Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

Αναζήτηση αυτού του ιστολογίου

Πέμπτη 28 Απριλίου 2022

Single nucleotide polymorphisms as a predisposing factor for the development of apical periodontitis ‐ an umbrella review

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

Background

The interaction between heredity and different environmental factors in the modification of apical periodontitis (AP) susceptibility and prediction of its progression remain poorly elucidated.

Objectives

This umbrella review aimed to (i) analyse the available relevant systematic reviews in an attempt to determine the association between genotype and allelic distribution of different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the development of AP, (ii) report deficiencies and gaps in knowledge in this area, and (iii) present recommendations to conduct future clinical studies and systematic reviews.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, from inception to October 2021, with no language restrictions, including a grey literature search. Systematic reviews with/without meta-analysis evaluating genotype and allelic distribution of different SNPs between adult patients with/ without AP were included. All other type of studies were excluded. The methodological quality was assessed using the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) - 2 tool. Two independent reviewers were involved in study selection, data extraction, and appraising the included reviews; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer.

Results

The current study includes five systematic reviews. Three reviews performed meta-analysis. Three reviews were graded by AMSTAR 2 as 'critically low' quality, whereas other two were graded as 'low' and 'moderate' quality. Two reviews indicated that carriers of specific genotypes and alleles of tumour necrosis factor – alpha (TNF-α) -308 G>A and interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) +3954 C/T gene polymorphisms are more susceptible to an acute and persistent form of AP. However, high heterogeneity was observed.

Discussion

The statistical heterogeneity within included systematic reviews was a consequence of clinical and methodological diversity amongst primary studies. Although some of included reviews suggested that carriers of specific genotype and/or allele of TNF-α -308 G>A and IL-1β +3954 C/T SNPs are more susceptible to AP, their conclusions should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusions

No candidate genes could be identified as a definitive genetic risk or protective factor for the development and progression of AP, and further high-quality genome-wide association studies are warranted.

View on the web

Prognostic and therapeutic significance of XPO1 in T-cell lymphoma

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

1-s2.0-S0014482722X00104-cov150h.gif

Publication date: Available online 27 April 2022

Source: Experimental Cell Research

Author(s): Danian Nie, Xiaohui Xiao, Jiaoting Chen, Shuangfeng Xie, Jie Xiao, Wenjuan Yang, Hongyun Liu, Jieyu Wang, Liping Ma, Yumo Du, Kezhi Huang, Yiqing Li

View on the web

Airflow patterns in double occupancy patient rooms may contribute to roommate-to-roommate transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader
Abstract
Background
Hospitalized patients are at risk to acquire severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from roommates with unrecognized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We hypothesized that airflow patterns might contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission in double occupancy patient rooms.
Methods
A device emitting condensed moisture was used to identify airflow patterns in double occupancy patient rooms. Simulations were conducted to assess transfer of fluorescent microspheres, 5% sodium chloride aerosol, and aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 between patient beds 3 meters apart and to assess the effectiveness of privacy curtains and portable air cleaners in reducing transfer.
Results
Air flowed from inlet vents in the center of the room to an outlet vent near the door, resulting in air currents flowing toward the bed adjacent to the outlet vent. Fluorescent microspheres (212-250 µm diameter), 5% sodium chlor ide aerosol, and aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 released from the inner bed were carried on air currents toward the bed adjacent to the outlet vent. Closing curtains between the patient beds reduced transfer of each of the particles. Operation of a portable air cleaner reduced aerosol transfer to the bed adjacent to the outlet vent but did not offer a benefit over closing the curtains alone, and in some situations resulted in an increase in aerosol exposure.
Conclusion
Airflow patterns in double occupancy patient rooms may contribute to risk for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between roommates. Keeping curtains closed between beds may be beneficial in reducing risk.
View on the web

gom1 Mutant Mice as a Model of Otitis Media

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader
AbstractOtitis media (OM) disease is a common cause of hearing loss that is primarily the result of middle ear infection. At present, our understanding of the mechanisms leading to OM is limited due to the lack of animal models of OM with effusion (OME). Here, we report that the mice withgenetic otitis media one (gom1) mutants are prone to OM.gom1 Mice were produced by theN-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis program as an animal model to study OM. These mice demonstrate many common features of OM, such as middle ear effusion and hearing impairment. We revealed thatgom1 mice display various signs of middle ear and inner ear dysfunctions, including elevated thresholds of auditory-evoked brainstem response (ABR) and lack of cochlear microphonic responses. Decreased compliance in  tympanom...
View on the web

Blinatumomab overcomes poor prognostic impact of measurable residual disease in pediatric high‐risk first relapse B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

Background

Blinatumomab, a CD3/CD19 BiTE® (bispecific T cell engager) molecule, was superior to high-risk third course consolidation chemotherapy (HC3) in prolonging event-free survival (EFS) in children with high-risk first relapse B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Here, we report results from a post hoc measurable residual disease (MRD) analysis of this phase 3 study (NCT02393859).

Procedure

Children >28 days and <18 years with high-risk first-relapse B-ALL in cytomorphological complete remission (M1 marrow, <5% blasts) or with M2 marrow (≥5% and <25% blasts) after induction and two cycles of high-risk consolidation chemotherapy (baseline) were enrolled in this trial. Patients received one cycle of blinatumomab (15 μg/m2/day, 4 weeks, continuous intravenous infusion) or HC3. The primary endpoint was EFS. In this post hoc analysis, patients with MRD <10–4 by PCR were grouped as having positive but not quantifiable (pbnq) or undetectable disease.

Results

A higher proportion of patients with MRD <10–4 had undetectable versus pbnq disease after blinatumomab (day 29) than after HC3 (p = 0.0367). Of the 22 patients with MRD ≥10–4 at baseline who achieved MRD remission after blinatumomab, 20 (91%) achieved MRD <10–4 remission by day 15. Patients treated with blinatumomab had improved EFS and overall survival compared with those treated with HC3 independent of end-of-induction or baseline (end-of-second consolidation) MRD levels.

Conclusions

Blinatumomab was more efficacious than HC3 regardless of MRD status before treatment. These data support the role of blinatumomab in inducing deep MRD remission, negating the poor prognostic value of MRD.

View on the web

Τετάρτη 27 Απριλίου 2022

T cell responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron spike epitopes with mutations after the third booster dose of an inactivated vaccine

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

The rapidly spreading SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant contains more than 30 mutations that mediate escape from antibody responses elicited by prior infection or current vaccines. Fortunately, T cell responses are highly conserved in most individuals, but the impacts of mutations are not clear. Here, we showed that the T cell responses of individuals who underwent booster vaccination with CoronaVac were largely protective against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike protein. To specifically estimate the impact of Omicron mutations on vaccinated participants, 16 peptides derived from the spike protein of the ancestral virus or Omicron strain with mutations were used to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the volunteers. Compared with the administration of two doses of vaccine, booster vaccination substantially enhanced T cell activation in response to both the ancestral and Omicron epitopes, although the enhancement was slightly weakened by the Omicro n mutations. Then, the peptides derived from these spike proteins were used separately to stimulate PBMCs. Interestingly, compared with the ancestral peptides, only the peptides with the G339D or N440K mutation were detected to significantly destabilize the T cell response. Although more participants need to be evaluated to confirm this conclusion, our study nonetheless estimates the impacts of mutations on T cell responses to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

View on the web

Low Body Mass Index at Treatment Initiation and Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader
Abstract
Background
The impact of low body-mass-index at treatment initiation on rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis treatment outcomes is uncertain. We evaluated the association between body-mass-index at rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis treatment initiation and end-of-treatment outcomes, and its modifying factors.
Methods
We did an individual participant data meta-analysis of adults ≥18 years with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis whose body-mass-index was documented at treatment initiation. We compared odds of any unfavorable treatment outcome, mortality, or failure/recurrence between patients who were underweight (body-mass-index <18.5 kg/m2) and not underweight. Adjusted odds ratios and 95%CI were estimated using logistic regression, with matching on demographic, clinical, and treatment-related factors. We evaluated effect modification by HIV-infection and other variables using likelihood ratio tests. In secondary an alysis, we estimated cumulative incidence of mortality during treatment, stratified by HIV-infection.
Results
Overall, 5148 patients were included; 1702 (33%) were underweight at treatment initiation. The median (IQR) age was 37 years (29 to 47) and 455 (9%) were living with HIV. Compared to non-underweight patients, the adjusted odds ratio among underweight patients was 1.7 (95%CI 1.4-1.9) for any unfavorable outcome, 3.1 (2.4-3.9) for death, and 1.6 (1.2-2.0) for failure/recurrence. Significant effect modification was observed for WHO region where the participant was treated. Among patients without HIV, cumulative incidence of 24-month mortality 14.8% (95%CI 12.7%-17.3%) for underweight and 5.6% (4.5%-7.0%) for not underweight patients. Among patients living with HIV, corresponding values were 33.0% (25.6%-42.6%) and 20.9% (14.1%-27.6%).
Conclusions
Low body-mass-index at treatment initiation for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis is associated with increased odds of unfavorable treatment outcome, particularly mortality.
View on the web

Usability Experience of a Personal Sleep Monitoring Device to Self-manage Sleep Among Persons 65 Years or Older With Self-reported Sleep Disturbances

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader
imageIncreasingly, persons with self-reported health symptoms are using mobile health technologies to better understand, validate, and manage their symptoms. These off-the-shelf devices primarily utilize actigraphy to estimate sleep and activity. The purpose of this study was to describe qualitatively the experience of using a personal sleep monitoring device for sleep self-management in adults 65 years or older with self-reported sleep disturbances. This study followed a hybrid qualitative design using deductive and emergent coding derived from open-ended interviews (n = 25) after a period of 4 weeks using a wearable personal sleep monitoring device. Results expanded existing theoretical models on usability with the theme of personal meaning in the interaction between health and self-monitoring technology that were associated with age and technology use, privacy, and capability. Future studies for sleep health self-management and personally tailored interventions using personal sleep monitoring devices should continue to collect qualitative information in extending the understanding of user experience across different symptom clusters, such as sleep disturbances, that manifest more commonly in older age populations. This research is important for application in the use of mobile health technologies for nursing led health self-management interventions.
View on the web

Τρίτη 26 Απριλίου 2022

Disclosure of suicidal thoughts and behaviors: The impact of suicide event type

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

Objectives

Despite its importance, limited work has investigated the nuances of suicidal thoughts and behavior self-disclosure. The present study aimed to examine potential differences in self-disclosure based on whether an individual has disclosed suicidal thinking versus behavior.

Methods

Two hundred and four participants having disclosed their suicidal thoughts or behaviors completed a battery of online questionnaires assessing several key aspects of disclosure (i.e., disclosure recipient, perceived helpfulness of disclosure, impact on treatment seeking), as it pertained to both one's first and overall disclosure experiences.

Results

Individuals who disclosed a suicide attempt, versus ideation, were more likely to have disclosed to a formal support (i.e., health professional) and to seek professional help following disclosure. No significant group differences in perceived helpfulness of experiences were found.

Conclusion

It may be beneficial to increase opportunities for disclosure of suicidal thinking. Overall, disclosures were perceived as helpful and may not impede future help-seeking behavior.

View on the web

The response of dual‐species bacterial biofilm to 2% and 5% NaOCl mixed with etidronic acid: a laboratory real‐time evaluation using optical coherence tomography.

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

Aim

The addition of etidronic acid (HEDP) to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) could increase the antibiofilm potency of the irrigant, while maintaining the benefits of continuous chelation. Studies conducted so far have shown that mixing HEDP with NaOCl solutions of relatively low concentration does not compromise the antibiofilm efficacy of the irrigant. However, the working lifespan of NaOCl may decrease resulting in a reduction of its antibiofilm efficacy over time (efficiency). In this regard, continuous irrigant replenishment needs to be examined. This study investigated the response of a dual-species biofilm when challenged with 2% and 5% NaOCl mixed with HEDP for a prolonged timespan and under steady laminar flow.

Methodology

Dual-species biofilms comprised of Streptococcus oralis J22 and Actinomyces naeslundii T14V-J1 were grown on human dentine discs in a constant depth film fermenter (CDFF) for 96 h. Biofilms were treated with 2% and 5% NaOCl, alone or mixed with HEDP. Irrigants were applied under steady laminar flow for 8 min. Biofilm response was evaluated by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT). Biofilm removal, biofilm disruption, rate of biofilm loss and disruption as well as bubble formation were assessed. One-way ANOVA, Wilcoxon's signed-rank test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were performed for statistical analysis of the data. The level of significance was set at a ≤ 0.05.

Results

Increasing NaOCl concentration resulted in increased biofilm removal and disruption, higher rate of biofilm loss and disruption and increased bubble formation. Mixing HEDP with NaOCl caused a delay in the antibiofilm action of the latter, without compromising its antibiofilm efficacy.

Conclusions

NaOCl concentration dictates the biofilm response irrespective of the presence of HEDP. The addition of HEDP resulted in a delay in the antibiofilm action of NaOCl. This delay affects the efficiency, but not the efficacy of the irrigant over time.

View on the web

Edaravone dexborneol protects cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury through activating Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway in mice

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and death. When blood flow is restored after prolonged ischemia and hypoxia, it leads to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased local inflammation and apoptosis, which are the cause of most cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI), leading to secondary brain tissue damage. Edaravone dexborneol is a novel neuroprotective agent consisting of edaravone and borneol. Studies have shown that it has synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether Edaravone dexborneol stimulates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to regulate NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) remains unclear. In this study, wild type (WT) mice and Nrf2 knockout (KO) mice were used to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of Edaravone dexborneol on CIRI and its mechanism. The cognitive function of mice was evaluated with the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test and the cell structures of hippocampus were observed by HE stainin g. Nrf2, HO-1 and NOX2 proteins and apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase 3 were detected by Western blotting. Nrf2, HO-1, NOX2 and inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-10 were detected by real time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that Edaravone dexborneol treatment improved learning and memory performance, neuronal damage, and enhanced antioxidant, inflammation, and apoptosis in CIRI mice. In addition, Edaravone dexborneol induced the activation Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway activation while inhibiting NOX2 expression. Overall, these results indicate that Edaravone dexborneol ameliorates CIRI-induced memory impairments by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and inhibiting NOX2.

View on the web

Investigation of the potential association between the use of fluoxetine and occurrence of acute pancreatitis: a Danish register-based cohort study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

m_dyac071f1.jpeg?Expires=1714052824&Sign

Abstract
BackgroundThere is currently conflicting evidence of the association between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and acute pancreatitis. The SSRI fluoxetine has been suspected to be the driver of this serious outcome. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the potential association between fluoxetine use and the occurrence of acute pancreatitis.
Methods
We conducted a nationwide cohort study using Danish register-based data from 1996 to 2016. The exposed group were new users of fluoxetine (1-year washout). The control subjects were new users of citalopram or SSRIs, excluding fluoxetine. The outcome was an incident diagnosis of acute pancreatitis with a 5-year washout. We used an intention-to-treat approach following patients for a maximum of 6 months. Cox regression analyses were performed, estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for age/sex, comorbidities and co-medications, using propensity score adjustment and matchi ng.
Results
In the propensity score-matched analyses, 61 783 fluoxetine users were included. The incidence rates among users of fluoxetine and other SSRIs were 5.33 (3.05–8.66) and 5.36 (3.06–8.70) per 10 000 person-years, respectively. No increased risk of acute pancreatitis was identified following fluoxetine exposure compared with either citalopram [HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.50–2.00) or other SSRIs (0.76, 0.40–1.46).
Conclusions
Fluoxetine use was not associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis compared with citalopram or other SSRIs. The absolute risk of acute pancreatitis was low and did not vary between different SSRIs. Further research is needed to determine whether there is a class effect on the risk of acute pancreatitis.
View on the web