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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A Sustainable Solution for Reducing Draping Waste in Cleft Surgeries

Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2024 Aug 6:10556656241271706. doi: 10.1177/10556656241271706. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to reduce the waste generated from primary cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) repair.

DESIGN: A retrospective chart review examined a single surgeon’s experience with CL/P repair using standard draping technique and reduced draping technique. Fisher’s exact tests were performed comparing complication rates between techniques.

SETTING: All procedures were conducted at a single academic medical center under the care of a board-certified pediatric plastic surgeon and fellowship-trained pediatric anesthesiologists.

PATIENTS: The study included all patients ≤ 24 months of age who underwent primary CL/P repair using a reduced draping technique at the senior author’s institution. An equivalent number of patients who underwent CL/P repair by the senior author immediately prior to implementation of the reduced draping technique were included for comparison.

INTERVENTION: Patients undergoing CL/P repair before the change in technique were draped using the standard CL/P draping. The senior author then switched to using a reduced draping on all CL/P repairs afterwards.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weights and costs of both draping sets were obtained and differences calculated. A manual chart review was performed to assess rates of accidental intraoperative extubation, postoperative infection, fistula formation, and wound dehiscence.

RESULTS: The implementation of a reduced draping technique resulted in a 530 gram weight savings and $7.49 cost savings per procedure. Fisher’s exact tests revealed no statistically significant differences in complication rates except for oral mucosal dehiscence, which was lower in the reduced draping group.

CONCLUSIONS: Reduced draping in CL/P repairs significantly reduces operative waste without compromising surgical outcomes.

PMID:39105328 | DOI:10.1177/10556656241271706

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Ultrasonic Estimation of Fetal Weight: Are Averaged Triplicate Measurements More Accurate Than Single Measurements?

J Ultrasound Med. 2024 Aug 6. doi: 10.1002/jum.16545. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether, and to what extent, performing triplicate measurements can improve accuracy of estimation of fetal weight (EFW) compared to single measurements.

METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted at a single medical center. A total of 100 term parturients with an anticipated delivery within 72 hours were recruited for EFW measurements. All examinations were done with adherence to the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) guidelines. EFW was calculated using the Hadlock formula. Triplicate measurements from three different images were obtained for each parameter and the averaged values were used for clinical purposes. EFW calculated using average measurements was compared to EFW calculated using the first measurements.

RESULTS: There was a small but significant improvement in EFW when using averaged measurements compared to single measurements (mean improvement 34 ± 105 g, P = .002). Deviance from birthweight in single measurements was significantly higher compared to averaged measurements (median deviance 198 versus 148 g, respectively, P = .005). This difference was more pronounced when assessing the 75th centile (348 versus 282 g, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Using triplicate measurements instead of single measurements when performing EFW confers a small, but statistically significant, improvement to EFW accuracy. Using triplicate measurements for assessing EFW should be thus considered, especially in cases suspected of growth disorders.

PMID:39105327 | DOI:10.1002/jum.16545

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Selecting the most informative positive and negative controls for self-controlled case series (SCCS): Rationale, approach, and lessons from studies investigating the safety of COVID-19 vaccines

J Glob Health. 2024 Aug 6;14:03037. doi: 10.7189/jogh.14.03037.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39105317 | DOI:10.7189/jogh.14.03037

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Prevalence of Dental Erosive Wear and Possible Risk Factors among Adolescents and Adults in Poland – A National Survey

Oral Health Prev Dent. 2024 Aug 6;22:389-398. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b5656322.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear (ETW) and evaluate the determinants of ETW among adolescents and adults in Poland.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered three age groups of patients: 15 years old, 18 years old, and adults aged 35-44 years. Calibrated examiners measured ETW according to the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) scoring system in 6091 patients. The clinical examination of patients was preceded by a socio-medical study based on a questionnaire consisting of items identifying potential risk factors for ETW.

RESULTS: In all age groups, erosive lesions were most common in the form of initial enamel damage; more advanced lesions (BEWE 2 and 3) were rarely observed among 15-year-olds, while in the group of older adolescents and adults, the percentages were 13% and 20%, respectively. Acidic diet, gender, level of education, and medical conditions were statistically significantly associated with ETW in the examined population. The analysis showed that, depending on age, multiple and statistically significant risk factors for ETW become most apparent in the 35-44 age group, especially with regard to general health. This suggests that the long-term impact of factors and their cumulative effects are critical to the development of ETW.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large, representative study of ETW in Central and Eastern Europe among adolescents and adults, which indicates the relatively rare occurrence and severity of erosive lesions. The present findings support other longitudinal studies supporting the use of the BEWE system as a valuable standard for assessing erosive lesions and related risk factors among different populations at different ages.

PMID:39105316 | DOI:10.3290/j.ohpd.b5656322

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Prevalence of Dental Abnormalities, Soft Tissue Pathologies and Occlusion Disorders in Patients with High BMI: A Cross-sectional Study

Oral Health Prev Dent. 2024 Aug 6;22:373-380. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b5656148.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and oral disorders remains unclear. This study examined the prevalence and types of dental abnormalities and oral mucosal lesions among female students with obesity attending a Taif University sports centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This non-interventional cross-sectional study enrolled female students with high BMI from a university sports facility using a convivence sampling method. The participants were divided into three BMI groups. Data were collected using an interview and by clinical oral examination. Prevalence and oral disorder types and possible mechanisms linking BMI and dental development were evaluated.

RESULTS: Ultimately, 86 female students with obesity were analysed. The mean BMI was 42.8 kg/m2, indicating high obesity levels. A weak although statistically significant correlation was observed between age and BMI (r=0.27), indicating that older students had higher BMI. A statistically significant association was observed between BMI and dental abnormalities (p0.05). The dental abnormality prevalence increased with BMI, ranging from 37.5% to 40.7% in the ≤40 and >45 kg/m2 groups, respectively. Most participants (66.3%) had oral mucosal lesions, with the highest prevalence among participants in the 40-45 kg/m2 group (71.4%).

CONCLUSION: A statistically significant relationship was observed between BMI and dental abnormalities; obesity may negatively affect oral health.

PMID:39105314 | DOI:10.3290/j.ohpd.b5656148

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Bone Transport for Large Segmental Tibial Defects Using Taylor Spatial Frame versus the Ilizarov Circular Fixator

Orthop Surg. 2024 Aug 6. doi: 10.1111/os.14192. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Bone transport has become the gold standard for treating large segmental tibial bone defects. The technique for application the Ilizarov circular fixator (ICF) has a long learning curve and is associated with many complications. There are few clinical studies on bone transport via the Taylor spatial frame (TSF). The main purpose of this study was to compare the radiological and clinical and outcomes of bone transport by using the TSF and the ICF.

METHODS: There were 62 patients included in this retrospective study from June 2011 to June 2021 and distributed to two groups according to the fixation method: a TSF group consisting of 30 patients and an ICF group consisting of 32 patients. Demographic information, surgical duration, external fixation times, external fixation index, final radiographic results, complications, and clinical outcomes were recorded and examined. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the ASAMI criteria during the most recent clinical visit. Then, statistical analysis such as independent-samples t tests or chi-Square test was performed.

RESULTS: The mean surgical duration in the TSF group was 93.8 ± 7.3 min, which was shorter than that in the ICF group (109.8 ± 1.4 min) (p < 0.05). Compared to the ICF group (10.2 ± 2.0 months), the TSF group (9.7 ± 1.8 months) had a shorter average external fixation time (p > 0.05). The external fixation index was 1.4 ± 0.2 m/cm and 1.5 ± 0.1 m/cm in the two groups. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the two groups. At the last follow-up visit, the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA) in the TSF group were 88.1 ± 12.1° and 80.9 ± 1.3°, respectively. The MPTA and PPTA in the ICF group were 84.4 ± 2.4° and 76.2 ± 1.9°, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (all p < 0.05). The complication rate was 50% in the TSF group and 75% in the ICF group. Moreover, the ASAMI score between the two groups was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference was found in clinical outcomes between the use of Taylor spatial frame and Ilizarov circular fixator for treating large segmental tibial bone defects. However, TSF is a shorter and simpler procedure that causes fewer complications and improves limb alignment.

PMID:39105307 | DOI:10.1111/os.14192

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Sociodemographic determinants of HPV vaccine awareness, uptake, and intention among parents of adolescents in France 2021-22

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2024 Dec 31;20(1):2381300. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2381300. Epub 2024 Aug 6.

ABSTRACT

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage was <50% in France in 2022 and even lower among socially disadvantaged populations. We aimed to evaluate socio-demographic determinants of HPV vaccine awareness, uptake, and intention among parents of adolescents, and related attitudes and knowledge items. Parents of adolescents attending middle schools across France, who participated in a randomized trial responded to an anonymous baseline survey, conducted between November 2021 and February 2022. We used logistic regression models adjusting for a child’s age and sex to explore sociodemographic determinants (including at-home multilingualism, occupational categories, local deprivation index and urbanity) of HPV vaccine awareness, uptake, and intention. Among the 1889 participants from 61 schools, parents working as factory workers/farmers had significantly lower odds of vaccine awareness compared to executives/professionals, both if they reported (OR = 0.07; 0.03-0.15) or not (OR = 0.20; 0.11-0.36) speaking also another language than French at home. Parents in lower occupational categories with multilingual families were less likely to have the intention to vaccinate their child (OR = 0.19; 0.07-0.56). Recent physician visit or vaccine offer was strong positive determinants of awareness, uptake and intention. A substantial gradient across occupational categories was observed for attitudes and knowledge around HPV vaccine usefulness, safety, and accessibility. This study confirms the disparities on HPV vaccine uptake in France and provides insight into mechanisms of social disparities in HPV vaccine awareness, access and intention.

PMID:39105306 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2024.2381300

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Pleural Effusion and Invasive Hemodynamic Measurements in Advanced Heart Failure

Circ Heart Fail. 2024 Aug 6:e011253. doi: 10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.123.011253. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion is present in 50% to 80% of patients with acute heart failure, depending on image modality. We aim to describe the association between the presence and size of pleural effusion and central hemodynamics, including pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) in an advanced heart failure population.

METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study in a cohort of patients with advanced heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45%) who underwent right heart catheterization at The Department of Cardiology at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark, between January 1, 2002 and October 31, 2020. The presence and size of pleural effusion were determined by a semiquantitative score of chest x-rays or computed tomography scans performed within 2 days of right heart catheterization.

RESULTS: In 346 patients (50±13 years; 78% males) with median left ventricular ejection fraction of 20% (15-25), we identified 162 (47%) with pleural effusion. The pleural effusion size was medium in 38 (24%) and large in 30 (19%). Patients with pleural effusion had a 4.3 mm Hg (2.5-6.1) higher PCWP and 2.4 mm Hg (1.2-3.6) higher central venous pressure (P<0.001 for both). Patients with a medium/large pleural effusion had statistically significantly higher filling pressures than patients with a small effusion. Higher PCWP (odds ratio [OR], 1.06 [1.03-1.10]) and central venous pressure (OR, 1.09 [1.05-1.15]) were associated with pleural effusion in multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and heart failure medications (P<0.001 for both). In a subgroup of 204 (63%) patients with serum albumin data, PCWP (OR, 1.06 [1.01-1.11]; P=0.032), central venous pressure (OR, 1.14 [1.06-1.23]; P<0.001) and serum albumin level (OR, 0.89 [0.83-0.95]; P<0.001) were independently associated with the presence of a medium/large-sized pleural effusion.

CONCLUSIONS: In patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% undergoing right heart catheterization as part of advanced heart failure work-up, pleural effusion was associated with higher PCWP and central venous pressure and lower serum albumin.

PMID:39105292 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.123.011253

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The Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) Decrease in Chinese Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma Using the One-Wavelength Reflectometry Method

Curr Eye Res. 2024 Aug 6:1-9. doi: 10.1080/02713683.2024.2381864. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to observe the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and the relationship between MPOD and retinal thickness in Chinese primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients by the one-wavelength reflectometry method.

METHODS: This study was a prospective comparative observational study, including 39 eyes from 39 PACG patients (15 men and 24 women, mean age 61.89 ± 12.30) and 41 eyes from 41 controls (20 men and 21 women, mean age 63.24 ± 14.02). We measured the MPOD 7-degree area by the one-wavelength reflectometry method and analyzed both the max and mean optical density (OD). The central retinal thickness (CRT) and the total thickness of the macular ganglion cell layer (GCL), and inner plexiform layer (IPL)were measured by spectral-domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Statistical methods such as Shapiro-Wilk test, Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, two independent samples test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used to observe the differences in the MPOD between normal subjects and PACG patients and the correlation between the MPOD and retinal thickness.

RESULTS: The max optical density (Max OD) (PACG group: 0.302 ± 0.067d.u, control group: 0.372 ± 0.059d.u., p < .001) and mean optical density (Mean OD) (PACG group: 0.124 ± 0.035d.u., control group: 0.141 ± 0.028d.u., p < 0.05) were significantly reduced in PACG patients compared with control subjects. Significant decreases in GCL + IPL thickness (PACG group: 74.71 ± 39.56 μm, control group:113.61 ± 8.14 μm, p < 0.001) and CRT (PACG group: 254.49 ± 41.47 μm, control group:329.10 ± 18.57 μm, p < 0.001) were also observed in PACG eyes. There was no statistically significant correlation between the MPOD and GCL + IPL thickness (p = .639, p = .828).

CONCLUSIONS: MPOD was significantly lower in Chinese PACG patients than in the control group, potentially due to thinning of the GCL + IPL thickness. This study provides insights for the pathophysiology, assessment of PACG and potential guidance for lifestyle modifications.

PMID:39105271 | DOI:10.1080/02713683.2024.2381864

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Universal Lynch Syndrome Screening in Colorectal Cancer: A 5-Year Experience of a Portuguese Pathology Department

Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2024 Aug 1;32(7):350-356. doi: 10.1097/PAI.0000000000001212. Epub 2024 Aug 6.

ABSTRACT

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a prevalent genetic condition associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Accurate identification of LS patients is challenging, and a universal tumor screening approach has been recommended. We present the methodology and results of universal LS screening in our hospital’s Pathology Department. This retrospective study analyzed CRC tumors from a 5-year period (2017-2021). Immunohistochemistry was used to assess MMR protein expression, followed by BRAF V600E analysis and MLH1 promoter methylation. Statistical analysis examined associations between clinicopathologic variables MMR status and LS-suspected tumors. The study analyzed 939 colorectal carcinomas, with 8.7% exhibiting mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, significantly lower than previous research. After applying the algorithm, 24 LS-suspected cases were identified, accounting for 2.6% of tested patients and 29.3% of MMR-deficient tumors. Our study establishes the feasibility of universal testing for all new cases of CRC in detecting individuals at risk for LS, even in the absence of clinical information. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the MMR status in our population, further investigations are warranted.

PMID:39105266 | DOI:10.1097/PAI.0000000000001212