Tag: statistics

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2023 May;31(3):448-452. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-448-452.

ABSTRACT

In recent decades, evidence-based medicine acquired special importance in medicine. Therefore, proper presentation of data obtained in scientific research is extremely important. The statistical data processing, being an integral part of this process, often causes difficulties for researchers and its incorrect application results in distortion of results obtained. The purpose of the study is to comparatively analyze programs and methods of statistical data processing applied in dissertations on obstetrics and gynecology in 2011-2021, to examine trends in choosing them depending on specificity of research issue and to identify shortcomings erred by authors in choosing or describing data processing methods. The sampling for analysis included 258 abstracts of candidate’s dissertations in the specialty “obstetrics and gynecology”, defended in 2011-2021. The analysis covered the programs and methods of mathematical data processing. Over the past decade, significant complication of statistical processing of results of clinical trials in obstetrics and gynecology occurred in part of methods applied. The application of binary logistic regression and discriminant analysis increased most significantly over the past decade. Such sophisticated methods of statistical data processing as factor analysis, decision trees, ordinal logistic regression and neural networks began to be used too. The trend of gradual replacement of parametric methods (Student’s t-test, one-way analysis of variance) by such corresponding non-parametric methods as Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test. The Microsoft Excel and Statistica were used most often for data processing. In recent years, the software SPSS Statistics is actively applied. However, problems in describing statistical methods used in dissertations continue to be present. In significant part of dissertations information about statistical program applied, methods of assessing of quantitative data distribution and criteria of significance of obtained results is absent. The proper application of statistical programs, methods of information processing, adequate interpretation of results as well as provision of complete information about methodological support are the key points to carry out modern research resulting in trusted attitude to scientific work and its results.

PMID:37427521 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-448-452

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2023 May;31(3):423-427. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-423-427.

ABSTRACT

In the conditions of sanctions and aggravation of trade relations, the issue of importing many categories of goods is rather sharp. At that, goods of medical purposes as one of most import-dependent category faced great difficulties associated with their lacking in adequate quantities for planned support of patients. The cochlear implantation at the moment of implementation of restrictions was built on almost 90% of imported implants and their components that makes considered topic especially actual. The article considers in detail basic principles of cochlear implants functioning. The customs statistics regarding importation of implants is analyzed. The procedure of organizing work on implantation and postoperative rehabilitation is examined. The main problematic aspects in industry were identified and recommendations for their elimination were formulated.

PMID:37427517 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-423-427

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2023 May;31(3):418-422. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-418-422.

ABSTRACT

The features of sanitary constitution of students of the Nizhniy Novgorod region related to gradation of intra-group somatologic characteristics are presented. The results of anthropometric screening of 10 400 students of the Nizhniy Novgorod Oblast (boys/girls 5100/5300) aged 7-17 years were analyzed; body types were evaluated according to the Darskaya S. S. methodology; biological age – according to the Maximova T. M. methodology; physical development groups – according to the Baranov A. A. and Kuchma V. R. methodology. The typology was considered in formation of age and gender groups. They intra-group statistical analysis was implemented. The patterns of somatotyping were established. In boys/girls main types were thoracic type 58.9/67.3%, muscular – 21.6/17.4%, asthenoid – 9.1/8.2%, digestive – 7.3/8.3% and indefinite – 3.1/3.2%. The age factor significantly (p < 0.05) modifies dynamics of distributions of somatic types. The significant (p < 0.01) heterogeneity on the factor of biological maturation level was demonstrated in 66.0/68.6% of biological age corresponded to passport age, lag in 19.7/15.3%, advance in 14.3/16.1%. The decelerating ones in 30.9% of cases demonstrated thoracic somatotype with a single occurrence of asthenoid body type. In pre- and post-puberty individuals with thoracic somatotype in 57.0% had passport age that corresponded to biological age. For children with advanced type thoracic and muscular body types are specific and the digestive somatotype is specific only to advanced type (p = 0.01). The body typologies in combination with levels of biological development individualize characteristics of growing organism. The rate of maturation decreases its informative significance in post-puberty period. The individuals with different somatotypes are characterized by intra-group morphofunctional features.

PMID:37427516 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-418-422

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2023 May;31(3):412-417. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-412-417.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study is to establish main trends in morbidity of adolescents (15-17 years old) in the regions of the Northern-Caucasus Federal Okrug in 2011-2020. The study is based on data of statistical reports on primary and general morbidity of population aged 15-17 years for 2011-2020. The results. The epidemiological situation concerning morbidity of adolescents in the Russian Federation and the Northern-Caucasus Federal Okrug is characterized by positive trend over the analyzed period. The deterioration of epidemiological situation is observed in the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic (KChR) where absolute increase in overall morbidity of adolescents comprised 105.3% and primary morbidity 49.0% and in the Stavropol Territory (ST) – 23.0% and 27.5% correspondingly. The decrease of morbidity of adolescents is observed in the Republic of Ingushetia (RI) (by 56.9% and 51.7%) and in the Chechen Republic (ChR) (by 34.6% and 45.0%). In the Republic of Dagestan (RD), an increase of overall morbidity (by 114.0%) is accompanied by decreasing of primary morbidity (by 13.2%) and in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (RNOA) (absolute increase in overall morbidity by 7.8% and decrease of primary morbidity by 7.0%). In the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic (KBR), there is absolute decreasing of overall morbidity (by 1.7%) with simultaneous increase of primary morbidity of adolescents (by 24.2%). However, there are features inherent in most of analyzed regions of the Northern-Caucasus Federal Okrug. The increase of overall morbidity of eye diseases in adolescents is registered in six out of seven regions with exception of the RI, the increase of primary morbidity occurred in four of them (KChR, RD, KBR, ST). The increase of general and primary morbidity of ear diseases is registered in five regions (KChR, RD, RI, KBR, RNOA). The increasing of morbidity of neoplasms registered as common for five regions (the KChR, RD, RI, KBR, the ST) and as primary one in four of them (with the exception of the ST). The conclusions. In the regions of the Northern-Caucasus Federal Okrug multi-directional dynamics of indicators of general and primary morbidity among adolescents was established with predominance of particular classes of diseases. This result testifies absence of unified policy in the field of public health targeted to maintaining healthy life-style in adolescents.

PMID:37427515 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-412-417

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2023 May;31(3):319-323. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-319-323.

ABSTRACT

The health of children population is one of the indicators of the social and epidemiological well-being of society. The purpose of the study was to study main trends of propagation of various classes of diseases in children population in conditions of propagation of the new coronavirus infection. The data of Rosstat for the Udmurt Republic covering the pre-COVID period (2017-2019) and the period of COVID-19 propagation (2020-2021). The analytical method, descriptive statistics technique, the calculation of intensive and extensive indicators were applied. It is established that in 2017-2019, general morbidity of the children population aged 0-7 years decreased by 8.7%, while in conditions of higher propagation of COVID-19 (2020-2021) there was an increase by 11.0 %. In the children population aged 0-14 years, general morbidity decreased by 10%, and hereinafter it increased on 12.1%. At that, in the pre-COVID period in children population aged from 0 to 17 years, morbidity rate decreased for 14 classes of diseases, for 15 classes in children population aged from 0 to 14 years. During the period of higher propagation of COVID-19 morbidity rate for only 5 classes of diseases decreased in both age groups of children population.

PMID:37427503 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-319-323

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2023 May;31(3):315-318. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-315-318.

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has its own objective features associated with density of residence, organization and accessibility of medical care, migration characteristics of population, etc. Therefore, analysis of current situation with coronavirus in the Russian Federation, its Federal Okrugs and subjects is needed. The coronavirus infection resulted in significant changes in indicators of primary morbidity and mortality of population of the Russian Federation. The purpose of the study – to apply the results of analysis of primary morbidity of population of Moscow, the Central Federal Okrug and the Russian Federation in conditions of COVID-19 pandemic in developing recommendations on population health preservation. The monographic, statistical, analytical methods were applied. The official statistics data of Minzdrav of Russia and Rosstat were used. The comparative analysis of for the first time diagnosed morbidity (in 2020) in Moscow, the Central Federal Okrug and the Russian Federation established similar distribution of incidence rates for three key classes of diseases. The first rank place took respiratory diseases, the second one took traumas, poisoning and some other consequences of external causes and the third rank place took COVID-19. The decreasing of primary morbidity of population in the Russian Federation in 2019-2020 was established for almost all classes of diseases that is related to diminishing of dispensary and preventive activities concerning population. The morbidity rate of COVID-19 in the Federal Okrugs of the Russian Federation is presented. The ranking of subjects of the Russian Federation according to indicators of established pandemic was applied. The difference between the highest and the lowest morbidity rates of COVID-19 in the subjects of the Russian Federation made up to 16.8 times. The analysis established that COVID-19 determined increasing of life losses because of respiratory diseases (pneumonia in particular); circulatory system diseases (ischemic heart disease in particular); diabetes mellitus, etc. The statistical accounting of causes of death associated with COVID-19 is not accompanied by noticeable improvement of coding quality of other causes of death. The results of the analysis is be applied in developing management decisions.

PMID:37427502 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2023-31-3-315-318

Infect Dis (Lond). 2023 Jul 10:1-10. doi: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2232445. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Omicron-1 COVID-19 is less invasive in the general population than previous viral variants. However, clinical course and outcome of hospitalised patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia during the shift of the predominance from Delta to Omicron variants are not fully explored.

METHODS: During January 2022 consecutively hospitalised patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were analysed. SARS-CoV-2 variants were identified by a 2-step pre-screening protocol and randomly confirmed by whole genome sequencing analysis. Clinical, laboratory and treatment data split by type of variant were analysed along with logistic regression of factors associated to mortality.

RESULTS: 150 patients [mean age (SD) 67.2(15.8) years, male 54%] were analysed. Compared to Delta (n = 46), Omicron-1 patients (n = 104) were older [mean age (SD): 69.5(15.4) vs 61.9(15.8) years, p = 0.007], with more comorbidities (89.4% vs 65.2%, p = 0.001), less obesity (BMI >30Kg/m² in 24% vs 43.5%, p = 0.034) but higher vaccination rates for COVID-19 (52.9% vs 8.7%, p < 0.001). Severe pneumonia (48.7%), pulmonary embolism (4.7%), need for invasive mechanical ventilation (8%), administration of dexamethasone (76%) and 60-day mortality (22.6%) did not significantly differ. Severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia independently predicted mortality [OR 8.297 (CI95% 2.080-33.095), p = 0.003]. Remdesivir administration (n = 135) was protective from death both in unadjusted and adjusted models [OR 0.157 (CI95% 0.026-0.945), p = 0.043.

CONCLUSIONS: In a COVID-19 department the severity of pneumonia that did not differ between Omicron-1 and Delta variants predicted mortality whilst remdesivir remained protective in all analyses. Death rates did not differ between SARS-CoV-2 variants. Vigilance and consistency with prevention and treatment guidelines for COVID-19 is mandatory regardless of the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant.

PMID:37427461 | DOI:10.1080/23744235.2023.2232445

Langmuir. 2023 Jul 10. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01070. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles have been extensively used to modify the optical properties of various types of materials. In particular, they have been intensively loaded onto polymer fibers to quench the light reflection. In situ polymerization and online addition are two common strategies for fabricating TiO₂-loaded polymer nanocomposite fibers. The former does not require separate preparation of masterbatches as the latter does and therefore has its advantages in terms of decreasing the fabrication steps and economic costs. Moreover, it has been found that in situ-polymerized TiO₂-loaded polymer nanocomposite fibers (e.g., TiO₂/poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers) usually have enhanced light-extinction properties over those prepared by the online addition process. Intuitively, there should be a difference in the filler particle dispersion for the two fabrication processes. This hypothesis has not yet been tackled due to the technical difficulty in acquiring the three-dimensional (3D) filler morphology inside the fiber matrix. In this paper, we report a study using the powerful focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) with a resolution of 20 nm to directly acquire the 3D microstructure of TiO₂/poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposite (TiO₂/PET) fibers. This microscopy technique allows us to characterize the particle size statistics and the dispersion inside TiO₂/PET fibers. We have found that the particle size of TiO₂ inside the fiber matrix can be well modeled by Weibull statistics. Surprisingly, we find that TiO₂ nanoparticles form more significant agglomeration in the in situ-polymerized TiO₂/PET fibers. This observation is contrary to our common understanding of the two fabrication processes. Namely, slightly altering the particle dispersion with increased TiO₂ filler size helps improve the light-extinction properties. The slightly increased filler size may have altered the Mie scattering between the nanoparticles and the incident visible light, leading to enhanced light-extinction properties of in situ-polymerized TiO₂/PET nanocomposite fibers.

PMID:37427414 | DOI:10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01070

HCA Healthc J Med. 2021 Dec 29;2(6):423-431. doi: 10.36518/2689-0216.1306. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with syncope often undergo costly testing, despite current guidelines and data supporting the contrary.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic value through positivity rate of electrocardiogram (EKG), computed tomography (CT) of the brain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, transthoracic echocardiogram, nuclear and pharmacologic cardiac stress test, tilt table test and carotid ultrasound in patients diagnosed with syncope.

METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 10,036 adults presenting to the emergency department or hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of syncope at 8 acute care facilities in the southwest United States from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. A chi-square analysis was performed for each testing modality to evaluate for a statistically significant difference. The cost of each test was estimated based on published national averages per Medicare.

RESULTS: Of our sample, 903 patients (9%) received a test that yielded any positive finding. The results in the order of highest percent positivity rate to lowest were EKG (5.7%), carotid ultrasound (4.84%), transthoracic echocardiogram (2.56%), tilt table test (1%), MRI brain (0.99%), CT brain (0.82%) and cardiac stress test (0.09%). The total sum spent on testing was estimated at $43,347,332. Only $489,170 of this total was spent on a positive test. If this data is expanded to the 6,146 hospitals across the United States, a yearly $33 billion are wasted on syncope workups.

CONCLUSION: Costly testing continues to be performed on syncope patients despite guidelines discouraging testing. The necessity of these tests should be carefully evaluated for each patient based on diagnostic value.

PMID:37427395 | PMC:PMC10324800 | DOI:10.36518/2689-0216.1306

HCA Healthc J Med. 2021 Dec 29;2(6):411-421. doi: 10.36518/2689-0216.1295. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pharmacy-led medication reconciliation identifies and corrects medication errors that can potentially cause moderate to severe harm. This research sought to identify the impact of pharmacy-led medication reconciliation on patient outcomes and describe the changes in healthcare workers’ perceptions of the program.

METHODS: A pharmacy-led admission medication reconciliation program pilot started in July 2019, and a discharge medication reconciliation proof of concept was tested in September 2020 at a 432-bed hospital. The following periods were compared: August 2018 to February 2019 (pre-program implementation) and August 2019 to February 2020 (post-program implementation). Endpoints included patient outcomes, workforce productivity and interdisciplinary healthcare team satisfaction through program surveys. Patient outcomes were assessed with chisquared tests. Survey responses were assessed using the Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were used for productivity outcomes and the number of discharge medication reconciliations completed.

RESULTS: Approximately 18,000 admissions were recorded for each period. The adverse drug event (ADE) rate decreased 49% (p < 0.001), and the complication rate decreased 29.7% (p = 0.001). During post-pilot implementation, 6,530 medication histories were completed, and 70,050 medications were reviewed. Of medication histories completed, 22.6% of patient allergies/adverse drug reactions were updated, 52.3% of medications were clarified, and 54.7% of preferred outpatient pharmacies were updated. Pharmacy services completed medication histories in 38.8% of inpatients. In the proof of concept, 168 discharge medication lists were drafted. Survey results showed statistically significant improvement in healthcare team satisfaction.

CONCLUSION: A pharmacy-led medication reconciliation program involving designated pharmacists and pharmacy technicians has shown to decrease ADEs and complications while improving interdisciplinary healthcare team satisfaction.

PMID:37427394 | PMC:PMC10324798 | DOI:10.36518/2689-0216.1295