Nevin Manimala

Phys Rev Lett. 2023 Jul 28;131(4):041901. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.041901.

ABSTRACT

The first measurement of event-by-event antideuteron number fluctuations in high energy heavy-ion collisions is presented. The measurements are carried out at midrapidity (|η|<0.8) as a function of collision centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV using the ALICE detector. A significant negative correlation between the produced antiprotons and antideuterons is observed in all collision centralities. The results are compared with a state-of-the-art coalescence calculation. While it describes the ratio of higher order cumulants of the antideuteron multiplicity distribution, it fails to describe quantitatively the magnitude of the correlation between antiproton and antideuteron production. On the other hand, thermal-statistical model calculations describe all the measured observables within uncertainties only for correlation volumes that are different with respect to those describing proton yields and a similar measurement of net-proton number fluctuations.

PMID:37566856 | DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.041901

Ann Plast Surg. 2023 Sep 1;91(3):363-369. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003637.

ABSTRACT

HYPOTHESIS: Outcomes reporting for the surgical release of ulnar nerve cubital tunnel entrapment have variability in subjective, objective, and validated measures. The aim of this study is to review the literature to reassess the measures used to report surgical outcomes for ulnar neurolysis at the elbow.

METHODS: This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines on systematic reviews. Six electronic databases were queried from the past 10 years using specific search terms and Boolean operators. Two independent reviewers assessed 4290 unique titles and abstracts that were screened for inclusion criteria. Sixty-eight full text articles were included for analysis.

RESULTS: Statistical significance was noted in the number of outcome measures reported between studies from journals of impact factor within the first and third quartiles (P = 0.0086) and first and fourth quartiles (P = 0.0247), although no significance exists in the number of cubital tunnel-specific measures based on impact factor (P = 0.0783). Seventy-nine percent (n = 54) of the included studies report subjective measures; 54% (n = 37) included objective measures. Seventy percent (n = 48) of the studies report disease-specific outcome measures.

CONCLUSION: There exists a discordance within the literature regarding the most appropriate, descriptive, and translational measures for reporting surgical outcomes of cubital tunnel syndrome. We recommend journal editors implement a requirement that authors reporting outcomes of ulnar nerve decompression must use a standard, validated measure to make comparisons across the literature universal. Furthermore, a minimum of at least 1 subjective and 1 objective measure should be standard.

PMID:37566818 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003637

J Strength Cond Res. 2023 Aug 11. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004570. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Robinson, L, Murray, A, Ehlert, A, Wells, J, Jarvis, P, Turner, A, Glover, D, Coughlan, D, Hembrough, R, and Bishop, C. Effects of physical training and associations between physical performance characteristics and golf performance in female players: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-The aims of this systematic review were to assess the association between physical performance and measures of golf performance, and the effects of physical training on measures of golf performance, in female golfers. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Medline, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria required studies to (a) have conducted a physical training intervention of any duration in female players and determine the effects on measures of golf performance, (b) determine the association between physical performance in at least one test and golf performance in female players, and (c) be peer-reviewed and published in English language. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index tool, and heterogeneity was examined through the Q statistic and I2. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences (SMDs) (with 95% confidence interval [CI]s) within a random-effects model, with Egger’s regression test used to assess small study bias (inclusive of publication bias). Of the 2,378 articles screened, only 9 were included in the final review, with 3 of these being associative by design and 6 being training interventions. From an associative standpoint, clubhead speed (CHS) was reported in all 3 studies and was associated with measures of strength (r = 0.54), lower-body power (r = 0.60), upper-body power (r = 0.56-0.57), and flexibility (r = 0.52-0.71). When assessing the effects of physical training interventions, CHS was again the most commonly reported golf outcome measure (n = 5). The random-effect model indicated that CHS significantly improves within each training group following training interventions (SMD = 0.73 [95% CIs: 0.32-1.14], Z = 3.50, p < 0.001), with trivial heterogeneity (I2 = 0.00%, Q = 0.18; p = 0.9963) and no prevalence of small study bias depicted through the Egger’s regression test (z = -0.28, p = 0.78). From the available research, it seems that CHS can be positively affected from strength, power, and flexibility training interventions. From an associative standpoint, only 3 studies have been conducted solely in female players, with one showcasing questionable methodology. Future research should aim to carefully select test measures which better represent the physical capacities needed for the sport when determining the effects of and relationships with golf performance.

PMID:37566806 | DOI:10.1519/JSC.0000000000004570

Exp Physiol. 2023 Aug 11. doi: 10.1113/EP091201. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A coagulation component should be considered in phosphate kinetics modelling because intradialytic coagulation of the extracorporeal circuit and dialyser might reduce phosphate removal in haemodialysis. Thus, the objective of this study was to add and evaluate coagulation as an individual linear clearance reduction component to a promising three-compartment model assuming progressive intradialytic clotting. The model was modified and validated on intradialytic plasma and dialysate phosphate samples from 12 haemodialysis patients collected during two treatments (HD1 and HD2) at a Danish hospital ward. The most suitable clearance reduction in each treatment was identified by minimizing the root mean square error (RMSE). The model simulations with and without clearance reduction were compared based on RMSE and coefficient of determination (R² ) values. Improvements were found for 17 of the 24 model simulations when clearance reduction was added to the model. The slopes of the clearance reduction were in the range of 0.011-0.632/h. Three improvements were found to be statistically significant (|observed z value| > 1.96). A very significant correlation (R² = 0.708) between the slopes for HD1 and HD2 was found. Adding the clearance reduction component to the model seems promising in phosphate kinetics modelling and might be explained, at least in part, by intradialytic coagulation. In future studies, the model might be developed further to serve as a potentially useful tool for the quantitative detection of clotting problems in haemodialysis. NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? The aim was to add an intradialytic coagulation component to a modified version of a promising three-compartment phosphate kinetics model. The hypothesis was that circuit and dialyser clotting can be modelled by an individual linear phosphate clearance reduction component during haemodialysis treatment. What is the main finding and its importance? Improvements were found for 17 of 24 model simulations when clearance reduction was added to the model. Thus, the kinetics model seems promising and could be a useful tool for the quantitative detection of clotting problems in haemodialysis patients.

PMID:37566800 | DOI:10.1113/EP091201

Rhinology. 2023 Aug 11. doi: 10.4193/Rhin23.082. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To provide real-life data on azole treatment outcomes and the role of surgery in the current management of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis complicated by orbitocranial fungal infection (OCFI).

METHODS: Data was collected retrospectively from a chart review from four participating centers and a systematic literature review. The study group included patients with OCFI treated with azole antifungals. The control cases were treated with other antifungal agents. The cranial and orbital involvement degree was staged based on the imaging. The extent of the surgical resection was also classified to allow for inter-group comparison.

RESULTS: There were 125 patients in the azole-treated group and 153 in the control group. Among the patients with OCFI cranial extension, 23% were operated on in the azole-treated group and 18% in the control group. However, meninges and brain resection were performed only in the controls (11% of patients) and never in the azole antifungals group. Orbital involvement required surgery in 26% of azole-treated cases and 39% of controls. Despite a more aggressive cranial involvement, azole-treated patients’ mortality was significantly lower than in controls, with an OCFI-specific mortality rate of 21% vs. 52%. A similar, though not statistically significant, trend was found for the extent of the orbital disease and surgery.

CONCLUSION: Despite less aggressive surgical intervention for cranial involvement, OCFI patients treated with azoles had a higher survival rate. This finding suggests we may improve morbidity with a more conservative surgical approach in conjunction with azole treatment. The same trend is emerging for orbital involvement.

PMID:37566791 | DOI:10.4193/Rhin23.082

JCO Clin Cancer Inform. 2023 Aug;7:e2300049. doi: 10.1200/CCI.23.00049.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Selection of appropriate adjuvant therapy to ultimately reduce the risk of breast cancer (BC) recurrence is a challenge for medical oncologists. Several automated risk prediction models have been developed using retrospective clinical data and have evolved significantly over the years in terms of predictors of recurrence, data usage, and predictive techniques (statistical/machine learning [ML]).

METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic literature review of the aforementioned statistical and ML models published between January 2008 and December 2022 through searching five digital databases-PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The comprehensive search yielded a total of 163 papers and after a screening process focusing on papers that dealt exclusively with statistical/ML methods, only 23 papers were deemed appropriate for further analysis. We benchmarked the studies on the basis of development, evaluation metrics, and validation strategy with an added emphasis on racial diversity of patients included in the studies.

RESULTS: In total, 30.4% of the included studies use statistical techniques, while 69.6% are ML-based. Among these, traditional ML models (support vector machines, decision tree, logistic regression, and naïve Bayes) are the most frequently used (26.1%) along with deep learning (26.1%). Deep learning and ensemble learning provide the most accurate predictions (AUC = 0.94 each).

CONCLUSION: ML-based prediction models exhibit outstanding performance, yet their practical applicability might be hindered by limited interpretability and reduced generalization. Moreover, predictive models for BC recurrence often focus on limited variables related to tumor, treatment, molecular, and clinical features. Imbalanced classes and the lack of open-source data sets impede model development and validation. Furthermore, existing models predominantly overlook African and Middle Eastern populations, as they are trained and validated mainly on Caucasian and Asian patients.

PMID:37566789 | DOI:10.1200/CCI.23.00049

Rev Alerg Mex. 2023 Jun 28;70(2):72-79. doi: 10.29262/ram.v70i2.1117.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence, causes and risk factors of ADE in hospitalized patients of a General Hospital.

METHODS: Observational and analytical case-control study, carried out in patients hospitalized for adverse drug events, treated at the Hospital General Dr. Eduardo Vázquez N, in Puebla, Mexico, between, June 2019 to June 2021. For the statistical analysis, percentages, frequencies, means, odds ratio, χ2, and multiple binary logistic regression were used. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 23 program.

RESULTS: A total of 132 patients (66 cases and 66 controls) were registered. Of the group of cases, 26 patients treated for medication error and 40 with adverse drug reaction were reported. The prevalence of adverse drug events was 3.6%. The drugs and factors associated with the most reported adverse events were: antibiotics, anti-inflammatories; average age of 35 years (SD: 17.41); gender: 39.3% men, 60.7% women; services re-ported with the greatest attention: Emergencies and Surgery; frequent route of administration: intravenous (32.3%); main symptoms: skin; symptoms associated with adverse drug reactions: type A pruritus [OR: 8.5, p = 0.001(CI95%: 0.035-0.393)], type B pruritus [OR: 11, p = 0.001 (CI95%: 0.021-0.368)]; urticaria [OR: 19, p = 0.005(CI95%: 0.007-0.412)]. Risk factors associated with adverse events were: female gender [OR: 2.6, p = 0.05 (CI95%: 1.33-5.43)], history of allergy [OR: 3.4, p = 0.033 (CI95%: 1.04-8.40)] and prolonged hospital stay [OR: 5.4, p = 0.023 (CI95%: 3.82-6.74)].

CONCLUSIONS: The majority of ADEs were EM or ADR type A, both preventable reactions, so patient safety should be a priority when prescribing.

PMID:37566770 | DOI:10.29262/ram.v70i2.1117

Rev Alerg Mex. 2023 Jun 28;70(2):55-63. doi: 10.29262/ram.v70i2.1151.

ABSTRACT

OBJETIVE: To describe the phenotype of DRESS syndrome induced by antituberculosis drugs.

METHODS: Descriptive study, withdrawn from the review of the records of patients with DRESS syndrome, identified in the interconsultation of the Department of Research in Immunogenetics and Allergy, of the Insti-tuto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) Ismael Cosío Villegas, among 2014 and 2020. Frequency analysis was performed. The associations between biomarkers and latency are calculated with the χ2 test and log-rank, and the evaluation of the change in the biomarkers with the Wilcoxon test. The value of p < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. For data analysis, the SPSS v.21 program was obtained.

RESULTS: 15 patients were identified; represented by 0.02% of total cases treated in the Department for so-meimmuno-allergic condition (15/7052); the main symptomatology were: rash (100%), eosinophilia (93%), fe-ver (80%), adenomegaly (60%), kidney damage (40%), liver damage (33%), and latency of 21 days. Liver damage was associated with prolonged latency (p = 0.02). After treatment, the total levels of eosinophils (p < 0.001) and liver and kidney biomarkers (p < 0.04) decreased. DRESS syndrome induced by antituberculosis drugs is not associated with the number of drugs prescribed or with the pattern of resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

CONCLUSIONS: DRESS syndrome induced by antituberculosis drugs is an atypical clinical reaction, similar to other types of DRESS syndrome that respond favorably to systemic corticosteroids.

PMID:37566768 | DOI:10.29262/ram.v70i2.1151

Rev Alerg Mex. 2023 May 24;70(1):8-14. doi: 10.29262/ram.v70i1.1204.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To characterize demographically and clinically the patients with anaphylaxis treated in a third level health institution in Medellin, Colombia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out, which includedpatients were diagnosed with anaphylaxis between 2009 and 2019. Information was retrieved from medical records through a collection instrument. Subsequently, a descriptive statistical analysis of proportions and measures of central tendency of the variables of interest was performed.

RESULTS: A total of 1820 records were reviewed and data from 253 patients were included. Among the reported comorbidities, drug allergy was the most prevalent (28%). The most frequent manifestations of anaphylaxis were cutaneous and respiratory. Most of the cases presented basal tryptase values ≤ 11.4 ng/mL (94.7%). Different etiological agents (food, drugs, insects and latex) were reported, and their frequency varied according to age. Adrenaline, steroids, and antihistamines were the treatments of choice in 39.9, 34.3, and 39.9% of cases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of anaphylaxis in a medical center in Colombia coincide with those reported in Latin American. The treatment of anaphylaxis is not standardized, which makes it necessary to educate the health personnel and develop national guidelines.

PMID:37566751 | DOI:10.29262/ram.v70i1.1204

J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2023 Jun 29;13(3):185-193. doi: 10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_220_22. eCollection 2023 May-Jun.

ABSTRACT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the nature and prevalence of misconduct in self and nonself-reported biomedical research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A detailed review of previously conducted studies was conducted through PubMed Central, PubMed, and Google Scholar using MeSH terms: “scientific misconduct,” “Publications,” “plagiarism,” and “authorship,” and keywords: scientific misconduct, gift authorship, ghost authorship, and duplicate publication. MeSH terms and keywords were searched in combinations using Boolean operators “AND” and “OR.” Of 7771 articles that appeared in the search, 107 were selected for inspection. The articles were screened for their quality and inclusion criteria. Finally, 16 articles were selected for meta-analysis. Data analysis was conducted using an Open-Source, Open Meta Analyst, statistical software using the package “metaphor.”

RESULTS: Plagiarism, data fabrication, and falsification were prevalent in most articles reviewed. The prevalence of research misconduct for plagiarism was 4.2% for self-reported and 27.9% for nonself-reported studies. Data fabrication was 4.5% in self-reported and 21.7% in nonself-reported studies. Data falsification was 9.7% in self-reported and 33.4% in nonself-reported studies, with significant heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis gives a pooled estimate of the misconduct in research done in biomedical fields such as medicine, dental, pharmacy, and others across the world. We found that there is an alarming rate of misconduct in recent nonself-reported studies, and they were higher than that in the self-reported studies.

PMID:37566729 | PMC:PMC10411296 | DOI:10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_220_22