Cadiax Compact 2 and MODJAW comparative analysis of condylar inclination: Innovative digital approaches in dentistry.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Artificial intelligence has been used to enhance the digitalized workflow, especially when undergoing complex oral rehabilitations. However, the reliability of real-time jaw motion registration devices is unclear, and no standard measurement method of the sagittal condylar inclination (SCI) and Bennett angle (BA) has been established. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare and evaluate the reliability of the SCI and BA values recorded by using 2 different digital devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 17 participants, aged between 20 and 30 years (10 women and 7 men) were included in the study. For each participant, the Cadiax Compact 2 and MODJAW tracking devices were used to measure the SCI and BA values at 3 mm and 5 mm of condylar displacement during 3 separate recording sessions. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the reliability of the recordings. Comparisons between the devices were performed with the Wilcoxson rank-sum test (α=.05). The Bland-Altman plot was used to evaluate the quantitative agreement between the 2 devices. RESULTS: All ICC intrarater reliability values for Cadiax and MODJAW were higher than 0.90. Both at 3 and 5 mm, the SCI measurements were higher for MODJAW registrations than for those recorded by Cadiax. The Bland-Altman plot showed that the SCI values were higher for MODJAW than for Cadiax by 5.9 (95% CI 3.9 to 8.2) and that the BA differences between the MODJAW and the Cadiax were not consistent with the measured value. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent reliability was found with the MODJAW and Cadiax recordings. The SCI and BA values for MODJAW measurements were higher at 3 mm and 5 mm than those acquired with Cadiax. MODJAW showed higher values than Cadiax, and the discrepancies were more pronounced for 3 mm than for 5 mm of condylar displacement, highlighting the need for precision in measurements at lower ranges of motion.

Adiponectin Levels in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Adipose tissue plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory conditions. The role of adipokines in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been evaluated in the current literature with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to evaluate adiponectin levels in IBD patients, including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), compared to controls, as well as further subgroup analyses. Hence, assessing the potential role of adiponectin as a surrogate marker. METHODS: We performed a systematic electronic search on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, including observational or interventional studies evaluating serum or plasma adiponectin levels in IBD patients in humans. The primary summary outcome was the mean difference (MD) in serum or plasma adiponectin levels between IBD patients versus controls. Subgroup analyses were conducted involving adiponectin levels in CD and UC compared to controls, as well as CD compared to UC. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were included in our qualitative synthesis and 14 studies in our quantitative synthesis, with a total population sample of 2,085 subjects. No significant MD in serum adiponectin levels was observed between IBD patients versus controls {-1.331 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.135-0.472)}, UC patients versus controls (-0.213 [95% CI: -1.898-1.472]), and CD patients versus controls (-0.851 [95% CI: -2.263-0.561]). Nevertheless, a significant MD was found between UC patients versus CD patients (0.859 [95% CI: 0.097-1.622]). CONCLUSIONS: Serum adiponectin levels were not able to differentiate between IBD, UC, and CD patients compared to controls. However, significantly higher serum adiponectin levels were observed in UC compared to CD patients.

Lymphocyte-predominant lesional inflammatory infiltrates of the skin are associated with mucosal-dominant phenotype in pemphigus.

INTRODUCTION: Pemphigus is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease. To date, studies assessing the association of histopathology with clinical phenotype are lacking. We sought to evaluate the main histopathologic findings and, also, the potential links between cutaneous inflammatory infiltrates and clinical characteristics in pemphigus. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) in a referral center for autoimmune blistering diseases. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were included in the study (97 had PV and 27 had PF). On biopsy specimens, PV was more frequently associated with the "row of tombstones" feature (36.1% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.013), and PF was associated with acanthosis (44.4% vs. 23.7%, p = 0.034). Acantholysis was found in the upper half of the epidermis in PF (96.3% vs. 5.15%, p < 0.001), as opposed to the lower half in PV (75.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.002). Patients with lymphocyte-predominant inflammatory infiltrates in lesional skin specimens presented with a higher frequency of the mucosal-dominant phenotype (25.5% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.014), higher-density cellular infiltrate (100% vs. 41.6%, p < 0.001), and more frequent acantholytic cells (42.6% vs. 23.4%, p = 0.025). Neutrophil-predominant infiltrates in specimens from lesional skin were linked to a milder disease based on median Pemphigus Disease Area Index (38.9% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.036) and Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (20.2 vs. 36.3, p = 0.019), while eosinophil-predominant inflammatory infiltrates were more often associated with eosinophilic spongiosis (100% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Lymphocyte-predominant infiltrates in lesional skin specimens of pemphigus patients predict a mucosal-dominant phenotype, while neutrophil-predominant infiltrates are associated with a milder disease.

Do Colonic Mucosal Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Levels Play a Role in Diverticular Disease? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Diverticular disease (DD) is the most frequent condition in the Western world that affects the colon. Although chronic mild inflammatory processes have recently been proposed as a central factor in DD, limited information is currently available regarding the role of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to assess the mucosal TNF-α levels in DD. We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify observational studies assessing the TNF-α levels in DD. Full-text articles that satisfied our inclusion and exclusion criteria were included, and a quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The principal summary outcome was the mean difference (MD). The results were reported as MD (95% confidence interval (CI)). A total of 12 articles involving 883 subjects were included in the qualitative synthesis, out of which 6 studies were included in our quantitative synthesis. We did not observe statistical significance related to the mucosal TNF-α levels in symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) vs. the controls (0.517 (95% CI -1.148-2.182)), and symptomatic vs. asymptomatic DD patients (0.657 (95% CI -0.883-2.196)). However, the TNF-α levels were found to be significantly increased in DD compared to irritable bowel disease (IBS) patients (27.368 (95% CI 23.744-30.992)), and segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) vs. IBS patients (25.303 (95% CI 19.823-30.784)). Between SUDD and the controls, as well as symptomatic and asymptomatic DD, there were no significant differences in the mucosal TNF-α levels. However, the TNF-α levels were considerably higher in DD and SCAD patients than IBS patients. Our findings suggest that TNF-α may play a key role in the pathogenesis of DD in specific subgroups and could potentially be a target for future therapies.

Hemogram-Derived Ratios in the Prognosis of Acute Diverticulitis.

Background and Objectives: It is crucial to quickly identify those patients who need immediate treatment in order to avoid the various complications related to acute diverticulitis (AD). Although several studies evaluated the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) suggesting its predictive value in assessing the severity of AD, results have been inconclusive. Therefore, we aimed to assess the relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and systemic immune inflammation (SII) with the severity of AD, the ability to predict the presence or absence of complications, and the recurrence rate, based on the values of inflammatory markers. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 147 patients diagnosed with AD between January 2012 to February 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups, uncomplicated and complicated AD. The characteristics and full blood count between both groups were compared. Results: A total of 65 (44.22%) patients were classified as having complicated AD. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) defining a Hinchey score ≥ 1b was as follows: SII, 0.812 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.73 -0.888); NLR, 0.773 (95% CI, 0.676-0.857); PLR, 0.725 (95% CI, 0.63-0.813); MLR: 0.665 (95% CI, 0.542 -0.777). An SII cutoff value of > 1200 marked the highest yield for diagnosing complicated AD, with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 76%. The cumulative recurrence rate was not significantly different in the groups of SII ≥ median vs. SII < median (p = 0.35), NLR ≥ median vs. NLR < median (p = 0.347), PLR ≥ median vs. PLR < median (p = 0.597), and MLR ≥ median vs. MLR < median (p = 0.651). Conclusions: Our study indicates that SII, NLR, and PLR are statistically significant and clinically useful classifying ratios to predict higher Hinchey scores. However, they cannot predict recurrences.

MicroRNAs: Potential Biomarkers of Disease Severity in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps.

Background and Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRwNP) has multiple clinical presentations, and predictors of successful treatment are correlated to different parameters. Differentially expressed microRNAs in nasal polyps emerge as possible facilitators of precise endotyping in this disease. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between the clinical parameters of CRSwNP and two different microRNAs. Materials and Methods: The expression of miR-125b and miR-203a-3p in nasal polyps (n = 86) and normal nasal mucosa (n = 20) was determined through microarray analysis. Preoperative workup included CT scan, nasal endoscopy, blood tests, symptoms and depression questionnaires. Results: MiR-125b showed significant overexpression in NP compared to the normal nasal mucosa. miR-125b expression levels were positively and significantly correlated with blood eosinophilia (p = 0.018) and nasal endoscopy score (p = 0.021). Although high CT scores were related to miR-125b overexpression, the correlation did not reach statistical significance. miR-203a-3p was underexpressed in nasal polyps and was significantly underexpressed in CRSwNP patients with environmental allergies. Conclusions: Both miR-125b and miR-203a-3p are potential biomarkers in CRSwNP. miR-125b also correlates with the clinical picture, while miR-203a-3p could help identify an associated allergy.

Caries Lesion Assessment Using 3D Virtual Models by Examiners with Different Degrees of Clinical Experience.

Background and Objectives: Dental caries is a preventable, reversible disease in its early stages. This study evaluated the intra-rater agreement of International Caries Assessment and Detection System (ICDAS) scores with Medit i500® and Omnicam® scanners versus traditional clinical examinations and the inter-rater agreement using the Omnicam® among senior dentists and dental students and between these two groups. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 patients aged between 21 and 34 years, randomly selected from dental students and interns, underwent four examinations (three intraoral scans and one clinical examination), and the corresponding ICDAS scores were recorded by a randomly selected rater out of the 31 available examiners. The examination team consisted of dental students, dentists with less than 3 years, and dentists with more than 5 years of clinical experience. The following inter- and intra-rater agreement tests for the ordinal data were chosen: Fleiss' kappa coefficient, Cohen's weighted kappa, and inter-class correlations. Results: For all examination techniques, there was statistically significant agreement for the experienced raters (p < 0.05). The highest positive interclass correlation was obtained for inter-rater agreement tests of 288 observations recorded by senior dentists: ICC = 0.969 (95% CI 0.949-0.981). Conclusions: Intra-rater reliability was excellent for Omnicam compared to clinical exams conducted by senior dentists but moderate for Medit i500. Although inter-rater agreement using Omnicam was poor between students and between senior dentists and students, it was excellent among senior dentists.

Intravascular ultrasound insights into the unstable features of the coronary atherosclerotic plaques: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of a comprehensive picture of plaque geometry and composition of unstable atherosclerotic lesions as observed with intravascular ultrasound techniques. We analysed through a systematic review with meta-analysis 39 characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in three scenarios involving culprit and non-culprit lesions from acute coronary syndromes vs stable angina pectoris patients, and culprit vs non-culprit lesions in acute coronary syndromes patients. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE, from inception to April 2020 was performed. The combined odds ratios or mean differences of all IVUS characteristics were calculated with random-effects models. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies involving 5434 subjects, and 5618 lesions were included. Culprit lesions in acute coronary syndromes have larger plaque areas and remodeling indexes (MD = 0.13 [0.08; 0.17], p < 0.001) and contained larger necrotic cores (MD = 0.67 (95% CI 0.19;1.15), p = 0.006) that stable angina culprit lesions. In acute patients, culprit plaques were also more remodeled, had larger necrotic cores and had more frequently a Thin-Cap Fibroatheroma morphology (OR = 1.79 (95% CI 1.21; 2.65), p = 0.004) than non-culprit lesions. Non-culprit lesions in acute syndromes were more often ruptured (OR = 2.25 (95% CI:1.05; 4.82), p = 0.037) or Thin-Cap Fibroatheromas than in stable angina. CONCLUSION: Culprit lesions from acute coronary patients are larger, more positively remodeled and contained more lipids as compared to stable angina lesions or non-culprit in acute patients. Non culprit lesions are also more often complicated or vulnerable in acute than stable patients.

Automated Chicago Classification for Esophageal Motility Disorder Diagnosis Using Machine Learning.

The goal of this paper is to provide a Machine Learning-based solution that can be utilized to automate the Chicago Classification algorithm, the state-of-the-art scheme for esophageal motility disease identification. First, the photos were preprocessed by locating the area of interest-the precise instant of swallowing. After resizing and rescaling the photos, they were utilized as input for the Deep Learning models. The InceptionV3 Deep Learning model was used to identify the precise class of the IRP. We used the DenseNet201 CNN architecture to classify the images into 5 different classes of swallowing disorders. Finally, we combined the results of the two trained ML models to automate the Chicago Classification algorithm. With this solution we obtained a top-1 accuracy and f1-score of 86% with no human intervention, automating the whole flow, from image preprocessing until Chicago classification and diagnosis.

Inflammation, Tumoral Markers and Interleukin-17, -10, and -6 Profiles in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma and Chronic Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin profiles can be used as biochemical markers regarding the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. AIMS: To assess CRP, CA 19-9, CEA levels, and interleukin-6, -10, and -17 profiles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, chronic pancreatitis was compared with a control group, and the correlation with pancreatic cancer survival. METHODS: A total of 87 patients were prospective divided in pancreatic cancer (n = 53), chronic pancreatitis (n = 22) ,and control group (n = 12). The diagnosis of PDAC was made histologically. The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis was based on medical history, imaging methods, and endoscopic ultrasound. Systemic concentrations of interleukins were measured using ELISA kits. The patients were followed at 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: CRP, CA 19-9, and CEA were higher in the pancreatic cancer group (p < 0.001). Interleukin-10 was significantly higher in the pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis groups (p < 0.001). Interleukin-17 was statistically higher in the pancreatic cancer group (p < 0.0001). The cut-off of interleukin-17 of 0.273 had a sensitivity of 90.9 and a specificity of 80.9 with a curve under ROC of 0.80 in order to differentiate between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. The serum levels of interleukins are not correlated with the stage of the disease. CRP, CA 19-9, CEA, and interleukin-6, -10, and -17 were lower in patients with survival more than 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: We detected high levels of interleukin-6, -10, and -17 in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Serum interleukin-17 levels can discriminate between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. The prognostic role of interleukins needs to be established.

Continuous Intravenous Administration of Granulocyte-Colony-Stimulating Factors-A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Cancer Patients with Febrile Neutropenia.

(1) Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) remains one of the most challenging problems in medical oncology and is a very severe side effect of chemotherapy. Its late consequences, when it is recurrent or of a severe grade, are dose reduction and therapy delays. Current guidelines allow the administration of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) for profound FN (except for the case when a pegylated form of G-CSF is administrated with prophylactic intention) in addition to antibiotics and supportive care. (2) Methods: This is a prospective study that included 96 patients with confirmed malignancy, treated with chemotherapy, who developed FN during their oncological therapy, and were hospitalized. They received standard treatment plus a dose of G-CSF of 16 µg/Kg/day IV continuous infusion. (3) Results: The gender distribution was almost symmetrical: Male patients made up 48.96% and 51.04% were female patients, with no significance on recovery from FN (p = 1.00). The patients who received prophylactic G-CSF made up 20.21%, but this was not a predictive or prognostic factor for the recovery time from aplasia (p = 0.34). The median chemotherapy line where patients with FN were included was two and the number of previous chemotherapy cycles before FN was three. The median serological number of neutrophils (PMN) was 450/mm3 and leucocytes (WBC) 1875/mm3 at the time of FN. Ten patients possess PMN less than 100/mm3. The median time to recovery was 25.5 h for 96 included patients, with one failure in which the patient possessed grade 5 FN. Predictive factors for shorter recovery time were lower levels of C reactive protein (p < 0.001) and procalcitonin (p = 0.002) upon hospital admission and higher WBC (p = 0.006) and PMN (p < 0.001) at the time of the provoking cycle of chemotherapy for FN. The best chance for a shorter duration of FN was a short history of chemotherapy regarding the number of cycles) (p < 0.0001). (4) Conclusions: Continuous IV administration of G-CSF could be an alternative salvage treatment for patients with profound febrile neutropenia, with a very fast recovery time for neutrophiles.

Hypersensitivity reactions to platinum derivatives: findings of new predictive markers.

PURPOSE: Platinum derivatives play a very important role in cancer therapy. Despite their outstanding results in the treatment of tumors with different locations, the occurrence of hypersensitivity reactions raises issues when it comes to therapy decision, because the changing of chemotherapy line could influence the tumor's evolution. Over the years the scientific community has paid particular attention to the mechanism by which this occurs and to identification of predictive factors. The purpose of this case-control, retrospective study was to find new predictive markers for the occurrence of allergic reactions to platinum derivatives. METHODS: We identified 59 cases of allergic reactions to platinum derivatives in the Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta" from Cluj-Napoca city in 2013. Blood tests data were analyzed before the administration of the cycle on which the allergic reaction occurred, along with the mandatory analyses for the patients and we focused on the values of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. RESULTS: When these values were compared with the values of the control group (,which was made at a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3, matched for age, tumor location and chemotherapy cycle) we found that each increase of lymphocytes or doses of platinum and each drop in monocytes number increased the risk for allergic reactions to occur. CONCLUSION: These findings are of a great value for the physicians and represent a starting point for more detailed studies.

Impact of assessing the emotional health status in the management of cancer patients.

Background and aims: This study explores the impact of emotional health on cancer patients, acknowledging the controversies and lack of high-quality data in the field, particularly for rare cancers and younger patients. It highlights the significant prevalence of depression and anxiety among cancer patients, the inadequacies in addressing mental health during and after treatment, and the inconsistencies in prevalence rates due to varying study methodologies. This study unravels the importance of data regarding mental health status in a clinical dataset to accompany the biological sample to be included in a biobank. Methods: The study utilized a questionnaire to evaluate the opinions of cancer patients, clinicians, and researchers regarding the inclusion of mental health data in clinical datasets accompanying biological samples in biobanks. The study involved 120 participants (40 from each group), and the data were analyzed using statistical methods. Results: The study found significant differences in the perceived importance of including mental health information among the three groups. Patients showed a higher tendency (87.9%) to consider mental health questions relevant compared to researchers (72.08%) and clinicians (62.08%). The first four questions regarding emotional well-being received the highest positive responses, particularly from patients (94.3%). The findings underline the importance of addressing the mental health of cancer patients, which is often overlooked. The study emphasizes the necessity for integrating mental health data in biobanks and increasing psychological support for cancer patients. Conclusions: There are clear differences in how patients, researchers, and clinicians value emotional and psychological aspects. The study underscores the need for better education on modern medical practices and the benefits of comprehensive patient care, including mental health considerations.

The predictive risk factors associated with non-dipper profile in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Background and aims: The non-dipper status represented by blood pressure reduction by less than 10 percent during sleep is present in about 50 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension, a pattern associated with more frequent cardiovascular complications and reserved prognosis. This study analyzed the predictive risk factors associated with the different dipper profiles, especially with the nocturnal pattern, following the mean arterial pressure (MAP), the mean heart rate (MHR), and the mean pulse pressure (MPP) in patients with T2D and hypertension, established by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Method: 166 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension were included in a cross-sectional study, and they underwent 24-hour ABPM. We excluded patients with secondary hypertension, acute coronary disease and heart failure, with oncologic or endocrine disease. The simple and multiple linear regression models were performed predicting 24-hour, day and night MAP, MHR, and MPP according to various predictors, using software R version 4.3.1. Results: There were 80 non-dippers (48.20%), 57 dippers (34.34%), 22 reverse-dippers (13.25%) and seven extreme-dippers (4.21%). A statistically significant association was observed between MAP 24-hour and total cholesterol (TC) (higher TC values were associated with higher MAP /24 h values): adjusted coefficient B of the regression slope: 0.09, 95% confidence interval CI (0.04-0.15), p=0.003. In the multivariate analysis: adjusted B: 8.64, 95% CI (-14.67-2.61), p=0.006, beta-blockers reached the threshold of statistical significance in relation to MHR/24 h, their presence decreasing the heart rate. PP/24 hours was associated in the multivariate analysis with age: adjusted B: 0.45, 95% CI (0.05-0.85), p=0.28; abdominal circumference: 0.26, 95% CI (0.03-0.49), p=0.028, and total cholesterol: 0.1, 95% CI (0.02-0.17), p=0.013. Diabetic nephropathy was statistically significantly associated with PP/24 h: adjusted B: 10.19, 95% CI (1.24-19.14), p=0.027. Conclusions: High cholesterol was associated with higher values of MAP and PP. Beta-blocker treatment lowered non-dipper MHR. Age and AC were correlated with increased PP values. These are predictive risk factors associated with the status of non-dippers established by ABPM, and they represent a veritable link to the non-dipper pattern in patients with T2D and hypertension.

Topical NSAIDs impact on macular oedema and visual outcome after phacoemulsification: systematic review of RCTs with network meta-analysis.

The aim of this Network Meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of the different topical Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) when added or not to topical steroids in preventing the thickening of the macula and their impact on visual acuity and intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification. Five electronic databases were searched, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Our primary outcome was one-month post-surgery visual outcome. We also considered change in Foveal thickness (FT) and Intraocular pressure (IOP) at one-month post-surgery. We summarized our analyses by calculating the mean differences (MD) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) using restricted maximum likelihood in random effects models for continuous outcomes. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with Cochrane Collaboration's tool. The network meta-analysis was conducted using frequentist approach considering Nepafenac 0.1% as a reference medication. Eleven Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 2175 subjects were selected for quantitative analysis. At one-month post-surgery, Bromfenac had statistically significant better visual acuity compared to Nepafenac 0.1% (p < 0.001), regarding FT, Nepafenac 0.3% had the least increase in FT compared to Nepafenac 0.1% (p = 0.09), regarding IOP, Diclofenac had the lowest IOP. No significant results regarding FT and IOP. Interestingly Ketorolac had the worst results regarding BCVA and IOP, and came last but one for FT. Overall, our network meta-analysis demonstrated that Bromfenac was associated with a significant improvement in visual acuity compared to Nepafenac 0.1% at one-month following cataract surgery, while Nepafenac 0.3% was associated with the least increase in foveal thickness.

MicroRNA-125b Is a Potential Predictor of Surgical Outcomes in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in surgical techniques, recurrence rates after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remain high and difficult to predict. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of microRNA 125b (miR-125b) in predicting disease evolution following ESS. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study including patients undergoing first ESS for CRSwNP in our department between January 2020 and November 2021. We determined miR-125b levels from nasal polyps and pursued a standardized follow-up for at least 18 months for each patient. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients were included in the study. Higher postoperative endoscopy scores were associated with more severe disease at presentation on computed tomography scan, presence of concomitant asthma, and higher values of miR-125b. Even after multivariate repeated measures analysis and adjustments for confounders, miR-125b remained statistically significant. Moreover, miR-125 was the most important factor in predicting disease evolution at 18 months. CONCLUSION: A clear, robust relation between nasal polyp control evaluated through objective measures and miR-125b values was observed. This finding indicates the potential role of miR-125b in predicting the course of the disease following ESS.

Are adipokines related to COVID-19 and its severity? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The relationship between several adipokines and COVID-19 severity has lately been evaluated, results being inconclusive. Therefore, we aimed to assess the association between adipokines in COVID-19 and its severity. Methods: A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase using predefined keywords. The Newcastle of Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for the quality assessment of included studies. The main summary outcome was the mean difference (MD) in adipokine levels. Results: A total of 8 studies involving 473 individuals were included. A significant MD in serum adiponectin levels was demonstrated in mild vs. severe COVID-19 patients (-5.734 [95% CI -11.215 - -0.252]), with no significant MD in mild vs. moderate (-7.117 [95% CI -19.546 - 5.313]), or moderate vs. severe COVID-19 (-1.846 [95% CI -4.516 - 0.824]). Moreover, no significant MD was found in adiponectin and leptin levels when comparing COVID-19 patients vs. controls (-12.675 [95% CI -36.159 - 10.808]) and (8.034 [95% CI -10.403 - 26.471]), respectively. Conclusion: Adiponectin levels were significantly increased in patients with severe compared to mild COVID-19. However, no significant MD was found in adiponectin levels in mild vs. moderate and moderate vs. severe COVID-19 patients, nor in adiponectin and leptin levels in COVID-19 patients vs. controls.

The Role of Adipokines in Chronic Pancreatitis. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adipokines are among the biomarkers that have been studied in chronic pancreatitis (CP), as well as in pancreatic cancer (PC). So far, the existing findings are contradictory and inconclusive. Therefore, we assessed the levels of three major adipokines in CP in comparison to controls and PC, adiponectin, leptin, and resistin. METHODS: A systematic electronic search was carried out in November 2022 using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, reviewing observational studies. By using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, the included studies' quality was evaluated (NOS). In the examination of the estimated overall effect size, we employed the random-effects model in conjunction with the mean difference (MD) analysis. The MD with 95% confidence interval (CI) served as the primary summary outcome. RESULTS: Our systematic review included a total of 14 studies, out of which nine were considered in our meta-analysis. A significant MD related to leptin levels in CP patients vs. controls (-1.299, 95%CI: -2.493 - -0.105), resistin levels in CP patients vs. controls (8.356, 95%CI: 3.700-13.012), and adiponectin levels in PC patients vs. controls (11.240, 95%CI: 5.872-16.60) was reported. However, no significant MD was reported in leptin levels between CP vs. PC patients (-0.936, 95%CI: -3.325-1.454), as well as adiponectin levels in CP patients vs. controls (0.422. 95%CI -5.651-6.535]) and in CP vs. PC patients (-6.252, 95%CI -13.269-0.766). CONCLUSIONS: CP was significantly associated with decreased leptin levels and increased resistin levels. Furthermore, increased levels of adiponectin are associated with PC. Yet, no significant MD was seen for leptin and adiponectin levels between CP and PC patients, and likewise for adiponectin levels between CP patients and controls. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the high heterogeneity between the included studies.

Long-term results of multimodal treatment of the prostate using the Thulium Laser.

Background and aims: To evaluate a novel multimodal treatment (TLP) that integrates the use of a thulium laser, bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and "button-type" bipolar plasma vaporization for the endoscopic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: From March 2018 to December 2021, we prospectively evaluated 220 patients with symptomatic BPH who underwent TLP. Patients were assessed based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine (PVR). Perioperative and postoperative follow-up data were analyzed. Results: The mean age at surgery was 66.74 years (SD 8.21). The median prostate size was 80 (IQR 70 - 110). The median operative time was 45 (IQR 35 - 55) minutes and the hospital stay was 2 (IQR 1 - 2) days. Patients were discharged with the urinary catheter in place, which was removed approximately 7 days after surgery when the histopathological result was discussed with the patient. Postoperatively, IPSS, QoL, Qmax and PVR showed a significant improvement starting at 3 months and continued through the postoperative follow-up visits (6-12-24-36-48-60 months). Urethral stricture and bladder neck contracture occurred in 1 (0.45%) and 2 (0.91%) patients, respectively. Recurrence of BPH occurred in 2 patients (0.91%) who underwent a second procedure. Conclusions: In conclusion, we report that the multimodal surgical treatment of BPH consisting of combining Thulium laser vaporization, bipolar TURP and plasma vaporization (TLP) represents an efficient and durable therapeutic method for BPH patients with low a complication rate at 5-year follow-up.

Mental Disorders, Social Media Addiction, and Academic Performance in Romanian Undergraduate Nursing Students.

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate social media addiction in Romanian undergraduate nursing students and its association with academic performance, depression, and anxiety. Methods: We used a cross-sectional online survey to collect data among nursing undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form (SMAS-SF), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to assess social media addiction, depression, and anxiety, respectively. Results: A total of 90 nursing students participated in the study, of which 82 (91.1%) were females and 81 (90%) were of Romanian ethnicity. The median age of participants was 21 years (18-40). Males showed higher BDI total scores, SMAS-SF total scores, and STAI scale A state anxiety compared to females, and females showed higher STAI scale A trait anxiety compared to males, although these results were not statistically significant. Also, we found no significant difference in these variables between participants from different study years. Participants with no or mild depression had a significantly higher academic performance (p-value = 0.001), lower SMAS-SF (p-value = 0.004), and lower STAI scores (p-value < 0.001) compared to participants with borderline, moderate, or severe depression after performing multivariate regression analysis. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that depression was significantly associated with social media addiction, anxiety, and lower academic performance in Romanian undergraduate nursing students.