Tag: statistics

J Oral Implantol. 2022 May 3. doi: 10.1563/aaid-joi-D-20-00191. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The choice of material used to fill screw access channels in implant-supported prostheses depends, in most cases, on operator’s preference, without considering the susceptibility of biofilm colonization. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine and compare the total amount of biofilm formed on different materials used to fill screw access channels in implant abutments. For this propose, titanium implant analogs were attached on abutments and divided into 5 groups: positive control (no filling material); negative control (closed with resin); filled with cotton, gutta-percha, or polytetrafluoroethylene-PTFE. The analogs with attached abutments were then immersed in a brain heart infusion medium containing Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and incubated aerobically at 37°C with gentle agitation. After 15 days, materials were removed and total viable biofilm on each material was quantified by methyl tetrazolium (MTT) reduction assay at 490nm. All experiments were performed in triplicate. Data were processed by IBM SPSS Statistic software using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni pos hoc tests to analyze differences between groups, with overall significance level=.05 (P<.001). A significant difference was observed between cotton and gutta-percha (P<.017) and between cotton and PTFE (P<.025). However, there was no statistical difference between gutta-percha and PTFE (P>.050). Thus, this in vitro experiment showed that gutta-percha and PTFE presented lower biofilm formation in comparison with cotton when used to fill screw access channels. These results can provide a basis for future clinical studies that can be a guide to decreasing the occurrence of gaps and bacterial growth inside the implant/abutment attachment site. In addition, controlled in vivo studies are necessary to confirm the clinical viability of findings of this study.

PMID:35503968 | DOI:10.1563/aaid-joi-D-20-00191

J Oral Implantol. 2022 May 3. doi: 10.1563/aaid-joi-D-20-00358. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), the rate of sinus membrane perforation in osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) performed with and without a graft material. Thirty patients with 52 OSFE sites were included in the study. Patients were divided into the control group (OSFE performed without graft material) and test groups (OSFE performed with autograft or xenograft). The autograft was harvested from the maxillary tuberosity using bone forceps. The xenograft was a commercial product originated from bovine bone. Graft volume was measured using the water displacement method. CBCT was performed at initial examination and immediately after surgery to measure the residual bone height and to evaluate the endo-sinus bone gain and membrane perforation. The rate of sinus membrane perforation was 15.4%. Of the 52 OSFE procedures, 26.9% were performed without grafting, and 34.6% and 38.5% were performed with autografts and xenografts, respectively. Membrane perforation was significantly higher in the autograft group (p=0.033). The median volume of graft materials was 0.3 mL. The difference in graft volume between the autograft and xenograft was not statistically significant (p=0.768). The mean endo-sinus bone gain was 6.55 mm in patients without membrane perforation and 8.71 mm in patients with membrane perforation; this difference was statistically significant (p=0.035). The volume and physical properties of graft materials are important factors in membrane perforation. Further clinical studies with larger and standardized samples are needed to confirm the effect of graft materials on sinus membrane perforation in OSFE.

PMID:35503963 | DOI:10.1563/aaid-joi-D-20-00358

Am J Audiol. 2022 May 3:1-11. doi: 10.1044/2022_AJA-21-00234. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has produced unique challenges for persons with hearing loss. There is a unique concern that adults with hearing loss may be more susceptible to isolation than adults with normal hearing.

PURPOSE: This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of older adults with and without hearing loss.

RESEARCH DESIGN: This was a longitudinal study with pre-COVID-19 and six mid-COVID-19 interviews, spanning from March 1, 2020, to October 31, 2020.

STUDY SAMPLE: The study enrolled 12 participants with hearing aids and 12 with cochlear implants aged 55-80 years that were compared to 18 age-matched adults with hearing within normal limits.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Surveys were completed to evaluate the impact of time alone and loneliness, social contact, depression, and the impact of masks on hearing. A mixed-effects statistical model was used to analyze each question.

RESULTS: Participants commonly reported stress and anxiety during monthly video calls. Adults with varying degrees of hearing loss reported decreased social interaction and increased stress during the pandemic, similar to the rates observed by participants with healthy hearing. Face coverings were commonly reported to affect the intelligibility of conversational speech. Participants with hearing loss found satisfactory methods for maintaining social connection during the pandemic that they hope will continue once restrictions ease fully.

CONCLUSIONS: Participants from the hearing loss groups in this study were frustrated by challenges posed by facial masks and were resilient in their ability to cope with COVID-19 and found the use of technology to be helpful. Audiologists are encouraged to use these successful electronic means of connecting with their patients even after restrictions are fully lifted.

PMID:35503964 | DOI:10.1044/2022_AJA-21-00234

Psychiatr Danub. 2021 Spring-Summer;33(Suppl 4):1330-1334.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent diseases that contribute to global disability, especially if they are not early recognised and properly treated. They occur as part of many chronic diseases, often remain unrecognised at an early stage, and significantly contribute to the progression of the underlying disease reducing the quality of life in these patients. Numerous studies have shown that anxiety / depression and dyspnea are the leading symptoms in patients with COPD that are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the degree of depression, anxiety and stress, using DASS- 21 scale, and changes in locomotor parameters in smokers who are prone to develop COPD.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 164 patients, smokers and non-smokers, who underwent spirometry, 6-minute walk test and bicycle ergometer. They were all measured for body weight, height, waist circumference, pulse, blood pressure and each patient completed DASS-21, CAT and IPAQ questionnaire.

RESULTS: The results of the IPAQ questionnaire indicated a statistically significant difference in the physical activity of smokers and non-smokers. A statistically significant was found between DASS-21 and patients physical activity (p=0.0001), 6-minute walk test (r=-0.186, p=0.017), VO2 max (r=-0.220, p=0.005) and weekly calorie consumption (r=-0.222, p=0.004).

CONCLUSION: According to the results of the study, an increased degree of anxiety, depression and stress is an important factor influencing changes in locomotor parameters in smokers who are prone to develop COPD.

PMID:35503952

Psychiatr Danub. 2021 Spring-Summer;33(Suppl 4):1316-1319.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological method widely used by medical specialists to manage acute and chronic pain in different circumstances. It can be used to manage pain during many dental procedures, as well as pain due to various conditions affecting the maxillofacial region. The aim of this study was to provide insight into the clinical research evidence for the analgetic application of TENS in pediatric patients. The hypothesis was that TENS device will achieve analgetic effect on teeth during dental procedure.

METHODS: This study included 125 patients treated at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb clinic during two-year period. After diagnosis of caries and need for restorative treatment, patients were randomly selected in three groups. Group 1 received local anesthesia, group 2 had no anesthesia and group 3 used TENS device. Level of pain was measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Research was conducted by one therapist that was calibrated.

RESULTS: We found no statistically significant difference between TENS group and group without anesthesia(p>0.05).

CONCLUSION: TENS device is not as efficient in achieving analgetic impact during dental procedure as local anesthesia.

PMID:35503949

Psychiatr Danub. 2021 Spring-Summer;33(Suppl 4):1298-1302.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with obesity may have symptoms of sexual dysfunction (SD). Little is known about these symptoms in obese patients in Croatia and the aim of this study was to explore them.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in tertiary healthcare centre at the Croatian Obesity Treatment Referral Center in University Hospital Center of Zagreb. 103 patients (72 female, 31 male, mean age 48.7±11.87 years, mean BMI 40.42) were included. SD symptoms were assessed using the internationally acclaimed questionnaire Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), that was recently validated for Croatian language. Patients were also administered a questionnaire, prepared for this purpose, that enquired about their previous known chronic disorders. Statistical analyses included t-test, chi-squared test and bivariate Pearson’s correlations.

RESULTS: Average total response on the questionnaire was 12.4 (women 13.2, range 3-30; men 10.6, range from 5-19). A total score of 19 or more was present in 5 (4.8 %, range from 19-30, average 22.4; 1 man, 4 women), at least one question with a score 5 or greater on any item was found in 36 (34.9 %, 5 men, 31 women), while a score of 4 or more on three items was found in 20 patients (19.4 %, 2 men, 18 women). Overall median response was 3 (range 1-6). Women were found to have more pronounced symptoms of SD (p<0.05). The overall results on ASEX were found to be in significant correlation with regard to depression (r=0.22, p=0.03), as well as anxiety (r=0.2, p=0.04). Significant correlations were also found with regard to age (r=0.31), mobility (r=0.25), and pain/uneasiness (r=0.22) (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study brings valuable observations on the presence of SD symptoms in obese patients in Croatia. SD symptoms were found to be present in up to one-third of our patients, more pronounced in women, and in significant correlation with depression and anxiety. However, median response on ASEX suggests that overall SD symptoms in our group of patients are not that expressed.

PMID:35503945

Psychiatr Danub. 2021 Spring-Summer;33(Suppl 4):1309-1312.

ABSTRACT

Preservation of health, increase in life expectancy determine the need to improve the effectiveness of medical recommendations, which, despite the success of pharmacology, are insufficient for reasons related to the low level of compliance with these recommendations by patients. The authors of the article believe that compliance is a kind of quantifiable and behaviorally realized reflection of therapeutic interaction, refracted through the prism of the patient’s individual personality characteristics. Participants of the study-148 employees of medical institutions: 12 men, 136 women, their age ranged from 27 to 74 years. The research tool was the neuropsychological rapid method. 3 research subgroups were formed: 27-40 years (37 people), 41-50 years (60 people), 51 years and older (51 people). Comparison of the results of subtests of neuropsychological Express technique showed heterogeneous results in subgroups of the study. In addition, the dynamic characteristics of psychological processes were evaluated: depletion, inertia, impulsivity. A significant difference in the performance of the graphomotor test between the subjects of the age subgroup of 27-40 years and the subgroup of 41-50 years was statistically confirmed. For the qualitative performance of this simple test requires a sufficient level of development of all structural and functional components of brain functions and, in particular, the “front” function of programming and management and consistent organization of movements. In older people revealed a much greater number of errors, interruptions of the test than the representatives of the more “young” subgroup. Similar results were obtained when comparing the “young” and “old” subgroups. Despite the absence of signs of decompensation of concomitant pathology, representatives of the subgroups took a different amount of concomitant therapy. Using the scale of assessment of drug compliance, it was found that compliance is most reduced in the subgroup of 41-50 years. In this subgroup, a comprehensive decrease in compliance across the “behavioral”, “emotional”, and “cognitive” domains was detected in 87.8% of cases, while in the younger subgroup partial non-compliance was 32.4%, in the older subgroup – 74.5% An analysis of the states of cognitive functions in 52 representatives of the middle age subgroup with low compliance rates showed that, unlike other representatives of the same subgroup, their indices for a number of neuropsychological tests are close to the results of more adult participants in the study. Individuals demonstrating low compliance with quite favorable CNS resources are at risk for the formation of pathological aging.

PMID:35503947

Psychiatr Danub. 2021 Spring-Summer;33(Suppl 4):1287-1293.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that changes in the expression of certain inflammatory biomarkers are associated with cognitive impairment (CI), but only a limited number of studies were conducted in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The present study aimed to evaluate the potential association between serum levels of several inflammatory markers and cognitive impairment in AIS patients. These markers included interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and white blood cell (WBC) count.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All participants were prospectively recruited from the Department of Neurology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. A total of 100 patients with first-ever AIS were included in stroke group and 30 in the non-stroke control group. Each patient underwent a comprehensive cognitive assessment and laboratory tests (IL-6, CRP, fibrinogen, ESR and WBC) within the first three days of admission. Cognitive status was assessed using cognitive instruments: the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Frontal Assessment Battery, and the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised.

RESULTS: Female stroke patients with CI had higher levels of IL-6 compared to those without CI and controls (p<0.017). AIS patients with CI had significantly higher plasma fibrinogen (p<0.001) and CRP levels (p<0.001) than controls, whereas there was no significant difference in comparison with cognitively intact patients. There were no statistical differences in ESR or WBC count between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Of the inflammatory markers, only IL-6 levels were associated with CI in AIS patients. Measuring circulating IL-6 could be used as a screening test to identify all such patients.

PMID:35503943

Can J Diet Pract Res. 2022 May 3:1-4. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2022-012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To determine if intake (servings/day) of total dairy and/or dairy subtypes (milk, cheese, and yogurt) were associated with biomarkers related to dyslipidemia, insulin sensitivity and inflammation in a sample of cardio-metabolically healthy young children from the Guelph Family Health Study at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.Methods: Baseline data from 42 children (aged 2.0-6.2 years) from 33 families who provided a dietary assessment and a fasted blood sample were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Linear and logistic regressions using generalized estimating equations were used for analysis and models were adjusted for age, gender, and household income.Results: In total, 42 children (3.74 ± 1.23 years old; mean (± SD)) consumed median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) servings/day of 1.70 (1.16, 2.81) for total dairy, 0.74 (0.50, 1.70) for milk, 0.63 (0.00, 1.16) for cheese, and 0.00 (0.00, 0.38) for yogurt. Cheese intake was significantly inversely associated with LDL cholesterol (-0.16 (95% CI: -0.29, -0.03) mmol/L per serving; P = 0.02)). No other associations between dairy intake and biomarkers were significant.Conclusions: Cheese intake was inversely associated with LDL cholesterol in this preliminary study of cardio-metabolically healthy young children, thereby warranting further research on dairy intake and cardiometabolic risk factors.

PMID:35503897 | DOI:10.3148/cjdpr-2022-012

Am J Dermatopathol. 2022 Apr 27. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000002208. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms are a diagnostically challenging class of lesions in dermatopathology. Recently, molecular assays and immunohistochemical markers have been explored as ancillary methods to assist in the diagnostic workup. Specifically, preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry is a nuclear stain commonly positive in melanomas, but not in nevi. This study investigates PRAME immunoreactivity (≥75% positive nuclear staining in tumor cells) in a set of 59 spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms with known clinical outcomes. We compared PRAME status with (1) the clinical outcomes, (2) the morphologic diagnoses, and (3) the status of TERT promoter mutation. Regarding clinical outcomes, 3 cases developed metastatic disease, of which 2 expressed diffusely positive PRAME staining. Of the 56 cases that did not show evidence of metastasis, 6 expressed diffusely positive PRAME staining. Morphologically, diffusely positive PRAME staining was seen in 7 of 21 cases (33.3%) diagnosed as melanoma and only 1 benign tumor 1 of 38 (2.6%). There were 4 of 8 cases with a TERT promoter mutation which were diffusely PRAME-positive compared with 4 of 51 cases without TERT promoter mutation (P = 0.001). Our results show a statistically significant correlation between PRAME expression and the diagnosis, outcome, and TERT promoter mutation status of atypical spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms, suggesting immunohistochemistry for PRAME can help support a suspected diagnosis. However, because of occasional false-positive and negative test results, correlation with the clinical and histologic findings as well as results from other tests is needed for the interpretation of diagnostically challenging spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms.

PMID:35503885 | DOI:10.1097/DAD.0000000000002208