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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Exploring the association between birthweight and breast cancer using summary statistics from a perspective of genetic correlation, mediation, and causality

J Transl Med. 2022 May 14;20(1):227. doi: 10.1186/s12967-022-03435-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous studies demonstrated a positive relationship between birthweight and breast cancer; however, inconsistent, sometimes even controversial, observations also emerged, and the nature of such relationship remains unknown.

METHODS: Using summary statistics of birthweight and breast cancer, we assessed the fetal/maternal-specific genetic correlation between them via LDSC and prioritized fetal/maternal-specific pleiotropic genes through MAIUP. Relying on summary statistics we conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate the fetal/maternal-specific origin of causal relationship between birthweight, age of menarche, age at menopause and breast cancer.

RESULTS: With summary statistics we identified a positive genetic correlation between fetal-specific birthweight and breast cancer (rg = 0.123 and P = 0.013) as well as a negative but insignificant correlation between maternal-specific birthweight and breast cancer (rg = – 0.068, P = 0.206); and detected 84 pleiotropic genes shared by fetal-specific birthweight and breast cancer, 49 shared by maternal-specific birthweight and breast cancer. We also revealed fetal-specific birthweight indirectly influenced breast cancer risk in adulthood via the path of age of menarche or age at menopause in terms of MR-based mediation analysis.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals that shared genetic foundation and causal mediation commonly drive the connection between the two traits, and that fetal/maternal-specific birthweight plays substantially distinct roles in such relationship. However, our work offers little supportive evidence for the fetal origins hypothesis of breast cancer originating in utero.

PMID:35568861 | DOI:10.1186/s12967-022-03435-2

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Predictors of loss to follow-up among adult tuberculosis patients in Southern Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study

BMC Public Health. 2022 May 14;22(1):976. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-13390-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Loss to follow-up (LTFU) from tuberculosis (TB) treatment and care is a major public health problem as patients can be infectious and also may develop a multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB). The study aimed to assess whether LTFU differs by the distance TB patients travelled to receive care from the nearest health facility.

METHODS: A total of 402 patient cards of TB patients who received care were reviewed from March 1-30, 2020. The Kaplan-Meir curve with the Log-rank test was used to compare differences in LTFU by the distance travelled to reach to the nearest health facility for TB care. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to identify predictors. All statistical tests are declared significant at a p-value< 0.05.

RESULTS: A total of 37 patients were LTFU with the incidence rate of 11.26 per 1000 person-months of observations (PMOs) (95% CI: 8.15-15.53). The incidence rate ratio was 12.19 (95% CI: 5.01-35.73) among the groups compared (those who travelled 10 km or more versus those who travelled less than 10 km). Age ≥ 45 years (aHR = 7.71, 95% CI: 1.72, 34.50), educational status (primary schooling, aHR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.49, 8.40; secondary schooling, aHR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.08, 7.03), lack of family support (aHR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.27, 6.19), nutritional support (aHR = 3.40, 95% CI:1.68, 6.89), ≥ 10 km distance to travel to a health facility (aHR = 6.06, 95% CI: 2.33, 15.81) had significantly predicted LTFU from TB treatment and care.

CONCLUSIONS: LTFU from adult TB care and treatment was 12 times higher among those who travelled ≥10 km to reach a health facility compared to those who travelled less. To retain adult TB patients in care and ensure appropriate treatment, health professionals and other stakeholders should give due attention to the factors that drive LTFU. We suggest identifying concerns of older patients at admission and those who travel long distance and establish social support platforms that could help people to complete TB treatment.

PMID:35568853 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-022-13390-8

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Neuroendoscopic-assisted versus mini-open craniotomy for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage: a retrospective analysis

BMC Surg. 2022 May 14;22(1):188. doi: 10.1186/s12893-022-01642-8.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes in neuroendoscopic-assisted vs mini-open craniotomy for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH), so as to provide reasonable surgical treatment.

METHODS: Clinical data of 184 patients with HICH in the hospital from January 2019 to May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into mini-open craniotomy group and neuroendoscopic-assisted group. The operation time, hematoma clearance rate, intraoperative blood loss, neurological function recovery, and postoperative mortality of the two groups were compared by retrospective analysis.

RESULTS: The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the mini-open craniotomy group were more than those in the neuroendoscopic-assisted group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference in hematoma clearance rate between the two groups, but for the rugby hematoma, the hematoma clearance rate in the neuroendoscopic-assisted group was higher than in the mini-open craniotomy group, the difference was statistically significant. Within 1 month after the operation, there was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups. 6 months after the operation, there was no significant difference in the recovery of neurological function between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Neuroendoscopic-assisted and mini-open craniotomy for the treatment of HICH has the advantages of minimal trauma with good effects, and its main reason for short operation time, reduced bleeding, and high hematoma clearance rate. Although the two surgical methods can improve the survival rate of patients, they do not change the prognosis of patients. Therefore, the choice of surgical methods should be adopted based on the patient’s clinical manifestations, hematoma volume, hematoma type, and the experience of the surgeon.

PMID:35568858 | DOI:10.1186/s12893-022-01642-8

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Spatiotemporal variations of water quality and their driving forces in the Yangtze River Basin, China, from 2008 to 2020 based on multi-statistical analyses

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 May 14. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-20667-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Water quality deterioration is a prominent issue threatening water security worldwide. As the largest river in China, the Yangtze River Basin is facing severe water pollution due to intense human activities. Analyzing water quality trends and identifying the corresponding driver factors are important components of sustainable water quality management. Thus, spatiotemporal characteristics of the water quality from 2008 to 2020 were analyzed by using a Mann-Kendall test and rescaled range analysis (R/S). In addition, multi-statistical analyses were used to determine the main driving factors of variation in the permanganate index (CODMn), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration, and total phosphorus (TP) concentration. The results showed that the mean concentrations of NH3-N and TP decreased from 0.31 to 0.16 mg/L and 0.16 to 0.07 mg/L, respectively, from 2008 to 2020, indicating that the water quality improved during this period. However, the concentration of CODMn did not reduce remarkably. Based on R/S analysis, the NH3-N concentration was predicted to continue to decrease from 2020 to 2033, whereas the CODMn concentration was forecast to increase, highlighting an issue of great concern. In terms of spatial distribution, water quality in the upstream was better than that of the mid-downstream. Multi-statistical analyses revealed that the temporal variation in water quality was predominantly influenced by tertiary industry (TI), the nitrogen fertilizer application rate (N-FAR), the phosphate fertilizer application rate (P-FAR), and the irrigation area of arable land (IAAL), with contribution rates of 15.92%, 14.65%, 3.46%, and 2.84%, respectively. The spatial distribution of CODMn was mainly influenced by TI, whereas that of TP was primarily determined by anthropogenic activity factors (e.g., N-FAR, P-FAR). This study provides deep insight into water quality evolution in the Yangtze River Basin that can guide water quality management in this region.

PMID:35568786 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-20667-3

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors Intake During Chemoradiotherapy for Rectal Cancer: a Retrospective Cohort Study

J Gastrointest Cancer. 2022 May 14. doi: 10.1007/s12029-022-00825-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most widely used drugs worldwide and are involved in several drug interactions. Recently, several studies have suggested that PPIs may interfere with the efficacy of capecitabine. This study primarily aimed to investigate the effects of PPI intake on the pathologic response rate of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine.

METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted at a French Comprehensive Cancer Center. Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery were included in the study. Demographic parameters, treatment characteristics, survival data, and PPI intake data were collected. Frequencies and percentages were reported for categorical variables and medians and interquartile ranges for continuous variables. Distribution of variables was compared according to PPI treatment using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical data and nonparametric Wilcoxon tests for continuous variables. Survival data were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS: In total, 215 patients were included, of whom 135 (62.8%) were men. The PPI intake frequency was 16.1%. The rate of complete pathological response was not significantly lower in patients on PPIs than in those not on PPIs (8.7% vs. 19%, p = 0.36). PPI intake was not associated with a statistically significant decrease in recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-2.60, p = 0.54) or overall survival (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.33-2.76, p = 0.93).

CONCLUSION: No significant association was observed between PPI co-medication and complete pathological response or survival in patients treated for locally advanced rectal cancer. However, the safety of PPIs could not be confirmed. Further ancillary studies of prospective clinical trials or studies using the Health Data Hub are necessary to explore the effects of PPIs on rectal cancer more accurately.

PMID:35568776 | DOI:10.1007/s12029-022-00825-z

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Silent threat in honey bee colonies: infection dynamics and molecular epidemiological assessment of black queen cell virus in Turkey

Arch Virol. 2022 May 14. doi: 10.1007/s00705-022-05458-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Viruses can have devastating effects and cause epidemics in honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. Black queen cell virus (BQCV), which is one of the most common honey bee viruses, affects queen bee larvae and their pupae. This study provides information on the dynamics of BQCV infection in honey bees, using molecular diagnostics to investigate the effects of other pathogens and seasonal patterns that are considered relevant to the epidemiology of BQCV. The results showed a relatively high prevalence of the viruses studied. The prevalence of BQCV, acute bee paralysis virus, and deformed wing virus in worker bees was found to be 90%, 62%, and 84%, respectively. The prevalence of BQCV was 58% in larvae and pupae. Furthermore, the prevalence of Nosema ceranae was 46% in worker bees. Statistical analysis showed possible combined effects of BQCV and other examined viruses in terms of infection dynamics, while BQCV did not show seasonal variation. The BQCV isolates detected in this study were placed in a phylogenetic framework using sequence data from comprehensive sampling in previous studies. The analysis suggested that the Turkish strains of BQCV clustered together with Australian and European strains and consisted of homogeneous populations that had evolved from a common ancestor. This is the first report of BQCV infection dynamics in honey bees in Turkey.

PMID:35568762 | DOI:10.1007/s00705-022-05458-y

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Profile of individuals with low back pain and factors defining chronicity of pain: a population-based study in Ethiopia

Qual Life Res. 2022 May 14. doi: 10.1007/s11136-022-03148-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent public health problem globally, second only to headaches in the ranking of painful disorders that affect human beings. However, evidence about the profile of LBP patients is lacking in low-income countries for appropriate management approaches. This study examined the profile of individuals with LBP and factors defining chronicity of pain in Ethiopia.

METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 1812 adults (≥ 18 years) with LBP at present. Data were collected by interviewing the study participants using an instrument developed and validated in the same study population. The instrument includes socio-demographic information, health behaviours/lifestyle habits, beliefs about pain, and pain and general health-related characteristics of the participants. Data analysis was performed using R version 3.5.1. Both unconditional and conditional logistic regression models were fitted and Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed to identify factors significantly associated with chronicity of pain at p ≤ 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS: Negative beliefs about pain, a varying degree of pain interference with daily and social activities, complaining of pain in other anatomical sites other than the low back region, general health status rated as not excellent, depressive symptomology, and sleeping problems/insomnia were common within the profile of individuals with LBP. Age, educational level, residential setting, beliefs about pain, and depressive symptomology were found to have a statistically significant association with chronicity of pain.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an overview of the profile of individuals with LBP and factors defining chronicity of pain, assisting clinicians to design appropriate management strategies to improve patients’ outcomes.

PMID:35568766 | DOI:10.1007/s11136-022-03148-5

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Surgical management of concurrent lateral ankle instability and osteochondral lesions of the talus increases dynamic sagittal ankle range of motion

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2022 May 14. doi: 10.1007/s00167-022-06993-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: A biomechanical study, in which imaging modalities are used to strictly include patients with concurrent lateral ankle instability (LAI) and osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT), is needed to demonstrate the static and dynamic ankle range of motion (ROM) restriction in these patients, and determine whether ankle ROM restriction can be corrected postoperatively.

METHODS: Eight patients with concurrent LAI and OLT treated with the arthroscopic modified Broström procedure and microfracture were recruited from June 2019 to January 2020. Patients were assessed using outcome scales, static ankle ROM, and a stair descent gait analysis for dynamic ankle ROM, a day prior to surgery and one year postoperatively. Eight healthy subjects were assessed using the same modalities upon recruitment. Operative outcomes and variables during stair descent were documented and compared among the preoperative, postoperative, and healthy groups. A curve analysis, one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping, was performed to compare the dynamic ankle kinematics and muscle activation curves over the entire normalised time series.

RESULTS: The functional outcomes of patients with concurrent LAI and OLT were significantly worse than those of healthy subjects preoperatively, but were partially improved postoperatively. Patients had decreased static and dynamic ROM preoperatively, and static ROM did not significantly increase postoperatively (preoperative, 39.6 ± 11.3; postoperative, 44.9 ± 7.1; healthy, 52.0 ± 4.6; p = 0.021). Patients showed increased dynamic ankle flexion ROM (preoperative, 41.2 ± 11.6; postoperative, 53.6 ± 9.0; healthy, 53.9 ± 3.4; p = 0.012) postoperatively, as well as increased peroneus longus activation (preoperative, 35.8 ± 12.0; postoperative, 55.4 ± 25.1; healthy, 71.9 ± 13.4; p = 0.002) and muscle co-contraction of the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus (preoperative, 69.4 ± 23.4; postoperative, 88.4 ± 9.3; healthy, 66.2 ± 18.1; p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with concurrent LAI and OLT had decreased static and dynamic sagittal ankle ROM and altered neuromuscular activation patterns. The arthroscopic modified Broström procedure and microfracture did not significantly increase the static sagittal ankle ROM. However, the dynamic sagittal ankle ROM, peroneus longus activation and muscle co-contraction of the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus increased postoperatively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID:35568754 | DOI:10.1007/s00167-022-06993-6

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Factors Associated with Increased Risk for Pulmonary Embolism After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Analysis of Nearly One Million Patients

Obes Surg. 2022 May 14. doi: 10.1007/s11695-022-06102-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has a low incidence of post-operative morbidity and mortality. Understanding risk factors associated with complications that occur allows surgeons to define at-risk patients and assess the need for preventive and prophylactic measures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine risk factors associated with development of pulmonary embolism (PE) within 30 days of MBS and to predict the increased risk for mortality when PE occurs.

SETTING: USA, MBSAQIP database.

METHODS: Analysis of the MBSAQIP database was undertaken. This included information on 966,646 MBS cases from 2015 to 2019 in the USA.

RESULTS: Twenty-two risk factors for development of PE post-MBS were identified to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: PE is a relatively uncommon complication after MBS. When it does occur, there is a 50.9-fold increased risk for mortality. Patients with significant risk factors for PE may benefit from higher dose perioperative and/or extended VTE prophylaxis after MBS.

PMID:35568750 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-022-06102-z

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Fibrin-coated collagen fleece versus absorbable dural sealant for sellar closure after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: a comparative study

Sci Rep. 2022 May 14;12(1):7998. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-12059-x.

ABSTRACT

Various surgical methods to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks during transsphenoidal surgery have been reported. However, comparative studies are scarce. We aimed to compare the efficacy of a fibrin-coated collagen fleece (TachoSil) versus a dural sealant (DuraSeal) to prevent postoperative CSF leakage. We perform a retrospective study comparing two methods of sellar closure during endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for pituitary adenoma resection: TachoSil patching versus DuraSeal packing. Data concerning diagnosis, reconstruction technique, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. The primary endpoint was postoperative CSF leak rate. We reviewed 198 consecutive patients who underwent 219 EETS for pituitary adenoma from February 2007 and July 2018. Intraoperative CSF leak occurred in 47 cases (21.5%). A total of 33 postoperative CSF leaks were observed (15.1%). A reduction of postoperative CSF leaks in the TachoSil application group compared to the conventional technique using Duraseal was observed (7.7% and 18.2%, respectively; p = 0.062; Pearson exact test) although non-statistically significant. Two patients required lumbar drainage, and no revision repair was necessary to treat postoperative CSF rhinorrhea in Tachosil group. Fibrin-coated collagen fleece patching may be a valuable method to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks during EETS for pituitary adenoma resection.

PMID:35568737 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-022-12059-x