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Pain Research & Management 202430 male patients with primary inguinal hernias undergoing primary inguinal herniorrhaphy were prospectively recruited for ilioinguinal nerve resection and evaluation....
METHODS
30 male patients with primary inguinal hernias undergoing primary inguinal herniorrhaphy were prospectively recruited for ilioinguinal nerve resection and evaluation. Three samples of the resected ilioinguinal nerve (proximal, canal, and distal) were evaluated using Masson's trichrome stain to measure fascicle and total nerve cross-sectional area and detect changes in collagen.
RESULTS
The fascicle cross-sectional area in the canal segment was significantly decreased compared to the proximal control with a large effect size observed ( = 0.016, = 0.16). There was no significant difference in the nerve cross-sectional area between locations, but there was a moderate to large effect size observed between locations ( = 0.165, = 0.105). There was no significant difference in collagen content nor effect size observed between locations ( = 0.99, = 1.503 × 10). . The decrease in the fascicle cross-sectional area within the inguinal canal further suggests that there is chronic pressure applied by hernia tissue consistent with axon degeneration. Collagen content is uniformly distributed along the length of the nerve. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the observed effect of nerve location on the total nerve cross-sectional area and axon loss.
Topics: Humans; Male; Hernia, Inguinal; Middle Aged; Nerve Compression Syndromes; Herniorrhaphy; Inguinal Canal; Aged; Adult; Collagen; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 38803624
DOI: 10.1155/2024/3339753 -
BMJ Open May 2024Previous studies on the differences in the mechanism and complications of diabetes between men and women have indicated potential sex differences in cardiovascular...
Variations in health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) associated with cardiovascular health: a cross-sectional study of adults with diabetes in the Korean general population.
OBJECTIVES
Previous studies on the differences in the mechanism and complications of diabetes between men and women have indicated potential sex differences in cardiovascular health, which affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
DESIGN
A cross-sectional cohort study.
SETTING
To determine how sex differences can be noticed, acknowledged and applied in clinical practice, we aimed to determine the cardiovascular (CV) health status of men and women with diabetes and its effects on HRQoL.
PARTICIPANTS
In total, 2829 individuals with diabetes (1518 men and 1311 women) aged ≥40 years who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2018 were enrolled.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Individuals with diabetes were categorised into poor, intermediate and ideal groups based on CV health indicators recommended by the American Heart Association. We used EQ-5D-3L to compare HRQoL scores between the sexes. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression and analysis of covariance were used to analyse the outcome variables.
RESULTS
In the poor CV health score group, female sex was associated with mobility problems (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.54), problems with usual activities (OR1.71, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.35), pain/discomfort (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.16) and anxiety/depression (OR 1.66 95% CI 1.16 to 2.38). In the intermediate and ideal CV health score groups, female sex was associated with pain/discomfort (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.15). Men had higher EQ-5D index scores in the poor and intermediate CV health score groups than did women.
CONCLUSIONS
Although women tended to have high health-related CV health scores, HRQoL was lower in women than in men, especially in the poor CV health score group and in the pain/discomfort domain.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Quality of Life; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Republic of Korea; Cardiovascular Diseases; Adult; Health Status; Aged; Sex Factors; Diabetes Mellitus; Nutrition Surveys
PubMed: 38803258
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081789 -
Journal of Virological Methods May 2024Wastewater-based epidemiology has proved to be a suitable approach for tracking the spread of epidemic agents including SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Different protocols have been...
Wastewater-based epidemiology has proved to be a suitable approach for tracking the spread of epidemic agents including SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Different protocols have been developed for quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from wastewater samples, but little is known on their performance. In this study we compared three protocols based on Reverse Transcription Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR) and one based on Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection from 35 wastewater samples. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by at least one method in 85.7% of samples, while 51.4%, 22.8% and 8.6% resulted positive with two, three or all four methods, respectively. Protocols based on commercial RT-PCR assays and on Droplet Digital PCR showed an overall higher sensitivity vs. an in-house assay. The use of more than one system, targeting different genes, could be helpful to increase detection sensitivity.
PubMed: 38796134
DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2024.114956 -
Medical Science Monitor : International... May 2024BACKGROUND Micro-needle knife (MNK) therapy releases the superficial fascia to alleviate pain and improve joint function in patients with acute ankle sprains (AAS). We... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
BACKGROUND Micro-needle knife (MNK) therapy releases the superficial fascia to alleviate pain and improve joint function in patients with acute ankle sprains (AAS). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MNK therapy vs that of acupuncture. MATERIAL AND METHODS This blinded assessor, randomized controlled trial allocated 80 patients with AAS to 2 parallel groups in a 1: 1 ratio. The experimental group received MNK therapy; the control group underwent conventional acupuncture treatment at specified acupoints. Clinical efficacy differences between the 2 groups before (time-point 1 [TP1]) and after treatment (TP2) were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Kofoed ankle score. Safety records and evaluations of adverse events were documented. One-month follow-up after treatment (TP3) was conducted to assess the intervention scheme's reliability. RESULTS VAS and Kofoed ankle scores significantly improved in both groups. No patients dropped due to adverse events. At TP1, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of VAS and Kofoed scores (P>0.05). However, at TP2, efficacy of MNK therapy in releasing the superficial fascia was significantly superior to that of acupuncture treatment (P<0.001). At TP3, no significant differences in scores existed between the groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that 6 sessions of MNK therapy to release the superficial fascia safely and effectively alleviated pain and enhanced ankle joint function in patients with AAS, surpassing the efficacy of conventional acupuncture treatment. Future studies should increase the sample size and introduce additional control groups to further validate the superior clinical efficacy of this intervention.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Ankle Injuries; Acupuncture Therapy; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Sprains and Strains; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Acupuncture Points; Needles
PubMed: 38794788
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.944157 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Many countries use low-cost sensors for high-resolution monitoring of particulate matter (PM and PM) to manage public health. To enhance the accuracy of low-cost...
Many countries use low-cost sensors for high-resolution monitoring of particulate matter (PM and PM) to manage public health. To enhance the accuracy of low-cost sensors, studies have been conducted to calibrate them considering environmental variables. Previous studies have considered various variables to calibrate seasonal variations in the PM concentration but have limitations in properly accounting for seasonal variability. This study considered the meridian altitude to account for seasonal variations in the PM concentration. In the PM calibration, we considered the calibrated PM as a subset of PM. To validate the proposed methodology, we used the feedforward neural network, support vector machine, generalized additive model, and stepwise linear regression algorithms to analyze the results for different combinations of input variables. The inclusion of the meridian altitude enhanced the accuracy and explanatory power of the calibration model. For PM, the combination of relative humidity, temperature, and meridian altitude yielded the best performance, with an average R of 0.93 and root mean square error of 5.6 µg/m. For PM, the average mean absolute percentage error decreased from 27.41% to 18.55% when considering the meridian altitude and further decreased to 15.35% when calibrated PM was added.
PubMed: 38793878
DOI: 10.3390/s24103023 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2024Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of childhood cancer are increasingly recognized as a vulnerable group with unique emotional, social, and practical needs due...
BACKGROUND
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of childhood cancer are increasingly recognized as a vulnerable group with unique emotional, social, and practical needs due to the intersection of cancer survivorship and normal developmental processes. Mindfulness meditation has shown early efficacy in improving psychological distress among cancer patients. However, the overall scientific study of app-based mindfulness-based interventions is still in its early stages. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a commercially available mindfulness mobile app intervention "Ten Percent Happier" among AYA survivors of childhood cancer.
METHODS
We conducted a single-arm pilot intervention with 25 AYA survivors of childhood cancer ages 18-29 years.
RESULTS
A total of 108 potentially eligible individuals were initially identified for screening. Of the 45 individuals reached (contact rate = 41.67%), 20 declined to participate; 25 were enrolled in the study and completed the baseline survey (enrollment rate = 55.56%). Twenty-one participants completed the study (retention rate = 84%). Changes in several outcomes were promising, with medium to large effect sizes: Mindfulness ( = 0.74), Negative Emotion ( = 0.48), Perceived Stress ( = 0.52), and Mental Health ( = 0.45). Furthermore, results suggested that participants with consistent app usage showed greater improvement in reported outcomes than those who stopped their usage (e.g., Mindfulness: = 0.74, Perceived Stress: = 0.83, Mental Health: = 0.51; Meaning and Purpose: = 0.84; and Sleep Disturbance: = 0.81). Qualitative feedback indicated high satisfaction, but participants suggested adding group or individual peer support to improve their experience with the app.
CONCLUSIONS
AYA survivors can be difficult to reach, but a mindfulness app was feasible and acceptable to this group. In particular, the robust retention rate and high satisfaction ratings indicate that the meditation mobile app was well received. Preliminary results suggest positive changes in health-related quality of life outcomes, warranting a larger efficacy trial.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Mobile Applications; Young Adult; Male; Female; Cancer Survivors; Adult; Meditation; Mindfulness; Feasibility Studies; Neoplasms; Pilot Projects; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 38791797
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050584 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) is a life-threatening condition in which placental trophoblastic cells abnormally invade the uterus, often up to the uterine serosa and,...
Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) is a life-threatening condition in which placental trophoblastic cells abnormally invade the uterus, often up to the uterine serosa and, in extreme cases, tissues beyond the uterine wall. Currently, there is no clinical assay for the non-invasive detection of PAS, and only ultrasound and MRI can be used for its diagnosis. Considering the subjectivity of visual assessment, the detection of PAS necessitates a high degree of expertise and, in some instances, can lead to its misdiagnosis. In clinical practice, up to 50% of pregnancies with PAS remain undiagnosed until delivery, and it is associated with increased risk of morbidity/mortality. Although many studies have evaluated the potential of fetal biomarkers circulating in maternal blood, very few studies have evaluated the potential of circulating placental extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their miRNA contents for molecular detection of PAS. Thus, to purify placental EVs from maternal blood, we customized our robust ultra-sensitive immuno-purification assay, termed EV-CATCHER, with a monoclonal antibody targeting the membrane Placental Alkaline Phosphatase (PLAP) protein, which is unique to the placenta and present on the surface of placental EVs. Then, as a pilot evaluation, we compared the miRNA expression profiles of placental EVs purified from the maternal plasma of women diagnosed with placenta previa (controls, = 16); placenta lying low in uterus but not invasive) to those of placental EVs purified from the plasma of women with placenta percreta (cases, = 16), PAS with the highest level of invasiveness. Our analyses reveal that miRNA profiling of PLAP EVs purified from maternal plasma identified 40 differentially expressed miRNAs when comparing these two placental pathologies. Preliminary miRNA pathway enrichment and gene ontology analysis of the top 14 upregulated and top nine downregulated miRNAs in PLAP EVs, purified from the plasma of women diagnosed with placenta percreta versus those diagnosed with placenta previa, suggests a potential role in control of cellular invasion and motility that will require further investigation.
Topics: Humans; Female; Extracellular Vesicles; Pregnancy; Placenta; Placenta Accreta; Biomarkers; Adult; MicroRNAs; Placenta Previa; Alkaline Phosphatase; Isoenzymes; GPI-Linked Proteins
PubMed: 38791142
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105102 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Bioaccessibility of metals from substances and alloys is increasingly used as part of the assessment to predict potential toxicity. However, data are sparse on the metal...
Bioaccessibility of metals from substances and alloys is increasingly used as part of the assessment to predict potential toxicity. However, data are sparse on the metal bioaccessibility from nanoparticle (NP) size metal substances. This study examines nickel ion release from metallic nickel and nickel oxide micron particles (MPs) and NPs in simulated biological fluids at various timepoints including those relevant for specific routes of exposure. The results suggest that MPs of both metallic nickel and nickel oxide generally released more nickel ions in acidic simulated biological fluids (gastric and lysosomal) than NPs of the same substance, with the largest differences being for nickel oxide. In more neutral pH fluids (interstitial and perspiration), nickel metal NPs released more nickel ions than MPs, with nickel oxide results showing a higher release for MPs in interstitial fluid yet a lower release in perspiration fluid. Various experimental factors related to the particle, fluid, and extraction duration were identified that can have an impact on the particle dissolution and release of nickel ions. Overall, the results suggest that based on nickel release alone, nickel NPs are not inherently more hazardous than nickel MPs. Moreover, analyses should be performed on a case-by-case basis with consideration of various experimental factors and correlation with in vivo data.
PubMed: 38786832
DOI: 10.3390/nano14100877 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024While high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) remain integral to the primary treatment of newly diagnosed transplant-elble multiple myeloma (MM)... (Review)
Review
While high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) remain integral to the primary treatment of newly diagnosed transplant-elble multiple myeloma (MM) patients, the challenge of disease progression persists. The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tandem ASCT compared to single ASCT. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing tandem ASCT with single ASCT in patients with newly diagnosed MM. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials databases for studies published up to January 2024. The primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), complete response rate (CRR), and treatment-related mortality (TRM). We used a random-effects model to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Twelve studies involving 5057 patients met the inclusion criteria. Tandem ASCT was associated with a significantly higher CRR compared to single ASCT (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.03-1.71, I2 = 15%), but no significant differences were observed in PFS (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.42-1.34, I2 = 14%), OS (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.33-1.10, I2 = 27%), or the ORR (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.59-1.08, I2 = 33%). However, tandem ASCT was associated with a significantly higher risk of TRM (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.00-3.18, I2 = 0%). Tandem ASCT improves the CRR but does not provide significant benefits in terms of PFS, OS, or ORR compared to single ASCT in patients with newly diagnosed MM. Moreover, tandem ASCT is associated with a higher risk of TRM. The decision to pursue tandem ASCT should be made on an individual basis, carefully weighing the potential benefits and risks in light of each patient's unique clinical situation. Future research should focus on identifying patient subgroups most likely to benefit from tandem ASCT and exploring strategies to optimize the efficacy and safety of this approach in the context of novel agent-based therapies.
PubMed: 38786328
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14101030 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Vasa previa is a pregnancy complication that occurs when unprotected fetal blood vessels traverse the cervical os, placing the fetus at high risk of exsanguination and... (Review)
Review
Vasa previa is a pregnancy complication that occurs when unprotected fetal blood vessels traverse the cervical os, placing the fetus at high risk of exsanguination and fetal death. These fetal vessels may be compromised by fetal movement and compression, leading to poor oxygen distribution and asphyxiation. Diagnostic tools for vasa previa management and preterm labor (PTL) include transvaginal ultrasound, cervical length (CL) surveillance and use of fetal fibronectin (FFN) testing. These tools can prove to be quite useful as they allow for lead time in the prediction of PTL and spontaneous rupture of membranes which can result in devastating outcomes for pregnancies affected by vasa previa. We conducted a literature review on vasa previa management and the usefulness of FFN and CL surveillance in predicting PTL and found 36 related papers. Although there is limited research available to show the impact of FFN and CL surveillance in the management of vasa previa, there is sufficient evidence to support FFN and CL surveillance in predicting the onset of PTL, which can have devastating consequences for the pregnancies affected. It can be extrapolated that these tools, by helping to determine pregnancies at risk for PTL, could improve management and outcomes in patients with vasa previa. Future studies investigating the management of vasa previa with FFN and CL surveillance to reduce the burden of PTL and its associated comorbidities are warranted.
PubMed: 38786314
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14101016