Category: Statistics

Psychiatr Pol. 2022 Apr 30;56(2):405-416. doi: 10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/125573. Epub 2022 Apr 30.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: According to some theoretical interpretations of the olfactory training effects, the training may indirectly exert positive influence on cognitive functioning in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia. The mechanism of action is stimulation of cerebral blood flow in areas of brain which are shared by olfactory and memory processes. The aim of this article is to verify a hypothesis that the olfactory training improves memory and attention functions in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

METHODS: Participants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (N = 35; 17 males and 18 females) constituted their own control group. During the first 12 weeks from the baseline evaluation no therapeutic actions were performed. The subjects underwent control neuropsychological assessment and entered in the second stage of the study. In that stage they were subjected to a daily olfactory training, which included two a few-minute-long sessions per day, which were performed for the following 3 months. Subject’s memory functioning was measured at three time points: at the baseline, after 3 months and after 6 months (from the baseline). Cross-over assignment was used as the intervention method -which means that the participants constituted their own control group. The scales employed in the study to measure memory and attention were: ACE-III, CVLT, and MMSE.

RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement in memory functions measured with the CVLT, MMSE, ACE-III Memory, and ACE-III Total Score was obtained. It is considered an artefact related to practice effects, not true training results. Moreover, trend suggesting improvement on the ACE-III Attention was noted as well.

CONCLUSIONS: The authors review theoretical implications of the conducted study. Methodological challenges pertaining to the study design are discussed and future research directions are proposed.

PMID:35988083 | DOI:10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/125573

Psychiatr Pol. 2022 Apr 30;56(2):391-404. doi: 10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/125054. Epub 2022 Apr 30.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The article presents the results of a research project on the evaluation of changes during the process of systemic family therapy in a clinical group comprising adolescent psychiatric patients.

METHODS: The evaluation was conducted using Polish version of the SCORE-15 tool. The analysis was performed on a sample of 109 families who completed the questionnaire before their first session. Before the fourth session, the questionnaire was filled in by 73 families; and after the last session it was completed by 28 families.

RESULTS: Consensual qualitative research method revealed changes in family’s description of the family as well as in description of the problem. Statistical analyses of the results of the SCORE-15 questionnaire identified significant changes between the first, fourth and the final session. Changes were identified in the SCORE Total as well as in the VAS scales. The RCI showed 5 improvements and 2 deteriorations after three sessions, and no deterioration and 13 improvements at final one.

CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results point to many significant changes in the researched areas after completion of the systemic family therapy by families. The research also indicated that a coherent qualitative analysis of the descriptive material can be highly informative and can enrich both the understanding of the therapeutic process as well as the manner of providing feedback about the changes in the therapy to families.

PMID:35988082 | DOI:10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/125054

Psychiatr Pol. 2022 Apr 30;56(2):309-321. doi: 10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/131532. Epub 2022 Apr 30.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: A link between sexual functioning and depression has been reported. However, it is still unknown whether lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) coexist or correlate with sexual dysfunction (SD) in depressed individuals. Depressed patients represent a unique population because of a possible bidirectional relationship between SD and depression and between LUTS and depression. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate relationships between depression severity, SD and LUTS for patients with depression.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data on depression, sexual functioning and LUTS from depressed patients who were treated in our department of adult psychiatry. Data were obtained from the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).

RESULTS: We included one hundred two patients diagnosed with, and treated for, depression. The participants reported a high overall prevalence of SD (60.8%), and SD correlated with depression severity. LUTS were also highly prevalent with 86% of the participants reporting at least mild LUTS severity. Despite coexistence of LUTS and SD in multiple patients, we did not find a statistically significant relationship between LUTS and SD in our cohort.

CONCLUSIONS: In our exclusive group of individuals diagnosed with, and treated for, depression, depression severity had a negative effect on sexual functioning. Although there was no statistically significant relationship between LUTS and SD, they coexisted in multiple patients. Therefore, LUTS and SD should still be systematically assessed in patients with depression.

PMID:35988077 | DOI:10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/131532

Psychiatr Pol. 2022 Apr 30;56(2):297-308. doi: 10.12740/PP/127952. Epub 2022 Apr 30.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of thestudy was to assess the relationship between symptoms of depression, the level of sense of coherence (SOC) and the quality of life in patients with allergic diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 50 bronchial asthma patients, 72 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, and 48 patients with atopic dermatitis. The control group consisted of 50 healthy volunteers. The mental status and quality of life were assessed by questionnaires: Short Form-36 Health Status Survey (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Sense of Coherence-29 (SOC-29).

RESULTS: Mean depression severity values were higher in allergic rhinitis patients and atopic dermatitis patients than in the control group. Patients in the latter group also showed higher rates of depression than those with bronchial asthma. In all study groups, statistically significantly lower values of sense of coherence were demonstrated compared to healthy subjects. There were no differences in the values of sense of coherence, in comparisons between the study groups. In all patient groups, lower values in physical functioning (PCS) of the quality of life scale were observed compared to the control group. The severity of symptoms of depression in all groups showed negative correlations with quality of life parameters and a sense of coherence. In addition, the SOC value correlated negatively with the parameters of mental functioning (MCS) of the quality of life scale.

CONCLUSIONS: (1) Patients with atopic dermatitis showed the greatest severity of depressive symptoms. (2) Patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis showed abetter quality of life than patients with chronic bronchial asthma and patients with atopic dermatitis. (3) Low level of sense of coherence in patients suffering from allergic diseases and the occurrence of symptoms of depression can worsen the quality of life.

PMID:35988076 | DOI:10.12740/PP/127952

Psychiatr Pol. 2022 Apr 30;56(2):205-216. doi: 10.12740/PP/145259. Epub 2022 Apr 30.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the presented research is to characterize the operating Mental Health Centers (MHCs) and to provide a preliminary assessment of the implementation process of the pilot program model in the area of psychiatric care in Poland.

METHODS: The study uses the Polish version of the German questionnaire, which covers four areas: (1) basic conditionsof the model project/pilot program; (2) characteristicsof the organizational structure of the treatment entity; (3) statistical characteristics of the services provided;(4) specific features of the psychiatric care system in model regions/pilot program Mental Health Centers.

RESULTS: Nineteen of the 27 Mental Health Centers completed the survey. The centers have 428 beds in day units and 1,971 beds in inpatient units. Most of the centers (15 of 19) work with subcontractors and all are publicly funded. Eight centers were established by psychiatric hospitals and 11 centers were constituted at psychiatric wards within multi-specialist hospitals. The medical services provided by the centers mainly include psychiatry and psychotherapy. In 2019, the centers provided medical services to a total of 65,614 patients; 8,432 patients received at least three forms of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: The first full year of MHC operation in the pilot program indicates the expected direction of change in psychiatric care – achieving a significant level of implementation of community care standards. The survey needs to be repeated to verify this direction. A limitation of the study was the lack of survey responses from 30% of MHCs. In the future, we should aim for at least 90% of completed surveys.

PMID:35988069 | DOI:10.12740/PP/145259

J Clin Nurs. 2022 Aug 21. doi: 10.1111/jocn.16488. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the evidence-based nursing practice (EBNP) competencies of clinical and academic nurses and their collaboration needs for supporting EBNP.

BACKGROUND: Academic-practice partnerships have strong potential to overcome the key barriers to EBNP. However, there is little known about the collaboration needs of clinical and academic nurses for EBNP.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.

METHODS: We recruited clinical and academic nurses online during November 2021 to January 2022. Using a reliable and validated scale and adapted questionnaires, data were collected relating to demographic information, EBNP-related resources availability, EBNP competencies and EBNP collaboration needs. These data were described using descriptive statistical methods. The t test, χ² test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate if the different responses between clinical and academic nurses were statistically significant. This study was reported following the STROBET checklist.

RESULTS: Two 240 clinical nurses and 232 academic nurses submitted questionnaires. There was no difference in overall EBNP competence between clinical and academic nurses. However, clinical nurses reported lower levels of competence and stronger intentions to collaborate with academic nurses when searching for, appraising, and synthesising evidence. Academic nurses reported lower levels of competence and stronger intentions to collaborate with clinical nurses for disseminating and implementing evidence.

CONCLUSION: Clinical and academic nurses both reported high needs for collaborating to overcome their perceived role limitations. Clinical and academic nurses have different strengths and limitations in EBNP. These role differences and intentions to collaborate for different dimensions of EBNP competence suggest that clinical and academic nursing roles could be complementary to each other, offering opportunities for synergistic collaborations to better support overall EBNP.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare and academic institutions should promote academic-practice partnerships as opportunities to gain complementary expertise on different dimensions of EBNP, and to improve nurses’ competencies and confidence in EBNP overall.

PMID:35988036 | DOI:10.1111/jocn.16488

J Pers. 2022 Aug 20. doi: 10.1111/jopy.12767. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Negative affective symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, anger) are correlated and have parallel associations with outcomes, as do related personality traits (i.e., facets of neuroticism), often prompting statistical control (i.e., partialing) to determine independent effects. However, such adjustments among predictor variables can alter their construct validity. In three studies, the interpersonal circumplex (IPC) and a related analytic approach (i.e., Structural Summary Method) were used to evaluate changes in interpersonal correlates of negative affective characteristics resulting from partialing.

METHODS: Samples of undergraduates (Sample 1 n = 3,283; Sample 2 = 688) and married couples (n = 300 couples) completed self-report (three samples) and partner rating (sample 3) measures of anxiety, depression and anger, and IPC measures of interpersonal style.

RESULTS: Anxiety, depression, and anger had expected interpersonal correlates across samples. Partialing depression eliminated interpersonal correlates of anxiety. When anxiety was controlled, depression measures were more strongly associated with submissiveness and less closely associated with low warmth. Adjustments involving anger magnified differences in dominance versus submissiveness associated with the negative affects.

DISCUSSION: Removal of overlap among negative affective measures via partialing alters their interpersonal correlates, potentially complicating interpretation of adjusted associations.

PMID:35988017 | DOI:10.1111/jopy.12767

J Anim Breed Genet. 2022 Aug 20. doi: 10.1111/jbg.12737. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Domestication and selection significantly changed phenotypic and behavioural traits in modern domestic animals. In this study, to identify the genomic regions associated with mastitis, genomic data of German Holstein dairy cattle were analysed. The samples were genotyped using the Bovine 50 K SNP chip. For each defined healthy and sick group, 133 samples from 13,276 genotyped dairy cows were selected based on mastitis random residual effects. Grouping was done to infer selection signatures based on XP-EHH statistic. The results revealed that for the top 0.01 percentile of the obtained XP-EHH values, five genomic regions on chromosomes 8, 11, 12, 14 and 26 of the control group, and four regions on chromosomes 3, 4 (two regions) and 22 of the case group, have been under selection. Also, consideration of the top 0.1 percentile of the XP-EHH values, clarified 21 and 15 selective sweeps in the control and case group, respectively. This study identified some genomic regions containing potential candidate genes associated with resistance and susceptibility to mastitis, immune system and inflammation, milk traits, udder morphology and different types of cancers. In addition, these regions overlap with some quantitative trait loci linked to clinical mastitis, immunoglobulin levels, somatic cell score, udder traits, milk fat and protein, milk yield, milking speed and veterinary treatments. It is noteworthy that we found two regions in the healthy group (on chromosomes 12 and 14) with strong signals, which were not described previously. It is likely that future research could link these identified genomic regions to mastitis. The results of the current study contribute to the identification of causal mutations, genomic regions and genes affecting mastitis incidence in dairy cows.

PMID:35988016 | DOI:10.1111/jbg.12737

Rev Argent Microbiol. 2022 Aug 17:S0325-7541(22)00056-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ram.2022.05.011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Candida spp. was characterized in the oral cavity of cancer patients in a health care center in Barranquilla, Colombia. This is a cross-sectional investigation including 60 oncological patients with oral candidiasis, selected by convenience sampling, from whom samples were subjected to culture in Sabouraud chloramphenicol agar, CHROMagar® Candida and Sabouraud dextrose agar were taken. The antifungal susceptibility profile was then identified and established. Descriptive statistics, Chi square test, and bivariate analysis were conducted using the Statgraphics Centurion XVII software with odds ratio (OR) for the probability of occurrence. A total of 107 Candida strains were identified belonging to 15 species, C. albicans with 23%, C. glabrata with 18%, C. tropicalis 13%, C. krusei 10%, C intermedia, and C. lipolytica with 1.5%. Species other than C. albicans were identified in 77% of the cases. A relationship between reproductive system cancer and C. guilliermondii was identified (p = 0.0001, <0.05) OR: 17.0. Between C. colliculosa and respiratory cancer (p = 0.0003, <0.05) OR 19.5. With regard to antifungal susceptibility, 99% of the identified Candida species were susceptible to the following antifungals: fluconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin. Only one strain of C. krusei was resistant. It is concluded that there was a diversity of Candida species, either single or mixed in cancer patients, which could determine that only one species is not responsible for fungal infection in the oral cavity.

PMID:35988002 | DOI:10.1016/j.ram.2022.05.011

BMC Med Res Methodol. 2022 Aug 20;22(1):230. doi: 10.1186/s12874-022-01710-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Restrictions in systematic reviews (SRs) can lead to bias and may affect conclusions. Therefore, it is important to report whether and which restrictions were used. This study aims to examine the use of restrictions regarding language, publication period, and study type, as well as the transparency of reporting in SRs of effectiveness.

METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted with a random sample of 535 SRs of effectiveness indexed in PubMed between 2000 and 2019. The use of restrictions and their reporting were analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Of the total 535 SRs included, four out of every ten (41.3%) lacked information on at least one of the three restrictions considered (language, publication period, or study type). Overall, 14.6% of SRs did not provide information on restrictions regarding publication period, 19.1% regarding study type, and 18.3% regarding language. Of all included SRs, language was restricted in 46.4%, and in more than half of the SRs with restricted language (130/248), it was unclear whether the restriction was applied during either the search or the screening process, or both. The restrictions were justified for publication period in 22.2% of the respective SRs (33/149), study type in 6.5% (28/433), and language in 3.2% (8/248). Differences in reporting were found between countries as well as between Cochrane and non-Cochrane reviews.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there is a lack of transparency in reporting on restrictions in SRs. Authors as well as editors and reviewers should be encouraged to improve the reporting and justification of restrictions to increase the transparency of SRs.

PMID:35987985 | DOI:10.1186/s12874-022-01710-w