Tag: statistics

Infect Dis Poverty. 2022 Jun 30;11(1):75. doi: 10.1186/s40249-022-00997-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are a key part of modern healthcare, but their use has downsides, including selecting for antibiotic resistance, both in the individuals treated with antibiotics and in the community at large. When evaluating the benefits and costs of mass administration of azithromycin to reduce childhood mortality, effects of antibiotic use on antibiotic resistance are important but difficult to measure, especially when evaluating resistance that “spills over” from antibiotic-treated individuals to other members of their community. The aim of this scoping review was to identify how the existing literature on antibiotic resistance modeling could be better leveraged to understand the effect of mass drug administration (MDA) on antibiotic resistance.

MAIN TEXT: Mathematical models of antibiotic use and resistance may be useful for estimating the expected effects of different MDA implementations on different populations, as well as aiding interpretation of existing data and guiding future experimental design. Here, strengths and limitations of models of antibiotic resistance are reviewed, and possible applications of those models in the context of mass drug administration with azithromycin are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS: Statistical models of antibiotic use and resistance may provide robust and relevant estimates of the possible effects of MDA on resistance. Mechanistic models of resistance, while able to more precisely estimate the effects of different implementations of MDA on resistance, may require more data from MDA trials to be accurately parameterized.

PMID:35773748 | DOI:10.1186/s40249-022-00997-7

BMC Psychol. 2022 Jun 30;10(1):165. doi: 10.1186/s40359-022-00870-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: How we build and maintain representations of ourselves involves both explicit features which are consciously accessible on reflection and implicit processes which are not, such as attentional biases. Understanding relations between different ways of measuring self-cognition both within and across such cognitive domains is important for understanding how selves may differ from one another, and whether self-cognition is best understood as largely uni-dimensional or more multi-dimensional. Further, uncovering this structure should inform research around how self-cognition relates to psychiatric and psychological conditions. This study explores the relations between different constructs of self-cognition and how variability within them relates to psychiatric traits.

METHODS: Our final dataset includes within-subject (n = 288, general population) measures of explicit self-concept (using both the Self Concept Clarity Scale and Self Concept and Identity Measure), implicit self-prioritisation in a shape-label matching task (for both reaction time and sensitivity) and measurement of traits for five psychiatric conditions (autism, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, depression and anxiety). We first test whether self-cognitive measures within and across domains are correlated within individuals. We then test whether these dimensions of self-cognition support a binary distinction between psychiatric conditions that either are or are not characterised in terms of self, or whether they support self-cognition as transdiagnostically predictive of the traits associated with psychiatric conditions. To do this we run a series of planned correlations, regressions, and direct correlation comparison statistics.

RESULTS: Results show that implicit self-prioritisation measures were not correlated with the explicit self-concept measures nor the psychiatric trait measures. In contrast, all the psychiatric traits scores were predicted, to varying degrees, by poorer explicit self-concept quality. Specifically, borderline personality disorder traits were significantly more strongly associated with composite explicit self-concept measures than any of depression, anxiety, or autism traits scores were.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that selves can differ considerably, along different cognitive dimensions. Further, our results show that self-cognition may be a promising feature to include in future dimensional characterisations of psychiatric conditions, but care should be taken to choose relevant self-cognitive domains.

PMID:35773737 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-022-00870-0

World J Surg Oncol. 2022 Jun 30;20(1):220. doi: 10.1186/s12957-022-02677-0.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Discuss the application value of digital surgical technology in the reconstruction of head and neck defects after tumor resection and comprehensively evaluate time-economic-benefit cost.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of head and neck cancer patients who underwent reconstructive operations in head and neck surgery at Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2015 to January 2021 was performed. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 52 cases were included, including 25 cases using digital surgery (DS) and 27 cases using the conventional surgery (CS). The clinical-pathological characteristics, postoperative complications, functional aesthetic evaluation indexes, and time-cost-satisfaction evaluation indexes between the two groups were compared and statistically analyzed. Typical cases using digital surgery were shared.

RESULTS: Outcomes between the two groups were comparable, and there was no significant difference in survival outcome and follow-up time between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the defect size, pathological type, other major clinicopathological features, or operation-related indicators (P > 0.05). The incidence of titanium plate displacement, deformation or exposure, and facial scar deformity in the DS group was significantly lower than that in the CS group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in other short-term or long-term complications (P > 0.05). The incidence of dysphagia and eating disorders in the DS group was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The speech and social functions were improved, but not significantly (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in the evaluation index of facial aesthetics in this study (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the total operation time, preparation time of bone flap from the donor site, osteotomy time, and reconstruction time in the DS group were significantly lower than those in the traditional operation group (P < 0.05), but the shaping time and vascular anastomosis time of recipient area could not be shortened (P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in total hospitalization days between the DS group and CS group (P > 0.05), but the time of ICU treatment and postoperative intravenous nutrition support in the DS group were shorter than those in the CS group (P < 0.05). In particular, the preoperative doctor-patient communication of the DS group was more effective, and the treatment satisfaction of patients including their families was higher after operation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Comprehensive application of digital surgical technology (CAD, CAM, VR, MA, etc.) in the reconstruction of the head and neck after tumor resection is feasible in clinical practice, which can not only improve the accuracy of repair, decrease some surgical complications, better preserve and improve patient’s diet and speech function, and reduce the operation and hospitalization time, but also increase the treatment cost. Furthermore, it is conducive to doctor-patient communication and improves patient satisfaction.

PMID:35773716 | DOI:10.1186/s12957-022-02677-0

Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2022 Jun 30;21(1):120. doi: 10.1186/s12933-022-01557-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a frequent co-morbidity among patients suffering from infective endocarditis (IE). The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of type 2 DM on the early-, intermediate- and long-term mortality of patients who underwent surgical treatment of endocarditis.

METHODS: We performed an observational cohort study in the large tertiary center in Israel during 14 years. All data of patients who underwent surgical treatment of endocarditis, performed between 2006 and 2020 were extracted from the departmental database. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I (non-diabetic patients), and Group II (diabetic patients).

RESULTS: The study population includes 420 patients. Group I (non-diabetic patients), comprise 326 patients, and Group II (diabetic patients), comprise 94 patients. Mean follow-up duration was 39.3 ± 28.1 months. Short-term, 30-day and in-hospital mortality, also intermediate-term mortality (1- and 3-year) was higher in the DM group compared with the non-DM group, but did not reach statistical significance: 11.7% vs. 7.7%. (p = 0.215); 12.8% vs. 8.3% (p = 0.285); 20.2% vs. 13.2% (p = 0.1) and 23.4% vs. 15.6% (p = 0.09) respectively. Long-term, 5-year mortality was significantly higher in the DM group, compared to the non-DM group: 30.9% vs. 16.6% (p = 0.003). Furthermore, predictors for long-term mortality included diabetes (CI 1.056-2.785, p = 0.029), as demonstrated by regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients have trend to increasing mortality at the short- and intermediate period post-surgery for IE, but this is not statistically significant. Survival of diabetic patients deteriorates after more than three years follow surgery. Diabetes is an independent predictor for long-term, 5-year mortality after surgical treatment of endocarditis, regardless of the patients age and comorbidities. Trial registration Ethical Committee of Sheba Medical Centre, Israel on 02.12. 2014, Protocol 4257.

PMID:35773698 | DOI:10.1186/s12933-022-01557-x

BMC Health Serv Res. 2022 Jun 30;22(1):840. doi: 10.1186/s12913-022-08258-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The quality of care has a significant impact on the condition of elderly patients. Many factors affect the quality of care, including ethical considerations. Ethical considerations, such as moral sensitivity, change in times of crisis. The present study was conducted to assess the relationship between moral sensitivity and the quality of nursing care for the elderly with Covid-19 in Iranian hospitals.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive correlational study. The participants included 445 nurses that were selected by quota sampling method from hospitals admitting COVID-19 patients. The data were collected using the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ) and Quality Patient Care Scale (QUALPAC) as self-reports. We used the SPSS software v.16 for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The total score of moral sensitivity and quality of care was 52.29 ± 16.44 and 2.83 ± 0.23, respectively. Moral sensitivity negatively correlates with psychological, social, and physical aspects (P < 0.05). Modifying autonomy, interpersonal orientation, and experiencing moral conflict predicted β = 0.10 of the psychosocial aspect of quality of care. Structural moral meaning and expressing benevolence predicted the changes in the physical dimension of quality of care (β = 0.02).

CONCLUSION: The quality of care had a significant inverse correlation with moral sensitivity. Multiple regression analysis showed that modifying autonomy, interpersonal orientation, and experiencing moral conflict could predict the psychosocial dimensions. Structuring moral meaning could predict the physical dimension. The communication aspects were not related to any of the dimensions of moral sensitivity.

PMID:35773700 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-022-08258-x

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022 Jun 30;23(1):625. doi: 10.1186/s12891-022-05576-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The most commonly used approach for distal radius fractures is the traditional Henry approach. However, it requires an intraoperative incision of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle, which results in a series of complications if the repair of the PQ fails.

AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of sparing the pronator quadratus for volar plating of the distal radius fractures.

METHODS: Seventy-six patients who suffered from distal radius fractures of types 23-B, 23-C1, and 23-C2 as per the AO Foundation and Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification were treated with volar locking plate fixation using either the PQ muscle incision and repair (group A, n = 39) or the PQ muscle preservation approach (group B, n = 37). Intraoperative index, postoperative efficacy and complications of patients were recorded and evaluated.

RESULTS: All patients were followed up for more than one year after surgery. All fractures achieved union. There were significant differences in mean operative time, mean intraoperative blood loss, and mean fracture healing time between the two groups. Still, there were no significant differences in limb function scores between the two groups at the 12-month postoperative follow-up. Outcomes assessed at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery demonstrated significant differences in the mean range of motion and pain-related visual analog scale (VAS) between the two groups. As the range of motion and grip strength increased, the VAS scores decreased, and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 12 months postoperatively. Although tendon irritation and delayed carpal tunnel syndrome were more common in group A than in group B (7.6% vs. 0% and 5.1% vs. 0%, respectively), the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: The modified Henry approach with sparing pronator quadratus muscle has no significant advantage in the range of wrist motion and upper limb function in the late stage. Nevertheless, the intraoperative placement of the plate under the pronator quadratus muscle can shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative bleeding, reduce early postoperative pain, promote early activity, and improve the patient’s quality of life. It is recommended that the pronator be preserved at the time of surgery.

PMID:35773689 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-022-05576-3

BMC Oral Health. 2022 Jun 30;22(1):266. doi: 10.1186/s12903-022-02300-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to make a comparison between the effects of 35% hydrogen peroxide gel (HP) and sodium perborate with distilled water (SP) bleaching agents on the sealing characteristics of glass ionomer cement (GIC), TheraBase, ProRoot MTA and Biodentine intraorifice barriers.

METHODS: One hundred and twelve single-rooted mandibular human premolar teeth extracted from young patients (14-25 years) were chosen. Root cement and cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of teeth were examined under a stereomicroscope at 10 × magnification to ensure there was no cement defect or dentin gap in CEJ. After the endodontic access cavities were opened on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, the working length was determined. Instrumentation of each root canal was performed with a ProTaper Gold rotary system in the determined working length and filled with gutta-percha + AH Plus with a single cone technique using. Root fillings were removed 3 mm short of the CEJ and sealed with one of the following intraorifice barrier materials (n = 30/group): 1. GIC; 2. TheraBase; 3. ProProot-MTA; 4. Biodentine. In each of the sub-groups, either HP or SP was used to perform intracoronal bleaching on days 1, 4, and 7. All outer surfaces of the specimens except the 3 mm cervical region were covered with nail polish and modeling wax layers. Specimens were immersed in a 5 ml Eppendorf tube that contained 2 mL of distilled water. The penetration of peroxide release was measured using the colorimetric ferric thiocyanate method. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with Three-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (P = 0.05).

RESULTS: In the HP groups, GIC showed the greatest peroxide release when compared with other tested groups on day 1 (P < 0.05). Biodentine and ProRoot MTA displayed a significantly lower peroxide leakage when compared to GIC and TheraBase on days 1 and 4 (P < 0.05). While GIC and TheraBase were used, HP observed higher peroxide penetration when compared with SP on days 1 and 4 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Peroxide diffusion was significantly influenced by the kind of intracoronal bleaching agents and intraorifice barrier materials used.

PMID:35773675 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-022-02300-4

BMC Public Health. 2022 Jun 30;22(1):1276. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-13643-6.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated differences between rural Australian First Nations and non-First Nations survey respondents’ perceptions of COVID-19-related risks and analysed other variables that could predict an exacerbation of anxiety related to COVID-19 harms.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online and paper survey of rural residents from the western regions of NSW, Australia, was conducted. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were used to assess links between First Nations status and demographic measures including postcode, age, gender, education, rural or town/village location, proximity to medical services and living situation. The analysis included five items related to perceptions about COVID-19: perceived likelihood of contracting COVID-19 in the next 12 months, perceived harmfulness of the virus, how often people felt afraid, perception about respondents’ ability to do something about the virus and perceived economic impacts of the pandemic.

RESULTS: There were significant differences between First Nations (n=60) and non-First Nations (n= 639) respondents across all sociodemographic categories. The results reflect a significantly higher level of anxiety among the First Nations Australians in the sample: they felt afraid more often, felt it was highly likely they would catch the virus and if they did catch the virus perceived that it would be very harmful. Living with children under eighteen years of age and in small rural towns were key factors linked to feeling afraid of COVID-19 and First Nations status.

CONCLUSION: Health risk communication in pandemic response should include an equitable focus on rural areas, recognising that First Nations Australians are a significant proportion of the rural population with different risk factors and concerns than those of non-First Nations Australians. This principle of First Nations-led design is critical to all health policy and planning. The Australian Government should include rural areas in planning pandemic responses, recognising that First Nations populations are a significant proportion of the rural population creating syndemic conditions.

PMID:35773669 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-022-13643-6

BMC Surg. 2022 Jun 30;22(1):254. doi: 10.1186/s12893-022-01685-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction remains the gold standard surgical option for patients with ACL tears. There are many fixation devices available for ACL reconstruction. Recent ACL reconstruction strategies are aiming to reproduce the native anatomy and normal kinematics of the knee. This is a five years follow-up report of some of the new devices for graft fixation. A two years follow-up data was published previously.

METHODS: 120 patients were randomized into four different groups (30 each) for ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendons: group I femoral Rigidfix cross-pin and Intrafix tibial extension sheath with a tapered expansion screw; group II Rigidfix femoral and BioScrew interference screw tibial fixation; group III BioScrew femoral and Intrafix tibial fixation; group IV BioScrew fixation into both tunnels. The evaluation methods were clinical examination, knee scores, and instrumented laxity measurements.

RESULTS: In this 5 years follow-up there were 102/120 (85%) patients available, but only 77 (64,2%) attended the clinical examinations. No significant difference between the groups in the clinical results was detected. Between the 2 and 5 years follow-up there were 6 additional procedures in group I and one in group II. There was a significant difference in additional procedures between group I and the other groups (P = .041).

CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant difference in the additional procedures, most in group I (six). The ACL grafts were intact. Other statistically or clinically significant differences in the 5 years follow-up results were not found.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. Trial registration ISRCTN registry with study ID ISRCTN34011837. Retrospectively registered 17.4.2020.

PMID:35773666 | DOI:10.1186/s12893-022-01685-x

BMC Health Serv Res. 2022 Jun 30;22(1):839. doi: 10.1186/s12913-022-08227-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are different degrees of flaws in the knowledge structure of humanistic medicine of medical staff. The level of emotional intelligence of medical staff affects their career development as well as their relationship with patients. Currently, the research on humanistic care ability (HCA) and emotional intelligence of medical staff in China and other countries is rare. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the level of HCA and level of emotional intelligence of the whole hospital staff.

METHODS: The questionnaire survey employed contained self-designed questions on the hospital staff members’ socio-demographic background, Caring Ability Inventory, and Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale. The survey was conducted with the staff of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University in April 2020.

RESULTS: The hospital staff’s average CAI score was 197.77 ± 20.30, and their average WLEIS score was 84.21 ± 13.48. The CAI and WLEIS scores of the hospital staff who chose their college majors on their own interests were higher than those who chose their majors for other reasons (employability, suggestions from family or others, etc.). The CAI and WLEIS scores of the hospital staff who had received more comprehensive and in-depth humanistic care training were higher than those who did not. The CAI score of the hospital staff who had participated in volunteer service activities was higher than those who did not. The WLEIS score of the Pediatrics Department staff was higher than that of the Outpatient and Emergency Department staff, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The scores of emotional intelligence, self-emotion assessment and expression, self-emotion management, self-emotion utilization, emotion recognition of others, and HCA of the hospital staff were positively correlated (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: There were different levels of development of internal factors of emotional intelligence among the hospital staff, and their humanistic care ability was at a low level. Emotional intelligence was positively correlated to humanistic care ability. The findings suggest in-service training and education by healthcare institutions to enhance healthcare staff’s emotional intelligence for promoting the general health of the population.

PMID:35773661 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-022-08227-4