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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Surface-Constrained Metropolis Monte Carlo: Simulation of Reactions on Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces

J Phys Chem A. 2024 Feb 26. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpca.3c08203. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) inspired by nature serve as a foundation for developing novel nanomaterials, such as templated silicas, graphene sponges, and schwarzites, with customizable optical, poroelastic, adsorptive, catalytic, and other properties. Computer simulations of reactions on TPMS using reactive intermolecular potentials hold great promise for constructing and screening potential TPMS with the desired properties. Here, we developed an off-lattice, surface-constrained Metropolis Monte Carlo (SC-MMC) algorithm that utilized a temperature quench process. The presented SC-MMC algorithm was used to investigate the process of graphitization reactions on the Schwarz primitive, Schwarz diamond, and Schoen gyroid TPMS, all with a cubic lattice parameter of 8 nm. We show that the optimized carbon TPMS exhibits a low energy, approximately -7.1 eV/atom, comparable to that of graphite and diamond crystals, along with a variety of topological defects. Furthermore, these structures showcase extensive and smooth surfaces characterized by a negative discrete Gaussian curvature, a distinctive feature indicative of an interconnected morphology. They possess specific surface areas of ∼2700 m2/g, comparable to graphene, and exhibit a significant porosity of around 90%. The theoretical X-ray correlation functions and nitrogen adsorption isotherms confirm that the constructed TPMS exhibit remarkably similar surface properties, although the pore space topology varies significantly.

PMID:38408339 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jpca.3c08203

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Saudi Population Nasal Anthropometric Study: Local and International Comparison

J Craniofac Surg. 2024 Feb 26. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000010017. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Anthropometric measurements are essential for diagnosing and treating various craniofacial disorders during nasal reconstruction and esthetic surgery. Different people have unique individual esthetic features that are a mixture of different races and backgrounds. This study aimed to compare 12 different anthropometric measurements in the Saudi Arabian population with those in other local and international studies. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 420 volunteers from December 2022 to August 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Study samples were drawn from the general population, and 12 nasal anthropometric variables were measured, including 7 linear and 5 angular variables, by taking digital photographs from frontal and lateral views. Anthropometric landmarks and measurements were obtained as previously described by Farkas et al. Photographs were analyzed using Adobe Photoshop CS4 software, and facial landmarks were identified. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t test to assess the mean and SD with differences (P<0.05 indicated a significant value). After statistical analysis, the results were compared with previously published standards for other races. Exactly 420 Saudi Arabian volunteers were examined to compare nasal anthropometric variables. All 12 nasal anthropometric variables differed significantly between male and female individuals. Anthropometry of the nose has an enormous miscellaneous relationship between sexes and populations of different geographic areas. It is important to create average anthropometric measurements for different groups for successful plastic surgery and rhinoplasty.

PMID:38408327 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000010017

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Study of Topography of Stylomastoid Foramen With Respect to Nearby Landmarks to Carry Out Facial Nerve Block With Minimum Complications

J Craniofac Surg. 2024 Feb 26. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000010066. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Nadbath facial nerve block is the most common procedure to anesthetize the facial nerve at stylomastoid foramen in intraocular surgeries, but it is associated with complications. Also, this foramen exhibits ethnic and racial variations with regard to its location. There is scanty literature describing the topographical location of this foramen. So, the study is carried out. The purpose of the study is to describe the topography of stylomastoid foramen from the surrounding landmarks so that Nadbath facial nerve block can be performed with minimum complications. The study was conducted using 80 adult dry skulls of unknown age and sex, and the distance of this foramen was measured from the tip, upper end, and lower end of the anterior border of the mastoid process and jugular foramen. The statistical analysis consisting of mean, SD, median, range mode, and t test was calculated. Mean distances of stylomastoid foramen from the upper end, the lower end of anterior border and tip of mastoid process and jugular foramen on right side were 1.5±0.16, 1.02±0.09, 0.84±0.09, and 0.49±0.06 cm and those on left side were 1.5±0.16, 1.02±0.09, 0.84±0.09, and 0.5±0.06 cm, respectively. The mode of these distances was 1.5, 1, 0.8, and 0.5, both on the right and left sides. The topographic information about stylomastoid foramen given in this study is useful to anesthetists to carry out Nadbath facial nerve block successfully with minimum complications.

PMID:38408324 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000010066

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Rechallenge With High-Dose Methotrexate After Treatment With Glucarpidase in Adult Patients With Lymphoma

JCO Oncol Pract. 2024 Feb 26:OP2300628. doi: 10.1200/OP.23.00628. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Limited evidence exists regarding methotrexate (MTX) resumption after patients with lymphoma receive glucarpidase for toxic MTX levels and acute kidney injury (AKI).

METHODS: This retrospective review included adults with lymphoma treated with glucarpidase after MTX at Mayo Clinic between January 31, 2020, and October 10, 2022. Descriptive statistics summarize patient characteristics and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS: Of 11 patients treated with glucarpidase after MTX, seven (64%) were rechallenged with MTX. Indications for MTX rechallenge included confirmed CNS disease (n = 6, 86%) and intravascular lymphoma (n = 1, 14%). Compared with the nonrechallenged subgroup, before receiving MTX that required glucarpidase rescue, the rechallenged patients had lower median pretreatment serum creatinine (Scr; 0.7 v 1.2 mg/dL), and none had AKI with previous MTX doses, n = 0 (0%) versus n = 2 (50%). During the MTX dose requiring glucarpidase rescue, the rechallenged group had lower median peak Scr (1.26 v 3.32 mg/dL) and lower incidence of AKI stage III (n = 1 [14%] v n = 3 [75%]), and none of the rechallenged patients required renal replacement therapy (RRT; n = 0 [0%] v n = 1 [25%]). At the first rechallenge after glucarpidase administration, the median MTX dose reduction was 56% (range, 46%-75%), and the lowest used dose when prescribed according to each treatment protocol schedule was 1.5 g/m2. Two (29%) patients experienced AKI (n = 1 stage I, n = 1 stage II) after MTX rechallenge. Zero patients required RRT, and zero required another glucarpidase administration. Six (86%) patients completed all recommended MTX doses.

CONCLUSION: In selected adults with lymphoma who required glucarpidase for toxic MTX levels after administration of high-dose MTX, resumption of MTX therapy at lower doses is safe. Patients selected for MTX resumption had experienced less severe AKI during the previous cycle compared with those not selected for MTX resumption.

PMID:38408299 | DOI:10.1200/OP.23.00628

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Impact of Premedication De-Escalation on Incidence of Infusion-Related Reactions With Daratumumab

JCO Oncol Pract. 2024 Feb 26:OP2300470. doi: 10.1200/OP.23.00470. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Daratumumab is an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody used to treat multiple myeloma and light chain amyloidosis. Because daratumumab may cause reactions after intravenous or subcutaneous (SC) administration, the manufacturer labeling recommends administration of premedications before every dose. Given incidence of infusion reactions appears to be rare after cycle 1, in April 2022, the Mayo Clinic implemented a practice change in which premedications were omitted from all daratumumab order sets after completion of cycle 1. This study investigated the safety of this practice.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review at the Mayo Clinic reviewed eligible patients with multiple myeloma or amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis who received their first dose of daratumumab within the 4 months preceding the date of implementation (preimplementation group) or no more than 4 months after (postimplementation group) the date of implementation on April 13, 2022. Data were collected only from the first eight once per week doses of daratumumab. The primary outcome was the incidence of infusion-related reactions. Data analyzed used descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Nearly all patients (95.9%) received daratumumab by SC route of administration. Of the 97 patients in the preimplementation group, >90% received premedications throughout cycles 1 and 2, and five patients (5.2%) experienced infusion reactions. Of 72 patients in the postimplementation group, <20% received premedications during cycle 2 and three patients (4.2%) experienced infusion reactions. All infusion reactions occurred within the first daratumumab cycle, indicating elimination of cycle 2 premedications did not cause any infusion reactions. No patient experienced more than one infusion reaction.

CONCLUSION: Omission of premedications after cycle 1 of daratumumab did not increase the incidence of infusion. Premedications may safely be omitted after cycle 1 of daratumumab when administered by the SC route.

PMID:38408288 | DOI:10.1200/OP.23.00470

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Outcome Reporting Bias in Clinical Trials Researching Disease-Modifying Therapy in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Neurology. 2024 Mar 26;102(6):e208032. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000208032. Epub 2024 Feb 26.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Outcome reporting bias occurs when publication of trial results is dependent on clinical significance, thereby threatening the validity of trial results. Research on immunomodulatory drugs in multiple sclerosis has thrived in recent years. We aim to comprehensively examine to what extent outcome reporting bias is present in these trials and the possible underlying factors.

METHODS: We identified clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of immunomodulatory drugs in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) registered in ClinicalTrials.gov after September 2007 and completed before the end of 2018. Information about study design, type of funding, and primary and secondary outcome measures was extracted from the registry. Timing of registration in relation to study initiation and subsequent amendments to the planned outcomes were reviewed. Publications related to these trials were identified in several bibliographic databases using the trial registration number. Registered primary and secondary outcomes were recorded for each trial and compared with outcomes in the publication describing the main outcomes of the trial.

RESULTS: A search of ClinicalTrials.gov identified 535 eligible registered clinical trials; of these, 101 had a matching publication. Discrepancies between registered and published primary and secondary outcomes were found in 95% of the trials, including discrepancies between the registered and published primary outcomes in 26 publications. Forty-four percent of the published secondary outcomes were not included in the registry. A similar proportion of registered and nonregistered reported primary efficacy outcomes were positive (favoring the intervention). Nonindustry-funded and open-label trials in MS were more prone to selective primary outcome reporting, although these findings did not reach statistical significance. Only two-thirds of the trials were registered in ClinicalTrials.gov before the trial start date, and 62% of trials made amendments in registered outcomes during or after the trial period.

DISCUSSION: Selective outcome reporting is prevalent in trials of disease-modifying drugs in people with MS. We propose methods to diminish the occurrence of this bias in future research.

PMID:38408286 | DOI:10.1212/WNL.0000000000208032

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Outcomes in Adult Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Trials: Assessment of Similarity Among Participants with Adolescent-Onset and Adult-Onset Disease

J Crohns Colitis. 2024 Feb 26:jjae030. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjae030. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Most pediatric IBD studies are performed after medications are approved in adults and the majority of participants in these studies are adolescents. We hypothesized that adolescent-onset IBD is not fundamentally different than adult-onset IBD. If this is correct, the value of delaying access to novel drugs in adolescents becomes questioned.

METHODS: Data from 11 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled adult phase 2 and 3 trials of 4 biologics were analyzed. Participants were categorized as having adolescent- or adult-onset disease (diagnosed 12 to <18, or ≥18 years). Multivariable modelling explored the association between age at diagnosis and response to treatment after adjustment for disease duration, extent, and severity at baseline. Data from dose arms were pooled to evaluate similarity of therapeutic response between adolescent- and adult-onset IBD within the same trial (not between doses or across trials). Ratios of odds ratios between the two groups were evaluated.

RESULTS: Data from 6,283 study participants (2,575 with Crohn’s disease [CD], 3,708 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) were evaluated. Of 2,575 study participants with CD, 325 were 12-<18 years old at diagnosis; 836 participants (32.4%) received placebo. Of 3,708 participants with UC, 221 were 12-<18 years old at diagnosis; 1,212 (33%) were receiving placebo. The majority of the ratios of ORs were within two-fold, suggesting that responses in adolescent and adult-onset participants are generally similar.

CONCLUSION: Data presented lend support for extrapolating efficacy of biologics from adults to adolescents with IBD, which would facilitate earlier labeling and patient access.

PMID:38408273 | DOI:10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjae030

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A diverse portfolio of marine protected areas can better advance global conservation and equity

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024 Mar 5;121(10):e2313205121. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2313205121. Epub 2024 Feb 26.

ABSTRACT

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely used for ocean conservation, yet the relative impacts of various types of MPAs are poorly understood. We estimated impacts on fish biomass from no-take and multiple-use (fished) MPAs, employing a rigorous matched counterfactual design with a global dataset of >14,000 surveys in and around 216 MPAs. Both no-take and multiple-use MPAs generated positive conservation outcomes relative to no protection (58.2% and 12.6% fish biomass increases, respectively), with smaller estimated differences between the two MPA types when controlling for additional confounding factors (8.3% increase). Relative performance depended on context and management: no-take MPAs performed better in areas of high human pressure but similar to multiple-use in remote locations. Multiple-use MPA performance was low in high-pressure areas but improved significantly with better management, producing similar outcomes to no-take MPAs when adequately staffed and appropriate use regulations were applied. For priority conservation areas where no-take restrictions are not possible or ethical, our findings show that a portfolio of well-designed and well-managed multiple-use MPAs represents a viable and potentially equitable pathway to advance local and global conservation.

PMID:38408235 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2313205121

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Adherence to a reproductive health intervention for young adults with sickle cell

J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2024 Feb 22. doi: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000997. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The CHOICES intervention is tailored specifically for young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) or sickle cell trait (SCT). The face-to-face (F2F) delivery format is feasible with efficacy for improving knowledge about reproductive health for those with SCD or SCT.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare the participant adherence to a remote online CHOICES intervention study (N = 107) and a F2F CHOICES intervention study (N = 234).

METHODOLOGY: In both studies, participants with SCD or SCT were randomized into experimental or usual care control groups. Descriptive statistics were collected for all participants by group in both studies. Adherence was measured by retention at each data collection time point. Independent t-tests were conducted to compare mean participant adherence of the F2F and online studies postbaseline (6, 12, 18, and 24 months).

RESULTS: There was a significant difference in mean adherence postbaseline between the studies (p = .005). The results suggest that more research is necessary for proper online participant retention.

CONCLUSION: Advance practice nurses that are well informed on CHOICES can transmit the availability of this evidence-based intervention to this special population. Special referral for the CHOICES intervention, which is tailored specifically for young adults with SCD or SCT, may increase adherence to the intervention if it comes from trusted health care providers.

IMPLICATIONS: Nurse practitioners are educators in primary and acute care settings. Encounters with reproductive age populations with SCD or SCT can occur in both settings.

PMID:38408228 | DOI:10.1097/JXX.0000000000000997

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Stakeholders’ Perspectives on an Area Agency on Aging Serving Urban Older Adults

J Aging Soc Policy. 2024 Feb 26:1-20. doi: 10.1080/08959420.2024.2321089. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), authorized by the 1965 Older Americans Act, seek to promote “age-friendly” communities by offering services that help older adults live independently. This study used Qualtrics survey data (n = 94 respondents) to identify unmet needs for AAA services in the Detroit metropolitan area. Descriptive statistical analyses were used for closed-ended items and content analysis was used to identify themes from open-ended questions. This needs assessment aims to provide the opportunity for in-depth, meaningful input from stakeholders about areas relevant to strategic planning efforts that enhance and enrich older adult programming in an urban AAA service area. Key themes included the need to collaborate with transportation providers, partner with healthcare and hospitals, market the agency to enhance visibility, promote aging in place, address demographic changes, and improve access to older adult services and caregiver support. Findings suggest the importance of providing accessible, high-quality services that promote aging in place through community outreach and collaboration activities.

PMID:38408208 | DOI:10.1080/08959420.2024.2321089