Nevin Manimala

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022 Aug 13;23(1):773. doi: 10.1186/s12891-022-05729-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKROUND: Calcaneal spurs are described as bony outgrowths arising on medial calcaneal, where inappropriate footwear can promote disease progression.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effectiveness of mechanical treatment with customized insole and minimalist flexible footwear during gait training program in women with calcaneal spur.

METHODS: Design: A single-blinded, randomized and controlled trial.

SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS: Forty-three women, 29 with calcaneal spur and 14 control.

INTERVENTION: Gait training program with use of the minimalist flexible footwear (MFG n = 15, age: 48.9 ± 9.4, height: 1.61 ± 0.1, BMI: 32.1 ± 7.0) and customized insole on footwear (COIG n = 14, age: 50.3 ± 5.8, height: 1.62 ± 0.1, BMI: 32.2 ± 4.3) and control (CG n = 14, age: 47.8 ± 8.6, height: 1.63 ± 0.1, BMI: 27.5 ± 4.5), followed of the evaluations: baseline (T0) and after three (T3) and six (T6) months. Duration of the intervention was of the six months consecutive for at least 42 h per week (six hours a day, seven days a week). Outcome primary were calcaneus pain (visual analogue scale), Foot Function Index (FFI), Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ-Br) and 6-min walk test (6MWT). Secondary was plantar pressure distribution by a pressure platform system during gait and static index foot posture (FPI).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: analysis of variance for repeated measure and between groups were used to detect treatment-time interactions (α = 5%). Effect size with D Cohen’s also was used between T0 and after six (T6) months of intervention.

RESULTS: The MFG and COIG were effective at reducing pain after six months (MFG: 2.5-4.5 CI, p = 0.001; COIG: 1.5-3.5 CI, p = 0.011). The FFI and FHSQ-Br showed improvements with MFG and COIG after T6 (MFG: 13.7-15.4 CI, p = 0.010; COIG: 11.3-15.0 CI, p = 0.001). The 6MWT increased with MFG (589.3-622.7 CI) and COIG (401.3-644.7 CI) and foot pronation was decreased after T3 and T6 MFG (FPI Right: 4.2-5.4 CI; Left: 3.6-5.4 CI) COIG (FPI Right: 3.4-6.8 CI; Left: 3.3-5.7 CI). The contact area reduced on forefoot and rearfoot with MFG and GOIG and midfoot and rearfoot with MFG. Maximum force was reduced on foot with MFG after T3 and T6. The peak pressure was reduced on the forefoot with MFG and COIG and on midfoot and rearfoot with MFG.

CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical treatment with customized insole and minimalist flexible footwear during gait training program during six months in women with calcaneal spur reduced the calcaneus pain, increased function and health feet and reduced plantar load on the rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot. However, the footwear alone was more effective than when combined customized insole, given the greater efficacy on clinical and biomechanical aspects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03040557 (date of first registration: 02/02/2017).

PMID:35964021 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-022-05729-4

BMC Ecol Evol. 2022 Aug 13;22(1):98. doi: 10.1186/s12862-022-02051-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the last 171 years, the forests along the eastern bank of the Panama Canal have been pressured by anthropic activities. Studies of the influence of habitat fragmentation on braconid wasp communities in Central America is scarce, showing the existing information gap on these communities required to implement strategic plans for ecosystem sustainability and conservation. This study investigated how fragmentation affects braconid wasp communities in three areas in Panama City: Metropolitan Natural Park, Albrook and Corozal. Two permanent Malaise Traps were installed in the center of each fragment and were reviewed weekly from May 2019 to March 2020. Alpha and beta diversity indices and the similarity index were used to demonstrate the composition of braconid wasp communities in three forest fragments.

RESULTS: A similarity of 94% was estimated for the subfamily composition and 74% was estimated for the morphospecies composition of wasp community in the fragments studied. Wasp subfamily and morphospecies assemblages were more similar between fragments of Albrook and Metropolitan Natural Park. Richness and abundance of braconid wasps observed were statistically different between the fragments studied.

CONCLUSION: Richness, abundance, and composition of braconid wasps differ among habitat fragments with high similarity between subfamilies and morphospecies. Therefore, the fragments studied can be used as stepping stones to maintain remaining populations of braconid wasp communities. Monitoring is recommended to assess the effect of fragmentation on the remaining forests.

PMID:35964010 | DOI:10.1186/s12862-022-02051-4

Clin Proteomics. 2022 Aug 13;19(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s12014-022-09368-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dabie bandavirus, also termed as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), was first isolated in China in 2010. At this time, the virus was found to have spread to South Korea, Japan, and other countries. A high case fatality rate is reported for SFTS, ranging from 12-50% within various sources. Several omics for clinical studies among SFTS patients as well as studies of cultured SFTSV have attempted to characterize the relevant molecular biology and epidemiology of the disease. However, a global serum proteomics analysis among SFTS patients has not yet been reported to date.

METHODS: In the current study, we evaluated comparative serum proteomics among SFTS patients (eight recovered patients and three deceased patients) with the goal of identifying the protein expression patterns associated with the clinical manifestations of SFTS.

RESULTS: The proteomic results in the current study showed that the coagulation factor proteins, protein S and protein C, were statistically significantly downregulated among the deceased patients. Downregulation of the complement system as well as prolonged neutrophil activation were also observed. Additionally, the downstream proteins of tumour necrosis factor alpha, neutrophil-activating cytokine, and interleukin-1β, an inflammatory cytokine, were overexpressed.

CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia and multiple organ failure are the major immediate causes of death among SFTS patients. In this study, serum proteomic changes related to thrombocytopenia, abnormal immune response, and inflammatory activation were documented in SFTS patients. These findings provide useful information for understanding the clinical manifestations of SFTS.

PMID:35964007 | DOI:10.1186/s12014-022-09368-8

BMC Med Imaging. 2022 Aug 13;22(1):145. doi: 10.1186/s12880-022-00850-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Foramen of Huschke has been presented as an unusual developmental defect in anteroinferior aspect of external auditory canal. It can be associated with significant otologic complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between existence of foramen of Huschke and temporomandibular joint disorders in Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images.

METHODS: Of an initial sample of 465 patients, we retrospectively evaluated the CBCT images of 118 individuals with clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders as case group and 256 individuals as control group. The presence, size and localization of foramen of Huschke were assessed in the axial and corrected sagittal images. The sex and age distribution were determined. Fisher’s exact test, T-test and Pearson’s Chi-square were applied to assess the relationship between foramen of Huschke and temporomandibular joint disorders in the case and control groups considering age and sex.

RESULTS: The foramen of Huschke prevalence was slightly higher in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (3.4%) than patients without temporomandibular joint disorders (0.8%). However, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.082). foramen of Huschke was found in five females and one male. There was no significant difference between case and control groups considering the age of patients with foramen of Huschke (P = 0.683). There was no significant difference between the case and control groups, considering the right and left ears in distribution of foramen of Huschke (P = 0.099) (P = 0.183).

CONCLUSIONS: Higher prevalence of foramen of Huschke in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders may suggest possible mechanism for temporomandibular joint disorders development that can be affected by presence of foramen of Huschke.

PMID:35963990 | DOI:10.1186/s12880-022-00850-1

J Endocrinol Invest. 2022 Aug 13. doi: 10.1007/s40618-022-01897-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a treatment option to reduce thyroid hormones in the event of contraindication or unresponsiveness to antithyroid drugs (ATDs).

METHODS: We analyzed 11 patients with hyperthyroidism who received TPE prior to surgery between January 2008 and December 2016 at our center.

RESULTS: In total, 41 processes were applied to 11 patients with hyperthyroidism. The median age was 40 years, and 90.9% of the patients were female. Seven patients had Graves’ disease, while four had a toxic multinodular goiter. The distribution of TPE indications comprised contraindication to ATDs (64%) and insufficient response to ATDs (36%). An adequate response was not obtained with TPE in two patients, and cholestyramine plus methimazole and Lugol solution were applied. The median number of TPE sessions was 3. During the TPE period, a β-blocker was applied concurrently except in one patient who was contraindicated for the drug. The reduction in FT3 and FT4 hormones and the increase in TSH levels were statistically significant after TPE application (p values of 0.003, 0.033 and 0.008, respectively). Regarding adverse events of TPE application, an allergic reaction was seen in one patient, while prolongation of prothrombin time without any clinical findings was seen in another patient. Ten patients underwent total thyroidectomy, and one patient underwent a gynecological surgery procedure without any major complications.

CONCLUSION: The American Society for Apheresis guideline, which is the most referenced guideline, mentions the utilization of TPE before thyroid surgery, only in patients with thyrotoxicosis despite the wider necessity of this treatment choice under the condition of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism prior to any kind of surgery. We concluded that TPE is a reliable and effective application in patients with hyperthyroidism before any surgical procedure, according to our study results.

PMID:35963982 | DOI:10.1007/s40618-022-01897-1

Sports Med. 2022 Aug 13. doi: 10.1007/s40279-022-01739-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To improve the understanding of the psychological impacts of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a systematic review synthesizing the evidence on knee self-efficacy, fear avoidance beliefs and kinesiophobia following ACL injury is needed.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate knee self-efficacy, fear avoidance beliefs and kinesiophobia following ACL injury, and compare these outcomes following management with rehabilitation alone, early and delayed ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

METHODS: Seven databases were searched from inception to April 14, 2022. Articles were included if they assessed Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), Knee Self-Efficacy Scale (KSES), or Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using domain-based RoB tools (ROBINS-1, RoB 2, RoBANS), and GRADE-assessed certainty of evidence. Random-effects meta-analyses pooled outcomes, stratified by time post-injury (pre-operative, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, > 1-2 years, > 2-5 years, > 5 years).

RESULTS: Seventy-three studies (70% high RoB) were included (study outcomes: TSK: 55; KSES: 22; FABQ: 5). Meta-analysis demonstrated worse kinesiophobia and self-efficacy pre-operatively (pooled mean [95% CI], TSK-11: 23.8 [22.2-25.3]; KSES: 5.0 [4.4-5.5]) compared with 3-6 months following ACLR (TSK-11: 19.6 [18.7-20.6]; KSES: 19.6 [18.6-20.6]). Meta-analysis suggests similar kinesiophobia > 3-6 months following early ACLR (19.8 [4.9]) versus delayed ACLR (17.2 [5.0]). Only one study assessed outcomes comparing ACLR with rehabilitation only.

CONCLUSIONS: Knee self-efficacy and kinesiophobia improved from pre-ACLR to 3-6 months following ACLR, with similar outcomes after 6 months. Since the overall evidence was weak, there is a need for high-quality observational and intervention studies focusing on psychological outcomes following ACL injury.

PMID:35963980 | DOI:10.1007/s40279-022-01739-3

Environ Monit Assess. 2022 Aug 13;194(9):669. doi: 10.1007/s10661-022-10338-8.

ABSTRACT

Groundwater is an important source for domestic and irrigation purposes in Asyut area. Water quality varied widely due to complex geochemical processes and pollution sources. Understanding the processes controlling groundwater chemistry is necessary to overcome related problems. Multivariate statistics revealed that groundwater is affected by anthropogenic recharge (agricultural/organic pollution), mineralization, and redox processes. Contributions from natural vs. anthropogenic sources explain the variance in hydrochemical data. Shallow wells are relatively higher in bicarbonate content due to oxidation of organic pollutants. Shallow wells anomaly high with iron and organically polluted are most probably owing to pipe corrosion in residential areas. N fertilization impact on natural weathering has been demonstrated. Groundwater is getting more mineralized toward desert fringes due to lithological and hydrogeological characteristics under unconfined conditions. Evaporation factor enhances groundwater salinity under aridity. Fe and Mn contents are relatively higher as the redox potential is getting more reducing. The current study will help in building suitable management plan to protect the aquifer.

PMID:35963977 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-022-10338-8

World J Surg. 2022 Aug 13. doi: 10.1007/s00268-022-06687-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GM), an inflammatory breast lesion with unknown etiology, is prone to recur. There is no global consensus on the optimal treatment at present. This study was conducted to show our step-by-step systemic procedure and discuss the recurrence risk factors of GM.

METHODS: The medical record database was retrospectively searched for patients with GM treated in our hospital between January 2015 and September 2021. Patients were divided into non-recurrence group (group A) and recurrence group (group B). Demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment and follow-up were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 885 GM patients were included in our study, all of whom received step-by-step systemic management. The mean age was 33.2 ± 5.2 years. There were 760 (85.9%) patients in group A and 125 (14.1%) in group B. Univariate analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in size of mass, pregnancy, hyperprolactinemia, bacterial cultures, erythema nodosum. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with purulent nipple discharge, skin lesion, bilateral disease and patients who need the combination of surgery and medication to achieve complete remission had higher risk of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS: We built a step-by-step systemic procedure for GM, and the recurrence rate was 14.1%. Prolactin level and microbiological results are important for the management of GM. Purulent nipple discharge, skin lesion, bilateral disease and patients who need the combination of surgery and medication to achieve complete remission are associated with GM recurrence. Prolonged maintenance therapy may secure a better prognosis.

PMID:35963955 | DOI:10.1007/s00268-022-06687-7

Arch Toxicol. 2022 Aug 13. doi: 10.1007/s00204-022-03350-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Styrene oligomers (SO) are well-known side products formed during styrene polymerization. They consist mainly of dimers (SD) and trimers (ST) that have been shown to be still residual in polystyrene (PS) materials. In this study migration of SO from PS into sunflower oil at temperatures between 5 and 70 °C and contact times between 0.5 h and 10 days was investigated. In addition, the contents of SD and ST in the fatty foodstuffs créme fraiche and coffee cream, which are typically enwrapped in PS, were measured and the amounts detected (of up to 0.123 mg/kg food) were compared to literature data. From this comparison, it became evident, that the levels of SO migrating from PS packaging into real food call for a comprehensive risk assessment. As a first step towards this direction, possible genotoxicity has to be addressed. Due to technical and experimental limitations, however, the few existing in vitro tests available are unsuited to provide a clear picture. In order to reduce uncertainty of these in vitro tests, four different knowledge and statistics-based in silico tools were applied to such SO that are known to migrate into food. Except for SD4 all evaluated SD and ST showed no alert for genotoxicity. For SD4, either the predictions were inconclusive or the substance was assigned as being out of the chemical space (out of domain) of the respective in silico tool. Therefore, the absence of genotoxicity of SD4 requires additional experimental proof. Apart from SD4, in silico studies supported the limited in vitro data that indicated the absence of genotoxicity of SO. In conclusion, the overall migration of all SO together into food of up to 50 µg/kg does not raise any health concerns, given the currently available in silico and in vitro data.

PMID:35963937 | DOI:10.1007/s00204-022-03350-x

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2022 Aug 13. doi: 10.1007/s00590-022-03353-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clubfoot is a common congenital deformity affecting mobility of children. It leads to pain and disability. The Ponseti treatment method is non-surgical method for the correction of clubfoot. There is variation from country to country in how the result of clubfoot management is measured and reported. This study aimed to assess the 5-years results of the Ponseti method in the treatment of congenital clubfoot which was performed for children aged under 2 years in western Amhara, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess a 5-years results of the Ponseti method in the treatment of congenital clubfoot among under 2-years old children in Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir-Dar, Ethiopia, from 2015 to 2019 G.C.

METHODS: A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. After receiving letter of ethical clearance from the University, IRB board, the data were collected from medical record/charts of patients’ who received Ponseti treatment, and the collected data were entered and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. The results were presented with texts and tables.

RESULTS: A total of 200 children with 256 congenital clubfeet involved in the study. Among the total study subjects, 143 (71.5%) had unilateral clubfeet. The 5-years results of the Ponseti method in the treatment of congenital clubfoot conducted in 200 children with clubfeet were 187 (93.5%) with 95% (CI 90-99.5). Among the study participants, males were 66.5% (almost two times from females).

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: According to the results from a 5-years data showed that the Ponseti method in the treatment of congenital clubfoot was successful with a success rate of 93.5%. We recommend that children with congenital clubfeet should be managed with Ponseti treatment method timely.

PMID:35963923 | DOI:10.1007/s00590-022-03353-5