Tag: nevin manimala

PLoS One. 2022 Jul 19;17(7):e0270360. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270360. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

Existing methods for evaluating in vivo placental function fail to reliably detect pregnancies at-risk for adverse outcomes prior to maternal and/or fetal morbidity. Here we report the results of a prospective dual-site longitudinal clinical study of quantitative placental T2* as measured by blood oxygen-level dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-MRI). The objectives of this study were: 1) to quantify placental T2* at multiple time points across gestation, and its consistency across sites, and 2) to investigate the association between placental T2* and adverse outcomes. 797 successful imaging studies, at up to three time points between 11 and 38 weeks of gestation, were completed in 316 pregnancies. Outcomes were stratified into three groups: (UN) uncomplicated/normal pregnancy, (PA) primary adverse pregnancy, which included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, birthweight <5th percentile, and/or stillbirth or fetal death, and (SA) secondary abnormal pregnancy, which included abnormal prenatal conditions not included in the PA group such as spontaneous preterm birth or fetal anomalies. Of the 316 pregnancies, 198 (62.6%) were UN, 70 (22.2%) PA, and 48 (15.2%) SA outcomes. We found that the evolution of placental T2* across gestation was well described by a sigmoid model, with T2* decreasing continuously from a high plateau level early in gestation, through an inflection point around 30 weeks, and finally approaching a second, lower plateau in late gestation. Model regression revealed significantly lower T2* in the PA group than in UN pregnancies starting at 15 weeks and continuing through 33 weeks. T2* percentiles were computed for individual scans relative to UN group regression, and z-scores and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves calculated for association of T2* with pregnancy outcome. Overall, differences between UN and PA groups were statistically significant across gestation, with large effect sizes in mid- and late- pregnancy. The area under the curve (AUC) for placental T2* percentile and PA pregnancy outcome was 0.71, with the strongest predictive power (AUC of 0.76) at the mid-gestation time period (20-30 weeks). Our data demonstrate that placental T2* measurements are strongly associated with pregnancy outcomes often attributed to placental insufficiency. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02749851.

PMID:35853003 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0270360

PLoS One. 2022 Jul 19;17(7):e0269185. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269185. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by WHO in March 2020. Since then, additional novel coronavirus variants have emerged challenging the current healthcare system worldwide. There is an increased need for hospital care, especially intensive care unit (ICU), for the patients severely affected by the disease. Most of the studies analyzed COVID-19 infected patients in the hospitals and established the positive correlation between clinical parameters such as high levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and ferritin to the severity of infection. However, little is known about the course of the ICU admission. The retrospective study carried out at University Hospital Sharjah, UAE presented here reports an integrated analysis of the biochemical and radiological factors among the newly admitted COVID-19 patients to decide on their ICU admission. The descriptive statistical analysis revealed that patients with clinical presentations such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (p<0.0001) at the time of admission needed intensive care. The ROC plot indicated that radiological factors including high chest CT scores (>CO-RADS 4) in combination with biochemical parameters such as higher levels of blood urea nitrogen (>6.7 mg/dL;66% sensitivity and 75.8% specificity) and ferritin (>290 μg/mL, 71.4% sensitivity and 77.8% specificity) may predict ICU admission with 94.2% accuracy among COVID-19 patients. Collectively, these findings would benefit the hospitals to predict the ICU admission amongst COVID-19 infected patients.

PMID:35852999 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0269185

PLoS One. 2022 Jul 19;17(7):e0271275. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271275. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Women in rural settings particularly in schools suffer more from stigma and lack of services and facilities during menstruation. However, the issue has not received proper attention from school water sanitation and hygiene programs. And this study was aimed to identify knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene, and associated factors.

METHOD: Institution based cross-sectional study was employed among 441 school girls in Mekidela city. EpiData Version 4.6 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 25.0 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with the outcome variables. Variables with a p-value<0.25 in the bivariable analysis were a candidate for multivariable logistic regression and p-value<0.05 in the multivariable analysis was used to declare significant association.

RESULTS: Of the respondents, 64.9% reported good knowledge of menstrual hygiene management. In multivariable analysis; grade level (grade 11 & 12) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.23, 95% C.I (1.19-4.16)], age ≥ 19 years [AOR = 3.45, 95% C.I (1.78-6.69)], residence [AOR = 1.90, 95% C.I: (1.12-3.23)], know sanitary pads [AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: (1.19-6.00)] and learned about menstrual hygiene [AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: (1.02-2.87)] found to be associated with knowledge. About 62.4% have good menstrual hygiene practices. Knowledge on menstrual hygiene [AOR = 1.73, 95% C.I (1.07-2.80)], know about reproductive tract/sexually transmitted infections [AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: (1.37-4.43)], having private shower [AOR = 2.04, 95% C.I 2.04(1.24-3.37)] and residence [AOR = 3.76, 95% C.I:(2.18-6.51)] were factors associated with practice.

CONCLUSION: Overall nearly two-third of respondents had good knowledge and good practice of menstrual hygiene management. Factors significantly associated with their knowledge included age, grade level, residence, learning on menstrual hygiene, and knowledge of sanitary pads. Residence, knowledge on menstrual hygiene, know about sexually transmitted infections and having a private shower were found to be associated with practice of menstrual hygiene management. In general, our finding indicates that menstrual hygiene was unsatisfactory among adolescent school girls and more should be done on the factors identified.

PMID:35852998 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0271275

PLoS Comput Biol. 2022 Jul 19;18(7):e1010273. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010273. eCollection 2022 Jul.

ABSTRACT

Temporal synchrony between facial motion and acoustic modulations is a hallmark feature of audiovisual speech. The moving face and mouth during natural speech is known to be correlated with low-frequency acoustic envelope fluctuations (below 10 Hz), but the precise rates at which envelope information is synchronized with motion in different parts of the face are less clear. Here, we used regularized canonical correlation analysis (rCCA) to learn speech envelope filters whose outputs correlate with motion in different parts of the speakers face. We leveraged recent advances in video-based 3D facial landmark estimation allowing us to examine statistical envelope-face correlations across a large number of speakers (∼4000). Specifically, rCCA was used to learn modulation transfer functions (MTFs) for the speech envelope that significantly predict correlation with facial motion across different speakers. The AV analysis revealed bandpass speech envelope filters at distinct temporal scales. A first set of MTFs showed peaks around 3-4 Hz and were correlated with mouth movements. A second set of MTFs captured envelope fluctuations in the 1-2 Hz range correlated with more global face and head motion. These two distinctive timescales emerged only as a property of natural AV speech statistics across many speakers. A similar analysis of fewer speakers performing a controlled speech task highlighted only the well-known temporal modulations around 4 Hz correlated with orofacial motion. The different bandpass ranges of AV correlation align notably with the average rates at which syllables (3-4 Hz) and phrases (1-2 Hz) are produced in natural speech. Whereas periodicities at the syllable rate are evident in the envelope spectrum of the speech signal itself, slower 1-2 Hz regularities thus only become prominent when considering crossmodal signal statistics. This may indicate a motor origin of temporal regularities at the timescales of syllables and phrases in natural speech.

PMID:35852989 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010273

Vopr Pitan. 2022;91(3):64-72. doi: 10.33029/0042-8833-2022-91-3-64-72. Epub 2022 May 4.

ABSTRACT

The growing prevalence of overweight and obesity is an urgent problem not only in adults but also in children in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of overweight and obesity and other forms of nutritional disorders in Russian children. Material and methods. The nutritional status of 17 329 children aged 2-18 years was assessed on the basis of anthropometric data, obtained by the Federal State Statistics Service during the “Sample Survey of the Population’s Diet” in 2018. The prevalence of various forms of malnutrition was assessed by the Z-score categories: underweight, stunted growth (short stature), thinness, overweight, obesity. Results. Population mean and median values of Z-scores in all sex-age groups do not exceed ±0.5 in relation to WHO standards, which indicates the applicability of the standards to assessing the nutritional status of Russian children population. High body weight (WAZ>2) occurs in 7.6% of children, underweight in 2.6%. The incidence of short stature in boys and girls is 7.0 and 6.8%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in boys is 20.4 and 10.4%, respectively, while in girls, 15.4 and 7.6%. In general, in the population of children 2-18 years old, the prevalence of overweight is 18%, and obesity is 9.1%. The index of malnutrition, including the sum of the frequency of various combinations of low Z-scores (<-2), characterizing underweight, short stature, thinness, and their combinations was 8.0%. The multilevel logistic regression showed that overweight and obesity inversely depend on age; the risk of developing these conditions is lower in the city, but higher in male children compared to female children. Conclusion. The population of children 2-18 years old in the Russian Federation is characterized by a low incidence of forms of malnutrition, such as underweight and thinness. However, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher than in European countries.

PMID:35852979 | DOI:10.33029/0042-8833-2022-91-3-64-72

Aust Endod J. 2022 Jul 19. doi: 10.1111/aej.12660. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the removal of 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA) from the root canal system and its effect on the bond strength of the mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). 126 single-rooted teeth were divided into 3 experimental groups (n = 36) that were treated with double antibiotic paste (DAP), HICA and calcium hydroxide (CH) and one control group (n = 18). In the first part, 18 teeth from each experimental group (n = 54) were examined to remove HICA from the root canal. In the second part, 72 teeth (3 experimental groups (n = 54) and one control group (n = 18)) were used for the evaluation of the push-out bond strength of MTA. There was no statistically significant difference between HICA, DAP and CH residues (p > 0.05). HICA group showed significantly less push-out bond strength (p < 0.05). DAP, HICA and CH could not be removed entirely from the root canal. HICA significantly reduced the bond strength of the MTA.

PMID:35852919 | DOI:10.1111/aej.12660

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 Jul 19:1945998221113550. doi: 10.1177/01945998221113550. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare billing practices, reimbursement rates, and patient populations of otolaryngology (ORL) physicians practicing in rural and urban settings.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING: Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Supplier Data.

METHODS: Medicare-allowed payments, number of services, and number of patients were gathered along with patient population comorbidity statistics, including average hierarchical condition category risk scores.

RESULTS: In 2019, 92% of the overall total 8959 ORL physicians practiced in an urban setting. These 8243 urban ORL physicians, on average, billed for 51 (interquartile range [IQR], 31-67) unique Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes, cared for 393 (IQR, 172-535) Medicare patients, performed 1761 (IQR, 502-2070) services, and collected $139,957 (IQR, $55,527-$178,479) per provider. In contrast, the 704 rural ORL physicians, on average, billed for a greater number of unique HCPCS codes (59; IQR, 37-77; P < .001), treated more Medicare patients (445; IQR, 242-614; P < .001), and performed more services (2330; IQR, 694-2748; P < .001) but collected about the same per provider ($141,035; IQR, $56,555-$172,864; P = .426). Older age was associated with rural practice (P = .027). Among both urban and rural ORL physicians, the variety and complexity of procedures and patient comorbidity profiles were comparable.

CONCLUSION: Most ORL physicians practice in large urban settings, a finding potentially related to financial sustainability and career opportunity. With an already small workforce, the aging rural ORL physician population is an identifiable weak point in the otolaryngology specialty that must be addressed with geo-specific recruitment campaigns, rural work incentivization, and the development of career advancement opportunities in rural areas.

PMID:35852873 | DOI:10.1177/01945998221113550

JMIR Form Res. 2022 Jul 19;6(7):e37278. doi: 10.2196/37278.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: University students are susceptible to excessive stress. A web-based stress management intervention holds promise to improve stress but is still at a novel stage in Indonesia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to report the feasibility of the intervention we developed-Rileks-among university students in Indonesia in terms of acceptability and usability, and to propose recommendations for future improvements.

METHODS: A single-group pretest and posttest design was used. Participants with scores of 15 or higher on the stress subscale of the 42-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales were given access to the intervention (N=68). The main outcome measures were the 8-item Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) score, the System Usability Scale (SUS) score, and intervention uptake. Participants’ experience in each session was evaluated using closed- and open-ended questions for future improvements. Descriptive statistics were used to examine primary outcome and qualitative session evaluations. Participants’ responses to each topic of the open questions were summarized.

RESULTS: The intervention was evaluated as being satisfactory (CSQ-8 mean score 21.89, SD 8.72; range 8-32). However, the intervention’s usability was still below expectation (SUS mean score 62.8, SD 14.74; range 0-100). The core modules were completed by 10 out of 68 participants (15%), and the study dropout rate was 63% (43/68) at postassessment. In general, the module content was rated positively, with some notes for improvement covering content and technical aspects.

CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that Rileks is potentially feasible for Indonesian university students. In order to be optimally applied in such a context and before scaling up web-based interventions in Indonesia, in general, further development and refinement are needed.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/11493.

PMID:35852838 | DOI:10.2196/37278

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 Jul 19:1945998221113310. doi: 10.1177/01945998221113310. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on pneumococcal vaccination compliance rates among cochlear implant (CI) patients and to examine the utility of intervention programs on increasing vaccination rates.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL.

REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Studies of pneumococcal vaccination rates at baseline and before and after the implementation of a quality improvement (QI) intervention were included. A total of 641 studies were screened, and 13 studies met inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses of pneumococcal vaccination rates pre- and post-QI intervention in CI patients were performed.

RESULTS: A total of 12,973 children and adults were included. The baseline PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccination rates were 53.45% (95% CI, 37.02%-69.51%) and 42.53% (95% CI, 31.94%-53.48%), respectively. Comparing children and adults, PCV13 and PPSV23 baseline vaccination rates were not statistically significant. The PPSV23 vaccine rate after QI initiatives was significantly higher than the baseline rate at 83.52% (95% CI, 57.36%-98.46%). After these interventions, patients had a 15.71 (95% CI, 4.32-57.20, P < .001) increased odds of receiving PPSV23 vaccination compared to before QI implementation.

CONCLUSIONS: The baseline rates of PCV13 and PPSV23 are highly variable and lower than expected, given current vaccination recommendations for CI patients. QI programs appear successful in increasing compliance rates with the PPSV23 vaccination; however, they are still far from full compliance. Further intervention programs with stricter surveillance, monitoring, and follow-up systems are needed to achieve improved compliance with the PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccination in CI recipients.

PMID:35852861 | DOI:10.1177/01945998221113310

Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2022 Jul 19. doi: 10.1111/cid.13123. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of four decontamination protocols on contaminated healing abutments (HAs) and their effects on surface topography.

METHODS: Eighty contaminated single-use HA samples collected from human participants were stained with phloxine B and examined microscopically. The retrieved HAs were randomly divided into four test groups: (1) Autoclaving only (AU), (2) 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) + AU, (3) Electrochemical treatment (EC) + AU, (4) NaOCl + EC + AU, and positive control (contaminated without any treatment). Four new unused HAs served as negative controls (NC). The surface features were analyzed using stereo microscopy (SM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and optical profilometry.

RESULTS: The lowest decontamination efficacy was observed for the AU group. The NaOCl + AU and EC + AU groups effectively removed residual contamination, whereas EC + AU showed better decontamination results than NaOCl + AU. SM, SEM, and EDS analyses revealed the best decontamination efficacy in the combined NaOCl + EC + AU group compared to the other groups. Surface roughness (Sa), developed surface area ratio (Sdr), and texture-aspect ratio (Str) in AU, NaOCl + AU, EC + AU, and NaOCl + EC + AU groups were not statistically significant compared to the NC group.

CONCLUSIONS: The combination of NaOCl with subsequent EC can remove soft and hard deposits from the surface of HAs compared to NaOCl alone and EC alone, without altering the surface topography of HAs.

PMID:35852825 | DOI:10.1111/cid.13123