Category: Nevin Manimala

PLoS One. 2021 May 20;16(5):e0247289. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247289. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Philippine garlic (Allium sativum L.) is arguably known to pack flavor and aroma in smaller bulbs compared to imported varieties saturating the local market. In this study, ethanolic extracts of Philippine garlic cultivars were profiled using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF). γ-Glu dipeptides, oligosaccharides and lipids were determined in Philippine garlic cultivars through bioinformatics analysis in GNPS Molecular Networking Platform and fragmentation analysis. Multivariate statistical analysis using XCMS Online showed the abundance of γ-Glu allyl cysteine in Batanes-sourced garlic while γ-Glu propenyl cysteine, γ-Glu methyl cysteine, and alliin are enriched in the Ilocos cultivar. Principal component analysis showed that the γ-Glu dipeptides found in local garlic influenced their distinct separation across PC1 from imported varieties. This presence of high levels of γ-Glu dipeptides and probiotic oligosaccharides may potentially contribute to the superior flavor and nutritional benefits of Philippine garlic.

PMID:34014935 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0247289

PLoS Med. 2021 May 20;18(5):e1003571. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003571. eCollection 2021 May.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) excess deaths refer to increases in mortality over what would normally have been expected in the absence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several prior studies have calculated excess deaths in the United States but were limited to the national or state level, precluding an examination of area-level variation in excess mortality and excess deaths not assigned to COVID-19. In this study, we take advantage of county-level variation in COVID-19 mortality to estimate excess deaths associated with the pandemic and examine how the extent of excess mortality not assigned to COVID-19 varies across subsets of counties defined by sociodemographic and health characteristics.

METHODS AND FINDINGS: In this ecological, cross-sectional study, we made use of provisional National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data on direct COVID-19 and all-cause mortality occurring in US counties from January 1 to December 31, 2020 and reported before March 12, 2021. We used data with a 10-week time lag between the final day that deaths occurred and the last day that deaths could be reported to improve the completeness of data. Our sample included 2,096 counties with 20 or more COVID-19 deaths. The total number of residents living in these counties was 319.1 million. On average, the counties were 18.7% Hispanic, 12.7% non-Hispanic Black, and 59.6% non-Hispanic White. A total of 15.9% of the population was older than 65 years. We first modeled the relationship between 2020 all-cause mortality and COVID-19 mortality across all counties and then produced fully stratified models to explore differences in this relationship among strata of sociodemographic and health factors. Overall, we found that for every 100 deaths assigned to COVID-19, 120 all-cause deaths occurred (95% CI, 116 to 124), implying that 17% (95% CI, 14% to 19%) of excess deaths were ascribed to causes of death other than COVID-19 itself. Our stratified models revealed that the percentage of excess deaths not assigned to COVID-19 was substantially higher among counties with lower median household incomes and less formal education, counties with poorer health and more diabetes, and counties in the South and West. Counties with more non-Hispanic Black residents, who were already at high risk of COVID-19 death based on direct counts, also reported higher percentages of excess deaths not assigned to COVID-19. Study limitations include the use of provisional data that may be incomplete and the lack of disaggregated data on county-level mortality by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and sociodemographic and health characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that direct COVID-19 death counts in the US in 2020 substantially underestimated total excess mortality attributable to COVID-19. Racial and socioeconomic inequities in COVID-19 mortality also increased when excess deaths not assigned to COVID-19 were considered. Our results highlight the importance of considering health equity in the policy response to the pandemic.

PMID:34014945 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1003571

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021 May 21;70(20):765. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7020a4.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:34014912 | DOI:10.15585/mmwr.mm7020a4

Can J Surg. 2021 May 20;64(3):E298-E306. doi: 10.1503/cjs.019619.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The acute care surgery (ACS) model has been shown to improve patient, hospital and surgeon-specific outcomes. To date, however, little has been published on its impact on residency training. Our study compared the emergency general surgery (EGS) operative experiences of residents assigned to ACS versus elective surgical rotations.

METHODS: Resident-reported EGS case logs were prospectively collected over a 9-month period across 3 teaching hospitals. Descriptive statistics were tabulated and group comparisons were made using χ2 statistics for categorical data and t tests for continuous data.

RESULTS: Overall, 1061 cases were reported. Resident participation exceeded 90%). Appendiceal and biliary disease accounted for 49.7% of EGS cases. Residents on ACS rotations reported participating in twice as many EGS cases per block as residents on elective rotations (12.64 v. 6.30 cases, p < 0.01). Most cases occurred after hours while residents were on call rather than during daytime ACS hours (78.8% v. 21.1%, p < 0.01). Senior residents were more likely than junior residents to report having a primary operator role (71.3% v. 32.0%, p < 0.01). Although the timing of cases made no difference in the operative role of senior residents, junior residents assumed the primary operator role more often during the daytime than after hours (50.0% v. 33.1%, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Despite implementation of the ACS model, residents in our program obtained most of their EGS operative experience after hours while on call. Although further research is needed, our study suggests that improved daytime access to the operating room may represent an opportunity to improve the quantity and quality of the EGS operative experience at our academic network.

PMID:34014063 | DOI:10.1503/cjs.019619

J Biopharm Stat. 2021 May 20:1-2. doi: 10.1080/10543406.2021.1928833. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:34014125 | DOI:10.1080/10543406.2021.1928833

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2021 May 20. doi: 10.1002/jmri.27629. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Flow related artifacts in continuous arterial spin labeling (cASL) zero-echo-time (ZTE) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) could influence the vasculature visualization.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical feasibility for the intracranial artery diseases assessment by utilizing hybrid ASL-ZTE-MRA (hASL-ZTE-MRA).

STUDY TYPE: Prospective, technical development.

POPULATION: Sixty-seven subjects with known/suspected cerebrovascular diseases.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: Gradient echo based cASL-/hASL- ZTE-MRA at 3.0 T.

ASSESSMENT: Subjective/objective evaluation for sound-levels. Image quality (IQ), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were analyzed within artery segments. Stenotic grading, aneurysm measurement, and signal intensity of lesions were further analyzed.

STATISTICAL TESTS: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for data normality check. Between two MRAs: Wilcoxon signed-rank test for sound experience/IQ ratings analysis; Paired t test for SNR/CNR comparison. One-way analysis of variance for sound intensity comparison. For stenosis grading/aneurysm measurement: Kendall’s W test/intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for interobserver agreement test within each modality, weighted kappa statistics/ICC for intermodality agreement test between each MRA and computed tomography angiography.

RESULTS: Sound-level perception/intensity was similar (P = 0.86, P = 0.55) between MRAs. The mean IQ score for hASL-ZTE-MRA was on diagnostic scale and slightly higher (P < 0.05) than that of cASL-ZTE-MRA. hASL-ZTE-MRA provided higher (P < 0.05) SNR/CNR than that of cASL-ZTE-MRA. Signal uniformity was improved on hASL-ZTE-MRA, particularly among the anterior circulation (P < 0.05). Comparing to cASL-ZTE-MRA, on hASL-ZTE-MRA, stenotic lesions were accurately assessed; flow in the stent or aneurysm remnant was better depicted (P < 0.05); AVM nidus was preferred with increased SNR (P < 0.05). No significant differences for the aneurysm measurement were found between MRAs (P = 0.95), in addition to the slightly higher SNR (P < 0.05) on hASL-ZTE-MRA.

DATA CONCLUSION: Comparing to cASL-ZTE-MRA, hASL-ZTE-MRA is robust and feasible for the evaluation of intracranial artery diseases with diagnostic IQ, improved vessel contrast, and better signal heterogeneity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: 2.

PMID:34014010 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.27629

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021 May 20. doi: 10.1111/jdv.17387. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Several clinician-rated scoring systems are available to assess nail psoriasis severity, but only one has been partially validated.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate the Physician’s Global Assessment of Fingernail Psoriasis (PGA-F), a new clinician-rated severity scale.

METHODS: A literature review, concept elicitation, pilot cognitive debriefing, and clinical expert consultations informed development of the PGA-F. A multi-stage mixed methods analysis consisted of practicing dermatologist cognitive interviews (n=10) for instrument clarity, relevance, and comprehensiveness. Inter-rater reliability (IRR) of ratings from dermatologists (n=22) and clinical trial investigators (n=8) was tested using many-facet Rasch analysis. Concurrent validity between the PGA-F and modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) at screening and baseline was assessed along with degree of discrimination. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for single raters at multiple assessments determined IRR.

RESULTS: The PGA-F synthesizes severity ratings across multiple disease features that classifies individuals into 1 of 5 levels (clear to severe). Cognitive interviews confirmed content validity: all (n=10, 100%) participants agreed clinical criteria were consistent with nail psoriasis; no mismatched severity levels; and training photographs were realistic representations. All PGA-F items were locally independent and targeted patients along the severity continuum with complementary precision (item fit statistics: < the 1.5 acceptability threshold; exact agreements amongst the dermatologists [44%] and trial investigators [61.5%] exceeded 40% acceptability threshold). Clinician reliability exceeded the threshold of acceptability for dermatologists and clinical trial investigators: 0.85 and 0.73, respectively. There was adequate correlation (>0.30) between mNAPSI and PGA-F at baseline and Week 26 with significant discrimination of severity and monotonic increases on the mNAPSI for each level of categorical severity on the PGA-F. ICC results for each type of IRR indicate that clinicians were consistent in individual patient ratings.

CONCLUSION: The PGA-F is a rapid, valid, and reliable clinician-rated severity scale for use in clinical practice and research.

PMID:34014011 | DOI:10.1111/jdv.17387

Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2021 May 20:e1705. doi: 10.1002/mgg3.1705. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Different genetic variants in hormone-regulating pathways have been identified to influence the risk of breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the association of CYP19A1 rs10046 and rs700519 polymorphisms with the risk, clinicopathological factors and prognosis of breast cancer.

METHODS: In a case-control study, rs10046 and rs700519 polymorphisms were genotyped using ARMS-PCR and high-resolution melting (HRM), respectively, in a total of 702 females. Statistical analysis and evaluation of haplotypes and linkage disequilibrium were performed using SPSS v16, PHASE and 2LD.

RESULTS: Although no association of rs700519 with breast cancer was observed, rs10046 in different genetic models as well as C-C/C-T and C-C/C-C diplotypes, revealed the association with the risk of breast cancer (p < 0.05). Moreover, the rs700519-C allele was shown to be associated with longer overall survival. In contrast, the T-T haplotype conferred s a shorter overall survival. rs700519-C allele was also significantly associated with menarche age.

CONCLUSION: Based on the identified independent association between CYP19A1 diplotypes and rs700519-C allele with the risk and prognosis of the disease, the gene region and its genetic variants may have a diagnostic and prognostic role in breast cancer development. Further confirmation using other variants in this locus can validate these findings.

PMID:34014013 | DOI:10.1002/mgg3.1705

Anat Histol Embryol. 2021 May 20. doi: 10.1111/ahe.12679. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to determine identification, three-dimensional modelling, and morphometry of intracranial arteries in New Zealand Rabbit by using computed tomography angiography. A total of 20 adult New Zealand Rabbits from both sexes were used in the study. General anaesthesia procedure was followed before computed tomography angiography imaging. Rabbits were placed in a prone position for imaging. Computed tomography angiography imaging was performed by injecting contrast agent into vena auricularis marginalis of rabbits. Morphometric measurements of the specified points were taken by MIMICS program using the computed tomography angiography images acquired. Three-dimensional intracranial artery model was prepared from the two-dimensional images on the same program. Measurements were statistically compared in terms of sex and side. It was observed in the study that arteria basilaris was generated by bilateral arteria vertebralis at the basal level of medulla oblongata. In the study, a statistically significant difference was determined only in diameter values of arteria cerebri caudalis dextra et sinistra in both female and male rabbits. On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was determined with respect to the side. Consequently, we think that the data of the present study will contribute to further studies on cerebrovascular pathology, clinicians or researchers.

PMID:34013993 | DOI:10.1111/ahe.12679

J Ultrasound Med. 2021 May 20. doi: 10.1002/jum.15756. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and sonographic parameters associated with a correct or incorrect diagnosis of adnexal torsion made by resident/attending physicians who are not expert sonographers.

METHODS: A retrospective study design included women who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) of a tertiary medical center between 2010 and 2019 with acute lower abdominal pain, who were subsequently diagnosed laparoscopically with adnexal torsion. Women who were correctly diagnosed in the ED by an obstetrician-gynecologist who was not an expert sonographer were compared for clinical and sonographic parameters with women who were initially incorrectly diagnosed and underwent a second ultrasound examination by an expert sonographer following admission.

RESULTS: Of 118 women with surgically proven adnexal torsion, 76 were correctly diagnosed in the ED and 42 were initially incorrectly diagnosed. The correctly diagnosed group was characterized by a significantly shorter mean time from admission to surgery, higher rate of vomiting, shorter duration of abdominal pain, and higher rate of prior torsion (P < .05). Physicians who made the correct diagnosis utilized more sonographic parameters than those who did not, namely ovarian size, ovarian edema, and Doppler flow. The correctly diagnosed group had a higher rate of bluish-black (ischemic) adnexa at laparoscopy, but a higher rate of recovery following detorsion.

CONCLUSIONS: Physicians in the ED should be alerted to the need to address some basic sonographic features when adnexal torsion is suspected. The diagnostic accuracy of adnexal torsion can be improved by utilizing simple sonographic markers, even in the ED setting.

PMID:34013996 | DOI:10.1002/jum.15756