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Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Fipronil induced oxidative stress in neural tissue of albino rat with subsequent apoptosis and tissue reactivity

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Via histochem

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Acta Histochem. 2021 Aug 2;123(6):151764. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151764. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Fipronil (FIP) insecticide is extensively used in agriculture, public health and veterinary medicine. Although it is considered as a neurotoxin to insects (target organisms) and exhibits neurological signs upon vertebrates (non-target organisms) exposure, slight is known about its potential neurotoxic effects and its molecular mechanisms on vertebrates. The current stu dy is designed to assess oxidative stress as a molecular mechanism of FIP neurotoxicity subordinated with apoptosis and neural tissue reactivity. Ten adult male albino rats received 10 mg/kg body weight fipronil technical grade by oral gavage daily for 45 days (subacute exposure). Brain neural tissue regions (hippocampus, cerebellum and caudate putamen) were processed to examine oxidative stress induced cellular macromolecular alterations as MDA, PCC and DNA fragmentation. Besides, TNF-α and Bcl-2 gene expression and immunoreactivity for caspase-3 (active form), iNOS and GFAP were evaluated. Also, histopathological assessment was conducted. We found that FIP significantly raised MDA, PCC and DNA fragmentation (p ≤ 0.05). Also, it significantly upregulated TNF-α and non-significantly down-regulated Bcl-2 gene expression (p ≤ 0.05). Further, significant increased immunoreactivity to GFAP, iNOS and caspase-3 (active form) in these brain neural tissue regions in FIP treated group was noticed (p ≤ 0.05). Histopathological findings, including alterations in the histological architecture and neuronal degeneration, were also observed in these brain regions of FIP treated group. In conclusion, we suggest the ability of FIP to induce oxidative stress mediated macromolecular alterations, leading to apoptosis and tissue reaction in these brain regions which showed variable susceptibility to FIP toxic effects.

PMID:34352653 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151764

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Comparison of Monopolar and Bipolar Stimulator Probes for Intraoperative Nerve Mapping During Thyroidectomy: A Prospective Study

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Objectives/Hypothesis

During intraoperative neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery, two different kinds of stimulator probes, monopolar and bipolar, are commonly used to stimulate the laryngeal nerves. We explore the unique characteristics of both of these probes as they relate to intraoperative laryngeal nerve mapping.

Methods

Twenty-one patients undergoing neuromonitored thyroidectomy by a single surgeon were enrolled. Electromyography (EMG) amplitude and latency measurements were prospectively recorded concurrently from 1 mA stimulation of vagus nerve (VN) and inferior/superior recurrent laryngeal nerve before (with and without fascia) and after thyroid resection using bipolar and monopolar stimulator probes.

Results

Significantly higher amplitudes were obtained with monopolar stimulator probes as compared to bipolar probes, in several stimulation scenarios such as at right VN pre-resection (carotid sheath intact), right VN pre-resection (carotid sheath dissected), right VN post-resection and left VN (carotid sheath dissected). No significant differences were found between amplitudes and latency values in all other stimulation scenarios.

Conclusions

According to this study, both probes are reliable and safe for neural mapping. The kind of probe used during neural monitoring is based on surgical situations and surgeon preference.

Level of Evidence

Level 3 (According to Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence) Laryngoscope, 2021

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Abnormal [18F]FDG PET/MRI findings in paraspinal structures of patients with suspected cerebrospinal fluid leak

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Sci Rep. 2021 Aug 5;11(1):15926. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-95056-w.

ABSTRACT

A combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and radionuclide cisternography are typically used to locate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. However, the site of leakage cannot be determined, making treatment more difficult. Therefore, more sensitive imaging tools are needed. A whole-body [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI was conducted on six patients with suspected CSF leak and the resulting images were reviewed in comparison with those from six healthy controls. Paraspinal regions of focally increased uptake of [18F]FDG were quantified using maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and compared to the SUVmax of corresponding regions in the healthy controls. All six patients with suspected CSF leak showed paraspinal regions of significantly greater [18F]FDG uptake compared to th e corresponding areas in controls (P < 0.05). Two patients treated with local injections (epidural blood patches and/or epidural fibrin patches) on the site of abnormal PET/MRI findings reported temporary but significant improvement in symptoms. Our results suggest [18F]FDG PET/MRI is sensitive to abnormalities potentially due to suspected CSF leak, which are not necessarily visible on conventional MRI alone or by the standard-of-care imaging methods.

PMID:34354104 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-021-95056-w

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Processing hair follicles for transmission electron microscopy

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Abstract

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has greatly advanced our knowledge of hair growth and follicle morphogenesis, but complex preparations such as fixation, dehydration and embedding compromise ultrastructure. While recent developments with cryofixation have been shown to preserve the ultrastructure of biological materials close to native state, they do have limitations. This review will focus on each stage of the TEM sample preparation process and their effects on the structural integrity of follicles.

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Skin atrophy caused by topical glucocorticoids is less common in patients with atopic dermatitis than in those with psoriasis

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SUMMARY

Background

Although the long-term use of topical glucocorticoids (TGC) may induce skin atrophy including striae distensae (SD), patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) appear to have lesser degree of skin atrophy than those with psoriasis (PSO). Periostin, encoded by POSTN, is involved in tissue remodeling processes of chronic AD lesions.

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the difference in the occurrence of skin atrophy in patients with AD or PSO when treated with TGC and to elucidate the association between skin atrophy and periostin.

Methods

Big data analysis using Korean Health Claims Database was performed to determine the prevalence of SD in AD and PSO patients. Blood and skin eosinophils count and dermal fibrosis between AD and PSO patients were compared and immunohistochemistry for periostin and mRNA-sequencing in the dermis were performed. Animal experiments using AD and PSO murine model was conducted.

Results

Big data analysis revealed that patients with AD have significantly lesser degree of SD than patients with PSO. The ratio of the dermal fibrous tissues and eosinophil counts were significantly higher in AD patients. In AD skin, periostin was more widely distributed in the entire dermis and POSTN mRNAs were significantly upregulated. Dermal thickness and fibrosis were significantly higher in AD mice even after TGC treatment. A significant positive correlation was observed between dermal fibrosis and tissue eosinophil counts.

Conclusion

Lesser skin atrophy in AD patients even after long-term TGC application could be resulted from skin fibrosis caused by increased tissue eosinophils and periostin deposition.

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Partial myocutaneous gluteal flap for perineal reconstruction of extralevator abdominoperineal defects. A single surgeon series of 49 cases in 8 years, and a modification of the technique

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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Jun 20:S1748-6815(21)00341-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.06.007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) for low rectal tumours necessitates a reliable method of reconstructing the perineum. The senior author developed the partial myocutaneous gluteal (PMG) flap. We present 49 consecutive reconstructions with the refinement of the original procedure.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational review of patients undergoing ELAPE and PMG reconstruction from 2012 to 2019, with at least 1 year follow-up. The procedure was modified iteratively following our original series, to minimise perineal herniation, specifically by greater mobilisation of the inferior gluteus maximus muscle and separation of the muscle and fasciocutaneous components, allowing closure of the defect around the coccygeal remnant. Perineal herniation and wound complicati ons were recorded. Laparoscopic and open resection techniques were compared, as were outcomes before and after modification of the flap.

RESULTS: There were no flap failures in our cohort of 49 patients. Two patients (4%) required return to theatre acutely for perineal wound complications: one wound dehiscence and one flap-related haematoma. Five patients had evidence of perineal hernia, three prior to any modification of the flap and two following. Three had symptoms of which two required elective repair. The flap modifications were made in response to these cases. There were no significant differences in perineal outcomes for laparoscopic versus open, and before and after flap modification.

CONCLUSIONS: Over the last 8 years, we have refined our perineal reconstruction technique following instances of perineal herniation and major wound dehiscence. We believe that the PMG flap provides robust and reliable option for the reconstruction of perineal extralevator abdominop erineal defects.

PMID:34353736 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.06.007

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Vestibular paroxysmia (VP) is a condition with recurrent short bouts of vertigo and is thought to be part of a neurovascular compression syndrome caused by the vascular loop

Vascular Loops: The Innocent Bystander for Vestibular Paroxysmia
2dby Carren Sui-Lin Teh via otol rhinol

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Aug 5:34894211037211. doi: 10.1177/00034894211037211. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vestibular paroxysmia (VP) is a condition with recurrent short bouts of vertigo and is thought to be part of a neurovascular compression syndrome caused by the vascular loop. However, this is still being debated as vascular loops are considered as normal variants with limited studies involving vertiginous patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to study the association between audiovestibular symptoms and the presence of vascular loops and to study the association between vestibular paroxysmia and vascular loops.

DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis of clinical, audiological and MRI findings of patients with and without vascular loops and vestibular paroxysmia from 2000 to 2020.

RESULTS: A total of 470 MRI Internal Auditory Meatus scans were performed during the study period of which, 71 (15.1%) had vascular loops and 162 (34.5%) had normal MRI which were used as controls. From the 233 subjects recruited, there were 37 subjects with VP and 196 non VP subjects were used as controls. There was no association between the vascular loop and control groups in terms of co-morbidity and audiovestibular symptoms. The VP group had a significantly older mean age of 51.8 (SD ± 10.3) as compared to the non VP group with the mean age of 45.6 (SD ± 15.5). The VP group had higher number of patients presenting with hearing loss at 97.3% when compared with those without VP (80.1%) (P = .01). The odds of having a vascular loop giving rise to VP was not statistically significant at 0.82 (95% CI 0.3735-1.7989) P = .62.

CONCLUSION: The vascular loop is a normal variant which may or may not give rise to audiovestibular symptoms or vestibular paroxysmia. Clinical assessment is still most important tool in deriving a diagnosis of VP and MRI may be useful to rule out other central causes.

PMID:34353133 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211037211

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Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos 72100 Crete Greece,00302841026182,00306932607174,alsfakia@gmail.com,
Telephone consultation 11855 int 1193,

Pulmonary Embolism and Sigmoid Sinus Thrombosis After Translabyrinthine Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: A Retrospective Case Series

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Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Aug 5:34894211036864. doi: 10.1177/00034894211036864. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the presentation and treatment of patients developing pulmonary embolism following translabyrinthine approach for vestibular schwannoma resection.

METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of patients at 2 academic tertiary medical centers who developed symptomatic pulmonary embolism post-operatively following translabyrinthine approach for vestibular schwannoma resection and were found to have evidence of sigmoid sinus thrombosis.

RESULTS: Three patients were identified to have post-operative pulmonary emboli after translabyrinthine approach for vestibular schwannoma resection with sigmoid sinus or internal jugular vein clots in the absence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. Caprini scores for these patients were 5 or lower. All patients underwent CT pulmonary angiography and were confirmed to have pulmonary emboli. Two were promptly anticoagulated with heparin drips and transitioned to long-term oral anticoagulation therapy and 1 had delayed anticoagulation. None of these patients suffered from intracranial hemorrhage post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing translabyrinthine approach for vestibular schwannoma can develop pulmonary embolism from sigmoid sinus entry or thrombosis. No clear guidelines exist for the management of this complication in the setting of recent cranio tomy and the risk of intracranial hemorrhage must be considered prior to initiating anticoagulation.

PMID:34353140 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211036864

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Vascular Loops: The Innocent Bystander for Vestibular Paroxysmia

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Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Aug 5:34894211037211. doi: 10.1177/00034894211037211. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vestibular paroxysmia (VP) is a condition with recurrent short bouts of vertigo and is thought to be part of a neurovascular compression syndrome caused by the vascular loop. However, this is still being debated as vascular loops are considered as normal variants with limited studies involving vertiginous patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of th is paper is to study the association between audiovestibular symptoms and the presence of vascular loops and to study the association between vestibular paroxysmia and vascular loops.

DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis of clinical, audiological and MRI findings of patients with and without vascular loops and vestibular paroxysmia from 2000 to 2020.

RESULTS: A total of 470 MRI Internal Auditory Meatus scans were performed during the study period of which, 71 (15.1%) had vascular loops and 162 (34.5%) had normal MRI which were used as controls. From the 233 subjects recruited, there were 37 subjects with VP and 196 non VP subjects were used as controls. There was no association between the vascular loop and control groups in terms of co-morbidity and audiovestibular symptoms. The VP group had a significantly older mean age of 51.8 (SD ± 10.3) as compared to the non VP group with the mean age of 45.6 (SD ± 15.5). The VP group had higher number of patients presenting with hearing loss at 97.3% when compared with those without VP (80.1%) (P = .01). The odds of having a vascular loop giving rise to VP was not statistically significant at 0.82 (95% CI 0.3735-1.7989) P = .62.

CONCLUSION: The vascular loop is a normal variant which may or may not give rise to audiovestibular symptoms or vestibular paroxysmia. Clinical assessment is still most important tool in deriving a diagnosis of VP and MRI may be useful to rule out other central causes.

PMID:34353133 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211037211

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Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Post-Treatment PET/CT in HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer

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Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Aug 5:34894211036842. doi: 10.1177/00034894211036842. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the utility of post-treatment PET/CT specifically in HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma following curative intent treatment.

METHODS: Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool data from 7 observational studies (2013-2019) obtained from a database search of P ubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE using an a priori protocol with dual independent evaluation for inclusion, risk of bias assessment for acceptable methodology, and extraction of data for analysis. PET/CT results, treatment failure, imaging and interventions subsequent to PET/CT findings, and efficacy of salvage therapy were extracted.

RESULTS: Of the 907 post-treatment scans, PET/CT results were largely negative (76.2%; 95% CI, 63.4-85.6) and least often positive (11.3%; 95% CI, 8.8-14.4). PET/CT results were equivocal for 22.5% (95% CI, 12.5-36.9) and equivocal/positive for 34.2% of patients (95% CI, 25.1-44.5). Patients with an initial positive scan had the highest treatment failure rates (43.1%; 95% CI, 21.4-67.7) and those with an initial negative scan had the lowest rates (7.4%; 95% CI, 5.7-9.7). The equivocal and equivocal/positive scans had intermediate prevalence of 16.5% (95% CI, 9.4-27.6) and 16.7% (95% CI, 9.1-28.7), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The low treatmen t failure rate following a negative PET/CT scan is reassuring, but the data are consistent with treatment failure rates up to 9.7% suggesting follow-up of these patients is prudent. Additionally, the low positive predictive value for treatment failure observed alludes to use of post-treatment PET/CT in HPV-associated disease frequently leading to unnecessary subsequent imaging and intervention.

PMID:34353135 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211036842

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Swallowing muscle training for oropharyngeal dysphagia: A non-inferiority study of online versus face-to-face therapy

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J Telemed Telecare. 2021 Aug 6:1357633X211035033. doi: 10.1177/1357633X211035033. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to show the non-inferiority of the telemedicine therapy versus face-to-face using the exercise therapy of oropharyngeal muscles in 183 patients treated consecutively from 2010 to 2020.

METHOD: We conducted a retrospective study comparing two dysphagia treatment groups: online versus face-to-face. Patients were distributed in a non-random way but according to patient's preferences. All patients followed the same pathway and were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the study using the dysphagia outcome and severity scale and the functional oral intake scale. A non-inferiority analysis approximation was done with delta = 1 in both variables.

RESULTS: Within a total of 183 patients, 114 (62.3%) used the online treatment and 69 (37.7%) the face-to-face one. The main cause of dysphagia was neurological in the total sample (60.7%) and within both groups. When we evaluate the clinical response, we find that both groups improved regardless of the type of therapy. The confidence interval of the difference between the beginning and the end of treatment did not reach the inferior limit of the delta defined, therefore supporting the no inferiority of online versus presential.

DISCUSSION: This study shows the no inferiority of the online therapy versus the face-to-face one for the oropharynge al training of the swallow muscles.

PMID:34355589 | DOI:10.1177/1357633X211035033

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Unequal allotment of patients in phase III oncology clinical trials

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Am J Cancer Res. 2021 Jul 15;11(7):3735-3741. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Patient enrollment in cancer clinical trials has traditionally been limited to an equal distribution between cases and controls, however recently some clinical trials have utilized an unequal distribution between the case and control arms. Trends and proportion of phase 3 cancer clinical trials that have an unequal allocation between the years 2010 and 2019 were studied from data extracted from clinicaltrials.gov. 323 trials with two arms and 35 trials with 3 arms were identified as randomized control trials with the primary purpose of a cancer-related treatment that provided allocation data. Amongst the trials with two arms, 238 trials had equal allocation and 85 trials had unequal allocation. Therefore, cancer clinical trials with unequal allocation represent about one in four 2-arm phase 3 trials. Amongst the eligible trials with three arms, 26 trials had equal allocation and 9 trials had unequal allocation. There was no significant difference in the annual proportion of trials with unequal allocation from 2010 to 2019. The categories of cancer which had the highest number of unequally allotted two-arm clinical trials were: gastrointestinal, breast, and genitourinary malignancies. This shift may represent a new trend in clinical trial design to help enhance closer monitoring of adverse events despite higher costs and lower statistical power attached to this method.

PMID:34354872 | PMC:PMC8332855

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