Category: Statistics

Psychol Methods. 2024 Nov 14. doi: 10.1037/met0000695. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Simulation studies are widely used for evaluating the performance of statistical methods in psychology. However, the quality of simulation studies can vary widely in terms of their design, execution, and reporting. In order to assess the quality of typical simulation studies in psychology, we reviewed 321 articles published in Psychological Methods, Behavior Research Methods, and Multivariate Behavioral Research in 2021 and 2022, among which 100/321 = 31.2% report a simulation study. We find that many articles do not provide complete and transparent information about key aspects of the study, such as justifications for the number of simulation repetitions, Monte Carlo uncertainty estimates, or code and data to reproduce the simulation studies. To address this problem, we provide a summary of the ADEMP (aims, data-generating mechanism, estimands and other targets, methods, performance measures) design and reporting framework from Morris et al. (2019) adapted to simulation studies in psychology. Based on this framework, we provide ADEMP-PreReg, a step-by-step template for researchers to use when designing, potentially preregistering, and reporting their simulation studies. We give formulae for estimating common performance measures, their Monte Carlo standard errors, and for calculating the number of simulation repetitions to achieve a desired Monte Carlo standard error. Finally, we give a detailed tutorial on how to apply the ADEMP framework in practice using an example simulation study on the evaluation of methods for the analysis of pre-post measurement experiments. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID:39541533 | DOI:10.1037/met0000695

J Chem Theory Comput. 2024 Nov 14. doi: 10.1021/acs.jctc.4c01112. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Estimating absolute binding free energies from molecular simulations is a key step in computer-aided drug design pipelines, but the agreement between computational results and experiments is still very inconsistent. Both the accuracy of the computational model and the quality of the statistical sampling contribute to this discrepancy, yet disentangling the two remains a challenge. In this study, we present an automated protocol based on OneOPES, an enhanced sampling method that exploits replica exchange and can accelerate several collective variables to address the sampling problem. We apply this protocol to 37 host-guest systems. The simplicity of setting up the simulations and producing well-converged binding free energy estimates without the need to optimize simulation parameters provides a reliable solution to the sampling problem. This, in turn, allows for a systematic force field comparison and ranking according to the correlation between simulations and experiments, which can inform the selection of an appropriate model. The protocol can be readily adapted to test more force field combinations and study more complex protein-ligand systems, where the choice of an appropriate physical model is often based on heuristic considerations rather than systematic optimization.

PMID:39541508 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jctc.4c01112

J Nanobiotechnology. 2024 Nov 13;22(1):704. doi: 10.1186/s12951-024-02907-5.

ABSTRACT

As novel multifunctional materials that merge enzyme-like capabilities with the distinctive traits of nanomaterials, nanozymes have made significant strides in interdisciplinary research areas spanning materials science, bioscience, and beyond. This article, for the first time, employed bibliometric methods to conduct an in-depth statistical analysis of the global nanozymes research and demonstrate research progress, hotspots and trends. Drawing on data from the Web of Science Core Collection database, we comprehensively retrieved the publications from 2004 to 2024. The burgeoning interest in nanozymes research across various nations indicated a growing and widespread trend. This article further systematically elaborated the enzyme-like activities, matrix, multifunctional properties, catalytic mechanisms and various applications of nanozymes, and the field encounters challenges. Despite notable progress, and requires deeper exploration guide the future research directions. This field harbors broad potential for future developments, promising to impact various aspects of technology and society.

PMID:39538291 | DOI:10.1186/s12951-024-02907-5

BMC Cancer. 2024 Nov 13;24(1):1399. doi: 10.1186/s12885-024-13145-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide. Belgium shows high age-standardized incidence rates, but also high survival rates. Like many health outcomes, breast cancer has been associated with multiple factors of socioeconomic status. This paper aims to (a) map educational differences in breast cancer incidence, mortality and death rates within 5 years of diagnosis, (b) update earlier trends in breast cancer mortality rates in Belgium for the 2004-2013 period and (c) investigate the role of fertility indicators as mediating factors in the association between education and breast cancer outcomes.

METHODS: Data consisted of a linkage between the 2001 Belgian Census, register data on mortality and cancer incidence data (2004-2013) from the Belgian Cancer Registry. We calculated age standardized rates, rate ratios (Poisson regression) and hazard ratios (Cox regression) and furthermore also applied the method of Excess Portion Eliminated (EPE) in a mediation analysis of the fertility indicators. We stratified our analysis by age: younger than 50 (premenopausal) and 50 or older (postmenopausal).

RESULTS: We observed striking differences in breast cancer incidence, all-cause and cause-specific death rates 5-years after diagnosis by educational level. Higher educated women had higher breast cancer incidence, but also lower all-cause and lower cause-specific death rates; adding up to zero differences in breast cancer mortality in the postmenopausal group and lower breast cancer mortality in the premenopausal group.

CONCLUSION: A notable shift in the social gradient occurred since the 1990’s, favouring higher-educated women in recent years. Especially, with regards to survival after diagnosis there is potential for policy intervention. Stage at diagnosis played a crucial role, but differences between socioeconomic groups remained significant after including this parameter. While fertility indicators played a role, the impact was less pronounced than expected.

PMID:39538280 | DOI:10.1186/s12885-024-13145-1

BMC Nurs. 2024 Nov 13;23(1):827. doi: 10.1186/s12912-024-02472-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is essential for nurses to interpret electrocardiograms accurately in cardiac care and emergency departments. Despite rigorous training, nursing students frequently encounter challenges in mastering electrocardiogram interpretation. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an electrocardiogram interpretation software specifically designed for Iranian nursing students enrolled in undergraduate programs.

METHODS: A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was conducted at Ramsar University of Medical Sciences in 2020. Using the census sampling method, 75 nursing students from the two educational hospitals were recruited. Participants were divided into two intervention groups and a control group according to their rotations at their respective hospitals. The software contains evidence-based guidelines, interactive learning modules, practice exercises, and real-life examples. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and t tests, were conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS: A comparison of the two groups according to demographic characteristics, such as sex, age, was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The knowledge and skills of the individuals in the control group significantly improved in comparison to those before the intervention. The use of software enhanced students’ ability to interpret electrocardiograms. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of knowledge and skills of electrocardiogram interpretation. Nursing students reported higher levels of satisfaction after using the software.

CONCLUSION: Moreover, undergraduate nursing students were able to learn more using electrocardiogram interpretation software combined with traditional teaching methods. Combining these two methods in a blended learning approach can improve learning. This software can be integrated into nursing curricula to assist nursing students in interpreting electrocardiograms.

PMID:39538279 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-024-02472-0

BMC Psychol. 2024 Nov 13;12(1):653. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-02170-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The well-being of LGBTQ + medical students can be influenced by religiosity, family support, and the disclosure of their gender identity or sexual orientation. These factors have frequently been overlooked and warrant further consideration in creating a supportive environment for all students.

METHODS: This multicenter study investigated two main outcomes including the differences in religiosity and perceived family support between LGBTQ + and non-LGBTQ + medical students in Thailand, and the gender disclosure to family among LGBTQ + medical students. It was conducted among students from five medical schools across Thailand, using online questionnaires during the academic year 2021-2022. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, religiosity, gender identity/sexual orientation disclosure to family, and perceived family support. Comparisons between groups were conducted using chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

RESULTS: Of the 1,322 participants, 31.2% identified themselves as LGBTQ+, among whom 81.8% were Buddhists. The proportion of non-religious LGBTQ + students was significantly higher (vs. non-LGBTQ+; 15.0% vs. 8.4%, respectively; p = 0.001). However, there was no statistical difference in religiosity between LGBTQ + and non-LGBTQ + students as well as between LGBTQ + subgroups. Although, 74% of LGBTQ + students reported good family support, significantly more LGBTQ + students perceived poor family support (vs. non-LGBTQ+, 7.0% vs. 4.7%; p = 0.002). Regarding the disclosure of gender identity or sexual orientation to the family, the majority of LGBTQ + individuals indicated either a non-disclosure or uncertainty. There were significant associations between perceived family support and the likelihood of disclosing one’s identity to family members, as better perceived support was associated with higher disclosure rates.

CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant difference in religiosity was found between LGBTQ + and non-LGBTQ + students. The majority of LGBTQ + medical students reported receiving good family support; however, among those who perceived their family’s support to be lacking, there was a greater tendency to conceal their gender identity from their families. For future studies, it is crucial to investigate whether this concealment extends to other spheres of their lives and to assess the potential impact on their well-being, including mental health and quality of life.

PMID:39538276 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-024-02170-1

BMC Surg. 2024 Nov 13;24(1):355. doi: 10.1186/s12893-024-02651-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) technique has garnered significant attention for its little paraspinal iatrogenic damage, expedited recovery, and low complication rates. This method is also applicable to open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the outcomes associated with unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (UBE-TLIF), minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF), and TLIF for Meyerding grade I lumbar spondylolisthesis.

METHODS: The study examined the outcomes of 79 patients with Meyerding grade I lumbar spondylolisthesis who underwent single-level intervertebral fusion. Clinical assessments included the measurement of pain levels using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for low back and leg pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), surgical data, and demographic information. Imaging techniques were utilized to evaluate the fusion rate.

RESULTS: The VAS-Back demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in Group UBE-TLIF compared to the other groups at the one-week postoperative evaluation (p < .05). Additionally, the UBE-TLIF group exhibited a significantly longer total operative time compared to the other groups (p < .05). However, it was noted that the Postop Hemovac drain were significantly greater in the MIS-TLIF and TLIF groups compared to the UBE-TLIF group (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS: The present research demonstrated the effectiveness of UBE-TLIF, MIS-TLIF, and TLIF as surgical approaches for treating Meyerding grade I lumbar spondylolisthesis. Among these methods, UBE-TLIF demonstrated a reduction in Postop Hemovac drain, and an increase in operative duration.

PMID:39538275 | DOI:10.1186/s12893-024-02651-5

J Health Popul Nutr. 2024 Nov 13;43(1):186. doi: 10.1186/s41043-024-00681-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted disease that is associated with considerable morbidity and harmful sequelae, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Strategies for prevention and treatment of infertility in women with C. trachomatis infection require further investigation. There is evidence suggesting that vitamin D could be a potential treatment. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, chlamydia seropositivity, and the risk of infertility in women.

METHODS: We conducted this cross-sectional study using 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Women aged 18-39 years with complete serum 25(OH)D and chlamydia Pgp3Ab multiplex bead/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay data available were included. The correlation between 25(OH)D level, chlamydia seropositivity, and infertility was evaluated using the weighted chi-squared test and the t-test with multivariate logistic regression and moderation effect models.

RESULTS: Among the 1424 women who met our eligibility criteria, the weighted chlamydia seropositivity rate was 36.8%. The 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in the seropositive group compared with seronegative control. (P = 0.009). After adjusting for ethnicity, the effect of 25(OH)D was no longer significant (P = 0.693). Further analysis in the chlamydia-seropositive subset revealed that the vitamin D level was lower in the infertile group (P = 0.024). In an interaction model, 25(OH)D was found to antagonizes the positive relationship between chlamydia and infertility (OR = 0.985, 95% CI: 0.971-0.999, P = 0.040).

CONCLUSION: The serum vitamin D level may be more related to the prognosis in terms of infertility than to the risk of chlamydia infection. This finding may reveal a possible treatment strategy for chlamydia infection.

PMID:39538249 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-024-00681-6

Ital J Pediatr. 2024 Nov 14;50(1):243. doi: 10.1186/s13052-024-01799-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis (BE) is defined as a clinical syndrome of recurrent, persistent wet cough and abnormal bronchial dilatation on chest High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) scans. The aims of this study were to characterize the pattern of the trajectories of lung function parameters and to consider the relationship between the lung function and radiological severity according to the modified Reiff score.

METHODS: The study retrospectively considered 86 children (46.5% male, median age of 4 years) with non-CF BE, admitted at the Paediatric Pneumology Unit of Buzzi Children’s Hospital from January 2015 to December 2022. The diagnosis of BE was made according to the presence of a suggestive clinical history and symptoms and key features of BE evidenced on chest HRCT scans. The modified Reiff score was adapted to quantify the severity of BE. Spirometry (COSMED MicroQuark spirometer) was performed at median age of 5.78 years (baseline or T₀) and after 1 and 2 years from the baseline (T₁ and T_2, respectively). The general trends of lung function parameters were estimated by ANOVA models for repeated measurements. For each lung function parameter, a longitudinal regression model was fitted. The analysis was performed with the software R release 4.2.3. The statistical significance was deemed when the p-value resulted lower than 0.05.

RESULTS: The general trends of lung function parameters showed a statistically significant variation of forced vital capacity (FVC%) and forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV₁%) from T₀ to T₁ (p = 0.0062, 0.0009) and no significant change for FVC%, FEV₁% and forced expiratory flow 25-75% of VC (FEF_25/75%) from T₁ to T₂ (p = 0.145, 0.210, 0.600, respectively). Notably, we found no correlation between the age at diagnosis and the lung function parameters at T₀ (r = 0.149, 0.103 and 0.042 for FVC%, FEV₁% and FEF_25/75%, respectively). Instead, a poor negative correlation resulted between the Reiff score and FVC%, FEV₁% e FEF_25/75% at baseline (Spearman coefficients: rho=-0.156, -0.204, -0.103, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: A stable pulmonary function is detectable within 2 years follow up from baseline spirometry. The modified Reiff score should be considered as a good tool not only to quantify the radiological lung involvement but also the degree of pulmonary function impairment.

PMID:39538243 | DOI:10.1186/s13052-024-01799-3

BMC Urol. 2024 Nov 13;24(1):251. doi: 10.1186/s12894-024-01645-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ureteral spatulation, the first ureteral suture, and double-J stenting may be challenging and time-consuming in laparoscopic pyeloplasty, especially in small children. We aimed to present our comparative results of the extracorporeal ureteral spatulation, suturing, and stenting (EUSSS) technique in mini-laparoscopic pyeloplasty (MLP) and the conventional intracorporeal technique in prepubertal children.

METHODS: The data of 46 prepubertal pediatric patients (< 12 years) who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty by a single surgeon between January 2021 and October 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: who underwent EUSSS-MLP (Group-1, n = 26) and who underwent conventional intracorporeal pyeloplasty (Group-2, n = 20).

RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 5.3 years (4.8 ± 2.8 years in Group-1 and 6.0 ± 2.1 years in Group-2 p = 0.126). The mean duration of ureteral preparation plus double-J stenting was 5.7 ± 1.6 min in Group-1 and 19.2 ± 4.1 min in Group-2 (p < 0.0001). The mean duration of surgery was statistically significantly higher in Group-2 (p = 0.034). There was no significant difference in terms of postoperative complications (p = 0.482). Laparoscopic pyeloplasty was successful in 42 (91.3%) patients, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (Group-1: 24 (92.3%), Group-2:18 (90%), p = 0.783).

CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal ureteral preparation and double-J stenting can be safely and effectively preferred in MLP for prepubertal children.

PMID:39538237 | DOI:10.1186/s12894-024-01645-y