Frasershaffer2880

Temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with tissue abnormalities of several gray and white matter structures that are reproduced in animal models. Few longitudinal studies have focused on the identification of structural differences during epileptogenesis. The diffusion tensor model is a useful tool for evaluating cell death, gliosis, and axonal plasticity in epileptic subjects. This study aimed to evaluate temporal tissue changes after experimental status epilepticus in an animal model of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy.

Systemic pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were scanned using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at three time points prior to status epilepticus, and 24 and 64 days post-induction (early and late chronic, respectively). Fractional anisotropy, apparent diffusion coefficient, axial diffusivity (D

), and radial diffusivity (D

) were evaluated in white (fimbria, cingulum, corpus callosum, and internal capsule) and gray (dorsal hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and CA3) matter regions for the three time points. Histological assessment of neurodegeneration in Klüver-Barrera preparations from the same animals was performed.

Significantly reduced volume of dorsal hippocampus and fimbria of the epileptic animals was observed already at 24 days post-status epilepticus. Progressive changes of DTI parameters in both the white and gray matter structures of the experimental group were also observed. Stained sections confirmed such alterations.

Our study revealed time-dependent diffusion changes in gray and white matter structures after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. The characterization of these alterations over time may be potential imaging markers for epileptogenesis.

Our study revealed time-dependent diffusion changes in gray and white matter structures after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. The characterization of these alterations over time may be potential imaging markers for epileptogenesis.

This study aimed to evaluate national trends in utilization, resource use, and predictors of immediate breast reconstruction (IR) after mastectomy.

The 2005-2014 National Inpatient Sample database was used to identify adult women undergoing mastectomy. IR was defined as any reconstruction during the same inpatient stay. Multivariable regression models were utilized to identify factors associated with IR.

Of 729,340 patients undergoing mastectomy, 41.3% received IR. Rates of IR increased from 28.2% in 2005 to 58.2% in 2014 (NP-trend<0.001). Hydroxychloroquine Compared to mastectomy alone, IR was associated with increased length of stay (2.5 vs. 2.1 days, P<0.001) and hospitalization costs ($17,628 vs. $8,643, P<0.001), which increased over time (P<0.001). Predictors of IR included younger age, fewer comorbidities, White race, private insurance, top income quartile, teaching hospital designation, high mastectomy volume, and performance of bilateral mastectomy.

Mastectomy with IR is increasingly performed with resource utilization rising at a steady pace. Our study points to persistent sociodemographic and hospital level disparities associated with the under-utilization of IR. Efforts are needed to alleviate disparities in IR.

Mastectomy with IR is increasingly performed with resource utilization rising at a steady pace. Our study points to persistent sociodemographic and hospital level disparities associated with the under-utilization of IR. Efforts are needed to alleviate disparities in IR.

Hypoalbuminemia is a negative acute phase reactant which has been associated with inflammatory response and poor outcome in infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the value of hypoalbuminemia on admission as a predictor of mortality and adverse events in COVID-19 patients.

We analyzed retrospective data from a cohort of 609 consecutive patients, with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, discharged from hospital (deceased or alive). Demographic characteristics, previous comorbidities, symptoms and laboratory findings on admission were collected. Comorbidities were assessed by Charlson-Age Comorbidity Index.

Hypoalbuminemia on admission (<34g/L) was more frequent in nonsurvivors than survivors (65.6% vs. 38%, p<0.001) and was significantly associated with the development of sepsis, macrophage activation syndrome, acute heart failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury, regardless of Charlson-Age Comorbidity Index. Hypoalbuminemia was a predictor of mortality ium albumin determination on admission may help to identify patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection at high risk of developing potential life-threatening conditions and death.

The aims of this retrospective study were, first to evaluate the distance between the root apices of the upper first molars and the palatal plane (PP), and second to determine the validity (accuracy) of the use of cephalometric radiographs or panoramic X-rays compared to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in determining this distance.

The distance was calculated from the root apices of the first molars to PP, on the cephalometric radiographs of 204 subjects and then 57 measurements were compared to those obtained on panoramic X-rays and CBCT images, in order to find a statistically significant difference according to age, sex, side, vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns, and to determine if 2D radiographs are suitable for this task.

The distance increased significantly in subjects after 20 years of age and in hyperdivergent patients, but was not influenced by sex, side or anteroposterior position of the mandible. No statistical significance was found between the calculated measurements on cephalometric and CBCT radiographs, but both were different from those taken on panoramic X-rays.

Cephalometric radiographs are reliable in the assessment of the distance between the roots of the upper molars and the PP. In hyperdivergent and adult patients, posterior teeth have enough space between their roots and the upper limit of the hard palate to undergo intrusion mechanics using miniscrews, but care must be taken while planning and managing these movements in order to minimize the unwanted side effects.

Cephalometric radiographs are reliable in the assessment of the distance between the roots of the upper molars and the PP. In hyperdivergent and adult patients, posterior teeth have enough space between their roots and the upper limit of the hard palate to undergo intrusion mechanics using miniscrews, but care must be taken while planning and managing these movements in order to minimize the unwanted side effects.