Dysphagia in a Patient With Sarcoidosis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Dysphagia in a Patient With Sarcoidosis via JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery Online First This case report describes a woman in her 70s with a medical history of sarcoidosis, atrial fibrillation, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Schatzki's ring status after multiple dilations, pulmonary hypertension, and hypothyroidism who presented with a more than 10-year history of dysphagia and was found to have sarcoid involvement of the upper esophageal sphincter. View on Web

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Hypothyroidism After Using Superior Thyroid Artery as A Recipient Artery

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Hypothyroidism After Using Superior Thyroid Artery as A Recipient Artery via The Laryngoscope The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of the superior thyroid artery (SThA) as a recipient vessel affect thyroid dysfunction in patients undergoing TPLE combined with hemithyroidectomy. Our study revealed there was no significant difference in the postoperative hypothyroidism between patients with SThA used and not. We suggest that even after hemithyroidectomy, with inferior thyroid arteries are preserved, the SThA can be used as a recipient vessel. Objective Superior thyroid artery (SThA) is a common recipient artery in free tissue transfer even after total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy (TPLE) with hemithyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of SThA as a recipient vessel affect thyroid function in patients undergoing TPLE with hemithyroidectomy. Methods From 2011 to 2020, 91 patients who underwent free jejunum transfer after TPLE with hemithyroidectomy were divided into two groups. In Group1 (n = 47), the contralateral SThA was used for the anastomosis. In Group2 (n = 44), other vessels were used. Retrospective chart review was performed comparing postoperative thyroid function between two groups. Results In group1, 17 patients presented hypothyroidism, 21 presented latent hypothyroidism and 9 presented no thyroid dysfunction comparing 15, 19, and 10 respectively in group 2. There were no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion Even after hemithyroidectomy, with inferior thyroid arteries are preserved, the SThA can be used as a recipient vessel. Level of Evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Proteomic analysis of infected root canals with apical periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross‐sectional study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Proteomic analysis of infected root canals with apical periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross‐sectional study via International Endodontic Journal Abstract Aim This study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively determine the proteomic profile of apical periodontitis (AP) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients in comparison to systemically non-compromised patients, and to correlate the protein expression of both groups with their biological functions. Methodology The sample consisted of 18 patients with asymptomatic AP divided into two groups according to the presence of T2DM: diabetic group - patients with T2DM (n = 9) and control group - systemically healthy patients (n = 9). After sample collection, the root canal samples were prepared for proteomic analysis using reverse-phase liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis was performed by Protein Lynx Global Service software. Differences in protein expression between groups were calculated using t-test (p < 0.05). Biological functions were analyzed using the Homo sapiens UniProt database. Results A total of 727 human proteins were identified in all samples. Among them, 124 proteins common to both groups were quantified, out of which 65 proteins from the diabetic group showed significant differences compared with the control: 43 up-regulated (p < 0.05) and 22 down-regulated (p < 0.05) proteins. No significant differences in protein expression were seen for the remaining 59 proteins (p > 0.05). Most proteins with differences in expression were related to immune/inflammatory response. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, Plastin-2, Lactotransferrin, and 13 isoforms of immunoglobulins were up-regulated. In contrast, Protein S100-A8, Protein S100-A9, Histone H2B, Neutrophil defensin 1, Neutrophil defensin 3, and Prolactin-inducible protein were down-regulated. Conclusions Quantitative differences were demonstrated in the expression of proteins common to diabetic and control groups, mainly related to immune response, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and proteolysis. These findings revealed biological pathways that provide the basis to support clinical findings on the relationship between AP and T2DM. View on Web

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Vomer‐Rostrum Mucosal Flap for Exposed Bone Coverage After Sphenoid Sinusotomy

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Vomer‐Rostrum Mucosal Flap for Exposed Bone Coverage After Sphenoid Sinusotomy via The Laryngoscope The vomer-rostrum mucosal flap is a useful technique utilizing vascularized mucosa of the rostrum and posterior septum to cover exposed hyperostotic bone following wide sphenoidotomy surgery. Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Comparison of transfusion reactions in children and adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Comparison of transfusion reactions in children and adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis via Pediatric Blood & Cancer Abstract Background There are no international standards or normalizations for diagnosing and treating complications from blood transfusions. We comprehensively compared the incidence of adverse blood transfusions in children and adults. Methods Available literature on blood transfusion adverse reactions in children and adults prior to November 27, 2021 was collected from several electronic databases. This meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.2 and Stata 15.1. Results The incidence of transfusion reactions is higher in children than in adults. Children transfused with red blood cells and platelets exhibited a higher incidence of transfusion reaction than that of adults. Moreover, the incidence of allergic and febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions was significantly higher in children than in adults. The incidence of some rare transfusion reactions was also significantly higher in children than in adults. Conclusion The incidence of transfusion reactions in children and adults is varied. Guidelines for children are necessary. View on Web

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Safety and value of pre‐transplant antibiotic allergy delabeling in a quaternary transplant center

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Safety and value of pre‐transplant antibiotic allergy delabeling in a quaternary transplant center via Transplant Infectious Disease Abstract Background Self-reported antibiotic allergies, also known as antibiotic allergy labels, are common and may lead to worse patient outcomes. Within immunocompromised patients, antibiotic allergy labels can lead to inappropriate use of antimicrobials and may limit options for prophylactic and therapeutic options in the post-transplant period. While antibiotic allergy delabeling is considered an important aspect of antibiotic stewardship protocols, evidence and awareness of its application in transplant recipients is limited. Methods We describe our experience with an antibiotic allergy delabeling intervention in the pre-transplant evaluation period and its impact on post-transplant antimicrobial utilization. This was a retrospective analysis of patients with an antibiotic allergy label who underwent evaluation for solid organ or stem cell transplantation between 2015–2020. Patients included in this analysis were those who completed pre-transplant antibiotic allergy delabeling through our Drug Allergy Clinic and were retained in care for six months after transplant. Results Twenty-six of 27 patients underwent pre-transplant antibiotic allergy delabeling and safely received the delabeled antibiotic post-transplant. There were no reported side effects to the delabeled antibiotic within 6 months post-transplant. Specific examination of sulfonamide (sulfa)-antibiotic delabeling showed cost savings of $254 to $2,910 per patient in the post-transplant period compared to the use of alternative antibiotics for prophylaxis protocol. Conclusion Antibiotic allergy delabeling prior to transplant is safe, is of high value, and should be considered in the pre-transplant evaluation period. More resources are needed for the development of delabeling guidelines and support for broad implementation of pre-transplant antibiotic allergy delabeling programs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved View on Web

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Differences in levothyroxine action on thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activity between metformin‐ and myo‐inositol‐treated women with autoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Differences in levothyroxine action on thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activity between metformin‐ and myo‐inositol‐treated women with autoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism via Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics The impact of levothyroxine on thyroid antibody titers, thyrotropin, free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine is more pronounced in women with autoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism receiving metformin than myo-inositol. Abstract What is known and objective Insulin resistance impairs the impact of levothyroxine on thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activity. Both metformin and myo-inositol were found to improve insulin sensitivity and to reduce thyrotropin levels in individuals with hypothyroidism. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of levothyroxine on thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activity between women receiving metformin and myo-inositol. Methods The study included two groups of women with autoimmune hypothyroidism, treated for at least 6 months with either metformin (group A; n = 25) or myo-inositol (group B; n = 25). Both groups were matched for age, insulin sensitivity, hormone levels and antibody titers. For the following 6 months, all women received levothyroxine. Plasma levels of glucose, insulin, thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones, prolactin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), as well as titers of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Results and discussion At baseline there were not differences between the study groups. Although levothyroxine reduced thyrotropin levels, increased free thyroid hormone levels and decreased antibody titers in both study groups, these effects were more pronounced in group A than group B. Only in group A, levothyroxine increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D, decreased hsCRP and improved insulin sensitivity. The impact of levothyroxine on thyrotropin and free thyroid hormones correlated with treatment-induced changes in insulin sensitivity, antibody titers, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and hsCRP. What is new and conclusion The present study suggests that the impact of levothyroxine on thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activity is stronger in women receiving metformin than in women treated with myo-inositol. View on Web

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The diagnostic and prognostic value of serum exosome‐derived carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 in HEV‐related acute liver failure patients

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The diagnostic and prognostic value of serum exosome‐derived carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 in HEV‐related acute liver failure patients via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract Background Early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation are of great significance to HEV-related acute liver failure (HEV-ALF) patients Methods We collected serum samples from 200 health controls (HCs), 200 patients with acute hepatitis E (AHE) and 200 HEV-ALF patients to evaluate serum exosome-derived carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1) levels and determine its diagnostic and prognostic value. Results The exosome-derived CPS1 levels in the HEV-ALF group were significantly higher than those in the AHE and HCs groups. The AUC of exosome-derived CPS1 to predict the occurrence of HEV-ALF was 0.850 (0.811-0.883). Both logistical regression and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) showed that exosome-derived CPS1 is independent risk factor for HEV-ALF. The exosome-derived CPS1 levels were positively correlated with organ failure, and the outcomes in HEV-ALF patients. The exosome-derived CPS1 levels in the worsening group wer e significantly higher than those in the fluctuating and the improving groups. The AUC of serum exosome-derived CPS1 to predict 30-day mortality was 0.829 (0.770-0.879), which was significantly greater than that of the Child-Pugh, KCH, and MELD model. Conclusions The level of serum exosome-derived CPS1 might serve as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HEV-ALF patients, which may provide better guidance for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of HEV-ALF patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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An Exploratory Study of Neoadjuvant Cetuximab Followed by Cetuximab and Chemoradiotherapy in Women With Newly Diagnosed Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader An Exploratory Study of Neoadjuvant Cetuximab Followed by Cetuximab and Chemoradiotherapy in Women With Newly Diagnosed Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer via American Journal of Clinical Oncology - Current Issue Objectives: This study explored the feasibility of cetuximab with chemoradiation in women with cervical carcinoma and evaluated fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) to assess early response to cetuximab (NCT00292955). Patients and Methods: Eligible patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB-IVB invasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix were treated on 1 of 3 dose levels (DL). DL1 consisted of neoadjuvant cetuximab, then concurrent radiotherapy with cetuximab 250 mg/m2/cisplatin 40 mg/m2, followed by weekly cetuximab. DL2 consisted of radiotherapy with cetuximab 200 mg/m2 and cisplatin 30 mg/m2. DL3 consisted of radiotherapy with cetuximab 250 mg/m2 and cisplatin 30 mg/m2. Patients underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT before treatment, after neoadjuvant cetuximab, and at the end of treatment. Results: Of the 21 patients enrolled, 9, 3, and 9 were treated in DL1, DL2, and DL3, respectively. DL1 required dose reductions due to gastrointestinal toxicities. DL2 and 3 were tolerated with 1 dose-limiting toxicity (grade 4 renal failure) at DL3. Following 3 weekly treatments of neoadjuvant cetuximab in DL1, 7 patients had maximum standardized uptake value changes on 18F-FDG-PET/CT consistent with response to cetuximab. Of the 12 patients with locally advanced disease, eleven evaluable patients had no evidence of disease on 18F-FDG-PET/CT at treatment end. Five-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates for all patients were 57.5% and 58.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Cetuximab with cisplatin 30 mg/m2 and radiotherapy was tolerated. 18F-FDG-PET/CT demonstrated early evidence of response to neoadjuvant cetuximab. With advances in precision oncology and the recent approval of pembrolizumab in metastatic cervical cancer, dual-target inhibition with an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor may be a promising treatment in the future. View on Web

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Dose of deferasirox correlates with its effects, which differ between low‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome and aplastic anaemia

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Dose of deferasirox correlates with its effects, which differ between low‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome and aplastic anaemia via Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics This study retrospectively evaluated the efficacy, safety and dose–effect relationships of deferasirox (DFX) in patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and aplastic anaemia (AA) who were refractory to regular treatment in a real-world setting. We found that a significant decrease in serum ferritin (SF) and an improvement in haematologic parameters, organ function and even overall survival (OS) can be achieved if the accumulated DFX dose reaches a certain level. Patients with low-risk MDS need a higher dose than those with AA. Abstract What is known and objective Patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and aplastic anaemia (AA) often need transfusions, which may accelerate iron overload. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and dose–effect relationships of deferasirox (DFX) in patients with low-risk MDS and AA who were refractory to regular treatment in a real-world setting. Methods Patient data were recorded, and dose–effect relationships of DFX were calculated after the first 6 months. Total annual exposure to DFX was calculated after 12 months and expressed as the accumulated exposure time at a dosage of 20 mg/kg/day. Results and discussion Sixty-one patients with low-risk MDS and 51 with AA were enrolled. The minimum dosage of DFX needed for a significant serum ferritin (SF) decrease was 20 mg/kg/day at 6 months, and the minimum accumulation of DFX had to reach 9 months at 20 mg/kg/day by 12 months for patients with low-risk MDS. For patients with AA, the minimum dosage was 10 mg/kg/day at 6 months, and the minimum accumulation had to reach 3 months at 20 mg/kg/day by 12 months. With the same exposure, significant improvements in haematological parameters were also observed in AA. Lower liver enzymes compared with baseline were observed. Gastrointestinal disorders and elevated serum creatinine were the most common side effects. Higher exposure to DFX correlated with longer overall survival (OS). What is new and conclusion A significant decrease in SF and an improvement in haematologic parameters, organ function and even OS can be achieved if the accumulated DFX dose reaches a certain level. Patients with low-risk MDS need a higher dose than those with AA. View on Web

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