Tag: nevin manimala

Acta Ophthalmol. 2021 Sep 20. doi: 10.1111/aos.14983. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare ultrasound (US) consumption and central macular thickness (CMT) and volume changes with manual and femtosecond laser (FSL)-assisted cataract nucleus workup.

METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for immediate sequential bilateral surgery underwent a prospective randomized intraindividual comparison of nucleus sector fragmentation performed manually in one eye and with low-energy FSL assistance in the partner eye, followed by high-fluidics phacoaspiration with a maximum US power of 30%. Ultrasound (US) energy consumption and macular thickness and volume were compared as measured by intraoperative effective phacoemulsification time (EPT) and high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography pre- and 1 week, 3 weeks and 6 weeks postoperatively. Results are presented as means ± SD or medians [min; max].

RESULTS: Fifty-two patients completed the full follow-up. For the manual and FSL-assisted groups, nuclear hardness was almost identical with a mean LOCS III grade of 2.44 ± 1.08 and 2.50 ± 1.00 (p = 0.371). Median EPT was 1.40 [0.2; 8.3] and 1.25 [0.2; 9.4] seconds. Median preoperative CMT was 276.50 [263.25; 289.75] µm and 276.00 [262.00; 290.00] µm. Median postoperative CMT was 278.00 [260.50; 288.00] versus 275.50 [264.00; 290.50] µm at 1 week, 279.50 [266.75; 292.25] versus 280.00 [266.50; 294.50] µm at 3 weeks and 280.50 [268.00, 293.75] versus 279.50 [264.75; 295.25] µm at 6 weeks. Differences in CMT and total macular volume between the groups were not statistically significant at any point in time.

CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser (FSL) prefragmentation of the nucleus into six sectors did not reduce US energy consumption compared with manual splitting of the nucleus into four quadrants in this particular surgical setting. Sectorial FSL-prechopping with the low-energy FSL used had no additional impact on postoperative macular thickness and volume.

PMID:34543523 | DOI:10.1111/aos.14983

J Appl Microbiol. 2021 Sep 20. doi: 10.1111/jam.15301. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The efficacy of ambient mass spectrometry to identify and serotype Legionella pneumophila was assessed. To this aim, isolated waterborne colonies were submitted to a rapid extraction method and analysed by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS).

METHODS AND RESULTS: The DART-HRMS profiles, coupled with partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), were first evaluated for their ability to differentiate Legionella spp. from other bacteria. The resultant classification model achieved an accuracy of 98.1% on validation. Capitalising on these encouraging results, DART-HRMS profiling was explored as an alternative approach for the identification of L. pneumophila sg. 1, L. pneumophila sg. 2-15 and L. non-pneumophila; therefore, a different PLS-DA classifier was built. When tested on a validation set, this second classifier reached an overall accuracy of 95.93%. It identified the harmful L. pneumophila sg. 1 with an impressive specificity (100%) and slightly lower sensitivity (91.7%), and similar performances were reached in the classification of L. pneumophila sg. 2-15 and L. non-pneumophila.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show the DART-HMRS method has good accuracy and it is an effective method for Legionella serogroup profiling.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: These preliminary findings could open a new avenue for the rapid identification and quick epidemiologic tracing of L. pneumophila, with a consequent improvement to risk assessment.

PMID:34543502 | DOI:10.1111/jam.15301

J Appl Microbiol. 2021 Sep 20. doi: 10.1111/jam.15302. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: We investigated the antibacterial effect of seven essential oils (EOs) and one EO-containing liquid phytogenic solution marketed for poultry and pigs (‘Product A’) on chicken pathogens, as well as the relationship between MIC in EOs and antibiotics commonly administered to chicken flocks in the Mekong Delta (Vietnam).

METHODS AND RESULTS: Micellar extracts from oregano (Origanum vulgare), cajeput (Melaleuca leucadendra), garlic (Allium sativum), black pepper (Piper nigrum), peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) EOs and Product A were investigated for their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against Avibacterium endocarditidis (N=10), Pasteurella multocida (N=7), Ornitobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) (N=10), Escherichia coli (N=10) and Gallibacterium anatis (N=10). Cinnamon EO had the lowest median MIC across strains (median 0.5mg/ml [interquartile range (IQR) 0.3-2.0mg/ml]), followed by Product A (3.8mg/ml [1.9-3.8mg/ml]), oregano EO (30.4mg/ml [7.6-60.8mg/ml]), garlic 63.1mg/ml [3.9->505.0mg/ml]. Peppermint, tea tree, cajeput and pepper EOs had all MIC≥219mg/ml. In addition, we determined the MIC of the 12 most commonly used antibiotics in chicken flocks in the area. After accounting for pathogen species, we found an independent, statistically significant (p<0.05) positive correlation between MIC of 10 of 28 (35.7%) pairs of EOs. For 67/96 (69.8%) combinations of EOs and antibiotics, the MICs were correlated. Of all antibiotics, doxycycline was positively associated with the highest number of EOs (peppermint, tea tree, black pepper and cajeput, all p<0.05). For cinnamon, the MICs were negatively correlated with the MICs of 11/12 antimicrobial tested (all except colistin).

CONCLUSIONS: Increases in MIC of antibiotics generally correlates with increased tolerance to EOs. For cinnamon EO, however, the opposite was observed.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our results suggest increased antibacterial effects of EOs on multi-drug resistant pathogens; cinnamon EO was particularly effective against bacterial poultry pathogens.

PMID:34543506 | DOI:10.1111/jam.15302

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021 Sep 20. doi: 10.1111/jdv.17674. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Laser pulses with nanosecond duration (NSL) have been the golden standard to destroy the pigment particles in skin. It is still controversially discussed whether picosecond pulses (PSL) are superior for tattoo removal.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and the adverse reactions of nanosecond and picosecond laser pulses in a comparative study.

METHODS: The prospective study included 23 subjects with 30 black or coloured tattoos, which were split in two halves treated with either a new PSL (532 nm, 1064 nm) or standard NSL (694 nm). The lasers were applied at regular time intervals of 4 weeks for up to eight treatments. Tattoo clearance (primary endpoints), pain and adverse reactions (secondary endpoints) were appraised by physicians, blinded observers and by subjects. The extent and duration of adverse reactions were additionally assessed by using a questionnaire and photo-documentation between after each treatment session.

RESULTS: The tattoo clearance appeared to be more effective for PSL compared to NSL but without statistical significance (p>0.05). Pretreated tattoos responded better to laser treatments than previously untreated tattoos. Subjects felt significantly less pain with PSL than with NSL (p<0.001). Transient adverse reactions were statistically less pronounced lasting shorter for PSL as for NSL, especially blistering, pruritus, and burning sensation. Hypopigmentation appeared after NSL treatments only, whereas hyperpigmentation were caused by both lasers. No scarring was detected with either laser.

CONCLUSIONS: Both laser systems enable acceptable clearance of most tattoos in the present study. PSL cause less collateral skin damage as compared to NSL.

PMID:34543473 | DOI:10.1111/jdv.17674

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021 Sep 20. doi: 10.1111/jdv.17673. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis has important physical and psychosocial effects that extend beyond the skin. Understanding the impact of treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient-perceived symptom severity in psoriasis is key in clinical decision-making.

OBJECTIVES: This post-hoc analysis of the PSO-LONG trial data assessed the impact of long-term proactive or reactive management with fixed-dose combination calcipotriene 50 µg/g and betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g (Cal/BD) foam on patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

METHODS: Five hundred and twenty-one patients from the Phase 3, randomised, double-blind PSO-LONG trial were included. An initial 4-week, open-label phase of fixed-dose combination Cal/BD foam once daily (QD) was followed by a 52-week maintenance phase, at the start of which patients were randomised to a proactive management arm (Cal/BD foam twice weekly) or reactive management arm (vehicle foam twice weekly). Patient-perceived symptom severity and HRQoL were assessed using the Psoriasis Symptom Inventory (PSI), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the EuroQol-5D for psoriasis (EQ-5D-5L-PSO).

RESULTS: Statistically and clinically significant improvements were observed across all PRO measures. The mean difference (standard deviation) from baseline to Week 4 was -8.97 (6.18) for PSI, -6.02 (5.46) for DLQI, and 0.11 (0.15) for EQ-5D-5L-PSO scores. During maintenance, patients receiving reactive management had significantly higher DLQI (15% [p=0.007]) and PSI (15% [p=0.0128]), and a numerically lower EQ-5D-5L-PSO mean area under the curve score compared with patients receiving proactive management (1% [p=0.0842]).

CONCLUSIONS: Cal/BD foam significantly improved DLQI, EQ-5D-5L-PSO, and PSI scores during the open-label and maintenance phases. Patients assigned to proactive management had significantly better DLQI and PSI scores, and numerically better EQ-5D-5L-PSO versus reactive management. Additionally, baseline flare was associated with worse PROs than the start of a relapse and patients starting a relapse also had worse PROs than patients in remission.

PMID:34543474 | DOI:10.1111/jdv.17673

J Athl Train. 2021 Sep 20. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0103.21. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Inadequate hip active range of motion (AROM) may stifle the energy flow through the kinematic chain and decrease pitching performance while increasing the risk for pitcher injury.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship of hip AROM and pitching biomechanics during a fastball pitch in adolescent baseball pitchers.

DESIGN: Cross-Sectional study.

SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS: A voluntary sample of 21 adolescent baseball pitchers (16.1 ± 0.8 yrs.; 183.9 ± 5.2 cm; 77.9 ± 8.3 kg). Main Outcome Measure (s): Bilateral hip internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), flexion, extension, and abduction AROM were measured. Three-dimensional biomechanics were assessed as participants threw from an indoor pitching mound to a strike zone net at regulation distance. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine correlations between hip AROM and biomechanical metrics.

RESULTS: Statistically significant negative correlations were found at foot contact between back hip ER AROM and back hip abduction angle (p=0.030, r=-0.474), back hip ER AROM and torso rotation angle (p=0.032, r=-0.468),and back hip abduction AROM and lead hip abduction angle (p=0.037, r=-0.458). Back hip extension AROM was positively correlated with increased stride length (p=0.043, r=0.446). Lead hip abduction AROM was also positively correlated with normalized elbow varus torque (p=0.034, r=0.464).

CONCLUSIONS: There were several relationships between hip AROM and biomechanical variables during the pitching motion. The findings support the influence hip AROM can have on pitching biomechanics. Overall, greater movement at the hips allows for the kinematic chain to work at its maximal efficiency, increasing pitch velocity potential.

PMID:34543423 | DOI:10.4085/1062-6050-0103.21

Mov Disord. 2021 Sep;36(9):2207-2208. doi: 10.1002/mds.28721.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:34543466 | DOI:10.1002/mds.28721

Gerontologist. 2021 Sep 20:gnab138. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnab138. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

While Zimbabwe shares similar characteristics with other sub-Saharan countries that are generally regarded as ‘young populations’ the percentage of older adults has increased from 4,7% in 1982 to 6% in 2017. Research on ageing is mainly on social protection, health and quality of life. Emerging research points towards healthy ageing, gender relations and access to resources. The economic environment has been unstable for the greater part of the 41 years of independence. Poverty is increasing and the lives of older adults are vulnerable owing to inadequate and poorly targeted and funded social safety nets and social care services. The framework for addressing ageing in the country is adequate but implementation is lacking. Zimbabwe lacks longitudinal datasets on ageing; researchers mostly rely on data produced by Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), United Nations agencies and other International non-governmental organisations.

PMID:34543414 | DOI:10.1093/geront/gnab138

J Athl Train. 2021 Sep 20. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0165.21. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Context The combination of an excessive increase in running pace and volume is essential to consider when investigating associations between running and running-related injury. Objectives The purpose of the present study was to complete a secondary analysis on a dataset from a randomized trial, to investigate the interactions between relative or absolute weekly changes in running volume and running pace on running injury occurrence among a cohort of injury-free recreational runners in Denmark. Design Prospective cohort study Setting Running volume and pace were collected during a 24-week follow-up using global positioning systems (GPS) data. Training data was used to calculate relative and absolute weekly changes in running volume and pace. Patients or Other Participants A total of 586 recreational runners were included in the analysis. All participants were injury-free at inclusion. Main Outcome Measure(s) Running-related injury was the outcome. Injury data were collected weekly using a modified version of the OSTRC questionnaire. Risk difference (RD) was the measure of injury risk. Results A total of 133 runners sustained a running-related injury. A relative weekly change of progression >10% in running volume and progression in running pace (RD=8.1%, 95%CI: – 9.3;25.6%) and an absolute weekly change of progression >5km in running volume and progression in running pace (RD=5.2%, 95%CI: -12.0;22.5%), were not associated with a statistically significant positive interaction. Conclusions As coaches, clinicians and athletes may agree that excessive increase in running pace and excessive increase in running volume are important contributors to injury development, we analyzed the interaction between them. Although a statistically significant positive interaction on an additive scale in runners who progressed both running pace and running volume were not identified in the present study, readers of scientific articles should be aware that interaction is an important analytical approach that could be applied to other datasets in future publications.

PMID:34543419 | DOI:10.4085/1062-6050-0165.21

PLoS One. 2021 Sep 20;16(9):e0257520. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257520. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Previous work had shown that machine learning models can predict inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related hospitalizations and outpatient corticosteroid use based on patient demographic and laboratory data in a cohort of United States Veterans. This study aimed to replicate this modeling framework in a nationally representative cohort.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort design using Optum Electronic Health Records (EHR) were used to identify IBD patients, with at least 12 months of follow-up between 2007 and 2018. IBD flare was defined as an inpatient/emergency visit with a diagnosis of IBD or an outpatient corticosteroid prescription for IBD. Predictors included demographic and laboratory data. Logistic regression and random forest (RF) models were used to predict IBD flare within 6 months of each visit. A 70% training and 30% validation approach was used.

RESULTS: A total of 95,878 patients across 780,559 visits were identified. Of these, 22,245 (23.2%) patients had at least one IBD flare. Patients were predominantly White (87.7%) and female (57.1%), with a mean age of 48.0 years. The logistic regression model had an area under the receiver operating curve (AuROC) of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.65-0.66), sensitivity of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.68-0.70), and specificity of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.73-0.74) in the validation cohort. The RF model had an AuROC of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.80-0.81), sensitivity of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.73-0.74), and specificity of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.72-0.72) in the validation cohort. Important predictors of IBD flare in the RF model were the number of previous flares, age, potassium, and white blood cell count.

CONCLUSION: The machine learning modeling framework was replicated and results showed a similar predictive accuracy in a nationally representative cohort of IBD patients. This modeling framework could be embedded in routine practice as a tool to distinguish high-risk patients for disease activity.

PMID:34543353 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0257520