Tag: statistics

JMIR Med Educ. 2023 Jun 29;9:e43699. doi: 10.2196/43699.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Zambia is facing a severe shortage of health care workers, particularly in rural areas. Innovative educational programs and infrastructure have been established to bridge this gap; however, they encounter substantial challenges because of constraints in physical and human resources. In response to these shortcomings, strategies such as web-based and blended learning approaches have been implemented, using virtual patients (VPs) as a means to promote interactive learning at the Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU) in Zambia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the students’ knowledge acquisition and acceptance of 2 VP medical topics as a learning tool on a Zambian higher education e-learning platform.

METHODS: Using a mixed methods design, we assessed knowledge acquisition using pre- and posttests. In a randomized controlled trial setting, students were assigned (1:1) to 2 medical topics (topic 1: appendicitis and topic 2: severe acute malnutrition) and then to 4 different learning tools within their respective exposure groups: VPs, textbook content, preselected e-learning materials, and self-guided internet materials. Acceptance was evaluated using a 15-item questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS: A total of 63 third- and fourth-year Bachelor of Science clinical science students participated in the study. In the severe acute malnutrition-focused group, participants demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge within the textbook group (P=.01) and the VP group (P=.01). No substantial knowledge gain was observed in the e-learning group or the self-guided internet group. For the appendicitis-focused group, no statistically significant difference in knowledge acquisition was detected among the 4 intervention groups (P=.62). The acceptance of learning materials exhibited no substantial difference between the VP medical topics and other learning materials.

CONCLUSIONS: In the context of LMMU, our study found that VPs were well accepted and noninferior to traditional teaching methods. VPs have the potential to serve as an engaging learning resource and can be integrated into blended learning approaches at LMMU. However, further research is required to investigate the long-term knowledge gain and the acceptance and effectiveness of VPs in medical education.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) PACTR202211594568574; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=20413.

PMID:37384369 | DOI:10.2196/43699

J Med Internet Res. 2023 Jun 29;25:e46783. doi: 10.2196/46783.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent technological advances allow for the repeated sampling of real-time data in natural settings using electronic ecological momentary assessment (eEMA). These advances are particularly meaningful for investigating physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep in young adults who are in a critical life stage for the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the use of eEMA methodologies in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep research in young adults.

METHODS: The PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched through August 2022. Inclusion criteria were use of eEMA; sample of young adults aged 18 to 25 years; at least 1 measurement of physical activity, sedentary behavior, or sleep; English language; and a peer-reviewed report of original research. Study reports were excluded if they were abstracts, protocols, or reviews. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments were conducted by independent authors, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis were used to identify overarching patterns within the following categories guided by the Checklist for Reporting Ecological Momentary Assessments Studies: study characteristics, outcomes and measures, eEMA procedures, and compliance.

RESULTS: The search resulted in 1221 citations with a final sample of 37 reports describing 35 unique studies. Most reports (28/37, 76%) were published in the last 5 years (2017-2022), used observational designs (35/37, 95%), consisted of samples of college students or apprentices (28/35, 80%), and were conducted in the United States (22/37, 60%). The sample sizes ranged from 14 to 1584 young adults. Physical activity was measured more frequently (28/37, 76%) than sleep (16/37, 43%) or sedentary behavior (4/37, 11%). Of the 37 studies, 11 (30%) reports included 2 movement behaviors and no reports included 3 movement behaviors. eEMA was frequently used to measure potential correlates of movement behaviors, such as emotional states or feelings (25/37, 68%), cognitive processes (7/37, 19%), and contextual factors (9/37, 24%). There was wide variability in the implementation and reporting of eEMA procedures, measures, missing data, analysis, and compliance.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of eEMA methodologies in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep research in young adults has greatly increased in recent years; however, reports continue to lack standardized reporting of features unique to the eEMA methodology. Additional areas in need of future research include the use of eEMA with more diverse populations and the incorporation of all 3 movement behaviors within a 24-hour period. The findings are intended to assist investigators in the design, implementation, and reporting of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep research using eEMA in young adults.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021279156; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021279156.

PMID:37384367 | DOI:10.2196/46783

Front Plant Sci. 2023 Jun 13;14:1187803. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1187803. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a non-conventional food plant used extensively in folk medicine and classified as a multipurpose plant species, serving as a source of features of direct importance to the agricultural and agri-industrial sectors. This species is considered a suitable model to study the mechanisms behind resistance to several abiotic stresses including salinity. The recently achieved technological developments in high-throughput biology opened a new window of opportunity to gain additional insights on purslane resistance to salinity stress-a complex, multigenic, and still not well-understood trait. Only a few reports on single-omics analysis (SOA) of purslane are available, and only one multi-omics integration (MOI) analysis exists so far integrating distinct omics platforms (transcriptomics and metabolomics) to characterize the response of purslane plants to salinity stress.

METHODS: The present study is a second step in building a robust database on the morpho-physiological and molecular responses purslane to salinity stress and its subsequent use in attempting to decode the genetics behind its resistance to this abiotic stress. Here, the characterization of the morpho-physiological responses of adult purslane plants to salinity stress and a metabolomics and proteomics integrative approach to study the changes at the molecular level in their leaves and roots is presented.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Adult plants of the B1 purslane accession lost approximately 50% of the fresh and dry weight (from shoots and roots) whensubmitted to very high salinity stress (2.0 g of NaCl/100 g of the substrate). The resistance to very high levels of salinity stress increases as the purslane plant matures, and most of the absorbed sodium remains in the roots, with only a part (~12%) reaching the shoots. Crystal-like structures, constituted mainly by Na⁺, Cl^–, and K⁺, were found in the leaf veins and intercellular space near the stoma, indicating that this species has a mechanism of salt exclusion operating on the leaves, which has its role in salt tolerance. The MOI approach showed that 41 metabolites were statistically significant on the leaves and 65 metabolites on the roots of adult purslane plants. The combination of the mummichog algorithm and metabolomics database comparison revealed that the glycine, serine, and threonine, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways were the most significantly enriched pathways when considering the total number of occurrences in the leaves (with 14, 13, and 13, respectively) and roots (all with eight) of adult plants; and that purslane plants employ the adaptive mechanism of osmoprotection to mitigate the negative effect of very high levels of salinity stress; and that this mechanism is prevalent in the leaves. The multi-omics database built by our group underwent a screen for salt-responsive genes, which are now under further characterization for their potential to promote resistance to salinity stress when heterologously overexpressed in salt-sensitive plants.

PMID:37384354 | PMC:PMC10296175 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2023.1187803

Ann Ib Postgrad Med. 2022 Dec;20(2):135-142.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the common non- viral sexually transmitted infections that infect both men and women worldwide. It is largely asymptomatic and its association with the risk of HIV transmission has made it a compelling public health concern. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence and the risk factors associated with T. vaginalis among asymptomatic undergraduate students at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun state, Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 246 asymptomatic students of Babcock University between February 2019 to April 2020. Information on socio-demographic and associated risk factors was obtained by structured-questionnaire in an interview-based manner. First-void urine was collected from each participant for the detection of T. vaginalis using the traditional wet prep method and TV in-pouch. The data were analyzed by SPSS Version 23.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of T. vaginalis among the participants was 12.2% (30/246). The use of wet-preparation showed 8.5% (21/246) while the use of TV inpouch yielded 12. 2% (30/246) prevalence of positive results. The results of the wet prep in comparison to the in-pouch technique was statistically significant among the study population. (P < 0.001). Sexual intercourse, use of hormonal contraceptives and practice of internet-based sex seeking behaviour were factors that had increase likelihood of T. vaginalis infection on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION: The occurrence of T. vaginalis and, its associated risk factors among the asymptomatic population in this study is very high. We advocate for the screening of young people.

PMID:37384345 | PMC:PMC10295101

Ann Ib Postgrad Med. 2022 Dec;20(2):129-134.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A large proportion of patients with preoperative enterocolitis still have enterocolitis persisting even after surgery while others resolve thereafter. Some researchers have studied Calprotectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), Blood and Plasma viscosity as markers of inflammation, hence, the choice of their use. The aim of the study is to determine the sensitivity and reliability of Calprotectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), Blood and Plasma viscosity as biochemical predictors of enterocolitis in children with colorectal anomaly post-surgery at University College Hospital Ibadan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is an observational analytic study of 32 patients with either Hirschsprung’s disease or Anorectal malformation carried out over a year period. The demographic data of the patients, clinical condition and the preoperative and postoperative readings of the biochemical analytes were recorded in a chart. Statistical analysis were carried out using SPSS version 23 and test for statistical association done.

RESULTS: The incidence of Hirschsprung associated enterocolitis is 12.5% and for Ano rectal malformation 6.3 %. Gender difference was not statistically significant even with the observed clinical difference. Plasma viscosity and blood viscosity correlate positively with each order. C-reactive Protein and Calprotectin did not predict enterocolitis in this study and the Sensitivity of blood viscosity at T1 and T2 is as low as 66% with a Positive Predictive Value of 25 %.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of Enterocolitis associated with Hirschsprung’s disease and Anorectal malformation is 19 %. Calprotectin and C-reactive protein did not predict enterocolitis in this patients. The outcome of care was satisfactory in over 90 % of the patients.

PMID:37384344 | PMC:PMC10295100

Ann Ib Postgrad Med. 2022 Dec;20(2):169-176.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally, making it a growing pandemic affecting adults and children. Obesity is associated with multiple morbidities and mortalities increasing the burden on the health care system.

OBJECTIVE: There is inadequacy of data in Nigeria on the prevalence of obesity among adult patients with hypertension and adequate data on these conditions would help in their comprehensive management.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 354 patients with hypertension, and the systematic sampling technique was used to recruit patients. The data were analysed using SPSS software version 23. Logistic regressions and linear regressions were done to determine the predictors of obesity and blood pressure levels.

RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 52.60(SD±8.26) years and the prevalence of obesity was 53.1%. After adjusting for other variables, the predictors of obesity were female sex. Females were about six times more likely to be obese than males (OR=6.23; 95%CI= 3.16 – 12.32). For every 1 unit increase in triceps skinfold, there was a statistically significant increase in diastolic blood pressure by about 2.77units (95% C.I equals 2.63 to 2.91, p-value= 0.0001). Also, for every 1 unit increase in biceps skinfold, there was a statistically significant increase in systolic blood pressure by about 5.78 units (95% C.I equals 5.46- 6.10, p-value= 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity was high, and the predictors of obesity were female sex. Triceps skinfold measurements were predictors of diastolic blood pressure while biceps skinfold measurements were predictors of systolic blood pressure.

PMID:37384341 | PMC:PMC10295094

Ann Ib Postgrad Med. 2022 Dec;20(2):151-159.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Removable denture still stands as the preferred option in the management of completely edentulous arch in the developing society. The prosthodontist is challenged with providing a retentive denture to the patient, alleviating the effect of tooth loss. The retention of these prostheses is influenced by the material used for it fabrication and the edentulous ridge height, hence the need to assess the retention of acrylic and flexible complete denture and the effect of edentulous ridge height.

AIM: This study was to assess and compare the effect of ridge height on retention of flexible and acrylic complete upper dentures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with complete upper edentulous arches were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups (A and B). Acrylic and flexible, complete maxillary dentures were fabricated for each participant. Group A wore the acrylic denture first, while group B wore the flexible denture first. Each participant was recalled after using the denture for one week, one month, and three months for data collection.At cross over time (3 months after wearing the first denture), individuals in group A were given flexible dentures, while those in group B received acrylic dentures. The patients were recalled again for data collection by one of the researchers. Kapa Intra examiner reliability test was 83.3%. Information related to denture retention were obtained and entered into IBM SPSS software version 23 for analysis. Paired t-test and linear regression were used to test for association between quantitative variables. A P-value of 0.05 was regarded as significant.

RESULTS: Ten individuals with mean age of 66.5±9.7 years and mean anterior ridge height of 15.5 ± 2.95 mm participated in this study. The subjective and objective assessments of the dentures showed that acrylic denture possessed a better retention than flexible denture. The effect of anterior ridge height on retention, showed a statistically significant difference (p= 0.006 for acrylic denture, p = 0.001 for flexible denture).

CONCLUSION: This study suggested that acrylic denture possesses better retention compared to the flexible type and far better in situation with lower ridge heights.

PMID:37384340 | PMC:PMC10295092

Ann Ib Postgrad Med. 2022 Dec;20(2):143-150.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Unintended pregnancies contribute to the high burden of unsafe abortion, maternal deaths and morbidities among undergraduates.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the determinants of good knowledge and evaluate the trends in the practice of Emergency Contraception (EC) among female undergraduates.

METHODS: This was a cross sectional study involving four hundred and twenty female undergraduates from two universities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Participants were recruited from their hostels and classrooms. Data collection was done using self-administered questionnaires and good knowledge was defined as three correct answers to five questions testing knowledge. The questionnaires also addressed their practices of EC. The data was stored on the computer, cleaned and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05.

RESULTS: Two hundred and fourteen (51.0%) participants were aware of EC and the common sources were friends (43.4%), media (42.9%) and pharmacies (42.0%). One hundred and sixty-four participants (39.1%) had good knowledge of EC. Participants in the age group 20-24 years, second year of study, those who were aware of EC and had ever used EC were associated with good knowledge. Less than half (48%) of the sexually active participants used EC in the past six months and Levonogestrel (51%) was the commonest EC used. Menstrual irregularity and abdominal pain were the major side effects of EC.

CONCLUSION: The practice of EC is poor and with poor knowledge demonstrated among female undergraduates. There is therefore the need to improve information and access to EC in the university community.

PMID:37384339 | PMC:PMC10295099

J Liver Cancer. 2020 Sep;20(2):135-147. doi: 10.17998/jlc.20.2.135. Epub 2020 Sep 30.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Considering the high prevalence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Korea, accurate statistics for HCC are important. We evaluated the characteristics of Korean patients with newly diagnosed HCC.

METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data from the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry (KPLCR). The baseline characteristics, treatment modalities, and overall survival (OS) of 4,572 patients with HCC registered in the KPLCR between 2012 and 2014 were investigated.

RESULTS: At the time of HCC diagnosis, the median age was 60.0 years, with male predominance (79.6%). Hepatitis B virus infection was the most common etiology (59.1%). The rates of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages 0, A, B, C, and D at diagnosis were 3.9%, 36.9%, 12.5%, 39.4%, and 7.3%, respectively. The proportion of very early or early stage HCC at diagnosis (BCLC stage 0 or A) in the 2012-2014 cohort was significantly lower than that in the 2008-2011 cohort (40.8% vs. 48.3%, P<0.001). Transarterial therapy (37.5%) was the most commonly performed initial treatment, followed by surgical resection (19.8%), best supportive care (19.1%), and local ablation (10.6%). The median OS was 2.9 years, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 67.7%, 49.3% and 41.9%, respectively. The OS rate of the 2012-2014 cohort was significantly higher than that of the 2008-2011 cohort (log-rank, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The OS of HCC patients registered in the KPLCR between 2012 and 2014 significantly improved. Nevertheless, as about half of the HCC patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage, vigorous and optimized HCC screening strategies should be implemented.

PMID:37384317 | PMC:PMC10035678 | DOI:10.17998/jlc.20.2.135

Front Neurol. 2023 Jun 13;14:1198058. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1198058. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The analysis of vocal samples from patients with Parkinson’s disease (PDP) can be relevant in supporting early diagnosis and disease monitoring. Intriguingly, speech analysis embeds several complexities influenced by speaker characteristics (e.g., gender and language) and recording conditions (e.g., professional microphones or smartphones, supervised, or non-supervised data collection). Moreover, the set of vocal tasks performed, such as sustained phonation, reading text, or monologue, strongly affects the speech dimension investigated, the feature extracted, and, as a consequence, the performance of the overall algorithm.

METHODS: We employed six datasets, including a cohort of 176 Healthy Control (HC) participants and 178 PDP from different nationalities (i.e., Italian, Spanish, Czech), recorded in variable scenarios through various devices (i.e., professional microphones and smartphones), and performing several speech exercises (i.e., vowel phonation, sentence repetition). Aiming to identify the effectiveness of different vocal tasks and the trustworthiness of features independent of external co-factors such as language, gender, and data collection modality, we performed several intra- and inter-corpora statistical analyses. In addition, we compared the performance of different feature selection and classification models to evaluate the most robust and performing pipeline.

RESULTS: According to our results, the combined use of sustained phonation and sentence repetition should be preferred over a single exercise. As for the set of features, the Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients demonstrated to be among the most effective parameters in discriminating between HC and PDP, also in the presence of heterogeneous languages and acquisition techniques.

CONCLUSION: Even though preliminary, the results of this work can be exploited to define a speech protocol that can effectively capture vocal alterations while minimizing the effort required to the patient. Moreover, the statistical analysis identified a set of features minimally dependent on gender, language, and recording modalities. This discloses the feasibility of extensive cross-corpora tests to develop robust and reliable tools for disease monitoring and staging and PDP follow-up.

PMID:37384279 | PMC:PMC10294689 | DOI:10.3389/fneur.2023.1198058