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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Investigating the association between patient verbal aggression and emotional exhaustion among Italian healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

J Nurs Manag. 2022 Mar 8. doi: 10.1111/jonm.13578. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM(S): To analyse whether patient verbal aggression would be related to emotional exhaustion and whether this relationship would be mediated by work-family conflict and moderated by dehumanization and resilience.

BACKGROUND: Although patient verbal aggression has been identified as one of the most experienced forms of aggression, its effects on Italian healthcare providers during the pandemic are still poorly known.

METHOD(S): A total of 197 Italian healthcare professionals completed paper-and-pencil questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and moderated mediation analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Patient verbal aggression was positively related to healthcare professionals’ emotional exhaustion, both directly and indirectly, as mediated by work-family conflict. Healthcare providers were more likely to become emotionally exhausted when they had low resilience and, simultaneously, tended to ascribe patients non-uniquely human traits.

CONCLUSION(S): Patient verbal aggression may spill over onto healthcare professionals’ family lives. Dehumanization represents an ineffective coping strategy that exacerbate the effects of aggression on work-family conflict, while resilience represents a protective resource against emotional exhaustion.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Hospital organizations could benefit from providing their staff with stress management interventions, aggression management, psychological support, and psychological resilience training programs. These programs should incorporate coping skills on establishing work-home boundaries and balancing empathy with cognitive problem-solving abilities.

PMID:35258120 | DOI:10.1111/jonm.13578

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Differences between COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease patients

J Bras Nefrol. 2022 Feb 28:S0101-28002022005018401. doi: 10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2021-0161. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This article describes the main differences between COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury (AKI-COVID19) in patients with previous normal renal function (AKI-NRF) and those with chronic kidney disease (AKI-CKD) treated in a high complexity clinic in Barranquilla (Colombia).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients included in this study (n: 572) were those with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by detection of a positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Of these patients, 188 developed AKI during their hospital stay. Patients’ epidemiological data, serum parameters, and clinical frailty status were recorded. Statistical analysis and comparison among AKI-NRF, AKI-CKD, and non-AKI patients were performed.

RESULTS: The incidence of COVID-19-induced AKI was 33%, with the majority classified as AKIN 1, 16% requiring renal replacement therapy, and AKI-COVID19 mortality of 68%. A significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, cardiac disease, and serum reactive C-protein and lower albumin values in AKI-CKD patients was recorded. Mortality rate, invasive ventilation requirement, and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in AKI-NRF patients.

CONCLUSION: Different clinical patterns between AKI-NRF and AKI-CKD were documented.

PMID:35258071 | DOI:10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2021-0161

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Statistically Significant Genomic Islands of Helicobacter pylori strains for better understanding the disease prognosis

Biosci Rep. 2022 Mar 8:BSR20212084. doi: 10.1042/BSR20212084. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Bacterial virulence factors are often located in their genomic islands (GIs). Helicobacter pylori, a highly diverse organism is reported to be associated with several gastrointestinal diseases like, gastritis, gastric cancer, peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcer etc. A novel similarity score-based comparative analysis with GIs of fifty H. pylori strains revealed clear idea of the various factors which promote disease progression. Two putative pathogenic GIs in some of the H. pylori strains were identified. One GI, having a putative labile enterotoxin and other dynamin-like proteins (DLPs), is predicted to increase the release of toxin by membrane vesicular formation. Another island contains a virulence-associated protein D (vapD) which is a component of a type-II toxin-antitoxin system (TAs), leads to enhance the severity of the H. pylori infection. Besides the well-known virulence factors like CagA, and VacA, several GIs have been identified which showed to have direct or indirect impact on H. pylori clinical outcomes. One such GI, containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis genes was revealed to be directly connected with disease development by inhibiting the immune response. Another collagenase-containing GI worsens ulcers by slowing down the healing process. GI consisted of fliD operon was found to be connected to flagellar assembly and biofilm production. By residing in biofilms, bacteria can avoid antibiotic therapy, resulting in chronic infection. Along with well-studied CagA and VacA virulent genes, it is equally important to study these identified virulence factors for better understanding H. pylori induced disease prognosis.

PMID:35258077 | DOI:10.1042/BSR20212084

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

An image-to-answer algorithm for fully automated digital PCR image processing

Lab Chip. 2022 Mar 8. doi: 10.1039/d1lc01175h. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) is an irreplaceable variant of PCR techniques due to its capacity for absolute quantification and detection of rare deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences in clinical samples. Image processing methods, including micro-chamber positioning and fluorescence analysis, determine the reliability of the dPCR results. However, typical methods demand high requirements for the chip structure, chip filling, and light intensity uniformity. This research developed an image-to-answer algorithm with single fluorescence image capture and known image-related error removal. We applied the Hough transform to identify partitions in the images of dPCR chips, the 2D Fourier transform to rotate the image, and the 3D projection transformation to locate and correct the positions of all partitions. We then calculated each partition’s average fluorescence amplitudes and generated a 3D fluorescence intensity distribution map of the image. We subsequently corrected the fluorescence non-uniformity between partitions based on the map and achieved statistical results of partition fluorescence intensities. We validated the proposed algorithms using different contents of the target DNA. The proposed algorithm is independent of the dPCR chip structure damage and light intensity non-uniformity. It also provides a reliable alternative to analyze the results of chip-based dPCR systems.

PMID:35258048 | DOI:10.1039/d1lc01175h

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Effects of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters on left ventricular mass index in hypertensive children

Blood Press Monit. 2022 Mar 7. doi: 10.1097/MBP.0000000000000589. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of blood pressure (BP) values obtained by 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) of hypertensive children and adolescents on left ventricular mass index (LVMI).

METHODS: Patients diagnosed with HT with BP measurements confirmed with ABPM and evaluated with echocardiography for LVMI were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to their BMI as obese and nonobese. SDSs of ABPM parameters were compared between the groups.

RESULTS: A total of 158 children with HT were included in the study. Ninety of these patients were obese. In obese and nonobese cases, mean SDS levels were similar in ABPM parameters, whereas LVMI was significantly higher in obese patients (P = 0.049). There was a significant correlation between LVMI and 24-h SBP SDS, daytime SBP SDS, 24-h SBP load and daytime BP load. In obese cases, there was a statistically significant correlation between LVMI and 24-h SBP SDS, daytime SBP SDS, 24-h SBP load, daytime SBP load as well as nighttime SBP SDS and nighttime SBP load. When the whole group was evaluated, 24-h SBP SDS was the most effective parameter influencing LVMI (P = 0.001). Similarly, the most effective ABPM parameter on LVMI in obese patients was 24-h SBP SDS (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: A significantly higher rate of LVMI in obese patients suggests that obesity itself is an effective factor on LVMI. In addition, systolic hypertension is more effective on cardiac functions compared with DBP measurements and systolic-DBP dipping ratios.

PMID:35258018 | DOI:10.1097/MBP.0000000000000589

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Validation of the G.LAB MD41A0 upper arm blood pressure monitor in patients with diabetes mellitus according to the AAMI/ESH/ISO 81060-2: 2018 Universal Standard

Blood Press Monit. 2022 Mar 7. doi: 10.1097/MBP.0000000000000595. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of the G.LAB MD41A0 upper-arm oscillometric blood pressure (BP) monitor for self/home BP measurement in patients with diabetes according to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation /European Society of Hypertension /International Organization for Standardization (AAMI/ESH/ISO) Universal Standard (ISO 81060-2:2018).

METHODS: Patients with diabetes were recruited according to AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard using the same arm sequential BP measurement method. The standard cuff of the test device was used for arm circumference 22-44 cm.

RESULTS: A total of 92 patients with diabetes were recruited and 85 were analyzed with an average age of 55.1 ± 17.7 years, 48 men, and arm circumference of 32.0 ± 6.0 cm. For the validation Criterion 1, the mean ± SD of the differences between the test device and reference BP readings was 0.89 ± 6.04/-0.84 ± 5.11 mmHg (systolic/diastolic). For Criterion 2, the SD of the averaged BP differences between the test device and reference BP per subject was 4.23/4.19 mmHg (systolic/diastolic).

CONCLUSION: The G.LAB MD41A0 upper arm BP monitor fulfilled all the requirements of the AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060-2:2018) in patients with diabetes and can be recommended for self/home use.

PMID:35258022 | DOI:10.1097/MBP.0000000000000595

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Combination therapy of specific aeroallergens immunotherapy and omalizumab, in children with severe asthma

Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2022 Mar 1;50(2):1-6. doi: 10.15586/aei.v50i2.469. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In most cases, severe asthma in children has an allergic etiology, but allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is contraindicated.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at analyzing the safety and efficacy of AIT in patients with severe asthma treated with omalizumab (OM).

METHODS: A descriptive real-life study was carried out by reviewing medical records. Effectiveness was measured by the degree of control (CAN questionnaire), number of hospitalizations per year, number of exacerbations per year, and maintenance treatment and lung function (FEV1). Some adverse reactions occurred (AAI-EAACI-WAO guidelines).

RESULTS: The retrospective study included 29 patients up to 18 years of age with severe asthma with OM plus AIT treatment. AIT treatment was started in a cluster schedule when patients treated with OM achieved disease control. Before starting AIT, patients were treated with OM for 1 year for achieving asthmatic control. AIT to mites (51%), Alternaria (37.9%), or pollens (10.3%) was administered. After one year with OM plus AIT,statistically significant differences in CAN scores and FEV1 measures were observed (P < 0.001). No patients under treatment with OM plus AIT required hospital admission. During the clustering schedule, only 3/64 doses showed systemic adverse reactions. During the AIT maintenance treatment, 348 doses were administered, with no significant adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION: In this population-based study in children with severe asthma, the combined treatment with OM plus AIT was safe and effective. This strategy allows these pediatric patients to be safely treated with AIT.

PMID:35257539 | DOI:10.15586/aei.v50i2.469

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Changes in clinical and imaging variables during withdrawal of heart failure therapy in recovered dilated cardiomyopathy

ESC Heart Fail. 2022 Mar 8. doi: 10.1002/ehf2.13872. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This study aimed to profile the changes in non-invasive clinical, biochemical, and imaging markers during withdrawal of therapy in patients with recovered dilated cardiomyopathy, providing insights into the pathophysiology of relapse.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical, biochemical, and imaging data from patients during phased withdrawal of therapy in the randomized or single-arm cross-over phases of TRED-HF were profiled. Clinical variables were measured at each study visit and imaging variables were measured at baseline, 16 weeks, and 6 months. Amongst the 49 patients [35% women, mean age 53.6 years (standard deviation 11.6)] who withdrew therapy, 20 relapsed. Increases in mean heart rate [7.6 beats per minute (95% confidence interval, CI, 4.5, 10.7)], systolic blood pressure [6.6 mmHg (95% CI 2.7, 10.5)], and diastolic blood pressure [5.8 mmHg (95% CI 3.1, 8.5)] were observed within 4-8 weeks of starting to withdraw therapy. A rise in mean left ventricular (LV) mass [5.1 g/m2 (95% CI 2.8, 7.3)] and LV end-diastolic volume [3.9 mL/m2 (95% CI 1.1, 6.7)] and a reduction in mean LV ejection fraction [-4.2 (95% CI -6.6, -1.8)] were seen by 16 weeks, the earliest imaging follow-up. Plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) fell immediately after withdrawing beta-blockers and only tended to increase 6 months after beginning therapy withdrawal [mean change in log NT-proBNP at 6 months: 0.2 (95% CI -0.1, 0.4)].

CONCLUSIONS: Changes in plasma NT-proBNP are a late feature of relapse, often months after a reduction in LV function. A rise in heart rate and blood pressure is observed soon after withdrawing therapy in recovered dilated cardiomyopathy, typically accompanied or closely followed by early changes in LV structure and function.

PMID:35257498 | DOI:10.1002/ehf2.13872

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Does delirium prevention reduce risk of in-patient falls among older adults? A systematic review and trial sequential meta-analysis

Australas J Ageing. 2022 Mar 8. doi: 10.1111/ajag.13051. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether delirium prevention interventions reduce the risk of falls among older hospitalised patients.

METHODS: A systematic search of health-care databases was undertaken. Given the frequency of small sample sized trials, a trial sequential meta-analysis was conducted to present estimate summary effects to date. A Bayesian approach was used to estimate the posterior probability of the delirium prevention interventions reducing falls risk by various clinically relevant levels.

RESULTS: Five randomised controlled trials were included in our final meta-analysis. There was a 43% reduction in the risk of falls among participants in the delirium prevention intervention arm, compared to the control; however, confidence intervals were wide (RE RR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.32; 1.00, p = 0.05). This result was found to be statistically significant, according to traditional significance levels (z > 1.96) and the more conservative trial sequential analysis monitoring boundaries. The posterior probabilities of the delirium prevention intervention reducing the risk of falls by 10%, 20% and 30% were 0.86, 0.63 and 0.29 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review and trial sequential meta-analysis suggest that delirium prevention trials may reduce the risk of in-hospital falls among older patients by 43%. However, despite significant risk reduction found upon meta-analysis, the variation among study populations and intervention components raised questions around its application in clinical practice. Further research is required to investigate what the necessary components of a multifactorial intervention are to reduce both delirium and fall incidence among older adult in-patients.

PMID:35257469 | DOI:10.1111/ajag.13051

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Influence of Metal Guide Sleeves on the Accuracy and Precision of Dental Implant Placement Using Guided Implant Surgery: An In Vitro Study

J Prosthodont. 2022 Mar 8. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13503. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Metal sleeves are commonly used in implant guides for guided surgery. Cost and sleeve specification limit the applications. This in vitro study examined the differences in the implant position deviations produced by a digitally designed surgical guide with no metal sleeve in comparison to a conventional one with a metal sleeve.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiment was conducted in two steps for each step: n = 20 casts total, 10 casts each group; Step 1 to examine one guide from each group with ten implant placements in a dental cast, and Step 2 to examine one guide to one cast. Implant placement was performed using a guided surgical protocol. Postoperative cone-beam computed tomography images were made and were superimposed onto the treatment-planning images. The implant horizontal and angulation deviations from the planned position were measured and analyzed using t-test and F-test (p = 0.05).

RESULTS: For Step 1 and 2 respectively, implant deviations for the surgical guide with sleeve were -0.3 ±0.17 mm and 0.15 ±0.23 mm mesially, 0.60 ±1.69 mm and -1.50 ±0.99 mm buccolingual at the apex, 0.20 ±0.47 mm and -0.60 ±0.27 mm buccolingual at the cervical, and 2.73° ±4.80° and -1.49° ±2.91° in the buccolingual angulation. For Step 1 and 2 respectively, the implant deviations for the surgical guide without sleeve were -0.17 ±0.14 mm and -0.06 ±0.07 mm mesially, 0.35 ±1.04 mm and -1.619 ±1.03 mm buccolingual at the apex, 0.10 ±0.27 mm and -0.62 ±0.27 mm buccolingual at the cervical, and 1.73° ±3.66° and -1.64° ±2.26° in the buccolingual angulation. No statistically significant differences were found in any group except for mesial deviation of the Step 2 group (F-test, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: A digitally designed surgical guide with no metal sleeve demonstrates similar accuracy but higher precision compared to a surgical guide with a metal sleeve. Metal sleeves may not be required for guided surgery. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35257456 | DOI:10.1111/jopr.13503