Comparison of Secondary Attack Rate and Viable Virus Shedding between Patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta and Omicron Variants: A Prospective Cohort Study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Comparison of Secondary Attack Rate and Viable Virus Shedding between Patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta and Omicron Variants: A Prospective Cohort Study via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract Backgrounds There are limited data comparing the transmission rates and kinetics of viable virus shedding of the Omicron variant to those of the Delta variant. We compared these rates in hospitalized patients infected with Delta and Omicron variants. Methods We prospectively enrolled adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary care hospital in South Korea between September 2021 and May 2022. Secondary attack rates were calculated by epidemiologic investigation, and daily saliva samples were collected to evaluate viral shedding kinetics. Genomic and subgenomic SARS-CoV-2 RNA was measured by PCR, and virus culture was performed from daily saliva samples. Results A total of 88 patients with COVID-19 who agreed to daily sampling and were interviewed, were included. Of the 88 patients, 48 (59%) were infected with Delta, and 34 (41%) with Omicron; a further five patients gave undetectable or inconclusive RNA PCR results and one was suspected of being co-infected with both variants. Omicron group had a higher secondary attack rate (31% [38/124]) versus 7% [34/456], p<0.001). Survival analysis revealed that shorter viable virus shedding period was observed in Omicron variant compared with Delta variant (median 4 days, IQR [1 -7], vs. 8.5 days, IQR [5 – 12 days], p<0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that moderate-to-critical disease severity (HR 1.96), and immunocompromised status (HR 2.17) were independent predictors of prolonged viral shedding, whereas completion of initial vaccine series or 1st booster-vaccinated status (HR 0.49), and Omicron infection (HR 0.44) were independently associated with shorter viable virus s hedding. Conclusion Patients with Omicron infections had higher transmission rates but shorter periods of transmissible virus shedding than those with Delta infections. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Tideglusib enhances odontogenic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cells in vitro

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Tideglusib enhances odontogenic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cells in vitro via International Endodontic Journal Abstract Aim Tideglusib is a small molecule agonist of the canonical Wnt pathway. The present study investigated the influence of Tideglusib on human dental pulp stem cell (hDPSC) proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and odonto/osteogenic differentiation. Methodology hDPSCs were treated with 50 nM, 100 nM, or 200 nM Tideglusib. β-catenin accumulation was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Colony forming unit ability was assessed by staining with Coomassie blue. Cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis were investigated using flow cytometry. Cell migration was examined using an in vitro wound healing assay. Osteogenic differentiation was examined using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red s staining, and osteogenic-related gene expression. The gene expression profile was examined using a high throughput RNA sequencing technique. All experiments were repeated using cells derived from at least four different donors (n = 4). The Mann Whitney U test was used to identify significant differences for two independent group comparisons. For three or more group comparison, statistical differences were assessed using the Kruskal Wallis test followed by a pairwise comparison. The significance level was set at 5% (p< /i> < 0.05). Results Tideglusib activated the Wnt signaling pathway in hDPSCs as demonstrated by an increase in cytoplasmic β-catenin accumulation and nuclear translocation. Tideglusib did not affect hDPSC proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell apoptosis, or cell migration. In contrast, 50 nM and 100 nM Tideglusib significantly enhanced mineralisation and osteogenic marker gene expression (RUNX2, ALP, BMP2, and DSPP) (p < 0.05). Conclusions Tideglusib enhanced the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Therefore, incorporating this bioactive molecule in a pulp capping material could be a promising strategy to promote dentine repair. View on Web

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Cloner 3D photogrammetric facial scanner: Assessment of accuracy in a controlled clinical study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Cloner 3D photogrammetric facial scanner: Assessment of accuracy in a controlled clinical study via Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry Abstract Objective To evaluate the accuracy of facial measurements on three-dimensional images obtained using a new photogrammetric scanner. Material and Methods A total of 11 participants were included in the study. Nine customized adhesive labels were used to identify the facial landmarks: Trichion (Tri), Glabella (G), Right (Exr) and Left (Exl), Pronasal (Pn), Subnasal (Sn), Chelion right (Chr) and left (Chl) and Mentonian (Me). Two trained and calibrated examiners were responsible for performing seven linear measurements for each participant (Tri-G, Sn-Me, Exr-Exl, Chr-Chl, Exr-Chr, Exl-Chl, Pn-Sn) first with a digital caliper and later with a three-dimensional model obtained after digitalization with photogrammetric technology. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), mean difference, SD, and Bland–Altman correlation were used to compare the measurements performed. Results Intra and inter-examiner reliability were excellent (ICC >0.9). In general, the measurements presented a variation of a minor 2.0 mm. However, only three measures (Sn-Me, Exr-Exl, and Exr-Chr) were outside the clinical acceptability range. Conclusions The 3D Cloner scanner showed clinically acceptable accuracy comparable to the digital caliper with a variation of −0.8 ± 1.2 mm. Inter- and intra-examiner agreement on digital measurements was also observed. Clinical Significance Scanners with accurate 3D model reproductions associated with reliable digital measurements provide a more precise diagnosis and better planning in orofacial treatment. View on Web

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Comparison of quality of life and psychological distress in patients with tongue cancer undergoing a total/subtotal glossectomy or extended hemiglossectomy and free flap transfer: a prospective evaluation

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Comparison of quality of life and psychological distress in patients with tongue cancer undergoing a total/subtotal glossectomy or extended hemiglossectomy and free flap transfer: a prospective evaluation via International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery via MedWorm.com The aim of this study was to assess changes in the quality of life and psychological distress of patients with tongue cancer undergoing total/subtotal glossectomy (TG) or extended hemiglossectomy (HG) and free flap transfer. Differences between the two groups were compared using the Short Form 8-Item Health Survey (SF-8) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Of the 43 patients with tongue cancer, 24 (56%) underwent TG and 19 (44%) underwent HG. The general health and social functioning scores in the SF-8 and depression in the HADS were significantly worse in the TG group than in the HG group at 12 months after surgery, indicating that patients in the TG group may experience social isolation and psychological distress, and have difficulty in employability even 12 months after su... View on Web

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Fenestration and dehiscence defects in maxillary anterior teeth using two classification systems

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Fenestration and dehiscence defects in maxillary anterior teeth using two classification systems via Australian Dental Journal Abstract Background The primary objective of the study was to assess the buccal bone thickness (BT), evaluate and compare the prevalence of bone fenestration and dehiscence in anterior maxillary teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods Images of 300 maxillary anterior teeth were investigated. The BT was measured at the bone crest, 3,6,9 mm from the bone crest, and apical. Fenestration and dehiscence were recorded according to Yang and Pan's classification. Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA were performed for statistical analysis. Results Fenestration and dehiscence rates were 35.66% and 20%, respectively. Type-III fenestration was higher in group 3(>65 years) (P=0.028). Type-I and IV fenestration and CII DII dehiscence were more common in canines (P>0.05). Fenestration involving 2/3 (46.76%) and 1/3 (44.84%) of the root length was more common. Fenestrations involving the entire root was 8.4%. Most of the dehiscence (63.3%) involved 1/3 of the root length. Dehiscence involving 2/3 of the root length and the entire root were 5% and 9.95%, respectively. The coexistence of fenestration and dehiscence was 8.3%. Dehiscence on the palatal aspect was detected in 1.65% of the anterior maxilla. Conclusions The rate of BT ≤1 mm was 80.08%, and ≥2 mm was 3.66%. Fenestration was most common in canines. Fenestration was mostly located in the apical third, while dehiscence was mostly located in the coronal third. © 2022 Australian Dental Association. View on Web

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Anodic Polarity Minimizes Facial Nerve Stimulation as a Side Effect of Cochlear Implantation

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Anodic Polarity Minimizes Facial Nerve Stimulation as a Side Effect of Cochlear Implantation via JARO - Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology via MedWorm.com AbstractOne severe side effect of the use of cochlear implants (CI) is coincidental facial nerve stimulation (FNS). Clinical methods to alleviate FNS range from the reprogramming of processor settings to revision surgery. We systematically assessed different changes in CI stimulation modes that have been discussed in the literature as "rescue factors" from FNS: electrode configuration (broad to focused), pulse shape (symmetric biphasic to pseudo-monophasic), and pulse polarity (cathodic to anodic). An FNS was assessed, based on electrophysiological thresholds, in 204 electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) input/ output functions recorded from 33 ears of 26 guinea pigs. The stimulation level difference between auditory nerve eCAP threshold and FNS threshold was expressed a... View on Web

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The Management of Salivary Fistulas

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The Management of Salivary Fistulas via Seminars in Plastic Surgery Semin Plast Surg DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759561 Postoperative salivary fistula is an especially undesirable complication because it can be difficult to address, may delay postoperative radiation, and always delays enteral nutrition. Patients who are malnourished, have already undergone radiotherapy, or are hypothyroid are at higher risk of developing this problem. Conservative measures work in most patients, but a significant percentage of patients require intervention beyond pr essure dressings and tincture of time. Medications, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and surgical intervention may be required when fistulas do not heal in a timely manner. Decisions about the approach and timing of more aggressive interventions are part of the art of medicine since definitive scientific protocols are lacking. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract&nbs p; |  Full text View on Web

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Number of lymph nodes sampled in SFCE/SIOP 2001 patients with Wilms tumour: Is the goal of more than six achievable?

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Number of lymph nodes sampled in SFCE/SIOP 2001 patients with Wilms tumour: Is the goal of more than six achievable? via Pediatric Blood & Cancer Abstract Aim The number of lymph nodes (LN) that should be sampled during nephrectomy for Wilms tumour (WT) remains controversial but of utmost importance for staging purposes. The aim of this French national retrospective study of patients enrolled in SIOPWT2001 trial was to analyse the number of LN sampled according to their site and to determine if the number of six asked by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology - Renal Tumour Study Group (SIOP-RTSG) UMBRELLA protocol is achievable. Methods We reviewed the data collected on central pathology review forms from 2002 to 2014 for only unilateral WT. LN were divided whether they were clearly identified by surgeons at nephrectomy or only found by pathologists on the nephrectomy specimen. Results A total of 539 patients (240 male/299 female) were included (458 localized/81 metastatic). Median age at surgery was 41.3 months [0–189]. The number of LN sampled was 0, 1–6, ≥7 and unknown in 69 (12.8%), 293 (54.3%), 160 (29.7%) and 17 (3.2%) cases, respectively. The number of patients with sampled LN were higher if LN were identified by both the pathologist and the surgeon (n = 231, 42.8%) (p = < .001). At least one invaded LN (LN+) was found in 66 patients (12.2%), more than half being found among patients having LN sampled by both pathologist and surgeon (p < .001). The mean number of identified LN was six if no LN+ was detected on final histological analysis, while it was 11 in case of LN+ (p < .001). Conclusions The aim of sampling more than six LN is achievable, but only with the active collaboration of both surgeons and pathologists. View on Web

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Killian Jamieson Diverticulum, the Great Mimicker: A Case Series and Contemporary Review

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Killian Jamieson Diverticulum, the Great Mimicker: A Case Series and Contemporary Review via The Laryngoscope Prospective, multicenter cohort study of individuals enrolled in the Prospective OUtcomes of Cricopharyngeus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative. Killian Jamieson diverticula (KJD) are rare and represent 5% of hypopharyngeal diverticula undergoing surgical intervention. Open transcervical surgery significantly improves symptoms of dysphagia and reflux. Barium esophagram has high specificity but low sensitivity in detecting KJD. The interpretation of barium fluoroscopy is likely another limitation to not only this study, but our overall understanding of KJD, the great mimicker. Objective To assess barium esophagram (BAS) as a diagnostic marker for patients with Killian Jamieson diverticula (KJD). Methods Prospective, multicenter cohort study of individuals enrolled in the Prospective OUtcomes of Cricopharyngeus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative. Patient demographics, comorbidities, radiographic imaging reports, laryngoscopy findings, patient-reported outcome measures (PROM), and operative reporting were abstracted from a REDCap database and summarized using means, medians, percentages, frequencies. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used to test pre- to post-operative differences in RSI, EAT-10, and VHI-10 scores. Diagnostic test evaluation including sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value with 95% confidence intervals were calculated comparing BAS findings to operative report. Results A total of 287 persons were enrolled; 13 (4%) patients were identified with confirmed KJD on operative reports. 100% underwent open transcervical excision. BAS has a 46.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.2, 70.9) sensitivity and 97.8% (95% CI: 95.3, 99.0) specificity in detecting a KJD and 50% (95% CI: 25.4, 74.6) positive predictive value but 97.4% (95%CI: 94.8, 98.7) negative predictive value. Preoperatively, patients reported mean (SD) RSI and EAT-10 of 19.4 (9) and 8.3 (7.5) accordingly. Postoperatively, patients reported mean (SD) RSI and EAT-10 as 5.4 (6.2) and 2.3 (3.3). Both changes in RSI and EAT-10 were statistically significant (p = 0.008, p = 0.03). Conclusion KJD are rare and represent <5% of hypopharyngeal diverticula undergoing surgical intervention. Open transcervical surgery significantly improves symptoms of dysphagia. BAS has high specificity but low sensitivity in detecting KJD. Level of Evidence Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Social Perception of External Laryngeal Anatomy Related to Gender Expression

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Social Perception of External Laryngeal Anatomy Related to Gender Expression in a Web‐based Survey via The Laryngoscope Here we detail an original study examining the social perception of laryngeal contour, specifically as it relates to chondrolaryngoplasty and providing gender-affirming care to transgender patients. Over 1,000 study participants were divided into five cohorts, ranking their perceptions of images of graded laryngeal prominence sizes associated with perceived gender expression. This study provides new insights into maximizing ideal social perception of laryngeal contour as it relates to gender perception, while also balancing the essential consideration of preserving necessary thyroid cartilage to maintain laryngeal function. Objective(s) To quantify the effect of laryngeal prominence size on socially perceived attributes relating to gender expression. Chondrolaryngoplasty ("tracheal shave") is a common procedure performed for transgender women to feminize neck appearance. The extent of thyroid cartilage resection needed to convey socially-perceived feminine gender expression without destabilizing the voice is incompletely understood. Methods Cross-sectional evaluation of a randomized allocation of images of varying laryngeal prominence to a non-repeated, random sample from November 2021 to December 2021. Photos of laryngeal prominence were isolated against a constant neck baseline with lateral, oblique, and frontal views. The images were embedded into a web-based survey with visual analog scales to capture perceived scaled gender expression (masculinity, femininity) and social traits (e.g., attractiveness, friendliness, leadership). We performed bivariate and multivariate analyses relating the laryngeal prominence to perceived gender expression and social traits. Results The analytic sample included 1,026 respondents. Laryngeal grades similar to the demonstrated "grade M" in this study and smaller demonstrated similar perceptions of increased femininity and decreased masculinity. Grades larger than M demonstrate significantly increased perceived masculinity and significantly decreased perceived femininity. The lateral and oblique views of the neck appear to be the most gender-informative. Conclusion This crowd-sourced analysis of external laryngeal anatomy by a large population of observers provides clear, reproducible insights into social perceptions of gender identity and specifically femininity. These data will meaningfully inform patient counseling and surgical planning for gender-affirming interventions by establishing normative data representing the general public's perceptions. Level of Evidence N/A Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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