Tag: pubmed

Exp Oncol. 2021 Dec;43(4):322-327.

ABSTRACT

Aim of this study was to develop and apply an ELISA method for assessment of the levels of endogenous antibodies against benzo[a]pyrene (Bp) in blood sera of lung cancer (LC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: ELISA was developed and applied for the detection of endogenous idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against Bp in human blood sera using recombinant human idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against Bp.

RESULTS: Serum samples of LC patients (n = 22) and healthy donors (n = 24) were analyzed by the new method. Statistical analysis showed that in sera of LC patients the levels of endogenous idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against Bp were significantly higher than in healthy donors. A logistic regression model for the LC detection utilizing such predictors as the serum levels of idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against Bp, smoking status, and age, identified LC patients with 83% specificity and 82% sensitivity.

CONCLUSION: The proposed method could be further developed as additional lung cancer screening tool.

PMID:34967535

Exp Oncol. 2021 Dec;43(4):359-364.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the influence of dispersed fibrous carbon sorbent (DFCS) on malignant fungating wounds (MFWs) in Guerin’s carcinoma-bearing rats with an assessment of wound bacterial microflora.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on female Wistar rats inoculated subcutaneously with Guerin T8 carcinoma into the upper interscapular region. On day 20, the tumors were infected by injecting the suspension of S. aureus 8325-4. After 24 h, gauze dressings were applied daily to the wounds in the control group and DFCS in the experimental one. The state of the wounds was assessed by visual control with photo monitoring, odor control on a verbal rating scale and microbiological analysis of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of wound microbiota.

RESULTS: On the 3rd day after the start of dressings, the number of S. aureus of 8325-4 strain was significantly higher in the wounds of rats in control group than experimental one (5.14 ± 0.27 vs 3.43 ± 0.33 lg CFU/ml). The total number of Staphylococci in the DFCS-treated wounds did not differ statistically from the number of S. aureus 8325-4 strain whereas in control ones were higher by an order of magnitude. On the 10th day the total number of Staphylococci and S. aureus 8325-4 in particular, remained consistently high in the wounds of the control rats, while was almost five orders of magnitude lower and represented mainly by S. aureus 8325-4 in the experimental ones. The total number of aerobic and optionally anaerobic microorganisms was significantly lower as well. A greater variety of microorganisms in the gauze-covered wounds, as well as an their increased number were accompanied by enhancement of the wound odor from “noticeable” to “strong”. There was an appearance of a “barely noticeable” odor in only one animal from the experimental group.

CONCLUSION: The study has demonstrated the ability of DFCS to control substantially the bacterial microflora as well as malodor of MWFs in vivo. The results obtained can contribute to solving the problem of improving the quality of palliative care for patients with malignant and other chronic wounds.

PMID:34967551

J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Jan-Feb 01;33(1):112-116. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000008045.

ABSTRACT

The Craniofacial Collaboration UK (CC-UK) has been established across the 4 highly specialized craniofacial centers in the UK since 2015. This joint collective aims to address the current limitations within developmental craniofacial research, using robust clinical data from a homogenous sample of children. This paper presents the third wave of findings from the CC-UK, with consideration to developmental and behavioral parent-report measures. Whilst previous data for sagittal synostosis have been presented, this article summarizes the analysis of these outcomes for children with metopic synostosis (MS) at 3 years who have undergone primary corrective surgery. Results highlight similar patterns to that of earlier CC-UK work, with the majority of children falling within 1 standard deviation of the population normative means across all measures. However, statistically significant difficulties were found between group means for children with MS on various developmental and behavioral domains. Prosocial skills and peer difficulties were reported as the greatest areas of behavioral concern for parents, with prosocial skills found to be below the level expected for their chronological age. In order to further understand the developmental trajectory of children with MS, longitudinal examination of individual diagnostic and specific age groups with single-suture craniosynostosis is crucial. The continuation of the CC-UK provides an opportunity to attain this goal.

PMID:34967518 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000008045

J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Jan-Feb 01;33(1):303-306. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000007684.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The authors compared facial scars after split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) performed with a dermal substitute or after full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) in facial defect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who had undergone FTSG or STSG with dermal substitute after skin cancer surgery between March 2016 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The scars resulting from skin grafts were assessed using the patient and observer scar assessment scales (PSAS and OSAS) in our clinic after a minimum of 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: Of the 50 study subjects, 35 patients (FTSG group) received FTSG only and 15 patients (STSG group) received STSG with the dermal substitute. The total scores of PSAS and OSAS were significantly lower in the FTSG group and it is suggested that both patients and observers thought that better scar outcomes were achieved when FTSGs were used. However, for defects smaller than 1.8 cm2 and defects located in the periorbital area, there was no statistically significant difference in the scores of PSAS and OSAS in the 2 groups. Interestingly, for defects located in the periorbital area, although there was no significant difference, PSAS and OSAS scores were lower in the STSG group than in the FTSG group. In other word, scar outcomes in the STSG group were better.

CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no significant difference, unlike what we usually know, our result shows that STSG with dermal substitute tended to produce comparable or rather better results than FTSG under some conditions.

PMID:34967526 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000007684

J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Jan-Feb 01;33(1):104-107. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000008022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ectrodactyly, commonly referred to as cleft hand, is a rare pathology characterized by a deficiency and/or complete absence of the central ray in each hand. In order to customize treatment and improve the patient’s quality of life, a more detailed functional evaluation is required. Although several studies evaluate functionality in different types of cleft hands, there are only a few studies that show self-reported evaluations. The objective of this study is to assess the hand function of cleft hand patients.

METHODS: An observational retrospective study was performed on 12 cleft hand patients who were treated between 2008 and 2018. There were 8 male patients and 4 female patients. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their ages: (Group 1) 6 patients between 1 and 7 years of age, and (Group 2) 6 patients between 8 and 18 years of age, respectively. Each group was sub-stratified into 5 subgroups according to the classification system created by Manske and Halikis.

RESULTS: Regardless of age, intragroup hand type comparisons within Groups 1 and 2 did not demonstrate statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between hand outcomes according to Manske and Halikis classification. Comparison between cleft hand patients and their age matched controls demonstrated statistically significant differences (P < 0.05), as the patients in the control group had higher outcome scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of cleft hand type and patient age, patients with cleft hands experience impaired hand function and present lower outcome scores in comparison to their age matched controls.

PMID:34967517 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000008022

Pharmacotherapy. 2021 Dec 30. doi: 10.1002/phar.2657. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hormonal contraceptives have been used in perimenopausal women to manage a variety of symptoms and prevent unintended pregnancy. However, it is unclear what contraceptive regimen is best for these women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hormonal contraceptive methods in women experiencing perimenopause using two prespecified outcomes: perimenopausal symptom management and long-term effects.

METHODS: A literature search of PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed (January 1990 to October 2021) using search terms “perimenopause” and “contraception.” Relevant full-text articles in English were included.

RESULTS: Fifteen clinical articles were reviewed. Fourteen were internationally-based and one study was conducted in the United States. Nine articles evaluated symptom resolution, and six of these nine reported statistically significant changes in favor of treating perimenopausal women with hormonal contraceptives compared with no treatment. Seven studies evaluated long-term outcomes including bone loss and metabolic parameters, and six of these seven showed statistically significant improvements with hormonal contraceptives. Based on limited data and a lack of comparative studies, the use of a levonorgestrel intrauterine device with supplemental low-dose menopausal estrogen has positive results for the management of disruptive perimenopausal symptoms and long-term outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Hormonal contraception in perimenopausal women improves symptom management and long-term outcomes if patients do not have contraindications. When selecting a contraceptive for women in perimenopause, clinicians and pharmacists need to address specific patient risk factors, symptom profiles, long-term risks and benefits, and patient preferences.

PMID:34967466 | DOI:10.1002/phar.2657

Psychooncology. 2021 Dec 30. doi: 10.1002/pon.5868. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Globally, cancer incidence is on the increase and cancer care is complex, psychologically, physically and financially draining. Family caregivers of patients with cancer in low- and middle-income countries not only face enormous challenges in having their patients access comprehensive cancer treatment services but also the critical and complex roles that they play greatly predispose them to role strain. Role strain is multifaceted and encompasses physical, psycho-social and financial strain. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of role strain among the family caregivers of patients with cancer and ensure appropriate referral to care and support services.

METHODOLOGY: The study adopted cross-sectional design involving 255 systematically sampled family caregivers of adult patients attending Kenyatta National Hospital outpatient cancer treatment clinic. Quantitative data from Modified Caregiver Strain Index tool and questionnaire was analysed by deriving descriptive statistics and data was presented by use of tables and figures. SPSS software version 25 was utilized in data analysis.

RESULTS: From the study findings, the family caregivers who had mild, moderate and severe role strain were 25.9%, 44.3% and 29.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Role strain was prevalent among family caregivers and this, therefore, calls for healthcare practitioners to assess all family caregivers of adult patients with cancer for role strain and appropriately refer those experiencing moderate to severe strain for psychological counselling, social and financial support.

PMID:34967495 | DOI:10.1002/pon.5868

J Environ Qual. 2021 Dec 30. doi: 10.1002/jeq2.20322. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) emissions from Midwestern United States dairy lagoons are episodic and seasonal. Emissions were determined using an inverse diffusion model in conjunction with measured upwind and downwind line-averaged H₂ S concentrations and turbulence. Mean daily H₂ S emissions from manure stored in earthen basins was 0.97 μg m^-2 s^-1 (σ = 1.35 μg m^-2 s^-1 ). Mean live animal basis daily emission from the basins was 1.1 g d^-1 hd^-1 (0.84 g d^-1 AU^-1 ). Daily emission was modeled using the van’t Hoff function with air temperature as a surrogate for slurry surface temperature and a linear function of friction velocity. The mean standard error of estimate of the model was 1.8 μg m^-2 s^-1 (2.0 g d^-1 hd^-1 , 1.6 g d^-1 AU^-1 ) and accounted for 60% of emissions variability. H₂ S emissions were enhanced for short periods during the year when the stored slurry was loaded onto trucks for removal. Emissions from the basins were not statistically different as barn manure handling changed from flushing to scraping. More measurements are needed to verify annual emissions estimates for these manure slurry storage basins and derive emission factors for these slurry storage systems.

PMID:34967465 | DOI:10.1002/jeq2.20322

J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol. 2021 Dec 28;28(2):e7-e16. doi: 10.47750/jptcp.2021.859. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study envisages understanding about the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) among groups of foundling and delinquent children and compares them with mainstream children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHOD: This is a cross-sectional, observational study of a group of foundling and delinquent children aged 11 to 14 years, in care houses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and mainstream school children. Variables measured for each group were demographic data (age, gender), subjective oral health condition, and OHRQoL. An interview-based questionnaire was used for collecting the relevant data. The questionnaire was divided into four parts, oral symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well-being, and social well-being, with each response scored as per the following codes: (0) never, (1) once or twice, (2) sometimes, (3) often, and (4) every day. The top possible score for the total scale was 144, and the lowest was 0. A comparison group of mainstream school children was recruited from public schools. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0 statistical software, and one-way ANOVA was used for the analysis of data when three levels or more were categorical, and the response was numerical. A chi-square test was used to assess the correlation between any two categorical variables.

RESULTS: Out of the total 99 children, 33 were delinquents, 33 were foundling, and 33 were mainstream children included as a comparative group in the study. It was noted that the delinquents compared to the other children had significantly higher scores in accordance with the data collected, with a mean overall score of 30.61 compared to the score for foundling, which was 19.48, and mainstream children had a meager score of 9.18. Individual factorssuch as the oral symptoms, functional limitations, and emotional and social well-being were scored separately, with delinquents having the highest scores and mainstream children the least.

CONCLUSIONS: Health, including oral health, is a right everyone is equally subjected to, and while the concept of OHRQoL is relatively new, delinquents and foundling are definitely subjected to poorer standards in terms of their oral hygiene, on-time treatment, and diagnosis, which further deteriorates their quality of life.

PMID:34965641 | DOI:10.47750/jptcp.2021.859

Zhongguo Gu Shang. 2021 Dec 25;34(12):1152-7. doi: 10.12200/j.issn.1003-0034.2021.12.012.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical efficacy and complications of Endobutton titanium plate and clavicle hook plate in the treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation.

METHODS: Total 48 patients with Rockwood Ⅲ to Ⅴ acromioclavicular joint dislocation from March 2015 to May 2019 were retrospectively divided into two groups according to different surgical methods. Among the patients, 23 patients were treated with Endobutton loop titanium plate fixation (observation group), including 15 males and 8 females, ranging in age from 23 to 59 years old, with an average of(36.2±8.1) years old;Rockwood type Ⅲ in 6 cases, type Ⅳ in 11 cases and type Ⅴ in 6 cases. Twenty-five patients were treated with clavicular hook plate(control group), including 17 males and 8 females, ranging in age from 22 to 54 years old, with an average of (34.7±6.4) years old; Rockwood type Ⅲ in 6 cases, type Ⅳ in 14 cases and type Ⅴ in 5 cases. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, hospitalization time, visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, Constant-Murley score of shoulder function and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 24 to 51 months, with a mean of (30.5±6.5) months. The amountof bleeding and hospitalization time in the observation group were (71.9±4.0) ml and(8.2±1.6) d respectively;and those in the control group were (97.6±13.4) ml and (12.8±1.2) d respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in operation time between the two groups(P>0.05). The VAS scores of the observation group immediately after operation and 12 months after operation were 4.00±0.39 and 1.58±0.13 respectively, which were statistically significant compared with 7.32±0.43 and 3.09±0.23 in the control group (P<0.05). The Constant-Murley scores of shoulder function in the observation group were 59.65±0.15 and 85.97 ±0.73 immediately and 12 months after operation, which were significantly different from those in the control group 52.77±0.19 and 55.78±0.19(P<0.05). In the observation group, there were 1 case of shoulder pain and 1 case of ectopic ossification; in the control group, there were 1 case of internal fixation failure, 3 cases of acromion impact, 3 cases of shoulder pain and 3 cases of ectopic ossification. There was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Compared with clavicular hook plate internal fixation in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation, Endobutton loop titanium plate internal fixation technology has the advantages of less surgical bleeding, shorter hospitalization time, less postoperative pain, good recovery of shoulder joint function and less complications.

PMID:34965634 | DOI:10.12200/j.issn.1003-0034.2021.12.012