Editor’s Choice Articles

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

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15 pages, 2062 KiB  
Review
Malignant Transformation Rate of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Vignesh Murthy, Petros Mylonas, Barbara Carey, Sangeetha Yogarajah, Damian Farnell, Owen Addison, Richard Cook, Michael Escudier, Marcio Diniz-Freitas, Jacobo Limeres, Luis Monteiro, Luis Silva, Jean-Cristophe Fricain, Sylvain Catros, Mathilde Fenelon, Giovanni Lodi, Niccolò Lombardi, Vlaho Brailo, Raj Ariyaratnam, José López-López and Rui Albuquerqueadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(7), 1793; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11071793 - 24 Mar 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2932
Abstract
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic progressive condition affecting the oral cavity, oropharynx and upper third of the oesophagus. It is a potentially malignant disorder. The authors collated and analysed the existing literature to establish the overall malignant transformation rate (MTR). A [...] Read more.
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic progressive condition affecting the oral cavity, oropharynx and upper third of the oesophagus. It is a potentially malignant disorder. The authors collated and analysed the existing literature to establish the overall malignant transformation rate (MTR). A retrospective analysis of medical and dental scientific literature using online indexed databases was conducted for the period 1956 to 2021. The quality of the enrolled studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A meta-analysis using a random effects model of a single proportion was performed along with statistical tests for heterogeneity. The overall proportion of malignancy across all studies was 0.06 (95% CI, 0.02–0.10), indicating an overall 6% risk of malignant transformation across all studies and cohorts. Sub-group analyses revealed strong differences in proportion of malignancy according to ethnicity/cohort; Chinese = 0.02 (95% CI 0.01–0.02), Taiwanese = 0.06 (95% CI, 0.03–0.10), Indian = 0.08 (95% CI, 0.03–0.14) and Pakistani = 0.27 (95% CI 0.25–0.29). Overall, the MTR was 6%; however, wide heterogeneity of the included studies was noted. Geographic variations in MTR were noted but were not statistically significant. Further studies are required to analyse the difference between cohort groups. Full article
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11 pages, 263 KiB  
Review
The ENIGI (European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence) Study: Overview of Acquired Endocrine Knowledge and Future Perspectives
by Carlotta Cocchetti, Alessia Romani, Sarah Collet, Yona Greenman, Thomas Schreiner, Chantal Wiepjes, Martin den Heijer, Guy T’Sjoen and Alessandra Daphne Fisher
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(7), 1784; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11071784 - 24 Mar 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3791
Abstract
Literature on the efficacy and safety of gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) in transgender people is limited. For this reason, in 2010 the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI) study was born. The aim of this review is to summarize evidence [...] Read more.
Literature on the efficacy and safety of gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) in transgender people is limited. For this reason, in 2010 the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI) study was born. The aim of this review is to summarize evidence emerging from this prospective multicentric study and to identify future perspectives. GAHT was effective in inducing desired body changes in both trans AMAB and AFAB people (assigned male and female at birth, respectively). Evidence from the ENIGI study confirmed the overall safety of GAHT in the short/mid-term. In trans AMAB people, an increase in prolactin levels was demonstrated, whereas the most common side effects in trans AFAB people were acne development, erythrocytosis, and unfavorable changes in lipid profile. The main future perspectives should include the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of non-standardized hormonal treatment in non-binary trans people. Furthermore, long-term safety data on mortality rates, oncological risk, and cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and thromboembolic events are lacking. With this aim, we decided to extend the observation of the ENIGI study to 10 years in order to study all these aspects in depth and to answer these questions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology & Metabolism)
11 pages, 4453 KiB  
Article
Intravascular Lithotripsy for the Treatment of Stent Underexpansion: The Multicenter IVL-DRAGON Registry
by Wojciech Wańha, Mariusz Tomaniak, Piotr Wańczura, Jacek Bil, Rafał Januszek, Rafał Wolny, Maksymilian P. Opolski, Łukasz Kuźma, Adam Janas, Tomasz Figatowski, Paweł Gąsior, Marek Milewski, Magda Roleder-Dylewska, Łukasz Lewicki, Jan Kulczycki, Adrian Włodarczak, Brunon Tomasiewicz, Sylwia Iwańczyk, Jerzy Sacha, Łukasz Koltowski, Miłosz Dziarmaga, Miłosz Jaguszewski, Paweł Kralisz, Bartosz Olajossy, Grzegorz Sobieszek, Krzysztof Dyrbuś, Mariusz Łebek, Grzegorz Smolka, Krzysztof Reczuch, Robert J. Gil, Sławomir Dobrzycki, Piotr Kwiatkowski, Marcin Rogala, Mariusz Gąsior, Andrzej Ochała, Janusz Kochman, Adam Witkowski, Maciej Lesiak, Fabrizio D’Ascenzo, Stanisław Bartuś and Wojciech Wojakowskiadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(7), 1779; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11071779 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3559
Abstract
Background: Whereas the efficacy and safety of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) have been confirmed in de novo calcified coronary lesions, little is known about its utility in treating stent underexpansion. This study aimed to investigate the impact of IVL in treating stent underexpansion. Methods [...] Read more.
Background: Whereas the efficacy and safety of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) have been confirmed in de novo calcified coronary lesions, little is known about its utility in treating stent underexpansion. This study aimed to investigate the impact of IVL in treating stent underexpansion. Methods and Results: Consecutive patients with stent underexpansion treated with IVL entered the multicenter IVL-Dragon Registry. The procedural success (primary efficacy endpoint) was defined as a relative stent expansion >80%. Thirty days device-oriented composite endpoint (DOCE) (defined as a composite of cardiac death, target lesion revascularization, or target vessel myocardial infarction) was the secondary endpoint. A total of 62 patients were enrolled. The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved in 72.6% of patients. Both stent underexpansion 58.5% (47.5–69.7) vs. 11.4% (5.8–20.7), p < 0.001, and the stenotic area 82.6% (72.4–90.8) vs. 21.5% (11.1–37.2), p < 0.001, measured by quantitative coronary angiography improved significantly after IVL. Intravascular imaging confirmed increased stent expansion following IVL from 37.5% (16.0–66.0) to 86.0% (69.2–90.7), p < 0.001, by optical coherence tomography and from 57.0% (31.5–77.2) to 89.0% (85.0–92.0), p = 0.002, by intravascular ultrasound. Secondary endpoint occurred in one (1.6%) patient caused by cardiac death. There was no target lesion revascularization or target vessel myocardial infarction during the 30-day follow-up. Conclusions: In this real-life, largest-to-date analysis of IVL use to manage underexpanded stent, IVL proved to be an effective and safe method for facilitating stent expansion and increasing luminal gain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complications, Diagnosis and Treatment of Angina)
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15 pages, 1650 KiB  
Review
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nature Walk as an Intervention for Anxiety and Depression
by Simone Grassini
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061731 - 21 Mar 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6735
Abstract
Scientific research has widely examined the therapeutic and health benefits of being in contact with natural environments. Nature walk have been proposed as a cost-effective and inclusive method for successfully exploiting nature for the promotion of health and well-being. Depression and anxiety symptoms [...] Read more.
Scientific research has widely examined the therapeutic and health benefits of being in contact with natural environments. Nature walk have been proposed as a cost-effective and inclusive method for successfully exploiting nature for the promotion of health and well-being. Depression and anxiety symptoms have been shown to benefit from nature walk. Despite recent empirical findings published in the scientific literature, a summary quantitative work on the effect of nature walk on depression and anxiety does not yet exist. The present systematic review and meta-analysis quantitatively analyze and qualitatively discuss the studies published on the effect of nature walk on depression and anxiety published during the past decade. A database search as well as snowballing methods were used to retrieve eligible articles. The research question and literature search were based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Based on screening and retrieval processes, seven studies met the eligibility criteria and were then included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Risk of bias (RoB) analysis was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. After a qualitative evaluation of the studies, data from six experiments were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis show that nature walk effectively improve mental health. The findings were confirmed for the experiments reporting the quantitative data within groups (pre- and post-test) and between groups (experimental vs. control group). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mental Health)
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16 pages, 1577 KiB  
Review
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Diabetes—A Comprehensive Review
by Malin Zimmerman, Anders Gottsäter and Lars B. Dahlin
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1674; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061674 - 17 Mar 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3963
Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy in the general population and is frequently encountered among individuals with type 1 and 2 diabetes. The reason(s) why a peripheral nerve trunk in individuals with diabetes is more susceptible to nerve compression [...] Read more.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy in the general population and is frequently encountered among individuals with type 1 and 2 diabetes. The reason(s) why a peripheral nerve trunk in individuals with diabetes is more susceptible to nerve compression is still not completely clarified, but both biochemical and structural changes in the peripheral nerve are probably implicated. In particular, individuals with neuropathy, irrespective of aetiology, have a higher risk of peripheral nerve compression disorders, as reflected among individuals with diabetic neuropathy. Diagnosis of CTS in individuals with diabetes should be carefully evaluated; detailed case history, thorough clinical examination, and electrophysiological examination is recommended. Individuals with diabetes and CTS benefit from surgery to the same extent as otherwise healthy individuals with CTS. In the present review, we describe pathophysiological aspects of the nerve compression disorder CTS in relation to diabetes, current data contributing to the explanation of the increased risk for CTS in individuals with diabetes, as well as diagnostic methods, treatment options, and prognosis of CTS in diabetes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
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13 pages, 1495 KiB  
Article
Experience with Rifabutin-Containing Therapy in 500 Patients from the European Registry on Helicobacter pylori Management (Hp-EuReg)
by Olga P. Nyssen, Dino Vaira, Ilaria Maria Saracino, Giulia Fiorini, María Caldas, Luis Bujanda, Rinaldo Pellicano, Alma Keco-Huerga, Manuel Pabón-Carrasco, Elida Oblitas Susanibar, Alfredo Di Leo, Giuseppe Losurdo, Ángeles Pérez-Aísa, Antonio Gasbarrini, Doron Boltin, Sinead Smith, Perminder Phull, Theodore Rokkas, Dominique Lamarque, Anna Cano-Català, Ignasi Puig, Francis Mégraud, Colm O’Morain and Javier P. Gisbertadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1658; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061658 - 16 Mar 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3112
Abstract
Background: First-line Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) treatments have been relatively well evaluated; however, it remains necessary to identify the most effective rescue treatments. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness and safety of H. pylori regimens containing rifabutin. METHODS: International multicentre [...] Read more.
Background: First-line Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) treatments have been relatively well evaluated; however, it remains necessary to identify the most effective rescue treatments. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness and safety of H. pylori regimens containing rifabutin. METHODS: International multicentre prospective non-interventional European Registry on H. pylori Management (Hp-EuReg). Patients treated with rifabutin were registered in AEG-REDCap e-CRF from 2013 to 2021. Modified intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed. Data were subject to quality control. Results: Overall, 500 patients included in the Hp-EuReg were treated with rifabutin (mean age 52 years, 72% female, 63% with dyspepsia, 4% with peptic ulcer). Culture was performed in 63% of cases: dual resistance (to both clarithromycin and metronidazole) was reported in 46% of the cases, and triple resistance (to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin) in 39%. In 87% of cases rifabutin was utilised as part of a triple therapy together with amoxicillin and a proton-pump-inhibitor, and in an additional 6% of the patients, bismuth was added to this triple regimen. Rifabutin was mainly used in second-line (32%), third-line (25%), and fourth-line (27%) regimens, achieving overall 78%, 80% and 66% effectiveness by modified intention-to-treat, respectively. Compliance with treatment was 89%. At least one adverse event was registered in 26% of the patients (most frequently nausea), and one serious adverse event (0.2%) was reported in one patient with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia with fever requiring hospitalisation. Conclusion: Rifabutin-containing therapy represents an effective and safe strategy after one or even several failures of H. pylori eradication treatment. Full article
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12 pages, 643 KiB  
Article
Correlation of KRAS G12C Mutation and High PD-L1 Expression with Clinical Outcome in NSCLC Patients Treated with Anti-PD1 Immunotherapy
by Marco Cefalì, Samantha Epistolio, Giulia Ramelli, Dylan Mangan, Francesca Molinari, Vittoria Martin, Stefania Freguia, Luca Mazzucchelli, Patrizia Froesch, Milo Frattini and Luciano Wannesson
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1627; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061627 - 15 Mar 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2787
Abstract
Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1 or PD-L1 improved the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with PD-L1 expression ≥50% and without alterations in EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET. However, markers able to predict the efficacy of ICIs, in combination with [...] Read more.
Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1 or PD-L1 improved the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with PD-L1 expression ≥50% and without alterations in EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET. However, markers able to predict the efficacy of ICIs, in combination with PD-L1 expression are still lacking. Our aim in this hypothesis-generating pilot study was to evaluate whether the KRAS G12C variant may predict the efficacy of ICIs in advanced NSCLC patients with PD-L1 ≥ 50%. Methods: Genomic DNA or tissue sections of 44 advanced ICI-treated NSCLC cases with PD-L1 ≥ 50% without EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET alterations were tested using Next Generation Sequencing, Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Statistical analyses were carried out fitting univariate and multivariate time to event models. Results: KRAS G12C mutant patients (N = 11/44) showed a significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) at univariate and multivariate analyses (p = 0.03). The Kaplan–Meier plot of the PFS time-to-event supports that G12C positive patients have a longer time to progress. PFS improvement was not observed when any KRAS mutations were compared to wild-type cases. Conclusions: Given the limitations due to the small sample size and exploratory nature of this study, we tentatively conclude the KRAS G12C mutation should be considered in future trials as a predictive marker of prolonged response to first-line ICIs in NSCLC patients overexpressing PD-L1. This finding could be relevant as anti-KRAS G12C therapies enter the therapeutic landscape of NSCLC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
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10 pages, 2733 KiB  
Review
Prevalence of Opioid Use Disorder among Patients with Cancer-Related Pain: A Systematic Review
by Céline Preux, Marion Bertin, Andréa Tarot, Nicolas Authier, Nathalie Pinol, David Brugnon, Bruno Pereira and Virginie Guastella
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1594; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061594 - 14 Mar 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2574
Abstract
Background: The opioid use disorder is an international public health problem. Over the past 20 years it has been the subject of numerous publications concerning patients treated for chronic pain other than cancer-related. Patients with cancer-related pain are also at risk of opioid [...] Read more.
Background: The opioid use disorder is an international public health problem. Over the past 20 years it has been the subject of numerous publications concerning patients treated for chronic pain other than cancer-related. Patients with cancer-related pain are also at risk of opioid use disorder. The primary objective of this literature review was to determine the prevalence of opioid use disorder in patients with cancer-related chronic pain. Its secondary objective was to identify the characteristics of these opioid users. Methods: This is a literature review of studies published over the last twenty years, from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2020 identified by searching the three main medical databases: Pubmed, Cochrane, and Embase. A meta-analysis took account of between and within-study variability with the use of random-effects models estimated by the DerSimonian and Laird method. Results: The prevalence of opioid use disorder was 8% (1–20%) and of the risk of use disorder was 23.5% (19.5–27.8%) with I2 values of 97.8% and 88.7%, respectively. Conclusions: Further studies are now needed on the prevalence of opioid use disorder in patients treated for cancer-related chronic pain. A screening scale adapted to this patient population is urgently needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Anesthesiology)
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23 pages, 1210 KiB  
Review
Current Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
by Mohammed K. Alhaidar, Sumayyah Abumurad, Betty Soliven and Kourosh Rezania
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1597; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061597 - 14 Mar 2022
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 19176
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most extensively studied antibody-mediated disease in humans. Substantial progress has been made in the treatment of MG in the last century, resulting in a change of its natural course from a disease with poor prognosis with a high [...] Read more.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most extensively studied antibody-mediated disease in humans. Substantial progress has been made in the treatment of MG in the last century, resulting in a change of its natural course from a disease with poor prognosis with a high mortality rate in the early 20th century to a treatable condition with a large proportion of patients attaining very good disease control. This review summarizes the current treatment options for MG, including non-immunosuppressive and immunosuppressive treatments, as well as thymectomy and targeted immunomodulatory drugs. Full article
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10 pages, 1165 KiB  
Article
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement with the Self-Expandable Core Valve Evolut Prosthesis Using the Cusp-Overlap vs. Tricusp-View
by Philipp Maximilian Doldi, Lukas Stolz, Felix Escher, Julius Steffen, Jonas Gmeiner, Daniel Roden, Marie Linnemann, Kornelia Löw, Simon Deseive, Thomas J. Stocker, Martin Orban, Hans Theiss, Konstantinos Rizas, Adrian Curta, Sebastian Sadoni, Joscha Buech, Dominik Joskowiak, Sven Peterss, Christian Hagl, Steffen Massberg, Jörg Hausleiter and Daniel Braunadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061561 - 12 Mar 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2434
Abstract
Despite the rapid increase in experience and technological improvement, the incidence of conduction disturbances in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the self-expandable CoreValve Evolut valve remains high. Recently, a cusp-overlap view (COP) implantation technique has been proposed for TAVR with [...] Read more.
Despite the rapid increase in experience and technological improvement, the incidence of conduction disturbances in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the self-expandable CoreValve Evolut valve remains high. Recently, a cusp-overlap view (COP) implantation technique has been proposed for TAVR with self-expandable valves offering an improved visualization during valve expansion compared to the three-cusp view (TCV). This study aims to systematically analyze procedural outcomes of TAVR patients treated with the CoreValve Evolut valve using a COP compared to TCV in a high-volume center. The primary endpoint was technical success according the 2021 VARC-3 criteria. A total of 122 consecutive patients (61 pts. TCV: April 2019 to November 2020; 61 pts. COP: December 2020 to October 2021) that underwent TAVR with the CoreValve Evolut prosthesis were included in this analysis. Although there was no difference in the primary endpoint technical success between TCV and COP patients (93.4% vs. 90.2%, OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.16, 2.4, p = 0.51), we observed a significantly lower risk for permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) among COP patients (TCV: 27.9% vs. COP: 13.1%, OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.15, 0.97, p = 0.047). Implantation of the CoreValve Evolut prosthesis using the COP might help to reduce the rate of PPI following TAVR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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23 pages, 694 KiB  
Review
Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis in Skin Diseases
by Simona Roxana Georgescu, Cristina Iulia Mitran, Madalina Irina Mitran, Clara Matei, Gabriela Loredana Popa, Ozcan Erel and Mircea Tampa
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1507; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061507 - 09 Mar 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3357
Abstract
Oxidative stress represents the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants and has been associated with a wide range of diseases. Thiols are the most important compounds in antioxidant defense. There is an equilibrium between thiols and their oxidized forms, disulfides, known as dynamic thiol-disulfide [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress represents the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants and has been associated with a wide range of diseases. Thiols are the most important compounds in antioxidant defense. There is an equilibrium between thiols and their oxidized forms, disulfides, known as dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH). In 2014, Erel and Neselioglu developed a novel automated assay to measure thiol and disulfide levels. Subsequently, many researchers have used this simple, inexpensive and fast method for evaluating TDH in various disorders. We have reviewed the literature on the role of TDH in skin diseases. We identified 26 studies that evaluated TDH in inflammatory diseases (psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, acne vulgaris and rosacea), allergic diseases (acute and chronic urticaria) and infectious diseases (warts, pityriasis rosea and tinea versicolor). The results are heterogeneous, but in most cases indicate changes in TDH that shifted toward disulfides or toward thiols, depending on the extent of oxidative damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of JCM – New Era in Dermatology)
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27 pages, 1497 KiB  
Review
SGLT2 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure—A Concise Review
by Daria M. Keller, Natasha Ahmed, Hamza Tariq, Malsha Walgamage, Thilini Walgamage, Azad Mohammed, Jadzia Tin-Tsen Chou, Marta Kałużna-Oleksy, Maciej Lesiak and Ewa Straburzyńska-Migaj
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061470 - 08 Mar 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7620
Abstract
The incidence of both diabetes mellitus type 2 and heart failure is rapidly growing, and the diseases often coexist. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a new antidiabetic drug class that mediates epithelial glucose transport at the renal proximal tubules, inhibiting glucose absorption—resulting [...] Read more.
The incidence of both diabetes mellitus type 2 and heart failure is rapidly growing, and the diseases often coexist. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a new antidiabetic drug class that mediates epithelial glucose transport at the renal proximal tubules, inhibiting glucose absorption—resulting in glycosuria—and therefore improving glycemic control. Recent trials have proven that SGLT2i also improve cardiovascular and renal outcomes, including reduced cardiovascular mortality and fewer hospitalizations for heart failure. Reduced preload and afterload, improved vascular function, and changes in tissue sodium and calcium handling may also play a role. The expected paradigm shift in treatment strategies was reflected in the most recent 2021 guidelines published by the European Society of Cardiology, recommending dapagliflozin and empagliflozin as first-line treatment for heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. Moreover, the recent results of the EMPEROR-Preserved trial regarding empagliflozin give us hope that there is finally an effective treatment for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of these new anti-glycemic oral agents in the management of diabetic and heart failure patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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12 pages, 256 KiB  
Review
Rethinking Resistant Hypertension
by Gabrielle Bourque and Swapnil Hiremath
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051455 - 07 Mar 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4315
Abstract
Resistant hypertension is common and known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular events, including stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality, as well as adverse renal events, including chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease. This review will discuss the definition [...] Read more.
Resistant hypertension is common and known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular events, including stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality, as well as adverse renal events, including chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease. This review will discuss the definition of resistant hypertension as well as the most recent evidence regarding its diagnosis, evaluation, and management. The issue of medication non-adherence and its association with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension will be addressed. Non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of resistant hypertension will be reviewed. Particular emphasis will be placed on pharmacological interventions, highlighting the role of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and device therapy, including renal denervation, baroreceptor activation or modulation, and central arteriovenous fistula creation. Full article
13 pages, 1400 KiB  
Article
Small Cell Lung Cancer Transformation following Treatment in EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
by Isa Mambetsariev, Leonidas Arvanitis, Jeremy Fricke, Rebecca Pharaon, Angel R. Baroz, Michelle Afkhami, Marianna Koczywas, Erminia Massarelli and Ravi Salgia
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1429; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051429 - 05 Mar 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3201
Abstract
EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma patients who received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) may initially respond to therapy, but over time, resistance eventually occurs. In a small population (5–10%), these patients can have a histological transformation to SCLC. Nine patients with EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma who transformed [...] Read more.
EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma patients who received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) may initially respond to therapy, but over time, resistance eventually occurs. In a small population (5–10%), these patients can have a histological transformation to SCLC. Nine patients with EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma who transformed to SCLC were evaluated at City of Hope. Patient clinical and pathology data, including multiple next-generation sequencing (NGS) results, clinical therapies, histology, and outcomes, were collected across multiple time points. Descriptive statistics were utilized to visualize and interpret the clinical therapeutic timeline and molecular transformation profiles for these patients. All patients received at least one line of EGFR TKI therapies prior to small cell lung cancer transformation, including erlotinib, afatinib, and osimertinib. Two patients also received chemotherapy prior to transformation (one with immunotherapy). The median months to small cell lung cancer transformation was 16 months, ranging from 4–49 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 29 months from diagnosis, with the minimum of 16 months and maximum of 62 months. The majority of patients had EGFR exon 19 deletion (n = 7, 77.8%), and no patients had a change of original oncogenic EGFR mutation over the different time points. Though a TP53 mutation was detected in eight patients (88.9%) either at the first biopsy or the subsequent biopsies, an RB1 alteration was only detected in one patient at presentation, and three patients upon subsequent biopsies (n = 4, 44.4%). Each patient had a unique molecular profile in the subsequent molecular testing post-transformation, but BRAF alterations occurred frequently, including BRAF rearrangement (n = 1), fusion (n = 1), and amplification (n = 1). Our results showed that EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma to SCLC transformation patients have a unique histological, molecular, and clinical profile over multiple time points, with further heterogeneity that is not currently reported in the literature, and we suggest more work is required to better understand the molecular heterogeneity and clinical outcomes over time for this EGFR TKI resistance subtype. Full article
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26 pages, 856 KiB  
Review
“In Less than No Time”: Feasibility of Rotational Thromboelastometry to Detect Anticoagulant Drugs Activity and to Guide Reversal Therapy
by Vittorio Pavoni, Lara Gianesello, Duccio Conti, Piercarlo Ballo, Pietro Dattolo, Domenico Prisco and Klaus Görlinger
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051407 - 04 Mar 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6546
Abstract
Anticoagulant drugs (i.e., unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparins, vitamin K antagonists, and direct oral anticoagulants) are widely employed in preventing and treating venous thromboembolism (VTE), in preventing arterial thromboembolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), and in treating acute coronary diseases early. In certain situations, [...] Read more.
Anticoagulant drugs (i.e., unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparins, vitamin K antagonists, and direct oral anticoagulants) are widely employed in preventing and treating venous thromboembolism (VTE), in preventing arterial thromboembolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), and in treating acute coronary diseases early. In certain situations, such as bleeding, urgent invasive procedures, and surgical settings, the evaluation of anticoagulant levels and the monitoring of reversal therapy appear essential. Standard coagulation tests (i.e., activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT)) can be normal, and the turnaround time can be long. While the role of viscoelastic hemostatic assays (VHAs), such as rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), has successfully increased over the years in the management of bleeding and thrombotic complications, its usefulness in detecting anticoagulants and their reversal still appears unclear. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Research on Viscoelastic Testing)
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12 pages, 288 KiB  
Review
Risk Factors of Rejection in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Narrative Review
by Hani Oweira, Ali Ramouz, Omid Ghamarnejad, Elias Khajeh, Sadeq Ali-Hasan-Al-Saegh, Rajan Nikbakhsh, Christoph Reißfelder, Nuh Rahbari, Arianeb Mehrabi and Mahmoud Sadeghi
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051392 - 03 Mar 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5240
Abstract
Multiple factors influence graft rejection after kidney transplantation. Pre-operative factors affecting graft function and survival include donor and recipient characteristics such as age, gender, race, and immunologic compatibility. In addition, several peri- and post-operative parameters affect graft function and rejection, such as cold [...] Read more.
Multiple factors influence graft rejection after kidney transplantation. Pre-operative factors affecting graft function and survival include donor and recipient characteristics such as age, gender, race, and immunologic compatibility. In addition, several peri- and post-operative parameters affect graft function and rejection, such as cold and warm ischemia times, and post-operative immunosuppressive treatment. Exposure to non-self-human leucocyte antigens (HLAs) prior to transplantation up-regulates the recipient’s immune system. A higher rate of acute rejection is observed in transplant recipients with a history of pregnancies or significant exposure to blood products because these patients have higher panel reactive antibody (PRA) levels. Identifying these risk factors will help physicians to reduce the risk of allograft rejection, thereby promoting graft survival. In the current review, we summarize the existing literature on donor- and recipient-related risk factors of graft rejection and graft loss following kidney transplantation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances of Kidney Transplantation)
24 pages, 1334 KiB  
Review
The Coexistence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
by Marcin Kosmalski, Sylwia Ziółkowska, Piotr Czarny, Janusz Szemraj and Tadeusz Pietras
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051375 - 02 Mar 2022
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3944
Abstract
The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is growing worldwide. Epidemiological data suggest a strong relationship between NAFLD and T2DM. This is associated with common risk factors and pathogenesis, where obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia play pivotal roles. Expanding knowledge on the [...] Read more.
The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is growing worldwide. Epidemiological data suggest a strong relationship between NAFLD and T2DM. This is associated with common risk factors and pathogenesis, where obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia play pivotal roles. Expanding knowledge on the coexistence of NAFLD and T2DM could not only protect against liver damage and glucotoxicity, but may also theoretically prevent the subsequent occurrence of other diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders, as well as influence morbidity and mortality rates. In everyday clinical practice, underestimation of this problem is still observed. NAFLD is not looked for in T2DM patients; on the contrary, diagnosis for glucose metabolism disturbances is usually not performed in patients with NAFLD. However, simple and cost-effective methods of detection of fatty liver in T2DM patients are still needed, especially in outpatient settings. The treatment of NAFLD, especially where it coexists with T2DM, consists mainly of lifestyle modification. It is also suggested that some drugs, including hypoglycemic agents, may be used to treat NAFLD. Therefore, the aim of this review is to detail current knowledge of NAFLD and T2DM comorbidity, its prevalence, common pathogenesis, diagnostic procedures, complications and treatment, with special attention to outpatient clinics. Full article
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25 pages, 3517 KiB  
Review
Detection of Vulnerable Coronary Plaques Using Invasive and Non-Invasive Imaging Modalities
by Anna van Veelen, Niels M. R. van der Sangen, Ronak Delewi, Marcel A. M. Beijk, Jose P. S. Henriques and Bimmer E. P. M. Claessen
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1361; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051361 - 01 Mar 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5258
Abstract
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) mostly arises from so-called vulnerable coronary plaques, particularly prone for rupture. Vulnerable plaques comprise a specific type of plaque, called the thin-cap fibroatheroma (TFCA). A TCFA is characterized by a large lipid-rich necrotic core, a thin fibrous cap, inflammation, [...] Read more.
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) mostly arises from so-called vulnerable coronary plaques, particularly prone for rupture. Vulnerable plaques comprise a specific type of plaque, called the thin-cap fibroatheroma (TFCA). A TCFA is characterized by a large lipid-rich necrotic core, a thin fibrous cap, inflammation, neovascularization, intraplaque hemorrhage, microcalcifications or spotty calcifications, and positive remodeling. Vulnerable plaques are often not visible during coronary angiography. However, different plaque features can be visualized with the use of intracoronary imaging techniques, such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), potentially with the addition of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Non-invasive imaging techniques, such as computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, and nuclear imaging, can be used as an alternative for these invasive imaging techniques. These invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities can be implemented for screening to guide primary or secondary prevention therapies, leading to a more patient-tailored diagnostic and treatment strategy. Systemic pharmaceutical treatment with lipid-lowering or anti-inflammatory medication leads to plaque stabilization and reduction of cardiovascular events. Additionally, ongoing studies are investigating whether modification of vulnerable plaque features with local invasive treatment options leads to plaque stabilization and subsequent cardiovascular risk reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Acute Coronary Syndromes)
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11 pages, 1019 KiB  
Review
Congenital Zika Syndrome: Genetic Avenues for Diagnosis and Therapy, Possible Management and Long-Term Outcomes
by Giuseppe Gullo, Marco Scaglione, Gaspare Cucinella, Arianna Riva, Davide Coldebella, Anna Franca Cavaliere, Fabrizio Signore, Giovanni Buzzaccarini, Giulia Spagnol, Antonio Simone Laganà, Marco Noventa and Simona Zaami
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051351 - 01 Mar 2022
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3358
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered in Uganda in 1947 and was originally isolated only in Africa and Asia. After a spike of microcephaly cases in Brazil, research has closely focused on different aspects of congenital ZIKV infection. In this review, we evaluated many [...] Read more.
Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered in Uganda in 1947 and was originally isolated only in Africa and Asia. After a spike of microcephaly cases in Brazil, research has closely focused on different aspects of congenital ZIKV infection. In this review, we evaluated many aspects of the disease in order to build its natural history, with a focus on the long-term clinical and neuro-radiological outcomes in children. The authors have conducted a wide-ranging search spanning the 2012–2021 period from databases PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus. Different sections reflect different points of congenital ZIKV infection syndrome: pathogenesis, prenatal diagnosis, clinical signs, neuroimaging and long-term developmental outcomes. It emerged that pathogenesis has not been fully clarified and that the clinical signs are not only limited to microcephaly. Given the current absence of treatments, we proposed schemes to optimize diagnostic protocols in endemic countries. It is essential to know the key aspects of this disease to guarantee early diagnosis, even in less severe cases, and an adequate management of the main chronic problems. Considering the relatively recent discovery of this congenital infectious syndrome, further studies and updated long-term follow-up are needed to further improve management strategies for this disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Diseases)
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12 pages, 1192 KiB  
Review
Capsid Assembly Modulators as Antiviral Agents against HBV: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives
by Valerio Taverniti, Gaëtan Ligat, Yannick Debing, Dieudonne Buh Kum, Thomas F. Baumert and Eloi R. Verrier
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051349 - 01 Mar 2022
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6041
Abstract
Despite a preventive vaccine being available, more than 250 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a major cause of liver disease and HCC. HBV infects human hepatocytes where it establishes its genome, the cccDNA with chromosomal features. Therapies controlling [...] Read more.
Despite a preventive vaccine being available, more than 250 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a major cause of liver disease and HCC. HBV infects human hepatocytes where it establishes its genome, the cccDNA with chromosomal features. Therapies controlling HBV replication exist; however, they are not sufficient to eradicate HBV cccDNA, the main cause for HBV persistence in patients. Core protein is the building block of HBV nucleocapsid. This viral protein modulates almost every step of the HBV life cycle; hence, it represents an attractive target for the development of new antiviral therapies. Capsid assembly modulators (CAM) bind to core dimers and perturb the proper nucleocapsid assembly. The potent antiviral activity of CAM has been demonstrated in cell-based and in vivo models. Moreover, several CAMs have entered clinical development. The aim of this review is to summarize the mechanism of action (MoA) and the advancements in the clinical development of CAMs and in the characterization of their mod of action. Full article
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23 pages, 2015 KiB  
Article
Oncofertility and Reproductive Counseling in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study
by Simona Zaami, Rossella Melcarne, Renato Patrone, Giuseppe Gullo, Francesca Negro, Gabriele Napoletano, Marco Monti, Valerio Aceti, Alessandra Panarese, Maria Carola Borcea, Chiara Scorziello, Luca Ventrone, Samira Nicole Mamedov, Maria Letizia Meggiorini, Massimo Vergine and Laura Giacomelli
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051311 - 27 Feb 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3283
Abstract
Introduction. Improving the prognosis of breast cancer patients is of utmost importance in terms of increasing survival rates. Modern medicine has therefore prioritized better quality of life for patients, even after the disease, through a better management of the potential long-term side effects [...] Read more.
Introduction. Improving the prognosis of breast cancer patients is of utmost importance in terms of increasing survival rates. Modern medicine has therefore prioritized better quality of life for patients, even after the disease, through a better management of the potential long-term side effects induced by anticancer treatments. Fertility preservation and family planning are therefore crucial issues to be addressed in all cancer patients of reproductive age. Along those lines, a new branch of medicine with distinct multidisciplinary characteristics has developed over the years: oncofertility. Although both national and international guidelines value reproductive counseling as an essential aspect of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathway, part and parcel of the informed consent process, it is not included within the protocols adopted by the operating units for the care and management of neoplastic diseases. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the activity of the Breast Unit of the Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy, and the degree of compliance with guidelines. By knowing the strengths and weaknesses of such approaches, the standards of care offered to breast cancer patients can be improved. Materials and methods. A retrospective study based on a review of medical records was conducted between 2014 and 2021. Patients under 40 years of age diagnosed with non-metastatic malignancies were included who received chemotherapy treatment, namely neoadjuvant, adjuvant or adjuvant hormone therapy. Results. The data were extracted from the medical records of 51 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 41% of whom received reproductive counseling, and of these, 43% decided to undertake a path of fertility preservation. Factors such as the absence of children and young age reportedly favored both the interest in counseling proposals by the medical staff and the decision to undertake a path of fertility preservation. Conclusions. The study shows that there has been growing interest in the topic of oncofertility, especially in light of law 219/2017. Therefore, since 2018, multiple proposals for reproductive counseling have been set forth, but there was not an equally growing demand for fertility preservation practices, which can be explained by the invasive nature of such practices, the patients’ concern about their own state of health, and poor or inadequate information. Such impediments highlight the importance of standardized counseling and the need for a multidisciplinary medical team to support the patient in the decision-making process. The study also revealed a drop in the number of patients receiving counseling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, contrary to the positive trend that was recorded prior to the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Current Updates and Advances in Breast Cancer)
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18 pages, 2143 KiB  
Review
IL-1β Implications in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Progression: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Fátima Cano-Cano, Laura Gómez-Jaramillo, Pablo Ramos-García, Ana I. Arroba and Manuel Aguilar-Diosdado
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1303; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051303 - 27 Feb 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3322
Abstract
During Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) progression, there is chronic and low-grade inflammation that could be related to the evolution of the disease. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether peripheral levels of pro-inflammatory markers such as interleukin-1 beta [...] Read more.
During Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) progression, there is chronic and low-grade inflammation that could be related to the evolution of the disease. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether peripheral levels of pro-inflammatory markers such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is significantly different among patients with or without T1DM, in gender, management of the T1DM, detection in several biological fluids, study design, age range, and glycated hemoglobin. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, and 26 relevant studies (2186 with T1DM, 2047 controls) were included. We evaluated the studies’ quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Meta-analyses were conducted, and heterogeneity and publication bias were examined. Compared with controls, IL-1β determined by immunoassays (pooled standardized mean difference (SMD): 2.45, 95% CI = 1.73 to 3.17; p < 0.001) was significantly elevated in T1DM. The compared IL-1β levels in patients <18 years (SMD = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.88–3.74) was significantly elevated. The hemoglobin-glycated (Hbg) levels in patients <18 years were compared (Hbg > 7: SMD = 5.43, 95% CI = 3.31–7.56; p = 0.001). Compared with the study design, IL-1β evaluated by ELISA (pooled SMD = 3.29, 95% CI = 2.27 to 4.30, p < 0.001) was significantly elevated in T1DM patients. IL-1β remained significantly higher in patients with a worse management of T1DM and in the early stage of T1DM. IL-1β levels determine the inflammatory environment during T1DM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Prevention, Treatment, and Complications of Diabetes Mellitus)
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10 pages, 4541 KiB  
Article
Autologous Microfragmented Adipose Tissue for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Real-World Data at Two Years Follow-Up
by Daniele Screpis, Simone Natali, Luca Farinelli, Gianluca Piovan, Venanzio Iacono, Laura de Girolamo, Marco Viganò and Claudio Zorzi
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051268 - 25 Feb 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2296
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to assess, prospectively, the safety, clinical effectiveness, and feasibility of a single intra-articular injection of microfragmented adipose tissue in different stages of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study included patients (aged 18–70 years), affected by OA (Kellgren–Lawrence I-IV). [...] Read more.
The purpose of the present study was to assess, prospectively, the safety, clinical effectiveness, and feasibility of a single intra-articular injection of microfragmented adipose tissue in different stages of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study included patients (aged 18–70 years), affected by OA (Kellgren–Lawrence I-IV). Unselected patients were evaluated before and prospectively after 6, 12, and 24 months from the injection. Visual analog scale (VAS) and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) were used for clinical evaluations. A total of 202 patients were eligible. The mean follow-up time in the cohort of patients was 24.5 ± 9.6 months. Total KOOS significantly improved from pre-operative baseline levels to 6-month follow-up (p < 0.001), and again between 6- and 12-month follow-ups (p < 0.001). The VAS showed a prompt reduction at 6 months (p < 0.001 vs. baseline), but then it increased again at 12 months compared to the 6-month assessment (p < 0.001), even though it remained lower than baseline (p < 0.001). At 24 months, patients with KL-IV demonstrated a lower improvement compared to baseline; patients that had undergone previous corticosteroid injections had a greater risk to further injection treatment. The collected clinical results suggest that MFAT may represent a safe and effective treatment for OA symptoms, offering a low-demanding and minimally invasive treatment. Full article
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14 pages, 1001 KiB  
Article
ECMO Predictors of Mortality: A 10-Year Referral Centre Experience
by Benedikt Treml, Robert Breitkopf, Zoran Bukumirić, Mirjam Bachler, Johannes Boesch and Sasa Rajsic
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051224 - 24 Feb 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4385
Abstract
Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a specialised life support modality for patients with refractory cardiac or respiratory failure. Multiple studies strived to evaluate the benefits of ECMO support, but its efficacy remains controversial with still inconsistent and sparse information. Methods: This retrospective [...] Read more.
Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a specialised life support modality for patients with refractory cardiac or respiratory failure. Multiple studies strived to evaluate the benefits of ECMO support, but its efficacy remains controversial with still inconsistent and sparse information. Methods: This retrospective analysis included patients with ECMO support, admitted between January 2010 and December 2019 at a tertiary university ECMO referral centre in Austria. The primary endpoint of the study was overall all-cause three-month mortality with risk factors and predictors of mortality. Secondary endpoints covered the analysis of demographic and clinical characteristics of patients needing ECMO, including incidence and type of adverse events during support. Results: In total, 358 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria and received ECMO support due to cardiogenic shock (258, 72%), respiratory failure (88, 25%) or hypothermia (12, 3%). In total, 41% (145) of patients died within the first three months, with the median time to death of 9 (1–87) days. The multivariate analysis identified hypothermia (HR 3.8, p < 0.001), the Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (HR 1.0, p < 0.001), ECMO initiation on weekends (HR 1.6, p = 0.016) and haemorrhage during ECMO support (HR 1.7, p = 0.001) as factors with higher risk for mortality. Finally, the most frequent adverse event was haemorrhage (160, 45%) followed by thrombosis. Conclusions: ECMO is an invasive advanced support system with a high risk of complications. Nevertheless, well-selected patients can be successfully rescued from life-threatening conditions by prolonging the therapeutic window to either solve the underlying problem or install a long-term assist device. Hypothermia, disease severity, initiation on weekends and haemorrhage during ECMO support increase the risk for mortality. In the case of decision making in a setting of limited (ICU) resources, the reported risk factors for mortality may be contemplable, especially when judging a possible ECMO support termination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Assistance in the ICU)
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24 pages, 2306 KiB  
Review
Higher-Level Executive Functions in Healthy Elderly and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
by Ilaria Corbo and Maria Casagrande
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1204; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051204 - 23 Feb 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3626
Abstract
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a moderate decline in one or more cognitive functions with a preserved autonomy in daily life activities. MCI exhibits cognitive, behavioral, psychological symptoms. The executive functions (EFs) are key functions for everyday life [...] Read more.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a moderate decline in one or more cognitive functions with a preserved autonomy in daily life activities. MCI exhibits cognitive, behavioral, psychological symptoms. The executive functions (EFs) are key functions for everyday life and physical and mental health and allow for the behavior to adapt to external changes. Higher-level executive functions develop from basic EFs (inhibition, working memory, attentional control, and cognitive flexibility). They are planning, reasoning, problem solving, and fluid intelligence (Gf). This systematic review investigates the relationship between higher-level executive functions and healthy and pathological aging, assuming the role of executive functions deficits as a predictor of cognitive decline. The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA Statement. A total of 73 studies were identified. The results indicate that 65.8% of the studies confirm significant EFs alterations in MCI (56.8% planning, 50% reasoning, 100% problem solving, 71.4% fluid intelligence). These results seem to highlight a strong prevalence of higher-level executive functions deficits in MCI elderly than in healthy elderly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mental Health)
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19 pages, 6074 KiB  
Review
Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging of Breast Cancer: Clinical Systems, Challenges, and Future Outlook
by Karl Kratkiewicz, Alexander Pattyn, Naser Alijabbari and Mohammad Mehrmohammadi
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051165 - 22 Feb 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4236
Abstract
Presently, breast cancer diagnostic methods are dominated by mammography. Although drawbacks of mammography are present including ionizing radiation and patient discomfort, not many alternatives are available. Ultrasound (US) is another method used in the diagnosis of breast cancer, commonly performed on women with [...] Read more.
Presently, breast cancer diagnostic methods are dominated by mammography. Although drawbacks of mammography are present including ionizing radiation and patient discomfort, not many alternatives are available. Ultrasound (US) is another method used in the diagnosis of breast cancer, commonly performed on women with dense breasts or in differentiating cysts from solid tumors. Handheld ultrasound (HHUS) and automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) are presently used to generate reflection images which do not contain quantitative information about the tissue. This limitation leads to a subjective interpretation from the sonographer. To rectify the subjective nature of ultrasound, ultrasound tomography (UST) systems have been developed to acquire both reflection and transmission UST (TUST) images. This allows for quantitative assessment of tissue sound speed (SS) and acoustic attenuation which can be used to evaluate the stiffness of the lesions. Another imaging modality being used to detect breast cancer is photoacoustic tomography (PAT). Utilizing much of the same hardware as ultrasound tomography, PAT receives acoustic waves generated from tissue chromophores that are optically excited by a high energy pulsed laser. This allows the user to ideally produce chromophore concentration maps or extract other tissue parameters through spectroscopic PAT. Here, several systems in the area of TUST and PAT are discussed along with their advantages and disadvantages in breast cancer diagnosis. This overview of available systems can provide a landscape of possible intersections and future refinements in cancer diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Insights into Breast Cancer Imaging)
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15 pages, 2016 KiB  
Article
Feasibility of a Multimodal Telemedical Intervention for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease—A Pilot Study
by Jonas Bendig, Anna-Sophie Wolf, Tony Mark, Anika Frank, Josephine Mathiebe, Madlen Scheibe, Gabriele Müller, Marcus Stahr, Jochen Schmitt, Heinz Reichmann, Kai F. Loewenbrück and Björn H. Falkenburger
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11041074 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2524
Abstract
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be controlled well, but treatment often requires expert judgment. Telemedicine and sensor-based assessments can allow physicians to better observe the evolvement of symptoms over time, in particular with motor fluctuations. In addition, they potentially allow less frequent [...] Read more.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be controlled well, but treatment often requires expert judgment. Telemedicine and sensor-based assessments can allow physicians to better observe the evolvement of symptoms over time, in particular with motor fluctuations. In addition, they potentially allow less frequent visits to the expert’s office and facilitate care in rural areas. A variety of systems with different strengths and shortcomings has been investigated in recent years. We designed a multimodal telehealth intervention (TelePark) to mitigate the shortcomings of individual systems and assessed the feasibility of our approach in 12 patients with PD over 12 weeks in preparation for a larger randomized controlled trial. TelePark uses video visits, a smartphone app, a camera system, and wearable sensors. Structured training included setting up the equipment in patients’ homes and group-based online training. Usability was assessed by questionnaires and semi-standardized telephone interviews. Overall, 11 out of 12 patients completed the trial (5 female, 6 male). Mean age was 65 years, mean disease duration 7 years, mean MoCA score 27. Adherence was stable throughout the study and 79% for a short questionnaire administered every second day, 62% for medication confirmation, and 33% for an electronic Hauser diary. Quality of life did not change in the course of the study, and a larger cohort will be required to determine the effect on motor symptoms. Interviews with trial participants identified motivations to use such systems and areas for improvements. These insights can be helpful in designing similar trials. Full article
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14 pages, 5185 KiB  
Review
Heterogeneity of Genotype–Phenotype in Congenital Hypofibrinogenemia—A Review of Case Reports Associated with Bleeding and Thrombosis
by Monika Brunclikova, Tomas Simurda, Jana Zolkova, Miroslava Sterankova, Ingrid Skornova, Miroslava Dobrotova, Zuzana Kolkova, Dusan Loderer, Marian Grendar, Jan Hudecek, Jan Stasko and Peter Kubisz
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11041083 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2503
Abstract
Congenital fibrinogen disorders are diseases associated with a bleeding tendency; however, there are also reports of thrombotic events. Fibrinogen plays a role in the pathogenesis of thrombosis due to altered plasma concentrations or modifications to fibrinogen’s structural properties, which affect clot permeability, resistance [...] Read more.
Congenital fibrinogen disorders are diseases associated with a bleeding tendency; however, there are also reports of thrombotic events. Fibrinogen plays a role in the pathogenesis of thrombosis due to altered plasma concentrations or modifications to fibrinogen’s structural properties, which affect clot permeability, resistance to lysis, and its stiffness. Several distinct types of genetic change and pathogenetic mechanism have been described in patients with bleeding and a thrombotic phenotype, including mutations affecting synthesis or processing in three fibrinogen genes. In this paper, we focused on familial hypofibrinogenemia, a rare inherited quantitative fibrinogen disorder characterized by decreased fibrinogen levels with a high phenotypic heterogeneity. To begin, we briefly review the basic information regarding fibrinogen’s structure, its function, and the clinical consequences of low fibrinogen levels. Thereafter, we introduce 15 case reports with various gene mutations derived from the fibrinogen mutation database GFHT (French Study Group on Hemostasis and Thrombosis), which are associated with congenital hypofibrinogenemia with both bleeding and thrombosis. Predicting clinical presentations based on genotype data is difficult. Genotype–phenotype correlations would be of help to better understand the pathologic properties of this rare disease and to provide a valuable tool for the identification of patients who are not only at risk of bleeding, but also at risk of a thrombotic event. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Blood Diseases)
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14 pages, 470 KiB  
Review
Pancreatic Stone Protein: Review of a New Biomarker in Sepsis
by Pedro Fidalgo, David Nora, Luis Coelho and Pedro Povoa
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11041085 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4855
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome characterized by a dysregulated host response to an infection that may evolve rapidly into septic shock and multiple organ failure. Management of sepsis relies on the early recognition and diagnosis of infection and the providing of adequate and [...] Read more.
Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome characterized by a dysregulated host response to an infection that may evolve rapidly into septic shock and multiple organ failure. Management of sepsis relies on the early recognition and diagnosis of infection and the providing of adequate and prompt antibiotic therapy and organ support. A novel protein biomarker, the pancreatic stone protein (PSP), has recently been studied as a biomarker of sepsis and the available evidence suggests that it has a higher diagnostic performance for the identification of infection than the most used available biomarkers and adds prognostic value. This review summarizes the clinical evidence available for PSP in the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Infectious Diseases)
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14 pages, 2522 KiB  
Article
The Dual Effect of Rho-Kinase Inhibition on Trabecular Meshwork Cells Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix in an In Vitro Model of Glaucoma
by Juliette Buffault, Françoise Brignole-Baudouin, Élodie Reboussin, Karima Kessal, Antoine Labbé, Stéphane Mélik Parsadaniantz and Christophe Baudouin
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11041001 - 15 Feb 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2792
Abstract
The trabecular meshwork (TM) is the main site of drainage of the aqueous humor, and its dysfunction leads to intraocular pressure elevation, which is one of the main risk factors of glaucoma. We aimed to compare the effects on cytoskeleton organization and extracellular [...] Read more.
The trabecular meshwork (TM) is the main site of drainage of the aqueous humor, and its dysfunction leads to intraocular pressure elevation, which is one of the main risk factors of glaucoma. We aimed to compare the effects on cytoskeleton organization and extracellular matrix (ECM) of latanoprost (LT) and a Rho-kinase inhibitor (ROCKi) on a transforming growth factor beta2 (TGF-β2)-induced glaucoma-like model developed from primary culture of human TM cells (pHTMC). The TGF-β2 stimulated pHTMC were grown and incubated with LT or a ROCKi (Y-27632) for 24 h. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and fibronectin (FN), and phosphorylation of the myosin light chain (MLC-P) and Cofilin (Cofilin-P) were evaluated using immunofluorescence and Western blot. The architectural modifications were studied in a MatrigelTM 3D culture. TGF-β2 increased the expression of αSMA and FN in pHTMC and modified the cytoskeleton with cross-linked actin network formation. LT did not alter the expression of αSMA but decreased FN deposition. The ROCKi decreased TGF-β2-induced αSMA and FN expression, as well as MLC-P and Cofilin-P, and stimulated the cells to recover a basal cytoskeletal arrangement. In the preliminary 3D study, pHTMC organized in a mesh conformation showed the widening of the TM under the effect of Y-27632. By simultaneously modifying the organization of the cytoskeleton and the ECM, with fibronectin deposition and overexpression, TGF-β2 reproduced the trabecular degeneration described in glaucoma. The ROCKi was able to reverse the TGF-β2-induced cytoskeletal and ECM rearrangements. LT loosened the extracellular matrix but had no action on the stress fibers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intraocular Pressure and Ocular Hypertension)
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19 pages, 765 KiB  
Review
Abuse Potential of Cathinones in Humans: A Systematic Review
by Lourdes Poyatos, Adrián Torres, Esther Papaseit, Clara Pérez-Mañá, Olga Hladun, Melani Núñez-Montero, Georgina de la Rosa, Marta Torrens, Daniel Fuster, Robert Muga and Magí Farré
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11041004 - 15 Feb 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3144
Abstract
Introduction and objective: Assessing the abuse potential of new substances with central nervous system activity is essential for preventing possible risks of misuse and addiction. The same methodology is recommended for the evaluation of the abuse potential of recreational drugs. This systematic [...] Read more.
Introduction and objective: Assessing the abuse potential of new substances with central nervous system activity is essential for preventing possible risks of misuse and addiction. The same methodology is recommended for the evaluation of the abuse potential of recreational drugs. This systematic review aims to assess the pharmacological effects related to the abuse potential and pharmacokinetics of cathinones, which are evaluated in both experimental and prospective observational studies in humans. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of the published literature was conducted to retrieve studies that had administered cathinone, mephedrone, methylone, and diethylpropion to evaluate their acute pharmacological effects related to abuse potential. Results: The search yielded 583 results, 18 of which were included to assess the abuse potential of cathinone (n = 5), mephedrone (n = 7), methylone (n = 1), and diethylpropion (n = 5). All four substances induce stimulant and euphorigenic effects that resemble those of amphetamines and MDMA, and their different intensities may be associated with varying levels of abuse potential. Conclusions: Cathinone, mephedrone, methylone, and diethylpropion induce a range of desirable and reinforcing effects that may, to some extent, result in abuse potential. Further investigation is needed to minimize and prevent their impact on society and public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Practice and Research in Clinical Pharmacology)
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15 pages, 1957 KiB  
Article
Biliary Atresia in 2021: Epidemiology, Screening and Public Policy
by Richard A. Schreiber, Sanjiv Harpavat, Jan B. F. Hulscher and Barbara E. Wildhaber
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11040999 - 14 Feb 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3235
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare newborn liver disease with significant morbidity and mortality, especially if not recognized and treated early in life. It is the most common cause of liver-related death in children and the leading indication for liver transplantation in the [...] Read more.
Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare newborn liver disease with significant morbidity and mortality, especially if not recognized and treated early in life. It is the most common cause of liver-related death in children and the leading indication for liver transplantation in the pediatric population. Timely intervention with a Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) can significantly improve prognosis. Delayed disease recognition, late patient referral, and untimely surgery remains a worldwide problem. This article will focus on biliary atresia from a global public health perspective, including disease epidemiology, current national screening programs, and their impact on outcome, as well as new and novel BA screening initiatives. Policy challenges for the implementation of BA screening programs will also be discussed, highlighting examples from the North American, European, and Asian experience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biliary Atresia: Aetiology, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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42 pages, 2504 KiB  
Review
Neurostimulation in People with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials—Part II: Brain Neurostimulation
by Renée Speyer, Anna-Liisa Sutt, Liza Bergström, Shaheen Hamdy, Timothy Pommée, Mathieu Balaguer, Anett Kaale and Reinie Cordier
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11040993 - 14 Feb 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2875
Abstract
Objective. To assess the effects of brain neurostimulation (i.e., repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation [rTMS] and transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS]) in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). Methods. Systematic literature searches were conducted in four electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed) to retrieve [...] Read more.
Objective. To assess the effects of brain neurostimulation (i.e., repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation [rTMS] and transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS]) in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). Methods. Systematic literature searches were conducted in four electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed) to retrieve randomised controlled trials (RCTs) only. Using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2), the methodological quality of included studies was evaluated, after which meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Results. In total, 24 studies reporting on brain neurostimulation were included: 11 studies on rTMS, 9 studies on tDCS, and 4 studies on combined neurostimulation interventions. Overall, within-group meta-analysis and between-group analysis for rTMS identified significant large and small effects in favour of stimulation, respectively. For tDCS, overall within-group analysis and between-group analysis identified significant large and moderate effects in favour of stimulation, respectively. Conclusion. Both rTMS and tDCS show promising effects in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia. However, comparisons between studies were challenging due to high heterogeneity in stimulation protocols and experimental parameters, potential moderators, and inconsistent methodological reporting. Generalisations of meta-analyses need to be interpreted with care. Future research should include large RCTs using standard protocols and reporting guidelines as achieved by international consensus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Management of Voice and Swallowing Disorders)
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15 pages, 869 KiB  
Review
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Risk of Macro- and Microvascular Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
by Alessandro Mantovani, Andrea Dalbeni, Giorgia Beatrice, Davide Cappelli and Fernando Gomez-Peralta
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11040968 - 12 Feb 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5014
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. To date, NAFLD is the most frequent chronic liver disease seen day by day in clinical practice across most high-income countries, affecting nearly 25–30% of adults in the general population [...] Read more.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. To date, NAFLD is the most frequent chronic liver disease seen day by day in clinical practice across most high-income countries, affecting nearly 25–30% of adults in the general population and up to 70% of patients with T2DM. Over the last few decades, it clearly emerged that NAFLD is a “multisystemic disease” and that the leading cause of death among patients with NAFLD is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Indeed, several observational studies and some meta-analyses have documented that NAFLD, especially its advanced forms, is strongly associated with fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, as well as with specific cardiac complications, including sub-clinical myocardial alteration and dysfunction, heart valve diseases and cardiac arrhythmias. Importantly, across various studies, these associations remained significant after adjustment for established cardiovascular risk factors and other confounders. Additionally, several observational studies and some meta-analyses have also reported that NAFLD is independently associated with specific microvascular conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and distal or autonomic neuropathy. Conversely, data regarding a potential association between NAFLD and retinopathy are scarce and often conflicting. This narrative review will describe the current evidence about the association between NAFLD and the risk of macro- and microvascular manifestations of CVD, especially in patients with T2DM. We will also briefly discuss the biological mechanisms underpinning the association between NAFLD and its advanced forms and macro- and microvascular CVD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Research on Type 2 Diabetes and Its Complications)
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14 pages, 1516 KiB  
Article
Clinical Comparison of a Novel Balloon-Expandable Versus a Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valve for the Treatment of Patients with Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis: The EVAL Registry
by Monica Barki, Alfonso Ielasi, Andrea Buono, Gabriele Maliandi, Mariano Pellicano, Marta Bande, Francesco Casilli, Francesca Messina, Giuseppe Uccello, Daniele Briguglia, Massimo Medda, Maurizio Tespili and Francesco Donatelli
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11040959 - 12 Feb 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2656
Abstract
Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an effective treatment option for patients with severe, symptomatic AS, regardless of the transcatheter heart valve (THV) implanted. Prior studies demonstrated a higher device success with lower paravalvular leak (PVL) using the balloon-expandable (BE) Sapien/XT THV [...] Read more.
Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an effective treatment option for patients with severe, symptomatic AS, regardless of the transcatheter heart valve (THV) implanted. Prior studies demonstrated a higher device success with lower paravalvular leak (PVL) using the balloon-expandable (BE) Sapien/XT THV vs. a self-expanding (SE) THV. However, few data are available on the performance of a novel BE THV. Purpose: to compare early clinical performance and safety of the newly available BE Myval THV (Myval, Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., India) vs. the commonly used SE (Evolut R, Medtronic) THV. Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort analysis was performed with 166 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR from March 2019 to March 2021 for severe symptomatic AS treated with either the novel BE Myval or the SE Evolut R (ER) bioprosthesis. The primary endpoint was device success at day 30 according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 (VARC-3). Secondary endpoints included 30-day all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, more than mild PVL, permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) rates and a composite of all-cause mortality and disabling stroke at 6 months. Results: Among the 166 included patients, 108 patients received the SE ER THV and 58 patients were treated with the BE Myval THV. At baseline, the two groups showed comparable demographic characteristics. The primary composite endpoint of early device success occurred in 55 patients (94.8%) in the BE Myval group and in 90 patients (83.3%) in the SE ER group (OR 3.667, 95% CI 1.094–12.14; p = 0.048). At day 30, the BE Myval THV group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of more than mild PVL (BE Myval 3.45% vs. SE ER 14.8%, OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.05–0.8; p = 0.0338), along with a lower rate of PPI (BE Myval 11% vs. SE ER 24.2%, OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.15–0.99; p = 0.0535). At the 6-month follow-up, the incidence of all-cause mortality and disabling stroke did not significantly differ between the two groups, while the incidence of PPI (BE Myval 11% vs. SE ER 27.5%, OR 0.32, CI 95% 0.1273–0.8; p = 0.02) and ≥moderate PVL (BE Myval 6.9% vs. SE ER 19.8%, OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.1–0.94; p = 0.0396) was significantly lower in the BE Myval group. Conclusions: In patients with severe symptomatic AS undergoing TAVR, the novel Myval BE THV provided a comparable performance to the well-known ER SE THV, and it was associated with a lower rate of PPI and ≥moderate PVL within 30 days and 6 months after the procedure. Randomized, head-to-head comparison trials are needed to confirm our results. Full article
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18 pages, 1905 KiB  
Review
Rapidity and Precision of Steroid Hormone Measurement
by Shigehiro Karashima and Issey Osaka
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11040956 - 12 Feb 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7009
Abstract
Steroids are present in all animals and plants, from mammals to prokaryotes. In the medical field, steroids are commonly classified as glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and gonadal steroid hormones. Monitoring of hormones is useful in clinical and research fields for the assessment of physiological changes [...] Read more.
Steroids are present in all animals and plants, from mammals to prokaryotes. In the medical field, steroids are commonly classified as glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and gonadal steroid hormones. Monitoring of hormones is useful in clinical and research fields for the assessment of physiological changes associated with aging, disease risk, and the diagnostic and therapeutic effects of various diseases. Since the discovery and isolation of steroid hormones, measurement methods for steroid hormones in biological samples have advanced substantially. Although immunoassays (IAs) are widely used in daily practice, mass spectrometry (MS)-based methods have been reported to be more specific. Steroid hormone measurement based on MS is desirable in clinical practice; however, there are several drawbacks, including the purchase and maintenance costs of the MS instrument and the need for specialized training of technicians. In this review, we discuss IA- and MS-based methods currently in use and briefly present the history of steroid hormone measurement. In addition, we describe recent advances in IA- and MS-based methods and future applications and considerations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Management of Adrenal Tumors)
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13 pages, 1731 KiB  
Review
Histological Scores in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: The State of the Art
by Edoardo Vespa, Ferdinando D’Amico, Mauro Sollai, Mariangela Allocca, Federica Furfaro, Alessandra Zilli, Arianna Dal Buono, Roberto Gabbiadini, Silvio Danese and Gionata Fiorino
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11040939 - 11 Feb 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7109
Abstract
The histological assessment has been advocated as a detailed and accurate measure of disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In ulcerative colitis (UC), histological activity has been demonstrated to be associated with higher rates of relapse, prolonged corticosteroid use and long-term complications, [...] Read more.
The histological assessment has been advocated as a detailed and accurate measure of disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In ulcerative colitis (UC), histological activity has been demonstrated to be associated with higher rates of relapse, prolonged corticosteroid use and long-term complications, even when endoscopic remission is achieved. Therefore, histological healing may represent a potential treatment target. Several histological scores have been developed and are available today. The Robarts histopathology index (RHI) and the Nancy index (NI) are the only two recommended by the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization (ECCO) for use in patients with UC. Conversely, in Crohn’s disease (CD), the discontinuous nature of lesions has limited standardized histological assessment. Most of the available histological scoring systems in CD are complex and not validated. The aim of this review is to comprehensively summarize the latest evidence regarding histological scoring systems in IBD. We guide the reader through understanding the importance of an accurate microscopic evaluation using validated scoring systems, highlighting the strengths and pitfalls of each score. The priorities of future research needs are also addressed. Full article
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14 pages, 1846 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of Biologics on Refractory Eosinophilic Otitis Media Associated with Bronchial Asthma or Severe Uncontrolled CRSwNP
by Eugenio De Corso, Claudio Montuori, Stefano Settimi, Dario Antonio Mele, Alessandro Cantiani, Marco Corbò, Elena Cantone, Gaetano Paludetti and Jacopo Galli
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11040926 - 10 Feb 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3462
Abstract
Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is a difficult-to-treat otitis media characterized by eosinophilic accumulation in the middle ear mucosa and effusion. It is resistant to conventional treatments and strongly associated with asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The aim of our study [...] Read more.
Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is a difficult-to-treat otitis media characterized by eosinophilic accumulation in the middle ear mucosa and effusion. It is resistant to conventional treatments and strongly associated with asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of biologics drugs in the control of EOM. This is a retrospective no-profit real-life observational study, involving patients affected by refractory EOM and in treatment with different biologics for concomitant severe eosinophilic asthma or severe uncontrolled CRSwNP (Dupilumab: n = 5; Omalizumab: n = 1; Mepolizumab: n = 1; Benralizumab: n = 1). We analyzed data at baseline and at the 6-month follow-up, including specific nasal and otological parameters. We observed an improvement of all nasal outcomes, including NPS, SNOT-22, VAS, and smell function. Regarding specific otological parameters, we observed a significant reduction in the mean value of COMOT-15 score and of Otitis Severity Score at 6-month follow-up compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Finally, we observed an improvement in terms of air conduction hearing levels during the treatment. Our results demonstrated that anti type-2 inflammatory pathway biologics can be effective in improving symptoms control and in reducing the severity of eosinophilic otitis media when treating coexisting type-2 diseases, such as asthma and or CRSwNP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Otolaryngology)
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34 pages, 1332 KiB  
Review
Multiple Aspects of Inappropriate Action of Renin–Angiotensin, Vasopressin, and Oxytocin Systems in Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases
by Ewa Szczepanska-Sadowska, Agnieszka Wsol, Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska, Katarzyna Czarzasta and Tymoteusz Żera
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(4), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11040908 - 09 Feb 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3642
Abstract
The cardiovascular system and the central nervous system (CNS) closely cooperate in the regulation of primary vital functions. The autonomic nervous system and several compounds known as cardiovascular factors, especially those targeting the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), the vasopressin system (VPS), and the oxytocin [...] Read more.
The cardiovascular system and the central nervous system (CNS) closely cooperate in the regulation of primary vital functions. The autonomic nervous system and several compounds known as cardiovascular factors, especially those targeting the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), the vasopressin system (VPS), and the oxytocin system (OTS), are also efficient modulators of several other processes in the CNS. The components of the RAS, VPS, and OTS, regulating pain, emotions, learning, memory, and other cognitive processes, are present in the neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels of the CNS. Increasing evidence shows that the combined function of the RAS, VPS, and OTS is altered in neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative diseases, and in particular in patients with depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, and schizophrenia. The altered function of the RAS may also contribute to CNS disorders in COVID-19. In this review, we present evidence that there are multiple causes for altered combined function of the RAS, VPS, and OTS in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, such as genetic predispositions and the engagement of the RAS, VAS, and OTS in the processes underlying emotions, memory, and cognition. The neuroactive pharmaceuticals interfering with the synthesis or the action of angiotensins, vasopressin, and oxytocin can improve or worsen the effectiveness of treatment for neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative diseases. Better knowledge of the multiple actions of the RAS, VPS, and OTS may facilitate programming the most efficient treatment for patients suffering from the comorbidity of neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Markers of Psychiatric Disorders)
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15 pages, 1072 KiB  
Review
Multimodality Imaging in Cardiomyopathies with Hypertrophic Phenotypes
by Emanuele Monda, Giuseppe Palmiero, Michele Lioncino, Marta Rubino, Annapaola Cirillo, Adelaide Fusco, Martina Caiazza, Federica Verrillo, Gaetano Diana, Alfredo Mauriello, Michele Iavarone, Maria Angela Losi, Maria Luisa De Rimini, Santo Dellegrottaglie, Antonello D’Andrea, Eduardo Bossone, Giuseppe Pacileo and Giuseppe Limongelli
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030868 - 07 Feb 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4393
Abstract
Multimodality imaging is a comprehensive strategy to investigate left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), providing morphologic, functional, and often clinical information to clinicians. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is defined by an increased LV wall thickness not only explainable by abnormal loading conditions. In the context of [...] Read more.
Multimodality imaging is a comprehensive strategy to investigate left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), providing morphologic, functional, and often clinical information to clinicians. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is defined by an increased LV wall thickness not only explainable by abnormal loading conditions. In the context of HCM, multimodality imaging, by different imaging techniques, such as echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, cardiac computer tomography, and cardiac nuclear imaging, provides essential information for diagnosis, sudden cardiac death stratification, and management. Furthermore, it is essential to uncover the specific cause of HCM, such as Fabry disease and cardiac amyloidosis, which can benefit of specific treatments. This review aims to elucidate the current role of multimodality imaging in adult patients with HCM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multimodality Imaging in Cardiomyopathies)
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16 pages, 493 KiB  
Review
Do the Current Guidelines for Heart Failure Diagnosis and Treatment Fit with Clinical Complexity?
by Paolo Severino, Andrea D’Amato, Silvia Prosperi, Alessandra Dei Cas, Anna Vittoria Mattioli, Antonio Cevese, Giuseppina Novo, Maria Prat, Roberto Pedrinelli, Riccardo Raddino, Sabina Gallina, Federico Schena, Corrado Poggesi, Pasquale Pagliaro, Massimo Mancone, Francesco Fedele and on behalf of the Italian National Institute for Cardiovascular Research (INRC)
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030857 - 06 Feb 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4807
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome defined by specific symptoms and signs due to structural and/or functional heart abnormalities, which lead to inadequate cardiac output and/or increased intraventricular filling pressure. Importantly, HF becomes progressively a multisystemic disease. However, in August 2021, the [...] Read more.
Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome defined by specific symptoms and signs due to structural and/or functional heart abnormalities, which lead to inadequate cardiac output and/or increased intraventricular filling pressure. Importantly, HF becomes progressively a multisystemic disease. However, in August 2021, the European Society of Cardiology published the new Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic HF, according to which the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) continues to represent the pivotal parameter for HF patients’ evaluation, risk stratification and therapeutic management despite its limitations are well known. Indeed, HF has a complex pathophysiology because it first involves the heart, progressively becoming a multisystemic disease, leading to multiorgan failure and death. In these terms, HF is comparable to cancer. As for cancer, surviving, morbidity and hospitalisation are related not only to the primary neoplastic mass but mainly to the metastatic involvement. In HF, multiorgan involvement has a great impact on prognosis, and multiorgan protective therapies are equally important as conventional cardioprotective therapies. In the light of these considerations, a revision of the HF concept is needed, starting from its definition up to its therapy, to overcome the old and simplistic HF perspective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Perspectives in Heart Failure)
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14 pages, 994 KiB  
Review
The Role of Sclerostin in Bone Diseases
by Elias S. Vasiliadis, Dimitrios-Stergios Evangelopoulos, Angelos Kaspiris, Ioannis S. Benetos, Christos Vlachos and Spyros G. Pneumaticos
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030806 - 02 Feb 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5696
Abstract
Sclerostin has been identified as an important regulator of bone homeostasis through inhibition of the canonical Wnt-signaling pathway, and it is involved in the pathogenesis of many different skeletal diseases. Many studies have been published in the last few years regarding sclerostin’s origin, [...] Read more.
Sclerostin has been identified as an important regulator of bone homeostasis through inhibition of the canonical Wnt-signaling pathway, and it is involved in the pathogenesis of many different skeletal diseases. Many studies have been published in the last few years regarding sclerostin’s origin, regulation, and mechanism of action. The ongoing research emphasizes the potential therapeutic implications of sclerostin in many pathological conditions with or without skeletal involvement. Antisclerostin antibodies have recently been approved for the treatment of osteoporosis, and several animal studies and clinical trials are currently under way to evaluate the effectiveness of antisclerostin antibodies in the treatment of other than osteoporosis skeletal disorders and cancer with promising results. Understanding the exact role of sclerostin may lead to new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of skeletal disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Management of Rare Metabolic Bone Diseases)
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12 pages, 867 KiB  
Review
The Pathophysiology of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhosis: Getting Deeper into Virchow’s Triad
by Aina Anton, Genís Campreciós, Valeria Pérez-Campuzano, Lara Orts, Joan Carles García-Pagán and Virginia Hernández-Gea
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030800 - 02 Feb 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4904
Abstract
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication among patients with cirrhosis. However, its pathophysiology is not well established and there are currently very few predictive factors, none of which are actually useful, from a clinical perspective. The contribution of each of the [...] Read more.
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication among patients with cirrhosis. However, its pathophysiology is not well established and there are currently very few predictive factors, none of which are actually useful, from a clinical perspective. The contribution of each of the vertices of Virchow’s triad, e.g., blood hypercoagulability, blood flow, and portal vein endothelial damage in the development of PVT is not clear. In this review, we aim to recapitulate the latest studies on the field of PVT development in order to understand its mechanisms and discuss some of the future directions in the study of this important complication of cirrhosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine)
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14 pages, 5529 KiB  
Review
Effects of Supervised Exercise on the Development of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Marianna Danielli, Clare Gillies, Roisin Clare Thomas, Sarah Emily Melford, Philip Newton Baker, Thomas Yates, Kamlesh Khunti and Bee Kang Tan
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 793; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030793 - 01 Feb 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7342
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the most common medical complication in pregnancy, affecting approximately 10–15% of pregnancies worldwide. HDP are a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, and each year, worldwide, around 70,000 mothers and 500,000 babies die because [...] Read more.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the most common medical complication in pregnancy, affecting approximately 10–15% of pregnancies worldwide. HDP are a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, and each year, worldwide, around 70,000 mothers and 500,000 babies die because of HDP. Up-to-date high-quality systematic reviews quantifying the role of exercise and the risks of developing HDP are currently lacking. Physical exercise is considered to be safe and beneficial to pregnant women. Supervised exercise has been shown to be safe and to be more beneficial than unsupervised exercise in the general population, as well as during pregnancy in women with obesity and diabetes. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of women performing supervised exercise during pregnancy compared to a control group (standard antenatal care or unsupervised exercise) on the development of HDP. We searched Medline, Embase, CINHAL, and the Cochrane Library, which were searched from inception to December 2021. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the development of HDP compared to a control group (standard antenatal care or unsupervised exercise) in pregnant women performing supervised exercise. Two independent reviewers selected eligible trials for meta-analysis. Data collection and analyses were performed by two independent reviewers. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42020176814. Of 6332 articles retrieved, 16 RCTs met the eligibility criteria, comparing a total of 5939 pregnant women (2904 pregnant women in the intervention group and 3035 controls). The risk for pregnant women to develop HDP was significantly reduced in the intervention compared to the control groups, with an estimated pooled cumulative incidence of developing HDP of 3% in the intervention groups (95% CI: 3 to 4) and of 5% in the control groups (95% CI: 5 to 6), and a pooled odds ratio (OR) comparing intervention to control of 0.54 (95% CI:0.40 to 0.72, p < 0.001). A combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercise, or yoga alone, had a greater beneficial effect compared to performing aerobic exercise only (mixed-OR = 0.50, 95% CI:0.33 to 0.75, p = 0.001; yoga-OR = 0.28, 95% CI:0.13 to 0.58, p = 0.001); aerobic exercise only-OR = 0.87, 95% CI:0.55 to 1.37, p = 0.539). Pregnancy is an opportunity for healthcare providers to promote positive health activities, thus optimizing the health of pregnant women with potential short- and long-term benefits for both mother and child. This systematic review and meta-analysis support a beneficial effect of either structured exercise (combination of aerobic, strength, and flexibility workouts) or yoga for preventing the onset of HDP. Yoga, considered a low-impact physical activity, could be more acceptable and safer for women in pregnancy in reducing the risk of developing HDP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)
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51 pages, 2425 KiB  
Review
Neurostimulation in People with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Randomised Controlled Trials—Part I: Pharyngeal and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
by Renée Speyer, Anna-Liisa Sutt, Liza Bergström, Shaheen Hamdy, Bas Joris Heijnen, Lianne Remijn, Sarah Wilkes-Gillan and Reinie Cordier
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030776 - 31 Jan 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6032
Abstract
Objective. To assess the effects of neurostimulation (i.e., neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES)) in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). Methods. Systematic literature searches were conducted to retrieve randomised controlled trials in four electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed). [...] Read more.
Objective. To assess the effects of neurostimulation (i.e., neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES)) in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). Methods. Systematic literature searches were conducted to retrieve randomised controlled trials in four electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed). The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2). Results. In total, 42 studies reporting on peripheral neurostimulation were included: 30 studies on NMES, eight studies on PES, and four studies on combined neurostimulation interventions. When conducting meta analyses, significant, large and significant, moderate pre-post treatment effects were found for NMES (11 studies) and PES (five studies), respectively. Between-group analyses showed small effect sizes in favour of NMES, but no significant effects for PES. Conclusions. NMES may have more promising effects compared to PES. However, NMES studies showed high heterogeneity in protocols and experimental variables, the presence of potential moderators, and inconsistent reporting of methodology. Therefore, only conservative generalisations and interpretation of meta-analyses could be made. To facilitate comparisons of studies and determine intervention effects, there is a need for more randomised controlled trials with larger population sizes, and greater standardisation of protocols and guidelines for reporting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Management of Voice and Swallowing Disorders)
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19 pages, 1715 KiB  
Review
Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Risk of Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Soo Young Hwang, Jong Yeob Kim, Hye Sun Lee, Sujee Lee, Dayeong Kim, Subin Kim, Jong Hoon Hyun, Jae Il Shin, Kyoung Hwa Lee, Sang Hoon Han and Young Goo Song
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030765 - 30 Jan 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4712
Abstract
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a known risk factor for lung cancer. However, a detailed analysis of lung cancer type, age, sex, smoking, and TB burden associated with geographic and socioeconomic status has not been performed previously. We systematically appraised relevant observational studies reporting [...] Read more.
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a known risk factor for lung cancer. However, a detailed analysis of lung cancer type, age, sex, smoking, and TB burden associated with geographic and socioeconomic status has not been performed previously. We systematically appraised relevant observational studies reporting an association between pulmonary TB and lung cancer. All studies were included in the primary analysis, and studies that used robust TB diagnostic methods, such as validated medical diagnostic codes, were included in the secondary analysis. Thirty-two articles were included. The association between the history of pulmonary TB and diagnosis of lung cancer was statistically significant (OR 2.09, 95% CI: 1.62–2.69, p < 0.001). There was a high heterogeneity (I2 = 95%), without any publication bias. The analysis indicated a high association in advanced articles describing stringent pulmonary TB diagnosis (OR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.29–3.94, p = 0.004). The subgroup analyses suggested a significant association in countries with medium or high TB burdens, from East Asia and the Pacific region, and upper-middle income countries. Heterogeneity within the subgroups remained high in a majority of the subgroup analyses. A meta-regression analysis revealed that younger patients showed a significantly higher association between TB and lung cancer (regression coefficient = 0.949, p < 0.001). The history of pulmonary TB is an independent risk factor for lung cancer, especially in younger patients diagnosed with pulmonary TB. Clinicians should be aware of this association while treating young patients with a history of pulmonary TB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pulmonology)
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11 pages, 510 KiB  
Review
Clinical Manifestations of Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis, Treatment, and Outcome in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
by Ivana Pantic, Djordje Jevtic, Charles W. Nordstrom, Cristian Madrid, Tamara Milovanovic and Igor Dumic
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030739 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3598
Abstract
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a rare extraintestinal manifestation (EIM) of ulcerative colitis (UC). Observations about its association with UC stem from case reports and small case series. Due to its rarity, more rigorous cross-sectional studies are scarce and difficult to conduct. The aim [...] Read more.
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a rare extraintestinal manifestation (EIM) of ulcerative colitis (UC). Observations about its association with UC stem from case reports and small case series. Due to its rarity, more rigorous cross-sectional studies are scarce and difficult to conduct. The aim of this systematic review was to synthetize the knowledge on this association by reviewing published literature in the form of both case reports and case series; and report the findings according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In contrast to LCV in Chron disease (CD), which occurs secondary to biologic therapies used for its treatment, LCV in UC is a true reactive skin manifestation. Both genders are equally affected. Palpable purpura (41%) and erythematous plaques (27%) are the most common clinical manifestations. In 41% of patients, the rash is painful, and the lower extremities are most commonly involved (73%). Systemic symptoms such as fever, arthralgias, fatigue, and malaise are seen in 60% of patients. Unlike previous reports, we found that LCV more commonly occurs after the UC diagnosis (59%), and 68% of patients have active intestinal disease at the time of LCV diagnosis. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) is positive in 41% of patients, and 36% of patients have other EIMs present concomitantly with LCV. The majority of patients were treated with corticosteroids (77%), and two (10%) required colectomy to control UC and LCV symptoms. Aside from one patient who died from unrelated causes, all others survived with their rash typically resolving without scarring (82%). Full article
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13 pages, 292 KiB  
Review
Clinical Management of Thrombotic Antiphospholipid Syndrome
by Nor Rafeah Tumian and Beverley J. Hunt
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030735 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5345
Abstract
Thrombotic manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome are often a therapeutic dilemma and challenge. Despite our increasing knowledge of this relatively new disease, many issues remain widely unknown and controversial. In this review, we summarise the latest literature and guidelines on the management of thrombotic [...] Read more.
Thrombotic manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome are often a therapeutic dilemma and challenge. Despite our increasing knowledge of this relatively new disease, many issues remain widely unknown and controversial. In this review, we summarise the latest literature and guidelines on the management of thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome. These include the laboratory assays involved in antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) testing, the use of direct oral anticoagulants in secondary prevention, management of recurrent thrombosis, individuals with isolated aPL, and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome. Treatment aims to prevent the potentially fatal and often disabling complications of APS with antithrombotic and cardiovascular risks prevention strategies. Some insights and updates on topical issues in APS are provided. We also include our current practice, which we believe is the pragmatic approach based on the currently available evidence. Full article
21 pages, 2989 KiB  
Article
Changing Metabolic Patterns along the Colorectal Adenoma–Carcinoma Sequence
by Julia Tevini, Sebastian K. Eder, Ursula Huber-Schönauer, David Niederseer, Georg Strebinger, Johanna M. Gostner, Elmar Aigner, Christian Datz and Thomas K. Felder
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030721 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2337
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health burden and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Screening programs facilitate early diagnosis and can help to reduce poor outcomes. Serum metabolomics can extract vital molecular information that may increase the sensitivity [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health burden and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Screening programs facilitate early diagnosis and can help to reduce poor outcomes. Serum metabolomics can extract vital molecular information that may increase the sensitivity and specificity of colonoscopy in combination with histopathological examination. The present study identifies serum metabolite patterns of treatment-naïve patients, diagnosed with either advanced adenoma (AA) or CRC in colonoscopy screenings, in the framework of the SAKKOPI (Salzburg Colon Cancer Prevention Initiative) program. We used a targeted flow injection analysis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics approach (FIA- and LC-MS/MS) to characterise the serum metabolomes of an initial screening cohort and two validation cohorts (in total 66 CRC, 76 AA and 93 controls). The lipidome was significantly perturbed, with a proportion of lipid species being downregulated in CRC patients, as compared to AA and controls. The predominant alterations observed were in the levels of lyso-lipids, glycerophosphocholines and acylcarnitines, but additionally, variations in the quantity of hydroxylated sphingolipids could be detected. Changed amino acid metabolism was restricted mainly to metabolites of the arginine/dimethylarginine/NO synthase pathway. The identified metabolic divergences observed in CRC set the foundation for mechanistic studies to characterise biochemical pathways that become deregulated during progression through the adenoma to carcinoma sequence and highlight the key importance of lipid metabolites. Biomarkers related to these pathways could improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis, as well as the monitoring of therapies. Full article
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31 pages, 2029 KiB  
Review
Behavioural Interventions in People with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials
by Renée Speyer, Reinie Cordier, Anna-Liisa Sutt, Lianne Remijn, Bas Joris Heijnen, Mathieu Balaguer, Timothy Pommée, Michelle McInerney and Liza Bergström
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(3), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030685 - 28 Jan 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7839
Abstract
Objective: To determine the effects of behavioural interventions in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia. Methods: Systematic literature searches were conducted to retrieve randomized controlled trials in four different databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed). The methodological quality of eligible articles was assessed using the [...] Read more.
Objective: To determine the effects of behavioural interventions in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia. Methods: Systematic literature searches were conducted to retrieve randomized controlled trials in four different databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed). The methodological quality of eligible articles was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2), after which meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Results: A total of 37 studies were included. Overall, a significant, large pre-post interventions effect size was found. To compare different types of interventions, all behavioural interventions and conventional dysphagia treatment comparison groups were categorised into compensatory, rehabilitative, and combined compensatory and rehabilitative interventions. Overall, significant treatment effects were identified favouring behavioural interventions. In particular, large effect sizes were found when comparing rehabilitative interventions with no dysphagia treatment, and combined interventions with compensatory conventional dysphagia treatment. When comparing selected interventions versus conventional dysphagia treatment, significant, large effect sizes were found in favour of Shaker exercise, chin tuck against resistance exercise, and expiratory muscle strength training. Conclusions: Behavioural interventions show promising effects in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia. However, due to high heterogeneity between studies, generalisations of meta-analyses need to be interpreted with care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Management of Voice and Swallowing Disorders)
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