Category: Statistics

Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2022 Sep 21. doi: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000875. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Several recent studies have corroborated a strong association between diet and gastric cancer risk; investigators have also identified dietary factors that protect against gastric cancer. This review summarizes the literature on this topic and guides future research directions.

RECENT FINDINGS: High-salt intake disrupts the gastric mucosal defense barrier, promoting Helicobacter pylori colonization and penetration of other carcinogenic compounds. Processed foods, processed meats, red meat, alcohol, foods with high dietary fat, and dietary cholesterol increase the risk of gastric carcinogenesis. On the other hand, increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and a low-salt diet may offer a protective effect.

SUMMARY: Despite decreases in gastric cancer incidence because of increased identification and treatment of H. pylori, gastric cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide with a high mortality rate. This disturbing statistic highlights the importance of reducing and eliminating other risk factors for gastric cancer. There is a strong body of evidence that alcohol, processed foods, high salt intake, high fat intake, and foods with animal products (meats, eggs, and dairy) increase the risk of gastric cancer. A diet that is high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and is low in salt may reduce the risk of gastric cancer.

PMID:36165035 | DOI:10.1097/MOG.0000000000000875

Arch Suicide Res. 2022 Sep 27:1-10. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2022.2127386. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Suicide bereavement is a significant public health concern. Using nationally representative survey data, we quantify sexual orientation differences in frequency of suicide exposure and suicide exposure-related emotional distress among US adults.

METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from the 2016 General Social Survey (GSS) and included sexual minority (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual; (n = 74, 5.3%) and heterosexual (n = 1,207, 94.7%) adults. The GSS asked several questions related to suicide exposure including number of lifetime suicide exposures, emotional distress related to suicide exposure, time elapsed since suicide exposure, and relationship(s) and perceived closeness to the person(s) who died. We use descriptive statistics to describe differences in suicide exposure characteristics across sexual orientation. Among those who were exposed to at least one suicide (n = 698, 51.1%), a weighted multivariable logistic regression model examined the association between sexual orientation and suicide exposure-related emotional distress adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS: Sexual minorities reported a similar number of lifetime suicide exposures and were not significantly different from heterosexuals on other suicide exposure characteristics. However, sexual minority, compared to heterosexual, respondents experienced 3.14 greater odds of severe emotional distress related to suicide exposure (95% CI = 1.42-6.94, p = .005).

CONCLUSION: Perhaps due to stigmatizing mourning experiences, sexual minority adults are particularly vulnerable to severe suicide exposure-related emotional distress. Future research to understand the scope of sexual minority-specific bereavement support services and public policies (e.g., bereavement leave) as well as intervention development to support sexual minority adults’ coping in the wake of suicide exposure is warranted. HIGHLIGHTSApproximately half of sexual minority US adults report a lifetime suicide exposureSexual minority adults experience more severe suicide exposure-related emotional distressPostvention care should be tailored to meet the needs of sexual minority adults.

PMID:36165026 | DOI:10.1080/13811118.2022.2127386

Psychol Med. 2022 Sep 27:1-13. doi: 10.1017/S0033291722002628. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Treatment non-response and recurrence are the main sources of disease burden in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, little is known about its neurobiological mechanism concerning the brain network changes accompanying pharmacotherapy. The present study investigated the changes in the intrinsic brain networks during 6-month antidepressant treatment phase associated with the treatment response and recurrence in MDD.

METHODS: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was acquired from untreated patients with MDD and healthy controls at baseline. The patients’ depressive symptoms were monitored by using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD). After 6 months of antidepressant treatment, patients were re-scanned and followed up every 6 months over 2 years. Traditional statistical analysis as well as machine learning approaches were conducted to investigate the longitudinal changes in macro-scale resting-state functional network connectivity (rsFNC) strength and micro-scale resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) associated with long-term treatment outcome in MDD.

RESULTS: Repeated measures of the general linear model demonstrated a significant difference in the default mode network (DMN) rsFNC change before and after the 6-month antidepressant treatment between remitters and non-remitters. The difference in the rsFNC change over the 6-month antidepressant treatment between recurring and stable MDD was also specific to DMN. Machine learning analysis results revealed that only the DMN rsFC change successfully distinguished non-remitters from the remitters at 6 months and recurring from stable MDD during the 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that the intrinsic DMN connectivity could be a unique and important target for treatment and recurrence prevention in MDD.

PMID:36164996 | DOI:10.1017/S0033291722002628

Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2022 Sep 16. doi: 10.1922/EJPRD_2429Karabay14. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical performance of universal adhesives with self-etch mode regarding their functional monomer and HEMA contents.

METHODS: The study involved 27 patients (108 restorations) aged between 34 and 69 (mean age: 53.8). Each restoration contained one of four different universal adhesives applied in self-etch mode: G-Premio Bond (HEMA-free, MDP and 4-MET containing), Xeno Select (HEMA and MDP-free), Tetric-n-Bond Universal (HEMA and MDP-containing) and Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (HEMA, MDP and amide monomers containing). The restorations were evaluated according to the FDI criteria at baseline, 6, and 12 months. The data were statistically analyzed using Friedman’s and Kruskal-Wallis tests for significance in each pair (p⟨0.05).

RESULTS: After 12 months, one restoration was lost in each of the G-Premio Bond and Clearfil Bond Quick groups. The success rate was 96.3% for both adhesives and 100% for Xeno Select and Tetric-n-Bond adhesives. There was no statistically significant difference between the four dentin adhesive groups among all the evaluation periods regarding any evaluation criteria. However, four universal adhesives showed clinically acceptable marginal discoloration and marginal deterioration in a few restorations.

CONCLUSION: Monomer contents of universal adhesives with self-etch mode had no significant effect on the success of restorations.

PMID:36164992 | DOI:10.1922/EJPRD_2429Karabay14

Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2022 Sep 16. doi: 10.1922/EJPRD_2439Khan09. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate antifungal and mechanical properties after the impregnation of Dimethyl Amino-ethyl Hexa-decyl Di-methacrylate (DMAHDM) alone or in combination with Nystatin in polymethylmethacrylate.

METHODOLOGY: The control group was fabricated by mixing powder and liquid of PMMA at the ratio of 2.5:1 g/mL. The DMAHDM was added to PMMA liquid and were mixed with PMMA powder. The Nystatin (500,000 International Units (IU)) was mixed with PMMA powder, whereby the composite powder was mixed with the DMAHDM-based liquid. The prepared specimens were tested for fungal adhesion testing (at days 1 and 30), impact strength and flexural strength. Oneway ANOVA post-hoc Tukey’s test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis for the adhesion assay revealed that the antifungal activities of unaged and aged specimens in experimental groups were statistically significant as compared to control group A. The groups containing DMAHDM with Nystatin have shown statistically reduced flexural strength. The impact strength test revealed that groups containing 20% DMAHDM alone and DMAHDM with Nystatin showed statistically reduced impact strength compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION: Antifungal activities of experimental PMMA resin was increased. The addition of DMAHDM alone in PMMA resin has no deleterious effects on impact and flexural strength, however, at higher concentration values were reduced.

PMID:36164988 | DOI:10.1922/EJPRD_2439Khan09

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Sep 27. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15393. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Patients desiring noninvasive body contouring increasing require a more comprehensive approach to soft tissue laxity, muscle, and adipose hypertrophy. Previous devices have typically focused on only adipose reduction, without impact on muscle or skin laxity. This study descripes the first use of noninvasive bipolar radiofrequency in combination with electromagnetic muscle stimulation.

METHODS: This study was an IRB-approved study conducted at four sites (TN, TX, PA, NC). In all, 59 patients completed the three-treatment regimen of combined non-invasive bipolar RF and EMS. Efficacy of the Transform (InMode, Lake Forest, CA) treatment was assessed by numerous outcomes including sequential caliper measurements, circumference measurements, comfort during treatment, subject satisfaction, and ultrasound measurements.

RESULTS: The combination of non-invasive bipolar RF with EMS was found to be safe and efficacious. The three-treatment regimen was statistically efficacious as it related to 1) subject satisfaction, 2) 1 mm ultrasound, 3) 2 mm ultrasound, 3) average of 1 and 2 mm ultrasound, 5) caliper 1 measurements, 6) caliper 2 measurements, 7) average of caliper 1 and 2 measurements, and 8) subject comfort. The outcomes associated with the circumference measurements were not statistically significant, though they were directionally telling in favor as the treatment being efficacious.

CONCLUSION: The combination of noninvasive bipolar radiofrequency and electrical muscle stimulation is a safe and effective method for treatment of skin laxity, adipose hypertrophy, and muscle.

PMID:36164965 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.15393

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Sep 27. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15395. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of mask wearing on facial attractiveness and projected first impressions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A total of 8 models were evaluated by 200 live raters and 750 online raters both with and without masks while smiling maximally. Both live and online raters looked at the models for fifteen seconds, then completed a first impressions questionnaire.

RESULTS: Overall ratings for attractiveness were higher for both masked and unmasked conditions in-person versus online. Males were perceived more favorably both in impressions and attractiveness online when masked, whereas in person they were more favorable when unmasked. Females were perceived more favorably in impressions when unmasked both online and in person, but their attractiveness rating was higher when masked both online and in person. Regardless of gender and masking state, all first impressions were more favorable in person versus online. The differences were statistically significant (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Face masks have different effects for males versus females in both an online and in-person setting. Men are perceived more positively in-person when they smile unmasked while they are better ranked online when they smile masked. Females are better perceived in all domains other than attractiveness when smiling unmasked both online and in person. To optimize first impressions, individuals should seek to meet In person whenever possible when forming new relationships.

PMID:36164960 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.15395

Tuberk Toraks. 2022 Sep;70(3):252-262. doi: 10.5578/tt.20229704.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has become an important health issue with consequences for special populations since 2019. Tobacco use is an important public health issue and tobacco users are a risk group for lung infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study is to obtain information about disease prevalence and severity, laboratory parameters, and changes in radiological findings between smokers and non-smokers who were hospitalized, followed up, and treated for COVID-19, and to find answers to critical questions regarding the response to antiviral and supportive therapy. Two hundred eighty-six patients who were hospitalized and treated between March 2020-February 2021 in the COVID-19 Isolation Ward of Başkent University Hospital were included in the study. The patients were grouped as current smokers, non-smokers, and ex-smokers. The groups were compared in terms of symptoms, laboratory findings, radiological findings, and treatment response.

RESULT: The median age of the patients included in the study was 59 (IQR= 32). Of the patients, 40.6% were female and 59.4% were male. In our study, we discovered that there were fewer female smokers (p<0.001). When the current smokers (n= 56), non-smokers (n= 159), and ex-smokers (n= 71) were compared based on their findings, it was found that dyspnea was more common in current smokers (p= 0.009). Lung involvement was found to be more common (p= 0.002) and multifocal in the current smokers group (p= 0.038). The levels of oxygen saturation at the times of admission and discharge were lower in current smokers (p= 0.002 and p= 0.038). The need for nasal oxygen and noninvasive mechanical ventilation was also found to be higher in current smokers (p= 0.008 and p= 0.039). Systemic steroid requirement was higher in current smokers (p= 0.013). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of mortality between current smokers, ex-smokers, and non-smokers (p= 0.662).

CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the findings of the patients hospitalized in the COVID-19 isolation ward indicated that COVID-19 leads to a more serious course in patients with a history of smoking.

PMID:36164949 | DOI:10.5578/tt.20229704

Tuberk Toraks. 2022 Sep;70(3):231-241. doi: 10.5578/tt.20229702.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: To assess the incidence and course of COVID-19 in patients with severe asthma/chronic spontaneous urticaria using biological agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 202 patients (142 with asthma, and 60 with urticaria) were enrolled. The subjects were asked via face-to-face or telephone interview whether they had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and the course of the disease.

RESULT: Study group consisted of 132 women, and 70 men (median age= 48 years). Median omalizumab dose was 300 mg/month in asthma (min-max= 150-1200 mg). The mepolizumab dose of two patients diagnosed with EGPA was 300 mg/month. Thirty one (15.3%) patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, 22 (71%) of whom were receiving omalizumab and nine (29%) were receiving mepolizumab. Asthma or chronic spontaneous urticaria diagnosis, age, sex, smoking, weight, comorbidities, atopy, and biological agent use were not statistically different between patients with or without COVID-19. Nine COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, and three of them required intensive care. Mepolizumab usage was higher in hospitalized patients (5, 55.6%), whereas omalizumab usage was higher in home-treated patients (18, 81%). The mean duration of biological use in home-treated patients was significantly higher than that of the hospitalized patients (35.64 months vs. 22.56 months, p= 0.024). Biological treatment was interrupted in 47 (23%) patients, selfinterruption due to the infection risk was the foremost reason (34%).

CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of COVID-19 among patients with asthma and urticaria on mepolizumab and omalizumab was higher compared to studies from other countries. The disease course appeared mild in patients receiving long-term biological therapy.

PMID:36164947 | DOI:10.5578/tt.20229702

Cancer Res Treat. 2022 Sep 20. doi: 10.4143/crt.2022.852. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) and associated mortality have been increasing. However, the potential benefits of CRC screening are largely unknown in young individuals. We aimed to evaluate the effect of CRC screening with colonoscopy on all-cause and CRC mortality among young (aged < 45 years) and older (aged ≥ 45 years) individuals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cohort study included 528,046 Korean adults free of cancer at baseline who underwent a comprehensive health examination. The colonoscopic screening group was defined as those who reported undergoing colonoscopy for CRC screening. Mortality follow-up until December 31, 2019 was ascertained based on nationwide death certificate data from the Korea National Statistical Office.

RESULTS: Colonoscopic screening was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in both young and older individuals. Multivariable-adjusted time-dependent hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for all-cause mortality comparing ever- to never-screening were 0.86 (0.75-0.99) for young individuals and 0.71 (0.65-0.78) for older individuals. Colonoscopic screenings were also associated with a reduced risk of CRC mortality without significant interaction by age, although this association was significant only among participants aged ≥ 45 years, with corresponding time-dependent hazard ratios of 0.47 (0.15-1.44) for young individuals and 0.52 (0.31-0.87) for those aged ≥ 45 years.

CONCLUSION: Colonoscopic CRC screening decreased all-cause mortality among both young and older individuals, while significantly decreased CRC mortality was observed only in those aged ≥ 45 years. Screening initiation at an earlier age warrants more rigorous confirmatory studies.

PMID:36164945 | DOI:10.4143/crt.2022.852