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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Introduction to the Special Issue on Statistical Genetic Methods for Human Complex Traits

Behav Genet. 2021 Apr 17. doi: 10.1007/s10519-021-10057-9. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:33864530 | DOI:10.1007/s10519-021-10057-9

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Clinical prediction is at the heart of preventing birth trauma and pelvic floor disorders for individual women

Int Urogynecol J. 2021 Apr 17. doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-04797-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this article is to understand that the majority of studies investigating the role of risk factors for maternal birth trauma and pelvic floor disorders are designed using causal inferential statistical methods and have not been designed to investigate the more useful goal of clinical prediction.

METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted to describe notable causal and predictive associations between risk factors and maternal birth trauma outcomes. Examples were obtained to illustrate and contrast differences in clinical usefulness between causal and predictive models.

RESULTS: Effects of pregnancy and childbirth on the risk of maternal birth trauma outcomes and subsequent pelvic floor disorders are an area of profound investigation. Numerous observational studies provide evidence that pregnancy and childbirth play a causal role in the increasing prevalence of these outcomes, and clinicians must rely on this observational evidence to guide decisions about preventing maternal birth trauma and pelvic floor disorders. However, there are important differences between the design and evaluation of models for a predictive context including: study design goals, inclusion or exclusion of candidate risk factors, model evaluation and the additional need to assess model error.

CONCLUSION: This article contrasts how causal and predictive modeling approaches are different and argues that indiscriminately modeling risk factors for birth trauma and pelvic floor disorder outcomes is costly to women.

PMID:33864475 | DOI:10.1007/s00192-021-04797-9

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

An ultrasound observation study on the levator hiatus with or without diastasis recti abdominis in postpartum women

Int Urogynecol J. 2021 Apr 17. doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-04783-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that differences in post-partum levator hiatus (LH) measurements, as well as the area of urethra and bladder (AUB), viewed under ultrasound, correlate with diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) occurrence. The primary objective of this study is to determine ultrasound parameters available for diagnosing DRA in post-partum women. We compared LH and AUB measurements under ultrasound in primiparous women, with and without DRA, at 24-26 weeks postpartum.

METHODS: One hundred ninety-four women underwent routine examination, including a self-made clinical symptoms questionnaire, DRA evaluation, and LH and AUB measurements. Independent samples t- and chi-squared tests were used to compare the differences between women with and without DRA.

RESULTS: DRA incidence was significantly higher among those who underwent cesarean section (CS) than for vaginal delivery (VD) (P = 0.038). DRA patients could potentially have urinary urgency, frequency, pain, dysuria, and perineal tears. Additionally, statistically significant differences were found between VD patients, with or without DRA, in the resting LH transverse diameter (TrD) (P = 0.032) and the area of the levator hiatus (ALH) (P = 0.048) as well as AUB at Valsalva (P = 0.049). No differences, however, were found between the DRA and no DRA groups for all those measurements among women who had cesarean deliveries.

CONCLUSIONS: DRA was more likely in post-CS women. Furthermore, the results showed a plausible association between DRA occurrence and LH expansion, especially in women with VD under rest and Valsalva. This could be useful for developing therapeutic plans based on these parameters for post-partum rehabilitation of women with DRA to avoid long-term complications.

PMID:33864477 | DOI:10.1007/s00192-021-04783-1

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Effectiveness of intranasal steroids on rhinitis symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Apr 17. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-06818-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Evaluate the impact of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) and measure performance issues that are of major concerns for PAR patients, as well as determining the effect of intra-nasal steroids (INS) on PAR and associated congestion, sleep complaints, and daytime sleepiness.

METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 78 PAR patients underwent otorhinolaryngological examination and skin test. All participants filled in the Nocturnal Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (NRQLQ), the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Participants were asked to undergo treatment with Budesonide (BUD) topical aqueous nasal spray for eight weeks. After the treatment period, all participants were again asked to answer the three questionnaires.

RESULTS: The results of this study found statistically significant improvements in the overall NRQLQ score (p < 0.001) and individual NRQLQ domain scores (p < 0.05) after INS treatment. A statistically significant reduction in symptom severity in the four NRQLQ domains before and after treatment was found (p < 0.05), except for restlessness, post-nasal drip, and avoiding symptom triggers (p = 0.575, 0.172, and 0.705, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in ESS and SSS scores before and after treatment (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: PAR has a significant impact on sleep quality and, as a result, a lower QOL. This study demonstrates that INS is an effective modality in the treatment of PAR and positively impacts patients’ QOL by improving nasal symptoms, daytime fatigue, and somnolence, and sleep quality.

PMID:33864483 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-021-06818-1

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Prognostic Value of Amplitude Integrated Electroencephalography in Term Neonates With Encephalopathy

Indian Pediatr. 2021 Apr 17:S097475591600311. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prognostic value of amplitude-integrated EEG in term neonates with encephalopathy.

METHODS: In this prospective observational study we enrolled 58 term neonates with encephalopathy from March, 2019 to March, 2020. Level of alertness was ascertained as per Volpe’s classification and tone as per Amiel-Tison scale of tone assessment. Abnormal aEEG was defined as background activity other than continuous normal voltage, or immature or absent sleep-wake cycle, or presence of electrical seizure. Primary outcome was abnormal neurological examination at discharge and/or death prior to discharge.

RESULTS: Out of 58 neonates, aEEG was abnormal for 50 (86.2%). There was a statistically significant association between abnormal aEEG findings and primary outcome (P=0.04). The aEEG score cut-off of >2 had satisfactory sensitivity (88.8%) and specificity (79.5%) to predict primary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal aEEG had good sensitivity but low specificity to predict primary outcome in term neonates with encephalopathy.

PMID:33864450

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Prevalence and associated factors of pelvic organ prolapse among women attending gynecologic clinic in referral hospitals of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Int Urogynecol J. 2021 Apr 17. doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-04710-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: While pelvic organ prolapse is common in clinical observation, there is a lack of evidence regarding its actual proportion and associated factors in the study area. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors could potentially help with prevention. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors related to pelvic organ prolapse in the Amhara region, northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 women, recruited by the systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected in a face-to-face interview using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire to assess the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and the socio-demographic, obstetric, gynecologic, medical and surgical characteristics. The stage of prolapse was determined by pelvic examination using the Simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification staging system. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were employed.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (stage I-IV) was found to be 37.6% when determined by pelvic examination and 9.2% as assessed by prolapse symptoms. Age ≥ 40 years [AOR 2.46 (1.320, 5.314)], age at first delivery ≤ 20 years [AOR 4.719 (2.44, 9.11)], carrying heavy objects for ≥ 5 hours a day [AOR 12.724 (4.89, 33.07)], parity ≥ 4 [AOR 3.739 (1.693, 8.208)], prolonged labor [AOR 3.487 (1.699, 7.159)], constipation [AOR 2.835 (1.273, 6.317)] and anemia [AOR 2.22 (1.049, 4.694)] were significantly associated with pelvic organ prolapse.

CONCLUSION: Prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse is high in the area; thus, developing information and education programs on avoiding risk factors is advisable to reduce the problem.

PMID:33864474 | DOI:10.1007/s00192-021-04710-4

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Plasma proteomics analysis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients revealed by Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Proteomics Clin Appl. 2021 Apr 17:e2100002. doi: 10.1002/prca.202100002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We aim to investigate the changes of plasma proteome among mild, severe AIS patients and healthy controls.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, 84 individuals including 56 confirmed AIS patients (27 follow-up AIS patients and 29 surgical AIS patients) and another 28 healthy teenagers. Plasma samples were obtained and Quadrupole-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer was performed to identify proteins in AIS patients and control group. T-test and ANOVA were performed to screen for differential proteins. GO and KEGG pathway, Pearson’s correlation analysis and PLS model were applied to identify enriched proteins, investigate correlation between proteins and Cobb angles. ELISA was performed to further verify the quantitative proteomics results.

RESULTS: A total of 349 proteins were identified, among which 55 protein levels changed significantly in AIS group, compared with control group. Post hoc test indicated 36 proteins were significantly different between surgical and control group, 35 proteins between follow-up and control group. Fibronectin, fibrinogen and calmodulin were statistically different among three groups through MS and were positively correlated with the Cobb angle.

CONCLUSIONS: We performed the proteomic study and revealed that fibronectin, fibrinogen and calmodulin might not only be considered as biomarkers for AIS but could be correlated with curve severity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:33864425 | DOI:10.1002/prca.202100002

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Factors Associated with HIV and Vulnerability Contexts for Women in Brazil

Arch Sex Behav. 2021 Apr 16. doi: 10.1007/s10508-021-01960-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with HIV and vulnerability contexts for women in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The participants were 1326 women recruited by complex sampling design, divided into two groups: 640 women with HIV (WLH) and 686 women who did not have HIV (WNLH). Gross and weighted statistical analyses were performed. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for 12 variables. The main results demonstrated that WLH had lower income (p < .001) and poorer education (p = .038), and few used condoms during their first sexual intercourse (p < .001). The occurrence of HIV was higher among the black population (p < .001). Sex in exchange for money (p < .001) and sexually transmitted infections (p < .001) were more frequent among WLH than among WNLH. The age of sexual debut and age difference from the partner at first sexual intercourse (FSI) were not associated with the outcome. The high percentage of non-use of condoms during the FSI shows how vulnerable individuals are right at the beginning of their sexual lives. More effective prevention strategies can be developed by nurses in view of the contexts of vulnerability surrounding women.

PMID:33864176 | DOI:10.1007/s10508-021-01960-7

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Application of Bayesian statistics for radiation dose assessment in mixed beta-gamma fields

Radiat Environ Biophys. 2021 Apr 16. doi: 10.1007/s00411-021-00906-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The present paper proposes a novel method, based on Bayesian statistics, as a new approach in the field of thermoluminescence dosimetry for the assessment of personal doses in mixed beta-gamma radiation fields. The method can be utilized in situations when the classical way of dose calculation is insufficient or impossible. The proposed method uses a prior function which can be assigned to the unknown parameter and the likelihood function obtained from an experiment, which together can be transformed into the posterior probability distribution of the sought parameter. Finally, the distribution is converted to the value of the dose. The proposed method is supported by analytical and Monte Carlo calculations, which confirmed the results obtained through the Bayesian approach.

PMID:33864119 | DOI:10.1007/s00411-021-00906-w

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Should the location of distal tibial plating be influenced by the varus or valgus fracture pattern of tibial pilon fracture?

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2021 Apr 16. doi: 10.1007/s00402-021-03901-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Operative treatment of tibial pilon fracture is challenging. There is a lack of consensus and only one clinical study on the optimal location of distal tibial plating for fixation of pilon fractures based on varus or valgus fracture patterns. We hypothesize that complications rates, specifically mechanical complications, are not influenced by the location of the tibial plating in the fixation of pilon fractures with respect to varus or valgus fracture patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients who had single plating for tibial pilon from 2007 to 2017 were recruited. They were divided into two groups, transverse fibular fracture (varus fracture pattern) and comminuted fibular fracture (valgus fracture pattern). Our primary outcome measure was any mechanical complications as a result of the location of plating (medial vs lateral) on varus or valgus fracture patterns.

RESULTS: There were 38 (55.1%) patients with varus fracture pattern and 31 (44.9%) patients with valgus fracture pattern tibial pilon fractures. In the varus fracture pattern group, mechanical complications were not significantly different between the two plating locations (27.3 vs 33.3%, p > 0.05). Notably, there were more fibula fixations performed in patients with medial plating (74.1 vs 45.5%, p = 0.092) when compared those with lateral plating in the varus fracture pattern group. There were also no statistically significant differences found although 10 (40%) out of 25 patients had mechanical complications in the medial plating group compared to 1 (16.7%) out of 6 patients with lateral plating (p = 0.383) in the valgus fracture pattern group.

CONCLUSION: There were no differences in mechanical complications for medial vs lateral plating in tibial pilon fracture based on varus or valgus deforming forces. As much as we should consider the fracture patterns and deforming forces when deciding on plating location, other factors such as careful soft tissue management and fragment-specific fixation should be prioritized.

PMID:33864133 | DOI:10.1007/s00402-021-03901-4