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International Immunopharmacology May 2024The efficacy and prognosis of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remain unresolved issues. Here, we assessed the treatment characteristics and efficacy of ICIs in...
BACKGROUND
The efficacy and prognosis of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remain unresolved issues. Here, we assessed the treatment characteristics and efficacy of ICIs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using real-world data and evaluated the predictive value of factors, including programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, for the clinical outcome of ICIs in NSCLC.
METHODS
Analyzed data was collected from hospitalized patients in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2017 and March 2023. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized for analyzing real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS), while Cox regression models was employed to access the correlation between the efficacy of immunotherapy and sociodemographic characteristics, disease information, and characteristics of ICI treatment.
RESULTS
A total of 545 patients were included in the retrospective study and characteristics of immunotherapy varied significantly among PD-L1 expression groups. The median rwPFS for the entire population was 9.76 months. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients with high PD-L1 expression, early TNM stage, first-line immunotherapy, EGFR wild-type and those who have not received radiotherapy and targeted therapy previously were more likely to have better rwPFS. Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analyses identified PD-L1 expression, EGFR mutation status and previous radiotherapy as the most influential predictors of the response to ICI treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
This study presents the real-world experience of Chinese NSCLC patients undergoing ICI treatment, offering guidance for clinical decision-making based on various patient conditions, preferences, and indications for ICIs, through the evaluation of immunotherapy efficacy and predictors in NSCLC patients.
PubMed: 38761777
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112152 -
Asian Journal of Surgery May 2024
PubMed: 38760206
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.04.096 -
European Journal of Dentistry May 2024This article reappraises the accuracy and factors associated with the detection of the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) using the tactile method.
OBJECTIVES
This article reappraises the accuracy and factors associated with the detection of the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) using the tactile method.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 111 tooth sites of 7 patients scheduled for flap surgery were selected for the study. The CEJ was detected in a blind manner using the conventional tactile method with a standard periodontal probe by a single, trained examiner. A custom-made stent was prepared to standardize the measurements and the distance from a fixed reference point on the stent to the CEJ was measured before (apparent CEJ) and after (real CEJ) opening a gingival flap. To evaluate the effect of local anesthesia (LA) on the measurement error, assessment with and without LA given prior to the measurement was also evaluated. The bone crest-CEJ distance at each site was also recorded in all sites.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
The measurement error of apparent versus real distance, if any, was compared using Cohen's weighted kappa coefficient (WKC) (± 1 mm).
RESULTS
A weak WKC (WKC = 0.539) was found between the apparent and real CEJ distance. Higher WKCs were noted at posterior and proximal sites than the anterior and buccal/lingual sites, respectively (0.840 and 0.545 vs. 0.475 and 0.488). A higher confluence of the agreements was noted when CEJ distance was measured in anesthetized sites (WKC = 0.703). Sites without bone loss showed more coronal deviation of CEJ detection, as opposed to apical deviation seen at sites with bone loss.
CONCLUSION
The conventional CEJ detection using the tactile method was relatively imprecise depending on the anatomical location of the tooth and the bone loss at the site of measurement. However, the detection accuracy improved when the sites were anesthetized. In clinical terms, our data, reported here for the first time imply that, in the absence of visual cues, posterior tooth site measurements of periodontal attachment loss were more reliable in comparison to the other sites. The bone crest level also impacted the measurement deviation to some extent, implying that, possible overestimate of clinical attachment loss may occur at sites without bone loss.
PubMed: 38759998
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786865 -
PloS One 2024Globally, a shift is occurring to recognize the importance of young peoples' health and well-being, their unique health challenges, and the potential they hold as key...
Tande nou gwonde! (Hear us roar!)- Youth perspectives of maternal near-misses: Protocol for a photovoice study of young childbearing people's perspectives of maternal near-misses in northwest Haiti.
INTRODUCTION
Globally, a shift is occurring to recognize the importance of young peoples' health and well-being, their unique health challenges, and the potential they hold as key drivers of change in their communities. In Haiti, one of the four leading causes of death for those 20-24 years old is pregnancy, childbirth, and the weeks after birth or at the end of a pregnancy. Important gaps remain in existing knowledge about youth perspectives of maternal health and well-being within their communities. Youth with lived experiences of maternal near-misses are well-positioned to contribute to the understanding of maternal health in their communities and their potential role in bringing about change.
OBJECTIVES
To explore and understand youth perspectives of maternal near-miss experiences that occurred in a local healthcare facility or at home in rural Haiti.
METHODS
We will conduct a qualitative, community-based participatory research study regarding maternal near-miss experiences to understand current challenges and identify solutions to improve community maternal health, specifically focused on youth maternal health. We will use Photovoice to seek an understanding of the lived experiences of youth maternal near-miss survivors. Participants will be from La Pointe, a Haitian community served by their local healthcare facility. We will undertake purposeful sampling to recruit approximately 20 female youth, aged 15-24 years. Data will be generated through photos, individual interviews and small group discussions (grouped by setting of near-miss experience). Data generation and analysis are expected to occur over a three-month period.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Ethics approval will be sought from Centre Médical Béraca in La Pointe, Haiti, and from the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board in Hamilton ON, Canada. We will involve community stakeholders, especially youth, in developing dissemination and knowledge mobilisation strategies. Our findings will be disseminated as an open access publication, be presented publicly, at conferences, and defended as part of a doctoral thesis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Haiti; Pregnancy; Adolescent; Young Adult; Maternal Health; Near Miss, Healthcare; Community-Based Participatory Research; Rural Population; Photography; Qualitative Research; Adult
PubMed: 38758960
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303168 -
Health Affairs Scholar Jul 2023Private equity-backed staffing companies in anesthesia and emergency medicine, as well as those owned by publicly traded companies, gained notoriety for driving surprise...
Private equity-backed staffing companies in anesthesia and emergency medicine, as well as those owned by publicly traded companies, gained notoriety for driving surprise billing-a practice where patients unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider can be billed for the difference between the provider's charge and what their insurer pays. Yet, little is known about the evolution of private equity and publicly traded company investment in these specialties. In this study, we construct a novel dataset identifying the ownership structure of anesthesia and emergency medicine physician groups to document trends in consolidation and the growing role of private equity and publicly traded companies. From 2009 to 2019, we found substantial increases in local market concentration in each specialty and that physician groups owned by private equity or publicly traded companies grew from 3.2% and 8.6% of the national anesthesia and emergency medicine markets, respectively, to 18.8% and 22.0%.
PubMed: 38756829
DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxad008 -
Cureus Apr 2024Breast cancer is unfortunately the most common cancer in women, although survival rates have greatly increased in recent years. Breast surgery can be very aggressive and...
Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia Using a Mixture of Dexamethasone, Dexmedetomidine, and 0.2% Levobupivacaine for Bilateral Breast Cancer Surgery Under a Spontaneous Breathing Opioid-Free Anesthesia: A Case Report.
Breast cancer is unfortunately the most common cancer in women, although survival rates have greatly increased in recent years. Breast surgery can be very aggressive and therefore highly painful, leading to high rates of acute postsurgical pain and chronic pain. In addition to general anesthesia (GA), ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (RA) is sometimes performed to help reduce acute postoperative pain and consumption of opioids. Although effective, the main limitation of fascial plane blocks is that they require high volumes of local anesthetics, carrying the risk of local anesthetic systemic toxicity. In this article, we present the case of a 41-year-old woman, who refused GA and was successfully operated on for bilateral breast cancer, under a spontaneous breathing opioid-free sedation and ultrasound-guided RA, based on only 0.2% levobupivacaine with the addition of dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants. Despite this, postoperative analgesia lasted for more than 48 hours, and the patient did not require additional analgesia or opioids.
PubMed: 38756298
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58394 -
Cureus Apr 2024Background Nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy is a common medical complaint among ENT clinic patients, which can significantly affect the patient's...
Background Nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy is a common medical complaint among ENT clinic patients, which can significantly affect the patient's quality of life, and some are compelled to use topical intranasal decongestants. Conservative management is the first line of treatment; however, surgical reduction of the inferior turbinate becomes necessary if the symptoms persist after three months of treatment. The optimal surgical technique is controversial. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive surgical option that targets tissue volume precisely and minimally impacts surrounding tissue. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of HIFU in treating patients suffering from nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Methods This prospective study was conducted from February to December 2016. The study lasted over six months. Patients with a history of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis participated in this study. It included 43 patients who had been experiencing chronic nasal obstruction due to bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy and had not shown improvement after three months of medical treatment. The patients underwent Ultrasound Volumetric Tissue Reduction (UVTR) surgery using the D & A Ultrasurg device (Diamant Medical Equipment Ltd., Amman, Jordan) under local anesthesia. The effectiveness, safety, and tolerance of HIFU were assessed subjectively for six months using a well-designed questionnaire utilizing a visual analog scale (VAS) and nasal endoscopy after the surgery. Results The study included 43 patients, 22 male and 21 female, aged 13 to 65 years. The study found that 40 (93%) patients showed significant improvement in nasal obstruction within a month of the surgery. However, three (7%) patients continued to experience persistent nasal obstruction even after six months of follow-up. The procedure was well-tolerated, with low rates of complications after surgery and reasonable pain control. During the surgery, 20 (46.5%) patients reported mild pain described as a pressure-like sensation, and 10 out of 43 patients (23%) required paracetamol after the procedure. Four patients (9.3%) had mild bleeding, which was treated with an ultrasound nasal probe without nasal packing. All patients experienced crusting of the nasal cavity during the first week, but no crustation was observed after the first month. There were no reported cases of synechia among the patients. Conclusion This study confirms that HIFU treatment is a reliable and effective treatment for improving short-term nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The procedure is easily applied and well-tolerated in outpatient clinics.
PubMed: 38756284
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58348 -
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... May 2024Patients being reported for vitamin D deficiency (VDD) are increasing, particularly among the children and adolescents. This study aims to manifest the clinical and...
Patients being reported for vitamin D deficiency (VDD) are increasing, particularly among the children and adolescents. This study aims to manifest the clinical and dental evaluations of a child with VDD, referred to the dental office. A 10-year-old British Asian boy was referred to the paediatric specialist dentistry clinic by the general dentist for dental management. The medical history depicted that the patient was diagnosed with VDD, secondary hyperparathyroidism and delayed growth. Moreover, his mother had the VDD during pregnancy. The patient was breast fed and had rickets in infancy. He was prescribed vitamin D supplements at the age of 16 months. He had received multiple dental treatments under local anaesthesia but with limited cooperation. Clinical examination revealed that the patient had chronological enamel hypoplasia shown as bands at the occlusal third on specific teeth. Suboptimal hygiene with general plaque induced gingivitis, dental caries in permanent and primary teeth, and delayed the teeth eruption. Preventions included appropriate oral hygiene and dietary advice, fluoride varnish application and fissure sealant placement. The treatments included anterior direct composite restoration, posterior composite restoration, stainless steel crowns and extractions. Thorough medical history is essential to understand the underlying causes of dental defects. Early dental intervention can restore the patient appearance and function and prevent further dental damage.
Topics: Humans; Male; Dental Enamel Hypoplasia; Child; Vitamin D Deficiency; Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary; Dental Caries; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Growth Disorders; Crowns; Rickets; Gingivitis; Pregnancy; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Female; Tooth Extraction
PubMed: 38755997
DOI: 10.22514/jocpd.2024.072 -
Cureus Apr 2024Background and objective This study aims to explore the concept of preemptive analgesia, which is the technique of administration of analgesic agents before the painful...
Background and objective This study aims to explore the concept of preemptive analgesia, which is the technique of administration of analgesic agents before the painful stimulus. This bridges the time gap between the onset of action of the analgesic agents and the wear-off of local anesthesia. Existing literature also brings up the concept of central sensitization, which is the hyper-activity of the nervous system in response to a noxious stimulus. Administration of preemptive analgesia prevents central sensitization and hence provides prolonged analgesia to the patient. For the benefit of this study, tab. Etoricoxib 90 mg was used as the analgesic agent. In addition, this study aims to investigate the effects of the administration of tab. Etoricoxib 90 mg 30 minutes before extraction of a single mandibular third molar on the effects of pain experienced by the patient after tooth extraction as compared to a placebo. Methodology This was a double-blinded, prospective, observational study. The pain experienced by 50 participants in each group was measured at 1 hour, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours postoperatively using a visual analog scale (VAS). The independent samples t-test was then conducted to evaluate the results and draw out conclusions. Results The average difference in pain experienced was maximum in the first hour after the procedure. The mean VAS score reported by patients was 3.14 in the study group but was 6.40 in the control group within the first hour. This difference was reduced in the first six hours after the procedure, with the average score being 3.82 in the study and 7.16 in the control group. The difference was the least after 12 hours, with the study group experiencing a VAS score of 4.64 and controls experiencing a VAS score of 6.14. After the first 24 hours, the mean VAS score was 3.80 in the study group and 5.60 in the control group. Conclusions Preemptive administration of tab. Etoricoxib 90 mg can reduce postextraction pain in healthy adult patients as compared to placebo tablets, with a maximum difference in pain reduction seen at the end of the first six hours (= 0.012) and the minimum at the end of 12 hours (= 0.0197).
PubMed: 38752094
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58262 -
Case Reports in Neurology 2024The use of surgery for treatment of psychiatric conditions is a well-established strategy, especially in severe and resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder. Attractive...
INTRODUCTION
The use of surgery for treatment of psychiatric conditions is a well-established strategy, especially in severe and resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder. Attractive anatomical and functional targets for stereotactic surgery are reported in some studies. Surgery for treatment of psychiatric conditions in our nation and Arab world is obscured and hidden because of several social and cultural limitations, which should be overcome. We report here the first psychiatric neurosurgery in our nation and how we overcome such community limitation. This the first report of postoperative tremor.
CASE PRESENTATION
Young patient presented with severe and persistent obsessive-compulsive disorder resistant to all non-surgical modalities for several years. Stereotactic ablation surgery was done under local anaesthesia. Marked improvement in our obsessive-compulsive disorder patient after psychiatric neurosurgery with self-limited tremor was not reported before in the literature. The medications were the same before and immediate after surgery and this is not a drug-induced tremor. Postoperative YBOCS showed 90% of improvement.
CONCLUSION
Surgery-induced tremor could be a self-limited side effect after surgery in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Safety and efficacy should be promoted in our nation and Arab world. Society and cultural limitations should be overcome by further research studies, intervention, and activism in the field of mental health systems in our nation and Arab countries to improve awareness.
PubMed: 38751650
DOI: 10.1159/000538331