Intra‐articular non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs may promote cartilage degeneration

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Intra‐articular non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs may promote cartilage degeneration via Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics View on Web

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A modified dentin infection model with Fluorescent Lipopolysaccharide and LPS sampling technique to compare XP‐Endo finisher and passive ultrasonic irrigation

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader A modified dentin infection model with Fluorescent Lipopolysaccharide and LPS sampling technique to compare XP‐Endo finisher and passive ultrasonic irrigation via International Endodontic Journal Abstract Aim The LPS-dentine-infection models and sampling techniques frequently used to evaluate LPS disinfection have limitations. In this study, a lipopolysaccharides-dentine-infection (LPS-dentine-infection) model was devised using fluorescent conjugate LPS. Secondly, a sampling technique using cryogenic grinding for intraradicular LPS analysis was evaluated. Thirdly, the effectiveness of the XP-endo Finisher (XP-EF) was compared with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) in removing LPS from root canal system. Methodology Sixty-nine mandibular premolars was submitted to dentine pretreatment and inoculated with fluorescent LPS conjugate (Alexa Fluor® 594). Twenty-three teeth were analysed under confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to validate this modified LPS-dentine-infection model. Forty-six teeth were randomly divided into two experimental groups: XP-EF (n = 23) and PUI (n = 23). All teeth were instrumented with XP-endo shaper (XPS; FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) and 2.5% NaOCl. The root canals were sampled with paper points before (s1) and after (s2) instrumentation and after supplemental treatment (s3) with XP-EF and PUI. After s3, all roots were cryogenically ground for intraradicular LPS analysis (s4). Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay was used for LPS quantification. The Friedman test was used for differences in LPS among four timepoints (s1, s2, s3, and s4). Dunn's test was used for pairwise testing of timepoints. The significance level wa s set at 5% (P < .05). Results Fluorescent LPS conjugate was detected in 100% of the samples under CLSM with a penetration depth of approximately 400 μm into dentine. Chemo-mechanical preparation using XPS files significantly reduced LPS levels (p < .05). Both the XPS and PUI improved the LPS disinfection (p < .05), with no difference between them (p > .05). LPS was recovered from all samples after cryogenic grinding. The residual amount of LPS detected using the cryogenically sampling technique at s4 was approximately 3 times greater than with the paper point sampling technique at s3. Conclusion This study established a modified LPS-dentine-infection model using fluorescent conjugate LPS, and validated a LPS sampling technique for using cryopulverization intraradicular LPS analysis. Moreover, both the XP-EF and PUI further improved LPS disinfection from the root canals, and the innovative XP-EF was as effective as PUI. View on Web

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No Reduction in the 226-Hz Probe Tone Acoustic Reflex Amplitude Following Severe Inner Hair Cell Loss in Chinchillas

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader No Reduction in the 226-Hz Probe Tone Acoustic Reflex Amplitude Following Severe Inner Hair Cell Loss in Chinchillas via JARO - Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology via MedWorm.com AbstractThe relationship between the middle ear acoustic reflex (AR) and inner hair cell (IHC) loss is currently unknown. Given that IHC are believed to convey nearly all acoustic information to the central auditory nervous system, it has been assumed that loss of IHC would significantly impact the AR. To evaluate this relationship, we assessed the presence and amplitude of the AR in chinchillas before and after treatment with carboplatin, an anticancer drug that reliably and selectively destroys IHC in this species. Baseline measures of hearing sensitivity, including auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), were assessed and then re-evaluated following carboplatin treatment. Post-carboplatin ABR thresholds and DPOAE were found to b... View on Web

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Case volume regionalization and volume‐based outcome differences in cutaneous head and neck melanoma

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Case volume regionalization and volume‐based outcome differences in cutaneous head and neck melanoma via Head & Neck Abstract Background Hospital volume has emerged as a prognostic factor in oncology but is not currently known whether volume is associated with improved outcomes for cutaneous head and neck (HN) melanoma. Methods A total of 556 079 cutaneous melanoma cases reported by the 2004–2016 National Cancer Database were separated into two cohorts (HN and non-HN) and facilities within each cohort were classified by case volume. Analysis employed chi-square, analysis of variance, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox proportional hazards models. Results Only 41 facilities (3.1% of 1326) treating HN melanoma and 50 facilities (3.7% of 1344) treating non-HN melanoma were classified as high-volume facilities (HVFs). The estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) was 62.7% (standard error [SE]: 0.4%) for patients with HN at low-volume facilities (LVFs), 69.3% (SE: 0.4%) at IVFs, and 71.8% (SE 0.4%) at HVFs (p < 0.001). Differences in OS remained significant between HVFs versus LVFs after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion Volume is independently associated with OS and improved surgical outcomes for HN melanoma. View on Web

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Menopausal hormone therapy and subclinical cardiovascular disease in women with and without HIV

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Menopausal hormone therapy and subclinical cardiovascular disease in women with and without HIV via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Background Estrogen-based hormone therapy (HT) may have beneficial cardiovascular effects when initiated in early menopause. This has not been examined in women with HIV who have heightened immune activation and cardiovascular risks. Methods Among 609 post-menopausal women (1,234 person-visits) in the Women's Interagency HIV Study, we examined the relationship of ever HT use (oral, patch, or vaginal) with subclinical atherosclerosis – carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), distensibility, and plaque assessed via repeated B-mode ultrasound imaging (2004-2013). We also examined associations of HT with cross-sectional biomarkers of immune activation and D-dimer. Statistical models were adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, and cardiometabolic factors. Results Women (mean age = 51, 80% HIV+) who ever used HT at baseline were older, and more likely to be non-Hispanic White and report higher income, than never users. Women who ever used HT had 43% lower prevalence of plaque (prevalence ratio = 0.57; 95% CI = [0.40, 0.80]; p < 0.01), 2.51 µm less progression of CIMT per year (95% CI = [-4.60, -0.41]; p = 0.02), and marginally lower incidence of plaque over ∼7 years (risk ratio = 0.38; 95% CI = [0.14, 1.03]; p = 0.06), compared with never users, adjusting for covariates; ever HT use was not associated with distensibility. These findings were similar for women with and without HIV. Ever HT use was associated with lower serum D-dimer, but not with biomarkers of immune activation after covariate adjustment. Conclusions HT may confer a subclinical cardiovascular benefit in women with HIV. These results begin to fill a knowledge gap in menopausal care for women with HIV, in whom uptake of HT is very low. View on Web

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Cytocompatibility and bioactive potential of AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer: an in vitro study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Cytocompatibility and bioactive potential of AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer: an in vitro study via International Endodontic Journal Abstract Abstract Aim To assess the cytocompatibility and bioactive potential of the new calcium silicate cement-based sealer AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer (AHPbcs) on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) compared to the epoxy resin-based sealer AH Plus (AHP) and the calcium silicate cement-based sealer Endosequence BC Sealer (ESbcs). Methodology Standardized sample discs and 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 eluates of the tested materials were prepared. The following assays were performed: surface element distribution via SEM-EDX, cell attachment and morphology via SEM, cell viability via a MTT assay, cell migration/proliferation via a wound-healing assay, osteo/cemento/odontogenic marker expression via RT-qPCR, and cell mineralized nodule formation via Alizarin Red S staining. HPDLSCs were isolated from extracted third molars. Comparisons were made with hPDLSCs cultured in unconditioned (negative control) or osteogenic (positive control) culture media. Statistical significance was established at p<0.05. Results A higher peak of Ca2+ was detected from ESbcs compared with AHPbcs and AHP in SEM-EDX. Both AHPbcs and ESbcs showed significantly positive results in the cytocompatibility assays (cell viability, migration/proliferation, attachment, and morphology) compared with a negative control group, while AHP showed significant negative results. Both AHPbcs and ESbcs exhibited an upregulation of at least one osteo/odonto/cementogenic marker compared to the negative and positive control groups. Both ESbcs and AHPbcs showed a significantly higher calcified nodule formation than the negative and positive control groups, indicative of their biomineralization potential, and were also significantly higher than AHP group. Conclusion AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer exhibited a significantly higher cytocompatibility and bioactive potential than AH Plus, and a similar cytocompatibility to that of Endosequence BC Sealer. Endosequence BC Sealer exhibited a significantly higher mineralization potential than the other tested sealers. The results from this in vitro study act as supporting evidence for the use of AH Plus bioceramic sealer in root canal treatment. View on Web

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Newborn body composition and child cardiovascular risk markers: a prospective multi-ethnic Asian cohort study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Newborn body composition and child cardiovascular risk markers: a prospective multi-ethnic Asian cohort study via International Journal of Epidemiology - Advance Access Abstract Background Early epidemiological studies have associated low birthweight with increased cardiovascular risk. We aimed to examine whether the fat and fat-free components of birthweight have differing relationships with childhood cardiovascular risk markers. Methods In the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort, air displacement plethysmography was conducted within 24 h after delivery in 290 naturally conceived singletons. We investigated associations of newborn cohort-specific standardized z-score of fat mass, fat-free mass, body fat percentage and birthweight on child (at 6 years of age) carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, blood pressure, prehypertension/hypertension (>110/70 mmHg) and standardized systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) trajectories (at 3–6 years of age), taking account of maternal education, height, tobacco exposure, parity, ethnicity, child� �s sex, gestational age, age at follow-up, and other maternal factors. Results Clear inverse associations were seen for blood pressure with z-score of fat mass [SBP, β (95% CI): −1.31 mmHg (−2.57, −0.06); DBP: −0.79 mmHg (−1.74, 0.15)] and body fat percentage [SBP: −1.46 mmHg (−2.73, −0.19); DBP: −0.80 mmHg (−1.75, 0.16)], but not with fat-free mass [SBP: 0.27 mmHg (−1.29, 1.83)]; DBP: −0.14 mmHg (−1.30, 1.03)]. Being in the lowest tertile of fat mass or body fat percentage was associated with higher blood pressure trajectories and prehypertension/hypertension risk [OR (95% CI), fat mass: 4.23 (1.41, 12.68); body fat percentage: 3.22 (1.09, 9.53)] without concomitantly higher overweight/obesity risk. Conclusions At birth, low adiposity was associated with increased childhood blood pressure. Low newborn adiposity might serve as a marker of poor fetal growth or suboptimal intrauterine conditions associated with hypertension risk later in life. View on Web

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Impact of a prognostic model for overall survival on the decision‐making process in a head and neck cancer multidisciplinary consultation meeting

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Impact of a prognostic model for overall survival on the decision‐making process in a head and neck cancer multidisciplinary consultation meeting via Head & Neck Abstract Background Multidisciplinary decision-making in head and neck cancer care is complex and requires a tradeoff between prolonging survival and optimizing quality of life. To support prognostication and decision-making in head and neck cancer care, an individualized prognostic model for overall survival (OncologIQ) is available. Methods By quantitative and qualitative research we have studied user value of OncologIQ and its impact on the decision-making process in a multidisciplinary consultation meeting. Results Healthcare professionals experienced added value upon using prognostic estimates of survival from OncologIQ in half (47.5%) of the measurements. Significant impact on the decision making process was seen when OncologIQ was used for older patients, patients having a WHO performance score ≥ 2, or high tumor stage. Conclusions The prognostic model OncologIQ enables patient-centered decision-making in a multidisciplinary consultation meeting and was mostly valued in complex patients. View on Web

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Long-term wellbeing and neurocognitive functioning of diffuse low-grade glioma patients and their caregivers: a longitudinal study spanning two decades

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Long-term wellbeing and neurocognitive functioning of diffuse low-grade glioma patients and their caregivers: a longitudinal study spanning two decades via Neuro-Oncology Advance Access Abstract Background While patients with diffuse low-grade glioma (LGG) often survive for years, there is a risk of tumour progression which may impact on patients' long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and neurocognitive functioning (NCF). We present a follow-up of LGG patients and their informal caregivers (T3) who took part in our previous HRQOL investigations (T1, M=7 and T2 M=13 years after diagnosis). Methods Participants completed HRQOL (SF-36; EORTC-BN20), fatigue (Checklist Individual Strength (CIS)), and depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D)) questionnaires and underwent NCF assessments. T3 scores were compared with matched controls. Change over time (T1-T2-T3) on group and participant level were assessed. Where available, histology of the initial tumour was revised and immunohistochemical staining for IDH1 R 132H mutant protein was performed. Results Thirty patients and nineteen caregivers participated. Of N=11 with tissue available, 3 patients had confirmed diffuse LGG. At T3, patients (M=26 years after diagnosis) had HRQOL and NCF similar to, or better than controls, yet 23.3% and 53.3% scored above the cut-off for depression (≥16 CES-D) and fatigue (≥35 CIS), respectively. Caregivers' HRQOL was similar to controls, but reported high rates of fatigue (63.2%). Over time, patients' mental health improved (p<.05). Minimal detectable change in HRQOL over time was observed in individual patients (30% improvement; 23.3% decline; 20% both improvement and decline) with 23.3% remaining stable. NCF remained stable or improved in 82.8% of patients. Conclusions While HRQOL and NCF do not appear greatly impacted during long-term survivorship in LGG, d epressive symptoms and fatigue are persistent. View on Web

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Facial nerve palsy: Narrative review on the importance of the eye and its assessment

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Facial nerve palsy: Narrative review on the importance of the eye and its assessment via Head & Neck Abstract New solutions are emerging that address specific facial regions in facial nerve palsy (FNP). However the most dreaded consequence of FNP is paralytic lagophthalmos threatening the eye. A way to prioritize these regions is thus required. A review of the literature is conduced to capture the current concepts in evaluating FNP. Overall, patients are assessed from three perspectives: from the clinician's perspective using validated clinician-based grading instruments, from patient's perspective based on FNP-specific patient-reported outcome measures, and from the perspective of the layperson. The existing tools however provide limited information regarding the relative importance of different regions of the face. The eye appears to be an area of great concern for the patient where most surgical therapies are directed at. Addressing ocular problems in FNP carry a high priority but this is not clearly reflected by the standard systems. View on Web

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