Tag: statistics

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Oct 7. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-23471-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This research was conducted in a significant agricultural region to gauge farmers’ knowledge of climate change adaption strategies. We employed a semi-structured questionnaire based on the literature; it was broken up into sections, and used certain statistical techniques (PLS-SEM) to examine the results. Farmers who had sufficient assets and resources thought they were safer and could withstand the adverse effects of climate change. A total of 900 completed questionnaires were gathered to investigate the link between the control, moderator, and DV variables in the future. As a consequence, the PLS-SEM path analysis findings showed that our model is fit. PLS-SEM direct path analysis revealed AM > FACC, UA- > FACC, SA- > FACC, FS- > FACC, PR- > FACC, and SI- > FACC are significant. The established hypotheses H1-H6 are strengthened by these findings. We also examined the respondents’ ages and genders to use as controls; whereas gender showed no correlation with FACC, there was a strong link between age and the dependent variable. There is no statistically significant correlation between gender and climate change awareness, but older people tend to have a broader understanding of the topic and its consequences. Education significantly moderates the relationship of farmer’s awareness (climate change) associated with AM, UA, SA, FS, PR, and SI. depicts the moderation role of education on the relationship between AM*Education- > FACC, UA*Education- > FACC, SA*Education- > FACC, FS*Education- > FACC, PR*Education- > FACC, and SI*Education- > FACC. H2a and H5a in this study showed significant correlations with education as a moderator; however, H1a, H3a, H4, and H6a did not demonstrate any moderator relationships. There is a medium to strong correlation between various factors, and the correlation values of a few chosen variables are significant when compared to all other variables in the current study. Highly significant correlations were found between PR, SA, SI, and UA with FACC. Governmental policies and effective monitoring systems will be developed as a result of the research to enable integrated and sustainable water development.

PMID:36205864 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-23471-1

Bull Math Biol. 2022 Oct 7;84(11):133. doi: 10.1007/s11538-022-01089-1.

ABSTRACT

We develop a predictive oviposition model for a southern population of mountain pine beetle (MPB) using a previously developed rate curve, incorporating variation in both oviposition rate and fecundity. We also introduce a method for determining the time delay before oviposition. The model describes the probability of oviposition for a season of MPB attacks using hourly phloem temperature and adult MPB attack data. We also develop an asymptotic approximation of MPB oviposition that is much less computationally taxing. The detailed oviposition model and its asymptotic approximation are compared with other ovipositional models for MPB; the predictive capacity of each model is evaluated using previously published observations.

PMID:36205824 | DOI:10.1007/s11538-022-01089-1

Clin Rheumatol. 2022 Oct 7. doi: 10.1007/s10067-022-06380-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Seasonal influenza is a frequent cause of hospitalization and mortality among patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. Despite this evidence, vaccination coverage is generally much lower than the minimum 75% target proposed by the WHO. Therefore, an active campaign was implemented in the years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 within the Rheumatology Department of the Niguarda Hospital (Milan, Italy) to improve the vaccination coverage in patients with inflammatory arthritis. This study aims to evaluate the vaccination coverage in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 (active campaigns) seasons and to compare these results with the 2018/2019 season. A monocenter observational study was conducted among adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthritis, or psoriatic arthropathy, who were referred to the Rheumatology Department of the Niguarda Hospital. Patients were given a questionnaire to investigate previous years’ vaccination coverage and to propose an influenza vaccine for the 2020/2021 season. Compared with 2018/2019, a trend for increase in vaccination coverage was reported in 2019/2020 season (+ 10.7%, p = 0.055; 45.5% of coverage) and a statistically significant increase was reported in 2020/2021 (+ 31.2%, p < 0.001; 65.9% of coverage). The increase was also significant when comparing the 2020/2021 and 2019/2020 seasons (+ 20.5%, p < 0.001). The greatest increase in vaccination coverage was observed among under-65-year-old patients. Obtained results support the implementation of active vaccination campaigns to increase vaccination coverage among patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and highlight the importance of external factors (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) in directing the patient to adopt preventive measures to avoid infections and related complications.

PMID:36205812 | DOI:10.1007/s10067-022-06380-z

Neurol Sci. 2022 Oct 7. doi: 10.1007/s10072-022-06430-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), and Kegel exercise is considered as one of the non-surgical management methods. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the results of randomized clinical trials (RCT) about the effect of pelvic floor muscle-strengthening exercises on reducing low back pain‏.‏ METHODS: The present study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline (2020) to January 2022. The relevant studies were searched in the MagIran, SID, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov databases and Google Scholar motor engine using related MeSH/Emtree terms, which were combined with free text word. The heterogeneity of the studies was checked using I² statistic.

RESULTS: Finally, 19 RCTs with a sample size of 456 subjects in the intervention group and 470 in the control group were included in the meta-analysis. The low back pain intensity in the intervention group decreased up to 1.261 ± 0.213 (SMD ± 95% CI) with I² = 87.60 more than that in the control group (P <0.001). The low back pain intensity in postpartum women decreased up to 1.614 ± 0.312 (95% CI) followed by pregnant women as 1.282 ± 0.479 (SMD ± 95% CI) more than that in other populations. But due to high the heterogeneity in all sub-groups (I² > 80%) this result should be considered with caution. Meta-regression analysis showed the effect of pelvic floor muscle-strengthening exercises increased by increasing the year of publication, quality assessment score of the article, and the number of weeks of intervention (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present meta-analysis, pelvic floor muscle-strengthening exercises significantly reduce the low back pain intensity. Therefore, these exercises can be regarded as a part of a low back pain management plan.

PMID:36205811 | DOI:10.1007/s10072-022-06430-z

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Oct 7. doi: 10.1007/s00405-022-07678-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Thyroglobulin, produced exclusively by thyroid follicular cells, serves as a specific tumor marker for the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients after thyroidectomy. However, its role as a predictor of malignancy in patients with thyroid nodules is controversial. We assessed the potential role of preoperative serum thyroglobulin concentration to predict DTC in patients without a preoperative diagnosis of malignancy who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy.

METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with a preoperative diagnosis of benign multinodular goiter (MNG) or a thyroid nodule with indeterminate cytology (INC) (Bethesda system categories III/IV) who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy between January 2014 and May 2019. We compared the patients’ demographic, clinical, imaging, and biochemical data according to their final diagnosis: DTC or benign thyroid nodular disease. Further statistical analysis included odds ratio calculation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS: Of 131 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria, the indication for surgery was benign MNG in 69 patients and a thyroid nodule with INC in 62 patients. A final diagnosis of DTC was reported in 18 of the 69 benign MNG patients (26%) and in 30 of the 62 thyroid nodule with INC patients (48%). The preoperative measurements of nodule diameter and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroglobulin concentrations did not significantly differ between patients with a final diagnosis of DTC and those with benign histology.

CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative serum thyroglobulin alone is insufficient to differentiate between malignant and benign thyroid nodular disease.

PMID:36205785 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-022-07678-z

Eur Radiol. 2022 Oct 7. doi: 10.1007/s00330-022-09155-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) in quantifying fibrous cap (FC) thickness, FC area, and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) area, in excised carotid atherosclerotic plaques by comparing it with histopathological measurements.

METHODS: This is a single-center ex vivo cross-sectional observational study. Excised plaques of 20 patients (71 +/- 6 years; 13 men), obtained from carotid endarterectomy were scanned with SPCCT using standardized acquisition settings (120k Vp/19 μA; 7-18 keV, 18-30 keV, 30-45 keV, 45-75 keV, and 75-118 keV). FC thickness, FC area, and LRNC area were quantified and compared between high-resolution 3D multi-energy CT images and histopathology using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and Bland-Altman analysis. Images were interpreted twice by two radiologists separately, blinded to the histopathology; inter- and intra-rater reliability were assessed with the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC).

RESULTS: FC thickness and FC area did not show significant differences between the SPCCT-derived radiological measurements versus the histopathological measurements (p value range 0.15-0.51 for FC thickness and 0.053-0.30 for FC area). For the LRNC area, the p value was statistically non-significant for reader 1 (range 0.36-0.81). The Bland-Altman analysis showed mean difference and 95% confidence interval for FC thickness, FC area, and LRNC area, 0.04 (-0.36 to 0.12) square root mm, -0.18 (-0.34 to -0.02) log₁₀ mm² and 0.10 (-0.088. to 0.009) log₁₀ mm² respectively.

CONCLUSION: The result demonstrated a viable technique for quantifying FC thickness, FC area, and LRNC area due to the combined effect of high spatial and energy resolution of SPCCT.

KEY POINTS: • SPCCT can identify and quantify different components of carotid atherosclerotic plaque in ex vivo study. • Components of atherosclerotic plaque did not show significant differences between the SPCCT-derived radiological measurements versus the histopathological measurements.

PMID:36205768 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-022-09155-x

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2022 Oct 7. doi: 10.1007/s00167-022-07188-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to close the knowledge-to-practice gap around statistical power. We demonstrate how four factors affect power: p value, effect size, sample size, and variance. This article further delves into the advantages and disadvantages of a priori versus post hoc power analyses, though we believe only understanding of the former is essential to addressing the present-day issue of reproducibility in research. Upon reading this paper, physician-scientists should have expanded their arsenal of statistical tools and have the necessary context to understand statistical fragility.

PMID:36205762 | DOI:10.1007/s00167-022-07188-9

Osteoporos Int. 2022 Oct 7. doi: 10.1007/s00198-022-06562-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Fracture risk was elevated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients compared with controls in this nationwide study. Among PD patients, the risk of fracture increased linearly with PD severity, whereas no difference in fracture risk was observed according to PD duration.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is reported to be associated with a high risk of fractures. Several studies found an association between severity and duration of PD and falls or bone mineral density, but those factors have not been considered in most previous research. The aim of this study was to determine the fracture risk in PD patients according to their disease severity and duration.

METHODS: This population-based, retrospective cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. The study population included 10,333 patients with prevalent PD and 6,501,464 comparison cohort. Fracture risks according to the prevalence, severity, and duration of PD were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard methods.

RESULTS: Fracture risk was elevated in PD patients at all sites compared with controls (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-1.56 for any fracture). When comparing fracture sites, hip fractures showed the largest risk increase in PD patients (aHR 2.16, 95% CI 1.95-2.38). Among PD patients, the risk of any fracture increased linearly with PD severity and was highest in patients with severe disease (aHR 1.65, 95% CI 1.53-1.79 compared with controls). Meanwhile, no significant association was observed between PD duration and fracture risk.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PD was related to an increased risk of fractures in this nationwide study, and PD severity was linearly associated with fracture risk. PD prevalence and severity should be considered when evaluating the risk factors of fracture in clinical practice.

PMID:36205727 | DOI:10.1007/s00198-022-06562-0

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Oct 7. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009799. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A is an easy and efficacious treatment for gingival smile. However, the optimal dose and injection site are controversial.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the reduction in gingival exposure using two methods with different doses and injection sites.

METHODS: In this prospective self-controlled study, healthy participants with gingival smile (anterior gingival exposure of >3 mm) underwent two treatment methods. First, participants received a single-point injection of 2 U botulinum toxin type A per side (simplified method). After 8 months, the individualized method was performed with 2-5 U of botulinum toxin type A (total 4-10 U), which was injected at 1-2 sites according to pretreatment severity. Data were collected at baseline and at 4, 12, and 32 weeks of follow up.

RESULTS: Fifty-five participants were enrolled. Anterior gingival exposure and bilateral posterior gingival exposure were significantly reduced 4 and 12 weeks after botulinum toxin type A injection (P ≤ 0.05) with both methods. These parameters returned to baseline by 32 weeks (P > 0.05). Posttreatment anterior gingival exposure at 4 weeks and 12 weeks with the individualized method was significantly lower compared with the simplified method (both P ≤ 0.05). Patient satisfaction with the individualized method was preferred compared with the simplified method (P ≤ 0.05). Few adverse events were observed with both methods without statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to increase the injection dose and tailor the injection site according to the pretreatment severity of anterior gingival smile.

PMID:36205701 | DOI:10.1097/PRS.0000000000009799

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Oct 7. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009792. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The insertion of gluteal silicone implants by intramuscular technique leads patients to develop gluteus maximus muscle atrophy. The objective of the present study was to correlate the muscular atrophy of the gluteus maximus proportional to the volume of the silicone implants used. The secondary objectives were to assess volumetry of the gluteus maximus muscle in the late follow-up, positioning of the implants and to verify association between volumetric muscle recovery and practice of physical exercise.

METHODS: This is a prospective study. The sample was composed of 22 patients who were operated and followed up on an outpatient basis and through gluteus computed tomography in 3 different moments: pre-operative, 12-month post-operative and late post-operative (≥ 96 months).

RESULTS: Computed Tomography 3D reconstruction and volumetric analysis showed a median atrophy of 6.68% of the gluteus maximus muscle volume in 12 months and 7.47% in the late post-operative period. The correlation between relative volume of the implant and atrophy percentage of the gluteus maximus didn’t present statistically significant results. There was an association between the practice of physical exercise and volumetry recovery of the gluteus maximus. No patient presented gluteal implant rotation.

CONCLUSION: There isn’t correlation between proportional volume of implants and atrophy percentage of gluteus maximus muscle, when using implants up to 400cm3. The gluteus maximus muscle presents atrophy in the late follow-up of augmentation gluteoplasty with implants surgery. There is recovery of muscle volumetry on the patients that practice physical activities. Intramuscular plane implants demonstrated stability in their long-term positioning.

PMID:36205700 | DOI:10.1097/PRS.0000000000009792