Category: Statistics

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023 Feb 27:e010318. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000010318. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Massive weight loss (MWL) may have suboptimal effects on tissues used for autologous reconstruction. With the rise of obesity and bariatric surgery, more MWL patients will be presenting for breast reconstruction. We hypothesize that autologous breast reconstruction in patients with a history of MWL will have more complications and require more revisions compared to patients without a history of MWL.

METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction by five microsurgeons at an academic institution from 2009 to 2020. Patients with a history of bariatric surgery or >50-pound weight loss were identified and compared to non MWL patients. Analysis compared demographics, operative details, complications, revision rates, and BREAST-Q scores.

RESULTS: Of 916 patients who underwent 1465 flaps, 39 MWL patients (4.3%) underwent 68 flaps (4.6%) and 877 non MWL patients underwent 1397 flaps. MWL patients were more likely to require blood transfusions postoperatively (p=.005). MWL patients experienced more surgical site infections (p=.02), wound healing complications of flap (p=.007) and donor sites (p=.03), and late partial flap losses (p=.03). More revisional surgeries for flap (p=.009) and donor sites (p=.01) were required. BREAST-Q scores were not statistically different for satisfaction with breasts or surgeon but were lower in MWL patients for psychosocial (p=.01) and sexual well-being (p=.04).

CONCLUSION: Reconstructive surgeons should expect increased postoperative complications when performing autologous breast reconstruction in MWL patients. These patients should be counseled on the possibility of more postoperative complications and need for revisional surgeries.

PMID:36827470 | DOI:10.1097/PRS.0000000000010318

J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2023 Feb 24. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0388. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: National guidelines recommend Papanicolaou (Pap) testing and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for cervical cancer prevention; however, certain subgroups may be at risk for underutilization. Prior studies have identified motherhood as a predictor of health outcomes, but this research has not been extended to cervical cancer prevention. Informed by the Health Belief Model, we explored the relationship between motherhood, health beliefs, and Pap testing and HPV vaccination. Methods: This study used an observational, cross-sectional design. Participants assigned female at birth (N = 417) completed an online survey assessing motherhood, health beliefs (perceived risk, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy), and prior Pap testing and HPV vaccination. Bootstrapped mediation analyses determined whether motherhood was associated with prior Pap testing and HPV vaccination and whether health beliefs mediated these relationships. Results: Of mothers (25%), 75% were up-to-date with Pap testing and 36% had previously received ≥1 dose of the HPV vaccine. There was no direct effect of motherhood on Pap testing (p = 0.873) or HPV vaccination (p = 0.921) and no significant indirect effects via health beliefs (ps ≥ 0.096). However, perceived benefits and self-efficacy were significantly related to both Pap testing (ps ≤ 0.003) and HPV vaccination (ps ≤ 0.010). Mothers reported lower self-efficacy for HPV vaccination than nonmothers (p = 0.035). Discussion: Consistent with nationwide statistics, most eligible participants were up-to-date with Pap testing and HPV vaccination. Although motherhood was not significantly associated with either behavior, mothers reported lower self-efficacy for HPV vaccination. Perceived benefits and self-efficacy may be important targets for future interventions aiming to increase cervical cancer prevention and screening behaviors.

PMID:36827467 | DOI:10.1089/jwh.2022.0388

J Imaging. 2023 Feb 17;9(2):47. doi: 10.3390/jimaging9020047.

ABSTRACT

A novel method is proposed to estimate surface-spectral reflectance from camera responses using a local optimal reflectance dataset. We adopt a multispectral imaging system that involves an RGB camera capturing multiple images under multiple light sources. A spectral reflectance database is utilized to locally determine the candidates to optimally estimate the spectral reflectance. The proposed estimation method comprises two stages: (1) selecting the local optimal reflectance dataset and (2) determining the best estimate using only the local optimal dataset. In (1), the camera responses are predicted for the respective reflectances in the database, and then the prediction errors are calculated to select the local optimal dataset. In (2), multiple methods are used; in particular, the Wiener and linear minimum mean square error estimators are used to calculate all statistics, based only on the local optimal dataset, and linear and quadratic programming methods are used to solve optimization problems with constraints. Experimental results using different mobile phone cameras show that the estimation accuracy has improved drastically. A much smaller local optimal dataset among spectral reflectance databases is enough to obtain the optimal estimates. The method has potential applications including fields of color science, image science and technology, computer vision, and graphics.

PMID:36826966 | DOI:10.3390/jimaging9020047

J Intell. 2023 Feb 14;11(2):35. doi: 10.3390/jintelligence11020035.

ABSTRACT

What are the current trends in intelligence research? This parallel bibliometric analysis covers the two premier journals in the field: Intelligence and the Journal of Intelligence (JOI) between 2013 and 2022. Using Scopus data, this paper extends prior bibliometric articles reporting the evolution of the journal Intelligence from 1977 up to 2018. It includes JOI from its inception, along with Intelligence to the present. Although the journal Intelligence’s growth has declined over time, it remains a stronghold for traditional influential research (average publications per year = 71.2, average citations per article = 17.07, average citations per year = 2.68). JOI shows a steady growth pattern in the number of publications and citations (average publications per year = 33.2, average citations per article = 6.48, total average citations per year = 1.48) since its inception in 2013. Common areas of study across both journals include cognitive ability, fluid intelligence, psychometrics-statistics, g-factor, and working memory. Intelligence includes core themes like the Flynn effect, individual differences, and geographic IQ variability. JOI addresses themes such as creativity, personality, and emotional intelligence. We discuss research trends, co-citation networks, thematic maps, and their implications for the future of the two journals and the evolution and future of the scientific study of intelligence.

PMID:36826933 | DOI:10.3390/jintelligence11020035

J Funct Biomater. 2023 Feb 14;14(2):107. doi: 10.3390/jfb14020107.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of identifying a dental implant through the measurement of the apical width and the interspiral distance in a periapical radiograph after being subjected to high temperatures for certain lengths of time. In total, 11 fresh human anatomical models were selected, in which 137 implants were placed. Previous periapical radiographs were performed using parallelizers in each implant. Subsequently, the anatomical models were introduced into a crematory oven at different temperatures and for various durations: 500 °C/15 min, 500 °C/30 min, 700 °C/15 min, 800 °C/15 min, 800 °C/45 min, 500 °C/15 min, 700 °C/15 min, and finally, 1000 °C/120 min. After this, X-rays were taken via a parallel technique, and the apical width and interspiral distance were measured. The implants were disinserted, and the coronal width was used to calculate magnification or possible distortion. All data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test. There were no statistically significant differences for the apical width parameter, except when the temperature was raised to 700 °C/15 min and to 800 °C/45 min. For the interspiral distance parameter, there were no statistically significant differences, except when the implants were subjected to 800 °C/15 min and 1000 °C/120 min. It was determined that there were changes in some groups based on the increase in temperature and exposure time. Neither of the two parameters were completely useful for the identification because some of the groups studied in both variables presented differences, which makes them difficult to identify correctly.

PMID:36826906 | DOI:10.3390/jfb14020107

J Funct Biomater. 2023 Feb 13;14(2):103. doi: 10.3390/jfb14020103.

ABSTRACT

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is an umbrella term used to describe various conditions that affect temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles, and associated structures. Although the most conservative and least invasive treatment is preferable, more invasive therapies should be employed to refractory patients. Tissue engineering has been presented as a promising therapy. Our study aimed to investigate trends and point out future research directions on TMD and stem cells. A comprehensive search was carried out in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) in October 2022. The bibliometric parameters were analyzed through descriptive statistics and graphical mapping. Thus, 125 papers, published between 1992 and 2022 in 65 journals, were selected. The period with the highest number of publications and citations was between 2012 and 2022. China has produced the most publications on the subject. The most frequently used keywords were “cartilage”, “temporomandibular joint”, “mesenchymal stem cells”, and “osteoarthritis”. Moreover, the primary type of study was in vivo. It was noticed that using stem cells to improve temporomandibular joint repair and regeneration is a significant subject of investigation. Nonetheless, a greater understanding of the biological interaction and the benefits of using these cells in patients with TMD is required.

PMID:36826902 | DOI:10.3390/jfb14020103

J Funct Biomater. 2023 Feb 13;14(2):102. doi: 10.3390/jfb14020102.

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to investigate the rechargeability of ion-releasing dental material specimens immersed in distilled water for 25 months, which depleted their ion-releasing ability. Four restorative dental materials (alkasite composite, giomer, glass-ionomer, and composite material) presented with 24 specimens were studied after topical treatment with a concentrated fluoride gel. The effect of resin coating on the ion uptake and release was investigated on additional 42 specimens of restorative dental materials with coatings. The composite materials were coated with two adhesive systems, whereas the glass-ionomer was coated with the special coating resin. After topical fluoride exposure, ion release and specimen mass were measured at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 14-day intervals using an ion-selective electrode and an analytical balance, respectively. The cumulative fluoride levels for the uncoated specimens of alkasite composite were significantly higher than those of giomer and glass-ionomer cement, with no statistically significant difference between the latter two materials. The conventional composite had the lowest cumulative concentration of fluoride ions (p < 0.05). The adhesive systems affected the fluoride recharge and reduced the ion concentrations absorbed by the specimens. Specimens coated with universal adhesive showed significantly higher ion release compared to universal fluoride-releasing adhesive or special coating resin for glass-ionomers (p < 0.05). No statistically significant change in specimen mass was observed during the 14-day period. Surface coating with adhesive systems as well as special coating resin for glass-ionomers affects the fluoride recharge process.

PMID:36826901 | DOI:10.3390/jfb14020102

J Funct Biomater. 2023 Feb 9;14(2):93. doi: 10.3390/jfb14020093.

ABSTRACT

With the increase in the population’s life expectancy, there has also been an increase in the rate of osteoporosis, which has expanded the search for strategies to regenerate bone tissue. The ultrasonic sonochemical technique was chosen for the functionalization of the 45S5 bioglass. The samples after the sonochemical process were divided into (a) functionalized bioglass (BG) and (b) functionalized bioglass with 10% teriparatide (BGT). Isolated mesenchymal cells (hMSC) from femurs of ovariectomized rats were differentiated into osteoblasts and submitted to in vitro tests. Bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and sham ovariectomy (Sham) surgeries were performed in fifty-five female Wistar rats. After a period of 60 days, critical bone defects of 5.0 mm were created in the calvaria of these animals. For biomechanical evaluation, critical bone defects of 3.0 mm were performed in the tibias of some of these rats. The groups were divided into the clot (control) group, the BG group, and the BGT group. After the sonochemical process, the samples showed modified chemical topographic and morphological characteristics, indicating that the surface was chemically altered by the functionalization of the particles. The cell environment was conducive to cell adhesion and differentiation, and the BG and BGT groups did not show cytotoxicity. In addition, the experimental groups exhibited characteristics of new bone formation with the presence of bone tissue in both periods, with the BGT group and the OVX group statistically differing from the other groups (p < 0.05) in both periods. Local treatment with the drug teriparatide in ovariectomized animals promoted positive effects on bone tissue, and longitudinal studies should be carried out to provide additional information on the biological performance of the mutual action between the bioglass and the release of the drug teriparatide.

PMID:36826892 | DOI:10.3390/jfb14020093

J Funct Biomater. 2023 Feb 8;14(2):91. doi: 10.3390/jfb14020091.

ABSTRACT

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with the potential to differentiate in a limited number of other tissue types. Some evidence has suggested the modulation of DPSC growth may be mediated, in part, by exogenous extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins, including fibronectin (FN) and laminin-5 (LN5). Although preliminary research suggests that some ECM glycoproteins may work as functional biomaterials to modulate DPSC growth responses, the primary goal of this project is to determine the specific effects of FN and LN5 on DPSC growth and viability. Using an existing DPSC repository, n = 16 DPSC isolates were cultured and 96-well growth assays were performed, which revealed FN, LN5 and the combination of these were sufficient to induce statistically significant changes in growth among five (n = 5) DPSC isolates. In addition, the administration of FN (either alone or in combination) was sufficient to induce the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), while LN5 induced the expression of ALP only, suggesting differential responsiveness among DPSCs. Moreover, these responses appeared to correlate with the expression of MSC biomarkers NANOG, Oct4 and Sox2. These results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that functional biomaterials, such as ECM glycoproteins FN and LN5, are sufficient to induce phenotypic and differentiation-specific effects in a specific subset of DPSC isolates. More research will be needed to determine which biomarkers or additional factors are necessary and sufficient to induce the differentiation and development of DPSCs ex vivo and in vitro for biomedical applications.

PMID:36826890 | DOI:10.3390/jfb14020091

J Funct Biomater. 2023 Jan 31;14(2):81. doi: 10.3390/jfb14020081.

ABSTRACT

(i) Objective: The present study aimed to compare the electrochemical corrosion resistance of six different types of fixed lingual retainer wires used as fixed retention appliances in an in vitro study. (ii) Methods: In the study, two different Ringer solutions, with pH 7 and pH 3.5, were used. Six groups were formed with five retainer wires in each group. In addition, 3-braided stainless steel, 6-braided stainless steel, Titanium Grade 1, Titanium Grade 5, Gold, and Dead Soft retainer wires were used. The corrosion current density (i_corr), corrosion rate (CR), and polarization resistance (R_p) were determined from the Tafel polarization curves. (iii) Results: The corrosion current density of the Gold retainer group was statistically higher than the other retainer groups in both solutions (p < 0.05). The corrosion rate of the Dead Soft retainer group was statistically higher than the other retainer groups in both solutions (p < 0.05). The polarization resistance of the Titanium Grade 5 retainer group was statistically higher than the other retainer groups in both solutions (p < 0.05). As a result of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, pitting corrosion was not observed in the Titanium Grade 1, Titanium Grade 5 and Gold retainer groups, while pitting corrosion was observed in the other groups. (iv) Conclusion: From a corrosion perspective, although the study needs to be evaluated in vivo, the Titanium Grade 5 retainer group included is in this in vitro study may be more suitable for clinical use due to its high electrochemical corrosion resistance and the lack of pitting corrosion observed in the SEM images.

PMID:36826880 | DOI:10.3390/jfb14020081