Tag: statistics

Sci Rep. 2023 Jul 8;13(1):11080. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-38238-y.

ABSTRACT

Spectral photon-counting computed tomography (SPCCT) is a new technique with the capability to provide mono-energetic (monoE) images with high signal to noise ratio. We demonstrate the feasibility of SPCCT to characterize at the same time cartilage and subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) without contrast agent in osteoarthritis (OA). To achieve this goal, 10 human knee specimens (6 normal and 4 with OA) were imaged with a clinical prototype SPCCT. The monoE images at 60 keV with isotropic voxels of 250 × 250 × 250 µm³ were compared with monoE synchrotron radiation CT (SR micro-CT) images at 55 keV with isotropic voxels of 45 × 45 × 45 µm³ used as benchmark for cartilage segmentation. In the two OA knees with SBCs, the volume and density of SBCs were evaluated in SPCCT images. In 25 compartments (lateral tibial (LT), medial tibial, (MT), lateral femoral (LF), medial femoral and patella), the mean bias between SPCCT and SR micro-CT analyses were 101 ± 272 mm³ for cartilage volume and 0.33 mm ± 0.18 for mean cartilage thickness. Between normal and OA knees, mean cartilage thicknesses were found statistically different (0.005 < p < 0.04) for LT, MT and LF compartments. The 2 OA knees displayed different SBCs profiles in terms of volume, density, and distribution according to size and location. SPCCT with fast acquisitions is able to characterize cartilage morphology and SBCs. SPCCT can be used potentially as a new tool in clinical studies in OA.

PMID:37422514 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-38238-y

Sci Data. 2023 Jul 8;10(1):438. doi: 10.1038/s41597-023-02353-2.

ABSTRACT

The European Tertiary Education Register (ETER) is the reference dataset on European Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). ETER provides data on nearly 3,500 HEIs in about 40 European countries, including descriptive information, geographical information, students and graduates (with various breakdowns), revenues and expenditures, personnel, and research activities; as of March 2023, data cover the years from 2011-2020. ETER complies with OECD-UNESCO-EUROSTAT standards for educational statistics; most data are collected from National Statistical Authorities (NSAs) or ministries of participating countries and are subject to extensive checks and harmonization. The development of ETER has been funded by the European Commission and is part of the current efforts to establish a European Higher Education Sector Observatory; it is closely connected to the establishment of a broader data infrastructure in the field of science and innovation studies (RISIS). The ETER dataset is widely used in the scholarly literature on higher education and science policy, as well as for policy reports and analyses.

PMID:37422512 | DOI:10.1038/s41597-023-02353-2

Sci Rep. 2023 Jul 8;13(1):11085. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-37947-8.

ABSTRACT

Reliable estimates of subnational vaccination coverage are critical to track progress towards global immunisation targets and ensure equitable health outcomes for all children. However, conflict can limit the reliability of coverage estimates from traditional household-based surveys due to an inability to sample in unsafe and insecure areas and increased uncertainty in underlying population estimates. In these situations, model-based geostatistical (MBG) approaches offer alternative coverage estimates for administrative units affected by conflict. We estimated first- and third-dose diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine coverage in Borno state, Nigeria, using a spatiotemporal MBG modelling approach, then compared these to estimates from recent conflict-affected, household-based surveys. We compared sampling cluster locations from recent household-based surveys to geolocated data on conflict locations and modelled spatial coverage estimates, while also investigating the importance of reliable population estimates when assessing coverage in conflict settings. These results demonstrate that geospatially-modelled coverage estimates can be a valuable additional tool to understand coverage in locations where conflict prevents representative sampling.

PMID:37422502 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-37947-8

Pediatr Res. 2023 Jul 8. doi: 10.1038/s41390-023-02711-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Studies have reported the relationship between functional constipation and obesity in pediatric population. However, the results are contradictory. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible association between these two disorders in pediatric population.

METHODS: Four databases including PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched until 30 September 2022. The review was done in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022328992) RESULTS: Nine studies met the eligibility criteria, including 7444 participants. Studies showed the risk of obesity was significantly increased in boys with functional constipation (CI: 1.12, 3.07; P = 0.016). Such an association was also observed in girls (CI: 1.42-4.47; P = 0.00). A statistically significant association was observed between overweight/obesity and increased risk of functional constipation in children and adolescents (CI: 1.14-3.97; P = 0.02). Especially in developed countries (CI: 1.49-3.46; P = 0.00); however, no significant association was observed in developing countries (CI: 0.81-5.3; P = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS: There is a risk of obesity in either boys or girls with functional constipation. An association exists between the risk of functional constipation and children/adolescents with obesity, especially in developed countries, but not in developing countries.

IMPACT: Our study encourages further research in this field because early detection and intervention are crucial for both functional constipation and overweight/obesity in children, to better identify its complex biology and possibly optimize the treatment approaches.

PMID:37422494 | DOI:10.1038/s41390-023-02711-1

Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2023 Jul 8:e1856. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.1856. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials are an essential part of advancing care for cancer patients. Historically, however, racial minorities and females have been underrepresented in these trials. Efforts like the National Institute of Health Revitalization Act attempted to mitigate these disparities, but despite these efforts, they continue to exist. These disparities can subsequently lead to minorities and females receiving suboptimal care.

AIMS: The purpose of our study was to understand the changing trends in reporting of participant race and sex as a demographic variable in phase III lung cancer clinical trials published over the last 35 years given these consequences of poor representation.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 426 articles reporting the results of phase III lung cancer clinical trials published from 1984 to 2019 were identified in PubMed. From these articles, data on participant sex and race were collected from the demographic tables to construct the database for this study. This database was subsequently used to determine the rate of reporting of demographic factors like race and sex and the participation trends over the time of minority and female participation in lung cancer phase III clinical trials. The SciPy Stats package for Python was used to calculate descriptive statistics, 95% confidence intervals, two sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. The Matplotlib package for Python was used for figure generation. Only 137 (32.2%) of the 426 studies analyzed reported the race of participants. Among those studies, we found that the mean participation rate of White participants was significantly higher (82.65%; p < .001). We found a decrease in African American participants and an increase in Asian participants over time. When looking at sex, we found that although the rate of male participation (69.02%) was significantly higher than that of female participation (30.98%), female participation has improved with time at a rate of 0.65% per year.

CONCLUSION: We found that the reporting and participation of minority races continue to lag that of other demographic factors like sex in phase III clinical trials in lung cancer. Based on our analysis, we note a decline in participation of African Americans in lung cancer phase III clinical trials despite the rising incidence of lung cancer.

PMID:37421166 | DOI:10.1002/cnr2.1856

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2023 Jul 8. doi: 10.1111/jog.15737. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: In modern obstetrics, need of labor induction is increasing along with increased caesarean deliveries. Major contributions for these operative deliveries are due to induction failure. This demands a potent labor-inducing agent. Dinoprostone gel is an established method but having some drawbacks. Misoprostol could be an effective alternative to Dinoprostone, but its fetal safety is not yet well established. This study aimed to evaluate the fetal safety of vaginal Misoprostol tablet by measuring fetal heart rate changes during induction of labor.

METHODS: This was a single-center randomized controlled trial incorporating 140 term women, equally randomized to get either tablet Misoprostol or Dinoprostone gel. Fetal heart rate patterns were compared in both the groups by continuous cardiotocographic tracing. All the data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant changes in fetal heart rate pattern in both Misoprostol and Dinoprostone groups. Vaginal deliveries were statistically higher in Misoprostol group. Neonatal parameters like 1 min Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration score and neonatal intensive care unit admission were comparable, and there was no significant difference in terms of major adverse events and side effects.

CONCLUSIONS: Misoprostol is a safe alternative to Dinoprostone gel for induction of labor and found to be more effective labor-inducing agent. In the background of higher caesarean rate, vaginal Misoprostol can be a potential labor-inducing agent especially in a resource poor setting.

PMID:37421158 | DOI:10.1111/jog.15737

Cancer Control. 2023 Jan-Dec;30:10732748231180745. doi: 10.1177/10732748231180745.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are few clinical symptoms in early colorectal cancer, so it is necessary to find a simple and economical tumor detection index for auxiliary diagnosis. This study aims to explore the diagnostic value of preoperative inflammation-related indicators, such as neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet count, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLA), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), for early colorectal cancer, and determine whether inflammation-related indicators can provide more accurate diagnostic judgment for patients.

METHODS: This study was a retrospective study. Patients who were first diagnosed with colorectal cancer or colorectal adenomatous polyp at Beijing Friendship Hospital from October 2016 to October 2017 were retrospectively collected. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 342 patients were included, including 216 patients with colorectal cancer and 126 patients with colorectal adenomatous polyp. Fasting venous blood and other clinical features were collected to compare the differences between colorectal cancer and colorectal adenoma.

RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in age, carcinoembryonic antigen, albumin, hemoglobin, mean platelet volume, lymphocyte, monocyte, NLR, PLA, SII, and mean platelet volume to platelet count ratio between colorectal cancer group and colorectal adenoma group (P < .05), and a Nomogram model was established. Using inflammatory markers to differentiate colorectal and colorectal polyps produced greater AUC than using tumor markers alone (.846 vs .695).

CONCLUSION: Inflammation-related indicators, such as lymphocyte, monocyte, and mean platelet volume, may serve as potential indicators to assist in the diagnosis of early colorectal cancer.

PMID:37421141 | DOI:10.1177/10732748231180745

J Int Med Res. 2023 Jul;51(7):3000605231184036. doi: 10.1177/03000605231184036.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on lifestyle behaviour and clinical data in a population who underwent an annual health check-up in Tokyo, Japan.

METHODS: A self-report questionnaire was completed regarding changes in their physical activities, diet, alcohol intake, smoking and mental stress. For those recommended to undergo further examination or treatment, their intention to do so was also questioned. The clinical results of the check-ups across three different periods (before and during the pandemic and survey period) were statistically compared.

RESULTS: During the survey period, 838 examinees responded. While physical activities decreased due to teleworking, changes in food intake and dietary patterns were varied. Furthermore, changes in mental stress were also diverse. As for the intention to undergo further clinical examination or treatment, 23.5% answered that they thought they would wait until the government lifted the state of emergency or the pandemic subsided. Compared with before the pandemic, diastolic blood pressure, liver function, kidney function and bone density tended to deteriorate.

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the lifestyle of the current study population. To prepare for future outbreaks, real-world information should be collected and shared so that effective measures for health promotion can be developed.

PMID:37421140 | DOI:10.1177/03000605231184036

Eur Stroke J. 2023 Jul 7:23969873231185895. doi: 10.1177/23969873231185895. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) may lead to irreversible blindness. For acute RAO, intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) can be considered as treatment. However, due to the rarity of RAO, data about IVT safety and effectiveness is limited.

METHODS: From the multicenter database ThRombolysis for Ischemic Stroke Patients (TRISP), we retrospectively analyzed visual acuity (VA) at baseline and within 3 months in IVT and non-IVT treated RAO patients. Primary outcome was difference of VA between baseline and follow up (∆VA). Secondary outcomes were rates of visual recovery (defined as improvement of VA ⩾ 0.3 logMAR), and safety (symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) according to ECASS II criteria, asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and major extracranial bleeding). Statistical analysis was performed using parametric tests and a linear regression model adjusted for age, sex and baseline VA.

RESULTS: We screened 200 patients with acute RAO and included 47 IVT and 34 non-IVT patients with complete information about recovery of vision. Visual Acuity at follow up significantly improved compared to baseline in IVT patients (∆VA 0.5 ± 0.8, p < 0.001) and non-IVT patients (∆VA 0.40 ± 1.1, p < 0.05). No significant differences in ∆VA and visual recovery rate were found between groups at follow up. Two asymptomatic ICH (4%) and one (2%) major extracranial bleeding (intraocular bleeding) occurred in the IVT group, while no bleeding events were reported in the non-IVT group.

CONCLUSION: Our study provides real-life data from the largest cohort of IVT treated RAO patients published so far. While there is no evidence for superiority of IVT compared to conservative treatment, bleeding rates were low. A randomized controlled trial and standardized outcome assessments in RAO patients are justified to assess the net benefit of IVT in RAO.

PMID:37421135 | DOI:10.1177/23969873231185895

Biophys J. 2023 Jul 6:S0006-3495(23)00430-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.07.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

3D single molecule tracking microscopy has enabled measurements of protein diffusion in living cells, offering information about protein dynamics and cellular environments. For example, different diffusive states can be resolved and assigned to protein complexes of different size and composition. However, substantial statistical power and biological validation, often through genetic deletion of binding partners, are required to support diffusive state assignments. When investigating cellular processes, real-time perturbations to protein spatial distributions is preferable to permanent genetic deletion of an essential protein. For example, optogenetic dimerization systems can be used to manipulate protein spatial distributions which could offer a means to deplete specific diffusive states observed in single-molecule tracking experiments. Here, we evaluate the performance of the iLID optogenetic system in living E. coli cells using diffraction-limited microscopy and 3D single-molecule tracking. We observed a robust optogenetic response in protein spatial distributions after 488 nm laser activation. Surprisingly, 3D single-molecule tracking results indicate activation of the optogenetic response when illuminating with high intensity light with wavelengths at which there is minimal photon absorbance by the LOV2 domain. The pre-activation can be minimized through the use of iLID system mutants, and titration of protein expression levels.

PMID:37421134 | DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2023.07.003