Tag: statistics

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2022 Feb 18:2184923221081701. doi: 10.1177/02184923221081701. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant tegafur-uracil therapy has prolonged postoperative survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Some patients experience treatment discontinuation due to gastrointestinal disorders such as anorexia, and the associated factors and the impact of lobectomy remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the postoperative esophageal displacement after lobectomy and to clarify its impact on the continuity of tegafur-uracil treatment.

METHODS: Patients who received adjuvant tegafur-uracil therapy after lobectomy between April 2009 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient background, perioperative characteristics, treatment findings, and the degree of esophageal displacement measured by computed tomography were compared between the treatment completion group and the discontinuation group. A subgroup comparative analysis was further performed in the groups divided according to the degree of esophageal displacement.

RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were reviewed, including 41 males and 27 females with a mean age of 66.2 years old. A total of 41 patients completed the 2-year adjuvant treatment and 27 patients discontinued it. The overall survival and relapse-free survival between the two groups were statistically significant (p = 0.027, p = 0.010). The degree of esophageal displacement at the Th7 level was a significant predictor of treatment discontinuation (p = 0.046, odds ratio [OR]: 1.138, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.002-1.291). Among the patients with a high degree of esophageal displacement above the baseline determined from the receiver operating characteristic curve, the cause of discontinuation was anorexia, which was significant in multivariate analysis (p = 0.013, OR: 14.72, 95% CI: 1.745-124.2).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that anatomical displacement of the esophagus after lobectomy may affect the discontinuation of oral adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer.

PMID:35179062 | DOI:10.1177/02184923221081701

J Endovasc Ther. 2022 Feb 18:15266028221079759. doi: 10.1177/15266028221079759. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the increase in the number of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), the pathophysiology is not fully elucidated. Recently, angioscopy with a 0.48-megapixel equivalent resolution camera became available for patients with PAD. We aimed to compare the plaque component between native stenosis and occlusion in the femoropopliteal artery using this modality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for native femoropopliteal artery disease with angioscopy were studied. The major angioscopic classifications of each lesion were defined as follows: atheromatous plaque (AP) was defined as luminal narrowing without any protrusion, calcified nodule (CN) was defined as a protruding bump with surface irregularity, a mainly reddish thrombus was defined as organizing thrombus (OG), and organized thrombus (OD) was defined by more than half of the thrombus showing a whitish intima-like appearance.

RESULTS: A total of 34 lesions (stenosis, n=18; occlusion, n=16) from 32 patients were included. All stenotic lesions showed AP or CN (n=8 [44%], n=10 [56%], respectively), whereas all occluded lesions showed OG or OD (n=5 [31%], n=11 [69%], respectively), which amounted to a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). In occluded lesions, stiff wires (>3 g) were required to cross all lesions classified as OD, whereas this was not always necessary for lesions classified as OG (11 [100%] of 11, 1 [25%] of 5, respectively; p=0.04). Yellow color plaques were observed to a similar degree in all angioscopic classifications. Major adverse limb events, defined as amputation and any reintervention at 12 months, were highly variable, depending on the angioscopic findings, and tended to be more frequently observed in CN and OD (13% in AP, 40% in CN, 0% in OT, and 36% in OD, p=0.25).

CONCLUSION: Angioscopy revealed varying components in stenosis and occlusion with different degrees of clinical impact. This may provide new information on the pathophysiology of PAD.

PMID:35179063 | DOI:10.1177/15266028221079759

Hand (N Y). 2022 Feb 18:15589447221075665. doi: 10.1177/15589447221075665. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Compared to the traditional open carpal tunnel release (OCTR), the additional safety and efficacy benefits of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of ECTR versus conventional OCTR as well as determine if a difference exists between the 2 most common endoscopic techniques: the single-portal and the dual-portal endoscopic technique.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, PubMed, and the CENTRAL. Additional articles were identified by handsearching reference lists. We included all randomized controlled trials that compared outcomes of ECTR with OCTR technique. Outcomes assessed included length of surgery, patient reported symptom and functional measures, time to return to work, and complications. A sub-group analysis was performed to indirectly compare single- versus dual-portal endoscopic approaches. Statistical analysis was performed via a random-effects model using Review Manager 5 Software.

RESULTS: A meta-analysis of 23 studies revealed a significantly higher incidence of transient postoperative nerve injury with ECTR, regardless of the number of portals, as compared with OCTR, although overall complication and re-operation rates were equivalent. Scar tenderness was significantly diminished with dual-portal endoscopic release when compared to single-portal and open methods. The rates of pillar pain, symptom relief, and patient reported satisfaction did not differ significantly between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Although endoscopic surgery may be appealing in terms of reduced postoperative morbidity and a faster return to work for patients, surgeons should be mindful of the associated learning curve and higher incidence of transient nerve injury. Further study is required to identify if an advantage exists between different endoscopic techniques.

PMID:35179060 | DOI:10.1177/15589447221075665

J Osteopath Med. 2022 Feb 18. doi: 10.1515/jom-2021-0281. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Osteopathic medicine in the United States continues to produce a substantial number of physicians and medical educators. However, recently popularized misconceptions about osteopathic medical practice, education, and manual therapy suggest an unsettling prevalence of inaccurate beliefs held by the public. The public often searches the internet to find out information about osteopathic medicine, but the content of questions and the transparency of the resulting information is unknown.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to explore frequently asked questions (FAQs) generated by Google to assess commonly searched questions about the osteopathic profession and to determine the level of information transparency associated with resulting sources.

METHODS: On June 16, 2021, we searched Google for three terms: “osteopathic medicine,” “doctor of osteopathic medicine,” and “DO,” until a minimum of 100 FAQs and their answer links were extracted from each search. After excluding irrelevant FAQs, we used Rothwell’s Classification of Questions to categorize the FAQs. We then used the Journal of the American Medical Association’s Benchmark Criteria to assess information transparency for each corresponding answer source provided by Google. The answer sources were screened for the inappropriate use of “osteopathy” in place of “osteopathic medicine” and for “osteopath” in place of “DO,” “Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine,” or “Osteopathic Physician.” We performed statistical tests to ascertain the differences in information transparency between osteopathic and nonosteopathic information sources.

RESULTS: Our Google search revealed 110 unique FAQs about osteopathic medicine. The majority of FAQs were classified as fact-based (82/110; 74.55%), nearly half of which (45.12%) were related to the medical practicing privileges of DOs. The FAQs were most commonly answered by academic institutions (44/110, 40.0%). Nearly half (49.09%) of the linked answer sources were deemed inadequate by JAMA benchmark criteria. Of the 110 linked answer sources, 19 (17.27%) misused either osteopathy, osteopath, or both to describe osteopathic physicians. Only 30 sources were linked to US-based osteopathic organizations. Osteopathic organizations were statistically less likely to meet high-transparency criteria than nonosteopathic organizations (p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the US public may be unsure about the physician status of DOs, which may prevent securing the professional identity of osteopathic physicians in the eyes of the public. Osteopathic organizations should tailor awareness campaigns toward addressing the common misconceptions revealed by our study. Osteopathic organizations should use transparency criteria as a rubric when publishing information to enhance transparency.

PMID:35179005 | DOI:10.1515/jom-2021-0281

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2022 Feb;47(3):846-852. doi: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20211106.103.

ABSTRACT

The improvement of the harvest period standards is critical in the quality control of Chinese medicinal materials. The present study statistically analyzed the harvest period standards of plant medicinal materials in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(Vol.Ⅰ) and put forward the existing problems and suggestions based on herbal records and modern research to provide references for the improvement of the standards. According to the statistical analysis, in 499 types of plant medicinal materials, harvest period standards are recorded under 486 types, accounting for 97.4%, and are lacking in the remaining. Only one medicinal material(Stellariae Radix) is recorded with the standard of the harvest year. The standards of the harvest season and phenological period are recorded under 233 types, accounting for 46.7%. For 237 types, only harvest season is specified, accounting for 47.5%, and for 15 types, only harvest phenological period is specified, accounting for 3.0%. Among 222 types mainly derived from cultivation and 51 types from wild resources and cultivation, only 11 types are recorded with harvest period of cultivated products. Only Stellariae Radix is recorded with the harvest period standards for the wild and cultivated products separately. The harvest period standards of plant medicinal materials with different medicinal parts have certain rules to follow. The main problems about the harvest period standards are discovered. Specifically, no harvest period standards are recorded under 13 types of plant medicinal materials. Almost all perennial cultivated medicinal materials are not recorded with harvest year standard. No phenological period standard is found under 250 types of plant medicinal materials. There is no clear distinction between the harvest period standards of cultivated and wild products. The evidence for harvest period standards of 26 types of plant medicinal materials that can be harvested all year round is insufficient. As a result, it is proposed to strengthen basic research in response to the above-mentioned problems and improve the harvest period standards as soon as possible to ensure the quality of Chinese medicinal materials.

PMID:35178968 | DOI:10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20211106.103

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2022 Feb;47(3):829-835. doi: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20211115.501.

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the pharmacoeconomic value of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid in the treatment of viral myocarditis(Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome) by supplementing Qi, nourishing the heart, calming the mind, and relieving palpitation, the present study performed the Meta-analysis based on the published papers on Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid by AMSTAR and carried out pharmacoeconomic evaluation using TreeAge Pro by the cost-effectiveness analysis. The results showed that the quality of the included papers was good. After four weeks of treatment, Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid combined with the conventional treatment regimen was superior to the conventional treatment in improving creatine kinase isoenzyme, and the difference was statistically significant. Furthermore, the treatment cost was also higher than that of conventional treatment, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of CNY 95.89, accounting for 0.30% of per capita disposable income. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the research results were robust. Therefore, based on the assumption that the per capita disposable income in 2020 was the threshold of patients&apos; willingness to pay, it is more economical for patients with viral myocarditis to use Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid combined with conventional secondary prevention regimen than conventio-nal secondary prevention regimen alone. The economic evaluation of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid in the treatment of viral myocarditis will help physicians and patients choose optimal treatment options, improve rational clinical medication, and provide references for the efficient allocation and utilization of medical resources in China.

PMID:35178966 | DOI:10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20211115.501

Cancer Med. 2022 Feb 17. doi: 10.1002/cam4.4558. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: During clinical follow-up it can be difficult to identify those head and neck cancer (HNC) patients who are coping poorly and could benefit from additional support. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires and prompt lists provide a means by which patients can express their perceived outcomes and raise concerns. The first aim of this secondary analysis following a randomized trial was to explore which patient characteristics, at around 3 months following treatment completion (baseline), best predict HRQOL 12 months later. The second aim was to attempt to ascertain which patients were most likely to benefit from using prompt list.

METHODS: Cluster-controlled pragmatic trial data were analyzed. HRQOL was measured by the University of Washington Quality of life questionnaire (UW-QOLv4). The prompt list was the Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI-HN).

RESULTS: The trial involved 15 eligible consultants and a median (inter-quartile range) of 16 (13-26) primary HNC patients per consultant, with 140 PCI patients and 148 controls. Baseline HRQOL was the dominant predictor of 12-month HRQOL with other predictors related to social, financial, and lifestyle characteristics as well as clinical stage and treatment. Although formal statistical tests for interaction were non-significant the trend in analyses over a range of outcomes suggested that patients with worse baseline HRQOL could benefit more from the PCI-HN.

DISCUSSION: HRQOL early post-treatment is a key predictor of longer-term outcome. Measuring and using HRQOL and the PCI-HN are not only surrogates for predicting HRQOL at 15 months post-treatment, but also tools to help guide interventions.

PMID:35178880 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.4558

ACR Open Rheumatol. 2022 Feb 17. doi: 10.1002/acr2.11411. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to compare leukocyte telomere length (LTL) among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosed in childhood versus adulthood.

METHODS: Data are from the Black Women’s Experiences Living with Lupus (BeWELL) study. Multivariable linear regression analyses that examined childhood diagnosis of SLE (diagnosed before 18 years of age), age, and their interaction in relationship to LTL were conducted, adjusting for a range of demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related covariates.

RESULTS: The total analytic sample size was 415. Forty participants (9.6%) were diagnosed in childhood. There was no main effect of childhood diagnosis on LTL (b = 0.007; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.089 to 0.103). However, the interaction between age and childhood diagnosis was significant (b = -0.008; 95% CI: -0.016 to -0.001), indicating a steeper inverse association between age and LTL among those diagnosed in childhood compared with those diagnosed in adulthood. This interaction remained statistically significant (P = 0.024) after controlling for disease duration measured dichotomously (less than 10 years vs. 10 years or more); it was marginally significant (P = 0.083) when controlling for disease duration measured continuously.

CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional analysis suggests that Black women with childhood-onset SLE may undergo accelerated LTL shortening compared with their adult-onset counterparts. This relationship persisted even after controlling for differences in SLE damage and disease duration. These findings inform research on immunosenescence mechanisms of SLE.

PMID:35178897 | DOI:10.1002/acr2.11411

Pain Pract. 2022 Feb 18. doi: 10.1111/papr.13104. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:35178877 | DOI:10.1111/papr.13104

Andrology. 2022 Feb 17. doi: 10.1111/andr.13161. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anogenital distance (AGD), the distance between the anus and genitals, is in rodents a well-established marker of early androgen action and has been suggested to be so in humans as well. Thus, a link between human AGD and semen quality and potentially fecundity may exist.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the association between AGD and male factor infertility and among proven fertile men also time to pregnancy (TTP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: All included men were recruited from and examined at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark (N=388). Men with impaired semen quality were included from infertile couples (N=128), and men with naturally conceived pregnant partners were invited to participate when their partners had their routine second trimester examination (N=260). All men underwent a physical examination, completed a questionnaire (including TTP for the fertile men), delivered a semen sample and had a blood sample drawn. The primary exposure was AGD_AS measured from the centre of the anus to the posterior base of the scrotum. Associations between AGD and fertility status as well as between AGD and TTP among the fertile men were calculated using multiple logistic regression adjusted for covariates.

RESULTS: AGD did not show a statistically significant association with fertility status. In adjusted logistic regression models, the odds of infertility per 1 cm increase in AGD_AS was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.88; 1.19). Amongst fertile men, a 1 cm increase in AGD_AS was associated with an 8% non-statistically significantly reduced odds of having a longer (>3months) TTP (adjusted OR= 0.92, 95%CI: 0.76-1.11).

CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the clinical application of AGD as a predictor of fertility and fecundity seems to be limited as no associations were observed between AGD and fertility status, nor was the decreased risk of experiencing a longer TTP with longer AGD_AS statistically significant. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35178873 | DOI:10.1111/andr.13161