Category: Statistics

Sci Rep. 2024 May 8;14(1):10600. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-61182-4.

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the immune system status and hematological disturbances among individuals who abuse amphetamines and cannabis. Substance abuse, particularly of amphetamines and cannabis, has been associated with various adverse effects on the body, including potential impacts on the immune system and hematological parameters. However, limited research has been conducted to comprehensively assess these effects in a cross-sectional design. Additionally, fungal infections are on the rise internationally, and immune-compromised people are particularly susceptible. The study will recruit a sample of amphetamine and cannabis abusers (n = 50) at the Eradah Hospital in the Qassim Region of Buraydah and assess their sociodemographic and biochemical variables, including blood indices and differential WBC indices, liver, and kidney profiles. Additionally, 50 sputum samples in total were cultured for testing for fungus infections. To obtain the descriptive statistics, the data was imported into Microsoft Excel and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 22.0. Amphetamine and cannabis abuser’s sociodemographic variables analysis observed that the majority (52%) were aged 18-30, with 56% in secondary school. Unemployment was a significant issue, and most had no other health issues. The majority (50%) had 5-10 years of abuse, while 32% had less than 5 years, and only 18% had been drug abusers for more than 10 years. There were significant changes (p < 0.001) in all different leukocyte blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Furthermore, a microscopic examination of blood films from individuals who misuse the combination of the medications “amphetamine and cannabis” reveals hazardous alterations in Neutrophils. Out of 50, 35 sputum samples showed positive growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) with chloramphenicol antibiotic, indicating a unicellular fungal growth. The present study explores the immune system and hematological disturbances linked to amphetamine and cannabis abuse, providing insights into health risks and targeted interventions. The findings complement previous research on drug users’ hematological abnormalities, particularly in white blood cells. Routine hematological tests help identify alterations in homeostatic conditions, improving patient knowledge and preventing major issues. Further research is needed on multi-drug abuse prevention, early detection, and intervention. The cross-sectional design allows for a snapshot of the immune system and hematological status among abusers, laying the groundwork for future longitudinal studies. Key Words: Drug Effect, Immunity, Epidemiology, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation.

PMID:38719969 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-61182-4

Sci Rep. 2024 May 8;14(1):10598. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-61070-x.

ABSTRACT

A popular and widely suggested measure for assessing unilateral hand motor skills in stroke patients is the box and block test (BBT). Our study aimed to create an augmented reality enhanced version of the BBT (AR-BBT) and evaluate its correlation to the original BBT for stroke patients. Following G-power analysis, clinical examination, and inclusion-exclusion criteria, 31 stroke patients were included in this study. AR-BBT was developed using the Open Source Computer Vision Library (OpenCV). The MediaPipe’s hand tracking library uses a palm and a hand landmark machine learning model to detect and track hands. A computer and a depth camera were employed in the clinical evaluation of AR-BBT following the principles of traditional BBT. A strong correlation was achieved between the number of blocks moved in the BBT and the AR-BBT on the hemiplegic side (Pearson correlation = 0.918) and a positive statistically significant correlation (p = 0.000008). The conventional BBT is currently the preferred assessment method. However, our approach offers an advantage, as it suggests that an AR-BBT solution could remotely monitor the assessment of a home-based rehabilitation program and provide additional hand kinematic information for hand dexterities in AR environment conditions. Furthermore, it employs minimal hardware equipment.

PMID:38719940 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-61070-x

Sci Rep. 2024 May 8;14(1):10589. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-60160-0.

ABSTRACT

Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a young-onset, monogenic form of diabetes without needing insulin treatment. Diagnostic testing is expensive. To aid decisions on who to test, we aimed to develop a MODY probability calculator for paediatric cases at the time of diabetes diagnosis, when the existing “MODY calculator” cannot be used. Firth logistic regression models were developed on data from 3541 paediatric patients from the Swedish ‘Better Diabetes Diagnosis’ (BDD) population study (n = 46 (1.3%) MODY (HNF1A, HNF4A, GCK)). Model performance was compared to using islet autoantibody testing. HbA1c, parent with diabetes, and absence of polyuria were significant independent predictors of MODY. The model showed excellent discrimination (c-statistic = 0.963) and calibrated well (Brier score = 0.01). MODY probability > 1.3% (ie. above background prevalence) had similar performance to being negative for all 3 antibodies (positive predictive value (PPV) = 10% v 11% respectively i.e. ~ 1 in 10 positive test rate). Probability > 1.3% and negative for 3 islet autoantibodies narrowed down to 4% of the cohort, and detected 96% of MODY cases (PPV = 31%). This MODY calculator for paediatric patients at time of diabetes diagnosis will help target genetic testing to those most likely to benefit, to get the right diagnosis.

PMID:38719926 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-60160-0

Sci Rep. 2024 May 8;14(1):10588. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-61276-z.

ABSTRACT

Solitary wave solutions are of great interest to bio-mathematicians and other scientists because they provide a basic description of nonlinear phenomena with many practical applications. They provide a strong foundation for the development of novel biological and medical models and therapies because of their remarkable behavior and persistence. They have the potential to improve our comprehension of intricate biological systems and help us create novel therapeutic approaches, which is something that researchers are actively investigating. In this study, solitary wave solutions of the nonlinear Murray equation will be discovered using a modified extended direct algebraic method. These solutions represent a uniform variation in blood vessel shape and diameter that can be used to stimulate blood flow in patients with cardiovascular disease. These solutions are newly in the literature, and give researchers an important tool for grasping complex biological systems. To see how the solitary wave solutions behave, graphs are displayed using Matlab.

PMID:38719919 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-61276-z

Sci Rep. 2024 May 8;14(1):10535. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-61441-4.

ABSTRACT

Previous research has linked serum metabolite levels to iridocyclitis, yet their causal relationship remains unexplored. This study investigated this potential causality by analyzing pooled data from 7824 iridocyclitis patients in a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) using Mendelian randomization (MR) and linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC). Employing rigorous quality control and comprehensive statistical methods, including sensitivity analyses, we examined the influence of 486 serum metabolites on iridocyclitis. Our MR analysis identified 23 metabolites with significant causal effects on iridocyclitis, comprising 17 known and 6 unidentified metabolites. Further refinement using Cochran’s Q test and MR-PRESSO indicated 16 metabolites significantly associated with iridocyclitis risk. LDSC highlighted the heritability of certain metabolites, underscoring genetic influences on their levels. Notably, tryptophan, proline, theobromine, and 7-methylxanthine emerged as risk factors, while 3,4-dihydroxybutyrate appeared protective. These findings enhance our understanding of the metabolic interactions in iridocyclitis, offering insights for diagnosis, unraveling pathophysiological mechanisms, and informing potential avenues for prevention and personalized treatment.

PMID:38719907 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-61441-4

Sci Rep. 2024 May 8;14(1):10557. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-52164-7.

ABSTRACT

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CM), defined as the coexistence of two or three cardiometabolic disorders, is one of the most common and deleterious multimorbidities. This study aimed to investigate the association of Clínica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) with the prevalence of CM. The data were obtained from the 2021 health checkup database for residents of the Electronic Health Management Center in Xinzheng, Henan Province, China. 81,532 participants aged ≥ 60 years were included in this study. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CUN-BAE, BMI, WC, and WHtR in CM. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to compare the discriminatory ability of different anthropometric indicators for CM. The multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) (per 1 SD increase) of CM were 1.799 (1.710-1.893) for CUN-BAE, 1.329 (1.295-1.364) for BMI, 1.343 (1.308-1.378) for WC, and 1.314 (1.280-1.349) for WHtR, respectively. Compared with BMI, WC and WHtR, CUN-BAE had the highest AUC in both males and females (AUC: 0.642; 95% CI 0.630-0.653 for males, AUC: 0.614; 95% CI 0.630-0.653 for females). CUN-BAE may be a better measure of the adverse effect of adiposity on the prevalence of CM than BMI, WC, and WHtR.

PMID:38719889 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-52164-7

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 May 4;180:111965. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2024.111965. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Orofacial clefts are the most common congenital abnormalities. Cleft lip reconstruction is performed mostly in 3 months of life including the neonatal period. The consumption of opioids during anesthesia is one of the monitored parameters of anesthesia safety. We investigated the effect of using an infraorbital nerve block for reducing opioid consumption during cleft lip surgery in neonates.

PATIENTS/METHODS: Overall, 100 patients who underwent primary cleft lip surgery in neonatal age between 2018 and 2021 were included in the study. The primary outcome was to compare opioid requirements during cleft lip surgery with and without using regional anesthesia. Secondary outcomes included a first oral intake from surgery between neonates with and without regional anesthesia and complications rate of infraorbital nerve block.

RESULTS: Data from 100 patients (46 patients with and 64 without regional anesthesia) were retrospectively analyzed and classified into two groups according to whether regional anesthesia during neonatal cleft lip surgery had been performed or not. The use of infraorbital block was found to be positively correlated with lower doses of opioids used during the general anesthesia for the surgery (mean 0.48 μg/kg vs 0.29 μg/kg, p < 0.05). The postoperative course was evaluated based on the interval from surgery to first oral intake which was statistically insignificant shorter (p = 0.16) in the group of patients using regional anesthesia. No complications were recorded in the group of patients with regional anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS: Regional anesthesia is associated with reduced opioid consumption during anesthesia thereby increasing the safety of anesthesia in neonates.

GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT06067854https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06067854?cond=NCT06067854&rank=1.

PMID:38718430 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijporl.2024.111965

Arch Cardiol Mex. 2024 May 8. doi: 10.24875/ACM.23000262. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The atrio-ventricular and ventricle-arterial double discordance (DD) or corrected transposition of the great arteries is a rare heart disease, it occurs in 0.02-0.07 of every 1,000 live newborns. The objective of the study is to describe the diagnosis, treatment and evolution of a series of patients with DD.

METHOD: A retrospective and descriptive study was carried out, reviewing the records of patients diagnosed with DD in the last 22 years. Descriptive statistics were performed. Numerical variables were obtained using means and standard deviation and categorical variables using frequencies and percentages.

RESULTS: Thirty patients were studied in 22 years with a ratio of 1.5:1 for men, with a mean age of 20 months. The situs was solitus in 24/29 patients (82.7%). Ventricular septal defect was the most frequent lesion in 25/29 (86.2%) Tricuspid insufficiency in 70%. Four patients diagnosed with pulmonary atrial hypertension. With atrio-ventricular block 20%. One with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Surgical treatment was carried out in 70% of patients. Eight with Glenn procedure (26.6%) and 4 with Fontan surgery (13.3%). Follow-up ranged from 1 month to 17 years. Five died (16.6%). Of the 25 patients in follow-up, 18 patients (72%) had normal ventricular function, 5 with Grade II Ross classification (20%) and 2 in Grade III (8%).

CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life of these patients is improving and there is still controversy in the literature about the ideal time to perform the most appropriate surgical procedure.

PMID:38718428 | DOI:10.24875/ACM.23000262

J Med Internet Res. 2024 May 8;26:e51698. doi: 10.2196/51698.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nonprofit organizations are increasingly using social media to improve their communication strategies with the broader population. However, within the domain of human service nonprofits, there is hesitancy to fully use social media tools, and there is limited scope among organizational personnel in applying their potential beyond self-promotion and service advertisement. There is a pressing need for greater conceptual clarity to support education and training on the varied reasons for using social media to increase organizational outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study leverages the potential of Twitter (subsequently rebranded as X [X Corp]) to examine the online communication content within a sample (n=133) of nonprofit sexual assault (SA) centers in Canada. To achieve this, we developed a typology using a qualitative and supervised machine learning model for the automatic classification of tweets posted by these centers.

METHODS: Using a mixed methods approach that combines machine learning and qualitative analysis, we manually coded 10,809 tweets from 133 SA centers in Canada, spanning the period from March 2009 to March 2023. These manually labeled tweets were used as the training data set for the supervised machine learning process, which allowed us to classify 286,551 organizational tweets. The classification model based on supervised machine learning yielded satisfactory results, prompting the use of unsupervised machine learning to classify the topics within each thematic category and identify latent topics. The qualitative thematic analysis, in combination with topic modeling, provided a contextual understanding of each theme. Sentiment analysis was conducted to reveal the emotions conveyed in the tweets. We conducted validation of the model with 2 independent data sets.

RESULTS: Manual annotation of 10,809 tweets identified seven thematic categories: (1) community engagement, (2) organization administration, (3) public awareness, (4) political advocacy, (5) support for others, (6) partnerships, and (7) appreciation. Organization administration was the most frequent segment, and political advocacy and partnerships were the smallest segments. The supervised machine learning model achieved an accuracy of 63.4% in classifying tweets. The sentiment analysis revealed a prevalence of neutral sentiment across all categories. The emotion analysis indicated that fear was predominant, whereas joy was associated with the partnership and appreciation tweets. Topic modeling identified distinct themes within each category, providing valuable insights into the prevalent discussions surrounding SA and related issues.

CONCLUSIONS: This research contributes an original theoretical model that sheds light on how human service nonprofits use social media to achieve their online organizational communication objectives across 7 thematic categories. The study advances our comprehension of social media use by nonprofits, presenting a comprehensive typology that captures the diverse communication objectives and contents of these organizations, which provide content to expand training and education for nonprofit leaders to connect and engage with the public, policy experts, other organizations, and potential service users.

PMID:38718390 | DOI:10.2196/51698

Ann Plast Surg. 2024 May 7. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003925. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The role of high socioeconomic status (SES) as an established risk factor for melanoma has been well documented in Western countries and regions. However, research on the association between melanoma and SES in China remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between SES and melanoma incidence and stage in China.

METHODS: Five measures of SES were accessed, including education level, ethnic background, per capita household income, occupation, and medical insurance coverage. A scoring system based on the Kuppuswamy Socio-Economic Scale was used to create a quantitative assessment of SES. To improve clarity and precision, we refined the language in the original text. Clinical stage at diagnosis was classified according to the Chinese Society Oncology Melanoma Guidelines.

RESULTS: A total of 122 patients with pathologic melanoma were enrolled in this study from January 2013 to December 2017. Of these patients, 58 (48%) were male and 64 (52%) were female, with a mean age of 59.23 ± 9.91 years. Patients in the age groups of 45-59 and 60-73 had a higher incidence of melanoma compared to other age groups. Acral lentiginous melanoma was the most commonly observed subtype, accounting for 48% of cases. Patients with a low level of education (middle school and below) and a low level of monthly household income (<3000 CNY) had a higher risk of developing melanoma, as did those who were unemployed. Interestingly, a higher proportion of melanoma diagnoses were made in patients with medical insurance than those without. However, no significant differences in melanoma staging were found based on education level (P = 0.153), monthly household income (P = 0.507), occupation (P = 0.687), or insurance status (P = 0.537). According to the Kuppuswamy Socio-Economic Scale, there were 0 in upper class, 50 in upper middle class, 44 in lower middle class, 28 in upper lower class, 0 in lower class. The mean K-score was 13.85. No statistically significant interaction was observed between K-score and tumor stage.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lower SES have a higher risk of developing melanoma. However, no significant differences were found in melanoma staging based on SES.

PMID:38718342 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003925