Tag: statistics

Sci Rep. 2022 Aug 20;12(1):14216. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-18173-0.

ABSTRACT

We evaluate the accuracy of an original hybrid segmentation pipeline, combining variational and deep learning methods, in the segmentation of CT scans of stented aortic aneurysms, abdominal organs and brain lesions. The hybrid pipeline is trained on 50 aortic CT scans and tested on 10. Additionally, we trained and tested the hybrid pipeline on publicly available datasets of CT scans of abdominal organs and MR scans of brain tumours. We tested the accuracy of the hybrid pipeline against a gold standard (manual segmentation) and compared its performance to that of a standard automated segmentation method with commonly used metrics, including the DICE and JACCARD and volumetric similarity (VS) coefficients, and the Hausdorff Distance (HD). Results. The hybrid pipeline produced very accurate segmentations of the aorta, with mean DICE, JACCARD and VS coefficients of: 0.909, 0.837 and 0.972 in thrombus segmentation and 0.937, 0.884 and 0.970 for stent and lumen segmentation. It consistently outperformed the standard automated method. Similar results were observed when the hybrid pipeline was trained and tested on publicly available datasets, with mean DICE scores of: 0.832 on brain tumour segmentation, and 0.894/0.841/0.853/0.847/0.941 on left kidney/right kidney/spleen/aorta/liver organ segmentation.

PMID:35987824 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-022-18173-0

Clin Res Cardiol. 2022 Aug 20. doi: 10.1007/s00392-022-02081-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The joint contribution of genetic and environmental exposures to noncommunicable diseases is not well characterized.

OBJECTIVES: We modeled the cumulative effects of common risk alleles and their prevalence variations with classical risk factors.

METHODS: We analyzed mathematically and statistically numbers and effect sizes of established risk alleles for coronary artery disease (CAD) and other conditions.

RESULTS: In UK Biobank, risk alleles counts in the lowest (175.4) and highest decile (205.7) of the distribution differed by only 16.9%, which nevertheless increased CAD prevalence 3.4-fold (p < 0.01). Irrespective of the affected gene, a single risk allele multiplied the effects of all others carried by a person, resulting in a 2.9-fold stronger effect size in the top versus the bottom decile (p < 0.01) and an exponential increase in risk (R > 0.94). Classical risk factors shifted effect sizes to the steep upslope of the logarithmic function linking risk allele numbers with CAD prevalence. Similar phenomena were observed in the Estonian Biobank and for risk alleles affecting diabetes mellitus, breast and prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: Alleles predisposing to common diseases can be carried safely in large numbers, but few additional ones lead to sharp risk increments. Here, we describe exponential functions by which risk alleles combine interchangeably but multiplicatively with each other and with modifiable risk factors to affect prevalence. Our data suggest that the biological systems underlying these diseases are modulated by hundreds of genes but become only fragile when a narrow window of total risk, irrespective of its genetic or environmental origins, has been passed.

PMID:35987817 | DOI:10.1007/s00392-022-02081-4

Sci Rep. 2022 Aug 20;12(1):14213. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-18292-8.

ABSTRACT

Extensive surgical treatment of oral cancer results in significant deterioration of nutritional status with concomitant increased nutrient requirements. The consequences are an elevated risk of postoperative complaints as well as morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate an additional postoperative nutritional intervention through professional nutritional advice and nutritional supplementation in patients with oral cancer for at least six months. 62 patients with oral cancer in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery were randomized into two groups. The intervention group received nutritional supplements, protein-rich, high-fiber diet and care by a professional nutritionist in addition to the standard treatment. The control group received only the standard treatment. Statistical analysis includes the evaluation of means and standard deviations as well as the calculation of p values with a significance level of 0.05. A deficiency of protein, albumin, vitamin D, zinc and iron was noticed in both groups immediately after surgery. Patients in the intervention group recorded significantly less weight loss (pT2 = 0.0031, pT4 = 0.0424), a more stable BMI (pT2 = 0.0496), better values for albumin (pT2 = 0.0265), vitamin A (pT3 = 0.0248, pT4 = 0.0007) and calcium (pT3 = 0.0362) during the follow-ups. The patients in the intervention group showed significantly fewer digestive problems (p = 0.0062) and muscular complaints (p = 0.0448). They showed better eating habits (p = 0.0348) and were capable of more physical activity (p = 0.0045) than patients in the control group. Patients with oral cancer can have a benefit from postoperative nutritional intervention. Early screening, appropriate care by a nutritionist and supplementation with vitamin D, zinc, calcium and protein-rich food are recommended.

PMID:35987809 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-022-18292-8

Am J Dent. 2022 Aug;35(2):200-204.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of ultrasonic scaling (US) and air polishing (AP) on four polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites.

METHODS: One hundred-twenty 15 × 3 mm discs of PEEK specimens were divided into four groups (n=30): Unfilled PEEK(U-PEEK), carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK(CFR-PEEK), glass fiber-reinforced PEEK(GFR-PEEK), and ceramic-filled PEEK(CF-PEEK). Each group was further divided into three subgroups (n = 10): control, US, and AP. Profilometry and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze and evaluate surface roughness (SR). Statistical analyses of the data obtained were conducted using Shapiro-Wilk, Welch, and Games-Howell tests.

RESULTS: When the SR values of the specimens with US cleaning were evaluated, a statistically significant difference was found between the groups (P< 0.05). When the SR values of the specimens with AP cleaning were analyzed, there was a statistically significant difference in the CF-PEEK group (P< 0.05), whereas the other groups were not significantly different (P> 0.05). More studies are needed on CFR-PEEK and GFR-PEEK materials offered as alternatives to CF-PEEK in dentistry.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dental instruments affect the different PEEK materials, as well as causing surface roughness in many restorative materials used in dentistry. Surface roughness that occurs in dental restorations can cause bacterial adhesion. It is clinically important to choose the dental instrument according to the type of PEEK used for dental implant or prosthetic restoration in the clinic.

PMID:35986936

Am J Dent. 2022 Aug;35(2):197-199.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of acute periapical abscesses (PAs) in patients with history of stroke.

METHODS: Integrated data of hospital patients was used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for PAs and stroke were retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The odds ratio (OR) of acute PAs and its association with post-stroke conditions was calculated and analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: The prevalence of acute PAs in patients with stroke history was 1.39% as compared to 0.6% in the general patient population of the hospital. The OR was 2.78 and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.0001). The prevalence of acute PAs in patients with a history of hemorrhagic stroke was 1.19% and the OR was 2.38. The difference was statistically significant (P< 0.0001). The prevalence of acute PAs in patients with a history of cerebral infarction was 1.55% and the OR was 3.11. The difference was statistically significant (P< 0.0001). The prevalence of acute PAs in patients with a history of cerebral infarction without hypertension was 0.87% and the OR was 1.75. The difference was statistically significant (P< 0.0001).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Oral healthcare providers should be aware of the possible higher prevalence of periapical abscesses in post-stroke patients. This can include patients with a history of hemorrhagic stroke or cerebral infarction.

PMID:35986935

Am J Dent. 2022 Aug;35(2):191-196.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of diet and exposure to red wine on the treatment velocity, clinical results, postoperative tooth sensitivity, and patient satisfaction after tooth bleaching.

METHODS: 45 subjects undergoing home bleaching with 16% carbamide peroxide (CP) were randomly separated into three groups, depending on the restriction of colored food and the use of a red wine mouthwash. Shades of teeth 11 and 21 were assessed using a digital spectrophotometer (VITA Easy Shade) at T0 (before treatment), T7 (7 days after treatment), T15 (15 days after treatment), and T30 (30 days after treatment). The assessments were verified using the CIELab system (values of L*, a*, and b*) and the change in shade was calculated (ΔE, ΔL, Δa, and Δb).

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in ΔE, ΔL, Δa, and Δb were found between the groups. However, at T7, the group restricted from colored foods without red wine mouthwash had meaningful variations in L*, a*, and b*. Statistically, there was no difference in tooth sensitivity between the groups in the 7- and 15-day periods. Patients in the restricted colored foods without red wine mouthwash group were more satisfied after the end of treatment.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Tooth bleaching with 16% carbamide peroxide may be performed in subjects with colorant-rich diets without influencing the clinical outcome.

PMID:35986934

Am J Dent. 2022 Aug;35(2):185-190.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the degree of conversion (DC), Vickers microhardness (VMH), and depth of cure of dual-cure and light-cure bulk-fill resin composites (BFRCs).

METHODS: One dual-cure (Fill-Up) and two light-cure (QuiXfil and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill) BFRCs were investigated. For each tested BFRC, 11 cylindrical specimens (5 mm diameter, 4 mm height) were prepared, and light cured for 10 seconds (n= 11). DC was obtained by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and VMH was obtained using a VMH tester. The specimens were measured for DC and VMH at top and bottom surfaces. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post-hoc, and Pearson correlation tests (P< 0.05).

RESULTS: Fill-Up and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill revealed significantly higher DC and VMH values on the top surfaces than that on the bottom surfaces, whereas QuiXfil revealed no significant difference between top and bottom surfaces for DC and VMH. All tested BFRCs showed bottom/top ratios >80% for both DC and VMH. Each tested BFRC showed a significant positive correlation between DC and VMH. All tested BFRCs had adequate depth of cure, but only QuiXfil had a uniform depth of cure. Both DC and VMH bottom/top ratios were effective for depth of cure evaluation.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: QuiXfil, Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill, and Fill-Up BFRCs were well cured up to a 4 mm depth. Although Fill-Up (dual-cure) can be used with its chemical-curing mode, light curing improved DC and VMH values of the top layer. Distinct variance in DC and VMH among the three tested BFRCs may affect their clinical performance.

PMID:35986933

Am J Dent. 2022 Aug;35(2):178-184.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To do a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether laser treatment affects the bond strength of resin composites to recently bleached enamel.

METHODS: This report follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Qualitative Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Medline via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched with no limits on publication year. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts to perform the study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessments. A random-effects meta-analysis model was performed using Review Manager software (version 5.3, Cochrane Collaboration).

RESULTS: From the 93 records identified, seven articles that met all the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review, and six studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall results showed a statistically significant difference in bond strength between the control group and laser-treated group (P= 0.04; mean difference: 5.27; 95% confidence interval: 0.28 to 10.27), favoring the laser-treated group. Subgroup analyses revealed that the tooth source (bovine or human teeth) contributed to the effect of laser treatment on the bleached enamel.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Laser treatment may increase the bond strength of resin composites to recently bleached enamel. Pretreatment with a laser, preferably with Nd:YAG (1 W, frequency of 10 Hz, irradiation time of 60 seconds) or CO2 lasers (0.5 W, frequency of 10 Hz, irradiation time of 60 seconds), may be recommended to restore the bond strength of recently bleached enamel.

PMID:35986932

Am J Dent. 2022 Aug;35(4):167-171.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the fracture strength of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) single crowns veneered with different materials produced by computer-aided design (CAD)-computer-aided manufacture (CAM) after aging.

METHODS: 60 stainless-steel master dies were prepared with a 1 mm-wide deep chamfer. Sixty PEEK frameworks were produced with a CAD-CAM system for the right maxillary first molar tooth on the dies. PEEK frameworks were divided into six groups (n= 10) according to veneering materials (five CAD-CAM materials and a resin composite). Group ZR: monolithic zirconia (Upcera ST-Color); Group EC: lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (IPS e.max CAD); Group LU: resin nano-ceramic (Lava Ultimate); Group VM: feldspathic ceramic (Vitablocs Mark II); Group VS: zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic (VITA Suprinity); and Group CR: indirect resin composite (Gradia). All samples were subjected to a fracture strength test in a universal test device after thermo-mechanical aging and then the results were analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. In addition, post-fracture analyses of all samples were performed with a stereomicroscope.

RESULTS: The differences in fracture strength values of different veneer materials in single crowns with a PEEK framework were statistically significant (P< 0.05). Fracture strength was highest in Group ZR (1665 N), followed by Groups LU (1440 N), EC (1249 N), CR (918 N), VS (754 N), and VM (655 N).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: PEEK frameworks may have the potential to be used with many veneer materials of different content and properties in fixed partial prostheses.

PMID:35986930

Am J Vet Res. 2022 Aug 24;83(10):ajvr.22.04.0074. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.22.04.0074.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the following: (1) whether an irrigation solution that is hyperosmolar (HYPER) relative to synovial fluid decreases tissue extravasation during an arthroscopic protocol when compared to a relatively hypoosmolar solution, (2) the safety of a HYPER solution based on viability of joint tissues following joint irrigation, and (3) if the use of a HYPER solution decreases water content in stifle joint tissue.

ANIMALS: 8 adult horses.

PROCEDURES: A prospective, blinded, randomized controlled trial was performed to compare lactated Ringer’s solution (LRS; 273 mOsm/L) and a HYPER (600 mOsm/L) irrigation solution for routine medial femorotibial joint (MFTJ) arthroscopy. Primary outcomes included quantification of periarticular fluid retention based on measured changes in defined stifle joint girth and ultrasonographic (US) criteria. Water content of tissue samples was assessed. The viability of articular cartilage was determined using a microscopic fluorescent cell viability staining system.

RESULTS: No significant difference in postprocedural joint swelling was observed between LRS and HYPER treatment groups. Percent increments in femorotibial joint dimensions (mean ± SD) were seen in both treatment groups based on US (LRS, 83.9 ± 84.6%; HYPER, 131.2 ± 144.9%) and caliper measurements (LRS 5.5 ± 4.3%; HYPER 7.5 ± 5.8%) (P ≤ .05). Chondrocyte viability and tissue water content were maintained in both treatment groups, and differences were not statistically significant.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Doubling the osmolarity of an irrigation solution used routinely for arthroscopy does not result in detrimental effects on chondrocyte viability or tissue water content. However, use of a relatively HYPER irrigation solution did not attenuate procedural tissue swelling of the equine stifle joint.

PMID:35986910 | DOI:10.2460/ajvr.22.04.0074