Fourteen years old as the best age cutoff to differentiate prepubertal from pubertal papillary thyroid carcinoma

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Fourteen years old as the best age cutoff to differentiate prepubertal from pubertal papillary thyroid carcinoma via Head & Neck Abstract Background It is unclear whether differences in clinical presentation and/or prognosis exist between prepubertal papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and pubertal PTC. At present, there is a lack of definition for the appropriate cutoff age to define prepubertal PTC. Methods This study retrospectively reviewed 227 pediatric PTC patients (aged ≤18 years) who underwent initial surgery from March 2000 to December 2018. The median duration of follow-up was 85 months (range, 8–258). Results The age range was basically linearly related to multiple risk factors, such as T3–T4 disease, distant metastasis. Age (p = 0.032) was an independent risk factor for recurrence and persistent disease. Patients aged <14 years had obviously higher rates of extensive disease. The 10-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate of patients aged <14 years was 59.5% and that of patients aged ≥14 years was 82.6% (p = 0.004). Conclusions Fourteen years of age may be an appropriate cutoff to differentiate prepubertal PTC from pubertal PTC. View on Web

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Outcomes of Non‐Mucosa Sparing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (Partial Reboot) in Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis: An Academic Hospital Experience

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Outcomes of Non‐Mucosa Sparing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (Partial Reboot) in Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis: An Academic Hospital Experience via The Laryngoscope We investigated the role of non-mucosa sparing endoscopic sinus surgery (partial reboot) in pluri-operated patients affected by chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. According to our results, partial reboot should be considered as a therapeutic option in those patients, allowing lower recurrence rate, longer clinical remission, improved quality of life and zeroing oral corticosteroids uptake, as compared to standard endoscopic sinus surgery. Objective The reboot approach could be an effective treatment option to lower recurrence rates (RRs) in recalcitrant Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). The purpose of this study was to investigate RR, recurrence-free survival (RFS), quality of life (QoL) improvement, and oral corticosteroid (OCS) intake in pluri-operated CRSwNP patients treated with partial reboot surgery. Methods A consecutive sample of patients with recalcitrant CRSwNP, ineligible for monoclonal antibodies, underwent partial reboot surgery. The 22-item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) scores, OCS intake, and endoscopic Nasal Polyp Score (NPS) were collected pre and postoperatively. The main outcomes were RR and RFS, and comparison of disease-free time with previous endoscopic surgeries. Results Thirty pluri-operated patients were enrolled. Before the reboot, all had experienced disease recurrence at a mean recurrence time of 8.08 ± 2.83 months after surgery. After reboot, 7 (23.3%) had recurrence at a mean time of 16.67 ± 3.07 months (p = 0.02); none needed additional revision surgery till time of data collection. RR at 12, 18, and 24 months follow-up resulted significantly lower for reboot than other previous surgeries (p = 0.010, p = 0.002, p = 0.016, respectively); RFS difference resulted significant (log-rank test = 4.16; p = 0.04). Differences between pre-and post-operative total and single-items scores of SNOT-22 were significant (p = 0.001), as well as VAS scores (p = 0.001). Before the reboot, 21 patients (70%) took ≥2 OCS courses per year; at the latest follow-up visit, none had taken any course of OCS after reboot. Conclusions The reboot approach showed lower RR, longer RFS, improved QoL, and zeroing of OCS uptake. Larger samples and longer follow-up studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety of this procedure. Level of Evidence Level 4. According to the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 level of evidence guidelines, this non-randomized retrospective cohort study is classified as level 4 evidence Laryngoscope, 2022. Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Perioperative Hypercoagulability in Free Flap Reconstructions Performed for Intracranial Tumors

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Perioperative Hypercoagulability in Free Flap Reconstructions Performed for Intracranial Tumors via The Laryngoscope Patients with intracranial tumors have a higher risk of thromboembolic events. A multi-institutional retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent free tissue transfer for scalp/cranial reconstruction. There is an increase in perioperative flap thrombosis in patients with intracranial tumors undergoing free tissue scalp reconstruction, and anticoagulation appears to mitigate this risk. Objective(s) Patients with intracranial tumors have a higher risk of thromboembolic events. This risk increases at the time of surgical intervention. We have noted an anecdotal increase in perioperative flap thrombosis in patients undergoing free tissue transfer for intracranial tumor resection. This study aims to formally evaluate this risk. Methods A multi-institutional retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent free tissue transfer for scalp/cranial reconstruction. Perioperative thrombosis and free flap outcomes were evaluated. Results The 209 patients who underwent 246 free tissue transfers were included in the study. The 28 free flap scalp reconstructions were associated with intracranial tumors, 19 were performed following composite cranial resections with associated dural resection/reconstruction, and 199 were performed in the absence of intracranial tumors (control group). There was a significantly higher incidence of perioperative flap thrombosis in the intracranial tumor group (11/28, 39%) when compared to controls (38/199, 19%) (p = 0.0287). This was not seen when scalp tumors extended to the dura alone (4/19, 21%, p = 0.83). Therapeutic anticoagulation used for perioperative thrombosis (defined as intraoperative or in the immediate postoperative phase up to 5 days) was associated with a lower risk of flap failure, although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.148). Flap survival rates were equivalent between flaps performed for intracranial pathology (93.3%) and controls (95%). Conclusion There is an increase in perioperative flap thrombosis in patients with intracranial tumors undergoing free tissue scalp reconstruction. Anticoagulation appears to mitigate this risk. Level of Evidence This recommendation is based on level 3 evidence (retrospective case–control studies, systematic review of retrospective studies, and case reports) Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Timing of Oral Feeding in Patients Who have Undergone Free Flap Reconstruction for Oral Cancer

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Timing of Oral Feeding in Patients Who have Undergone Free Flap Reconstruction for Oral Cancer via The Laryngoscope Objective Determine the safety and effectiveness of a nasogastric tube removal plan designed to shorten nasogastric tube indwelling time after oral cancer surgery plus free flap reconstruction. Materials and Methods A parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted from May 2021 to December 2021 at Peking University School of Stomatology. Volunteers (n = 128) were separated into four groups: non-tracheostomy control and intervention groups and tracheostomy control and intervention groups. Control patients received the conventional nasogastric tube removal plan. Non-tracheotomy intervention patients were asked to swallow 5 ml of water on the first postoperative day. If there was no coughing, they were allowed progressively increasing amounts of water for the following 2 days. The nasogastric tube was removed only after ensuring level I/II performance on the Watian water swallowing test, no "wet voice" after drinking water, no marked decrease in blood oxygen saturation after drinking, and satisfactory daily oral nutritional intake. Tracheotomy intervention patients received the same protocol plus an additional Watian water swallowing test after tracheal tube removal. Results Nasogastric tube removal time was earlier in the intervention subgroups than in control subgroups: 5.0 ± 2.3 days versus 7.8 ± 3.9 days (p = 0.001) in non-tracheostomy patients and 9.8 ± 1.1 days versus 16.2 ± 13.0 days (p = 0.049) in tracheostomy patients. Incidence of wound complications and daily food intake were comparable between the groups. The incidence of pneumonia was lower in the tracheostomy intervention group than in the tracheostomy control group (12.5% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.162). Pharyngeal pain score was lower in tracheotomy intervention patients than in tracheotomy control patients (p = 0.029). Postoperative hospital stay was shorter in tracheotomy intervention patients than in tracheotomy control patients (p = 0.005). Conclusions On the basis of ensuring safety and effectiveness, patients undergone free flap reconstruction for oral cancer could be offered oral intake early after surgery, which will not increase the incidence of wound complications and pneumonia or adversely affecting the oral intake of the patients; it can also help minimize pharyngeal pain and shorten postoperative hospital stay of patients with a tracheotomy. Level of Evidence II Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Protective assessment of progesterone and its receptor on experimental diabetic neuropathy: Anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Protective assessment of progesterone and its receptor on experimental diabetic neuropathy: Anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects via Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology Abstract Introduction Diabetes induces a disorder in mitochondrial activity, which causes damage to the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, and ultimately increases the release of inflammatory cytokines and damages the sciatic nerve and dorsal root ganglion and induces neuropathy. It has been shown that progesterone has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects and prevents nerve cell damage. Therefore, the aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of progesterone receptor neuroprotection on diabetic neuropathy. Methods Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups, including control group, diabetic control group, diabetic control group+Progesterone(30mg/kg), diabetic control group+combination of Progesterone(30mg/kg) and RU486(10mg/kg). After the induction of diabetes, blood glucose level, body weight, behavioral tests, electrophysiological tests, oxidative and inflammatory factors, and histological parameters were measured. Results Progesterone treatment significantly reduced the level of sensitivity to hot plate without significant effect on glucose level, and significant changes were also observed in the results of tail flake test. In addition, the results showed that the administration of progesterone can improve MNCV and significantly reduce the serum levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors, as well as inflammation and edema around the sciatic nerve. However, RU486 inverted the beneficial effects of progesterone. Conclusion Progesterone can be considered as a protective agent in reducing DN because of its ability to reduce inflammation and nerve damage. In addition, RU486, a progesterone receptor blocker, inhibits the beneficial effects of progesterone on the DN, thus progesterone receptors play an important role in the neuroprotective effect of progesterone. View on Web

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International variations in soft tissue sarcoma incidence in children and adolescents

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader International variations in soft tissue sarcoma incidence in children and adolescents via Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology - current issue In order to compare the subtype distribution of soft tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents between Japan and other countries, we extracted information on cancer incidence in children and adolescents from the third volume of the International Incidence of Childhood Cancer series (IICC-3) (1). The IICC-3 reports the number or incidence rates of cancers diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, from cancer registries (regional or national) worldwide. We analysed soft tissue sarcoma incidence in four countries in Asia (Japan, China, the Republic of Korea and Thailand), two countries in Africa (Egypt and Uganda), four countries in the Americas (North: The United States of America and Canada, Latin and Caribbean: Brazil and Colombia), three countries in Europe (the United Kingdom [UK], France and Germany) and two countries in Oceania (Australia and New Zealand ). Information from the Republic of Korea, USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand was obtained at the national level, and that from the other countries was extracted from one or multiple regional cancer registries. The years of incidence included in the analyses varied from country to country, ranging from 1990 to 2014, with the shortest being 12 years (Egypt: 1999–2010, UK: 2000–2011) and the longest being 24 years (Japan and China: both 1990–2013). In this study, we compared the incidence and proportional distribution of soft tissue sarcoma subtypes in children (0–14 years old) and adolescents (15–19 years old) between these countries. View on Web

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‘Like ships in the night’: A qualitative investigation of the impact of childhood cancer on parents’ emotional and sexual intimacy

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader 'Like ships in the night': A qualitative investigation of the impact of childhood cancer on parents' emotional and sexual intimacy via Pediatric Blood & Cancer Abstract Background Childhood cancer is highly distressing for families and can place strain on parents' relationships. Parental functioning and cohesiveness are important predictors of family functioning and adaptation to stress. This qualitative study investigated the perceived impact of childhood cancer on parents' relationship with their partner, with a focus on emotional and sexual intimacy. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 48 parents (42 mothers, six fathers) of children under the age of 18 who had completed curative cancer treatment. We analysed the interviews using thematic analysis. Results At interview, parents were on average 40.7 years old (SD = 5.5, range: 29–55 years), and had a child who had completed cancer treatment between 3 months and 10.8 years previously (M = 22.1 months). All participants were living with their partner in a married/de facto relationship. Most parents reported that their child's cancer treatment had a negative impact on emotional and sexual intimacy with their partner, with some impacts extending to the post-treatment period. Reasons for compromised intimacy included exhaustion and physical constraints, having a shifted focus, and discord arising from different coping styles. Some parents reported that their relationship strengthened. Parents also discussed the impact of additional stressors unrelated to the child's cancer experience. Conclusions Parents reported that childhood cancer had a negative impact on aspects of emotional and sexual intimacy, although relationship strengthening was also evident. It is important to identify and offer support to couples who experience ongoing relationship stress, which may have adverse effects on family functioning and psychological wellbeing into survivorship. View on Web

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Recovery of gland function after endoscopy-assisted removal of impacted hilo-parenchymal stones in the Wharton ’s duct

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Recovery of gland function after endoscopy-assisted removal of impacted hilo-parenchymal stones in the Wharton 's duct via International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery via MedWorm.com The aim of this study was to evaluate the gland function of patients following endoscopy-assisted removal of impacted hilo-parenchymal stones in the Wharton 's duct. The study cohort comprised 115 patients who had undergone successful endoscopy-assisted lithotomy for hilo-parenchymal stones (mean diameter 7.7 mm). Gland function was evaluated at a mean 12 months after surgery using ultrasonography, sialography, and/or sialometry. Postoperative ultras onography of 51 affected glands revealed a regular gland size in 58.8%, normal parenchyma density in 51.0%, and ductal ectasia in 80.4%. (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) View on Web

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Current immunoassays and detection of antibodies elicited by Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 infection

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Current immunoassays and detection of antibodies elicited by Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 infection via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract Objectives To determine whether current commercial immunoassays are adequate for detecting anti-Omicron antibodies. Methods We analyzed the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response of 23 unvaccinated individuals 1-2 months after an Omicron infection. All blood samples were tested with a live virus neutralization assay using a clinical Omicron BA.1 strain and 4 commercial SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays. We assessed three anti-Spike immunoassays (SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant (Abbott S), Wantaï anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody ELISA (Wantaï), Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S assay (Roche)) and one anti-Nucleocapsid immunoassay (Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay (Abbott N)). Results Omicron neutralizing antibodies were detected in all samples with the live virus neutralization assay. The detection rate of the Abbott S, Wantai, Roche and Abbott N immunoassays were 65.2%, 69.6%, 86.9% and 91.3%, respectively. The sensitivities of Abbott S and Wantai immunoassays were significantly lower t han that of the live virus neutralization assay (p=0.004, p=0.009; Fisher's exact test). Antibody concentrations obtained with anti-S immunoassays were correlated with Omicron neutralizing antibody concentrations. Conclusion These data provide clinical evidence of the loss of performance of some commercial immunoassays to detect antibodies elicited by Omicron infections. It highlights the need to optimize these assays by adapting antigens to the circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Nosocomial malaria transmissions resolved by genomic analyses – a retrospective case report study in France (2007-2021)

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Nosocomial malaria transmissions resolved by genomic analyses – a retrospective case report study in France (2007-2021) via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Background Exposure of blood to malaria parasites can lead to infection even in the absence of the anopheles mosquito vector. During a stay in a healthcare facility, accidental inoculation of the skin with blood from a malaria patient might occur, referred to as nosocomial malaria transmission. Methods Between 2007 and 2021, we identified six autochthonous malaria cases that occurred in six different French hospitals, originating from nosocomial transmi ssion and imported malaria patients being the infection source. Four cases were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The genetic relatedness between source and nosocomial infections was evaluated by genome-wide short tandem repeats (STRs) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Results None of the patients with autochthonous malaria had travel history to an endemic area nor had been transfused. For each case, both the source and recipient patients stayed a few hours in the same ward. After diagnosis, autochthonous cases were treated with antimalarials and all recovered except one. Genetically, each pair of matched source/nosocomial parasite infections showed less than 1% of different genome-wide STRs, and less than 6.9% (<1.5% for monoclonal infections) of different SNPs. Similar levels of genetic differences were obtained for parasite DNA samples that were independently sequenced twice as references of identical infections. Parasite phylogenomic results were consi stent with travel information reported by the source patients. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that genomics analyses may resolve nosocomial malaria transmissions, despite the uncertainty regarding the modes of contamination. Nosocomial transmission of potentially life-threatening parasites should be taken into consideration in settings or occasions where compliance with universal precautions is not rigorous. View on Web

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