Nevin Manimala

J Acad Nutr Diet. 2024 Aug 10:S2212-2672(24)00751-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.08.001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) includes a lacto-ovo vegetarian pattern (the Healthy Vegetarian Dietary Pattern; HVDP) as one recommended dietary patterns during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To adapt the HVDP for vegan, ovo-vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, and pescatarian diets during pregnancy.

DESIGN: Using food pattern modeling, four adaptations of the HVDP were developed at energy levels that may be appropriate during pregnancy (1800, 2000, 2200, 2400, and 2600 kcal/day). Models were run both with and without the addition of a composite prenatal supplement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Main outcome measures were macro- and micronutrient adequacy without exceeding recommendations for saturated fat and added sugar.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED: The 2020-2025 DGA Food Pattern Modeling Report was used to define food groups and nutrients in the HVDP. The HVDP was revised to remove dairy and/or eggs or to add seafood.

RESULTS: Across all examined energy levels (1800, 2000, 2200, 2400, and 2600 kcal per day), modeled dietary patterns provided sufficient macronutrients. Without prenatal supplements, each dietary pattern met most, but not all, micronutrient recommendations. Micronutrients that were below recommendations in patterns without supplements included vitamin D, iron, vitamin E, sodium, and choline. With the addition of an “composite” prenatal supplement to these patterns, the nutrients below 100% of recommendations were vitamin D, choline, and sodium.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these results show that a HVDP and similar diets without meat, eggs, dairy, and/or seafood can provide most nutrients needed during pregnancy, albeit with some micronutrient challenges similar to those diets that include meat and other animal products.

PMID:39134141 | DOI:10.1016/j.jand.2024.08.001

J Am Coll Radiol. 2024 Aug 10:S1546-1440(24)00690-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2024.07.024. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Currently, computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) for evaluating acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in Emergency Departments (EDs) is overused and with low yields. The goal of this study is to assess the impact of an evidence-based clinical decision support (CDS) tool, aimed at optimizing appropriate use of CTPA for evaluating PE.

METHODS: The study was performed at EDs in a large healthcare system and included 9 academic and community hospitals. The primary outcome was the percent difference in utilization (number of CTPA performed/number of ED visits) and secondary outcome was yield (percentage of CTPA positive for acute PE), comparing 12 months before (6/1/2021-5/31/2022) vs. 12 months after (6/1/2022-5/31/2023) a system-wide implementation of the CDS. Univariate and multivariable analyses using logistic regression were performed to assess factors associated with diagnosis of acute PE. Statistical process control (SPC) charts were used to assess monthly trends in utilization and yield.

RESULTS: Among 931,677 visits to Emergency Departments, 28,101 CTPAs were performed on 24,675 patients. 14,825 CTPAs were performed among 455,038 visits (3.26%) pre-intervention; 13,276 among 476,639 visits (2.79%) post-intervention, a 14.51% relative decrease in CTPA utilization (chi-square, p<0.001). CTPA yield remained unchanged (1371/14825=9.25% pre- vs. 1184/13276=8.92% post-intervention; chi-square, p=0.34). Patients with COVID diagnosis prior to CTPA had higher probability of acute PE. SPC charts demonstrated seasonal variation in utilization (Friedman test, p=0.047).

DISCUSSION: Implementing a CDS based on validated decision rules was associated with a significant reduction in CTPA utilization. The change was immediate and sustained for 12 months post-intervention.

PMID:39134106 | DOI:10.1016/j.jacr.2024.07.024

Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2024 Aug 12. doi: 10.1089/fpsam.2024.0046. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: The distribution of lip shapes in young females and how morphological variation relates to attractiveness are poorly defined. Objectives: We hypothesized that among young female lip images generated by a statistical atlas model, those with more full lips compared with those with less full lips would be perceived as more attractive as measured by anonymous survey participants. Method: A statistical atlas of lip morphology was created using photographs of 700 women aged 18-35 years. The average lip shape was determined by coregistering and averaging images. Morphological variation was analyzed using principal component analysis. The relationship between attractiveness and observed lip morphologies was assessed using publicly distributed surveys. Results: In total, 428 survey responses were obtained. We developed a statistical model of variation of lip shape in the population and its relationship to attractiveness. The most attractive lips were significantly fuller than the average shape in the population, with greater vertical height and surface area. Conclusion: A statistical atlas can provide a visual guide to variation in lip shape in the population. The most attractive lip shapes vary significantly from the population average, lending support to procedures that increase lip height and surface area.

PMID:39134070 | DOI:10.1089/fpsam.2024.0046

J Public Health Dent. 2024 Aug 12. doi: 10.1111/jphd.12634. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the association between antibiotic prophylaxis and adverse outcomes following tooth extraction within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing dental extractions in 2015-2019. The primary exposure was antibiotic prophylaxis. The primary outcome was post-extraction complication within 7 days (e.g., alveolar osteitis and surgical site infection); the secondary outcome was subsequent medical care relating to a post-extraction oral complication within 7 days. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the independent effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on each outcome.

RESULTS: Of 385,880 visits with a dental extraction, 122,810 (31.8%) received antibiotic prophylaxis. Overall, 3387 (0.9%) experienced a post-extraction complication and 350 (0.09%) received medical care relating to a post-extraction oral complication within 7 days. In multivariable regression, diabetes was a statistically significant (p = 0.01) effect modifier of the association between antibiotic prophylaxis and post-extraction complication. Among visits for patients without diabetes, antibiotic prophylaxis was significantly associated with an increased odds of post-extraction complication (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-1.38), but among visits for patients with diabetes no significant effect was observed (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.92-1.15). Antibiotic prophylaxis was not significantly associated with post-extraction medical care (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.83-1.30).

CONCLUSIONS: In this large retrospective cohort, we observed no significant protective effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on post-extraction complications or subsequent medical care utilization in a setting with low complication rates. These data suggest that use of antibiotic prophylaxis in similar settings may need to be re-evaluated to minimize unnecessary antibiotic use.

PMID:39134053 | DOI:10.1111/jphd.12634

J Reconstr Microsurg. 2024 Aug 12. doi: 10.1055/a-2383-6916. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The rising clinical importance of assessing frailty is driven by its predictive capability for postoperative outcomes. This study assesses RAI-rev (Risk Analysis Index) effectiveness in predicting adverse outcomes in lower extremity (LE) flap reconstruction.

METHODS: Analyzing NSQIP data from 2015-2020, we compared demographics, perioperative factors, and 30-day outcomes in all locoregional and free flap cases. Frailty scores, calculated using RAI-rev, were categorized with <15 as non-frail and >35 as the most frail. Adjusted odds-ratios (aOR) for specific complications were calculated using non-frail as the reference group. Frailty scores in locoregional flaps were compared to those in free flaps.

RESULTS: We identified 270 locoregional and 107 free flap cases. Higher RAI-rev scores in locoregional flaps correlated with increased complications, such as deep surgical site infection (1% non-frail vs. 20% RAI 31-35), stroke (0% non-frail vs. 17% most-frail), and mortality (0% non-frail vs. 17% most-frail). Locoregional flap cases with RAI-rev scores in the most-frail group had a significantly elevated aOR for stroke (51.0, 95% CI: 1.8-1402.5, p=0.02), mortality (43.1, 95% CI: 1.6-1167.6, p=0.03), and any complication (6.8, 95% CI: 1.2-37.4, p=0.03). In free flap cases, higher RAI-rev scores were associated with increased complications, with only sepsis showing a statistically significant difference (6% non-frail vs. 100% most-frail; aOR 42.3, CI: 1.45 – 1245.3, p=0.03). Free flap cases had a significantly lower RAI-rev score compared to locoregional flap cases (14.91 vs. 17.64, p=0.01).

CONCLUSION: Elevated RAI-rev scores (>35) correlated with more complications in locoregional flaps, while free flap reconstruction patients had generally low RAI-rev scores. This suggests that free flaps are less commonly recommended for presumed higher-risk patients. The study demonstrates that RAI-rev may be able to serve as a risk calculator in lower extremity reconstruction, aiding in the assessment of candidates for limb salvage versus amputation.

PMID:39134048 | DOI:10.1055/a-2383-6916

Int J Epidemiol. 2024 Jun 12;53(4):dyae104. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyae104.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The impact of societal factors on the occurrence of head and neck cancers (HNCs) remains understudied, especially in the Nordic countries.

METHODS: To quantify the association between socio-economic status (SES) and the occurrence of HNCs, this cohort study uses data from the Nordic Occupational Cancer project that combine occupational and cancer registry data from 1961 to 2005 of 14.9 million individuals aged between 30 and 64 years. Occupational categories were combined into seven socio-economic categories. Standardized incidence ratio (SIR) analyses were conducted with the cancer incidence rates for the entire national study populations used as reference rates.

RESULTS: Altogether, 83 997 HNCs-72% in men and 28% in women-were recorded. Among men, a gradient of risk associated with SES was observed for cancers of the tongue, other oral cavity subsites, pharynx, oropharynx and larynx in groups with lower SES. Managers showed decreased SIRs of 0.50 to -0.90 also for cancers of the lip, tongue, other oral cavity subsites, oropharynx, nasopharynx, nose and larynx. In contrast, excess risks of tongue, other oral cavity subsites, pharyngeal, oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers were observed among clerical (SIRs 1.05-1.16), skilled workers (1.04-1.14), unskilled workers (1.16-1.26) and economically inactive men (1.38-1.87). Among women, no risk gradient similar to that in men was revealed.

CONCLUSIONS: The current study underscores the influence of SES on the incidence of HNCs and highlights the need for targeted interventions, including tobacco and alcohol control policies, and improved access to healthcare services, particularly for socio-economically disadvantaged populations.

PMID:39133936 | DOI:10.1093/ije/dyae104

Nurs Ethics. 2024 Aug 12:9697330241268901. doi: 10.1177/09697330241268901. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Belonging to the clinical environment and the professional values of the performers play a role in forming a professional identity. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the degree of connection among these concepts.

AIM: This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of professional values on the relationship between nurses’ clinical environment belongingness and professional identity.

DESIGN: In the present study, a descriptive cross-sectional multicenter design was used.

PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT: A convenient sample of 635 nurses recruited from three hospitals in Fars Province, Southern Iran, from September 2023 to January 2024. Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised, Clinical Environment Belongingness Scale, and Professional Identity Scale were used to collect the data. The mediation model was analyzed using SPSS v27 and the Process Macro 4.0.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The protocol of this study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Fasa University of Medical Sciences, and informed consent was obtained from all nurses. The study conforms to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.

RESULTS: Based on the results of regression analysis, clinical environment belongingness had a positive and significant impact on professional identity (β = 0.366, p < 0.001) and professional value (β = 0.676, p < 0.001). Professional value significantly predicted professional identity (β = 0.170, p < 0.001). The indirect effect of clinical environment belongingness on professional identity via professional values was statistically significant (β = 0.115, SE = 0.024, 95% CI = [0.068, 0.162]), and this effect was directly (β = 0.336, SE = 0.034, 95% CI = [0.297, 0.434]) significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The new theoretical framework for nurses developed in this study can contribute to professional development. It is further recommended that the promotion of professional value and clinical environment belongingness may be effective in enhancing the professional identity of the nursing staff, as indicated by the results.

PMID:39133934 | DOI:10.1177/09697330241268901

J Med Internet Res. 2024 Aug 12;26:e50275. doi: 10.2196/50275.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a measurement methodology that involves the repeated collection of real-time data on participants’ behavior and experience in their natural environment. While EMA allows researchers to gain valuable insights into dynamic behavioral processes, the need for frequent self-reporting can be burdensome and disruptive. Compliance with EMA protocols is important for accurate, unbiased sampling; yet, there is no “gold standard” for EMA study design to promote compliance.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to use a factorial design to identify optimal study design factors, or combinations of factors, for achieving the highest completion rates for smartphone-based EMAs.

METHODS: Participants recruited from across the United States were randomized to 1 of 2 levels on each of 5 design factors in a 2×2×2×2×2 design (32 conditions): factor 1-number of questions per EMA survey (15 vs 25); factor 2-number of EMAs per day (2 vs 4); factor 3-EMA prompting schedule (random vs fixed times); factor 4-payment type (US $1 paid per EMA vs payment based on the percentage of EMAs completed); and factor 5-EMA response scale type (ie, slider-type response scale vs Likert-type response scale; this is the only within-person factor; each participant was randomized to complete slider- or Likert-type questions for the first 14 days or second 14 days of the study period). All participants were asked to complete prompted EMAs for 28 days. The effect of each factor on EMA completion was examined, as well as the effects of factor interactions on EMA completion. Finally, relations between demographic and socioenvironmental factors and EMA completion were examined.

RESULTS: Participants (N=411) were aged 48.4 (SD 12.1) years; 75.7% (311/411) were female, 72.5% (298/411) were White, 18.0% (74/411) were Black or African American, 2.7% (11/411) were Asian, 1.5% (6/411) were American Indian or Alaska Native, 5.4% (22/411) belonged to more than one race, and 9.6% (38/396) were Hispanic/Latino. On average, participants completed 83.8% (28,948/34,552) of scheduled EMAs, and 96.6% (397/411) of participants completed the follow-up survey. Results indicated that there were no significant main effects of the design factors on compliance and no significant interactions. Analyses also indicated that older adults, those without a history of substance use problems, and those without current depression tended to complete more EMAs than their counterparts. No other demographic or socioenvironmental factors were related to EMA completion rates. Finally, the app was well liked (ie, system usability scale score=82.7), and there was a statistically significant positive association between liking the app and EMA compliance.

CONCLUSIONS: Study results have broad implications for developing best practices guidelines for future studies that use EMA methodologies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT05194228; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05194228.

PMID:39133915 | DOI:10.2196/50275

JMIR Form Res. 2024 Aug 12;8:e55339. doi: 10.2196/55339.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cross-neurotype differences in social communication patterns contribute to high unemployment rates among adults with autism. Adults with autism can be unsuccessful in job searches or terminated from employment due to mismatches between their social attention behaviors and society’s expectations on workplace communication.

OBJECTIVE: We propose a behavioral intervention concerning distribution of attention in triadic (three-way) conversations. Specifically, the objective is to determine whether providing personalized feedback to each individual with autism based on an analysis of their attention distribution behavior during an initial conversation session would cause them to modify their orientation behavior in a subsequent conversation session.

METHODS: Our system uses an unobtrusive head orientation estimation model to track the focus of attention of each individual. Head orientation sequences from a conversation session are analyzed based on five statistical domains (eg, maximum exclusion duration and average contact duration) representing different types of attention distribution behavior. An intervention is provided to a participant if they exceeded the nonautistic average for that behavior by at least 2 SDs. The intervention uses data analysis and video modeling along with a constructive discussion about the targeted behaviors. Twenty-four individuals with autism with no intellectual disabilities participated in the study. The participants were divided into test and control groups of 12 participants each.

RESULTS: Based on their attention distribution behavior in the initial conversation session, 11 of the 12 participants in the test group received an intervention in at least one domain. Of the 11 participants who received the intervention, 10 showed improvement in at least one domain on which they received feedback. Independent t tests for larger test groups (df>15) confirmed that the group improvements are statistically significant compared with the corresponding controls (P<.05). Crawford-Howell t tests confirmed that 78% of the interventions resulted in significant improvements when compared individually against corresponding controls (P<.05). Additional t tests comparing the first conversation sessions of the test and control groups and comparing the first and second conversation sessions of the control group resulted in nonsignificant differences, pointing to the intervention being the main effect behind the behavioral changes displayed by the test group, as opposed to confounding effects or group differences.

CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed behavioral intervention offers a useful framework for practicing social attention behavior in multiparty conversations that are common in social and professional settings.

PMID:39133914 | DOI:10.2196/55339

Interact J Med Res. 2024 Aug 12;13:e58635. doi: 10.2196/58635.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous research and safety advocacy groups have proposed various behaviors for older adults to actively engage in medication safety. However, little is known about how older adults perceive the importance and reasonableness of these behaviors in ambulatory settings.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess older adults’ perceptions of the importance and reasonableness of 8 medication safety behaviors in ambulatory settings and compare their responses with those of younger adults.

METHODS: We conducted a survey of 1222 adults in the United States using crowdsourcing to evaluate patient behaviors that may enhance medication safety in community settings. A total of 8 safety behaviors were identified based on the literature, such as bringing medications to office visits, confirming medications at home, managing medication refills, using patient portals, organizing medications, checking medications, getting help, and knowing medications. Respondents were asked about their perception of the importance and reasonableness of these behaviors on a 5-point Likert rating scale in the context of collaboration with primary care providers. We assessed the relative ranking of behaviors in terms of importance and reasonableness and examined the association between these dimensions across age groups using statistical tests.

RESULTS: Of 1222 adult participants, 125 (10.2%) were aged 65 years or older. Most participants were White, college-educated, and had chronic conditions. Older adults rated all 8 behaviors significantly higher in both importance and reasonableness than did younger adults (P<.001 for combined behaviors). Confirming medications ranked highest in importance (mean score=3.78) for both age groups while knowing medications ranked highest in reasonableness (mean score=3.68). Using patient portals was ranked lowest in importance (mean score=3.53) and reasonableness (mean score=3.49). There was a significant correlation between the perceived importance and reasonableness of the identified behaviors, with coefficients ranging from 0.436 to 0.543 (all P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Older adults perceived the identified safety behaviors as more important and reasonable than younger adults. However, both age groups considered a behavior highly recommended by professionals as the least important and reasonable. Patient engagement strategies, common and specific to age groups, should be considered to improve medication safety in ambulatory settings.

PMID:39133905 | DOI:10.2196/58635