Tag: nevin manimala

Am J Hypertens. 2021 Apr 28:hpab067. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpab067. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between urbanization and hypertension, stage II hypertension, and hypertension control.

METHODS: Data on 16,360 U.S. adults aged 18 years or older from the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to estimate the prevalence of hypertension (blood pressure (BP) ≥130/80 mm Hg or use of medication for hypertension), stage II hypertension (BP ≥140/90 mm Hg), and hypertension control (BP < 130/80 mm Hg among hypertensives) by urbanization, classified by levels of metropolitan statistical areas as large MSAs (population ≥ 1,000,000), medium to small MSAs (population 50,000-999,999), and non-MSAs (population <50,000)).

RESULTS: All prevalence ratios (PRs) were compared with large MSAs and adjusted for demographics and risk factors. The PRs of hypertension were 1.07 (95% CI= 0.99-1.14) for adults residing in medium to small MSAs and 1.06 (95% CI=0.99- 1.13) for adults residing in non-MSAs, For stage II hypertension, the PRs were higher for adults residing in medium to small MSAs 1.21 (95% CI =1.06-1.36) but not for adults residing in non-MSAs 1.06 (95% CI= 0.88-1.29). For hypertension control, the PRs were 0.96 (95% CI=0.91-1.01) for adults residing in medium to small MSAs and 1.00 (95% CI=0.93-1.06) for adults residing in non-MSAs.

CONCLUSION: Among U.S. adults, urbanization was associated with stage II hypertension.

PMID:33909014 | DOI:10.1093/ajh/hpab067

JAMA Cardiol. 2021 Apr 28. doi: 10.1001/jamacardio.2021.0948. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: The American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology pooled cohort equations (PCEs) are used for predicting 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Pooled cohort equation risk prediction capabilities across self-reported leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) levels and the change in model performance with addition of LTPA to the PCE are unclear.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate PCE risk prediction performance across self-reported LTPA levels and the change in model performance by adding LTPA to the existing PCE model.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Individual-level pooling of data from 3 longitudinal cohort studies-Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Health Study-was performed. A total of 18 824 participants were stratified into 4 groups based on self-reported LTPA levels: inactive (0 metabolic equivalent of task [MET]-min/wk), less than guideline-recommended (<500 MET-min/wk), guideline-recommended (500-1000 MET-min/week), and greater than guideline-recommended (>1000 MET-min/wk). Pooled cohort equation risk discrimination was studied using the C statistic and reclassification capabilities were studied using the Greenwood Nam-D’Agostino χ2 goodness-of-fit test. Change in risk discrimination and reclassification on adding LTPA to PCEs was evaluated using change in C statistic, integrated discrimination index, and categorical net reclassification index.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Adjudicated ASCVD events during 10-year follow-up.

RESULTS: Among 18 824 participants studied, 10 302 were women (54.7%); mean (SD) age was 57.6 (8.2) years. A total of 5868 participants (31.2%) were inactive, 3849 (20.4%) had less than guideline-recommended LTPA, 3372 (17.9%) had guideline-recommended LTPA, and 5735 (30.5%) had greater than guideline-recommended LTPA level. Higher LTPA levels were associated with a lower risk of ASCVD after adjustment for risk factors (hazard ratio [HR] per 1-SD higher LTPA, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.96). Across LTPA groups, PCE risk discrimination (C statistic, 0.76-0.78) and risk calibration (all χ2 P > .10) was similar. Addition of LTPA to the PCE model resulted in no significant change in the C statistic (0.0005; 95% CI, -0.0004 to 0.0015; P = .28) and categorical net reclassification index (-0.003; 95% CI, -0.010 to 0.010; P = .95), but a minimal improvement in the integrated discrimination index (0.0008; 95% CI, 0.0002-0.0013; P = .005) was observed. Similar results were noted when cohort-specific coefficients were used for creating the baseline model.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Higher self-reported LTPA levels appear to be associated with lower ASCVD risk and increasing LTPA promotes cardiovascular wellness. These findings suggest the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology PCEs are accurate at estimating the probability of 10-year ASCVD risk regardless of LTPA level. The addition of self-reported LTPA to PCEs does not appear to be associated with improvement in risk prediction model performance.

PMID:33909016 | DOI:10.1001/jamacardio.2021.0948

Gen Dent. 2021 May-Jun;69(3):73-77.

ABSTRACT

Irreversible pulpitis is an acute, brief, and painful condition. Oxytocin, cortisol, and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) are released by the body in response to pain and emotional stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of salivary cortisol, sIgA, and oxytocin among patients with irreversible pulpitis. This was an ethically approved case-control study comparing 90 cases of irreversible pulpitis and 40 healthy individuals. Five study groups were established: nonpregnant female pulpitis, pregnant female pulpitis, male pulpitis, healthy (nonpregnant) female control, and healthy male control. Pregnant women in the first trimester were enrolled in the study. Participants received both clinical and radiographic examinations, completed a simple questionnaire related to food intake, habits, and anxiety, and their pain levels were recorded on a visual analog scale in which 0 represented no pain and 10 represented the worst possible pain. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected to measure oxytocin, sIgA, and cortisol levels. Dental pulp specimens were obtained and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate the agreement between clinical and histologic pulpal diagnoses. The statistical analysis included analysis of variance and Tukey tests. The majority of patients (37%) recorded a score of 8 (severe pain) on the visual analog scale, while a score of 10 (worst possible pain) was recorded only by pregnant women (3%). There was no statistically significant difference among healthy subjects for all salivary samples. Oxytocin levels increased significantly in nonpregnant (P < 0.5) and pregnant (P < 0.001) women with pulpitis. Cortisol (P < 0.01) and sIgA (P < 0.001) levels were significantly elevated only in pregnant women with pulpitis. The results of the present study indicate that acute dental pain during pregnancy can be considered as a pregnancy risk factor because of the resulting elevated oxytocin and cortisol levels.

PMID:33908883

JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2021 Apr 28;9(4):e26161. doi: 10.2196/26161.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, and its prevalence is increasing. Early diagnosis is important to reduce the risk of stroke. Mobile health (mHealth) devices, such as single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) devices, have been introduced to the worldwide consumer market over the past decade. Recent studies have assessed the usability of these devices for detection of AF, but it remains unclear if the use of mHealth devices leads to a higher AF detection rate.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the research was to conduct a systematic review of the diagnostic detection rate of AF by mHealth devices compared with traditional outpatient follow-up. Study participants were aged 16 years or older and had an increased risk for an arrhythmia and an indication for ECG follow-up-for instance, after catheter ablation or presentation to the emergency department with palpitations or (near) syncope. The intervention was the use of an mHealth device, defined as a novel device for the diagnosis of rhythm disturbances, either a handheld electronic device or a patch-like device worn on the patient’s chest. Control was standard (traditional) outpatient care, defined as follow-up via general practitioner or regular outpatient clinic visits with a standard 12-lead ECG or Holter monitoring. The main outcome measures were the odds ratio (OR) of AF detection rates.

METHODS: Two reviewers screened the search results, extracted data, and performed a risk of bias assessment. A heterogeneity analysis was performed, forest plot made to summarize the results of the individual studies, and albatross plot made to allow the P values to be interpreted in the context of the study sample size.

RESULTS: A total of 3384 articles were identified after a database search, and 14 studies with a 4617 study participants were selected. All studies but one showed a higher AF detection rate in the mHealth group compared with the control group (OR 1.00-35.71), with all RCTs showing statistically significant increases of AF detection (OR 1.54-19.16). Statistical heterogeneity between studies was considerable, with a Q of 34.1 and an I² of 61.9, and therefore it was decided to not pool the results into a meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the results of 13 of 14 studies support the effectiveness of mHealth interventions compared with standard care, study results could not be pooled due to considerable clinical and statistical heterogeneity. However, smartphone-connectable ECG devices provide patients with the ability to document a rhythm disturbance more easily than with standard care, which may increase empowerment and engagement with regard to their illness. Clinicians must beware of overdiagnosis of AF, as it is not yet clear when an mHealth-detected episode of AF must be deemed significant.

PMID:33908885 | DOI:10.2196/26161

J Med Internet Res. 2021 Apr 28;23(4):e26261. doi: 10.2196/26261.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has been rapidly adopted in clinical practice, with the scope extended to early diagnosis, disease classification, and treatment planning. As the number of requests for NGS genomic testing increases, substantial efforts have been made to deliver the testing results clearly and unambiguously. For the legitimacy of clinical NGS genomic testing, quality information from the process of producing genomic data should be included within the results. However, most reports provide insufficient quality information to confirm the reliability of genomic testing owing to the complexity of the NGS process.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to develop a Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)-based web app, NGS Quality Reporting (NGS-QR), to report and manage the quality of the information obtained from clinical NGS genomic tests.

METHODS: We defined data elements for the exchange of quality information from clinical NGS genomic tests, and profiled a FHIR genomic resource to enable information exchange in a standardized format. We then developed the FHIR-based web app and FHIR server to exchange quality information, along with statistical analysis tools implemented with the R Shiny server.

RESULTS: Approximately 1000 experimental data entries collected from the targeted sequencing pipeline CancerSCAN designed by Samsung Medical Center were used to validate implementation of the NGS-QR app using real-world data. The user can share the quality information of NGS genomic testing and verify the quality status of individual samples in the overall distribution.

CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully demonstrated how quality information of clinical NGS genomic testing can be exchanged in a standardized format. As the demand for NGS genomic testing in clinical settings increases and genomic data accumulate, quality information can be used as reference material to improve the quality of testing. This app could also motivate laboratories to perform diagnostic tests to provide high-quality genomic data.

PMID:33908889 | DOI:10.2196/26261

Gen Dent. 2021 May-Jun;69(3):52-56.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the effect of fiber post customization and laser application on the results of pull-out tests in endodontically treated teeth. Forty-eight bovine incisors were stored in aqueous 2% formaldehyde (pH 7.0) for 30 days. At the end of the storage period, the incisors were scraped with No. 11/12 periodontal curettes, rinsed with water and sodium bicarbonate, and stored in 0.9% saline solution for 7 days. Roots with similar shape and dimensions were selected and sectioned to a standard 17-mm length. Root canals were prepared and filled to a depth of 12 mm. The roots were divided into 4 groups (n = 12): 1, conventional fiber post and no laser application; 2, customized fiber post and no laser application; 3, conventional fiber post and laser application; and 4, customized fiber post and laser application. After removal of the obturation material for post space preparation, the canals were enlarged, and a laser beam was applied to the roots of teeth in groups 3 and 4 as an auxiliary disinfection procedure. After cementation of the posts, a pull-out test was performed using an axial tensile load at 0.5 mm/min in a universal testing machine. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test were used for statistical analysis of the results. The mean (SD) maximum tensile force was 10.18 (4.73) kgf in group 1, 38.89 (6.49) kgf in group 2, 27.74 (10.07) kgf in group 3, and 38.92 (6.89) kgf in group 4. These values were significantly higher in groups 2 and 4 than in group 1 (P < 0.05). The customization of fiber posts used for the restoration of pulpless teeth resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) greater pull-out test values, a thinner cement layer, and improved retention.

PMID:33908879

Gen Dent. 2021 May-Jun;69(3):46-51.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to compare the effects of different combinations of adhesive bases and restorative materials on the fracture strength and mode of maxillary premolars with mesio-occlusodistal (MOD) cavities after mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy. Ninety-six extracted human maxillary premolars were divided into 8 groups (n = 12). Group 1 (negative control) consisted of intact teeth. In the other teeth, MOD and endodontic access cavities were prepared, and a layer of MTA was placed. Group 2 was left unrestored as the positive control. Group 3 was restored with a glass ionomer cement (GIC) base and amalgam. The remaining groups were restored with a microhybrid composite after application of different bases: 4, resin-modified GIC (RMGIC); 5, zirconia-reinforced GIC (ZRGIC); 6, self-adhesive flowable composite (SAFC); 7, self-adhesive resin cement (SARC); and 8, short fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC). After fracture strength testing via continuous compressive axial loading, the fracture mode was classified as restorable or unrestorable. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tamhane tests (P < 0.05). The fracture strength of the negative control group was significantly higher than that of all other groups (P < 0.001). The fracture strengths of groups 2 and 3 were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from each other but were significantly lower (P = 0.002) than those of all composite-restored groups. Group 8 showed a significantly greater fracture strength than group 4 (P < 0.001). Unlike GIC/amalgam, all of the base/composite restoration groups partly restored the strength of pulpotomized premolars. Although their fracture strengths were statistically similar, the fracture modes were more favorable in groups with SAFC or SARC bases than in groups with RMGIC or ZRGIC bases. The SFRC/composite specimens revealed advantages in both fracture strength and fracture mode compared to RMGIC/composite specimens.

PMID:33908878

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2021 Apr 27. doi: 10.1002/ppul.25413. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in China, leading to worldwide morbidity and mortality, including depression and anxiety. As the pandemic spread throughout Italy, mental health concerns increased for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), who are at greater risk. The aim was to pilot a Telehealth Psychological Support Intervention for pwCF and caregivers to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety during the lockdown in Italy in March 2020.

METHODS: This intervention utilized cognitive behavioral skills (e.g., cognitive reframing). Participants included 16 pwCF and 14 parents, who completed four individual telehealth sessions with a psychologist. Stress ratings, Patient Health Questionnaire and General Anxiety Disorder, PHQ-8 and GAD-7, were completed, in addition to Feasibility and Satisfaction ratings.

RESULTS: Ratings of stress significantly decreased from pre- to post-testing for pwCF (paired t(14) = -4.06, p < .01) and parents (paired t = -5.2, p < .001). A large percentage of both groups scored in the clinical range for depression and anxiety at baseline (pwCF: depression/anxiety = 71%; parents: depression = 57%; anxiety = 79%); a large proportion (20%-40%) reported moderate to severe symptomatology. Significant reductions in depression for pwCF were found (pre: M = 8.0 to post: M = 4.7; paired t(14) = 2.8, p < .05) but not anxiety (pre: M = 6.9 to post: M = 5.6, t(14) = 1.2, p = NS-non-significant). Parental depression decreased for parents (pre: M = 6.4 to post: M = 5.1, t(14) = -2.5, p < .05), but not anxiety (pre: M = 8.1 to post: M = 7.9, t(14) = -0.2, p = NS). Feasibility and Satisfaction were positive.

CONCLUSION: This telehealth intervention yielded reductions in stress and depression for participants. Anxiety did not significantly decrease, possibly because COVID was ongoing. This feasible, satisfactory intervention was effective for improving mental health.

PMID:33905614 | DOI:10.1002/ppul.25413

J Perinat Med. 2021 Apr 27. doi: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0069. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To explore attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination among perinatal women.

METHODS: A nationwide online, cross-sectional survey was conducted in Qatar from 15th October 2020 to 15th November 2020 with voluntary participation open to all adult residents. Of the respondents, the population group for this study comprised the 341 pregnant and breastfeeding participants. The survey utilized a composite questionnaire incorporating a validated instrument to measure vaccine attitudes. The responses were recorded and analysed with statistical analysis being performed with SPSS software. Outcome measures included intentions towards vaccination and potential factors influencing vaccine hesitancy (contextual factors, vaccine specific concerns and group/individual influences).

RESULTS: Perinatal women exhibited a vaccine hesitancy rate of 25% towards COVID-19 immunisation. The main concerns of the group were of infection risks and main factor determining vaccine hesitancy was of vaccine specific safety concerns. Previous vaccine “acceptors” showed vaccine hesitancy to COVID-19 immunisation. A third of the group cited non availability of the vaccine as a concern.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccine trials amongst pregnant and lactating women have lagged behind those for general populations and this has compounded concerns around safety in this special group. Perinatal women constitute a vulnerable group and play an important role in vaccination of wider family members. This study highlights the need for trials and data for COVID-19 vaccine in this group to be able to achieve appreciable numbers needed for herd immunity and ultimately control of the pandemic.

PMID:33905622 | DOI:10.1515/jpm-2021-0069

Nurse Educ. 2021 May-Jun 01;46(3):138-139. doi: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000000884.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:33905636 | DOI:10.1097/NNE.0000000000000884