The mean of exfoliated tumor cells in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 1, 1, and 2, respectively. There was no significant difference in the quantity of exfoliated cells between groups 1 and 3 (p=0.476), so the results of the 2 groups were merged. Subsequently, a significant difference was observed between combined right-angle forceps closure tests and MUM closure tests (p=0.022).

CONCLUSION: The sealing effect of MUM was better than that of right-angle forceps. MUM can effectively seal cervical cancer cells in the cup cover, avoiding the dissemination of tumor cells.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Register Identifier: ChiCTR1900026012.

PMID:37477101 | DOI:10.3802/jgo.2023.34.e78