Tag: pubmed

Mol Cell Biochem. 2023 Jul 25. doi: 10.1007/s11010-023-04796-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This research aimed to investigate the effect of PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/AKT (protein kinase B)/mTOR (mammalian target protein of rapamycin) signaling pathway-based clustering care combined with papaverine injection on vascular inflammation and vascular crisis after finger amputation and replantation. 100 patients admitted in General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from April 2022 to December 2022 for replantation of severed fingers were selected and divided into a control group (n = 50) and an observation group (n = 50) using the randomized grouping principle. The control group received a papaverine injection and general nursing care, the observation group received a papaverine injection and clustered care. The pain score; constipation incidence; replantation finger survival rate; physician, nurse, and patient satisfaction; serum inflammatory factors; vascular crisis parameters; and occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two patient groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect PI3K, AKT, and mTOR protein concentrations in the venous blood of the two groups, and statistical analysis of the data was performed. On postoperative day 7, the pain score and incidence of constipation in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05); the survival rate of reimplanted fingers in the observation group was 88.00%, which was higher than that in the control group 80.00% (P < 0.05); the satisfaction of doctors, nurses, and patients in the observation group was higher than that in the control group; the concentrations of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), blood flow resistance index (RI), and arterial pulsatility index (PI) in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, while the concentration of interleukin-10 (IL-10), vascular diameter, and Vm (mean blood flow velocity) were higher in the observation group than those in the control group; the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The concentrations of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The concentrations of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Overall, these findings suggest that clustered care combined with papaverine injection reduces vascular inflammatory symptoms and vascular crisis in the treatment of severed finger replantation through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

PMID:37490177 | DOI:10.1007/s11010-023-04796-y

Ann Surg Oncol. 2023 Jul 25. doi: 10.1245/s10434-023-13969-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although many formulas for predicting postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) have been introduced, POPF is generally predicted during pancreatic surgery due to pancreatic texture. This study was designed to verify the correlation between Hounsfield units (HU) and pancreatic texture and to suggest a fistula risk score (FRS) that can be used before surgery.

METHODS: Data from 545 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for malignant disease between January 2008 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The HU level of the pancreas was measured, and odds ratio (OR) of the HU for POPF was analyzed. Additionally, the assessed HU was compared with the pancreatic texture (soft vs. hard) and calculated cutoff level. Finally, the preoperatively chosen pancreatic texture according to HU level was applied to the FRS formula (preoperative-FRS: p-FRS), and the results were compared with a previously reported FRS formula (updated alternative-FRS: ua-FRS).

RESULTS: The Hounsfield unit levels were correlated with clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04 (1.01-1.07), p = 0.015). In the receiver operating characteristic curve, the HU showed significant prediction potential for pancreatic texture (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.744, p < 0.001). The p-FRS also showed acceptable results in predicting CR-POPF (AUC = 0.702, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the DeLong’s test compared with the ua-FRS (p = 0.314). In the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, observed probabilities were correlated with predicted probabilities (p = 0.596).

CONCLUSIONS: The HU level on preoperative computed tomography (CT) is a predictive factor for POPF and could represent for pancreatic texture.

PMID:37490165 | DOI:10.1245/s10434-023-13969-4

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2023 Jul 25. doi: 10.1007/s00216-023-04832-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We developed and evaluated two-level, namely 2017011 and 2017012, serum-based reference materials (RMs) for 17 beta-estradiol (17 β-E2) by the reference method of isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) from the remaining serum samples after routine clinical tests, to help improve clinical routine testing and provide the traceability of results. This paper describes the development process of these RMs. The National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) certified reference material (CRM) 6004-a was used as the primary RM for the measurement of 17 β-E2. These serum-based RMs showed satisfactory homogeneity and stability. They also assessed the commutability between the reference method and the three routine clinical immunoassay systems. Besides, a collaborative study was carried out in five reference laboratories, all of which had been accredited by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) in accordance with ISO/WD 15725-1. Statistical analysis of raw results and uncertainty assessment obtained certified values: 2017011 was 445.2 ± 39.0 pmol/L, and 2017012 was 761.9 ± 35.5 pmol/L.

PMID:37490154 | DOI:10.1007/s00216-023-04832-2

Dig Dis Sci. 2023 Jul 25. doi: 10.1007/s10620-023-08028-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have emerged as alternative therapies of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) in addition to endoscopic thermal therapy (ETT), but the optimum choice remains inconclusive.

AIM: We conducted a meta-analysis in order to compare these three treatments for GAVE.

METHODS: We searched the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials without any language restrictions and also performed a manual literature search of bibliographies located in both retrieved articles and published reviews for eligible publications prior to December 8, 2021. We included comparative trials which had evaluated the efficacy and safety of interventions in adults (aged ≥ 18 years) diagnosed with symptomatic GAVE and was confirmed according to clinical backgrounds and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. We included reports that compared three interventions, ETT, EBL, and RFA. The study was comprised of adults diagnosed with GAVE and focused on overall mortality, bleeding cessation, endoscopic improvement, complications, hospitalization, hemoglobin improvement, number of sessions and transfusion requirements.

RESULTS: Twelve studies were performed involving a total of 571 participants for analysis. When compared with ETT, EBL achieved better bleeding cessation (OR 4.48, 95% CI 1.36-14.77, p = 0.01), higher hemoglobin improvement (MD 0.57, 95% CI 0.31-0.83, p < 0.01) and lower number of sessions (MD – 1.44, 95% CI – 2.54 to – 0.34, p = 0.01). Additionally, EBL was superior to ETT in endoscopic improvement (OR 6.00, 95% CI 2.26-15.97, p < 0.01), hospitalization (MD – 1.32, 95% CI – 1.91 to – 0.74, p < 0.01) and transfusion requirement (MD – 2.66, 95% CI – 4.67 to – 0.65, p = 0.01) with statistical significance, with the exception of mortality (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.19-1.77, p = 0.34) and complication rate (OR 5.33, 95% CI 0.58-48.84, p = 0.14).

CONCLUSION: For GAVE, we suggest that EBL be initially recommended, and APC and RFA be used as alternative treatment choices based upon a very low quality of evidence.

PMID:37490152 | DOI:10.1007/s10620-023-08028-7

Eur J Neurol. 2023 Jul 25. doi: 10.1111/ene.15990. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Motor fluctuations are a significant driver of healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in people with Parkinson’s (PwP). A common management strategy is to include Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibition with either opicapone or entacapone in the levodopa regimen. However, to date, there has been a lack of head-to-head data comparing the two COMT inhibitors in real-world settings.

METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed HCRU outcomes in PwP naïve to COMT inhibition via UK electronic healthcare records (Clinical Practice Research Datalink and Hospital Episodes Statistics databases, June 2016 to December 2019). HCRU outcomes were assessed before (baseline) and after COMT inhibitor prescription at 0-6 months, 7-12 months, and 13-18 months. Opicapone treated PwP were algorithm-matched (1:4) to entacapone-treated PwP.

RESULTS: By 6-months, treatment with opicapone resulted in 18.5% fewer neurology outpatient visits compared to entacapone treatment; this effect was maintained until the last follow-up (18-months). In the opicapone group, the mean levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) decreased over the first year and then stabilised, whereas the entacapone-treated group showed an initial decrease in the first 6-months followed by a dose increase between 7-18-months. Neither COMT inhibitors had significant impact on sleep medication use.

CONCLUSIONS: This head-to-head study is the first to demonstrate using ‘real-world’ data that initiating COMT inhibition with opicapone is likely to decrease the need for post-treatment HCRU versus initiation of COMT inhibition with entacapone.

PMID:37489574 | DOI:10.1111/ene.15990

Clin Oral Implants Res. 2023 Jul 25. doi: 10.1111/clr.14146. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Composition of implant material and its surface structure is decisive for oral biofilm accumulation. This study investigated biofilm formation on eight different materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen healthy subjects wore intraoral splints fitted with two sets of eight materials for 24 h: zirconia [ZrO₂ ]; silver-gold-palladium [AgAuPd]; titanium zirconium [TiZr]; Pagalinor [PA]; hydroxyapatite [HA]; silver-platinum [AgPt]; titanium aluminum niobium [TAN]; titanium grade4 [TiGr4]. Total biomass was stained by safranin to assess plaque accumulation while conventional culturing (CFU) was conducted to investigate viable parts of the biofilm. Cell viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) was assessed in vitro. Statistical evaluation was performed with linear mixed-effects models to compare materials (geometric mean ratios, 95% CI), with the level of significance set at ɑ = .05.

RESULTS: Less biofilm mass and CFU were found on noble metal alloys (AgPt, AgAuPd, and PA). Compared to AgPt, PA had 2.7-times higher biofilm mass value, AgAuPd was 3.9-times, TiGr4 was 4.1-times, TiZr was 5.9-times, TAN was 7.7-times, HA was 7.8-times, and ZrO₂ was 9.1-times higher (each p < .001). Similarly, CFU data were significantly lower on AgPt, AgAuPd had 4.1-times higher CFU values, PA was 8.9-times, TiGr4 was 11.2-times, HA was 12.5-times, TiZr was 13.3-times, TAN was 16.9-times, and ZrO₂ was 18.5-times higher (each p < .001). HGF-1 viability varied between 47 ± 24.5% (HA) and 94.4 ± 24.6% (PA).

CONCLUSION: Noble alloys are considered as beneficial materials for the transmucosal part of oral implants, as less biofilm mass, lower bacterial counts, and greater cell viability were detected than on titanium- or zirconia-based materials.

PMID:37489537 | DOI:10.1111/clr.14146

Epidemiologia (Basel). 2023 Jul 7;4(3):286-297. doi: 10.3390/epidemiologia4030029.

ABSTRACT

Contact network models are recent alternatives to equation-based models in epidemiology. In this paper, the spread of disease is modeled on contact networks using bond percolation. The weight of the edges in the contact graphs is determined as a function of several variables in which case the weight is the product of the probabilities of independent events involving each of the variables. In the first experiment, the weight of the edges is computed from a single variable involving the number of passengers on flights between two cities within the United States, and in the second experiment, the weight of the edges is computed as a function of several variables using data from 2012 Kenyan household contact networks. In addition, the paper explored the dynamics and adaptive nature of contact networks. The results from the contact network model outperform the equation-based model in estimating the spread of the 1918 Influenza virus.

PMID:37489500 | DOI:10.3390/epidemiologia4030029

Epidemiologia (Basel). 2023 Jul 3;4(3):267-275. doi: 10.3390/epidemiologia4030027.

ABSTRACT

The timely identification of expected surges of cases during infectious disease epidemics is essential for allocating resources and preparing interventions. Failing to detect critical phases in time may lead to delayed implementation of interventions and have serious consequences. This study describes a simple way to evaluate whether an epidemic wave is likely to be present based solely on daily new case count data. The proposed measure compares two models that assume exponential or linear dynamics, respectively. The most important assumption of this approach is that epidemic waves are characterized rather by exponential than linear growth in the daily number of new cases. Technically, the coefficient of determination of two regression analyses is used to approximate a Bayes factor, which quantifies the support for the exponential over the linear model and can be used for epidemic wave detection. The trajectory of the coronavirus epidemic in three countries is analyzed and discussed for illustration. The proposed measure detects epidemic waves at an early stage, which are otherwise visible only by inspecting the development of case count data retrospectively. Major limitations include missing evidence on generalizability and performance compared to other methods. Nevertheless, the outlined approach may inform public health decision-making and serve as a starting point for scientific discussions on epidemic waves.

PMID:37489498 | DOI:10.3390/epidemiologia4030027

Epidemiologia (Basel). 2023 Jun 23;4(3):235-246. doi: 10.3390/epidemiologia4030024.

ABSTRACT

This is the first evaluation of the Yemen Field Epidemiology Training Program (Y-FETP) to assess if it met its objectives. We collected data using mixed methods including desk review, a focus group discussion with the Y-FETP staff, in-depth interviews with 21 program stakeholders, and an online survey for the program’s graduates. We transcribed/analyzed qualitative data using explanatory quotations and survey data using descriptive methods. The desk review indicated that Y-FETP covers 18 (82%) out of 22 governorates and conducted >171 outbreak investigations, 138 surveillance system analyses/evaluations, 53 planned studies, published >50 articles and had >155 accepted conference abstracts. Qualitative findings showed Y-FETP helped save lives and reduced morbidity/mortality using building capacities in outbreak response; provided evidence-based data for decision-making; and increased awareness about public health issues. An online survey showed that Y-FETP helped 60 to 80% of graduates conduct outbreak investigations, surveillance analysis/evaluation, manage surveillance systems/projects, engage in public health communication (reports/presentation), and use basic statistical methods. However, the evaluation revealed that Y-FETP is primarily funded by donors; thus, it is not sustainable. Other challenges include low graduate retention and limited training in policy development and management. Y-FETP achieved its main objectives of increasing the number of epidemiologists in the workforce, making a positive impact on public health outcomes.

PMID:37489495 | DOI:10.3390/epidemiologia4030024

BioTech (Basel). 2023 Jul 3;12(3):49. doi: 10.3390/biotech12030049.

ABSTRACT

Microalgae can treat waste streams containing elevated levels of organic carbon and nitrogen. This process can be economically attractive if high value products are created simultaneously from the relatively low-cost waste stream. Co-production of two high value microalgal products, phycocyanin and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), was investigated using non-axenic Arthrospira platensis MUR126 and supplemental organic carbon (acetate, oxalate, glycerol and combinations). All supplemented cultures had higher biomass yield (g/L) than photoautotrophic control. All cultures produced PHB (3.6-7.8% w/w), except the control and those fed oxalate. Supplemented cultures showed a two to three-fold increase in phycocyanin content over the eight-day cultivation. Results indicate co-production of phycocyanin and PHB is possible in A. platensis, using mixed-waste organic carbon. However, supplementation resulted in growth of extremophile bacteria, particularly in cultures fed glycerol, and this had a negative impact on culture health. Refinement of the carbon dosing rate is required to minimise impacts of native bacterial contamination.

PMID:37489483 | DOI:10.3390/biotech12030049