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1.
Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg ; 76(4): 3183-3188, 2024 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39130251

RESUMO

Conventional deltopectoral flap is a two-staged procedure that needs a prolonged hospital stay, adding to treatment cost as well as patient discomfort and may delay adjuvant treatment. A modified deltopectoral flap, as a single-stage procedure, can overcome these shortcomings. This is a retrospective chart review of prospectively collected clinical data from a tertiary care hospital. The patients who had undergone a deltopectoral flap for the reconstruction of the neck defects at our hospital between July 2017 and July 2021 were considered for analysis. We present our results with a single-stage deltopectoral flap that was used to reconstruct medium-to-large-size defects of the neck, along with clinical illustrations as appropriate. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee (number: IEC 702-2021). A total of six patients received single-stage deltopectoral flap during the study period, of which five were for oncosurgical defects, and one had necrotizing fasciitis. The healing and overall outcome were optimal in all cases, with no flap loss. In two of these cases, the donor site was closed primarily, and in the rest, a split-thickness skin graft was used. Our results reiterate the tremendous practical value of a single-stage deltopectoral flap in the primary reconstruction of medium- to large-sized surgical defects of the neck, even in this era of free tissue transfer. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-024-04641-8.

2.
Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg ; 76(4): 3511-3518, 2024 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39130315

RESUMO

Malignant nerve sheath tumors are rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcomas. They contribute to 5-10% of all soft tissue sarcomas. They can be sporadic, occur in patients with NF1 (neurofibromatosis 1) or can occur after radiation therapy. A high rate of recurrence and hematogenous metastasis is seen in these patients. They are also associated with poor prognosis. A case of malignant nerve sheath tumor seen in a 44-year-old male with pre-existing NF1 is being discussed here due to the unique nature of the disease and its rarity.

3.
BMJ Case Rep ; 17(5)2024 May 24.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38789269

RESUMO

Tumours of adipose tissue origin are relatively rare in the head and neck. Here, we report a case of an unfamiliar lipomatous lesion that involved the neck and mediastinum. A nil-comorbid man in his 40s presented with a slowly progressive anterior neck swelling of 3 years, which was diagnosed as lipoma by histopathological sampling. Computed tomography demonstrated the lesion to be involving parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces with mediastinal extension. The lesion was removed by the transcervical approach. The final histology of the excised specimen, with immunohistochemistry for mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) and p16, suggested an atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT). This report accentuates the occurrence of this rare neoplasm in the neck, which often mimics lipoma clinically. Although radiology can demonstrate suggestive features, histology with MDM2 and/or p16 positivity can confirm the diagnosis of ALT as against the lipoma. A successful transcervical excision, despite the deeper extension of the lesion between the critical structures of the neck and mediastinum, demonstrates the non-infiltrating nature of the tumour.


Assuntos
Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Lipoma , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/cirurgia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/diagnóstico por imagem , Lipoma/cirurgia , Lipoma/diagnóstico por imagem , Lipoma/patologia , Lipoma/diagnóstico , Adulto , Neoplasias do Mediastino/cirurgia , Neoplasias do Mediastino/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias do Mediastino/patologia , Neoplasias do Mediastino/diagnóstico , Pescoço/patologia , Pescoço/diagnóstico por imagem , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Mediastino/patologia , Mediastino/diagnóstico por imagem
5.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol ; 281(6): 3269-3278, 2024 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38530459

RESUMO

PURPOSE: Desmoid fibromatosis in head and neck is infrequent and poses a significant challenge to the clinicians due to its non-specific characteristics. METHODS: This case report focuses on a 69-year-old male who presented to a tertiary healthcare center in Karnataka, India with a swelling in the oral cavity. RESULTS: Despite initial suspicions of malignancy based on clinical examination and findings on computed tomography imaging, subsequent histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed an unexpected finding. CONCLUSION: The case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion and histopathological evaluation as well as the need for greater awareness to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate management of desmoid fibromatosis. We also present a literature review of varied presentations of desmoid tumors afflicting various subsites of the head and neck.


Assuntos
Fibromatose Agressiva , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Humanos , Masculino , Fibromatose Agressiva/diagnóstico , Fibromatose Agressiva/patologia , Fibromatose Agressiva/diagnóstico por imagem , Idoso , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Neoplasias Bucais/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Bucais/patologia , Neoplasias Bucais/diagnóstico por imagem , Imuno-Histoquímica
6.
Crit Rev Toxicol ; 53(10): 658-701, 2023 Nov.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38050998

RESUMO

Tobacco use is a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. Tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco (ST), generally contain tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs), such as N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-butanone (NNK), which are potent carcinogens that cause mutations in critical genes in human DNA. This review covers the series of biochemical and chemical transformations, related to TSNAs, leading from tobacco cultivation to cancer initiation. A key aim of this review is to provide a greater understanding of TSNAs: their precursors, the microbial and chemical mechanisms that contribute to their formation in ST, their mutagenicity leading to cancer due to ST use, and potential means of lowering TSNA levels in tobacco products. TSNAs are not present in harvested tobacco but can form due to nitrosating agents reacting with tobacco alkaloids present in tobacco during certain types of curing. TSNAs can also form during or following ST production when certain microorganisms perform nitrate metabolism, with dissimilatory nitrate reductases converting nitrate to nitrite that is then released into tobacco and reacts chemically with tobacco alkaloids. When ST usage occurs, TSNAs are absorbed and metabolized to reactive compounds that form DNA adducts leading to mutations in critical target genes, including the RAS oncogenes and the p53 tumor suppressor gene. DNA repair mechanisms remove most adducts induced by carcinogens, thus preventing many but not all mutations. Lastly, because TSNAs and other agents cause cancer, previously documented strategies for lowering their levels in ST products are discussed, including using tobacco with lower nornicotine levels, pasteurization and other means of eliminating microorganisms, omitting fermentation and fire-curing, refrigerating ST products, and including nitrite scavenging chemicals as ST ingredients.


Assuntos
Neoplasias , Nitrosaminas , Tabaco sem Fumaça , Humanos , Carcinógenos/toxicidade , Mutagênicos , Neoplasias/induzido quimicamente , Nitratos , Nitritos , Nitrosaminas/toxicidade , Nitrosaminas/química , Nitrosaminas/metabolismo , Tabaco sem Fumaça/toxicidade
7.
Langmuir ; 39(41): 14539-14549, 2023 Oct 17.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37791534

RESUMO

Facet-dependent toxic metal adsorption of iron oxides widely occurred in natural environments. It is known that organic acids can alter the adsorption behaviors of trace elements by cooperative or competitive effects. However, the coadsorption mechanisms of the specific facets are still not fully understood. In the current investigation, Cr(VI) adsorption onto the lepidocrocite (γ-FeO(OH))-exposed facets in the presence of oxalic acid (OA) was studied using macroexperiments, in situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray adsorption fine structure, and density functional theory calculations. Rod-like lepidocrocite (R-LEP) with a high ratio of {001}/{010} facet showed excellent Cr(VI) adsorption capacity than that of plate-like lepidocrocite (P-LEP, the dominant facet is {010}) in the absence/presence of OA. Interestingly, OA reacted with R-LEP would be easier to diminish Cr(VI) adsorption than with P-LEP. The competitive adsorption occurred on the {001} facet due to the formation of inner-sphere OA configurations (monodentate mononuclear and bidentate mononuclear structures) and a bidentate binuclear Cr(VI) complex. However, OA coordinated with {010} facets via the outer-sphere complexes, while Cr(VI) could form a protonated monodentate binuclear configuration. These observations suggest that the competitive adsorption processes between OA and Cr(VI) exhibit facet dependence. Furthermore, lepidocrocite-exposed facets determine the interfacial interactions and geochemical behaviors of Cr(VI) in polluted environments.

8.
Crit Care Res Pract ; 2023: 4037915, 2023.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37720488

RESUMO

Introduction: Fungal infection is a cause of increased morbidity and mortality in intensive care patients. Critically unwell patients are at increased risk of developing invasive fungal infections. COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) may be at a particularly high risk. The primary aim of this study was to establish the incidence of secondary fungal infections in patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19. Secondary aims were to investigate factors that may contribute to an increased risk of fungal infections and to calculate the mortality between fungal and nonfungal groups. Methods: We undertook a retrospective observational study in a tertiary ICU in Wales, United Kingdom. 174 patients admitted with COVID-19 infection from March 2020 until May 2021 were included. Data were collected through a retrospective review of patient's clinical notes and microbiology investigation results obtained from the online clinical portal. Results: 81/174 (47%) COVID-19 patients developed fungal infections, 93% of which were Candida species, including Candida albicans (88%), and 6% had an Aspergillus infection. Age and smoking history did not appear to be contributing factors. The nonfungal group had a significantly higher body mass index (33 ± 8 vs. 31 ± 7, p=0.01). The ICU length of stay (23 (1-116) vs. 8 (1-60), p < 0.001), hospital length of stay (30 (3-183) vs. 15 (1-174) ± 7, p < 0.001), steroid days (10 (1-116) vs. 4 (0-28), p=0.02), and ventilation days (18 (0-120) vs. 2 (0-55), p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the fungal group. The mortality rate in both groups was similar (51% vs. 52%). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the fungal group survived more than the nonfungal group (log rank (Mantel-Cox), p < 0.001). Conclusion: Secondary fungal infections are common in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. Longer treatment with corticosteroids, increased length of hospital and ICU stay, and greater length of mechanical ventilation significantly increase the risk of fungal infections. Fungal infection, however, was not associated with an increase in mortality.

9.
J Colloid Interface Sci ; 652(Pt A): 240-249, 2023 Dec 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37595441

RESUMO

1D-molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoscrolls displayed enhanced electrochemical properties compared to 2D-MoS2 nanosheet counterparts. Rolling of nanosheets is the main fabrication route to nanoscrolls. However, owing to the conflict between chemical stability and multiple bending, the morphology transition from nanosheets to nanoscrolls is quite challenging. Herein we describe a reversible morphology transition from nanosheets to nanoscrolls by utilizing non-covalent interactions between MoS2 nanosheets and phenothiazine based organic dye. Interestingly, nanoscrolls can easily be opened back into nanosheets by destroying the non-covalent interactions with organic solvents. The prepared nanoscrolls exhibited enhanced electrochemical properties than nanosheets. Compared to nanosheets, nanoscrolls exhibited comparatively lower overpotential with a Tafel slope of 141 mV dec-1 and high specific capacitance of 1868 F g-1. Hydrogen evolution by the Volmer-Heyrovsky mechanism being superior for the nanoscrolls is envisaged by the relatively increased availability of Hads sites at MoS2 edges induced by scrolling. Whereas the high specific capacitance value of nanoscrolls is ascribed to the enhanced electrical double-layer capacitance mediated charge storage, which arises due to the synergistic effect of both scrolled structure and the electron-rich phenothiazine-based dye.

10.
J Intensive Care Soc ; 24(2): 224-226, 2023 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37260426

RESUMO

Blood for coagulation analysis can be sampled from the arterial or venous system in intensive care units (ICU). The determination of clot microstructure and strength by fractal analysis (df) gives valuable information in a range of vascular haemostatic disease and sepsis. We aimed to determine if df could be measured equally and comparatively in arterial or venous blood, and 45 critically ill patients in an ICU were recruited. df was found to be readily measured in arterial blood with results comparable to those in venous blood and that add value of df as a potential marker of haemostasis in these patients.

11.
ACS Omega ; 8(14): 12664-12670, 2023 Apr 11.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37065074

RESUMO

Studies were performed to investigate the effects of surface water quality parameters on the degradation of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) using high-energy electron beam (eBeam) technology. Surface water samples were collected across different geographic locations in the United States. Water quality parameters including pH, alkalinity, TDS, and dissolved oxygen were measured in all samples. Degradation of MC-LR in all samples, regardless of parameter concentrations, was above 99%. The effect of natural organic matter (NOM) on MC-LR degradation was also investigated in the presence of fulvic acid. Similarly, the degradation efficiency of MC-LR exceeded 99% for all concentrations of fulvic acid at 5 kGy. This study suggests that surface water quality has a negligible effect on the degradation of MC-LR via eBeam treatment. The results indicate that eBeam technology is a promising technique for the treatment of water contaminated with microcystins.

12.
Clin Appl Thromb Hemost ; 29: 10760296221131563, 2023.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36994631

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Unfavourable clot microstructure is associated with adverse outcomes in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We investigated the effect of comorbidities and anti-platelet treatment on clot microstructure in STEMI patients using fractal dimension (df), a novel biomarker of clot microstructure derived from the visco-elastic properties of whole blood. METHODS: Patients with STEMI (n = 187) were recruited sequentially receiving aspirin with Clopidogrel (n = 157) then Ticagrelor (n = 30). Patient characteristics and blood for rheological analysis obtained. We quantified df using sequential frequency sweep tests to obtain the phase angle of the Gel Point which is synonymous with the clot microstructure. RESULTS: Higher df was observed in males (1.755 ± 0.068) versus females (1.719 ± 0.061, p = .001), in patients with diabetes (1.786 ± 0.067 vs 1.743 ± 0.046, p < .001), hypertension (1.760 ± 0.065 vs 1.738 ± 0.069, p = .03) and previous MI (1.787 ± 0.073 vs 1.744 ± 0.066, p = .011) compared to without. Patients receiving Ticagrelor had lower df than those receiving Clopidogrel (1.708 ± 0.060 vs 1.755 ± 0.067, p < .001). Significant correlation with df was found with haematocrit (r = 0.331, p < .0001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (r = 0.155, p = .046) and fibrinogen (r = 0.182, p = .014). Following multiple regression analysis, diabetes, LDL, fibrinogen and haematocrit remained associated with higher df while treatment with Ticagrelor remained associated with lower df. CONCLUSIONS: The biomarker df uniquely evaluates the effect of interactions between treatment and underlying disease on clot microstructure. STEMI patients with diabetes and elevated LDL had higher df, indicating denser clot. Ticagrelor resulted in a lower df than Clopidogrel signifying a less compact clot.


Assuntos
Intervenção Coronária Percutânea , Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnível do Segmento ST , Trombose , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Ticagrelor/uso terapêutico , Clopidogrel/uso terapêutico , Inibidores da Agregação Plaquetária/uso terapêutico , Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnível do Segmento ST/tratamento farmacológico , Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnível do Segmento ST/etiologia , Trombose/etiologia , Biomarcadores , Fibrinogênio , Resultado do Tratamento , Intervenção Coronária Percutânea/efeitos adversos
13.
Environ Pollut ; 316(Pt 2): 120665, 2023 Jan 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36395910

RESUMO

Biochar obtained from biomass waste through pyrolysis has significant potential in wastewater treatment due to its large specific surface area and multi-functional active sites. In current study, sorghum straw (SS) was pyrolyzed to prepare various biochar under nitrogen atmosphere. Adsorption kinetics of prepared biochar toward tartrazine (TTZ) was systematically investigated, and the biochar was also characterized by using multiple techniques to explore the contribution of physicochemical properties to adsorption. Then, the biochar with optimum TTZ adsorption performance, was also applied as a catalyst for peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation to degrade TTZ. Factors including PDS concentration, solution pH, and reaction temperature were examined. The optimized degradation rate constant of TTZ (1.1627 min-1) was achieved under the conditions at 2 mM PDS, pH of 3, and 23 °C. In addition, the free radical trapping experiments and EPR spectra revealed that the reactive substances of electron (e-), 1O2, SO4•-, O2•-, and •OH contributed to TTZ degradation. Density Functional Theory (DFT) also concluded that the atoms C(6), O(12), N(16), N(17), C(18) and N(22) in TTZ molecule showed larger f0 values which are vulnerable to radical attack. Therefore, the synergistic mechanism embodying adsorption and radical/non-radical processes were proposed. Besides, the degradation pathways of TTZ were identified with the aid of HPLC/MS technique, indicating that multiple reaction processes containing the symmetrical cleavage of azo bonds, the asymmetrical cleavage of C-N, desulfonation, and benzene-like structure cracking were involved. Therefore, this study provides a simple and effective catalytic system for TTZ degradation, and also realizes the resource utilization of solid waste.


Assuntos
Sorghum , Adsorção , Tartrazina , Grão Comestível
14.
Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 ; 202: 110557, 2023 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36189446

RESUMO

Beginning with the outbreak of COVID-19 at the dawn of 2020, the continuing spread of the pandemic has challenged the healthcare market and the supply chain of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) around the world. Moreover, the emergence of the variants of COVID-19 occurring in waves threatens the sufficient supply of PPE. Among the various types of PPE, N95 Respirators, surgical masks, and medical gowns are the most consumed and thus have a high potential for a serious shortage during such emergencies. Considering the unanticipated demand for PPE during a pandemic, re-processing of used PPE is one approach to continue to protect the health of first responders and healthcare personnel. This paper evaluates the viability and efficacy of using FDA-approved electron beam (eBeam) sterilization technology (ISO 11137) to re-process used PPE. PPEs including 3M N95 Respirators, Proxima Sirus gowns, and face shields were eBeam irradiated in different media (air, argon) over a dose range of 0-200 kGy. Several tests were then performed to examine surface properties, mechanical properties, functionality performance, discoloration phenomenon, and liquid barrier performance. The results show a reduction of filtration efficiency to about 63.6% in the N95 Respirator; however, charge regeneration may improve the re-processed efficiency. Additionally, mechanical degradation was observed in Proxima Sirus gown with increasing dose up to 100 kGy. However, no mechanical degradation was observed in the face shields after 10 times donning and doffing. Apart from the face shield, N95 Respirators and Proxima Sirus gown both show significant mechanical degradation with ebeam dose over sterilization doses (>25 kGy), indicating that eBeam technology is not appropriate for the re-processing these PPEs.

15.
Clin Hemorheol Microcirc ; 84(3): 333-344, 2023.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36442189

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: A significant degree of mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 is through thromboembolic complications, only partially mitigated by anticoagulant therapy. Reliable markers of infection severity are not fully established. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated whether visco-elastic biomarkers predict disease severity on presentation to the Emergency Department (ED) and how they measure response to anticoagulationMETHODS:Patients testing positive for COVID-19 at a large University Teaching Hospital ED were recruited at presentation. Multiple blood samples were taken throughout hospital admission to monitor disease progression with end outcome recorded. Visco-elastic markers, fractal dimension (df) and Time to Gel Point (TGP) which measure the properties of the incipient clot were compared in patients with and without anticoagulation by Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH). RESULTS: TGP and df did not predict severity of infection with COVID-19. Although LMWH prolonged TGP, there was no change in df indicating LMWH did not change clot microstructure. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic efficacy of LMWH appears blunted in COVID-19 infection. This may be due to the inflammatory state creating a resistance to LMWH activity, which may explain why LMWH appears less effective in COVID-19 compared to other disease states. COVID-19 was not predicted by visco-elastic testing at the time of ED presentation.


Assuntos
COVID-19 , Trombose , Humanos , Heparina de Baixo Peso Molecular/uso terapêutico , Heparina de Baixo Peso Molecular/farmacologia , Anticoagulantes/uso terapêutico , Anticoagulantes/farmacologia , Coagulação Sanguínea , Heparina/farmacologia
16.
MedEdPublish (2016) ; 13: 66, 2023.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38845813

RESUMO

Introduction: Simulation is an effective teaching method with increasing growth and recognition and refers to the artificial representation of a real-life scenario. The aim of this study was to compare simulation with and without the use of a simulated observations monitor and to investigate differences in students' impression of realism, engagement, learning, and enjoyment. Methods: Simulation sessions were delivered to second and third-year Swansea University Medical Students, and a total of 15 students were included. Students carried out 2-3 scenarios each with and without the use of a simulated observations monitor. Data collection was conducted via student surveys and a joint interview. Results: All students had an increased sense of realism with the use of the simulated observations monitor, feeling a closer resemblance to what would be experienced in clinical practice. They felt this improved their learning, making them more prepared for the real-life scenario. The monitor was more dynamic, responding to their interventions, helping them maintain focus and engagement throughout. A key theme was the reduction of interruptions or deviations from the scenario to communicate with the examiner or ask for observations. The visual and audible affects provided additional stimuli, adding to the realistic nature of the simulation. Discussion: Simulation has been shown to be a useful education tool, but there is less evidence to support the use of higher fidelity over lower fidelity simulation. The terms are often used inconsistently, and many factors affect the students' perceived sense of realism. This study shows that the addition of a simple device such as the simulated observations monitor can produce a higher level of fidelity, particularly in terms of the stimuli provided and student perceptions of realism, which may be effective in improving engagement with the simulation, learning, and aid recall when presented with similar scenarios in a real-life situation.

17.
Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg ; 74(Suppl 2): 1001-1008, 2022 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36452835

RESUMO

Allergic rhinitis has been on the rise because of urbanization and major population shift in addition to changes in the particulate matter in the atmosphere. Intranasal corticosteroid sprays are recommended as first-line prescription treatment in all cases of allergic rhinitis. The propensity of co-existing non-apparent lower airway hyper-responsiveness is also on the rise and must be evaluated. The aim of this study is to compare the symptomatic improvement, changes in nasal eosinophilia and asymptomatic airway hyper responsiveness before and after short term treatment with steroid nasal spray. Fifty patients meeting the inclusion criteria for allergic rhinitis with no symptoms of asthma underwent pulmonary function tests and assessment of symptoms before and after one-month treatment with inhalational steroid nasal spray (Fluticasone Furoate), in the standard adult dosage. Based on TNSS (Total nasal symptom score) and TOSS (Total ocular symptom score), all 50 patients showed significant improvement after treatment. Among 20 patients with > 50 eosinophils per high power field, 80% had 0-10 eosinophils per high power field on nasal smear after treatment. Among 40 patients with mild large airway obstruction, 37 showed significant improvement in FEV1 data. Also FEV1/FVC data showed significant improvement. Significant improvement (FEF25-75 > 50%) was also noticed in small airway disease after treatment among the 5 patients. The study showed that lower airway hyper responsiveness coexists with allergic rhinitis and treating allergic rhinitis with just steroid nasal spray assists in reducing the former, supporting the concept of Unified Airway Disease (UAD).

18.
Respir Res ; 23(1): 303, 2022 Nov 05.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36335329

RESUMO

Blood levels of the soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) are acutely elevated during the host inflammatory response to infection and predict mortality in COVID-19. However, the prognostic performance of this biomarker in the context of treatments to reduce inflammation is unclear. In this study we investigated the association between sRAGE and mortality in dexamethasone-treated COVID-19 patients. We studied 89 SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects and 22 controls attending the emergency department of a University Teaching Hospital during the second wave of COVID-19 and measured sRAGE at admission. In positive individuals sRAGE increased with disease severity and correlated with the National Early Warning Score 2 (Pearson's r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Fourteen out of 72 patients treated with dexamethasone died during 28 days of follow-up. Survival rates were significantly lower in patients with high sRAGE (> 3532 pg/mL) than in those with low sRAGE (p = 0.01). Higher sRAGE levels were associated with an increased risk of death after adjustment for relevant covariates. In contrast, IL-6 did not predict mortality in these patients. These results demonstrate that sRAGE remains an independent predictor of mortality among COVID-19 patients treated with dexamethasone. Determination of sRAGE could be useful for the clinical management of this patient population.


Assuntos
Tratamento Farmacológico da COVID-19 , Humanos , Receptor para Produtos Finais de Glicação Avançada , SARS-CoV-2 , Biomarcadores , Dexametasona/uso terapêutico , Produtos Finais de Glicação Avançada
19.
Toxicon X ; 16: 100141, 2022 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36406140

RESUMO

Maize is a staple food in Kenya. However, maize is prone to fungal infestation, which may result in production of harmful aflatoxins and fumonisins. Electron beam (eBeam) food processing is a proven post-harvest technology, but published literature is rare on the ability of eBeam to reduce mycotoxins in naturally contaminated maize samples. This study evaluated the efficacy of eBeam doses in reducing viable fungal populations and the destruction of aflatoxins and fumonisins in naturally highly contaminated maize samples from eastern Kenya. Ninety-seven maize samples were analyzed for total aflatoxins and fumonisins using commercial ELISA kits. Then, 24 samples with >100 ng/g of total aflatoxins and >1000 ng/g of total fumonisins were chosen for eBeam toxin degradation studies. Prior to eBeam exposure studies, the samples were made into a slurry using sterile de-ionized water. These slurry samples were exposed to target doses of 5 kGy, 10 kGy, and 20 kGy, with 0 kGy (untreated) samples as controls. Samples were analyzed for total fungal load using culture methods, the quantity of total aflatoxins and fumonisins using ELISA, and the presence of Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. nucleic acids using qPCR for just control samples. There was a significant positive correlation in the control samples between total Aspergillus and aflatoxin levels (r = 0.54; p = 0.007) and total Fusarium and fumonisin levels (r = 0.68; p < 0.001). Exposure to eBeam doses 5 kGy and greater reduced fungal loads to below limits of detection by plating (<1.9 log(CFU/g)). There was also a significant (p = 0.03) average reduction of 0.3 log (ng/g) in aflatoxin at 20 kGy (range from -0.9 to 1.4 log (ng/g)). There was no significant reduction in fumonisin even at 20 kGy. eBeam doses below 20 kGy did not reduce mycotoxins. These results confirm the sensitivity of fungi to eBeam doses in a naturally contaminated maize slurry and that 20 kGy is effective at degrading some pre-formed aflatoxin in such maize preparations.

20.
Front Chem ; 10: 888285, 2022.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35646817

RESUMO

Gamma-ray irradiation, using the cobalt-60 isotope, is the most common radiation modality used for medical device and biopharmaceutical products sterilization. Although X-ray and electron-beam (e-beam) sterilization technologies are mature and have been in use for decades, impediments remain to switching to these sterilization modalities because of lack of data on the resulting radiation effects for the associated polymers, as well as a lack of education for manufacturers and regulators on the viability of these sterilization alternatives. For this study, the compatibility of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) multilayer films with different ionizing radiation sterilization (X-ray, e-beam, and gamma irradiation) is determined by measuring chemical and physical film properties using high performance liquid chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), surface energy measurement, and electron spin resonance techniques. The results indicate that the three irradiation modalities induce no differences in thermal properties in the investigated dose range. Gamma and X-Ray irradiations generate the same level of reactive species in the EVA multilayer film, whereas e-beam generates a reduced quantity of reactive species.

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