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1.
BJOG ; 128(11): 1782-1791, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34246198

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare adnexectomy by vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) versus laparoscopy. DESIGN: Parallel group, 1:1 single-centre single-blinded randomised trial, designed as non-inferiority study with a margin of 15%. SETTING: Belgian teaching hospital. POPULATION: Non-pregnant non-virgin women with an intact uterus and without obliteration of the pouch of Douglas scheduled to undergo removal of an adnexal mass assessed to be benign on ultrasound by IOTA criteria. METHODS: Randomisation to laparoscopy (control group) or vNOTES (experimental group). Stratification according to adnexal size. Blinding of participants and outcome assessors by sham incisions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was adnexectomy by the allocated technique. Secondary outcomes included duration of surgery, pain scores and analgesics used, quality of life and adverse events. RESULTS: We randomly assigned 67 participants (34 to the vNOTES group and 33 to the laparoscopy group). The primary end point was always reached in both groups: there were no conversions. We performed a sensitivity analysis for the primary outcome, assuming one conversion in the vNOTES group and no conversions in the laparoscopy group: the one-sided 95% upper limit for the differences in proportions of conversion was estimated as 13%, which is below the predefined non-inferiority margin of 15%. The secondary outcomes demonstrated a shorter duration of surgery, lower pain scores, lower total dose of analgesics and a trend for more adverse events in the vNOTES group. CONCLUSIONS: vNOTES is non-inferior to laparoscopy for a successful adnexectomy without conversion. vNOTES allowed shorter operating times and less postoperative pain but there was a trend for more adverse events.


Subject(s)
Adnexa Uteri/surgery , Adnexal Diseases/surgery , Laparoscopy/methods , Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery/methods , Vagina/surgery , Adult , Female , Humans , Laparoscopy/adverse effects , Middle Aged , Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery/adverse effects , Operative Time , Pain, Postoperative/etiology , Treatment Outcome
2.
J Intellect Disabil Res ; 64(12): 956-969, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33034087

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ultrarare Marshall-Smith and Malan syndromes, caused by changes of the gene nuclear factor I X (NFIX), are characterised by intellectual disability (ID) and behavioural problems, although questions remain. Here, development and behaviour are studied and compared in a cross-sectional study, and results are presented with genetic findings. METHODS: Behavioural phenotypes are compared of eight individuals with Marshall-Smith syndrome (three male individuals) and seven with Malan syndrome (four male individuals). Long-term follow-up assessment of cognition and adaptive behaviour was possible in three individuals with Marshall-Smith syndrome. RESULTS: Marshall-Smith syndrome individuals have more severe ID, less adaptive behaviour, more impaired speech and less reciprocal interaction compared with individuals with Malan syndrome. Sensory processing difficulties occur in both syndromes. Follow-up measurement of cognition and adaptive behaviour in Marshall-Smith syndrome shows different individual learning curves over time. CONCLUSIONS: Results show significant between and within syndrome variability. Different NFIX variants underlie distinct clinical phenotypes leading to separate entities. Cognitive, adaptive and sensory impairments are common in both syndromes and increase the risk of challenging behaviour. This study highlights the value of considering behaviour within developmental and environmental context. To improve quality of life, adaptations to environment and treatment are suggested to create a better person-environment fit.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/epidemiology , Abnormalities, Multiple/physiopathology , Bone Diseases, Developmental/epidemiology , Bone Diseases, Developmental/physiopathology , Craniofacial Abnormalities/epidemiology , Craniofacial Abnormalities/physiopathology , Intellectual Disability/epidemiology , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Mental Disorders/epidemiology , Septo-Optic Dysplasia/epidemiology , Septo-Optic Dysplasia/physiopathology , Speech Disorders/epidemiology , Adaptation, Psychological , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Comorbidity , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Mental Disorders/physiopathology , Netherlands/epidemiology , Phenotype , Speech Disorders/physiopathology , Syndrome , Young Adult
3.
BJOG ; 126(1): 105-113, 2019 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30325565

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare hysterectomy by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) versus total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) as a day-care procedure. DESIGN: Parallel group, 1:1 randomised single-centre single-blinded trial, designed as a non-inferiority study with a margin of 15%. SETTING: Belgian teaching hospital. POPULATION: Women aged 18-70 years scheduled to undergo hysterectomy for benign indications. METHODS: Randomisation to TLH (control group) or vNOTES (experimental group). Stratification according to uterine volume. Blinding of participants and outcome assessors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was hysterectomy by the allocated technique. We measured the proportion of women leaving within 12 hours after hysterectomy and the length of hospital stay as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: We randomly assigned 70 women to vNOTES (n = 35) or TLH (n = 35). The primary endpoint was always reached in both groups: there were no conversions. We performed a sensitivity analysis for the primary outcome, assuming one conversion in the vNOTES group and no conversions in the TLH group: the one-sided 95% upper limit for the differences in proportions of conversion was estimated as 7.5%, which is below the predefined non-inferiority margin. More women left the hospital within 12 hours after surgery after vNOTES: 77 versus 43%, difference 34% (95% CI 13-56%), P = 0.007. The hospital stay was shorter after vNOTES: 0.8 versus 1.3 days, mean difference -0.5 days, (95% CI -0.98 to -0.02), P = 0.004. CONCLUSIONS: vNOTES is non-inferior to TLH for successfully performing hysterectomy without conversion. Compared with TLH, vNOTES may allow more women to be treated in a day-care setting. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: RCT: vNOTES is just as good as laparoscopy for successful hysterectomy without conversion but allows more day-care surgery.


Subject(s)
Hysterectomy/methods , Laparoscopy/methods , Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery/methods , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Hysterectomy/economics , Laparoscopy/economics , Length of Stay , Middle Aged , Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery/economics , Operative Time , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Patient Reported Outcome Measures , Single-Blind Method
4.
Ann Vasc Surg ; 60: 270-278.e2, 2019 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31077770

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Delirium in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) is associated with increased mortality. The main goal of this study was to investigate the association between delirium and mortality in patients undergoing major lower limb amputation for CLI. In addition, other risk factors associated with mortality were analyzed. METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted including all patients aged ≥70 years with CLI undergoing a major lower limb amputation between January 2014 and July 2017. Delirium was scored using the Delirium Observation Screening Score in combination with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Risk factors for mortality were analyzed by calculating hazard ratios using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: In total, 95 patients were included; of which, 29 (31%) patients developed a delirium during admission. Delirium was not associated with an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.84; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-1.73; P = 0.84). Variables independently associated with an increased risk of mortality were age (HR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.1), cardiac history (HR 3.3; 95% CI 1.8-6.1), current smoking (HR 2.9; 95% CI 1.6-5.5), preoperative anemia (HR 2.8; 95% CI 1.1-7.2), and living in a nursing home (HR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.4). CONCLUSION: Delirium was not associated with an increased mortality risk in elderly patients with CLI undergoing a major lower limb amputation. Factors related to an increased mortality risk were age, cardiac history, current smoking, preoperative anemia, and living in a nursing home.


Subject(s)
Amputation, Surgical/mortality , Delirium/mortality , Ischemia/surgery , Lower Extremity/blood supply , Peripheral Arterial Disease/surgery , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Amputation, Surgical/adverse effects , Critical Illness , Delirium/diagnosis , Delirium/psychology , Female , Humans , Incidence , Ischemia/diagnostic imaging , Ischemia/mortality , Ischemia/physiopathology , Male , Peripheral Arterial Disease/diagnostic imaging , Peripheral Arterial Disease/mortality , Peripheral Arterial Disease/physiopathology , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome
5.
Osteoarthritis Cartilage ; 26(1): 95-107, 2018 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29074298

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Human cohort studies have demonstrated a role for systemic metabolic dysfunction in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis in obese patients. To explore the mechanisms underlying this metabolic phenotype of OA, we examined cartilage degradation in the knees of mice from different genetic backgrounds in which a metabolic phenotype was established by various dietary approaches. DESIGN: Wild-type C57BL/6J mice and genetically modified mice (hCRP, LDLr-/-. Leiden and ApoE*3Leiden.CETP mice) based on C57BL/6J background were used to investigate the contribution of inflammation and altered lipoprotein handling on diet-induced cartilage degradation. High-caloric diets of different macronutrient composition (i.e., high-carbohydrate or high-fat) were given in regimens of varying duration to induce a metabolic phenotype with aggravated cartilage degradation relative to controls. RESULTS: Metabolic phenotypes were confirmed in all studies as mice developed obesity, hypercholesteremia, glucose intolerance and/or insulin resistance. Aggravated cartilage degradation was only observed in two out of the twelve experimental setups, specifically in long-term studies in male hCRP and female ApoE*3Leiden.CETP mice. C57BL/6J and LDLr-/-. Leiden mice did not develop HFD-induced OA under the conditions studied. Osteophyte formation and synovitis scores showed variable results between studies, but also between strains and gender. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term feeding of high-caloric diets consistently induced a metabolic phenotype in various C57BL/6J (-based) mouse strains. In contrast, the induction of articular cartilage degradation proved variable, which suggests that an additional trigger might be necessary to accelerate diet-induced OA progression. Gender and genetic modifications that result in a humanized pro-inflammatory state (human CRP) or lipoprotein metabolism (human-E3L.CETP) were identified as important contributing factors.


Subject(s)
Cartilage Diseases/etiology , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Metabolic Diseases/etiology , Osteoarthritis, Knee/etiology , Animals , Apolipoprotein E3/deficiency , Arthritis, Experimental/etiology , Arthritis, Experimental/pathology , Cartilage Diseases/pathology , Cartilage, Articular/pathology , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Male , Metabolic Diseases/pathology , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Inbred Strains , Obesity/complications , Obesity/physiopathology , Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology , Stifle/pathology
6.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 19(11): 7607-7616, 2017 Mar 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28252119

ABSTRACT

In this study accelerated ageing testing (AAT), J-V characterization and TEM imaging in combination with phase diagram data from literature are used to assess the potential of Ti, Ni, Pd and Pt as diffusion barriers for Au/Cu-based metallization of III-V solar cells. Ni barriers show the largest potential as at an AAT temperature of 250 °C both cells with 10 and 100 nm thick Ni barriers show significantly better performance compared to Au/Cu cells, with the cells with 10 nm Ni barriers even showing virtually no degradation after 7.5 days at 250 °C (equivalent to 10 years at 100 °C at an Ea of 0.70 eV). Detailed investigation shows that Ni does not act as a barrier in the classical sense, i.e. preventing diffusion of Cu and Au across the barrier. Instead Ni modifies or slows down the interactions taking place during device degradation and thus effectively acts as an 'interaction' barrier. Different interactions occur at temperatures below and above 250 °C and for thin (10 nm) and thick (100 nm) barriers. The results of this study indicate that 10-100 nm thick Ni intermediate layers in the Cu/Au based metallization of III-V solar cells may be beneficial to improve the device stability upon exposure to elevated temperatures.

7.
Int J Obes (Lond) ; 40(4): 675-84, 2016 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26499443

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with abdominal obesity. Growing evidence suggests that inflammation in specific depots of white adipose tissue (WAT) has a key role in NAFLD progression, but experimental evidence for a causal role of WAT is lacking. METHODS: A time-course study in C57BL/6J mice was performed to establish which WAT depot is most susceptible to develop inflammation during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Crown-like structures (CLS) were quantified in epididymal (eWAT), mesenteric (mWAT) and inguinal/subcutaneous (iWAT) WAT. The contribution of inflamed WAT to NAFLD progression was investigated by surgical removal of a selected WAT depot and compared with sham surgery. Plasma markers were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cytokines/adipokines) and lipidomics (lipids). RESULTS: In eWAT, CLS were formed already after 12 weeks of HFD, which coincided with maximal adipocyte size and fat depot mass, and preceded establishment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By contrast, the number of CLS were low in mWAT and iWAT. Removal of inflamed eWAT after 12 weeks (eWATx group), followed by another 12 weeks of HFD feeding, resulted in significantly reduced NASH in eWATx. Inflammatory cell aggregates (-40%; P<0.05) and inflammatory genes (e.g., TNFα, -37%; P<0.05) were attenuated in livers of eWATx mice, whereas steatosis was not affected. Concomitantly, plasma concentrations of circulating proinflammatory mediators, viz. leptin and specific saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, were also reduced in the eWATx group. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention in NAFLD progression by removal of inflamed eWAT attenuates the development of NASH and reduces plasma levels of specific inflammatory mediators (cytokines and lipids). These data support the hypothesis that eWAT is causally involved in the pathogenesis of NASH.


Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue, White/pathology , Adipose Tissue, White/surgery , Liver/pathology , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/pathology , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/prevention & control , Obesity/pathology , Animals , Diet, High-Fat , Disease Models, Animal , Disease Progression , Inflammation/pathology , Inflammation/surgery , Liver/metabolism , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/complications , Obesity/complications
8.
Int J Obes (Lond) ; 40(9): 1416-23, 2016 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27121255

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a serious liver condition, closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Recent studies have suggested an important role for inflammasome/caspase-1 in the development of NASH, but the potential therapeutic value of caspase-1 inhibition remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of caspase-1 inhibition in the ongoing disease process, to mimic the clinical setting. SUBJECTS/METHODS: To investigate effects of caspase-1 inhibition under therapeutic conditions, male LDLR-/-.Leiden mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 9 weeks to induce a pre-diabetic state before start of treatment. Mice were then continued on HFD for another 12 weeks, without (HFD) or with (HFD-YVAD) treatment with the caspase-1 inhibitor Ac-YVAD-cmk (40 mg kg(-1) per day). RESULTS: Nine weeks of HFD feeding resulted in an obese phenotype, with obesity-associated hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Treatment with Ac-YVAD-cmk did not affect further body weight gain or dyslipidemia, but did attenuate further progression of insulin resistance. Histopathological analysis of livers clearly demonstrated prevention of NASH development in HFD-YVAD mice: livers were less steatotic and neutrophil infiltration was strongly reduced. In addition, caspase-1 inhibition had a profound effect on hepatic fibrosis, as assessed by histological quantification of collagen staining and gene expression analysis of fibrosis-associated genes Col1a1, Acta2 and Tnfa. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention with a caspase-1 inhibitor attenuated the development of NASH, liver fibrosis and insulin resistance. Our data support the importance of inflammasome/caspase-1 in the development of NASH and demonstrate that therapeutic intervention in the already ongoing disease process is feasible.


Subject(s)
Hyperinsulinism/drug therapy , Insulin Resistance , Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/drug therapy , Serpins/therapeutic use , Viral Proteins/therapeutic use , Animals , Diet, High-Fat , Disease Models, Animal , Dyslipidemias/complications , Dyslipidemias/etiology , Dyslipidemias/metabolism , Hyperinsulinism/complications , Hyperinsulinism/pathology , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/complications , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/pathology , Obesity/complications , Obesity/etiology , Obesity/metabolism , Serpins/pharmacology , Viral Proteins/pharmacology
9.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 18(15): 10232-40, 2016 Apr 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27020800

ABSTRACT

Substrate-based GaAs solar cells having a dense Au/Cu front contact grid with 45% surface coverage were exposed to accelerated life testing at temperatures between 200 and 300 °C. TEM analysis of the front contacts was used to gain a better understanding of the degradation process. During accelerated life testing at 200 °C only intermixing of the Au and Cu in the front contact occurs, without any significant influence on the J-V curve of the cells, even after 1320 h (55 days) of accelerated life testing. At temperatures ≥250 °C a recrystallization process occurs in which the metals of the contact and the GaAs front contact layer interact. Once the grainy recrystallized layer starts to approach the window, diffusion via grain boundaries to the window and into the active region of the solar cells occurs, causing a decrease in Voc due to enhanced non-radiative recombination via Cu trap levels introduced in the active region of the solar cell. To be a valid simulation of space conditions the accelerated life testing temperature should be <250 °C in future experiments, in order to avoid recrystallization of the metals with the GaAs contact layer.

10.
HIV Med ; 16(2): 122-31, 2015 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25472825

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to test the antiviral efficacy of a triple nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) regimen, with potential beneficial metabolic effects, as maintenance therapy after induction with dual NRTIs and a boosted protease inhibitor (PI). METHODS: An open-label, noninferiority study was carried out. Antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve patients with CD4 count ≤ 350 cells/µL and HIV-1 RNA >30000 copies/mL (n=207) were treated with zidovudine/lamivudine and lopinavir/ritonavir. After achieving HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL on two consecutive occasions between weeks 12 and 24 after baseline, 120 patients (baseline: median HIV-1 RNA 5.19 log10 copies/mL; median CD4 count 180 cells/µL) were randomized to receive abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine (ABC/3TC/ZDV) (n=61) or to continue the PI-based ART (n=59). RESULTS: For the proportions of patients (intention-to-treat; missing=failure) with HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL (PI group, 66%; ABC/3TC/ZDV group, 71%) and <50 copies/mL (PI group, 63%; ABC/3TC/ZDV group, 62%) at 96 weeks, switching to ABC/3TC/ZDV was noninferior compared with continuing the PI regimen; the difference in failure rate (ABC/3TC/ZDV minus PI) was -4.4 percentage points [95% confidence interval (CI) -21.0 to +12.3 percentage points] and +0.4 percentage points (95% CI -16.9 to +17.7 percentage points), respectively. In the per protocol analysis, the difference in virological failure for HIV-1 RNA >400 copies/mL (0 of 39 patients in the PI group and two of 45 patients in the NRTI group) and for HIV-1 RNA >50 copies/mL (two of 39 and three of 45 patients, respectively) was +4.4 percentage points (95% CI -2.1 to +11.0 percentage points) and +1.5 percentage points (95% CI -8.6 to +11.7 percentage points), respectively, also showing noninferiority. Serum lipids significantly improved in the NRTI group, but not in the PI arm. CONCLUSIONS: A single-class NRTI regimen after successful induction with standard ART had similar antiviral efficacy compared to continuation of a PI-based regimen at 96 weeks after baseline, with improved serum lipids.


Subject(s)
Anti-HIV Agents/administration & dosage , Dideoxynucleosides/administration & dosage , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Lamivudine/administration & dosage , Zidovudine/administration & dosage , Adult , Aged , Belgium/epidemiology , CD4 Lymphocyte Count , Clinical Protocols , Disease Progression , Drug Administration Schedule , Drug Combinations , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , HIV Infections/immunology , HIV Protease Inhibitors , HIV-1/immunology , Humans , Lipids , Male , Middle Aged , Netherlands/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , RNA, Viral/drug effects , Treatment Outcome , Viral Load
11.
Antimicrob Resist Infect Control ; 13(1): 102, 2024 Sep 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39267161

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence, trends, and potential nosocomial transmission events of the hidden reservoir of rectal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E). METHODS: From 2013 to 2022, yearly point prevalence surveys were conducted in a large Dutch teaching hospital. On the day of the survey, all admitted patients were screened for ESBL-E rectal carriage using peri-anal swabs and a consistent and sensitive selective culturing method. All Enterobacterales phenotypically suspected of ESBL production were analysed using whole genome sequencing for ESBL gene detection and clonal relatedness analysis. RESULTS: On average, the ESBL-E prevalence was 4.6% (188/4,119 patients), ranging from 2.1 to 6.6% per year. The ESBL-prevalence decreased on average 5.5% per year. After time trend correction, the prevalence in 2016 and 2020 was lower compared to the other year. Among the ESBL-E, Escherichia coli (80%) and CTX-M genes (85%) predominated. Potential nosocomial transmission events could be found in 5.9% (11/188) of the ESBL-E carriers. CONCLUSIONS: The ESBL-E rectal carriage prevalence among hospitalized patients was 4.6% with a downward trend from 2013 to 2022. The decrease in ESBL-E prevalence in 2020 could have been due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent countrywide measures as no nosocomial transmission events were detected in 2020. However, the persistently low ESBL-E prevalences in 2021 and 2022 suggest that the decline in ESBL-E prevalence goes beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that overall ESBL-E carriage rates are declining over time. Continuous monitoring of ESBL-E prevalence and transmission rates can aid infection control policy to keep antibiotic resistance rates in hospitals low.


Subject(s)
Carrier State , Cross Infection , Enterobacteriaceae Infections , Enterobacteriaceae , Hospitals, Teaching , Whole Genome Sequencing , beta-Lactamases , Humans , beta-Lactamases/genetics , Netherlands/epidemiology , Prevalence , Enterobacteriaceae Infections/epidemiology , Enterobacteriaceae Infections/microbiology , Enterobacteriaceae Infections/transmission , Carrier State/epidemiology , Carrier State/microbiology , Male , Female , Enterobacteriaceae/genetics , Enterobacteriaceae/drug effects , Enterobacteriaceae/enzymology , Aged , Cross Infection/epidemiology , Cross Infection/microbiology , Middle Aged , Adult , Rectum/microbiology , Aged, 80 and over , Young Adult
13.
Prenat Diagn ; 33(13): 1264-71, 2013 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24114986

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to examine the intra-operator and inter-operator differences of the manual and semiautomated nuchal translucency (NT) measurements and to evaluate if these differences alter women's risk status. METHODS: A cross sectional study was performed. Two operators obtained manual and semiautomated NT measurements of 153 NT images. The maximal acceptable difference in NT measurements within and between operators was 0.15 mm. Intra and inter-operator differences were analyzed by the paired Student's t-test and homogeneity of variances by the Levene's test. Intra-operator and inter-operator agreement were quantified with Bland and Altman's limits of agreement, and changes in women's risk status were tested with the binomial test. RESULTS: Intra-operator agreement was high for each of the measurement methods. Operator 1 had lower SDS for manual measurements. Conversely, operator 2 had lower SDS of the differences for semiautomated measurements, although the SD never reached the same level as operator 1. Inter-operator agreement was highest for the semiautomated measurements. Changes in risk status occurred between the manual and inner-middle method resulting in different clinical policies in up to 1 out of 20 cases. CONCLUSION: Well-trained operators do not seem to benefit from the use of the semiautomated measurement methods.


Subject(s)
Nuchal Translucency Measurement/methods , Nuchal Translucency Measurement/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Crown-Rump Length , Down Syndrome/diagnostic imaging , Down Syndrome/epidemiology , Electronic Data Processing/methods , Electronic Data Processing/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Nuchal Translucency Measurement/standards , Observer Variation , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, First , Risk
14.
J Econ Entomol ; 106(2): 1071-4, 2013 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23786103

ABSTRACT

A no-choice test was performed to determine survival and reproductive capacity of stored-product insect pests on pecan, Carya illinoensis (Wangenheim) Koch. Insects used were Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae); sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Cucujidae); red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae); lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae); and rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae). Fifty adults of each beetle species or 10 reproductive pairs of P. interpunctella adults were placed in 0.5-liter containers with either whole-shell pecans, cracked-shell pecans, randomly selected in-shell pecans, pecan nutmeats, cracked wheat, or glass beads and held at 28 degrees C, 60-70% relative humidity, and 16:8 (L:D) photoperiod for 2, 4, 6, and 8 wk. Four replications of each insect-diet-interval combination were performed. Larvae of P. interpunctella, O. surinamensis, T. castaneum, C. ferrugineus, and adult P. interpunctella and O. surinamensis developed on cracked and nutmeat pecan diets. R. dominica did not complete reproduction on pecans. Knowledge that these pests can reproduce on stored pecan will assist pecan growers, accumulators, and storage facilities in preventing insect outbreaks on their product.


Subject(s)
Carya/physiology , Coleoptera/physiology , Moths/physiology , Animals , Feeding Behavior , Nuts/physiology , Reproduction , Time Factors
15.
JBJS Rev ; 10(10)2022 10 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36326720

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A radiographic fat pad sign after an elbow injury in children may indicate an occult fracture. Different incidences and locations of occult fractures have been reported. The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the overall rate of occult fractures in children with a positive fat pad sign from the data of original studies. Secondary objectives were to assess the fracture types and to identify risk factors for sustaining an occult fracture. METHODS: A systematic literature search of the Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies on pediatric populations with a positive fat pad sign identified using a lateral elbow radiograph and with follow-up imaging were included in this meta-analysis. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias with use of the MINORS (Methodological Index for NOn-Randomized Studies) instrument. RESULTS: Ten studies with a total of 250 patients, of whom 104 had an occult fracture, were included. Accounting for heterogeneity between the studies, the overall occult fracture rate was 44.6% (95% confidence interval: 30.4% to 59.7%). The most common fracture locations were the supracondylar humerus (43%), proximal ulna (19%), proximal radius (17%), and lateral humeral condyle (14%). Definitions of a positive pad fad sign were not uniform among studies, and the follow-up imaging modality also varied (radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography). The average MINORS score was 10.1 for the 7 noncomparative studies and 18.7 for the 3 comparative studies, with both averages classified as moderate quality. We were not able to identify risk factors for an occult fracture in the presence of a positive fat pad sign. CONCLUSIONS: The occult fracture rate was 44.6% in pediatric elbow injuries with a positive fat pad sign. Supracondylar humeral fractures were the most frequently encountered type. The findings of this meta-analysis underline the potential clinical relevance of a positive fat pad sign in children and denote the opportunity for future studies to create evidence-based guidelines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.


Subject(s)
Elbow Injuries , Elbow Joint , Fractures, Closed , Humeral Fractures , Humans , Child , Fractures, Closed/diagnosis , Fractures, Closed/pathology , Elbow/diagnostic imaging , Elbow Joint/diagnostic imaging , Humeral Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Adipose Tissue
16.
Front Pharmacol ; 13: 991072, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36386177

ABSTRACT

Airway cholinergic nerves play a key role in airway physiology and disease. In asthma and other diseases of the respiratory tract, airway cholinergic neurons undergo plasticity and contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness and mucus secretion. We currently lack human in vitro models for airway cholinergic neurons. Here, we aimed to develop a human in vitro model for peripheral cholinergic neurons using human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology. hPSCs were differentiated towards vagal neural crest precursors and subsequently directed towards functional airway cholinergic neurons using the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Cholinergic neurons were characterized by ChAT and VAChT expression, and responded to chemical stimulation with changes in Ca2+ mobilization. To culture these cells, allowing axonal separation from the neuronal cell bodies, a two-compartment PDMS microfluidic chip was subsequently fabricated. The two compartments were connected via microchannels to enable axonal outgrowth. On-chip cell culture did not compromise phenotypical characteristics of the cells compared to standard culture plates. When the hPSC-derived peripheral cholinergic neurons were cultured in the chip, axonal outgrowth was visible, while the somal bodies of the neurons were confined to their compartment. Neurons formed contacts with airway smooth muscle cells cultured in the axonal compartment. The microfluidic chip developed in this study represents a human in vitro platform to model neuro-effector interactions in the airways that may be used for mechanistic studies into neuroplasticity in asthma and other lung diseases.

17.
Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg ; 40(5): 635-42, 2010 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20667751

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of A-V impulse technology (A-V) for oedema prevention and treatment following PTFE femoropopliteal surgery. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. MATERIALS: 36 patients undergoing PTFE femoropopliteal bypass reconstructions, either being treated postoperatively with a compression stocking (CS) (Group-1, n = 19) or with A-V (Group-2, n = 17). METHODS: Patients in treatment group-1 used a CS postoperatively during 1 week day and night, patients in group-2 were treated with A-V postoperatively at night during one week. The lower leg circumference was measured preoperatively and at five postoperative time points. RESULTS: Limb circumference has increased postoperatively on day 1 (CS 1.5%/A-V 1.4%), on day 4 (5.7%/6.3%), on day 7 (6.6%/6.1%), on day 14 (7.9%/7.7%) and on day 90 (5.8%/5.2%). Differences between treatment groups were not significant. A re-operation gives a significant 3.9% increase in circumference as compared to a first operation (95% CI: 1.5-6.4%; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found in the extent of developed edema between the groups following PTFE femoropopliteal bypass surgery. A redo peripheral bypass operation results in significantly more postoperative oedema than a first-time performed bypass operation.


Subject(s)
Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation/adverse effects , Edema/therapy , Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices , Lower Extremity/blood supply , Peripheral Arterial Disease/surgery , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biocompatible Materials , Edema/etiology , Female , Femoral Artery/surgery , Humans , Lower Extremity/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Polytetrafluoroethylene , Popliteal Artery/surgery , Prospective Studies , Reoperation , Stockings, Compression
18.
Acta Psychiatr Scand ; 122(3): 246-54, 2010 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20136801

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In a previous paper, we reported about the efficacy of the addition of lamotrigine to lithium in patients with bipolar depression. In the second phase of this study paroxetine was added to ongoing treatment in non-responders. METHOD: Bipolar depressed patients (n = 124) treated with lithium were randomized to addition of lamotrigine or placebo. In non-responders after 8 weeks, paroxetine 20 mg was added for another 8 weeks to ongoing treatment. RESULTS: After 8 weeks the improvement in patients treated with lamotrigine vs. patients treated with placebo was significant. After addition of paroxetine this difference disappeared as a result of greater further improvement in the non-responders to placebo. CONCLUSION: Addition of lamotrigine to lithium was found effective in bipolar depressed patients. Further addition of paroxetine in non-responders to lithium plus lamotrigine did not appear to provide additional benefit, while it appeared to do so in non-responders to lithium plus placebo.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Antimanic Agents/therapeutic use , Lithium Carbonate/therapeutic use , Paroxetine/therapeutic use , Triazines/therapeutic use , Adult , Anticonvulsants/adverse effects , Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation , Antimanic Agents/adverse effects , Drug Administration Schedule , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Humans , Lamotrigine , Lithium Carbonate/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , Netherlands , Paroxetine/adverse effects , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/statistics & numerical data , Psychometrics , Triazines/adverse effects
19.
Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) ; 70(2): 265-73, 2009 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19200215

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Besides short stature, gonadal dysgenesis leading to a lack of oestrogen is one of the main characteristics of Turner syndrome (TS). In most TS girls, puberty is induced with exogenous oestrogens. OBJECTIVE: To describe the pubertal development and uterine dimensions achieved by low-dose 17beta-oestradiol (17beta-E2) orally started at an appropriate age. Additionally, to determine whether serum hormone levels aid evaluation of pubertal progression. DESIGN: In 56 TS girls, we prospectively studied pubertal stage, serum E2, LH, FSH, SHBG and oestrone (E1), starting oestrogen treatment with a low-dose 17beta-E2 (5 microg/kg/day) during GH treatment at mean (SD) age 12.7 (0.7) years. Hormone levels were measured at start, 3 months after start and after increasing 17beta-E2 dosage. Uterine dimensions were measured in 39 TS women at age 19.9 (2.2) years. RESULTS: Although breast and pubic hair development were similar to that in normal Dutch girls up to Tanner stage B5 and P5, respectively, breast development was 2 years later. Before oestrogen therapy, E2 levels were comparable to those in prepubertal girls. With a 17beta-E2 dose of 5 microg/kg/day, these levels increased significantly, becoming comparable to normal late pubertal or adult concentrations, whereas SHBG levels were unchanged. At the adult 17beta-E2 dose, SHBG had increased significantly. Uterus shape was juvenile in four (10.2%), cylindrical in four and mature-adult shaped in 31 (79.5%) of TS patients. CONCLUSIONS: During GH treatment in TS girls, normal breast development up to B5 can be mimicked, with just a 2-year delay. In a clinical setting, serum hormone levels provide no additional information for evaluating pubertal progression. After age-appropriate pubertal induction, uterine dimensions in women aged nearly 20 years were subnormal. It remains unclear whether this was related to E2 dosage, timing or duration, or factors related to TS.


Subject(s)
Estrogens/blood , Estrogens/pharmacology , Puberty/drug effects , Sex Characteristics , Turner Syndrome/metabolism , Turner Syndrome/pathology , Uterus/pathology , Administration, Oral , Adolescent , Breast/drug effects , Breast/growth & development , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Estradiol/administration & dosage , Estradiol/pharmacology , Estradiol/therapeutic use , Estrogens/administration & dosage , Estrone/blood , Female , Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Luteinizing Hormone/blood , Prospective Studies , Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin/metabolism , Turner Syndrome/drug therapy , Uterus/drug effects , Young Adult
20.
Osteoporos Int ; 20(8): 1347-52, 2009 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19039511

ABSTRACT

SUMMARY: In women older than 60 years with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis but without osteoporosis based on bone mineral density (T-score >or= -2.5), a systematic survey with X-rays of the spine identified previously unknown vertebral deformities in 21% of women. INTRODUCTION: This study determines the prevalence of vertebral deformities in elderly women with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis but with BMD values above the threshold for osteoporosis (T-score >or= -2.5). METHODS: Bisphosphonate naïve women older than 60 years attending 35 general practices in the Netherlands with >or=2 clinical risk factors for osteoporosis were invited for BMD measurement (DXA). In women with T-score >or= -2.5 at both spine and the hips, lateral radiographs of the thoracic and lumbar spine were performed. RESULTS: Of 631 women with a DXA measurement, 187 (30%) had osteoporosis (T-score < -2.5 at the spine or the hip). Of the remaining 444 women with T-score >or= -2.5 at both spine and hip, 387 had additional spine radiographs, of whom 80 (21%) had at least one vertebral deformity. CONCLUSION: In elderly women with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis but BMD T-score >or= -2.5, addition of spine radiographs identified vertebral deformities in 21% (95% CI: 17-25). Since these women are at risk of future fractures, antiosteoporotic treatment should be considered.


Subject(s)
Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Curvatures/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Absorptiometry, Photon , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Bone Density , False Negative Reactions , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/complications , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/physiopathology , Patient Selection , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Spinal Curvatures/etiology , Spinal Curvatures/physiopathology , Spinal Fractures/etiology , Spinal Fractures/physiopathology
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