Assessment Score Research Articles

Angiopoietin II in Critically Ill Septic Patients: A Post Hoc Analysis of the DRAK Study

Introduction: Angiopoietin II (Ang-II) plays a pivotal role in the development of microcirculatory dysfunction as it provokes endothelial barrier disruption in patients with sepsis or septic shock. In particular, those with acute kidney injury show high Ang-II concentrations. So far, it is unclear which covariates influence Ang-II concentration in the early phase of sepsis, especially if extracorporeal therapies also do. Methods: Ang-II concentrations were measured in 171 patients with sepsis after the first day of antibiotic treatment between 03/2013 and 01/2015. Ang-II was correlated with potential influencing factors (Spearman correlation). A multivariate model was established including the significant correlating parameters. The Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used to detect significant differences in Ang-II concentration. Results: The median Ang-II concentration was 8015 pg/mL (interquartile range (IQR): 5024–14,185). A total of forty patients were treated with kidney replacement therapy (KRT) and 20 were supported by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO). Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (r = 0.541), creatinine clearance (r = −0.467), urinary output (r = −0.289), interleukin (IL)-6 (r = 0.529), C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.241), platelet count (r = −0.419), bilirubin (r = 0.565), lactate (r = 0.322), KRT (r = 0.451), and fluid balance (r = 0.373) significantly correlated with Ang-II concentration and were included in the multivariate model. There, creatinine clearance (p < 0.01, b = −26.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) −41.8–−10.8), fluid balance (p = 0.002, b = 0.92, 95% CI 0.33–1.51), and CRP (p = 0.004, b = 127.6, 95% CI 41.6–213.7) were associated with Ang-II concentration. Furthermore, patients with KRT (median: 15,219 pg/mL, IQR: 10,548–20,270) had significantly (p < 0.01) higher Ang-II concentrations than those with vv-ECMO support (median: 6412 pg/mL, IQR: 5246–10,257) or those without extracorporeal therapy (median: 7156 pg/mL, IQR: 4409–12,741). Conclusion: Increased CRP, positive fluid balance, and impaired kidney function were associated with higher Ang-II concentrations in critically ill patients in the early stage of sepsis in this post hoc analysis. In particular, patients with KRT had very high Ang-II concentrations, whereas the use of vv-ECMO was not related to higher Ang-II concentrations. The significance for clinical practice should be clarified by a prospective study with standardized measurements.

Short-Term Efficacy of Transumbilical Single-Incision Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: With the rising demand for minimally invasive and cosmetically appealing surgeries, transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has been increasingly adopted, albeit in a limited number of medical centers. Our team has successfully executed transumbilical SILC for benign gallbladder diseases. This study retrospectively analyzed and compared the efficacy of transumbilical SILC with that of conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). Methods: We analyzed data from 358 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed at Shanghai East Hospital of Tongji University between January 2021 and October 2023. Of these, 186 cases underwent SILC (observation group), while 172 cases underwent CLC (control group). We compared patient demographics, perioperative outcomes, and satisfaction with incision scars. Primary outcomes included surgical efficacy and safety, whereas secondary outcomes encompassed postoperative hospitalization duration, pain levels, hospital costs, and scar satisfaction. Results: No significant differences were observed in patient demographics between the two groups. Both the SILC and CLC groups exhibited similar operative times (39.56 ± 14.55 minutes versus 41.82 ± 16.13 minutes, P = .164) and intraoperative blood loss (11.34 ± 3.90 mL versus 11.28 ± 3.87 mL, P = .885). The single-incision approach led to earlier postoperative bowel function recovery (22.03 ± 3.60 hours versus 24.17 ± 3.22 hours, P < .01), lower 24-hour postoperative pain scores (2.06 ± 0.84 versus 2.35 ± 0.72, P < .01), shorter postoperative hospital stays (2.88 ± 0.86 days versus 3.33 ± 0.96 days, P < .01), comparable hospitalization costs (3411.67 ± 790.86$ versus 3494.50 ± 558.76$, P = .257), and better Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating scores (1.78 ± 0.70 versus 2.17 ± 0.89, P < .01). Patient satisfaction was higher with the single-incision technique (8.52 ± 0.79 versus 7.80 ± 0.75, P < .01). Both groups experienced one case of incision infection (SILC 0.54%, CLC 0.58%), and there was one case of postoperative bile leakage in the CLC group (0.58%). However, the difference in complications was not statistically significant (P > .05). Conclusion: Transumbilical SILC demonstrates safe and effective near-term efficacy, offering benefits such as reduced postoperative pain and improved cosmetic outcomes, which support its clinical adoption.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients screened by the rapid response team and transferred to intensive care unit in South Korea

The rapid response system (RRS) is associated with a reduction in in-hospital mortality. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and outcomes of patients transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) by a rapid response team (RRT). This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included patients from nine hospitals in South Korea. Adult patients who were admitted to the general ward (GW) and required RRS activation were included. Patients with do-not-resuscitate orders and without lactate level or Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were excluded. A total of 8228 patients were enrolled, 3379 were transferred to the ICU. The most common reasons for RRT activation were respiratory distress, sepsis and septic shock. The number of patients who underwent interventions, the length of hospital stays, 28-day mortality, and in-hospital mortality were higher in the ICU group than in the GW group. Factors that could affect both 28-day and in-hospital mortality included the severity score, low PaO2/FiO2 ratio, higher lactate and C-reactive protein levels, and hospitalization time prior to RRT activation. Patients admitted to the ICU after RRT activation generally face more challenging clinical situations, which may affect their survival outcomes.

Long-term management of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis with lebrikizumab and concomitant topical corticosteroids: a 68-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial in Japan (ADhere-J).

Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) impacts patients' quality of life (QOL). More treatment options are urgently needed to manage this chronic disease. Lebrikizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to IL-13, a key mediator in AD pathogenesis. In Japanese patients, lebrikizumab has been evaluated through week (W) 16 in the randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III ADhere-J study. To evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab in combination with topical corticosteroids (TCS) in the ADhere-J study. Patients aged ≥12 years and weighing ≥40 kg with moderate-to-severe AD, and receiving either subcutaneous lebrikizumab 250 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W)/every 4 weeks (Q4W) or placebo during the 16-week induction period, were evaluated during the long-term maintenance period from W16 to W68. Responders achieved co-primary endpoints at W16: Investigator's Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 (IGA [0,1]) with ≥2-point improvement from baseline, and/or ≥75% improvement from baseline in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI 75). In this analysis, W16 responders received lebrikizumab 250 mg Q2W or Q4W combined with TCS during the maintenance period (maintenance primary population; MPP); W16 per-protocol nonresponders received lebrikizumab Q2W with TCS (maintenance escape population; MEP). Major endpoints included IGA (0,1) with ≥2-point improvement from baseline and EASI 75 through W68. Other outcomes included QOL, itch, and serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine. At W68, 66-81% of 103 patients in the MPP and 32-38% of 168 patients in the MEP achieved IGA (0,1) with ≥2-point improvement from baseline. EASI 75 was maintained by 83-89% of patients in the MPP, while 71-80% of patients in the MEP achieved this outcome by W68. Across treatment arms, patients in the MPP tended to maintain improvements recorded at W16, while patients in the MEP steadily improved across the maintenance period. No new safety signals were reported, and most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild or moderate in severity in both populations. Safety outcomes were consistent with previous reports for lebrikizumab treatment in global studies. These results support the use of lebrikizumab in combination with TCS for moderate-to-severe AD in the Japanese population over the long term. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04760314).

The Universal Vital Assessment (UVA) score at 6 hours post-resuscitation predicts mortality in hospitalized adults with severe sepsis in Mbarara, Uganda.

Sepsis is the leading cause of global death with the highest burden found in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA). The Universal Vital Assessment (UVA) score is a validated resource-appropriate clinical tool to identify hospitalized patients in sSA who are at risk of in-hospital mortality. Whether a decrease in the UVA score over 6 hours of resuscitation from sepsis is associated with improved outcomes is unknown. We aimed to determine (1) the association between 6-hour UVA score and in-hospital mortality, and (2) if a decrease in UVA score from admission to 6 hours was associated with improved in-hospital mortality. We analyzed data from participants with severe sepsis aged ≥14 years enrolled at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda from October 2014 through May 2015. Among 197 participants, the median (interquartile range) age was 34 (27-47) years, 99 (50%) were female and 116 (59%) were living with HIV. At 6 hours, of the 65 participants in the high-risk group, 28 (43%) died compared to 28 (30%) of 94 in the medium-risk group (odds ratio [OR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29,1.08, p = 0.086) and 3 (9%) of 33 in the low-risk group (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03, 0.42, p = 0.002). In a univariate analysis of the 85 participants who improved their UVA risk group at 6 hours, 20 (23%) died compared to 39 (36%) of 107 participants who did not improve (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.27-1.06, p = 0.055). In the multivariable analysis, the UVA score at 6 hours (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.26, 95%CI 1.10-1.45, p<0.001) was associated with in-hospital mortality. When adjusted for age and sex, improvement in the UVA risk group over 6 hours was associated with a non-statistically significant 43% decrease in odds of mortality (aOR 0.57, 95%CI 0.29-1.07, p = 0.08). Targeting a decrease in UVA score over 6 hours from admission may be a useful clinical endpoint for sepsis resuscitation in sSA, but this would need to be proven in a clinical trial.

Association between estimated pulse wave velocity and the risk of mortality in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective cohort study based on the MIMIC database

BackgroundThe estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) is a recently developed, simple and useful tool to measure arterial stiffness and to predict long-term cardiovascular mortality. However, the association of ePWV with mortality risk in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is unclear. Herein, this study aims to assess the potential prediction value of ePWV on short- and long-term mortality of SAH patients.MethodsData of adult patients with no traumatic SAH were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) III and IV database in this retrospective cohort study. Weighted univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to explore the associations of ePWV levels with 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality in SAH patients. The evaluation indexes were hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In addition, subgroup analyses of age, the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, surgery, atrial fibrillation (AF), renal failure (RF), hepatic diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sepsis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus (DM) were also performed.ResultsAmong 1,481 eligible patients, 339 died within 30 days and 435 died within 1 year. After adjusting for covariates, ePWV ≥ 12.10 was associated with higher risk of both 30-day mortality (HR = 1.77, 95%CI: 1.17–2.67) and 1-year mortality (HR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.36–2.85), compared to ePWV < 10.12. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves showed that compared to single SOFA score, ePWV combined with SOFA score had a relative superior predictive performance on both 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality, with the area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.740 vs. 0.664 and 0.754 vs. 0.658. This positive relationship between ePWV and mortality risk was also found in age ≥ 65 years old, SOFA score < 2, non-surgery, non-hepatic diseases, non-COPD, non-hypertension, non-DM, and sepsis subgroups.ConclusionBaseline ePWV level may have potential prediction value on short- and long-term mortality in SAH patients. However, the application of ePWV in SAH prognosis needs further clarification.

Short-term and long-term outcomes of critically ill patients with solid malignancy: a retrospective cohort study.

With the global increase in patients with solid malignancies, it is helpful to understand the outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU) admission for these patients. This study evaluated the risk factors for ICU mortality and the shortand long-term outcomes in patients with solid malignancies who had unplanned ICU admission. This retrospective cohort study included patients with solid malignancies treated at the medical ICU of a single tertiary center in South Korea between 2016 and 2022. Among the 955 patients, the ICU mortality rate was 23.5%. Lung cancer was the most common cancer type (34.2%) and was significantly associated with increased ICU mortality (odd ratio [OR] 1.58, p = 0.030). Higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores at ICU admission (OR 1.11, p < 0.001), the need for mechanical ventilation (OR 6.74, p < 0.001), or renal replacement therapy during the ICU stay (OR 2.49, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher ICU mortality. The 1-year survival rate after ICU admission was 29.3%, with a median survival of 37 days for patients requiring mechanical deviaventilation, and 23 days for patients requiring renal replacement therapy. This study showed that critically ill patients with solid malignancies had poor 1-year survival despite relatively low ICU mortality. These findings highlight the need for careful consideration of ICU admission in patients with solid malignancy, and decision-making should be based on an understanding of the expected short- and long-term prognosis of ICU admission after an informed discussion among patients, families, and physicians.

Deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, in patients from China mainland, Taiwan, and South Korea with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: a phase 3 randomized clinical trial.

Deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, is approved in the United States, European Union, Japan, South Korea, China, and other countries for treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of deucravacitinib in Asian patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. In the 52-week, blinded, phase 3 POETYK PSO-3 trial (NCT04167462), patients were randomized 1 : 2 to placebo (n = 74) or deucravacitinib 6 mg once daily (n = 146) for 16 weeks followed by deucravacitinib alone. Coprimary endpoints were achievement of ≥ 75% reduction from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) and static Physician Global Assessment score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) (sPGA 0/1) at Week 16. Efficacy and safety were evaluated throughout. At Week 16, significantly higher proportions of patients receiving deucravacitinib versus placebo achieved PASI 75 (68.8% vs. 8.1%; P < 0.0001) and sPGA 0/1 (55.6% vs. 6.8%; P < 0.0001). Response rates with deucravacitinib were maintained through Week 52. Common adverse events included upper respiratory tract infection and nasopharyngitis. Serious adverse event and discontinuation rates were low. Deucravacitinib was efficacious and well tolerated in Asian patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Scoring model for the diagnosis of colorectal perforation and its differentiation from gastroduodenal perforation.

Distinguishing colorectal from gastroduodenal perforations is clinically important and challenging. We aimed to establish a scoring model based on objective findings (excluding computed tomography findings) for the diagnosis of colorectal perforation and its differentiation from gastroduodenal perforation. Patients diagnosed with colorectal or gastroduodenal perforations between January 2014 and December 2021 were retrospectively studied. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent variables, and a scoring model was developed based on these variables. Among 131 eligible patients, 64 (48.9%) were in the colorectal group and 67 (51.1%) were in the gastroduodenal group. White blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were identified as independent clinical variables associated with the diagnosis of colorectal perforation, which differentiated colorectal perforation from gastroduodenal perforation, and were used to develop a new scoring model. The scores ranged from 0 to 5, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.846. The probabilities of colorectal perforation with scores of 0, 1.5, 2, 3, 3.5, and 5 were 3.2, 20, 55.6, 81.8, 73.9, and 82.4%, respectively. The new scoring model may help in treatment selection and perioperative management of patients with gastrointestinal perforation.

Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation for Meige Syndrome: Long-Term Outcomes and Analysis of Prognostic Factors.

The aim of this study was to explore the impacts of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on both motor and nonmotor symptoms in individuals with Meige syndrome, as well as further investigates prognostic factors for long-term postoperative outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive cohort of patients with intractable Meige syndrome who underwent STN-DBS at our center from January 2016 to July 2023. Motor function, quality of life, neuropsychological status, and mood state were evaluated with standardized scales at baseline and every 3 to 6 months thereafter. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine independent risk factors that affect long-term motor function after STN-DBS. Fifty-five patients were ultimately analyzed with a mean follow-up of 62.1 ± 25.7 months. At the final postoperative assessment, movement and disability scores of the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale demonstrated improvements of 61% (P < .001) and 57% (P < .001), respectively. Postoperative scores on the 36-item Short-Form General Health Survey showed significant improvement from baseline. Global cognitive function and neuropsychological status remained stable during continuous neurostimulation. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that longer disease duration (standardized β coefficient = -0.294, 95% CI -0.039 to -0.007, P = .006), older age at surgery (standardized β coefficient = -0.382, 95% CI -0.014 to -0.004, P = .001), and smaller volume of tissue activated within the sensorimotor subregion of STN (standardized β coefficient = 0.309, 95% CI 0.001-0.004, P = .004) were independently correlated with poorer long-term motor performance. Bilateral STN-DBS is an effective, safe, and promising treatment option for Meige syndrome, which can improve motor function and quality of life without cognitive and mood side effects. Early diagnosis, prompt intervention, and accurate lead placement in the dorsolateral STN are crucial to optimize long-term therapeutic outcomes.

Procalcitonin-Guided Management and Duration of Antibiotic Therapy in Critically Ill Cancer Patients With Sepsis (Pro-Can Study): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate the effect of procalcitonin-guided management on the duration of antibiotic therapy in critically ill cancer patients with sepsis. Randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial. A comprehensive multidisciplinary cancer hospital in Jordan. Adults with cancer treated in the ICU who were started on antibiotics for suspected infection, met the SEPSIS-3 criteria, and were expected to stay in the ICU greater than or equal to 48 hours. Patients were randomized to the procalcitonin-guided or standard care (SC) arms. All patients had procalcitonin measured daily, up to 5 days or until ICU discharge or death. For the procalcitonin arm, a procalcitonin-guided algorithm was provided to guide antibiotic management, but clinicians were allowed to override the algorithm, if clinically indicated. In the SC arm, ICU clinicians were blinded to the procalcitonin levels. Primary outcome was time to antibiotic cessation. We also evaluated the number of antibiotic-free days at 28 days, hospital discharge, or death, whichever came first, and antibiotic defined daily doses (DDDs). We enrolled 77 patients in the procalcitonin arm and 76 in the SC arm. Mean age was 58 ± 14 (sd) years, 67% were males, 74% had solid tumors, and 13% were neutropenic. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were 7 (6-10) and 7 (5-9) and procalcitonin concentrations (ng/mL) at baseline were 3.4 (0.8-16) and 3.4 (0.5-26), in the procalcitonin and SC arms, respectively. There was no difference in the median (IQR) time to antibiotic cessation in the procalcitonin and SC arms, 8 (4-11) and 8 (5-13), respectively (p = 0.463). Median (IQR) number of antibiotic-free days were 20 (17-24) and 20 (16-23), (p = 0.484) and total DDDs were 1541.4 and 2050.4 in the procalcitonin and SC arms, respectively. In critically ill cancer patients with sepsis, procalcitonin-guided management did not reduce the duration of antibiotic treatment.

Senolytics To slOw Progression of Sepsis (STOP-Sepsis) in elderly patients: Study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, adaptive allocation clinical trial

BackgroundSenescent immune cells exhibit altered gene expression and resistance to apoptosis. The prevalence of these cells increases with age and emerging data implicate senescence-associated maladaptive signaling as a potential contributor to sepsis and septic shock. The senolytic drug fisetin promotes clearance of senescent cells and is hypothesized to mitigate septic responses to infection.MethodsWe are conducting a multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, adaptive allocation phase 2 clinical trial to assess the efficacy of the senolytic drug fisetin in preventing clinical deterioration of elderly patients diagnosed with sepsis. We intend to enroll and randomize 220 elderly patients (age > 65) with the clinical diagnosis of sepsis to receive either fisetin as a single oral dose of 20 mg/kg, fisetin in two oral doses of 20 mg/kg each spaced 1 day apart, or placebo. The primary outcome will be changed in the composite of cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal sequential organ failure assessment scores at 7 days from enrollment. Secondary outcomes include quantification of senescent CD3 + cells at 7 days, and 28-day assessments of organ failure-free days, days in an intensive care unit, and all-cause mortality.DiscussionThis multi-center, randomized, double-blinded trial will assess the efficacy of fisetin in preventing clinical deterioration in elderly patients with sepsis and measure the effects of this drug on the prevalence of senescent immune cells. We intend that the results of this phase 2 trial will inform the design of a larger phase 3 study.Trial registrationThis trial is registered to ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT05758246, first posted on March 7, 2023.

CLINICAL PROFILE OF FEMALE PATIENTS WITH INVOLUTIONAL CHANGES IN THE FACIAL AND NECK SKIN

Objective. To assess the clinical profile of female patients with complaints of involutional changes in the face and neck planning to undergo contouring surgery for facial/neck correction. Materials. This study is based on a prospective analysis of 210 fe-male patients with involutional changes in the face and neck who consulted an aesthetic surgeon. Results. The mean age of the patients was (52.51±4.94) years (range 36-65). The majority were middle-aged (46-65 years) – 92.86%. Women aged 36-45 years most often considered the upper third of the face as problematic, those aged 46-55 years focused on the middle/lower third of the face, and those aged 56-65 years identified the middle part of the face and neck as problem areas. The average score for subjective assessment of facial involution was 3.35 points (range 2-4). Younger patients rated the severity of their facial changes with lower scores, while patients over 55 years old tended to choose a score of four. Four typical morphotypes of facial aging were identified: tired or gravitational morphotype (27.14%), fine-wrinkled morphotype (17.14%), deformational morphotype (35.71%), and combined morphotype (20.0%). Conclusions. The majority of patients (88.6%) indicated that problematic areas involved various thirds of the face: the middle third of the face (60.47%), the lower third of the face (43.81%), and the neck (24.28%). Younger patients rated the severity of involutional changes in their face with lower scores, whereas a significant number of patients over 55 years old chose a score of four. The first type of Glogau aging was most common among patients with a fine-wrinkled morphotype, the second type with a gravitational morphotype, and the third and fourth types with a deformational morphotype.

Factors affecting the oral health of patients in intensive care units: a prospective observational study

Background: In the intensive care unit (ICU), oral flora changes and bacterial growth starts, negatively affecting oral health. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the status of the oral mucus membranes of patients in ICUs and the factors affecting oral health. Methods: A descriptive and correlation design was used. The study included 151 patients in ICUs for five consecutive days. The assessments were performed using the Patient Form, Eilers Oral Health Assessment Scores and the Oral Health Assessment Chart. Results: Decayed teeth, magnesium levels and Glasgow coma scale were found to be effective in the first day oral health change of ICU patients and explained 22% of the oral health change, respectively. Age, decayed teeth, number of drugs used and Glasgow coma scale were found to be effective in the change in oral health of ICU patients on the fifth day and explained 35% of the change in oral health. Conclusions: Oral mucus membranes should be assessed closely and systematically in all critically ill patients who are of advanced age and are receiving a small number of medications, with a history of hyperglycaemia, high BUN, low albumin, hypocalcaemia, low Glasgow Coma Scale and decayed teeth.

Publicly Available Dental Image Datasets for Artificial Intelligence.

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry requires large and well-annotated datasets. However, the availability of public dental imaging datasets remains unclear. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of all publicly available dental imaging datasets to address this gap and support AI development. This observational study searched all publicly available dataset resources (academic databases, preprints, and AI challenges), focusing on datasets/articles from 2020 to 2023, with PubMed searches extending back to 2011. We comprehensively searched for dental AI datasets containing images (intraoral photos, scans, radiographs, etc.) using relevant keywords. We included datasets of >50 images obtained from publicly available sources. We extracted dataset characteristics, patient demographics, country of origin, dataset size, ethical clearance, image details, FAIRness metrics, and metadata completeness. We screened 131,028 records and extracted 16 unique dental imaging datasets. The datasets were obtained from Kaggle (18.8%), GitHub, Google, Mendeley, PubMed, Zenodo (each 12.5%), Grand-Challenge, OSF, and arXiv (each 6.25%). The primary focus was tooth segmentation (62.5%) and labeling (56.2%). Panoramic radiography was the most common imaging modality (58.8%). Of the 13 countries, China contributed the most images (2,413). Of the datasets, 75% contained annotations, whereas the methods used to establish labels were often unclear and inconsistent. Only 31.2% of the datasets reported ethical approval, and 56.25% did not specify a license. Most data were obtained from dental clinics (50%). Intraoral radiographs had the highest findability score in the FAIR assessment, whereas cone-beam computed tomography datasets scored the lowest in all categories. These findings revealed a scarcity of publicly available imaging dental data and inconsistent metadata reporting. To promote the development of robust, equitable, and generalizable AI tools for dental diagnostics, treatment, and research, efforts are needed to address data scarcity, increase diversity, mandate metadata completeness, and ensure FAIRness in AI dental imaging research.

Multiple organ failure following severe battle injuries during recent conflicts: a French retrospective cohort study.

Improvements in combat casualty care have increased survival rates, but these patients are at particular risk of developing multiple organ failure (MOF). We investigated the incidence and severity of MOF in a cohort of severe combat casualties. This retrospective study included all on-duty French land army war casualties with a severe combat injury requiring intensive care unit admission during 2009-2023. Demographic data, advanced life support interventions, and outcomes were collected. Each organ failure was then analyzed during a 7-day trauma course according to the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Of the 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria, those with persistent MOF at day 4 (MOF group) represented 22% of the total population (median SOFA score 6.0 [5.3-8.0]). Compared to those without persistent MOF, these patients were more severely injured (median Military Injury Severity Score 38.0 [interquartile range 33.0-56.8] vs 26.5 [20.0-34.0], p < 0.001) by an explosive mechanism (68.2%) and sustained more traumatic brain injury (TBI; 40.9% vs 14.1%, p = 0.013). The MOF group also received significantly more blood units (median 14.0 [8.3-24.8] vs 6.0 [0.0-12.0], p < 0.001) and massive transfusions (68.2% vs 32.1%, p = 0.002). Pulmonary and cardiovascular dysfunction were the most frequently observed trauma outcomes. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that MOF persistence at day 4 was significantly associated (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]) with severe injuries (1.5 [1-2.3], p = 0.042). A high number of severe lesions significantly and independently increased risk of MOF persistence at day 4 after combat-related trauma. These findings are particularly relevant to current and anticipated large-scale combat operations that will challenge battlefield casualty care and evacuation.

The role of multisensory intervention combined with aEEG in the maturation and evaluation of brain and neural development in premature infants of different gestational ages

Objective: To explore the combined effects of multisensory intervention and amplitude integrated electroencephalogram monitoring on the maturation and evaluation of brain and neural development in premature infants of different gestational ages.Methods: The controlled trial was carried out in 62 premature infants from January to February of 2023 in Genertec AMHT – Baogang Hospital. The premature infants were divided into two groups according to the gestational age: 32-33+6W (Group A) and 34-33+6W (Group B). By use of random number table method, each group was subdivided into the control group and the experimental group. The control group was monitored with aEEG within 1 day and the following 7 days after birth. The experimental group was monitored with aEEG within 1 day and the following 7 days after multisensory intervention (MS) to observe the change of aEEG parameters, in order to explore the effect of MS intervention on brain development maturity. The Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment (NBNA) score was performed at 40 weeks of corrected gestational age in both groups.Results: The amplitude voltage, the total aEEG score and the sleep-wake cycle score in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (p &lt; .05). The total NBNA score in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group.Conclusion: The multi-sensory intervention is a simple and feasible method of development support nursing, it can improve the total NBNA score of premature infants, which can promote the brain development in premature infants and improve their neurodevelopmental behavior.

Perceptions of Dental Faculty and Postgraduate Residents towards Learning Professionalism through DOPS Assessments of Implants

ABSTRACT Objective: One of the essential characteristics that define a career is professionalism, which encompasses commitments, actions, standards, and objectives. Background: The study was aimed to assess the perception of dental faculty and residents towards DOPS as a method to assess professionalism and also the perception of participants towards inclusion of professionalism assessments in the dental curriculum. Method: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted amongst forty three Prosthodontic postgraduate residents and twenty faculty members from ten different dental colleges in India in the year 2023.Views regarding professionalism were assessed using the Modified Australian Medical Council (AMC) DOPS assessment form. We measured Professionalism score from the DOPS assessments conducted six times within a year of the residents in different dental colleges of India. The resident was evaluated by two different faculty members in order to minimize subjective bias. The scores range from 1 to 5, with 1 representing the least amount of professionalism displayed and 5 representing the best. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics was done using mean score. Results: DOPS Assessment score of professionalism for Prosthodontic postgraduate residents and feedback from participants, post graduates and faculty at the end of last assessment was considered for conclusion. They showed increase in DOPS score and positive attitude towards dental professionalism. The participants believed that DOPS assessment is an effective way to improve professionalism. Conclusion: Academic dishonesty may continue with unethical behaviors in professional practice of a healthcare professional. Hence, it becomes vital to address academic dishonesty lapses among oral health sciences students to ensure the future safety of patients and improvement in patient care.

Spectrophotometric determination of olanzapine, fluoxetine HCL and its impurity using univariate and chemometrics methods reinforced by latin hypercube sampling: Validation and eco-friendliness assessments

Novel univariate and chemometrics-aided UV spectrophotometric methods were tailored to undergo the fundamentals of green and white analytical chemistry for the simultaneous estimation of a ternary mixture of olanzapine (OLA), fluoxetine HCL (FLU), and its toxic impurity 4-(Trifluoromethyl) phenol (FMP) without any prior separation. The dual-wavelength ratio spectrum univariate method was used to determine OLA and FLU in the presence of FMP in the range of (4–20) and (5–50) μg/ml, respectively. In compliance with the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) standards, the technique was validated and established Remarkable accuracy (98–102%) and precision (< 2%) with limits of quantification (LOQs) of 0.432 and 2.002 μg/ml, respectively. Partial least squares (PLS) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) are chemometric methodologies that have advantages over the univariate method and use significant innovations employing Latin hypercube sampling (LHS), allowing the generation of a reliable validation set to guarantee the effectiveness and sustainability of these models. The concentration ranges used were (2–20), (2–20), and (5–50) μg/ml; for PLS, the LOQs were 0.602, 0.508, and 1.429 μg/ml, and the root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEPs) were 0.087, 0.048, and 0.159 for OLA, FMP, and FLU, respectively; and for ANNs, the LOQs were 0.551, 0.465, and 0.965 μg/ml, with RMSEPs of 0.056, 0.047, and 0.087 for OLA, FMP, and FLU, respectively. The developed methods yield a greener National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI) with an eco-scale assessment (ESA) score of 90 and a complementary Green Analytical Procedure Index (complex GAPI) in quadrants with an analytical greenness metric (AGREE) score of 0.8. The Red‒Green–Blue 12 algorithm (RGB 12) scored 88.9, outperforming on reported methods and demonstrating widespread practical and environmental approval. Statistical analysis revealed no noteworthy differences (P > 0.05) among the proposed and published techniques. Both pure powders and pharmaceutical capsules were analyzed via these methods.

Real-World Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Dupilumab in Bullous Pemphigoid: An Ambispective Multicenter Case Series.

Bullous pemphigoid affects elderly individuals with multiple comorbidities, making conventional treatments unsuitable. Evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of bullous pemphigoid. A multicenter ambispective cohort study was conducted in 34 hospitals. Patients with bullous pemphigoid treated with Dupilumab were included. Most of patients (97.1%) received an initial 600 mg dose followed by 300 mg every two weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving complete remission within 4 weeks, defined as Investigator Global Assessment score of 0 or 1. Complete remission at weeks 16, 24, and 52, adverse events, reductions in peak pruritus numerical rating scale, and systemic glucocorticoid use were also assessed. The study included 103 patients with a median age of 77.3 years, 58.0% male. Complete remission was achieved by 53.4% within 4 weeks and 95.7% by week 52. Peak pruritus scale reduced by 70.0% by week 4 and was completely controlled by week 24. Thirteen patients presented adverse events, most of which were mild. Systemic glucocorticoid use reduced by 82.1% by week 52. Shorter disease duration and exclusive cutaneous involvement predicted better response at 16 weeks. No differences in response rates to dupilumab were observed between drug-associated bullous pemphigoid and idiopathic cases. No significant difference in response rates was observed between patients treated with dupilumab in monotherapy and those receiving dupilumab with concomitant treatments. Dupilumab is effective, rapid, and safe in managing bullous pemphigoid, reducing the need for corticosteroids and other treatments. Early initiation and exclusive skin involvement predict better outcomes.