Category: Statistics

Sci Rep. 2023 Aug 5;13(1):12706. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-39197-0.

ABSTRACT

Diabetes and hypertension are a serious public health problem worldwide. In the last decades, prevalence of these two metabolic diseases has dramatically increased in the Middle East and North Africa region, especially in Tunisia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and High Blood Pressure (HBP) in Zaghouan, a North-East region of Tunisia. To this end, an exploratory study with stratified random sampling of 420 participants has been carried out. Various data were collected. Blood samples and urine were drawn for biochemical assay. Then, all data were analyzed using the statistical R software. Results showed an alarming situation with an inter-regional difference in prevalence of obesity (50.0%, CI 95.0%), HBP (39.0%, CI 95.0%) and T2D (32.0%, CI 95.0%). This study allowed the discovery of 24, 17 and 2 new cases of T2D, HBP and T2D&HBP respectively. The association of some socio-economic factors and biochemical parameters with these chronic diseases has been highlighted. To conclude, the health situation in the governorate of Zaghouan requires urgent interventions to better manage the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the region. This study demonstrated the importance of engaging health policy makers in road mapping and implementing national NCD prevention programs.

PMID:37543635 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-39197-0

Sci Rep. 2023 Aug 5;13(1):12716. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-39939-0.

ABSTRACT

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is an inherited lysosomal disorder that causes syndromes characterized by physiological dysfunction in many organs and tissues. Despite the recognizable morphological and behavioral deficits associated with MPS I, neither the underlying alterations in functional neural connectivity nor its restoration following gene therapy have been shown. By employing high-resolution resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI), we found significant reductions in functional neural connectivity in the limbic areas of the brain that play key roles in learning and memory in MPS I mice, and that adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy can reestablish most brain connectivity. Using logistic regression in MPS I and treated animals, we identified functional networks with the most alterations. The rs-fMRI and statistical methods should be translatable into clinical evaluation of humans with neurological disorders.

PMID:37543633 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-39939-0

Arch Iran Med. 2022 Oct 1;25(10):682-690. doi: 10.34172/aim.2022.107.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Herat province of Afghanistan is located on the Asian Esophageal Cancer Belt (AECB), a wide area in Central and Eastern Asia where very high rates of esophageal cancer (EC) have been observed. Several risk factors have been reported in the AECB Region by previous studies. Considering lack of information in Afghanistan on this issue, a study was conducted to determine the major risk factors related to EC in order to guide protective measures.

METHODS: A population-based case-control study was performed from July 2015 to August 2016 among 657 EC patients in the Herat Province and 180 histopathological confirmed cases and 189 controls were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used and face-to-face interviews were conducted.

RESULTS: Low body mass index (BMI), low socio-economic status, family history of EC, consumption of dark tea, very hot beverage and qulurtoroosh were found to be statistically significant for EC and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in univariate analyses. According to multivariate analyses, sex (OR=2.268; 95% CI=1.238-4.153), very hot beverages (OR=2.253; 95% CI=1.271- 3.996), qulurtoroosh (OR=5.679; 95% CI=1.787-18.815), dark tea (OR=2.757; 95% CI=1.531-4.967), high previous BMI (OR=0.215; 95% CI=0.117-0.431) and low socio-economic status (OR=1.783; 95% CI=1.007-3.177) were associated with ESCC. Being male was found to increase the risk of ESCC with OR=2.268 (95% CI=1.238-4.153).

CONCLUSION: Consuming very hot beverages dark tea and a local food, qulurtoroosh, were found as important risk factors for EC. Our findings warrant further studies and necessitate the implementation of protective measures for EC which is one of the leading cancers in the region.

PMID:37542400 | DOI:10.34172/aim.2022.107

Arch Iran Med. 2022 Oct 1;25(10):676-681. doi: 10.34172/aim.2022.106.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Iran was one of the first countries to become an epicenter of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. However, there is a dearth of data on the outcomes of COVID-19 and predictors of death in intensive care units (ICUs) in Iran. We collected extensive data from patients admitted to the ICUs of the one of the tertiary referral hospitals in Tehran, Iran, to investigate the predictors of ICU mortality.

METHODS: The study population included 290 COVID-19 patients who were consecutively admitted to the ICUs of the Sina hospital from May 5, 2021, to December 6, 2021, a period that included the peak of the epidemic of the delta (δ) variant. Demographic data, history of prior chronic diseases, laboratory data (including markers of inflammation), radiologic data, and medication data were collected.

RESULTS: Of the 290 patients admitted to the ICUs, 187 (64.5%) died and 103 (35.5%) survived. One hundred forty-one (141, 48.6%) were men, and the median age (10th percentile, 90th percentile) was 60 (41, 80). Using logistic regression models, older age, history of hypertension, high levels of inflammatory markers, low oxygen saturation, substantial lung involvement in computed tomography (CT) scans, and gravity of the disease as indicated by the WHO 8-point ordinal scale were primary predictors of mortality at ICU. The use of remdesivir and imatinib was associated with a statistically non-significant reduction in mortality. The use of tocilizumab had almost no effect on mortality.

CONCLUSION: The findings are consistent with and add to the currently existing international literature. The findings may be used to predict risk of mortality from COVID-19 and provide some guidance on potential treatments.

PMID:37542399 | DOI:10.34172/aim.2022.106

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2023 Jun 1;24(6):390-395. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3518.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To compare the load-bearing capacity of three and four-unit fixed partial denture (FPD) with two different designs of pontics reinforced with industrial glass fibers at two different positions of the FPD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 64 samples were made with Bis-acryl composite temporary material and reinforced with industrial glass fibers (E-glass). The specimens were divided into eight groups (groups I-VIII) depending on the number of units, type of pontic design and area of placement of fibers. A universal testing machine was used to evaluate and compare the load-bearing capacity of the specimens. The evaluated data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS: Three-unit interim FPD and modified ridge lap pontic design showed greater load-bearing capacity after reinforcement with glass fibers than a four-unit interim FPD and hygienic pontic design, respectively. Fiber placement at the occlusal plus connector area as well as the cervical plus connector area had comparable results.

CONCLUSION: Industrial glass fibers (E-glass) could be used as a cheaper alternative but clinical performance and their safety are yet to be evaluated.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Reinforcement with industrial-grade glass fibers can be a cheaper option for increasing the load-bearing capacity of interim partial dentures, but it needs to be studied in vivo through further studies.

PMID:37542386 | DOI:10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3518

Ann Clin Biochem. 2023 Aug 4:45632231196052. doi: 10.1177/00045632231196052. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Sodium can be measured with direct or indirect methods, abnormal plasma total protein concentration can impact on sodium measured by indirect ion-selective electrodes (ISE). Serum sodium is an important item to determine the Model for End Stage Liver Disease Sodium (MELD-Na) score, commonly used for liver graft allocation. Patients with cirrhosis usually have hypoproteinemia. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a significant difference between the MELD-Na scores calculated based on the results of two different serum sodium ISE: indirect and direct.

METHODS: This was a retrospective study, we included 166 patients that underwent liver transplant assessment, and that had paired (i.e. same date and time) direct and indirect sodium determinations. We calculated the MELD-Na scores with both sodium determinations, and we compared them.

RESULTS: There was a significant difference between MELD-Na scores, the mean difference was 0.4+1.3. If MELD-Na score had been determined by the sodium measured by the direct ISE, 69 patients (42%) would have stayed in the same place on the waiting list, 67 patients (40%) would have moved up, and 30 patients (18%) would have moved down.

CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant difference between the MELD-Na scores calculated based on the two different sodium concentrations, which would theoretically result in changes in the order of the waiting list. This finding should prompt studies to assess if MELD-Na calculated based on direct methods has a better performance to predict clinically relevant outcomes.

PMID:37542376 | DOI:10.1177/00045632231196052

Biophys J. 2023 Aug 4:S0006-3495(23)00501-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.08.001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chromosomal dynamics plays a central role in a number of critical biological processes, such as transcriptional regulation, genetic recombination, and DNA replication. However, visualization of chromatin is generally limited to live imaging of a few fluorescently labeled chromosomal loci or high-resolution reconstruction of multiple loci from a single time frame. To aid in mapping the underlying chromosomal structure based on parsimonious experimental measurements, we present an exact analytical expression for the evolution of the polymer configuration based on a flexible-polymer model, and we propose an algorithm that tracks the polymer configuration from live images of chromatin marked with several fluorescent marks. Our theory identifies the resolution of microscopy needed to achieve high-accuracy tracking for a given spacing of markers, establishing the statistical confidence in the assignment of genome identity to the visualized marks. We then leverage experimental data of locus-tracking measurements to demonstrate the validity of our modeling approach and to establish a basis for the design of experiments with a desired resolution. Altogether, this work provides a computational approach founded on polymer physics that vastly improves the interpretation of in vivo measurements of biopolymer dynamics.

PMID:37542372 | DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2023.08.001

J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2023 Aug 4:19322968231190413. doi: 10.1177/19322968231190413. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Significant complications of diabetes include pain and the loss of sensation in peripheral limbs. Pain management of diabetic symmetric peripheral neuropathy (DSPN) remains challenging. This study reports on utilizing pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) to reduce pain and improve skin perfusion pressure (SPP) in subjects with DSPN.

METHODS: A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial was conducted on subjects afflicted with foot pain associated with DSPN. Following informed consent, 182 subjects with diabetes and confirmed DSPN were entered into the trial for a period of 18 weeks. Subjects were randomized into active PEMF treatment or nonactive sham and instructed to treat to their feet for 30 minutes, twice daily and report daily pain scores. Some patients in the active arm experienced a transient low field strength notification (LFSN) due to improper pad placement during treatment. Skin perfusion pressure measurements were also collected at two and seven weeks to assess peripheral arterial disease effects via measurement of local microcirculatory flow and blood pressure.

RESULTS: Patients in the active arm who did not receive an LFSN experienced a clinically significant 30% reduction in pain from baseline compared to sham (P < .05). Though not statistically significant, SPP in the active group trended toward improvement compared to sham.

CONCLUSIONS: Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy appears effective as a nonpharmacological means for reduction of pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and holds promise for improvement of vascular physiology in microcirculatory dysfunction associated with diabetic peripheral arterial disease.

PMID:37542366 | DOI:10.1177/19322968231190413

Mol Pain. 2023 Aug 4:17448069231195975. doi: 10.1177/17448069231195975. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Physical stressors can cause a physiological response that can contribute to an increase in mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA damage. People living with HIV (PWH) are more likely to suffer from chronic pain and may be more susceptible to mitochondrial dysfunction following exposure to a stressor. We used Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) as an acute painful stressor in order to investigate whether PWH with/without chronic pain show differential mitochondrial physiological responses.

METHODS: The current study included PWH with (n=26), and without (n=29), chronic pain. Participants completed a single session that lasted approximately 180 minutes, including QST. Blood was taken prior to and following the QST battery for assays measuring mtDNA damage, mtDNA copy number, and mtDNA damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) levels (i.e. ND1 and ND6).

RESULTS: We examined differences between those with and without pain on various indicators of mitochondrial reactivity following exposure to QST. However, only ND6 and mtDNA damage were shown to be statistically significant between pain groups.

CONCLUSION: PWH with chronic pain showed greater mitochondrial reactivity to laboratory stressors. Consequently, PWH and chronic pain may be more susceptible to conditions in which mitochondrial damage/dysfunction play a central role, such as cognitive decline.

PMID:37542365 | DOI:10.1177/17448069231195975

Med Teach. 2023 Aug 4:1-6. doi: 10.1080/0142159X.2023.2243023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This pilot study aimed to investigate the acceptability and efficacy of a patient storytelling intervention (live and recorded) on empathy levels of medical students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical students participated in a storytelling intervention that had three components: listening to live or recorded stories from women with abnormal uterine bleeding, reflective writing, and a debriefing session. Empathy scores of students pre- and post-intervention were measured using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-student version (JSE-S). Students also completed a feedback survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data and content analysis was used for text comments.

RESULTS: Both live and recorded storytelling interventions had positive effects on student’s empathy scores post intervention. Overall, students were satisfied with the intervention and reported that it improved their understanding of life experiences of women. Suggestions were made for an in-person storytelling session and interactive discussion after listening to each story.

CONCLUSION: A storytelling intervention has the potential to improve medical students’ empathy and understanding of lived experience of women with health conditions. This could be valuable when student-patient interactions are limited in healthcare settings, or to enable stories of small numbers of patient volunteers to reach students.

PMID:37542361 | DOI:10.1080/0142159X.2023.2243023