Category: Statistics

Braz J Biol. 2021 Sep 20;83:e248910. doi: 10.1590/1519-6984.248910. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

This study determines the associations among serum lipid profiles, risk of cardiovascular disease, and persistent organic pollutants. Using Gas chromatography technique, the intensity of toxic pollutant residues in serum samples of Hypertensive patients were measured. Based on statistical analysis, the effects of different covariates namely pesticides, age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and lipid profile duration was checked using the logistic regression model. Statistical computation was performed on SPSS 22.0. The P-values of F-Statistic for each lipid profile class are greater than 0.01 (1%), therefore we cannot reject the null hypothesis for all cases. The estimated coefficients, their standard errors, Wald Statistic, and odds ratio of the binary logistic regression model for different lipid profile parameters indicate if pesticides increase then the logit value of different lipid profile parameters changes from -0.46 to -0.246 except LDL which increases by 0.135. The study reports a significantly increased threat of cardiovascular disease with increased concentrations of toxic pollutants.

PMID:34550288 | DOI:10.1590/1519-6984.248910

Braz J Biol. 2021 Sep 20;83:e251198. doi: 10.1590/1519-6984.251198. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of Gundelia tournefortii L. plant extract on different tissues in terms of DNA damage, biochemical and antioxidant parameter values in rats with high-calorie diets. With this aim, Wistar albino male rats were divided into 4 groups containing 6 rats each and the study was completed over 12 weeks duration. At the end of the implementation process over the 12 weeks, rats were sacrificed and blood and tissue samples were obtained. Analyses were performed on blood and tissue samples. According to results for DNA damage (8-OHdG), in brain tissue the OG2 group was significantly reduced compared to the NC group. For MDA results in liver tissue, OG1 and OG2 groups were determined to increase by a significant degree compared to the control group, while the OG2 group was also increased significantly compared to the obese group. In terms of the other parameters, comparison between the groups linked to consumption of a high calorie diet (HCD) and administration of Gundelia tournefortii L. in terms of antioxidant activities and serum samples obtained statistically significant results. Gundelia tournefortii L. plant extracts had effects that may be counted as positive on antioxidant parameter activity and were especially identified to improve DNA damage and MDA levels in brain tissues. Additionally, consumption of Gundelia tournefortii L. plant extract in the diet may have antiobesity effects; thus, it should be evaluated for use as an effective weight-loss method and as a new therapeutic agent targeting obesity.

PMID:34550296 | DOI:10.1590/1519-6984.251198

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2021 Jun;67(5):736-740. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.20210139.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive craniectomy may be a life-saving measure in ischemic stroke patients, who still have several associated complications. The objective of this study is to evaluate a novel decompressive surgery technique for severe hemispheric ischemic stroke.

METHODS: For the hinge decompressive craniectomy (HDC), linear durotomies were performed. Vertical (one or two frontal and two parietal), and two horizontal (temporal), with approximately 5 cm long, linear durotomies were carried out. Duroplasty was performed using an autologous subgaleal tissue graft fixed with separate sutures to avoid CSF leak and direct contact of the cortex with the bone flap. The bone flap was fixed in three parietal locations. We compared 10 patients who underwent our modified HDC with 9 patients submitted to classical decompressive craniectomy (CDC). The primary outcome of this study was mortality.

RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included, with a mean age of 52.3 years (±8.2). Four (44%) patients from the HDC group had to be reoperated to remove the bone flap because of brain swelling worsening, but none of them died. The average time of HDC was 90 minutes. Overall 14-days mortality was 21.1% (n=4), and cumulative six-months mortality was 42.1% (n=8). Five (50%) patients submitted to CDC died, while 3 (33.3%) submitted to HDC died (χ2=0.07, p=0.79). The mean length of stay was 46.7 days (±32.1) for HDC and 38.7 (±27.1) for CDC (p=0.60).

CONCLUSIONS: We present a modified technique of hinge craniectomy with linear vertical and horizontal durotomies, which seems to have reduced operative time and mortality compared to classical decompressive craniotomy, although the difference was not statistically significant.

PMID:34550265 | DOI:10.1590/1806-9282.20210139

Rev Bras Ter Intensiva. 2021 Sep 20:S0103-507X2021005001201. doi: 10.5935/0103-507X.20210050. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To understand the perception of patients about medical communication as well as their needs during hospitalization in the intensive care unit.

METHODS: This study was cross-sectional descriptive and qualitative exploratory including 103 patients admitted to or recently discharged from the intensive care units of four hospitals in Greater Florianópolis, Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The patients’ sociodemographic and clinical variables were studied, as were the score they gave to the quality of medical communication through the Quality of Communication Questionnaire and their spontaneous comments with reflections or justifications for the scores given, and their responses on how they felt and what complementary help they would have liked to receive. The quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics, and the qualitative data were analyzed by thematic content analysis.

RESULTS: The mean Quality of Communication Questionnaire score was 5.1 (standard deviation – SD = 1.3), with 8.6 (SD = 1.3) on the general communication subscale and 2.1 (SD = 1.8) on the end-of-life communication subscale. The patients had a variable understanding of medical language. Some physicians seemed to be “rushed”, according to some patients. Other patients would like to receive more frequent and detailed information and/or be respected and taken “more seriously” when they reported pain. Anxiety, sadness, and fear were among the reported feelings. Other needs included silence, more time for visits, the presence of a companion, psychological and social-work care, a bathroom that they could use, and better food in the intensive care unit.

CONCLUSION: The quality of medical communication with patients is good but could improve if physicians and the healthcare team had more time for patients. Other felt needs included respect, pain relief, and adjustments in the intensive care unit dynamics and environment.

PMID:34550276 | DOI:10.5935/0103-507X.20210050

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2021 Jun;67(5):650-655. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.20200737.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia in cellular death and proliferation in the harderian gland of female mice.

METHODS: Twenty female mice were divided into two groups of 10 animals each and treated: 0.2 mL of saline solution (controls, Ctr) and 200 µg of metoclopramide (experimental, hyperprolactinemia), both for 50 consecutive days and at 12:00 a.m. On the 50th day, the female were euthanized, and the harderian glands were removed and processed for immunohistochemistry for detected ki67 and TUNEL method. Data were statistically analyzed by unpaired Student’s t test (p<0.05).

RESULTS: The harderian gland of the hyperprolactinemia group showed increase in the immunoexpression of Ki67 and TUNEL compared to the Ctr group (p<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the amount of porphyrin in the HPrl group compared to the Ctr group.

CONCLUSION: The hyperprolactinemia led to increased cell death in the acini the harderian gland and cell proliferation in the stroma glandular, fact that suggesting a reduction process of cellular activity and fibrosis, which suggests impairment in the functioning of the lacrimal harderian.

PMID:34550251 | DOI:10.1590/1806-9282.20200737

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2021 Jun;67(5):713-717. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.20201166.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Stress-type and urgency-type urinary incontinence are seen together in mixed-type urinary incontinence. Treatment is usually chosen according to the predominant type of incontinence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of mirabegron and duloxetine combination in the treatment of mixed-type urinary incontinence.

METHODS: The data of 88 mixed-type urinary incontinence patients who applied to the urology outpatient clinic between January 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. We applied mirabegron and duloxetine treatment to the patients. The International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, Overactive bladder symptom score questionnaire and daily pad count were statistically evaluated before and after the treatment.

RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were observed using the questionnaire forms and decreased daily pad usage after the eight-week treatment (p<0.001). Based on the clinical global effect scale, 62.50% of patients had a partial or complete response to treatment and also the use of daily pads were decreased from 3.7-0.89 on an average.

CONCLUSION: Combination use of mirabegron and duloxetine in the treatment of mixed-type urinary incontinence improved symptom scores and decreased pad usage.

PMID:34550261 | DOI:10.1590/1806-9282.20201166

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021 Sep;117(3):476-483. doi: 10.36660/abc.20190902.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death worldwide. Hypoxia-mediated apoptosis in cardiomyocytes is a major cause of cardiovascular disorders. Treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein has been tested but operational difficulties have limited its use. However, with the advancements of gene therapy, interest has risen in VEGF-based gene therapy in cardiovascular disorders. However, the precise mechanism by which VEGF replenishment rescues post-hypoxia damage in cardiomyocytes is not known.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of post-hypoxia VEGF121 expression using neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.

METHODS: Cardiomyocytes isolated from neonatal rats were used to establish an in vitro model of hypoxia-induced cardiac injury. The effect of VEGF overexpression, alone or in combination with small-molecule inhibitors targeting calcium channel, calcium sensitive receptors (CaSR), and calpain on cell growth and proliferation on hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury were determined using an MTT assay, TUNEL staining, Annexin V/PI staining, lactate dehydrogenase and caspase activity. For statistical analysis, a value of P<0.05 was considered to be significant.

RESULTS: The effect of VEGF121 was found to be mediated by CaSR and calpain but was not dependent on calcium channels.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings, even though using an in vitro setting, lay the foundation for future validation and pre-clinical testing of VEGF-based gene therapy in cardiovascular diseases.

PMID:34550233 | DOI:10.36660/abc.20190902

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021 Sep;117(3):531-541. doi: 10.36660/abc.20200353.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Risk stratification remains clinically challenging in patients with heart failure (HF) of non-ischemic etiology. Galectin-3 is a serum marker of fibrosis that might help in prognostication.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of galectin-3 as a predictor of major arrhythmic events and overall mortality.

METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study that enrolled 148 non-ischemic HF patients. All patients underwent a comprehensive baseline clinical and laboratory assessment, including levels of serum galectin-3. The primary outcome was the occurrence of arrhythmic syncope, appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy, sustained ventricular tachycardia, or sudden cardiac death. The secondary outcome was all-cause death. For all statistical tests, a two-tailed p-value<0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: In a median follow-up of 941 days, the primary and secondary outcomes occurred in 26 (17.5%) and 30 (20%) patients, respectively. Serum galectin-3>22.5 ng/mL (highest quartile) did not predict serious arrhythmic events (HR: 1.98, p=0.152). Independent predictors of the primary outcome were left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD)>73mm (HR: 3.70, p=0.001), exercise periodic breathing (EPB) on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (HR: 2.67, p=0.01), and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT)>8 beats on Holter monitoring (HR: 3.47, p=0.027). Predictors of all-cause death were galectin-3>22.5 ng/mL (HR: 3.69, p=0.001), LVEDD>73mm (HR: 3.35, p=0.003), EPB (HR: 3.06, p=0.006), and NSVT>8 beats (HR: 3.95, p=0.007). The absence of all risk predictors was associated with a 91.1% negative predictive value for the primary outcome and 96.6% for total mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: In non-ischemic HF patients, elevated galectin-3 levels did not predict major arrhythmic events but were associated with total mortality. Absence of risk predictors revealed a prevalent subgroup of HF patients with an excellent prognosis.

PMID:34550239 | DOI:10.36660/abc.20200353

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2021 Sep 20;93(suppl 3):e20200860. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202120200860. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

The use of agrochemicals in agriculture may impact aquatic ecosystems, particularly influencing the stream insect communities. Among aquatic insects, the family Chironomidae is the most abundant and species-diverse insect group found in freshwater ecosystems. However, in the southern hemisphere, studies with Chironomidae are still sparse, compared to Europe and North America. The present study evaluates the responses of Chironomidae species (Insecta: Diptera) to pyrimethanil fungicide in a mesocosm experiment. Water contamination and chironomid community were monitored over 10 months. After five months of monitoring, the pyrimethanil fungicide was completely degraded and there was a statistically significant increase in the Margalef Richness and Shannon-Wiener Index (H’) in the control units when compared with the contaminated mesocosms (p = 0.003). Our results point out that the utilization of agrochemicals can be a harmful factor influencing negatively the Chironomidae populations. This finding has key implications for insect conservation strategies and ecological management environments.

PMID:34550199 | DOI:10.1590/0001-3765202120200860

Codas. 2021 Sep 17;33(4):e20200106. doi: 10.1590/2317-1782/20202020106. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigated the self-perception of 49 women, monolingual speakers of Brazilian Portuguese, about their tongue position for the alveolar articulation of the fricatives [s] and [z].

METHODS: The video recording of speech samples of these 49 women (ages 18 to 28) were analyzed by three Speech-Language Pathologists. They were classified into two groups: Group 1 (G1, n=25), with no alterations in the tongue position during the production of [s] and [z], and Group 2 (G2, n=24), with alterations in the tongue position during the production of [s] and [z]. The tongue position self-perception experiment required the participants to identify the specific tongue constriction point in the production of [s] and [z] (apical, laminal, or “other”) during the reading of 24 words and 24 pseudowords. The Friedman test, with posterior paired comparisons, was used for the intragroup analysis. The Mann-Whitney test was used for intergroup comparisons. The statistical significance adopted was 5% (p<0.05).

RESULTS: G1 reported apical and laminal tongue constrictions while GE reported these constrictions plus other tongue adjustments. The presence of other tongue adjustments differentiated the groups, G1 and G2 (p=0,002). There were significant differences between [s] and [z] for G1, with the laminal position occurring more often in [s] compared to [z].

CONCLUSION: Women with and without alteration in the tongue position reported apical and laminal constrictions. Howerer, other tongue adjustments were self-perceived in the presence of altered tongue position.

PMID:34550214 | DOI:10.1590/2317-1782/20202020106