Tag: statistics

Psychiatr Danub. 2021 Summer;33(2):240-247. doi: 10.24869/psyd.2021.240.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic process caused many physiological and psychological effects on individuals. This study aims to examine the ruminative thinking and alexithymia levels of people in the COVID-19 pandemic process.

METHODS: The descriptive, cross-sectional, and the correlational designed study was conducted with 852 people in ?stanbulTurkey during the COVID-19 pandemic process between March and May 2020. The data of the research was collected with the Sociodemographic Form Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Ruminative Thought Style Questionnaire.

RESULTS: It was found that the average of ruminative thought score of the people was 92.49±19.89 and the alexithymia score average was 71.76±13.70. A positive and significant relationship was found between the Ruminative Thought Style Questionnaire and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and subscale scores (p<0.05). According to the results, ruminative thinking levels were affected by 12% alexithymia level and 9% time spent on conversation. A statistically significant relationship was found between rumination, alexithymia, and its sub-dimensions and the number of times people spend for conversation during the day and the number of people they live with (p<0.05). It was determined that those living with family/friends were lower than those who were alone, and those with good communication in relationships had lower rumination and alexithymia (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Care should be taken against alexithymia and rumination during the COVID-19 pandemic process, and attention should be given to interpersonal relationships, conversation, and communication in the quarantine process.

PMID:34185756 | DOI:10.24869/psyd.2021.240

Cancer Res. 2021 Jun 21:canres.CAN-20-3334-A.2020. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-20-3334. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common cancers, with a global increase in incidence rate for both genders. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration is the current gold standard to diagnose thyroid cancers, but the results are inaccurate, leading to repeated biopsies and unnecessary surgeries. To reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies, we explored the use of multiparametric photoacoustic (PA) analysis in combination with the American Thyroid Association (ATA) Guideline (ATAP). In this study, we performed in vivo multispectral PA imaging on thyroid nodules from 52 patients, comprising 23 papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and 29 benign cases. From the multispectral PA data, we calculated hemoglobin oxygen saturation level in the nodule area, then classified the PTC and benign nodules with multiparametric analysis. Statistical analyses showed that this multiparametric analysis of multispectral PA responses could classify PTC nodules. Combining the photoacoustically indicated probability of PTC and the ATAP led to a new scoring method that achieved a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 93%. This study is the first multiparametric analysis of multispectral PA data of thyroid nodules with statistical significance. As a proof of concept, the results show that the proposed new ATAP scoring can help physicians examine thyroid nodules for fine-needle aspiration biopsy, thus reducing unnecessary biopsies.

PMID:34185675 | DOI:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-20-3334

Gen Dent. 2021 Jul-Aug;69(4):28-34.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of smartphone and tablet displays for the detection of incipient caries on bitewing radiographs. Forty-six digital bitewing radiographs with a total of 1656 unrestored, readable surfaces were evaluated. The included surfaces extended from the distal surface of each canine to the last posterior contact in each arch. The evaluation excluded nonreadable proximal surfaces. The gold standard for the presence or absence of incipient caries was the consensus of 2 expert oral and maxillofacial radiologists with 15 and 30 years of experience. The radiographs were then independently reevaluated by 2 other professionals with a master’s degree in dentistry with an emphasis on oral radiology with more than 5 years of experience (observers 1 and 2). Observers 1 and 2 performed the reevaluations using a notebook computer (Pavilion dm1) with a calibrated LCD monitor as well as 2 smartphones (iPhone 6s and Galaxy Gran2 Duos) and 2 tablet computers (iPad and Galaxy Tab). The presence or absence of incipient dental caries was classified according to the following scale: 1, definitely present; 2, probably present; 3, uncertain; 4, probably absent; and 5, definitely absent. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the accuracy of the diagnoses established by operators 1 and 2. The areas under the ROC curves (A_z) were compared with the binomial exact test at a significance level of 5%. The mean A_z values for the Pavilion dm1 (0.948), iPhone 6s (0.944), Galaxy Gran2 Duos (0.916), iPad (0.949), and Galaxy Tab (0.950) did not present statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The results suggest that all of the displays used in this study have statistically similar accuracy and can be used to detect incipient caries on bitewing radiographs.

PMID:34185665

Gen Dent. 2021 Jul-Aug;69(4):46-52.

ABSTRACT

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a painful disorder characterized by severe burning in the oral cavity in the absence of clinical signs. In this case-control study, 60 patients were allocated to 3 groups: patients with BMS, patients with benign changes in the oral cavity (anxiety [positive] control group), or healthy patients (negative control group). A visual analog scale (VAS), Beck Anxiety and Depression inventories, Lipp Stress Symptoms Inventory, Xerostomia Inventory-Dutch Version, and a BMS questionnaire were used. Statistical analyses (P < 0.05) were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn post hoc, Pearson chi-square, Fisher exact, and multinomial logistic regression tests. Most of the patients were female. The BMS group had more patients who were older than 60 years (P = 0.008), more patients with high VAS scores (P < 0.001), and more patients with moderate or severe anxiety (P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0.001) than the 2 control groups. Patients in the BMS group also had higher rates of stress during the alarm (P = 0.003), resistance (P < 0.001), and exhaustion phases (P < 0.001). All patients with BMS reported burning and xerostomia, 90% reported a feeling of dry mouth, and 80% reported a change in taste; these values were significantly higher than those in the control groups (P < 0.001). Anxiety was independently associated with a 123.80 times greater risk of having BMS (P = 0.004). Psychological factors are directly associated with BMS, and anxiety is the most important of these factor.

PMID:34185668

Gen Dent. 2021 Jul-Aug;69(4):64-69.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate how patients with dentofacial deficiency who have undergone orthognathic surgery perceive their quality of life (QoL) with respect to functional, esthetic, and psychosocial issues. In an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative study, 10 patients who had undergone orthognathic surgery answered questionnaires used internationally for assessing QoL: the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14), and Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ). In addition, the patients completed the Self-Perception Questionnaire of Esteem, Appearance, and Interpersonal Relationships (ASR-26), which explored the differences between their current self-esteem, appearance satisfaction, and interpersonal relationships and their memories of their presurgical feelings about those topics. The data were submitted to descriptive and multivariable statistical analyses. There was a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative periods regarding self-esteem, appearance satisfaction, and professional relationships (P < 0.05). The data collected with the SF-36, OHIP-14, and OQLQ questionnaires showed high internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient). The index (mean) scores for the SF-36 (81.5), OHIP-14 (0.6), and OQLQ (5.0) were close to the conditions of high QoL. Principal component analysis revealed 3 distinct groups of patients, and 70% of patients composed a group with high QoL scores, showing no complaints of physical pain, functional limitation, psychological discomfort, social disability, or excessive concern about their oral condition. In this small sample of patients, orthognathic surgery resulted in improved health-related QoL with variations among patients regarding physical pain, psychological discomfort, oral function, facial esthetics, physical function, social function, and self-awareness of facial deformity. The results of this study indicate the importance of applying a questionnaire in individuals who have undergone orthognathic surgery to investigate their personal motivations for treatment and which physical, social, and psychological problems are limiting their QoL.

PMID:34185671

Gen Dent. 2021 Jul-Aug;69(4):19-26.

ABSTRACT

The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of a mucoadhesive tablet of pilocarpine, 5 mg, for the treatment of xerostomia and verify its pharmacokinetic profile. The randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial involved 25 older adults (60 to 80 years) with xerostomia and hyposalivation who were randomly divided into groups A and B. Once daily, for 7 days, group A used a mucoadhesive tablet containing pilocarpine, while group B used a mucoadhesive tablet without the active ingredient (first intervention). After 7 days of washout (no treatment), use of the medications resumed for 7 days, with a crossover between groups (second intervention). Xerostomia was evaluated through a shortened version of the Summated Xerostomia Inventory-Dutch Version, and the unstimulated salivary flow (USF) and stimulated salivary flow (SSF) of the patients were measured. The patients were evaluated at baseline and 7, 14, and 21 days. Then, the pharmacokinetic profiles of mucoadhesive and conventional oral pilocarpine tablets were compared using saliva obtained from 8 patients. Both of the interventions resulted in a significant reduction in Summated Xerostomia Inventory scores and a significant increase in the mean USF (P < 0.05). A statistically significant increase in the mean SSF only occurred when pilocarpine was administered (P < 0.05). No significant adverse effects were found. The mucoadhesive tablet resulted in much higher salivary concentrations of pilocarpine than did the conventional oral tablet. Both formulations of the mucoadhesive tablet, with or without pilocarpine, relieved patients’ dry mouth symptoms. Trial registration: Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos (ReBEC) No. RBR-9qdnws.

PMID:34185664

BDJ Open. 2021 Jun 28;7(1):24. doi: 10.1038/s41405-021-00079-0.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To access the awareness of dental practitioners of Nepal towards COVID-19 transmission through aerosols.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 384 dentists from all over Nepal and was conducted for a period of 3 months. A self-reported online questionnaire was developed using Google forms and the link was shared. It emphasized the awareness related to the aerosol and ventilation system in their daily practices was prepared. The data were analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 software.

RESULTS: The majority of participants were female 52.9% (n = 203) and within the age groups of <30 years 57% (n = 219). Participants from Bagmati Province were 60.4% (n = 232), with least from Sudurpaschim Province 0.5% (n = 2). 60% of participants provided only emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic and few (7%) provided consultations via telephone. The current ventilation system used was a well-ventilated room with open windows 65.4% (n = 251). However, 52.8% (n = 203) preferred specialized operatory incorporating high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and ultraviolet (UV) light. More than 60% of respondents were unaware of the particle size of the aerosol.

CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results signify the need for the proper ventilation system with appropriate air filtration systems in dental clinical setups.

PMID:34183657 | DOI:10.1038/s41405-021-00079-0

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2021 Jun 28. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001383. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between comorbid obesity/overweight and cold executive functions, verbal short-term memory, and learning in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Our study was conducted on 100 drug-naive participants, including 70 patients with ADHD and 30 healthy controls. In our study, patients diagnosed with ADHD were divided into two groups according to body mass index as above the 85th percentile and at or below the 85th percentile. Cold executive functions were evaluated by the Stroop Test (ST) and Cancellation Test (CT). Serial Digit Learning Test (SDLT) was administered to measure verbal short-term memory and learning capacity. To evaluate the severity of ADHD objectively, the parents completed the Conners’ Parents Rating Scale-Revised Short Version (CPRS-RS). There was no statistically significant difference in ST, SDLT, CT scores, and CPRS-RS subscale scores between the two groups with ADHD. This study show that overweight/obesity comorbid with ADHD may not be associated with cold executive functions, verbal short-term memory, learning, or ADHD symptom severity.

PMID:34183623 | DOI:10.1097/NMD.0000000000001383

J Craniofac Surg. 2021 Jun 28. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000007731. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Identify variations of skull base measurements in individuals with dentofacial deformities associated or not with cleft lip and palate and compare the results with individuals without dentofacial deformities.

METHODS AND RESULTS: The individuals were categorized into three different groups: dentofacial deformity without cleft malformation, dentofacial deformity associated with cleft lip and palate, and without facial deformity. The inclusion criteria were individuals over 18 years of age, without any intervention involving facial bones or structures of interest for the study and field of view encompassing from the glabella to the hyoid bone. Poor quality CT scans or lack of adequate medical records were considered exclusion criteria. In the analysis by computerized tomography using the Dolphin Imaging Software, the length determined by the Ba-S and S-N lines was evaluated, as well as the Ba-S-N angle formed by landmarks.

RESULTS: The length of S-N was not statistically different between the groups, the Ba-S length and the Ba-S-N angle demonstrated statistical difference.

CONCLUSION: There was statistically significant difference in the morphometry of the (Ba-S) between groups (FS) and (C). This suggests that the standard values for cephalometric analyzes involving these structures, especially to determine the treatment planning, should be used with caution.

PMID:34183626 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000007731

J Nurs Res. 2021 Jun 28. doi: 10.1097/JNR.0000000000000444. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Falls are a major hazard for elderly patients with schizophrenia. As patients with schizophrenia may experience a more-accelerated rate of physical aging than the overall elderly population, the risk of falls may emerge during the late middle-age period in this population. Furthermore, the risk of falls is affected by multiple, interrelated risk factors.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to capture the complexity of the risk of falls in patients with schizophrenia. A cross-sectional approach was used to apply classification and regression tree (CART) analysis to generate a clinical decision path to identify the risk factors of recurrent falls in late middle-aged and older patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS: Two hundred ninety-one patients aged 55 years or older were recruited from psychiatric halfway houses for assessment. Frailty, physical functional performance, depressive severity, cognitive function, and level of fatigue were measured, respectively, using the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Frailty Index, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), and Chinese version of the Fatigue Severity Scale. The variables that were statistically significant were further analyzed using CART analysis.

RESULTS: The overall proportion of recurrent fallers in this study was 19.2%. CART analysis revealed eight end groups and identified four predictors: frailty, physical functional performance, cognitive function, and sex. The most prominent condition for recurrent fallers was frailty, present in 57.1% of the frail participants. In the nonfrail group (both prefrail and robust), participants with an SPPB score of less than 10 had a 29.7% chance of being a recurrent faller versus 13.6% for those with an SPPB score of 10 or more. Furthermore, an SPMSQ score of 7 was the next-best split among participants without frailty, with an SPPB score of 10 or more. Finally, among participants without frailty and with an SPPB score of 10 or more and an SPMSQ score of more than 7, the proportion of recurrent fallers was higher in women than men.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that assessing frailty status may be an effective, first-step approach to identifying schizophrenic patients at an increased risk of recurrent falls. Among patients with prefrailty or robust status, an SPPB score cutoff of 10, an SPMSQ score cutoff of 7, and being female may be used sequentially to identify individuals at a heightened risk of recurrent falls.

PMID:34183567 | DOI:10.1097/JNR.0000000000000444