Nevin Manimala

Vet Sci. 2022 Apr 1;9(4):172. doi: 10.3390/vetsci9040172.

ABSTRACT

E-cadherin (E-cad) is a cell-adhesion molecule known for its tumor-invasion suppressor function. E-cad expression was examined immunohistochemically in a series of canine tissue samples, including normal gastric mucosa (NGM; n = 3), gastric carcinomas (GC; n = 33), adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa (NNM; n = 32), neoplastic emboli (n = 16) and metastatic lesions (n = 9). The relationship between E-cad expression and clinicopathological features were investigated. In NGM, epithelial cells showed strong latero-lateral membranous expression of E-cad, and this pattern was considered normal. The membranous staining was preserved in all specimens of NNM (100%), whereas abnormal E-cad expression was found in 87.9% of the GCs. A marked difference in E-cad expression was observed between normal and malignant tissues (p < 0.0002). Abnormal E-cad expression was significantly more frequent in poorly/undifferentiated carcinomas (96%) and diffuse (95%) and indeterminate carcinomas (100%) than in well-differentiated/intestinal ones (62.5%; p = 0.0115 and p = 0.0392, respectively). There was significant association between abnormal E-cad expression and the depth of invasion (p = 0.0117), and the presence neoplastic emboli (p = 0.0194). No statistically significant differences in E-cad expression were observed concerning tumor location, histological type according to WHO classification, and presence of metastatic lesions. Therefore, deregulation of E-cad expression may play a role in canine gastric carcinogenesis and in tumor progression; moreover, it might be a prognostic tool for canine gastric cancer.

PMID:35448670 | DOI:10.3390/vetsci9040172

Rev Environ Health. 2022 Apr 21. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the results of modeling the distribution process of industrial emission components at specified distances from the emission source along the normal. The model uses a system of differential diffusion equations to compute the concentration profiles of aerosols, industrial gases, and fine particles in the atmosphere. In order to investigate the regularity of the emitter propagation into the atmosphere, a theory of impurity dispersion was developed. The model is constrained by the effect of particle interactions. The partial derivative equations are presented to calculate the concentrations of aerosols and fine particles under the turbulent airflow in the atmosphere, dispersion of inert impurities, and distribution of chemically active compounds. The adequacy of the mathematical model for a series of theoretical calculations was checked by contrasting the data of the atmospheric air monitoring for the cities of Almaty, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Pavlodar, Atyrau, Krasnodar, Chelyabinsk, Beijing, and Shanghai. Air monitoring data included PM10, SO₂, and NO₂ levels. The mathematical model solutions for the relative values of the emitter concentration in the direction along the normal of the pollution source at the surface were obtained. Graphical interpretation of the calculation results over the 0…200 m distance for time intervals ranging from 3 to 600 min was provided. According to the multiple factor cluster analysis, the critical values of SO₂ concentrations in Atyrau exceeded MPC in 26.2% of cases. The level of NO₂ for Shanghai was 15.6%, and those for PM10 concentrations in Almaty and Atyrau amounted to 16.4%. A comparison of theoretical values and results obtained from official sources showed arithmetic mean of 49.4 mg/m³ and maximum value of 823.0 mg/m³. Standard deviation comprised 48.9 mg/m³. Results were considered statistically significant at p≤0.005. The mathematical model developed in this study can be used to predict the status of atmospheric air.

PMID:35447020 | DOI:10.1515/reveh-2022-0005

Liver Transpl. 2022 Apr 21. doi: 10.1002/lt.26489. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study characterizes incidence and outcomes surrounding intracardiac thrombosis (ICT) during liver transplant over nine years at a single center, pre/post routine use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

METHODS: Adult liver transplant patients from 2011 to 2020 were divided into eras based on routine TEE use. ICTs were identified by querying anesthetic records for search terms. Descriptive statistics included counts and proportions for baseline recipient, donor, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics. Outcome data were based upon date of hospital discharge and date of death.

RESULTS: The incidence of ICT increased in the TEE-Era (2016-2020) compared to the Pre-TEE Era (2011-2015) (3.7% (25/685) vs. 1.9% (9/491); p<0.001). ICT patients had significantly higher MELD-Na, pretransplant hospitalization, malignancy, drug induced liver injury, hypertension, DVT, reperfusion syndrome, transfused platelets and cryoprecipitate and use of hemostatic medications. A higher proportion of patients in the ICT group underwent simultaneous liver kidney transplant. The ICT patients were similar except the pre-TEE era had higher MELD-Na score and incidence of hepatitis C virus and lower incidence of encephalopathy. In the Pre-TEE Era, all ICTs presented as intraoperative cardiac arrest and the 30-day mortality in the setting of ICT was 66.7% (6/9). During the TEE Era, 80% of ICT were diagnosed incidentally or due to hemodynamic instability (p=0.002). The 30-day mortality was 36% (9/25) in the TEE-era (p=0.25).

CONCLUSION: ICT incidence increased in the TEE-Era, yet the mortality was lower, suggesting that routine intraoperative TEE may lead to early detection of ICT prior to hemodynamic collapse.

PMID:35447005 | DOI:10.1002/lt.26489

J Periodontol. 2022 Apr 21. doi: 10.1002/JPER.21-0706. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The relationship between periodontitis and hypertension remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association of periodontitis, missing teeth, and oral hygiene behaviors with the incidence of hypertension.

METHODS: A total of 104,349 participants were selected from the National Health Insurance System-Health Screening cohort. Incident hypertension and periodontitis were diagnosed based on the patients’ clinical records and health examinations. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, coexisting disease, and health behaviors.

RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 51.1 years (range, 40-79 years) at baseline, and 55.1% were men. A total of 52,855 incident hypertension cases were identified during the median follow-up period of 9.6 years. Among the participants, periodontitis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.00-1.04), number of missing teeth (for ≥15 group, HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.29-1.52), dental scaling (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91-0.95), and tooth brushing frequency (for ≥3 group, HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.83-0.88) were significantly associated with incident hypertension after full adjustments for covariates. While periodontitis was significantly associated with incident hypertension (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06) in the middle-aged group (40-64 years), the effect was insignificant in the older group (≥65 years).

CONCLUSION: Oral inflammation could contribute to the incidence of hypertension; thus, efforts to reduce oral inflammation should be encouraged. Future intervention studies are warranted to determine whether oral health care could be beneficial in the management of hypertension. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35446990 | DOI:10.1002/JPER.21-0706

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2022 Apr 21:glac096. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glac096. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy is highly prevalent among older adults. This study’s purpose was to provide nationally representative estimates of self-reported comprehensive medication review (CMR) receipt among older adults and describe factors associated with their receipt, as CMRs are available through the Medicare Part D program.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA), a nationally representative online survey of community-dwelling adults aged 50-80, administered in December 2019. Participants included older adults aged 65-80 with any health insurance (n = 960). Outcomes were self-reported CMR receipt, awareness of CMR insurance coverage, and interest in a future CMR with a pharmacist. Sociodemographic and health-related variables were included. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression with NPHA population sampling weights were used.

RESULTS: Among older adults on two or more prescription medications, only 20.8% had received a CMR while 34.3% were interested in a future CMR. Among individuals who had not received a CMR, most (83.4%) were unaware their insurance might cover a CMR. Factors associated with higher odds of receiving a CMR included taking five or more prescription medications (AOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.59-4.38) and reporting food insecurity (AOR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.07-7.93). Having fair or poor self-reported physical health was associated with lower odds of receiving a CMR (AOR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.25-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS: Most older adults on two or more prescription medications with health insurance had not received a CMR and many were interested in one. Targeted strategies to increase older adults’ awareness and receipt of CMRs are warranted.

PMID:35446953 | DOI:10.1093/gerona/glac096

J Oral Implantol. 2022 Apr 21. doi: 10.1563/aaid-joi-D-21-00012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To evaluate through histological and histomorphometric analysis of human biopsies the guided bone regeneration (GBR) potential of allograft, xenograft, and alloplastic materials in combination with resorbable membranes in sockets following extraction. This randomized controlled clinical trial comprised three experimental groups and one negative control group (n=8). Thirty-two patients were randomized and pos-extraction sockets received either an allograft (human cancellous bone, freeze dried, DIZG, Berlin), xenograft (BioOss; Geistlich Biomaterials, Switzerland), or alloplast (biphasic calcium sulphate, Bondbone, MIS) graft material, while sockets of the negative control group were left empty for spontaneous healing. At re-entry after three months, bone core biopsies of the treated sites were obtained using a 3.2 mm trephine drill. Bone samples were histologically processed for histomorphometric, qualitatively and quantitatively, analyses with respect to percentages of new vital bone, graft particle content, soft tissue, and bone marrow. Statistical analyses were performed through Kruskal-Wallis test, and p -values were recalculated using Monte Carlo permutation tests ( p <0.05). All three groups presented bone volume suitable for the placement of a dental implant. The xenograft yielded significantly less amount of vital bone in comparison to the allograft and alloplast groups. Comparing the percentage of residual graft particles, there was a significantly greater amount in the xenograft group in contrast to the allograft and alloplast. Similarly, a significant amount of soft tissue (as a function of percentage) was observed within the xenograft group relative to the other groups. No significant differences were detected in the percentage of residual graft particles between the allograft and alloplast groups. Additionally, there was no significant differences observed in vital bone percentage between the allograft, alloplast and control groups. Regarding the evaluation of bone marrow percentage, the only significant difference detected was between the xenograft and the alloplast material. All studied bone substitute materials exhibited bone apposition and adequate properties for their efficient use in alveolar ridge preservation procedures. Of the three grafting materials, allograft evidenced the greatest GBR potential with the highest percentage of vital bone and the lowest percentage of residual graft particles, while xenografts presented the lowest GBR potential after three months in vivo.

PMID:35446950 | DOI:10.1563/aaid-joi-D-21-00012

J Oral Implantol. 2022 Apr 21. doi: 10.1563/aaid-joi-D-21-00135. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A novel implant system resembling the shape of a wedge and employing piezosurgery for implant bed preparation has been introduced with the aim of solving the problem of horizontal bone deficiency. This in vitro study compared emerging bone strain during insertion of a conventionally round implant vs. the wedge implant . Adhering to the manufacturers’ protocols, implant surgery was performed in polyurethane foam blocks equipped with strain gauges attached to the buccal and occlusal surfaces. Five implants per group were placed while strain development during insertion was recorded. Primary implant stability was determined using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Statistical analysis was based on Welch two sample tests (α=0.05). In general, greater strain development was found on the buccal aspect of bone as compared to the occlusal aspect with an overall range between -724µm/m and 9,132µm/m. A stepwise increase in strain development was seen in the wedge implants while in the round implants a continuous increase in strain development was recorded. Absolute strain development on the buccal aspect of bone was significantly greater in wedge implants (p=0.0137) while on the occlusal aspect significantly lower strain development was seen for wedge implants (p=0.0012). Primary stability of wedge implants was significantly lower as compared to round implants (p=0.0005). Wedge implants differ from round implants with respect to the insertion process characterized by a stepwise increase in bone deformation. High strain development in buccal bone may constitute a risk factor for bone resorption and should be avoided by reducing the degree of underpreparation of the implant site.

PMID:35446948 | DOI:10.1563/aaid-joi-D-21-00135

PLoS One. 2022 Apr 21;17(4):e0267425. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267425. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Vitreoretinal diseases are common causes of ocular morbidities and blindness. Data on the spectrum of vitreoretinal diseases needs to be studied and known in order to establish appropriate vitreoretinal care setups. The aim of this study was to determine the patterns of vitreoretinal diseases among patients who visited the vitreoretina clinic of University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, NW Ethiopia (UoG-TECTC).

METHODOLOGY: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from October/2017-September/2018. All patients who visited the vitreoretinal clinic for the first time during the study period were studied. Data were collected with standardized data extraction format entered into SPSS statistical package Version 20 and analyzed.

RESULT: A total of 739 new patients who visited the vitreoretinal clinic were included in the study. The mean age was 50.26 +/- 19 years. The age group between 21-60 years accounted for 59.7% of study patients. Male’s accounted for 63.1% and 58.7% of the participants were from urban areas. Bilateral disease was diagnosed in 504 (68.2%) of patients and 220 (29.7%) were bilaterally blind at presentation. Three hundred eighty nine (52.6%) of them had duration of illness six months and above. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Rhegmatoginous Retinal Detachment (RRD) were the top three retinal diseases accounting for 21.3%(196), 17.3% (128) and 12.4% (92) of diagnoses respectively. Systemic comorbidities were found in 44% (325) of the patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia being the commonest, occurring in 27.8%, 6.3% and 2.8% of study patients respectively. Cataract was the commonest ocular comorbidity seen in 33.5% of study participants.

CONCLUSION: Vitreoretinal diseases affected a significant number of patients presented to our center and most of the study patients presented late with significant vision loss and blindness. Males were affected more than females and the age group between 21-60 years accounted nearly two-third of study patients. This is the working age group suffering from vision loss from vitreoretinal diseases. DR, AMD and RRD were the commonest retinal pathologies accounting for nearly half of the vitreoretinal diseases and these conditions are treatable either surgically or medically. However, available facilities for the management of these diseases are not adequate at the center. Strengthening the vitreoretinal services of UoG-TECTC with relevant equipment is recommended.

PMID:35446916 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0267425

PLoS One. 2022 Apr 21;17(4):e0267467. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267467. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the performance of clinician prediction of survival (CPS) and the association between CPS and the prognostic confidence of clinicians in ambulatory medical oncology outpatients.

METHODS: Eight medical oncologists estimated the expected survival of their patients in a prospective cohort study. They were asked to provide a temporal type of CPS in weeks, together with their level of confidence for each prediction (0-100%). We analyzed the accuracy of CPS, the association between CPS and the prognostic confidence, and the characteristics of patients showing inaccurate CPS.

RESULTS: A total of 200 advanced cancer patients were enrolled and the median overall survival was 7.6 months. CPS was accurate in 67 (33.5%) patients, underestimated in 87 (43.5%), and overestimated in 46 (23.0%). The overall accuracy of CPS for 12-week, 24-week, 36-week, and 48-week survival was 83.0%, 72.0%, 75.5%, and 74.0%, respectively. The specificity was highest for 12-week survival (90.2%) and the sensitivity was highest for 48-week survival (96.1%). The sensitivity of 12-week CPS was 51.4% and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-0.87). The prognostic confidence of clinicians was not significantly associated with the accuracy of prediction (P = 0.359). Patients with overestimated survival had significantly poorer global health status and physical/role/emotional functioning in the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Additionally, they showed significantly higher levels of fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain, dyspnea, and loss of appetite.

CONCLUSION: The overall accuracy of CPS in predicting 12-week to 48-week survival was high in medical oncology outpatients. However the sensitivity of 12-week CPS was low and prognostic confidence was not associated with the accuracy of CPS. Patients with overestimated CPS showed poorer quality of life and higher symptom burden.

PMID:35446910 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0267467

PLoS One. 2022 Apr 21;17(4):e0267451. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267451. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

Around the world, an increasing number of people, predominantly women, are choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery-despite the associated health risks. This study aimed to promote a better cross-cultural understanding of the correlates and predictors of favorable attitudes toward cosmetic surgery among women in China (an Eastern country where cosmetic surgery is increasing most rapidly) and the Netherlands (a Western country). Questionnaire data were obtained from 763 adult women; 245 were Chinese women in China (Mage = 29.71), 265 were Chinese women in the Netherlands (Mage = 25.81), and 253 were Dutch women (Mage = 29.22). Facial appearance concerns and materialistic belief were significant predictors of favorable attitudes towards cosmetic surgery for all three cultural groups. Body appreciation was a significant positive predictor among Chinese women in both China and the Netherlands, whereas age and beauty-ideal internalization were significant positive predictors only among Chinese women in China. The findings and their implications are discussed with respect to the characteristics of Chinese culture that could explain the identified differences between Chinese and Dutch women.

PMID:35446909 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0267451