Nevin Manimala

J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn. 2021 Mar 3. doi: 10.1007/s10928-021-09743-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The quantitative description of individual observations in non-linear mixed effects models over time is complicated when the studied biomarker has a pulsatile release (e.g. insulin, growth hormone, luteinizing hormone). Unfortunately, standard non-linear mixed effects population pharmacodynamic models such as turnover and precursor response models (with or without a cosinor component) are unable to quantify these complex secretion profiles over time. In this study, the statistical power of standard statistical methodology such as 6 post-dose measurements or the area under the curve from 0 to 12 h post-dose on simulated dense concentration-time profiles of growth hormone was compared to a deconvolution-analysis-informed modelling approach in different simulated scenarios. The statistical power of the deconvolution-analysis-informed approach was determined with a Monte-Carlo Mapped Power analysis. Due to the high level of intra- and inter-individual variability in growth hormone concentrations over time, regardless of the simulated effect size, only the deconvolution-analysis informed approach reached a statistical power of more than 80% with a sample size of less than 200 subjects per cohort. Furthermore, the use of this deconvolution-analysis-informed modelling approach improved the description of the observations on an individual level and enabled the quantification of a drug effect to be used for subsequent clinical trial simulations.

PMID:33660229 | DOI:10.1007/s10928-021-09743-2

Psychon Bull Rev. 2021 Mar 3. doi: 10.3758/s13423-021-01879-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Researchers sometimes use informal judgment for statistical model diagnostics and assumption checking. Informal judgment might seem more desirable than formal judgment because of a paradox: Formal hypothesis tests of assumptions appear to become less useful as sample size increases. We suggest that this paradox can be resolved by evaluating both formal and informal statistical judgment via a simplified signal detection framework. In 4 studies, we used this approach to compare informal judgments of normality diagnostic graphs (histograms, Q-Q plots, and P-P plots) to the performance of several formal tests (Shapiro-Wilk test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, etc.). Participants judged whether or not graphs of sample data came from a normal population (Experiments 1-2) or whether or not from a population close enough to normal for a parametric test to be more powerful than a nonparametric one (Experiments 3-4). Across all experiments, participants’ informal judgments showed lower discriminability than did formal hypothesis tests. This pattern occurred even after participants were given 400 training trials with feedback, a financial incentive, and ecologically valid distribution shapes. The discriminability advantage of formal normality tests led to slightly more powerful follow-up tests (parametric vs. nonparametric). Overall, the framework used here suggests that formal model diagnostics may be more desirable than informal ones.

PMID:33660213 | DOI:10.3758/s13423-021-01879-z

Br J Dermatol. 2021 Mar 3. doi: 10.1111/bjd.19897. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dupilumab was equally effective among all racial subgroups in clinical trials, but a direct comparison in daily practice is lacking.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effectiveness of dupilumab in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients in the Netherlands versus Japan up to 80 weeks of treatment.

METHODS: A longitudinal comparative cohort study was conducted in AD patients who were treated with dupilumab in daily practice. We used linear mixed-effects models to determine changes in time.

RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences in sex, disease onset, BMI and therapeutic history between Dutch (n=208) and Japanese (n=153) patients. The baseline Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score was higher in Japanese patients (23.8 v.s. 14.8), while baseline Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were higher in Dutch patients. EASI scores decreased quickly to a level indicating “mild disease” (EASI < 7), and remained low in both countries. However, PROMs showed different trajectories with better scores in Japan.

CONCLUSION: Dupilumab showed significant, comparable, and sustained improvement of EASI scores in Japanese and Dutch patients. However, we found striking differences in the effect on PROMs between the countries, with a better outcome in Japanese patients.

PMID:33657668 | DOI:10.1111/bjd.19897

Int J Nurs Pract. 2021 Mar 3:e12914. doi: 10.1111/ijn.12914. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of patient decision aids on knowledge, decisional conflict and decisional self-efficacy outcomes in patients with diabetes.

METHODS: A comprehensive database search was performed using the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBASCO), CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang Database and the Ottawa Decision Aid Library Inventory (http://decisionaid.ohri.ca/index.html) from inception to 13 October 2019. Two reviewers independently searched databases, screened articles, extracted data and evaluated the risk bias of included studies. Then Rev Man 5.3 software was adopted for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Ten articles containing 1,452 people with diabetes were selected. The results of meta-analysis showed that patient decision aids had a positive effect on reducing decisional conflict and improving decisional self-efficacy among patients with type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, this article also revealed that patient decision aids have beneficial short-term effects on improving knowledge, but there was no significant long-term effect.

CONCLUSION: Patient decision aids are capable of becoming support tools to improve shared decision making. Further implementation studies are required to transform patient decision aids tools into clinical practice.

PMID:33657667 | DOI:10.1111/ijn.12914

Chem Biol Drug Des. 2021 Mar 3. doi: 10.1111/cbdd.13838. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) is important for cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and the diverse physiological roles of different PI3K isoforms have highlighted the significance of the development of PI3Kδ inhibitors. A large number of PI3Kδ inhibitors have been reported after the FDA approval of Idelalisib, but the clinical use of Idelalisib was limited because of its serious side effects. Therefore, great efforts have been made on the development of PI3Kδ inhibitors with higher selectivity and lower toxicity, but there is no new PI3Kδ inhibitor coming into the market so far. Even so, as the first listed PI3K inhibitor, Idelalisib could be used as an effective tool to investigate the selective inhibition mechanism of PI3Kδ. Thus, in this study, a modeling strategy integrated 3D-QSAR, pharmacophore model and molecular dynamics simulation was employed to reveal the key chemical characteristics of Idelalisib analogs and the binding pattern between the inhibitors and PI3Kδ. First, the CoMFA model with high statistical significance was built to reveal the general structure activity relationships. And then, a reliable pharmacophore model with a robust discrimination capability was constructed to expound the main chemical characteristics of the PI3Kδ inhibitors. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation was conducted to explore the binding modes and some key residues refer to δ-selective binding were highlighted with binding free energy calculation. In summary, these models and results would provide some effective help for the discovery or the rational design of novel PI3Kδ inhibitors.

PMID:33657663 | DOI:10.1111/cbdd.13838

Br J Dermatol. 2021 Mar 3. doi: 10.1111/bjd.19895. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A nomogram to predict SN-positivity (the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) nomogram) was recently developed and externally validated using two large single-institution databases. However, there remains a need to further validate the nomogram’s performance using population-based data.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to address this using a European national patient cohort.

METHODS: Cutaneous melanoma patients who underwent SN biopsy in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2014 were included. Their data were obtained from the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA). The predictive performance of the nomogram was assessed by discrimination (C-statistic) and calibration. Negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated at various predicted probability cut-offs.

RESULTS: Of the 3049 patients who met the eligibility criteria, 23% (691) were SN-positive. Validation of the MIA nomogram (included parameters: Breslow thickness, ulceration, age, melanoma subtype and lymphovascular invasion) showed a good C-statistic of 0.69 (95% CI 0.66-0.71) with excellent calibration (R² 0.985, p=0.399). The NPV of 90.1%, found at a 10% predicted probability cut-off from having a positive SN biopsy, implied that by using the nomogram, a 16.3% reduction in the rate of performing a SN biopsy could be achieved with an error rate of 1.6%. Validation of the MIA nomogram considering mitotic rate as present/absent showed a C-statistic of 0.70 (95% CI 0.68-0.73).

CONCLUSIONS: This population-based validation study in European melanoma patients confirmed the value of the MIA nomogram in predicting SN-positivity. Its use will spare low-risk patients the inconvenience, cost and potential risks of SN biopsy while ensuring that high-risk patients are still identified.

PMID:33657653 | DOI:10.1111/bjd.19895

Int Endod J. 2021 Mar 3. doi: 10.1111/iej.13505. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the effects of a bioactive glass with a high proportion of phosphorus (BG-hP) on the repair and regeneration of dental pulps in rats under an inflammatory microenvironment.

METHODOLOGY: Human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) stimulated with 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were cocultured with 0.1 mg/mL BG-hP. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assays. The expression of inflammation-related genes and odontogenic differentiation-related genes was determined by real-time PCR. Alizarin red staining was used to detect the formation of mineralized nodules. Coronal pulp tissues of rat molars were stimulated with 10 mg/mL LPS and then treated with BG-hP. The expression of inflammation-related genes in pulp tissue was determined by real-time PCR. Haematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the inflammatory response and mineralized matrix formation, after subcutaneous implantation in nude mice, at 3 days and 4 weeks, respectively. Analysis of variance was performed to measure statistical significance (P < 0.05).

RESULTS: BG-hP significantly reduced expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 and significantly upregulated the expression of IL-10, IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β1 of the LPS-stimulated hDPCs (P < 0.05). BG-hP significantly inhibited the initial cell number (P < 0.05), but the hDPCs stimulated by LPS and cocultured with BG-hP maintained the same proliferation rate as the untreated hDPCs. BG-hP significantly promoted the expression of dentine matrix protein-1 and dentine sialophosphoprotein and the mineralization capacity of the LPS-stimulated hDPCs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, BG-hP significantly downregulated the expression of Il-6 and reduced the inflammatory response of the LPS-stimulated pulp tissue 3 days after subcutaneous implantation (P < 0.05). Four weeks after subcutaneous implantation, BG-hP induced the formation of a continuous layer of dentine-like structure with dentinal tubules and polarizing odontoblast-like cells aligned along it in the LPS-stimulated pulp tissue.

CONCLUSION: The present preliminarily results demonstrated that the bioactive glass with a high proportion of phosphorus inhibited the inflammatory response and promoted the formation of a pulp-dentine complex in a rat experimental model. This study provides a foundation for the construction of materials with the dual functions of exerting anti-inflammatory effects and promoting tissue regeneration to meet the needs of dental pulp repair and regeneration.

PMID:33657647 | DOI:10.1111/iej.13505

Appl Clin Inform. 2021 Jan;12(1):141-152. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1722615. Epub 2021 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We characterize physician workflow in two distinctive emergency departments (ED). Physician practices mediated by electronic health records (EHR) are explored within the context of organizational complexity for the delivery of care.

METHODS: Two urban clinical sites, including an academic teaching ED, were selected. Fourteen physicians were recruited. Overall, 62 hours of direct clinical observations were conducted characterizing clinical activities (EHR use, team communication, and patient care). Data were analyzed using qualitative open-coding techniques and descriptive statistics. Timeline belts were used to represent temporal events.

RESULTS: At site 1, physicians, engaged in more team communication, followed by direct patient care. Although physicians spent 61% of their clinical time at workstations, only 25% was spent on the EHR, primarily for clinical documentation and review. Site 2 physicians engaged primarily in direct patient care spending 52% of their time at a workstation, and 31% dedicated to EHRs, focused on chart review. At site 1, physicians showed nonlinear complex workflow patterns with a greater frequency of multitasking and interruptions, resulting in workflow fragmentation. In comparison, at site 2, a less complex environment with a unique patient assignment system, resulting in a more linear workflow pattern.

CONCLUSION: The nature of the clinical practice and EHR-mediated workflow reflects the ED work practices. Physicians in more complex organizations may be less efficient because of the fragmented workflow. However, these effects can be mitigated by effort distribution through team communication, which affords inherent safety checks.

PMID:33657633 | DOI:10.1055/s-0040-1722615

Thromb Haemost. 2021 Mar 3. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1723991. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) can develop secondary to cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). The incidence of DAVF has not yet been investigated prospectively.

METHODS: Between July 2012 and January 2018, combined static and dynamic 4D MR venography (4D-combo-MRV) was performed in 24 consecutive patients at diagnosis of CVT and after 6 months. 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging with time of flight and contrast-enhanced magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient echo were performed at baseline to evaluate the extent of thrombosis and affected vessel segments. Baseline and follow-up 4D-combo-MRV were assessed for signs of DAVF. Interrater reliability of DAVF detection and the extent of recanalization were analyzed with kappa statistics.

RESULTS: DAVFs were detected in 4/30 CVT patients (13.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3-26.7). Two of 24 patients (8.3%, 95% CI: 0-20.8) had coincidental DAVF with CVT on admission. At follow-up, de novo formation of DAVF following CVT was seen in 2/24 patients (8.3%, 95% CI: 0-20.8). Both de novo DAVFs were low grade and benign fistulae (Cognard type 1, 2a), which had developed at previously thrombosed segments. Endovascular treatment was required in two high degree lesions (Cognard 2a + b) detected at baseline and in one de novo DAVF (Cognard 1) because of debilitating headache and tinnitus. Thrombus load, vessel recanalization, and frequency of cerebral lesions (hemorrhage, ischemia) were not associated with DAVF occurrence.

CONCLUSION: This exploratory study showed that de novo DAVF formation occurs more frequently than previously described. Although de novo DAVFs were benign, 75% of all detected DAVFs required endovascular treatment. Therefore, screening for DAVF by dynamic MRV, such as 4D-combo-MRV, seems worthwhile in CVT patients.

PMID:33657624 | DOI:10.1055/s-0041-1723991

Semin Thromb Hemost. 2021 Mar;47(2):129-138. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1722861. Epub 2021 Feb 26.

ABSTRACT

Computational models of various facets of hemostasis and thrombosis have increased substantially in the last decade. These models have the potential to make predictions that can uncover new mechanisms within the complex dynamics of thrombus formation. However, these predictions are only as good as the data and assumptions they are built upon, and therefore model building requires intimate coupling with experiments. The objective of this article is to guide the reader through how a computational model is built and how it can inform and be refined by experiments. This is accomplished by answering six questions facing the model builder: (1) Why make a model? (2) What kind of model should be built? (3) How is the model built? (4) Is the model a “good” model? (5) Do we believe the model? (6) Is the model useful? These questions are answered in the context of a model of thrombus formation that has been successfully applied to understanding the interplay between blood flow, platelet deposition, and coagulation and in identifying potential modifiers of thrombin generation in hemophilia A.

PMID:33657623 | DOI:10.1055/s-0041-1722861