Alexandros G .Sfakianakis,ENT,Anapafeos 5 Agios Nikolaos Crete 72100 Greece,00302841026182

Τρίτη 31 Μαΐου 2022

Solitary Splenic Metastasis From Endometrial Carcinoma Revealed on FDG PET/CT

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imageSolitary splenic metastasis from endometrial carcinoma is rare. We report a case of imaging findings of solitary splenic metastasis in a 53-year-old woman who underwent resection surgery of endometrial carcinoma of uterus 1 year ago. On FDG PET/CT, it presented as a solitary soft tissue mass with an SUVmax of 18.44. The postoperative pathology supported metastasis from endometrial carcinoma.
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Combined 18F-FDG PET/CT Radiomics and Sarcopenia Score in Predicting Relapse-Free Survival and Overall Survival in Patients With Esophagogastric Cancer

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imagePurpose The aim of this study was to determine if radiomic features combined with sarcopenia measurements on pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT can improve outcome prediction in surgically treated adenocarcinoma esophagogastric cancer patients. Patients and Methods One hundred forty-five esophageal adenocarcinoma patients with curative therapeutic intent and available pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT were included. Textural features from PET and CT images were evaluated using LIFEx software (lifexsoft.org). Sarcopenia measurements were done by measuring the Skeletal Muscle Index at L3 level on the CT component. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to create a model including the radiomic parameters, clinical features, and Skeletal Muscle Index score to predict patients' outcome. Results In multivariable analysis, we combined clinicopathological parameters including ECOG, surgical T, and N staging along with imaging derived sarcopenia measurements and radiomic features to build a predictor model for relapse-free survival and overall survival. Overall, adding sarcopenic status to the model with clinical features only (likelihood ratio test P = 0.03) and CT feature (P = 0.0037) improved the model fit for overall survival. Similarly, adding sarcopenic status (P = 0.051), CT feature (P = 0.042), and PET feature (P = 0.011) improved the model fit for relapse-free survival. Conclusions PET and CT radiomics derived from combined PET/CT integrated with clinicopathological parameters and sarcopenia measurement might improve outcome prediction in patients with nonmetastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinoma.
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Adherence Of Candida Albicans to Five Long‐Term Silicone‐Based Denture Lining Materials Bonded to CAD‐CAM Denture Base

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Abstract

Purpose

: Knowledge about quantifying the number as well as the retention and adhesion of Candida albicans blastoconidia to silicone denture liners is limited. Thus, the aim of this in vitro study was to explore the adherence of Candida albicans to the surface of five long-term silicone-based soft denture lining materials, using artificial saliva.

Materials & Methods

A total of 50 specimens (10 × 10 × 3 mm) of five long-term resilient liners (Molloplast-B; GC Reline Soft; Elite Soft Relining; Tokuyama Sofreliner S; Ufigel SC), bonded to a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing denture base, were prepared. The specimens were inoculated and incubated in artificial saliva for 1h and 24h with a standardized (2.8 × 106 cfu/ml) Candida albicans suspension. At the end of the incubation period, the specimens were stained with acridine orange and observed, using fluorescence microscopy.

Results

: After 1h and in 24h, Molloplast B demonstrated significantly earlier adherence of Candida albicans cells compared to the other chairside materials (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), where the mean number of cells also increased in the frontal parts. Regarding the rate of Candida albicans proliferation from 1h to 24 hours within the materials, there was an increase in all materials (Molloplast B: p<0.001; GC Reline Soft: p = 0.220; Elite Soft Relining: p = 0.032; Tokuyama Sofreliner S: p = 0.001; Ufigel Sc: p = 0.001). The Ufigel Sc showed a significant 2.5-fold increase at 24h.

Conclusions

: Long-term silicone denture liners accumulate a significant amount of Candida albicans blastoconidia and their coverage by them increases progressively over time.

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Development and validation of the Fat Attitudes Assessment Toolkit (FAAT): A multidimensional nonstigmatizing measure of contemporary attitudes toward fatness and fat people

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Abstract

Many instruments recommended for measuring attitudes toward fatness and "obesity" were developed in the 1990s, a time when the "obesity epidemic" was gaining momentum and anti-fat rhetoric was normative. Consequently, these instruments have tended to focus on assessing negative appraisals of fatness and fat people and reinforce weight stigma. As fat discourse has matured and expanded to incorporate fat positive attitudes, a nonstigmatizing way of measuring contemporary fat attitudes and beliefs in quantitative research is required. To address this need, we developed the Fat Attitudes Assessment Toolkit (FAAT). In this article, we describe the development of the FAAT and provide initial evidence for the scale's validity and psychometric properties across three studies. Study 1 included a systematic process for developing the extensive item pool that was reviewed by subject matter experts and a community panel. We explored and identified an initial multidimensional structure for the FAAT. Study 2 expanded and confirmed the factor structure with additional analyses in an independent sample and provided evidence for the overall reliability of the subscale scores and reliability as a function of gender and identification as fat. Construct and criterion validity of the subscale scores were also demonstrated. Study 3 provided evidence for the test-retest reliability of the FAAT subscales scores over time. The FAAT includes nine robust scales: Empathy, Activism Orientation, Size Acceptance, Attractiveness, Critical Health, General Complexity, Socioeconomic Complexity, Responsibility, and Body Acceptance. Specific subscales can be combined to form two composite measures: Fat Acceptance and Attribution Complexity. The scales that comprise the FAAT measure specific elements of attitudes towards fat people that are frequently targeted in weight stigma reduction research and activism; the FAAT thus offers a powerful and precise method for evaluating weight stigma reduction interventions that allows for an assessment of shifts toward more positive attitudes.

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Δευτέρα 30 Μαΐου 2022

Rib fixation in non–ventilator-dependent chest wall injuries: A prospective randomized trial

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imageBACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess pain and quality of life (QoL) outcomes in patients with multiple painful displaced fractured ribs with and without operative fixation. Rib fractures are common and can lead to significant pain and disability. There is minimal level 1 evidence for rib fixation in non–ventilator-dependent patients with chest wall injuries. We hypothesized that surgical stabilization of rib fractures would reduce pain and improve QoL during 6 months. METHODS A prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing rib fixation to nonoperative management of nonventilated patients with at least three consecutive rib fractures was conducted. Inclusion criteria were rib fracture displacement and/or ongoing pain. Pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire) and QoL (Short Form 12) at 3 and 6 months postinjury were assessed. Surgeons enrolled patients in whom they felt there was clinical equipoise. Patients who were deemed to need surgical fixation or who were deemed to be too well to be randomized to rib fixation were not enrolled. RESULTS A total of 124 patients were enrolled at four sites between 2017 and 2020. Sixty-one patients were randomized to operative management and 63 to nonoperative management. No differences were seen in the primary endpoint of Pain Rating Index at 3 months or in the QoL measures. Return-to-work rates improved between 3 and 6 months, favoring the operative group. CONCLUSION In this study, no improvements in pain or QoL at 3 and 6 months in patients undergoing rib fixation for nonflail, non–ventilator-dependent rib fractures have been demonstrated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic/Care Management; Level II.
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Κυριακή 29 Μαΐου 2022

Call me maybe: Risk factors of impaired social contact during the COVID‐19 pandemic and associations with well‐being

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major societal changes worldwide, with the most notable being lockdowns and restrictions on social contact. We conducted a longitudinal study (total n = 1907) in Germany with two time points to (1) identify demographic risk factors of impaired social contact during the pandemic, as well as investigate potential consequences of (2) impaired social contact and (3) different modes of communication on individuals' well-being during the first lockdown in spring 2020. Results indicate that particularly individuals living alone and being unable to work reported a lower frequency of (face-to-face) contact in comparison with participants living with others or working. Impaired social contact was indirectly associated with a negative development in well-being (life satisfaction, anxiety and depression) over time, and this relation was mediated via relatedness. Moreover, the frequency of face-to-face and phone communication during lockdown was po sitively associated with relatedness and well-being; however, digital communication was not. The findings stress the importance of maintaining social contact in times of social distancing and of fostering reconnection between individuals once the pandemic is over.

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Long-term results of slide laryngotracheoplasty for congenital subglottic stenosis in newborns and infants

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Publication date: July 2022

Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Volume 158

Author(s): Eszter Erdélyi, Ádám Bach, Balázs Sztanó, Péter Gál, Kishore Sandu, Csaba Bereczki, László Rovó

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Prenatal exposure to phthalate and decreased body mass index of children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Carglumic acid in methylmalonic acidemia: Use of breast milk as an alternative vehicle to water

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Carglumic acid in methylmalonic acidemia: Use of breast milk as an alternative vehicle to water

We aim to report the use of breast milk (BM) as an alternative vehicle in a neonate with methylmalonic acidemia rejecting carglumic acid (NCG) diluted in water. The patient presented symptomatic acidemia and hyperammonemia and after refusal of oral NCG administration, the clinician consulted the Pharmacy Department for advice. Data sheet of NCG does not recommend administration in other vehicle than water. Consequently, a dissolution test was conducted in BM showing correct dissolution. The solution was well tolerated, and plasma ammonium concentrations remained within range in subsequent analytical controls.


Abstract

What Is Known and Objective

Carbaglu® or N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) is not recommended for administration in a vehicle other than water. We aim to report the use of breast milk (BM) as an alternative vehicle in a neonate rejecting NCG diluted in water.

Case Summary

A neonate diagnosed with methylmalonic acidemia presented symptomatology of acidemia and hyperammonemia. After the patient refused oral NCG administration, a dissolution test was conducted in BM showing correct dissolution. The NCG-BM solution was tolerated and plasma ammonium concentrations remained within range in subsequent analytical controls.

What Is New and Conclusion

BM as a vehicle for NCG is a safe and effective option for patients who refuse suspension in water and could lead to better treatment compliance in paediatric patients.

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Molecular basis for avirulence of spontaneous variants of Porphyromonas gingivalis: genomic analysis of strains W50, BE1 and BR1

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Abstract

The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is genetically heterogeneous. However, the spontaneous generation of phenotypically different sub-strains has also been reported. McKee (McKee et al., 1988) cultured P. gingivalis W50 in a chemostat during investigations into the growth and properties of this bacterium. Cell viability, on blood agar plates, revealed two types of non-pigmenting variants, W50 Beige (BE1) and W50 Brown (BR1) in samples grown in a high haemin medium after day 7 and the population of these variants increased to approximately 25% of the total counts by day 21. W50, BE1 and BR1 had phenotypic alterations in pigmentation, reduced protease activity and haemagglutination, and susceptibility to complement killing. Furthermore, the variants exhibited significant attenuation in a mouse model of virulence. Other investigators showed that in BE1, the predominant extracellular Arg-gingipain was RgpB, and no reaction with an A-LPS specific MAb 1B 5 (Collinson et al., 1998; Slaney et al., 2006). In order to determine the genetic basis for these phenotypic properties we performed hybrid DNA sequence long reads using Oxford Nanopore, and the short paired-end DNA sequence reads of Illumina Hiseq platforms to generate closed circular genomes of the parent and variants. Comparative analysis indicated loss of intact kgp in the 20 kb region of the hagA-kgp locus in the two variants BE1 and BR1. Deletions in hagA led to smaller open reading frames in the variants, and BR1 had incurred a major chromosomal DNA inversion. Additional minor changes to the genomes of both variants were also observed. Given the importance of Kgp and HagA to protease activity and haemagglutination respectively in this bacterium, genomic changes at this locus may account for most of the phenotypic alterations of the variants. The homologous and repetitive nature of hagA and kgp, and the features at the inverted jun ctions are indicative of specific and stable homologous recombination events which may underlie the genetic heterogeneity of this species.

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