Nevin Manimala

Comput Methods Programs Biomed. 2021 Sep 10;211:106410. doi: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2021.106410. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The characteristics of children’s reading interest, stimulated by the visual evoked potentials of colour graphics in children’s picture books, were tested to explore their normal reference value. The characteristics of chromatic pattern visual evoked potential (CP-VEP) can be harnessed by our methodology and may be applied to the visual screening of children in clinical ophthalmology.

METHODS: The PR-650 spectral colour metre can strictly control factors, such as brightness and colour retention, based on colour contrast. This is performed in order to reduce the brightness contrast method. In our paper, we set up three kinds of visual stimulation conditions and performed CP-VEP inspections of the eye, based on 64 cases (128 eyes) of normal children (32 males and 32 females). Using CP-VEP detection, the latency and amplitude of the P100 wave were recorded and the waveforms of each group, under different spectral modes were compared. Art therapy combined with children’s colour physiology and psychology will be more skilfully practiced in clinical practice.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the amplitude and peak time of visual evoked potential (VEP) waveforms between the left and right eyes of the children using the three stimuli, indicating that the visual function and visual conduction pathway of children can vary. There was no significant difference in the latency and amplitude of the NPN complex wave. Note that the P1 wave of the right and left eyes of normal children is not statistically different (P > 0.05). We also found that there is insignificant difference in the visual impact of the colours for both male and female children in terms of reading interest, and red is a more stimulating colour for both sexes.

CONCLUSION: Our study can provide normal reference value and methodological reference for clinical visual acuity detection in children. Combined with the visual characteristics of children, this paper selects the visual impact created by the colour of picture books and combines it with medical treatment. Make the whole test cover the scope of ophthalmology clinical more comprehensive.

PMID:34587563 | DOI:10.1016/j.cmpb.2021.106410

Forensic Sci Int. 2021 Sep 22;328:111012. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The presence of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in illegal commercial products has been pointed as a global threat for public health. Due the correlation with adverse toxicological effects, there is a growing interest in the implementation of straightforward methods for the determination of AAS in seized products. This work exploited the development of a mass spectrometry approach to characterize the illegal oil formulations containing AAS.

METHODS: The optimization of sample preparation was performed through a simplex-centroid design and the best condition was described as follow: an aliquot of 5 μL of sample were added with 995 μL of acetonitrile and water (75:25, v/v). The solution was vortexed and centrifuged. After that, 10 μL of supernatant were added with 35 μL of acetonitrile and water and internal standard (testosterone-d₃, 1.25 ng). An aliquot of 5 μL was injected into the analytical system.

RESULTS: The method developed was validated and successfully applied in 115 seized samples. Testosterone and its esters had the highest incidence, found in more than 50% of the samples. Besides that, drugs such as boldenone, methandienone, and trenbolone have also been found, where the low quality of the samples was evidenced by the wide variation in the concentration of the drugs, always quantified in sub-doses. Finally, at least one AAS was detected in each sample analyzed. The statistical results were grouped by principal components analysis, to better understand the profile of the seized samples.

CONCLUSION: This work successfully established a fast and simple method for determination of AAS and can be applied to verify the profile of seized samples.

PMID:34587560 | DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111012

J Affect Disord. 2021 Sep 4;296:49-58. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.153. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is accumulating evidence about detrimental impacts of the pandemic on population mental health, but knowledge on risk of groups specifically affected by the pandemic and variations across time is still limited.

METHODS: We surveyed approximately n=1,000 Austrian residents in 12 waves between April and December 2020 (n=12,029). Outcomes were suicidal ideation (Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale), and domestic violence. We also assessed the perceived burden from the pandemic. Demographic and Covid-19 specific occupational and morbidity-related variables were used to explain outcomes in multivariable regression analyses, controlling for well-established risk factors of mental ill-health, and variations over time were analyzed.

RESULTS: Young age, working in healthcare or from home, and own Covid-19 illness were consistent risk factors controlling for a wide range of known mental health risk factors. Time patterns in the perceived burden from Covid-19-related measures were consistent with the time sequence of restrictions and relaxations of governmental measures. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were relatively stable over time, with some increase of depression during the second phase of lockdowns. Domestic violence increased immediately after both hard lockdowns. Suicidal ideation decreased slightly over time, with a low during the second hard lockdown. Mental health indicators for women and young people showed some deterioration over time, whereas those reporting own Covid-19 illness improved.

LIMITATIONS: Data from before the pandemic were not available.

CONCLUSIONS: Among mental health outcomes, increases in domestic violence and, to some smaller extent, depressive symptoms, appeared most closely related to the timing of hard lockdowns. Healthcare staff, individuals working from home, those with Covid-19, as well as young people and women are non-traditional risk groups who warrant heightened attention in prevention during and in the aftermath of the pandemic.

PMID:34587549 | DOI:10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.153

Nanomedicine. 2021 Sep 26:102466. doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102466. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this work was to incorporate an optimized pomegranate extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (PE-SLNs) formula in a transdermal emulgel to evaluate its anticancer effect. The prepared emulgel formulae were evaluated for their physicochemical properties. An ex vivo permeation study was done through mouse skin and the kinetic parameters were determined. Kinetic data showed that the ex vivo permeation of PE from SLNs transdermal emulgel through mouse skin followed non-Fickian diffusion transport. Further, in vivo study was done by applying the optimized PE-SLNs transdermal emulgel on mice skin bearing a solid form of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) as well as free PE, control, placebo, and standard groups for comparison. In addition, histopathological examinations of the samples obtained from the EAC mice model were performed. The results proved that application of the selected PE-SLNs emulgel formulation on the mice skin bearing solid tumor revealed statistically significant anticancer effects.

PMID:34587542 | DOI:10.1016/j.nano.2021.102466

Am J Ophthalmol. 2021 Sep 26:S0002-9394(21)00470-0. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.09.013. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate longitudinal changes in rates of optic nerve head circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thinning and vessel density loss in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with or without history of disc hemorrhage (DH).

DESIGN: Observational cohort METHODS: In this longitudinal study, 34 eyes with DH and 134 eyes without DH that had at least 1.5 years of follow-up and three OCT and OCTA follow-up scans were enrolled. A linear mixed-effect model was used to compare the rates of cpRNFL thinning and vessel density loss between DH and non-DH eyes.

RESULTS: Rates of whole image capillary density (wiCD) loss were faster in the DH group compared to non-DH group (mean difference (95% CI): -0.32 (-0.59,-0.04) %/year, P=0.027). Faster mean rates of vessel density loss were found in the inferotemporal, inferonasal, and nasal sectors in eyes with DH than without DH (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the global rate of cpRNFL thinning between the two groups (P=0.679). The mean rate of cpRNFL thinning was faster in the DH group compared to the non-DH group only in the inferotemporal sector (mean difference (95% CI): -1.01 (-1.62,-0.40) μm/year; P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Mean rates of vessel density loss between DH and non-DH eyes were different not only in the affected area but also in the other regions. In contrast, a significant difference in cpRNFL thinning between the two groups was detected only in the inferotemporal sector. Disc hemorrhage is an independent predictor of faster vessel density loss in glaucoma suspects and POAG patients.

PMID:34587496 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajo.2021.09.013

J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Aug 28:S0278-2391(21)00998-8. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2021.08.161. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Although a stellate ganglion block (SGB) increases tissue blood flow in the mandibular region, the change in tissue oxygenation after SGB and therapeutic effect of SGB for postoperative mandibular nerve hypoesthesia remain to be established. The study aim was to measure the change in tissue oxygenation in the mandibular region after SGB.

METHODS: To determine the variation in tissue oxygenation in the mandibular region, the tissue oxygen index (TOI; percentage of oxygenated hemoglobin in the total hemoglobin) was measured at the skin near the mental foramen bilaterally, at the primary site of unilateral SGB, achieved using 6 mL of 1% lidocaine hydrochloride, for the treatment of bilateral postoperative mandibular nerve injury. The primary outcome of this study is the temporal variation in TOI after SGB (0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes after SGB), and the control group in this study is the TOI at the end of SGB injection (0 minute). All data are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation and 95% confidence interval (CI). Repeated-measures analysis of variance with Dunnett’s test was used to determine parametric statistical significance. A P-value <.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Thirteen patients were enrolled in this study. On both the blocked and contralateral side, the TOI was significantly increased compared to that before SGB (ΔTOI at 15 minute after SGB, 5.87 ± 2.89%, P < .001, 95% CI: 4.122 to 7.617% in the blocked side, 1.88 ± 2.73%, P = .005, 95% CI: 1.877 to 2.725% in the contralateral side).

CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral SGB using 6 mL of 1% lidocaine hydrochloride results in an increase in tissue oxygenation in the mandibular region. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that a series of SGBs may contribute to a more rapid recovery of postoperative trigeminal nerve injury.

PMID:34587486 | DOI:10.1016/j.joms.2021.08.161

J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Sep 1:S0278-2391(21)01002-8. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2021.08.165. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the hospitalization charges of the 2 general surgical approaches in the treatment of craniosynostosis and determine if there was a significant difference between the 2. Several studies compared them side-by-side according to specific variables, such as success rates, postoperative complications, blood loss, and length of stay, but were limited by small sample sizes.

METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that was conducted using the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID). All patients diagnosed with craniosynostosis (Q75.0) were identified. The procedures were grouped according to the approach taken, whether it was a traditional, open approach, or a closed, minimally invasive approach. The primary predictor variable was the surgical approach (open vs closed). The outcome variables were the hospital charges (US dollars) and length of stay (days). Statistical analyses were based on the univariate and multivariate linear regression models, and P value less than .05 marked the significance level.

RESULTS: Among a sample of 2,585 cases, an open approach was employed in 2,353 cases and a closed approach in 232 cases. Race, payer information, hospital region, admission status (elective vs not elective), patient location, and surgical approach (open vs closed) were all significant predictors (P < .15) of increased hospitalization charges. Relative to white patients, being in the ‘other’ racial class added $10,987 in hospital charges (P < .05). Relative to the Northeast, being a patient in the West added $33,459 in hospital charges (P < .01). Not being admitted electively added $72,572 (P < .01) relative to elective admissions. Finally, open repair added $59,539 (P < .01) in charges relative to closed repair.

CONCLUSIONS: The traditional open approach added nearly $60,000 to the cost of the procedure when compared with the closed, endoscopic approach. The scope and invasiveness of the open approach demand greater surgical services, hospital services, supplies, and equipment, ultimately contributing to this increased cost.

PMID:34587484 | DOI:10.1016/j.joms.2021.08.165

J Asthma. 2021 Sep 29:1-13. doi: 10.1080/02770903.2021.1988104. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: The relationship between childbirth delivery methods and the risk of wheezing in children remains controversial. Few studies have explored it under different maternal conditions.Objective: To explore the influence of childbirth delivery method on the onset of wheezing in children of different parity.Methods: A total of 21716 patients were included in this retrospective observational study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between childbirth delivery method and wheezing in children under 18 years of age in Fujian Province.Results: Wheezing differed statistically based on the child’s sex, age, season of onset, parity, jaundice history, and feeding patterns (P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, in cases of parity greater than two, the risk of wheezing in cesarean section deliveries was higher than that in vaginal deliveries (OR: 1.107; 95% CI 1.010-1.214). In girls with parity greater than two (OR: 1.179; 95% CI 1.003-1.387) and normal-weight infants with parity greater than two (OR: 1.106; 95% CI 1.003-1.220), the risk of wheezing in cesarean section deliveries was higher. The interaction term between the mode of childbirth and parity was significant in girls (P = 0.014).Conclusion: The method of childbirth delivery and parity are related to the risk of wheezing and may be relevant to gender and birth weight. Parity and gender have synergistic effects on wheezing.

PMID:34587470 | DOI:10.1080/02770903.2021.1988104

Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr. 2021;31(4):1-8. doi: 10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2021037805.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prognostic value of MMP-16 expression in patients with serous ovarian cancer and the usefulness of MMP-16 expression to predict sensitivity to chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS: The relationship between MMP-16 expression and clinicopathological parameters of serous ovarian cancer was evaluated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to measure the prognostic significance of MMP-16 in serous ovarian cancer. Dataset GSE51373 was applied to estimate the difference of MMP-16 expression between chemotherapy-sensitive group and resistant group of serous ovarian cancer. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was also drawn. In addition, the online tool Kaplan-Meier Plotter was used to assess the prognostic value of MMP-16 in patients with serous ovarian cancer.

RESULTS: A total of 235 patients with serous ovarian cancer were included in the TCGA database. Cox regression univariate analysis showed that high expression of MMP-16 was not conducive to the overall survival of patients with serous ovarian cancer (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.03~2.08; P < 0.05). The results of Cox regression multivariate analysis also demonstrated that there was a statistically significant difference. The results of the online database Kaplan-Meier Plotter analysis showed that the high expression of MMP-16 was not conducive to the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with serous ovarian cancer (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.06~1.29; P < 0.05). The expression of MMP-16 in the chemotherapy-sensitive group was notably lower than that in the chemotherapy-resistant group, which had a moderate predictive value in predicting the chemosensitivity of serous ovarian cancer (AUC = 0.7187).

CONCLUSION: High expression of MMP-16 is not conducive to chemotherapy sensitivity and survival of patients with serous ovarian cancer, and has predictive value for chemotherapy resistance and prognosis.

PMID:34587431 | DOI:10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2021037805

J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2021;31(4):45-49. doi: 10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021038722.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the various approaches used for implant stage II surgery before the restorative phase.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out using data from 486 patients who had undergone stage II implant surgery at Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai. The age, gender, technique of implant recovery, and site of recovery were noted. The data were collected and statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 24.0.

RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 39.9 ± 12.9.The most common approach used in stage II implant surgery was found to be a full thickness flap accounting for about 76.75%. Chi-square test for association between the site of implant and the technique used for recovery was statistically not significant (p value % 0.187).

CONCLUSION: Given that there is some loss of keratinized tissue during a flapless tissue punch technique, the full thickness flap provides an opportunity to preserve the keratinized gingiva and to form a healthy marginal attachment mucosa around the implants.

PMID:34587415 | DOI:10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021038722