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Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Providing employees with proper work conditions should be one of the main concerns of any employer. Even so, in many cases, work shifts chronically expose the workers to... (Review)
Review
Providing employees with proper work conditions should be one of the main concerns of any employer. Even so, in many cases, work shifts chronically expose the workers to a wide range of potentially harmful compounds, such as ammonia. Ammonia has been present in the composition of products commonly used in a wide range of industries, namely production in lines, and also laboratories, schools, hospitals, and others. Chronic exposure to ammonia can yield several diseases, such as irritation and pruritus, as well as inflammation of ocular, cutaneous, and respiratory tissues. In more extreme cases, exposure to ammonia is also related to dyspnea, progressive cyanosis, and pulmonary edema. As such, the use of ammonia needs to be properly regulated and monitored to ensure safer work environments. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work have already commissioned regulations on the acceptable limits of exposure to ammonia. Nevertheless, the monitoring of ammonia gas is still not normalized because appropriate sensors can be difficult to find as commercially available products. To help promote promising methods of developing ammonia sensors, this work will compile and compare the results published so far.
Topics: Ammonia; Humans; Electronic Nose; Occupational Exposure; Workplace; Occupational Health; Environmental Monitoring; Working Conditions
PubMed: 38794006
DOI: 10.3390/s24103152 -
Oxford Medical Case Reports May 2024We report the case of a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11-hydroxylase deficiency, revealed by disorders of sex development (DSD) and...
We report the case of a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11-hydroxylase deficiency, revealed by disorders of sex development (DSD) and acute pulmonary edema due to severe hypertension. We considered the diagnosis based on biological and radiological examinations. The sociocultural background and the delayed diagnosis had a significant impact on the therapeutic decisions. All babies should be screened for 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency, there should be specialized and interdisciplinary medical centers, and early detection is essential to avoiding serious complications of this disease.
PubMed: 38784773
DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omae042 -
Polish Journal of Radiology 2024In recent years, lung ultrasound (LUS) has developed rapidly, and it is gaining growing popularity in various scenarios. There are constant attempts to introduce it to... (Review)
Review
In recent years, lung ultrasound (LUS) has developed rapidly, and it is gaining growing popularity in various scenarios. There are constant attempts to introduce it to new fields. In addition, knowledge regarding lung and LUS has been augmented by the recent COVID-19 pandemics. In the first part of this review we discuss lines, signs and pheno-mena, profiles, some applications, and misconceptions. An aim of the second part of the review is mainly to discuss some advanced applications of LUS, including lung elastography, lung spectroscopy, colour and spectral Doppler, contrast-enhanced ultrasound of lung, speckled tracking of pleura, quantification of pulmonary oedema, predicting success of talc pleurodesis, asthma exacerbations, detecting chest wall invasion by tumours, lung biopsy, estimating pleural effusion volume, and predicting mechanical ventilatory weaning outcome. For this purpose, we reviewed literature concerning LUS.
PubMed: 38783909
DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2024.139286 -
Blood Science (Baltimore, Md.) Jul 2024Engraftment syndrome (ES) is one of the most common complications in the early phase after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and we aimed to...
Engraftment syndrome (ES) is one of the most common complications in the early phase after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and we aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for ES patients receiving ASCT in the era of plerixafor-based mobilization. A total of 294 were enrolled, and 16.0% (n = 47) experienced ES after ASCT. The main clinical manifestations were fever (100%), diarrhea (78.7%), skin rash (23.4%), and hypoxemia/pulmonary edema (12.8%). Plerixafor-based mobilization was associated with higher counts of CD3 cells, CD4 cells, and CD8 cells in grafts. In univariate analysis of the total cohort, age ≥60 years, receiving ASCT at complete remission (CR), higher number of mononuclear cell (MNC), CD3 cell counts, CD4 cells as well as CD8 cells transfused and plerixafor-based mobilization were associated with ES after ASCT. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥60 years ( = .0014), receiving ASCT at CR ( = .002), and higher number of MNC transfused ( = .026) were associated with ES in total cohort. In plasma cell disease subgroup, age ≥60 years ( = .013), plerixafor-based mobilization ( = .036), and receiving ASCT at CR ( = .002) were associated with ES. Patients with more risk factors had a higher risk of ES. The 1-year probabilities of relapse, non-relapse mortality, and survival were comparable between patients with and without ES. Thus, plerixafor-based mobilization may influence the composition of T lymphocytes in grafts and increase the risk of ES, particularly in patients with plasma cell disease.
PubMed: 38779304
DOI: 10.1097/BS9.0000000000000190 -
Molecular Medicine (Cambridge, Mass.) May 2024Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by alveolar edema that can progress to septal fibrosis. Mechanical ventilation can augment lung injury,...
BACKGROUND
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by alveolar edema that can progress to septal fibrosis. Mechanical ventilation can augment lung injury, termed ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a mediator of fibrosis, is increased in ARDS patients. Blocking CTGF inhibits fibrosis and possibly vascular leakage. This study investigated whether neutralizing CTGF reduces pulmonary edema in VILI.
METHODS
Following LPS administration, rats were mechanically ventilated for 6 h with low (6 mL/kg; low V) or moderate (10 mL/kg; mod V) tidal volume and treated with a neutralizing CTGF antibody (FG-3154) or placebo lgG (vehicle). Control rats without LPS were ventilated for 6 h with low V. Lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, FITC-labeled dextran permeability, histopathology, and soluble RAGE were determined.
RESULTS
VILI was characterized by reduced PaO/FiO ratio (low V: 540 [381-661] vs. control: 693 [620-754], p < 0.05), increased wet-to-dry weight ratio (low V: 4.8 [4.6-4.9] vs. control: 4.5 [4.4-4.6], p < 0.05), pneumonia (low V: 30 [0-58] vs. control: 0 [0-0]%, p < 0.05) and interstitial inflammation (low V: 2 [1-3] vs. control: 1 [0-1], p < 0.05). FG-3154 did not affect wet-to-dry weight ratio (mod V + FG-3154: 4.8 [4.7-5.0] vs. mod V + vehicle: 4.8 [4.8-5.0], p > 0.99), extravasated dextrans (mod V + FG-3154: 0.06 [0.04-0.09] vs. mod V + vehicle: 0.04 [0.03-0.09] µg/mg tissue, p > 0.99), sRAGE (mod V + FG-3154: 1865 [1628-2252] vs. mod V + vehicle: 1885 [1695-2159] pg/mL, p > 0.99) or histopathology.
CONCLUSIONS
'Double hit' VILI was characterized by inflammation, impaired oxygenation, pulmonary edema and histopathological lung injury. Blocking CTGF does not improve oxygenation nor reduce pulmonary edema in rats with VILI.
Topics: Animals; Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury; Connective Tissue Growth Factor; Rats; Male; Pulmonary Edema; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Lung; Disease Models, Animal; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
PubMed: 38778274
DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00829-4 -
Critical Care Science 2024To provide insights into the potential benefits of goal-directed therapy guided by FloTrac in reducing postoperative complications and improving outcomes. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To provide insights into the potential benefits of goal-directed therapy guided by FloTrac in reducing postoperative complications and improving outcomes.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate goal-directed therapy guided by FloTrac in major surgery, comparing goal-directed therapy with usual care or invasive monitoring in cardiac and noncardiac surgery subgroups. The quality of the articles and evidence were evaluated with a risk of bias tool and GRADE.
RESULTS
We included 29 randomized controlled trials with 3,468 patients. Goal-directed therapy significantly reduced the duration of hospital stay (mean difference -1.43 days; 95%CI 2.07 to -0.79; I2 81%), intensive care unit stay (mean difference -0.77 days; 95%CI -1.18 to -0.36; I2 93%), and mechanical ventilation (mean difference -2.48 hours, 95%CI -4.10 to -0.86, I2 63%). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality, myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury or hypotension, but goal-directed therapy significantly reduced the risk of heart failure or pulmonary edema (RR 0.46; 95%CI 0.23 - 0.92; I2 0%).
CONCLUSION
Goal-directed therapy guided by the FloTrac sensor improved clinical outcomes and shortened the length of stay in the hospital and intensive care unit in patients undergoing major surgery. Further research can validate these results using specific protocols and better understand the potential benefits of FloTrac beyond these outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Length of Stay; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Intensive Care Units; Respiration, Artificial; Early Goal-Directed Therapy; Monitoring, Physiologic
PubMed: 38775544
DOI: 10.62675/2965-2774.20240196-en -
Scientific Reports May 2024Ricin, an extremely potent toxin produced from the seeds of castor plant, Ricinus communis, is ribosome-inactivating protein that blocks cell-protein synthesis. It is...
Ricin, an extremely potent toxin produced from the seeds of castor plant, Ricinus communis, is ribosome-inactivating protein that blocks cell-protein synthesis. It is considered a biological threat due to worldwide availability of castor beans, massive quantities as a by-product of castor oil production, high stability and ease of production. The consequence of exposure to lethal dose of ricin was extensively described in various animal models. However, it is assumed that in case of aerosolized ricin bioterror attack, the majority of individuals would be exposed to sublethal doses rather than to lethal ones. Therefore, the purpose of current study was to assess short- and long-term effects on physiological parameters and function following sublethal pulmonary exposure. We show that in the short-term, sublethal exposure of mice to ricin resulted in acute lung injury, including interstitial pneumonia, cytokine storm, neutrophil influx, edema and cellular death. This damage was manifested in reduced lung performance and physiological function. Interestingly, although in the long-term, mice recovered from acute lung damage and restored pulmonary and physiological functionality, the reparative process was associated with lasting fibrotic lesions. Therefore, restriction of short-term acute phase of the disease and management of long-term pulmonary fibrosis by medical countermeasures is expected to facilitate the quality of life of exposed survivors.
Topics: Animals; Ricin; Mice; Lung; Cytokines; Lung Injury; Female; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38773158
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62222-9 -
PloS One 2024Concern exists about the increasing risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Does coronavirus disease 2019 history alone increase the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after surgery? Prospective observational study using serology assessment.
BACKGROUND
Concern exists about the increasing risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a prospective observational study that compared the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with and without a history of COVID-19.
METHODS
From August 2022 to November 2022, 244 adult patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery were enrolled and allocated either to history or no history of COVID-19 groups. For patients without a history of confirming COVID-19 diagnosis, we tested immunoglobulin G to nucleocapsid antigen of SARS-CoV-2 for serology assessment to identify undetected infection. We compared the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, defined as a composite of atelectasis, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, aspiration pneumonitis, and the need for additional oxygen therapy according to a COVID-19 history.
RESULTS
After excluding 44 patients without a COVID-19 history who were detected as seropositive, 200 patients were finally enrolled in this study, 100 in each group. All subjects with a COVID-19 history experienced no or mild symptoms during infection. The risk of postoperative pulmonary complications was not significantly different between the groups according to the history of COVID-19 (24.0% vs. 26.0%; odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.37; P-value, 0.92). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was also similar (27.3%) in excluded patients owing to being seropositive.
CONCLUSION
Our study showed patients with a history of no or mild symptomatic COVID-19 did not show an increased risk of PPCs compared to those without a COVID-19 history. Additional precautions may not be needed to prevent PPCs in those patients.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; COVID-19; Postoperative Complications; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Incidence; Risk Factors; Lung Diseases; Adult
PubMed: 38771760
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300782 -
International Journal of General... 2024Remdesivir treatment was associated with a reduced 28-day mortality and recovery time among patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19. Favipiravir is broadly used to...
BACKGROUND
Remdesivir treatment was associated with a reduced 28-day mortality and recovery time among patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19. Favipiravir is broadly used to treat COVID-19. However, various studies have had conflicting results on the efficacy of favipiravir for COVID-19. We hypothesized that remdesivir is more effective in clinical outcomes regarding the 29-day mortality rates, length of stay, and recovery rate than favipiravir in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective cohort study that included adult hospitalized COVID-19 pneumonia patients with hypoxemia. Patients were classified into two groups according to the antiviral drugs. Age, oxygen saturation, fraction of inspired oxygen, and Charlson comorbidity index were used for propensity score matching. The primary objective was to determine whether the type of antiviral agent is associated with 29-day mortality. Other outcomes were the 15-day recovery rate and the length of intensive care unit or hospital stay.
RESULTS
A total of 249 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia were included. With an adjustment for propensity score-matched, there were 204 patients for further analysis (102 patients in each antiviral drug group). Remdesivir patients had higher Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema (RALE) scores on Chest X-ray (14.32±9.08 vs 11.34±8.46; standardized mean difference =33.9%). The Charlson Comorbidity Index Scores were comparable. The prevalences of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and non-HIV immunocompromised state were higher in the remdesivir group. Regarding the primary outcomes, after adjusting by diabetes, obesity, and RALE score, there was no difference in the 29-day mortality rate between both groups [26 patients (25.5%) in the remdesivir group vs 28 patients (27.5%) in the favipiravir group]. The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis at 29 days indicated no significant difference in cumulative survival rate. The two groups' adjusted hazard ratio was 0.72; 95% CI, 0.41 to 1.25, =0.24. A Kaplan-Meier analysis on the 15-day cumulative survival rate observed a trend towards a higher survival rate in the remdesivir group (adjusted hazard ratio 0.41; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.84; p= 0.02) The proportion of patients who recovered on day 15, the length of intensive care unit(ICU) stays, and the hospital stay were not different between remdesivir and favipiravir groups (62 patients (60.8%) vs 56 patients (54.9%), p=0.39; 11.48 ± 11.88 days vs 10.87 ± 9.31 days, =0.69; and 16.64±14.28 days vs 16.59 ±11.31 days, =0.98, respectively).
CONCLUSION
In patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia, Remdesivir did not demonstrate superior benefits over Favipiravir regarding 29-day mortality, 15-day recovery rates, or hospital and ICU stay lengths. However, further investigation into the 15-day cumulative survival rate revealed a trend towards improved survival in the Remdesivir group.
PubMed: 38770366
DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S457198 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2024Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a naturally occurring epidemic disease, is primarily caused by hantaviruses. It frequently involves the lungs and is...
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a naturally occurring epidemic disease, is primarily caused by hantaviruses. It frequently involves the lungs and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, hemorrhage, and renal failure. However, the occurrence of acute pancreatitis (AP) in HFRS patients can be neglected, and high intraocular pressure (IOP) is exceedingly uncommon. In this report, we discuss the case of a 30-year-old male who presented with fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed extremity petechiae rashes and elevated IOP. Laboratory tests indicated coagulopathy and renal failure. A computed tomography scan confirmed AP. Further testing revealed a positive anti-hantavirus IgM antibody. The patient received supportive care, fluid hydration, hemofiltration, mannitol, brinzolamide, and brimonidine to reduce IOP. Three days post-admission, the patient developed shortness of breath and chest pain. Subsequent chest computed tomography revealed pulmonary edema and bilateral pleural effusion. Treatment included oxygen supply, respiratory support, and thoracentesis, with continued hemofiltration. The patient recovered, regaining normal pulmonary and renal functions and normalized IOP. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluations and vigilant monitoring in HFRS patients, particularly measuring IOP in those with visual complaints, to save lives and reduce morbidity.
PubMed: 38766677
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S454049