Category: Statistics

Environ Geochem Health. 2023 Jun 25. doi: 10.1007/s10653-023-01657-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Mine tailings are one of the primary contaminant sources of heavy metals and metalloids in the soil. Besides increasing the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), tailings may modify the edaphic conditions and decrease the buffer capacity of impacted soils. The influence of tailings may reach distances far from the impoundments depending on the transport path and the specific transport mean: air, rain (runoff and infiltration), or acid mine drainage. In this study, soil samples from various horizons were collected in trial pits along a transect, at different distances from sulfide tailings. Soil analysis included texture, organic matter, alkalinity, porous space, carbonates, pH, electrical conductivity, real density, apparent density, total sulfur, main mineralogy, and total concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Zn. Graphical and statistical interpretation of the results showed that real density and porous space are the leading indicators of the tailings dispersion and accumulation and that pH is not a significant parameter (all values were above the neutrality) due to the limestone abundance in the area. However, Zn and Cd concentrations had an inverse relation with pH. Differences in the concentrations of PTEs between the superficial and deep layers that increased toward the tailings were also observed. Gypsum was only present in the closest samples to the tailings and may also be an indicator of tailings’ influence on soils. This study allowed us to identify general edaphic parameters as a first and quick means to determine the tailings contamination of soils.

PMID:37356036 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-023-01657-x

World J Urol. 2023 Jun 25. doi: 10.1007/s00345-023-04432-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate management trends for American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade V renal trauma with focus on non-operative management.

METHODS: We used prospectively collected data as part of the Multi-institutional Genito-Urinary Trauma Study (MiGUTS). We included patients with grade V renal trauma according to the AAST Injury Scoring Scale 2018 update. All cases submitted by participating centers with radiology images available were independently reviewed to confirm renal trauma grade. Management was classified as expectant, conservative (minimally invasive, endoscopic or percutaneous procedures), or operative (renal-related surgery).

RESULTS: Eighty patients were included, 25 of whom had complete imaging and had independent confirmation of AAST grade V renal trauma. Median age was 35 years (Interquartile range (IQR) 25-50) and 23 (92%) had blunt trauma. Ten patients (40%) were managed operatively with nephrectomy. Conservative management was used in nine patients (36%) of which six received angioembolization and three had a stent or drainage tube placed. Expectant management was followed in six (24%) patients. Transfusion requirements were progressively higher with groups requiring more aggressive treatment, and injury characteristics differed significantly across management groups in terms of hematoma size and laceration size. Vascular contrast extravasation was more likely in operatively managed patients though a statistically significant association was not found.

CONCLUSION: Successful use of nonoperative management for grade V injuries is used for a substantial subset of patients. Lower transfusion requirement and less severe injury radiologic phenotype appear to be important characteristics delineating this group.

PMID:37356027 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-023-04432-w

STAR Protoc. 2023 Jun 24;4(3):102381. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102381. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples are valuable archived bio-specimens of individuals and are commonly used in biomedical research. Here, we present a protocol for deep proteomic profiling of FFPE specimens using a spectral library-free approach. We describe steps for FFPE tissue collection, tissue lysis, homogenization, protein lysate cleanup, on-beads digestion, and de-salting. We then detail data acquisition and statistical analysis. This protocol is highly sensitive, reproducible, and applicable for high-throughput proteomic profiling and can be used on various types of specimens.

PMID:37355991 | DOI:10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102381

J Assoc Physicians India. 2022 Dec;70(12):11-12. doi: 10.5005/japi-11001-0160.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The current guidelines on diagnosis and management of new-onset seizures in stroke are not well defined, especially in the Indian setting. Our study aims at providing insight into the hospital prevalence risk of new-onset seizures following ischemic stroke and to correlate seizure risk with the characteristics of stroke and other clinical parameters.

METHODS: A total of 127 patients were analyzed for the study where we assessed the clinical severity and the imaging severity of stroke using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score, respectively. Seizure-related variables including semiology, timing, and details of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were assessed under the domain of early and late poststroke seizures (PSSs). All patients were followed for 6 months for the seizure recurrence and change in Barthel index. In statistical analysis, quantitative variables were compared using the independent t-test/Mann-Whitney U test, and qualitative variables were correlated using Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to find out the significant risk factors of acute symptomatic seizure.

RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 59.72 years (±14.77), with a male predominance (60.63%). About 78.74% of the cases had an NIHSS score more than or equal to 6.24% had posterior circulation strokes and the rest had anterior circulation strokes. A cortical location of infarct was observed in 62.2% of cases and a subcortical location in 61.4% of cases. The prevalence of early PSSs observed in our study was 10.6%. Of those, 80% had generalized seizures, 13.3% had focal seizures, and 6.67% had focal seizures with secondary generalizations. No patient in the study group had late-onset seizures. Total leukocyte count, serum protein levels, serum uric acid levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values were associated with early seizures (p<0.05). Patients with early seizures were found to have a longer hospital stay (8 vs 6 days with p<0.05). In the Trial of Org 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) etiological classification, an acute stroke of undetermined etiology was found to have a significant association with the occurrence of early seizure in both univariate and multivariate analysis [p = 0.030; odds ratio (OR) 4.735 (1.160-22.576)]. There was no difference in change in the Barthel index among the two groups.

CONCLUSION: There was no recurrence of seizures in those who defaulted for AED and one patient had a seizure even on AED. Prophylactic AEDs in stroke patients based on stroke characteristics could not be ascertained, but the sample size was small. Knowing the fact that antiepileptics cause sedation and increase the chance of aspiration, continuing AEDs in patients who develop acute symptomatic seizures should be judged judiciously.

PMID:37355969 | DOI:10.5005/japi-11001-0160

APMIS. 2023 Jun 25. doi: 10.1111/apm.13338. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A total of, 78 Clostridium septicum (CLSE) isolates were screened for genes encoding: α-toxin, flagellin, and resistance to vancomycin (VANg). The isolates were also tested for their ability to form biofilm and their antibiotic susceptibility. All isolates were positive for α-toxin and flagellin genes. However, only 19 isolates (24.3%) showed prevalence for VANg. We observed the strongest capacity to form a biofilm (100%) in isolates from patients with oncologic or septic and febrile diagnoses. This percentage was also very high in patients with colitis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (72.7%). No less than 43 isolates showed antibiotic resistance, and 21 were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Interestingly, our studies showed a correlation between antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. A statistically significant difference was observed between biofilm-forming MDR isolates and those with low/no biofilm-forming ability. However, the most impressive observation was the correlation with mortality rate. While the overall mortality rate for CLSE infections was 16.7% (13/78), the mortality rate for patients infected with MDR isolates forming biofilm moderately or strongly reached 38.1% (8/21). This number increased even further when only infections with the biofilm-forming VANg-positive isolates were considered (61.5%; 8/13). Therefore, the ability of a VANg-positive CLSE isolate to form a biofilm has been suggested as a biomarker of poor prognosis.

PMID:37355959 | DOI:10.1111/apm.13338

J Assoc Physicians India. 2022 Nov;70(11):11-12. doi: 10.5005/japi-11001-0131.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of trigger factors and associated disorders in tension-type headache (TTH). Trigger factors have been widely studied in the context of migraine, but very few studies have investigated trigger factors in the context of TTH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 400 patients above the age of 15 years fulfilling the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD 3) criteria of frequent episodic tension-type headache (FETTH) and chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) were enrolled and evaluated using a questionnaire. Details regarding demographics, headache characteristics, triggers, and associated symptoms were obtained. Associated psychiatric disorders were also recorded. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22 trial version. Chi-square test and Fischer’s exact test were used for statistical analysis and subgroup comparison.

RESULTS: Out of 400 patients, 360 (90%) were found to have triggers. The mean headache intensity on visual analog scale (VAS) was 6.7. The most common trigger factor was emotional stress among both males and females. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of trigger factors between men and women for emotional stress, sunlight, sleep deprivation/insomnia, noise, weather change, studying, fried food, and hypersomnia. Psychiatric comorbidity was found in 29% of individuals, with sleep disorder being the most common.

CONCLUSIONS: TTH has been an underrated diagnosis despite being an extremely common disorder. The trigger factors are less studied and their interactions are lesser known. The diagnostic criteria as per ICHD 3 make TTH a diagnosis of exclusion, rather than a positive diagnosis of inclusion. The trigger factors must be included in the diagnostic criteria in future versions of ICHD and associated psychiatric disorders should be sought for and treated simultaneously for better management and quality of life.

PMID:37355943 | DOI:10.5005/japi-11001-0131

J Assoc Physicians India. 2022 Nov;70(11):11-12. doi: 10.5005/japi-11001-0147.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Subclinical myocardial dysfunction may exist in post-COVID-19 patients and may carry significance in long term.

METHODOLOGY: Subjects of long-COVID-19 with historically and radiologically significant pulmonary involvement (without documented cardiac involvement) were evaluated on outpatient follow-up echocardiographically when they had disproportionate shortness of breath (SOB), fatigue, or high pulse rate as perceived by the physicians. The common acute-phase symptoms were noted and scored retrospectively. The assessment included spirometry and measurement of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT) score with measurement of the left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) free wall global longitudinal strain as an adjunct to routine two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography and spirometry. The results were evaluated statistically with respect to the history of hospitalization.

RESULTS: The hospitalized (n = 15) and nonhospitalized (n = 10) patients were demographically similar. However, the nonhospitalized patients had higher total symptom score (p = 0.03), anosmia (p = 0.017), and ageusia (p = 0.0019). At follow-up (>3 months of acute illness), the nonhospitalized patients had a better CAT score (p = 0.04), higher change in max pulse rate (p = 0.03), and higher forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (p = 0.002), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (p = 0.02), and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) (-17.15 ± 1.19 vs -13.11 ± 1.91) (p = 0.0001). Overall, the two groups formed distinct clusters. The LVGLS and the maximum pulse rate difference in the two chair test (2CT) seem to contribute maximally to the variance between the two groups in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION: The subclinical myocardial dysfunction persisting in post-COVID patients (without suspected cardiac affection and lower neuroinflammatory symptoms in the acute phase) with significant pulmonary affection needs further evaluation. They demonstrate a higher max pulse rate difference in the 2CT. This real-world observation demands further investigations.

PMID:37355939 | DOI:10.5005/japi-11001-0147

Work. 2023 Jun 23. doi: 10.3233/WOR-220565. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A valid distribution of key anthropometric parameters among participants is often a perquisite of ergonomics research.

OBJECTIVE: In this paper, we investigated the accuracy of self-report stature and body mass of the population in the Netherlands.

METHODS: Data from 4 experiments was synthetized where in each experiment, participants self-reported their stature and body mass prior to being measured, of which they were not notified before.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis of 249 records indicated that on average, participants overreported the stature by 1.31 cm and underreported their mass by 1.45 kg. This is especially true for people with a BMI≥25.

CONCLUSION: Two models were proposed to adjust the self-reported stature and body mass for ergonomic researchers in a survey or recruitment. Limitations in using the models are highlighted as well.

PMID:37355924 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-220565

Int J Risk Saf Med. 2023 Jun 19. doi: 10.3233/JRS-210052. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dentists using dental amalgam are chronically exposed to low doses of elemental mercury. The complex toxico-kinetics of this systemic toxicant results in polymorphic and variable clinical phenotypes. In this context, adapted statistical methods are required to highlight potential adverse effects of occupational mercury exposure on dentists’ health.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to analyze the distribution of self-reported subjective symptoms, commonly associated with chronic mercury poisoning, according to occupational mercury exposure in a population of Moroccan liberal dentists.

METHODS: In order to achieve the defined objectives, a three-step latent class regression was fitted. First a latent class analysis was performed to cluster the studied population according to their declared symptoms. Dentists were then classified in the defined latent classes based on their posterior probabilities. Finally, a logistic regression is fitted to identify predictors associated with latent classes’ membership.

RESULTS: The final obtained model showed acceptable calibration and discrimination. Its interpretation revealed that the increase of the frequency of amalgam use was associated with significant higher odds of belonging to the high risk latent class.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study represents an initial step towards the development of diagnosis model that predict clinical profiles according to occupational mercury exposure.

PMID:37355914 | DOI:10.3233/JRS-210052

J Alzheimers Dis. 2023 Jun 19. doi: 10.3233/JAD-230324. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dementia is one of the pathologies that has increased the most among the older population (mainly Alzheimer’s disease), and it has a direct impact on the quality of life (QoL), cognitive performance, and health of these patients. Family functionality can play a role in this QoL if these patients are not institutionalized.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of family function in the QoL and health perception of non-institutionalized dementia patients, as well as related variables such as anxiety, depression, optimism, or pessimism.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a sample of 54 patients diagnosed with some type of dementia, non-institutionalized, or in outpatient care, from different centers in the province of Valencia (Spain). The EQ-5D, MMSE, Apgar Family or general health, and Goldberg anxiety and depression questionnaires were utilized.

RESULTS: The correlation of the Apgar Family with the General Health Questionnaire-new onset problems variable (GHQ) and Chronicity and General Health Questionnaire-chronic problems (CGHQ) of the Goldberg Quality of Life questionnaire was statistically significant and negative (GHQ r = -0.310; p = 0.034. CGHQ r = -0.363; p = 0.012); as well as between Apgar Family and Anxiety-Depression (r = -0.341; p = 0.020). The correlation of the Apgar Family with the Life Orientation Test-Pessimism variable (LOT) was statistically significant and negative (r = -0.270; p = 0.061). Finally, severe dysfunction of Apgar Family has a negative correlation with self-perception of health (p = 0.036 B = -16.589) determined by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

CONCLUSION: Family functionality directly influences anxiety, depression, optimism, and pessimism. This could explain why family function is related to the QoL of patients and their self-perception of health.

PMID:37355908 | DOI:10.3233/JAD-230324