Category: Statistics

Rev Bras Enferm. 2023 Dec 8;76Suppl 2(Suppl 2):e20220785. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0785. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence and associations of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication use among older adults with hypertension treated in primary care.

METHODS: a cross-sectional study carried out with older adults with hypertension treated at a Family Health Strategy unit. Data collection included analysis of medical records, interviews and multidimensional assessment of older adults. Socio-demographic information and clinical variables were collected. Statistical analysis was performed by multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS: polypharmacy prevalence was 38.09%, and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM), 28.57%. There was a significant association between polypharmacy and PIM use, altered sleep and ethnicity. PIM use was associated with polypharmacy, worse family functioning, and absence of a caregiver. Cognitive decline reduces the prevalence of these medications.

CONCLUSIONS: polypharmacy and PIM use among older adults with hypertension represent a problem in this population, especially among the most vulnerable.

PMID:38088658 | DOI:10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0785

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2023 Dec 8;95(suppl 3):e20230283. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202320230283. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics are ubiquitous contaminants of marine ecosystems around the world and Antarctica is no exception. Microplastics can be influenced by sedimentary dynamics mainly on coastal areas where they are more abundant in Antarctica. This study evaluated microplastic contamination in beach environments from two Antarctic Specially Protected Areas, aiming to identify relationships between microplastic numbers and sedimentological parameters on beach sediments. Low numbers of microplastics were found (> 0.5 mm; fibers excluded) – one particle per sample in 4 of 15 samples analyzed – and there is no evidence of widespread contamination. Sedimentological parameters reveal differences between sampled environments, but low numbers of microplastics impaired statistical comparison. All sediment samples are coarse, denoting highenergy depositional environments that are likely little susceptible to microplastic accumulation. Microplastic contamination in the Antarctic coastal ecosystem is heterogeneous, and their detailed characterization assisted by a systematization of methods can improve the understanding of microplastics distribution patterns in the cold coastal ecosystem.

PMID:38088640 | DOI:10.1590/0001-3765202320230283

Epidemiol Serv Saude. 2023 Dec 8;32(3):e2023466. doi: 10.1590/S2237-96222023000300013.en. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the temporal trend and magnitude of occupational accident indicators among Social Security beneficiaries in Brazil and its regions from 2009 to 2019.

METHODS: A time series study was conducted on occupational accident indicators in the regions of Brazil, from 2009 to 2019. Data were retrieved from the Statistical Yearbook of Occupational Accidents and the Statistical Yearbook of Social Security. Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression models were used to estimate trends, and annual percentage change and their respective 95% confidence intervals were obtained.

RESULTS: There were 7,253,923 occupational accidents during the study period. The average incidence rate was 16.3 per 1,000 employment relationships, with a decreasing trend (APC = 4.3%; 95%CI -5.63;-3.26).

CONCLUSION: Brazil and its regions showed an overall decreasing trend in indicators representing morbidity burden and the magnitude of occupational accidents.

MAIN RESULTS: In Brazil, despite regional inequalities, there has been a decrease in occupational accident rates reported to Social Security.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: The results suggest improvements in working conditions, control and prevention of occupational accidents among these workers and contribute to targeting measures to prevent and control these diseases in the regions with the highest incidence.

PERSPECTIVES: Further research could explore trends according to professional category and economic activity sector, aimed at improving the monitoring of safety conditions and the wellbeing of workers in the regions of Brazil.

PMID:38088633 | DOI:10.1590/S2237-96222023000300013.en

Pol J Vet Sci. 2023 Dec 12;26(4):715-721. doi: 10.24425/pjvs.2023.148291.

ABSTRACT

Listeria (L.) monocytogenes is the causative agent of human listeriosis, the frequent sourceof which is food of animal origin. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the viability of Listeria in carrot juice and compound feed inoculated with L. monocytogenes. The effect of homogenous cultures of Streptococcus (Str.) lactis distaticus, Str. thermophilus and Lactobacillus (Lac.) lactis subsp. Cremoris and the combination of Str. thermophilus with Lac. bulgaricus in the carrot juice and compound feed samples on viability of inoculated L. monocytogenes were examined. There were no statistically significant differences in the results between the experimental groups. Regardless of used LAB, the results showed that the mean pH values in the carrot juice samples decreased from an initial pH of 6.7 to a mean value of 3.7 on 15 experimental day. The Listeria concentration in carrot juice samples decreased from average of 4.94 on day 5 to 3.24 log CFU/mL on day 10, and on day 15 achieved <0.01 log CFU/mL. In the compound feed trials, the pH decreased average from initial 6.5 to 3.7 on day 15. The concentration of Listeria decreased, similarly to the carrot juice samples, from average 5.0 on day 5 to 4.68 on day 10, and on day 15 achieved <0.01 log CFU/mL. In control samples, the number of Listeria increased throughout the study period and amounted to 9.2-9.84 log CFU/mL/g in all the samples. The activity of LAB has been shown to be antagonistic to L. monocytogenes. The results of the study did not show any clear differences between the used LAB strains in limiting the L. monocytogenes concentration. Based on the obtained results it can be conducted that the addition of LAB to animal food increases its microbiological safety.

PMID:38088590 | DOI:10.24425/pjvs.2023.148291

J Homosex. 2023 Dec 13:1-24. doi: 10.1080/00918369.2023.2291054. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Picture books are a central part of early childhood and contribute to the picture children form of the world. While most picture books are oriented toward the concept of heteronormativity, more picture books featuring same-sex parents have been published in recent years. This article addresses the question of how same-sex parents are portrayed with regard to gender roles. Data stems from 23 German-language picture books, 17 with two mothers, six with two fathers. A quantitative coding approach was used to capture the portrayal of gender roles. The analyses showed that parents (especially fathers) are depicted as engaging in emotional or caring activities. Although in a large number of picture books both parents provide care and household-related activities, there is a statistically significant difference in terms of one parent performing these activities more frequently. In this respect, it can be seen that the portrayal of same-sex parents is partially oriented toward homonormativity, as these activities are usually depicted as female.

PMID:38088566 | DOI:10.1080/00918369.2023.2291054

Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2023 Nov 27. doi: 10.1922/EJPRD_2568Ponmani07. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Insufficient evidence is available in quantifying the retention between simplified and conventional non-balanced dentures. The aim of the study was to quantify and compare the maxillary denture retention and patient satisfaction between conventional and simplified removable non-balanced complete dentures.

METHOD: This randomized clinical trial recruited 44 patients (n=22) with definitive criteria. Simplified and conventional non-balanced complete dentures were fabricated for the intervention groups. The denture retention of maxillary complete dentures was assessed with a dynamometer and patient satisfaction with a visual analogue scale. The mean retention of maxillary denture and satisfaction were recorded at 0-,3-, and 6 – month intervals. The data were statistically analyzed. (α=.05).

RESULTS: The mean ±SD of retention for conventional denture at 0, 3, and 6 months by dynamometer ranged from 122 ± 1.64 N to 121 ± 1.57 N and 111 ±1.45N to 110±1.97 N for the simplified denture. The mean ±SD of visual analogue score varied between 9.45±0.35 to 7.19± 0.69 for conventional dentures and 8.00 ±1.39 to 6.81±0.82 for simplified dentures. The repeated ANOVA, t-test and post-hoc Bonferroni revealed statistically significant differences between the two types of denture. (P⟨.05) Conclusion: Numerical retention and satisfaction were higher in conventional non-balanced dentures than simplified dentures.

PMID:38088268 | DOI:10.1922/EJPRD_2568Ponmani07

Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2023 Dec 7. doi: 10.1922/EJPRD_2605Bila07. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study measured 278 new curing lights (LCUs) to determine if they met the manufacturer’s specifications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 6-year period, the light output from 278 Bluephase Style LCUs was measured before the LCUs were given to students (41 in 2017, 44 in 2018, 46 in 2019, 48 in 2020, 50 in 2021, and 49 in 2022). The radiant exitance (mW/cm²) from each year was compared using ANOVA and Tukey- Kramer multiple comparisons test with adjustment for the unequal sample sizes (α=0.05). The results were also compared against the manufacturer’s stated radiant exitance of 1200 mW/cm².

RESULTS: The 278 LCUs delivered an average (± standard deviation) radiant exitance of 1203 ± 16.7 mW/cm². The lowest radiant exitance was 1149 mW/cm² and the highest was 1257 mW/cm². Although there were statistically significant differences in the LCUs from each year, these values were within the manufacturer’s tolerance of values of ± 10%. Approximately 13% of the emitted light was below 420 nm, and 87% was above 420 nm.

CONCLUSION: These new LCUs were all multiple peak LCUs that emitted an average radiant exitance of 1,203 mW/cm² (range 1149 to 1257 mW/cm². Purchasers of the Style LCU can be confident that their new LCU will meet the manufacturer’s specifications.

PMID:38088262 | DOI:10.1922/EJPRD_2605Bila07

BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2023 Dec 7;8(1):e001209. doi: 10.1136/bmjophth-2022-001209.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the clinical outcomes and antimicrobial activity of an hypochlorous acid hygiene solution compared with hyaluronic acid wipes for blepharitis treatment in patients with dry eye disease (DED).

METHODS: This study involved 48 eyes of 48 patients affected by blepharitis with mild to moderate DED. 24 patients were treated with a hypochlorous acid hygiene solution (HOCL group) and 24 patients were treated with hyaluronic acid wipes (HYAL group) for a period of 4 weeks. The following clinical outcomes were assessed before (V0) and after the treatment period (V1): non-invasive keratograph break up time (NIK-BUT), tear film BUT (TF-BUT) tear meniscus height (TMH), Keratograph meibography, Meibomian Gland Yield Secretion Score (MGYSS), Corneal Staining Score (CSS), Schirmer test I, Keratograph conjunctival redness score and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Moreover, microbiological analysis of upper and lower eyelid margins was performed at V0 both before and 5 min after treatment.

RESULTS: After 1-month NIK-BUT and TF-BUT significantly increased in HOCL group, while they did not show a statistically significant difference in HYAL group compared with baseline. OSDI, TMH and MGYSS showed a significant difference in both groups, while Schirmer test, meibography, CSS and conjunctival redness score did not significantly change in both groups. Bacterial load showed a significant reduction in both groups, more pronounced in HOCL group compared with HYAL group.

CONCLUSIONS: Hypochlorous acid hygiene solution can be securely employed in blepharitis treatment considering the satisfying clinical outcomes and antimicrobial activity compared with hyaluronic acid wipes.

PMID:38088255 | DOI:10.1136/bmjophth-2022-001209

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2023 Dec 13. doi: 10.1002/ppul.26816. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES-AIM: We aimed to show the composition and structure of and explore affecting factors on airway microbiota in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) patients using culture-independent techniques.

METHOD: A cross-sectional observational study was performed. We recruited 14 PCD patients (seven pairs of siblings) and nine parents. Bacterial rDNA was extracted from sputum and nasal samples. Sputum samples were also inoculated on suitable bacteriological media.

RESULTS: Thirty-three separate genera were detected in sputum samples of PCD patients, and 41 were in nasal samples of parents. The detected genera were dominated by phyla Proteobacteria in PCD patients and their parents. Culture-dependent analyses could not detect many of the bacterial species detected with culture-independent analyses. There were no significant differences in alpha diversity between the siblings’ pairs, and siblings’ samples did not cluster together nearly as strongly as nonsiblings’ samples. Patients who had no new complaints and no bacterial growth with the culture-dependent method at the time of study and patients who had no Haemophilus influenzae growth in the previous year had a significantly greater diversity (p < .05). Microbiota communities tended to cluster together by age, pulmonary exacerbation status, the existence of at least one H. influenzae growth with culture-dependent analyses in the previous year, and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec z and FEF25-75 z-scores.

CONCLUSION: The airway microbiota of patients with PCD have presented more diverse bacterial communities than had been indicated with culture-dependent methods. The study identifies relationships between bacterial airway microbiota composition and the clinical measures of patients. Sibling pairs have no more community similarities than nonsibling PCD patients. Our results may indicate that the patients’ clinical characteristics, which determine the disease severity, might affect the PCD microbiome.

PMID:38088243 | DOI:10.1002/ppul.26816

Orthop Surg. 2023 Dec 13. doi: 10.1111/os.13934. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: There is no clear consensus so far on which fixation method is most favorable for the tibial tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the outcome of RigidFix cross pins fixation in the tibial tunnel and to explore the advantages of RigidFix applied both in the femoral and tibial tunnel with hamstring tendon graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 53 patients (male/female, 45/8) who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendons between January 2013 and December 2017 at our institute. The participants in group A (n = 36) received anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with RigidFix cross pins fixation in both femoral and tibial tunnels, while those in group B (n = 17) with RigidFix cross pins fixation in the femoral tunnel and Interference screw fixation in the tibial tunnel. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form 2000 (IKDC2000) score, Lysholm knee scoring scale, Tegner activity score and the side-to-side difference were compared at 2 and 5 years postoperatively. The graft diameter, number of strands in graft and the average diameter of each strand were also compared between the two groups. The categorical parameters were analyzed by chi-square test and the continuous variables conforming to a normal distribution were analyzed by Student’s t-test.

RESULTS: At 2 years postoperation, the VAS score (1.61 ± 0.55), side-to-side difference (1.50 ± 0.58) in group A were significantly lower than that in group B, and the IKDC2000 score (88.81 ± 3.88), Tegner activity score (6.14 ± 0.60) in group A were significantly higher than that in group B. At 5 years postoperation, the VAS score (1.64 ± 0.68), side-to-side difference (1.73 ± 0.63) in group A were significantly lower than that in group B, and the IKDC2000 score (89.09 ± 3.85), Tegner activity score (6.58 ± 0.94) in group A were slso significantly higher than that in group B. There was statistical difference in the change of the side-to-side difference between the two groups (group A vs. B, 0.22 ± 0.08 vs. 0.34 ± 0.11, p < 0.001). There were also statistical differences in the graft diameter (group A vs. B, 7.83 ± 0.74 vs. 7.41 ± 0.51, p = 0,038), number of strands in graft (5.67 ± 0.72 vs. 4.00 ± 0.00, p < 0.001) and the average diameter of each strand (1.41 ± 0.22 vs. 1.85 ± 0.13, p < 0.001) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: RigidFix cross pins fixation in the tibial tunnel for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can achieve better 5-year results when compared with the interference screw, and the hamstring tendon can be folded into a thicker graft when RigidFix cross pins were applied in both femoral and tibial tunnels.

PMID:38088239 | DOI:10.1111/os.13934