Effectiveness of Erector Spinae Muscle Block in Vertebral Oncologic Fracture.

Objectives An observational, retrospective, longitudinal, and analytical study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the erector spinae plane (ESP) block in managing pain in patients with vertebral fractures secondary to tumoral activity. This study included patients treated at the Pain Clinic who underwent ESP block. The objectives were to describe demographic characteristics, oncological diagnosis, vertebral fracture features, imaging techniques, medications used, and the level of ESP block. Additionally, pain levels were assessed using a numerical analog scale, and the consumption of opioid analgesic medications before and after the ESP block, during follow-up consultations, along with patient satisfaction. Methodology This retrospective, observational, and analytical study was conducted at the Pain Clinic of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico. Patients with vertebral fractures secondary to tumor activity were included, with data collected from March 2020 to September 2023. A consecutive non-probabilistic sampling method was employed, and specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for quantitative variables, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. IBM SPSS Statistics v. 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) software was utilized. Results A sample comprising 16 individuals was obtained, with an equal distribution between males and females. Fracture levels displayed variation, with L3 (12.5%) and T6 (12.5%) being the most prevalent. The ESP approach was primarily conducted using ultrasound (68.8%), while fluoroscopy and computed tomography were utilized in 25.0% and 6.3% of cases, respectively. Predominantly, methylprednisolone and ropivacaine (75.0%) were administered, with phenol used in 18.8% and a combination of methylprednisolone and bupivacaine in 6.3%. Patient satisfaction levels were reported at 81.3% (satisfied or very satisfied). Statistically significant disparities were noted between baseline and incidental pain reduction and oral opioid equivalent dosage in milligrams of morphine per day (MME/day) before and after ESP block (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions This research provides promising preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of ESP block for pain management in vertebral fractures secondary to tumoral activity, enhancing the quality and safety of care for oncology patients. The absence of complications, significant improvement in pain, and reduction in opioid dependence underscore the clinical relevance of this therapeutic approach. An observational, retrospective, longitudinal, and analytical study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the ESP block in managing pain in patients with vertebral fractures secondary to tumoral activity. This study included patients treated at the Pain Clinic who underwent ESP block. The objectives were to describe demographic characteristics, oncological diagnosis, vertebral fracture features, imaging techniques, medications used, and the level of ESP block. Additionally, pain levels were assessed using a numerical analogue scale, and the consumption of opioid analgesic medications before and after the ESP block, during follow-up consultations, along with patient satisfaction.

Prognostic Value of D-dimer to Lymphocyte Ratio (DLR) in Hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients: A Validation Study in a National Cohort.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to validate the role of the D-dimer to lymphocyte ratio (DLR) for mortality prediction in a large national cohort of hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter, observational study that included hospitalized patients due to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Spain was conducted from March 2020 to March 2022. All biomarkers and laboratory indices analyzed were measured once at admission. RESULTS: A total of 10,575 COVID-19 patients were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 66.9 (±16) years, and 58.6% (6202 patients) of them were male. The overall mortality rate was 16.3% (n = 1726 patients). Intensive care unit admission was needed in 10.5% (n = 1106 patients), non-invasive mechanical ventilation was required in 8.8% (n = 923 patients), and orotracheal intubation was required in 7.5% (789 patients). DLR presented a c-statistic of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.68-0.71) for in-hospital mortality with an optimal cut-off above 1. Multivariate analysis showed an independent association for in-hospital mortality for DLR > 1 (adjusted OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.09-4.04; p = 0.03); in the same way, survival analysis showed a higher mortality risk for DLR > 1 (HR 2.24; 95% CI 2.03-2.47; p < 0.01). Further, no other laboratory indices showed an independent association for mortality in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the usefulness of DLR as a prognostic biomarker for mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, being an accessible, cost-effective, and easy-to-use biomarker in daily clinical practice.

Effect of Inappropriate Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Pyelonephritis Treated with Cefuroxime: A Cohort Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inappropriate therapy in adult patients with community-acquired pyelonephritis caused by Escherichia coli receiving empirical treatment with cefuroxime during hospital stay and readmission. A retrospective cohort study was performed. Inappropriate treatment was considered treatment for a nonsusceptible isolate according to the results of the urine culture. Adjustment for confounding factors was performed with propensity score-derived inverse probability of treatment weighting. Between 2013 and 2020, 747 patients were included, 102 (13.7%) of whom received inappropriate therapy. Compared to appropriate therapy, inappropriate therapy was associated with a shorter length of stay in the adjusted analysis (Hazard Ratio = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.23-0.49). After 735 patients were discharged from the hospital, 66 were readmitted in the following 30 days. In comparison with appropriate therapy, inappropriate antimicrobial therapy was not related to readmission (OR 1.47; 95% CI = 0.35-2.79). Inappropriate therapy was not related to a longer hospital stay or readmission due to pyelonephritis after adjusting for confounders and covariates.

Premixed calcium silicate-based ceramic sealers promote osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells: A microscopy study.

To evaluate the effects of premixed calcium silicate based ceramic sealers on the viability and osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). The materials evaluated were TotalFill BC Sealer (TFbc), AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer (AHPbc), and Neosealer Flo (Neo). Standardized discs and 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 eluates of the tested materials were prepared. The following in vitro experiments were carried out: ion release, cell metabolic activity 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell migration, immunofluorescence experiment, cell attachment, gene expression, and mineralization assay. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (p < .05). Increased Ca2+ release was detected in TFbc compared to AHPbc and Neo (*p < .05). Biological assays showed a discrete cell metabolic activity and cell migration in Neo-treated cell, whereas scanning electronic microscopy assay exhibited that TFbc group had a better cell adhesion process of substrate attachment, spreading, and cytoskeleton development on the niche-like structures of the cement than AHPbc and Neo. The sealers tested were able to induce overexpression of the CEMP-1, ALP, and COL1A1 genes in the first days of exposure, particularly in the case of TFbc (***p < .001). All materials tested significantly increased the mineralization of hPDLSCs when compared to the negative control, although more pronounced calcium deposition was observed in the TFbc-treated cells (***p < .001). Our results suggested that TFbc promotes cell differentiation, both by increasing the expression of key osteo/odontogenic genes and by promoting mineralization of the extracellular matrix, whereas this phenomenon was less evident in Neo and AHPbc. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: TFbc group had a better cell adhesion process of substrate attachment, spreading, and cytoskeleton development on the niche-like structures of the cement than AHPbc and Neo. The sealers tested were able to induce overexpression of the CEMP-1, ALP, and COL1A1 genes in the first days of exposure, particularly in the case of TFbc. All materials tested significantly increased the mineralization of hPDLSCs when compared to the negative control, although more pronounced calcium deposition was observed in the TFbc-treated cells.

Volatile biomarkers of Gram-positive bacteria of clinical relevance as a tool for infection diagnosis.

AIM: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are being studied as potential biomarkers in many infections. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the volatile profile of three Gram-positive bacteria of clinical relevance to identify potential volatile biomarkers that allow their differentiation. METHODS AND RESULTS: L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, and E. faecalis clinical isolates were inoculated in a thioglycollate medium until grown. Then, VOCs were extracted by solid-phase microextraction, and the data obtained were subjected to multivariate analysis. According to our results, there was a high production of aldehydes in E. faecalis. In the case of alcohols, they only increased in L. monocytogenes, while ketones were produced significantly in all three bacteria, mainly due to acetoin. Acids were produced significantly in E. faecalis and L. monocytogenes. CONCLUSIONS: Potential biomarkers of L. monocytogenes could be 1-butanol and 2-methylbutanoic acid. In the case of E. faecalis, the VOC most related to its presence was nonanal. Lastly, potential biomarkers of S. aureus could be isoamyl butanoate and methionol, although some pyrazines have also been associated with this bacterium. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The identification of potential biomarkers of these clinically relevant bacteria could open the way for the diagnosis of these infections through the analysis of volatile compounds.

Psychometric properties of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life short form 36 (KDQOL-36) scale for the assessment of quality of life in Colombian patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.

PURPOSE: Considering the importance of incorporating quality of life (QoL) construct during the health care of patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, it is necessary to have evidence on the clinimetric properties of the instruments used for its measurement. This study aimed to establish the clinimetric properties of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 36 (KDQOL-36) scale in patients with stage 5 CKD on dialysis in Colombia. METHODS: A scale validation study was conducted using the classical test theory methodology. The statistical analysis included exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) techniques performed on two independent subsamples; concurrent criterion validity assessments; internal consistency using four different coefficients; test-retest reliability; and sensitivity to change using mixed model for repeated measures. RESULTS: The KDQOL-36 scale was applied to 506 patients with a diagnosis of stage 5 CKD on dialysis, attended in five renal units in Colombia. The EFA endorsed the three-factor structure of the scale, and the CFA showed an adequate fit of both the original and empirical models. Spearman's correlation coefficient values ≥0.50 were found between the domains of the CKD-specific core of the KDQOL-36 scale and the KDQ. Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, Greatest lower bound (GLB), and Guttman's lambda coefficients were ≥0.89, indicating a high degree of consistency. A high level of concordance correlation was found between the two moments of application of the instrument, with values for Lin's concordance correlation coefficient ≥0.7. The application of the instrument after experiencing an event that could modify the quality of life showed statistically significant differences in the scores obtained. CONCLUSION: The KDQOL-36 scale is an adequate instrument for measuring QoL in Colombian patients with stage 5 CKD on dialysis.

Exploring research on ecotechnology through artificial intelligence and bibliometric maps.

Ecotechnology, quintessential for crafting sustainable socio-environmental strategies, remains tantalizingly uncharted. Our analysis, steered by the nuances of machine learning and augmented by bibliometric insights, delineates the expansive terrain of this domain, elucidates pivotal research themes and conundrums, and discerns the vanguard nations in this field. Furthermore, we deftly connect our discoveries to the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, thereby accentuating the profound societal ramifications of ecotechnology.

Abiotic, Hybrid, and Biological Electrocatalytic Materials Applied in Microfluidic Fuel Cells: A Comprehensive Review.

This article provides an overview of the work reported in the past decade in the field of microfluidic fuel cells. To develop appropriate research, the most commonly used electrocatalytic materials were considered and a new classification was proposed based on their nature: abiotic, hybrid, or biological. This classification allowed the authors to discern the information collected. In this sense, the types of electrocatalysts used for the oxidation of the most common fuels in different environments, such as glucose, ethanol, methanol, glycerol, and lactate, were presented. There are several phenomena presented in this article. This information gives an overview of where research is heading in the field of materials for electrocatalysis, regardless of the fuel used in the microfluidic fuel cell: the synthesis of abiotic and biological materials to obtain hybrid materials that allow the use of the best properties of each material.

Oral Manifestations in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review.

Background: The period of pregnancy is characterized by a multitude of diverse changes that exert a notable impact on the oral cavity of women. During this gestational phase, patients necessitate tailored oral care and specific recommendations to preempt and address potential oral diseases. This systematic review aimed to perform a detailed analysis of the research studies that focused on the oral manifestations observed in pregnant women. Methods: A meticulous search was conducted in the databases Medline, Scopus, and Scielo by employing the following search terms: ((pregnant OR pregnancy)) AND (("oral manifestation*") OR ("oral health")). Articles that were published between 2013 and 2023 and written in English or Spanish and studies that scrutinized oral manifestations in pregnant women and included a diagnosis conducted by a qualified dentist were selected; we excluded articles published before 2013, articles that could not be accessed in full text, studies whose patients were not pregnant women at the time of the study, studies where patients were selected because they had a specific disease, studies where the clinical examination was not performed by a dentist, and articles written in languages other than English or Spanish. Subsequently, the risk of bias in the chosen articles was assessed in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) scale. Results: A total of 20 studies were included in the analysis, following the exclusion and inclusion criteria. These studies were categorized as cross-sectional, cohort, longitudinal, or case-control. Various oral manifestations in pregnant women were examined, with five studies comparing these manifestations with those observed in nonpregnant women. Conclusions: The most prevalent oral manifestations associated with pregnancy encompass dental caries, periodontitis, gingivitis, pyogenic granuloma, and candidiasis. Nonetheless, less common lesions may also emerge during the course of pregnancy.

The Potential Utility of 18 F-FDG PET/CT in Monitoring Corticosteroid Therapy in Inflammatory Pseudotumor.

ABSTRACT: A 69-year-old man with suspected gastrointestinal stromal tumor was referred to 18 F-FDG PET/CT. Images showed increased metabolism in a jejunal wall thickening, 2 liver lesions, and hepatic lymph nodes. The patient underwent wedge biopsy of the liver, which revealed inflammatory pseudotumor. The patient was treated with 20 mg/d prednisone, with a gradual dose reduction. A partial metabolic response was achieved after 2 months of therapy, and a final PET/CT showed complete metabolic response after 9 months. This clinical case shows the potential role of PET/CT in the assessment of the response of the inflammatory pseudotumor to corticosteroid therapy.

3D Graphene/silk fibroin scaffolds enhance dental pulp stem cell osteo/odontogenic differentiation.

OBJECTIVES: The current in vitro study aims to evaluate silk fibroin with and without the addition of graphene as a potential scaffold material for regenerative endodontics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Silk fibroin (SF), Silk fibroin/graphene oxide (SF/GO) and silk fibroin coated with reduced graphene oxide (SF/rGO) scaffolds were prepared (n = 30). The microarchitectures and mechanical properties of scaffolds were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), pore size and water uptake, attenuated total reflectance fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and mechanical compression tests. Next, the study analyzed the influence of these scaffolds on human dental pulp stem cell (hDPSC) viability, apoptosis or necrosis, cell adhesion, odontogenic differentiation marker expression and mineralized matrix deposition. The data were analyzed with ANOVA complemented with the Tukey post-hoc test (p < 0.005). RESULTS: SEM analysis revealed abundant pores with a size greater than 50 nm on the surface of tested scaffolds, primarily between 50 nm and 600 µm. The average value of water uptake obtained in pure fibroin scaffolds was statistically higher than that of those containing GO or rGO (p < 0.05). ATR-FTIR evidenced that the secondary structures did not present differences between pure fibroin and fibroin coated with graphene oxide, with a similar infrared spectrum in all tested scaffolds. Raman spectroscopy showed a greater number of defects in the links in SF/rGO scaffolds due to the reduction of graphene. In addition, adequate mechanical properties were exhibited by the tested scaffolds. Regarding biological properties, hDPSCs attached to scaffolds were capable of proliferating at a rate similar to the control, without affecting their viability over time. A significant upregulation of ALP, ON and DSPP markers was observed with SF/rGO and SF/GO groups. Finally, SF/GO and SF/rGO promoted a significantly higher mineralization than the control at 21 days. SIGNIFICANCE: Data obtained suggested that SF/GO and SF/rGO scaffolds promote hDPSC differentiation at a genetic level, increasing the expression of key osteo/odontogenic markers, and supports the mineralization of the extracellular matrix. However, results from this study are to be interpreted with caution, requiring further in vivo studies to confirm the potential of these scaffolds.

In vitro biocompatibility of ammonia-free silver fluoride products on human dental pulp stem cells.

OBJECTIVES: Silver fluoride (SF) is a preventive and therapeutic option for dental pathological processes involving structural alterations of the hard tissues, either during their formation or those caused by caries or other pathological reasons. This study aimed to compare the biological properties of two commercial SF products, one of them with ammonium (Riva Star; SDF) and the other ammonium-free (Riva Star Aqua; AgF), both with or without potassium iodide (KI), by the assessment of the cytotoxicity of the materials' eluates. METHODS: Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were obtained from healthy 18-23-year-old donors. Three dilutions were prepared for the tested materials (0.005%, 0.0005%, and 0.0001%). The following groups were assessed: (AgF, AgF+KI, SDF, SDF+KI, KI, negative control). A series of cytocompatibility assays were performed: MTT assay, IC50 assay, wound healing (migration) assay, cell cytoskeleton staining, analysis of cell apoptosis and necrosis, and reactive oxygen species production. The normality in the distribution of the data was previously confirmed via a Q-Q plot. Statistical significance was tested using one way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: The incorporation of KI improved the cytocompatibility of both SF products in terms of viability, migration, morphology, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species production. This difference was higher in the AgF group. The lowest dilutions of SF+KI and AgF+KI showed a similar cytocompatibility to that of the control group (MTT assay (p > 0.05 after 24, 48, and 72 h of culture); migration assay (p > 0.05 after 24, 48, and 72 h of culture); reactive oxygen species production (p > 0.05 after 72 h of culture). SIGNIFICANCE: Riva Star Aqua shows lower cytotoxicity than Riva Star on hDPSCs. It can be considered as a good alternative in the conservative treatment of dental caries and in the preservation and remineralisation of viable dentine tissue.

Efficacy and Safety of Celiac Plexus Neurolysis in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Secondary to Oncological Pathology of the Upper Hemiabdomen: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: The management of chronic pain among patients with abdominal cancer is complex; against that, the neurolysis of the celiac plexus (CPN) is the best technique at the moment to determine the efficacy and safety in the treatment of chronic pain secondary to oncological pathology of the upper abdomen. Material and Methods: This was a systematic review of controlled clinical trials between 2000 and 2021, in the sources MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Three independent evaluators analysed the results of the bibliographical research. The quality of the studies was assessed with the Jadad scale and the mean difference (95% confidence interval) and heterogeneity of the studies (I2) were calculated with Review Manager 5.3. Results: Seven hundred and forty-four publications were identified, including 13 studies in the qualitative synthesis and three studies in the quantitative synthesis. No difference was found in the decrease in pain intensity between 1 and 12 weeks after the intervention, comparing the experimental group with the control (P > 0.05). The adverse effects related to neurolysis were not serious and transitory, mentioning the most frequent adverse effects and reporting a percentage between 21% and 67% (with 17% for echoendoscopic neurolysis and 49% for percutaneous neurolysis). Conclusion: Celiac plexus neurolysis for the treatment of severe chronic pain secondary to oncological pathology in the upper hemiabdomen produces similar pain relief as conventional pharmacological analgesic treatment. It is a safe analgesic technique since the complications are mild and transitory.

Evaluation of the Premier Hb9210 instrument for HbA1c determination.

Background: Glycated hemoglobin measurements are a valuable tool for long-term blood glucose monitoring and the diagnosis of diabetes. Its widespread use has been made possible due to the development of new analytical methods with improved performances and standardization with reference materials. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Trinity Biotech Premier Hb9210 analyzer for the measurement of HbA1c.Methods: The precision was assessed using the CLSI EP-15A3 and EP-10A3 protocols. The latter was also used to investigate linearity, carryover, and linear drift. The comparison study was performed between Premier Hb910 and Tosoh HLC-723 G8 through Passing-Bablok regression and the Bland-Altman plot. The Fleiss Kappa index was used to assess the degree of agreement. The interference of Hb variants was investigated using samples with Hb variants S, C, D, E, J, and Seville.Results: Within-run and between-run imprecision fell between 0.37% and 1.16%. No statistically significant nonlinearity, carry-over, and/or drift were observed. The resulting regression line of the Passing-Bablok analysis was y = 0.00 + 1.00x. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.997. In the Bland-Altman plot, the relative bias was 0.01%. The overall Fleiss Kappa index was 0.9. No interference from hemoglobin variants was observed.Conclusion: The Premier Hb9210 demonstrated a high degree of automation, reproducibility, good agreement, minimal carry-over effect, and excellent linearity across the wide range of HbA1c levels commonly found in diabetic patients and was not influenced by Hb variants.

Premier Hb9210 can be used as an alternative to monitor glycemic status.Premier Hb9210 is not affected by common hemoglobin variants.Premier Hb9210 can correctly classify diabetic patients.

Effect of chemotherapy on urinary volatile biomarkers for lung cancer by HS-SPME-GC-MS and chemometrics.

BACKGROUND: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been studied as possible biomarkers in several diseases, including lung cancer. Early detection of cancer can improve long-term survival rates and the quality of life, so the study of VOCs in exhaled breath and urine has been increasing in recent years. This study aimed to assess the urinary VOCs that are modified after chemotherapy to identify those with the potential to be lung cancer biomarkers that can be monitored during treatment. METHODS: Three urine samples from 10 men with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma were collected, as well as urine samples from 14 men with other types of cancer (control group). All samples were analyzed by headspace-solid phase microextraction gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. RESULTS: A total of 21 urinary VOCs were found with different levels after the administration of chemotherapy, with 2-pentanone being one of those that significantly decreased. Furthermore, 2-pentanone and 3-hydroxy-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl-2-methylpropanoate showed statistically significant differences with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy administered to patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma modified the volatile profile of urine. 2-Pentanone, a final product of the increased rate of fatty acid oxidation and protein hypermetabolism, significantly decreased after chemotherapy. Therefore, monitoring its urinary excretion could be very useful since its decrease over time could indicate an adequate response to chemotherapy and arrest of cancer development. Another VOC that could be a potential lung cancer biomarker is 3 hydroxy-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl-2-methylpropanoate, whose origin may be due to inhibition of the propanoic acid metabolic pathway or increased aldehyde dehydrogenase activity.

Oral Manifestations of Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal condition that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by its clinical heterogeneity and irregularities in its course. The etiology and pathogenesis are not well established, so it is difficult to establish an early diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. The objective of this systematic review was to present a qualitative synthesis of the studies referring to the oral manifestations of CD. This systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guide. Research was conducted in the Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and Cocrahne Library databases on 23 February 2023, and updated on 1 September 2023. Articles published between 2012 and 2023 were selected. Articles that analyzed the oral manifestation of CD patients and met the established search terms. In addition, the quality of all the selected studies was analyzed following the CARE guidelines for case reports and the STROBE scale for observational studies. A total of 19 articles were included in this review that met the inclusion criteria. Regarding the oral manifestation of CD, oral ulcers, angular cheilitis, and gingivitis stand out. Periodontitis and vegetative pyostomatitis were the least representative manifestations. The most prevalent locations were lips, mucosa, and gingivae. Ulcers, gingivitis, and angular cheilitis are the most frequent oral manifestations in patients with CD. Their early identification and possible relationship with the disease are important for an early diagnosis and an adequate treatment plan.