Category: Statistics

Eur J Orthod. 2024 Apr 1;46(2):cjae011. doi: 10.1093/ejo/cjae011.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The rapid advancement of Large Language Models (LLMs) has prompted an exploration of their efficacy in generating PICO-based (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) queries, especially in the field of orthodontics. This study aimed to assess the usability of Large Language Models (LLMs), in aiding systematic review processes, with a specific focus on comparing the performance of ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4 using a specialized prompt tailored for orthodontics.

MATERIALS/METHODS: Five databases were perused to curate a sample of 77 systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2016 and 2021. Utilizing prompt engineering techniques, the LLMs were directed to formulate PICO questions, Boolean queries, and relevant keywords. The outputs were subsequently evaluated for accuracy and consistency by independent researchers using three-point and six-point Likert scales. Furthermore, the PICO records of 41 studies, which were compatible with the PROSPERO records, were compared with the responses provided by the models.

RESULTS: ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 showcased a consistent ability to craft PICO-based queries. Statistically significant differences in accuracy were observed in specific categories, with GPT-4 often outperforming GPT-3.5.

LIMITATIONS: The study’s test set might not encapsulate the full range of LLM application scenarios. Emphasis on specific question types may also not reflect the complete capabilities of the models.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Both ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 can be pivotal tools for generating PICO-driven queries in orthodontics when optimally configured. However, the precision required in medical research necessitates a judicious and critical evaluation of LLM-generated outputs, advocating for a circumspect integration into scientific investigations.

PMID:38452222 | DOI:10.1093/ejo/cjae011

Scand J Pain. 2024 Mar 7;24(1). doi: 10.1515/sjpain-2023-0035. eCollection 2024 Jan 1.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Pain catastrophizing in the aging population has not been studied in great detail. Existing investigations have reported conflicting results on the effects of age on pain catastrophizing in relation to pain responses. This study investigated the relationship between pain catastrophizing, and its individual components (rumination, magnification, and helplessness), and the responses to standardized experimental pain stimuli in old and young, healthy adults.

METHODS: Sixty-six volunteers (32 old: 65-87, 18 females; 34 young: 20-35, 17 females) participated in the study. Pain catastrophizing including the components of rumination, magnification, and helplessness was assessed with the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). Experimental pain was induced by applying predefined pressure stimulations to the trapezius muscle. Pain intensity and unpleasantness were assessed using numerical rating scales. Pain catastrophizing levels and pain responses were statistically compared between the two age groups.

RESULTS: Elderly individuals reported significantly (p = 0.028) lower scores of pain catastrophizing (Med = 5; interquartile range [IQR] = 14) than younger individuals; this difference was driven by the significantly lower components of rumination (Med = 2; IQR = 4; p = 0.017) and helplessness (Med = 2; IQR = 7; p = 0.049). A larger proportion of young (57.8%) rated pain catastrophizing at high levels, with scores above the 75th percentile (Med = 20). Additionally, elderly reported the lowest pain intensity (Med = 5; p = 0.034) and pain unpleasantness (Med = 4.5; p = 0.011) responses to the experimental pressure stimuli. In the elderly group, pain unpleasantness was positively and significantly associated with pain catastrophizing (r _s = 0.416, p = 0.021), rumination (r _s = 0.42, p = 0.019), and helplessness (r _s = 0.434, p = 0.015), respectively. No associations were found in the young group.

CONCLUSIONS: Elderly reported lower PCSs than young adults. Rumination and helplessness were reduced in the elderly group. The elderly population showed positive correlations between catastrophizing levels and pain unpleasantness to standardized pressure pain stimuli. Results supported the view that elderly possess resilience over specific domains of pain catastrophizing that could counteract pain perception due to physiological decline.

PMID:38452201 | DOI:10.1515/sjpain-2023-0035

Prev Chronic Dis. 2024 Mar 7;21:E15. doi: 10.5888/pcd21.230220.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: Although considered a promising model of practice, integrating healthy nutrition standards and practices into a large county government’s contracting process with food vendors has not been widely described in empirical literature. We conducted an implementation evaluation project to address this gap.

INTERVENTION APPROACH: County of Los Angeles food vendors provide food or meals annually to more than 100,000 employees and millions of clients and visitors. In 2011, the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors adopted a policy to integrate healthy nutrition standards and practices into its requests for proposals (RFPs) and contracting process with food vendors. The policy required all contracts awarded to adhere to these new standards.

EVALUATION METHODS: In 2011, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) began reviewing RFPs for food services for county departments that procured, served, or sold food. From 2011 through 2021, DPH applied a 4-pronged formative-evaluative approach to help county departments implement the Board of Supervisors policy and ensure that nutritional requirements were appropriately integrated into all RFPs for new and renewing contracts with food vendors. We focused our evaluation on understanding the process and tracking the progress of this policy intervention. Our evaluation included 13 key informant interviews, a 2-part survey, reviews of contract data, and synthesis of lessons learned.

RESULTS: Based on reviews and subsequent actions taken on more than 20 RFPs, DPH successfully assisted 7 county departments to incorporate healthy nutrition standards and practices into their food vendor contracts. Implementation of the food policy encountered several challenges, including staffing and training constraints and a limited infrastructure. An iterative approach to program improvement facilitated the process.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Although the model for integrating healthy nutrition standards and practices into a government contracting process is promising, more work is needed to make it less resource-intensive and to increase user buy-in.

PMID:38452193 | DOI:10.5888/pcd21.230220

Braz J Biol. 2024 Feb 26;83:e277354. doi: 10.1590/1519-6984.277354. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore the diuretic activity of linalyl acetate (LA). LA is an essential oil, it is an integral phyto-constituent of various plants. In this study, acute and chronic diuretic activities were explored by measuring the levels of different electrolytes and pH in the urine of experimental rats. Rats were divided into five groups. The control group was given 10 mg/kg normal saline, the treated group was given 10 mg/kg furosemide, and the remaining 3 groups received different doses of LA including 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg through intraperitoneal route, to determine its diuretic potential. Urine volume for acute diuretic activity was measured for 6 hours however for chronic diuretic activity was measured for 6 days. For a comparative study of LA with a control group and treated group with reference drug, diuretic index was used. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of the diuretic activity was also explored by comparing atropine, L-NAME, and indomethacin. The results of each group with 6 rats in each group were obtained by ± standard error of the mean of every group. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis. Results revealed that the LA 75 mg/kg dose showed comparable results as of furosemide. Moreover, this study revealed the involvement of muscarinic receptors to produce diuresis in comparison with atropine with very little involvement of prostanoids and no effect on NO pathway induced by indomethacin and L-NAME respectively. It is concluded that LA possess anti-diuretic potential. Muscarinic receptors might be involved in producing diuretic effects.

PMID:38452187 | DOI:10.1590/1519-6984.277354

Breastfeed Med. 2024 Mar 7. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2023.0275. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Promoting maternal breastfeeding for at least 6 months is important to improve children physical health during infancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood. For this guideline to be followed, it is paramount to identify what factors best support the initiation and length of breastfeeding. This study estimates the contribution of various child- and parent-level factors, as well as the sociodemographic context in predicting maternal breastfeeding initiation and duration. Methods: This study draws on data from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. Mothers who never breastfed when the infant was 5 months old (n = 630, 28.3%) were compared to mothers who breastfed for less than 5 months (n = 844, 38.0%) and mothers breastfeeding for more than 5 months (n = 749, 33.7%), using multivariable multinomial regression models. Results: Mothers with a partner showing a positive attitude toward breastfeeding were up to 13 times more likely to breastfeed their infant for more than 5 months. The positive attitude of partners toward breastfeeding was the strongest predictor of breastfeeding duration, followed by the maternal educational attainment and timing she returns to work. Most prenatal and perinatal child-level factors and the sociodemographic context predicted breastfeeding duration, but to a lesser extent. Discussion: This finding underscores the role of the partner’s attitude in promoting initiation and length of breastfeeding. As such, educational campaigns and health practitioners could target both the mother and their partner in promoting breastfeeding.

PMID:38452177 | DOI:10.1089/bfm.2023.0275

Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2024 Mar 7. doi: 10.1089/met.2023.0245. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: Altering the dietary patterns can potentially decrease the likelihood of metabolic syndrome and circadian syndrome (CircS), but it remains unclear which types of flavonoid compounds are responsible for these effects, particularly among nationally representative populations. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the impact of flavonoid intake on CircS. Methods: The study included 9212 noninstitutionalized adults from two survey cycles (2007-2008 and 2009-2010) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Data on six dietary flavonoids were collected through a 24-hr dietary recall, including isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, and flavonols. All statistical analyses were weighted to account for the complex survey sampling design to generate nationally representative estimates. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed to control for potential confounders and assess the association between the six flavonoids and risk of short sleep. Results: After adjusting for all covariates, only individuals with high intake of total flavanones exhibited a 28% [odds ratio (OR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64-0.83, P < 0.001] decrease in the risk of CircS. The results obtained through PSM were consistent with this finding (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.61-0.80, P < 0.001). Total flavanone intake displayed a linear dose-response relationship with the likelihood of CircS (P for interaction = 0.448). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that high dietary intakes of flavanones have beneficial effects on reducing the risk of CircS.

PMID:38452163 | DOI:10.1089/met.2023.0245

PLoS One. 2024 Mar 7;19(3):e0299638. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299638. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Migration is a profound life transition that may threaten migrants’ well-being and mental health. Results of several studies suggest that social self-efficacy beliefs may be beneficial for the psychological adjustment of migrants, buffering the effect of specific stressors related to migration, helping them reduce anxiety levels, and providing support in forming of new social bonds and better integration with a new community or culture. The primary purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effectiveness of the New in Town internet-based self-efficacy intervention for internal migrants in Poland.

METHODS: Participants were 158 internal adult migrants who had changed residence in the last 6 months. They were randomized into two groups: an experimental group (receiving an internet-based self-efficacy intervention), and a waiting list control group. We examined if the intervention was effective in enhancing participants’ social self-efficacy (primary outcome), general self-efficacy, social support, satisfaction with life, and reduced reported loneliness (secondary outcomes). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline (Time 1) and 3-weeks later (Time 2). The dropout rate was 50.6%. Initially, we planned to gather follow-up data also 8-weeks after baseline (Time 3). However, due to health and safety reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to stop the trial. Finally, we included in our analysis only data gathered before the COVID-19 pandemic at Time 1 and Time 2.

RESULTS: A total of 159 individuals who met the study’s inclusion criteria and completed the baseline assessment were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 80) or the waiting list control group (n = 79). Nevertheless, one participant assigned to the control group was excluded from the analyses because they withdrew their consent to participate after being randomized. The study results suggest that compared to the waitlist control group (n = 78), participants in the experimental group (n = 80) reported a higher level of general self-efficacy beliefs at Time 2 (Cohen’s d = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.15-0.79). However, there were no statistically significant effects on social self-efficacy, social support, satisfaction with life, and loneliness.

CONCLUSION: The study offers preliminary support for the effectiveness of an internet-based self-efficacy intervention designed for internal migrants on general self-efficacy beliefs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04088487) on 11th September 2019.

PMID:38452136 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0299638

Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2024 Mar 4;87(2):e20220273. doi: 10.5935/0004-2749.2022-0273. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the absorbance coefficient of the thin porcine cornea to ultraviolet-A radiation (365 nm) submitted for crosslinking.

METHODS: This in vitro, benchtop experiment using cadaver tissue study analyzed 12 porcine corneal lamellas, which were obtained using a microkeratome after mechanical de-epithelization and separated into three thickness groups: 180, 300, and 360 μm. The corneal thickness values were measured by anterior-segment optical coherence tomography. All lamellas had ultraviolet-A (365 nm) absorbance measured with a 96-well plate spectrophotometer using an ultraviolet transparent microplate before riboflavin instillation and preand post-crosslinking according to the Dresden protocol.

RESULTS: The ultraviolet absorbance profiles of the 180, 300, and 360 μm groups were obtained as α-coefficients of 12.85, 76.55, and 120.27, respectively. A theoretical formula was calculated though a statistical analysis that demonstrated the correlation between stromal lamellar thickness and ultraviolet absorbance.

CONCLUSIONS: Corneal thickness and ultraviolet-A spectral absorbance of corneal lamellas showed linear correlation. These findings can potentially contribute to the optimization of ultraviolet-A application during crosslinking, making the treatment of corneas with thickness <400 μm safe and personalized energy delivery for each corneal thickness.

PMID:38451681 | DOI:10.5935/0004-2749.2022-0273

Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2024 Mar 4;87(2):e20220241. doi: 10.5935/0004-2749.2022-0241. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We aimed to study reported cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma presenting with ophthalmic manifestations with and without a prior diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE database in PubMed and Google Scholar. We included patients with a previous diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Group I and those without a prior diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Group II. Data included demographics, clinical presentation, history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, treatment, histopathological description, World Health Organization classification, and outcome.

RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (26 in Group I and 32 in Group II) were included. The male-to-female ratio was 3:1. The mean age of the patients (53.3 ± 11.7 years and 54.8 ± 16.2 years, respectively) and gender did not differ significantly between the two groups. The most common ocular presentations were diplopia and proptosis in the first group (each in 34.6%), whereas visual disturbance was most common in the second group (46.9%). Treatment options and World Health Organization grading were comparable. The outcome in 38 patients (after a comparable follow-up period) was significantly better in group II (p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in the outcome of 23 patients in correlation with World Health Organization grades II versus III irrespective of group (p=0.094).

CONCLUSIONS: The demographics of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma presenting with ophthalmic manifestations were similar between the two study groups, with a wide age range and male predominance. Patients presenting initially to ophthalmologists with no history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma have a more favorable outcome. World Health Organization grading may have less value as a prognostic indicator.

PMID:38451680 | DOI:10.5935/0004-2749.2022-0241

Arq Gastroenterol. 2024 Mar 4;61:e23062. doi: 10.1590/S0004-2803.246102023-62. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent pathologies worldwide whose prognosis is linked to early detection. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening, and diagnosis is usually made histologically from biopsies. Aiming to reduce the inspection and diagnostic time as well as the biopsies and resources involved, other techniques are being promoted to conduct accurate in vivo colonoscopy assessments. Optical biopsy aims to detect normal and neoplastic tissues analysing the autofluorescence spectrum based on the changes in the distribution and concentration of autofluorescent molecules caused by colorectal cancer. Therefore, the autofluorescence contribution analysed by image processing techniques could be an approach to a faster characterization of the target tissue.

OBJECTIVE: Quantify intensity parameters through digital processing of two data sets of three-dimensional widefield autofluorescence microscopy images, acquired by fresh colon tissue samples from a colorectal cancer murine model. Additionally, analyse the autofluorescence data to provide a characterization over a volume of approximately 50 µm of the colon mucosa for each image, at second (2nd), fourth (4th) and eighth (8th) weeks after colorectal cancer induction.

METHODS: Development of a colorectal cancer murine model using azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulphate induction, and data sets acquisition of Z-stack images by widefield autofluorescence microscopy, from control and colorectal cancer induced animals. Pre-processing steps of intensity value adjustments followed by quantification and characterization procedures using image processing workflow automation by Fiji’s macros, and statistical data analysis.

RESULTS: The effectiveness of the colorectal cancer induction model was corroborated by a histological assessment to correlate and validate the link between histological and autofluorescence changes. The image digital processing methodology proposed was then performed on the three-dimensional images from control mice and from the 2nd, 4th, and 8th weeks after colorectal cancer chemical induction, for each data set. Statistical analyses found significant differences in the mean, standard deviation, and minimum parameters between control samples and those of the 2nd week after induction with respect to the 4th week of the first experimental study. This suggests that the characteristics of colorectal cancer can be detected after the 2nd week post-induction.

CONCLUSION: The use of autofluorescence still exhibits levels of variability that prevent greater systematization of the data obtained during the progression of colorectal cancer. However, these preliminary outcomes could be considered an approach to the three-dimensional characterization of the autofluorescence of colorectal tissue, describing the autofluorescence features of samples coming from dysplasia to colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: • A new digital image processing method was developed to measure intensity in 3D autofluorescence images of colorectal samples using a CRC mouse model.

BACKGROUND: • This method showed that autofluorescence intensity in colon mucosa is similar in healthy tissue but changes significantly in tumor development.

BACKGROUND: • Statistical analysis revealed CRC traits detectable from the second week post-induction, aiding in early CRC detection.

BACKGROUND: • The study provides a basis for 3D autofluorescence characterization in colorectal tissue from dysplasia to cancer, although variability in autofluorescence limits data systematization during cancer progression.

PMID:38451659 | DOI:10.1590/S0004-2803.246102023-62