Association of race/ethnicity and patient care experiences with receipt of definitive treatment among prostate cancer survivors: a SEER-CAHPS study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the association of race/ethnicity, patient care experiences (PCEs), and receipt of definitive treatment and treatment modality among older adults in the United States (US) with localized prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: Using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results dataset linked to Medicare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (SEER-CAHPS) for 2007-2015, we identified men aged ≥ 65 years who completed a CAHPS survey within one year before and one year after PCa diagnosis. Associations of race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Hispanic, non-Hispanic Asian (NHA), and other) and of interactions between race/ethnicity and PCEs (getting needed care, getting care quickly, doctor communication, and care coordination) with the receipt of definitive PCa treatment and treatment modality within 3 and 6 months of diagnosis were examined using logistic regressions. RESULTS: Among 1,438 PCa survivors, no racial/ethnic disparities in the receipt of definitive treatment were identified. However, NHB patients were less likely to receive surgery (vs. radiation) within 3 and 6 months of PCa diagnosis than NHW patients (OR 0.397, p = 0.006 and OR 0.419, p = 0.005), respectively. Among NHA patients, a 1-point higher score for getting care quickly was associated with lower odds (OR 0.981, p = 0.043) of receiving definitive treatment within 3 months of PCa diagnosis, whereas among NHB patients, a 1-point higher score for doctor communication was associated with higher odds (OR 1.023, p = 0.039) of receiving definitive treatment within 6 months of PCa diagnosis. DISCUSSION: We observed differential associations between PCEs and receipt of definitive treatment based on patient race/ethnicity. Further research is needed to explore these associations.

The Effect of Neoadjuvant Therapy on Esophagectomy for cT2N0M0 Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: For cT2N0M0 esophageal adenocarcinomas, the effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NT) on surgical outcomes and the oncological benefits to the patients are debatable. In this study, we investigated the optimal management for cT2N0M0 adenocarcinoma (1) assessing the perioperative impact of NT on esophagectomy and (2) evaluating the oncologic effect of NT in a homogeneous group of patients with clinical stage IIA. We hypothesized that NT does not negatively affect perioperative outcomes and provides an oncologic benefit to selected patients with cT2N0M0 disease. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried (2010-2019) for patients with cT2N0M0 esophageal adenocarcinoma undergoing esophagectomy. After propensity-matching to adjust for differences in patient and tumor characteristics, we compared postoperative outcomes (logistic regression) and survival (Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression) among those who underwent NT vs upfront surgery (S). RESULTS: This study included 3413 patients, of whom 2359 (69%) received NT, and 1054 (31%) S. In contrast to those who underwent S, in the matched cohort, patients treated with NT had comparable conversion rates (8% vs11.1%, p = 0.06), length of stay (9 vs 10 days, p = 0.078), unplanned readmission (5.4% vs 8.8%, p = 0.109), and 30- (3.9% vs 3.7%, p = 0.90) and 90-day mortality (5.7% vs 4.7%, p = 0.599). In addition, NT associated with improved survival in patients with cT2N0M0 tumors > 5 cm (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.17-0.36). CONCLUSIONS: NT does not appear to increase technical complexity or to adversely affect postoperative outcomes after esophagectomy. Furthermore, minimally invasive esophagectomy is feasible following NT, with comparable conversion rates to those who had upfront surgery. Lastly, NT was selectively associated with improved survival in patients with cT2N0M0 esophageal cancer.

Trends and Disparities in Robotic Surgery Utilization for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic surgery has become an increasingly utilized approach for resectable lung cancer. However, availability may be limited for certain patient populations, underscoring inequity in access to innovative surgical techniques. We hypothesize that there is an association between social determinants of health and robotic surgery utilization for resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: We queried the National Cancer Database (2010-2019) for patients with clinical stage I-III NSCLC who underwent resection, stratifying the cohort based on surgical technique. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associations between sociodemographic and clinicopathologic factors and the robotic approach. RESULTS: Among the 226,455 clinical stage I-III NSCLC patients identified, 34,059 (15%) received robotic resections, 78,039 (34.5%) underwent thoracoscopic resections, and 114,357 (50.5%) had open resections. Robotic surgery utilization increased from 3.1% in 2010 to 34% in 2019 (P < 0.001). Despite this, after adjusting by clinical stage, extent of resection, site of tumor, and receipt of neoadjuvant therapy, multivariable analysis revealed various sociodemographic and treatment facility factors that were associated with underutilization of this approach: lack of insurance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.93), lower income brackets (aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91-0.96), provincial settings (urban aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.76-0.82; rural aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.51-0.64), and treatment at community centers (comprehensive community cancer programs aOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.70-0.75; community cancer programs aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.47-0.55). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that disparities in determinants of health influence accessibility to robotic surgery for resectable NSCLC. Identification of these gaps is crucial to target vulnerable sectors of the population in promoting equality and uniformity in surgical treatment.

New biomarkers for liver involvement by dengue infection in adult Vietnamese patients: a case-control study.

Liver injury with marked elevation of aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (AST) is commonly observed in dengue infection. To understand the pathogenesis of this liver damage, we compared the plasma levels of hepatic specific, centrilobular predominant enzymes (glutamate dehydrogenase, GLDH; glutathione S transferase-α, αGST), periportal enriched 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), periportal predominant arginase-1 (ARG-1), and other non-specific biomarkers (paraoxonase-1, PON-1) in patients with different outcomes of dengue infection. This hospital-based study enrolled 87 adult dengue patients, stratified into three groups based on plasma AST levels (< 80, 80-400, > 400 U/L) in a 1:1:1 ratio (n = 40, n = 40, n = 40, respectively. The new liver enzymes in the blood samples from the 4th to 6th days of their illness were measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or colorimetric kits. Based on the diagnosis at discharge days, our patients were classified as 40 (46%) dengue without warning signs (D), 35 (40.2%) dengue with warning signs (DWS), and 11 (12.6%) severe dengue (SD) with either shock (two patients) or AST level over 1000 U/L (nine patients), using the 2009 WHO classification. The group of high AST (> 400 U/L) also had higher ALT, GLDH, ARG-1, and HPPD than the other groups, while the high (> 400 U/L) and moderate (80-400 U/L) AST groups had higher ALT, αGST, ARG-1, and HPPD than the low AST group (< 80 U/L). There was a good correlation between AST, alanine aminotransferase enzyme (ALT), and the new liver biomarkers such as GLDH, αGST, ARG-1, and HPPD. Our findings suggest that dengue-induced liver damage initiates predominantly in the centrilobular area toward the portal area during the dengue progression. Moreover, these new biomarkers should be investigated further to explain the pathogenesis of dengue and to validate their prognostic utility.

The Variable Definition of "Negative Appendicitis" Remains a Surgical Challenge.

AIM: Acute appendicitis (AA) is treated primarily surgically with histopathology being the gold standard for confirmation of appendicitis and reported rates of negative appendicectomies (NA) ranging between 3.2% and 19% worldwide and 15.9-20.6% in the UK. NA rates are frequently used to identify poor performing centers as part of a Model Health System and form an integral part of appendicitis scoring systems. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of negative appendicectomies within our institution and critically analyze the appropriateness of its use as a quality metric and its impact on clinical practice and research. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data analysis from a prospective dataset of pediatric appendicitis patients between 2015 and 2021 in a tertiary center in the UK was performed. Detailed analysis of negative appendicectomies was performed and further stratified by two distinct age and gender groups looking at the incidence of NA and the classification of non-histologically normal appendix specimens. RESULTS: In our series, 819 patients met inclusion criteria, 736 (89.9%) had acute appendicitis. Our overall institutional negative appendicectomy rate was 10.1% (83 patients) with the breakdown as follows: 65 histologically normal appendix (7.9%), 10 Enterobius vermicularis, 3 eosinophilic appendicitis, 2 neoplasms, 1 isolated faecolith, 1 fibrous obliteration of the lumen, and 1 peri-appendiceal inflammation. CONCLUSION: Our negative appendicectomy rate is below established UK pediatric NA rates. This rate ranges from 7.9% to 10.1% depending on the definition of NA utilized. A single standard pathological definition for histological acute appendicitis is required when being used as a comparative quality metric. Centers engaged in clinical research should be aware of variations in NA definitions both in scoring systems and individual centers to avoid skewing derived results.

Cavity preparation and cementation of indirect adhesive posterior restorations using three different composite resins with a one-year follow-up: A clinical report.

Adhesive cementation of contemporary indirect restorations can be achieved using a composite resin. An established protocol with preheated composite resin was used, along with 2 recently introduced types of composite resin. All 3 are evaluated for clinical performance.

Functional and radiographic assessments of post-traumatic asymmetrical ankle osteoarthritis treatment using supramalleolar osteotomies.

PURPOSE: This study's objective is to assess the effectiveness of supramalleolar osteotomies (SMOT) in the treatment of asymmetrical ankle osteoarthritis in terms of the improvement in alignment assessed radiographically and its impact on symptoms measured by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score (AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score). METHODS: Twelve patients participated in this prospective observational case series study. Standing anteroposterior, true lateral, and mortise views radiographs were taken. For preoperative planning, the lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), talar tilt (TT), talocrural angle (TCA), and anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA) were all measured. A medial opening wedge osteotomy mainly was used to treat the varus arthritis ankle. A further oblique fibular osteotomy is frequently necessary. RESULTS: The male-to-female ratio was 3:1, and the mean age of the patients was 26.25 ± 13.032 years. There were highly statistically significant differences between pre-and post-operative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences concerning ankle range of motion (p = 0.002, < 0.001) of dorsiflexion and planter flexion were detected. Comparison between pre-and post-operative patients' radiology characteristics shows statistically significant differences concerning TT (p = 0.016) and LDTA (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: SMOT is very effective in the treatment of post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis and postpones ankle fusion or total ankle replacements. This surgery significantly improves functional and radiological outcomes as well as the range of motion in the ankle. Meticulous preoperative planning by radiological measurements of different angles around the ankle is considered the crucial factor in success of that operation.

Extended Lymphadenectomy Improves Survival After Induction Chemoradiation for Esophageal Cancer: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of the National Cancer Database.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the potential value of extended nodal-dissection following neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT), by analyzing data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). BACKGROUND: A CROSS-trial post-hoc analysis showed that the number of dissected lymph nodes was associated with improved survival in patients undergoing upfront surgery but not in those treated with neoadjuvant CRT. METHODS: The NCDB was queried (2004-2014) for patients who underwent esophagectomy following induction CRT. Predictors of overall survival (OS) were assessed. The optimal number of dissected LNs associated with highest survival benefit was determined by multiple regression analyses and receiveroperating characteristic curve analysis. The whole cohort was divided into 2 groups based on the predefined cutoff number. The two groups were propensity-matched (PMs). RESULTS: Esophagectomy following induction-CRT was performed in 14,503 patients. The number of resected nodes was associated with improved OS in the multivariable analysis (hazard ratio for every 10 nodes: 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.93-0.98). The cutoff number of resected LNs that was associated with the highest survival benefit was 20 nodes. In the PM groups, patients in the "≥20 LNs" group had a 14% relative-increase in OS ( P = 0.002), despite having more advanced pathological stages (stage II-IV: 76% vs 72%, P < 0.001), and higher number of positive nodes (0-2 vs 0-1, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The total number of resected nodes is a significant determinant of improved survival following induction CRT in patients with either node negative or node positive disease. In the matched groups, patients with higher number of resected lymph nodes had higher OS rate, despite having more advanced pathological disease and higher number of resected positive lymph nodes.

Paralemnalia thyrsoides-associated fungi: phylogenetic diversity, cytotoxic potential, metabolomic profiling and docking analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cancer continues to be one of the biggest causes of death that affects human health. Chemical resistance is still a problem in conventional cancer treatments. Fortunately, numerous natural compounds originating from different microbes, including fungi, possess cytotoxic characteristics that are now well known. This study aims to investigate the anticancer prospects of five fungal strains that were cultivated and isolated from the Red Sea soft coral Paralemnalia thyrsoides. The in vitro cytotoxic potential of the ethyl acetate extracts of the different five isolates were evaluated using MTS assay against four cancer cell lines; A549, CT-26, MDA-MB-231, and U87. Metabolomics profiling of the different extracts using LC-HR-ESI-MS, besides molecular docking studies for the dereplicated compounds were performed to unveil the chemical profile and the cytotoxic mechanism of the soft coral associated fungi. RESULTS: The five isolated fungal strains were identified as Penicillium griseofulvum (RD1), Cladosporium sphaerospermum (RD2), Cladosporium liminiforme (RD3), Penicillium chrysogenum (RD4), and Epicoccum nigrum (RD5). The in vitro study showed that the ethyl acetate extract of RD4 exhibited the strongest cytotoxic potency against three cancer cell lines A549, CT-26 and MDA-MB-231 with IC50 values of 1.45 ± 8.54, 1.58 ± 6.55 and 1.39 ± 2.0 µg/mL, respectively, also, RD3 revealed selective cytotoxic potency against A549 with IC50 value of 6.99 ± 3.47 µg/mL. Docking study of 32 compounds dereplicated from the metabolomics profiling demonstrated a promising binding conformation with EGFR tyrosine kinase that resembled its co-crystallized ligand albeit with better binding energy score. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the importance of soft coral-associated fungi as a promising source for anticancer metabolites for future drug discovery.

Is There a Role for Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy for cT4bM0 Colon Cancer? A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of the National Cancer Database.

BACKGROUND: Nonmetastatic T4b colon cancer has been traditionally treated with upfront surgery, often requiring technically challenging multiorgan resection. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can potentially downsize these tumors and improve their resectability. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore trends and outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy use compared to upfront surgery in patients with nonmetastatic T4b colon cancer. This study also sought to determine factors associated with increased neoadjuvant chemotherapy use and with overall survival. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: Conducted using the National Cancer Database. PATIENTS: Patients with nonmetastatic T4b colon cancer who underwent colectomy (2006-2016) were included in the study. Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were propensity-matched (1:2) to those who underwent upfront surgery in either clinically node-negative or node-positive disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative outcomes (length of stay, 30-d readmission, 30/90-d mortality), oncologic resection adequacy (R0 rate, number of resected/positive nodes), and overall survival were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was used in 7.7% of the patients. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy use increased over the study period from 4% to 16% in the entire cohort, from 3% to 21% in patients with clinically node-positive disease, and from 6% to 12% in patients with clinically node-negative disease. Factors associated with increased use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy included younger age (OR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96-0.98; p < 0.001), male sex (OR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.11-1.64; p = 0.002), recent diagnosis year (OR 1.16; 95% CI, 1.12-1.20; p < 0.001), academic centers (OR 2.65; 95% CI, 2.19-3.22; p < 0.001), clinically node-positive (OR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01-1.49; p = 0.037), and tumor located in the sigmoid colon (OR 2.44; 95% CI, 1.97-3.02; p < 0.001). Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy had significantly higher R0 resection compared with upfront surgery (87% vs 77%; p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with higher overall survival (HR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64-0.91; p = 0.002). On propensity-matched analyses, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a higher 5-year overall survival compared to upfront surgery in patients with clinically node-positive disease (57% vs 43%; p = 0.003) but not in patients with clinically node-negative disease (61% vs 56%; p = 0.090). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy use for nonmetastatic T4b has increased significantly on the national level, more so in patients with clinically node-positive disease. Patients with node-positive disease treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy had higher overall survival compared to those who underwent upfront surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C228 . EXISTE LUGAR PARA LA TERAPIA SISTMICA NEOADYUVANTE PARA EL CNCER DE COLON CTBM UN ANLISIS EMPAREJADO DE PUNTAJE DE PROPENSIN DE LA BASE DE DATOS NACIONAL DEL CNCER: ANTECEDENTES:El cáncer de colon T4b no metastásico se ha tratado tradicionalmente con cirugía inicial, que frecuentemente requiere de una resección multiorgánica técnicamente desafiante. La quimioterapia neoadyuvante puede potencialmente reducir el tamaño y mejorar la resecabilidad de esos tumores.OBJETIVO:Explorar las tendencias y los resultados del uso de quimioterapia neoadyuvante en pacientes con cáncer de colon T4b no metastásico, en comparación con la cirugía inicial. Determinar los factores asociados con el aumento del uso de quimioterapia neoadyuvante y con la supervivencia general.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.AJUSTES:Utilizando de la Base de Datos Nacional del Cáncer.PACIENTES:Pacientes con cáncer de colon T4b no metastásico sometidos a colectomía (2006-2016). Los pacientes que recibieron quimioterapia neoadyuvante fueron emparejados por propensión (1:2) con aquellos sometidos a cirugía inicial, ya sea en enfermedad clínica con ganglios negativos o ganglios positivos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Resultados posoperatorios (duración de la hospitalización, reingreso a los 30 días, mortalidad a los 30/90 días), adecuación de la resección oncológica (tasa R0, número de ganglios resecados/positivos) y supervivencia general.RESULTADOS:La quimioterapia neoadyuvante se utilizó en el 7,7% de los pacientes. El uso de quimioterapia neoadyuvante aumentó durante el período de estudio del 4% al 16% en toda la cohorte; del 3% al 21% en pacientes con enfermedad clínica y ganglios positivos; y del 6% al 12% en pacientes con enfermedad clínica y ganglios negativos. Los factores asociados con un mayor uso de quimioterapia neoadyuvante incluyeron, edad más joven (OR 0,97, IC del 95 %: 0,96-0,98, p < 0,001), sexo masculino (OR 1,35, IC del 95 %: 1,11-1,64, p = 0,002), año de diagnóstico mas reciente (OR 1,16, 95% IC: 1,12-1,20, p < 0,001), centros académicos (OR 2,65, 95% IC: 2,19-3,22, p < 0,001), enfermedad clínica con ganglios positivos (OR 1,23, 95% IC: 1,01-1,49, p = 0,037), y tumor localizado en colon sigmoide (OR 2,44, 95% IC: 1,97-3,02, p < 0,001). Los pacientes que recibieron quimioterapia neoadyuvante tuvieron una resección R0 significativamente mayor en comparación con la cirugía inicial (87 % frente a 77 %, p < 0,001). En análisis multivariable, la quimioterapia neoadyuvante se asoció con una mayor supervivencia global (HR 0,76, IC del 95%: 0,64-0,91, p = 0,002). En los análisis de propensión pareada, la quimioterapia neoadyuvante se asoció con una mayor supervivencia general a los 5 años en comparación con la cirugía inicial en pacientes con enfermedad clínica con ganglios positivos (57% frente a 43%, p = 0,003), pero no en pacientes con enfermedad clínica y ganglios negativos (61% vs 56%, p = 0,090).LIMITACIONES:Diseño retrospectivo.CONCLUSIÓN:El uso de quimioterapia neoadyuvante para T4b no metastásico ha aumentado significativamente a nivel nacional, más aún en pacientes con enfermedad clínica y ganglios positivos. Los pacientes con enfermedad y ganglios positivos tratados con quimioterapia neoadyuvante tuvieron una mayor supervivencia general en comparación con la cirugía inicial. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C228 . (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

The efficacy and safety of metoclopramide in relieving acute migraine attacks compared with other anti-migraine drugs: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Many drugs are prescribed in relieving acute migraine attacks, we aim to compare metoclopramide with other antimigraine drugs. METHODS: We searched online databases like PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science till June 2022 for RCTs that compared metoclopramide alone with placebo or active drugs. The main outcomes were the mean change in headache score and complete headache relief. The secondary outcomes were the rescue medications need, side effects, nausea and recurrence rate. We qualitatively reviewed the outcomes. Then, we performed the network meta-analyses (NMAs) when it was possible. which were done by the Frequentist method using the MetaInsight online software. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included with a total of 1934 patients: 826 received metoclopramide, 302 received placebo, and 806 received other active drugs. Metoclopramide was effective in reducing headache outcomes even for 24 h. The intravenous route was the most chosen route in the included studies and showed significant positive results regarding headache outcomes; however, the best route whether intramuscular, intravenous, or suppository was not compared in the previous studies. Also, both 10 and 20 mg doses of metoclopramide were effective in improving headache outcomes; however, there was no direct comparison between both doses and the 10 mg dose was the most frequently used dosage. In NMA of headache change after 30 min or 1 h, metoclopramide effect came after granisetron, ketorolac, chlorpromazine, and Dexketoprofen trometamol. Only granisetron's effect was significantly higher than metoclopramide's effect which was only significantly higher than placebo and sumatriptan. In headache-free symptoms, only prochlorperazine was non-significantly higher than metoclopramide which was higher than other medications and showed significantly higher effects only with placebo. In rescue medication, metoclopramide's effect was only non-significantly lower than prochlorperazine and chlorpromazine while its effect was higher than other drugs and showed higher significant effects only than placebo and valproate. In the recurrence rate, studies showed no significant difference between metoclopramide and other drugs. Metoclopramide significantly decreased nausea more than the placebo. Regarding side effects, metoclopramide showed a lower incidence of mild side effects than pethidine and chlorpromazine and showed a higher incidence of mild side effects than placebo, dexamethasone, and ketorolac. The reported extrapyramidal symptoms with metoclopramide were dystonia or akathisia. CONCLUSION: A dose of 10 mg IV Metoclopramide was effective in relieving migraine attacks with minimal side effects. Compared to other active drugs, it only showed a lower significant effect compared with granisetron regarding headache change while it showed significantly higher effects only with placebo in both rescue medication needs and headache-free symptoms and valproate in only rescue medication need. Also, it significantly decreased headache scores more than placebo and sumatriptan. However, more studies are needed to support our results.

Contribution of Biogas Slurry-Derived Colloids to Plant P Uptake and Phosphatase Activities: Spatiotemporal Response.

The bioavailability for varied-size phosphorus (P)-binding colloids (Pcoll) especially from external P sources in soil terrestrial ecosystems remains unclear. This study evaluated the differential contribution of various-sized biogas slurry (BS)-derived colloids to plant available P uptake in the rhizosphere and the corresponding patterns of phosphatase response. Keeping the same content of total P input (15 mg kg-1), we applied different size-fractioned BS-derived colloids including nanosized colloids (NCs, 1-20 nm), fine-sized colloids (FCs, 20-220 nm), and medium-sized colloids (MCs, 220-450 nm) respectively to conduct a 45-day rice (Oryza sativa L.) rhizotron experiment. During the whole cultivation period, the dynamics of chemical characteristics and P fractions in each experimental rhizosphere soil solution were analyzed. The spatial and temporal dynamics examination of P-transforming enzymes (acid phosphatases) in the rice rhizosphere was visualized by a soil zymography technique after 5, 25, and 45 days of rice transplantation. The results indicated that the acid phosphatase activities and its hot spot areas were significantly 1) correlated with the relative bioavailability of colloidal P (RBAcoll), 2) increased with the colloid-free (truly dissolved P) and BS-derived NC addition, and 3) affected by the plant growth stage. With the nanosized BS colloid addition, the RBAcoll and plant biomass were respectively found to be the highest (64% and 1.22 g plant-1), in which the acid phosphatase-catalyzed hydrolysis of organic Pcoll played an important role. All of the above suggested that nanosized BS-derived colloids are an effective alternative to conventional phosphorus fertilizer for promoting plant P uptake and P bioavailability.

Robotic versus laparoscopic colectomy outcomes in colon adenocarcinoma in the elderly population: a propensity-score matched analysis of the National Cancer Database.

PURPOSE: While robotic surgery is more costly and involves longer intra-operative time, it has a technical advantage over laparoscopic surgery. With our aging population, patients are being diagnosed with colon cancer at older ages. The aim of this study is to compare laparoscopic versus robotic colectomy short- and long-term outcomes in elderly patients diagnosed with colon cancer at a national level. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Cancer Database. Subjects ≥ 80-years-old who were diagnosed with stage I to III colon adenocarcinoma and underwent a robotic or laparoscopic colectomy from 2010-2018 were included. The laparoscopic group was propensity-score matched in a 3:1 ratio to the robotic group with 9343 laparoscopic and 3116 robotic cases matched. The main outcomes evaluated were 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission rate, median survival, and length of stay. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the 30-day readmission rate (OR = 1.1, CI = 0.94-1.29, p = 0.23) or 30-day mortality rate (OR = 1.05, CI = 0.86-1.28, p = 0.63) between both groups. Robotic surgery was associated with higher overall survival (42 vs 44.7 months, p < 0.001) using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Robotic surgery had a statistically significant shorter length of stay (6.4 vs. 5.9 days, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Robotic colectomies are associated with higher median survival rates and decrease in the length of hospital stay compared to laparoscopic colectomies in the elderly population.

Extreme heat and work injuries in Kuwait's hot summers.

BACKGROUND: Hot, desert Gulf countries are host to millions of migrant workers doing outdoor jobs such as construction and hospitality. The Gulf countries apply a summertime ban on midday work to protect workers from extreme heat, although without clear evidence of effectiveness. We assessed the risk of occupational injuries associated with extreme hot temperatures during the summertime ban on midday work in Kuwait. METHODS: We collected daily occupational injuries in the summer months that are reported to the Ministry of Health's Occupational Health Department for 5 years from 2015 to 2019. We fitted generalised additive models with a quasi-Poisson distribution in a time series design. A 7-day moving average of daily temperature was modelled with penalised splines adjusted for relative humidity, time trend and day of the week. RESULTS: During the summertime ban, the daily average temperature was 39.4°C (±1.8°C). There were 7.2, 7.6 and 9.4 reported injuries per day in the summer months of June, July and August, respectively. Compared with the 10th percentile of summer temperatures in Kuwait (37.0°C), the average day with a temperature of 39.4°C increased the relative risk of injury to 1.44 (95% CI 1.34 to 1.53). Similarly, temperatures of 40°C and 41°C were associated with relative risks of 1.48 (95% CI 1.39 to 1.59) and 1.44 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.63), respectively. At the 90th percentile (42°C), the risks levelled off (relative risk 1.21; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.57). CONCLUSION: We found substantial increases in the risk of occupational injury from extremely hot temperatures despite the ban on midday work policy in Kuwait. 'Calendar-based' regulations may be inadequate to provide occupational heat protections, especially for migrant workers.

Prediction of nano, fine, and medium colloidal phosphorus in agricultural soils with machine learning.

Soil colloids have been shown to play a critical role in soil phosphorus (P) mobility and transport. However, identifying the potential mechanisms behind colloidal P (Pcoll) release and the key influencing factors remains a blind spot. Herein, a machine learning approach (random forest (RF) coupled with partial dependence plot analyses) was applied to determine the effects of different soil physicochemical parameters on Pcoll content in three colloidal subfractions (i.e., nano- (NC): 1-20 nm, fine- (FC): 20-220 nm and medium-sized colloids (MC): 220-450 nm) based on a regional dataset of 12 farmlands in Zhejiang Province, China. RF successfully predicted Pcoll content (R2 = 0.98). Results showed that colloidal- organic carbon (OCcoll) and minerals were the major determinants of total Pcoll content (1-450 nm); their critical values for increasing Pcoll release were 87.0 mg L-1 for OCcoll, 11.0 mg L-1 for iron (Fecoll) or aluminium (Alcoll), 2.6 mg L-1 for calcium (Cacoll), 9.0 mg L-1 for magnesium (Mgcoll), 2.5 mg L-1 for silicon (Sicoll), and 1.4 mg L-1 for manganese (Mncoll). Among three colloidal subfractions, the major factors determining Pcoll were soil Olsen-P (POlsen; 125.0 mg kg-1), Cacoll (2.5 mg L-1), and colloidal P saturation (21.0%) in NC; Mncoll (1.5 mg L-1), Mgcoll (6.8 mg L-1), and POlsen (135.0 mg kg-1) in FC; while Mncoll (1.5 mg L-1), Alcoll (2.5 mg L-1), and Fecoll (3.8 mg L-1) in MC, respectively. OCcoll had a considerable effect in the three fractions, with critical values of 80.0 mg L-1 in NC or FC, and 50.0 mg L-1 in MC. Our study concluded that the information gleaned using the RF model can be used as crucial evidence to identify the key determinants of different size fractionated Pcoll contents. However, we still need to discover one or more easy-to-measure parameters that can help us better predict Pcoll.

Comparative study between oxytocin and combination of tranexamic acid and ethamsylate in reducing intra-operative bleeding during emergency and elective cesarean section after 38 weeks of normal pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Cesarean Section (CS) is associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage. Many drugs are used to decrease this risk. We aim to compare the combination of ethamsylate and tranexamic acid, oxytocin, and placebo in women undergoing CS. METHODS: We conducted a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial between October and December 2020 in four university hospitals in Egypt. The study included all pregnant women in labor without any complications who accepted to participate in the study between October and December 2020. The participants were divided into three groups. The subjects were randomly allocated to receive either oxytocin (30 IU in 500 ml normal saline during cesarean section), combined one gram of tranexamic acid with 250 mg of ethamsylate once before skin incision, or distilled water. Our main outcome was the amount of blood loss during the operation. The secondary outcomes were the need for blood transfusion, hemoglobin and hematocrit changes, hospital stay, operative complications, and the need for a hysterectomy. The one-way ANCOVA test was used to compare the quantitative variables between the three groups while the Chi-square test was used to compare the qualitative variables. Post hoc analysis then was performed to compare the difference between every two groups regarding the quantitative variables. RESULTS: Our study included 300 patients who were divided equally into three groups. Tranexamic acid with ethamsylate showed the least intra-operative blood loss (605.34 ± 158.8 ml) compared to oxytocin (625.26 ± 144.06) and placebo (669.73 ± 170.69), P = 0.015. In post hoc analysis, only tranexamic acid with ethamsylate was effective in decreasing the blood loss compared to placebo (P = 0.013); however, oxytocin did not reduce blood loss compared to saline (P = 0.211) nor to tranexamic acid with ethamsylate (P = 1). Other outcomes and CS complications showed no significant difference between the three groups except for post-operative thrombosis which was significantly higher in the tranexamic and ethamsylate group, P < 0.00001 and the need for a hysterectomy which was significantly increased in the placebo group, P = 0.017. CONCLUSION: The combination of tranexamic acid and ethamsylate was significantly associated with the least amount of blood loss. However, in pairwise comparisons, only tranexamic acid with ethamsylate was significantly better than saline but not with oxytocin. Both oxytocin and tranexamic acid with ethamsylate were equally effective in reducing intra-operative blood loss and the risk of hysterectomy; however, tranexamic acid with ethamsylate increased the risk of thrombotic events. Further research with a larger number of participants is needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered on Pan African Clinical Trials Registry with the following number: PACTR202009736186159 and was approved on 04/09/2020.

The effect of music intervention in decreasing pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy procedure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

BACKGROUND: Hysteroscopy is a common outpatient procedure but procedural pain limits its use. Music could be used as a pain-relieving intervention. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of music on pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy. METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, from inception to September 2022. We included only the Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that investigated the effect of music on women who underwent outpatient hysteroscopy in reducing pain and anxiety levels compared to no music. We assessed the quality of included RCTs using the risk of bias tool 1 reported in the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data were pooled as the Mean Differences (MDs) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) in a random-effects model, using Review Manager 5.3 software. Also, we assessed the evidence of the results using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: Three RCTs (540 women) were included. Music significantly reduced visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores as well as State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores compared to controls (MD = -1.28; 95% CI [-2.19, -0.36]; P = 0.007) and (MD = -3.91; 95% CI [-6.98, -0.85]; P = 0.01) respectively. Also, the decrease in VAS score for pain was significantly greater in the music group (MD = 1.44; 95% CI [0.44, 2.45]; P = 0.005). However, the change in STAI showed no significant difference between the two groups. The GRADE ratings for all outcomes were very low. CONCLUSION: Music is a potentially promising method for controlling pain for patients undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy; however, its effect in controlling anxiety is controversial.

Oxytocin versus a combination of tranexamic acid and ethamsylate in reducing intraoperative bleeding during abdominal myomectomy: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Myomectomy is the preferred surgical approach to manage uterine fibroids. However, uterine fibroids are highly vascular tumors and, consequently, extremely susceptible to problems from myomectomy-related hemorrhage. Hence, we aim to compare oxytocin efficacy and safety profile versus tranexamic acid (TA) with ethamsylate for reducing bleeding during myomectomy. METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded multicenter study was performed between 20th August 2020 and 20th October 2020 at El-Galaa Teaching Hospital, El Hussein University Hospital, Al-Azhar University Hospitals of Assiut, and Al-Azhar University Hospitals of Damietta. One hundred and eighty patients were enrolled and divided into three groups: group (1) received an injection of 30 IU of oxytocin in 500 ml of normal saline; group (2) received injections of 1 g of TA, 250 mg of Ethamsylate, and 110 ml of normal saline IV; and group (3) received an injection of 110 ml of normal saline IV just before surgical incision. RESULTS: In 180 premenopausal women, oxytocin and TA with ethamsylate had no significant value in lowering intraoperative blood loss compared with the placebo for abdominal myomectomy (666.25 ± 183.03, 630.72 ± 145.83, and 646.67 ± 168.92, respectively (P = 0.506)). Non-significant trends were observed for a reduction in operation time (P = 0.760), intra/postoperative blood transfusion (P = 0.624), hospital stay (P = 0.986), postoperative fever (P = 0.659), and wound infection (P = 1). CONCLUSION: Oxytocin and TA with ethamsylate had no significant value in lowering intraoperative blood loss compared with the placebo for abdominal myomectomy which opens a new question about the role of the use of the hemostatic drug during myomectomy especially in centers with limited resources and had higher rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered on Pan African Clinical Trials Registry with the following number: PACTR202008739887429 and was approved on 24/08/2020.

Robotic Approach is Associated With a Lower Conversion Rate Compared to Laparoscopic Approach for Patients Undergoing Colectomy for T4b Colon Cancer. An Analysis of the National Cancer Database.

INTRODUCTION: We examined the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing open, laparoscopic, or robotic colectomy for T4b colon cancer, as well as the clinical factors associated with conversion to an open approach and its consequences on perioperative and oncologic outcomes. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for patients undergoing colectomy for cT4b colon cancer (2010-2016). Patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic colectomy were matched using Propensity-Score analysis. Factors associated with conversion to an open approach were assessed using Logistic-regression multivariable-analysis (MVA). RESULTS: Colectomy for cT4b colon cancer was performed in 9030 patients (open: n = 6,543, robotic: n = 157, laparoscopic: n = 2330). In the propensity-matched groups, robotic approach had lower rate of conversion (12% vs 37%, P < .001), shorter hospital stays (5 vs 7-days, P = .02), and similar overall-survival (5-yr: 49% vs 39%, P = .16), compared to laparoscopic approach. Conversion to an open approach was noted in 801(32%) of the patients undergoing minimally invasive surgical colectomy (robotic n = 23(15%), laparoscopic n = 778(33%). Factors associated with lower rate of conversion on multivariable-analysis included recent year of surgery (95% CI: 0.88-.97), robotic approach (95% CI: 0.22-.56), and surgeries performed in Academic hospitals (95% CI: 0.65-.96). Conversion to an open approach was associated with higher rate of positive parenchymal margin (31% vs 25%, P = .001), higher rate of 30-day readmission (12% vs 9.5%, P = .04), and similar overall survival (5-yr: 32% vs 35%, P = .19), compared to those who had no conversion. CONCLUSION: At the National level, patients undergoing colectomy for T4b colon cancer via a robotic approach had more favorable perioperative outcomes compared to laparoscopic approach. Conversion to an open approach did not compromise long term survival, despite being associated with higher rate of positive margins and readmissions rate.

The Quest for Immunity: Exploring Human Herpesviruses as Vaccine Vectors.

Herpesviruses are large DNA viruses that have long been used as powerful gene therapy tools. In recent years, the ability of herpesviruses to stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses has led to their transition to various applications as vaccine vectors. This vaccinology branch is growing at an unprecedented and accelerated rate. To date, human herpesvirus-based vectors have been used in vaccines to combat a variety of infectious agents, including the Ebola virus, foot and mouth disease virus, and human immunodeficiency viruses. Additionally, these vectors are being tested as potential vaccines for cancer-associated antigens. Thanks to advances in recombinant DNA technology, immunology, and genomics, numerous steps in vaccine development have been greatly improved. A better understanding of herpesvirus biology and the interactions between these viruses and the host cells will undoubtedly foster the use of herpesvirus-based vaccine vectors in clinical settings. To overcome the existing drawbacks of these vectors, ongoing research is needed to further advance our knowledge of herpesvirus biology and to develop safer and more effective vaccine vectors. Advanced molecular virology and cell biology techniques must be used to better understand the mechanisms by which herpesviruses manipulate host cells and how viral gene expression is regulated during infection. In this review, we cover the underlying molecular structure of herpesviruses and the strategies used to engineer their genomes to optimize capacity and efficacy as vaccine vectors. Also, we assess the available data on the successful application of herpesvirus-based vaccines for combating diseases such as viral infections and the potential drawbacks and alternative approaches to surmount them.