Category: Statistics

Clin Nutr. 2022 Mar 29;41(5):1122-1130. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2022.03.020. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Tea has been shown to be associated with reduced risk of several diseases including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. However, the results on the relationship between tea consumption and bladder cancer are conflicting. This research aimed to assess the association between tea consumption and risk of bladder cancer using a pooled analysis of prospective cohort data.

METHODS: Individual data from 532,949 participants in 12 cohort studies, were pooled for analyses. Cox regression models stratified by study centre was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% CIs. Fractional polynomial regression models were used to examine the dose-response relationship.

RESULTS: A higher level of tea consumption was associated with lower risk of bladder cancer incidence (compared with no tea consumption: HR = 0.87, 95% C.I. = 0.77-0.98 for low consumption; HR = 0.86, 95% C.I. = 0.77-0.96 for moderate consumption; HR = 0.84, 95% C.I. = 0.75-0.95 for high consumption). When stratified by sex and smoking status, this reduced risk was statistically significant among men and current and former smokers. In addition, dose-response analyses showed a lower bladder cancer risk with increment of 100 ml of tea consumption per day (HR-increment = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.96-0.98). A similar inverse association was found among males, current and former smokers while never smokers and females showed non-significant results, suggesting potential sex-dependent effect.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher consumption of tea is associated with reduced risk of bladder cancer with potential interaction with sex and smoking status. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms for a protective effect of tea (e.g. inhibition of the survival and proliferation of cancer cells and anti-inflammatory mechanisms) and its interaction with smoking and sex.

PMID:35413574 | DOI:10.1016/j.clnu.2022.03.020

J Surg Res. 2022 Apr 9;276:291-297. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.02.051. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Given the negative clinical effects opiates can have, the search for alternative forms of analgesia to treat post-operative pain continues. We implemented an opiate reduction strategy using standing intravenous (IV) acetaminophen for infants aged less than 1 y who underwent abdominal or anorectal surgery and recovered on the acute care floor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infants were administered standing IV acetaminophen every 6 h for a minimum of 48 h as the main form of post-operative analgesia. Pain severity was objectively scored using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale. A before-and-after retrospective cohort analysis was performed and process control charts were used to examine trends in post-operative opiate use in our pre-intervention (January 2012 to January 2016), roll-out (January 2016 to December 2016), and post-intervention (December 2016 to December 2020) cohorts.

RESULTS: A total of 131 infants were included: 56 in the pre-intervention, 17 in the roll-out, and 58 in the post-intervention group. Patient demographics were equivalent. The intervention was associated with a 36-fold reduction in post-operative morphine equivalents (median 0.36 mg/kg in the pre-intervention group versus 0.0 mg/kg in the post-intervention group, P < 0.0001). The median and maximum FLACC pain scores along with clinical safety profiles were statistically equivalent between the groups. The intervention was associated with a 2-d reduction in post-operative length of stay (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Standing IV acetaminophen is associated with a reduction of post-operative opioid use in infants being treated on the acute care floor while maintaining equivalent FLACC pain scores. Similar opiate reduction strategies may be of value at other institutions.

PMID:35413578 | DOI:10.1016/j.jss.2022.02.051

J Biomech. 2022 Apr 5;136:111074. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111074. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This short communication provides details on customized Tekscan Analysis Programs (TAP) which extract comprehensive contact mechanics metrics from piezoelectric sensors in articulating joints across repeated loading cycles. The code provides functionality to identify regions of interest (ROI), compute contact mechanic metrics, and compare contact mechanics across multiple test conditions or knees. Further, the variability of identifying ROIs was quantified between seven different users and compared to an expert. Overall, the contribution of four variables were studied: two knee specimens; two points in the gait cycle; two averaging methods; and seven observers, to determine if variations in these values played a role in accurately quantifying the ROI. The relative error between the force ratio from each observer’s ROI and the expert ROI was calculated as the output of interest. A multivariate linear mixed effects model was fit to the four variables for the relative error with an observer- and knee-specific random intercept. Results from the fitted model showed a statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level in the mean relative errors at the two gait points. Additionally, variability in the relative errors attributed to the observer, knee, and random errors was quantified. To reduce variability amongst users, by ensuring low inter-observer variability and increasing segmentation accuracy of knee contact mechanics, a training module and manual have been included as supplemental material. By sharing this code and training manual, we envisage that it can be used and modified to analyze outputs from a range of sensors, joints, and test conditions.

PMID:35413514 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111074

Mar Pollut Bull. 2022 Apr 9;178:113644. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113644. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Mercury (Hg) in seawater is subject to interconversions via (photo)chemical and (micro)biological processes that determine the extent of dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) (re)emission and the production of monomethylmercury. We investigated Hg speciation in the South Atlantic Ocean on a GEOTRACES cruise along a 40°S section between December 2011 and January 2012 (354 samples collected at 24 stations from surface to 5250 m maximum depth). Using statistical analysis, concentrations of methylated mercury (MeHg, geometric mean 35.4 fmol L^-1) were related to seawater temperature, salinity, and fluorescence. DGM concentrations (geometric mean 0.17 pmol L^-1) were related to water column depth, concentrations of macronutrients and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The first-ever observed linear correlation between DGM and DIC obtained from high-resolution data indicates possible DGM production by organic matter remineralization via biological or dark abiotic reactions. DGM concentrations projected from literature DIC data using the newly discovered DGM-DIC relationship agreed with published DGM observations.

PMID:35413504 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113644

Mar Pollut Bull. 2022 Apr 9;178:113595. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113595. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The present study attempts to decipher the seasonal variations in hydro-geochemistry of groundwater in the Terekhol River Basin, western coastal region, Maharashtra, India. A total of 65 groundwater samples of post-monsoon (POMS) and pre-monsoon (PRMS) seasons were collected and analyzed for major ion composition using standard analytical procedures of APHA. Piper and Gibbs plots is used to elucidate the controlling factors which altering the groundwater composition. Scatter plots of ions indicate that major ions from lithologies exposed in the study area and anthropogenic activities are altering the groundwater chemistry. Statistical analysis includes correlation, factor analysis and cluster analysis used to interpret the hydrochemical data. As compared to the WHO drinking standards, all the groundwater samples are fit for drinking. Irrigation water suitability was ascertained based on SAR, %Na and KR indices. Overall, the groundwater chemistry in study area is reflects changes in natural processes rather than anthropogenic inputs.

PMID:35413501 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113595

Addict Behav. 2022 Apr 6;131:107331. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107331. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

There is limited information on the trend in the frequency of cigar use from the literature. This study aimed to examine the trends of cigar use frequency among U.S. adults. Data were obtained from 1998/99 to 2018/19 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (n = 21,940). We generated estimates of the cigar use frequency among current cigar users for each survey year for the full sample, as well as by sociodemographic characteristics. Linear regression models were used to test the statistical significance of the linear trend. Additional analyses were conducted among someday users only. Over the study period, the cigar use frequency among current users was stable at approximately 10 days in the past 30 days. In 1998/1999, male current cigar users and someday cigar users reported using cigars for 9.6 and 5.2 days in the past 30 days, respectively, which decreased to 9.2 and 4.7 days in 2018/2019. In contrast, a significant increasing trend was found among female current cigar users and someday cigar users from 8.4 and 4.7 days to 13.6 and 6.2 days from 1998/1999 to 2018/2019. Likewise, we found that the cigar use frequency increased among current cigar and cigarette users over the study period. Overall, cigar use frequency is relatively stable. Over time, cigar use frequency decreased significantly among males, while it increased among females. Our findings further highlight that targeted efforts are needed to reduce the disproportionate use of cigars.

PMID:35413488 | DOI:10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107331

Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2022 Apr 9:S1063-4584(22)00715-4. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.04.001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate firstly the efficacy of three different dosages of one home-based, knee-extensor resistance exercise on knee-extensor strength in patients eligible for knee replacement, and secondly, the influence of exercise on symptoms, physical function and decision on surgery.

METHOD: One-hundred and forty patients eligible for knee replacement were randomized to three groups: 2, 4 or 6 home-based knee-extensor resistance exercise-sessions per week (group 2, 4 and 6 respectively) for 12 weeks.

PRIMARY OUTCOME: isometric knee-extensor strength.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Oxford Knee Score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, average knee pain last week (0-10 numeric rating scale), 6-minute walk test, stair climbing test, exercise adherence and “need for surgery”.

RESULTS: Primary analysis: Intention-to-treat analysis of 140 patients did not find statistically significant differences between the groups from baseline to after 12 weeks of exercise in isometric knee-extensor strength: Group 2 vs. 4 (0.003 Nm/kg (0.2%) [95% CI -0.15 to 0.15], P=0.965) and group 4 vs. 6 (-0.04 Nm/kg (-2.7%) [95% CI -0.15 to 0.12], P=0.628). Secondary analysis: Intention-to-treat analyses showed statistically significant differences between the two and six sessions/week groups in favor of the two sessions/week group for Oxford Knee Score: 4.8 OKS points (15.2%) [1.3 to 8.3], P=0.008) and avg. knee pain last week (NRS 0-10): -1.3 NRS points (-19.5%) [-2.3 to -0.2], P=0.018. After the 12-week exercise intervention, data were available for 117 patients (N=39/group): 38 (32.5%) patients wanted surgery and 79 (67.5%) postponed surgery. This was independent of exercise dosage.

CONCLUSION: In patients eligible for knee-replacement we found no between-group differences in isometric knee extensor strength after 2, 4 and 6 knee-extensor resistance exercise sessions per week. We saw no indication of an exercise dose-response relationship for isometric knee-extensor strength and only clinically irrelevant within group changes. For some secondary outcome (e.g. KOOS subscales) we found clinically relevant within group changes, which could help explain why only one in three patients decided to have surgery after the simple home-based exercise intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02931058. Preprint: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.07.21254965.

PMID:35413476 | DOI:10.1016/j.joca.2022.04.001

Addict Behav. 2022 Mar 25;131:107313. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107313. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on drinking and nicotine use through June of 2021 in a community-based sample of young adults.

METHOD: Data were from 348 individuals (49% female) enrolled in a long-term longitudinal study with an accelerated longitudinal design: the National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) Study. Individuals completed pre-pandemic assessments biannually from 2016 to early 2020, then completed up to three web-based, during-pandemic surveys in June 2020, December 2020, and June 2021. Assessments when individuals were 18.8-22.4 years old (N = 1,458) were used to compare drinking and nicotine use pre-pandemic vs. at each of the three during-pandemic timepoints, adjusting for the age-related increases expected over time.

RESULTS: Compared to pre-pandemic, participants were less likely to report past-month drinking in June or December 2020, but there was an increase in drinking days among drinkers in June 2020. By June 2021, both the prevalence of past-month drinking and number of drinking days among drinks were similar to pre-pandemic levels. On average, there were no statistically significant differences between pre-pandemic and during-pandemic time points for binge drinking, typical drinking quantity, or nicotine use. Young adults who reported an adverse financial impact of the pandemic showed increased nicotine use while their peers showed stable or decreased nicotine use.

CONCLUSION: Initial effects of the pandemic on alcohol use faded by June 2021, and on average there was little effect of the pandemic on nicotine use.

PMID:35413486 | DOI:10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107313

J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022 Apr 9:S2213-2198(22)00342-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.03.030. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An optimal strategy for choosing safe alternative low osmolar contrast media (LOCM) has not yet been established in patients with a history of LOCM-induced anaphylaxis.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the practical pathway in patients with anaphylaxis to LOCMs and to compare two different doses of challenge testing with skin test-negative LOCM.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with LOCM-induced anaphylaxis. Patients were challenged with intravenous LOCMs showing negativity in the skin test according to two different protocols: low-dose and high-dose (maximum dose 10 and 30 mL, respectively). Challenge-negative LOCMs were selected for use during computed tomography (CT) scans, and patients received intravenous pretreatment with 4 mg chlorpheniramine and 40 mg methylprednisolone.

RESULTS: Of the 110 challenge tests, there were four (3.6%) positive challenges. Among 106 enhanced CT scans performed using challenge-negative LOCMs, breakthrough reactions (BTRs) occurred in eight (7.6%). BTR rates were not statistically different between the two protocols (8.9% and 6.0% in the low-dose and high-dose challenge, respectively). Compared to the low-dose protocol, the number needed to test of the high-dose challenge test decreased 2.5-fold. Moreover, none of the patients in the high-dose challenge group incurred severe reactions during CT scans with challenge-negative LOCM, while 80% of reactions were severe in the low-dose challenge group.

CONCLUSION: We validated a pathway consisting of a battery of skin testing to LOCMs and challenge with skin test-negative LOCM in patients with LOCM-induced anaphylaxis.

PMID:35413472 | DOI:10.1016/j.jaip.2022.03.030

J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Apr 9:S2468-7855(22)00094-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2022.04.005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess bone density and thickness changed following dental implant placement in the maxillary and mandibular jaws. Also, observe the form of bone loss around the implant and the relationship between preoperative bone density and bone thickness with bone loss around dental implants.

METHODS: 65 patients, including 102 dental implants, were assessed in this study. CBCT was utilized to determine the bone condition (bone thickness and density at three levels (sub-crestal bone at 3 mm (CB3), 6 mm (CB6), and 9 mm (CB9)) before implant placement, and 2 to 3 years after placement, also determine the bone loss pattern.

RESULTS: The difference in bone thickness was 0.32 ± 0.50 mm at CB3, 0.18 ± 0.40 mm at CB6, and 0.14 ± 0.07 mm at CB9. The change buccal bone density at CB3, CB6, and CB9 were 344.5 ± 278.9, 260.5 ± 276, and 138.9 ± 313.9 HU, respectively, and the change in lingual bone density was 252.7 ± 247, 179.9 ± 244.1, and 281 ± 4063 HU, respectively. Only the CB3 level showed a significant decrease in bone thickness (p < 0.001), and a change in bone density was observed at the three levels (p < 0.001). The means of vertical and horizontal bone loss were 0.19 ± 0.23 mm and 0.18 ± 0.22 mm, respectively. Splinted or adjacent dental implants have more horizontal bone loss, with statistically significant (p < 0.001). Age, gender, and implant position were not statistically related to the outcome variables. There was a negative correlation between the preoperative status of the bone condition and pattern bone loss, as indicated by Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

CONCLUSION: CBCT detected a significant bone thickness decrease was found only at the crestal third. A significant bone density increase was found at three levels around dental implants. Implant areas with higher bone thickness and density had less bone loss.

PMID:35413461 | DOI:10.1016/j.jormas.2022.04.005