Tag: pubmed

J Foot Ankle Surg. 2022 Sep 20:S1067-2516(22)00266-6. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2022.09.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Various fixation constructs exist to address hallux valgus when performing a first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis. The goal of this present study is to compare complication rates, and degree and maintenance of angular correction between a dorsomedial locking plate with intercuneiform compression screw construct versus traditional crossing solid screw fixation construct. The plate plus intercuneiform compression screw construct fixation utilized a combined sagittal saw and curette method of joint preparation while the crossed screw fixation group utilized a curette and bur technique. A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients who underwent a midfoot fusion using either constructs. Sixty four total feet in 56 patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty four consecutive patients (32 feet) who underwent a midfoot arthrodesis using the locking plate and intercuneiform fixation were fully fused (100%) by 10 weeks postoperatively, with no incidents of nonunion and one deep vein thrombosis event. Thirty two consecutive patients (32 feet) who underwent midfoot arthrodesis with crossing screw fixation had 2 nonunion events, one that was asymptomatic and the other that required a revision midfoot fusion. There was a statistically significant improvement from the pre-operative intermetatarsal angle, hallux abductus angle compared to the 10 week and 1 year radiographs (p < .05) for the entire cohort for both fixation constructs. There was a statistically significant increase in American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery first ray scores from pre-op to 1 year follow-up for both fixation constructs. Overall, the dorsomedial locking plate plus intercuneiform compression screw fixation construct better maintains Intermetatarsal angle (IMA) correction at midterm follow-up compared to the traditional crossing screw construct. Both cohorts overall demonstrate similar fusion rates at 10 weeks, nonunion events, incidences of broken hardware, hardware removal, deep vein thrombosis, neuritis at 1 year postoperatively, and hallux varus.

PMID:36272952 | DOI:10.1053/j.jfas.2022.09.002

Eur Urol. 2022 Oct 19:S0302-2838(22)02713-0. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2022.10.004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The role of upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors is unclear.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between upfront CN and clinical outcomes in the setting of mRCC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors or targeted therapy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Using the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium, we retrospectively identified patients diagnosed with de novo mRCC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors or targeted therapy.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Overall survival (OS) was compared between the two groups using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox regressions adjusting for known prognostic factors.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: We identified a total of 4639 eligible patients with mRCC. Among the 4202 patients treated with targeted therapy and 437 patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, 2326 (55%) and 234 (54%) patients received upfront CN prior to treatment start. In multivariable analyses, CN was associated with significantly better OS in both the immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.90, p = 0.013) and the targeted therapy treatment (HR: 0.72; 95% CI, 0.67-0.78, p < 0.001) group. There was no difference in OS benefit of CN between the immune checkpoint inhibitor and targeted therapy treatment groups (interaction p = 0.6). Limitations include selection of patients from large academic centers and the retrospective nature of the study.

CONCLUSIONS: Upfront CN is associated with a significant OS benefit in selected patients treated by either immune checkpoint inhibitors or targeted therapy, and still has a role in selected patients in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

PATIENT SUMMARY: Before effective systemic therapies were available for metastatic kidney cancer, surgical removal of the primary (kidney) tumor was the mainstay of treatment. The role of removing the primary tumor has recently been called into question given that more effective systemic therapies have become available. In this study, we find that removal of the primary kidney tumor still has a benefit for selected patients treated with highly effective modern systemic therapies, including targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

PMID:36272943 | DOI:10.1016/j.eururo.2022.10.004

J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2022 Sep 16:S1544-3191(22)00307-7. doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.09.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In a community with rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) 10 times greater than the national average, a pharmacist-led HCV clinic creates a unique opportunity to make an extensive impact on a large population. This study aimed to describe the impact of an ambulatory pharmacist-led HCV clinic on successful HCV treatment initiation.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to determine HCV treatment initiation before and after introduction of a pharmacist-led HCV clinic. Secondary objectives include identifying benefits of the clinic through barriers that exist pre-and postclinic, average time to HCV treatment initiation, and current and last known points of care in the treatment process.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: The ambulatory program was established in 2018 with a collaborative practice agreement with gastroenterologists in the health system, allowing for providers to refer patients to the pharmacy clinic for HCV medication initiation and monitoring.

PRACTICE INNOVATION: Through maintaining relations with providers, the local health department, and emergency department staff, pharmacists aimed to connect more patients to HCV treatment. Clinical pharmacists work with patients to refer them to specialty pharmacies, ensuring quick treatment start and financial coverage.

EVALUATION METHODS: A single-center, retrospective chart review was conducted to assess treatment initiation in patients with a positive HCV antibody in 2016 (preclinic) or 2019 (postclinic).

RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found for the proportion of patients that started treatment before versus after clinic initiation (P < 0.001). For secondary objectives, a statistically significant difference was found between the number of patients who completed the treatment process in 2016 and those in 2019 (P < 0.001). The average time from diagnosis to treatment initiation was reduced from 66.75 weeks ± SD 13.22 in 2016 to 22.87 weeks ± SD 4.19 in 2019.

CONCLUSION: An ambulatory pharmacist-led HCV clinic results in a higher proportion of patients starting treatment for hepatitis C, better linkage to care, and shorter treatment duration.

PMID:36272941 | DOI:10.1016/j.japh.2022.09.006

Trends Cogn Sci. 2022 Oct 7:S1364-6613(22)00233-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.09.012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

How do humans, including toddlers, take knowledge from past experiences and apply this knowledge in new ways? Current approaches to human and artificial intelligence (AI) fail to offer satisfactory explanations. We suggest the explanation will be found in the coherence statistics of the individual time-extended episodes of human experience and the cognitive processes those statistics engage.

PMID:36272936 | DOI:10.1016/j.tics.2022.09.012

Eur Urol Focus. 2022 Oct 19:S2405-4569(22)00231-0. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2022.10.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Testosterone (T) plays an important role in male reproductive function and tissue development. Normal serum T levels vary between 300 and 1000 ng/dl. It is not known, however, if varying serum T levels alter androgen receptor (AR) signaling in tissue.

OBJECTIVE: To measure AR signaling levels in human corpus cavernosal tissue in males with different serum T levels.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Participants were selected from a group of males undergoing surgical management for erectile dysfunction (ED; penile prosthesis placement). T levels were measured 1 week before surgery and a sample of corpus cavernosal tissue was procured during surgery. The tissue was homogenized, measured for protein concentration, and used for western blot analysis. VEGF was selected as an AR marker and actin was used for protein normalization.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: VEGF and actin expression levels were analyzed using western blot analysis and ImageJ was used for quantification of antibody expression.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: AR signaling was measured in terms of VEGF expression. Above a T level of 200 ng/dl, there was no significant difference found in VEGF expression. Only one patient had a T level less than 200 ng/dl, limiting the generalizability of these results. In addition, all patients had a history of ED, and controls (patients without ED) were not included in the study.

CONCLUSIONS: Above a serum T level of 200 ng/dl, there was no significant difference in AR signaling. This finding suggests that there could be a saturation level present in corpus cavernosal tissue that is approximately 200 ng/dl.

PATIENT SUMMARY: Serum testosterone levels above a certain threshold may not be necessary for biological functions. Instead, it is most likely that there is an approximate serum testosterone level that fully saturates tissue androgen receptors and results in peak function in men.

PMID:36272925 | DOI:10.1016/j.euf.2022.10.003

Eur Urol Focus. 2022 Oct 19:S2405-4569(22)00228-0. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2022.09.019. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a fibrotic condition of the penis characterized by abnormal plaque formation. Intralesional collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh) is effective in noncalcified PD; however, its effectiveness in calcified PD is not well characterized.

OBJECTIVE: To assess curvature improvement in calcified PD plaques treated with CCh.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We prospectively evaluated men with calcified PD electing CCh treatment at our institution from October 2018 to November 2020. We assessed curvature with artificial erection and goniometer before and at least 3 mo after treatment. We classified the type of plaque calcification based on ultrasound.

INTERVENTION: Intralesional CCh. Each treatment cycle consisted of two CCh injections (0.58 mg) into the plaque at the point of maximal penile curvature. The second injection was performed 72 h to 1 wk later, after which participants began modeling. All men were intended to receive a total of eight injections in four cycles, each 6 wk apart.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Change in penile curvature after CCh was measured. We assessed for differences in outcomes based on the number of injections and type of calcification. Unless otherwise specified, data are presented as medians (interquartile range).

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Sixty men with calcified PD elected CCh; 47 had complete follow-up data. Thirty-nine men completed treatments with eight injections, while the remaining discontinued after a median of five (four to six) injections. There was no difference in response between type 2 and type 3 plaques. Curvature significantly improved by 17.5° (37.5-10.0°) in patients who completed treatment and by 15.0° (20.0-0.0°) in those who discontinued. Limitations include a small sample.

CONCLUSIONS: Men with calcified PD plaques improve with CCh treatment and show similar improvements regardless of calcification type.

PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh) treatment in calcified Peyronie’s disease (PD) plaques. We found that treatment in calcified plaques demonstrated significant improvement in curvature and the grading of calcification did not impact the degree of curvature improvement. We conclude that participants with calcified PD plaques can benefit from nonsurgical CCh treatment.

PMID:36272924 | DOI:10.1016/j.euf.2022.09.019

Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2022 Sep 28:S1064-7481(22)00519-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2022.09.009. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the use of antipsychotics among residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in nursing homes.

DESIGN: Observational study based on the Minimum Data Set and Medicare claims.

SETTING: Medicare- and/or Medicaid-certified nursing homes.

PARTICIPANTS: Nursing home residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias between 2017 and 2020.

MEASUREMENTS: The main outcome variable was any antipsychotic use during a quarter. The secondary outcome was certified nursing assistants’ staffing hours per bed per day in a quarter. We categorized nursing homes into quartiles based on the distribution of nursing home racial and/or ethnic composition. To explore the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the frequency of antipsychotic use, we estimated a linear probability model with robust standard errors, individual and facility random effects. We used a similar model for certified nursing assistant hours.

RESULTS: About 23.7% of residents with ADRD had antipsychotic uses during the study period. The frequency of antipsychotic use declined from 23.7%-23.1% between the first quarter of 2017 (2017Q1) and the first quarter of 2020 (2020Q1) but increased to 24.8% by the last quarter of 2020 (2020Q4). Residents in all four racial and/or ethnic groups experienced an increase in antipsychotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the extent of the increase varied by race and/or ethnicity. For example, while residents in the very-high minority nursing homes experienced a greater increase in antipsychotic use than did the residents of other nursing homes at the beginning of the pandemic, the increasing trend during the pandemic was smaller in the very-high minority nursing homes compared to the low-minority nursing homes (0.2 percentage points less, p<0.001, based on heteroskedasticity-robust t statistics, t = 3.67, df = 8,155,219). On average, the certified nursing assistant hours decreased from 1.8-1.7 hours per bed per day between 2017Q1 and 2020Q1, and further decreased to 1.5 hours per bed per day by 2020Q4. There was also a decreasing trend in staffing hours across all racial and/or ethnic groups during the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increase in the use of antipsychotics among nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and decreased staffing of certified nursing assistants, especially among nursing homes with a high minority penetration. Future research is needed to explore means for reducing antipsychotic use, particularly in homes with a high penetration of minority residents.

PMID:36272888 | DOI:10.1016/j.jagp.2022.09.009

Trends Microbiol. 2022 Oct 19:S0966-842X(22)00257-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.09.011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The vaginal microbiome (VMB) is critical to female reproductive health; however, the mechanisms associated with optimal and non-optimal states remain poorly understood due to the complex community structure and dynamic nature. Quantitative systems biology techniques applied to the VMB have improved understanding of community composition and function using primarily statistical methods. In contrast, fewer mechanistic models that use a priori knowledge of VMB features to develop predictive models have been implemented despite their use for microbiomes at other sites, including the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we explore systems biology approaches that have been applied in the VMB, highlighting successful techniques and discussing new directions that hold promise for improving understanding of health and disease.

PMID:36272885 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2022.09.011

J Pediatr Nurs. 2022 Oct 19:S0882-5963(22)00245-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.09.024. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Childhood overweight and obesity rates in the United States continue to climb. Providers must identify feasible interventions to improve health habits to prevent and treat obesity in children.

METHODS: Parents (n = 91) of four-to eight-year-old children were recruited and surveyed regarding their child’s current health habits and perception of their child’s weight status. A conversation starter tool was developed and utilized to improve health habits in children ages four-to-eight over a period of four-to-six weeks.

FINDINGS: Health habits in children improved in the comparison and intervention groups. There was a 42% improvement in health habits in the intervention group who chose a specific goal to work on compared to 30% improvement in the comparison group. There was no statistically significant relationship between health habit adherence and the assigned group when assessing the health habits individually.

DISCUSSION: Overall, 42% of the selected goals were met, according to parent report at the follow-up survey; however, use of the conversation starter tool did not demonstrate statistically significant improvement in health habits. Parental perception of children’s weight status remained unchanged. Health habits in children improved in the comparison and intervention groups. Further studies should enroll a larger sample to assess differences between these two groups.

APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: The conversation starter tool was designed to be implemented into practice without the need for any specific training. The tool can be used on all children to promote improved health habits.

PMID:36272882 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2022.09.024

J Pediatr Nurs. 2022 Oct 19:S0882-5963(22)00217-2. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.08.018. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This research aimed to explore the level of care readiness and positive feelings of family caregivers of children with liver transplantation, and predictive factors of care readiness were alsoinvestigated.

BACKGROUND: Children with liver transplant require high level and extensive postoperative care. Family caregivers lack professional care knowledge and experience for surgical trauma, postoperative care, anti rejection drug guidance and so on. Good care readiness can not only promote family caregivers to improve their positive emotions and physical and mental health, but also play a positive role in the recovery of children’s diseases. Therefore, efforts are needed to improve the readiness of family caregivers.

DESIGN/METHODS: A total of 107 family caregivers of children undergoing liver transplantation participated in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic data, disease characteristics, and measures of care readiness and positive feelings were collected using questionnaires.The Care Preparedness Scale (CPS) was used to assess care readiness, and the Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) was used to assess positive feelings of family caregivers of children with liver transplantation. This paper adhered to the STROBE guidelines.

RESULTS: According to the statistical results, the total score of the CPS was 18.07 ± 5.51, and that of the PAC was 26.63 ± 4.05. There was a positive correlation between care readiness and positive feelings (r = 0.413, p < 0.05). Multiple linear step-wise regression analysis revealed that the total score of the PAC, undernourishment, caregiver education, relationship with children and care trainingresidence were the independent influencing factors of the readiness of caregivers (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The care readiness of the family caregivers of children with liver transplantation was at a medium level. Medical personnel can implement targeted health education and carry out personalized care skill training to improve the positive feelings of caregivers and then improve the readiness of caregivers.

PMID:36272881 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2022.08.018