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Medicina, Volume 57, Issue 12 (December 2021) – 105 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are a broad-spectrum class of antibiotics routinely prescribed for common bacterial infections despite recent recommendations to use them only for life-threatening cases. While extremely effective, FQs can lead to "fluoroquinolone-associated disability", or FQAD. While this disease is yet to be globally acknowledged, it is now recognized that the side effects are long-lasting and can involve several organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. View this paper
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13 pages, 792 KiB  
Review
Mediterranean Diet a Potential Strategy against SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Narrative Review
by Yvelise Ferro, Roberta Pujia, Samantha Maurotti, Giada Boragina, Angela Mirarchi, Patrizia Gnagnarella and Elisa Mazza
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1389; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121389 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5283
Abstract
Mediterranean Diet represents the traditional eating habits of populations living around the Mediterranean Sea, and it is associated with a lower risk of overall mortality and cancer incidence and cardiovascular diseases. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a new pandemic, and represents [...] Read more.
Mediterranean Diet represents the traditional eating habits of populations living around the Mediterranean Sea, and it is associated with a lower risk of overall mortality and cancer incidence and cardiovascular diseases. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a new pandemic, and represents a significant and critical threat to global human health. In this study, we aimed to review the possible effects of Mediterranean Diet against the risk of the coronavirus disease 2019. Several vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and phytochemicals with their potential anti-COVID-19 activity are presented. Different risk factors may increase or reduce the probability of contracting the disease. Mediterranean Diet has also a positive action on inflammation and immune system and could have a protective effect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Further studies are needed to corroborate the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet protective role on infection with SARS-CoV-2. Full article
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37 pages, 1972 KiB  
Review
Survival Rates of Dental Implants in Autogenous and Allogeneic Bone Blocks: A Systematic Review
by Phil Donkiewicz, Korbinian Benz, Anita Kloss-Brandstätter and Jochen Jackowski
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1388; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121388 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3553
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Preliminary studies emphasize the similar performance of autogenous bone blocks (AUBBs) and allogeneic bone blocks (ALBBs) in pre-implant surgery; however, most of these studies include limited subjects or hold a low level of evidence. The purpose of this review [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Preliminary studies emphasize the similar performance of autogenous bone blocks (AUBBs) and allogeneic bone blocks (ALBBs) in pre-implant surgery; however, most of these studies include limited subjects or hold a low level of evidence. The purpose of this review is to test the hypothesis of indifferent implant survival rates (ISRs) in AUBB and ALBB and determine the impact of various material-, surgery- and patient-related confounders and predictors. Materials and Methods: The national library of medicine (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were screened for studies reporting the ISRs of implants placed in AUBB and ALBB with ≥10 participants followed for ≥12 months from January 1995 to November 2021. The review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed via several scoring tools, dependent on the study design. Means of sub-entities were presented as violin plots. Results: An electronic data search resulted in the identification of 9233 articles, of which 100 were included in the quantitative analysis. No significant difference (p = 0.54) was found between the ISR of AUBB (96.23 ± 5.27%; range: 75% to 100%; 2195 subjects, 6861 implants) and that of ALBB (97.66 ± 2.68%; range: 90.1% to 100%; 1202 subjects, 3434 implants). The ISR in AUBB was increased in blocks from intraoral as compared to extraoral donor sites (p = 0.0003), partially edentulous as compared to totally edentulous (p = 0.0002), as well as in patients younger than 45 as compared to those older (p = 0.044), cortical as compared to cortico-cancellous blocks (p = 0.005) and in delayed implantations within three months as compared to immediate implantations (p = 0.018). The ISR of ALBB was significantly increased in processed as compared to fresh-frozen ALBB (p = 0.004), but also in horizontal as compared to vertical augmentations (p = 0.009). Conclusions: The present findings widely emphasize the feasibility of achieving similar ISRs with AUBB and ALBB applied for pre-implant bone grafting. ISRs were negatively affected in sub-entities linked to more extensive augmentation procedures such as bone donor site and dentition status. The inclusion and pooling of literature with a low level of evidence, the absence of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing AUBB and ALBB and the limited count of comparative studies with short follow-ups increases the risk of bias and complicates data interpretation. Consequently, further long-term comparative studies are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic State-of-the-Art Dentistry and Oral Health)
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16 pages, 5976 KiB  
Article
Topical Application of Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-Tang Recovers Skin-Lipid Barrier and Ameliorates Inflammation via Filaggrin-Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin-Interleukin 4 Pathway
by Sang-Hyun Ahn, Su Shin, Yoonju Do, Yunju Jo, Dongryeol Ryu, Ki-Tae Ha and Kibong Kim
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1387; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121387 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2712
Abstract
Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to confirm the effect of Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-tang (GGRT) on the skin barrier integrity and inflammation in an atopic dermatitis-like animal model. Materials and Methods: The model was established using lipid barrier elimination (LBE) in BALB/c [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to confirm the effect of Galgeunhwanggeumhwangryeon-tang (GGRT) on the skin barrier integrity and inflammation in an atopic dermatitis-like animal model. Materials and Methods: The model was established using lipid barrier elimination (LBE) in BALB/c mice. Ceramide 3B, a control drug, and GGRT were applied to the skin of LBE mice. Gross observation and histological examination were combined with measurement of skin score, trans-epidermal water loss, and pH. The expression of filaggrin, kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7), protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and interleukin 4 (IL-4) was examined. Results: The effect of GGRT on atopic dermatitis was estimated in silico using two individual gene sets of human atopic dermatitis. In animal experiments, GGRT treatment reduced atopic dermatitis-like symptoms, as confirmed via gross and histological observations, skin score, pH change, and trans-epidermal water loss. The expression level of filaggrin increased in the skin of GGRT-treated mice compared to that in the LBE group. The expression levels of KLK7, PAR2, TSLP, and IL-4 were decreased in GGRT-treated mice skin compared to those in LBE mice. Conclusions: We demonstrated that GGRT restored the skin barrier and reduced inflammatory reactions in a murine model of atopic dermatitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atopic Dermatitis)
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13 pages, 1872 KiB  
Article
Accuracy of Opportunistic Bone Mineral Density Assessment on Staging Computed Tomography for Gynaecological Cancers
by Catherine Anne O’Gorman, Sarah Milne, Gerard Lambe, Aleksandra Sobota, Peter Beddy and Noreen Gleeson
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1386; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121386 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3871
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Women with gynecological cancers constitute a high-risk cohort for loss of bone density. International guidance stipulates women undergoing cancer treatments associated with bone loss should have a quantitative assessment of bone density. Access to Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Women with gynecological cancers constitute a high-risk cohort for loss of bone density. International guidance stipulates women undergoing cancer treatments associated with bone loss should have a quantitative assessment of bone density. Access to Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is limited. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of opportunistic bone density measurement on staging computed tomography (CT) scans for gynaecological malignancies, in comparison to the gold standard DXA. Materials and Methods: Women with a staging CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis for a new diagnosis of gynecological cancer were recruited. DXA was performed within 6 weeks of treatment for gynaecological cancer. Lumbar bone density was measured by CT attenuation values, in Hounsfield units (HU), of the anterior trabecular region. Correlations between CT and DXA parameters were analysed. Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC) curves for diagnosis of low bone density and osteoporosis were analysed. Results: Final cohort included 48 of 50 women recruited. There was good diagnostic accuracy for abnormal bone density and osteoporosis, with areas under the ROC curve at L1 of 0.77 (p = 0.002) and 0.80 (p = 0.020) respectively. CT-HU of 170–190 yielded sensitivities of 87–90%, positive predictive values of 75–84% and negative predictive values of 71–75% for the diagnosis of low bone mineral density. CT-HU of 90–110 yielded specificities of 85–93% for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Moderate correlations were found between CT-HU and both DXA T-scores and diagnostic categories. Conclusions: This is the first study to assess the opportunistic application of CT in the assessment of bone health in women with gynaecological cancer, a cohort at high-risk of osteoporosis. The correlation between bone density assessment in CT-HU and DXA, and strong AUC values for the diagnosis of low bone density (0.77) and osteoporosis (0.80) support this pragmatic solution in resolving the care-gap in cancer treatment-induced bone loss, often associated with poor access to DXA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment for Diseases Specific to Women)
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11 pages, 1221 KiB  
Article
Effects of Antiviral Therapy and Glucocorticoid Therapy on Fever Duration in Pediatric Patients with Influenza
by Ji Yoon Han, Eun Ae Yang, Jung-Woo Rhim and Seung Beom Han
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1385; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121385 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2223
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Considering developing resistance against neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) and their adverse reactions, restricted use of NAIs and use of alternative drugs should be considered for treating influenza. Although glucocorticoids (GCs) have been used for severe influenza, their effects on non-severe [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Considering developing resistance against neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) and their adverse reactions, restricted use of NAIs and use of alternative drugs should be considered for treating influenza. Although glucocorticoids (GCs) have been used for severe influenza, their effects on non-severe influenza have rarely been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical responses to NAI therapy and GC therapy in pediatric patients with non-severe influenza. Materials and Methods: A total of 601 pediatric patients (<19 years of age) diagnosed with non-severe influenza were retrospectively recruited to evaluate the effects of NAI therapy and GC therapy. Post-admission fever duration and hospitalization duration were compared among four patient groups divided by the administered treatment: No therapy (n = 52), NAI therapy (n = 154), GC therapy (n = 123), and Both therapies (n = 272). Results: In a multivariate analysis with adjustment for confounding variables, the post-admission fever duration was not significantly different among the four patient groups. The post-admission fever duration tended to shorten with increasing age, longer pre-admission fever duration, and incidence of influenza A virus infection and lower respiratory tract infection. The type of administered treatment showed no significant effects on the post-admission fever duration in any subgroups according to patient age, pre-admission fever duration, influenza virus subtype, and clinical diagnosis. Conclusions: Symptomatic treatment rather than antiviral or GC therapy seems to be sufficient for patients with non-severe influenza, although the effects of NAI therapy and GC therapy according to their administered time and dose should be further evaluated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatrics)
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18 pages, 3599 KiB  
Article
The Dynamics of Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Suspected Acute Appendicitis
by Ąžuolas Algimantas Kaminskas, Raminta Lukšaitė-Lukštė, Eugenijus Jasiūnas, Artūras Samuilis, Vytautas Augustinavičius, Marius Kryžauskas, Kęstutis Strupas and Tomas Poškus
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1384; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121384 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2271
Abstract
Background: Laboratory tests of inflammatory mediators are routinely used in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences of dynamics of inflammatory markers of the blood in patients with suspected acute appendicitis between complicated [...] Read more.
Background: Laboratory tests of inflammatory mediators are routinely used in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences of dynamics of inflammatory markers of the blood in patients with suspected acute appendicitis between complicated AA (CAA), non-complicated AA (NAA), and when AA was excluded (No-AA). Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients presented to the Emergency Department (ER) of a tertiary hospital center during a three-year period. All patients suspected of acute appendicitis were prospectively registered from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018. The dynamics of inflammatory markers of the blood between different types of AA (No-AA, NAA or CAA) during different periods of time are presented. Results: A total of 453 patients were included in the study, with 297 patients in the No-AA group, 99 in the NAA group, and 57 in the CAA group. White blood cell (WBC) count in the No-AA decreased with time, with a statistically significant difference between the <8 h and 25–72 h group. The neutrophils (NEU) percentage decreased in the No-AA group and was statistically significantly different between the <8 h and 25–72 h and <8 h and >72 h groups. C-reactive protein (CRP) increased significantly in the No-AA group throughout all time intervals, and from the first 24 h to the 25–72 h in the NAA and CAA groups. There was a statistically significant difference between the WBC count between No-AA, NAA, and No-AA and CAA groups during the first 24 and 24–48 h. There was a statistically significant difference between NEU percentage and LYMP percentage and in the NEU/LYMP ratio between No-AA and CAA groups through all time periods. CRP was significantly higher in the first 24 h in the CAA than in the No-AA group, and in the 24–48 h in the CAA group than in the No-AA and NAA groups. The linear logistic regression model, involving inflammatory mediators and clinical characteristics, showed mediocre diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing AA with an AUC of 0.737 (0.671–0.802). Conclusions: Increasing concentrations of inflammatory markers are more characteristic in CAA patients than in No-AA during the first 48 h after onset of the disease. A combination of laboratory tests with clinical signs and symptoms has a mediocre diagnostic accuracy in suspecting AA. Full article
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6 pages, 6351 KiB  
Case Report
Use of the Cover-Lifting Technique in Mandibular Cemento-Ossifying Fibroma Excision to Preserve the Inferior Alveolar Nerve
by Juan-You Qiu, Kuan-Min Huang and Nan-Chin Lin
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1383; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121383 - 19 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2665
Abstract
Cemento-ossifying fibroma (also known as ossifying fibroma or cementifying fibroma) is a benign osteogenic neoplasm. Pain and paresthesia are rarely associated with cemento-ossifying fibroma; thus, nerves must be preserved during excision. With the advent of computer-aided techniques, the use of virtual surgical planning [...] Read more.
Cemento-ossifying fibroma (also known as ossifying fibroma or cementifying fibroma) is a benign osteogenic neoplasm. Pain and paresthesia are rarely associated with cemento-ossifying fibroma; thus, nerves must be preserved during excision. With the advent of computer-aided techniques, the use of virtual surgical planning and a customized template can improve the precision of resection and reconstruction, reduce operating time, and improve postoperative outcomes. In this report, we describe a case of cemento-ossifying fibroma in a female patient who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction with an iliac bone graft. Additionally, we describe a simple and effective way to preserve the inferior alveolar nerve. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Surgery–Minimizing Postoperative Morbidity II)
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8 pages, 1734 KiB  
Case Report
Pigmented Paravenous Retinochoroidal Atrophy: A Case Report Supported by Multimodal Imaging Studies
by Ilyoung Jung, Yeojin Lee, Seungbum Kang and Jaeyon Won
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1382; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121382 - 19 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2220
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPRCA) is a rare disease with bilateral retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal atrophy. We present a case of PPRCA using multimodal imaging studies. Case summary: A 61-year-old female was referred to our department for [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPRCA) is a rare disease with bilateral retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal atrophy. We present a case of PPRCA using multimodal imaging studies. Case summary: A 61-year-old female was referred to our department for floaters. Funduscopic examination revealed pigment clumps and grayish lesions along the retinal vein and the peripheral area, bilaterally. She did not have nyctalopia or any other visual symptoms including visual loss. She was diagnosed with pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy based on the typical findings of fundus. The findings of wide fluorescein angiography (FA), wide indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), the visual field (VF) and an electroretinogram (ERG) could help us to confirm the diagnosis. The patient did not have any specific treatment for PPRCA in our study and there was no change in visual acuity and multimodal imaging of both eyes over one year. Conclusions: We report a case of PPRCA and the multimodal imaging of this patient. PPRCA is very rare disease and sometimes it is easy to get confused with other diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and vasculitis when it comes to diagnosis. Multimodal imaging features of PPRCA will improve our understanding, diagnosis and prediction of the prognosis of this disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)
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12 pages, 314 KiB  
Article
Mental Health and Associated Demographic and Occupational Factors among Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Latvia
by Laura Valaine, Gunta Ancāne, Artūrs Utināns and Ģirts Briģis
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1381; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121381 - 18 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2726
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the health care system. Front-line health care workers (HCWs) are at a higher risk of mental health adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of the symptoms of depression [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the health care system. Front-line health care workers (HCWs) are at a higher risk of mental health adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of the symptoms of depression and anxiety and associated demographic and occupational factors among front-line HCWs in Latvia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was performed in a population of HCWs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. The participants were interviewed between 28 April 2020 and 2 June 2020. Answers from 864 HCWs were obtained. The participants reported their demographics, work-related information, contacts with COVID-19-positive patients and completed two standardised questionnaires that assessed the symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9). The gathered data were analysed by a chi-squared test and binary logistic regression. The data analysis was performed using SPSS v25. Results: A total of 209 (24.8%) participants had depression symptoms and 145 (17.2%) had anxiety symptoms. Health care workers older than 50 had a lower risk of both depression (OR 0.422 (95% CI, 0.262–0.680)) and anxiety (OR 0.468 (95% CI, 0.270–0.813)). General practitioners had more frequent symptoms of depression and anxiety than participants who worked at hospitals (32.8% (n = 63) versus 19.4% (n = 73) and 27.1% (n = 52) versus 10.3% (n = 39), respectively (p = 0.037; p < 0.000)). Working more than 48 h during the week was associated with a higher risk of depression (OR 2.222 (95% CI, 1.315–3.753)) and anxiety (OR 2.416 (95% CI, 1.272–4.586)). Conclusions: The vulnerability of the health care system before the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant mental health adverse outcomes of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. A further cohort study is needed to evaluate the dynamics of mental health and other predisposing factors of HCWs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology & Public Health)
13 pages, 1334 KiB  
Article
Microvascular Complications, Peripheral Artery Disease and Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, in Two Counties of Southern Lithuania over 13 Years: Analysis Using a Cohort Database of the National Health Insurance
by Laima Piliponienė, Džilda Veličkienė and Rima Kregždytė
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1380; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121380 - 18 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2303
Abstract
Background and Objectives: People living with diabetes mellitus are at risk of developing many serious and life-threatening complications. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of microvascular complications, peripheral artery disease, and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: People living with diabetes mellitus are at risk of developing many serious and life-threatening complications. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of microvascular complications, peripheral artery disease, and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), in 2 Lithuanian counties. Materials and Methods: The data on residents aged ≥ 18 years, who were diagnosed for the first time in 2004 with uncomplicated T2DM, were obtained from the National Health Insurance Fund database. The occurrence of T2DM microvascular complications, peripheral artery disease, and mortality during the period from 2004 to 2016 were assessed by gender and age groups (<65 and ≥65 years). Results: During the 13 years, 46.9% of the patients developed T2DM complications. More men than women developed at least 1 T2DM complication (50.8% vs. 44.8%, p = 0.035). The mean time for developing any T2DM complication was 9.2 years. The probability of occurrence of any complication was 0.07 in the second year and increased to 0.59 in the thirteenth year of living with diabetes. Within the 13 years, 38.2% of the patients died. More men (43.1%) than women (35.5%) died during the analysis period (p = 0.036). Mortality was higher among older patients (60.7%) than among younger patients (22.2%) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study provide a comprehensive picture of microvascular complications, peripheral artery disease, and mortality among patients with T2DM of two Lithuanian counties. Information about the occurrence of T2DM complications and mortality will assist further studies in estimating the burden of T2DM and in performing economic evaluations of T2DM prevention and treatment in Lithuania. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology)
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11 pages, 4037 KiB  
Case Report
Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Capabilities for Treating Lower-Extremity Skin Affected by Several Merkel Cell Carcinoma Nodules: When Technological Advances Effectively Achieve the Palliative Therapeutic Goal while Minimising the Risk of Potential Toxicities
by Gianluca Ferini, Vito Valenti, Ivana Puliafito, Salvatore Ivan Illari, Valentina Anna Marchese and Giuseppina Rita Borzì
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1379; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121379 - 18 Dec 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2568
Abstract
The peculiar and rare clinical condition below clearly requires a customized care approach in the context of personalized medicine. An 80-year-old female patient who was subjected in 2018 to surgical removal of a cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) nodule located on the posterior [...] Read more.
The peculiar and rare clinical condition below clearly requires a customized care approach in the context of personalized medicine. An 80-year-old female patient who was subjected in 2018 to surgical removal of a cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) nodule located on the posterior surface of the left thigh and to three subsequent palliative radiotherapy treatments developed a fourth relapse in October 2020, with fifteen nodular metastases located in the left thigh and leg. Since the overall macroscopic disease was still exclusively regionally located and microscopic spread was likely extended also to clinically negative skin of the thigh and leg, we performed an irradiation of the whole left lower extremity. For this purpose the total target (65.5 cm) was divided into three sub-volumes. Dose prescription was 30 Gy in 15 daily fractions. A sequential boost of 10 Gy in 5 daily fractions was planned for macroscopic nodules. Plans were calculated by means of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with the field overlap technique. Thanks to this, we obtained a homogeneous dose distribution in the field junction region; avoidance structures were delineated in the central part of the thigh and leg with the aim of achieving an optimal superficial dose painting and to reduce bone exposure to radiation. This case study demonstrates that VMAT allows for a good dose coverage for circumferential cutaneous targets while sparing deeper organs at risk. A reproducible image-guided set-up is fundamental for an accurate and safe dose delivery. However, local treatments such as radiotherapy for very advanced MCC of the lower extremities might have limited impact due to the high probability of systemic progression, as illustrated in this case. Radiation is confirmed as being effective in preventing MCC nodule progression toward skin wounding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Radiotherapy in Current Oncology)
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9 pages, 1527 KiB  
Article
Deep Learning and Device-Assisted Enteroscopy: Automatic Detection of Gastrointestinal Angioectasia
by Miguel Mascarenhas Saraiva, Tiago Ribeiro, João Afonso, Patrícia Andrade, Pedro Cardoso, João Ferreira, Hélder Cardoso and Guilherme Macedo
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1378; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121378 - 18 Dec 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2164
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) allows deep exploration of the small bowel and combines diagnostic and therapeutic capacities. Suspected mid-gastrointestinal bleeding is the most frequent indication for DAE, and vascular lesions, particularly angioectasia, are the most common etiology. Nevertheless, the diagnostic [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) allows deep exploration of the small bowel and combines diagnostic and therapeutic capacities. Suspected mid-gastrointestinal bleeding is the most frequent indication for DAE, and vascular lesions, particularly angioectasia, are the most common etiology. Nevertheless, the diagnostic yield of DAE for the detection of these lesions is suboptimal. Deep learning algorithms have shown great potential for automatic detection of lesions in endoscopy. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model for the automatic detection of angioectasia DAE images. Materials and Methods: A convolutional neural network (CNN) was developed using DAE images. Each frame was labeled as normal/mucosa or angioectasia. The image dataset was split for the constitution of training and validation datasets. The latter was used for assessing the performance of the CNN. Results: A total of 72 DAE exams were included, and 6740 images were extracted (5345 of normal mucosa and 1395 of angioectasia). The model had a sensitivity of 88.5%, a specificity of 97.1% and an AUC of 0.988. The image processing speed was 6.4 ms/frame. Conclusions: The application of AI to DAE may have a significant impact on the management of patients with suspected mid-gastrointestinal bleeding. Full article
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20 pages, 3279 KiB  
Systematic Review
Protective and Non-Protective Factors of Mental Health Distress in the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
by Cristian Lieneck, Michele Bosworth, Eric Weaver, Katharine Heinemann and Janki Patel
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1377; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121377 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2892
Abstract
Background and objectives: Health care organizations continue to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic and an ongoing array of related mental health concerns. These pandemic-related challenges continue to be experienced by both the U.S. population and those abroad. Materials and methods: This systematic [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Health care organizations continue to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic and an ongoing array of related mental health concerns. These pandemic-related challenges continue to be experienced by both the U.S. population and those abroad. Materials and methods: This systematic review queried three research databases to identify applicable studies related to protective and non-protective factors of mental health distress experienced during the pandemic within the United States. Results: Three primary factors were identified as protective factors, potentially helping to moderate the incidence of mental distress during the pandemic: demographics, personal support/self-care resources, and income/financial concerns. Researchers also identified these same three constructs of non-protective factors of mental health distress, as well as two additional variables: health/social status and general knowledge/government mistrust. Conclusions: This systematic review has identified protective and non-protective factors of mental health distress experienced in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic (to date) that can further assist medical providers in the U.S. and beyond as the pandemic and related mental health concerns continue at a global level. Full article
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14 pages, 1241 KiB  
Article
Compliance with Prescription Guidelines for Glucose-Lowering Therapies According to Renal Function: Real-Life Study in Inpatients of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Cardiology Units
by Laura Lohan, Florence Galtier, Thibault Manson, Thibault Mura, Audrey Castet-Nicolas, Delinger Faure, Nicolas Chapet, Florence Leclercq, Jean Luc Pasquié, François Roubille, Camille Roubille, Hubert Blain, Philippe Guilpain, Maxime Villiet, Antoine Avignon, Ariane Sultan and Cyril Breuker
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1376; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121376 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2076
Abstract
Background and objectives: Renal failure is a contraindication for some glucose-lowering drugs and requires dosage adjustment for others, particularly biguanides, sulfonylureas, and inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase 4. In this study, we assessed adherence to prescription recommendations for glucose-lowering drugs according to renal function [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Renal failure is a contraindication for some glucose-lowering drugs and requires dosage adjustment for others, particularly biguanides, sulfonylureas, and inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase 4. In this study, we assessed adherence to prescription recommendations for glucose-lowering drugs according to renal function in hospitalized diabetic subjects. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out over a 2-year period in a university hospital. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined by averaging all measurements performed during hospitalization. Glucose-lowering drug dosages were analyzed according to the recommendations of the relevant medical societies. Results: In total, 2071 diabetic patients (53% hospitalized in cardiology units) were examined. GFR was <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 in 13.4% of these patients, 30–44 in 15.1%, 45–60 in 18.3%, and >60 in 53.3%. Inappropriate oral glucose-lowering treatments were administered to 273 (13.2%) patients, including 53 (2.6%) with a contraindication. In cardiology units, 53.1% and 14.3% of patients had GFRs of <60 and <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, and 179 (15.4%) patients had a contraindication or were prescribed an excessive dose of glucose-lowering drugs. Conclusions: We showed that the burden of inappropriate prescriptions is high in diabetic patients. Given the high number of patients receiving these medications, particularly in cardiology units, a search for potential adverse effects related to these drugs should be performed. Full article
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9 pages, 1773 KiB  
Article
Comparison between Fluorimetry (Qubit) and Spectrophotometry (NanoDrop) in the Quantification of DNA and RNA Extracted from Frozen and FFPE Tissues from Lung Cancer Patients: A Real-World Use of Genomic Tests
by Katsuhiro Masago, Shiro Fujita, Yuko Oya, Yusuke Takahashi, Hirokazu Matsushita, Eiichi Sasaki and Hiroaki Kuroda
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1375; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121375 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6364
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Panel-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been carried out in daily clinical settings for the diagnosis and treatment guidance of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The success of genomic tests including NGS depends in large part on preparing better-quality [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Panel-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been carried out in daily clinical settings for the diagnosis and treatment guidance of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The success of genomic tests including NGS depends in large part on preparing better-quality DNA or RNA; however, there are no established operating methods for preparing genomic DNA and RNA samples. Materials and Methods: We compared the following two quantitative methods, the QubitTM and NanoDropTM, using 585 surgical specimens, 278 biopsy specimens, and 82 cell block specimens of lung cancer that were used for genetic tests, including NGS. We analyzed the success rate of the genomic tests, including NGS, which were performed with DNA and RNA with concentrations that were outliers for the Qubit Fluorometer. Results: The absolute value for DNA concentrations had a tendency to be higher when measured with NanoDropTM regardless of the type of specimen; however, this was not the case for RNA. The success rate of DNA-based genomic tests using specimens with a concentration below the lower limit of QubitTM detection was as high as approximately 96%. At less than 60%, the success rate of RNA-based genomic tests, including RT-PCR, was not as satisfactory. The success rates of the AmpliSeqTM DNA panel sequencing and RNA panel sequencing were 77.8% and 91.5%, respectively. If at least one PCR amplification product could be obtained, then all RNA-based sequencing was performed successfully. Conclusions: The concentration measurements with NanoDropTM are reliable. The success rate of NGS with samples at concentrations below the limit of detection of QubitTM was relatively higher than expected, and it is worth performing PCR-based panel sequencing, especially in cases where re-biopsy cannot be performed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Therapeutics of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer)
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12 pages, 1424 KiB  
Article
Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels in Children and Adolescents with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis before and after l-Thyroxin Medication: A Prospective Study
by Pavlos Drongitis, Eleni P Kotanidou, Anastasios Serbis, Vasiliki Rengina Tsinopoulou, Spyridon Gerou and Assimina Galli-Tsinopoulou
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1374; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121374 - 17 Dec 2021
Viewed by 1975
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is a complex hormone, sharing common sites of action with thyroid hormones. We investigated the association among FGF-21 levels, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and l-thyroxin (LT4) treatment in children and adolescents with Hashimoto’s [...] Read more.
Backgrounds and Objectives: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is a complex hormone, sharing common sites of action with thyroid hormones. We investigated the association among FGF-21 levels, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and l-thyroxin (LT4) treatment in children and adolescents with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 youngsters with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) (30 with subclinical hypothyroidism, 30 with euthyroidism) and 30 age and sex-matched healthy participants (5–18 years old) were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric, biochemical parameters, and RMR levels were assessed in all participants; serum FGF-21 levels were measured in the control group and the group with subclinical hypothyroidism before and six months after medication with LT4. Results: FGF-21 levels were lower in the treatment group compared with the healthy ones, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05); despite the increase in FGF-21 levels after six months of LT4 treatment, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Free thyroxin (FT4) levels correlated well with FGF-21 levels (r = 0.399, p < 0.01), but further analysis revealed no interaction between these two variables. Both patient groups presented elevated triglyceride (TG) levels compared to controls (p < 0.05). LT4 treatment had no impact on RMR and lipid or liver or glycaemic parameters. An increase in fat mass and fat-free mass were reported, independently of FGF-21 levels. Conclusions: In youngsters with subclinical hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the serum FGF-21 levels are not significantly lower than in healthy individuals and increase after treatment with LT4 without a statistical significance. Further studies with a large number of young patients and severe hypothyroidism are recommended to confirm our results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology)
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9 pages, 496 KiB  
Article
Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Awareness among Women in Saudi Arabia
by Khalid Akkour, Lolowah Alghuson, Hicham Benabdelkamel, Hani Alhalal, Nada Alayed, Amal AlQarni and Maria Arafah
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1373; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121373 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3117
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer (CC) is the eighth most common cancer among Saudi women of all ages. With limited national data, we aimed to evaluate the public awareness of cervical cancer, CC risk factors, HPV infection, and HPV vaccines in different [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer (CC) is the eighth most common cancer among Saudi women of all ages. With limited national data, we aimed to evaluate the public awareness of cervical cancer, CC risk factors, HPV infection, and HPV vaccines in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This was a survey-based cross-sectional study that encompassed 564 Saudi women over a period of a month. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed through different social media platforms. Results: The collected data included sociodemographic variables and questions assessing awareness of CC, and the attitudes toward CC screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Most respondents were aware of CC (84.0%), although their primary source of information was the internet. However, only 45 females (8.0%) had a history of cervical screening. Furthermore, most females did not know that HPV was transmitted sexually (78.9%), or that it caused genital warts (81.7%) and CC (81.9%). Regarding the HPV vaccine, 100 females (17.7%) had heard about it, but only 11 (2.0%) took the vaccine, although more than half of the respondents (54.1%) were willing to take the vaccine after being informed about it. Conclusions: We noticed a remarkable lack of awareness among the respondents regarding HPV’s clinical implications; and the HPV vaccine, and its importance and availability. The main source of information for most of the Saudi women in this study was the internet, which may be an unreliable source, or provide misleading information that may delay screening or discourage vaccination. Thus, organized campaigns by the Ministry of Health or other health-advocating agencies, in addition to screening and vaccination programs, are strongly encouraged. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics and Gynecology)
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14 pages, 2135 KiB  
Article
Contribution of Global and Regional Longitudinal Strain for Clinical Assessment of HFpEF in Coronary and Hypertensive Patients
by Gheorghe Stoichescu-Hogea, Florina Nicoleta Buleu, Ruxandra Christodorescu, Raluca Sosdean, Anca Tudor, Andreea Ember, Daniel Miron Brie and Simona Drăgan
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1372; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121372 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2022
Abstract
Background: Contribution of global and regional longitudinal strain (GLS) for clinical assessment of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is not well established. We sought to evaluate subclinical left ventricular dysfunction secondary to coronary artery disease (CAD) in HFpEF patients [...] Read more.
Background: Contribution of global and regional longitudinal strain (GLS) for clinical assessment of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is not well established. We sought to evaluate subclinical left ventricular dysfunction secondary to coronary artery disease (CAD) in HFpEF patients compared with hypertensive patients and age-matched healthy subjects. Material and methods: This was a retrospective study that included 148 patients (group 1 = 62 patients with HFpEF, group 2 = 46 hypertensive patients, and group 3 = 40 age-matched control subjects). Peak systolic segmental, regional (basal, mid, and apical), and global longitudinal strain were assessed for each study group using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Results: GLS values presented statistically significant differences between the three groups (p < 0.001); markedly increased values (more negative) were observed in the control group (−20.2 ± 1.4%) compared with HTN group values (−18.4 ± 3.0%, p = 0.031) and with HFpEF group values (−17.6 ± 2.3%, p < 0.001). The correlation between GLS values and HTN stages was significant, direct, and average (Spearman coefficient rho = 0.423, p < 0.001). GLS had the greatest ability to detect patients with HFpEF when HFpEF + CAD + HTN diastolic dysfunction (n = 30) + CON diastolic dysfunction (n = 2) from HFpEF + CAD + HTN + CON was analyzed. (optimal GLS limit of −19.35%, area under curve = 0.833, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Global longitudinal strain can be used for clinical assessment in differentiating coronary and hypertensive patients at higher risk for development of systolic dysfunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heart Failure in the Era of COVID 19)
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14 pages, 509 KiB  
Article
A New Criterion for Fluoroquinolone-Associated Disability Diagnosis: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
by Deanna N. Cannizzaro, Lydia F. Naughton, Maya Z. Freeman, Linda Martin, Charles L. Bennett and Cecilia Bove
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1371; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121371 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5384
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are a broad-spectrum class of antibiotics routinely prescribed for common bacterial infections despite recent recommendations to use them only for life-threatening cases. In addition to their antimicrobial properties, FQs act in the central nervous system as GABAA [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are a broad-spectrum class of antibiotics routinely prescribed for common bacterial infections despite recent recommendations to use them only for life-threatening cases. In addition to their antimicrobial properties, FQs act in the central nervous system as GABAA receptor inhibitors, which could potentially affect functionality of the vagus nerve at the forefront of gastrointestinal (GI) tract function. Alterations in neural control of digestion have been shown to be linked to Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs), which are usually diagnosed based on self-reported symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of FGIDs following FQ use. Materials and Methods: Self-reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System were analyzed together with ~300 survey responses from a social network derived sample to the Bowel Disease Questionnaire. Results: The results of this study suggested that six different FQs are associated with a wide range of GI symptoms not currently reported in the drugs’ labels. The responses from the survey suggested that ~70% of FQ users scored positive for FGID, with no positive correlation between drug type, duration of administration, dosage and frequency of administration. Conclusions: This study showed that GI disorders other than nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are more common than currently reported on the drug labels, and that FGIDs are possibly a common consequence of FQ use even after single use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Human Anatomy and Pathophysiology)
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15 pages, 2199 KiB  
Article
A Preliminary Retrospective Study to Assess the Short-Term Safety of Traditional Smooth or Microtextured Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants in Korea
by Sanghyuk Han, Robert Kim, Tae Seob Kim, Jung Heum Park, Seung Soo Kim, Cheol Jeong and Ji Heui Lee
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1370; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121370 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4139
Abstract
Background and objectives: We conducted this preliminary retrospective study to assess the short-term safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants (SGBIs) that are commercially available in Korean women. Materials and methods :The current retrospective, observational study was conducted in a total of 2612 [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: We conducted this preliminary retrospective study to assess the short-term safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants (SGBIs) that are commercially available in Korean women. Materials and methods :The current retrospective, observational study was conducted in a total of 2612 patients (n = 2612) who underwent augmentation mammaplasty using breast implants at our hospitals between 1 January 2017 and 31 August 2021. Results: Overall, there were a total of 248 cases (9.49%) of postoperative complications; these include 112 cases of early seroma, 52 cases of shape deformation, 32 cases of CC, 12 cases of early hematoma, 12 cases of rupture, 12 cases of infection, 12 cases of stretch deformities with skin excess and 4 cases of rippling. Overall complication-free survival of the breast implant was estimated at 1564.32 ± 75.52 days (95% CI 1416.39–1712.32). Then, the Motiva Ergonomix™ SilkSurface showed the longest survival (1528.00 ± 157.92 days [95% CI 1218.48–1837.56]), followed by the BellaGel® SmoothFine (1458.4 ± 65.76 days [95% CI 1329.56–1587.28]), the Sebbin® Sublimity (1322.00 ± 51.20 days [95% CI 1221.64–1422.32]), the BellaGel® Smooth (1138.72 ± 161.28 days [95% CI 822.6–1454.84), the Mentor® MemoryGel™ Xtra (698.4 ± 52.64 days [95% CI 595.28–801.52]) and the Natrelle® INSPIRA™ (380.00 ± 170.88 days [95% CI 45.04–714.96]) in the decreasing order. On subgroup analysis, both the Motiva ErgonomixTM and Mentor® MemoryGel™ Xtra showed no postoperative complications. However, the BellaGel® SmoothFine, Sebbin® Sublimity and BellaGel® Smooth showed incidences of 8.87%, 4.84% and 1.61%, respectively. A subgroup analysis also showed differences in incidences of postoperative complications between microtextured and smooth breast implants (15.18% vs. 16.67%). Conclusions: In conclusion, our results indicate that diverse types of an SGBI are commercially available and their safety profile varies according to the manufacturer. Plastic surgeons should consider the safety profile of each device in selecting the optimal types of the device for Korean women who are in need of an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty. However, this warrants a single-surgeon, single-center study with long periods of follow-up. Full article
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12 pages, 7440 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review on Comparative Analyses between Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy and Shock-Wave Lithotripsy for Ureter Stone According to Stone Size
by Hae Do Jung, Youna Hong, Joo Yong Lee and Seon Heui Lee
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1369; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121369 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2436
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the treatment outcomes of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) according to the ureteral stone size. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, relevant articles that compared SWL and [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the treatment outcomes of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) according to the ureteral stone size. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, relevant articles that compared SWL and URSL for treatment of ureteral stones were identified. Articles were selected from four English databases including Ovid-Medline, Ovid-EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of controlled Trials (Central), and Google Scholar. A quality assessment was carried out by our researchers independently using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). A total of 1325 studies were identified, but after removing duplicates, there remained 733 studies. Of these studies, 439 were excluded, 294 were screened, and 18 met the study eligibility criteria. Results: In randomized control trial (RCT) studies, URSL showed significantly higher SFR than SWL (p < 0.01, OR= 0.40, 95% CI 0.30–0.55, I² = 29%). The same results were shown in sub-group analysis according to the size of the stone (<1 cm: p < 0.01, OR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.25–0.63; >1 cm: p < 0.01, OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.19–0.74, I² = 55%; not specified: p < 0.01, OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.25–0.72, I² = 70%). In the non-RCT studies, the effectiveness of the URSL was significantly superior to that of SWL (p < 0.01, OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.21–0.52, I² = 83%). Retreatment rate was significantly lower in URSL than in SWL regardless of stone size (p < 0.01, OR = 10.22, 95% CI 6.76–15.43, I² = 54%). Conclusions: Meta-analysis results show that SFR was higher than SWL in URSL and that URSL was superior to SWL in retreatment rate. However, more randomized trials are required to identify definitive conclusions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Urology & Nephrology)
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12 pages, 29695 KiB  
Article
Does Cement Augmentation of the Sacroiliac Screw Lead to Superior Biomechanical Results for Fixation of the Posterior Pelvic Ring? A Biomechanical Study
by Moritz F. Lodde, J. Christoph Katthagen, Clemens O. Schopper, Ivan Zderic, R. Geoff Richards, Boyko Gueorguiev, Michael J. Raschke and René Hartensuer
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1368; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121368 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3541
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The stability of the pelvic ring mainly depends on the integrity of its posterior part. Percutaneous sacroiliac (SI) screws are widely implanted as standard of care treatment. The main risk factors for their fixation failure are related to vertical [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The stability of the pelvic ring mainly depends on the integrity of its posterior part. Percutaneous sacroiliac (SI) screws are widely implanted as standard of care treatment. The main risk factors for their fixation failure are related to vertical shear or transforaminal sacral fractures. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical performance of fixations using one (Group 1) or two (Group 2) standard SI screws versus one SI screw with bone cement augmentation (Group 3). Materials and Methods: Unstable fractures of the pelvic ring (AO/OTA 61-C1.3, FFP IIc) were simulated in 21 artificial pelvises by means of vertical osteotomies in the ipsilateral anterior and posterior pelvic ring. A supra-acetabular external fixator was applied to address the anterior fracture. All specimens were tested under progressively increasing cyclic loading until failure, with monitoring by means of motion tracking. Fracture site displacement and cycles to failure were evaluated. Results: Fracture displacement after 500 cycles was lowest in Group 3 (0.76 cm [0.30] (median [interquartile range, IQR])) followed by Group 1 (1.42 cm, [0.21]) and Group 2 (1.42 cm [1.66]), with significant differences between Groups 1 and 3, p = 0.04. Fracture displacement after 1000 cycles was significantly lower in Group 3 (1.15 cm [0.37]) compared to both Group 1 (2.19 cm [2.39]) and Group 2 (2.23 cm [3.65]), p ≤ 0.04. Cycles to failure (Group 1: 3930 ± 890 (mean ± standard deviation), Group 2: 3676 ± 348, Group 3: 3764 ± 645) did not differ significantly between the groups, p = 0.79. Conclusions: In our biomechanical setup cement augmentation of one SI screw resulted in significantly less displacement compared to the use of one or two SI screws. However, the number of cycles to failure was not significantly different between the groups. Cement augmentation of one SI screw seems to be a useful treatment option for posterior pelvic ring fixation, especially in osteoporotic bone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment of Spine and Pelvic Fractures in Patients with Osteoporosis)
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10 pages, 3358 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Efficacy among Three Dermal Substitutes in the Management of Critical Lower-Limb Wounds: The Largest Biases-Reduced Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study in Literature
by Giuseppe Cottone, Francesco Amendola, Carlo Strada, Maria Chiara Bagnato, Roberto Brambilla, Francesco De Francesco and Luca Vaienti
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1367; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121367 - 15 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2557
Abstract
Background and objectives: The skin recently became the main focus of regenerative medicine and, in this context, skin substitutes are fully entering into the plastic surgeon’s armamentarium. Among the various types of skin substitutes, dermal substitutes (DSs) are the most used. Our [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: The skin recently became the main focus of regenerative medicine and, in this context, skin substitutes are fully entering into the plastic surgeon’s armamentarium. Among the various types of skin substitutes, dermal substitutes (DSs) are the most used. Our study aims to retrospectively compare three renowned and extremely similar DS in the management of critical lower limb wounds in the largest cohort analysis currently present in literature. Materials and Methods: We followed a strict protocol of application and evaluation of the DS for each patient and wound and, after a meticulous bias reduction process, we compared final outcomes in terms of efficacy and speed in achieving the defect coverage. Results: Among patients who did not receive a skin graft after the DS, we registered a wound healed surface of 50% for Pelnac, 52% for Integra, and 19% for Nevelia, after 30 days from the external silicon layer removal; among those who received a skin graft after the DS, we observed a significantly lower mean percentage of graft take after 7 days with Pelnac (53%) compared to Integra and Nevelia (92% and 80%, respectively). The overall percentage of wound healed surface obtained after 30 days from the external silicon sheet removal, either with or without skin graft, was 71% for Pelnac, 63% for Integra and 63% for Nevelia. We also ran a sub-group analysis only including grafted wounds with a negative microbiological test and the mean percentage of graft take was similar this time. Eventually, we assessed the influence of the wound’s “chronicity” on its healing, comparing the mean graft take only in “acute” wounds who received a skin graft and it resulted 63% for Pelnac, 91% for Integra and 75% for Nevelia. Conclusions: Integra demonstrates the highest rate of skin graft viability and the highest rate of skin graft takes after 7 days. Pelnac shows the quickest induction of secondary healing in acute wounds. Nevelia is not different from Integra and shows a superior graft take compared to Pelnac, but features the lowest secondary healing induction rate. No differences exist between the three DSs in terms of wound healing after 30 days from the skin graft or from the removal of the external silicon layer. Full article
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14 pages, 2552 KiB  
Article
Sleep Quality Improvement Enhances Neuropsychological Recovery and Reduces Blood Aβ42/40 Ratio in Patients with Mild–Moderate Cognitive Impairment
by Haihua Huang, Mingqiu Li, Menglin Zhang, Jiang Qiu, Haiyan Cheng, Xin Mou, Qinghong Chen, Tina Li, Jun Peng and Benyi Li
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1366; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121366 - 15 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2709
Abstract
Background and objectives: Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain degeneration and is associated with a high prevalence of sleep disorders. Amyloid β peptide-42/40 (Aβ42/40) and Tau-pT181 are the core biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and blood. Accumulated data from studies in [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain degeneration and is associated with a high prevalence of sleep disorders. Amyloid β peptide-42/40 (Aβ42/40) and Tau-pT181 are the core biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and blood. Accumulated data from studies in mouse models and humans demonstrated an aberrant elevation of these biomarkers due to sleep disturbance, especially sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). However, it is not clear if sleep quality improvement reduces the blood levels of Ab42/40 ratio and Tau-pT181 in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, a longitudinal analysis was conducted on 64 patients with mild–moderate cognition impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease accompanied by SDB. Another 33 MCI cases without sleep-disordered breathing were included as the control group. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score system. Neuropsychological assessments were conducted using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), 24-h Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-24), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scoring systems. Aβ42, Aβ40, and Tau-pT181 protein levels in blood specimens were measured using ELISA assays. All patients received donepezil treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. SDB was managed with continuous pressure ventilation. Results: A significant correlation was found among PSQI, HRSD-24, HAMA, Aβ42/40 ratio, and Tau-pT181 level in all cases. In addition, a very strong and negative correlation was discovered between education level and dementia onset age. Compared to patients without SDB (33 non-SD cases), patients with SDB (64 SD cases) showed a significantly lower HRSD-24 score and a higher Aβ42/40 ratio Tau-pT181 level. Sleep treatment for patients with SDB significantly improved all neuropsychological scores, Aβ42/40 ratio, and Tau-pT181 levels. However, 11 patients did not completely recover from a sleep disorder (PSQI > 5 post-treatment). In this subgroup of patients, although HAMA score and Tau-pT181 levels were significantly reduced, MoCA and HRSD-24 scores, as well as Aβ42/40 ratio, were not significantly improved. ROC analysis found that the blood Aβ42/40 ratio held the highest significance in predicting sleep disorder occurrence. Conclusions: This is the first clinical study on sleep quality improvement in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Sleep quality score was associated with patient depression and anxiety scores, as well as Aβ42/40 ratio and Tau-pT181 levels. A complete recovery is critical for fully improving all neuropsychological assessments, Aβ42/40 ratio, and Tau-pT181 levels. Blood Aβ42/40 ratio is a feasible prognostic factor for predicting sleep quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases and Stroke)
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11 pages, 2570 KiB  
Article
Permissible Outcomes of Lobe-Specific Lymph Node Dissection for Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
by Hiroaki Kuroda, Junji Ichinose, Katsuhiro Masago, Yusuke Takahashi, Takeo Nakada, Masayuki Nakao, Sakae Okumura, Kohei Hashimoto, Yosuke Matsuura, Noriaki Sakakura, Hirokazu Matsushita and Mingyon Mun
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1365; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121365 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2124
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Lobe-specific nodal dissection (L-SND) is currently acceptable for the dissection of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but not for cancers of more advanced clinical stages. We aimed to assess the efficacy of L-SND, compared to systemic nodal dissection [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Lobe-specific nodal dissection (L-SND) is currently acceptable for the dissection of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but not for cancers of more advanced clinical stages. We aimed to assess the efficacy of L-SND, compared to systemic nodal dissection (SND). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) abnormality who underwent complete resection of NSCLC via lobectomy or more in addition to either SND or L-SND at two cancer-specific institutions from January 2006 to December 2017. Results: A total of 799 patients, including 265 patients who underwent SND and 534 patients who underwent L-SND, were included. On multivariate analysis, thoracotomy, more than lobectomy, cN1-2, advanced pathological stage, adjuvant treatment, and EGFR or ALK were strongly associated with SND. No significant differences were found in overall survival, disease-free survival, and overtime survival after propensity adjustment (p = 0.09, p = 0.11, and p = 0.50, respectively). There were no significant differences in local (p = 0.16), regional (p = 0.72), or distant (p = 0.39) tumor recurrence between the two groups. Conclusions: SND did not improve the prognosis of NSCLC patients with CEA abnormality. Complete pulmonary resection via L-SND seems useful for NSCLC patients with CEA abnormality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Therapeutics of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer)
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11 pages, 1191 KiB  
Article
Habituation of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Those with Vascular Dementia
by Antonio Currà, Lucio Marinelli, Filippo Cotellessa, Laura Mori, Chiara Avanti, Daniela Greco, Manuela Gorini, Paolo Missori, Francesco Fattapposta and Carlo Trompetto
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1364; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121364 - 14 Dec 2021
Viewed by 2192
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The most prevalent dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. There is evidence that cortical synaptic function may differ in these two conditions. Habituation of cortical responses to repeated stimuli is a well-preserved phenomenon in a normal brain cortex, [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The most prevalent dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. There is evidence that cortical synaptic function may differ in these two conditions. Habituation of cortical responses to repeated stimuli is a well-preserved phenomenon in a normal brain cortex, related to an underlying mechanism of synaptic efficacy regulation. Lack of habituation represents a marker of synaptic dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to assess the habituation of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in 29 patients affected by mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD-type) or vascular (VD-type) dementia. Materials and Methods: All patients underwent a clinical history interview, neuropsychological evaluation, and neuroimaging examination. SEPs were elicited by electrical stimulation of the right median nerve at the wrist. Six-hundred stimuli were delivered, and cortical responses divided in three blocks of 200. Habituation was calculated by measuring changes of N20 amplitude from block 1 to block 3. SEP variables recorded in patients were compared with those recorded in 15 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers. Results: SEP recordings showed similar N20 amplitudes in AD-type and VD-type patients in block 1, that were higher than those recorded in controls. N20 amplitude decreased from block 1 to block 3 (habituation) in normal subjects and in VD-type patients, whereas in AD-type patients it remained unchanged (lack of habituation). Conclusions: The findings suggest that neurophysiologic mechanisms of synaptic efficacy that underneath habituation are impaired in patients with AD-type dementia but not in patients with VD-type dementia. SEPs habituation may contribute to early distinction of Alzheimer’s disease vs. vascular dementia. Full article
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6 pages, 398 KiB  
Article
Elimination of the Femoral Neck in Measuring Femoral Version Allows for Less Variance in Interobserver Reliability
by Radomir Dimovski, Robert Teitge, Nicholas Bolz, Patrick Schafer, Vamsy Bobba and Rahul Vaidya
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1363; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121363 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1843
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Producing consistent measures of femoral version amongst observers are necessary to allow for an assessment of version for possible corrective procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare two computed tomography (CT)-based techniques for the reliability of measuring [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Producing consistent measures of femoral version amongst observers are necessary to allow for an assessment of version for possible corrective procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare two computed tomography (CT)-based techniques for the reliability of measuring femoral version amongst observers. Materials and Methods: Review was performed for 15 patients post-femoral nailing for comminuted (Winquist III and IV) femoral shaft fractures where CT scanograms were obtained. Two CT-based techniques were utilized to measure femoral version by five observers. Results: The mean femoral version, when utilizing a proximal line drawn down the center of the femoral head-neck through CT, was 9.50 ± 4.82°, while the method utilizing the head and shaft at lesser trochanter centers produced a mean version of 18.73 ± 2.69°. A significant difference was noted between these two (p ≤ 0.001). The method of measuring in the center of the femoral head and neck produced an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.960 with a 95% confidence interval lower bound of 0.909 and upper bound of 0.982. For the method assessing version via the center of the head and shaft at the lesser trochanter region, the ICC was 0.993 with a 95% confidence interval lower bound of 0.987 and an upper bound of 0.996. Conclusions: The method of measuring version proximally through a CT image of the femoral head–neck versus overlaying the femoral head with the femoral shaft at the most prominent aspect of the lesser trochanter produces differing version measurements by roughly 10° while yielding an almost perfect interobserver reliability in the new technique. Both techniques result in significantly high interobserver reliability. Full article
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9 pages, 763 KiB  
Article
Association between Prehospital Hypoxemia and Admission to Intensive Care Unit during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Rémy Midez, Christophe A. Fehlmann, Christophe Marti, Robert Larribau, Frédéric Rouyer, Filippo Boroli, Laurent Suppan and Birgit Andrea Gartner
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1362; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121362 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1935
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the association between prehospital peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) patients. Materials and Methods: We carried [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the association between prehospital peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) patients. Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective cohort study on patients requiring prehospital intervention between 11 March 2020 and 4 May 2020. All adult patients in whom a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia was suspected by the prehospital physician were included. Patients who presented a prehospital confounding respiratory diagnosis and those who were not eligible for ICU admission were excluded. The main exposure was “Low SpO2” defined as a value < 90%. The primary outcome was 48-h ICU admission. Secondary outcomes were 48-h mortality and 30-day mortality. We analyzed the association between low SpO2 and ICU admission or mortality with univariable and multivariable regression models. Results: A total of 145 patients were included. A total of 41 (28.3%) patients had a low prehospital SpO2 and 21 (14.5%) patients were admitted to the ICU during the first 48 h. Low SpO2 was associated with an increase in ICU admission (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.2–10.0), which remained significant after adjusting for sex and age (aOR = 5.2, 95% CI = 1.8–15.4). Mortality was higher in low SpO2 patients at 48 h (OR = 7.1 95% CI 1.3–38.3) and at 30 days (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.4–10.7). Conclusions: In our physician-staffed prehospital system, first low prehospital SpO2 values were associated with a higher risk of ICU admission during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Emergency Medicine)
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12 pages, 2865 KiB  
Article
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Survival Outcomes of Patients with Buccal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Results of a Multi-Institutional Study
by Shogo Shinohara, Masahiro Kikuchi, Hiroyuki Harada, Kiyomi Hamaguchi, Ryo Asato, Hisanobu Tamaki, Masanobu Mizuta, Ryusuke Hori, Tsuyoshi Kojima, Keigo Honda, Takashi Tsujimura, Yohei Kumabe, Kazuyuki Ichimaru, Yoshiharu Kitani, Koji Ushiro and Koichi Omori
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1361; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121361 - 13 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2316
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To investigate clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with buccal cancer in Japan. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a database of 1055 patients with oral cancers treated between 2010 and 2017 at 12 institutions [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: To investigate clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with buccal cancer in Japan. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a database of 1055 patients with oral cancers treated between 2010 and 2017 at 12 institutions in Japan. Ninety-two patients (8.7%) with primary buccal cancer were extracted and clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes were compared between patients with buccal cancers and patients with other oral cancers. Results: Ages were significantly higher in the patients with buccal cancer (73 years old vs. 69 years old). Buccal cancer had less advanced cT stage and cN stage than other oral cancers. Overall 5-year survival (OS) was 80.6%, and recurrence-free 5-year survival (RFS) of buccal cancers was 67.8%, and there were no significant differences in survival compared with other oral cancers in terms OS or RFS (5y-OS: 82.5%, 5y-RFS: 74.4%). However, patients with stage IV buccal cancer showed poorer prognosis in terms of OS and RFS compared with the same stage patients with other oral cancer. Advanced T stage was the only factor independently associated with both OS and RFS of patients with buccal cancer in this study. Conclusions: Postoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy should be considered to improve survival outcome of buccal cancer patients, especially for the patients with advanced primary site disease or a higher cancer stage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Therapeutic Landscape of Head and Neck Cancer)
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12 pages, 330 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Related Fears of Patients Admitted to a Psychiatric Emergency Department during and Post-Lockdown in Switzerland: Preliminary Findings to Look Ahead for Tailored Preventive Mental Health Strategies
by Alessandra Costanza, Laura Macheret, Aline Folliet, Andrea Amerio, Andrea Aguglia, Gianluca Serafini, Paco Prada, Guido Bondolfi, François Sarasin and Julia Ambrosetti
Medicina 2021, 57(12), 1360; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/medicina57121360 - 13 Dec 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 2659
Abstract
Background and Objectives: While the impact on mental health of 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) has been extensively documented, little is known about its influence on subjective fears. Here, we investigate the COVID-19 impact and its related restrictions on fears of patients admitted to [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: While the impact on mental health of 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) has been extensively documented, little is known about its influence on subjective fears. Here, we investigate the COVID-19 impact and its related restrictions on fears of patients admitted to a psychiatric Emergency Department (ED) during and post-lockdown. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study on 1477 consultations at the psychiatric ED of the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG) was performed using a mixed-methods analysis. The first analysis section was qualitative, aiming to explore the type of fears, while the second section statistically compared fears (i) during lockdown (16 March 2020–10 May 2020) and (ii) post-lockdown (11 May 2020–5 July 2020). Fears were also explored among different patient-age sub-groups. Results: 334 patients expressed one/more fears. Both in lockdown and post-lockdown, fears mostly pertained to “containment measures” (isolation, loneliness). When compared lockdown vs. post-lockdown, fears about “work status” (deteriorating, losing work) prevailed in lockdown (p = 0.029) while “hopelessness” (powerless feeling, inability to find solutions) in post-lockdown (p = 0.001). “Self around COVID-19” (dying, getting sick) fear was relatively more frequent in youth (p = 0.039), while “hopelessness” in the elderly (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Collectively, these findings highlight that lockdown/post-lockdown periods generated temporally and demographically distinct COVID-19 related fears patterns, with special regard to youth and elderly, two particularly vulnerable populations when faced with sudden and unexpected dramatic events. For this reason, the particular ED “front-line service” status makes it a privileged observatory that can provide novel insights. From a mental health perspective, these latter can be translated into pragmatic, more personalized prevention strategies to reinforce specific resilience resources and mitigate the current and long-term pandemic’s impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Psychiatry)
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