Category: Statistics

Ann Surg. 2024 Mar 20. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006278. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:38506046 | DOI:10.1097/SLA.0000000000006278

Ann Surg. 2024 Mar 20. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006273. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare disease and reported outcomes of surgical management, typically a Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE), vary considerably across the world. Centralization has been proposed to improve this.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: A national centralization programme was started in Jan. 1999, involving 3 English units with co-located liver transplant facilities. As the program has now reached the 20-year point, the main aim was to update outcome statistics and identify trends.

METHODS: Prospective registry and database. The main measures of outcome were (i) time to KPE, (ii) Clearance of Jaundice (CoJ), defined as reaching a bilirubin value of <20µmol/L (≈1.5 mg/dL), and (iii) actuarial native liver survival (NLS) and overall survival (OS). Data are quoted as median (IQR) and non-parametric statistical comparison used with P<0.05 regarded as significant.

RESULTS: 867 infants were born with BA and managed between January 1999 and December 2019. Death occurred without intervention (n=10, 1.1%) or were subject to primary transplant (n=26, 3.0%); leaving 831 (95.9%) infants who underwent KPE at median age of 51 (IQR 39-64) days. Age at KPE reduced over the period (P=0.0001) becoming 48(35-57) days in the last 5-year era. CoJ was achieved in 505/831 (60.6%), also increasing over the period (P=0.002). 42 (5.0%) died post-KPE and 384 were transplanted, leaving 405 alive with their native livers at last follow-up. Of the 412 children transplanted, there were 23 (5.6%) deaths, leaving 387 alive. 5-year and 10-year native liver survival were 51.3% (95% CI 54.8-47.8) and 46.5% (95% CI 50.1 – 42.9) and overall survival were 91.5% (95% CI 93.2 – 89.4) and 90.5% (95% CI 92.3 – 88.2%) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: There have been continued improvements in efficiency over the period of centralization with a significant reduction in time to KPE and improved CoJ following KPE. Overall survival in this disease remains >90%.

PMID:38506040 | DOI:10.1097/SLA.0000000000006273

Vestn Otorinolaringol. 2024;89(1):16-20. doi: 10.17116/otorino20248901116.

ABSTRACT

The problem of chronic rhinitis (CR) remains unresolved in the world, while it has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. Chronic forms of rhinitis suffer from 10-20% of the population, and its symptoms in epidemiological studies are noted in 40% of respondents. One of the leading mechanisms of disease occurrence is oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE: To study the state of the processes of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant protection in various types of chronic rhinitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 50 patients with CR, of which 21 were with chronic allergic rhinitis (CALR), 20 with chronic vasomotor rhinitis (CVR), 9 with chronic atrophic rhinitis (CAR). The control group was represented by 50 practically healthy volunteers with no otorhinolaryngological complaints. The indicators of the LPO-AOD system in erythrocytes were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Statistica 7.0 software package (StatSoft, USA).

RESULTS: In all patients with CR in the blood erythrocytes, an increase in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) relative to the control group was found. With CAR, the most pronounced changes are determined, with CVR – minimal. In patients with CR, lipid peroxidation is activated, MDA increases by 1.29 times, by 1.37 times with CAR, and by 1.31 times with CALR relative to normal values. The activity of the antioxidant system decreases, which reflects the classical variant of inhibition of antioxidant enzymes: SOD is reduced by 1.08 times in CAR, by 1.07 times in CALR, and 1.04 times in CVR, CAT in CAR is reduced by 1.02 times; CALR by 1.02 times, with CVR by 1.01 times. The coefficient of oxidative stress with CVR is 1.36, with CAR is 1.5, with CALR is 1.42.

CONCLUSION: In CR, the predominance of pro-oxidant processes over antioxidant ones is revealed, a slight oxidative stress is detected, probably due to the presence of hypoxia and intoxication syndrome. An in-depth study of lipid peroxidation processes and factors of the antioxidant defense system, depending on the CR phenotype, can be used to correct therapy and prevent exacerbations, as well as markers of progression and prognosis of chronic rhinitis.

PMID:38506020 | DOI:10.17116/otorino20248901116

Diabetes Obes Metab. 2024 Mar 20. doi: 10.1111/dom.15529. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The cardiovascular benefits provided by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) extend beyond weight reduction and glycaemic control. One possible mechanism may relate to blood pressure (BP) reduction. We aim to quantify the BP-lowering effects of GLP1-RAs.

METHODS: A comprehensive database search for placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials on GLP-1RA treatment was conducted until December 2023. Data extraction and quality assessment were carried out, employing a robust statistical analysis using a random effects model to determine outcomes with a mean difference (MD) in mmHg and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary endpoint was the mean difference in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were done to account for covariates.

RESULTS: Compared with placebo, GLP-1RAs modestly reduced SBP [semaglutide: MD -3.40 (95% CI -4.22 to -2.59, p < .001); liraglutide: MD -2.61 (95% CI -3.48 to -1.74, p < .001); dulaglutide: MD -1.46 (95% CI -2.20 to -0.72, p < .001); and exenatide: MD -3.36 (95% CI -3.63 to -3.10, p < .001)]. This benefit consistently increased with longer treatment durations. Diastolic BP reduction was only significant in the exenatide group [MD -0.94 (95% CI -1.78 to -0.1), p = .03]. Among semaglutide cohorts, mean changes in glycated haemoglobin and mean changes in body mass index were directly associated with SBP reduction.

CONCLUSION: Patients on GLP-1RA experienced modest SBP lowering compared with placebo. This observed effect was associated with weight/body mass index reduction and better glycaemic control, which suggests that BP-lowering is an indirect effect of GLP-1RA and unlikely to be responsible for the benefits.

PMID:38505997 | DOI:10.1111/dom.15529

J Nurs Scholarsh. 2024 Mar 20. doi: 10.1111/jnu.12967. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: With the prolongation of the COVID-19 pandemic, more individuals are experiencing sequelae after COVID-19 infection, also known as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence and characteristics of PCS symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression and to compare these symptoms according to participant characteristics in patients who had been previously hospitalized due to COVID-19.

DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used.

METHODS: We included 114 individuals who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 and were discharged from the hospital at least 4 weeks before. Symptoms were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale, and the PCS symptom questionnaire developed by the authors. We used descriptive statistics, the Student’s t-test, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test for statistical analyses.

RESULTS: The most prevalent symptoms were anxiety (66.7%), fatigue (64.0%), headache (57.9%), and concentration or memory difficulties (57.9%). Concentration or memory difficulties and sleep disturbances had the highest mean frequency. Concentration or memory difficulties were rated with the highest mean severity, and cough, loss of taste, and muscle and joint pain had the highest mean distress scores. Female participants, individuals hospitalized for more than 2 weeks, individuals discharged more than 9 months ago, unvaccinated patients, and those who tried at least one symptom relief method reported higher symptom distress.

CONCLUSION: The findings of this investigation into the frequency, severity, and distress of symptoms shed light on the identification of post-COVID symptoms in detail. To objectively evaluate and comprehend the symptom trajectories of PCS, prospective studies about the development of symptom assessment tools and studies with a longitudinal design should be conducted.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A substantial number of respondents reported numerous symptoms and expressed symptom distress; therefore, the development of nursing interventions and treatments to alleviate PCS symptoms is crucial.

PMID:38505990 | DOI:10.1111/jnu.12967

J Forensic Sci. 2024 Mar 20. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.15504. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

As massively parallel sequencing is implemented in forensic genetics, an understanding of sequence data must accompany these advancements, that is, accurate modeling of data for proper statistical analysis. Allelic drop-out, a common stochastic effect seen in genetic data, is often modeled in statistical analysis of STR results. This proof-of-concept study sequenced several serial dilutions of a standard sample ranging from 4 ng to 7.82 pg to evaluate allelic drop-out trends on a select panel of autosomal STRs using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit, Primer Set A on the Illumina MiSeq FGx. Parameters assessed included locus, profile, and run specific information. A majority of the allelic drop-out occurred in DNA concentrations less than 31.25 pg. Statistical results indicated a need for locus-specific modeling based on STR descriptors, like simple versus compound repeat patterns. No correlation was seen between average read count of scored alleles and allelic drop-out at a locus. A statistical correlation was observed between the amount of allelic drop-out and the starting amount of DNA in a sample, average read count of a sample, and total read count generated on a flow cell. This study supports using common allelic drop-out factors used in fragment length analysis on sequenced STRs while including additional locus, sample, and run specific information. Results demonstrate multiple factors that can be considered when developing probability of allelic drop-out models for sequenced autosomal STRs including locus-specific analysis, total read count of a profile, and total read count sequenced on a flow cell.

PMID:38505986 | DOI:10.1111/1556-4029.15504

Twin Res Hum Genet. 2024 Mar 20:1-8. doi: 10.1017/thg.2024.13. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Women with twin pregnancies experience greater sleep disturbance compared to women with singleton pregnancies. The aims of this study were to explore the sleep quality in women with twin pregnancies and to compare their sleep dimensions with coetaneous single pregnancies. This was an observational study in which women were enrolled at the end of pregnancy in the Obstetric Service of Hospital La Paz (Spain). The women were classified as single (n = 143) or twin pregnancy (n = 62). Pregnant women responded to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to evaluate sleep quality, latency, duration, efficiency, perturbance, use of medication, and daytime dysfunction. The higher the index, the greater the alteration of sleep quality. Without statistical differences, a poor sleep quality was higher in women with single (66.7%) than women with twin pregnancies (22.8%). The good sleeper slept 6.8 h/day in single pregnancy and 7.3 h/day in twin pregnancy. The sleep perturbation and dysfunctionality were higher in women with twin than single pregnancies. The use of medication to sleep was significantly lower in women with twin than single pregnancies. In women with twin pregnancy, the body weight gain during first trimester had a positive correlation with worse sleep quality and sleep perturbations. Twin pregnancy needed more than 7 h/day to have a high sleep quality, showing greater sleep perturbations and daytime dysfunction than single pregnancies. The control of gestational body weight can improve the sleep quality, disturbances, and duration in twin gestations. Sleep screening during pregnancy would be necessary to handle sleep issues and increase benefits in twin gestational outcomes.

PMID:38505981 | DOI:10.1017/thg.2024.13

J Appl Biomed. 2024 Mar;22(1):40-48. doi: 10.32725/jab.2024.001. Epub 2024 Jan 19.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been shown to play an important role in osteoarthritis (OA).

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at assessing the relationship of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) concentrations in the serum/synovial fluid (SF) with disease severity of primary knee osteoarthritis (pkOA).

METHODS: Patients with pkOA together with healthy individuals were consecutively recruited from our hospital. The levels of GRP78 and CHOP in serum / SF were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of IL-6 and MMP-3 were also examined. Radiographic progression of pkOA was evaluated based on Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grades. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic value of GRP78/CHOP levels with regard to K-L grades. The assessment of clinical severity was conducted using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oxford knee score (OKS), and Lequesne algofunctional index (LAI).

RESULTS: A total of 140 pkOA patients and 140 healthy individuals were included. Serum GRP78 and CHOP levels in pkOA patients were not significantly different from those in healthy individuals. The SF GRP78 and CHOP levels in healthy controls were not detected due to ethical reasons. Compared to those with K-L grade 2 and 3, the pkOA patients with K-L grade 4 had higher GRP78 and CHOP levels in the SF with statistical significance. In addition, the pkOA patients with K-L grade 3 exhibited drastically upregulated GRP78 and CHOP concentrations in the SF compared to those with K-L grade 2. Positive correlations of GRP78 and CHOP levels with K-L grades, IL-6, and MMP-3 levels in the SF were observed. ROC curve analysis indicated that both GRP78 and CHOP levels may act as decent indicators with regard to OA. GRP78 and CHOP concentrations in the SF were positively correlated with VAS/LAI score and negatively associated with OKS score.

CONCLUSION: The study indicated that GRP78 and CHOP levels in the SF but not the serum were positively correlated with disease severity of pkOA.

PMID:38505969 | DOI:10.32725/jab.2024.001

JBI Evid Synth. 2024 Mar 20. doi: 10.11124/JBIES-23-00034. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this mixed methods review was to examine the effectiveness and family experiences of interventions promoting partnerships between families and the multidisciplinary health care team in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units.

INTRODUCTION: Hospitalization of infants and children in neonatal intensive care units and pediatric intensive care units has a significant effect on their families, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Available evidence syntheses focused on specific family-centered care, but not on partnership, which is another aspect that may improve the families’ outcomes and experiences.

INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review focused on effectiveness and experiences of interventions by health professionals in partnership with families of infants or children hospitalized in an intensive care unit. The type of intervention was a partnership between the health care team and the family, and focused on outcomes of stress, anxiety, depression, quality of life, attachment, or satisfaction with family-centered care.

METHODS: The JBI methodology for convergent segregated mixed methods systematic reviews was followed using the standardized JBI critical appraisal and data extraction tools. Ten databases were searched from January 2000 to April 2022. Findings of quantitative studies were statistically pooled through meta-analyses and those that could not pooled were reported in a narrative format. Qualitative studies were pooled through meta-synthesis.

RESULTS: This review included 6 qualitative and 42 quantitative studies. There was mixed methodological quality and all studies were included regardless of methodological quality. Meta-analyses showed positive improvements in anxiety, satisfaction with family-centered care, and stress, yet no conclusive effects in attachment and depression. These results should be interpreted with caution due to high heterogeneity. Qualitative analysis resulted in 2 synthesized findings: “Interventions that incorporate partnerships between families and the health care team can improve the family’s experience and capacity to care for the child” and “Having a child in intensive care can be an experience of significant impact for families” Integration of quantitative and qualitative evidence revealed some congruence between findings; however, the paucity of qualitative evidence minimized the depth of this integration.

CONCLUSIONS: Partnership interventions can have a positive impact on parents of children in intensive care units, with improvements seen in stress, anxiety, and satisfaction with family-centered care.

REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019137834.

PMID:38505961 | DOI:10.11124/JBIES-23-00034

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2024 Dec 31;20(1):2326295. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2326295. Epub 2024 Mar 20.

ABSTRACT

Despite the ongoing global vaccination campaign aimed at preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) related health issues, the uptake of the HPV vaccine remains unacceptably low in developing regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at determining the pooled prevalence and associated factors of HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent school girls in SSA. Electronic bio-medical databases were explored. Pooled prevalence, publication bias, meta-regression, sub-group, and sensitivity analysis were performed. The estimated pooled prevalence of HPV vaccine uptake was 28.53% [95% CI: (5.25, 51.81)]. Having good knowledge and a positive attitude was significantly associated with HPV vaccine uptake in SSA. Subgroup analysis revealed the highest uptake was 62.52% from Kenya and the lowest was 3.77% in Nigeria. The HPV vaccine uptake is low. It underscores the need for community education, school-based immunization, and education programs that promote the uptake of the vaccine to increase coverage.

PMID:38505959 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2024.2326295