Tag: statistics

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2024 Jul-Sep;87(3):361-365. doi: 10.51821/87.3.12949.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Functional constipation (FC) is a geriatric syndrome that is common in the older adult’s population and can seriously affect the quality of life and may be a frequent cause of hospital visits. In this study, we planned to investigate the relationship between FC and its related factors for in older outpatients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants aged 65 and over who applied to the geriatrics outpatient were included in the study. The diagnosis of FC was made according to the presence of the Rome IV criteria. Frailty was screened by the using FRAIL scale, ≥ 3 a score of were evaluated as frail. Participants quality of life was evaluated by Euro-Quality of Life Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS).

RESULTS: The study included 602 participants. FC prevalence was found 28.7%. In univariate analyses, FC was found related to age, having a diagnosis of depression or Parkinson diseases, frailty, urinary incontinence, sleep disorders, number of chronic diseases, and EQ-VAS. In multivariate analyses, FC was not found to be associated by the frailty while the number of chronic diseases [OR=1.212, 95%CI (1.084-1.355), p=0.001] and EQ-VAS were found to be related [OR=0.988, 95%CI (0.978-0.997), p=0.012].

CONCLUSION: In the results of this study, FC was not found to be associated by frailty in older outpatients but it emerged as a syndrome that should be screened frequently in patients with a high number of chronic diseases and a low general quality of life.

PMID:39411788 | DOI:10.51821/87.3.12949

J Sch Nurs. 2024 Oct 16:10598405241289243. doi: 10.1177/10598405241289243. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Childhood homelessness is increasing and is associated with negative health and academic outcomes. The goal of this quality improvement project was to improve access to healthcare and health outcomes for students experiencing homelessness through a school nurse-led comprehensive health assessment. The multilevel intervention included identifying students experiencing homelessness, conducting a standardized health assessment, and making referrals to care. This 8-month project was conducted in an urban school district. Feasibility and acceptability data were collected to guide sustainability. Student health and referral data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. At the project start, 688 students were identified as experiencing homelessness. More than half (67%) had a partial or fully completed health assessment during the project. Of the students assessed, most had a primary care provider, some had a health condition, and half had a dental home. Students experiencing homelessness would benefit from systematic school-based health assessments to identify unmet health needs.

PMID:39411782 | DOI:10.1177/10598405241289243

Bioinformation. 2024 Aug 31;20(8):851-854. doi: 10.6026/973206300200851. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant precancerous lesion. Various treatment modalities are tried to cure it including herbal medicaments. Therefore, it is of interest to determine whether using 1 gramme of triphala and 1 gramme of turmeric combined in a glycerine solution would be clinically effective in treating oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). The study comprised thirty-six participants in the 18-50 age range who had no systemic problems. The medications prescribed for the patients were to be applied three to four times a day. Before and after therapy, blood samples were taken in order to check for any systemic outcomes of the drugs. Both before and after therapy, there were recordings of the burning feeling and mouth opening. For 4 months, patients were checked on a monthly basis after that. A statistical analysis was performed for the variations in the mouth opening and the changes in the burning sensation on the visual analogue scale (VAS). There was a statistically significant improvement in the mouth opening and burning sensation. Turmeric and triphala provide a natural product combination that is both safe and effective for treating OSMF symptoms.

PMID:39411770 | PMC:PMC11471418 | DOI:10.6026/973206300200851

Bioinformation. 2024 Aug 31;20(8):855-858. doi: 10.6026/973206300200855. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

The evaluation of 5th and 7th generation bonding agents on the extent of micro leakage from sealant such as fluoride in forty extracted human premolar teeth is of interest to dentists. 40 extracted teeth satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups. Group I utilized a bonding agent from the fifth generation, whereas Group II employed a bonding agent from the seventh generation, both treated with Helioseal F Plus sealant. Following a 24-hour period of cultivation at a temperature of 37°C and subjecting the sample to 100 cycles of temperature fluctuation varying in temperature from 5°C to 55°C, the samples were submerged in a 0.2% methylene blue dye mixture for duration of 24 hours and examined under a microscope. Result showed that fifth-generation agent mean microleakage was greater, but not statistically significant. The seventh-generation agent demonstrated minimal microleakage with simpler application.

PMID:39411766 | PMC:PMC11471420 | DOI:10.6026/973206300200855

Bioinformation. 2024 Aug 31;20(8):888-892. doi: 10.6026/973206300200888. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

Periodontitis being an immuno-inflammatory disease can act as an aggravating factor for various systemic diseases. Therefore, it is of interest to document the prevalence of comorbidities among periodontitis and non-periodontitis Indian patients. 680 patients were enrolled, categorized into non-periodontitis group (Group A) and periodontitis group (Group B). Each group was again sub-grouped into comorbidities and non-co-morbidities. Periodontitis patients were found to have significantly more co-morbidities than non-periodontitis patients. Osteoporosis and obesity showed statistically higher levels in periodontitis patients. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and COVID-19 infection showed higher prevalence in periodontitis group, though the difference was statistically non-significant.

PMID:39411764 | PMC:PMC11471417 | DOI:10.6026/973206300200888

BMC Psychol. 2024 Oct 15;12(1):553. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-02011-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Academic resilience is crucial for adolescents as it enables them to overcome challenges and achieve educational success, yet the mechanisms underlying its development remain inadequately understood. This study investigated the mediating role of academic competence in the association between perceived teaching style and academic resilience among adolescents.

METHODS: This descriptive correlational study was conducted between June 2022 and December 2022. The statistical population for this study encompassed all high school students in Tehran. To ensure the representativeness of the sample, a stratified random sampling technique was employed, involving a total of 400 high school students. Data were collected using online questionnaires, including the Academic Resilience Inventory (ARI), Teacher as Social Context (TASC), and Academic Competence Evaluation Scale (ACES). Descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, standard deviation, correlation matrix) and inferential statistics (e.g., path analysis) were used to analyze the data through SPSS-23 and LISREL version 8.7.2.

RESULTS: The findings demonstrate significant relationships between teaching styles, academic competence, and academic resilience. Specifically, path analysis reveals that teaching styles, particularly those emphasizing support and involvement, have direct and meaningful effects on academic competence, subsequently influencing academic resilience. The proposed model exhibits a good fit, as evidenced by various fit indices (p < .05).

CONCLUSION: This study underscores the pivotal role of supportive and engaging teaching styles in fostering academic resilience among adolescents. By significantly enhancing students’ academic competence, these teaching approaches contribute to their overall well-being. These findings offer valuable insights for educators and policymakers to develop strategies that cultivate both academic skills and emotional strength, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes.

PMID:39407350 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-024-02011-1

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2024 Oct 15;16(1):217. doi: 10.1186/s13102-024-01003-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dancers have a higher prevalence of hallux valgus (HV) than the general population. However, no reports specifically addressing treatment strategies for HV in dancers, or their effectiveness have been published. This study aimed to determine the effects of 4 weeks of foot exercises on subjective clinical outcomes, the HV angle, and change of foot plantar pressure during specific dance techniques.

METHODS: Thirteen female elite adolescent dancesport athletes (age: 16.4 ± 3.3 years) completed the program. The HV angle was measured based on foot photographs. Clinical assessments were performed using the visual analog scale for first metatarsophalangeal (1st MTP) joint pain, and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. The changes in plantar pressure during two dance techniques (demi-pointe and plié) were measured. The plantar pressure was measured in six areas of the foot. All of these parameters were compared before and after the intervention by using chi-square tests and Student’s paired t-test (statistical significance: p < 0.05).

RESULTS: The HV angle was significantly reduced from 20.1° to 15.4° after the intervention. Participants reported an average subjective completion rate of 70.3% ± 14.6% over 3 weeks, exhibiting no significant differences despite an apparent trend toward improvement. Significant changes were noted in 1st MTP joint pain and subjective outcomes, and toe function significantly improved in the “paper” movement. The foot-exercise program changed plantar pressure distribution during the demi-pointe and plié techniques, with increased hallux pressure and decreased 2nd-5th MTP joint pressure.

CONCLUSIONS: In elite adolescent dancesport athletes, 4 weeks of foot-exercise rehabilitation reduced the HV angle and improved in subjective outcome and function during the two dance techniques. Coaches should consider utilizing foot-exercise training programs in a dancer training program for HV.

PMID:39407330 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-024-01003-3

BMC Med. 2024 Oct 15;22(1):472. doi: 10.1186/s12916-024-03647-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Computerised cognitive training (CCT) can improve the cognitive abilities of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), especially when the CCT contains a learning system, which is a type of machine learning (ML) that automatically selects exercises at a difficulty that corresponds to the person’s peak performance and thus enables individualised training.

METHODS: We developed one individualised CCT (iCCT) with ML and one basic CCT (bCCT) for an active control group (CG). The study aimed to determine whether iCCT in the intervention group (IG) resulted in significantly greater enhancements in overall cognitive functioning for individuals with MCI (age 60+) compared with bCCT in the CG across a 6-month period. This double-blind randomised controlled study was conducted entirely virtually. The 89 participants were community-dwelling people with a psychometric diagnosis of MCI living in Germany. The iCCT stimulates various cognitive functions, especially working memory, visuo-constructional reasoning, and decision-making. The bCCT includes fewer and simpler tasks. Both CCTs were used at home. At baseline and after 6 months, we assessed cognitive functioning with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A mixed-model ANCOVA was conducted as the main analysis.

RESULTS: Both CCTs led to significant increases in average global cognition. The estimated marginal means of the MoCA score increased significantly in the CG by an average of 0.9 points (95% CI [0.2, 1.7]) from 22.3 (SE = 0.25) to 23.2 (SE = 0.41) points (p = 0.018); in the IG, the MoCA score increased by an average of 2.2 points (95% CI [1.4, 2.9]) from 21.9 (SE = 0.26) to 24.1 (SE = 0.42) points (p < 0.001). In a confound-adjusted multiple regression model, the interaction between time and group was statistically significant (F = 4.92; p = 0.029). The effect size was small to medium (partial η² = 0.057). On average, the participants used the CCTs three times per week with an average duration of 34.9 min per application. The iCCT was evaluated as more attractive and more stimulating than the bCCT.

CONCLUSIONS: By using a multi-tasking CCT three times a week for 30 min, people with MCI living at home can significantly improve their cognitive abilities within 6 months. The use of ML significantly increases the effectiveness of cognitive training and improves user satisfaction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN14437015; registered February 27, 2020.

PMID:39407328 | DOI:10.1186/s12916-024-03647-x

Mol Autism. 2024 Oct 15;15(1):46. doi: 10.1186/s13229-024-00624-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by atypical patterns of social functioning and repetitive/restricted behaviors. ASD commonly co-occurs with ADHD and, despite their clinical distinctiveness, the two share considerable genetic overlap. Given their shared genetic liability, it is unclear which genetic pathways increase the likelihood of ASD independently of ADHD.

METHODS: We applied Genomic Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to GWAS summary statistics for ASD and childhood-diagnosed ADHD, decomposing the genetic variance for ASD into that which is unique to ASD (uASD) and that which is shared with ADHD. We computed genetic correlations between uASD and 83 external traits to estimate genetic overlap between uASD and other clinically relevant phenotypes. We went on to apply Stratified Genomic SEM to identify classes of genes enriched for uASD. Finally, we implemented Transcriptome-Wide SEM (T-SEM) to explore patterns of gene-expression associated with uASD.

RESULTS: We observed positive genetic correlations between uASD and several external traits, most notably those relating to cognitive/educational outcomes and internalizing psychiatric traits. Stratified Genomic SEM showed that heritability for uASD was significantly enriched in genes involved in evolutionarily conserved processes, as well as for a histone mark in the germinal matrix. T-SEM revealed 83 unique genes with expression associated with uASD, 34 of which were novel with respect to univariate analyses. These genes were overrepresented in skin-related pathologies.

LIMITATIONS: Our study was limited by summary statistics derived exclusively from individuals of European ancestry. Additionally, using data based on a general ASD diagnosis limits our ability to understand genetic factors contributing to the pronounced clinical heterogeneity in ASD.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings delineate the unique genetic underpinnings of ASD that are independent of ADHD at the genome-wide, functional, and gene expression level of analysis. In addition, we identify novel associations previously masked by their diametric effects on ADHD. Collectively, these results provide insight into the processes that make ASD biologically unique.

PMID:39407327 | DOI:10.1186/s13229-024-00624-2

Alzheimers Res Ther. 2024 Oct 15;16(1):227. doi: 10.1186/s13195-024-01590-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is challenging, especially in the earlier stages of the disease, owing to the clinical overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). We aimed to identify the transcranial sonography (TCS) parameters that can help us to detect early DLB patients.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we prospectively recruited newly diagnosed DLB patients with less than 3 years from the onset of cognitive symptoms. For comparison purposes, we also included AD and PD patients, with a disease duration of less than 3 years, and a control group. TCS was performed to assess the substantia nigra (SN) echogenicity, the width of the third ventricle, and the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles. Subsequently, TCS images were analyzed with the medical image viewer Horos in order to quantify the intensity of the echogenicity of the SN. Univariate analysis and a logistic regression model were used to identify which variables can predict the diagnosis of DLB.

RESULTS: One hundred and seven participants were included (23 DLB, 26 AD, 27 PD and 31 controls). The median age of DLB patients was 75(72-77) years, with a disease duration of 2 years. DLB and PD patients showed higher SN hyperechogenicity rates (72.73% and 81.82%, respectively) and a greater area of the SN compared to AD patients and controls (p < 0.001). DLB and AD patients had wider ventricular systems than the other study groups. The SN hyperechogenicity predicted a diagnosis of DLB with an odds ratio of 22.67 (95%CI 3.98; 129.12, p < 0.001) when compared to AD patients. Unilateral and bilateral widened frontal horns predicted diagnosis of DLB compared to PD with an odds ratio of 9.5 (95%CI 0.97; 92.83, p = 0.053) and 5.7 (95%CI 0.97; 33.6, p = 0.054), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Echogenicity of the SN and widening of the frontal horns of lateral ventricles can predict the diagnosis of early DLB in this cohort of newly diagnosed patients, when compared to AD and PD patients. Transcranial sonography, a non-invasive tool, could be helpful for the diagnosis of DLB at its earlier stages.

PMID:39407323 | DOI:10.1186/s13195-024-01590-w