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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Aftermath Türkiye’s double earthquake: detailed analysis of fracture characteristics and acute management from a level I trauma center

Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2024 May 10;32(1):43. doi: 10.1186/s13049-024-01217-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This research investigated surgical interventions for the treatment of extremity and pelvic fractures and aimed to provide an analysis of management challenges under crisis conditions in a Level I Trauma Center after Türkiye’s February 6, 2023, earthquakes.

METHODS: The study was a retrospective examination of the medical records of 243 fracture cases associated with the earthquakes. The age, gender, time of admission, types of extremity and pelvic fractures, anatomical localizations, and surgical treatment methods for fractures were recorded. The results of these parameters were evaluated in detail, together with the results of other surgical treatments performed in the hospital in the first week after the disaster, such as fasciotomy, amputation, and wound debridement.

RESULTS: Most of the 243 (119 males and 124 females) patients with extremity fractures and pelvic fractures receiving surgical treatment were adults (n = 182, 74.9%). The most common lower extremity fractures among all fracture cases were tibial shaft (30.8%) and femoral shaft (20.6%) fractures. A total of 33 patients had surgical procedures for the treatment of two or more significant bone fractures involving either the extremity or the pelvic ring. The analysis showed that the median age of patients who underwent surgery due to extremity and pelvic fractures was 36 years, with a range of 1 to 91 years, which was statistically increased compared to patients who received surgery for other musculoskeletal injuries such as fasciotomy, amputation and debridement (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Fractures were one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the first days after earthquakes, and the management of fractures differs significantly from soft tissue injuries and amputation surgeries as they require implants, special instruments, and imaging devices. The delivery of healthcare is often critically impaired after a severe earthquake. Shortages of consumables such as orthopedic implants, power drills, fluoroscopy equipment, and the need for additional staff should be addressed immediately after the earthquake, ideally by the end of the first day.

PMID:38730466 | DOI:10.1186/s13049-024-01217-x

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Efficacy and safety study of targeted small-molecule drugs in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus

Arthritis Res Ther. 2024 May 10;26(1):98. doi: 10.1186/s13075-024-03331-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Targeted small-molecule drugs in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have attracted increasing attention from clinical investigators. However, there is still a lack of evidence on the difference in the efficacy and safety of different targeted small-molecule drugs. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of different targeted small-molecule drugs for SLE.

METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on targeted small-molecule drugs in the treatment of SLE in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched as of April 25, 2023. Risk of bias assessment was performed for included studies using the Cochrane’s tool for evaluating the risk of bias. The primary outcome indicators were SRI-4 response, BICLA response, and adverse reaction. Because different doses and courses of treatment were used in the included studies, Bayesian network meta-regression was used to investigate the effect of different doses and courses of treatment on efficacy and safety.

RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included, involving 3,622 patients and 9 targeted small-molecule drugs. The results of network meta-analysis showed that, in terms of improving SRI-4, Deucravacitinib was significantly superior to that of Baricitinib (RR = 1.32, 95% CI (1.04, 1.68), P < 0.05). Deucravacitinib significantly outperformed the placebo in improving BICLA response (RR = 1.55, 95% CI (1.20, 2.02), P < 0.05). In terms of adverse reactions, targeted small-molecule drugs did not significantly increase the risk of adverse events as compared to placebo (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Based on the evidence obtained in this study, the differences in the efficacy of targeted small-molecule drugs were statistically significant as compared to placebo, but the difference in the safety was not statistically significant. The dose and the course of treatment had little impact on the effect of targeted small-molecule drugs. Deucravacitinib could significantly improve BICLA response and SRI-4 response without significantly increasing the risk of AEs. Therefore, Deucravacitinib is very likely to be the best intervention measure. Due to the small number of included studies, more high-quality clinical evidence is needed to further verify the efficacy and safety of targeted small-molecule drugs for SLE.

PMID:38730460 | DOI:10.1186/s13075-024-03331-8

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Determinants of postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives in the extended postpartum period in Shashago district, Central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study conducted in the community

Contracept Reprod Med. 2024 May 10;9(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s40834-024-00284-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Women who fail to initiate contraceptive use within the first year after childbirth face an increased likelihood of experiencing unintended pregnancies in close succession. In regions with limited resources, the use of postpartum contraceptives, particularly long-acting reversible contraceptives, remains notably low. Consequently, this study sought to assess the prevalence and determinants of postpartum long acting reversible contraceptives in the extended postpartum period in the Shashago district, Central Ethiopia.

METHODS: This study employed a community-based cross-sectional design, conducted between March 1, 2021, and April 15, 2021, involving a total of 617 women of reproductive age. The selection of study participants was performed using a multistage stratified sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through the use of a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Subsequently, the collected data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted, and statistical significance was determined using a P value of 0.05, along with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS: A total of 224(36.3%) women used long-acting contraceptives after giving birth. Among these women, 31.1% used Implanon, while 5.2% used an intrauterine device (IUD). Factors significantly associated with the use of long-acting contraceptives after childbirth included age 25-29 years (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-3.0), age ≥ 35 years (AOR = 8.7, 95% CI: 3.6-21.5), primary education (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.6-6.7), secondary education and above (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.5-8.3), and history of abortion (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3-5.4). Additionally, having good knowledge of long-acting contraceptives after childbirth (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-3.9) was significantly associated with their use.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed that a small number of women opt for long-acting contraceptives after childbirth, with Implanon being more popular than IUDs. Factors such as age, education level, abortion history, pregnancy counseling, and knowledge about long-acting contraceptives were linked to their usage. Integrating contraceptive counseling into routine antenatal and postnatal care is essential for ensuring access to postpartum contraception. Tailored interventions based on age and education level could also help promote long-acting contraceptive use. More research and targeted interventions are needed to overcome these barriers and improve access to these methods for postpartum women.

PMID:38730446 | DOI:10.1186/s40834-024-00284-w

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Cross-cultural adaption, validity, and reliability of the Japanese version of the Central Aspects of Pain in the Knee (CAP-Knee-J) questionnaire in patients with knee pain: a validation study

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 May 9;25(1):365. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-07471-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Knee pain is a prominent concern among older individuals, influenced by the central nervous system. This study aimed to translate the Central Aspects of Pain in the Knee (CAP-Knee) questionnaire into Japanese and investigate its reliability and validity in older Japanese individuals with knee pain.

METHODS: Using a forward-backward method, CAP-Knee was translated into Japanese, and data from 110 patients at an orthopedic clinic were analyzed. The Japanese version (CAP-Knee-J) was evaluated regarding pain intensity during walking, central sensitization inventory, and pain catastrophizing scale. Statistical analyses confirmed internal validity and test-retest reliability. Concurrent validity was assessed through a single correlation analysis between CAP-Knee-J and the aforementioned measures. Exploratory factor analysis was employed on each CAP-Knee-J item to examine structural validity.

RESULTS: CAP-Knee-J showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.86) and excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.77). It correlated significantly with pain intensity while walking, central sensitization inventory scores, and pain catastrophizing scale scores. Exploratory factor analysis produced a three-factor model.

CONCLUSIONS: CAP-Knee-J is a reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing central pain mechanisms specific to knee pain in older Japanese individuals, with moderate correlations with the CSI and weak with the PCS, thus indicating construct validity. This study supports the development of effective knee pain treatments and prognosis predictions.

PMID:38730443 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-024-07471-5

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Faecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 from patients with asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 without gastrointestinal symptoms in Ghana

BMC Res Notes. 2024 May 10;17(1):130. doi: 10.1186/s13104-024-06790-z.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we sought to determine whether faecal shedding occurs among SARS-COV-2 positive Ghanaians, as reported elsewhere. Hence we assayed for SARS-COV-2 in the stools of 48 SARS-COV-2 confirmed patients at the Ho Municipal Hospital in Ghana.

RESULTS: Of the 48 COVID-19 patients, 45 (93.8%) had positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 faecal shedding. About 60% reported no respiratory symptoms, while only 2% (1 patient) reported gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in the form of nausea. Other symptoms reported included headache (57.9%), weakness (57.9%), cough (52.6%), blocked/runny nose (47.4%), fever (31.6%), sore throat (31.6%), and shortness of breath (21.1%). One person complained of nausea (5.3%) Semi-quantitative comparison of the SARS COV-2 viral loads in matched respiratory and faecal samples using the cycle threshold (CT) values revealed no statistical differences. Furthermore, the duration between collection of respiratory and faecal samples did not have any direct influence on the differences in the CT values. This suggests that treatment and use of sewage for environmental surveillance of SARS COV-2 could be a potential public health countermeasure.

PMID:38730439 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-024-06790-z

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Comparison of dmft and behavior rating scores between children with systemic disease and healthy children at the first dental visit

BMC Oral Health. 2024 May 10;24(1):548. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-04285-8.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare oral health and behavior scores at the first dental visit and dental treatment need using general anesthesia/sedation (GA/S) of children with systemic diseases (SD) and healthy children.

METHODS: Data were obtained from healthy children (n = 87) and children with SD (n = 79), aged 4 to 6 years, presenting to a hospital dental clinic for a first dental examination. The total number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft), dental behavior score using Frankl Scale, and dental treatment need using GA/S were recorded. Chi-square / Fisher’s exact test and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS: The patients with SD were diagnosed with cardiac disease (61%), renal disease (9%), and pediatric cancers (30%). The median dmft values of the SD group (3.00) were significantly lower than those of healthy children (5.00) (p = 0.02) and healthy children exhibited significantly more positive behavior (90.8%) than children with SD (73.4%) (p = 0.002). The number of patients needing GA/S for dental treatment did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.185). There was no relationship between dental treatment need with GA/S and dental behavior scores of the patients (p = 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between the patients’ dmft scores and the need for dental treatment using GA/S; and the cut-off value was found to be dmft > 4 for the overall comparisons.

CONCLUSION: The presence of chronic disease in children appeared to affect the cooperation negatively at the first dental visit compared to healthy controls, however, it did not affect the oral health negatively. Having a negative behavior score or SD did not necessitate the use of GA/S for dental treatment.

PMID:38730438 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-024-04285-8

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

An evaluation of computational methods for aggregate data meta-analyses of diagnostic test accuracy studies

BMC Med Res Methodol. 2024 May 10;24(1):111. doi: 10.1186/s12874-024-02217-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) is recommended to meta-analyze diagnostic test accuracy studies (DTAs) based on aggregate or individual participant data. Since a GLMM does not have a closed-form likelihood function or parameter solutions, computational methods are conventionally used to approximate the likelihoods and obtain parameter estimates. The most commonly used computational methods are the Iteratively Reweighted Least Squares (IRLS), the Laplace approximation (LA), and the Adaptive Gauss-Hermite quadrature (AGHQ). Despite being widely used, it has not been clear how these computational methods compare and perform in the context of an aggregate data meta-analysis (ADMA) of DTAs.

METHODS: We compared and evaluated the performance of three commonly used computational methods for GLMM – the IRLS, the LA, and the AGHQ, via a comprehensive simulation study and real-life data examples, in the context of an ADMA of DTAs. By varying several parameters in our simulations, we assessed the performance of the three methods in terms of bias, root mean squared error, confidence interval (CI) width, coverage of the 95% CI, convergence rate, and computational speed.

RESULTS: For most of the scenarios, especially when the meta-analytic data were not sparse (i.e., there were no or negligible studies with perfect diagnosis), the three computational methods were comparable for the estimation of sensitivity and specificity. However, the LA had the largest bias and root mean squared error for pooled sensitivity and specificity when the meta-analytic data were sparse. Moreover, the AGHQ took a longer computational time to converge relative to the other two methods, although it had the best convergence rate.

CONCLUSIONS: We recommend practitioners and researchers carefully choose an appropriate computational algorithm when fitting a GLMM to an ADMA of DTAs. We do not recommend the LA for sparse meta-analytic data sets. However, either the AGHQ or the IRLS can be used regardless of the characteristics of the meta-analytic data.

PMID:38730436 | DOI:10.1186/s12874-024-02217-2

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Cross-sectional study of psychiatric disorders in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and individuals without pain

Adv Rheumatol. 2024 May 10;64(1):40. doi: 10.1186/s42358-024-00375-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal chronic pain is a leading cause of global disability and laboral incapacity. However, there is a lack of population-based studies that investigate the relationship between chronic pain and mental disorders with a control group, particularly among low- and middle-income countries. Chronic pain is a serious public health problem in terms of human suffering, and in terms of socioeconomic implications. Frequent association with different mental disorders increases disability, decreases quality of life, and makes diagnosis and treatment challenging. The present study aimed to evaluate the presence of mental disorders in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and compare with a control group without pain.

METHODS: We selected 100 patients in a regular follow-up at the Musculoskeletal Pain Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital and compared them with 100 painless individuals from the control group from June 2016 to June 2018. The instruments used were the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-PLUS) and a structured questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data. Statistical analysis used t-test, chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS: In the sample evaluated, the majority of patients were women (83%), of brown color (54%), with lower-level education (51%), lower salary range (73%) and high absenteeism rate at work (60,7%). Patients with chronic pain had more psychiatric disorders (88% vs. 48% in the control group; p < 0.001). The most frequent diagnoses were anxiety disorders with panic attacks (44%), generalized anxiety (36%), mixed anxiety and depression disorder (33%), social phobia (30%), agoraphobia (29%), suicide risk (28%), and major depression (27%).

CONCLUSION: Positive correlations of mental disorders and chronic musculoskeletal pain have been documented. This suggests that psychiatric components must be taken into account in the management of chronic pain syndromes. The use of Mini Plus as a diagnostic tool for psychiatric disorders can contribute to optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic pain and encourage the creation of policies with strategies and criteria for quick access to Multi-professional Services.

PMID:38730423 | DOI:10.1186/s42358-024-00375-x

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Machine learning derived serum creatinine trajectories in acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with sepsis

Crit Care. 2024 May 10;28(1):156. doi: 10.1186/s13054-024-04935-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Current classification for acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients with sepsis relies only on its severity-measured by maximum creatinine which overlooks inherent complexities and longitudinal evaluation of this heterogenous syndrome. The role of classification of AKI based on early creatinine trajectories is unclear.

METHODS: This retrospective study identified patients with Sepsis-3 who developed AKI within 48-h of intensive care unit admission using Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database. We used latent class mixed modelling to identify early creatinine trajectory-based classes of AKI in critically ill patients with sepsis. Our primary outcome was development of acute kidney disease (AKD). Secondary outcomes were composite of AKD or all-cause in-hospital mortality by day 7, and AKD or all-cause in-hospital mortality by hospital discharge. We used multivariable regression to assess impact of creatinine trajectory-based classification on outcomes, and eICU database for external validation.

RESULTS: Among 4197 patients with AKI in critically ill patients with sepsis, we identified eight creatinine trajectory-based classes with distinct characteristics. Compared to the class with transient AKI, the class that showed severe AKI with mild improvement but persistence had highest adjusted risks for developing AKD (OR 5.16; 95% CI 2.87-9.24) and composite 7-day outcome (HR 4.51; 95% CI 2.69-7.56). The class that demonstrated late mild AKI with persistence and worsening had highest risks for developing composite hospital discharge outcome (HR 2.04; 95% CI 1.41-2.94). These associations were similar on external validation.

CONCLUSIONS: These 8 classes of AKI in critically ill patients with sepsis, stratified by early creatinine trajectories, were good predictors for key outcomes in patients with AKI in critically ill patients with sepsis independent of their AKI staging.

PMID:38730421 | DOI:10.1186/s13054-024-04935-x

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The role of perceived quality of care on outpatient visits to health centers in two rural districts of northeast Ethiopia: a community-based, cross-sectional study

BMC Health Serv Res. 2024 May 10;24(1):614. doi: 10.1186/s12913-024-11091-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients who have had a negative experience with the health care delivery bypass primary healthcare facilities and instead seek care in hospitals. There is a dearth of evidence on the role of users’ perceptions of the quality of care on outpatient visits to primary care facilities. This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived quality of care and the number of outpatient visits to nearby health centers.

METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two rural districts of northeast Ethiopia among 1081 randomly selected rural households that had visited the outpatient units of a nearby health center at least once in the previous 12 months. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire via an electronic data collection platform. A multivariable analysis was performed using zero-truncated negative binomial regression model to determine the association between variables. The degree of association was assessed using the incidence rate ratio, and statistical significance was determined at a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS: A typical household makes roughly four outpatient visits to a nearby health center, with an annual per capita visit of 0.99. The mean perceived quality of care was 6.28 on a scale of 0-10 (SD = 1.05). The multivariable analysis revealed that perceived quality of care is strongly associated with the number of outpatient visits (IRR = 1.257; 95% CI: 1.094 to 1.374). In particular, a significant association was found for the dimensions of provider communication (IRR = 1.052; 95% CI: 1.012, 1.095), information provision (IRR = 1.088; 95% CI: 1.058, 1.120), and access to care (IRR = 1.058, 95% CI: 1.026, 1.091).

CONCLUSIONS: Service users’ perceptions of the quality of care promote outpatient visits to primary healthcare facilities. Effective provider communication, information provision, and access to care quality dimensions are especially important in this regard. Concerted efforts are required to improve the quality of care that relies on service users’ perceptions, with a special emphasis on improving health care providers’ communication skills and removing facility-level access barriers.

PMID:38730420 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-024-11091-z