Tag: statistics

Front Neurosci. 2023 Dec 11;17:1303014. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1303014. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Transcranial Burst Electrical Stimulation (tBES) is an innovative non-invasive brain stimulation technique that combines direct current (DC) and theta burst stimulation (TBS) for brain neuromodulation. It has been suggested that the tBES protocol may efficiently induce neuroplasticity. However, few studies have systematically tested neuromodulatory effects and underlying neurophysiological mechanisms by manipulating the polarity of DC and TBS patterns. This study aimed to develop the platform and assess neuromodulatory effects and neuronal activity changes following tBES.

METHODS: Five groups of rats were exposed to anodal DC combined with intermittent TBS (tBES+), cathodal DC combined with continuous TBS (tBES-), anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS+ and tDCS-), and sham groups. The neuromodulatory effects of each stimulation on motor cortical excitability were analyzed by motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) changes. We also investigated the effects of tBES on both excitatory and inhibitory neural biomarkers. We specifically examined c-Fos and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD-65) using immunohistochemistry staining techniques. Additionally, we evaluated the safety of tBES by analyzing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression.

RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated significant impacts of tBES on motor cortical excitability up to 30 min post-stimulation. Specifically, MEPs significantly increased after tBES (+) compared to pre-stimulation (p = 0.026) and sham condition (p = 0.025). Conversely, tBES (-) led to a notable decrease in MEPs relative to baseline (p = 0.04) and sham condition (p = 0.048). Although tBES showed a more favorable neuromodulatory effect than tDCS, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between these two groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, tBES (+) exhibited a significant activation of excitatory neurons, indicated by increased c-Fos expression (p < 0.05), and a reduction in GAD-65 density (p < 0.05). tBES (-) promoted GAD-65 expression (p < 0.05) while inhibiting c-Fos activation (p < 0.05), suggesting the involvement of cortical inhibition with tBES (-). The expression of GFAP showed no significant difference between tBES and sham conditions (p > 0.05), indicating that tBES did not induce neural injury in the stimulated regions.

CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that tBES effectively modulates motor cortical excitability. This research significantly contributes to a better understanding of the neuromodulatory effects of tBES, and could provide valuable evidence for its potential clinical applications in treating neurological disorders.

PMID:38146544 | PMC:PMC10749301 | DOI:10.3389/fnins.2023.1303014

Appl Clin Genet. 2023 Dec 21;16:225-232. doi: 10.2147/TACG.S435016. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting skin disorder due to the loss of melanocyte function in the epidermis and hair follicles. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is multifactorial, with genetics being a predisposing factor. Previous studies had varying results regarding whether or not polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are associated with the risk of vitiligo in specific populations. This study investigated the association between three frequently analyzed VDR gene polymorphisms (ApaI, BsmI, TaqI) and susceptibility to vitiligo in Indonesian population.

METHODS: Thirty-four vitiligo patients and 34 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects aged ≥18 years old were recruited in the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from the peripheral blood using a DNA isolation kit. VDR gene polymorphisms (ApaI, BsmI, and TaqI) were investigated using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction-fragment length polymorphism method. The differences of genotype distributions and allele frequencies were statistically compared between case and control groups using Chi-square test.

RESULTS: VDR gene polymorphisms were identified in 68 participants, consisting of Aa (n = 14), aa (n = 20), Bb (n = 15), bb (n = 19), and TT (n = 34) genotypes in the case group. In the control group, Aa (n = 6), aa (n = 28), Bb (n = 17), bb (n = 17), and TT (n = 34) genotypes were identified. However, only subjects with ApaI Aa genotype polymorphism had a 3.267-fold increased risk of developing vitiligo.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that ApaI Aa genotype polymorphism of the VDR gene increases the risk of vitiligo in Indonesian population.

PMID:38146530 | PMC:PMC10749542 | DOI:10.2147/TACG.S435016

Arch Bone Jt Surg. 2023;11(12):752-756. doi: 10.22038/ABJS.2023.65360.313.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The increasing number of total hip arthroplasties (THA) has led to increased patient demands and expectations, making it crucial to assess patients’ ability to “forget” their implants in daily life. This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of a Persian version of the Forgotten Joint Score (P-FJS) in THA patients.

METHODS: The questionnaire was translated bidirectionally with the permission of the questionnaire designer. Data were collected from 2018 to 2020 and included 142 patients who had undergone THA by the same surgeon at least one year ago. Participants completed the FJS questionnaire twice within a one-week interval, and the validity, reliability, and feasibility of the questionnaires were assessed using statistical tests on the HHS and OHS forms completed by all participants.

RESULTS: In 142 patients (52.1% male) with a mean age of 65 ± 0.5 years who answered the questionnaires, P-FJS correlated strongly with OHS and HHS. The internal consistency (α = 0.91) and reproducibility of the questionnaire were excellent. None of the floor and ceiling effects were detected.

CONCLUSION: The P-FJS questionnaire in the THA is considered a legitimate, repeatable, and self-administered survey that can be compared to its English-language counterpart. In addition, it is noteworthy that this version does not show any floor or ceiling effects.

PMID:38146521 | PMC:PMC10748817 | DOI:10.22038/ABJS.2023.65360.313

Front Oncol. 2023 Dec 11;13:1295228. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1295228. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), an inflammatory marker and mediator of adult cancer cachexia, remains largely unexplored in children. GDF15 increases nausea, vomiting, and anorexia in cancer and contributes to malnutrition, with the potential to be a cachexia therapeutic target. No studies have examined GDF15 in children with newly diagnosed cancer. Our pilot study compares GDF15 in children with newly diagnosed cancer to age- and sex-matched controls and correlates levels with anthropometric measurements and quality of life (QOL).

METHODS: Children with newly diagnosed cancer aged 2-21 years were enrolled with serum GDF15 ELISA, anthropometric measures [height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)], and QOL assessments (using PedsQL™ Core and Gastrointestinal Modules), which were collected at baseline and repeated 3 months later. Serum GDF15 levels were obtained from age- and sex-matched controls for comparison.

RESULTS: A total of 57 participants enrolled (N=30, cancer group; N=27, control group) with a median age of 8.8 years (IQR 5.6-15.9 years). The participants were primarily male (54.4%), white (82.5%), and non-Hispanic (82.5%). Cancer diagnoses included acute lymphoblastic leukemia (N=8), lymphoma (N=8), neuroblastoma (N=5), soft tissue tumors (N=4), acute myeloid leukemia (N=2), and single participants with brain, kidney, and bone tumors. Baseline GDF15 was higher in the cancer cohort compared to the control cohort (median=614.6pg/mL and 320.5pg/mL, respectively; p<0.001). When examining participants with evaluable baseline and 3-month follow-up GDF15 levels (N=18), GDF15 was not statistically different (median=657.1pg/mL and 675.3pg/mL, respectively; p=0.702). A total of 13 of the 30 participants and 21 caregivers completed the PedsQL™ Core and Gastrointestinal symptom modules. QOL scores did not differ significantly at 3-month follow-up compared to baseline, but diarrhea worsened (p=0.017). Median participant response for diarrhea at baseline was 92.9 (IQR=92.9-96.4; N=13), which was significantly better than the follow-up (median=78.6; IQR= 71.4-92.9; p=0.017). There were no correlations between change in height, weight, or MUAC and change in GDF15 levels (p=0.351, 0.920, and 0.269 respectively).

CONCLUSION: GDF15 was elevated in children with cancer at diagnosis compared to controls but did not correlate with anthropometric measurements or QOL. This pilot study will inform future prospective studies to better describe the natural history of GDF15 and its role in cachexia and as a potential therapeutic target.

PMID:38146512 | PMC:PMC10749306 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2023.1295228

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2023 Dec 21;18:3037-3046. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S434040. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify the relationship between patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and their fractional-exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels.

METHODS: Patients diagnosed with AECOPD in the respiratory department of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from June 2017 to August 2019 were recorded. The demographic data, FeNO value, peripheral blood eosinophil count, number of acute exacerbations in the past year, pulmonary function test, use of inhaled glucocorticoids (ICS) and other data were collected and analyzed. FeNO was measured again three months after discharge, the participants were assessed to determine if the stable period criteria were met.

RESULTS: A total of 214 patients met the requirements of this study. 25ppb for FeNO was used as the cutoff for further analysis. The proportion of males, number of acute exacerbations in the past year, number of ICS users, leukocyte count and eosinophil count in the high FeNO-level group was significantly higher than that in the low-level group (P < 0.05). The results showed that the number of acute exacerbations in the past year, number of ICS users, and eosinophil count were statistically significant in the model (P < 0.05). The study also showed that the level of FeNO in the acute exacerbation phase was significantly higher than that in the stable phase. The ROC curve that the area under the curve used by FeNO to predict ICS used is 0.631 (95% CI: 0.526-0.736), and the corresponding P value is 0.022.

CONCLUSION: FeNO is closely related to activated T2 inflammation and eosinophil count in COPD patients. The FeNO levels can be used as an index to evaluate the severity of COPD and predict the recovery of activity after ICS treatment. FeNO can predict the use of ICS and is a beneficial supplement to eosinophils.

PMID:38146507 | PMC:PMC10749541 | DOI:10.2147/COPD.S434040

Front Physiol. 2023 Dec 11;14:1177765. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1177765. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a rapidly growing medical problem worldwide and is characterized by a cluster of age-related metabolic risk factors. The presence of MS increases the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis and significantly raises the morbidity/mortality rate of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Early detection of MS is crucial, and biomarkers, particularly blood-based, play a vital role in this process. This cross-sectional study focused on the investigation of certain plasma ceramides (Cer14:0, Cer16:0, Cer18:0, Cer20:0, Cer22:0, and Cer24:1) as potential blood biomarkers for MS due to their previously documented dysregulated function in MS patients. A total of 695 ACS patients were enrolled, with 286 diagnosed with MS (ACS-MS) and 409 without MS (ACS-nonMS) serving as the control group. Plasma ceramide concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS assay and analyzed through various statistical methods. The results revealed that Cer18:0, Cer20:0, Cer22:0, and Cer24:1 were significantly correlated with the presence of MS risk factors. Upon further examination, Cer18:0 emerged as a promising biomarker for early MS detection and risk stratification, as its plasma concentration showed a significant sensitivity to minor changes in MS risk status in participants. This cross-sectional observational study was a secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective observational cohort study (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, https://www.who.int/clinical-trials-registry-platform/network/primary-registries/chinese-clinical-trial-registry-(chictr), ChiCTR-2200056697), conducted from April 2021 to August 2022.

PMID:38146506 | PMC:PMC10749667 | DOI:10.3389/fphys.2023.1177765

SAGE Open Med. 2023 Dec 24;11:20503121231194429. doi: 10.1177/20503121231194429. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In spite of, the need for evidence-based intervention on the potential harmful effects of self-medication practices during pregnancy, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis study regarding self-medication practices in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine prevalence of self-medication practice and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

METHOD: We used PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, the Wiley Online Library, and African Journals Online to choose important studies. The I-squared statistic method was used to check for heterogeneity between studies. Random effect model was used to estimate the pool prevalence of self-medication among pregnant women. Publication bias was determined by the funnel plot and Egger’s test.

RESULT: A total of 11 studies with 4643 study participants were included in this review. The finding from the current meta-analysis showed that the overall prevalence of self-medication practice among pregnant women is 33.92% (95% CI: 23.15-44.70, I² value = 80.9%). First trimester of pregnancy (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.44-3.47), women who faced health problems during pregnancies at the moment (OR: 5.7, 95% CI: 3.92-8.29), previous self-medication practice (OR: 13.07, 95% CI: 5.14-33.25) and previous pregnancy-related problems (OR: 2.065, 95% CI: 1.44-2.96) were positively associated with self-medication practice among pregnant women.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of self-medication practices among pregnant women is found to be high. Self-medication practices of the pregnant women were significantly higher among women who were in first-trimester pregnancy, encountered illness during pregnancy, previous self-medication history, and previous pregnancy-related problems.Prospero registration number: CRD42023394907.

PMID:38146496 | PMC:PMC10749516 | DOI:10.1177/20503121231194429

J Neuroimaging. 2023 Dec 25. doi: 10.1111/jon.13180. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke patients, relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF)<30% volume thresholds are commonly used in treatment decisions. In the early time window, nearly infarcted but salvageable tissue volumes may lead to pretreatment overestimates of infarct volume, and thus potentially exclude patients who may otherwise benefit from intervention. Our multisite analysis aims to explore the strength of relationships between widely used pretreatment CT parameters and clinical outcomes for early window stroke patients.

METHODS: Patients from two sites in a prospective registry were analyzed. Patients with LVOs, presenting within 3 hours of last known well, and who were successfully reperfused were included. Primary short-term neurological outcome was percent National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) change from admission to discharge. Secondary long-term outcome was 90-day modified Rankin score. Spearman’s correlations were performed. Significance was attributed to p-value⩽.05.

RESULTS: Among 73 patients, median age was 66 (interquartile range 54-76) years. Among all pretreatment imaging parameters, rCBF<30%, rCBF<34%, and rCBF<38% volumes were significantly, inversely correlated with percentage NIHSS change (p<.048). No other parameters significantly correlated with outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Our multisite analysis shows that favorable short-term neurological recovery was significantly correlated with rCBF volumes in the early time window. However, modest strength of correlations provides supportive evidence that the applicability of general ischemic core estimate thresholds in this subpopulation is limited. Our results support future larger-scale efforts to liberalize or reevaluate current rCBF parameter thresholds guiding treatment decisions for early time window stroke patients.

PMID:38146065 | DOI:10.1111/jon.13180

Jpn J Nurs Sci. 2023 Dec 25:e12581. doi: 10.1111/jjns.12581. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To clarify the state of screening and support systems for socially high-risk pregnant women at obstetric facilities across Japan and identify the characteristics of facilities related to the implementation of screening.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were managers of hospitals, clinics, and midwifery birth centers handling deliveries in 47 prefectures across Japan. The questionnaire comprised items regarding the characteristics of participants and their facilities, service provision related to socially high-risk women available at the facility, the number of specified pregnant women (tokutei ninpu) per year, methods of screening, and support systems within the obstetric facilities. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed using IBM-SPSS version 24 for the association between facility characteristics and screening practices for socially high-risk pregnant women.

RESULTS: Valid responses were received from 716 of 2512 obstetric facilities. Rates of specified expectant mothers per annual number of deliveries were identified as follows: perinatal medical centers (2.7%), general hospitals (1.6%), obstetrics and gynecology hospitals (1.0%), and clinics (0.8%). A total of 426 facilities (60.6%) reported screening all expectant mothers to identify socially high-risk pregnant women. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that facility characteristics and service/care provision related to screening practices included availability of in-hospital midwife-led care and in-hospital midwifery clinics (adjusted odds ratio 1.61; 95% CI [1.30, 1.47]), one-on-one care by midwife (1.73; 95% CI [1.15, 2.59]), multidisciplinary meetings within the facility (1.70; 95% CI [1.14, 2.56]), follow-up support systems after discharge (1.90; 95% CI [1.17, 3.09]), and participation in the regional council for children in need of protection (2.33; 95% CI [1.13, 4.81]).

CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 60% of surveyed obstetric facilities screen for socially high-risk women. Increasing service provision at facilities may be necessary to implement screening.

PMID:38146064 | DOI:10.1111/jjns.12581

World J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2023 Dec 26;40(2):52. doi: 10.1007/s11274-023-03848-1.

ABSTRACT

Escalating proportions of industrially contaminated sites are one of the major catastrophes faced at the present time due to the industrial revolution. The difficulties associated with culturing the microbes, has been circumvent by the direct use of metagenomic analysis of various complex niches. In this study, a metagenomic approach using next generation sequencing technologies was applied to exemplify the taxonomic abundance and metabolic potential of the microbial community residing in Amlakhadi canal, Ankleshwar at two different seasons. All the metagenomes revealed a predominance of Proteobacteria phylum. However, difference was observed within class level where Gammaproteobacteria was relatively high in polluted metagenome in Summer while in Monsoon the abundance shifted to Betaproteobacteria. Similarly, significant statistical differences were obtained while comparing the genera amongst contaminated sites where Serratia, Achromobacter, Stenotrophomonas and Pseudomonas were abundant in summer season and the dominance changed to Thiobacillus, Thauera, Acidovorax, Nitrosomonas, Sulfuricurvum, Novosphingobium, Hyphomonas and Geobacter in monsoon. Further upon functional characterization, the microbiomes revealed the diverse survival mechanisms, in response to the prevailing ecological conditions (such as degradation of aromatic compounds, heavy metal resistance, oxidative stress responses and multidrug resistance efflux pumps, etc.). The results have important implications in understanding and predicting the impacts of human-induced activities on microbial communities inhabiting natural niche and their responses in coping with the fluctuating pollution load.

PMID:38146029 | DOI:10.1007/s11274-023-03848-1