Category: Nevin Manimala

Int J Cancer. 2021 Jun 21. doi: 10.1002/ijc.33714. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The proposed different origins and pathways to of the dualistic model of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) may affect and alter the potential risk reduction related to hysterectomy, salpingectomy and tubal ligation. The aim of this study was to analyze associations between hysterectomy, salpingectomy or tubal ligation and risk reduction of EOC Type I and II. In this nationwide register-based case-control study, women diagnosed with EOC, Fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer between 2008 and 2014 were included. Cases were classified into Type I and II according to histology and predefined criteria. The exposure variables; hysterectomy, salpingectomy and tubal ligation were identified from national registries. Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between Type I and II EOC and the exposure variables. Among 4669 registered cases, 4040 were eligible and assessed for subtyping resulting in 1033 Type I and 3007 Type II. Ten controls were randomly assigned to each case from the register of population. In regression analyses, women with previous salpingectomy had a significantly lower risk of EOC Type II (OR 0.62; 95%CI 0.45-0.85) but not Type I (OR 1.16; 95%CI 0.75-1.78). Hysterectomy was associated with a reduced risk of both EOC Type I (OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.52-0.99) and Type II (OR 0.81, 95%CI 0.68-0.96). Similar estimates were obtained for tubal ligation, although without statistical significance. The association between salpingectomy and reduced risk of EOC Type II supports the proposed theory of high grade serous cancer originating from the tubal fimbriae. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:34152012 | DOI:10.1002/ijc.33714

J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2021 Jun 21:ocab101. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocab101. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Multitask learning (MTL) using electronic health records allows concurrent prediction of multiple endpoints. MTL has shown promise in improving model performance and training efficiency; however, it often suffers from negative transfer – impaired learning if tasks are not appropriately selected. We introduce a sequential subnetwork routing (SeqSNR) architecture that uses soft parameter sharing to find related tasks and encourage cross-learning between them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the MIMIC-III (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III) dataset, we train deep neural network models to predict the onset of 6 endpoints including specific organ dysfunctions and general clinical outcomes: acute kidney injury, continuous renal replacement therapy, mechanical ventilation, vasoactive medications, mortality, and length of stay. We compare single-task (ST) models with naive multitask and SeqSNR in terms of discriminative performance and label efficiency.

RESULTS: SeqSNR showed a modest yet statistically significant performance boost across 4 of 6 tasks compared with ST and naive multitasking. When the size of the training dataset was reduced for a given task (label efficiency), SeqSNR outperformed ST for all cases showing an average area under the precision-recall curve boost of 2.1%, 2.9%, and 2.1% for tasks using 1%, 5%, and 10% of labels, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The SeqSNR architecture shows superior label efficiency compared with ST and naive multitasking, suggesting utility in scenarios in which endpoint labels are difficult to ascertain.

PMID:34151965 | DOI:10.1093/jamia/ocab101

J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2021 Jun 21:ocab075. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocab075. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: As master of science in health informatics (MSc HI) programs emerge in developing countries, quality assurance of these programs is essential. This article describes a comprehensive comparative analysis of competencies covered by accredited MSc HI programs in the East African common labor and educational zone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two reviewers independently reviewed curricula from 7 of 8 accredited MSc HI university programs. The reviewers extracted covered competencies, coding these based on a template that contained 73 competencies derived from competencies recommended by the International Medical Informatics Association, plus additional unique competencies contained within the MSc HI programs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the structure and completion requirements of each MSc HI program. Jaccard similarity coefficient was used to compare similarities in competency coverage between universities.

RESULTS: The total number of courses within the MSc HI degree programs ranged from 8 to 22, with 35 to 180 credit hours. Cohen’s kappa for coding competencies was 0.738. The difference in competency coverage was statistically significant across the 7 institutions (P = .012), with covered competencies across institutions ranging from 32 (43.8%) to 49 (67.1%) of 73. Only 4 (19%) of 21 university pairs met a cutoff of over 70% similarity in shared competencies.

DISCUSSION: Significant variations observed in competency coverage within MSc HI degree programs could limit mobility of student, faculty, and labor.

CONCLUSIONS: Comparative analysis of MSc HI degree programs across 7 universities in East Africa revealed significant differences in the competencies that were covered.

PMID:34151967 | DOI:10.1093/jamia/ocab075

Int J Epidemiol. 2021 Jun 21:dyab108. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyab108. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With reduced community mobility, household infections may become increasingly important in SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics.

METHODS: We investigate the intra-household transmission of COVID-19 through the secondary-attack rate (SAR) and household reproduction number (Rh). We estimate these using (i) data from 29 prior studies (February-August 2020), (ii) epidemiologically linked confirmed cases from Singapore (January-April 2020) and (iii) widespread-testing data from Vo’ (February-March 2020). For (i), we use a Bayesian random-effects model that corrects for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test sensitivity and asymptomatic cases. We investigate the robustness of Rh with respect to community transmission rates and mobility patterns.

RESULTS: The corrected pooled estimates from prior studies for SAR and Rh are 24% (20-28%) and 0.34 (0.30-0.38), respectively. Without corrections, the pooled estimates are: SAR = 18% (14-21%) and Rh = 0.28 (0.25-0.32). The corrected estimates line up with direct estimates from contact-tracing data from Singapore [Rh = 0.32 (0.22-0.42)] and population testing data from Vo’ [SAR = 31% (28-34%) and Rh = 0.37 (0.34-0.40)]. The analysis of Singapore data further suggests that the value of Rh (0.22-0.42) is robust to community-spread dynamics; our estimate of Rh stays constant whereas the fraction of infections attributable to household transmission (Rh/Reff) is lowest during outbreaks (5-7%) and highest during lockdowns and periods of low community spread (25-30%).

CONCLUSIONS: The three data-source types yield broadly consistent estimates for SAR and Rh. Our study suggests that household infections are responsible for a large fraction of infections and so household transmission may be an effective target for intervention.

PMID:34151970 | DOI:10.1093/ije/dyab108

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2021 Jun 21:ezab161. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezab161. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This analysis aimed to compare both short- and long-term outcomes of hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) with different techniques and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS: Twenty-three studies were included, covering 10 468 different patients, among whom 2403 patients underwent HCR with either simultaneous or staged method and 8065 patients underwent CABG.

RESULTS: Compared with CABG, HCR had a statistically significant lower risk of stroke [odds ratio (OR) = 0.55, P = 0.049], major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (OR = 0.69, P = 0.024) and blood transfusion (BT) (OR = 0.39, P < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were detected in mortality, myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization. A network meta-analysis showed that simultaneous HCR had significantly better outcomes in stroke (OR = 0.24, P = 0.01) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (OR = 0.29, P < 0.001), and staged HCR had a significantly better outcome in BT (OR = 0.31, P < 0.001). According to the frequentist statistic results, simultaneous HCR had the highest probability of being the best treatment in terms of mortality (84%), stroke (97%), myocardial infarction (88%) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (99%), whereas staged HCR had the highest probability of being the best in postoperative repeat revascularization (59%) and BT (83%). However, long-term results showed no significant difference between the HCR and CABG techniques.

CONCLUSIONS: HCR appears to be a feasible option for multivessel coronary artery disease patients. Compared to traditional CABG, HCR had lower risk of adverse events in the short term, but in the long term, survival rate and freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events rate were similar between groups.

PMID:34151954 | DOI:10.1093/ejcts/ezab161

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2021 Jun 21:dkab204. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkab204. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a healthcare-acquired infection (HAI) causing significant morbidity and mortality. Welsh CDI rates are high in comparison with those in England and Scotland.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective ecological study used aggregated disease surveillance data to understand the impact of total and high-risk Welsh GP antibiotic prescribing on total and stratified inpatient/non-inpatient CDI incidence.

METHODS: All cases of confirmed CDI, during the financial years 2014-15 to 2017-18, were linked to aggregated rates of antibiotic prescribing in their GP surgery and classified as ‘inpatient’, ‘non-inpatient’ or ‘unknown’ by Public Health Wales. Multivariable negative-binomial regression models, comparing CDI incidence with antibiotic prescribing rates, were adjusted for potential confounders: location; age; social deprivation; comorbidities (estimated from prevalence of key health indicators) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescription rates.

RESULTS: There were 4613 confirmed CDI cases, with an incidence (95% CI) of 1.44 (1.40-1.48) per 1000 registered patients. Unadjusted analysis showed that an increased risk of total CDI incidence was associated with higher total antibiotic prescribing [relative risk (RR) (95% CI) = 1.338 (1.170-1.529) per 1000 items per 1000 specific therapeutic group age-sex related GP prescribing units (STAR-PU)] and that high-risk antibiotic classes were positively associated with total CDI incidence. Location, age ≥65 years and diabetes were associated with increased risk of CDI. After adjusting for confounders, prescribing of clindamycin showed a positive association with total CDI incidence [RR (95% CI) = 1.079 (1.001-1.162) log items per 1000 registered patients].

CONCLUSIONS: An increased risk of CDI is demonstrated at a primary care practice population level, reflecting their antibiotic prescribing rates, particularly clindamycin, and population demographics.

PMID:34151964 | DOI:10.1093/jac/dkab204

Chem Commun (Camb). 2021 Jun 21. doi: 10.1039/d1cc01599k. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Precipitation of nanocrystallites of cobalt-aluminium layered double hydroxides in a magnetic field has been studied. In a magnetic field perpendicular to the substrate, dense and homogeneous films have been obtained. Magnetic anisotropy of the crystallites is explained by deviation from the statistical cation distribution in favour of honeycomb-like coordination of cobalt.

PMID:34151915 | DOI:10.1039/d1cc01599k

Biosci Rep. 2021 Jun 21:BSR20210182. doi: 10.1042/BSR20210182. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a public issue of the world. Hepatitis B vaccination is widely used as an effective measure to prevent HBV infection. This large-sample study aimed to evaluate the positive rates of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) in youths after booster vaccination.

METHODS: A total of 37,788 participants were divided into two groups according to the baseline levels of anti-HBs before booster vaccination: the negative group (anti-HBs (-)); the positive group (anti-HBs (+)). Participants were tested for anti-HBs levels after receiving a booster vaccine 1 year and 4 years.

RESULTS: The positive rates of anti-HBs were 34.50%, 73.8% and 67.32% before booster vaccination at 1 year and 4 years after vaccination, respectively. At four years after the booster vaccination, the positive rates of 13 to 18 years were 47.54%, which was the lowest level among all youths age groups. In the anti-HBs (-) group, the positive conversion rates of anti-HBs were 74.62% at 1 year after receiving a booster vaccine, and 67.66% at 4 years after vaccination. In the anti-HBs (+) group, the positive maintenance rates of anti-HBs were 70.16% after 1 year, and 66.66% after 4 years. Compared with the baseline anti-HBs (+) group, the positive rates of the baseline anti-HBs (-) group were higher at 1 year and 4 years after receiving the booster vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS: The positive rates of anti-HBs declined over time, especially the positive maintenance rates were the lowest at age of 13 to 18 years.

PMID:34151935 | DOI:10.1042/BSR20210182

Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2021 Jun 21:izab147. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izab147. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As part of the prospective multicenter ImageKids study, we aimed to develop and validate the pediatric MRI-based perianal Crohn disease (PEMPAC) index.

METHODS: Children with Crohn disease with any clinical perianal findings underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging at 21 sites globally. The site radiologist and 2 central radiologists provided a radiologist global assessment (RGA) on a 100 mm visual analog scale and scored the items selected by a Delphi group of 35 international radiologists and a review of the literature. Two weighted multivariable statistical models were constructed against the RGA.

RESULTS: Eighty children underwent 95 pelvic magnetic resonance imaging scans; 64 were used for derivation and 31 for validation. The following items were included: fistula number, location, length and T2 hyperintensity; abscesses; rectal wall involvement; and fistula branching. The last 2 items had negative beta scores and thus were excluded in a contending basic model. In the validation cohort, the full and the basic models had the same strong correlation with the RGA (r = 0.75; P < 0.01) and with the adult Van Assche index (VAI; r = 0.93 and 0.92; P < 0.001). The correlation of the VAI with the RGA was similar (r = 0.77; P < 0.01). The 2 models and the VAI had a similar ability to differentiate remission from active disease (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.91-0.94). The PEMPAC index had good responsiveness to change (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-1.00).

CONCLUSIONS: Using a blended judgmental and mathematical approach, we developed and validated an index for quantifying the severity of perianal disease in children with CD. The adult VAI may also be used with confidence in children.

PMID:34151950 | DOI:10.1093/ibd/izab147

J Xray Sci Technol. 2021 Jun 11. doi: 10.3233/XST-210903. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate three-dimensional soft tissue changes of lips and related jaw changes in patients with skeletal class III malocclusion and facial asymmetry using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT).

METHOD: This study included 46 CBCT scans of patients with aforementioned character before (T1) and 6-12 months after orthognathic surgery (T2). Subjects were divided into 2 groups according to two types of orthognathic surgery namely, the one-jaw surgery group who underwent bilateral sagittal splint ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) and the two-jaw surgery group who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and BSSRO. Mimics 19.0 software are used for model reconstruction, landmark location and three-dimensional cephalometric analysis. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses are used to investigate jaw hard tissue and lip soft tissue changes.

RESULTS: In one-jaw group, the mandible shows changes in contour and position (p < 0.05), and the surgery causes changes of lip structure on the deviated side. While in two-jaw group, jaws only show changes in spatial position, and surgery changes contour of bilateral lips and nasolabial angle (p < 0.05). At the same time, lip symmetry increases significantly in both groups postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS: Orthognathic surgery can improve lip aesthetics in patients with skeletal class III malocclusion and facial asymmetry. However, changes induced by two surgical approaches are different. Surgeons should have a clear acquaintance with this difference to deal with different situations.

PMID:34151882 | DOI:10.3233/XST-210903