Tag: statistics

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2021 Mar 17. doi: 10.1007/s10554-021-02207-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Obesity is associated with the development of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Whether obesity in in the absence of comorbidities can cause LV hypertrophy to an extent which could create diagnostic uncertainty with pathological states (such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) is unknown. We used cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging to precisely measure LV wall thickness in the septum and lateral wall in 764 people with body mass indices ranging from 18.5 kg/m² to 59.2 kg/m² in the absence of major comorbidities. Obesity was related to LV wall thickness across the cohort (basal septum r 0.30, P < 0.001 and basal lateral wall r 0.18, P < 0.001). Although no participant had hypertension, these associations remained highly significant after controlling for systolic blood pressure (all P < 0.01). Each 10 kg/m² increase in BMI was associated with an increase in basal septal wall thickness of 1.0 mm males and 0.8 mm in females, with no statistically significant difference between genders (P = 0.1). Even in class 3 obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m²), no LV wall thickness > 13.4 mm in males or > 12.7 mm in females was observed in this cohort. We confirm that obesity in the absence of comorbidities is associated with LV hypertrophy, and establish that the magnitude of this change is modest even in severe obesity. LV hypertrophy > 14 mm cannot safely be attributed to obesity alone and alternative diagnoses should be considered.

PMID:33730330 | DOI:10.1007/s10554-021-02207-1

Phys Eng Sci Med. 2021 Mar 17. doi: 10.1007/s13246-021-00988-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Evaluate whether texture analysis associated with machine learning approaches could differentiate between malignant and benign lymph nodes. A total 18 patients with lung cancer were selected, with 39 lymph nodes, being 15 malignant and 24 benign. Retrospective computed tomography scans were utilized both with and without contrast medium. The great differential of this work was the use of 15 textures from mediastinal lymph nodes, with five different physicians as operators. First and second order statistical textures such as gray level run length and co-occurrence matrix were extracted and applied to three different machine learning classifiers. The best machine learning classifier demonstrated a variability of less than 5% among operators. The support vector machine (SVM) classifier presented 95% of the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and 89% of sensitivity for sequences without contrast medium. SVM classifier presented 93% of AUC and 86% of sensitivity for sequences with contrast medium. Texture analysis and machine learning may be helpful in the differentiation between malign and benign lymph nodes. This study can aid the physician in diagnosis and staging of lymph nodes and potentially reduce the number of invasive analysis to histopathological confirmation.

PMID:33730292 | DOI:10.1007/s13246-021-00988-2

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2021 Mar 17. doi: 10.1007/s10549-021-06179-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performance of ring-type dedicated breast PET (dbPET), whole-body PET (WBPET), and DCE-MRI for predicting pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

METHODS: This prospective study included 29 women with histologically proven breast cancer on needle biopsy between July 2016 and July 2019 (age: mean 55 years; range 35-78). Patients underwent WBPET followed by ring-type dbPET and DCE-MRI pre- and post-NAC for preoperative evaluation. pCR was defined as an invasive tumor that disappeared in the breast. Standardized uptake values corrected for lean body mass (SULpeak) were calculated for dbPET and WBPET scans. Maximum tumor length was measured in DCE-MRI images. Reduction rates were calculated for quantitative evaluation. Two radiologists independently evaluated the qualitative findings. Reduction rates and qualitative findings were compared between the pCR (n = 7) and non-pCR (n = 22) groups for each modality. Differences in quantitative and qualitative data between the two groups were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the reduction rates of dbPET and DCE-MRI (P = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively) between the two groups. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that SULpeak reduction rates in WBPET and dbPET (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively) and in dbPET (odds ratio, 16.00; 95% CI 1.57-162.10; P = 0.01) were significant indicators associated with pCR, respectively. No between-group differences were observed in qualitative findings in the three modalities.

CONCLUSION: SULpeak reduction rate of dbPET > 82% was an independent indicator associated with pCR after NAC in breast cancer.

PMID:33730265 | DOI:10.1007/s10549-021-06179-7

Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2021 Mar 17. doi: 10.1007/s10557-021-07170-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) can be mitigated by proton pump inhibitor (PPI) co-therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with anticoagulants. We aimed to evaluate the effect of PPIs on the risk of GIB in Asian patients with AF, treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs), and with a prior history of upper GIB.

METHODS: Using a nationwide claims database, OAC-naïve patients with AF and a history of upper GIB before initiating OAC treatment between January 2010 and April 2018 were included. Patients were categorized into 10 groups according to the index OAC (warfarin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, and edoxaban) and whether or not they received PPI co-therapy, and were followed up for incidence of major GIB.

RESULTS: Among a total of 42,048 patients, 40% were prescribed PPIs as co-therapy with OACs. Over a median 0.6 years (interquartile ranges 0.2-1.7 years) of follow-up, rivaroxaban use without PPIs showed the highest crude incidence of major GIB (2.62 per 100 person-years), followed by the use of warfarin without a PPI (2.20 per 100 person-years). Compared to the patients without PPI use, PPI co-therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of major GIB, by 40% and 36%, in the rivaroxaban and warfarin groups, respectively. In dabigatran, apixaban, and edoxaban users, PPI co-therapy did not show a significant reduction in the risk of major GIB.

CONCLUSION: Among patients with AF receiving anticoagulant treatment and with a prior history of upper GIB, PPI co-therapy was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of major GIB in patients treated with rivaroxaban and warfarin.

PMID:33730289 | DOI:10.1007/s10557-021-07170-6

Childs Nerv Syst. 2021 Mar 17. doi: 10.1007/s00381-021-05109-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Proximal instrumentation failure is a challenge in posterior spinal fusions (PSFs) crossing the cervicothoracic junction. High rates of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and loss of fixation have been reported. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we evaluate the utility of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in addition to traditional PSF crossing the cervicothoracic junction in order to mitigate implant-related complications.

METHODS: All patients who underwent PSF across the cervicothoracic junction with ACDF with 2 years of follow-up data were reviewed. We analyzed clinical, surgical, and radiographic measures such as operative details, presence of PJK, complications, instrumentation migration, curve angles, and vertebral translation. Measurements were compared statistically using paired samples t-tests.

RESULTS: Ten patients (6 girls, 4 boys) met inclusion criteria with a mean age at surgery of 12.8 ± 3.3 years and follow-up of 3.38 ± 0.9 years. All patients underwent ACDF (range 1-3 levels), and 8 (80%) underwent traction. The average number of levels fused posteriorly was 16.7 ± 4.7 and anteriorly was 2.4 ± 0.7. The major coronal curve averaged 48.8 ± 34.7° preoperatively and 23.3±13.3° postoperatively (p = 0.028). The average major sagittal curve was 83.5 ± 24.2° preoperatively, resolving to 53.9 ± 25.5° (p=0.001). One patient suffered rod breakage at T7, and another developed symptomatic PJK 19 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ACDF procedures added to PSFs crossing the cervicothoracic junction offer promise for reducing risk for instrumentation-related complications. ACDF also significantly helps improve and maintain both coronal and sagittal correction over 2 years.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID:33730238 | DOI:10.1007/s00381-021-05109-8

Lasers Med Sci. 2021 Mar 17. doi: 10.1007/s10103-021-03292-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices have been used in acne treatment in combination with conventional topical and oral medications. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IPL treatment using a dual-band filter (400-600 nm and 800-1200 nm) in facial acne vulgaris treatment. Twenty-three acne vulgaris patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were treated on both sides of the face. The treatments were performed in 2-week intervals for a total of five sessions. The final visit for the clinical evaluation was 2 weeks after the fifth treatment session. The mean number of papules, pustules, and comedones, and the melanin index, was significantly decreased at the final visit. However, sebum production and the erythema index showed no statistically significant differences after treatment. IPL treatment using a dual-band filter can be an alternative for patients who are unfit for systemic acne medication. It can also be used with conventional acne treatment for better treatment results.

PMID:33730239 | DOI:10.1007/s10103-021-03292-3

J Public Health Manag Pract. 2021 Mar 12. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001286. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess current screening practices for excessive alcohol consumption, as well as perceived barriers, perceptions, and attitudes toward performing this screening among emergency department (ED) physicians.

DESIGN: A brief online assessment of screening practices for excessive drinking was disseminated electronically to a representative panel of ED physicians from November 2016 to January 2017. Descriptive statistics were calculated on the frequency of alcohol screening, factors affecting screening, and attitudes toward screening.

SETTING: An online assessment was sent to a national panel of ED physicians.

PARTICIPANTS: A panel of ED physicians who volunteered to be part of the American College of Emergency Physicians Emergency Medicine Practice Research Network survey panel.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome measures were the percentage of respondents who reported screening for excessive alcohol consumption and the percentage of respondents using a validated excessive alcohol consumption screening tool.

RESULTS: Of the 347 ED physicians evaluated (38.6% response rate), approximately 16% reported “always/usually,” 70% “sometimes,” and 14% “never” screening adult patients (≥18 years) for excessive alcohol use. Less than 20% of the respondents who screened for excessive drinking used a recommended screening tool. Only 10.5% of all respondents (15.4% “always,” 9.5% “sometimes” screened) received an electronic health record (EHR) reminder to screen for excessive alcohol use. Key barriers to screening included limited time (66.2%) and treatment options for patients with drinking problems (43.1%).

CONCLUSIONS: Only 1 in 6 ED physicians consistently screened their patients for excessive drinking. Increased use of EHR reminders and other systems interventions (eg, electronic screening and brief intervention) could help improve the delivery of screening and follow-up services for excessive drinkers in EDs.

PMID:33729185 | DOI:10.1097/PHH.0000000000001286

J Public Health Manag Pract. 2021 Mar 12. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001274. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The public health system faces major challenges in 2020, including an aging workforce, reductions in funding, and 2 simultaneous major threats to public health-the coronavirus pandemic and racial injustice. To effectively harness promising new technologies and address these and other public health challenges ahead, public health professionals must be trained on evidence-based practices for protecting and improving public health. This project sought to understand the network of health departments and organizations that provide training in order to inform strategic efforts to fill training gaps and improve access to training for local health departments (LHDs), thereby strengthening the public health system.

DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a Web-based survey of 501 LHDs in the 6 states constituting Region V of the Department of Health & Human Services. The survey focused on the training relationship between LHDs and state and national organizations that provide public health training, allowing for a social network analysis. We used data visualization and descriptive statistics to examine the network.

RESULTS: Of 290 participating health departments (58% response rate), 248 had monthly or more frequent contact with at least 1 organization for the purpose of training. Altogether, the 248 LHDs were connected to 47 state-level organizations and 10 national-level organizations. In 5 of 6 states, more LHDs were connected to the state health department for training than to any other organization type. Universities, national nonprofits, and national membership organizations provided training to the fewest LHDs. Local health department characteristics did not have a clear relationship with its number of training connections.

CONCLUSIONS: State health departments may benefit from the support of universities, national nonprofits, and national membership organizations by partnering to offer training or by recommending training from these organizations to LHDs. Additional qualitative information from local and state health departments would be useful to determine the best strategies for universities, national nonprofits, and national membership organizations to participate in training local practitioners to improve LHD capacity.

PMID:33729191 | DOI:10.1097/PHH.0000000000001274

J Public Health Manag Pract. 2021 Mar 12. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001282. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Opioid misuse and abuse continues to be a grave public health concern in the United States. The aim of this study was to use electronic health records (EHRs) from a US dental school clinic to retrospectively analyze trends in opioid prescription frequencies.

DESIGN: A database review was conducted using EHR data from 20 patient care clinics in a dental school over a 5-year period during which local, state, and national policies and guidelines to mitigate harm from opioid misuse were introduced.

SETTING: University of Michigan School of Dentistry, state of Michigan.

OUTCOME MEASURE: Descriptive statistics using measures of frequency and distribution of opioid prescriptions written were compared over a 5-year period by dental school clinic specialty, CDT (Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature) procedure, drug type, and patient age/gender.

RESULTS: From 2014 to 2018, a total of 12 401 opioid-based prescriptions were written by dental providers in the school’s patient care clinics. An ARIMA (autoregressive integrated moving average) model time trend analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in the number of prescribed opioids after 2016.

CONCLUSIONS: While causal relationships cannot be drawn between drug abuse and prescription trends alone, this exploratory study provided a better understanding of prescription frequency patterns that can help monitor distribution of opioids and identify areas where future public health interventions may be needed. Dental education institutions have an obligation to ensure a competent health care workforce as well as unique opportunities to support regional and national public health strategies aimed at reducing misuse of opioids.

PMID:33729192 | DOI:10.1097/PHH.0000000000001282

Zhonghua Wei Zhong Bing Ji Jiu Yi Xue. 2021 Feb;33(2):203-206. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20201127-00733.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of cordycepin on renal proximal tubular cells injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODS: Renal proximal tubular cells NRK-52E were incubated on a cell culture plated at a density of 1×10⁵/mL for experiment, then divided into control group (Ctrl group), LPS group (cells were stimulated with 1 mg/L LPS), 10 μmol/L or 20 μmol/L cordycep in intervention groups (LPS+C 10 group and LPS+C 20 group). Cell viability was measured using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) reagent. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. The protein expressions of inflammatory factors intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS: Compared with the Ctrl group, LPS significantly inhibited NRK-52E cell viability, increased intracellular ROS, and up-regulated the expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-1β and NF-κB. Compared with LPS group, after treated with 10 μmol/L or 20 μmol/L cordycepin, NRK-52E cell viability was significantly increased (Ctrl group as 1: 0.717±0.017, 0.916±0.036 vs. 0.554±0.046) and intracellular ROS level was significantly decreased (Ctrl group as 1: 1.527±0.165, 1.098±0.168 vs. 2.543±0.127), meanwhile the expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-1β and NF-κB were significantly down-regulated [Ctrl group as 1, ICAM-1/GAPDH: 2.364±0.097, 1.561±0.074 vs. 3.101±0.121; VCAM-1/GAPDH: 2.866±0.135, 1.920±0.098 vs. 4.170±0.119; IL-1β/GAPDH: 2.358±0.107, 1.563±0.179 vs. 3.301±0.210; phosphorylation NF-κB p65 (NF-κB p-p65)/GAPDH: 2.559±0.166, 1.596±0.148 vs. 3.183±0.098], the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Compared with the LPS+C 10 group, the cell activity of LPS+C 20 group was more significant (0.916±0.036 vs. 0.717±0.017, P < 0.01), and the expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-1β, NF-κB were down-regulated more significantly (ICAM-1/GAPDH: 1.561±0.074 vs. 2.364±0.097, VCAM-1/GAPDH: 1.920±0.098 vs. 2.866±0.135, IL-1β/GAPDH: 1.563±0.179 vs. 2.358±0.107, NF-κB p-p65/GAPDH: 1.596±0.148 vs. 2.559±0.166, all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Cordycepin could significantly increase the survival rate of NRK-52E cells, reduce intracellular ROS level, and inhibit inflammation, and the anti-inflammation effect can be related with NF-κB pathway.

PMID:33729140 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20201127-00733