Clinical and demographic characteristics associated with nail involvement in alopecia areata: A cross-sectional study of 197 patients.

Background and Aims: Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated nonscarring alopecia. Nail changes are a common disfiguring feature of AA with an average prevalence of 30%. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of different types of nail changes and determine demographic and clinical associations. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 197 AA patients. Demographic and clinical variables including the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, type of AA, and nail changes were evaluated. Results: Among 197 AA patients with a mean age of 28.95 ± 14.45 years, 50.3% were female. Nail changes were detected in 165 patients (83.8%). The most frequent nail abnormalities were pitting (53.3%), linear line (46.7%), and distal notching (26.9%). AA patients with nail abnormalities were significantly younger than patients without nail changes (25.31 ± 14.96 vs. 32.22 ± 9.77 years; p < 0.001). Considering age groups, younger children (less than 10 years) were more likely to have nail changes than adults (97.1% vs. 76.5%; p < 0.001). The prevalence of linear line (69.6%) and distal notching (46.4%) were significantly higher in the universalis variant compared to other variants (p < 0.001). Pitting (54.5%), distal notching (43.9%), and koilonychia (12.1%) were the most common nail changes in severe forms compared to mild-to-moderate forms (p < 0.009). Conclusions: Our study revealed that young patients with severe disease are prone to nail abnormalities. Pitting, distal notching, and linear line were the most common nail changes. Of note, koilonychia, leukonychia, and red spots lunula are more expected in more severe AA.

Mortality rates in Norwegian HEMS-a retrospective analysis from Central Norway.

BACKGROUND: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) provide rapid and specialized care to critically ill or injured patients. Norwegian HEMS in Central Norway serves an important role in pre-hospital emergency medical care. To grade the severity of patients, HEMS uses the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics' (NACA) severity score. The objective of this study was to describe the short- and long term mortality overall and in each NACA-group for patients transported by HEMS Trondheim using linkage of HEMS and hospital data. METHODS: The study used a retrospective cohort design, aligning with the STROBE recommendations. Patient data from Trondheim HEMS between 01.01.2017 and 31.12.2019 was linked to mortality data from a hospital database and analyzed. Kaplan Meier plots and cumulative mortality rates were calculated for each NACA group at day one, day 30, and one year and three years after the incident. RESULTS: Trondheim HEMS responded to 2224 alarms in the included time period, with 1431 patients meeting inclusion criteria for the study. Overall mortality rates at respective time points were 10.1% at day one, 13.4% at 30 days, 18.5% at one year, and 22.3% at three years. The one-year cumulative mortality rates for each NACA group were as follows: 0% for NACA 1 and 2, 2.9% for NACA 3, 10.1% for NACA 4, 24.7% for NACA 5 and 49.5% for NACA 6. Statistical analysis with a global log-rank test indicated a significant difference in survival outcomes among the groups (p < 2⋅10- 16). CONCLUSION: Among patients transported by Trondheim HEMS, we observed an incremental rise in mortality rates with increasing NACA scores. The study further suggests that a one-year follow-up may be sufficient for future investigations into HEMS outcomes.

Difference Between Cardiopulmonary Bypass Time and Aortic Cross-Clamping Time as a Predictor of Complications After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: Along with cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time is directly related to the risk of complications after heart surgery. The influence of the time difference between cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping times (TDC-C) remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass time in relation to cross-clamping time on immediate results after coronary artery bypass grafting in the Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (REPLICCAR) II. METHODS: Analysis of 3,090 patients included in REPLICCAR II database was performed. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons outcomes were evaluated (mortality, kidney failure, deep wound infection, reoperation, cerebrovascular accident, and prolonged ventilation time). A cutoff point was adopted, from which the increase of this difference would affect each outcome. RESULTS: After a cutoff point determination, all patients were divided into Group 1 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), Group 2 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.), Group 3 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), and Group 4 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.). After univariate logistic regression, Group 2 showed significant association with reoperation (odds ratio: 1.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.66), stroke (odds ratio: 3.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-7.63), kidney failure (odds ratio: 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-2.74), and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 2.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-3.60). CONCLUSION: TDC-C serves as a predictive factor for complications following coronary artery bypass grafting. We strongly recommend that future studies incorporate this metric to improve the prediction of complications.

The development and initial validation of IgG4-related disease damage index: a consensus report from Chinese IgG4-RD Consortium.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and conduct an initial validation of the Damage Index for IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD DI). METHODS: A draft of index items for assessing organ damages in patients with IgG4-RD was generated by experts from the Chinese IgG4-RD Consortium (CIC). The preliminary DI was refined using the Delphi method, and a final version was generated by consensus. 40 IgG4-RD cases representing four types of clinical scenarios were then selected, each with two time points of assessment for at least 3 years of follow-up. 48 rheumatologists from 35 hospitals nationwide were invited to evaluate organ damage using the CIC IgG4-RD DI. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Kendall-W coefficient of concordance (KW) were used to assess the inter-rater reliability. The criterion validity of IgG4-RD DI was tested by calculating the sensitivity and specificity of raters. RESULTS: IgG4-RD DI is a cumulative index consisting of 14 domains of organ systems, including a total of 39 items. The IgG4-RD DI was capable of distinguishing stable and increased damage across the active disease subgroup and stable disease subgroup. In terms of scores at baseline and later observations by all raters, overall consistency in scores at baseline and later observations by all raters was satisfactory. ICC at the two time points was 0.69 and 0.70, and the KW was 0.74 and 0.73, respectively. In subgroup analysis, ICC and KW in all subgroups were over 0.55 and 0.61, respectively. The analysis of criterion validity showed a good performance with a sensitivity of 0.86 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.88), a specificity of 0.79 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.82) and an area under the curve of 0.88 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.91). CONCLUSION: The IgG4-RD DI is a useful approach to analyse disease outcomes, and it has good operability and credibility. It is anticipated that the DI will become a useful tool for therapeutic trials and studies of prognosis in patients with IgG4-RD.

Guselkumab provides durable improvement across psoriatic arthritis disease domains: post hoc analysis of a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate long-term guselkumab effectiveness across Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA)-recognised domains/related conditions of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: Post hoc analyses used data from DISCOVER-2 (NCT03158285) biologic/Janus-kinase inhibitor-naïve participants with active PsA (≥5 swollen/≥5 tender joints, C-reactive protein ≥0.6 mg/dL), randomised (1:1:1) to guselkumab every 4 or 8 weeks (Q4W/Q8W) or placebo with crossover to guselkumab. Outcomes aligned with key GRAPPA-recognised domains of overall disease activity, peripheral arthritis, axial disease, enthesitis/dactylitis and skin psoriasis (nail psoriasis was not evaluated). PsA-related conditions (inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)/uveitis) were assessed via adverse events through W112. Least squares mean changes from baseline through W100 in continuous outcomes employed repeated measures mixed-effects models adjusting for baseline scores. Binary measure response rates were determined with non-responder imputation for missing data. RESULTS: 442/493 (90%) of guselkumab-randomised patients completed treatment through W100. Following early reductions in disease activity with guselkumab, durable improvements were observed across key PsA domains (swollen/tender joints, psoriasis, spinal pain, enthesitis/dactylitis) through W100. Response rates of therapeutically relevant targets generally increased through W100 with guselkumab Q4W/Q8W: Disease Activity Index for PsA low disease activity (LDA) 62%/59%, enthesitis resolution 61%/70%, dactylitis resolution 72%/83%, 100% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 59%/53%, Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score LDA 51%/49% and minimal disease activity 38%/40%. Through W112, no cases of IBD developed among guselkumab-randomised patients and one case of uveitis was reported. CONCLUSION: In biologic-naïve patients with active PsA, guselkumab provided early and durable improvements in key GRAPPA-recognised domains through 2 years, with substantial proportions achieving important treatment targets.

[Trauma Injuries Associated with Rope Bullfights in the Azores: A Cross-Sectional Study]. / Trauma Associado às Touradas à Corda nos Açores: Um Estudo Transversal.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to describe trauma injuries associated with rope bullfights in the Azores, Portugal, regarding the cause of the incident, trauma mechanism, most affected anatomical areas, and injury severity. METHODS: Two-year cross-sectional study in the local hospital with prospective data collection. Patients who were consecutively admitted to the local hospital's emergency department with trauma injuries from the bull's direct impact or from falls either during the bull's escape or when handling the rope, were included. Data on general demographics, lesion characteristics, treatments, need for hospitalization and mortality were collected. RESULTS: Fifty-six incidents and 80 trauma injuries were identified. The main cause of trauma was the bull's direct impact (37; 66.07%) and the mechanism of injury was blunt trauma in all patients (100%; 56). Head and neck injuries (27; 33.75%) were the most common. The median Injury Severity Score at the emergency department admission was 4. Major trauma was noted in five patients (8.92%). Ten patients (17.85%) needed hospitalization with a median hospital stay of seven days. Three of the 10 hospitalized patients (30%) were previously admitted to the intensive care unit. Surgery was performed in six patients (10.71%). CONCLUSION: The main cause of trauma was the bull's direct impact, and the mechanism of injury was blunt trauma. The most affected anatomical areas were the head and neck. These findings are a wake-up call to the impact of these events regarding the economic costs they entail, the costs for the health of the local population, the safety measures currently implemented and the availability of the necessary means to treat these patients.

Introdução: O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar as lesões traumáticas tauromáquicas ocorridas nas touradas à corda nos Açores no que diz respeito à causa do incidente, mecanismo de trauma, área anatómica mais afetada e gravidade das lesões. Métodos: Estudo unicêntrico, transversal, com a colheita prospetiva de dados realizada durante dois anos. Foram incluídos os doentes que consecutivamente recorreram ao serviço de urgência do hospital local por lesões traumáticas ocorridas por trauma direto com o animal ou quedas aquando da fuga ou manuseio da corda. Foram colhidos dados demográficos gerais, características da lesão, tratamentos efetuados, necessidade de internamento hospitalar e mortalidade. Foi realizada uma análise estatística descritiva com recurso ao software estatístico SPSS. Resultados: Registaram-se 56 admissões hospitalares e 80 lesões traumáticas. A principal causa de traumatismo foi o trauma direto com o animal (37; 66,07%) e o mecanismo de lesão foi o trauma fechado (56; 100%). As áreas anatómicas mais afetadas foram a cabeça e pescoço (27; 33,75%). A mediana de Injury Severity Score foi de 4 à admissão hospitalar. Cinco doentes (8,92%) apresentaram trauma major. Dez doentes (17,85%) necessitaram de internamento hospitalar com uma mediana de dias de internamento de sete (IIQ 4,5 dias). Três (30%) dos doentes internados necessitaram de internamento em unidade de cuidados intensivos. Seis doentes (10,71%) foram submetidos a cirurgia. Conclusão: A principal causa de traumatismo foi o trauma direto com o animal e o mecanismo de lesão foi o trauma fechado. As áreas anatómicas mais afetadas foram a cabeça e pescoço. Estes dados constituem um alerta para o impacto destes eventos no que diz respeito aos custos económicos que acarretam, aos custos para a saúde da população local, às medidas de segurança atualmente implementadas e à disponibilidade dos meios necessários para tratar estes doentes.

Age at autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and its association with child and family characteristics in a tertiary care hospital in Malaysia.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Despite the absence of a cure, early diagnosis and intensive early intervention can improve the outcomes. However, little is known about the median age at ASD diagnosis in Malaysia or the child/family characteristics associated with early diagnosis. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the median age at ASD diagnosis among Malaysian children presenting to the country's largest public tertiary neurodevelopmental center and to investigate the possible demographic, child, and family characteristics associated with an early age at diagnosis. Data were collected between February 2017 and February 2019 from a database maintained by the child development unit of the country's largest publicly funded tertiary hospital, containing data from an ethnically diverse population. Among Malaysian children attending the clinic, the median age at ASD diagnosis was 48 months. Early autism diagnosis (<36 months of age) was associated with increased severity of social communication and interaction impairments, coexisting intellectual impairment, children from high socioeconomic status families, and children who receive joint care from their families and a maid or babysitter. The study findings highlight the socioeconomic inequalities in the country, a lack of parental awareness of early ASD signs, and the presence of cultural influences on the age at diagnosis of ASD.

Complimentary Cardiac Computed Tomography Ventricular Volumetry-Derived Metrics of Severity in Patients with Ebstein Anomaly: Comparison with Echocardiography-Based Severity Indices.

Detailed three-dimensional cardiac segmentations using cardiac computed tomography (CT) data is technically feasible in patients with Ebstein anomaly, but its complementary role has not been evaluated. This single-center, retrospective study was aimed to evaluate the complementary role of cardiac CT ventricular volumetry in evaluating the severity of Ebstein anomaly. Preoperative cardiac CT ventricular volumetry was performed in 21 children with Ebstein anomaly. CT-based ventricular functional measures were compared between Carpentier types, and between definitive surgical repair types. The Celermajer severity index measured with echocardiography was correlated with CT-based functional parameters. Total right ventricle (RV) and functional RV (fRV) volumes, fRV fraction, fRV/left ventricle (LV) volume ratio, and end-diastolic CT severity index demonstrated statistically significant differences between Carpentier type A/B and Carpentier type C/D (p < 0.05). The Celermajer severity index measured with echocardiography showed a high positive correlation with the end-diastolic CT severity index (R = 0.720, p < 0.002). There were no statistically significant differences in both echocardiography- and CT-based functional measures between patients with biventricular repair and patients with one-and-a-half or univentricular repair (p > 0.05). Compared with echocardiography, cardiac CT ventricular volumetry can provide the severity of Ebstein anomaly objectively and may be used in select patients when echocardiographic results are inconclusive or inconsistent.

Acurácia do escore de referência endoscópico para esofagite eosinofílica em crianças / Accuracy of the eosinophilic esophagitis endoscopic reference score in children

ABSTRACT Background: To assess the efficacy of applying the endoscopic reference score for EoE (EREFS) in children with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction naïve to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing reports and photographs of upper gastrointestinal endoscopies (UGE) and esophageal biopsies of patients with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. Patients who were treated with PPI or had other conditions that may cause esophageal eosinophilia were excluded. Results: Of the 2,036 patients evaluated, endoscopic findings of EoE were identified in 248 (12.2%) and more than one abnormality was observed in 167 (8.2%). Among all patients, 154 (7.6%) presented esophageal eosinophilia (≥15 eosinophils per high power field) (P<0.01). In this group, 30 patients (19.5%) had normal endoscopy. In patients with EoE, edema (74% vs 6.5%, P<0.01) and furrows (66.2% vs 2.4%, P<0.01) were more prevalent than in the control group. Association of edema and furrows was more frequent in patients with EoE than in the control group (29.2% vs 1.6%, P<0.01, OR=24.7, CI=15.0-40.5). The presence of more than one endoscopic finding had sensitivity of 80.5%, specificity of 93.4%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 50%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.3%, and accuracy of 92.4%. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed that endoscopic features suggestive of EoE had high specificity and NPV for diagnosing EoE in children naïve to PPI therapy. These findings highlight the importance of the EREFS in contributing to early identification of inflammatory and fibrostenosing characteristics of EoE, making it possible to identify and to avoid progression of the disease.

RESUMO Contexto: Avaliar a eficácia da aplicação do escore de referência endoscópico para EoE (EREFS) em crianças com sintomas de disfunção esofágica sem tratamento prévio com inibidores da bomba de prótons (IBP). Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal observacional por meio de revisão de laudos e fotos de endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA) e biópsias de esôfago de pacientes com sintomas de disfunção esofágica. Pacientes tratados com IBP ou com outras condições que podem causar eosinofilia esofágica foram excluídos. Resultados: Dos 2.036 pacientes avaliados, os achados endoscópicos de EoE foram identificados em 248 (12,2%) e mais de uma anormalidade foi observada em 167 (8,2%). Entre todos os pacientes, 154 (7,6%) apresentaram eosinofilia esofágica (≥15 eosinófilos por campo de grande aumento) (P<0,01). Nesse grupo, 30 pacientes (19,5%) apresentaram endoscopia normal. Em pacientes com EoE, edema (74% vs 6,5%, P<0,01) e linhas verticais (66,2% vs 2,4%, P<0,01) foram mais prevalentes quando comparados ao grupo controle. A associação de edema e linhas verticais foi mais frequente em pacientes com EoE do que no grupo controle (29,2% vs 1,6%, P<0,01, OR=24,7, IC=15,0-40,5). A presença de mais de um achado endoscópico teve sensibilidade de 80,5%, especificidade de 93,4%, valor preditivo positivo de 50%, valor preditivo negativo de 98,3% e acurácia de 92,4%. Conclusão: Em conclusão, esse estudo mostrou que as características endoscópicas sugestivas de EoE apresentam especificidade e VPN elevados para o diagnóstico da enfermidade em crianças sem tratamento prévio com IBP. Estes achados reforçam a importância do EREFS em contribuir para a identificação precoce de características inflamatórias e fibroestenosantes, possibilitando identificar e evitar a progressão da doença.

Difference Between Cardiopulmonary Bypass Time and Aortic Cross-Clamping Time as a Predictor of Complications After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Introduction: Along with cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time is directly related to the risk of complications after heart surgery. The influence of the time difference between cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping times (TDC-C) remains poorly understood. Objective: To assess the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass time in relation to cross-clamping time on immediate results after coronary artery bypass grafting in the Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (REPLICCAR) II. Methods: Analysis of 3,090 patients included in REPLICCAR II database was performed. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons outcomes were evaluated (mortality, kidney failure, deep wound infection, reoperation, cerebrovascular accident, and prolonged ventilation time). A cutoff point was adopted, from which the increase of this difference would affect each outcome. Results: After a cutoff point determination, all patients were divided into Group 1 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), Group 2 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.), Group 3 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), and Group 4 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.). After univariate logistic regression, Group 2 showed significant association with reoperation (odds ratio: 1.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.66), stroke (odds ratio: 3.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-7.63), kidney failure (odds ratio: 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-2.74), and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 2.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-3.60). Conclusion: TDC-C serves as a predictive factor for complications following coronary artery bypass grafting. We strongly recommend that future studies incorporate this metric to improve the prediction of complications.

Effect of upper eyelid blepharoplasty on the ocular surface, tear film, and corneal microstructure

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of upper eyelid blepharoplasty with the removal of the skin and a strip of orbicularis oculi muscle on the ocular surface, tear film, and dry eye-related symptoms. Methods: Twenty-two eyes of 22 consecutive patients operated by a single surgeon (21 females; mean age, 61 years; age range, 41-75 years) were included. All subjects completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, underwent in vivo confocal microscopy, tear film breakup time measurements, the Schirmer test with anesthesia, and fluorescein and lissamine green staining measurements before, 1 month, and 6 months after upper blepharoplasty alone with preseptal orbicularis excision. Results: A significant increase in Ocular Surface Disease Index, and corneal fluorescein and lissamine green staining and a significant decrease in tear film breakup time were observed after 1 month (p=0.003, p=0.004, p=0.029, and p=0.024 respectively) and 6 months (p=0.001 for all findings). No significant difference in the Schirmer test score was observed during the follow-up. None of the in vivo confocal microscopy parameters showed significant changes during the study. Conclusions: An increase in dry eye symptoms and a decrease in tear film stability along with ocular surface staining were observed in patients undergoing upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk of Hypoxemia Development in Women Infected with SARS-CoV-2 during Pregnancy.

PURPOSE: There is limited information on the clinical characteristics and prognosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during pregnancy. The clinical features and risk factors for hypoxemia development were investigated in pregnant women with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2020 to February 2022, we performed a retrospective cohort study of 410 pregnant women with COVID-19. The clinical characteristics and prognoses were compared between pregnant COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen and those who did not. RESULTS: Of 410 patients, 100 (24.4%) required oxygen therapy. Among them, fever [163 (52.6%) vs. 81 (81.0%), p<0.001] and cough [172 (56.4%) vs. 73 (73.0%), p=0.003] were more frequently observed than in non-oxygen group. The proportion of unvaccinated women was higher in oxygen group than in non-oxygen group [264 (85.2%) vs. 98 (98.0%), p=0.003]. During the Omicron wave, patients were more likely to have no oxygen requirement [98 (31.6%) vs. 18 (18.0%), p=0.009]. The risk of hypoxemic respiratory difficulty increased if SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred during the third trimester [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.083, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.095-23.593, p=0.038] and C-reactive protein (CRP) was elevated (≥1.0 mg/dL) at admission (aOR 5.878, 95% CI: 3.099-11.146, p<0.001). The risk was higher in unvaccinated patients (aOR 5.376, 95% CI: 1.193-24.390, p=0.028). However, the risk was lower in patients during the Omicron wave (aOR 0.498, 95% CI: 0.258-0.961, p=0.038). CONCLUSION: A quarter of SARS-CoV-2-infected women developed hypoxemic respiratory difficulty during pregnancy. SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third trimester, CRP elevation at admission, and no vaccination increased the risk of hypoxemia in pregnant women.

Associations of serum gamma-linolenic acid levels with erythema severity and anxiety/depression status in patients with rosacea.

BACKGROUND: The development of rosacea is suggested to be closely associated with lipid metabolism, inflammation, and anxiety/depression. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is a key factor participating in lipid metabolism, which is also confirmed to regulate the inflammatory response. However, the associations of serum GLA levels with rosacea severity and psychological status still remain unclear. OBJECTIVE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to investigate the associations of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a key factor participating in lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response, with rosacea severity and psychological status. The present study still had some limitations. First, this study is a cross-sectional study and does not provide longitudinal evidence about the relationship between GLA and rosacea; Second, the cohort in this study is also relatively small, and a larger cohort is needed in further investigation to reveal the potential role of lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of rosacea. METHODS: A total of 62 rosacea patients were consecutively recruited. Patient's Self-Assessment (PSA) scale and Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) as well as 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were conducted to evaluate the degree of erythema severity and anxiety/depression, respectively. Serum GLA levels were determined by gas chromatography mass. RESULTS: Lower levels of serum GLA in rosacea patients were observed (p<0.001), and subgroup analysis revealed that patients with higher-level GLA had lower scores of PSA, CEA, GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Moreover, Spearman correlation analysis uncovered that serum GLA levels were negatively associated with PSA, CEA, GAD-7 as well and PHQ-9 scores, respectively. Linear regression model found that serum GLA levels at baseline were a predictive factor for prognosis of clinical outcomes after 1-month conventional treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that lower levels of serum GLA in rosacea patients are negatively associated with the degree of erythema and anxiety/depression status.

Clinico-epidemiological profile of non-survivors of COVID-19 during the last two waves in a tertiary care hospital of North India: A retrospective descriptive study.

Background: SARS-CoV-causing COVID-19 resulted in mortality, and the clinic-epidemiological profile at the time of admission of patients who died later could provide an insight into pathophysiological consequences due to infection. Method: Retrospective observational study of 64 RTPCR-confirmed COVID-19 non-survivors was conducted from April - June 2021 and January February 2022. Data were analyzed, and a P value<0.05 was taken as significant. Results: 60.94% and 39.06 % were males and females, and 26.57% & 73.43 % of patients had moderate and severe disease, respectively. Fever, cough, and dyspnea were the most common presenting symptoms. 78.12% and 21.88% had pre-existing (diabetes and hypertension were most common) and no co-morbidities, respectively. 65.62 & 17.19 % of patients had bilateral and unilateral ground glass opacities, respectively. Thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, elevated monocytes, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of 7.52 were hematological findings. D dimer was elevated. ABG showed low PaO2 and SPO2 %. ALT and AST were elevated. Tachycardia was also present. Compared to the first wave, no significant association of gender with severity was found. However, the percentage of male patients was higher. The association of the duration of stay and co-morbidity with disease severity was significant in both the first and subsequent waves of COVID-19. Conclusion: Co-morbidity, disease severity, and radiological lung opacities play a role in the outcome of COVID-19. The associated findings are hematological, renal, liver, cardiovascular, and arterial blood gas derangements.

Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Randomized trials have shown that vitamin C shortens the duration of common colds. Some trials reported greater effects on severe cold symptoms compared with mild symptoms. This review systematically compares the effects of vitamin C on severe and mild common cold symptoms. METHODS: We included all placebo-controlled trials of orally administered vitamin C in doses of at least 1 g/day for the common cold for people in good health at baseline. The analysis was restricted to trials which reported both the total duration of the common cold, and the severity of the common cold measured using severity scales, the duration of more severe stages of the cold, or proxies for severe colds such as days indoors. Findings were pooled using the inverse variance, fixed effect options of the metacont function of the R package meta to calculate the ratio of means estimate. RESULTS: Fifteen comparisons from 10 trials which reported both mild and severe symptoms were identified. All trials were randomized and double-blind. Compared to placebo, vitamin C significantly decreased the severity of the common cold by 15% (95% CI 9-21%). The direct comparison of the effect of vitamin C on mild and severe symptoms was limited to five comparisons which found that vitamin C had a significant benefit on the duration of severe symptoms. In this subset, there was a significant difference in the size of the effect of vitamin C on the overall duration of colds versus the duration of severe colds (P = 0.002), and vitamin C had no significant effect on the duration of mild symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The common cold is the leading cause of acute morbidity and a major cause of absenteeism from work and school. However, absenteeism is dependent on the severity of symptoms. The finding that vitamin C may have a greater effect on more severe measures of the common cold is therefore important. Further research on the therapeutic effects of vitamin C on the common cold should measure outcomes of differing levels of severity.

Modified Cardiovascular Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score in Sepsis: External Validation in Intensive Care Unit Patients.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to update the cardiovascular (CV) Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score to reflect the current practice in sepsis. We previously proposed the modified CV SOFA score from data on blood pressure, norepinephrine equivalent dose, and lactate as gathered from emergency departments. In this study, we externally validated the modified CV SOFA score in multicenter intensive care unit (ICU) patients. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted on ICU patients at six hospitals in Korea. We included adult patients with sepsis who were admitted to ICUs. We compared the prognostic performance of the modified CV/total SOFA score and the original CV/total SOFA score in predicting 28-day mortality. Discrimination and calibration were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and the calibration curve, respectively. RESULTS: We analyzed 1,015 ICU patients with sepsis. In overall patients, the 28-day mortality rate was 31.2%. The predictive validity of the modified CV SOFA (AUROC, 0.712; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.677-0.746; P < 0.001) was significantly higher than that of the original CV SOFA (AUROC, 0.644; 95% CI, 0.611-0.677). The predictive validity of modified total SOFA score for 28-day mortality was significantly higher than that of the original total SOFA (AUROC, 0.747 vs. 0.730; 95% CI, 0.715-0.779; P = 0.002). The calibration curve of the original CV SOFA for 28-day mortality showed poor calibration. In contrast, the calibration curve of the modified CV SOFA for 28-day mortality showed good calibration. CONCLUSION: In patients with sepsis in the ICU, the modified SOFA score performed better than the original SOFA score in predicting 28-day mortality.

A Severity Comparison between Italian and Israeli Rett Syndrome Cohorts.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by profound cognitive, communication, and motor impairments. Despite identified genotype/phenotype connections, the extent of clinical severity varies even among individuals sharing the same genetic mutation. Diverse sociocultural environments, such as the level of inclusivity of the scholar system, the time spent with family, and the intensity of the rehabilitative intervention provided, might influence their development diversely. This study examines the severity of RTT in people in Italy and Israel, countries with distinct contradictory approaches to caring for those with intricate disabilities, across two age groups. Data from 136 Italian and 59 Israeli girls and women with RTT were assessed and divided into two age categories: above and below 12 years. The RARS, a standardized RTT-specific clinical severity tool, was administered. Despite no differences in age and genetic characteristics, the Italian group showed better scores in the RARS motor and disease-related characteristics areas in both age groups. Moreover, the young Italian participants gathered better total RARS scores and emotional and behavioral characteristics area scores. Furthermore, the young group showed significantly less scoliosis, foot problems, and epilepsy than the older group. These findings endorse the inclusion of girls with RTT in the regular schooling system for a limited daily period, investing in high activity levels within the home and community environments, and suggest continuously providing the person with daily occasions of physical activity and socialization.

Clinico-Radiological Evaluation for Longitudinal Assessment in Central Skull Base Osteomyelitis: Proposal of Novel Scoring System.

This study aims to evaluate clinical, radiological and laboratory parameters for longitudinal assessment and prognostication in central skull base osteomyelitis (CSBO). Novel radiological score and cranial nerve assessment score (CNAS) have been proposed and analysed along with pain score (VAS), ESR, CRP, WBC count, and HbA1c for utility in disease-monitoring and predicting outcome in CSBO. CSBO cases managed in a tertiary care centre from January 2018 to November 2020, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. The parameters were recorded at presentation, 3-month, 6-month postoperative follow-up, and at completion of therapy, for statistical analysis. Significant positive correlation was found amongst pain score, CNAS, radiological score, ESR, and CRP at different timelines. On longitudinal assessment, there was a statistically significant reduction in above-mentioned parameters, in the cases who recovered. Those with initial radiological score < 30, pain score ≤ 7, and CNAS < 10 showed early clinical improvement, required shorter duration of antimicrobial therapy, and exhibited higher probability of becoming disease-free at an earlier time, compared to those presenting with higher scores. We propose the use of pain score, a novel cranial nerve assessment score, and a novel radiological score for longitudinal assessment in CSBO. The trend in these parameters along with ESR and CRP are useful to monitor the disease process. The initial assessment scores can predict duration of antimicrobial therapy and probability of early recovery. WBC count and HbA1c were neither useful for disease-monitoring nor predicting outcome.

Nutritional and clinical factors associated with acute kidney injury development in critically ill children.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) and is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. There is scarce data to support an association between nutritional status and nutrient delivery in critically ill pediatric patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the nutritional and clinical factors associated with the development of AKI during pediatric ICU stay. METHODS: This prospective study included critically ill pediatric patients aged < 15 years who were admitted to the medical and surgical pediatric ICU. Clinical, laboratory, nutritional status, nutritional therapy parameters, and AKI data were recorded. Adjusted logistic regression was applied and expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We enrolled 108 patients with a median age of 9 months (interquartile range/IQR 2.4-62.5), and 43.5% developed AKI. Sepsis/septic shock (OR 8.00; 95% CI 2.06-32.51, p = 0.003), higher severity of illness (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.24-2.90, p = 0.003), hypoalbuminemia (OR 4.11; 95% CI 1.61-10.46, p = 0.006), edema (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.10-10.67, p = 0.034), fluid overload (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.56-7.96, p = 0.003), need for mechanical ventilation (OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.45-9.04, p = 0.006) and adequate protein intake (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-1.00, p = 0.048) were associated with development of AKI. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoalbuminemia, need for mechanical ventilation, fluid overload, severity of illness, sepsis/septic shock, and edema were risk factors for AKI in pediatric ICU. Furthermore, adequate protein intake is associated with AKI during pediatric ICU stay, making it important to implement nutritional assessment and nutritional therapy protocols for critically ill pediatric patients.

Prognostic Performance of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III, and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II Scores in Patients with Suspected Infection According to Intensive Care Unit Type.

We investigated the prognostic performance of scoring systems by the intensive care unit (ICU) type. This was a retrospective observational study using data from the Marketplace for Medical Information in the Intensive Care IV database. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We obtained Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) III, and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II scores in each ICU type. Prognostic performance was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and was compared among ICU types. A total of 29,618 patients were analyzed, and the in-hospital mortality was 12.4%. The overall prognostic performance of APACHE III was significantly higher than those of SOFA and SAPS II (0.807, [95% confidence interval, 0.799-0.814], 0.785 [0.773-0.797], and 0.795 [0.787-0.811], respectively). The prognostic performance of SOFA, APACHE III, and SAPS II scores was significantly different between ICU types. The AUROC ranges of SOFA, APACHE III, and SAPS II were 0.723-0.826, 0.728-0.860, and 0.759-0.819, respectively. The neurosurgical and surgical ICUs had lower prognostic performance than other ICU types. The prognostic performance of scoring systems in patients with suspected infection is significantly different according to ICU type. APACHE III systems have the highest prediction performance. ICU type may be a significant factor in the prognostication.