Tag: statistics

Genet Epidemiol. 2022 Jul 16. doi: 10.1002/gepi.22492. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The inclusion of ancestrally diverse participants in genetic studies can lead to new discoveries and is important to ensure equitable health care benefit from research advances. Here, members of the Ethical, Legal, Social, Implications (ELSI) committee of the International Genetic Epidemiology Society (IGES) offer perspectives on methods and analysis tools for the conduct of inclusive genetic epidemiology research, with a focus on admixed and ancestrally diverse populations in support of reproducible research practices. We emphasize the importance of distinguishing socially defined population categorizations from genetic ancestry in the design, analysis, reporting, and interpretation of genetic epidemiology research findings. Finally, we discuss the current state of genomic resources used in genetic association studies, functional interpretation, and clinical and public health translation of genomic findings with respect to diverse populations.

PMID:35842778 | DOI:10.1002/gepi.22492

Med Sci Monit. 2022 Jul 17;28:e936792. doi: 10.12659/MSM.936792.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is frequently used in the treatment of end-stage gonarthrosis, and the patient satisfaction rate varies. This study aimed to reveal the change in mid-term patient satisfaction results and functional scores of patients with low early postoperative satisfaction scores. MATERIAL AND METHODS We included 163 patients who underwent total knee prosthesis between September 2017 and February 2018. Among these patients, early (6 months) and mid-term (24 months) satisfaction and functional results of 34 patients with low satisfaction scores (Likert evaluations 1, 2, and 3) were evaluated. We assessed early-term functional results and satisfaction rates, mid-term analysis of patients who were not satisfied in the early period, and the relationship between functional scores and satisfaction. RESULTS The Likert score was 4 or 5 in 124 (80%) of 158 patients, and early dissatisfaction was detected in 34 patients (20%). In the early-period dissatisfied group, satisfaction scores 6 months after surgery were 1.9±1.1 (1-3) and 4.2±1 (3-5) 24 months after surgery. A statistically significant difference was observed between the dissatisfied group’s early and mid-term KSS and KS values. A correlation was observed between satisfaction scores and KS and KSS scores (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients who do not have mechanical problems with total knee arthroplasty but are not satisfied with the surgery in the early period can be satisfied over time after regular follow-up, appropriate communication and information, and effective rehabilitation.

PMID:35842752 | DOI:10.12659/MSM.936792

Mycoses. 2022 Jul 16. doi: 10.1111/myc.13498. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of superficial fungal infections is still mostly based on direct microscopic examination with Potassium Hydroxide solution. However, this method can be time consuming and its diagnostic accuracy rates vary widely depending on the clinician’s experience.

OBJECTIVES: This study presents a deep neural network structure that enables the rapid solutions for these problems and can perform automatic fungi detection in grayscale images without dyes.

METHODS: 160 microscopic full field photographs containing the fungal element, obtained from patients with onychomycosis, and 297 microscopic full field photographs containing dissolved keratin obtained from normal nails were collected. Smaller patches containing fungi (n=1835) and keratin (n=5238) were extracted from these full field images. In order to detect fungus and keratin, VGG16 and InceptionV3 models were developed by the use of these patches. The diagnostic performance of models was compared with 16 dermatologists by using 200 test patches.

RESULTS: For the VGG16 model, the InceptionV3 model and 16 dermatologists; mean accuracy rates were 88.10%±0.8%, 88.78%±0.35%, and 74.53%±8.57%, respectively; mean sensitivity rates were 75.04%±2.73%, 74.93%±4.52%, and 74.81%±19.51%, respectively; and mean specificity rates were 92.67%±1.17%, 93.78%±1.74%, and 74.25%±18.03%, respectively. The models were statistically superior to dermatologists according to rates of accuracy and specificity but not to sensitivity (p < 0.0001, p < 0.005, and p > 0.05, respectively). Area under curve values of the VGG16 and InceptionV3 models were 0.9339 and 0.9292, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Our research demonstrates that it is possible to build an automated system capable of detecting fungi present in microscopic images employing the proposed deep learning models. It has great potential for fungal detection applications based on AI.

PMID:35842749 | DOI:10.1111/myc.13498

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Jul 16. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15247. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Keloids are considered disorders of fibroproliferation characterized by accumulation of collagen fibers in hypodermis and dermis, caused by inflammation, surgery, and trauma.

OBJECTIVES: The main goal of the study was to approach a better modality for the treatment of keloids by comparing the effects and the side effects of intralesional cryotherapy and intralesional injection of bleomycin.

METHODS: This interventional, comparative clinical trial was conducted on 60 cases and were divided equally into the group (A) combined group where who were subjected to intralesional bleomycin followed by cryotherapy in the same session, group (B) who were subjected to intralesional injection of bleomycin, and group (C) intralesional cryotherapy. All cases were subjected to clinical examination, complete history taking, dermatological examination, examination, and evaluation of scar lesion using the Vancouver scar scale.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in pliability among the combined group. Also, pliability decreased in the bleomycin group and cryotherapy, but this decrease wasn’t statistically significant. Our results revealed that there was a statistically significant decrease in lesion height among all the studied groups, but the decrease was more among the combined group.

CONCLUSION: Intralesional cryotherapy was effective as Intralesional bleomycin. Combined therapy was a valid and more effective technique with few adverse effects than either alone for keloids as it achieved a decrease in volumes of scars or accompanied symptoms.

PMID:35842750 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.15247

J Forensic Sci. 2022 Jul 16. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.15095. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Latent fingermark age determination is a relatively new subdiscipline of friction ridge pattern analysis that has the potential to ascertain two key pieces of information: the “who” and the “when” from a single evidence item. In this proof-of-concept study, the sensitivity and suitability of a series of 3D and 2D chronomorphometrics, ie, quantitative measurement of form as a function of time, are examined under various temperatures (55, 21, 4, and -20°C) at 6 months. 3D imaging with an optical profiler (OP) in tandem with a conventional 2D fingermark enhancing method, ie powdering with titanium dioxide, is the technique selected. From a chronomorphometric perspective, the 3D-OP detects micrometer variations in surface texture with regard to the heights (Sa and Ra) and volume (Vu) of the ridges, whereas 2D imaging provides information on color contrast (MI and IA), the fingermark visual quality score (QS), and the relative area extension of color-coded maps of ridge clarity (BlueGreen, BG). Statistical analyses have revealed different degrees of sensitivity of the 2D and 3D metrics for detecting the effect of temperature and time, being 3D the most discriminating. In these tested conditions, warmer temperatures (55 and 21°C) have shown the most impact on ridge degradation with the lowest levels observed at -20°C. The concurrent application of 2D and 3D metrics would be considered the best approach to advance the knowledge on fingermark aging processes and possible mathematical models.

PMID:35842746 | DOI:10.1111/1556-4029.15095

Equine Vet J. 2022 Jul 16. doi: 10.1111/evj.13863. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The equestrian discipline of eventing tests athletes’ and horses’ skill over three phases: dressage, jumping, and cross-country. Falls during cross-country can be particularly serious and result in serious or fatal injury for both horse and athlete. Cross-country course and fence design are crucial contributory factors to safety.

OBJECTIVES: To provide descriptive statistics and identify fence-level risk factors for horses competing in Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) events worldwide.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS: Data were collected for every horse start worldwide in all international (CI), championship (CH), Olympics (OG), and World Equestrian Games (WEG) eventing competitions between January 2008 and December 2018 and univariable logistic regression, followed by multivariable logistic regression were applied. The final model was built in a stepwise bi-directional process, with each step assessed by the Akaike information criterion.

RESULTS: Risk factors were identified at fence level covering aspects of fence design and course design. Ten fence types were at increased odds of a fall occurring compared to square spread fences, and seven types were at reduced odds. Fences with an approach downhill (odds ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.19-1.52), with landing into water (OR 1.82, CI 1.62-2.01), frangible devices (OR 1.28, CI 1.15-1.41), and later elements of combined obstacles (OR 1.33 CI 1.25-1.42 for the second element, OR 1.21 CI 1.10-1.32 for later elements) were associated with increased risk of falls occurring.

MAIN LIMITATIONS: Although the data set covers every international competition worldwide, it does not include national-level competitions.

CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that the most challenging fences are placed near the beginning of the course, and not in downhill or water settings. The complexity of individual elements in combined fences should be reduced. Adopting evidence-based course design is a crucial intervention for reducing the incidence of horse falls and associated serious and fatal injuries to horse and human athletes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35842735 | DOI:10.1111/evj.13863

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2022 Jul 16;14(1):131. doi: 10.1186/s13102-022-00512-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Reliable and valid instruments are needed to estimate physical activity levels. The aim was to culturally adapt the “Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity” (RAPA) into Hungarian and to investigate the validity and reliability of this adapted version in the elderly over 50 years.

METHODS: In our cross-sectional study 222 subjects were recruited in Hungary between December 2020 and January 2021(age 61.1 ± 7.9 years, 28% male). Criterion validity of RAPA and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Hungarian long version was tested by Spearman’s rank correlation. The examination of repeatability was based on a group of 32 people, and on the one-week test-retest reliability approach, and in addition to this during the statistical analysis intra-class correlation coefficient was calculated. To examine the sensitivity and specificity of the RAPA, negative and positive physical activity values were calculated from the results of the long version of the IPAQ and the RAPA. We tested 4 hypotheses (3 validity, 1 reliability). We considered acceptable validity and reliability if > 75% of hypotheses were confirmed.

RESULTS: All of the hypotheses (100%) were confirmed. Based on results of the validity testing of the newly adapted questionnaire was showed a moderate correlation between the examined measurement tools (R = 0.542, p < 0.001). The test-retest results of the questionnaire (N = 32, R = 0.988, p < 0.001) showed strong association.

CONCLUSION: RAPA showed fair to moderate validity and strong test-retest reliability similar to other studies. Based on our study’s results the RAPA is a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure the elderly Hungarian population’s physical activity.

PMID:35842730 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-022-00512-3

Int J Retina Vitreous. 2022 Jul 16;8(1):47. doi: 10.1186/s40942-022-00397-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between gene expression profile class and tumor thickness reduction as measured by ultrasonography in response to plaque brachytherapy using a single-center, retrospective cohort study.

METHODS: A total of 15 patients with choroidal melanoma who underwent biopsy for gene expression profiling and were treated with plaque brachytherapy from a single institution from 12/8/14 through 12/19/19 were retrospectively reviewed for clinical characteristics and rate of tumor regression. Ultrasonographic B-scan tumor height was recorded just prior to plaque placement and following plaque removal in the patient’s chart to assess percent reduction in tumor thickness from baseline.

RESULTS: A total of 15 patients met inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this study. Minimum follow-up was 6 months after plaque removal. The percent regression in tumor thickness from baseline as measured by ultrasonography was greater for class 2 tumors than for class 1 tumors at 12-month follow up after treatment, and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.012). There was no statistical significance in reduction at 3 months (P = 0.46) and 9 months (P = 0.10) after plaque brachytherapy. Although not statistically significant, class 2 tumors appeared to regress more rapidly than class 1 tumors in response to radiation.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, class 2 choroidal melanoma tumors show a more rapid anatomic response to treatment than class 1 tumors at 12 months post plaque brachytherapy.

PMID:35842719 | DOI:10.1186/s40942-022-00397-x

Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Jul 16;3(1):75. doi: 10.1186/s43058-022-00323-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Implementation science has grown rapidly as a discipline over the past two decades. An examination of how publication patterns and other scholarly activities of implementation scientists are weighted in the tenure and promotion process is needed given the unique and applied focus of the field.

METHODS: We surveyed implementation scientists (mostly from the USA) to understand their perspectives on the following matters: (1) factors weighted in tenure and promotion for implementation scientists, (2) how important these factors are for success as an implementation scientist, (3) how impact is defined for implementation scientists, (4) top journals in implementation science, and (5) how these journals are perceived with regard to their prestige. We calculated univariate descriptive statistics for all quantitative data, and we used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to compare the participants’ ratings of various factors. We analyzed open-ended qualitative responses using content analysis.

RESULTS: One hundred thirty-two implementation scientists completed the survey (response rate = 28.9%). Four factors were rated as more important for tenure and promotion decisions: number of publications, quality of publication outlets, success in obtaining external funding, and record of excellence in teaching. Six factors were rated as more important for overall success as an implementation scientist: presentations at professional meetings, involvement in professional service, impact of the implementation scientist’s scholarship on the local community and/or state, impact of the implementation scientist’s scholarship on the research community, the number and quality of the implementation scientist’s community partnerships, and the implementation scientist’s ability to disseminate their work to non-research audiences. Participants most frequently defined and described impact as changing practice and/or policy. This expert cohort identified Implementation Science as the top journal in the field.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there was a significant mismatch between the factors experts identified as being important to academic success (e.g., tenure and promotion) and the factors needed to be a successful implementation scientist. Findings have important implications for capacity building, although they are largely reflective of the promotion and tenure process in the USA.

PMID:35842690 | DOI:10.1186/s43058-022-00323-0

Syst Rev. 2022 Jul 16;11(1):143. doi: 10.1186/s13643-022-02020-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Shift work, i.e., non-standard work hours, has been associated with both short- and long-term sickness absence. However, findings are inconsistent and inconclusive. Thus far, no comprehensive meta-analytic synthesis on the relationship between shift work and sickness absence has been published. The aims of the planned systematic review and meta-analysis are (1) to establish whether shift work is associated with sickness absence, (2) to determine if specific shift work characteristics relate to sickness absence (e.g., length and frequency of spells), and (3) to identify moderating factors affecting the relationship between shift work and sickness absence.

METHODS: Eligible studies will be identified using a predefined search strategy in several electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsychInfo, EMBASE, and ProQuest) and comprise peer-reviewed papers reporting original empirical findings on the association between shift work and sickness absence. Mainly observational studies with cross-sectional, prospective, or retrospective research design and case-control studies will be included. Risk of bias will be assessed using an adapted checklist previously employed to evaluate studies on sickness absence. To carry out the meta-analytic synthesis, a random effects meta-analysis will be conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The review and meta-analysis will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Heterogeneity will be evaluated by Cochran’s Q test and the I² statistics.

DISCUSSION: The review and meta-analysis will be the first to conduct a meta-analytic synthesis of the evidence on the association between exposure to shift work and sickness absence, as well as identify relevant moderators affecting the relationship between shift work and sickness absence. Aggregation of the existing evidence will improve the knowledge on the association between shift work and sickness absence. Such knowledge can be used to guide scheduling of shift work to promote work schedules that are less detrimental to health and contribute to reduced sickness absence and higher work- and leisure-time productivity.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022301200.

PMID:35842678 | DOI:10.1186/s13643-022-02020-4