A framework to select tuning parameters for nonparametric derivative estimation.

In this paper, we propose a general framework to select tuning parameters for the nonparametric derivative estimation. The new framework broadens the scope of the previously proposed generalized C p $C_p$ criterion by replacing the empirical derivative with any other linear nonparametric smoother. We provide the theoretical support of the proposed derivative estimation in a random design and justify it through simulation studies. The practical application of the proposed framework is demonstrated in the study of the age effect on hippocampal gray matter volume in healthy adults from the IXI dataset and the study of the effect of age and body mass index on blood pressure from the Pima Indians dataset.

Association Between Articular Eminence Structure and Joint Spaces in Temporomandibular Joints with Anterior Disc Displacement.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The association among the joint spaces, articular eminence morphology, and disc displacement is not well documented in the literature. This study aims to evaluate and compare the joint spaces and the articular eminence structure (eminence height [Eh] and inclination [Ei]) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) with anterior disc displacements and joints with normal disc position. METHODS: The study groups consisted of 75 TMJs of 39 patients. The disc status of TMJs was diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging, and the measurements were performed on CBCT. Three groups, that is, normal disc position (NDP) group, anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR) group, and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) group, were established. Anterior, superior, posterior joint spaces (AJS, SJS, and PJS, respectively), articular Eh, and articular Ei were measured. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 was used for statistical analysis. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the normality of data. Intergroup comparisons of categorical variables were assessed with Fisher-Freeman-Halton test. For comparison of continuous variables parameters, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used. Statistical significance level was determined as P < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were not found in intergroup comparisons for PJS. However, the difference between groups was found to be significant for AJS, SJS, Eh, and Ei. Intergroup comparisons were performed for these parameters. No significant difference was found between the NDP group and the ADDWR group for AJS, SJS, Eh, and EI. The mean AJS, SJS, Eh, and Ei values in ADDWoR were found to be significantly lower compared to the corresponding values in both NDP and ADDWR groups. CONCLUSION: Decreased AJS and SJS when TMJ is evaluated with CBCT may be an indicator of ADDWoR. Authors suggest that narrowed articular Ei and reduced articular Eh can be one of the predisposing factors for anterior disc displacement.

Marginal adaptation and fracture resistance of virgilite-based occlusal veneers with varying thickness.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: CAD/CAM occlusal veneers have been developed for minimally invasive prosthetic restoration of eroded teeth. Marginal adaptation and fracture resistance are crucial for the long-term survivability and clinical success of such restorations. Virgilite-based lithium disilicate glass-ceramic is a newly introduced material with claims of high strength. However, constructing occlusal veneers from this material of varying thickness has not been investigated. PURPOSE: The current study aimed to assess the impact of CAD/CAM occlusal veneer thickness and materials on marginal adaptation and fracture resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two occlusal veneers were constructed and divided into two groups (n = 16) based on the CAD/CAM material into Brilliant Crios and CEREC Tessera. Each group was further subdivided into two subgroups (n = 8) according to the thickness: 0.6 and 0.9 mm. Occlusal veneers were bonded to epoxy resin dies. The marginal gap was evaluated before and after thermodynamic aging. Fracture resistance and failure mode were evaluated for the same samples after aging. Marginal adaptation was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Fracture resistance was analyzed using Weibull analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The marginal gap was significantly increased following thermodynamic aging for tested groups (P < 0.001). CEREC Tessera showed a significantly higher marginal gap than Brilliant Crios before and after aging for both thicknesses (P < 0.05). CEREC Tessera recorded lower significant fracture load values compared to Brilliant Crios (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both CEREC Tessera and Brilliant Crios demonstrated clinically accepted marginal gap values. All groups showed fracture resistance values higher than the average masticatory forces in the premolar region except for 0.6 mm CEREC Tessera. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Reinforced composite occlusal veneers demonstrated more favorable outcomes in terms of marginal gap and fracture resistance at both tested thicknesses compared to virgilite-based lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. Additionally, caution should be exercised during the construction of occlusal veneers from virgilite-based lithium disilicate glass-ceramic with reduced thickness.

Data Distribution: Normal or Abnormal?

Determining if the frequency distribution of a given data set follows a normal distribution or not is among the first steps of data analysis. Visual examination of the data, commonly by Q-Q plot, although is acceptable by many scientists, is considered subjective and not acceptable by other researchers. One-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test with Lilliefors correction (for a sample size ≥ 50) and Shapiro-Wilk test (for a sample size < 50) are common statistical tests for checking the normality of a data set quantitatively. As parametric tests, which assume that the data distribution is normal (Gaussian, bell-shaped), are more robust compared to their non-parametric counterparts, we commonly use transformations (e.g., log-transformation, Box-Cox transformation, etc.) to make the frequency distribution of non-normally distributed data close to a normal distribution. Herein, I wish to reflect on presenting how to practically work with these statistical methods through examining of real data sets.

Effectiveness of Metaverse Space-Based Exercise Video Distribution in Young Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In response to the serious lack of physical activity among young adults, recent attempts have been made to encourage young people to exercise through exercise video distribution. However, merely distributing videos does not lead to improved physical activity levels. Metaverse space, which enables web-based interaction through avatars, allows users to watch exercise videos in the same space as other avatars. OBJECTIVE: This study explored whether exercise video distribution using metaverse space is effective in improving physical activity levels, along with mental health and locomotive function, among young people. METHODS: In this parallel-group randomized controlled trial participants were recruited using printed poster displays. A total of 48 young adults aged between 18 and 30 years were assigned to 3 groups of 16 each: the metaverse, YouTube, and control group. To encourage exercise, the metaverse group was given an exercise video each week with a load of around 4-8 metabolic equivalents of tasks (METs) for 8 videos delivered in the metaverse space. The YouTube group was sent a URL on YouTube every week to view exercise videos with the same content as the metaverse group. The control group was given no special instructions. The intervention period was 8 weeks. Pre- and postintervention physical activity, well-being, locomotive syndrome risk tests, and social capital were measured. Although this study was not blinded to the participants, the measurers did not know to which group the participants belonged. Mixed model repeated-measures analyses and a post hoc Wilcoxon signed rank sum test were performed to detect the effects of the intervention in all groups. RESULTS: The results of the mixed model repeated-measures analyses showed a significant interaction between groups and before and after the intervention for total physical activity (metaverse group: pre 737.1, SD 609.5 METs/week, post 1575.4, SD 1071.8 METs/week; YouTube group: pre 661.7, SD 710.7 METs/week, post 911.9, SD 1103.3 METs/week; and control group: pre 930.6, SD 665.1 METs/week, post 844.7, SD 701.8 METs/week; P=.04) but none for the indicators of well-being (P=.40), locomotive function scale (P=.17), and social capital (P=.23). A post hoc test showed a significant increase in physical activity in the metaverse group before and after the intervention (P=.006). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show that delivering exercise videos through metaverse space can increase physical activity in young adults by providing a gathering space for individuals similarly motivated for exercise practice. This way, the sense of isolation during exercise is reduced compared with merely distributing videos on YouTube. The use of metaverse space in health promotion is likely to spread, and this study provides a useful reference for its exploration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06019156; https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT06019156.

Identifying patterns to uncover the importance of biological pathways on known drug repurposing scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Drug repurposing plays a significant role in providing effective treatments for certain diseases faster and more cost-effectively. Successful repurposing cases are mostly supported by a classical paradigm that stems from de novo drug development. This paradigm is based on the "one-drug-one-target-one-disease" idea. It consists of designing drugs specifically for a single disease and its drug's gene target. In this article, we investigated the use of biological pathways as potential elements to achieve effective drug repurposing. METHODS: Considering a total of 4214 successful cases of drug repurposing, we identified cases in which biological pathways serve as the underlying basis for successful repurposing, referred to as DREBIOP. Once the repurposing cases based on pathways were identified, we studied their inherent patterns by considering the different biological elements associated with this dataset, as well as the pathways involved in these cases. Furthermore, we obtained gene-disease association values to demonstrate the diminished significance of the drug's gene target in these repurposing cases. To achieve this, we compared the values obtained for the DREBIOP set with the overall association values found in DISNET, as well as with the drug's target gene (DREGE) based repurposing cases using the Mann-Whitney U Test. RESULTS: A collection of drug repurposing cases, known as DREBIOP, was identified as a result. DREBIOP cases exhibit distinct characteristics compared with DREGE cases. Notably, DREBIOP cases are associated with a higher number of biological pathways, with Vitamin D Metabolism and ACE inhibitors being the most prominent pathways. Additionally, it was observed that the association values of GDAs in DREBIOP cases were significantly lower than those in DREGE cases (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Biological pathways assume a pivotal role in drug repurposing cases. This investigation successfully revealed patterns that distinguish drug repurposing instances associated with biological pathways. These identified patterns can be applied to any known repurposing case, enabling the detection of pathway-based repurposing scenarios or the classical paradigm.

Variations and thicknesses of anterior belly of the digastric muscle: an ultrasonographic study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the anatomy and anatomical variations of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. METHODS: Hundred and fifty one ultrasonographic images of the digastric muscle pairs were evaluated in Near East University Faculty of Dentistry Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. Morphological variations were recorded using the classification of the digastric muscle into 12 types by Kim et al. For the analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test were used, and for the correlational analysis, Spearman's rho test was applied. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in all tests. RESULTS: Seventy female and 81 male patients aged 19-60 years were evaluated. Type 1 digastric muscle was observed in 145 of 151 patients, Type 2 in 3 patients, and Type 7 in 3 patients. The thicknesses of the right and left digastric muscles were measured, and a statistically significant difference was observed between the groups when the genders were compared. It was observed that both right and left digastric muscle thicknesses were higher in males than females. There was a statistically significant positive high correlation between right and left digastric muscle thicknesses (p = 0.000; r = 0.736). No statistically significant difference was found between genders (p = 0.596) in terms of anatomical variations. CONCLUSION: Considering that the variations of the digastric muscle may have a clinical significance role, the normal anatomy and variations of this muscle should be well known by maxillofacial surgeons and radiologists.

Usefulness, Reliability, Quality, and Content of Portuguese Language YouTube Videos on COVID-19

Abstract Objective: To investigate the usefulness, reliability, quality, and content of Portuguese-language YouTube videos on COVID-19. Material and Methods: Three keywords selected on Google Trends were searched on YouTube, and the 60 first videos listed with each term were analyzed. Two calibrated researchers evaluated the reliability (DISCERN Modified Scale), the quality (Global Quality Score - GQS), and the usefulness of videos for the users (COVID-19 Specific Score - CSS). The number of views, likes, and engagement were also analyzed. The data were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation (α=5%). Results: 59 videos were included. The average scores of quality, reliability, and usefulness were 3.0 (±1.1), 3.2 (± 0.8), and 1.5 (± 0.9), respectively. Two-thirds of the videos (64.4%) had low/moderate quality, and the majority (76.2%) were about signs and symptoms. The numbers of views (p=0.005), likes (p=0.006), and engagement (p=0.014) were significantly higher in moderate/good quality videos. The number of comments (p=0.007), duration of videos (p=0.004), and the DISCERN score (p<0.001) were significantly higher in videos made by health professionals. The general quality of the videos was positively correlated to the CSS scores, number of views, likes, and engagement (p<0.05). Conclusion: Most videos had moderate quality and reliability and low usefulness for the users.

Burnout among Dental Students of Private and Public Dental Colleges in Pakistan - A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalence of burnout among dental students of public and private institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, Pakistan. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted at five public and private dental institutions from June 2021 to May 2022. A validated twelve-item closed-ended Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire was distributed among the dental students of two private and two public institutes in Pakistan. The research questions focused on demographic information and students' academic experiences. Data analysis is presented through tables and descriptive methods. Results: A total of 274 dental undergraduate students - second (42.3%), third (35.4%), and final (22.3%) academic year participated in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 21.9, with the range of 20-26 years. Most participants were females (74.1%) compared to the males (25.9%). The findings for burnout syndrome among dentistry students and students in the private and public sectors were not significant. Conclusion: In the current study, burnout levels among dental undergraduates, both private and public, were low.

Use of Stroboscopic Goggles in Suture Training Improves Precision and Accuracy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to quantify the impact of intermittent visual occlusion via stroboscopic goggles on suture accuracy and precision. METHODS: This crossover study recruited and randomized 72 graduate students to train with stroboscopic goggles early or late in structured suture practice. Participants completed assessments of 10 running sutures with 2 training sessions between baseline and follow-up assessments. The procedure was repeated after crossover. Suture photos were analyzed using ImageJ. Total error among all measurements represented accuracy; standard deviation of error represented precision. Intra- and inter-group trends were identified with Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: Both groups significantly improved in accuracy in the sessions immediately following goggle use, but the group that used goggles later in training continued improving in accuracy and precision while the group that trained with stroboscopic goggles early plateaued. CONCLUSIONS: Using stroboscopic goggles showed quantifiable benefit for augmenting suture training with greatest effect after initial skill acquisition is completed.

Prediction of learning curves of wired and wireless intraoral scanners.

This clinical study aimed to predict the learning curve of wireless and wired intraoral scanners (IOSs) and to compare the reduction patterns of working time. Overall, 14 participants were enrolled in the study. The intraoral scanning procedure was repeated four times, each using wireless and wired IOSs (i700; MEDIT). The work time from the first to the 600th iterations was predicted using the Wright model. Regarding statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney U-test was performed for comparison between wireless and wired IOSs and between groups with and without an IOS usage experience, and the Friedman test was performed to evaluate the time reduction (α = 0.05). There was a significant difference between wireless and wired IOSs in the first (P = 0.008) and the third (P = 0.035) iterations. Moreover, the time for 600 iterations was statistically significantly different between wireless and wired IOSs (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference after the sixth iteration (e.g., seventh iteration: P = 0.062). In wireless IOS, no significant difference was found between participants with and without an IOS usage experience after the 34th iteration (P = 0.053). The difference in the learning effect between wireless and wired IOSs can be overcome by initial learning; however, an IOS usage experience can affect the learning time of wireless IOSs.

Telemonitoramento dos idosos de natal-rn na atenção primária durante a pandemia da covid-19: estudo longitudinal descritivo / Telemonitoring of elderly people from Natal-RN in Primary Care during the COVID-19 pandemic: descriptive longitudinal study / Telemonitoreo de ancianos de Natal-RN en Atención Primaria durante la pandemia de COVID-19: estudio longitudinal descriptivo

Introdução:Atelessaúdese popularizou como uma importante ferramenta na avaliação remota e de prestação de cuidados em saúde.Uma de suas vertentes consiste no monitoramento remoto, também chamado de telemonitoramento ou televigilância,que se difundiu, sobretudo para grupos populacionais vulneráveis, como a população idosa, em especial durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Objetivo:Conhecer o perfil sociodemográfico, o estado de saúde e os comportamentos relacionados à saúde dos idosos monitorados durante a pandemia da COVID-19 no município de Natal-Rio Grande do Norte.Metodologia:Estudo longitudinal descritivo, com três momentos de observação. A amostra foi composta por idosos adscritos a 22 unidades de saúde de Natal, acompanhados por meio de ligações telefônicas, de agostode 2020 a julho de 2021. A análise dos dados foi realizada através do software Epi Info™, versão 7.2.4, a partir de frequências absolutas e relativas, medidas de tendência central e dispersão (média e desvio padrão).Resultados:Participaram do estudo 1.348 idosos. Amaioria era do sexo feminino (63,7%), com média de 70 anos, morava acompanhada(81,8%), esteve assintomática (77,0%), possuía comorbidades (81,5%) e dependia de medicações de uso contínuo (81,9%). Os sintomáticos diminuíram ao longo dos três momentos avaliados e menos de 1% evoluiu ao óbito.Conclusões:O telemonitoramentocontribuiu com a longitudinalidade do cuidado, proporcionando a busca ativa contínua de idosos sintomáticos e fortalecendo as atividades das Unidades de Saúde (AU).

Introduction:Telehealth has become popular as an important tool in the remote assessment and provision of health care. One ofits aspects is remote monitoring, also called telemonitoring or telesurveillance, which has become widespread, especially for vulnerable population groups, such as the elderly population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.Objective:To know the sociodemographic profile, health status and health-related behaviors of the elderly monitored during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Natal-Rio Grande do Norte. city.Methodology:Descriptive longitudinal study, with three moments of observation. The sample consisted of elderly people enrolled at 22 health units in Natal, followed up through telephone calls, from August 2020 to July 2021. Data analysis was performed using the Epi Info™ software, version 7.2.4, based on absolute and relative frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion (mean and standard deviation).Results:1,348 elderly people participated in the study. Most were female (63.7%), aged 70 years on average, lived with someone (81.8%), were asymptomatic (77.0%), had comorbidities(81.5%) and depended on continuous use (81.9%). Symptomatic cases decreased over the three evaluated moments and less than 1% evolved to death.Conclusions:Telemonitoring contributed to the longitudinality of care, providing continuous active search for symptomatic elderly and strengthening the activities of Health Units (AU).

Introducción: La telesalud se ha vuelto popular como una herramienta importante en la evaluacióny provisión remota de atención médica. Una de sus vertientes es el monitoreo remoto, también llamado telemonitoreo o televigilancia, que se ha generalizado, especialmente para grupos de población vulnerable, como la población de la tercera edad, especialmente durante la pandemia del COVID-19. Objetivo: Conocer el perfil sociodemográfico, el estado de salud y los comportamientos relacionados con la salud de los ancianos acompañados durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en la ciudad de Natal-Rio Grande do Norte.. Metodología: Estudio longitudinal descriptivo, con tres momentos de observación. La muestra estuvo compuesta por ancianos matriculados en 22 unidades de salud de Natal, seguidos a través de llamadas telefónicas, de agosto de 2020 a julio de 2021. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante el software Epi Info™, versión 7.2.4, con base en valores absolutos y relativos. frecuencias, medidas de tendencia central y dispersión (media y desviación estándar). Resultados: Participaron del estudio 1.348 ancianos. La mayoría eran del sexo femenino (63,7%), con edad media de 70 años, vivían con alguien (81,8%), estaban asintomáticos (77,0%), tenían comorbilidades (81,5%) y dependían del uso continuo (81,9%). Los casos sintomáticos disminuyeron en los tres momentos evaluados y menos del 1% evolucionó a muerte.Conclusiones: La televigilancia contribuyó para la longitudinalidad de la atención, proporcionando búsqueda activa continua de ancianos sintomáticos y fortaleciendo las actividades de las Unidades de Salud (AU).

Validade e Confiabilidade do Instrumento Resultados Esperados da Avaliação da Cicatrização de Feridas Crônicas (Resvech 2.0) / Validity and Reliability of the Expected Results of the Evaluation of Chronic Wound Healing (Resvech 2.0) / Validez y Fiabilidad de los Resultados Esperados de la Evaluación de la Cicatrización Crónica de Heridas (Resvech 2.0)

Introdução:As feridas de difícil cicatrização incidem em uma problemática de saúde devido a sua elevada prevalência e etiologias multifatoriais. O tratamento se inicia na prescrição do agente terapêutico apropriado, sucedido do uso de instrumentos que permitam ao profissional documentar as avaliações da ferida. Objetivo: O estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a confiabilidade e validade da versão brasileira do instrumento RESVECH 2.0 no contexto das feridas de difícil cicatrização. Método: Realizou-se um estudo metodológico. Inicialmente, foi aplicada uma entrevista nos participantes com o intuito de estabelecer um perfil; após, foram realizadas as avaliações das feridas de difícil cicatrização de qualquer etiologia (n = 179) com os instrumentos RESVECH 2.0 e Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing 3.0 (PUSH 3.0). Resultado: As propriedades psicométricas avaliadas foram a validade do construto convergente, confiabilidade interobservadores e consistência interna. A confiabilidade de consistência interna apresentou os valores de 0,561 e 0,535. A confiabilidade interobservadores apresentou um valor Kappa que varia entre 0,14 e 0,76 e um coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC) de 0,87. Para a validade de construto convergente, foi aplicado o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman para os dados dos escores dos instrumentos RESVECH 2.0 e PUSH 3.0 (n = 150), coeficiente obtido foi igual a 0,717. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o instrumento demonstrou evidências de confiabilidade e validade.

Introduction:Wounds that are difficult to heal are a health problem due to their high prevalence and multifactorial etiologies. Treatment begins with the prescription of the appropriate therapeutic agent, followed by the use of instruments that allow the professional to document wound assessments. Objective: The study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Brazilian version of the RESVECH 2.0 instrument in the context of difficult-to-heal wounds. Methods: A methodological study was carried out. Initially, participants were interviewed in order to establish a profile; then evaluations of difficult-to-heal wounds of any etiology (n = 179) were performed with RESVECH 2.0 and Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing 3.0 (PUSH 3.0) instruments. Results: The psychometric properties evaluated were convergent construct validity, interobserver reliability and internal consistency. Internal consistency reliability showed the values of 0.561 and 0.535. Interobserver reliability showed a Kappa value ranging from 0.14 to 0.76 and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.87. For convergent construct validity, Spearman's correlation coefficient was applied to RESVECH 2.0 and PUSH 3.0 scores (n = 150); the coefficient obtained was 0.717. Conclusion: It is concluded that the instrument showed evidence of reliability and validity.

Introducción:Las heridas de difícil cicatrización constituyen un problema de salud por su alta prevalencia y etiologías multifactoriales. El tratamiento comienza con la prescripción del agente terapéutico adecuado, seguido por el uso de instrumentos que permiten al profesional documentar la evaluación de la herida. Objetivo: El estudio pretende evaluar la fiabilidad y validez de la versión brasileña del instrumento RESVECH 2.0 en el contexto de heridas de difícil cicatrización. Método: Se realizó un estudio metodológico. Inicialmente, se aplicó una entrevista a los participantes para establecer un perfil; a continuación, se realizaron las evaluaciones de las heridas de difícil cicatrización de cualquier etiología (n = 179) con los instrumentos RESVECH 2.0 y Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing 3.0 (PUSH 3.0). Resultados: Las propiedades psicométricas evaluadas fueron la validez de constructo convergente, la fiabilidad interobservador y la consistencia interna. La fiabilidad de la consistencia interna presentó los valores de 0,561 y 0,535. La fiabilidad interobservador presentó un valor Kappa que osciló entre 0,14 y 0,76 y un coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) de 0,87. Para la validez de constructo convergente, se aplicó el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman a los datos de las puntuaciones de los instrumentos RESVECH 2.0 y PUSH 3.0 (n = 150); el coeficiente obtenido fue de 0,717. Conclusión: Se concluye que el instrumento mostró indicios de fiabilidad y validez.

Nonparametric item response models: a comparison on recovering true scores / Modelos de resposta ao item não-paramétricos: comparando a recuperação de escores verdadeiros / Modelos de respuesta al item no-paramétricos: comparando la recuperación de puntuaciones verdaderas

Nonparametric procedures are used to add flexibility to models. Three nonparametric item response models have been proposed, but not directly compared: the Kernel smoothing (KS-IRT); the Davidian-Curve (DC-IRT); and the Bayesian semiparametric Rasch model (SP-Rasch). The main aim of the present study is to compare the performance of these procedures in recovering simulated true scores, using sum scores as benchmarks. The secondary aim is to compare their performances in terms of practical equivalence with real data. Overall, the results show that, apart from the DC-IRT, which is the model that performs the worse, all the other models give results quite similar to those when sum scores are used. These results are followed by a discussion with practical implications and recommendations for future studies.(AU)

Procedimentos não paramétricos são usados para adicionar flexibilidade aos modelos. Três modelos não paramétricos de resposta ao item foram propostos, mas não comparados diretamente: o Kernel smoothing (KS-IRT); a Curva Davidiana (DC-IRT); e o modelo semiparamétrico Rasch Bayesiano (SP-Rasch). O objetivo principal do presente estudo é comparar o desempenho desses procedimentos na recuperação de escores verdadeiros simulados, utilizando escores de soma como benchmarks. O objetivo secundário é comparar seus desempenhos em termos de equivalência prática com dados reais. De forma geral, os resultados mostram que, além do DC-IRT, que é o modelo que apresenta o pior desempenho, todos os outros modelos apresentam resultados bastante semelhantes aos de quando se usam somatórios. Esses resultados são seguidos de uma discussão com implicações práticas e recomendações para estudos futuros.(AU)

Se utilizan procedimientos no paramétricos para agregar flexibilidad a los modelos. Se propusieron tres modelos de respuesta al ítem no paramétricos, pero no se compararon directamente: Kernel smoothing (KS-IRT); la curva davidiana (DC-IRT); y el modelo bayesiano de Rasch semiparamétrico (SP-Rasch). El objetivo principal del presente estudio es comparar el desempeño de estos procedimientos en la recuperación de puntajes verdaderos simulados, utilizando puntajes de suma como puntos de referencia. El objetivo secundario es comparar su desempeño en términos de equivalencia práctica con datos reales. En general, los resultados muestran que, a excepción de DC-IRT, que es el modelo con peor desempeño, todos los otros modelos presentan resultados bastante similares a los obtenidos cuando se utilizan sumatorios. Estos resultados son seguidos por una discusión con implicaciones prácticas y recomendaciones para estudios futuros.(AU)

Sample size planning for multiple contrast tests.

Sample size calculations for two (independent) samples are well established and applied in (pre-)clinical research. When planning several samples, which is common in, for example, preclinical studies, sample size planning tools based on analysis of variance methods are available. Since the underlying effect sizes of these methods are often hard to interpret and to provide for the sample size planning, we employ multiple contrast test procedures for sample size computations in both parametric (under normality assumption) and nonparametric designs using Steel-type tests. Since the exact distributions of the test statistics are unknown under the alternative and variance heterogeneity, we use approximate solutions. Furthermore, since no closed formula for the sample size is available, we use numerical approximations for their computation. Extensive simulation studies are finally conducted to assess the quality of the approximations. It turns out that the methods are accurate in the sense that the multiple contrast test procedures reach the target power to detect the alternative of interest with the sample size computed. The developed procedures are a valuable tool to plan (pre-)clinical trials with several samples and are easily accessible in publicly available software.

Patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip shows higher digit ratio (2D:4D).

BACKGROUND: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) encompasses a range of hip disorders, from dysplasia to dislocation. One key factor is sex, with women being four to eight times more susceptible to DDH than men. However, there have been no studies investigating the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a biomarker of prenatal sex steroid exposure, in DDH patients. This study aimed to explore whether there is an association between the 2D:4D ratio and DDH. METHODS: Digital calipers were used to measure the second and fourth finger lengths of 250 patients treated for DDH and 200 patients in the healthy control group between January 2020 and January 2023. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-normally distributed variables and two-way analysis of variance to assess differences in measurements between DDH patients based on sex, side, and the interaction of sex and side. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess measurement repeatability. RESULTS: The median (min-max) age was 10.00 (6-16) years in the DDH group, 12.00 (6-16) years in the control group, and 10 (6-16) years for the whole cohort. There was no significant difference in terms of age between the patient and control groups (p = 0.083). When comparing the DDH group with controls the former showed higher right 2D:4D and Δ2D:4D and these differences were significant in both males and females. Among the patients, controlling for side of dysplasia did not affect right 2D:4D, left 2D:4D or Δ2D:4D. CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between higher 2D:4D ratios (both right and left hands) and DDH in both men and women. This indicates that the 2D:4D ratio, a marker of intrauterine estrogen/testosterone balance, is associated with DDH.

A comparative study on teaching satisfaction of smart class and traditional class in pharmacy administration.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in teaching satisfaction between traditional classes and smart classes after adopting the smart class design for "Pharmacy Administration". METHODS: 20 classes were selected for traditional class teaching and smart class teaching, respectively. The first 10 classes were implemented using traditional teaching methods, and the last 10 classes were implemented using smart classes. After each 10 classes, the ten-point Likert scale was used to measure teacher satisfaction and course satisfaction, and the Mann-Whitney U test was performed on the mean value of satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of teacher satisfaction using traditional classes (n = 193) were 9.82 ± 0.471, and the mean and standard deviation of teacher satisfaction using smart classes (n = 199) were 9.85 ± 0.566, P > 0.05; the mean and standard deviation of course satisfaction using traditional classes (n = 193) were 9.68 ± 0.636, and the mean and standard deviation of course satisfaction using smart classes (n = 199) were 9.75 ± 0.649, P > 0.05. CONCLUSION: After using the smart class teaching practice, the scores of teacher satisfaction and course satisfaction improved; the mean of teacher satisfaction increased by 0.03 points and the mean of course satisfaction increased by 0.07 points. For course satisfaction and teacher satisfaction, there is no significant difference between using traditional class and smart class.

Spearman-like correlation measure adjusting for covariates in bivariate survival data.

We propose an extension of Spearman's correlation for censored continuous and discrete data that permits covariate adjustment. Previously proposed nonparametric and semiparametric Spearman's correlation estimators require either nonparametric estimation of the bivariate survival surface or parametric assumptions about the dependence structure. In practice, nonparametric estimation of the bivariate survival surface is difficult, and parametric assumptions about the correlation structure may not be satisfied. Therefore, we propose a method that requires neither and uses only the marginal survival distributions. Our method estimates the correlation of probability-scale residuals, which has been shown to equal Spearman's correlation when there is no censoring. Because this method relies only on marginal distributions, it tends to be less variable than the previously suggested nonparametric estimators, and the confidence intervals are easily constructed. Although under censoring, it is biased for Spearman's correlation as our simulations show, it performs well under moderate censoring, with a smaller mean squared error than nonparametric approaches. We also extend it to partial (adjusted), conditional, and partial-conditional correlation, which makes it particularly relevant for practical applications. We apply our method to estimate the correlation between time to viral failure and time to regimen change in a multisite cohort of persons living with HIV in Latin America.

Tailored magnetic resonance fingerprinting of post-operative pediatric brain tumor patients.

PURPOSE: Brain and spinal cord tumors are the second most common cancer in children and account for one out of four cancers diagnosed. However, the long acquisition times associated with acquiring both data types prohibit using quantitative MR (qMR) in pediatric imaging protocols. This study aims to demonstrate the tailored magnetic resonance fingerprinting's (TMRF) ability to simultaneously provide quantitative maps (T1, T2) and multi-contrast qualitative images (T1 weighted, T1 FLAIR, T2 weighted) rapidly in pediatric brain tumor patients. METHODS: In this work, we imaged five pediatric patients with brain tumors (resected/residual) using TMRF at 3 T. We compared the TMRF-derived T2 weighted images with those from the vendor-supplied sequence (as the gold standard, GS) for healthy and pathological tissue signal intensities. The relaxometric maps from TMRF were subjected to a region of interest (ROI) analysis to differentiate between healthy and pathological tissues. We performed the Wilcoxon rank sum test to check for significant differences between the two tissue types. RESULTS: We found significant differences (p < 0.05) in both T1 and T2 ROI values between the two tissue types. A strong correlation was found between the TMRF-based T2 weighted and GS signal intensities for the healthy (correlation coefficient, r = 0.99) and pathological tissues (r = 0.88). CONCLUSION: The TMRF implementation provides the two relaxometric maps and can potentially save ~2 min if it replaces the T2-weighted imaging in the current protocol.

Efeito de diferentes irrigantes finais na resistência união de um cimento de silicato de cálcio: estudo in vitro / Effect of different final irrigants on the bond strength of a calcium silicate cement : in vitro study

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a resistência de união do cimento Biodentine® à dentina radicular após a utilização de diferentes irrigantes finais. Método: Vinte dentes humanos extraídos tiveram seu terço médio radicular cortado em fatias que foram submersas em hipoclorito de sódio 2,5% e posteriormente divididas aleatoriamente em 4 grupos experimentais (n=15) conforme o irrigante final utilizado (1) água destilada (controle), (2) QMixTM, (3) ácido cítrico 10%, (4) EDTA 17%. Após a imersão na substância teste as amostras foram preenchidas com o cimento Biodentine e imersas em solução salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS) por um período de 7 dias. O teste de push out foi realizado e os valores de resistência de união em Mpa foram obtidos. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes de Kruskal Wallis e Studend- Newman-Keuls. Resultados: Os piores valores de união foram obtidos após a utilização do EDTA enquanto a água destilada, o QMix e o ácido cítrico apresentaram resultados estatisticamente semelhantes entre si. Conclusão: A remoção da smear layer não resultou em melhora nos resultados de união do cimento Biodentine.(AU)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the bond strength of Biodentine® cement to root dentin after the use of different final irrigants. Method: Twenty extracted human teeth had their middle root third cut into slices that were submerged in 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and then randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (n=15) according to the final irrigant used (1) distilled water (control), (2) QMixTM, (3) 10% citric acid, (4) 17% EDTA. After immersion in the test substance the samples were filled with Biodentine cement and immersed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for a period of 7 days. The push out test was performed and the bond strength values in MPa were obtained. The data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis and Studend- Newman-Keuls tests. Results: The worst bond values were obtained after using EDTA while distilled water, QMix and citric acid showed statistically similar results to each other. Conclusion: Removal of the smear layer did not result in improved bonding results of Biodentine cement.(AU)