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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Potentially Toxic Metal Accumulation in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) Irrigated with Industrial Wastewater and Health Risk Assessment from Consumption

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2022 Aug 19. doi: 10.1007/s00128-022-03606-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the potentially toxic metal contents in soil and spinach samples in areas irrigated with industrial wastewater and to evaluate the potentially toxic metal accumulation in spinach samples according to pollution indices. Water, soil and spinach samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Perkin-Elmer AAS-300). In this study, it was determined that the potentially toxic metal values ​​in the spinach samples irrigated with groundwater and sugar industry wastewater varied between 1.59 and 1.84, 0.22-0.68, 0.56-1.14, 1.41-1.56, 1.62-3.23, 0.57-1.02, 0.86-1.33, 0.20-0.32 and 0.35-2.10 mg/kg for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn and Mn, respectively. It was concluded that the difference between the metal values ​​in the spinach samples according to the irrigation sources was statistically significant, except for Cu and Pb (p > 0.05). According to the results of this study, there is no health risk for Pb, Co and Cr with HRI values ​​below 1.0, while there is a risk for Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn and Zn. The much higher HRI values ​​of Cd than 1 (196.8 and 169.6) suggested that this metal is likely to cause significant health problems in the region.

PMID:35984458 | DOI:10.1007/s00128-022-03606-3

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The study of otoendoscopic tympanoplasty (type I)

Acta Otolaryngol. 2022 Aug 19:1-4. doi: 10.1080/00016489.2022.2104923. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the development of otoendoscopic surgery technology and the update of equipment, more and more otoendoscopic tympanoplasty are carried out.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate application of otoendoscopic tympanoplasty.

METHODS: Seventy-six patients with tympanic membrane perforation were randomly enrolled into otoendoscopic group (OP, n = 38) and microscope group (MP, n = 38). We compared two-group patients using operative time, intraoperative blood loss, healing of postoperative perforations, and degree of postoperative hearing improvement.

RESULTS: Average operation time was statistically significant shorter in the OP than the MP (p < .05); the intraoperative blood loss in the OP was significant less than MP (p < .05); after postoperative follow-up, the healing rate of tympanic membrane perforation was 92.11% in the OP compared to 89.47% in the MP. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the two groups (p > .05). There were no statistically significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative air and bone conduction thresholds in the two groups (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS: Otoendoscopic tympanoplasty is a minimally invasive operation but with similar effects as compared to microscopic one. But the operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the OP were significantly better than those in the MP, thus it is a safe, effective and easy to be operated in clinical practice.

PMID:35984434 | DOI:10.1080/00016489.2022.2104923

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Crowd-Sourced Identification of Characteristics of Collective Human Motion

Artif Life. 2022 Aug 19:1-22. doi: 10.1162/artl_a_00381. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Crowd simulations are used extensively to study the dynamics of human collectives. Such studies are underpinned by specific movement models, which encode rules and assumptions about how people navigate a space and handle interactions with others. These models often give rise to macroscopic simulated crowd behaviours that are statistically valid, but which lack the noisy microscopic behaviours that are the signature of believable real crowds. In this article, we use an existing Turing test for crowds to identify realistic features of real crowds that are generally omitted from simulation models. Our previous study using this test established that untrained individuals have difficulty in classifying movies of crowds as real or simulated, and that such people often have an idealised view of how crowds move. In this follow-up study (with new participants) we perform a second trial, which now includes a training phase (showing participants movies of real crowds). We find that classification performance significantly improves after training, confirming the existence of features that allow participants to identify real crowds. High-performing individuals are able to identify the features of real crowds that should be incorporated into future simulations if they are to be considered realistic.

PMID:35984431 | DOI:10.1162/artl_a_00381

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Adjusted Cutoff Scores Increase Sensitivity of Depression Screening Measures in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes Care. 2022 Aug 19:dc220275. doi: 10.2337/dc22-0275. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To measure the acceptability and diagnostic accuracy of commonly used depression screening measures to determine ideal cutoff scores that sensitively identify depressive disorders in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred adolescents (12-17 years old) completed a reference standard, semistructured diagnostic interview and both long and short versions of five commonly used depression screening measures in the United States. To assess feasibility and acceptability, we used screener completion time and participant ratings, respectively. We used descriptive statistics, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, and paired-sample area differences under the ROC curve to assess each measure’s diagnostic validity against our reference standard and to determine ideal cutoff scores for this sample.

RESULTS: Adolescents had a mean age of 15.0 ± 1.7 years, time since T1D diagnosis of 6.0 ± 4.1 years, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 8.9 ± 1.8%. Sixty percent of adolescents were male, 15% endorsed a current depressive disorder, and 15% endorsed lifetime suicidality. Measures demonstrated low sensitivity (0.33-0.67) to detect current depressive disorders using preexisting cutoff scores. However, adjusted cutoff scores increased sensitivity and reduced false negatives. All depression screening measures demonstrated “good” to “excellent” predictive validity, and the Children’s Depression Inventory-2 Short version demonstrated significantly greater diagnostic accuracy than the Patient Health Questionnare-2 item version for adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinics should consider using screening measures with the greatest diagnostic accuracy as identified in this study and adjusting measure cutoff scores to increase sensitivity and reduce false negatives.

PMID:35984419 | DOI:10.2337/dc22-0275

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Learning from lived experience: Outcomes associated with students’ involvement in co-designed and co-delivered recovery-oriented practice workshops

Aust Occup Ther J. 2022 Aug 19. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12837. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Learning from individuals with lived experience is considered an important element of developing recovery-oriented practice capabilities in mental health contexts. Additionally, service user involvement in the education of occupational therapy students is a requirement in accreditation standards. Despite this, many barriers to meaningful inclusion of Lived Experience Educators have previously been identified.

METHOD: This study evaluated the outcomes achieved by students who were involved in a unit of study that incorporated four recovery-oriented practice workshops that were co-designed and co-delivered by Lived Experience Educators and an occupational therapy academic. Change over time was measured using the Recovery Knowledge Inventory (RKI) and the Capabilities for Recovery Oriented Practice Questionnaire (CROP-Q). Change over time was evaluated using paired t-tests. Students also provided qualitative feedback at the conclusion of the workshops. These comments were analysed using interpretive content analysis.

RESULTS: Students’ scores on the RKI and CROP-Q both demonstrated statistically significant improvements from the beginning of the semester to the end of semester (RKI: 53.6-57.7, t = 6.3, P < 0.001; CROP-Q: 75.6-77.0, t = 2.4, P = 0.019). The most common categories included in the qualitative comments were: “Learning from real experiences”; “Learning about how to be a better clinician”; “See the strength and resilience of the educators, reduce stigma”; “Learning about the negative aspects of the mental health system”; and “More effective than other types of learning”.

CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that students who engaged with the co-designed and co-delivered workshops improved their recovery knowledge and recovery-oriented capabilities over the course of the semester. Qualitative feedback also suggests that students’ attitudes and skills for future practice were also influenced in positive ways by engaging with Lived Experience Educators.

PMID:35983836 | DOI:10.1111/1440-1630.12837

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A New Promising Pathway in Aggressive Prostate Cancer: Treg/mir-let8c/lin28b

Arch Esp Urol. 2022 Jun;75(5):459-466. doi: 10.37554/en-20210424-3467-19.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The progress of prostate cancer entails complex contemporaneous tumor developmental events in diverse stages that they are still yet to be clarified. miRNAs might accompany to balance between regulatory and cytotoxic T cells in tumors. Here, we investigated miRNAs and Regulatory T cell (Treg) marker FOXP3 expressions within prostate cancer spectrum.

METHODS: Thirty-eight prostate cancer patients enrolled within two groups to the study as having Gleason Score ≤ 7 (Group-1) and ≥ 8 (Group-2) that compared to 19 benign prostate hyperplasia controls. Twelve miRNAs expressions were analyzed by real time PCR from paraffin-embedded prostate tissue samples. Correlations between serum PSA levels, immunohistochemical staining of CD3, CD4, FOXP3 and miRNA expressions were analyzed.

RESULTS: In our study, hsa-let7c-3p significantly 1,52 (p=0.018) and 1,84 (p=0.0095) fold down- regulated whereas, miR-141-3p was significantly 2,36 (p=0.0006) and 2,24 (p=0.001) fold upregulated in the prostate cancer patients compared to benign prostate hyperplasia in group 1 and 2, respectively. Only CD4 (p=0.004) and PSA (p<0.001) have statistically significant differences among groups when compared to benign prostate hyperplasia. miR-143-p, miR-221-3p, hsa-let7c-3p and miR-17-3p expressions were significantly correlated with regulatory T cell marker FOXP3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we reported significantly altered expression levels of miRNAs (miR-let7c, miR221, miR-146a, miR-141, miR-143, miR17) and correlations between Treg marker FOXP3 in the aggressive prostate cancer patients suggesting that prostate cancer progression might be under the regulation of crosstalk between Tregs and miRNAs.

PMID:35983819 | DOI:10.37554/en-20210424-3467-19

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Analysis of Trifecta Results in a Single-Center Experience with Retroperitoneoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: An Observational Study

Arch Esp Urol. 2022 Jun;75(5):453-458. doi: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20227505.66.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trifecta results in patients with T1a and T1b renal tumors treated with retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective observational study was conducted on 106 patients with cT1 renal tumor submitted to RPN. Trifecta was reported as no ≥ 2 Clavien-Dindo complications, warm ischemia time (WIT) ≤ 25 minutes, ≤ 15% postoperative ΔGFR, and nonpositive margins.

RESULTS: The mean age was 58 years (SD ± 12). The median (Q1; Q3) tumor size was 3.5 (2.2; 4.5) cm. Of the treated patients, 33% had a ventral tumor. R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score was low complexity in 54% of cases and high complexity in 4%. WIT median (Q1; Q3) was 20 (14; 23) minutes. Estimated blood loss median (Q1; Q3) was 50 (0; 100) ml. There were no conversions to open surgery. ΔGFR was >15% in 17.5% of patients. There were no postoperative complications in 84% of cases. Nonpositive margins were observed. Sixty-eight percent were pT1a and 32% were pT1b. Seventy-two percent of patients presented trifecta. A statistically significant difference was found between trifecta and tumor size (3 cm vs. 4.4 cm; p<0.001), complexity (low complexity 90% vs. intermediate complexity 56%; p<0.0001), and pT (T1a 81% vs. T1b 53%; p<0.003).

CONCLUSION: RPN is a safe and effective treatment modality for T1a and T1b renal tumors. Trifecta rate was 72%. Tumor size, tumor complexity, and pT were found to be an associated factor for trifecta.

PMID:35983818 | DOI:10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20227505.66

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The Results of Peritoneal Re-Approximation Methods on Symptomatic Lymphocele Formation in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy and Extended Pelvic Lymphadenectomy

Arch Esp Urol. 2022 Jun;75(5):447-452. doi: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20227505.65.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: To evlauate role of peritoneal re-approximation methods in the prevention of symphtomatic lymphocele formation in patients underwent transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (tRALP) and extendeded pelvic lympadenoctomy (ePLND).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and April 2020, 120 consecutive patients who were administered anterior t-RALP and ePLND were analyzed retrospectively. In group 1 (n = 40), peritoneal approximation was not performed after t-RALP and ePLND application, peritoneal half re-approximation was performed in group 2 (n=40), and peritoneal full re-approximation was performed in group 3 (n=40). Operative parameters and symptomatic lymphocele rates were compared between the groups.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of mean age, body mass index and prostatespecific antigen levels, Gleason score on biopsy, D’amico risk groups, the mean number of lymph nodes removed, Clavien-Dindo complication grade and mean duration of the surgery. Patients with symptomatic lymphocele in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 were found to be 2 (5%), 3 (7.5%) and 5 (12.5%), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of symptomatic lymphocele formation.

CONCLUSION: Half or full closure of the peritoneum does not affect the symptomatic lymphocele formation in patients who underwent tRALP and ePLND.

PMID:35983817 | DOI:10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20227505.65

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Distal Urethral Advance and Glanduloplasty (DUAGPI) for Distal Hypospadias: A 15 Years Experience

Arch Esp Urol. 2022 Jun;75(5):435-440. doi: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20227505.63.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Meatal advancement with glanduloplasty (MAGPI) has been in the recent years one of the most frequently surgical techniques used for the correction of distal hypospadias. Multiple modifications have been described to improve the results ofthis technique. In 2004 we presented the initial results of the New Modern MAGPI or DUAGPI (distal urethral advancement and glanduloplasty) as a surgical alternative to the original MAGPI.

OBJETIVE: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the applicability, safety and the cosmetic results obtained with this technique, as well as the long-term complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive study of patients with distal hypospadias, corrected using the DUAPI technique, between 2002 and 2018.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Initially, an artificial erection was performed, the absence of curvature in all patients is proven. A skin denudation was performed up to the base of the penis in those children with a bend greater than 30. Second, the distal urethral disconnection was performed at the posterior and lateral urethral level. A glandular triangular section is made to accommodate the distal urethra and to allow a conical appearance with a final glandular. Finally, the fixation of the distal urethral to the glandular tip and the anterior glandular closure is performed. We performed an annual follow-up of all patients. The analysis of all the variables collected during surgery and follow-up was done with SPSS 22 statistical package.

RESULTS: 90 patients meet inclusion criteria and were included in the study (32 glandular and 58 coronal). The mean surgical time was 47 minutes (Range: 37-71 minutes). The mean follow-up was 9.4 years (2.1-15 years). 2 patients had meatal stenosis after surgery, 4 mild glandular retraction, and 2 urethrocutaneous fistula. Six of the 8 patients with a complication were successfully reoperated. 92% of the patients and their families were satisfied with the cosmetic result obtained after surgery (83 patients).

CONCLUSION: DUAGPI technique is simple, reproducible and optimal for most distal hypospadias. It is a safe technique, with a low complication rate. The final aesthetic result is satisfactory in most cases, with a conical glans and a natural cosmetic appearance.

PMID:35983815 | DOI:10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20227505.63

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Metastasic Prostate Cancer: Predictive Factors of Earlier Progression to Castration-Resistance

Arch Esp Urol. 2022 Jun;75(5):430-434. doi: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20227505.62.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) can progress to the lethal phenotype of metastatic castration resistance (mCRPC), either from initially localized disease or de novo metastatic cancer. New drugs improving overall survival are now the cornerstone of treatment. Nevertheless, there are no defined sequences or established timing to initiate or discontinue treatments; besides, not all patients end in CRPC or reach this stage at the same time.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate characteristics of patients who progress to mCRPC and establish an association with time to mCRPC diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive and observational study of 35 mCRPC patients, performed from 2013 to 2017. Variables analyzed were age, Gleason score and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis, initial stage, response time to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), PSA nadir on ADT and time until mCRPC progression. Statistical analysis comparing variables with time to mCRPC diagnosis was performed.

RESULTS: Average age at diagnosis was 68.9 years; PSA values were classified into 3 categories: <20 ng/ml, 20-50 and >50. Gleason score was 7 in 50%, and 8-9 in the rest. Tumor was initially localized in 46% of the patients and metastatic in the rest. PSA nadir on ADT was <1 ng/ml in 67%. Average time to androgen deprivation: 5.5 years, time to mCRPC diagnosis: 6.9 years. Significant associations between time to mCRPC and time of androgen deprivation, PSA nadir during ADT and stage at diagnosis were found.

CONCLUSION: Response time to ADT <1 year, PSA nadir value >5 ng/ml during treatment and metastatic stage at diagnosis were associated with earlier progression to mCRPC.

PMID:35983814 | DOI:10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20227505.62