Category: Statistics

PLoS One. 2023 Dec 1;18(12):e0295177. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295177. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Data regarding patients presenting with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) illness have not adequately been documented which provides distinct insights into low-resource settings like Ethiopia. Thus, the study aimed to compare epidemiological, clinical and laboratory profiles of patients presenting with acute respiratory syndrome illness in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

METHODS: We used a comparative cross-sectional study design among patients with SARS-CoV-2 illness at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from October 2020 to September 2021. Using a structured questionnaire a consecutive sampling technique was applied to collect socio-demographic data. Additionally, nasal swabs were collected to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection using a Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Blood samples were also collected from the participants for laboratory profiles (hematological tests like; white blood cell count, hematocrit, and platelet count; and biochemical and enzymatic tests like; aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine, etc) analysis. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 and p-values ≤0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS: Of the total 413 participants presenting with SARS-CoV-2 illness, 250 (60.5%) participants tested positive for COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 patients were less likely to use an alcohol-based method of hand washing (12.5% vs 87.5%; p = 0.048). The COVID-19 patients had a higher proportion of headache (67.3% vs 32.7%, p = 0.001), sore throat (72.5% vs 27.5%, p = 0.001), and loss of sense of taste (74.4% vs 25.6%, p = 0.002). Patients with COVID-19 have significantly higher neutrophil than their counterparts (68.2% vs 31.8%; p = 0.001). Similarly, creatinine (64.9% vs 35.1%, p = 0.001) from renal function and alkaline phosphatase (66.8% vs 33.2%, p = 0.046) in the liver function tests were significantly higher in the COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the need to substantially consider headache, sore throat, and loss of taste as potential clinical diagnostic symptoms for early screening and testing. Elevation of neutrophil, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase profiles are also used for potential diagnostic biomarkers in screening and testing suspected patients.

PMID:38039278 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0295177

JMIR Res Protoc. 2023 Dec 1;12:e48548. doi: 10.2196/48548.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Black cisgender gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women (TW) continue to be heavily affected by HIV. Further research is needed to better understand HIV prevention and care outcomes in this population. In particular, there is a need for research examining the impact of substance use and sleep health on HIV prevention and treatment outcomes among Black SMM and TW.

OBJECTIVE: This paper outlines the study methods being used in the recently launched follow-up study to the Neighborhoods and Networks (N2) study, which we refer to as N2 Part 2 (N2P2). N2P2 aims to address this gap in the literature, build off the findings of the original N2 study, and identify socioenvironmental determinants of health, including whether neighborhood and network factors mediate and moderate these relationships.

METHODS: Building on the N2 cohort study in Chicago from 2018 to 2022, N2P2 used a prospective longitudinal cohort design and an observational-implementation hybrid approach. With sustained high levels of community engagement, we aim to recruit a new sample of 600 Black SMM and TW participants residing in the Chicago metropolitan statistical area. Participants are asked to participate in 3 study visits across an 18-month study period (1 visit every 9 months). Four different forms of data are collected per wave: (1) an in-person survey, (2) biological specimen collection, (3) a daily remote ecological momentary assessment for 14 days after each study visit, and (4) data from electronic health records. These forms of data collection continue to assess neighborhood and network factors and specifically explore substance use, sleep, immune function, obesity, and the implementation of potential interventions that address relevant constructs (eg, alcohol use and pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence).

RESULTS: The N2P2 study was funded in August 2021 by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (R01DA054553 and R21DA053156) and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01HL160325). This study was launched in November 2022. Recruitment and enrollment for the first wave of data collection are currently ongoing.

CONCLUSIONS: The N2P2 study is applying innovative methods to comprehensively explore the impacts of substance use and sleep health on HIV-related outcomes among an HIV status-neutral cohort of Black SMM and TW in Chicago. This study is applying an observational-implementation hybrid design to help us achieve findings that support rapid translation, a critical priority among populations such as Black SMM and TW that experience long-standing inequities with regard to HIV and other health-related outcomes. N2P2 will directly build off the findings that have resulted from the original N2 study among Black SMM and TW in Chicago. These findings provide a better understanding of multilevel (eg, individual, network, and neighborhood) factors that contribute to HIV-related outcomes and viral suppression among Black SMM and TW.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/48548.

PMID:38039075 | DOI:10.2196/48548

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Nov;27(22):11122-11130. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34482.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment are increasing in current public healthcare programs. An improved resolution multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown the potential to enhance the detection and differentiation of this medical condition. In this study, MR perfusion parameters were investigated in different ages and diseases to differentiate clinically significant prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2022, 72 consecutive patients, who had undergone multiparametric MR imaging were enrolled in this study. Four different patient groups were formed: (1) those with prostate cancer, (2) those with prostatitis, (3) those with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and (4) a control group. Quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI pharmacokinetic parameters included Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and iAUG. Different measurements were obtained from both the peripheral and transitional zones (PZ and TZ, respectively). Means values were compared between groups based on a univariate analysis.

RESULTS: Ktrans and Kep values in the PZ were found to be statistically significantly lower in the control group (p = 0. 003 and p = 0. 011, respectively). It was seen that Ktrans and Ve measurements obtained from PZ had a statistically significant determinant in detecting malignancy (p = 0. 013 and p = 0. 036, respectively). It was seen that Ktrans, Ve, and iAUG obtained from the TZ showed a statistically significant difference in prostate cancer (p = 0.025, p = 0.005, and p = 0. 011, respectively) in contrast to other cases. Peripheral Ve values were statistically significantly lower than those measured Ve values from the TZ in prostate cancer cases (p = 0.002) in contrast to the other cases.

CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative DCE-MRI parameters may vary according to age, disease, and zonal anatomy. These differences may contribute to the diagnosis of clinically relevant prostate cancer.

PMID:38039044 | DOI:10.26355/eurrev_202311_34482

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Nov;27(22):11115-11121. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34481.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURSL) and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) in the treatment of 2-3 cm renal calculi in women.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data of 186 patients who underwent mPCNL (n=96) and FURSL (n=90) surgery in our hospital from June 2018 to February 2023 were collected. Several parameters were assessed and compared between the two groups, including operation duration, length of hospital stay, cost of hospitalization, pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), patient comfort assessed using the Bruggrmann Comfort Scale (BCS), decrease in hemoglobin levels, changes in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), fluctuations in serum creatinine (Scr), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, complication rates, immediate post-operative stone-free rate (RSFR), and long-term stone-free rate (LSFR).

RESULTS: The comparative analysis of patient age, body mass index (BMI), stone size, computed X-ray tomography (CT) value of stones, number of stones, and comorbidities revealed no statistically significant differences between the mPCNL and FURSL groups (p>0.05). The mPCNL cohort exhibited a markedly lower duration of operation (p<0.001) and BCS score (p<0.001) compared to the FURSL cohort. Nonetheless, the mPCNL cohort demonstrated significantly higher hospitalization expenses (p<0.001), length of hospital stay (p<0.001), VAS score for pain (p<0.001), and level of hemoglobin decrease (p<0.001) in comparison to the FURSL cohort. Moreover, the immediate post-operative stone-free rate (RSFR) was significantly higher in the mPCNL group (p=0.007). The long-term stone-free rate (LSFR), however, showed no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.160). Furthermore, the FURSL group exhibited significantly fewer overall complications in contrast to the mPCNL group (p=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS: mPCNL and FURSL are both safe and effective surgical methods for treating 2-3 cm renal calculi in women. However, FURSL holds distinct advantages, including minimally invasive procedure, accelerated recovery, reduced cost, and lower incidence of complications.

PMID:38039043 | DOI:10.26355/eurrev_202311_34481

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Nov;27(22):11093-11102. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34478.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the preliminary pilot single-center retrospective cross-sectional study was to analyze and compare the presence of non-secretory salivary inflammatory biomarkers in pediatric patients with West syndrome, Noonan syndrome, and a healthy control group.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 saliva samples were collected during dental check-ups. The saliva samples collected were analyzed by liquid chromatography. The results were analyzed with a t-test, and the statistical significance was given by a p-value lower than 0.05.

RESULTS: We found statistical significance for defensin α1 (p=0.006) and thymosin β4 (p=0.025) in the Noonan syndrome. In the West syndrome, only the defensin α1 had a statistically significant difference with the other groups (p=0.022). Proteomic analysis revealed an overexpression of peptides related to the innate (thymosin β4) and acquired (defensin α1, α3) immunity.

CONCLUSIONS: West and Noonan’s syndromes showed the overexpression of molecular biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis. The inflammatory status is triggered and amplified by the abnormal overgrowth of gingival tissues, the amplified release of proinflammatory cytokines from the immune cells, and the poor cooperation in maintaining adequate oral hygiene.

PMID:38039040 | DOI:10.26355/eurrev_202311_34478

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Nov;27(22):11031-11038. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34472.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and aggression during adolescence with body mass index (BMI), which is a topic not yet investigated in the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,450 adolescents aged 12-18 years, who applied to the Pediatric Adolescent Outpatient Clinic and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. Anthropometric measurements of the adolescents were taken and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire were administered to the adolescents. It was discovered that all the adolescents participating in the study had PMS.

RESULTS: It was determined that as the levels of PMS were elevated, physical aggression, hostility, anger and verbal aggression gradually increased. Additionally, this increase was statistically significant (p<0.001). It was further discovered that there were statistically significant differences between the BMI classifications of the adolescents and PMS, physical aggression, hostility, anger and verbal aggression statuses (p<0.001). Accordingly, it was determined that as the BMI values of the adolescents increased, PMS and aggressive attitude levels increased.

CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first in the literature to examine the relationship between PMS and aggression, and BMI in adolescents. Within this framework, it was determined that PMS frequency and aggression levels were high in overweight/obese adolescents. Accordingly, it is predicted that both PMS and aggression levels can decrease with healthy body weight in adolescents.

PMID:38039034 | DOI:10.26355/eurrev_202311_34472

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Nov;27(22):10968-10978. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34465.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, affecting 5 to 10% of women of childbearing age. We analyzed pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes of patients with pregnancies complicated with endometriosis. The aim of the study was to explore the effects of endometriosis on pregnancy and to evaluate the potential pregnancy risks associated with this disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 3,809 parturients who were routinely examined, hospitalized and underwent cesarean section delivery in Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2014 to December 2020. Among them, 1,026 parturients were diagnosed with endometriosis after the cesarean section (endometriosis group), and 2,783 parturients without endometriosis comprised the control group. The endometriosis group was further divided into subgroups according to the severity of the disease: 882 parturients with stage Ⅰ or Ⅱ of endometriosis, and 144 parturients with stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ of endometriosis. General data of all patients and medical records of pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes for each group were collected and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the age, gestational age, gestation, and parity times between all groups (p>0.05). The incidence of preeclampsia and placenta previa in the endometriosis group was higher than that in the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in rates of other pregnancy complications, such as chronic hypertension with pregnancy, preeclampsia with chronic hypertension, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), premature rupture of membranes or placental abruption between the two groups. The incidence of placenta previa in the group of patients with stage III/IV endometriosis was higher than in patients with stage I/II endometriosis (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of other pregnancy complications. The amount of postpartum hemorrhage (1,000-1,500 ml) in the endometriosis group was greater than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in patients with pregnancies complicated with endometriosis at different stages.

CONCLUSIONS: In pregnant women, endometriosis is associated with an increased incidence of placenta previa that correlates with the severity of the disease. Pregnant women with endometriosis have higher rates of preeclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage, compared to women without endometriosis.

PMID:38039027 | DOI:10.26355/eurrev_202311_34465

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Nov;27(22):10958-10967. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34464.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of recombinant erythropoietin at different doses on brain injury in premature infants and the related effects on blood routine, liver function, intellectual development, mental development index (MDI), psychomotor development index (PDI), etc. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 120 premature infants were divided into four groups, including experimental group A (n=30), experimental group B (n=30), experimental group C (n=30) and control group (n=30). The experimental group was treated with different doses of recombinant erythropoietin for brain injury protection of premature infants, while the control group with conventional methods.

RESULTS: There was no statistical significance in all test indicators of the four groups of patients before the intervention. After the intervention experiment, the S-100B index was p<0.05, and the erythropoietin (EPO) index was p<0.05. In the comparison of IL-6 indicators, the indicators of the experimental group were reduced after the comparison experiment, and there were significant differences, p<0.05. In neonatal behavior evaluation, there was a statistical difference between groups A and B and the control group (p<0.05), and no statistical significance was shown between group C and the control group (p>0.05). In the intelligence test comparison, the F value of the experimental group was 3.113 three months after treatment. After six months, the F value was 3.654. After nine months, the F value was 3.392 with p<0.05. In the comparison of blood routine indicators, the p-values of four indicators between groups were more than 0.05. In the comparison of liver function indexes, the indexes of groups A, B, and C were significantly changed before and after treatment, and the data after treatment were significantly different from those before treatment, p<0.05. In the comparison of development, there were no significant differences observed in the p-values of the two indicators of vigorous exercise and language in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant erythropoietin has a protective effect on infants with brain injury and can improve the intellectual development of premature infants, but has no significant effect on blood routine indicators. It can effectively improve the MDI, PDI, and related cytokines of premature infants, and has certain significance for the treatment of brain injury.

PMID:38039026 | DOI:10.26355/eurrev_202311_34464

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Nov;27(22):10951-10957. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34463.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the level of perinatal anxiety in pregnant women who considered vaginal birth after a cesarean section (VBAC) and evaluate its effect on the type of delivery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was planned as single-centered and analytical. It was performed with pregnant women planning VBAC, reached via Google Forms between February 23 and August 17, 2022. An online form consisting of the Patient Information Form and the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale-Turkish version (PASS-TR) was applied to the participants. The type of delivery was questioned by phone call.

RESULTS: Ages of 162 pregnant women ranged from 22 to 40 years (mean=31.08±3.75). 54.9% (n=89) had a gestational week of 37 or more. 83.3% (n=135) had a vaginal delivery, and 54.3% (n=88) had a score of >16 on PASS-TR. PASS-TR total and subscale scores were higher in patients with known gynecological diseases (p<0.001). The total score of PASS-TR was higher in those aged between 18-30 years (p=0.027). The total number of pregnancies was higher in those with a PASS-TR score of ≤16 (p=0.007). There was no statistically significant difference between the total and subscale scores of PASS-TR with the type of delivery after cesarean section.

CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal anxiety was determined in 54.3% of the pregnant women planning VBAC, and 83.3% had a successful vaginal delivery. Age, low gravida, and the presence of gynecological diseases were risk factors for anxiety. There was no relationship between the type of delivery after cesarean section and perinatal anxiety.

PMID:38039025 | DOI:10.26355/eurrev_202311_34463

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Nov;27(22):10944-10950. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34462.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Depression affects adolescents worldwide and often predicts more serious disease manifestations in later lifetimes. Peer victimization or bullying, another form of child abuse, increases symptoms of depression. In this paper, the relationship between peer bullying and depression in adolescence was investigated.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Each adolescent who was admitted to the adolescent unit completed forms referred to as the ‘Depression Scale For Children’ and the ‘Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale’. Sociodemographic features and results of the scales’ evaluation were studied. SPSS 16.0 program was used for statistical analysis. The p-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: 239 adolescents, 120 of whom were male, were investigated. A positive relationship was determined among total and sub-scale scores of peer victimization-determining scale and depression scale scores. A negative relationship was determined between height, weight, age of the child, and sub-scale score of threat/intimidation. Both the total score of the peer victimization-determining scale and sub-scale scores of ridicule, open attack, and relational attack pertaining to patients with depression proved to be significantly higher than in those without depression.

CONCLUSIONS: The awareness of educators and parents, notably adolescents, must be raised in regard to peer victimization, and activities for increasing the communicative skills of adolescents and for allowing them to be able to express their emotions should also be performed. Identifying and preventing peer victimization, one of the causes of depression, and launching the treatment process for this are the first steps to be taken in terms of a healthy adulthood.

PMID:38039024 | DOI:10.26355/eurrev_202311_34462