Tag: pubmed

Neurochirurgie. 2023 Jul 12;69(5):101461. doi: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2023.101461. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lumbar microdiscectomy is the most frequent surgical intervention used in the treatment of sciatica from herniated lumbar discs. Many discectomy trials have been plagued with an excessive number of crossovers that have rendered results inconclusive.

METHODS: We review the design and results of influential lumbar microdiscectomy trials. We also discuss the various strategies that have been used to decrease the number of crossovers or to mitigate the effects of crossovers on analyses.

RESULTS: Randomized trials on lumbar discectomy were affected by crossover rates of 8% to 42%. Various strategies that have been used to decrease that number or to mitigate the effects on results include: patient selection, blinding (placebo-controlled trials), an immediate access to surgery for the surgical group (but limited access to surgery for the conservative group), shortening the follow-up period necessary to reach the primary outcome measure, postponing crossovers to surgery after determination of the primary outcome, and modifying the primary outcome measure to include treatment failures. Crossovers should be anticipated and compensated for by increasing the number of participants.

CONCLUSION: Non-adherence to randomly allocated management options can deprive trials of the statistical power needed to inform clinical care. Crossovers and ways to mitigate related problems should be anticipated at the time of trial design.

PMID:37450957 | DOI:10.1016/j.neuchi.2023.101461

Forensic Sci Int. 2023 Jul 1;349:111772. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111772. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Postmortem interval (PMI) in legal medicine is extremely important for both criminal and civil cases, and several sorts of techniques have been recommended. This systematic review solely focuses on approaches linked to RNA analysis, instead of including all proposed methods for determining the PMI. The term PMI will be used in this review to indicate the time between a person’s death and the postmortem examination of the body. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines when conducting this systematic review. The majority of studies on various tissues at various time intervals at various temperatures are non-human, and just a small number are on humans. The results are then provided using various statistical approaches. To calculate the PMI, post-mortem RNA degradation was examined using several tissues. The result so obtained had an opposite polarity. While some studies show that RNA stability in various tissues remained constant for several days after death, the other group of studies showed evident RNA degradation over time post-mortem, which was significantly influenced by temperature and other agonal factors. These factors have an impact on the multi-parametric mathematical model of ante and post-mortem factors on RNA degradation, as well as its applicability and feasibility. The estimation of PMI using RNA degradation can prove to be highly objective and efficient after controlling for the various factors and challenges that pose the estimation of RNA in forensic samples difficult.

PMID:37450949 | DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111772

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2023 Jul 14:1-10. doi: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2229439. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We evaluated how an online post-traumatic growth program affected rumination, social support, and post-traumatic growth. We recruited 33 firefighters from two Korean provinces and employed a nonequivalent control group pretest-post-test design. We administered the pretest for the intervention group (n = 16), consisting of eight sessions with an online workbook and messenger group counseling. We conducted post-tests immediately after the program and 4 weeks later. Post-traumatic growth and social support increased significantly. There were no statistically significant differences for intrusive or deliberate rumination. Psychological support programs should be developed to reflect firefighters’ work characteristics and needs, including programs designed to induce rumination.

PMID:37450902 | DOI:10.1080/01612840.2023.2229439

Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2023 Jul 14:15385744231189356. doi: 10.1177/15385744231189356. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for elective and emergency infrarenal aortic pathologies is the primary approach for treatment nowadays. During such procedure, the suture-mediated closure device (SMCD) (Perclose ProGlide^TM, Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA) is commonly used. This study aimed to identify potential contributors for SMCD failure in a patient cohort of elective and emergency EVAR.

METHODS: Archived medical records from patients who underwent EVAR for aortic pathologies in elective and emergency setting at the University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany were included. Patient’s co-morbidities, access vessel morphologies and hemostasis-related blood parameters were evaluated on their association with SMCD failure applying different statistical methods.

RESULTS: A total of 71 patients (139 femoral accesses) was included. The mean age was 73.5 ± 8.4 years. Overall SMCD failure rate was 4.3%, 4.1% for elective and 5.9% for emergency cases, respectively. Total procedure time was longer for the SMCD failure group (323 ± 117.8 min vs 171 ± 43.7 min). The calcification status of the common femoral artery (CFA), the diameter of the aortic bifurcation, and dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) on the medication plan prior to the procedure were associated with SMCD failure. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis nominated several potentially relevant predictors for SMCD failure who underwent subsequent multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Here, DAPT on the medication plan was identified as being promising in predicting SMCD failure (OR 30.5), while anterior plaque formation in the CFA maintained as only statistically relevant determinant (OR 44.9).

CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the CFA calcification status to be associated with SMCD failure. Although discontinued prior to endovascular treatment, DAPT was also found to be associated with SMCD failure. Our results may advocate to perform obligatory platelet testing prior to EVAR to maximize patient safety.

PMID:37450890 | DOI:10.1177/15385744231189356

Ann Plast Surg. 2023 Jul 1;91(1):149-153. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003608.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the global acceptance of the impact factor (IF) by researchers and academic institutions as one, criticism has been voiced regarding its effectiveness in evaluating the unbiased impact of a journal. To overcome the limitations and drawbacks of the IF that were presented by the scientific community, they introduced several other citation-based bibliometric indices.

METHODS: All plastic and reconstructive surgery journals were analyzed, and bibliometric indices were extracted from the relevant source. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine correlations between the various indices.

RESULTS: All correlations in between the various bibliometric indices were found to be positively and statistically significant, ranging from moderately highly associated for the IF and Eigenfactor (r = 0.632) to very strongly associated (r = 0.962) for the IF and the Article Influence Score.

CONCLUSION: In the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, the Eigenfactor and its derivative, the Article Influence Score, could potentially serve as better indices than the IF in demonstrating the overall picture. This information is based on the inclusion of a greater number of journals in the calculation and subtraction of self-citations, without compromising their correlation with other indices.The use of Eigenfactor and other additional bibliometrics cooperatively with the IF could provide the most extensive evaluation of a journal’s scientific impact.

PMID:37450874 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003608

Ann Plast Surg. 2023 Jul 1;91(1):109-116. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003596.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neuroma-induced neuropathic pain is associated with loss of function and reduced quality of life. No consistently effective standard-of-care treatment has been defined. Neurocap, a bioresorbable nerve capping device, has been designed to isolate the nerve stump from surrounding tissues to reduce development of symptomatic end-neuromas.

METHODS: Patients with peripheral symptomatic end-neuromas were included in a prospective, multicenter, single-arm design. Data were collected presurgery up till 24 months postsurgery. Eligible patients with neuromas were identified based on blocks using anesthetic. Intervention included surgical excision and capping of the transected proximal nerve end with the Neurocap. Main outcome measures were pain, function, recurrence of symptomatic neuroma, use of analgesics, and adverse events.

RESULTS: In total, 73 patients with 50 upper-extremity and 23 lower-extremity end-neuromas were enrolled. End-neuromas were predominately located in the digits and lower leg. Statistical power of the study outcomes was preserved by 46 of 73 patients completing 24-month follow-up. The mean VAS-Pain score at baseline was 70.2 ± 17.8 (scale 0-100) and decreased significantly to 31 ± 32.5 (P < 0.001). Function significantly improved over time. The recurrence rate of confirmed symptomatic neuroma was low (2 of 98 capped nerves). Adverse event rate was low and included pain and infection; there were no unexpected device-related adverse events. Most patients reported lower use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and antineuropathic medications at last follow-up compared with baseline.

CONCLUSIONS: End-neuroma treatment with excision and capping resulted in long-term significant reduction in reported pain, disability, and analgesic medication use. Adverse event rate was low.

PMID:37450869 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003596

Phys Rev Lett. 2023 Jun 30;130(26):264002. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.264002.

ABSTRACT

During the set of direct numerical simulations of the forced isotropic turbulence of surface gravity waves in the framework of primordial dynamical equations, the universal inverse cascade spectrum was observed. The slope of the spectrum is the same (in the margin of error) for different levels of pumping and nonlinearity as well as dissipation present in the system. In all simulation runs formation of the inverse cascade spectrum was accompanied by the appearance of a strong long wave background (condensate). The observed slope of the spectrum ∼k^{-3.07} is different from the constant wave action flux solution predicted by the wave turbulence theory ∼k^{-23/6}.

PMID:37450799 | DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.264002

Phys Rev Lett. 2023 Jun 30;130(26):268201. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.268201.

ABSTRACT

The rigidity transition occurs when, as the density of microscopic components is increased, a disordered medium becomes able to transmit and ensure macroscopic mechanical stability, owing to the appearance of a space-spanning rigid connected component, or cluster. As a second-order phase transition it exhibits a scale invariant critical point, at which the rigid clusters are random fractals. We show, using numerical analysis, that these clusters are also conformally invariant, and we use conformal field theory to predict the form of universal finite-size effects. Furthermore, although connectivity and rigidity percolation are usually thought to be of fundamentally different natures, we provide evidence of unexpected similarities between the statistical properties of their random clusters at criticality. Our work opens a new research avenue through the application of the powerful 2D conformal field theory tools to understand the critical behavior of a wide range of physical and biological materials exhibiting such a mechanical transition.

PMID:37450798 | DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.268201

JCO Clin Cancer Inform. 2023 Jul;7:e2200142. doi: 10.1200/CCI.22.00142.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Pakistan has been systematically collecting cancer data since 1994 through cancer registries.

METHODS: This article presents a comprehensive analysis of cancer statistics in Pakistan from 1994 to 2021, including incidence and patterns.

RESULTS: The total number of patients with malignant neoplasm was 111,941, and the number of patients registered was 109,863. Most patients were from Punjab (67.6%) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (20.2%). Breast cancer (22.2%), colorectum cancer (5.6%), leukemia (5.3%), lip and oral cavity cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (5.1%) were the top five prevalent cancers in all age groups and sexes. Breast (24.2%), colorectum (6.2%), lip and oral cavity (5.8%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (4.4%), and prostate cancers (4.0%) were most common in adults in both sexes. In both sexes, the most common cancers among children were Hodgkin lymphoma (20.1%), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (19.8%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (11.6%), osteosarcoma (7.0%), and retinoblastoma (6.2%). Breast (45.9%), ovary and uterine adnexa (4.9%), lip and oral cavity (4.2%), cervix uteri (4.0%), and colorectum cancers (3.9%) were most common in adult females. In adult males, colorectum cancer (8.7%), prostate cancer (8.5%), lip and oral cavity cancer (7.6%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (6.4%), and liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancers were the top five most common malignancies.

CONCLUSION: It has been found that breast cancer, colorectum cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, and bone cancer rates are among the highest in Pakistan. This information may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of future intervention strategies.

PMID:37450777 | DOI:10.1200/CCI.22.00142

Int Braz J Urol. 2023 Jun 20;49. doi: 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2023.9907. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This review discusses deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) diagnosis and surgery using current urological knowledge and technologies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Narrative review of deep infiltrating endometriosis that result in urological issues. We examined manuscripts from Pubmed, Embase, and Scielo’s database using the following MeSH terms: (‘endometriosis’) AND (‘urology’ OR ‘urological’ OR ‘urologist’) AND (‘bladder’ OR’vesical’) AND (‘ureteral’ OR ‘ureter’).Selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Sample images from our records were brought to endorse the findings.

RESULTS: Thirty four related articles were chosen from 105. DIE may affect the urinary system in 52.6% of patients. Lower urinary tract symptoms may require urodynamic examination. Ultrasonography offers strong statistical yields for detecting urinary tract lesions or distortions, but magnetic resonance will confirm the diagnosis. Cystoscopy can detect active lesions, although any macroscopic visual appeal is pathognomonic. Endourology is utilized intraoperatively for bladder and ureteral assessment, however transurethral endoscopic excision of bladder lesions had higher recurrence rates. Laparoscopy is the route of choice for treatment; partial cystectomy, and bladder shaving were the most prevalent surgical treatments for bladder endometriosis. Regarding the ureteral treatment, the simple ureterolysis and complex reconstructive techniques were described in most papers. Using anatomical landmarks or neuronavigation, pelvic surgical systematization allows intraoperative neural structure identification.

CONCLUSIONS: DIE in the urinary system is common, however the number of publications with high level of evidence is limited. The initial tools for diagnosis are ultrasonography and cystoscopy, but magnetic resonance is the most reliable tool. When the patient has voiding symptoms, the urodynamic examination is crucial. Laparoscopy improves lesion detection and anatomical understanding. This approach must be carried out by professionals with high expertise, since the surgery goes beyond the resection of lesions and includes the preservation of nerve structures and urinary tract reconstruction techniques.

PMID:37450770 | DOI:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2023.9907