Nevin Manimala

Health Serv Res. 2021 Jun 28. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.13688. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Countries have adopted different approaches, at different times, to reduce the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cross-country comparison could indicate the relative efficacy of these approaches. We assess various nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), comparing the effects of voluntary behavior change and of changes enforced via official regulations, by examining their impacts on subsequent death rates.

DATA SOURCES: Secondary data on COVID-19 deaths from 13 European countries, over March-May 2020.

STUDY DESIGN: We examine two types of NPI: the introduction of government-enforced closure policies and self-imposed alteration of individual behaviors in the period prior to regulations. Our proxy for the latter is Google mobility data, which captures voluntary behavior change when disease salience is sufficiently high. The primary outcome variable is the rate of change in COVID-19 fatalities per day, 16-20 days after interventions take place. Linear multivariate regression analysis is used to evaluate impacts.

DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: publicly available.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Voluntarily reduced mobility, occurring prior to government policies, decreases the percent change in deaths per day by 9.2 percentage points (pp) (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.5-14.0 pp). Government closure policies decrease the percent change in deaths per day by 14.0 pp (95% CI 10.8-17.2 pp). Disaggregating government policies, the most beneficial for reducing fatality, are intercity travel restrictions, canceling public events, requiring face masks in some situations, and closing nonessential workplaces. Other sub-components, such as closing schools and imposing stay-at-home rules, show smaller and statistically insignificant impacts.

CONCLUSIONS: NPIs have substantially reduced fatalities arising from COVID-19. Importantly, the effect of voluntary behavior change is of the same order of magnitude as government-mandated regulations. These findings, including the substantial variation across dimensions of closure, have implications for the optimal targeted mix of government policies as the pandemic waxes and wanes, especially given the economic and human welfare consequences of strict regulations.

PMID:34182593 | DOI:10.1111/1475-6773.13688

Am J Perinatol. 2021 Jun 28. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1731452. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess whether there was any difference in the transition time to full oral feedings between parent-administered and professional-administered premature infant oral motor intervention (PIOMI). The study also evaluated parental satisfaction with performing the intervention through an open-ended questionnaire.

STUDY DESIGN: A single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label pilot study was carried on between March 2017 and May 2019. A total of 39 infants born ≤32 weeks’ gestation were randomly assigned to either parent-performed or professionally performed oral stimulation. The oral stimulation was performed once a day for seven consecutive days between 31 and 32 weeks’ postmenstrual age.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in transition time, weight gain, or length of hospital stay between the two groups. No adverse events were observed. Parents’ satisfaction was high, and their active involvement enhanced their perception of adequacy to care for their infant.

CONCLUSION: Following adequate training, a parent-administered PIOMI may be considered in preterm infants to reduce the transition time to full oral feeding and enhance the direct involvement of parents in neonatal care.

KEY POINTS: · No difference in transition time between parent-performed and professional-performed PIOMI.. · PIOMI may be delivered by parents following appropriate training.. · Active involvement of parents may improve the parent-infant bonding..

PMID:34182577 | DOI:10.1055/s-0041-1731452

ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2021 Jun 28:1-20. doi: 10.1159/000516345. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Biofilm formation on voice prostheses is the primary reason for their premature implant dysfunction. Multiple strategies have been proposed over the last decades to achieve inhibition of biofilm formation on these devices. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of the available in vitro biofilm inhibition modalities on silicone rubber voice prostheses.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases up to February 29, 2020. A total of 33 in vitro laboratory studies investigating the efficacy of different coating methods against Candida, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Lactobacilli, and Rothia biofilm growth on silicone rubber medical devices were included. Subgroup analysis linked to the type of prevention modality was carried out, and quality assessment was performed with the use of the modified CONSORT tool.

RESULTS: Data from 33 studies were included in qualitative analysis, of which 12 qualified for quantitative analysis. For yeast biofilm formation assessment, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of the intervention group (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.73, -0.66]; p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed that combined methods (active and passive surface modification) are the most effective for biofilm inhibition in yeast (SMD = -2.53; 95% CI [-4.02, -1.03]; p = 0.00001). No statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups were shown for bacterial biofilm inhibition (SMD = -0.09; 95% CI [-0.68, 0.46]; p = 0.65), and the results from the subgroup analysis found no notable differences between the surface modification methods. After analyzing data on polymicrobial biofilms, a statistically significant difference in favor of prevention methods in comparison with the control group was detected (SMD = -2.59; 95% CI [-7.48, 2.31]; p = 0.30).

CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis on biofilm inhibition demonstrated significant differences in favor of yeast biofilm inhibition compared to bacteria. A stronger inhibition with the application of passive or combined active and passive surface modification techniques was reported.

PMID:34182551 | DOI:10.1159/000516345

Urol Int. 2021 Jun 28:1-9. doi: 10.1159/000516941. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy of the suprapubic arc (SPARC) procedure for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 139 female patients treated by SPARC were included in this retrospective analysis, whereby 126 patients were available for follow-up after 1 year, 70 after 6 years, and 41 after 9 years. The cough test, pad test, uroflowmetry, and post-void residual volume measurements were performed. Severity of bother (visual analogous scale [VAS] 0-10), continence, and the satisfaction rate were assessed. Objective cure was defined as a negative cough test and pad weight ≤1 g, subjective cure as no urine loss during daily activities and no usage of pads. The VAS, pad weight, number of pads per day, and maximal flow rate were compared preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS: Objective cure rates at 1, 6, and 9 years were 78.6, 71.4, and 70.7% and subjective cure rates were 72.2, 55.7, and 65.8%, respectively. The VAS, pad weight, number of pads, and maximal flow rate decreased significantly. Study limitations include a relatively small sample size and the retrospective fashion of the analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: In the long-term context, SPARC showed to represent an efficient and safe procedure for treatment of female SUI.

PMID:34182548 | DOI:10.1159/000516941

Eur Neurol. 2021 Jun 28:1-7. doi: 10.1159/000508185. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is a highly common sleep disorder in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Yet, no screening questionnaires following the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5) criteria have been validated in PD patients.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the validity and reliability of the French version of the sleep condition indicator (SCI), in patients with PD.

METHODS: In a sample of 65 patients (46% women, mean age 63.8 ± 7.9 years) with PD, but without dementia, insomnia was assessed with a clinical interview and the SCI. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the reliability, construct validity, and divergent validity of the SCI. In addition, an explanatory factor analysis was performed to assess the underlying structure of the SCI.

RESULTS: Of the 65 patients (mean duration PD 9.7 ± 6.9 years), 51% met the criteria for insomnia disorder when measured with a clinical interview. The mean SCI score was 18.05 ± 8.3. The internal consistency (α = 0.89) of the SCI was high. Using the previously defined cutoff value of ≤16, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.86 with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 87%. Exploratory factor analysis showed a 2-factor structure with a focus on sleep and daytime effects. Additionally, good construct and divergent validity were demonstrated.

CONCLUSION: The SCI can be used as a valid and reliable screener for DSM-5 insomnia disorder in PD patients. Due to its short length, it is useful in both clinical practice and scientific research.

PMID:34182546 | DOI:10.1159/000508185

Aging (Albany NY). 2021 Jun 28;13. doi: 10.18632/aging.203179. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Evidence suggests that abnormal DNA methylation patterns play a crucial role in the etiology and pathogenesis of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). In this study, we identified a total of 97 methylation-driven genes (MDGs) through a comprehensive analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Univariate Cox regression analysis identified four MDGs (CBLN2, RBM47, SLCO4C1, and TMEM220) associated with overall survival (OS) in COAD patients. A risk prediction model was then developed based on these four MDGs to predict the prognosis of COAD patients. We also created a nomogram that incorporated risk scores, age, and TNM stage to promote a personalized prediction of OS in COAD patients. Compared with the traditional TNM staging system, our new nomogram was better at predicting the OS of COAD patients. In cell experiments, we confirmed that the mRNA expression levels of CLBN2 and TMEM220 were regulated by the methylation of their promoter regions. Moreover, immunohistochemistry showed that CBLN2 and TMEM220 were potential prognostic biomarkers for COAD patients. In summary, we have established a risk prediction model and nomogram that might be effectively utilized to promote the prediction of OS in COAD patients.

PMID:34182539 | DOI:10.18632/aging.203179

In Vivo. 2021 Jul-Aug;35(4):2425-2432. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12520.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Little is known about the expression of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) and 4F2hc in gastroenteropancreatic-neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs). Hence, we conducted a study to verify the clinicopathological significance of LAT1 and 4F2hc.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tissues from 126 patients with GEP-NENs were collected between August 2007 and September 2019 at our institution. We evaluated LAT1 and 4F2hc expression by immunohistochemistry, and examined their clinical significance.

RESULTS: No statistically significant associations were observed between LAT1 expression and the different NENs. Expression of 4F2hc was significantly different between neuroendocrine tumour (NET)-G1, NET-G2, and NET-G3 (p=0.029), and was significantly associated with vascular invasion (p=0.044) and the Ki-67 index (p=0.042).

CONCLUSION: No association between LAT1 expression and malignant features in GEP-NENs was observed. However, an association between 4F2hc expression and the potential of malignancy in GEP-NENs was evident.

PMID:34182526 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12520

In Vivo. 2021 Jul-Aug;35(4):2399-2408. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12517.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate quality of life (QoL) in women treated for ovarian tumors one year after laparotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The validated quality of life questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OV28) were sent to women who had undergone laparotomy due to ovarian tumors 12 months after surgery. The answers were analyzed and grouped according to the ovarian tumor histology (benign, borderline and cancer).

RESULTS: A total of 621 patients (87.5% out of 710) agreed to participate in the study. Ovarian cancer patients experienced statistically worse QoL one year after laparotomy in several analyzed parameters, including financial difficulties, compared to patients treated for benign and borderline tumors.

CONCLUSION: Women with ovarian cancer still need further cancer rehabilitation and support one year after diagnosis to improve their QoL. The novel finding was that ovarian cancer patients suffered from financial difficulties even in a free of charge health care system.

PMID:34182523 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12517

In Vivo. 2021 Jul-Aug;35(4):2187-2196. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12490.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: To date, multiple different surgical techniques have been established for hallux valgus surgery, with each technique having its unique advantages and limitations. The open distal chevron osteotomy is widely accepted, but increasing patient demands have led several minimally invasive (MIS) techniques to be described in recent years. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after minimally invasive (MIS) distal chevron osteotomy and the minimally invasive Reverdin-Isham method.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed clinical and radiographic outcomes after MIS chevron osteotomy in 57 feet of 49 consecutive patients with a mean follow-up of 58.9 (range=39.0-85.4) months. Outcomes after MIS Reverdin-Isham osteotomy were analyzed by means of a systematic literature review with a minimum follow-up of 6 months.

RESULTS: Radiographic outcomes were significantly better in the MIS chevron cohort for intermetatarsal angle (p<0.001), hallux valgus angle and distal metacarpal articular angle (p<0.05). Concerning clinical outcomes, both methods provided comparable improvement.

CONCLUSION: MIS distal chevron osteotomy in mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity correction results in superior radiographic outcomes compared to the MIS Reverdin-Isham osteotomy. Sufficient correction of IMA cannot be achieved with the MIS Reverdin-Isham osteotomy.

PMID:34182496 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12490

Sci Total Environ. 2021 Jun 18;793:148483. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148483. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Climate change is increasing winter temperatures across the planet, altering snowmelt hydrology. This study addresses a gap in snow research in non-alpine areas by examining changes to snow and winter and spring streamflow across most of the eastern US using daily observations from weather stations and stream gages from water years 1960-2019. These daily data were aggregated across drainage basins and classified winters with similar temperatures; differences between winters and both seasonal and annual trends were statistically quantified. Winters were classified as “warm” or “cool” in each drainage basin relative to the 60-year mean; analysis of the data indicates that warm winters occur more frequently in recent decades from an average of 0.39 to 3.96 warm winters/decade from the 1960’s to the 2010’s respectively. Those classifications were then used to examine changes in snowpack over the same period, which shows that warmer winters have on average 50.1 cm less annual snowfall, a reduced maximum snowpack depth by 14.4 cm, and 34 more bare ground days. These changes correlate with shifts to higher winter streamflows as well as peak basin yields that are 0.02 cm lower and occur three days earlier in warm winters. In addition to altered soil moisture and stream ecosystem dynamics, these snow and streamflow changes may have negative infrastructure and economic implications including impacts to winter tourism and agriculture.

PMID:34182450 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148483