Category: Statistics

Glob J Emerg Med. 2022;2(1):1010. Epub 2022 Apr 1.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Despite their popularity in many EDs, little is known regarding perceptions of turkey sandwiches among patients. Given the importance of turkey sandwiches as a form of nutrition provided in EDs, we sought to quantify the composition and taste of ED turkey sandwiches through a quantitative assessment of turkey sandwiches by ED staff.

METHODS: This was a blinded observational study performed at a tertiary, urban academic medical center in Boston, MA. We collected ED turkey sandwiches up to 48 hours prior to study days from 4 emergency departments in the Boston area (2 community hospitals and 2 academic medical centers). We enrolled ED physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and staff who were exposed to four sandwiches in a random fashion. Participants were asked to assess sandwiches on a Likert scale of 1 to 5 on a variety of factors including, nutritional value “goodness”, smell “olfactory”, texture “bite”, ingredient distribution “balance”, appearance “look”, and flavor “edibility” to produce a composite score for sandwich quality (GOBBLE score). Next, participants were asked standardized questions surrounding suitability for consumption and nutrition on a 10 point Likert scale. We calculated mean scores and measured differences using t-tests.

RESULTS: We enrolled 22 participants over the study period. Twenty-one participants completed all measures. GOBBLE scores were calculated and averaged for sandwiches. A One-way ANOVA test was performed to measure statistically significant differences between mean GOBBLE scores (p<0.05) with a post hoc Tukey HSD procedure used to assess for statistically significant difference for pairwise comparison. A significant difference (p=0.009) was noted between the 4 sandwiches being compared, with a single site outperforming the others. Aggregating for academic and community sites demonstrated no statistically significant difference (p=0.08). Sandwiches in general were not considered healthy or palatable by study subjects.

CONCLUSION: Despite out-performance by a single ED, there is no significant difference in the quality of sandwiches provided to patients in EDs between academic and community hospitals. ED turkey sandwiches do not appear to be food items that are viewed as healthy or recommended to patients by ED staff who participated in this study.

PMID:35749081 | PMC:PMC9213106

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2022 Jul 1;48(7):799-812. doi: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000871.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To provide a method for determining the vector that, when added to the preoperative astigmatism, results in no prediction error (PE) and to specify statistical methods for evaluating astigmatism and determining the 95% confidence convex polygon.

SETTING: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.

DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series.

METHODS: An analysis of 3 clinical trials involving toric intraocular lenses was performed. 3 formulas were evaluated (generic vergence formula with zero surgically induced astigmatism, the Barrett toric formula, and the Holladay toric formula). Scalar and vector analyses were performed on each dataset with each formula and the results compared. Since the PE was not a Gaussian distribution, a 95% convex polygon was used to determine the spread of the data.

RESULTS: The mean values for the vector absolute astigmatism PEs were not different for the 3 formulas and 3 datasets. The Barrett and Holladay toric calculators were statistically superior to the zero formula for 3 intervals (0.75, 1.0, and 1.25) in the high astigmatism dataset.

CONCLUSIONS: Residual astigmatism and vector absolute astigmatism PE mean values and SDs are useful but require extremely large datasets to demonstrate a statistical difference, whereas examining percentages in 0.25 diopters (D) steps from 0.25 to 2.0 D reveals differences with far fewer cases using the McNemar test for a P value. Double-angle plots are especially useful to visualize astigmatic vector PEs, and a 95% confidence convex polygon should be used when distributions are not Gaussian.

PMID:35749069 | DOI:10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000871

Rev Bras Med Vet. 2022 May 30;44:e001122. doi: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm001122. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

Due to the scarcity of information on Breton horses, the objective was to study hematobiochemical values of this breed. Blood samples were collected from 29 Bretons, males and females, of different ages, in Brasília-DF, distributed into groups, according to age, without distinction of sex (G1): animals from 4 to 9 years old (n=16) and (G2): from 10 to 26 years old (n=13). The horses were also distributed into males and females for comparisons between the sexes. Values for red blood cells, hemoglobin, creatinine, and urea were statistically higher in females. Fibrinogen was higher in males. Lymphocyte values were higher in G1, but mean corpuscular volume, monocytes, neutrophils, and GGT in G2 were higher than G1. The hematocrit value differed between the ages of the females and was higher than that of the males, while the older male animals showed higher values than the young animals. Females presented lower platelet values than males, with older females having higher platelet values than younger females, in the same way as males. G1 females had the highest leukocyte values. The leukocyte values in males of G2 were higher than those of G1. This same behavior occurred for lymphocytes, eosinophils, and creatine kinase. Considering the albumin and aspartate aminotransferase variables, females had the highest values in the group of animals aged 4 to 9 years. Bretons are considered cold-blooded animals, which is consistent with the observed blood count values. However, it is concluded that these horses have biochemical values similar to warm-blooded breeds.

PMID:35749079 | PMC:PMC9179188 | DOI:10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm001122

J Mol Neurosci. 2022 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s12031-022-02039-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 is a systematic disease that frequently implies neurological and non-neurological manifestations, predominantly by inducing hypoxia. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key factor in regulating functions of nervous and respiratory systems and has been strongly related to hypoxia. Therefore, this study planned to investigate BDNF association with the COVID-19 manifestations especially neurological impairments and the infection-induced hypoxia. We enrolled sixty-four COVID-19 patients and twenty-four healthy individuals in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, with and without neurological manifestations, and their serum BDNF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). COVID-19 patients had significantly lower BDNF levels than healthy individuals (p = 0.023). BDNF levels were significantly lower in patients with neurological manifestations compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.010). However, we did not observe a statistically significant difference in BDNF levels between patients with and without neurological manifestations (p = 0.175). BDNF’s levels were significantly lower in patients with CNS manifestations (p = 0.039) and higher in patients with fever (p = 0.03) and dyspnea (p = 0.006). Secondly, BDNF levels have a significant negative association with oxygen therapy requirement (p = 0.015). These results strongly suggest the critical association between dysregulated BDNF and hypoxia in promoting COVID-19 manifestations, particularly neurological impairments.

PMID:35749045 | DOI:10.1007/s12031-022-02039-1

Ophthalmol Ther. 2022 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s40123-022-00537-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: To compare surgical outcomes of 2.2 mm clear corneal incision (CCI) between a three-dimensional (3D) visualization system and traditional binocular microscope (BM) for phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation surgery.

METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical study, 60 eyes with age-related cataracts were divided into two groups receiving cataract surgery using either a 3D vision system (n = 30 eyes) (3D group) or a binocular microscope (n = 30 eyes) (BM group). We recorded and statistically analyzed surgical parameters and pre- and postoperative ocular parameters. Primary outcomes included the change in endothelial cell density (ECD) and CCI architecture, and secondary outcomes comprised other ocular parameters and surgical parameters. All procedures complied with the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki.

RESULTS: Of the 60 eyes randomly assigned between January 5, 2021, and May 9, 2021, 55 (26 eyes in the 3D group and 29 eyes in the BM group) were analyzed. The ECD loss rate was 8.1% in the 3D group and 12.3% in the BM group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Local detachment of Descemet’s membrane was seen in 50% (13 eyes, 3D group) and 51.6% (15 eyes, BM group), wound gaping at the endothelial side in 15.4% (four eyes, 3D group) and 10.3% (four eyes, BM group), gaping at the epithelial side in 11.5% (three eyes, 3D group) and 6.9% (two eyes, BM group), and misalignment of the incision in 3.4% (one eye, BM group) 1 day after surgery. These abnormalities improved with time. There was no difference between the 3D group and BM group in terms of other ocular parameters or surgical parameters before and after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Using the 3D surgical system for phacoemulsification and IOL implantation surgery seems to result in similar ECD and CCI conditions as using a conventional binocular microscope.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04839250).

PMID:35749016 | DOI:10.1007/s40123-022-00537-4

Nanoscale Res Lett. 2022 Jun 24;17(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s11671-022-03699-z.

ABSTRACT

For neuromorphic computing and high-density data storage memory, memristive devices have recently gained a lot of interest. So far, memristive devices have suffered from switching parameter instability, such as distortions in resistance values of low- and high-resistance states (LRSs and HRSs), dispersion in working voltage (set and reset voltages), and a small ratio of high and low resistance, among other issues. In this context, interface engineering is a critical technique for addressing the variation issues that obstruct the use of memristive devices. Herein, we engineered a high band gap, low Gibbs free energy Al₂O₃ interlayer between the HfO₂ switching layer and the tantalum oxy-nitride electrode (TaN) bottom electrode to operate as an oxygen reservoir, increasing the resistance ratio between HRS and LRS and enabling multilayer data storage. The Pt/HfO₂/Al₂O₃/TaN memristive device demonstrates analog bipolar resistive switching behavior with a potential ratio of HRS and LRS of > 10⁵ and the ability to store multi-level data with consistent retention and uniformity. On set and reset voltages, statistical analysis is used; the mean values (µ) of set and reset voltages are determined to be – 2.7 V and + 1.9 V, respectively. There is a repeatable durability over DC 1000 cycles, 10⁵ AC cycles, and a retention time of 10⁴ s at room temperature. Quantum conductance was obtained by increasing the reset voltage with step of 0.005 V with delay time of 0.1 s. Memristive device has also displayed synaptic properties like as potentiation/depression and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). Results show that engineering of interlayer is an effective approach to improve the uniformity, ratio of high and low resistance, and multiple conductance quantization states and paves the way for research into neuromorphic synapses.

PMID:35749003 | DOI:10.1186/s11671-022-03699-z

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-21611-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Orofacial cleft (OFC) is one of the most common congenital defects, with worldwide cases occurring in approximately 1:700 to 1:1000 births. This incidence is among the highest birth defects in Indonesia, and the incidence rate in Bandung Regency (14.69%) is the second-highest in West Java province. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association of heavy metal factors that accumulate in infants to the risk of OFC in Bandung Regency. The method was used by testing heavy metals Hg, Pb, Cd, Co, and Cr in infant blood. The total sample were 54 samples, where the case respondent of 32 and 22 respondents as the control group. Blood samples were analyzed using ICP-MS Agilent 7900. The correlation using statistic analyze namely chi-square analysis (bivariate) and multiple logistic regression (multivariate). The results showed that there was a significant difference in the concentration of heavy metals Hg, Pb, and Cd as well as an increase in Pb and Cd in the infant’s blood which was thought to be significantly associated with the risk of OFC.

PMID:35748989 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-21611-1

3D Print Med. 2022 Jun 24;8(1):18. doi: 10.1186/s41205-022-00145-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: 3D printing (3DP) has enabled medical professionals to create patient-specific medical devices to assist in surgical planning. Anatomical models can be generated from patient scans using a wide array of software, but there are limited studies on the geometric variance that is introduced during the digital conversion of images to models. The final accuracy of the 3D printed model is a function of manufacturing hardware quality control and the variability introduced during the multiple digital steps that convert patient scans to a printable format. This study provides a brief summary of common algorithms used for segmentation and refinement. Parameters for each that can introduce geometric variability are also identified. Several metrics for measuring variability between models and validating processes are explored and assessed.

METHODS: Using a clinical maxillofacial CT scan of a patient with a tumor of the mandible, four segmentation and refinement workflows were processed using four software packages. Differences in segmentation were calculated using several techniques including volumetric, surface, linear, global, and local measurements.

RESULTS: Visual inspection of print-ready models showed distinct differences in the thickness of the medial wall of the mandible adjacent to the tumor. Volumetric intersections and heatmaps provided useful local metrics of mismatch or variance between models made by different workflows. They also allowed calculations of aggregate percentage agreement and disagreement which provided a global benchmark metric. For the relevant regions of interest (ROIs), statistically significant differences were found in the volume and surface area comparisons for the final mandible and tumor models, as well as between measurements of the nerve central path. As with all clinical use cases, statistically significant results must be weighed against the clinical significance of any deviations found.

CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant geometric variations from differences in segmentation and refinement algorithms can be introduced into patient-specific models. No single metric was able to capture the true accuracy of the final models. However, a combination of global and local measurements provided an understanding of important geometric variations. The clinical implications of each geometric variation is different for each anatomical location and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by clinicians familiar with the process. Understanding the basic segmentation and refinement functions of software is essential for sites to create a baseline from which to evaluate their standard workflows, user training, and inter-user variability when using patient-specific models for clinical interventions or decisions.

PMID:35748984 | DOI:10.1186/s41205-022-00145-9

Environ Geochem Health. 2022 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s10653-022-01316-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Monitoring and evaluating bird exposure to hazardous pollutants in wetlands are receiving considerable attention. In this study, the occurrence of 18 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the muscle of bean geese (Anser fabalis) and common teals (Anas crecca) collected from Honghu Lake Wetland (HLW), Central China was studied. Additionally, an exposure risk assessment model was applied to obtain risk levels of OCPs to these birds through three oral routes (food intake, water drinking and soil ingestion). The results suggested that the most abundant OCPs detected in the muscle of waterbirds were DDTs (7.68-602 ng/g lipid weight), followed by HCHs (1.39-89.8 ng/g lipid weight). A significant difference (p < 0.05) existed between two species, but most of OCPs exhibited no statistically relationship with age or gender (p > 0.05). The compositional patterns of OCPs combined with ratios of certain metabolites to their parent compounds indicated that all OCPs in the HLW were largely from historical usage except heptachlor. The exposure risk assessment revealed that common teals with lighter weight had greater exposure risks than bean geese. Of the OCPs analyzed, DDTs could probably cause harm to target birds studied here. Exposure via food intake was identified to be significant while soil ingestion and water drinking contributed least, but they should still be concerned.

PMID:35748971 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-022-01316-7

Int J Epidemiol. 2022 Jun 24:dyac130. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyac130. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Methods for linking records between two datasets are well established. However, guidance is needed for linking more than two datasets. Using all ‘pairwise linkages’-linking each dataset to every other dataset-is the most inclusive, but resource-intensive, approach. The ‘spine’ approach links each dataset to a designated ‘spine dataset’, reducing the number of linkages, but potentially reducing linkage quality.

METHODS: We compared the pairwise and spine linkage approaches using real-world data on patients undergoing emergency bowel cancer surgery between 31 October 2013 and 30 April 2018. We linked an administrative hospital dataset (Hospital Episode Statistics; HES) capturing patients admitted to hospitals in England, and two clinical datasets comprising patients diagnosed with bowel cancer and patients undergoing emergency bowel surgery.

RESULTS: The spine linkage approach, with HES as the spine dataset, created an analysis cohort of 15 826 patients, equating to 98.3% of the 16 100 patients identified using the pairwise linkage approach. There were no systematic differences in patient characteristics between these analysis cohorts. Associations of patient and tumour characteristics with mortality, complications and length of stay were not sensitive to the linkage approach. When eligibility criteria were applied before linkage, spine linkage included 14 509 patients (90.0% compared with pairwise linkage).

CONCLUSION: Spine linkage can be used as an efficient alternative to pairwise linkage if case ascertainment in the spine dataset and data quality of linkage variables are high. These aspects should be systematically evaluated in the nominated spine dataset before spine linkage is used to create the analysis cohort.

PMID:35748342 | DOI:10.1093/ije/dyac130