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Κυριακή 4 Δεκεμβρίου 2022

25‐Hydroxycholesterol induces odontoclastic differentiation through RANK–RANKL upregulation and NF‐κB activation in odontoblast‐like MDPC‐23 cells: An in vitro study

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Abstract

Aim

The physiological effects and cellular mechanism of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC), which is an oxysterol synthesized from cholesterol by cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H) expressed under inflammatory conditions, are still largely unknown during odontoclastogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate a 25-HC-induced odontoclastogenesis and its cellular mechanisms in odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells.

Methodology

To investigate 25-HC-induced odontoclastogenesis of MDPC-23 cells and its cellular mechanism, haemotoxylin and eosin staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, dentine resorption assay, zymography, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, immunocytochemistry, and nuclear translocation were performed. The experimental values are presented as mean ± standard deviation and were compared using analysis of variance, followed by post-hoc multiple comparison (Tukey's test) using SPSS software version 22 (IBM Corp.). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Lipopolysaccharide or receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) induced the synthesis of 25-HC via the expression of CH25H in MDPC-23 cells (p<0.01). Multinucleated giant cells with morphological characteristics and TRAP activity of the odontoclast were increased by 25-HC in MDPC-23 cells (p<0.01). Moreover, 25-HC increased dentine resorption through the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases in MDPC-23 cells. It not only increased the expression of odontoclastogenic biomarkers but also translocated cytosolic nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to the nucleus in MDPC-23 cells. Additionally, 25-HC not only increased the production of ROS (p<0.01), expression of inflammatory mediators (p<0.01), pro-inflammatory cytokines, receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), and RANKL but also suppressed the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in MDPC-23 cells. In contrast, CDDO-Me, a chemical NF-κB inhibitor, decreased TRAP activity (p<0.01) and downregulated the expression of the odontoclastogenic biomarkers, including RANK and RANKL, in MDPC-23 cells.

Conclusion

25-HC induced odontoclastogenesis by modulating the RANK–RANKL–OPG axis via NF-κB activation in MDPC-23 cells. Therefore, these findings provide that 25-HC derived from cholesterol metabolism may be involved in the pathophysiological etiological factors of internal tooth resorption.

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In-utero Exposure to Maternal Diabetes and the Risk of Cerebral Palsy: A Population-based Cohort Study

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Background: Evidence on the effects of in utero exposure to maternal diabetes on cerebral palsy in offspring is limited. We aimed to examine the effects of pre-gestational (PGDM) and gestational diabetes (GDM) separately on CP risk and the mediating role of increased fetal size. Methods: In a population-based study, we included all live births in Ontario, Canada, between 2002–2017 followed up through 2018 (n=2,110,177). Using administrative health data, we estimated crude and adjusted associations between PGDM or GDM and CP using Cox proportional hazards models to account for unequal follow-up in children. For the mediation analysis, we used marginal structural models to estimate the controlled direct effect of PGDM (and GDM) on the risk of CP not mediated by large-for-gestational age (LGA). Results: During the study period, 5,317 children were diagnosed with CP (187 exposed to PGDM and 171 exposed to GDM). Children of mothers with PGDM showed an increased risk {hazard ratio [HR]: 1.84 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.59, 2.14]} after adjusting for maternal sociodemographic and clinical factors. We found no associations between GDM and CP (adjusted HR: 0.91 (0.77, 1.06)). Our mediation analysis estimated that LGA explained 14% of the PDGM–CP association. Conclusions: In this population-based birth cohort study, maternal pre-gestational diabetes was associated with increased risk of CP, and the increased risk was not substantially mediated by the increased fetal size. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The Effect of Two Different Simulation Modalities in Palliative Care Teaching on Nursing Students' Knowledge, Satisfaction, Self-confidence, and Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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imageNursing students from developing countries have limited opportunities to experience palliative care. Standardized patient and low-fidelity simulations can provide realistic palliative care experiences for students. However, limited research is available on simulation-based education in Palestine. Testing and using these two types of simulation methods may be the best solution for developing countries that lack adequate resources. This study aimed to test the effects of low-fidelity simulation compared with standardized patient simulation in palliative care teaching on nursing students' knowledge, satisfaction, confidenc e, and skills. The study was a randomized controlled trial of 70 nursing students in their sophomore year. Students' knowledge was assessed with the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing test; satisfaction and confidence with the Learner Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning; and skills rated by two researchers. Students' knowledge improved significantly on the posttest compared with the pretest, without significant differences between both groups. The findings showed that the utilization of the two methods in students' clinical training for scenario has the same effect on the satisfaction and confidence. The skills of the standardized patient group improved significantly more than the low-fidelity group. The study revealed that both simulation modalities are effective for palliative care nursing students.
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Higher SARS‐CoV‐2 shedding in exhaled aerosol probably contributed to the enhanced transmissibility of Omicron BA.5 subvariant

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Abstract

The global pandemic of the BA.5 subvariant had moved from prediction to reality. In this study, we compared SARS-CoV-2 aerosol emissions from patients with BA.2 or BA.5 subvariant infection. First, patients with BA.2 subvariant infection had higher upper respiratory viral loads than patients with BA.5 subvariant infection. However, the average breath emission rate (BER) of patients with BA.5 subvariant infection, which represented the concentration of exhaled SARS-CoV-2 aerosols, was nearly 40 times higher than that of patients with BA.2 subvariant. Second, aerosols exhaled by patients with BA.5 subvariant infection exhibited SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection positive rate than patients with BA.1 or BA.2 subvariant infection. Meanwhile, for BA.5 subvariant infection, patients that exhaled infectious SARS-CoV-2 aerosols accounted for 14.8% of all patients. Third, since the onset of COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection signals of throat swabs showed a gradual decline trend, although the de cline process was accompanied by fluctuations. Overall, the monitoring of infectious SARS-CoV-2 aerosols may provide the data support for the transmissibility evaluation of the Omicron BA.5 subvariant.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Comparison of quality of life and psychological distress in patients with tongue cancer undergoing a total/subtotal glossectomy or extended hemiglossectomy and free flap transfer: a prospective evaluation

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The aim of this study was to assess changes in the quality of life and psychological distress of patients with tongue cancer undergoing total/subtotal glossectomy (TG) or extended hemiglossectomy (HG) and free flap transfer. Differences between the two groups were compared using the Short Form 8-Item Health Survey (SF-8) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Of the 43 patients with tongue cancer, 24 (56%) underwent TG and 19 (44%) underwent HG. The general health and social functioning scores in the SF-8 and depression in the HADS were significantly worse in the TG group than in the HG group at 12 months after surgery, indicating that patients in the TG group may experience social isolation and psychological distress, and have difficulty in employability even 12 months after su...
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Παρασκευή 2 Δεκεμβρίου 2022

Household versus incentive-based contact investigation for tuberculosis

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Abstract
Background
Household contact investigation for people newly diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) is poorly implemented, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Conditional cash incentives may improve uptake.
Methods
We conducted a pragmatic, cluster randomized cross-over trial of two TB contact investigation approaches (household-based and incentive-based) in 28 public primary care clinics in South Africa. Each clinic used one approach for 18 months, followed by a six-month washout period, after which the opposite approach was used. Fourteen clinics were randomized to each approach. In the household-based arm, we conducted TB screening and testing of contacts at the household. In the incentive-based arm, both index patients and up to ten of their close contacts (either within or outside the household). were given small cash incentives for presenting to study clinics for tuberculosis screening. The primary outcome was the number of people with incident tuberculosis who were diagnosed and started on treatment at study clinics.
Results
From July 2016 to January 2020, we randomized 28 clinics to each study arm, and enrolled 782 index tuberculosis patients and 1882 contacts in the household-based arm, and 780 index patients and 1940 contacts in the incentive-based arm. 1,413 individuals started on tuberculosis treatment in the household-based arm, and 1,510 in the incentive-based arm. The adjusted incidence rate ratio of tuberculosis treatment initiation in the incentive versus household-based arm was 1.05 (95% CI:0.97-1.13).
Conclusion
Incentive-based contact investigation for tuberculosis has similar effectiveness to traditional household-based approaches and may be a viable alternative or complementary approach to household-based investigation.
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The Omicron BA.4/BA.5 Sub-Variants

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ABSTRACT
Background
This study compared admission incidence risk across waves, and the risk of mortality in the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 wave, to the Omicron BA.1/BA.2 and Delta waves.
Methods
Data from South Africa's national hospital surveillance system, SARS-CoV-2 case linelist and Electronic Vaccine Data System were linked and analysed. Wave periods were defined when the country passed a weekly incidence of 30 cases/100,000 people. In-hospital case fatality ratios (CFR) in the Delta, Omicron BA.1/BA.2 and Omicron BA.4/BA.5 wave periods were compared by post-imputation random effect multivariable logistic regression models.
Results
The CFR was 25.9% (N = 37,538/144,778), 10.9% (N = 6,123/56,384) and 8.2% (N = 1,212/14,879) in the Delta, Omicron BA.1/BA.2, and Omicron BA.4/BA.5 waves respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, race, comorbidities, health sector and province, compared to the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 wave, pati ents had higher risk of mortality in the Omicron BA.1/BA.2 wave (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-1.4) and Delta (aOR 3.0; 95% CI 2.8-3.2) wave. Being partially vaccinated (aOR 0.9, CI 0.9-0.9), fully vaccinated (aOR 0.6, CI 0.6-0.7) and boosted (aOR 0.4, CI 0.4-0.5); and prior laboratory-confirmed infection (aOR 0.4, CI 0.3-0.4) were associated with reduced risks of mortality.
Conclusion
Overall, admission incidence risk and in-hospital mortality, which had increased progressively in South Africa's first three waves, decreased in the fourth Omicron BA.1/BA.2 wave and declined even further in the fifth Omicron BA.4/BA.5 wave. Mortality risk was lower in those with natural infection and vaccination, declining further as the number of vaccine doses increased.
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Number of lymph nodes sampled in SFCE/SIOP 2001 patients with Wilms tumour: Is the goal of more than six achievable?

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Abstract

Aim

The number of lymph nodes (LN) that should be sampled during nephrectomy for Wilms tumour (WT) remains controversial but of utmost importance for staging purposes. The aim of this French national retrospective study of patients enrolled in SIOPWT2001 trial was to analyse the number of LN sampled according to their site and to determine if the number of six asked by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology - Renal Tumour Study Group (SIOP-RTSG) UMBRELLA protocol is achievable.

Methods

We reviewed the data collected on central pathology review forms from 2002 to 2014 for only unilateral WT. LN were divided whether they were clearly identified by surgeons at nephrectomy or only found by pathologists on the nephrectomy specimen.

Results

A total of 539 patients (240 male/299 female) were included (458 localized/81 metastatic). Median age at surgery was 41.3 months [0–189]. The number of LN sampled was 0, 1–6, ≥7 and unknown in 69 (12.8%), 293 (54.3%), 160 (29.7%) and 17 (3.2%) cases, respectively. The number of patients with sampled LN were higher if LN were identified by both the pathologist and the surgeon (n = 231, 42.8%) (p = < .001). At least one invaded LN (LN+) was found in 66 patients (12.2%), more than half being found among patients having LN sampled by both pathologist and surgeon (p < .001). The mean number of identified LN was six if no LN+ was detected on final histological analysis, while it was 11 in case of LN+ (p < .001).

Conclusions

The aim of sampling more than six LN is achievable, but only with the active collaboration of both surgeons and pathologists.

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Killian Jamieson Diverticulum, the Great Mimicker: A Case Series and Contemporary Review

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Killian Jamieson Diverticulum, the Great Mimicker: A Case Series and Contemporary Review

Prospective, multicenter cohort study of individuals enrolled in the Prospective OUtcomes of Cricopharyngeus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative. Killian Jamieson diverticula (KJD) are rare and represent 5% of hypopharyngeal diverticula undergoing surgical intervention. Open transcervical surgery significantly improves symptoms of dysphagia and reflux. Barium esophagram has high specificity but low sensitivity in detecting KJD. The interpretation of barium fluoroscopy is likely another limitation to not only this study, but our overall understanding of KJD, the great mimicker.


Objective

To assess barium esophagram (BAS) as a diagnostic marker for patients with Killian Jamieson diverticula (KJD).

Methods

Prospective, multicenter cohort study of individuals enrolled in the Prospective OUtcomes of Cricopharyngeus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative. Patient demographics, comorbidities, radiographic imaging reports, laryngoscopy findings, patient-reported outcome measures (PROM), and operative reporting were abstracted from a REDCap database and summarized using means, medians, percentages, frequencies. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used to test pre- to post-operative differences in RSI, EAT-10, and VHI-10 scores. Diagnostic test evaluation including sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value with 95% confidence intervals were calculated comparing BAS findings to operative report.

Results

A total of 287 persons were enrolled; 13 (4%) patients were identified with confirmed KJD on operative reports. 100% underwent open transcervical excision. BAS has a 46.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.2, 70.9) sensitivity and 97.8% (95% CI: 95.3, 99.0) specificity in detecting a KJD and 50% (95% CI: 25.4, 74.6) positive predictive value but 97.4% (95%CI: 94.8, 98.7) negative predictive value. Preoperatively, patients reported mean (SD) RSI and EAT-10 of 19.4 (9) and 8.3 (7.5) accordingly. Postoperatively, patients reported mean (SD) RSI and EAT-10 as 5.4 (6.2) and 2.3 (3.3). Both changes in RSI and EAT-10 were statistically significant (p = 0.008, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

KJD are rare and represent <5% of hypopharyngeal diverticula undergoing surgical intervention. Open transcervical surgery significantly improves symptoms of dysphagia. BAS has high specificity but low sensitivity in detecting KJD.

Level of Evidence

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2022

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Πέμπτη 1 Δεκεμβρίου 2022

Predictors of COVID-19 hospitalization after sotrovimab in hematologic malignancy patients during the BA.1 Omicron surge

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ABSTRACT
Background
Sotrovimab is an anti-spike neutralization monoclonal antibody (mAB) developed to reduce the risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) progression and advancement to hospitalization in high-risk patients. Currently, there is limited research describing the association of sotrovimab treatment in patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) and the predictive factors of hospitalization.
Methods
We performed an observational study of 156 consec utive cancer patients who received sotrovimab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City during the BA.1 Omicron surge. We evaluated the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of the patients who had subsequent COVID-19-related hospitalization(s) compared to those who did not.
Results
Among the 156 study patients, seventeen (17, 11%) were hospitalized of which four were readmitted for COVID-19-related complications; three deaths were attributed to COVID-19. Results from multivariable logistic regression show significant factors associated with hospitalization include patients on anti-CD20 therapy (adjusted OR = 5.59, 95% CI (1.73 - 18.12), p = 0.004) and with relapse/refractory disease (adjusted OR = 5.69, 95% CI (1.69 - 19.16), p = 0.005). Additionally, whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 detected high occurrences of mutations in the spike gene associated with treatment-related resistance longitudinal samples from 11 patients treate d with sotrovimab.
Conclusions
While sotrovimab is effective at reducing COVID-19 hospitalization and disease severity in HM patients when administered early, patients who received anti-CD20 antibodies showed substantial morbidity. Due to the high potential for resistance mutation to sotrovimab and increased morbidity in patients on anti-CD20 therapy, combination treatment should be explored to determine whether it provides added benefits compared to monotherapy.
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