Effectiveness Evaluation of Low-dose Spiral Computed Tomography for Lung Cancer Screening in Minhang District of Shanghai / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) has been recommended for lung cancer screening in high-risk populations. However, evidence from Chinese populations was limited due to the different criteria for high-risk populations and the short-term follow-up period. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness in Chinese adults based on the Lung Cancer Screening Program in Minhang District of Shanghai initiated in 2013.@*METHODS@#A total of 26,124 subjects aged 40 years or above were enrolled in the Lung Cancer Screening Program during the period of 2013 and 2017. Results of LDCT examination, and screen-detected cancer cases in all participants were obtained from the Reporting System of the Lung Cancer Screening Program. The newly-diagnosed cases and their vital status up to December 31, 2020 were identified through a record linkage with the Shanghai Cancer Registry and the Shanghai Vital Statistics. Standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and 95%CI were calculated using the local population at ages of 40 or above as the reference. Proportions of early-stage cancer (stage 0-I), pathological types, and 5-year observed survival rates of lung cancer cases were estimated and compared between the cases derived from the screened and non-screened populations. Cox regression models were applied to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95%CI of LDCT screening with all-cause death of the lung cancer cases.@*RESULTS@#The crude and age-standardized incidence of lung cancer in screened population were 373.3 (95%CI: 343.1-406.1) and 70.3 per 100,000 person-years, respectively, with an SIR of 1.8 (95%CI: 1.6-1.9), which was observed to decrease with following-up time. The early-stage cancer accounted for 49.4% of all lung cancer cases derived from the screened population, significantly higher than 38.4% in cases from the non-screened population during the same period (P<0.05). The proportion of lung adenocarcinoma (40.7% vs 35.9%) and 5-year survival rate (53.7% vs 41.5%) were also significantly higher in the cases from the screened population (all P<0.05). LDCT screening was associated with 30% (HR=0.7, 95%CI: 0.6-0.8) reduced all-cause deaths of the cases.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The participants of the screening program are at high-risk of lung cancer. LDCT favors the early-detection of lung cancer and improves 5-year survival of the screened cases, indicating a great potential of LDCT in reducing the disease burden of lung cancer in Chinese populations.

Effects of MTHFR gene polymorphism on the adverse reactions in osteosarcoma patients after the first high-dose methotrexate treatment / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of 5，10-methylenetetetrahydrofolate reductase （MTHFR） gene polymorphism on the adverse reactions in patients with osteosarcoma after the first high-dose methotrexate （HD-MTX） treatment. METHODS A prospective study was conducted to include 53 patients with osteosarcoma treated with HD-MTX at the first admission in General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command. The dose of MTX was evaluated according to the polymorphism of rs1801133 in the METHFR gene and demographic factors， then whole pharmaceutical monitoring was conducted. The data on liver toxicity， renal toxicity， hematological toxicity， and gastrointestinal reaction were collected after the first chemotherapy cycle. Single factor analysis and binary Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the correlation between MTX dose， 24 h blood drug concentration， and rs1801133 locus genotype with four adverse reactions. RESULTS The MTX dosage in patients with CC wild type was significantly higher than that in TT mutant type （7.97 g/m2 vs. 6.98 g/m2， P＝0.030）， but this difference did not affect the 0 h and 24 h blood drug concentrations of MTX. The above four adverse reactions were not related to the dose of MTX. The results of binary Logistic regression analysis showed that carrying one T allele increased the risk of developing hematological toxicity by 4.13 times（95% confidence interval：1.35-12.62，P＝0.013）. When 24 h plasma concentration threshold of MTX was set to 2.65 µmol/L， the sensitivity and specificity of predicting liver function damage were 53.33% and 86.96%， respectively； when the threshold was set to 7.28 μmol/L， the sensitivity and specificity of predicting renal damage were 100% and 81.63%. CONCLUSIONS The polymorphism of the rs1801133 in the MTHFR gene is associated with hematological toxicity of MTX. Patients who take HD-MTX for the first time and carry the T allele have a high risk of hematological toxicity. The 24 h plasma concentration of MTX is related to liver toxicity and renal toxicity. In addition， monitoring the 24 h blood drug concentration can predict liver and renal toxicity， and take early intervention.

An analysis of results of 392 times of CT quality control and room radiological protection testing in Guangdong Province, China / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To provide a theoretical basis for radiation health supervision through an analysis of the situation of computed tomography (CT) equipment quality control and CT room radiological protection in Guangdong Province, China in recent years. Methods We collected the data of 392 times of CT quality control and radiological protection testing by a third-party radiological health technical service institution in Guangdong Province from 2019 to 2021. We analyzed the levels of CT-owning hospitals, CT manufacturers, CT quality control test results, and the pass rate of radiation protection tests. Results The examined CT scanners were from different levels of hospitals in Guangdong Province, and were manufactured by nine major CT equipment manufacturers at home and abroad. The pass rate of CT room radiological protection was 99.88%, and the ambient dose equivalent rates of five monitoring points exceeded the limit, with four at the control room door and one at the shield wall of the room. The overall pass rate of CT equipment quality control was 99.49%, and the non-conforming parameters were the accuracy of positioning light and the deviation of reconstructed slice thickness. Conclusion In recent years, CT equipment quality control and room radiation protection in Guangdong Province have been at a high level.

Effects of fractionated low-dose ionizing radiation in the induction of EA.hy926 cell senescence / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To investigate the mechanism of fractionated low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) in the induction of EA.hy926 cell senescence. Methods EA.hy926 cells were irradiated with X-ray at 0, 50, 100, and 200 mGy × 4, respectively, and cultured for 24, 48, and 72 h. Several indicators were measured, including the levels of cellular senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, mRNA levels of senescence-associated cell cycle protein-dependent kinase inhibitor genes CDKN1A and CDKN2A, reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (γ-H2AX). Results After 4 fractionated LDIR, compared with the control group, the treatment groups showed increased nucleus area, blurred cell edge, and increased SA-β-gal positive area (P < 0.05) at 24, 48 and 72 h. After 4 fractionated LDIR, the mRNA level of CDKN1A increased in the 100 and 200 mGy × 4 groups at 24 and 48 h (P < 0.05), and CDKN2A mRNA level increased in the 100 and 200 mGy × 4 groups at 48 and 72 h (P < 0.05). The fluorescence intensity of ROS increased in treatment groups at 24, 48, and 72 h after 4 fractionated LDIR (P < 0.05). After 4 fractionated LDIR, the T-AOC level increased in the 100 and 200 mGy × 4 groups at 24 h (P < 0.05), and T-AOC level increased in all treatment groups at 48 and 72 h (P < 0.05). After 4 fractionated LDIR, γ-H2AX fluorescence intensity increased in all treatment groups at 24 h (P < 0.05), and the fluorescence intensity increased in the 100 and 200 mGy × 4 groups at 48 and 72 h (P < 0.05). Conclusion Fractionated LDIR can induce cellular senescence in EA.hy926 cells by impacting the cellular oxidation-antioxidation and oxidative damage levels, and the effects were relatively evident at 100 and 200 mGy.

Uso de inhaladores para la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en un grupo de pacientes colombianos

Introducción: En Colombia son escasos los datos sobre el uso de los inhaladores en pacientes con EPOC. Objetivo: Describir la técnica de uso de inhaladores de dosis medida y polvo seco en pacientes de un hospital colombiano. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo en pacientes mayores de 40 años con EPOC atendidos en un hospital en La Virginia, Risaralda, Colombia, entre el 1 de septiembre de 2019 al 31 de enero de 2020. La unidad de análisis fueron los pacientes. Se incluyeron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y lista de chequeo para uso de inhaladores. Se aplicaron frecuencias y proporciones para variables discretas, estadísticas de tendencia central y dispersión para variables continuas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 104 pacientes con edad media de 73,6 ± 10,1 años; 57 eran mujeres (54,8 %). Además, 48 pacientes estaban clasificados como GOLD-D (46,2 %). Igualmente, 89 pacientes manifestaron haber recibido educación sobre el uso de broncodilatadores (85,6 %). Los más frecuentes fueron los inhaladores de dosis medida (DM) en 95 casos (91,3 %), seguido de los de polvo seco unidosis (7,7 %). Así mismo, 37 pacientes que usaron DM sin inhalocámara (35,6 %) no cumplieron los pasos de la lista de chequeo. En el sistema multidosis, el más realizado fue cerrar de manera adecuada el inhalador y el menos ejecutado, expulsar el aire lentamente evitando hacerlo cerca del inhalador (n = 6; 5,7 %). Discusión: Se lograron describir las características de la técnica de uso de los inhaladores en pacientes con EPOC. A pesar de que ningún paciente logró utilizar el inhalador de forma "perfecta", la mayoría han recibido educación por parte de los profesionales de la salud. Conclusión: Un alto porcentaje de pacientes usa inadecuadamente los dispositivos para suministrar los broncodilatadores. Esto puede impactar negativamente en el control de la enfermedad.

Introduction: In Colombia, there is limited data on the use of inhalers in patients with COPD. Objective: The objective was to describe the technique of using metered-dose inhalers and dry powder in patients in a Colombian hospital. Methods: Observational, descriptive study of patients over 40 years of age with COPD, treated in a hospital in La Virginia, Risaralda, Colombia, between September 1st, 2019 and January 31st, 2020. The unit of analysis were patients in consultation. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, and a checklist for use of inhalers were included. Frequencies and proportions were applied for discrete variables, statistics of central tendency and dispersion for continuous variables. Results: A total of 104 patients with an average age of 73.6 ± 10.1 years were included; 57 were women (54.8%). In addition, 48 patients were classified as GOLD-D (46.2%). Similarly, 89 patients reported having received education on the use of bronchodilators (85.6%). The most common were metered-dose (MD) inhalers in 95 cases (91.3%), followed by single-dose dry powder inhalers in eight patients (7.7%). Likewise, 37 patients who used DM without inhalochamber (35.6%) did not comply with the steps of the checklist. In the multidose system, the most performed was to properly close the inhaler and the least performed was to expel the air slowly, avoiding doing so near the inhaler (n=6; 5.7%). Discussion: The characteristics of the technique of using inhalers in patients with COPD were described. Although no patient was able to use the inhaler "perfectly", most have received education from health professionals. Conclusion: A high percentage of patients misuse the devices to deliver bronchodilators. This can negatively impact the control of the disease.

Occupational radiation exposure in anesthesia for hepatic chemoembolization: a prospective study

Introduction Anesthetists play an important role during interventional radiology procedures. Like the main operator, anesthetists may also be subject to significant radiation levels in the fluoroscopy suite. Due to its complexity, hepatic chemoembolization procedures demand high fluoroscopic times and digital subtraction angiography images, exposing patients and medical staff to high radiation doses. Objective To assess and quantify the radiation to which one anesthetist was exposed over the course of seven consecutive hepatic chemoembolization procedures, and compare it to the exposure received by the main operator. Methods Medical staff dosimetry was evaluated during seven consecutive hepatic chemoembolization procedures conducted in a private hospital in Recife (Brazil), using thermoluminiscent dosimeters placed in regions of the head and torso. Results For the seven procedures evaluated in this study, the anesthetist received, on average, absorbed doses to the glabella, left eyebrow, right eyebrow and effective dose of 142.4 ± 72 µSv, 117.3 ± 66 µSv, 137.8 ± 71 µSv and 12.4 ± 8.4 µSv, respectively. Conclusions In some cases, ocular dose and effective dose received by the anesthetist may be 4 and 4.7 times greater, respectively, when compared to the main operator. According to the results of this study, the current occupational annual dose limit to the lens of the eye of 20 mSv can be exceeded with only two hepatic chemoembolization procedures per week if adequate radiation protection conditions are not guaranteed.

Introducción El anestesiólogo desempeña un papel importante durante los procedimientos de radiología intervencionista. Al igual que el operador principal, el anestesiólogo también puede estar expuesto a niveles significativos de radiación en la sala de fluoroscopía. Debido a su complejidad, durante los procedimientos de quimioembolización hepática se deben utilizar imágenes de fluoroscopía y angiografía de sustracción digital por períodos prolongados, exponiendo a los pacientes y al personal médico a dosis elevadas de radiación. Objetivo Evaluar y cuantificar la radiación a la cual se expuso un anestesiólogo durante el transcurso de siete procedimientos consecutivos de quimioembolización hepática, y comparar con la exposición recibida por el operador principal. Métodos Evaluación de la dosimetría ocupacional durante siete procedimientos consecutivos de quimioembolización hepática realizados en un hospital privado de Recife (Brasil) por medio de dosímetros termoluminiscentes ubicados en regiones de la cabeza y el torso. Resultados Para los siete procedimientos evaluados en este estudio, el anestesiólogo recibió, en promedio, dosis absorbidas en el entrecejo, la ceja izquierda, la ceja derecha y dosis efectivas de 142,4 ± 72 µSv, 117,3 ± 66 µSv, 137,8 ± 71 µSv y 12,4 ± 8,4 µSv, respectivamente. Conclusiones En algunos casos, la dosis ocular y la dosis efectiva que recibe el anestesiólogo puede ser, respectivamente, entre 4 y 4,7 veces más alta que la que recibe el operador principal. De acuerdo con los resultados de este estudio, el límite ocupacional anual de dosis en cristalino (20 mSv) se puede superar con apenas dos procedimientos de quimioembolización hepática a la semana en caso de no garantizarse las condiciones adecuadas de protección contra la radiación.

Perfil de uso de tigeciclina en un hospital universitario en Chile

Introducción: El uso de tigeciclina ha ido en aumento en los últimos años, debido al incremento de la resistencia bacteriana y la escasez de alternativas terapéuticas. Objetivo: Caracterizar y evaluar las prescripciones de tigeciclina en pacientes internados en un hospital universitario, durante los años 2017 y 2018. Metodología: Estudio observacional retrospectivo, donde se caracterizaron los pacientes, las terapias, la microbiología asociada, los desenlaces clínicos y las reacciones adversas asociadas a los tratamientos con tigeciclina. Se determinó la proporción de prescripciones apropiadas por un comité de expertos y el consumo de tigeciclina medido en DDD/100 camas-día. Resultados: Se caracterizaron 89 pacientes, de los cuales 67 (75,3%) cumplieron los criterios de selección. El 53,7% de los pacientes eran hombres, con una edad promedio de 60 ± 15 años. El principal motivo de hospitalización fue quirúrgico (65,7%). El 67,1% de los tratamientos con tigeciclina se inició en una Unidad de Paciente Critico y el foco de infección predominante fue abdominal (64,3%). El 50% de las terapias con tigeciclina fueron dirigidas según la microbiología identificada. En 65,7% de los casos se usó tigeciclina como monoterapia en la dosis habitual (62,9%). Náuseas (8,6%), diarrea (7,1%) y vómitos (4,3%) fueron los efectos adversos más reportados. El 84,3% de los tratamientos se consideraron apropiados. El año 2017 se consumió 0,4 DDD/100 camas-día y 0,6 DDD/100 camas/día el 2018, siendo la UCI el servicio que presentó el mayor uso en ambos años. Discusión: Tigeciclina fue utilizada principalmente en monoterapia para el tratamiento de infecciones intraabdominales en pacientes hospitalizados, por motivos quirúrgicos, en una unidad de paciente crítico, en las dosis habituales recomendadas de 100 mg como dosis de carga seguida de 50 mg cada 12 hs IV. En 50% de los casos, la terapia fue dirigida según microbiología. Los eventos adversos más habituales fueron los gastrointestinales. Conclusión: La mayoría de las terapias prescritas fueron consideradas apropiadas por el comité de expertos.

Background: The use of tigecycline has been increasing in recent years, due to increase in bacterial resistance and the scarcity of therapeutics alternatives. Aim: To characterize and evaluate the tigecycline prescriptions of patients hospitalized in a university hospital, during the years 2017 and 2018. Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out, where the patients, the therapies, the associated microbiology, the clinical outcomes and the adverse reactions associated with tigecycline were characterized. The proportion of appropriate prescriptions was determined by committee of experts and the consumption of tigecycline measure in DDD/100 bed-days. Results: 89 patients who used tigecycline were characterized, of which 67 (75.3%) met the selection criteria. 53.7% of the patients were male, with a mean age of 60 +/- 15 years The main reason for hospitalization was surgical (65.7%). 67.1% of the treatments with tigecycline were started in a critical patient unit and the predominant focus of the infection was the abdomen (64.3%). 50% of the therapies with tigecycline were ordered according to the identified microbiology. In 65.7% of the cases, tigecyclin was used as monotherapy at the usual dose (62.9%). Nausea (8.6%), diarrhea (7.1%) and vomiting (4.3%) were the most reported adverse events. 84.3% of the treatments were considered appropriate. In 2017, 0.4 DDD/100 bed/days were consumed and 0.6 DDD/100 bed/days in 2018, with de ICU being the service that presented the highest use in both years. Discussion: Tigecycline was mainly used as monotherapy for the treatment of intra-abdominal infections in patients hospitalized for surgical reasons in a critical patient unit at the usual doses of 100 mg loading followed by 50 mg every 12 hours IV. In 50% of the case the therapy was directed according to microbiology. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal. Conclusion: Most of the prescribed therapies were considered appropriate by the expert committee.

Association between telomere length in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes and the propofol dose in anesthesia induction: an observational study

Abstract Introduction: Propofol is a widely used anesthetic and its dose is closely related to aging. Telomere length (TL) is a unique heritable trait, and emerging as a biomarker of aging, health and disease. Telomerase RNA component (TERC) plays an important role in maintaining TL. We proposed a hypothesis that propofol dose in general anesthesia can be predicted by measuring TL before operation, which greatly reduced the risk of anesthesia, especially the elderly. Methods: The association between the propofol dose in anesthesia induction and: TL in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes; body weight; sex; difference of the Bispectral Index (BIS) before and after anesthesia induction in patients was evaluated by multivariable linear regression analyses. The mutation at the 5'end or 3'end of TERC was detected. We recruited 100 patients of elective surgery. Results: We found that propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated significantly with TL (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p= 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p = 0.004), and difference of BIS before and after anesthesia induction (r = 0.85, p = 0.029). By comparing the absolute values of standardized regression coefficients (0.58, 0.21, 0.19, and 0.12) of the four variables, it can be seen that TL contributes the most to the propofol dose in anesthesia induction. However, the mutation at the 5' end or 3' end of TERC was not found. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence that the propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated with genetically determined TL. TL may be a promising predictor of the propofol dose, which is beneficial to improve the safety of anesthesia and reduce perioperative complications.

Cochlear radiation dose and hearing loss in patients with vestibular schwannoma undergoing radiosurgery: systematic review

Abstract Objectives: To determine the cut-off point of the cochlear radiation dose as a risk factor for hearing loss in patients with vestibular schwannoma treated with radiosurgery. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed without language or publication year restrictions in the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS/VHL and Cochrane Library databases. Studies that met the following criteria were included: 1) population: adults of both sexes who underwent radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma treatment; 2) exposure: cochlear radiation; 3) outcome: hearing loss; 4) type of study: cohort. Two independent reviewers conducted the entire review process. The registration number in PROSPERO was CRD42020206128. Results: From the 333 articles identified in the searches, seven were included after applying the eligibility criteria. There was no standardization as to how to measure exposure or outcome in the included studies, and most studies did not present sufficient data to enable meta-analysis. Conclusion: It was not possible to determine a cut-off point for high cochlear dose that could be considered a risk factor for hearing loss.

Outcomes and survival predictors of Latin American older adults with acute myeloid leukemia: Data from a single center

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is most commonly presented in older adults; however, it appears 10 years earlier in Latin American countries. Clinical evolution in older adults from this populations has not been characterized. We analyzed outcomes and survival predictors. Methods: Patients ≥ 55 years old diagnosed with AML at a hematology referral center from 2005 to 2020 receiving intensive chemotherapy (IC), low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) and best supportive care (BSC) were included. Survival analysis included the Kaplan-Meier and Cox models and the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR). Results: Seventy-five adults were included and the overall survival (OS) was 4.87, 1.67 and 1.16 months, using IC, LDAC and BSC, respectively. The IC led to a higher OS (p < 0.001) and was a protective factor for early death, at a cost of more days spent hospitalized and more non-fatal treatment complications; non-significant differences were found between the LDAC and BSC. Eight (10.7%) patients underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation, with a higher OS (p = 0.013). Twenty (26.7%) patients achieved complete remission; 12 (60%) relapsed with a 6-month CIR of 57.9% in those < 70 years old vs. 86.5% in those ≥ 70 years old, p = 0.034. Multivariate analysis showed the white blood cell count (WBC) and IC had a significant impact on the patient survival, whereas chronological age and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) did not. Conclusion: AML in low-middle income countries demands a different approach; the IC improves survival, even with a high incidence of relapse, and should be offered as first-line treatment. Eligibility criteria should include WBC and a multidimensional evaluation. The age per se and the CCI should not be exclusion criteria to consider IC.

Minimal Intubating Dose of Succinylcholine: A Comparative Study of 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 mg/kg Dose

Muscle relaxants are integral part of modern balanced anesthesia and succinylcholine, a depolarizing drug, is in use despite its adverse effects. The excellent intubating condition, fastest onset and shortest duration of action make it an excellent choice for anesthesiologists. The conventional dose of 1.5-2 mg/kg is commonly used for obtaining relaxation for intubation. This study was conducted with much smaller dose of succinylcholine as 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 mg/kg to evaluate the acceptable intubating dose at 60 seconds, which was unlikely to have any untoward/side effects.

Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties of Baby-Led Cookies Produced from Rice, Banana and Cashew-nut Flour Blends

Aim: Cookies from rice, banana and cashew-nut flour blends were prepared as alternative to gluten-free baby-led food for children. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria and Food Processing Laboratory, Department of Food Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria between August, 2022 and January, 2023. Methodology: Baby-led weaning cookies were formulated from flour blends as 100% raw rice (RRC), 50% rice and 50% wheat (RWC) and 40% rice, 20% cashew and 40% unripe banana (RCB) and their physical properties, sensory attributes, proximate properties, mineral compositions, vitamin profiles and anti-nutrients were determined and compared with 100% commercial cookie (CMC) with the view to substituting wheat flour with suitable flour blends with enhanced nutritional quality. Results: The peak diameter (10.40±0.20 mm), thickness (6.37±0.06 mm) and weight (17.65±0.04 g) were obtained in RCB. Spread ratio was highest (2.66±0.11) and lowest (1.42±0.01) in CMC and RWC respectively while spread factor decreased from 100% in CMC to 77.19% (RRC), 53.46% (RWC) and 62.47% (RWC). The grittiness, texture, aroma, taste and general acceptability of RCB were significantly similar to those of CMC (P < 0.05). Na, K, Mg and Zn contents increased in RCB. Proximate compositions (%) of the cookies formulated varied significantly from CMC. Peak crude protein (14.49±0.59), crude fibre (4.03±0.02) and fat (32.22±0.00) in RCB, ash (3.28±0.02) and carbohydrate by difference (58.15±0.13) in CMC and moisture (18.19±0.11) in RRC. The peak values of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C) were most abundant in RCB. The proportions (mg/g) of phytate, oxalate, tannins and phenols in the cookies formulated were comparatively lower than the lethal dose, implying that the cookies would be safe for consumption. Conclusion: RCB cookie had excellent nutritional quality, which, as a novel baby-led weaning cookie, could serve as a suitable alternative to commercial cookies.

Caracterización de la utilización de colistín en un hospital de alta complejidad

Resumen: El aumento de la resistencia y la escasez de nuevos antibacterianos ha requerido la reintroducción de antiguos antimicrobianos entre ellos colistín. Objetivo: Caracterizar la utilización de colistín durante el año 2017 en un hospital universitario, mediante la descripción de los pacientes, los tratamientos, la microbiología asociada y efectos adversos. Pacientes y Métodos: Trabajo observacional retrospectivo. Se revisaron los datos de todos los pacientes que recibieron colistín intravenoso (IV) por al menos 48 horas, durante el año 2017. Resultados: Se incluyeron 53 pacientes, equivalentes a 91 tratamientos. El foco respiratorio fue el principal (46,2%). El 68,1% de los tratamientos fue iniciado en la UCI. La mayoría de los pacientes tenía una hospitalización reciente (83,5%), y presentaban uso previo de antibacterianos (89%). Los dos patógenos mayoritariamente identificados fueron Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Klebsiella spp. El consumo promedio de colistín fue de 2,4 DDD/100 camas/día. El servicio que más consumió colistín fue la UCI, con 45,5 DDD/100 camas/día, usando generalmente la dosis de 3 MUI cada 8 horas IV y con una baja utilización de dosis de carga. Conclusión: Colistín corresponde a un antimicrobiano de uso restringido a infecciones sospechadas o confirmadas por agentes bacterianos multi resistentes. En esta serie, su uso inicial fue principalmente empírico, en pacientes con factores de riesgo para resistencia antibacteriana; se usó en forma asociada a otros antimicrobianos, siendo el foco principal el respiratorio.

Background: The increase in resistance and the shortage of new antibiotics has led to the reintroduction of old antimicrobials such as colistin. Aim: To evaluate the use of colistin during 2017 in a university hospital, through the characterization of patients and treatment, associated microbiology, response to treatment and adverse effects. Methods: Retrospective observational design. The data of all patients who received colistin for at least 48 hours during the year 2017 were reviewed. Results: 55 patients were included, equivalent to 144 treatments. The respiratory focus was the main one (57.9%). 64% of the treatments began in the ICU, while 7% in the ward. Most of the patients has a recent hospitalization (86.8%) and has previous use of antibiotics (90.4%). The two main pathogens identified were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp. In 87.1% of the cases with microbiological justifications for the use of colistin, a favorable response was obtained. The average consumption of colistin was 2.4 DDD/100 beds/day. The department that consumed the most colistin was the ICU, with 45,5 DDD/100 beds/day, generally using a dose of 3 MIU every 8 hours IV and with low use of loading doses. Conclusion: Colistin corresponds to an antibiotic whose use is restricted to infections suspected or confirmed by multi-resistant bacterial agents. Its initial use in this serie was mainly empirical, in patients with risk factors for antibiotics resistance, it was used in association with other antimicrobials, being the respiratory the main infectious focus.

Validation of automated image co-registration integrated into in-house software for voxel-based internal dosimetry on single-photon emission computed tomography images / Validação do corregistro automático de imagem integrado a software de análise de dosimetria interna baseada em voxel para tomografia computadorizada de emissão de fóton único

Abstract Objective: To develop an automated co-registration system and test its performance, with and without a fiducial marker, on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images. Materials and Methods: Three SPECT/CT scans were acquired for each rotation of a Jaszczak phantom (to 0°, 5°, and 10° in relation to the bed axis), with and without a fiducial marker. Two rigid co-registration software packages-SPM12 and NMDose-coreg-were employed, and the percent root mean square error (%RMSE) was calculated in order to assess the quality of the co-registrations. Uniformity, contrast, and resolution were measured before and after co-registration. The NMDose-coreg software was employed to calculate the renal doses in 12 patients treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE, and we compared those with the values obtained with the Organ Level INternal Dose Assessment for EXponential Modeling (OLINDA/EXM) software. Results: The use of a fiducial marker had no significant effect on the quality of co-registration on SPECT images, as measured by %RMSE (p = 0.40). After co-registration, uniformity, contrast, and resolution did not differ between the images acquired with fiducial markers and those acquired without. Preliminary clinical application showed mean total processing times of 9 ± 3 min/patient for NMDose-coreg and 64 ± 10 min/patient for OLINDA/EXM, with a strong correlation between the two, despite the lower renal doses obtained with NMDose-coreg. Conclusion: The use of NMDose-coreg allows fast co-registration of SPECT images, with no loss of uniformity, contrast, or resolution. The use of a fiducial marker does not appear to increase the accuracy of co-registration on phantoms.

Resumo Objetivo: Desenvolver corregistro automático e testar seu desempenho com ou sem marcador fiducial em imagens de tomografia computadorizada de emissão de fóton único (SPECT). Materiais e Métodos: Três SPECT/CTs foram adquiridas para cada rotação de um simulador de Jaszczak em relação ao eixo da maca (0°, 5° e 10°), com e sem fiducial. Dois métodos de corregistro inelástico foram aplicados - SPM12 e NMDose-coreg -, e a porcentagem do erro quadrático médio (%RMSE) foi usada para analisar a qualidade do corregistro. Uniformidade, contraste e resolução foram medidos antes e após o corregistro. NMDose com corregistro automático foi usado para calcular a dose renal de 12 pacientes tratados com 177Lu-DOTATATE e comparado com OLINDA/EXM. Resultados: A marcação fiducial não modificou a qualidade do corregistro das imagens SPECT, medida pela %RMSE (p = 0,40). Não houve impacto na uniformidade, contraste e resolução após o corregistro de imagens adquiridas com ou sem fiduciais. Aplicação clínica preliminar mostrou tempo total de processamento de 9 ± 3 min/paciente para NMDose e 64 ± 10 min/paciente para OLINDA/EXM, com alta correlação entre ambos, apesar de menor dose renal em NMDose. Conclusão: NMDose-coreg permite o corregistro rápido de imagens SPECT, sem perda de uniformidade, contraste ou resolução. O uso da marcação fiducial não aumentou a precisão do corregistro em fantomas.

PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF DRUGS IN OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Aim: The study was conducted to assess the prescribing behaviour for antimicrobials and various groups of drugs in tertiary care hospital in Puducherry. Prescription audit was done. Total 500 presc Method: riptions were analysed for sex wise distribution, no of patients for specific age group, antimicrobials prescribed in generic name, percentage of antibiotics, antacids, NSAIDs and multivitamins, among the prescribed drugs, groups of antibiotics, drugs prescribed from National List of Essential Medicines (2022), use of fixed drug combinations, injectable preparations if any. Results: Demographic analysis showed that out of 500 patients in OPD, most were female (53%) and in the age group between 41 to 60 years. In 500 number of prescriptions,9.96% of antibiotics were prescribed; fluoroquinolones (5.42%) were prescribed more from antibiotics followed by extended spectrum penicillin (1.64%).14.78%of antacids were prescribed; PPIs (11.28%) were prescribed more from antacids.21.63% of NSAIDs were prescribed.11.66% were prescribed in generic names,65.44% drugs were prescribed from National List of Essential Medicines (2022),15.88% of FDCs were prescribed,6.13% of injectable preparations were prescribed. The rational use of antimicrobial agents is one of the main contribut Conclusion: ors to control worldwide emergence of bacterial resistance, side effects and reduced cost of the treatment.

Computer-aided diagnosis system versus conventional reading system in low-dose (< 2 mSv) computed tomography: comparative study for patients at risk of lung cancer

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Computer-aided diagnosis in low-dose (≤ 3 mSv) computed tomography (CT) is a potential screening tool for lung nodules, with quality interpretation and less inter-observer variability among readers. Therefore, we aimed to determine the screening potential of CT using a radiation dose that does not exceed 2 mSv. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the diagnostic parameters of low-dose (< 2 mSv) CT interpretation results using a computer-aided diagnosis system for lung cancer screening with those of a conventional reading system used by radiologists. DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a comparative study of chest CT images for lung cancer screening at three private institutions. METHODS: A database of low-dose (< 2 mSv) chest CT images of patients at risk of lung cancer was viewed with the conventional reading system (301 patients and 226 nodules) or computer-aided diagnosis system without any subsequent radiologist review (944 patients and 1,048 nodules). RESULTS: The numbers of detected and solid nodules per patient (both P < 0.0001) were higher using the computer-aided diagnosis system than those using the conventional reading system. The nodule size was reported as the maximum size in any plane in the computer-aided diagnosis system. Higher numbers of patients (102 [11%] versus 20 [7%], P = 0.0345) and nodules (154 [15%] versus 17 [8%], P = 0.0035) were diagnosed with cancer using the computer-aided diagnosis system. CONCLUSIONS: The computer-aided diagnosis system facilitates the diagnosis of cancerous nodules, especially solid nodules, in low-dose (< 2 mSv) CT among patients at risk for lung cancer.

Low Dose Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome

Background: Pregnancy is associated with various complications such as pre-eclampsia, SGA, preterm birth etc. Low dose aspirin is a possible medication to minimize these adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of low dose aspirin for primary prevention of adverse pregnancy outcome. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in department of Gynaecology, North Bengal Medical College Hospital, Mirjapur Bkash Hospital, Mirjapur, Tangail, Bangladesh, during the period from June 2021 to August 2022. Total 200 pregnant women were included in this study. Results: In this study, the mean (±SD) age of the study subjects were 25.12 ± 5.49 years and 25.00 ± 4.83 years in LDA group and control group, respectively. There was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference in age between the groups. The rate of caesarean section was higher in control group (68%) compared to LDA group (59%) but there was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference among the groups. In our study, 8% pregnant women in LDA group and 19% pregnant women in control group had gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia was seen in 6% and 13% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, preterm birth was seen in 8% and 17% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, SGA was seen in 19% and 32% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, and fetal distress was seen in 2% pregnant women in both LDA group and control group. There were statistically significant (p<0.05) differences in complications except fetal distress. Mean (±SD) neonatal birth weight was 2.88±1.03 kg and 2.74±0.85 kg in LDA group and control group, respectively and there was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference. Conclusion: We found that low dose aspirin could significantly reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, especially for pre-eclampsia, SGA and preterm birth.

Antimicrobial Utilization Study in a Neurology Setting

Background : Measuring antimicrobial consumption is necessary to understand the volume and patterns of use, to design appropriate interventions to reduce and rationalize its use. Materials and Methods : The antimicrobial consumption in Neurology ICU and IPD were measured over a 5-year period using WHO Defined Daily Dose (DDD) methodology. Results : There was an increasing trend in Antimicrobial Consumption (AMC) from 125.7 to 155.5 DDDs/100 days over 5 years with highest consumption in 2017-2018 (190.7 DDDs). The consumption of Watch group of antibiotics was higher than access group antibiotics both in ICU and IPD and constituted more than 75% of total antibiotic consumption. Conclusions : The initiation of empiric therapy though may be necessary depending on the patients condition, however, duration of antibiotic therapy and reducing usage of prophylactic antibiotics for aspiration pneumonia and reducing consumption of Watch group of antibiotics were identified as stewardship opportunities. Feedback on AMC data and persuasive educational interventions to rationalize and reduce antimicrobial use are required.

Effect of double dose plateletpheresis on target yield and donor platelet recovery

Abstract Introduction The demand for apheresis platelets has increased in the recent past and the shrinking donor pool has shifted the trend to collection of double-dose or higher yield of platelets. Objective The present study aimed to determine the effect of double-dose plateletpheresis on the target yield and donor platelet recovery. Methods The study was conducted on 100 healthy plateletpheresis donors, 50 of whom were in the study group, which underwent double-dose plateletpheresis (DDP), and 50 of whom were in the control group for single-donor plateletpheresis. Pre- and post-procedure samples of donors were subjected to a complete blood count. The DDP product was sampled for platelet yield and then split into two parts. Platelet yield, collection efficiency, collection rate, recruitment factor and donor platelet loss were calculated. Results The mean platelet yield in the SDP was 4.09 ± 1.15 × 1011 and in the DDP, 5.93 ± 1.04 × 1011. There was a significant correlation between the pre-donation platelet count and platelet yield. The total of platelets processed for the SDP were 5.42 ± 1.08 × 1011 and for the DDP, 7.94 ± 0.77 × 1011. The collection efficiency was 71.93 ± 25.14% in the SDP and 72.94 ± 16.28% in the DDP, while the collection rates were 0.78 × 1011 and 0.94 × 1011 per minute, respectively. The average recruitment factor observed was 0.98 in the SDP, while it was 0.99 in the DDP. The mean platelet loss observed in the SDP was 35.55 ± 8.53% and in the DDP, 37.76 ± 8.65%. Conclusion The double-dose plateletpheresis supplements the platelet inventory in developing countries where the apheresis donor pool is limited. It is prudent to ensure stringent donor selection criteria for donors donating high-yield platelet products, thus enhancing donor safety and retention.

Effect of combination treatment of protocatechuic acid with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin on colon cancer Caco-2 cell line

Among the most common antitumor drugs used in the treatment of colon cancer are 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (5-FU and OXA). However, both these drugs have many side effects, and hence there is a need for new treatment\approach to reduce the side effects aas well as drug concentration. In this context, here, we investigated the effect of addition of protocatechuic acid (PCA) onto either monotherapies or combination therapies of 5-FU and OXA on the human colon cancer (Caco-2) cell line. In addition, we did evaluate the synergistic effect of PCA with 5-FU and OXA. Further, we determined the suppressive effects of different doses of PCA alone or in combination with 5-FU/OXA on cell proliferation after 24 and 48 hours. We identified a suppressive effect of PCA on cell viability at 48 h starting from the dose of 50 µM Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 gene expression levels and apoptotic effects showed significant increases and decreases depending on the dose and time applied in the experimental groups. The highest synergistic activity was seen at 2:1 concentration of 5-FU+ PCA. Our findings indicate the presence of the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of PCA in Caco-2 cells at 48 h, increasing with a dose- and time-dependent manner.