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International Journal For Parasitology Dec 2023Aggregation of macroparasites among hosts is nearly universal among parasite-host associations. Researchers testing hypotheses on origins of parasite aggregation and its... (Review)
Review
Aggregation of macroparasites among hosts is nearly universal among parasite-host associations. Researchers testing hypotheses on origins of parasite aggregation and its importance to parasite and host population ecology have used different measures of aggregation that are not necessarily measuring the same thing, potentially clouding our understanding of underlying epidemiological processes. We highlight these differences in meanings by exploring properties and interrelationships of six common measures of parasite aggregation, and provide a "user's guide" to inform researchers' decisions regarding their application. We compared the mathematical expressions of the different measures of aggregation, and ran two series of simulations and analyses. The first simulations tested the effect of random removals of parasites on aggregation levels under different conditions, while the second explored interrelationships between the measures, as well as between other individual parasitological sample measures (i.e. mean abundance, prevalence) and aggregation. Results of simulations and analyses showed that the six measures of aggregation could be separated readily into three groups: the variance-to-mean ratio (VMR) together with mean crowding, patchiness with k of the negative binomial, and Poulin's D with Hoover's index. These three pairs of measures showed differing responses to random parasite removals and differing relations with mean abundance and/or prevalence, highlighting that metrics capture different variation in other sample measures and different attributes of aggregation. We used results of our simulations and analyses, and a literature review, to list the properties, advantages, and disadvantages of each aggregation metric. We provide a comprehensive exploration of what is assessed by each metric, as a guide to metric choice. We implore researchers to provide enough information such that aggregation measures from each group are reported or can be readily calculated. Such steps are needed to allow large-scale analyses of variation in degrees of aggregation within and among parasite-host associations, to uncover epidemiological processes shaping parasite distributions.
Topics: Animals; Parasites; Host-Parasite Interactions; Ecology; Prevalence
PubMed: 37467873
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.06.004 -
Nutrients Jul 2023This study aimed to describe the national trends in mean energy and nutrient intakes in Japanese children and adolescents from 1995 to 2019. We used data obtained from...
This study aimed to describe the national trends in mean energy and nutrient intakes in Japanese children and adolescents from 1995 to 2019. We used data obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Survey and included 54,871 participants aged 1-19 years. The dietary intake was estimated using a 1-day, semi-weighed, household-based, dietary record. The trends of mean energy and nutrient intakes were analyzed using the Joinpoint Regression Program. A declining trend in the mean energy intake was observed in toddlers aged 1-6 years, school girls aged 7-14 years, and adolescent girls aged 15-19 years, while the mean energy intake from protein, fat, and carbohydrates changed little over time. The mean salt equivalent showed a decreasing trend in all age groups, although the 2019 mean values were above the tentative dietary goal for preventing lifestyle-related diseases, especially in adolescent boys. Declining trends in mean vitamin (vitamin A, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, and vitamin K) and mineral (calcium, iron, and copper) intakes were observed, while trends in the mean vitamin B6 and zinc intakes were unchanged since 2001. Continuous monitoring of dietary intake and further research are required to raise awareness of unhealthy diet habits and to improve the food environment for the healthy growth and development of children and adolescents.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Male; Diet; East Asian People; Eating; Energy Intake; Nutrition Surveys; Vitamins; Infant; Child, Preschool; Child; Young Adult
PubMed: 37571235
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153297 -
BJR Open 2023The objective of this review was to examine the impact of previous mammogram availability on radiologists' performance from screening populations and experimental... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to examine the impact of previous mammogram availability on radiologists' performance from screening populations and experimental studies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A search of the literature was conducted using five databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL as well as Google and reference lists of articles. Keywords were combined with "AND" or "OR" or "WITH" and included "prior mammograms, diagnostic performance, initial images, diagnostic efficacy, subsequent images, previous imaging, and radiologist's performance". Studies that assessed the impact of previous mammogram availability on radiologists' performance were reviewed. The Standard for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy guidelines was used to critically appraise individual sources of evidence.
RESULTS
A total of 15 articles were reviewed. The sample of mammogram cases used across these studies varied from 36 to 1,208,051. Prior mammograms did not affect sensitivity [with priors: 62-86% (mean = 73.3%); without priors: 69.4-87.4% (mean = 75.8%)] and cancer detection rate, but increased specificity [with priors: 72-96% (mean = 87.5%); without priors: 63-87% (mean = 80.5%)] and reduced false-positive rates [with priors: 3.7 to 36% (mean = 19.9%); without priors 13.3-49% (mean = 31.4%)], recall rates [with priors: 3.8-57% (mean = 26.6%); without priors: [4.9%-67.5% (mean = 37.9%)], and abnormal interpretation rate decreased by 4% with priors. Evidence for the associations between the availability of prior mammograms and positive-predictive value, area under the curve (AUC) from the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and localisation ROC AUC, and positive-predictive value of recall is limited and unclear.
CONCLUSION
Availability of prior mammograms reduces recall rates, false-positive rates, abnormal interpretation rates, and increases specificity without affecting sensitivity and cancer detection rate.
PubMed: 37942498
DOI: 10.1259/bjro.20230038 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Mar 2024To assess the readability of online materials related to puberphonia. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the readability of online materials related to puberphonia.
STUDY DESIGN
Online material review.
METHOD
The study was conducted by performing a Google search using the specific keyword "puberphonia." Subsequently, 18 websites were selected for inclusion in the review based on predefined criteria. The selected websites underwent assessment utilizing three distinct readability metrics: Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL).
RESULTS
The analysis of the selected websites revealed the following mean scores: a mean FRES of 40.2, a mean FKGL of 11.8, and a mean SMOG score of 10.9. The physician-oriented websites had a mean FRES score of 35.8, a mean FKGL score of 12.5, and a mean SMOG score of 11.4. The patient-oriented websites exhibited a mean FRES score of 44.6, a mean FKGL score of 11.3, and a mean SMOG score of 10.5.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study indicate that the readability and understandability of online resources related to puberphonia exhibit high scores, suggesting that the materials may be challenging for patients to comprehend. Addressing and enhancing the readability of these online resources is crucial, as it has the potential to enhance patient awareness and comprehension of puberphonia, ultimately leading to more informed health care decisions and improved patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38553320
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.03.010 -
European Urology Focus Nov 2023In an increasingly ageing transplant population, timely management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) is key to preventing complications that result in graft... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
In an increasingly ageing transplant population, timely management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) is key to preventing complications that result in graft dysfunction or compromise survival.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate benefits/harms of BPO treatments in transplant patients by reviewing current literature.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A computerised bibliographic search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed for studies reporting outcomes on BPO treatments in transplanted patients.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
A total of 5021 renal transplants (RTs) performed between 1990 and 2016 were evaluated. BPO incidence was 1.61 per 1000 population per year. Overall, 264 men underwent intervention. The mean age was 58.4 yr (27-73 yr). In all, 169 patients underwent surgery (n = 114 transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP]/n = 55 transurethral incision of the prostate [TUIP]) and 95 were treated with an un-named alpha-blocker (n = 46) or doxazosin (n = 49). There was no correlation between prostate volume and treatment modality (mean prostate size = 26 cc in the surgical group where reported and 48 cc in the medical group). The mean follow-up was 31.2 mo (2-192 mo). The time from RT to BPO treatment was reported in six studies (mean: 15.4 mo, range: 0-156 mo). The time on dialysis before RT was recorded in only three studies (mean: 47.3 mo, range: 0-288 mo). There was a mean improvement in creatinine after intervention from 2.17 to 1.77 mg/dl. A total of 157 men showed an improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score (from 18.26 to 6.89), and there was a significant reduction in postvoid residual volume in 199 (mean fall 90.6 ml). Flow improved by a mean of 10 ml/s following intervention in 199 patients. Complications included acute urinary retention (4.1%), urinary tract infections (8.4%), bladder neck contracture (2.2%), and urethral strictures (6.9%). The mean reoperation rate was 1.4%.
CONCLUSIONS
Current literature is heterogeneous and of low-level evidence. Despite this, alpha-blockers, TUIP, and TURP showed a beneficial increase in the peak urinary flow and reduced symptoms in transplants patients with BPO. Improvement in the mean graft creatinine was noted after intervention. Complications were under-reported. A multicentre comparative cohort study is needed to draw firm conclusions about the ideal treatment for BPO in RT patients.
PATIENT SUMMARY
In this report, we looked at the outcomes for transplant patients undergoing medical or surgical management of benign prostatic obstruction. Although the literature was very heterogeneous, we found that medical management and surgery with transurethral resection/incision of the prostate are beneficial for improving urinary flow and bothersome symptoms. We conclude that further prospective studies are required for better clarity about timing and modality of intervention in transplant patients.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Transurethral Resection of Prostate; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Prostate; Urinary Retention; Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction
PubMed: 37596113
DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2023.05.001 -
BMC Neurology Jul 2023Migraine and depression are two of the most common and debilitating conditions. From a clinical perspective, they are mostly prevalent in women and manifest a partial...
BACKGROUND
Migraine and depression are two of the most common and debilitating conditions. From a clinical perspective, they are mostly prevalent in women and manifest a partial overlapping symptomatology. Despite the high level of comorbidity, previous studies hardly investigated possible common patterns in brain volumetric differences compared to healthy subjects. Therefore, the current study investigates and compares the volumetric difference patterns in sub-cortical regions between participants with migraine or depression in comparison to healthy controls.
METHODS
The study included data from 43 930 participants of the large UK Biobank cohort. Using official ICD10 diagnosis, we selected 712 participants with migraine, 1 853 with depression and 23 942 healthy controls. We estimated mean volumetric difference between the groups for the different sub-cortical brain regions using generalized linear regression models, conditioning the model within the levels of BMI, age, sex, ethnical background, diastolic blood pressure, current tobacco smoking, alcohol intake frequency, Assessment Centre, Indices of Multiple Deprivation, comorbidities and total brain volume.
RESULTS
We detected larger overall volume of the caudate (mean difference: 66, 95% CI [-3, 135]) and of the thalamus (mean difference: 103 mm, 95% CI [-2, 208]) in migraineurs than healthy controls. We also observed that individuals with depression appear to have also larger overall (mean difference: 47 mm, 95% CI [-7, 100]) and gray matter (mean difference: 49 mm, 95% CI [2, 95]) putamen volumes than healthy controls, as well as larger amygdala volume (mean difference: 17 mm, 95% CI [-7, 40]).
CONCLUSION
Migraineurs manifested larger overall volumes at the level of the nucleus caudate and of the thalamus, which might imply abnormal pain modulation and increased migraine susceptibility. Larger amygdala and putamen volumes in participants with depression than controls might be due to increased neuronal activity in these regions.
Topics: Humans; Female; Depression; Biological Specimen Banks; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Brain; Migraine Disorders; United Kingdom
PubMed: 37507671
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03336-x -
Radiology Feb 2024Background Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the current standard treatment for chronic severe tinnitus; however, preliminary evidence suggests that real-time... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Background Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the current standard treatment for chronic severe tinnitus; however, preliminary evidence suggests that real-time functional MRI (fMRI) neurofeedback therapy may be more effective. Purpose To compare the efficacy of real-time fMRI neurofeedback against CBT for reducing chronic tinnitus distress. Materials and Methods In this prospective controlled trial, participants with chronic severe tinnitus were randomized from December 2017 to December 2021 to receive either CBT (CBT group) for 10 weekly group sessions or real-time fMRI neurofeedback (fMRI group) individually during 15 weekly sessions. Change in the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score (range, 0-100) from baseline to 6 or 12 months was assessed. Secondary outcomes included four quality-of-life questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule). Questionnaire scores between treatment groups and between time points were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance and the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results The fMRI group included 21 participants (mean age, 49 years ± 11.4 [SD]; 16 male participants) and the CBT group included 22 participants (mean age, 53.6 years ± 8.8; 16 male participants). The fMRI group showed a greater reduction in THI scores compared with the CBT group at both 6 months (mean score change, -28.21 points ± 18.66 vs -12.09 points ± 18.86; = .005) and 12 months (mean score change, -30 points ± 25.44 vs -4 points ± 17.2; = .01). Compared with baseline, the fMRI group showed improved sleep (mean score, 8.62 points ± 4.59 vs 7.25 points ± 3.61; = .006) and trait anxiety (mean score, 44 points ± 11.5 vs 39.84 points ± 10.5; = .02) at 1 month and improved depression (mean score, 13.71 points ± 9.27 vs 6.53 points ± 5.17; = .01) and general functioning (mean score, 24.91 points ± 17.05 vs 13.06 points ± 10.1; = .01) at 6 months. No difference in these metrics over time was observed for the CBT group ( value range, .14 to >.99). Conclusion Real-time fMRI neurofeedback therapy led to a greater reduction in tinnitus distress than the current standard treatment of CBT. ClinicalTrials.gov registration no.: NCT05737888; Swiss Ethics registration no.: BASEC2017-00813 © RSNA, 2024
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neurofeedback; Prospective Studies; Tinnitus; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38349241
DOI: 10.1148/radiol.231143 -
Facial Plastic Surgery : FPS Oct 2023There are many concepts for surgical management of the nasal tip with varying outcomes on esthetics and nasal function. Nasal tip surgery can influence nasal function...
There are many concepts for surgical management of the nasal tip with varying outcomes on esthetics and nasal function. Nasal tip surgery can influence nasal function based on how the techniques can alter lateral wall integrity. A retrospective chart review of rhinoplasty patients undergoing lateral crural strut grafting (LCSG) with and without repositioning from 2009 to 2017 of the primary author (D.M.T.) was performed. Preoperative and postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores were analyzed. In our study, 832 subjects were evaluated. The mean preoperative NOSE score of all subjects was 35.48. The longest follow-up mean was 652.07 days with a mean NOSE score of 7.07 ( < 0.0001). In the LCSG group, the mean preoperative NOSE score was 22.97. The longest follow-up mean was 583.29 days with a mean NOSE score of 7.22 ( < 0.0001). In the LCSG with repositioning group, the mean preoperative NOSE score was 43.42. The longest follow-up mean was 692.36 days with a mean NOSE score of 7.60 ( < 0.0001). LCSGs with or without repositioning improves nasal function showing significant improvement in NOSE scores. The use of these techniques require adhering to several technical points to maximize outcomes and to avoid deformity.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Esthetics, Dental; Nose; Nasal Obstruction; Rhinoplasty
PubMed: 37709290
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1771499 -
VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten Nov 2023To compare the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and/or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) associated to compression stockings in the maintenance...
To compare the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and/or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) associated to compression stockings in the maintenance treatment of lymphedema. Patients in the maintenance phase of lymphedema therapy with MLD and compression since more than a year with stable values for weight and circumferences of ankle and calf were asked to participate in a study: Compression had to be worn daily, (1) 4 weeks IPC+MLD, (2) 4 weeks MLD alone, (3) 4 Weeks IPC alone (Order 1 and 3 was randomized). At the beginning and after each 4 weeks, circumference measurements (by hand and by machine: BT600, Bauerfeind) were documented, pain and discomfort were assessed, and quality-of-life questionnaires were completed. Of 20 participants, 18 (14 female, 4 male), mean age 59.6 years (48-89) could be evaluated. 11 subjects had bilateral, 7 unilateral, 5 primary, 13 secondary lymphedema since 2-20 years (mean 7.7), the subjects had received MLD and compression for 2-14 years (mean 6.4), 1-3 times per week (mean 1.5). The BMI ranged between 21 and 47 (mean 33.7). No differences between any phases were found for: Calf and thigh volume, circumference of calf. Only the ankle circumference was significant less (-0.22 cm) when using "both" (IPC+MLD). Compared to before the study, quality of life was better in all three phases, but with a significantly higher improvement in the phases with IPC than in the phases without. There were no differences in objective measurement between MLD alone, IPC alone or both, excepting the minimal significant difference in ankle circumference after IPC+MLD. QOL favored IPC application. Considering the economic consequences of these results, a change of maintenance therapy with MLD weekly over years in favor of permanent care with IPC and few appointments of MLD per year should be considered and further investigated.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Manual Lymphatic Drainage; Quality of Life; Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices; Lymphedema; Pressure; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37840280
DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a001090 -
Journal of the Intensive Care Society Aug 2023This study aims to assess the association between mean platelet volume (MPV) and poor outcome in patients with COVID-19.
INTRODUCTION
This study aims to assess the association between mean platelet volume (MPV) and poor outcome in patients with COVID-19.
METHODS
We performed a comprehensive literature search using the PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases with keywords "2019-nCoV" OR "SARS-CoV-2" OR "COVID-19" AND "mean platelet volume" OR "MPV" on 8 July 2021. The primary outcome was composite poor outcome, defined as severe COVID-19 or mortality. The pooled effect estimate was reported as mean differences in terms of MPV between the group with and without outcome.
RESULTS
There were 17 studies which consist of 4549 patients with COVID-19 were included in this study. The incidence of poor outcome was 25% (20%-30%). Mean MPV was found to be higher in the poor outcome group in compare to no poor outcome group (10.3 ± 1.9 fL vs 9.9 ± 1.7 fL). The mean MPV difference between both group was 0.47 fL [95% CI 0.27, 0.67], < 0.001; : 62.91%, < 0.001). In the sub-group analysis, patients with severe COVID-19 had higher MPV (mean difference 0.54 fL [95% CI 0.28, 0.80], < 0.001; : 54.84%, = 0.014). Furthermore, MPV was also higher in the mortality group (mean difference 0.54 fL [95% CI 0.29, 0.80], = 0.020; : 71.11%, = 0.004). Meta-regression analysis showed that the association between MPV and poor outcome was not affected by age ( = 0.789), gender ( = 0.167), platelets ( = 0.056), white blood cells ( = 0.639), and lymphocytes ( = 0.733).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis indicated that increased MPV was associated with severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Further research is needed to determine the optimum cut-off point.
PubMed: 37744074
DOI: 10.1177/17511437221121234