Nevin Manimala

Cytometry A. 2022 Mar 3. doi: 10.1002/cyto.a.24546. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The current classical blood smear technique to observe the morphology of single red blood cells (RBCs) for classification is a laborious and error-prone process. To objectively evaluate the morphology of blood cells, we established a method of computational imaging based on a programmable light emitting diode (LED) array. By using quantitative differential phase contrast (qDPC), we characterized the morphology of unlabeled RBCs as well as blood smears. By focusing on comparing the difference of imaging between unlabeled RBCs and stained RBCs under multi-mode microscopic imaging technology, we demonstrated that qDPC could clearly differentiate discocytes and spherocytes in both unlabeled RBCs and blood smears. The phase map provided by QPI further enhanced the classification accuracy. According to statistical analysis from morphological indexes, the qDPC imaging has a significantly improvement in non-circularity, texture inhomogeneity and equivalent diameters of cells. Thus, this method has a significant superiority in the capability to analyze the morphology of RBCs and could be applied to clinical assays for determining morphological, functional, and structural deterioration of RBCs.

PMID:35243761 | DOI:10.1002/cyto.a.24546

Obes Rev. 2022 Mar 3:e13438. doi: 10.1111/obr.13438. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The extent to which behavioral weight management interventions affect health inequalities is uncertain, as is whether trials of these interventions directly consider inequalities. We conducted a systematic review, synthesizing evidence on how different aspects of inequality impact uptake, adherence, and effectiveness in trials of behavioral weight management interventions. We included (cluster-) randomized controlled trials of primary care-applicable behavioral weight management interventions in adults with overweight or obesity published prior to March 2020. Data about trial uptake, intervention adherence, attrition, and weight change by PROGRESS-Plus criteria (place of residence, race/ethnicity, occupation, gender, religion, education, socioeconomic status, social capital, plus other discriminating factors) were extracted. Data were synthesized narratively and summarized in harvest plots. We identified 91 behavioral weight loss interventions and 12 behavioral weight loss maintenance interventions. Fifty-six of the 103 trials considered inequalities in relation to at least one of intervention or trial uptake (n = 15), intervention adherence (n = 15), trial attrition (n = 32), or weight outcome (n = 34). Most trials found no inequalities gradient. If a gradient was observed for trial uptake, intervention adherence, and trial attrition, those considered “more advantaged” did best. Alternative methods of data synthesis that enable data to be pooled and increase statistical power may enhance understanding of inequalities in behavioral weight management interventions.

PMID:35243743 | DOI:10.1111/obr.13438

Head Neck. 2022 Mar 4. doi: 10.1002/hed.27021. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Submandibular gland (SMG) transfer decreased radiation-associated xerostomia in the 2/3-dimensional radiotherapy era. We evaluated the dosimetric implications of SMG transfer on modern intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans.

METHODS: Eighteen oropharynx cancer patients underwent SMG transfer followed by IMRT; reoptimized plans using the baseline SMG location were generated. Mean salivary gland, oral cavity, and larynx doses were compared between clinical plans and reoptimized plans.

RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in mean SMG dose (27.53 Gy vs. 29.61 Gy) or total salivary gland dose (26.12 Gy vs. 26.41 Gy) was observed with or without SMG transfer (all p > 0.05). Mean oral cavity and larynx doses were not statistically different. Neither tumor site, target volume crossing midline, stage, nor salivary gland volumes were associated with mean doses.

CONCLUSIONS: Salivary gland doses were similar with or without SMG transfer. IMRT likely decreases the benefit of SMG transfer on the risk of radiation-associated xerostomia.

PMID:35243719 | DOI:10.1002/hed.27021

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2022 Mar 3. doi: 10.1111/jog.15174. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effectiveness and safety of carbetocin and oxytocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies published up to February 2019. Next, two independent reviewers screened the studies according to the selection criteria as well as the strategies recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. Data were then extracted and evaluated. All statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.1.

RESULTS: A total of 24 studies involving 37 383 patients were included for analysis. For cesarean section patients, carbetocin was superior to oxytocin in reduction of the need for additional uterine contraction (odds ratio [OR] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.35, 0.65], p < 0.00001), PPH (OR = 0.70, 95% CI [0.51, 0.95], p = 0.02), blood loss (mean [MD] = -64.36, 95% CI [-107.78, -20.93], p = 0.004), and transfusion (OR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.42, 0.82], p = 0.002), and there was no significant difference in severe PPH (OR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.66, 1.090], p = 0.19). For vaginal delivery patients, carbetocin was superior to oxytocin in reduction of the need for additional uterine contractions (OR = 0.48, 95% CI [0.25, 0.93], p = 0.03), PPH (OR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.09, 0.91], p = 0.03), and blood loss (MD = -63.52, 95% CI [-113.43, -13.60], p = 0.01), and there were no significant differences in severe PPH (OR = 0.82, 95% CI [0.40, 1.69], p = 0.59) and transfusion (OR = 0.60, 95% CI [0.22, 1.61], p = 0.31). With regard to safety, for cesarean section patients, carbetocin was superior to oxytocin in reduction of the incidence of headache (OR = 0.72, [0.55, 0.95], p = 0.02), and there were no significant differences in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flushing, tremors, itching, dizziness, and fever. For vaginal delivery patients, there were no significant differences in nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, flushing, tremors, itching, dizziness, and fever between the two drugs.

CONCLUSION: For patients undergoing cesarean section and vaginal delivery, carbetocin was superior to oxytocin in effectiveness and similar in safety. Therefore, carbetocin is expected to be an alternative uterine contraction agent for preventing PPH.

PMID:35243717 | DOI:10.1111/jog.15174

J Clin Lab Anal. 2022 Mar 4:e24330. doi: 10.1002/jcla.24330. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNA intersectin 1-2 (lnc-ITSN1-2) exacerbates inflammation and promotes T-helper (Th) cell differentiation, also serves as a biomarker in critical illness diseases. However, its clinical role in sepsis remains obscure. Hence, the study aimed to explore the relationship of lnc-ITSN1-2 with Th cells, inflammation, disease severity, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality risk in sepsis.

METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from 95 sepsis patients and 50 health controls, followed by lnc-ITSN1-2 evaluation using RT-qPCR. PBMC Th1, Th17 cells and their secreted cytokines in serum were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively.

RESULTS: Lnc-ITSN1-2 in sepsis patients was higher than it in health controls (Z = -7.328, p < 0.001). Lnc-ITSN1-2 correlated with increased interferon-gamma (p = 0.009), Th17 cells (p = 0.022), and interleukin-17A (p = 0.006), but not Th1 cells (p = 0.169) in sepsis patients. Moreover, lnc-ITSN1-2 had a positive connection with C-reactive protein (p = 0.001), acute pathologic and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II (p = 0.024), and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores (p = 0.022). Regarding SOFA subscales, lnc-ITSN1-2 linked with elevated respiratory system score (p = 0.005), cardiovascular system score (p = 0.007), and renal system score (p = 0.004) but no other subscales. Besides, lnc-ITSN1-2 had an increasing trend, but no statistical difference, in septic deaths compared to survivors (Z = -1.852, p = 0.064).

CONCLUSION: Lnc-ITSN1-2 reflects sepsis progression and unfavorable prognosis to some extent, which may serve as a potential biomarker to improve the management of sepsis patients.

PMID:35243686 | DOI:10.1002/jcla.24330

J Texture Stud. 2022 Mar 3. doi: 10.1111/jtxs.12671. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The effect of different bolus sizes on food breakdown has been studied in adults, but not in children. The objective of this study was to study median particle size (MPS) and other parameters of masticatory function at swallowing threshold (ST) in 8-10-year-old-children with two different bolus sizes. A randomized cross-over trial was undertaken in 89 eight to ten-year-old children. The study was performed with informed consent and ethical approval. The artificial test food used was made of a condensation silicone (Optosil Comfort®) following a standardized protocol. Two bolus sizes (three or four quarters of a 20 mm diameter, 5 mm thick tablet) were randomized to avoid an order effect and performed in different sessions. Variables were: MPS (X₅₀ ) at ST, number of cycles until ST, sequence and cycle duration as well as cycles/g. Comparisons were performed with paired-T and Wilcoxon-tests, regressions and correlations were run. Cutoff for statistical significance was .05. Statistically significant differences were found for all variables; X₅₀ (2.5±.8 vs 2.8±.7mm, p<.001), cycles until ST (38 vs 40, p=.022), sequence (25 vs 27 seconds, p=.003) and cycle duration (650 vs 683 ms, p=.015) and cycles/g (27 vs 21 cycles/gram, p<.001), three or four quarters respectively. In conclusion, in children, as in adults, chewing on a bigger bolus size leads to a larger MPS (X₅₀ ) at ST. When chewing on a larger bolus the number of cycles increases, but not enough to swallow the same particle size since the number of cycles/g is less with a bigger bolus size.

PMID:35243636 | DOI:10.1111/jtxs.12671

Eur Geriatr Med. 2022 Mar 3. doi: 10.1007/s41999-022-00629-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We assess feasibility of wearable gait analysis in geriatric wards by testing the effectiveness and acceptance of the system.

METHODS: Gait parameters of 83 patients (83.34 ± 5.88 years, 58/25 female/male) were recorded at admission and/or discharge to/from two geriatric inpatient wards. Gait parameters were tested for statistically significant differences between admission and discharge. Walking distance measured by a wearable gait analysis system was correlated with distance assessed by physiotherapists. Examiners rated usability using the system usability scale. Patients reported acceptability on a five-point Likert-scale.

RESULTS: The total distance measures highly correlate (r = 0.89). System Usability Scale is above the median threshold of 68, indicating good usability. Majority of patients does not have objections regarding the use of the system. Among other gait parameters, mean heel strike angle changes significantly between admission and discharge.

CONCLUSION: Wearable gait analysis system is objectively and subjectively usable in a clinical setting and accepted by patients. It offers a reasonably valid assessment of gait parameters and is a feasible way for instrumented gait analysis.

PMID:35243600 | DOI:10.1007/s41999-022-00629-1

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Mar 4. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-19284-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study empirically estimates the impact of clean and non-clean energy consumption on economic growth and carbon dioxide emissions within the framework of the environmental Kuznets curve and pollution haven hypothesis in the case of PIMC countries from 1980 to 2019. The results of the panel cointegration test proposed by Westerlund (2007) show a long-term equilibrium relationship among the variables of each designated model. The long-term elasticities of economic growth and carbon emission estimated by AMG, CCEMG, and MG estimators indicate that both clean and non-clean energy consumption has a significant impact on economic growth, while carbon emission hinders growth. The results also reveal that economic growth, non-clean energy consumption, and interaction between trade openness and non-clean energy consumption have a driving effect on carbon dioxide emission; however, clean energy consumption is found to reduce carbon emission. In addition, the analysis confirms the existence of the inverted U-shaped environmental Kuznets curve and pollution haven hypothesis in the panel of PIMC economies. Finally, there is a one-way causality from non-clean energy consumption to economic growth, but no such causation exists between clean energy consumption and economic growth. The objective of sustained economic growth with a safe environment may be achieved by encouraging clean energy consumption in the PIMC economies.

PMID:35243579 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-19284-x

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2022 Mar 3. doi: 10.1007/s10815-022-02449-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) are correlated with the ovarian response, but their reliability and reproducibility are questionable. This large multicenter study describes their distribution, inter-cycle and inter-center variability, and their correlation.

METHODS: A total of 25,854 IVF cycles among 15,219 patients were selected in 12 ART centers. Statistical distribution of AMH and AFC was studied by using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Shapiro goodness of fit test. The reproducibility of AFC and AMH was measured using a mixed model regressing the logarithmic transformation of AFC with age.

RESULTS: The distribution of AMH and AFC was characterized by a wide dispersion of values, twice more important for AFC, and a logarithmic distribution. The faster decline in AMH than in AFC with age suggests that their correlation changes with age. AMH and AFC showed a very low proportion of concordance in the range of expected poor responders according to Bologna cutoffs. The heterogeneity for AMH and AFC across centers was small, but much larger across patients within each center. Concerning the patients with several successive cycles, the reproducibility for AMH seemed much better than for AFC. Comparing respective performances of AMH and AFC for the prediction of ovarian response depended on the local conditions for measuring these indicators and on the reproducibility of results improved over time.

CONCLUSION: Distribution of AMH and AFC was characterized by the wide dispersion of values, and a logarithmic distribution. Establishing cutoffs or a direct relationship AMH/AFC without considering age seems hazardous. Correlation between AMH and AFC was very poor in the range of poor responders.

PMID:35243569 | DOI:10.1007/s10815-022-02449-5

Oral Radiol. 2022 Mar 3. doi: 10.1007/s11282-022-00601-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess peri-implantitis-induced lymphadenopathy on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).

METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted from October 2017 to March 2020 in patients with and without peri-implantitis who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients in the peri-implantitis group had radiographically confirmed loss of alveolar bone > 2.0 mm and clinical findings such as bleeding on probing, suppuration of tissues surrounding the teeth, probing-pocket depth of > 4 mm, pain on implant function, and clinical implant mobility, whereas those without peri-implantitis had none of the abovementioned clinical findings. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare groups, using lymph node (LN) short-axis diameters and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) as the criterion variables and presence or absence of peri-implantitis as the explanatory variable. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was done to investigate the effectiveness of LN size and ADC use in detecting peri-implantitis-induced lymphadenopathy. Statistical significance was established at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: There were 66 lymph nodes from 12 patients analyzed. The mean LN size and ADC were significantly higher in patients with peri-implantitis than in those without (P < 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed cut-off LN sizes of 4.78 and 4.84 mm and cut-off ADCs of 1.12 and 1.09 for lymphadenopathy affected by peri-implantitis corresponding to levels IB and II, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Cervical lymphadenopathy may be an inflammatory finding associated with peri-implantitis.

PMID:35243567 | DOI:10.1007/s11282-022-00601-6