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BACKGROUND: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetical disease with malfunction of the motile cilia leading to impaired muco-ciliary clearance in the respiratory tract. There is no cure for PCD, only supportive therapy aimed at minimizing the progression of the disease and improving the patient's quality of life (QoL). Physical activity (PA) is one of these recommended supportive therapies for people with PCD (pwPCD). However, there is no scientific evidence to support this recommendation. In addition, regular medical advice to increase PA remains largely ineffective in pwPCD. METHODS: To test the main hypothesis, that an individualized and supported PA program leads to a better QoL 6 months after randomization (QoL-PCD questionnaire) compared to usual recommendation in pwPCD, 158 pwPCD aged 7 to 55 years are to be included in this multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT). After the screening visit, a 1:1 randomization stratified by age group and FEV1 will be performed. A QoL-PCD questionnaire, motor test, and lung function will be carried out at regular intervals in both groups. PA is recorded in both groups using activity trackers during the study period. The main aim of the trial is to estimate the difference in the change of QoL between the groups after 6 months. Therefore, our full analysis set consists of all randomized patients and analysis is performed using the intention-to-treat principle. Statistical software R ( http://www.r-project.org ) is used. Ethical approvement without any reservations: RUB Bochum Ethics Committee (No. 23-7938; December 4, 2023). Recruitment start: March 2024. DISCUSSION: Limitations result from the rarity of PCD with its broad disease spectrum and the large age range. These are reduced by stratified randomization and the measurement of the individual change in QoL as primary endpoint. In our view, only a PA program tailored to individual needs with close contact to trainers offers the chance to meet personal needs of pwPCD and to establish PA as a pillar of therapy in the long term. The study protocol explains all procedures and methods of recruitment, implementation of the study visits and intervention, measures for patient and data safety, and for minimizing risks and bias. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) 00033030. Registered on December 7, 2023. Update 10 July 2024. STUDY PROTOCOL VERSION 10: Version 1.2; 12 June 2024.
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Estudios Multicéntricos como Asunto , Calidad de Vida , Humanos , Adolescente , Niño , Adulto Joven , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Masculino , Femenino , Ejercicio Físico , Estudios Longitudinales , Terapia por Ejercicio/métodos , Estudios de Equivalencia como Asunto , Resultado del Tratamiento , Factores de Tiempo , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trastornos de la Motilidad Ciliar/terapia , Síndrome de Kartagener/terapia , Síndrome de Kartagener/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
Despite treatment with levothyroxine, hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) may be associated with reduced quality of life (QoL), an enigmatic condition referred to as "syndrome T". Peripheral neuropathy, described in untreated thyroid disease, could be a contributing mechanism. We analysed autonomic and somatosensory function in 29 patients with AIT and treated hypothyroidism and 27 healthy volunteers. They underwent heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and quantitative sensory testing (n = 28), comprising 13 parameters of small and large nerve fibre function and pain thresholds. Autonomic cardiovascular function was assessed in rest, deep respiration and orthostasis. Additionally, biomarkers for autoimmunity and thyroid function were measured. Anxiety, depression and QoL were assessed using validated questionnaires. 36% of the patients showed at least one sign of somatosensory small or large fibre dysfunction. 57% presented with mild hyperalgesia to at least one stimulus. Several markers of autonomic function and some detection thresholds were related to the antibody titres. Anxiety, depression scores and QoL correlated to antibody titres and HRV measures. Autonomic and somatosensory dysfunction indicate that in treated hypothyroidism and AIT a subgroup of patients suffers from neuropathic symptoms leading to impaired QoL. Additionally, mild hyperalgesia as a possible sensitisation phenomenon should be considered a target for symptomatic treatment.
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Sistema Nervioso Autónomo , Calidad de Vida , Tiroiditis Autoinmune , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Sistema Nervioso Autónomo/fisiopatología , Tiroiditis Autoinmune/fisiopatología , Tiroiditis Autoinmune/complicaciones , Tiroiditis Autoinmune/tratamiento farmacológico , Frecuencia Cardíaca , Hipotiroidismo/fisiopatología , Hipotiroidismo/tratamiento farmacológico , Hipotiroidismo/complicaciones , Tiroxina/uso terapéutico , Tiroxina/sangre , Anciano , Trastornos Somatosensoriales/etiología , Trastornos Somatosensoriales/fisiopatología , AnsiedadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Vulnerability to infectious diseases in refugees is dependent on country of origin, flight routes, and conditions. Information on specific medical needs of different groups of refugees is lacking. We assessed the prevalence of infectious diseases, immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases, and chronic medical conditions in children, adolescents, and adult refugees from Ukraine who arrived in Germany in 2022. METHODS: Using different media, we recruited Ukrainian refugees at 13 sites between 9-12/2022. An antigen test for acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, serologies for a range of vaccine-preventable diseases, as well as interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) for tuberculosis (TB), and SARS-CoV-2 were performed. We assessed personal and family history of chronic medical conditions, infectious diseases, vaccination status, and conditions during migration. RESULTS: Overall, 1793 refugees (1401 adults and 392 children/adolescents) were included. Most participants were females (n = 1307; 72·3%) and from Eastern or Southern Ukraine. TB IGRA was positive in 13% (n = 184) of the adults and in 2% (n = 7) of the children. Serology-based immunological response was insufficient in approximately 21% (360/1793) of the participants for measles, 32% (572/1793) for diphtheria, and 74% (1289/1793) for hepatitis B. CONCLUSIONS: We show evidence of low serological response to vaccine-preventable infections and increased LTBI prevalence in Ukrainian refugees. These findings should be integrated into guidelines for screening and treatment of infectious diseases in migrants and refugees in Germany and Europe. Furthermore, low immunity for vaccine-preventable diseases in Ukrainians independent of their refugee status, calls for tailor-made communication efforts.
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Enfermedades Transmisibles , Pueblos de Europa Oriental , Refugiados , Tuberculosis , Enfermedades Prevenibles por Vacunación , Adolescente , Adulto , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Enfermedades Transmisibles/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Alemania/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Tuberculosis/epidemiología , Tuberculosis/prevención & control , UniversidadesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Postacute Covid-19 patients commonly present with respiratory symptoms; however, a noninvasive imaging method for quantitative characterization of respiratory patterns is lacking. PURPOSE: To evaluate if quantitative characterization of respiratory pattern on free-breathing higher temporal resolution MRI stratifies patients by cardiopulmonary symptom burden. STUDY TYPE: Prospective analysis of retrospectively acquired data. SUBJECTS: A total of 37 postacute Covid-19 patients (25 male; median [interquartile range (IQR)] age: 58 [42-64] years; median [IQR] days from acute infection: 335 [186-449]). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 0.55 T/two-dimensional coronal true fast imaging with steady-state free precession (trueFISP) at higher temporal resolution. ASSESSMENT: Patients were stratified into three groups based on presence of no (N = 11), 1 (N = 14), or ≥2 (N = 14) cardiopulmonary symptoms, assessed using a standardized symptom inventory within 1 month of MRI. An automated lung postprocessing workflow segmented each lung in each trueFISP image (temporal resolution 0.2 seconds) and respiratory curves were generated. Quantitative parameters were derived including tidal lung area, rates of inspiration and expiration, lung area coefficient of variability (CV), and respiratory incoherence (departure from sinusoidal pattern) were. Pulmonary function tests were recorded if within 1 month of MRI. Qualitative assessment of respiratory pattern and lung opacity was performed by three independent readers with 6, 9, and 23 years of experience. STATISTICAL TESTS: Analysis of variance to assess differences in demographic, clinical, and quantitative MRI parameters among groups; univariable analysis and multinomial logistic regression modeling to determine features predictive of patient symptom status; Akaike information criterion to compare the quality of regression models; Cohen and Fleiss kappa (κ) to quantify inter-reader reliability. Two-sided 5% significance level was used. RESULTS: Tidal area and lung area CV were significantly higher in patients with two or more symptoms than in those with one or no symptoms (area: 15.4 cm2 vs. 12.9 cm2 vs. 12.8 cm2 ; CV: 0.072, 0.067, and 0.058). Respiratory incoherence was significantly higher in patients with two or more symptoms than in those with one or no symptoms (0.05 vs. 0.043 vs. 0.033). There were no significant differences in patient age (P = 0.19), sex (P = 0.88), lung opacity severity (P = 0.48), or pulmonary function tests (P = 0.35-0.97) among groups. Qualitative reader assessment did not distinguish between groups and showed slight inter-reader agreement (κ = 0.05-0.11). DATA CONCLUSION: Quantitative respiratory pattern measures derived from dynamic higher-temporal resolution MRI have potential to stratify patients by symptom burden in a postacute Covid-19 cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
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RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To determine factors influencing low-field MRI lung opacity severity 6-24 months after acute Covid-19 pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 104 post-acute Covid-19 patients with 167 MRI exams were included. 32 patients had more than one exam, and 63 exams were serial exams. Pulmonary findings were graded on a scale of 0-4 by quadrant, total score ranging from 0 (no opacity) to 16 (opacity > 75%), and score >8 considered moderate and >12 severe opacity. Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Spearman rank correlation was used to assess the association of clinical and demographic factors with MR opacity severity at time intervals from acute infection. Random coefficients regression was used to assess whether opacity score changed over time. RESULTS: Severity of initial illness was associated with increased MR opacity score at timeframes up to 24 months (p < .05). Among the 167 exams, moderate to severe MR opacities (total opacity score >8) were identified in 33% of exams beyond 6 months: 37% at 6 - <12 months (n = 23/63); 31% at 12- < 18 months (n = 13/42); 25% at 18- < 24 months (n = 6/24); and 50% at > 24 months (n = 3/6). No significant change in total opacity score over time was identified by random coefficients regression. Among the 32 patients with serial exams, 11 demonstrated no change in opacity score from initial to final exam, 10 decrease in score (mean 2.3, stdev 1.25, range 1-4), and 11 increase in score (average 2.8, stdev 1.48, range 1-7). CONCLUSION: Initial Covid-19 disease severity was associated with increased MRI total opacity score at time intervals up to 24 months, and moderate to severe opacities were commonly identified by low-field MRI beyond 6 months from acute illness.
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BACKGROUND: Once daily intravenous (iv) treatment with tobramycin for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) is frequently monitored by measuring tobramycin trough levels (TLs). Although the necessity of these TLs is recently questioned in pwCF without renal impairment, no study has evaluated this so far. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the frequency of increased tobramycin TLs in pwCF treated with a once daily tobramycin dosing protocol. METHODS: Patient records of all consecutive once daily iv tobramycin courses in 35 pwCF between 07/2009 and 07/2019 were analyzed for tobramycin level, renal function, co-medication and comorbidity. RESULTS: Eight elevated TLs (2.9% of 278 courses) were recorded in four patients, two with normal renal function. One of these resolved without adjustment of tobramycin dosages suggesting a test timing or laboratory error. In the other patient the elevated tobramycin level decreased after tobramycin dosage adjustment. Six of the elevated levels occurred in two patients with chronic renal failure. In 15 other patients with reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (36 courses) but normal range creatinine no case of elevated tobramycin trough levels was detected. Neither cumulative tobramycin dosages nor concomitant diabetes or nutritional status were risk factors for elevated TLs. CONCLUSION: Our data show that elevated tobramycin TLs are rare but cannot be excluded, so determination of tobramycin TLs is still recommended for safety.
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Fibrosis Quística , Infecciones por Pseudomonas , Tobramicina , Humanos , Antibacterianos/administración & dosificación , Fibrosis Quística/complicaciones , Infusiones Intravenosas , Infecciones por Pseudomonas/tratamiento farmacológico , Tobramicina/administración & dosificación , Tobramicina/sangreRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children has not been verified by a validated olfactory test. We aimed to determine whether these complaints are objectifiable (test-based hyposmia), how often they occur during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to other upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), as well as in children recovered from COVID-19 compared to children with long COVID. METHODS: Olfactory testing (U-sniff test; hyposmia<8 points) and survey-based symptom assessments were performed in 434 children (5-17 years; 04/2021-06/2022). 186 symptom-free children served as controls. Of the children with symptoms of acute respiratory tract infection, SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results were positive in 45 and negative in 107 children (URTI group). Additionally, 96 children were recruited at least 4 weeks (17.6±15.2 weeks) after COVID-19, of whom 66 had recovered and 30 had developed long COVID. RESULTS: Compared to controls (2.7%), hyposmia frequency was increased in all other groups (11-17%, p<0.05), but no between-group differences were observed. Only 3/41 children with hyposmia reported complaints, whereas 13/16 children with complaints were normosmic, with the largest proportion being in the long-COVID group (23%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Questionnaires are unsuitable for assessing hyposmia frequency in children. Olfactory complaints and hyposmia are not specific for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The number of complaints in the long-COVID group could result from aversive olfactory perception, which is undetectable with the U-sniff test.
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COVID-19 , Trastornos del Olfato , Niño , Humanos , SARS-CoV-2 , Olfato , COVID-19/diagnóstico , COVID-19/complicaciones , Síndrome Post Agudo de COVID-19 , Anosmia/complicaciones , Trastornos del Olfato/diagnóstico , Trastornos del Olfato/complicacionesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Chronic pain after trauma and surgery is a long-term complication. Its relevance for patients within the workers' compensation rehabilitation process has not been adequately investigated. OBJECTIVES: Initial evaluation of frequency of chronic pain after occupational accidents. METHODS: In 2017, surgical inpatients (18-65 y) treated in a tertiary hospital were asked about chronic pain arising from an occupational trauma recognized by statutory occupation insurance (interval 2.8±6.9 years), regardless of care received, first at the time of hospitalization and then by telephone interview 6 months later. The focus was on patients with a work-related trauma (A) within the past month or (B) >6 months. PRIMARY OUTCOME: frequency of work trauma-related chronic pain (>6 months) at the initial interview (point prevalence), secondary outcomes: frequency of chronicity at 6 months (A) and persistence of chronic pain (B). Tertiary outcomes: ability to work, occupational injury classification, burden based on pain intensity, localization, and medication, functional deficits due to the existence of chronic pain, and comorbidity. RESULTS: Out of 415 patients included in the survey, 85% (160/188) reported accident-related chronic pain (predominantly moderate to highly severe in intensity, localized at joints and bones). 90% (131/145) also reported this pain six months later. 67% (64/96) reported chronic pain for the first time. Patients with chronic pain at follow-up (281/369) were less likely to return to work (p=0.003), required analgesics in 60%, were more often comorbid (p<0.002) and had greater functional deficits (p<0.002). CONCLUSION: Despite the preliminary nature of the data, chronic pain seems to be common after occupational trauma and negatively affects the recovery of work ability in the long term. Based on the present observational data, a further differentiated re-evaluation of prospective data considering therapeutic measures is strongly recommended.
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Dolor Crónico , Enfermedades Profesionales , Humanos , Indemnización para Trabajadores , Dolor Crónico/epidemiología , Evaluación de la Discapacidad , Estudios Prospectivos , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Alemania/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
ABSTRACT: Paradoxical heat sensation (PHS) is the perception of warmth when the skin is cooled. Paradoxical heat sensation rarely occurs in healthy individuals but more frequently in patients suffering from lesions or disease of the peripheral or central nervous system. To further understand mechanisms and epidemiology of PHS, we evaluated the occurrence of PHS in relation to disease aetiology, pain levels, quantitative sensory testing parameters, and Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) items in patients with nervous system lesions. Data of 1090 patients, including NPSI scores from 404 patients, were included in the analysis. We tested 11 quantitative sensory testing parameters for thermal and mechanical detection and pain thresholds, and 10 NPSI items in a multivariate generalised linear model with PHS, aetiology, and pain (yes or no) as fixed effects. In total, 30% of the neuropathic patients reported PHS in contrast to 2% of healthy individuals. The frequency of PHS was not linked to the presence or intensity of pain. Paradoxical heat sensation was more frequent in patients living with polyneuropathy compared with central or unilateral peripheral nerve lesions. Patients who reported PHS demonstrated significantly lower sensitivity to thermal perception, with lower sensitivity to normally painful heat and cold stimuli. Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory scores were lower for burning and electric shock-like pain quality for patients with PHS. Our findings suggest that PHS is associated with loss of small thermosensory fibre function normally involved in cold and warm perception. Clinically, presence of PHS could help screening for loss of small fibre function as it is straightforward to measure or self-reported by patients.
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Hipoestesia , Neuralgia , Humanos , Hipoestesia/etiología , Calor , Umbral del Dolor/fisiología , Sensación Térmica , SensaciónRESUMEN
Prompt diagnosis and management of orbital entrapment fractures in the pediatric patient have been advocated. This retrospective study analyzed a cohort of orbital entrapment fractures in pediatric patients with regard to diagnostic pitfalls, treatment and outcomes in a Level I trauma center in Germany. Based on medical records and radiological imaging, patients under the age of 18 years who presented with orbital fractures during 2009-2021 were analyzed. Overall, 125 patients presented with orbital fractures, of whom 29 patients (23.2%) had orbital entrapment fractures. The majority of patients presented with monocle hematoma (n = 23), diplopia (n = 20), and/or restricted extraocular eye movement (n = 14). While all patients with orbital entrapment fractures underwent three-dimensional imaging, 10 radiological reports (34.5%) did not include findings on orbital entrapment fractures. All patients underwent surgical exploration in less than 24 h. In 12 patients, clinical symptoms such as diplopia and restricted ocular elevation were documented upon postoperative evaluation before discharge. Considering the significant proportion of orbital entrapment fractures that are not noted on radiological imaging, prompt clinical examination should be initiated in pediatric patients at risk for orbital fractures. Urgent surgical intervention should be recommended in entrapment fractures.
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Fracturas Orbitales , Humanos , Niño , Adolescente , Fracturas Orbitales/diagnóstico por imagen , Fracturas Orbitales/cirugía , Diplopía/diagnóstico , Diplopía/etiología , Diplopía/cirugía , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , AlemaniaRESUMEN
Given the crucial role of vaccination in halting the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to understand the factors that motivate adolescents to get vaccinated. We surveyed adolescents and their accompanying guardians scheduled to receive a COVID-19 vaccination (Comirnaty) in an urban region in Germany in mid-2021 regarding their motivation for getting vaccinated and collected data on their sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, vaccination status, and any history of COVID-19 infection in the family. We also queried information strategies related to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Motivations for getting vaccinated were similar among adolescents and their parents. The primary reasons for vaccination were protection against SARS-CoV-2-related illness and gaining access to leisure facilities. This was not influenced by gender, health status, migration background, or the presence of chronic or acute diseases. The percentage of parents who had received SARS-CoV-2 immunization and the proportion of parents with a high level of education were higher among study participants than in the general population. Adolescents were especially willing to be vaccinated if they came from a better educational environment and had a high vaccination rate in the family. Emphasizing the importance of vaccination among all segments of the population and removing barriers to vaccines may lead to an ameliorated acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present the determination of inter- and intra-day variations in tear flow rate, and tear fluid protein concentration, as well as protein composition regarding their impact for future biomarker studies. Methods: Tear fluid was collected noninvasively from 18 healthy subjects by performing Schirmer tests at 4 different time points repetitive in a period of 2 days. The tear flow rate on the Schirmer test strips was measured. Proteins were extracted from strips and quantified using amino acid analysis. Protein composition was analyzed by the strips data-independent (DIA) based mass spectrometry. To exclude any impairments to health, volunteers underwent a detailed neurological as well as an ophthalmological examination. Results: Whether tear fluid was collected from oculus sinister or oculus dexter did not affect the tear flow rate (P ≈ 0.63) or protein concentration (P ≈ 0.97) of individual subjects. Moreover, protein concentration was independent from the tear volume, so that a change in volume may only influence the total protein amount. When the examination days were compared, investigation of tear flow rate (P ≈ 0.001) and protein concentration (P ≈ 0.0003) indicated significant differences. Further, mass spectrometric analysis of tear fluid revealed 11 differentially regulated proteins when comparing both examination days. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence of inter-day variation in tear flow rate, tear proteome concentration, and composition in healthy subjects, suggesting that inter-day variation needs to be taken into consideration in biomarker research of tear fluid. Identified proteins were assigned to functions in the immune response, oxidative and reducing processes, as well as mannose metabolism.
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Proteoma , Lágrimas , Humanos , Lágrimas/metabolismo , Proteoma/metabolismo , Espectrometría de Masas , Ojo , Biomarcadores/metabolismoRESUMEN
Low nasal nitric oxide (nNO) is a typical feature of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). nNO is part of the PCD diagnostic algorithm due to its discriminative power against other lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF). However, the underlying pathomechanisms are elusive. To better understand NO dysregulation in PCD, the L-arginine/NO (Arg/NO) pathway in patients with PCD (pwPCD) and CF (pwCF) and in healthy control (HC) subjects was investigated. In a prospective, controlled study, we measured in 24 pwPCD, 25 age-matched pwCF, and 14 HC the concentrations of the NO precursors Arg and homoarginine (hArg), the arginase metabolite ornithine (Orn), the NO inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and the major NO metabolites (nitrate, nitrite) in sputum, plasma, and urine using validated methods. In comparison to HC, the sputum contents (in µmol/mg) of L-Arg (PCD 18.43 vs. CF 329.46 vs. HC 9.86, p < 0.001) and of ADMA (PCD 0.055 vs. CF 0.015 vs. HC 0.010, p < 0.001) were higher. In contrast, the sputum contents (in µmol/mg) of nitrate and nitrite were lower in PCD compared to HC (nitrite 4.54 vs. 9.26, p = 0.023; nitrate 12.86 vs. 40.33, p = 0.008), but higher in CF (nitrite 16.28, p < 0.001; nitrate 56.83, p = 0.002). The metabolite concentrations in urine and plasma were similar in all groups. The results of our study indicate that PCD, unlike CF, is associated with impaired NO synthesis in the lung, presumably due to mechano-chemical uncoupling.
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Delay in diagnosing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-pTB) in children prolongs time to effective treatment. Data on risk factors for pediatric MDR from low-incidence countries are scarce. Retrospective nationwide case-control study to analyze MDR-pTB cases in Germany between 2010 and 2020 in comparison to a drug-susceptible (DS)-pTB group. We included 52 MDR cases (24 tuberculosis (TB), 28 TB infection (TBI); mean age 7.3 years) and 56 DS cases (31 TB, 26 TBI; mean age 7.9 years). Groups were similar for sex, household size, and migration background. Compared to the DS group, more children with MDR were born in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) (22% MDR-pTB vs. 13% DS-pTB, n.s.) and had more MDR index cases (94% MDR-pTB, 5% DS-pTB, p < 0.001). The interval between first healthcare contact and initiation of effective therapy was significantly longer in MDR-pTB (47 days) than in DS-pTB (11 days, p < 0.001), correlating with disease progression. Treatment for MDR-pTB was successful in 74%, but 22% experienced long-term adverse effects (e.g., hepatopathy, hearing loss). CONCLUSIONS: Close contact to MDR cases or birth in MDR-TB-high-incidence countries are risk factors for MDR-pTB. Early identification of potential MDR index cases by contact investigation, and susceptibility testing in children from high-burden MDR-TB countries are essential for timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the severity of disease and treatment side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien ( https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023817 ), DRKS00023817, 2020-09-08. WHAT IS KNOWN: â¢Management of children with MDR-TB remains challenging due to difficulties in diagnosing MDR-TB (lack of information on MDR index case, lack of microbiological confirmation in paucibacillary disease). â¢Choice of treatment regimen and monitoring of side effects. WHAT IS NEW: â¢Children with an MDR-TB index or born in a MDR-TB-high-incidence country are at higher risk of developing MDR-TB in a low incidence country. â¢The time lag to initiate treatment in MDR-TB is longer than in DS-TB and MDR-TB treatment involves a higher risk of adverse effects in longer treatment regimens especially with injectables.
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Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos , Tuberculosis , Humanos , Niño , Estudios Retrospectivos , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/diagnóstico , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/tratamiento farmacológico , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/epidemiología , Tuberculosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Factores de Riesgo , Enfermedades Raras , Antituberculosos/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
PURPOSE: The study evaluates the effects on sero-immunity, health status and quality of life of children and adolescents after the upsurge of the Omicron variant in Germany. METHODS: This multicenter cross-sectional study (IMMUNEBRIDGE Kids) was conducted within the German Network University Medicine (NUM) from July to October 2022. SARS-CoV-2- antibodies were measured and data on SARS-CoV-2 infections, vaccinations, health and socioeconomic factors as well as caregiver-reported evaluation on their children's health and psychological status were assessed. RESULTS: 497 children aged 2-17 years were included. Three groups were analyzed: 183 pre-schoolchildren aged 2-4 years, 176 schoolchildren aged 5-11 years and 138 adolescents aged 12-18 years. Positive antibodies against the S- or N-antigen of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 86.5% of all participants (70.0% [128/183] of pre-schoolchildren, 94.3% of schoolchildren [166/176] and 98.6% of adolescents [136/138]). Among all children, 40.4% (201/497) were vaccinated against COVID-19 (pre-schoolchildren 4.4% [8/183], schoolchildren 44.3% [78/176] and adolescents 83.3% [115/138]). SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was lowest in pre-school. Health status and quality of life reported by the parents were very positive at the time of the survey (Summer 2022). CONCLUSION: Age-related differences on SARS-CoV-2 sero-immunity could mainly be explained by differences in vaccination rates based on the official German vaccination recommendations as well as differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in the different age groups. Health status and quality of life of almost all children were very good independent of SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or vaccination. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Registry for Clinical Trials Identifier Würzburg: DRKS00025546 (registration: 11.09.2021), Bochum: DRKS00022434 (registration:07.08.2020), Dresden: DRKS 00022455 (registration: 23.07.2020).
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COVID-19 , Calidad de Vida , Adolescente , Niño , Humanos , Preescolar , SARS-CoV-2 , Estudios Transversales , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/prevención & control , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Anticuerpos Antivirales , VacunaciónRESUMEN
Optical printing is a flexible strategy to precisely pattern plasmonic nanoparticles for the realization of nanophotonic devices. However, the generation of strongly coupled plasmonic dimers by sequential particle printing can be a challenge. Here, we report an approach to generate and pattern dimer nanoantennas in a single step by optical splitting of individual gold nanorods with laser light. We show that the two particles that constitute the dimer can be separated by sub-nanometer distances. The nanorod splitting process is explained by a combination of plasmonic heating, surface tension, optical forces, and inhomogeneous hydrodynamic pressure introduced by a focused laser beam. This realization of optical dimer formation and printing from a single nanorod provides a means for dimer patterning with high accuracy for nanophotonic applications.
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BACKGROUND: PCD is a genetic disease leading to a decline in pulmonary function. There is only little knowledge of factors determining the long-term pulmonary outcome. Especially adherence has not been addressed yet although being an independent risk factor for an increased loss of lung capacity in other chronic respiratory diseases. OBJECTIVE: Assessing the impact of bacterial airway colonization and adherence on long-term lung function in patients with PCD. METHODS: Data on colonization and lung function parameters like forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1, Z-score) and lung clearance index (LCI2,5% ) were collected for 7.01 ± 2.2 years (893 quarters) in 44 PCD patients. Adherence was classified as good, moderate or poor. The impact of both adherence and colonization was assessed for the long-term course of FEV1, the association of colonization with lung function also quarterly. STATISTICS: Kruskall-Wallis test, T test, ANOVA, linear regression, linear mixed model. RESULTS: Chronic colonization did not show any impact on the for long-term course of FEV1 , but adherence was a significant factor: patients with good adherence showed better FEV1 at the end of the observation period than children with poor adherence (-0.15 ± 0.88 vs. -2.63 ± 1.79, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Adherence has not yet been investigated for PCD. However, we found it to be a major significant factor affecting long-term FEV1 in PCD. Thus, it should be taken into consideration in the treatment protocols for PCD.
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Trastornos de la Motilidad Ciliar , Fibrosis Quística , Niño , Humanos , Pulmón , Volumen Espiratorio Forzado , Pruebas de Función RespiratoriaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a well-established surgical treatment option for various diseases of the lumbar spine, including spondylolisthesis. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative correction of spondylolisthesis and restoration of lumbar and segmental lordosis after ALIF. METHODS: Patients with spondylolisthesis who underwent ALIF between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively assessed. We assessed the following parameters pre-and postoperatively (6-months follow-up): Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), lumbar lordosis (LL), segmental lordosis (SL), L4/S1 lordosis, and degree of spondylolisthesis. RESULTS: 96 patients were included. In 84 cases (87.50%), additional dorsal instrumentation was performed. The most frequent diagnosis was isthmic spondylolisthesis (73.96%). VAS was reduced postoperatively, from 70 to 40, as was ODI (50% to 32%). LL increased from 59.15° to 64.45°, as did SL (18.95° to 28.55°) and L4/S1 lordosis (37.90° to 44.00°). Preoperative spondylolisthesis was 8.90 mm and was reduced to 6.05 mm postoperatively. Relative spondylolisthesis was 21.63% preoperatively and 13.71% postoperatively. All clinical and radiological improvements were significant (all p < 0.001). No significant difference considering the lordosis values nor spondylolisthesis was found between patients who underwent ALIF surgery without dorsal instrumentation and patients who received additional dorsal instrumentation. Venous laceration was the most frequent complication (10.42%). CONCLUSIONS: With ALIF, good clinical results and safe and effective reduction of spondylolisthesis and restoration of lordosis can be achieved. Additional dorsal instrumentation does not significantly affect postoperative lordosis or spondylolisthesis. Individual vascular anatomy must be reviewed preoperatively before considering ALIF.