Category: Statistics

Psychophysiology. 2023 Feb 7:e14264. doi: 10.1111/psyp.14264. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Although it is widely accepted that data quality for event-related potential (ERP) components varies considerably across studies and across participants within a study, ERP data quality has not received much systematic analysis. The present study used a recently developed metric of ERP data quality- the standardized measurement error (SME)-to examine how data quality varies across different ERP paradigms, across individual participants, and across different procedures for quantifying amplitude and latency values. The EEG recordings were taken from the ERP CORE, which includes data from 40 neurotypical college students for seven widely studied ERP components: P3b, N170, mismatch negativity, N400, error-related negativity, N2pc, and lateralized readiness potential. Large differences in data quality were observed across the different ERP components, and very large differences in data quality were observed across participants. Data quality also varied depending on the algorithm used to quantify the amplitude and especially the latency of a given ERP component. These results provide an initial set of benchmark values that can be used for comparison with previous and future ERP studies. They also provide useful information for predicting effect sizes and statistical power in future studies, even with different numbers of trials. More broadly, this study provides a general approach that could be used to determine which specific experimental designs, data collection procedures, and data processing algorithms lead to the best data quality.

PMID:36748399 | DOI:10.1111/psyp.14264

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2022 Dec 28;47(12):1704-1710. doi: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2022.210799.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: During the epidemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), the wide spread of rumors caused significant public hazards. This study aims to understand the situation of discrimination for typical COVID-19 rumors by the public and related factors.

METHODS: An anonymous online survey was carried out using Questionnaire Star. The contents included participants’ gender, age, education level, the COVID-19 information sources, and the judgmental questions about 14 representative COVID-19 rumors. The discrimination rate and 95% confidence interval of 14 rumors were estimated, and the association of discrimination rate with gender, age, and education level was analyzed by binary logistic regression.

RESULTS: A total of 2 087 valid questionnaires were collected. The participants were mainly female (62.7%) and below 35 years old (63.4%); the education level was predominantly college/bachelor’s degree (47.3%) and master’s degree or above (39.1%); the participants, who accessed to COVID-19 information included internet media, accounted for 91%. The participants with different gender, age, and education level had significant differences in the distribution of COVID-19 information sources (all P<0.01). The participants’ discrimination rate for 14 rumors ranged from 67.4% to 98.6%, with 4 rumors less than 80%. Women’s discrimination rate of 9 rumors was significantly higher than men’s (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the discrimination rate of rumors among the different age groups (all P>0.05), but the differences in the discrimination rate of other rumors among the different age groups varied according to the rumor. Compared to those with high school or less education levels, the discrimination rates were also higher in the respondents with high education levels (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: A few publics are still unable to identify typical rumors during the COVID-19 epidemic. There are associations among genders, age, and the education levels with the discrimination of some rumors. The government authorities should strengthen the true information regarding COVID-19, and therefore enhance the public’s ability to identify rumors.

PMID:36748381 | DOI:10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2022.210799

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2022 Dec 28;47(12):1695-1703. doi: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2022.210596.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in elderly and patients with chronic respiratory diseases (COPD) had a poor prognosis. COPD is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases. We explore the epidemiological characteristics of patients with severe COVID-19 with COPD patients in order to provide medical evidence for the prevention and treatment of severe COVID-19.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical baseline characteristics, treatment strategies, disease progression and prognosis of 557 severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the West Court of Union Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 29, 2020 to April 8, 2020.

RESULTS: A total of 465 patients with severe COVID-19 were enrolled in the study, including 248 (53.3%) males and 217 (46.7%) females. The median age of severe COVID-19 patients was 62.0 years, and 53 patients were complicated with COPD. Common symptoms at the onset included fever (78.5%), dry cough (67.1%), shortness of breath (47.3%) and fatigue (40.9%). Compared with non-COPD patients, patients with COPD had significantly lower levels of SpO2 in admission (90.0% vs 92.0%, P=0.014). In terms of laboratory examinations, patients with COPD had higher levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, lipoprotein (a), high-sensitivity troponin I, and D-dimer, while had lower levels of platelet counts, albumin and apolipoprotein AI. Severe COVID-19 patients with COPD had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores [3.0(2.0, 3.0) vs 2.0(2.0, 3.0), P=0.038] and CURB-65 score [1.0(1.0, 2.0) vs1.0(0.0, 1.0), P<0.001], and a higher proportion of progressing to critical illness (28.3% vs 10.0%, P<0.001) with more complications [e.g. septic shock (15.1% vs 6.1%, P=0.034)], had higher incidence rates of antibiotic therapies (90.6% vs 77.2%, P=0.025), non-invasive (11.3% vs 1.7%, P<0.001) and invasive mechanical ventilation (17.0% vs 8.3%, P=0.039), ICU admission (17.0% vs 7.5%, P=0.021) and death (15.1% vs 6.1%, P=0.016). Cox proportion hazard model was carried out, and the results showed that comorbid COPD was an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 patients progressing to critical type, after adjusting for age and gender [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR)=2.38(1.30-4.37), P=0.005] and additionally adjusting for chronic kidney diseases, hypertension, coronary heart disease [AHR=2.63(1.45-4.77), P<0.001], or additionally adjusting for some statistically significant laboratory findings [AHR=2.10(1.13-3.89), P=0.018].

CONCLUSIONS: Severe COVID-19 patients with COPD have higher levels of disease severity, proportion of progression to critical illness and mortality rate. Individualized treatment strategies should be adopted to improve the prognosis of severe COVID-19 patients.

PMID:36748380 | DOI:10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2022.210596

Cancer Control. 2022 Jan-Dec;29:10732748221079474. doi: 10.1177/10732748221079474.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) makes 60-70% of gliomas and 15% of primary brain tumors. Despite the availability of standard multimodal therapy, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years survival rate of GBM are still low. Active immunotherapy is a relatively new treatment option for GBM that seems promising.

METHODS: An electronic database search on PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov was performed to include all relevant studies. This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Reported parameters are OS, PFS, AEs, post treatment KPS, and 2 year mortality.

RESULTS: Active immunotherapy provided better OS (HR = .85; 95% CI = .71-1.01; P = .06) and PFS (HS = .83; 95% CI= .66 – 1.03; P = .11) side albeit not statistically significant. Active immunotherapy reduces the risk of 2 year mortality as much as 2.5% compared to control group (NNT and RRR was 56.7078 and 0,0258, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Active immunotherapy might be beneficial in terms of survival rate in patients with GBM although not statistically significant. It could be a treatment option for GBM in the future.

PMID:36748348 | DOI:10.1177/10732748221079474

Acta Derm Venereol. 2023 Feb 7;103:adv00861. doi: 10.2340/actadv.v103.4804.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:36748331 | DOI:10.2340/actadv.v103.4804

Ginekol Pol. 2023;94(1):25-32. doi: 10.5603/GP.a2022.0117.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationships among pelvic floor myoelectric level, ultrasound and stress urinary incontinence in women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 218 women with SUI and 300 normal women were studied. The main outcomes were to determine the relationship between SUI and high-risk factors, PFM intensity, pelvic floor EMG value, and pelvic floor ultrasound data.

RESULTS: In the pelvic floor EMG data, the abnormal rate of type I muscle fibre strength, type I muscle fibre fatigue, type II muscle fibre strength and type II muscle fibre endurance in the SUI group reached more than 50%. The abnormal rates of type I muscle fibre strength and type II muscle fibre strength in the severe SUI group were more significant than those in the mild and moderate SUI. The funnelization of the black neck urethra, bladder neck mobility, posterior angle of the black neck urethra, urinary increment angle and urinary rotation angle of the SUI group were significantly increased. The levator ani muscle in the SUI group was thinner, and the difference was statistically significant. The analysis of the variance results of the overall significance of the regression model were tested, and the final multiple linear regression model was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: With the help of a convenient and economic means of the early detection of SUI, the diagnosis rate can be improved so that SUI tendency can achieve a diagnosis and treatment through nonsurgical treatment with fewer complications and a low risk and improve the quality of life of middle-aged and elderly women.

PMID:36748320 | DOI:10.5603/GP.a2022.0117

J Clin Periodontol. 2023 Feb 7. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13787. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To evaluate the influence of the abutment material (zirconia vs. titanium) on the long-term aesthetic and clinical outcomes of implant-supported restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 30 patients, a single implant-supported restoration with either a zirconia or a titanium abutment was placed in the anterior maxilla (incisors, canines, and bicuspids). Aesthetic (Implant Crown Aesthetic Index-ICAI), clinical, radiographic and patient-centred outcomes were recorded at baseline (1-month after final restoration), 1 year and 5 years of follow-up. This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02315794).

RESULTS: 25 subjects completed the follow-up visits at 1 and 5 years. Using ICAI values demonstrated statistically significant better aesthetic outcomes when zirconia abutments were used compared to titanium abutments. Between 1 to 5 years, the aesthetic sub-analysis of the crown component worsened, however the mucosal sub-analysis improved. There were no significant changes in bone levels, but the plaque index, bleeding on probing and probing depths worsened in both groups.

CONCLUSION: At 5 years, standard zirconia abutments achieved better aesthetic outcomes, although with similar clinical behaviour.

PMID:36748305 | DOI:10.1111/jcpe.13787

Small. 2023 Feb 7:e2207927. doi: 10.1002/smll.202207927. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In this work, monolithic three-dimensional complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverter array has been fabricated, based on large-scale n-MoS₂ and p-MoTe₂ grown by the chemical vapor deposition method. In the CMOS device, the n- and p-channel field-effect transistors (FETs) stack vertically and share the same gate electrode. High k HfO₂ is used as the gate dielectric. An Al₂ O₃ seed layer is used to protect the MoS₂ from heavily n-doping in the later-on atomic layer deposition process. P-MoTe₂ FET is intentionally designed as the upper layer. Because p-doping of MoTe₂ results from oxygen and water in the air, this design can guarantee a higher hole density of MoTe₂ . An HfO₂ capping layer is employed to further balance the transfer curves of n- and p-channel FETs and improve the performance of the inverter. The typical gain and power consumption of the CMOS devices are about 4.2 and 0.11 nW, respectively, at V_DD of 1 V. The statistical results show that the CMOS array is with high device yield (60%) and an average voltage gain value of about 3.6 at V_DD of 1 V. This work demonstrates the advantage of two-dimensional semi-conductive transition metal dichalcogenides in fabricating high-density integrated circuits.

PMID:36748299 | DOI:10.1002/smll.202207927

J Anim Ecol. 2023 Feb 7. doi: 10.1111/1365-2656.13896. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

1. Microhabitat differentiation of species communities such as vertical stratification in tropical forests contributes to species coexistence and thus biodiversity. However, little is known about how the extent of stratification changes during forest recovery and influences community reassembly. Environmental filtering determines community reassembly in time (succession) and in space (stratification), hence functional and phylogenetic composition of species communities are highly dynamic. It is poorly understood if and how these two concurrent filters – forest recovery and stratification – interact. 2. In a tropical forest chronosequence in Ecuador spanning 34 years of natural recovery, we investigated the recovery trajectory of ant communities in three overlapping strata (ground, leaf litter, lower tree trunk) by quantifying 13 traits, as well as the functional and phylogenetic diversity of the ants. We expected that functional and phylogenetic diversity would increase with recovery time and that each ant community within each stratum would show a distinct functional reassembly. We predicted that traits related to ant diet would show divergent trajectories reflecting an increase in niche differentiation with recovery time. On the other hand, traits related to the abiotic environment were predicted to show convergent trajectories due to a more similar microclimate across strata with increasing recovery age. 3. Most of the functional traits and the phylogenetic diversity of the ants were clearly stratified, confirming previous findings. However, neither functional nor phylogenetic diversity increased with recovery time. Community-weighted trait means had complex relationships to recovery time and the majority were shaped by a statistical interaction between recovery time and stratum, confirming our expectations. However, most trait trajectories converged among strata with increasing recovery time regardless of whether they were related to ant diet or environmental conditions. 4. We confirm the hypothesized interaction among environmental filters during the functional reassembly in tropical forests. Communities in individual strata respond differently to recovery, and possible filter mechanisms likely arise from both abiotic (e.g., microclimate) and biotic (e.g., diet) conditions. Since vertical stratification is prevalent across animal and plant taxa, our results highlight the importance of stratum-specific analysis in dynamic ecosystems and may generalize beyond ants.

PMID:36748273 | DOI:10.1111/1365-2656.13896

Int Endod J. 2023 Feb 6. doi: 10.1111/iej.13902. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The purpose of this case-control study was to compare the prevalence of Apical Periodontitis (AP) in patients affected by Autoimmune Disorders (AD) [Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Psoriasis (Ps)] with the prevalence of AP in subjects without AD. The prevalences of AP in patients taking biologic medications, conventional medications and no medication were also compared.

METHODOLOGY: 89 patients (2,145 teeth) with AD were investigated and the control group included 89 patients (2,329 teeth) with no systemic diseases. Full dental panoramic tomograms were used to determine the periapical status of the teeth. Additional variables investigated included patient’s socio-demographic characteristics, medications taken by AD patients, the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between AD and AP. P-values lower than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS: The prevalence of AP was 89.9% in AD patients and 74.2% in control subjects (odds ratio [OR]=3.75, p=0.015). The DMFT score was found to be significantly higher in the AD group (p=0.004). Patients with RA had the highest risk of being affected by AP, whereas those with IBD had the lowest risk. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the teeth of AD patients who were not taking any medication or were being treated with biologic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (bDMARDs) had a higher risk of being affected by AP than did the teeth of the control subjects (OR=1.42 and OR=2.03 respectively; p=0.010). The teeth of patients taking conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs) were less affected by AP compared with those of patients taking bDMARDs.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AD, whether treated or not with biologic medications, showed a higher prevalence of AP than did those in the control group. The DMFT index score, which was higher in AD patients compared with controls was identified as a significant predictor of AP prevalence.

PMID:36747086 | DOI:10.1111/iej.13902