Κυριακή 28 Νοεμβρίου 2021

Unilateral Choanal Atresia: Indications of Long-Term Olfactory Deficits and Volumetric Brain Changes Postsurgically

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Background: Very few studies have investigated whether unilateral choanal atresia is associated with permanent olfactory deficits. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the olfactory performance of patients with unilateral choanal atresia postsurgically. Methods: Three patients with unilateral atresia were examined in terms of olfactory performance with the Sniffin' Sticks test (odor identification, threshold, and discrimination), size of the olfactory bulb, and volumetric brain changes. Results: All p atients demonstrated significantly lower olfactory performance in terms of odor threshold on the same side with the choanal atresia. Grey matter reductions were found ipsilaterally in the hippocampus. Conclusions: This pilot study indicates that persistent olfactory deficits and volumetric brain changes are present in patients with unilateral choanal atresia.
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Introducing minimally invasive inguinal lymph node dissection in a UK tertiary skin cancer service: Initial experience & outcomes

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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Oct 22:S1748-6815(21)00495-2. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.09.054. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: We report the first UK case series of minimally invasive inguinal lymphadenectomy (MILND) for patients with metastatic cutaneous pathology.

METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-centre, single-surgeon cohort study. Twenty-one patients who underwent MILND from May 2015 to February 2019 were included. Demographic data, disease burden, and surgical quality assurance parameters were analysed.

RESULTS: Median age was 69 (IQR: 58-76) with 14 women (66%) and 7 men (33%). Eighteen (85%) patients had melanoma with the rest having other skin malignancies. The median number of nodes resected was eight (IQR:6-11) and the median N-ratio was 0.18 [0.05-1.00]. The median surgical time for the procedure was 180 minutes (IQR: 147-225) Seven (33%) patients had complications--three trivial and four (19%) grade IIIB. Only one case (the first) was converted to an open procedure.

CONCLUSIONS: We report the first UK series of MILND in a cutaneous oncology service. Our results show that MILND is a safe technique that can be introduced into a busy NHS practice with a structured training program, with surgical quality assurance outcomes identical to open inguinal lymphadenectomy. Our learning curve was similar to previously published data.

PMID:34824023 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.09.054

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Trends in Nasal Spray Prescribing Patterns by Otolaryngologists

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Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Nov 26:34894211060902. doi: 10.1177/00034894211060902. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To quantify national and state-level prescribing and cost trends for the 3 most prescribed nasal sprays by otolaryngologists in the Medicare population.

METHODS: Through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) database and the Kaiser Family Foundation, we retrieved data on Medicare enrollment and on claims and costs of fluticaso ne propionate, azelastine HCl, and ipratropium bromide prescribed by otolaryngologists from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017.

RESULTS: From 2013 to 2017, CMS reimbursed $128.8 million for 5.2 million claims of fluticasone propionate, azelastine HCl, and ipratropium bromide prescribed by otolaryngologists. The national claim rate for fluticasone propionate increased 6.5% per year from 2013 to 2015 and then decreased 4.3% per year from 2015 to 2017 while azelastine HCl and ipratropium bromide consistently increased annually (19.0% and 12.2% respectively) from 2013 to 2017. The cost for fluticasone propionate decreased 33.0% a year from 2013 to 2015 and then increased 5.4% annually to $13.60 per claim in 2017. Azelastine HCl decreased 14.8% annually from $91.30 to $50.23 per claim and ipratropium bromide increased 5.2% annually to $34.78 in 2017. Variations in the claim rate and cost for all 3 nasal sprays were observed in some states.

CONCLUSIONS: Otolaryngologists are prescribing azelastine HCl and ipratropium at an increasingly higher rate in the Medicare population, while the rate for fluticasone propionate has been decreasing nationally. Utilization and costs of nasal sprays also vary geographically across the United States.

PMID:34823366 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211060902

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A Comparison of Near-Infrared Imaging and Computerized Tomography Scan for Detecting Maxillary Sinusitis

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Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Nov 26:34894211060623. doi: 10.1177/00034894211060623. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of near-infrared (NIR) imaging as a tool for outpatient clinicians to quickly and accurately assess for maxillary sinusitis and to characterize its accuracy compared to computerized tomography (CT) scan.

METHODS: In a prospective investigational study, NIR and CT images from 65 patients who presented to a tertiary care rhinology clinic were compared to determine the sensitivity and specificity of NIR as an imaging modality.

RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of NIR imaging in distinguishing normal versus maxillary sinus disease was found to be 90% and 84%, normal versus mild maxillary sinus disease to be 76% and 91%, and mild versus severe maxillary sinus disease to be 96% and 81%, respectively. The average pixel intensity was also calculated and compared to the modified Lund-Mackay scores from CT scans to assess the ability of NIR imaging to stratify the severity of maxillary sinus disease. Average pixel intensity over a region of interest was significantly different (P < .001) between normal, mild, and severe disease, as well as when comparing normal versus mild (P < .001, 95% CI 42.22-105.39), normal versus severe (P < .001, 95% CI 119.43-174.14), and mild versus severe (P < .001, 95% CI 41.39-104.56) maxillary sinus disease.

CONCLUSION: Based on this data, NIR shows promise as a tool for identifying patients with potential maxillary sinus disease as well as providing information on severity of disease that may guide administration of appropriate treatments.

PMID:34823368 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211060623

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Submental Island Flap After Prior Contralateral Neck Dissection: A Case Series and Technical Considerations

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Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Nov 26:34894211059307. doi: 10.1177/00034894211059307. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The submental island flap is a dependable workhorse in head and neck reconstruction. However, the viability of this flap has not been established for oral cavity reconstruction when a contralateral neck dissection has already been performed in an earlier surgical setting. The aim of this study is to highlight technical considerations and outcomes of this approach with a small case series.

METHODS: Three cases of oral cavity reconstruction with a submental island flap elevated in the context of a prior contralateral neck dissection are presented.

RESULTS: In all cases, a doppler was used to identify the maintenance of the submental perforator in the neck opposite the previous neck dissection. In 2 cases, level IA was included within the dissection field of the previous neck dissection. Additionally, the old neck scar was included within the skin paddle of the submental island flap in 2 cases. In all cases, excellent healing of the flap was observed without partial or complete loss.

CONCLUSIONS: The submental island flap appears to be a reliable reconstruction when a previous contralateral neck dissection has been performed, even when level IA was included in the prior dissection.

PMID:34823369 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211059307

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Maternal and neonatal outcomes following in vitro fertilization: A cohort study in Romania

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Exp Ther Med. 2022 Jan;23(1):34. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10956. Epub 2021 Nov 9.

ABSTRACT

Although in recent years the number of pregnancies obtained through in vitro fertilization (IVF) has increased significantly, a higher incidence of complications has been identified in this group. The widespread development and use of IVF has led to an increasing rate of multiple pregnancies and thus their associated complications. However, whether these complications occur due to assisted reproduction or infertility problems remains to be elucidated. In the present study, a comparison was made of IVF pregnancies with spontaneous conception, and the risk of obstetric and neonatal complications was assessed. An ambispective observational cohort study was carried out between January 2017 and October 2021 at Elias University Emergency Hospital, Romania. The exposed cohort included 132 IVF pregnancies and the control cohort included 157 spontaneo us pregnancies. The IVF group included 110 pregnancies with fresh embryo-transfer and 22 pregnancies with cryopreserved embryo-transfer. Obstetric, perinatal and neonatal complications were analysed by multivariable logistic analysis. The results showed that, IVF pregnancies had a higher risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR=6.42, 95% CI=1.72-23.92) and placental abnormalities (OR=5.49, 95% CI=1.07-28.17). Neonates obtained through IVF had a higher risk of prematurity (OR=6.52, 95% CI=2.99-14.20), low birth weight (LBW) (OR=17.18, 95% CI=7.06-41.87), small for gestational age (OR=4.10, 95% CI=1.95-8.59) and were more frequently hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (OR=11.91, 95% CI=5.72-24.81). Nulliparous women were associated with an increased risk of NICU admission (OR=0.46, 95% CI=0.25-0.88) and risk of LBW (OR=0.37, 95% CI=0.19-0.75). Maternal age ≥35 years had no influence as a confounding variable. In conclusion, this cohort study showed that IVF pre gnancies have a higher risk of obstetric and neonatal complications than pregnancies obtained by spontaneous conception.

PMID:34824642 | PMC:PMC8611488 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.10956

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Early diagnosis and management of maternal ureterohydronephrosis during pregnancy

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Exp Ther Med. 2022 Jan;23(1):27. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10949. Epub 2021 Nov 5.

ABSTRACT

Maternal ureterohydronephrosis (UHN) is a common anatomical change during the evolution of pregnancy, diagnosed especially after the 20th week of pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the stages of UHN during pregnancy, depending on the gestational age, and to monitor the symptomatology and the adequate management. A total of 58 pregnant women with UHN, hospitalized in the Constanta County Emergency Hospital, were included in the present study, and had nephrological monitoring using ultrasound examination. Right UHN was observed in all cases and left UHN was observed in only 67.24% of the cases. Regarding the gestational age, right UHN grade III was most commonly seen between 27 and 31 weeks of pregnancy (48.6% of total right UHN grade III from the studied group). The data showed that gestational age and grade of UHN had a highly d ependent association in the studied group. The majority of our patients (67.24%) were symptomatic, and the most common complaint on presentation was lumbar pain. According to the visual analog scale (VAS) of the lumbar pain, the group could be distributed as follows: 17.24% with severe pain, 36.21% with moderate pain and 13.79% with mild pain. Eight pregnant women (13.79%) from the present study developed UHN due to passage of a ureteral stone, although the majority of the patients experienced complications with urinary tract infection and acute kidney injury. In addition, 97% of the symptomatic UHN responded to conservatory treatment and only 2 patients (3.45%) with severe symptomatic UHN needed ureteral stent insertion. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23. The study highlighted the existence of an association between gestational age and UHN grading.

PMID:34824635 | PMC:PMC8611492 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.10949

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Outcomes in revision total knee arthroplasty (Review)

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Exp Ther Med. 2022 Jan;23(1):29. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10951. Epub 2021 Nov 8.

ABSTRACT

Revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a challenging surgical procedure. Although good results are presented, the outcomes are worse in comparison with those of primary TKA, with a higher failure rate. The main reasons for the failure of revision TKA include: sepsis, loosening and instability. There are multiple variables linked to these results, and it is difficult to determinate the exact cause as it is often a multifactorial issue. These variables may be related to the quality of the index-procedure (TKA), to the revision procedure or to patient characteristics. The purpose of this review was to highlight the outcomes of revision knee arthroplasty and main factors that may influence the results. Considerable progress has been made during the last 30 years regarding infection treatment and prevention, complex revision prosthetic design and surg ical technique development. Although the outcomes have improved over time, patients who undergo revision TKA may need further re-operations in the future.

PMID:34824637 | PMC:PMC8611497 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.10951

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Effects of noni on cellular viability and osteogenic differentiation of gingiva-derived stem cells demonstrated by RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR

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Exp Ther Med. 2022 Jan;23(1):32. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10954. Epub 2021 Nov 8.

ABSTRACT

Noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia) has been widely used in traditional medicine across tropical and subtropical regions, and is now being paid more attention in Western medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of noni extract on the change in the cellular morphology, maintenance of cellular viability and enhancement of osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. Stem cells obtained from gingiva were cultured where noni extracts existed at concentrations ranging from 10-200 ng/ml. Evaluations of cell morphology and cellular viability were performed. Alkaline phosphatase activity assays were performed to assess the osteogenic differentiation. Alizarin Red S staining was performed to evaluate the calcium deposits in the culture, with the addition of noni extract. Global gene expression was analyzed via next-generation mRNA sequenc ing. Gene ontology and pathway analyses were performed to determine the associated mechanisms. Validation procedures were performed via quantitative (q)PCR analysis. The addition of noni at concentrations ranging from 10-200 ng/ml did not produce significant morphological changes. There were significantly higher values of cellular viability, with the highest value at 100 ng/ml compared with the control (P<0.05). Furthermore, significantly higher values of alkaline phosphatase activity was noted in the 10 and 100 ng/ml groups compared with the 0 ng/ml group on day 7 (P<0.05). Alizarin Red S staining revealed calcium deposits in each group. In addition, the highest value for Alizarin Red S staining was observed at 100 ng/ml compared with the unloaded control (P<0.05). qPCR analysis demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of RUNX2, BSP, OCN and COL1A1 increased following treatment with noni. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that noni extract has en hancing effects on gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells, by enhancing cellular viability and osteogenic differentiation.

PMID:34824640 | PMC:PMC8611496 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.10954

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Dysplastic nevus syndrome and pancreatic cancer: A case report

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Exp Ther Med. 2022 Jan;23(1):31. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10953. Epub 2021 Nov 8.

ABSTRACT

Multiple primary cancers may occur in the same patient, with a prevalence that follows an ascendant trend. Their development is dictated by a complex interplay between a variety of factors, both patient-dependent and external. The case of a 38-year-old female patient diagnosed and treated for pancreatic cancer (PC) is presented in whom the digital dermoscopic monitoring of melanocytic nevi revealed a marked change of two nevi that acquired rapidly highly atypical features. They were surgically excised and the histopathological examination revealed two completely excised dysplastic compound nevi. Clinicians should be aware of the strong association between dysplastic nevus syndrome and PC, a malignancy associated with an extremely poor prognosis. Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome (FAMMM) predisposes to the development of melanoma, pan creatic cancer and other neoplasms. The common genetic background of PC and hereditary melanoma is discussed and the importance of regular skin checkup and screening for PC in these patients is underlined.

PMID:34824639 | PMC:PMC8611490 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.10953

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Morphological classification and changes in dementia (Review)

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Exp Ther Med. 2022 Jan;23(1):33. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10955. Epub 2021 Nov 9.

ABSTRACT

The progressive functional decline that involves both cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms characteristic to dementia is one of the leading research topics. The risk for dementia is an intertwined mix between aging, genetic risk factors, and environmental influences. APOEε4, which is one of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) alleles, is the major genetic risk factor for late-onset of the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's. Advances in machine learning have led to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to help diagnose dementia by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to detect it in the preclinical stage. The basis of the determinations starts from the morphometry of cerebral atrophies. The present review focused on MRI techniques which are a leading tool in identifying cortical atrophy, white matter dysfunctionalities, c erebral vessel quality (as a factor for cognitive impairment) and metabolic asymmetries. In addition, a brief overview of Alzheimer's disease was presented and recent neuroimaging in the field of dementia with an emphasis on structural MR imaging and more powerful methods such as diffusion tensor imaging, quantitative susceptibility mapping, and magnetic transfer imaging were explored in order to propose a simple systematic approach for the diagnosis and treatment of dementia.

PMID:34824641 | PMC:PMC8611489 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.10955

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