Category: Statistics

Oral Health Prev Dent. 2024 Aug 6;22:373-380. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b5656148.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and oral disorders remains unclear. This study examined the prevalence and types of dental abnormalities and oral mucosal lesions among female students with obesity attending a Taif University sports centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This non-interventional cross-sectional study enrolled female students with high BMI from a university sports facility using a convivence sampling method. The participants were divided into three BMI groups. Data were collected using an interview and by clinical oral examination. Prevalence and oral disorder types and possible mechanisms linking BMI and dental development were evaluated.

RESULTS: Ultimately, 86 female students with obesity were analysed. The mean BMI was 42.8 kg/m2, indicating high obesity levels. A weak although statistically significant correlation was observed between age and BMI (r=0.27), indicating that older students had higher BMI. A statistically significant association was observed between BMI and dental abnormalities (p0.05). The dental abnormality prevalence increased with BMI, ranging from 37.5% to 40.7% in the ≤40 and >45 kg/m2 groups, respectively. Most participants (66.3%) had oral mucosal lesions, with the highest prevalence among participants in the 40-45 kg/m2 group (71.4%).

CONCLUSION: A statistically significant relationship was observed between BMI and dental abnormalities; obesity may negatively affect oral health.

PMID:39105314 | DOI:10.3290/j.ohpd.b5656148

Orthop Surg. 2024 Aug 6. doi: 10.1111/os.14192. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Bone transport has become the gold standard for treating large segmental tibial bone defects. The technique for application the Ilizarov circular fixator (ICF) has a long learning curve and is associated with many complications. There are few clinical studies on bone transport via the Taylor spatial frame (TSF). The main purpose of this study was to compare the radiological and clinical and outcomes of bone transport by using the TSF and the ICF.

METHODS: There were 62 patients included in this retrospective study from June 2011 to June 2021 and distributed to two groups according to the fixation method: a TSF group consisting of 30 patients and an ICF group consisting of 32 patients. Demographic information, surgical duration, external fixation times, external fixation index, final radiographic results, complications, and clinical outcomes were recorded and examined. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the ASAMI criteria during the most recent clinical visit. Then, statistical analysis such as independent-samples t tests or chi-Square test was performed.

RESULTS: The mean surgical duration in the TSF group was 93.8 ± 7.3 min, which was shorter than that in the ICF group (109.8 ± 1.4 min) (p < 0.05). Compared to the ICF group (10.2 ± 2.0 months), the TSF group (9.7 ± 1.8 months) had a shorter average external fixation time (p > 0.05). The external fixation index was 1.4 ± 0.2 m/cm and 1.5 ± 0.1 m/cm in the two groups. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the two groups. At the last follow-up visit, the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA) in the TSF group were 88.1 ± 12.1° and 80.9 ± 1.3°, respectively. The MPTA and PPTA in the ICF group were 84.4 ± 2.4° and 76.2 ± 1.9°, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (all p < 0.05). The complication rate was 50% in the TSF group and 75% in the ICF group. Moreover, the ASAMI score between the two groups was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference was found in clinical outcomes between the use of Taylor spatial frame and Ilizarov circular fixator for treating large segmental tibial bone defects. However, TSF is a shorter and simpler procedure that causes fewer complications and improves limb alignment.

PMID:39105307 | DOI:10.1111/os.14192

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2024 Dec 31;20(1):2381300. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2381300. Epub 2024 Aug 6.

ABSTRACT

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage was <50% in France in 2022 and even lower among socially disadvantaged populations. We aimed to evaluate socio-demographic determinants of HPV vaccine awareness, uptake, and intention among parents of adolescents, and related attitudes and knowledge items. Parents of adolescents attending middle schools across France, who participated in a randomized trial responded to an anonymous baseline survey, conducted between November 2021 and February 2022. We used logistic regression models adjusting for a child’s age and sex to explore sociodemographic determinants (including at-home multilingualism, occupational categories, local deprivation index and urbanity) of HPV vaccine awareness, uptake, and intention. Among the 1889 participants from 61 schools, parents working as factory workers/farmers had significantly lower odds of vaccine awareness compared to executives/professionals, both if they reported (OR = 0.07; 0.03-0.15) or not (OR = 0.20; 0.11-0.36) speaking also another language than French at home. Parents in lower occupational categories with multilingual families were less likely to have the intention to vaccinate their child (OR = 0.19; 0.07-0.56). Recent physician visit or vaccine offer was strong positive determinants of awareness, uptake and intention. A substantial gradient across occupational categories was observed for attitudes and knowledge around HPV vaccine usefulness, safety, and accessibility. This study confirms the disparities on HPV vaccine uptake in France and provides insight into mechanisms of social disparities in HPV vaccine awareness, access and intention.

PMID:39105306 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2024.2381300

Circ Heart Fail. 2024 Aug 6:e011253. doi: 10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.123.011253. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion is present in 50% to 80% of patients with acute heart failure, depending on image modality. We aim to describe the association between the presence and size of pleural effusion and central hemodynamics, including pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) in an advanced heart failure population.

METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study in a cohort of patients with advanced heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45%) who underwent right heart catheterization at The Department of Cardiology at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark, between January 1, 2002 and October 31, 2020. The presence and size of pleural effusion were determined by a semiquantitative score of chest x-rays or computed tomography scans performed within 2 days of right heart catheterization.

RESULTS: In 346 patients (50±13 years; 78% males) with median left ventricular ejection fraction of 20% (15-25), we identified 162 (47%) with pleural effusion. The pleural effusion size was medium in 38 (24%) and large in 30 (19%). Patients with pleural effusion had a 4.3 mm Hg (2.5-6.1) higher PCWP and 2.4 mm Hg (1.2-3.6) higher central venous pressure (P<0.001 for both). Patients with a medium/large pleural effusion had statistically significantly higher filling pressures than patients with a small effusion. Higher PCWP (odds ratio [OR], 1.06 [1.03-1.10]) and central venous pressure (OR, 1.09 [1.05-1.15]) were associated with pleural effusion in multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and heart failure medications (P<0.001 for both). In a subgroup of 204 (63%) patients with serum albumin data, PCWP (OR, 1.06 [1.01-1.11]; P=0.032), central venous pressure (OR, 1.14 [1.06-1.23]; P<0.001) and serum albumin level (OR, 0.89 [0.83-0.95]; P<0.001) were independently associated with the presence of a medium/large-sized pleural effusion.

CONCLUSIONS: In patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% undergoing right heart catheterization as part of advanced heart failure work-up, pleural effusion was associated with higher PCWP and central venous pressure and lower serum albumin.

PMID:39105292 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.123.011253

Curr Eye Res. 2024 Aug 6:1-9. doi: 10.1080/02713683.2024.2381864. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to observe the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and the relationship between MPOD and retinal thickness in Chinese primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients by the one-wavelength reflectometry method.

METHODS: This study was a prospective comparative observational study, including 39 eyes from 39 PACG patients (15 men and 24 women, mean age 61.89 ± 12.30) and 41 eyes from 41 controls (20 men and 21 women, mean age 63.24 ± 14.02). We measured the MPOD 7-degree area by the one-wavelength reflectometry method and analyzed both the max and mean optical density (OD). The central retinal thickness (CRT) and the total thickness of the macular ganglion cell layer (GCL), and inner plexiform layer (IPL)were measured by spectral-domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Statistical methods such as Shapiro-Wilk test, Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, two independent samples test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used to observe the differences in the MPOD between normal subjects and PACG patients and the correlation between the MPOD and retinal thickness.

RESULTS: The max optical density (Max OD) (PACG group: 0.302 ± 0.067d.u, control group: 0.372 ± 0.059d.u., p < .001) and mean optical density (Mean OD) (PACG group: 0.124 ± 0.035d.u., control group: 0.141 ± 0.028d.u., p < 0.05) were significantly reduced in PACG patients compared with control subjects. Significant decreases in GCL + IPL thickness (PACG group: 74.71 ± 39.56 μm, control group:113.61 ± 8.14 μm, p < 0.001) and CRT (PACG group: 254.49 ± 41.47 μm, control group:329.10 ± 18.57 μm, p < 0.001) were also observed in PACG eyes. There was no statistically significant correlation between the MPOD and GCL + IPL thickness (p = .639, p = .828).

CONCLUSIONS: MPOD was significantly lower in Chinese PACG patients than in the control group, potentially due to thinning of the GCL + IPL thickness. This study provides insights for the pathophysiology, assessment of PACG and potential guidance for lifestyle modifications.

PMID:39105271 | DOI:10.1080/02713683.2024.2381864

Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2024 Aug 1;32(7):350-356. doi: 10.1097/PAI.0000000000001212. Epub 2024 Aug 6.

ABSTRACT

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a prevalent genetic condition associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Accurate identification of LS patients is challenging, and a universal tumor screening approach has been recommended. We present the methodology and results of universal LS screening in our hospital’s Pathology Department. This retrospective study analyzed CRC tumors from a 5-year period (2017-2021). Immunohistochemistry was used to assess MMR protein expression, followed by BRAF V600E analysis and MLH1 promoter methylation. Statistical analysis examined associations between clinicopathologic variables MMR status and LS-suspected tumors. The study analyzed 939 colorectal carcinomas, with 8.7% exhibiting mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, significantly lower than previous research. After applying the algorithm, 24 LS-suspected cases were identified, accounting for 2.6% of tested patients and 29.3% of MMR-deficient tumors. Our study establishes the feasibility of universal testing for all new cases of CRC in detecting individuals at risk for LS, even in the absence of clinical information. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the MMR status in our population, further investigations are warranted.

PMID:39105266 | DOI:10.1097/PAI.0000000000001212

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2024 Dec;44(1):2386975. doi: 10.1080/01443615.2024.2386975. Epub 2024 Aug 6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The increasing awareness of women’s health issues, specifically pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI), has spurred a surge in patients seeking specialised advice for these conditions, necessitating modern diagnostic approaches for such issues. This study explored the diagnostic utility of translabial ultrasound for POP, emphasising its correlation with clinical assessments based on International Continence Society (ICS) criteria.

METHODS: Seventy-one patients with POP Quantification System (POP-Q) stage 0-IV with or without UI were prospectively enrolled at Jagiellonian University Medical College between 2014 and 2016. The study objectives included evaluating diagnostic accuracy and concordance across pelvic compartments, correlating the diagnoses with patient-reported symptoms, and identifying variables contributing to diagnostic discrepancies.

RESULTS: Translabial ultrasound identified POP in 74.5% of the patients, aligning closely with clinical evaluations. Concordance was the highest in assessments performed in the medial compartment (85.8%), while assessments performed in the anterior (29.6%) and posterior (29.6%) compartments showed higher rates of discrepancies. Correlation analyses showed varying associations, with the posterior compartment exhibiting the least pronounced correlation (R = 0.72, p < 0.0001). Self-perceive POP showed no discernible differences in relation to ultrasonographic and clinical assessments. Among the respondents, 55.9% reported experiencing the sensation of POP. Mean POP levels determined using the two approaches precisely matched in 46.5% of these cases. Discrepancies involved variables such as self-perceived POP, number of deliveries, child weight at birth, UI, and sexual activity.

CONCLUSIONS: Translabial ultrasound showed robust correlation with clinical assessments for evaluating POP, especially for defining defects and facilitating treatment-related decision-making. Our findings highlight the reliability of this method, particularly for assessments in the medial compartment. The evidence did not indicate the superiority of either method in detecting POP disorders for symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients. Significantly, a higher POP-Q measurement in clinical examination was correlated with greater sexual activity.

PMID:39105256 | DOI:10.1080/01443615.2024.2386975

Stat Methods Med Res. 2024 Aug 6:9622802241268654. doi: 10.1177/09622802241268654. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Biomechanical and orthopaedic studies frequently encounter complex datasets that encompass both circular and linear variables. In most cases (i) the circular and linear variables are considered in isolation with dependency between variables neglected and (ii) the cyclicity of the circular variables is disregarded resulting in erroneous decision making. Given the inherent characteristics of circular variables, it is imperative to adopt methods that integrate directional statistics to achieve precise modelling. This paper is motivated by the modelling of biomechanical data, that is, the fracture displacements, that is used as a measure in external fixator comparisons. We focus on a dataset, based on an Ilizarov ring fixator, comprising of six variables. A modelling framework applicable to the six-dimensional joint distribution of circular-linear data based on vine copulas is proposed. The pair-copula decomposition concept of vine copulas represents the dependence structure as a combination of circular-linear, circular-circular and linear-linear pairs modelled by their respective copulas. This framework allows us to assess the dependencies in the joint distribution as well as account for the cyclicity of the circular variables. Thus, a new approach for accurate modelling of mechanical behaviour for Ilizarov ring fixators and other data of this nature is imparted.

PMID:39105253 | DOI:10.1177/09622802241268654

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2024 Aug 6:11206721241272156. doi: 10.1177/11206721241272156. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: to investigate the existing practice patterns of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) in Italy and to assess ophthalmologists’ attitudes towards performing ISBCS in the future for cataract treatment.

METHODS: It is a multicenter cross-sectional study. From February,1^st 2023 to March, 1^st 2023 the Members of the Italian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (AICCER) as well as the attendees of its annual national congress were invited to anonymously complete an electronic 7-item questionnaire on their current ICBCS practice. Questions included the average number of procedures per month, the main indications for ICBCS, and the main reasons for performing and not performing ISBCS. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: of the 2300 recipients, 246 (10.7%) completed the survey. Of the respondents, 156 (63.4%) replied to perform ISBCS, most of them (82%) occasionally (1 to 5 procedures per month). Fifty-three percent (130 ophthalmologists) considered adopting ISBCS as routine practice in the near future. The conditions most considered for ISBCS were age-related cataract surgery under general and topical anesthesia and congenital cataract surgery. The availability of separate instruments for the two eyes as well as patient and hospital advantages were the most important reasons for performing ISBCS. The risk of bilateral endophthalmitis and medicolegal issues were the main reasons for not performing ISBCS.

CONCLUSIONS: ISBCS remains controversial among Italian surgeons, despite growing evidence of its safety and efficacy. The risk of potentially blinding complications such as bilateral endophthalmitis, together with medicolegal concerns are the principal barriers to ISBCS implementation in routine practice.

PMID:39105233 | DOI:10.1177/11206721241272156

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2024 Aug 6:11206721241272182. doi: 10.1177/11206721241272182. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To study cases diagnosed of myelinated retinal nerve fibres (MRNF) continuous with the optic disc and describe the plausible pathogenic mechanism for the ocular features in Straatsma syndrome.

METHODS: This retrospective observational study includes clinically diagnosed MRNF cases. MRNF, myopia, and amblyopia defined Straatsma syndrome. MRNF were classified into three types based on location: type 1 in the superior retina, type 2 in the superior and inferior retina, and type 3 in the inferior retina. MRNF size was measured on Optomap^® (Optos, Daytona, UK) images and posterior staphyloma location was noted. Demographics and best-corrected refractive error in logMAR units was recorded. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s corelation test were used to analyse MRNF size’s relationship to refractive error and logMAR visual acuity.

RESULTS: The study included a total of 19 MRNF eyes from 18 patients. Seventeen (89%) eyes had Straatsma syndrome. Median age was 23.50 [range: 4-75] years. One (6%) patient exhibited bilateral presentation. The median logMAR visual acuity was 0.4 log units (interquartile range: 0.18-1.20) and mean refractive error was -7.21 ± 5.32. Type 2 MRNF (n = 14,74%) was the commonest. Average MRNF size was 34.37 ± 40.73 sq.mm. Posterior staphyloma was noted in 17 eyes, all in close MRNF association. Significant positive corelation was noted between logMAR visual acuity and MRNF size (r = 0.5, p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION: Large size MRNF corelated with poor visual acuity in the study. The paper explains the possible pathogenetic mechanisms for the ocular findings seen in MRNF.

PMID:39105228 | DOI:10.1177/11206721241272182