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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Revealing Decision-Making Strategies of Americans in Taking COVID-19 Vaccination

Bull Math Biol. 2024 May 10;86(6):72. doi: 10.1007/s11538-024-01290-4.

ABSTRACT

Efficient coverage for newly developed vaccines requires knowing which groups of individuals will accept the vaccine immediately and which will take longer to accept or never accept. Of those who may eventually accept the vaccine, there are two main types: success-based learners, basing their decisions on others’ satisfaction, and myopic rationalists, attending to their own immediate perceived benefit. We used COVID-19 vaccination data to fit a mechanistic model capturing the distinct effects of the two types on the vaccination progress. We proved the identifiability of the population proportions of each type and estimated that 47 % of Americans behaved as myopic rationalists with a high variation across the jurisdictions, from 31 % in Mississippi to 76 % in Vermont. The proportion was correlated with the vaccination coverage, proportion of votes in favor of Democrats in 2020 presidential election, and education score.

PMID:38727916 | DOI:10.1007/s11538-024-01290-4

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The influence of immobility on muscle loss in older people with frailty and fragility fractures

Geroscience. 2024 May 10. doi: 10.1007/s11357-024-01177-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This longitudinal study aimed to assess muscle morphological and functional changes in older patients admitted with fragility fractures managed by immobilisation of the affected limb for at least 6 weeks. Patients aged ≥ 70 hospitalised with non-weight bearing limb fractures, and functionally limited to transfers only, were recruited. Handgrip (HGS) and knee extensor strength (KES), Vastus Lateralis muscle thickness (VLMT) and cross-sectional area at ultrasound (VLCSA) were measured in the non-injured limb at hospital admission, 1, 3 and 6 weeks later. Barthel Index, mobility aid use and residential status were recorded at baseline and 16 weeks. Longitudinal changes in muscle measurements were analysed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. In a sub-study, female patients’ baseline measurements were compared to 11 healthy, female, non-frail, non-hospitalised control volunteers (HC) with comparable BMI, aged ≥ 70, using independent t tests. Fifty patients (44 female) participated. Neither muscle strength nor muscle size changed over a 6-week immobilisation. Dependency increased significantly from pre-fracture to 16 weeks. At baseline, the patient subgroup was weaker (HGS 9.2 ± 4.7 kg vs. 19.9 ± 5.8 kg, p < 0.001; KES 4.5 ± 1.5 kg vs. 7.8 ± 1.3 kg, p < 0.001) and had lower muscle size (VLMT 1.38 ± 0.47 cm vs. 1.75 ± 0.30 cm, p = 0.02; VLCSA 8.92 ± 4.37 cm2 vs. 13.35 ± 3.97 cm2, p = 0.005) than HC. The associations with lower muscle strength measures but not muscle size remained statistically significant after adjustment for age. Patients with non-weight bearing fractures were weaker than HC even after accounting for age differences. Although functional dependency increased after fracture, this was not related to muscle mass or strength loss, which remained unchanged.

PMID:38727874 | DOI:10.1007/s11357-024-01177-1

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Oral misoprostol alone, compared with oral misoprostol followed by oxytocin, in women induced for hypertension of pregnancy: A multicentre randomised trial

BJOG. 2024 May 10. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.17839. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether, in those requiring continuing uterine stimulation after cervical ripening with oral misoprostol and membrane rupture, augmentation with low-dose oral misoprostol is superior to intravenous oxytocin.

DESIGN: Open-label, superiority randomised trial.

SETTING: Government hospitals in India.

POPULATION: Women who were induced for hypertensive disease in pregnancy and had undergone cervical ripening with oral misoprostol, but required continuing stimulation after artificial membrane rupture.

METHODS: Participants received misoprostol (25 micrograms, orally, 2-hourly) or titrated oxytocin through an infusion pump. All women had one-to-one care; fetal monitoring was conducted using a mixture of intermittent and continuous electronic fetal monitoring.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Caesarean birth.

RESULTS: A total of 520 women were randomised and the baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. The caesarean section rate was not reduced with the use of misoprostol (misoprostol, 84/260, 32.3%, vs oxytocin, 71/260, 27.3%; aOR 1.23; 95% CI 0.81-1.85; P = 0.33). The interval from randomisation to birth was somewhat longer with misoprostol (225 min, 207-244 min, vs 194 min, 179-210 min; aOR 1.137; 95% CI 1.023-1.264; P = 0.017). There were no cases of hyperstimulation in either arm. The rates of fetal heart rate abnormalities and maternal side effects were similar. Fewer babies in the misoprostol arm were admitted to the special care unit (10 vs 21 in the oxytocin group; aOR 0.463; 95% CI 0.203-1.058; P = 0.068) and there were no neonatal deaths in the misoprostol group, compared with three neonatal deaths in the oxytocin arm. Women’s acceptability ratings were high in both study groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Following cervical preparation with oral misoprostol and membrane rupture, the use of continuing oral misoprostol for augmentation did not significantly reduce caesarean rates, compared with the use of oxytocin. There were no hyperstimulation or significant adverse events in either arm of the trial.

PMID:38726770 | DOI:10.1111/1471-0528.17839

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Assessment of oral hygiene and quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers: an observational clinical study

Quintessence Int. 2024 May 10;0(0):0. doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b5316927. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the degrees of dependence and presence of bacterial plaque in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the quality of life (QoL) of children and their caregivers.

METHOD AND MATERIALS: This is a cross-sectional observational study. This study included one hundred and nineteen individuals with ASD and their caregivers. Data were collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire, WHOQOL-Bref, and Burden Interview to measure QoL and caregiver burden, respectively. The Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant Imagé questionnaire, adapted in game format, was applied to verify QoL in children with ASD. An oral clinical examination evaluated the visible plaque index. The collected data were tabulated and organized for statistical analysis with a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS: It was observed that 52% of the children had a severity of ASD level 1, 70% were dependent on general activities, and 65% were dependent on oral hygiene. Of the 77 children who thoroughly answered the questionnaire about their QoL, 64.9% had good QoL, and 35.1% had scores below 48, that is, low QoL. In general, the caregivers generally presented QoL with a rate of 60.95 (good) points on the scale. It was observed that gingival bleeding greater than 30% is 2 (ASD 2 + ASD 3) to 3 (ASD 3) times more likely to occur in patients who have higher levels of ASD (p˂0.004).

CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the QoL of individuals with ASD was good, that most children depend on their daily activities and oral hygiene, and that they showed reasonable plaque control. On the other hand, the caregivers presented low QoL and moderate burden.

PMID:38726760 | DOI:10.3290/j.qi.b5316927

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Unique dietary and oral hygiene behaviors in a cohort with clinically severe obesity: A cross sectional study

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2024 Jun;10(3):e895. doi: 10.1002/cre2.895.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An association between increased risk of dental caries with increased levels of clinically severe obesity has been reported. Data linking body mass index (BMI) and dietary behaviors, including at-risk dietary factors and oral hygiene habits, are lacking in a cohort with clinically severe obesity. This study aimed to explore the dietary and oral hygiene behaviors in individuals with clinically severe obesity attending a hospital-based obesity service.

METHODS: Adult patients attending a hospital-based obesity service in Greater Western Sydney with clinically severe obesity were invited to participate in a self-administered survey, which collected data on their nutritional and oral hygiene behaviors. Demographic data (age, gender) and BMI were extracted from the participants’ medical records. The primary outcome was the relationship between BMI and frequency of toothbrushing. RESULTS: Of the 82 individuals who consented to participate, 81 (98.8%) completed the study questionnaire. The median BMI of the cohort was 49.1 kg/m2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 43.2-57.3 kg/m2) and median age 51 (IQR: 39-63) years. BMI was not significantly correlated with individual oral health behaviors (p > .05). Many participants reported dietary risk behaviors, which have the potential to influence their oral health.

CONCLUSIONS: While oral health behaviors were not associated with increasing BMI, patients with clinically severe obesity in this study reported unique dietary behaviors and mixed oral hygiene habits that may complicate nutritional and dental management. Awareness of these behaviors among clinicians including dental professionals is required in this cohort.

PMID:38726729 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.895

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Anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum among men who have sex with men: a 3-year nationwide survey, France, 2020 to 2022

Euro Surveill. 2024 May;29(19). doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.19.2300520.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundIn France, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) testing switched from universal to selective testing in 2016.AimTo investigate changes in LGV-affected populations, we performed a nationwide survey based on temporarily reinstated universal LGV testing from 2020 to 2022.MethodsEach year, during three consecutive months, laboratories voluntarily sent anorectal Chlamydia trachomatis-positive samples from men and women to the National Reference Centre for bacterial sexually transmitted infections. We collected patients’ demographic, clinical and biological data. Genovars L of C. trachomatis were detected using real-time PCR. In LGV-positive samples, the ompA gene was sequenced.ResultsIn 2020, LGV positivity was 12.7% (146/1,147), 15.2% (138/907) in 2021 and 13.3% (151/1,137) in 2022 (p > 0.05). It occurred predominantly in men who have sex with men (MSM), with rare cases among transgender women. The proportion of HIV-negative individuals was higher than that of those living with HIV. Asymptomatic rectal LGV increased from 36.1% (44/122) in 2020 to 52.4% (66/126) in 2022 (p = 0.03). Among users of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), LGV positivity was 13.8% (49/354) in 2020, 15.6% (38/244) in 2021 and 10.9% (36/331) in 2022, and up to 50% reported no anorectal symptoms. Diversity of the LGV ompA genotypes in the Paris region increased during the survey period. An unexpectedly high number of ompA genotype L1 variant was reported in 2022.ConclusionIn rectal samples from MSM in France, LGV positivity was stable, but the proportion of asymptomatic cases increased in 2022. This underscores the need of universal LGV testing and the importance of continuous surveillance.

PMID:38726697 | DOI:10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.19.2300520

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FooDOxS: a database of oxidized sterols content in foods

Food Funct. 2024 May 10. doi: 10.1039/d4fo00678j. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Dietary oxidized sterols (DOxS) are cholesterol-like molecules known to exert pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, and pro-apoptotic effects, among others. We present the FooDOxS database, a comprehensive compilation of DOxS content in over 1680 food items from 120 publications across 25 countries, augmented by data generated by our group. This database reports DOxS content in foods classified under the NOVA and What We Eat in America (WWEIA) systems, allowing a comprehensive and statistically robust summary of DOxS content in foods. Notably, we evaluated the efficacy of using NOVA and WWEIA classifications in capturing DOxS variations across food categories. Our findings provide insights into the strengths and limitations of these classification systems, enhancing their utility for assessing dietary components. This research contributes to the understanding of DOxS in food processing and suggests refinements for classification systems, holding promise for improved food safety and public health assessments.

PMID:38726678 | DOI:10.1039/d4fo00678j

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Outcomes from 871,441 Consecutive Surgical Procedures without Overlap or with Maximally Permissible Non-Concurrent Overlap

Ann Surg. 2024 May 10. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006340. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To isolate the impact of subsumed surgery (a shorter procedure completed entirely during overlapping non-critical portions of a longer antecedent procedure) on patient outcomes.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The American College of Surgeons recently recommended the elimination of “concurrent surgery” with overlap during a procedure’s critical portions. Guidelines for non-concurrent overlap have been established, but the safety of subsumed surgery remains to be examined.

METHODS: All consecutive procedures from 2013 to 2021 within a multihospital academic medical center were included (n=871,441). Simple logistic regression was performed to compare postoperative events between patients undergoing non-overlap surgery (n=533,032) and completely subsumed surgery (n=11,319). Thereafter, coarsened exact matching was used to match patients with non-overlap and subsumed surgery 1:1 on CPT code, 18 demographic features, baseline health characteristics, and procedural variables (n=7,146). Exact-matched cases were subsequently limited to pairs performed by the same surgeon (n=5,028). Primary outcomes included 30-day readmission, ED visits, and reoperations.

RESULTS: Univariate analysis suggested that subsumed surgery had a higher 30-day risk of readmission (OR 1.55, P<0.0001), ED evaluation (OR 1.19, P<0.0001), and reoperation (OR 1.98, P<0.0001). When comparison was limited to the exact same procedure and patients were matched on demographics and health characteristics, there were no outcome differences between patients with subsumed surgery and non-overlapping surgery, even when limiting analyses to the same surgeon.

CONCLUSIONS: Similar surgeries for similar patients result in similar outcomes whether there is completely subsumed or no overlap. Individual surgeons performing a specific procedure have no outcome differences with subsumed and non-overlapping cases.

PMID:38726674 | DOI:10.1097/SLA.0000000000006340

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Addressing Barriers to Timely Orthopaedic Follow-up for Foot and Ankle Fractures After Emergency Department Visits

Foot Ankle Spec. 2024 May 10:19386400241249807. doi: 10.1177/19386400241249807. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Foot and ankle fractures present common challenges in emergency departments, warranting careful follow-up protocols for optimal patient outcomes. This study investigates the predictors of orthopaedic follow-up for these injuries after an emergency department (ED) visit.

METHODS: A retrospective observational study of 1450 patients seen in the ED with foot or ankle fractures from July 2015 to February 2023 was conducted. All included patients were discharged with instructions to follow-up with an orthopaedic provider. Demographic data, fracture details, and follow-up patterns were extracted from medical records. Social vulnerability was assessed using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of follow-up. A subgroup analysis comparing patients who followed up >7 days from ED presentation (ie, delayed follow-up) to those who followed up within 7 days of presentation was then performed. Statistical significance was assessed at P < .05.

RESULTS: Overall, 974/1450 (67.2%) patients followed up with orthopaedics at an average time of 4.16 days. After risk adjustment, Medicaid coverage (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56, P = .018), increased overall social vulnerability (OR = 0.83, P = .032), and increased vulnerability across the dimensions of socioeconomic status (P = .002), household characteristics (P = .034), racial and ethnic minority status (P = .007), and household type and transportation (P = .032) were all associated with lower odds of follow-up. Phalangeal fractures were also associated with decreased odds of follow-up (OR = 0.039, P < .001), whereas ankle fractures were more likely to follow-up (OR = 1.52, P = .002). In the subgroup analysis, patients of older age (P = .008), non-white race (P = .024), motor vehicle accident (MVA) (P = .027) or non-private insurance (P = .027), those experiencing phalangeal fractures (P = .015), and those seen by an orthopaedic provider in the ED (P = .006) were more likely to present with delayed follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Patients with increased social vulnerability and Medicaid insurance are less likely to seek follow-up care after presentation to the ED with foot and ankle fractures.

PMID:38726658 | DOI:10.1177/19386400241249807

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Primary Human Papillomavirus Test Uptake and Cervical Cancer Screening Trends in the Midwest, United States

J Prim Care Community Health. 2024 Jan-Dec;15:21501319241251934. doi: 10.1177/21501319241251934.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Despite U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society endorsement of primary HPV screening, limited published data shows low uptake.

PRIMARY AIM: Assess cervical cancer screening rates over time, particularly primary HPV test uptake, among patients in a midwestern practice.

SECONDARY AIM: Evaluate associations between sociodemographics and screening adherence.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Qualifying subjects and type of screening test used were identified by applying ICD-9, ICD-10, lab test, and CPT codes to the Unified Data Platform. Sociodemographics were found through the electronic health record.

RESULTS: Primary HPV uptake represented <1% of annual screening from 1/2017 to 1/2022. On 1/1/2022, only 55% of 21 to 29 year old and 63% of 30 to 65 year old were up to date with screening among the studied population. For 21 to 29 year old, compared with White women, Black women were 28% less likely to be screened [RR = 0.72 (0.66-0.79)]. Compared with never-smokers, current smokers were 9% less likely to be screened [RR = 0.91 (0.87-0.96)], past smokers were 14% more likely [RR = 1.14 (1.09-1.2)]. Among 30 to 65 year old, compared with White women, Black women were 14% less likely to be screened [RR = 0.86 (0.81-0.9)]. Compared with never-smokers, current smokers were 21% less likely to be screened [RR = 0.79 (0.77-0.81)], past smokers were 6% less likely [RR = 0.94 (0.92-0.95)]. Jointly considering race, ethnicity, smoking status, Charlson score, and rurality, findings were similar for 21 to 29 year old; Black women were screened less than White women [RR = 0.73 (0.67-0.79)]; current smokers [RR = 0.9 (0.85-0.94)] and past smokers [RR = 1.12 (1.06-1.17)] were screened less than never smokers. For 30 to 65 year old, Black women were screened less than White women [RR = 0.83 (0.79-0.88)]; current smokers [RR = 0.8 (0.78-0.81)] and past smokers [RR = 0.95 (0.93-0.96)] were screened less than never smokers.

CONCLUSIONS: Screening rates remained below the Healthy People 2030 goal of 79.2% over time, particularly for younger Black women and current smokers, with minimal use of primary HPV screening.

PMID:38726652 | DOI:10.1177/21501319241251934