Laboratory Registry Research Articles

A simplified bedside model for acute kidney injury prediction after percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Background Concern for acute kidney injury (AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a major determinant in the decision to pursue cardiac catheterization if otherwise indicated. A bedside AKI risk prediction model derived from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR), most recently updated in 2023, employs relatively complex parameters for AKI prediction. Purpose To test the efficacy of a simplified pre-procedural 5-variable bedside score for post-PCI AKI prediction based on the NCDR model. Methods We analyzed our institution’s NCDR-reported catheterization laboratory registry between Q2 2022 and Q1 2023. Inclusion criteria, variable selection, and definitions were based on the NCDR model. A bedside prediction model was validated, including 5 pre-procedural variables: anemia (hemoglobin <10 mg/dl), history of heart failure, stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate <30 mg/dl), cardiac arrest, and shock status. Results We included 840 patients, of which 593 (70.6%) were men. Mean age was 69 (±12.5). Most procedures were performed on an urgent basis (444, 52.9%). AKI developed in 107 (12.7%) patients. Compared to the non-AKI group, patients who developed AKI were older (age 74±11.5 vs 68.3 ±12.5), and more frequently had anemia (23.6% vs 7.4%), diabetes (51.4% vs 35.2%), severe frailty (45.8% vs 23.7%), heart failure (62.6% vs 29.7%), cardiac arrest (13.1% vs 2.9%), CKD (30.8% vs 6%), shock (12.1% vs 1.5%), and mechanical circulatory support (7.5% vs 2.9%), p<0.001. Utilizing integer scores, the simplified bedside model employing 5 pre-procedural variables demonstrated discrimination similar to the bedside NCDR model, with a C-statistic of 0.77 (0.60-0.88) and excellent calibration (intercept of 0.31 and slope of 1.03) (Figure), indicating the robust performance of the model (compared to bedside NCDR model with a C-statistic 0.793, intercept of -0.197, and slope of 0.957). Conclusion A simplified NCDR-based bedside score using 5 pre-procedural variables is an effective tool for predicting AKI as a complication of PCI, with comparable performance to the 2023 updated bedside NCDR AKI risk model.

Considerations for the use of biochemical laboratory registry data in clinical and public health research

ObjectivesTo inform researchers of central considerations and limitations when applying biochemical laboratory-generated registry data in clinical and public health research. Study Design and SettingAfter review of literature on registry-based studies and the utilization of clinical laboratory registry data, relevant paragraphs and their applicability toward the creation of considerations for the use of biochemical registry data in research were evaluated. This led to the creation of an initial ten considerations. These were elaborated, edited, and merged after several read-throughs by all authors and discussed thoroughly under influence by the authors’ personal experiences with laboratory databases and research registries in Denmark, leading to the formulation of five central considerations with corresponding items and illustrative examples. ResultsWe recommend that the following considerations should be addressed in studies relying on biochemical laboratory-generated registry data: why are biochemical laboratory data relevant to examine the hypothesis, and how were the variable(s) utilized in the study? What were the primary indications for specimen collection in the study population of interest? Were there any pre-analytical circumstances that could influence the test results? Are data comparable between producing laboratories and within the single laboratory over time? Is the database representative in terms of completeness of study populations and key variables? ConclusionIt is crucial to address key errors in laboratory registry data and acknowledge potential limitations.

The Impact of the Donor Card Holder Prioritization Program on Kidney Allocation in Israel.

Since 2014, as part of a priority program within the Israeli Transplant Law, additional points were given to waitlisted candidates with donor cards. We assessed the impact on deceased donor kidney allocation. This study enrolled all patients older than 18 y who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation (January 2016-December 2019). Data were obtained from the National HLA Tissue Laboratory registry at the Sheba Medical Center. Patients were grouped by donor card status (ADI group) (not signed, 0 points; relative signed, 0.1 points; patient signed, 2 points; and relative donated, 9 points). The primary outcome was waiting time until kidney transplantation with and without the additional score. Four hundred forty-four patients underwent kidney transplantation during the study period: 281 (63%) were donor card holders (DCH) and 163 (37%) were not DCH. DCH with extra points waited 68.0 (±47.0) mo on average, compared with 94.6 (±47.3) mo for not DCH (P < 0.001). Donor card signers had a shorter time until transplant in a multivariable model. Without extra points, 145 recipients (32.6%) would have missed organs allocated to higher-scored candidates. Allocation changes occurred in 1 patient because of an additional 0.1 points, in 103 candidates because of an additional 2 points, and in 41 candidates because of an additional 9 points. Additional DCH scores improved allocation and reduced waiting time for donor card signers and those with donating relatives. To enhance fairness, consideration should be given to reducing the score weight of this social criterion and raising scores for other factors, especially dialysis duration.

Detection of Non-Deletional Αlpha Thalassaemia in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang, Malaysia

Background: To date, more than 70 variants of non-deletional mutations associated with α-thalassaemia have been recognized and recorded, showcasing the diverse genetic manifes-tations of the condition. Objective: This study is to provide data on the non-deletional alpha (α) thalassaemia cases at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR), Klang, Selangor and to compare the hematological parameters (Hb, RBC, MCH, MCV, MCHC) of non-deletional α thalassaemia with the deletional variant. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving data extraction from the HTAR hematology laboratory registry on confirmed thalassaemia cases via DNA analysis from January 2017 to December 2019. Hematological parameters were obtained from the laboratory database. Results: A total of 479 α thalassaemia cases were recruited, 98 (20.5%) were non-deletional type. Among these, 75 (76.5%) were hetero-zygous Hb CS, 17 (17.3%) heterozygous Hb Adana, 3 (3.1%) heterozygous Hb Quong Sze (QS) and 1 (1.0%) case each of compound heterozygous Hb Constant Spring (CS) and Hb Adana (αCSα/αCD59α), compound heterozygous Hb CS and -3.7kb deletion (αCSα /-α3.7) and compound heterozygous of Hb CS and SEA deletion (αCSα/--SEA). In the single and double gene mutated groups, there was no significant difference of hematological parameters be-tween the deletional and non-deletional groups. Among the non-deletional variants, there was a significant association between Hb, MCH and MCHC parameters and the number of mu-tated α gene. Conclusion: The result can update the data of non-deletional α thalassaemia.

The Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Fungemia in a Tertiary Hospital in Southern China: A 6-Year Retrospective Study.

Knowledge of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of fungemia in southern China is limited. We conducted a six-year retrospective descriptive study to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of fungemia at the largest tertiary hospital in Guangxi, southern China. Data were obtained from the laboratory registry of patients with fungemia between January 2014 and December 2019. Demographic characteristics, underlying medical conditions, and outcomes for each case were analyzed. A total of 455 patients with fungemia were identified. Unexpectedly, Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) was the most frequently isolated agent causing fungemia in the region (149/475, 31.4%), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) was the most commonly isolated Candida spp. (100/475, 21.1%). We identified that more than 70% of talaromycosis fungemia developed in AIDS patients, whereas candidemia was most commonly associated with a history of recent surgery. Notably, the total mortality rate of fungemia and the mortality rate in patients with T. marneffei and Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) fungemia were significantly higher in HIV-uninfected patients than in HIV-infected patients. In conclusion, the clinical pattern of fungemia in Guangxi is different from that in previous studies. Our study may provide new guidance for the early diagnosis and prompt treatment of fungemia in similar geographic regions.

0428 Area Deprivation Index, Sleep Disordered Breathing and Incident Major Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in a Large Cohort

Abstract Introduction Epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and increased incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, however, to date, the variation of SDB across the socioeconomic spectrum and how this variation is associated with major cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality is unknown. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Cleveland Clinic Sleep Laboratory Registry and included MACE-naïve adults who underwent polysomnography or home sleep apnea test. Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a biomarker of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, was calculated by national rank, i.e. 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles; higher quartiles reflecting greater deprivation (ADI-Q1,2,3,4). ANOVA with pairwise testing was used to compare variables across ADI quartiles. Composite of MACE included heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation and myocardial Infarction or death. Cox proportional hazard regression models tested the association between ADI and SDB-measures of apnea hypopnea Index (AHI) and sleep-related hypoxia (total sleep time spent&amp;lt; 90%SaO2, T90) with MACE. Covariates included demographics, medications, smoking status, Elixhauser Comorbidity Score, and comorbidities. Censoring was sleep study date or last encounter in the electronic medical record. Asterisk (*) indicates statistical significance after pairwise testing. Interaction testing used competing risk (Fine &amp; Gray method). Results Of 72,443 patients, those living in ADI-Q4, compared to those living in ADI-Q1, were more likely to be younger (*48.9± 3.9 vs 50.4±14.2), female (*59.9% vs 40.1%), African American (*49% vs 4.9%), with lower AHI (*13.5[5.4, 34.1]vs15.1[6.2,33.1]) and lower degree of hypoxia (T90:*2.9[0.40,19.01] vs 4.4[0.50, 25.6]). Model adjusted risk for MACE or death for those in ADI-Q4 was 79% greater than ADI-Q1 (HR=1.79,95%CI:1.51-2.12,p&amp;lt; 0.0001). Likewise, increased AHI severity and T90 above median were associated with 13% and 21% increased risk of MACE or death (HR=1.13,95%CI:1.07-1.19,p&amp;lt; 0.0001; HR=1.21,95%CI:1.51-1.27,p&amp;lt; 0.001) respectively. Interactions were observed between T90 and ADI with the risk of MACE (p=0.0016) or death (p=0.0051). Conclusion Living in areas of increasing socioeconomic deprivation confers an increased risk for MACE or death. Moreover, sleep-related hypoxia seems to modify this association. ADI appears to be useful to identify populations at risk for worse cardiovascular outcomes and to inform risk stratification for targeted interventions to decreased sleep-health disparities. Support (if any)

The ankle in XLH: Reduced motion, power and quality of life.

X-linked hypophosphatemia (OMIM 307800) is a rare bone disease caused by a phosphate-wasting condition with lifelong clinical consequences. Those affected suffer from bone pain, complex skeletal deformities, impaired mobility and a reduced quality of life. Early osteoarthritis and reduced range of motion of the lower limbs are known pathologies in XLH patients. However, XLH-specific data on the affected compartments such as the ankle joint through the evaluation of radiographic and gait analysis data is still lacking. In this cross-sectional study, patients with genetically verified XLH, age ≥ 16 - 50 years and a complete record of gait analysis and or radiographic analysis data were included. Clinical examination, radiological and gait analysis data were compared to norms using the dataset of our gait laboratory registry. Radiographic analysis included tibial deformity analysis and assessment of osteoarthritis and enthesopathies. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), SF36v2, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were used. Twentythree participants with 46 limbs were eligible for the study. A total of 23 patients (n=46 feet) met the inclusion criteria. Patients with XLH had significantly reduced gait quality, ankle power and plantar flexion (p < 0.001) compared to a historic gait laboratory control group. Ankle valgus deformity was detected in 22 % and ankle varus deformity in 30 % of the patients. The subtalar joint (59.1%) as well as the anterior tibiotalar joint (31.1%) were the main localizations of moderate to severe joint space narrowing. Ankle power was decreased in moderate and severe subtalar joint space narrowing (p < 0.05) compared to normal subtalar joint space narrowing. No lateral or medial ligament instability of the ankle joint was found in clinical examination. Tibial procurvatum deformity led to lower ankle power (p < 0.05). This study showed structural and functional changes of the ankle in patients with XLH. Subtalar ankle osteoarthritis, patient reported outcome scores and clinical ankle restriction resulted in lower gait quality and ankle power.

The clinical significance of Aspergillus-positive respiratory samples.

Aspergilli moulds are frequently detected in sputum and other respiratory samples. It is not known what the significance of these findings is, or how to differentiate contamination, temporary or persistent colonisation from clinical infection when Aspergilli are found in respiratory samples. In this study we studied the clinical significance of Aspergillus findings from respiratory samples. We retrospectively evaluated 299 patients who had provided Aspergillus-positive respiratory samples in 2007-2016, which provided a follow-up time of 3-13 years. Data were collected from laboratory registry and Helsinki University Hospital medical records. Underlying diseases, immunosuppression, reasons for sample collection, clinical significance of positive Aspergillus culture, antifungal medication, and patient survival were assessed. Underlying pulmonary disease had 88% of patients, most commonly asthma (44%), bronchiectasis (30%) or COPD (21%). Corticosteroids (orally or inhalation therapy) prior to positive samples used 78%; the use of corticosteroids did not explain the development of Aspergillus disease. Pulmonary disease caused by Aspergillus was identified in 88 (29%) of the reviewed patients; remaining samples did not represent clinical disease. Chronic cavitary or fibrosing pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA or CFPA) had 44 (49%) of the diseased. The probability of Aspergillus disease increased when Aspergillus-positive samples were given repeatedly within 1 year (p= .001). Mortality for all reasons was 45%. The repeated positive samples did not predict survival (p= .084), but the diagnosis of CPA did (p< .001). The possibility of Aspergillus disease increases when Aspergilli are found repeatedly, collection of samples should be repeated due to method insensitivity. Diagnosis of CPA predicted significantly lower survival.

The Metabolic Health Index Identifies Patients That Will Benefit From Metabolic Surgery

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome is a modern world's major health hazard related to comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Bariatric surgery is well known to lower this health risk in patients with obesity. There is a need for an objective measure to assess the intended reduction in health hazard and indirectly the eligibility for bariatric surgery. The Metabolic Health Index (MHI) quantitatively summarizes the cumulative impact of the metabolic syndrome on health status on a scale from 1 to 6. This study describes the use of the MHI as a supportive tool in the decision for and outcome assessment of bariatric surgery. MethodsThe general usability of the MHI was tested by extending its application to patient data of five other bariatric centers in the Netherlands. Retrospective laboratory and national bariatric quality registry data of 11,501 patients were collected. ResultsThe quantification of (improvement in) metabolic health burden as measured by the MHI was independent of the dataset that was used to derive the MHI model. Patients with MHI > 2.8 prior to surgery improved significantly more in MHI 12 mo after surgery compared to patients with MHI ≤ 2.8 (1.1 compared to 0.4 MHI points, respectively; P < 0.001). ConclusionsThe MHI is robust between centers and is suitable for general use in clinical decision-making. As changes in MHI over time reflect metabolic health alterations, it is suitable as an outcome measure of surgery. An MHI cut-off value of 2.8 helps to predict the likelihood of significant improvement after surgery, independent of body mass index and known metabolic comorbidities.

Sex-specific differences in diagnostic approaches of inpatient sleep testing for obstructive sleep apnea

BackgroundFew studies have investigated sex-specific disparities in inpatient sleep testing. We postulate that women are more likely to have a milder degree of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and lower extent of hypoxia on Type III sleep studies versus polysomnography (PSG). Patients and methodsThe Cleveland Clinic Sleep laboratory registry was leveraged to identify all adult inpatient sleep studies performed for OSA. Demographics, comorbidities, and sleep study measures were collected and compared by sex and sleep study type. Logistic regression was used to examine sleep study type predictive of OSA (apnea hypopnea index [AHI; ≥5, ≥15 and ≥ 30]) and hypoxia, (median percentage of sleep time spent at <90% SaO2 [TST<90%,≥ 11%,] adjusted for covariates. ResultsThe sample 778 patients had a mean age of 56.1 ± 16.1 years; 44.5% were female and 72.2% Caucasian. At an AHI≥5, women showed an increase odds of OSA (adjusted, OR = 2.04,95%; CI:1.24–3.35, p = 0.005) with Type III sleep study vs PSG compared to men. At an AHI≥15, men had less odds of OSA (adjusted OR = 0.60,95%CI:0.39–0.90,p = 0.015) with Type III sleep study vs PSG compared to women (OR = 1.15,95%CI:0.72–1.85,p = 0.56), with an interaction p-value of 0.040. These results were attenuated when the analysis was restricted using the 3% hypopnea scoring rule. Men and women had higher odds of TST <90 ≥ 11% (OR:2.60,95%CI:1.60–4.21,p=<0.001; OR:3.46,95%CI:1.97–6.05,p < 0.001) with Type III sleep study versus PSG, albeit no sex-interaction was observed. ConclusionsThese results suggest that sex-specific differences in diagnostic performance of sleep testing type in the inpatient setting should be considered according to level of OSA severity, which are influenced by hypopnea-related desaturation extent.

Breast cancer and prevention perspectives: A public health challenge, Buea regional hospital, Cameroon

With 2.100.000 cases annually, breast cancer (BC) is the most common gynecological cancer globally; 627.000 of those cases result in death yearly. In the next 20 years, it is anticipated that there will be 14.000.000 cases annually and 8.200.000 fatalities. There are numerous histological subtypes of BC. The various cancers include invasive ductal carcinoma, papilloma, medullary carcinoma, phyllode tumors, ductal carcinoma in situ, lobular carcinoma in situ, and Paget disease. BC is a huge public health concern because of the steadily rising cases in our low-resource environments, thus raising the stakes to develop effective screening and early detection programs to reduce morbidity and mortality. Breast ultrasonography and clinical examination appear to hold promise for screening campaigns. Methodology: On the one hand, a descriptive retrospective analysis was conducted based on the pathology laboratory registry of the regional hospital in Buea, Cameroon. The time frame was from March 4, 2016, through May 25, 2019. On the other hand, we appreciate the rising number of women who attended BC screening programs from 2020 to 2022. BC was screened via clinical breast examination and breast ultrasonography before biopsy for confirmation. Results: In terms of frequency, the following precancerous lesions and cancers were recorded: invasive breast carcinoma, carcinoma in situ, papilloma, inflammatory carcinoma, phyllode tumours, and angiosarcoma. Their respective percentages were; 74.84, 14, 47, 6.92, 1.89, 1.57, and 0.32. The number of women who came for BC screening increased steadily from 123 in 2020 to 266 in 2021 and 552 in 2022. All with positive biopsy results first underwent a clinical examination. In the presence of any suspicious signs, an ultrasound investigation was ordered. A biopsy was requested in case of any image suspicious of BC. Response to the cancer screening campaigns in Buea has increased markedly since the project's initiation. Conclusion: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy made of various histological types. Our study identified the following pathologies in order of frequency: invasive breast carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, papilloma, inflammatory carcinoma, phyllode tumours, and angiosarcoma. As awareness grows as years go by, there is a huge public health challenge. For mass screening, Clinical examination of the breasts and breast ultrasound seems to be the way forward in prevention, as recommended by many clinical trials and WHO. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the frequency of various types of breast cancer and find a good grassroots approach to BC screening in low-resource settings like ours.

Trigger related outcomes of takotsubo syndrome in a cancer population.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) occurs more frequently in cancer patients than in the general population, but the effect of specific TTS triggers on outcomes in cancer patients is not well studied. The study sought to determine whether triggering event (chemotherapy, immune-modulators vs. procedural or emotional stress) modifies outcomes in a cancer patient population with TTS. All cancer patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) between December 2008 and December 2020 at our institution were enrolled in the catheterization laboratory registry. Demographic and clinical data of the identified patients with TTS were retrospective collected and further classified according to the TTS trigger. The groups were compared with regards to major adverse cardiac events, overall survival and recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) after TTS presentation. Eighty one of the 373 cancer patients who presented with ACS met the Mayo criteria for TTS. The triggering event was determined to be "cancer specific triggers" (use of chemotherapy in 23, immunomodulators use in 7, and radiation in 4), and "traditional triggers" (medical triggers 22, and procedural 18 and emotional stress in 7). Of the 81 patients, 47 died, all from cancer-related causes (no cardiovascular mortality). Median survival was 11.9 months. Immunomodulator (IM) related TTS and radiation related TTS were associated with higher mortality during the follow-up. Patients with medical triggers showed the least recovery in LVEF and GLS while patients with emotional and chemotherapy triggers, showed the most improvement in LVEF and GLS, respectively. Cancer patients presenting with ACS picture have a high prevalence of TTS due to presence of traditional and cancer specific triggers. Survival and improvement in left ventricular systolic function seem to be related to the initial trigger for TTS.

0733 Elucidating Sleep-Related Health Disparities across The Socioeconomic Spectrum Leveraging a Large-Scale Sleep Registry

Abstract Introduction Sleep disparities have been implicated as a contributor to overall health disparities in socially disadvantaged groups. Despite epidemiological studies reporting sleep deprivation and poorer sleep quality among those with low socioeconomic status and group minorities, little is known about the extent to which sleep disorders such as sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), varies across the socioeconomic spectrum. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing data from the Cleveland Clinic Sleep Laboratory Registry. All adults who underwent diagnostic or split (baseline diagnostic) polysomnogram (PSG) or home sleep apnea test (HSAT) were included in the study. Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a biomarker of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, was calculated by national rank, i.e. 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles; higher quartiles reflect greater deprivation. Generalized linear models adjusted for age, race, sex, body mass index(kg/m2) and primary payer were used to investigate association of ADI with SDB breathing measures (apnea hypopnea index, (AHI) and sleep-related hypoxemia (percentage of total sleep time &amp;lt;90%SaO2, [TST&amp;lt;90]). Results The analytic sample included 81,212 sleep studies; 60,013(74%) were PSG and 21,199(26%) HSAT with age: 52.0[41.0, 62.3], 49% females, 19% black race, with BMI=34.5±8.5 kg/m2, 44% with Medicaid and Medicare. Median ADI National Rank 59.0[39.0, 81.0] with higher 4th quartiles in PSG versus HSAT:29.1% vs 16.3%,p&amp;lt;0.001. In the PSG group, ADI was associated with hypoxia measures: TST&amp;lt;90(coefficient p&amp;lt;0.0001), model R2=0.171; mean SaO2(p&amp;lt;0.0001), R2=0.189; minimum SaO2(p&amp;lt;0.0001), R2=0.169; all measures were higher with higher ADI quartiles. In the HSAT group, ADI was associated with mean SaO2(p&amp;lt;0.0001), R2=0.188 and minimum SaO2(p&amp;lt;0.0001), R2=0.181 with all measures being higher with higher ADI quartiles. AHI was associated with ADI(p=0.0032), R2=0.239; but least squares mean AHI did not differ among ADI quartiles in PSG and HSAT groups. Interactions were observed between ADI and age, BMI and male sex (p&amp;lt;0.05), but not race. Conclusion Sleep-related hypoxia was greater among patients living in areas of higher deprivation when considering rankings of neighborhoods by socioeconomic disadvantage. Further understanding of the reason for this sleep disorder-related disparity is needed, i.e. further characterizing theoretical domains and social and geographic determinants of income, education, employment, and housing quality with the overarching goal to improve disparities in health. Support (If Any)

PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF DEPRESSION AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS IN YENAGOA, SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Background: Depression is a mental health condition that affects approximately 350 million people worldwide. People living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) are at increased risk of developing this condition. Identification of location-specific factors is crucial to minimizing this presentation in this sub-population. Aim: The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence, severity, and associated sociodemographic and comorbidity of depression among people living with HIV and AIDS in a laboratory setting in Yenagoa, southern Nigeria. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out on 282 PLWHA, aged 18 years and over. They receive HIV screening services in the laboratory of the Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa from March to April 2017. Sociodemographic data of respondents and selected comorbidities were collected using a modified structured questionnaire from the World Health Organization STEPS tool. Retrieving CD4+ count results from the laboratory registry, and height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were measured. The presence of depression was assessed using the Patients Health Questionnaire-9 tool and performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with depression with a 95% confidence level. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 40±8.8 years and most of them were females 195 (69.2%). Seventy-five (26.6%) of the respondents were depressed, of whom 10 (13.3%) had severe depression, while 41 (54.7%) had mild depression. The most common symptoms of depression were fatigue (30.1%) and dysphoria (28.7%). There was an association between depression and CD4+ count &lt;350 cells/µL with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 2.04 (95%CI: 1.14-3.63) and underweight with an aOR of 2.56 (95%CI: 1.01-6.47), while HAART with an aOR of 0.38 (95%CI: 0.18-0.84) was associated with decreased odds of developing depression. Conclusion: Depression appeared among a significant proportion of people living with HIV and AIDS in Yenagoa, southern Nigeria, and fatigue was the most common symptom of depression. Lack of HAART, low CD4+ count, and being underweight appear to be the major factors negatively associated with depression. There is therefore a need to ensure people living with HIV and AIDS continue to receive HAART to improve CD4+ count and increase BMI. Peer Review History: Received: 28 February 2022; Revised: 17 March; Accepted: 21 April, Available online: 15 May 2022 Academic Editor: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, sally.elzahaby@yahoo.com UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Dr. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Similar Articles: THE RELATION BETWEEN GENERAL HEALTH AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN PERSONNEL OF SHIRAZ CITY EMERGENCY IN 2017

Assessment of Comorbidity in Bariatric Patients through a Biomarker-Based Model-A Multicenter Validation of the Metabolic Health Index.

The metabolic health index (MHI) is a biomarker-based model that objectively assesses the cumulative impact of comorbidities type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia on the health state of bariatric patients. The MHI was developed on a single-center cohort using a fully laboratory data-driven approach, resulting in a MHI score on a range from 1 to 6. To show universal applicability in clinical care, the MHI was validated externally and potential laboratory-related shortcomings were evaluated. Retrospective laboratory and national bariatric quality registry data were collected from five Dutch renowned bariatric centers (n = 11 501). MHI imprecision was derived from the cumulative effect of biological and analytical variance of the individual input variables of the MHI model. The performance of the MHI (model) was assessed in terms of discrimination and calibration. The cumulative imprecision in MHI was 0.25 MHI points. Calibration of the MHI model diverged over the different centers but was accounted for by misregistration of comorbidity after cross-checking the data. Discriminative performance of the MHI model was consistent across the different centers. The MHI model can be applied in clinical practice of bariatric centers, regardless of patient mix and analytical platform. Because the MHI is based on objective parameters, it is insensitive to diverging clinical definitions of comorbidities. Therefore, the MHI can be used to objectify severity of metabolic comorbidities in bariatric patients. The MHI can support the patient-selection process for surgery and objectively assessing the effect of surgery on the metabolic health state.

A population-based analysis of the longevity of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity in the United States.

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study aimed to track population-based SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity duration across the United States using observational data from a national clinical laboratory registry of patients tested by nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) and serologic assays. Knowledge of antibody seropositivity and its duration may help dictate post-pandemic planning.MethodsUsing assays to detect antibodies to either nucleocapsid (N) or spike (S) proteins performed on specimens from 39,086 individuals with confirmed positive COVID-19 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from March 2020 to January 2021, we analyzed nationwide seropositivity rates of IgG up to 300 days following patients’ initial positive NAAT test. Linear regression identified trends in seropositivity rates and logistic regression tested positive predictability by age, sex, assay type and days post-infection.FindingsSeropositivity of IgG antibodies to both SARS-CoV-2 S and N-proteins followed a linear trend reaching approximately 90% positivity at 21 days post-index. The rate of N-protein seropositivity declined at a sharper rate, decaying to 68·2% [95% CI: 63·1–70·8%] after 293 days, while S-antibody seropositivity maintained a rate of 87·8% [95% CI: 86·3–89·1%] through 300 days. In addition to antigen type and the number of days post-positive PCR, age and gender were also significant factors in seropositivity prediction, with those under 65 years of age showing a more sustained seropositivity rate.InterpretationObservational data from a national clinical laboratory, though limited by an epidemiological view of the U.S. population, offer an encouraging timeline for the development and sustainability of antibodies up to ten months from natural infection and could inform post-pandemic planning.

422 Influence of Sex-Specific Differences in Inpatient Sleep Testing Approach for Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract Introduction Increased attention has been focused on sex-specific differences in approaches to diagnostic testing for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) given differences in hypoxia, arousal thresholds and sleep state dependent influences, but with sparse data available for inpatient testing. We postulate that women are more likely to have a lesser degree of sleep apnea on inpatient home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) versus polysomnography (PSG). Methods The Cleveland Clinic Sleep Laboratory registry was queried for inpatient sleep testing (HSAT or PSG conducted over the last 15 years. Demographics, comorbidities, and sleep study (Nihon Kohden®) data were collated. Logistic regression was used to examine sleep study type predictive of OSA at various severity thresholds (apnea hypopnea index (AHI, 3 or 4% hypopnea rule)&amp;gt;5,&amp;gt;15 and &amp;gt;30 and hypoxia (11% (median) time spent with SaO2&amp;lt;90%) adjusted for age, race and body mass index and comorbidities (hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, diabetes, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mood disorders, respiratory failure and epilepsy with a sex interaction term) (OR, 95%CI presented). Results The analytic sample was comprised of 639 patients: age:55.8±16.3 years, 45% female, 73% Caucasian, BMI:37.5 ± 13.3kg/m2, 74% had OSA and 51% HSAT. Men had higher AHI:16.2 [5.9, 42.3] vs 8.2 [2.9, 20.7]p&amp;lt;0.001, higher arousal index:33.1[18.9,.54] vs 25.3 [15.6, 39.2]p=0.003. Women had higher BMI:40.2 ±14.7, vs 36 ±11.7kg/m2,p&amp;lt;0.001. Unlike AHI&amp;gt;5, at AHI&amp;gt;15, men had lower odds of OSA: OR=0.51:0.32–0.80,p=0.004 for HSAT versus PSG compared to women: OR=1.03:0.61–1.72,p=0.92; interaction p-value=0.046. Men had lower odds of OSA (AHI &amp;gt;30): OR=0.57(0.35,0.92,p=0.022) in HSAT vs PSG; albeit sex-interaction was not statistically significant. Men versus women had 2-versus 3-fold higher hypoxia ie. OR=2.04:1.22–3.41,p=0.006 in men undergoing HSAT versus PSG with strength of association higher in women: OR=3.03:1.68–5.46,p=0.001, interaction p-value=0.32 Conclusion We unexpectedly observe sex-specific differences in inpatient sleep testing such that men had an overall lower odds of detection of moderate to severe and OSA and nocturnal hypoxia relative to women with HSAT versus PSG. Future investigation focused on concurrent inpatient PSG and HSAT should verify these sex-specific findings and clarify potential biophysiologic rationale Support (if any) Transformative Neuroscience Research Development Program: Multimodal Neurocardiorespiratory Physiologic Sleep Signal Repository Transformative Resource Facilitating Transdisciplinary Research Opportunities

The impact of therapeutic mediastinal radiation on stent healing in cancer patients: An optical coherence tomography study.

e19096 Background: Cancer is a prothrombotic and proinflammatory state. Understanding stent healing in cancer patients could modify the approach to antiplatelet regimen and facilitate cancer treatment. Mediastinal radiation therapy brings an additional layer of complexity to an already challenging clinical scenario in cancer patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to compare stent healing patterns with and without a history of mediastinal radiation therapy using optical coherence tomography (OCT) data. Methods: All cancer patients that underwent PCI and follow-up OCT less than 12 months post-PCI between 2009-2018 were retrospectively identified from our institutional cardiac catheterization laboratory registry. Stent healing, which was defined by a combination of stent and strut coverage, apposition, expansion, in-stent restenosis, and neo-intimal hyperplasia, was compared among 2 groups of oncological PCI patients: those with and without a history of mediastinal radiation therapy. Differences among the two categories were assessed using linear-effect models. Results: There were 86 cancer patients who received PCI with follow-up OCT within 12 months. Of these, 22% received mediastinal radiation. There was no statistical difference in baseline characteristics (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, etc.) between the two studied groups. In the non-radiation group, 59% were late stage or advanced cancer patients, while 63% of patients in the radiation group were advanced cancer patients. Stent healing was similar among those who had received radiation therapy and those who had not (Table). Conclusions: A history of mediastinal radiation does not appear to affect early stent healing within 1 year of PCI. Given stent healing appears to be similar with or without radiation, dual anti-platelet therapy regimens may not need to change based on radiation exposure alone. Future studies should address the duration of dual antiplatelet regimens and long-term outcomes (i.e. in-stent restenosis) based on stent healing properties. [Table: see text]

Cardiac catherization in Austria : Results from the Austrian National Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Registry (ANCALAR) 2012-2018.

SummaryBackgroundCardiac catheterization is one of the most widely performed cardiac interventional procedures worldwide. The Austrian National Catheterization Laboratory Registry (ANCALAR), started in 1992, collects annual data on cardiac catheterization in Austria. The registry enables in-depth understanding of the dynamics of cardiac catheterization procedures and their use across 34 cardiac catheterization laboratories in Austria.MethodsData from ANCALAR on cardiac catheterization including the latest data for 2017, voluntarily provided by centers with cardiac catheterization laboratories, were analyzed. Where possible, international comparisons in therapeutic and interventional cardiac procedures are made with Switzerland and Germany.ResultsInternationally, Austria ranks alongside the top countries in Europe. Whilst the number of people undergoing routine percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) remains stable, complex and acute interventions are increasing year by year in Austria.ConclusionEvidence from ANCALAR revealed that Austria is another example of the difficulties of weighing current guidelines with new emerging evidence and resulting real-life clinical practice in the dynamic world of interventional cardiology.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00508-019-01599-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Ongoing tuberculosis transmission among second-generation Ethiopian immigrants.

Despite considerable efforts to control tuberculosis (TB) among Ethiopian immigrants in Israel, an outbreak of TB among second-generation Ethiopian immigrants that involved native Israelis occurred between January 2011 and December 2019. The aim of this article is to report on this outbreak and discuss the patient and health system barriers that led to its propagation. Overall, 13 culture-positive TB patients were diagnosed in this outbreak. An additional 36 cases with identical mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes were identified through cross-checking with the National TB Laboratory Registry. Among the 32 close contacts of the index case, 18 (56.3%) reported for screening and treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) was recommended for 11 (61.1%) of them. However, none completed treatment and eight eventually developed TB. Of the 385 close contacts identified in this outbreak, 286 (74.3%) underwent contact investigation, 154 (53.8%) were recommended LTBI treatment, but only 26 (16.9%) completed the treatment. Routine contact investigation and treatment practice measures failed to contain the cascade of infection and disease, leading to the spread of the infecting strain of TB. This report highlights the challenges to identify the high-risk group and address barriers to care among such a vulnerable population.