Category: Statistics

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2022 Mar 14. doi: 10.1007/s00261-022-03476-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the success rate, clinical outcomes, and complications of retroperitoneal (RP) versus transperitoneal (TP) percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) of the necrotic pancreatic fluid collections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study comprised consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis who underwent PCD of lesser sac collections amenable to drainage via both TP and RP routes. The patients were divided into two groups based on the route of drainage (group I, RP, and group II, TP). The technical success, clinical success, complications, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the timing of drainage (acute necrotic collections, ANC vs. walled-off necrosis, WON) and organ failure (OF).

RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients [mean age, 38.7 ± 12.3 years, 54 males] were included in the study. Group I and II comprised 22 (27.8%) and 57 (72.2%) patients, respectively. The procedures were technically successful in all the patients. There was no significant difference in the complication rate between the two groups. The clinical success was higher in group II (75.4%) as compared to group I (54.5%). However, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.070). There was no significant difference in the hospital stay (p = 0.298), intensive care unit stay (p = 0.401), need for surgical necrosectomy (p = 0.243), and mortality (p = 0.112) between the two groups. The outcomes in patients with OF and ANC were not affected by the route of PCD. Clinical success rate was significantly higher in WON undergoing TP drainage (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION: Both RP and TP routes of PCD are safe and effective. Clinical success rate was significantly higher in WON undergoing TP drainage.

PMID:35286420 | DOI:10.1007/s00261-022-03476-7

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2022 Mar 14. doi: 10.1007/s00261-022-03460-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Routine management after abscess drainage includes CT or fluoroscopic imaging to assess for residual abscess cavity prior to catheter removal. It is unclear whether this practice is necessary in patients without residual infection signs and symptoms.

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety of abscess catheter removal without follow-up imaging in patients without residual clinical or laboratory signs of infection and catheter output < 10 cc/day for 2 consecutive days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this IRB-approved, HIPAA compliant, retrospective study, consecutive patients that underwent percutaneous CT-guided drainage of a single abdominal or pelvic abscess between 01/2015 and 12/2017 in a single tertiary academic institution with or without follow-up imaging prior to catheter removal were included. In our institution, catheters are routinely removed without imaging if there are no clinical (fever, pain) or laboratory (elevated WBC count) signs of infection and catheter output is < 10 cc/day for 2 consecutive days. Patients’ and abscess’s characteristics, repeat imaging data, and need for re-interventions were obtained through medical records review. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher’s exact test for independent data and Student’s t-test for comparison of group means.

RESULTS: 310 consecutive patients (age 56 ± 16 years, 48% female) were included in the study. In 265/310 (85%) patients, no routine follow-up imaging prior to catheter removal was obtained. In 2/265 (0.8%, 95% CI 0.02-0.27%) patients without routine pre-removal imaging, repeat abscess drainage was required 6 and 15 days after catheter removal in patient with perforated appendicitis and after laparoscopic renal cyst decortication, respectively. No patients, 0/45 (0%, 95% CI 0-0.07), that underwent routine imaging without clinical or laboratory signs infection needed to undergo a repeat abscess drainage.

CONCLUSION: There is a low rate (0.8%) of abscess recurrence if percutaneous abscess catheter is removed at the time cessation of drainage without routine imaging in clinically well patient.

PMID:35286421 | DOI:10.1007/s00261-022-03460-1

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 14;17(3):e0265072. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265072. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Simulation studies in adults and pediatrics demonstrate improvement in chest compression (CCs) quality as providers rotate every two minutes. There is paucity of studies in neonates on this matter. This study hypothesized that frequent rotation while performing CCs improves provider performance and decreases fatigue.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized, observational crossover study where 51 providers performed 3:1 compression-ventilation CPR as a pair on a term manikin. Participants performed CCs as part of 3 simulation models, rotating every 3, 5 and 10 minutes. Data on various CC metrics were collected. Participant vitals were recorded at multiple points during the simulation and participants reported their level of fatigue at completion of simulation.

RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was seen in any of the compression metrics. However, differences in the providers’ fatigue scores were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: CC performance metrics did not differ significantly, however, providers’ vital signs and self-reported fatigue scores significantly increased with longer CC durations.

PMID:35286358 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0265072

Turk J Pediatr. 2022;64(1):127-132. doi: 10.24953/turkjped.2017.271.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine whether MPV can be used as a marker for the activity and the severity index of alopesi areata (AA).

METHOD: The charts of 71 children who received a diagnosis of AA and 70 age and gender-matched healthy children were retrospectively evaluated. The severity of hair loss was classified as S1 ( < 25%), S2 (25-49%), S3 (50-74%), S4 (75-95%), S4b (96-99%) (according to the percent of the area involved), alopecia totalis (AT), and alopecia universalis (AU). In the laboratory tests, the results of the complete blood count, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), thyroid function tests (TSH, free/total T4, free/total T3), and autoimmune thyroid antibodies [antithyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (AT)] were recorded.

RESULTS: A total of 141 cases including 61 (43.3%) males and 80 (56.7%) females were included. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to the mean age (p > 0.05). The MPV measurements were statistically significantly higher in the AA group (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the types of AA according to the mean age, gender distribution, the presence of nail involvement, the presence of family history, and the presence of autoimmune disease (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the severity of AA according to the mean age, gender distribution, the presence of nail involvement, the presence of family history, and the presence of autoimmune disease (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: MPV is helpful in assessing clinical activity in patients with AA. However, prospective studies involving more patients are needed to support our findings.

PMID:35286039 | DOI:10.24953/turkjped.2017.271

Turk J Pediatr. 2022;64(1):32-39. doi: 10.24953/turkjped.2021.4608.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 in children and the association of this with education have started. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in asymptomatic school children within a limited period while face-to-face education continued.

METHODS: This is a descriptive and retrospective study. Screening was carried out in the schools in the three major districts of the metropolitan municipality when face-to-face education was practiced. COVID-19 RT-PCR swab samples were collected from 4,658 students from 46 schools at preschool, primary, secondary, and high school levels by using the stratified sampling method. Screening results were retrospectively analyzed by the researchers.

RESULTS: The mean age of the children included in the study was 10.6±3.2 (5-17). Only 46 students` COVID-19 RT-PCR results were positive; the positivity rate was higher in male students than in female students (p > 0.05); the students living in the third region had a higher positivity rate than the other students, there was a statistical difference between them (p < 0.001); there were no positive cases in 26 (56.7%) schools, and the spreader rate of the school children was 0.98%.

CONCLUSIONS: We determined in the study that the prevalence of COVID-19 infection was not high in asymptomatic school children in the period when schools were open. This may play a role in directing the education and training during the pandemic.

PMID:35286028 | DOI:10.24953/turkjped.2021.4608

Turk J Pediatr. 2022;64(1):110-121. doi: 10.24953/turkjped.2021.1264.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adolescents are mostly considered as a healthy population; however, failure to acquire positive health behaviors during this period makes them vulnerable to poor health outcomes and long-term chronic disorders. Health literacy is one of the most influential parameters in promoting adolescent health. This study aimed to determine the level and promoters of health literacy in adolescents, emphasize the importance of internet use, and evaluate the relationship between self-efficacy and health literacy.

METHODS: A total of 756 adolescents aged 15 and 18 years attending two high schools in socioeconomically different districts in Ankara, Turkey were included in this cross-sectional study. A survey consisting of descriptive questions, a health literacy survey, and a general self-efficacy scale were used to collect data. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Among the adolescents who participated in the study, the level of health literacy was inadequatelimited in 56.1%, sufficient in 30.1%, and excellent in 13.8%. A statistically significant correlation was found between health literacy and general self-efficacy levels (r: .412, p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference between the health literacy groups in terms of the education level of the adolescents` mothers, internet use frequency, and self-efficacy level. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the participants whose mothers had only received primary school education or no formal education, those that were not using the internet regularly, those that did not search health information on the internet, and those with poor self-efficacy levels were more likely to have an inadequate level of health literacy [odds ratio (OR)=2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.4-4.9; OR=5.5, 95% CI=1.2-25.1; OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.1-2.9; and OR=3.7, 95% CI=2.6- 5.2, respectively].

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was concluded that the adolescents` health literacy and general self-efficacy levels were related. Furthermore, the health literacy level of the adolescents was associated with internet use and maternal education status.

PMID:35286037 | DOI:10.24953/turkjped.2021.1264

Can Rev Sociol. 2022 Mar 14. doi: 10.1111/cars.12377. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

While sociologists have studied social networks for about one hundred years, recent developments in data, technology, and methods of analysis provide opportunities for social network analysis (SNA) to play a prominent role in the new research world of big data and computational social science (CSS). In our review, we focus on four broad topics: (1) Collecting Social Network Data from the Web, (2) Non-traditional and Bipartite/Multi-mode Networks, including Discourse and Semantic Networks, and Social-Ecological Networks, (3) Recent Developments in Statistical Inference for Networks, and (4) Ethics in Computational Network Research.

PMID:35286014 | DOI:10.1111/cars.12377

Dermatol Ther. 2022 Mar 14:e15440. doi: 10.1111/dth.15440. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Treatment of recalcitrant plantar warts represent a highly challenging issue for both patients and physicians. Candida antigen and purified protein derivative (PPD) have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of warts, however no previous studies have compared both antigens for recalcitrant plantar warts.

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of intralesional Candida antigen versus intralesional PPD in the management of recalcitrant plantar warts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 120 adult patients with multiple recalcitrant plantar warts. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups; Candida antigen, PPD, or normal saline. Injections into the largest wart were repeated every two weeks until clearance or for a maximum of 5 sessions.

RESULTS: Complete wart clearance was reported in 33 patients (82.5%) of the Candida antigen group, in 22 patients (55.6%) of the PPD group, and in one patient (5%) of the control saline group. A statistically significant difference was found between the studied groups in favor of Candida antigen. Adverse effects were mild and insignificant in the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional antigen immunotherapy by Candida antigen or PPD is a promising, safe, and cost-effective therapeutic option for multiple recalcitrant plantar warts, with statistically significant superiority of Candida antigen. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35285995 | DOI:10.1111/dth.15440

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2022 Mar 14. doi: 10.1002/jmri.28154. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly common worldwide and can lead to the development of cirrhosis, liver failure and cancer. Virtual magnetic resonance elastography (VMRE), which is based on a shifted apparent diffusion coefficient (sADC), is a potential noninvasive method to assess liver fibrosis without the specialized hardware and expertise required to implement traditional MR elastography (MRE). Although hepatic steatosis is known to confound ADC measurements, previous studies using VMRE have not corrected for hepatic fat fraction.

PURPOSE: To compare VMRE, corrected for the confounding effects of unsuppressed fat signal, to MRE and biopsy in subjects with suspected NAFLD.

STUDY TYPE: Prospective, cross-sectional.

POPULATION: A total of 49 adult subjects with suspected NAFLD (18 male; median age 55 years, range 33-74 years) who underwent liver biopsy.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3T, diffusion-weighted spin echo planar, chemical-shift encoded (IDEAL IQ) and MRE sequences.

ASSESSMENT: Two observers drew regions of interest on sADC, proton density fat fraction and MRE-derived stiffness maps. Fat-corrected sADC values were used to calculate the diffusion-based shear modulus according to the VMRE method. Predicted fibrosis stage for MRE and VMRE was determined using previously published cut-off values.

STATISTICAL TESTS: The relationship between VMRE and MRE was assessed with least-squares linear regression (coefficient of determination, R² ). Agreement between MRE and VMRE-predicted fibrosis stage was evaluated with a kappa coefficient and accuracy compared using McNemar’s test. A one-way ANOVA determined if the fat-corrected sADC (VMRE) and MRE differed by fibrosis stage. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Least squares regression of VMRE vs. MRE revealed R² = 0.046 and a slope that was not significantly different from zero (P = 0.14). There was no agreement between MRE and VMRE-predicted fibrosis stage (kappa = -0.01). The proportion of correctly predicted fibrosis stage was significantly higher for MRE compared to VMRE. MRE was significantly associated with fibrosis stage, but fat-corrected sADC was not (P = 0.24).

DATA CONCLUSION: Fat-corrected VMRE was not associated with fibrosis stage in NAFLD. Further investigation is required if VMRE is to be considered in subjects with NAFLD.

EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

PMID:35285996 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.28154

Aust Dent J. 2022 Mar 14. doi: 10.1111/adj.12910. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Canalis sinuosus (CS) and its relationship with adjacent teeth is relevant for surgery in the anterior maxilla. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report the prevalence, characteristics, and variations of CS.

METHODS: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of the anterior maxilla of 201 patients were reviewed. CS and the adjacent teeth were analysed by age, sex, and scan resolution, using analysis of variance, chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. The widest and narrowest diameters of CS, and distance to tooth apex (DTA), were compared by quadrant, closest tooth, and location, and the associations were examined statistically with P < 0.05.

RESULTS: In the 201 scans, 412 CS were identified in 198 patients associated with 395 different teeth. Mean widest diameter was 1.08 ± 0.39 mm (range: 0.42-2.60 mm), while the narrowest diameter was 0.71 ± 0.26 mm (range: 0.25-1.59 mm), and mean DTA of 2.16 ±1.25 mm (range: 0-6.22 mm). CS detection was significantly lower with CBCT taken at resolution size of 0.250 voxels (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS: CS was very common in the anterior maxilla. Clinicians would be well advised to identify this anatomical structure using CBCT before undertaking any surgery in the anterior maxilla. © 2022 Australian Dental Association.

PMID:35285958 | DOI:10.1111/adj.12910