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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF DEATHS AMONG PARTICIPANTS IN THE LIQUIDATION OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACCIDENT AT THE CHORNOBYL NPP DUE TO INJURY, POISONING AND CERTAIN OTHER CONSEQUENCES OF EXTERNAL CAUSES (2000-2020)

Probl Radiac Med Radiobiol. 2024 Dec;(29):92-114. doi: 10.33145/2304-8336-2024-29-92-114.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the dynamics of changes in the number of deaths due to injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes and their structure among liquidators of the accident at the Chornobyl NPP (PACL) on the basis of the data of Ukraine’s State Register of Persons Affected by the Chornobyl Disaster (SRU) for 2000-2020.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used information resources of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine for 2000-2020 regarding deaths among the PACL – databases of the SRU as a basis for monitoring their health status. Depersonalised information was selected for 2000-2020 regarding 5,124 deaths from injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (ICD codes S00-T98) among the PACL, who were monitored in healthcare facilitiesof the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. General scientific, demographic, mathematical and statistical, graphical, software and technological study methods and documentary analysis were used.

RESULTS: 5,124 deaths as a result of injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes in the PACL which were recorded with the SRU for 2000-2020 were retrospectively studied. Significant variations in changes in figures were found both between territories and by years of observation. It is shown that the age of the PACL at the time of death ranged from 32 to 92 years. The greatest losses during the period of observation were at the age of 49 and 51 years. In the dynamics of observation, the mean age of death due to external causes is gradually increasing from 45.2 (2000) to 64.3 years (2020), which is associated with the aging of the cohort. But the mean age of death for the study cohort for 2000-2020 was 54 years, which is the evidence of a significant number of premature deaths. The analysis of the structure of deaths in the PACL from injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes in 2000-2020 showed the prevalence of deaths from asphyxiation (an ICD code Т71) – 952 cases or 18.6 %, the toxic effect of alcohol (an ICD code T-51), 941 and 18.5 %, respectively, injuries to the head (ICD codes S00-S09) 917 and 17.9 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The study proved that a trend towards the decrease in the number of deaths from injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes, which is common for the population of Ukraine, is also observed among the PACL. However, issues with respect to prevention of deaths among the PACL from injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes still remain topical, it especially concerns deaths due to asphyxiation and the toxic effect of alcohol.

PMID:39724613 | DOI:10.33145/2304-8336-2024-29-92-114

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Orthopaedic Provider Coding Trends After 2021 Changes to the Current Procedural Terminology Evaluation and Management Coding Guidelines: A Retrospective Cohort Study

J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2024 Oct 8;8(10). doi: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-24-00154. eCollection 2024 Oct 1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to determine changes in orthopaedic coding practices between December 2020 and January 2021 after training providers on the 2021 Current Procedural Terminology Evaluation and Management (E&M) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guideline changes.

METHODS: Outpatient encounters in December 2020, January 2021, December 2021, and January 2023 were grouped by provider and E&M code level. The codes used for established patients were 99211, 99212, 99213, 99214, and 99215, ordered from low to high-complexity visits. The codes used for new patients were 99201, 99202, 99203, 99204, and 99205 also in order of complexity from low to high.

RESULTS: A statistically significant increase was noted in coding levels for both new and established patients from December 2020 to January 2021 (P < 0.001). For new patients, there was an increase in level 4 codes from 16% to 54% and an increase in level 5 codes from 3% to 6% (P < 0.0001). This notable increase in level 4 and 5 codes was maintained through 2 years (January 2023) for new patients.

CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant increase was noted in coding levels for both new and established patients since E&M guideline changes. This change was maintained for 2 years.

PMID:39724606 | DOI:10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-24-00154

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Sex and Gender Considerations in Orthopaedic Research: Existing Barriers, What’s Needed by Institutions and Research Departments, and How to Guide Junior Investigators and Faculty

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024 Oct 8. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00240. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

JBJS convened a symposium to discuss the reporting of sex and gender in research studies as an imperative to improve research methods and results to benefit all patients. Barriers to improved reporting include a lack of societal and cultural acceptance of its need; a lack of education regarding appropriate terminology and appropriate statistical methods and efficient study designs; a need for increased research funding to support larger group sizes; unknown concordance of cell and animal models with humans to reflect biologic variables such as sex; and a lack of understanding of key considerations of gender, race, and other social determinants of health and how these factors intersect. Attention to developing and disseminating best-practice statistical methods and to educating investigators (at all career levels), reviewers, funders, editors, and staff in their proper implementation will aid reporting. Concomitantly, well-designed studies with sufficient rigor and adequate resources are essential to enable meaningful and reproducible research. Existing recommendations, such as the Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) guidelines, provide valuable guidance that can be applied across the research ecosystem. Academic institutions and private foundations are likely groups to assist in scientific and institutional review board guidance and study recruitment and pilot funding to generate meaningful power estimates, and to serve as sources for additional funding and presentation of workshops, educational events, and seminars. All of this needs to be conducted on an ongoing basis to ensure that sex and gender are considered in scientific analyses, where relevant.

PMID:39724603 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00240

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy of vasopressin as a vasoconstrictive and uterotonic drug in laparoscopic myomectomy

J Minim Access Surg. 2024 Oct 9. doi: 10.4103/jmas.jmas_272_23. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic myomectomy is a commonly performed operation with fast recovery and excellent results. However, haemorrhagic nature of the operation mandates us to use variety of vasoconstrictive and uterotonic agents. Amongst which, one of them is vasopressin. It is a synthetic antidiuretic hormone analogue which has been in common use as a vasoconstrictive agent in various surgical procedures including laparoscopic myomectomy.

METHODS: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials published from 2013 to 2023 (10 years) comparing the use of vasopressin against other drug or placebo or different doses of vasopressin was performed. The outcome measures were intraoperative blood loss, need for blood transfusion, difference in the haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct).

RESULTS: We identified 176 articles through the study search, amongst which 12 articles were included for the meta-analysis. There was a significant heterogeneity in the studies with moderate risk of bias in eight studies and low risk of bias in four studies. Compared to placebo, vasopressin showed significantly lower odds need of blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.61, P = 0.002) and significantly lower pre-post fall in Hb (OR -3.12, 95% CI: -4.63–1.60, P < 0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative blood loss (OR -0.56 (95% CI: -2.04-0.92, P = 0.46) and pre-post fall in Hct (OR -0.94, 95% CI: -1.96-0.07, P > 0.05). Compared to other drug (epinephrine, misoprostol and octreotide acetate), vasopressin showed no significant superiority in controlling blood loss (P > 0.05). Even the two doses of vasopressin (dilute vs. concentrated) showed no statistically significant difference between surgical blood loss and need for blood transfusion (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Vasopressin is an efficacious drug to be used for controlling blood loss, decreasing blood transfusion requirement and maintaining Hb and Hct during laparoscopic myomectomy.

PMID:39724600 | DOI:10.4103/jmas.jmas_272_23

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Three-Dimensional Changes of Alveolar Ridges and Nasolabial Structures Following a Digital Nasoalveolar Molding Therapy With a Novel Nasal Stent Activation Protocol

J Craniofac Surg. 2024 Oct 7. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000010683. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Digital orthodontics has been integrated into NasoAlveolar Molding (NAM) therapy to overcome challenges in the conventional NAM method. This study introduced an individualized Digital NAM (iDNAM) and evaluated the changes in the alveolar ridges and nasolabial morphology after iDNAM treatment. Prospective data were collected from 15 infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate who underwent iDNAM therapy. An intraoral-and-nasolabial scan was used to create a virtual setup model and plate generation. A total of 2 plates were required under the iDNAM treatment protocol. The first iDNAM plate has a specific interior and exterior design to allow continuous force application with minimal plate adjustment. After an intermediate scan, a nasal stent was meticulously incorporated into the second plate for nasal molding. To activate the nasal stent, a silicone molding extension was used instead of manually adding acrylic. The alveolar cleft gap was significantly reduced by 7.48 ± 2.06 mm. On the cleft side, statistically significant increases occurred in nostril height, columellar length, and nasal base-columellar angle (2.08 ± 0.63 mm, 2.58 ± 0.28 mm, and 22.29 ± 0.88 degrees, respectively). By using 2 serial plates, iDNAM improved the alveolar cleft gap and the nasal morphology in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. An addition of a nasal extension to the second iDNAM plate presents a challenge as accurate positioning is required for appropriate activation force. The iDNAM plate design and nasal activation protocol reduce the need for chairside adjustment and the number of appointments.

PMID:39724597 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000010683

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Sutureless FOCUS harmonic scalpel versus clamp-and-tie techniques for thyroidectomy: A meta-analysis of 43 randomized controlled trials

Int J Surg. 2024 Oct 7. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000002113. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: One of the most important surgical steps during thyroidectomy is the safe ligation of vessels. In fact, it is crucial to avoid postoperative bleeding and nerves’ injury. The “clamp and tie” technique was first introduced in the 19th century. Since then, a lot of other techniques have been adopted to facilitate the safe ligation and sectioning of thyroidal vessels; however, one of the most relevant advances is the introduction of energy-based devices (EBDs), which occurred three decades ago.

PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of sutureless FOCUS harmonic scalpel (second generation EBDs) versus conventional clamps-and-tie technique) in total thyroidectomy.

RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis represent the largest comparison in literature between the thyroidectomy procedure with the second-generation Advanced Harmonic Scalpel Ultrasonic Focus (UAS FOCUS) versus the conventional Clamp-and-Tie (CT) technique: as a matter of fact, it includes 43 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a total of 10.361 patients. The incidence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve was statistically lower in patients undergoing UAS (3.99%) rather than CT (5.23%) (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.99). The incidence of transient hypocalcemia was 11.3% in patients who underwent thyroidectomy with UAS FOCUS and 15.4% in those who underwent thyroidectomy with CT.

CONCLUSION: Sutureless EBD is associated with a lower risk of damage to the laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. The rate of hypocalcemia and nerve paresis is indeed lower due to less thermic damage. Sutureless EBD can also diminish the rate of postoperative bleeding and cervical hematoma, a rare but potentially fatal complication.

PMID:39724591 | DOI:10.1097/JS9.0000000000002113

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

What Is the Added Value of DWI Compared With Structured Assessment of BI-RADS Criteria by the Kaiser Score? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Invest Radiol. 2024 Oct 9. doi: 10.1097/RLI.0000000000001123. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the added value of DWI compared with the structured assessment of BI-RADS criteria using the Kaiser score.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles published in English until May 2024 were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data on the characteristics of studies evaluating the added value of DWI to distinguish benign from malignant breast lesions compared with structured assessment of the BI-RADS criteria. Using bivariate random-effects models, the sensitivity and specificity were calculated. I2 statistics, Deek’s funnel plot asymmetry test for publication bias, and meta-regression were applied for the data analysis.

RESULTS: Five studies comprising 1005 malignant and 846 benign lesions were eligible for data synthesis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity estimates of structured BI-RADS assessment were 95.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92.6%-97.5%) and 68.7% (95% CI, 60.9%-75.6%), respectively. Adding DWI to the structured BI-RADS assessment achieved a pooled sensitivity of 94.4% (95% CI, 90.5%-96.7%) and a pooled specificity of 74.9% (95% CI, 68.8%-80.2%). Adding DWI to the structured BI-RADS assessment significantly changed neither the sensitivity (P = 0.52) nor the specificity (P = 0.20).

CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed only a limited, statistically nonsignificant added value of DWI compared with the structured assessment of BI-RADS criteria using the Kaiser score.

PMID:39724588 | DOI:10.1097/RLI.0000000000001123

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Establishment of prognostic model for invasive ductal carcinoma with distant metastasis within the triple-negative breast cancer: a SEER population-based study

Eur J Cancer Prev. 2024 Oct 1. doi: 10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000925. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a complex and diverse group of malignancies. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the predominant pathological subtype and is closely linked to the ominous potential for distant metastasis, a pivotal factor that significantly influences patient outcomes. In light of these considerations, the present study was conceived with the objective of developing a nomogram model. This model was designed to predict the prognosis observed in IDC with distant metastasis in TNBC. This was a retrospective study based on the SEER database. Data of 9739 IDC-TNBC patients diagnosed from 2010 to 2020 were included in our study. Independent risk factors were screened by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses successively, which were used to develop a nomogram model predicting for prognosis. Cox multivariable analysis showed statistical significance in bone metastasis, liver metastasis, surgery, and chemotherapy. Incorporating statistically significant variables, as well as clinically significant age, lung metastasis, and brain metastasis into the construction of the prediction model, the C-indexes of the training group and validation group were 0.702 (0.663-0.741) and 0.667 (0.600-0.734), respectively, while the calibration curves were all close to the ideal 45° reference line, and decision curve analysis curves show excellent net benefit in the predictive model. The prognostic prediction model developed in this study demonstrated enhanced predictive accuracy, enabling a more precise evaluation of mortality risks associated with IDC with distant metastasis in TNBC.

PMID:39724567 | DOI:10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000925

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Examining Shift Length and Fatigue: A National Study of Neonatal Advanced Practice Providers

Adv Neonatal Care. 2024 Dec 26. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000001220. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neonatal advanced practice providers (APPs) often work prolonged hours in high-acuity neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). It is imperative to understand how fatigue affects the APP’s ability to react quickly following long shifts. There is a lack of data on the effects of shift length and fatigue on neonatal APP job performance and clinical decision-making.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the variation in shift length, knowledge-based competency, personal well-being, and behavioral alertness for neonatal APPs.

METHODS: This study evaluated neonatal APPs before and after a clinical shift. Provider well-being was assessed during the pre-survey. Pretest-posttest surveys evaluated neonatal APP’s psychomotor vigilance skills and knowledge. Participants completed an online, anonymous questionnaire to answer a series of knowledge-based questions before and after their shift, along with a psychomotor vigilance test (PVT). A paired t test analysis evaluated the pre- and post-shift PVT values and knowledge-based test scores.

RESULTS: Overall, 61 pre-surveys and 42 post-surveys were completed; 36 were matched by participants pre- to post-survey. The mean between pre- and post-knowledge-based questions was statistically significant, with higher posttest scores. There was no statistical difference noted in the paired t test analysis of the PVT values.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: The small sample size may limit the generalizability of findings, but these results may indicate that shift length does not affect psychomotor vigilance or knowledge-based competency. It is vital that future work assess the associations between APP shift length, fatigue, and critical decision-making.

PMID:39724563 | DOI:10.1097/ANC.0000000000001220

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Psychometric validation of the Diagnostic Assessment Research Tool: Alcohol use disorder module

Alcohol Alcohol. 2024 Nov 18;60(1):agae088. doi: 10.1093/alcalc/agae088.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Structured clinical interviewing is considered the gold standard in psychiatric diagnosis. The Diagnostic Assessment Research Tool (DART) is a novel modularized, non-copywritten, semi-structured interview; however, no studies have examined the psychometric properties of its alcohol use disorder (AUD) module. The primary aims of this study were to: (i) validate the factor structure of the DART AUD module and (ii) examine measurement invariance across several key demographic and subgroup factors.

METHODS: Participants were community members in Hamilton, Canada and Boston, USA who self-identified as making a significant AUD recovery attempt (N = 499). Internal reliability was examined via the Kuder-Richardson 20 statistic, and correlations between symptom count and drinking quantity/frequency were examined. Then, symptom-level data were included in a confirmatory factor analysis to examine model fit of a single hypothesized factor structure. Finally, measurement invariance analyses were conducted for sex, age, ethnicity (White vs. racialized), and study site.

RESULTS: This study found evidence for adequate internal reliability (rKR20 = 0.75), and symptom scores correlated with drinking quantity and frequency (r = 0.16-0.43). Confirmatory factor analysis results suggested excellent fit for the unidimensional one-factor AUD model (χ2 = 0.09, confirmatory factor index = 0.99, Tucker Lewis index = 0.99, standardized root mean square residual = 0.06, root mean square error of approximation = 0.02). Measurement invariance analyses revealed that the factor structure was equivalent between sex, age, ethnicity, and study site.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide strong evidence for the psychometric validity of the DART AUD module and support its use in research and clinical practice. The DART represents a credible alternative to other diagnostic interviewing tools for AUD.

PMID:39724543 | DOI:10.1093/alcalc/agae088