Nevin Manimala

J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 May 19:S0278-2391(21)00518-8. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2021.05.019. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We aim to reveal postoperative morphological correlations between the nasolabial components in patients with unilateral cleft lip (UCL). The hypothetical correlations are first, a correlation between the vertical height of the cleft-side alar base and the length of the cleft-side red lip, and second, a correlation between the length of the cleft-side red lip and the vertical position of the cleft-side oral commissure. We explain how these morphological balances are controlled by surgery.

METHODS: Three-dimensional bilateral measurements of the length of the red lip, vertical height of the nasal alar base, and vertical height of the oral commissure were conducted retrospectively on 31 patients with UCL and palate (complete UCL: 26; incomplete UCL: 5) who underwent primary lip plasty at Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital from 2017 to 2019.

RESULTS: We found a statistically significant correlation between the vertical height of the cleft-side alar base and cleft-side red lip length (P = .012, r = 0.45); thus, the longer the red lip, the lower was the nasal alar base. The correlation between the cleft-side red lip length and the vertical height of the cleft-side oral commissure also showed a statistically significant (P = .00074, r = 0.57); thus, the shorter the red lip, the higher was the oral commissure.

CONCLUSIONS: The present results provided objective evidence showing basic morphological relationships between the postoperative nasolabial features of patients with UCL. The results lead to a reasonable approach to define the proposed peak of the Cupid’s bow, an unsettled major controversy in cleft lip surgery.

PMID:34161809 | DOI:10.1016/j.joms.2021.05.019

Ann Epidemiol. 2021 Jun 20:S1047-2797(21)00154-X. doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2021.06.003. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:34161794 | DOI:10.1016/j.annepidem.2021.06.003

S D Med. 2021 Feb;74(2):54-57.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vaccinations are one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, leading to a reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with the infectious diseases they prevent. Unfortunately, vaccination rates within the U.S. have been declining, and many of these vaccine-preventable diseases are again on the rise. Due to this, methods to increase vaccination rates are being explored. Vaccine standing orders are one method being employed. This pilot study explored the effects vaccine standing orders placed in the electronic medical record (EMR) had on the number of pediatric vaccinations administered in one South Dakota clinic.

METHODS: Nursing staff reviewed the EMR and state records to determine what immunizations the pediatric patients, defined as those 18 years of age and under, were due for according to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommended vaccination schedule. They then placed vaccine standing orders in the EMR for each delinquent vaccination based on these findings. The number of vaccines administered during a five-month period before (Jan. 1 – May 31, 2019) and a five-month period after (June 1 – Oct.31, 2019) implementation of standing orders were compared. Results were analyzed using an independent samples t-test.

RESULTS: The absolute number of vaccinations administered after standing orders were instituted was greater than those administered prior to standing orders. The average number of vaccines given per month more than doubled, resulting in a statistically significant increase in vaccination rates by 117 percent.

CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrated a significant increase in the number of immunizations administered with the use of standing orders.

PMID:34161683

Chembiochem. 2021 Jun 23. doi: 10.1002/cbic.202100193. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The oxidation of proteins generates reactive amino acid (AA) residue intermediates, leading to protein modification and cross-linking. Aerobic studies with peptides and photosensitizers allow for the controlled generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive AA residue intermediates, providing mechanistic insights as to how natural protein modifications form. Such studies have inspired the development of abiotic methods for protein modification and crosslinking, including applications of biomedical importance. Dityrosine linkages derived from oxidation at tyrosine (Tyr) residues represent one of the more well-understood oxidation-induced modifications. Here we demonstrate an aerobic, visible light-dependent oxidation reaction of Tyr-containing substrates promoted by a water-soluble 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide-based photosensitizer. The developed procedure converts Tyr-containing substrates into o,o’- Tyr-Tyr linked dimers. The regioselectively formed o,o’ -Tyr-Tyr linkage is consistent with dimeric standards prepared using a known enzymatic method. A crossover study with two peptides provides a statistical mixture of three distinct o,o’ -Tyr-Tyr linked dimers, supporting a mechanism that involves Tyr residue oxidation followed by intermolecular combination.

PMID:34161648 | DOI:10.1002/cbic.202100193

Asia Pac J Clin Oncol. 2021 Jun 23. doi: 10.1111/ajco.13595. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: PSMA PET/CT has demonstrated superior sensitivity over conventional imaging in the detection of local and distant recurrence in biochemically relapsed (BCR) prostate cancer. We prospectively investigated the management impact of ⁶⁸ Ga-PSMA PET/CT imaging in men with BCR, with the aim of identifying baseline clinicopathological predictors for management change.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Men with BCR who met eligibility criteria underwent ⁶⁸ Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT at Monash Health (Melbourne, Australia). Intended management plans were prospectively documented before and after ⁶⁸ Ga-PSMA PET/CT imaging. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential clinicopathological predictors of management change. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the nature of these changes.

RESULTS: Seventy men underwent ⁶⁸ Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT imaging. Median age was 67 years (IQR 63-72) and median PSA was 0.48 ng/ml (IQR 0.21-1.9). PSMA-avid disease was observed in 56% (39/70) of patients. Pre-scan management plan was altered following scanning in 43% (30/70) of patients. Management changes were significantly more common in patients with higher baseline PSA levels (PSA≥2 ng/ml, p = 0.01). 18/36 (50%) of the patients initially planned for watchful waiting had their management changed, including the use of salvage pelvic radiotherapy (n = 7) and stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy to oligometastatic disease (n = 6).

CONCLUSION: Management change after ⁶⁸ Ga-PSMA PET/CT for BCR is common and typically resulted in treatment intensification strategies in those planned for a watchful waiting approach. This study adds to the growing pool of evidence supporting the clinical utility of PSMA PET/CT imaging in the care of patients with BCR after definitive therapy.

PMID:34161628 | DOI:10.1111/ajco.13595

Am J Hematol. 2021 Jun 23. doi: 10.1002/ajh.26276. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Eliglustat, an oral substrate reduction therapy, is approved for eligible adults with Gaucher disease type 1. In the Phase 3 ENGAGE trial of previously untreated adults with Gaucher disease type 1, eliglustat-treated patients had statistically significant improvements in organ volumes and hematologic parameters compared with placebo in the 9-month primary analysis. We report final outcomes by time on eliglustat among all patients who participated in the ENGAGE trial and extension. No patient deteriorated clinically or withdrew due to adverse events; 39/40 patients entered the open-label extension period and 34/40 (85%) remained in the trial until completion or switching to commercial eliglustat after its approval (2.3 to 6 years). Clinically meaningful improvements in Gaucher disease manifestations were seen in all patients concomitant with reductions in pathological lipid substrate levels (glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine). Among patients with 4.5 years of eliglustat exposure, mean spleen volume decreased by 66% (from 17.1 to 5.8 multiples of normal [MN], n=13)mean liver volume decreased by 23% (from 1.5 to 1.1 MN, n=13), mean hemoglobin increased 1.4 g/dL (from 11.9 to 13.4 g/dL, n=12), mean platelet count increased by 87% (from 67.6 to 122.6 x 10⁹ /L, n=12), median chitotriosidase decreased by 82% (from 13,394 to 2312 nmol/hr/ml, n=11), median glucosylceramide decreased by 79% (from 11.5 to 2.4 μg/mL, n=11), median glucosylsphingosine decreased by 84% (from 518.5 to 72.1 ng/mL, n=10), and mean spine T-score increased from -1.07 (osteopenia) to -0.53 (normal) (n=9). Together, these outcomes regardless of time on eliglustat showed comparable improvements in Gaucher manifestations and disease biomarkers. Eliglustat was well-tolerated and led to clinically significant improvements in previously untreated patients with Gaucher disease type 1 during 4.5 years of treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:34161616 | DOI:10.1002/ajh.26276

Neurosurgery. 2021 Jun 23:nyab221. doi: 10.1093/neuros/nyab221. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a rare but preventable postoperative complication. Unfractionated heparin (UH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) are used to prevent VTE, but comparative studies of their safety and efficacy in the neurosurgical context are limited.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative safety and efficacy of UH and LMWH for prophylaxis after cranial surgery.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 3204 elective intracranial surgical admissions in 2901 patients over the period 2013 to 2018. From chart review, we extracted demographic and clinical features, including diagnosis and procedure, drugs administered, and the occurrence of VTE events. To compare postoperative outcomes, we performed propensity score matching of patients receiving different drugs, and reviewed postoperative cranial imaging. To contextualize our results, we selected 14 prior neurosurgical studies of VTE prophylaxis to compare our outcomes to the existing literature.

RESULTS: In our sample of 3204 admissions, the overall rate of VTE was 0.8% (n = 27). Rates of VTE were not statistically different in matched cohorts receiving UH and LMWH (1.7% vs 1.0%, respectively); however, LMWH was associated with a higher rate of clinically significant intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) (3.4% vs 0.5%, P = .008). Literature review and meta-analysis supported these findings. Across studies, UH and LMWH were associated with similar rates of VTE. Studies in which patients received LMWH reported significantly higher rates of ICH (4.9% higher, P = .005).

CONCLUSION: We find that LMWH and UH show similar efficacy in preventing VTE; however, LMWH is associated with higher rates of ICH.

PMID:34161594 | DOI:10.1093/neuros/nyab221

Nicotine Tob Res. 2021 Jun 23:ntab134. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntab134. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests that cigarette smokers who switch to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) reduce their exposure to harmful toxicants and carcinogens. It is unclear if dual use is associated with decreases in exposure to toxicants.

METHODS: This parallel-group confinement study assessed changes in biomarkers of exposure (BOEs) over six days among healthy adult smokers who were randomized into 1 of 11 study groups: eight JUUL-brand System (JUUL) groups (4 JUUL flavors [Virginia Tobacco, Menthol, Mint, Mango] × 2 nicotine concentrations [5.0% or 3.0% by weight]); Dual Use group used preferred JUUL flavor (5.0% nicotine) and ≤50% usual brand (UB) cigarettes/day; UB Cigarette group, and one group abstained from all tobacco/nicotine product use (Abstinence group). Urine and blood analysis assessed changes in primary BOE endpoints (NNAL, 3-HPMA, MHBMA, S-PMA COHb) and secondary BOE endpoints (NNN, HMPMA, CEMA, 1-OHP, O-toluidine, 2-NA, 4-ABP) among 279 adult smokers.

RESULTS: In JUUL groups, median percent reductions in primary BOEs (Day 6-Baseline) were 90%- ≥100% of Abstinence; there were no significant differences between JUUL groups and Abstinence. All reductions in JUUL groups were substantially and statistically significantly greater than reductions in the UB Cigarette group (ps<0.025). Median reductions in primary BOEs in the Dual Use group were 43%-55% of Abstinence. Similar results were observed for secondary BOEs.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that use of JUUL as a complete or partial substitute (i.e., dual use with ≥50% reduction in cigarette consumption) for combustible cigarettes can substantially reduce exposure to multiple toxins associated with cigarette smoking.

IMPLICATIONS: This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the utility of ENDS products as potentially reduced-harm alternatives to cigarettes for adult smokers. Adult smokers who switched completely from cigarette smoking to use of the JUUL System (“JUUL”) in two nicotine concentrations (5.0% and 3.0%) and four flavors significantly reduced their exposure to multiple classes of cigarette-related toxicants. Additionally, smokers who used JUUL and continued smoking but reduced their daily cigarette consumption by ≥50% (dual users) also significantly reduced their toxicant exposure compared to cigarette smoking.

PMID:34161586 | DOI:10.1093/ntr/ntab134

Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2021 Jul 1;126(4):324-340. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-126.4.324.

ABSTRACT

Young children with developmental disabilities (DD) exhibit a range of strengths and weaknesses in cognitive, language, and adaptive skills. Identifying individual patterns of abilities across these domains is important for informing interventions. This study examines how 129 toddlers with significant developmental delays and less than 10 spoken words perform across different developmental domains and assessment methods (i.e., caregiver report and clinician-administered tests). Children exhibited statistically and clinically meaningful strengths and weaknesses across developmental domains, which may have important implications for differential interventions. Caregiver-reported and clinician-rated measures of cognition, language and adaptive functioning were highly related. However, the relation between caregiver report and clinician ratings was weaker for a subgroup of children with relatively more limited expressive language compared to other children in the sample.

PMID:34161562 | DOI:10.1352/1944-7558-126.4.324

Rev Bras Enferm. 2021 Jun 16;74(2):e20190663. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2019-0663. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the average direct cost of PICC insertion by nurses.

METHODS: this is a unique case study with a quantitative approach. The observation took place in a public hospital, collecting information on inputs used and procedure length. For the calculation of costs, time was multiplied by nurses’ costs plus supplies. The US dollar was used to present the calculations. In the analysis, descriptive statistics of measures of central tendency and variability were used.

RESULTS: the sample corresponded to 139 observations. The average cost of PICC insertion totaled US$286.04, with 90.8% of materials, mainly catheter, and 9.2% of the labor. The procedure took an average of 50 minutes, at US$0.26 per minute for nurses. Conclusions: the average direct cost of PICC insertion was US$286.04, with emphasis on the catheter. The results can support management decisions for adequate material and professional sizing.

PMID:34161537 | DOI:10.1590/0034-7167-2019-0663