Tag: statistics

PLoS Comput Biol. 2021 Dec 20;17(12):e1009604. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009604. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The spread of pathogens fundamentally depends on the underlying contacts between individuals. Modeling the dynamics of infectious disease spread through contact networks, however, can be challenging due to limited knowledge of how an infectious disease spreads and its transmission rate. We developed a novel statistical tool, INoDS (Identifying contact Networks of infectious Disease Spread) that estimates the transmission rate of an infectious disease outbreak, establishes epidemiological relevance of a contact network in explaining the observed pattern of infectious disease spread and enables model comparison between different contact network hypotheses. We show that our tool is robust to incomplete data and can be easily applied to datasets where infection timings of individuals are unknown. We tested the reliability of INoDS using simulation experiments of disease spread on a synthetic contact network and find that it is robust to incomplete data and is reliable under different settings of network dynamics and disease contagiousness compared with previous approaches. We demonstrate the applicability of our method in two host-pathogen systems: Crithidia bombi in bumblebee colonies and Salmonella in wild Australian sleepy lizard populations. INoDS thus provides a novel and reliable statistical tool for identifying transmission pathways of infectious disease spread. In addition, application of INoDS extends to understanding the spread of novel or emerging infectious disease, an alternative approach to laboratory transmission experiments, and overcoming common data-collection constraints.

PMID:34928936 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009604

Maedica (Bucur). 2021 Sep;16(3):458-462. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2021.16.3.458.

ABSTRACT

Background:The lateral canals are pathways for bacteria and their products to pass between the root canal and the periradicular tissue. Objectives: The present study aims to compare the filling ability of the lateral canals with three calcium silicate based sealers, including MTA Fillapex, Endoseal MTA and Sure-Seal Root, and AH26 epoxy resin sealer in the presence and absence of the smear layer. Materials and methods:Six lateral canals were prepared using an engine reamer in 80 single-rooted human teeth. The root canals were cleaned, then the teeth were randomly divided into two groups. In group A, the smearlayer was removed using 17% EDTA and 5.25% NaOCl, and in group B, the canals were irrigated with normal saline. Groups A and B were divided into four subgroups each, according to the sealer used: A1, B1 (MTA Fillapex sealer), A2, B2 (Endoseal MTA sealer), A3, B3 (Sure-Seal Root sealer), and A4, B4 (AH26 sealer). Obturation of canals was conducted by the warm vertical technique and then teeth were incubated for 72 hours. Teeth were made clear and the filling of lateral canals were evaluated under stereomicroscope. Results:In group A, the highest lateral canals filling rate was in subgroup A2 and the lowest in subgroup A1, and the difference was statistically significant. However, in both groups, the highest lateral canals filling rate was in subgroups B2 and B3 and the lowest in subgroup B1. However, the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, no significant difference was observed in the lateral canals filling rate considering their position in the root. Conclusion:Providing the removal of the smear layer, calcium silicate-based sealers, Endoseal MTA and Sure-Seal Root had a higher ability to fill the lateral canals than AH26 and MTA fillapex sealers.

PMID:34925604 | PMC:PMC8643567 | DOI:10.26574/maedica.2021.16.3.458

Maedica (Bucur). 2021 Sep;16(3):458-462. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2021.16.3.463.

ABSTRACT

Background:One of the leading causes of death in patients with breast cancer is delays in help-seeking, which is influenced by various factors, including social factors such as cancer stigma. Objectives:This study aimed to determine the relationship between perceived stigma and delay in seeking help for women with breast cancer. Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 140 women with breast cancer referred to Besat Clinic in Rasht, Iran, were included. The data gathering tools included a demographic questionnaire, a cancer stigma questionnaire and a delay questionnaire completed through interviews with patients. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software V.21 and the descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using correlation coefficient, chi-square test, logistic regression, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results:In this study, 72.1% of patients were aged between 39 and 57 years, with a mean age of 47.99±8.03 years; 34.3% and 16.4% of patients delayed seeking help between 30 and 90 days, and more than 90 days (with mean±SD of 75.35±165.19), respectively. Breast cancer stigma was present in 45% of patients. Delay in seeking help based on stigma was significant (P <0.001). Due to multiple logistic regression, the association between stigma and delayed relief was significant (P <0.01), so that in women suffering from breast cancer with stigma, the chance of delaying seeking help was 5.7 times (OR 5/706, Cl 95% 1.381-23.572) higher than women without stigma. Conclusion:Stigma may be a factor in delaying the screening of women with breast cancer. Therefore, it is recommended that the health care team considers stigma as one of the most important psychological aspects of breast cancer, which may have an impact on patients’ delay in seeking help. It should also be considered in the process of diagnosis, treatment counseling, and patient follow-up.

PMID:34925603 | PMC:PMC8643543 | DOI:10.26574/maedica.2021.16.3.463

Maedica (Bucur). 2021 Sep;16(3):353-361. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2021.16.3.353.

ABSTRACT

The theory of vasodilation partially explains the development and progression of liver cirrhosis and is completed by the theory of inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is used as a surrogate marker of inflammation in studies; however, there is not sufficient data that would reflect the role of this protein in cirrhosis yet. The objective of this study was to determine the use of CRP value in the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. In “Material and method” section we described a clinical prospective trial with 102 participants represented by patients with cirrhosis of various etiologies in a tertiary hospital, each monitored throughout a period of 12 months after the collection of CRP. The results showed that the mean CRP value was 0.7+/0.09 mg/dL (CI 0.59-0.90) in patients who did not decompensate throughout the trial and 1.58+/0.4 mg/dL (CI 1.76-2.30) in those who did decompensate, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.045). In rehospitalized patients versus those without any hospitalization, the mean CRP values were 1.35 mg/dL and 0.8 mg/dL, respectively (p=0.032). The increased values of this parameter were positively correlated with the number of hospitalizations (rs=0.35, p=0.05). A CRP value below the threshold of 0.62 mg/dL indicates a smaller probability of future decompensation in liver cirrhosis patients. The conclusion of this study is that CRP influences the secondary endpoints, including cirrhosis decompensation and patient rehospitalization. It can be added to the existing studies.

PMID:34925587 | PMC:PMC8643557 | DOI:10.26574/maedica.2021.16.3.353

Maedica (Bucur). 2021 Sep;16(3):453-457. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2021.16.3.453.

ABSTRACT

Background: Infertility requires long term care and treatments which would influence different aspects of health, including emotional problems such as anger, depression, mental health and psychological issues, social isolation and withdrawal as well as low self-esteem. The present study was conducted to determine strategies for the diagnosis and management of infertile women’s quality of life in the Iranian health system. Materials and methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 59 infertile women. It was a questionnaire-based study and all data analyses were done using SPSS version 22 statistical software. Results: The majority of gynecologists (88.14%) approved all three management strategies that were used for diagnosis and management of infertile women’s quality of life. The first and third management strategy obtained the highest (86.44%) and lowest (3.39%) scores, respectively. There was a significant relationship between our management strategies and the scoring of gynecologists (P=0.010). Also, there was a significant relationship (P=0.001) between the order of our management strategies and gynecologists’ prioritization. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it is expected that health officials and practitioners should be able to identify infertile women and even women at high risk of infertility and provide the necessary training and classes as well as individual and medical consultations.

PMID:34925602 | PMC:PMC8643553 | DOI:10.26574/maedica.2021.16.3.453

Acta Endocrinol (Buchar). 2021 Apr-Jun;17(2):186-193. doi: 10.4183/aeb.2021.186.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of symptoms of diabetes on the quality of life of individuals with Type 2 diabetes.

METHOD: The study used a cross-sectional design. No sampling procedure was employed in the study; instead, 410 individuals presenting to the Balikesir Atatürk City Hospital Endocrinology and Internal Medicine Polyclinics between December 2016 and July 2017, diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study sample. The study data were collected with a “Socio-demographic Characteristics Questionnaire”, the “Diabetes Symptom Checklist”, and the “SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire”.

RESULTS: The participants obtained the highest mean scores from the hyperglycemia subscale of the Diabetes Symptoms Checklist (3.35±0.60) and the mental health subscale of the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire (50.65±8.10). The hypoglycemia, cardiology, psychology, and neurology variables included in the model were statistically significant and predicted 35% of the mental subscale score of the SF 36 questionnaire. SF 36 physical subscale score increased as the hypoglycemia, cardiology, psychology, and neurology scores decreased (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The participants obtained high scores from the hyperglycemia subscale of the diabetes symptom checklist and mental health subscale of the quality of life questionnaire. Diabetes symptoms were found to affect the quality of life of individuals with diabetes.

PMID:34925566 | PMC:PMC8665249 | DOI:10.4183/aeb.2021.186

Acta Endocrinol (Buchar). 2021 Apr-Jun;17(2):207-211. doi: 10.4183/aeb.2021.207.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Post-operative clinical and biochemical hypocalcemia is a common complication of thyroid surgery and the correlation with incidental parathyroidectomy (IP) remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of IP during TT, its correlation to early post-surgery hypocalcemia, and its potential risk factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 77 consecutive patients submitted to thyroid surgery between January 2018 and December 2019. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, surgical and histopathological factors were assessed. Statistical multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk of IP.

RESULTS: IP was evident in 22 (28.5%) patients who underwent TT, TT with lymph node dissection of the central compartment (CLND) and reoperation for previous hemithyroidectomy with CLND. Early symptomatic hypocalcemia 24 hours after TT was demonstrated in 12/22 (54.5%) patients, with PTH value of <14pg/mL in 7/12 (58.3%) patients, and in 6 of these 7 patients (85.7%) the PTH value was <6.3pg/mL. In 5/22 (22.7%) patients the IP was associated with biochemical hypocalcemia <8.4mg/dL, and in 5/22 (22.7%) patients anatomical damage was not associated with a reduction in plasma calcium levels. The severity of early post-op hypocalcemia was not correlated with the number of parathyroid glands left in situ. The multivariate analysis did not show statistically significant values between the clinical-pathological variables and increased risk of IP.

CONCLUSIONS: No IP clinical-pathological risk factors have been identified during thyroid surgery. In all cases of TT, with or without CLND, the meticulous identification of the parathyroid glands, whose incidental removal is frequently associated with clinical and biochemical hypocalcemia, is recommended.

PMID:34925569 | PMC:PMC8665250 | DOI:10.4183/aeb.2021.207

Acta Endocrinol (Buchar). 2021 Apr-Jun;17(2):177-185. doi: 10.4183/aeb.2021.177.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Organophosphate exposure induces many endocrine effects.

AIM: In this study we observed the effects of acute stress induced by cholinesterase inhibition on the main hormonal axes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included thirteen weanling Wistar rats that were subjected to organophosphate exposure. They were first tested for baseline levels of butyrylcholinesterase, cortisol, free triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin. Secondly, chlorpyrifos was administered. Next samples were taken to determine the level of all the above-mentioned parameters.

RESULTS: Butyrylcholinesterase was significantly decreased after exposure (p<0.001). Cortisol levels were significantly higher after clorpyrifos administration (358.75±43 vs. 241.2±35 nmoL/L)(p<0.01). Although prolactin had a growing trend (450.25±24.65 vs. 423±43.4 uI/mL), the results were not statistically significant. Both free triiodothyronine and thyroxine were significantly higher after exposure. Surprisingly, thyroid-stimulating hormone level almost doubled after exposure with high statistical significance (p<0.001), suggesting a central stimulation of thyroid axis. Butyrylcholinesterase level was proportional with thyroid-stimulating hormone level (p=0.02) and thyroxine level was inversely correlated to the cortisol level (p=0.01). Acute cholinesterase inhibition may induce high levels of cortisol, free triiodothyronine, thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone. From our knowledge this is the first study dedicated to the assessment of acute changes of hormonal status in weanling animals after low-dose organophosphate exposure.Conclusion. Acute cholinesterase inhibition may cause acute phase hormonal disturbances specific to shocked patients.

PMID:34925565 | PMC:PMC8665251 | DOI:10.4183/aeb.2021.177

Comput Math Methods Med. 2021 Dec 8;2021:8746264. doi: 10.1155/2021/8746264. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the quantity of CD4⁺T, CD4⁺T, CD8⁺T, and γδT cells in peripheral blood of HIV-infected/AIDS patients as well as to explore the possible role of CD4/CD8 ratio and γδT cells in the progression of HIV/AIDS, aimed at providing evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of AIDS.

METHODS: The quantity levels of CD3⁺T cells, CD4⁺T cells, CD8⁺T cells, and γδT cells in peripheral blood of 46 HIV-infected/AIDS patients and 30 healthy controls were detected by using flow cytometry.

RESULTS: The count of CD3⁺T, CD4⁺T, CD8⁺T, and γδT cells ( x¯±s , A/μl) in the peripheral blood was 1183.64 ± 132.58, 278.39 ± 122.38, 863.13 ± 82.38, and 22.53 ± 1.74 in the experimental group as well as 1456.46 ± 124.37, 788.74 ± 189.67, 569.61 ± 46.49, and 10.96 ± 0.28 in the control group, respectively. The p values of the two groups were <0.005 after the t-test, revealing a statistically significant difference. The proportion of CD3⁺T, CD4⁺T, CD8⁺T, and γδT cells in total lymphocytes in the two groups ( x¯±s , %) was 71.83 ± 5.37, 13.39 ± 2.23, 62.93 ± 5.81, and 3.67 ± 0.87 in the experimental group, respectively. In the control group, the values were expressed as 66.72 ± 5.48, 42.77 ± 3.38, 31.41 ± 3.62, and 1.73 ± 0.36, respectively. After performing the t-test, p values in the two groups were <0.005 except CD3⁺T, with statistically significant differences. Besides, CD4/CD8 was 0.33 ± 0.11 in the experimental group and 1.48 ± 0.29 in the control group, t = 26.528, p < 0.001, exhibiting a significant statistical difference.

CONCLUSION: HIV infection induces the activation and proliferation of CD8⁺T and γδT cells, contributing to the decrease of CD4⁺T cells, while CD8⁺T and γδT cells are involved in the immune response and tissue damage after HIV infection.

PMID:34925546 | PMC:PMC8674055 | DOI:10.1155/2021/8746264

Anim Reprod. 2021 Dec 10;18(4):e20210023. doi: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2021-0023. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to measure the nuchal translucency (NT) of canine fetuses to establish reference values ​​for healthy gestational processes and to verify its effectiveness in the diagnosis of congenital abnormalities. On day 34 of gestation, the NT of three fetuses from each of the 26 English bulldog female dogs was measured. The first fetus was the one located immediately cranial to the bladder, the second was selected from the left side of the abdomen, and the third from the right side. The reference values for healthy animals were offset using descriptive statistics. The diagnostic ability of the test to identify fetal malformations was studied using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Of the 26 litters, only 18 had healthy fetuses, 4 had fetuses with anasarca, 3 had fetuses with abdominal wall defects, and 1 had both types of abnormalities. The NT was higher in canine fetuses that presented anasarca in the litter than in normal litters (1.8 ± 0.77 mm vs. 1.4 ± 0.48 mm; P = 0.0249), with a cut-off value of NT > 1.45 mm (sensitivity = 61.54%, specificity = 70.18%). NT greater than 1.45 mm seems to be a diagnostic tool for the identification of anasarca during gestation of bulldogs. Considering the unprecedented use of this parameter in canine species and the limitations found during the study, further studies will be needed in order to use it on clinical practice.

PMID:34925557 | PMC:PMC8677348 | DOI:10.1590/1984-3143-AR2021-0023