Tag: statistics

Brief Funct Genomics. 2024 Dec 30:elae048. doi: 10.1093/bfgp/elae048. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

When the traditional random forest (RF) algorithm is used to select feature elements in biostatistical data, a large amount of noise data and parameters can affect the importance of the selected feature elements, making the control of feature selection difficult. Therefore, it is a challenge for the traditional RF algorithm to preserve the accuracy of algorithm results in the presence of noise data. Generally, directly removing noise data can result in significant bias in the results. In this study, we develop a new algorithm, standardized threshold, and loops based random forest (STLBRF), and apply it to the field of gene expression data for feature gene selection. This algorithm, based on the traditional RF algorithm, combines backward elimination and K-fold cross-validation to construct a cyclic system and set a standardized threshold: error increment. The algorithm overcomes the shortcomings of existing gene selection methods. We compare ridge regression, lasso regression, elastic net regression, the traditional RF algorithm, and our improved RF algorithm using three real gene expression datasets and conducting a quantitative analysis. To ensure the reliability of the results, we validate the effectiveness of the genes selected by these methods using the Random Forest classifier. The results indicate that, compared to other methods, the STLBRF algorithm achieves not only higher effectiveness in feature gene selection but also better control over the number of selected genes. Our method offers reliable technical support for feature expression analysis and research on biomarker selection.

PMID:39736135 | DOI:10.1093/bfgp/elae048

Pol J Vet Sci. 2024 Sep;27(3):487-490. doi: 10.24425/pjvs.2024.151743.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) and left atrial (LA) parameters such as size, volume, and function in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Cats were assigned into following groups: clinically healthy cats (n=8), HCM without SEC (n=12), and HCM with SEC (n=8). Left atrial shortening fraction (LAFS%) and left atrial fractional area change (LAFAC) had statistical significance between groups. In conclusion, compared to the healthy individuals, the presence of a decreased trend in levels of LAFS% and LAFAC in HCMSEC cats could be a predictive marker for the thromboembolic risk assessment. Further studies enrolling the asymptomatic HCM cats need to be conducted to define a cut-off value of LAFS% and LAFAC before the SEC formation.

PMID:39736131 | DOI:10.24425/pjvs.2024.151743

Int J Lang Commun Disord. 2025 Jan-Feb;60(1):e13153. doi: 10.1111/1460-6984.13153.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Individuals with dementia have communication limitations resulting from cognitive impairments that define the syndrome. Whereas there are numerous cognitive assessments for individuals with dementia, there are far fewer communication assessments. The Profiling Communication Ability in Dementia (P-CAD) was developed to address this gap.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to examine the concurrent validity, longitudinal validity and inter- and intra-rater reliability of the P-CAD in a population of people with dementia and their communication partners.

METHOD: The P-CAD was administered to 122 people with dementia and their communication partners in Ireland (n = 100) and Canada (n = 22), over a 12-month period. To establish concurrent validity of the P-CAD, scores were compared to scores obtained from existing standardized instruments including the Functional Linguistic Communication Inventory (FLCI), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-2) and Global Deterioration Scale (GDS). Inter-rater reliability and responsiveness (longitudinal validity) were analysed using data from a subgroup of participants.

OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Overall P-CAD test scores were significantly correlated with FLCI (n = 122; r = 0.875; p < 0.001) and MMSE-2 total scores (n = 122; r = 0.857; p < 0.001). Levels of communication support categories on the P-CAD correlated with GDS rankings (n = 122; rho = -0.539; p < 0.001) and MMSE-2 total scores (n = 122; rho = 0.680, p < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability tested for 20 participants in the Irish sample revealed high levels of agreement between raters in scoring the GDS (n = 20; ICC = 0.969, p < 0.001), MMSE-2 (n = 20; ICC = 0.997, p < 0.001), FLCI (n = 20; ICC = 0.999, p < 0.001) and P-CAD (n = 20; ICC = 0.981, p < 0.001). To establish longitudinal validity to examine if the P-CAD was responsive to changes in cognitive-communication function over time, 12 participants in the Irish sample repeated all tests 3 months after the initial testing. No statistically significant differences in test scores were found for the 12 participants who completed follow-up measures at this time point in any of the three scales. It was not possible to determine sufficient responsiveness as correlations between the change in P-CAD scores over 3 months were insignificant for both the change in MMSE-2 scores (rho = -0.130, p = 0.704) and the FLCI scores (rho = 0.221, p = 0.513).

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: In this study, P-CAD has demonstrated good concurrent validity and inter-rater reliability in samples collected in two countries with English-speaking participants. The P-CAD is appropriate for use to evaluate communication abilities of people with dementia, including during conversational interactions with caregivers.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Dementia alters the communication function of the person with dementia and impacts interactions with others. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) provide specific recommendations on communication function and support. However, they have limited access to comprehensive communication assessments to guide intervention. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This validation study has confirmed that Profiling Communication Ability in Dementia (P-CAD) is a valid and reliable tool for SLTs to profile the communication abilities of people with dementia. It identifies the type and levels of communication support required as dementia progresses. The inclusion of communication partners in the study confirms their important role in providing conversation support to people with dementia. What are the potential or clinical implications of this work? The P-CAD is a clinical resource for dynamic communication assessment, which identifies key areas of retained ability to guide communication support and individualised intervention. It can be used with people at different stages and severity of dementia across a range of clinical settings. The P-CAD summary, which is part of the P-CAD, can be shared with family members and healthcare teams to enhance communication access for the person as dementia progresses.

PMID:39736087 | DOI:10.1111/1460-6984.13153

Pol J Vet Sci. 2024 Jun;27(2):261-270. doi: 10.24425/pjvs.2024.149356.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to determine the thickness of choroidal layers in mixed breed dogs suffering from retinal atrophy (RA) and showing symptoms of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), with the use of SD-OCT. The study was performed on 50 dogs divided into two groups: 25 dogs diagnosed with retinal atrophy (RA) with PRA symptoms aged 1.5-14 years and 25 healthy dogs aged 2-12 years. The dogs were examined using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, ophthalmoscopy, fundus camera and SD-OCT (Topcon 3D OCT 2000). Measurements of the choroidal layers: RPE-Bruch membrane-choriocapillaris complex (RPE-BmCc) with tapetum lucidum in tapetal fundus, medium-sized vessel layer, (MSVL), large vessel layer with lamina suprachoroidea and (LVLS) whole choroidal thickness (WCT) were taken manually with the use of the caliper function integrated with the SD-OCT software. The measurements were performed dorsally (D) and ventrally (V) at a distance of 5000-6000 μm, and temporally (T) and nasally (N) at a distance of 4000-7000 μm from the optic disc with enhanced depth scans. The measurements were conducted temporally and nasally both in the tapetal (TempT, Nast) and nontapetal (TempNT, NasNT) fundus. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 10 software (Mann Whitney U Test). In all dogs affected by retinal atrophy (RA) with PRA symptoms, a statistically significant (p≤0.05) reduction in thickness of MSVL was observed in all the measured regions. A statistically significant reduction in thickness of LVLS and WCT was found in all nontapetal areas (p≤0.05). RA in mixed breed dogs with PRA symptoms was accompanied by choroid disorders such as reduction in thickness of the large vessel layer and decreased whole choroidal thickness in the nontapetal fundus as well as the medium vessel layer in all fundus regions.

PMID:39736068 | DOI:10.24425/pjvs.2024.149356

Pol J Vet Sci. 2024 Jun;27(2):211-220. doi: 10.24425/pjvs.2024.149351.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different dietary supplementation levels with jujube fruit powder on the performance, biochemical parameters, and egg quality characteristics of laying quails. A total of 60 quails (45 days old) were randomly assigned to treatments with different levels of jujube fruit powder: a basal diet (control) and diets supplemented with 5 g/kg (T1), 10 g/kg (T2), with five replicates per treatment (20 quails/treatment and four quails/replicate). The differences between 1-15 and 16-30 days for feed intake (p<0.05), 1-60 days for egg production (p<0.05), 16-30 days for egg weight (p<0.05), and 1-15 and 1-60 days for feed conversion ratio were statistically significant. The highest values for egg width (p<0.01) and egg length (p<0.05) were found in the control group (25.87 and 33.55 mm), while lower values were observed in the T1 and T2 groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups in egg shape index, shell weight, shell ratio, and shell thickness (p>0.05). The yolk height (p<0.05) and yolk diameter (p<0.01) were statistically significant. The differences between the groups for all serum biochemical parameters were insignificant (p>0.05). According to the results of this study, jujube fruit, a rich energy source, can be used as an alternative supplement in poultry diets with positive effects on egg production and feed conversion ratio.

PMID:39736063 | DOI:10.24425/pjvs.2024.149351

Pol J Vet Sci. 2024 Jun;27(2):271-278. doi: 10.24425/pjvs.2024.149357.

ABSTRACT

The environmental impact of methane, a greenhouse gas emitted from ruminants, is a pressing issue and methods to control methane emissions from ruminants are being investigated worldwide. In this study, we investigated the effects of the administration of spent coffee grounds (SCG) on methane production in the rumen in two cows. In the control condition (days 1 and 2), the cows were fed a basic diet twice daily (roughage and concentrate), and in the SCG condition (days 1 and 2) sequentially, the cows were fed the same basic diet and administered SCG into the rumen twice daily. The methane and carbon dioxide concentrations in rumen gas were measured via a fistula after feeding on days 2 in both cases of the study. The measurements were made using a newly developed gas measurement system with a portable gas monitor, and data were obtained for the control condition and SCG condition at each measurement time. The methane ratio at each measurement time was calculated from the methane and carbon dioxide concentrations, and compared between the two conditions. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two conditions in the methane ratios after the morning (P=0.108) and afternoon feedings (P=0.345). However, the methane ratios before the morning (P=0.043) and afternoon feedings (P=0.008) were significantly lower in the SCG condition than in the control condition, suggesting that the administration of SCG may suppress methane production in the rumen.

PMID:39736062 | DOI:10.24425/pjvs.2024.149357

Pol J Vet Sci. 2024 Jun;27(2):183-191. doi: 10.24425/pjvs.2024.149348.

ABSTRACT

Infectious keratoconjunctivitis is an infectious disease that negatively affects animal welfare causing systemic or local clinical signs in small ruminants and causes significant economic losses in herds. It is important to determine the etiologic agent causing the infection in the development of the protection and control strategies against the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of infectious keratoconjunctivitis cases in small ruminants raised in Siirt province in Türkiye. Infectious keratoconjunctivitis was graded according to the symptoms determined by clinical examination. The presence of Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp. and Moraxella ovis was investigated by PCR in swab samples obtained from the animals with keratoconjunctivitis. Infectious keratoconjunctivitis was detected in 263 (19.86%) of 1324 animals examined in the study. Of the animals with infectious keratoconjunctivitis, 163 (61.97%) were sheep and 100 (38.02%) were goats. The detection rate of infectious keratoconjunctivitis was higher in sheep than goats. In 56 (21.29%), 109 (41.44%), 67 (25.47%), and 31 (11.78%) of the cases, findings of stage 1, 2, 3, and 4 infectious keratoconjunctivitis were detected, respectively. Of the eye swab samples taken from 263 animals with infectious keratoconjunctivitis, 5 (1.90%) were positive for Mycoplasma spp. and 6 (2.28%) were positive for M. ovis. It was determined that the distribution of the bacterial agents varied according to the stage of infectious keratoconjunctivitis. No statistically significant correlation was found in the distribution of bacterial agents among identified samples according to species, sex, age, and infectious keratoconjunctivitis stage of the animals. It was thought that the data obtained in the study would contribute to the studies for protection and control by determining the incidence and aetiology of infectious keratoconjunctivitis cases observed in small ruminants.

PMID:39736057 | DOI:10.24425/pjvs.2024.149348

J Perianesth Nurs. 2024 Dec 27:S1089-9472(24)00481-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2024.09.020. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Health literacy is a complex issue that affects the health outcomes of surgical patients. This study aimed to determine the health literacy of general surgery patients.

DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

METHODS: The sample of the descriptive study consisted of 420 patients who applied to the general surgery outpatient clinic of the hospital between December 2019 and April 2020. Research data were collected using the “Patient Information Form” and “Health Literacy Index” prepared by the researchers in line with the literature. The score ranges of the Health Literacy Index are a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 25. Data were analyzed by number and percentile distribution, mean, standard deviation, t test, and one-way analysis of variance.

FINDINGS: The mean age of the participants in the study was 47.58 ± 14.92 years and 56.2% of them were women. Participants’ Health Literacy Index total score average was determined as 101.33 ± 18.56. Individuals received a maximum score of 25 points in access to information and a minimum score of 7 points in understanding the information from the subindices. There was a statistically significant difference between the demographic characteristics (eg, age, marital status, gender, education level, occupation, place of residence) of the participants and their health literacy levels.

CONCLUSIONS: The health literacy levels of the participants in the research are adequate and at a good level. We recommend evaluation of health literacy levels in surgical patients to reduce complications and enable patients to participate effectively in care.

PMID:39736051 | DOI:10.1016/j.jopan.2024.09.020

J Perianesth Nurs. 2024 Dec 30:S1089-9472(24)00458-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2024.09.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative tele-nursing counseling on anxiety and patient satisfaction in day surgery.

DESIGN: Randomized controlled study design was employed.

METHODS: The study was conducted in a city hospital and a university hospital in Istanbul between July 2022 and May 2023 with patients who met the study criteria. The sample consisted of 160 patients in the experimental (n = 80) and control (n = 80) groups. In the first interview, the patients who came to be examined (experimental and control groups) were given the Descriptive Information Form and the Surgery-specific Anxiety Scale. The patients in the experimental group were given a training booklet and counseling with tele-nursing practice the day before the surgery, and the patients in the control group were given routine clinical follow-up and a training booklet. The patients (experimental and control) were given the Surgery-specific Anxiety Scale on the day they came for surgery before they were taken into surgery. After the surgery, the Patient’s Perception of Nursing Care Scale was applied to the patients. The patients in the experimental group were also given the Tele-nursing Evaluation Form.

FINDINGS: As a result of the study, the patients in the experimental group who received tele-nursing counseling had lower levels of surgery-specific anxiety than the control group. Patients in the experimental group were statistically significantly more satisfied with nursing care.

CONCLUSIONS: Providing preoperative tele-nursing counseling to patients scheduled for day surgery contributed to the reduction of anxiety and worry of the patients and increased the satisfaction of the patients.

PMID:39736050 | DOI:10.1016/j.jopan.2024.09.006

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2024 Dec 30:S0889-5406(24)00483-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.10.017. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The dentoskeletal effects of clear aligner treatment (CAT) with Invisalign vs temporary skeletal anchorage device-anchored Sydney intrusion spring (SIS) were compared in consecutively treated growing patients with anterior open bite using cone-beam computed tomography scans.

METHODS: Fifteen adolescents treated exclusively with Invisalign, and 14 with SIS (first-phase treatment) were assessed retrospectively. Rigid-wise, voxel-based registration of pretreatment and posttreatment cone-beam computed tomography scans were performed using the anterior cranial base, maxillary plane, and mandibular body as reference regions. Treatment outcomes were compared between groups using median regression modeling.

RESULTS: Molar intrusion and incisor extrusion (millimeters), as well as buccolingual inclination changes (°), were not expressed as prescribed in the ClinChecks for Invisalign. Both treatment modalities resulted in similar improvement of anterior open bite; however, via different mechanics. Compared with CAT, SIS demonstrated significantly greater intrusion of the maxillary first molars when measured from the mesiobuccal (16: 2.09 mm [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.05-3.12]; 26: 2.98 mm [95% CI, 2.00-3.96]) and palatal cusps (16: 2.08 mm [95% CI, 1.15-3.01], 26: 2.83 mm [95% CI, 1.92-3.74]) and less extrusion of the maxillary incisors (12: -1.30 mm [95% CI, -2.13 to -0.47], 11: -1.30 mm [95% CI, -2.40 to -0.20], 21: -0.92 mm [95% CI, -1.73 to -0.12], 22: -0.85 mm [95% CI, -1.71 to -0.00]). There was weak evidence of association with less extrusion of the mandibular incisors using SIS. Maxillary and mandibular incisors tipped lingually in both groups with no statistical difference across groups.

CONCLUSIONS: SIS demonstrated greater maxillary molar intrusion, whereas CAT was associated with incisor extrusion.

PMID:39736048 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.10.017