Anterior cervical spine surgery and dysphagia

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Anterior cervical spine surgery and dysphagia via Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery - Published Ahead-of-Print Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to summarize current evidence regarding dysphagia in anterior cervical spine surgeries (ACSS) and to present recent advances in evaluation and surgical technique. Recent findings Various risk factors for dysphagia have been identified, and they include female sex, smoking history, prior surgery and cervical lordotic angle. EAT-10 is a validated tool for the assessment of individuals with dysphagia post-ACSS. Local intraoperative corticosteroid application significantly reduced the incidence and magnitude of dysphagia in four out of five studies that were reviewed. Individuals who had undergone cervical disc replacement (CDR) and revision surgery by a zero-profile anchored spacer (ROI-C) device experienced less dysphagia than those who had anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF). Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) after ACSS demonstrated pharyngeal weakness and increased posterior pharyngeal wall thickness, while no other abnormality was found. Summary Different technique variations can reduce dysphagia severity in individuals undergoing ACSS. Surgeons are encouraged to continue performing randomized control studies to assist in choosing the most favourable technique for the patient. View on Web

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Poly(Caprolactone)‐Aligned Nanofibers Associated with Fibronectin‐loaded Collagen Hydrogel as a Potent Bioactive Scaffold for Cell‐Free Regenerative Endodontics

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Poly(Caprolactone)‐Aligned Nanofibers Associated with Fibronectin‐loaded Collagen Hydrogel as a Potent Bioactive Scaffold for Cell‐Free Regenerative Endodontics via International Endodontic Journal Abstract Aim Guided tissue regeneration has been considered a promising strategy to replace conventional endodontic therapy of teeth with incomplete root formation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a tubular scaffold (TB-SC) with poly (caprolactone)-aligned nanofibers associated with a fibronectin-loaded collagen hydrogel and assess the pulp regeneration potential mediated by human apical papilla cells (hAPCs) using an in vitro model of teeth with incomplete root formation. Methodology Aligned nanofiber strips based on 10% poly(caprolactone) (PCL) were synthesized with the electrospinning technique to produce the TB-SCs. These were submitted to different treatments, according to the following groups: TB-SC (negative control): TB-SC without treatment; TB-SC+FN (positive control): TB-SC coated with 10 μg/mL of fibronectin; TB-SC+H: TB-SC associated with collagen hydrogel; TB-SC+HFN: TB-SC associated with fibronectin-loaded collagen hydrogel. Then, the biomaterials were inserted into cylindrical devices to mimic the regenerative therapy of teeth with incomplete root formation. The hAPCs were seeded on the upper surface of the TB-SCs associated or not with any treatment, and cell migration/proliferation and the gene expression of markers related to pulp regeneration (ITGA5, ITGAV, COL1A1, and COL1A3) were evaluated. The data were submitted to ANOVA/Tukey's tests (α=5 %). Results Higher values of cell migration/proliferation and gene expression of all markers tested were observed in groups TB-SC+FN, TB-SC+H, and TB-SC+HFN compared with the TB-SC group (p<0.05). The hAPCs in the TB-SC+HFN group showed the highest values of cell proliferation and gene expression of COL1A1 and COL3A1 (p<0.05), as well as superior cell migration results to groups TB-SC and TB-SC+H (p<0.05). Conclusion Aligned nanofiber scaffolds associated with the fibronectin-loaded collagen hydrogel enhanced the migration and proliferation of hAPCs, and gene expression of pulp regeneration markers. Therefore, the use of these biomaterials may be considered an interesting strategy for regenerative pulp therapy of teeth with incomplete root formation. View on Web

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Advances in Scaffolds Used for Pulp‐Dentine Complex Tissue Engineering – A Narrative Review

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Advances in Scaffolds Used for Pulp‐Dentine Complex Tissue Engineering – A Narrative Review via International Endodontic Journal Abstract Pulp necrosis in immature teeth disrupts root development and predisposes roots to fracture as a consequence of their thin walls and open apices. Regenerative endodontics is a developing treatment modality whereby necrotic pulps are replaced with newly formed healthy tissue inside the root canal. Many clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of this strategy to stimulate root maturation and apical root-end closure. However, clinical outcomes are patient-dependent and unpredictable. The development of predictable clinical protocols is achieved through the interplay of the three classical elements of tissue engineering, namely, stem cells, signaling molecules, and scaffolds. Scaffolds provide structural support for cells to adhere and proliferate and also regulate cell differentiation and metabolism. Hence, designing and fabricating an appropriate scaffold is a crucial step in tissue engineering. In this review, four main classes of scaffolds used to engineer pulp-dentine co mplexes, including bioceramic-based scaffolds, synthetic polymer-based scaffolds, natural polymer-based scaffolds, and composite scaffolds, are covered. Additionally, recent advances in the design, fabrication, and application of such scaffolds are analysed along with their advantages and limitations. Finally, the importance of vascular network establishment in the success of pulp-dentine complex regeneration and strategies used to create scaffolds to address this challenge are discussed. View on Web

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Asthma inflammatory phenotypes on four continents: most asthma is non-eosinophilic

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Asthma inflammatory phenotypes on four continents: most asthma is non-eosinophilic via International Journal of Epidemiology - Advance Access Abstract Background Most studies assessing pathophysiological heterogeneity in asthma have been conducted in high-income countries (HICs), with little known about the prevalence and characteristics of different asthma inflammatory phenotypes in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study assessed sputum inflammatory phenotypes in five centres, in Brazil, Ecuador, Uganda, New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 998 asthmatics and 356 non-asthmatics in 2016–20. All centres studied children and adolescents (age range 8–20 years), except the UK centre which involved 26–27 year-olds. Information was collected using questionnaires, clinical characterization, blood and induced sputum. Results Of 623 asthmatics with sputum results, 39% (243) were classified as eosinophilic or mixed granulocytic, i.e. eosinophilic asthma (EA). Adjusted for age and sex, with NZ as ba seline, the UK showed similar odds of EA (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.37–2.94) with lower odds in the LMICs: Brazil (0.73, 0.42–1.27), Ecuador (0.40, 0.24–0.66) and Uganda (0.62, 0.37–1.04). Despite the low prevalence of neutrophilic asthma in most centres, sputum neutrophilia was increased in asthmatics and non-asthmatics in Uganda. Conclusions This is the first time that sputum induction has been used to compare asthma inflammatory phenotypes in HICs and LMICs. Most cases were non-eosinophilic, including in settings where corticosteroid use was low. A lower prevalence of EA was observed in the LMICs than in the HICs. This has major implications for asthma prevention and management, and suggests that novel prevention strategies and therapies specifically targeting non-eosinophilic asthma are required globally. View on Web

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A rare case of facial asymmetry caused by simultaneous development of osteochondroma and synovial chondromatosis at the temporomandibular joint

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader A rare case of facial asymmetry caused by simultaneous development of osteochondroma and synovial chondromatosis at the temporomandibular joint via ScienceDirect Publication: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine, and Pathology Publication date: Available online 30 August 2022 Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine, and Pathology Author(s): Ichiro Kaneko, Masaaki Karino, Rie Osako - Sonoyama, Shinji Ishizuka, Erina Toda, Junichi Kanayama, Satoe Okuma, Hiroto Tatsumi, Tatsuo Okui, Takahiro Kanno View on Web

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Transmission pattern of measles virus circulating

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Transmission pattern of measles virus circulating in China during 1993–2021: genotyping evidence supports that China is approaching measles elimination via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Background To provide useful insights into the measles elimination progress in China, measles surveillance data was reviewed, and the transmission patterns of measles viruses circulating in China during 1993–2021 were analyzed. Methods Measles incidence data from the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention was analyzed. A total of 17,570 strains were obtained from 30 of 31 provinces in mainland China during 1993–2021. The recommended genotyping window was amplified. Genotyping analysis was conducted in comparison with the reference strains. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify genetic relationships among different lineages within the genotypes. Results With high coverage of routine immunization and intensive supplementary immunization activities, measles incidence has shown a downward trend since 1993, despite two resurgences, reac hing a historic low level in 2020–2021 (average 0.5 per million). During 1993–2021, nine genotypes including domestic genotype H1, imported genotypes B3, D4, D8, D9, D11, G3, and H2, and vaccine-associated genotype A were identified. Among them, genotype H1 strain circulated endemically in China for over 25 years; the last strain was detected in Yunnan province in September 2019. Multiple imported genotypes were identified since 2009 showing different transmission patterns. Since April 2020, no imported strains have been detected, while vaccine-associated genotype A continues to be detected. Conclusions The evidence of low incidence during 2020–2021 and virological surveillance data in this study confirmed that China is currently approaching measles elimination. View on Web

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Rifapentine with and without moxifloxacin for pulmonary tuberculosis in people with HIV (S31/A5349)

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Rifapentine with and without moxifloxacin for pulmonary tuberculosis in people with HIV (S31/A5349) via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) Trials Consortium Study 31/AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5349, an international randomized open-label phase 3 non-inferiority trial showed that a 4-month daily regimen substituting rifapentine for rifampin and moxifloxacin for ethambutol had non-inferior efficacy and was safe for the treatment of drug-susceptible pulmonary TB (DS-PTB) compared with the standard 6-month regimen. We explored results among the pre-specified subgroup of people with HIV (PWH). Methods PWH and CD4 + counts ≥100 cells/μL were eligible if they were receiving or about to initiate efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy (ART). Primary endpoints of TB disease-free survival 12 months post-randomization (efficacy) and ≥ grade 3 adverse events (AEs) on treatment (safety) were compared, using a 6.6% non-inferiority margin for efficacy. Randomization was stratified by site, pulmonary cavitation, and HIV-status. PWH were e nrolled in a staged fashion, to support cautious evaluation of drug-drug interactions between rifapentine and efavirenz. Results 2,516 participants from 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas were enrolled. Among 194 (8%) microbiologically eligible PWH, the median CD4 + count was 344 cells/μL (interquartile range: 223–455). The rifapentine-moxifloxacin regimen was non-inferior to control (absolute difference in unfavorable outcomes -7.4% [95% CI –20.8% to +6.0%]); the rifapentine regimen was not non-inferior to control (+7.5% [95% CI -7.3% to +22.4%]). Fewer AEs were reported in rifapentine-based regimens (15%) than the control regimen (21%). Conclusions In people with HIV-associated DS-PTB with CD4 + counts ≥100 cells/μL on efavirenz-based ART, the 4-month daily rifapentine-moxifloxacin regimen was non-inferior to the 6-month control regimen and was safe. View on Web

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