Category: Statistics

Nat Comput Sci. 2021 Mar;1(3):183-191. doi: 10.1038/s43588-021-00038-7. Epub 2021 Mar 15.

ABSTRACT

Epigenetics studies inheritable and reversible modifications of DNA that allow cells to control gene expression throughout their development and in response to environmental conditions. In computational epigenomics, machine learning is applied to study various epigenetic mechanisms genome wide. Its aim is to expand our understanding of cell differentiation, that is their specialization, in health and disease. Thus far, most efforts focus on understanding the functional encoding of the genome and on unraveling cell-type heterogeneity. Here, we provide an overview of state-of-the-art computational methods and their underlying statistical concepts, which range from matrix factorization and regularized linear regression to deep learning methods. We further show how the rise of single-cell technology leads to new computational challenges and creates opportunities to further our understanding of epigenetic regulation.

PMID:38183187 | DOI:10.1038/s43588-021-00038-7

J Vasc Access. 2024 Jan 5:11297298231222052. doi: 10.1177/11297298231222052. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A major contributor to peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) failure may be related to PIVC movement within the vein which is associated with vein wall damage. The magnitude of PIVC movement against the vein wall has not previously been quantified. This study aimed to examine PIVC movement within the vein when minor forces were applied to the PIVC.

METHODS: This was a prospective, pilot trial including healthy volunteers in an outpatient research laboratory. The primary objective was to examine the in movement (millimeters) of the PIVC using ultrasound with external pull forces (4, 5, and 6 lbs; 1.8, 2.3, and 2.7 kg, respectively) applied to the PIVC in random order.

RESULTS: Participants (N = 11) were aged 40.36 ± 16.10 years with 54.55% being Male. Mean ± SD PIVC movement for 4, 5, and 6 lbs of force was 4.65 ± 1.88, 3.88 ± 2.28, and 5.25 ± 2.06 mm, respectively. There was substantial PIVC movement when a force was applied to the PIVC, but no statistically significant difference between 4, 5, and 6 lb forces (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: When external pull forces were applied to the PIVC, substantial PIVC movement within the vein occurred in a healthy population. Strategies that reduce PIVC movement and/or remove or limit external pull forces from the PIVC are needed. Future studies on hospitalized patients are warranted to quantify vein wall injury and PIVC failure due to PIVC movement from various pull forces.

PMID:38183179 | DOI:10.1177/11297298231222052

J Small Anim Pract. 2024 Jan 5. doi: 10.1111/jsap.13699. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of hypocobalaminaemia in dogs with acute gastrointestinal diseases and to evaluate its relationship with disease severity and outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs presented for acute gastrointestinal signs that a serum cobalamin concentration measured between September 2019 and 2021 were included in this study. Hypocobalaminaemia was defined as serum cobalamin concentration <200 pmol/L, and low-normal cobalamin was defined as serum cobalamin concentration of 200 to 295 pmol/L. Duration of clinical signs prior to presentation, Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLE) fast score, length of hospitalisation and outcome were recorded.

RESULTS: Thirty-three dogs were included. Seventeen dogs were diagnosed with acute gastrointestinal disease of unknown aetiology, seven dogs with parvoviral enteritis, three dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome and six dogs with miscellaneous diseases. The prevalence of hypocobalaminaemia in this population was 30.3% and low-normal cobalamin concentration was detected in 18.2% of dogs. There was no statistically significant relationship between the detection of hypocobalaminaemia or low-normal cobalamin and the duration of clinical signs before presentation, length of hospitalisation or Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation fast score on admission. Mortality rate was 3%.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Hypocobalaminaemia and low-normal cobalamin are common findings in dogs with acute gastrointestinal diseases. The therapeutic significance and potential implications for prognosis of hypocobalaminaemia in these patients requires further investigation.

PMID:38183171 | DOI:10.1111/jsap.13699

Spec Care Dentist. 2024 Jan 5. doi: 10.1111/scd.12952. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Head and neck cancer is a serious condition affecting the life of patients. Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat such conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of acute periapical abscesses (PAs) in patients who received radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Data on acute PAs and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) diagnosis with or without a history of radiation therapy (RAD) was retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. All cases were diagnosed for acute PAs by calibrated dentists for patients admitted to urgent care. The odds ratio (OR) for the prevalence of acute PAs and its association with a history of OPC with or without RAD were then calculated. Adjustment for comorbidities such as diabetes, smoking and gingival and periodontal diseases was also done. The prevalence of acute PAs in patients with a history of OPC was significantly higher as compared to the general hospital patient population (OR 2.92, 95%CI, p < .0001). Males were more affected than females and whites were more affected than African Americans and other ethnicities. The prevalence for PAs in patients with a history of OPC and RAD was higher and the difference in prevalence was statistically significant (OR 3.61, 95%CI, p < .0001). Whites were more affected than African Americans by more than 3.5-fold. Adjustment for diabetes comorbidly affected mainly the OPC + RAD group, however, the difference remained statistically significant. Adjustment for smoking and gingival and periodontal disease reduced the OR but the difference remained statistically different.

CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of acute PAs in patients with a history of OPC and RAD may suggest an association between these conditions warranting a meticulous medical and dental examination.

PMID:38183165 | DOI:10.1111/scd.12952

Confl Health. 2024 Jan 6;18(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s13031-023-00566-1.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: During hostilities, gunshot wounds are the most common cause of penetrating injuries. In 8-10% of abdominal injuries kidneys are involved. The treatment method include surgical or conservative treatment (fluids + blood components).

METHODS: Of 1266 combat trauma cases treated during 6 to 14 rotation of the Polish Military Contingent in Afghanistan, we extracted a subgroup of 44 kidney injuries. Corelation of trauma mechanism, PATI score, treatment methods, and outcomes was evaluated.

RESULTS: Out of the 41 renal injuries, 20 considered left, 18 right, and 3 both kidneys. There were no statistical significancy in injury lateralization (p = 0.669), and no differences regarding side of a trauma and quantity of blood component used for the treatment (p = 0.246). Nephrectomy was performed on 17 patients (13 left vs. 4 right). A significant correlation between PATI score and the need for a nephrectomy (p = 0.027) was confirmed. Penetrating trauma recquired higher number of blood components comparing to blunt trauma (p < 0.001). The renal salvage rate was in study group was 61.36%. The overall survival (OS) rate was 90.25% – 4 patients died due to trauma.

CONCLUSIONS: The damage side does not result in a statistically significant increase in the need for blood transfusions or differences in the PATI score. The mechanism of trauma does, however, affect the number of blood components required for treatment, particularly in cases of penetrating trauma. With the introduction of proper treatment, the overall survival rate exceeds 90%, even when opting for conservative treatment.

PMID:38183150 | DOI:10.1186/s13031-023-00566-1

J Orthop Surg Res. 2024 Jan 6;19(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s13018-023-04452-7.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of open surgery and arthroscopic release in gluteal muscle contracture (GMC).

METHODS: Two independent reviewers YM and WL conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify clinical trials that adhered to the PRISMA guidelines (Appendix A), spanning from inception to July 2023. Search items included ((“gluteal” OR “gluteus”) AND (“contracture” OR “fibrosis”)). Research comparing open surgery or arthroscopic release was included. Clinical outcomes were compared using the risk ratio for dichotomous variables and the standardized mean difference for continuous variables. A P value < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

RESULTS: Four studies with 453 patients met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Compared with open surgery, in the case of similar postoperative functional satisfaction (1.21, 95% CI = 0.46-3.17, P = 0.70), the arthroscopic release achieved advantages in postoperative complications (3.5, 95% CI = 1.75-7.03, P = 0.0004), cosmetic satisfaction (0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.65, P = 0.02), length size (5.65, 95% CI = 4.11-7.19, P < 0.001), and hospitalization duration (1.57, 95% CI = 0.89 to 2.26, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: This research shows that both open surgery and arthroscopic release improve functional satisfaction. The arthroscopic release could result in fewer complications, better cosmetic satisfaction, shorter length size, and shorter hospitalization duration. Registration and protocol There is no registration and protocol for this meta-analysis.

PMID:38183149 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-023-04452-7

Eur J Med Res. 2024 Jan 5;29(1):29. doi: 10.1186/s40001-023-01599-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a malignancy which primarily arises in adolescence and has been studied extensively in this population. Much less is known about the rare patient cohort over the age of 40 at diagnosis. In this study, we describe the survival outcomes and clinical characteristics of this population.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to identify 4600 patients diagnosed between 2004 through 2019. Of these patients, 4058 were under the age of 40 and 542 were over 40. Propensity score 1:1 matching was performed according to sex and race. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to generate odds ratios (OR) and a Multivariate Cox regression model was used to generate a hazard ratio (HR) for patients over 40. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate survival from diagnosis to death between age groups. Chi-square tests were used to compare demographic and socioeconomic patient characteristics. IBM statistics version 27.0 was used. p < 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS: EWS patients older than 40 experienced worse survival outcomes compared to patients under the age of 40. 5-year survival was 44.6% for older patients vs. 61.8% for younger patients (p < 0.05). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that age was independently associated with inferior survival. (HR 1.96; p < 0.05). EWS patients over the age of 40 were more likely to have tumors originating from the vertebral column (16.1% vs 8.9%; p < 0.05) and cranium (5.3% vs. 2.9%; p < 0.05) and had a higher rate of axial tumors (31.6% vs. 18.5%; p < 0.05) compared to patients under 40. Additionally, patients older than 40 experienced a significantly longer delay between the date of diagnosis and initiation of systemic treatment (36.7 days vs. 24.8 days; p < 0.05) and were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (93.4% vs. 97.9%; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: An age over 40 is associated with decreased survival for patients with EWS. Due to the rarity of EWS in this cohort, the optimal role of systemic treatment remains unknown and has yet to be clearly elucidated. Consequently, our findings suggest that older patients receive disparities in treatment which may be contributing to decreased survival rates.

PMID:38183148 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-023-01599-1

J Orthop Surg Res. 2024 Jan 5;19(1):35. doi: 10.1186/s13018-023-04514-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In this study, we compared the clinical efficacy of endoscope-assisted anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with open ACDF in the treatment of single-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 52 patients with single-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy between June 2021 and February 2022, including 33 males and 19 females, with a mean age of 58.42 ± 9.26) years. Among them, 28 patients were treated with endoscope-assisted ACDF (Group A), including 2 cases of C4/5 segment, 16 cases of C5/6 segment, and 10 cases of C6/7 segment; 24 patients were treated with open ACDF (Group B), including 4 cases of C4/5 segment, 11 cases of C5/6 segment, and 9 cases of C6/7 segment. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were used for clinical evaluation during the follow-up in the 1st month and 3rd month after surgery, and at the final follow-up.

RESULTS: The 52 patients were followed up on average for 13.04 months (12-17 months). The operation time in Group A and Group B was (105.18 + 8.66) minutes and (81.88 + 6.05) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was (84.29 + 13.45) mL and (112.92 + 17.81) mL, and the hospital stay was (6.75 + 1.29) days and (7.63 + 1.41) days, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The VAS and JOA scores in the 1st month and the 3rd month after surgery and the last follow-up significantly improved in both groups compared with those before surgery (P < 0.05). The VAS and JOA scores of Group A in the 1st month, 3rd month after surgery, and the last follow-up were better than those in Group B (P < 0.05). The complication rate in Group A was 7% (2/28), which was not significantly different from the 17% (4/24) in Group B (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Both endoscope-assisted ACDF and open ACDF can achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy in the treatment of single-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Although the operation time of endoscope-assisted ACDF is prolonged, it has the advantages of clear vision, thorough decompression, less blood loss, and reduced risk of nerve damage, and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

PMID:38183142 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-023-04514-w

Microb Cell Fact. 2024 Jan 5;23(1):11. doi: 10.1186/s12934-023-02286-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The demand for low-cost cellulolytic enzyme synthesis is rising in the enzyme market. This work aims to produce cellulase by utilizing various agricultural wastes and investigating the use of enzyme in saccharification and textile industries.

RESULTS: Solid state fermentation (SSF) was applied to produce industrial enzymes, particularly cellulase, through utilizing Molokhia (Corchorus olitorius) stems by Aspergillus awamori MK788209 isolate. Two stages of statistical factorial designs Plackett-Burman (PB) and Central Composite Design (CCD) were applied to enhance the A. awamori MK788209 cellulase production from Molokhia stems (MS). The fold increase of enzyme production by PB followed by CCD was 2.51 and 4.86, respectively. Additionally, the A. awamori MK788209 culture filtrate was highly effective in saccharifying various agricultural wastes, particularly pea peels (PP) (yielding 98.33 mg reducing sugar/ml), due to its richness in cellulase, laccase, xylanase, pectinase, and amylase. By optimizing the three main variables; pea peel weight, culture filtrate volume added, and saccharification time by CCD, the sugar recovery from PP was enhanced, leading to a 3.44-fold increase in reducing sugar recovery (338 mg reducing sugar /ml). Furthermore, the A. awamori MK788209 culture filtrate showed high efficacy in textile applications, enhancing the roughness, weight loss, white index, and printing capability of treated cotton fabrics.

CONCLUSIONS: A. Awamori MK788209 produced cellulase which was effective in PP saccharification. The enzyme was also capable of enhancing cotton fabric properties.

PMID:38183135 | DOI:10.1186/s12934-023-02286-w

Eur J Med Res. 2024 Jan 5;29(1):27. doi: 10.1186/s40001-023-01549-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, some populations, including immunocompromised patients, could not tolerate COVID-19 vaccination or had low responses. Evusheld is a combined neutralizing monoclonal antibody containing tixagevimab and cilgavimab. The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved this combination as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment for immunocompromised patients. With the new variant, the (WHO) recommended an increase in dose from 300 to 600 mg with a booster dose after 6 months. The target of this review was to compare the efficacy of the two doses, 300 mg and 600 mg of tixagevimab/cilgavimab (Evusheld) as prophylaxis for higher-risk individuals to reveal if there is a significant difference in efficacy between those two doses of the drug.

METHODS: In this study, electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science core collection, Scopus, and Cochran) were investigated for articles up to 31/12/2022 in English using a well-established search strategy. We included studies conducted in immunocompromised patients (aged ≥ 12 years) (WHO) received Evusheld as prophylaxis or treatment for COVID-19. After excluding studies inconsistent with the selection criteria, 24 were involved, 22 of which were included in the meta-analysis. We analyzed the data by using RevMan 5.4 program software.

RESULTS: In the double-arm subgroup analysis, Evusheld 600 mg, administered as prophylaxis, showed no significant difference in the COVID-19 infection rate, mortality rate, or needed hospitalization rate compared with the dose of 300 mg (p = 0.13, p = 0.29, and p = 0.25, respectively). In the single-arm subgroup analysis, Evusheld 600 mg, administered as prophylaxis, showed a significant decrease in the COVID-19 infection rate and the hospitalization rate compared with the dose of 300 mg (p = 0.0001, p = 0.007, respectively). As a treatment, Evusheld showed a significant decrease in the mortality rate over the placebo group (p = 0.01) in COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSION: This result indicated that Evusheld was an effective prophylactic and therapeutic drug for COVID-19 infection, especially for immunocompromised patients, but there was no considerable variation between the high and low doses. Further prospective and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with increased population sizes are necessary to show the valuable benefit of the high dose of Evusheld in COVID-19 prevention and treatment and to compare the difference between the two doses within adverse events.

PMID:38183123 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-023-01549-x