Nevin Manimala

Brain Behav. 2021 Aug 1. doi: 10.1002/brb3.2297. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is no clear time point for the onset of depression and anxiety in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and their atypical physical symptoms often overlap with other nonmotor symptoms. Autonomic dysfunction usually appears earlier than motor symptoms, seriously impairing activities of daily living (ADL), even quality of life. Whether autonomic dysfunction can affect depression and anxiety in PD patients through ADL is still unclear.

METHODS: We conducted three progressive autoregressive mediation models to evaluate whether ADL may mediate the association between autonomic symptom burden, where the mediation chain with autonomic function as an independent variable, ADL as a mediating variable, and anxiety and depression as dependent variables. The ADL of PD patients were measured by the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson’s disease-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT) and Modified Schwab and England ADL scale, respectively, and the status of depression and anxiety were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

RESULTS: There were 338 PD patients, including 220 males and 118 females. Demographic information, including age, gender, and education level, were not correlated with the depression and anxiety. Model III had the smallest AIC (AIC = 12,669.89), and the cross-lagged relations were not statistically significant, so we selected Model II as the optimal model. In Model II, longitudinal autoregressive mediated effect and longitudinal mediated effect of autonomic dysfunction affecting anxiety and depression through ADL were not statistically significant, suggesting longitudinal changes of autonomic dysfunction were independent of anxiety and depression through ADL. Contemporaneous mediated effects of autonomic dysfunction affecting anxiety and depression through ADL were statistically significant, suggesting contemporaneous autonomic dysfunction may contribute to anxiety and depression through ADL.

CONCLUSIONS: Targeted prevention and intervention measures for autonomic dysfunction and ADL should be taken to preserve and improve self-perceived life satisfaction in the clinical practice and preventive health care of PD.

PMID:34333879 | DOI:10.1002/brb3.2297

Brain Behav. 2021 Aug 1. doi: 10.1002/brb3.2318. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is highly contagious and can spread a pandemic, so it is related to serious health issues and major public concerns, and is considered by the medical community to be the greatest concern because it is the greatest risk of infection.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and assess the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals in Khartoum state hospitals 2021.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Work-Family Balance Measure Scale were used to assess the psychological impact of doctors and nurses working in four big hospitals in Sudan, by an online questionnaire, analyzed by the statistical package for social science (SPSS) during February.

RESULTS: Most of the participants had minimal to mild anxiety according to GAD-7 score, 121 (35.2%) and 103 (29.9%), respectively. Using PSS-10, the cutoff point was determined as 19 as the mean for total score was 19.2 ± 6.2, accordingly, more than half had high levels of stress (scored 19 and above) 189 (54.9%). For the Work-Family Balance Scale, 10 was regarded as the cutoff point. There was a significant association between specialty and stress level p-value .032. No significant correlations were found between age and stress level, neither between age and anxiety level (r -.100, p-value .064 and r = -.022, p-value .683, respectively).

CONCLUSION: More than half of healthcare professionals (54.9%) showed high levels of stress. Most of the healthcare professionals had poor work-family balance (60.2%).

PMID:34333876 | DOI:10.1002/brb3.2318

Int J Lab Hematol. 2021 Aug 1. doi: 10.1111/ijlh.13670. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Clinicians and healthcare professionals rely heavily on health-associated standards, such as reference intervals (RIs), for appropriate laboratory test result interpretation. RIs are commonly partitioned into discrete age/sex bins based on statistical and/or clinical significance. In pediatric hematology, such partitioning does not adequately represent complex variation in analyte concentrations throughout maturation. The objective of this study was to establish continuous RIs for common hematological parameters in the healthy pediatric Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER) cohort.

METHODS: Data from healthy CALIPER children and adolescents (6 months-<19 years) were used to generate continuous RIs (ie, 2.5th and 97.5th quantiles) for 19 hematological parameters. Continuous curves were statistically established with nonparametric quantile regressions. Flagging rate analysis was completed for the established continuous upper and lower reference limits and subsequently compared to previously published discrete CALIPER reference intervals for all parameters.

RESULTS: Continuous RIs were established for 19 hematology parameters, where seven required sex-specific reference curves. Based on flagging rate assessment, continuous RIs appear to more accurately estimate hematological reference limits over the pediatric age range, especially for analytes with complex age- and sex-specific reference value patterns.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to generate continuous RIs for a breadth of hematological markers in a healthy pediatric Canadian population. The increased power of continuous reference intervals to accurately estimate the complex relationship between hematological analyte concentration and age during a time of extensive growth and development is expected to improve laboratory test result interpretation and, subsequently, pediatric clinical decision-making.

PMID:34333858 | DOI:10.1111/ijlh.13670

Brain Behav. 2021 Aug 1. doi: 10.1002/brb3.2304. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to assess 3(HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A total number of 7626 HCWs were included in this web-based cross-sectional study, via the convenience sampling technique. To collect the required data, the sociodemographic characteristics information form, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS) were also employed. In addition, data analysis was performed using the SPSS Statistics software (ver. 24), as well as descriptive statistics, Chi-square test (χ² ), and univariate/multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS: The CDAS results revealed that 47.9% and 70.5% of the HCWs had experienced moderate levels of physical and psychological anxiety, respectively. Based on the DASS results, 44.8%, 43%, and 34.8% of the HCWs had been subjected to depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. The logistic regression models correspondingly showed that depression among the HCWs was significantly correlated with risk factors, such as the age groups of 20-30 years (p = .001), 31-40 years (p = .006), female HCWs (p> .001), history of physical illnesses (p = .004), and history of psychiatric disorders (p> .001). Moreover, factors including the age groups of 20-30 years (p < .001), 31-40 years (p < .001), 41-50 years (p < .001), female HCWs (p> .001), history of physical illnesses (p < .001), and history of psychiatric disorders (p>.001) were assumed as significant predictors of anxiety in these individuals. Besides, factors such as the age groups of 20-30 years (p = .002), 31-40 years (p = .004), female HCWs (p>.001), occupation (p = .016), history of physical illnesses (p < .001), and history of psychiatric disorders (p> .001) could significantly predict the prevalence rate of stress in the HCWs in times of this crisis.

CONCLUSION: Given the importance of mental health status among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic, health administrators and policymakers of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Iran are suggested to provide psychological screening and supportive care programs for HCWs with the aim of enhancing their mental health and successful coping with critical circumstances.

PMID:34333852 | DOI:10.1002/brb3.2304

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Aug 1. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14359. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considered an effective treatment for acne vulgaris. A significant drawback is pain during illumination. Daylight PDT (DL-PDT) is more tolerable.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the efficacy and tolerability of DL-PDT and C-PDT for acne vulgaris through a prospective split-face trial.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifteen patients underwent 4 treatment sessions at 3-week intervals. First, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was applied to the entire face, after which the face was divided into 2 symmetrical areas: The right side was exposed to sunlight, and the left half was illuminated with red light. Photographs were obtained and evaluated by two dermatologists blinded to the study protocol. The patients reported side effects and downtime.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the number and percent change of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions on both sides. Adverse effects were markedly decreased on the DL-PDT side compared to the C-PDT side (p < .01). The average downtime duration was longer for the C-PDT side (p < .001).

CONCLUSION: DL-PDT was at least as effective as C-PDT with fewer adverse effects and a shorter downtime duration.

PMID:34333844 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.14359

Pest Manag Sci. 2021 Aug 1. doi: 10.1002/ps.6585. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) damage to Bt cotton and maize has increased due to widespread Bt resistance across the USA Cotton Belt. Our objective was to link Bt crop production patterns to cotton damage through a series of spatial and temporal surveys of commercial fields to understand how Bt crop production relates to greater than expected H. zea damage to Bt cotton. To do this, we assembled longitudinal cotton damage data that spanned the Bt adoption period, collected cotton damage data since Bt resistance has been detected, and estimated local population susceptibility using replicated on-farm studies that included all Bt pyramids marketed in cotton.

RESULTS: Significant year effects of H. zea damage frequency in commercial cotton were observed throughout the Bt adoption period, with a recent damage increase after the year 2012. Landscape-level Bt crop production intensity over time was positively associated with the risk of H. zea damage in two- and three-toxin pyramided Bt cotton. Helicoverpa zea damage also varied across Bt toxin types in spatially replicated on-farm studies.

CONCLUSIONS: Landscape-level predictors of H. zea damage in Bt cotton can be used to identify heightened Bt resistance risk areas and serves as a model to understand factors that drive pest resistance evolution to Bt toxins in the southeastern United States. These results provide a framework for more effective insect resistance management (IRM) strategies to be used in combination with conventional pest management practices that improve Bt trait durability while minimizing the environmental footprint of row crop agriculture. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:34333843 | DOI:10.1002/ps.6585

Aust Endod J. 2021 Aug 1. doi: 10.1111/aej.12552. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The accuracy, reliability and reproducibility of electric pulp tests (EPT) have been investigated but there is conflicting information about their repeatability. The aim of this study was to investigate whether EPT are repeatable over time. EPT results from 180 healthy teeth in 39 patients with 2-10 readings per tooth (total 692 readings) were analysed. Single measures intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged from 0.776 to 0.845 in teeth with 2-7 repeated measures (P < 0.001), indicating good repeatability. With eight or more measures per tooth, the ICC was low, indicating poor repeatability over longer follow-up times, but only seven teeth in two subjects were included in this analysis. The Pearson correlation showed no statistically significant correlation for 2-7 readings but when all readings were included, there was a statistically significant negative correlation. Hence, EPT has good repeatability.

PMID:34333842 | DOI:10.1111/aej.12552

Oral Dis. 2021 Aug 1. doi: 10.1111/odi.13981. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OML) and oral self-examination and their associated factors among pregnant women from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study, Brazil.

METHODS: Pregnant women who would deliver babies in 2015 were included in the antenatal study. Data related to demographic, socioeconomic and behavioural conditions were collected using questionnaires. Participants were also clinically assessed for oral health outcomes. The outcomes were the presence of OMLs and oral self-examination. Size, location, time of onset, and symptomatology of the lesions were collected. Descriptive and bivariate analysis, and Poisson regression were performed. P-value<0.05 was set to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS: Data from 2,481 pregnant women were analysed. Four hundred and nine (16.5%) had at least one OML. The most prevalent lesions were exostosis (80/16.6%), coated tongue (70/14.5%) and benign oral brownish pigmentation (68/14.1%). Non-white skin colour was associated with a higher prevalence of OMLs (PR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1-1.6), while daily use of dental floss was positively associated with the prevalence of oral self-examination (PR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2; 1.5).

CONCLUSIONS: Almost 20% of pregnant women presented OML, which were more prevalent in non-white individuals. Women with better oral care were more likely to perform oral self-examination.

PMID:34333827 | DOI:10.1111/odi.13981

J Appl Microbiol. 2021 Aug 1. doi: 10.1111/jam.15245. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: We evaluated the activity of the preservative chlorphenesin and of four antimicrobial cosmetic multifunctional ingredients against various strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive human opportunistic pathogens.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Growth kinetics, modeling growth parameters and statistical analyses enabled comparing bacterial behavior in the presence and in the absence of compound. Whatever compound tested (i.e. chlorphenesin, phenylpropanol, hexanediol, ethylhexylglycerin, hydroxyacetophenone), and strain origin (i.e. clinical versus industrial), the growth of 42 strains belonging to Acinetobacter spp., Burkholderia cepacia complex, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, was totally inhibited. On the opposite all of the P. aeruginosa strains (n=13) as well as 4 and 6 out of 10 strains of Pluralibacter gergoviae grew in the presence of chlorphenesin and ethylhexylglycerin, respectively. Some P. gergoviae and Staphylococcus hominis strains withstand hydroxyacetophenone. Within a species, the different strains show variable latency phase, growth rate (r), and carrying capacity (K). They can be similar, lower, or higher than those measured in control conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: Data showed differences in the antimicrobial activity of compounds. Upon exposure, strains differed in their behavior between and within species. Whatever species and strains, compound sensitivity could not be related to antibiotic resistance.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Most multifunctional ingredients showed significant antimicrobial properties against the wide panel of species and strains evaluated. This will help adjusting preservation strategies in the cosmetic industry.

PMID:34333822 | DOI:10.1111/jam.15245

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2021 Aug 1. doi: 10.1111/jog.14953. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the clinical significance of uterine corpus involvement in patients with surgically treated cervical cancer.

METHODS: Patients (n = 354) with clinical early-stage (stage IB1-IIA2) cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic ± paraaortic lymphadenectomy were evaluated.

RESULTS: Uterine invasion was detected in 60 (16.9%) patients. Patients with uterine invasion had a higher rate of pelvic lymph node metastasis than those without uterine invasion (35% vs 22.8%, p = 0.046). In multivariate analysis, no statistically significant difference was identified between patients with and without uterine invasion for pelvic lymph node metastasis (p = 0.953). Uterine invasion was identified as an independent risk factor for paraaortic lymph node metastasis in multivariate analysis (p = 0.012). The presence of pelvic lymph node metastasis was found to be another significant predictor of paraaortic lymph node involvement (p = 0.022). In addition, uterine invasion and lymph node metastasis were identified as an independent risk factors regarding poor prognosis in cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.537; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.304-15.782; p = 0.017 and HR: 5.598; 95% CI, 1.581-19.823; p = 0.008, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Uterine invasion is an independent predictor of decreased survival and the presence of paraaortic lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer. The presence of the uterine invasion in cervical cancer should be considered as a poor prognostic factor in the decision of treatment.

PMID:34333801 | DOI:10.1111/jog.14953