Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Analysis of Variance”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,765 records · Page 98Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

The relationship between craniofacial structures and the nose in Anatolian Turkish adults: a cephalometric evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the facial skeletal and the nasal profile in Anatolian Turkish adults. This prospective study was conducted at Gazi University, Faculties of Dentistry and Medicine, in Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: The sample included 262 Turkish adults (167 women, 95 men), aged 18 to 30 years. Fifteen facial skeletal parameters and 12 nasal parameters (10 soft tissue and 2 nasal skeletal) were measured on lateral cephalograms. Analysis of variance, Duncan test, and Pearson correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The anteroposterior and vertical classifications were found to be significant with analysis of variance in certain parameters such as nasolabial angle (P < .05), nasomental angle (P < .001), and soft-tissue facial convexity (P < .001). Sex was also found to be significant for nasal length (P < .001), nasal depths (P < .05, P < .001), and hump (P < .01), in addition to soft-tissue facial convexity (P < .01). The results also showed correlations between the skeletal and nasal parameters. Facial heights, lengths, and the anteroposterior/vertical position of the maxilla and mandible were found to be correlated to nasal length and form. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal length, prominence, and form are associated with height and length of the maxilla and the mandible. Posterior-inferior development of the face results in a convex nasal profile, whereas anterior development produces a straight or concave nasal profile.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Spreadsheet statistics.

Four spreadsheet templates are presented to carry out routine statistical analyses with relatively small amounts of data: two-sample Student's t test, one-factor analysis of variance with replication, two-factor analysis of variance with replication, and Wilcoxon's non-parametric two-sample T-test (Mann and Whitney U-test). The use of sometimes complex IF and logic (AND, OR) functions in these templates is a means of maintaining a neat output presentation by avoiding error values, selection of appropriate forms of the t-test, and iteratively assigning mean ranks to data in the non-parametric test. The advantages of the spreadsheet approach accrue through using a multi-purpose package rather than dedicated statistics programs, having usually unobstructed access to the program for modification, relative ease of programming spreadsheets, and ease of correction and alteration of input data. Disadvantages are the limited size of templates and the small number of templates available. Spreadsheets represent a declarative form of programming rather than procedural, with consequent advantages in specifying the problem to be solved, which may have particular application in teaching statistics and programming at undergraduate level.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2003

The effects of past and anticipated future downsizing on survivor well-being: an equity perspective.

Worker well-being was examined as a function of past downsizing and expectations concerning future downsizing. Data from 1,297 Finnish workers were analyzed using analysis of variance and structural modeling analysis. Having experienced downsizing in the past or anticipating downsizing in the future was associated with elevated levels of inequity, which in turn were associated with elevated levels of psychological strain, cynicism, and absence. There were also direct effects of past/anticipated future downsizing on strain, cynicism, and absence, meaning that inequity only partly mediated the relationship between downsizing and well-being. Moreover, well-being varied as a function of type of downsizing.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1992

Role of inferior temporal neurons in visual memory. I. Temporal encoding of information about visual images, recalled images, and behavioral context.

1. Lesions of the inferior temporal (IT) cortex selectively hamper monkeys in tasks requiring visual memory. A system that recognizes images must be able to encode a current stimulus, recall the code of a previous stimulus, compare the codes of the two stimuli, and make a decision on the basis of the outcome of the comparison. Therefore, IT neurons must be involved in at least one of these processes. To determine the specific role of IT neurons in visual memory, we measured the information conveyed in the neuronal responses about current patterns, recalled patterns, and behavioral context. 2. Two monkeys were trained to perform a sequential matching task using a set of 32 black and white Walsh patterns. In the course of an experiment, each pattern was presented repeatedly in sample, match, and nonmatch behavioral contexts. While the monkeys were performing the task, we recorded the activity of 76 neurons from area TE of IT. The neuronal responses to the stimuli were converted to spike density functions, and the resultant waveforms were quantified using their principal components. The relationships between the responses and the stimuli were studied using analysis of variance and information theory. 3. The analysis of variance was applied to the neuronal response waveforms using the context (sample, match, or nonmatch) and the patterns of the stimuli as independent variables and the spike count or the coefficients of the principal components as the dependent variables. We found that the waveforms of most neurons were significantly modulated by both the pattern and the context of the stimulus presentation. 4. We also analyzed the stimulus-response relationships using information theory. The input codes were based on the pattern and context of the stimuli, and the output codes were based on the spike count or the principal components of the responses. The neuronal response waveforms were found to convey significant amounts of information about both the pattern and context of the stimuli. Transmitted information was greatest when the response of a neuron was interpreted as a message about the combination of pattern and context. Nevertheless, there was information about context independent of pattern and vice versa. 5. We also used information theory to determine whether the neuronal responses to the second, or test, stimulus conveyed information about the pattern of the first, or sample, stimulus. The input codes were based on the patterns of the sample stimuli, and the output codes were based on the responses to the nonmatch test stimuli.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1999

Tensile bond strengths of provisional luting agents used with an implant system.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Retrievability of cemented implant-supported fixed prostheses is desirable. Retentive strengths of new provisional luting agents have not been reported. PURPOSE: This study compared the tensile bond strengths of 6 provisional luting agents when used with cemented superstructures and 1 implant system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten castings were fabricated and randomly paired with abutment specimens. Castings were cemented and the assemblies were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 48 hours. Tensile bond strength necessary to remove each casting was measured with a 500-kg load and a crosshead speed of 0.5 cm/min. Crown/abutment specimens were cleaned after testing, and the testing procedure was repeated for a total of 6 luting agents (n = 10). Data were analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance and Scheffé's analysis (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Tensile bond strengths ranged between 1.29 and 4.08 MPa. The lowest tensile bond strengths were found to be statistically similar between Temp Bond and Provilink luting agents. Neo-Temp luting agent exhibited the highest tensile bond strength (P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: Temp Bond and Provilink luting agents exhibited the lowest mean tensile bond strengths. Neo-Temp luting agent exhibited a tensile bond strength more than 3 times that of Temp Bond luting agent.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Predictors of depression symptoms in pregnant adolescents.

The purpose of this study involving a cross-cultural group of single, pregnant adolescents was to examine the association of depression with self-esteem, social support, discomforts of pregnancy, and selected sociodemographic variables. The sample comprised 62 pregnant adolescents recruited from a residential maternity home. Subjects ranged in age from 14 to 20 years (mean 16.67 years) and were predominantly Hispanic and black. All subjects completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory, a physical discomfort checklist, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. A high level of depression symptoms was reported by the majority of participants. Nearly two thirds of the young women reported adequate levels of emotional support; however, the remaining subjects claimed inadequate levels. Results of the multiple regression analyses revealed that, of the predictor variables investigated, only the total self-esteem score was statistically significant (p = 0.0001) and explained 32.6% of the variance. In further statistical analysis a multifactor analysis of variance found social support to be a significant variable influencing depression. On the basis of these results, several recommendations for assessment and intervention with similar groups of pregnant adolescents are suggested, including screening for depression symptoms and development of treatment programs for affected youth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Preneoplastic lesions and gallbladder cancer: an estimate of the period required for progression.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Scarce biological information exists about the importance of preneoplastic lesions in gallbladder cancer. The aim of this study was to estimate the time required for the sequence of dysplasia (DY) to carcinoma of the gallbladder. METHODS: Eighty-four cases of DY, 60 cases of early carcinomas (ECs), 181 cases of advanced carcinomas (ACs), and 121 cases of metastatic (ME) gallbladder cancer were analyzed. Age was used as the main parameter. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Among all cases, the mean age of female patients was lower than the mean age of male patients (P = 0.001). A significant difference in mean age between sexes by specific type of lesion was also observed (P < 0.001). The mean age was 46.3 years (SD, 16) in the DY group, 57.5 years (SD, 16.7) in the EC group, 59 (SD, 13.7) in the AC group, and 61.1 (SD, 12.1) in the ME group. Multiple regression analysis showed statistically significant differences (r = 0.386; P < 0.001) in the mean age of patients with dysplastic lesions compared with the carcinoma group. CONCLUSIONS: According to these observations, the period required to progress from dysplasia to advanced gallbladder carcinoma would be around 15 years, observing a continuum in the progression of the lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Characterization of the relationship between joint laxity and maternal hormones in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate peripheral joint laxity during pregnancy and to correlate changes with serum cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, and relaxin. METHODS: Forty-six women with first-trimester singleton gestations consented to participate in this longitudinal observational study. Bilateral wrist laxity measurements (flexion-extension and medial-lateral deviation) were made using a clinical goniometer, and serum levels of cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, and relaxin were determined during each trimester of pregnancy and postpartum. Patients were also screened for subjective joint complaints. Statistical analysis included Student t test, analysis of variance, and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Eleven women (24%) were excluded from the study after spontaneous first-trimester pregnancy loss. Fifty-four percent (19 of 35) demonstrated increased laxity (10% or higher) in either wrist from the first to the third trimester. Although serum levels of cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, and relaxin were significantly elevated during pregnancy, no significant differences in these levels were noted between those who became lax during gestation and those who did not. Linear regression analysis of wrist joint laxity and level of serum estradiol, progesterone, and relaxin demonstrated no significant correlation. Wrist flexion-extension laxity, however, did significantly correlate with level of maternal cortisol (r = 0.18, P =.03). Fifty-seven percent of women developed subjective joint pain during pregnancy, which was not associated with increased joint laxity, but was associated with significantly increased levels of estradiol and progesterone. CONCLUSION: Peripheral joint laxity increases during pregnancy; however, these changes do not correlate well with maternal estradiol, progesterone, or relaxin levels.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Quantification of fracture healing with three-dimensional computed tomography.

Quantitative methods are necessary for an objective evaluation of fracture healing. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) for the measurement of callus volume and density could be such a method and was investigated in an animal model. In 23 goats a closed tibial fracture was created and stabilized with a cast. The animals were killed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks for radiographical, CT and biomechanical analysis. From the CT scans a three-dimensional reconstruction of the callus was made to measure its volume and mean density. At 2 weeks the callus volume had already reached its maximum. In contrast, callus density, torsional strength and torsional stiffness increased over time (P < 0.0001, analysis of variance, ANOVA). Multiple regression analysis showed that the callus volume was not related to the torsional properties. However, callus density was a significant explanatory variable for both torsional strength (R2 = 0.72, P < 0.0001) and torsional stiffness (R2 = 0.82, P < 0.0001). Therefore, callus density as measured by three-dimensional CT is a predictor of the extent of fracture consolidation. CT with three-dimensional reconstruction of the callus seems a valid technique for the quantification of fracture healing.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1987

[Role of Holter electrocardiogram in the evaluation of anti-arrhythmia therapy].

Statistical models may be useful in order to evaluate antiarrhythmic treatment and to distinguish between drug efficacy and spontaneous variability of premature ventricular depolarizations. Analysis of variance and linear regression analysis have been both proposed for documenting antiarrhythmic efficacy. Holter/exercise approach has been designed as noninvasive method of drug testing. So far only one group has reported the long-term outcome of patients managed using this approach. Patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias in which efficacy was achieved had better chance of surviving during follow-up than did the nonresponder patients. In addition to acute drug testing, chronic trials have been undertaken. One group has reported the long-term results in 124 drug trials and the efficacy was controlled by Holter monitoring. Cumulative probability of survival at 24 months was better for responders than for nonresponders (P less than 0.001). Perspective trials with antiarrhythmic drug are being concluded, such as CAPS and TEST. The results are imminent. Additional aspects to be considered are that critical suppression of premature ventricular depolarizations by Holter does not predict long-term remission of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Comparison of follow-up results by programmed electrical stimulation and by Holter monitoring are not similar; retrospective non randomized studies show that programmed stimulation was superior to ambulatory monitoring in predicting drug efficacy, or that clinical outcome in patients whose regimen had been found ineffective by programmed stimulation, was as good as the outcome in patients effectively controlled by Holter monitoring.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

What is normal intra-abdominal pressure?

The causes and effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure and abdominal compartment syndrome have been well documented. However, there have been no large series to determine normal intra-abdominal pressure in hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study was to determine normal intra-abdominal pressure in randomly selected hospitalized patients and to identify factors that predict variation in normal intra-abdominal pressure. A total of 77 patients were prospectively enrolled between September 1998 and July 1999. Data obtained included patient demographics (i.e., age, gender, height, weight, and body mass index), reason for hospitalization and bladder catheterization, previous and current surgical status, comorbidities, and intra-abdominal pressures. Intra-abdominal pressure readings were obtained through an indwelling transurethral bladder (Foley) catheter. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis. There were 36 females and 41 males with a mean age of 67.7 years. Average weight, height, and body mass index were 79.6 kg, 1.70 m, and 27.6 kg/m2, respectively. Mean intraabdominal pressure was 6.5 mm Hg (range 0.2-16.2 mm Hg). Body mass index was positively related to intra-abdominal pressure (P < 0.0004). Gender, age, and medical and surgical histories did not significantly affect intra-abdominal pressure. However, using multiple regression analysis, a relationship between intra-abdominal pressure, body mass index, and abdominal surgery was discovered. Intra-abdominal pressure is related to a patient's body mass index and influenced by recent abdominal surgery. Thus, the normal intra-abdominal pressure can be estimated in hospitalized patients by using the derived equation. Knowledge of the expected intra-abdominal pressure can then by used in recognizing when an abnormally high intra-abdominal pressure or abdominal compartment syndrome exists.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2002

Comparison of conventional periodontal maintenance versus scaling and root planing with subgingival minocycline.

BACKGROUND: Alternative regimens using subgingival antimicrobials compared to conventional periodontal maintenance (PM) may lead to more efficient protocols. The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment time and clinical and radiographic outcomes in 2 periodontitis cohorts, one receiving conventional PM and the other receiving scaling and root planing (SRP) and multiple doses of subgingival minocycline. METHODS: Moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis patients were concurrently treated with either: 1) scaling and root planing and 4 subgingival doses of minocycline microspheres in all > or = 5 mm pockets over a 6-month period (RP/M; n = 24 patients); or 2) conventional 3-month periodontal maintenance (PM; n = 24 patients). Clinical and radiographic measurements, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and interproximal bone height (BH), were analyzed in 2 premolar/molar interproximal > or = 5 mm pockets at baseline and 1 year using paired t tests, analysis of variance, chi-square analysis, and correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Baseline clinical and radiographic data were similar between RP/M and PM patients. Probing depths showed greater mean improvement in RP/M (0.9 +/- 0.1 versus 0.4 +/- 0.1 mm, P = 0.02), with 25% of subjects in RP/M gaining > or = 2 mm compared to 4.2% in PM (differences were statistically significant). The mean loss in bone height and percent subjects losing bone height were less in RP/M (0.05 +/- 0.05 mm; 12.5%) than PM (0.09 +/- 0.08 mm; 16.7%), but bone height differences were not statistically significant. A subset of RP/M molar furcation sites responded with similar PD reduction and no BH loss over 1 year. While cross-sectional RP/M data between CAL and BH, or PD and CAL were highly correlated, changes over 1 year were not correlated among any of these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Scaling and root planing and subgingival minocycline in experimental sites took little time (<5 minutes/appointment), but resulted in more probing depth reduction and less frequent bone height loss than conventional periodontal maintenance.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2005

Combined analysis of 635 patients confirms an age-related association of the serotonin 2A receptor gene with tardive dyskinesia and specificity for the non-orofacial subtype.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an important limiting factor in the use of typical antipsychotic drugs. Genetic variability in the serotonin 2A (5-HT(2A)) receptor may influence risk for TD but the results of prior studies are not confirmatory. The objective of this study was to determine association of T102C and His452Tyr polymorphisms in the 5-HT(2A) receptor gene (HTR(2A)) with TD in a large, multicentre patient sample. The design employed case-control analysis controlling for possible confounders using pooled, original data from published and available unpublished samples and employing logistic regression, analysis of variance and meta-analysis. The study sample consisted of 635 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (256 with TD and 379 without TD) drawn from five research centres, divided into six groups based on population origin. The main outcome measure was association of a categorical diagnosis of TD based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TD with HTR(2A) T102C and His452Tyr genotypes and haplotypes. The findings indicate significant association of TD with HTR(2A) T102C genotype (p=0.002) over and above the effect of population group, also when controlling for age and gender (p=0.0008), but not with His452Tyr genotype. The T102C genotype was significantly associated with TD in older (>median age 47 yr, p=0.002) but not younger patients and in patients with non-orofacial (limb-truncal) (p=0.001) but not orofacial TD. By meta-analysis the Mantel-Haenszel (M-H) pooled odds ratio (OR) across all the available data was 1.64. A T102C-His452Tyr haplotype was significantly associated with TD (p=0.0008). These findings confirm that genetic variability in HTR(2A) contributes a small but significant degree of risk for the expression of TD, particularly in older patients and specifically for the non-orofacial (limb-truncal) type. Together with other genetic variants associated with TD the findings could be used to assess risk in patients who are candidates for treatment with typical antipsychotic medications.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Determinants of a normal (versus impaired) oral glucose tolerance after combined pancreas-kidney transplantation in IDDM patients.

After successful pancreas transplantation, insulin-dependent diabetic patients are characterized by a normal or at worst impaired oral glucose tolerance (World Health Organisation criteria). It is not known which pathophysiological mechanisms cause the difference between normal and impaired oral glucose tolerance. Therefore, we studied 41 patients after successful combined pancreas-kidney transplantation using stimulation in the fasting state with oral glucose (75 g), intravenous glucose (0.33 g/kg) and glucagon bolus injection (1 mg i.v.). Glucose (glucose oxidase), insulin and C-peptide (immunoassay) were measured. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the results which showed: 28 patients had a normal, and 13 patients had an impaired oral glucose tolerance. Impaired oral glucose tolerance was associated with a greatly reduced early phase insulin secretory response (insulin p < 0.0001; C-peptide p = 0.037). Age (p = 0.65), body mass index (p = 0.94), immunosuppressive therapy (cyclosporin A p = 0.84; predniso(lo)ne p = 0.91; azathioprine p = 0.60) and additional clinical parameters were not different. Reduced insulin secretory responses in patients with impaired oral glucose tolerance were also found with intravenous glucose or glucagon stimulations. Exocrine secretion (alpha-amylase in 24-h urine collections) also demonstrated reduced pancreatic function in these patients (-46%; p = 0.04). Multiple regression analysis showed a significant correlation of 120-min glucose with ischaemia time (p = 0.003) and the number of HLA-DR mismatches (p = 0.026), but not with HLA-AB-mismatches (p = 0.084). In conclusion, the pathophysiological basis of impaired oral glucose tolerance after pancreas transplantation is a reduced insulin secretory capacity. Transplant damage is most likely caused by perioperative influences (ischaemia) and by the extent of rejection damage related, for example, to DR-mis-matches.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Day-to day variability of cardiac pressure values in horses measured with right heart catheterization on 3 consecutive days].

In the present study, a right heart catheterisation was carried out on three consecutive days in 17 healthy horses to evaluate the day-to-day variability of cardiac pressure values. Cardiac pressure values were measured in the right atrium, the right ventricle, the pulmonary artery, and the pulmonary capillaries (pulmonary artery wedge pressure). Additionally it was examined wether the cardiac pressure variability was influenced by the heart rate and if there are differences between trained and untrained horses. Beside the coefficient of variances, statistical analysis with assessment of variance components were carried out. Therefore the variation between repeated measurements at one day and within one horse, and the variation between repeated measurements over three days and within the horses (day to day intraindividual variation) as well as the variation between the horses (interindividual variation) were taken into account. The absolute interindividual variance of the pressure values and the heart rate was between 0.4 and 19.6 at all day and for all horses. Between trained and untrained horses the variation of the pressure values and the heart rate was lower than in the trained horses. A significant difference between trained and untrained horses was seen in right atrial mean pressure (p < 0.001) and right atrial diastolic pressure (p < 0.005). The coefficient of variances of the mean heart rate was 11.8%. The coefficient of variances of the different pressure values ranged between 13.1 (mean pulmonary artery pressure) and 46.4% (right ventricular pressure). By splitting the variances, 54.4-78.9% of the variation was caused by the effect of days, 6.2-30.7% of the variation was caused by the effect of horses and 12.5-23% of the variation was caused by the repeated measurements at the different days. In sumary the results shows that nearly all of the pressure values had a low effect of days on the variation, thus cardiac pressure measurements at one day seem to be sufficient.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2003

Assessing the effect of Taiwan's outpatient prescription drug copayment policy in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: This study uses variance cost analysis and regression analysis as tools for investigating the initial effects of Taiwan's outpatient prescription drug copayment program in the elderly. Under its new National Health Insurance program, Taiwan implemented a prescription drug cost-sharing program August 1, 1999. We compare an elderly population's prescription drug use after the policy was implemented with an elderly population's prescription drug use before the policy change to describe initial and general consequences of the drug cost-sharing program. METHODS: Approximately 240,000 patients aged 65 and over representing 1,600,000 outpatient prescriptions were drawn from 21 hospitals in the Taipei area for the study using a stratified random sampling method. Variance analysis, as used primarily in accounting, was applied to decompose overall cost variance of the policy into the sum of variances of several specific factors that are important to policymakers. The cost variances of each specific factor can be further decomposed into sublevels of analyses. Regression analysis is then applied to better understand covariates that might influence drug cost variances of significant magnitude. RESULTS: The initial effects of the policy change did not reverse the trend of drug cost increases. Instead, there was a significant increase in total prescription drug costs in the cost-sharing group (approximately 12.86%) and an even higher increase rate in the non-cost-sharing group (approximately 51.42%). The main reason for the drug cost increase for the cost-sharing group was attributed to an increase in average drug costs per prescription (explaining 69.20% of the variance). We found physicians seemed to prescribe more expensive drugs and extend prescription duration, especially when drug costs exceed the upper bound of the cost-sharing schedule. By contrast, the main factor contributing to the increase in drug costs for the non-cost-sharing group was an increase in average prescription duration (explaining 64.98% of the variance). The increase mainly results from the effect of extended prescriptions for chronic diseases that were designed to reduce unnecessary visits for refills. DISCUSSION: The significant increase in average drug price per prescription indicates that many prescriptions could move above the upper bound of the cost-sharing schedule. The results suggest that the Bureau of National Health Insurance should increase the upper bound. We do not think these effects are unique to Taiwan. Rather, these effects should be considered as countries change their outpatient drug benefit programs. We also found a decrease in utilization of essential drugs with an increase in utilization of nonessential drugs for patients subject to copayments. The results suggest potential adverse effects on patients' health outcome.

Accreditation↗
PubMed1998

Correlation between aerobic and anaerobic resistance to metronidazole in trichomonads: application of a new computer program for permutation tests.

An indispensable step of any comparative study is testing the concordance between the distribution of phenetic traits and the evolutionary history of the taxa under study. Here we present a computer program TREEPT which can perform these tasks on the basis of a permutation test. The use of the program was demonstrated on trichomonad drug sensitivity data. The program can also perform permutation tests analogous to the t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analysis and is available at http://www.natur.cuni.cz/flegr/PROGRAMS/+ ++TREEPT.ZIP and http://www.karlin. mff.cuni.cz/-zaboj/treept.

Aerobiosis↗
PubMed2005

Capillary refill time is an unreliable indicator of cardiovascular status in term neonates.

PURPOSE: Decisions regarding the need for volume replacement in neonates often are made in the immediate newborn period. Capillary refill time (CRT) is used as an indicator of circulatory status; however, recent data show that CRT varies considerably with age, ambient and skin temperature, anatomical site of measurement, and duration of pressure. The purpose of this study was to (1) examine the relationship between CRT and heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) in term neonates, and (2) evaluate the differences among CRT values measured at 3 body sites and with varying duration of cutaneous pressure. DESIGN: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, correlational study. Subjects Forty-two appropriate-weight-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonates with birthweights, (M = 3407; SD = +/- 540 g), gestational ages (M = 39 weeks; SD = +/- 1 week), and sex (21 males, 21 females). Infants had no history of perinatal distress or maternal chorioamnionitis. METHODS: Each neonate was studied prospectively 1 to 4 hours after birth. The infants were clothed with only a diaper and evaluated on a radiant warmer bed set to achieve an axillary temperature of 36.5 degrees to 37.0 degrees C. Capillary refill time was measured with a digital stopwatch at 3 sites: volar surface of finger (F), plantar surface of heel (H), and lower sternum (St), using brief (1- to 2-second) and extended (3- to 4-second) pressure. Heart rate was auscultated and counted for 60 seconds, and BP was measured by oscillometry. Relationships among variables were assessed by Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis. The Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was applied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Capillary refill time, blood pressure, and heart rate. PRINCIPAL RESULTS: There was no significant site variation for CRT for either brief (2.4 +/- 0.6 to 2.9 +/- 1.0 seconds) or extended (3.8 +/- 0.8 to 4.3 +/- 0.8 seconds) pressure. However, regardless of site, CRT was greater when extended versus brief pressure was used (P < 0.001). There were no significant correlations between HR and CRT. There was a moderate, direct relationship between BP and CRT observed in the following anatomic sites: (1) sternum/extended pressure and systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP, and mean BP (r = 0.35, P = 0.02; r = 0.49, P = 0.001; and r = 0.43, P = 0.005, respectively); (2) sternum/brief pressure and SBP (r = 0.31, P = 0.05); and (3) finger/extended pressure and SBP (r = 0.30, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An unanticipated moderate, direct correlation between BP and CRT was observed; prolongation of CRT occurred with elevated blood pressure. This finding may have been secondary to increased circulating vasoactive substances in the newborn period; measurement of these substances was beyond the scope of this study. In addition, CRT was highly dependent on the duration of cutaneous pressure, regardless of the site. These 2 findings indicate that CRT may be an unreliable indicator of cardiovascular status in the term neonate during the first 4 hours after birth.

Analysis of Variance↗