Tag: pubmed

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2024 Dec 27;151(1):25. doi: 10.1007/s00432-024-06035-3.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The rarity of breast mucinous carcinoma (BMC) makes it challenging to study the prognosis of this disease across diverse racial populations. This study aimed to leverage epidemiological data on immigrant populations to elucidate the prognostic differences in BMC patients from various racial/ethnic backgrounds. The goal was to help formulate more personalized clinical practice guidelines for the management of this rare malignancy.

METHODS: The study included 208 BMC patients from China and 10,322 BMC patients from the SEER database. Clinicopathological data, treatment information, and survival outcomes were compared across different racial/ethnic groups using statistical analyses.

RESULTS: Asian American BMC patients were younger at diagnosis and had more favorable tumor grade and stage compared to other racial groups. After adjusting for clinicopathological factors and treatments, Asian American BMC patients exhibited significantly better overall survival (OS) than black (HR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.05-2.22, P = 0.027) and white patients (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.03-1.94, P < 0.001). Specifically, non-Chinese American patients had a worse OS compared to Chinese patients (adjusted HR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.15-5.83, P = 0.022). Chemotherapy significantly improved OS only in black BMC patients (adjusted HR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.27-0.98, p = 0.045), but not in other racial/ethnic groups.

CONCLUSION: Race is an independent prognostic factor for BMC. Compared with Chinese patients, black and white American patients have a worse prognosis in terms of OS. Treatment guidelines for BMC patients should be formulated with considerations of race factors. For patients with BMC originating from China, a more conservative treatment approach may be warranted.

PMID:39729234 | DOI:10.1007/s00432-024-06035-3

J Craniofac Surg. 2024 Dec 27. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000010998. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The stent-assisted coiling (SAC) and flow-diverter stent (FDS) techniques are widely used in the endovascular treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms. This article compares the occlusion rate, periprocedural complications, and clinical outcomes of SAC and FDSs.

METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2020, a systematic search of electronic databases identified 2283 articles for screening. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted for a meta-analysis of the proportions.

RESULTS: Of 23 articles containing 4 comparative studies, 27 cohorts were included, and 1208 patients with 1328 aneurysms were analyzed: In 10 cohorts, 381 (28.7%) patients were treated with SAC, whereas in 17 cohorts, 947 (71.3%) patients were treated with FDSs. In the comparative studies, no significance was observed between the 2 treatments. In the pooled cohorts, complete occlusion was achieved in 85% of aneurysms after treatment with FDSs (95% CI: 0.81-0.88, I2=34.7%) and 76% after treatment with SAC (95% CI: 0.70-0.81, I2=16.6%); the subgroup analysis was statistically significant (P=0.003). New visual complications were observed in 5% of the FDS-treated group (95% CI: 0.02-0.09, I2=76.9%) and in 1% of the SAC-treated group (95% CI: 0.00-0.02, I2=0%); the subgroup analysis was statistically significant (P=0.018). Other observational indices, including total procedure-related complications; hemorrhagic, thrombotic, and ischemic complications; permanent morbidities, and favorable neurological outcomes, showed no statistical significance between the groups.

CONCLUSION: Compared with SAC, treatment with FDSs may have a higher complete occlusion rate at follow-up. The similarly low rates for procedure-related complications and permanent morbidities indicate that both treatments are safe. A higher rate of new visual complications was noted in the FDS-treated group. Further research is required for direct comparisons along with a complete ophthalmological examination.

PMID:39729232 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000010998

J Craniofac Surg. 2024 Dec 27. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000011037. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the osseointegration properties of titanium bone implants coated with carob-mediated calcium hydroxide nanoparticles biomechanically, radiographically, and histologically on rabbit tibias.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty coated and forty uncoated titanium alloy bone implants were inserted into 20 New Zealand rabbits; each tibia received 2 implants. The rabbits were sacrificed after 4 or 8 weeks, and samples were retrieved for biomechanical evaluation through removal torque test to assess the bond between implant and bone, radiographic evaluation through microcomputed tomography analysis to compare the bone-to-implant contact percentage and bone volume of the peri-implant area, scanning electron microscopic and histologic evaluation through hematoxylin and eosin stain. Statistical analyses between pairs of means were conducted using the independent t test. Multiple comparisons between the study groups across time intervals were performed using a 2-way analysis of variance. P-values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Higher removal torque values (P<0.01) were needed to remove the coated implants when biomechanically tested. In addition, the microcomputed tomography evaluation revealed a higher bone-to-implant contact percentage (P<0.05) in favor of coated implants. In addition, the 4-week healing interval of the coated implants showed no significant difference when compared with the 8-week healing interval of the uncoated implants biomechanically and radiographically, suggesting early osseointegration.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study imply that coating titanium implants with carob-mediated calcium hydroxide nanoparticles improved and fastened osseointegration and bone ingrowth, resulting in early osteogenesis and shortening the treatment time.

PMID:39729227 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000011037

J Ultrasound. 2024 Dec 27. doi: 10.1007/s40477-024-00980-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Despite advancements in modern medicine, the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains low. This study aimed to assess the impact of specific features of T-shaped uterine cavity malformation and its intermediate forms on reproductive function and the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology (ART), particularly on IVF results and pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS: A prospective cohort study included 388 somatically healthy patients undergoing 3D ultrasound (US) examination of the uterine cavity before embryonic transfer for IVF treatment. Patients were evaluated for morphometric parameters using standardized US protocols. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistics.

RESULTS: The study revealed that patients with T-shaped uterus and intermediate forms had higher rates of miscarriages, and unfavorable pregnancy outcomes compared to those with normal uterine cavities. The frequency of pregnancy occurrence in T-shaped and Intermediate groups was statistically similar with the “Normal uterus” group. Morphometric parameters such as T-angle, lateral angle, and myometrial thickness significantly influenced IVF outcomes.

CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of morphometric parameters in predicting IVF success and pregnancy outcomes in patients with T-shaped uterine cavity malformation. These parameters can guide clinical decision-making and may serve as predictors for reproductive outcomes in ART procedures. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore additional ultrasound markers for better prediction of reproductive outcomes in patients with uterine cavity malformations.

PMID:39729217 | DOI:10.1007/s40477-024-00980-y

Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2024 Dec 27. doi: 10.1007/s00420-024-02113-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We estimated the static and dynamic effects of promotion to managerial positions on mental health and satisfaction using the recent estimation method; we addressed the gap in extant research by considering the heterogeneity in treatment timing to reconfirm evidence regarding the causal effects of promotion.

METHODS: We used a modified estimation method of two-way fixed effects recommended by (Callaway and Sant’Anna, J Econom 225:200-230, 2021). To check for robustness, we compared the analyses using propensity sample matching, an alternative treatment timing heterogeneity-robust analysis, and a normal two-way fixed effects event study. We used four years of complete panel data on a sample of 1454 Japanese males (5816 overall).

RESULTS: The results indicated that becoming a manager worsened mental health with a two-year lag. We tested the effects of promotion to managerial positions on variables shown in previous studies to have negative effects on mental health (e.g., increased working hours) and positive effects (e.g., increased job role clarity) as outcomes to explore the mechanisms. Some of both variables indicate statistical significance. These results were robust.

CONCLUSION: The promotion to managerial positions deteriorated mental health with a two-year lag. Promotion to managerial positions exhibited both positive and negative effects. The findings have potential implications for firms’ human resources allocation.

PMID:39729215 | DOI:10.1007/s00420-024-02113-8

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2024 Dec 27. doi: 10.1007/s00210-024-03739-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has garnered significant interest due to its potential cardiovascular benefits, particularly in patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who are undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Empagliflozin in improving clinical outcomes in this patient population. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the effects of Empagliflozin on clinical outcomes in patients with AMI undergoing primary PCI. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and the Scientific Information Database, were searched up to July 31, 2024. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria. Data analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 3, with outcomes expressed as risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that Empagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of heart failure hospitalization compared to placebo, with a risk ratio of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.23-0.99; P = 0.049), indicating a 52% reduction in hospitalization risk. However, secondary outcomes showed that Empagliflozin was associated with a reduction in cardiovascular mortality (RR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.06-3.02; P = 0.415) and the need for coronary revascularization (RR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.15-3.59; P = 0.717), although these results did not achieve statistical significance. Empagliflozin is associated with a significant reduction in heart failure hospitalizations among patients with AMI undergoing primary PCI, while its effects on cardiovascular mortality and the necessity for coronary revascularization were not statistically significant. Despite these secondary outcomes, the favorable safety profile of Empagliflozin supports its use as a treatment option for high-risk patients following acute coronary events. Further research is warranted to investigate the long-term impact of Empagliflozin on cardiovascular outcomes in this population.

PMID:39729204 | DOI:10.1007/s00210-024-03739-8

Primates. 2024 Dec 27. doi: 10.1007/s10329-024-01178-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Huddling behaviour is present in many animal species. This behaviour involves maintaining close physical contact with conspecifics to minimise heat loss and, in general, reduce energy expenditure. Additionally, this behaviour also facilitates complex social interactions within a population. In Japanese macaques, this behaviour is observed in many populations across Japan, including Shodoshima, where huddling clusters can reach up to 100 individuals in winter. Based on several studies on this species, it appears that huddling, or sarudango in Japanese, is influenced by both meteorological factors and social relationships between individuals. The objective of this study is to understand the determinants that drive the expression (presence or absence) and the organisation (number of individuals and identities) of huddling clusters. Two hypotheses were formulated. The first hypothesis posits that the formation and variations in the size and number of clusters are influenced by meteorological factors, while the second hypothesis suggests that the number and position of individuals within a cluster are related to existing relationships between individuals. To test these, data on the number, size, and individuals composing a cluster were collected, allowing building huddling social networks. Simultaneously, meteorological measurements were taken, along with observations on dominance and grooming interactions between individuals. This allowed us to create several statistical models and social networks for comparison. Our results suggest that the probability for observing huddling is mainly related to solar radiation energy, while variations in number and size could be explained by temperature. Moreover, the organisation within a cluster is not random but reflects relationships between individuals. The ones sharing more grooming and having similar dominance ranks have more probabilities to be in the same huddling cluster.

PMID:39729200 | DOI:10.1007/s10329-024-01178-w

Endocrine. 2024 Dec 27. doi: 10.1007/s12020-024-04143-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: With the prolongation of life expectancy in patients with myasthenia gravis, the number of comorbidities is increasing. Diabetes mellitus is one of the main comorbidities faced by patients with myasthenia gravis. However, there is not enough epidemiological information on diabetes mellitus. Given these limitations, the purpose of this study was to review the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with myasthenia gravis and whether the myasthenia gravis is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for articles published prior to February 2024. Endnote 21 software was used to manage all relevant records. Review Manager version 5.4 and Stata version 18.0 software were used for the statistical analysis. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to assess publication bias.

RESULTS: Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Among 23,516 myasthenia gravis patients, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 17% (95% CI 12~22%). In addition, the meta-analysis of the two studies showed that myasthenia gravis was significantly associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.26~1.93, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Among the comorbidities of myasthenia gravis patients, diabetes mellitus is common, and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus is increased in myasthenia gravis patients. These findings remind us that diabetes mellitus seems to be an important issue in the clinical management of myasthenia gravis patients and requires more attention.

PMID:39729181 | DOI:10.1007/s12020-024-04143-1

J Am Geriatr Soc. 2024 Dec 27. doi: 10.1111/jgs.19338. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift from in-person to virtual recruitment, prompting residency and fellowship programs to adopt innovative strategies, such as leveraging social media platforms to attract applicants and enhance visibility. Our aim was to identify and describe the presence of U.S. geriatric medicine fellowship programs on X.

METHODS: We identified all U.S. geriatric medicine fellowship programs using FREIDA, and then located their X accounts through a stepwise process. Data were collected on account creation, number of followers, posts, and activity level, with an analysis of the last 100 posts from the most active accounts. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: Among the 147 geriatric medicine fellowship programs identified, 38 (25.9%) had an X account. The majority of accounts were created after the start of the pandemic, reflecting likely the adaptation to virtual recruitment processes. Only a few accounts generated the majority of posts and followers. The accounts primarily posted or reposted educational content, research highlights, and promotional material.

CONCLUSION: The use of X by geriatric medicine programs is still significantly underutilized, with only one-fourth of them having an account. Half of the accounts were created after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Programs should focus on building a robust social media presence to increase their visibility, especially as virtual interviews have become a permanent part of recruitment.

PMID:39729170 | DOI:10.1111/jgs.19338

Clin Exp Nephrol. 2024 Dec 27. doi: 10.1007/s10157-024-02617-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN).

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of 22 patients diagnosed with primary IgAN who received RTX treatment. The clinical data, including blood tests, urine examinations and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were analyzed at four time point: baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Adverse events were also recorded.

RESULTS: Our study included 9 male and 13 female participants. The level of serum albumin significantly increased after three months with RTX applied (P < 0.01). Furthermore, we observed a significant reduction in microalbuminuria and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio at twelve months (P < 0.01). However, there was no change in serum creatinine (P = 0.08), urinary red blood cell (P = 0.11) or eGFR (P = 0.09) during the course of one year. Two cases achieved complete remission, while eleven cases experienced partial remission, resulting in an overall remission rate of 50.0%. During the treatment period, three patients developed infections and two patients encountered infusion-related adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION: In our retrospective study, RTX demonstrated a significant improvement in serum albumin levels and a reduction in proteinuria among primary IgAN patients. Although no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of renal function, there was an observable trend towards improvement. Therefore, we propose that RTX may be an alternative treatment option for primary IgAN patients who cannot tolerate glucocorticoids or immunosuppressants.

PMID:39729155 | DOI:10.1007/s10157-024-02617-0