Tag: statistics

Cancer Sci. 2022 Jun 20. doi: 10.1111/cas.15464. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

It is unclear whether tumor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expression affects the therapeutic efficacy of immune-checkpoint inhibitors and anti-angiogenic agents. This retrospective, multi-center study included patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who were treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors. We constructed tissue microarrays and performed immunohistochemistry with an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 antibody. We analyzed immune and tumor cell staining separately in order to determine their correlation with the objective response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival in patients receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Of 364 patients, 37 (10%) expressed vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in immune cells and 165 (45%) in tumor cells. The objective response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival were significantly worse in patients treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy who expressed vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in immune cells than those who did not (10% vs. 30%, p = 0.028; median = 2.2 vs. 3.6 months, p = 0.012; median = 7.9 vs. 17.0 months, p = 0.049, respectively), while there was no significant difference based on tumor cell expression (24% vs. 30%, p = 0.33; median = 3.1 vs 3.5 months, p = 0.55; median = 13.6 vs. 16.8 months, p = 0.31). There was no significant difference in overall survival between patients treated with and without anti-angiogenic agents in any treatment period based on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expression. Immune-checkpoint inhibitor efficacy was limited in patients expressing vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in immune cells.

PMID:35722982 | DOI:10.1111/cas.15464

J Appl Microbiol. 2022 Jun 20. doi: 10.1111/jam.15676. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁺⁶ ) is one of the most toxic heavy metals that have deteriorating effects on the growth and quality of the end product of wheat. Consequently, this research was designed to evaluate the role of Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus fertilizer on wheat facing Cr⁺⁶ stress.

METHODS AND RESULTS: The soil was incubated with Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus fertilizer before sowing. The statistical analysis of the data showed that the co-application of B. subtilis and phosphorus yielded considerably more significant (p<0.05) results compared to an individual application of the respective treatments. The co-treatment improved the morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters of plants as compared to untreated controls. The increase in shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight was 38.17%, 29.31%, 47.89%, and 45.85%, respectively, compared to untreated stress-facing plants. The application of B. subtilis and phosphorus enhanced osmolytes content (proline 39.98%, and sugar 41.30%), relative water content, and stability maintenance of proteins (86.65%) and cell membranes (66.66%). Furthermore, augmented production of antioxidants by 67.71% (superoxide dismutase), 95.39% (ascorbate peroxidase), and 60.88% (catalase), respectively, were observed in the Cr⁺⁶ – stressed plants after co-application of B. subtilis and phosphorus.

CONCLUSION: It was observed that the accumulation of Cr⁺⁶ was reduced by 54.24%, 59.19%, and 90.26% in the shoot, root, and wheat grains, respectively. Thus, the combined application of B. subtilis and phosphorus has the potential to reduce the heavy metals toxicity in crops.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: B. This study explored the usefulness of B. subtilis and phosphorus application on wheat in heavy metal stress. It’s a step toward the combinatorial use of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) with nutrients to improve the ecosystems’ health.

PMID:35722974 | DOI:10.1111/jam.15676

Psychol Rep. 2022 Jun 19:332941221109115. doi: 10.1177/00332941221109115. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the problem of mobile phone addiction (MPA) has become increasingly serious among mainland Chinese adolescents. Studies have found that self-esteem may be related to MPA, but the conclusions are inconsistent. Consequently, this meta-analysis aims to explore the real relationship between self-esteem and MPA, and analyze the moderator variables. The relevant studies used in meta-analysis were obtained by searching China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Data, Chongqing VIP Information Co., Ltd. (VIP), PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline and Embase. Then articles were screened and coded, and statistical analysis was carried out by Stata 16.0 software. A total of 45,765 participants from 64 articles were included in the research. Meta-analysis showed that there was a moderate negative correlation between self-esteem and MPA(r = -.25, 95%CI = -.29, -.21). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis showed that the age and publication time can significantly moderate the relationship between self-esteem and MPA, but MPA measurement instrument, gender, region and publication type have no significant moderating effect. The current meta-analysis provided solid evidence that self-esteem was negatively correlated with MPA. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the causality between them, so as to make more specific practice and policy recommendations.

PMID:35722969 | DOI:10.1177/00332941221109115

Am J Health Promot. 2022 Jun 19:8901171221109524. doi: 10.1177/08901171221109524. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To expand the reach of health-promotion efforts for people with disabilities, we piloted a health-coaching intervention with a disability-specific curriculum. We evaluated the intervention’s effects on health-related quality of life and health behavior change.

DESIGN: Mixed-methods research design using pre-post measures and semi-structured interviews.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of community-dwelling adults with disabilities (n = 39).

INTERVENTION: Participants engaged in a curriculum-based health coaching intervention, titled Health My Way, which used weekly one-on-one coaching for up to 12 weeks.

METHODS: Participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys including questions from the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) measure and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. A subset of participants completed in-depth interviews to explore how health coaching influences health behavior change (n = 12).

RESULTS: We found statistically significant effects on poor-health days due to physical and mental health, and effects on physical activity. We saw additional effects with engagement in relevant curriculum content. Qualitative main themes (tailoring of information, enthusiasm for personally meaningful goals, and social support) indicated processes by which health coaching supported health behavior changes.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study indicate health coaching appears to be effective for improving HRQOL and health behavior, especially physical activity, for people with disabilities. Apparent key factors include enthusiasm for personally meaningful goals, having tailored information, and social support.

PMID:35722956 | DOI:10.1177/08901171221109524

Autism. 2022 Jun 20:13623613221100787. doi: 10.1177/13623613221100787. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

School-age children, adolescents, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder encounter many different types of providers in their pursuit of treatment for anxiety, behavior problems, and social difficulties. These providers may all be familiar with different types of intervention practices. However, research has not yet investigated patterns in expert providers’ familiarity with different practices nor how these patterns are related to the characteristics of providers (years in practice, academic discipline, setting) and the youth (age and intellectual disability) they typically support. A panel of 53 expert transdisciplinary providers rated their familiarity with 55 intervention practices (derived from research and expert nominations) via an online Delphi poll. Advanced statistical methods were used to identify types of intervention practices with which providers were familiar, which included two approaches (cognitive and behavioral) and two strategies (engagement and accessibility). Providers who practiced outside a school setting or treated clients without intellectual disability were more familiar with cognitive approaches. Clinical psychologists, behavior analysts, and school-based providers were more familiar with behavioral approaches. Providers practicing outside school settings were also more familiar with engagement strategies, and providers with more years in practice were more familiar with accessibility strategies. These results may help families and researchers to better anticipate how services may vary depending on the types of autism spectrum disorder providers seen and work to reduce disparities in care that may result.

PMID:35722950 | DOI:10.1177/13623613221100787

J Adhes Dent. 2022 Jun 20;24(1):259-268. doi: 10.3290/j.jad.b3146833.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of primers on polymerization kinetics of resin-based luting and its effect on the microhardness and bond strength to zirconia. Materials and Methods: Panavia V5 (PV; Kuraray Noritake) with Tooth Primer (TPprimer; Kuraray Noritake) or Clearfil Ceramic Primer (CPprimer; Kuraray Noritake), and RelyX Ultimate (RU; 3M Oral Care) with Scotchbond Universal (SUadhesive; 3M Oral Care) were evaluated. Polymerization kinetics of luting materials with or without primers (TPprimer or SUadhesive) were evaluated using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy in self- and dual-curing modes (n = 5). Microhardness of luting materials was evaluated after 1, 12, and 24 h (n = 5). Shear bond strengths to zirconia ceramics (Katana Zirconia, Kuraray Noritake; and Lava Esthetic, 3M Oral Care) after 24 h and 1 year (n = 8) were assessed to determine the effect of the following surface treatments: no treatment, non-thermal atmospheric plasma, primer (CPprimer or SUadhesive), and the combination of plasma + primers. Statistical analyses were performed at a 5% significance level.

RESULTS: PV achieved a significantly higher degree of conversion (DC) when TPprimer was used, while there was no increase in conversion for RU combined with SUadhesive. Light activation significantly improved polymerization, which also produced greater microhardness. CPprimer and SUadhesive significantly improved immediate bond strength to zirconia ceramics. However, after 1 year, only SUadhesive with RU was able to maintain the bond strength. Plasma surface treatment did not improve bonding to zirconia.

CONCLUSION: The use of primers improved the DC for PV only. Light curing produced higher conversion and microhardness for both resin-based luting materials. Bond strength to zirconia was improved when primers were used. However, only RU demonstrated reliable long-term adhesion to zirconia.

PMID:35722936 | DOI:10.3290/j.jad.b3146833

Am Surg. 2022 Jun 19:31348221109451. doi: 10.1177/00031348221109451. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Several studies have indicated a decline in the number, types, and complexity of surgical procedures within military treatment facilities (MTFs). This study aims to determine what effect, if any, these downward trends have had on the relationship between the military health system (MHS) and surgical graduate medical education.

METHODS: Graduating chief resident final ACGME case logs from 4 of thirteen military general surgery programs were evaluated from 2015 to 2020. The proportion of total cases performed by residents at military institutions were compared on a year over year basis.

RESULTS: The proportion of cases performed within the military hospitals declined 3.27% each year between 2015 and 2020 (P < .0001) in 4 MTFs. All individual hospitals had significant declines in case volume except one (William Beaumont Army Medical Center) which increased 6.05% with each year, but also increased the number of MTF partnerships within its program (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS: There has been a statistically significant decline over time in the proportion of cases logged by residents within the studied military treatment facilities. Investment into military hospitals to increase case numbers, case diversity, and complexity and/or acceptance of this gradual decline with greater shifting of educational workload onto civilian hospitals is required.

PMID:35722906 | DOI:10.1177/00031348221109451

Microsc Microanal. 2022 Jun 20:1-10. doi: 10.1017/S1431927622000757. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In recent years, atomic resolution imaging of two-dimensional (2D) materials using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has become routine. Individual dopant atoms in 2D materials can be located and identified using their contrast in annular dark-field (ADF) STEM. However, in order to understand the effect of these dopant atoms on the host material, there is now the need to locate and quantify them on a larger scale. In this work, we analyze STEM images of MoS₂ monolayers that have been ion-implanted with chromium at ultra-low energies. We use functions from the open-source TEMUL Toolkit to create and refine an atomic model of an experimental image based on the positions and intensities of the atomic columns in the image. We then use the refined model to determine the likely composition of each atomic site. Surface contamination stemming from the sample preparation of 2D materials can prevent accurate quantitative identification of individual atoms. We disregard atomic sites from regions of the image with hydrocarbon surface contamination to demonstrate that images acquired using contaminated samples can give significant atom statistics from their clean regions, and can be used to calculate the retention rate of the implanted ions within the host lattice. We find that some of the implanted chromium ions have been successfully integrated into the MoS₂ lattice, with 4.1% of molybdenum atoms in the transition metal sublattice replaced with chromium.

PMID:35722923 | DOI:10.1017/S1431927622000757

Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2022 Jun;23(2):116-120. doi: 10.23804/ejpd.2022.23.02.13.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aetiology of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) is currently unclear. Over time, several aetiological hypotheses have come forward, including pre- and perinatal medical problems and postnatal illness. The aim of this case-control study is the identification of possible predisposing factors involved in MIH aetiology.

METHODS: Methods Study Design: By hypothesising the probability of at least one predisposing factor present 2.5 times more in MIH cases than in controls, with an estimated prevalence of MIH patients requiring therapy equal to 30%, at a unilateral alpha level of 5% and a power of 80%, 63 couples of subjects are needed with an allocation ratio of 1:1; individual matching for age and gender was carried out. After clinical examination, 78 children with MIH (EAPD criteria) were recruited (mean age 9.36 years). An anamnestic form filled-in by a parent was used to collect data on possible predisposing factors including demographic characteristics, pregnancy, birth, childhood medical illness and medications’ intake.

STATISTICS: One-tail McNemar chi square test was used to evaluate the significance of the association between predisposing factor and MIH; odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were computed.

CONCLUSION: A multifactorial aetiology may be advocated for MIH development; in particular, further investigations are required to confirm and clarify the role of genetic factors.

PMID:35722847 | DOI:10.23804/ejpd.2022.23.02.13

Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2022 Jun;23(2):106-110. doi: 10.23804/ejpd.2022.23.02.05.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), in particular disc displacement, are recognised to have a multifactorial aetiology. Ligamentous laxity has been suggested as a potential risk factor for TMD. Ligamentous laxity can lead to generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) involving multiple joints, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The aim of this work is to evaluate the correlation between GJH and disc displacement (DD) assessed on magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the TMJ in adolescent patients.

MATERIALS: The study was included 40 adolescent patients (10-16 years), divided into two groups, a Study Group (SG), composed of 20 subjects with GJH, and a Control Group (CG), composed of 20 subjects without GJH. The GJH was assessed by the Beighton test with a threshold value of ≥ 4. The severity of the TMD was determined using the Fonseca Questionnaire and a clinical evaluation of the type of TMD. The condylar-discal relationship and the condylar mobility of the TMJ were evaluated by MRI. Pearson’s χ2 Test was performed for the analysis of the statistical correlation.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that adolescents with GJH have a greater risk of developing TMJ disc displacement, especially disc displacement without reduction.

PMID:35722845 | DOI:10.23804/ejpd.2022.23.02.05