Tag: nevin manimala

Am J Manag Care. 2023 Mar 1;29(3):e71-e78. doi: 10.37765/ajmc.2023.89332.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Patients with complex chronic conditions have varying multidisciplinary care needs and utilization patterns, which limit the effectiveness of initiatives designed to improve continuity of care (COC) and reduce utilization. Our objective was to categorize patients with complex chronic conditions into distinct groups by pattern of outpatient care use and COC to tailor interventions.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study from 2014 to 2015.

METHODS: We identified patients whose 1-year hospitalization risk was in at least the 90th percentile in 2014 who had a chronic gastrointestinal disease (cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis) as case examples of complex chronic disease. We described frequency of office visits, number of outpatient providers, and 2 COC measures (usual provider of care, Bice-Boxerman COC indices) over 12 months. We used latent profile analysis, a statistical method for identifying distinct subgroups, to categorize patients based on overall, primary care, gastroenterology, and mental health continuity patterns.

RESULTS: The 26,751 veterans in the cohort had a mean (SD) of 13.3 (8.6) office visits and 7.2 (3.8) providers in 2014. Patients were classified into 5 subgroups: (1) high gastroenterology-specific COC with mental health use; (2) high gastroenterology-specific COC without mental health use; (3) high overall utilization with mental health use; (4) low overall COC with mental health use; and (5) low overall COC without mental health use. These groups varied in their sociodemographic characteristics and risk for hospitalization, emergency department use, and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients at high risk for health care utilization with specialty care needs can be grouped by varying propensity for health care continuity patterns.

PMID:36947019 | DOI:10.37765/ajmc.2023.89332

Oncologist. 2023 Mar 22:oyad035. doi: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad035. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDKi) have changed the landscape for treatment of patients with hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER-) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, next-line treatment strategies after CDKi progression are not yet optimized. We report here the impact of clinical and genomic factors on post-CDKi outcomes in a single institution cohort of HR+/HER2- patients with MBC.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with HR+/HER2- MBC that received a CDKi between April 1, 2014 and December 1, 2019 at our institution. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, the Kaplan-Meier method, and regression models.

RESULTS: We identified 140 patients with HR+/HER2- MBC that received a CDKi. Eighty percent of patients discontinued treatment due to disease progression, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 6.0 months (95% CI, 5.0-7.1), whereas those that discontinued CDKi for other reasons had a PFS of 11.3 months (95% CI, 4.6-19.4) (hazard ratio (HR) 2.53, 95% CI, 1.50-4.26 [P = .001]). The 6-month cumulative incidence of post-CDKi progression or death was 51% for the 112 patients who progressed on CDKi. Patients harboring PTEN mutations pre-CDKi treatment had poorer clinical outcomes compared to those with wild-type PTEN.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights post-CDKi outcomes and the need for further molecular characterization and novel therapies to improve treatments for patients with HR+/HER2- MBC.

PMID:36946994 | DOI:10.1093/oncolo/oyad035

J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2023 Mar 22. doi: 10.1089/lap.2022.0491. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a complex operative procedure, which remains the primary curative treatment for pancreatic, distal bile duct, and periampullary cancers. In recent years, with the continuous development of laparoscopic technology and equipment, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) has been performed gradually in many high-volume surgical centers. However, it is still challenging even for experienced pancreatic surgeons to perform LPD, at the same time, with the accumulation of surgical experience, different surgical approaches are also constantly discussed. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 323 patients who received LPD at a single institution. Among them, 200 patients received operations with retrocolic approach, 123 patients were treated with traditional approach. In this study, we analyzed perioperative data and compared survival time for patients with pancreatic cancers in two groups. Result: Compared with traditional approach, retrocolic approach with uncinate process priority has a shorter operative time (94.25 ± 6.46 minutes versus 116.43 ± .4.78 minutes, P = .009) and less intraoperative blood loss (80 mL versus 150 mL, P = .562). However, there is no statistical significance in the incidence of postoperative complications (≥ Clavien-Dindo [CD] III) (65 [32.5%] versus 45 [36.58%], P = .871), R0 resection rates (41 versus 38, P = .826), and the number of lymph nodes harvested (16.64 ± 5.93 versus 15.37 ± 4.65, P = .785) between two groups. Meanwhile, the median survival time of patients with pancreatic cancers in posterior approach group was longer than those in traditional approach group (30.34 months versus 28.54 months, P > .05); however, there was no statistical significance between them. Conclusion: Retrocolic approach with uncinate process priority is a feasible method for pancreatic cancer, which could reduce operating time and intraoperative bleeding, meanwhile, not increase the incidence of postoperative complications. Retrocolic approach with uncinate process priority can be generalized to larger group sizes.

PMID:36946976 | DOI:10.1089/lap.2022.0491

Opt Lett. 2023 Mar 15;48(6):1427-1430. doi: 10.1364/OL.478956.

ABSTRACT

Speckle contrast optical spectroscopy/tomography (SCOS/T) provides a real-time, non-invasive, and cost-efficient optical imaging approach to mapping of cerebral blood flow. By measuring many speckles (n>>10), SCOS/T has an increased signal-to-noise ratio relative to diffuse correlation spectroscopy, which measures one or a few speckles. However, the current free-space SCOS/T designs are not ideal for large field-of-view imaging in humans because the curved head contour cannot be readily imaged with a single flat sensor and hair obstructs optical access. Herein, we evaluate the feasibility of using cost-efficient multi-mode fiber (MMF) bundles for use in SCOS/T systems. One challenge with speckle contrast measurements is the potential for confounding noise sources (e.g., shot noise, readout noise) which contribute to the standard deviation measure and corrupt the speckle contrast measure that is central to the SCOS/T systems. However, for true speckle measurements, the histogram of pixel intensities from light interference follows a non-Gaussian distribution, specifically a gamma distribution with non-zero skew, whereas most noise sources have pixel intensity distributions that are Gaussian. By evaluating speckle data from static and dynamic targets imaged through an MMF, we use histograms and statistical analysis of pixel histograms to evaluate whether the statistical properties of the speckles are retained. We show that flow-based speckle can be distinguished from static speckle and from sources of system noise through measures of skew in the pixel intensity histograms. Finally, we illustrate in humans that MMF bundles relay blood flow information.

PMID:36946944 | DOI:10.1364/OL.478956

Urogynecology (Phila). 2023 Mar 13. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001345. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: In the past, urethral shape, mobility, and urodynamics have been used to retrospectively demonstrate correlations with stress urinary incontinence. Our previous work has shown a relationship between urethral function and shape in symptomatic women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the effect of pelvic floor squeeze and strain maneuvers on urethral shapes and pressure in a cohort of patients without pelvic floor disorders.

STUDY DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, volunteers underwent dynamic pelvic floor ultrasound examination, and a modified urodynamic study. Urethral length, thickness, and proximal and distal swing angles were measured at rest, squeeze, and strain. The midsagittal urethral walls were traced so that a statistical shape model could be performed. Means and standard deviations of imaging and urodynamic measures were calculated.

RESULTS: Data from 19 participants were analyzed. On average during squeeze compared with rest, urethral length increased by 6%, thickness decreased by 42% (distal, P < 0.001), 10% (middle), and urethral pressure increased by 14%. Opposite shape changes-length decreased by 10% (P = 0.001), thickness increased by 57% (distal, P < 0.001), 20% (middle, P < 0.001)-and increased urethral mobility were observed during strain, with larger pressure increases occurring (29%, P < 0.001). Fifty-one percent of the total shape variance described the differences between maneuvers. These differences were statistically different between groups (P < 0.001 for comparisons, all others P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic ultrasound and urodynamics allow for the establishment of baseline ranges in urethral metrics (2-dimensional measures, shape, and pressure) and how they are altered during maneuvers. These data can allow for a more objective identification of incontinence via ultrasound and urodynamic testing.

PMID:36946905 | DOI:10.1097/SPV.0000000000001345

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2023 Mar;120(3):e20220471. doi: 10.36660/abc.20220471.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The influence of left atrial appendage volume (LAAV) on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) following radiofrequency catheter ablation remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a meta-analysis to assess whether LAAV is an independent predictor of AF recurrence following radiofrequency catheter ablation.

METHODS: The PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases were searched until March 2022 to identify publications evaluating LAAV in association with AF recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Seven studies that fulfilled the specified criteria of our analysis were found. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to evaluate the quality of the studies. The pooled effects were evaluated depending on standardized mean differences (SMDs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 1017 patients from 7 cohort studies with a mean follow-up 16.3 months were included in the meta-analysis. Data from 6 studies (943 subjects) comparing LAAV showed that the baseline LAAV was significantly higher in patients with AF recurrence compared to those without AF (SMD: -0.63; 95% CI: -0.89 to -0,37; all p values < 0.05; I2= 62.6%). Moreover, higher LAAV was independently associated with a significantly higher risk of AF recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.18).

CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis showed that there is a significant correlation between LAAV and AF recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation, and the role of LAAV in AF patients should not be ignored in clinical practice.

PMID:36946857 | DOI:10.36660/abc.20220471

Epidemiol Serv Saude. 2023 Mar 20;32(1):e2022595. doi: 10.1590/S2237-96222023000100003. Print 2023.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the temporal trend of Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional – SISVAN) coverage and the nutritional status of older adults, and its correlation with indicators of social inequality in Brazil between 2008-2019.

METHODS: this was an ecological study using records from SISVAN, related to the population aged 60 years and older; the temporal trend of coverage and the correlation between indicators of social inequality and increment rate of nutritional status were analyzed; slope index of inequality and concentration index were used to measure absolute and relative inequalities.

RESULTS: 11,587,933 records were identified; national coverage increased from 0.1% (2008) to 2.9% (2019), with a statistically significant upward trend; a moderate inverse correlation with an annual increment rate of overweight between human development index and gross domestic product per capita, was found.

CONCLUSION: there was an increasing trend in SISVAN coverage; the increase in overweight was associated with social inequality.

PMID:36946834 | DOI:10.1590/S2237-96222023000100003

Epidemiol Serv Saude. 2023;32(1):e20211266. doi: 10.1590/S2237-96222023000100005.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the trend in hospitalization rates for mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol use (ICD-10: F10.0), Brazil and its five regions, 2010-2020.

METHODS: this was an ecological time-series study using data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian National Health System; to calculate the trend in hospitalizations, we used the Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression model and the Stata Statistical Software 14.0; a decreasing trend was considered when p-value < 0.05, and the regression coefficient was negative.

RESULTS: in the period analyzed, there were 423,290 hospitalizations for mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol use in the country; the data analyzed showed a decreasing trend in adult hospitalization rates for this cause in the country (p-value < 0.001; 95%CI -0.094;-0.079) and in all its regions, for both sexes (p-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: hospitalizations for mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol use have reduced in Brazil and in its macro-regions.

PMID:36946829 | DOI:10.1590/S2237-96222023000100005

Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2023 Mar 20;21:eAO0172. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2023AO0172. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the presence of related nutritional risk indicators prior to COVID-19 diagnosis is associated with poor survival in patients with cancer.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of hospitalized cancer patients who tested positive for COVID-19 between March 2020 and February 2021. Nutritional risk was defined as the presence of one of the following characteristics: body mass index <20kg/m 2 , scored Patient-generated Subjective Global Assessment ≥9 points or classification B, albumin level <3.5g/dL, and C-reactive protein level ≥10mg/L, evaluated between 7 and 60 days prior to the date of patient inclusion. The endpoint measure was all-cause mortality within 30 days of COVID-19 diagnosis.

RESULTS: A total of 253 patients were included, most of whom were elderly (62.4%) and female (63.6%). Overall, 45.4% of the patients were at nutritional risk. Survival was significantly lower in patients at nutritional risk (8 days; interquartile range [IQR]: 3-29) than in patients not at nutritional risk (16 days; IQR: 6-30) (p<0.001). The presence of prior nutritional risk was associated with increased 30-day mortality (HR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.03-1.94), regardless of age, gender, tumor site or stage, and other risk factors, and the model had good discrimination accuracy (concordance statistic: 0.744).

CONCLUSION: The presence of prior nutritional risk indicators is related to poor prognosis in patients with cancer and COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of nutritional care, notably during this pandemic.

PMID:36946825 | DOI:10.31744/einstein_journal/2023AO0172

Cad Saude Publica. 2023 Mar 13;39(2):e00132622. doi: 10.1590/0102-311XPT132622. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

Since the release of the third version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III), biological psychiatry has been systematically applying its classification reasoning to social phenomena of many natures. From this perspective, the discourse of trauma gained relevance and events of devastating magnitude began to receive neurobehavioral interpretations until finally being recognized less for their cultural and subjective effects than for the physiological changes they cause. By a narrative review, this study aims to analyze the transition of traumatic rationality from the 19th century, when trauma was associated with the cognitive concept of memory, to the 20th century, when this phenomenon was finally attached to neuroscientific research on stress. The plurality of conceptual models and deterministic paradigms can contribute to the fact that trauma research produces multifactorial coping protocols more appropriate to the human experience of post-traumatic suffering.

PMID:36946798 | DOI:10.1590/0102-311XPT132622