Online Public Interest in Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 695-700
Author(s):  
Ruoyong Xu ◽  
Patrick Brown ◽  
Nancy Baxter ◽  
Anna M. Sawka
Keyword(s):  
Public Interest ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Multiple Comparisons ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
P Values ◽  
Services Utilization ◽  
False Discovery ◽  
Search Data ◽  
The Mean

PURPOSE Health care priorities of individuals may change during a pandemic, which may, in turn, affect health services utilization. We examined Canadians' online relative search interest in five common solid tumors (breast, colon, lung, prostate, and thyroid) during the COVID-19 pandemic to that observed in the same months in the prior 5 years. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study using Google Trends aggregate anonymous online search data from Canada. We compared the respective relative search volumes for breast, colon, lung, prostate, and thyroid cancers for the months March-November 2020 with the mean for the same months in 2015-2019. Welch's two-sample t tests were performed and the raw P values were then adjusted using Benjamini-Hochberg procedure to correct for multiple comparisons. The level of statistical significance was defined by choosing false discovery rate at .05 for the primary analysis. RESULTS We observed temporary statistically significant reductions in Canadians' relative search volumes for various cancers, largely early in the pandemic, in the spring of 2020. Specifically, significant reductions (after adjustment for multiple comparisons) were observed for breast cancer in April, May, and October 2020; colon cancer in March and April of 2020; lung cancer in April and September 2020; and prostate cancer in April and May 2020. Thyroid cancer relative search volumes were not significantly different from those observed prior to the pandemic. CONCLUSION Although Canadians' online interest in various cancers temporarily waned early in the COVID-19 pandemic, recent relative search volumes for various cancers are largely not significantly different from prior to the pandemic.

scholarly journals POS1281 HOW DOES OBESITY INFLUENCE THE FEATURES OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS?

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 923.4-924
Author(s):  
H. Hachfi ◽  
D. Khalifa ◽  
M. Brahem ◽  
N. Ben Chekaya ◽  
M. Younes
Keyword(s):  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Obese Group ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Lequesne Index ◽  
The Mean

Background:Knee osteoarthritis and obesity are both major health problems. It is now admitted that the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis gets higher with obesity and that weight loss helps knee function and allows patients to avoid surgery.Objectives:The aim of this study was to study the influence of obesity on knee osteoarthritis features.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in the university hospital Taher Sfar of Tunisia over a period of 6 months. Patients who had knee osteoarthritis confirmed by radiographs were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, radiological and therapeutic data were collected from medical records and visits. Obesity was defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥30. Functional impairment was assessed by the Womac index and Lequesne index.Results:The study included 186 patients. There were 31 males and 155 femmes. The mean age was 60±10 years. The percentage of obese patients was 53,8%. The mean age was similar in both groups obese and non obese. There were more women in the obese group compared to the non obese group (p=0.0001), more patients who had diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia (p=0.002). Non-obese patients had a shorter duration of symptoms with no statistical significance (p=0.151). Obese patients had more involvement of both knees (p<0.0001). Obesity did not have an impact on pain severity. Severity of radiological images (p=0,0001) were more frequent in obese patients. Functional impairment was similar in both groups. However, the percentage of patients having a very important functional impairment with Lequesne index was higher in obese patients (p<0.029). Obese patients also needed more physical therapy sessions (p=0.035).Conclusion:Knee osteoarthritis in obese patients is characterized with the femlae gender predominance, bilateral knee involvement, and a more severe images on radiographs. Thus the need for better control of weight and the importance of physical activity.References:[1]Coggon D, Reading I, Croft P, et al. Knee osteoarthritis and obesity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord J Int Assoc Study Obes 2001; 25: 622–627.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Analysis of Surgical Recurrence after Larynx Microsurgery for Benign Lesions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Theresa Costa Ramos de Oliveira Patrial ◽  
Rogério Hamerschmidt ◽  
Jorge Eduardo Fouto Matias ◽  
Evaldo Dacheux de Macedo Filho ◽  
Bettina Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Associated Lesions ◽  
Surgical Recurrence ◽  
Retrospective Data Collection ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Benign Laryngeal Lesions ◽  
Reinke Edema

Abstract Introduction The study of larynx lesions is of great importance. More than 50% of people with vocal complaints have benign vocal fold alterations and some require surgery. Objective To determine which factors are related to surgical recurrence of benign laryngeal lesions and to determine which videolaryngoscopic diagnoses are related to the risk or protection of surgical relapses over time. Methods Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection of 1,383 surgeries in 1,301 patients. Results The mean age at the first surgery was 39.2 years old. The predominant gender was female (65.6%).There were 396 cases of polyps (25.34%), 349 cases of cysts (22.33%), 261 cases of Reinke edema (16.7%), 175 cases of nodules (11.2%), 153 cases of minor structural alterations (MSAs) (9.79%), 94 cases of leukoplakia (6.01%), 77 cases of granulomas (4.93%) and 58 cases of pseudocysts (3.71%). The age presented statistical significance with the risk of surgical relapses (p = 0.016). Male gender was associated with the greatest chance of relapse.Diagnosis of granuloma (p < 0.001) and of leukoplakia (p < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of surgical recurrence. Cyst diagnosis was associated with protection (p = 0.015) in relation to the chance of further surgeries. Patients with associated lesions, bilaterals or voice professionals did not present a statistically significant association with surgical recurrence. Conclusion Age and gender are statistically related to the increase of surgical relapses. Leukoplakia and granuloma are associated with increased surgical relapses. Patients submitted to cyst microsurgery appear to be protected against surgical recurrence.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Predictors of Stress among Bankers in Enugu State South-East Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-79
Author(s):  
T.J. Okwor ◽  
A.C. Ndu ◽  
S.U. Arinze-Onyia ◽  
I.J. Ogugua ◽  
I.M. Obionu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eastern State ◽  
Management Standards ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Enugu State ◽  
Multistage Sampling ◽  
High Level

Background: The work environment is rapidly changing and in recent times, occupational stress poses a threat to the health, morale and productivity of workers and the organization. This study sought to determine the prevalence and predictors of stress among bankers in a south-eastern state of Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 370 bankers in Enugu State, Nigeria using the Health, Safety, Executive (HSE) management standards indicator tool. Multistage sampling method was used to select participants. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22.0. Level of statistical significance was set at p< 0.05.Results: The mean age of the participants was 34.54±6.3 years while the mean years of work was 6.01±4.7years. One hundred and seventy-four (47%) reported high level of stress due to relationship at work while 318 (85.9%) reported low level of stress due to roles. Being 35 years or less was found to a predictor of high (AOR 0.55, CI 0.30-1.02) level of stress due to control.Work experience of 5 years or less was found to be a predictor of both high (AOR 0.74, CI 0.40--1.37) and low (AOR 0.99, CI 0.40-1.37) levels of stress due to control.Conclusion: This study has shown that the prevalence of stress was high among bankers in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria. There is, therefore, the need for routine stress assessment and interventions in the banking industry especially for those at high risk. Keywords: Bankers; HSE Stress Questionnaire; Stress; Workplace; Southeast Nigeria

scholarly journals Caring for the carer: quality of life and burden of female caregivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 728-736
Author(s):  
Michelly Guedes de Oliveira Araújo ◽  
Michelinne Oliveira Machado Dutra ◽  
Carla Carolina Silva Leite Freitas ◽  
Tatiane Gomes Guedes ◽  
Francisco Stélio de Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Kolmogorov Smirnov ◽  
Status Number ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the quality of life and the burden of female caregivers. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study carried out with 224 informal caregivers from March to July 2016. Three instruments were used: a characterization form for the caregiver, the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire and the Zarit Burden Interview. The following tests were used: Cronbach’s Alpha, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman and Mann-Whitney. Results: The mean age of caregivers was 51.8 years with a standard deviation of 13.7. They were predominantly married, had a low income and low level of education, were first-degree relatives, had been providing care for one to five years and presented some pathology. The associations of quality of life that presented statistical significance were: income, marital status, number of people living with the caregiver and time of care. Conclusion: The burden was negatively correlated with QOL, that is, the greater the burden, the more impaired will be the life of these caregivers.

scholarly journals Kisspeptin and Spexin: lipid profile and sperm parameters in infertile and fertile male subjects

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Hasan Raza Raja ◽  
Mussarat Ashraf ◽  
Sher Khan ◽  
Nida Farooqui ◽  
Arfa Azhar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Sperm Parameters ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Normal Sperm ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Male Subjects

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Kisspeptin (KP) and spexin (SPX) are neuropeptides that play a substantial role in metabolism and sexual function. Our objective is to explore the association of spexin and kisspeptin with sperm parameters and lipid profile in the infertile male population. METHODOLOGY: The cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2017 till July 2018 in Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, after acquiring ethical approval (4813-BBS-ERC-17). Convenient sampling was applied to recruit 44 normozoospermic subjects as controls and 44 patients with abnormal sperm parameters”. Serum levels of kisspeptin and spexin were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and Cobas c111 analyzer was used for estimation of high and low density-lipoprotein, triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels. Mann-Whitney U tests and spearman’s rank correlation test were used to analyze quantitative variables, and data was presented by means, standard error (SE) and correlations coefficient, with a statistical significance set at p≤0.05. RESULTS: The mean kisspeptin values of ‘altered sperm parameters’ males 13.23 ± 3.34 were lower than normal sperm parameters 31.89 ± 3.25 (p<0.001). The mean spexin values of altered sperm parameters 383.57 ± 21.09 were less than compared to normal sperm parameters 502.76 ± 19.77 (p<0.001). Correlation of KP and SPX levels was (r-value = 0.332, p= 0.002). There was no significant correlation was found between KP and SPX with lipid profile parameters. CONCLUSION: Spexin and kisspeptin levels observed were higher in male subjects with normal sperm parameters and had a significant positive correlation with each other. There was no impact of spexin on lipid profile and obesity.

scholarly journals The relationship between smartphone addiction and depression among university students in Karachi: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 3472
Author(s):  
Ubaidullah Abid ◽  
Tooba Jawed Khan ◽  
Asif Sheikh ◽  
Saud Saleem ◽  
Hammad Afzal Kayani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Smartphone Addiction ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean

Background: Pakistan demographic and health survey (PDHS) estimated extensive ownership of cell phones in Pakistan with 94.7% in the urban population. Pakistan Advertiser Company reported 77 % of cell phone users aged between 21-30 years. Although, no research was conducted with university population for addiction and depression, so this study aims to find the link between Smartphone addiction and depression in SZABIST University students of Karachi, Pakistan.Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted with self-assessment tools, comprised of three sections: socio-demographic information, smartphone addiction scale-short version (SAS-SV) and Beck’s depression inventory-II (BDI-II). Responses for SAS-SV were rated on a 6-point Likert scale and BDI-II was summated on range 0-60. Percentages mean score was commuted for SAS-SV; the mean score was computed and categorized for BDI-II. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.01.Results: Total participants were N=225, of which 140 (62.2%) were males and 85 (35.8%) were females. The mean±SD of their ages were 20.9±2.9. Age was found insignificant with depression after applying multiple linear regressions. Mean score of SAS-SV was 54.8±17.2, and BDI-II was13.4±9.6, which showed a significant positive association (OR, 0.241; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.3; p<0.001). Prior adjusting coefficient, males were speculated having a higher level of depression.Conclusions: A significant positive correlation was found between Smartphone addiction and depression, among University Students of SZABIST. Control smartphones usage is advised for undergraduate students as they are more prone to depression compared to postgraduate students.

scholarly journals Job Satisfaction among Hemodialysis and Labour Ward Nurses: A Comparative Descriptive Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 48-56
Author(s):  
Monisayo Olayemi Komolafe
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dialysis Unit ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Labour Ward

Introduction: Increasing CKD cases means higher demands for haemodialysis nurses. Haemodialysis nurses are required to fulfil many demanding roles such as advocate, caregiver, educator, mentor and technician while patients attend a dialysis unit. The complexities of the role that are performed by these nurses along with organization factors within the work environment have led to haemodialysis nurses experiencing high levels of burnout thus impacting on satisfaction derived from job done. Objectives: To compare job satisfaction among haemodialysis nurses with that of labour ward nurses and determine if the type of patient managed affects job satisfaction of nurses. Methodology: The multidimensional Job satisfaction scale designed and validated by Murat Ozpehlivan and Zafer Acar was used to determine job satisfaction among sixty-six hemodialysis nurses and sixty-four labour ward nurses in a cross sectional comparative descriptive study. Statistical significance difference between the two group of nurses attributed to events with a p-value lower than 5% (p < 0.05). Results: The overall mean job satisfaction score was higher among the labour ward nurses 67.95 ± 13.39 compared to the mean score among renal nurses 65.07 ± 14.24 (T= 1.81, p = 0.240). The mean score of labour ward nurses regarding satisfaction based on patient managed 74.51 ± 14.96 is higher than the mean score among renal participants of 71.21 ± 14.70 (T= 1.27, p = 0.201). Conclusion: Hemodialysis nurses in Nigeria are satisfied with the job they do and this is comparable to that of nurses in labour ward.

scholarly journals Assessing cardiovascular risk in ATM heterozygotes

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-153
Author(s):  
Elaine Cristina de Almeida Kotchetkoff ◽  
Fabíola Isabel Suano de Souza ◽  
Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca ◽  
Sonia Hix ◽  
Sergio Aron Ajzen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Thickness Measurement ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hs Crp

Summary Objective: To evaluate the carotid intima-media complex (CIMC) thickness and lipid metabolism biomarkers associated with cardiovascular risk (CR) in parents of patients with ataxia-telangiectasia and verify an association with gender. Method: A cross-sectional and controlled study with 29 ATM heterozygotes and 14 healthy controls. Biochemical tests and CIMC thickness measurement were performed. Results: The mean CIMC measurement in heterozygous ATM was 0.72 ± 0.1 mm (minimum: 0.5 mm and maximum: 1.0 mm). Noticed high percentage of amounts above 75 percentile compared to the population referential (16 [76.2%]), without any significant statistical differences between the female and the male gender (11/15 [73.3%] vs. 5/6 [83.3%]; p=0.550). The comparison between heterozygous and controls, stratified by gender, showed that in heterozygous ATMs, women had higher concentrations of HDL-c compared to men, as well as higher values of hs-CRP in relation to the control women. In heterozygous ATMs, stratified by gender, the correlation between HDL-c and hs-CRP was inversely proportional and stronger among women, with a tendency to statistical significance. Conclusion: Heterozygous ATMs did not differ from controls in relation to the biomarkers studied related to CR. However, most of them presented increased CIMC, independent predictor of death, risk for myocardial infarction and stroke, compared to the referential for the same age group. This finding suggests CR in the heterozygous ATM and shows to the need to monitor CIMC thickness and nutritional orientations.

scholarly journals Falacias sobre el valor p compartidas por profesores y estudiantes universitarios

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Laura Badenes-Ribera ◽  
Dolores Frias-Navarro
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
P Value ◽  
P Values ◽  
Statistical Education ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Estudiantes Universitarios

Resumen La “Práctica Basada en la Evidencia” exige que los profesionales valoren de forma crítica los resultados de las investigaciones psicológicas. Sin embargo, las interpretaciones incorrectas de los valores p de probabilidad son abundantes y repetitivas. Estas interpretaciones incorrectas afectan a las decisiones profesionales y ponen en riesgo la calidad de las intervenciones y la acumulación de un conocimiento científico válido. Identificar el tipo de falacia que subyace a las decisiones estadísticas es fundamental para abordar y planificar estrategias de educación estadística dirigidas a intervenir sobre las interpretaciones incorrectas. En consecuencia, el objetivo de este estudio es analizar la interpretación del valor p en estudiantes y profesores universitarios de Psicología. La muestra estuvo formada por 161 participantes (43 profesores y 118 estudiantes). La antigüedad media como profesor fue de 16.7 años (DT = 10.07). La edad media de los estudiantes fue de 21.59 (DT = 1.3). Los hallazgos sugieren que los estudiantes y profesores universitarios no conocen la interpretación correcta del valor p. La falacia de la probabilidad inversa presenta mayores problemas de comprensión. Además, se confunde la significación estadística y la significación práctica o clínica. Estos resultados destacan la necesidad de la educación estadística y re-educación estadística. Abstract The "Evidence Based Practice" requires professionals to critically assess the results of psychological research. However, incorrect interpretations of p values of probability are abundant and repetitive. These misconceptions affect professional decisions and compromise the quality of interventions and the accumulation of a valid scientific knowledge. Identifying the types of fallacies that underlying statistical decisions is fundamental for approaching and planning statistical education strategies designed to intervene in incorrect interpretations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the interpretation of p value among college students of psychology and academic psychologist. The sample was composed of 161 participants (43 academic and 118 students). The mean number of years as academic was 16.7 (SD = 10.07). The mean age of college students was 21.59 years (SD = 1.3). The findings suggest that college students and academic do not know the correct interpretation of p values. The fallacy of the inverse probability presents major problems of comprehension. In addition, statistical significance and practical significance or clinical are confused. There is a need for statistical education and statistical re-education.

scholarly journals RECAP reveals the true statistical significance of ChIP-seq peak calls

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (19) ◽  
pp. 3592-3598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin G Chitpin ◽  
Aseel Awdeh ◽  
Theodore J Perkins
Keyword(s):  
False Discovery Rate ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Statistical Hypothesis ◽  
Supplementary Information ◽  
Peak Calling ◽  
Statistical Hypothesis Testing ◽  
P Values ◽  
False Discovery ◽  
Genomic Regions ◽  
And Control

Abstract Motivation Chromatin Immunopreciptation (ChIP)-seq is used extensively to identify sites of transcription factor binding or regions of epigenetic modifications to the genome. A key step in ChIP-seq analysis is peak calling, where genomic regions enriched for ChIP versus control reads are identified. Many programs have been designed to solve this task, but nearly all fall into the statistical trap of using the data twice—once to determine candidate enriched regions, and again to assess enrichment by classical statistical hypothesis testing. This double use of the data invalidates the statistical significance assigned to enriched regions, thus the true significance or reliability of peak calls remains unknown. Results Using simulated and real ChIP-seq data, we show that three well-known peak callers, MACS, SICER and diffReps, output biased P-values and false discovery rate estimates that can be many orders of magnitude too optimistic. We propose a wrapper algorithm, RECAP, that uses resampling of ChIP-seq and control data to estimate a monotone transform correcting for biases built into peak calling algorithms. When applied to null hypothesis data, where there is no enrichment between ChIP-seq and control, P-values recalibrated by RECAP are approximately uniformly distributed. On data where there is genuine enrichment, RECAP P-values give a better estimate of the true statistical significance of candidate peaks and better false discovery rate estimates, which correlate better with empirical reproducibility. RECAP is a powerful new tool for assessing the true statistical significance of ChIP-seq peak calls. Availability and implementation The RECAP software is available through www.perkinslab.ca or on github at https://github.com/theodorejperkins/RECAP. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

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