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Association of polymorphisms in the IL-10 promoter region with Crohn’s disease

J Clin Lab Anal. 2022 Nov 21:e24780. doi: 10.1002/jcla.24780. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: IL-10 is thought to play an important role in preventing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although its efficacy is limited in IBD inflammation treatment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between SNP polymorphism in the promoter region of the IL-10 gene and Crohn’s disease (CD).

METHODS: In 86 children with CD disease and 142 healthy controls, polymorphisms of three SNPs (rs3790622, rs1800872, and rs1800896) in the IL-10 promoter region were successfully identified. The risk alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes were also analyzed in the CD patient group and the control group. 2 × 2 chi-square test was used to identify whether there is a statistically significant association between CD risk and SNP polymorphisms.

RESULTS: According to the chi-square test results, only the polymorphism of rs1800872 was associated with pediatric CD. T allele in rs1800872 showed a high risk for pediatric CD (Pearson χ2 p = 0.030). TT genotype of rs1800872 was associated with a higher risk of CD in the pediatric population (OR 1.986, 95% CI 1.146-3.442, p = 0.020, TT vs. TG + GG). Finally, a risk haplotype GTT (rs3790622-rs1800872-rs1800896) in IL-10 was found (OR 1.570, 95% CI 1.054-2.341, p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested that T allele, TT genotype, and haplotype GTT in rs1800872 were associated with the susceptibility to pediatric CD in China.

PMID:36408729 | DOI:10.1002/jcla.24780

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ABRACADABRA literacy instruction for children with Down syndrome via telepractice during COVID-19: A pilot study

Br J Educ Psychol. 2022 Nov 21. doi: 10.1111/bjep.12558. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has resulted in some educators and allied health practitioners transitioning to online delivery of literacy instruction. As far as we are aware, no studies have investigated online delivery of comprehensive literacy instruction for children with Down syndrome.

AIMS: In this pilot study, we explore the efficacy of online delivery of ABRACADABRA (a free literacy web application) for children with Down syndrome, alongside supplementary parent-led shared book reading, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SAMPLE: Six children with Down syndrome, aged 8-12 years, participated in this within-participants design study.

METHODS: Participants acted as their own controls with outcome variables measured at three timepoints: baseline, pre-instruction and post-instruction. Children participated in 16-18 hrs of one-to-one literacy instruction online over a 6-week instruction phase, along with twice weekly parent-led shared book reading activities.

RESULTS: Outcomes from standardized assessments revealed statistically significant improvements in word- and passage-level reading accuracy skills over the instruction phase (pre-instruction to post-instruction) compared with the no-instruction control phase (baseline to pre-instruction). Improvements in reading comprehension skills were inconsistent across assessment measures and statistical analyses.

CONCLUSION: Children with Down syndrome can benefit from comprehensive literacy instruction delivered via telepractice. Our study provides critical initial evidence of successful service delivery during a global pandemic and beyond.

PMID:36408697 | DOI:10.1111/bjep.12558

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Impact of number of functional teeth on independence of Japanese older adults

Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2022 Nov 21. doi: 10.1111/ggi.14508. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To examine the relationship between the number of present and functional teeth at baseline and future incidence of loss of independence.

METHODS: Participants were community-dwelling older individuals who participated in a comprehensive geriatric health examination conducted in Kusatsu town, Japan, between 2009 and 2015. The primary endpoint was the incidence of loss of independence among participants, defined as the first certification of long-term care insurance in Japan. The numbers of present and functional teeth at baseline were determined via an oral examination. Demographics, clinical variables (e.g., history of chronic diseases and psychosocial factors), blood nutritional markers, physical functions, and perceived masticatory function were assessed.

RESULTS: This study included 1121 individuals, and 205 individuals suffered from loss of independence during the follow-up period. Kaplan-Meier estimates of loss of independence for participants with smaller numbers of present and functional teeth were significantly greater than for those with larger numbers of teeth. Cox proportional hazard analyses indicated that a smaller number of present teeth was not a significant risk factor after adjusting for demographic characteristics. However, the number of functional teeth was a significant risk factor after the adjustment (hazard ratio: 1.975 [1.168-3.340]). Additionally, higher hazard ratios were observed in other adjusted models, but they were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The number of functional teeth may be more closely related to the future incidence of loss of independence than the number of present teeth. This novel finding suggests that prosthodontic rehabilitation for tooth loss possibly prevents the future incidence of this life-event. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; ••: ••-••.

PMID:36408675 | DOI:10.1111/ggi.14508

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Validation of a body condition scoring system in Nili Ravi dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): inter- and intra-assessor variability

J Dairy Res. 2022 Nov 21:1-4. doi: 10.1017/S0022029922000723. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the research reported in this Research Communication was to apply the 5-point body condition scoring (BCS) system to dairy buffaloes and subjectively validate it by assessing the intra- and inter-assessor agreement. For this purpose, the BCS system developed for dairy cows was applied to buffaloes. A total of 230 Nili Ravi buffaloes of varying parity, lactation stages and pregnancy status were enrolled from the Buffalo Research Institute, Pattoki, Pakistan. Four observers independently assigned BCS values to each enrolled buffalo in two phases, as follows: (1) during phase I, the assessors were trained for BCS assessment using a BCS chart developed by Elanco Animal Health Ltd.; and (2) during phase II, the assessors were trained using live buffaloes for BCS assessment. Kappa statistics (kw) were used to determine the intra- and inter-assessor agreement. The results revealed that the exact overall inter- and intra-assessor agreement was moderate (kw = 0.48-0.55) and increased to substantial levels after training on live animals (kw = 0.63-0.87). Furthermore, the intra- and inter-assessor exact agreement was higher (kw = 0.57-0.58) for buffaloes tied to the mangers compared to the buffaloes standing in the loafing area (kw = 0.50). The inter-assessor agreements within 0.25 and 0.5 points were almost perfect (kw = 0.97-1.0). The current results suggested that the 5-point BCS system (using a scale from 1 to 5 with 0.25 increments) had substantial agreement for assessment and repeatability when applied to buffaloes.

PMID:36408674 | DOI:10.1017/S0022029922000723

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Treatment-related adverse events of antibody-drug conjugates in clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cancer. 2022 Nov 21. doi: 10.1002/cncr.34507. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have complex molecular structures and have been tested in numerous clinical trials. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of their toxicity when applied in medical practice is of high importance.

METHODS: In a systematic review and meta-analysis of data gathered from different scientific databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science) between January 1, 2000, and June 7, 2022, the authors applied a random-effects model with logit transformation and evaluated the heterogeneity between studies using I2 statistics. The primary outcome was the incidence and 95% confidence interval (CI) for all-grade and grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events and differences between different drugs, molecular structures, and cancer types.

RESULTS: In total, 2511 records were identified that included 169 clinical trials involving 22,492 patients. The overall incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 91.2% (95% CI, 90.7%-91.7%; I2 = 95.9%) for all-grade adverse events and 46.1% (95% CI, 45.2%-47.0%; I2 = 96.3%) for grade ≥3 adverse events. The most common all-grade adverse events were lymphopenia (53.0%; 95% CI, 48.7%-57.3%), nausea (44.1%; 95% CI, 43.2%-44.9%), neutropenia (43.7%; 95% CI, 42.6%-44.9%), blurred vision (40.5%; 95% CI, 37.4%-43.6%), and peripheral neuropathy (39.6%; 95% CI, 38.2%-41.1%); and the most common grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (31.2%; 95% CI, 30.2%-32.3%), hypoesthesia (23.3%; 95% CI, 10.6%-35.9%), thrombocytopenia (22.6%; 95% CI, 21.3%-23.9%), febrile neutropenia (21.2%; 95% CI, 19.3%-23.1%), and lymphopenia (21.0%; 95% CI, 18.2%-23.7%).

CONCLUSIONS: Different ADCs appear to affect various treatment-related adverse events and provide comprehensive data on treatment-related adverse events for ADCs. The current results provide an important reference for clinicians and patients on how to care for toxicities from ADCs in clinical practice.

LAY SUMMARY: Unique anticancer drugs called antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have made significant progress in oncology in recent years because of their great success, and they are rapidly being used in the clinic as well as in hundreds of ongoing trials exploring their further use. The occurrence of serious side effects (adverse events) related to the receipt of ADCs was studied using data from 169 clinical trials involving 22,492 patients to determine the treatment-related causes of higher toxicity and adverse events in patients who receive ADCs, because these data are crucial for informing physicians how to safely treat patients using ADCs. The results indicate that different ADCs appear to affect various adverse events related to their use, providing comprehensive data on these ADCs that provide an important reference for clinicians and patients on how to care for toxicities from ADCs in clinical practice.

PMID:36408673 | DOI:10.1002/cncr.34507

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The use of obstetric balloon as a pelvic spacer in preventing empty pelvis syndrome after total pelvic exenteration in rectal cancers – A prospective safety and efficacy study for Bakri balloon

Colorectal Dis. 2022 Nov 21. doi: 10.1111/codi.16424. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Empty pelvis syndrome is a source of considerable morbidity following a total pelvic exenteration. None of the available methods have been universally successful in mitigating this problem. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the obstetric Bakri balloon in preventing empty pelvis syndrome.

METHODS: Combined prospective and retrospective study of all total pelvic exenterations for rectal cancers from a single institution was performed between October 2013 to May 2022. Bakri balloon was used since December 2019 in all patients that provided consent. Empty pelvis syndrome within 90 days was the primary end point, and included bowel obstruction, pelvic collection, and entero-perineal fistula. Comparison with the patients that did not have a Bakri balloon was performed.

RESULTS: Seventy-five patients with Bakri balloon were compared with 96 patients without the balloon placed after pelvic exenterations. No patient experienced an untoward complication from balloon deployment. The incidence of empty pelvis syndrome was 13.3% and 22.9% in the Bakri and no Bakri cohort, respectively (p-0.110). Every component of empty pelvis syndrome was proportionally lower without statistical significance. The number needed to treat to prevent EPS using the Bakri balloon was ten based on point estimates.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of Bakri balloon was safe without serious adverse events. The incidence of EPS after TPE was not statistically different with the use of Bakri Balloon despite a 9.6% reduction. A larger comparative study is needed to evaluate the efficacy of the balloon.

PMID:36408669 | DOI:10.1111/codi.16424

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Applicability of the Zwolle score for selection of very high-risk ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary angioplasty

Angiology. 2022 Nov 19:33197221139915. doi: 10.1177/00033197221139915. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Zwolle risk score was designed to stratify in-hospital mortality risk of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and for decision-making in the unit where patients are admitted. We assessed the accuracy of Zwolle risk score for in-hospital mortality estimation compared with the GRACE score in all patients (n = 4446) admitted for STEMI in 3 university hospitals. Only one fourth of the patients were classified as high-risk by the Zwolle risk score vs 60% by the GRACE score. In-hospital mortality was 10.6%. A statistically significant increase in in-hospital mortality, adjusted by age, gender, and revascularization, was observed with both scores. The assessment of the optimal cut-off points verified the accuracy of Zwolle score ≥4 as optimal threshold for high-risk categorization. In contrast, GRACE score ≥140 had very low specificity as well as percentage of patients correctly classified; GRACE score ≥175 was fairly better. The reclassification index of the Zwolle score after applying the GRACE score was 35.5%. Selection of high-risk STEMI patients treated with pPCI based on the Zwolle risk score has higher specificity than the GRACE score and might be useful in clinical practice.

PMID:36408662 | DOI:10.1177/00033197221139915

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The Effect of a Physical Activity Program Using WhatsApp on Adolescents’ Exercise Behavior

J Sch Nurs. 2022 Nov 20:10598405221132207. doi: 10.1177/10598405221132207. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to demonstrate the effect of a transtheoretical model (TTM)-based physical activity program on the exercise behavior of adolescents using WhatsApp. The study was conducted with high school students (N = 185) in a pre-/posttest, quasi-experimental design. TTM-based text messages were sent to the intervention group (n = 95) over WhatsApp every day for 8 weeks. The intervention group demonstrated more statistically significant progression in the exercising stages of change compared to the control group (n = 90) (χ2 = 20.10; p = .00). It was also found that this group had a higher exercising self-efficacy score (t = 2.647; p = .009) and a higher physical activity total metabolic equivalent of task score (Z = -3.521; p = .000). There was no significant difference in BMI and perception of pros and cons (p > .05). The program was found to be effective in terms of recording progress in the exercising stages of change, increasing exercising self-efficacy, and maintaining a physical activity program.

PMID:36408658 | DOI:10.1177/10598405221132207

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Corneal tissue changes following short-term soft contact lens wear of different materials

Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2022 Nov 21. doi: 10.1111/opo.13067. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To study the effect of different soft contact lens (CL) materials during short-term wear on corneal tissue.

METHODS: Twenty-two healthy participants wore both silicone hydrogel (MyDay, CooperVision) and hydrogel soft CLs (Biomedics 1 day extra, CooperVision) for 8 h per lens. In each session, Scheimpflug images were captured before and immediately after CL removal. Images were analysed using the densitometry distribution analysis, a technique from which two parameters, α (corneal transparency) and β (corneal homogeneity), were estimated. In addition, the central corneal thickness changes after CL wear and the influence of the CL material on corneal transparency were evaluated.

RESULTS: The β parameter (homogeneity) increased by 5% after wearing both CL materials (paired t-test, p < 0.001). However, the α parameter (transparency) only increased in half of the participants. No material was found to be more determinant in causing the corneal densitometry changes. Statistically significant but not clinically relevant changes in corneal thickness were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: Biomarkers of corneal tissue integrity (α and β) were affected by short-term soft contact lens wear. The observed changes in corneal transparency and homogeneity were not clinically relevant but support the importance of participant-material biocompatibility.

PMID:36408647 | DOI:10.1111/opo.13067

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Modifiable risk factors for intracranial aneurysms: Evidence from genetic studies

Int J Stroke. 2022 Dec;17(10):1107-1113. doi: 10.1177/17474930211065640. Epub 2022 Jan 4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a crucial health concern with limited strategies for prevention and treatment.

AIM: To identify potentially modifiable risk factors, such as socioeconomic, behaviors, dietary, and cardiometabolic factors, for IA and its subtypes.

METHODS: Summary statistics for IA were derived from a genome-wide association study with an overall 79,429 participants. Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with modifiable risk factors at genome-wide significance (P = 5 × 10-8) were used as instrumental variables. The inverse-variance-weighted method, weighted-median method, Mendelian randomization (MR)-Egger regression, MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier, and multivariable MR analyses were performed to evaluate the effect estimates.

RESULTS: Genetically predicted educational attainment, insomnia, smoking, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were significantly associated with the risk of IA. The odds ratios (ORs) were 0.44 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37-0.52) for educational attainment, 1.15 (95% CI: 1.08-1.23) for insomnia, 1.56 (95% CI: 1.38-1.75) for smoking initiation, 2.69 (95% CI: 1.77-4.07) for cigarette per day, 2.65 (95% CI: 1.72-4.08) for lifetime smoking, 1.07 (95% CI: 1.06-1.09), and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.04-1.10) for SBP and DBP, respectively. Similar effect estimates were observed for unruptured IAs and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provided genetic evidence that several modifiable risk factors, including blood pressure, smoking, educational attainment, and insomnia were associated with the risk of IA.

PMID:36408635 | DOI:10.1177/17474930211065640