Category: Statistics

BMC Oral Health. 2023 Sep 15;23(1):667. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-03348-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Digital technologies have recently been introduced into the fabrication of removable partial dentures (RPDs). However, it is still unclear whether the digitally fabricated RPDs fit better than conventionally cast ones in the rest region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fit accuracy in the rest region of RPDs fabricated by digital technologies and compare it to those made by conventional lost-wax (CLW) technique.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science and SpringerLink. Studies published up to August 2022 were collected. Two authors analyzed the studies independently and assessed the risk of bias on the modified methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) scale. The mean values of gap distance between rests and corresponding rest seats of each study were extracted as outcome. A random-effects model at a significance level of P < 0.05 was used in the global comparison and subgroup analysis was carried out.

RESULTS: Overall, 11 articles out of 1214 complied with the inclusion criteria and were selected, including 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 non-randomized clinical trial and 8 in vitro studies. Quantitative data from Meta-analysis revealed that fit accuracy in the rest region of RPDs fabricated with CLW showed no statistically significant difference with digital techniques (SMD = 0.33, 95%CI (-0.18, 0.83), P = 0.21). Subgroup analysis revealed a significantly better fit accuracy of CLW-fabricated RPDs in the rest region than either additive manufacturing (AM) groups or indirect groups (P = 0.03, P = 0.00), in which wax or resin patterns are milled or printed before conventional casting. While milled RPDs fit significantly better than cast ones in the rest region (P = 0.00). With digital relief and heat treatment, hybrid manufactured (HM) clasps obtained better fit accuracy in the rest region (P < 0.05). In addition, finishing and polishing procedure had no significant influence in the fit accuracy in all groups (P = 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS: RPDs fabricated by digital technologies exhibit comparable fit accuracy in rest region with those made by CLW. Digital technologies may be a promising alternative to CLW for the fabrication of RPDs and additional studies are recommended to provide stronger evidence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42020201313.

PMID:37715159 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-023-03348-6

BMC Pediatr. 2023 Sep 15;23(1):465. doi: 10.1186/s12887-023-04307-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders have a very wide clinical variability. A common prevalent factor is problems with stool and sleep quality. Currently, there are multiple studies related to their evaluation, but not so much related to a specific intervention. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the application of non-invasive neuromodulation as a treatment in children with neurodevelopmental disorders to improve constipation and quality of sleep.

METHODS: A total of 23 minors aged between 2 and 16 were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants were applied the microcurrent device for 60 min, 3 times per week for a total of 4 weeks. The technique was based on non-invasive neuromodulation using a surface-applied microcurrent electrostimulation device that administers an external, imperceptible, pulsed electrical stimulation. It is applied to the extremities, in a coordinated manner, using gloves and anklets connected with electrodes to a control console. Sleep latency and microarousals were evaluated through a sleep diary. To assess the evolution and type of defecation, the adapted and validated version in Spanish of the Bristol Stool Form Scale was used.

RESULTS: No adverse events occurred during the study and no incidences were registered. Clinically relevant improvements were registered in defecation frequency and type as well as in sleep related parameters. An increase in the hours of sleep was registered, from 7,35 (0,83) to 9,09 (1,35), and sleep interruptions decreased from 3,83 (1,95) to 1,17 (1,11), (p < .001).

CONCLUSION: Microcurrents can be used as an effective and safe treatment to improve quality of sleep and constipation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. More studies are needed in order to obtain statistically significant results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05265702.

FIRST REGISTRATION: 03/03/2022 PROTOCOL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05265702?term=baez+suarez&draw=2&rank=4.

PMID:37715152 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-023-04307-4

BMC Gastroenterol. 2023 Sep 15;23(1):314. doi: 10.1186/s12876-023-02942-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Validated, accepted grading tools for preprocedural complexity assessment in ERCP are lacking. We therefore created a grading system for ERCP based on the classification used by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).

METHODS: Data on ERCP adverse events (AE) and success were collected in a multicenter, prospective uncontrolled study. Multiple logistic regressions were applied to success and AEs in accordance with the ASGE classification. Each procedure suggested by ASGE was tested against different outcomes. Results were used to create a score and were evaluated in a control cohort.

RESULTS: 16,327 ERCPs were documented in 27 centers. Analysis of ASGE categorization (10,904 cases) showed that this model fails to adequately predict parameters of complexity; only for cardiopulmonary AEs and perforation was no significant variance evident. Depending on the specific clinical circumstances, probability of success of the intervention sometimes varied significantly in risk, implying a twofold score, one part for probability of success and one for risk. A split score with three levels each was designed and tested in a validation cohort (5,423 procedures). Achieving therapeutic targets / post-ERCP pancreatitis could be correctly predicted in 87.0%/95.3%.

CONCLUSIONS: Grading ERCP success and AEs have to be considered independently. Onefold grading systems appear incomplete and unable to provide an adequate classification of severity. SASE (Success and Adverse Event Score in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) was created to incorporate these findings. Showing high predictive value, this score could be a potent tool for planning ERCP and training in endoscopy.

PMID:37715151 | DOI:10.1186/s12876-023-02942-w

BMC Womens Health. 2023 Sep 15;23(1):493. doi: 10.1186/s12905-023-02641-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Due to menopause being a largely invisible and under-discussed topic in wider society, women often deal with menopause-related complications on their own. Social support and awareness have been shown to reduce negative menopausal experiences; however, lack of menopause knowledge, particularly among younger people, may deter support for women suffering from menopause symptoms. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge young adults have on menopause to be able to create interventions that target knowledge gaps and increase understanding of women’s experiences and difficulties during their menopause transition.

METHODS: We created an electronic questionnaire based on menopause literature and guidelines from Menopause Societies. It was pilot-tested on young people in the target group age (n = 14; 7 male and 7 female), menopause clinicians (n = 5), and women experiencing menopause (n = 4). The final survey included questions on participant demographics, general menopause knowledge, and options to support menopause management and was distributed through university student newsletters. Responses over a two week period were collected anonymously. Descriptive statistics were applied to characterize participants, define menopause knowledge, and identify gaps. Chi-squared statistics was used for group comparison, and open questions were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS: Survey responses were collected from 828 students; the average age was 22.1 ± 5.1 and 83.6% were female. Participants belonged to all faculties and included students from a variety of family settings and living conditions. Knowledge questions revealed a good understanding of the basic menopause physiology for most respondents, but there were gaps in understanding of symptoms and symptom management. Female sex and personal connection to menopausal women had a positive effect on the degree of menopause knowledge. Both males and females reported increased knowledge confidence at the end of the survey.

CONCLUSION: Our survey provides evidence that young adults of both sexes have a general baseline knowledge of menopause and its symptoms and are open to learning strategies to help support menopausal women. Our findings will assist in developing targeted educational resources to increase social support and awareness, reduce stigma and improve the quality of life for menopausal women, and help prepare younger women for their future menopause journey.

PMID:37715143 | DOI:10.1186/s12905-023-02641-4

BMC Med Imaging. 2023 Sep 15;23(1):131. doi: 10.1186/s12880-023-01094-3.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify CT features and establish a nomogram, compared with a machine learning-based model for distinguishing gastrointestinal heterotopic pancreas (HP) from gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 148 patients with pathologically confirmed HP (n = 48) and GIST (n = 100) in the stomach or small intestine that were less than 3 cm in size. Clinical information and CT characteristics were collected. A nomogram on account of lasso regression and multivariate logistic regression, and a RandomForest (RF) model based on significant variables in univariate analyses were established. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, mean area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were carried out to evaluate and compare the diagnostic ability of models.

RESULTS: The nomogram identified five CT features as independent predictors of HP diagnosis: age, location, LD/SD ratio, duct-like structure, and HU lesion/pancreas A. Five features were included in RF model and ranked according to their relevance to the differential diagnosis: LD/SD ratio, HU lesion/pancreas A, location, peritumoral hypodensity line and age. The nomogram and RF model yielded AUC of 0.951 (95% CI: 0.842-0.993) and 0.894 (95% CI: 0.766-0.966), respectively. The DeLong test found no statistically significant difference in diagnostic performance (p > 0.05), but DCA revealed that the nomogram surpassed the RF model in clinical usefulness.

CONCLUSION: Two diagnostic prediction models based on a nomogram as well as RF method were reliable and easy-to-use for distinguishing between HP and GIST, which might also assist treatment planning.

PMID:37715139 | DOI:10.1186/s12880-023-01094-3

Am J Ther. 2023 Sep-Oct 01;30(5):e416-e425. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000001519. Epub 2022 May 31.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains uncertain, with increasing data suggestive of acceptable short-term duration. Metabolically accelerated atherosclerosis associated with diabetes makes it essential to study short-term DAPT in this subgroup. With limited studies determining optimal DAPT strategies after second-generation stents in this subset, we aimed to establish the optimal duration of DAPT in the diabetic population using second-generation stents.

QUESTION: To determine optimal DAPT duration in diabetic population undergoing PCI in 2nd generation stents.

DATA SOURCES: We conducted an electronic database search of randomized controlled trials from PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases.

STUDY DESIGN: A meta-analysis was conducted comparing outcomes of short-term (3-6 months) DAPT therapy versus long-term (12 months) DAPT therapy in the diabetic population undergoing PCI with second-generation stents.

RESULTS: A total of 5 randomized controlled trials were included with a total of 3117 diabetic patients. Short-term DAPT did not show any statistical difference from long-term DAPT in achieving primary outcomes (relative ratio: 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-1.35, P = 0.84). Overall mortality (OR 0.92; 95% CI, 0.52-1.63, P = 0.98), myocardial infarction [odds ratio (OR)OR 1.02; 95% CI, 0.53-1.94, P = 0.85], stent thrombosis (OR 1.20; 95% CI, 0.55-2.60, P = 0.55), target vessel revascularization (OR 1.10; 95% CI, 0.45-2.73, P = 0.74), and stroke (OR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.082-2.43, P = 0.81) did not show any statistical difference between the 2 groups. Similarly, a subgroup analysis of study population comparing 6 versus 12 months of DAPT in diabetic population did not show any difference in net primary outcomes (relative ratio: 0.86, 95% CI 0.45-1.45, P = 0.60). There was no significant heterogeneity noted between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed no statistically significant benefit of longer DAPT over shorter DAPT therapy in patients undergoing PCI with drug-eluting stent in patients with diabetes.

PMID:37713685 | DOI:10.1097/MJT.0000000000001519

Cornea. 2023 Sep 15. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003392. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were 1) to compare “front” and “rear” methods for loading Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) tissue into both micro-Jones and standard-Jones tubes and 2) to evaluate the efficacy of a cone-shaped glass funnel adapter designed to make loading DMEK tissue safer for corneal endothelial cells.

METHODS: The corneal endothelium was stained with 0.06% trypan blue to confirm equivalence between mate corneas. The tissues were then processed using the Iowa Lions Eye Bank standard DMEK protocol. In comparison 1, one mate was loaded into the rear of a micro-Jones or standard-Jones tube and the other was loaded into the front of the same tube. In comparison 2, one mate was loaded into the front of the micro-Jones tube and the other was loaded through the cone-shaped funnel adapter into the rear. All tissues were ejected through the front of the modified Jones tubes and assessed for endothelial cell loss (ECL) with calcein AM staining, FIJI, and Trainable Weka Segmentation; scroll widths were measured digitally.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in ECL between front and rear loading [micro (N = 6 pairs): front 15.74% vs. rear 17.95%; standard (N = 6 pairs): front 19.58% vs. rear 19.17%; all P > 0.05]. DMEK scrolls loaded with the funnel adapter exhibited lower ECL compared with scrolls loaded through the front [micro (N = 8 pairs): front 13.53% vs. loading funnel 2.40%; P < 0.001]. Loading with the adapter was not faster (front 6.66 seconds vs. loading funnel 5.52 seconds; P = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS: Using a cone-shaped DMEK loading funnel may reduce ECL sustained during preloading.

PMID:37713668 | DOI:10.1097/ICO.0000000000003392

Eye Contact Lens. 2023 Sep 15. doi: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000001032. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To measure the corneoscleral limbus and anterior sclera parameters of normal Chinese adults by swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 56 Chinese subjects with ametropia were evaluated in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from September 2020 to December 2020, including 26 (46.4%) men, with an average age of 24.7±1.8 years old. The OCT SS-1000 (CASIA, Tomey, Tokyo, Japan) was used to measure the sagittal height, corneoscleral junction (CSJ) angle, and scleral angle.

RESULTS: The chord was across the corneal center and the line connecting the center of the cornea and the center of the chord was perpendicular to the chord. The mean sagittal height at chord lengths of 10.0, 12.3, and 15.0 mm were 1,756±72, 2,658±110, and 3,676±155 μm, respectively. The absolute values of the differences between horizontal and vertical meridians at three chord lengths were 54±40, 70±67, and 117±95 μm, respectively. One-way analysis of variance showed that the differences of CSJ angles at 12.3-mm chord and scleral angles at 15.0-mm chord in the four segments were statistically significant (F values were 32.01 and 13.37, respectively, both P<0.001). The CSJ angles from low to high were 176.53±2.14° (nasal), 178.66±1.84° (inferior), 179.13±1.20° (temporal), and 179.31±1.68° (superior), and 87.5% of the nasal angles were less than 179°. The scleral angles from high to low were 38.35±2.47° (temporal), 38.26±3.37° (superior), 35.37±3.10° (nasal), and 35.30±4.71° (inferior).

CONCLUSIONS: The morphology of corneoscleral limbus and anterior sclera is asymmetrical in normal Chinese adults. The nasal side of the corneoscleral limbus has the largest angle, and the superior and temporal sides of the scleral angle are larger.

PMID:37713630 | DOI:10.1097/ICL.0000000000001032

Intern Med J. 2023 Sep 15. doi: 10.1111/imj.16227. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is associated with an increased incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), approximately 10%. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with NS.

METHODS: Studies evaluating prophylactic anticoagulation in NS were identified by an electronic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until December 2021. Weighted mean proportion and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of thromboembolic and haemorrhagic events were calculated using a fixed-effects and a random-effects model. The differences in the outcomes among groups were estimated as pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% CI. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic.

RESULTS: Five cohort studies, for a total of 414 adult patients, were included. Only two studies had a control group. The weighted mean incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis in patients who received VTE prophylaxis was 1.8% (95% CI: 0.6-3.5%; I₂ : 4.4%) and 0.9% (95% CI: 0.2-2.2%; I₂ : 43.4%) respectively. The weighted mean incidence of major bleeding in patients who received VTE prophylaxis was 2.3% (95% CI: 1-4.2%; I₂ : 25.4%). Patients with NS that received VTE prophylaxis had a non-significant reduced risk of PE (OR: 0.63 (95% CI: 0.03-14.8; I₂ : 64.4%)) and an increased risk of major bleeding (OR: 2.08 (95% CI: 0.41-10.45; I₂ : 0%)) compared to patients with NS that did not receive VTE prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that prophylactic anticoagulation in adult patients with primary NS may reduce the risk of VTE, even if it may be associated with a not negligible bleeding risk.

PMID:37713623 | DOI:10.1111/imj.16227

Genome Biol Evol. 2023 Sep 15:evad170. doi: 10.1093/gbe/evad170. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

How much genome differences between species reflect neutral or adaptive evolution is a central question in evolutionary genomics. In humans and other mammals, the presence of adaptive versus neutral genomic evolution has proven particularly difficult to quantify. The difficulty notably stems from the highly heterogeneous organization of mammalian genomes at multiple levels (functional sequence density, recombination, etc.) that complicates the interpretation and distinction of adaptive vs. neutral evolution signals. Here, we introduce Mixture Density Regressions (MDRs) for the study of the determinants of recent adaptation in the human genome. MDRs provide a flexible regression model based on multiple Gaussian distributions. We use MDRs to model the association between recent selection signals and multiple genomic factors likely to affect the occurrence/detection of positive selection, if the latter was present in the first place to generate these associations. We find that a MDR model with two Gaussian distributions provides an excellent fit to the genome-wide distribution of a common sweep summary statistic (iHS), with one of the two distributions likely enriched in positive selection. We further find several factors associated with signals of recent adaptation, including the recombination rate, the density of regulatory elements in immune cells, GC-content, gene expression in immune cells, the density of mammal-wide conserved elements, and the distance to the nearest virus-interacting gene. These results support the presence of strong positive selection in recent human evolution and highlight MDRs as a powerful tool to make sense of signals of recent genomic adaptation.

PMID:37713622 | DOI:10.1093/gbe/evad170