The search for biomarkers has been central to efforts of improving clinical diagnosis and prognosis in psychopathology in the last decades. The main approach has been to validate biomarkers that ...could accurately discriminate between clinical diagnoses of very prevalent forms of psychopathology. One of the most popular electrophysiological markers proposed for discrimination in depressive disorders is the electroencephalography (EEG)-derived frontal alpha asymmetry. However, the validity, reliability and predictive value of this biomarker have been questioned in recent years, mainly due to conceptual and methodological heterogeneity.
In the current non-experimental, correlational study we investigated relationship of resting-state EEG alpha asymmetry from multiple sites (frontal, frontolateral, and parietal) with different forms of depressive disorders (varying in type or severity), in a clinical sample.
Results showed that alpha asymmetry in the parietal (P3-P4) was significantly higher than in the frontal (F3-F4) and frontolateral sites (F7-F8). However, we did not find significant relations between alpha asymmetry indices and our depressive disorder measures, except for a moderate positive association between frontolateral alpha asymmetry (eyes-closed only) and depressive disorder severity (determined through clinical structured interview). We also found no significant differences in alpha asymmetry between participants, depending on their depression type.
Based on results, we propose the parietal and frontolateral asymmetry indices to form hypotheses that should not be abandoned in the depression markers research, but worth for further experimental research. Methodological and clinical implications of the current findings are discussed.
Minimally invasive radical trachelectomy has emerged as an alternative to open radical hysterectomy for patients with early-stage cervical cancer desiring future fertility. Recent data suggest worse ...oncologic outcomes after minimally invasive radical hysterectomy than after open radical hysterectomy in stage I cervical cancer.
We aimed to compare 4.5-year disease-free survival after open vs minimally invasive radical trachelectomy.
This was a collaborative, international retrospective study (International Radical Trachelectomy Assessment Study) of patients treated during 2005–2017 at 18 centers in 12 countries. Eligible patients had squamous carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous carcinoma; had a preoperative tumor size of ≤2 cm; and underwent open or minimally invasive (robotic or laparoscopic) radical trachelectomy with nodal assessment (pelvic lymphadenectomy and/or sentinel lymph node biopsy). The exclusion criteria included neoadjuvant chemotherapy or preoperative pelvic radiotherapy, previous lymphadenectomy or pelvic retroperitoneal surgery, pregnancy, stage IA1 disease with lymphovascular space invasion, aborted trachelectomy (conversion to radical hysterectomy), or vaginal approach. Surgical approach, indication, and adjuvant therapy regimen were at the discretion of the treating institution. A total of 715 patients were entered into the study database. However, 69 patients were excluded, leaving 646 in the analysis. Endpoints were the 4.5-year disease-free survival rate (primary), 4.5-year overall survival rate (secondary), and recurrence rate (secondary). Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate disease-free survival and overall survival. A post hoc weighted analysis was performed, comparing the recurrence rates between surgical approaches, with open surgery being considered as standard and minimally invasive surgery as experimental.
Of 646 patients, 358 underwent open surgery, and 288 underwent minimally invasive surgery. The median (range) patient age was 32 (20–42) years for open surgery vs 31 (18–45) years for minimally invasive surgery (P=.11). Median (range) pathologic tumor size was 15 (0–31) mm for open surgery and 12 (0.8–40) mm for minimally invasive surgery (P=.33). The rates of pelvic nodal involvement were 5.3% (19 of 358 patients) for open surgery and 4.9% (14 of 288 patients) for minimally invasive surgery (P=.81). Median (range) follow-up time was 5.5 (0.20–16.70) years for open surgery and 3.1 years (0.02–11.10) years for minimally invasive surgery (P<.001). At 4.5 years, 17 of 358 patients (4.7%) with open surgery and 18 of 288 patients (6.2%) with minimally invasive surgery had recurrence (P=.40). The 4.5-year disease-free survival rates were 94.3% (95% confidence interval, 91.6–97.0) for open surgery and 91.5% (95% confidence interval, 87.6–95.6) for minimally invasive surgery (log-rank P=.37). Post hoc propensity score analysis of recurrence risk showed no difference between surgical approaches (P=.42). At 4.5 years, there were 6 disease-related deaths (open surgery, 3; minimally invasive surgery, 3) (log-rank P=.49). The 4.5-year overall survival rates were 99.2% (95% confidence interval, 97.6–99.7) for open surgery and 99.0% (95% confidence interval, 79.0–99.8) for minimally invasive surgery.
The 4.5-year disease-free survival rates did not differ between open radical trachelectomy and minimally invasive radical trachelectomy. However, recurrence rates in each group were low. Ongoing prospective studies of conservative management of early-stage cervical cancer may help guide future management.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Purpose
The objectives were to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS), and to evaluate the characteristics of the metabolically unhealthy lean ...(MUHL) and metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHO) phenotypes in a Romanian population-based sample from the PREDATORR study.
Methods
PREDATORR was an epidemiological study with a stratified, cross-sectional, cluster random sampling design. Participants were classified into four cardiometabolic phenotypes based on the BMI, the cut-off value being 25 kg/m
2
, and the presence of MetS (defined according to the Harmonization definition 2009): MUHL, MHO, metabolically healthy lean (MHL) and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese (MUHO).
Results
Overall, 2681 subjects aged 20–79 years were included in the analysis. The overall age and sex-adjusted prevalence of obesity was 31.90 %, overweight was 34.7 %, abdominal obesity was 73.90 % and MetS was 38.50 %. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of MHO phenotype was 31.60 %, while MUHL phenotype prevalence was 3.90 %. MUHL and MHO participants had a cardiometabolic profile, kidney function and CVD risk intermediary between MHL and MUHO. MUHL had higher odds of being associated with CVD risk (OR 5.8;
p
< 0.001), abdominal obesity, prediabetes, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia and hypo-HDL cholesterolemia than MHL, while MHO phenotype was associated with hypo-HDL cholesterolemia (OR 3.1;
p
= 0.002), prediabetes (OR 2.9;
p
< 0.001) and abdominal obesity.
Conclusions
PREDATORR study showed a high prevalence of obesity/overweight, abdominal obesity and MetS in the adult Romanian population, and their association with kidney function and several cardiometabolic factors.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
The β-type Ti-42Nb alloy has been successfully manufactured from pre-alloyed powder using the E-PBF method for the first time. This study presents thorough microstructural investigations employing ...diverse methodologies such as EDS, XRD, TEM, and EBSD, while mechanical properties are assessed using UPT, nanoindentation, and compression tests. Microstructural analysis reveals that Ti-42Nb alloy primarily consisted of the β phase with the presence of a small amount of nano-sized α″-martensite formed upon fast cooling. The bimodal-grained microstructure of Ti-42Nb alloy comprising epitaxially grown fine equiaxed and elongated equiaxed β-grains with an average grain size of 40 ± 28 µm exhibited a weak texture. The study shows that the obtained microstructure leads to improved mechanical properties. Young's modulus of 78.69 GPa is significantly lower than that of cp-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloys. The yield strength (379 MPa) and hardness (3.2 ± 0.5 GPa) also meet the criteria and closely approximate the values typical of cortical bone. UPT offers a reliable opportunity to study the nature of the ductility of the Ti-42Nb alloy by calculating its elastic constants. XPS surface analysis and electrochemical experiments demonstrate that the better corrosion resistance of the alloy in SBF is maintained by the dominant presence of TiO
and Nb
O
. The results provide valuable insights into the development of novel low-modulus Ti-Nb alloys, which are interesting materials for additive-manufactured implants with the desired properties required for their biomedical applications.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Our study aimed to assess the efficiency of Curcumin nanoformulation (LCC) on experimental nephrotoxicity induced by Gentamicin in rats.
Six groups of seven rats were used: C-(control group) received ...saline solution i.p. (i.p. = intraperitoneal), G-gentamicin (G, 80 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)), GCC1 and GCC2-with G and CC solution (single dose of 10 mg/kg b.w.-CC1, or 20 mg/kg b.w.-CC2), GLCC1 (10 mg/kg b.w.) and GLCC2 (20 mg/kg b.w.) with G and LCC administration. Oxidative stress parameters (NOx = nitric oxide, MDA = malondialdehyde, TOS = total oxidative stress), antioxidant parameters (CAT = catalase, TAC = total antioxidant capacity), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), and renal function parameters (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urea) were measured. Kidneys histopathologic examination was made for each group.
Pretreatment with CC and LCC in both doses had significantly alleviating effects on assessed parameters (NOx, MDA, TOS, CAT, TAC, MMP-2, and -9) as compared with the untreated group (
< 0.006). Histopathological aspect and renal function were significantly improved in CC and LCC groups. Liposomal formulation (LCC) showed higher efficiency on all examined parameters compared to CC (
< 0.006).
Our results demonstrated improving renal function and kidney cytoarchitecture, oxidative stress/antioxidant/balance, and MMPs plasma concentrations with better dose-related efficacity of LCC than CC.
Radical trachelectomy is considered a viable option for fertility preservation in patients with low-risk, early-stage cervical cancer. Standard approaches include laparotomy or minimally invasive ...surgery when performing radical trachelectomy.
To compare disease-free survival between patients with FIGO (2009) stage IA2 or IB1 (≤2cm) cervical cancer who underwent open versus minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) radical trachelectomy.
We hypothesize that minimally invasive radical trachelectomy has similar oncologic outcomes to those of the open approach.
This is a collaborative, multi-institutional, international, retrospective study. Patients who underwent a radical trachelectomy and lymphadenectomy between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2017 will be included. Institutional review board approval will be required. Each institution will be provided access to a study-specific REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) database maintained by MD Anderson Cancer Center and will be responsible for entering patient data.
Patients with squamous, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous cervical cancer FIGO (2009) stages IA2 and IB1 (≤2 cm) will be included. Surgery performed by the open approach or minimally invasive approach (laparoscopy or robotics). Tumor size ≤2 cm, by physical examination, ultrasound, MRI, CT, or positron emission tomography (at least one should confirm a tumor size ≤2 cm). Centers must contribute at least 15 cases of radical trachelectomy (open, minimally invasive, or both).
Prior neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the pelvis for cervical cancer at any time, prior lymphadenectomy, or pelvic retroperitoneal surgery, pregnant patients, aborted trachelectomy (intra-operative conversion to radical hysterectomy), or vaginal approach.
The primary endpoint is disease-free survival measured as the time from surgery until recurrence or death due to disease. To evaluate the primary objective, we will compare disease-free survival among patients with FIGO (2009) stage IA2 or IB1 (≤2cm) cervical cancer who underwent open versus minimally invasive radical trachelectomy.
An estimated 535 patients will be included; 256 open and 279 minimally invasive radical trachelectomy. Previous studies have shown that recurrence rates in the open group range from 3.8% to 7.6%. Assuming that the 4.5-year disease-free survival rate for patients who underwent open surgery is 95.0%, we have 80% power to detect a 0.44 HR using α level 0.10. This corresponds to an 89.0% disease-free survival rate at 4.5 years in the minimally invasive group.
Known for centuries throughout the world, Plantago species have long been used as traditional herbal remedies for many diseases related to inflammatory conditions of the skin, respiratory and ...digestive tract, or even malignancy. This study is aimed first at investigating the in vitro antioxidant and regenerative effects of Plantago sempervirens Crantz hydroalcoholic extract followed by an in vivo experiment using a turpentine oil-induced inflammation model. The in vitro evaluation for antioxidant activity was performed using classical assays such as DPPH and TEAC scavenging assays but also EPR, and the total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The wound healing assay was performed on human cells (Human EA.hy926). Besides, the prooxidant activity was determined using a method which involves in situ free radical generation by laccase and the oxidation of haemoglobin. On turpentine oil-induced inflammation in rats, the in vivo effects of three doses of P. sempervirens extracts (100%, 50%, and 25%) were assessed by measuring oxidative stress (MDA, TOS, OSI, NO, CAT, and SOD) and inflammatory (CRP, WBC, and NEU) parameters. Having a rich polyphenolic content, the xerophyte P. sempervirens exhibited a strong in vitro antioxidant activity by scavenging radicals, enhancing cell regeneration, and reducing oxidative stress markers. Diluted P. sempervirens extract (25%) exhibited the best antioxidant, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory activity.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Background: Due to the higher frequency of ischemic stroke in men compared to women, we aimed to determine if gender differences exist regarding periodontal status and several plasma biomarkers in ...patients with a recent large artery atherosclerosis ischemic stroke (IS). Material and methods: Patients with their first IS within less than six weeks who were able to undergo periodontal examinations were evaluated. Demographic data, periodontal status, oxidative stress parameters/plasma antioxidant capacity, and C-reactive protein in patients who suffered a recent large artery atherosclerosis ischemic stroke were reccorded. Results: 93 patients were included in the study. More men were smokers (12/57 vs. 3/36) and consumed alcohol (17/57 vs. 3/36), and more women had higher glycemic values (p = 0.023), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), LDL (low-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol (p = 0.010), and HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol (p = 0.005) levels. Significantly more men than women had moderate plus severe periodontal disease (p = 0.018), significantly higher levels of nitric oxide (p = 0.034), and significantly lower levels of total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.028). Conclusions: In this pilot study, men seem to be more prone to oxidative stress and to develop more severe forms of periodontitis among patients with stroke, but the results need validation on a larger sample.
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