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Cureus Jan 2024Demodex blepharitis is marked by an excessive presence of Demodex mites on the eyelids, particularly in the lash follicles. While these microscopic mites are a natural... (Review)
Review
Demodex blepharitis is marked by an excessive presence of Demodex mites on the eyelids, particularly in the lash follicles. While these microscopic mites are a natural component of the skin microbiota, their overabundance can lead to ocular complications. Symptoms associated with Demodex blepharitis include eyelid itching, inflammation, and ocular irritation. Our objective is to investigate Lotilaner as a potential treatment for Demodex blepharitis, assessing both the safety and efficacy of the ophthalmic formula in managing this disease. We conducted research in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus up to November 2023. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and it was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence. Our meta-analysis was executed using Review Manager 5.4. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of Lotilaner ophthalmic solution with a concentration of 0.25%. The following outcomes were assessed: clinically meaningful reduction in collarette, collarette cure, composite cure, drop comfort, erythema cure, mite density, and mite eradication. In the case of dichotomous data, we used the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). In our analysis, all included studies, comprising a total of 891 participants, consistently reported clinically meaningful reductions in collarettes. The findings were statistically significant, with Lotilaner demonstrating a substantially higher reduction compared to the vehicle group (RR = 3.09, 95% CI [2.65-3.60]; -value < 0.0001). Notably, results for Drop Comfort outcomes were nonsignificant, indicating no discernible differences compared to the group that used the vehicle (RR = 1.03, 95% CI [0.98-1.07]; -value = 0.26). However, both mite density and mite eradication outcomes exhibited significant improvements with Lotilaner in comparison to the vehicle (RR = 2.58, 95% CI [2.25-2.95]; -value < 0.0001) and (RR = 3.80, 95% CI [2.88-5.01]; -value < 0.0001). The Lotilaner ophthalmic solution at 0.25% showed superior efficacy over the vehicle in reducing collarettes, achieving complete mite eradication within six weeks, and significantly decreasing erythema in Demodex blepharitis. It demonstrated safety with no reported side effects compared to the vehicle. Direct comparative studies with alternative treatments are recommended for a comprehensive assessment of efficacy and safety.
PubMed: 38380217
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52664 -
Mycopathologia Dec 2023Cladosporium halotolerans is a saprobic fungus, rarely implicated in human infections. The identification is challenging due to non-specific phenotypic features.
BACKGROUND
Cladosporium halotolerans is a saprobic fungus, rarely implicated in human infections. The identification is challenging due to non-specific phenotypic features.
OBJECTIVE
To decipher clinical spectrum, microbiological and susceptibility profile of clinical and environmental isolates of Cladosporium halotolerans.
METHOD
All the isolates identified as Cladosporium halotolerans deposited in National Culture Collection for Pathogenic Fungi (NCCPF), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India were revived. Phenotypic and molecular characterization targeting internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA, large subunit of ribosomal DNA (LSU; NL1 and NL4), actin (ACT) and beta-tubulin (TUB) was done. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to determine any phenotypic variations. Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) was carried out for eight antifungal agents as per CLSI M38 Ed3 guidelines. We also performed systematic literature review of all the cases of Cladosporium halotolerans reported till date.
RESULTS
A total of four isolates (clinical, n = 3; soil, n = 1) identified as Cladosporium halotolerans were included in the study. The clinical sites were skin, maxillary tissue and nail. All patients were apparently immunocompetent, and history of trauma was recorded in one patient. All patients improved on antifungal therapy. The cultures revealed growth of black mycelial fungus and microscopic examination demonstrated dematiaceous septate hyphae with erect conidiophores and conidia in branched acropetal chains. Based on molecular methods, all the four isolates were identified as C. halotolerans. SEM revealed no variation in length and width of the conidia, conidiophores, ramoconidium and hyphae among the isolates. All molecular targets, such as ITS region, LSU (partially sequenced), ACT and TUB were able to differentiate the isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for antifungals were: triazoles (0.12-2 μg/ml), amphotericin B (4 μg/ml) and echinocandins (2-8 μg/ml).
CONCLUSION
We report role of the rarely isolated dematiaceous fungus, C. halotolerans, in causing human infections. The study emphasizes the role of molecular methods in precisely identifying these species. Triazoles are more active against these black fungi compared to polyenes or echinocandins.
Topics: Humans; Antifungal Agents; Fungi; Echinocandins; DNA, Ribosomal; Triazoles; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Spores, Fungal
PubMed: 37924426
DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00801-6 -
Comprehensive characterisation of acinar cystic transformation of the pancreas: a systematic review.Journal of Clinical Pathology Nov 2023Acinar cystic transformation (ACT) of the pancreas is a rare pancreatic cystic lesion. Owing to its rarity, comprehensive histomolecular characterisation of this entity...
AIMS
Acinar cystic transformation (ACT) of the pancreas is a rare pancreatic cystic lesion. Owing to its rarity, comprehensive histomolecular characterisation of this entity is still lacking. We aim to perform a systematic review on this controversial entity.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, SCOPUS and Embase through May 2023 to identify all studies on ACTs. Clinicopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC) and molecular data have been extracted and analysed.
RESULTS
Overall, there were 121 cases of ACTs in the literature. ACT had a female predominance (65.3% of patients), and a mean size of 4.8 cm. ACT was more often unifocal (71.9%) and multiloculate (61.2%). Histologically, the cysts were lined by an acinar epithelium, sometimes harbouring ductal-like areas (18.2%). In five cases (4.1%), an intralesional pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) was reported. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging. After surgical resection, all patients were alive and disease free during follow-up except one patient who developed a second ACT after resection. By IHC, all lesions were positive for acinar markers; cytokeratin 7 and 8/18/19 were usually positive, and Ki-67 was invariably ≤3%. At the molecular level, three cases demonstrated genetic alterations: one showed multiple chromosomal gains, and other two harboured somatic mutations of and genes (one mutation per case).
CONCLUSIONS
Globally considered, our findings demonstrated that ACT is a benign entity, without the need of surgical resection with the exception of symptomatic lesions. The rare occurrence of intracystic PanINs and driver mutations suggest considering follow-up if a preoperative diagnosis of ACT can be made.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Pancreas; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreatic Cyst; Carcinoma in Situ; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal
PubMed: 37643836
DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-209103 -
Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology 2023Current guidelines strongly recommend the use of validated classifications to support optical diagnosis of lesions with advanced endoscopic imaging in the lower... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Current guidelines strongly recommend the use of validated classifications to support optical diagnosis of lesions with advanced endoscopic imaging in the lower gastrointestinal tract. However, the optimal strategy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still a matter of debate.
OBJECTIVES
To analyze the accuracy of endoscopic classifications or single predictors for lesion characterization during endoscopic surveillance of IBD with advanced endoscopic imaging.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES AND METHODS
Medline and PubMed were used to extract all studies which focused on lesion characterization of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in IBD. The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic classifications and single endoscopic predictors for lesion characterization were analyzed according to type of patients, lesions, and technology used. When available, the rates of true and false positives or negatives for neoplasia were pooled and the sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated.
RESULTS
We included 35 studies (2789 patients; 5925 lesions - 1149 neoplastic). Advanced endoscopic imaging included dye-based chromoendoscopy, virtual chromoendoscopy (VCE), magnification and high-definition endoscopy, confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), endocytoscopy, and autofluorescence imaging. The Kudo classification of pit patterns was most frequently used, with pooled SE 83%, SP 83%, and NPV 95%. The endoscopic criteria with the highest accuracy, with minimum SE ⩾ 90%, SP ⩾ 80%, and NPV ⩾ 90% were: the Kudo-IBD classification used with VCE (Fuji Intelligent Color Enhancement and i-SCAN); combined irregular surface and vascular patterns used with narrow band imaging; the Mainz classification used with CLE. Multiple clinical and technical factors were found to influence the accuracy of optical diagnosis in IBD.
CONCLUSION
No single endoscopic factor has yet shown sufficient accuracy for lesion characterization in IBD surveillance. Conventional classifications developed in the non-IBD setting have lower accuracy in IBD. The use of new classifications adapted for IBD (Kudo-IBD), and new technologies based on microscopic analysis show promise.
PubMed: 37954537
DOI: 10.1177/17562848231208667 -
Assessment Methods for Marginal and Internal Fit of Partial Crown Restorations: A Systematic Review.Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2023Different methods are used for the analysis of marginal and internal fit of partial crowns, but not all of them are applicable for in vivo studies. The aim of this... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Different methods are used for the analysis of marginal and internal fit of partial crowns, but not all of them are applicable for in vivo studies. The aim of this review is to search the available methods, described in the current literature, to assess marginal and internal fit in partial crowns.
METHODS
an electronic search was performed on Pubmed and Web of Science databases to find studies published from 1 January 2017 up to 2 March 2023, following PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews. The search strategy applied was: "(marginal) AND (fit OR gap OR adaptation OR discrepancy) AND (inlay OR onlay OR partial crown)". In vitro studies which evaluated marginal and internal fit on CAD CAM or 3D printed partial crowns were included in this review. Quality of the studies was assessed by using Quality Assessment Tool For In Vitro Studies (QUIN tool).
RESULTS
22 studies were included. Among conventional methods, direct view with microscope, indirect view on resin replicas, and silicone replica technique (SRT) were used. Considering new digital methods, micro-CT, SRT 3D and triple scan technique (TST) were applied.
CONCLUSIONS
Among 2D methods, direct view technique is the most used marginal fit analysis. For a more comprehensive evaluation, a 3D digital analysis is suggested. SRT and indirect view are the only 2D methods available for in vivo analysis. A protocol for the application of TST for assessment in vivo is now available, but no studies are reported in literature yet.
PubMed: 37568450
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155048 -
World Neurosurgery Apr 2024This study aims to evaluate the impact of surgical intervention on anxiety levels in patients with various types of pituitary adenoma (PA). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to evaluate the impact of surgical intervention on anxiety levels in patients with various types of pituitary adenoma (PA).
METHOD
A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines until October 2022, searching Embase, PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus.
RESULTS
A total of 32 studies were included, encompassing 2,681 patients with the mean age of 53.33 ± 6.48 years (43.4% male). Among all subtypes, 664 diagnosed with Cushing's disease (25.8%), 612 with acromegaly (23.8%), 282 with prolactinoma (10.9%), and 969 with nonfunctional pituitary adenomas (37.6%). Pituitary insufficiency was the most common complication. Considering therapeutic modalities, 515 patients (29.8%) underwent endoscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery, while 222 (12.9%) underwent microscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery. The type of trans-sphenoidal surgery was not specified in 977 (56.6%) patients. A total of 17 studies including 1510 patients which mostly assessed anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were included in the meta-analysis. Preoperative evaluation using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire showed a pooled score of 8.27 (95%CI 4.54-12.01), while postoperative evaluation yielded a pooled score of 6.49 (95%CI 5.35-7.63), indicating no significant difference. Preoperative SAS assessment resulted in a pooled score of 50.43 (95%CI 37.40-63.45), with postoperative pooled score of 55.91 (95%CI 49.40-62.41), showing no significant difference.
CONCLUSIONS
Our analysis revealed no significant difference in anxiety scores pre- and postoperatively. While our findings suggest stability in anxiety levels following surgical intervention, it is imperative to recognize the limitations of the current evidence base. The observed lack of consensus may be influenced by factors such as the heterogeneous nature of the patient population, variations in the characteristics of pituitary adenomas, diverse therapeutic approaches, and potential confounding variables such as pre-existing mental health conditions and coping mechanisms. Further research is warranted to elucidate the nuanced relationship between surgical intervention for PA and anxiety outcomes, considering these complex interactions and employing rigorous methodologies to address potential sources of bias.
PubMed: 38697260
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.04.154 -
World Neurosurgery: X Jan 2024Limitations in the operative microscope (OM)'s mobility and suboptimal ergonomics created the opportunity for the development of the exoscope. This systematic review... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Limitations in the operative microscope (OM)'s mobility and suboptimal ergonomics created the opportunity for the development of the exoscope. This systematic review aims to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of exoscopes and OMs in spine surgery.
METHODS
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in the major research databases. All studies evaluating the exoscopes and/or OMs in spinal procedures were included.
RESULTS
There were 602 patients included in the 16 studies, with 539 spine surgery patients, 19 vascular cases, 1 neural pathology case, 19 cranial cases, and 24 tumor pathologies. When examining surgical outcomes with the exoscope, results were mixed. Compared to the OM, exoscope usage resulted in longer operative times in 7 studies, comparable times in 3 studies, and shorter operative times in 3 studies. Two studies found similar lengths of stay (LOS) for both tools, two reported longer LOS with exoscopes, and one indicated shorter hospital LOS with exoscopes. One study reported higher exoscope-related blood loss (EBL), but four other studies consistently showed reduced EBL. In terms of image quality, illumination, dynamic range, depth perception, ergonomics and cost-effectiveness, the exoscope was consistently rated superior, while findings across studies were mixed regarding the optical zoom ratio and mean scope adjustment (MSA). The learning curve for exoscope use was consistently reported as shorter in all studies.
CONCLUSION
Exoscopes present a viable alternative to OMs in spine surgery, offering multiple advantages, which supports their promising role in modern neurosurgical practice.
PubMed: 38173684
DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2023.100258 -
Evidence-based Dentistry Jun 2024The aim of this systematic review was to comprehensively explore the current trends and therapeutic approaches in which an operating microscope (OM) is used in...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this systematic review was to comprehensively explore the current trends and therapeutic approaches in which an operating microscope (OM) is used in periodontics and dental implant surgeries.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search strategy was built to detect studies including various surgical techniques performed under an OM. PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were searched. No limitations in terms of time and language were applied. The data regarding the study design, type of procedure, treatment groups, and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed descriptively. In addition, a bibliometric analysis was performed concerning the co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence network.
RESULTS
Out of 1985 articles, finally, 55 met the inclusion criteria. Current periodontal and implant microsurgery trends consist of: periodontal therapy, dental implant microsurgery, soft tissue grafting and periodontal plastic surgery, bone augmentation, ridge preservation, and ortho-perio microsurgery. The bibliometric analysis revealed "guided tissue regeneration", "periodontal regeneration" and "root coverage" being the most repeated keywords (landmark nodes). 132 authors within 29 clusters were identified, publishing within the frameworks of "periodontal and implant microsurgery".
CONCLUSION
Within its limitations, this systematic review provides an overview of the latest trends in periodontal and implant microsurgery when considering the use of an OM as the magnification tool. Also, it discusses the reported success and outcomes of the mentioned procedures.
PubMed: 38867104
DOI: 10.1038/s41432-024-01024-4 -
European Spine Journal : Official... Aug 2023Full-endoscopic techniques are minimally invasive surgery alternatives to traditional spinal surgery. We performed a systematic review of the literature to assess the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Full-endoscopic techniques are minimally invasive surgery alternatives to traditional spinal surgery. We performed a systematic review of the literature to assess the costs of these techniques compared to traditional approaches.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was performed for economic evaluations that compare endoscopic decompressions of the lumbar spine for stenosis or disc herniation to open or microsurgical decompressions. The search was performed in the following databases: Medline, Embase Classic, Embase, and Central Cochrane library, from January 1, 2005, to October 22, 2022. The included studies were each evaluated according to a formal assessment checklist to evaluate the quality of economic evaluations based on 35 criteria.
RESULT
A total of 1153 studies were identified, with 9 articles included in the final analysis. In evaluating the quality of economic evaluations, the study with the fewest met criteria scored 9/35 and the study with the most met criteria scored 28/35. Only 3 studies completed cost-effectiveness analyses. Surgical procedure duration varied between studies, but hospital length of stays were consistently shorter with endoscopy. While endoscopy was more frequently associated with higher operating costs, studies that measured healthcare and societal costs found endoscopy to be advantageous.
CONCLUSION
Endoscopic spine surgery was found to be cost-effective in treating patients with lumbar stenosis and disc herniation when compared to standard microscopic approaches from a societal perspective. More well-designed economic evaluations investigating the cost-effectiveness of endoscopic spine procedures are needed to further support these findings.
Topics: Humans; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Constriction, Pathologic; Endoscopy; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Lumbar Vertebrae; Cost-Benefit Analysis
PubMed: 37074492
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-07699-0 -
Digestive and Liver Disease : Official... Dec 2023There is debate over the impact of residual microscopic disease after ileocecal resection in Crohn's disease (CD) to predict recurrence. We conducted a meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
There is debate over the impact of residual microscopic disease after ileocecal resection in Crohn's disease (CD) to predict recurrence. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of positive histological margins and plexitis after ileocecal resection on the risk of postoperative recurrence.
METHODS
Using a systematic search, we identified. 30 studies evaluating the impact of inflammatory margins on CD recurrence. The primary outcome was the postoperative clinical recurrence and secondary outcomes were surgical, and endoscopic recurrence. We performed random-effects meta-analysis and estimated odds ratio (OR) and 95% CIs.
RESULTS
Thirty studies were analyzed, seven focused on myenteric plexitis, six on submucosal plexitis and twenty-three on positive margins. Inflammatory margins were associated with a higher rate of clinical and surgical recurrences: respectively 14 studies - OR 2.38; 95% CI, 1.54 - 3.68- I2 = 68.2%, Q test-p = 0.0003 and 8 studies - OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.07-2.16 - I2 =0%; Q test-p = 0.43. The presence of myenteric plexitis was associated with a higher rate of clinical recurrence (4 studies- OR, 1.60; 95%CI, 1.12-2.29; I2= 0%, Q-test-p = 0.61), and of endoscopic recurrence (4 studies - OR, 4.25; 95%CI; 2.06-8.76; I2= 0%, Q test-p = 0.97). Submucosal plexitis was not associated with an increased risk of endoscopic recurrence (4 studies - OR, 0.94; 95%CI; 0.58-1.52; I2= 0%, Q test-p = 0.79).
CONCLUSION
Inflammatory margins and/or plexitis were associated with postoperative recurrence after ileocecal resection for CD. These elements should be taken into account in future algorithm for prevention of postoperative recurrence.
Topics: Humans; Ileum; Prognosis; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Cecum; Crohn Disease; Margins of Excision; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36658042
DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.12.021