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2.
Eye (Lond) ; 2024 May 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38811685
3.
Spinal Cord ; 62(6): 275-284, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38589551

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVES: Primary Spinal Intradural Tumours (PSITs) are rare pathologies that can significantly impact quality of life. This study aimed to review patient reported outcomes (PROs) in PSITs. METHODS: A systematic search of Pubmed and Embase was performed to identify studies measuring PROs in adults with PSITs. PRO results were categorised as relating to Global, Physical, Social, or Mental health. Outcomes were summarised descriptively. RESULTS: Following review of 2382 records, 11 studies were eligible for inclusion (737 patients). All studies assessed surgically treated patients. Schwannoma was the commonest pathology (n = 190). 7 studies measured PROs before and after surgery, the remainder assessed only post-operatively. For eight studies, PROs were obtained within 12 months of treatment. 21 PRO measurement tools were used across included studies, of which Euro-Qol-5D (n = 8) and the pain visual/numerical analogue scale (n = 5) were utilised most frequently. Although overall QoL is lower than healthy controls in PSITs, improvements following surgery were found in Extramedullary tumours (EMT) in overall physical, social, and mental health. Similar improvements were not significant across studies of Intramedullary tumours (IMT). Overall QoL and symptom burden was higher in IMT patients than in brain tumour patients. No studies evaluated the effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Patients with PSITs suffer impaired PROs before and after surgery. This is particularly true for IMTs. PRO reporting in PSITs is hindered by a heterogeneity of reporting and varied measurement tools. This calls for the establishment of a standard set of PROs as well as the use of registries.


Subject(s)
Patient Reported Outcome Measures , Quality of Life , Spinal Cord Neoplasms , Humans , Spinal Cord Neoplasms/surgery
4.
Vet World ; 17(2): 329-336, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38595657

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an infectious disease of cloven-hoofed animals, including buffalo, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, causing major economic losses to the local farmers and, overall, to the national economy of the country. This study aimed to detect FMDV serotypes in year-round FMD outbreaks, hematological and biochemical changes, and oxidative stress in FMDV-infected cattle and buffaloes in the district of Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan, and the socioeconomic impact of FMD outbreaks on farmers. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the district of Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan, where FMD virus (FMDV) serotypes were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematological, biochemical, and oxidative analyses were performed by analyzing the blood of FMDV-infected and non-infected animals. Information on the associated risk factors was obtained through a structured questionnaire by interviewing farmers in each FMD-affected farm. Results: Thirty-four out of 38 farms (89%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 75%-97%) were positive for FMD by ELISA. Higher FMD infection was detected in farms with a herd size of <50 animals (50%, 17/34), followed by >100 animals (32%, 11/34) and 51-100 animals (18%, 6/34). Fifty-seven percent (114/200, 95% CI: 50%-64%) of animals were positive for FMD. Of these, 61% (69/114) were cattle and 39% (45/114) were buffalo. FMD positivity was higher in females (86%, 98/114) than in males (14%, 16/114) and higher in animals older than 2 years of age (52%, 59/114). On average, farmers lose U.S. dollars 3000 annually due to FMD outbreaks. Animals infected with FMDV had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) white blood cell counts and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower hemoglobin and total protein concentrations in buffalo and cattle, whereas infected cattle showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower albumin levels. Globulin levels were lower in buffaloes infected. Alanine aminotransferase levels were lower in infected cattle (p ≤ 0.05). Creatinine levels were higher in infected buffalo (p ≤ 0.05). Urea and phosphorus concentrations were higher in FMDV-infected cattle and buffalo (p ≤ 0.05). Calcium levels were lower in infected cattle and buffalo (p ≤ 0.05). Catalase enzyme activity in infected cattle and buffaloes was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Lipid peroxidation was significantly higher in FMDV-infected cattle and buffalo (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: This study confirmed serotype O circulation among cattle and buffalo in year-long FMD outbreaks in the Quetta District of Balochistan. Blood analysis identified a parameter deviated from the normal level due to FMDV infection. In addition, the outbreak of FMD has a significant negative economic impact on livestock farmers.

5.
Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes ; 17: 779-793, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38371389

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and is characterized by persistent inflammation. Hematological parameters have emerged as a novel marker for detecting chronic inflammatory conditions, including diabetes. Aim: We aim to examine the association between HbA1c levels, which can indicate the presence of diabetic neuropathy, and hematological parameters to explore the possibility of using hematological parameters as a new indicator for DN in T2DM patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 768 (483 males and 284 females) medical records of adult T2DM patients with or without neuropathy who attending the outpatient neuromuscular clinic at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021. Results: The results showed significant increases in HbA1c levels (p=0.000), lymphocyte levels (p=0.028), and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p=0.011). In the T2DM group, HBA1C levels were found to be positively correlated with age (r=0.306, p=0.000), neutrophil (NEUT) (r=0. 287, p=0.000), platelet (PLT) (r=0. 148, p=0.039), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (r=0.306193, p=0.0007), and negatively correlated with gender (r=-0.306193, p=0.0007). In the T2DMN group, HBA1C levels showed a positive correlation with hemoglobin (HB) (r=0.084, p=0.045), PLT (r=0.087, p=0.037), and PLT/mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) ratio (PLT/MCH ratio) (r=0.12, p=0.004), and a negative correlation with age (r=-0.204, p=0.000), gender (r=-0.086, p=0.041), weight (WT) (r=-0.113, p=0.007), Body Surface Area (BSA) (r=-0.09, p=0.031), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (r=-0.292, p=0.000), and MCH (r=-0.186, p=0.000). Conclusion: Our study found a significant association between HbA1c, a biomarker for diabetic neuropathy, and various hematological parameters (HB, MCV, MCH, PLT, PLT/MCH ratio) in T2DMN patients. By effectively controlling and monitoring these variables, it may be feasible to prevent or delay the progression of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients. However, further research is needed to validate these findings.

6.
SAGE Open Nurs ; 10: 23779608241228637, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38322623

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Obesity during adolescence represents a strong predictor of higher mortality in adulthood; thus, lifestyle interventions represent the recommended therapy. Objective: To evaluate the effect of nitro counseling on lifestyle of obese adolescence, and develop life changing program. Method: Quasi-experimental design was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022. A total of 117 university nursing students participated from two universities in Palestine. A self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection and included the following: socio-demographic characteristics, university students' knowledge, practices adolescent lifestyle, and anthropometric measurement to detect body mass index. The nitro counseling program was performed over three and half months. Percentage, mean value, standard deviation, Chi-square (X2), T paired test, and proportion probability (p-value), when p < 0.05 or < 0.02 it is statistically significant difference. Results: The results revealed that 34.1% of students weren't aware of obesity pre-counseling, while it was improved to 93.1% post-nitro counseling implementation with highly statistical significance (p < 0.001). Less than half of adolescence were obesity class1, and more than one-third were obesity class II. There was a highly significant difference between students' knowledge and their practices pre- and post-nitro counseling program implementation. Conclusion: This study confirmed that the total effect of obesity on adolescence self-esteem, social distress, and physical health demonstrated a highly significant difference between pre- and post-implementation of nitro counseling program. In addition to, improved adolescence knowledge and practices pre- and post-counseling implementation.

7.
J Pak Med Assoc ; 74(1): 67-71, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38219168

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility and effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in relation to burn patients. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan, from March 2018 to May 2021, and comprised pus swab cultures were isolated from inpatients with 2nd and 3rd degree burns aged up to 60 years at Bolan Medical Complex Hospital and Sandeman Provinical Hospital, the two main government tertiary care hospitals in Quetta. The samples were immediately cultured, and evaluated using biochemical tests, antibiotic susceptibility and molecular identification using polymerase chain reaction. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 720 burn wound samples, 424(58.9%) were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa; 304(42%) males and 120(16%) females (p<0.02). The overall mean age of the patients was 27.7±6.2 years (range: 1-60 years). The mean total burn surface area was not significantly different in positive 29.6±6.2% and negative 30.3±6.2% cases (p>0.05). The time leading to skin grafts in positive patients was 29.5±6.5 days compared to 22.3±6.3 days for negative patients (p< 0.007), and the time required for wound healing was 25.0±4.7 days and 16.7±5.2 days, respectively (p<0.001). Length of hospital stay of Pseudomonas aeruginosa positive patients was 38.0±7.8 days compared to 32.1±6.8 days for negative patients (p<0.001). Conclusion: Nosocomial infections and multidrug resistance species were observed frequently at the burn wound site. P. aeruginosa.


Subject(s)
Burns , Pseudomonas Infections , Wound Infection , Male , Female , Humans , Aged , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Prevalence , Cross-Sectional Studies , Wound Infection/drug therapy , Wound Infection/epidemiology , Pseudomonas Infections/drug therapy , Pseudomonas Infections/epidemiology , Burns/epidemiology , Burns/drug therapy , Wound Healing , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Microbial Sensitivity Tests
8.
World Neurosurg ; 184: e266-e273, 2024 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38286323

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tectal plate gliomas (TPGs) are a heterogeneous group of uncommon brain tumors. TPGs are considered indolent and are usually managed conservatively but they have the potential to transform into higher-grade tumors. The aims of this study were to investigate the natural history of adult TPG, treatment outcomes, and overall survival. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed of adult patients with TPG between 1993 and 2021. Baseline clinical, radiologic, and management characteristics were collected. The primary outcome was tumor progression, defined as increasing size on radiologic assessment or new gadolinium contrast enhancement. Secondary outcomes included management and mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included, of whom 23 (52.2%) were men. Median age at diagnosis was 35 years (interquartile range, 27-53). Radiologic tumor progression was observed in 8 patients (20.5%). The 10-year progression-free survival was 72.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-0.91). The 10-year overall survival was 86.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.75-1.0). Cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures were used in 62% of the cohort (n = 24). Seventeen patients (43.6%) underwent at least 1 endoscopic third ventriculostomy, whereas only 6 patients (15.4%) underwent at least 1 ventriculoperitoneal shunt. CONCLUSIONS: TPG has an overall favorable clinical prognosis, although progression occurs in 1 in 5 patients. Showing accurate factors by which patients with TPG may be risk stratified should be a key area of further research. A follow-up duration of 10 years would be a reasonable window based on the radiologic progression rates in this study; however, larger cohort studies are needed to answer both questions definitively.


Subject(s)
Brain Stem Neoplasms , Glioma , Hydrocephalus , Male , Adult , Humans , Female , Retrospective Studies , Follow-Up Studies , Brain Stem Neoplasms/surgery , Glioma/diagnostic imaging , Glioma/surgery , Glioma/pathology , Ventriculostomy/methods , Tectum Mesencephali/pathology , Hydrocephalus/surgery
9.
Toxicol In Vitro ; 95: 105764, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38101492

ABSTRACT

The list of environmental factors that trigger autoimmune diseases in genetically susceptible individuals has grown in the recent years and is far from complete. The possible intervention of the environment in triggering these diseases is ever more perceived by the clinicians. This study investigated the effect of environmental factors like organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) on proportions of different T lymphocyte subsets and their cytokine secretion in-vitro among pemphigus patients, before and after specific immunosuppressive therapy. Higher levels of OCPs like ß-HCH (isoform of hexachlorohexane), α-endosulfan (a form of endosulfan) and p,p΄-DDE (a metabolite of o,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) were observed in the blood of pemphigus patients as compared to healthy controls. HCH and DDT exposure caused specific reduction in CD8+CD45RA+ and CD4+CD25+ T lymphocyte subpopulations in these patient PBMCs. A strong reduction in Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-γ) cytokines upon exposure to these OCPs in-vitro was also observed. These findings indicate that HCH and DDT have a significant impact on Th1 lymphocytes. Impaired production of these cytokines might favor infections and production of autoantibodies. We therefore speculate that the systemic absorption of the pesticide after the topical contact may be one of the factors triggering the immunological mechanism among pemphigus patients.


Subject(s)
Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated , Pemphigus , Pesticides , Humans , Autoantibodies , Cytokines , DDT , Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/toxicity , Interleukin-2 , Pesticides/toxicity , T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/chemistry , T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/metabolism
10.
Adv Clin Neurosci Rehabil ; 22(2): WVJZ9783, 2023 Aug 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37860270

ABSTRACT

Meningioma are the most common primary brain tumour. Classically, meningioma are phenotypically grouped using the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification system. However, it is now understood that the WHO approach overfits tumours into three grades, resulting in similarly graded tumours displaying phenotypically distinct behaviour. There is a growing body of research investigating the molecular biology of these tumours, including genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, proteomic, and methylomic profiling. Such advancements in molecular profiling of meningioma are providing greater accuracy in prognostication of tumours. Furthermore, a clearer understanding of tumour molecular biology highlights potential targets for pharmacotherapies. Currently, the routine application of in-depth tumour molecular analysis is limited, however as it becomes more widely available it will likely result in improved patient care. This review seeks to explore the important developments in meningioma molecular biology, discussed in the context of their clinical importance.

12.
Neurooncol Pract ; 10(4): 391-401, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37457230

ABSTRACT

Background: Comprehensive and transparent reporting of clinical trial activity is important. The Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) 2013 and Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 statements define the items to be reported in clinical trial protocols and randomized controlled trials, respectively. The aim of this methodological review was to assess the reporting quality of adult neuro-oncology trial protocols and trial result articles. Methods: Adult primary and secondary brain tumor phase 3 trial protocols and result articles published after the introduction of the SPIRIT 2013 statement, were identified through searches of 4 electronic bibliographic databases. Following extraction of baseline demographic data, the reporting quality of independently included trial protocols and result articles was assessed against the SPIRIT and CONSORT statements respectively. The CONSORT-A checklist, an extension of the CONSORT 2010 statement, was used to specifically assess the abstract accompanying the trial results article. Percentage adherence (standard deviation [SD]) was calculated for each article. Results: Seven trial protocols, and 36 trial result articles were included. Mean adherence of trial protocols to the SPIRIT statement was 79.4% (SD: 0.11). Mean adherence of trial abstracts to CONSORT-A was 75.3% (SD: 0.12) and trial result articles to CONSORT was 74.5% (SD: 0.10). Conclusion: The reporting quality of adult neuro-oncology trial protocols and trial result articles requires improvement to ensure comprehensive and transparent communication of planned neuro-oncology clinical trials and results within the literature. Raising awareness by clinical triallists and implementing mandatory evidence of proof of adherence by journals should improve reporting quality.

13.
J Thorac Oncol ; 18(12): 1703-1713, 2023 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37392903

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Brain metastases (BMs) in patients with advanced and metastatic NSCLC are linked to poor prognosis. Identifying genomic alterations associated with BM development could influence screening and determine targeted treatment. We aimed to establish prevalence and incidence in these groups, stratified by genomic alterations. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis compliant with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were conducted (PROSPERO identification CRD42022315915). Articles published in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library between January 2000 and May 2022 were included. Prevalence at diagnosis and incidence of new BM per year were obtained, including patients with EGFR, ALK, KRAS, and other alterations. Pooled incidence rates were calculated using random effects models. RESULTS: A total of 64 unique articles were included (24,784 patients with NSCLC with prevalence data from 45 studies and 9058 patients with NSCLC having incidence data from 40 studies). Pooled BM prevalence at diagnosis was 28.6% (45 studies, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.1-31.0), and highest in patients that are ALK-positive (34.9%) or with RET-translocations (32.2%). With a median follow-up of 24 months, the per-year incidence of new BM was 0.13 in the wild-type group (14 studies, 95% CI: 0.11-0.16). Incidence was 0.16 in the EGFR group (16 studies, 95% CI: 0.11-0.21), 0.17 in the ALK group (five studies, 95% CI: 0.10-0.27), 0.10 in the KRAS group (four studies, 95% CI: 0.06-0.17), 0.13 in the ROS1 group (three studies, 95% CI: 0.06-0.28), and 0.12 in the RET group (two studies, 95% CI: 0.08-0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive meta-analysis indicates a higher prevalence and incidence of BM in patients with certain targetable genomic alterations. This supports brain imaging at staging and follow-up, and the need for targeted therapies with brain penetrance.


Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Lung Neoplasms , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Incidence , Protein-Tyrosine Kinases , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Genomics , Brain Neoplasms/epidemiology , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics , ErbB Receptors/genetics
14.
Br J Neurosurg ; : 1-11, 2023 Jun 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37265087

ABSTRACT

Cranioplasty is a neurosurgical procedure that repairs a defect in the skull Coupled with the underlying pathology cranioplasty associated morbidity can have a large impact on patient quality of life, which is often poorly explored. The objective of this systematic review was to identify patient-reported outcomes evaluating health-related quality of life following cranioplasty. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021251543) and a systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and the Cochrane databases were searched from inception to 1 May 2022. All studies reporting HRQoL following cranioplasty were included. Reporting was assessed using the ISOQOL checklist and risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or the Johanna-Briggs Institute Scale, as appropriate. A total of 25 studies were included of which 20 were cross-sectional and 2 longitudinal. Most studies utilized study specific questionnaires and Likert scales to assess HRQoL. The studies found a significant improvement in physical functioning, social functioning, cosmetic outcome, and overall HRQoL following cranioplasty. Further longitudinal studies utilising validated measurement tools are required to better understand the effect of cranioplasty at a patient level.

15.
SAGE Open Nurs ; 9: 23779608231176880, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37223220

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Major efforts are being made to control the spread and impact of the coronavirus pandemic using vaccines. However, willingness to be vaccinated depends largely on factors beyond the availability of vaccines. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and perception of university employees towards the COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and June 2021. A total of 310 university employees from six Palestinian universities participated in the study. A self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection and included the following: personal and medical characteristics of the university employees' knowledge and perception regarding receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. Results: Three hundred and ten out of 336 questionnaires (92.3% response rate) were completed and returned by the participants. The results revealed that 41.9% of university employees had good knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccination. On the other hand, 51.9% of them had a positive perception of the COVID-19 vaccination. Also, there is a significant difference between the level of knowledge and perception of the COVID-19 vaccine (p < .05). Conclusion: Less than half of the university employees had good knowledge, and half of them had a positive attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccination. Also, it has been determined that there is a relationship between the level of knowledge and perception of the COVID-19 vaccine. The study recommended that employees should be involved in educational campaigns to increase their knowledge of the importance of vaccines in COVID-19 prevention.

16.
PLoS One ; 18(5): e0285006, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37141301

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review identifying existing definitions of cauda equina syndrome (CES) and time to surgery in the literature for patients with CES. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and trial registries were searched from October 1st, 2016, to 30th December 2022, and combined with articles identified from a previous systematic review by the same authors (studies published 1990-2016). RESULTS: A total of 110 studies (52,008 patients) were included. Of these only 16 (14.5%) used established definitions in defining CES, including Fraser criteria (n = 6), British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS) (n = 5), Gleave and MacFarlane (n = 2), and other (n = 3). Most reported symptoms were urinary dysfunction (n = 44, 40%%), altered sensation in the perianal region (n = 28, 25.5%) and bowel dysfunction (n = 20, 18.2%). Sixty-eight (61.8%) studies included details on time to surgery. There was an increase in percentage of studies defining CES published in the last 5 years compared to ones from 1990-2016 (58.6% vs 77.5.%, P = .045). CONCLUSIONS: Despite Fraser recommendations, substantial heterogeneity exists in reporting of CES definitions, and a start point for time to surgery, with most authors using self-defined criteria. A consensus is required to define CES and time to surgery, to allow consistency in reporting and study analysis.


Subject(s)
Cauda Equina Syndrome , Cauda Equina , Humans , Cauda Equina Syndrome/surgery , Spine , Consensus , Patients , Registries
17.
Front Immunol ; 14: 1139031, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37063875

ABSTRACT

Background: The impact of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and subsequent steroid therapy on acquiring COVID-19 and severe outcomes remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to provide cumulative evidence regarding the risk of COVID-19 and the impact of steroid therapy, length of hospital stay, mechanical ventilation, and mortality among CRC patients. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive electronic search strategy using the relevant keywords. The outcomes and risk factors of COVID-19 in CRS patients was estimated and compared to a healthy control group when applicable. Results: A total of seven studies were included, with an estimated prevalence of 6.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5-15.7) for COVID-19 in the CRS group. COVID-19 prevalence did not differ between CRS and controls (odds ratio (OR): 0.92; 95%CI: 0.84-1.01; p = 0.08). Moreover, using steroid/immunosuppressive therapy did not significantly increase the risk of acquiring COVID-19 in CRS patients compared to the control group (OR: 3.31; 95%CI: 0.72-15.26; p = 0.12). Length of hospital stay, mechanical ventilation, and mortality rates were comparable between the two groups. Furthermore, we found that male sex, cardiovascular morbidity, renal diseases, and hypertension were inversely associated with COVID-19 infection (p < 0.01). Conclusion: CRS had a neutral effect on acquiring COVID-19 and developing severe outcomes. However, further studies are needed.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Male , Length of Stay , Chronic Disease , Risk Factors , Steroids/therapeutic use
18.
Cureus ; 15(3): e36322, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37077611

ABSTRACT

Background This study aims to provide a better knowledge of COVID-19 that will aid in the formulation of future health policy by detailing the pathophysiology, case detection, and treatment, as well as management and prevention activities. Methodology A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted at the Department of Radio-Diagnosis and Imaging, Shri B.M. Patil Medical College, Vijayapura. A total of 90 patients who presented with clinical features of COVID-19 and patients above the age of 18 years suspected of COVID-19 who were referred to the Department of Radio-Diagnosis and Imaging were included in the study. Results The classical findings which are observed on CT imaging in patients with COVID-19 include the presence of ground-glass opacities which are bilateral in distribution predominantly affecting the lower lobes with a posterior predilection. Overall, more than 33% of the patients who recovered from severe COVID-19 had lung abnormalities resembling fibrosis on follow-up imaging performed within two weeks of the commencement of the disease. These individuals were older and had more severe sicknesses during the acute period. Conclusions Chest CT can detect COVID-19 progression or secondary cardiopulmonary problems such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary embolism, superimposed pneumonia, or heart failure. Future research into the prognostic value of chest CT in COVID-19 is required.

19.
Acta Neurochir (Wien) ; 165(5): 1355-1363, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36877330

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Intracranial meningioma with bone involvement and primary intraosseous meningioma is uncommon. There is currently no consensus for optimal management. This study aimed to describe the management strategy and outcomes for a 10-year illustrative cohort, and propose an algorithm to aid clinicians in selecting cranioplasty material in such patients. METHODS: A single-centre, retrospective cohort study (January 2010-August 2021). All adult patients requiring cranial reconstruction due to meningioma with bone involvement or primary intraosseous meningioma were included. Baseline patient and meningioma characteristics, surgical strategy, and surgical morbidity were examined. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS v24.0. Data visualisation was performed using R v4.1.0. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were identified (mean age 56 years; SD 15) There were 19 females. Twenty-nine patients had secondary bone involvement (88%). Four had primary intraosseous meningioma (12%). Nineteen had gross total resection (GTR; 58%). Thirty had primary 'on-table' cranioplasty (91%). Cranioplasty materials included pre-fabricated polymethyl methacrylate (pPMMA) (n = 12; 36%), titanium mesh (n = 10; 30%), hand-moulded polymethyl methacrylate cement (hPMMA) (n = 4; 12%), pre-fabricated titanium plate (n = 4; 12%), hydroxyapatite (n = 2; 6%), and a single case combining titanium mesh with hPMMA cement (n = 1; 3%). Five patients required reoperation for a postoperative complication (15%). CONCLUSION: Meningioma with bone involvement and primary intraosseous meningioma often requires cranial reconstruction, but this may not be evident prior to surgical resection. Our experience demonstrates that a wide variety of materials have been used successfully, but that pre-fabricated materials may be associated with fewer postoperative complications. Further research within this population is warranted to identify the most appropriate operative strategy.


Subject(s)
Decompressive Craniectomy , Meningeal Neoplasms , Meningioma , Adult , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Meningioma/diagnostic imaging , Meningioma/surgery , Meningioma/complications , Polymethyl Methacrylate/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Titanium , Skull/diagnostic imaging , Skull/surgery , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Decompressive Craniectomy/adverse effects , Meningeal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Meningeal Neoplasms/surgery , Meningeal Neoplasms/complications
20.
Nutrients ; 15(3)2023 Jan 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36771275

ABSTRACT

Antioxidants have an important role in protecting against diabetes complications such as vascular endothelial cell damage. Fucoidan has strong antioxidant properties, therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of fucoidan nanoparticles through the pathway of antioxidant activity against streptozotocin-induced diabetic aortic endothelial cell dysfunction in rats. Fucoidan nanoparticles are made utilizing high-energy ball milling. This research consists of five groups, namely: control rats, rats were administered aquadest; diabetic rats, rats were administered streptozotocin (STZ); fucoidan nanoparticle rats, rats were administered STZ and fucoidan nanoparticles. Aortic tissue was collected for the evaluation of ROS (reactive oxygen species), Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Nitric Oxide (NO), cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP), relaxation response of acetylcholine (Ach), and the diameter of the aorta. The size distribution of the fucoidan nanoparticles was 267.2 ± 42.8 nm. Administration of fucoidan nanoparticles decreased the levels of ROS and MDA, and increased the levels of SOD, levels of GPx, Nrf2 expression, NO levels, cGMP expression, the relaxation response of Ach, and lumen diameter of the aorta, which are significantly different when compared with diabetic rats, p < 0.05. In this study, we concluded that the mechanism pathway of fucoidan nanoparticles prevents aortic endothelial cell dysfunction in diabetic rats through antioxidant activity by reducing ROS and MDA and incrementing SOD levels, GPx levels, and Nrf2 expression. All of these can lead to an elevated relaxation response effect of Ach and an increase in the lumen diameter of the aorta, which indicates a protective effect of fucoidan nanoparticles on aortic endothelial cells.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Vascular Diseases , Rats , Animals , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Antioxidants/metabolism , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications , Streptozocin , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism , Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Aorta , Vascular Diseases/complications , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Acetylcholine/metabolism
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