Category: Statistics

Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2024 Jul 17. doi: 10.1089/can.2023.0253. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: Patients have been known to use cannabinoids for treating established chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) based on anecdotal information and retrospective reports suggesting that such might be beneficial. In response, a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, pilot clinical trial was developed to evaluate whether resultant data would support a phase III trial for testing whether a cannabidiol (CBD) cream might improve CIPN. Methods: Forty patients with established CIPN were randomized, in a double-blinded manner, to topical CBD or a placebo cream. The study product was applied for 2 weeks, followed by a crossover for 2 weeks. Neuropathy was evaluated using the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-CIPN20, the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool, and the Global Impression of Change instruments. Side effects were recorded by symptom diaries. Results: The EORTC-CIPN20 scores were similar in the patients receiving CBD versus the placebo. Likewise, the toxicity scores were similar in patients who received the CBD versus the placebo. Conclusions: This pilot trial did not support that the studied CBD isolate cream improved painful established CIPN. It was well tolerated overall. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT05388058.

PMID:39016024 | DOI:10.1089/can.2023.0253

Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2024 Jul 18. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2024-0073. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The tools to measure knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health have been developed, but with adolescent subjects over 15 years old and with specific topics. The needs and focus of SRH education in adolescents are different from those of young adults. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable tool to measure adolescents’ knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy regarding SRH.

METHODS: A total of 100 items were developed based on a literature search, focus group discussion, and expert panel encompassing three domains: knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. The Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health – Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Questionnaires (ASRH-KASeQ) then underwent a validation process that included content validity, face validity, and internal consistency reliability. This study was conducted on adolescents aged 12-15 years in secondary school in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. All statistical methods were analyzed using STATA software.

RESULTS: The average content validity (S-CVI/Ave) and face validity (S-FVI/Ave) for knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy demonstrated good validity with scores of 0.93 and 0.94, 0.92 and 0.96, and 0.95 and 0.96, respectively. The internal consistency reliability using Cronbach’s alpha for the knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy domains exceeded 0.6, with results of 0.7, 0.81, and 0.89, which were considered acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS: The final set of ASRH-KASeQ consisted of 100 items measuring knowledge (40 items), attitude (30 items), and self-efficacy (30 items) of adolescents SRH. ASRH-KASeQ was shown to be a reliable and valid tool for Indonesian adolescents, especially those aged 12-15 years.

PMID:39016023 | DOI:10.1515/ijamh-2024-0073

Future Microbiol. 2024;19(8):715-740. doi: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0279. Epub 2024 Jun 7.

ABSTRACT

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widespread environmental organisms found in both natural and man-made settings, such as building plumbing, water distribution networks and hospital water systems. Their ubiquitous presence increases the risk of transmission, leading to a wide range of human infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. NTM primarily spreads through environmental exposures, such as inhaling aerosolized particles, ingesting contaminated food and introducing it into wounds. Hospital-associated outbreaks have been linked to contaminated medical devices and water systems. Furthermore, the rising global incidence, prevalence and isolation rates highlight the urgency of addressing NTM infections. Gaining a thorough insight into the sources and epidemiology of NTM infection is crucial for devising novel strategies to prevent and manage NTM transmission and infections.

PMID:39015998 | DOI:10.2217/fmb-2023-0279

Analyst. 2024 Jul 17. doi: 10.1039/d4an00682h. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Compared to animal cells, phenotypic characterization of single plant cells on microfluidic platforms is still rare. In this work, we collated population statistics on the morphological, biochemical, physical and electrical properties of Arabidopsis protoplasts under different external and internal conditions, using progressively improved microfluidic platforms. First, we analyzed the different effects of three phytohormones (auxin, cytokinin and gibberellin) on the primary cell wall (PCW) regeneration process using a microfluidic flow cytometry platform equipped with a single-channel fluorescence sensor. Second, we correlated the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level induced by heavy metal stress with the concurrent PCW regeneration process by using a dual-channel fluorescence sensor. Third, by integrating contraction channels, we were able to effectively discriminate variations in cell size while monitoring the intensity of intracellular ROS signaling. Fourth, by combining an electrical impedance electrode with the contraction channel, we analyzed the differences in electrical and mechanical properties of wild-type and mutant plant cells before and after primary cell wall regeneration. Overall, our work demonstrates the feasibility and sensitivity of microfluidic flow cytometry in high-throughput phenotyping of plant cells and provides a reference for assessing metabolic and physiological indicators of individual plant cells in multiple dimensions.

PMID:39015957 | DOI:10.1039/d4an00682h

J Oral Implantol. 2024 Jul 17. doi: 10.1563/aaid-joi-D-23-00096. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To assess and compare the precision and predictability of zygomatic implants in atrophic maxilla using conventional and dynamic navigation methods. This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in patients requiring zygomatic implant placements in the atrophic maxilla. Forty zygomatic implants were placed in systemically healthy individuals. Zygomatic implant placement was done using the freehand technique in the control group, and the test group involved implant placement using a dynamic navigation system, and the entry, apex, and angular deviations were evaluated. The mean deviations at the site of entry (2D) in the navigation system (2.531.42) as compared to the free hand (4.151.29) were statistically significant. The variation in the free-hand group was greater than the navigation method at the apex (3D)(p<0.05). The navigation method had a higher accuracy in angular deviation than the freehand method (4.02±1.80 and 12.67±2.11). Also, the accuracy was checked on the right and left sides in both the conventional and dynamic groups. The dynamic navigation technology had better predictability in terms of accuracy and precision, and it’s the need of the hour for clinicians to master this technology and thereby aid in better prognostic level of implant placements.

PMID:39015953 | DOI:10.1563/aaid-joi-D-23-00096

World J Clin Cases. 2024 Jul 16;12(20):4272-4288. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4272.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Education, cognition, and intelligence are associated with cholelithiasis occurrence, yet which one has a prominent effect on cholelithiasis and which cardiometabolic risk factors mediate the causal relationship remain unelucidated.

AIM: To explore the causal associations between education, cognition, and intelligence and cholelithiasis, and the cardiometabolic risk factors that mediate the associations.

METHODS: Applying genome-wide association study summary statistics of primarily European individuals, we utilized two-sample multivariable Mendelian randomization to estimate the independent effects of education, intelligence, and cognition on cholelithiasis and cholecystitis (FinnGen study, 37041 and 11632 patients, respectively; n = 486484 participants) and performed two-step Mendelian randomization to evaluate 21 potential mediators and their mediating effects on the relationships between each exposure and cholelithiasis.

RESULTS: Inverse variance weighted Mendelian randomization results from the FinnGen consortium showed that genetically higher education, cognition, or intelligence were not independently associated with cholelithiasis and cholecystitis; when adjusted for cholelithiasis, higher education still presented an inverse effect on cholecystitis [odds ratio: 0.292 (95%CI: 0.171-0.501)], which could not be induced by cognition or intelligence. Five out of 21 cardiometabolic risk factors were perceived as mediators of the association between education and cholelithiasis, including body mass index (20.84%), body fat percentage (40.3%), waist circumference (44.4%), waist-to-hip ratio (32.9%), and time spent watching television (41.6%), while time spent watching television was also a mediator from cognition (20.4%) and intelligence to cholelithiasis (28.4%). All results were robust to sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION: Education, cognition, and intelligence all play crucial roles in the development of cholelithiasis, and several cardiometabolic mediators have been identified for prevention of cholelithiasis due to defects in each exposure.

PMID:39015929 | PMC:PMC11235540 | DOI:10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4272

World J Clin Cases. 2024 Jul 16;12(20):4289-4300. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4289.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Stroke often results in significant respiratory dysfunction in patients. Respiratory muscle training (RMT) has been proposed as a rehabilitative intervention to address these challenges, but its effectiveness compared to routine training remains debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of RMT on exercise tolerance, muscle strength, and pulmonary function in post-stroke patients.

AIM: To systematically assess the efficacy of RMT in improving exercise tolerance, respiratory muscle strength, and pulmonary function in patients recovering from a stroke, and to evaluate whether RMT offers a significant advantage over routine training modalities in enhancing these critical health outcomes in the post-stroke population.

METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted on October 19, 2023, without temporal restrictions. Studies were selected based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria focusing on various forms of RMT, control groups, and outcome measures [including forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and 6-min walking test (6MWT)]. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Statistical analyses, including those using the fixed-effect and random-effects models, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessment, were performed using Review Manager software.

RESULTS: A total of 15 RCTs were included. Results indicated significant improvements in MIP (12.51 cmH₂O increase), MEP (6.24 cmH₂O increase), and various pulmonary function parameters (including FEV1, FVC, MVV, and PEF). A substantial increase in 6MWT distance (22.26 meters) was also noted. However, the heterogeneity among studies was variable, and no significant publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSION: RMT significantly enhances walking ability, respiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP), and key pulmonary function parameters (FEV1, FVC, MVV, and PEF) in post-stroke patients. These findings support the incorporation of RMT into post-stroke rehabilitative protocols.

PMID:39015926 | PMC:PMC11235562 | DOI:10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4289

World J Clin Cases. 2024 Jul 16;12(20):4041-4047. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4041.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea hypoventilation syndrome (OSAHS) in children is a sleep respiratory disorder characterized by a series of pathophysiologic changes. Statistics in recent years have demonstrated an increasing yearly incidence.

AIM: To investigate the risk factors for OSAHS in children and propose appropriate management measures.

METHODS: This study had a case-control study design. Altogether, 85 children with OSAHS comprised the case group, and healthy children of the same age and sex were matched at 1:1 as the control group. Basic information, including age, sex, height, weight and family history, and medical history data of all study participants were collected. Polysomnography was used to detect at least 8 h of nocturnal sleep. All participants were clinically examined for the presence of adenoids, enlarged tonsils, sinusitis, and rhinitis.

RESULTS: The analysis of variance revealed that the case group had a higher proportion of factors such as adenoid grading, tonsil indexing, sinusitis, and rhinitis than the control group.

CONCLUSION: A regression model was established, and glandular pattern grading, tonsil indexing, sinusitis, and pharyngitis were identified as independent risk factors affecting OSAHS development.

PMID:39015923 | PMC:PMC11235552 | DOI:10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4041

World J Clin Cases. 2024 Jul 16;12(20):4074-4081. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4074.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of tumor-related mortality after lung cancer. Chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge to progress in BC treatment, warranting further exploration of feasible and effective alternative therapies.

AIM: To analyzed the quality of life (QoL) and survival of patients with BC treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine (TCM-WM).

METHODS: This study included 226 patients with BC admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2018 and February 2023, including 100 who received conventional Western medicine treatment (control group) and 126 who received TCM-WM treatment (research group). The total effective rate, side effects (alopecia, nausea and vomiting, hepatorenal toxicity, and myelosuppression), QoL assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), 1-year overall survival (OS), recurrence and metastasis rates, and serum inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha] were comparatively analyzed.

RESULTS: The research group showed statistically better overall efficacy, EORTC QoL-C30 scores, and 1-year OS than the control group, with markedly lower side effects and 1-year recurrence and metastasis rates. Moreover, the posttreatment levels of serum inflammatory in the research group were significantly lower than the baseline and those in the control group.

CONCLUSION: Overall, TCM-WM demonstrated significantly improved therapeutic efficacy while ensuring drug safety in BC, which not only improved patients’ QoL and prolonged survival, but also significantly inhibited the inflammatory response.

PMID:39015919 | PMC:PMC11235521 | DOI:10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4074

World J Clin Cases. 2024 Jul 16;12(20):4206-4216. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4206.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal polyps are frequently observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), posing a significant risk for colorectal cancer. Metformin, a widely prescribed biguanidine drug for type 2 DM, has been suggested to have potential chemoprophylactic effects against various cancers.

AIM: To explore the correlation between colorectal polyps and metformin use in type 2 DM patients.

METHODS: Type 2 DM patients were categorized into polyp and non-polyp groups. Following this, all patients were categorized into the type 2 DM-metformin, type 2 DM-non-metformin, and non-type 2 DM groups. Based on the baseline colonoscopy results, we performed pairwise comparisons of the incidence of colorectal polyps among the three groups. Additionally, we analyzed the relationship between colorectal polyps and the duration of metformin use and between the size and number of polyps and metformin use. Simultaneously, we focused on the specific pathological types of polyps and analyzed their relationship with metformin use. Finally, we compared the incidence of polyps between metformin and non-metformin groups according to the interval colonoscopy results.

RESULTS: The rate of metformin use in patients with colorectal polyps was 0.502 times that of patients without colorectal polyps [odds ratio (OR) = 0.502, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.365-0.689; P < 0.001]. The incidence of colorectal polyps did not differ significantly between the type 2 DM-metformin and non-type 2 DM groups (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the correlations between the duration of metformin use and the incidence of colorectal polyps and between the size and number of polyps and metformin use were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Metformin use did not affect the incidence of colorectal polyps during interval colonoscopy (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Metformin use and colorectal polyp incidence in type 2 DM patients showed a negative correlation, independent of the hypoglycemic effect of metformin.

PMID:39015918 | PMC:PMC11235560 | DOI:10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4206