EXCLI JournalPub Date : 2024-02-06eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6885
Zoaib Habib Tharwani, Muhammad Abdul Qadeer, Ali Abdullah, Rubab Ali, Muhammad Ahmed Chaudhary, Shurjeel Uddin Qazi, Sameh M Said
{"title":"Efficacy of automated fasteners versus hand-tied knots in cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Zoaib Habib Tharwani, Muhammad Abdul Qadeer, Ali Abdullah, Rubab Ali, Muhammad Ahmed Chaudhary, Shurjeel Uddin Qazi, Sameh M Said","doi":"10.17179/excli2023-6885","DOIUrl":"10.17179/excli2023-6885","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Valve surgery is common in cardiac procedures, with fasteners like COR-KNOT® and hand-tied knots used for knot securing. This study compares their efficacy in valve surgery patients. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central until August 2023. Outcomes assessed included aortic cross-clamp time (AXT), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, valvular regurgitation, mortality, prolonged ventilatory support, atrial fibrillation, postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and renal failure. Subgroup analysis was performed for minimally invasive and open cardiac surgery. We used a random effects model for analysis. We included eight observational studies and two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1.411 participants. COR-KNOT significantly reduced AXT [MD -15.14, 95 % CI (-18.57, -11.70), P<0.00001] and CPB time [MD -12.38, 95 % CI (-14.99, -9.77), P<0.00001]. Valvular regurgitation [RR 0.40, 95 % CI (0.26, 0.61), P<0.0001] and need for prolonged ventilatory support [RR 0.29, 95 % CI (0.13, 0.65), P=0.003] were significantly lower with COR-KNOT. There were no significant differences in mortality [RR 0.39, 95 % CI (0.09, 1.69), P=0.44], atrial fibrillation [RR 1.03, 95 % CI (0.83, 1.27), P=0.81], LVEF changes [MD 0.05, 95 % CI (-1.37, 1.47), P = 0.95], or renal failure [RR 0.87, 95 % CI (0.16, 4.80), P = 0.87]. COR-KNOT devices reduce operative time and valvular regurgitation without increasing mortality or adverse outcomes. This supports their use in enhancing surgical efficiency and patient outcomes. However, ongoing discussions about suturing techniques, especially in minimally invasive procedures, highlight the need for further research and consensus among practitioners. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).</p>","PeriodicalId":12247,"journal":{"name":"EXCLI Journal","volume":"23 ","pages":"198-211"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10938240/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140131162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the vast potentials and probable limitations of novel and nanostructured implantable drug delivery systems for cancer treatment.","authors":"Maryam Ebrahimnia, Sonia Alavi, Hamed Vaezi, Mahdieh Karamat Iradmousa, Azadeh Haeri","doi":"10.17179/excli2023-6747","DOIUrl":"10.17179/excli2023-6747","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Conventional cancer chemotherapy regimens, albeit successful to some extent, suffer from some significant drawbacks, such as high-dose requirements, limited bioavailability, low therapeutic indices, emergence of multiple drug resistance, off-target distribution, and adverse effects. The main goal of developing implantable drug delivery systems (IDDS) is to address these challenges and maintain anti-cancer drugs directly at the intended sites of therapeutic action while minimizing inevitable side effects. IDDS possess numerous advantages over conventional drug delivery, including controlled drug release patterns, one-time drug administration, as well as loading and stabilizing poorly water-soluble chemotherapy drugs. Here, we summarized conventional and novel (three-dimensional (3D) printing and microfluidic) preparation techniques of different IDDS, including nanofibers, films, hydrogels, wafers, sponges, and osmotic pumps. These systems could be designed with high biocompatibility and biodegradability features using a wide variety of natural and synthetic polymers. We also reviewed the published data on these systems in cancer therapy with a particular focus on their release behavior. Various release profiles could be attained in IDDS, which enable predictable, adjustable, and sustained drug releases. Furthermore, multi-step or stimuli-responsive drug release could be obtained in these systems. The studies mentioned in this article have proven the effectiveness of IDDS for treating different cancer types with high prevalence, including breast cancer, and aggressive cancer types, such as glioblastoma and liver cancer. Additionally, the challenges in applying IDDS for efficacious cancer therapy and their potential future developments are also discussed. Considering the high potential of IDDS for further advancements, such as programmable release and degradation features, further clinical trials are needed to ensure their efficiency. The overall goal of this review is to expand our understanding of the behavior of commonly investigated IDDS and to identify the barriers that should be addressed in the pursuit of more efficient therapies for cancer. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).</p>","PeriodicalId":12247,"journal":{"name":"EXCLI Journal","volume":"23 ","pages":"143-179"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10938236/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140131163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
EXCLI JournalPub Date : 2024-01-26eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6777
Joon Ho Lee, Hanall Lee, HyunJoon Kim, Rye-Kyeong Kim, Tae Lee Lee, Do-Kyung Ko, Hajun Lee, Nyeonju Kang
{"title":"Resistance band training with functional electrical stimulation improves force control capabilities in older adults: a preliminary study.","authors":"Joon Ho Lee, Hanall Lee, HyunJoon Kim, Rye-Kyeong Kim, Tae Lee Lee, Do-Kyung Ko, Hajun Lee, Nyeonju Kang","doi":"10.17179/excli2023-6777","DOIUrl":"10.17179/excli2023-6777","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Resistance band training (RBT) with functional electrical stimulation (FES) may be an effective exercise regimen for improving age-related motor impairments. This preliminary study investigated the potential effects of bimanual RBT with FES on upper limb motor functions in older adults. This study randomly assigned 22 elderly people to the bimanual RBT with FES (Bi-RBT+FES) group and the RBT without FES (Bi-RBT) group. All participants performed isometric hand-grip force control tasks in unimanual (dominant and non-dominant) and bimanual conditions before and after four weeks of exercise for each group. We quantified the mean force, force accuracy, force variability, and force regularity at two targeted force levels (i.e., 10 % and 40 % of maximum voluntary contraction; MVC) to estimate changes in force control capabilities. The results revealed that the Bi-RBT+FES group demonstrated a greater force accuracy in the dominant hand at 10 % of MVC after training. Non-dominant hands in the Bi-RBT+FES group increased force accuracy at 40 % of MVC and reduced force variability collapsed across two targeted force levels. Both groups showed a decrease in force regularity after training. These preliminary results indicate that Bi-RBT+FES may be a viable option to facilitate functional recovery of the upper limbs in older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":12247,"journal":{"name":"EXCLI Journal","volume":"23 ","pages":"130-142"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2024-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10938250/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140133756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
EXCLI JournalPub Date : 2024-01-24eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6809
Abul Hasan Shadali Abdul Khader, Meenu Singh
{"title":"Celecoxib-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: uncommon and under-recognized side effect.","authors":"Abul Hasan Shadali Abdul Khader, Meenu Singh","doi":"10.17179/excli2023-6809","DOIUrl":"10.17179/excli2023-6809","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, and non-selective anti-inflammatory drug, is commonly prescribed as the first-line analgesic for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain acute pain cases. It is mainly preferred for its lower risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects. However, it also carries risks, including renal and liver toxicity, anaphylaxis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. A rare but severe cutaneous adverse reaction associated with celecoxib is Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP), characterized by extensive nonfollicular sterile pustules on an erythematous background, fever, and neutrophilic leukocytosis. AGEP is a rare condition with an incidence rate of 1-5 cases per million per year in the general population. It is primarily triggered by drugs, with antibiotics accounting for over 90 % of cases. Here, we present the case of a 44-year-old female who presented with a sudden, rapidly progressive, painful, pruritic rash all over her body with associated leukocytosis. A skin biopsy confirmed the presence of a pustular rash. The patient reported taking Celebrex (celecoxib) for worsening arthritis two weeks prior to symptom onset. The patient was diagnosed with Celecoxib-induced AGEP based on clinical and histopathological features. Treatment involved steroid therapy and discontinuation of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Encouragingly, the patient's rash improved within three days. Our case report aims to raise awareness of AGEP as a side effect of NSAIDs. Although AGEP is not typically serious, it can be fatal in elderly patients. Therefore, prompt identification and immediate cessation of the culprit drug is crucial.</p>","PeriodicalId":12247,"journal":{"name":"EXCLI Journal","volume":"23 ","pages":"108-113"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10938233/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140131160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
EXCLI JournalPub Date : 2024-01-18eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6496
Ali Akbar Dashtelei, Michael A Nitsche, Mohammad Ali Salehinejad, Amir Hassan Habibi, Jalal Bakhtyiari, Ahmad R Khatoonabadi
{"title":"Adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation to improve swallowing functions in Parkinson's disease.","authors":"Ali Akbar Dashtelei, Michael A Nitsche, Mohammad Ali Salehinejad, Amir Hassan Habibi, Jalal Bakhtyiari, Ahmad R Khatoonabadi","doi":"10.17179/excli2023-6496","DOIUrl":"10.17179/excli2023-6496","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Swallowing problems are frequent in Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of combined transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Conventional Dysphagia Therapy (CDT) on dysphagia in PD patients. Twenty PD patients with dysphagia were randomized into two groups: combination therapy (anodal tDCS plus CDT) and sham tDCS combined with CDT. Anodal or sham tDCS, bilaterally over the pharyngeal motor cortex, was applied with one mA during the first 20 min (real) or 30 s (sham) of CDT, which was delivered for 30 min. Both groups received twice-daily treatment sessions within two weeks. Swallowing functions were evaluated before, immediately, and one month after the intervention via the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), and the Swallowing Disorder Questionnaire (SDQ) as the primary outcome measures, and the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) as the secondary outcome measure. The results showed a significant improvement of PAS scores from baseline to post-intervention and baseline to follow-up in both groups without significant differences between groups (t=0.03, p=0.973, and t=1.27, p=0.22 for post-intervention and follow-up time points, respectively). The results showed a significant reduction of SDQ and DHI scores in both groups after the intervention, but the magnitude of the change was significantly larger in the anodal tDCS group at the post-intervention (ta=2.58, pa=0.019 and tb=2.96, pb=0.008) and follow-up (ta=2.65, pa=0.016 and tb=2.97, pb=0.008) time points. This study provides preliminary evidence that bi-hemispheric anodal tDCS combined with CDT enhances swallowing functions in patients with Parkinson's disease more than CDT alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":12247,"journal":{"name":"EXCLI Journal","volume":"23 ","pages":"95-107"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10938234/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140131159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
EXCLI JournalPub Date : 2024-01-10eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6700
Oliwia Piwocka, Wiktoria M Suchorska, Katarzyna Kulcenty
{"title":"Empowering personalized medicine: unleashing the potential of patient-derived explants in clinical practice.","authors":"Oliwia Piwocka, Wiktoria M Suchorska, Katarzyna Kulcenty","doi":"10.17179/excli2023-6700","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2023-6700","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In recent decades, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular characteristics of cancer and its microenvironment, leading to the development of life-saving treatments. However, patients often experience side effects from standard therapies, highlighting the need for personalized medicine. Personalized medicine aims to customize drug therapy and preventive care based on individual patients' specific requirements. The heterogeneity within tumors and among patients necessitates personalized medicine approaches. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs), xenografts (PDXs), and explants (PDEs) have emerged as valuable models for studying tumor behaviour and drug response. This paper aims to summarize the latest advancements in patient-derived explants, focusing on their potential utility in the clinic. Different methods for culturing PDEs, including the free-floating approach, the grid method, and sponge scaffolds, are discussed. These approaches provide opportunities for long-term viability, oxygen and nutrient supply, and maintenance of tissue integrity. Additionally, various solid tumor models using PDEs are highlighted, together with assays to study PDE viability, characteristics, and response to drug treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12247,"journal":{"name":"EXCLI Journal","volume":"23 ","pages":"81-91"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10853634/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139722237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
EXCLI JournalPub Date : 2024-01-05eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6857
Jia-Meng Li, Ya-Zhi Bai, Shuang-Qing Zhang
{"title":"Roles of the quantification of serine in the brain.","authors":"Jia-Meng Li, Ya-Zhi Bai, Shuang-Qing Zhang","doi":"10.17179/excli2023-6857","DOIUrl":"10.17179/excli2023-6857","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12247,"journal":{"name":"EXCLI Journal","volume":"23 ","pages":"79-80"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10864702/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139734851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
EXCLI JournalPub Date : 2024-01-04eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6767
Omar Gammoh, Alaa A A Aljabali, Murtaza M Tambuwala
{"title":"Plasma amino acids in major depressive disorder: between pathology to pharmacology.","authors":"Omar Gammoh, Alaa A A Aljabali, Murtaza M Tambuwala","doi":"10.17179/excli2023-6767","DOIUrl":"10.17179/excli2023-6767","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Addressing the formidable challenge posed by the development of effective and personalized interventions for major depressive disorder (MDD) necessitates a comprehensive comprehension of the intricate role that plasma amino acids play and their implications in MDD pathology and pharmacology. Amino acids, owing to their indispensable functions in neurotransmission, metabolism, and immune regulation, emerge as pivotal entities in this intricate disorder. Our primary objective entails unraveling the underlying mechanisms and unveiling tailored treatments through a meticulous investigation into the interplay between plasma amino acids, MDD, and pharmacological strategies. By conducting a thorough and exhaustive review of the existing literature, we have identified pertinent studies on plasma amino acids in MDD, thereby uncovering noteworthy disturbances in the profiles of amino acids among individuals afflicted by MDD when compared to their healthy counterparts. Specifically, disruptions in the metabolism of tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine, which serve as precursors to essential neurotransmitters, have emerged as prospective biomarkers and critical contributors to the pathophysiology of depression. Amnio acids play an essential role in MDD and could represent an attractive pharmacological target, more studies are further required to fully reveal their underlying mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":12247,"journal":{"name":"EXCLI Journal","volume":"23 ","pages":"62-78"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10864705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139734850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
EXCLI JournalPub Date : 2024-01-03eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6705
Philipp Hemmann, Lisa Kloppenburg, Regina Breinbauer, Sabrina Ehnert, Gunnar Blumenstock, Marie K Reumann, Felix Erne, Johann Jazewitsch, Tobias Schwarz, Heiko Baumgartner, Tina Histing, Mika Rollmann, Andreas K Nüssler
{"title":"AZU1: a new promising marker for infection in orthopedic and trauma patients?","authors":"Philipp Hemmann, Lisa Kloppenburg, Regina Breinbauer, Sabrina Ehnert, Gunnar Blumenstock, Marie K Reumann, Felix Erne, Johann Jazewitsch, Tobias Schwarz, Heiko Baumgartner, Tina Histing, Mika Rollmann, Andreas K Nüssler","doi":"10.17179/excli2023-6705","DOIUrl":"10.17179/excli2023-6705","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Early and reliable detection of infection is vital for successful treatment. Serum markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) are known to increase with a time lag. Azurocidin 1 (AZU1) has emerged as a promising marker for septic patients, but its diagnostic value in orthopedic and trauma patients remains unexplored. Between July 2020 and August 2023, all patients necessitating inpatient treatment for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), peri-implant infection (II), soft tissue infection, chronic osteomyelitis, septic arthrodesis, bone non-union with and without infection were enrolled. Patients undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) served as the control group. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for CRP, white blood cell count (WBC), PCT, and AZU1. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria 222 patients were included in the study (trauma = 38, soft tissue infection = 75, TJA = 33, PJI/II = 39, others = 37). While sensitivity and specificity were comparably high for AZU1 (0.734/0.833), CRP and PCT had higher specificity (0.542/1 and 0.431/1, respectively), and WBC a slightly higher sensitivity (0.814/0.455) for septic conditions. Taken together, the area under the curve (AUC) showed the highest accuracy for AZU1 (0.790), followed by CRP (0.776), WBC (0.641), and PCT (0.656). The Youden-Index was 0.57 for AZU1, 0.54 for CRP, 0.27 for WBC, and 0.43 for PCT. Elevated AZU1 levels effectively distinguished patients with a healthy condition from those suffering from infection. However, there is evidence suggesting that trauma may influence the release of AZU1. Additional research is needed to validate the diagnostic value of this new biomarker and further explore its potential clinical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12247,"journal":{"name":"EXCLI Journal","volume":"23 ","pages":"53-61"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10864703/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139734804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}