Brief Report: Urine Tenofovir Levels Strongly Correlate with Virologic Suppression in Patients with HIV on Tenofovir Alafenamide-Based Antiretroviral Therapy

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Brief Report: Urine Tenofovir Levels Strongly Correlate with Virologic Suppression in Patients with HIV on Tenofovir Alafenamide-Based Antiretroviral Therapy via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract We found that urine tenofovir (TFV) levels >1500 ng/ml strongly predict virologic suppression among patients with HIV taking tenofovir alafenamide (TAF, OR 5.66; 95% CI 1.59-20.14; p = 0.007). This suggests an existing point-of-care assay developed for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) will support adherence monitoring for patients on all TFV-based antiretrovirals. View on Web

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Microelectrodes and radiofrequency for transoral horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy in T3 tumors

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Microelectrodes and radiofrequency for transoral horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy in T3 tumors via Head & Neck Abstract The aim of this manuscript is to show the surgical technique for horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy in T3 carcinomas by a transoral approach using microelectrodes and radiofrequency. From 2009 to 2020, 11 selected cases of T3 laryngeal supraglottic carcinomas invading the pre-epiglottic space, with preserved vocal cords mobility underwent surgery. The technique is described step by step. Average time duration of the larynx surgery was 95 min. Nine percent of the patients presented a profuse hemorrhage 7 days postoperative; in 73% of patients the nasogastric feeding tube was withdrew 10 days after surgery. We emphasize a remarkable short surgical time and high hemostatic effectiveness. The ME tips allow to perform cuts at angles and contribute with a sense of touch. The low cost of the equipment and its easy handling and maintenance is a remarkable advantage over other technologies for transoral surgery. View on Web

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Tamoxifen Alters TGF‐β1/Smad Signaling in Vocal Fold Injury

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Tamoxifen Alters TGF‐β1/Smad Signaling in Vocal Fold Injury via The Laryngoscope This study investigated the effects of tamoxifen on acute vocal fold injury in a preclinical model. The antifibrotic actions of tamoxifen appear to be mediated by transforming growth factor beta 1/Smad signaling providing a novel target for intervention. Objectives Effective treatments for vocal fold fibrosis remain elusive. Tamoxifen (TAM) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator and was recently reported to have antifibrotic actions. We hypothesized that TAM inhibits vocal fold fibrosis via altered transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) signaling. Both in vitro and in vivo approaches were employed to address this hypothesis. Methods In vitro, vocal fold fibroblasts were treated with TAM (10−8 or 10−9 M) ± TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml) to quantify cell proliferation. The effects of TAM on genes related to fibrosis were quantified via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In vivo, rat vocal folds were unilaterally injured, and TAM was administered by oral gavage from pre-injury day 5 to post-injury day 7. The rats were randomized into two groups: 0 mg/kg/day (sham) and 50 mg/kg/day (TAM). Histological changes were examined on day 56 to assess tissue architecture. Results TAM (10−8 M) did not affect Smad3, Smad7, Acta2, or genes related to extracellular matrix metabolism. TAM (10−8 or 10−9 M) + TGF-β1, however, significantly increased Smad7 and Has3 expression and decreased Col1a1 and Acta2 expression compared to TGF-β1 alone. In vivo, TAM significantly increased lamina propria area, hyaluronic acid concentration, and reduced collagen deposition compared to sham treatment. Conclusions TAM has antifibrotic potential via the regulation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling in vocal fold injury. These findings provide foundational data to develop innovative therapeutic options for vocal fold fibrosis. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Early maladaptive schemas and ICD‐11 CPTSD symptoms: Treatment considerations

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Early maladaptive schemas and ICD‐11 CPTSD symptoms: Treatment considerations via Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice Abstract Objectives Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) can result from adverse interpersonal traumatic experiences. The ICD-11 updated the concept of disorders following traumatic experiences with the new disorder of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). There is now a need to develop and test interventions for CPTSD. An essential step in identifying interventions that are particularly relevant to the treatment of CPTSD is to explore psychological constructs associated more closely with CPTSD compared to PTSD. The current study explored the associations of EMS with PTSD and CPTSD. Design The sample consisted of 603 adults (mean age = 41.65, SD = 13.8), recruited through social media and e-mails, and who responded to an online questionnaire. Methods Participants completed measures of demographic, traumatic life events, EMS, PTSD and CPTSD symptoms. Results Overall, results suggest that participants with CPTSD present with higher schema elevations across all schemas compared to those with PTSD or no diagnosis. Secondly, the schemas of emotional deprivation, abandonment/instability, social isolation/alienation, defectiveness/shame, enmeshment/undeveloped self, subjugation, emotional inhibition and insufficient self-control/self-discipline were significantly associated with the symptom clusters of CPTSD. Finally, results indicate that different schemas form significant associations with the individual symptom clusters of CPTSD. Conclusions Although results require replication in clinical samples, initial findings suggest that specific EMS may be important psychological correlates of CPTSD symptoms. Wider treatment considerations of these findings are discussed. View on Web

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Estimation of monkeypox spread in a non‐endemic country considering contact tracing and self‐reporting: a stochastic modeling study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Estimation of monkeypox spread in a non‐endemic country considering contact tracing and self‐reporting: a stochastic modeling study via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract In May 2022, monkeypox started to spread in non-endemic countries. To investigate contact tracing and self-reporting of the primary case in the local community, a stochastic model is developed. An algorithm based on Gillespie's stochastic chemical kinetics is used to quantify the number of infections, contacts, and duration from the arrival of the primary case to the detection of the index case (or until there are no more local infections). Different scenarios were set considering the delay in contact tracing and behavior of infectors. We found that the self-reporting behavior of a primary case is the most significant factor affecting outbreak size and duration. Scenarios with a self-reporting primary case have an 86% reduction in infections (average: 5 to 7, in a population of 10,000) and contacts (average: 27 to 72) compared to scenarios with a non-self-reporting primary case (average number of infections and contacts: 27 to 72 and 197 to 537, respectively ). Doubling the number of close contacts per day is less impactful compared to the self-reporting behavior of the primary case as it could only increase the number of infections by 45%. Our study emphasizes the importance of the prompt detection of the primary case. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Adequacy of protein and calorie delivery according to the expected calculated targets. A day‐by‐day assessment in critically ill patients undergoing enteral feeding

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Adequacy of protein and calorie delivery according to the expected calculated targets. A day‐by‐day assessment in critically ill patients undergoing enteral feeding via Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics Abstract Background In critically-ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation for longer than 48-72 hours enteral nutrition (EN) should be started early. Since EN alone may be unable to reach the target nutritional requirement, supplemental parenteral nutrition should be administered. This study aimed at describing the daily rate of administered calories and proteins according to the expected calculated targets. The impact of calorie adequacy, deficit or excess on relevant clinical outcomes was explored. Methods Retrospective cohort study in 217 cardiac-surgery patients admitted postoperatively in intensive care unit (ICU) and undergoing EN. The effective intake provided via EN, parenteral nutrition (PN), oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and non-nutritional calories (NNC) was documented for a maximum of 20 days. The administered/required calories and proteins ratios (KcalA/R, ProtA/R) were calculated daily. Patients receiving 80-100%, < 80 % or > 100% of KcalA/R and ProtA/R were identified. The association between mean KcalA/R between day 4-7 and 30-days mortality was explored. Results A mean KcalA/R ratio of 92.0±40.6% was ensured between days 4-20. During days 4-7 the 80-100% calorie target was achieved in 26.9% of patients, while 44.9% were below and 28.2% over this range. EN contributed for 47.1% and PN for 41.2% to the total energy intake. An increase in 30-days mortality risk was documented for patients exceeding 100% of KcalA/R ratio (adjusted-HR 5.2; 95% CI 1.1-23.9; p=0.035). Conclusions Despite a preliminary estimate of nutritional requirement, a steady daily optimal 80-100% KcalA/R was not ensured to all patients. EN contributed only partially to both energy and protein intakes so that PN was largely used to achieve the desired nutritional targets. This a rticle is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Hypermethylation of RASSF1A gene in pediatric rhabdoid tumor of the kidney and clear cell sarcoma of the kidney

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Hypermethylation of RASSF1A gene in pediatric rhabdoid tumor of the kidney and clear cell sarcoma of the kidney via Pediatric Blood & Cancer Abstract Background Among pediatric renal tumors, rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK) and clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) are rare and associated with an unfavorable prognosis, while congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) is associated with a good prognosis. Methylation of the Ras association domain-containing protein 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) promoter has been reported to correlate with a poor prognosis in patients with Wilms tumors, while its methylation status is unclear in other types of pediatric renal tumors. Method DNA methylation of the RASSF1A promoter in several pediatric renal tumors was analyzed with pyrosequencing. In order to clarify the correlation between expression of RASSF1A and DNA methylation of its promoter, the RTK cell line was treated with 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC). RASSF1A was overexpressed in the RTK cell line to evaluate its functional effects. Results Quantitative methylation analysis demonstrated hypermethylation in the RASSF1A promoter region in RTK and CCSK, but not CMN. The 5-Aza-dC treatment induced demethylation of the RASSF1A promoter as well as increased RASSF1A mRNA expression. The transduction of RASSF1A has an effect on the suppression of viability and proliferation of RTK cells. Conclusion DNA methylation-mediated deficiency of RASSF1A might be involved in the development and aggressiveness of some pediatric renal tumors and correlated with a poor prognosis. View on Web

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Transient neonatal hemolytic anemia due to the novel gamma globin gene mutation HBG2:C.290T>C, p.Leu97Pro (hemoglobin Wareham)

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Transient neonatal hemolytic anemia due to the novel gamma globin gene mutation HBG2:C.290T>C, p.Leu97Pro (hemoglobin Wareham) via Pediatric Blood & Cancer Abstract Unstable gamma globin variants can cause transient neonatal hemolytic anemia. We have identified a novel variant in a newborn who presented with jaundice and anemia requiring phototherapy and red blood cell transfusion. The patient was found to be heterozygous for the mutation HGB2:c.290T>C, p.Leu97Pro, which we have termed hemoglobin (Hb) Wareham. This substitution is expected to generate an unstable hemoglobin with increased oxygen affinity based on the homologous mutation previously described in the beta globin gene, which is termed as Hb Debrousse. The patient fully recovered by 9 months of age as expected with the transition from fetal to adult hemoglobin. View on Web

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Shared understanding and social connection: Integrating approaches from social psychology, social network analysis, and neuroscience

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Shared understanding and social connection: Integrating approaches from social psychology, social network analysis, and neuroscience via Social and Personality Psychology Compass Abstract Meaningfully connecting with others is critical to the well-being of individuals. What phenomena contribute to and stem from social connection? In this paper, we integrate emerging work that uses neuroimaging and social network analysis with theories that explore the links between shared reality and social connection. We highlight recent work suggesting that the extent to which people have aligned mental processing and shared subjective construals to those around them—as shown by neural similarity—is associated with both objective and subjective social connection. On the other hand, idiosyncrasies are linked to difficulties with social connection. We conclude by suggesting how the links between shared understanding and social connection can be productively used as a framework to study psychosocial phenomena of interest. View on Web

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Posterior nasal neurectomy for intractable rhinitis: a systematic review of the literature

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Posterior nasal neurectomy for intractable rhinitis: a systematic review of the literature via Clinical Otolaryngology Abstract Background Rhinitis affects up to 40% of the population worldwide and can significantly reduce quality of life. Some patients remain symptomatic despite maximal medical therapy. In refractory cases, posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN - the endoscopic division of the intranasal nerve branches containing postganglionic parasympathetic fibres) is postulated to reduce symptom burden. Objectives of review To establish whether PNN is effective and safe in the management of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Type of review Systematic review Methods A comprehensive literature search was undertaken using PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane. The inclusion criteria were: studies published in English, studies where PNN was performed either with or without additional procedures, and where measures of objective/subjective outcomes and/or complications were reported. Extracted data included study type, sample size, surgical technique, study population characteristics, follow-up period, outcome measures, complications of surgery, and symptom outcomes. Results Twenty-three articles satisfied the inclusion criteria studying in total 2282 patients. Sample size ranged from 8-1056. There were three randomised controlled trials, three case control studies, and the remaining seventeen were case series using both objective and subjective outcome measures. All but one study found improved patient reported outcomes following PNN. Complications were reported in 14 studies - epistaxis was the most common complication and was observed in 30 patients (1.5% of subjects). Conclusions Posterior nasal neurectomy had a low rate of complications. Although most studies reported significant symptomatic improvement, their heterogeneity, level of evidence, study design, and/or quality was not sufficient to draw any firm conclusions on the effectiveness of the procedure. Larger, well designed studies are needed to clarify its role in the management of difficult-to-treat rhinitis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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