Tag: statistics

Prog Orthod. 2023 Dec 26;24(1):46. doi: 10.1186/s40510-023-00497-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) include somatic and neurological developmental disturbances after prenatal alcohol exposure, including facial anomalies. However, the knowledge of the orthodontic skeletal and dental cephalometric relations in this group is limited. The aim of the study was to assess the dentofacial characteristics of children and adolescents with FASD and to compare them with a matched control group.

METHODS: The study group comprised all available children and adolescents diagnosed with FASD (> 7 years of age) in whom good quality cephalograms were available. The control group comprised non-syndromic, orthodontically untreated children with normal occlusion and skeletal relations matched with age and gender. Cephalometric analysis included eighteen linear and angular measurements. The general linear model for repeated measures regarding age, gender and the type of FASD was applied.

RESULTS: The group with FASD included 35 individuals (21 girls and 14 boys) aged 7-18 years including 21 with foetal alcohol syndrome. The mean age in the study and the control group was 12.8 years (SD, range 3.2, 7.1-18.1) and 13.0 (SD, range 2.9, 9.1-18.1), respectively. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found in 15 out of 18 of the cephalometric measurements (83%). In children with FASD the mandible was more retrusive, the incisors were more proclined and the mandibular incisors and the lips were more protruded when compared with controls. There was no significant evidence of an influence of age, gender or FASD type.

CONCLUSIONS: Dentofacial characteristics of children and adolescents with FASD significantly differ from controls. Early orthodontic diagnosis and prophylaxis should play a part of the interdisciplinary care of patients in this group.

PMID:38146015 | DOI:10.1186/s40510-023-00497-w

Hypertens Res. 2023 Dec 26. doi: 10.1038/s41440-023-01541-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Although arterial stiffness measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and blood pressure (BP) significantly correlated, the relationship between baPWV and BP variation (BPV) was unclear. This study aimed to examine the temporal relationship between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and systolic blood pressure variation (SBPV) and their joint effect on the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study included 6632 participants with repeated assessments of baPWV and BP during 2006 to 2018. The baseline and follow-up SBPV was calculated as absolute SBP difference divided by mean SBP over sequential visits, using data between 2006-2010 and 2014-2018, respectively. Cross-lagged analysis was used to assess the temporal relation between baPWV and SBPV, and logistic analysis was used to assess the joint effect of baPWV and SBPV on CVD. After adjustment for confounder, the path coefficient from baseline baPWV to follow-up SBPV (β₁ = 0.040; P = 0.0012) was significantly had greater than the path from baseline SBPV to follow-up baPWV (β₂ = 0.009; P = 0.3830), with P = 0.0232 for the difference between β₁ and β₂. This unidirectional relationship from baseline baPWV to follow-up SBPV was consistent in patients without hypertension, with isolated systolic, high systolic and diastolic, uncontrolled and controlled hypertension. In addition, participants with high levels of baseline baPWV and follow-up SBPV had greater risk of CVD (odds ratio, 5.82; 95% confidence interval, 2.50-12.60) than those with low-low levels. The findings suggested that arterial stiffness appeared to precede the increase in SBPV and their joint effect is predictive of the development of CVD.

PMID:38145991 | DOI:10.1038/s41440-023-01541-2

J Perinatol. 2023 Dec 25. doi: 10.1038/s41372-023-01860-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to improve placement success rates for peripheral arterial line (PAL) placements by introducing an ultrasound-guided (USg) approach. Our aim was to maintain success rates over 70% within 18 months.

STUDY DESIGN: Interventions included development of a training curriculum, and procedure standardization. Among 302 patients, 115 underwent USg catheter placement; the traditional method was used in 187 patients. Outcome measures were first-attempt and overall success rates. Process measures were proportion of PALs placed under US guidance, trainer availability, and trainee sign-off. Line complications were balancing measures. Statistical process control charts were used to monitor metrics.

RESULTS: Sustained improvement was seen with the USg approach. The USg approach had first and overall attempt success by the trainers (i.e., independent users) of 83.7% (77/92) and 96.5% (111/115), compared to 50.3% (82/163) and 73.8% (138/187) with the traditional approach.

CONCLUSION: Introducing the USg approach had a significant impact on PAL placement success in neonatal patients.

PMID:38145989 | DOI:10.1038/s41372-023-01860-9

Support Care Cancer. 2023 Dec 26;32(1):58. doi: 10.1007/s00520-023-08283-4.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are common adverse events in patients undergoing emetogenic chemotherapy. Palonosetron, a second-generation 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist (5-HT3 RA), has demonstrated non-inferiority to first-generation 5-HT3 RAs for CINV in pediatric patients. Although palonosetron has a long half-life and prolonged antiemetic action, its efficacy against delayed CINV in pediatric patients is not well understood. Therefore, this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the efficacy of palonosetron for delayed CINV in pediatric patients.

METHODS: A literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was performed. A meta-analysis was performed using forest plots, and risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. A funnel plot was constructed to explore publication bias.

RESULTS: The literature search retrieved 842 records, of which 23 full-text articles were assessed, including six RCTs. Meta-analysis of four RCTs that reported on the complete response (CR: defined as no emesis and no rescue medication) rate for delayed CINV revealed that palonosetron was statistically superior to first-generation 5-HT3 RAs (RR = 1.21 [95% CI 1.09-1.35]; p < 0.01). Although the number of studies included was small, no publication bias was observed in the funnel plots. In addition, the CR rate for overall and acute CINV was also significantly higher for palonosetron (RR = 1.25 [95% CI 1.01-1.54]; p = 0.04 and RR = 1.06 [95% CI 1.01-1.12]; p = 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Palonosetron is effective in the prophylaxis of delayed CINV in pediatric patients.

PMID:38145979 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-023-08283-4

Acta Med Okayama. 2023 Dec;77(6):567-575. doi: 10.18926/AMO/66148.

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the results of a series of surveys conducted from July 2021 to March 2023 to investigate the post-vaccination adverse reactions to the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine among faculty, staff, and students at Okayama University. These studies complement the official surveys conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and provide a more representative picture of adverse reactions in the general population including large numbers of healthy young people. Pain, swelling, redness at the injection site, fever, headache, and malaise were the main adverse reactions reported. The proportion of adverse reactions was generally higher after the second vaccination and decreased with each additional vaccination. No statistically significant differences in the adverse reactions were found for males and females and those with/without a history of allergy, but a lower proportion of fever was observed in older participants and those with underlying medical conditions. We also evaluated the association between adverse reactions and antibody titers after the third vaccination and found no significant differences in antibody levels one month after vaccination. This series of studies highlights the importance of conducting surveys in diverse populations to provide a more representative picture of post-vaccination adverse reactions during a pandemic.

PMID:38145930 | DOI:10.18926/AMO/66148

Clin Radiol. 2023 Dec 15:S0009-9260(23)00581-0. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.11.027. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To examine the volumes of the medial and lateral femoral condyles and the trochlear groove, and to determine their relationship with trochlear dysplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography images of the knees of 21 patients with trochlear dysplasia and 18 healthy individuals were analysed retrospectively. According to the modified Dejour classification, the degree of trochlear dysplasia was recorded, such as type A trochlea being low-grade dysplasia and types B, C, and D trochlea being high-grade dysplasia. Volume of the trochlear groove and medial and lateral femoral condyles were calculated using the three-dimensional (3D) volume-rendering method.

RESULTS: The volumes of lateral condyle, medial condyle, and trochlear groove were statistically significantly lower in patients with trochlear dysplasia when compared to healthy participants. When compared according to Dejour types, all parameters were statistically significantly lower in both high- and low-grade dysplasia patients (p<0.05). The correlation between femoral condyle volumes and trochlear groove volume was low in the control group, but there was a moderate positive correlation in the patient group (r=0.50-0.75, p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: In trochlear dysplasia, the volume of the trochlear groove decreases and hypoplasia may occur in both lateral femoral and medial femoral condyles. Therefore, hypoplasia of only one condyle should not be interpreted as trochlear dysplasia. A holistic approach to patients is required.

PMID:38145924 | DOI:10.1016/j.crad.2023.11.027

Dent Mater. 2023 Dec 24:S0109-5641(23)00496-7. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2023.12.012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of an experimental borosilicate glass on the mechanical and optical behavior of 5Y-PSZ zirconia and comparing it to commercial glaze and as-sintered.

METHODS: Disc-shaped specimens of a 5Y-PSZ (Zpex Smile) were prepared and sintered (1550 °C, 2 h). The zirconia discs were randomly divided according to the surface treatment: as-sintered (C), commercial glaze (G), and experimental borosilicate glass (SL). Glaze and experimental glass powders were mixed with building liquids and applied to zirconia with a brush. G specimens were fired at 950 °C and SL at 1200 °C. An extended dwell time of 20 min was applied to both groups. Biaxial flexural strength, roughness (Ra and Rz), translucency (TP₀₀), color alteration (ΔE₀₀), Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, residual stresses, and x-ray diffraction analyses were conducted. Statistical analyses were performed with Weibull statistics, Kruskal-Wallis, or ANOVA tests (α = 5%).

RESULTS: SL yielded the highest flexural strength (799.35 MPa), followed by G (662.34 MPa), and C (485.38 MPa). The fracture origin of SL specimens was in the bulk zirconia, while G and C showed fractures starting at the surface. As-sintered reached the highest fracture toughness and hardness. Glaze and borosilicate glass provided surface compressive stresses. Borosilicate glass application led to phase transformation (t→m). SL and G showed the lowest roughness. TP₀₀ and ΔE₀₀ were similar among groups.

SIGNIFICANCE: Borosilicate glass improved strength without harming the optical properties of third-generation zirconia. Toughness and roughness provided by the experimental glass were similar to those from commercial glaze.

PMID:38145923 | DOI:10.1016/j.dental.2023.12.012

Drug Test Anal. 2023 Dec 25. doi: 10.1002/dta.3627. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

External contamination of hair by cannabis smoking requires a careful evaluation in forensic toxicology. Medical and recreational cannabis are increasingly consumed by e-cigarettes, which give rise to side-stream vapor. Moreover, products containing low Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and rich in cannabidiol (CBD) started spreading legally. The goal of the present study was to assess whether hair analysis could allow to distinguish the type of delivered product, with low or high Δ9-THC, and the delivering mode, by smoking or vaping. Contamination of blank hair was mimicked by in vitro exposure to low- (0.4%) and high-Δ9-THC (9.7%) products delivered by smoking and vaping within a small confined system. Cannabis vaping extracts were prepared to deliver identical target Δ9-THC doses. Eighty samples were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and quantified for Δ9-THC and CBD. After contamination by cannabis smoking, THC levels were in line with past in vitro and in vivo studies. Samples exposed to cannabis (169.30 ng/mg) showed significantly higher Δ9-THC than hair exposed to “light cannabis” (35.54 ng/mg), and the opposite was seen for the CBD/Δ9-THC ratio. Hair contaminated by vaping or smoking did not show a statistically different Δ9-THC content. Under our in vitro conditions, hair analysis might allow to discriminate whether external contamination is determined by products containing low or high Δ9-THC, but not the delivering mode. More research is needed in real-life conditions, to see whether the same also applies to the interpretation of forensic casework.

PMID:38145896 | DOI:10.1002/dta.3627

Ann Oncol. 2023 Dec 23:S0923-7534(23)05116-5. doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.12.009. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:38145867 | DOI:10.1016/j.annonc.2023.12.009

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2023 Dec 23:S1198-743X(23)00624-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.12.016. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fungal infections are common in HIV-infected individuals and significantly contribute to mortality. However, a substantial number of cases are undiagnosed before death.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of fungal pathogens in autopsy studies of people who died with HIV In Africa.

METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of autopsy studies conducted in Africa.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, and African Journal Online.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The review encompasses studies published from inception to September 2023, and no language restrictions were imposed during the search process. We included studies that reported histopathological or microbiological evidence for the diagnosis of fungal infections and other pathogens.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Data was summarised using descriptive statistics and no meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS: We examined 30 articles reporting studies conducted between 1991 and 2019, encompassing a total of 13,066 HIV-infected decedents across 10 African countries. In five studies, the autopsy type was not specified. Among those studies with specified autopsy types, 20 involved complete diagnostic autopsies, while 5 were categorized as partial or minimally invasive autopsies. There were 2,333 pathogens identified, with 946 (40.5%) being mycobacteria, 856 (36.7%) fungal, 231 (3.8%) viral, 208 (8.9%) parasitic, and 92 (3.9%) bacterial. Of the 856 fungal pathogens identified, 654 (28.0%) were Cryptococcus species, 167 (7.2%) Pneumocystis jirovecii, 16 (0.69%) Histoplasma species, 15 (0.64%) Aspergillus species, and 4 (0.17%) Candida species. Other major non-fungal pathogens identified were cytomegalovirus 172 (7.37%) and Toxoplasma gondii 173 (7.42%).

CONCLUSIONS: Invasive fungal infections occur in over one-third of people who succumb to HIV in Africa. In addition to cryptococcosis and PCP, integrating other priority fungal pathogen detection and management strategies into the broader framework of HIV care in Africa is recommended. This involves increasing awareness regarding the impact of fungal infections in advanced HIV disease and strengthening diagnostic and treatment capacity.

PMID:38145865 | DOI:10.1016/j.cmi.2023.12.016