Nevin Manimala

J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2021 Dec 16;70:126914. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126914. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Today, although gadolinium based contrast agents have been frequently used in the field of medicine, there is limited data available whether gadolinium based agents affect the genome.

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the genotoxic and cytotoxic potentials of gadoteric acid and gadoversetamide used as gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay was applied to human peripheral blood lymphocytes to assess the genotoxicity measured as micronucleus (MN), nucleoplasmic bridge (NPBs) and nuclear bud (NBUDs) frequencies. Furthermore, cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI) was calculated to determine cytostasis. Lymphocytes were treated with gadoteric acid at concentrations of 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 25 mM and with gadoversetamide at concentrations of 0.25, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mM for 48 h.

RESULTS: Gadoteric acid did not cause significant increase in MN, NBPs and NBUDs frequencies and CBPI values at any concentration. Gadoversetamide induced significantly increase MN formation at concentration of 2.5 mM, NBP formation at concentrations of 1.0 and 2.5 mM, and NBUD formation at concentrations of 0.25, 1.0 and 2.5 mM. Additionally, gadoversetamide exposure resulted in statistically significant decrease in CBPI values compared to the control at concentrations of 2.5 and 5.0 mM. In addition, CBPI levels in response to concentrations of gadoversetamide was negatively and significantly associated with concentration.

CONCLUSION: These findings show that gadoteric acid does not have genotoxic or cytotoxic potential, while gadoversetamide might have both genotoxic and cytotoxic potential on human peripheral blood lymphocytes. As a comparison, gadoversetamide was found more genotoxic and cytotoxic.

PMID:34953388 | DOI:10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126914

Waste Manag. 2021 Dec 22;139:70-84. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.12.020. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The unprecedented population increase brings several consequences to the environment, including the rise of urbanization levels and municipal solid waste (MSW) production – one expects that it may reach 3.4 billion tons per year by 2050. This paper contributes to the debate of efficiency measurement of MSW utilities management using the Portuguese case study. Our objectives are twofold. First, we assess the efficiency levels of municipalities in MSW collection through the Data Envelopment Analysis model, choosing total costs, staff, and vehicles as inputs, and the quantity of MSW collected (selective and refuse waste) as outputs. The efficiency results point to an average inefficiency level of about 35% and potential cost savings of over €96 million yearly. Second, by using a set of fifteen performance indicators monitored by the regulatory agency, we evaluate their relationship with the efficiency of MSW utilities, through the order-m model. Our results suggest that, in opposition to the management model, the rural/urban nature of councils helps explain part of the inefficiency. In general, the conditional-to-unconditional efficiency ratios reached values statistically different from 1, meaning that those indicators help explaining their efficiency distribution and the benchmarks profile, and need to be considered in future performance analyses. Remarkable and influential indicators include the accessibility to the service (average ratio = 0.95), the recycling rate (0.94), the monetization of the vehicle fleet (0.92), the pollution resulting from greenhouse gas emissions of waste collection vehicles (0.81), and council size measured by the population or the number of households (0.47).

PMID:34953379 | DOI:10.1016/j.wasman.2021.12.020

Complement Ther Med. 2021 Dec 22;64:102797. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102797. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory effects. This review aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS: The following key phrases were searched for article inclusion: “Vitamin C OR ascorbic acid” AND “COVID-19 OR coronavirus disease 2019 OR severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 OR SARS-CoV-2″. Articles that utilized HDIVC for the management of patients with COVID-19 were included, whereas review articles and case reports were excluded from this review. Moreover, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate whether HDIVC can reduce the length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality rate of patients with severe COVID-19.

RESULTS: In total, eight articles were included in this review, and five studies were included in the meta-analysis. The length of hospital stay was not significantly different between the HDIVC and control groups. Also, although our meta-analysis showed a tendency for HDIVC to reduce the in-hospital mortality rate in patients with severe COVID-19, the in-hospital mortality rate was not significantly different between patients treated with HDIVC and those who did not receive HDIVC.

CONCLUSIONS: Evidence supporting the therapeutic use of HDICV in COVID-19 patients is lacking. Further studies are required for drawing a clear conclusion on this topic.

PMID:34953366 | DOI:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102797

Geriatr Nurs. 2021 Dec 21;43:219-226. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.12.004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To systematically research the impact of warming needle moxibustion (WNM) for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

METHODS: Four Chinese databases and six English databases were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the use of WNM to intervene in AD patients were included. Data were extracted from the included studies and methodological quality was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention 5.1.0. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

RESULTS: 8 RCTs comprising 524 patients were included. Most studies had no significant bias. The study showed that WNM was more effective in the treatment of AD than acupuncture or pharmacotherapy. The findings were as follows: MMSE (MD = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.13, 1.90, P = 0.03) and CDR (MD = -0.73, 95%CI: -0.84, -0.61, P < 0.00001) for global cognitive function, ADL (MD = -1.84, 95%CI: -2.47, -1.22, P < 0.00001) for activities of daily living, Syndrome Differentiation Scale of Dementia (SDSD) (MD = -2.67, 95%CI: -3.62, -1.72, P < 0.00001), and the total effective rate of patients (OR = 3.20, 95%CI: 1.90 to 5.38, P < 0.0001). The differences in all indicators were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: WNM might have a significant effect on improving cognitive function and daily living ability, reducing the symptoms of AD, and increase the total effective rate. WNM is an effective non-pharmacological therapy for patients with AD.

PMID:34953330 | DOI:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.12.004

Prev Vet Med. 2021 Dec 17;199:105562. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105562. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pig production is an important farm enterprise for an increasing number of smallholder farmers due to its potential for improving household incomes. The sector is however faced with high burden of health issues that limit most farmers from realizing the benefits. In order to improve management of pig health for smallholder farmers, an understanding of the major health issues and factors associated with farmers’ choice of the pig health management strategies are paramount. Using a cross-sectional survey of 240 smallholder pig farmers in northern Uganda, this study assessed the factors associated with the use of different pig health management practices adopted by smallholder pig farmers. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and two different regression models. Binary Probit Regression model was used to assess factors associated with the use of a single pig health management strategy, while, Generalized Poisson Regression model was used to assess the factors associated with the number of pig health management strategies used by the farmers. Results showed that the common health issues were African Swine Fever, lice, worms and mange, while the common strategies for health management involved self-administering antibiotics, consulting veterinarians, deworming, spraying with acaricides, selling the sick pigs, treatment with local herbs, and burying dead pigs. These pig health management strategies were influenced by farmers location, experience, age, access to extension, use of information and communication technologies, and use of processed feeds. This study recommends improving farmers’ access to relevant information and expanding veterinary extension services by promoting the use of radio and mobile phones in pig health management.

PMID:34953300 | DOI:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105562

J Contam Hydrol. 2021 Dec 7;245:103936. doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2021.103936. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The spatiotemporal characteristics and sources identification of agricultural nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) emissions to the gulf are rarely reported in tropical regions of China, mainly due to the lack of local reliable data and quantitative tools for spatiotemporal changes. In this study, we constructed a high-resolution NUFER (NUtrient Flow in food chains, Environment and Resources use) model based on geology, meteorology, land use data, statistical data, and field investigation to quantify the spatiotemporal characteristics and sources of N and P emissions. Bamen Bay (BMB), a bay with a mangrove national wetland Park in the Hainan Island, China, was chosen as a case study. The results showed that agricultural N emission to water in 2018 increased fivefold compared to 1990. Leaching was the main method of agricultural N emission and was mainly distributed in farms in the west and north. The contribution of N emission from crop system to water increased 20.3% in 28 years. Poultry and fruits have contributed the most to N output, and the trend is continuing. P emission to water increased sevenfold compared 1990. The contribution of P emission from animal system to water increased from 86.8% in 1990 to 90.1% in 2018 due to low removal rate of livestock manure. P emission was mainly via direct discharge of manure, mainly distributed in livestock breeding sites near the bay. Poultry has consistently contributed the most to P output in 28 years, accounting for 49.1% in 2018. Fertilizers and fodder were the largest sources of N and P. The average N and P loss rates of BMB were 5.32 t km² yr^-1 and 0.26 t km² yr^-1. The future agricultural transformation is essential, and it is necessary to reduce the application of N fertilizer and increase the removal rate of livestock manure. These results can provide reference for other typical agricultural pollution bays in exploring the spatiotemporal characteristics of N and P emissions to water and the identification of agricultural sources.

PMID:34953199 | DOI:10.1016/j.jconhyd.2021.103936

Stomatologiia (Mosk). 2021;100(6):50-55. doi: 10.17116/stomat202110006150.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to develop a technique for 3D analysis of the occlusal balance of teeth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The development was carried out on the basis of the Avantis 3D software («Avantis 3D» LLC, Russia) using teeth scans of 50 subjects with Class I and II (Division 1) malocclusion and different degree of tooth wear. The algorithm and formulas for calculating the balance of symmetry and antero-posterior occlusal balance are presented. The essential features of the technique and the interpretation of the obtained indicators are explained on different clinical cases. Statistical analysis of the results of measuring occlusal balance of patients with different degree of teeth wear and malocclusion is presented.

RESULTS: It is determined that the balance of common contacts is more important than the balance of direct contacts.

CONCLUSION: Alignment of teeth without noticeable wear provides a better occlusal balance then before. The occlusal balance of worn teeth after alignment may be not good and require selective grinding or restoration of their occlusal surfaces.

PMID:34953189 | DOI:10.17116/stomat202110006150

Stomatologiia (Mosk). 2021;100(6):24-28. doi: 10.17116/stomat202110006124.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid and chlorhexidine mouthwash in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical and microbiological studies were conducted before and 14 days, 1, 3 and 6 months after the periodontal treatment in 46 patients (144 implants with fixed dentures) with peri-implant mucositis. The patients were divided into 3 groups: test, comparison and control. Basic periodontal therapy in all groups included professional cleaning and individual oral hygiene training. Test group (15 patients) received basic periodontal therapy plus 0.20% chlorhexidine with hyaluronic acid mouthwash, the comparison group (15 patients) – basic periodontal therapy +0.05% chlorhexidine mouthwash. In control group (16 patients), treatment was limited to basic periodontal therapy only.

RESULTS: At the initial stages of observations, there was a statistically significant improvement in the clinical indices in all treatment groups (p<0.001). The use of 0.20% chlorhexidine with hyaluronic acid mouthwash revealed a higher quality of treatment. After 6 months of observation, the clinical features in patients of the control group was almost similar to the state before treatment. The patients of the test group had a more pronounced elimination of facultative and periodontal pathogens in comparison with other groups.

CONCLUSION: The use of 0.20% chlorhexidine with hyaluronic acid containing mouthwash allows the clinician to achieve a better results in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis. The evaluation the oral microflora in patients with peri-implant mucositis can be used as a prognostic criterion for the outcomes of rehabilitation.

PMID:34953184 | DOI:10.17116/stomat202110006124

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2021 Dec 25. doi: 10.1002/jmri.28040. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly increasing worldwide. It is subdivided into nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and the more aggressive form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which carries a higher risk of developing fibrosis and cirrhosis. There is currently no reliable non-invasive method for differentiating NASH from NAFL.

PURPOSE: To investigate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based imaging biomarkers to diagnose NASH and moderate fibrosis as well as assess their repeatability.

STUDY TYPE: Prospective.

SUBJECTS: Sixty-eight participants (41% women) with biopsy-proven NAFLD (53 NASH and 15 NAFL). Thirty participants underwent a second MRI in order to assess repeatability.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0 T; MR elastography (MRE) (a spin-echo echo-planar imaging [SE-EPI] sequence with motion-encoding gradients), MR proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and R2* mapping (a multi-echo three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence), T1 mapping (a single-point saturation-recovery technique), and diffusion-weighted imaging (SE-EPI sequence).

ASSESSMENT: Quantitative MRI measurements were obtained and assessed alone and in combination with biochemical markers (cytokeratin-18 [CK18] M30, alanine transaminase [ALT], and aspartate transaminase [AST]) using logistic regression models. Models that could differentiate between NASH and NAFL and between moderate to advanced fibrosis (F2-4) and no or mild fibrosis (F0-1), based on the histopathological results, were identified.

STATISTICAL TESTS: Independent samples t-test, Pearson’s chi-squared test, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), Spearman’s correlation, intra-individual coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the NASH and NAFL groups with liver stiffness assessed with MRE, CK18 M30, and ALT, with an AUROC of 0.74, 0.76, and 0.70, respectively. Both MRE and PDFF contributed significantly to a bivariate model for diagnosing NASH (AUROC = 0.84). MRE could significantly differentiate between F2-4 and F0-1 (AUROC = 0.74). A model combining MRE with AST improved the diagnosis of F2-4 (AUROC = 0.83). The ICC for repeatability was 0.94 and 0.99 for MRE and PDFF, respectively.

DATA CONCLUSION: MRE can potentially diagnose NASH and differentiate between fibrosis stages. Combining MRE with PDFF improves the diagnosis of NASH.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

PMID:34953171 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.28040

Am J Transplant. 2021 Dec 25. doi: 10.1111/ajt.16934. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Kidney transplantation (KT) experts did not support the use of subjective unintentional weight loss to measure shrinking in the Physical Frailty Phenotype (PFP); a clinically feasible and predictive measure of shrinking is needed. To test whether unintentional weight loss could be replaced by an assessment of sarcopenia using existing CT scans, we performed a prospective cohort study of adult KT recipients with original PFP (oPFP) measured at admission (12/2008-2/2020). We ascertained sarcopenia by calculating skeletal muscle index from available, clinically obtained CTs within 1-year pre-KT (male<50cm² /m² ; female<39cm² /m² ) and combined it with the original 4 components to determine new PFP (nPFP) scores. Frailty was classified by frailty score: 0:non-frail;1-2:pre-frail;≥3:frail. Mortality and graft loss hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using adjusted Cox proportional hazard models. Model discrimination was quantified using Harrell’s C-statistic. Among 1,113 recipients, 18.6% and 17.1% were frail by oPFP and nPFP, respectively. Compared to non-frail recipients, frail patients by either PFP had higher risks of mortality (oPFP HR=1.67,95%CI:1.07-2.62,C=0.710; nPFP HR=1.68,95%CI:1.06-2.66,C=0.710) and graft loss (oPFP HR=1.67,95%CI:1.17-2.40,C=0.631; nPFP HR=1.66,95%CI:1.15-2.40,C=0.634) with similar discriminations. oPFP and nPFP are equally useful in risk prediction for KT recipients; oPFP may aid in screening patients for pre-KT interventions, while nPFP may assist in nuanced clinical decision-making.

PMID:34953170 | DOI:10.1111/ajt.16934