Tag: pubmed

Cancer Med. 2021 Sep 21. doi: 10.1002/cam4.4238. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although primary splenic lymphoma (PSL) is rare, it ranks first among splenic primary malignant cancers, and the incidence of lymphoma of spleen has gradually increased in recent years. However, the efficacy of surgery for PSL has not been clinically verified by large sample data, which has affected the formulation of relevant guidelines.

AIM: To assess whether surgery can enhance the prognosis PSL patients.

METHODS: Extracted the data of patients with PSL from The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, and divided the patients into surgery and non-surgery group. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to compare the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). The propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the data, then compared the OS and CSS again. The COX proportional hazard regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Finally, we performed subgroup analysis in different Ahmann stages.

RESULTS: A sum of 2207 patients with PSL were enrolled, of which 1062 (48.1%) patients received surgery, and 1145 (51.9%) patients did not undergo surgery. Overall, patients in the surgery group had better OS and CSS. After the propensity scores matching, surgery was not statistically significant in OS and CSS. In the subgroup analysis, surgery was a protective factor for the OS and CSS in Ahmann I/II. However, surgery was no statistical significance in OS and CSS in Ahmann III. In patients with Ahmann Ⅰ/Ⅱ SMZL, surgery was a protective factor for OS and CSS. In patients with Ahmann Ⅲ SMZL, surgery was also statistically significant of OS and CSS.

CONCLUSIONS: Surgery can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with Ahmann Ⅰ/Ⅱ primary splenic lymphoma, but there was no survival difference in the Ahmann Ⅲ patients with or without surgery. For patients with SMZL, surgery was effective for improving OS and CSS.

PMID:34547191 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.4238

JAMA. 2021 Sep 7;326(9):839-850. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.11559.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: School and classroom allergens and particles are associated with asthma morbidity, but the benefit of environmental remediation is not known.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether use of a school-wide integrated pest management (IPM) program or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter purifiers in the classrooms improve asthma symptoms in students with active asthma.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Factorial randomized clinical trial of a school-wide IPM program and HEPA filter purifiers in the classrooms was conducted from 2015 to 2020 (School Inner-City Asthma Intervention Study). There were 236 students with active asthma attending 41 participating urban elementary schools located in the Northeastern US who were randomized to IPM by school and HEPA filter purifiers by classroom. The date of final follow-up was June 20, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS: The school-wide IPM program consisted of application of rodenticide, sealing entry points, trap placement, targeted cleaning, and brief educational handouts for school staff. Infestation was assessed every 3 months, with additional treatments as needed. Control schools received no IPM, cleaning, or education. Classroom portable HEPA filter purifiers were deployed and the filters were changed every 3 months. Control classrooms received sham HEPA filters that looked and sounded like active HEPA filter purifiers. Randomization was done independently (split-plot design), with matching by the number of enrolled students to ensure a nearly exact 1:1 student ratio for each intervention with 118 students randomized to each group. Participants, investigators, and those assessing outcomes were blinded to the interventions.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the number of symptom-days with asthma during a 2-week period. Symptom-days were assessed every 2 months during the 10 months after randomization.

RESULTS: Among the 236 students who were randomized (mean age, 8.1 [SD, 2.0] years; 113 [48%] female), all completed the trial. At baseline, the 2-week mean was 2.2 (SD, 3.9) symptom-days with asthma and 98% of the classrooms had detectable levels of mouse allergen. The results were pooled because there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 interventions (P = .18 for interaction). During a 2-week period, the mean was 1.5 symptom-days with asthma after use of the school-wide IPM program vs 1.9 symptom-days after no IPM across the school year (incidence rate ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.38-1.33]), which was not statistically significantly different. During a 2-week period, the mean was 1.6 symptom-days with asthma after use of HEPA filter purifiers in the classrooms vs 1.8 symptom-days after use of sham HEPA filter purifiers across the school year (incidence rate ratio, 1.47 [95% CI, 0.79-2.75]), which was not statistically significantly different. There were no intervention-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among children with active asthma, use of a school-wide IPM program or classroom HEPA filter purifiers did not significantly reduce symptom-days with asthma. However, interpretation of the study findings may need to consider allergen levels, particle exposures, and asthma symptoms at baseline.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02291302.

PMID:34547084 | DOI:10.1001/jama.2021.11559

J Parasitol. 2021 Sep 1;107(5):770-777. doi: 10.1645/20-102.

ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidium spp. have been identified in a wide range of hosts, such as humans and domestic and wild animals, while less information about the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pet hamsters is documented. A total of 351 dwarf winter white Russian hamsters’ fecal specimens were collected from 6 pet markets from the cities of Luzhou and Ziyang in Sichuan province in the southwestern part of China. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. determined with nested-PCR amplification of the partial small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene was 39.32% (138/351). The highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was in pet market 5 (79.49%, 62/78), followed by pet market 6 (38.64%, 17/44). The lowest prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was observed in pet market 3 (14.89%, 7/47). Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. were observed among different pet markets (χ2 = 76.386, df = 5, P < 0.05), and a further post hoc test revealed that only pet market 5 was significantly different from other pet markets. Molecular analysis showed that 4 different Cryptosporidium species or genotypes were identified: Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 127), Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype III (n = 6), Cryptosporidium andersoni (n = 4), and Cryptosporidium wrairi (n = 1). The identification of Cryptosporidium spp. was further tested with the 60-kDa glycoprotein (GP60) gene, and the positive rate was 29.7% (41/138). This is the first molecular report on Cryptosporidium spp. infection in dwarf winter white Russian hamsters in China. With C. parvum and C. andersoni being identified in both humans and pet hamsters, these findings suggest that pet hamsters may be potential reservoirs of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species and subtypes.

PMID:34547101 | DOI:10.1645/20-102

Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2021 Sep-Oct;41(5):703-710. doi: 10.11607/prd.4973.

ABSTRACT

This article evaluated the sealing capacity of single crowns made of a new zirconia (Katana STML, Kuraray Noritake) when cemented with two different cement types and two different marginal preparation types. Forty intact human anterior teeth, extracted for periodontal reasons, were used. Each sample was prepared with two margin preparations: knife-edge (KE) on one half of the tooth and chamfer (CH) on the other half. Based on the type of cement used, abutments were randomly distributed into one of two groups: Group 1 used resin cement (Panavia V5, Kuraray Noritake), and Group 2 used reinforced glass-ionomer cement (FujiCEM 2, GC). A digital workflow was utilized for crown fabrication. After the cementing procedures, samples were processed, and microleakage and scanning electron microscopic observations were made. Microleakage varied significantly depending on the type of cement combination used. Group 1 samples showed less microleakage (medians: 0.76 for CH and 0.51 for KE in Group 1, and 4.1 and 3.45 for Group 2, respectively) than Group 2 specimens; the difference was statistically significant (P < .000). KE preparation showed less microleakage than CH, although no statistically significant differences were found (P < .0558). Under microscopic observations, some samples showed internal fractures within the zirconia material. KE and CH seal the margin of zirconia crowns similarly. The resin cement system ensured better adhesion than reinforced glass-ionomer cement.

PMID:34547074 | DOI:10.11607/prd.4973

Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2021 Sep-Oct;41(5):665-673. doi: 10.11607/prd.4636.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the influence of different implant types on (1) radiographic marginal bone levels after healing and (2) radiographic and histomorphometric tissue levels and characteristics following ligature-induced peri-implantitis. Four implant types (Standard Plus, Straumann [S]; NobelReplace Tapered, Nobel Biocare [N]; In-Kone Universal, Global D [I]; and twinKon, Global D [T]) were randomly placed in the edentulous healed mandibular ridge of six dogs (T0), for a total of 57 implants placed. After 10 weeks, a peri-implantitis was ligature-induced (T1). After 12 weeks, biopsy samples were processed for histomorphometric analysis (T2). Standardized radiographs were taken at T0, T1, and T2 for imaging analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed-effects linear modeling. After healing (T1), the radiographic marginal bone level was more coronal for implants I, T, and S compared to N. Following peri-implantitis (T2), the histologic marginal bone level was more coronal for implants I, T, and S compared to N, and for implants I and T compared to S. Also at T2, the radiographic marginal bone level was more coronal at implants I, T, and S compared to N. Implant type may influence bone remodeling during healing and bone loss during the early stages of experimental peri-implantitis.

PMID:34547068 | DOI:10.11607/prd.4636

Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2021 Sep-Oct;41(5):647-655. doi: 10.11607/prd.5666.

ABSTRACT

This retrospective study evaluated 335 hybrid implants placed in edentulous ridges; 167 were placed with an immediate implant protocol (IIP) and 168 were placed with a delayed implant protocol. Radiographic bone level changes were measured 1 to 23 years after loading. The average bone loss between implant placement and second-stage loading was 0.16 mm in the delayed group and 0.12 mm in the IIP group. Average bone loss from implant loading to the final radiograph was 0.26 mm in the IIP group and 0.13 mm in the delayed group. There was statistically significantly more bone loss in the IIP group, in patients taking amoxicillin (vs those taking azithromycin), in sites with splinted implants (vs nonsplinted implants), and in smokers (vs nonsmokers). However, even when statistically significant, bone loss would be considered clinically insignificant by most clinicians over the 1- to 23-year follow-up.

PMID:34547065 | DOI:10.11607/prd.5666

PLoS One. 2021 Sep 21;16(9):e0257715. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257715. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

The occurrence of pollution indicator bacteria (total and faecal coliform) has been used as a sanitary parameter for evaluating the quality of drinking water. It is known that these indicators are associated with disease causing organisms which are of great concern to public health. This study assessed the relationship between coliform bacteria and water geochemistry in surface and ground water systems in the Tarkwa mining area using logistic regression models. In surface water sources, higher values of chloride (OR = 0.891, p<005), phosphates (OR = 0.452, p<0.05), pH (OR = 0.174, p<0.05) and zinc (OR = 0.001, p<0.05) were associated with lower odds of faecal coliform contamination. In groundwater sources, higher values of phosphates (OR = 0.043, p<0.001), total dissolved solids (OR = 0.858, p<0.05), turbidity (OR = 0.996, p<0.05) and nickel (OR = 6.09E-07, p<0.05) implied non-contamination by faecal coliform. However, higher values of electrical conductivity (OR = 1.097, p<0.05), nitrates (OR = 1.191, p<0.05) and total suspended solids (OR = 1.023, p<0.05) were associated with higher odds of faecal coliform contamination of groundwater sources. Nitrates and total suspended solids, in this case, were completely mediated by the heavy metals. For total coliform in surface water systems, higher values of magnesium (OR = 1.070, p<0.05) was associated with higher odds of total coliform contamination while higher values of phosphates (OR = 0.968, p<0.05) was associated with lower odds of total coliform contamination although the presence of heavy metals completely mediated these relationships. For ground water systems, higher values of pH (OR = 0.083, p<0.05), phosphates (OR = 0.092, p<0.05), turbidity (OR = 0.950, p<0.05) and chloride (OR = 0.860, p<0.05) were associated with lower odds of total coliform contamination. However, higher values of total suspended solids (OR = 1.054, p<0.05) and nitrates (OR = 1.069, p<0.05) implied contamination of total coliform in ground water sources. The relationship between nitrates and total coliform were mediated by the heavy metals. This study establishes the need to monitor, manage and remediate surface and ground water sources for potential disease causing microbes in ways that takes into consideration the factors that create different conditions in the two water systems. This study validates the usefulness of statistical models as tools for preventing surface and ground water contamination.

PMID:34547049 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0257715

PLoS One. 2021 Sep 21;16(9):e0257692. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257692. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

The growth period, phenology, grain yield and gum content of two different guar ecotypes were studied in response to different sowing dates and plant densities. A two-year field experiment was conducted as a split-factorial in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates in the research field of Tarbiat Modares University during 2016 and 2017 growing season. Main plots consisted of four sowing dates (May 21, June 4, June 21 and July 5 in 2016 and May 10, May 26, June 10 and June 26 in 2017), and subplots including three plant densities (13, 20 and 40 plants m-2) and two ecotypes (Pakistani and Indian). Based on findings, the phenological traits, plant height, grain yield and harvest index were significantly affected by plant density. The effect of ecotypes was statistically significant (p<0.05) on all traits except harvest index in the first year. Furthermore, the seed sowings on May 21 and May 26 with 13 plants m-2 led to highest grain yield (3004.8 and 2826.10 kg.ha-1 for two consecutive years). The high gum content (33.68 and 33.78% for two consecutive years) was also recorded for Pakistani ecotype while for gravity, Indian ecotype showed higher value in both crop years. By and large, the Pakistani ecotype showed better response compared to the Indian one in both years, especially in 1st and 2nd sowing dates.

PMID:34547054 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0257692

JMIRx Med. 2021 Aug 26;2(3):e28843. doi: 10.2196/28843. eCollection 2021 Jul-Sep.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Since the first recognition of the pandemic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and before substantial case fatality data were available worldwide, public health agencies warned the public about the increased dangers of SARS-CoV-2 to persons with a variety of underlying physical conditions, many of which are more commonly found in persons over 50 years of age or in certain ethnic groups.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the statistical rather than the physiological basis in support of the abovementioned warnings, this study examines correlations globally on a nation-by-nation basis between the statistical data concerning COVID-19 fatalities and the statistics of potential comorbidities that may influence the severity of infection.

METHODS: This study considers the statistics describing the populations of the 99 countries with the greatest numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections at the time of the data cutoff. As national compilations of direct measures of immune system strength are not publicly available, the frequency of fatalities in those countries due to a variety of serious diseases is used as a proxy for the susceptibility of those populations to those same diseases.

RESULTS: The analysis produces plots and calculations of correlations and cross-correlations of COVID-19 case fatality rates and the risks of other potential cofactors. It exposes some reasons that may underlie the degree to which advanced age increases the risk of mortality of infection with SARS-CoV-2. In contrast with the strong influences of comorbidities on the seriousness of consequences of influenzas and their associated pneumonias, the correlations of the same set of risk factors with SARS-CoV-2 infection are considerably weaker. The general characteristics of the observed correlations strengthened through 3 cycles of analysis, starting in September 2020. The strongest correlations were with chronic kidney disease and coronary disease (approximately 0.28 and 0.20, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms early clinical observations that infection with SARS-CoV-2 presents an increased risk to persons over the age of 65 years. It does not support the suggestions presented by government agencies early in the pandemic that the risks are much greater for persons with certain common potential comorbidities.

PMID:34547061 | PMC:PMC8404263 | DOI:10.2196/28843

PLoS One. 2021 Sep 21;16(9):e0257573. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257573. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Despite the awareness of the importance of mental health problems among adolescents in developed countries like Australia, inequality has not been widely researched. This study, is therefore, aimed to measure and compare household income-related and area-based socioeconomic inequalities in mental health problems (bullying victimization, mental disorders-single and multiple, self-harm and suicidality-ideation, plan and attempt) among Australian adolescents aged 12-17 years. Young Minds Matter (YMM)-the 2nd national cross-sectional mental health and well-being survey involving Australian children and adolescents conducted in 2013-14, was used in this study to select data for adolescents aged 12-17 years (n = 2521). Outcome variables included: bullying, mental disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, plan and attempt. The Erreygers’s corrected concentration index (CI) approach was used to measure the socioeconomic inequalities in mental health problems using two separate rank variables-equivalised household income quintiles and area-based Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) quintiles. The prevalence of mental health problems in the previous 12-months among these study participants were: bullying victimization (31.1%, 95% CI: 29%-33%), mental disorder (22.9%, 95% CI: 21%-24%), self-harm (9.1%, 95% CI: 8%-10%), suicidal ideation (8.5%, 95% CI: 7%-10%), suicidal plan (5.9%, 95% CI: 5%-7%) and suicidal attempt (2.8%, 95% CI: 2%-3%). The concentration indices (CIs) were statistically significant for bullying victimization (CI = -0.049, p = 0.020), multiple mental disorders (CI = -0.088, p = <0.001), suicidal ideation (CI = -0.023, p = 0.047) and suicidal attempt (CI = -0.021, p = 0.002), implying pro-poor socioeconomic inequalities based on equivalized household income quintiles. Similar findings revealed when adolescents mental health inequalities calculated on the basis of area based IRSAD (Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage) quintiles. Overall, adolescents from economically worse-off families experienced more mental health-related problems compared to those from economically better-off families. This has implications for prevention strategies and government policy in order to promote mental health and provide equitable healthcare facility.

PMID:34547040 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0257573