scholarly journals Discussion on a null hypothesis for a bibliometric study

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-24
Author(s):  
Corinne Kraus ◽  
Wilhelm Mosgöller ◽  
Harald Lothaller ◽  
P Christian Endler
Keyword(s):  
Null Hypothesis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Original Study ◽  
Bibliometric Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Replication Studies ◽  
The One ◽  
And Control

In a bibliometric study [1] we located around 100 high-potency studies, each of which scrutinized an earlier study. An expert round was set to discuss whether it was justified to use the null hypothesis that no difference would be found between the respective test and control groups. The following two viewpoints were juxtaposed: 1) The classical null hypothesis states that the results from a test group and its respective control will not differ. If difference is found, the null hypothesis must be rejected. In this case, whether the values found in the test group were higher or lower than the ones of the control group is irrelevant. However, in some instances lack of difference between the test and the control groups is not helpful to make an informed decision. In the case of the analyzed bibliometric study, the research question is as follows: is the number of replication studies which produced a result of the same kind as the original study greater than the number of replication studies which produced a result of the opposite kind? 2) Often there is a pragmatic interest in a one-sided difference or in a deviation in one specific direction. A null hypothesis to this end will state, for example, that the result of the test group will not be better than that of the control group. If difference in favor of the test group is found, the null hypothesis must then be rejected. If, conversely, no difference is found or the result of the control group is better, the null hypothesis can be maintained. For the analyzed bibliometric study the question is: is the number of replication studies which yielded a result of the same kind as the original study greater than the number of all other replication studies? From viewpoint (1) the outcome was that 70% of replication studies yielded the same result as the original study, 10% per cent the opposite result, and in 20% no difference was found between test and control. From this view point the standing is 70 positive, 10 negative and 20 undecided results. Broken down further, the outcome for laboratory-internal replication was 83 and 5 (12 undecided results) while the outcome for multicenter replication was 75 and 11 (14) and that for external replication was 48 and 14 (38). From viewpoint (2) the outcome was that 70% of replication studies yielded the same result as the original study, and that 30% (= 10% + 20%) either resulted in no difference between the test and the control group or a result opposite to the one of the original study. From this viewpoint the standing is 70 ‘for reproducibility’ versus 30 ‘not for reproducibility.’ Broken down further, the outcome for laboratory-internal replication was 83 and 17 (= 5 + 12), while that for multicenter replication 75 and 25 (= 11 + 14) and the one for external replication 48 and 52 (= 14 + 38). We conclude that the 2 two viewpoints should be treated as equally valid when discussing the outcome of the analyzed bibliometric study Keywords: high dilution, experiment repetition, null hypothesis References [1] Endler PC, Bellavite P, Bonamin L, Jäger T. Mazon S. Replications of fundamental research models in ultra high dilutions, 1994 and 2015: an update on a bibliometric study. Homeopathy 2015;104:235-245

Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil as Adjunct Therapy in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Nazli Zainuddin ◽  
Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽  
Rosdan Salim
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Coconut Oil ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Nasal Symptom ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Virgin Coconut Oil ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.

scholarly journals Clinical and Immunological Efficacy of Mangosteen and Propolis Extracted Complex in Patients with Gingivitis: A Multi-Centered Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2604
Author(s):  
Jin-Young Park ◽  
Kyung-A Ko ◽  
Ji-Yeong Lee ◽  
Jae-Woon Oh ◽  
Hyun-Chang Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Immunological Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
And Control

Background: Mangosteen and propolis extracts (MAEC) have been potential therapeutic agents known to exhibit powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological efficacy of MAEC as well as safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) on gingivitis and incipient periodontitis. Methods: This study was performed on 104 patients diagnosed with gingivitis or incipient periodontitis. At baseline, the participants were randomly allocated to either the test group, with daily intake of a single capsule containing 194 mg of MAEC for eight weeks, or control group, with placebo. Clinical periodontal evaluation and immunological parameters from saliva and gingival sulcular fluid were assessed at baseline, four, and eight weeks. Individual PROMs were assessed by OHIP-14 questionnaires. Results: There was a significant difference of modified gingival index at four and eight weeks between the test and control groups. In the test group, crevicular interleukin (IL)-6 was reduced, and the salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 was increased after eight weeks. PROMs were improved up to four weeks compared to placebo. Conclusion: Oral administration of MAEC would have a potential to reduce gingival inflammation clinically and immunologically in the patients with gingivitis and incipient periodontitis.

scholarly journals Are post-error adjustments influenced by beliefs in free will? A failure to replicate Rigoni, Wilquin, Brass and Burle, 2013

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 200664
Author(s):  
Charlotte Eben ◽  
Zhang Chen ◽  
Emiel Cracco ◽  
Marcel Brass ◽  
Joël Billieux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Will ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Original Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Correct Trial ◽  
Manipulation Check ◽  
Subject Design ◽  
And Control ◽  
Larger Sample

In this pre-registered study, we tried to replicate the study by Rigoni et al. 2013 Cognition 127 , 264–269. In the original study, the authors manipulated the participants’ belief in free will in a between-subject design and subsequently measured post-error slowing (i.e. slower responses after an incorrect trial compared with a correct trial) as a marker of cognitive control. They found less post-error slowing in the group with reduced belief in free will (anti-free will group) compared with a control group in which belief in free will was not manipulated. In the present study, we used the same task procedure and the same free will manipulation (Crick text) in an attempt to replicate these findings. However, we used an online procedure and a larger sample size in order to address concerns about statistical power. Similar to the original study, we also used a questionnaire to measure beliefs in free will as an independent manipulation check. We found a difference in the scores on the questionnaire, thus a reduced belief in free will, after reading the Crick text. However, we did not find any difference in post-error slowing between the anti-free will and control groups. Our findings are in line with several other recent findings suggesting that the Crick text manipulation affects the participants’ self-reported belief in free will but not their behaviour. The present study can be considered a high-powered failed replication attempt.

scholarly journals Effect of an energy-dense diet on the clinical course of acute shigellosis in undernourished children

2000 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 775-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramendra N. Mazumder ◽  
Hassan Ashraf ◽  
Syed S. Hoque ◽  
Iqbal Kabir ◽  
Naseha Majid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Prolapse ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Test Group ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Malnourished Children ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

To date there have been few reports on the impact of dietary intervention on the clinical course of acute shigellosis. Current management of acute shigellosis is primarily focused on antibiotic therapy with less emphasis on nutritional management. In a randomised clinical trial, we examined the role of an energy-dense diet on the clinical outcome in malnourished children with acute dysentery due to shigellosis. Seventy-five children aged 12–48 months with acute dysentery randomly received either a milk–cereal formula with an energy density of 4960 kJ/l (test group) or a milk–cereal formula with energy of 2480 kJ/l (control group) for 10 d in hospital. In both milk–cereal formulas, protein provided 11 % energy. In addition, the standard hospital diet was offered to all children and all children received an appropriate antibiotic for 5 d. The mean food intakes (g/kg per d) in the test and control groups were: 112 (SE 2·28) AND 116 (se 3·48) (P=0·16) on day 1; 118 (se 2·72) and 107 (se 3·13) (P=0·04) on day 5; 120 (se 2·25) and 100 (se 3·83) (P=0·04) on day 10. The mean energy intakes (kJ/kg per d) in the test and control groups respectively were: 622 (se 13·2) and 315 (se 11·3) (P<0·05) on day 1; 655 (se 15·1) and 311 (se 7·98) (P<0·05) on day 5; 672 (se 14·7) and 294 (se 11·1) (P<0·05) on day 10. The food and energy intakes were mostly from the milk–cereal diet. There was no difference between two groups in resolution of fever, dysenteric (bloody and or mucoid) stools, stool frequency and tenesmus. However, vomiting was more frequently observed among the test-group children during the first 5 d of intervention (67 % v. 41 %, P=0·04). There was an increase in the mean weight-for-age (%) in the test group compared with the control group after the 10 d of dietary intervention (6·2 (se 0·6) v. 2·7 (se 0·4), P<0·01). In addition, resolution of rectal prolapse was better (26 % v. 8 %, P=0·04) in the test group v. control group after 5 d, and 13 % v. 6 %, (P=0·08) after 10 d of dietary intervention. Supplementation with a high-energy diet does not have any adverse effect on clinical course of acute shigellosis and reduces the incidence of rectal prolapse in malnourished children.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a herbal toothpaste on patients with established gingivitis: a randomized controlled trial

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Ozaki ◽  
Claudio Mendes Pannuti ◽  
Ana Vitória Imbronito ◽  
Wellington Pessotti ◽  
Luciana Saraiva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

The aim of this randomised, double blind controlled trial was to verify the efficacy of a herbal dentifrice on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. Forty eight volunteers with established gingivitis were randomly assigned to either a test group (herbal dentifrice) or positive control group (dentifrice with triclosan and fluoride). The dentifrices were distributed in plain white tubes by an independent pharmacy, which revealed the contents of each tube only after the experimental period. Plaque and gingivitis assessments were carried out on baseline and after 28 days of product use. All examinations were conducted by the same calibrated investigator. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth three times daily using their assigned dentifrice for 28 days. There was a significant reduction in plaque levels in both the test and control groups. However, there was no significant difference between the groups. A significant reduction in gingivitis was observed in both groups, although there was no significant difference between them. No adverse reactions were reported. The authors concluded that both dentifrices were effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis in subjects with established gingivitis.

scholarly journals Assessment of anxiety and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients

2004 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 252-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tathiana Pagano ◽  
Luciana Akemi Matsutani ◽  
Elisabeth Alves Gonçalves Ferreira ◽  
Amélia Pasqual Marques ◽  
Carlos Alberto de Bragança Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Outpatient Service ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

CONTEXT: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic, diffuse musculoskeletal pain, and by a low pain threshold at specific anatomical points. The syndrome is associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, morning stiffness and anxiety. Because of its chronic nature, it often has a negative impact on patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life and anxiety level of patients with fibromyalgia. TYPE Of STUDY: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Rheumatology outpatient service of Hospital das Clínicas (Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo). METHODS: This study evaluated 80 individuals, divided between test and control groups. The test group included 40 women with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The control group was composed of 40 healthy women. Three questionnaires were used: two to assess quality of life (FIQ and SF-36) and one to assess anxiety (STAI). They were applied to the individuals in both groups in a single face-to-face interview. The statistical analysis used Student's t test and Pearson's correlation test (r), with a significance level of 95%. Also, the Pearson chi-squared statistics test for homogeneity, with Yates correction, was used for comparing schooling between test and control groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.000), thus indicating that fibromyalgia patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety. The correlations between the three questionnaires were high (r = 0.9). DISCUSSION: This study has confirmed the efficacy of FIQ for evaluating the impact of fibromyalgia on the quality of life. SF-36 is less specific than FIQ, although statistically significant values were obtained when analyzed separately, STAI showed lower efficacy for discriminating the test group from the control group. The test group showed worse quality of life than did the control group, which was demonstrated by both FIQ and SF-36. Even though STAI was a less efficient instrument, it presented significant results, showing that fibromyalgia patients presented higher levels of anxiety, both on the state and trait scales. Thus, patients with fibromyalgia had higher levels of tension, nervousness, preoccupation and apprehension, and higher propensity towards anxiety. CONCLUSION: The three instruments utilized showed efficiency in evaluating fibromyalgia patients. FIQ was found to be the most efficient instrument for discriminating and assessing the impact of fibromyalgia on their quality of life. It can be concluded that such patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety.

scholarly journals Staphylococcal sepsis in mothers and newborn babies

1962 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. Spink
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Mucosa ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Bacterial Flora ◽  
Phage Type ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Cross Infection ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Peak Period ◽  
And Control

A serious outbreak of staphylococcal infections in the maternity units in Blackburn was investigated. There were considerably more than one hundred cases of breast abscesses altogether, well over half of which occurred in primiparae. Staphylococcus aureus, phage type 80, was the predominating organism throughout the outbreak and at the peak period during the early part of the outbreak this type was responsible for nearly 80% of the infections.After the introduction of a number of procedures for the general reduction of cross-infection the incidence of breast abscess fell markedly and a controlled trial of an antibacterial cream, containing neomycin and hibitane, which was applied to the nasal mucosa of all infants and mothers in the test group of patients, was undertaken. The conditions obtaining in the test and control groups were identical in every way except that the control patients did not receive the neomycin-hibitane cream. There were about 1250 mothers and infants each in the test and control groups; the incidence of breast abscesses in the test group was 0·8% and in the control group it was 2·7%. The method adopted for the detection and treatment of carriers among the nursing staff broke down on two occasions; this fact and the emergence of an unforeseen source resulted in a larger number of infections than should have occurred. Had it not been for these incidents there is little doubt that the trial would have shown more conclusively the effectiveness of the neomycinhibitane cream, by the method laid down, in reducing cross-infection.Investigation of the bacterial flora on the nasal mucosa of over 1000 infants in the control group yielded results of considerable interest. Of 300 cases where there was early colonization by Staph. albus, this organism established its dominating position in 70% of the cases and it was not subsequently displaced by Staph. aureus. The significance of this observation and the evidence favouring nasal dissemination of Staph.aureus as the most important cause of hospital cross-infection are discussed.

scholarly journals A Study of Factors Contributing to Denture Stomatitis in a North Indian Community

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Vinayak Naik ◽  
Ranjana C. Pai
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Tests ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Denture Stomatitis ◽  
And Control ◽  
Salivary Measurements ◽  
Microscopic Investigations

Factors like oral and denture hygiene, presence of saliva, age of the denture, and degree of colonization withCandida albicansare to be evaluated as local contributing factors for causing denture stomatitis. 100 patients aged 30 to 70 years were selected for the study. Among these, 70 patients were labeled test group showing signs of stomatitis and 30 patients as control group as they showed no inflammatory signs. Clinical tests included oral and denture hygiene evaluation, salivary measurements, and age of the dentures, and microscopic investigations were done. Results showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of saliva, oral and denture hygiene habits, and denture age. Test group showed stomatitis in patients who were wearing dentures for 5 to 10 years compared to control group who were wearing dentures for 10 years and above. Denture age was proportional toCandidacolonization and not to degree of inflammation. Significant differences were found inCandidacolonization of the fitting surface of the denture between stomatitis and control groups. Poor denture hygiene habits are the most prominent contributing factor for denture stomatitis and colonization.

The effect of reflexology on quality of life in Iranian patients with breast cancer.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 90-90
Author(s):  
Shadan Pedramrazi
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Relaxation Techniques ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

90 Background: Breast cancer is one the most prevalent cancers among Iranian women. One of the complementary therapies is reflexology. The extant paper has been provided with the objective of determining the effect of reflexology on quality of life of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in the breast disease center. Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial which has been applied to 60 patients suffering from breast cancer under chemotherapy in breast diseases center, in 2012. The patients were selected randomly in three test, control and placebo groups. In test group, reflexology was implemented for 3 weeks and each session lasted half an hour. In placebo group, only relaxation techniques were implemented for 3 weeks, each session lasted 20-30 minutes. Control group received the routine therapies of breast cancer center. Results: Data were collected by standard questionnaires of EORTIC QLQ-C30.V.3 and EORTIC QLQ-BR23.V.3. The questionnaires were filled before intervention and two weeks after applying study. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics or quality of life score of three groups, before intervention. Total score of quality of life was higher in interventional group compared to placebo group before and two weeks after intervention (p < 0.001) Results also indicated a significant difference in total score of quality of life between three test, placebo, and control groups after intervention (p < 0.001). A considerable improvement was noticed in the different aspects of quality of life in the test group compared to two other placebo and control groups. Conclusions: Reduction of pain, anxiety, nausea, and other symptoms related to cancer in patients suffering from cancer are assumed as the important cases of nursing cares focus, and precise nursing may diminish these symptoms considerably. Using reflexology in patients suffering from breast cancer may improve the quality of life as an effective method, and can be recommended for use in patients with breast cancer if it is supervised by health system personnel.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Herbal Mouthwash with Extracts of Coriandrum Sativum, Mint and Clove in the Treatment of Chronic Gingivitis- A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 59-63
Author(s):  
Sneha Puri ◽  
Mahvash Fatema ◽  
Akhilesh Shewale ◽  
Rashmi Bele
Keyword(s):  
Test Group ◽  
Coriandrum Sativum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mechanical Therapy ◽  
And Control ◽  
Antibiotic Agents ◽  
Experimental Group

Introduction: Herbal antiseptic or antibiotic agents are introduced very widely that are effective against plaque microorganisms for the healing of gingival and periodontal tissue. However, none of literature has shown antibacterial effect of coriandrum sativum, clove and mint on the levels of dental plaque when used as a mouthwash. Aim: To assess the efficacy of a newly formulated mouthwash containing Coriandrum sativum, mint and clove to reduce plaque and inflammation to maintain the oral hygiene. Methodology: Twenty systemically healthy patients were randomly allocated to either the test group [G1(coriandrm sativum, mint,clove = 10 patients)] or the control group [G2 (Placebo gel = 10 patients]. Full mouth Gingival Index (GI); Full mouth Plaque Index (PI) was evaluated at baseline and on 14 and 21st day.   Result: The mean reduction in PI from 2.28 to 0.85 and 2.13 to 1.21 was noted in the experimental and control groups, respectively. The experimental group (2.21–0.76) comparatively showed better reduction in mean PBI than the control group (2.17–1.29). The results obtained were statistically significant at baseline and 14th and 21st day in all the groups. Remarkable improvement was noted from baseline to 14th and 21st day in all the groups. Conclusion: The encouraging results of our study suggest that the newly formulated mouthwash containing coriandrum Sativum, mint and clove demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties, which may be useful as an adjunctive to mechanical therapy in the prevention and treatment of gingivitis.

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