Nevin Manimala

Laryngoscope. 2021 Aug 2. doi: 10.1002/lary.29785. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Repair of large, recurrent, and complex tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) is challenging and numerous different surgical approaches exist. These various techniques each carry a set of risks and possible complications such as fistula recurrence, tracheal stenosis or pouches, esophageal stenosis, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Slide tracheoplasty is a reconstructive technique successfully used in many different airway pathologies, including TEF repair. This study examines the success, limits, and complications related to slide tracheoplasty for repair of complex TEFs.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.

METHODS: Patients undergoing TEF repair using a cervical or thoracic approach slide tracheoplasty, at a single institution, between July 2008 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, comorbidities, TEF etiology and surgical history, slide tracheoplasty details and outcomes, and postoperative complication data were examined using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Twenty-six patients underwent 27 slide tracheoplasties for TEF (20 cervical approaches, 7 thoracic approaches) with a mean age of 5.2 years (IQR 0.7-7.6) at time of surgery. The most common TEF etiologies included congenital (n = 13), tracheostomy tube erosion (n = 5), and button battery ingestion (n = 4). Fistulas ranged in size from <0.5 mm to 4 cm and 59% had previous endoscopic or open repairs. There were two TEF recurrences (7.4%), one of which was successfully revised and the other which was treated with stent placement. Postoperative complications included dehiscence (3.7%), unilateral vocal fold paralysis (3.7%), and mild tracheal stenosis (18.5%).

CONCLUSIONS: Slide tracheoplasty is an effective surgical technique for treating complex congenital and acquired TEFs with lower rates of complications when compared to other techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Laryngoscope, 2021.

PMID:34338338 | DOI:10.1002/lary.29785

Laryngoscope. 2021 Aug 2. doi: 10.1002/lary.29793. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) has been proposed both as a trigger for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) onset and as a factor favoring an aggressive clinical course.

STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective study, 106 participants were recruited within a period of 24 months at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana.

METHODS: This study compared a group of RRP patients (N = 36) with a group of LPR patients (N = 28) and a group of healthy participants (N = 42) based on Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Reflux Finding Scores (RFS), and saliva analyses (pH, pepsin concentration, bile acid concentration, and pepsin enzymatic activity).

RESULTS: The RRP group compared to the LPR group showed a statistically significant difference only in RSI and RFS scores, while the RRP group compared to healthy controls showed significantly higher values in all tested parameters (RSI score, RFS, saliva pH, pepsin concentration, bile acids concentration, pepsin enzymatic activity).

CONCLUSIONS: LPR is common in RRP patients and significantly more prevalent compared to healthy controls. Our results show that saliva analyses are a better office-based tool than RSI questionnaires and RFS scores for diagnosing LPR in RRP patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

PMID:34338331 | DOI:10.1002/lary.29793

Stat Med. 2021 Aug 2. doi: 10.1002/sim.9133. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) is a form of instrumental variable analysis which estimates the direct effect of multiple exposures on an outcome using genetic variants as instruments. Mendelian randomization and MVMR are frequently conducted using two-sample summary data where the association of the genetic variants with the exposures and outcome are obtained from separate samples. If the genetic variants are only weakly associated with the exposures either individually or conditionally, given the other exposures in the model, then standard inverse variance weighting will yield biased estimates for the effect of each exposure. Here, we develop a two-sample conditional F-statistic to test whether the genetic variants strongly predict each exposure conditional on the other exposures included in a MVMR model. We show formally that this test is equivalent to the individual level data conditional F-statistic, indicating that conventional rule-of-thumb critical values of F> 10, can be used to test for weak instruments. We then demonstrate how reliable estimates of the causal effect of each exposure on the outcome can be obtained in the presence of weak instruments and pleiotropy, by repurposing a commonly used heterogeneity Q-statistic as an estimating equation. Furthermore, the minimized value of this Q-statistic yields an exact test for heterogeneity due to pleiotropy. We illustrate our methods with an application to estimate the causal effect of blood lipid fractions on age-related macular degeneration.

PMID:34338327 | DOI:10.1002/sim.9133

Am J Phys Anthropol. 2021 Aug 2. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.24381. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we analyze breastfeeding and weaning practices in pre-Columbian complex hunter-gatherers from the lower Paraná River basin (South America).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out bone isotope analyses concerning δ¹³ C in collagen and apatite, the spacing between both carbon sources and δ¹⁵ N in a sample of 23 subadult and adult individuals of both sexes recovered from Late Holocene archaeological sites, ranging from 1665 ± 45 to 680 ± 80 ¹⁴ C years BP.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results indicate that exclusive breastfeeding continued until the age of ~2 years, and weaning probably until 4 years of age. Supplementary foods included C₃ plants and probably animal fats and C₄ carbohydrates. A high fractionation of 4.9‰ in δ¹⁵ N values was recognized between breastfeeding infants and adult females, perhaps reflecting episodic hyper-protein diets in women linked to men’s food provisioning during women’s gestational/postpartum period. Additionally, male adults present a higher protein intake than females. Although this difference is not statistically significant with the current sample size, it could be a clue related to a sexual division in food procurement.

PMID:34338320 | DOI:10.1002/ajpa.24381

Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2021 Aug 2. doi: 10.1111/aas.13965. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The mini-fluid challenge (MFC) is a clinical concept of predicting fluid responsiveness by rapidly infusing a small amount of intravenous fluids, typically 100 ml, and systematically assessing its haemodynamic effect. The MFC method is meant to predict if a patient will respond to a subsequent, larger fluid challenge, typically another 400 ml, with a significant increase in stroke volume.

METHODS: We critically evaluated the general methodology of MFC studies, with statistical considerations, secondary analysis of an existing study, and simulations.

RESULTS: Secondary analysis of an existing study showed that the MFC could predict the total fluid response (MFC + 400 ml) with an area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.92, but that the prediction was worse than random for the response to the remaining 400 ml (AUROC = 0.33). In a null simulation with no response to both the MFC and the subsequent fluid challenge, the commonly used analysis could predict fluid responsiveness with an AUROC of 0.73.

CONCLUSION: Many existing MFC studies are likely overestimating the classification accuracy of the MFC. This should be considered before adopting the MFC into clinical practice. A better study design includes a second, independent measurement of stroke volume after the MFC. This measurement serves as reference for the response to the subsequent fluid challenge.

PMID:34338314 | DOI:10.1111/aas.13965

Laryngoscope. 2021 Aug 2. doi: 10.1002/lary.29750. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to compare ventilation techniques utilized in microlaryngeal surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS: Two-hundred surgeries performed from May 1, 2018 to March 1, 2020 and stratified as intubated, intermittently intubated (AAIV) or apneic. Patient demographics, comorbidities, anesthetic agents, intraoperative parameters/events, and complications were studied and compared across the three groups using inferential analyses.

RESULTS: Median body mass index in the AAIV group was significantly higher (33 vs. 29; P = .0117). Median oxygen nadirs were lower in AAIV cases (81% vs. 91-92%) while CO₂ peak measurements were lower (33 mmHg vs. 48 mmHg) in the fully apneic cohort which were significantly shorter cases (P < .0001). CO₂ peak measurements were comparable between AAIV and intubated cohorts (median 48.5 mmHg vs. 48.0 mmHg). Median apnea times were significantly prolonged by 2-5.5 minutes using nasal cannula and THRIVE/Optiflow in fully apneic cases when compared to no supplementary oxygenation (P = .0013). Systolic blood pressures following insertion of laryngoscope were higher (159.5 vs. 145 mmHg) and postoperative diastolic pressures were lower (68.5 vs. 76.5 mmHg) in fully apneic cases than intubated cases. No differences existed between frequencies of complications.

CONCLUSIONS: This study compares intubated, intermittently apneic, and fully apneic surgeries. No statistically significant differences were noted in comorbid conditions. While intraoperative hemodynamic fluctuations were more pronounced in the fully apneic cohort, and oxygenation distributions were lower in the AAIV cohort, no significant differences existed between events and complications. Apneic techniques are as safe and effective as traditional intubation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

PMID:34338303 | DOI:10.1002/lary.29750

Indian Pediatr. 2021 Aug 2:S097475591600359. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have documented lower serum zinc levels in patients with febrile seizures in comparison to febrile patients without seizure. However, there is limited evidence comparing the effects of zinc supplementation with placebo on recurrence of febrile seizures in children.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of zinc supplementation on recurrence rate of febrile seizures in children less than 60 months of age.

DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials.

DATA SOURCE AND SELECTION CRITERIA: We searched PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases for articles reporting randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of zinc supplementation with placebo on recurrence of febrile seizures in children aged less than 60 months. We performed a fixed effect meta-analysis to provide pooled odds ratio of febrile seizure recurrence. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE approach.

PARTICIPANTS: Children aged less than 60 months.

INTERVENTION: Zinc supplementation.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Odds of febrile seizure recurrence.

RESULTS: Four clinical trials with a total of 350 children were included in the review. There was no statistically significant difference between odds of febrile seizure recurrence during one year follow up, in children on zinc supplementation compared to those on placebo (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.41 – 1.18, I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSION: Available evidence is very low quality and thus inadequate to make practice recommendations.

PMID:34338220

F1000Res. 2021 Feb 5;10:77. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.28002.1. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Background: The giant African snail, Achatina fulica, is an invasive species recognized for being a serious agricultural pest and an intermediary vector for diverse parasites that cause diseases in humans. The knowledge of the state of African snail populations in urban areas is of great ecological and public health importance. Therefore, our objective was to characterize the status of giant African snail populations present in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, including the assessment of nematode parasites in the specimens. Methods. Sites were visited following information from citizens affected by the presence of the African snail. The specimens were collected and transported to the laboratory; subsequently, they were weighed, measured, and classified by size. Dissections of lung tissue and soft organs were performed to search for and identify nematode parasites. Size measurement between the sampled sites was statistically compared and density and biomass indicators were established. Results. In total, 204 snails were collected distributed among four sites within Cartagena city. Of these, 50% were juvenile specimens (10-40 mm). The size of the specimens showed significant differences between the sampling areas. The calculated density was between 0.0019-0.68 ind/m ² and the biomass between 3.92-48.75 kg/ha. No presence of nematode parasites was observed in these specimens. Conclusions. Densities and biomasses of A. fulica in Cartagena do not reach levels considered highly harmful. On the other hand, although no parasites were found in these snails, it is relevant to continue with studies on the human health risks that represent the presence of this invasive species in urban areas of Cartagena.

PMID:34336187 | PMC:PMC8280942 | DOI:10.12688/f1000research.28002.1

Vet Med Int. 2021 Jul 21;2021:9430824. doi: 10.1155/2021/9430824. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, equines serve in traction power, carting, recreation, festival packing, riding, transportation, and other activities since time immemorial. Strongyles are common equine health problems in Ethiopia though research based data on equine strongyles are limited particularly in the study areas, in and around Mekelle city. Therefore, the present study was intended to estimate the prevalence of common equine strongyles in and around Mekelle city from November 2018 to April 2019 and to assess risk factors associated with infection of strongyle parasites as well. Cross sectional design was used in this study, and the study population consisted of both donkeys and horses of all age and both sex groups. From randomly selected horses and donkeys, approximately 25 grams of faecal samples was drawn with gloved hands from rectum of study equines, labeled, and transported to laboratory for coprological examination. Flotation technique was employed to separate parasitic eggs from faeces, followed by microscopic examination for identification of strongyle eggs based on morphology. Pearson’s chi-square (χ2) was carried out to determine association between risk factors and parasitic infection. Moreover, both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were computed to assess the strength of association of those risk factors at 95% CI and P < 0.05.

RESULT: Out of 384 samples collected, 204 were found to be positive for strongyles with an overall prevalence of 53.13%. Prevalence of strongyle species in equines was also estimated to be 53% and 53.3% for donkeys and horses, respectively. Accordingly, of the six risk factors considered, only three factors (age, management type, and body condition scores) were found to influence the occurrence of strongyle infection and to be statistically significant as well.

CONCLUSION: The higher prevalence of equine strongyles in the present study might be suggestive of urgent and coordinated actions to be in place.

PMID:34336180 | PMC:PMC8321758 | DOI:10.1155/2021/9430824

Vet Med Int. 2021 Jul 19;2021:2665956. doi: 10.1155/2021/2665956. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Handheld point-of-care blood analyzers deliver rapid results for biochemical and hematologic parameters, making them very useful in veterinary clinics and in fieldwork applications. This study compared the biochemical and hematologic parameters generated by the novel point-of-care analyzer i-STAT® Alinity V CHEM8+ cartridge between human-managed and free ranging populations of southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). In addition, a novel reference interval for ionized calcium (iCa), a parameter of diagnostic and prognostic importance, was established for southern white rhinoceros. Blood samples were obtained from 10 managed (6 at NC Zoo and 4 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2019) and 30 free ranging white rhinoceros (collected in South Africa between 2018 and 2019) and analyzed using the i-STAT. Multiple parameters were higher (P < 0.05) in free ranging versus managed animals including potassium, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, hematocrit, and hemoglobin. Conversely, iCa concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in the managed populations of white rhinoceros. The RI determined for iCa was 1.36-1.56 mmol/L, with a mean of 1.46 mmol/L, and was determined using the guidelines from the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. There was no difference in anion gap, chlorine, total carbon dioxide, or sodium between the populations. Seasonality and locality of sampling as well as diet may be contributing factors to the higher iCa concentrations in managed rhinoceros. The six elevated parameters in free ranging rhinoceros are likely attributable to dehydration compounded by capture stress. This data provides insight into the state of several biochemical and hematologic parameters in southern white rhinoceros and will allow veterinarians to better assess the health of both managed and free ranging populations.

PMID:34336179 | PMC:PMC8315869 | DOI:10.1155/2021/2665956