Comparative study of the prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes among Arab female students of both London and Cairo universities

Two matched samples of Arab female undergraduate students attending London and Cairo Universities were recruited to determine the relative prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes and the effect of exposure to Western culture upon this prevalence. A positive response was reported on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40) in 22% of the students in the London group and 12% in the Cairo group, indicating that abnormal attitudes occur in this non-Western population. Six cases among the London sample fulfilled diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa, but no cases of either anorexia or bulimia were identified in the Cairo sample.

Progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease: a clinical cohort (the PROGRESS study)

In patients with chronic fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD), a progressive fibrosing phenotype (PF-ILD) may develop, but information on the frequency and characteristics of this population outside clinical trials is lacking.

We assessed the characteristics and outcomes of patients with PF-ILD other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in a real-world, single-centre clinical cohort. The files of all consecutive adult patients with fibrosing ILD (2010–2017) were examined retrospectively for pre-defined criteria of ≥10% fibrosis on high-resolution computed tomography and progressive disease during overlapping windows of 2 years. Baseline was defined as the date disease progression was identified. Patients receiving nintedanib or pirfenidone were censored from survival and progression analyses.

In total, 1395 patients were screened; 617 had ILD other than IPF or combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema, and 168 had progressive fibrosing phenotypes. In 165 evaluable patients, median age was 61 years; 57% were female. Baseline mean forced vital capacity (FVC) was 74±22% predicted. Median duration of follow-up was 46.2 months. Annualised FVC decline during the first year was estimated at 136±328 mL using a linear mixed model. Overall survival was 83% at 3 years and 72% at 5 years. Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, mortality was significantly associated with relative FVC decline ≥10% in the previous 24 months (p<0.05), age ≥50 years (p<0.01) and diagnosis subgroup (p<0.01).

In this cohort of patients with PF-ILD not receiving antifibrotic therapy, the disease followed a course characterised by continued decline in lung function, which predicted mortality.

In a real-world clinical cohort (PROGRESS), progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease was characterised by continued lung function decline. Lung function decline, age and underlying diagnosis subgroup predicted mortality.https://bit.ly/2EB3OpF

Mepolizumab for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A European Multicenter Observational Study

OBJECTIVE

Mepolizumab proved to be an efficacious treatment for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) at a dose of 300 mg every 4 weeks in the randomized, controlled MIRRA trial. In a few recently reported studies, successful real-life experiences with the approved dose for treating severe eosinophilic asthma (100 mg every 4 weeks) were observed. We undertook this study to assess the effectiveness and safety of mepolizumab 100 mg every 4 weeks and 300 mg every 4 weeks in a large European EGPA cohort.

METHODS

We included all patients with EGPA treated with mepolizumab at the recruiting centers in 2015-2020. Treatment response was evaluated from 3 months to 24 months after initiation of mepolizumab. Complete response to treatment was defined as no disease activity (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score [BVAS] = 0) and a prednisolone or prednisone dose (or equivalent) of ≤4 mg/day. Respiratory outcomes included asthma and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) exacerbations.

RESULTS

Two hundred three patients, of whom 191 received a stable dose of mepolizumab (158 received 100 mg every 4 weeks and 33 received 300 mg every 4 weeks) were included. Twenty-five patients (12.3%) had a complete response to treatment at 3 months. Complete response rates increased to 30.4% and 35.7% at 12 months and 24 months, respectively, and rates were comparable between mepolizumab 100 mg every 4 weeks and 300 mg every 4 weeks. Mepolizumab led to a significant reduction in BVAS score, prednisone dose, and eosinophil counts from 3 months to 24 months, with no significant differences observed between 100 mg every 4 weeks and 300 mg every 4 weeks. Eighty-two patients (40.4%) experienced asthma exacerbations (57 of 158 [36%] who received 100 mg every 4 weeks; 17 of 33 [52%] who received 300 mg every 4 weeks), and 31 patients (15.3%) experienced ENT exacerbations. Forty-four patients (21.7%) experienced adverse events (AEs), most of which were nonserious AEs (38 of 44).

CONCLUSION

Mepolizumab at both 100 mg every 4 weeks and 300 mg every 4 weeks is effective for the treatment of EGPA. The 2 doses should be compared in the setting of a controlled trial.

Culture and weight consciousness

The relationship between eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia and sociocultural factors is examined. The syndromes were first described in Western cultures and were reported as particularly rare or absent in other cultures. Epidemiological research shows that the frequency of their presentation has increased over the past two decades, probably as a consequence of changes in cultural norms related to the concepts of feminine beauty with increased emphasis on thinness. Recent research shows that adoption of these cultural values by other societies is associated with the emergence of similar syndromes in their cultures.

Estimation of the Prevalence of Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases: Systematic Literature Review and Data from a Physician Survey

Some patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis exhibit a progressive clinical phenotype. These chronic progressive fibrosing ILDs have a variety of underlying diseases, and their prevalence is currently unknown. Here we carry out the first systematic review of literature on the prevalence of fibrosing ILDs and progressive fibrosing ILDs using data from physician surveys to estimate frequency of progression among different ILDs. We searched MEDLINE and Embase for studies assessing prevalence of ILD, individual ILDs associated with fibrosis and progressive fibrosing ILDs. These were combined with data from previously published physician surveys to obtain prevalence estimates of each chronic fibrosing ILD with a progressive phenotype and of progressive fibrosing ILDs overall. We identified 16 publications, including five reporting overall ILD prevalence, estimated at 6.3-76.0 per 100,000 people in Europe (four studies) and 74.3 per 100,000 in the USA (one study). In total, 13-40% of ILDs were estimated to develop a progressive fibrosing phenotype, with overall prevalence estimates for progressive fibrosing ILDs of 2.2-20.0 per 100,000 in Europe and 28.0 per 100,000 in the USA. Prevalence estimates for individual progressive fibrosing ILDs varied up to 16.7 per 100,000 people. These conditions represent a sizeable fraction of chronic respiratory disorders and have a high unmet need.

The Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI): A Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Variable patterns of disease progression are typically observed in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We sought to determine the prognostic capacity of blood cell count indexes, derived from routine complete blood cell (CBC) count, in a cohort of IPF patients. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) were calculated at baseline in a consecutive series of 82 IPF patients followed for four years. After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, and disease stage, only the AISI was significantly associated with mortality (HR 1.0013, 95% CI 1.0003–1.0023, p = 0.015). Patients with AISI <434 and ≥434 had a median survival from the diagnosis of 35.3 ± 15.2 and 26.6 ± 16.3 months (p = 0.015), and a four-year survival rate of 54% and 34%, respectively. The AISI, easily derivable from routine laboratory tests, is independently associated with mortality in patients with IPF. Prospective studies in larger cohorts are required to confirm this association.

Thermoregulation during transurethral microwave thermotherapy: experimental and clinical fundamentals

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy of 340 patients treated at our center for benign prostatic hypertrophy shows the importance of the role played by two thermoregulation processes during the procedure. The first one is artificial and automatically driven by the machine (the power output and cooling rate are adjusted to the urethral and rectal temperature safety thresholds). The second one is natural thermoregulation; the latter is species specific, organ specific, zone specific and even cell specific. Thermoregulation variability is linked to the geometry of the gland, vessel distribution, histology and tissue conductivity. This variability has been demonstrated by interstitial thermometry and histological study. Interstitial thermometry was performed during treatment in 30 dogs and 35 patients; a histological study of prostate specimens was performed 1-12 weeks after treatment in 30 dogs and 15 patients. The human prostate is more resistant to heat than the dog prostate of a comparable volume and treated with the same thermal dose. The prostate of a young patient requires a higher thermal dose than that of an old patient with the same prostate volume in order to achieve a comparable intraprostatic temperature, probably due to a more viable blood supply. The transition zone is more sensitive to heat than the peripheral zone, as demonstrated by temperatures recorded at the same distance from the antenna of up to 60 versus 42 degrees C, respectively. Acinar cells seem to be more resistant to heat than smooth muscle cells when exposed to the same temperature level, as demonstrated by microscopic examination at the periphery of the treated area.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interstitial Pneumonia With Autoimmune Features (IPAF)

A significant proportion of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) manifest autoimmune features, but do not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for a definite connective tissue disease (CTD). In 2015, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and American Thoracic Society (ATS) “Task Force on undifferentiated Forms of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease” proposed classification criteria for a so-called research category of Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features (IPAF). These classification criteria were based on a combination of features from three domains: a clinical domain consisting of extra-thoracic features; a serologic domain with specific autoantibodies; and a morphologic domain with imaging patterns, histopathological findings or multi-compartment involvement. Patients meeting IPAF criteria tend to have a history of smoking similar to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The most frequent clinical and serological markers of autoimmune features are Raynaud' phenomenon and positive antinuclear antibodies, respectively. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia is the predominant radiologic and histopathologic pattern, although patients meeting IPAF criteria through the clinical and serologic domains may also have a usual interstitial pneumonia pattern. Management should be carefully individualized on a case-by-case basis in keeping with the wide heterogeneity of IPAF and lack of evidence in this particular subgroup of patients. Prognosis is generally intermediate between that of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease, but substantially variable according to the predominant histologic and radiologic patterns. As acknowledged by the Task Force, the proposed classification scheme of IPAF is a research concept that will need revision and refinement based on data to better inform prognostication and patient care.

Detection of expiratory flow limitation by manual compression of the abdominal wall

We have assessed a new method, manual compression of the abdominal wall (MCA) during expiration, in the detection of expiratory flow limitation. Twelve stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and five normal subjects were studied during spontaneous breathing in the supine and seated posture. MCA was performed during expiration with one hand at the umbilical level and we measured flow, volume, pleural (Ppl) and gastric (Pga) pressures and abdominal anteroposterior (AP) diameter at the umbilical level with magnetometers. No increase in expiratory flow during MCA relative to the preceding breath despite associated increases in pressures was considered as indicating expiratory flow limitation. In seven additional patients with increased upper airway collapsibility (obstructive sleep apnea syndrome [OSAS]), MCA was compared with negative expiratory pressure (NEP). In normal seated subjects, MCA was associated with a decrease in abdominal AP dimension (mean +/- SD: -27 +/- 6%), an increase in Pga (14.7 +/- 7.4 cm H(2)O) and Ppl (6.2 +/- 2.2 cm H(2)O), and an increase in expiratory flow. MCA caused similar changes in abdominal AP dimension and pressures in seated patients with COPD but six of them (50%), including four patients with FEV(1) less than 1 L, had no increase in expiratory flow. In the supine posture, MCA always increased expiratory flow in normal subjects but four additional patients with COPD showed evidence of flow limitation. MCA invariably increased expiratory flow in patients with OSAS whereas the NEP method suggested flow limitation in some cases. We conclude that MCA is a very simple method that allows detection of flow limitation in different positions.

Estimates of epidemiology, mortality and disease burden associated with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease in France (the PROGRESS study)

Background

There is a paucity of data on the epidemiology, survival estimates and healthcare resource utilisation and associated costs of patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD) in France. An algorithm for extracting claims data was developed to indirectly identify and describe patients with PF-ILD in the French national administrative healthcare database.

Methods

The French healthcare database, the Système National des Données de Santé (SNDS), includes data related to ambulatory care, hospitalisations and death for 98.8% of the population. In this study, algorithms based on age, diagnosis and healthcare consumption were created to identify adult patients with PF-ILD other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis between 2010 and 2017. Incidence, prevalence, survival estimates, clinical features and healthcare resource usage and costs were described among patients with PF-ILD.

Results

We identified a total of 14,413 patients with PF-ILD. Almost half of them (48.1%) were female and the mean (± standard deviation) age was 68.4 (± 15.0) years. Between 2010 and 2017, the estimated incidence of PF-ILD ranged from 4.0 to 4.7/100,000 person-years and the estimated prevalence from 6.6 to 19.4/100,000 persons. The main diagnostic categories represented were exposure-related ILD other than hypersensitivity pneumonitis (n = 3486; 24.2%), idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (n = 3113; 21.6%) and rheumatoid arthritis-associated ILD (n = 2521; 17.5%). Median overall survival using Kaplan–Meier estimation was 3.7 years from the start of progression. During the study, 95.2% of patients had ≥ 1 hospitalisation for respiratory care and 34.3% were hospitalised in an intensive care unit. The median (interquartile range) total specific cost per patient during the follow-up period was €25,613 (10,622–54,287) and the median annual cost per patient was €18,362 (6856–52,026), of which €11,784 (3003–42,097) was related to hospitalisations. Limitations included the retrospective design and identification of cases through an algorithm in the absence of chest high-resolution computed tomography scans and pulmonary function tests.

Conclusions

This large, real-world, longitudinal study provides important insights into the characteristics, epidemiology and healthcare resource utilisation and costs associated with PF-ILD in France using a comprehensive and exhaustive database, and provides vital evidence that PF-ILD represents a high burden on both patients and healthcare services.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03858842. ISRCTN, ISRCTN12345678. Registered 3 January 2019—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03858842

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-021-01749-1.

CSF hydrothorax--VP shunt complication without displacement of a peritoneal catheter

Cerebrospinal fluid hydrothorax is reported as a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. A 16-month-old boy known to have congenital hydrocephalus and a Dandy-Walker cyst presented with serious respiratory distress. Examination revealed right pleural effusion and congested throat. Thoracocentesis with drainage of the pleural cavity for 10 days failed to free the patient from pleural effusion. Following an intraperitoneal injection of Omnipaque a chest X-ray was done, and samples of pleural fluid taken before and after the injection were compared on X-ray, revealing the presence of contrast in the postinjection pleural effusion. Changing the VP shunt for a ventriculo-atrial shunt resulted in immediate (within 1 day) complete disappearance of the pleural effusion and of the patient's chest symptoms. Probable causes of this rare complication are discussed, and attention is drawn to the possibility of its appearance and early recognition. Intraperitoneal injection of contrast material followed by X-ray examination of fluid in the chest is a simple, safe, and reliable method of diagnosis when it is suspected.

Physical activity and the prevention, reduction, and treatment of alcohol and other drug use across the lifespan (The PHASE review): A systematic review

The aim of this review is to systematically describe and quantify the effects of PA interventions on alcohol and other drug use outcomes, and to identify any apparent effect of PA dose and type, possible mechanisms of effect, and any other aspect of intervention delivery (e.g. key behaviour change processes), within a framework to inform the design and evaluation of future interventions. Systematic searches were designed to identify published and grey literature on the role of PA for reducing the risk of progression to alcohol and other drug use (PREVENTION), supporting individuals to reduce alcohol and other drug use for harm reduction (REDUCTION), and promote abstinence and relapse prevention during and after treatment of alcohol and other drug use (TREATMENT). Searches identified 49,518 records, with 49,342 excluded on title and abstract. We screened 176 full text articles from which we included 32 studies in 32 papers with quantitative results of relevance to this review. Meta-analysis of two studies showed a significant effect of PA on prevention of alcohol initiation (risk ratio [RR]: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.61 to 0.85). Meta-analysis of four studies showed no clear evidence for an effect of PA on alcohol consumption (Standardised Mean Difference [SMD]: 0.19, 95%, Confidence Interval -0.57 to 0.18). We were unable to quantitatively examine the effects of PA interventions on other drug use alone, or in combination with alcohol use, for prevention, reduction or treatment. Among the 19 treatment studies with an alcohol and other drug use outcome, there was a trend for promising short-term effect but with limited information about intervention fidelity and exercise dose, there was a moderate to high risk of bias. We identified no studies reporting the cost-effectiveness of interventions. More rigorous and well-designed research is needed. Our novel approach to the review provides a clearer guide to achieve this in future research questions addressed to inform policy and practice for different populations and settings.

Management of the fractured edentulous atrophic mandible

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the atrophic and edentulous (toothless) mandible (lower jaw) are fairly common in elderly people. Atrophy and weakening tend to occur as a result of reduced vascularity and decreased blood flow. Treatment options for reduction and fixation include closed and open techniques, with the degree of atrophy having a significant influence on the type of treatment. Many methods have been proposed for treating fractures of the atrophic mandible but there is still some uncertainty as to which method has the most successful outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to provide reliable evidence regarding the effectiveness of any interventions either open or closed that can be used in the management of fractured edentulous atrophic mandibles.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2005, Issue 4); MEDLINE from 1966 and EMBASE from 1980, both to 30th January 2006. Last search was done in January 2006.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials involving people over 55 years of age with fractures in the symphysis, parasymphysis, body, angle, ramus, condyle, and coronoid process of atrophic edentulous mandibles in which the fracture was a result of trauma, implant insertion or due to pathological fracture. Any studies that compared methods of management (open or closed reduction or fixation) were to be included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Screening of eligible studies was conducted in duplicate and independently by two review authors. Results were to be expressed as random-effects models using mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was to be investigated including both clinical and methodological factors.

MAIN RESULTS

No eligible randomised controlled trials were identified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review illustrates that there is currently inadequate evidence for the effectiveness of a single approach, either open or closed, in the management of fractured atrophic edentulous mandibles and that until high level evidence is available treatment decisions should continue to be based on clinician's prior experience. This absence of evidence may in part reflect a certain lack of clarity and the apparent diversity and lack of reliability in some of the traditional and normative predictors of successful outcomes.

Alveolar Hemorrhage in Vasculitis (Primary and Secondary)

Defined by the accumulation of red blood cells into the alveolar space, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a severe and potentially fatal medical condition requiring careful attention. In contrast to simple extravasation of erythrocytes facilitated by impaired hemostasis or hemodynamic causes, DAH in vasculitis is due to capillaritis, that is, inflammation of capillaries. Dyspnea, hemoptysis, chest infiltrates, and abrupt fall of blood hemoglobin level represent the cardinal features of DAH; yet, hemoptysis is lacking in one-third of cases. Bronchoalveolar lavage, retrieving bright red fluid, is the best diagnostic clue, also excluding infection and other causes of hemoptysis. Although not recommended, lung biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of DAH and pulmonary capillaritis. Pulmonary capillaritis may be primary as in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis or secondary to drugs (especially antithyroid drugs such as propylthiouracil), infections, connective tissue diseases especially systemic lupus erythematosus, or other small vessel vasculitides. Newer toxic causes of drugs of abuse may be difficult to diagnose. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis are the most common causes of capillaritis and DAH, whereas DAH is extremely rare in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. When pulmonary capillaritis is not secondary to underlying systemic vasculitis, idiopathic pauci-immune pulmonary capillaritis may be considered, with or without ANCA. Supportive treatment strategy is mandatory in all cases of DAH. Mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be used in severe cases. Early identification and removal of the putative drug is crucial in drug-induced vasculitis/DAH and may obviate the need for immunosuppressive therapy. High-dose corticosteroids, intravenous cyclophosphamide, and recently rituximab are the mainstay of treatment in vasculitis. Plasma exchange is recommended in anti-glomerular basement membrane disease and in severe DAH associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and is used in selected cases in ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Screening for abnormal eating attitudes in a population of Egyptian secondary school girls

Recent research indicates that identification with the western ideal of slimness can be followed by heightened weight consciousness and development of eating disorders in cultures thought to be relatively immune from developing such disorders. In this study, which is based on an earlier one by the same author, a population of secondary school girls in Cairo, Egypt (n = 351) was screened for abnormal eating attitudes using a translated version of the Eating Attitude Test Questionnaire. Of the girls screened, 11.4% scored positively on the questionnaire and were subsequently interviewed. Three cases clearly fulfilled Russell's criteria for a diagnosis of the full syndrome of bulimia nervosa (1.2%). This is broadly in keeping with rates in studies in the United Kingdom. Twelve pupils (3.4%) showed sufficient concern over their weight to qualify for diagnosis as a partial syndrome of bulimia nervosa. The results confirmed the initial impression that disorders of eating are emerging in cultures that did not produce such morbidity in the past, with more or less the same prevalence as in the United Kingdom. The study concludes that no society is truly immune to the development of such disorders, because of the globalisation of culture by virtue of the media.

The EAT speaks many languages: review of the use of the EAT in eating disorders research

The Eating Attitudes Test questionnaire (EAT) has been a major instrument for detecting eating morbidity in a great number of studies across the world. The instrument was devised by two Canadian research workers and was initially validated on a Canadian population. Since then it has been used with reasonable success in eating disorders research emanating from English speaking countries, particularly the UK. This paper attempts to focus on the application of the EAT in non-English speaking countries where it was essential to translate it into the language of these countries. Comparative analysis of the results is assessed and the degree of success of the instrument in these studies is evaluated. The outcome of this review could have significant implications for the future use of the EAT in eating disorders research.

Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery

BACKGROUND

Recognition of some of the limitations of titanium plates and screws used for the fixation of bones has led to the development of plates manufactured from bioresorbable materials. Whilst resorbable plates appear to offer clinical advantages over metal plates in orthognathic surgery, concerns remain about the stability of fixation and the length of time required for their degradation and the possibility of foreign body reactions.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of bioresorbable fixation systems with titanium systems used during orthognathic surgery.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (to 26th January 2006); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2005, Issue 4); MEDLINE (without filter) (from 1966 to 26th January 2006); and EMBASE (without filter) (from 1980 to 26th January 2006).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing resorbable versus titanium fixation systems used for orthognathic surgery.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Clinical heterogeneity between the included trials precluded pooling of data, and only a descriptive summary is presented.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included two trials, involving 103 participants, one compared titanium with resorbable plates and screws and the other titanium with resorbable screws, both provided very limited data for the primary outcomes of this review. All patients in one trial suffered mild to moderate postoperative discomfort with no statistically significant difference between the two plating groups at different follow-up times. Mean scores of patient satisfaction were 7.43 to 8.63 (range 0 to 10) with no statistically significant difference between the two groups throughout follow up. Adverse effects reported in one study were two plate exposures in each group occurring between the third and ninth months. Plate exposures occurred mainly in the posterior maxillary region, except for one titanium plate exposure in the mandibular premolar region. Known causes of infection were associated with loosened screws and wound dehiscence with no statistically significant difference in the infection rate between titanium (3/196), and resorbable (3/165) plates P = 0.83 (published as P = 0.67).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review provides some evidence to show that there is no statistically significant difference in postoperative discomfort, level of patient satisfaction, plate exposure or infection for plate and screw fixation using either titanium or resorbable materials in orthognathic surgery.

The psychometric properties of the Eating Attitude Test in a non-Western population

The psychometric features of the Eating Attitude Test Questionnaire (EAT) are described in an Egyptian population of secondary school girls (n = 351). Confirmatory factor analysis, modelled on studies by Garner et al. (1982) and Eisler and Szmukler (1985), was conducted and pointed to the overall coherence of the EAT in this population. The assessment of the internal validity of each factor, however, showed a high level of consistency amongst the items representing the dieting factor, and a much lower level for those representing the bulimia factor. The results could justify the continued use of the EAT as a valid screening instrument for some aspects of eating morbidity, i.e. dieting and concern about weight and shape in non-Western populations. The analysis clearly suggested that another scale is required for bulimic behaviours.

CSF hydrocele--unusual complication of V-P shunt

CSF hydrocele as a complication of migration or extrusion of the peritoneal end of the V-P shunt has rarely been reported. Here the case of a 6 month old infant, born at 28 weeks gestational age, is reported. The baby was noted to have scrotal swelling, exacerbated by crying, two months after insertion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The hydrocele resolved following revision of the shunt. Possible pathophysiological causes are discussed.

Lung Diseases in Inflammatory Myopathies

Lung involvement is the leading cause of mortality in inflammatory myopathy. A careful assessment of clinical and serologic manifestations especially myositis-associated autoantibodies allows precise classification of the different phenotypes of inflammatory myopathy and stratification of the risk of lung involvement. About three out of four patients with inflammatory myopathy develop interstitial lung disease (ILD), which represents the main cause of morbidity and mortality. In patients with a confirmed diagnosis of inflammatory myopathy, the approach to the diagnosis of ILD includes assessment of clinical and functional severity, evaluation of the high-resolution computed tomography pattern of disease, which often suggests nonspecific interstitial pneumonia or organizing pneumonia. Bronchoalveolar lavage to rule out infection is often performed; however, video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy is now generally discouraged, unless malignancy is suspected. The so-called antisynthetase syndrome characterized by the combination of mechanics' hands, Raynaud' phenomenon, myositis often mild or absent, and presence of one of the anti-tRNA synthetase antibodies is associated with a 70% risk of ILD, especially in subjects with antibodies other than anti-Jo1 antibodies (i.e., anti-PL7 or -PL12 antibodies). Treatment depends on both severity and progression of ILD, often including a combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. Rituximab-based regimen has showed promising results in retrospective studies for the management of refractory or rapidly progressive forms of ILD. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the actual efficacy of this strategy on mortality related to lung disease. Secondary pulmonary complications of inflammatory myopathy include opportunistic infections, aspiration pneumonia, pneumomediastinum, ventilatory failure due to diaphragmatic muscular weakness, drug-induced pneumonitis, and rarely pulmonary hypertension.

Tuberous sclerosis complex for the pulmonologist

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem genetic disorder affecting almost all organs with no sex predominance. TSC has an autosomal-dominant inheritance and is caused by a heterozygous mutation in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene leading to hyperactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). TSC is associated with several pulmonary manifestations including lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), multifocal micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia (MMPH) and chylous effusions. LAM is a multisystem disorder characterised by cystic destruction of lung parenchyma, and may occur in either the setting of TSC (TSC-LAM) or sporadically (S-LAM). LAM occurs in 30–40% of adult females with TSC at childbearing age and is considered a nonmalignant metastatic neoplasm of unknown origin. TSC-LAM is generally milder and, unlike S-LAM, may occur in males. It manifests as multiple, bilateral, diffuse and thin-walled cysts with normal intervening lung parenchyma on chest computed tomography. LAM is complicated by spontaneous pneumothoraces in up to 70% of patients, with a high recurrence rate. mTOR inhibitors are the treatment of choice for LAM with moderately impaired lung function or chylous effusion. MMPH, manifesting as multiple solid and ground-glass nodules on high-resolution computed tomography, is usually harmless with no need for treatment.

Tuberous sclerosis complex is associated with diverse pulmonary manifestations including LAM, multiple micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia and chylous effusions. LAM occurs in 30–40% of adult females with tuberous sclerosis complex.https://bit.ly/3iLqZ08

Nintedanib in idiopathic and secondary pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis

Background

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) has a variable disease course with dismal prognosis in the majority of patients with no validated drug therapy. This study is to evaluate the effect of nintedanib in patients with idiopathic and secondary PPFE. Patients admitted to a tertiary care center (2010–2019) were included into this retrospective analysis if they had a multidisciplinary diagnosis of PPFE, had been followed-up for 3 months or more, and had lung function tests and chest CTs available for review. Changes in pulmonary function tests were assessed using non-parametric tests and linear mixed effect model. Lung volumes were measured with lobar segmentation using chest CT.

Results

Out of 21 patients with PPFE, nine had received nintedanib, six had received another treatment and another six patients were monitored without drug therapy. Annual FVC (% of predicted) relative decline was − 13.6 ± 13.4%/year before nintedanib and − 1.6 ± 6.02%/year during nintedanib treatment (p = 0.014), whereas no significant change in FVC% relative decline was found in patients receiving another treatment (− 13.25 ± 34 before vs − 16.61 ± 36.2%/year during treatment; p = 0.343). Using linear mixed effect model, the slope in FVC was − 0.97%/month (95% CI: − 1.42; − 0.52) before treatment and − 0.50%/month (95% CI: − 0.88; 0.13) on nintedanib, with a difference between groups of + 0.47%/month (95% CI: 0.16; 0.78), p = 0.004. The decline in the upper lung volumes measured by CT was − 233 mL/year ± 387 mL/year before nintedanib and − 149 mL/year ± 173 mL/year on nintedanib (p = 0.327). Nintedanib tolerability was unremarkable.

Conclusion

In patients with PPFE, nintedanib treatment might be associated with slower decline in lung function, paving the way for prospective, controlled studies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-02043-5.