Chi-square Test For Trend Research Articles

Low Yield for Routine Laboratory Checks in Follow-up of Coeliac Disease

Aim: To evaluate the yield of routine laboratory tests and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans in coeliac disease.
 Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical files of all followed-up patients with coeliac disease attending Rijnstate Hospital in 2016 was conducted with respect to blood tests of hemoglobin, vitamin B12, folate acid, iron status, calcium, vitamin D, glucose, thyroid function, DEXA-scans and related symptoms or signs of abnormalities. All patients had positive coeliac serology and/or biopsy-proven coeliac disease and attended regular visits after diagnosis. The chi-square test for trend was used for statistical analysis: a two-tailed probability of p < 0.05 was considered significant.
 Results: We analyzed 250 patients with a median follow-up of 7.8 (1-22) years. At diagnosis, we found anemia in 24.4%, iron deficiency in 38%, folic acid deficiency in 22.6% and vitamin B12 deficiency in 15.9%. All deficiencies recovered within 1-2 years with or without supplements. Deficiencies or autoimmune diseases occurred in 50 patients (37 possibly coeliac-related) during follow-up. Twelve cases of coeliac-related deficiencies or autoimmune diseases occurred in patients with normal values at diagnosis of whom 10 were asymptomatic (incidence 10/1000 patient years). Osteoporosis and osteopenia were present in 23.3% and 35% at diagnosis. In most patients bone mineral density (BMD) improved or stabilized during follow up (p < 0.05), 8% deteriorated.
 Conclusions: The incidence of asymptomatic coeliac-related deficiencies or autoimmune diseases is low in patients with normal values at diagnosis. Therefore, routine laboratory screening is not necessary in this group: attending regular follow-up visits should be sufficient. DEXA scans are recommended.

The spatial distribution and epidemic trend of silicosis in Guangdong province

Objective: To investigate the characteristics, temporal trend of silicosis, and provide basis for risk assessment and precise prevention and control of occupational diseases. Methods: Using descriptive statistics to analyze the reported cases of silicosis by SPSS 20.0 software. Reported silicosis cases, the constituent ratio, the incidence age and the working age at onset were analyzed by a linear trend test. Analyzing the variation trends of regional, industry, economic type and enterprise scale distributions by the chi-square trend test. Moreover, using Moran's I method for spatial autocorrelation analysis and trend-surface analysis. Results: (1) During 2006 to 2015, Guangdong province had reported 1, 428 cases of silicosis, mainly gathered in Foshan, Zhongshan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, which included 1391 male cases accounting for 97.41%. And the average incidence age was 45 (39, 51) . The average working age of onset was 9 (5.5, 15) . In economic type distribution, the private economy took the main part, accounting for 59.1%. In enterprise scale distribution, it was dominated by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) , accounting for 32.4% and 37.3% respectively. In industry distribution, most cases were gathered in materials and mining industry, accounting for 32.1% and 22.9% respectively. (2) The number of silicosis cases, the incidence age and the working age of onset showed a rising trend (P<0.01) . Meanwhile, the constituent ratios of medium-sized enterprises and building materials industry were increasing (P<0.05) . The annual variation trends of regional, economic type and age distributions were not statistically significant (P> 0.05) . (3) The spatial distribution trend showed an inverted U type, which was firstly raised and then declined from south to north and from east to west. The distribution characteristic demonstrated some high-high cluster areas, including Chancheng, Nanhai, Shunde, Panyu, Dongguan, Pengjiang, and Zhongshan. While Wuhua showed a high-low outlier form (P<0.01) . Conclusion: Silicosis cases, age and working age of onset were on the rise, as well as the industry and enterprise scale distributions of occupational diseases presented a certain trend in Guangdong province from 2006 to 2015. There were high-high cluster and high-low outlier phenomena in spatial distribution with spatial correlation. Therefore, our work of silicosis epidemic trend and distribution may provide some bases for the occupational disease risk assessment and control.

HIV treatment scale-up: a critical step to controlling HIV epidemic in a resource-limited country.

The study was conducted to determine the trend in HIV treatment coverage among people living with HIV and to evaluate effectiveness of the national antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme in reducing new infections in a mixed HIV epidemic nation, Nigeria. Ecological cross-sectional study. The study utilized national HIV programme service data and National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey (NARHS) data for 36 states and Federal Capital Territory from 2012 to 2015 in Nigeria. Chi-squared test for trend was conducted to determine differences in ART coverage across the years. We correlated 2015 ART coverage with HIV prevalence Annual Rate of Reduction (ARR) between 2012 and 2015. A linear regression model was fitted to predict the HIV prevalence ARR in relation to ART coverage and adjusted for the effect of socio-behavioral interventions (coverage of condom-use among male). Nigeria has recorded steady progress with HIV treatment coverage with an annual rate of progress of 18.25%, P<0.001; however, huge gaps still exist. Females and adults had higher odds of receiving ART. HIV prevalence annual reduction rate was higher for states that had higher ART coverage (r=0.4; P=0.02). Our analysis indicated that a 10% increase in ART coverage was associated with a 4% increase in the annual rate of reduction for HIV prevalence (adjusted β=0.4; 95% confidence interval: 0.1-0.8; P=0.01). Regardless of the low ART coverage, our analysis supports the evidence base to inform accelerated access to HIV treatment for population Nigeria and other similar resource-limited settings to make ending HIV by 2030 a reality.

Low yield for routine laboratory checks in follow-up of coeliac disease.

To evaluate the yield of routine laboratory tests and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans in coeliac disease. A retrospective analysis of medical files of all followed-up patients with coeliac disease attending Rijnstate Hospital in 2016 was conducted with respect to blood tests of hemoglobin, vitamin B12, folate acid, iron status, calcium, vitamin D, glucose, thyroid function, DEXA-scans and related symptoms or signs of abnormalities. All patients had positive coeliac serology and/or biopsy-proven coeliac disease and attended regular visits after diagnosis. The chi-square test for trend was used for statistical analysis: a two-tailed probability of p < 0.05 was considered significant. We analyzed 250 patients with a median follow-up of 7.8 (1-22) years. At diagnosis, we found anemia in 24.4%, iron deficiency in 38%, folic acid deficiency in 22.6% and vitamin B12 deficiency in 15.9%. All deficiencies recovered within 1-2 years with or without supplements. Deficiencies or autoimmune diseases occurred in 50 patients (37 possibly coeliac-related) during follow-up. Twelve cases of coeliac-related deficiencies or autoimmune diseases occurred in patients with normal values at diagnosis of whom 10 were asymptomatic (incidence 10/1000 patient years). Osteoporosis and osteopenia were present in 23.3% and 35% at diagnosis. In most patients bone mineral density (BMD) improved or stabilized during follow up (p < 0.05), 8% deteriorated. The incidence of asymptomatic coeliac-related deficiencies or autoimmune diseases is low in patients with normal values at diagnosis. Therefore, routine laboratory screening is not necessary in this group: attending regular follow-up visits should be sufficient. DEXA scans are recommended.

Practice patterns of primary EBRT with and without ADT in prostate cancer treatment.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been shown to improve survival for men with intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer undergoing external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Using data from a community-based prospective disease registry, we investigated usage of EBRT with or without neoadjuvant ADT. The CaPSURE database contains 14,863 men with prostate cancer, including 1337 men diagnosed between 1990 and 2014 with localized disease who received EBRT as primary treatment. Prostate cancer risk was calculated using the CAPRA score. Patient characteristics were compared using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test for trend and analysis of variance. Between 1990 and 2014, 14,010 men were diagnosed with localized disease within the CaPSURE registry. Of those, 1337 underwent EBRT. Patients had a median age of 71 years. The use of ADT in addition to EBRT increased from 24% in 1990 to 60% in 1996 with a decrease seen to 47% in 2011. Men receiving ADT have differing clinical characteristics including higher PSA at diagnosis, higher Gleason grade, and higher CAPRA scores. Median ADT duration was 4 months. The use of ADT in conjunction with primary EBRT has increased in frequency and duration since 1990. Men receiving ADT have higher risk characteristics than those receiving EBRT alone. There is substantial variability in use of ADT in clinical practice.

Quality analysis of malaria microscopic examinations in Jiangsu Province from 2011 to 2017

To understand the quality of production of blood slides and laboratory personnel's ability to microscopically examine Plasmodium at Jiangsu Province clinic inspection stations at all levels, so as to provide the evidence for the construction of malaria diagnostic laboratories and the evaluation of malaria elimination effect. After the reexamination of the negative blood slides of the examination stations of the malaria center in each county (district), the negative blood slides of the outpatient inspection station in the district and all the positive blood slides of the direct report of the network from 2011 to 2017, the staining and cleanliness of the blood smears, microscopic examination results and the coincidence rate of positive blood species were comprehensively analyzed. A total of 19 109 checked blood samples were examined. The qualified rates of blood preparation, dyeing and cleanliness were 87.5%, 89.3% and 87.6%, respectively. The quality of reexamined blood slides in different years showed statistically significant difference (all P < 0.05), by using chi-square trend test, and there was a trend of increasing year by year. There was a significant difference in the quality of the reexamined blood slides among the different cities with districts (P < 0.05). In addition, there were 1 860 blood samples from 2012 to 2017, and the total coincidence rate was 87.4% and the coincidence rate of positive blood smear examinations was 98.9%. The species coincidence rates of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and mixed infection were 95.4%, 33.3%, 56.0%, 76.5% and 9.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). The total coincidence rates of blood smear reexaminations in different years were 85.0%, 90.1%, 86.0%, 85.3%, 90.0% and 87.6% from 2012 to 2017, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The quality of blood slides at the primary clinic inspection stations in Jiangsu Province conforms to the standard established by the provincial malaria reference laboratory; however, the ability of Plasmodium species identification is insufficient and needs to be improved.

Sexual risk behaviors and practices of female sex workers in Rwanda in over a decade, 2006-2015.

Female sex workers (FSWs) are at high risk for HIV. Cross-sectional surveys using a venue-day-time approach for recruitment were conducted among FSWs in Rwanda in 2006, 2010 and 2015. Chi square test for trends was computed to determine behavior changes. Logistic regression models were computed to determine risk factors associated with consistent condom use for the 2015 survey. There were 1041, 1338, and 1978 FSWs surveyed in 2006, 2010, and 2015, respectively. Condom use at the last sexual encounter with a client was similar in all surveys: 84.2%, 64.1%, and 83.3% (p = 1.0), respectively. Comprehensive HIV knowledge among FSWs was higher in 2015 than in 2006: 18.4%, 53.1%, and 71.1% (p = 0.00), respectively. Living in Kigali City and the Western province (aOR = 1.9 [95% CI: 1.3-2.8] and aOR = 2.0 [95% CI: 1.4-2.9], respectively) and higher level of education (OR = 2.0 [95% CI: 1.4-2.9]) were positively associated with consistent condom use with a client. Street-based FSWs (aOR = 0.7 [95% CI: 0.6-0.9]); FSWs with sex work as sole occupation (aOR = 0.6 [95% CI: 0.5-0.7]); FSWs who experienced sexually transmitted infections in the last year (aOR = 0.7 [95% CI: 0.5-0.8]) and HIV-positive FSWs (aOR = 0.8 [95% CI: 0.6-0.9]) were less likely to report consistent condom use. HIV prevention methods have evolved among FSWs in RWanda over the last decade, but HIV prevalence remains high. Condom use among many FSWs is inconsistent. New approaches for behavior change and income-generating activities are needed to reduce the vulnerability of FSWs in Rwanda.

Knowledge and attitudes of Brazilian dentists regarding dental treatment of children

OBJECTIVE: This survey assessed the attitudes of dentists regarding dental treatment of children, the barriers reported, and knowledge about the recommended age for a child’s first dental visit.METHODS: A self-applied questionnaire was sent to all dentists in Pelotas/Brazil and 187 (67.8%) were returned. The chi-square test was used to analyze categorical or nominal variables; the chisquare test for linear trend was used for the ordinal variables and Fisher’s exact test was used when the cell frequencies were small. The level of significance was set at α=0.05.RESULTS: The majority of the dentists provide dental treatment for children (123; 71.9%). Regarding the barriers to treatment of children, behavior (55.9%) and interest of parents (48.2%) were the most cited. Only 65.9% reported that children should see a dentist no later than 12 months of age. Knowledge about the recommended age was higher among pediatric dentists (p=0.03) and lower among dentists in private practice (p=0.002) and with more years of practice (p=0.02).CONCLUSIONS: Although most of the dentists treat children, barriers have been pointed out. Many of the dentists are not aware of the recommended age for the first dental visit. Given the benefits of early treatment, this attitude should be stimulated among dental professionals.

Yield of Learning Opportunities From a Radiology Random Peer Review Program.

The purpose of this study is to assess the yield and usage of a radiology random peer review program in identifying potentially meaningful discrepancies in radiology reports that could serve as learning opportunities. This retrospective study was performed at a 776-bed tertiary academic hospital that renders more than 620,000 radiology reports annually. A workstation-embedded peer review system was implemented on January 1, 2014, followed by radiologist training over the next 12 weeks. From April 1, 2014, through September 30, 2017 (14 quarters), randomly selected radiologic studies were peer reviewed and scored as follows: 1, agree with original interpretation; 2, minor discrepancy, not likely clinically significant; 3, moderate discrepancy, may be clinically significant; or 4, major discrepancy, likely clinically significant. Reports scored as 3 or 4 were defined as having potentially meaningful discrepancies, and the discrepancy type was characterized. The primary outcome was the quarterly rate of potentially meaningful discrepancies. The secondary outcome was program usage rate (number of reports peer reviewed / total reports generated). Chi-square trend test assessed changes in outcomes over time. Of a total of 42,891 peer reviews performed, the overall potentially meaningful discrepancy rate (or yield) was 0.5% (233/42,891). The quarterly potentially meaningful discrepancy rate decreased significantly over the study period (p < 0.0001). The quarter 14 potentially meaningful discrepancy rate (0.003) was 70% lower than the quarter 1 rate (0.011). Quarterly program usage also decreased significantly over the study period (p < 0.0001). Quarter 14 usage (0.015) was 56% lower than quarter 1 usage (0.034). Among 184 potentially meaningful discrepancy reports that could be categorized, the most common discrepancy type was error of perception (87/184). A workstation-embedded random radiology peer review program had a very low yield in identifying learning opportunities and declining usage over time.

Intervention thresholds and cesarean section rates: A time-trends analysis.

To improve understanding of rising cesarean section (CS) rates in the UK, this study assessed the relation between clinician thresholds for performing CS for delayed labor progress or suspected fetal distress and corresponding CS rates in Aberdeen, UK. Time-trends analysis of term births from 1988 to 2012 in a population of nulliparous women (N = 53745) in Aberdeen, UK, using Chi-square test for trend, and binary logistic regression. Data were obtained from the Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank. Unplanned CS rates per quintile increased from 11.0% (1391/12686) to 21.1% (2383/11273) between 1988 and 2012, while planned CS rates increased from 2.7% (338/12686) to 5.2% (591/11273). The median duration of labor before CS for delayed progress per quintile decreased from 17.2 (IQR 12.5-22.3) to 13.1 hours (9.6-16.9) before first stage CS and from 17.1 (12.6-22.3) to 15.3 (11.5-19.1) hours before second stage CS (P<.001). The proportion of CS for suspected fetal distress performed with evidence of fetal acidosis declined from 23.4% (98/418) to 17.4% (106/608) per quintile (P<.01). Neonatal unit admission (adjusted OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.85-2.14) was more likely following unplanned CS than vaginal births. Birth trauma was less likely following both unplanned (adjusted OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.39-0.60) and planned (adjusted OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.18-0.63) CS. Increased CS rates can be partly attributed to lowered clinical thresholds for intrapartum CS. Higher CS rates are associated with less birth trauma for the offspring.

Incidence and Characteristics of Low-Speed Vehicle Run-Over Events in Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Children and Other Australian Children Aged 0 to 14 Years in Queensland: An 11-Year (1999–2009) Retrospective Analysis

ABSTRACTThe main objective of this study is to describe incidence rates (IRs) of low-speed vehicle run-over events among children aged 0 to 14 years in Queensland, Australia, from 1999 to 2009, by Indigenous Australian status. Data on low-speed vehicle run-over events among children aged 0 to 14 years in Queensland were obtained for 11 calendar years (1999–2009) from all relevant data sources using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, text description, word searches, and medical notes and were manually linked. Crude fatal and nonfatal IRs were calculated for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children; trends over time were analyzed by chi-square test for trend. Relative risks (RRs) were also calculated. Data on demographics, health service usage/outcomes, incident characteristics, and injury characteristics were obtained. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed in order to investigate whether these characteristics varied with Indigenous status. IRs were higher among Indigenous Australian children aged 0 to 14 years (21.76/100,000/annum) than other Australian children (14.09), for every year of the 11-year study. The age group most at risk for low-speed vehicle run-over events were young children aged 0 to 4 years, where incidence was 2.13 times greater among Indigenous Australian children (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.67–2.71). There were no significant changes in incidence of low-speed vehicle run-overs among Indigenous Australian children for 0 to 4, 5 to 9, and 10 to 14 years or overall (0–14 years), during the 11-year study period. Over three quarters (n = 107) of low-speed vehicle run-over events involving Indigenous Australian children occurred outside of major cities (43.7% in other Australian children). These data indicate that Indigenous Australian children are at increased risk of low-speed vehicle run-over events and that characteristics of these events may vary as a function of Indigenous status. These results highlight that culturally specific interventions to reduce low-speed vehicle run-over events are required.

Correction: Evaluation of a community-based intervention to improve maternal and neonatal health service coverage in the most rural and remote districts of Zambia.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190145.].

PO-064 Early birth order and increased risk of lymphoid cancers and allergies in lymphoid cancer families

IntroductionLymphoid cancers are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that arise from immune cells. Familial clustering of lymphoid cancers support a genetic contribution to cancer predisposition. Infectious diseases and some immune disorders have been associated with lymphoid cancers. The hygiene hypothesis proposes that a lower infectious burden during early life inhibits the immune system from maturing optimally, and may lead to disorders of the immune system.Material and methodsWe characterised atopic conditions in lymphoid affected sibships of 182 families with a history of lymphoid cancers. Early life data was collected from telephone interviews and questionnaires from multiple family members. When available, medical records, pathology slides and tissue blocks were used to confirm the lymphoid cancer diagnosis. Lymphoid cancers were classified according to the InterLymph hierarchical classification (Turner, 2010). A chi-squared test for a linear trend in proportions was performed on birth order data for lymphoid affected sibships. This test was also performed on birth order and allergies in lymphoid affected sibships.Results and discussionsWithin 182 families, 301 sibships had 392 lymphoid affected and 927 unaffected siblings. We observed an inverse relationship between birth order and risk of cancer for all lymphoid cancers collectively (p<0.0001), and separately for multiple myeloma (p=0.0015), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (p<0.0001) and individual B-cell subtypes including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (p=0.0124), follicular (p=0.0217) and marginal zone lymphoma (p=0.0169). We also observed an inverse relationship between birth order and risk of allergies (p=0.0284), for both environmental allergies (p=0.0465) and multiple allergies (p=0.0114) in lymphoid affected individuals.ConclusionEarly life exposures that are dependent on birth order may play a role in immune dysregulation and subsequent risk of multiple types of lymphoid cancers, as well as allergies. The familial nature of the cancers implies shared genetic and/or environmental factors. There is a need for further evaluation of lifestyle factors that may protect against lymphoid cancers even in the familial context.

Geriatric syndromes, multimorbidity, and disability overlap and increase healthcare use among older Chinese

BackgroundGeriatric syndromes, multimorbidity, and disability are prevalent among ageing population. However, no study empirically examined their additive or synergistic effect on healthcare use. The present study aims to estimate overlapping prevalence of geriatric syndromes, multimorbidity, and disability; and to examine associations of these three conditions with healthcare use.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and above in 12 Hong Kong districts. Pearson’s chi-squared test for trend was performed to examine prevalence of geriatric syndromes, multimorbidity, and disability across three age groups (60–69, 70–79, and ≥ 80). Multiple logistic regression was conducted to explore associations of these three conditions with three types of healthcare use (hospital admission, general outpatient clinic and specialist outpatient clinic attendance) respectively.ResultsAmong 2618 participants, 75.3, 41.8, and 22.5% had geriatric syndromes, multimorbidity, and disability respectively, and 10.4% had all the three conditions. Prevalence of the three conditions and their coexistence significantly increased with age (p for trend < .001). Each condition was independently associated with at least two out of three types of healthcare use. Interestingly, the associations of multimorbidity and disability with specialist outpatient clinic attendance were weakened at older age, while the associations of geriatric syndromes with hospital admission and specialist outpatient clinic attendance were strengthened. Furthermore, the odds of all the three types of healthcare use increased with the number of conditions present (p for trend < .001).ConclusionsOur findings support that the three conditions overlap and increase healthcare use. Early identification, prevention and intervention targeting older adults living with multiple healthcare needs are necessary.

Prenatal exposure to preeclampsia as an independent risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity of the offspring.

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Regarding the offspring, little is known about the long-term complications. The objective of the current study is to assess whether in utero exposure to preeclampsia increases the risk of long-term cardiovascular morbidity in the offspring. A population-based cohort study compared the incidence of cardiovascular disease between singletons exposed and unexposed to preeclampsia. Deliveries occurred between 1991 and 2014 in a regional tertiary medical center. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to control for confounders. During the study period 231,298 deliveries met the inclusion criteria; 4.1% of the births were to mothers diagnosed with preeclampsia, of which 3.2% with mild preeclampsia (n = 7286), 0.9% with severe preeclampsia (n = 2174) and 0.03% with eclampsia (n = 73). A significant linear association was noted between preeclampsia (no preeclampsia, mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia and eclampsia) and cardiovascular disease of the offspring (0.24%, vs. 0.33% vs. 0.51% vs. 2.73% respectively, p < 0.001 using the chi-square test for trends). In the offspring born at term, severe preeclampsia was found to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity (adjusted HR = 2.32; 95% CI 1.15-4.67). In offspring born preterm, neither severe preeclampsia (adjusted HR = 1.36; 95% CI 0.53-3.48) nor mild preeclampsia (adjusted HR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.52-2.71) were associated with cardiovascular morbidity of the offspring. Exposure to severe maternal preeclampsia is an independent risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity in the offspring born at term.

The value of neuroimaging team meetings for patients in a district general hospital

Neuroradiologists provide quality-assured neuroimaging ­reports. We developed the use of a neuroimaging team meeting to provide second-opinion reporting by neuroradiologists on neuroimaging that had previously been reported by general ­radiologists. Neuroimaging from selected patients was reviewed at the meeting. Where there were discrepancies between an original report from a general radiologist and the report obtained from the meeting involving a neuroradiologist, we classified the discrepancies, recorded the scan modality ­involved and used the data to assess temporal trends in discrepancy rates. Over 4 years, 562 patients (312 women, 250 men, mean age 50.6 [SD 17.3] years) were studied. Agreement occurred for 396 (70.5%) patients. Discrepancies that were not clinically important occurred for 60 (10.7%) patients. Clinically important discrepancies were found for 106 (18.9%) patients: missed lesions for 47 (8.3%) patients and misinterpretations for 59 (10.5%) patients. Cerebrovascular disease was the most common reason for a recommendation of neuroimaging review at a meeting. Scan modality did not influence the frequency of discrepancies. Discrepancy rates decreased with time (chi-squared test for linear trend p=0.015), while the frequency of neuroradiologists’ recommendations for new investigations was stable at one in seven patients. Neuroimaging team meetings can facilitate improvements in neurology diagnoses.

Influencing factors for high level measles antibodies among 6-15 year-old children in Zhejiang province

To determine measles antibody levels and influencing factors among children aged 6 to 15 years in Zhejiang province. Blood samples were collected from 2069 children aged 6 to 15 years in Changxing county (Huzhou) and Liandu district (Lishui) of Zhejiang province. Serum level of measles IgG antibody was measured using ELISA, and 800 mIU/mL was applied as the cut-off point of high antibody level. Chi-square or trend Chi-square test was used to analyze difference in positive rates of high antibody level among children with different characters, and the factors related to high antibody level in the vaccinated children were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Among 2069 subjects, positive rate of high measles antibody level was 36.06% (746/2069). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the high measles antibody level was significantly associated with age of children and the age of first measles vaccine inoculation. The positive rate of high measles antibody level decreased with age(OR=0.866, 95%CI:0.830-0.904, P<0.01), and the positive rate in children whose first vaccination at ≥ 12 months of age was higher than those whose first vaccination at 8 months of age(OR=0.633, 95%CI:0.498-0.805, P<0.01). In order to obtain high measles antibody level and to maintain high levels of population immune barrier, it is suggested that first dose of vaccination can be appropriately delayed in low epidemic areas, and elder children should have timely catch-up vaccination.

Evidence-based dentistry skill acquisition by second-year dental students.

Identification and assessment of Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) outcomes have been elusive. Our objective was to describe EBD skill acquisition during the second (D2) year of pre-doctoral dental education and student competency at the end of the year. The first and fourth (final) curricular-required EBD Exercises (ie, application of the first 4 steps of the 5-Step evidence-based practice process applied to a real or hypothetical situation) completed by D2 students (n=151) during 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 were evaluated to measure skill acquisition through use of a novel rubric with measures of performance from novice to expert. Exercises were evaluated on the performance for each step, identification of manuscript details and reflective commentary on manuscript components. Changes in performance were evaluated using the chi-square test for trend and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Seventy-eight per cent of students scored competent or higher on the Ask step at the beginning of the D2year; scores improved with 58% scoring proficient or expert on the fourth Exercise (P<.001). Most students were advanced beginners or higher in the Acquire, Appraise and Apply steps at the beginning of the D2year, with minimal growth observed during the year. Identification of manuscript details improved between the first and fourth Exercises (P=.015); however, depth of commentary skills did not change. Unlike previous investigations evaluating EBD knowledge or behaviour in a testing situation, we evaluated skill acquisition using applied Exercises. Consistent with their clinical and scientific maturity, D2 students minimally performed as advanced beginners at the end of their D2year.

Sustaining quality in the community: trends in the performance of a structured diabetes care programme in primary care over 16 years

To examine the quality of care delivered by a structured primary care-led programme for people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in 1999-2016. The Midland Diabetes Structured Care Programme provides structured primary care-led management. Trends over time in care processes were examined (using a chi-squared trend test and age- and gender-adjusted logistic regression). Screening and annual review attendance were reviewed. A composite of eight National Institute for Health and Care Excellence-recommended processes was used as a quality indicator. Participants who were referred to diabetes nurse specialists were compared with those not referred (Student's t-test, Pearson's chi-squared test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test). Proportions achieving outcome targets [HbA1c ≤58 mmol/mol (7.5%), blood pressure ≤140/80 mmHg, cholesterol <5.0 mmol/l] were calculated. Data were available for people with diabetes aged ≥18 years: 1998/1999 (n=336); 2003 (n=843); 2008 (n=988); and 2016 (n=1029). Recording of some processes improved significantly over time (HbA1c , cholesterol, blood pressure, creatinine), and in 2016 exceeded 97%. Foot assessment and annual review attendance declined. In 2016, only 29% of participants had all eight National Institute for Health and Care Excellence processes recorded. A higher proportion of people with diabetes who were referred to a diabetes nurse specialist had poor glycaemic control compared with those not referred. The proportions meeting blood pressure and lipid targets increased over time. Structured primary care led to improvements in the quality of care over time. Poorer recording of some processes, a decline in annual review attendance, and participants remaining at high risk suggest limits to what structured care alone can achieve. Engagement in continuous quality improvement to target other factors, including attendance and self-management, may deliver further improvements.

An Evidence-Based Clinical Prediction Algorithm for the Musculoskeletal Infection Society Minor Criteria

BackgroundThe diagnosis of a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a clinical challenge, as there is no uniformly accepted gold standard. In 2011, the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) convened a work group to create a standardized definition for a PJI that could be universally adopted. Based on the MSIS criteria, the diagnosis of a PJI can be made with 1 of the 2 major criteria, or 3 of the 5 minor criteria. The purpose of this study was to determine the likelihood of having a PJI based on the number of positive minor criteria and thereby develop a prediction algorithm for differentiating between a chronic PJI and a non-PJI based on the number of positive MSIS minor criteria. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 297 patients who presented to a tertiary care center between 2004 and 2014 with a failed total joint arthroplasty and subsequently underwent a PJI workup to exclude chronic PJI. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) PJI group and (2) non-PJI group. Patients who had a positive PJI workup and subsequently underwent a 2-stage revision for infection were included in the PJI group. Patients who had a negative clinical and diagnostic workup were included in the non-PJI group. One hundred eighty-two patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study, 91 in each group. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate 21 independent variables in each of the 2 groups. A prediction algorithm for differentiating between a chronic PJI and a non-PJI based on independent multivariate variables was created. ResultsPatients who had a PJI differed significantly (P < .05) from those who did not have a PJI with regard to 10 independent variables, which included all the MSIS minor criteria we evaluated. Five independent multivariate variables were identified to differentiate between the 2 groups: positive cultures, elevated synovial white blood cell count, elevated synovial polymorphonuclear neutrophil percentage, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and elevated C-reactive protein. The predictive probability of a PJI for all 32 combinations of these 5 variables was: 3.6% for 1 positive variable, 19.3% for 2, 58.7% for 3, 83.8% for 4, and 97.8% for 5. The chi-squared test for trend and the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (0.977) suggest that the model is highly predictive, with an excellent diagnostic performance in identifying a PJI. ConclusionsDiagnosing a PJI remains a clinical challenge as there is no gold standard for diagnosis. The development of the MSIS criteria, which is based on a consensus of over 400 of the world's experts in musculoskeletal infection, was a major step forward in defining the diagnosis of a PJI. However, to our knowledge, the likelihood of having a PJI based on the number of positive minor criteria has yet to be validated or quantified. Of the 20 independent variables that were evaluated, 10 were found to be significantly associated with a PJI, including all the MSIS minor criteria evaluated. In addition, a diagnostic prediction algorithm was constructed to determine the likelihood of a PJI based on 5 binary independent multivariate variables. The relationship was also examined with a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. The area under the curve was 0.98, indicating excellent diagnostic performance for the MSIS minor criteria in identifying a PJI. Level of EvidenceIII.