Tag: nevin manimala

J Acad Nutr Diet. 2023 Sep 15:S2212-2672(23)01554-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2023.09.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Women living in WIC-eligible households may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Stress during pregnancy and breastfeeding may affect women’s mental health making them more vulnerable to higher rates of food insecurity.

OBJECTIVE: Determine whether food insecurity (FI) is associated with moderate-to-severe mental distress among women living in WIC-eligible households, and whether the strength of the association differs among WIC participants compared to eligible non-participants with low-income.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional data from the 2011-2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were utilized.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: A total of 7,700 women living in WIC-eligible households with at least one child were analyzed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Moderate-to-severe mental distress was measured using the validated K6 non-specific psychological distress scale. FI was measured using the 10-item, United States Adult Food Security Survey Module.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between FI and mental distress. The conditional effects of WIC participation were examined by including interaction terms for FI and WIC participation as well as by stratifying the sample by WIC participation.

RESULTS: Among women in WIC-eligible households, FI was associated with moderate-to-severe mental distress in a dose-response fashion: compared to those who were food secure, the adjusted odds of moderate-to-severe mental distress were 1.8 times higher among those with marginal food security (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.83, 95% CI 1.50-2.23), 2.1 times higher among those with low food security (AOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.76-2.60), and 3.7 times higher among those with very low food security (AOR 3.73, 95% CI 2.95-4.71). The interaction between FI and WIC participation was not significant, with similar associations between FI and mental distress among WIC participants and non-participants.

CONCLUSIONS: Among this nationally representative sample of women in WIC-eligible households, increasing severity of food insecurity was associated with poor mental health among WIC participants and non-participants. WIC participation was not observed to moderate the association between FI and mental distress. More research should consider including mental health screening at WIC clinic visits to enable early identification and referral for care.

PMID:37717918 | DOI:10.1016/j.jand.2023.09.006

Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2023 Sep 15:S1063-4584(23)00919-6. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.09.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The design, analysis and interpretation of cluster randomized clinical trials (RCTs) requires accounting for potential correlation of observations on individuals within the same cluster. Reporting of observed intracluster correlation coefficients (ICCs) in cluster RCTs, as recommended by CONSORT, facilitates sample size calculation of future cluster RCTs and understanding of the trial statistical power. Our objective was to summarize observed ICCs in osteoarthritis (OA) cluster RCTs.

DESIGN: Systematic review of knee/hip OA cluster RCTs. We searched CENTRAL for trials published from 2012, when CONSORT cluster RCTs extension was published, to September 2022. We calculated the proportion of cluster RCTs that reported observed ICCs. Of those that did, we extracted observed ICCs.

PROSPERO: CRD42022365660.

RESULTS: We screened 1121 references, and included 20 cluster RCTs. Only 5 trials (25%) reported the observed ICC for at least one outcome variable. ICC values for pain outcomes were: 0, 0.01, 0.18; for physical function outcomes were: 0, 0.06, 0.13 (knee)/0.27 (hip); WOMAC total: 0.02, 0.02; symptoms of anxiety/depression: 0.22; disability: 0; and global change: 0. One out of four (25%) trials reported an ICC that was larger than the ICC used for sample size calculation and thus was underpowered.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite CONSORT statement recommendations for reporting of cluster RCTs, few OA trials reported the observed ICC. Given the importance of the ICC to interpretation of trial results and future trial design, this reporting gap warrants attention.

PMID:37717903 | DOI:10.1016/j.joca.2023.09.006

Environ Pollut. 2023 Sep 15:122568. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122568. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Biomass fuel burning is a significant contributor of household fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) in the low to middle income countries (LMIC) and assessing PM_2.5 levels is essential to investigate exposure-related health effects such as pregnancy outcomes and acute lower respiratory infection in infants. However, measuring household PM_2.5 requires significant investments of labor, resources, and time, which limits the ability to conduct health effects studies. It is therefore imperative to leverage lower-cost measurement techniques to develop exposure models coupled with survey information about housing characteristics. Between April 2017 and March 2018, we continuously sampled PM_2.5 in three seasonal waves for approximately 48-h (range 46 to 52-h) in 74 rural and semi-urban households among the participants of the Bangladesh Cook Stove Pregnancy Cohort Study (CSPCS). Measurements were taken simultaneously in the kitchen, bedroom, and open space within the household. Structured questionnaires captured household-level information related to the sources of air pollution. With data from two waves, we fit multivariate mixed effect models to estimate 24-h average, cooking time average, daytime and nighttime average PM_2.5 in each of the household locations. Households using biomass cookstoves had significantly higher PM_2.5 concentrations than those using electricity/liquefied petroleum gas (626 μg/m³ vs. 213 μg/m³). Exposure model performances showed 10-fold cross validated R² ranging from 0.52 to 0.76 with excellent agreement in independent tests against measured PM_2.5 from the third wave of monitoring and ambient PM_2.5 from a separate satellite-based model (correlation coefficient, r = 0.82). Significant predictors of household PM_2.5 included ambient PM_2.5, season, and types of fuel used for cooking. This study demonstrates that we can predict household PM_2.5 with moderate to high confidence using ambient PM_2.5 and household characteristics. Our results present a framework for estimating household PM_2.5 exposures in LMICs, which are often understudied and underrepresented due to resource limitations.

PMID:37717899 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122568

Eur J Cancer. 2023 Aug 18;193:113292. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113292. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) expanded treatment options, disease progression ultimately occurs for most patients. Rechallenge may be a compelling strategy in a refractory setting. Cabozantinib is the standard of care in first and later lines of therapy, but its activity in rechallenge is unknown.

METHODS: This retrospective study assessed the efficacy and safety of cabozantinib rechallenge, as defined by a second exposure after an interval of ≥3 months without treatment or ≥1 other treatment line, in patients with mRCC. The primary endpoint was median progression-free survival (PFS) at rechallenge. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, objective response rate, and safety at rechallenge.

RESULTS: We included 51 mRCC patients who received cabozantinib in a rechallenge setting between 2017 and 2022. Median age at diagnosis was 54 years, 78% were male, 90% had clear cell mRCC, and 92% had prior nephrectomy. 15 patients (29%) were rechallenged after a pause in treatment, whereas 36 (70.6%) had ≥1 other treatment lines between first cabozantinib exposure (CABO-1) and rechallenge (CABO-2). Median PFS was 15.1 months (mo, 95% Confidence interval 11.2-22.1) at CABO-1 and 14.4mo (95%CI 9.8-NR) at CABO-2. Median overall survival was 67.6mo for CABO-1 (95% CI 52.2-NR) and 27.4mo for CABO-2 (95%CI 17.2-NR); objective response rate was 70.6% for CABO-1 and 60% for CABO-2. CABO-2 PFS was higher for patients with CABO-1 PFS > 12 months, and for those who discontinued CABO-1 because of toxicity, without statistical significance. There were no unexpected adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS: Cabozantinib rechallenge is a feasible treatment option with potential clinical benefit for mRCC patients.

PMID:37717282 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113292

J Clin Neurosci. 2023 Sep 15;117:1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.09.008. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). In the current study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the role of PD as a potential risk factor for SD in both genders.

METHODS: We performed a comprehensive search on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. All observational studies comparing the prevalence of SD in PD with the general population were included.

RESULTS: After screening 22 studies were included in our qualitative and statistical analysis. We included 13 studies that reported odds ratio (OR) and found a significant association between PD and SD (pooled OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 2.19-5.58). Five studies included only male patients and reported an OR of 3.34 (95% CI = 1.34-8.35; heterogeneity I2 = 81%, Tau2 = 0.79, p < 0.00), while seven studies included both sexes and reported an OR of 3.55 (95% CI = 1.89-6.66; heterogeneity I2 = 78%, Tau2 = 0.53, p < 0.00).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study suggests a strong association between PD and SD in both men and women. Our analysis of 22 observational studies reveals that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction is significantly higher in patients with PD compared to the general population. These findings highlight the importance of addressing SD as part of the comprehensive management of patients with PD.

PMID:37717275 | DOI:10.1016/j.jocn.2023.09.008

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2023 Jul-Aug;113(4):21-145. doi: 10.7547/21-145.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Surgery is a common setting for opioid-naive patients to first be exposed to opioids. Understanding the multimodal analgesic-prescribing habits of podiatric surgeons in the United States may be helpful to refining prescribing protocols. The purpose of this benchmark study was to identify whether certain demographic characteristics of podiatric surgeons were associated with their postoperative multimodal analgesic-prescribing practices.

METHODS: We administered a scenario-based, voluntary, anonymous, online questionnaire that consisted of patient scenarios with a unique podiatric surgery followed by a demographics section. We developed multiple logistic regression models to identify associations between prescriber characteristics and the odds of supplementing with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, regional nerve block, and anticonvulsant agent for each scenario. We developed multiple linear regression models to identify the association of multimodal analgesic-prescribing habits and the opioid dosage units prescribed at the time of surgery.

RESULTS: Eight hundred sixty podiatric surgeons completed the survey. Years in practice was a statistically significant variable in multiple scenarios. Compared with those in practice for more than 15 years, podiatric surgeons in practice 5 years or less had increased odds of reporting supplementation with an anticonvulsant agent in scenarios 1 (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-5.18; P = .03), 3 (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.55-5.68; P = .001), 4 (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.56-4.12; P < .001), and 5 (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.29-3.32; P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS: Podiatric surgeons with fewer years in practice had increased odds of supplementing with an anticonvulsant. Approximately one-third of podiatric surgeons reported using some form of a nonopioid analgesic and an opioid in every scenario. The use of multimodal analgesics was associated with a reduction in the number of opioid dosage units prescribed at the time of surgery and may be a reasonable adjunct to current protocols.

PMID:37717233 | DOI:10.7547/21-145

Phytopathology. 2023 Sep 17. doi: 10.1094/PHYTO-08-22-0306-R. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Bretziella fagacearum (Bretz) Z.W. deBeer, Marinc., T.A. Duong, & M.J. Wingf., the ascomycete fungus causing the “oak wilt” disease, is considered a virulent threat to North American oak forests, but the influence of the physical environment on this pathosystem remains unclear, particularly at the forest scale. This study explored the influence of terrain and soil factors on B. fagacearum infections, applying discrete and continuous spatial models to investigate the question: besides proximity to other infections, which environmental factors influenced B. fagacearum incidence? Locations of infections were recorded from 586 confirmed B. fagacearum sites, identified from 2004 through 2021 in a 76 km2 area of deep, sandy glacial outwash in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, northern Wisconsin. Public datasets derived from remote sensing were incorporated as covariates, describing terrain elevation (USGS 10-m DEM), soil physical and chemical properties (POLARIS), and forest composition (WiscLand2). Spatial models included Generalized Additive Models (GAM) and Neyman-Scott Cluster Process Models (CPM). Results indicated that spatial dependence and the distribution of oak forests were the most important drivers of B. fagacearum distribution in this area, with more minor influence from elevation, hill shade, and drainage patterns. Comparison between modeling approaches indicated that-at this scale and in this area-the most accurate models were those which included host distribution, spatial dependence, as well as quantitative terrain and soil descriptions. However, a close approximation could be attained using nonlinear models (GAMs) which incorporated only host distribution and spatial dependence.

PMID:37717228 | DOI:10.1094/PHYTO-08-22-0306-R

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Sep 17. doi: 10.1002/ohn.531. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and failure rate of Integra® Bilayer Wound Matrix (Integra) in the reconstruction of oral cavity defects.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING: All study information was collected from a single academic tertiary care hospital.

METHODS: Subjects included adult patients who underwent oral cavity resection and immediate subsequent reconstruction with Integra® Bilayer Wound Matrix at MD Anderson Cancer Center between the years 2015 and 2020. The following variables were collected: patient’s demographics, comorbidities, disease stage, treatment and reconstruction modalities, and surgical outcome from the medical records. Statistical analysis included distribution analysis for all collected parameters and Pearson’s χ² tests to find correlation between variables and take rate of Integra.

RESULTS: Eighty-three patients underwent reconstruction with Integra® Bilayer Wound Matrix dressing. Average age was 66 years old. Thirty-nine patients (47%) had history of previous resections for oral cavity tumors. Fourteen patients (17%) had history of radiation therapy to the Head and Neck region. Most common pathology was invasive squamous cell carcinoma (75%) followed by dysplasia (12%). Complete wound healing with good cellular integration occurred in 83 patients (96%) with only 3 failures requiring additional surgery. Reconstruction of mandibulectomy defects was associated with increased risk of dehiscence and bone exposure (0.66, P = .03).

CONCLUSION: This study shows promising results with high take rate of Integra® Bilayer Wound Matrix dressing in the reconstruction of various oral cavity defects. We encourage surgeons to adopt this technique as a viable and versatile option into the reconstruction ladder of oral cavity defects.

PMID:37717219 | DOI:10.1002/ohn.531

Am J Ind Med. 2023 Sep 17. doi: 10.1002/ajim.23536. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Firefighters are routinely exposed to loud noise that put them at risk for hearing loss. A reliable and valid measure to assess firefighters’ hearing function is important. This study aims to test the reliability and validity of the modified Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability and Handicap ((m)AIADH) in firefighters.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 239 career firefighters from six partnered fire departments in Central Texas and Northern California. The internal consistency, convergent and criterion validity, and the ability to discriminate groups by measured hearing, perceived hearing, and a combination of measured and perceived hearing, were examined using the total score and score for each of the five subscales of the (m)AIADH.

RESULTS: The study participants were primarily men (93%). Satisfactory internal consistency was revealed for the (m)AIADH with Cronbach’s alpha above 0.80 for all five subscales. Criterion analysis presented a moderate correlation between the (m)AIADH and the average of hearing threshold at high frequencies (4, 6, and 8 kHz). For convergent validity, the (m)AIADH was moderately to highly related with perceived hearing. There were statistically significant differences in the total (m)AIADH score and the five subscales for measured hearing thresholds except for “intelligibility in quiet.” The (m)AIADH also showed a discriminative ability to distinguish between the group with good perceived hearing and the group with bad perceived hearing.

CONCLUSION: The (m)AIADH is a reliable and valid measure to assess various dimensions of hearing function among firefighters.

PMID:37717215 | DOI:10.1002/ajim.23536

Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 16;13(1):15351. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-42327-3.

ABSTRACT

One of the fundamental questions about human language is whether all languages are equally complex. Here, we approach this question from an information-theoretic perspective. We present a large scale quantitative cross-linguistic analysis of written language by training a language model on more than 6500 different documents as represented in 41 multilingual text collections consisting of ~ 3.5 billion words or ~ 9.0 billion characters and covering 2069 different languages that are spoken as a native language by more than 90% of the world population. We statistically infer the entropy of each language model as an index of what we call average prediction complexity. We compare complexity rankings across corpora and show that a language that tends to be more complex than another language in one corpus also tends to be more complex in another corpus. In addition, we show that speaker population size predicts entropy. We argue that both results constitute evidence against the equi-complexity hypothesis from an information-theoretic perspective.

PMID:37717109 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-42327-3