Tag: statistics

Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2022 Oct 16:25451. doi: 10.4317/medoral.25451. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: One of the most frequent complications in guided bone regeneration (GBR) is wound dehiscence, which compromises treatment outcomes. Thus, primary tension-free suture is essential to avoid wound dehiscence. The purpose of this study was to compare the extension of 2 different mandibular flaps in human cadaveric specimens, and to measure the size of the supraperiosteal blood vessels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five freshly unfrozen human cadaveric specimens were used. Arteries and veins were marked and bilateral classical lingual flaps (extending from the second premolar to the retromolar area) were prepared. In one side, the mylohyoid muscle was detached to increase the coronal extension of the flap. An implant drill was used to measure the extension of the flap after exerting 30 g of traction, before and after detaching the mylohyoid muscle. The size of the largest vascular structures of the flap was measured using a periodontal probe.

RESULTS: The classical flap extension was 5.99 mm (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.08 to 6.90), while the coronally advanced flap extension with mylohyoid muscle detachment was 14.96 mm (95%CI: 10.81 – 19.11). A statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups (p= 0.0002), with a mean extension difference was 8.97 mm (95%CI: 5.02 to 12.91). The mean largest artery had 0.20 mm of diameter (95%CI: 0.15 – 0.26).

CONCLUSIONS: The detachment of the mylohyoid muscle from the lingual flap allows to significantly increase its extension by 2.5 times. The superficial arteries found in the lingual flap have a small diameter (around 0.2mm).

PMID:36244000 | DOI:10.4317/medoral.25451

Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2022 Oct 16:25514. doi: 10.4317/medoral.25514. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is defined as one of the most common cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Periodontitis is one of the risk factors for CAD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were carefully and thoroughly retrieved until October 2021. On the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible articles were selected strictly to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Using Cochran’s Q statistic, Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 16, data were extracted, and a comprehensive analysis was carried out.

RESULTS: Six RCTs of 619 patients were included in this study, including 360 in the intervention group (IG) and 259 in the control group (CG). Meta-analysis showed significant difference for C-reactive protein (CRP) (1.20mg/L, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.27, p < 0.00001) after non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), but showed no significant difference for interleukin-6 (IL-6) (1.19mg/L, 95% CI: -1.03 to 3.40, p=0.29), flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (-1.64%, 95% CI: -4.95 to 1.67, p=0.33), triacylglycerol (TG) (-0.02mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.31 to 0.27, p=0.90), total cholesterol (TC) (0.04mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.25 to 0.33, p=0.90), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (0.00mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.29 to 0.29, p=0.99) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (0.11mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.18 to 0.40, p=0.46).

CONCLUSIONS: The impact of NSPT on the reduction of CRP in patients of CAD with periodontitis is significant. NSPT can be considered as an important preventive strategy for major cardiovascular events in CAD.

PMID:36243997 | DOI:10.4317/medoral.25514

Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2022 Oct 16:25326. doi: 10.4317/medoral.25326. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Myofibroblasts (MF) are mesenchymal cells with features of both fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. Although these are usually reactive cells, they can lead to myofibroblastic tumors that may share clinical and histomorphological characteristics but with different prognosis. The aim of this study is to perform a histomorphological evaluation as well as to compare and evaluate two different cell proliferation immunomarkers and two endothelial markers in a group of oral and maxillofacial myofibroblastic lesions (MFL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional and retrospective study. Demographic, clinical, histomorphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of 39 cases of MFL were analyzed. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed with the Ki67, MCM2, CD34 and CD105 antibodies. Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation analysis were used.

RESULTS: Four cases of nodular fasciitis (NF), 18 myofibromas (My), 6 desmoplastic fibromas (DF), 7 inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMT) and 4 myofibroblastic sarcomas (MFS) were studied. There were twenty women (51.2%); the median age was 13 [Q1-Q3: 8-24] years and most cases occurred in the mandible (48.7%). A statistically significant difference with MCM2 immunostaining (p=0.0221) was observed between the MFL; furthermore, a correlation between CD34 and CD105 immunostaining in NF (p <0.0001) and IMT (p=0.0408), between MCM2 and CD34 in IMT (p=0.0362) and between MCM2 and CD105 in MFS (p <0001) were found.

CONCLUSIONS: MCM2 immunostaining could assess more clearly the cell growth fraction in MFL. The correlation between MCM2 and CD34 in IMT and between MCM2 and CD105 in MFS are indicative of the high activity of these lesions. These results emphasize the importance of the studied immunohistochemistry markers as possible tools for a better characterization of some of the MFL.

PMID:36243994 | DOI:10.4317/medoral.25326

Nucleic Acids Res. 2022 Oct 16:gkac895. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkac895. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A broad range of complex phenotypes are related to dysfunctions in brain (hereafter referred to as brain-related traits), including various mental and behavioral disorders and diseases of the nervous system. These traits in general share overlapping symptoms, pathogenesis, and genetic components. Here, we present Brain Catalog (https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/braincatalog), a comprehensive database aiming to delineate the genetic components of more than 500 GWAS summary statistics datasets for brain-related traits from multiple aspects. First, Brain Catalog provides results of candidate causal variants, causal genes, and functional tissues and cell types for each trait identified by multiple methods using comprehensive annotation datasets (58 QTL datasets spanning 6 types of QTLs). Second, Brain Catalog estimates the SNP-based heritability, the partitioning heritability based on functional annotations, and genetic correlations among traits. Finally, through bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses, Brain Catalog presents inference of risk factors that are likely causal to each trait. In conclusion, Brain Catalog presents a one-stop shop for the genetic components of brain-related traits, potentially serving as a valuable resource for worldwide researchers to advance the understanding of how GWAS signals may contribute to the biological etiology of brain-related traits.

PMID:36243988 | DOI:10.1093/nar/gkac895

Nucleic Acids Res. 2022 Oct 16:gkac879. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkac879. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial toxins help prokaryotes win competitive advantages in intraspecific or interspecific conflicts and are also a critical factor affecting the pathogenicity of many pathogens that threaten human health. Although many studies have revealed that antagonism based on antimicrobial toxins plays a central role in prokaryotic life, a database on antimicrobial toxins remains lacking. Here, we present the prokaryotic antimicrobial toxin database (PAT, http://bioinfo.qd.sdu.edu.cn/PAT/), a comprehensive data resource collection on experimentally validated antimicrobial toxins. PAT has organized information, derived from the reported literature, on antimicrobial toxins, as well as the corresponding immunity proteins, delivery mechanisms, toxin activities, structural characteristics, sequences, etc. Moreover, we also predict potential antimicrobial toxins in prokaryotic reference genomes and show the taxonomic information and environmental distribution of typical antimicrobial toxins. These details have been fully incorporated into the PAT database, where users can browse, search, download, analyse and view informative statistics and detailed information. PAT resources have already been used in our prediction and identification of prokaryotic antimicrobial toxins and may contribute to promoting the efficient investigation of antimicrobial toxin functions, the discovery of novel antimicrobial toxins, and an improved understanding of the biological roles and significance of these toxins.

PMID:36243963 | DOI:10.1093/nar/gkac879

Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2022 Aug 12;21(4):441-448. doi: 10.18502/ijaai.v21i4.10291.

ABSTRACT

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a debilitating mental disorder with various causes involving complex interactions between genetic factors and environmental agents. The immune system plays a vital role in the pathology and function of the nervous system. Interleukin 35 (IL-35) is a regulatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine that can prevent autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of autoantibodies against some central nervous system (CNS) antigens and IL-35 serum levels in patients with Schizophrenia. This case-control study involved 80 participants. The serum levels of IL-35 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the autoantibodies in the CNS by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The serum levels of IL-35 were decreased in patient groups compared to healthy subjects. Autoantibodies against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) were positive in 15% (6/40) and 7.5% (3/40), respectively; however, no antibodies against myelin, aquaporin-4 (AQP4), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPAR), γ-butyric acid receptor type B1 γ-butyric acid receptor type B1 (GABABR), antidipeptidyl peptidase-like protein-6 (DPPX), immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecule 5 (IgLON5), Glycine receptor (R) and acetylcholine receptor (Ach R) were detected (No statistics were computed). We found that decreased serum IL-35 levels and the existence autoantibodies against NMDAR antigen may contribute to the pathogenesis of SCZ.

PMID:36243932 | DOI:10.18502/ijaai.v21i4.10291

Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022 Oct 1;93(10):739-745. doi: 10.3357/AMHP.6072.2022.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Fatigue has negative effects on flight safety, especially in military aviation, where missions are often performed under challenging conditions. Modafinil is a relatively new pharmaceutical able to counter the symptoms of fatigue, but efficacy has not yet been studied in operational military aviation. This study aims to establish effectiveness and safety of modafinil in military operations.METHODS: This field study was conducted during deployment in the Middle East by the Royal Netherlands Air Force fighter pilots. Prior to use operationally, pilots had to complete a 24-h ground test in which modafinil was administered during a nonflying period using a questionnaire to screen for duty-relevant side effects. If no side effects were reported, operational usage was allowed. In addition to registration of modafinil’s effects, relevant data prior to and after administration were recorded, including caffeine consumption and sleep afterwards.RESULTS: Of the 75 pilots who completed ground testing, only one experienced duty-relevant side effects. Modafinil was used in 192 operational flights, mostly during night-time. In 128 (67%) of the flights, modafinil was used preventively, in 64 (33%) because of fatigue. In 182 (95%) of the flights, positive effects of modafinil were reported, with a maximum effect 2-3 h after administration. There was no statistical correlation between modafinil’s beneficial effects and prior administration of caffeine or sleep medication, nor was sleep afterwards negatively affected.DISCUSSION: This study indicates modafinil is a suitable pharmaceutical countermeasure to minimize the effects of fatigue during real-life fighter operations, without signs of negative impact on flight safety or sleep quality afterwards.Wingelaar-Jagt YQ, Wingelaar TT, Riedel WJ, Ramaekers JG. Subjective effects of modafinil in military fighter pilots during deployment. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(10):739-745.

PMID:36243913 | DOI:10.3357/AMHP.6072.2022

Obes Surg. 2022 Oct 15. doi: 10.1007/s11695-022-06318-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Visible light spectroscopy (VLS) represents a sensitive, non-invasive method to quantify tissue oxygen levels and detect hypoxemia. The aim of this study was to assess the microperfusion patterns of the gastric pouch during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) using the VLS technique.

METHODS: Twenty patients were enrolled. Tissue oxygenation (StO2%) measurements were performed at three different localizations of the gastric wall, prior and after the creation of the gastric pouch, and after the creation of the gastro-jejunostomy.

RESULTS: Prior to the creation of the gastric pouch, the lowest StO2% levels were observed at the level of the distal esophagus with a median StO2% of 43 (IQR 40.8-49.5). After the creation of the gastric pouch and after the creation of the gastro-jejunostomy, the lowest StO2% levels were recorded at the level of the His angle with median values of 29% (IQR 20-38.5) and 34.5% (IQR 19-39), respectively. The highest mean StO2 reduction was recorded at the level of the His angle after the creation of the gastric pouch, and it was 18.3% (SD ± 18.1%, p < 0.001). A reduction of StO2% was recorded at all localizations after the formation of the gastro-jejunostomy compared to the beginning of the operation, but the mean differences of the StO2% levels were statistically significant only at the resection line of the pouch and at the His angle (p = 0.044 and p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Gastric pouch demonstrates reduction of StO2% during LRYGB. VLS is a useful technique to assess microperfusion patterns of the stomach during LRYGB.

PMID:36243899 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-022-06318-z

Ophthalmol Ther. 2022 Oct 15. doi: 10.1007/s40123-022-00586-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare modified knotless transscleral suture fixation of intraocular lens (IOL) with traditional transscleral suture fixation for adolescents and young patients with congenital ectopia lentis (CEL).

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 49 patients with CEL (60 eyes) who underwent surgery at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center. Improvements based on knotless Z-suture fixation technique were made to form a modified knotless method, in which thicker 8-0 polypropylene sutures were used, and double parallel scleral grooves were constructed behind the limbus instead of triangular lamellar scleral flaps to cover suture stitches. Modified knotless transscleral fixation of IOL was conducted on 30 eyes, and the other 30 eyes underwent traditional transscleral fixation surgery. Pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, astigmatism, other ocular parameters, and complications were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: For patients in the modified knotless group, the mean cylindrical refractive error and astigmatism at 1 month and 3 months postoperative were lower (all P < 0.05), and the mean IOL tilt degree was smaller at 3 months postoperative (3.21° ± 2.13° vs. 5.65° ± 3.66°, P = 0.032). The incidence of suture exposure in the modified knotless group was also lower than in the controls (0 vs. 16.7%, P = 0.026). No group differences were observed in mean BCVA, spherical equivalent, or other ocular biometric parameters between groups.

CONCLUSION: Modified knotless technique was a valid method to achieve optimal IOL position and reduce postoperative astigmatism for adolescents and young patients with CEL. It effectively reduced the incidence of knot-related complications, greatly improved the postoperative comfort, and achieved aesthetic benefits.

PMID:36243894 | DOI:10.1007/s40123-022-00586-9

Pharmacogenomics J. 2022 Oct 15. doi: 10.1038/s41397-022-00290-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a heterogeneous chronic musculoskeletal disease, affecting up to 30% of people with psoriasis. Research into PsA pathogenesis has led to the development of targeted therapies, including Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitors (TNF-i). Good response is only achieved by ~60% of patients leading to ‘trial and error’ drug management approaches, adverse reactions and increasing healthcare costs. Robust and well-validated biomarker identification, and subsequent development of sensitive and specific assays, would facilitate the implementation of a stratified approach into clinical care. This review will summarise potential genetic biomarkers for TNF-i (adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab) response that have been reported to date. It will also comment upon the importance of managing clinical confounders when understanding drug response prediction. Variants in multiple gene regions including TNF-A, FCGR2A, TNFAIP3, TNFR1/TNFR1A/TNFRSF1A, TRAIL-R1/TNFRSF10A, FCGR3A have been reported to correlate with TNF-i response at various levels of statistical significance in patients with PsA. However, results were often from heterogenous and underpowered cohorts and none are currently implemented into clinical practice. External validation of genetic biomarkers in large, well-documented cohorts is required, and assessment of the predictive value of combining multiple genetic biomarkers with clinical measures is essential to clinically embed pharmacogenomics into PsA drug management.

PMID:36243888 | DOI:10.1038/s41397-022-00290-8