Major Clinical Outcomes Research Articles

Major approaches and clinical outcomes of gingival correction procedures for improved aesthetic smile: a concise systematic review

Introduction: Well-being is directly related to health, people with a balanced smile, between health and beauty, tend to smile more and this generates a condition of wellbeing. A small gingival plastic can modify the smile as a whole, also changing the other variables. In gingival correction, process-specific techniques are used for each case, thus individualizing the patient and the proposed treatment. Objective: It was to present a concise systematic review of the main approaches and clinical outcomes of gingival correction procedures to achieve the best aesthetic smile. Methods: The PRISMA Platform systematic review rules were followed. The search was carried out from August to September 2024 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: 68 articles were found and 20 articles were evaluated in full and 08 were included and developed in the present systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 15 studies with a high risk of bias and 21 studies that did not meet GRADE and AMSTAR-2. Most studies did not show homogeneity in their results, with X2=89.6%>50%. It was concluded that a gummy smile consists of the visualization of more than 3 mm of gum above the maxillary incisors. For the success of an aesthetic correction, one must be aware of the causes of the change in normality, added to the patient's reasons. The ideal planning is when post-surgical effects directly influence cause removal and patient satisfaction, which is in line with our research results. Digitally assisted esthetic crown lengthening helps to shorten the operation time and reduces the possibility of human errors during measurements. This will be useful to help professionals achieve better results.

Cost-consequence analysis of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in major lung resection with minimally invasive technique (VATS).

ERAS is an evidence-based multimodal perioperative protocol focused on stress reduction and promoting a return to function. The aim of this work is to perform a cost-consequence analysis for the implementation of ERAS in major lung resection by means of minimally invasive surgery (VATS) from the public health service perspective, evaluating resource consumption and clinical outcomes with respect to a control group of past patients, which did not adopt an ERAS protocol. Outcome differences (re-intervention rates, major and minor intraoperative and postoperative complications, readmissions, and mortality) as well as the costs of preoperative, operative, and postoperative care were estimated. The sample consisted of 64 consecutive patients enrolled in the ERAS programme between April 2021 and August 2022, compared to a control group (historical cohort) comprising 31 patients treated from April 2020 to December 2020, prior to the implementation of the ERAS programme. The study sample comprises patients who fulfil the established ERAS protocol inclusion criteria, including general criteria (acceptance of the protocol, proximity of residence, absence of contraindications to physiotherapy and early mobilisation), surgical criteria (anatomical lung resection up to lobectomy, absence of extensive resection, good possibility of conducting the operation in VATS) and anaesthesiologic criteria (ASA ≤2). Costs were quantified using the national health system perspective. The average length-of-stay was at least one day shorter in the ERAS group [<0.001. Average total costs including entire pathway healthcare costs were substantially reduced for ERAS-VATS patients (mean: € 5,955.71 vs. €6,529.41 Δ = -573.70 p = 0.018)]. Specifically, the median costs of the admission phase were significantly different between the two groups (median: €4,648.82 vs. €5,596.58, p = 0.008), with a reduction in hospital stay expenditure in the ERAS-VATS group (median: €1,599.62 vs. €2,399.43, p = 0.025). No significant differences were found regarding major clinical outcomes. The implementation of an ERAS programme is a dominant strategy, representing an intervention capable of reducing overall costs in the context of elective anatomical lung resection with VATS without any significant differences in major complications and re-intervention rates.

Influence of process-focused patient care on clinical outcomes among hospitalized heart failure patients in the cardiology ward

Abstract Background The implementation of a process-oriented organizational structure in patient care allows for a comprehensive and optimized approach. In the context of heart failure (HF), it remains uncertain whether the establishment of a specialized hospitalisation team can contribute to improved major clinical outcomes. Purpose To analyse the rates of all-cause hospitalisation, cardiovascular hospitalization, HF hospitalization and overall mortality at 180 days among patients admitted to the Cardiology ward for HF, both prior to and after the implementation of a specialized HF hospitalisation team. Methods The study included all patients discharged from the Cardiology department with HF as the primary diagnosis and subsequent outpatient follow-up by the Community HF Unit in both 2019 and 2022. Clinical outcomes were compared between two distinct periods: the pre-implementation year of 2019 and the subsequent year of 2022, characterized by process-oriented HF care. Statistical analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier and adjusted Cox proportional-hazards models. Results A total of 140 patients were enrolled in the study, comprising 55 individuals receiving care from a conventional ward team in 2019 and 85 under the specialized HF team in 2022. The mean age of the cohort was 69.4 years (+/-11.8), with a mean LVEF of 40.6%. The pre-implementation group showed a higher percentage of male patients (73% vs. 47%; p=0.003) and LVEF was lower in the HF team period (38.9% vs. 43.4%; p=0.045), with no statistically significant differences in other baseline variables. As shown in figure 1, over 180 days of follow-up, 15 patients (27.6%) were admitted to hospital in the conventional ward team period and 13 (15.3%) in the HF team period (hazard ratio [HR] 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19 to 0.99; P=0.047). Of these hospitalisations, 13 patients (23.6%) in pre-implementation period and 10 (11.8%) in post-implementation period were attributed to cardiovascular events (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.99; P=0.049). Additionally, there was a reduction in the rate of heart failure admissions in the post-implementation period compared to the pre-implementation time (HR 0.30; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.94; P=0.039). Furthermore, a significant decline in all-cause of death was observed in patients treated by HF-team in 2022 compared to patients receiving care from the conventional ward team (log-rank test, p=0.015). Conclusions The implementation of a process-oriented organizational model within the Cardiology unit consisting in the provision of patient care by a team specialized in HF management, is associated with a statistically significant reduction in major clinical outcomes such as all-cause hospitalization, cardiovascular hospitalization and HF readmission, alongside a reduction in overall mortality rates at 180 days.

Transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in lower-risk patients: an updated meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract Background Long-term clinical outcomes after transcatheter [TAVI] and surgical [SAVR] aortic valve replacement are of utmost importance in lower-risk patients. Event rates are diminished in lower-risk patients, therefore individual trials may be separately underpowered to assess low-frequency outcomes. New randomised data has emerged, including 4, 5 and 10-year follow-up from the Evolut Low Risk, PARTNER-3 and NOTION trials, respectively. Purpose To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials studying long-term outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis at low-surgical risk undergoing TAVI versus SAVR. Methods Trials randomising patients at lower surgical risk in trials comparing TAVI with SAVR were systematically identified. The prespecified primary endpoint was all-cause death. Key secondary endpoints included stroke, death or disabling stroke, cardiac death, new permanent pacemaker, aortic valve reintervention, and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Reconstructed individual patient data [IPD] was obtained via digitisation of Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Using these data, Cox proportional hazards regression was performed using frailty models on the primary outcome of all-cause death. To assess total lifetime lost, the restricted mean survival time [RMST] was calculated. Conventional pairwise random effects meta-analyses were also performed. This analysis was prospectively registered [CRD42023484976]. Results 4 eligible trials contributed data from 3557 patients with a weighted mean follow-up duration of approximately 4 years (47.6 months). In the reconstructed IPD pooled analyses, there was no significant difference in the hazard of death [hazard ratio 1.15, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.41, p=0.20] or RMST [Δ-0.8 months, p=0.09] (Figure 1). In pairwise meta-analyses, there was no difference between TAVI and SAVR in all-cause death [relative risk (RR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.13, p=0.51] (Figure 2). There was also no significant difference for stroke [RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.50, p=0.80], or a composite of death or disabling stroke [RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.22, p=0.57]. There was an increase in new pacemaker implantation with TAVI [RR 2.15, 95% CI 1.50 to 3.07, p&amp;lt;0.001], and a reduction in new AF with TAVI [RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.70, p&amp;lt;0.001]; there was no significant difference in any other endpoint (Figure 2). Conclusions The present analysis demonstrates no difference in major clinical outcomes with TAVI or SAVR in lower-risk patients at 4-years follow-up. These results were consistent when analysed using pooled reconstructed IPD or conventional meta-analyses and there were no differences in RMST. These data are informative for lower-risk patients and clinicians, but longer-term follow-up is required to confirm whether equivalence is maintained.Kaplan-Meier plot comparing TAVI vs SAVRForest plot for key clinical endpoints

The impact of high-intensity statin on 3-year clinical outcomes in elderly acute myocardial infarction patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents

Abstract Background There is limited data on role of high-intensity statin for secondary prevention in elderly acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients above 75 years old. Therefore, this study aimed to show the impact of high-intensity statin on 3-year clinical outcomes in elderly AMI patients (&amp;gt;75 years) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES). Methods Among the 13,104 patients included in the Korea AMI registry (KAMIR)-National Institutes of Health (NIH), the elderly patients (&amp;gt;75 years, n=2063) were divided into three groups according to statin treatment at discharge; the high-intensity statin group (n=521), the low/moderate-intensity statin group (n=1419), and the no statin group (n=123). The primary endpoint was 3-year composite of cardiac death and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI). Results During the 3-year clinical follow-up, the cumulative incidence of primary endpoint in the high-intensity statin group was similar to that of the low/moderate-intensity statin group (11.5% versus 12.5%; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.053; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.780-1.423; P=0.739) and was significantly lower than that of the no statin group after adjustment (11.5% versus 22.0%; aHR: 2.433; 95% CI: 1.377-4.298; P=0.002). The incidences of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), target lesion failure (TLF), target vessel failure (TVF), procedure free cardiac events (PFCE), total death, cardiac death, and re-hospitalization due to heart failure (HF) in the high-intensity statin group were significantly lower than those of the no statin group after adjustment. However, the incidences of primary endpoint and other clinical events in the high-intensity statin group were similar to those of the low/moderate-intensity statin group. Conclusions In elderly AMI patients (&amp;gt;75 years) underwent PCI with DES, high-intensity statin was associated with significantly reduced 3-year major clinical outcomes than no statin therapy group. This clinical benefit was similar to low/moderate-intensity statin therapy.

Ten-year major clinical outcomes between first- and second-generation drug-eluting stents in hypertensive patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Background There are very limited long-term clinical outcome data comparing first-generation (1G) versus second-generation (2G) drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with hypertension. The authors sought to compare the efficacy and safety 2G-DES with 1G-DES in hypertension patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during ten-year clinical follow-up periods. Methods Finally, a total of 1,631 eligible hypertensive patients who underwent PCI with 1G-DES (paclitaxel-, sirolimus-eluting stent, n = 715) or 2G-DES (zotarolimus [endeavor, endeavor resolute]- or everolimus-eluting stent [promus element, xience], n = 916) were enrolled. The study endpoints were individual and composite clinical outcomes up to ten-year. Results After PSM, two propensity-matched (PSM) groups (452 pairs) were generated. During the ten-year follow-up period, the 2G-DES group had a lower incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR; hazard ratio [HR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35 – 0.82; p = 0.004), target vessel revascularization (TVR; HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46 – 0.94; p = 0.022), any revascularization (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48 – 0.88; p = 0.006), total major adverse cardiac events (MACE; HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.55 – 0.90; p = 0.005), TLR MACE (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49 – 0.98; p = 0.037), and MACCE (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54 – 0.88; p = 0.002, table). Conclusion In our single-center, all-comer registry, 2G-DES had better efficacy especially repeat revascularization and MACE as compared with 1G-DES in hypertensive patients during 10-year follow-up periods.

Major clinical outcomes in symptomatic vs. asymptomatic atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis.

Current guidelines suggest that asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) is independently associated with increased risks of stroke and mortality compared with symptomatic AF. Considering that recent investigations have provided conflicting results, the present study aimed to evaluate the association between symptom status and clinical outcomes in patients with AF. Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched until 25 March 2024. Triple-independent study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Evidence was pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. Thirty-six studies (217 850 participants) were included. Based on the frequentist analysis, symptomatic individuals had no significant difference in the risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) .97, 95% confidence interval (CI) .80-1.17], cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.04, 95% CI .72-1.49), thromboembolism (HR 1.06, 95% CI .87-1.28), stroke (HR 1.06, 95% CI .84-1.34), hospitalization (HR 1.34, 95% CI .89-2.02), and myocardial infarction (HR .98, 95% CI .70-1.36), compared to the asymptomatic group. Symptomatic patients had a 33% increased risk of new-onset heart failure (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.19-1.49) and a 30% lower risk of progression to permanent AF (HR .70, 95% CI .54-.89). The Bayesian analysis yielded comparable results, yet the association between symptom status and new-onset heart failure was not significant (HR 1.27, 95% credible interval .76-1.93; Bayes factor = 1.2). Symptomatic patients had higher odds of receiving antiarrhythmic drugs (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% CI 1.33-2.03) and ablation therapy (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.06-2.05) compared to asymptomatic cases. The risk of major clinical outcomes did not differ between individuals with and without AF-related symptoms. Asymptomatic patients had a greater hazard of progression to permanent AF.

Association between postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting and short-term clinical outcomes

BackgroundDespite advances in prevention and treatment, postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common type of complication undergoing cardiac surgery. This study aimed to identify the relationship between POAF and clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 324 patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting in an intensive care unit between 2010 and 2019 at a tertiary hospital in Korea. Propensity score matching was used to estimate a 1:1 match (without: with POAF) using seven covariates to overcome selection bias. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling were performed to determine the effect on intensive care unit readmission and length of hospital stay.ResultsAfter controlling for covariates, 1:1 matching was performed for 91 patients in each group. The occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was found to increase the probability of readmission to the intensive care unit, with a 23% reduced probability of readmission for every 10% increase in left ventricular ejection fraction. Multivariate analysis indicated that postoperative atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a comorbidity, and preoperative hemoglobin were factors affecting the length of hospitalization after surgery. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis results indicated that the without POAF group had a higher survival rate than the with POAF group.ConclusionsHealthcare professionals should recognize negative factors such as postoperative atrial fibrillation and abnormal hematologic parameters that impact major clinical outcomes in patients and may require closer monitoring before and after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Major clinical outcomes and discussions of the impacts of religiousity/spirituality in patients with palliative care and nutrology therapy: a concise systematic review

Introduction: In the scenario of nutritional therapy and religiosity/spirituality (R/S), several factors can impact the nutritional status of patients in palliative care. These include knowledge of nutrition, the level of emotional support required for the patient, their motivation, and the nature, impact, and severity of the illness. A diet suitable for weight stabilization provides patients with the energy necessary to meet physical, psychological, social, and R/E aspects. Objective: It was to carry out a concise systematic review to present the main clinical outcomes and discussions about the impacts of religiosity/spirituality in patients with palliative care undergoing nutritional therapy. Methods: The PRISMA Platform systematic review rules were followed. The search was carried out from August to October 2024 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 91 articles were found, and 24 articles were evaluated in full, and 17 were included and developed in the present systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 15 studies with a high risk of bias and 25 studies that did not meet GRADE and AMSTAR-2. Most studies showed homogeneity in their results, with X2=72.8%&gt;50%. It was concluded that when the natural oral intake of food and liquids is disturbed, the role of caregivers is to assist the patient in covering the individual's nutritional needs through nutritional therapy and religiosity and spirituality as metabolic and immunological stimuli. Nutritional therapy requires indication to achieve a treatment goal and informed consent from the patient. The suspension and withdrawal of nutritional therapy and artificial hydration must be evaluated in specific situations (terminally ill, palliative care, dementia, elderly patients) and always on a case-by-case basis, according to the cultural and spiritual needs of the patients. Caregivers must emphasize the right to self-determination and therefore respect the patient's autonomy, and also the particular vulnerability of the patient who suffers from or is at risk of malnutrition.

Association between delta anion gap/delta bicarbonate and outcome of surgical patients admitted to intensive care unit

BackgroundPatients undergoing high-risk surgeries with acid-based disorders are associated with poor outcomes. The screening of mixed acid-based metabolic disorders by calculating delta anion gap (AG)/delta bicarbonate (Bic) has a clinically relevant role in patients with high AG metabolic acidosis (MA), however its utility in individuals facing high-risk surgical procedures remains unclear.ObjectiveCharacterize metabolic acidosis using delta-AG/delta-Bic and its associations in patients undergoing high-risk surgeries with possible outcome-related complications.DesignProspective observational multicentric study.SettingThree tertiary hospitals in Brazil.PatientsPatients undergoing high-risk surgeries, aged 18 years or older, requiring postoperative critical care.Main outcome measuresPatients undergoing high-risk surgeries monitored during the postoperative phase across three distinct intensive care units (ICUs), with assessment encompassing laboratory analyses upon admission and 24 h thereafter. Patients with MA and with elevated AG within 24 h were separated into 3 subgroups: [G1 – delta-AG/delta-Bic < 1.0] MA associated with hyperchloremia; [G2 – delta-AG/delta-Bic between 1.0 and 1.6] MA and no mixed disorders; and [G3 – delta-AG/delta-Bic > 1.6] MA associated with alkalosis. Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. The secondary endpoints were cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological, coagulation and infective complications.ResultsFrom the 621 surgical patients admitted to ICU, 421 (51.7%) had any type of acidosis. After 24 h, 140 patients remained with MA with elevated AG (G1: 101, G2: 18, and G3: 21). When compared to patients from subgroups 1 and 3, the subgroup with no mixed disorders 2 showed higher 30-day mortality (adjusted HR = 3.72; 95% CI 1.11–12.89, p = 0.001), cardiovascular complications (p = 0.001), ICU mortality (p = 0.03) and sum of all complications during the ICU period (p = 0.021).ConclusionIn the postoperative time, patients with metabolic acidosis and no mixed disorders present higher ICU-Mortality and higher cardiovascular postoperative complications when compared with patients with combined hyperchloremia or alkalosis. Delta-AG/delta-Bic can be a useful tool to evaluate major clinical outcomes in this population.

Levosimendan in Patients with Low Cardiac Output Syndrome After Cardiac Surgery: A Substudy of the Multicenter Randomized CHEETAH Trial

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that levosimendan administration to patients with low-cardiac-output syndrome after cardiac surgery is associated with improved long-term (5-year follow-up) outcome. DesignSingle-center subanalysis of the multicenter randomized CHEETAH trial. SettingCardiac surgery department of a tertiary hospital. ParticipantsA total of 134 adult patients requiring hemodynamic support for cardiac index <2.5 L/min/m2 after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). InterventionsPatients were randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive levosimendan (continuous infusion with starting dose of 0.05 μg/kg/min) or placebo, in addition to standard inotropic care. Measurements and Main ResultsThe primary endpoint was long-term mortality (1-5 years) after randomization. Secondary outcomes were the following: hemodynamic parameters, need for inotropic support (VIS), acute kidney injury (AKI), need for renal-replacement therapy, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital stay, 30-day mortality. No significant between-group difference in long-term mortality (5-year) was observed (hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% CI, 0.81 to 3.11; P = 0.17). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes, except for the difference in the mean pulmonary artery pressure at 4-6 hours after randomization, which was lower in the levosimendan group (24 [21.8, 28] mmHg versus placebo 26 [22.2, 33] mmHg, p = 0.019). ConclusionsAmong patients requiring hemodynamic support after cardiac surgery with CPB, perioperative levosimendan infusion does not affect long-term survival (1-5 years) compared with placebo. Levosimendan also had no effect on major clinical outcomes such as AKI, ICU stay, hospital stay, 30-day mortality.

Epidemiology and characteristics of coral snake bites reported to the National Poison Data System (2006‒2022).

North American coral snake envenomations can result in life-threatening neurotoxicity. Their bites are relatively rare, making large studies difficult. Using the National Poison Data System (NPDS), we sought to investigate the epidemiological trends and clinical outcomes associated with North American coral snake bites over a 17-year period. NPDS cases involving coral snakes from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2022, were analyzed. Data collected included patient age, date, geographic location, clinical effects, treatments administered, and medical outcomes including incidence of "dry bites" (non-envenomation) and death. During the 17-year period, a total of 1374 cases were reported and analyzed. Cases included adults (≥20 years), accounting for 80% (n=1107), and pediatric patients (≤19 years), accounting for 20% (n=267) of total cases. Out of 50 US states and District of Columbia, 20 states reported cases. Florida and Texas accounted for 90.5% of all bites (n=1243) with April being the month with the most reported cases (n=184). The most bites (n=96) were reported in 2008 and the fewest (n=69) in 2016. Male patients predominated for both pediatric (75.7%, n=202) and adult cases (75.3%, n=834). Moderate to major clinical outcomes were documented in approximately 30% of total cases; with no reported deaths. Moderate effect is defined as the patient exhibited symptoms as a result of the exposure that were more pronounced, more prolonged, or more of a systemic nature than minor symptoms. Major effect was defined as the patient exhibited symptoms as a result of the exposure that were life threatening or resulted in significant residual disability or disfigurement. The three most reported clinical effects were wound/sting, dermal irritation/pain, and edema. Antivenom was administered in 21% (n=286) of total cases and 37% (n=511) of patients were admitted to a critical care unit. Dry bites occurred in 7% (n=100) of total cases. Coral snake bites were rare, but consistently reported. While bites were associated with significant morbidity in adult and pediatric patients, there were no deaths reported. Antivenom use declined over the study period but was not associated with an increase in morbidity. An increased incidence of intubations was seen in association with decreased antivenom use.

Major clinical outcomes of nutrology management and the endocannabinoid system in the performance of paralympic athletes: a systematic review

Major clinical outcomes of nutrology management and the endocannabinoid system in the performance of paralympic athletes: a systematic review

Major clinical outcomes of nutrology and lifestyle in the metabolic processes of healthy aging: a systematic review

Introduction: Centenarians exemplify the concept of healthy aging and therefore provide an invaluable resource for identifying novel host-intestinal microbiota relationships concerning aging. Approximately 18 micronutrients, composed of minerals and vitamins, facilitate the optimal utilization of macronutrients through their role in catalyzing numerous biochemical processes, increasing their bioavailability and absorption, and balancing the microbiome. In the context of aging, a major challenge to maintaining health in old age is unbalanced nutritional intake, resulting in nutritional deficiency or malnutrition. Objective: The main clinical outcomes of nutrology and lifestyle in the metabolic processes of healthy aging were listed through a systematic review. Methods: The systematic review rules of the PRISMA Platform were followed. The search was carried out from July to August 2024 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 118 articles were found. A total of 39 articles were fully evaluated and 29 were included and developed in the present systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 21 studies with a high risk of bias and 15 that did not meet the GRADE and AMSTAR-2 criteria. Most studies showed homogeneity in their results, with X2=82.7%&gt;50%. Zinc and copper govern many functions that characterize the so-called “oxy-aging”. Selenium (Se) is a fundamental cofactor in many redox functions, the role of vitamin C in aging has been investigated particularly for skin health and immunity, particularly in inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Retinoids, which represent a synthetic form of vitamin A, appear effective in preventing skin degeneration due to aging. The role of vitamin E in the prevention and reduction of ROS-induced lesions has been well described. Supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 influenced the analyzed biomarkers in a way that indicated an anti-aging effect. It was concluded that an adequate plasma level of trace elements, such as Zn or copper (Cu), promotes an optimal function of the immune response. Selenium (Se) is a key cofactor in many redox functions, which reduces ROS-induced degeneration in the senescent phenotype. The role of vitamin C in aging has been investigated particularly for skin health and immunity, particularly in inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Vitamin A acts in the prevention of skin degeneration due to aging. The role of vitamin E in the prevention and reduction of ROS-induced lesions has been well described, as well as it has been associated with the prevention of cognitive decline during senescence, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. Good fats, vitamins, minerals, or polyphenols can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, with anti-aging effects. Recent studies have shown that vitamin K is a vital cofactor in the activation of several proteins, which act against age-related syndromes.

Clonal Hematopoiesis Is Associated With Long-Term Adverse Outcomes Following Cardiac Surgery.

Cardiac surgery triggers sterile innate immune responses leading to postoperative complications. Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is associated with short-term inflammation-mediated outcomes after cardiac surgery. The impact of CH on long-term postoperative outcomes remains unknown. In this cohort study, patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were included from January 2017 to September 2019. Patients were screened for CH using a predefined gene panel of 19 genes. Recorded clinical events were all-cause death, major adverse cardiac and cerebral events including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or nonscheduled coronary revascularization, stroke, and hospitalization for acute heart failure. The primary study outcome was time to a composite criterion including all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebral events. Among 314 genotyped patients (median age: 67 years; interquartile range 59-74 years), 139 (44%) presented with CH, based on a variant allelic frequency ≥1%. Carriers of CH had a higher proportion of patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (26% for CH versus 17% for non-CH carriers, P=0.022). The most frequently mutated genes were DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1. After a median follow-up of 1203 [813-1435] days, the primary outcome occurred in 50 patients. After multivariable adjustment, CH was independently associated with a higher risk for the primary outcome (hazard ratio, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.05-3.41], P=0.035). Most adverse events occurred in patients carrying TET2 variants. In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, CH is frequent and associated with a 2-fold increased long-term risk for major adverse clinical outcomes. CH is a novel risk factor for long-term postcardiac surgery complications and might be useful to personalize management decisions. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03376165.

Major clinical outcomes of rapid maxillary expansion in bucomaxillofacial surgery: a systematic review

Introduction: The techniques of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) and non-surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (NSARME) are used to correct maxillary development through palatal disjunction. Objective: It was analyzed using a systematic review of the literature on the main considerations of the rapid expansion of the maxilla, evidencing its main indications, contraindications, types of expanders, as well as the main dental and skeletal alterations by them produced. Methods: The PRISMA Platform systematic review rules were followed. The search was carried out from February to April 2024 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: 110 articles were found, 34 articles were evaluated in full and 22 were included and developed in the present systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 18 studies with a high risk of bias and 23 studies that did not meet GRADE and AMSTAR-2. Most studies did not show homogeneity in their results, with X2=73.8%&gt;50%. It was concluded there is still no consensus on which is the best jaw-breaker, and it is necessary to increase the number of clinical and randomized studies, with eligibility criteria that can homogenize the participants. In addition, the literature has clearly shown that bucomaxillofacial surgeons must have the knowledge and clinical experience to be able to indicate the best procedure for each patient, that is, the rapid expansion of the non-surgical or surgical maxilla.

Hospitalization outcome of patients with lung cancer with COVID-19 infection: NIS 2020 analysis.

212 Background: Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Recent data showed the detrimental effects of COVID-19 infection on other neoplasm conditions, causing increased mortality rates and complications. However, data on the precise effects of COVID-19 on hospitalized individuals with lung cancer are scarce. Methods: We analyzed the 2020 U.S. National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to investigate the effects of COVID-19 infection on cases primarily admitted due to lung and bronchus cancer. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for specified outcomes were calculated through multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality, with secondary outcomes including system-based complications. Statistical significance was established at a p-value of 0.05. Results: We identified 103,334 patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of lung and bronchus cancer. The mean age was 68.9 years; 50.5% were female. In the non-COVID group, Caucasians accounted for 75%, followed by Hispanics (12%). Of these, 0.36% (374/103,334) had a concurrent diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. In a survey multivariable logistic and linear regression model adjusting for patient and hospital factors, COVID-19 infection was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (aOR 5.39; 95% CI (3.01, 9.64), p &lt; 0.001), higher mean length of stay (b 5.51; 95% CI (2.59, 8.43) p &lt; 0.001), mean total hospital cost (b 10,683; 95% CI (784.32, 20,581.93) p = 0.034), shock (aOR 4.37; 95% CI (1.96, 9.91), p &lt; 0.001), acute respiratory failure (aOR 2.23; 95% CI (1.30, 3.85), p = 0.004), mechanical ventilation usage (aOR 3.12; 95% CI (1.46, 6.66), p = 0.003) and acute kidney injury (aOR 2.71; 95% CI (1.54, 4.74), p &lt; 0.001). We observed non-significant, but increased, risks of sepsis, SIRS, and coagulopathy in COVID-19-positive patients. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study underscores that COVID-19 infection is associated with higher in-hospital mortality and other major clinical outcomes in lung cancer, as well as increased economic burden and cost of stay. To definitively establish causal relationships between the observed factors and the reported clinical outcomes in this population, further longitudinal research is necessary.

Major bleeding increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation: insights from the SAKURA AF registry and RAFFINE registry.

Bleeding events are one of the major concerns in patients using oral anticoagulants (OACs). We aimed to evaluate the association between major bleeding and long-term clinical outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients taking OACs. We analyzed a database comprising two large-scale prospective registries of patients with documented AF: the RAFFINE and SAKURA registries. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as the composite of all-cause death, ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction. Major bleeding was defined in accordance with the criteria of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis. Cox multivariate analysis was used to determine the impact of major bleeding on the incidence of MACCE. The median follow-up period was 39.7 (interquartile range, 33.1-48.1) months. Among 6,633 patients with AF who were taking OAC, 298 (4.5%) had major bleeding and 737 (11.1%) had MACCE. The incidence of MACCE was higher in patients with bleeding than in those without (18.33 and 3.22, respectively, per 100 patient-years; log-rank p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed older age, vitamin K antagonist use, and antiplatelet drug use as independent predictors of major bleeding. Median duration of MACCE occurrence after major bleeding was 41 (interquartile range, 3-300) days. Multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis showed that the risk of MACCE was significantly higher in patients with major bleeding compared to those without (hazard risk, 4.64; 95% confidence interval, 3.62-5.94; p < 0.0001). Major bleeding was associated with long-term adverse cardiovascular events among AF patients taking OAC. Therefore, reducing the risk of bleeding is important for improving clinical outcomes in patients with AF.

Utilizing Leadless Pacemakers in Extremely Elderly Patients With a Conventional Pacemaker System: A Two-Year Follow-Up Case Series Without Generator Extraction in High-Risk Scenarios.

Background and objectives Leadless pacemakers, known for their safer clinical profile, offer significant advantages for elderly patients at a higher risk of complications associated with transvenous pacemaker procedures, particularly those susceptible to high-risk bleeding and infections related to cardiac implantable electronic device interventions. This study explores an alternative use of leadless pacemakers without removing existing transvenous systems, deviating from conventional generator replacement and lead re-interventions. Methods This study was conducted with full approval from the Institutional Review Board, Medical Ethical Committee, Centro Hospitalar Conde São Januário, Macau. Between January 2018 and December 2021, we conducted a retrospective case series involving extremely elderly individuals (aged 85 years or older) at a high risk of complications, necessitating either generator replacement or lead re-implantation. The study considered implanting a leadless pacemaker (Micra; Medtronic,Minneapolis, MN, USA) without removing the transvenous generator. For the primary endpoints, we evaluated procedure-related complications and clinical outcomes during hospitalization. Secondary endpoints included the stability of parameters and any unexpected interference or interactions between the two systems during the two-year follow-up. Results Eleven patients (aged 86-101) were enrolled, most receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy. Leadless pacemaker implantation proceeded without major complications or adverse clinical outcomes during hospitalization. Regular follow-up was conducted every three to six months for adjusting pacemaker parameters and interrogating each patient. Over two years, three patients died from non-cardiac causes: two from infection and one from spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage, while eight completed regular follow-ups. We didn't detect any episodes of ventricular arrhythmias or intracardiac capture from the transvenous pacemaker system. We observed the stability in both the longevity and the voltage of the conventional generator battery, maintaining similar parameters without significant depletion (mean voltage decline: -0.07V/year). Parameters of the leadless pacemaker remained consistently normal without interference with existing pacing systems. Conclusion Implanting leadless pacemakers without removing transvenous pacemaker generators appears safe and effective for extremely elderly patients who are at high risk of complications. Comprehensive two-year follow-up supports the safety and viability of this approach. Opting for this approach instead of conventional generator replacement, with or without additional lead implantation, may be reasonable in this population. However, further research within this patient cohort, such as exploring long-term outcomes beyond two years or comparing clinical outcomes with conventional strategies, may be necessary.

The problem of unconscious and unidentified patients in emergency department admissions; a 3-year retrospective study.

Unidentified patients present a medical information dilemma for all medical departments but can be a major problem in Emergency Departments (EDs). This study aimed to determine the clinical and socio-demographic profile of 'unidentified' patients admitted to the ED with altered consciousness and to define the outcomes of these patients. All ED presentations were analyzed retrospectively for the unidentified patients brought to the hospital by ambulance with altered consciousness. We assessed demographic data, clinical presentation, discharge information, and major clinical outcomes. In this study, 1324 unidentified patients were admitted with altered consciousness to the ED. Of these, 1048 (80.1%) were foreign nationals. In this patient group, the most common diagnoses were; traffic accidents, assault or sharp object injuries, drug addicts, or syncope-epilepsy. In addition, the number of patients who left the hospital without permission or escaped and therefore could not be diagnosed was higher in the foreign nationalities group and constituted approximately one-fifth of the patients (18.9% vs. 5.4%, p:0.001). Of the unidentified patients, 903 (68.2%) were discharged after treatment. 351 (26.5%) patients left the ED unattended. 32 (2.4%) patients were hospitalized. 38 (2.9%) patients died in ED. The majority of the unidentified patients admitted to the ED with altered consciousness were immigrant males. Unidentified patients are a high-need population, most commonly presenting with substance misuse or trauma. Although most of the patients were seeking urgent treatment, more than one-fourth of the patients left the hospital without appropriate treatment and most of these patients were also immigrants. We believe that economic, linguistic, and social disadvantages played an important role in this outcome.