Tag: statistics

Spine J. 2021 Oct 16:S1529-9430(21)00950-5. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2021.09.011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a gram-positive facultative anaerobe found in the deep sebaceous follicles of the skin on the shoulder and back. C. acnes has been increasingly recognized as a pathogen in spinal surgical site infection (SSI) especially in the presence of instrumentation.

PURPOSE: This study assesses whether a silver carboxylate-doped titanium dioxide-polydimethylsiloxane (TiO₂-PDMS) coating can decrease C. acnes adherence and biofilm formation on PEEK and four other commonly used spinal implant materials, Stainless Steel, Cobalt Chromium, Titanium, and Titanium Alloy.

STUDY DESIGN: We compared the adherence of C. acnes over 24 hours between uncoated, 95:5 TiO₂ to PDMS ratio with 10x silver carboxylate coating and a 100% silver carboxylate coating on each implant material, which were uniformly saw cut and sterilized. Implants were then subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM).

METHODS: Samples were coated using 95:5 TiO₂-PDMS 10x silver carboxylate, 100% silver carboxylate, or left uncoated. C. acnes was applied onto the samples and allowed to adhere for periods of 4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 hours. Non-adherent bacteria were then washed from the samples. These samples were then allowed to continue incubating for a total of 24 hours. SEM and CLSM were used to visualize all samples for the presence of biofilm and quantification of C. acnes adherence at each time point.

RESULTS: The 95:5 TiO₂-PDMS 10x silver carboxylate coating was able to significantly decrease C. acnes adherence on PEEK after 8, 12, 16, and 20 hours of adherence. No statistical difference was found between the 95:5 TiO₂-PDMS 10x silver carboxylate coating and the 100% silver carboxylate positive control. We previously observed extensive C. acnes biofilm formation on uncoated PEEK, but none on PEEK coated with either the 95:5 TiO₂-PDMS 10x silver carboxylate or 100% Ag coating [1]. Furthermore, no biofilm formation was observed on Stainless Steel, Cobalt Chromium, Titanium, and Titanium Alloy coated with 95:5 TiO₂-PDMS 10x silver carboxylate or 100% Ag coating.

CONCLUSION: A 95:5 TiO₂-PDMS 10x silver carboxylate coating decreases C. acnes adhesion and prevents biofilm formation on PEEK and other common orthopedic implant materials.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A 95:5 TiO₂-PDMS 10x silver carboxylate coating may help decrease spinal SSI due to C. acnes, especially in procedures with instrumentation.

PMID:34666180 | DOI:10.1016/j.spinee.2021.09.011

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2021 Oct 16:102584. doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102584. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and laser-activated irrigation (LAI) are adjunctive therapies developed to enhance the effectiveness of root canal disinfection. Sealer penetration into dentinal tubules is significant for preventing re-infection, and the sealer’s penetration ability is affected by the chemo-mechanical preparation of the root canal. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aPDT and LAI on dentinal tubule penetration of MTA-based root canal sealer.

METHODS: Forty single-rooted mandibular premolars were divided into four groups (n=10): control, methylene blue 50 mg/L (MB50), curcumin 500 mg/L (C500), and Er,Cr:YSGG and sodium hypochlorite (LAI). The smear removal efficiency of the groups on intraradicular dentin was evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was performed to determine the depth of penetration of MTA Fillapex into dentinal tubules. Data were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: The maximum penetration depth of the C500 group was significantly higher than that of the other groups in all three levels of root sections (p<0.05). Regarding mean penetration depth, the highest values were obtained from the C500 group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the C500 and MB50 groups in the middle and coronal thirds of the root (p>0.05). The LAI group showed the lowest penetrated area percentage in the middle and coronal third of the root (p<0.05). The C500 and LAI groups were more effective in removing the smear layer than the control and MB50 groups.

CONCLUSION: aPDT could enhance the penetration of MTA-based root canal sealer into dentin tubules.

PMID:34666196 | DOI:10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102584

Ocul Surf. 2021 Oct 16:S1542-0124(21)00120-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.10.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the alteration in lipid composition of meibum, objective clinical signs, and subjective symptoms associated with aging and meibomian gland (MG) dysfunction (MGD).

METHODS: In 10 MGD patients [4 males/6 females, mean age: 65.6 ± 7.9 years (range: 50-79 years)] and 24 healthy volunteer subjects [young subjects: 6 males/6 females, mean age: 25.7 ± 3.8 years (range: 20-35 years), elderly subjects: 6 males/6 females, mean age: 58.4 ± 7.5 years (range: 50-79 years)], three objective clinical signs were evaluated: MG orifice obstruction, meibum score, and tear film lipid layer interference pattern. Subjective symptoms were analyzed via a 15-item questionnaire. After careful collection of meibum samples, comprehensive lipid analysis was performed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data was analyzed via JMP® ver. 13 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) statistical analysis software.

RESULTS: In the MGD patients and elderly subjects, there was a significant decrease in non-polar lipids such as cholesterol esters (ChEs), while a significant increase in polar lipids [cholesterol (Ch), (O-acyl)-ω-hydroxy fatty acid (OAHFA), and free fatty acid (FA)] in total lipids (Tukey-Kramer test: p < 0.05). Triglyceride was significantly increased only in MGD patients (p < 0.05). Symptom scores representative of vision quality (i.e., blurred vision/haziness) were significantly negatively-correlated with the ratio of the non-polar lipid ChE, while significantly positively correlated with the polar lipids Ch, OAHFA, and FA (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient: p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that both MGD and aging affect the composition ratio of major meibum lipids, resulting in the appearance of subjective symptoms.

PMID:34666148 | DOI:10.1016/j.jtos.2021.10.003

Spine J. 2021 Oct 16:S1529-9430(21)00952-9. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2021.10.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The use of spinal image guidance systems (IGS) has increased patient safety, accuracy, operative efficiency, and reduced revision rates in pedicle screw placement procedures. Traditional intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy or CT imaging produces potentially harmful ionizing radiation and increases operative time to register the patient. An IGS, FLASH Navigation, uses machine vision through high resolution stereoscopic cameras and structured visible light to build a 3D topographical map of the patient’s bony surface anatomy enabling navigation use without ionizing radiation.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare FLASH navigation system to a widely used 3D fluoroscopic navigation (3D) platform by comparing radiation exposure and pedicle screw accuracy.

DESIGN: A randomized prospective comparative cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing open posterior lumbar instrumented fusion.

PATIENT SAMPLE: Adults diagnosed with spinal pathology requiring surgical treatment and planning for open posterior lumbar fusion with pedicle screws implanted into 1-4 vertebral levels.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included mean intraoperative fluoroscopy time and dose, mean CT dose length product (DLP) for preoperative and day 2 CT, pedicle screw accuracy by CT, estimated blood loss and revision surgery rate.

METHODS: Consecutive patients were randomized 1:1 to FLASH or 3D and underwent posterior lumbar instrumented fusion. Radiation doses were recorded from pre- and postoperative CT and intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy. Two independent blinded radiologists reviewed pedicle screw accuracy on CT.

RESULTS: A total of 429 (n=210 FLASH, n=219 3D) pedicle screws were placed in 90 patients (n=45 FLASH, n=45 3D) over the 18-month study period. Mean age and indication for surgery were similar between both groups, with a non-significantly higher ratio of males in the 3D group. Mean intraoperative fluoroscopy time and doses were significantly reduced in FLASH compared to 3D (4.51±3.71s vs 79.6±23.0s, p<0.001 and 80.9±68.1cGycm² vs 3704.1±3442.4 cGycm², p<0.001, respectively). This represented a relative reduction of 94.3% in the total intraoperative radiation time and a 97.8% reduction in the total intraoperative radiation dose. Mean preoperative CT DLP and mean day 2 postoperative CT DLP were significantly reduced in FLASH compared to 3D (662.0±440.4mGy-cm vs 1008.9±616.3 mGy-cm, p<0.001 and 577.9±294.3 mGy-cm vs 980.7±441.6 mGy-cm, p<0.001, respectively). This represented relative reductions of 34.4% and 41.0% in the preoperative CT dose and postoperative total DLP, respectively. The FLASH group required an average of 1.2 registrations in each case with an average of 2447 (±961.3) data points registered with a mean registration time of 106s (±52.1). A rapid re-registration mechanism was utilized in 22% (n=10/45) of cases and took 22.7s (±11.3). Re-registration was used in 7% (n=3/45) in the 3D group. Pedicle screw accuracy was high in FLASH (98.1%) and 3D (97.3%) groups with no pedicle breach >2mm in either group (p<0.001). EBL was not statistically different between the groups (p=0.38). No neurovascular injuries occurred, and no patients required return to theatre for screw repositioning.

CONCLUSIONS: FLASH and 3D IGS demonstrate high accuracy for pedicle screw placement. FLASH showed significant reduction in intraoperative radiation time and dose with lower but non-significant blood loss. FLASH showed significant reduction in preoperative and postoperative radiation, but this may be associated to the lower number of males/females preponderance in this group. FLASH provides similar accuracy to contemporary IGS without requiring 3D-fluoroscopy or radiolucent operating tables. Reducing registration time and specialized equipment may reduce costs.

PMID:34666179 | DOI:10.1016/j.spinee.2021.10.002

Ann Vasc Surg. 2021 Oct 16:S0890-5096(21)00710-X. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2021.08.013. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the literature on the mid-term outcomes of chimney EVAR (ChEVAR) for the treatment of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAA).

METHODS: Different electronic databases were searched for published articles up to January 2020. The eligibility criteria were studies describing mid- or long-term outcomes of chimney EVAR (mean follow-up at least 1 year) for treatment of JAAA, including more than 10 cases, published in English, and with full text available. The outcomes measure were overall survival rate, target vessel patency, and freedom from reintervention at 3 years. Quality of the included studies was analysed using the MINORS criteria. Pooled effect estimates were analysed using random-effect models and heterogeneity was tested using I² statistics.

RESULTS: Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The included studies described 1,019 patients. According to the quality assessment, methodological quality was moderate to poor. The pooled overall survival, freedom from reintervention, and target vessel patency at 3 year was 81.4 % (95%CI 73.8 to 87.9), 85.7% (95%CI 75.6 to 93.5), and 95.1% (95%CI 89.3 to 98.7) respectively.

CONCLUSION: The results of this review show good to acceptable short and mid-term survival and good mid-term durability, which supports that ChEVAR as a suitable alternative in high-risk JAAA. However, proper patient selection for ChEVAR seems essential to attain good mid-term outcomes, and further large prospective and good quality studies are required to demonstrate its long-term results and enable conclusions on specific determinants for outcome.

PMID:34666145 | DOI:10.1016/j.avsg.2021.08.013

Klin Lab Diagn. 2021 Oct 18;66(10):618-622. doi: 10.51620/0869-2084-2021-66-10-618-622.

ABSTRACT

To determine the relative content of monocytes in the peripheral blood producing IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, to identify new criteria for predicting abortion before 22 weeks of gestation in women with the threat of early termination and recurrent miscarriage. Materials and methods. A survey of 91 women in the gestation period of 5-12 weeks was carried out. The main group consisted of 59 women with recurrent miscarriage and the threat of early termination at the time of the study. Depending on the outcome of pregnancy, the main group was subdivided into 3 subgroups: subgroup I – 44 women whose pregnancy ended in timely delivery, II – 8 women who had preterm labor, III – 8 women with termination of pregnancy up to 22 weeks ( missed pregnancy or spontaneous miscarriage). The control group consisted of 32 women with uncomplicated pregnancy. The relative content of IL-4 +, IL-6 +, IL-10 +, IFNγ + monocytes was determined by flow cytometry on FACSCanto II (Becton Dickinson, USA). In women with threatened early miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage, the percentage of IL-4 + and IL-10 + cells in the population of peripheral monocytes is significantly lower, while IL-6 + cells are higher compared to the control group (p = 0.0001 in in all cases), no statistically significant differences were found in the percentage of IFNγ + cells (p = 0.076). A retrospective analysis revealed that in the group of women with termination of pregnancy up to 22 weeks, there was a significant decrease in IL-10 + monocytes in the peripheral venous blood. Prediction of termination of pregnancy before 22 weeks of gestation is possible with a relative content of IL-10 + monocytes equal to 27.0% or less (sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 95.2%, accuracy 93.1%).

PMID:34665948 | DOI:10.51620/0869-2084-2021-66-10-618-622

J Genet Couns. 2021 Oct 19. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1501. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended genetic counseling (GC) graduate students’ lives, as they have been forced to transition, manage, and acclimate to life during a pandemic. The current study is a first step in understanding their lived experiences during this historic, global event. We investigated academic and personal challenges, intolerance of uncertainty, and psychological well-being of GC students (n = 248) who trained during the pandemic (GC-COV cohort) and those who did not (GC-NoCOV cohort). Participants completed an online survey (July-September 2020) that used validated measures of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Psychological Well-Being. To assess the academic and personal challenges students experienced during GC graduate training, we developed a 43-item measure. Principal axis factoring of the items revealed categories of challenges related to the following: Academic & Professional Development, Self-Regulation & Resilience, Institutional & Program Leadership, and Financial Stability. There was no cohort difference in Psychological Well-Being. Linear mixed-effects modeling showed significant cohort differences in challenges. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the GC-COV cohort’s Psychological Well-Being was statistically significantly predicted by Institutional & Program Leadership challenges (p = .029), Self-Regulation & Resilience challenges (p = .013), and Intolerance of Uncertainty (p = .010). For the GC-NoCOV cohort, the statistically significant predictor of Psychological Well-Being was Self-Regulation & Resilience challenges (p = .029). Our findings demonstrate that GC students training during the COVID-19 pandemic have experienced various personal, academic, and psychological disruptions and highlight a need to develop resources and implement interventions supporting students’ academic development and psychological well-being.

PMID:34665887 | DOI:10.1002/jgc4.1501

Clin Oral Implants Res. 2021 Oct 19. doi: 10.1111/clr.13871. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical outcomes of all-ceramic single crowns (SCs) and fixed-dental-prostheses (FDPs) supported by ceramic implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on a focused question and customized PICO-framework, electronic (Medline/EMBASE/Cochrane) and manual searches for studies reporting the clinical outcomes of all-ceramic SCs and FDPs supported by ceramic implants ≥ 12 months were performed. The primary outcomes were reconstruction survival as well as the chipping proportion. The secondary outcomes were implant survival, technical complications and patient-related-outcome-measurements. Meta-analyses were performed after 1, 2, and 5 years using random-effect meta-analyses.

RESULTS: Eight of the 1403 initially screened titles and 55 full-texts were included. Five reported on monolithic lithium-disilicate (LS2) SCs, one on veneered zirconia SCs, and two on veneered zirconia SCs and FDPs, which reported all on cement-retained reconstructions (mean observation: 12.0-61.0 months). Meta-analyses estimated a 5-year survival rate of 94% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82%-100%) for overall implant survival. Reconstruction survival proportions after 5 years were: monolithic LS2, 100% (95%CI: 95%-100%); veneered zirconia SCs, 89% (95%CI: 62%-100%); and veneered zirconia FDPs 94% (95%CI: 81%-100%). The chipping proportion after 5 years was: monolithic LS2, 2% (95%CI: 0%-11%); veneered zirconia SCs, 38% (95%CI: 24%-54%); and veneered zirconia FDPs, 57% (95%CI: 38%-76%). Further outcomes were summarized descriptively.

CONCLUSIONS: Due to the limited data available, only tendencies could be identified. All-ceramic reconstructions supported by ceramic implants demonstrated promising survival rates after mid-term observation. However, high chipping proportions of veneered zirconia SCs and, particularly, FDPs diminished the overall outcome. Monolithic LS2 demonstrated fewer clinical complications. Monolithic reconstructions could be a valid treatment option for ceramic implants.

PMID:34665900 | DOI:10.1111/clr.13871

PLoS One. 2021 Oct 19;16(10):e0258796. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258796. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Traffic police riders are exposed to prolonged static postures causing significant angular deviation of the musculoskeletal, including the lumbar angle (L1-L5). This postural alteration contributes to awkward posture, musculoskeletal disorders and spinal injury, especially in the lower back area, as it is one of the most severe modern diseases nowadays. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the effect of lumbar support with a built-in massager system on spinal angle profiles among traffic police riders. A randomised controlled trial (pre-testpost-test control design) was used to assess spinal angle pattern while riding the high-powered motorcycle for 20 minutes. Twenty-four traffic police riders were randomly selected to participate and 12 riders were assigned to the control group and 12 riders to the experimental group. The pre-test and post-test were conducted at a one-week interval. Each participant was required to wear a TruPosture Smart Shirt (to monitor spinal posture). The TruPosture Apps recorded the spinal angle pattern. The data indicated that the police riders using motorcycle seat with lumbar support and built-in massager system showed a huge improvement in maintaining posture which only involves slight spinal angle deviation changes from the spinal reference angle throughout the 20 minutes ride. The data collected then were analysed using the Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed-ranked test to verify a statistically significant difference between and within the control and experimental groups. There were significant differences in all sensors between the control group and experimental groups (p<0.05) and within the experimental group. According to the findings, it can be said that the ergonomic intervention prototype (lumbar support with built-in massager system) successfully helps to maintain and improve the natural curve of the spinal posture. This indirectly would reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders and spinal injury among traffic police riders.

PMID:34665845 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0258796

Scand J Work Environ Health. 2021 Oct 19:3992. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.3992. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objectives This is the first population-level study to examine inequalities in COVID-19 mortality according to working-age individuals’ occupations and the indirect occupational effects on COVID-19 mortality of older individuals who live with them. Methods We used early-release data for the entire population of Sweden of all recorded COVID-19 deaths from 12 March 2020 to 23 February 2021, which we linked to administrative registers and occupational measures. Cox proportional hazard models assessed relative risks of COVID-19 mortality for the working-aged population registered in an occupation in December 2018 and the older population who lived with them. Results Among working aged-adults, taxi/bus drivers had the highest relative risk of COVID-19 mortality: over four times that of skilled workers in IT, economics, or administration when adjusted only for basic demographic characteristics. After adjusting for socioeconomic factors (education, income and country of birth), there are no occupational groups with clearly elevated (statistically significant) COVID-19 mortality. Neither a measure of exposure within occupations nor the share that generally can work from home were related to working-aged adults’ risk of COVID-19 mortality. Instead of occupational factors, traditional socioeconomic risk factors best explained variation in COVID-19 mortality. Elderly individuals, however, faced higher COVID-19 mortality risk both when living with a delivery or postal worker or worker(s) in occupations that generally work from home less, even when their socioeconomic factors are taken into account. Conclusions Inequalities in COVID-19 mortality of working-aged adults were mostly based on traditional risk factors and not on occupational divisions or characteristics in Sweden. However, older individuals living with those who likely cannot work from home or work in delivery or postal services were a vulnerable group.

PMID:34665872 | DOI:10.5271/sjweh.3992