Tag: pubmed

Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2023 Nov 1;51(6):45-53. doi: 10.15586/aei.v51i6.927. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life, depression, and anxiety scores of children with primary immunodeficiency (PID) and depression, anxiety scores, and the caregiving burden of their mothers.

METHODS: A total of 149 children aged 2-18 years and their mothers were included in the present study, along with 125 healthy children and their mothers as a control group. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Child Depression Inventory (CDI), and Screening for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) questionnaire were used based on the views of children and their mothers. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A), and Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCB) were used for the mothers.

RESULTS: According to children and their mothers, the scores of the PedsQL were lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, according to the views of children and mothers, we found that PID children had higher depression and anxiety scores than healthy children (P < 0.05). The depression and anxiety levels of mothers in the patient group were also significantly higher than those in the control group (P = 0.05 and P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Statistically, we found significantly lower psychosocial health summary scores and total scale score levels from the subclass of PedsQL in the patient group than in the control group. According to the views of both children and mothers, we observed that PID children had higher depression and anxiety scores than healthy children. It was also found that the BDI and BAI values in case of mothers in the patient group were significantly higher than those in the control group.

PMID:37937495 | DOI:10.15586/aei.v51i6.927

ChemSusChem. 2023 Nov 8:e202301311. doi: 10.1002/cssc.202301311. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The present research article delves into the preparation of a new class of bio-based polyesters from α,ω-diene furandicarboxylate monomers. In particular, it exploits the use of acyclic diene metathesis polymerization on 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid -derived monomers. First, a library of furan-based α,ω-diene monomers was prepared via acid- or base-catalyzed transesterification of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester (FDME) with commercially available alcohols incorporating terminal olefins, Then, the novel monomers were subject to ADMET polymerization employing different catalysts and reaction conditions. Interestingly, first-generation Grubbs catalyst was found to be the best promoter for ADMET polymerization. This catalyst allowed the preparation of a new family of polyesters with high molecular weights, excellent thermal stability, and adaptable cis-trans conformations. Results also revealed that the monomer structure had a direct impact on the polymerization efficiency and the resulting thermal properties. The effect of green bio-based solvents such as Cyrene™, dimethyl isosorbide (DMI) and γ-valerolactone (GVL) on the polymerization process was also studied. Data collected showed that the solvent concentration influenced both the yield and length of polymers formed. Furthermore, some copolymerization experiments were conducted; the successful integration of different monomers in the resulting copolymer was shown to affect the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resulting materials.

PMID:37937483 | DOI:10.1002/cssc.202301311

Int J Med Robot. 2023 Nov 8:e2596. doi: 10.1002/rcs.2596. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) is associated with a lower conversion rate and less blood loss than laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). LDP has similar oncological outcomes as open surgery in PDAC. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes in obese patients with RDP versus LDP for PDAC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, all obese patients who underwent RDP or LDP for PDAC between 2012 and 2022 at 12 international expert centres were included.

RESULTS: out of 372, 81 patients were included. All baseline features were comparable between the two groups. RDP was associated with decreased blood loss (495mlLDP vs. 188mlRDP; p = 0.003), lower conversion rate (13.5%RDP vs. 36.4%LDP; p = 0.019) and lower rate of Clavien-Dindo ≥3 complications (13.5%RDP vs. 36.4%LDP; p = 0.019). Overall and disease-free survival were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS: In obese patients with left-sided PDAC, the robotic approach was associated with improved intraoperative outcomes and fewer severe complications.

PMID:37937476 | DOI:10.1002/rcs.2596

Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2023 Nov 8:15353702231199464. doi: 10.1177/15353702231199464. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Preeclampsia increases the risk of pregnancy-related complications, nevertheless a successful spiral vessel remodeling, and trophoblast invasion reduces disorders of pregnancy. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) clears the path for trophoblast invasion, and activation of MMP-2 largely depends on extracellular matrix metalloproteinases inducer (EMMPRIN) protein. This study aimed to investigate EMMPRIN gene polymorphism and MMP-2 activity in preeclampsia patients. Archival whole blood and serum samples of 74 preeclampsia and 66 normotensive pregnant women age-matched were used in this case-control study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood samples and EMMPRIN gene amplified with specific primers following fragments sequence mutation analysis. Serum MMP-2 activity was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and socio-demographic data of participants retrieved from the database. Age of preeclampsia patients (32.78 ± 6.39) years and body mass index (BMI) (33.09 ± 7.27) kg/m² compared with the normotensive counterparts (32.33 ± 5.56) years and (32.33 ± 5.56) kg/m²,respectively, were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Serum matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) activity was significantly reduced in preeclampsia group (16.34 ± 7.07) compared with the normotensives (25.63 ± 4.56) (P < 0.001), and rs424243T/G variant (55.6%) was overrepresented among the cases compared with the normotensives (16.7%). The single-nucleotide polymorphism T/G was found to be associated with preeclampsia (odds ratio [OR] = 7.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.95-14.75; P < 0.0001). Decreased activity of MMP-2 and rs424243T/G SNP of EMMPRIN gene was reported in preeclampsia. These preliminary data warrant a further investigation into the relationship between EMMPRIN gene polymorphism and MMP-2 activity in preeclampsia.

PMID:37937473 | DOI:10.1177/15353702231199464

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2023 Nov 7. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004869. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term rotational changes in the vertebrae of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who underwent direct vertebral rotation (DVR).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: DVR using thoracic pedicle screws, a rotational corrective maneuver used in the surgical treatment of AIS, was introduced in 2004. Although DVR is considered to be the main axial corrective maneuver, the long-term rotational changes of vertebrae following this treatment are not well understood.

METHODS: A total of 135 vertebrae that underwent DVR using thoracic pedicle screws with a minimum 5-year follow-up were retrospectively assessed for the vertebral rotation angle. Vertebral rotation of the apical vertebra (AV), and distal end vertebra (EV) was evaluated using the Nash-Moe scale, the rotational angle to the sacrum (RAsac), and the Aaro and Dahlborn method. Student’s t-test (paired means) was used for continuous variables, and the chi-square test was used for categorical variables, as appropriate. A comparison of two and three groups used a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance, and the post hoc analysis used the Bonferroni test.

RESULTS: The mean Nash-Moe scale of distal EV showed statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative values (P=0.034) and no statistically significant difference between postoperative and last follow-up values (P=1.000). The last follow-up RAsac of AV did not differ significantly from the preoperative RAsac of AV (P=0.515). The last follow-up RAsac of distal EV was significantly lower than the preoperative RAsac of distal EV (P=0.001). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that the last follow-up RAsac of distal EV was correlated with Cobb angle of the main curve (r=0.459, P=0.004), loss of correction (r=0.541, P=0.001), and LIV tilt angle (r=0.504, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The rotation regression phenomenon in AV and rotation maintenance in distal EV were observed after DVR over an average of 10-year follow-up. These findings suggest that the DVR in the surgical treatment of AIS has a positive long-term effect on the stabilization of distal EV from the point of view of axial rotation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID:37937448 | DOI:10.1097/BRS.0000000000004869

J Pediatr Orthop. 2023 Nov 8. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002562. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Management of postoperative knee arthrofibrosis can be challenging and the preferred time for intervention remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of early (<3 mo postoperatively) manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) for the treatment of knee arthrofibrosis in adolescent patients. We hypothesized that early MUA could restore normal knee motion with a low complication rate and without the need for more invasive intervention.

METHODS: In a retrospective review, 57 patients who underwent MUA for postoperative knee arthrofibrosis were identified. The time between the index surgery and MUA as well as changes in range of motion (ROM) before and after MUA were analyzed. Descriptive statistics with median and interquartile range were used to analyze this non-parametric study cohort. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed to assess improvement in ROM over time. A P value <0.05 denoted statistical significance.

RESULTS: The median age of the cohort at time of MUA was 14.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 12.9 to 17.6)]. 54.4% were male. Median time to MUA was 64 days (IQR 52 to 79) after index surgery. ROM before MUA was 90.0 degrees (IQR 75 to 100), which improved to 130 degrees (120 to 135) after MUA. At final median follow-up of 8.9 months (IQR 5.1 to 16.1), mean ROM was 133 degrees (130 to 140). There were no iatrogenic fractures or physeal separations associated with MUA. 12.3% (n=7/57) failed MUA either due to the need for subsequent repeat MUA (n=2), need for lysis of adhesions (n=3) or need for surgery after MUA (n=2). Those who failed early MUA and required subsequent procedures had ROM >120 degrees at final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative knee arthrofibrosis can be safely and effectively treated with early (<3 mo postoperative) MUA. There were no iatrogenic fractures or physeal separations during MUA. Patients who had recurrence of motion deficits after early MUA and required further intervention, regained satisfactory knee motion at final follow-up. Although further research is warranted to better characterize risk factors for knee arthrofibrosis in adolescent patients, early recognition and MUA is a safe and effective treatment for arthrofibrosis to help patients regain full ROM without invasive intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Study – Level IV.

PMID:37937395 | DOI:10.1097/BPO.0000000000002562

Clin Transplant. 2023 Nov 8:e15185. doi: 10.1111/ctr.15185. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the availability of vaccines against SARS-COV-2, recommendations for vaccination of transplant candidates are widespread. At our institution, patients may receive liver transplant (LTx) regardless of vaccine status. The purpose of this study is to compare post-LTx outcomes between vaccinated (VAX) and unvaccinated (UNVAX) LTx recipients.

METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center study of LTx from January 1, 2021-March 30, 2022. The primary outcome is incidence of post-LTx COVID-19. Secondary outcomes include graft function, mortality, graft loss, and COVID-19 treatment.

RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-seven LTx recipients were included, 57% [101/177] VAX and 43% [76/177] UNVAX. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Overall, 28 (36.8%) UNVAX and 34 (33.7%) VAX tested COVID-19 positive during the study period (p = .193) at a mean of 312.6 [255.4-369.8] days for UNVAX versus 254.6 [215.2-293.9] days for VAX (p = .084). COVID-19 treatment was administered in 15 (53.6%) of the UNVAX compared to 22 (64.7%) in the VAX (p = .374), although eight (28.6%) of UNVAX required hospital admission for treatment compared with two (5.9%) of VAX (p = .016). There were no statistically significant differences in death, and no COVID-19 related death or graft loss. There were no statistically significant differences in liver function tests at 3- and 12-months post LTx.

CONCLUSION: In a series with a large percentage of UNVAX patients, LTx appears to be safe, with no difference in the rate of COVID-19 or transplant-related outcomes compared to VAX. While we encourage vaccination to prevent severe COVID, based on our results, vaccine status should not be reason to deny lifesaving transplant.

PMID:37937389 | DOI:10.1111/ctr.15185

Anal Methods. 2023 Nov 8. doi: 10.1039/d3ay01192e. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

An electronic nose (e-nose) is a device designed to recognize and classify odors. The equipment is built around a series of sensors that detect the presence of odors, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and generate an electric signal (voltage), known as e-nose data, which contains chemical information. In the food business, the use of e-noses for analyses and quality control of fruits and plantation crops has increased in recent years. Their use is particularly relevant due to the lack of non-invasive and inexpensive methods to detect VOCs in crops. However, the majority of reports in the literature involve commercial e-noses, with only a few studies addressing low-cost e-nose (LC-e-nose) devices or providing a data-oriented description to assist researchers in choosing their setup and appropriate statistical methods to analyze crop data. Therefore, the objective of this study is to discuss the hardware of the two most common e-nose sensors: electrochemical (EC) sensors and metal oxide sensors (MOSs), as well as a critical review of the literature reporting MOS-based low-cost e-nose devices used for investigating plantations and fruit crops, including the main features of such devices. Miniaturization of equipment from lab-scale to portable and convenient gear, allowing producers to take it into the field, as shown in many appraised systems, is one of the future advancements in this area. By utilizing the low-cost designs provided in this review, researchers can develop their own devices based on practical demands such as quality control and compare results with those reported in the literature. Overall, this review thoroughly discusses the applications of low-cost e-noses based on MOSs for fruits, tea, and coffee, as well as the key features of their equipment (i.e., advantages and disadvantages) based on their technical parameters (i.e., electronic and physical parts). As a final remark, LC-e-nose technology deserves significant attention as it has the potential to be a valuable quality control tool for emerging countries.

PMID:37937362 | DOI:10.1039/d3ay01192e

Pak J Biol Sci. 2023 Jul;26(8):419-426. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2023.419.426.

ABSTRACT

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Functional Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels (VGSCs) are expressed in metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) cells. A number of &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; studies have evaluated the effect of functional VGSC expression on the metastatic cell behavior of PCa cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of VGSC inhibition on metastatic cell behavior in PCa cells by meta-analysis. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Meta-analysis was performed on data taken from 13 publications that examined the effect of VGSC inhibitors on the metastatic cell behavior of metastatic PCa cells expressing functional VGSCs. The measure of effect was calculated according to the random effects model using mean differences and presented with a forest plot graph. Heterogeneity was checked using the Cochran’s Q Test (Chi-square statistic) and the I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; test statistic. In order to evaluate the objectivity, the funnels-plot graph was used. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The g value showing the effect size was calculated as 4.49 (95% CI = 5.35-3.62) in the experiments where Tetrodotoxin (TTX) was used, which has a very high specificity for VGSCs but is not licensed for clinical use. In experiments using licensed inhibitors Lamotrigine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenytoin, Ranolazine, Riluzole and Lidocaine, the g value was 1.37 (95 % CI = 2.02-0.71). Suppression of metastatic cell behavior in both subgroups is statistically significant (p<0.00001). &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Meta-analysis confirmed that VGSCs are an enhancing factor in the metastasis of PCa cells. The VGSCs appear to be an important target in the diagnosis and development of new treatment options in PCa.

PMID:37937335 | DOI:10.3923/pjbs.2023.419.426

Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2023 Nov 8. doi: 10.1002/ieam.4862. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The study is relevant as it investigates the impact of environmental factors on human health, including harmful substances, extreme temperatures, and air quality. The health status of the population in regions where many industries operate also depends on meteorological factors. The purpose of the study is to characterise and determine the influence of environmental factors (humidity, temperature, wind) and industries, including metal mining and processing regions on the health of people in the Aktobe region, Republic of Kazakhstan. The study used general theoretical methods, with the help of which the results of the meteorological service of the Aktobe region were analysed and systematised, and the experiments conducted by the branch of the National Centre of Expertise of the Committee of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the Aktobe region in 2020, 2021. Statistical data on the amount of chromium, lead, and nickel in the blood, and the morbidity rate of the population were analysed. The study’s findings indicate that residents in the Aktobe region experience hypothermia during winter at temperatures between -12°C to -15°C and humidity of 81%, while summer overheating occurs at temperatures from +19.6°C to +22.5°C with humidity at 77%. These extreme temperature conditions disrupt the body’s heat exchange with the environment, impacting the respiratory and circulatory systems. Moreover, the predominantly windless conditions in the region affect the atmosphere’s self-cleaning ability, resulting in high air pollution potential throughout the year. The findings can inform strategies to improve public health and prevent diseases in industrial regions.

PMID:37937328 | DOI:10.1002/ieam.4862