Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

Κυριακή 2 Ιανουαρίου 2022

Treatment of patients with Covid-19 with a high dose of ulinastatin

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader

Exp Ther Med. 2022 Feb;23(2):121. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.11044. Epub 2021 Dec 7.

ABSTRACT

Currently, there are no specific therapeutic agents available for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of high-dose ulinastatin for the treatment of patients with Covid-19. A total of 12 patients hospitalized with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection were treated with a high dose of ulinastatin alongside standard care. Changes in clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations and chest images were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 10 patients with severe Covid-19 and two patients with moderate Covid-19 received ulinastatin treatment. The average age of the patients was 68.0±11.9 years (age range, 48-87 years). In total, nine of the 12 patients (75.0%) had one or more comorbidities. The most common symptoms on admission were fever (8/12, 66.7%), coug h (5/12, 41.7%) and dyspnea (5/12, 41.7%). The percentage of lymphocytes was decreased in 41.7% of patients (5/12) and 58.3% of patients (7/12) had elevated hypersensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (mean, 49.70±77.70 mg/l). The white blood cell levels and the percentage of lymphocytes returned to normal in all of the patients, and CRP was significantly decreased and returned to normal in 83.3% of patients (10/12; mean, 6.87±6.63 mg/l) on day 7 after ulinastatin treatment. Clinical symptoms were relieved synchronously. The peripheral oxygen saturation improved and 66.7% of the patients (8/12) did not require further oxygen therapy 7 days after ulinastatin treatment. No patients required intensive care unit admission or mechanical ventilation. All patients revealed different degrees of absorption of pulmonary lesions after treatment. Compared with the standard care group, ulinastatin treatment significantly prevented illness deterioration. In conclusion, these preliminary data revealed that high-dose ulinastatin treatment was safe and exhibited a potential beneficial effect for patients with Covid-19.

PMID:34970344 | PMC:PMC8713169 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.11044

View on the web

CPNE3 interaction with RACK1 protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader

Exp Ther Med. 2022 Feb;23(2):128. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.11051. Epub 2021 Dec 10.

ABSTRACT

Copine 3 (CPNE3) and receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) have been determined to be risk factors for patients with acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). The present study aimed to evaluate the role of CPNE3 and its interaction with RACK1 in myocardial (I/R) injury. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting were performed to detect CPNE3 and RACK1 expression levels in H9c2 cells before and after the transfection of CPNE3 overexpression plasmid or small interfering RNA-RACK1. Cell viability was detected using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and immunoprecipitation assays were performed to determine the interaction between CPNE3 and RACK1. A commercial kit was used to examine lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected via RT-qPCR and western blotting. Cell ap optosis was assessed via TUNEL staining and western blotting. The results demonstrated that the expression levels of CPNE3 and RACK1 were decreased in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes, which was consistent with the expression levels observed in the myocardial I/R injury rat model. It was found that CPNE3 overexpression upregulated RACK1 expression, increased cell viability and suppressed the release of LDH in H/R-induced H9c2 cells. Furthermore, CPNE3 overexpression inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines and decreased cell apoptosis in H/R-induced cardiomyocytes by activating RACK1 expression. The present study suggested that CPNE3 served an important role in preventing I/R injury by interacting with RACK1, providing novel insight into the prevention of myocardial I/R injury, as well as the treatment and care of patients with myocardial I/R.

PMID:34970351 | PMC:PMC8713176 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.11051

View on the web

Increased Incidence of Tapia's Syndrome Cases Since the COVID-19 Pandemic.Tapia's syndrome is an uncommon disease described in 1904 by Antonio Garcia Tapia, a Spanish otolaryngologist. It is characterized by concomitant paralysis of the hypoglossal (XIIth) and pneumogastric (Xth) nerves.

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader

pubmed-meta-image.png

Ear Nose Throat J. 2021 Dec 30:1455613211068570. doi: 10.1177/01455613211068570. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:34969313 | DOI:10.1177/01455613211068570

View on the web

Dispersed Bone Spicules as a Cause of Postoperative Headache after Retrosigmoid Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Myth?

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader

10-1055-s-0041-1741112_210127-1.jpg

J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1741112

Objectives Dispersion of bone dust in the posterior fossa during retrosigmoid craniectomy for vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection could be a source of meningeal irritation and lead to development of persistent postoperative headaches (POH). We aim to determine risk factors, including whether the presence of bone spicules that influence POH after retrosigmoid VS resection. Design Present study is a retrospective case series. Setting The study was conducted at a tertiary skull-base referral center. Participants Adult patients undergoing VS resection via a retrosigmoid approach between November 2017 and February 2020 were included for this study. Main Outcome Measures Development of POH lasting ≥ 3 months is the primary outcome of this study. Results Of 64 patients undergoing surgery, 49 had complete data (mean age, 49 years; 53% female). Mean follow-up time was 2.4 years. At latest follow up, 16 (33%) had no headaches, 14 (29%) experienced headaches lasting <3 months, 19 (39%) reported POH lasting ≥3 months. Twenty-seven (55%) patients had posterior fossa bone spicules detectable on postoperative computed tomography (CT). Age, gender, body mass index, length of stay, tumor diameter, size of craniectomy, the presence of bone spicules, or the amount of posterior petrous temporal bone removed from drilling did not differ significantly between patients with POH and those without. On multivariate logistic regression, patients with POH were less likely to have preoperative brainstem compression by the tumor (odds ratio [OR] = 0.21, p = 0.028) and more likely to have higher opioid requirements during hospitalization (OR = 1.023, p = 0.045). Conclusion The presence of bone spicules in the posterior fossa on postoperative CT did not contribute to headaches following retrosigmoid craniectomy approach for VS resection.
[...]

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

View on the web

Administrative delays of temporary recommendation for use: Impact on access to innovation in melanoma

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader

Bull Cancer. 2021 Dec 28:S0007-4551(21)00514-2. doi: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.11.007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Melanoma has benefited in recent years from therapeutic innovations, which have improved overall survival of patients. France has developed a regulatory arsenal allowing faster access to innovative drugs before marketing authorization: temporary authorization for use (ATU) and temporary recommendation for use (RTU).

METHOD: We describe here the decision-making processes that led to the non-publication of the decree on the funding of three RTU in adjuvant melanoma therapy: nivolumab, pembrolizumab and the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib, and we analyse the fate of these drugs in order to quantify the potential loss of chance.

RESULTS: On 03AUG2018, the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Product Safety (ANSM) published 3 RTU in order to give rapid access to major innovations in adjuvant melanoma therapy: nivolumab, pembrolizumab and the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib. These drugs have respectively demonstrated reductions in the risk of recurrence by 35 %, 43% and 55% for target populations of 2200, 1900 and 650 patients per year. Despite a favourable opinion on reimbursement from the French National Authority for Health (HAS), the decrees on reimbursement will never be published, prohibiting the use of these products before the marketing authorisation, and depriving many patients of a potential cure.

CONCLUSION: Despite a favourable opinion from scientists and health agencies for the rapid availability of a drug, the French public health code does not systematically imply access to a therapeutic innovation. The reform of access to innovation implemented on 01JUL2021 may help tackle this issue.

PMID:34972538 | DOI:10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.11.007

View on the web

Prone Positioning in Patients With COVID-19: Analysis of Multicenter Registry Data and Meta-analysis of Aggregate Data

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader

In Vivo. 2022 Jan-Feb;36(1):361-370. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12711.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Evidence suggests a beneficial effect of prone positioning (PP) in COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Meta-analysis of individual (7 investigators' groups) and aggregate data (PubMed/EMBASE) regarding the impact of PP on the ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PO2/FiO2) in patients with COVID-19.

RESULTS: Among 121 patients (mean age±SD 59.1±10.7 years, 55% males, 57% intubated) the mean post-versus pre- PP PO2/FiO2 difference was: (i) 50.4±64.3 mmHg, p<0.01, (ii) similar in awake (58.7±72.1 mmHg) versus intubated patients (44.1±57.5 mmHg, p=NS), (iii) inversely correlated with body mass index (r=-0.43, p<0.01). Meta-analysis of 23 studies (n=547, weighted age 58.3±4.1, 73% males, 59% intubated) showed a pooled PO2/FiO2 difference of 61.8 [95% confidence intervals=49.9-73.6] mmHg. Meta-regression analysis revealed no associations with baseline demographics, the time in PP before assessment, and the risk of bias of the studies.

CONCLUSION: PP seems to improve oxygenation of patients with COVID-19.

PMID:34972735 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12711

View on the web

Impact of Pectoral Muscle Values on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Severe Covid-19 Disease

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader

In Vivo. 2022 Jan-Feb;36(1):375-380. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12713.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: The effect of sarcopenia on patients with severe Covid-19 disease is unknown. We aimed to assess the influence of baseline computed tomography (CT)-based body composition parameters (pectoralis muscle area, pectoralis muscle index, skeletal muscle gauge) on clinical variables in patients with severe Covid-19 disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Chest CT scans of adult patients with confirmed Covid-19 who were hospitalized from March 2020 to May 2021 at a level-one medical center in Germany were retrospectively analyzed. Pectoralis muscle area, pectoralis muscle index and skeletal muscle gauge were measured on the first CT scan after admission. Body composition parameters were assessed for association with clinical variables and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were included. None of the body composition parameters was a pred ictor for 30-day mortality, duration of hospital stay, duration of intensive care unit treatment, or duration of invasive mechanical ventilation.

CONCLUSION: Pectoralis muscle composition parameters in CT chest scans did not predict outcomes in adult patients with severe Covid-19 infection.

PMID:34972737 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12713

View on the web

The Optimal Type and Management of Biliary Drainage in Patients With Obstructive Jaundice Who Undergo Pancreaticoduodenectomy

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader

In Vivo. 2022 Jan-Feb;36(1):391-397. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12716.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aims of this study were to clarify optimal type and management of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) in patients with obstructive jaundice who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 156 patients with obstructive jaundice who underwent PD were enrolled. We compared clinical variables and postoperative complications between patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) and those who underwent endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD).

RESULTS: All patients underwent PBD, with ERBD in 117 and ENBD in 39. The incidence of infectious complications and clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (CR-PF) were significantly higher in the ERBD group (39% vs. 13%, p=0.012 and 39% vs. 10%, p<0.00001, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the postoperative complication s between two groups when the duration of drainage exceeded 30 days.

CONCLUSION: ERBD should not be performed in patients with obstructive jaundice prior to PD because of the increased rates of infectious complications and CR-PF following PD, and ENBD should be chosen instead. Furthermore, PD should be performed within 30 days of drainage period in patients with ENBD.

PMID:34972740 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12716

View on the web

Stereotactic Radiotherapy and Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer: A Retrospective Mono-institutional Experience

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader

In Vivo. 2022 Jan-Feb;36(1):306-313. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12703.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is an effective treatment for localized prostate cancer. However, is it not clear whether the addition of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to SRT is beneficial. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of a series of patients treated with SRT plus ADT for localized prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were treated with SRT with 42 Gy in 7 fractions with volumetric-modulated arc therapy plus Image Guided Radiotherapy (V-MAT IGRT) technique. ADT was administered to patients with intermediate unfavorable- and high-risk disease. Study endpoints were biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS), overall survival (OS), acute and late toxicity and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) using international prostate cancer symptoms scale (IPSS) and international index of erectile function (IIEF).

RESU LTS: A total of 170 consecutive patients were identified, of which 49 (28.8%) with low-risk, 15 (8.8%) with favorable intermediate-risk 76 (44.7%) with unfavorable intermediate-risk and 30 (17.6%) with high-risk class. All patients of unfavorable intermediate- and high-risk groups were administered LHRH analogue concurrently to SRT and for at least 6 months. Patients with unfavorable intermediate- and high-risk presented a 5-year bDFS of 81.7% and 76.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: SRT consisting of 42 Gy in seven fractions with short-term ADT represents a safe and effective treatment for unfavorable intermediate and high risk prostate cancer. Our results support the need of high quality studies to test the efficacy of ADT combined with SRT for unfavorable intermediate- and high-risk localized prostate cancer.

PMID:34972727 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12703

View on the web

Intervention Strategies to Reduce Surgical Site Infection Rates in Patients Undergoing Rectal Cancer Surgery

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader

In Vivo. 2022 Jan-Feb;36(1):439-445. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12722.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of surgical site infection (SSI) prevention approaches in rectal cancer surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1,408 patients who underwent elective rectal cancer surgery between 1995 and 2017 were reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups: control group (group A, n=245), SSI prevention intervention group (group B, n=516), and laparoscopic or robotic surgery group (group C, n=647). The groups were compared in terms of SSI and anastomotic leakage (AL) incidences, and risk factors for SSI were investigated.

RESULTS: The overall SSI and AL rates were 19.4% and 3.6%, respectively. These rates were significantly lower in Group C (9.3%, 1.7%), compared to Groups A (40.0%, 6.1%) and B (22.5%, 3.5%). Abdominoperineal resection, open surgery, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, lac k of absorbable sutures, lack of mechanical bowel preparation, and lack of oral antibiotics were independently associated with SSI.

CONCLUSION: SSI reduction after rectal cancer surgery was achieved through various intervention strategies.

PMID:34972746 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12722

View on the web

Infrared Spectroscopic Study and Mathematical Simulations of Carotid Atherosclerosis

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader

In Vivo. 2022 Jan-Feb;36(1):189-197. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12690.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: The pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis continue to be the subject of intensive research and study by the scientific community. Based on Fourier-transform infrared spectra and 3D-Doppler echogram, we attempted to develop a computational simulation model for predicting the association of atherosclerotic risk factors with pathogenic molecular structural changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Atheromatic carotid arteries from 56 patients (60-85 years old) were used as samples. Color 3D-Doppler echogram screening was performed on all patients preoperatively. Each infrared spectrum consisted of 120 co-added spectra at a spectral resolution of 4 cm-1 Results: The infrared spectral analysis reveals 'marker bands', such as the 1,744 cm-1 band assigned to aldehyde formation and to the 'fingerprint' digital spectra l region of 1,050-1,169 cm-1, characteristic of the presence of advanced glycation end products (C-O-C). The accumulation of calcium phosphate salts increases the formation rate of stenosis. The critical point of stenosis risk starts at about 45%, while when stenosis is over 60-70%, the risk of ischemic stroke or other major adverse cardiovascular events increases dramatically.

CONCLUSION: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and mathematical simulation models showed that carotid artery stenosis over 45% reduces the blood flow rate, while stenosis over 65% dramatically increases the hemodynamic disturbance, with a parallel increase the rate of ischemic stroke or other major adverse cardiovascular events.

PMID: 34972714 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12690

View on the web