scholarly journals Serum proteins associated with periodontitis relapse post‐surgery: A pilot study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Esberg ◽  
Catrine Isehed ◽  
Anders Holmlund ◽  
Susanne Lindquist ◽  
Pernilla Lundberg
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Serum Proteins ◽  
Post Surgery

scholarly journals MON-320 Inter-Rater Reliability of T2 MRI Intensity of Somatotroph Adenomas; Endocrinologists vs. Neuroradiologist Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena V Varlamov ◽  
José Miguel Hinojosa-Amaya ◽  
Dawn Lim Shao Ting ◽  
Maria Fleseriu ◽  
Joao Prola
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Medical Therapy ◽  
Somatostatin Receptor ◽  
Biochemical Response ◽  
Receptor Ligands ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Somatostatin Receptor Ligands ◽  
T2 Mri

Abstract Background MRI T2 hypointensity of growth hormone (GH) secreting pituitary adenomas (PA) has been associated with better biochemical response to somatostatin receptor ligands and has been suggested to be useful in selecting patients with expected favorable response for pre- and post-surgery medical therapy. However, in most imaging centers, T2 intensity measurement is not part of standard neuroradiologist (NR) reporting. Objective To assess whether endocrinologists (Es) can reliably measure PA T2 signal intensity by calculating inter-rater reliability between Es and NR. Methods Retrospective review of MRI in 20 patients with pituitary somatotroph macroadenoma randomly selected from an IRB-approved PA database who had preoperative MRI available. T2 MRI intensity of the solid portion of the PA was compared to the temporal gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM): hypo- (PA< WM), hyper- (PA> GM), and isointense (WM <PA <GM). Measurements were performed separately by a NR and by two Es trained to take measurements by the same NR. Statistics: SPSS 25; Cohen kappa (κ). Results Patient mean age was 47 ± 20 years, with 12 females; mean largest PA diameter was 22.6 mm (range 11-45 mm). NR measured 12 hyper-, 7 iso- and 1 hypo-intense PA. Agreement was moderate between NR and E#1 (κ 0.72, 95%CI 0.751-1.0, p<0.001) and NR and E#2 (κ 0.638, 95%CI 0.351-0976, p<0.001) and strong between E#1 and E#2 (κ=0.90, 95%CI 0.309-0.903, p=0.001). Hypointense PA (by NR) was read by both Es as isointense. One hyperintense PA (by NR) was read by both Es as isointense. One isointense PA was read by E#2 as hypointense. Overall adenomas were; 9 densely granulated GH, 5 sparsely granulated GH, 3 mixed GH and prolactin, 1 plurihormonal, 1 not classified, and 1 no surgical intervention. Discussion Inter-rater reliability between the 2 Es was strong, however, it was moderate between each E and the NR. Factors that likely contributed to difference in measurement are heterogeneity of the PA, MRI quality, selection bias in choosing “most appropriate” site to measure intensity of adenoma, gray and white matter. Es could be trained to interpret the T2 intensity, although reliability with NR is only moderate. Interestingly, in this sample majority of T2 PA were hyperintense, but densely granulated, suggesting that preoperative identification of densely granulated tumors, which are also predictive of favorable SRL response, might be limited. More studies are needed to assess T2 correlation with pathology. Conclusion As T2 intensity (hyper-, hypo- or iso-) on MRI might be predictive of biochemical response to medical therapy in some patients with PA, we recommend T2 intensity to be part of neuroradiology reporting protocol. Our pilot study showed that endocrinologists could read MRIs after adequate training, but there is only moderate correlation with neuroradiologists.

scholarly journals Pregabalin Failed to Prevent Dry Eye Symptoms after Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) in a Randomized Pilot Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anat Galor ◽  
Sneh Patel ◽  
Leslie R. Small ◽  
Adriana Rodriguez ◽  
Michael J. Venincasa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Dry Eye ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Final Visit ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Eye Symptoms ◽  
Dry Eye Symptoms

Purpose: Perioperative pregabalin administration has been found to reduce the risk of persistent pain after a variety of surgical procedures. However, this approach has not been tested in relation to eye surgery. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether perioperative pregabalin can reduce the presence of dry eye (DE) symptoms, including eye pain, six months after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Methods: Prospective, masked, randomized single-center pilot study. Patients were treated with either pregabalin (oral solution of pregabalin 150 mg twice daily, first dose prior to surgery, continued for a total of 28 doses over 14 days) or placebo solution. The primary outcome was dry eye symptoms as measured by the Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 (DEQ-5). Secondary outcome measures included pain-related eye symptoms. Results: In total, 43 individuals were enrolled in the study and randomized to pregabalin (n = 21) or placebo (n = 22). Of those, 42 individuals completed the final visit after six months of follow-up. Some differences were noted between the two groups at baseline, including a higher frequency of females in the pregabalin group. At 6-months, there were no significant differences in the percentage of patients with DE symptoms (DEQ5 ≥ 6, 57% vs. 33%, p = 0.14), DE symptom severity (DEQ5, 6.6 ± 5.0 vs. 4.5 ± 4.2, p = 0.14), ocular pain intensity (numerical rating scale, 1.10 ± 1.48 vs. 0.38 ± 0.97, p = 0.08), or neuropathic pain complaints (Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory-Eye, 2.81 ± 4.07 vs. 3.14 ± 5.85, p = 0.83) between the pregabalin and control groups. Ocular signs were likewise similar between the groups, and of note, did not correlate with DE symptoms. The strongest predictor of DE symptoms six months post-surgery was the presence of DE symptoms prior to surgery. Conclusions: Perioperative pregabalin did not reduce the frequency or severity of DE symptoms at a six month follow-up after LASIK in this small pilot study.

The release of serum proteins and dye from glass ionomer (polyalkenoate) and acrylic cements: a pilot study

1994 ◽  
Vol 5 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 711-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Wittwer ◽  
A. J. Devlin ◽  
P. V. Hatton ◽  
I. M. Brook ◽  
S. Downes
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Serum Proteins ◽  
Glass Ionomer

Results of a multicenter pilot study of weekly nab-paclitaxel, carboplatin with bevacizumab, and trastuzumab as neoadjuvant therapy in HER2+ locally advanced breast cancer with SPARC correlatives

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 527-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Yardley ◽  
E. Raefsky ◽  
R. Castillo ◽  
A. Lahiry ◽  
R. LoCicero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Neoadjuvant Therapy ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Locally Advanced Breast Cancer ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Poor Prognostic Factor ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Ecog Ps

527 Background: The addition of targeted therapies to standard chemotherapy has resulted in improved outcomes in metastatic, neoadjuvant and early stage breast cancer. A phase III study in MBC demonstrated improved efficacy with nab paclitaxel (nab-P) compared with standard solvent-based paclitaxel. The secreted protein acidic rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a poor prognostic factor for survival and may mediate enhanced intratumoral accumulation of nab-P via an interaction with albumin. This multicenter phase II pilot study was designed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of dual VEGF and HER-2 monoclonal antibodies of bevacizumab (B) and trastuzumab (T) administered in with neoadjuvant nab-P and carboplatin (C) with SPARC tumor correlatives. Methods: Eligibility: clinical T1c-T4d and/or N0–3, M0 (T1N0M0 excluded) chemo naive, ECOG PS 0–2, normal LVEF, adequate organ function. Treatment: nab-P 125 mg/m2 D1, 8, 15 with C AUC 6 D1 q28 days plus T 4 mg/kg load followed by 2 mg/kg/wk and B 5 mg/kg/wk x 6 cycles followed by surgery. Post surgery T and B continued for 52 wks. SPARC tumor expression was measured by immunohistochemistry. Results: 29 pts are enrolled and evaluable for safety. Median age: 52 years (29–76), ECOG PS 0–93%, median tumor size 3.2 cm, 54% ER-/PR-, 72% node positive. G3/4 neutropenia was 38% with no febrile neutropenia. Nonheme toxicity: G3/4 hyperglycemia 10%, proteinuria and hypertension, each in 7%. 8 pts were hospitalized (infection-4, ↓LVEF-1, wound dehiscence-1 pt, other-2). 5 pts did not complete neoadjuvant therapy (↓LVEF-1, noncompliance-1, pt request-3) and 10 pts did not complete post op therapy ((pt request-2, toxicity-3, wound-2, unk-3). Pathologic responses are available for 20 pts. pCR was noted in 13/20 pts (65%) and PR was noted in 7/20 pts (35%). 77% of the pCR pts (10/13) and 86% of the PR pts (6/7) were positive for SPARC. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant B, T with nab-P and C is feasible and highly active with a remarkable pCR of 65%. SPARC tumor correlations with pathologic response data reveal a concordance between the high response rate and high incidence of SPARC positivity. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals A Serum Analysis before and after Antidepressant Treatment in Major Depression: A Pilot Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. CMPsy.S20765
Author(s):  
Murielle Girard ◽  
Karine Vuilliers-Devillers ◽  
Emilie Pinault ◽  
Barbara Bessette ◽  
Brigitte Plansont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Serum Proteins ◽  
Antidepressant Treatment ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Complement C3 ◽  
Serum Samples

We investigated the serum protein profiles of subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD), with (n = 4) and without clinical improvement (n = 4), at the initiation of antidepressant treatment (venlafaxine) (T0) and 4 weeks later (T28), by difference gel electrophoresis in two dimensions (2D-DIGE) and mass spectrometry. The nine proteins displaying differences in composition between the two time points in the group with clinical improvement between T0 and T28 included gelsolin, clusterin, and the activated fragment of complement C3 (C3a). We then analyzed serum samples from MDD subjects receiving different antidepressants between T0 and T28. Subjects were classified into two groups, with (n = 17) or without (n = 14) clinical improvement (>50% decrease in baseline Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score), at T28. Clusterin levels did not differ between groups at either time point. Gelsolin and C3a levels differed between T0 and T28 only in the group presenting clinical improvement. A comparison with serum samples from controls suggested that the levels of these two proteins changed during MDD and were potentially modified after successful antidepressant treatment. Despite the small sample size, the results of this pilot study suggest that several changes in the expression of some serum proteins occur in association with the clinical relevance of the treatment, and indicate changes to general pathways requiring further study.

scholarly journals A PILOT STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF AN INDIGENOUS ANTICANCER FORMULATION (AC 2 COMPOUND) IN PATIENTS OF CANCER

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Radheyshyam Sharma ◽  
Anamika Soni
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Western World ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Radio Therapy ◽  
Poor Tolerance

Cancer is second to coronary artery disease as being the commonest cause of death in the western world. As many as 2,500 persons die every day due to tobacco-related diseases in India One woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India. In Modern medicine, the available treatment modalities viz chemotherapy and radiotherapy cause decrease in immunity, decreased Quality of life, poor tolerance to surgery and altered efficacy of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. Ancient Ayurveda classics have described about tumours as arbuda.  Ayurveda can be helpful in the management of cancer in many ways, as prophylactic, palliative, curative & supportive and no doubt it helps to improve quality of life (QOL) as adjuvant or co therapy along with chemotherapy or radio therapy & Post surgery care, to minimize the side effects of these therapies. So, the current pilot study was done to evaluate the effect of an hypothetical compound (AC Compound) in the patients of Cancer. A significant improvement in some of subjective parameters like general well being, pain, indigestion, constipation and headache was seen in patients as a result of therapy the results encourage more exploration and clinical trials in this field. Keywords:  Immunity, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Arbuda, AC compound

scholarly journals EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF CHITOSAN BASED HAEMOSTATIC AGENT FOR ACHIEVING HAEMOSTASIS IN VARIOUS PERIODONTAL SURGERIES -A PILOT STUDY.

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Sonal Kakarmath ◽  
Rajesh Gaikwad ◽  
Akshaya Banodkar
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Bleeding Time ◽  
Soft Tissue Healing ◽  
Intraoperative Bleeding ◽  
Free Gingival Graft ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Tissue Healing ◽  
Duration Of Surgery ◽  
Gingival Graft ◽  
Uncontrolled Bleeding

Periodontal surgical procedures like excision of overgrowth and harvesting graft from palate in free gingival graft procedures can cause excessive intraoperative bleeding. Uncontrolled bleeding obscures the visibility of the site for optimal debridement thus increasing the risk for recurrence. It also affects healing of the site, extends the duration of surgery and increases stress for the patient. Aim: To evaluate efficacy of a chitosan based hemostatic agent in achieving hemostasis in various periodontal surgeries. Material and Method: 13 patients indicated for periodontal surgery were selected. Intraoperative bleeding was controlled with chitosan sponge. Duration of hemostasis was recorded. Each patient was evaluated for all the parameters at 24 hrs. and on 7th day post-surgery. Results: The surgical sites treated with chitosan sponge showed mean hemostasis time of 3min 04 +/-15 seconds. Soft tissue healing showed a mean score of 3.61 +/-3 with no patient discomfort. Conclusions: Chitosan sponge reduces intra-operative bleeding time, thus emerging as a novel hemostat.

scholarly journals Dacryocystorhinostomy for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction: a pilot trial to assess impact on coexisting sinus symptoms

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18
Author(s):  
Ankur Mehta ◽  
Wan Yi ◽  
Arjuna Ananda ◽  
Raf Ghabriel
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Nasolacrimal Duct ◽  
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction ◽  
Patient Questionnaire ◽  
Nasal Discharge ◽  
Duct Obstruction ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Endonasal Dcr ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: To report on coexistent sinus symptoms in a population of patients who underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in a pilot study designed to test and refine methods and to estimate patient sample size for a larger multicentre randomised trial. Methods: Ninety-four consecutive patients with NLDO who underwent endonasal DCR by three surgeons in both public and private practice over a two-year period were included in this study. Questionnaires were given preceding DCR surgery and at 10 weeks post-surgery. Sinus symptoms including sinusitis, nasal congestion, hyposmia, nasal discharge, and facial pressure were assessed in the questionnaire. All subjects underwent primary endonasal DCR and all patients underwent the same post-operative regimen. Results: Questionnaire responses revealed that 48/94 (51%) patients had one or more sinus symptoms prior to DCR surgery. Ten-week post-DCR follow-up questionnaires were obtained from 77/94 (82%) patients. About 20/31 (65%) patients with one or more sinus symptoms prior to DCR surgery reported resolution of coexisting sinus symptoms by 10 weeks post-DCR surgery. Conclusion: The data from this pilot study suggest that approximately half of patients attending for NLDO have coexisting sinus symptoms. There was some loss to follow-up. This pilot study highlighted the need for a validated patient questionnaire, longer length of follow-up, control groups for surgical intervention, and use of perioperative medications. Any clinical trial designed to assess the impact of endonasal surgery on sinus symptoms would need to enrol several hundred patients in order to reach a statistically valid conclusion.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) and Long-term Intraocular Pressure Fluctuation in Glaucoma: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan B. Lin ◽  
Arsham Sheybani ◽  
Andrea Santeford ◽  
Rajendra S. Apte
Keyword(s):  
Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Glaucoma Surgery ◽  
Fold Change ◽  
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Differentiation Factor ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Purpose: Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) was previously identified as a molecular marker of retinal ganglion cell stress in rodent models of glaucoma and was elevated in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma as a possible risk factor for glaucoma progression. The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in the AH GDF15 levels were associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in eyes undergoing glaucoma surgery. Methods: Here, we performed a prospective, longitudinal pilot study in nine patients to determine whether changes in AH GDF15 levels from surgery to post-surgery follow-up were associated with IOP fluctuation. An initial AH sample was taken from the peripheral corneal paracentesis during planned glaucoma surgery, and a second sample was taken during an outpatient follow-up visit, approximately six months later. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between GDF15 fold change and IOP standard deviation (r = 0.87, P = 0.003), IOP range (r = 0.87, P = 0.003), and maximum IOP (r = 0.86, P = 0.003). There was no correlation between the GDF15 fold change and baseline IOP (r = 0.50, P = 0.17), final IOP (r = 0.038, P = 0.92), or mean IOP (r = 0.40, P = 0.28). Conclusion: Our findings in this pilot study suggest that longitudinal changes in AH GDF15 may be associated with IOP fluctuation during the postoperative period. Further studies are necessary to corroborate these findings in a larger patient population and to explore the possibility that AH GDF15 may be used not only to improve treatment algorithms but also as a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials.

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