Nevin Manimala

Dermatol Ther. 2021 May 15. doi: 10.1111/dth.14977. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused by a flagellated protozoan transmitted by the bite of a female sandfly. The clinical and demographic details of this disease, predominantly affecting immunocompetent individuals, are recognized by the WHO as a Neglected Tropical Disease. We sought to determine the usability of CD1a immunohistochemical staining to detect amastigotes especially in cases where leishmaniasis is suspected but evident amastigotes could not observed. We also evaluated the relationship between CD1a expression and leishmania subtypes. A total of 84 cases diagnosed with leishmaniasis or suspected leishmania on histo-morphological evaluation of skin biopsies were included in the study. Amastigotes were easily detected in hematoxylin eosin in 18 of 84 cases. In 23 cases, amastigotes could not detect in hematoxylin eosin sections. The immunostains for CD1a are demonstrated amastigotes in 60 of 84 cases. However, a small number of amastigotes became visible by positive staining with CD1a in 43.4% of the cases in that amastigotes could not detected in hematoxylin eosin. A statistically significant correlation was found between amastigote amount in hematoxylin eosin and CD1a expression. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between CD1a expression, age and clinical pre-diagnosis of the cases. It was observed that amastigotes were easily detected in hematoxylin eosin in Leishmania Infantum / donovani positive cases in PCR, and at the same time, it was found that CD1a expression was significantly higher. Using histopathology examination with CD1a staining and/or PCR methods, a diagnosis of leishmaniasis can be established and early treatment initiated. This contributes to reduce transmission and prevalence. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:33991375 | DOI:10.1111/dth.14977

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2021 May 15. doi: 10.1002/jmri.27657. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Preoperative imaging assessment of venous malformations (VMs) and prediction of foam sclerotherapy efficacy might be achievable by DCE-MRI but elaborate quantitive analysis was absent.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of DCE-MRI in predicting the effectiveness of foam sclerotherapy in VMs.

STUDY TYPE: Retrospective.

POPULATION: Fifty-five patients (M:F = 17:38; mean age ± SD, 15.4 ± 13.0 years) with VMs.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: Three Tesla MRI with 3D T₁ -weighted volume interpolated body examination.

ASSESSMENT: Patients who underwent pretreatment DCE-MRI were divided into “effective” and “ineffective” groups according to the response to foam sclerotherapy. Clinical characteristics and morphologic features were assessed. The semiquantitative parameters, such as maximum intensity time ratio (MITR), enhancement ratio (ER), and Slope, were obtained from ROI and volume of interest (VOI). The quartile and mean values of these parameters were acquired from VOI, while mean values denoted as Mean^# were acquired from ROI. Establishment of two predictive models was based on ROI and VOI respectively. Model 1 was based on morphologic parameters and ROI semiquantitative parameters, while model 2 was based on morphologic parameters and VOI semiquantitative parameters.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Mann-Whitney U-test, Cohen’s kappa, multivariate logistic regression analysis (backward stepwise), and ROC analyses.

RESULTS: The lesion classification, presence of phlebolith, semiquantitative parameters of VOI (quartile and mean of MITR), and semiquantitative parameters of ROI (Slope_mean^# , MITR_mean^# ) were significantly different between two groups. Lesion classification (P = 0.002) and MITR_mean# (P = 0.027) were independent predictors for poor efficacy in model 1 as determined by multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. For model 2, lesion classification (P = 0.006) and MITR₂₅ (P = 0.001) were independent predictors. The predictive model based on VOI (AUC = 0.961) performed better than that based on ROI (AUC = 0.909) in predicting therapeutic response.

DATA CONCLUSION: DCE-MRI is promising in predicting the response to foam sclerotherapy for VMs. The whole lesion VOI-based model showed better performance and could instruct surgical approach in the future.

EVIDENCE LEVEL: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 4.

PMID:33991357 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.27657

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2021 May 15. doi: 10.1007/s40520-021-01870-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can improve postoperative pain, knee function, and negative emotion in patients aged 70 years and older who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS: This study used randomized, parallel group, controlled trial to divide the included 90 patients into CBT group and usual care group. The primary outcome measure of the study was the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at activity. The secondary outcome measures included the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Knee Range of Motion (ROM), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Rating Scale (HSS), analgesics dose, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS: 83 patients who met the criteria were randomized into CBT group and usual care group. In the SAS, score of the CBT group decreased by 4.3 points at 7th day and 8.2 at 14th day after surgery with respect to preoperative SAS score, the usual care group increased by 1.5 at 7th day and decreased 1.1 at 14th day, and tended to be similar at 3rd month after surgery. There were no significant differences at 7th and 14th day in SDS, however, score of the CBT group was 5.8 and the usual care group was 1.9 at 3rd month after surgery. No statistically significant differences in VAS at activity, ROM, OKS, HSS, analgesics frequency, and postoperative complications between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: CBT was superior to usual care group in relieving anxiety at 7th day and 14th day, and depression at 3rd month, however, CBT cannot relieve postoperative pain and improve joint function after TKA in patients aged 70 years and older.

PMID:33991330 | DOI:10.1007/s40520-021-01870-7

Adv Ther. 2021 May 15. doi: 10.1007/s12325-021-01754-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Combination antihypertensive therapy is required by most patients to achieve guideline-recommended blood pressure (BP) goals. This study assessed the effectiveness and tolerability of bisoprolol/perindopril (Bis/Per) single-pill combination (SPC) in Russian patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD) treated in routine clinical practice.

METHODS: STYLE (NCT03730116) was an open-label, uncontrolled, prospective observational study conducted in patients who were already receiving Bis/Per SPC, switched to SPC from Bis or Per monotherapy, or switched from a free combination of Bis and Per. Primary endpoint criteria were assessed at 1 and 3 months and included change in mean office systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), proportion achieving target BP (< 140/90 mmHg), and measures of antianginal effectiveness.

RESULTS: The full analysis set comprised 1892 subjects. Mean age was 61.9 ± 8.8 years, 53.2% were women, and mean durations of hypertension and CAD were 12.5 ± 7.9 and 7.2 ± 6.4 years, respectively. Mean SBP/DBP decreased by 22.3/11.0 mmHg and 31.5/15.9 mmHg at 1 and 3 months, respectively (P < 0.0001 vs baseline). Target BP was achieved by 49.2% and 86.7% of patients at 1 and 3 months, respectively. Reductions in mean number of angina attacks and nitrate consumption and improvements in heart rate were statistically significant. Treatment was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION: Treatment of patients with hypertension and CAD with Bis/Per SPC for 3 months was associated with significant decreases in SBP/DBP and a high proportion of patients achieving BP treatment goals. This was accompanied by an improvement in angina symptoms. Treatment was well tolerated in a broad patient population representative of those seen in everyday clinical practice.

PMID:33991323 | DOI:10.1007/s12325-021-01754-2

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 May 15. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-14429-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Disinfectants and sanitizers are essential preventive agents against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; however, the pandemic crisis was marred by undue hype, which led to the indiscriminate use of disinfectants and sanitizers. Despite demonstrating a beneficial role in the control and prevention of COVID-19, there are crucial concerns regarding the large-scale use of disinfectants and sanitizers, including the side effects on human and animal health along with harmful impacts exerted on the environment and ecological balance. This article discusses the roles of disinfectants and sanitizers in the control and prevention of the current pandemic and highlights updated disinfection techniques against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This article provides evidence of the deleterious effects of disinfectants and sanitizers exerted on humans, animals, and the environment as well as suggests mitigation strategies to reduce these effects. Additionally, potential technologies and approaches for the reduction of these effects and the development of safe, affordable, and effective disinfectants are discussed, particularly, eco-friendly technologies using nanotechnology and nanomedicine.

PMID:33991301 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-021-14429-w

Odontology. 2021 May 15. doi: 10.1007/s10266-021-00612-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose is to evaluate the effect of photo-thermal acceleration on in-office bleaching efficiency using a bleaching agent without photocatalysts in vitro. Artificially discolored bovine lower incisors were prepared, and the mixed in-office bleaching material contained hydrogen peroxide 23% was applied by following treatment for 10 min: high-(HI group) and low-intensity LED lights (LI group), oven at 38 °C (OV group), and room temperature at 23 °C (RT group). Color was measured before and after bleaching and color difference (∆E*) was calculated. The data were statistically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. The temperature change (∆T) of applied bleaching agent in HI and LI groups was measured using a thermography and was analyzed using a T test. The bleaching procedures were repeated 6 times. Irradiation in the HI group resulted in the highest ΔE, followed by the LI group whose ΔE was significantly lower. Both irradiated modes exhibited higher ΔE compared to non-irradiated OV and RT groups which were not significantly different from each other. The average temperature rise of bleaching agents in HI and LI groups after 10 min irradiation was 15.00 °C and 11.80 °C, respectively. The effect of photo-thermal acceleration was proved for an in-office bleaching agent without photocatalysts in vitro.

PMID:33991277 | DOI:10.1007/s10266-021-00612-5

J Clin Monit Comput. 2021 May 15. doi: 10.1007/s10877-021-00719-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Patients with acute kidney injury who need continuous renal replacement therapy with locoregional citrate anticoagulation are at risk of citrate accumulation with disruption of the calcium balance. We aimed to evaluate the safety of detecting citrate accumulation and adjusting electrolyte disbalances during continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury using a blood sample frequency every 6 h. A prospective single center study in critically ill intensive care unit patients who suffered from acute kidney injury with the need of renal replacement therapy. We evaluated the deviations in pH, bicarbonate and calcium during CVVHD treatment with local regional citrate anticoagulation. Values indicate median and interquartile range. Severe hypocalcemia (below 1.04 mmol/L) or hypercalcemia (above 1.31 mmol/L) occurred in 10.5% and 4.8% respectively. During treatment changes of systemic ionized calcium, post-filter ionized calcium, pH and bicarbonate were corrected with protocolized adjustments. No arrhythmias or citrate accumulation were seen. The values stabilized after 42 h and after that no statistically significant changes were observed. After 42 h of citrate CVVHD, systemic ionized calcium, pH and bicarbonate levels stabilized. A blood sample frequency every 6 h is probably safe to detect citrate accumulation and to adjust the settings of electrolytes to avoid serious electrolyte disturbances in ICU patients without severe metabolic acidosis or severe liver failure.

PMID:33991270 | DOI:10.1007/s10877-021-00719-8

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2021 May 15. doi: 10.1007/s00432-021-03623-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men. There are significant differences regarding clinical behaviour and genetic profiles between female (FBC) and male breast cancer (MBC). Parameters for decision-making on treatment and prognosis are derived from FBC. Ki67 has a high value as a prognostic and predictive factor in FBC, but accurate Ki67 cut-off points for MBC are missing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate adequate examination methods and reliable cut-off points for Ki67 to assess the highest prognostic value for patient’s overall survival (OS).

METHODS: In this multicentric retrospective study, histological specimens were obtained from 104 male patients who were diagnosed and treated for primary invasive breast cancer. We applied three methods of Ki67 analysis: Tumor average scoring (TA), tumor border scoring (TB) and hot-spot scoring (HS). Calculated Ki67 cut-off points for each method were assessed as a threshold for patients’ overall survival (OS).

RESULTS: Ki67 cut-off points were 13.5 for the TA group, 22.5 for the HS group and 17.5 for the TB group. Only Ki67 TA cut-off calculations demonstrated statistical significance (p = 0.04). Ki67 expression analysis of TA showed that more than 90% of patients with low Ki67 levels (< 13.5) were alive after 5-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that determination of Ki67 expression in TA is the most reliable to define a cut-off point with high prognostic value. A Ki67 cut-off point of 13.5 shows highest statistical power to define luminal A subgroup and OS.

PMID:33991247 | DOI:10.1007/s00432-021-03623-5

Eur Radiol. 2021 May 15. doi: 10.1007/s00330-021-07871-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the utility of the splenial angle (SA), an axial angular index of lateral ventriculomegaly measured on diffusion tensor MRI color fractional anisotropy maps, in differentiating NPH from Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and healthy controls (HC), and post-shunt changes in NPH, compared to Evans’ index and callosal angle.

METHODS: Evans’ index, callosal angle, and SA were measured on brain MRI of 76 subjects comprising equal numbers of age- and sex-matched subjects from each cohort of NPH, AD, PD, and HC by two raters. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and multivariable analysis were used to assess the screening performance of each measure in differentiating and predicting NPH from non-NPH groups respectively. Temporal changes in the measures on 1-year follow-up MRI in 11 NPH patients (with or without ventriculoperitoneal shunting) were also assessed.

RESULTS: Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were excellent for all measurements (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.9). Pairwise comparison showed that SA was statistically different between NPH and AD/PD/HC subjects (p < 0.0001). SA performed the best in predicting NPH, with an area under the ROC curve of > 0.98, and was the only measure left in the final model of the multivariable analysis. Significant (p < 0.01) change in SA was seen at follow-up MRI of NPH patients who were shunted compared to those who were not.

CONCLUSIONS: The SA is readily measured on axial DTI color FA maps compared to the callosal angle and shows superior performance differentiating NPH from neurodegenerative disorders and sensitivity to ventricular changes in NPH after surgical intervention.

KEY POINTS: • The splenial angle is a novel simple angular radiological index proposed for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, measured in the ubiquitous axial plane on DTI color fractional anisotropy maps. • The splenial angle quantitates the compression and stretching of the posterior callosal commissural fibers alongside the distended lateral ventricles in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) using tools readily accessible in clinical practice and shows excellent test-retest reliability. • Splenial angle outperforms Evans’ index and callosal angle in predicting NPH from healthy, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease subjects on ROC analysis with an area under the curve of > 0.98 and is sensitive to morphological ventricular changes in NPH patients after ventricular shunting.

PMID:33991224 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-021-07871-4

Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 May 15. doi: 10.1007/s00383-021-04906-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids and hyaluronidase are trialed for treating phimosis in children. We carried out the present network meta-analysis to compare the therapeutic effect of these drugs.

METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for appropriate randomized clinical trials. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was used as the effect estimate. A random-effects model was used for generating the pooled estimates. Rankogram plot was used for ranking the drugs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportions of patients with remission (partial/complete) and with complete remission.

RESULTS: Mometasone (OR 6.53, 95% CI 2.85, 14.96), betamethasone/hyaluronidase (OR 12.1, 95% CI 4.27, 34.49), triamcinolone (OR 19.15, 95% CI 4.47, 81.96), dexamethasone (OR 21.38, 95% CI 5.71, 79.98), betamethasone (OR 23.02, 95% CI 6.92, 79.54), hydrocortisone (OR 23.2, 95% CI 5.91, 91.02) and methylprednisolone (OR 50.47, 95% CI 4.45, 572.72) were observed with significantly higher proportions of patients with remission (partial/complete) compared to placebo. Dexamethasone, triamcinolone, betamethasone, betamethasone/hyaluronidase, clobetasol, mometasone, and hydrocortisone were observed with significantly higher proportions of patients with complete remission compared to placebo. Beclomethasone was not observed to be superior to either placebo or other drugs. Rankogram plot revealed methylprednisolone followed by hydrocortisone had the maximum statistical probability of being ‘the best’ in the pool for remission and betamethasone followed by hydrocortisone for complete remission.

CONCLUSION: Topical methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, and betamethasone were observed with better clinical resolution of phimosis compared to other corticosteroids. Very high potent corticosteroids like beclomethasone and clobetasol were not observed with superior benefits compared to other corticosteroids. Considering low-potency, hydrocortisone shall be preferred until further evidence emerges.

PMID:33991205 | DOI:10.1007/s00383-021-04906-1