Category: Statistics

J Xray Sci Technol. 2021 Nov 18. doi: 10.3233/XST-211033. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The inflammatory indexes of children with Takayasu arteritis (TAK) usually tend to be normal immediately after treatment, therefore, CT angiography (CTA) has become an important method to evaluate the status of TAK and sometime is even more sensitive than laboratory test results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate image quality improvement in CTA of children diagnosed with TAK using a deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) in comparison to other image reconstruction algorithms.

METHODS: hirty-two TAK patients (9.14±4.51 years old) underwent neck, chest and abdominal CTA using 100 kVp were enrolled. Images were reconstructed at 0.625 mm slice thickness using Filtered Back-Projection (FBP), 50%adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V), 100%ASIR-V and DLIR with high setting (DLIR-H). CT number and standard deviation (SD) of the descending aorta and back muscle were measured and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for aorta was calculated. The vessel visualization, overall image noise and diagnostic confidence were evaluated using a 5-point scale (5, excellent; 3, acceptable) by 2 observers.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in CT number across images reconstructed using different algorithms. Image noise values (in HU) were 31.36±6.01, 24.96±4.69, 18.46±3.91 and 15.58±3.65, and CNR values for aorta were 11.93±2.12, 15.66±2.37, 22.54±3.34 and 24.02±4.55 using FBP, 50%ASIR-V, 100%ASIR-V and DLIR-H, respectively. The 100%ASIR-V and DLIR-H images had similar noise and CNR (all P > 0.05), and both had lower noise and higher CNR than FBP and 50%ASIR-V images (all P < 0.05). The subjective evaluation suggested that all images were diagnostic for large arteries, however, only 50%ASIR-V and DLIR-H met the diagnostic requirement for small arteries (3.03±0.18 and 3.53±0.51).

CONCLUSION: DLIR-H improves CTA image quality and diagnostic confidence for TAK patients compared with 50%ASIR-V, and best balances image noise and spatial resolution compared with 100%ASIR-V.

PMID:34806646 | DOI:10.3233/XST-211033

J Postgrad Med. 2021 Nov 17. doi: 10.4103/jpgm.JPGM_1345_20. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine the risk factors affecting outcome at the end of 90 days of post-angiogram-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS: Non-traumatic SAH cases were reviewed from the case records of patients who had reported to the Department of Neurology of a tertiary care hospital and 50 angio-negative SAH cases were included after excluding all the cases with known cause of hemorrhage after doing computed tomography angiography (CTA)/digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), history of alcohol and smoking, and various scales like Hunt and Hess Scale (HHS), World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS), and Fisher scale had been recorded at admission. The outcome was assessed at 90 days post-SAH using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

STATISTICAL ANALYSES: The association between the outcome and the factors was assessed using the Pearson Chi-Square test and the risk factors/predictors of outcome were assessed using logistic regression.

RESULTS: The following variables were important risk factors for predicting poor outcome of angio-negative SAH (mRS 3 to 6): hypertension (P = 0.011), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.032), being an alcoholic (P = 0.019), HHS grade 4 to 5 (P < 0.01), and WFNS grade 4 to 5 (P < 0.01). On multivariate regression analysis, hypertension (P = 0.032) was an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: At time of admission, presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, history of alcohol consumption, and poor grades of HHS and WFNS scale are predictors of poor outcome of angio-negative SAH.

PMID:34806656 | DOI:10.4103/jpgm.JPGM_1345_20

Technol Health Care. 2021 Nov 12. doi: 10.3233/THC-219001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Many statistics reveal that violin players suffer most often from musculoskeletal disorders compared to musicians of other instrument groups. A common phenomenon, especially observed in violin beginners, is the tendency to elevate the right shoulder during playing the violin. This can probably lead to serious disorders in long-term practice with repetitive movements.

OBJECTIVE: For this reason, this study investigated the relationship between the right shoulder elevation and the force in the right glenohumeral joint during violin playing. It was hypothesized that the forces in the right glenohumeral joint are higher during playing with the right shoulder raised compared to playing in normal posture.

METHODS: Motion capture data from four experienced violinists was recorded and processed by means of musculoskeletal simulation to get the force and elevation angle while playing with raised shoulder and in normal position.

RESULTS: The results indicate that the absolute values of the resulting force, as well as the forces in the mediolateral, inferosuperior, and anteroposterior directions, are higher in playing the violin with the shoulder raised than in a normal posture.

CONCLUSIONS: Elevating the right shoulder while playing the violin may pose a potential problem.

PMID:34806631 | DOI:10.3233/THC-219001

J Xray Sci Technol. 2021 Nov 14. doi: 10.3233/XST-211022. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To invastgate feasibility of low-dose contrast agent in cerebral computed tomography angiography (CTA) to alleviate side effects.

METHOD: Siemens’ Somatom Definition AS+CT scanner, Heine’s blood pressure monitor G7-M237 (BP cuff) and Ultravist contrast agent (370 mg Iodine/ml) are used. CTA is acquired using following scan parameters including slice thickness of 1mm, image acquisition parameters of 128×0.6 mm, pitch size of 0.8 mm, 175 effective mAs, 120 kVp tube voltage, scan delay time of 3 seconds, and the scan time of 4 seconds. This study is conducted by securing the IV route in the left antecubital vein before injection of contrast agent, wrapping BP cuff around the branchial artery of the opposite right arm after setting the pressure to 200 mmHg. Then, the injection rate of the contrast agent is fixed at 4.5 cc/sec and contrast agent was injected in three different amounts (70, 80, and 100 cc). Bp cuff is released from this moment when HU value reachs 100.

RESULT: In this study, the mean HU values measured from common carotid artery are 412.45±5.89 when injecting 80cc contrast agent and using BP cuff and 399.64±5.51 when injecting 100 cc contrast agenet and not using BP cuff, respectively. In middle cerebral artery M1, the mean HU values are 325.23±38.29 when injecting 80cc contrast agent and using BP cuff and 325.00±30.63 when injecting 100cc contrast agent blood and not using pressure cuff, respectively. Difference of mean HU values is not statistically significant (p > 0.05) with and without using BP cuff.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that reducing amount of contrast agent is possible when the right brachial artery is compressed using BP cuff. Study results indicate that reducing 20% injection of contrast agent in CT cerebrovascular angiography can still yield comparable imaging results with conventional contrast angent usage, which implies that less side effects are expected with a contrast agent injection. Thus, this study can serve as a reference for potential reducing side effect during CT cerebrovascular angiography.

PMID:34806645 | DOI:10.3233/XST-211022

J Parkinsons Dis. 2021 Nov 15. doi: 10.3233/JPD-212930. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psychotic symptoms are highly frequent in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and are associated with poor prognosis. They include hallucinations, delusions, and minor psychotic phenomena, including sense of presence, passage hallucinations, and illusions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of psychosis in PD patients.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies reporting the frequency of psychosis, hallucinations, and delusions in PD.

RESULTS: Electronic database search wielded 3,536 articles, an additional 91 were identified through citation chaining. Of these, 163 were fully inspected, 57 removed, and 106 included as relevant for neuropsychiatric events frequency, with 32 meeting our inclusion criteria (psychosis and/or specific psychotic phenomena). The pooled frequency of psychosis was 20.7% (95% CI 14.5 to 28.6; I2 = 94%, 15 studies; combined n = 2919). None of the pre-defined meta-regressions or subgroup analyses were statistically significant or helped explain the statistical heterogeneity. The pooled frequency of any form of hallucination was 21.6% (95% CI 14.7 to 30.6; I2 = 95%; 18 studies; combined n = 3,161). Duration of PD at baseline and mean baseline Hoehn & Yahr stage helped explain the statistical heterogeneity in the meta-analysis of hallucinations.

CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence, around a fifth of PD patients experience psychosis or hallucinations. The risk of developing hallucinations is likely moderated by the disease duration, Hoehn & Yahr stage, and the cognitive status.

PMID:34806620 | DOI:10.3233/JPD-212930

NeuroRehabilitation. 2021 Nov 15. doi: 10.3233/NRE-210147. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gait deficits and functional disability are persistent problems for many stroke survivors, even after standard neurorehabilitation. There is little quantified information regarding the trajectories of response to a long-dose, 12-month intervention.

OBJECTIVE: We quantified treatment response to an intensive neurorehabilitation mobility and fitness program.

METHODS: The 12-month neurorehabilitation program targeted impairments in balance, limb coordination, gait coordination, and functional mobility, for five chronic stroke survivors. We obtained measures of those variables every two months.

RESULTS: We found statistically and clinically significant group improvement in measures of impairment and function. There was high variation across individuals in terms of the timing and the gains exhibited.

CONCLUSIONS: Long-duration neurorehabilitation (12 months) for mobility/fitness produced clinically and/or statistically significant gains in impairment and function. There was unique pattern of change for each individual. Gains exhibited late in the treatment support a 12-month intervention. Some measures for some subjects did not reach a plateau at 12 months, justifying further investigation of a longer program (>12 months) of rehabilitation and/or maintenance care for stroke survivors.

PMID:34806625 | DOI:10.3233/NRE-210147

Farm Hosp. 2021 Sep 28;45(6):335-339.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The literature has described the interaction between valproic acid and carbapenems. This interaction leads to decreases in plasma concentrations of valproic acid. The main objectives of this study were to assess its relevance in clinical practice, to identify variables associated with increased seizure episode rates, and to analyse the impact of pharmaceutical intervention on avoiding the effects of this interaction.

METHOD: An observational retrospective study of inpatients with epilepsy admitted between 2016 and 2020. Their pharmacological treatment throughout admission was recorded, and the presence of other interactions leading to decreased plasma concentrations of valproic acid was reviewed. The seizure rate during the year prior to admission was compared to that during the interaction period. For every episode in which the interaction was detected, an intervention was conducted by providing the prescriber with information on the interaction and suggesting a change of antibiotherapy as well as the pharmacokinetic monitoring of valproic acid.

RESULTS: 37 episodes were included. 58.1% of the patients were male and median age was 70 years. In total, 56.8% of the patients received meropenem and 43.2% received ertapenem. The median duration of concomitant treatment with valproic acid and carbapenem was 4 days. The incidence rate ratio was 2.60 (95% confidence interval: 1.61-4.21). Thus, this interaction was associated with a higher seizure rate. A statistically significant association was found between higher seizure rates and patients treated with more than one anti-epileptic drug. Hospital pharmacists detected 24 episodes (64.9%). In total, 17 interventions (70.8%) were accepted and 13 combinations were discontinued. Pharmacokinetic monitoring was conducted in 13 episodes (35.1%) and infratherapeutic levels were found in all of them.

CONCLUSIONS: The interaction between valproic acid and meropenem or ertapenem is clinically relevant. It is recommended that this combination should be avoided provided that a viable alternative is available. Pharmaceutical intervention may contribute to preventing seizures associated with this combination.

PMID:34806574

Farm Hosp. 2021 Nov 2;45(6):305-316.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the importance and need for pharmacists to expand their role to new activities and to promote and maintain others they already carried out prior to the implementation of a new Immunemediated Inflammatory Diseases Unit to be created in our hospital; to prioritize the new activities incorporated based on the results obtained.

METHOD: This was a single center cross-sectional based on a survey administered during January 2020 to all clinical healthcare providers due to be part of the new unit, as well as to a sample of patients. It was structured into two categories: actions related to patients’ pharmaceutical care, and actions related to practitioners of the Immune-mediated Inflammatory Diseases Unit. Each item was assigned a score from 0 to 10, where 10 indicated maximum interest or need. A prioritization template was applied to quantify and evaluate each activity and implement the new ones in order of priority.

RESULTS: A total of 90 responses were obtained (30 from patients and 60 from healthcare workers). An analysis was performed of the median scores of each of the 20 activities proposed, which ranged between 8 and 10 points. When comparing the scores obtained, it was observed that more statistically significant differences were obtained in the pharmacists vs doctors group than in the pharmacists vs nurses group, or the pharmacists vs patients one. After prioritization, the first action taken was to implement electronic prescriptions for outpatients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

CONCLUSIONS: The survey revealed the expectations of healthcare providers and patients regarding the role pharmacists should play in the newly created unit and provided an insight into the most valued activities. This information will be useful in prioritizing the implementation of the new activities to be carried out by the unit.

PMID:34806570

Obes Res Clin Pract. 2021 Nov 18:S1871-403X(21)00145-9. doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2021.11.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the rapid increase in the incidence of depression, there have been studies investigating whether bariatric surgery can alleviate this condition. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of bariatric surgery on depression in obese patients.

METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases for studies on bariatric surgery and depression. Then, the clinical significance of bariatric surgery on depression was evaluated based on Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) or Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Subgroup analysis was carried out in terms of surgery types, assessment tool, follow-up time and nationalism. Dichotomous data were analyzed using odds ratio (OR), and continuous data were evaluated using the weighted mean difference (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD).

RESULTS: Overall, 33 studies with a combined total of 12,556 participants met the inclusion criteria. Statistical results were significantly different whether continuous or dichotomous, and depression was improved in obese patients after surgery (SMD = -0.87, p < 0.001; and OR = 0.29, p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that bariatric surgery improved depression in obese patients regardless of surgery types, assessment tool, follow-up and country.

CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery alleviates depression in obese patients. However, further studies are needed to elucidate on the complex effect of between bariatric surgery on depression.

PMID:34802982 | DOI:10.1016/j.orcp.2021.11.002

Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2021 Oct 20:S2152-2650(21)02412-5. doi: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.09.024. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Most likely due to the availability of potential stem cell sources, there appears to be a growing usage of haploidentical (haplo) donors for cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia involving high-risk features or relapse.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study compared the outcomes of stem cell transplantations (SCTs) using haplo and other stem cell sources, namely, matched sibling donors (MSDs), matched unrelated donors (MUDs), and cord blood transplantations (CBTs). Literature searches were conducted of the MEDLINE and Embase databases from inception to December 2020.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were examined (17 retrospective and 11 prospective). There were no significant differences in the overall survival of haplo and those of the other stem-cell sources. For haplo versus matched donor (MSD or MUD), the pooled odds ratio (OR) was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.79-1.12; I², 22%); while for haplo versus CBT, the OR was 1.24 (95% CI, 0.78-1.96; I², 28%). The cumulative relapse incidence was significantly higher for MSD than haplo (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48-0.99; I², 48%). Both grade II-IV acute and long-term graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were significantly higher for haplo than MSD (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.15-2.74; I², 28%; and OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.00-1.77; I², 14%, respectively). The other clinical outcomes did not demonstrate any statistical differences.

CONCLUSION: The outcomes of patients treated with haplo-SCT appear comparable with those of the SCTs using other sources. The higher probability of developing GVHD supports the need for a novel method to harness T-cell alloreactivity.

PMID:34802994 | DOI:10.1016/j.clml.2021.09.024