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ABSTRACT Introduction: Lung diseases are common in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD), making differential diagnosis with COVID-19 a challenge. This study describes pulmonary chest tomography (CT) findings in hospitalized ESKD patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) with clinical suspicion of COVID-19. Methods: ESKD individuals referred to emergency department older than 18 years with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 were recruited. Epidemiological baseline clinical information was extracted from electronic health records. Pulmonary CT was classified as typical, indeterminate, atypical or negative. We then compared the CT findings of positive and negative COVID-19 patients. Results: We recruited 109 patients (62.3% COVID-19-positive) between March and December 2020, mean age 60 ± 12.5 years, 43% female. The most common etiology of ESKD was diabetes. Median time on dialysis was 36 months, interquartile range = 12-84. The most common pulmonary lesion on CT was ground glass opacities. Typical CT pattern was more common in COVID-19 patients (40 (61%) vs 0 (0%) in non-COVID-19 patients, p < 0.001). Sensitivity was 60.61% (40/66) and specificity was 100% (40/40). Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100% and 62.3%, respectively. Atypical CT pattern was more frequent in COVID-19-negative patients (9 (14%) vs 24 (56%) in COVID-19-positive, p < 0.001), while the indeterminate pattern was similar in both groups (13 (20%) vs 6 (14%), p = 0.606), and negative pattern was more common in COVID-19-negative patients (4 (6%) vs 12 (28%), p = 0.002). Conclusions: In hospitalized ESKD patients on RRT, atypical chest CT pattern cannot adequately rule out the diagnosis of COVID-19.
RESUMO Introdução: Doenças pulmonares são comuns em pacientes com doença renal em estágio terminal (DRET), dificultando o diagnóstico diferencial com COVID-19. Este estudo descreve achados de tomografia computadorizada de tórax (TC) em pacientes com DRET em terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) hospitalizados com suspeita de COVID-19. Métodos: Indivíduos maiores de 18 anos com DRET, encaminhados ao pronto-socorro com suspeita de COVID-19 foram incluídos. Dados clínicos e epidemiológicos foram extraídos de registros eletrônicos de saúde. A TC foi classificada como típica, indeterminada, atípica, negativa. Comparamos achados tomográficos de pacientes com COVID-19 positivos e negativos. Resultados: Recrutamos 109 pacientes (62,3% COVID-19-positivos) entre março e dezembro de 2020, idade média de 60 ± 12,5 anos, 43% mulheres. A etiologia mais comum da DRET foi diabetes. Tempo médio em diálise foi 36 meses, intervalo interquartil = 12-84. A lesão pulmonar mais comum foi opacidades em vidro fosco. O padrão típico de TC foi mais comum em pacientes com COVID-19 (40 (61%) vs. 0 (0%) em pacientes sem COVID-19, p < 0,001). Sensibilidade 60,61% (40/66), especificidade 100% (40/40). Valores preditivos positivos e negativos foram 100% e 62,3%, respectivamente. Padrão atípico de TC foi mais frequente em pacientes COVID-19-negativos (9 (14%) vs. 24 (56%) em COVID-19-positivos, p < 0,001), enquanto padrão indeterminado foi semelhante em ambos os grupos (13 (20%) vs. 6 (14%), p = 0,606), e padrão negativo foi mais comum em pacientes COVID-19-negativos (4 (6%) vs. 12 (28%), p = 0,002). Conclusões: Em pacientes com DRET em TRS hospitalizados, um padrão atípico de TC de tórax não pode excluir adequadamente o diagnóstico de COVID-19.
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@#Objective To investigate the clinical effect of 3D computed tomography bronchial bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA) and guidance of thoracoscopic anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy by Mimics software system. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University from June 2020 to December 2022. The patients who underwent preoperative 3D-CTBA using Materiaise's interactive medical image control system (Mimics) were selected as an observation group, and the patients who did not receive 3D-CTBA were selected as a control group. The relevant clinical indicators were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 59 patients were included, including 29 males and 30 females, aged 25-79 years. There were 37 patients in the observation group, and 22 patients in the control group. The operation time (163.0±48.7 min vs. 188.8±43.0 min, P=0.044), intraoperative blood loss [10.0 (10.0, 20.0) mL vs. 20.0 (20.0, 35.0) mL, P<0.001], and preoperative puncture localization rate (5.4% vs. 31.8%, P=0.019) in the observation group were better than those in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the thoracic tube placement time, thoracic fluid drainage volume, number of intraoperative closure nail bin, postoperative hospital stay, or postoperative air leakage incidence (P>0.05) between the two groups. Conclusion For patients who need to undergo anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy, using Mimics software to produce 3D-CTBA before surgery can help accurately identify pulmonary arteriovenous anatomy, reduce surgical time and intraoperative blood loss, help to determine the location of nodules and reduce invasive localization before surgery, and alleviate patients' pain, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
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Trials within cohorts （TwiCs） are design methods derived from randomized controlled trials （RCTS）. They have been widely used in chronic disease areas such as tumors and cardiovascular diseases. The basis of the TwiCs design is a prospective cohort of specific diseases. When RCTS need to be implemented， some patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria are randomly sampled from the cohort to receive "trial interventions"， while the remaining patients in the cohort who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria continue to receive conventional treatment as control groups. By comparing the efficacy differences between the intervention measures of the trial group and the control group， the efficacy of intervention measures was evaluated. Within the cohort， the same process could be repeated to carry out multiple RCTS， so as to evaluate different intervention measures or compare the efficacy of different doses or timing of interventions. Compared with classical RCTS， TwiCs make it easier to recruit patients from the cohort and have higher external validity， providing a new research paradigm for improving the efficiency and applicability of RCTS in clinical practice. However， TwiCs may also face the challenge of poor compliance of patients in the cohort. Researchers need to take effective measures to control these patients in the design and operation of TwiCs. This article focused on the methodological key points during the implementation of TwiCs， including multi-stage informed consent （patients are informed of consent at three stages： entering the cohort， entering the trial group， and after the trial）， randomization procedures （only random sampling of patients from the cohort to receive "trial interventions"）， sample size calculation， and statistical analysis methods. The article also compared the differences between TwiCs and traditional RCTS and illustrated TwiCs research design and analysis with examples， so as to provide new research ideas and methods for clinical researchers.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Guben Fangxiao Beverage （固本防哮饮） for the prevention and treatment of chronic airway inflammation during asthma remission. MethodsThirty-six female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose of Guben Fangxiao Beverage group and montelukast sodium group， with 6 mice in each group. Except for the normal group， ovalbumin and respiratory syncytial virus were used in other groups to establish a mouse model of bronchial asthma in remission stage. After molding， the low-， medium-， and high-dose groups of Guben Fangxiao Beverage were respectively given 12， 24， and 36 g/（kg·d）， the montelukast sodium group was given montelukast sodium granule 2.6 mg/（kg·d）， and the mice in the normal group and model group were given 20 ml of double-distilled water， all by gavage， once a day for 28 days. The levels of interleukin 4 （IL-4） and interleukin 5 （IL-5） in the lung tissue of mice were detected； HE staining was used to observe the pathology of the lung tissue and to score the inflammation； DHE staining was used to observe the level of reactive oxygen species （ROS） in the lung tissue， and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ， Ⅱ， Ⅲ， Ⅳ， and Ⅴ in the lung tissue were detected； the levels of serum superoxide dismutase （SOD）， catalase （CAT）， malondialdehyde （MDA） and adenosine triphosphate （ATP） were detected； the protein expression levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （p-AMPK）， nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， haem oxygenase 1 （HO-1） and cAMP responsive element binding protein （CREB） in the lung tissues of the model group were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the histopathological results of the lungs of mice in the model group showed an increase in inflammatory cells around the airways and an increase in inflammatory score； DHE staining showed an increase in the level of ROS， and an increase in the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in the lung tissues； the levels of serum SOD， CAT， and ATP were reduced， and the level of MDA was elevated； the activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ， Ⅱ， Ⅲ， Ⅳ， and Ⅴ of the lung tissues were reduced， and the activities of p-AMPK， Nrf2， CREB protein expression decreased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the lung tissue inflammatory cells and inflammation scores of mice in each Guben Fangxiao Beverage dose group and montelukast sodium group were reduced； the levels of ROS， IL-4 and IL-5 in the lung tissue were reduced； the levels of CAT and ATP in the serum increased， and the content of MDA was reduced； and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ and Ⅱ， as well as the expression of CREB protein， were elevated in the lung tissue （P＜0.05）. Compared with the high-dose group， the MDA level of the medium-dose Guben Fangxiao Beverage group decreased （P＜0.05）. The activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex V in the medium-dose group was higher than that in the montelukast sodium group， and the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅳ in the medium- and high-dose groups was higher than that in the low-dose group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionGuben Fangxiao Beverage can inhibit oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function to relieve chronic airway inflammation in bronchial asthma model mice during asthma remission， and its mechanism may be related to the activation of AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
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@#BACKGROUND: Prolonged invasive respiratory support and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients requiring urgent lung transplantation (ULTx) present significant challenges to clinical practice due to severe underlying diseases and complex conditions. The aim of the study was to report the clinical outcomes of patients who received ULTx and followed the perioperative rehabilitation protocol implemented in a lung transplant center. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in ULTx patients who required preoperative invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and ECMO between January 2018 and January 2023. Data were retrieved from electronic medical records at our lung transplant center. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (mean age 57.43±10.97 years; 12 males, 2 females) underwent ULTx with bridging ECMO and IMV. The mean body mass index was 23.94±3.33 kg/m², and the mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was 21.50±3.96. The Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) scores were ≥3. ULTx was performed after an 8.5-day waiting period (interquartile interval [IQR] 5.0-26.5 d). Following the surgeries, the average lengths of ECMO and IMV were 1.0 (IQR 1.0-2.0) d and 5.0 (IQR 3.0-7.3) d, respectively. The total length of hospital stay was 60.1±30.8 d, with an average intensive care unit stay of 38.3±22.9 d and post-operative hospitalization stay of 45.8±26.1 d. Two patients died within 30 d after ULTx, with a 30-day survival rate of 85.71%. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving ULTx showed an acceptable short-term survival rate, validating the practicality and safety of the treatment protocols implemented in our center.
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Renal fibrosis is a common pathological change from development to end-stage renal diseases in all progressive chronic kidney diseases. Renal fibrosis after kidney transplantation will severely affect the renal graft function. Macrophages are characterized with high heterogeneity and plasticity. During the process of kidney injury, macrophages are recruited, activated and polarized by local microenvironment, and participate in the process of renal tissue injury, repair and fibrosis through multiple mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that macrophages may transit into myofibroblasts and directly participate in the formation of renal fibrosis. This process is known as macrophage-myofibroblast transition. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism remains elusive. In this article, the role of macrophages in renal fibrosis, the characteristics of macrophage-myofibroblast transition and the possible regulatory mechanism were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for relevant research of renal fibrosis.
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Abstract Reduced sleep duration, poor sleep quality and fatigue are related to reduced immunity and increased inflammatory markers. Due to its potential to influence inflammation, poor sleep quality and fatigue could be factors for periodontitis and quality of life. Ninety-three individuals with untreated periodontitis and thirty-one individuals with healthy gingiva were included in the study. The research involved a clinical examination and a questionnaire. Demographic information, information on oral health, oral hygiene habits, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Jenkins Sleep Scale, Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale, and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 were included in the questionnaire. Patients were diagnosed based on the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. No statistically significant difference was revealed between sleep quality, fatigue, oral health related quality of life, and stage-grade of periodontitis (p<0.05). However, periodontitis group had higher Oral Health Impact Profile-14 scores (p<0.05). A statistically significantly lower sleep duration was observed in stage IV periodontitis group than the other groups (p<0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the scores of the other questionnaires (p<0.05). The stage of periodontitis may impact sleep duration.
Resumen La reducción de la duración del sueño, la mala calidad del sueño y la fatiga están relacionados con una inmunidad reducida y un aumento de los marcadores inflamatorios. Debido a su potencial para influir en la inflamación, la mala calidad del sueño y la fatiga podrían ser factores determinantes en el desarrollo de la periodontitis e incidir en la calidad de vida. Noventa y tres personas con periodontitis no tratada, además de treinta y una personas con encía sana se incluyeron en el estudio. La investigación involucró un examen clínico y un cuestionario. En el cuestionario se incluyeron información demográfica, información sobre salud bucal, hábitos de higiene bucal, el índice de calidad del sueño de Pittsburgh, la escala de sueño de Jenkins, la escala de evaluación multidimensional de la fatiga y el perfil de impacto en la salud bucal-14. Los pacientes fueron diagnosticados en base al Taller Mundial 2017 sobre la Clasificación de Enfermedades y Condiciones Periodontales y Periimplantarias. No se revelaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la calidad del sueño, la fatiga, la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud bucal y el grado de etapa de la periodontitis (p<0,05). Sin embargo, el grupo de periodontitis tuvo puntajes más altos en el Perfil de Impacto en la Salud Oral-14 (p<0.05). Se observó una duración del sueño significativamente menor desde el punto de vista estadístico en el grupo de periodontitis en estadio IV que en los otros grupos (p<0,05). Se observó una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre el Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh y las puntuaciones de los otros cuestionarios (p<0,05). La etapa de la periodontitis puede afectar la duración del sueño.
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Humans , Fatigue , Sleep Quality , Gingiva , Periodontitis/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Existem poucos dados na literatura sobre os resultados obstétricos e oncológicos de adolescentes com tumores borderline de ovário em estádio avançado trata- das com cirurgia preservadora da fertilidade. Uma adolescente de 15 anos com diagnóstico de tumor borderline de ovário estádio IIIc foi inicialmente tratada com tumorectomia ovariana bilateral e quimioterapia adjuvante com esquema de platina/taxano (seis ciclos). Durante o seguimento, foi submetida a outras três tumorectomias devido a tumor borderline de ovário (duas vezes) e cistadenoma ovariano (uma vez). Outra recidiva de tumor borderline de ovário ocorreu seis anos após o diagnóstico inicial, quando ela estava grávida; foi tratada com tumorecto- mia realizada durante a cesariana. Em sua última consulta ambulatorial, a mulher de 27 anos não apresentava evidência da doença e tinha um filho saudável. Mesmo em estádio avançado, a cirurgia de preservação da fertilidade foi segura e factível nessa paciente com tumor borderline de ovário.
There are few data in the literature regarding obstetric and oncological outcomes of adolescents with advanced-stage borderline ovarian tumors treated with fertility spa- ring surgery. A 15 years old adolescent who was diagnosed with a stage IIIc borderline ovarian tumor, was treated with bilateral ovarian tumorectomies and adjuvant chemotherapy with platinum/taxane regimen (six cycles). During follow up she was submitted to other three tumorectomies due to borderline ovarian tumor(twice) and ovarian cysta- denoma (once). Another borderline ovarian tumorrecurren- ce occurred six years after initial diagnosis, when she was pregnant; treated with tumorectomy performed during ce- sarean section. At her last outpatient visit, the 27-year-old woman had no evidence of disease and a had healthy child. Even at an advanced stage, fertility sparing surgery was safe and feasible in this patient with borderline ovarian tumor.
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Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Adolescent , Adult , Ovary/surgery , Fertility Preservation , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/drug therapy , Ovary/diagnostic imaging , Pregnancy , Women's Health , Adolescent, HospitalizedABSTRACT
Cowpea leaves are lost annually due to infestation and spoilage when being transported to clients and the losses at the local markets are brought on by inadequate postharvest handling procedures and market glut, particularly during peak seasons. High moisture content from the cowpea leaves at harvest stage may contribute to increased spoilage hence lowering quantity and quality. The choice of appropriate harvesting stage and drying method can help to reduce this problem. The aim of this study was to determine the best harvesting stage and efficient drying method that would maintain high leaf nutrient composition. Cowpeas variety M66 was used for the research and the treatments included three harvesting stages (21, 35 and 49 days after sowing [DAS]), three drying methods (open sun, solar dryer and oven. Data was collected on iron, calcium, crude fibre, beta carotene, protein and moisture content. The data was subjected for variance using Statistical Analysis System 9.2 edition and significantly different means separated using least significant difference at 5%. The results indicated significant (p<0.05) differences in moisture, calcium, proteins, beta carotene and crude fibre content in both trials. Harvest stage and drying method did not significantly (p<0.05) influence the iron content. Oven and solar drying methods showed better nutrient and mineral retention in the three harvesting stages when compared to the open sun drying method.
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RESUMEN Introducción: La muerte súbita es la principal causa de muerte en pacientes con ERC en hemodiálisis crónica (HD). Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia de hiperkalemia (HK) en los pacientes tratados con HD, los factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de la misma, y determinar su asociación con mortalidad de cualquier causa y mortalidad cardiovascular. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron 153 pacientes en HD. Se registró el K (potasio) sérico desde noviembre de 2020 durante 6 meses en periodo interdialítico corto. Resultados: La prevalencia de HK (K>5.1) fue de 35.3 % (n=54). Al comparar a los hiperkalemicos (HK) vs normokalemicos (NK) encontramos diferencias significativas en edad (61 vs 68 años p: 0.013), tiempo en diálisis (83 vs 51 meses p= 0.002), acceso vascular (FAV/prótesis) (88.9 vs 67.7% p= 0.016) y uso de quelantes del K (20.4 vs 4 % p= 0.003), con una tendencia a la significancia en el score de Charlson (5 vs 6 p= 0.07). En el análisis multivariado el Score de Charlson (OR: 1.36, CICI 1.19-1.55, p< 0.001) y las hospitalizaciones (OR: 5, CI 2.18-11.68, p<0.001), se asociaron a mayor mortalidad, mientras que la HK se mantuvo como un factor protector (OR: 0.287, CI 0.124-0.664 p: 0.004). Conclusión: La HK se asoció con menor edad y score de Charlson respecto a los NK. La HK resultó se asoció en forma significativa con menor mortalidad de cualquier causa.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Sudden death is the leading cause of death in patients with CKD on chronic hemodialysis (HD). Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of hyperkalemia (HK) in patients treated with HD, the risk factors associated with its development, and to determine its association with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort study including 153 HD patients. Serum K (potassium) was recorded from November 2020 for six months in a short interdialytic period. Results: The prevalence of HK (K>5.1) was 35.3% (n=54). When comparing hyperkalemic (HK) vs. normokalemic (NK) patients, we found significant age differences (61 vs. 68 years p: 0.013), time on dialysis (83 vs. 51 months p= 0.002), vascular access (AVF/prosthesis) ( 88.9 vs. 67.7% p= 0.016) and use of K chelators (20.4 vs. 4% p= 0.003), with a tendency to significance in the Charlson score (5 vs. 6 p= 0.07). In the multivariate analysis, the Charlson Score (OR: 1.36, CICI 1.19-1.55, p<0.001) and hospitalizations (OR: 5, CI 2.18-11.68, p<0.001) were associated with higher mortality, while HK remained as a protective factor (OR: 0.287, CI 0.124%E2%80%930.664 p: 0.004). Conclusion: HK was associated with lower age and Charlson scores than NK. HK was significantly associated with lower all-cause mortality.
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Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is prognosticated using the Rai and the Binet's staging. In the past few years, new parameters have been considered for prognostication. One such marker that has been a subject of speculation and found useful by some western studies is zeta-associated protein 70 (ZAP-70). Aim: To investigate the prevalence of ZAP-70 and find out its association with other prognostic markers like Rai and Binet's stage and CD38 in Indian CLL patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine newly diagnosed cases of CLL were selected over 1 year. Immunophenotyping was done and expression of CD38 and ZAP-70 was evaluated on gated CLL cells. Statistical Analysis: Qualitative data were expressed as frequency and percentage. Differences between groups were evaluated using Student's t-test for quantitative data and Chi-square test/Fisher's exact t-test for qualitative variables. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results and Conclusion: We found a lower prevalence rate of ZAP-70 (2/29, 6.89%) with no association with any of the conventional poor prognostic factors. A large number of our CLL patients fall into the good prognostic group (22/29, ZAP 70?/CD38?) with a least number in the poor prognostic group (2/29, ZAP-70 + CD38+). Also, no association was found between ZAP-70 and CD38. The findings of the present study suggest that the majority of CLL patients in India have a good prognosis, may not require treatment, and have good overall survival. Geographical variations, genetic makeup, and natural history of the CLL could be the cause of such differences from western literature.
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The development of chronic kidney disease and its progression to End Stage Renal Disease requiring renal replacement therapy remains a significant source of reduced quality of life and premature mortality. The global dialysis population and treatment gap is growing, especially in low- and middle- income countries. In India, 70% of those starting dialysis, die or discontinue treatment in the initial period due to the high cost of treatment and lack of access to dialysis therapy. Achieving health equity requires ensuring access to the resources that needs to be healthy, and addressing social determinants of health involves needs factors that influence the health outcomes. Universal Health Coverage requires an alternate model to address the substantial Out-Of-Pocket-Expenditure borne by these patients for traveling and medications.
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Objetivo: estudiar y comparar la inclinación de la cabeza entre niños con dentición primaria completa y dentición mixta primera fase. Materiales y métodos: el estudio incluyó a 80 voluntarios entre 4 y 9 años, a quienes se les tomó una fotografía facial de perfil derecho estandarizada, en Posición Natural de Cabeza. Éstas fueron analizadas mediante software de edición de imágenes para determinar la inclinación de la cabeza de cada voluntario. Para ello, se definió un plano (plano t-ex) formado por el punto Intertrágico (t) y Exocanto (ex) y se comparó respecto a la horizontal verdadera. Los datos obtenidos fueron tabulados, clasificados en dos grupos según el tipo de dentición y analizados estadísticamente. Resultados: el promedio de inclinación del plano t-ex fue de 22,7º en el grupo de niños con dentición primaria completa y de 25,8º en el grupo de niños con dentición mixta primera fase. La diferencia entre ambos grupos fue de 3,1º, con significancia estadística (p = 0,006). Conclusión: la inclinación de la cabeza de los niños con dentición mixta primera fase es mayor en sentido antihorario, respecto a la de los niños con dentición primaria completa.
Objective: to study and compare head tilt among children with complete primary dentition and first transitional period of the mixed dentition stage. Materials and methods: the study included 80 volunteers between 4 and 9 years of age, who were taken a standardized right profile facial photograph in a Natural Head Position. These photographs were analyzed using image editing software to determine the head tilt of each volunteer. For this, a plane (plane t-ex) formed by the Intertragic point (t) and Exocanth (ex) was defined and compared with respect to the true horizontal. The data obtained were tabulated, classified into two groups according to the type of dentition and statistically analyzed. Results: the average t-ex plane inclination was 22.7º in the group of children with complete primary dentition and 25.8º in the group of children with first transitional period of the mixed dentition stage. The difference between both groups was 3.1º, with statistical significance (p = 0.006). Conclusion: the head tilt of children with first transitional period of the mixed dentition stage is greater in an anti-clockwise direction, compared to that of children with complete primary dentition.
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Retroperitoneal cystic lymphangiomas (RCL) are rare benign tumors of the lymphatic system. They account for less than 1% of all lymphangiomas. Surgical resection is the recommended treatment option; however, obtaining a pre-operative diagnosis is often difficult and, in most cases, the final diagnosis is only possible following histological assessment of the surgical specimen. This report describes a case of RCL in a 58-year-old female cirrhotic patient who presented to our center with dull aching abdominal pain and distension. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a RCL in a cirrhotic patient reported in the literature.
Los linfangiomas quísticos retroperitoneales (LQR) son tumores benignos raros del sistema linfático y representan menos del 1% de todos los linfangiomas. La resección quirúrgica es la opción de tratamiento recomendada; sin embargo, obtener un diagnóstico preoperatorio suele ser difícil y, en la mayoría de los casos, el diagnóstico final solo es posible tras la evaluación histológica de la pieza operatoria. En este estudio, describimos un caso de un LQR en una paciente cirrótica de 58 años que se presentó en nuestro centro con dolor abdominal sordo y distensión. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer caso de LQR en un paciente cirrótico reportado en la literatura.
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From an ethical perspective, resource limitations provide a challenge for healthcare providers. Handling disclosure of the financial details of treatment options in a way that empowers patients, even in the face of extreme poverty, requires careful consideration of the personal preferences and motivations of each patient. This article will consider the high costs of dialysis for patients experiencing extreme poverty in light of various ethical principles, including informed consent and truth-telling. It will conclude that a graduated method of disclosing the physical and financial burdens of each treatment option is the best way forward, particularly for healthcare workers engaged in resource-limited settings.
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Background: Adaptive radiation therapy (ART) refers to redesigning of radiation therapy (RT) treatment plans with respect to dynamic changes in tumor size and location throughout the treatment course. In this study, we performed a comparative volumetric and dosimetric analysis to investigate the impact of ART for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). Methods: Twenty-four patients with LS-SCLC receiving ART and concomitant chemotherapy were included in the study. ART was performed by replanning of patients based on a mid-treatment computed tomography (CT)-simulation which was routinely scheduled for all patients 20� days after the initial CT-simulation. While the first 15 RT fractions were planned using the initial CT-simulation images, the latter 15 RT fractions were planned using the mid-treatment CT-simulation images acquired 20� days after the initial CT-simulation. In order to document the impact of ART, target and critical organ dose-volume parameters acquired from this adaptive radiation treatment planning (RTP) were compared with the RTP based solely on the initial CT-simulation to deliver the whole RT dose of 60 Gy. Results: Statistically significant reduction was detected in gross tumor volume (GTV) and planning target volume (PTV) during the conventionally fractionated RT course along with statistically significant reduction in critical organ doses with incorporation of ART. Conclusion: One-third of the patients in our study who were otherwise ineligible for curative intent RT due to violation of critical organ dose constraints could be treat
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Background: Curative thoracic radiotherapy (CTRT) with concurrent chemotherapy has been considered as standard treatment approach for stage-III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The hematological and esophageal toxicities that have been encountered during CTRT would affect the immunonutritional status of the patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of the change in pre- and post-treatment prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in stage-III NSCLC patients. Methods: Eighty seven consecutive stage III NSCLC patients� data were collected. Pre-radiotherapy (RT) and post-RT PNI values were calculated and the impact of prognostic value of PNI change on overall survival (OS) was evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A cutoff value of PNI change was obtained by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The cutoff value was found to be a 22% decrease in PNI by ROC curve analysis in terms of effect on OS. The median OS of low and high PNI decrease groups were 22.5 and 16.5 months respectively (P = 0,001). In univariate and multivariate analyses PNI decrease of ? 22% was found to be an independent poor prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.012) and hazard ratio (95% confidence interval)= 2.05 (1.16�62). Conclusion: The PNI change would be a convenient parameter to assess the immunonutrition
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The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing globally and is one of the noncommunicable diseases associated with increase mortality globally in the last two decades. The prevalence of CKD in Nigeria, it is 1.6% to 12.4%. Ninety percent of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are said to die within 3 months of commencing dialysis. Indices are even worse in resource poor countries like Nigeria where prevention and adequate intervention are usually hampered by funds. In regions like Nigeria, it will be cheaper to prevent CKD than treating its complications. Hence, it is important to identify the common etiologies of CKD in Nigeria and prevent or promptly address them before causing irreversible damage to the kidneys. The most common cause of CKD in Nigeria includes hypertension, glomerulonephritis and diabetes mellitus. Many of these etiologies are preventable/treatable and should be looked for as a major way to reduce the incidence of CKD in Nigeria. Challenges identified in Nigeria, propagating CKD include westernization, inadequate manpower, late presentation, diagnostic challenge and poorly equipped facilities. Interventions like encouraging healthy lifestyle, making available essential drugs, training of health personnel, subsidized cost of treatment, legislation and policies to curb drug abuse. Therefore, resource-poor settings should focus on creating more awareness and making legislations and/or policies focused on these preventable causes of CKD as this is more realistic and effective in these settings.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: As CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte numbers decline, the conventional, localized forms of tuberculosis shift to the atypical, disseminated forms. Variations in lymphocyte and immune cell expression levels affect how tuberculosis manifests in disseminated forms. Understanding the relationship between lymphocyte counts (CD4+ and CD8+) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-12 and interferon, we may therefore be able to shed light on how infections spread and suggest potential biomarkers for these immune factors. Methods: In this study, 15 guinea pigs were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) H37Rv strain and grouped into three groups of five each for further investigation. Serum samples and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were examined for the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and T-cell subsets in guinea pigs infected with pulmonary tuberculosis and disseminated tuberculosis. Results: We found that M.tb escapes macrophages due to pro-inflammatory cytokine dysregulation. Despite the protective immunity created by T-cells and cytokines, M.tb bacilli may spread to other organs due to inflammation induced by these immune components. A high number of T-cells and stimulated cytokine production are involved in triggering inflammation after necrotic tissue develops and tuberculosis spreads. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings imply that increased bacilli in the spleen at the 8th wk of infection may be caused by the overexpression of CD4+ T-cell lymphocyte subsets and cytokines that generated inflammation during the 4th wk of infection. This is a pilot study with a small sample size and less assertive inference. Larger studies would be helpful to validate the results of the present investigation.
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-hypertensive efficacy of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of Efonidipine 40 mg and Telmisartan 40 mg in Stage II hypertensive patients. Study Design: Multicentric, randomized, double-blind, parallel, comparative Phase III clinical trial. Methodology: This clinical trial was conducted at six geographically distributed sites across India and enrolled 240 Stage II hypertensive patients. They were randomized into two groups in a ratio of 1:1 using computer-generated block randomization to receive E+T (FDC of Efonidipine 40 mg + Telmisartan 40mg) or C+T (FDC of Cilnidipine 10 mg + Telmisartan 40 mg) group intervention once daily for a period of 90 days. The study site staff, investigator and patients were blinded to the treatment allocation. The primary endpoint of the study evaluated the mean reduction in sitting systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) from baseline to day 90 whereas the secondary endpoints assessed were mean reduction in BP from baseline to day 30 & 60, patients achieving target BP (<140/90 mmHg) and the safety and tolerability of the investigational products based on the incidences of adverse events (AEs) reported. Results: A total of 118 subjects were randomized to the E+T group wherein the mean (±SD) SBP and DBP at baseline was 167.25 ± 4.68/107.26 ± 5.19 mmHg. After 30 days of treatment with the E+T group, the mean reduction in SBP/DBP of 29.37/18.06 mmHg was observed whereas at Day 60 reduction of 38.55/22.69 mmHg was seen from the baseline. At Day 90, SBP/DBP decreased to 119.41±14.99/81.67±4.29 mmHg with a mean reduction of 47.94/25.89 mmHg in the E+T group. During the study period, the difference in systolic blood pressure between the treatments with E+T and C+T was -0.48 mmHg, with the two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from -4.54 to 3.58?mmHg. The corresponding difference in diastolic blood pressure was -0.77 (95% CI: -2.60 to 1.06) mm?Hg. The upper boundary of the 95% CI was below the margin of 10?mmHg, confirming the non-inferiority of E+T to C+T. A total of 92% of patients who had been assigned to E+T treatment achieved their target BP goal. Only one patient reported an adverse event with E+T treatment. No unexpected AEs were reported in the E+T group suggesting its good safety and tolerability. Overall, the E+T treatment was effective, safe and well-tolerated by the patients for 90 days. Conclusion: It was concluded that the FDC of Efonidipine 40 mg and Telmisartan 40 mg was efficacious in the management of Stage II hypertension.