Utility of pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane dissection, in the surgical treatment of macular hole and diabetic macular edema : clinic-pathological correlation /

Consultable des del TDXTítol obtingut de la portada digitalitzadaObjetivos Estudiar el papel de la extracción de la membrana limitante interna (MLI) durante la vitrectomía posterior por vía pars plana (VPP), en el tratamiento quirúrgico de lo agujero macular (AM) y de lo edema macular crónico diabético (EMCD). Hemos estudiado las tasas de éxito clínico de la extracción de la MLI durante la VPP. Además hemos analizado el procedimiento técnico de extracción de la MLI, el aporte de la extracción de la MLI en la resolución clínica del EMCD después de la VPP y el valor de la tomografía de coherencia óptica (TCO) en el seguimiento de pacientes con EMCD y AM. El objetivo secundario consistía en establecer una correlación clínico-patológica mediante el examen histológico de la MLI. Este estudio abarcaba los descubrimientos histológicos y las diferencias de la MLI observadas mediante microscopia electrónica de transmisión (MET) y microscopia óptica (MO). Material y Métodos Estudio prospectivo de un año de 28 pacientes, no randomizado, no comparativo, con dos grupos de pacientes: 1) grupo con AM; 2) grupo con EMCD resistente al tratamiento láser. Los pacientes habían sido sometidos, antes y después de la VPP, a un examen oftalmológico: refracción objetiva, mejor agudeza visual (AV) corregida con teste de Snellen, medición de la presión intraocular, biomicroscopia, examen del fondo ocular y oftalmoscopia indirecta. El seguimiento postoperatorio fue efectuado durante el primer año a un día, una semana, 1, 3, 6 y 12 meses del postoperatorio. Los pacientes fueron sometidos a angiografía fluoresceínica digital, fotografía del fondo de ojo y mapado macular con TCO, como exámenes diagnósticos complementarios. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a la VPP y el objetivo principal era la disección epiretiniana y extracción de la MLI. Las MLIs fueron preparadas para un análisis con MO y MET. Resultados En el grupo con AM formado por diez ojos, seis tenían AM de tipo 2 y 3 y cuatro de tipo 4 (clasificación de Gass). Cinco pacientes presentan AM idiopáticos. Todos, salvo uno, mantuvieron o mejoraron la mejor AV corregida al final del estudio. La mejora de la VA era significativa estadísticamente sólo después del tercer mes del postoperatorio. El seguimiento mediante OCT demostró que el cierre del los AM fue alcanzado en nueve de ellos. La TCO pudo acompañar la evolución anatómica del cierre del agujero. En los 18 pacientes con EMCD, trece ojos mejoraron la AV, en dos no se produjo ningún cambio y tres empeoraron la AV, al final del seguimiento. La mejora de la AV comenzó a ser significativa entre el tercer y sexto mes del postoperatorio. El espesor foveal postoperatorio se redujo de manera significativa y progresiva respecto al observada en el preoperatorio. Hemos observado una disminución graduada y evidente del espesor macular paralelamente con una mejora progresiva de la AV: cuanto menos espessa era la fovea (TCO), mayor resultaba la mejor AV corregida. Hemos analizado las características ultraestructurales de la MLI normal en las retinas extraídas de dos donadores de ojos y comparado la MLI obtenida de los ojos sometidos a la VPP. Hemos realizado el examen histopatológico en 10 muestras del grupo con AM. Hemos podido observar la presencia de la MLI en 9 muestras. Hemos encontrado residuos de retina neurosensorial asociada con la superficie retinal de la MLI en 3 muestras. Pocas MLI presentaban un componente celular asociado con la superficie vítrea. En algunas MLI, hemos observado la presencia de fragmentos condensados de la hialoides posterior, a veces asociado con componente celular. Hemos llevado a cabo 75 mediciones correspondientes a distintos segmentos de la MLI. Los resultados han demostrado una significativa diferencia (p = 0.00011) entre el promedio del espesor de la MLI en el grupo con AM y en máculas normales. Al comparar el promedio de espesor observado en el grupo con AM con los obtenidos en el grupo con EMCD (2.2 ± 0.78 µm), la diferencia era siempre significativa (p = 0.03). En las muestras diabéticas examinadas mediante MET, hemos podido observar la presencia de la MLI en 7 muestras sobre 10. En 3 muestras sobre 10 no había ninguna MLI y la membrana epiretiniana presentaba una gran cantidad de matriz extracelular (colágeno y una gran variabilidad de células). El único descubrimiento histopatológico observado en 5 muestras mediante MET consistía en segmentos de MLI sin componentes fibrilares o celulares. Cuatro muestras presentaban una abundante disposición de colágeno compatible con el espesoramiento de la membrana hialoides o MER. Distintos tipos que rodeaban el colágeno extracelular componen la población celular asociada al tejido diabético: a) células glials; b) células fibroblásticas; c) células epiteloides; d) células plasmáticas macrófagas. En la MET hemos podido demostrar la presencia de componentes retinales neurosensoriales asociadas con la superficie retiniana de la MLI en 3 muestras. Conclusiones Grupo de Agujeros Maculares: 1. La VPP asociada a la extracción de la MLI es un procedimiento de utilidad para el tratamiento quirúrgico de los AM. En el presente estudio prospectivo de un año, la tasa de cierre anatómico fue de un 90% y la mejor media de la AV final corregida se obtuvo en los ojos con éxito anatómico. 2. La TCO contribuyó para el diagnóstico, se presentó como una alternativa no invasiva para la evaluación del estado foveal y permitió documentar y analizar la evolución del cierre anatómico de los AM. Grupo de Edema Macular Diabético: 1. El presente estudio clínico prospectivo de un año demostró los beneficios de la extracción de la MLI, mediante VPP, como tratamiento quirúrgico del EMCD. La extracción de la MLI conllevó a una disminución del engrosamiento de la retina, a la resolución clínica del edema macular y a una mejor AV. 2. La TCO permitió un seguimiento cualitativo del perfil de la retina y un análisis cuantitativo de las pequeñas variaciones del espesor macular. El espesor de la macula ha disminuido significativamente al final del primer mes del postoperatorio (p = 0,00016) comparado con una mejoría significativa de la AV corregida a partir del sexto mes de seguimiento clínico (p = 0,05). 3. Mediante MO y MET, el estudio histológico mostró la ausencia de fragmentos de MLI en algunos de los especimenes analizados. Algunas piezas histológicas eran membranas epirretinianas o la hialoides posterior engrosada. Ambos Grupos: 1. La correlación clínico-patológica indicó que la presencia de elementos de la retina neurosensorial observados en la cara retiniana de algunos especimenes de MLI fue extraída de ojos que presentarían una peor AV final corregida. 2. El espesor de la MLI observado en el grupo de AM fue mayor que el observado en el grupo de EMCD (p = 0,03) que, a su vez, fue mayor que el espesor observado en la MLI de la retina normal (p = 0,00003)

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Comparison of different histological indexes in the assessment of UC activity and their accuracy regarding endoscopic outcomes and faecal calprotectin levels

Objective Histological remission is being increasingly acknowledged as a therapeutic endpoint in patients with UC. The work hereafter described aimed to evaluate the concordance between three histological classification systems-Geboes Score (GS), Nancy Index (NI) and RobartsHistopathologyIndex (RHI), as well as to evaluate their association with the endoscopic outcomes and the faecal calprotectin (FC) levels. Design Biopsy samples from 377 patients with UC were blindly evaluated using GS, NI and RHI. The results were compared with the patients' Mayo Endoscopic Score and FC levels. Result GS, NI and RHI have a good concordance concerning the distinction between patients in histological remission or activity. RHI was particularly close to NI, with 100% of all patients classified as being in remission with NI being identified as such with RHI and 100% of all patients classified as having activity with RHI being identified as such with NI. These scores could also predict the Mayo Endoscopic Score and the FC levels, with their sensitivity and specificity levels depending on the chosen cut-offs. Moreover, higher FC levels were statistically associated with the presence of neutrophils in the epithelium, as well as with ulceration or erosion of the intestinal mucosa. Conclusions GS, NI and RHI histopathological scoring systems are comparable in what concerns patients' stratification into histological remission/activity. Additionally, FC levels are increased when neutrophils are present in the epithelium and the intestinal mucosa has erosions or ulcers. The presence of neutrophils in the epithelium is, indeed, the main marker of histological activity.Portuguese IBD Group (GEDII-Grupo de Estudo da Doenca Inflamatoria Intestinal)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Comparing the continuous geboes score with the Robarts Histopathology Index: definitions of histological remission and response and their relation to faecal calprotectin levels

Background and Aims: The histological status of ulcerative colitis [UC] patients in clinical and endoscopic remission has gained space as an important prognostic marker and a key component of disease monitoring. Our main aims were to compare two histological indexes-the continuous Geboes score [GS] and the Robarts Histopathology index [RHI]-regarding their definitions of histological remission and response, and the ability of faecal calprotectin [FC] levels to discriminate between these statuses. Methods: This was an analysis of three prospective cohorts including 422 patients previously enrolled in other studies. Results: The two continuous scores [GS and RHI] were shown to be significantly correlated [correlation coefficient of 0.806, p < 0.001] and particularly close regarding their definition of histological response: 95% and 88% of all patients classified as having/not having [respectively] histological response according to RHI also did so according to GS. Moreover, median FC levels in patients with histological response were lower than those in patients without histological response [GS: 73.00 vs 525.00, p < 0.001; RHI: 73.50 vs 510.00, p < 0.001]; a similar trend was observed when FC levels of patients in histological remission were compared to those of patients with histological activity [GS: 76.00 vs 228.00, p < 0.001; RHI: 73.50 vs 467.00, p < 0.001]. FC levels allowed us to exclude the absence of histological remission [according to RHI] and absence of histological response [according to RHI and GS], with negative predictive values varying from 82% to 96%. However, optimization of the FC cut-off to exclude the absence of histological remission, as for the continuous GS, falls within values that resemble those of the healthy population. Conclusion: The continuous GS and RHI histological scores are strongly correlated in their definitions of histological response. An absence of histological remission could only be excluded at physiological levels of FC.Portuguese IBD group [GEDII- Grupo de Estudo da Doenca Inflamatoria Intestinal]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio