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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Elevated CSF and plasma complement proteins in genetic frontotemporal dementia: results from the GENFI study

J Neuroinflammation. 2022 Sep 5;19(1):217. doi: 10.1186/s12974-022-02573-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation is emerging as an important pathological process in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), but biomarkers are lacking. We aimed to determine the value of complement proteins, which are key components of innate immunity, as biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of presymptomatic and symptomatic genetic FTD mutation carriers.

METHODS: We measured the complement proteins C1q and C3b in CSF by ELISAs in 224 presymptomatic and symptomatic GRN, C9orf72 or MAPT mutation carriers and non-carriers participating in the Genetic Frontotemporal Dementia Initiative (GENFI), a multicentre cohort study. Next, we used multiplex immunoassays to measure a panel of 14 complement proteins in plasma of 431 GENFI participants. We correlated complement protein levels with corresponding clinical and neuroimaging data, neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).

RESULTS: CSF C1q and C3b, as well as plasma C2 and C3, were elevated in symptomatic mutation carriers compared to presymptomatic carriers and non-carriers. In genetic subgroup analyses, these differences remained statistically significant for C9orf72 mutation carriers. In presymptomatic carriers, several complement proteins correlated negatively with grey matter volume of FTD-related regions and positively with NfL and GFAP. In symptomatic carriers, correlations were additionally observed with disease duration and with Mini Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating scale® plus NACC Frontotemporal lobar degeneration sum of boxes scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of CSF C1q and C3b, as well as plasma C2 and C3, demonstrate the presence of complement activation in the symptomatic stage of genetic FTD. Intriguingly, correlations with several disease measures in presymptomatic carriers suggest that complement protein levels might increase before symptom onset. Although the overlap between groups precludes their use as diagnostic markers, further research is needed to determine their potential to monitor dysregulation of the complement system in FTD.

PMID:36064709 | DOI:10.1186/s12974-022-02573-0

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Investigation of the relationship between the use of complementary alternative medicine and illness perception and illness cognition in patients with diabetic foot ulcer

J Tissue Viability. 2022 Aug 30:S0965-206X(22)00096-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2022.08.005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: to examine the relationship between illness perception, illness cognition, and other sociodemographic characteristics of individuals with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and their complementary alternative therapies (CAM) use within the framework of self-regulation model (SRM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with 220 individuals with DFU in the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases outpatient clinic of two training and research hospitals between December 5, 2020, and June 5, 2021. Research data were collected by using the Patient Information Form, Brief Illness Perception Scale (BIPS), and Illness Cognition Questionnaire (ICQ). Descriptive statistical methods and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to were used in the evaluation of the data. The determinants of the CAM use status of the patients were evaluated by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: It was determined that 136 (61.81%) patients who used CAM mostly preferred herbal methods. Patients’ mean scores were 42.23 ± 5.66 on the total BIPS, 39.65 ± 16.01 on the total ICQ. Increasing age, female gender, increased disease perception (BIPS) and disease cognition (ICQ) increased the use of CAM (Nagelkerke R2:0.552; Model: x2 = 168.579 p = 0.00) CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that our patients frequently preferred CAM. Predictors of CAM use were identified as female gender, advanced age, illness perception, and illness cognition. Accordingly, for effective management of DFU, besides the comprehensive evaluation of individuals with DFU and the provision of wound care by health care professionals, illness perceptions, illness cognition, and CAM use should be considered carefully.

PMID:36064697 | DOI:10.1016/j.jtv.2022.08.005

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Differences in the risk of cardiovascular disease across ethnic groups: UK Biobank observational study

Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2022 Aug 11:S0939-4753(22)00329-5. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2022.08.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To describe sociodemographic, lifestyle, environmental and traditional clinical risk factor differences between ethnic groups and to investigate the extent to which such differences confound the association between ethnic groups and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 440,693 white European (55.9% women), 7305 South Asian (48.6%) and 7628 black African or Caribbean (57.7%) people were included from UK Biobank. Associations between ethnicity and cardiovascular outcomes (composite of non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction and CVD death) were explored using Cox-proportional hazard models. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, environmental and clinical risk factors. Over a median (IQR) of 12.6 (11.8, 13.3) follow-up years, there were 22,711 (5.15%) cardiovascular events in white European, 463 (6.34%) in South Asian and 302 (3.96%) in black African or Caribbean individuals. For South Asian people, the cardiovascular hazard ratio (HR) compared to white European people was 1.28 (99% CI [1.16, 1.43]). For black African or Caribbean people, the HR was 0.80 (0.66, 0.97). The elevated risk of CVD in South Asians remained after adjusting for differences in sociodemographic, lifestyle, environmental and clinical factors, whereas the lower risk in black African or Caribbean was largely attenuated.

CONCLUSIONS: South Asian, but not black African or Caribbean individuals, have a higher risk of CVD compared to white European individuals. This higher risk in South Asians was independent of sociodemographic, lifestyle, environmental and clinical factors.

PMID:36064688 | DOI:10.1016/j.numecd.2022.08.002

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Vitamin D and heart failure: A two-sample mendelian randomization study

Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2022 Aug 11:S0939-4753(22)00330-1. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2022.08.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The relationship between vitamin D and heart failure (HF) has attracted significant interest, but the association between the two in previous studies remains uncertain. Therefore, we used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate a causal association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and HF risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS: This study utilized summary statistics from the most extensive genome-wide association studies for 25OHD and HF. To make the results more reliable, we used several methods based on three assumptions for MR analysis. We also used the multivariable MR adjusting for hypertension, BMI, diabetes, chronic kidney disease to further elucidate the association between 25OHD and HF. Considering the potential pleiotropy, we performed an MR analysis with conditionally independent genetic instruments at core genes to further determine the relationship between vitamin D and heart failure. We found that per 1 SD increase in standardized log-transformed 25OHD level, the relative risk of HF decreased by 16.5% (OR: 0.835, 95% Cl: 0.743-0.938, P = 0.002), and other MR methods also showed consistent results. The multivariable MR also reported that per 1 SD increase in standardized log-transformed 25OHD level, the relative risk of HF decreased. And the scatter plots showed a trend towards an inverse MR association between 25OHD levels, instrumented by the core 25OHD genes, and HF.

CONCLUSION: In summary, we found a potential inverse association between elevated 25OHD levels and the risk of HF, which suggested that timely 25OHD supplementation or maintaining adequate 25OHD concentrations may be an essential measure for HF prevention in the general population.

PMID:36064684 | DOI:10.1016/j.numecd.2022.08.003

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Women with gynaecological cancer awaiting radiotherapy: Self-reported wellbeing, general psychological distress, symptom distress, sexual function, and supportive care needs

Gynecol Oncol. 2022 Sep 2:S0090-8258(22)00546-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.08.008. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To better serve women with gynaecological cancers, we need a sound understanding of their health, wellbeing and needs. This study sought to explore these issues in a sample of Australian women before commencing curative radiotherapy.

METHODS: We undertook a secondary analysis of baseline data from a supportive care trial (n = 311). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise responses to measures of wellbeing, general psychological distress, symptom distress, sexual function and vaginal changes, and supportive care needs. Pre-specified regression models were used to examine sources of variation in wellbeing and sexual function.

RESULTS: Women reported lower emotional, functional and physical wellbeing than population norms (all p < 0.001). The prevalence of general psychological distress was 31% (95% CI 26-36%). Distress caused by physical symptoms was typically low. Health system and information needs comprised eight of the top ten moderate-to-high supportive care needs. Most women reported no change in interest for physical contact or sex compared to pre-diagnosis, but some sexually active women (16-24%) reported smaller vaginal size, increased dryness, and more pain on intercourse. General psychological distress was a robust marker of poorer wellbeing and sexual function.

CONCLUSIONS: Before radiotherapy, a substantial minority of women with gynaecological cancers experience general psychological distress, reduced wellbeing and moderate-to-high health system and information needs. A model of comprehensive care incorporating assessment of unmet needs, general psychological distress, and sexual issues is recommended. Healthcare providers may require training to elicit and respond to a constellation of interrelated issues and access relevant services for women requiring additional support.

PMID:36064679 | DOI:10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.08.008

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A modern-day experience with Brunschwig’s operation: Outcomes associated with pelvic exenteration

Gynecol Oncol. 2022 Sep 2:S0090-8258(22)00571-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.08.017. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative and oncologic outcomes associated with pelvic exenteration for non-ovarian gynecologic malignancies.

METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent pelvic exenteration for non-ovarian gynecologic malignancies at our institution from 1/1/2010-12/31/2019. Palliative exenteration cases were excluded from survival analysis. Postoperative complications were early (≤30 days) or late (31-180 days). Complications were graded using a validated institutional scale. Major complications were considered grade ≥ 3. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.

RESULTS: Of 100 patients identified, 89 underwent pelvic exenteration for recurrent disease, 5 for palliation, 5 for primary disease, and 1 for persistent disease. Thirty percent had cervical, 27% vulvar, 24% uterine, and 19% vaginal cancer. Sixty-two percent underwent total, 30% anterior, and 8% posterior exenteration. No deaths occurred intraoperatively or within 30 days of surgery. Six patients died after 30 days. Ninety-seven experienced a perioperative complication-49 early, 1 late, and 47 both. Fifty experienced a major complication-22 (44%) early, 19 (38%) late, and 9 (18%) both. No variables were statistically associated with complication development. The 3-year progression-free survival rate was 61.0%; the 3-year overall survival rate was 61.6%. Of 58 surviving patients, 16 (28%) and 4 (7%) were alive after 5 and 10 years, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The overall complication rate for pelvic exenteration remains high. No variables demonstrated association with complication development as the rate was nearly 100%. The low rate of perioperative mortality is likely due to improved perioperative care.

PMID:36064678 | DOI:10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.08.017

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Prevalence of dental caries and associated factors of detention center inmates in South Korea compared with Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) respondents: a retrospective study

BMC Oral Health. 2022 Sep 5;22(1):383. doi: 10.1186/s12903-022-02405-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Correctional institution inmates have reduced access to dental care; however, a quantitative assessment of their oral health condition has not yet been performed in South Korea. Therefore, this study aimed to assess dental caries and compare the prevalence of dental caries and associated factors between inmates and the general South Korean population.

METHODS: The dental records of two detention centers in South Korea were retrospectively analyzed to assess the clinical oral health condition of inmates using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and self-reported questionnaire. These data were compared with similar data obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for the general South Korean population.

RESULTS: In total, 642 inmates were analyzed and compared with 13,345 KNHANES participants in the KNHANES. The inmate and KNHANES groups demonstrated significant intergroup differences, with a higher prevalence of untreated caries, DMFT, decayed teeth (DT), and missing teeth (MT) values among the inmates. The prevalence of untreated caries decreased according to the history of dental pain in the inmate group but increased in the KNHANES group. The decrease in DMFT with a history of dental pain was significant only in the inmate group. Furthermore, self-rated oral health was significantly associated with prevalence of untreated caries, DMFT, DT, MT, and filled teeth (FT) in the inmate group but with prevalence of untreated caries, DMFT, DT, and MT in the KNHANES group. It was found that this is because there is an interaction effect by the group.

CONCLUSIONS: The oral health of the inmate group was significantly poorer than that of the general group. Since DMFT, DT, MT, and FT values and prevalence of untreated caries in the inmate group were significantly related to their self-rated oral health, suggesting that self-rated oral health should be incorporated into the dental health screenings of correctional institution inmates.

PMID:36064674 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-022-02405-w

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COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health care worker-parents (HCWP) in Puducherry, India and its implications on their children: A cross sectional descriptive study

Vaccine. 2022 Aug 29:S0264-410X(22)01040-4. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.08.051. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy affects immunization programs worldwide and can impact vaccine coverage and fight against Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) too.

OBJECTIVES: Primary objectives: To find out the magnitude of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the Health Care Worker Parents (HCWPs), the reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and their perceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccination of their children.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinic-socio-demographic correlates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among HCWPs.

METHODS: This was a cross sectional descriptive study. Health care workers who are parents were invited to participate in the study. Details about COVID vaccination status, COVID-19 illness of HCWPS and family members and its outcomes , reasons for not getting vaccinated, willingness to vaccinate their children, reasons for not willing to vaccinate their children, their responses to vaccine hesitancy survey (VHS) questionnaire and Modified Oxford COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scale (MOVHS) were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: A total of 269 HCWPs participated in the study. Of the HCWPs, 97% had completed their COVID-19 vaccination schedule. Majority stated that they would vaccinate their children when it is available. Although majority of the responses were positive or towards agreement, there were some striking variations in the responses among some sections of HCWPs. Positive responses to the questionnaire were associated with higher self-vaccination and a decision to vaccinate their children.

CONCLUSION: Vaccine hesitancy was less common among HCWPs in our study. A section of the HCWPs might be disproportionately more hesitant than others. Majority were in favor of vaccinating their children.

PMID:36064669 | DOI:10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.08.051

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A bump in the night: a 15-year retrospective analysis of urgent inpatient and emergency CT reporting out of hours in a tertiary referral centre

Clin Radiol. 2022 Sep 2:S0009-9260(22)00356-7. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.06.023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To assess the impact on specialty trainee (ST) experience of out-of-hours (OOH) working, focusing on what might be improved with both patient safety and staff wellbeing in mind.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The number of acute computed tomography (CT) examinations reported OOH over the last 15 years (2007-2021) at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was analysed. Qualitative data from the radiology STs participating in the acute OOH rotas were obtained using questionnaires during winter months in 2019 and 2021, before and after the introduction of an OOH CT outsourcing service in 2020.

RESULTS: Overnight acute CT has increased over 10-fold over the last decade to almost 50 CT examinations in 2021, and similar increases were observed during evening and weekend shifts. The option to outsource acute CT on an ad hoc basis was introduced in 2020 to manage the increase in demand. This resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the STs’ level of reported satisfaction for OOH shifts (p<0.018), despite significantly increased perception of how busy the shifts were (p<0.035).

CONCLUSION: OOH acute CT reporting at Oxford NHS Foundation Trust has increased dramatically over the previous 15 years. Working patterns and resources have changed incrementally to absorb this increase in demand, most recently with the option for outsourcing at times of peak demand. The trend for increasing OOH CT demand has considerable implications for future resource planning.

PMID:36064658 | DOI:10.1016/j.crad.2022.06.023

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Clinical epidemiology of peritoneal metastases in China: The construction of professional peritoneal metastases treatment centers based on the prevalence rate

Eur J Surg Oncol. 2022 Aug 28:S0748-7983(22)00630-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ejso.2022.08.023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To understand the tumor burden of peritoneal metastases (PM) in China, and to guide the construction of professional PM treatment centers in China.

METHODS: Based on the cancer statistics by the National Cancer Center of China published in 2016, the prevalence of PM in 2020 was calculated according to the population statistics in China and the survival and mortality rates of various PM.

RESULTS: The prevalence rates of PM in China were as follows: gastric cancer PM 371.0/million, absolute number 523,937; colorectal cancer PM 47.1/million, absolute number 66,482; ovarian cancer PM 97.1/million, absolute number 137,083; pseudomyxoma peritonei 25.1/million, absolute number 35,425; malignant peritoneal mesothelioma 2.6/million, absolute number 3737; the above total was 766,664. According to the annual high-quality treatment volume of 365 cases in each professional PM treatment center, China needs to establish 1194 specialized PM treatment centers. At present, there are 1580 tertiary first-class hospitals in China. Therefore, for every 3 first-class tertiary hospitals in China there should be at least 2 PM treatment centers in full operation.

CONCLUSIONS: Considering the large number of PM patients in China and the relatively small number of professional PM treatment centers, more resources should be devoted to the promotion and construction of PM treatment centers.

PMID:36064631 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejso.2022.08.023