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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Efficacy of an Er:YAG laser in the decontamination of dental implant surfaces: an in vitro study

J Periodontol. 2021 Mar 9. doi: 10.1002/JPER.20-0765. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emergence of peri-implant diseases led to the development of various methods for implant surface decontamination. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of biofilm removal from implant-like titanium surfaces by an erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser, titanium brush and carbon fiber curette.

METHODS: Eight study subjects were recruited. A custom mouth appliance that held 8 sandblasted and acid-etched titanium discs was fabricated for each subject. Subjects were asked to wear this appliance for 72 hours to allow for biofilm development. After retrieval, discs were removed and randomized to one of four treatment groups. The discs were stained with a two-component nucleic acid dye kit, and the residual biofilm was visualized under fluorescence microscopy. Quantification of residual biofilm was performed using an image analysis software and expressed as the percentage surface area.

RESULTS: Fifty-nine titanium discs were randomized to the 4 treatment groups. The percentage of titanium disc area covered by residual biofilm was 74.0 ± 21.6%, 32.8 ± 24.0%, 11.8 ± 10.3% and 20.1 ± 19.2% in the control, Er:YAG, titanium brush and carbon fiber curette groups, respectively (mean ± SD). The biofilm-covered area significantly decreased in each of the 3 treatment groups compared to control (P<0.008). Comparisons between treatment groups did not reveal statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS: Er:YAG laser treatment is an effective method for reducing the bacterial biofilm on titanium discs. However, on a threadless titanium surface, Er:YAG laser does not exhibit a significantly greater efficacy in biofilm removal than commonly used titanium brushes or carbon fiber curettes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:33687796 | DOI:10.1002/JPER.20-0765

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A network algorithm for the X chromosomal exact test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with multiple alleles

Mol Ecol Resour. 2021 Mar 9. doi: 10.1111/1755-0998.13373. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Statistical methodology for testing Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at X chromosomal variants has recently experienced considerable development. Up to a few years ago, testing X chromosomal variants for equilibrium was basically done by applying autosomal test procedures to females only. At present, male alleles can be taken into account in asymptotic and exact test procedures for both the bi- and multiallelic case. However, current X chromosomal exact procedures for multiple alleles rely on a classical full enumeration algorithm and are computationally expensive, and in practice not feasible for more than three alleles. In this article we extend the autosomal network algorithm for exact Hardy-Weinberg testing with multiple alleles to the X chromosome, achieving considerable reduction in computation times for multiallelic variants with up to five alleles. The performance of the X-chromosomal network algorithm is assessed in a simulation study. Beyond four alleles, a permutation test is, in general, the more feasible approach. A detailed description of the algorithm is given and examples of X chromosomal indels and microsatellites are discussed.

PMID:33687797 | DOI:10.1111/1755-0998.13373

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Excess weight in children living in rural areas related to the nutritional profile and to maternal habits

Invest Educ Enferm. 2021 Feb;39(1). doi: 10.17533/udea.iee.v39n1e03.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between the nutritional status and eating habits of children aged from five to ten years old and their mothers, living in rural areas.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted with 156 children aged from five to ten years old, registered in the Family Health Strategies of the rural area of the Municipality of Divinópolis-MG (Brazil) from July 2017 to April 2018.

RESULTS: The prevalence of excess weight was 27.5%. The following parameters were significantly associated with excess weight in the children: maternal waist circumference (OR=1.04), protein consumption (OR=1.02), irregular consumption of natural juice (OR=5.05), and the most favored socioeconomic level, C1 social stratum (OR=3.54). Regarding the correlation between nutrient intake of the children and their mothers, most of the correlations were weak to moderate, being statistically significant for all the dietary components evaluated (r=0.185 to 0.496).

CONCLUSIONS: Maternal nutritional status was related to the child’s excess weight and a weak to moderate correlation was observed for nutrient intake among the children and their mothers. A high prevalence of children with excess weight was observed in the rural areas. The results point to the need to implement collective approaches, targeted at rural families, so as to prevent this problem.

PMID:33687807 | DOI:10.17533/udea.iee.v39n1e03

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A simulation-based pilot study of crisis checklists in the emergency department

Intern Emerg Med. 2021 Mar 9. doi: 10.1007/s11739-021-02670-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Checklists can improve adherence to standardized procedures and minimize human error. We aimed to test if implementation of a checklist was feasible and effective in enhancing patient care in an emergency department handling internal medicine cases. We developed four critical event checklists and confronted volunteer teams with a series of four simulated emergency scenarios. In two scenarios, the teams were provided access to the crisis checklists in a randomized cross-over design. Simulated patient outcome plus statement of the underlying diagnosis defined the primary endpoint and adherence to key processes such as time to commence CPR represented the secondary endpoints. A questionnaire was used to capture participants’ perception of clinical relevance and manageability of the checklists. Six teams of four volunteers completed a total of 24 crisis sequences. The primary endpoint was reached in 8 out of 12 sequences with and in 2 out of 12 sequences without a checklist (Odds ratio, 10; CI 1.11, 123.43; p = 0.03607, Fisher’s exact test). Adherence to critical steps was significantly higher in all scenarios for which a checklist was available (performance score of 56.3% without checklist, 81.9% with checklist, p = 0.00284, linear regression model). All participants rated the checklist as useful and 22 of 24 participants would use the checklist in real life. Checklist use had no influence on CPR quality. The use of context-specific checklists showed a statistically significant influence on team performance and simulated patient outcome and contributed to adherence to standard clinical practices in emergency situations.

PMID:33687692 | DOI:10.1007/s11739-021-02670-7

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Mass Spectrometry-Based Analysis of Mycobacterial Single-Colony Proteome

Methods Mol Biol. 2021;2259:181-189. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1178-4_11.

ABSTRACT

Mass spectrometry-based single-cell proteomic analysis has recently gained momentum and is now an emerging area with established protocols and promising results. Traditional proteomic studies, especially involving bacteria, have been limited to suspension cultures with large protein yields. Such studies, however, remain population centered with the uniqueness of individual responses to environmental challenges becoming diluted. To enable bacterial single-colony proteomics, we describe a quantitative mass spectrometry-based protocol to isolate and analyze the proteome of a single mycobacterial colony from 7H10 media, with growth supplements for optimal growth. Following protein purification and digestion, tryptic peptides are analyzed by UHPLC coupled to a hybrid Q Exactive mass spectrometer. Raw data were analyzed using the MaxQuant Suite, and downstream statistical analysis was performed using Perseus software. A total of 7805 unique peptides and 1387 proteins were identified. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD018168. In this chapter, we identify steps most prone to sample loss and describe measures of alleviation that allows the preservation of protein yield and boosts quantitative power while increasing reproducibility, of “very limiting samples.”

PMID:33687715 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-1178-4_11

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Qualitative and Quantitative Shotgun Proteomics Data Analysis from Data-Dependent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry

Methods Mol Biol. 2021;2259:297-308. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1178-4_19.

ABSTRACT

Shotgun proteomics is the inferential analysis of proteoforms using peptide proxies produced by enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of entire proteomes. Such peptides are usually identified by nanoflow liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry analysis (nLC-MS/MS). Traditionally, MS/MS analysis is performed in data-dependent acquisition (DDA) mode, which usually produces a pattern of fragment masses unique to a single peptide’s fragmentation. Here, I describe a statistically rigorous qualitative and quantitative computational analysis for shotgun proteomics DDA analysis using free open-source software tools. MS/MS data are used to identify peptides, and the area of peptide mass/charge over chromatographic elution is used to quantify peptides. All peptides that uniquely map to a protein sequence predicted from the genome are combined into a single protein quantity, which can then be compared across experimental conditions. Statistically significant protein changes can be summarized using gene ontology or pathway term enrichment analysis.

PMID:33687723 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-1178-4_19

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in Liver Cirrhosis After Splenectomy or Splenic Artery Embolization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Adv Ther. 2021 Mar 9. doi: 10.1007/s12325-021-01652-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Splenectomy and splenic artery embolization are major treatment options for hypersplenism and portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis, but may lead to splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), which is potentially lethal. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the incidence of SVT in liver cirrhosis after splenectomy or splenic artery embolization and the risk factors for SVT.

METHODS: All relevant studies were searched through the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The incidence of SVT in liver cirrhosis after splenectomy or splenic artery embolization was pooled. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS: Sixty-six studies with 5632 patients with cirrhosis were included. The pooled incidence of SVT after splenectomy and splenic artery embolization was 24.6% (95% CI 20.2-29.3%) and 11.7% (95% CI 7.1-17.3%), respectively. A meta-analysis of three comparative studies demonstrated that the incidence of SVT after splenectomy was statistically similar to that after splenic artery embolization (OR 3.15, P = 0.290). Platelet count, mean platelet volume, preoperative splenic or portal vein diameter, preoperative or postoperative portal blood velocity, splenic volume and weight, and periesophagogastric devascularization were significant risk factors for SVT after splenectomy. Postoperative use of preventive antithrombotic therapy was a significant protective factor against SVT after splenectomy.

CONCLUSIONS: SVT is common in liver cirrhosis after splenectomy and splenic artery embolization. Coagulation and hemostasis factors, anatomical factors, and surgery-related factors have been widely identified for the assessment of high risk of SVT after splenectomy. Prophylactic strategy after splenectomy, such as antithrombotic therapy, might be considered in such high-risk patients.

STUDY REGISTRATION: This study was registered in PROSPERO with a registration number of CRD42019129673.

PMID:33687650 | DOI:10.1007/s12325-021-01652-7

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Exploring associations between personality trait facets and emotional, psychological and social well-being in eating disorder patients

Eat Weight Disord. 2021 Mar 9. doi: 10.1007/s40519-021-01107-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Personality functioning is strongly linked to well-being in the general population. Yet, there is a lack of scientific knowledge about the pathways between personality trait facets and emotional, psychological and social well-being in ED patients. The general aim was to examine potential associations between maladaptive personality trait facets and the three main dimensions of well-being.

METHODS: Participants were 1187 female eating disorder patients who were referred for specialized treatment. Patients were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (31.7%), bulimia nervosa (21.7%), binge eating disorder (11%) and other specified eating disorders (35.5%). The Personality Inventory for the DSM 5 (PID-5) was used to measure 25 trait facets, and well-being was measured with the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF). Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were applied to examine potential associations between personality and well-being while controlling for background and illness characteristics.

RESULTS: Personality trait facets led to a statistically significant increase of the explained variance in emotional (38%), psychological (39%), and social well-being (26%) in addition to the background and illness characteristics. The personality trait facets anhedonia and depression were strongly associated with all three well-being dimensions.

CONCLUSION: Personality traits may play an essential role in the experience of well-being among patients with EDs. To promote overall mental health, it may be critical for clinicians to address relevant personality trait facets, such as anhedonia and depression, associated with well-being in treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

PMID:33687655 | DOI:10.1007/s40519-021-01107-6

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Ultrasonographic measurement of the transcerebellar diameter for gestational age estimation in the third trimester

J Ultrasound. 2021 Mar 9. doi: 10.1007/s40477-021-00564-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonographic estimation of gestational age is done routinely by using fetal biometric parameters, such as the biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), abdominal circumference (AC), and head circumference (HC). Gestational dating by ultrasound is reliable in the 1st trimester, but discrepancies increase to more than 3 weeks in the 3rd trimester.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the accuracy of gestational age estimation by the transcerebellar diameter (TCD) in the 3rd trimester of singleton pregnancies whose gestational age is known.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NDMC Medical College and Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi, India, from October 2017 to May 2019 after obtaining clearance from the ethical committee. The study included 100 women aged 18-35 years with singleton pregnancies in the 3rd trimester with a gestational age ≥ 28 weeks; the women provided informed consent and filled in an F-form to rule out any sex determination of the baby. Only those women who had regular menstrual cycles 6 months before conception, who were sure of their last menstrual period (LMP), who had a gestational dating scan done up to 14 weeks, and for whom congenital malformation of the fetus had been ruled out by mid-trimester ultrasound were included. Gestational age was obtained for the measured BPD, HC, AC, FL, and TCD. A paired t-test was used for the comparison between the period of gestation (POG) by the 1st ultrasonography (USG) and that by the AC, BPD, FL, HC, and TCD.

RESULTS: The estimation of gestational age by the BPD becomes gradually less reliable after 32 weeks of pregnancy, that by the HC and FL after 36 weeks, and that by the AC after 28 weeks. Regression analysis was used to find a correlation of the various parameters, such as the POG by the 1st USG, BPD, HC, AC, FL, and TCD, with the POG by LMP. The correlation coefficient (r), coefficient of determination (R2), and p values were calculated. Of all the sonographic parameters for the estimation of gestational age, the TCD showed the highest correlation (r = 0.979; p < 0.0001) and the AC the lowest correlation.

CONCLUSION: The mean difference between the estimate of gestational age by the TCD and that by the 1st trimester USG increased from ± 1 day at weeks 28-32 to ± 1-2 days at weeks 32-36 and further increased to ± 6 days after 36 weeks of pregnancy, which was statistically significant. This indicated that the TCD could estimate gestational age within 6 days of near-term pregnancy. Thus, the TCD was a reliable parameter for the estimation of gestational age within 6 days of near-term pregnancy along with routine biometry and an alternative parameter for the evaluation of gestational age when the LMP is not known.

PMID:33687690 | DOI:10.1007/s40477-021-00564-0

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Tocilizumab in patients with moderate or severe COVID-19: a randomized, controlled, open-label, multicenter trial

Front Med. 2021 Mar 9. doi: 10.1007/s11684-020-0824-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Tocilizumab has been reported to attenuate the “cytokine storm” in COVID-19 patients. We attempted to verify the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab therapy in COVID-19 and identify patients most likely to benefit from this treatment. We conducted a randomized, controlled, open-label multicenter trial among COVID-19 patients. The patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either tocilizumab in addition to standard care or standard care alone. The cure rate, changes of oxygen saturation and interference, and inflammation biomarkers were observed. Thirty-three patients were randomized to the tocilizumab group, and 32 patients to the control group. The cure rate in the tocilizumab group was higher than that in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (94.12% vs. 87.10%, rate difference 95% CI-7.19%-21.23%, P = 0.4133). The improvement in hypoxia for the tocilizumab group was higher from day 4 onward and statistically significant from day 12 (P = 0.0359). In moderate disease patients with bilateral pulmonary lesions, the hypoxia ameliorated earlier after tocilizumab treatment, and less patients (1/12, 8.33%) needed an increase of inhaled oxygen concentration compared with the controls (4/6, 66.67%; rate difference 95% CI-99.17% to-17.50%, P = 0.0217). No severe adverse events occurred. More mild temporary adverse events were recorded in tocilizumab recipients (20/34, 58.82%) than the controls (4/31, 12.90%). Tocilizumab can improve hypoxia without unacceptable side effect profile and significant influences on the time virus load becomes negative. For patients with bilateral pulmonary lesions and elevated IL-6 levels, tocilizumab could be recommended to improve outcome.

PMID:33687643 | DOI:10.1007/s11684-020-0824-3