Accounting for Dependence in Similarity Data from DNA Fingerprinting

2007 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Hepworth ◽  
Ian R Gordon ◽  
Michael J McCullough
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Dna Fingerprinting ◽  
Genetic Similarity ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Permutation Tests ◽  
Standard Analysis ◽  
Dissimilarity Matrix ◽  
Fluconazole Resistance ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
The Mean

Differentiating strains of a pathogen is often central to investigating its epidemiological aspects. The genetic similarity of a group of strains can be assessed by calculating a matrix of dissimilarities from their DNA fingerprinting profiles. The mean dissimilarity for each strain across other strains within the group is then used as an observation in a statistical analysis. These observations are not independent of each other, and so standard analysis techniques such as the t-test are inappropriate, because they underestimate the variance of the group means, and hence overstate the statistical significance of any differences. By examining the correlation between elements of the dissimilarity matrix, it is shown that the variance is underestimated by a factor of between about 2 and 4. Permutation tests are proposed as a way of addressing the problem of dependence, and are applied to a study of fluconazole resistance in Candida albicans.

Gingival Health of Porcelain Laminate Veneered Teeth: A Retrospective Assessment

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 452-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Arif ◽  
JB Dennison ◽  
D Garcia ◽  
P Yaman
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Gingival Crevicular Fluid ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Fluid Collection ◽  
Gingival Recession ◽  
Gingival Health ◽  
Long Term Effect ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Crevicular Fluid

SUMMARY Statement of Problem: The long-term effect of the presence of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) on the health of the surrounding gingival issues is not available in the restorative literature. Purpose: To assess the long-term effect of PLVs on the health of the surrounding gingival tissues. A secondary aim was to correlate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) scores with clinical parameters used for gingival health assessment in teeth treated with PLVs. Methods and Materials: Patients who received PLVs placed at the Graduate Restorative Clinic within a seven- to 14-year period were recalled for clinical evaluations. Periodontal measurements including gingival index (GI), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured using a standard probe and indices. Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) was measured with a Periotron machine (Periotron 8000, Oraflow Inc), using Periopaper (Periopaper Gingival Fluid Collection Strip, Oraflow Inc.) for fluid collection. Photographs of any observed clinical defect were taken. Data were tabulated using Excel 2010 (Microsoft Corp). Statistical analysis for all descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS 21 (SPSS Software, IBM Corp.) and Stata SE 13 (Stata Software, StataCorp). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to test for statistical significance of the mean pocket depths between the restored and unrestored surfaces of the veneered teeth. The significance level for all tests was p<0.05. Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed for testing statistical significance between GCF and GI and between GCF and PPD. Results: The frequency distribution of the GI included 47 PLVs (43%) with normal gingiva, 16 (15%) with mild inflammation, and 46 (42%) with moderate inflammation and bleeding on probing. The average PPD on the facial surface of the maxillary and mandibular PLVs was 2.17 mm and 2.16 mm, respectively. On the lingual surface, the average PPD was 2.10 mm for maxillary and 2.22 mm for mandibular PLVs. Gingival recession was seen in 27% of the evaluated PLVs. The repeated-measures ANOVA revealed p≥0.136, showing no statistical difference in the mean pocket depths between restored facial and unrestored lingual surfaces of the veneered teeth. A moderate correlation (r=0.407) was found between GCF and GI, which was significant at p<0.001. No correlation (r=0.124) was found between GCF and PPD, which was not significant at p=0.197. Conclusions: Gingival response to the evaluated PLVs was in the satisfactory range, with overall GI scores ranging between normal and moderate inflammation, pocket depths ranging from 1 to 2 mm, and recession present in 27% of the evaluated PLVs. No statistically significant difference was found between the mean pocket depths of the restored and unrestored surfaces of veneered teeth (p≥0.136). A moderate correlation was found between GCF and GI.

scholarly journals Higher Caloric Refeeding Is Safe in Hospitalised Adolescent Patients with Restrictive Eating Disorders

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth K. Parker ◽  
Sahrish S. Faruquie ◽  
Gail Anderson ◽  
Linette Gomes ◽  
Andrew Kennedy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Tube Feeding ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Refeeding Syndrome ◽  
Restrictive Eating ◽  
Weight Restoration ◽  
The Mean

Introduction. This study examines weight gain and assesses complications associated with refeeding hospitalised adolescents with restrictive eating disorders (EDs) prescribed initial calories above current recommendations.Methods. Patients admitted to an adolescent ED structured “rapid refeeding” program for >48 hours and receiving ≥2400 kcal/day were included in a 3-year retrospective chart review.Results. The mean (SD) age of the 162 adolescents was 16.7 years (0.9), admission % median BMI was 80.1% (10.2), and discharge % median BMI was 93.1% (7.0). The mean (SD) starting caloric intake was 2611.7 kcal/day (261.5) equating to 58.4 kcal/kg (10.2). Most patients (92.6%) were treated with nasogastric tube feeding. The mean (SD) length of stay was 3.6 weeks (1.9), and average weekly weight gain was 2.1 kg (0.8). No patients developed cardiac signs of RFS or delirium; complications included 4% peripheral oedema, 1% hypophosphatemia (<0.75 mmol/L), 7% hypomagnesaemia (<0.70 mmol/L), and 2% hypokalaemia (<3.2 mmol/L). Caloric prescription on admission was associated with developing oedema (95% CI 1.001 to 1.047;p=0.039). No statistical significance was found between electrolytes and calories provided during refeeding.Conclusion. A rapid refeeding protocol with the inclusion of phosphate supplementation can safely achieve rapid weight restoration without increased complications associated with refeeding syndrome.

scholarly journals Prospective Analysis of Coagulopathy Associated with Isolated Traumatic Brain Injury and Clinical Outcome

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopal Krishna ◽  
Varun Aggarwal ◽  
Ishwar Singh
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Head Injury ◽  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Coagulation Abnormalities ◽  
The Mean ◽  
D Dimer

Abstract Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the coagulation pathway in a distinct way than does extracranial trauma. The extent of coagulation abnormalities varies from bleeding diathesis to disseminated thrombosis. Design Prospective study. Methods The study included 50 patients of isolated TBI with cohorts of moderate (MHI) and severe head injury (SHI). Coagulopathy was graded according to the values of parameters in single laboratory. The incidence of coagulopathy according to the severity of TBI and correlation with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score, platelets, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), D-dimer, and fibrinogen was observed. The comparison was also made between expired and discharged patients within each group. It also compared coagulation derailments with clinical presentation (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]) and outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]). Results Road traffic accident was the primary (72%) mode of injury. Fifty-two percent had MHI and rest had SHI. Eighty-four percent of cases were managed conservatively. The mean GCS was 12.23 and 5.75 in MHI and SHI, respectively. Sixty-two percent of MHI and 96% of the patients with SHI had coagulation abnormalities. On statistical analysis, DIC score (p < 0.001) strongly correlated with the severity of head injury and GOS. PT and APTT were also significantly associated with the severity of TBI. In patients with moderate TBI, D-dimer and platelet counts showed association with clinical outcome. Fibrinogen levels did not show any statistical significance. The mean platelet counts remained normal in both the groups of TBI. The mean GOS was 1.54 and 4.62 in SHI and MHI, respectively. Conclusion Coagulopathy is common in isolated TBI. The basic laboratory parameters are reliable predictors of coagulation abnormalities in TBI. Coagulopathy is directly associated with the severity of TBI, GCS, and poor outcome.

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

Prognostic value of the cardiorespiratory optimal point during submaximal exercise testing

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J.P Dias Ferreira Reis ◽  
A Goncalves ◽  
P Bras ◽  
V Ferreira ◽  
J Viegas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Peak Level ◽  
Submaximal Exercise ◽  
Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Optimal Point ◽  
Reduced Ejection Fraction ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) is a key parameter in assessing the prognosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients (pts). However, it is a less reliable parameter when the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is not maximal. It is crucial to identify the submaximal exercise variables with the best prognostic power (PP), in order to improve the management of pts that cannot attain a maximal CPET. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the PP of several exercise parameters in submaximal CPET for risk stratification in pts with HFrEF. Methods Prospective evaluation of adult pts with HFrEF submitted to CPET in a tertiary center. A submaximal CPET was defined by a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) ≤1.10. Pts were followed up for at least 1 year for the primary endpoint of cardiac death and urgent heart transplantation/ ventricular assist device implantation. Several CPET parameters were analyzed as potential predictors of the combined endpoint and their PP (area under the curve - AUC) was compared to that of pVO2, using the Hanley and McNeil test. Results CPET was performed in 487 HF pts, of which 317 (66%) performed a submaximal CPET. Pts averaged 57±12 years of age, 77% were male, 45.7% had ischemic cardiomyopathy, with a mean LVEF of 30.4±7.6%, a mean heart failure survival score of 8.6±1.1. The mean pVO2 was 17.1±5.5 ml/kg/min and the mean RER 1.01±0.08. During a mean follow-up (FU) time of 11±1 months, 18 pts (6%) met the primary endpoint. Cardiorespiratory optimal point (OP - VE/VO2) had the highest AUC value (0.915, p=0.001), followed by the partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 at the anaerobic threshold - PETCO2L (0.814, p&lt;0.001). pVO2 presented an AUC of 0.730 (p=0.001). OP≥31 and PETCO2L ≤37mmHg had a sensitivity of 100 and 76.9% and a specificity of 71.1 and 67%, respectively, for the primary outcome. OP presented a significantly higher PP than pVO2 (p=0.048), whether PETCO2L didn't achieve any statistical significance (p=0.164). Pts with anOP≥31 presented a significantly lower survival free of HT during FU (log rank p=0.002). Conclusion OP had the highest PP for HF events of all parameters analyzed for a submaximal CPET. This parameter can help stratify the HF pts physiologically unable to reach a peak level of exercise. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Fructose Induces Fluconazole Resistance in Candida albicans through Activation of Mdr1 and Cdr1 Transporters

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 2127
Author(s):  
Jakub Suchodolski ◽  
Anna Krasowska
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Multidrug Resistance ◽  
Green Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Pathogenic Fungus ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Efflux Transporters ◽  
Fluconazole Resistance ◽  
Green Fluorescent

Candida albicans is a pathogenic fungus that is increasingly developing multidrug resistance (MDR), including resistance to azole drugs such as fluconazole (FLC). This is partially a result of the increased synthesis of membrane efflux transporters Cdr1p, Cdr2p, and Mdr1p. Although all these proteins can export FLC, only Cdr1p is expressed constitutively. In this study, the effect of elevated fructose, as a carbon source, on the MDR was evaluated. It was shown that fructose, elevated in the serum of diabetics, promotes FLC resistance. Using C. albicans strains with green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagged MDR transporters, it was determined that the FLC-resistance phenotype occurs as a result of Mdr1p activation and via the increased induction of higher Cdr1p levels. It was observed that fructose-grown C. albicans cells displayed a high efflux activity of both transporters as opposed to glucose-grown cells, which synthesize Cdr1p but not Mdr1p. Additionally, it was concluded that elevated fructose serum levels induce the de novo production of Mdr1p after 60 min. In combination with glucose, however, fructose induces Mdr1p production as soon as after 30 min. It is proposed that fructose may be one of the biochemical factors responsible for Mdr1p production in C. albicans cells.

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 Colonoscopy does not induce small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

2017 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Ioana Gabriela Moraru ◽  
Dan Lucian Dumitraşcu
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Bacterial Overgrowth ◽  
Intestinal Bacteria ◽  
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth ◽  
Gastrointestinal Pathology ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Small Intestinal

Abstract Background and Aim: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is associated with gastrointestinal pathology and colonoscopy. This endoscopic investigation could cause changes in gut flora including the occurrence of SIBO. We looked in this study for the effect of colonoscopy (preparation and intubation) on the occurrence of SIBO. Materials and Methods: Prospective study including thirty patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed according to Rome III criteria. Two groups were designed: Twenty IBS patients that performed colonoscopy (G1) and ten IBS patients (G2) not referred to colonoscopy. All patients have been tested for the presence of SIBO using glucose hydrogen breath tests (GHBT) at the beginning of the study, on day 1. G1 patients have also been tested before colonoscopy (day 2) and 1 week after (day 9). G2 patients performed GHBT on day 1 and on day 9. Results: The peak value of expired H2 was assessed, and the mean value was calculated. There were no significant statistical differences between the mean H2 values in the 2 groups of patients on day 1. The mean level of H2 significantly decreased after preparing for colonoscopy in G1 patients (P < 0.0001). There were no significant statistical differences between the mean levels of H2 on day 2 versus day 9 in G1 patients (P = 0.176). The mean level of H2 1 week after performing colonoscopy (7.65 ppm) is higher than that obtained after preparing for it (6.3 ppm), but no statistical significance. Patients from G2 showed no statistical differences between the mean levels of H2 on day 1 versus day 9 (P = 0.6132). Patients in G1 had a significantly lower mean H2 level versus G2 patients on day 9. Conclusions: Colonoscopy does not produce SIBO. Preparing for colonoscopy influences the level of expired H2, it reduces the number of intestinal bacteria, probably trough a mechanic effect or by inflating air during the procedure. Performing GHBT too soon after colonoscopy might result in false negative results of GHBT.

The Subjective Present and Its Modulation in Clinical Contexts

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Tschacher ◽  
Fabian Ramseyer ◽  
Claudia Bergomi
Keyword(s):  
Perceptual Grouping ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Implicit Processes ◽  
The Social ◽  
Gestalt Perception ◽  
Psychotherapeutic Techniques ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Individual

Time is a basic dimension in psychology, underlying behavior and experience. Timing and time perception constitute implicit processes that are often inaccessible to the individual person. Research in this field has shown that timing is involved in many areas of clinical significance. In the projects presented here, we combine timing with seemingly different fields of research, such as psychopathology, perceptual grouping, and embodied cognition. Focusing on the time scale of the subjective present, we report findings from three different clinical studies: (1) We studied perceived causality in schizophrenia patients, finding that perceptual grouping (‘binding’, ‘Gestalt formation’), which leads to visual causality perceptions, did not distinguish between patients and healthy controls. Patients however did integrate context (provided by the temporal distribution of auditory context stimuli) less into perceptions, in significant contrast to controls. This is consistent with reports of higher inaccuracy in schizophrenia patients’ temporal processing. (2) In a project on auditory Gestalt perception we investigated auditory perceptual grouping in schizophrenia patients. The mean dwell time was positively related to how much patients were prone to auditory hallucinations. Dwell times of auditory Gestalts may be regarded as operationalizations of the subjective present; findings thus suggested that patients with hallucinations had a shorter present. (3) The movement correlations of interacting individuals were used to study the non-verbal synchrony between therapist and patient in psychotherapy sessions. We operationalized the duration of an embodied ‘social present’ by the statistical significance of such associations, finding a window of roughly 5.7 seconds in conversing dyads. We discuss that temporal scales of nowness may be modifiable, e.g., by mindfulness. This yields promising goals for future research on timing in the clinical context: psychotherapeutic techniques may alter binding processes, hence the subjective present of individuals, and may affect the social present in therapeutic interactions.

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