Nevin Manimala

J Clin Epidemiol. 2021 Feb 27:S0895-4356(21)00062-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.02.019. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Non-response is unavoidable in longitudinal surveys. The consequences are lower statistical power and the potential for bias. We implemented a systematic data-driven approach to identify predictors of non-response in the National Child Development Study (NCDS; 1958 British birth cohort). Such variables can help make the missing at random assumption more plausible, which has implications for the handling of missing data STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: : We identified predictors of non-response using data from the 11 sweeps (birth to age 55) of the NCDS (n = 17,415), employing parametric regressions and the LASSO for variable selection.

RESULTS: Disadvantaged socio-economic background in childhood, worse mental health and lower cognitive ability in early life, and lack of civic and social participation in adulthood were consistently associated with non-response. Using this information, along with other data from NCDS, we were able to replicate the “population distribution” of educational attainment and marital status (derived from external data), and the original distributions of key early life characteristics.

CONCLUSION: The identified predictors of non-response have the potential to improve the plausibility of the missing at random assumption. They can be straightforwardly used as “auxiliary variables” in analyses with principled methods to reduce bias due to missing data.

PMID:33652080 | DOI:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.02.019

Eur J Pharmacol. 2021 Feb 27:173985. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173985. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of infliximab as initial therapy for patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistant KD.Studies of infliximab in KD, published between January 2004 and December 2019, were curated from PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 12.0. Of the 8 studies considered, 4 evaluated the effect of infliximab combined with IVIG as primary therapy in KD, and the remaining investigated the effect of infliximab in IVIG resistant patients. Infliximab was more effective than the control group, with the total summary odds ratio (OR) of 0.34 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19-0.62). The treatment resistance of the infliximab group was lower than the IVIG group (0.36 [95% CI: 0.14-0.92]) when infliximab was combined with IVIG as the initial treatment. However, infliximab treatment for IVIG resistant KD was more effective than the IVIG group (0.28 [95% CI: 0.12-0.66]). There was no significant increase in the incidence of coronary artery lesions. The total summary OR for the incidence of coronary artery lesions and infliximab treatment was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.48-1.62). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse events (AEs) when compared between the groups (0.71 [95% CI: 0.44-1.16]).Infliximab combined with IVIG reduced treatment resistance in KD patients vs. conventional IVIG therapy. Infliximab improved clinical course in IVIG resistant KD patients. Infliximab treatment did not reduce the incidence of coronary artery lesions and did not show any significant increase in the incidence of AEs. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020218554.

PMID:33652059 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173985

Sante Ment Que. 2020 Fall;45(2):125-145.

ABSTRACT

Objective The central objective of this paper is to explore the dynamic interactions between 5 sets of variables, which are Sociodemographic Characteristics, Satisfaction with Life, Perceived Discrimination, Religiosity and Emotional Distress within Montreal’s Tariqa Qadiriya Boudchichiya, a Muslim Sufi way whose origins are Moroccan and date back to the 18th century. Method As a method, we considered psychological distress as the dependent variable and performed univariate descriptive statistical analyzes, bivariate correlation analyzes (Pearson correlation), one-way ANOVA analyzes, and multivariate analyzes (linear regressions). Results Our results, although preliminary due to a relatively small sample (n = 56), allow us to put forward a new hypothesis suggesting that the intense spiritual practice that characterizes the Tariqa, would allow “a work of the self on self” through a set of “techniques of the self” (Foucault) that contribute to a certain emotional well-being, if not to mental health. Conclusion Our conclusion underlines the importance of investigating more in depth the possible contribution of religiosity to the subject’s capacity to act on oneself in order to emerge as a spiritual, ethical and political subject.

PMID:33651936

Nutr Clin Pract. 2021 Mar 2. doi: 10.1002/ncp.10635. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the hypothesis that infant-driven oral feeding leads to earlier achievement of oral feeding and reduces the length of hospital stay compared with provider-driven oral feeding in premature infants METHODS: We used a retrospective chart review to compare 2 groups of premature infants born at ≤35 weeks of gestation. The control group (CG) received the Provider-Driven Oral Feeding model and the intervention group (IG) received the Infant-Driven Oral Feeding model. Postmenstrual age (PMA) upon achieving full oral feeding, PMA at first oral feeding, discharge weight, and length of hospital stay were compared between the groups.

RESULTS: There are 208 infants in CG and 170 infants in IG. Infants in IG were born, on average, at a lower gestational age and birth weight than infants in CG. The median PMA at full oral feeding of 35 2/7 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 34 2/7-36 2/7) for IG is significantly lower than the median of 35 5/7 weeks (IQR, 35-36 5/7) for CG, P-value < 0.001. Median PMA at first oral feeding is 34 1/7 weeks for both groups. Median PMA at discharge was 36 6/7 weeks for both groups. Median discharge weights of 2509 g (IQR, 2175-2964) for IG and 2459 g (IQR, 2204-2762) for CG are not statistically different.

CONCLUSION: Implementation of the Infant-Driven Feeding guideline led to earlier achievement of full oral feeding by 3 days on average while maintaining the same discharge weight but did not lead to earlier hospital discharge.

PMID:33651895 | DOI:10.1002/ncp.10635

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2021 Mar 1;62(3):3. doi: 10.1167/iovs.62.3.3.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate changes at a molecular level in the mouse corneal endothelium (CE) exposed to chronic cigarette smoke (CS).

METHODS: Pregnant mice (gestation days 18-20) were placed in a whole-body exposure smoking chamber, and a few days later pups were born. After 3.5 months of CS exposure, a ConfoScan4 scanning microscope was used to examine the corneal endothelial cells (CECs) of CS-exposed and control (Ct) mice. The CE was peeled under a microscope and maintained as four biological replicates (two male and two female) for CS-exposed and Ct mice; each replicate consisted of 16 CEs. The proteome of the CE was investigated through mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: The CE images of CS-exposed and Ct mice revealed a difference in the shape of CECs accompanied by a nearly 10% decrease in CEC density (P < 0.00003) following CS exposure. Proteome profiling identified a total of 524 proteins exhibiting statistically significant changes in CE from CS-exposed mice. Importantly, proteins associated with Descemet’s membrane (DM), including COL4α1, COL4α2, COL4α3, COL4α4, COL4α5, COL4α6, COL8α1, COL8α2, and FN1, among others, exhibited diminished protein levels in the CE of CS-exposed mice.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that exposure to CS results in reduced CEC density accompanied by diminished levels of multiple collagen and extracellular matrix proteins associated with DM.

PMID:33651877 | DOI:10.1167/iovs.62.3.3

PLoS One. 2021 Mar 2;16(3):e0247452. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247452. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

The treatability of seven wastewater samples generated by a textile digital printing industry was evaluated by employing 1) anammox-based processes for nitrogen removal 2) microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) for nutrient uptake and biomass production 3) white-rot fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus and Phanerochaete chrysosporium) for decolorization and laccase activity. The biodegradative potential of each type of organism was determined in batch tests and correlated with the main characteristics of the textile wastewaters through statistical analyses. The maximum specific anammox activity ranged between 0.1 and 0.2 g N g VSS-1 d-1 depending on the sample of wastewater; the photosynthetic efficiency of the microalgae decreased up to 50% during the first 24 hours of contact with the textile wastewaters, but it improved from then on; Pleurotus ostreatus synthetized laccases and removed between 20-62% of the colour after 14 days, while the enzymatic activity of Phanerochaete chrysosporium was inhibited. Overall, the findings suggest that all microbes have great potential for the treatment and valorisation of textile wastewater after tailored adaptation phases. Yet, the depurative efficiency can be probably enhanced by combining the different processes in sequence.

PMID:33651835 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0247452

PLoS One. 2021 Mar 2;16(3):e0247569. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247569. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

We report here on stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope values from bone collagen of human (n = 20) and faunal (n = 11) remains from the Early Neolithic site of Ganj Dareh, Iran, dating to ca. 10,100 cal. BP. Our focus explores how isotope values of human bone vary by age and sex, and evaluates dietary practices at this site. It also provides a baseline for future studies of subsistence in the early Holocene Central Zagros Mountains, from the site with the first evidence for human ovicaprid management in the Near East. Human remains include individuals of all age groups for dietary reconstruction, as well two Ottoman intrusive burials for temporal and cultural comparison. All analyzed individuals exhibited δ13C and δ15N values consistent with a diet based heavily on C3 terrestrial sources. There is no statistically significant difference between the isotopic compositions of the two sexes, though males appear to show larger variations compared to females. Interesting patterns in the isotopic compositions of the subadults suggested weaning children may be fed with supplements with distinctive δ13C values. Significant difference in sulfur isotope values between humans and fauna could be the earliest evidence of transhumance and could identify one older adult male as a possible transhumant shepherd. Both Ottoman individuals had distinctively different δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S values compared to the Neolithic individuals. This is the first large scale analysis of human stable isotopes from the eastern end of the early Holocene Fertile Crescent. It provides a baseline for future intersite exploration of stable isotopes and insight into the lifeways, health, and processes of neolithisation associated with the origins of goat domestication at Ganj Dareh and the surrounding Central Zagros.

PMID:33651827 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0247569

PLoS One. 2021 Mar 2;16(3):e0246712. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246712. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of National NCD monitoring survey (NNMS) was to generate national-level estimates of key NCD indicators identified in the national NCD monitoring framework. This paper describes survey study protocol and prevalence of risk factors among adults (18-69 years).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: NNMS was a national level cross-sectional survey conducted during 2017-18. The estimated sample size was 12,000 households from 600 primary sampling units. One adult (18-69 years) per household was selected using the World Health Organization-KISH grid. The study tools were adapted from WHO-STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance, IDSP-NCD risk factor survey and WHO-Global adult tobacco survey. Total of 8/10 indicators of adult NCD risk factors according to national NCD disease monitoring framework was studied. This survey for the first time estimated dietary intake of salt intake of population at a national level from spot urine samples.

RESULTS: Total of 11139 households and 10659 adults completed the survey. Prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use was 32.8% (95% CI: 30.8-35.0) and 15.9% (95% CI: 14.2-17.7) respectively. More than one-third adults were physically inactive [41.3% (95% CI: 39.4-43.3)], majority [98.4% (95% CI: 97.8-98.8)] consumed less than 5 servings of fruits and / or vegetables per day and mean salt intake was 8 g/day (95% CI: 7.8-8.2). Proportion with raised blood pressure and raised blood glucose were 28.5% (95% CI: 27.0-30.1) and 9.3% (95% CI: 8.3-10.5) respectively. 12.8% (95% CI: 11.2-14.5) of adults (40-69 years) had ten-year CVD risk of ≥30% or with existing CVD.

CONCLUSION: NNMS was the first comprehensive national survey providing relevant data to assess India’s progress towards targets in National NCD monitoring framework and NCD Action Plan. Established methodology and findings from survey would contribute to plan future state-based surveys and also frame policies for prevention and control of NCDs.

PMID:33651825 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0246712

PLoS One. 2021 Mar 2;16(3):e0247065. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247065. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

The 2011 India Human Development Survey found that in about a quarter of Indian households, women are expected to have their meals after men have finished eating. This study investigates whether this form of gender discrimination is associated with worse mental health outcomes for women. Our primary data source is a new, state-representative mobile phone survey of women ages 18-65 in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra in 2018. We measure mental health using questions from the World Health Organization’s Self-Reporting Questionnaire. We find that, for women in these states, eating last is correlated with worse mental health, even after accounting for differences in socioeconomic status. We discuss two possible mechanisms for this relationship: eating last may be associated with worse mental health because it is associated with worse physical health, or eating last may be associated with poor mental health because it is associated with less autonomy, or both.

PMID:33651820 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0247065

PLoS One. 2021 Mar 2;16(3):e0247878. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247878. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Isolated or multi lineage cytopenia are the most common clinicopathological features and independently associated with increased risk of disease progression and death among human immunodeficiency virus infected children. In the study area, there is scarcity of data about the magnitude of various cytopenia.

OBJECTIVES: Aimed to determine the magnitude and associated factors of peripheral cytopenia among HIV infected children at the University of Gondar Specialized Referral Hospital ART clinic, Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 255 HIV infected children from January- April 2020. None probable convenient sampling technique was used to select the study participant. Socio demographic data were collected by pre tested structured questionnaire via face-to-face interview and their medical data were obtained from their follow-up medical records. Moreover, blood specimens were collected and examined for complete blood count, viral load and blood film, whereas stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasites. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of cytopenia. P-Value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULT: The overall magnitude of peripheral cytopenia was 38.9%. Anemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia and bi-cytopenia were 21.2%, 12.2%, 11%, 1.6% and 3.9% respectively. Being in the age group of 2-10 years (AOR = 5.38, 95%CI 2.33-12.46), AZT based regimen (AOR = 5.44, 95%CI: 2.24-13.21), no eating green vegetables (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.26-4.92) and having plasma viral load >1000 copies /ml (AOR = 5.38, 95%CI: 2.22-13.03) showed significant association with anemia.

CONCLUSION: Anemia was the predominant peripheral cytopenia among HIV infected children in this study. It was strongly associated with AZT based drug type, age below 10 years and high viral load. Critical stress should be given for early investigation and management of cytopenia in addition to the use of alternative drug which leads to higher viral suppression and lower risk of toxicity issue.

PMID:33651817 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0247878