Category: Nevin Manimala

J Pak Med Assoc. 2023 Mar;73(3):635-637. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.5288.

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between perceived social support and psychological well-being in patients with epilepsy. The study was conducted, from January to December 2019, after ethical approval from the research ethical committee of FMU (Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad). A sample of 90 patients, attending free epilepsy camp in Mujahid Hospital Madina Town Faisalabad and psychiatry OPD of government General hospital G.M. Abad Faisalabad, was collected by using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Urdu version). Moreover, Psychological well-being was assessed by Ryff Scale. Statistical analysis was done through data Correlation and T-test SPSS version 21. A positive correlation between psychological well-being and perceived social support in epileptic patients was established (p<0.001). This study concludes that on the one hand, strong social support enhances psychological well-being, while, on the other hand, both these factors collaboratively improve the mental health of PWE, thus promoting a better outcome.

PMID:36932769 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.5288

J Pak Med Assoc. 2023 Mar;73(3):567-571. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.5008.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference in the marginal accuracy at buccal, lingual, mesial and distal margins of temporary crowns fabricated with bisacryl-based temporary crown material.

METHODS: The in-vitro, experimental, laboratory-based study was conducted at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, from September to December 2019, and comprised two bisacryl-based temporary crown material, Integrity and Protemp 4, which were used to fabricate a sample of 24 temporary crowns. A pre-operative polyvinyl siloxane impression served as a template for temporary crown fabrication. A right mandibular molar tooth on a typodont was prepared to receive a crown. The provisional crown material was syringed onto the template and was allowed to cure. All four surfaces of the crown were observed under a stereomicroscope equipped with digital single-lens reflex camera at 25.6x magnification. An image of each surface was captured and a photographic record was maintained. An image processing software was used for the measurement of marginal discrepancy. Marginal accuracy among the four surfaces was assessed. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.

RESULTS: Mean marginal discrepancy for provisional crowns fabricated with Protemp 4 and Integrity was 410±222μm and 319±176μm, respectively. The marginal discrepancy between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.027), with buccal margin exhibiting the most discrepancy (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Integrity showed less microleakage than Protemp 4. Among all the walls, the buccal wall showed the most microleakage. Marginal accuracy was found to be dependent upon the type of provisional crown material and the side of the prepared axial wall.

PMID:36932761 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.5008

J Pak Med Assoc. 2023 Mar;73(3):494-499. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.5312.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify the mechanism of down-regulation of Lewis Y antigen caused by X-ray irradiation.

METHODS: The present original research study was conducted at Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Republic of China, from 2020 to 2022. Western blotting, Co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), electrophoretic mobility shift assay and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) were performed to confirm the effect of X-ray irradiation on A549 cell proliferation and its mechanism. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 11.5.

RESULTS: The expressions of fucosyltransferase IV and Lewis Y were decreased after X-ray irradiation, thus inhibiting the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells. Deoxyribonucleic acid damage caused by the irradiation caused higher level of poly- adenosinediphosphate-ribosylated Specific Protein 1(SP1), and translocation of SP1 from the nucleus, decreasing the expression of fucosyltransferase IV and Lewis Y.

CONCLUSION: There was a significant role of glycosylation in radiation therapy for lung cancer.

PMID:36932748 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.5312

Urol J. 2023 Mar 18. doi: 10.22037/uj.v20i.7301. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The most important point in cases of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is to decide on the need and timing of surgical treatment. Renal damage may become irreversible as the duration of the obstruction is prolonged. Worsening of hydronephrosis and decrease in renal parenchymal thickness after pyeloplasty may herald an irreversible renal damage. It is important to know at what age this damage begins. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between the age of the patients at the time of pyeloplasty performed for UPJO and parenchymal recovery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study, 156 patients (mean age: 43.5 months) who underwent pyeloplasty with the diagnosis of UPJO between 2007 and 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, ultrasonographic (USG) and nuclear renal scintigraphy findings, previous surgeries ​of the patients were recorded.

RESULTS: Numerical variables were evaluated statistically, and the best cut-off point was determined. Parenchymal thickening was determined as the most important criterion in postoperative renal recovery which was more evident at early ages. Based on statistical assessments , the cut-off age for renal parenchymal recovery was determined as 38 months. While parenchymal recovery was inadequate after pyeloplasty performed in patients older than 38 months, the most significant improvement in renal functions was seen in children younger than 13 months of age.

CONCLUSION: Pyeloplasty should be performed in patients with UPJO before development of severe renal damage. Statistically, the best parameter to evaluate the recovery after pyeloplasty is the change in parenchymal thickness. With advancing age, it is impossible to reverse the obstructive nephropathy.

PMID:36932724 | DOI:10.22037/uj.v20i.7301

J Appl Gerontol. 2023 Mar 18:7334648231163430. doi: 10.1177/07334648231163430. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This mixed-methods study examined the health information-seeking behavior of Latino caregivers of people living with dementia. A structured survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 Latino caregivers in Los Angeles, California. For triangulation, semi-structured interviews were also conducted with six healthcare and social service providers. The interview transcripts were coded and analyzed via thematic analysis, while the survey data were summarized using descriptive statistics. The results show that caregivers sought information on what changes to expect as dementia progresses. Some desired detailed (limited) information to be better prepared (to worry less). The most common action to address their information needs was searching the Internet. However, those who did this tended to be concerned about the quality of information. Overall, this study sheds light on how much detail Latino caregivers desire in the information they need and the actions they take to obtain this information.

PMID:36932723 | DOI:10.1177/07334648231163430

J Hum Nutr Diet. 2023 Mar 17. doi: 10.1111/jhn.13168. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: People with ileostomy are frequently advised to avoid specific foods and food groups, making it plausible that they are at risk of a range of nutrition-related adverse health consequences. Despite this there has been no recent study in the UK describing dietary intake, symptoms, and food avoidance in people with ileostomy or post-reversal.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study at different timepoints in people with ileostomy and reversal. Participants were recruited at 6-10weeks post-formation (n=17), and ≥12months with established ileostomy (n=16), and with reversal (n=20). In all participants, ileostomy/bowel-related symptoms in the previous week were assessed using a study specific questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed using 3 on-line diet recalls or 3-day dietary records. Food avoidance and reasons for food avoidance were assessed. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Participants reported few ileostomy/bowel-related symptoms in the previous week. However, over 85% of participants reported avoiding foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. At 6-10weeks the most common reason was being advised to do so (71%), although 53% avoided foods due to gas. At ≥12months the most common reasons were foods visible in the bag (60%) or advised to do so (60%). Reported intakes of most nutrients were comparable to population medians, apart from lower fibre in people with ileostomy. Intakes of free sugars and saturated fats were above recommendations in all groups, due to high consumption of cakes and biscuits and sugar-sweetened drinks.

CONCLUSION: After the initial healing period, foods should not be automatically excluded unless found to be problematic after reintroduction. There may be a need for healthy eating advice for people with established ileostomies and post-reversal, targeting discretionary high-fat, high-sugar foods. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:36932682 | DOI:10.1111/jhn.13168

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2023 Mar 17. doi: 10.1002/jmri.28690. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cirrhotic patients with sarcopenia have poor prognoses and higher mortality. The third lumbar vertebra (L3) skeletal muscle index (SMI) is widely used to assess sarcopenia. However, L3 is generally outside the scanning volume on standard liver MRI.

PURPOSE: To investigate SMIs change between slices in cirrhotic patients and the relationships between SMI at the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12), the first lumbar vertebra (L1) and the second lumbar vertebra (L2) levels and L3-SMI and assess the accuracy of the estimated L3-SMIs in diagnosing sarcopenia.

STUDY TYPE: Prospective.

SUBJECTS: A total of 155 cirrhotic patients (109 with sarcopenia, 67 male; 46 without sarcopenia, 18 male).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 3.0 T, 3D dual-echo T1-weighted gradient echo sequence (T1WI).

ASSESSMENT: Two observers analyzed T12 to L3 skeletal muscle area (SMA) in each patient based on T1W water images and calculated the SMI (SMA/height² ). Reference standard was L3-SMI.

STATISTICAL TESTS: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson correlation coefficients (r), and Bland-Altman plots. Models relating L3-SMI to the SMI at T12, L1, and L2 levels were constructed using 10-fold cross-validation. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for the estimated L3-SMIs for diagnosing sarcopenia. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Intraobserver and interobserver ICCs were 0.998-0.999. The L3-SMA/L3-SMI were correlated with the T12 to L2 SMA/SMI (r = 0.852-0.977). T12-L2 models had mean-adjusted R² values of 0.75-0.95. The estimated L3-SMI from T12 to L2 levels to diagnose sarcopenia had good accuracy (81.4%-95.3%), sensitivity (88.1%-97.0%), and specificity (71.4%-92.9%). The recommended L1-SMI threshold of 43.24 cm² /m² in males and 33.73 cm² /m² in females.

DATA CONCLUSION: The estimated L3-SMI from T12, L1 and L2 levels had good diagnostic accuracy in assessing sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients. Although L2 was best associated with L3-SMI, L2 is generally not included in standard liver MRI. L3-SMI estimate from L1 may therefore be most clinically applicable.

EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1.

TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

PMID:36932680 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.28690

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2023 Mar 17. doi: 10.1002/jmri.28682. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is regarded as a brain network or connectome disorder that is associated with neurodevelopment. Children with early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) provide an opportunity to evaluate the neuropathology of schizophrenia at a very early stage without potential confounding factors. But dysfunction in brain networks of schizophrenia is inconsistent.

PURPOSE: To identify abnormal functional connectivity (FC) in EOS patients and relationships with clinical symptoms, we aimed to reveal neuroimaging phenotypes of EOS.

STUDY TYPE: Prospective, cross-sectional.

POPULATION: Twenty-six female/22 male patients (age:14.3 ± 3.45 years) with first-episode EOS, 27 female/22 male age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) (age:14.1 ± 4.32).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3-T, resting-state (rs) gradient-echo echo-planar imaging and three-dimensional magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo imaging.

ASSESSMENT: Intelligence quotient (IQ) was measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale-Fourth edition for Children (WISC-IV). The clinical symptoms were evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). FC strength (FCS) from rs functional MRI (rsfMRI) was used to investigate functional integrity of global brain regions. In addition, associations between regionally altered FCS and clinical symptoms in EOS patients were examined.

STATISTICAL TESTS: Two-sample t-test controlling for sample size, diagnostic method, brain volume algorithm, and age of the subjects, Bonferroni correction, Pearson’s correlation analysis. A P-value <0.05 with a minimum cluster size of 50 voxels was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Compared with HC, EOS patients had significantly lower total IQ scores (IQ:91.5 ± 16.1), increased FCS in the bilateral precuneus, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left thalamus, and left parahippocampus (paraHIP), and decreased FCS in the right cerebellum posterior lobe and right superior temporal gyrus. The PANSS total score of EOS patients (PANSS total score:74.30 ± 7.23) was found to be positively correlated to FCS in the left paraHIP (r = 0.45).

DATA CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that disrupted FC of brain hubs illustrate multiple abnormalities in brain networks in EOS patients.

EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

PMID:36932678 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.28682

Clin Trials. 2023 Mar 17:17407745231160556. doi: 10.1177/17407745231160556. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An ongoing cluster-randomized trial for the prevention of arboviral diseases utilizes covariate-constrained randomization to balance two treatment arms across four specified covariates and geographic sector. Each cluster is within a census tract of the city of Mérida, Mexico, and there were 133 eligible tracts from which to select 50. As some selected clusters may have been subsequently found unsuitable in the field, we desired a strategy to substitute new clusters while maintaining covariate balance.

METHODS: We developed an algorithm that successfully identified a subset of clusters that maximized the average minimum pairwise distance between clusters in order to reduce contamination and balanced the specified covariates both before and after substitutions were made.

SIMULATIONS: Simulations were performed to explore some limitations of this algorithm. The number of selected clusters and eligible clusters were varied along with the method of selecting the final allocation pattern.

CONCLUSION: The algorithm is presented here as a series of optional steps that can be added to the standard covariate-constrained randomization process in order to achieve spatial dispersion, cluster subsampling, and cluster substitution. Simulation results indicate that these extensions can be used without loss of statistical validity, given a sufficient number of clusters included in the trial.

PMID:36932663 | DOI:10.1177/17407745231160556

Psychogeriatrics. 2023 Mar 17. doi: 10.1111/psyg.12953. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of anxiety and other psychological disorders has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among the elderly. Anxiety and metabolic syndrome (MetS) may aggravate each other. This study further clarified the correlation between the two.

METHODS: Adopting a convenience sampling method, this study investigated 162 elderly people over 65 years of age in Fangzhuang Community, Beijing. All participants provided baseline data on sex, age, lifestyle, and health status. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) was used to assess anxiety. Blood samples, abdominal circumference, and blood pressure were used to diagnose MetS. The elderly were divided into MetS and control groups according to the diagnosis of MetS. Differences in anxiety between the two groups were analysed and further stratified by age and gender. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the possible risk factors for MetS.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, anxiety scores of the MetS group were statistically higher (Z = 4.78, P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between anxiety levels and MetS (r = 0.353, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that anxiety (possible anxiety vs no anxiety: odds ratio [OR] = 2.982, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.295-6.969; definite anxiety vs no anxiety: OR = 14.573, 95%CI 3.675-57.788; P < 0.001) and BMI (OR = 1.504, 95% CI 1.275-1.774; P < 0.001) were possible risk factors for MetS.

CONCLUSION: The elderly with MetS had higher anxiety scores. Anxiety may be a potential risk factor for MetS, which provides a new perspective on anxiety and MetS.

PMID:36932654 | DOI:10.1111/psyg.12953