Tag: pubmed

Front Immunol. 2024 Jul 29;15:1424648. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1424648. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that endometriosis may have a higher risk of arthritis. However, it remains unclear whether the association between endometriosis and arthritis has genetic correlations, or the relationship is causal. Linkage Disequilibrium Score (LDSC) and Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses use genetic variation as a natural experiment to explore genetic correlations and causal inferences from observational data, reducing unmeasured confounding factors.

METHOD: Participants (aged 20-54 years, n = 2,915) for the cross-sectional study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Endometriosis and arthritis were diagnosed based on self-reported by reproductive health and medical condition questionnaire. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between endometriosis and arthritis. LDSC and MR analysis were performed using the genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics to identify the causal association.

RESULT: A significant positive association between endometriosis and arthritis was found after multivariable adjustment (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.33, 2.67). When exploring different types of arthritis, a positive association was revealed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), other types of arthritis, and cases that the arthritis type were unknown, with an OR of 2.07 (95% CI: 1.03, 4.17), 2.78 (95% CI: 1.30, 5.95), and 2.06 (95% CI: 1.36, 3.11), respectively. However, genetic correlation analysis between endometriosis and RA did not reveal any significant findings (all P values > 0.05). Moreover, MR analysis also failed to identify a causal relationship between endometriosis and RA (all P values > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Cross-sectional study identified a significant positive association between endometriosis and arthritis among US women, especially among RA, while findings based on LDSC and MR analysis did not support a genetic correlation or causal role. These findings suggest that clinicians should pay more attention to the coexistence of RA in endometriosis patients and explore the shared pathophysiological mechanisms of these two disorders, with a particular focus on extrinsic factors rather than intrinsic genetic inheritance.

PMID:39136014 | PMC:PMC11317389 | DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1424648

Front Immunol. 2024 Jul 29;15:1381091. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1381091. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still poses a significant burden on global health and economy, especially for symptoms persisting beyond the acute disease. COVID-19 manifests with various degrees of severity and the identification of early biomarkers capable of stratifying patient based on risk of progression could allow tailored treatments.

METHODS: We longitudinally analyzed 67 patients, classified according to a WHO ordinal scale as having Mild, Moderate, or Severe COVID-19. Peripheral blood samples were prospectively collected at hospital admission and during a 6-month follow-up after discharge. Several subsets and markers of the innate and adaptive immunity were monitored as putative factors associated with COVID-19 symptoms.

RESULTS: More than 50 immunological parameters were associated with disease severity. A decision tree including the main clinical, laboratory, and biological variables at admission identified low NK-cell precursors and CD14⁺CD91⁺ monocytes, and high CD8⁺ Effector Memory T cell frequencies as the most robust immunological correlates of COVID-19 severity and reduced survival. Moreover, low regulatory B-cell frequency at one month was associated with the susceptibility to develop long COVID at six months, likely due to their immunomodulatory ability.

DISCUSSION: These results highlight the profound perturbation of the immune response during COVID-19. The evaluation of specific innate and adaptive immune-cell subsets allows to distinguish between different acute and persistent COVID-19 symptoms.

PMID:39136010 | PMC:PMC11317765 | DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1381091

Front Neuroanat. 2024 Jul 29;18:1398858. doi: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1398858. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The triangular recess (TR), also called triangular fossa or vulva cerebri, represents the anterior extension of the diencephalic ventricle, located between the anterior columns of the fornix and the anterior white commissure. Over time, this structure of the third cerebral ventricle generated many disputes. While some anatomists support its presence, others have opposite opinions, considering that it only becomes visible under certain conditions. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the tangible structure of the triangular recess. Secondly, the quantitative analysis allowed us to establish an anatomical morphometric standard, as well as the deviations from the standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study is both a quantitative and a qualitative evaluation of the triangular fossa. We dissected 100 non-neurological adult brains, which were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution for 10 weeks. The samples are part of the collection of the Institute of Anatomy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi. We highlighted the triangular fossa by performing dissections in two stages at the level of the roof of the III ventricle.

RESULTS: The qualitative analysis is a re-evaluation of the classical data concerning the anatomy of the fossa triangularis. We proposed an original 3D model of the triangular recess in which we described a superficial part called vestibule and a deep part called pars profunda. We measured the sides of the communication between the two proposed segments, as well as the communication with the III ventricle. By applying the Heron’s formula, we calculated the area of the two communications. Statistical evaluations have shown that these communications are higher than they are wide. In addition, there is a statistical difference between the surfaces of the two communications: 34.07 mm² ± 7.01 vs. 271.43 mm² ± 46.36 (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The outcome of our study is both qualitative and quantitative. Firstly, we demonstrated the existence of the triangular fossa and we conceived a spatial division of this structure. Secondly, the measurements carried out establish an anatomo-morphometric norm of the triangular recess, which is useful in assessing the degree of hydrocephalus during the third endoscopic ventriculoscopy.

PMID:39135984 | PMC:PMC11317240 | DOI:10.3389/fnana.2024.1398858

Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2024 Aug 8;20:473-482. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S468598. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) has been reported to enhance operative decision-making. The purpose of this study was intended to assess the predictive accuracy of bone cuts, lower limb alignment, and component size of a novel system for RATKA preoperatively and intraoperatively.

METHODS: Preoperatively planned bone cuts, limb alignment, and component size were projected using a reconstructed 3D model. Intraoperative bone cuts and postoperative limb alignment were measured. Errors between planned and real bone cuts, limb alignment, and component size were compared.

RESULTS: The mean absolute errors for bone cuts and alignment were within 1.40mm/1.30° with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.96mm/1.12°. For all errors of bone cuts and alignment compared with the plan, there were no statistically significant differences except for the lateral distal of femoral cuts (P=0.004). The accuracy for predicting the femoral, tibial, and polyethylene component sizes was 100% (48/48), 90% (43/48), and 88% (42/48), respectively. Regarding all mean absolute errors of bone cuts and alignments, no significant differences were observed among surgeons.

CONCLUSION: The novel robotically-assisted system for RATKA donated reliable operative decision-making based on the predictive accuracy regardless of the surgeon’s level of experience.

PMID:39135983 | PMC:PMC11318605 | DOI:10.2147/TCRM.S468598

J Inflamm Res. 2024 Aug 8;17:5253-5269. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S472917. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigated the correlation between the Naples prognostic score (NPS), clinicopathological traits, and the postoperative prognoses of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Based on NPS, a predictive nomogram was developed to estimate the long-term survival probabilities of patients with TNBC post-surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined the clinical records of 223 women with TNBC treated at Ningbo Medical Center, Lihuili Hospital between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020. Blood tests and biochemical analyses were conducted before surgery. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), controlling nutritional status (CONUT), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and NPS were determined based on blood-related markers. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis assessed the association between NPS, PNI, CONUT score, overall survival (OS), and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). Predictive accuracy was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and C index. The patients were randomly divided into the training and the validation group (6:4 ratio). A nomogram prediction model was developed and evaluated using the R Software for Statistical Computing (RMS) package.

RESULTS: NPS outperformed other scores in predicting inflammation outcomes. Patients with an elevated NPS had a poorer prognosis (P<0.001). Lymph node ratio (LNR), surgical method, postoperative chemotherapy, and NPS independently predicted OS, whereas M stage, LNR, and NPS independently predicted BCSS outcome. The OS and BCSS predicted by the nomogram model aligned well with the actual OS and BCSS. The decision curve analysis showed significant clinical utility for the nomogram model.

CONCLUSION: In this study, NPS was an important prognostic indicator for patients with TNBC. The nomogram prognostic model based on NPS outperformed other prognostic scores for predicting patient prognosis. The model demonstrated a clear stratification ability for patient prognosis, which emphasized the potential benefits of early intervention for high-risk patients.

PMID:39135978 | PMC:PMC11318610 | DOI:10.2147/JIR.S472917

Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2024 Aug 8;20:e17450179303653. doi: 10.2174/0117450179303653240705051227. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study explores the issue of paper-and-pencil screening tests for bipolar disorder, often leading to false positives. It discusses hypotheses that connect MDQ positivity with sleep disorders, a decline in health-related quality of life, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mood disorders. The study proposes that MDQ identifies a “Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome” (DYMERS), indicating a stress-related condition. It aims to investigate the association between MDQ positivity and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in comparison to other chronic disorders.

METHODS: This case-control study, conducted from April 2019 to February 2020, investigated MDQ positivity in patients with SLE. Ethical approvals were obtained, and statistical analysis was used for data assessment.

RESULTS: This is a case-controlled study where MDQ positivity was significantly higher in systemic lupus erythematosus cases than controls. The analysis compared gender, age, and the presence of depressive episodes between MDQ-positive and MDQ-negative cases, revealing some differences but no significant variations. Interestingly, no association with high prednisone or biologics use was observed. The frequency of MDQ positivity in systemic lupus erythematosus was compared to other chronic pathologies, revealing varying associations with each condition.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals a high rate of (MDQ) positivity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), associated with the risk of bipolar disorder in SLE. Notable discrepancies in MDQ positivity risk factors between SLE and bipolar disorder are observed. The study emphasizes the ability of MDQ to identify a distinct syndrome characterized by rhythm dysregulation, posing a risk for bipolar disorder and other disorders.

PMID:39135945 | PMC:PMC11318155 | DOI:10.2174/0117450179303653240705051227

Clin Ophthalmol. 2024 Aug 8;18:2225-2238. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S470425. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of 16 intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas in pediatric cataract eyes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data records of pediatric patients who had been implanted with three IOL models (SA60AT, MA60AC, and enVista-MX60) between 2012 and 2018 were analyzed. The accuracy of 16 IOL power calculation methods was evaluated: Barrett Universal II (BUII), Castrop, EVO 2.0, Haigis, Hill-RBF 3.0, Hoffer Q, Hoffer QST, Holladay 1, Kane, LSF AI, Naeser 2, Pearl-DGS, SRK/T, T2, VRF, and VRF-G. The non-optimized (ULIB/IOLcon) and optimized constants were used for IOL power calculation. The mean prediction error (PE), Performance Index (FPI), and all descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS: Ninety-seven eyes of 97 pediatric patients aged 13.2 (IQR 11.2-17.1) were included. No statistically significant difference (HS-test) was observed (p > 0.818) except for the Hoffer Q, and Naeser 2 (P = 0.014). With optimized lens constants, the best FPI indices were obtained by Hoffer Q (0.256) and VRF-G (0.251) formulas, followed by Hill-RBF 3.0 and BUII, with an index of 0.248. The highest FPI indices with non-optimized constants showed SRK/T and T2 formulas (0.246 and 0.245, respectively), followed by VRF-G and Holladay 1, with an index of 0.244. The best median absolute error values (MedAE) were achieved by Hoffer Q (0.50 D), VRF-G (0.53 D), and Hill-RBF 3.0 (0.54 D), all P ≥ 0.074.

CONCLUSION: Our results place the Hoffer Q, VRF-G, Hill-RBF 3.0, and BUII formulas as more accurate predictors of postoperative refraction in pediatric cataract surgery.

PMID:39135944 | PMC:PMC11318601 | DOI:10.2147/OPTH.S470425

Front Public Health. 2024 Jul 29;12:1427752. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1427752. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: E-cigarettes are often marketed as a less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. Despite their popularity, the evidence regarding their effects on human health remains unclear and is filled with complexities.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to elucidate the direct effects of electronic cigarette use on human health, carefully distinguishing between the specific characteristics of the populations studied.

METHODOLOGY: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases without date restrictions, including articles in both Spanish and English. This approach enabled the identification and analysis of primary studies to understand the direct effect of electronic cigarettes on human health.

RESULTS: A total of 33 studies were included that evaluated cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, weight and fertility effects. Only five studies analyzed e-cigarettes in healthy populations and seven studies compared healthy individuals against smokers. The effects evaluated on smokers or former tobacco smokers were apparently positive, however, among healthy individuals, increased heart rate, mean arterial pressure, oxidative stress, alteration of respiratory epithelial cells and increased airflow resistance were found.

CONCLUSION: Smokers or former smokers who switch to e-cigarettes may reduce their exposure to carcinogens and lower their risk of developing severe health issues associated with conventional smoking. However, in healthy individuals who have never smoked traditional cigarettes, the use of e-cigarettes introduces several cardiovascular and respiratory adverse effects. These findings suggest that while e-cigarettes can be a strategic harm reduction tool for smokers, they are not a safe option for non-smokers.

PMID:39135931 | PMC:PMC11317248 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1427752

Front Public Health. 2024 Jul 29;12:1355097. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1355097. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Analyzing and comparing COVID-19 infection and case-fatality rates across different regions can help improve our response to future pandemics.

METHODS: We used public data from the WHO to calculate and compare the COVID-19 infection and case-fatality rates in different continents and income levels from 2019 to 2023.

RESULTS: The Global prevalence of COVID-19 increased from 0.011 to 0.098, while case fatality rates declined from 0.024 to 0.009. Europe reported the highest cumulative infection rate (0.326), with Africa showing the lowest (0.011). Conversely, Africa experienced the highest cumulative case fatality rates (0.020), with Oceania the lowest (0.002). Infection rates in Asia showed a steady increase in contrast to other continents which observed initial rises followed by decreases. A correlation between economic status and infection rates was identified; high-income countries had the highest cumulative infection rate (0.353) and lowest case fatality rate (0.006). Low-income countries showed low cumulative infection rates (0.006) but the highest case fatality rate (0.016). Initially, high and upper-middle-income countries experienced elevated initial infection and case fatality rates, which subsequently underwent significant reductions.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 rates varied significantly by continent and income level. Europe and the Americas faced surges in infections and low case fatality rates. In contrast, Africa experienced low infection rates and higher case fatality rates, with lower- and middle-income nations exceeding case fatality rates in high-income countries over time.

PMID:39135930 | PMC:PMC11317462 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1355097

Front Public Health. 2024 Jul 29;12:1399472. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1399472. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: High mortality rates for pregnant women and their new-borns are one of Africa’s most intractable public health issues today, and Ethiopia is one of the countries most afflicted. Behavioral interventions are needed to increase maternal health service utilizations to improve outcomes. Hence, this trial aimed to evaluate effectiveness of trained religious leaders’ engagement in maternal health education on maternal health service utilization.

METHODS: The study employed a cluster-randomized controlled community trial that included baseline and end-line measurements. Data on end points were gathered from 593 pregnant mothers, comprising 292 and 301 individuals in the intervention and control groups, respectively. In the intervention group, the trained religious leaders delivered the behavioral change education on maternal health based on intervention protocol. Unlike the other group, the control group only received regular maternal health information and no additional training from religious leaders. Binary generalized estimating equation regression analysis adjusted for baseline factors were used to test effects of the intervention on maternal health service utilization.

RESULTS: Following the trial’s implementation, the proportion of optimal antenatal care in the intervention arm increased by 21.4% from the baseline (50.90 vs. 72.3, p ≤ 0.001) and the proportion of institutional delivery in the intervention group increased by 20% from the baseline (46.1% vs. 66.1%, p ≤ 0.001). Pregnant mothers in the intervention group significantly showed an increase of proportion of PNC by 22.3% from baseline (26% vs. 48.3%, p ≤ 0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed between in ANC4 (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.69, 2.57), institutional delivery (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.94, 2.87) and postnatal care service utilization (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.79, 2.85) between the intervention and control groups.

CONCLUSION: This research indicated that involving religious leaders who have received training in maternal health education led to positive outcomes in enhancing the utilization of maternal health services. Leveraging the influential position of these religious leaders could be an effective strategy for improving maternal health service utilization. Consequently, promoting maternal health education through religious leaders is advisable to enhance maternal health service utilization.Clinical trial registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NCT05716178].

PMID:39135926 | PMC:PMC11317292 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1399472