J Magn Reson Imaging. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1002/jmri.28293. Online ahead of print.
NO ABSTRACT
PMID:35708113 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.28293
Tag: statistics
Nutr Diet. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12741. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
AIM: Australian children consume 35% of energy from discretionary food and beverages which increases their risk of non-communicable diseases like type 2 diabetes. Despite this concerning statistic, broad analysis of the profile of discretionary food intake has not been fully undertaken. This study asks: what is the discretionary food and beverage intake profile, contribution to nutrient intakes, and associations with demographic and health characteristics?
METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 2812, 2-18 years) were used to profile discretionary food consumption. Dietary intake was assessed by 24-h recall. General linear models tested the difference in respondent characteristics by age group, sex, and quartiles of discretionary food energy contribution.
RESULTS: Ninety-nine percent of respondents consumed discretionary foods, 74% exceeded the maximum discretionary food recommended serves. Among 10 eating occasions available to select: snack, dinner, lunch and morning tea appeared to contribute 76% of discretionary food energy, with snack and dinner contributing 24% each. Age and frequency of discretionary food consumption were positively associated with energy intake from discretionary foods (p < 0.001); while sex, socio-economic status, physical activity and body composition had no association. High discretionary food consumers chose specific discretionary food items in a large quantity (1.0-3.5-serves/discretionary food) compared to low discretionary food consumers (0.4-1.4-serves/discretionary food).
CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all Australian children and adolescents consumed discretionary food daily. No demographic or anthropometric characteristics beyond increasing age were associated with higher discretionary food. Targeted public health policy and community interventions are required to focus on addressing the largest contributors to discretionary food intake in terms of equivalent serve sizes, popularity, and eating occasion.
PMID:35708110 | DOI:10.1111/1747-0080.12741
J Biomater Appl. 2022 Jun 16:8853282221108839. doi: 10.1177/08853282221108839. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Percutaneous devices-indwelling catheters-related infections are serious clinical incidents. It is accordingly necessary to develop anti-infective coating materials suitable for the devices for long-term effectiveness. In our research group, highly dispersible and crystalline hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles doped with metallic or halogen ions possessing antibacterial activities have been developed. In this study, antibacterial, dispersible, and crystalline zinc (Zn)-doped hydroxyapatite [Zn(15)-HAp] nanoparticles substituted with 13.5% Zn content [Zn/(Zn + Ca) × 100] were prepared by a wet chemical method using an anti-sintering agent through calcination. Antibacterial activities of Zn(15)-HAp nanoparticles were evaluated using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus. The survival rates of the bacteria on Zn(15)-HAp nanoparticles were significantly lower than that on normal HAp (nHAp) coated surfaces, while no influences were observed on proliferation of L929 cells. Even after soaking Zn(15)-HAp nanoparticles in PBS for 2 weeks, the antibacterial activities against E. coli were maintained at a similar level to a 20 min soaking. The bacterial death was related to not only ion-exchange phenomenon between Zn and magnesium ions but also accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells. Allergic-like reactions-anaphylactoid reactions-might not readily occur with Zn(15)-HAp nanoparticles because the amounts of histamine released from HMC-1 cells co-cultured with nanoparticles were not significantly different to that of nHAp, but were statistically much lower than that of chlorhexidine.
PMID:35708097 | DOI:10.1177/08853282221108839
J Am Geriatr Soc. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17926. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Growing evidence suggests that impairment in rest-activity rhythms may be a risk factor for cognitive decline and impairment in the aging population. However, previous studies included only a limited set of rest-activity metrics and produced mixed findings. We studied a comprehensive set of parametric and nonparametric characteristics of rest-activity rhythms in relation to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and probable dementia in a cohort of older women.
METHODS: The prospective analysis included 763 women enrolled in two ancillary studies of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI): the WHI Memory Study-Epidemiology of Cognitive Health Outcomes and Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health studies. The association between accelerometry-based rest-activity parameters and centrally adjudicated MCI and probable dementia were determined using Cox regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities.
RESULTS: Overall, the results support a prospective association between weakened rest-activity rhythms (e.g., reduced amplitude and overall rhythmicity) and adverse cognitive outcomes. Specifically, reduced overall rhythmicity (pseudo F statistic), lower amplitude and activity level (amplitude/relative amplitude, mesor, and activity level during active periods of the day [M10]), and later activity timing (acrophase and midpoint of M10) were associated with a higher risk for MCI and probable dementia. Women with lower amplitude and mesor also exhibited faster cognitive decline over follow-up.
CONCLUSION: Weakened rest-activity rhythms may be predictive markers for cognitive decline, MCI, and dementia among older women.
PMID:35708069 | DOI:10.1111/jgs.17926
Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000852. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to review the existing literature and investigate the role of microbiologic culture and histopathologic examination of corneal biopsies in the management of infectious keratitis.
RECENT FINDINGS: Corneal biopsy continues to be a significantly useful tool in the diagnosis and tailored management of infectious keratitis. Several techniques can be employed for tissue collection, handling and processing to optimize diagnostic yield and maximize safety, including emerging femtosecond laser-assisted biopsy.
SUMMARY: Corneal opacities represent a significant cause of global blindness, and infectious keratitis is the most common cause. Organism identification in progressive infectious keratitis is essential for proper management. However, microbiological culture alone has a high rate of false-negative results. Records from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute were retrospectively searched for patients between 1 January 2015, and 31 December 2019, who underwent corneal biopsy, therapeutic keratoplasty or endothelial graft removal for infectious keratitis and had specimens bisected and submitted for evaluation with both microbiologic culture and histopathologic examination. Detection of bacteria, fungus and mycobacteria was not statistically different between culture and histopathology. Microbiology and histopathology are complementary methods for the identification of causative microorganisms in corneal specimens with presumed infectious keratitis.
PMID:35708051 | DOI:10.1097/ICU.0000000000000852
Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2022 Jun 14. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.22.07549-9. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: People with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) have difficulty participating in exercise. The primary objective of this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to determine if 8 weeks (2x per week) of bilateral exoskeleton (Exo) exercise results in positive changes in cognition and participation in adults with PD compared to exercising without an exoskeleton (Nxo) or wait-list control (Con).
DESIGN: Open-label, parallel, pilot randomized controlled trial.
SETTING: Neurorehabilitation clinic in a large urban centre.
SUBJECTS: Adults 50-85 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of PD.
INTERVENTIONS: Eight weeks of twice-weekly combined aerobic, strength and mobility exercise or waitlist control. Participants were randomly assigned to exercise with no exoskeleton (Nxo), exercise with the exoskeleton (Exo), or waitlist control (Con).
METHODS: Primary endpoints were change in cognitive function (SCOPA-COG) and mood. Secondary endpoints were change in gait speed, six-minute walk test (6MWT), freezing of gait, balance, and PDspecific health and quality of life outcomes. Safety endpoint was analysis of adverse events (AE).
RESULTS: Forty participated in the trial (Exo, n=13; Nxo, n=14; Con, n=13). Significant improvement in the Memory & Learning domain of the SCOPA-COG (p=.014) and 6MWT (p=.008) were detected for the Exo group compared to the Nxo and/or Con group. No other statistically significant between-groups effects were found. There were no serious or unanticipated AE.
CONCLUSIONS: Functional exercise with a low-profile overground exoskeleton showed promising results for improving memory and gait endurance in people with PD across HY stages I-IV.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Exoskeletons can improve participation in high-intensity exercise.
PMID:35708047 | DOI:10.23736/S1973-9087.22.07549-9
Minerva Pediatr (Torino). 2022 Jun 15. doi: 10.23736/S2724-5276.22.06777-5. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of well-child visit (WCV) attendance have significantly decreased. We wanted to see how a parent’s positive diagnosis for COVID-19 affected a child’s WCV attendance along with other factors. Therefore, we hypothesized that in families with at least 1 positive COVID-19 diagnosis, the rates of WCV attendance would be lower than in families that have not experienced COVID-19.
METHODS: Using National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2020, we analyzed sample adult responses for the sample child to questions about last WCV attendance. We included children whose parents completed the survey during quarters 3 and 4 of 2020. The outcome of this study was WCV attendance in the past 12 months with the exposure of interest being parental diagnosis of COVID-19.
RESULTS: In our sample (N=1,413), 91% of children attended a WCV in the past 12 months, and 5% had a parent with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. On adjusted analysis, there was a negative but not statistically significant association between a parent with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and WCV attendance (OR=0.32; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.20; p=0.092).
CONCLUSIONS: Nationwide, there has been a significant decrease in children attending recommended WCVs since the start of the pandemic. Having a parent test positive for COVID-19 may contribute to decreases in WCV attendance in traditional medical office settings. Alternative options exist that may improve WCV attendance; these include telemedicine or virtual visits, as well as visits completed in non-traditional settings such as mobile health clinics and school-based clinics. Further expansion of these options for WCVs must still take into account health disparities that exist among marginalized communities.
PMID:35708034 | DOI:10.23736/S2724-5276.22.06777-5
Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino). 2022 Jun 15. doi: 10.23736/S2724-5985.22.03220-X. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Life expectancy and the number of ultra-octogenarians increased significantly, thus making crucial the appropriateness of several endoscopic procedures in elderly patients. The aim of our study was to provide a retrospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of capsule endoscopy in patients aged over 80 years.
METHODS: In this single-centre study, 900 patients underwent capsule endoscopy between 2002 and 2015 for different indications; of these 106 patients aged ≥80 years (group A) and 99 patients aged 40-60 years (control group B) were retrospectively selected.
RESULTS: Occult gastrointestinal bleeding accounted for 62.1% of all indications for capsule endoscopy in group B, compared to 95.2% in group A (p<0.001). Although not statistically significant, the diagnostic yield was higher in group A (71%) vs. group B (62%). The percentages of reaching the cecum and the median gastric transit time were uniform within the two groups. In contrast, small bowel transit time was longer in group A vs. B. Small bowel preparation was similar in the two groups. The exam was generally well tolerated in both groups, with capsule aspiration being one of the main adverse events, which occurred in two elderly patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data expand previous findings confirming that capsule endoscopy can be performed safely even in very old patients and show that the diagnostic yield is similar to that of younger patients.
PMID:35708039 | DOI:10.23736/S2724-5985.22.03220-X
Infect Dis (Lond). 2022 Jun 16:1-10. doi: 10.1080/23744235.2022.2083672. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections (BSI) occur frequently and are associated with severe outcomes. In this study we aimed to investigate proportions of patients that received discordant empirical antimicrobial therapy and its association to mortality.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study model was undertaken to outline BSI in an intensive care, single centre, and low antimicrobial resistance prevalence setting. We used descriptive statistics to delineate proportions of patients that received discordant empirical antimicrobial therapy, and a correlation model and a logistic regression model to calculate the association with mortality and predictors of receiving discordant therapy, respectively.
RESULTS: From 2014 to 2018 we included 270 BSI episodes, of which one third were hospital-acquired. Gram negative, Gram positive, and anaerobic pathogens were detected in 49.0%, 45.3% and 5.7% respectively. The proportion of isolates that conferred extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) properties were 5.9% among enterobactereales, and no methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates were detected. Empirical antimicrobial therapy for community-acquired (CA) and hospital-acquired (HA) BSI were discordant at day 0 in 6.5% and 24.4%, respectively (p<.001). Discordant therapy was significantly associated with mortality at day 28 (p=.041). HA-onset BSI, enterococcal BSI and BSI of intraabdominal origin were statistically significant predictors of receiving discordant therapy.
CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of HA-BSI did not receive effective antimicrobial therapy and this was significantly associated with mortality. The results underscore the need for more accurate diagnostic tools, improved communication between the microbiological laboratory and the clinicians, and antimicrobial stewardship measures.
PMID:35708021 | DOI:10.1080/23744235.2022.2083672
J Clin Lab Anal. 2022 Jun 16:e24558. doi: 10.1002/jcla.24558. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial DNA (MtDNA) exposed to the extracellular space due to cell death and stress has immunostimulatory properties. However, the clinical significance of circulating MtDNA in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and the precise mechanism of its emergence have yet to be investigated.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study consisted of 52 MHD patients and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. MHD patients were further categorized into high and low circulating cell-free MtDNA (ccf-MtDNA) groups based on the median value. Copy number of MtDNA was quantified using TaqMan-based qPCR. Plasma cytokines were measured using ELISA kits. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were detected using DCFH-DA or JC-1 staining.
RESULTS: The copy numbers of ccf-MtDNA in patients with MHD were higher than those in healthy controls, and these alterations were correlated with changes of cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Adjusted model in multivariate analysis showed that the presence of anuria and longer dialysis vintage were independently associated with higher levels of ccf-MtDNA. Meanwhile, although not statistically significant, an inverse correlative trend between urinary MtDNA and ccf-MtDNA was observed in patients with residual urine. Afterward, using PBMCs as surrogates for mitochondria-rich cells, we found that patients in the high ccf-MtDNA group exhibited a significantly higher ROS production and lower Δψm in cells.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested that changes in ccf-MtDNA correlate with the degree of inflammatory status in MHD patients, and that the excessive MtDNA may be caused by mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced urinary MtDNA excretion.
PMID:35708020 | DOI:10.1002/jcla.24558