Nevin Manimala

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Mar 19. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-19690-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The degree of developmental stability of individuals and populations is most often estimated by their level of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) – the random deviations from perfect symmetry. In our previous work, we recorded high levels of FA (FAMI index: frequency of asymmetric manifestation of an individual) in Pelophylax ridibundus populations that inhabit biotopes at Sazliyka River, south Bulgaria with high levels of anthropogenic pollution (domestic sewage pollution). At the same time, in the biotopes located in the upper reaches of the river (less disrupted habitats), the populations showed low levels of FA. Currently, we present the results of the study of the values of several morphological parameters: snout-vent length (SVL), body weight (BW), and body condition factor (CF) in the same populations of P. ridibundus. In addition, we evaluate the correlation between the values of these morphological parameters and the values of fluctuating asymmetry (the FAMI index), using the Kendall rank correlation analysis. The analysis of the relationships between the parameters characterizing the physical fitness of frogs and the indicator of developmental stability – the FAMI index – did not establish statistically significant correlations in the analyses in the whole groups of P. ridibundus from each site and in the correlations between sexes. We believe that the approaches to the study of developmental stability (analysis of fluctuating asymmetry levels) and those related to the assessment of physical fitness (health status) of frogs should be applied independently of each other.

PMID:35306652 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-19690-1

Diabetes Ther. 2022 Mar 20. doi: 10.1007/s13300-022-01240-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) is an important marker for diabetes care management. With the increasing use of new technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and point-of-care testing (POCT), patients and their physicians have been able to monitor and continuously check their blood glucose levels in an efficient and timely manner. This study aimed to investigate the level of agreement between the standard laboratory test for HbA1c (Lab-HbA1c) with point-of-care testing (POCT-HbA1c) and glucose monitoring index (GMI) derived by intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM) or estimated average glucose (eAG) derived by conventional self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) devices.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Diabetes Treatment Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Saudi Arabia, between May and December 2020 with 81 patients with diabetes who used the isCGM system (n = 30) or conventional finger-pricking SMBG system (n = 51). At the same visit, venous and capillary blood samples were taken for routine HbA1c analysis by the standard laboratory and POCT methods, respectively. Also, for isCGM users, the GMI data for 28 days (GMI-28) and 90 days (GMI-90) were obtained, while for SMBG users, eAG data for 30 days (eAG-30) and 90 days (eAG-90) were calculated. The limits of agreement in different HbA1c measurements were evaluated using a Bland-Altman analysis. Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses were also performed.

RESULTS: Based on the Bland-Altman analysis, HbA1c levels for 96.7% and 96.1% of the patients analyzed by the POCT and the standard laboratory methods were within the range of the 95% limit of agreement in both isCGM and conventional SMBG users, respectively. About 93.3% of the GMI measurements were within the 95% limit of agreement. Also, about 94.12% of the eAG-30 and 90.2% of the eAG-90 measurements were within the 95% limit of agreement. Moreover, the correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive correlation and linear regression among Lab-HbA1c, POCT-HbA1c, GMI, and eAG in both conventional SMBG and isCGM users (all p < 0.001). These positive results persisted significantly after adjusting for different factors (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: GMI derived by isCGM or eAG derived by conventional SMBG systems, as well as the POCT-HbA1c measurements, showed a high level of agreement; therefore, we recommend them as potential methods for diabetes monitoring, especially when a rapid result is needed or with patients with uncontrolled diabetes or on intensive insulin therapy.

PMID:35306640 | DOI:10.1007/s13300-022-01240-0

Psychometrika. 2022 Mar 20. doi: 10.1007/s11336-022-09856-8. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:35306632 | DOI:10.1007/s11336-022-09856-8

Psychometrika. 2022 Mar 20. doi: 10.1007/s11336-022-09854-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Studies with sensitive questions should include a sufficient number of respondents to adequately address the research interest. While studies with an inadequate number of respondents may not yield significant conclusions, studies with an excess of respondents become wasteful of investigators’ budget. Therefore, it is an important step in survey sampling to determine the required number of participants. In this article, we derive sample size formulas based on confidence interval estimation of prevalence for four randomized response models, namely, the Warner’s randomized response model, unrelated question model, item count technique model and cheater detection model. Specifically, our sample size formulas control, with a given assurance probability, the width of a confidence interval within the planned range. Simulation results demonstrate that all formulas are accurate in terms of empirical coverage probabilities and empirical assurance probabilities. All formulas are illustrated using a real-life application about the use of unethical tactics in negotiation.

PMID:35306631 | DOI:10.1007/s11336-022-09854-w

Clin Oral Investig. 2022 Mar 20. doi: 10.1007/s00784-022-04458-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Posterior teeth intrusion is one of the best treatment options for treatment of skeletal open bite in adults; the surrounding anatomical landmarks are one of the restraining factors. This study aimed to assess the vertical relationship between the maxillary posterior teeth (MPT) and the maxillary sinus floor (MSF) in different facial growth patterns in the Chinese adult population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cone beam computed tomography images of 298 patients, 145 males and 153 females aged between 20 and 45 years, were analyzed. Based on Jarabak ratio and the mandibular plane inclination, the sample was categorized into 94 hyperdivergent, 102 hypodivergent, and 102 normodivergent facial patterns subjects. The vertical relationship between the root-apex distances were classified as favorable, indicating no contact (type 1), or unfavorable, indicating roots in contact (type 2) for the posterior teeth intrusion. The relationship in the unfavorable group was subdivided into three subgroups (T2C, T2LC, and T2P). Comparative statistical tests were done related to age, gender, tooth side, and type of multiplanar view (sagittal and coronal). The significant level was set to be P < 0.05.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean distance between both genders in the hyperdivergent group (P < 0.001). The measured distance increased with age in all tooth roots (P < 0.001). In both sagittal and coronal views, the most frequent root scores were type 1 and type 2p (54.2%, 27.5%) and (55.1%, 21.4%), respectively. The hyperdivergent group demonstrated a higher prevalence of type 2P (31.6% and 25.5%), whereas the hypodivergent group showed a lower prevalence (25.1% and 19.2%); furthermore, the second molar’s mesiobuccal root in hyperdivergent patients showed the closest distance to the maxillary sinus in sagittal and coronal views, 0.3 ± 3.7 and 0.4 ± 3.1 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary molars of hyperdivergent patients have the highest possible risk of root resorption due to the possible risk of cortical bone encroachment, while hypodivergent patients have the least possible risk.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of apex-sinus distances can be of great help for safe posterior teeth intrusion and providing correct and adequate treatment.

PMID:35306610 | DOI:10.1007/s00784-022-04458-1

Eur J Epidemiol. 2022 Mar 20. doi: 10.1007/s10654-022-00853-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This mixed design synthesis aimed to estimate the infection fatality rate (IFR) of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in community-dwelling elderly populations and other age groups from seroprevalence studies. Protocol: https://osf.io/47cgb . Eligible were seroprevalence studies done in 2020 and identified by any of four existing systematic reviews; with ≥ 500 participants aged ≥ 70 years; presenting seroprevalence in elderly people; aimed to generate samples reflecting the general population; and whose location had available data on cumulative COVID-19 deaths in elderly (primary cutoff ≥ 70 years; ≥ 65 or ≥ 60 also eligible). We extracted the most fully adjusted (if unavailable, unadjusted) seroprevalence estimates; age- and residence-stratified cumulative COVID-19 deaths (until 1 week after the seroprevalence sampling midpoint) from official reports; and population statistics, to calculate IFRs adjusted for test performance. Sample size-weighted IFRs were estimated for countries with multiple estimates. Thirteen seroprevalence surveys representing 11 high-income countries were included in the main analysis. Median IFR in community-dwelling elderly and elderly overall was 2.9% (range 1.8-9.7%) and 4.5% (range 2.5-16.7%) without accounting for seroreversion (2.2% and 4.0%, respectively, accounting for 5% monthly seroreversion). Multiple sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. IFR was higher with larger proportions of people > 85 years. The IFR of COVID-19 in community-dwelling elderly is lower than previously reported.

PMID:35306604 | DOI:10.1007/s10654-022-00853-w

Jpn J Ophthalmol. 2022 Mar 20. doi: 10.1007/s10384-022-00911-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the characteristics of retinal detachment (RD) and compare the outcomes of surgical interventions, such as scleral buckling (SB), pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), or PPV combined with SB, conducted on holidays and on workdays to determine the optimal surgical timing for primary RD treatment in clinical practice.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS: The cohort included 3178 patients with primary RD registered in the Japan Retinal Detachment Registry between February 2016 and March 2017. Surgery data were divided into holiday and workday groups. A descriptive analysis of primary RD characteristics was performed, and the outcomes for each surgical intervention were assessed. The primary outcome was anatomical failure at 6 months post-surgery classified as follows: level 1, inoperable state; level 2, anatomical recovery with silicone-oil use; and level 3, additional surgery required for RD repair.

RESULTS: The holiday group comprised 108 and the workday, 3070 cases of primary RD. Compared with those in the workday group, surgery in the holiday group took longer (PPV, P < 0.0001; SB, P = 0.047) and was performed by less experienced surgeons (P = 0.014). However, there were no statistically significant differences in surgical failure 6 months post-surgery between the workday and holiday groups.

CONCLUSION: Although surgery conducted on holidays and workdays was not significantly different in terms of outcome, some surgery should be postponed with proper preoperative interim measures to limit RD progress until it can be conducted on workdays by a well-prepared team.

PMID:35306598 | DOI:10.1007/s10384-022-00911-6

World J Surg. 2022 Mar 19. doi: 10.1007/s00268-022-06501-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recommendations regarding the timing of cholecystectomy for acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) require a systematic summary of current evidence to guide clinical practice. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing early cholecystectomy (EC) versus delayed cholecystectomy (DC) in patients with ABP.

METHODS: We searched databases Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials addressing this question. Pairs of reviewers abstracted data and assessed the risk of bias in included studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was done to study the effect of the timing of cholecystectomy on outcomes of interest in patients with ABP. GRADE methodology was used to rate the quality in the body of evidence for each outcome as high, moderate, low, or very low.

RESULTS: 11 randomized trials (1176 participants) were included. High-quality evidence from seven RCTs (867 participants) showed a statistically significant reduction in the risk for recurrent biliary events in favour of early cholecystectomy (RR 0.10, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.19, I² = 0%). High-quality evidence from five trials was in favour of early cholecystectomy with a significant reduction in the risk 7of recurrent pancreatitis (RAP) in comparison to delayed cholecystectomy (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.51, I² = 0%).

CONCLUSION: This review showed that EC has definite advantages over DC in terms of reducing recurrent pancreaticobiliary events and LOS following mild ABP. However, more RCTs are required to study the role of EC in patients with moderately-severe and severe ABP. Trial Registration Protocol registered on Prospero (CRD42020192823).

PMID:35306590 | DOI:10.1007/s00268-022-06501-4

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2022 Mar 20:dgac171. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgac171. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Accelerated reproductive aging, in women indicated by early natural menopause, is associated with increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in observational studies. Conversely, an adverse CHD risk profile has been suggested to accelerate menopause.

OBJECTIVES: To study the direction and evidence for causality of the relationship between reproductive aging and (non-)fatal CHD and CHD risk factors in a bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach, using age at natural menopause (ANM) genetic variants as a measure for genetically determined reproductive aging in women. We also studied the association of these variants with CHD risk (factors) in men.

DESIGN: Two-sample MR, using both cohort data as well as summary statistics, with four methods: simple and weighted median-based, standard inverse-variance weighted (IVW) regression, and MR-Egger regression.

PARTICIPANTS: Data from EPIC-CVD and summary statistics from UK Biobank and publicly available GWAS were pooled for the different analyses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CHD, CHD risk factors and ANM.

RESULTS: Across different methods of MR no association was found between genetically determined reproductive aging and CHD risk in women (Relative Risk Estimate (RRE)IVW=0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.97;1.01), or any of the CHD risk factors. Similarly, no associations were found in men. Neither did the reversed analyses show evidence for an association between CHD (risk factors) and reproductive aging.

CONCLUSION: Genetically determined reproductive aging is not causally associated with CHD risk (factors) in women, nor were the genetic variants associated in men. We found no evidence for a reverse association in a combined sample of women and men.

PMID:35306566 | DOI:10.1210/clinem/dgac171

J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2022 Mar 19;31(1):40-47. doi: 10.15403/jgld-4034.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bacterial infections are associated with high mortality rates in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Early diagnosis with the available diagnostic tools is challenging. Metabolomics is a novel technique with a widespread application in hepatology. The aims of our study were to find new biomarkers for decompensated cirrhosis and for those with overlapping bacterial infections.

METHODS: 43 patients with compensated and 54 patients with decompensated cirrhosis were enrolled in the study. In patients with decompensation, a complete infectious workup was performed at admission. Blood and ascitic fluid were collected and stored at -80° C until performing the metabolomic analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the Metaboanalyst 4.0 software.

RESULTS: 36 patients (66%) in the decompensated group were infected. Among them, 15 had multiple infections; thus, finally, 52 infections were diagnosed. The main metabolic pathways affected in patients with decompensated cirrhosis were those related to lipid metabolism, involving acylcarnitines, stearic acid derivatives, and 12/15 HETE-GABA. N-oleoyl ethanolamine was the most promising biomarker for bacterial infection diagnosis. Moreover, prostaglandin E2/D2/H2 and N-oleoyl alanine levels were higher in Gram- positive infections and ceramides (d16:2/18:0), in Gram-negative infections, respectively. L-phenylalanine (m/z=166.09) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (18:3/0:0) were the two most relevant identified ascitic biomarkers for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS: The lipid and energetic metabolic pathways were the most affected in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and those with overlapping infections.

PMID:35306561 | DOI:10.15403/jgld-4034