scholarly journals Safety and feasibility of 2 h of normothermic machine perfusion of donor kidneys in the Eurotransplant Senior Program

BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Rijkse ◽  
J de Jonge ◽  
H J A N Kimenai ◽  
M J Hoogduijn ◽  
R W F de Bruin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Machine Perfusion ◽  
Contralateral Kidney ◽  
Graft Outcome ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Historical Group ◽  
Normothermic Machine Perfusion ◽  
Eurotransplant Senior Program

Abstract Background The 5-year graft survival rate of donor kidneys transplanted in the Eurotransplant Senior Program (ESP) is only 47 per cent. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) may be a new preservation technique that improves graft outcome. This pilot study aimed to assess safety and feasibility of this technique within the ESP. Methods Recipients were eligible for inclusion if they received a donor kidney within the ESP. Donor kidneys underwent 2 h of oxygenated NMP with a red cell-based solution at 37°C, additional to standard-of-care preservation (non-oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion). The primary outcome was the safety and feasibility of NMP. As a secondary outcome, graft outcome was investigated and compared with that in a historical group of patients in the ESP and the contralateral kidneys. Results Eleven patients were included in the NMP group; the function of eight kidneys could be compared with that of the contralateral kidney. Fifty-three patients in the ESP, transplanted consecutively between 2016 and 2018, were included as controls. No adverse events were noted, especially no arterial thrombosis or primary non-function of the transplants. After 120 min of oxygenated NMP, median flow increased from 117 (i.q.r. 80–126) to 215 (170–276) ml/min (P = 0.001). The incidence of immediate function was 64 per cent in the NMP group and 40 per cent in historical controls (P = 0.144). A significant difference in graft outcome was not observed. Discussion This pilot study showed NMP to be safe and feasible in kidneys transplanted in the ESP. A well powered study is warranted to confirm these results and investigate the potential advantages of NMP on graft outcome.

scholarly journals Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Treatment of Kidneys During Normothermic Machine Perfusion is Safe and Feasible with Effective Traceability after Transplantation

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaithlyn Rozenberg ◽  
Et al.
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Graft Function ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Machine Perfusion ◽  
Contralateral Kidney ◽  
Post Transplant ◽  
Normothermic Machine Perfusion

Lohmann 1/M. Pool 2, K. Rozenberg 3, M. Eijken 4, U. Møldrup 5, B.K. Møller 6, J.M. Sierra Parraga 7, M. Hoogduijn 7, L. Lo Faro 3, C. Moers 2, J. Hunter 3, A.K. Keller 1, H. Leuvenink 2, C.C. Baan 7, R.J. Ploeg 3, B. Jespersen 1 Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom Department of Renal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Introduction Marginal kidneys are increasingly being accepted to decrease waiting time for a transplant. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is a technique that allows delivery of therapies that may help condition or repair the organ prior to transplantation. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) may be able to ameliorate ischaemia reperfusion injury as they possess potent anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. We investigated the safety and effect of MSCs administered during ex vivo NMP prior to transplantation in a pig auto-transplant model of donation after circulatory death. Methods  Porcine kidneys subjected to 75 min warm ischaemia were retrieved and preserved for 14h by oxygenated HMP (oxHMP) and 4h NMP and then auto-transplantation. Kidneys were randomised to three different intervention strategies (n=7 per group): following 1h NMP, either a vehicle (NMP), 10 million pig MSC (NMP+pMSC) or 10 million human MSC (NMP+hMSC) were intra-arterially infused. The NMP groups were all compared to a control group, where kidneys were only preserved with oxHMP. The pig was re-anaesthetised, the contralateral kidney was removed and the treated kidney was auto-transplanted and the animals were recovered for 14 days. Results Renal blood flow during NMP was no different between the groups (p=0.0685). Post-transplant plasma creatinine increased in all groups but there were no significant differences between the groups (p=0.517). Plasma kidney injury biomarker NGAL was significantly higher in the NMP+pMSC group compared to the NMP (p=0.003) and NMP+hMSC (p=0.017) groups at day 14. On day 14, mGFR significantly improved in the NMP group compared to the control (55 ± 3 vs 42 ± 12 ml/min, p=0.025). No differences in GFR were observed on day 14 in the other groups (NMP+pMSC, p=0.090 and NMP+hMSC, p=0.387). MSC were detectable in biopsies of MSC treated kidney after NMP and post-transplantation. Conclusion NMP alone improved renal graft function compared to oxHMP of DCD kidneys post-transplant. The method of MSC administration during NMP proved to be safe, however in this model MSC treatment did not improve renal function. Nevertheless viable MSC remained detectable in the transplanted kidney at postoperative day 14 which may have an effect on longer term outcomes.

An Efficient System for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Pilot Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolae Goga ◽  
Costin-Anton Boiangiu ◽  
Andrei Vasilateanu ◽  
Alexandru-Filip Popovici ◽  
Marius-Valentin Drăgoi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
Large Effect Size ◽  
Efficient System ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test

BACKGROUND EMDR is a psychological therapy designed to treat emotional distress caused by a traumatic event from the past, most frequently in the PTSD treatment. We implemented a system based on video, tactile and audio sensors which includes an artificial intelligence chatbot that can replace the trained clinician in the EMDR procedure, thus making the system capable to act autonomously. OBJECTIVE This pilot study aims to develop an EMDR virtual assistant capable of assisting a user in performing an efficient therapy with a minimal intervention of a trained clinician. METHODS An EMDR virtual assistant was created that include audio, video and tactile sensors. A total of 31 participants were included in the pilot study, 14 males and 17 females, with ages between 19 and 33, (Mage = 26.2, SD = 4.21). Participants were invited to remember a traumatic event from their past that caused them discomfort, and they failed to overcome it. After accessing the traumatic memory, primary outcome measures (IES-R and STAI) and secondary outcome measures (VOC and SUD) instruments were applied in the pre-test condition. The designed intervention through application consisted of four phases of bilateral stimulation (visual, auditive, and sensorial). After the discussion with a specialist, and after the completion of the instruments on the pre-test assessment phase, the participants self-administered the intervention through the application and then completed again the instruments in the post-test phase. RESULTS The results showed that there was a significant difference in scores for the pre-test condition (M = 39.8, SD = 14.07) and post-test (M = 13.7, SD = 5.7) measured with IES-R scale; t(30) = 10.5, p < 0.001, and a large effect size (d = 1.89). Also, there are significant differences in scores for the pre-test condition (M = 56.7, SD = 8.3) and post-test (M = 33.8, SD = 4.6) regarding anxiety scores (STAI); t(30) = 11.7, p < 0.001, and a large effect size (d = 2,11) of intervention in reducing anxiety associated with the traumatic event. Related to the secondary outcome measure there was a significant pre- to post-intervention reduction in scores for both VOC; t(30) = 46.8, p < 0.00, and SUD; t(30) = 75.9, p < 0.001. It was shown that the higher scores decreased significantly at the end of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS Our results proved the efficiency of the virtual assistant system for EMDR in reducing anxiety, distress, and negative cognitions and emotions associated with traumatic memories. These findings are filling a gap in the existing literature regarding the efficiency and use of similar systems and could represent a starting point for developing applications and future controlled trials and protocols that can be used in similar cases.

scholarly journals SAFETY AND FEASIBILITY OF 2 HOURS NORMOTHERMIC MACHINE PERFUSION OF DONOR KIDNEYS IN THE EUROTRANSPLANT SENIOR PROGRAM

2020 ◽  
Vol 104 (S3) ◽  
pp. S253-S253
Author(s):  
Elsaline Rijkse ◽  
Jeroen de Jonge ◽  
Diederik Kimenai ◽  
Martin Hoogduijn ◽  
Ron de Bruin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Perfusion ◽  
Normothermic Machine Perfusion ◽  
Eurotransplant Senior Program

scholarly journals Testing telediagnostic thyroid ultrasound in Peru: a new horizon in expanding access to imaging in rural and underserved areas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. Marini ◽  
S. L. Weiss ◽  
A. Gupta ◽  
Y. T. Zhao ◽  
T. M. Baran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Nodule ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Thyroid Ultrasound ◽  
Target Region ◽  
Experienced Radiologist ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Size Evaluation

Abstract Purpose Thyroid ultrasound is a key tool in the evaluation of the thyroid, but billions of people around the world lack access to ultrasound imaging. In this study, we tested an asynchronous telediagnostic ultrasound system operated by individuals without prior ultrasound training which may be used to effectively evaluate the thyroid and improve access to imaging worldwide. Methods The telediagnostic system in this study utilizes volume sweep imaging (VSI), an imaging technique in which the operator scans the target region with simple sweeps of the ultrasound probe based on external body landmarks. Sweeps are recorded and saved as video clips for later interpretation by an expert. Two operators without prior ultrasound experience underwent 8 h of training on the thyroid VSI protocol and the operation of the telemedicine platform. After training, the operators scanned patients at a health center in Lima. Telediagnostic examinations were sent to the United States for remote interpretation. Standard of care thyroid ultrasound was performed by an experienced radiologist at the time of VSI examination to serve as a reference standard. Results Novice operators scanned 121 subjects with the thyroid VSI protocol. Of these exams, 88% were rated of excellent image quality showing complete or near complete thyroid visualization. There was 98.3% agreement on thyroid nodule presence between VSI teleultrasound and standard of care ultrasound (Cohen’s kappa 0.91, P < 0.0001). VSI measured the thyroid size, on average, within 5 mm compared to standard of care. Readers of VSI were also able to effectively characterize thyroid nodules, and there was no significant difference in measurement of thyroid nodule size (P = 0.74) between VSI and standard of care. Conclusion Thyroid VSI telediagnostic ultrasound demonstrated both excellent visualization of the thyroid gland and agreement with standard of care thyroid ultrasound for nodules and thyroid size evaluation. This system could be deployed for evaluation of palpable thyroid abnormalities, nodule follow-up, and epidemiological studies to promote global health and improve the availability of diagnostic imaging in underserved communities.

scholarly journals Telemedicine Chronic Viral Hepatitis C Treatment during the Lockdown Period in Romania: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3694
Author(s):  
Irina Paula Doica ◽  
Dan Nicolae Florescu ◽  
Carmen Nicoleta Oancea ◽  
Adina Turcu-Stiolica ◽  
Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Therapy Monitoring ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Hcv Therapy ◽  
Viral Hepatitis C ◽  
Significant Difference

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently delaying the process of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) eradication, since most of the chronic diseases are neglected. Thus, there is a need for alternative programs for HCV therapy implementation and disease monitoring. Our aim was to provide a multidisciplinary approach, so that HCV-infected patients from distant locations may benefit from HCV antivirals during the COVID-19 outbreak and within the lockdown period in Romania. Previously diagnosed HCV patients willing to participate in this telemedicine pilot study were included. Patient characteristics and medical adherence were assessed and compared to the year preceding the pandemic. We proposed a multidisciplinary approach by using a telemedicine program for HCV therapy monitoring. Patients also received a satisfaction questionnaire after delivering the sustained virologic response (SVR) result. A total of 41 patients agreed to participate in this study. The medication adherence was 100% for patients included in the telemedicine group, with a statistically significant difference from the medication adherence of the patients treated in 2019. The satisfaction item score was 4.92 out of 5 and our results (r = −0.94, p < 0.0001) suggested that older patients embraced the telemedicine program less, but with the same success in terms of SVR (100%) and medication adherence (100%). Our pilot study offers the first example of a telemedicine program in Romania for HCV therapeutic management. During the lockdown period, telemedicine has served as a reliable tool and novel alternative for conventional monitoring of patients treated with direct antiviral agents and should be further considered even following the pandemic.

scholarly journals Clinical Evaluation of Microendoscopy-Assisted Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Tomohide Segawa ◽  
Hisashi Koga ◽  
Masahito Oshina ◽  
Katsuhiko Ishibashi ◽  
Yuichi Takano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Lateral Interbody Fusion ◽  
Surgical Methods ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion ◽  
Lateral Interbody

Background and objectives: Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF) is a widely performed, minimally invasive technique to achieve lumbar lateral interbody fusion. However, some complications can arise due to constraints posed by the limited surgical space and visual field. The purpose of this study was to assess the short-term postoperative clinical outcomes of microendoscopy-assisted OLIF (ME-OLIF) compared to conventional OLIF. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively investigated 75 consecutive patients who underwent OLIF or ME-OLIF. The age, sex, diagnosis, and number of fused levels were obtained from medical records. Operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and intraoperative complications were also collected. Operation time and EBL were only measured per level required for the lateral procedure, excluding the posterior fixation surgery. The primary outcome measure was assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ). The secondary outcome measure was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), measured preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively. Results: This case series consisted of 14 patients in the OLIF group and 61 patients in the ME-OLIF group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean operative time and EBL (p = 0.90 and p = 0.50, respectively). The perioperative complication rate was 21.4% in the OLIF group and 21.3% in the ME-OLIF group (p = 0.99). In both groups, the postoperative JOABPEQ, EQ-5D, and ODI scores improved significantly (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although there was no significant difference in clinical results between the two surgical methods, the results suggest that both are safe surgical methods and that microendoscopy-assisted OLIF could serve as a potential alternative to the conventional OLIF procedure.

Single Versus Dual Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Scaphoid Nonunions: A Biomechanical Comparison

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472097411
Author(s):  
Luke T. Nicholson ◽  
Kristen M. Sochol ◽  
Ali Azad ◽  
Ram Kiran Alluri ◽  
J. Ryan Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Scaphoid Nonunion ◽  
Compression Screw ◽  
Single Screw ◽  
Headless Compression Screw ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Load To Failure ◽  
Headless Compression Screws

Background: Management of scaphoid nonunions with bone loss varies substantially. Commonly, internal fixation consists of a single headless compression screw. Recently, some authors have reported on the theoretical benefits of dual-screw fixation. We hypothesized that using 2 headless compression screws would impart improved stiffness over a single-screw construct. Methods: Using a cadaveric model, we compared biomechanical characteristics of a single tapered 3.5- to 3.6-mm headless compression screw with 2 tapered 2.5- to 2.8-mm headless compression screws in a scaphoid waist nonunion model. The primary outcome measurement was construct stiffness. Secondary outcome measurements included load at 1 and 2 mm of displacement, load to failure for each specimen, and qualitative assessment of mode of failure. Results: Stiffness during load to failure was not significantly different between single- and double-screw configurations ( P = .8). Load to failure demonstrated no statistically significant difference between single- and double-screw configurations. Using a qualitative assessment, the double-screw construct maintained rotational stability more than the single-screw construct ( P = .029). Conclusions: Single- and double-screw fixation constructs in a cadaveric scaphoid nonunion model demonstrate similar construct stiffness, load to failure, and load to 1- and 2-mm displacement. Modes of failure may differ between constructs and represent an area for further study. The theoretical benefit of dual-screw fixation should be weighed against the morphologic limitations to placing 2 screws in a scaphoid nonunion.

scholarly journals Donepezil for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoungwon Baik ◽  
Seon Myeong Kim ◽  
Jin Ho Jung ◽  
Yang Hyun Lee ◽  
Seok Jong Chung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractWe investigated the efficacy of donepezil for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD-MCI). This was a prospective, non-randomized, open-label, two-arm study. Eighty PD-MCI patients were assigned to either a treatment or control group. The treatment group received donepezil for 48 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Exam and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. Secondary outcome measures were the Clinical Dementia Rating, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III, Clinical Global Impression scores. Progression of dementia was assessed at 48-week. Comprehensive neuropsychological tests and electroencephalography (EEG) were performed at baseline and after 48 weeks. The spectral power ratio of the theta to beta2 band (TB2R) in the electroencephalogram was analyzed. There was no significant difference in the primary and secondary outcome measures between the two groups. However, the treatment group showed a significant decrease in TB2R at bilateral frontotemporoparietal channels compared to the control group. Although we could not demonstrate improvements in the cognitive functions, donepezil treatment had a modulatory effect on the EEG in PD-MCI patients. EEG might be a sensitive biomarker for detecting changes in PD-MCI after donepezil treatment.

scholarly journals 1692. Retrospective Review on the Safety and Efficacy of Nitrofurantoin for the Treatment of Cystitis in the Veteran Population With or Without Renal Insufficiency

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S829-S830
Author(s):  
Elwyn W Welch ◽  
Shaila Sheth ◽  
Chester Ashong ◽  
Caroline Pham
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Renal Dysfunction ◽  
Clinical Cure ◽  
Clinical Cure Rate ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Acute Cystitis ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Nitrofurantoin has been used to treat cystitis in women; however, data supporting its use in men is lacking. In addition, recent retrospective studies have challenged the manufacturer’s recommendation to avoid nitrofurantoin with creatinine clearances (CrCl) less than 60 mL/min. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of nitrofurantoin for the treatment of acute cystitis in male and female veterans with variable degrees of renal dysfunction. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted in adult patients who received nitrofurantoin for acute cystitis in the outpatient setting between May 1, 2018 and May 1, 2019. The primary outcomes were rates of clinical cure as compared between males and females, and across various renal function groups (CrCl greater than 60 mL/min, 30 to 60 mL/min, and less than 30 mL/min) following treatment with nitrofurantoin. The secondary outcome was adverse event rates. Results A total of 446 patients were included with 278 females and 168 males. Overall clinical cure rate was 86.5% (n=386). Clinical cure rate did not vary between genders (p=0.0851) or CrCl ranges (p=1.0) as shown in the tables. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was associated with decreased odds of clinical cure (OR 0.50 [95% CI 0.26-0.97], p=0.0404) in addition to cirrhosis (OR 0.22 [95% CI 0.06-0.91], p=0.0357). Adverse events occurred in 2% of patients and did not vary based on gender or renal function. RATES OF CLINICAL CURE Conclusion There was no statistically significant difference in clinical cure with nitrofurantoin between genders and various renal impairments. However, history of BPH and cirrhosis were associated with decreased efficacy. Subgroup analysis also revealed lower efficacy in males with CrCl greater than 60 mL/min versus females with similar renal function. This study adds to the growing body of literature suggesting that renal dysfunction with CrCl of 30 to 60 mL/min may not carry the risk of treatment failure and adverse effects previously associated with nitrofurantoin, but large randomized trials are needed to confirm these results. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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