A predictive model for early diagnosis of keratoconus

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Model ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: The diagnosis of keratoconus in the early stages of the disease is necessary to initiate an early treatment of keratoconus. Furthermore, to avoid possible refractive surgery that could produce ectasias. This study aims to describe the topographic, pachymetric and aberrometry characteristics in patients with keratoconus, subclinical keratoconus and normal corneas. Additionally to propose a diagnostic model of subclinical keratoconus based in binary logistic regression models Methods: The design was a cross-sectional study. It included 205 eyes from 205 patients distributed in 82 normal corneas, 40 early-stage keratoconus and 83 established keratoconus. The rotary Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam® type) analyzed the topographic, pachymetric and aberrometry variables. It performed a descriptive and bivariate analysis of the recorded data. A diagnostic and predictive model of early-stage keratoconus was calculated with the statistically significant variables Results: Statistically significant differences were observed when comparing normal corneas with early-stage keratoconus/ in variables of the vertical asymmetry to 90º and the central corneal thickness. The binary logistic regression model included the minimal corneal thickness, the anterior coma to 90º and posterior coma to 90º. The model properly diagnosed 92% of cases with a sensitivity of 97.59%, specificity 98.78%, accuracy 98.18% and precision 98.78%Conclusions: The differential diagnosis between normal cases and subclinical keratoconus depends on the mínimum corneal thickness, the anterior coma to 90º and the posterior coma to 90º.

A predictive model for early diagnosis of keratoconus

10.21203/rs.2.21162/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

GRACIA CASTRO-LUNA ◽

ANTONIO PÉREZ-RUEDA

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Predictive Model ◽

Corneal Thickness ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Model ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models

Abstract Background: The diagnosis of keratoconus in the early stages of the disease is necessary to initiate an early treatment of keratoconus. Furthermore to avoid possible refractive surgery that could produce ectasias. This study aims to describe the topographic, pachymetric and aberrometry characteristics in patients with keratoconus, subclinical keratoconus and normal corneas. Additionally to propose a diagnostic model of subclinical keratoconus based in binary logistic regression models Methods: The design was a cross-sectional study. It included 205 eyes from 205 patients distributed in 82 normal corneas, 40 subclinical keratoconus and 83 established keratoconus The rotary Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam® type) analyzed the topographic, pachymetric and aberrometry variables. It performed a descriptive and bivariate analysis of the recorded data. A diagnostic and predictive model of subclinical keratoconus was calculated with the statistically significant variables Results: Statistically significant differences were observed when comparing normal corneas with subclinical keratoconus/ in variables of the vertical asymmetry to 90º and the central corneal thickness. The binary logistic regression model included the minimal corneal thickness, the anterior coma to 90º and posterior coma to 90º. The model properly diagnosed 92% of cases Conclusions: The differential diagnosis between normal cases and subclinical keratoconus depends on the mínimum corneal thickness, the anterior coma to 90º and the posterior coma to 90º.

A model of visual limitation in patients with keratoconus

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-76489-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Antonio Pérez-Rueda ◽

Gracia Castro-Luna

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Operating Characteristic ◽

Spherical Aberration ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Corrected Visual Acuity

Abstract This paper aims to calculate a relevance model of visual limitation (V.L.) in keratoconus patients based on refractive and topographic parameters. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Torrecárdenas Hospital, Almería, Spain, between February 2018 and July 2019. It included 250 keratoconus patients. Two groups were created according to a grading system of V.L. based on RETICS (Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud) classification: keratoconus patients with no V.L. (best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) ≤ 0.05 logMAR) and keratoconus patients with V.L. (BSCVA > 0.05 logMAR). Correlations and a binary logistic regression were established. V.L. was correlated with maximum curvature (r = 0.649, p < 0.001) and root mean square higher-order aberrations (HOARMS) (r = 0.625, p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression included V.L. as the dependent variable and spherical equivalent, HOARMS, spherical aberration and interaction between the anterior and posterior vertical coma as independent variables. The model was a good fit. Area under the curve (A.U.C.) of receiver operating characteristic (R.O.C.) curve was 0.924, sensitivity 91.90%, specificity 83.60%, accuracy 88.94%; and precision 91.17%. Binary logistic regression model of V.L. is a good fit model to predict the early loss of visual acuity in keratoconus patients.

Predictive model for early diagnosis of keratoconus

10.21203/rs.2.21162/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

GRACIA CASTRO-LUNA ◽

ANTONIO PÉREZ-RUEDA

Keyword(s):

Early Diagnosis ◽

Central Corneal Thickness ◽

Corneal Thickness ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Model ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Recorded Data ◽

Topographic Parameters

Abstract Background To describe the topographic, pachymetric and aberrometry characteristics in patients with keratoconus, subclinical keratoconus/forme fruste and normal corneas. Calculate a diagnostic model of subclinical keratoconus/forme fruste. Methods The design was a cross-sectional study. It included 205 eyes from 188 patients distributed in 82 normal corneas, 40 subclinical keratoconus/forme fruste and 83 established keratoconus The topographic, pachymetric and aberrometry variables obtained by rotary Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam® type) were analyzed. A descriptive and bivariate analysis of the recorded data was performed. A diagnostic model of subclinical keratoconus/forme fruste was calculated. Results Statistically significant differences were obtained when comparing normal corneas with subclinical keratoconus/forme fruste in variables of vertical asymmetry and corneal thickness.The regression model was calculated with the minimum corneal thickness and the anterior coma to 90º and posterior coma to 90º. Conclusions The diagnosis of subclinical keratoconus/forme fruste depends on the central corneal thickness, and two aberrometric topographic parameters the anterior coma to 90º and posterior coma to 90º.

Canine Gastrointestinal Nematodiases and Associated Risk Factors in Kigali City, Rwanda

Journal of Parasitology Research ◽

10.1155/2021/9956256 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Pie Ntampaka ◽

François Niragire ◽

Philip Njeru Nyaga ◽

Gervais Habarugira

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Toxocara Canis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Capital City ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Animal Products

Canine nematodes pose a public health risk to humans and livestock; however, the prevalence of canine nematodiases in Rwanda is unknown. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of canine nematodiases and identifying the risk factors for such infections in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. A cross-sectional study involved 93 dogs selected across Kigali city. Faecal samples were collected from apparently healthy dogs, and nematode eggs were identified and quantified using the McMaster technique. Risk factors for canine nematodiases were analysed by a multivariable binary logistic regression model. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodiases in dogs was 33.3% (95% CI: 23.8–42.9). The most prevalent species was Ancylostoma spp with 32.3% (95% CI: 22.8–41.8). Nearly 38.7% and 3.2% of the dogs infected with Ancylostoma spp and Toxocara canis had high egg counts per gram (EPG) of faeces (≥550), respectively. Approximately 96.8% of dogs infected with nematodes had monoinfection. Logistic regression analysis showed that dog’s age (1 to 2.5 years old), location (Gasabo and Kicukiro districts), and feeding practices were significantly associated with prevalence of canine nematodiases. In particular, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was more than 5 times higher for dogs fed on uncooked animal products and leftovers from households and restaurants compared to those who ate food prepared for them. The AOR was also about 16 times higher for dogs that scavenged and ate leftovers from households compared to those who ate food prepared for them. The findings of this study indicate that the prevalence of GI nematodes in domestic dogs in Kigali city, Rwanda, was 33.3% (95% CI: 23.8–42.9). The identified nematodes, namely, Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara canis, are zoonotic, and dogs and humans are at risk of contracting these nematodes. The factors associated with canine GI nematodes in Kigali city include feeding practices and the dog’s age and location (district). Dog owners need to rethink procedures for deworming and feeding their dogs. Again, the public should be made aware of the role of dogs in transmitting zoonotic nematodes to humans.

MO376CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY FOLLOWING SNAKE BITE INJURIES

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation ◽

10.1093/ndt/gfab082.0030 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Weerakit Naweera ◽

Thapat Wannarong

Keyword(s):

Acute Kidney Injury ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Renal Recovery ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hospital Arrival ◽

Russell’S Viper

Abstract Background and Aims Snakebite is a common animal bite injury in tropical countries. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important complication in snakebite patients. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the clinical profiles and outcomes of patients following hematotoxin-related snakebite associated with kidney impairment. Method We conducted a hospital-based, cross-sectional study of 238 patients with hematotoxin-related snakebite injuries. Data were retrieved from the King Narai Hospital Registry from October 2014 to August 2020. The prevalence of complications associated with snakebite injuries, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and its severity, was determined. Univariate and Multivariate predictors of AKI diagnosis were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis Results A total of 238 patients, with 63.4% men, median (IQR) age 49.8 (39-61) years and median duration from injury to a hospital arrival of 1 hour (0.5-2) hours, were injured by Green pit viper (85.7%), Russell’s viper (12.6%) and Malayan pit viper (1.7%). AKI mostly occurred in Russell’s viper group 66.7%. An AKI was reported in thirty (12.6%, 95% CI: 8.7 % - 17.5%) patients, with the severity of 66.7% stage one, 6.7% stage two, 26.6% stage three by KDIGO classifications, and 13.3% requiring hemodialysis. Complete renal recovery was seen in twenty-two patients (73.3%), while partial renal recovery was 23.3%. Other complications included 84.4 % limb cellulitis, 4.6% significantly bleeding, 2.5% hypotension, 25.6% prolonged venous clotting time (VCT), 46.7% prolonged prothrombin time (PT), and 14.3% prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT). Of total patients, 60.1% were treated with anti-venom. Mortality was relatively low (0.4%). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, AKI was significantly associated with time to hospital arrival more than 3 hours (p = 0.04), Russell’s viper bitten (p = 0.01), clinical bleeding (p = 0.01), and prolonged PT (p < 0.01). Conclusion The prevalence of AKI in patients bitten by hematotoxin snakes was 12.6%, mostly from Russell’s viper. Factors associated with AKI outcomes were time to hospital arrival more than 3 hours, Russell’s viper bitten, clinical bleeding, and prolonged PT. Besides, one-fourth of AKI patients turned to chronic kidney disease.

What Makes a Tweet Fly? Analysis of Twitter Messaging at Four Infection Control Conferences

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2017.170 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (11) ◽

pp. 1271-1276 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Brett G. Mitchell ◽

Philip L. Russo ◽

Jonathan A. Otter ◽

Martin A. Kiernan ◽

Landon Aveling

Keyword(s):

Network Analysis ◽

Infection Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Activity Networks ◽

The Uk

OBJECTIVETo examine tweeting activity, networks, and common topics mentioned on Twitter at 4 international infection control and infectious disease conferences.DESIGNA cross-sectional study.METHODSAn independent company was commissioned to undertake a Twitter ‘trawl’ each month between July 1, 2016, and November 31, 2016. The trawl identified any tweets that contained the official hashtags of the conferences for (1) the UK Infection Prevention Society, (2) IDWeek 2016, (3) the Federation of Infectious Society/Hospital Infection Society, and (4) the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control. Topics from each tweet were identified, and an examination of the frequency and timing of tweets was performed. A social network analysis was performed to illustrate connections between users. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was developed to explore the predictors of ‘retweets.’RESULTSIn total, 23,718 tweets were identified as using 1 of the 2 hashtags of interest. The results demonstrated that the most tweets were posted during the conferences. Network analysis demonstrated a diversity of twitter networks. A link to a web address was a significant predictor of whether a tweet would be retweeted (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9–2.1). Other significant factors predicting a retweet included tweeting on topics such as Clostridium difficile (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.7–2.4) and the media (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.6–2.0). Tweets that contained a picture were significantly less likely to be retweeted (OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.05–0.08).CONCLUSIONTwitter is a useful tool for information sharing and networking at infection control conferences.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1271–1276

Association between Free Sugars Intake and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among Chinese Adolescents

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13113959 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 3959

Author(s):

Yue Xi ◽

Qian Lin ◽

Qiping Yang ◽

Fang Li ◽

Hanmei Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness ◽

Daytime Sleepiness ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Chinese Adolescents ◽

School Students ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Free Sugars

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and explore the association between free sugars intake and EDS. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1517 middle school students (808 boys and 707 girls) aged 12~14 years were recruited. The study was conducted in Changsha city, China. Adolescents completed an online questionnaire, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), sleep characteristics, a 12-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and other self-reported information. The ESS score ≥ ten was defined as EDS. The anthropometric indices, including height, weight, and waist circumference, were measured and recorded by uniformly trained assistants. Statistical analyses included the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression model. The mean ESS score and free sugars consumption were 6.8 ± 3.9 points and 53.1 ± 44.7 g/d, respectively. The prevalence of EDS among adolescents was 22.5%, and more girls than boys had EDS (26.1% vs. 19.4%, p < 0.05). An exceeded free sugars intake was positively associated with EDS, with the adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) with its 95% Confident Interval (95% CI) of 1.366 (1.060~1.761, p < 0.05). EDS and excessive consumption of free sugars are commonly found among Chinese adolescents. Further studies are needed to confirm whether free sugars restriction can be meaningful to improve daytime drowsiness in those with EDS.

The Practices of Anaesthesiologists in the Management of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: Empirical Evidence from Cameroon

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9121617 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1617

Author(s):

Dominique Djomo Tamchom ◽

Aristide Kuitchet ◽

Raymond Ndikontar ◽

Serge Nga Nomo ◽

Hermine Fouda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Perioperative Management ◽

Treatment Guideline ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Elective Surgical Procedures

Patients with sickle cell disease are more likely to undergo surgery during their lifetime, especially given the numerous complications they may develop. There is a paucity of data concerning the management of patients with sickle cell disease by anaesthesiologists, especially in Africa. This study aimed to describe the practices of anaesthesiologists in Cameroon concerning the perioperative management of patients with sickle cell disease. A cross-sectional study was carried out over four months and involved 35 out 47 anaesthesiologists working in hospitals across the country, who were invited to fill a data collection form after giving their informed consent. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. Among the 35 anaesthesiologists included in the study, most (29 (82.9%)) had managed patients with sickle cell disease for both emergency and elective surgical procedures. Most of them had never asked for a haematology consultation before surgery. Most participants (26 (74.3%)) admitted to having carried out simple blood transfusions, while 4 (11.4%) carried out exchange transfusions. The haemoglobin thresholds for transfusion varied from one practitioner to another, between < 6 g/dl and < 9 g/dl. Only 6 (17.1%) anaesthesiologists had a treatment guideline for the management of patients with sickle cell disease in the hospitals where they practiced. Only 9 (25.7%) prescribed a search for irregular agglutinins. The percentage of haemoglobin S before surgery was always available for 5 (14.3%) of the participants. The coefficient (0.06) of the occurrence of a haematology consultation before surgery had a significant influence on the probability of management of post-operative complications (coefficient 0.06, 10% level of probability). This study highlights the fact that practices in the perioperative management of patients with sickle cell disease in Cameroon vary greatly from one anaesthesiologist to another. We disclosed major differences in the current recommendations, which support the fact that even in Sub-Saharan countries, guidelines applicable to the local settings should be published.

Procurement planning as a strategic tool for public procurement effectiveness: Experience from selected public procuring entities in Dodoma city, Tanzania

Journal of Public Procurement ◽

10.1108/jopp-05-2020-0047 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Ismail Abdi Changalima ◽

Gift Onesmo Mushi ◽

Shadrack Samwel Mwaiseje

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Model ◽

Logistic Regression Model ◽

Public Procurement ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Survival And Development ◽

Procurement Planning

Purpose The significance of the public procurement function is on the survival and development of procuring entities and that of a nation at large. This study aims to focus on examining the influence of procurement planning on the effectiveness of public procurement, experience from selected public procuring entities in Dodoma city, Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional design was adopted from which data were collected from 146 respondents who were purposively chosen from several public procuring entities located at Dodoma city in the United Republic of Tanzania by using a survey structured questionnaire and analysed through a binary logistic regression model. Findings Findings revealed that procurement planning as a strategic function significantly influences the effectiveness of public procurement. The binary logistic regression model included the implementation of prepared procurement plans (p = 0.039), the involvement of users as stakeholders and important institutional actors in public procurement (p = 0.033), compliance to procurement laws and regulations when planning (p = 0.016) and adequacy of budget (p = 0.042) as predictors of procurement planning were tested to be significantly related to the effectiveness of public procurement. It was concluded that public procuring entities can achieve public procurement effectiveness through procurement planning. Social implications The implications and policy recommendations of the findings of this study would be useful to procurement practitioners mostly in public procuring entities. Originality/value This study contributes to adding knowledge to the existing body of knowledge on procurement planning as an imperative activity in public procurement in Tanzania.

Exercise-induced albuminuria is related to metabolic syndrome

AJP Renal Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajprenal.00481.2015 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 310 (11) ◽

pp. F1192-F1196 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Sharon Greenberg ◽

Shani Shenhar-Tsarfaty ◽

Ori Rogowski ◽

Itzhak Shapira ◽

David Zeltser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Urinary Albumin ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Metabolic Equivalents ◽

Before And After ◽

Study Population ◽

Exercise Induced

Microalbuminuria (MA) is a known marker for endothelial dysfunction and future cardiovascular events. Exercise-induced albuminuria (EiA) may precede the appearance of MA. Associations between EiA and metabolic syndrome (MS) have not been assessed so far. Our aim was to investigate this association in a large sample of apparently healthy individuals with no baseline albuminuria. This was a cross-sectional study of 2,027 adults with no overt cardiovascular diseases who took part in a health survey program and had no baseline MA. Diagnosis of MS was based on harmonized criteria. All patients underwent an exercise test (Bruce protocol), and urinary albumin was measured before and after the examination. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) values before and after exercise were 0.40 (0.21–0.89) and 1.06 (0.43–2.69) mg/g for median (interquartile range) respectively. A total of 394 (20%) subjects had EiA; ACR rose from normal rest values (0.79 mg/g) to 52.28 mg/g after exercise ( P < 0.001); this effect was not shown for the rest of the study population. EiA was related to higher prevalence of MS (13.8% vs. 27.1%, P < 0.001), higher metabolic equivalents ( P < 0.001), higher baseline blood pressure ( P < 0.001), and higher levels of fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, and body mass index ( P < 0.001). Multivariate binary logistic regression model showed that subjects with MS were 98% more likely to have EiA (95% confidence interval: 1.13–3.46, P = 0.016). In conclusion, EiA in the absence of baseline MA is independently related to MS.