Journal of Clinical Medicine

9 pages, 2164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clot Waveform Analysis Demonstrates Low Blood Coagulation Ability in Patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

by Hideo Wada, Yuhuko Ichikawa, Minoru Ezaki, Katsuya Shiraki, Isao Moritani, Yoshiki Yamashita, Takeshi Matsumoto, Masahiro Masuya, Isao Tawara, Hideto Shimpo and Motomu Shimaoka

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5987; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245987 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2756

Abstract

Background: Although platelets, which contain large amounts of phospholipids, play an important role in blood coagulation, there is still no routine assay to examine the effects of platelets in blood coagulation. Methods: Hemostatic abnormalities in patients with thrombocytopenia, including those with idiopathic thrombocytopenic [...] Read more.

Background: Although platelets, which contain large amounts of phospholipids, play an important role in blood coagulation, there is still no routine assay to examine the effects of platelets in blood coagulation. Methods: Hemostatic abnormalities in patients with thrombocytopenia, including those with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), were examined using clot wave analysis (CWA)–small-amount tissue-factor-induced FIX activation (sTF/FIXa) and thrombin time (TT). Results: Although there were no marked differences in the three parameters of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) between normal healthy volunteers and typical patients with ITP, the peak heights of the CWA-sTF/FIXa were markedly low in patients with ITP. The three peak times of the CWA-sTF/FIXa in patients with a platelet count of ≤8.0 × 10¹⁰/L were significantly longer than those in patients with a platelet count > 8.0 × 10¹⁰/L and the peak heights of the CWA-sTF/FIXa in patients with a platelet count of ≤8.0 × 10¹⁰/L were significantly lower than those in patients with >8.0 × 10¹⁰/L. The peak heights of the CWA-APTT in patients with ITP were significantly lower than in patients with other types of thrombocytopenia. The three peak heights of the CWA-sTF/FIXa in ITP patients were significantly lower than those in patients with other types of thrombocytopenia. The CWA-TT showed lower peak heights and longer peak times in patients with ITP in comparison to patients with other types of thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: The CWA-sTF/FIXa and CWA-TT results showed that blood coagulation is enhanced by platelets and that the blood coagulation ability in ITP patients was low in comparison to healthy volunteers and patients with other types of thrombocytopenia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hematology)

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16 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessReview

Amyloid Beta Dynamics in Biological Fluids—Therapeutic Impact

by Thomas Gabriel Schreiner and Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5986; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245986 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2331

Abstract

Despite the significant impact of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at individual and socioeconomic levels and the numerous research studies carried out on this topic over the last decades, the treatments available in daily clinical practice remain less than satisfactory. Among the accepted etiopathogenic hypotheses, [...] Read more.

Despite the significant impact of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at individual and socioeconomic levels and the numerous research studies carried out on this topic over the last decades, the treatments available in daily clinical practice remain less than satisfactory. Among the accepted etiopathogenic hypotheses, the amyloidogenic pathway theory, although intensively studied and even sometimes controversial, is still providing relevant theoretical elements for understanding the etiology of AD and for the further development of possible therapeutic tools. In this sense, this review aims to offer new insights related to beta amyloid (Aβ), an essential biomarker in AD. First the structure and function of Aβ in normal and pathological conditions are presented in detail, followed by a discussion on the dynamics of Aβ at the level of different biological compartments. There is focus on Aβ elimination modalities at central nervous system (CNS) level, and clearance via the blood–brain barrier seems to play a crucial/dominant role. Finally, different theoretical and already-applied therapeutic approaches for CNS Aβ elimination are presented, including the recent “peripheral sink therapeutic strategy” and “cerebrospinal fluid sinks therapeutic strategy”. These data outline the need for a multidisciplinary approach designed to deliver a solution to stimulate Aβ clearance in more direct ways, including from the cerebrospinal fluid level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Neurology)

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12 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Setting for “Normal” Serum Ferritin Levels in Patients with Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: Our Current Strategy

by Anna Spasiano, Antonella Meloni, Silvia Costantini, Emilio Quaia, Filippo Cademartiri, Patrizia Cinque, Alessia Pepe and Paolo Ricchi

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5985; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245985 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1936

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to establish the association between serum ferritin levels and organ iron overload (IO) and overall morbidity in transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients. One hundred and three TDT patients (40.03 ± 9.15 years; 57.3% females) with serum ferritin < 2500 ng/mL [...] Read more.

This cross-sectional study aimed to establish the association between serum ferritin levels and organ iron overload (IO) and overall morbidity in transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients. One hundred and three TDT patients (40.03 ± 9.15 years; 57.3% females) with serum ferritin < 2500 ng/mL were included. IO was assessed by T2* magnetic resonance imaging. Three groups were identified based on mean serum ferritin levels: <500 ng/mL (group 0; N = 32), 500–1000 ng/mL (group 1; N = 43), and 1000–2500 ng/mL (group 2; N = 28). All demographic and biochemical parameters were comparable among the three groups, with the exception of the triglycerides being significantly lower in group 0 than in group 2. No difference was found in the frequency of hepatic, endocrine, and cardiac complications. Hepatic IO was significantly less frequent in group 0 versus both groups 1 and 2. No patient with a serum ferritin level < 500 ng/mL had significant myocardial IO and alterations in the main hematological parameters. No difference in the distribution of the different chelation regimens was found. Serum ferritin < 500 ng/mL appears to be achievable and safe for several TDT patients. This target is associated with the absence of significant cardiac iron and significantly lower hepatic IO and triglycerides that are well-demonstrated markers for cardiac and liver complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Therapies and Strategies in Thalassemia: Toward a New Era in Management)

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13 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Relationship of Extraintestinal Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

by Istvan Fedor, Eva Zold and Zsolt Barta

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5984; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245984 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2033

Abstract

Objectives: Thus far, few attempted to characterize the temporal onset of extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We sought to determine the time of onset of these findings in a patient cohort with IBD. Methods: We reviewed the electronic health records [...] Read more.

Objectives: Thus far, few attempted to characterize the temporal onset of extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We sought to determine the time of onset of these findings in a patient cohort with IBD. Methods: We reviewed the electronic health records of 508 IBD patients (303 CD, 205 UC) and summarized general patient characteristics and the temporal relationship and order of presentation of extraintestinal manifestations. Results: CD patients were younger at diagnosis. CD patients with ileocolonic involvement (L3) were younger, and UC patients with pancolitis (E3) were slightly younger at diagnosis. A total of 127 out of 303 (41.91%) CD and 81 out of 205 (39.51%) UC patients had EIMs (p = 0.5898). Some patients presented with EIMs before the diagnosis of IBD (9.45% of Crohn’s disease and 17.28% of ulcerative colitis patients with EIMs, respectively). Of these, seven cases (four in CD and three in UC) were visible by inspection of the patients (either dermatologic or ocular findings). The diagnosis of IBD and extraintestinal symptoms often occurred within a year (22.83% of CD and 16.04% of UC patients). Typically, the diagnosis of the first extraintestinal symptoms happened after the onset of bowel disease (+4.3 (±6.3) years, range: 10 years before to 30 years after in Crohn’s disease and +3.8 (±10) years, range: 24 years before to 30 years after) in ulcerative colitis. UC patients with pancolitis (E3) usually had EIMs earlier in the disease course and displayed EIMs more frequently before IBD diagnosis. Furthermore, patients with pancolitis developed EIMs more frequently than other sub-groups. Conclusion: Extraintestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases can present at any time, relative to the bowel symptoms. In cases, the presence of a characteristic EIM might be a harbinger of the development of IBD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine)

11 pages, 496 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Vitamin D Role in Preventing Primary Headache in Adult and Pediatric Population

by Giovanni Battista Dell’Isola, Eleonora Tulli, Rossella Sica, Valerio Vinti, Elisabetta Mencaroni, Giuseppe Di Cara, Pasquale Striano and Alberto Verrotti

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5983; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245983 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3995

Abstract

Headache is among the main neurological disorders with a great impact on both adults and children. The diagnosis of primary headache and proper management is often delayed with a great impact on work productivity and overall quality of life. Chronic headache often requires [...] Read more.

Headache is among the main neurological disorders with a great impact on both adults and children. The diagnosis of primary headache and proper management is often delayed with a great impact on work productivity and overall quality of life. Chronic headache often requires prophylactic therapy to reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks and the use of abortive medications. Besides the use of several classes of drugs, another treatment modality is the use of Nutraceuticals. Some studies have suggested a possible role of vitamin D in headache prophylaxis. Indeed, vitamin D is involved in several pathways of brain development, neuroprotection and neurotransmission. Moreover, there is data suggesting a close relationship between primary headache and vitamin D deficiency, both in children and in adults. To date, a few studies have evaluated the effect of vitamin D on headaches. The aim of this review is to summarize the data collected on headache prophylaxis with vitamin D comparing the effects of vitamin D in pediatric and adult populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migraines in Childhood: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis)

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13 pages, 1129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Deep Learning Ensemble Approach for Automated COVID-19 Detection from Chest CT Images

by Gaetano Zazzaro, Francesco Martone, Gianpaolo Romano and Luigi Pavone

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5982; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245982 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1534

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of an automated COVID-19 detection method based on a transfer learning technique that makes use of chest computed tomography (CT) images. Method: In this study, we used a publicly available multiclass CT [...] Read more.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of an automated COVID-19 detection method based on a transfer learning technique that makes use of chest computed tomography (CT) images. Method: In this study, we used a publicly available multiclass CT scan dataset containing 4171 CT scans of 210 different patients. In particular, we extracted features from the CT images using a set of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that had been pretrained on the ImageNet dataset as feature extractors, and we then selected a subset of these features using the Information Gain filter. The resulting feature vectors were then used to train a set of k Nearest Neighbors classifiers with 10-fold cross validation to assess the classification performance of the features that had been extracted by each CNN. Finally, a majority voting approach was used to classify each image into two different classes: COVID-19 and NO COVID-19. Results: A total of 414 images of the test set (10% of the complete dataset) were correctly classified, and only 4 were misclassified, yielding a final classification accuracy of 99.04%. Conclusions: The high performance that was achieved by the method could make it feasible option that could be used to assist radiologists in COVID-19 diagnosis through the use of CT images. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Diagnostic Imaging and Beyond - Part I)

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12 pages, 986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Systemic Treatment of Immune-Mediated Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca with Allogeneic Stem Cells Improves the Schirmer Tear Test Score in a Canine Spontaneous Model of Disease

by Manuel Hermida-Prieto, Javier García-Castro and Luis Mariñas-Pardo

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5981; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245981 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2047

Abstract

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is characterized by ocular discomfort, conjunctival hyperaemia, and corneal scarring, causing reduced aqueous tear production that can be measured using the standard Schirmer tear test (STT). Canine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (cATMSCs) have been proposed as treatment due to their anti-inflammatory [...] Read more.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is characterized by ocular discomfort, conjunctival hyperaemia, and corneal scarring, causing reduced aqueous tear production that can be measured using the standard Schirmer tear test (STT). Canine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (cATMSCs) have been proposed as treatment due to their anti-inflammatory effect, by releasing cytokines and immunomodulatory soluble factors. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the systemic administration of cATMSCs on tear production in dogs with immune-mediated KCS, compared to classical Cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment. Methods: Twenty-eight client-owned dogs with spontaneous KCS were allocated in the experimental group (n = 14, treated with systemic cATMSCs or control group (n = 14, treated with CsA). SST values increased significantly at days 15 (p = 0.002), 45 (p = 0.042) and 180 (p = 0.005) with no observed side-effects in the experimental group. Eyes with an initial STT value of 11–14 mm/min maintained significant improvement at day 180, needing only artificial tears as treatment. Eyes with an initial STT value <11 mm/min needed cyclosporin treatment at day 45, so follow-up was stopped. Control animals treated with CsA did not improve their STT at day 180. Results and Conclusions: Systemic allogeneic cATMSCs application appeared to be a feasible and effective therapy with positive outcome in dogs with initial STT between 11–14 mm/min, with a significant improvement in tear production. The STT increment was maintained for at least 180 days, without needing additional medication, thus suggesting it could constitute an alternative therapy to classical immunosuppressive treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)

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13 pages, 1291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vascular Dysfunction Predicts Future Deterioration of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction

by Shinji Kishimoto, Tatsuya Maruhashi, Masato Kajikawa, Takahiro Harada, Takayuki Yamaji, Yiming Han, Aya Mizobuchi, Yu Hashimoto, Kenichi Yoshimura, Yukiko Nakano, Kazuaki Chayama, Chikara Goto, Farina Mohamad Yusoff, Ayumu Nakashima and Yukihito Higashi

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5980; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245980 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1474

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is associated with vascular dysfunction and whether vascular function predicts future deterioration of LVEF in patients with HFmrEF. We evaluated endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is associated with vascular dysfunction and whether vascular function predicts future deterioration of LVEF in patients with HFmrEF. We evaluated endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and vascular smooth muscle function assessed by nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation (NID) in 69 patients with HFmrEF and 426 patients without HF and evaluated the future deterioration of LVEF, defined as a decrease in LVEF to <40%, in 39 patients with HFmrEF for up to 3 years. Both FMD and NID were significantly lower in patients with HFmrEF than in patients without HF. We categorized patients into two groups based on low tertiles of NID: a low group (NID of <7.0%) and an intermediate and high group (NID of ≥7.0%). There were significant differences between the Kaplan–Meier curves for the deterioration of LVEF in the two groups (p < 0.01). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that NID of <7.0% was an independent predictor of future deterioration of LVEF in patients with HFmrEF. Both endothelial function and vascular smooth muscle function are impaired in patients with HFmrEF compared with those in patients without HF. In addition, low NID of <7.0% predicts future deterioration of LVEF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heart Failure: Prevention, Targets, and Treatment)

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15 pages, 1697 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Utility of Metabolic Parameters on Baseline F-18 FDG PET/CT in Predicting Treatment Response and Survival in Paediatric and Adolescent Hodgkin Lymphoma

by Janet Denise Reed, Andries Masenge, Ane Buchner, Fareed Omar, David Reynders, Mariza Vorster, Christophe Van de Wiele and Mike Sathekge

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5979; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245979 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1773

Abstract

Lymphoma is the third most common paediatric cancer. Early detection of high-risk patients is necessary to anticipate those who require intensive therapy and follow-up. Current literature shows that residual tumor avidity on PET (Positron Emission Tomography) following chemotherapy corresponds with decreased survival. However, [...] Read more.

Lymphoma is the third most common paediatric cancer. Early detection of high-risk patients is necessary to anticipate those who require intensive therapy and follow-up. Current literature shows that residual tumor avidity on PET (Positron Emission Tomography) following chemotherapy corresponds with decreased survival. However, the value of metabolic parameters has not been adequately investigated. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of metabolic and other parameters in paediatric and adolescent Hodgkin lymphoma. We recorded tMTV (total Metabolic Tumor Volume), TLG (Total Lesion Glycolysis), and SUVmax (maximum Standard Uptake Value) on baseline PET, as well the presence of bone marrow or visceral involvement. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) status and baseline biochemistry from clinical records were noted. All patients received stage-specific standard of care therapy. Response assessment on end-of-treatment PET was evaluated according to the Deauville criteria. We found that bone marrow involvement (p = 0.028), effusion (p < 0.001), and treatment response (p < 0.001) on baseline PET, as well as HIV status (p = 0.036) and baseline haemoglobin (p = 0.039), were significantly related to progression-free survival (PFS), whereas only effusion (p = 0.017) and treatment response (p = 0.050) were predictive of overall survival (OS). Only baseline tMTV predicted treatment response (p = 0.017). This confirms the value of F-18 FDG PET/CT (Fluoro-deoxy-glucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) in prognostication in paediatric and adolescent Hodgkin lymphoma; however, further studies are required to define the significance of metabolic parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Radiological Imaging: Diagnosis, Therapy Monitoring and Pathophysiology in Oncology)

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12 pages, 1456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Brain Metastases from Adult Sarcomas: A Retrospective Cohort Study from the Hellenic Group of Sarcomas and Rare Cancers (HGSRC)

by Stefania Kokkali, Louiza Vini, Anastasia Stergioula, Anastasios Kyriazoglou, Nikolaos Vassos and Ioannis Boukovinas

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5978; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245978 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2025

Abstract

Brain metastases are rare events in patients with sarcoma and the available information is relatively limited. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with sarcoma who developed brain metastases between April 2010 and April 2020 in six centers. Thirty-four adult patients were included [...] Read more.

Brain metastases are rare events in patients with sarcoma and the available information is relatively limited. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with sarcoma who developed brain metastases between April 2010 and April 2020 in six centers. Thirty-four adult patients were included with a median age at brain metastases diagnosis of 55.5 years (range, 18–75). The primary sarcomas originated either from soft tissue (n = 27) or bone (n = 7) and the most common subtypes were leiomyosarcoma (n = 8), Ewing sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) (n = 7) and osteosarcoma (n = 3). Most primary tumors were of high grade and located mainly in the extremities (n = 18). The vast majority of patients at the time of brain metastasis diagnosis already had extracranial metastatic disease (n = 26). The median time from sarcoma diagnosis to cerebral metastasis diagnosis was 16 months (range, 1–136). Treatment modalities for brain metastatic disease included whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) (n = 22), chemotherapy (n = 17), exclusive palliative care (n = 5), surgery (n = 9), targeted therapy (n = 6) or stereotactic radiosurgery (n = 2). Most patients experienced a progression of brain metastases (n = 11). The median overall survival from brain metastasis diagnosis was 3 months (range, 0–80). OS was significantly influenced by time-to-brain metastases (p = 0.041), WBRT (p = 0.018), surgery (p = 0.002) and chemotherapy (p = 0.006). In a multivariate analysis, only the localization of the primary (p = 0.047) and WBRT (p = 0.038) were associated with survival with statistical significance. Patients with sarcoma brain metastases have a particularly poor prognosis and an appropriate therapeutic approach is yet to be defined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)

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16 pages, 399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pursuing More Aggressive Timelines in the Surgical Treatment of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (TSCI): A Retrospective Cohort Study with Subgroup Analysis

by Tobias Bock, Raban Arved Heller, Patrick Haubruck, Tim Friedrich Raven, Maximilian Pilz, Arash Moghaddam and Bahram Biglari

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5977; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245977 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2128

Abstract

Background: The optimal timing of surgical therapy for traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of “ultra-early” (<4 h) versus “early” (4–24 h) time from injury to surgery in terms of the likelihood [...] Read more.

Background: The optimal timing of surgical therapy for traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of “ultra-early” (<4 h) versus “early” (4–24 h) time from injury to surgery in terms of the likelihood of neurologic recovery. Methods: The effect of surgery on neurological recovery was investigated by comparing the assessed initial and final values of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS). A post hoc analysis was performed to gain insight into different subgroup regeneration behaviors concerning neurological injury levels. Results: Datasets from 69 cases with traumatic spinal cord injury were analyzed. Overall, 19/46 (41.3%) patients of the “ultra-early” cohort saw neurological recovery compared to 5/23 (21.7%) patients from the “early” cohort (p = 0.112). The subgroup analysis revealed differences based on the neurological level of injury (NLI) of a patient. An optimal cutpoint for patients with a cervical lesion was estimated at 234 min. Regarding the prediction of neurological improvement, sensitivity was 90.9% with a specificity of 68.4%, resulting in an AUC (area under the curve) of 84.2%. In thoracically and lumbar injured cases, the estimate was lower, ranging from 284 (thoracic) to 245 min (lumbar) with an AUC of 51.6% and 54.3%. Conclusions: Treatment within 24 h after TSCI is associated with neurological recovery. Our hypothesis that intervention within 4 h is related to an improvement in the neurological outcome was not confirmed in our collective. In a clinical context, this suggests that after TSCI there is a time frame to get the right patient to the right hospital according to advanced trauma life support (ATLS) guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Types of Plegia Paralysis in a Spinal Cord Injury)

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13 pages, 548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Properties of Plasma Clots in Adult Patients Following Fontan Procedure: Relation to Clot Permeability and Lysis Time—Multicenter Study

by Maciej Skubera, Aleksandra Gołąb, Dariusz Plicner, Joanna Natorska, Michał Ząbczyk, Olga Trojnarska, Anna Mazurek-Kula, Monika Smaś-Suska, Agnieszka Bartczak-Rutkowska, Piotr Podolec and Lidia Tomkiewicz-Pająk

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5976; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245976 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1588

Abstract

Objectives: thromboembolic complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality following Fontan (FO) surgery. It is also well established that altered FO circulation results in systemic complications, including liver and endothelium damage. We sought to evaluate whether dysfunctions of these sources of [...] Read more.

Objectives: thromboembolic complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality following Fontan (FO) surgery. It is also well established that altered FO circulation results in systemic complications, including liver and endothelium damage. We sought to evaluate whether dysfunctions of these sources of hemostatic factors may result in changes of fibrin clot properties. Methods: a permeation coefficient (K_s) and clot lysis time (CLT) were assessed in 66 FO patients, aged 23.0 years [IQR 19.3–27.0], and 59 controls, aged 24.0 years [IQR 19.0–29.0]. K_s was determined using a pressure-driven system. CLT value was measured according to assay described by Pieters et al. Endothelium and liver-derived hemostatic factors along with liver function parameters were evaluated. The median time between FO operation and investigation was 20.5 years [IQR 16.3–22.0]. Results: FO patients had lower K_s (p = 0.005) and prolonged CLT (p < 0.001) compared to that of controls. K_s correlated with CLT (r = −0.28), FVIII (r = −0.30), FIX (r = −0.38), fibrinogen (r = −0.41), ALT (r = −0.25), AST (r = −0.26), GGTP (r = −0.27) and vWF antigen (r = −0.30), (all p < 0.05). CLT correlated with the time between FO operation and investigation (r = 0.29) and FIX (r = 0.25), (all p < 0.05). After adjustment for potential cofounders, TAFI antigen and GGTP were independent predictors of reduced K_s (OR 1.041 per 1% increase, 95% CI 1.009–1.081, p = 0.011 and OR 1.025 per 1 U/L increase, 95% CI 1.005–1.053, p = 0.033, respectively). Protein C and LDL cholesterol predicted prolonged CLT (OR 1.078 per 1% increase, 95% CI 1.027–1.153, p = 0.001 and OR 6.360 per 1 μmol/L increase, 95% CI 1.492–39.894, p = 0.011, respectively). Whereas elevated tPA was associated with lower risk of prolonged CLT (OR 0.550 per 1 ng/mL, 95% CI 0.314–0.854, p = 0.004). GGTP correlated positively with time between FO surgery and investigation (r = 0.25, p = 0.045) and patients with abnormal elevated GGTP activity (n = 28, 42.4%) had decreased K_s, compared to that of the others (5.9 × 10⁻⁹ cm² vs. 6.8 × 10⁻⁹ cm², p = 0.042). Conclusion: our study shows that cellular liver damage and endothelial injury were associated with prothrombotic clot phenotype reflected by K_s and CLT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endothelial Dysfunction—Clinical Implications of Novel Findings)

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10 pages, 3734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Fitting of Novel Preformed Osteosynthesis Plates for the Reduction and Fixation of Mandibular Fractures

by Marc Anton Fuessinger, Mathieu Gass, Caroline Woelm, Carl-Peter Cornelius, Ruediger M. Zimmerer, Philipp Poxleitner, Stefan Schlager and Marc Christian Metzger

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5975; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245975 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2353

Abstract

Purpose: The known preformed osteosynthesis plates for the midface are helpful tools for a precise and fast fixation of repositioned fractures. The purpose of the current study is to analyze the precision of newly developed prototypes of preformed osteosynthesis plates for the mandible. [...] Read more.

Purpose: The known preformed osteosynthesis plates for the midface are helpful tools for a precise and fast fixation of repositioned fractures. The purpose of the current study is to analyze the precision of newly developed prototypes of preformed osteosynthesis plates for the mandible. Methods: Four newly designed preformed osteosynthesis plates, generated by a statistical shape model based on 115 CT scans, were virtually analyzed. The used plates were designed for symphyseal, parasymphyseal, angle, and condyle fractures. Each type of plate has three different sizes. For analysis, the shortest distance between the plate and the bone surface was measured, and the sum of the plate-to-bone distances over the whole surface was calculated. Results: A distance between plate and bone of less than 1.5 mm was defined as sufficient fitting. The plate for symphyseal fractures showed good fitting in 90% of the cases for size M, and in 84% for size L. For parasymphyseal fractures, size S fits in 80%, size M in 68%, and size L in 65% of the cases. Angle fractures with their specific plate show good fitting for size S in 53%, size M in 60%, and size L in 47%. The preformed plate for the condyle part fits for size S in 75%, for size M in 85%, and for size L in 74% of the cases. Conclusion: The newly developed mandible plates show sufficient clinical fitting to ensure adequate fracture reduction and fixation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine)

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11 pages, 945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distal Radial Artery Access for Coronary and Peripheral Procedures: A Multicenter Experience

by Alexandru Achim, Kornél Kákonyi, Zoltán Jambrik, Ferenc Nagy, Julia Tóth, Viktor Sasi, Péter Hausinger, Attila Nemes, Albert Varga, Olivier F. Bertrand and Zoltán Ruzsa

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5974; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245974 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2185

Abstract

Introduction: Distal radial access (dRA) has recently gained global popularity as an alternative access route for vascular procedures. Among the benefits of dRA are the low risk of entry site bleeding complications, the low rate of radial artery occlusion, and improved patient and [...] Read more.

Introduction: Distal radial access (dRA) has recently gained global popularity as an alternative access route for vascular procedures. Among the benefits of dRA are the low risk of entry site bleeding complications, the low rate of radial artery occlusion, and improved patient and operator comfort. The aim of this large multicenter registry was to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of dRA in a wide variety of routine procedures in the catheterization laboratory, ranging from coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention to peripheral procedures. Methods: The study comprised 1240 patients who underwent coronary angiography, PCI or noncoronary procedures through dRA in two Hungarian centers from January 2019 to April 2021. Baseline patient characteristics, number and duration of arterial punctures, procedural success rate, crossover rate, postoperative compression time, complications, hospitalization duration, and different learning curves were analyzed. Results: The average patient age was 66.4 years, with 66.8% of patients being male. The majority of patients (74.04%) underwent a coronary procedure, whereas 25.96% were involved in noncoronary interventions. dRA was successfully punctured in 97% of all patients, in all cases with ultrasound guidance. Access site crossover was performed in 2.58% of the patients, mainly via the contralateral dRA. After experiencing 150 cases, the dRA success rate plateaued at >96%. Our dedicated dRA step-by step protocol resulted in high open radial artery (RA) rates: distal and proximal RA pulses were palpable in 99.68% of all patients at hospital discharge. The rate of minor vascular complications was low (1.5%). A threshold of 50 cases was sufficient for already skilled radial operators to establish a reliable procedural method of dRA access. Conclusion: The implementation of distal radial artery access in the everyday routine of a catheterization laboratory for coronary and noncoronary interventions is feasible and safe with an acceptable learning curve. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coronary Artery Disease Interventions)

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14 pages, 2978 KiB

Open AccessReview

Imaging in Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: State-of-Art Review

by Manuel Barreiro-Perez, Berenice Caneiro-Queija, Luis Puga, Rocío Gonzalez-Ferreiro, Robert Alarcon, Jose Antonio Parada, Andrés Iñiguez-Romo and Rodrigo Estevez-Loureiro

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5973; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245973 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2689

Abstract

Mitral regurgitation is the second-most frequent valvular heart disease in Europe and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recognition of MR should encourage the assessment of its etiology, severity, and mechanism in order to determine the best therapeutic approach. Mitral valve [...] Read more.

Mitral regurgitation is the second-most frequent valvular heart disease in Europe and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recognition of MR should encourage the assessment of its etiology, severity, and mechanism in order to determine the best therapeutic approach. Mitral valve surgery constitutes the first-line therapy; however, transcatheter procedures have emerged as an alternative option to treat inoperable and high-risk surgical patients. In patients with suitable anatomy, the transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral leaflet repair is the most frequently applied procedure. In non-reparable patients, transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has appeared as a promising intervention. Thus, currently TMVR represents a new treatment option for inoperable or high-risk patients with degenerated or failed bioprosthetic valves (valve-in-valve); failed repairs, (valve-in-ring); inoperable or high-risk patients with native mitral valve anatomy, or those with severe annular calcifications, or valve-in-mitral annular calcification. The patient selection requires multimodality imaging pre-procedural planning to select the best approach and device, study the anatomical landing zone and assess the risk of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. In the present review, we aimed to highlight the main considerations for TMVR planning from an imaging perspective; before, during, and after TMVR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transcatheter Structural Heart Disease Interventions: Clinical Update)

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6 pages, 221 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Comparison of Acute Withdrawal and Slow Taper of Antiseizure Medications during Video Electroencephalographic Monitoring: Efficacy for Shortening of Hospital Stay

by Ayako Motoki, Naoki Akamatsu, Tomoyuki Fumuro, Ayako Miyoshi, Hideaki Tanaka, Koichi Hagiwara, Shinji Ohara, Takashi Kamada, Hiroshi Shigeto and Hiroyuki Murai

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5972; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245972 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1424

Abstract

Antiepileptic medications (ASMs) are withdrawn at the epilepsy monitoring unit to facilitate seizure recordings. The effect of rapid tapering of ASMs on the length of hospital stay has not been well documented. We compared the mean length of hospital stay between patients who [...] Read more.

Antiepileptic medications (ASMs) are withdrawn at the epilepsy monitoring unit to facilitate seizure recordings. The effect of rapid tapering of ASMs on the length of hospital stay has not been well documented. We compared the mean length of hospital stay between patients who underwent acute ASM withdrawal and slow dose tapering during long-term video electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. We retrospectively investigated 57 consecutive patients admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit regarding the mean length of hospital stay in the acute ASM withdrawal group (n = 30) and slow-taper group (n = 27). In the acute-withdrawal group, all ASMs were discontinued once the patients were admitted. In the slow-taper group, the doses of ASMs were gradually reduced by 15–30% daily. We also evaluated the safety of the acute-withdrawal and slow-taper protocols. The mean lengths of hospital stay were 3.8 ± 1.92 and 5.2 ± 0.69 days in the acute-withdrawal and slow-taper groups, respectively (p < 0.005). No severe adverse events, including status epilepticus, were observed. Acute ASM withdrawal has the advantage of significantly reducing the length of hospital stay over slow tapering, without any severe adverse effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges and Advances in the Treatment of Epilepsy)

10 pages, 2549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Point-of-Care Ultrasound-Guided Protocol to Confirm Central Venous Catheter Placement in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Prospective Feasibility Study

by Torsten Baehner, Marc Rohner, Ingo Heinze, Ehrenfried Schindler, Maria Wittmann, Nadine Strassberger-Nerschbach, Se-Chan Kim and Markus Velten

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5971; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245971 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1806

Abstract

Background: Central venous catheters (CVC) are commonly required for pediatric congenital cardiac surgeries. The current standard for verification of CVC positioning following perioperative insertion is postsurgical radiography. However, incorrect positioning may induce serious complications, including pleural and pericardial effusion, arrhythmias, valvular damage, or [...] Read more.

Background: Central venous catheters (CVC) are commonly required for pediatric congenital cardiac surgeries. The current standard for verification of CVC positioning following perioperative insertion is postsurgical radiography. However, incorrect positioning may induce serious complications, including pleural and pericardial effusion, arrhythmias, valvular damage, or incorrect drug release, and point of care diagnostic may prevent these serious consequences. Furthermore, pediatric patients with congenital heart disease receive various radiological procedures. Although relatively low, radiation exposure accumulates over the lifetime, potentially reaching high carcinogenic values in pediatric patients with chronic disease, and therefore needs to be limited. We hypothesized that correct CVC positioning in pediatric patients can be performed quickly and safely by point-of-care ultrasound diagnostic. Methods: We evaluated a point-of-care ultrasound protocol, consistent with the combination of parasternal craniocaudal, parasternal transversal, suprasternal notch, and subcostal probe positions, to verify tip positioning in any of the evaluated views at initial CVC placement in pediatric patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery for congenital heart disease. Results: Using the combination of the four views, the CVC tip could be identified and positioned in 25 of 27 examinations (92.6%). Correct positioning was confirmed via chest X-ray after the surgery in all cases. Conclusions: In pediatric cardiac patients, point-of-care ultrasound diagnostic may be effective to confirm CVC positioning following initial placement and to reduce radiation exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)

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17 pages, 2979 KiB

Open AccessReview

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Combined with Complex Decongestive Therapy in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Yu Lin Tsai, Ting Jie I, Ya Chi Chuang, Yuan Yang Cheng and Yu Chun Lee

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5970; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245970 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4511

Abstract

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the most significant complications seen after surgery. Several studies demonstrated that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), in addition to conventional complex decongestive therapy (CDT), had a positive effect on BCRL in various aspects. The systematic review [...] Read more.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the most significant complications seen after surgery. Several studies demonstrated that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), in addition to conventional complex decongestive therapy (CDT), had a positive effect on BCRL in various aspects. The systematic review and meta-analysis aim to explore the effectiveness of ESWT with or without CDT on BRCL patients. We searched PubMed, Embase, PEDro, Cochrane Library Databases, and Google Scholar for eligible articles and used PRISMA2020 for paper selection. Included studies were assessed by the PEDro score, Modified Jadad scale, STROBE assessment, and GRADE framework for the risk of bias evaluation. The primary outcomes were the volume of lymphedema and arm circumference. Secondary outcome measures were skin thickness, shoulder joint range of motion (ROM), and an impact on quality-of-life questionnaire. Studies were meta-analyzed with the mean difference (MD). Eight studies were included in the systemic review and four in the meta-analysis. In summary, we found that adjunctive ESWT may significantly improve the volume of lymphedema (MD = −76.44; 95% CI: −93.21, −59.68; p < 0.00001), skin thickness (MD = −1.65; 95% CI: −3.27, −0.02; p = 0.05), and shoulder ROM (MD = 7.03; 95% CI: 4.42, 9.64; p < 0.00001). The evidence level was very low upon GRADE appraisal. ESWT combined with CDT could significantly improve the volume of lymphedema, skin thickness, and shoulder ROM in patients with BCRL. There is not enough evidence to support the use of ESWT as a replacement for CDT. This study was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42021277110. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Current Updates and Advances in Breast Cancer)

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10 pages, 746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benchmarking PASADENA Consensus along the Learning Curve of Robotic Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Neobladder: CUSUM Based Assessment

by Riccardo Lombardo, Riccardo Mastroianni, Gabriele Tuderti, Mariaconsiglia Ferriero, Aldo Brassetti, Umberto Anceschi, Salvatore Guaglianone, Cosimo De Nunzio, Antonio Cicione, Andrea Tubaro, Michele Gallucci and Giuseppe Simone

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5969; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245969 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2020

Abstract

(1) Aim: Robot assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intacorporeal neobladder (iN) is a challenging procedure. There is a paucity of reports on RARC-iN, the extracorporeal approach being the most used. The aim of our study was to assess the learning curve of RARC-iN [...] Read more.

(1) Aim: Robot assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intacorporeal neobladder (iN) is a challenging procedure. There is a paucity of reports on RARC-iN, the extracorporeal approach being the most used. The aim of our study was to assess the learning curve of RARC-iN and to test its performance in benchmarking Pasadena consensus outcomes. (2) Material and methods: The single-institution learning curve of RARC-iN was retrospectively evaluated. Demographic, clinical and pathologic data of all patients were recorded. Indications to radical cystectomy included muscle invasive bladder cancer (pT ≥ 2) or recurrent high grade non muscle invasive bladder cancer. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) technique, one of the methods developed to monitor the performance and quality of the industrial sector, was adopted by the medical field in the 1970s to analyze learning curves for surgical procedures. The learning curve was evaluated using the following criteria: 1. operative time (OT) <5 h; 2. 24-h Hemoglobin (Hb) drop <2 g/dl; 3. severe complications (according to the Clavien classification system) <30%; 4. positive surgical margins <5%; and 5. complete lymph-node dissection defined as more than 16 nodes. Benchmarking of all five items on quintile analysis was tested, and a failure rate <20% for any outcome was set as threshold. (3) Results: the first 100 consecutive RARC-iN patients were included in the analysis. At CUSUM analysis, RARC required 20 cases to achieve a plateau in terms of operative time (defined as more than 3 consecutive procedures below 300 min). Hemoglobin drop, PSM and number of removed lymph-nodes did not change significantly along the learning curve. Overall, 41% of the patients presented at least one complication. Low-grade and high-grade complication rates were 30% and 17%, respectively. When assessing the benchmarks of all five Pasadena consensus outcomes on quintile analysis, a plateau was achieved after the first 60 cases. (4) Conclusions: RARC-iN is a challenging procedure. The potential impact of the learning curve on significant outcomes, such as high grade complications and positive surgical margins, has played a detrimental effect on its widespread adoption. According to this study, in tertiary referral centers, 60 procedures are sufficient to benchmark all outcomes defined in Pasadena RARC consensus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances on Urological Surgery)

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11 pages, 701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Exercise Habits in Adolescence and Old Age with Risk of Osteoporosis in Older Adults: The Bunkyo Health Study

by Hikaru Otsuka, Hiroki Tabata, Huicong Shi, Hideyoshi Kaga, Yuki Someya, Abudurezake Abulaiti, Hitoshi Naito, Futaba Umemura, Saori Kakehi, Muneaki Ishijima, Ryuzo Kawamori, Hirotaka Watada and Yoshifumi Tamura

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5968; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245968 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3415

Abstract

We investigated effects of exercise habits (EHs) in adolescence and old age on osteoporosis prevalence and hip joint and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD). Body composition and BMD in 1596 people aged 65–84 years living in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, were measured using dual-energy [...] Read more.

We investigated effects of exercise habits (EHs) in adolescence and old age on osteoporosis prevalence and hip joint and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD). Body composition and BMD in 1596 people aged 65–84 years living in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We divided participants into four groups by a combination of EHs in adolescence and old age: none in either period (None-None), only in adolescence (Active-None), only in old age (None-Active), and in both periods (Active-Active). Logistic regression models were employed to estimate multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for osteoporosis determined by T-score (less than −2.5 SD) using the None-None reference group. In men, the combination of EHs in adolescence and old age was not associated with osteoporosis prevalence. However, the lumbar spine’s BMD was significantly higher in the Active-Active than the None-Active group (p = 0.043). In women, the Active-Active group had lower lumbar spine osteoporosis prevalence than the None-None group (OR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.42–1.00, p = 0.049). Furthermore, hip BMD was significantly higher in the Active-Active group than in the other three groups (p = 0.001). Older women with EHs in adolescence and old age had higher lumbar BMD and lower risk of osteoporosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Physical Function, Bone and Muscle Health in Older Adults)

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8 pages, 363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intracorporeal versus Extracorporeal Anastomosis for Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy: Short-Term Outcomes

by Antonio Biondi, Gianluca Di Mauro, Riccardo Morici, Giuseppe Sangiorgio, Marco Vacante and Francesco Basile

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5967; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245967 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2628

Abstract

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy represents an effective therapeutic approach for right colon cancer (RCC). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate bowel function recovery, length of hospital stay, operative time, and the number of general and anastomosis-related postoperative complications from intracorporeal anastomosis [...] Read more.

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy represents an effective therapeutic approach for right colon cancer (RCC). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate bowel function recovery, length of hospital stay, operative time, and the number of general and anastomosis-related postoperative complications from intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA) vs. extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA); the secondary outcome was the number of lymph nodes retrieved. This observational study was conducted on 108 patients who underwent right hemicolectomy for RCC; after surgical resection, 64 patients underwent ICA and 44 underwent ECA. The operative time was slightly longer in the ICA group than in the ECA group, even though the difference was not significant (199.31 ± 48.90 min vs. 183.64 ± 35.80 min; p = 0.109). The length of hospital stay (7.53 ± 1.91 days vs. 8.77 ± 3.66 days; p = 0.036) and bowel function recovery (2.21 ± 1.01 days vs. 3.45 ± 1.82 days; p < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the ICA group. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications (12% in ICA group vs. 9% in ECA group), wound infection (6% in ICA group vs. 7% in ECA group), or anastomotic leakage (6% in ICA group vs. 9% in ECA group). We did not observe a significant difference between the two groups in the number of lymph nodes collected (19.46 ± 7.06 in ICA group vs. 22.68 ± 8.79 in ECA group; p = 0.086). ICA following laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, compared to ECA, could lead to a significant improvement in bowel function recovery and a reduction in the length of hospital stay in RCC patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colorectal Surgery: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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10 pages, 1251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preoperative Fall Risk Assessment Score as a Prognostic Factor in Esophageal Cancer Patients after Esophagectomy

by Keita Kouzu, Hironori Tsujimoto, Yusuke Ishibashi, Hanae Shinada, Isawo Oikawa, Yoji Kishi, Nariyoshi Shinomiya and Hideki Ueno

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5966; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245966 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2199

Abstract

The current study investigated the impact of preoperative fall risk assessment score (FRAS) on long-term prognoses in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). A total of 161 patients with EC who underwent curative surgery were classified into a high-risk (95, 41.0%) and low-risk (66, [...] Read more.

The current study investigated the impact of preoperative fall risk assessment score (FRAS) on long-term prognoses in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). A total of 161 patients with EC who underwent curative surgery were classified into a high-risk (95, 41.0%) and low-risk (66, 41.0%) groups according to their FRAS. This study investigated the relationships between the FRAS and clinicopathological findings and prognoses. Accordingly, patients in the high-risk group were significantly older and had a significantly higher Charlson comorbidity index than those in the low-risk group. No significant difference was found in pathological findings between both groups. The high-risk group had significantly lower overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates than the low-risk group (p = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified high FRAS as an independent prognostic factor for poor OS, with a hazard ratio of 1.75 (p = 0.033). Moreover, re-analysis of the data after excluding age as a category showed that the high-risk group had significantly worse OS (p = 0.004) and RFS (p = 0.003) than the low-risk group. The FRAS can, therefore, be considered a useful method for assessing frailty and a potential prognostic factor for EC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Host Immune Status and Proliferation of Cancers)

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10 pages, 2512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of an Eccentric Training Protocol Using Gliding Discs on Balance and Lower Body Strength in Healthy Adults

by Juan Lopez-Barreiro, Pablo Hernandez-Lucas, Jose Luis Garcia-Soidan and Vicente Romo-Perez

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5965; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245965 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2221

Abstract

Impaired balance and lower body weakness are the main causes of falls, which are considered to be the major cause of fractures and head injuries in the elderly and are recognised as a serious health problem. The aim of this study is to [...] Read more.

Impaired balance and lower body weakness are the main causes of falls, which are considered to be the major cause of fractures and head injuries in the elderly and are recognised as a serious health problem. The aim of this study is to observe the effect of eccentric training, introducing new technologies (gliding discs), on body composition, lower body strength, balance and quality of life. A quasi-experimental study was carried out with 56 healthy participants who were divided into an experimental group (n = 31) who underwent the protocol consisting of 12 training sessions and a control group (n = 25) who did not undergo the training. Before and after the intervention, all participants underwent a measurement of body composition, the SJ jump, balance with accelerometry and quality of life with the Short Form 12 Health Survey. In the experimental group, statistically significant improvements were found in the variables balance and lower body strength. The application of this training protocol improves lower body strength and the ability to control balance in the adult population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life and Sport Rehabilitation)

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9 pages, 1470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surgical Management of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cell Carcinoma with Venous Tumor Thrombus: A Liver Transplant-Based Approach

by Gaetano Ciancio, Marina M. Tabbara, Melanie Martucci, Jeffrey J. Gaynor, Mahmoud Morsi and Javier Gonzalez

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5964; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245964 - 19 Dec 2021

Viewed by 2015

Abstract

Upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) with venous tumor thrombus (TT) that extends into the renal vein (RV) and inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare entity and its management is a surgical challenge. We report the largest single experience of surgical [...] Read more.

Upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) with venous tumor thrombus (TT) that extends into the renal vein (RV) and inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare entity and its management is a surgical challenge. We report the largest single experience of surgical management of UTUC and accompanying venous TT with radical nephroureterectomy and tumor thrombectomy (RNATT) using transplant-based (TB) surgical techniques. From September 2003 to June 2021, nine patients with UTUC and venous TT underwent RNATT. Demographics, disease characteristics, surgical details, 30-day postoperative complications, and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. All nine patients had extension of the TT into the RV. Of those, seven had additional extension of the TT into the IVC. Venous TT level was categorized as 0 (n = 2), I (n = 2), II (n = 4), and IIIa (n = 1). Median tumor size was 12 cm (range 3–20 cm). Median estimated blood loss was 300 (range 150–1000) cc. One patient was still alive at last follow-up (4 months), and in total, eight patients have died with a median time-to-death of 12 months (range 10 days–24 months). RNATT using TB maneuvers like liver mobilization and pancreas-spleen en bloc mobilization provide excellent exposure to the retroperitoneal space and enable the safe removal of UTUC with venous TT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nephrology & Urology)

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16 pages, 1037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Simple Risk Score Based on Routine Clinical Parameters Can Predict Frailty in Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients

by Marta Kałużna-Oleksy, Agata Kukfisz, Jacek Migaj, Magdalena Dudek, Helena Krysztofiak, Filip Sawczak, Magdalena Szczechla, Katarzyna Przytarska, Ewa Straburzyńska-Migaj, Marta Wleklik and Izabella Uchmanowicz

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5963; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245963 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2164

Abstract

Frailty syndrome (FS) has recently attracted attention as one of the major predictors of heart failure (HF) course severity. We aimed to develop a simple tool for predicting frailty in hospitalized HF patients using routine clinical parameters. A total of 153 hospitalized patients [...] Read more.

Frailty syndrome (FS) has recently attracted attention as one of the major predictors of heart failure (HF) course severity. We aimed to develop a simple tool for predicting frailty in hospitalized HF patients using routine clinical parameters. A total of 153 hospitalized patients diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were included in the study. Presence of FS was assessed with the SHARE-FI questionnaire. Clinical and biochemical parameters were collected. Using ROC curves and logistic regression analysis, a model predicting FS presence was developed and tested. Proposed model includes five variables with following cut-off values (1 point for each variable): age > 50 years, systolic pressure on admission < 110 mmHg, total cholesterol < 4.85 mmol/L, bilirubin ≥ 15.5 mmol/L, and alanine aminotransferase ≤ 34 U/L. Receiving 5 points was considered a high risk of FS with positive and negative predictive values (NPV), 83% and 72%, respectively, and specificity of 97%. Awarding 2 points or less ruled out FS in the studied group with negative predictive value 94%. The presented novel, simple score predicts FS in HFrEF patients with routine clinical parameters and has good positive and negative predictive values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Management of Patients with Heart Failure)

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12 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Advance Directive Perspectives on the Completion of Life-Sustaining Treatment Decisions in Patients with Heart Failure: A Prospective Study

by JinShil Kim, Seongkum Heo, Bong Roung Kim, Soon Yong Suh, Jae Lan Shim, Minjeong An and Mi-Seung Shin

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5962; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245962 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2057

Abstract

Evidence for non-modifiable and modifiable factors associated with the utilization of advance directives (ADs) in heart failure (HF) is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine baseline-to-3-month changes in knowledge, attitudes, and benefits/barriers regarding ADs and their impact on the completion [...] Read more.

Evidence for non-modifiable and modifiable factors associated with the utilization of advance directives (ADs) in heart failure (HF) is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine baseline-to-3-month changes in knowledge, attitudes, and benefits/barriers regarding ADs and their impact on the completion of life-sustaining treatment (LST) decisions at 3-month follow-up among patients with HF. Prospective, descriptive data on AD knowledge, attitudes, and benefits/barriers and LSTs were obtained at baseline and 3-month follow-up after outpatient visits. Of 64 patients (age, 68.6 years; male, 60.9%; New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes I/II, 70.3%), 53.1% at baseline and 43.8% at 3-month follow-up completed LST decisions. Advanced age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.91, p = 0.012) was associated with less likelihood of the completion of LST decisions at 3-month follow-up, while higher education (OR = 1.19, p = 0.025) and NYHA class III/IV (OR = 4.81, p = 0.049) were associated with more likelihood. In conclusion, advanced age predicted less likelihood of LST decisions at 3 months, while higher education and more functional impairment predicted more likelihood. These results imply that early AD discussion seems feasible in mild symptomatic HF patients with poor knowledge about ADs, considering the non-modifiable and modifiable factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges and Advances in Heart Failure and Heart Transplant)

8 pages, 815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time Course of Acute Vertebral Fractures: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study

by Hiroyuki Inose, Tsuyoshi Kato, Shinichi Shirasawa, Shinji Takahashi, Masatoshi Hoshino, Yu Yamato, Yu Matsukura, Takashi Hirai, Toshitaka Yoshii and Atsushi Okawa

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5961; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245961 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1804

Abstract

To date, it is still unclear how fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) affect the patient’s quality of life and low back pain during a follow-up period of more than 1 year. In the previous trial, women with fresh OVF were randomized to rigid [...] Read more.

To date, it is still unclear how fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) affect the patient’s quality of life and low back pain during a follow-up period of more than 1 year. In the previous trial, women with fresh OVF were randomized to rigid or soft brace for 12 weeks, then both groups were followed for the subsequent 48 weeks. In women completing this trial at our affiliated hospitals, we conducted a follow-up study to investigate the long-term course of an acute vertebral fracture in terms of pain and quality of life. When comparing visual analog scale scores for low back pain and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions Questionnaire scores between consecutive time points, a significant difference was found between 0 and 12 weeks, but not between 12 and 48 weeks or between 48 weeks and final follow-up. A total 25% had residual low back pain at the final follow-up. A stepwise logistic regression analysis identified age and previous vertebral fracture as predictors of residual low back pain at the final follow-up. Therefore, the degree of low back pain and impairment of the quality of life improved by 12 weeks after injury and did not change thereafter until a mean follow-up of 5.3 years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Spinal Diseases of Elderly Patients)

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14 pages, 261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uveitis and Other Ocular Complications Following COVID-19 Vaccination

by Elena Bolletta, Danilo Iannetta, Valentina Mastrofilippo, Luca De Simone, Fabrizio Gozzi, Stefania Croci, Martina Bonacini, Lucia Belloni, Alessandro Zerbini, Chantal Adani, Luigi Fontana, Carlo Salvarani and Luca Cimino

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5960; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245960 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 86 | Viewed by 6440

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines can cause transient local and systemic post-vaccination reactions. The aim of this study was to report uveitis and other ocular complications following COVID-19 vaccination. The study included 42 eyes of 34 patients (20 females, 14 males), with a [...] Read more.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines can cause transient local and systemic post-vaccination reactions. The aim of this study was to report uveitis and other ocular complications following COVID-19 vaccination. The study included 42 eyes of 34 patients (20 females, 14 males), with a mean age of 49.8 years (range 18–83 years). The cases reported were three herpetic keratitis, two anterior scleritis, five anterior uveitis (AU), three toxoplasma retinochoroiditis, two Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease reactivations, two pars planitis, two retinal vasculitis, one bilateral panuveitis in new-onset Behçet’s disease, three multiple evanescent white dot syndromes (MEWDS), one acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN), five retinal vein occlusions (RVO), one non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), three activations of quiescent choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to myopia or uveitis, and one central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Mean time between vaccination and ocular complication onset was 9.4 days (range 1–30 days). Twenty-three cases occurred after Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination (BNT162b2 mRNA), 7 after Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19), 3 after ModernaTX vaccination (mRNA-1273), and 1 after Janssen Johnson & Johnson vaccine (Ad26.COV2). Uveitis and other ocular complications may develop after the administration of COVID-19 vaccine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic COVID-19 and the Eye: Impact of Pandemic on Clinical, Surgical and Research Activities in Ophthalmology)

13 pages, 1058 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-World Rates of Bleeding, Factor VIII Use, and Quality of Life in Individuals with Severe Haemophilia A Receiving Prophylaxis in a Prospective, Noninterventional Study

by Gili Kenet, Yeu-Chin Chen, Gillian Lowe, Charles Percy, Huyen Tran, Annette von Drygalski, Marc Trossaërt, Mark Reding, Johannes Oldenburg, Maria Eva Mingot-Castellano, Young-Shil Park, Flora Peyvandi, Margareth C. Ozelo, Johnny Mahlangu, Jennifer Quinn, Mei Huang, Divya B. Reddy and Benjamin Kim

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5959; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245959 - 18 Dec 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4470

Abstract

Regular prophylaxis with exogenous factor VIII (FVIII) is recommended for individuals with severe haemophilia A (HA), but standardised data are scarce. Here, we report real-world data from a global cohort. Participants were men ≥18 years old with severe HA (FVIII ≤ 1 IU/dL) [...] Read more.

Regular prophylaxis with exogenous factor VIII (FVIII) is recommended for individuals with severe haemophilia A (HA), but standardised data are scarce. Here, we report real-world data from a global cohort. Participants were men ≥18 years old with severe HA (FVIII ≤ 1 IU/dL) receiving regular prophylaxis with FVIII. Participants provided 6 months of retrospective data and were prospectively followed for up to 12 months. Annualised bleeding rate (ABR) and FVIII utilisation and infusion rates were calculated. Differences between geographic regions were explored. Of 294 enrolled participants, 225 (76.5%) completed ≥6 months of prospective follow-up. Pre-baseline and on-study, the median (range) ABR values for treated bleeds were 2.00 (0–86.0) and 1.85 (0–37.8), respectively; the median (range) annualised FVIII utilisation rates were 3629.0 (1008.5–13541.7) and 3708.0 (1311.0–14633.4) IU/kg/year, respectively; and the median (range) annualised FVIII infusion rates were 120.0 (52.0–364.0) and 122.4 (38.0–363.8) infusions/year, respectively. The median (range) Haemo-QoL-A Total Score was 76.3 (9.4–100.0) (n = 289), ranging from 85.1 in Australia to 67.7 in South America. Physical Functioning was the most impacted Haemo-QoL-A domain in 4/6 geographic regions. Despite differences among sites, participants reported bleeding requiring treatment and impaired physical functioning. These real-world data illustrate shortcomings associated with FVIII prophylaxis for this global cohort of individuals with severe HA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Haemophilia: Current Treatment and Challenges)

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23 pages, 4414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Spinal Sensorimotor Network Using Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation during Voluntary Movement Preparation and Performance

by Alexander G. Steele, Darryn A. Atkinson, Blesson Varghese, Jeonghoon Oh, Rachel L. Markley and Dimitry G. Sayenko

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5958; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245958 - 18 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3315

Abstract

Transcutaneous electrical spinal stimulation (TSS) can be used to selectively activate motor pools based on their anatomical arrangements in the lumbosacral enlargement. These spatial patterns of spinal motor activation may have important clinical implications, especially when there is a need to target specific [...] Read more.

Transcutaneous electrical spinal stimulation (TSS) can be used to selectively activate motor pools based on their anatomical arrangements in the lumbosacral enlargement. These spatial patterns of spinal motor activation may have important clinical implications, especially when there is a need to target specific muscle groups. However, our understanding of the net effects and interplay between the motor pools projecting to agonist and antagonist muscles during the preparation and performance of voluntary movements is still limited. The present study was designed to systematically investigate and differentiate the multi-segmental convergence of supraspinal inputs on the lumbosacral neural network before and during the execution of voluntary leg movements in neurologically intact participants. During the experiments, participants (N = 13) performed isometric (1) knee flexion and (2) extension, as well as (3) plantarflexion and (4) dorsiflexion. TSS consisting of a pair pulse with 50 ms interstimulus interval was delivered over the T12-L1 vertebrae during the muscle contractions, as well as within 50 to 250 ms following the auditory or tactile stimuli, to characterize the temporal profiles of net spinal motor output during movement preparation. Facilitation of evoked motor potentials in the ipsilateral agonists and contralateral antagonists emerged as early as 50 ms following the cue and increased prior to movement onset. These results suggest that the descending drive modulates the activity of the inter-neuronal circuitry within spinal sensorimotor networks in specific, functionally relevant spatiotemporal patterns, which has a direct implication for the characterization of the state of those networks in individuals with neurological conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spinal Cord Injury and Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation)

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J. Clin. Med., Volume 10, Issue 24 (December-2 2021) – 271 articles

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