Tag: nevin manimala

Ginekol Pol. 2024 Oct 29. doi: 10.5603/gpl.103145. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is defined as a chronic inflammatory skin disease that most often involves lesions on the mucous membranes of the vulva with a tendency to progress to the anal skin. The etiopathogenesis of VLS remains unknown and is likely multifactorial. Data emphasize the role of immunological factors – more than 25% of VLS cases coexist with autoimmune diseases. The purpose of the present study was to determine the correlation of the prevalence of anti-thyroid antibodies – IgG class antibodies against thyroid peroxidase and IgG class antibodies against thyroglobulin in women with vulvar lichen sclerosus, and the appropriateness of screening tests for autoimmune thyroid diseases in women with vulvar lichen sclerosus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty women with vulvar lichen sclerosus were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 41 healthy women. A detailed medical history was taken with all patients, followed by laboratory determinations – anti-thyroid antibodies – IgG class antibodies against thyroid peroxidase and IgG class antibodies against thyroglobulin.

RESULTS: Antibodies to thyroid peroxidase were present in 12% of the study group with vulvar lichen sclerosus and 4.88% of the control group, and this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.41). Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were detected in 4% of the patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus and 4.88% of the control group, and this difference was not statistically significant either (p = 0.76).

CONCLUSIONS: The study did not confirm the association of VLS with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Undoubtedly, based on the data available in the literature, further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms behind the association between vulvar lichen sclerosus and autoimmune thyroid diseases.

PMID:39469822 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.103145

Ginekol Pol. 2024 Oct 29. doi: 10.5603/gpl.101029. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The effects of posterior vaginal wall prolapse on pelvic floor function have not been adequately investigated, particularly for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We aimed to investigate the effects of isolated posterior compartment prolapse on LUTS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted as a PROSPECTIVE: cross-sectional study with female patients with isolated posterior prolapse who presented with any LUTS. All patients were evaluated according to the POP-Q system. A total of 41 patients with stage 2-3 isolated pelvic organ prolapse were included in the study group. The control group consisted of a total of 41 patients without significant pelvic organ prolapse. Study and control groups were compared in terms of demographic data and UDI-6, IIQ-7, ICIQ-FLUTS, LUTS QoL, FLUT Sex scales.

RESULTS: The incidence of SUI, UI, frequency, nocturia, abnormal evacuation, difficulty in passage and vaginal farting in the study group was found to be statistically significantly higher than the control group. In the study group, the total scores on the UDI-6, IIQ-7, and LUTS QoL measures were significantly higher. While the total scores of the ICIQ-FLUTS Scale “Filling” and “Incontinence” subgroups were significantly higher in the study group, no significant difference was found in the “voiding” subgroup. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of their total FLUT Sex scores.

CONCLUSIONS: It has been shown that isolated posterior prolapse may be associated with an increase in lower urinary tract system symptoms and a decrease in quality of life.

PMID:39469821 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.101029

Ginekol Pol. 2024 Oct 29. doi: 10.5603/gpl.98199. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the impact of Pilates exercises on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, perceived stress levels, and pain intensity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-six women with PMS participated in this study and were assigned to the intervention and control groups based on their willingness to participate. The intervention group undertook Pilates practices via video recording twice a week for 8 weeks, while the control group did not engage in regular exercise during the same period. PMS symptoms were assessed using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), premenstrual stress levels were evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and premenstrual pain levels were assessed using the McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) at both the beginning and end of the study.

RESULTS: There was a significant difference observed in the PMSS, PSS and MPQ evaluations of the intervention group following their participation in Pilates practices (p < 0.05). Conversely, no significant difference was observed in the PMSS, PSS and MPQ evaluations of the control group at the end of the study (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in PMSS evaluation (p > 0.05) at the end of the study. However, a statistically significant difference was detected in PSS and MPQ evaluations (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Pilates exercise can affectively decrease the perceived stress level and pain severity in PMS affected women. This study highlights the efficacy of Pilates for physiotherapists in PMS symptom reduction. Moreover, the implementation of a self-guided video-based home exercise program could provide patients with practical and time-efficient alternatives.

PMID:39469819 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.98199

Cartilage. 2024 Oct 29:19476035241292323. doi: 10.1177/19476035241292323. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates how the inflammatory response of ATDC5 murine chondrogenic cells influences the activity of C6 (rat) and GL261 (mouse) glial cell lines. Prior research suggested nitric oxide (NO) involvement in cartilage-immune crosstalk. The current study explores whether NO, produced by inflamed chondrocytes, mediates signaling between chondrocytes and glial cells.

DESIGN: Pre-challenged ATDC5 cells with 250 ng/ml of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were cocultured with GL261 or C6 glioma cells for 24 h with a transwell culture system. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay. Gene and protein expression were evaluated by qRT-PCR and WB, respectively.

RESULTS: Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) indicated statistically significant upregulation of LCN2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and GFAP in glial cells following 24-h coculture with challenged ATDC5 cells. Suppression of LPS-induced NO production by aminoguanidine decreased LPS-mediated LCN2 and IL-6 expression in glioma cells. We identified also the involvement of the ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways in the glial neuroinflammatory response.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates, for the first time, that NO produced by inflamed murine chondrocytes mediated pro-inflammatory responses in glial cells via ERK1/2 and AKT signaling, highlighting a potential mechanism linking cartilage NO to neuroinflammation and chronic pain in osteoarthritis.

PMID:39469810 | DOI:10.1177/19476035241292323

Cartilage. 2024 Oct 29:19476035241293268. doi: 10.1177/19476035241293268. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes following autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) at a minimum of 10-year follow-up.

DESIGN: Retrospective chart review identified patients who underwent AOT for the treatment of OLT. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained in all patients. Clinical outcomes assessed included: pre- and post-operative foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS), visual analog scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, complications, failures and secondary surgical procedures.

RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with a mean lesion size was 122.3 ± 64.1 mm² and mean follow-up time of 138.9 ± 16.9 months were included. The mean FAOS scores improved from a preoperative score of 51.9 ± 16.0 to 75.3 ± 21.9 (P < 0.001). Increasing lesion size was variable associated with inferior FAOS scores (R² = 0.2228). There was statistically significant higher mean T2 relaxation values at the superficial layer at the site of the AOT graft (42.9 ± 5.2 ms) compared to the superficial layer of the adjacent native cartilage (35.8 ± 3.8 ms) (P < 0.001). Seventeen complications (43.6%) were observed, the most common of which was anterior ankle impingement (25.6%). There were 2 failures (5.1%), both of which had a history of prior bone marrow stimulation via microfracture and post-operative cysts identified on MRI.

CONCLUSION: This retrospective review found that AOT for the treatment of large OLTs produced a 94.9% survival rate at a minimum of 10-year follow-up. Increasing lesion size was associated with inferior clinical outcomes. The findings of this study indicates that AOT is a viable long-term surgical strategy for the treatment of large OLTs.

PMID:39469788 | DOI:10.1177/19476035241293268

Public Health Nutr. 2024 Oct 29;27(1):e223. doi: 10.1017/S1368980024001496.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the potential dietary impact of proposed and final front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) regulations (published in Canada Gazette I (CG1) and Canada Gazette II (CG2), respectively) by examining the difference in the prevalence of foods that would require a ‘High in’ front-of-pack nutrition symbol and nutrient intakes from those foods consumed by Canadian adults.

DESIGN: Foods in a generic food composition database (n 3676) were categorised according to the details of FOPL regulations in CGI and CGII, and the differences in the proportion of foods were compared. Using nationally representative dietary survey data, potential intakes of nutrients from foods that would display a ‘High in’ nutrition symbol according to CGI and CGII were compared.

SETTING: Canada.

PARTICIPANTS: Canadian adults (≥ 19 years; n 13 495).

RESULTS: Compared with CGI, less foods would display a ‘High in’ nutrition symbol (Δ = -6 %) according to CGII (saturated fat = -4 %, sugars = -1 %, sodium = -3 %). Similarly, potential intakes of nutrients-of-concern from foods that would display a ‘High in’ nutrition symbol were reduced according to CGII compared with CGI (saturated fat = -21 %, sugars = -2 %, sodium = -6 %). Potential intakes from foods that would display a ‘High in’ nutrition symbol were also reduced for energy and nutrients-to-encourage, including protein, fibre, calcium and vitamin D.

CONCLUSIONS: Changes to FOPL regulations may have blunted their potential to limit intakes of nutrients-of-concern; however, they likely averted potential unintended consequences on intakes of nutrients-to-encourage for Canadians (e.g. calcium and vitamin D). To ensure policy objectives are met, FOPL regulations must be monitored regularly and evaluated over time.

PMID:39469781 | DOI:10.1017/S1368980024001496

Tissue Eng Part B Rev. 2024 Oct 29. doi: 10.1089/ten.teb.2024.0217. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Amniotic membrane transplantation is commonly employed in ophthalmology to mend corneal epithelial and stromal defects. Its effectiveness in restoring the ocular surface has been widely acknowledged in clinical practice. Nevertheless, there is ongoing debate regarding the comparative effectiveness of using fresh amniotic membranes versus preserved ones. The objective of this meta-analysis was to ascertain whether there is a disparity in the effectiveness of fresh versus preserved amniotic membrane in the restoration of the ocular surface in clinical practice. The study utilized the following keywords: “fresh amniotic membrane,” “preserved amniotic membrane,” “amniotic membrane transplantation,” and “ocular surface reconstruction.” The study conducted a comprehensive search for relevant studies published until April 18, 2024. Seven different databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, China Knowledge, China Science and Technology Journal VIP database, and Wanfang database, were utilized. The search was performed using the keywords “fresh amniotic membrane,” “preserved amniotic membrane,” “amniotic membrane transplantation,” and “ocular surface reconstruction.” The process of literature review and data extraction was carried out separately by two researchers, and all statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1. The final analysis comprised nine cohort studies, encompassing a total of 408 participants. The statistics included six outcome indicators: visual acuity (relative risk [RR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93-1.24, I² = 0); amniotic membrane viability (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.93-1.08, I² = 0); ocular congestion resolution (RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.97-1.26, I² = 0); fluorescent staining of amniotic membranes on the second day after the operation (RR = 1.31, 95% CI = 0.80-2.14, I² = 11); postoperative recurrence rate (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.50-2.03, I² = 0); and premature lysis of amniotic membrane implants (RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.49-1.88, I² = 0). The findings indicated that there was no statistically significant disparity between fresh and preserved amniotic membranes across any of the measured variables. There is no substantial disparity in the effectiveness of fresh and preserved amniotic membrane transplants in restoring the ocular surface, and both yield favorable and consistent outcomes.

PMID:39469775 | DOI:10.1089/ten.teb.2024.0217

Echocardiography. 2024 Nov;41(11):e70020. doi: 10.1111/echo.70020.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess alterations in right ventricular (RV) function following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic coronary syndromes utilizing three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE).

METHODS: A prospective study was conducted involving 136 patients diagnosed with chronic coronary syndromes undergoing PCI, constituting the study group, alongside 110 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers serving as the control group. Echocardiographic evaluations, including both conventional and three-dimensional assessments, were performed on all study participants at 1-week, 6, and 12 months post-PCI. Parameters such as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were derived from conventional echocardiography, while tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S’) was measured via tissue Doppler imaging. 3D-STE was utilized to quantify metrics including right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS), right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS), right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV), and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF).

RESULTS: TAPSE, S’, RVFAC, RVFWLS, RVGLS, RVSV, and RVEF exhibited significant increases from 1-week to 6 months post-PCI (p < 0.05). However, from 6 to 12 months post-PCI, RVFAC, RVGLS, RVSV, and RVEF demonstrated no notable changes (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, TAPSE, S’, and RVFWLS sustained significant elevations: TAPSE (19.63 ± 3.253% to 22.603 ± 2.885%, p < 0.001); S’ (10.57 ± 2.643 to 12.61 ± 2.189 cm/s, p < 0.001); RVFWLS (18.64 ± 2.745% to 19.926 ± 3.291%, p = 0.002). At 12 months post-PCI, S’, RVFAC, RVGLS, RVSV, and RVEF remained lower than those of the healthy control group, but the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, RVFWLS was significantly lower compared to the healthy control group (19.926 ± 3.291% vs. 22.10 ± 1.994%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Following PCI, right ventricular systolic function in patients with chronic coronary syndromes improves significantly over time. However, even at the 12-month post-PCI mark, RVFWLS remains lower than that of the control group. Notably, 3D-STE emerges as a noninvasive method for quantifying right ventricular systolic function post-PCI in chronic coronary syndrome patients.

PMID:39469759 | DOI:10.1111/echo.70020

Am J Reprod Immunol. 2024 Nov;92(5):e13940. doi: 10.1111/aji.13940.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thrombotic events and adverse pregnancy outcomes, often associated with elevated antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). The 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria for APS necessitate persistent medium to high titers of aPLs for laboratory confirmation. However, the impact of persistently low-titer aPLs in recurrent miscarriage (RM) patients remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the effect of treatment on pregnancy outcomes and maternal-fetal complications in patients with low-titer aPLs.

METHODS: The study encompassed 252 pregnancies in 237 RM patients tested for aPLs at the Third Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2018 to July 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on aPLs titers: 86 with low-titer aPLs (92 pregnancies) and 151 aPLs-negative (160 pregnancies). Of the low-titer group, 71 received treatment, while 21 and all aPLs-negative patients did not. Seventy-one treated patients with low-titer aPLs were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 15) received a standard treatment regimen that included low-dose aspirin (LDA) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). In contrast, Group B (n = 56) received a multidrug regimen, which included hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and/or glucocorticoids (GC) and/or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in addition to the standard treatment of LDA and LMWH. Pregnancy outcomes and maternal-fetal complications were subsequently compared.

RESULTS: The highest positivity rates were for aCL-IgM (76.2% in the untreated low-titer aPLs group and 81.7% in the treated low-titer aPLs group), followed by aβ2GPI-IgM (23.8% in the untreated low-titer aPL group and 11.4% in the treated low-titer aPLs group), and LA (5.6% in the untreated low-titer aPLs group and 3.3% in the treated low-titer aPLs group). Single antibody positivity was 90.5% in the untreated low-titer aPL group and 87.3% in the treated low-titer aPLs group, with double positivity at 9.5% in the untreated low-titer aPLs group and 12.7% in the treated low-titer aPLs group. No triple positivity was detected. The treated low-titer aPLs group had more previous miscarriages (p < 0.05) and a higher ANA positivity rate (p < 0.05) than the aPLs-negative group. Additionally, the treated low-titer aPLs group had lower complement levels than the aPLs-negative group. Immunoglobulin IgM levels were higher in both the untreated and treated low-titer aPL groups compared to the aPLs-negative group (p < 0.05). Post treatment, the live birth rate in the low-titer group significantly exceeded that of the untreated group (67.6% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.005). The miscarriage rate was notably lower in untreated low-titer patients compared to aPLs-negative patients (32.4% vs. 66.7%; p = 0.005). No significant differences were observed in maternal or fetal complications between the groups. In the standard treatment group (Group A), there were 8 (53.3%) live births, whereas the multidrug treatment group (Group B) had 40 (71.4%) live births, a significantly higher rate than in the standard treatment group, although the difference lacked statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that untreated RM patients with low-titer positive aPLs have a higher recurrence of miscarriage compared to the aPLs-negative RM group. However, recurrence significantly decreases following appropriate intervention, suggesting the benefits of treatment for RM patients with low-titer aPLs.

PMID:39469745 | DOI:10.1111/aji.13940

SAGE Open Nurs. 2024 Oct 22;10:23779608241290392. doi: 10.1177/23779608241290392. eCollection 2024 Jan-Dec.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Nursing students experience significant academic and clinical stress due to challenging coursework, assessments, and educational demands, as well as the pressures associated with gaining practical healthcare experience. These challenges can lead to anxiety, fear of making errors, and concerns about patient well-being, ultimately impacting students’ mental health and their preparation for a nursing career.

OBJECTIVE: assesses the predictors of academic and clinical stress among nursing students.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study design was used with a convenience sample of 113 nursing students. The study team conducted the study at the Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Nursing Department at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. The researchers used three instruments for data collection and asked all nurse students to complete the online questionnaires, which utilized perceived clinical settings and academic stress.

RESULTS: The mean age of the studied nursing students was 21.2 years old. The study observed students had moderate perceived stress levels furthermore, the total levels of the academic stress domain’s mean and standard deviation in students were 90.5 ± 32. Also, a significant relationship between perceived stress and clinical setting hours per week in nursing students, and hospital clinical setting type in nursing students. There was a correlation between academic stress and the ages of students. Students’ academic stress was statistically significantly correlated with their educational level.

CONCLUSION: Academic and clinical stress significantly impacts nursing students; the most common reasons that increase stress are fear of making mistakes and harming the patient.

RECOMMENDATION: Accordingly, the study advocates for developing educational strategies and a structured course curriculum before student nurses are sent to clinical areas to enhance their capabilities and reduce academic and clinical stress.

PMID:39469726 | PMC:PMC11514110 | DOI:10.1177/23779608241290392