Category: Statistics

PLoS One. 2024 Nov 15;19(11):e0300826. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300826. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although moderate and severe Covid-19 patients have shown obstructive and restrictive disorders in pulmonary function after recovery from the disease, studies evaluating the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs that seek to improve lung function are scarce.

AIM: Herein, we evaluate changes in lung function and perceived dyspnea in Covid-19 patients after undergoing 12 weeks of a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program.

DESIGN: Retrospective observational study.

SETTING: Cesar, Colombia Neumocesar Pneumological Center.

POPULATION: 100 outpatients with a history of Covid-19.

METHODS: Respiratory function using spirometry parameters, as well as perceived dyspnea, measured by the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, was evaluated in 100 patients with a history of Covid-19. We used univariate and multivariate statistical approaches to assess changes in lung function and perceived dyspnea before and after a PR program to determine whether gender, age, height, weight, comorbidities, and oxygen delivery system affects the recovery of lung function and perceived dyspnea.

RESULTS: It was found that PR treatment has positive effects on respiratory pathologies caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection regardless of patient gender (S = 0,029), indicating that rehabilitation provided benefits regardless of the physical characteristics of the patients. Both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses indicated that FVC (P = 0,0001), FEV1(P = 0,0001), and mMRC (P = 0,0001) are robust diagnostic indicators of lung function recovery and perceived dyspnea. Both invasive and non-invasive positive pressure ventilatory support had deleterious effects on lung function prolongating patient recovery (P = 0,0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation programs can benefit patients facing respiratory pathologies caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additional research on the long-term effects of the sequelae of Covid-19 is needed.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: PR programs have positive effects on patients facing respiratory pathologies caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

PMID:39546545 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0300826

PLoS One. 2024 Nov 15;19(11):e0310970. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310970. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Occupational or work-related injuries are mostly common among hospitals’ sanitary workers (SWs) in developing countries like Ethiopia. This is due to improper practiced of devices, unhygienic workplace, neglected and undermined risk factors, as well as due to lack of policy initiatives; but not studied well.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the occupational injuries and its associated factors among SWs in public hospitals, eastern Ethiopia: A Modified Poisson regression Model Analysis.

METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in eight public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia from May 2023 to August 30th, 2023. Out of fourteen hospitals, eight of them were selected randomly. Eight data collectors and 4 supervisors were assigned. Face-to-face interview was conducted. Eight hundred hospital SWs were recruited for the study. Occupational injury was measured using Boolean logic questionnaire either YES [1] or NO [0] for the last 12 months and the 7 days. Descriptive statistical was used for means, medians, standard deviations, and frequencies, proportions, and percentages. Modified Poisson regression was used to explore the relationship of outcome and independent variables. Accordingly, bi-variable analysis was performed to estimate unadjusted prevalence ratio (UPR). While, multi-variable model was used adjusted PR(APR) for those variables have significant values of p ≤0.20 at bi-variate analysis with confidence interval of 95% (CI:95%).

RESULT: Out of eight hundred nine SWs, 729(90.1%) were participated on the study. Self-reported occupational injuries among SWs in the last 12 months were 44.0% (95% CI: 40.4, 47.7). Of these, 92.2% (95%CI: 88.7,94.90%) and 7.8% (95%CI: 5.1, 11.3%) occupational injuries was reported from the cleaners and waste collectors, respectively. The model found that SWs those acquired diseases after recruited in the hospitals (APR:1.3;95%CI:1.1,1.6), those had sleeping disorder (APR:1.2;95%CI:1.0,1.), those had workload (APR:1.3; 95%CI:1.0, 1.8), those exposed with occupational hazards (APR:1.4; 95%CI:1.3, 1.7) were at the risk of occupational injuries as compared to their counter parts. Meanwhile, SWs those didn’t get supervision (APR: 1.0;95%CI: 1.0, 1.2) and those non-adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) (APR:1.3;95%CI:1.0,1.5) were more likely to at the risk of occupational injuries.

CONCLUSION: The current study concluded that there was a high prevalence of occupational injuries among SWs in the current selected public hospitals. The study also found that non-compliant with PPE, work load, sleeping disorders, attitude towards workplace safety and unsupervised activities and working in high-risk environment tends to increase the risk for occupational injuries. In addition to occupational injuries the study found that SWs those acquired occupational diseases such as asthma, respiratory tract problems, allergy, infections, kidney problems and dermatology problems after recruited in hospitals.

PMID:39546541 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0310970

PLoS One. 2024 Nov 15;19(11):e0305384. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305384. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of failed induction led to higher rates of health problems and death among mothers, mainly as a result of complications related to cesarean delivery, such as postpartum bleeding, morbidly adherent placenta and surgical site infection. Even though a systematic review and meta-analysis were done before July 2020 with limited studies, there were varies inconsistent studies after that and no updated summarize evidence about the issue as a nation. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the current pooled prevalence of failed induction and its associated factors in Ethiopia by including multiple inconsistent studies.

METHODS: Comprehensive literature was searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, and HINARI from January 1, 2013, to September 23, 2023. A random effect model was used to estimate pooled prevalence and adjusted odds ratio. Stata (version17.0) was used to analyze the data. Cochrane Q-test and I squared statistics were computed to assess heterogeneity among studies. A sub group analysis was done based on study region to minimize underling heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Eggers test were done to assess publication bias and corrected by trim and fill analysis.

RESULT: Overall, one thousand fifty-two articles were retrieved and finally twenty-eight studies were included in this systematic review, including 9757 participants. The pooled prevalence of failed induction of labor was 22.39% (95% CI: 21.57-23.21). Subgroup analysis showed that failed induction of labor was highest in Addis Ababa and lowest in Tigray region. Rural residence (AOR = 3.31, 95% CI: 2.39-4.57), nullipara women (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 2.14-3.24), unfavorable bishop score (AOR = 3.98, 95% CI: 2.19-7.08), hypertensive disorder during pregnancy (AOR = 3.63, 95% CI: 2.69-5.01) and premature rupture of membranes before the onset of labor (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.5-4.26) were significantly associated with failed induction of labor.

CONCLUSION: The pooled prevalence of failed induction of labor in Ethiopia was high. Unfavorable bishop score, nulliparous, rural residence, women who had premature rupture of membrane and hypertensive disorder during pregnancy were significantly associated with failed induction of labor. Therefore, Healthcare providers or obstetricians should consider proper cervical assessment for bishop score before the initiation of induction. The Ministry of Health ought to create a distinct set of guidelines specifically addressing the cervical ripening and/or induction protocol for women who experienced premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and had a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy, especially those who were administered magnesium sulfate (MgSO4).

PMID:39546537 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0305384

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2024 Nov 15. doi: 10.1039/d4cp02764g. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Some of our recent developments and applications of algorithmic graph theory for extracting the physical and chemical properties of materials from molecular dynamics simulations are presented. From the chemical viewpoint, the power of graph theory is illustrated in the search for a catalyst’s active sites at a silica solid surface. From the physical viewpoint, we present graph algorithms that recognize the structural motifs that exist at the silica/liquid water interface. Statistical analyses of the instances of these surface-water motifs provide a detailed understanding of the structures and dynamics at the aqueous interface.

PMID:39545384 | DOI:10.1039/d4cp02764g

Allergy. 2024 Nov 15. doi: 10.1111/all.16399. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39545381 | DOI:10.1111/all.16399

Cancer Control. 2024 Jan-Dec;31:10732748241298539. doi: 10.1177/10732748241298539.

ABSTRACT

Dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) imaging is a valuable sequence of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). A DCE sequence enhances the vasculature and complements T2-weighted (T2W) and Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), allowing early detection of prostate cancer. However, DCE assessment has remained primarily qualitative. The study proposes quantifying DCE characteristics (T1W sequences) using six time-dependent metrics computed on feature transformations (306 radiomic features) of abnormal image regions observed over time. We applied our methodology to prostate cancer patients with the DCE MRI images (n = 25) who underwent prostatectomy with confirmed pathological assessment of the disease using Gleason Score. Regions of abnormality were assessed on the T2W MRI, guided using the whole mount pathology. Preliminary analysis finds over six temporal DCE imaging features obtained on different transformations on the imaging regions showed significant differences compared to the indolent counterpart (P ≤ 0.05, q ≤ 0.01). We find classifier models using logistic regression formed on DCE features after feature-based transformation (Centre of Mass) had an AUC of 0.89-0.94. While using mean feature-based transformation, the AUC was in the range of 0.71-0.76, estimated using the 0.632 bootstrap cross-validation method and after applying sample balancing using the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE). Our study finds, radiomic transformation of DCE images (T1 sequences) provides better signal standardization. Their temporal characteristics allow improved discrimination of aggressive disease.

PMID:39545376 | DOI:10.1177/10732748241298539

J Rehabil Med. 2024 Nov 15;56:jrm38820. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v56.38820.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with the pain-related functional interference level in people with chronic low back pain.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional.

SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: Chronic low back pain patients.

METHODS: Sociodemographic data, pain intensity, pain-related functional interference, physical functioning and fitness, sleep quality, anxiety and depression, social support, and health-related quality of life were recorded. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. A linear regression model was carried out to identify the factors associated with the pain-related functional interference level.

RESULTS: 99 participants were involved (mean age: 54.37 SD: 12.44; women: 67.7%). 37.4%, 27.3%, and 35.4% were classified into low, moderate, and high pain-related functional interference level groups, respectively. Higher pain-related functional interference was associated with higher pain intensity (β: 0.724; p = 0.026), worse sleep quality (β: 0.077; p = 0.012), worse quality of life (physical (β: -0.539; p < 0.001) and mental (β: -0.289; p < 0.001), and lower consumption of weak opioids (β: -3.408; p = 0.037).

CONCLUSION: Beyond the pain experience and intensity among people with chronic low back pain, several biopsychosocial factors associated with this condition has been identified. Furthermore, higher pain intensity, worse sleep quality, worse quality of life, and weak opioids’ consumption have been related to the pain-related functional interference of this population.

PMID:39545374 | DOI:10.2340/jrm.v56.38820

West Afr J Med. 2024 Nov 10;41(11 Suppl 1):S56.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The first line of care is a paramount stage in the management of the mentally ill persons. In Nigeria, traditional and faith-based healers compete with medical professionals in providing care.

AIM: Pathway to care among patients with Mental Illness at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The characteristics of the patients and their pathways to care were assessed using a questionnaire specifically designed by the researchers, based on previous studies. A total of 270 participants were recruited over three months using a convenience sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square tests were applied to examine associations, with significance set at P-values less than 0.05. Binary logistic regression was used to identify determinants of the pathway to care.

RESULTS: A Few respondents (15.9%) had consulted a psychiatrist and at least 3.6 (SD ± 6.0) non-medical healers were consulted before seeing a psychiatrist. There was a statistically significant association between the pathway to care and the level of education (p = 0.047), ethnicity (p = 0.001), religion (p < 0.001), diagnosis (p = 0.002), and family history of mental illness (p = 0.002). However, religion, family history of mental illness, and diagnosis emerged as determinants of the pathway to care.

CONCLUSION: The use of alternative medicine in the management of mentally ill persons is still more common than orthodox care in our environment, highlighting the need for further advocacy.

PMID:39545371

J Sex Med. 2024 Nov 14:qdae146. doi: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae146. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Genital gender-affirming surgery has become a crucial step in the transitioning process of numerous transgender people.

AIM: To highlight the consequences of genital gender-affirming surgery on pelvic floor function in transgender people.

METHODS: Medical databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) were consulted according to a combination of keywords. All papers published up to February 29, 2024 were considered. Two reviewers independently screened the abstracts of the selected studies and extracted data from the full-text articles included. Data were subsequently tabulated and compared for consistency. The bias associated with each included study was evaluated according to the Observational Study Quality Evaluation (OSQE) method. This study is registered on PROSPERO number CRD42024522580.

OUTCOMES: Pelvic floor dysfunctions in individuals who undergo gender-affirming surgery, factors that may be involved in the increased prevalence of these dysfunctions and perspectives of treatment of the complications through pelvic floor physical therapy.

RESULTS: Twenty-five papers were considered for systematic review, while 17 studies were included for meta-analysis. There was significant statistical heterogeneity across the included studies. Among transwomen who had undergone vaginoplasty, pelvic organ prolapse occurred in 1%-7.5% of patients, urinary incontinence affected up to 15% of patients, while urinary irritative symptoms up to 20%. Sexual dysfunctions were reported by 25%-75% of patients. Among transmen who underwent hysterectomy and phalloplasty, pelvic organ prolapse occurred in 3.8% of patients, urinary incontinence affected up to 50% of patients, while urinary irritative symptoms up to 37%. Finally, sexual dysfunctions were reported by 54% of patients.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings of this study could be helpful for transgender patients pre-operative counselling.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis about pelvic floor dysfunctions in transgender people undergoing genital gender-affirming surgery. The main limitations are the limited number of studies included and their heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor dysfunctions following genital gender-affirming surgery are an emerging issue. Adequate information for each surgical procedure, explicit postoperative instructions, continuity of care, communication with healthcare providers, and recommendation for tailored perioperative pelvic floor physiotherapy are necessary for a better surgical result.

PMID:39545366 | DOI:10.1093/jsxmed/qdae146

J Sex Med. 2024 Nov 14:qdae151. doi: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae151. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Penile constriction devices offer a noninvasive approach to enhance the sexual experience and as the variety of penile constriction devices increases, it is crucial to assess patient preferences and device effectiveness to provide insights into their clinical utility.

AIM: We aimed to compare the preferences for and effectiveness of two medical-grade penile constriction devices: Eddie by Giddy and FirmTech.

METHODS: Between May and July of 2023, males were recruited via social media and prospectively enrolled into an Institutional Review Board-approved, randomized, questionnaire-based study. Upon enrollment, the participants completed the Sexual Health Inventory for Men and Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males questionnaires. Participants were randomized to which device they received first. They used the device twice either during masturbation or intercourse in a two-week timeframe. Once utilized, the participants completed a 17-question, Likert scale, device satisfaction questionnaire, in which lower numbers indicated positive responses. The process was repeated with the second device. T-test and Chi-Square Analysis were run for statistical analysis.

OUTCOMES: The primary outcomes of this study were patient-reported device satisfaction and efficacy and the secondary outcome was the device preference for patients with and without erectile dysfunction.

RESULTS: Fifty men were enrolled and 49 completed the study. The average age was 40 years old. Of the participants, 80% recommend the FirmTech device compared to 53% who recommend the Eddie by Giddy device (P = 0.0026). The FirmTech device was overall easier to put on both flaccid and erect (P = 0.0308 and 0.0002), was more comfortable, had better stretch, and was easier to adjust (P = 0.087, <0.0001, and 0.0119, respectively). The FirmTech device had a better overall impression amongst the participants (P = 0.0249). Eddie by Giddy was felt to improve erectile firmness more in those with ED than in those without (P = 0.0178).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study adds to the current literature on penile constriction devices that better guide providers as they counsel patients on these devices to enhance sexual function.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The strength of this study is that this is a prospective randomized crossover study. The limitations of this study are that this is a single center study based on patient reported outcomes.

CONCLUSION: The FirmTech device performed better than the Eddie by Giddy with respect to overall impression of the device, likelihood of using the device in the future, and recommending the device to a friend, while the Eddie by Giddy device performed better at improving erectile firmness.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05853822.

PMID:39545359 | DOI:10.1093/jsxmed/qdae151