Category: Statistics

Sensors (Basel). 2023 Aug 5;23(15):6968. doi: 10.3390/s23156968.

ABSTRACT

Under the influence of multiple types of noises, missing measurement, one-step measurement delay and packet loss, the robust Kalman estimation problem is studied for the multi-sensor descriptor system (MSDS) in this paper. Moreover, the established MSDS model describes uncertain-variance noises, multiplicative noises, time delay and packet loss phenomena. Different types of noises and packet loss make it more difficult to build the estimators of MSDS. Firstly, MSDS is transformed to the new system model by applying the singular value decomposition (SVD) method, augmented state and fictitious noise approach. Furthermore, the robust Kalman estimator is constructed for the newly deduced augmented system based on the min-max robust estimation principle and Kalman filter theory. In addition, the given estimator consists of four parts, which are the usual Kalman filter, predictor, smoother and white noise deconvolution estimator. Then, the robust fusion Kalman estimator is obtained for MSDS according to the relation of augmented state and the original system state. Simultaneously, the robustness is demonstrated for the actual Kalman estimator of MSDS by using the mathematical induction method and Lyapunov’s equation. Furthermore, the error variance of the obtained Kalman estimator is guaranteed to the upper bound for all admissible uncertain noise variance. Finally, the simulation example of a circuit system is examined to illustrate the performance and effectiveness of the robust estimators.

PMID:37571750 | DOI:10.3390/s23156968

Biomater Adv. 2023 Jul 28;153:213572. doi: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213572. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Data-enabled approaches that complement experimental testing offer new capabilities to investigate the interplay between chemical, physical and mechanical attributes of alloys and elucidate their effect on biological behaviours. Reported here, instead of physical causation, statistical correlations were used to study the factors responsible for the adhesion, proliferation and maturation of pre-osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 cultured on Titanium alloys. Eight alloys with varying wt% of Niobium, Zirconium, Tin and Tantalum (Ti- (2-22 wt%)Nb- (5-20 wt%)Zr- (0-18 wt%)Sn- (0-14 wt%)Ta) were designed to achieve exemplars of allotropes (incl., metastable-β, β + α’, α″). Following confirmation of their compositions (ICP, EDX) and their crystal structure (XRD, SEM), their compressive bulk properties were measured and their surface features characterised (XPS, SFE). Because these alloys are intended for the manufacture of implantable orthopaedic devices, the correlation focuses on the effect of surface properties on cellular behaviour. Physico-chemical attributes were paired to biological performance, and these highlight the positive interdependencies between oxide composition and proliferation (esp. Ti⁴⁺), and maturation (esp. Zr⁴⁺). The correlation reveals the negative effect of oxide thickness, esp. TiO_x and TaO_x on osteoblastogenesis. This study also shows that the characterisation of the chemical state and elemental electronic structure of the alloys’ surface is more predictive than physical properties, namely SFE and roughness.

PMID:37566936 | DOI:10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213572

Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2023 Aug 11:1-17. doi: 10.1044/2023_AJSLP-22-00338. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Exercise-based treatments may improve swallowing safety and efficiency; yet, it is not clearly understood which factors predict nonadherence to recommended treatment protocols. The aim of this study was to construct an algorithm for stratifying risk of nonadherence to a lingual strengthening dysphagia treatment program.

METHOD: Using recursive partitioning, we created a classification tree built from a pool of sociodemographic, clinical, and functional status indicators to identify risk groups for nonadherence to an intensive lingual strengthening treatment program. Nonadherence, or noncompletion, was defined as not completing two or more follow-up sessions or a final session within 84 days.

RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 243 Veterans enrolled in the Intensive Dysphagia Treatment program across six sites from January 2012 to August 2019. The overall rate of nonadherence in this cohort was 38%. The classification tree demonstrated good discriminate validity (C-statistic = 0.74) and contained eight groups from five variables: primary diagnosis, marital status, Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) severity score, race/ethnicity, and age. Nonadherence risk was categorized as high (range: 69%-77%), intermediate (27%-33%), and low risk (≤ 13%-22%).

CONCLUSIONS: This study identified distinct risk groups for nonadherence to lingual strengthening dysphagia rehabilitation. Additional research is necessary to understand how these factors may drive nonadherence. With external validation and refinement through prospective studies, a clinically relevant risk stratification tool can be developed to identify patients who may be at high risk for nonadherence and provide targeted patient support to mitigate risk and provide for unmet needs.

PMID:37566883 | DOI:10.1044/2023_AJSLP-22-00338

J Glaucoma. 2023 Aug 1. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000002280. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PRECIS: Primary angle closure and primary angle-closure glaucoma may exhibit normal intraocular pressure. Twenty-four-hour intraocular pressure fluctuation is highest in primary angle-closure glaucoma. The degree of peripheral anterior synechiae was associated with 24-hour intraocular pressure pattern in primary angle-closure disease without laser iridotomy.

PURPOSE: To study 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) patterns in eyes with chronic primary angle-closure disease (PACD) and evaluate associations between peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) and 24-hour IOP pattern.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Fifty-nine eyes of 35 Asian patients with chronic PACD underwent complete ocular examinations at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Twenty-four-hour IOP records were obtained using Goldmann applanation tonometry at 2-hour intervals. Peak, mean, and trough 24-hour IOP values and 24-hour IOP fluctuation (difference between peak and trough values) were compared among groups. None of the participants received any treatment before complete data collection.

RESULTS: Even univariable analysis demonstrated a significant difference in peak, mean, and trough IOP and 24-hour IOP fluctuation between the three groups, the magnitude of trough IOP was not higher than 21 mmHg in all groups. In multivariable analysis, PAC and PACG eyes showed significantly higher peak IOP (P=0.020 and P=0.006, respectively) and 24-hour IOP fluctuation (P=0.048 and P=0.001, respectively) compared with PACS eyes. In comparison between combined PACS and PAC eyes versus PACG eyes, PACG eyes revealed significantly higher 24-hour IOP fluctuation. The degree of PAS was associated with peak and mean IOP values and with 24-hour IOP fluctuation in PAC and PACG eyes.

CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-four-hour IOP fluctuation was highest in PACG eyes. Although PAC and PACG eyes showed higher peak IOP and 24-hour IOP fluctuation values, compared with PACS eyes, trough IOP in PAC and PACG eyes were mostly below 21 mmHg. In addition, the degree of PAS was associated with a 24-hour IOP pattern in either PAC or PACG eyes.

PMID:37566875 | DOI:10.1097/IJG.0000000000002280

Phys Rev Lett. 2023 Jul 28;131(4):041901. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.041901.

ABSTRACT

The first measurement of event-by-event antideuteron number fluctuations in high energy heavy-ion collisions is presented. The measurements are carried out at midrapidity (|η|<0.8) as a function of collision centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV using the ALICE detector. A significant negative correlation between the produced antiprotons and antideuterons is observed in all collision centralities. The results are compared with a state-of-the-art coalescence calculation. While it describes the ratio of higher order cumulants of the antideuteron multiplicity distribution, it fails to describe quantitatively the magnitude of the correlation between antiproton and antideuteron production. On the other hand, thermal-statistical model calculations describe all the measured observables within uncertainties only for correlation volumes that are different with respect to those describing proton yields and a similar measurement of net-proton number fluctuations.

PMID:37566856 | DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.041901

Ann Plast Surg. 2023 Sep 1;91(3):363-369. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003637.

ABSTRACT

HYPOTHESIS: Outcomes reporting for the surgical release of ulnar nerve cubital tunnel entrapment have variability in subjective, objective, and validated measures. The aim of this study is to review the literature to reassess the measures used to report surgical outcomes for ulnar neurolysis at the elbow.

METHODS: This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines on systematic reviews. Six electronic databases were queried from the past 10 years using specific search terms and Boolean operators. Two independent reviewers assessed 4290 unique titles and abstracts that were screened for inclusion criteria. Sixty-eight full text articles were included for analysis.

RESULTS: Statistical significance was noted in the number of outcome measures reported between studies from journals of impact factor within the first and third quartiles (P = 0.0086) and first and fourth quartiles (P = 0.0247), although no significance exists in the number of cubital tunnel-specific measures based on impact factor (P = 0.0783). Seventy-nine percent (n = 54) of the included studies report subjective measures; 54% (n = 37) included objective measures. Seventy percent (n = 48) of the studies report disease-specific outcome measures.

CONCLUSION: There exists a discordance within the literature regarding the most appropriate, descriptive, and translational measures for reporting surgical outcomes of cubital tunnel syndrome. We recommend journal editors implement a requirement that authors reporting outcomes of ulnar nerve decompression must use a standard, validated measure to make comparisons across the literature universal. Furthermore, a minimum of at least 1 subjective and 1 objective measure should be standard.

PMID:37566818 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003637

J Strength Cond Res. 2023 Aug 11. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004570. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Robinson, L, Murray, A, Ehlert, A, Wells, J, Jarvis, P, Turner, A, Glover, D, Coughlan, D, Hembrough, R, and Bishop, C. Effects of physical training and associations between physical performance characteristics and golf performance in female players: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-The aims of this systematic review were to assess the association between physical performance and measures of golf performance, and the effects of physical training on measures of golf performance, in female golfers. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Medline, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria required studies to (a) have conducted a physical training intervention of any duration in female players and determine the effects on measures of golf performance, (b) determine the association between physical performance in at least one test and golf performance in female players, and (c) be peer-reviewed and published in English language. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index tool, and heterogeneity was examined through the Q statistic and I2. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences (SMDs) (with 95% confidence interval [CI]s) within a random-effects model, with Egger’s regression test used to assess small study bias (inclusive of publication bias). Of the 2,378 articles screened, only 9 were included in the final review, with 3 of these being associative by design and 6 being training interventions. From an associative standpoint, clubhead speed (CHS) was reported in all 3 studies and was associated with measures of strength (r = 0.54), lower-body power (r = 0.60), upper-body power (r = 0.56-0.57), and flexibility (r = 0.52-0.71). When assessing the effects of physical training interventions, CHS was again the most commonly reported golf outcome measure (n = 5). The random-effect model indicated that CHS significantly improves within each training group following training interventions (SMD = 0.73 [95% CIs: 0.32-1.14], Z = 3.50, p < 0.001), with trivial heterogeneity (I2 = 0.00%, Q = 0.18; p = 0.9963) and no prevalence of small study bias depicted through the Egger’s regression test (z = -0.28, p = 0.78). From the available research, it seems that CHS can be positively affected from strength, power, and flexibility training interventions. From an associative standpoint, only 3 studies have been conducted solely in female players, with one showcasing questionable methodology. Future research should aim to carefully select test measures which better represent the physical capacities needed for the sport when determining the effects of and relationships with golf performance.

PMID:37566806 | DOI:10.1519/JSC.0000000000004570

Exp Physiol. 2023 Aug 11. doi: 10.1113/EP091201. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A coagulation component should be considered in phosphate kinetics modelling because intradialytic coagulation of the extracorporeal circuit and dialyser might reduce phosphate removal in haemodialysis. Thus, the objective of this study was to add and evaluate coagulation as an individual linear clearance reduction component to a promising three-compartment model assuming progressive intradialytic clotting. The model was modified and validated on intradialytic plasma and dialysate phosphate samples from 12 haemodialysis patients collected during two treatments (HD1 and HD2) at a Danish hospital ward. The most suitable clearance reduction in each treatment was identified by minimizing the root mean square error (RMSE). The model simulations with and without clearance reduction were compared based on RMSE and coefficient of determination (R² ) values. Improvements were found for 17 of the 24 model simulations when clearance reduction was added to the model. The slopes of the clearance reduction were in the range of 0.011-0.632/h. Three improvements were found to be statistically significant (|observed z value| > 1.96). A very significant correlation (R² = 0.708) between the slopes for HD1 and HD2 was found. Adding the clearance reduction component to the model seems promising in phosphate kinetics modelling and might be explained, at least in part, by intradialytic coagulation. In future studies, the model might be developed further to serve as a potentially useful tool for the quantitative detection of clotting problems in haemodialysis. NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? The aim was to add an intradialytic coagulation component to a modified version of a promising three-compartment phosphate kinetics model. The hypothesis was that circuit and dialyser clotting can be modelled by an individual linear phosphate clearance reduction component during haemodialysis treatment. What is the main finding and its importance? Improvements were found for 17 of 24 model simulations when clearance reduction was added to the model. Thus, the kinetics model seems promising and could be a useful tool for the quantitative detection of clotting problems in haemodialysis patients.

PMID:37566800 | DOI:10.1113/EP091201

Rhinology. 2023 Aug 11. doi: 10.4193/Rhin23.082. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To provide real-life data on azole treatment outcomes and the role of surgery in the current management of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis complicated by orbitocranial fungal infection (OCFI).

METHODS: Data was collected retrospectively from a chart review from four participating centers and a systematic literature review. The study group included patients with OCFI treated with azole antifungals. The control cases were treated with other antifungal agents. The cranial and orbital involvement degree was staged based on the imaging. The extent of the surgical resection was also classified to allow for inter-group comparison.

RESULTS: There were 125 patients in the azole-treated group and 153 in the control group. Among the patients with OCFI cranial extension, 23% were operated on in the azole-treated group and 18% in the control group. However, meninges and brain resection were performed only in the controls (11% of patients) and never in the azole antifungals group. Orbital involvement required surgery in 26% of azole-treated cases and 39% of controls. Despite a more aggressive cranial involvement, azole-treated patients’ mortality was significantly lower than in controls, with an OCFI-specific mortality rate of 21% vs. 52%. A similar, though not statistically significant, trend was found for the extent of the orbital disease and surgery.

CONCLUSION: Despite less aggressive surgical intervention for cranial involvement, OCFI patients treated with azoles had a higher survival rate. This finding suggests we may improve morbidity with a more conservative surgical approach in conjunction with azole treatment. The same trend is emerging for orbital involvement.

PMID:37566791 | DOI:10.4193/Rhin23.082

JCO Clin Cancer Inform. 2023 Aug;7:e2300049. doi: 10.1200/CCI.23.00049.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Selection of appropriate adjuvant therapy to ultimately reduce the risk of breast cancer (BC) recurrence is a challenge for medical oncologists. Several automated risk prediction models have been developed using retrospective clinical data and have evolved significantly over the years in terms of predictors of recurrence, data usage, and predictive techniques (statistical/machine learning [ML]).

METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic literature review of the aforementioned statistical and ML models published between January 2008 and December 2022 through searching five digital databases-PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The comprehensive search yielded a total of 163 papers and after a screening process focusing on papers that dealt exclusively with statistical/ML methods, only 23 papers were deemed appropriate for further analysis. We benchmarked the studies on the basis of development, evaluation metrics, and validation strategy with an added emphasis on racial diversity of patients included in the studies.

RESULTS: In total, 30.4% of the included studies use statistical techniques, while 69.6% are ML-based. Among these, traditional ML models (support vector machines, decision tree, logistic regression, and naïve Bayes) are the most frequently used (26.1%) along with deep learning (26.1%). Deep learning and ensemble learning provide the most accurate predictions (AUC = 0.94 each).

CONCLUSION: ML-based prediction models exhibit outstanding performance, yet their practical applicability might be hindered by limited interpretability and reduced generalization. Moreover, predictive models for BC recurrence often focus on limited variables related to tumor, treatment, molecular, and clinical features. Imbalanced classes and the lack of open-source data sets impede model development and validation. Furthermore, existing models predominantly overlook African and Middle Eastern populations, as they are trained and validated mainly on Caucasian and Asian patients.

PMID:37566789 | DOI:10.1200/CCI.23.00049