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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Identification of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl in different harvest periods using intelligent sensory technologies, HPLC characteristic fingerprint coupled with chemometrics

Phytochem Anal. 2022 Feb 22. doi: 10.1002/pca.3104. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl (FS), the fruit of Oleaceae plants, as a large part of traditional Chinese medicine, is classified as “Qingqiao (Q)” and “Laoqiao (L)” based on the harvest time. Because the maturation of FS is a gradual process, its accurate identification based on different maturity levels is an important issue.

OBJECTIVES: We suggest colorimetric, electronic tongue, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) characteristic fingerprints to discriminate FS in different harvest periods.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: First, FS fruits from different harvest times were collected, and then, their colour parameters, E-tongue sensory properties, HPLC characteristic fingerprints, and contents of nominal ingredients were determined. Finally, multivariate statistical analyses, including three-dimensional scatter plots, hierarchical cluster, principal component, linear discriminant, similarity, and partial least squares discriminant analyses were performed.

RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the three experimental techniques could effectively discriminate FS based on different harvest times with 100% accuracy. Under the qualitative conditions, nine common peaks were identified in the HPLC fingerprints of 60 samples, among which, six peaks [variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1] could be used as index peaks for qualitative identification. In fact, the contents of quality marker components, including forsythin, phillygenin, rutin and forsythoside A, were significant different (P < 0.001) at different harvest times. Interestingly, the quality markers not only accurately reflected the maturity of FS but also showed close correlations with the colour parameters and sensory E-tongue responses.

CONCLUSION: In our present investigation, bionic technologies, including a colorimeter, E-tongue analysis, and HPLC characteristic fingerprints, combined with chemometrics, were employed to develop a novel and accurate method for discriminating FS based on different harvest times.

PMID:35194875 | DOI:10.1002/pca.3104

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

VALIDATION OF THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL IMPACT OF CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE TO ASSESS IMPACT OF WAITING FOR GENOME SEQUENCING RESULTS

Psychooncology. 2022 Feb 22. doi: 10.1002/pon.5908. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the existing MICRA scale, which assesses impact of receiving genetic test results on individuals being assessed for cancer risk, can be successfully adapted to cancer patients experiencing prolonged waiting for results of germline genome sequencing (GS).

METHODS: Patients previously diagnosed with likely hereditary cancer (n=250) who were waiting for germline GS results completed questionnaires 3 months after baseline. We adapted the MICRA to measure anxiety associated with waiting for results, and assessed factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validation.

RESULTS: Factor analysis revealed 4 factors: distress, positive experience, family support and uncertainty. Internal consistency for each sub-scale was high with the values of Cronbach’s alpha for the distress, positive experiences, family support, and uncertainty sub-scales 0.92, 0.88, 0.92, and 0.87, respectively. Test-retest reliability was poor, with intra-class correlations of 0.53, 0.13, 0.33 and .52 for the four factors, respectively. Construct validation showed large correlations between the MICRA distress and uncertainty sub-scale scores and the IES intrusion (0.42 and 0.62, respectively) and IES avoidant thinking sub-scales (0.40 and 0.58, respectively) but not the HADS sub-scales.

CONCLUSIONS: The adapted MICRA identified test-related anxiety and uncertainty in a population of cancer patients waiting for germline GS results. Results suggest that the distress and uncertainty sub-scales of the adapted measure are most useful in this context. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35194887 | DOI:10.1002/pon.5908

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

7 tricks for 7 T CEST: improving reproducibility of multi-pool evaluation provides insights into effects of age and early stage Parkinson’s disease

NMR Biomed. 2022 Feb 22:e4717. doi: 10.1002/nbm.4717. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the post-processing pipeline of 7 T chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging for reproducibility. To prove this optimization for the detection of age differences and differences between Parkinson patients versus normal subjects.

METHODS: The following 7 T CEST MRI experiments were analyzed: Repeated measurements of a healthy subject, subjects of two age cohorts (14 older, 7 younger subjects), and measurements of 12 Parkinson patients. A slab-selective, B1+ -homogeneous parallel transmit protocol was used. The post-processing consisting of motion correction, smoothing, B0 -correction, normalization, denoising, B1+ -correction and Lorentzian fitting was optimized regarding the intra- and inter-subject coefficient of variation (CoV) of the amplitudes of the amide pool and the aliphatic rNOE pool within the brain.

RESULTS: Seven ‘tricks’ for post-processing accomplished an improvement of the mean voxel CoV of the amide pool and the aliphatic rNOE pool amplitudes below 5 % and 3 %, respectively. These post-processing steps are, image-based: 1)motion correction with interpolation of the motion of low-signal-offsets, 2)using the amide pool frequency offset image as reference; Z-spectrum-based, 3)normalization of the Z-spectrum using the outermost saturated measurements, 4) B0 correction of the Z-spectrum with moderate spline smoothing, 5)denoising using principal component analysis preserving the 11 highest intensity-components, 6) B1+ correction using a linear fit, and 7)Lorentzian fitting using the 5-pool fit model. It turns out that that with the optimized post-processing pipeline, a significant age effect in the amide pool can be detected. Additionally, for the first time, an aliphatic rNOE contrast between subjects suffering from Parkinson’s disease and age-matched healthy controls in the substantia nigra is detected. Interpretation We propose an optimized post-processing pipeline for CEST multi-pool evaluation. It is shown that by the use of these seven ‘tricks’, the reproducibility and, thus, the statistical power of a CEST measurement can be greatly improved and subtle changes can be detected.

PMID:35194865 | DOI:10.1002/nbm.4717

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Interproximal contact loss at implant sites: a retrospective clinical study with a 10-year follow-up

Clin Oral Implants Res. 2022 Feb 23. doi: 10.1111/clr.13908. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To assess the frequency and quantity of interproximal contact loss (ICL) between implant restorations and adjacent teeth after at least 10 years of follow-up (FU).

METHODS: Thirty-nine patients (median age 57.3 years) with 80 implants were re-examined at least 10 years after insertion of final restorations (single-crowns or fixed dental prostheses (FDPs)). Baseline (insertion of the restorations) and FU examinations encompassed: stone casts were scanned and superimposed for metric assessment of tooth movements, radiographs and clinical measurements. Outcome measures at implant sites were: the extent of tooth movement and the frequency of interproximal contact loss [ICL], peri-implant marginal bone levels [MBLs], and clinical measurements (plaque control record [PCR], bleeding on probing [BOP] and probing depth [PD]). Data were analyzed statistically with generalized regression modelling with robust standard errors to account for within-patient clustering at 5%.

RESULTS: ICL for at least one contact point after 10 years was observed in 50% of all implants (with open interproximal spaces up to 1.64 mm). Mesial contact points were significantly more prone to ICL than distal ones (relative risk [RR]=1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.07-2.99; p=0.03). The type of restoration had a significant effect on ICL, with FDPs of 2 implants being significantly more prone to mesial ICL than single crowns (RR=1.52; 95% CI=1.02-2.25; p=0.04). ICL was also associated with a significant increase in PD (+0.46 mm (95% CI=0.04-0.88 mm; P=0.03)) compared to implant sites without ICL. BOP, MBLs and PCR were not significantly influenced by ICL.

CONCLUSION: ICL was a common finding in 50% of the implant sites and was significantly associated with an increase in PD.

PMID:35194854 | DOI:10.1111/clr.13908

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Preoperative buccal bone volume predicts long-term graft retention following augmentation in the esthetic zone: a retrospective case series

Clin Oral Implants Res. 2022 Feb 23. doi: 10.1111/clr.13909. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Buccal bone augmentation in the esthetic zone is routinely used to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. Nonetheless, long-term data are sparse, and it is unknown how baseline buccal bone volume affects the retention of the augmented volume over time.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a long-term follow-up retrospective case series. After a preoperative computed tomography scan, implants were placed in the anterior maxilla following guided bone regeneration, autogenous block grafting, or both. At the follow-up, patients received a computed tomography scan and a clinical examination. Buccal bone volume was the primary outcome. Buccal bone thickness, peri-implant, and esthetic parameters were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 6.7 years (interquartile range: 4.9-9.4), 28 implants in 19 patients (median age at augmentation: 43.3 years, interquartile range: 34.4-56.7, 53% female) were followed up. Preoperative buccal bone volume at baseline (V0 ) showed a moderate correlation to final buccal bone volume (Vt , rs = 0.43) but a strong correlation to the absolute volumetric change (ΔV = Vt – V0 , rs = -0.80). A linear mixed model for Vt had a large intercept of 91.39 (p < 0.001) and a rather small slope of 0.11 for V0 (p = 0.11). Observed differences between treatments were not statistically significant in the mixed model. V0 above 105 mm3 predicted a negative volume change (ΔV < 0) with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 96%.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest higher gains in sites with lower V0 and point to a cutoff V0 above which the augmented volume is not retained long-term.

PMID:35194845 | DOI:10.1111/clr.13909

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Genomic comparison of malignant melanoma and atypical Spitz tumor in the pediatric population

Pediatr Dermatol. 2022 Feb 22. doi: 10.1111/pde.14935. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic distinction between atypical Spitz tumor (AST) and malignant melanoma (MM) in pediatric tumors is challenging. Molecular tests are increasingly used to characterize these neoplasms; however, limited studies are available in pediatric patients. This study aimed to provide a genomic comparison of pediatric MM and AST in the context of comprehensive clinical annotation.

METHODS: Pediatric patients diagnosed with MM (n=11) and AST (n=12) were compared to a cohort of 693 adult melanoma patients. DNA next-generation sequencing assessed kinase gene fusions, tumor mutational burden, sequence variants, copy number alterations, structural variants, microsatellite instability, and mutational signatures.

RESULTS: Seven AST cases and eight MM cases were successfully sequenced. Kinase gene fusions were identified in both the MM and AST cohorts (NTRK1, ROS1, and MET). MM cases had TERT, BRAF, and CDKN2A alterations, which were not identified in the AST cohort. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) analysis showed pediatric ASTs had an average of 2.82 mutations/Mb, pediatric MM had an average of 5.7 mutations/Mb, and adult MM cases averaged 18.8 mut/Mb. One pediatric MM case had an elevated TMB of 15 mutations/Mb and a UV mutational signature.

CONCLUSIONS: These data expand our understanding of pediatric malignant melanoma. The differences between the molecular signatures for AST and MM are not statistically significant, and histopathology remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of pediatric AST and MM at this time. With more data, molecular studies may provide additional support for diagnosis and targeted therapeutics.

PMID:35194848 | DOI:10.1111/pde.14935

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Simulating denial increases false memory rates for abuse unrelated information

Behav Sci Law. 2022 Feb 22. doi: 10.1002/bsl.2566. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Victims of abuse might deny their traumatic experiences. We studied mnemonic effects of simulating false denial of a child sexual abuse narrative. Participants (N = 127) read and empathized with the main character of this narrative. Next, half were instructed to falsely deny abuse-related information while others responded honestly in an interview. One week later, participants received misinformation for the narrative and interview. In a final source memory task, participants’ memory for the narrative and interview was tested. Participants who falsely denied abuse-related information endorsed more abuse-unrelated misinformation about the event than honest participants. Abuse-related false memory rates did not statistically differ between the groups, and false denials were not related to omission errors about (1) the interview and (2) narrative. Hence, victim’s memory for abuse-related information related to their experience might not be affected by a false denial, and inconsistencies surrounding the abuse-unrelated information are more likely to take place.

PMID:35194828 | DOI:10.1002/bsl.2566

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Evidence-based lifestyle medicine interventions to enhance the mental health of law enforcers in Hong Kong: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Behav Sci Law. 2022 Feb 22. doi: 10.1002/bsl.2565. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Law enforcers are stressed, but they may be reluctant to seek psychological support due to the stigmatization of mental illness in the law enforcement culture. Given the relatively stigma-free lifestyle medicine intervention, a two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Hong Kong police force to examine the efficacy of integrated lifestyle medicine practices in enhancing the mental health of law enforcers. A total of 18 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and waitlist control groups. The intervention group attended a 6-week lifestyle medicine program consisting of five lifestyle factors. On analyzing the results of the Patient Health Questionnaire using a paired sample t-test, a statistically significant intervention effect was found. This implies that participants had significantly better general psychological well-being after the intervention in this pilot study. In conclusion, the present findings provide preliminary support to promote the relatively stigma-free lifestyle medicine interventions in law enforcement. Nevertheless, further research effort with a larger sample size is warranted to provide empirical support for the efficacy of integrated lifestyle medicine programme.

PMID:35194818 | DOI:10.1002/bsl.2565

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Obstructive sleep apnea in patients with acute aortic dissection

Clin Cardiol. 2022 Feb 23. doi: 10.1002/clc.23790. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) imposes an afterload burden on the left ventricle and increases the pressure gradient across the aortic wall. Thus, OSA may increase the risk for aortic dissection (AD).

METHODS: This study enrolled 40 subjects with acute AD from four institutions; 37 completed the modified Berlin Questionnaire and 31 underwent attended overnight polysomnography. Aortic diameter was measured on a computed tomography scan at seven locations from the sinotubular junction to the diaphragm.

RESULTS: Twenty-seven subjects had type A dissection; 13 had type B. In those who had polysomnography apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ranged from 0.7 to 89. Prevalence of OSA (AHI ≥ 5) was 61%. Nocturnal presentation (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) did not differ by presence/absence of OSA. The modified Berlin Questionnaire was not predictive of the presence of OSA. Among type A subjects with polysomnography (n = 23), aortic diameters at all locations were greater in the OSA group though differences were not statistically significant. Summating aortic diameters at the seven locations also yielded a numerically larger mean value in the OSA group versus the non-OSA group.

CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of patients with acute dissection, OSA was prevalent but was not associated with a nocturnal presentation. The presence of underlying OSA may be associated with larger aortic diameters at the time of dissection compared to patients without OSA. Though differences did not meet statistical significance the current series is limited by small numbers.

PMID:35194820 | DOI:10.1002/clc.23790

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Neural alterations in working memory of mild-moderate TBI: An fMRI study in Malaysia

J Neurosci Res. 2022 Feb 22. doi: 10.1002/jnr.25023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Working memory (WM) encompasses crucial cognitive processes or abilities to retain and manipulate temporary information for immediate execution of complex cognitive tasks in daily functioning such as reasoning and decision-making. The WM of individuals sustaining traumatic brain injury (TBI) was commonly compromised, especially in the domain of WM. The current study investigated the brain responses of WM in a group of participants with mild-moderate TBI compared to their healthy counterparts employing functional magnetic resonance imaging. All consented participants (healthy: n = 26 and TBI: n = 15) performed two variations of the n-back WM task with four load conditions (0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-back). The respective within-group effects showed a right hemisphere-dominance activation and slower reaction in performance for the TBI group. Random-effects analysis revealed activation difference between the two groups in the right occipital lobe in the guided n-back with cues, and in the bilateral occipital lobe, superior parietal region, and cingulate cortices in the n-back without cues. The left middle frontal gyrus was implicated in the load-dependent processing of WM in both groups. Further group analysis identified that the notable activation changes in the frontal gyri and anterior cingulate cortex are according to low and high loads. Though relatively smaller in scale, this study was eminent as it clarified the neural alterations in WM in the mild-moderate TBI group compared to healthy controls. It confirmed the robustness of the phenomenon in TBI with the reproducibility of the results in a heterogeneous non-Western sample.

PMID:35194817 | DOI:10.1002/jnr.25023