Category: Statistics

Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki). 2023 Dec 18;44(3):17-26. doi: 10.2478/prilozi-2023-0043. Print 2023 Dec 1.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Central nervous system (CNS) tumours represent a significant public health issue worldwide, and their incidence and distribution vary across different populations. Although studies on CNS tumours have been conducted in various countries, there is a lack of information regarding their patterns in Macedonia. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the distribution, histopathological types and subtypes and demographic features of CNS tumours in our country. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using the electronic database of the Institute of Pathology – Medical Faculty, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje which contains data from 3286 received and analysed surgical specimens, mainly from the University Clinic of Neurosurgery in Skopje, and a smaller number of surgical specimens from the University Surgical Centre “St. Naum Ohridski” in Skopje between 2012 and 2022. The collected and analysed data includes patient age, sex and histopathological types and subtypes of the tumours. Results: The majority of CNS tumours were diagnosed in adults aged between 50-70, with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. The most common location of the tumours was the cerebrum, followed by the pituitary gland and cerebellum. The most frequent histological groups were gliomas, with glioblastoma as the most common diagnosis, followed by meningiomas. Conclusion: Following a detailed and thorough review of the CNS tumours in our study, we can conclude that the R. of Macedonia follows global statistics and trends regarding brain tumours.

PMID:38109442 | DOI:10.2478/prilozi-2023-0043

PLoS Genet. 2023 Dec 18;19(12):e1011074. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011074. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) is a fundamental concept in genetics; critical for studying genetic associations and molecular evolution. However, LD measurements are only reliable for common genetic variants, leaving low-frequency variants unanalyzed. In this work, we introduce cumulative LD (cLD), a stable statistic that captures the rare-variant LD between genetic regions, which reflects more biological interactions between variants, in addition to lack of recombination. We derived the theoretical variance of cLD using delta methods to demonstrate its higher stability than LD for rare variants. This property is also verified by bootstrapped simulations using real data. In application, we find cLD reveals an increased genetic association between genes in 3D chromatin interactions, a phenomenon recently reported negatively by calculating standard LD between common variants. Additionally, we show that cLD is higher between gene pairs reported in interaction databases, identifies unreported protein-protein interactions, and reveals interacting genes distinguishing case/control samples in association studies.

PMID:38109434 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pgen.1011074

Int J Prosthodont. 2023 Dec 18;36(6):781-786. doi: 10.11607/ijp.7984.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of milled versus 3D-printed complete denture bases and teeth and to assess the position of the teeth in relation to the corresponding denture bases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different manufacturing techniques were used in this study. In Group A, 10 complete dentures were digitally designed and fabricated by milling prepolymerized blocks of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In Group B, 10 complete dentures were digitally designed and fabricated using a 3D-printing technique. The accuracy of the maxillary and mandibular denture bases and teeth and the positions of the teeth in relation to the corresponding denture bases were evaluated using Geomagic Control X software (Oqton). Data were presented as mean and SD values. Statistical analysis of the resultant data was performed using Student t test. The significance level was set at P ≤ .05.

RESULTS: With regard to denture bases, lower surface deviation values were found in the maxillary and mandibular milled denture bases (Group A), with values of 0.158 ± 0.024 and 0.117 ± 0.022, respectively. However, regarding the denture teeth, lower surface deviation values were found for printed teeth (Group B), with values of 0.18 ± 0.016 for the maxillary teeth and 0.153 ± 0.02 for the mandibular teeth. For positioning of the teeth in relation to the corresponding denture bases, the values were 0.4 ± 0.08 for the maxillary teeth and 1.003 ± 0.027 for the mandibular teeth.

CONCLUSIONS: The milling technique yields complete denture bases with superior accuracy, whereas printing technology produces denture teeth with better accuracy and positioning in the corresponding denture bases.

PMID:38109400 | DOI:10.11607/ijp.7984

Int J Prosthodont. 2023 Dec 18;36(6):748-753. doi: 10.11607/ijp.6440.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To examine and compare the fracture strength of implant-cemented fixed partial denture (FPD) prostheses fabricated with digital vs conventional chairside methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups of seven specimens each were produced: group A (3D printing); group B (milling); and group C (conventional chairside manufacturing), which served as a control. All groups were cemented to standard implant abutments placed in artificial bone blocks. Fracture strength testing was performed using a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis of the resultant maximum forces was performed using SPSS version 25 software (Mann- Whitney U test, P < .05).

RESULTS: The mean fracture load value of the group A FPDs was 260.14 N ± 28.88, for group B was 663.57 N ± 140.55, and for group C was 266.65 N ± 63.66.

CONCLUSIONS: Milled provisional FPDs showed a higher fracture resistance compared to 3D-printed and control groups. However, no such difference could be detected between the 3D-printed and control groups.

PMID:38109396 | DOI:10.11607/ijp.6440

Int J Prosthodont. 2023 Dec 18;36(6):738-747. doi: 10.11607/ijp.7771.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of fatigue loading on the internal and marginal fit of CAD/CAM-fabricated endocrowns for restoring endodontically treated molars using different machinable blocks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 mandibular first molars were prepared using a standardized method and were divided into four groups (n = 18), each restored with a different CAD/CAM material: group V = polymer-infiltrated ceramic (Vita Enamic); group K = partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Katana); group E = lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max CAD; and group B = polyetheretherketone (BioHPP). Endocrowns were subjected to thermomechanical fatigue loading. Internal and marginal adaptation of the endocrowns were examined at 66 points using the sectioning technique and a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (α = .05).

RESULTS: Statistical tests showed that adhesive cementation resulted in significantly increased marginal and internal gap values in all regions in all four tested groups (P < .001). After thermomechanical fatigue loading, all regions in groups B and K showed a statistically significant difference, while no significant differences were found in the regions in group V (P > .05). In group E, the marginal (F = 71.00) and pulpal (F = 28.065) regions showed statistically significant differences (P < .001).

CONCLUSION: Polymer-infiltrated ceramics showed the lowest gap even after thermomechanical fatigue loading and may therefore provide enhanced clinical survival of the restored tooth, favoring the use of this material for fabricating endocrown restorations.

PMID:38109395 | DOI:10.11607/ijp.7771

ACS Infect Dis. 2023 Dec 18. doi: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00536. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Candida strains as the most frequent causes of infections, along with their increased drug resistance, pose significant clinical and financial challenges to the healthcare system. Some polymeric excipients were reported to interfere with the multidrug resistance mechanism. Bearing in mind that there are a limited number of marketed products with fluconazole (FLU) for the topical route of administration, Pluronic F-127 (PLX)/FLU formulations were investigated in this work. The aims of this study were to investigate (i) whether PLX-based formulations can increase the susceptibility of resistant Candida strains to FLU, (ii) whether there is a correlation between block polymer concentration and the antifungal efficacy of the FLU-loaded PLX formulations, and (iii) what the potential mode of action of PLX assisting FLU is. The yeast growth inhibition upon incubation with PLX formulations loaded with FLU was statistically significant. The highest efficacy of the azole agent was observed in the presence of 5.0 and 10.0% w/v of PLX. The upregulation of the CDR1/CDR2 genes was detected in the investigated Candida strains, indicating that the efflux of the drug from the fungal cell was the main mechanism of the resistance.

PMID:38109184 | DOI:10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00536

JMIR Form Res. 2023 Dec 18;7:e50573. doi: 10.2196/50573.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: When trying to be more physically active, preparing for possible barriers by considering potential coping strategies increases the likelihood of plan enactment. Digital interventions can support this process by providing personalized recommendations for coping strategies, but this requires that possible coping strategies are identified and classified. Existing classification systems of behavior change, such as the compendium of self-enactable techniques, may be reused to classify coping strategies in the context of physical activity (PA) coping planning.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether coping strategies created by a student population to overcome barriers to be physically active can be mapped onto the compendium of self-enactable techniques and which adaptations or additions to the frameworks are needed.

METHODS: In total, 359 Flemish university students created action and coping plans for PA for 8 consecutive days in 2020, resulting in 5252 coping plans. A codebook was developed iteratively using the compendium of self-enactable techniques as a starting point to code coping strategies. Additional codes were added to the codebook iteratively. Interrater reliability was calculated, and descriptive statistics were provided for the coping strategies.

RESULTS: Interrater reliability was moderate (Cohen κ=0.72) for the coded coping strategies. Existing self-enactable techniques covered 64.6% (3393/5252) of the coded coping strategies, and added coping strategies covered 28.52% (n=1498). The remaining coping strategies could not be coded as entries were too vague or contained no coping strategy. The added classes covered multiple ways of adapting the original action plan, managing one’s time, ensuring the availability of required material, and doing the activity with someone else. When exploring the data further, we found that almost half (n=2371, 45.1%) of the coping strategies coded focused on contextual factors.

CONCLUSIONS: The study’s objective was to categorize PA coping strategies. The compendium of self-enactable techniques addressed almost two-thirds (3393/5252, 64.6%) of these strategies, serving as valuable starting points for classification. In total, 9 additional strategies were integrated into the self-enactable techniques, which are largely absent in other existing classification systems. These new techniques can be seen as further refinements of “problem-solving” or “coping planning.” Due to data constraints stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the study’s focus on a healthy Flemish student population, it is anticipated that more coping strategies would apply under normal conditions, in the general population, and among clinical groups. Future research should expand to diverse populations and establish connections between coping strategies and PA barriers, with ontologies recommended for this purpose. This study is a first step in classifying the content of coping strategies for PA. We believe this is an important and necessary step toward digital health interventions that incorporate personalized suggestions for PA coping plans.

PMID:38109171 | DOI:10.2196/50573

Biomedica. 2023 Dec 1;43(4):492-505. doi: 10.7705/biomedica.7086.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The frequency of detected strongyloidiasis is affected by the selected laboratory method in the studied population. Considering that Honduras has few community-based studies, the analysis of the laboratory record data can provide information helping to understand this parasitosis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency and to identify the factors associated with strongyloidiasis, analyzing the laboratory records of the Servicio de Parasitología at Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa (Honduras) between 2010 and 2022.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical study. The laboratory diagnosis consisted of stool samples’ examination by direct smear and modified Baermann technique. We estimated frequencies and percentages. The statistical association was calculated with prevalence ratios and a 95% confidence interval. Software R, version 4.2.0, and epiR package, version 2.0.46, were used to perform the analysis.

RESULTS: The frequency of strongyloidiasis was 0.29% (112/38,085). It was higher with the modified Baermann technique (0.87%; 40/4,575) among male patients (0.44%; 70/15,758). Regarding the age, strongyloidiasis was higher in the 20-40 years old group (0.41%; 28/6,886) with direct smear and 41-61 years old (1.14%; 14/1,232) group with the modified Baermann technique. Among the factors associated with strongyloidiasis were age between 20 and 61 years old (PR=2.26, CI 95%=1.53-3.31), male patients (PR=2.34, CI 95%=1.60‑3.44), mucus (PR=1.86, CI 95%=1.22-2.83) and Charcot-Leyden crystals in stool (PR=8.47, CI 95%=5.14-13.96); watery stool (PR=2.39, CI 95%=1.55-3.68), and other helminthiases (PR=6.73, CI 95%=3.98-11.38). Associated factors to cases detected with the modified Baermann technique were outpatient consultation (PR=4.21, CI 95%=1.91-9.28) and formed stools (PR=3.99, CI 95%=1.94-8.19).

CONCLUSIONS: The modified Baermann technique increased the detection of strongyloidiasis almost four times. Most cases were distributed among male adults. The cases diagnosed exclusively with the modified Baermann technique have differences from those with observed larvae in the direct smear. It is necessary to develop community-based population studies.

PMID:38109136 | DOI:10.7705/biomedica.7086

Environ Health Perspect. 2023 Dec;131(12):124201. doi: 10.1289/EHP12901. Epub 2023 Dec 18.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The exposome serves as a popular framework in which to study exposures from chemical and nonchemical stressors across the life course and the differing roles that these exposures can play in human health. As a result, data relevant to the exposome have been used as a resource in the quest to untangle complicated health trajectories and help connect the dots from exposures to adverse outcome pathways.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this methods seminar is to clarify and review preprocessing techniques critical for accurate and effective external exposomic data analysis. Scalability is emphasized through an application of highly innovative combinatorial techniques coupled with more traditional statistical strategies. The Public Health Exposome is used as an archetypical model. The novelty and innovation of this seminar’s focus stem from its methodical, comprehensive treatment of preprocessing and its demonstration of the positive effects preprocessing can have on downstream analytics.

DISCUSSION: State-of-the-art technologies are described for data harmonization and to mitigate noise, which can stymie downstream interpretation, and to select key exposomic features, without which analytics may lose focus. A main task is the reduction of multicollinearity, a particularly formidable problem that frequently arises from repeated measurements of similar events taken at various times and from multiple sources. Empirical results highlight the effectiveness of a carefully planned preprocessing workflow as demonstrated in the context of more highly concentrated variable lists, improved correlational distributions, and enhanced downstream analytics for latent relationship discovery. The nascent field of exposome science can be characterized by the need to analyze and interpret a complex confluence of highly inhomogeneous spatial and temporal data, which may present formidable challenges to even the most powerful analytical tools. A systematic approach to preprocessing can therefore provide an essential first step in the application of modern computer and data science methods. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12901.

PMID:38109119 | DOI:10.1289/EHP12901

J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. 2023 Dec 18:1-8. doi: 10.1080/15360288.2023.2288093. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Treating palliative cancer patients with antithrombotics is challenging because of the higher risk for both venous thromboembolism and major bleeding. There is a lack of available guidelines on deprescribing potentially inappropriate antithrombotics. We have therefore created an antithrombotics scheme to aid in (de)prescribing antithrombotics. A retrospective single-center clinical cohort observational study was performed to evaluate it. Patients with solid tumors with a life expectancy of less than 3 months seen by the palliative team were included. Comparisons were made between patients who were treated according to the antithrombotics scheme and those who were not. 47.6% of patients used antithrombotics. One hundred and eleven patients were included for analysis. Most patients used antithrombotics according to the scheme (n = 80, 72.1%). Eleven patients experienced a clinical event, seven patients in the scheme adherence group (9.9%) and four in the no scheme adherence group (13.8%), which was not statistically significant (p = 0.726). The higher frequency of clinical events in the group without scheme adherence suggests that (de)prescribing antithrombotics according to the antithrombotics scheme is safe. The results of this study suggest that the antithrombotics scheme could aid healthcare professionals identifying possible inappropriate antithrombotics in palliative cancer patients. Further prospective research is needed to investigate this tool.

PMID:38109061 | DOI:10.1080/15360288.2023.2288093