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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Validation of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) for Osteochondral Lesions of the Ankle

Foot Ankle Int. 2023 Jun 2:10711007231174198. doi: 10.1177/10711007231174198. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to validate the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). We hypothesize that the FAOS will meet all 4 psychometric criteria for validity in this patient population.

METHODS: From 2008 to 2014, a total of 208 patients with OLTs were included in the construct validity portion of the study. All patients completed FAOS and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) scores. Twenty additional patients were prospectively recruited and were asked to complete questionnaires to determine the relevance of each of the FAOS questions as it related to their OLT. Forty-four patients completed the FAOS 1 month after the first FAOS to assess reliability via Spearman correlation coefficient. Responsiveness of the FAOS was assessed with 54 patients who had both preoperative and postoperative FAOS scores via Student paired t test with significance determined as P < .05. In total, 229 unique patients were included in this study.

RESULTS: Statistically significant associations were found between all FAOS and SF-12 subscales (P < .01). The FAOS symptoms subscale demonstrated the lowest correlation with the SF-12 physical health domains. No floor or ceiling effects were identified. Weak correlations were calculated between the 5 FAOS subscales and the SF-12 mental component summary score. All FAOS domains met the threshold for acceptable content validity (score > 2.0). All FAOS subscales demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability, with ICC values ranging from 0.81 (ADL) to 0.92 (Pain).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the acceptable yet moderate construct and content validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the FAOS for patients with OLTs of the ankle joint. We endorse the use of the FAOS in evaluating ankle OLTs in both the research and clinical setting and consider it a useful patient-reported, self-administered instrument following surgical intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case study.

PMID:37269134 | DOI:10.1177/10711007231174198

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Proportional Recovery After Stroke: Addressing Concerns Regarding Mathematical Coupling and Ceiling Effects

Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2023 Jun 2:15459683231177598. doi: 10.1177/15459683231177598. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Baseline scores after stroke have long been known as a good predictor of post-stroke outcomes. Similarly, the extent of baseline impairment has been shown to strongly correlate with spontaneous recovery in the first 3 to 6 months after stroke, a principle known as proportional recovery. However, recent critiques have proposed that proportional recovery is confounded, most notably by mathematical coupling and ceiling effects, and that it may not be a valid model for post-stroke recovery. This article reviews the current understanding of proportional recovery after stroke, discusses its supposed confounds of mathematical coupling and ceiling effects, and comments on the validity and usefulness of proportional recovery as a model for post-stroke recovery. We demonstrate that mathematical coupling of the true measurement value is not a real statistical confound, but rather a notational construct that has no effect on the correlation itself. On the other hand, mathematical coupling does apply to the measurement error and can spuriously amplify correlation effect sizes, but should be negligible in most cases. We also explain that compression toward ceiling and the corresponding proportional recovery relationship are consistent with our understanding of post-stroke recovery dynamics, rather than being unwanted confounds. However, while proportional recovery is valid, it is not particularly groundbreaking or meaningful as previously thought, just like how correlations between baseline scores and outcomes are relatively common in stroke research. Whether through proportional recovery or baseline-outcome regression, baseline scores are a starting point for investigating factors that determine recovery and outcomes after stroke.

PMID:37269116 | DOI:10.1177/15459683231177598

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Effect of occlusal hypofunction on centre of resistance in maxillary central incisor using the finite element method

J Orthod. 2023 Jun 2:14653125231176575. doi: 10.1177/14653125231176575. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine differences in the location of centre of resistance (Cres) between functional and hypofunctional teeth and to evaluate the relationship between the pulp cavity volume and locations of the Cres, using the finite element (FE) method.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS: FE models of right maxillary central incisor, derived from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 46 participants, were divided into normal function (n = 23) and hypofunction (n = 23) groups using anterior overbite and cephalometric measurements.

METHODS: Measurements of the tooth and pulp cavity volume were made from CBCT. Cres levels were presented as percentages of the root length from the root’s apex. All data were analysed and compared using the independent t-test (P < 0.05). The relationship between the location of Cres and volume ratios were evaluated statistically.

RESULTS: The means of the pulp cavity/tooth volume and root canal/ root volume ratio of the maxillary central incisor in anterior open bite group were significantly greater than those in the normal group. The average location of Cres in the anterior open bite group was 0.6 mm (3.7%) apically from the normal group, measured from root apex. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between root canal/root volume ratio and locations of Cres (r = -0.780, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The Cres in the hypofunctional group was located more apical than the functional group. As the pulp cavity volume increased, the levels of Cres apically shifted.

PMID:37269106 | DOI:10.1177/14653125231176575

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

External Fixation Prior to Fasciectomy Leads to Substantial Improvement of Advanced Dupuytren’s PIP Contractures at Mean Follow-up 15 Months

Hand (N Y). 2023 Jun 2:15589447231175512. doi: 10.1177/15589447231175512. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Digit Widget is an external fixation device that can be used to reverse proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) contractures in the hand. Our hypothesis is that usage of the Digit Widget prior to fasciectomy in patients with severe Dupuytren’s proximal interphalangeal (PIP) contractures will result in short-term improvement and maintenance of the PIPJ contracture after fasciectomy.

METHODS: Patients who underwent placement of the Digit Widget soft tissue distractor prior to fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease were identified between January 2015 and December 2018. Multiple fingers were considered separately. Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF), Pain Interference, and Depression scores were collected. Patients treated for contractures from etiologies other than Dupuytren’s were not included. Multiple linear regression was used to compare initial PIP contractures, PF scores, and final contractures.

RESULTS: There were 28 fingers in 24 patients with average age of 56 ± 12 (30.5-69.9) years. Initial mean PIPJ contracture was 81° (50°-120°), which had corrected to 23° at time of removal. Average time between application and fasciectomy was 58 (28-112) days. At final follow-up, average 449 (58-1641) days, the average contracture was 39° (0°-105°). Contracture immediately following fasciectomy was found to be strongly correlated with the contracture at final follow-up. There was no statistical relationship between final PROMIS PF scores and final change in contracture.

CONCLUSIONS: Digit Widget external fixation is an effective treatment for the correction of advanced PIPJ contractures related to Dupuytren’s disease, with an average of 52% improvement in contracture at 15 months.

PMID:37269101 | DOI:10.1177/15589447231175512

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Opponensplasty for Nerve Palsy: A Systematic Review

Hand (N Y). 2023 Jun 2:15589447231174481. doi: 10.1177/15589447231174481. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Opposition is an essential function of the human thumb to enable fine pinch and grip strength. Loss of opposition can be caused by both congenital and acquired pathology resulting in significant disability. This systematic review aims to compare the different techniques available to restore opposition. A systematic review of opponensplasty techniques was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines using PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science. Studies published in English before April 2021 and that reported on original outcomes of opponensplasty techniques used in the context of neurologic dysfunction were eligible for inclusion. A total of 641 articles were included, of which 42 texts were eligible for inclusion with a total cohort of 873 patients. The most commonly used transfers were palmaris longus (PL), extensor indicis proprius (EIP), and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS). These transfers all demonstrated an improvement in range of motion, pinch strength, and Kapandji scores. Complication rates of 19% and 12% were reported with FDS and EIP transfers, respectively, predominantly related to donor site morbidity. A complication rate of 6% was observed with PL transfers, which was most commonly related to bowstringing. Heterogeneity of outcomes precluded a direct statistical comparison. There is significant heterogeneity in the literature reporting on opponensplasty techniques. There is limited capacity of direct comparison; however, FDS and EIP appear to demonstrate better functional outcomes, at the cost of higher complication rates. Each technique has specific complications and advantages and importance in patient counseling and discussion. Further prospective comparative studies are warranted.

PMID:37269095 | DOI:10.1177/15589447231174481

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Remote Administration of ADHD-Sensitive Cognitive Tasks: A Pilot Study

J Atten Disord. 2023 Jun 2:10870547231172763. doi: 10.1177/10870547231172763. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the feasibility and validity of remote researcher-led administration and self-administration of modified versions of two cognitive tasks sensitive to ADHD, a four-choice reaction time task (Fast task) and a combined Continuous Performance Test/Go No-Go task (CPT/GNG), through a new remote measurement technology system.

METHOD: We compared the cognitive performance measures (mean and variability of reaction times (MRT, RTV), omission errors (OE) and commission errors (CE)) at a remote baseline researcher-led administration and three remote self-administration sessions between participants with and without ADHD (n = 40).

RESULTS: The most consistent group differences were found for RTV, MRT and CE at the baseline researcher-led administration and the first self-administration, with 8 of the 10 comparisons statistically significant and all comparisons indicating medium to large effect sizes.

CONCLUSION: Remote administration of cognitive tasks successfully captured the difficulties with response inhibition and regulation of attention, supporting the feasibility and validity of remote assessments.

PMID:37269091 | DOI:10.1177/10870547231172763

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Unrelated or haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in second complete remission for acute myeloid leukemia-Improved outcomes over time: A European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Acute Leukemia Working Party study

Cancer. 2023 Jun 2. doi: 10.1002/cncr.34843. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is the only cure for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in second complete remission (CR2). Patients lacking a matched sibling donor (MSD) receive transplants from matched unrelated donors (MUDs), mismatched unrelated donors (MMUDs), haploidentical (haplo) donors, or cord blood.

METHODS: This is a retrospective, registry-based European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation study that investigates changes in patient- and transplant-related characteristics and posttransplant outcomes over time.

RESULTS: We identified 3955 adult patients (46.7% female; median age, 52 years [range, 18-78 years]) with AML in CR2 first transplanted between 2005 and 2019 from a MUD 10/10 (61.4%), MMUD 9/10 (21.9%), or haplo donor (16.7%) and followed for 3.7 years. A total of 725 patients were transplanted between 2005 and 2009, 1600 between 2010 and 2014, and 1630 between 2015 and 2019. Over the three time periods, there was a significant increase in patient age (from 48.7 to 53.5 years; p < .001), use of a haplo donor (from 4.6% to 26.4%; p < .001), and use of posttransplant cyclophosphamide (from 0.4% to 29%; p < .001). There was a significant decrease in total body irradiation and in vivo T-cell depletion. In multivariate analysis, transplants performed more recently had better outcomes. Leukemia-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79; p = .002) and overall survival (HR, 0.73; p < .001) increased over time. Similarly, nonrelapse mortality (HR, 0.64; p < .001) decreased over time. We also observed better graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) rates (acute GVHD II-IV: HR, 0.78; p = .03; GVHD-free, relapse-free survival: HR, 0.69; p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS: Even in the absence of an MSD, outcomes of allo-HCT in CR2 for AML have significantly improved over time, with most favorable outcomes achieved with a MUD.

PMID:37269074 | DOI:10.1002/cncr.34843

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Timing of intra-abdominal aortic balloon occlusion for prevention of hemorrhage in patients with placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2023 Jun 2. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.14909. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) has been linked to severe negative maternal-fetal pregnancy outcomes, including a high risk of maternal death. The goal of this study was to determine whether an abdominal aortic balloon block performed before fetal birth lowered intraoperative bleeding and the risk of severe bleeding, as opposed to a block performed after fetal birth.

METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent pre-delivery or post-delivery inflation were compared for intraoperative hemorrhage, transfusion rate, hysterectomy rate, intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization, and newborn indices. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we applied multivariate logistic regression, propensity score analysis, and an inverse probability-weighting model.

RESULTS: This study included 168 patients who underwent balloon occlusion (62 pre-delivery, 106 post-delivery). The overall probability of major bleeding was 56.5% (95/168), and the pre-delivery and post-delivery probabilities for major bleeding were 64.5% (40/62) and 51.9% (55/106) (P = 0.112), respectively. In the multivariable-adjusted model, post-delivery inflation was associated with a 33% numerically higher probability of massive bleeding (odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 0.54-3.25, P = 0.535). However, the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: According to our findings, pre-delivery inflation did not significantly reduce the risk or amount of severe bleeding.

PMID:37269053 | DOI:10.1002/ijgo.14909

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Investing in Medical Assistants: Opportunities for the Health Care Workforce

J Allied Health. 2023 Summer;52(2):e79-e82.

ABSTRACT

Medical Assistant (MA) is one of the fastest growing healthcare professions, with the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting MA positions will grow by 18% between 2020 and 2030. The experience and knowledge MAs gain during their education and training provide a foundation for advancement into other healthcare occupations that could be leveraged to support efforts to diversify the healthcare workforce. However, the lack of federal investment in medical assistant education and training, as well as the lack of established education and career pathways that build on medical assisting, is a missed opportunity to better meet the workforce development needs of our primary care delivery system.

PMID:37269041

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Analysis of Student Use of Textbooks in an Entry-Level Physical Therapist Program

J Allied Health. 2023 Summer;52(2):e63-e71.

ABSTRACT

As costs of higher education continue to rise, textbook pur¬chase is an area in which students have control over spending. The purposes of this project were to: 1) describe textbook use among current students and recent graduates in one physical therapist program, and 2) determine how this information might be utilized in addressing faculty textbook decisions in entry-level education. Electronic surveys were sent to 83 students and 229 graduates of a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Texas. Ten faculty completed an 8-question paper survey about factors considered in requiring a textbook. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and chi-square test for independence. Thirty-two students, 28 graduates, and 7 faculty responded. A total of 23 textbooks were required during the curriculum. Only 6 of 23 required texts were reported as “useful” by students. Graduates identified 3 texts as “useful” during early clinical practice. Six faculty required textbooks for classes; 4 indicated texts were “necessary” for student success. Students purchased a small percentage of required textbooks and maintained a high level of success. Results indicate that faculty are providing the required content. Faculty should carefully consider their instructional delivery when making decisions about if required textbooks are truly required for success.

PMID:37269039