Category: Nevin Manimala

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2022 Dec;38(12):2771-2779. doi: 10.1007/s10554-022-02683-z. Epub 2022 Jul 19.

ABSTRACT

Pump thrombosis is a devastating complication after left ventricular assist device implantation. This study aims to elucidate the relation between left ventricular assist device implantation angle and risk of pump thrombosis. Between November 2010 and March 2020, 53 left ventricular assist device-patients underwent a computed tomography scan. Using a 3-dimensional multiplanar reformation the left ventricular axis was reconstructed to measure the implantation angle of the inflow cannula. All patients were retrospectively analyzed for the occurrence of pump thrombosis. In 10 (91%) patients with a pump thrombosis, the implantation angle was towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle. In only 20 patients (49%) of the patients without a pump thrombosis the inflow cannula pointed towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle. The mean angle in patients with a pump thrombosis was 10.1 ± 11.9 degrees towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle compared to 4.1 ± 19.9 degrees towards the septum in non-pump thrombosis patients (P = 0.005). There was a trend towards a significant difference in time to first pump thrombosis between patients with a lateral or septal deviated left ventricular assist device (hazard ratio of 0.15, P = 0.07). This study demonstrates that left ventricular assist device implantation angle is associated with pump thrombosis. Almost all patients in whom a pump thrombosis occurred during follow-up had a left ventricular assist device implanted with the inflow-cannula pointing towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle.

PMID:36445661 | DOI:10.1007/s10554-022-02683-z

Mikrochim Acta. 2022 Nov 29;189(12):480. doi: 10.1007/s00604-022-05580-3.

ABSTRACT

A visible and sensitive assay for the quantitative detection of β-glucosidase (β-glu) activity based on Au@CeO₂ core-shell nanoparticles (Au@CeO₂ NPs) is described. As a hydrolytic enzyme, β-glu can promote the hydrolysis of β-arbutin to hydroquinone (HQ), which can trigger the decomposition of the CeO₂ shell. With the single-particle enumeration (SPE) strategy coupled with dark field optical microscopy (DFM), an obvious color alteration of single Au@CeO₂ NPs during the etching process can be observed in real-time. By statistically calculating the number of the etched nanoparticles, the β-glu activity level can be quantified accurately. This assay displays a broad linear range from 0.5 to 50 mU⋅mL^-1 and low detection limit of 0.12 mU⋅mL^-1. In addition, this method was successfully used to determine β-glu in real samples and acquires satisfactory recoveries in the range of 97.1-102.0%. This study provides a visualization analysis method for β-glu, which may be helpful for monitoring other targets in the future.

PMID:36445567 | DOI:10.1007/s00604-022-05580-3

Endocrine. 2022 Nov 29. doi: 10.1007/s12020-022-03264-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the prognostic value of serum TSH in Greek patients with COVID-19 and compare it with that of commonly used prognostic biomarkers.

METHODS: Retrospective study of 128 COVID-19 in patients with no history of thyroid disease. Serum TSH, albumin, CRP, ferritin, and D-dimers were measured at admission. Outcomes were classified as “favorable” (discharge from hospital) and “adverse” (intubation or in-hospital death of any cause). The prognostic performance of TSH and other indices was assessed using binary logistic regression, machine learning classifiers, and ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS: Patients with adverse outcomes had significantly lower TSH compared to those with favorable outcomes (0.61 versus 1.09 mIU/L, p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression with sex, age, TSH, albumin, CRP, ferritin, and D-dimers as covariates showed that only albumin (p < 0.001) and TSH (p = 0.006) were significantly predictive of the outcome. Serum TSH below the optimal cut-off value of 0.5 mIU/L was associated with an odds ratio of 4.13 (95% C.I.: 1.41-12.05) for adverse outcome. Artificial neural network analysis showed that the prognostic importance of TSH was second only to that of albumin. However, the prognostic accuracy of low TSH was limited, with an AUC of 69.5%, compared to albumin’s 86.9%. A Naïve Bayes classifier based on the combination of serum albumin and TSH levels achieved high prognostic accuracy (AUC 99.2%).

CONCLUSION: Low serum TSH is independently associated with adverse outcome in hospitalized Greek patients with COVID-19 but its prognostic utility is limited. The integration of serum TSH into machine learning classifiers in combination with other biomarkers enables outcome prediction with high accuracy.

PMID:36445619 | DOI:10.1007/s12020-022-03264-9

Inflammopharmacology. 2022 Nov 29. doi: 10.1007/s10787-022-01105-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) antibodies in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS: We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases until July 27, 2022. Both randomized control trials (RCTs) and cohort studies were included and analyzed separately. The outcomes included mortality, incidence of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), ventilation improvement rate (need oxygen therapy to without oxygen therapy), secondary infection, and adverse events (AEs). The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by a random-effects meta-analysis model.

RESULTS: Five RCTs and 2 cohort studies with 1726 COVID-19 patients were recruited (n = 866 in the GM-CSF antibody group and n = 891 in the control group). GM-CSF antibodies treatment reduced the incidence of IMV, which was supported by two cohort studies (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.03, 0.74) and three RCTs (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.41, 0.94). GM-CSF antibodies resulted in slight but not significant reductions in mortality (based on two cohort studies and five RCTs) and ventilation improvement (based on one cohort study and two RCTs). The sensitive analysis further showed the results of mortality and ventilation improvement rate became statistically significant when one included study was removed. Besides, GM-CSF antibodies did not increase the risks of the second infection (based on one cohort study and five RCTs) and AEs (based on five RCTs).

CONCLUSION: GM-CSF antibody treatments may be an efficacious and well-tolerant way for the treatment of COVID-19. Further clinical evidence is still warranted.

PMID:36445552 | DOI:10.1007/s10787-022-01105-9

Int Ophthalmol. 2022 Nov 29. doi: 10.1007/s10792-022-02599-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate serum semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) patients to determine whether these mediators play a role in the systemic manifestations of PXS.

METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 70 patients divided into PXS (n = 30) and a control group (n = 40). Serum Sema3A and IL-6 levels were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS: The PXS group had a statistically higher IL-6 level [3.6(0.64-100) pg/mL], compared to the control group [2.1(0.41-39.93) pg/mL] (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the Sema3A level of the PXS group was lower at [21.55(13.2-67.5) ng/mL] compared to the control group at [29.05(11.5-103.3) ng/mL] (p < 0.05). In the PXS group, there was no correlation between the participants’ IL-6 values and Sema3A, age, and body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.153, 0.000, – 0.103, respectively, all, p > 0.05), and between Sema3A values and age and BMI values (r = 0.048, – 0.133, respectively, all, p > 0.05). In the control group, there was no correlation between the participants’ IL-6 values and Sema3A, age, and BMI values (r = 0.138, – 0.001, – 0.145, respectively, all, p > 0.05) and between the Sema3A and age and BMI values (r = – 0.078, – 0.281, respectively, all, p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Decreased levels of the anti-inflammatory mediator Sema3A and increased levels of inflammatory mediator IL-6 detected in PXS suggest that these molecules may play a role in systemic manifestations of this syndrome, such as inflammation, atherosclerosis, heart arrhythmia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

PMID:36445548 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-022-02599-6

Int Ophthalmol. 2022 Nov 29. doi: 10.1007/s10792-022-02603-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of the Internet-based Spaeth/Richman Contrast Sensitivity (SPARCS) in assessing the change in contrast sensitivity (both central and peripheral) post-treatment with travoprost 0.004%.

DESIGN: This is a prospective observational study.

METHODS AND PARTICIPANTS: Data of 62 eyes (33 patients) undergoing treatment for naïve POAG patients were analysed. Patients were followed up for a period of six months after starting topical travoprost (Travatan 0.004%, Alcon), and the change in central and peripheral CS was studied.

RESULTS: Mean total SPARCS score at baseline was 69 ± 10.99, improved to 74.62 ± 9.50 after 6 months of therapy (p: 0.001) in all the glaucoma severity groups. Mean SPARCS score at baseline in mild glaucoma group was 72.05 ± 9.87, in the moderate glaucoma group, it was 62.23 ± 9.2, and in the severe glaucoma group, it was 59.36 ± 11.65. After 6 months of treatment with travoprost, the CS improved to 76.05 ± 8.36 in mild group, 76.69 ± 8.82 in moderate group and 67.18 ± 11.15 in severe group (p value: 0.014). The percentage change in the CS from baseline showed significant improvement in the superotemporal quadrant at 1 month (p value: 0.032), superonasal quadrant (p value: 0.049), inferotemporal quadrant at 3 months (p value: 0.003) and 6 months (p value: 0.039). Inferonasal quadrant was affected most by glaucoma. A statistically significant correlation was seen between total SPARCS score with MD and PSD. Correlation was also seen between the percentage change in CS and average RNFL thickness at 3 and 6 months.

CONCLUSION: Both central and peripheral CS improve following IOP reduction with travoprost. Change in the CS has a significant correlation with RNFL thickness and the perimetric indices.

PMID:36445547 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-022-02603-z

J Patient Rep Outcomes. 2022 Nov 29;6(1):120. doi: 10.1186/s41687-022-00520-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patient engagement is an important tool for quality improvement (QI) and optimizing the uptake of research findings. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model is a QI tool that encourages ongoing evaluation of clinical care, thus improving various aspects of patient care. Ascertaining pediatric patient priorities for a pain questionnaire in the post-acute, or transitional pain, setting is important to guide clinical care since active engagement with the population of interest can optimize uptake. We used the PDSA model to adapt a chronic pain questionnaire for the pediatric transitional pain setting to reflect pediatric patient and parent/guardian preferences and to form an example of how the PDSA model can be used to improve clinical care through patient engagement.

METHODS: This project employed the PDSA model to adapt the pediatric Ontario Chronic Pain Questionnaire for use in the pediatric Transitional Pain Service (pedTPS) setting. Plan: Following reviewing the Ontario Chronic Pain Questionnaire and literature on pain questionnaire development, goal-based questions, questions on pain location, relevant Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS^®) measures and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, child (PCS-C) and parent (PCS-P), informed the questionnaire. Do: The questionnaire and a satisfaction survey were sent to patients and families through Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap™).

STUDY: Results from the satisfaction survey were analyzed. Act: Using descriptive statistics employing ordinal mixed-models with random effects, ANOVA, and double-blinded qualitative thematic coding, questionnaire preferences were analyzed and the questionnaire was adapted accordingly before implementation into the (pedTPS).

RESULTS: Eighty-eight questionnaires and satisfaction surveys were analyzed from 69 respondents (32 patients; 37 parents/guardians). Sixty-six (75.00%) surveys indicated satisfaction with the questionnaire. A combined 77 (87.50%) “strongly agreed” (25/88) or “agreed” (52/88) that the questionnaire language was clear. The application of suggested changes to the questionnaire resulted in four versions across the project timeline, which reflected patient and parent/guardian preferences for questions that reflect the themes, “Story”; “Time-Optimal”; and “Pertinent” (“STOP”). There were no statistically significant differences in satisfaction across the versions due to sample size.

CONCLUSION: Most respondents were satisfied with the questionnaire and prefer “STOP” questions. Future studies will focus on testing the questionnaire for validity and reliability across pedTPS populations.

PMID:36445535 | DOI:10.1186/s41687-022-00520-4

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Nov 29. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-24347-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Excess surface water after heavy rainfalls leads to soil erosion and flash floods, resulting in human and financial losses. Reducing runoff is an essential management tool to protect water and soil resources. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vegetation and land management methods on runoff control and to provide a model to predict runoff values. Filed plot data and three machine learning (ML) methods, including artificial neural network (ANN), coactive neuro-fuzzy inference system (CANFIS), and extreme gradient boosting (EGB), were used in a test site in the north of Iran. In this regard, plots with various vegetation and land management treatments including bare soil treatment, rangeland cover treatment, forest litter treatment, rangeland litter treatment, tillage treatment in the direction of slope, tillage treatment perpendicular to the slope, and repetition of treatments under forest canopy were constructed on a hillslope. After each rainfall event, the amount of rainfall and corresponding runoff generated in each plot was recorded. Three ML models (ANN, CANFIS, and EGB) were used to establish relationships between amounts of recorded runoff and its controlling factors (rainfall, antecedent soil moisture (A.M.C), shrub canopy percentage and height, tree canopy percentage and height, soil texture (clay, silt, and sand percent), slope degree, leaf litter percentage of soil, and tillage interval). These data were normalized, randomized, and divided into training and testing subsets. Results showed that the ANN performed better than the other two models in predicting runoff in training (R² = 0.98; MSE = 0.004) and the test stages (R² = 0.90; MSE = 0.95). Statistical analysis and sensitivity analysis of inputs factors showed that rainfall, rangeland cover, and A.M.C are the three most important factors controlling runoff generation. The adopted method can be used to predict the effect of different vegetation and land management scenarios on runoff generation in the study area and the areas with similar settings elsewhere.

PMID:36445518 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-24347-0

Eur J Pediatr. 2022 Nov 29. doi: 10.1007/s00431-022-04723-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to examine if small for gestation age (SGA) status is correlated with alterations in body composition at prepuberty, independently of other factors, comparing SGA-born children with appropriate for gestational age (AGA)-born children. We examined anthropometrics, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), six skinfold thickness, and body composition using the method of bioelectrical impedance in 636 children aged 7 to 10 years. We also considered age, gender, birth mode, mother’s age, prepregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, social status, parental BMI, type of feeding, and daily exercise. We examined 636 children at a mean age of 9 years: 106 SGA-born and 530 AGA-born children. SGA as compared to AGA-born children had a lower BMI z-score (0.26 ± 0.89 kg/cm² vs 0.46 ± 0.84 kg/cm², p < 0.050) and a lower lean mass, although that was not statistically significant (24.0 ± 6.6 kg vs 25.6 ± 6.4 kg, p < 0.100). SGA-born children presented no difference in waist circumference or fat mass in comparison to children born AGA. Logistic regression analysis revealed a strong independent negative association between SGA status and BMI (beta = – 2.33, OR = 0.70 p = 0.019) and SGA status and lean mass (beta = – 2.43, OR = 0.95 p = 0.010). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SGA-born children had a lower BMI as compared to AGA-born subjects, whereas SGA status was negatively associated with BMI and lean mass. What is Known: • Deviant birth weight for gestation has been associated with an increased risk of childhood adiposity. • Evidence remains scarce on whether small for gestational age status affects body composition and obesity later in childhood. What is New: • Among school-aged children, small for gestational age subjects had a lower body mass index as compared to appropriate for gestational age counterparts, whereas small for gestational age status was negatively associated with body mass index and lean mass. • A meticulous observation is needed during childhood in children born with deviant birth weight.

PMID:36445515 | DOI:10.1007/s00431-022-04723-1

Environ Monit Assess. 2022 Nov 29;195(1):163. doi: 10.1007/s10661-022-10725-1.

ABSTRACT

Technological advances in water quality measurement systems have provided the potential to expand high-frequency observations into coastal monitoring programs. However, with limited resources for monitoring budgets in natural waters that exhibit high temporal and spatial variability in water quality, there is a need to identify the locations and time periods where these new technologies can be deployed for maximum efficacy. To advance the capacity to make quantitative and objective decisions on the selection of monitoring locations and sampling frequency, we combined high-resolution numerical model simulations and multi-frequency water quality measurements to conduct a power analysis comparing alternative sampling designs in the assessment of water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. Specifically, we evaluated candidate monitoring networks that deployed both conventional long-term fixed station monitoring in deep channel areas and short-term continuous monitoring technologies in near-shore, shallow areas to assess 30-day dissolved oxygen criteria in two Bay tributaries. We conducted a cumulative frequency diagrams analysis to quantify the accuracy of each monitoring scheme in evaluating compliance with respect to the model. We used a Monte Carlo simulation to incorporate the spatial and temporal uncertainty of criteria failure. We found that additional long-term biweekly channel and short-term continuous shallow sampling efforts can lead to statistically unbiased and improved assessments at local spatial extents (less than 0.2 proportion of the assessed water body), especially when additional sampling is added at stations representing hypoxic water areas. Stations that represented seaward regions of the tributaries were more valuable in maintaining unbiased assessments of dissolved oxygen criteria attainment. This analysis highlights the importance of statistical evaluation of ongoing monitoring programs and suggests an approach to identify efficient deployments of monitoring resources and to improve assessment of other water quality metrics in estuarine ecosystems.

PMID:36445501 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-022-10725-1