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PubMed2003

[Breast neoplasm in men and women--prognosis comparison].

UNLABELLED: Male breast cancer is a rare disease, therefore our knowledge of the disease is limited. AIM: Comparison of prognosis of male breast cancer and not-otherwise specified (NOS) invasive ductal female breast cancer and invasive lobular female breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1.01.1997 to 31.03.2000 in Clinical Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Łódź, 3862 patients were operated on breast cancer. There were 24 males (0.6%) and 3838 females (99.4%). Full clinical and pathological data concerning 22 males were collected; these males composed a studied group. Females with invasive lobular breast cancer (65 women) and with invasive ductal NOS breast cancer (474 women) operated on in our Department from 1977 to 1982 composed comparison groups. P-value of = 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Comparison of survival between males with breast cancer and females with invasive ductal NOS breast cancer: Gehan-Wilcoxon test P = 0.914; Mantel-Cox test P = 0.825; log-rank test P = 0.865; Peto-Peto test P = 0.901. Comparison of survival between males with breast cancer and females with invasive lobular breast cancer: Gehan-Wilcoxon test P = 0.443; Mantel-Cox test P = 0.305; log-rank test P = 0.413; Peto-Peto test P = 0.421. CONCLUSION: Prognosis of male breast cancer is not statistically different from that of female invasive ductal NOS and invasive lobular breast cancer.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMed2003

Effectiveness of nifedipine versus atosiban for tocolysis in preterm labour: a meta-analysis with an indirect comparison of randomised trials.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of nifedipine compared with atosiban for tocolysis in preterm labour. DESIGN: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials with meta-analysis using adjusted indirect comparison. POPULATION: Six hundred and seventy-nine women recruited in nine randomised trials evaluating the effectiveness of nifedipine versus beta-agonists, and 852 women recruited in four trials of atosiban versus beta-agonists. There were no trials comparing nifedipine directly with atosiban. METHODS: We performed meta-analysis with a technique involving an adjusted indirect comparison between nifedipine and atosiban using beta-agonists as the common comparator. This approach preserves the benefit accrued by randomisation in the original comparisons. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reduction in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and delay in delivery by 48 hours. RESULTS: Nifedipine tocolysis was associated with a significant reduction in respiratory distress syndrome compared with atosiban (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32-0.97). It also increased the number of women whose delivery was delayed by 48 hours (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.73-1.95), although this result was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: When indirectly compared with atosiban, nifedipine tocolysis is more effective. In the absence of a direct comparison, our analysis provides a way to explore the potential benefits of nifedipine versus atosiban.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

PubMed2004

A comparison between direct and indirect methods available for human bite mark analysis.

Comparison techniques used in bite mark analysis are many and varied, the choice of technique depending largely on personal preference. Until recently, no one technique has been shown to be better than the others, and very little research has been carried out to compare different methods. This study evaluates and compares the accuracy of direct comparisons between suspects' models and bite marks with indirect comparisons in the form of conventional traced overlays of suspects' models or a new method using photocopier-generated overlays. Artificial bite marks in pigskin were made using standardized sets of models and recorded as photographs and fingerprint powder lifts on tape. The bite mark photographs and fingerprint lifts were coded and randomized so that a blind comparison could be made with the models, traced overlays, and photocopier-generated overlays using a modified version of the American Board of Forensic Odontology Scoring (ABFO) System for Bite Marks. It was found that the photocopier-generated overlays were significantly more accurate at matching the correct bite mark to the correct models irrespective of whether the bite mark was recorded photographically or as a fingerprint lift. The photocopier-generated overlays were also found to be more sensitive at matching the correct bite marks to the correct models than the other two methods used. The modified ABFO scoring system was able to discriminate between a correct match and several incorrect matches by awarding a high score to the correct match.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Emotional, social, and behavioral functioning of children with sickle cell disease and comparison peers.

This research examined the emotional, social, and behavioral functioning of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and classroom comparison peers from the perspective of primary and secondary caregivers. It was hypothesized that children with SCD would have more internalizing (emotional) and social problems and fewer externalizing (behavioral) problems than comparison peers. Caregivers of 70 children with SCD and 67 comparison peers completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) during visits to the children's homes. Relative to comparison peers, children with SCD were perceived by primary caregivers as having more total and internalizing problems and less total competence. Additionally, significantly more children with SCD exceeded clinical cutoffs on the CBCL. While caregivers of children with SCD perceive these children to be at a slightly elevated risk for problems across multiple domains, a significant number of children with SCD have problems in the clinical range. The authors recommend that vigorous screening programs for mental health problems should be included in the routine care of children with SCD, and programs of psychosocial intervention research should be implemented to ameliorate problems for the children at greatest risk.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Comparison of gasolines using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and target ion response.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to compare gasoline samples obtained from different sources based on the difference in amounts of certain components found in the headspace of gasoline using target response data. Many suspected arson cases involve comparing an ignitable liquid extracted from fire debris to a liquid found in a suspect's possession to determine if they could have had a common source. Various component ratios are proposed for determining if an unevaporated gasoline sample could have originated from the same source as an evaporated gasoline extracted from fire debris. Fifty and 75% evaporated gasoline samples were both found to contain similar ratios of certain components when compared with its unevaporated source gasoline. The results of the comparisons in this study demonstrate that for cases involving gasoline that has been evaporated up to 50% and extracted from pine, it is possible to eliminate comparison samples as originating from the same source. The results of the 75% comparisons suggest it may be possible to apply the same type of comparison to cases involving 75% evaporated gasoline.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Interlaboratory comparison of olfactometry in Japan.

In 2000, 2001, and 2002, interlaboratory comparison of olfactometry was carried out in order to collect basic data for the establishment of a quality control procedure and the determination of quality criteria for the triangular odour bag method. In 2000, interlaboratory comparison was conducted by using a measurement method for samples taken at smoke stacks. On the other hand, the measurement method for samples taken at boundary lines was used for interlaboratory comparison in 2001. A total of seven olfactometry laboratories in Japan participated in each test, and mean values, repeatability standard deviations, reproducibility standard deviations, and standard deviations under intermediate conditions of detection threshold of ethyl acetate were calculated from the results. These values can be used in a quality control process of olfactometry. In 2002, interlaboratory comparison was carried out by using a measurement method for samples taken at smoke stacks. A total of 137 olfactometry laboratories in Japan participated in the test, and 69% of them lay within the permissible range of the odour index.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2005

Assessing current adaptation and phylogenetic inertia as explanations of trait evolution: the need for controlled comparisons.

The determination of whether the pattern of trait evolution observed in a comparative analysis of species data is due to adaptation to current environments, to phylogenetic inertia, or to both of these forces requires that one control for the effects of either force when making an assessment of the evolutionary role of the other. Orzack and Sober (2001) developed the method of controlled comparisons to make such assessments; their implementation of the method focussed on a discretely varying trait. Here, we show that the method of controlled comparisons can be viewed as a meta-method, which can be implemented in many ways. We discuss which recent methods for the comparative analysis of continuously distributed traits can generate controlled comparisons and can thereby be used to properly assess whether current adaptation and/or phylogenetic inertia have influenced a trait's evolution. The implementation of controlled comparisons is illustrated by an analysis of sex-ratio data for fig wasps. This analysis suggests that current adaptation and phylogenetic inertia influence this trait.

Adaptation, Biological↗

PubMed2006

[Lateral radiographic comparison for velar movement between palatoplasty with velopharyngeal muscular reconstruction and modified Von Langenbeck's procedure].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effect of palatoplasty with or without velopharyngeal muscular reconstruction on the velar movement through the lateral radiography. METHODS: From October 1988 to October 2000, 62 patients with cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency were treated. Of them, 32 were repaired by velopharyngeal muscular reconstruction (group A) and 30 by modified von Langenbeck's procedure (group B). The lateral radiographs and cephalometric analysis were taken. The velopharyngeal closure, velar extensibility, the angle changes of velar elevation, the distance changes of velar levator eminence based on anatomy (LEA) to velopharyngeal closure line (VCL), the varieties in LEA, the comparison of LEA and velar levator eminence based on phonation (LEP), the distance comparison between posterior nasal spine (PNS) to LEA and LEP through soft palate line (SPL) were measured. RESULTS: During the phonation, group A was significantly greater than group B in the velopharyngeal closure rate (P<0.01), the velar extensibility (P<0.05) and the location comparison between LEA and LEP (P<0.01); group B was significantly greater than group A in velar elevation angle (P<0.05), the varieties in LEA (P<0.05). In velar rest position, the distance of LEA to VCL was greater in B group than in A group(P<0.01). There was significant difference in the distance comparison between LEA and LEP(P<0.05), difference between LEA and LEP (P<0.01) and the distance PNS-SPL-LEA and PNS-SPL-LEP(P<0.05) within group B; contrary to the results within group A (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The velopharyngeal muscular reconstruction in palatoplasty can result in a near normalization of anatomic measurement of velar levator muscles and improve the velar function and velopharyngeal competence. Repositioning of velar muscles in a more anatomic correct, transverse position is more important to improve the velar length and accordant velar movement with velopharyngeal muscles in functional palatoplasty. The velar angle change and velar elevation during phonation are not determinative factors for velopharyngeal competence.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Electromagnetic fields measurements to assess workers' exposure and environmental protection: interlaboratory comparisons].

Interlaboratory comparisons (ILC) are an important element of quality systems of certified testing laboratories. It is the policy of the majority of certifying institutions to participate in ILC programs concerning research laboratories. ILC programs are technical initiatives. An analysis of the ILC results allows for taking decisive actions-proficiency testing. There are many types of ILC. However, in EMF measurements, the result comparison programs are usually applied. All program participants measure the same EMF source, usually the one that is normally exploited. The authors present the results and analysis of interlaboratory comparisons performed by certified laboratories. Comparisons presented in the paper were performed in the vicinity of the GSM base station.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗

PubMed1991

[Pitfalls in international comparisons of health data and indices].

Comparison of published data and health indices from different countries with different health systems is subject to many pitfalls. Comparison of national expenditure for health care based on purchasing power of the currency may be misleading if the purchasing power of the health services is ignored. Comparisons may also be misleading if they ignore national geographic and demographic structures. Government and health authorities often quote different sets of data and use different terminology and definitions. This article stresses the disparity in the definition of medical manpower and points out differences relating to ratios of manpower to population and to per capita spending. Also addressed is the importance of the qualitative and value aspects of health systems not usually involved in comparison of international health indices. In conclusion, safety measures and precautions such as choosing the right index for the right purpose, adjustment of indices to the purchasing power parity of health, demographics, etc., should be used when conducting health care analyses.

Data Collection↗

PubMed1991

Multiple comparisons for analyzing dichotomous response.

Dichotomous response models are common in many experimental settings. Statistical parameters of interest are typically the probabilities, pi, that an experimental unit will respond at the various treatment levels. Herein, simultaneous procedures are considered for multiple comparisons among these probabilities, with attention directed at construction of simultaneous confidence intervals for various functions of the pi. The inferences are based on the asymptotic normality of the maximum likelihood estimator of pi. Specific applications include all pairwise comparisons and comparisons with a fixed (control) treatment. Monte Carlo evaluations are undertaken to examine the small-sample properties of the various procedures. It is seen that use of the usual estimates of variance consistently leads to less-than-nominal empirical coverage for most sample sizes examined. For very large samples (total size greater than about 300), nominal coverage is achieved. A reformulation of the pairwise comparisons using a construction noted by Beal (1987, Biometrics 43, 941-950) is shown to exhibit generally nominal empirical coverage characteristics, and is recommended for use with small-to-moderate sample sizes.

Biometry↗

PubMed1990

[Interlaboratory serum copper-zinc comparisons. Analytical performance during the first year].

In 1988 the Trace Elements Commission of the French Society for Clinical Biology operated an interlaboratory comparison program for copper and zinc determination in serum. The main objective is to enable participants to maintain or improve the accuracy of their analytical performance by comparing their results periodically, on the basis of three criteria: comparison of the results with the mean value, accuracy (recovery of copper and zinc additions), between-run reproducibility for identical samples. The statistical methods for evaluation are reported in detail. After one year, the results show a regular improvement in their homogeneity, especially for copper, indicating that the participants have taken into account their results to improve their analytical performance. The recovery of the copper and zinc additions shown a considerable improvement of their homogeneity. The coefficients of variation improved from 30 to 21 p. cent for copper and from 29 to 15 p. cent for zinc. The between-run reproducibility for identical samples was also evaluated. A performance score for each participant was calculated for each evaluation criteria, and a global score was attributed. The procedure for individual and global evaluation was reported in detail. The best scores were obtained for accuracy and the worst for the comparison with the mean value. The participants were considered "good", "acceptable" or "inadequate" in view of their global scores. The global performance was compared to other international interlaboratory comparison programs for copper and zinc in serum.

Copper↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Relationships between nutrient intake, nutritional status and activity levels in an elderly and in a younger population; a comparison of physically more active and more inactive people.

Differences in absolute nutrient intakes, nutrient densities, and nutritional status between more physically active and more physically inactive elderly persons were analyzed from data of the Heidelberg-Michelstadt-Berlin Study. Comparisons were made in the different sex groups for older persons, the same comparisons were made for a group of younger persons. Although there was no significant statistical difference, the active persons had higher absolute energy intakes compared with inactive persons in all groups, except in the younger female group. Active older women have statistically significant higher vitamin B2, iodine, and calcium intakes than less active older women. Active older men have higher energy, carbohydrate, carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, and calcium intakes than the less active older men. A totally different pattern of intakes is seen in the group of younger persons. The more active younger women show lower absolute intakes of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B1, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and sodium in comparison with the less active young women. Active young men show higher iodine intakes compared with the inactives. The differences in intakes however are not reflected in the nutritional status. The nutritional status of more active people is therefore neither endangered nor improved in comparison with less active.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1986

[Comparison of left ventricular end-diastolic volume determined by radionuclide ventriculography, by contrast-media ventriculography and by a geometry-independent method].

Ejection fraction and end-diastolic volume (EDV) are valuable parameters of left ventricular function. They can be measured by radionuclide ventriculography. This study examines EDV in comparison to two other methods. A comparison was made between EDV derived from radionuclide ventriculography (RNV), standard contrast ventriculography and a 'hybrid' method, which calculates EDV from ejection fraction, heart rate and thermodilution cardiac output. Two groups of patients were examined: 54 patients with various cardiac diseases by contrast and radionuclide ventriculography (RNV); and 18 patients with typical angina were examined by RNV at rest and during exercise three times: Control without medication, 20 minutes after 10 mg metoprolol i.v. and again 10 minutes after the second exercise and 10 mg isosorbide dinitrate sublingually. In comparison to contrast ventriculography RNV overestimated EDV by 27%, and in comparison to the hybrid method by 11% with satisfactory linearity. The extent of error increases with decrease of ventricular volume. The assumption that the two short axes of the left ventricle are equally long causes one quarter of total error. Errors caused by the algorithm delineating the borders of the left ventricle cannot be measured. For clinical purposes radionuclide ventricular EDV seems to yield satisfactory results.

Cineangiography↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A comparison of Newcastle disease hemagglutination-inhibition test results from diagnostic laboratories in the southeastern United States.

A two-phase comparison was conducted using the Newcastle disease hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test to determine the variation of serologic results from poultry diagnostic laboratories in the southeastern United States. In the first phase of the comparison, most of the 17 participating laboratories in 10 states found the coded negative sera to be negative, and most found the potent sera to have the highest titers. However, there was a wide range of geometric mean titers (GMT's), from 2 to greater than or equal to 113 for the same serum samples. Each laboratory was strikingly consistent at reporting unknown but identical triplicate serum samples to have the same titer, even though the titers were frequently quite different from those of other laboratories. This observation indicated that currently used procedures yielded good reproducibility within individual laboratories but not necessarily between laboratories. In the second phase of the comparison, participants were furnished another set of coded sera, antigen, and a suggested incubation time. The implementation of the recommended incubation period reduced the extent of the lab-to-lab differences, but GMT's between labs still ranged from 11 to 95 on identical serum samples. When all laboratories used the same antigen, the average of the GMT results increased from 38 to 48, but the GMT's from the different laboratories ranged from 7 to more than 2048. Although the comparison exercise resulted in some improvement in uniformity, it was obvious that a continuing voluntary program should be initiated to certify laboratories and promote uniform test methods for specific serologic procedures using coded sera.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Multiple comparisons in the randomization analysis of designed experiments with growth curve responses.

A randomization approach to multiple comparisons is developed for comparing several growth curves in randomized experiments. The exact Type I probability error rate for these comparisons may be prespecified, and a Type I error probability for each component test can be evaluated. These procedures are free of many of the standard assumptions for analyzing growth curves and for making multiple comparisons. An application of the procedure gives all pairwise comparisons among the mean growth curves associated with four treatments in an animal experiment using a Youden square design, where growth curves are obtained on monitoring hormone levels over time.

Animals↗

PubMed1982

The comparison scanning electron microscope within the field of forensic science.

A brief historical view of the origin, development, and application of the light comparison microscope is given. Problems emanating from restricted depth of focus in light-microscopical techniques are eliminated by utilizing the scanning electron microscope. Various attempts have been made to use the scanning electron microscope suitable for comparison microscopy: videotape, image storage tube, split field scan. In 1980 another way of performing scanning electron comparison microscopy was contrived: the coupling of two instruments. Both instruments are equipped with several electron detection systems, which produce special contrast effects. For applications with the comparison scanning electron microscope in forensic science a number of interchangeable specimen holders, were designed.

Forensic Medicine↗

PubMed1994

Total knee arthroplasty after failed high tibial osteotomy. A comparison with a matched group.

The results of 73 total knee arthroplasties in 67 patients after a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) were carefully reviewed at an average follow-up period of 73 months (range, 24-132 months). An extensive clinical as well as radiographic review was performed in an attempt to evaluate parameters that might portend more favorable or worse outcomes. Additional comparisons were made with two groups of 73 primary TKAs matched according to age, gender, diagnosis, prosthetic fixation, and length of follow-up period. The two comparison groups differed in that one (Group A) was additionally matched to deformity before TKA with a second comparison group (B) matched to pre-HTO deformity. On the basis of a 100-point knee rating scale, 36% of the study group patients had either a fair or poor result or required additional surgery. This was significantly greater than either comparison group (p < 0.01). Factors that prognosticated a worse outcome in the HTO patients (p < 0.01) included (1) workmen's compensation patient, (2) history of reflex sympathetic dystrophy after HTO, (3) early onset (less than one year) or no period of relief of pain after HTO, (4) multiple surgeries before HTO, and (5) an occupation as a laborer.

Adult↗