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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Computer visual syndrome in graduate students of a private university in Lima, Perú

Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol (Engl Ed). 2021 Oct;96(10):515-520. doi: 10.1016/j.oftale.2020.12.009. Epub 2021 Jul 24.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, several studies have found a strong association between prolonged use of video display terminals and ophthalmological symptoms encompassed in the so-called computer visual syndrome (CVS). Few studies have addressed this syndrome in graduate students.

METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 106 postgraduate students were surveyed without ophthalmological pathologies. The diagnosis of CVS was made by means of the questionnaire of Seguí et al. validated in Spanish, which evaluates the frequency and intensity of 16 ocular symptoms.

RESULTS: The prevalence of CVS among graduate university students was 62.3% (95% CI: 52.3-71.5). It was found that the highest proportion of students with the syndrome was in the group of older than 40 years old (88.2%) and in the group 21-30 years old (70.0%), showing statistically significant differences (p = 0.004). According to the device and its time of use, students who used the mobile phone for 7-10 h a day showed a higher prevalence of CVS compared to those who used the device for less time (p = 0.030). The business School had the highest prevalence (75.0%).

CONCLUSION: Three out of every five graduate students presented CVS with this prevalence being like reported in other populations. There is a need to investigate possible interventions that can help reduce this entity.

PMID:34620481 | DOI:10.1016/j.oftale.2020.12.009

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Effectiveness of technological interventions to improve healthcare communication with children with long-term conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Patient Educ Couns. 2021 Sep 29:S0738-3991(21)00642-X. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.09.033. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of technological interventions used to improve communication between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and children with long-term conditions (LTCs).

METHODS: PROSPERO: CRD42020221977. Five electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2021 for randomised controlled trials. Study characteristics were described and random-effects meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included, involving 1995 participants. Technological interventions were found to significantly improve participants’ knowledge of their condition (standardised mean difference [SMD] 0.39; 95% CI 0.07-0.71; p = 0.02) and lead to a more internal health locus of control (SMD 0.50; 95% CI 0.25-0.76; p < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant improvement in physiological measures or emergency healthcare use.

CONCLUSION: This systematic review showed some benefits of using technology to improve communication between HCPs and children with LTCs. Future primary research should use rigorous methods for subsequent reviews to draw conclusions with greater confidence in the evidence. Establishing a core outcome set within this field of study would enable consistent measurement of outcomes.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Our findings indicate value in integrating communication technologies in the child health setting, aiming to establish greater continuity of care and maintain patient-clinician relationships between healthcare visits.

PMID:34620518 | DOI:10.1016/j.pec.2021.09.033

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A retrospective study of spine injuries in electric bicycles related collisions

Injury. 2021 Oct 1:S0020-1383(21)00840-8. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.09.059. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Electric bicycles related collisions could lead to severe consequences in spine injuries, while no study had comprehensively investigated the epidemiology and demography of spine injuries in electric bicycles related collisions.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The aim of this study is to (1) describe the epidemiological characteristics of spine injuries in electric bicycles related collisions, (2) develop clinical guideline of spine injuries in electric bicycles related collisions and (3) support the new road safety policy for electric bicycle riders.

METHODS: A retrospective review of spine injuries in electric bicycle related collisions was performed from 86 patients in an urban trauma center between 2018 and 2020. The variables including gender, age, radiographic findings, associated injuries, neurologic injuries, treatment, average length of stay were fully collected. Chi-square test and paired sample mean t-test were used to test for statistically significant differences. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions 20.0.0 software. A P<0.001 was considered as significant.

RESULTS: A total of 86 cases were involved in electric bicycles related collisions lead to spine injuries. The spine injuries victims were predominantly male (79.07%) and middle-aged (41-60years, 44.19%). The most common spine injuries were L1 fractures (10.48%). The most common fracture type was AO Fracture Classification type A (71.40%). Age and multivertebral fractures had significant difference between patients who suffered from an ASOI and from those who did not (P-value: 0.005, 0.005). There was significant difference between patients who suffered from neurologic injuries and from those who did not in AO Classification, multivertebral fractures and ASOI (P-value: 0.0001, 0.001, 0.032). Age, AO Classification, multivertebral fractures, ASOI and neurologic injuries had significant difference to influence patients’ ISS and ALOS.

CONCLUSIONS: Spine injuries in electric bicycles related collisions may make patients suffer from severe consequences including their potential permanent disability, economic cost, or even life safety. Patients with spine injuries in electric bicycles related collisions should be paid close attention to avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Helmet, protective clothing or other safety gear should be required to use to provide greater protection for electric bicycle riders.

PMID:34620469 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2021.09.059

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Improvements in planning lacrimal surgery using DICOM Horos® viewer 3D images

Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol (Engl Ed). 2021 Oct;96(10):509-514. doi: 10.1016/j.oftale.2020.12.010. Epub 2021 Jul 27.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The individual anatomic variation of the course of the lacrimal duct and surrounding structures requires the thorough knowledge of its three-dimensional configuration in order to perform the surgery in the safest and most efficient way. The aim of this study was to consider virtual surgical planning in order to improve dacryocystorhinostomies.

METHODS: Horos® was used as a viewer and manager of DICOM-format images for multiplanar, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction when planning 148 first-time lacrimal operations and 26 reoperations by laser endonasal and endocanalicular DCRs.

RESULTS: The 3D images of the CT dacryocystography were much better identified than the 2D ones, Horos® showing a statistically significant correlation (P < .0001). Over 98.27% of the images match the programme reconstruction. Less than 1.73% of them showed some discordance due to study distortion. These cases were related to trauma. The intraopearative location of the lacrimal system was very accurate, avoiding complications.

CONCLUSIONS: Viewing and studying 3D images, Horos® is a very useful tool for diagnosis and preoperative planning. It is very helpful in complex conditions by marking surgical references, locating the lacrimal sac and controlling the post-operative permeability of the lacrimal system. The information loss produced by the image selection is also avoided. Another great advantage is that the programme is free.

PMID:34620480 | DOI:10.1016/j.oftale.2020.12.010

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Automated Identification of Surgical Candidates and Estimation of Postoperative Seizure Freedom in Children – A Focused Review

Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2021 Oct;39:100914. doi: 10.1016/j.spen.2021.100914. Epub 2021 Aug 19.

ABSTRACT

Surgery is an effective but underused treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy in children. Algorithms to identify surgical candidates and estimate the likelihood of postoperative clinical improvement may be valuable to improve access to epilepsy surgery. We provide a focused review of these approaches. For adults with epilepsy, tools to identify surgical candidates and predict seizure and cognitive outcomes (Ie, Cases for Epilepsy (toolsforepilepsy.com) and Epilepsy Surgery Grading Scale) have been validated and are in use. Analogous tools for children need development. A promising approach is to apply statistical learning tools to clinical datasets, such as electroencephalogram tracings, imaging studies, and the text of clinician notes. Demonstration projects suggest these techniques have the potential to be highly accurate, and await further validation and clinical application.

PMID:34620464 | DOI:10.1016/j.spen.2021.100914

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Prognostic models for mortality after cardiac surgery in patients with infective endocarditis: a systematic review and aggregation of prediction models

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2021 Oct;27(10):1422-1430. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.05.051. Epub 2021 Jul 2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are several prognostic models to estimate the risk of mortality after surgery for active infective endocarditis (IE). However, these models incorporate different predictors and their performance is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE: We systematically reviewed and critically appraised all available prediction models of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing surgery for IE, and aggregated them into a meta-model.

DATA SOURCES: We searched Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to June 2020.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included studies that developed or updated a prognostic model of postoperative mortality in patient with IE.

METHODS: We assessed the risk of bias of the models using PROBAST (Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool) and we aggregated them into an aggregate meta-model based on stacked regressions and optimized it for a nationwide registry of IE patients. The meta-model performance was assessed using bootstrap validation methods and adjusted for optimism.

RESULTS: We identified 11 prognostic models for postoperative mortality. Eight models had a high risk of bias. The meta-model included weighted predictors from the remaining three models (EndoSCORE, specific ES-I and specific ES-II), which were not rated as high risk of bias and provided full model equations. Additionally, two variables (age and infectious agent) that had been modelled differently across studies, were estimated based on the nationwide registry. The performance of the meta-model was better than the original three models, with the corresponding performance measures: C-statistics 0.79 (95% CI 0.76-0.82), calibration slope 0.98 (95% CI 0.86-1.13) and calibration-in-the-large -0.05 (95% CI -0.20 to 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS: The meta-model outperformed published models and showed a robust predictive capacity for predicting the individualized risk of postoperative mortality in patients with IE.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020192602).

PMID:34620380 | DOI:10.1016/j.cmi.2021.05.051

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Comparative Reductions in Investigator-Reported and Adjudicated Ischemic Events in REDUCE-IT

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021 Oct 12;78(15):1525-1537. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.08.009.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial) randomized statin-treated patients with elevated triglycerides to icosapent ethyl (IPE) or placebo. There was a significant reduction in adjudicated events, including the primary endpoint (cardiovascular [CV] death, myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, coronary revascularization, unstable angina requiring hospitalization) and key secondary endpoint (CV death, MI, stroke) with IPE.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of IPE on investigator-reported events.

METHODS: Potential endpoints were collected by blinded site investigators and subsequently adjudicated by a blinded Clinical Endpoint Committee (CEC) according to a prespecified charter. Investigator-reported events were compared with adjudicated events for concordance.

RESULTS: There was a high degree of concordance between investigator-reported and adjudicated endpoints. The simple Kappa statistic between CEC-adjudicated vs site-reported events for the primary endpoint was 0.89 and for the key secondary endpoint was 0.90. Based on investigator-reported events in 8,179 randomized patients, IPE significantly reduced the rate of the primary endpoint (19.1% vs 24.6%; HR: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.67-0.81]; P < 0.0001) and the key secondary endpoint (10.5% vs 13.6%; HR: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.66-0.85]; P < 0.0001). Among adjudicated events, IPE similarly reduced the rate of the primary and key secondary endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS: IPE led to consistent, significant reductions in CV events, including MI and coronary revascularization, as determined by independent, blinded CEC adjudication as well as by blinded investigator-reported assessment. These results highlight the robust evidence for the substantial CV benefits of IPE seen in REDUCE-IT and further raise the question of whether adjudication of CV outcome trial endpoints is routinely required in blinded, placebo-controlled trials. (Evaluation of the Effect of AMR101 on Cardiovascular Health and Mortality in Hypertriglyceridemic Patients With Cardiovascular Disease or at High Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: REDUCE-IT [Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With EPA – Intervention Trial]; NCT01492361).

PMID:34620410 | DOI:10.1016/j.jacc.2021.08.009

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Probiotics for the treatment of depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021 Oct;45:75-90. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.07.027. Epub 2021 Aug 8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & AIM: Probiotics in the gut have been suggested to have a beneficial effect on anxiety response and depressive disorder. Hence we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the effects of probiotics associated with or without pharmacological or psychological therapies in patients with depressive and/or anxiety symptoms or disorders.

METHODS: We conducted searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ProQuest, LILACS, and Web of Science up to February 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of probiotics associated with or without pharmacological or psychological therapies for patient-important outcomes including relief of depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms, cognitive functions, adverse events and quality of life. We used the GRADE approach to rate the overall certainty of the evidence by outcome. The protocol of the systematic review was registered with PROPSERO and published under the number CRD4202016329.

RESULTS: 16 RCTs including 1,125 patients proved eligible. Results suggested a significant improvement in using Beck Depression Index (MD, -3.20 [95% CI, -5.91 to -0.49], p = 0.02; I2 = 21%, p = 0.28) for depression symptoms and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (MD, -6.88 [95% CI, -12.35 to -1.41], p = 0.01; I2 = 24%, p = 0.25) for anxiety with overall certainty in evidence rated as moderate and low, respectively. However, Depression Scale (DASS-Depression) (MD, 2.01 [95% CI, -0.80 to 4.82], p = 0.16; I2 = 0%, p = 0.62), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRAS) (MD, -2,41 [95% CI, -10,55 to 5,72], p = 0,56; I2 = 87%, p = 0,006), Anxiety scale (DASS-Anxiety) (MD, 0.49 [95% CI, -4.05 to 5.02], p = 0.83; I2 = 74%, p = 0.05), and Stress Scale (DASS-Stress) (MD, 0.84 [95% CI, -2.64 to 4.33], p = 0.64; I2 = 34%, p = 0.22) showed no significant decrease in the relief of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms of probiotics compared to placebo with overall certainty in evidence rated as very low for all outcomes. We also found no differences in the Beck Anxiety Index (BAI) (MD, -3.21 [95% CI, -6.50 to 0.08], p = 0.06; I2 = 0%, p = 0.88) with overall certainty in evidence rated as low. Results suggested a non-statistically significantly effect of probiotics in the adverse events outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: The current review suggests that probiotics may improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in clinical patients. However, given the limitations in the included studies, RCTs with long-term follow-up and large sample sizes are needed.

PMID:34620373 | DOI:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.07.027

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Lipid profile as an indicator of COVID-19 severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021 Oct;45:91-101. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.07.023. Epub 2021 Jul 31.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. Studies reported dyslipidemia in patients with COVID-19. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published articles to evaluate the association of the lipid profile with the severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS: PubMed/Medline, Europe PMC, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between January 1, 2020 and January 13, 2021. Random or Fixed effects models were used to calculate the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics.

RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 19 studies. Of which, 12 studies were categorized by severity, 04 studies by mortality, and 03 studies by both severity and mortality. Our findings revealed significantly decreased levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the severe group when compared with the non-severe group in a random effect model. Similarly, random effect model results demonstrated significantly lower levels of HDL-C and LDL-C in the non-survivor group when compared with the survivor group. The level of TC was also found to be decreased in the non-survivor group when compared to the survivor group in a fixed-effect model.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the lipid profile is associated with both the severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Hence, the lipid profile may be used for assessing the severity and prognosis of COVID-19.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021216316.

PMID:34620375 | DOI:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.07.023

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Effect of sleep duration on dietary intake, desire to eat, measures of food intake and metabolic hormones: A systematic review of clinical trials

Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021 Oct;45:55-65. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.07.029. Epub 2021 Aug 21.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sleep, as well as diet and physical activity, plays a significant role in growth, maturation, health, and regulation of energy homeostasis. Recently, there is increasing evidence indicating a possible causal association between sleep duration and energy balance. We aimed to examine the relationship between sleep duration and food consumption, energy intake, anthropometric characteristics, and appetite-regulating hormones by randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS: Electronic literature searches were conducted on Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar until July 2020. The search was conducted with the following words: “Sleep Duration”, “Circadian Rhythm”, “Sleep Disorders” in combination with “Obesity”, “Overweight”, “Abdominal Obesity”, “Physical Activity”, “Energy Intake”, “Body Mass Index”, “Lipid Metabolism”, “Caloric Restriction”, Leptin, “Weight Gain”, and “Appetite Regulation” using human studies.methods RESULTS: After screening 708 abstracts, 50 RCTs (7 on children or adolescents and 43 on adults) were identified and met the inclusion criteria. In general, the findings suggested that sleep restriction may leads to a significant increment in energy intake, fat intake, body weight, appetite, hunger, eating occasions, and portion size, while protein and carbohydrate consumption, total energy expenditure, and respiratory quotient remained unaffected as a result of sleep restriction. Serum leptin, ghrelin, and cortisol concentrations were not influenced by sleep duration as well.

CONCLUSION: Insufficient sleep can be considered as a contributing factor for energy imbalance, weight gain, and metabolic disorders and it is suggested that to tackle disordered eating it may be necessary to pay more attention to sleep duration.

PMID:34620371 | DOI:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.07.029