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Objective: To investigate the incidence and risk factors for liver abscess formation after treatment with drug-eluting bead chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in patients with metastatic hepatic tumors (MHT). Methods: The current study is a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 137 patients with metastatic hepatic tumors who received DEB-TACE treatment in our institute (Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology) between June 2015 and September 2020. Patients were evaluated for the presence or absence of post-DEB-TACE liver abscess. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for liver abscess formation. Results: The incidence of liver abscess formation after the DEB-TACE procedure was 8.76% per patient and 5.53% per procedure. Univariate analysis showed that larger maximum tumor diameter (p = 0.004), Grade 1 artery occlusion (p < 0.001) and systemic chemotherapy within 3 months before the DEB-TACE procedure (p < 0.001) were all associated with liver abscess formation. However, only systemic chemotherapy within 3 months before the DEB-TACE procedure (OR 5.49; 95% CI 0.34–13.54; p < 0.001) was identified by multivariate analysis to be an independent risk factor. Conclusions: Tumor size, Grade 1 artery occlusion and recent systemic chemotherapy may all be associated with increased risk of liver abscess formation following DEB-TACE treatment in patients with metastatic hepatic tumors. Advances in knowledge: Identification of risk factors for liver abscess formation following DEB-TACE in patients with MHT. These findings suggest the need for caution and consideration of the aforementioned risk factors on the part of interventional radiologists when designing DEB-TACE strategies and performing post-procedure patient management.

Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for remote electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring has increased drastically in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus and keep vulnerable individuals with less severe cases out of hospitals. Enabling clinicians to set up remote patient ECG monitoring easily and determining how to classify the ECG signals accurately so relevant alerts are sent in a timely fashion is an urgent problem to be addressed for remote patient monitoring (RPM) to be adopted widely. Hence, a new technique is required to enable routine and widespread use of RPM, as is needed due to COVID-19. Objective The primary aim of this research is to create a robust and easy-to-use solution for personalized ECG monitoring in real-world settings that is precise, easily configurable, and understandable by clinicians. Methods In this paper, we propose a Personalized Monitoring Model (PMM) for ECG data based on motif discovery. Motif discovery finds meaningful or frequently recurring patterns in patient ECG readings. The main strategy is to use motif discovery to extract a small sample of personalized motifs for each individual patient and then use these motifs to predict abnormalities in real-time readings of that patient using an artificial logical network configured by a physician. Results Our approach was tested on 30 minutes of ECG readings from 32 patients. The average diagnostic accuracy of the PMM was always above 90% and reached 100% for some parameters, compared to 80% accuracy for the Generalized Monitoring Models (GMM). Regardless of parameter settings, PMM training models were generated within 3-4 minutes, compared to 1 hour (or longer, with increasing amounts of training data) for the GMM. Conclusions Our proposed PMM almost eliminates many of the training and small sample issues associated with GMMs. It also addresses accuracy and computational cost issues of the GMM, caused by the uniqueness of heartbeats and training issues. In addition, it addresses the fact that doctors and nurses typically do not have data science training and the skills needed to configure, understand, and even trust existing black box machine learning models.

Background Obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are worldwide epidemics that inflict burdens on both public health and health care costs. Self-management plays an important role in the proper management of these 3 chronic diseases, and in this context, mobile health (mHealth) can be a cost-effective self-management tool. Objective The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the effects of an integrative mHealth approach for obesity, hypertension, and T2DM on body fat, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels and demonstrate the clinical outcomes. The participants were patients aged 40 to 70 years who were treated for T2DM (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] above 6.0%) without insulin or hypertension and obesity, controlled with pharmacotherapy. Methods This pilot study was performed using a controlled, randomized, 3-month, 2-period crossover design. A total of 37 participants were recruited from 2 university hospitals in South Korea. Integrative mHealth comprised 4 parts: self-measuring home devices for monitoring blood glucose and blood pressure; 2 smartphone apps, where one gathered lifestyle data, giving them feedback with health information, and the other provided drug information and reminders of the medication schedule; unmanned kiosks for official measurement of blood pressure and body composition; and web-based access to participants’ health information. Results Data from the 32 participants were analyzed. Their mean HbA1c level was 7.5% (SD 0.8, ranging from 6.1% to 9.4%). Approximately 38% (12/32) of the participants had hypertension. BMIs of all participants except 1 were >23 kg/m2. The input rates of food intake and exercise to the smartphone app were very low (24.9% and 5.3%, respectively). On the contrary, the input rate of medicine intake was high (84.0%). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the input rate of taking medicine irrespective of whether the mHealth period was before or after the conventional treatment period (80.3% and 87.3%, respectively; P=.06). Among the 3 input functions of food intake, exercise, and medicine intake in smartphone apps, the input of medicine intake was a more helpful, easier to use, and better-designed function than the others. There were no significant differences in changes in body weight (−0.519 kg vs 0 kg), BMI (−0.133 kg/m2 vs −0.167 kg/m2), body composition (body fat −0.255% vs 0.172%), blood pressure (systolic −0.226 mm Hg vs −2.839 mm Hg), and HbA1c (−0.269% vs –0.009%) between the integrative mHealth and conventional treatment groups. However, in proportion to the elevation in the input rate of taking medicine, body fat mass (P=.04) and HbA1c (P=.03) were lower in the integrative mHealth group. Conclusions Although smartphone apps can influence body fat and blood glucose levels, they have failed to show clinical improvement. A higher input rate of taking medicine was related to significantly lower body fat mass and HbA1c levels.

Background Sequential information in electronic medical records is valuable and helpful for patient outcome prediction but is rarely used for patient similarity measurement because of its unevenness, irregularity, and heterogeneity. Objective We aimed to develop a patient similarity framework for patient outcome prediction that makes use of sequential and cross-sectional information in electronic medical record systems. Methods Sequence similarity was calculated from timestamped event sequences using edit distance, and trend similarity was calculated from time series using dynamic time warping and Haar decomposition. We also extracted cross-sectional information, namely, demographic, laboratory test, and radiological report data, for additional similarity calculations. We validated the effectiveness of the framework by constructing k–nearest neighbors classifiers to predict mortality and readmission for acute myocardial infarction patients, using data from (1) a public data set and (2) a private data set, at 3 time points—at admission, on Day 7, and at discharge—to provide early warning patient outcomes. We also constructed state-of-the-art Euclidean-distance k–nearest neighbor, logistic regression, random forest, long short-term memory network, and recurrent neural network models, which were used for comparison. Results With all available information during a hospitalization episode, predictive models using the similarity model outperformed baseline models based on both public and private data sets. For mortality predictions, all models except for the logistic regression model showed improved performances over time. There were no such increasing trends in predictive performances for readmission predictions. The random forest and logistic regression models performed best for mortality and readmission predictions, respectively, when using information from the first week after admission. Conclusions For patient outcome predictions, the patient similarity framework facilitated sequential similarity calculations for uneven electronic medical record data and helped improve predictive performance.

Background Much of the recent literature on bromelain based enzymatic debridement of burn injury has focused on its use in smaller burn injury and specialist areas such as the hands or genitals (Krieger et al., 2012; Schulz et al., 2017a,b,c,d). This is despite the original papers describing its use in larger burn injury (Rosenberg et al., 2004, 2014). The current EMA license for Nexobrid™ advises that it should not be used for burn injuries of more than 15% TBSA and should be used with caution in patients with pulmonary burn trauma and suspected pulmonary burn trauma. The original safety and efficacy trial of NexoBrid™ limited its use to 15% TBSA aliquots with concern regarding the effect of bromelain on coagulation. In a European consensus paper of experienced burns clinicians, now on its second iteration, 100% of respondents agreed that “up to 30% BSA can be treated by enzymatic debridement based on individual decision” (Hirche et al., 2017). Hofmaenner et al.’s recent study on the safety of enzymatic debridement in extensive burns larger than 15% provides some further evidence that “bromelain based enzymatic debridement can be carried out safely in large-area burns” (Hofmaenner et al., 2020) but the literature is scant in these larger debridement areas. In our centre we have been using enzymatic debridement for resuscitation level burn injury since 2016. We have gained significant learning in this time; this article aims to describe our current protocol for enzymatic debridement in this patient population and highlight specific learning points that might aid other centres in using enzymatic debridement for larger burn injury. Method We performed a search of the IBID database to identify all adult patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria of resuscitation level burn injury (defined as total burn surface area (TBSA) ≥15% in patients aged >16 years), or level 3 admission following burn injury and who underwent Enzymatic Debridement. A case note review was completed, and details comprising patient demographics, TBSA, mechanism of burn, presence of inhalation injury, sequencing of debridement, length of ICU and hospital stay, blood product utilisation and the need for autografting were recorded. No ethical approval has been sought for this retrospective review. Results We identified 29 patients satisfying the inclusion criteria (Table 1). Between June 2016 and June 2020 the average total burn size of patients who had at least some of their burn treated by enzymatic debridement increased from 21.4% in 2016/17 to 34.7% in 2019/20. In these patients the actual area treated by enzymatic debridement also increased from 11.9% TBSA to 20.3% TBSA. 19 patients (66%) had enzymatic debridement performed within 24 h of injury, a further 2 patients (7%) within 48 h after injury. Patients were more likely to have enzymatic debridement commenced in the first 24 h after injury if they had circumferential limb injury (39% vs 9%) or were planned for enzyme only debridement (78% vs 28%). Those who were planned for combination enzyme and surgical debridement were more likely to have enzymatic debridement commenced after the first 48 h (75%). We have performed enzymatic debridement overnight on one occasion, for a patient who presented with circumferential limb injury and was determined to undergo urgent debridement. Conclusion Much of the literature has described the use of enzymatic debridement in smaller burns, and specialist areas. However, it is our opinion that the advantages of enzymatic debridement appear to be greater in larger burns with a facility for whole burn excision on the day of admission in the ICU cubicle. We have demonstrated significantly reduced blood loss, improved dermal preservation, reduced need for autografting, and a reduction in the number of trips to theatre. We would advocate that both the team and the patient need to be as prepared as they would be for a traditional surgical excision. The early part of our learning curve for enzymatic debridement in resuscitation level injuries was steep, and we were able to build on experience from managing smaller injuries. We recommend any team wishing to using enzymatic debridement gain experience in the same way and develop robust local pathways prior to attempting use in larger burn injuries.

Background Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a severe adverse condition affecting patients exposed to specific types of medications. Previous studies have highlighted that osteonecrosis of the jaw is triggered by invasive dental procedures and can be very challenging to manage, especially in oncologic patients. The primary aim of this review is to analyse all available evidence on the management (surgical and/or conservative) of medication related-osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) in patients with a history of antiangiogenic drugs therapy and not previously exposed to any antiresorptive drug treatments. Material and methods A multi-database search (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL) was performed to identify related multi-languages papers published from January 2003 until November 2020. Data was extracted from relevant papers and analysed according to the outcomes selected in this review. Results The search generated 28 studies eligible for the analysis. The total number of patients included in the analysis was 36. 16 patients were treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs (anti-VEGF) while the remaining patients were administered a combination of antiangiogenic drugs. The most common MRONJ site was the mandible in 29 patients. MRONJ recurrence after treatment was only reported in 6 patients, the majority of which treated conservatively. Conclusions The data reviewed confirmed that an invasive procedure is the most common trigger of MRONJ with relatively high frequency of post-operative recurrence following treatment. However, due to the low quality of available research in literature, it is difficult to draw a definitive conclusion on the validity of the presented treatment to manage patients affected by MRONJ associated with angiogenic therapy.

A recent breakthrough paper published in Science Translational Medicine has provided compelling evidence that inhibition of Parkin Interacting Substrate (PARIS) may offer clinical researchers an important new therapeutic approach since it shows considerable promise as an important biological target potentially capable of pharmaceutical intervention to slow long term neurodegeneration in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We present several PD-relevant perspectives on this paper that were not discussed in that otherwise entirely scientific narrative. We also outline the some of the work leading up to it, including the massive drug screen that proved necessary to discover a clinically suitable inhibitor of PARIS (Farnesol), as well as relevant PD research within the wider drug class, issues surrounding its future formulation, and next steps in translating this new knowledge into the clinic to evaluate possible long-term PD patient benefits.

Background Current implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devices are equipped with a device-embedded accelerometer capable of capturing physical activity (PA). In contrast, wearable accelerometer-based methods enable the measurement of physical behaviour (PB) which encompasses not only PA but also sleep behaviour, sedentary time and rest-activity patterns. Objective This systematic review evaluates accelerometer-based methods used in patients carrying an ICD or at high risk of sudden cardiac death. Methods Papers were identified via the OVID MEDLINE and OVID EMBASE databases. PB could be assessed using a wearable accelerometer or an embedded accelerometer in the ICD. Results A total of 52 papers were deemed appropriate for this review. Out of these studies, 30 examined device-embedded accelerometry (189.811 patients), 19 examined wearable accelerometry (1.601 patients) and three validated wearable accelerometry against device-embedded accelerometry (106 patients). The main findings were that (i) a low level of PA after implantation of the ICD and (ii) a decline in PA were both associated with an increased risk of mortality, heart failure hospitalisation and appropriate ICD shock. Second, PA was affected by cardiac factors (e.g. onset of atrial fibrillation, ICD shocks) and non-cardiac factors (e.g. seasonal differences, societal factors). Conclusions This review demonstrated the potential of accelerometer-measured PA as marker of clinical deterioration and ventricular arrhythmias. Notwithstanding that the evidence of PB assessed using wearable accelerometry was limited, there seems to be potential for accelerometers to improve early warning systems and facilitate preventative and pro-active strategies.

Introduction The epidemiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is largely different in preschool and schoolchildren. We summarized the available epidemiological data on schoolchildren (6-11 years) and adolescents (12-17 years) in Italy and reviewed information on systemic treatments for moderate-to-severe AD in adolescents. Evidence acquisition In January 2019, we searched for data on prevalence and/or incidence of AD and on the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of systemic AD therapies. Papers were evaluated and selected, and relevant information was extracted. Twenty papers from 17 studies reported original epidemiological information on AD in Italy. Evidence synthesis Most studies were conducted before 2005. Though variations emerged between studies, the lifetime prevalence of AD was estimated between 15%-17% in schoolchildren and between 8%-13% in adolescents. The (12-months) period prevalence of AD was estimated between 8%-10% in children and between 8%-11% in adolescents. Up-to-date information on the prevalence of severe AD is not available. Cyclosporine A may be used in pediatric age patients (children and adolescents) with persistent or severe AD refractory to topical treatments, but its use has several limitations, and is not recommended in patients younger than 16 years. The treatment paradigm of AD is still far from being satisfactory. Conclusions We provided a quantitative synthesis of AD epidemiology in Italian schoolchildren and adolescents. Recent data are needed, as most information dates back to the 1990s or early 2000s, and data on the incidence of AD, the proportion of severe cases, and treatment of severe cases in the Real-World are scanty.

We would like to comment on the interesting paper by Safoora Fatima et al: of the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH), on the Health Assessment Questionnaire at One Year Predicts All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis. (1) The conclusion of their paper showed that higher HAQ score and DAS28 at 1 year are significantly associated with all-cause mortality in a large early RA cohort.

Early diagnosis and adequate surgical treatment are the key factors for the course of the laryngeal cancer of the head and neck and the outcome of the surgical treatment in these patients. The aim of the paper is to compare the characteristics of the surgically treated patients with the larynx carcinoma who developed recidivism to those who did not. The study was done as a retrospective observational case-control study on a total of 90 patients with the laryngeal cancer who had been successfully operated on and whose cases had been followed over a period of at least five years after the surgery. After that, they were shorted into two groups based on the development of recidivism, and clinical characteristics of the patients with and without recidive disease were compared. 19 out of 90 patients developed recidivism. Maximum diameter of the tumour was significantly larger in patients without local recidivism. In patients without local recidivism, most common clinical stages were 3 and 4 (32.4%, 40.8%, respectively), whereas in patients with local recidivism stages 1 and 2 were the most common (47.7%, 26.3%, respectively). The average time to disease recurrence in the 19 patients who developed local recidive disease was 648.10 (384.67-911.54) days. Pathohistological analysis showed that samller the size of the tumour and lower T grade at the moment of surgery are precautionary factors for further monitoring of patients with laryngeal cancer.

Aims. The relationship of tumour volume, radiotherapy treatment time and other prognostic factors affecting prognosis was evaluated. Methods. 184 patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer were treated with radical intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and compared retrospectively. Results. In the multivariate analysis the overall survival was dependent on gross tumour volume (GTV), clinical stage (CS), radiotherapy treatment time (RTT) and p16 status. Local control was influenced by GTV, overall RTT and age. DFS was significantly affected by GTV, CS, RTT, p16 status and concomitant chemotherapy (CHT). Conclusions. The tumour volume and the radiotherapy treatment time were the most significant prognostic factors with the best outcomes in patients with GTV ≤ 55 cc and RTT ≤ 48 days (mean LC 8.1, DFS 7.1 and OS 6.4 years) and worst outcomes with GTV > 55 cc and RTT >48 days (mean LC 4.4, mean DFS 3.2 and mean OS 2.6 years).

OBJECTIVE Identifying roots available for grafting is of paramount importance prior to reconstructing complex injuries involving the brachial plexus. This is traditionally achieved by combining input from both clinical examinations and imaging studies. In this paper, the authors describe and evaluate two new clinical tests to study long thoracic nerve function and, consequently, to predict the status of the C5 and C6 roots after global brachial plexus injuries. METHODS From March 2020 to December 2020, in 41 patients undergoing brachial plexus repair, preoperative clinical assessments were performed using modified C5 and C6 protraction tests, C5 and C6 Tinel’s signs, and MRI findings to predict whether graft-eligible C5 and C6 roots would be identified intraoperatively. Findings from these three assessments were then combined in a logistic regression model to predict graft eligibility, with overall predictive accuracies calculated as areas under receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS In the 41 patients, the pretest probability of C5 root availability for grafting was 85% but increased to 92% with a positive C5 protraction test and to 100% when that finding was combined with a positive C5 Tinel’s sign and favorable MRI findings. The pretest probability of C6 root availability was 40%, which increased to 84% after a positive C6 protraction test and to 93% when the protraction test result concurred with Tinel’s test and MRI findings. CONCLUSIONS Combining observations of the protraction tests with Tinel’s sign and MRI findings accurately predicts C5 and C6 root graft eligibility.

Background: This study was aimed at comparing and analyzing the results of FractionLab (Varian/Mobius Medical System) with those of portal dosimetry that uses an electronic portal imaging device. Portal dosimetry is extensively used for patient-specific quality assurance (QA) in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods: The study includes 29 patients who underwent IMRT on a Novalis-Tx linear accelerator (Varian Medical System and BrainLAB) between June 2019 and March 2021. We analyzed the multileaf collimator (MLC) DynaLog files generated after portal dosimetry to evaluate the same condition using FractionLab. The results of the recently launched FractionLab at various gamma indices (0.1%/0.1 mm–1%/1 mm) are analyzed and compared with those of portal dosimetry (3%/3 mm). Results: The average gamma passing rates of portal dosimetry (3%/3 mm) and FractionLab are 98.1 (95.5%–100%) and 97.5% (92.3%–99.7%) at 0.6%/0.6 mm, respectively. The results of portal dosimetry (3%/3 mm) are statistically comparable with the QA results of FractionLab (0.6%/0.6 mm–0.9%/0.9 mm).Conclusion: This paper presents the clinical performance of FractionLab by the comparison of the QA results of FractionLab using portal dosimetry with various gamma indexes when performing patient-specific QA in IMRT treatment. Further, the appropriate gamma index when performing patient-specific QA with FractionLab is provided.

The authors previously published positive peer-reviewed (21 raters using the Terzis scale) and photogrammetric (Emotrics) outcomes in patients who had undergone two-stage lower lip reanimations up to 2018. Other series have published surgeon and peer-rated results, but we know of only two (n=12) that have assessed patients' views using patient satisfaction surveys. This paper presents patient-rated outcomes (PROMS) in an 11-year series of both single and two-stage anterior belly of digastric muscle (ABDM) lower lip reanimations. Demographics, paralysis characteristics, operative details, and complications were recorded. Patients were telephoned and requested to complete the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) to assess patient-rated outcomes. Thirty-two patients were eligible (mean age 36.4 years). Twenty-one (63.6%) completed the GBI (mean score +33.3). More patients reported benefit than detriment (95.2% vs 4.8%). Complications were infrequent and included three cases of superficial infections and one of dermatitis. Four patients (12.5%) underwent minor revisions, mostly lipofilling of lip notches. The median (range) duration of follow up was 2.8 (0.3 - 8.5) years. ABDM transfer for lower lip reanimation is a safe, low morbidity procedure that enhances the psychological wellbeing of patients with facial palsy.

Objectives: Uterine fibroids (UF) are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive organ. It is crucial to recognize that the appropriate treatment of UFs requires an individualized approach. The present paper aimed at the presentation of the five-year experience of our center in the treatment of UFs with the use of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity ultrasound (MR-HIFU) therapy. Material and methods: The study enrolled a total of 1284 patients with symptomatic UFs. The Sonalleve MR-HIFU system (Philips Ingenia 3.0T System) was used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) qualification and treatment. Results: The group of patients qualified for thermal ablation included 356 (28%) women. No significant differences were observed between the group undergoing thermal ablation and patients who were disqualified. A complete procedure was performed in 22.6% of patients who presented at the center. Non-perfused volume (NPV) is one of the most important parameters assessed during MR-HIFU procedures. The mean NPV value in the present study was 71%. The average UF volumes decreased by 27% at three-month follow-up ultrasound, by 34% after six months and by 39% as shown by MRI measurements performed 6 months post-treatment. Conclusions: According to our data, MR-HIFU therapy is associated with good clinical outcomes in patients with symptomatic UFs. The method facilitates a marked symptom reduction and, in many cases, diminishing tumor volume. The presented five-year outcomes as regards our experience in the MR-HIFU therapy of patients with symptomatic UFs indicate that the method offers an attractive alternative to the traditional methods of UF treatment in selected cases.

Despite many organizational and medical efforts, the COVID-19 epidemic continues and is taking a lethal toll. Preliminary reports have already reported that the mortality associated with this disease is much higher in people with comorbidities, including hypertension. SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the body through the receptor which is the angiotensin converting enzyme 2. The administration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or sartans increases the activity of this enzyme. Therefore, there was a suspicion that patients treated with these preparations become more easily infected, and the infection itself is more severe and is associated with greater mortality. On the other hand, the ACE2 enzyme is known to reduce the risk of lung damage. The paper presents current reports describing the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in patients with hypertension, the course of infection and the effect of administration of ACE inhibitors and sartans on the mortality of these patients. The presented data indicate that the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and sartans in patients with COVID-19 does not worsen the course of the disease, and according to some authors this treatment even reduces the mortality of this infection.

Most patients with psoriasis present with localized mild-to-moderate disease. In this case, the application of topical treatments in the first-line setting is recommended in most cases. Among different topical options, the fixed-dose combination of betamethasone dipropionate (BD) and vitamin D analogue (Cal) aerosol foam (Enstilar®, Leo Pharma) is approved as first-line topical therapy for the treatment of psoriasis in USA and the EU, due to its high efficacy and its favorable administration scheme. The PSO-LONG was the first trial to report on the long-term efficacy and safety of the Cal/DB foam treatment for the proactive management of psoriasis and now, the indications of Cal/BD foam included its use in the psoriasis maintenance treatment. However, the precise role of this treatment and the potential therapeutic schemes in the long-term management of psoriasis need further clarification. This Position Paper, authored by a group of Italian Expert Dermatologists, critically discusses the long-term management of psoriasis with Cal/BD foam in clinical practice. In particular, the biological rationale in the proactive treatment with Cal/BD foam and current evidence regarding this therapeutic approach are presented, along with its application also in patients with moderate-to-severe disease, difficult-to-treat lesions, or within combination regimens. In addition, strategies to improve adherence to long-term treatment of psoriasis are discussed,.

Background Testicular cancer is associated with excellent prognosis and cure is achieved in most patients with advanced cancer treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, testicular cancer survivors are at increased risk of accelerated atherosclerosis, which significantly contributes to their late morbidity and mortality. Atherosclerosis is associated with a higher proportion of fat mass and especially with increased amount of visceral fat. We explored the effects of cisplatin-based chemotherapy on body composition during and after the treatment. Patients and methods We studied 30 testicular cancer patients before chemotherapy, after the second cycle of chemotherapy and three months after the end of chemotherapy. Body composition parameters were evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results Three months after the end of chemotherapy the fat mass had increased from 22.04±7.15% to 23.92±7.33% (P=0.026) and visceral fat volume had increased by 17% from 2.36±1.75l to 2.77±1.94l (P=0.013). In the whole sample there was a decrease in muscle mass after the second cycle of chemotherapy (-1.33 ± 2 kg on average; P=0.005). The changes in body composition varied according to distinct baseline fat mass. Conclusion Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was associated with increase of fat mass, visceral fat, and body mass index. We also observed decrease in muscle mass and total body water. Our results suggest that BIA could help to target preventative measures to avert the acceleration of atherosclerosis in patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Background: The use of virtual care, defined as providing healthcare in ways other than in-person visits, dramatically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize infection risk and maintain care provision. However, the majority of studies evaluating the use of virtual care in oncology have focused on patients with solid tumor malignancies. Patients with hematologic malignancies represent a unique population related to their underlying malignancy and treatment, but the extent to which virtual care has been successfully integrated into clinical practice is unknown. As the demand for incorporating virtual care into routine clinical practice grows, understanding how to safely and effectively use virtual care in this specific patient population is essential. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to describe the use of virtual care in the management of patients with hematologic malignancies and to examine physician- and patient-reported outcomes based on its use. A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify articles on the use of virtual modalities (digital applications, phone visits, or video visits) to deliver routine clinical care to patients with hematologic malignancies published in English between January 2000 and April 2021 in the following databases: PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus. No restrictions were applied to the phase of care (surveillance, active treatment, and or survivorship). A combination of search terms to encompass hematologic malignancies and virtual care was used. Screening and data abstraction were performed by two independent reviewers (AS, AV) and conflicts were adjudicated by two additional reviewers (DR, AP). Data were extracted to assess the study design, population, setting, patient characteristics, virtual care methodology and study results. Results: A total of 350 abstracts were screened and 60 studies underwent full-text review. Of these, 15 studies met inclusion criteria (13 retrospective studies, 1 prospective pilot study, and 1 randomized controlled trial). The majority of papers were published from 2020 onward (Figure 1). Three studies found that app-based tools were effective in monitoring patient symptoms and triggering alerts which resulting in sooner follow-up if indicated. One app-based tool was also used in a resource limited country during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for communication between hematologists and their patients. Four studies described the use of phone-based interventions for new consults and follow-up visits. Phone visits for used even in high-risk patients (for example, in 29 out of 50 patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplant). Five studies found that videoconferencing, with both physicians and oncology nurses, was highly rated by patients. Emerging themes included high levels of patient satisfaction across all domains of virtual care. Provider satisfaction scores were rated lower than patient scores, with concerns about technical issues leading to challenges with virtual care. Four studies found that virtual care allowed providers to promptly respond to patient concerns, specifically when patients were experiencing side-effects or had questions about their treatment. One study also suggested a decreased risk of death when telemedicine was used to monitor symptoms in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. There were no data addressing the impact of virtual care on costs or resource utilization. Conclusion: The use of virtual care in patients with hematologic malignancies appears to be feasible, even in high-risk populations. Patients were highly satisfied with virtual care, although providers had some challenges related to the specific technologies. More research is needed to evaluate the optimal method of integrating virtual care, informed by a wider range of patient-related outcomes, as well as the downstream consequences of this integration for patient, providers, and health systems. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Prica: Astra-Zeneca: Honoraria; Kite Gilead: Honoraria.

Laryngeal inhalation injury carries a significant increase in mortality rate and often indicates immediate airway evaluation. This may be difficult in the setting of clinical deterioration necessitating immediate intubation, which itself can synergistically cause mucosal damage. Prior studies do not encompass predictive factors or long-term outcomes for the laryngotracheal complex. This systemic review of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane identified studies investigating inhalational injuries of the upper airway. Demographic data as well as presentation, physical findings, and delayed sequelae were documented. Laryngotracheal burn patients were divided into two cohorts based on timing of laryngeal injury diagnosis (before- versus after-airway intervention). 1051 papers met initial search criteria and 43 studies were ultimately included. Airway stenosis was more common in patients that were intubated immediately (50.0%, n = 18 versus 5.2%, n = 13; p = 0.57). Posterior glottic involvement was only identified in patients intubated prior to airway evaluation (71.4%, n = 15). All studies reported a closed space setting for those patients in whom airway intervention preceded laryngeal evaluation. Laryngeal inhalational injuries are a distinct subset that can have a variety of minor to severe laryngotracheal delayed sequelae, particularly for thermal injuries occurring within enclosed spaces. Given these findings, early otolaryngology referral may mitigate or treat these effects.

Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is an abnormal insertion of the hinge line of the posterior mitral leaflet on the atrial wall: the mitral annulus shows a separation or "disjunction" between the leaflet-atrial wall junction and the crest of the left ventricle myocardium. This anomaly is often observed in patients with myxomatous mitral valve prolapse. The anatomical substrate of MAD remains unclear for the following reasons: (1) most studies are focused on the association between MAD and arrhythmias, rather than on pathomorphological aspects of MAD; and (2) the complex anatomic architecture of the posterior mitral annulus is often simply described as the posterior segment of a fibrous ring. The aims of this paper are to review the pertinent normal anatomy of the mitral valve and to propose new hypotheses on the morphological nature of MAD.

Certain aspects of experimental tumor models in mice most accurately reflect the biology and immunology of cancer in patients. A survey of experimental cancer immunotherapy papers published in 2020 shows most do not achieve cancer shrinkage although treatment is initiated at an early time point after cancer cell injection, which does not reflect cancer immunotherapy in patients. Even then, few current experimental approaches eradicate the injected malignant cells, most only delay outgrowth. The value of targeting mutation-encoded tumor-specific antigens becomes increasingly evident while problems of finding normal gene-encoded tumor-associated antigens as safe, effective targets persist. It might be time to refocus on realistic experimental settings and truly cancer-specific targets. These antigens are associated with the least risk of side effects.

Background Incidents of self-harm are common on psychiatric wards. There are a wide variety of therapeutic, social and environmental interventions that have shown some promise in reducing self-harm in in-patient settings, but there is no consensus on the most appropriate means of reducing and managing self-harm during in-patient admissions. Aims To review interventions used to reduce self-harm and suicide attempts on adolescent and adult psychiatric in-patient wards. Method A systematic literature search was conducted between 14 March 2019 and 25 January 2021 using PsycINFO and Medline (PROSPERO ID: CRD42019129046). A total of 23 papers were identified for full review. Results Interventions fell into two categories, therapeutic interventions given to individual patients and organisational interventions aimed at improving patient–staff communication and the overall ward milieu. Dialectical behaviour therapy was the most frequently implemented and effective therapeutic intervention, with seven of eight studies showing some benefit. Three of the six ward-based interventions reduced self-harm. Two studies that used a combined therapeutic and ward-based approach significantly reduced self-harm on the wards. The quality of the studies was highly variable, and some interventions were poorly described. There was no indication of harmful impact of any of the approaches reported in this review. Conclusions A number of approaches show some promise in reducing self-harm, but the evidence is not strong enough to recommend any particular approach. Current evidence remains weak overall but provides a foundation for a more robust programme of research aimed at providing a more substantial evidence base for this neglected problem on wards.

Introduction. Мedical rehabilitation is a complex of curative methods directed on recovery and development of patient’s physiological functions, on revealing and activation of organism compensatory abilities with the aim of providing conditions in future for patient’s comeback to active way of life. The main demands to rehabilitation are the following: early start, continuity, sequence and strict compliance of methodic demands depending on age and the patient’s condition. Materials and methods. The material for this paper is the analysis of arthroplasty results in 50 patients with hip joint dysplasia Crowe III, IV type who were made 63 hip joint arthroplasties, in 13 patients arthroplasty was performed from both sides. There were 42 cases with dysplasia Crowe III type and 21 cases with dysplasia Crowe type IV. There were 45 (90 %) females and 5 (10 %) males out of patients operated. The results were evaluated according to Harris scale. Results and discussion. Hip joint arthroplasty results when severe types of dysplasia were followed up during the term between 6 months and 12 years. After arthroplasty while long term observation one achieved hip joint condition improvement in average before operative treatment from 41.7 ± 4.1 (unsatisfactory result) to 84.6 ± 6.5 points after operation in remote period that is considered as a good condition of the hip joint according to Harris scale. Conclusions. Patients began walking on the second-third day after arthroplasty. Patients that were operated applying cementless and hybrid fixation of the components were walking loading the operated limb by approximately 30 % of their body weight gradually increasing the duration of the walk. The arthroplasty with the application of the cemented fixation of the components allowed load the operated limb up to 80 %. In 4–6 weeks after the operation the patients were walking without crutches with the full load on the limb.The patients with severe type of dysplasia of the hip joint who were performed the plastics of the acetabulum roof were recommended to prolong the rehabilitation up to 16–24 weeks after the operation with the restricted loading on the operated limb. After the radiological control and conformation of transplantat rebuilt there was recommended the walking with the stick and in 1–2 weeks without it. The timely rehabilitation in the postoperative period permits to renew the muscles strength and movements in the operated joint and get the patient back to normal way of life.

This paper describes the design of the Armed4Stroke program. Patients after stroke and their caregivers are included as a couple. The caregiver is trained as a co-therapist by a physiotherapist experienced in providing caregiver-mediated exercises (CME) to support and motivate the patient. The program consists of 8 weeks of gait and gait-related exercises, complementary to regular rehabilitation therapy. The couple will receive a tailor-made exercise program, which is adapted to the patients’ abilities and goals and is progressive in nature. The program is supported by videos with exercise instructions, which are accessible using a web-based tele-rehabilitation system. It is hypothesized that CME, supported with tele-rehabilitation is able to promote daily mobility and to reduce anxiety and depression in patients after stroke and their caregivers.

In recent years, the attention of many scientists has been focused on the different aspects of immunomodulatory role of the vitamin D in the human body, and, most of all, its role in the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells, activation of non-specific immunity and antifibrotic properties. The paper presents the results of the study of the biochemical status of the active form of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Thus, it proved the presence of an absolute deficiency of 25-OH-vitamin D3 in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Our group carefully read the article published by Vieira and Colucci (2013) in your prestigious journal. We agree that any assisted reproductive technique causes stress to the couple and that this stress is higher in women in comparison with men (El Kissi et al., 2013). However, in the mentioned paper, we found several remarkable mistakes, which resulted in conclusions that were not supported by the data. First, the reported results have a serious methodological bias because the study was not randomized. Additionally, because the baseline patient characteristics were not presented, we do not know whether the groups (IVF-ICSI treatment and INVO treatment) were comparable. The psychological characteristics of the patients before ART were not shown. Second, the study did not provide any power analysis, and more importantly, no statistical comparisons were performed. This is the main problem, as the conclusions were based on different responses to stress in patients treated using either INVO or ICSI. However, the row data included in the article support statistical analysis using Fisher’s exact test; if the authors had performed such an analysis, no differences (P=0.5273) (http://www.graphpad.com/quickcalcs/contingency2/) would have been observed between the studied groups. Consequently, no statement arguing for differences between the two techniques can be made. Finally, the authors did not mention the clinical outcomes of the patients who underwent either ICSI or INVO treatment.

Introduction Suspected transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC) and syncope are common causes of hospitalization in older patients. Arrhythmias are the most common cardiac causes of syncope. Although a number of instrumental diagnostic procedures are usually routinely performed in patients with suspected syncope, a 12 leads electrocardiogram (ECG) is the only instrumental test recommended for the initial evaluation of these patients. Evidence acquisition In this paper current literature on this topic will be reviewed, including ECG diagnostic criteria and findings suggestive of cardiac syncope. Evidence synthesis The ECG may disclose an arrhythmia associated with a high likelihood of syncope, avoiding further evaluations and permitting institution of specific treatment in 7% of patients referred to emergency department. When the cause of syncope remains uncertain after initial evaluation the next step is to assess the risk of major cardiovascular events or sudden cardiac death. An abnormal ECG selected patients with high probabiliry of cardiac syncope. ECG diagnostic criteria and ECG findings suggesting arrhythmic syncope are presented. Indications and potential clinical implications of ECG monitoring will be discussed too. Conclusions A careful, well-conducted medical history focused on the suspected syncopal event is crucial for the diagnosis. In this setting, the ECG is a mandatory diagnostic tool which, although normal in the majority of patients of syncope, has the potential to identify patients with high likelihood of cardiac syncope due to arrhythmic or cardiopulmonary disorder.

ObjectivesOlfactory dysfunction is a major comorbidity observed in patients with multiple sclerosis, yet different prevalence rates are reported for it. Therefore, we have designed this systematic review to estimate the pooled prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in patients with MS. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in MS patients.MethodWe searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, ProQuest, and gray literature including references from the identified studies, review studies, and conference abstracts which were published up to January 2021. Articles that were relevant to our topic and could provide information regarding the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction, or the scores of smell threshold, discrimination, or identification (TDI scores) among MS patients and healthy individuals were included; however, articles published before 1990 and after the end of 2020 were excluded.ResultsThe literature search found 1630 articles. After eliminating duplicates, 897 articles remained. two abstract conference papers were included for final analysis. A total of 1099 MS cases and 299 MS patients with olfactory dysfunction were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in the included studies was 27.2%. (95% CI: [19.7%, 35.4%]) Also, the overall TDI score in MS patients was lower than that in the control group (SMD=-1.00; 95% CI: [−1.44, −0.56]), and the level of Threshold (SMD= −0.47; 95% CI: [−0.75, −0.19]), Discrimination (SMD=-0.53; 95% CI: [−0.96, −0.10]), and Identification (SMD=-1.02; 95% CI: [−1.36, −0.68]) per se were lower in MS compared with control respectively.ConclusionThe results of this systematic review shows that the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in MS patients is high and more attention needs to be drawn to this aspect of MS.

Introduction Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, making more use of remote medical solutions has been advertised. The purpose of this study was to assess the willingness of orthopedic trauma patients to conduct an online video consultation (OVC) during the coronavirus pandemic compared to before. Methods A survey amongst orthopedic and trauma outpatients from three European trauma centers was conducted via paper-based questionnaires, composed of participants’ demographics and five open and closed questions between June and November 2019 and between April and July 2020 during Covid-19. The main outcome was the difference between the cohorts regarding the willingness to use an OVC, reasons for and against usage as well as advantages and disadvantages. Sub-analysis was performed for gender, participants’ occupation and three age groups (≤ 30 years; 31–55 years; > 55 years). Results 1400 participants (780 preCovid-19 and 620 Covid-19) were included. There was no difference in willingness to conduct an OVC between the cohorts (57.6% versus 63.9%; p = 0.053). The highest disposition towards an OVC in both cohorts was seen in patients below 30 years of age, followed by 31–55 years and over 55 years. Women were significantly more likely in the Covid-19-group than in the preCovid-19-group to conduct an OVC (p = 0.032). Use of the OVC for “personal questions to the physician” was more often stated in the Covid-19-cohort (p = 0.007). “No danger of an infection” (p = 0.001) and “availability from anywhere” (p = 0.032) as advantages of an OVC were more often stated in the Covid-19-cohort. “No direct contact with the doctor” (p = 0.001) and “relationship to the doctor could change” (p = 0.024) as disadvantages of the OVC were less often stated in the Covid-19-cohort. Conclusion The majority of the assessed outpatients would use an OVC. Fear of infections have increased, and direct physical contact is less important since the Covid-19 pandemic, but have not increased the disposition for an OVC significantly.

Background: Bloodstream infection (BSI) contributes to a substantial proportion of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and is marked by the presence of bacterial and/or fungal microorganisms in the blood. Because BSI can be life threatening, it requires a timely, reliable and accurate diagnosis. This study retrospectively analyzed data of identified BSI pathogens and compared the performance of the different diagnostic technologies used in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, turnaround time (TAT) and cost. Methods: Currently, culture followed by analytical profile index biochemical strips (API), (BioMerieux) are used as the conventional standard diagnostics in Kenyan public hospitals and labs. We compared the results of this standard to that of the BioFire FilmArray (FA) (BioFire Diagnostics) and MicroScan WalkAway-40 plus System (MS) (Beckman Coulter) used in diagnosis of BSI. The FA technology was able to identify 150/152 bacterial and yeast isolates with an overall accuracy of 99.04% (95% CI: 96.59-99.88%), sensitivity of 98.68% (95% CI: 95.33-99.84%), mean TAT of 8 hours 40 minutes per eight samples and running cost per sample of USD 140.11. The MS identified 150/152 isolates with an overall accuracy of 98.56% (95% CI: 95.86-99.70%), sensitivity of 98.68% (95% CI: 95.30-99.84%), mean TAT per sample was 42 hours and running cost per sample of USD 28.05. API detected 150/152 isolates, with an overall accuracy of 99.04% (95% CI: 96.59-99.88%), sensitivity of 98.68% (95% CI: 95.33-99.84%) and the mean TAT per sample was 53 and 103 hours for bacterial and yeast samples, respectively, with a running cost per sample of USD 28.05.Conclusions: The findings in this paper suggest that the FA and MS platforms should be able to perform adequately in Kenya referral hospitals and medical clinics as a rapid diagnostic tool.

Impairment in various aspects of cognition is recognized as an important non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Mild cognitive impairment in PD (PD-MCI) is common in non-demented PD patients and is often associated with severity of motor symptoms, disease duration and increasing age. Further, PD-MCI can have a significant negative effect on performance of daily life activities and may be a harbinger of development of PD dementia. Thus, there is significant interest in developing therapeutic strategies to ameliorate cognitive deficits in PD and improve cognitive functioning of PD patients. However, due to significant questions that remain regarding the pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction in PD, remediation of cognitive dysfunction in PD has proven difficult. In this paper, we will focus on PD-MCI and will review some of the current therapeutic approaches being taken to try to improve cognitive functioning in patients with PD-MCI.

Background An understanding of the technology acceptance of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation programs is paramount if they are to be designed and delivered to target the needs and preferences of patients with coronary heart disease; however, the current state of technology acceptance of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation has not been systematically evaluated in the literature. Objective We aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation technology acceptance in terms of (1) the timing and approaches used and (2) patients’ perspectives on its usability, utility, acceptability, acceptance, and external variables. Methods We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus (inception to July 2021) for English-language papers that reported empirical evidence on the technology acceptance of early-phase home-based cardiac telerehabilitation in patients with coronary heart disease. Content analysis was undertaken. Results The search identified 1798 studies, of which 18 studies, with 14 unique home-based cardiac telerehabilitation programs, met eligibility criteria. Technology acceptance (of the home-based cardiac telerehabilitation programs) was mostly evaluated at intra- and posttrial stages using questionnaires (n=10) and usage data (n=11). The least used approach was evaluation through qualitative interviews (n=3). Usability, utility, acceptability, and acceptance were generally favored. External variables that influenced home-based cardiac telerehabilitation usage included component quality, system quality, facilitating conditions, and intrinsic factors. Conclusions Home-based cardiac telerehabilitation usability, utility, acceptability, and acceptance were high; yet, a number of external variables influenced acceptance. Findings and recommendations from this review can provide guidance for developing and evaluating patient-centered home-based cardiac telerehabilitation programs to stakeholders and clinicians.