• Title/Summary/Keyword: biostatistics

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Analysis of Daily Distress Symptoms: Threshold Estimation after Isolating the Distress Group (매일의 불편감 증상점수의 분석: 불편감 증후군의 탐색과 증상 변화추세의 검정)

  • Lee, Won-Nyung;Song, Hae-Hiang
    • The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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    • v.23 no.1
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    • pp.123-138
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    • 2010
  • After selecting a group of women with premenstrual syndrome based on daily distress scores of 28 days, one needs to estimate threshold for the change of symptoms, which would be useful for the clinician's diagnosis in hospitals. However, a test of whether a change has occurred has to precede the estimation of the threshold. In this paper, we apply parametric and nonparametric testing methods to an example data obtained from a group of women. Nonparametric method does not assume any distributional form of distress scores and parametric testing method is based on the normal distributions of linear regression lines. Therefore, the optimal situation of both methods would be different and we will assess it with a simulation study.

Determination of Sample Sizes of Bivariate Efficacy and Safety Outcomes (이변량 효능과 안전성 이항변수의 표본수 결정방법)

  • Lee, Hyun-Hak;Song, Hae-Hiang
    • The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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    • v.22 no.2
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    • pp.341-353
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    • 2009
  • We consider sample-size determination problem motivated by comparative clinical trials where patient outcomes are characterized by a bivariate outcome of efficacy and safety. Thall and Cheng (1999) presented a sample size methodology for the case of bivariate binary outcomes. We propose a bivariate Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney(WMW) statistics for sample-size determination for binary outcomes, and this nonparametric method can be equally used to determine sample sizes of ordinal outcomes. The two methods of sample size determination rely on the same testing strategy for the target parameters but differs in the test statistics, an asymptotic bivariate normal statistic of the transformed proportions in Thall and Cheng (1999) and nonparametric bivariate WMW statistic in the other method. Sample sizes are calculated for the two experimental oncology trials, described in Thall and Cheng (1999), and for the first trial example the sample sizes of a bivariate WMW statistic are smaller than those of Thall and Cheng (1999), while for the second trial example the reverse is true.

Genetic Polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 Genes in Delhi and Comparison with other Indian and Global Populations

  • Sharma, Anita;Pandey, Arvind;Sardana, Sarita;Sehgal, Ashok;Sharma, Joginder K.
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.13 no.11
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    • pp.5647-5652
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    • 2012
  • The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in the metabolism of many xenobiotics, including an array of environmental carcinogens, pollutants, and drugs. Genetic polymorphisms in these genes may lead to inter-individual variation in susceptibility to various diseases. In the present study, GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were analysed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction in 500 normal individuals from Delhi. The frequency of individuals with GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were 168 (33.6%) and 62 (12.4%) respectively, and 54(10.8%) were having homozygous null genotype for both the genes GSTM1 and GSTT1simultaneously. The studied population was compared with reported frequencies from other neighbouring state populations, as well as with those from other ethnic groups; Europeans, Blacks, and Asians. The prevalence of homozygous null GSTM1 genotype is significantly higher in Caucasians and Asians as compared to Indian population. The frequency of GSTT1 homozygous null genotypes is also significantly higher in blacks and Asians. We believe that due to large number of individuals in this study, our results are reliable estimates of the frequencies of the GSTM1, GSTT1 in Delhi. It would provide a basic database for future clinical and genetic studies pertaining to susceptibility and inconsistency in the response and/or toxicity to drugs known to be the substrates for GSTs.

Prevalence and Epidemiological Characteristics of Endoscopically Proven Reflux Esophagitis in Children in Korea

  • Yang, Aram;Kang, Ben;Choe, Jae Young;Kim, Hye Seung;Kim, Kyunga;Choe, Yon Ho
    • Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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    • v.20 no.3
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    • pp.160-166
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    • 2017
  • Purpose: The prevalence of reflux esophagitis (RE) has increased recently in Korea. Little is known concerning the prevalence and characteristics of RE in pediatric patients. This study investigated the prevalence and influence of risk factors in endoscopically proven RE in Korea in pediatric patients over a period of 14 years. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients between the ages of 1 month and 20 years who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy at Samsung Medical Center between 2001 and 2014 was carried out. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors for RE. Results: The prevalence rate of endoscopically proven RE in this study was 28.7% (978/3,413). The prevalence of RE increased from 11.8% from 2001 to 2007 to 37.7% from 2008 to 2014. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that residency in the Greater Gangnam area (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.44) and age (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.11-1.15) were significant predictive factors for the presence of RE. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of endoscopically proven pediatric RE has increased over the past 14 years. Residency and older age are more important independent risk factors for pediatric RE in Korea.

The Health and Occupation Research Network: An Evolving Surveillance System

  • Carder, Melanie;Hussey, Louise;Money, Annemarie;Gittins, Matthew;McNamee, Roseanne;Stocks, Susan Jill;Sen, Dil;Agius, Raymond M.
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.8 no.3
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    • pp.231-236
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    • 2017
  • Vital to the prevention of work-related ill-health (WRIH) is the availability of good quality data regarding WRIH burden and risks. Physician-based surveillance systems such as The Health and Occupation Research (THOR) network in the UK are often established in response to limitations of statutory, compensation-based systems for addressing certain epidemiological aspects of disease surveillance. However, to fulfil their purpose, THOR and others need to have methodologic rigor in capturing and ascertaining cases. This article describes how data collected by THOR and analogous systems can inform WRIH incidence, trends, and other determinants. An overview of the different strands of THOR research is provided, including methodologic advancements facilitated by increased data quantity/quality over time and the value of the research outputs for informing Government and other policy makers. In doing so, the utility of data collected by systems such as THOR to address a wide range of research questions, both in relation to WRIH and to wider issues of public and social health, is demonstrated.

Area-to-Area Poisson Kriging and Spatial Bayesian Analysis in Mapping of Gastric Cancer Incidence in Iran

  • Asmarian, Naeimehossadat;Jafari-Koshki, Tohid;Soleimani, Ali;Ayatollahi, Seyyed Mohammad Taghi
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.17 no.10
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    • pp.4587-4590
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    • 2016
  • Background: In many countries gastric cancer has the highest incidence among the gastrointestinal cancers and is the second most common cancer in Iran. The aim of this study was to identify and map high risk gastric cancer regions at the county-level in Iran. Methods: In this study we analyzed gastric cancer data for Iran in the years 2003-2010. Area-to-area Poisson kriging and Besag, York and Mollie (BYM) spatial models were applied to smoothing the standardized incidence ratios of gastric cancer for the 373 counties surveyed in this study. The two methods were compared in term of accuracy and precision in identifying high risk regions. Result: The highest smoothed standardized incidence rate (SIR) according to area-to-area Poisson kriging was in Meshkinshahr county in Ardabil province in north-western Iran (2.4,SD=0.05), while the highest smoothed standardized incidence rate (SIR) according to the BYM model was in Ardabil, the capital of that province (2.9,SD=0.09). Conclusion: Both methods of mapping, ATA Poisson kriging and BYM, showed the gastric cancer incidence rate to be highest in north and north-west Iran. However, area-to-area Poisson kriging was more precise than the BYM model and required less smoothing. According to the results obtained, preventive measures and treatment programs should be focused on particular counties of Iran.

Alterations of Blood Cholinesterase Activity and Urinary Para-nitrophenol Excretion After Exposure to Organophosphorus Insecticides (유기인제 농약 폭로로 인한 혈중 Cholinesterase 활성치와 요중 P-nitrophenol의 배설량의 변동)

  • Lee, Byung-Kook;Chung, Kyou-Chull
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.7 no.1
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    • pp.115-121
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    • 1974
  • In order to evaluate the health hazard due to exposure to organophosphorus insecticides, we measured the blood cholinesterase activity ana urinary para-nitrophenol among 56 exposed subjects. They are orchard workers, rice plant workers and smithion factory workers. The clinical symptoms were also checked by physicians. We also measured the blood cholinesterase activity and urinary para-nitrophenol excretion of 20 urban people and 15 rural people who had never been exposed to organophosphorus insecticides in order to compare them according to age, sex and geographical differences. And these results were also compared with those of exposed groups. The results obtained were as follows. 1. The normal plasma cholinesterase activity and cell cholinestrase activity were $0.861{\pm}0.148\;{\Delta}pH/hr$ and $0.822{\pm}0.154\;{\Delta}pH/hr$. And normal para-nitrophenol in urine was $1.21{\pm}0.52mg/liter$. 2. No significant difference was existed in blood cholinesterase activities and urinary para-nitrophenol excre tion according to sex, age and geographical difference. 3. The plasma cholinesterase activity and cell cholinesterase activity of orchard workers, rice plant workers and smithion factory workers were $0.682{\pm}0.189\;{\Delta}pH/hr,\;0.775{\pm}0.160\;{\Delta}pH/hr,\;0.754{\pm}0.123\;{\Delta}pH/hr,\;and\;0.691{\pm}0.082\;{\Delta}pH/hr,\;0.756{\pm}0.117\;{\Delta}pH/hr,\;0.739{\pm}0.117\;{\Delta}pH/hr$. And significant decreses in blood cholinesterase activities were existed among orchard workers and smithion factory workers compared with control group. 4, The urinary para-nitrophenol excretions of orchard workers, rice plant workers and smithion factory workers were $1.33{\pm}0.66mg/liter,\;1.19{\pm}0.88mg/liter\;and\;1.37{\pm}0.67mg/liter$ and there were no significant difference between exposed groups and control group. 5. The clinical symptoms complained during and after organophosphorus insecticides exposure were frequently ranked by headache (67.7%) and vertigo (64.5%) and muscular ataxia and weakness (51.6%).

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Innovative customized CAD/CAM nickel-titanium lingual retainer versus standard stainless-steel lingual retainer: A randomized controlled trial

  • Gelin, Emilie;Seidel, Laurence;Bruwier, Annick;Albert, Adelin;Charavet, Carole
    • The korean journal of orthodontics
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    • v.50 no.6
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    • pp.373-382
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    • 2020
  • Objective: To compare computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) customized nitinol retainers with standard stainless-steel fixed retainers over a 12-month study period. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on 62 patients randomly allocated to a control group that received stainless-steel retainers or a test group that received customized CAD/CAM nickel-titanium retainers. Four time points were defined: retainer placement (T0) and 1-month (T1), 6-month (T2), and 12-month (T3) follow-up appointments. At each time point, Little's irregularity index (LII) (primary endpoint) and dental stability measurements such as intercanine width were recorded in addition to assessment of periodontal parameters. Radiological measurements such as the incisor mandibular plane angle (IMPA) were recorded at T0 and T3. Failure events (wire integrity or debonding) were assessed at each time point. Results: From T0 to T3, LII and other dental measurements showed no significant differences between the two groups. The data for periodontal parameters remained stable over the study period, except for the gingival index, which was slightly, but significantly, higher in the test group at T3 (p = 0.039). The IMPA angle showed no intergroup difference. The two groups showed no significant difference in debonding events. Conclusions: This RCT conducted over a 12-month period demonstrated no significant difference between customized CAD/CAM nickel-titanium lingual retainers and standard stainless-steel lingual retainers in terms of dental anterior stability and retainer survival. Both retainers eventually appeared to be equally effective in maintaining periodontal health.