Category: Statistics

Eurasian J Med. 2024 Feb;56(1):15-20. doi: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2024.22185.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the cancer patients’ use of apitherapy as supportive care.

METHODS: This descriptive research was carried out between January 2019 and January 2020 at the oncology unit of a university hospital. Power analysis was used to determine the sample size of the study, and a total of 87 patients constituted the sample of the research with a CI of 85%. A questionnaire consisting of questions investigating the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and their knowledge, opinions, and practices about apitherapy was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Statistical Package of Social Sciences 21 package program.

RESULTS: The level of knowledge of the patients about apitherapy is quite low (41.4%), and they received the information they gained from their family/friends (63.9%). The rate of use of apitherapy products by patients is low (27.6%), and the most frequently used product is honey (37.4%). Patients stated that apitherapy products should be used to support cancer treatment (57.5%) and should be used in consultation with a physician (54.0%). The patients who use apitherapy products the most are those with breast cancer.

CONCLUSION: In order for apitherapy to be used as a support in cancer treatment, it is important for healthcare professionals to guide patients about the areas of use of apitherapy and its safe use.

PMID:39128068 | DOI:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2024.22185

Turk J Gastroenterol. 2024 Jul;35(7):539-550. doi: 10.5152/tjg.2024.23451.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually develops in cirrhotic livers, HCCs could also arise in non-cirrhotic livers. We aimed to compare the characteristics and survival of cirrhotic- and non-cirrhotic HCCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of HCC patients between 2011 and 2021 in a single tertiary center was evaluated retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, tumoral and pathological features, and survival outcomes of cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic HCCs were compared.

RESULTS: The study included 188 HCC patients. Median age was 64 (26-92) years and similar for study groups (P = .208). Both groups had similar male/female ratio. Forty-two patients (22.3%) had HCC in non-cirrhotic liver. Non-cirrhotic HCCs had similar tumor differentiation type, radiological characteristics, Milan, University of California San Francisco, and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages, but more unifocal lesion (78.6% vs. 59.6%) and larger tumor size (89.5 (16-240) mm vs. 59.0 (12-290) mm) at presentation compared to non-cirrhotic HCCs. Despite larger tumor size, non-cirrhotic HCC patients had better overall, disease-free and progression-free survival rates than cirrhotic HCCs. Overall survivals for 1 and 3 years were 71.4% and 49.7% for non-cirrhotic and 54% and 28.3% for cirrhotic HCCs, respectively (P = .035). According to Cox analyses, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score (P <.001, hazards ratio (HR): 4.05) and curative treatments (P < .001, HR: 0.21) were predictive for overall survival in cirrhotic HCCs. Curative treatment (P = .027, HR: 0.31) was found to be a significant predictor for overall survival in non-cirrhotic HCCs. Vascular invasion was the only independent predictor for disease-free survival (HR: 2.62, 95% CI 1.01-6.93, P = .049) for non-cirrhotic HCCs.

CONCLUSION: Despite larger tumor size and similar tumor stages, compared to cirrhotic HCCs, non-cirrhotic HCCs were associated with better survival outcomes.

PMID:39128067 | DOI:10.5152/tjg.2024.23451

Eurasian J Med. 2024 Jun;56(2):91-97. doi: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2024.23145.

ABSTRACT

METHODS: The study delves into the antimicrobial properties of vitamins P, K, and E against A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, employing the minimum inhibitory concentration method and scrutinizing biofilm formation within the A549 cell culture.

RESULTS: The combined application of vitamins and antibiotics exhibited a statistically significant effect on both the minimal inhibitory concentration values and biofilm formation (P < .05). Within the realm of fat-soluble vitamins, vitamins K and E, when integrated with antibiotics, revealed varying degrees of influence, with vitamin K displaying the most substantial fractional inhibitory concentration value. Vitamin E, on the other hand, demonstrated a comparatively weaker fractional inhibitory concentration than the other constituents. Nevertheless, it exhibited robust optical density and a pronounced capacity to inhibit biofilm formation. Moreover, among the vitamin groups, it is evident that vitamin E surpasses the efficacy of others (antibacterials affecting K < P <E). The collective application of all vitamins manifested the most potent fractional inhibitory concentration.

CONCLUSION: The synergistic effects of vitamins with antibiotics, as evidenced in this study, may offer a promising alternative for treating multidrug-resistant A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, subject to further investigation through molecular studies.

PMID:39128047 | DOI:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2024.23145

Eurasian J Med. 2024 Feb;56(1):56-60. doi: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2024.23286.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anatomical and histological features of the thoracolumbar fascia may play an active role in chronic low back pain (LBP). This study aimed to evaluate the efcacy of interfascial injection in patients with LBP.

METHODS: Sixty participants with chronic LBP were recruited for this study. The patients were allocated to 2 groups: physical therapy (PT) (n=30) and PT+interfascial injection (IFI) (n=31, 10mL (0.25% bupivacaine)+methylprednisolone (40 mg) injection into the middle layer between the quadratus lumborum and erector spinae muscle). Outcome measures involved performing Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scoring on study participants at pretreatment (PRT), as well as posttreatment at months first, second, fourth, and sixth.

RESULTS: In both groups, NRS and ODI scores were statistically significantly lower than PRT values at the first, second, third, fourth, and sixth months. (P <.05) NRS and ODI scores were significantly lower in the IFI and PT groups compared to the PT group at the first, second, fourth, and sixth months. (P <.05).

CONCLUSION: The study result shows that IFI applied to the middle layer of the thoracolumbar fascia may be efective in individuals with chronic LBP. The efect of fascial structures on LBP should be further investigated.

PMID:39128044 | DOI:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2024.23286

J Int Adv Otol. 2024 May;20(3):196-202. doi: 10.5152/iao.2024.231372.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Incomplete partition type II (IP-II) malformation is often accompanied by a large vestibular aqueduct (LVA). In IP anomalies, the patient’s auditory rehabilitation requirements are decided according to the presence of inner ear structures and the degree of hearing loss (HL). There has been limited research on auditory rehabilitation (AR) requirement selection in patients diagnosed with IP-II and LVA. This study investigated the typical characteristics of HL and AR choices in patients diagnosed with IP-II and LVA.

METHODS: Patients with IP-II and LVA (n=55; 25 women and 30 men) were identified, and audiological evaluations were performed. The patient’s demographic characteristics, the type and degree of HL, the AR method, age at diagnosis, and educational status were retrospectively compared.

RESULTS: The distribution of our 55 patients according to cochlear implants, hearing aids (HA), and bimodal applications was 29.1% (n=16), 43.6% (n=24), and 27.3% (n=15), respectively. Statistical analyses using chi-square tests found no significant differences in the incidence of dizziness/imbalance, tinnitus, HL progression, or the degree and onset of HL among the patients.

CONCLUSION: The data revealed different audiological characteristics among patients with IP-II and LVA, as well as different AR solutions. The most widely used AR modality was found to be HA. Prediction of sudden versus progressive HL development among patients is challenging, and the characteristics of IP-II vary. Therefore, they should be interpreted with caution.

PMID:39128043 | DOI:10.5152/iao.2024.231372

Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2024 Mar;58(2):95-101. doi: 10.5152/j.aott.2024.23143.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of traditional surgery (TS) with those of a 3-dimensional model-assisted surgery (3DS) in hallux valgus (HV) surgery with distal chevron osteotomy.

METHODS: This randomized controlled trial study included 30 patients randomly grouped as TS and 3DS. In the 3DS group, the surgery was simulated on the 3D model before surgery, and that simulation was used as a guide during surgery. Various parameters, such as angles of the HV, intermetatarsal (IM), and distal metatarsal articular, were measured pre-surgery and during the final follow-up. The extent of lateralization of the first metatarsal (FM) head and plantar displacement of the FM head were assessed. Metrics like the duration of the osteotomy+lateralization+K wire fixation, tourniquet time, and fluoroscopy usage were recorded. All assessments were conducted independently and blindly. Patients remained unaware of their group allocation and the randomization procedure.

RESULTS: Both groups showed no statistical differences in gender, operated side, age, or follow-up duration. For instance, in the 3DS group (n=15, age: 44.6 ± 9.6 years, male/female: 14/1, side right/left: 11/4, follow-up duration: 29.4 ± 8.7 months) and TS group (n=15, age: 44.8 ± 9.6 years, male/female: 13/2, side right/left: 10/5, follow-up duration: 28.8 ± 8.4 months). The 3DS group, however, showed better metrics with osteotomy+lateralization+K wire fixation, tourniquet duration, and number of fluoroscopies at 12.4 ± 1.2 minutes, 41.5 ± 3.8 minutes, 2.5 ± 0.6 times. In contrast, the TS group recorded 17.1 ± 1.5 minutes, 50.8 ± 3.4 minutes, and 3.3 ± 0.8 times, respectively (P <.001 for all). The 3DS group also achieved a more significant restoration of the IM angle (P < .001). Postsurgery, the 3DS group demonstrated superior outcomes in FM head lateralization, FM shortening, and plantar displacement (P <.001, P <.001 and P = .006, respectively, for all metrics). Only 1 patient in the 3DS group experienced a pin-tract infection, which was treated with wound care and oral antibiotics.

CONCLUSION: Simulating surgery on a 3D model and using it as a guide significantly enhances surgical outcomes. Benefits include reduced operation time, tourniquet duration, decreased fluoroscopy usage, and improved first-ray alignment. The 3DS method also ensures better lateralization of the first metatarsal head and correction of the IM. Although 3D model-assisted HV chevron osteotomy surgery provides ideal deformity correction, it does not significantly affect postoperative functional outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, Therapeutic Study. Cite this article as:Süer O, Özer MA, Govsa F, Öztürk AM, Aktuğlu SK. Impact of surgery simulation using a 3-dimensional printed model on outcomes of hallux valgus surgery with distal chevron osteotomy: A randomized controlled trial. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc., 2024;58(2):95-101.

PMID:39128039 | DOI:10.5152/j.aott.2024.23143

J Int Adv Otol. 2024 May;20(3):216-224. doi: 10.5152/iao.2024.231270.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic unilateral hearing loss causes imbalanced auditory input to the brain that triggers cortical reorganization. The effect of sensorineural hearing loss on the central auditory system (CAS) has been thoroughly studied, while there is a paucity of research on the effect of conductive hearing loss (CHL). The aim of this study was to assess the P1-N1-P2 cortical auditory evoked response potential (CAEP) in adult individuals with chronic acquired unilateral CHL.

METHODS: This study included 108 participants of both genders: 54 patients with unilateral chronic CHL who were compared to well-matched 54 controls. All were subjected to history-taking, otologic examination, basic audiological evaluation, and bone conduction N1-P2 CAEP.

RESULTS: The affected ears of the cases showed highly statistically significant shorter CAEPs N1, P2, N1-P2 latencies but not P1, and showed highly statistically significant larger N1, P2, N1P2, amplitude than the control group. Latencies decreased and amplitudes increased as the degree of CHL increased, but were not affected by patients’ age, side, or duration of the CHL. Cases with tinnitus had statistically significant and worse results than those without tinnitus.

CONCLUSION: Unilateral chronic CHL might enhance neurocortical plasticity, with greater changes occurring at greater degrees of the CHL.

PMID:39128038 | DOI:10.5152/iao.2024.231270

Thorac Res Pract. 2024 May;25(3):121-129. doi: 10.5152/ThoracResPract.2024.23056..

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the utility of telemedicine conducted via video counseling in comparison to the previous structured approach and to compare prepandemic smoking cessation success rates with traditional counseling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The applicants of the outpatient clinic for smoking cessation support pre- and post-pandemic periods were included in the study. The time intervals were retrospectively between 1 March and 30 August 2021 and the last 3 months of the year 2019. The data were revealed retrospectively. Age, sex, occupation, smoking history as package year, and the score of the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence, accompanying chronic diseases, treatment method, and quitting status between 6 and 9 months of follow-up.

RESULTS: The number of applicants was 200 (87% male) and 89 (95% male) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The age difference was not significant. The difference was statistically significant according to having at least 1 accompanying chronic disease, specifically a lung disease. None of the parameters have affected the success of quitting smoking. The smoking cessation rate was 3.9 fold higher in the telemedicine group than in the traditional group.

CONCLUSION: The main principle appears to be allocating enough time, as required on an individual basis, to clearly assess the situation, including identifying barriers and options. Since immediate systematic physical examination and laboratory testing may not be mandatory for individuals seeking smoking cessation support, telemedicine emerges as a reasonable option and a promising field for comprehensive video counseling.

PMID:39128028 | DOI:10.5152/ThoracResPract.2024.23056.

Bioinformatics. 2024 Aug 10:btae505. doi: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btae505. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

MOTIVATION: Mendelian randomization (MR) is a widely used approach to estimate causal effect of variation in gene expression on complex traits. Among several MR-based algorithms, transcriptome-wide summary statistics-based Mendelian Randomization approach (TWMR) enables the uses of multiple SNPs as instruments and multiple gene expression traits as exposures to facilitate causal inference in observational studies.

RESULTS: Here we present a Python-based implementation of TWMR and revTWMR. Our implementation offers GPU computational support for faster computations and robust computation mode resilient to highly correlated gene expressions and genetic variants.

AVAILABILITY: PyTWMR is available at github.com/soreshkov/pyTWMR.

CONTACT: [email protected]; [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID:39128017 | DOI:10.1093/bioinformatics/btae505

Crit Rev Anal Chem. 2024 Aug 11:1-23. doi: 10.1080/10408347.2024.2388817. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The continuing development of heavy industry worldwide has led to an exponential increase in the amount of wastewater discharged from factories and entering the natural world in the form of rivers and air. As the top of the food chain in the natural world, toxic ions penetrate the human body through the skin, nose, and a few milligrams of toxic ions can often cause irreversible damage to the human body, so ion detection and adsorption is related to the health and safety of human beings. Hydrogel is a hydrophilic three-dimensional reticulated polymer material that first synthesized by Wichterle and Lim in 1960, which is rich in porous structure and has a variety of active adsorption sites as a new type of adsorbent and can be used to detect ions through the introduction of photonic crystals, DNA, fluorescent probe, and other materials. This review describes several synthetic and natural hydrogels for the adsorption and detection of ions and discusses the mechanism of ion adsorption by hydrogels, and provide a perspective for the future development.

PMID:39128001 | DOI:10.1080/10408347.2024.2388817