Tag: statistics

Bioengineered. 2022 Jun;13(6):14681-14718. doi: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2100863.

ABSTRACT

Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) aqueous extract has massive amounts of natural products that can be used as future drugs, such as C-phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, etc. This extract was chosen because of its high adaptability, which reflects its resolute genetic composition. The proactive roles of cyanobacteria, particularly in the medical field, have been discussed in this review, including the history, previous food and drug administration (FDA) reports, health benefits and the various dose-dependent therapeutic functions that A. platensis possesses, including its role in fighting against lethal diseases such as cancer, SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, etc. However, the remedy will not present its maximal effect without the proper delivery to the targeted place for deposition. The goal of this research is to maximize the bioavailability and delivery efficiency of A. platensis constituents through selected sites for effective therapeutic outcomes. The solutions reviewed are mainly on parenteral and tablet formulations. Moreover, suggested enteric polymers were discussed with minor composition variations applied for better storage in high humid countries alongside minor variations in the polymer design were suggested to enhance the premature release hindrance of basic drugs in low pH environments. In addition, it will open doors for research in delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in femtoscale with the use of various existing and new formulations.Abbrevations: SDGs; Sustainable Development Goals, IL-4; Interleukin-4, HDL; High-Density Lipoprotein, LDL; Low-Density Lipoprotein, VLDL; Very Low-Density Lipoprotein, C-PC; C-Phycocyanin, APC; Allophycocyanin, PE; Phycoerythrin, COX-2; Cyclooxygenase-2, RCTs; Randomized Control Trials, TNF-α; Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha, γ-LFA; Gamma-Linolenic Fatty Acid, PGs; Polyglycans, PUFAs: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, NK-cell; Natural Killer Cell, FDA; Food and Drug Administration, GRAS; Generally Recognized as Safe, SD; Standard Deviation, API; Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient, DW; Dry Weight, IM; Intramuscular, IV; Intravenous, ID; Intradermal, SC; Subcutaneous, AERs; Adverse Event Reports, DSI-EC; Dietary Supplement Information Executive Committee, cGMP; Current Good Manufacturing Process, A. platensis; Arthrospira platensis, A. maxima; Arthrospira maxima, Spirulina sp.; Spirulina species, Arthrospira; Spirulina, Tecuitlatl; Spirulina, CRC; Colorectal Cancer, HDI; Human Development Index, Tf; Transferrin, TfR; Transferrin Receptor, FR; Flow Rate, CPP; Cell Penetrating Peptide, SUV; Small Unilamenar Vesicle, LUV; Large Unilamenar Vesicle, GUV; Giant Unilamenar Vesicle, MLV; Multilamenar Vesicle, COVID-19; Coronavirus-19, PEGylated; Stealth, PEG; Polyethylene Glycol, OSCEs; Objective Structured Clinical Examinations, GI; Gastrointestinal Tract, CAP; Cellulose Acetate Phthalate, HPMCP, Hydroxypropyl Methyl-Cellulose Phthalate, SR; Sustained Release, DR; Delay Release, Poly(MA-EA); Polymethyl Acrylic Co-Ethyl Acrylate, f-DR L-30 D-55; Femto-Delay Release Methyl Acrylic Acid Co-Ethyl Acrylate Polymer, MW; Molecular Weight, T_g; Glass Transition Temperature, SN₂; Nucleophilic Substitution 2, EPR; Enhance Permeability and Retention, VEGF; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, RGD; Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic Acid, VCAM-1; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1, P; Coefficient of Permeability, PES; Polyether Sulfone, pH_e; Extracellular pH, ζ-potential; Zeta potential, NTA; Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, PB; Phosphate Buffer, DLS; Dynamic Light Scattering, AFM; Atomic Force Microscope, Log P; Partition Coefficient, MR; Molar Refractivity, tPSA; Topological Polar Surface Area, C log P; Calculated Partition Coefficient, CMR; Calculated Molar Refractivity, Log S; Solubility Coefficient, pka; Acid Dissociation Constant, DDAB; Dimethyl Dioctadecyl Ammonium Bromide, DOPE; Dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine, GDP; Good Distribution Practice, RES; Reticuloendothelial System, PKU; Phenylketonuria, MS; Multiple Sclerosis, SLE; Systemic Lupus Erythematous, NASA; National Aeronautics and Space Administration, DOX; Doxorubicin, ADRs; Adverse Drug Reactions, SVM; Support Vector Machine, MDA; Malondialdehyde, TBARS; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances, CRP; C-Reactive Protein, CK; Creatine Kinase, LDH; Lactated Dehydrogenase, T2D; Type 2 Diabetes, PCB; Phycocyanobilin, PBP; Phycobiliproteins, PEB; Phycoerythrobilin, DPP-4; Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4, MTT; 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide, IL-2; Interleukin-2, IL-6; Interleukin-6, PRISMA; Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, STATA; Statistics, HepG2; Hepatoblastoma, HCT116; Colon Cancer Carcinoma, Kasumi-1; Acute Leukaemia, K562; Chronic Leukaemia, Se-PC; Selenium-Phycocyanin, MCF-7; Breast Cancer Adenocarcinoma, A375; Human Melanoma, RAS; Renin-Angiotensin System, IQP; Ile-Gln-Pro, VEP; Val-Glu-Pro, M_pro; Main Protease, PL_pro; Papin-Like Protease, BMI; Body Mass Index, IC₅₀; Inhibitory Concentration by 50%, LD₅₀; Lethal Dose by 50%, PC12 Adh; Rat Pheochromocytoma Cells, RNS; Reactive Nitrogen Species, Hb1Ac; hemoglobin A1c.

PMID:35946342 | DOI:10.1080/21655979.2022.2100863

Rev Med Virol. 2022 Aug 10:e2382. doi: 10.1002/rmv.2382. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To understand epidemiological characteristics of norovirus outbreaks in China from 2000 to 2018 the literature on norovirus outbreaks was identified by searching WANFANG, CNKI, PubMed, and Web of Science databases before 31 December 2018. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Product Service Solutions software. RStudio1.4.1717 and ArcGIS trial version were used for plotting bar graphs and maps. A total of 419 norovirus outbreaks were reported in the 394 included articles, which occurred between June 2000 and October 2018, showing an overall increasing trend. The majority of outbreaks occurred in schools (52.28%, 218/417) and kindergartens (55/417, 13.19%). Person-to-person transmission (41.64%, 137/329) was most common, followed by food-borne transmission (75/329, 22.80%) and water-borne transmission (72/329, 21.88%). GII was the most predominant norovirus genogroup, with GII.4, GII.17 and GII.2 being the dominant genotypes in 2007-2013, 2014-2015, 2016-2017, respectively. Increased outbreaks were associated with the prevalence of new variants. Most norovirus outbreaks were reported in the southeast of the country. The number of norovirus outbreaks was positively associated with the per capita gross domestic product and the year-end resident population. Norovirus outbreaks have become an important public health problem in China. It is necessary to establish surveillance in hospitals and nursing homes. Genotyping of noroviruses is important for monitoring the circulating strains and improving the vaccine design, so it should be carried out in more regions.

PMID:35946340 | DOI:10.1002/rmv.2382

Psychooncology. 2022 Aug 10. doi: 10.1002/pon.6013. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Patients with non-familial, unilateral breast cancer have a low risk of contralateral breast cancer. Thus, clinical studies have shown no survival benefit for patients who undergo contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) compared to those undergoing unilateral surgeries for non-familial unilateral breast cancers. Despite this evidence, there has been a steady increase in rates of CPM in the U.S. Patient factors influencing this choice have been identified in previous studies, but seldom in a prospective manner. This prospective study was designed to assess emotion and any association with a patient’s decision to ultimately undergo CPM.

METHODS: We recruited patients with newly diagnosed, unilateral, non-metastatic breast cancer, who had not yet had surgery, to participate in a prospective, longitudinal study to examine the impact of emotions on CPM decision-making.

RESULTS: Among the 86 final participants, all completed the pre-visit survey (100%) and 52 patients completed the post-visit survey (60%). Patients undergoing CPM were significantly younger than those who did not. There was no statistically significant association between emotion and receipt of CPM. There was a trend towards undergoing CPM in patients with a less open personality type and those with more negative emotion, though not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: This study found a trend toward increased CPM receipt in those with less open personality types and more negative emotion, especially post-consultation, but none of these findings was significant. Future work should include development of cancer-specific emotion scales and larger studies of possible connections between emotion, personality type and surgical decision-making for breast cancer patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35946336 | DOI:10.1002/pon.6013

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2021 Nov-Dec;32(6):1764-1774. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.352439.

ABSTRACT

The kidney is the most vulnerable organ in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients besides the lungs, with evidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). We aimed to find the prevalence of AKI among COVID-19 patients and further evaluate the association of between COVID-19 and AKI along with an understanding of mortality. A prospective observational study was conducted among COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital, Hayatabad Medical Complex, between March 2020 and June 2020. Chi-square test was applied for comparative analysis, whereas for predictors of mortality, odds ratios (OR) were calculated using logistic regression. A total of 606 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to the dedicated ward, of which 250 (41.3%) had AKI and 190 (31.4%) died, whereas, patients having AKI presented 62.1% of mortality. Our study revealed a statistically significant association between AKI and mortality (OR = 3.5; P <0.0001). Moreover, we observed a greater risk of deaths among patients with AKI stage I-III i.e., AKI stage I (OR = 2.4; P <0.0001), stage II (OR = 5.5; P = 0.0001), and stage III (OR = 6.6; P<0.0001). Our study reported AKI and associated mortality in a considerable number of patients with COVID-19. AKI patients have significantly higher chances of death versus non-AKI patients. Further, the risk of mortality increases with further deterioration in kidney function, i.e., patients with AKI stage III showed a higher mortality rate compared with stage II and stage I.

PMID:35946291 | DOI:10.4103/1319-2442.352439

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2021 Nov-Dec;32(6):1700-1706. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.352431.

ABSTRACT

Complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can range from localized to systemic manifestations that can worsen patients’ outcomes. CKD results in irreversible deterioration in renal function, which ultimately progresses to end-stage renal failure and necessitates the need for renal transplantation. Our study aimed to identify patients’ complications postrenal transplant during hospitalization and assess the main factors affecting these patients’ outcomes and survival rates. This study is a single-centered, retrospective cohort chart review conducted from January 2016 to March 2019. The collected data parameters included patients’ characteristics (e.g., gender, age, body mass index), as well as surgical-related details and postoperative complications. Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 were used for data entry and analysis. The descriptive statistics were presented as frequency and percentage for the categorical variables (e.g., gender and smoking status), while the mean ± standard deviation was used for numerical variables. A total of 80 posttransplant patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited. Urogenital complications were the most commonly seen during the postoperative period, especially developing urinary tract infections by 16%. During our study, the rate of complications was considered minimal and not significant in assessing posttransplant patients.

PMID:35946283 | DOI:10.4103/1319-2442.352431

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2021 Nov-Dec;32(6):1655-1665. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.352426.

ABSTRACT

The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) advocates the use of dipstick proteinuria as a primary screening tool. However, the performance of dipstick urinary for proteinuria has been adjudged to be weak, unreliable with poor predictive value. This study aimed to determine and compare significant proteinuria (SP) using spot urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPr/UCr) as a primary screening tools with dipstick proteinuria among the high-risk African children. This study was a cross-sectional study, involving 33 schools in Ogbomoso land, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 1316 apparently healthy children were recruited through a multistage sampling technique from both rural and urban communities using a semi-structured questionnaire. Dipstick urinalysis was performed on early morning urine samples. Urinary protein was determined using a turbidimetric method, while Jaffe’s reaction was used to measure urinary creatinine concentration. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.0 for Windows. The prevalence of SP using spot UPr/UCr (≥0.2) and dipstick proteinuria (≥1+) was 18.0% and 0.8%, respectively (P <0.001). Of the 224 subjects with SP using UPr/UCr, the females (140; 20.1%) had higher proportion of SP compared to males (84; 15.4% – P = 0.032). Nephrotic range proteinuria was detected in 9/10 (90%) using UPr/UCr, while urinary dipstick method identified only 3/10 (30%). A biserial correlation coefficient (r = 0.092; P =0.001) and inter-rater agreement (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.01) were poor and McNemar’s test was P<0.0001. In the community, UPr/UCr ratio appeared to perform better than dipstick as a primary screening tool for renal disease and may be adopted in the early detection of SP as a marker of kidney disease against the current KDIGO guideline of dipstick proteinuria.

PMID:35946278 | DOI:10.4103/1319-2442.352426

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2021 Nov-Dec;32(6):1593-1599. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.352420.

ABSTRACT

Resistant Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) constitute a severe threat to public health by becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide; they are challenging to treat and highly adaptive pathogens that develop resistance to antibiotics through several mechanisms with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to determine the incidence and outcome of children with GNB infections at a tertiary hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A retrospective cohort study was done in 2019 on a total of 278 patients aged from one month to 16 years. Data were collected from patient medical records by using a data collection sheet without exclusion criteria. Among patients with GNB, more than half were males with 57.9% (161), while 42.1% (117) were females. However, the most GNB isolated were Staphylococcus in 31.7% (88) of the patient then Klebsiella in 18% (50). Organisms isolated from urine were 46.1% (117), which was the primary site of isolation, where blood was 26.6% (74). About 20.1% (56) were primarily diagnosed with sepsis. The length of stay was around one month or less, with more than half of patients 56.5% (157). The mortality rate was 9.4% (26/278). A patient between one and 5 years of age was the most age affected by multidrug-resistant (MDR) (11/16). No statistically significant differences were observed between the MDR and non-MDR patients with GNB infections concerning age, length of stay, and mortality rate. Conversely, there were statistically significant differences in primary diagnosis, isolated organisms, and site of isolation with MDR and non-MDR. Staphylococcus and Klebsiella were the most abundant GNB, and the mortality rate was 9.4%. However, additional studies in other settings with a larger sample size are needed to compare between different healthcare facilities.

PMID:35946272 | DOI:10.4103/1319-2442.352420

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2021 Nov-Dec;32(6):1577-1585. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.352418.

ABSTRACT

Higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with various comorbidities. In hemodialysis (HD) patients, BMI affects dialysis adequacy and blood pressure (BP) control and is associated with serious comorbidities. This is a cross-sectional observational study that took place at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 262 adult patients on HD for at least six months were recruited to this study. Chart review was used to retrospectively collect patients’ data. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square test of proportions, whereas analysis of variance was used between categorical and continuous variables. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Only 17 (6.5%) patients were underweight, 90 (34.4%) had normal weight, 65 (24.8%) were overweight, and 90 (34.4%) were obese. Diabetes mellitus was the most common cause of chronic kidney disease. A significant relationship was found between BMI and dialysis adequacy (P = 0.004) with 54 (60%) obese patients having inadequate dialysis. The mean postdialysis systolic BP was the lowest in the obese BMI category (129.71 ± 18.38 mmHg, P = 0.037). The obese category scored least on the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) reflecting lower risk of mortality than the other three BMI categories. Despite having the lowest overall rate of hospitalization in the previous 12 months, obese patients had higher rates of hospitalization from sepsis compared to the other three groups (P = 0.048). Despite having reduced dialysis adequacy, obese HD patients scored less on CCI, had better postdialysis BP, and had fewer hospital admissions in the previous 12 months compared to the other BMI groups. These findings distinctly contrast with what is seen among obese persons in the general population.

PMID:35946270 | DOI:10.4103/1319-2442.352418

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2021 Nov-Dec;32(6):1570-1576. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.352417.

ABSTRACT

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) introduces physical, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual challenges into patients’ lives. Spirituality has been found to contribute to improved health outcomes, mainly in the areas of quality of life (QoL) and well-being in especially in terminal, life-threatening, and chronic diseases. The current study was planned to assess the effect of Spiritual therapy in patient undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Post approval from Ethics Committee, the study was commenced at Dialysis Center, Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute and conducted for 12 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups (one with spiritual intervention and other being control). Spiritual chanting and listening to it was the intervention. The outcome was assessed by kidney diseases QoL (KDQoL), spiritual well-being [Functional assessment of chronic illness therapy (FACIT) Sp 12] score, certain components of ESRD targeted area, 36 item health survey, and laboratory and nutritional parameters. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.0 at 5% significance. A total of 100 participants were included in study; males were outnumbered. KDQoL, ESRD targeted areas, components of 36-item health survey, and FACIT Sp 12 scores were significantly different on better side in interventional group at six weeks and 12 weeks. There was no significant difference in laboratory and nutritional parameters. The findings from this study contribute knowledge to increase our understanding of the influence of spirituality on the health outcomes and general well-being of patients with ESRD currently receiving HD treatment. The current study adds to the evidence in support of the use of spiritual therapy in chronic kidney disease patients on HD.

PMID:35946269 | DOI:10.4103/1319-2442.352417

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2021 Nov-Dec;32(6):1562-1569. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.352416.

ABSTRACT

Itching along with other problems can be one of the factors exacerbating the sufferings and disturbing the comfort of patients with chronic renal failure. The present research aimed to study the effects of omega-3 on the treatment of uremic pruritus in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In this crossover randomized clinical trial study, 52 HD patients with pruritus were evaluated. After the random assignment of the participants to Group 1 (treatment mode A) (omega-3 plus cetirizine) and Group 2 (treatment mode B) (cetirizine), they received the treatments for six weeks and then after one week washout period, treatments were changed between the two groups. The pruritus severity was measured using the Yosipovitch pruritus questionnaire before the intervention and at the end of each treatment period. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance with repeated measures, and Pearson correlation coefficient. The results of this study showed that pruritus severity reduced in both groups, but it was more significant in Group 1 (omega-3 plus cetirizine). The study findings indicated that omega-3 is effective in the reduction of uremic pruritus. Therefore, this supplement can be used as a convenient method for reducing pruritus in HD patients.

PMID:35946268 | DOI:10.4103/1319-2442.352416