Category: Statistics

Intern Emerg Med. 2024 Jun 23. doi: 10.1007/s11739-024-03678-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between serum TLR (Toll Like Receptor) 4, 9 and Resolvin E1 levels and primary sarcopenia in geriatric patients and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers with the SARC-F score. A total of 88 patients aged 65 years and older were evaluated in the study. Comorbidities and geriatric syndromes were identified and patients with secondary sarcopenia were excluded. EWGSOP2 criteria were used as diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia and SARC-F questionnaire was used to find individuals at risk for sarcopenia. Serum TLR 4, 9 and Resolvin E1 levels were analyzed by ELISA. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age and gender (p = 0.654 and p = 1.000, respectively). SARC-F, serum TLR 9 and Resolvin E1 were significantly higher in the sarcopenia group compared to the non-sarcopenia group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.040, respectively). Statistically significant parameters were evaluated by multiple regression analysis. TLR 9 and SARC-F score were both found to be associated with sarcopenia in multivariate logistic regression analysis [Odds ratio (OR) 3145, (95%) confidence interval (CI) 5.9-1,652,888.3, p = 0.012; OR 4.788, (95%) CI 2.148-10.672, p < 0.001, respectively]. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for TLR 9 and SARC-F was 0.896 (p < 0.001) and 0.943 (p < 0.001), respectively. Although this study supports the use of the SARC-F questionnaire in daily practice, serum TLR 9 levels may be an alternative to SARC-F in cases where SARC-F is not feasible.

PMID:38910224 | DOI:10.1007/s11739-024-03678-5

Sci Rep. 2024 Jun 23;14(1):14439. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-64358-0.

ABSTRACT

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation using the Viatorr stent remains relatively uncommon in underdeveloped and high-burden disease regions in Asia-Pacific, and there is a lack of comparative studies regarding its prognostic effects compared with the generic stent-graft/bare stent combination. The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the prognostic endpoints of these two treatments in patients who underwent TIPS creation. Clinical data from 145 patients were collected, including 82 in the combination group and 63 in the Viatorr group. Differences in prognostic endpoints (shunt dysfunction, death, overt hepatic encephalopathy [OHE], rebleeding) between the two groups were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent risk factors for post-TIPS shunt dysfunction. The TIPS procedure was successful in all patients. After TIPS creation, both groups showed a significant decrease in porto-caval pressure gradient compared to that before TIPS creation. The stent patency rates at 6, 12, and 18 months were high in both the combination and Viatorr groups (93.7%, 88.5%, and 88.5% vs. 96.7%, 93.4%, and 93.4%, respectively). The stent patency rates was higher in the combination group than in the Viatorr group, although not statistically significant (HR = 2.105, 95% CI 0.640-6.922, Log-rank P = 0.259). There were no significant differences in other prognostic endpoints (death, OHE, rebleeding) between the two groups. The Cox model identified portal vein diameter (HR = 0.807, 95% CI 0.658-0.990, P = 0.040) and portal vein thrombosis (HR = 13.617, 95% CI 1.475-125.678, P = 0.021) as independent risk factors for post-TIPS shunt dysfunction. The shunt patency rates between the Viatorr stent and the generic stent-graft/bare stent combination showed no significant difference and the generic stent-graft/bare stent combination may be a viable alternative in areas where the Viatorr stent is not yet available.

PMID:38910214 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-64358-0

Pediatr Surg Int. 2024 Jun 24;40(1):160. doi: 10.1007/s00383-024-05743-8.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The management of ovarian torsion in pediatric patients has evolved over time. Ovarian salvage is currently recommended given concerns for fertility preservation and the low likelihood of malignancy. Studies have shown that the incidence of oophorectomy is higher amongst pediatric surgeons in comparison to gynecologists. Using a national database, this study examined how the surgical management of ovarian torsion has evolved.

METHODS: Children with a discharge diagnosis of ovarian torsion (ICD-9 code 620.5, ICD-10 code N835X) and procedure codes for oophorectomy (CCS code 119) were identified within the KID database from 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2016, and 2019. Diagnosis of ovarian pathology was based upon ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes at the time of discharge.

RESULTS: A total of 7008 patients, ages 1-20, had a discharge diagnosis of ovarian torsion. Of those patients, 2,597 (37.1%) were diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, 1560 (22.2%) were diagnosed with a benign ovarian neoplasm, and 30 (0.4%) were diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm. There was a decreased risk of oophorectomy in urban-teaching versus rural hospitals (OR: 0.64, p < 0.001). The rate of oophorectomy has decreased overtime. However, patients with benign or malignant neoplasms were more likely to undergo oophorectomy than those without a diagnosis (OR: 2.03, p < 0.001; 4.82, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The rate of oophorectomy amongst children with ovarian torsion has decreased over time. Yet, despite improvements, oophorectomy is common amongst patients with benign ovarian neoplasms and those treated at rural hospitals. Continued education is needed to optimize patient care in all clinical scenarios.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID:38910201 | DOI:10.1007/s00383-024-05743-8

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2024 Jun 24;166(1):275. doi: 10.1007/s00701-024-06153-4.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the effectiveness and evaluation of open surgical treatment of basilar artery aneurysms in the context of interventional therapy era, including surgical clipping and blood reconstruction, by retrospectively analyzing the clinical data of basilar artery aneurysms in our center.

METHODS: Patients with basilar artery aneurysms who were treated at our center were retrospectively included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The basic clinical data, surgical approach, clinical follow-up and prognosis of the enrolled patients were analyzed in detail. In this study, the mRS score was applied to assess the neurological prognosis of the patients, and the relevant data were statistically analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS: A total of 104 eligible patients treated at our center from January 2010 to August 2023 were included in this study, of which 67 were treated by open surgery and 37 by bypass. For the 67 patients with open surgical clipping, the mean age was 60.0 (52.0, 65.0) years. The maximum diameter of the aneurysms ranged from 2.0 mm to 54.0 mm, with a mean of 13.9 (10.0, 19.0) mm. The mean follow-up time was 38 (20, 58) months. At the last follow-up, 61 (91.0%) completely obliterated aneurysms and 6 (9.0%) incompletely obliterated aneurysms were found. The prognosis was good in 59 (88.1%) patients and poor in 8 (11.9%). After surgical clipping, the difference between complete and incomplete postoperative aneurysm elimination was statistically significant between the favorable and poor prognosis groups (P < 0.001). For the 37 bypass group patients, the mean age was 52.0 (45.5, 59.0) years. The maximum diameter of the aneurysm ranged from 10.5 mm to 55.0 mm, with a mean of 28.55 ± 12.08 mm. Bypass combined with proximal occlusion was performed in 18 (48.6%) patients, and bypass only was performed in 19 (51.4%) patients. Clinical follow-up was 19.0 (10.5, 43.0) months. There were 19 (51.4%) patients with complete elimination of the aneurysm, 13 (35.1%) with incomplete elimination of the aneurysm, and 5 (13.5%) with aneurysm stabilization. The prognosis was good in 32 (86.5%) patients and poor in 5 (13.5%) patients.

CONCLUSION: Treatment of basilar artery aneurysms is challenging. In the context of the rapidly evolving interventional therapy era, open surgery including surgical clipping and bypass is an ideal option for complex basilar artery aneurysms not amenable to intervention.

PMID:38910196 | DOI:10.1007/s00701-024-06153-4

J Gastrointest Cancer. 2024 Jun 23. doi: 10.1007/s12029-024-01063-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Interleukin-8 (IL8), Interleukin-12 (IL12) and Interleukin-13 (IL13) are cytokines that play regulatory role in cancer pathogenesis. We analysed their expression profile to evaluate as molecular biomarkers of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and their association with different parameters and patient survival.

METHODS: Expression analysis was performed by Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was done. The expression profiles were associated with different clinicopathological and dietary factors. Survival and hazard analysis were also performed.

RESULTS: IL8 expression showed upregulation in tissue (p = 0.000) and blood samples (p = 0.481), IL12 expression showed downregulation in tissue samples (p = 0.064) and upregulation in blood samples (p = 0.689) and IL13 expression showed upregulation in tissue (p = 0.000) and blood samples (p = 0.006). IL13 expression in tissue showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) value (0.773) for ESCC diagnosis, followed by IL8 expression in tissue (0.704) and IL13 expression in blood (0.643). This study also reveals the correlation of studied cytokines in tissue and blood level. Different clinicopathological and dietary factors showed significant association (p < 0.05) with IL8, IL12 and IL13 expression and with survival of ESCC patients. IL8 expression in blood and IL12 expression in tissue and blood showed significant association (p < 0.05) with patient survival.

CONCLUSION: Altered expression of IL8, IL12 and IL13 may be associated with ESCC progression. Overexpression of IL8 and IL13 in tissue samples may be potential biomarkers for ESCC screening. Additionally, both survival and hazard analysis data indicate the effects of different parameters on the prognosis of ESCC patients.

PMID:38910194 | DOI:10.1007/s12029-024-01063-1

Chin J Integr Med. 2024 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s11655-024-3901-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of Chinese medicine (CM) Lianhua Qingwen Granule (LHQW) and Jingyin Gubiao Prescription (JYGB) in asymptomatic or mild patients with Omicron infection in the shelter hospital.

METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in the largest shelter hospital in Shanghai, China, from April 10, 2022 to May 30, 2022. A total of 56,244 asymptomatic and mild Omicron cases were included and divided into 4 groups, i.e., non-administration group (23,702 cases), LHQW group (11,576 cases), JYGB group (12,112 cases), and dual combination of LHQW and JYGB group (8,854 cases). The length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was used to assess the effectiveness of LHQW and JYGB treatment on Omicron infection.

RESULTS: Patients aged 41-60 years, with nadir threshold cycle (C_T) value of N gene <25, or those fully vaccinated preferred to receive CM therapy. Before or after propensity score matching (PSM), the multiple linear regression showed that LHQW and JYGB treatment were independent influence factors of LOS (both P<0.001). After PSM, there were significant differences in LOS between the LHQW/JYGB combination and the other groups (P<0.01). The results of factorial design ANOVA proved that the LHQW/JYGB combination therapy synergistically shortened LOS (P=0.032).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a nadir C_T value <25 were more likely to accept CM. The LHQW/JYGB combination therapy could shorten the LOS of Omicron-infected individuals in an isolated environment.

PMID:38910189 | DOI:10.1007/s11655-024-3901-7

Prog Orthod. 2024 Jun 24;25(1):28. doi: 10.1186/s40510-024-00527-1.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Determining the right time for orthodontic treatment is one of the most important factors affecting the treatment plan and its outcome. The aim of this study is to estimate the mandibular growth stage based on cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) in lateral cephalometric radiographs using artificial intelligence. Unlike previous studies, which use conventional CVM stage naming, our proposed method directly correlates cervical vertebrae with mandibular growth slope.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: To conduct this study, first, information of people achieved in American Association of Orthodontics Foundation (AAOF) growth centers was assessed and after considering the entry and exit criteria, a total of 200 people, 108 women and 92 men, were included in the study. Then, the length of the mandible in the lateral cephalometric radiographs that were taken serially from the patients was calculated. The corresponding graphs were labeled based on the growth rate of the mandible in 3 stages; before the growth peak of puberty (pre-pubertal), during the growth peak of puberty (pubertal) and after the growth peak of puberty (post-pubertal). A total of 663 images were selected for evaluation using artificial intelligence. These images were evaluated with different deep learning-based artificial intelligence models considering the diagnostic measures of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). We also employed weighted kappa statistics.

RESULTS: In the diagnosis of pre-pubertal stage, the convolutional neural network (CNN) designed for this study has the higher sensitivity and NPV (0.84, 0.91 respectively) compared to ResNet-18 model. The ResNet-18 model had better performance in other diagnostic measures of the pre-pubertal stage and all measures in the pubertal and post-pubertal stages. The highest overall diagnostic accuracy was also obtained using ResNet-18 model with the amount of 87.5% compared to 81% in designed CNN.

CONCLUSION: The artificial intelligence model trained in this study can receive images of cervical vertebrae and predict mandibular growth status by classifying it into one of three groups; before the growth spurt (pre-pubertal), during the growth spurt (pubertal), and after the growth spurt (post-pubertal). The highest accuracy is in post-pubertal stage with the designed networks.

PMID:38910180 | DOI:10.1186/s40510-024-00527-1

Exp Brain Res. 2024 Jun 23. doi: 10.1007/s00221-024-06871-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Several studies have aimed at identifying biomarkers in the initial phases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Conversely, texture features, such as those from gray-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCMs), have highlighted important information from several types of medical images. More recently, texture-based brain networks have been shown to provide useful information in characterizing healthy individuals. However, no studies have yet explored the use of this type of network in the context of AD. This work aimed to employ texture brain networks to investigate the distinction between groups of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and mild dementia due to AD, and a group of healthy subjects. Magnetic resonance (MR) images from the three groups acquired at two instances were used. Images were segmented and GLCM texture parameters were calculated for each region. Structural brain networks were generated using regions as nodes and the similarity among texture parameters as links, and graph theory was used to compute five network measures. An ANCOVA was performed for each network measure to assess statistical differences between groups. The thalamus showed significant differences between aMCI and AD patients for four network measures for the right hemisphere and one network measure for the left hemisphere. There were also significant differences between controls and AD patients for the left hippocampus, right superior parietal lobule, and right thalamus-one network measure each. These findings represent changes in the texture of these regions which can be associated with the cortical volume and thickness atrophies reported in the literature for AD. The texture networks showed potential to differentiate between aMCI and AD patients, as well as between controls and AD patients, offering a new tool to help understand these conditions and eventually aid early intervention and personalized treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes and advancing AD research.

PMID:38910159 | DOI:10.1007/s00221-024-06871-2

Sci Rep. 2024 Jun 23;14(1):14432. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-65099-w.

ABSTRACT

Chronic HIV disease is associated with a fivefold increase in albuminuria outside of sub-Saharan Africa. However, very little is known about albuminuria risk among people living with HIV (PLWH) in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional observational HIV clinic-based study of albuminuria among 1533 adults aged 21 years or older between January 2020 and January 2021 in Gaborone, Botswana. Clinical albuminuria was defined using a sex-based albumin‒creatinine ratio (ACR) of 25-355 mg/g for females and 17-250 mg/g for males. The study population mean age was 48.5 (SD 10.3) years, and 764/1533 (49.7%) were female. The overall prevalence of albuminuria was 20.7% (95% CI 18.7%, 22.8%). A higher proportion of males were more likely to be categorized as having albuminuria than females, 25% (95% CI 22.0, 28.2) versus 16.4% (95% CI 13.8,19.2), P value < 0.001. In the final multivariate models, predictors of albuminuria differed by sex group. Larger longitudinal studies are required to evaluate the impact of albuminuria among PLWH with particular emphasis on the effect of sex on the risk of albuminuria.

PMID:38910157 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-65099-w

Sci Rep. 2024 Jun 23;14(1):14440. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-65111-3.

ABSTRACT

To use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to measure scleral thickness (ST) and subfoveal choroid thickness (SFCT) in patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) and to conduct a correlation analysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted. From May 2022 to December 2022, a total of 34 cases (68 eyes) of untreated unilateral Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) patients were recruited at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University. Among these cases, 31 were temporal branch vein occlusions, 2 were nasal branch occlusions, and 1 was a superior branch occlusion. Additionally, 39 cases (39 eyes) of gender- and age-matched control eyes were included in the study. Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) was used to measure ST at 6 mm superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal to the limbus, while Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI-OCT) was used to measure SFCT. The differences in ST and SFCT between the affected eye, contralateral eye, and control eye of BRVO patients were compared and analyzed for correlation. The axial lengths of the BRVO-affected eye, contralateral eye, and control group were (22.92 ± 0.30) mm, (22.89 ± 0.32) mm and (22.90 ± 0.28) mm respectively, with no significant difference in axial length between the affected eye and contralateral eye (P > 0.05). The SFCT and ST measurements in different areas showed significant differences between the BRVO-affected eye, contralateral eye in BRVO patients (P < 0.05). The CRT of BRVO-affected eyes was significantly higher than that of the contralateral eyes and the control eyes (P < 0.001). In comparison between BRVO-affected eyes and control eyes, there were no statistically significant differences in age and axial length between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed in SFCT and temporal, nasal, superior, and inferior ST between the two groups (P < 0.05). The difference in temporal ST between the contralateral eyes and the control eyes was not statistically significant (t = – 0.35, P = 0.73). However, the contralateral group showed statistically significant increases in SFCT, nasal, superior and inferior ST compared to control eyes (t = – 3.153, 3.27, 4.21, 4.79, P = 0.002, 0.002, < 0.001, < 0.001). However, the difference between the CRT of the contralateral and control eyes was not statistically significant (P = 0.421). When comparing SFCT and ST between BRVO-affected eyes with and without macular edema, no statistically significant differences were found (t = – 1.10, 0.45, – 1.30, – 0.30, 1.00; P = 0.28, 0.66, 0.21, 0.77, 0.33). The thickness of SFCT and temporal ST in major BRVO group is higher than the macular BRVO group and the difference was statistically significant (t = 6.39, 7.17, P < 0.001 for all). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that in BRVO patients, there was a significant positive correlation between SFCT/CRT and temporal ST (r = 0.288, 0.355, P = 0.049, 0.04). However, there was no correlation between SFCT/CRT and nasal ST, superior ST, and inferior ST (P > 0.05). In BRVO patients, both SFCT/CRT and ST increase, and there is a significant correlation between SFCT/CRT and the ST at the site of vascular occlusion.

PMID:38910147 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-65111-3