Incidental findings in cone beam computed tomography volumes: calcified head and neck atheromas detected during dental evaluation

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Incidental findings in cone beam computed tomography volumes: calcified head and neck atheromas detected during dental evaluation via Journal of Prosthodontics Abstract Purpose Atheromas can be detected incidentally in routine dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. This study aims to assess prevalence and risk factors associated with these vascular lesions. Materials and Methods The maxillofacial CBCT's of 458 subjects were evaluated and divided into 4 groups based on the presence of calcified atheroma: subjects with no calcified atheroma, subjects with intracranial calcified atheroma (ICA), subjects with extracranial calcified atheroma (ECA), and subjects exhibiting combined lesions. Age, sex, medical conditions, family history, and size were documented. ANOVA followed by a multiple comparison test was used for data satisfying parametric test assumptions. Chi Square tests were used to assess categorical data. The Spearman's Rho test was used to assess the correlation between the incidence of calcified atheroma and subjects' medical condition. Results Of the 458 CBCTs evaluated, 29.90% presented with calcified atheroma. Calcified atheroma prevalence was significantly higher in older patients vs younger patients (p = 0.004) and in males compared to females (p = 0.004). Males were more likely to have the combination of intracranial and extracranial calcified atheroma while females were more likely to have intracranial calcified atheroma alone (p ≤ 0.040). Patients with calcified atheroma were significantly more likely to have a history of hyperlipidemia (p = 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.001), and myocardial infarction/coronary artery diseases (p = 0.001). Overall, patients exhibiting both intracranial and extracranial lesions were more likely to have cardiovascular risk factors (p = 0.001). Conclusion Incidentally detected calcified atheromas in CBCTs are common. Subjects with combined atheroma lesions are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease. The diagnosis of incidental calcified atheromas in CBCT's warrants early referral to medical specialists, especially if there is no medical history of existing cardiovascular disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved View on Web

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Benign submandibular gland tumours: outcomes of gland-preserving excision by endoscopic or conventional approach

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Benign submandibular gland tumours: outcomes of gland-preserving excision by endoscopic or conventional approach via International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery via MedWorm.com Endoscope-assisted surgery is becoming a preferred technique in salivary gland surgery. However, this technique has not yet been applied in submandibular gland (SMG) preservation surgery. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the outcomes of endoscope-assisted gland-preserving surgery through a hairline incision in patients with benign SMG tumours. The study included 38 patients with benign SMG tumours who underwent tumour excision with gland preservation: 19 who underwent local excision of the tumour through an endoscope-assisted hairline approach and 19 who received the conventional cervical approach. (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) View on Web

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Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Against Influenza A(H3N2)-Related Illness in the United States During the 2021–2022 Influenza Season

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Against Influenza A(H3N2)-Related Illness in the United States During the 2021–2022 Influenza Season via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Background In the United States, influenza activity during the 2021-2022 season was modest and sufficient enough to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated influenza vaccine effectiveness against lab-confirmed outpatient acute illness caused by predominant A(H3N2) viruses. Methods Between October 2021 and April 2022, research staff across 7 sites enrolled patients aged ≥6 months seeking outpatient care for acute respiratory illness with cough. Using a test-negative design, we assessed VE against influenza A(H3N2). Due to strong correlation between influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were excluded from vaccine effectiveness estimations. Estimates were adjusted for site, age, month of illness, race/ethnicity and general health status. Results Among 6,260 participants, 468 (7%) tested positive for influenza only, including 440 (94%) for A(H3N2). All 206 sequenced A(H3N2) viruses were characterized as belonging to genetic group 3C.2a1b subclade 2a.2, which has antigenic differences from the 2021–2022 season A(H3N2) vaccine component that belongs to clade 3C.2a1b subclade 2a.1. After excluding 1,948 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, 4,312 patients were included in analyses of influenza VE; 2,463 (57%) were vaccinated against influenza. Effectiveness against A(H3N2) for all ages was 36% (95%CI, 20-49%) overall. Conclusion Influenza vaccination in 2021–2022 provided protection against influenza A(H3N2)-related outpatient visits among young persons. View on Web

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Effectiveness of dietary interventions delivered by digital health to adults with chronic conditions: Systematic review and Meta‐analysis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Effectiveness of dietary interventions delivered by digital health to adults with chronic conditions: Systematic review and Meta‐analysis via Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics Abstract Background Digital health interventions may facilitate management of chronic conditions; however, no reviews have systematically assessed the effectiveness of dietary interventions delivered by digital health platforms for improving dietary intake and clinical outcomes for adults with diet-related chronic conditions. Methods Databases CINAHL, CENTRAL, Embase and MEDLINE were searched from inception to April 2021 to identify controlled trials for dietary education delivered by digital health (mobile or electronic health) to adults with diet-related chronic conditions. Random effects analysis was performed for diet quality, food groups, nutrients, and clinical outcomes. Screening, data extraction and quality checking were completed in duplicate. Results Thirty-nine studies were included involving 7,333 participants. Significant changes were found for Mediterranean diet adherence score [standardised mean difference (SMD): 0.79; 95% confidence inter val (CI): 0.18, 1.40], overall fruit and vegetable intake [mean difference (MD): 0.63 serves/day; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.98], fruit intake alone [MD: 0.58 serves/day; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.77] and sodium intake [SMD: -0.22 milligrams/day; 95% CI: -0.44, -0.01]. Improvements were also found for waist circumference [MD: -2.24cm; 95% CI: -4.14, -0.33], body weight [MD: -1.94kg; 95% CI: -2.63, -1.24] and haemoglobin A1c [MD: -0.17%; 95% CI: -0.29, -0.04]. Validity of digital assessment tools to measure dietary intake were not reported. The quality of evidence was considered to have low to moderate certainty. Conclusions Modest improvements in diet and clinical outcomes may result from intervention via digital health for those with diet-related chronic conditions. However, additional robust trials with better reporting of digital dietary assessment tools are needed to support implementation within clinical practice. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Decompression versus decompression plus fusion for treating degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Decompression versus decompression plus fusion for treating degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis via Pain Practice Abstract Background Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) is a complex clinical syndrome that leads to spinal compression. Decompression with fusion has been the most commonly used surgical procedure for treating DLSS symptoms for many years. However, the exact role of fusion and its effectiveness in DLSS therapy has recently been debated. Objective The main purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of decompression alone and decompression plus fusion in the treatment of DLSS with or without spondylolisthesis. Study design A systematic review and meta-analysis of the therapeutic effects of decompression for DLSS with or without the combination of fusion. Methods A literature search in 5 relevant databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Library was performed from the inception of the database to March 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the comparison between decompression and decompression plus fusion for DLSS were included. Results A total of 7 studies, 894 patients were analyzed in this meta-analysis. Among these, 443 patients were included in the decompression plus fusion group while 451 patients were included in the decompression alone group. Pooled analysis showed that the combination of decompression with fusion had no superior benefits to decompression alone in terms of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score in the first two years and long-term follow-up after surgery, also no significant difference in the improvement of back and leg pain was found between two groups. Adding fusion to decompression was associated with a longer operation time, higher complication rate, more blood loss, and extended hospital stay. Furthermore, there was no difference in reoperation rates and patients' satisfaction between the two groups at the last follow-up. Conclusion Decompression plus fusion may not be associated with a better clinical outcome in ODI score and back or leg pain improvement but with a longer duration of operation time, extended hospital stay, and more blood loss. View on Web

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State-of-the-art: septal perforation repair

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader State-of-the-art: septal perforation repair via Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery - Published Ahead-of-Print Purpose of review To provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the different techniques described for the surgical repair of nasal septal perforation, and a surgical decision-making algorithm for its surgical treatment. Recent findings Septal perforation surgery has evolved and improved in recent years. It has gone from being an avoided or discouraged surgical procedure to a procedure with success rates of >90%. Nowadays, there is no standard approach or single technique. The different techniques described include unilateral random pattern flaps, interposition grafts, unilateral pedicle septal local flaps, free mucosal grafts and bilateral random patter flaps. The incidence of success is higher in pediculated septal flaps such as the anterior ethmoidal artery flap or the greater palatine artery pedicled flap combined with additional techniques. Summary Nowadays, surgical closure of septal perforation is possible and should be an option to consider in symptomatic patients without response to medical treatment. The surgical approach that we recommend when planning the surgical closure of nasal septum (or nasoseptal) perforation is based on the osseocartilaginous support and the location of the defect. View on Web

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The link between allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The link between allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis via Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery - Published Ahead-of-Print Purpose of review Allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are common disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. Although allergic rhinitis and CRS are distinct clinical entities, certain CRS endotypes share similar pathological mechanisms as those seen in patients with allergic rhinitis. This review assesses the literature behind the similarities and differences seen in patients with CRS and allergic rhinitis, and the role atopy might play in the pathophysiology of CRS. Recent findings In examining the associations between allergic rhinitis and CRS, most studies have focused primarily on CRS with nasal polyps and type 2 inflammation in CRS. Recent studies have demonstrated the similarities and differences in pathologic mechanisms behind allergic rhinitis and CRS, with an emphasis on patient endotypes, genetics, and the nasoepithelial immunologic barrier. Related immunopathology shared by allergic rhinitis and type 2 inflammation in CRS has allowed for therapeutic overlap with biologic treatments. Summary Allergic rhinitis and CRS often present as comorbid conditions, and understanding the relationship between allergic rhinitis and CRS is important when considering treatment options. Advances in understanding the genetics and immunology, as well as biologic and immunotherapeutic treatments have improved outcomes in patients with CRS, especially in the setting of atopy. View on Web

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Gimap5 promoted RSV degradation through interaction with M6PR

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Gimap5 promoted RSV degradation through interaction with M6PR via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract Backgroud Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the main pathogens of viral pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and young children and a life threatening diseases among infants and young children. GTPases of the immune-associated protein family (GIMAP) are a new family members of immune-associated GTPases. In recent years, much attention has been paid to the function of the GIMAP family in coping with infection and stress. Gimap5 is a member of the GIMAP family, which may be correlated with anti-infectious immunity. Methods RT-qPCR, Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) were used to detect the expression of Gimap5, M6PR and IGF1R(the major RSV receptor). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to detect the degradation of RSV in Gimap5-overexpressed or -silent cell lines. Computer virtual screening was used to screen small molecule compounds targeting Gimap5 and the anti-RSV effects were explored through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Results GIMAP5 and M6PR were significantly down-regulated after RSV infection. Gimap5 accelerated RSV degradation in lysosomes by interacting with M6PR, and further prevented RSV invasion by down-regulating the expression of RSV surface receptor IGF1R. Three small molecule compounds targeting Gimap5 were confirmed to be the agonists of Gimap5. The three compounds effectively inhibited RSV infection and RSV-induced complications. Conclusion Gimap5 promotes the degradation of RSV and its receptor through interacting with M6PR. Gimap5 agonists can effectively reduce RSV infection and RSV-induced complication in vivo and in vitro, which provides a new choice for the treatment of RSV. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Evaluation the efficacy and safety of N‐acetylcysteine inhalation spray in controlling the symptoms of patients with COVID‐19: An open‐label randomized controlled clinical trial

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Evaluation the efficacy and safety of N‐acetylcysteine inhalation spray in controlling the symptoms of patients with COVID‐19: An open‐label randomized controlled clinical trial via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and safety of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhalation spray in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods This randomized controlled clinical trial study was conducted on patients with COVID-19. Eligible patients (n=250) were randomly allocated into the intervention group (routine treatment + NAC inhaler spray one puff per 12 hours, for 7 days) or the control group who received routine treatment alone. Clinical features, hemodynamic, hematological, biochemical parameters and patient outcomes were assessed and compared before and after treatment. Results The mortality rate was significantly higher in the control group than in the intervention group (39.2% vs 3.2%, P<0.001). Significant differences were found between the two groups (intervention and control, respectively) for white blood cell count (6.2 vs 7.8, P<0.001), hemoglobin (12.3 vs 13.3, P=0.002), C-reactive protein (CRP: 6 vs 11.5, P<0.0001) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST: 32 vs 25.5, P<0.0001). No differences were seen for hospital length of stay (11.98±3.61 vs 11.81±3.52, P=0.814) or the requirement for ICU admission (7.2% vs 11.2%, P=0.274). Conclusions NAC was beneficial in reducing the mortality rate in patients with COVID-19 and inflammatory parameters, and a reduction in the development of severe respiratory failure; however, it did not affect the length of hospital stay or the need for ICU admission. Data on the effectiveness of NAC for SARS-CoV-2 is limited and further research is required. Clinical Trial Registration This study Registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20080901001165N55) dated 23-05-2020. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Mendelian randomization suggests a potential causal effect of eosinophil count on influenza vaccination responsiveness

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Mendelian randomization suggests a potential causal effect of eosinophil count on influenza vaccination responsiveness via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract Currently, the clinical factors affecting immune responses to influenza vaccines have not been systematically explored. The mechanism of low responsiveness to influenza vaccination (LRIV) is complicated and not thoroughly elucidated. Thus, we integrate our in-house genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analysis result of LRIV (N = 111, Ncase [Low Responders] = 34, Ncontrol [Responders] = 77) with the GWAS summary of 10 blood-based biomarkers (sample size ranging from 62,076 to 108,794) deposited in BioBank Japan (BBJ) to comprehensively explore the shared genetics between LRIV and blood-based biomarkers to investigate the causal relationships between blood-based biomarkers and LRIV by Mendelian randomization (MR). The applications of four MR approaches (inverse-variance-weighted (IVW), weighted median, weighted mode, and generalized summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (GSMR)) suggested that the genetically instrumented LRIV was associated with decreased eosinophil count (� � = -5.517 to -4.422, p-value = 0.004 to 0.039). Finally, we conclude that the low level of eosinophil count is a suggestive risk factor for LRIV. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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