Nevin Manimala

Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2021 Apr 17;20(2):178-187.

ABSTRACT

The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) is the key regulator of inflammatory responses and has been involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Laboratory and in silico evaluations have demonstrated that some polymorphisms in 3’UTR of NOD2 gene could influence the secondary structure of this region and similarly thermodynamic features of hybridization site and finally deregulate the expression of NOD2. In the current study, for the first time, we evaluated the possible association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs3135500 and rs3135499 in the NOD2 gene with RA risk in the Iranian population. One hundred and fifteen patients with RA and 120 healthy subjects were recruited in this case-control study. Genotyping of rs3135500 and rs3135499 polymorphisms were accomplished using the real‑time polymerase chain reaction high resolution melting (HRM) method. We found a substantial association of AA and AG genotypes in rs3135500 with the risk of RA (AA vs GG; OR=5.547; 95%CI [2.564-11.999]; p<0.001 and AG vs GG; OR=2.179; 95%CI [1.145-4.147]; p=0.017). Moreover, in the patient group, there was a significant relationship between the increased concentration of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) with rs3135500 (A allele) (p<0.05). However, there were no important associations between rs3135499 with the risk of RA (p>0.05). However, we found a noteworthy association of the C allele in rs3135499 with an increased level of CRP in patients (p>0.05). Our findings propose a considerable association between NOD2 polymorphisms with increased risk of RA and disease activity.

PMID:33904676

JBRA Assist Reprod. 2021 Apr 27;25(2):209-214. doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20200068.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of interactive music therapy on stress levels in women undergoing high complexity infertility treatments.

METHODS: Prospective randomized study involving 113 women treated in the Reproduction Human Laboratory of the Clinics Hospital of the Federal University of Goiás State, submitted to in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. We used Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and Lipp’s Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults. In the Intervention Group, we used small and easy to play percussive musical instruments, a guitar, voice, and a recorder. We used interactive music therapy approach individually, applied before baseline ultrasound scan, oocyte pick-up, and embryo transfer. We analyzed the data using the R. Paired Student t-test to compare the results.

RESULTS: Comparison of the stress levels by Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale between the groups in the final moment of data retrieval resulted in 23.13 (SD±10.51; n=32) in the Control Group and 16.12 (SD±7.87; n=33) in the Intervention Group, being statistically different (p=0.004). Also in Lipp’s Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults there was a significant stress reduction in 39% of the patients in the Intervention Group compared to a reduction of 14% in the patients of the Control Group (p=0.032). In this same measurement resulted that only 3% of the Intervention Group patients versus 23% of the Control Group patients (p=0.027) were in the exhaustion stage.

CONCLUSION: Interactive music therapy was effective for stress reduction in women during assisted reproduction techniques.

PMID:33904665 | DOI:10.5935/1518-0557.20200068

Diagn Cytopathol. 2021 Apr 27. doi: 10.1002/dc.24761. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main causal factor of cervical carcinoma. HPV 16 is one of the most prominent oncogenic types. We aimed to evaluate the cytomorphometric and morphological alterations caused by HPV 16 in liquid-based cytology (LBC).

METHODS: The Cobas 4800 HPV system was used for the detecting and typing HPV DNA in cervical specimens. In this study, 30 HPV 16 positive and 30 HPV 16 negative cervical samples were evaluated for micronuclei (MN), nonclassical cytologic abnormalities, and the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio. Nuclear and cellular areas were evaluated using image analysis software and the nuclear-to-cytoplasm ratio was calculated. All analyses were performed blinded to the patients’ HPV status. Statistical evaluation was carried out using the χ² and Fisher test; P-values < .05 were considered significant.

RESULTS: The frequencies of micronucleated cells and koilocytes were higher in the HPV 16 infected group (P < .05). Cells with perinuclear halo in control group were higher than the HPV 16 infected group (P < .05). The mean nuclear-to-cytoplasm ratio in HPV 16 patients was higher than the control value, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: LBC can be used to detect morphological and morphometric changes. HPV 16 induces the formation of MN and koilocytosis. The evaluation of MN could provide additional information in monitoring genomic instability and of koilocytes could provide information about damage to the cytoskeleton filaments in HPV infection. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of HPV-18 and other high-risk HPV types on the cell size and nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio.

PMID:33904658 | DOI:10.1002/dc.24761

J Prosthodont. 2021 Apr 27. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13371. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of static computer-assisted implant surgery (sCAIS) for tooth-supported free-end dental implantation with the aid/and without the aid of fixation pins to secure the surgical template through comparison between planned, 3D printed guide position and placement implant position.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two duplicated maxillary resin models were used in the present in vitro study. Digital planning was performed and fabrication of a surgical template that allowed implant placement on the distal extension edentulous site of the model (maxillary left side). A first optical scan was performed after fitting the surgical template on the model to assess the deviation at the surgical guide level. After placing implants in the model using the surgical guide, scan bodies were attached to the implants, and a second scan was performed to record the position of placed implants. The digital representations were later superimposed to the pre-operative scan and measurements of implant deviations were performed. Global (coronal and apical), horizontal (coronal and apical), depth and angular deviations were recorded between planned implant position, guide position and placement implant position. Three-way ANOVA was used to compare implant location (#13, 14 and 15), fixation pin (with or without pin) and guide comparison (planned, guided and placement).

RESULTS: Final implant placement based on the digital plan and based on the 3D printed guide were very similar except for depth deviation. Use of fixation pin had a statistically significant effect on the depth and angular deviation. Overall, without fixation pins and based on guide vs. placement, mean global coronal (0.88 ± 0.36 mm), horizontal coronal (0.55 ± 0.32 mm) and apical (1.44 ± 0.75 mm), and angular deviations (4.28 ± 2.01°) were similar to deviations with fixation pins: mean global coronal (0.88 ± 0.36 mm); horizontal coronal (0.67 ± 0.22 mm) and apical (1.60 ± 0.69 mm); and angular deviations (4.53 ± 2.04°). Horizontal apical without pins (1.63 ± 0.69 mm) and with fixation pins (1.72 ± 0.70 mm) was statistically significant (p = 0.044). Depth deviation without pins (-0.5 ± 0.5 mm) and with fixation pins (-0.16 ± 0.62 mm) was also statistically significant (p = 0.005). Further analysis demonstrated that the final sleeve position on the 3D printed guide was on average 0.5mm more coronal than the digital plan.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of surgical guides with or without fixation pins can provide clinically acceptable outcomes in terms of accuracy in implant position. There was a statistically significant difference in the accuracy of implant position when utilizing fixation pins only for horizontal apical and depth deviation. Additionally, a statistically significant difference between the planned and the 3D printed surgical guide when considering the sleeve position was detected. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:33904640 | DOI:10.1111/jopr.13371

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Apr 27. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14092. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Thread lifting is one of the most common minimally invasive options in facial rejuvenation procedures. The application of polydioxanone (PDO) showed good results and fewer complications. PDO threads effectively strengthen the contour of the face, reduce roundness, and lift sagging skin due to collagen-stimulating properties.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was an evaluation of the efficacy of the PDO threads: the combination of the cog type and press cog type threads (Ncog and Nfix) and cog type thread (Ncog) alone. And this study was conducted to define complications related to thread inserting during the follow-up period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent PDO thread treatment for facial rejuvenation and tightening sagging skin tissues were evaluated. The follow-up period was seven months. Photographic objective and subjective evaluations were performed during this period.

RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 51.8 years (range 65 to 34). There was a statistically significant difference between pre and 1month postoperative results in both groups with a mean score of 1.94±0.43 (p<0.05). Furthermore, the combination of Ncog and N fix showed slightly better results than Ncog alone. According to patient satisfaction, all patients were satisfied with the clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed PDO threads are effective in aged skin rejuvenation, soft tissue retraction, and support, showing fewer complications. In addition, it could be assumed that treatment with thicker thread could be a more efficacious procedure. However, this statement requires further researches.

PMID:33904637 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.14092

Clin Anat. 2021 Apr 27. doi: 10.1002/ca.23742. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia involves visualizing sono-anatomy to guide needle insertion and the perineural injection of local anesthetic. Anatomical knowledge, and recognition of anatomical structures on ultrasound, is known to be imperfect amongst anesthesiologists. This investigation evaluates the performance of an assistive artificial intelligence (AI) system in aiding the identification of anatomical structures on ultrasound. Three independent experts in regional anesthesia reviewed 40 ultrasound scans of seven body regions. Unmodified ultrasound videos were presented side-by-side with AI-highlighted ultrasound videos. Experts rated the overall system performance, ascertained whether highlighting helped identify specific anatomical structures, and provided opinion on whether it would help confirm the correct ultrasound view to a less experienced practitioner. Two hundred and seventy-five assessments were performed (five videos contained inadequate views); mean highlighting scores ranged from 7.87-8.69 (out of 10). The Kruskal-Wallis H-test showed a statistically significant difference in the overall performance rating (χ² [6] = 36.719, asymptotic p < 0.001); regions containing a prominent vascular landmark ranked most highly. AI-highlighting was helpful in identifying specific anatomical structures in 1330/1334 cases (99.7%) and for confirming the correct ultrasound view in 273/275 scans (99.3%). These data demonstrate the clinical utility of an assistive AI system in aiding the identification of anatomical structures on ultrasound during ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. Whilst further evaluation must follow, such technology may present an opportunity to enhance clinical practice and energize the important field of clinical anatomy amongst clinicians.

PMID:33904628 | DOI:10.1002/ca.23742

J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2021 Apr 27. doi: 10.1111/jpn.13554. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with coated granules (CG) on performance, in vitro digestibility and the gastrointestinal functionality in laying hens. A total of 40 Hisex Brown laying hens (36 weeks of age) were randomly divided into five equal groups; one served as a control and the other four were actual experimental groups supplemented with 0.75, 1.5, 3 or 6 g CG per day. All the hens were fed restrictively with target feed intake of 100 g basal diet/hen per day. There were no differences in egg production or egg weight among the groups, but feed conversion ratio was significantly improved (linearly, p < 0.05) with the dose level of CG in diet. Dietary CG increased the jejunal weight (linear and quadratic terms, p < 0.05) but decreased the ileal weight (linearly, p < 0.05). There was mostly statistical interaction between dietary CG and specific activity of intestinal digestive enzymes with similar patterns for dietary CG treatments (p < 0.05). A positive linear correlation was observed with in vitro protein digestibility by using the crude enzyme extract from dietary CG supplementation. Dietary CG decreased the caecal Escherichia coli population while the Lactobacillus spp.: E. coli ratio increased (quadratic fit, p < 0.05). CG supplementation, on the other hand, significantly altered intestinal morphology by increasing the height of duodenal and ileal villi (linearly, p < 0.05). Also, duodenal antioxidant capacity observed via remaining reducing power improved linearly (p < 0.05). This suggests that CG, unlike garlic oils without encapsulation, may be a good candidate for feed supplementation in commercial egg production. It could be included up to 6 g CG per day without any adverse effects on performance, which may relate to improving nutrient digestibility and better utilization of limited feed intake when using a low amount of diet or other observations in this study.

PMID:33904625 | DOI:10.1111/jpn.13554

J Periodontal Res. 2021 Apr 27. doi: 10.1111/jre.12886. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a gel containing propolis extract, nanovitamin C and nanovitamin E as adjuvant to mechanical debridement in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis (PM).

BACKGROUND: Propolis has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect that may improve peri-implant health.

METHODS: A randomized, double-blind study was performed on patients with at least one implant with PM. Participants received a professional prophylaxis and were instructed to use either test or a control gel as toothpaste three times/day for 1 month. Clinical and microbiological parameters were evaluated. PM resolution was considered in absence of bleeding on probing (BOP). Data were analysed with Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank and chi-square tests.

RESULTS: Forty-six patients participated (23 in each group). After treatment, 26.1% of test patients showed complete PM resolution versus 0% in control group (p = .02). Significant reductions were observed in plaque index (p = .03), BOP (p = .04) and probing depths (p = .027) in test compared with control group. The reduction in Tannerella forsythia was statistically greater in test than in control group at 1-month follow-up (p = .02). Porphyromonas gingivalis was statistically reduced in test group from baseline to 1-month follow-up (p = .05).

CONCLUSION: Test gel clinically improved PM and showed certain antimicrobial effect after 1 month in comparison with control group. Further long-term clinical trials are required to confirm these results.

PMID:33904601 | DOI:10.1111/jre.12886

Laryngoscope. 2021 Apr 27. doi: 10.1002/lary.29587. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To compare rates of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) between a very-low energy transfer monopolar technique (VLET) and standard energy techniques.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective controlled cohort study.

METHODS: All tonsillectomies performed by practice physicians during the period January 1, 2010 to August 31, 2019 were identified. Three groups were created based on surgeon technique utilization: the study group (VLET) and two control groups (exclusive standard energy monopolar [Standard]; exclusive “hot” technique without exclusive monopolar use [Mixed “Hot”]). Each group’s PTH occurrences requiring surgical intervention (PTHRSI) were identified and rates compared.

RESULTS: During the study period 11,348 tonsillectomies were performed (4,427 Standard, 1,374 VLET, 5,547 Mixed “Hot”), and 167 (1.47%) PTHRSI events identified (14 primary (<24 hours), 153 secondary (>24 hours), 12 repeat (>1PTHRSI/patient). Compared to the Standard group secondary and total PTHRSI rates (1.47%, 1.60%), the Mixed “Hot” group experienced similar rates (1.57%, P = .54; 1.68%, P = .64), but the VLET group experienced significantly lower rates (0.15%, P = .0026, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.114 [0.028-0.469]; 0.22%, P = .0016, adjusted OR 0.155 [0.048-0.494]). Age was a significant risk factor for both secondary and total PTHRSI (P = .0025, P = .0024, adjusted OR 1.02/year [1.01-1.03]). No significant difference in rate of primary PTHRSI was seen collectively or in any age group. The <12VLET Group experienced 0 episodes of secondary PTHRSI and a total PTHRSI rate of 0.09% in 1060 tonsillectomies.

CONCLUSIONS: Standard energy techniques had an adjusted odds ratio over 8-fold higher for secondary PTHRSI and over 6-fold higher for total PTHRSI compared to the minimized energy transfer VLET technique.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

PMID:33904597 | DOI:10.1002/lary.29587

Bioinformatics. 2021 Apr 27:btab248. doi: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btab248. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

 : Biclustering is a generalization of clustering used to identify simultaneous grouping patterns in observations (rows) and features (columns) of a data matrix. Recently, the biclustering task has been formulated as a convex optimization problem. While this convex recasting of the problem has attractive properties, existing algorithms do not scale well. To address this problem and make convex biclustering a practical tool for analyzing larger data, we propose an implementation of fast convex biclustering called COBRAC to reduce the computing time by iteratively compressing problem size along the solution path. We apply COBRAC to several gene expression datasets to demonstrate its effectiveness and efficiency. Besides the standalone version for COBRAC, we also developed a related online web server for online calculation and visualization of the downloadable interactive results.

AVAILABILITY: The source code and test data are available at https://github.com/haidyi/cvxbiclustr or https://zenodo.org/record/4620218. The web server is available at https://cvxbiclustr.ericchi.com.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID:33904580 | DOI:10.1093/bioinformatics/btab248