Tag: statistics

Oral Health Prev Dent. 2021 Jan 7;19(1):365-371. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b1693857.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: It is hypothesised that systemic calcitonin delivery with adjunct local platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy is more effective in augmenting osseointegration than calcitonin delivery alone under experimental osteoporosis conditions. The primary objective of the present experiment was to assess the effect of systemic calcitonin delivery with and without adjunct local PRF therapy on osseointegration in ovariectomised osteoporotic rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty female bilaterally ovariectomized rabbits were used. The animals were fed a low-calcium diet to establish a model for osteoporosis. In each animal, 2 implants were bilaterally placed in tibia. The animals were randomly divided equally into 3 groups. In group 1, no treatment was offered (control group). In groups 2 and 3, the animals received intramuscular injections of calcitonin without and with local PRF delivery prior to implant placement, respectively. All animals were euthanised at 12 weeks, and osseointegration was assessed as the gap widths between the bone and implant surface in the cervical, middle and apical third using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) was also measured. p < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant.

RESULTS: Gap widths in the cervical (p < 0.001), middle (p < 0.001) and apical third (p < 0.001) were statistically significantly higher in group 1 than groups 2 and 3. Gap widths in the cervical (p < 0.001), middle (p < 0.001) and apical third (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in group 3 than group 2. The mean BIC was statistically significantly higher in the cervical (p < 0.001), middle (p < 0.001) and apical third (p < 0.001) in group 3 compared with groups 2 and 3.

CONCLUSIONS: When used as an adjunct to calcitonin, PRF enhanced osseointegration in an experimental osteoporosis model. However, further well-designed studies with inclusion of additional groups (treatment with PRF alone) are needed.

PMID:34259429 | DOI:10.3290/j.ohpd.b1693857

Oral Health Prev Dent. 2021 Jan 7;19(1):373-381. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b1694115.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess factors related to the prevalence of dental caries among adolescent schoolchildren attending marginalised schools in the West Bank area of Palestine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in schools participating in the School Support Program (SSP). Fifty schools identified as marginalised by the SSP were stratified by district, student gender and grade level to select a random sample of 20 schools. Students in the 6th and 9th grades were screened by senior dental students to collect data about their weight, height, gingival health and caries experience. In addition, a structured in-person questionnaire was used to collect data about students’ oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, mother’s education and father’s employment.

RESULTS: In total, 1282 students completed interviews and clinical screenings. The mean number of Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) was 6.4 ± 4.4. Sixty-four percent had moderate gingivitis and 73% had fair oral hygiene. ‘Recent visit to the dentist’ was associated with mother’s level of education (X2 = 22.06, p < 0.001) and father’s employment (X2 = 24.02, p < 0.001). The final regression model showed that grade (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), gender (β = 0.06, p < 0.03), recent visit to the dentist (β = -0.06, p < 0.03) and drinking fresh juices (β = -0.05, p < 0.05) were statistically significant in explaining the high level of caries in this sample.

CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that Palestinian adolescents in marginalised governmental schools suffer the highest burden of dental disease and are disproportionally impacted when compared to other same-age students in the region. A high burden of disease was directly associated with unfavourable dietary habits, poor oral hygiene practices and challenges to accessing dental care services, and was indirectly associated with father’s employment and mother’s level of education.

PMID:34259430 | DOI:10.3290/j.ohpd.b1694115

Oral Health Prev Dent. 2021 Jan 7;19(1):327-337. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b1749661.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To study the practices of general dentists, periodontists and dental hygienists who are members of the European Federation of Periodontology, regarding oral hygiene education, plaque control assessment, recommended dental and interdental hygiene tools, and antimicrobial agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to 13,622 members of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) through its 29 national member societies. It targeted general dentists (GD), specialists in periodontology (DSP) and dental hygienists (DH). Data were collected between 24 April and 17 May 2015. A data-driven statistical analysis was conducted and differences between professions were explored.

RESULTS: A total of 2076 answers were collected. Only the 2009 answers originating from GD, DSP and DH were analysed (67 answers originated from other professions and were excluded). Among those 2009 respondents, 43.2% were DSP and 37.2% were GD. Overall, DH, DSP and GD reported spending 17.1 minutes for the initial teaching of OH, with differences between professions (p < 0.0001). DH, GD and DSP exhibited differences in the type of toothbrushes they recommend (p < 0.0001). DSP recommended electric and manual toothbrushes (TB) equally. DH predominantly recommended electric TB (56.8%). Overall, 95% of DH, DSP and GD recommended interdental brushes, with no statistically significant differences between professions. Low concentration chlorhexidine was considered the most relevant antimicrobial agent for daily oral care of periodontitis patients. Half of GD prescribed antimicrobial mouthrinses for long-term use in 70%-100% of their patients with periodontitis.

CONCLUSION: EFP-affiliated practitioners allocate a significant amount of time to educating patients on oral health. Their practices are mostly in line with the current scientific evidence. Some discrepancies were found between the different professions. Similar surveys could be conducted over time to monitor the evolution of practices.

PMID:34259425 | DOI:10.3290/j.ohpd.b1749661

Oral Health Prev Dent. 2021 Jan 7;19(1):345-351. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b1694095.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of the brushing protocol on dentin wear by comparing continuous to intermittent brushing, with the same total time of brushing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin specimens (n = 120) were evently distributed into six groups (A-F). The samples were brushed with slurries of different relative dentin abrasivity (RDA): Groups A+B (Sident 2480-1; RDA 85), groups C+D (Zeodent 113; RDA 67), and groups E+F (Zeodent 103; RDA 174). Groups A+C+E were brushed continuously (25 min) with one slurry preparation, while groups B+D+F were brushed intermittently (25 x 1 min) with a renewal of the slurry after each sequence. Dentin wear was determined using surface profilometry and statistically analysed with ANOVA and post-hoc tests.

RESULTS: Neither the mode of brushing (p = 0.72) nor the interaction (p = 0.18) of the brushing mode with the type of abrasive particles had a significant influence on the abrasive dentin wear. Only the type of abrasive particles had a statistically significant influence on abrasive dentin wear (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The mode of brushing (continuously or intermittently) has no influence on abrasive dentin wear.

PMID:34259427 | DOI:10.3290/j.ohpd.b1694095

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2021 Jul 12;41(7):762-6. doi: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20200907-0004.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To observe the short-term and long-term effects of moxibustion on plaque psoriasis of blood stasis, and to compare the curative effect between moxibustion and calcipotriol ointment.

METHODS: A total of 80 patients with plaque psoriasis of blood stasis were randomly divided into an observation group (40 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (40 cases, 4 cases dropped off). Both groups were given routine medical vaseline topical emollient basic treatment. In the observation group, moxibustion was applied to ashi point (target skin lesions), Zusanli (ST 36), Xuehai (SP 10) and Qihai (CV 6) for 30 min each time, 3 times a week. The control group was treated with calcipotriol ointment (0.25 g each time, once in the morning and evening) on the target skin lesions. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score before and after treatment, main clinical symptoms of TCM score and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) score before and after treatment and 3 and 6 moths follow-up were observed in the two groups; the clinical efficacy after treatment was evaluated and the recurrence rates of the two groups were followed up for 3 and 6 months after treatment.

RESULTS: After treatment, the PASI scores in the both groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.01). After treatment and 3 and 6 months follow-up, the main clinical symptoms of TCM scores and DLQI scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and at 3 and 6 months follow-up, those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the observation group and the control group in overall effective rate and target skin lesion effective rate (P>0.05). At 3 and 6 months follow-up, the overall recurrence rate and target skin lesion recurrence rate in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Both moxibustion and calcipotriol ointment have good short-term effects on plaque psoriasis of blood stasis. Moxibustion has more advantages in reducing the recurrence rate of psoriasis, improving the main clinical symptoms of TCM and quality of life.

PMID:34259409 | DOI:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20200907-0004

Cancer Biol Med. 2021 Jul 14:j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0052. doi: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0052. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to retrospectively analyze the toxicity profiles and predictors of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) as well as the correlation between irAEs and the clinical efficacy of multi-type immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with advanced pan-cancer in a real-world setting.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 105 patients with advanced pan-cancer treated with multi-type ICIs at the First Hospital of Jilin University between January 1, 2016 and August 1, 2020. We used logistic regression analyses to investigate the associations of irAEs with clinical baseline characteristics, blood count parameters, and biochemical indicators during treatment. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine cutoff values for parameters and area under the curve values. KaplanMeier and Cox multivariate regression analyses were performed to estimate the relationships of baseline characteristics and irAEs with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS: A lower relative lymphocyte count (cutoff = 28.5%), higher albumin level (cutoff = 39.05 g/L), and higher absolute eosinophil count (AEC) (cutoff = 0.175 × 109/L) were significantly associated with the occurrence of irAEs, among which a higher AEC (cutoff = 0.205 × 109/L) was strongly associated with skin-related irAEs [odds ratios (ORs) = 0.163, P = 0.004]. Moreover, a higher lactate dehydrogenase level (cutoff = 237.5 U/L) was an independent predictor of irAEs of grade ≥ 3 (OR = 0.083, P = 0.023). In immune cell subgroup analysis, a lower absolute count of CD8⁺CD28^– suppressor T cells (OR = 0.806; 95% confidence interval: 0.643-1.011; P = 0.062), which are regulatory T lymphocytes, was associated with the occurrence of irAEs, although the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, a higher percentage of CD19⁺ B cells was associated with the occurrence of irAEs of grade ≥ 3 (P = 0.02) and grade ≥ 2 (P = 0.051). In addition, patients with any grade of irAE had a significantly high PFS (8.37 vs. 3.77 months, hazard ratios (HR) = 2.02, P = 0.0038) and OS (24.77 vs. 13.83 months, HR = 1.84; P = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study reports clinical profile data for irAEs in unselected patients in a real-world setting and explored some parameters that may be potential predictive markers of the occurrence, type, or grade of irAEs in clinical practice. Evidence of a correlation between safety and efficacy may facilitate a complete assessment of the risk-benefit ratio for patients treated with ICIs.

PMID:34259422 | DOI:10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0052

Zoonoses Public Health. 2021 Jul 14. doi: 10.1111/zph.12881. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Due to immunological susceptibility, close contact with the environment and way of life, indigenous communities are in a highly vulnerable condition to be affected by zoonoses, such as bartonellosis.

METHODS: Seventy three paired serum samples were collected from indigenous people from a region of the Brazilian Legal Amazon, in cohorts carried out in 2014 and 2015, with the performance of serological tests by indirect immunofluorescence to detect anti-Bartonella IgG antibodies. The interviews and laboratory results were double entered in the EpiInfo 7 software, and the data processing was performed in the MiniTab 17 software.

RESULTS: 5.47% of the indigenous people were seroreagent. The female gender was predominant (65.75%), aged between 20 and 39 years old (39.73%) with complete elementary school (42.47%). As for housing, wooden residences predominated (50.68%). Rodents were seen by 46.58% of the interviewees, and 55.88% of them reported that the animal was close to or inside the house. It was identified that each indigenous family, in its majority, had four to six cats, for the function of hunters of rodents.

CONCLUSION: The high concentration of domestic cats, the close contact of indigenous people with wild rodents and the lack of care and poor hygiene of both are aspects that imply the possibility of infection by Bartonella sp. Health surveillance through seroepidemiological studies is essential to find evidence of the circulation of bartonellosis in these populations.

PMID:34259394 | DOI:10.1111/zph.12881

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2021 Jul 12;41(7):721-4. doi: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20200704-k0001.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on chronic insomnia, and explore its possible mechanism.

METHODS: A total of 60 patients with chronic insomnia were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off ). The observation group was treated with Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (GV 29), Shenting (GV 24), etc. once every other day, 3 times a week. The control group was treated with estazolam tablets (1 mg) orally before going to bed every night. The treatments of both groups were required 4 weeks. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores, serum gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and cortisol (CORT) levels were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and the clinical effect was compared.

RESULTS: After treatment, the sleep quality, day dysfunction scores of PSQI in the observation group and the falling asleep time, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance scores and total scores of PSQI in the two groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment, the daytime dysfunction score of PSQI in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum GABA levels in the two groups were higher than before treatment (P<0.05), and the serum CORT levels were lower than before treatment (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 90% (27/30) in the observation group and 93.1% (27/29) in the control group, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture has the same effect as western medication estazolam tablets in the treatment of patients with chronic insomnia, and has little effect on daytime dysfunction. The mechanism may be related to the increase of serum GABA level and the inhibition of the hyperactivation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

PMID:34259401 | DOI:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20200704-k0001

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2021 Jul 14. doi: 10.1002/ccd.29870. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term outcomes of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS: A Retrospective cohort study of all adult patients who underwent PCI in a large tertiary care center from January 2002 to August 2020.

RESULTS: A total of 12,951 patients underwent PCI during the study period and were included in the cohort. The population of chronic inflammatory diseases includes 247 (1.9%) patients; 70 with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 173 with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD). The composite endpoint of mortality, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or admission due to acute heart failure was similar at 30 days and more frequent in the inflammatory disease group (42.8% in AIRD group, 35.7% in the IBD group and 29.6% in the noninflammatory group, p < 0.0001). The adjusted cox regression model found a statistically significant increased risk of the composite primary endpoints of around 40% for patients both with AIRD and IBD. Readmission due to ACS was also increases at 30 days in the AIRD group compared to the noninflammatory group (0.6% vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001) and 1 year (37.6% for the AIRD group, 34.3% in the IBD group and 25.5% in the noninflammatory group (p < 0.0001). Patients with inflammatory diseases were found to have a significantly increased risk congestive heart failure admissions at 1 year in a subgroup analysis of patients with myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSION: Patients with AIRD and IBD are at higher risk for cardiovascular events in long-term follow up once diagnosed with CAD and treated with PCI.

PMID:34259378 | DOI:10.1002/ccd.29870

J Int AIDS Soc. 2021 Jul;24(7):e25734. doi: 10.1002/jia2.25734.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Many children living with HIV (CLWH) display impaired cognition. Although early combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) produces improved cognitive outcomes, more long-term outcome data are needed. After concluding the Children with HIV Early antiRetroviral (CHER) trial in 2011, we investigated cognitive performance, at seven and nine years of age. Participants had been randomized to deferred ART (ART-Def; n = 22); immediate time-limited ART for 40 weeks (ART-40W; n = 30) and immediate time-limited ART for 96 weeks (ART-96W; n = 18). We also recruited HIV-exposed uninfected (CHEU; n = 28) and HIV-unexposed (CHU; n = 35) children.

METHODS: Data were collected between May 2012 and December 2017. Mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVAs assessed differences over time between CLWH (ART-40W, ART-96W and ART-Def) and CHIV- CHEU and CHU between ART-Early (ART-40W and ART-96W), ART-Def, CHEU and CHU; and between ART-40W, ART-96W, ART-Def, CHEU and CHU.

RESULTS: All comparisons found significant effects of Time for most outcome variables (better scores at nine than at seven years; ps < 0.05). The first ANOVAs found that for (a) motor dexterity, CLWH performed worse than CHIV- at seven years (p < 0.001) but improved to equivalence at nine years, (b) visual-spatial processing and problem solving, only CLWH (p < 0.04) showed significant performance improvement over time and (c) working memory and executive function, CLWH performed worse than CHIV- at both seven and nine years (p = 0.03 and 0.04). The second ANOVAs found that for (a) working memory, CHU performed better than ART-Early and CHEU (p < 0.01 and <0.04), and (b) motor dexterity, ART-Def performed worse than ART-Early, CHEU and CHU at seven years (p = 0.02, <0.001 and <0.001 respectively) but improved to equivalence at nine years (ps > 0.17). Similarly, for motor dexterity, ART-Def performed worse than ART-96W, CHEU and CHU at seven years (p < 0.04, <0.001 and <0.001) but improved to equivalence at nine years (ps > 0.20).

CONCLUSIONS: Although neurocognitive developmental trajectories for treatment groups and controls were largely similar (i.e. performance improvements from 7 to 9), all ART-treated children, regardless of treatment arm, remain at risk for cognitive deficits over early school ages. Although the nature of these deficits may change as cognitive development proceeds, there are potential negative consequences for these children’s future learning, reasoning and adaptive functioning.

PMID:34259393 | DOI:10.1002/jia2.25734