Category: Statistics

Teach Learn Med. 2022 Aug 10:1-12. doi: 10.1080/10401334.2022.2107528. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Problem: High-quality communication improves patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes, yet formal communication training in residency is often minimal. Many studies on empathic communication show mixed results and are often hindered and skewed by brief study lengths, insufficiently and ambiguously defined concepts, and limited methods for objective measurements. Intervention: The FAN Curriculum is a unique communication curriculum, based on the conceptual frameworks of patient-centered communication, reflective practice, mindfulness, and attunement using the Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN) model. The first part of the FAN Curriculum was delivered as a 3-hour interactive workshop involving didactics, group discussion, and role play with pediatric residents. Residents then completed weekly self-reflections, a follow-up one-hour training to reinforce concepts, and five monthly mentor sessions, all emphasizing reflective practice. Context: This longitudinal, mixed-methods study examined the effects of the FAN Curriculum on residents’ empathy levels and ability to communicate with parents in the clinical setting. The study was conducted at two urban, academic, medium-sized pediatric residency programs in Chicago between October 2016 and November 2017. First- and second-year pediatric residents whose continuity clinic site was located at their home institution participated. Residents received training in the use of the FAN Communication Tool using a delayed-start crossover study design. Impact: At five time points, residents and parents completed instruments validated for measuring physician empathy and mindfulness. Post-study interviews were conducted for one institution’s residents and mentors and were evaluated using open and focused coding. Participants (n = 23) demonstrated a high degree of use of the FAN Communication Tool six months post-training and a significant rise in self-reported comfort with four of five FAN core processes. One parent-completed survey (Consultation and Relational Empathy, CARE) showed a statistically significant rise of 3.26% in resident relational empathy and collaboration after training (p = 0.02). In qualitative analysis of interviews, residents and mentors found the FAN Communication Tool beneficial, making clinic visits more efficient and collaborative. Both groups noted improvement in the residents’ relationship-building skills; residents were able to use enhanced communication skills to better approach challenging encounters and work through parent concerns. Lessons Learned: Family-centered communication training can improve physician-perceived empathy and mindfulness. Effective communication for pediatric residents incorporates an empathic approach, and introduction to this formal curriculum supported their growth in connecting and engaging with children and parents. The FAN Curriculum may provide a useful method for improving resident communication skills with a positive impact on pediatricians’ collaboration with patients and families.

PMID:35946430 | DOI:10.1080/10401334.2022.2107528

Orthop Surg. 2022 Aug 10. doi: 10.1111/os.13397. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functional and alignment outcomes of intramedullary nail fixation using suprapatellar and infrapatellar approaches in treating distal tibial fractures.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, 132 patients with distal tibial fractures (87 men, 45 women) ranging in age from 20 to 66 years were treated with intramedullary nails using the suprapatellar (69 patients) or infrapatellar (63 patients) approach. The radiographic alignment outcomes and ankle function were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine which variety influenced ankle functional scores and whether the suprapatellar approach intervention demonstrated a protective effect.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 14.22 ± 2.31 months. The mean sagittal section angle of the fracture in the suprapatellar and infrapatellar approach groups was 3.20° ± 1.20° and 5.31° ± 1.23°, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean coronal section angle was 3.51° ± 0.89° and 5.42° ± 1.05°, respectively (P < 0.001). Three patients (4.3%) in the suprapatellar approach group and 15 patients (23.8%) in the infrapatellar approach group had poor fracture reduction (P < 0.001). The mean hind foot functional score and ankle pain score were 95.91 ± 4.70 and 35.91 ± 4.70 points, respectively, in the suprapatellar approach group and 85.20 ± 5.61 and 25.20 ± 5.61 points, respectively, in the infrapatellar approach group (P < 0.001 for both). In the comparison of ankle function, the multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the odds ratio in the suprapatellar approach group was about 7 times that in the infrapatellar approach group (odds ratio, 7.574; 95% confidence interval, 2.148-28.740; P = 0.002). Of the variants measured, the statistically significant risk factors for poor ankle function were AO type A3 (P = 0.016) and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.006). Sex and the operation interval were not statistically significant risk factors for poor ankle function.

CONCLUSION: Intramedullary nailing using the suprapatellar approach facilitates simple fracture reduction, excellent postoperative fracture alignment, and few complications, giving it obvious advantages over the conventional infrapatellar approach. Additionally, the suprapatellar approach is a prognostic factor associated with postoperative ankle joint function.

PMID:35946437 | DOI:10.1111/os.13397

Food Funct. 2022 Aug 10. doi: 10.1039/d1fo03204f. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the effect of oligosaccharides on the markers of glycemic control, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FBI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and quantitative insulin sensitivity index (QUICKI). Methods: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of oligosaccharide intervention on FBG, FBI, HbA_1c, HOMA-IR, and QUICKI up to 7 June 2021. Data were pooled using weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), with a p-value ≤0.05 indicating statistical significance. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane tool and the quality of the literature with the new Jadad scale. Results: A total of 46 randomized controlled trials were included. Oligosaccharides significantly reduced FBG (WMD: -0.295 mmol L^-1; 95% CI: -0.396 to -0.193; p < 0.001; I² = 90.9%; 46 trials; 2412 participants), FBI (WMD: -0.559 pmol L^-1; 95% CI: -0.939 to -0.178; p < 0.01; I² = 99.1%; 29 trials; 1462 participants), HbA_1c (WMD: -0.365; 95% CI: -0.725 to -0.005; p < 0.05; I² = 86.6%; 11 trials; 661 participants), and HOMA-IR (WMD: -0.793; 95% CI: -1.106 to -0.480; p < 0.001; I² = 96.1%; 24 trials; 1382 participants). Oligosaccharides were more beneficial for the participants with obesity or diabetes than for healthy participants. Multiple interventions per day consolidated the effectiveness of oligosaccharides. Regardless of the processing manner (starch-modified or naturally extracted) of the oligosaccharides, their intervention was overall beneficial for the patients with diabetes. Conclusions: This study is by far the most extensive systematic review to evaluate the role of oligosaccharides on the markers of glycemic control. Oligosaccharide interventions can exert beneficial effects on FBG, FBI, HbA_1c, and HOMA-IR.

PMID:35946428 | DOI:10.1039/d1fo03204f

J Dent Educ. 2022 Aug 10. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13066. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Research has demonstrated that learners who practice self-testing have superior long-term retention compared to those rereading the material alone, a phenomenon called test-enhanced learning. This testing effect can be leveraged by spacing out the testing practice over time, a technique called spaced repetition. In 2017, we provided dental students at the school with access to Osmosis, a web-based platform that supports test-enhanced learning and spaced repetition through flashcards. This exploratory study examined students’ adoption of self-testing with flashcards and its impact on learning performance in basic sciences.

METHODS: Participants were 143 first-year predoctoral students at a dental school in the US. The platform analytics revealed the number of flashcards students answered throughout the first academic year (2019-2020). Regression analyses examined how self-testing with flashcards impacted students’ exam scores in basic sciences. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests examined the difference in students’ exam performance among the non, minimal, occasional, and regular flashcard users who answered 0, 1-99, 100-499, and over 500 flashcards, respectively.

RESULTS: Students answered 82,766 flashcards during the year. Additionally, they created 17,973 flashcards using the platform’s flashcard authoring tool. Regression analyses showed that self-testing with flashcards correlated positively with students’ exam performance in anatomy, biochemistry, nutrition, and physiology. ANOVA results revealed a statistically significant difference in students’ exam performance in anatomy, biochemistry, and nutrition among the four groups.

CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first in dental education to examine students’ self-testing on the Osmosis platform. Results revealed that there was widespread adoption of self-testing with flashcards. The study provided additional evidence to support the value of self-testing for dental students. It has practical implications of how test-enhanced learning can be incorporated into dental education to support student learning. The study contributed to the test-enhanced learning literature in dental education, an area that has been underexplored.

PMID:35946422 | DOI:10.1002/jdd.13066

Orthop Surg. 2022 Aug 10. doi: 10.1111/os.13394. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Patellofemoral kinematics and contact mechanics are important measurements for the assessment of patellofemoral joint (PFJ) problems. Simultaneously measuring PFJ contact pressures and kinematics is a challenging task. The purpose of this study was to simultaneously measure the kinematics and mean/peak contact pressures in the PFJs of cadaveric knees.

METHODS: This was a comparative study performed on fresh cadaveric knees. The kinematic data was acquired for nine cadaveric knees using an optical tracking system. Data about the contact pressure and contact area in the PFJ was obtained at knee flexion angles of 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° using a pressure sensor. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and minimal detectable differences (MDDs) of six degrees of freedom (6 DOF) in the PFJs were calculated. ICCs and the MDDs of contact pressure, peak pressure, and contact area in the PFJs were also analyzed. We also compared the kinematics of the cadaveric knees before and after the insertion of the pressure sensor.

RESULTS: All ICC values of 6 DOF in the PFJs were found to be greater than or equal to 0.924. Regarding medial-lateral rotation, the patellar showed a simplified movement pattern that demonstrated progressive lateral rotation of 4.8° ± 3.4° at 120° of knee flexion. While for patellar tilting, the patella showed medial tilting that peaked at 7.2 ± 2.5° at 30° of knee flexion. Whereas no significant differences in PFJ kinematics were found between with and without the placement of the pressure sensor at all knee flexions (P > 0.05). Most of the ICC values for contact pressure, peak contact pressure, and contact area ranged from 0.8 to 0.9. The MDDs for rotational displacement were 0.9° and 0.6 mm for translational displacement. No statistical differences in patellar kinematics were found before and after the insertion of the pressure sensor.

CONCLUSIONS: The setup in the present study enables researchers to simultaneously and synchronously collect real-time PFJ kinematics and tibiofemoral joint (TFJ) biomechanical kinematic data with high reliability. The low MDDs enabled the researchers to obtain an accurate interpretation of the kinematic and contact mechanics measurement using the experimental setting used in the present study.

PMID:35946420 | DOI:10.1111/os.13394

J Addict Dis. 2022 Aug 10:1-7. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2022.2108363. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Alcohol use disorder is a chronic, relapsing and remitting illness with limited efficacy of pharmacotherapy in preventing relapse. Several non-pharmacological treatment options are usually used to improve treatment outcomes. In this case report, the patient with alcohol use disorder (as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition criteria) had memory impairments, which was seen to limit the effectiveness of cognitive approaches such as motivational enhancement therapy. Covert sensitization, a behavioral technique based on operant conditioning, was considered an alternative option along with pharmacotherapy to enhance abstinence and was seen to be effective in creating an association between alcohol use and unpleasant consequences in the patient. We observed an improvement in subjective craving and motivation to abstain following the therapy sessions. This highlights the use of covert sensitization as an alternative non-pharmacological intervention for patients with alcohol use disorder with cognitive impairments.

PMID:35946415 | DOI:10.1080/10550887.2022.2108363

Orthod Craniofac Res. 2022 Aug 3. doi: 10.1111/ocr.12599. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the position and shape of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular disc among the sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns in Angle Class III, Class III subdivision malocclusion and normal occlusion. The null hypothesis was that there was no difference in disc position and shape in different (1) malocclusions and (2) skeletal patterns.

METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study evaluated 105 patients divided into 3 groups: Class III (33, 9.39 ± 1.96 years), Class III subdivision (45, 9.51 ± 1.59 years) and a normal occlusion (27, 10.24 ± 0.87 years) was included as healthy control. Severity of the maxilla-mandibular anteroposterior discrepancy and vertical facial pattern were determined using 2D cephalometry, and the position and shape of the articular discs were evaluated in magnetic resonance images. Statistical parametric and non-parametric tests and Kappa analysis for intra-observer and inter-observer assessment were used (p ≤ .05).

RESULTS: Significant between-group differences were found in articular disc position. In the normal occlusion group, all the articular discs were well positioned. In Class III and Class III subdivision, the discs were displaced in 30.3% and 12.2% of the TMJs, respectively. Sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns did not affect the findings significantly. The Class III subdivision malocclusion group is probably different from the other groups, showing 97.7% of biconcave discs in both TMJs.

CONCLUSION: The longitudinal follow-up of this sample becomes relevant as the two groups with malocclusion in the pre-peak phase of pubertal growth showed differences in the prevalence of displacement and form of the articular disc, with no association with their vertical facial characteristics.

PMID:35946345 | DOI:10.1111/ocr.12599

Bioengineered. 2022 Jun;13(6):14681-14718. doi: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2100863.

ABSTRACT

Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) aqueous extract has massive amounts of natural products that can be used as future drugs, such as C-phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, etc. This extract was chosen because of its high adaptability, which reflects its resolute genetic composition. The proactive roles of cyanobacteria, particularly in the medical field, have been discussed in this review, including the history, previous food and drug administration (FDA) reports, health benefits and the various dose-dependent therapeutic functions that A. platensis possesses, including its role in fighting against lethal diseases such as cancer, SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, etc. However, the remedy will not present its maximal effect without the proper delivery to the targeted place for deposition. The goal of this research is to maximize the bioavailability and delivery efficiency of A. platensis constituents through selected sites for effective therapeutic outcomes. The solutions reviewed are mainly on parenteral and tablet formulations. Moreover, suggested enteric polymers were discussed with minor composition variations applied for better storage in high humid countries alongside minor variations in the polymer design were suggested to enhance the premature release hindrance of basic drugs in low pH environments. In addition, it will open doors for research in delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in femtoscale with the use of various existing and new formulations.Abbrevations: SDGs; Sustainable Development Goals, IL-4; Interleukin-4, HDL; High-Density Lipoprotein, LDL; Low-Density Lipoprotein, VLDL; Very Low-Density Lipoprotein, C-PC; C-Phycocyanin, APC; Allophycocyanin, PE; Phycoerythrin, COX-2; Cyclooxygenase-2, RCTs; Randomized Control Trials, TNF-α; Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha, γ-LFA; Gamma-Linolenic Fatty Acid, PGs; Polyglycans, PUFAs: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, NK-cell; Natural Killer Cell, FDA; Food and Drug Administration, GRAS; Generally Recognized as Safe, SD; Standard Deviation, API; Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient, DW; Dry Weight, IM; Intramuscular, IV; Intravenous, ID; Intradermal, SC; Subcutaneous, AERs; Adverse Event Reports, DSI-EC; Dietary Supplement Information Executive Committee, cGMP; Current Good Manufacturing Process, A. platensis; Arthrospira platensis, A. maxima; Arthrospira maxima, Spirulina sp.; Spirulina species, Arthrospira; Spirulina, Tecuitlatl; Spirulina, CRC; Colorectal Cancer, HDI; Human Development Index, Tf; Transferrin, TfR; Transferrin Receptor, FR; Flow Rate, CPP; Cell Penetrating Peptide, SUV; Small Unilamenar Vesicle, LUV; Large Unilamenar Vesicle, GUV; Giant Unilamenar Vesicle, MLV; Multilamenar Vesicle, COVID-19; Coronavirus-19, PEGylated; Stealth, PEG; Polyethylene Glycol, OSCEs; Objective Structured Clinical Examinations, GI; Gastrointestinal Tract, CAP; Cellulose Acetate Phthalate, HPMCP, Hydroxypropyl Methyl-Cellulose Phthalate, SR; Sustained Release, DR; Delay Release, Poly(MA-EA); Polymethyl Acrylic Co-Ethyl Acrylate, f-DR L-30 D-55; Femto-Delay Release Methyl Acrylic Acid Co-Ethyl Acrylate Polymer, MW; Molecular Weight, T_g; Glass Transition Temperature, SN₂; Nucleophilic Substitution 2, EPR; Enhance Permeability and Retention, VEGF; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, RGD; Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic Acid, VCAM-1; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1, P; Coefficient of Permeability, PES; Polyether Sulfone, pH_e; Extracellular pH, ζ-potential; Zeta potential, NTA; Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, PB; Phosphate Buffer, DLS; Dynamic Light Scattering, AFM; Atomic Force Microscope, Log P; Partition Coefficient, MR; Molar Refractivity, tPSA; Topological Polar Surface Area, C log P; Calculated Partition Coefficient, CMR; Calculated Molar Refractivity, Log S; Solubility Coefficient, pka; Acid Dissociation Constant, DDAB; Dimethyl Dioctadecyl Ammonium Bromide, DOPE; Dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine, GDP; Good Distribution Practice, RES; Reticuloendothelial System, PKU; Phenylketonuria, MS; Multiple Sclerosis, SLE; Systemic Lupus Erythematous, NASA; National Aeronautics and Space Administration, DOX; Doxorubicin, ADRs; Adverse Drug Reactions, SVM; Support Vector Machine, MDA; Malondialdehyde, TBARS; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances, CRP; C-Reactive Protein, CK; Creatine Kinase, LDH; Lactated Dehydrogenase, T2D; Type 2 Diabetes, PCB; Phycocyanobilin, PBP; Phycobiliproteins, PEB; Phycoerythrobilin, DPP-4; Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4, MTT; 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide, IL-2; Interleukin-2, IL-6; Interleukin-6, PRISMA; Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, STATA; Statistics, HepG2; Hepatoblastoma, HCT116; Colon Cancer Carcinoma, Kasumi-1; Acute Leukaemia, K562; Chronic Leukaemia, Se-PC; Selenium-Phycocyanin, MCF-7; Breast Cancer Adenocarcinoma, A375; Human Melanoma, RAS; Renin-Angiotensin System, IQP; Ile-Gln-Pro, VEP; Val-Glu-Pro, M_pro; Main Protease, PL_pro; Papin-Like Protease, BMI; Body Mass Index, IC₅₀; Inhibitory Concentration by 50%, LD₅₀; Lethal Dose by 50%, PC12 Adh; Rat Pheochromocytoma Cells, RNS; Reactive Nitrogen Species, Hb1Ac; hemoglobin A1c.

PMID:35946342 | DOI:10.1080/21655979.2022.2100863

Rev Med Virol. 2022 Aug 10:e2382. doi: 10.1002/rmv.2382. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To understand epidemiological characteristics of norovirus outbreaks in China from 2000 to 2018 the literature on norovirus outbreaks was identified by searching WANFANG, CNKI, PubMed, and Web of Science databases before 31 December 2018. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Product Service Solutions software. RStudio1.4.1717 and ArcGIS trial version were used for plotting bar graphs and maps. A total of 419 norovirus outbreaks were reported in the 394 included articles, which occurred between June 2000 and October 2018, showing an overall increasing trend. The majority of outbreaks occurred in schools (52.28%, 218/417) and kindergartens (55/417, 13.19%). Person-to-person transmission (41.64%, 137/329) was most common, followed by food-borne transmission (75/329, 22.80%) and water-borne transmission (72/329, 21.88%). GII was the most predominant norovirus genogroup, with GII.4, GII.17 and GII.2 being the dominant genotypes in 2007-2013, 2014-2015, 2016-2017, respectively. Increased outbreaks were associated with the prevalence of new variants. Most norovirus outbreaks were reported in the southeast of the country. The number of norovirus outbreaks was positively associated with the per capita gross domestic product and the year-end resident population. Norovirus outbreaks have become an important public health problem in China. It is necessary to establish surveillance in hospitals and nursing homes. Genotyping of noroviruses is important for monitoring the circulating strains and improving the vaccine design, so it should be carried out in more regions.

PMID:35946340 | DOI:10.1002/rmv.2382

Psychooncology. 2022 Aug 10. doi: 10.1002/pon.6013. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Patients with non-familial, unilateral breast cancer have a low risk of contralateral breast cancer. Thus, clinical studies have shown no survival benefit for patients who undergo contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) compared to those undergoing unilateral surgeries for non-familial unilateral breast cancers. Despite this evidence, there has been a steady increase in rates of CPM in the U.S. Patient factors influencing this choice have been identified in previous studies, but seldom in a prospective manner. This prospective study was designed to assess emotion and any association with a patient’s decision to ultimately undergo CPM.

METHODS: We recruited patients with newly diagnosed, unilateral, non-metastatic breast cancer, who had not yet had surgery, to participate in a prospective, longitudinal study to examine the impact of emotions on CPM decision-making.

RESULTS: Among the 86 final participants, all completed the pre-visit survey (100%) and 52 patients completed the post-visit survey (60%). Patients undergoing CPM were significantly younger than those who did not. There was no statistically significant association between emotion and receipt of CPM. There was a trend towards undergoing CPM in patients with a less open personality type and those with more negative emotion, though not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: This study found a trend toward increased CPM receipt in those with less open personality types and more negative emotion, especially post-consultation, but none of these findings was significant. Future work should include development of cancer-specific emotion scales and larger studies of possible connections between emotion, personality type and surgical decision-making for breast cancer patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35946336 | DOI:10.1002/pon.6013