The emergence, spread and vanishing of a French SARS‐CoV‐2 variant exemplifies the fate of RNA virus epidemics and obeys the Mistigri rule

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The emergence, spread and vanishing of a French SARS‐CoV‐2 variant exemplifies the fate of RNA virus epidemics and obeys the Mistigri rule via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract The nature and dynamics of mutations associated with the emergence, spread and vanishing of SARS-CoV-2 variants causing successive waves are complex. We determined the kinetics of the most common French variant ("Marseille-4") for 10 months since its onset in July 2020. Here, we analysed and classified into subvariants and lineages 7,453 genomes obtained by next-generation sequencing. We identified two subvariants, Marseille-4A, which contains 22 different lineages of at least 50 genomes, and Marseille-4B. Their average lifetime was 4.1±1.4 months, during which 4.1±2.6 mutations accumulated. Growth rate was 0.079±0.045, varying from 0.010 to 0.173. Most of the lineages exhibited a bell-shaped distribution. Several beneficial mutations at unpredicted sites initiated a new outbreak, while the accumulation of other mutations resulted in more viral heterogenicity, increased diversity and vanishing of the lineages. Marseille-4B emerged when the other Marse ille-4 lineages vanished. Its ORF8 gene was knocked out by a stop codon, as reported in SARS-CoV-2 of mink and in the Alpha variant. This subvariant was associated with increased hospitalization and death rates, suggesting that ORF8 is a nonvirulence gene. We speculate that the observed heterogenicity of a lineage may predict the end of the outbreak. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Radiological anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base amongst different populations: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Radiological anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base amongst different populations: A systematic review and meta‐analysis via Clinical Otolaryngology Abstract Objectives To determine the anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base amongst populations in different geographical regions. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Using PRISMA guidelines, SCOPUS and PUBMED databases were searched from inception until 1st March 2022. The regions and populations identified were from Europe, Asia, Middle East, Australia-New Zealand-Oceania, South America, North America and Africa. Random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic and Cochran's Q test. Main outcome measures Anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base confirmed by computed tomography scan. Results 56 articles were included with a total of 11805 persons. The most common anatomical variation of the ostiomeatal complex was pneumatization of the agger nasi (84.1%), olfactory fossa was Keros type 2 (53.8%) and ethmoids was asymmetry of the roof (42.8%). Sphenoethmoidal and suprabullar cells have a higher prevalence in North Americans (53.7%, 95% CI: 46.00-61.33) while asymmetry of ethmoid roof more common in Middle Easterns (85.5%, 95% CI: 0.00-100). Bent uncinate process has greater prevalence in Asians while supraorbital ethmoid cells and Keros type 3 more common in non-Asians. The overall studies have substantial heterogeneity and publication bias. Conclusions Certain anatomic variants are more common in a specific population. The 'approach of analysis' plays a role in the prevalence estimates and consensus should be made in future studies regarding the most appropriate 'approach of analysis' either by persons or by sides. View on Web

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The analgesic and anti‐hemorrhagic efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma in tonsillectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The analgesic and anti‐hemorrhagic efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma in tonsillectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials via Clinical Otolaryngology Abstract Aim To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the analgesic and anti-hemorrhagic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) among patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Methods PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Google Scholar databases were screened from inception until July 2021, and updated in December 2021. Risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The efficacy endpoints were summarized as risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Seven RCTs were analyzed, comprising a total of 392 patients. Risk of bias evaluation showed an overall high risk in one RCT, low risk in four RCTs, and some concerns in two RCTs. The pooled results revealed that the mean postoperative pain score was significantly reduced in favor of the PRP group compared with the control group (SMD=-1.38, 95% CI [-1.91, -0.85], p<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed the effect estimate was statistically significant for early postoperative pain (day 0 to day 3), without substantial difference between both groups on late postoperative pain (day 5 and day 7). Moreover, the rate of postoperative hemorrhage was significantly reduced in favor of the PRP group compared with the control group (RR=0.16, 95% CI [0.05, 0.50], p=0.001). Subgroup analysis showed the effect estimate was statistically significant for the rate of primary and secondary hemorrhage. Conclusion PRP was associated with significant reduction in postoperative pain and hemorrhage among patients undergoing tonsillectomy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Study on the surface properties of different commercially available CAD/CAM materials for implant‐supported restorations

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Study on the surface properties of different commercially available CAD/CAM materials for implant‐supported restorations via Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry Abstract Objective To determine if there are any differences in surface characteristics (surface roughness and contact angle) among different CAD/CAM materials indicated for fabricating implant-supported restorations, following all the material preparation protocols provided by the manufacturer. Materials and Methods One-hundred forty-four specimens were divided into six groups: RBC (resin-based composite), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), ZP (zirconia polished), ZG (zirconia glazed) and CoCr4 (CoCr4 alloy). The experimental part included surface roughness (SR) and contact angle of water (WCA) analyses, fulfilled with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) view of surface topography. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test with a Dunn's post hoc analysis, the correlation between measurements was tested using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and all data were presented as mean ± SD. Results ZG specimens were significantly rougher compared to other groups (p ≤ 0.05). The WCA measurements revealed significantly lower mean values in ZG group (p ≤ 0.05), contrary to PEEK and CoCr4, where significantly higher mean values were observed, compared to other groups (p ≤ 0.05). There exist a moderate negative correlation between the SR and WCA (ρ = −0.41). AFM 3D and SEM 2D images presented more or less heterogeneous surface of all materials. Conclusions There were statistically significant differences in surface roughness and contact angle among tested material groups. Moderate negative correlation was found between surface roughness and contact angle of tested material groups. Clinical Significance The study gives us a better understanding of influence of physicochemical characteristics of investigated materials on their surface properties and provides useful knowledge for future researches in a view of material's behavior under in vivo conditions, when it comes to a question of features related to surface quality, such as microbial adhesion, corrosion, wear, biocompatibility and esthetics. View on Web

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Low spontaneous clearance rates of recently acquired hepatitis C virus in HIV-positive MSM (The PROBE-C Study)

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Low spontaneous clearance rates of recently acquired hepatitis C virus in HIV-positive MSM (The PROBE-C Study) via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Background Using direct acting antivirals (DAA) for recently acquired hepatitis C virus (RAHCV-) infections, particularly in HIV-positive men having sex with men (MSM), dramatically reduced hepatitis C incidence. However, implementation into clinical practice is challenging. The aim of this study was to analyse spontaneous clearance (SC) rates of RAHCV and to identify predictors of SC. Methods The PROBE-C study is an observational European cohort on RAH CV-infections in HIV-positive MSM. Between 2007 and 2017, RAHCV-infections were documented with at least 12 months of follow-up. Fisher's exact, chi-square and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results 464 RAHCV-infections were documented. 457/464 (98%) cases were male, median age was 41 years (IQR 38-46). Main risk groups for HCV-transmission were MSM (98.9%). Most participants were infected with HCV-genotype (GT) 1 (78.3%). Median baseline HCV-RNA was 230,000 (135,000-474,432) IU/mL, median CD4+-T cell count was 574 (547-604) cells/µL. 92% of all cases received combination antiretroviral therapy with 91% showing suppressed HIV-RNA (<200 copies/mL). Median maximum alanine aminotransferase was 445 (402-522) U/L.SC of RAHCV-infection occurred in 55/464 (11.9%) cases. A >2log decline in HCV-RNA four weeks after diagnosis of RAHCV infection was the strongest predictor of SC (p < 0.001, sensitivity 96.4%, specificity 97.5%, PPV 8 4.1%, NPV 99.5%). Conclusions SC of RAHCV in HIV-positive MSM is only found in 11.9% of cases and a <2log drop in HCV-RNA at week four after diagnosis should prompt for early DAA-based treatment. However, immediate DAA treatment for RAHCV-infection may also be favoured in patients with ongoing transmission risk behaviour. View on Web

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Chromatin conformation of human oral epithelium can identify orofacial cleft missing functional variants

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Chromatin conformation of human oral epithelium can identify orofacial cleft missing functional variants via International Journal of Oral Science - Issue International Journal of Oral Science, Published online: 25 August 2022; doi:10.1038/s41368-022-00194-0 Chromatin conformation of human oral epithelium can identify orofacial cleft missing functional variants View on Web

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Plasma Circulating Tumor HPV DNA and HPV-Related Oropharynx Cancer—A Caution—Reply

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Plasma Circulating Tumor HPV DNA and HPV-Related Oropharynx Cancer—A Caution—Reply via JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery Online First In Reply Dr Johnson and colleagues raise a good point, as expressed in our article, that our findings should not be inferred to suggest that circulating tumor human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA (ctHPVDNA) is ready to be used for screening. Our observation that no ctHPVDNA was detected in healthy participants with detectable salivary HPV DNA or E6 serum antibody suggests a low false-positive rate (ie, suggests good specificity). However, as pointed out in the discussion of our research letter, and by Johnson et al, it is possible that the detection methods used in our study could be insensitive, and additional research is needed to verify the finding of high specificity in our study. View on Web

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