Prevention of the Occupational Silicosis Epidemic

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Prevention of the Occupational Silicosis Epidemic in Australia: What Do Those Who Assess Workplace Health Risk Think Should Be Done Now? via Annals of Work Exposures and Health Advance Access Abstract An Australian National Dust Disease Taskforce was established to address the re-emergence of occupational lung disease, in particular silicosis. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) occurs in various industries in Australia. We asked occupational hygienists about their practical experiences and perspectives on RCS exposure and regulatory action. A total of 105 members of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists completed an anonymous questionnaire, which addressed individual characteristics, experience, perceived level of employer awareness, effectiveness of current regulation, and recommendations for improvement, across three main industrial sectors. Based on professional experience, 71% were concerned about the potential for RCS over-exposure. Barriers to adequate exposure control included lack of management commitment and financial resources. The employment of specialist occupational hygiene inspectors was considered to b e the most effective regulatory strategy. Given the large number of exposed workers in the construction industry, with only a moderate awareness, there is the potential for significant cost shifting of the burden of occupational lung disease from employers on to individuals and the public health system. A nationally consistent approach to RCS exposure control across all industrial sectors is now recommended, with an increased focus on measuring and controlling exposure. View on Web

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Arthrocentesis versus non-surgical intervention as initial treatment for temporomandibular joint arthralgia: a randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Arthrocentesis versus non-surgical intervention as initial treatment for temporomandibular joint arthralgia: a randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up via International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery via MedWorm.com Arthrocentesis for arthralgia of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is often only indicated when conservative, non-surgical interventions have failed. However, performing arthrocentesis as initial therapy may facilitate earlier and better recuperation of the joint. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of this therapy with a long-term follow-up. Eighty-four patients were randomly allocated to receive either arthrocentesis as initial treatment (n  = 41) or non-surgical intervention (n = 43). (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) View on Web

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The T‐shaped FST pharyngoplasty step‐by‐step closure technique

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The T‐shaped FST pharyngoplasty step‐by‐step closure technique via Head & Neck Abstract Pharyngocutaneous fistula is one of the most common and serious complications associated with total laryngectomy. Numerous studies tried to evaluate causative and predisposing factors associated with this complication, but data are considerably variable and there is still no international consensus. Incidence rate varies considerably between studies, with reported rates from 3% to 65%. This 4K video presents our T-shaped four-step technique (FST) for closing the pharyngeal mucosa after total laryngectomy in a step-by-step manner. All sutures were performed by braided absorbable 3/0 26 mm 1/2c (Vicryl plus 3.0; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA). Recordings were performed using a Karl Storz 4K 3D VITOM® exoscope (Karl Storz SE & Co. KG, Tuttlingen, Germany). We have been described this technique through a high-definition video, showing each step, and tips from the authors. Our T-shaped pharyngoplasty closure technique can be divided into four steps: 1. "Key Stitches"; 2. "A rea Refinement Stitches"; 3. "Modified Connell Suture"; 4. "Modified Purse String Suture." Our T-shaped FST closure technique proved to be an effective and reproducible method, which we feel could be the preferred choice for primary pharyngoplasty closure. View on Web

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Clinical Outcomes and Economic Burden of Seasonal Influenza and Other Respiratory Virus Infections in Hospitalized Adults

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Clinical Outcomes and Economic Burden of Seasonal Influenza and Other Respiratory Virus Infections in Hospitalized Adults via Journal of Medical Virology ABSTRACT Background The cost of influenza and other respiratory virus infections should be determined to analyze the real burden of these diseases. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes and cost of illness due to respiratory virus infections in hospitalized adult patients. Methods Hospitalized patients who had nasal swab sampling for a suspected viral infection between 1 August 2018 to 31 March 2019 were included. Outcome variables were oxygen requirement, mechanical ventilation need, intensive care unit admission and cost. Results At least one viral pathogen was detected in 125 (47.7%) of 262 patients who were included in the study. Fifty-five (20.9%) of the patients were infected with influenza. Influenza-positive patients had higher rates for respiratory support, intensive care unit admission and mortality compared to all other patients. The average cost of hospitalization per person was 2,879.76 USD in the influenza-negative group, while the same cost was 3,274.03 USD in the influenza-positive group. Although all of the vaccinated influenza-positive patients needed oxygen support, neither of them required invasive mechanical ventilation or intensive care unit admission. The average hospitalization cost per person was 779.70 USD in the vaccinated group compared to 3,762.01 USD in the unvaccinated group. Disease-related direct cost of influenza in the community was estimated as 22,776,075.61 USD in the 18-65 years of age group and 15,756,120.02 USD in the 65 years of age and over group per year. Conclusion Influenza, compared to other respiratory virus infections, can lead to untoward clinical outcomes and mortality as well as higher direct medical costs in adults. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Functional Outcomes of Swallowing Following Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Functional Outcomes of Swallowing Following Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea via The Laryngoscope Identification, evaluation, and management of pre-and postoperative swallowing dysfunction in patients undergoing upper airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is limited. This study evaluated subjective swallowing function pre and postoperatively in patients undergoing multi-level reconstructive pharyngeal sleep surgery. Objective Identification and evaluation of swallowing dysfunction in patients undergoing upper airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is limited. This study evaluated subjective swallowing function pre and postoperatively in patients undergoing multi-level reconstructive pharyngeal sleep surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospectively-administered Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scores was conducted among adult patients undergoing surgery for OSA at a tertiary sleep surgery center. Preoperative and 1, 3, and 6-month postoperative time points were assessed. Patients were subdivided into two groups based on the degree of upper airway reconstruction performed. All patients underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty +/−tonsillectomy and tongue-base reduction. Patients undergoing Phase 1 reconstructive surgery additionally underwent tongue-base advancement procedures. Results A total 100 patients underwent airway reconstructive surgery. Forty-one patients underwent Phase 1 surgery; 59 patients underwent Mini-Phase 1 surgery. Neither group demonstrated preoperative dysphagia. Both groups experienced significant subjective dysphagia at 1-month postoperatively, which was greater among Phase 1 patients (mean EAT-10 14.8; SD 10.4) versus Mini-Phase 1 patients (mean EAT-10 6.7; SD 7.5) (p < 0.001). Swallowing function among both groups normalized by 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Phase 1 patients with pre-operative dysphagia (mean EAT-10 9.6; SD 5) demonstrated initial worsening of their swallowing postoperatively; however, reported improved swallowing versus pre-operative levels by 6 months postoperatively (mean EAT-10 3.6; SD 4.3) (p = 0.03). Conclusion Pharyngeal surgery resulted in no significant, persistent adverse change in swallowing function. Among both groups, significant subjective dysphagia was reported at 1 month postoperatively, yet returned to preoperative levels by 6 months postoperatively. OSA patients with pre-existing dysphagia undergoing Phase 1 surgery trended towards improved swallowing function postoperatively. Level of Evidence 2 Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Effectiveness of root canal treatment for vital pulps compared with necrotic pulps in the presence or absence of signs of periradicular pathosis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Effectiveness of root canal treatment for vital pulps compared with necrotic pulps in the presence or absence of signs of periradicular pathosis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis via International Endodontic Journal Abstract Background Pre-operative pulpal status may influence the outcomes of root canal treatment (RCTx) according to various measures used. Objectives To compare effectiveness of RCTx of teeth with a vital pulp versus a necrotic pulp using a range of clinical and patient-related outcomes, for the development of S3-Level clinical practice guidelines. Methods A search was conducted in the PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Google scholar databases and available repositories, followed by hand searches, until 29 March 2022. Clinical studies published in English language comparing the stipulated outcomes of RCTx of teeth with vital versus necrotic pulp were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was adapted to assess study quality. Effects of pulpal status were estimated and expressed as risk ratio (RR) using fixed- and random-effect meta-analyses. The quality of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. Results Twenty-eight studies published between 1961 and 2021 were included. Five studies have investigated the 'tooth survival' outcome, four reported pulpal status was not a significant predictor, consistent with meta-analysis finding (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.00; n=3). Seven studies reported pulpal status had no significant influence on post-operative pain, regardless of duration after treatment. Sixteen studies have analysed 'periapical health', eleven revealed pulpal status had no significant influence. Meta-analyses revealed the influence was not significant if pre-operative periapical radiolucency was absent (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.00; n=9) but significant if it was present (RR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.19; n=11). Most studies were classified as 'some concerns' (n=16) to 'low' (n=10) risk of bias (RoB). Discussion Evidence is limited and only available for three outcomes when comparing the effectiveness of RCTx in permanent teeth with vital pulp versus pulp necrosis. Nevertheless, the quality of available evidence was moderate to high. The 'periapical health' data heterogeneity could be explained by pre-operative radiolucency, thus RCTx was found more effective for prevention than resolution of apical periodontitis. Conclusions There was no significant difference in the 'tooth survival', 'post-operative pain' and 'evidence of apical radiolucency' outcomes of RCTx in teeth with vital or necrotic pulps. View on Web

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Vertebral fractures assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and all-cause mortality. The Tromsø Study 2007-2020

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Vertebral fractures assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and all-cause mortality. The Tromsø Study 2007-2020 via American Journal of Epidemiology - Advance Access Abstract Vertebral fractures have been associated with increased mortality, but findings are inconclusive, and many vertebral fractures avoid clinical attention. We investigated this association in a general population of 2476 older adults aged ≥55 years from Tromsø, Norway, who were followed over 2007-2020, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline to evaluate vertebral fractures (mild, moderate, severe). We used multiple Cox regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, education, smoking, alcohol intake, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease. Mean follow-up in the cohort was 11.2±2.7 years. 341 participants (13.8%) had one or more vertebral fractures at baseline, and 636 participants (25.7%) died between baseline and follow-up. Fully adjusted models showed a non-significant association between vertebral fracture status (yes/no) and mortality. Participants with ≥three vertebral fractures (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.57-3.78), or at least one severe vertebral fracture (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.26-2.15) had increased mortality compared to those with no vertebral fractures. DXA-based screening could be a potent and feasible tool in detecting vertebral fractures that are often clinically silent yet independently associated with premature death. Our data indicate that detailed vertebral assessment could be warranted for a more accurate survival estimation. View on Web

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Integrated longitudinal analysis of adult grade 4 diffuse gliomas with long-term relapse interval revealed upregulation of TGF-β signaling in recurrent tumors

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Integrated longitudinal analysis of adult grade 4 diffuse gliomas with long-term relapse interval revealed upregulation of TGF-β signaling in recurrent tumors via Neuro-Oncology Advance Access Abstract Background Adult-type diffuse gliomas, CNS WHO grade 4 are the most aggressive primary brain tumors and represent a particular challenge of therapeutic intervention. Methods In a single-center retrospective study of matched pairs of initial and post-therapeutic glioma cases with a recurrence period greater than one year, we performed whole exome sequencing combined with mRNA and microRNA expression profiling to identify processes that are altered in recurrent gliomas. Results Mutational analysis of recurrent gliomas revealed early branching evolution in seventy-five percent of patients. High plasticity was confirmed at the mRNA and miRNA levels. SBS1 signature was reduced and SBS11 was elevated, demonstrating the effect of alkylating agent therapy on the mutational landscape. There was no evidence for secondary genomic alterations driving therapy resistance. ALK7/ACVR1C and LTBP1 were upregulated, whereas LEFTY2 was downregulated, pointing towards enhanced Tumor Growth Factor β (TGF-β) signaling in recurrent gliomas. Consistently, altered microRNA expression profiles pointed towards enhanced Nuclear Factor Kappa B and Wnt signaling that, cooperatively with TGF-β, induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and stemness. TGF-β-induced expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and repression of anti-apoptotic proteins were uncoupled in the recurrent tumor. Conclusions Our results suggest an important role of TGF-β signaling in recurrent gliomas. This may have clinical implication, since TGF-β inhibitors have entered clinical phase studies and may potentially be used in combination therapy to interfere with chemoradiation resistance. Recurrent gliomas show high incidence of early branching evolution. High tumor plasticity is confirmed at the level of mic roRNA and mRNA expression profiles. View on Web

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Response assessment in pediatric craniopharyngioma: recommendations from the Response Assessment in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (RAPNO) working group

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Response assessment in pediatric craniopharyngioma: recommendations from the Response Assessment in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (RAPNO) working group via Neuro-Oncology Advance Access Abstract Craniopharyngioma is a histologically benign tumor of the suprasellar region for which survival is excellent but quality of life often poor secondary to functional deficits from tumor and treatment. Standard therapy consists of maximal safe resection with or without radiation therapy. Few prospective trials have been performed, and response assessment has not been standardized. The Response Assessment in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (RAPNO) committee devised consensus guidelines to assess craniopharyngioma response prospectively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the recommended radiologic modality for baseline and follow-up assessments. Radiologic response is defined by two-dimensional measurements of both solid and cystic tumor components. In certain clinical contexts, response of solid and cystic disease may be differentially considered based on their unique natural histories and responses to treatment. Importantly, the committee incorporated fu nctional endpoints related to neuro-endocrine and visual assessments into craniopharyngioma response definitions. In most circumstances, cystic disease should be considered progressive only if growth is associated with acute, new-onset or progressive functional impairment. Craniopharyngioma is a common pediatric CNS tumor for which standardized response parameters have not been defined. A RAPNO committee devised guidelines for craniopharyngioma assessment to uniformly define response in future prospective trials. View on Web

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Hyperkalaemia and potassium binders: Retrospective observational analysis looking at the efficacy and cost effectiveness of calcium polystyrene sulfonate and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Hyperkalaemia and potassium binders: Retrospective observational analysis looking at the efficacy and cost effectiveness of calcium polystyrene sulfonate and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate via Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics Both CPS and SZC are equally effective at lowering acutely raised potassium concentrations with a cost analysis that favours CPS. Any claims of benefits of newer agents over established medications need to be explored in randomized trials. Abstract What is Known and Objective Hyperkalaemia is a common medical emergency in patients admitted to hospital. There is a limited evidence base supporting some of the commonly applied treatment strategies. Although, NICE has recommended the use of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) (TA599) and patiromer (TA623) in both acute and chronic hyperkalaemia, there is a limited evidence base for their use in acute hyperkalaemia in the hospital setting, particularly when compared to the present standard of care calcium polystyrene sulfonate (CPS). Methods A retrospective review of the electronic patient record system across our hospital over a 6-month period identified 138 patients who received either SZC (65 patients) or CPS (73 patients) to manage hyperkalaemia, investigating their efficacy and cost effectiveness. Results were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Based on the results a naïve cost comparison between the two drugs was made. Results and Discussion CPS and SZC both effectively reduced plasm potassium concentrations in patients with hyperkalaemia (6.07 and 6.03 mmol/L respectively) by 1.17 mmol/L and 1.24 mmol/L taking a similar amount of time to work (2.97 days vs. 3 days). The principle causes of hyperkalaemia identified were acute kidney injury, medication, and chronic kidney disease. Cost comparison analysis which took into account raw product price and time needed to dispense medications revealed that CPS has slightly better cost effectiveness compared to SZC albeit at a cost of increased staff input. What is New and Conclusion Both CPS and SZC were equally effective at lowering acutely raised potassium concentrations. The cost difference between the two products appears to be small. Claims regarding the benefits of newer agents over older established medications need to be properly explored in randomized trials rather than being based on small scale non-comparative studies. View on Web

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