Tag: pubmed

Turk J Pediatr. 2022;64(1):127-132. doi: 10.24953/turkjped.2017.271.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine whether MPV can be used as a marker for the activity and the severity index of alopesi areata (AA).

METHOD: The charts of 71 children who received a diagnosis of AA and 70 age and gender-matched healthy children were retrospectively evaluated. The severity of hair loss was classified as S1 ( < 25%), S2 (25-49%), S3 (50-74%), S4 (75-95%), S4b (96-99%) (according to the percent of the area involved), alopecia totalis (AT), and alopecia universalis (AU). In the laboratory tests, the results of the complete blood count, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), thyroid function tests (TSH, free/total T4, free/total T3), and autoimmune thyroid antibodies [antithyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (AT)] were recorded.

RESULTS: A total of 141 cases including 61 (43.3%) males and 80 (56.7%) females were included. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to the mean age (p > 0.05). The MPV measurements were statistically significantly higher in the AA group (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the types of AA according to the mean age, gender distribution, the presence of nail involvement, the presence of family history, and the presence of autoimmune disease (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the severity of AA according to the mean age, gender distribution, the presence of nail involvement, the presence of family history, and the presence of autoimmune disease (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: MPV is helpful in assessing clinical activity in patients with AA. However, prospective studies involving more patients are needed to support our findings.

PMID:35286039 | DOI:10.24953/turkjped.2017.271

Turk J Pediatr. 2022;64(1):32-39. doi: 10.24953/turkjped.2021.4608.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 in children and the association of this with education have started. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in asymptomatic school children within a limited period while face-to-face education continued.

METHODS: This is a descriptive and retrospective study. Screening was carried out in the schools in the three major districts of the metropolitan municipality when face-to-face education was practiced. COVID-19 RT-PCR swab samples were collected from 4,658 students from 46 schools at preschool, primary, secondary, and high school levels by using the stratified sampling method. Screening results were retrospectively analyzed by the researchers.

RESULTS: The mean age of the children included in the study was 10.6±3.2 (5-17). Only 46 students` COVID-19 RT-PCR results were positive; the positivity rate was higher in male students than in female students (p > 0.05); the students living in the third region had a higher positivity rate than the other students, there was a statistical difference between them (p < 0.001); there were no positive cases in 26 (56.7%) schools, and the spreader rate of the school children was 0.98%.

CONCLUSIONS: We determined in the study that the prevalence of COVID-19 infection was not high in asymptomatic school children in the period when schools were open. This may play a role in directing the education and training during the pandemic.

PMID:35286028 | DOI:10.24953/turkjped.2021.4608

Turk J Pediatr. 2022;64(1):110-121. doi: 10.24953/turkjped.2021.1264.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adolescents are mostly considered as a healthy population; however, failure to acquire positive health behaviors during this period makes them vulnerable to poor health outcomes and long-term chronic disorders. Health literacy is one of the most influential parameters in promoting adolescent health. This study aimed to determine the level and promoters of health literacy in adolescents, emphasize the importance of internet use, and evaluate the relationship between self-efficacy and health literacy.

METHODS: A total of 756 adolescents aged 15 and 18 years attending two high schools in socioeconomically different districts in Ankara, Turkey were included in this cross-sectional study. A survey consisting of descriptive questions, a health literacy survey, and a general self-efficacy scale were used to collect data. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Among the adolescents who participated in the study, the level of health literacy was inadequatelimited in 56.1%, sufficient in 30.1%, and excellent in 13.8%. A statistically significant correlation was found between health literacy and general self-efficacy levels (r: .412, p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference between the health literacy groups in terms of the education level of the adolescents` mothers, internet use frequency, and self-efficacy level. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the participants whose mothers had only received primary school education or no formal education, those that were not using the internet regularly, those that did not search health information on the internet, and those with poor self-efficacy levels were more likely to have an inadequate level of health literacy [odds ratio (OR)=2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.4-4.9; OR=5.5, 95% CI=1.2-25.1; OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.1-2.9; and OR=3.7, 95% CI=2.6- 5.2, respectively].

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was concluded that the adolescents` health literacy and general self-efficacy levels were related. Furthermore, the health literacy level of the adolescents was associated with internet use and maternal education status.

PMID:35286037 | DOI:10.24953/turkjped.2021.1264

Can Rev Sociol. 2022 Mar 14. doi: 10.1111/cars.12377. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

While sociologists have studied social networks for about one hundred years, recent developments in data, technology, and methods of analysis provide opportunities for social network analysis (SNA) to play a prominent role in the new research world of big data and computational social science (CSS). In our review, we focus on four broad topics: (1) Collecting Social Network Data from the Web, (2) Non-traditional and Bipartite/Multi-mode Networks, including Discourse and Semantic Networks, and Social-Ecological Networks, (3) Recent Developments in Statistical Inference for Networks, and (4) Ethics in Computational Network Research.

PMID:35286014 | DOI:10.1111/cars.12377

Dermatol Ther. 2022 Mar 14:e15440. doi: 10.1111/dth.15440. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Treatment of recalcitrant plantar warts represent a highly challenging issue for both patients and physicians. Candida antigen and purified protein derivative (PPD) have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of warts, however no previous studies have compared both antigens for recalcitrant plantar warts.

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of intralesional Candida antigen versus intralesional PPD in the management of recalcitrant plantar warts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 120 adult patients with multiple recalcitrant plantar warts. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups; Candida antigen, PPD, or normal saline. Injections into the largest wart were repeated every two weeks until clearance or for a maximum of 5 sessions.

RESULTS: Complete wart clearance was reported in 33 patients (82.5%) of the Candida antigen group, in 22 patients (55.6%) of the PPD group, and in one patient (5%) of the control saline group. A statistically significant difference was found between the studied groups in favor of Candida antigen. Adverse effects were mild and insignificant in the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional antigen immunotherapy by Candida antigen or PPD is a promising, safe, and cost-effective therapeutic option for multiple recalcitrant plantar warts, with statistically significant superiority of Candida antigen. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35285995 | DOI:10.1111/dth.15440

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2022 Mar 14. doi: 10.1002/jmri.28154. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly common worldwide and can lead to the development of cirrhosis, liver failure and cancer. Virtual magnetic resonance elastography (VMRE), which is based on a shifted apparent diffusion coefficient (sADC), is a potential noninvasive method to assess liver fibrosis without the specialized hardware and expertise required to implement traditional MR elastography (MRE). Although hepatic steatosis is known to confound ADC measurements, previous studies using VMRE have not corrected for hepatic fat fraction.

PURPOSE: To compare VMRE, corrected for the confounding effects of unsuppressed fat signal, to MRE and biopsy in subjects with suspected NAFLD.

STUDY TYPE: Prospective, cross-sectional.

POPULATION: A total of 49 adult subjects with suspected NAFLD (18 male; median age 55 years, range 33-74 years) who underwent liver biopsy.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3T, diffusion-weighted spin echo planar, chemical-shift encoded (IDEAL IQ) and MRE sequences.

ASSESSMENT: Two observers drew regions of interest on sADC, proton density fat fraction and MRE-derived stiffness maps. Fat-corrected sADC values were used to calculate the diffusion-based shear modulus according to the VMRE method. Predicted fibrosis stage for MRE and VMRE was determined using previously published cut-off values.

STATISTICAL TESTS: The relationship between VMRE and MRE was assessed with least-squares linear regression (coefficient of determination, R² ). Agreement between MRE and VMRE-predicted fibrosis stage was evaluated with a kappa coefficient and accuracy compared using McNemar’s test. A one-way ANOVA determined if the fat-corrected sADC (VMRE) and MRE differed by fibrosis stage. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Least squares regression of VMRE vs. MRE revealed R² = 0.046 and a slope that was not significantly different from zero (P = 0.14). There was no agreement between MRE and VMRE-predicted fibrosis stage (kappa = -0.01). The proportion of correctly predicted fibrosis stage was significantly higher for MRE compared to VMRE. MRE was significantly associated with fibrosis stage, but fat-corrected sADC was not (P = 0.24).

DATA CONCLUSION: Fat-corrected VMRE was not associated with fibrosis stage in NAFLD. Further investigation is required if VMRE is to be considered in subjects with NAFLD.

EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

PMID:35285996 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.28154

Aust Dent J. 2022 Mar 14. doi: 10.1111/adj.12910. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Canalis sinuosus (CS) and its relationship with adjacent teeth is relevant for surgery in the anterior maxilla. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report the prevalence, characteristics, and variations of CS.

METHODS: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of the anterior maxilla of 201 patients were reviewed. CS and the adjacent teeth were analysed by age, sex, and scan resolution, using analysis of variance, chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. The widest and narrowest diameters of CS, and distance to tooth apex (DTA), were compared by quadrant, closest tooth, and location, and the associations were examined statistically with P < 0.05.

RESULTS: In the 201 scans, 412 CS were identified in 198 patients associated with 395 different teeth. Mean widest diameter was 1.08 ± 0.39 mm (range: 0.42-2.60 mm), while the narrowest diameter was 0.71 ± 0.26 mm (range: 0.25-1.59 mm), and mean DTA of 2.16 ±1.25 mm (range: 0-6.22 mm). CS detection was significantly lower with CBCT taken at resolution size of 0.250 voxels (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS: CS was very common in the anterior maxilla. Clinicians would be well advised to identify this anatomical structure using CBCT before undertaking any surgery in the anterior maxilla. © 2022 Australian Dental Association.

PMID:35285958 | DOI:10.1111/adj.12910

Cancer. 2022 Mar 14. doi: 10.1002/cncr.34173. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: African ancestry (AA) and obesity are associated with worse survival in early-stage breast cancer. Obesity disproportionately affects women of AA; however, the intersection between ancestry and obesity on breast cancer outcomes remains unclear.

METHODS: A total of 2854 patients in the adjuvant trial E5103 were analyzed. Genetic ancestry was determined using principal components from a genome-wide array. The impact of continuous or binary body mass index (BMI) on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated by multivariable Cox proportional hazards models in AA patients and European ancestry (EA) patients.

RESULTS: There were 2471 EA patients and 383 AA patients. Higher BMI was significantly associated with worse DFS and OS only in AA patients (DFS hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.07-1.46; OS HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.10-1.73), not in EA patients (DFS HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.90-1.05; OS HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.93-1.14). Severe obesity (BMI ≥40) was significantly associated with worse survival in AA patients (DFS HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.21-3.43; OS HR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.03-4.75) but had no impact on that of EA patients. In the estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and triple-negative breast cancer subgroups, BMI was significantly associated with worse outcomes only in those AA patients with ER+ disease. Within the AA group, BMI remained associated with worse survival regardless of the AA proportion.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI was statistically significantly associated with worse breast cancer outcomes in AA but not EA patients. This association was most significant for severe obesity and those with ER+ disease. These observations help define optimal populations for weight change interventions designed to affect disparities and survival in early-stage breast cancer.

LAY SUMMARY: African ancestry and obesity are both risk factors for worse survival after early-stage breast cancer. Women of African descent are also disproportionately affected by obesity; however, it is unclear what impact body weight has on racial disparities in breast cancer. Data from a large phase 3 clinical trial in high-risk, early-stage breast cancer were used to determine how body weight affects survival outcomes in European versus African Americans. Study results demonstrate that a higher body mass index is associated with increased risk of breast cancer recurrence and worse survival in women of African ancestry but not in women of European ancestry.

PMID:35285940 | DOI:10.1002/cncr.34173

Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2022 Mar 14. doi: 10.1111/ppc.13062. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between nurses’ job satisfaction levels and quality of life.

DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 225 nurses working in a university hospital in Turkey. Nurse Information Form, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), and The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-WHOQOL-BREF (TR) were used to collect the data.

FINDINGS: It was determined that while the MSQ mean score of the nurses was low, their WHOQOL-BREF mean score was moderate. A positive statistically significant and linear correlation was determined between job satisfaction and quality of life (p < 0.01). While the nurses’ MSQ score increased, their WHOQOL-BREF score also increased.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: As job satisfaction of nurses increases, both their quality of life and quality of nursing care will be enhanced.

PMID:35285955 | DOI:10.1111/ppc.13062

JAMA Netw Open. 2022 Mar 1;5(3):e222101. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.2101.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Understanding mental health and substance use treatment seeking and suicidality among suicide decedents is important to determine prevention efforts.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in treatment seeking and suicidality between suicide decedents who died by firearms and those who died by other methods.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional data were collected on 234 652 suicide decedents from 2003 to 2018. Participant information was reported by their state of residence to the National Violent Death Reporting System. Statistical analysis was performed from July 1, 2021, to January 21, 2022.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Main outcomes were treatment for mental health and substance use at time of death, previous treatment for mental health and substance use, history of suicidal ideation or plans, history of suicide attempts, and disclosure of suicidal ideation or plans.

RESULTS: A total of 234 652 participants (182 520 male [77.8%]; 205 966 White [87.8%]; mean [SD] age, 46.3 [18.2] years [range, 3-112 years]) were included in this study. Compared with suicide decedents who died by another method (n = 117 526 [50.1%]), those who died by firearm (n = 117 126 [49.9%]) were more likely to have disclosed thoughts or plans of suicide within the month prior to death (odds ratio [OR], 1.16 [95% CI, 1.13-1.18]) and were less likely to have previously attempted suicide (OR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.43-0.46]). Compared with those who died by poisoning, those who used a firearm were more likely to have had a history of suicidal thoughts or plans (OR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.15-1.23]) and to have disclosed their thoughts or plans of suicide within the month prior to death (OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03-1.10]). Compared with those who died by hanging, those who used a firearm were more likely to have disclosed their thoughts or plans of suicide to another person within the month prior to their death (OR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.11-1.17]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These findings provide information that suggests who is at risk to die by firearm suicide. Community-based interventions in suicide prevention could help reduce access to firearms during a time of crisis. The finding that firearm suicide decedents were more likely to disclose their suicidal thoughts or plans provides an important avenue for prevention.

PMID:35285919 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.2101