Category: Statistics

Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2024 Mar 10. doi: 10.1007/s40368-024-00863-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Pulpectomy can be used for the management of deep dentinal carious lesions in primary teeth which can be restored. Mechanical preparation of root canals can be performed using hand or NiTi rotary files. However, this may cause dentinal stress and consequently dentinal microcracks. Hence, the aim was comparative evaluation of hand and rotary file systems on dentinal microcrack formation during pulpectomy procedure in primary teeth.

METHODS: 60 extracted primary molar teeth were selected comprising of 80 root canals. Simple random sampling was used to divide root canals into four groups (n = 20): Group A-Hedstrom file, Group B-Pro AF Baby Gold rotary, Group C-ProTaper Next rotary, and Group D-unprepared group. Assessment was conducted on presence or absence of microcracks using Chi square test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: The total number of microcracks in Group A: one (5%), Group B: four (20%), Group C: nine (45%) and Group D: zero (0%) which was statistically significant (p = 0.002). At cervical third, the number of microcracks seen with Group A: one (5%), Group B: zero (0%), Group C: five (25%) and Group D: zero (0%) (p = 0.005). At the middle third, the number of microcracks seen in Group A: zero (0%), Group B: four (20%), Group C: four (20%) and Group D: zero (0%) (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSION: The study concluded that dentinal microcracks are formed with both hand and rotary file systems in primary teeth. ProTaper Next showed significantly higher number of microcracks, followed by ProAF Baby Gold and H files.

PMID:38461490 | DOI:10.1007/s40368-024-00863-0

Int J Dent Hyg. 2024 Mar 10. doi: 10.1111/idh.12797. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Since peri-implantitis is an increasing and prevalent concern in clinical practice and there is no consensus regarding the best therapeutic protocol, this study evaluated the knowledge and behaviours of dentists working in Implantology regarding implant-related infections modulating factors and therapeutic protocols used in the management of peri-implantitis.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted with 86 Brazilian Implantology clinicians. Data were collected using a structured and online questionnaire evaluating socioeconomic characteristics, education, work/clinical practice, knowledge and attitudes regarding the risk factors and management of peri-implantitis. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated by test-retest technique. The questionnaire was developed based on the last consensus on peri-implant diseases (2018) and the current evidence related to implant-related infections. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted adopting a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS: In this study, 89.5% of included dentists reported that already treated patients with peri-implantitis. Approximately 80% of dentists use antibiotics and mouth rinses during the treatment, and surgical procedures seem the main choice to treat peri-implantitis (91.8%) by dentists. As a preventive approach, 94.2% of dentists reported that routinely assessed biofilm accumulation in the follow-up visits after implant placement. Logistic regression showed that the self-reported ability to treat peri-implantitis was statistically (p < 0.05) higher among dentists who reported abilities to diagnose the disease and use laser for peri-implantitis treatment.

CONCLUSION: Dentists working in Implantology have a good level of knowledge and behaviors in the management of peri-implantitis. However, the lack of consensus regarding the best treatment protocols may reflect dentist’s behaviours because different treatment protocols have been used by evaluated clinicians.

PMID:38461485 | DOI:10.1111/idh.12797

Infect Dis Ther. 2024 Mar 10. doi: 10.1007/s40121-024-00942-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial infections have a significant impact on human health; they can cause severe morbidity and mortality, particularly in susceptible populations. Epidemiological surveillance is a critical tool for monitoring the population’s health and facilitate the prevention and control of infectious disease outbreaks. Knowing the burden of bacterial communicable diseases is an initial core step toward public health goals.

METHODS: Saudi epidemiology surveillance data were utilized to depict the changing epidemiology of bacterial infectious diseases in Saudi Arabia from 2018 to 2021. The cumulative numbers of cases, demographics, and incidence rates were analyzed and visualized. Parametric tests were used to compare the difference in the mean values between categorical variables. Regression analysis was employed to estimate trends in disease rates over time. Statistical significance was set at p value ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS: The results revealed that brucellosis, tuberculosis, and salmonellosis were the most frequently reported bacterial infectious diseases in Saudi Arabia. Males were more significantly affected by brucellosis and tuberculosis infections than females. Salmonellosis infections were more significant among Saudi citizens, while pulmonary tuberculosis was more significant in non-Saudis. Interestingly, there was a decline in the incidence rates of numerous bacterial infectious diseases during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions. Some bacterial infectious diseases were rarely reported in Saudi Arabia, including syphilis and diphtheria.

CONCLUSIONS: The future perspective of this research is to enhance disease surveillance reporting by including different variables, such as the source of infection, travel history, hospitalization, and mortality rates. The aim is to improve the sensitivity and specificity of surveillance data and focus on the mortality associated with bacterial pathogens to identify the most significant threats and set a public health priority.

PMID:38461481 | DOI:10.1007/s40121-024-00942-1

Matern Child Health J. 2024 Mar 10. doi: 10.1007/s10995-024-03918-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Rwanda stands out in East Africa with the lowest infant mortality ratio at 29 per 1000 live births. It also leads in gender equality on the African continent, ranking sixth globally according to the 2022 Global Gender Gap Report. This makes Rwanda an ideal case for studying the link between women’s empowerment and infant mortality.

METHOD: This study aims to assess the impact of women’s empowerment on infant mortality using data obtained from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2005, 2010, and 2015. A three-category women’s empowerment index was created using the principal component analysis method. The statistical analysis employed in this study is multivariate binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Results demonstrate a significant impact of women’s empowerment on reducing infant mortality, considering regional and residential inequalities, bio-demographic factors, and healthcare variables.

CONCLUSION: The findings contribute to existing literature and highlight the importance of empowering women to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Such empowerment not only enhances health but also supports sustainable development and social progress. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and organizations should prioritize investing in women’s empowerment to achieve maternal and child health goals, as empowered women play a pivotal role in driving positive change for a healthier and more equitable society.

PMID:38461476 | DOI:10.1007/s10995-024-03918-2

Electromagn Biol Med. 2024 Mar 10:1-10. doi: 10.1080/15368378.2024.2327432. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to blue light at bedtime, suppresses melatonin secretion, postponing the sleep onset and interrupting the sleep process. Some smartphone manufacturers have introduced night-mode functions, which have been claimed to aid in improving sleep quality. In this study, we evaluate the impact of blue light filter application on decreasing blue light emissions and improving sleep quality. Participants in this study recorded the pattern of using their mobile phones through a questionnaire. In order to evaluate sleep quality, we used a PSQI questionnaire. Blue light filters were used by 9.7% of respondents, 9.7% occasionally, and 80% never. The mean score of PSQI was more than 5 in 54.10% of the participants and less than 5 in 45.90%. ANOVA test was performed to assess the relationship between using blue light filter applications and sleep quality (p-value = 0.925). The findings of this study indicate a connection between the use of blue light filter apps and habitual sleep efficiency in the 31-40 age group. However, our results align only to some extent with prior research, as we did not observe sustained positive effects on all parameters of sleep quality from the long-term use of blue light filtering apps. Several studies have found that blue light exposure can suppress melatonin secretion, exacerbating sleep problems. Some studies have reported that physical blue light filters, such as lenses, can affect melatonin secretion and improve sleep quality. However, the impact of blue light filtering applications remains unclear and debatable.

PMID:38461462 | DOI:10.1080/15368378.2024.2327432

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2024 Mar 10. doi: 10.1007/s00404-024-07394-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colposcopy has a key role to play in see-and-treat programs for premalignant cervical lesions. The aim of the study/was to observe cervical changes with a colposcope using the Swede scoring system in fertile age group women using various contraceptives: conventional methods (barrier methods, coitus interruptus), oral contraceptives (OCPs), copper-T and bilateral tubectomy. The aim of the study was to observe and evaluate the colposcopic findings using the Swede scoring system for the diagnosis of premalignant/malignant lesions in reproductive age group women using various contraceptives.

METHODS: This was a prospective observational study, conducted among 200 women of reproductive age group using various contraceptives in a tertiary care institute in North India. PAP smear, direct visual examination, VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) examination, colposcopic examination, and (biopsy if indicated) were done. The data were collected, and analysis was done using Microsoft Excel Office Software 2019 version 19.11 and epi info (CDC Atlanta) 7.23.1. Statistical analysis was done using percentages, mean, mode, median, standard deviation, Chi-square, Fisher’s Test, and Anova Test.

RESULTS: We found positive PAP (Papanicolaou test) smears in 61.50%, positive VIA examination in 9%, and positive findings in colposcopic examination in 28.50%, Swede score of 0-3 in 100% (0-91%, 1-2%, 2-6%, and 3-1%) and positive biopsy in 9% subjects. Malignant findings were observed in 1.00% of PAP smears. Colposcopic findings were CIN 1 (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1) in 8.5% and CIN 2 in 0.5% subjects. Swede score was zero in 91%, 1 in 2%, 2 in 6%, and 3 in 1% of subjects. HPE (histopathological examination) was chronic cervicitis in 8.50% and mild dysplasia/CIN 1 in 0.5%. No significant statistical associations between contraceptive choice and false-positive test results or disease prevalence was found in any group except Cu-T users p = 0.0184 (especially for CIN 2; p = 0.0109 and CIN 1 more in all groups than Cu-T users). Colposcopy had sensitivity 100%, specificity 91.46% (0/0 = 0%) PPV = 5.56%, NPV = 100%, Accuracy = 91.5% for detecting mild dysplasia/CIN-non-significant (p = 0.055). Our study had mainly low-grade lesions with 100% NPV. With increase in Swede Score, sensitivity increases but at the expense of specificity but it was statistically non-significant (p = 0.055).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study may guide the rational use of colposcopy with Swede scoring for see-and-treat lesions, which is easy and with a low learning curve, as a tool for diagnosis but only in cases where indicated like unhealthy cervix because of the high rate of false-positive results. In low-grade lesions, it is highly useful to rule out the disease.

PMID:38461428 | DOI:10.1007/s00404-024-07394-5

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 Mar 10. doi: 10.1007/s00405-024-08516-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of shear wave elastography (SWE) in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules and their correlation with the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS).

METHODS: This prospective study included 370 thyroid nodules in 308 patients aged 18-70 years. All the patients underwent B-mode ultrasound (US), Doppler examination, and SWE and were given an ACR TI-RADS risk score before fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and/or surgery. The correlation between SWE parameters and ACR TI-RADS categories was investigated statistically and compared with histopathologic results. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of SWE was evaluated to distinguish malignant and benign thyroid nodules.

RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-five of the 370 thyroid nodules were malignant, and 235 nodules were benign. The mean shear wave velocity (SWV) value of the malignant nodules (3.70 ± 0.98 m/s) was statistically higher than that of the benign nodules (2.70 ± 0.37 m/s). The best cutoff value of the mean SWV for differentiating benign and malignant nodules was found to be 2.94 m/s (sensitivity 90.4%, specificity 89.9%, positive predictive value 81.3%, negative predictive value 94.1%, p < 0.001). The average score of the nodules according to the ACR TI-RADS was 3.57 ± 1.83 in benign nodules and 7.38 ± 2.69 in malignant nodules (p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION: This study showed that combining SWE and TI-RADS improves the specificity of TI-RADS alone in differentiating benign and malignant nodules.

PMID:38461420 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-024-08516-0

STAR Protoc. 2024 Mar 9;5(1):102926. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102926. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Here, we present a protocol for the identification of differentially expressed genes through RNA sequencing analysis. Starting with FASTQ files from public datasets, this protocol leverages RumBall within a self-contained Docker system. We describe the steps for software setup, obtaining data, read mapping, sample normalization, statistical modeling, and gene ontology enrichment. We then detail procedures for interpreting results with plots and tables. RumBall internally utilizes popular tools, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the analysis process.

PMID:38461412 | DOI:10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102926

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2024 Mar 10. doi: 10.1002/ksa.12117. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: There have been insufficient data regarding the long-term results of unrestricted kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (unKATKA) in Asian patients. We investigated mid- to long-term clinical and radiological follow-up data of Korean patients after caliper-verified unKATKA of minimum 7.4-10 years including categorised data of postoperative tibial component, limb and knee alignment. Additionally, we analysed the preoperative distribution and postoperative restoration of coronal plane alignment of knee (CPAK) phenotypes.

METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 63 patients: 96 osteoarthritic underwent consecutive caliper-verified unKATKA between October 2013 and May 2016 by a single surgeon. Implant survivorship was investigated for revision for any reason. Each knee was categorised into an in-range or outlier group by three postoperative alignment parameters: tibial component, knee and limb alignment. Statistical analyses were done for any significant differences in clinical scores and implant survival rates between groups. Finally, all knees were classified into CPAK classification postoperatively and postoperatively. The CPAK restoration rate was calculated.

RESULTS: Among 85 knees in the clinically confirmed group, implant survival was 98.8%. There was one case of revision due to periprosthetic fracture. The percentage postoperatively aligned in the varus (valgus) outlier range was 100% (0%) for tibial component, 16.7% (24.8%) for the knee alignment and 51% (0%) for the limb alignment. All three categories did not affect implant survival or clinical scores. Eighty one out of 96 knees (84.4%) were restored to their CPAK phenotype postoperatively.

CONCLUSION: With the limitation of a case series having a small number of patients and gender deviation, our study suggests that caliper-verified unKATKA could be a good option regardless of geographical variation of constitutional alignment in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

PMID:38461403 | DOI:10.1002/ksa.12117

Int Rev Psychiatry. 2023 Nov-Dec;35(7-8):591-604. doi: 10.1080/09540261.2023.2268720. Epub 2023 Oct 20.

ABSTRACT

There is clear evidence that university students are experiencing significant mental health difficulties, further exacerbated by the temporary closure of university campuses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop, our study – Student Wellbeing and Experiential Learning Spaces (SWELS) – explored the role of experiential learning spaces in supporting student wellbeing. We adopted a mixed-methods approach, consisting of an online survey and interviews with students from three research intensive UK Universities. The survey results revealed that compared to the national average of 16-25-year-olds from the UK Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) wellbeing questionnaire, the sampled students exhibited significantly lower levels of life satisfaction, happiness, perceived worthwhileness and higher levels of anxiety. The qualitative results further confirmed that students perceived their wellbeing to be affected by their university experience and the COVID pandemic. However, the results also suggest that experiential learning spaces (such as museums, collections, libraries, and gardens) hold strong potential to support student mental health. Accordingly, the study indicates that diversifying module content and conscientiously considering both physical and digital learning spaces can positively impact students. In short, curricula that are cognisant of the physical learning environment and embed a focus on wellbeing into their content might help to bolster student wellbeing.

PMID:38461379 | DOI:10.1080/09540261.2023.2268720