Tag: statistics

BMC Neurol. 2022 Aug 24;22(1):312. doi: 10.1186/s12883-022-02843-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Impaired vision is one of the commonest and most disabling consequence following stroke. Among all visual impairments, eye movement disorders are found in 70% of stroke patients which include nystagmus, strabismus, gaze palsies, disconjugate eye movements and cranial nerve palsies. They have a wide ranging impact on balance and activities of daily livings by creating difficulties in maintaining normal alignment and appropriate movement of eyes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of visual scanning exercises in addition to task specific approach on balance and activities of daily livings in post stroke patients with eye movement disorders.

METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial and was conducted in the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital from May 2019 to October 2020. A sample of 64 patients was recruited and randomly allocated into experimental and control group. 32 patients in experimental group were treated with visual scanning exercises along with task specific approach and 32 patients in control group were treated with task specific approach alone. Pre and post assessment of balance and activities of daily livings was assessed on BERG BALANCE SCALE and BARTHEL INDEX SCALE at baseline and at 4^th week.

RESULTS: Intra-group analysis of BERG BALANCE SCALE in experimental group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in all items except in items 4, 13 and 14 respectively. Intra-group analysis of BERG BALANCE SCALE in control group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in items 3, 5, 8 and 12 respectively, whereas remaining all items showed statistically insignificant result. Intra-group analysis of BARTHEL INDEX SCALE in experimental group showed statistically significant result in all items (p < 0.05) except in items 9 and 10 respectively. Intra-group analysis of BARTHEL INDEX in control group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in items 1, 3, 4 and 8 respectively whereas remaining all items showed statistically insignificant result. Inter-group analysis showed statistically significant result in total scores of BERG BALANCE SCALE (p = 0.000) and BARTHEL INEX SCALE (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION: Visual scanning exercises along with task specific approach were found to be more effective in comparison to task specific approach alone.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: [IRCT20190717044237N1], trial registration date: 10/11/2019.

PMID:36002795 | DOI:10.1186/s12883-022-02843-7

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Aug 25. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-22639-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The water hyacinth has been identified as a persistent threat to the pillars of sustainability, resulting in an increased demand for cost-effective mitigation measures. Existing control measures such as chemical and mechanical methods have proved ineffective and expensive, although their use in a biorefinery is deemed sustainable. The study focused on using the response surface methodology of Design-Expert to optimise process parameters, emphasising temperature and particle size, to improve the liquid fraction yield from the pyrolysis of water hyacinths. The experiment was conducted in the temperature range of 273.22 and 676.78 °C, with a particle size range of 380 and 2620 µm, and subjected to a heating rate of 30 °C/min and a nitrogen flow rate of 25 l/min. The results suggest that an increase in temperature and particle size led to a rise in the liquid fraction and a decrease in char. The liquid fraction increased from 24.36 wt.% at 273.22 °C to 48.45 wt.% at 575 °C and reduced to 25.56 wt.% at 626.78 °C. Char decreased from 58.21 to 33.84 wt.% at 626.78 °C. Given this, the quadratic model was found fit for optimisation. Statistical analysis of variance showed good agreement between actual data and the predicted model. This study argues that the valorisation of water hyacinths, if accompanied by policies and strategies, can trigger comprehensive socio-economic and environmental benefits by implementing optimum conditions to generate an improved liquid fraction that tends to influence its commercialisation. It is envisaged that the study’s findings will inform policy discussions and formulation.

PMID:36002789 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-22639-z

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2022 Aug 24. doi: 10.1007/s00266-022-03029-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vaginoplasty is the most frequent genital gender-affirming surgery. Although both functional and aesthetic outcomes after transfeminine vaginoplasty have improved over the years, cosmetic revision surgeries demand after transfeminine vaginoplasty appears to be increasing and requires updated knowledge.

METHODS: All patients who underwent vulvar cosmetic revision surgeries at our institution following transfeminine vaginoplasty from January 2014 to April 2022 were studied. The prevalence, topography and surgical techniques of cosmetic revision surgeries after transfeminine genital gender-affirming surgery were examined using clinical charts review and statistical analysis.

RESULTS: During the study period, 354 patients underwent gender-affirming vaginoplasty at our single institution (212 penile inversion vaginoplasty, 122 colovaginoplasty and 20 penile inversion vaginoplasty with scrotal skin graft patients). Forty out of these 354 patients (11.29%) required cosmetic revision surgery after transfeminine vaginoplasty; additionally, 44 patients with vaginoplasty performed at other centres also underwent vulvar cosmetic revision surgery at our clinic during the study period. From all performed cosmetic revision surgeries, most of them (31.42%) were labia corrections, followed by clitoris (23.26%) repair surgeries. Mons Venus (10.20%), urethral meatus (9.38%), spongiosus tissue remnants (8.57%) and introitus (6.53%) revisions followed in frequency. Corrections of peri-inguinal scars (5.30%), anterior commissure (2.84%) and inferior fourchette (2.42%) were less prevalent. No differences were found among the different studied vaginoplasty techniques regarding cosmetic revision surgery prevalence or topography following transfeminine vaginoplasty (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Cosmetic revision surgeries after transfeminine vaginoplasty are frequent. In our large and long-term cohort study, labiaplasty followed by clitoroplasty were found as the most required cosmetic revision surgical procedures. Further multicentre, prospective and controlled studies are necessary to improve cosmetic outcomes and scientific evidence after transfeminine vaginoplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

PMID:36002774 | DOI:10.1007/s00266-022-03029-9

Skeletal Radiol. 2022 Aug 25. doi: 10.1007/s00256-022-04159-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: De-centering of the shoulder joint on radiographs is used as indicator for severity of rotator cuff tears and as predictor for clinical outcome after surgery. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of malrotation on glenohumeral centering on radiographs and to identify the most reliable parameter for its quantification.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study (2014-2018), 249 shoulders were included: 92 with imaging-confirmed supra- and infraspinatus tears (rupture; 65.2 ± 9.9 years) and 157 without tears (control; 41.1 ± 13.0 years). On radiographs in neutral position and external rotation, we assessed three radiographic parameters to quantify glenohumeral centering: acromiohumeral distance (ACHD), craniocaudal distance of the humeral head and glenoid center (Deutsch), and scapulohumeral arch congruity (Moloney). Non-parametric statistics was performed.

RESULTS: In both positions, only the distance parameters ACHD (< 0.5 mm) and Deutsch (< 1 mm) were comparable in the two study groups rupture and control. Comparing the parameters between the study groups revealed only ACHD to be significantly different with a reduction of more than 2 mm in the rupture group. Among the parameters, ACHD ≤ 6 mm was the only cut-off discriminating rupture (12-21% of the shoulders with ACHD ≤ 6 mm) and control (none of the shoulders with ACHD ≤ 6 mm). Ninety percent of shoulders with ACHD ≤ 6 mm presented with a massive rotator cuff tear (defined as ≥ 67% of the greater tuberosity exposed).

CONCLUSION: Glenohumeral centering assessed by ACHD and Deutsch is not affected by rotation in shoulders with and without rotator cuff tear. An ACHD ≤ 6 mm has a positive predictive value of 90% for a massive rotator cuff tear.

PMID:36002755 | DOI:10.1007/s00256-022-04159-6

Int J Colorectal Dis. 2022 Aug 24. doi: 10.1007/s00384-022-04241-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) suffers a constant increase each year in the last decades. Recent studies suggested the possibility of local excision (LE) as an option for early-stage SCAC patients. This systematic review aims to summarize the available evidence on the comparison of LE vs. chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the treatment of early SCCA patients.

METHODS: We conducted a literature review including MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, clinicaltrials.gov, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews through June 2022. MOOSE guidelines were followed. We used the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) tool to assess quality. Data on survival and procedure-associated costs were extracted.

RESULTS: Four retrospective studies including 3323 patients were included. They were all comparative retrospective cohort studies (three were registry-based studies, either NCDB or SEER) with a MINORS score of 16-19 points. Overall survival (OS) was comparable between LE and CRT patients in three studies, with a 5-year OS of 85.3-100% in LE patients and 85-91.6% in CRT patients. One study investigated cancer-specific survival (CSS) and reported similar 5-year CSS in LE (98%) and CRT patients (96%). One investigated progression-free survival (PFS) and did not report any statistically significant difference in 5-year PFS between LE (91%) and CRT patients (83%). Only one study considered the mean costs associated with the two approaches (29,210 USD with LE and 46,350 USD with CRT).

CONCLUSIONS: LE may potentially be considered a valid alternative to CRT for patients with early-stage SCAA. Results of prospective randomized long-term trials comparing LE with CRT are warranted to draw definitive conclusions and consider LE as a true cost-effective strategy for T1N0 SCCA with similar oncologic results offered by CRT, which-to date-remains the “gold standard.”

PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42022338750.

PMID:36002749 | DOI:10.1007/s00384-022-04241-4

Psychon Bull Rev. 2022 Aug 24. doi: 10.3758/s13423-022-02165-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Human beings must often perform multiple tasks concurrently or in rapid succession. Laboratory research has revealed striking limitations in the ability to dual task by asking participants to identify two target objects that are inserted into a rapid stream of irrelevant items. Under a variety of conditions, identification of the second target (T2) is impaired for a short period of time following presentation of the first target (T1). Several theories have been developed to account for this “attentional blink” (AB), but none makes a specific prediction about how processing of T1 might impact an observer’s ability to ignore a salient distractor that accompanies T2. Using event-related potentials (ERPs) to track target and distractor processing, we show that healthy young adults are capable of suppressing a salient visual-search distractor (D2) while dual tasking (as measured by the P_D component, which has been associated with suppression) but struggle to do so shortly after the appearance of T1. In fact, the impairment was more severe for distractor processing than it was for target processing (as measured by the N2pc component). Whereas, the T2-elicited N2pc was merely delayed during the AB, the distractor P_D was reduced in magnitude and was found to be statistically absent. We conclude that the inhibitory control processes that are typically engaged to prevent distraction are unavailable while an observer is busy processing a target that appeared earlier.

PMID:36002716 | DOI:10.3758/s13423-022-02165-2

JCO Precis Oncol. 2022 Aug;6:e2200129. doi: 10.1200/PO.22.00129.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of PTEN biomarker to improve prognostic stratification in patients with localized gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

METHODS: PTEN expression and genomic analysis were performed on two independent GIST-60 (n = 60) and GIST-100 (n = 100) cohorts, respectively.

RESULTS: PTEN expression was significantly lower in patients with local and metastatic recurrent tumor compared with those with no recurrence (P = .004). PTEN low expression was significantly associated with poor disease-free survival (DFS) compared with PTEN high expression (43.73 v 117.95 months; P = .0084) and distant metastatic-free survival (DMFS; 57.95 v 117.95 months; P = .0032). PTEN heterozygous loss was observed in approximately 10% of the patients in each cohort and was associated with poor DFS compared with patients with PTEN normal status (27.56 months v not reached [NR]; P < .001) and DMFS (27.56 months v NR; P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that PTEN expression was an independent clinical prognosis factor besides tumor size, mitosis index, and location (hazard ratio for DFS: 3.8; P = .033; hazard ratio for DMFS 5.7, P = .01). Furthermore, PTEN low expression was independently associated with poor DMFS in clinically high-risk patients (mDMFS: 42.28 v 65.61 months; P = .0166). In addition, PTEN heterozygous loss was independently associated with poor DMFS in patients at either low/intermediate risk (mDMFS: 18.05 months for PTEN loss v NR for PTEN normal status; P < .001) or at high risk (mDMFS: 27.19 months for PTEN loss v 105.36 months for PTEN normal status; P = .044).

CONCLUSION: PTEN low expression/gene loss is an independent significant prognostic factor and a promising component to strengthen the clinical prognostic tools in patients with localized GIST.

PMID:36001861 | DOI:10.1200/PO.22.00129

Clin Gerontol. 2022 Aug 24:1-14. doi: 10.1080/07317115.2022.2111289. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Efforts to conceptualize risk factors for postoperative delirium in older adults have focused on the time proximate to the episode, but how early-life exposures influence delirium risk is poorly understood.

METHODS: An observational cohort of 547 patients aged 70+undergoing major non-cardiac surgery at two academic medical centers in Boston. Demographic characteristics, cognition, parental education, health, and participation in cognitively stimulating activities were assessed prior to surgery. Delirium incidence and severity were measured daily during hospitalization.

RESULTS: Higher paternal education was associated with significantly lower incidence of delirium (X²(1, N =547)=8.35, p <.001; odds ratio OR=.93, 95% CI, .87 to .98) and inversely associated with delirium severity (r(545)=-.13, p <.001). Higher maternal education was associated with lower delirium incidence but did not reach statistical significance. The effect of paternal education on delirium incidence was independent of the patient’s education, estimated premorbid intelligence, medical comorbidities, neighborhood disadvantage, and participation in cognitively stimulating activities (X²(2, N =547)=31.22, p <.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Examining early-life exposures may yield unique insights into the risks and pathogenesis of delirium.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Evaluating long-term factors that increase vulnerability to delirium may improve our ability to calculate risk. It may guide clinical decision-making and inform pre- and post-operative recommendations.

PMID:36001869 | DOI:10.1080/07317115.2022.2111289

JCO Precis Oncol. 2022 Aug;6:e2200046. doi: 10.1200/PO.22.00046.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Through Bayesian inference, we propose a method called BayeSize as a reference tool for investigators to assess the sample size and its associated scientific property for phase I clinical trials.

METHODS: BayeSize applies the concept of effect size in dose finding, assuming that the maximum tolerated dose can be identified on the basis of an interval surrounding its true value because of statistical uncertainty. Leveraging a decision framework that involves composite hypotheses, BayeSize uses two types of priors, the fitting prior (for model fitting) and sampling prior (for data generation), to conduct sample size calculation under the constraints of statistical power and type I error.

RESULTS: Simulation results showed that BayeSize can provide reliable sample size estimation under the constraints of type I/II error rates.

CONCLUSION: BayeSize could facilitate phase I trial planning by providing appropriate sample size estimation. Look-up tables and R Shiny app are provided for practical applications.

PMID:36001859 | DOI:10.1200/PO.22.00046

Acta Orthop Belg. 2022 Jun;88(2):392-398. doi: 10.52628/88.2.9683.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to measure cortex thickness and medullar canal width of the bicipital tuberosity, to evaluate the accessibility of a intramedullar fixation device and the resistance to pullout strengths of the anterior cortex. The final objective was to determine the length of tendon ingrowth size that will be expected when using this surgical technique. A total of 144 computer tomography images of the proximal radius were used. Bone thickness of the anterior and posterior cortex and medullar canal size were measured. The possible ingrowth of the tendon was measured both for an anatomical and non- anatomical reinsertion. Statistical and concordance analyses of results were performed. The average width of the medullar canal was 8,7mm proximal, 7,9mm distal and 7,7mm at the tuberosity. The average posterior and anterior cortex measured respectively 2,5mm and 2,9mm proximal, 3,2mm and 3,2mm distal and 2,8mm and 1,9mm at the radial tuberosity. The possible non-anatomical ingrowth was 7,6 mm on average and the possible anatomical ingrowth was 7,6mm on average. The radial tuberosity anatomy can accommodate the new distal biceps fixation device. The anterior cortex on which the new device relies for support has a similar thickness as the posterior cortex used in bicortical fixation devices which may suggest similar resistance to pull-out strengths. The availability for intra-osseous fixation of the tendon stump may avoids tendon gapping. The intra-osseous length for the tendon stump surpassed reported tendon slippage during mobilization and active contraction of the distal biceps tendon.

PMID:36001849 | DOI:10.52628/88.2.9683