Category: Statistics

Orthop Surg. 2023 Dec 13. doi: 10.1111/os.13952. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Analyzing the lower limb coronal morphological parameters in populations without knee osteoarthritis (KOA) holds significant value in predicting, diagnosing, and formulating surgical strategies for KOA. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the variability in these parameters among Chinese non-KOA populations, employing a substantial sample size.

METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis was performed on the Chinese non-KOA populations (n = 407; 49.9% females). The study employed an in-house developed artificial intelligence software to meticulously assess the coronal morphological parameters of all 814 lower limbs. The parameters evaluated included the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), mechanical lateral-proximal-femoral angle (mLPFA), mechanical lateral-distal-femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial-proximal-tibial angle (mMPTA), and mechanical lateral-distal-tibial angle (mLDTA). Differences in these parameters were compared between left and right limbs, different genders, and different age groups (with 50 years as the cut-off point).

RESULTS: HKAA and JLCA exhibited left-right differences (left vs. right: 178.2° ± 3.0° vs. 178.6° ± 2.9° for HKAA, p = 0.001; and 1.8° ± 1.5° vs. 1.4° ± 1.6° for JLCA, p < 0.001); except for the mLPFA, all other parameters show gender-related differences (male vs. female: 177.9° ± 2.8° vs. 179.0° ± 3.0° for HKAA, p < 0.001; 1.5° ± 1.5° vs. 1.8° ± 1.7° for JLCA, p = 0.003; 87.1° ± 2.1° vs. 88.1° ± 2.1° for mMPTA, p < 0.001; 90.2° ± 4.0° vs. 91.1° ± 3.2° for mLDTA, p < 0.001; 38.7% ± 12.9% vs. 43.6% ± 14.1% for WBLR, p < 0.001; and 87.7° ± 2.3° vs. 87.4° ± 2.7° for mLDTA, p = 0.045); mLPFA increase with age (younger vs. older: 90.1° ± 7.2° vs. 93.4° ± 4.9° for mLPFA, p < 0.001), while no statistical difference exists for other parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: There were differences in lower limb coronal morphological parameters among Chinese non-KOA populations between left and right sides, different genders, and age.

PMID:38088238 | DOI:10.1111/os.13952

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2023 Dec 13. doi: 10.1002/ppul.26793. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rhinovirus (RV) positive bronchiolitis episodes in infancy confer a higher risk to develop asthma in later childhood with associated lung function impairments. We aimed to investigate the association between the type of virus causing a bronchiolitis hospitalization episode and lung ventilation inhomogeneities at preschool age.

METHODS: Infants hospitalized with a clinical diagnosis of moderate (ward admission) or severe (pediatric intensive care ward admission) bronchiolitis were prospectively followed-up at preschool age to assess nitrogen (N₂ ) multiple breath washout (MBW). Lung clearance index (LCI), functional residual capacity (FRC), and concentration normalized phase III slope analysis (Sn_III ) indices were reported from ≥2 technically acceptable trials. Differences between groups were calculated using logistic and linear regression and adjusted for confounders (sex, age at bronchiolitis admission, height at visit, maternal asthma, and doctor-diagnosed asthma, including interaction terms between the latter three). An interaction term was included in a regression model to test for an interaction between RV bronchiolitis severity and MBW parameters at preschool age.

RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-nine subjects attended preschool follow-up, of which 84 out of 103 (82%) performing MBW had technically acceptable data. Children with a history of RV positive bronchiolitis (n = 39) had increased LCI (adjusted β-coefficient [aβ] = 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.65, p = 0.040) and conductive airways ventilation inhomogeneity [S_cond ] (aβ = 0.016, CI 0.004-0.028, p = 0.011) when compared with those with a RV negative bronchiolitis history (n = 45). In addition, we found a statistical interaction between RV bronchiolitis and bronchiolitis severity strengthening the association with LCI (aβ = 0.93, CI 0.20-1.58, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION: Children with a history of hospital admission for RV positive bronchiolitis in infancy might be at a higher risk of lung ventilation inhomogeneities at preschool age, arising from the peripheral conducting airways.

PMID:38088225 | DOI:10.1002/ppul.26793

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2023 Dec 13. doi: 10.1002/ppul.26805. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is highly prevalent in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). While elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) has shown remarkable improvements in respiratory symptoms in PwCF, the effect of ETI on iron status remains unknown. This study aims to identify the effect of ETI on iron status in PwCF.

METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study of 127 adult PwCF was conducted to assess the impact of ETI on iron, ferritin, transferrin levels, and percent saturation of transferrin (PSAT). Data were collected from the electronic medical record from January 2017 to September 2022, encompassing 2 years before and after ETI initiation. The primary outcome was serum iron parameters: iron, ferritin, transferrin, and PSAT levels following ETI treatment. Secondary outcomes analyzed iron supplementation. Univariate and multivariate mixed-effects models were used for the analysis of ETI.

RESULTS: After adjusting for covariates, following ETI initiation, the mean iron level increased by 20.24 μg/dL (p < .001), ferritin levels were 31.4% (p < .001) higher, PSAT showed a 5.09 percentage point increase (p < .001), and transferrin levels increased by 2.71 mg/dL (p = .439). Patients with and without iron supplementation experienced a significant increase in iron after ETI (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS: ETI is associated with a significant increase in iron, ferritin, and PSAT levels. Patients with and without iron supplementation demonstrated a significant increase in iron. This study shows the benefits of ETI on iron status in PwCF. However, further translational studies are required to understand the impact of ETI on iron absorption and metabolism in PwCF.

PMID:38088203 | DOI:10.1002/ppul.26805

Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2023;14(2):2263147. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2263147. Epub 2023 Dec 13.

ABSTRACT

Background: A significant body of literature has identified multiple factors that contribute to established victimization by aggressive and/or intimidating behaviours. These studies primarily originate from the fields of intimate partner violence (IPV), bullying, sexual abuse, and/or commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), and generally focus on female victims. It appears, however, complicated to quantify the cumulative contribution of these factors on susceptibility to intimidating and/or hostile engagements on an individual level.Objective: To develop a comprehensive risk model to quantify, on an individual level, the cumulative effects of previously reported characteristics on susceptibility to aggressive/intimidating approaches, leading to victimization (e.g. in the context of IPV/sexual abuse).Methods: A Bayesian belief network was developed using data from previous studies, capturing the multivariate contribution of previously reported characteristics on the likelihood of becoming victimized by aggressive and/or intimidating approaches (e.g. in the IPV/CSE context) in female victims aged 12-24 years.Results: The model showed that specific combinations of characteristics may contribute to an increased likelihood of victimization (e.g. in the context of IPV/bullying/sexual abuse or CSE). This likelihood could be quantified and categorized into specific clusters of factors differentiating between victimization by physically violent, non-physical, and/or sexual aggressive/intimidating approaches.Conclusion: The present model appears to be the first to successfully quantify the cumulative contribution of individual characteristics on the likelihood of becoming victimized by aggressive and/or intimidating approaches, typically leading to victimization. Moreover, the present scientific effort and resulting model suggest that there may be a latent variable mediating between the implemented factors and overall outcome, i.e. the susceptibility to aggressive and/or intimidating approaches. From that perspective, the model may also be considered as an initial outline to effectively indicate susceptibility to such approaches.

PMID:38088188 | DOI:10.1080/20008066.2023.2263147

Semin Ophthalmol. 2023 Dec 13:1-18. doi: 10.1080/08820538.2023.2293030. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory processes, demyelination, neurodegeneration, and axonal damage within the central nervous system (CNS). Retinal imaging, particularly Optical coherence tomography (OCT), has emerged as a crucial tool for investigating MS-related retinal injury. The integration of artificial intelligence(AI) has shown promise in enhancing OCT analysis for MS. Researchers are actively utilizing AI algorithms to accurately detect and classify MS-related abnormalities, leading to improved efficiency in diagnosis, monitoring, and personalized treatment planning. The prognostic value of AI in predicting MS disease progression has garnered substantial attention. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms can analyze longitudinal OCT data to forecast the course of the disease, providing critical information for personalized treatment planning and improved patient outcomes. Early detection of high-risk patients allows for targeted interventions to mitigate disability progression effectively. As such, AI-driven approaches yielded remarkable abilities in classifying distinct MS subtypes based on retinal features, aiding in disease characterization and guiding tailored therapeutic strategies. Additionally, these algorithms have enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of OCT image segmentation, streamlined diagnostic processes, and reduced human error. This study reviews the current research studies on the integration of AI,including ML and DL algorithms, with OCT in the context of MS. It examines the advancements, challenges, potential prospects, and ethical concerns of AI-powered techniques in enhancing MS diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, revolutionizing patient care, the development of patient screening tools, and supported clinical decision-making based on OCT images.

PMID:38088176 | DOI:10.1080/08820538.2023.2293030

Int J Audiol. 2023 Dec 13:1-8. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2280454. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this project was to investigate the provision of counselling in adult audiological rehabilitation and to highlight training barriers and needs.

DESIGN: A service evaluation in which respondents completed a survey in which they rated their knowledge, confidence and competence in addressing the hearing, social and emotional needs of their patients. They were also asked to define counselling.

SAMPLE: 64 UK practising audiologists in adult audiological rehabilitation, aged 20->60 years (84% females, 16% males), with a range of years in clinical practice.

RESULTS: Counselling definitions fell into three main categories: the audiologist as the doer, the audiologist as the facilitator, and the audiologist and patient as partners. Respondents reported feeling more able to counsel the hearing related needs of their patients, than emotional or social needs. There were significant positive statistical associations between counselling training completed and self-rated counselling abilities for managing emotional needs. Clinical experience was not associated with self-rated counselling. Lack of supervision and training were identified as some of the main barriers to providing emotional support. Almost all respondents reported a desire for further training in delivering emotional support, with the belief that this would improve services and patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: UK audiologists demonstrated person-centred thinking through their definitions of counselling. However, they reported significant barriers in being able to support the needs of adults with hearing loss. Training needs around emotional support in audiology counselling are not currently being met. It is important for clinical training programmes to address this gap by incorporating more counselling courses into their curricula.

PMID:38088152 | DOI:10.1080/14992027.2023.2280454

J Neuroendocrinol. 2023 Dec 13:e13360. doi: 10.1111/jne.13360. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Octreotide LAR is a long-acting somatostatin analogue (SSA) used in the management of metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NETs). It requires intramuscular (IM) injection. Missed IM injections cause subcutaneous nodules (SCNs) on radiologic images. We reviewed the rates of SCNs in a real-world cohort of GEP NETs receiving octreotide LAR and explored treatment outcomes. Patients commencing octreotide LAR between August 5, 2010 and March 8, 2018 at a single cancer center in Canada were identified from pharmacy records. Patients were included if they had a computed tomography (CT) scan performed at the time of progression and a preceding CT with pelvis included to enable assessment for the presence of nodules. Fisher’s exact test was used to examine predictors of SCNs, and Kaplan-Meier curves summarized differences in progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) that were compared with log-rank tests. Of 243 patients receiving octreotide LAR, 45 had all required CT images available for central review. SCNs were found in 20/45 (44%) of patients on the last scan showing stable disease before progression and were numerically but not statistically more likely in females (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 0.66-8.29, p = .23). There was an increased risk of SCNs in patients with a skin-to-muscle distance >38 mm (the length of an octreotide LAR needle) on CT (OR: 5.09, 95% CI: 1.39-16.6, p = .018) and a trend toward increased risk in obese patients (OR: 5.71, 95% CI: 1.26-23.4, p = .061). PFS (HR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.56-1.78, p = .98) and OS (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.41-1.8, p = .70) was similar between those with/without SCNs. In conclusion, almost half of patients receiving octreotide LAR had SCNs; however, missed administration of SSA did not appear to result in worse survival in this small study. Factors such as sex, younger age skin-to-muscle distance, and obesity may affect SCN development and should be considered when choosing an SSA.

PMID:38088132 | DOI:10.1111/jne.13360

Rev Esp Salud Publica. 2023 Dec 13;97:e202312110.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Multi-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MRE) are a public health threat, with screening and isolation strategies being important to stop its dissemination. Multiplex PCR is a novel method capable of rapid diagnosis with high sensitivity and specificity. In this study, our objective was to evaluate its application to multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae management since its implementation in our hospital.

METHODS: An observational retrospective descriptive study of multiplex PCR ALLPLEX TM ENTERO-DR results to screen inpatients colonized by MRE took place from November 2019 to May 2021. We calculated the percentage of positive, negative, non-identifiable or invalid results, identified microorganisms, reason for requesting it and subsequent actions. Median and I.R. from sampling time to partial and theoretical culture time, and since last colonization/infection depending on test results were calculated.

RESULTS: Resistance mechanisms were detected in 31.47% of tests, being E. coli ESBL (68.99%) the most frequently isolated microorganism. Median time to partial result was 5.75 hours (I.R.: 2.67), having statistically significant differences with theoretical time. The most important reason to request the test was screening (80.12%) and the most frequent action taken was not to isolate (41.70 %). Whenever forty-nine months or more since last colonization/infection have passed, only 14.81% of the samples tested positive.

CONCLUSIONS: Multiplex PCR is a useful test to manage colonized patients, capable of giving a rapid result and allowing for quicker decision-making, contributing to a good use of resources and patient comfort.

PMID:38088124

Kardiologiia. 2023 Dec 5;63(11):57-63. doi: 10.18087/cardio.2023.11.n2475.

ABSTRACT

Aim To evaluate 5-year results of the HREVS (Hybrid REvascularization Versus Standarts) study.Material and methods The study included 155 consecutive patients with multivessel coronary artery disease who were randomized into 3 groups: coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n=50), hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) (n=52) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n=53) according to the consensus of the cardiology team on the technical and clinical feasibility of each of the three coronary revascularization strategies. The primary endpoint of the study was residual ischemia 12 months after revascularization according to data of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) over 5 years of follow-up, which included all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and clinically determined repeat myocardial revascularization.Results Baseline characteristics of patients did not differ between study groups. Median residual ischemia determined by SPECT data after 12 months was not statistically significantly different in the CABG, HCR and PCI groups: 6.7 [4.6; 8.8]%, 6.4 [4.3; 8.5]% and 7.9 [5.9; 9.8]%, respectively (p=0.45). Mean follow-up period was 76.5 months (at least 60 months). There were no statistically significant differences in all-cause mortality between the CABG, HCR and PCI groups, 10.6, 12.8 and 8.2 %, respectively (p=0.23). Statistically significant differences between the groups of CABG, HCR and PCI in the incidence of myocardial infarction (12.8; 8.5 and 16.3 %; p=0.12), stroke (4.2; 6.4 and 10.2 % ; p=0.13), repeat revascularization for clinical indications (23.4; 23.4 and 34.7 %; p=0.11) were not observed either. However, the cumulative 5-year MACCE value was similar in the HCR group and the CABG group but significantly lower than in the PCI group (51.1, 51.1 and 69.4 %, respectively; p = 0.03).Conclusion HCR that combines advantages of PCI and CABG is a promising strategy for coronary revascularization in multivessel coronary artery disease. HCR demonstrates satisfactory long-term results comparable to those of CABG but superior to PCI. To confirm the safety and efficacy of HCR, a large multicenter study is required that would have a sufficient power to evaluate clinical endpoints.

PMID:38088113 | DOI:10.18087/cardio.2023.11.n2475

Kardiologiia. 2023 Dec 5;63(11):12-20. doi: 10.18087/cardio.2023.11.n2570.

ABSTRACT

Aim To study the relationship of blood serum concentration of endocan with indexes of apoptosis and clinical and instrumental characteristics of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD).Material and methods The study included 176 subjects (105 men and 71 women). 150 of them were diagnosed with IHD and 26 were healthy volunteers. Anthropometric measurements, coronary angiography, echocardiography, duplex ultrasound scanning of extracranial parts of the brachiocephalic arteries were performed for all patients. Concentrations of endocan (ng / ml), glucose (mmol / l), and apoptotic markers Bcl-2 (ng / ml), Bax (ng / ml), Bcl-2 / Bax, TRAIL (pg / ml), and p53 (ng / ml) were measured in blood serum. Patients were divided into groups based on their SYNTAX scores: group 1 with moderate atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries (CA) (score &lt; 22, 78 patients); group 2 with severe CA atherosclerosis (score 23-32, 37 patients); and group 3 with extremely severe CA lesions (score &gt;33, 35 patients). The control group consisted of healthy volunteers (26 subjects). All groups were age- and sex-matched. Differences were considered statistically significant at p&lt;0.05.Results A correlation was found between endocan concentration and IHD severity (r=0.32, p&lt;0.001). In group 1, the median endocan concentration was 14.57 ng / ml [8.21; 23.66], in group 2, 19.34 ng / ml [8.425; 26.645], in group 3, 32.13 ng / ml [18.2; 39.12], and in the control group, 6.92 ng / ml [4.62; 9.18]. Correlations of varying strength and significance were observed between the endocan concentration and a number of clinical and instrumental characteristics. Endocan concentrations significantly differed in groups of patients with multifocal atherosclerosis (p&lt;0.01), angina pectoris (p&lt;0.01), a history of myocardial infarction (p&lt;0.001), and obesity (p&lt;0.05) from patients without these signs. Also, a correlation was found between serum endocan concentration and apoptotic markers: TRAIL (r= -0.448, p&lt;0.001); BCL-2 (r= -0.552, p&lt;0.001), Bax (r= -0.519, p&lt;0.001), Bcl-2 / Bax (r= -0.576, p&lt;0.001) and p53 (r= -0.520, p &lt;0.001).Conclusion The study demonstrated a potential role of endocan as a promising biomarker for risk stratification, prognosis and therapeutic monitoring of IHD patients.

PMID:38088108 | DOI:10.18087/cardio.2023.11.n2570