Interferon-Gamma (IFNg) +874A/T Polymorphism Does Not Significantly Affect the Severity of Periodontitis

Abstract Objectives Interferon-gamma (IFNg) is an immune-regulatory cytokine with a role in host responses to periodontitis. Genetic factors have been reported to modify the corresponding protein expression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association and role of IFNg polymorphisms, such as IFNg +874 A/T, and the susceptibility to periodontitis. Materials and Methods A total of 100 unrelated subjects were included in the present study. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was obtained from peripheral blood of 43 patients with mild periodontitis and 57 patients with severe periodontitis. The determined clinical parameters of periodontitis included probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and papilla bleeding index. The oral hygiene indicators were also assessed. The level of IFNg was determined from the gingival crevicular fluid by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The IFNg +874 A/T polymorphisms were analyzed from peripheral blood by the method of restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction. Statistical Analysis Statistical analysis of the results was conducted using chi-squared testing for categorical data. Independent t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for numeric data. Kruskal–Wallis testing was used to compare genotypes concerning for IFNg +874 A/T polymorphism. A p-value < 0.05 was assumed for statistical significance. Results Analysis of the IFNg +874 A/T polymorphism showed no significant differences with the level of IFNg. No significant differences were observed either in IFNg +874 A/T polymorphism between the subjects with mild periodontitis and those with severe periodontitis (p > 0.05). The subjects with severe periodontitis showed marginally but not significantly higher levels of IFNg compared with subjects with mild periodontitis (p > 0.05). Conclusion The polymorphism of IFNg +874 A/T was not associated with the level of IFNg nor with the risk of periodontitis in this study.

Download Full-text

Influence of Ceramic Lumineers on Inflammatory Periodontal Parameters and Gingival Crevicular Fluid IL-6 and TNF-α Levels—A Clinical Trial

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11062829 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 2829

Author(s):

Ali Alrahlah ◽

Manea Altwaim ◽

Abdulaziz Alshuwaier ◽

Malik Eldesouky ◽

Khaled M. Alzahrani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Flow Rate ◽

Gingival Crevicular Fluid ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Periodontal Pocket ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Pocket Depth ◽

Clinical Attachment Loss ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Crevicular Fluid

The aim was to evaluate the effect of ceramic lumineers on inflammatory periodontal parameters, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) flow rate and cytokine profile. Patients were provided with lumineers using standardized technique including minimal to no preparation. Ceramic lumineers were etched with hydrofluoric acid and teeth with phosphoric acid followed by adhesive cementation. Periodontal parameters (Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL)) were recorded at baseline and after 4, 12, and 24 weeks of lumineer cementation. Assessment of GCF flow rate and levels of IL-6 and TNF-α was made using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The statistical significance was determined by the t-test, analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey’s test. It was found that PI, BOP, PPD, and CAL at baseline and 24 weeks were comparable (p > 0.05). The GCF volume at baseline was comparable to the GCF at week 24 (p > 0.05). The IL-6 levels at baseline (5.4 ± 3.6) were similar to those at 24 week (7.4 ± 5.2) (p > 0.05). The TNF-α at week 4 (65.3 ± 16.2), 12 (25 ± 10.2), and 24 (21.3 ± 7.6) was higher than the baseline (13.7 ± 5.8) (p < 0.05). Clinical periodontal parameters and GCF volume among patients treated with ceramic lumineers at baseline and twenty-four week follow-up were comparable. The GCF TNF-α levels significantly increased after ceramic lumineer cementation at 24-week follow-up.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of human Brucellosis and associated risk factors among high-risk occupations in Mbeya Region of Tanzania

Journal of Epidemiological Research ◽

10.5430/jer.v6n1p1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Frederick D. Sagamiko ◽

Ruth L. Mfune ◽

Bernard M. Hang’ombe ◽

Esron D. Karimuribo ◽

Alfred M. Mwanza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Raw Milk ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Human Brucellosis ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Occupationally Exposed ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Background: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease of public health and economic importance. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbeya region between November 2015 and January 2016 to investigate the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and identify associated risk factors among individuals in risky occupations. Methods: A total of 425 humans from six occupational categories were serially tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA), for screening and confirmation, respectively. A questionnaire survey was also administered to participants to collect epidemiological data. Results: The overall seroprevalence among the occupationally exposed individuals was 1.41% (95% CI: 00.64-3.12). Seroprevalence was higher among butcher men 5.6% (95% CI: 1.68-5.26), herds men 1.35% (95% CI: 0.18-9.02); and abattoir workers 1.1% (95% CI: 0.26-4.22) although there was no statistical significance. (P value = .18). Seroprevalence was also higher among men (1.8%) compared to females (0%) (P value = .19). and also, among those aged < 11 years (2.5%). Individuals who consumed raw milk had a higher seroprevalence (1.56%) compared to those who drunk boiled milk while seropositivity was 0.88% among those who assisted animals during parturition (P value = .49). Butcher men were at higher risk of exposure compared to other occupational categories. Our findings show the presence of brucellosis in occupationally exposed individuals in Mbeya region.Conclusion: There is need to sensitize the concerned professions in order to reduce the risk of acquiring Brucella infections from animals and animal products This also calls for public health awareness about the disease, and implementation of measures to prevent further spread of brucellosis within and outside the study area.

Download Full-text

Referring crown-to-root ratio and root surface area to assess periodontitis severity and prognosis

10.21203/rs.2.16036/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Hsiang-Hsi Hong ◽

Chao-Hua Liang ◽

Chung-Chieh Chang ◽

Ying-Chin Peng ◽

Heng-Liang Liu

Keyword(s):

Surface Area ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Root Surface ◽

Good Prognosis ◽

Root Surface Area ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Clinical Attachment Loss ◽

Attachment Loss ◽

Severe Periodontitis ◽

Tissue Attachment

Abstract Background: Whether the linear crown-to-root ratio (CRR) decided by 3D and 2D clinical attachment loss (CAL) can be applied to evaluate the periodontitis severity and tooth prognosis was rarely examined. Materials: Sixty-six mandibular and maxillary single-rooted human premolars were surveyed by micro-computed tomography. CRRs at the levels of defined mild, moderate and severe periodontitis severity were analyzed. Statistical significance was confirmed by t -testes. Results: Along with the definitions, both the findings of coronal 25% root surface area (RSA) with CRR=1:1 corresponded to ≤3.0 mm linear radiographic bone loss (L-RBL) and 20% RSA with CRR=4:5 at L-RBL=1.6‒1.9 mm signified ≤15% L-RBL were categorized as mild periodontitis. Similarly, the results of coronal RSA≤52% with CRR≤3:2 at L-RBL≤5.0 mm and RSA=40% with CRR=5:4 at 4.0 mm L-RBL denoted 30% L-RBL were characterized moderate periodontitis. Additionally, relying on whether a 1.0mm connective tissue attachment (CTA) was included, CRR=1:1 at 25% L-RBL or CRR=4:3 at 35% L-RBL corresponded to a 25% clinical attachment loss (CAL), which could be used to distinguish a fair prognosis from a good prognosis. Either the level with 50% L-RBL at CRR=2:1, or the level with 50% CAL and 60% L-RBL at CRR=5:2 could be applied to differentiate a poor prognosis from a questionable prognosis. Conclusions: The periodontitis severity and tooth prognosis defined by 2015 academic classification could be evaluated according to a range of corresponding RSAs and CRRs. The length and morphology of the tapered roots and decreasing CTA enclosure partially explained the findings.

Download Full-text

S100A8 and S100A9 in saliva, blood and gingival crevicular fluid for screening periodontitis: a cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-59398/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hyun-Duck Kim ◽

Sandeep Karna ◽

YooJin Shin ◽

Huong Vu ◽

Hyun-Jae Cho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gingival Crevicular Fluid ◽

Characteristic Curve ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Early Screening ◽

Clinical Attachment Loss ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Crevicular Fluid ◽

Healthy Participants

Abstract Background: Periodontitis is one of major oral diseases, which has no consensus on early screening tool. This study aimed to compare the association and screening ability of S100A8 and S100A9 in saliva, blood and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) for periodontitis.Methods: We recruited 149 community Koreans, 50 healthy and 99 periodontitis. Using clinical attachment loss and a panoramic radiograph, stage II-IV of new classification of periodontitis proposed at 2018 was considered as periodontitis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to quantify S100A8 and S100A9. T-test, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), Mann-Whitney test and correlation analysis were applied to compare the relationship of S100A8 and S100A9 in saliva, blood, and GCF for periodontitis. Receiver operating characteristic curve was applied for screening ability.Results: Among S100A8 and S100A9 in saliva, blood and GCF, S100A8 in saliva was significantly higher in periodontitis participants than in healthy participants (p<0.05) and showed highest screening ability of 0.73 for periodontitis. However, S100A8 and S100A9 in GCF were significantly higher in healthy participants (p<0.05). Salivary S100A8 was positively correlated to blood S100A8 (r=0.21, p <0.05).Conclusion: Salivary S100A8 could be a potential diagnostic marker for periodontitis. Thus, S100A8 salivary kit will be useful for screening periodontitis.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of Chikungunya (CHIK) Infection during Non Epidemic Periods in Chennai, Southern India

JOURNAL FOR CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH ◽

10.7860/jcdr/2021/50545.15349 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kaliyamoorthy Kayalvili ◽

Murugan Duraivel ◽

Elangovan Nivedhitha ◽

Subramanian Arul Selvan

Keyword(s):

Disease Transmission ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Southern India ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

P Value ◽

Chi Square ◽

Monsoon Period ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Igm Antibody

Introduction: Chikungunya (CHIK) infection has caused many outbreaks in India with more than 13 lac people affected by the disease. Epidemics of CHIK infection occur during post monsoon period when there is a high vector density. Evidences on the prevalence of CHIK infection during non epidemic periods are limited. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of CHIK infection during non epidemic periods among patients attending fever clinic in Chennai, Southern India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in 180 suspected cases of CHIK infection between the months of September 2014 and February 2015. A 5 mL of blood samples were collected from the suspected cases and serum was separated to detect for the presence of CHIK-IgM antibody by using CHIK-IgM antibody capture Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Chi-square test was done to find out the statistical significance with p-value <0.05 kept as statistically significant. Results: The seroprevalence of CHIK infection during non epidemic periods was found to be 5.5% (10/180). Fever and joint pain were the major complaints present in all the study population. All the seronegative cases were tested for the presence of other infections and it was found that 13% were positive for typhoid, 9% were positive for leptospirosis, 4% for malaria and 2% for dengue infections. Conclusion: There are no vaccines or specific medications available till date. Prevention is the only effective approach against the disease. Even though the prevalence of CHIK infection is low during non epidemic periods, strict vector control and elimination of mosquito breeding sites are very important in controlling the disease transmission.

Download Full-text

Comparison of Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid around Dental Implants with Ceramic and Titanium Abutments

The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice ◽

10.5005/jp-journals-10024-2135 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 831-836

Author(s):

Ramin Negahdari ◽

Mahdi Rahbar ◽

Vahid Fakhrzadeh ◽

Hosein Eslami ◽

Taleb Akbari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dental Implants ◽

Proinflammatory Cytokine ◽

Gingival Crevicular Fluid ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Titanium Implants ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Cytokine Levels ◽

Biologic Response ◽

Ceramic Implants ◽

Crevicular Fluid

ABSTRACT Background Considering the high success rate of osseointegration, there is ever-increasing use of dental implants. The mechanisms and biologic response of peri-implant tissues are different depending on the biocompatibility of the implant material. The aim of this study was to compare the proinflammatory cytokine levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) around dental implants with ceramic and titanium abutments. Materials and methods All the patients with dental implants referring to two private offices of two prosthodontists from June to August 2016 were examined in relation to implant health, and eligible subjects, based on inclusion criteria, were included in this study with a slit-mouth design. In this context, on one side titanium implants and, on the other side, ceramic implants were used. Samples were collected from the peri-implant sulcus in each patient and sent to the immunology laboratory for determination of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β proinflammatory cytokine levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The results showed lower levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the GCF around ceramic abutments compared with titanium implants. In addition, statistical comparison between IL-6 and IL-1β levels showed higher levels of IL-6 around titanium and ceramic abutments compared with IL-1β levels. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, the human body immune response to ceramic abutments is much better than that to titanium implants. Clinical significance Considering that proinflammatory cytokine levels in GCF around ceramic abutments are lower than titanium ones, ceramic abutments are preferred for clinical usage. How to cite this article Negahdari R, Rahbar M, Fakhrzadeh V, Eslami H, Akbari T, Bohluli S. Comparison of Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid around Dental Implants with Ceramic and Titanium Abutments. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(9):831-836.

Download Full-text

Μελέτη της επίδρασης της βακτηριακής αλλόθεσης στην μετεγχειρητική πορεία και την απώτερη πρόγνωση ασθενών με καρκίνο του παχέος εντέρου

10.12681/eadd/42060 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Δημήτριος Κεραμιδάρης

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Bacterial Translocation ◽

Peritoneal Fluid ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Disease Free Survival ◽

Distant Metastases ◽

Disease Recurrence ◽

P Value

Introduction: Bacterial translocation is defined as the passage of live bacteria or theirconstituents from the gastrointestinal tract in extraintestinal sites. The importance ofbacterial translocation in colorectal cancer patients remains controversial. This studyinvestigates the association of bacterial translocation with long-term prognosis ofpatients with colorectal cancer. Additionally this study examines the predictive valueof serum procalcitonin measurement in patients with colorectal cancer.Material and Methods: This prospective study enrolled 54 consecutive patients withhistologically confirmed colorectal cancer. After receipt of patient's consent patientdemographics and clinical and pathological features of the disease were documented.Moreover, the value of serum procalcitonin, WBC, ESR and CRP were measured in ablood sample. In the operating room, immediately after laparotomy and before anysurgical manipulation irrigation of the peritoneal cavity with 100cc N / S 0.9% wasperformed and the washing was collected and sent for culture to determine thepossible presence of bacteria.Postoperatively, patients were followed for 60 days, during which all postoperativecomplications were recorded. Furthermore, long term overall survival and diseasefreesurvival were recorded.All statistical analyzes were performed with the statistical package SPSS. The p-value<0.05 was determined as statistically significant level of difference but we alsorecorded marginally significant statistical differences (0.05 <P <0.1).Results: The study included 32 men and 22 women with a mean age of 71 ± 11.02years . The median duration of hospitalization was 11 days , 35 % had complicationsduring hospitalization and 4% resulted in death. The cultures of the peritoneal lavagefluid was positive in 11% of patients with isolation Gram positive in 67% and Gramnegative pathogenic microorganism in 33%. Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between the culture of the peritoneal fluid and patientcharacteristics, clinical course, characteristics of the tumors and the levels of whiteblood cells , ESR , CRP, PCT and CEAThe analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the PCT andinflammatory markers (WBC, CRP, TKE) and the tumor marker CEA (p <0.05).Patients with distant metastases had significantly higher levels of PCT (0.074compared to 0.043 mg / L) compared to patients without metastases (p <0.05).Marginal statistical significance was found between the PCT and the degree ofdifferentiation (p = 0.09) The median follow up was 46 [ 22, 55 ] months . Duringfollow-up of patients 45.5 % had disease recurrence and 43.6 % died.The statistical analysis did not show the presence of significant correlation betweenthe result of the culture of the peritoneal fluid, and the overall and disease-freesurvival. The Kaplan-Meier survival showed a trend towards a shorter overallsurvival in patients with elevated levels of PCT No statistically significant correlationbetween the levels PCT and disease-free survival of patients was foundConclusion: The results of this study showed that bacterial translocation is relativelyfrequent in colorectal cancer and Procalcitonin is a useful biomarker for theinvestigation of patients with colorectal cancer. The clinical significance of bacterialtranslocation in patients with colorectal cancer is minimal as is not correlated withprognosis.

Download Full-text

Comparing Platelet Loss in 2 Common Apheresis Machines for Collecting Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC).

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v106.11.5261.5261 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 106 (11) ◽

pp. 5261-5261

Author(s):

Ping Law ◽

Fathalha Yasir ◽

Joanna K.Y. Mah ◽

Teck Guan Soh ◽

Susan T.T. Lim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Peripheral Blood ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Autologous Transplantation ◽

Blood Platelet ◽

P Value ◽

Peripheral Blood Stem Cells ◽

Cd34 Cells ◽

Blood Stem Cells ◽

Student’S T ◽

Automated Procedures

Abstract Chemotherapy together with G-CSF is commonly used to mobilize patients prior to leukapheresis (LP) of PBSC for autologous transplantation. For many patients, peripheral blood platelet counts (PLT) were below 75,000/μl when LP was initiated. Minimizing PLT loss is an important consideration, especially for these patients. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to compare PLT loss during LP for autologous PBSC in two common apheresis machines (Baxter Amicus and Cobe Spectra). Between August 2004 and May 2005, 57 autologous PBSC products were collected from 28 adult patients (weight > 40 kg) with results (mean ± SD) summarized in Table 1. LP were collected using automated procedures and 3 times blood volume was processed. Collection efficiencies (EFF) were calculated as total cells (CD34+ or PLT) in product divided by the circulating count prior to LP times processed volume. Statistical significance was determined by unpaired Student’s t-test. There were no significant differences (p > 0.1) (NS) in patient age, weight, CD34+ cell count (data not shown) and PLT count prior to LP. There were also no differences in the proportion and the total CD34+ cells in the PBSC products collected by either machines. While both devices collected CD34+ cells with similar EFF (data not shown), the Amicus PBSC products have a trend (p = 0.08 and 0.07 when all LP or only those initiated with PLT count below 75,000/μl, respectively)towards a smaller volume (VOL) and contained significantly (p < 0.05) fewer PLT than those collected by Spectra. The PLT EFF was also significantly lower with Amicus, indicating a smaller PLT loss. The same findings were observed whether all LP or only those LP initiated with low PLT counts (< 75, 000/μl) were considered. Our results showed that lower PLT loss is achieved with Amicus during autologous PBSC collection. The machine would be more appropriate for collecting patients with low PLT counts. Table 1: PLT Loss during Autologous PBSC Collection in Amicus or Spectra N Pre LP PLT (x103/μ l) LP VOL (ml) LP Total PLT (x1010) PLT EFF (%) ALL LP Spectra 17 49.5 ± 20.2 178.0 ± 41.7 8.7 ± 3.5 17.6 ± 16.9 Amicus 40 57.0 ± 32.9 164.5 ± 16.5 6.8 ± 2.6 8.4 ± 4.1 p value NS ≤ 0.08 ≤0.05 ≤0.05 Low PLT Spectra 17 49.5 ± 20.2 178.0 ± 41.7 8.7 ± 3.5 17.6 ± 16.9 Amicus 35 46.8 ± 15.4 162.9 ± 16.8 6.5 ± 2.4 9.0 ± 3.9 p value NS 0.07 ≤ 0.05 ≤ 0.05

Download Full-text

Prevalence of autoimmune conditions in patients with marginal zone lymphoma: Exploratory analysis of a series of consecutive patients.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.e18543 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e18543-e18543

Author(s):

Joanna Grabska ◽

Bruno Bockorny ◽

Ion Codreanu ◽

Prerna Mewawalla ◽

Constantin Dasanu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

General Population ◽

Marginal Zone ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Hashimoto Thyroiditis ◽

Outpatient Setting ◽

Autoimmune Disorders ◽

Marginal Zone Lymphoma ◽

P Value ◽

Autoimmune Conditions

e18543 Background: Recent literature suggests that an association exists between marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and certain autoimmune conditions. Furthermore, MZL and autoimmune diseases may share same pathogenesis in these patients. The present study was set to identify the prevalence of autoimmune phenomena in MZL patients and compare it with same in general population. Methods: We conducted both retrospective and prospective analyses in a series of consecutive patients (n=24) with MZL that had been followed in outpatient setting. Median age was 71.8 years (range, 50-96). Records were reviewed for the presence of autoimmune abnormalities; length of the prospective analysis segment was ~24 months. Prevalence of autoimmune disorders in our cohort was compared to their respective prevalence in general population. Statistical analysis: The obtained values were tested for statistical significance using Fisher’s exact test for small number of observations (95% confidence); a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 50% patients included in our study had documented autoimmune conditions. Identified autoimmune disorders included Hashimoto thyroiditis (n=5), immune thrombocytopenia [ITP] (n=4), rheumatoid arthritis [RA] (n=1), Raynaud's phenomena (n=1), psoriasis (n=1), and autoimmune hemolytic anemia [AIHA] (n=1). Statistical analysis showed the following significance: Hashimoto thyroiditis (p=0.037), ITP (p<0.01), AIHA (p<0.01), RA(p=0.351), psoriasis (p=0.479), and Raynaud's phenomena (p=0.666). Conclusions: Circa half of MZL patients also have autoimmune conditions, thus significantly exceeding the overall prevalence in general population. Statistically significant differences in our MZL patients were recorded for Hashimoto thyroiditis, ITP, and AIHA. When compared to the prevalence in general population, the difference did not reach statistical significance for RA, psoriasis, and Raynaud's phenomena. However, this may be related to the relatively small size of the analyzed cohort. Therefore, larger studies would be useful before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of Hemodynamically Significant Internal Carotid Artery Disease Based on the Signs of the Zodiac

Journal for Vascular Ultrasound ◽

10.1177/1544316718795264 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 42 (3) ◽

pp. 120-122

Author(s):

Natalie Andrews ◽

Abraham Ettaher ◽

Robert Scissons ◽

David Paolini

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Carotid Artery ◽

Internal Carotid Artery ◽

Internal Carotid ◽

Carotid Artery Disease ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

P Value ◽

Fisher Exact Test ◽

Exact Test ◽

Vascular Ultrasound

Vascular sonography requires a basic understanding of statistical concepts used to evaluate exam efficacy. Statistical analysis, however, is often viewed as intimidating and dull. To make this subject less threatening and more interesting, our vascular ultrasound class investigated the prevalence of hemodynamically significant internal carotid artery (ICA) disease based on signs of the zodiac. Randomly selected carotid ultrasound patients were obtained from an accredited vascular laboratory database based on month and day of birth. Each sign of the zodiac was assigned 60 patients. Exam results were defined as (1) normal: bilateral < 50% ICA stenoses, or (2) abnormal: unilateral or bilateral ⩾ 50% ICA stenosis. The Fisher exact test was used to compare normal and abnormal patient groups within each sign of the zodiac. The P value of < .05 was used to define statistical significance. A total of 720 patients were included in this analysis. Patients born under the sign of Gemini had significantly fewer numbers of abnormal stenoses than 6 astrological groups: Capricorn ( P = .004), Virgo ( P = .014), Libra ( P = .007), Pisces ( P = .026), Aries ( P = .000), and Sagittarius ( P = .007). Patients born under the sign of Aries had significantly greater numbers of abnormal results than 7 zodiacal groups: Taurus ( P = .001), Aquarius ( P = .002), Gemini ( P = .000), Pisces ( P = .040), Cancer ( P = .015), Scorpio ( P = .002), and Leo ( P = .022). Hemodynamically significant (⩾50%) ICA stenoses were statistically more prevalent for carotid duplex patients born under the zodiac sign of Aries and significantly less prevalent under the sign of Gemini. While these results may be medically unimportant, this vascular ultrasound assignment helps students understand the value of statistical reporting and, in general, made statistical analysis more relatable and enjoyable.

Download Full-text