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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A longitudinal evaluation of personalized intrinsic network topography and cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease

Eur J Neurosci. 2024 May 16. doi: 10.1111/ejn.16380. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI) offers insight into how synchrony within and between brain networks is altered in disease states. Individual and disease-related variability in intrinsic connectivity networks may influence our interpretation of R-fMRI data. We used a personalized approach designed to account for individual variation in the spatial location of correlation maxima to evaluate R-fMRI differences between Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients who showed cognitive decline, those who remained cognitively stable and cognitively stable controls. We compared fMRI data from these participant groups, studied at baseline and 18 months later, using both network-based statistics (NBS) and calculations of mean inter- and intra-network connectivity within pre-defined functional networks. The NBS analysis showed that PD participants who remained cognitively stable showed exclusively (at baseline) or predominantly (at follow-up) increased intra-network connectivity, whereas decliners showed exclusively reduced intra-network and inter- (ventral attention and default mode) connectivity, in comparison with the control group. Evaluation of mean connectivity between all regions of interest (ROIs) within a priori networks showed that decliners had consistently reduced inter-network connectivity for ventral attention, somatomotor, visual and striatal networks and reduced intra-network connectivity for ventral attention network to striatum and cerebellum. These findings suggest that specific functional connectivity covariance patterns differentiate PD cognitive subtypes and may predict cognitive decline. Further, increased intra and inter-network synchrony may support cognitive function in the face of PD-related network disruptions.

PMID:38752411 | DOI:10.1111/ejn.16380

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Imaginative elaboration in agenesis of the corpus callosum: topic modeling and perplexity

J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2024 May 16:1-8. doi: 10.1017/S1355617724000183. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have found deficits in imaginative elaboration and social inference to be associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC; Renteria-Vasquez et al., 2022; Turk et al., 2009). In the current study, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) responses from a neurotypical control group and a group of individuals with ACC were used to further study the capacity for imaginative elaboration and story coherence.

METHOD: Topic modeling was employed utilizing Latent Diritchlet Allocation to characterize the narrative responses to the pictures used in the TAT. A measure of the difference between models (perplexity) was used to compare the topics of the responses of individual participants to the common core model derived from the responses of the control group. Story coherence was tested using sentence-to-sentence Latent Semantic Analysis.

RESULTS: Group differences in perplexity were statistically significant overall, and for each card individually (p < .001). There were no differences between the groups in story coherence.

CONCLUSIONS: TAT narratives from persons with ACC were normally coherent, but more conventional (i.e., more similar to the core text) compared to those of neurotypical controls. Individuals with ACC can make conventional social inferences about socially ambiguous stimuli, but are restricted in their imaginative elaborations, resulting in less topical variability (lower perplexity values) compared to neurotypical controls.

PMID:38752403 | DOI:10.1017/S1355617724000183

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Development and psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Orofacial Esthetic Scale

J Esthet Restor Dent. 2024 May 16. doi: 10.1111/jerd.13263. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop the Turkish version of the Orofacial Esthetic Scale (OES-Tr) and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The OES-Tr questionnaire was obtained from the English version of OES by translation and back-translation. The current version’s psychometric properties were evaluated in a cohort of 221 participants (81 dental students, 70 dentists with 1-10 years of clinical experience, and 70 dentists with 11-20 years of clinical experience). To assess the test-retest reliability, the OES was administered twice to all participants, with a time interval of 2-4 weeks. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were assessed. Also, in validity studies, OES total scores were correlated with Oral Health Impact Profile-Turkish Version (OHIP-Tr) total scores.

RESULTS: The Cronbach’s alpha value obtained from seven items was 0.866 in the examination performed on all individuals. Reliability results show that all questionnaire items are consistent within the test. Bartlett’s test of sphericity was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test was 0.794. The results of the exploratory factor analysis indicated the creation of a single-factor structure. The examinations conducted on all participants revealed a statistically significant weak negative correlation between OES and OHIP scores (r = -0.144).

CONCLUSIONS: OES-Tr can be utilized as a reliable tool to evaluate an individual’s perception of their orofacial appearance. With its excellent psychometric properties, it serves as a valuable instrument for assessing self-perceived orofacial esthetics.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: OES-Tr is a valuable instrument for assessing the appearance of the orofacial region, with good psychometric properties.

PMID:38752372 | DOI:10.1111/jerd.13263

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Seroprevalence of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa) in 17 States in the USA

J Wildl Dis. 2024 May 16. doi: 10.7589/JWD-D-23-00066. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are among the most detrimental invasive species in the USA. They are damaging to crops and agriculture, pose a public health risk as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, and may also spread disease to livestock. One pathogen identified in wild pigs is bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a virus that causes an economically important disease of cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus). We sought to determine the BVDV seroprevalence in wild pigs in 17 states across the US and to determine whether age category, sex, or location were associated with a positive antibody titer. Serum samples from 945 wild pigs were collected from 17 US states. Virus neutralization assays were performed to determine antibody titers against BVDV-1b and BVDV-2a. Total BVDV seroprevalence for the study area was 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.11-8.89). Seroprevalence across all evaluated states was determined to be 4.4% (95% CI, 2.48-6.82) for BVDV-1b and 3.6% (95% CI, 1.54-5.60) for BVDV-2a. The seroprevalence for individual states varied from 0% to 16.7%. There was no statistical difference in median antibody titer for BVDV-1b or BVDV-2a by sex or age category. State seroprevalences for both BVDV-1b and BVDV-2a were associated with wild pig population estimates for those states.

PMID:38752344 | DOI:10.7589/JWD-D-23-00066

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Translating real-world evidence/real-world data

Clin Transl Sci. 2024 May;17(5):e13835. doi: 10.1111/cts.13835.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:38752299 | DOI:10.1111/cts.13835

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Black-White Disparities in Asthma Hospitalizations and ED Visits Among Medicaid-Enrolled Children

Hosp Pediatr. 2024 May 16:e2023007477. doi: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-007477. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Asthma is a common, potentially serious childhood chronic condition that disproportionately afflicts Black children. Hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma can often be prevented. Nearly half of children with asthma are covered by Medicaid, which should facilitate access to care to manage and treat symptoms. We provide new evidence on racial disparities in asthma hospitalizations and ED visits among Medicaid-enrolled children.

METHODS: We used comprehensive Medicaid claims data from the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System. Our study population included 279 985 Medicaid-enrolled children with diagnosed asthma. We identified asthma hospitalizations and ED visits occurring in 2019. We estimated differences in the odds of asthma hospitalizations and ED visits for non-Hispanic Black versus non-Hispanic white children, adjusting for sex, age, Medicaid eligibility group, Medicaid plan type, state, and rurality.

RESULTS: In 2019, among Black children with asthma, 1.2% had an asthma hospitalization and 8.0% had an asthma ED visit compared with 0.5% and 3.4% of white children with a hospitalization and ED visit, respectively. After adjusting for other characteristics, the rates for Black children were more than twice the rates for white children (hospitalization adjusted odds ratio 2.45, 95% confidence interval 2.23-2.69; ED adjusted odds ratio 2.42; 95% confidence interval 2.33-2.51).

CONCLUSIONS: There are stark racial disparities in asthma hospitalizations and ED visits among Medicaid-enrolled children with asthma. To diminish these disparities, it will be important to implement solutions that address poor quality care, discriminatory treatment in health care settings, and the structural factors that disproportionately expose Black children to asthma triggers and access barriers.

PMID:38752291 | DOI:10.1542/hpeds.2023-007477

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Dose-Volume Parameters of Spared Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Defined Active Bone Marrow Predict Hematologic Toxicity in Pelvic Malignancies Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Cohort Study

Technol Cancer Res Treat. 2024 Jan-Dec;23:15330338241255283. doi: 10.1177/15330338241255283.

ABSTRACT

Background: The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the superiority of dose-volume parameters relying on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined active bone marrow (ABM) over those based on total bone marrow (TBM) contoured via CT in the prediction of hematologic toxicity (HT) occurrence among patients with pelvic malignancies undergoing radiotherapy. Methods: The clinical data of 116 patients with pelvic malignancies treated with pelvic radiotherapy were analyzed retrospectively. The ABM areas on T1-weighted MRI were contoured. The statistical significance between TBM and ABM dose-volume measures was assessed through the utilization of either Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test. Logistic and linear regression models were employed to analyze the correlation between dose-volume parameters (V5-V50) and HT occurrence in pelvic ABM and TBM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare predictors of HT2+. Results: There were significant differences in dosimetric parameters between ABM and TBM. Logistic regression analysis showed that ABM V5, ABM V10, ABM V15, ABM V20, and TBM V5 were significantly associated with the occurrence of HT2+ in pelvic malignancies. Linear regression analysis showed that ABM V5, ABM V10, and ABM V15 were significantly associated with white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), hemoglobin (Hb), and lymphocyte (Lym) nadir. ABM V5, ABM V10, ABM V15, and ABM V30 were predictive of HT2+. Conclusions: More accurate prediction of HT in patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy may be achieved by relying on dose-volume parameters of MRI-based ABM. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm this.

PMID:38752234 | DOI:10.1177/15330338241255283

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Critical Bone Defect Affecting the Outcome of Management in Anatomical Type IV Chronic Osteomyelitis

Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr. 2024 Jan-Apr;19(1):26-31. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10080-1610.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Cierny and Mader classification assists with decision-making by stratifying host status and the pathoanatomy of the disease. However, the anatomical type IV represents a heterogenous group with regard to treatment requirements and outcomes. We propose that modification of the Cierny and Mader anatomical classification with an additional type V classifier (diffuse corticomedullary involvement with an associated critical bone defect) will allow more accurate stratification of patients and tailoring of treatment strategies.

METHODS: A retrospective review of 83 patients undergoing treatment for Cierny and Mader anatomical type IV osteomyelitis of the appendicular skeleton at a single centre was performed.

RESULTS: Risk factors for the presence of a critical bone defect were female patients [OR 3.1 (95% CI, 1.08-8.92)] and requirement for soft tissue reconstruction [OR 3.35 (95% CI, 1.35-8.31)]; osteomyelitis of the femur was negatively associated with the presence of a critical bone defect [OR 0.13 (95% CI, 0.03-0.66)]. There was no statistically significant risk of adverse outcomes (failure to eradicate infection or achieve bone union) associated with the presence of a critical-sized bone defect. The median time to the bone union was ten months (95% CI, 7.9-12.1 months). There was a statistically significant difference in the median time to bone union between cases with a critical bone defect [12.0 months (95% CI, 10.2-13.7 months)] and those without [6.0 months (95% CI, 4.8-7.1 months)].

CONCLUSION: This study provided evidence to support the introduction of a new subgroup of the Cierny and Mader anatomical classification (Type V). Using a standardised approach to management, comparable early outcomes can be achieved in patients with Cierny and Mader anatomical type V osteomyelitis. However, to achieve a successful outcome, there is a requirement for additional bone and soft tissue reconstruction procedures with an associated increase in treatment time.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Tsang STJ, Epstein GZ, Ferreira N. Critical Bone Defect Affecting the Outcome of Management in Anatomical Type IV Chronic Osteomyelitis. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2024;19(1):26-31.

PMID:38752191 | PMC:PMC11091896 | DOI:10.5005/jp-journals-10080-1610

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-assisted wound debridement in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024 May 1;15:1393251. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1393251. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Research data suggests that ultrasound-assisted wound debridement (UAWD) can effectively promote the healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). However, existing research is not consistent with this viewpoint. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the effect of UAWD on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.

METHODS: From the establishment of the database to January 2024, we searched 8 databases to study the effectiveness and safety of UAWD in the treatment of DFU. Two authors independently screened the qualifications of the articles, while two authors extracted relevant data. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and STATA 18.0 software.

RESULTS: A total of 11 randomized controlled studies were included, with 6 countries and 696 participants participating. Our findings showed that UAWD was associated with a significant benefit in healing rate (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: [1.67, 4.03], P < 0.0001, I2 = 25%), wound healing time (MD = -11.94, 95% CI: [-23.65, -0.23], P = 0.05, I2 = 99%), percentage reduction in wound size (MD = 14.2, 95% CI: [10.8, 17.6], P = 0.47, I2 = 32%), effectiveness of treatment (OR = 10.3, 95% CI: [4.68, 22.66], P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%). Moreover, UAWD did not cause any significant adverse reactions. However, there was no obvious difference in wound blood perfusion (MD = 0.25, 95% CI: [-0.01, 0.52], P = 0.06, I2 = 90%), transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure (MD = 14.34, 95% CI: [-10.03, 38.71], P = 0.25, I2 = 98%).

CONCLUSION: UAWD can significantly improve wound healing rate, shorten wound healing time, accelerate wound area reduction, and improve clinical treatment effectiveness without significant adverse reactions. Although there is no significant difference in transcutaneous oxygen pressure and wound blood flow perfusion between UAWD and SWC. So we look forward to more scientifically blinded, placebo-controlled, high-quality studies in the future, to enable researchers to obtain more complete and accurate analytical data, in order to improve the scientific and credibility of the evidence.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024501198.

PMID:38752180 | PMC:PMC11094243 | DOI:10.3389/fendo.2024.1393251

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Diagnosis rates, therapeutic characteristics, lifestyle, and cancer screening habits of patients with diabetes mellitus in a highly deprived region in Hungary: a cross-sectional analysis

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024 May 1;15:1299148. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1299148. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Low socioeconomic status affects not only diagnosis rates and therapy of patients with diabetes mellitus but also their health behavior. Our primary goal was to examine diagnosis rates and therapy of individuals with diabetes living in Ormánság, one of the most deprived areas in Hungary and Europe. Our secondary goal was to examine the differences in lifestyle factors and cancer screening participation of patients with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes compared to healthy participants.

METHODS: Our study is a cross-sectional analysis using data from the “Ormánság Health Program”. The “Ormánság Health Program” was launched to improve the health of individuals in a deprived region of Hungary. Participants in the program were coded as diagnosed diabetes based on diagnosis by a physician as a part of the program, self-reported diabetes status, and self-reported prescription of antidiabetic medication. Undiagnosed diabetes was defined as elevated blood glucose levels without self-reported diabetes and antidiabetic prescription. Diagnosis and therapeutic characteristics were presented descriptively. To examine lifestyle factors and screening participation, patients with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes were compared to healthy participants using linear regression or multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for sex and age.

RESULTS: Our study population consisted of 246 individuals, and 17.9% had either diagnosed (n=33) or undiagnosed (n=11) diabetes. Metformin was prescribed in 75.8% (n=25) of diagnosed cases and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2) in 12.1% (n=4) of diagnosed patients. After adjustment, participants with diagnosed diabetes had more comorbidities (adjusted [aOR]: 3.50, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.34-9.18, p<0.05), consumed vegetables more often (aOR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.07-5.78, p<0.05), but desserts less often (aOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15-0.75, p<0.01) than healthy individuals. Patients with undiagnosed diabetes were not different in this regard from healthy participants. No significant differences were observed for cancer screening participation between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: To increase recognition of diabetes, targeted screening tests should be implemented in deprived regions, even among individuals without any comorbidities. Our study also indicates that diagnosis of diabetes is not only important for the timely initiation of therapy, but it can also motivate individuals in deprived areas to lead a healthier lifestyle.

PMID:38752177 | PMC:PMC11094325 | DOI:10.3389/fendo.2024.1299148