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Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Male testicular dysfunction is a considerable complication of anti-cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, partly due to the increased oxidative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Protective effects of exogenous melatonin therapy against oxidative stress to male reproductive tissue caused by anti-cancer chemical and radiation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies.
BACKGROUND
Male testicular dysfunction is a considerable complication of anti-cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, partly due to the increased oxidative stress caused by these treatments. Melatonin is an effective antioxidant agent that protects testicles against physical and toxic chemical stressors in animal models. This study aims to systematically review the melatonin's protective effects against anti-cancer stressors on rodential testicular tissue.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
An extensive search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed for animal studies investigating exogenous melatonin's protective effects on rodent testicles exposed to anti-cancer chemicals and radiotherapeutic agents. Using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effect model, standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated from the pooled data. The protocol was prospectively registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022355293).
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 38 studies from 43 studies that were eligible for the review. Rats and mice were exposed to radiotherapy (ionizing radiations such as gamma- and roentgen radiation and radioactive iodine) or chemotherapy (methotrexate, paclitaxel, busulfan, cisplatin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, Taxol, procarbazine, docetaxel, and chlorambucil). According to our meta-analysis, all outcomes were significantly improved by melatonin therapy, including sperm quantity and quality (count, motility, viability, normal morphology, number of spermatogonia, Johnsen's testicular biopsy score, seminiferous tubular diameter, and seminiferous epithelial height), serum level of reproductive hormones (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and testosterone), tissue markers of oxidative stress (testicular tissue malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione, caspase-3, and total antioxidant capacity), and weight-related characteristics (absolute body, epididymis, testis, and relative testis to body weights). Most SYRCLE domains exhibited a high risk of bias in the included studies. Also, significant heterogeneity and small-study effects were detected.
CONCLUSION
In male rodents, melatonin therapy was related to improved testicular histopathology, reproductive hormones, testis and body weights, and reduced levels of oxidative markers in testicular tissues of male rodents. Future meticulous studies are recommended to provide a robust scientific backbone for human applications.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022355293, identifier CRD42022355293.
Topics: Humans; Male; Animals; Rats; Mice; Melatonin; Antioxidants; Iodine Radioisotopes; Semen; Thyroid Neoplasms; Oxidative Stress; Body Weight
PubMed: 37701901
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1184745 -
International Journal of Legal Medicine Nov 2023The AGFAD (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forensische Alterdiagnostik, Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics) has published several recommendations regarding both technical... (Review)
Review
The AGFAD (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forensische Alterdiagnostik, Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics) has published several recommendations regarding both technical aspects of computed tomography (CT) of the medial clavicular epiphysis (MCE) and the process of reading and interpreting the CT images for forensic age estimations (FAE). There are, however, no published recommendations regarding CT scan protocols and no dose reference values for CT of the MCE. The objective of this analysis was to assess adherence to AGFAD recommendations among practitioners of FAE and analyse reported dose-relevant CT scan parameters with the objective of helping to establish evidence-based dose reference values for FAE. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and in Google Scholar with specific MeSH terms to identify original research articles on FAE with CT of the MCE from 1997 to 2022. A total of 48 studies were included. Adherence to AGFAD recommendations among practitioners of FAE is high regarding the use of Schmeling main stages (93%), bone window (79%), ≤ 1 mm CT slices (67%), axial/coronal CT images (65%), and Kellinghaus sub-stages (59%). The reporting of CT technique and CT dose-relevant scan parameters is heterogeneous and often incomplete in the current literature. Considering the success achieved by the AGFAD in creating standards of practice of FAE in living subjects, there is potential for the AGFAD to establish standards for radiation protection in FAE as well.
Topics: Humans; Age Determination by Skeleton; Clavicle; Epiphyses; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Radiation Dosage; Guideline Adherence; Forensic Anthropology
PubMed: 37691040
DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03061-7 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023
PubMed: 37670133
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41716-y -
Studies in Health Technology and... Aug 2023A quality standard for the ICF-oriented provision of arm supports and robotic arms was designed. To facilitate this new working method, tools were developed in...
A quality standard for the ICF-oriented provision of arm supports and robotic arms was designed. To facilitate this new working method, tools were developed in co-creation with all stakeholders. Professionals received training and were asked to apply the new working method among their clients who participated in the intervention group of the OMARM project. To find out whether the provision had changed following the introduction of the quality standard, and to gain insight into the usage of tools and the perceived added value, a process evaluation was conducted after 3, 6 and 9 months by an online survey. In sum, the new working method was applied to 43 of 137 clients, and tools were used 105 times. Opinions on perceived changes, benefit, and practicability varied widely. Although tools were developed in co-creation with all stakeholders, several professionals' satisfaction with the developed way of working is lower than expected and its adoption lags.
Topics: Humans; Upper Extremity; Robotics; Self-Help Devices
PubMed: 37638911
DOI: 10.3233/SHTI230611 -
Virus Evolution 2023The Asian bush mosquito is rapidly invading North America and Europe. Due to its potential to transmit multiple pathogenic arthropod-borne (arbo)viruses including Zika...
The Asian bush mosquito is rapidly invading North America and Europe. Due to its potential to transmit multiple pathogenic arthropod-borne (arbo)viruses including Zika virus, West Nile virus, and chikungunya virus, it is important to understand the biology of this vector mosquito in more detail. In addition to arboviruses, mosquitoes can also carry insect-specific viruses that are receiving increasing attention due to their potential effects on host physiology and arbovirus transmission. In this study, we characterized the collection of viruses, referred to as the virome, circulating in populations in the Netherlands and France. Applying a small RNA-based metagenomic approach to , we uncovered a distinct group of viruses present in samples from both the Netherlands and France. These included one known virus, narnavirus 1 (AejapNV1), and three new virus species that we named totivirus 1 (AejapTV1), anphevirus 1 (AejapAV1) and bunyavirus 1 (AejapBV1). We also discovered sequences that were presumably derived from two additional novel viruses: bunyavirus 2 (AejapBV2) and rhabdovirus 1 (AejapRV1). All six viruses induced strong RNA interference responses, including the production of twenty-one nucleotide-sized small interfering RNAs, a signature of active replication in the host. Notably, AejapBV1 and AejapBV2 belong to different viral families; however, no RNA-dependent RNA polymerase sequence has been found for AejapBV2. Intriguingly, our small RNA-based approach identified an ∼1-kb long ambigrammatic RNA that is associated with AejapNV1 as a secondary segment but showed no similarity to any sequence in public databases. We confirmed the presence of AejapNV1 primary and secondary segments, AejapTV1, AejapAV1, and AejapBV1 by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in wild-caught mosquitoes. AejapNV1 and AejapTV1 were found at high prevalence (87-100 per cent) in adult females, adult males, and larvae. Using a small RNA-based, sequence-independent metagenomic strategy, we uncovered a conserved and prevalent virome among mosquito populations. The high prevalence of AejapNV1 and AejapTV1 across all tested mosquito life stages suggests that these viruses are intimately associated with .
PubMed: 37636319
DOI: 10.1093/ve/vead041 -
Journal of the American College of... Oct 2023
Topics: Health Equity
PubMed: 37619799
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.06.036 -
International Orthopaedics Jan 2024Calcar-guided short-stem total hip arthroplasty (THA) has shown excellent clinical outcomes. However, the migration pattern of such prostheses and its effect on clinical...
PURPOSE
Calcar-guided short-stem total hip arthroplasty (THA) has shown excellent clinical outcomes. However, the migration pattern of such prostheses and its effect on clinical outcomes are less known. Therefore, we assessed the five-year subsidence after calcar-guided short-stem THA and its implications on clinical outcomes, patient-related factors, and complications.
METHODS
In this prospective multicentre study, we enrolled 213 patients (224 hips) who underwent calcar-guided short-stem THA mostly for degenerative hip diseases. We examined patients radiographically and clinically after six to 12 weeks, one year, two years, and five years. We evaluated subsidence using Einzel-Bild-Roentgen-Analyse femoral component analysis, assessed clinical outcomes, and systematically recorded all complications.
RESULTS
Overall, 131 patients (133 hips) were available for final follow-up at a median of 60 months (range, 2 to 72 months). We found a mean subsidence of 0.63 ± 1.22 mm at three months, 1.03 ± 1.60 mm at one year, 1.21 ± 1.91 mm at two years, and 1.54 ± 1.97 mm at five years. Patient-related factors (sex, age, weight, and BMI) did not significantly impact subsidence at five years (P > 0.05). Additionally, the Harris hip score, pain, and satisfaction improved significantly at five years compared to pre-operative values (P < 0.0001). Lastly, five patients underwent revision.
CONCLUSION
Calcar-guided short-stems revealed the highest subsidence rate within the first three months after THA and stabilisation after one year through the final follow-up examination. Moreover, patient-related factors had no influence on subsidence. Finally, clinical scores and patient satisfaction remained high at five years.
Topics: Humans; Child, Preschool; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Hip Prosthesis; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Prosthesis Design; Follow-Up Studies; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37606768
DOI: 10.1007/s00264-023-05934-3 -
Radiology Aug 2023Background Diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging is useful in detecting tumor in the primary tumor bed in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after neoadjuvant therapy, but...
Background Diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging is useful in detecting tumor in the primary tumor bed in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after neoadjuvant therapy, but its value in detecting extramural venous invasion (EMVI) and tumor deposit is not well validated. Purpose To evaluate diagnostic accuracy and association with patient prognosis of viable EMVI and tumor deposit on DW images in patients with LARC after neoadjuvant therapy using whole-mount pathology specimens. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy and surgery from 2018 to 2021. Innovative five-point Likert scale was used by two radiologists to independently evaluate the likelihood of viable EMVI and tumor deposit on restaging DW MRI scans in four axial quadrants (12 to 3 o'clock, 3 to 6 o'clock, 6 to 9 o'clock, and 9 to 12 o'clock). Diagnostic accuracy was assessed at both the per-quadrant and per-patient level, with whole-mount pathology as the reference standard. Weighted κ values for interreader agreement and Cox regression models for disease-free survival and overall survival analyses were used. Results A total of 117 patients (mean age, 56 years ± 12 [SD]; 70 male, 47 female) were included. Pathologically proven viable EMVI and tumor deposit was detected in 29 of 117 patients (25%) and in 44 of 468 quadrants (9.4%). Per-quadrant analyses showed an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.68, 0.83), with sensitivity and specificity of 55% and 96%, respectively. Good interreader agreement was observed between the radiologists (κ = 0.62). Per-patient analysis showed sensitivity and specificity of 62% and 93%, respectively. The presence of EMVI and tumor deposit on restaging DW MRI scans was associated with worse disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 5.6; 95% CI: 2.4, 13.3) and overall survival (HR, 8.9; 95% CI: 1.6, 48.5). Conclusion DW imaging using the five-point Likert scale showed high specificity and moderate sensitivity in the detection of viable extramural venous invasion and tumor deposits in LARC after neoadjuvant therapy, and its presence on restaging DW MRI scans is associated with worse prognosis. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. See also the editorial by Méndez and Ayuso in this issue.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Extranodal Extension; Retrospective Studies; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Rectal Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37581503
DOI: 10.1148/radiol.230079 -
Journal of Orthopaedics Sep 2023Metaphyseal fixation of short stem THA allows for minimally invasive surgery, less bone removal, improved bone load transfer and reduced stress shielding. Short stems...
BACKGROUND
Metaphyseal fixation of short stem THA allows for minimally invasive surgery, less bone removal, improved bone load transfer and reduced stress shielding. Short stems facilitate the anatomic restoration i.a. of leg length, femoroacetabular offset, and center of rotation. However, metaphyseal fixation might cause impaired primary and/or secondary stability resulting in an inherent tendency for early axial migration and aseptic loosening eventually. The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome and migration pattern of a calcar-guided short stem.
METHODS
In a prospective multicenter study, 213 patients (224 THAs) were enrolled. Patients were followed for up to 84 months postoperatively. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Harris Hip Score and the VAS for pain and satisfaction. Standardized and calibrated radiographs were screened i.a. for stress shielding and loosening. Einzel-Bild-Roentgen-Analyse - femoral component analysis (EBRA-FCA) was used to detect longitudinal subsidence.
RESULTS
At 7 year follow-up, n = 139/224 cases were available for analysis. All clinical parameters improved significantly (p < 0.001) and improvement persisted. There were no radiographic changes indicating stress shielding. EBRA-FCA revealed a mean subsidence of -1.44 mm followed by a stabilization. Weight >80 kg (p = 0.115), BMI <30 kg/m (p = 0.282), male gender (p = 0.246), and age <65 years (p = 0.304) seemed to be associated with a higher risk for migration. The cumulative revision rate was 2.23%. Revisions due to stem migration (0.89%) occurred early (mean time between index surgery and revision: 3.3 months).
CONCLUSIONS
If at all, there appears to be a pronounced initial subsidence, which stabilizes thereafter. Stem migration was rarely a compelling reason for failure or revision. Demographics do not seem to have a significant effect on migration pattern. The absence of radioluce lines, resorption or hypertrophy of the proximal femora support the hypothesis of a reduced stress shielding for metaphyseal anchoring short stems.
PubMed: 37575949
DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2023.06.009