Abstract - Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) still remains a significant problem. In line with the forecasted rise in joint replacement procedures, the number of cases of PJI is also anticipated to ...rise. The formation of biofilm by causative pathogens is central to the occurrence and the recalcitrance of PJI. The subject of microbial biofilms is receiving increasing attention, probably as a result of the wide acknowledgement of the ubiquity of biofilms in the natural, industrial, and clinical contexts, as well as the notorious difficulty in eradicating them. In this review, we discuss the pertinent issues surrounding PJI and the challenges posed by biofilms regarding diagnosis and treatment. In addition, we discuss novel strategies of prevention and treatment of biofilm-related PJI.
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DOBA, FSPLJ, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
Tissue fibrosis (scarring) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Current treatments for fibrotic disorders, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis and systemic sclerosis, ...target the inflammatory cascade, but they have been widely unsuccessful, largely because the mechanisms that are involved in fibrogenesis are now known to be distinct from those involved in inflammation. Several experimental models have recently been developed to dissect the molecular mechanisms of wound healing and fibrosis. It is hoped that by better understanding the immunological mechanisms that initiate, sustain and suppress the fibrotic process, we will achieve the elusive goal of targeted and effective therapeutics for fibroproliferative diseases.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Sporadic fundic gland polyps (FGPs) progress, albeit rarely, to dysplasia and cancer. Two meta-analyses, including 8 and 11 studies, concluded that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were associated with ...FGPs. Intervention is considered unnecessary when FGPs have a background of PPIs use. Both meta-analyses, however, disregarded known confounders: age, sex, endoscopy indications, study design (prospective or retrospective), duration of PPI use, and H. pylori infection. Confounders are known to invalidate meta-analyses. We followed PRIXMA guidelines and searched the literature for studies on FGPs in PPI-users and PPI-nonusers. In the 22 studies searched, we compared FGPs in PPI-users (n = 6534) and PPI-nonusers (n = 41 115). Heterogeneity was significant (Cochran Q = 277.8, P < 0.0001; I2 = 92.8%), annulling meta-analysis performed by blanket tallying. To offset the above confounders, we matched PPI-users and PPI-nonusers by (a) age and sex (n = 4300 and 29 307, respectively) and (b) their propensity scores derived from the confounders (n = 2950 and 4729, respectively). After both matching, FGPs were not significantly different between PPI-users and PPI-nonusers odds ratio (OR) = 1.1, P = 0.3078; OR = 0.9, P = 0.3258, respectively. Furthermore, FGP frequency did not correlate with increasing duration of PPI use (Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients = 0.1162, 0.0386, P < 0.6064, 0.8646, respectively); it was not significantly different between any of the duration periods of observation, namely, <10, 10-20, 20-40, >40 months, nor was it significantly different between PPI-users and PPI-nonusers within each duration period (P > 0.05). We conclude that PPIs are not associated with FGPs, implying that a background history of PPI use is not a justification for nonintervention in the management of FGPs.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 18 million people in the United States. Assessing the extent and severity of atopic dermatitis is critical for ...determining baseline disease burden and treatment effectiveness for both investigators and clinicians. Considerable efforts over the past several decades have been made in developing a highly validated instrument called the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). Although several guides exist for the EASI, questions continue to arise regarding its use and interpretation. This review was developed to serve as the definitive guide for the EASI and to address commonly asked questions.
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