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Survival extrapolation often plays an important role in health technology assessment (HTA), and there are a range of different approaches available. Approaches that can leverage external evidence (i.e. data or information collected outside the main data source of interest) may be helpful, given the extent of uncertainty often present when determining a suitable survival extrapolation. One of these methods is the multi-parameter evidence synthesis (MPES) approach, first proposed for use in HTA by Guyot et al., and more recently by Jackson. While MPES has potential benefits over conventional extrapolation approaches (such as simple or flexible parametric models), it is more computationally complex and requires use of specialist software. This tutorial presents an introduction to MPES for HTA, alongside a user-friendly, publicly available operationalisation of Guyot's original MPES that can be executed using the statistical software package R. Through two case studies, both Guyot's and Jackson's MPES approaches are explored, along with sensitivity analyses relevant to HTA. Finally, the discussion section of the tutorial details important considerations for analysts considering use of an MPES approach, along with potential further developments. MPES has not been used often in HTA, and so there are limited examples of how it has been used and perceived. However, this tutorial may aid future research efforts exploring the use of MPES further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Crown fractures are common traumatic dental injuries and tooth fragment reattachment is a viable option for restoring a fractured tooth. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and experience of dentists in the Federal District regarding the tooth fragment reattachment technique for enamel and dentin fractures. Materials and Methods: For the cross‐sectional observational study, an electronic form was designed with objective and self‐report questions for dentists. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with their absolute and relative frequencies. For the analysis of categorical variables, the nonparametric chi‐squared or Fisher exact association tests were used in the statistical software R (version 4.2.1). Results: A total of 416 dentists participated in the study (58.9% female and 41.1% male). Of these, 70% declared they knew about fragment reattachment, but only 42.3% reported previous experience with this procedure. The most common storage medium used for the fractured fragment was milk (78.1%), and the bonding material used for reattachment was light‐cured composite resin (86.3%). A majority (66.3%) reported that for a patient with enamel and dentin fracture, with the crown fragment in good condition, they would choose to do the reattachment. Conclusion: Dentists demonstrated that they had adequate knowledge about the tooth fragment technique, although many did not have previous experience with this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family involvement has been identified as a mechanism that explains the differences in academic performance and well-being between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The implications of family involvement in students' non-academic outcomes have often been overshadowed by a focus on the academic domain. This study focuses on one type of non-academic attributes which is currently most critical to navigate in school and beyond: social-emotional development. In addition to that, the potential mediating role of school engagement in the association between family involvement and students' social-emotional development remains to be explored. This study aimed to investigate whether family involvement was associated with students' school engagement and social-emotional development and to clarify the underlying mechanism in the relationship. The sample consisted of 170 students from 8 to 17 years old and their parents who live in economically vulnerable situations and experience social exclusion. The analyses were performed using Jamovi statistical software and a GLM Mediation Model module. To address the research objectives, a series of mediation analysis were performed to fit the hypothesized relations among the study variables. The mediational analysis suggested that home-based family involvement could not predict students' social-emotional development, and that the effect of home-based family involvement on students' social-emotional development was fully mediated by school engagement, a variable not included in previous research. The results suggest that families who are actively engaged in their child's education at home positively influence students' level of participation in school, which, in turn, promotes the development of students' social-emotional competences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: As complex‐survey data become more widely used in health and social science research, there is increasing interest in fitting a wider range of regression models. We describe an implementation of two‐level linear mixed models in R using the pairwise composite likelihood approach of Rao and co‐workers. We discuss the computational efficiency of pairwise composite likelihood and compare the estimator to the existing sequential pseudolikelihood estimator in simulations and in data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) educational survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the influence of different measurement conditions and ultrasound training level on uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI) measurements as required for combined first trimester preeclampsia (PE) screening. Methods: This was a prospective study of consecutive patients with singleton pregnancies presenting for an ultrasound examination between 11 and 14 weeks' gestation. UtA‐PI measurements were conducted by residents in training and repeated by experienced sonographers thereafter. UtA‐PI measurements were conducted under different examination conditions. First, the trainee sonographers performed transabdominal sagittal and transverse UtA‐PI measurements without bladder filling. These measurements were then repeated by the expert sonographers. Additionally, the expert sonographers also performed transvaginal UtA‐PI measurements and transabdominal measurements with bladder filling. Statistical analysis was conducted with the statistical software R and included descriptive statistics as well as 2‐sided paired t tests. Results: A total of 100 women were included in the study. Mean age was 31.7 ± 4.92 years and mean gestational week was 12.5 ± 0.53 weeks. A total of 56% were nulliparous and 44% were parous. UtA‐PI was significantly lower if performed by a sonographer in training versus an experienced sonographer (P =.031). No significant difference was observed in comparing transverse and sagittal techniques (P =.241). There was also no significant difference in transabominal versus transvaginal measurements (P =.806) and with an empty versus full bladder (P =.444). Conclusion: Experience of sonographer has a significant impact on UtA‐PI. Supervised onsite training is necessary to improve reliability and consistency of UtA‐PI measurements and make PE screening reliable for implementation in a universal screening setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

AbstractWe present a random effects meta-analytic approach for analyzing exchangeable 2×2×2 tables of COVID-19 deaths classified by two comorbidities, for example, diabetes and hypertension. We take the marginal tables of comorbidities as multinomial with table-specific cell probabilities drawn from a Dirichlet distribution. Conditionally hereon, we model the death counts for cell in the 2×2 table of possible comorbidity combinations as independent binomial random variables. We allow for a randomly drawn normally distributed frailty to model the correlation of the death counts within the same study. For complete tables, this model can be fitted by standard statistical software. We propose an approximate maximum likelihood (ML) imputation procedure by which tables with missing entries can be completed enabling the use of the same standard procedures and giving a better estimate of model parameters than one would get by leaving partial tables out. The properties of the method are illustrated by simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the economic burden of disease and quality of life in patients with premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED). A convenience sampling method was used, and self-designed general information questionnaire, disease economic burden questionnaire, and SF-12 quality of life questionnaire were used to investigate 494 patients with ED and 285 patients with PE who attended a tertiary hospital in Taiyuan City from October 2021 to May 2023, and the relevant data were analysed using SPSS26.0 statistical software. The direct, indirect, intangible, and total economic burdens of the two groups were compared, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), and the direct, indirect, intangible, and total economic burdens of ED patients were higher than those of PE patients; the scores of the two groups in the dimensions of PF (physical function), RP (role physical), RE (role emotion), and MH (mental health) as well as in the MCS (mental component score), and overall quality of life scores, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), with ED patients having lower quality of life scores than PE patients. Compared with PE patients, ED patients have a heavier economic burden of disease and lower quality of life, suggesting that the government and relevant departments of society should pay attention to the economic burden of disease and quality of life of ED patients and take appropriate measures to improve them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lyme disease, caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. The standard two-tier testing (STTT) algorithm suffers from low sensitivity, misinterpretation, and long turnaround time, preventing timely detection and treatment. To address these challenges, we hypothesized that the canine point-of-care (PoC) SNAP 4Dx Plus test used to detect Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies could be employed for human diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The SNAP 4Dx Plus testing was conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, with results read by manual inspection. All analyses were conducted using R version 4.3.1, and agreement between the PoC assay and the STTT was assessed using kappa statistics with GraphPad software. Results: We included 102 previously-tested human serum samples, of which 19 samples (18.6%) were STTT positive. Compared to the STTT, the SNAP 4Dx Plus test demonstrated a low sensitivity of 0.16 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.40). Conclusion: Overall, our results do not support the use of the SNAP 4Dx Plus LD assay for the diagnosis of human Lyme disease. Differences in antibody concentrations between human and canine samples may partly explain our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidimensional measuring instruments are often used in behavioral, social, educational, marketing, and biomedical research. For these scales, the paper discusses how to find the optimal score based on their components that is associated with the highest possible reliability. Within the framework of structural equation modeling, an approach to point and interval estimation of the maximal reliability coefficient of general structure measuring instruments is outlined. The procedure allows obtaining in addition the linear combination of all scale components that possesses maximal reliability. The described method is applicable in empirical research with popular statistical software, and is illustrated using an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) planning is crucial for restoring hip function and minimizing complications. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the accuracy of 2D versus 3D preoperative planning in THA. Methods: The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (ROSs) published in English comparing the accuracy of 2D and 3D preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty. We excluded review articles, registers, studies not written in English, studies that did not report the cup sizing accuracy or stem sizing accuracy or give a description of the preoperative planning method used, and non-comparative studies. In June 2024, following the PRISMA 2020 statement, a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the literature were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The statistical analysis software Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4 was used to perform the meta-analysis to compare the accuracy of 2D and 3D planning, and to assess the risk of bias, the ROBINS-I tool was used. Results: The analysis included 777 patients from six studies. The analysis showed that 3D planning offers superior precision compared to 2D planning, both for the cup (96.92% vs. 87.14%) and the stem (94.72% vs. 86.28%). The forest plots assessed a better trend for 3D planning in terms of exact size prediction and accuracy within ±1 size. Conclusions: The three-dimensional method was more precise and accurate than two-dimensional planning, both for the stem and the cup. It offered a detailed three-dimensional view of the patient's anatomy. The main limitation was the challenge in finding homogeneous data regarding biomechanical parameters, surgical approaches, and different planning systems for both three-dimensional and two-dimensional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) analysis is sometimes used as a primary statistical analysis for a longitudinal randomized clinical trial. When the MMRM analysis is implemented in ordinary statistical software, the standard error of the treatment effect is estimated by assuming orthogonality between the fixed effects and covariance parameters, based on the characteristics of the normal distribution. However, orthogonality does not hold unless the normality assumption of the error distribution holds, and/or the missing data are derived from the missing completely at random structure. Therefore, assuming orthogonality in the MMRM analysis is not preferable. However, without the assumption of orthogonality, the small-sample bias in the standard error of the treatment effect is significant. Nonetheless, there is no method to improve small-sample performance. Furthermore, there is no software that can easily implement inferences on treatment effects without assuming orthogonality. Hence, we propose two small-sample adjustment methods inflating standard errors that are reasonable in ideal situations and achieve empirical conservatism even in general situations. We also provide an R package to implement these inference processes. The simulation results show that one of the proposed small-sample adjustment methods performs particularly well in terms of underestimation bias of standard errors; consequently, the proposed method is recommended. When using the MMRM analysis, our proposed method is recommended if the sample size is not large and between-group heteroscedasticity is expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With urinary proteomics profiling (UPP) as exemplary omics technology, this review describes a workflow for the analysis of omics data in large study populations. The proposed workflow includes: (i) planning omics studies and sample size considerations; (ii) preparing the data for analysis; (iii) preprocessing the UPP data; (iv) the basic statistical steps required for data curation; (v) the selection of covariables; (vi) relating continuously distributed or categorical outcomes to a series of single markers (e.g., sequenced urinary peptide fragments identifying the parental proteins); (vii) showing the added diagnostic or prognostic value of the UPP markers over and beyond classical risk factors, and (viii) pathway analysis to identify targets for personalized intervention in disease prevention or treatment. Additionally, two short sections respectively address multiomics studies and machine learning. In conclusion, the analysis of adverse health outcomes in relation to omics biomarkers rests on the same statistical principle as any other data collected in large population or patient cohorts. The large number of biomarkers, which have to be considered simultaneously requires planning ahead how the study database will be structured and curated, imported in statistical software packages, analysis results will be triaged for clinical relevance, and presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The variable positions of the appendix can mislead surgeons and physicians to a wrong diagnosis. When appendicitis happens in subhepatic caecum, it can be misdiagnosed and can lead to severe complications during surgical procedures. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the histomorphometric development of the appendix and caecum and to identify when lymphoid follicles appear in the appendix during fetal life. Methods: The study was conducted on a total of 50 fetuses. The caecum and appendix were carefully dissected. Their position and various measurements were observed. Afterwards, the appendix was taken out for histological processing. All three layers, mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis externa were measured using Image Analyzer Software Image Pro Premiere 9.1, and the appearance of lymphoid follicles was also examined. Results were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: During the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters the most common caecum type was type 1: as a lengthy tube, type 3: The lateral wall expanded more, thus it has an asymmetric saccule, and type 4: adult-like caecum. The caecum was mostly situated in the right lumbar region in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. In the 1st trimester, it was subhepatic in position. The most common position of the appendix was 11 o'clock in 1st and 3rd trimesters. 2nd trimester's most common position of the appendix was 12 o'clock. The thickness of the mucosa, submucosa, and the muscularis externa increases as the trimester increases. The lymphoid follicles have appeared during the 2nd trimester. Conclusion: The knowledge from this study will be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of malformations, pathology, and anomalies of the caecum and appendix due to congenital causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Research & Health is the property of Negah Institute for Social Research & Scientific Communication and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of International Journal of Professional Business Review (JPBReview) is the property of Open Access Publications LLC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article investigates the impact of degreasing temperature in the degreasing mixture PRAGOLOD 57N on cataphoretic painting using design of experiments (DoE). Key technological factors such as degreasing deposition time, concentration, cataphoretic deposition time, and voltage are examined for their effect on the thickness of the formed anti-corrosion layer. Cataphoretic painting, an economical and eco-friendly method, is widely used for treating metal parts in automotive and engineering industries. The study involves testing 88 samples, with thickness measurements taken via Elcometer 456C according to the ISO standards and graphical analysis performed using statistical software to optimize the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common neurological condition marked by damage to the spinal cord. In the field of neurological rehabilitation, virtual reality (VR) is increasingly employed for evaluating and addressing the physical limitations caused by SCI. This study aimed to describe and calculate the effect sizes of virtual reality intervention (VR) on the functional performance of SCI. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to identify articles published before October 30, 2023, that addressed the intervention of SCI using virtual reality technology. We excluded from the meta-analysis articles that did not provide enough data to evaluate the association between virtual reality intervention and spinal cord injury. The RevMan 5.4 statistical software was used for data analysis. Results: We included 16 articles in the systematic review and pooled 9 for the meta-analysis, which were 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 4 non-RCTs, including 248 subjects. The outcome measure of the walking index for spinal cord injury, limits of stability testing and berg balance scale scores improved in non-RCTs. Conclusion: VR has shown promise in enhancing walking ability and balance function in individuals with SCI. However, the existing evidence for VR interventions in SCI patients remains limited, highlighting the necessity for future studies in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weak gravitational lensing simulations serve as indispensable tools for obtaining precise cosmological constraints. In particular, it is crucial to address the systematic uncertainties in theoretical predictions, given the rapid increase in galaxy numbers and the reduction in observational noise. Both on-the-fly and post-processing methods for constructing lensing light-cones encounter limitations due to the finite simulated volume, necessitating the replication of the simulation box to encompass the volume to high redshifts. To address this issue, our primary focus lies on investigating and quantifying the impact of box replication on the convergence power spectrum and higher order moments of lensing fields. Subsequently, a univariate model is utilized to estimate the amplitude parameter A by fitting four statistics measured from partial sky light-cones along specific angles, to the averaged result from random directions. The investigation demonstrates that the systematic bias stemming from the box replication phenomenon falls within the bounds of statistical errors for the majority of cases. However, caution should be exercised when considering high-order statistics on a small sky coverage (⁠|${\lesssim} 25~\mathrm{deg^2}$|⁠). For this case, we have developed a code that facilitates the identification of optimal viewing angles for the light-cone construction. This code has been made publicly accessible at https://github.com/czymh/losf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The randomized study aimed to evaluate the comparability of in situ (iS) and in vitro (iV) study protocols regarding remineralization of artificial enamel lesions. Two toothpastes (group A: 1450 ppm sodium fluoride, group B: placebo 0 ppm F-), were investigated. IV, a pH-cycling model with toothpaste slurry treatment was applied for 10d. IS, remineralization was performed in 9 participants wearing splints with embedded enamel samples for 10 and 21d, randomly allocated to groups A and B. Samples were scanned by X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) and grayscale value line profiles corresponding to mineral density (rel.ΔZ) were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using MedCalc Statistical Software, v22.021. T-Test for dependent and independent data and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for further analyses (α = 0.05). Rel.ΔZ of fluoride treated samples (A) were iV = 40.2%, iS 10d = 11.5% and iS 21d = 46.1% (p > 0.05). Rel.ΔZ of placebo treated samples (B) were: iV = − 6.2%, iS 10d = 25.2% and iS 21d = 11.0% (p > 0.05). Remineralization potential of both toothpastes was significantly different regarding iV (p < 0.001) and iS after 21d (p = 0.034), while in case of iS 10d no significant difference was detected (p = 0.4). Despite different study protocols the μCT results after remineralization were comparable between iV and iS. The results suggest that selected studies can be carried out in faster, simplified iV studies using pH-cycling instead of iS studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and potentially lifethreatening auto-inflammatory disease. Currently, there are no consensusbased guidelines or universally accepted treatments. Biologics represent a potential therapeutic option. This study systematically assessed the efficacy and safety of biologics in GPP. Methods: Relevant studies from three databases were systematically searched until June 28, 2024. Statistical information, including the single-arm proportion rate of the outcomes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), was analyzed to determine treatment effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² values, and subgroup analyses were performed based on drug targets and treatment durations. Data were quantitatively synthesized using a random-effects metaanalysis. Analyses were performed using R statistical software version 4.4.0. Results: A total of 329 patients from 16 studies were included. The proportion of responders treated with IL-36 inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors is higher than those treated with TNF-a inhibitors and IL-23 inhibitors. IL-36 inhibitors appear to achieve the highest response rates between 4 and 8 weeks, while IL-17 inhibitors, TNF-alpha inhibitors, and IL-23 inhibitors show a gradual increase in response rates up to 12 weeks. IL-36 inhibitors achieve a 40% (95% CI: 27%-54%) GPPASI75 response rate and a 55% (95% CI: 41%-68%) GPPGA (0,1) response rate within 2 weeks, significantly outperforming other biologics. The recurrence rates of GPP within 52 weeks, ranked from highest to lowest, are: IL-36 inhibitors (21% [95% CI: 9%-28%]), TNF-alpha inhibitors (20% [95% CI: 2%-46%]), IL-17 inhibitors (15% [95% CI: 1%-37%]), and IL-23 inhibitors (5% [95% CI: 0%-29%]). Additionally, 6% (95% CI: 1%-11%) of patients experienced severe adverse events. Discussion: This meta-analysis highlights the efficacy and safety of biologics in patients with GPP, offering valuable evidence to guide future clinical practice. ILFrontiers 36 inhibitors show a faster and more substantial clinical response in GPP compared to other biologics. Further research is necessary to assess their role in specific subpopulations and to evaluate their potential long-term effects on flare prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-traumatic headache is a disabling secondary headache disorder often attributed to traumatic brain injury and affects millions of individuals worldwide. Few studies have been done on the treatment needs of these patients in emergency departments. The purpose was to compare the effectiveness of ketorolac intravenous versus acetaminophen intravenous in reducing headaches in patients following head trauma. Methods: This was a semi-experimental study in which the participants were assigned two groups. In the acetaminophen intravenous group, 1 g acetaminophen and in the ketorolac intravenous group, 60 mg of this drug was injected. Statistical analysis was done with IBM SPSS statistical software version 21, and a P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among samples after 6 h from the injection, the pain score in the ketorolac intravenous group was less than the acetaminophen intravenous group (P = 0.006). Also, the pain reduction rate in the ketorolac intravenous group was more than the acetaminophen intravenous group from before the injection until 2 h after it (P = 0.01) and before injection until 6 h after it (P = 0.001). The frequency of drowsiness in 2 and 6 h after drug administration in the ketorolac intravenous group was lower than the acetaminophen intravenous group, which is significant in 2 h after drug administration (P = 0.038). The verbal analog scale score comparison for two groups 2 h before medicine administration with pain control score (P = 0.03) and 6 h with pethidine use control (P = 0.003) is significant. Conclusions: According to this study, ketorolac's intravenous effect on pain control is better than that of acetaminophen intravenous. With more samples, we can express the survey results more decisively in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dilution-replicate experimental design for qPCR assays is especially efficient. It is based on multiple linear regression of multiple 3-point standard curves that are derived from the experimental samples themselves and thus obviates the need for a separate standard curve produced by serial dilution of a standard. The method minimizes the total number of reactions and guarantees that Cq values are within the linear dynamic range of the dilution-replicate standard curves. However, the lack of specialized software has so far precluded the widespread use of the dilution-replicate approach. Results: Here we present repDilPCR, the first tool that utilizes the dilution-replicate method and extends it by adding the possibility to use multiple reference genes. repDilPCR offers extensive statistical and graphical functions that can also be used with preprocessed data (relative expression values) obtained by usual assay designs and evaluation methods. repDilPCR has been designed with the philosophy to automate and speed up data analysis (typically less than a minute from Cq values to publication-ready plots), and features automatic selection and performance of appropriate statistical tests, at least in the case of one-factor experimental designs. Nevertheless, the program also allows users to export intermediate data and perform more sophisticated analyses with external statistical software, e.g. if two-way ANOVA is necessary. Conclusions: repDilPCR is a user-friendly tool that can contribute to more efficient planning of qPCR experiments and their robust analysis. A public web server is freely accessible at https://repdilpcr.eu without registration. The program can also be used as an R script or as a locally installed Shiny app, which can be downloaded from https://github.com/deyanyosifov/repDilPCR where also the source code is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The implementation of the WHO's 2015 recommendations in Benin, requires an assessment of the progress made over time in preventing the transmission of the infection to exposed-infants, and the identification of its determinants. Methods: This was a retrospective study of HIV-1 exposed-infants who underwent PCR between the 6th and 8th weeks of life. Early diagnostic tests were performed using the Abbott m2000 RealTime platform. Comparison of proportions tests (analysis of the significance of the difference in prevalence) with an error threshold of 5% were used to assess the determinants of the transmission. Statistical analysis was performed using R statistical software, version 4.1.3.0. Results: A total of 5,312 infants benefited from early diagnosis by PCR between 2016 and 2021. Among them, 52% are males, tritherapy before pregnancy was the majority treatment used by mothers (30.6%) and monotherapy that of newborns (70%). Mixed breastfeeding is the feeding method with the highest prevalence. The overall transmission rate was 3.4% over the six years. The highest prevalence was achieved in 2018 (4.2%) and the lowest in 2021 (2.7%). The prevalence was lower when mothers were on tritherapy before pregnancy. The determinants of transmission were: mixed breastfeeding, lack of treatment in mothers (22.4%), lack of treatment in infants (19.7%), undefined treatments or absence of treatment in the mother-child pair. Conclusion: This study shows the contribution over time of the PMTCT program to reducing HIV transmission among exposed-infants and also underlines the need for proper conduct of treatment in any women of childbearing age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are the primary therapeutic mode to control seizures in patients with epilepsy. Adherence to the medications is critical to achieving the goals of epilepsy therapy. However, the cost of the medications and the interrupted availability of ASMs contribute to non-adherence to epilepsy treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to assess ASM adherence and its association with self-reported medication availability and affordability. Objective: To assess whether self-reported availability and affordability of Anti-seizure medications affect medication adherence among Epileptic Patients at Eka Kotebe General Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from January 13, 2023 to March 23, 2023. Methods: A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 357 epileptic patients using the Consecutive sampling method in Eka Kotebe General Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. ASM adherence was measured using a self-report 3items questionnaire focusing on medication use patterns of patients from their last visit to the current visit. Statistical packages for Social Sciences 26.0 version statistical software cleaned, coded and analyzed the collected data. Binary logistic regression was fitted, and P-values less than 0.05 were considered to have statistical significance. Result: The prevalence of ASM adherence was 55.2% with 95% CI (50.1%; 60.2%). About two-thirds (61.3%) of patients in this study had limited access to the ASMs or could not afford the medications. Self-reported availability of ASMs (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.01, 3.98) was significantly associated with ASM adherence. Self-reported affordability of ASMs was associated with ASM adherence in the Bivariate logistic regression analysis; however, when adjusted for other covariates in the multivariable logistic regression, no significant association was observed (p = 0.674). Conclusion and recommendation: Only about half of the epileptic patients adhered to ASMs at Eka Kotebe General Hospital. Self-reported availability of ASMs was an essential factor. Improving access to ASMs is critical to improving adherence and management of epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to study the outcomes of a behavior modification program aimed at preventing iron deficiency anemia among primary school students in schools under the jurisdiction of Yasothon Municipality. The sample group consisted of two groups of 50 participants each, comprising an experimental group that received the program and a comparison group that underwent the standard program. Data were collected from both groups twice, before and after the intervention, between October 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024. The data were analyzed using statistical software, with a significance level set at 0.05. The independent t-test was employed to compare mean values between the two independent groups, and the paired t-test was utilized to assess mean differences within the groups. The results indicated that the hemoglobin concentration, knowledge of anemia, attitude towards anemia prevention, participation in anemia prevention, social support for anemia prevention, and iron-deficiency anemia prevention behavior of elementary school students in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the comparison group at the 0.05 significance level. Therefore, the intervention program on iron-deficiency anemia prevention behavior in elementary school students was deemed effective according to the objectives set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental traumas in sports are common and have physical, social, psychological, and economic impacts. The aim of this study was to determine, through a systematic review, the prevalence of dental trauma in contact and non‐contact sports. This review was submitted to PROSPERO (CRD42023421206). Included studies addressed the prevalence of dental trauma in young athletes and adults above 18 years, excluding reviews, editorials, symposiums, or those evaluating athletes under 18 years. A literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, LIVIVO, SPORTDiscus, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source (via EBSCO), and Lilacs and BBO, as well as gray literature. Bias risk was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklist. Data were synthesized considering study characteristics, population, sport, and outcomes. R Statistics software was used for all meta‐analyses. A total of 1707 articles were identified. After applying eligibility criteria, eight were selected. Three studies, not previously observed, were later added after reading four systematic reviews on a similar topic. Fourteen contact sports and five non‐contact sports were analyzed. The prevalence of dental trauma was 11.38% in contact sports and 5.24% in non‐contact sports. Regardless of the type of sport, athletes face risks of dental trauma, with contact sports showing higher prevalence. The use of mouthguards is essential across all contact and non‐contact sports as a preventive measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We argue that researchers should test less, estimate more, and adopt Open Science practices. We outline some of the flaws of null hypothesis significance testing and take three approaches to demonstrating the unreliability of the p value. We explain some advantages of estimation and meta‐analysis ("the new statistics"), especially as contributions to Open Science practices, which aim to increase the openness, integrity, and replicability of research. We then describe esci (estimation statistics with confidence intervals): a set of online simulations and an R package for estimation that integrates into jamovi and JASP. This software provides (a) online activities to sharpen understanding of statistical concepts (e.g., "The Dance of the Means"); (b) effects sizes and confidence intervals for a range of study designs, largely by using techniques recently developed by Bonett; (c) publication‐ready visualisations that make uncertainty salient; and (d) the option to conduct strong, fair hypothesis evaluation through specification of an interval null. Although developed specifically to support undergraduate learning through the 2nd edition of our textbook, esci should prove a valuable tool for graduate students and researchers interested in adopting the estimation approach. Further information is at (https://thenewstatistics.com). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of nursing has consistently upheld a strong sense of ethical awareness, which can be assumed to be reflected in the performance of nursing research. Adhering to sound research principles involves prioritizing research integrity. This entails being clear and open in detailing the methods used, allowing others to have confidence in both the methods and the resulting outcomes. This methodological review aimed to provide an overview of how statistical software programs have been reported in nursing studies. We screened articles published in the year 2023 in the five top‐ranking and the five bottom‐ranking nursing journals and found 311 that were eligible for this review; that is, quantitative/mixed‐methods/meta‐analyses. The most commonly used statistical software programs in these articles was IBM SPSS Statistics, followed by R. However, one out of 10 studies did not report the software used. Among those that reported the software, the software version was not always reported. Our findings suggest that there is insufficient reporting on the statistical software used for analysing quantitative data in nursing journal publications. From a perspective of maintaining research integrity, this presents an issue, as it jeopardizes transparency, sincerity, and, consequently, the ability to replicate methods and have confidence in the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Open abdomen (OA) therapy is used in the management of patients who require surgery for severe abdominal conditions. This meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the VAWCM technique regarding short and long‐term outcomes. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central were systematically searched for studies that analyzed VAWCM therapy in OA. Primary outcomes were the complete fascial closure rate and mean duration of OA treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using R statistical software. Results: Seven studies comprising 535 patients were included. We found a complete fascial closure rate of 77.3 per 100 patients (80.1%; 95% CI 59.6–88.7; I2 = 76%), with an overall mortality of 30.3 per 100 (33.5%; 95% CI 9.3–19.4; I2 = 78%). The pooled mean duration of OA treatment was 14.6 days (95% CI 10.7–18.6; I2 = 93%), while the mean length of hospital stay was 43.3 days (95% CI 21.2–65.3; I2 = 96%). As additional outcomes, we found an enteroatmospheric fistula rate of 5.6 per 100 patients (5.4%; 95% CI 2.3–13.3; I2 = 45%) and incisional hernia rate of 34.7 per 100 (34.6%; 95% CI 28.9–41.1; I2 = 0%). The subgroup analysis of mesh materials (polypropylene or polyglactin) showed a higher complete fascial closure rate for the polyglactin (89.1% vs. 66.6%; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our findings showed that VAWCM is a viable option for OA treatment, successfully reaching complete fascial closure, with a low duration of the technique, even though it presented a high heterogeneity between the studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The quality of life (QOL) experienced by women heads of households can be impacted in various aspects due to the stressful factors they encounter. These factors include economic, social, physical, psychological, legal, and family issues. The purpose of the current research was to investigate the mediating role of positive and negative religious coping in the relationship between resilience and hardiness among women-headed households. Methods: This research was a descriptive-correlative research with structural equation modeling (SEM) design. The statistical population of the study consisted of all women heads of households who belonged to the Tehran Welfare Organization, Iran, between July and October 2023. The sampling method was chosen 297 based on the cluster method. Research instruments included the Religious Coping Activities Scale (RCOAS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Hardiness Questionnaire (KHQ). SPSS software was used to perform descriptive statistics and SmartPLS software was used to analyze data trends and standard coefficients. Results: The direct effect of hardiness on resilience (0 = 0.29, P < 0.01), hardiness on positive religious coping (0 = 0.83, P < 0.01), hardiness on negative religious coping (0 = -0.75, P < 0.01), Furthermore, hardiness also had a significant negative influence on negative religious coping (0 = -0.75, P <0.01). Similarly, positive religious coping showed a significant direct effect on resilience (0 = 0.32, P < 0.01). In contrast, negative religious adjustment has a significantly negative effect on resilience (0=-O.4O3, P<0.01). Conclusion: Women heads of the household are exposed to psychological problems due to constant and chronic pressures. Positive religious coping can improve these women by improving their hardiness and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory and practice of statistics comprises two main schools of thought: frequentist statistics and Bayesian statistics. Frequentist methods are most commonly used to analyze animal-based laboratory data, while Bayesian statistical methods have been implemented less widely and may be relatively unfamiliar to practitioners in experimental science. This paper provides a high-level overview of Bayesian statistics and how they compare with frequentist methods. Using examples in rodent toxicity research, we argue that Bayesian methods have much to offer laboratory animal researchers. We advocate for increased attention to and adoption of Bayesian methods in laboratory animal research. Bayesian statistical theory, methods, software, and education have advanced significantly in the last 30 years, making these tools more accessible than ever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of many preclinical studies is to determine whether an experimental intervention affects an outcome through a particular mechanism, but the analytical methods and inferential logic typically used cannot answer this question, leading to erroneous conclusions about causal relationships, which can be highly reproducible. A causal mediation analysis can directly test whether a hypothesised mechanism is partly or completely responsible for a treatment's effect on an outcome. Such an analysis can be easily implemented with modern statistical software. We show how a mediation analysis can distinguish between three different causal relationships that are indistinguishable when using a standard analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A skilful data management is the heart of any cohort study as results of such studies have far reaching impact on development national policies which will improve public health. Methods: DERVAN cohort is a longitudinal study set up in KONKAN region of India. The study is expected to last at least 20 years. It plans to investigate impact of adolescent growth, diet and cognition on the risk of development of non-communicable diseases in the adulthood with diabetes as the main focus. The study will also investigate parents and investigate their contribution to the risk. We plan to recruit 1520 adolescent girls. MS Access was used to design data management system. Each family was given a unique identity number. At base line we have created 21 tables, 10 queries for adolescent data and 5 tables, 2 queries for parental data. The data is analysed using statistical software SPSS. Conclusion: Though our system may not be designed using high end data base systems, it still caters to our needs in the initial stage of the project but its skilful design is expected to make a smooth adaptation to new database environment in the subsequent stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Celiac is an autoimmune disease that occurs as hypersensitivity to gluten and affects the intestinal system. This disease also negatively affects the quality of life of individuals. This study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of health literacy level and Body Mass Index (BMI) on the quality of life of adolescents with celiac disease. Method and Material: All participants between the ages of 15-18 in the study completed the Turkish Health Literacy Scale (THLS-32) and Celiac Disease-Specific Pediatric Quality of Life (CDPQOL) Scale online. The data of this study was analyzed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 23 software package program. Results: More than half (59%) of adolescents with an average age of 16.44 ±1.17 years had celiac disease for 3 years or more. CDPQOL mean total score was 41.44±14.33, and 44.4% of the participants had inadequate or problematic levels of health literacy. It was determined that the mean of total score of quality of life was not related to THLS-32 sub-dimensions but had a moderate negative relationship with diagnostic time and BMI (r=-0.376, p=0.005; r=-0.602, p=0.00, respectively). At the same time, it was found that the decrease in BMI was a predictive factor for poor quality of life (B=-0.218, p=0.003). Conclusions: It has been shown that the health literacy levels of celiac adolescents are not related to the quality of life, and it is recommended to examine the quality of life with other variables that can be affected by many factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applications of two‐stage M‐estimators (2SMEs) abound in empirical economics. Asymptotic theory for 2SMEs (correct formulation of the asymptotic standard errors [ASE]) has been available for decades. Nevertheless, due to the daunting nature of the requisite matrix formulations, when conducting statistical inference based on two‐stage estimates, applied researchers often implement bootstrapping methods or ignore the two‐stage nature of the estimator and report the uncorrected second‐stage outputs from packaged statistical software. In the present paper, we offer teachers of econometrics a pedagogical approach for introducing Ph.D. students to asymptotic inference for 2SMEs, with a view toward easier software implementation and empirical application. We seek to demonstrate to students (and their teachers) that the analytic and coding demands for calculating correct ASEs for the 2SME need not be burdensome (or prohibitive). The main instructional (and practical) innovation that we offer in this regard is our suggested use of numerical derivative (ND) software for calculating the most challenging components of the ASE formulations. An exercise demonstrates to the student that, by implementing ND software, one can overcome the analytic and coding impediments to conducting inference based on 2SMEs, without abandoning rigor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Stardom Journal of Economic & Administrative Studies is the property of Winning Trading Strategy ic ve Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of the study is to study the impact of responsible investment on the banking performance in the small and medium banks. This study used the secondary data by using 129 banks from 2018 t0 2023 and the OLS are utilised as a regression. The study utilized the statistical software STATA to test the relation among the variables. We found a positive and significant correlation between the responsible investments on the banking performance. Finally, appropriate recommendations were presented to improve the quality responsible investment on the banking performance in Asian Banks. The study concluded that the impact of investment on the performance of banks utilizing the statistical analysis program shows that there is a statistically important influence of investment on the bank performance of the financial institution. Hence, it is the responsibility of the institution to distinguish among the several investment options, with the goal of starting an investment construction in the institution that is composed and in accordance with the economic limits, and capable of enhancing its goals. In light of the findings extended, the study obtainable a number of references, the most significant of which is the essential for banks in specific and firms in overall to strengthen investment processes in the field of information technology payable to its significance in enhancing services and raising bank performance. The findings of the study will support decision-makers recognize the significance of investment part. The next are the most significant results. We find that the values of banks' investments are mostly from investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study seeks to assess the relationship between financial inclusion and women entrepreneurship in the context of Mission Shakti in Odisha. It aims to evaluate the impact of Mission Shakti on women entrepreneurship. The study employs empirical techniques and utilises statistical tools, such as Structural Equation Model, to analyse the collected data. Statistical software like AMOS, SPSS and Excel is being utilised. The primary data is gathered from 499 respondents. The study explores three key constructs: Financial Inclusion, Women Entrepreneurship and Mission Shakti, using Exploratory Factor Analysis. The results of the measurement model indicate that all constructs meet the criteria for validity and reliability. Furthermore, the study finds a significant positive impact of Mission Shakti on women entrepreneurship. This research contributes to the existing knowledge in the field of financial inclusion, Mission Shakti and women entrepreneurship through multivariate analysis. The study emphasises the practical implications of employing modern statistical techniques and primary data for future research in the areas of financial inclusion, Mission Shakti and women entrepreneurship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects over 250 million people, predominantly in impoverished communities, including those in Ethiopia. However, there is currently no available national data regarding its prevalence in Ethiopia or its potential association with anemia. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-2020) guideline was followed in our study. A comprehensive search strategy was conducted using international databases (PUB Med, Embase, Scopus, and Science Direct) and websites (Google Scholar and Google) from their date of inception to April 22, 2024. The quality of the retrieved studies was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Publication bias and statistical heterogeneity were statistically assessed. A random effects model was applied, and all analysis was performed with STATA 17 statistical software. Result: The prevalence of schistosomiasis was assessed in twelve studies with 5747 participants. S. mansoni was studied in 11 research papers, while S. hematobium was assessed in one study. Using a random effect model due to high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.46%; P < 0.001), the overall pooled prevalence of schistosomiasis in Ethiopia was 22% (95% CI: 14.3, 29.6). The prevalence of schistosomiasis was about two and a half times higher in rural settings (23%) (95% CI: 15, 31) than in urban areas (10%) (95% CI: 3, 17). The burden of schistosomiasis was 23% between 2020 and 2024, compared to 16% from 2015–2019, with a higher prevalence among pediatric age groups (22%) versus 14% in mixed pediatric and adult age groups. The magnitude of schistosomiasis for good and very good-quality papers was 22% and 17%, respectively. In all the subgroup analyses, there was considerable statistically significant heterogeneity. No study was found to evaluate the association of schistosomiasis with anemia. Conclusion: The study reveals Ethiopia's higher schistosomiasis prevalence. Rural areas have a high burden of schistosomiasis. No eligible study was found to evaluate the association of schistosomiasis with anemia. Therefore, prevention and control measures should focus on rural settings. Trial registration: The registration number at PROSPERO is CRD42024538522. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to examine the status of performance indicators in hospitals affiliated with Qazvin University of Medical Sciences (QUMS) before and after the implementation of the Health Transformation Plan (HTP). Methods: This longitudinal descriptive-analytical study was conducted utilizing hospital data. The study collected data using a checklist that included both general characteristics of the participating hospitals and performance indicators such as "the number of outpatient visits," "the number of paraclinical patients," "the number of surgeries," and "the number of inpatients" on a monthly basis for 2012–2019. The intervention examined in this study was the implementation of the HTP in May 2014. The data collected was analyzed using interrupted time series and STATA statistical software version 15. Results: The study examined seven hospitals affiliated with QUMS, including general, trauma, pediatric, gynecology, and psychiatry hospitals. The findings indicated a significant increase in outpatient visits, paraclinical patients, and inpatients in the first month after the intervention. Specifically, there was an increase of 1739 in the number of outpatient visits, an increase of 513 in the number of paraclinical patients, and an increase of 135 in the number of inpatients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The HTP has improved patients' access to medical services. It achieved this by reducing out-of-pocket payments for healthcare services and implementing programs such as developing clinics, improving the quality of visits, and retaining doctors in deprived areas. The reduction in out-of-pocket payments has been particularly beneficial for individuals who lack financial resources and previously faced barriers to accessing healthcare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shift in tourists' motivations indicates a growing interest in seeking novel experiences. Film tourism emerges as a category capable of meeting this demand for fresh encounters. This study presents fieldwork aimed at examining the significance of cinema in tourists' behavior, attempting to determine if there are significant differences in motivational factors and attachment to a film destination based on the age groups analyzed. To achieve this objective, a methodology based on the statistical software SPSS v24.0 is employed for both the preliminary data analysis and scale reliability assessment, as well as for discriminant analysis, using 572 valid surveys from individuals interested in film tourism. Through this discriminant analysis, various motivational dimensions are explored, alongside the impact of place attachment to a film destination. The key findings highlight an evident generational shift is conspicuously observed concerning the presented responses, with the mean assessment rating of responses significantly higher for age groups below lower years in contrast to those exceeding higher years of age. The issue under study incorporates a new dimension of significant importance, which is the need to incorporate a generational perspective on the state of the matter. The practical implications of this research are significant, empowering public authorities and private companies overseeing film destinations to devise strategies that invigorate the tourist activity zone and boost revenue for both businesses and the local community. Some of the objectives may encompass fostering innovation and facilitating initiatives aimed at augmenting investments in relevant social areas pertaining to Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments-SHAFE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To reduce neonatal mortality, it is necessary to identify neonates with fetal malnutrition at birth using the clinical assessment score (CAN score). Furthermore, comprehensive summary data that shows burden of fetal malnutrition in Africa is scarce. As a result, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess fetal malnutrition among newborns in Africa. Method: The PRISMA guidelines were used for this study. Articles were obtained from databases and websites. The outcome of the study was fetal malnutrition, as determined using the CAN score. The meta-analysis of the primary and secondary outcomes was performed using Stata version 18 statistical software. The pooled prevalence with a 95% CI was estimated using the random effect method with the Der Simonian Liard model. Results: This meta-analysis and systematic review included 5356 newborns from 13 studies. The pooled prevalence of fetal malnutrition (FM) among newborns diagnosed using the CAN score in Africa was 19% [95% CI: 17, 22]. Based on subgroup analysis by publication year, the lowest prevalence of fetal malnutrition 17% (95% CI: 9–27) was observed in the studies published in the years 2020–2023. Maternal and fetal factors were significantly associated with fetal malnutrition. Conclusion: Nearly one-fifth of neonates delivered in Africa were found to have fetal malnutrition based on the clinical evaluation of nutritional status. It has also been established that maternal malnutrition, a lack of proper treatment during pregnancy, maternal malnutrition, and newborn morbidities were associated with fetal malnutrition. To prevent fetal malnutrition, integrated efforts should be made for early maternal infection screening. Furthermore, maternal nutritional therapy should be explored for malnourished pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revolutionized our understanding of the genetic architecture of complex traits and diseases. GWAS summary statistics have become essential tools for various genetic analyses, including meta-analysis, fine-mapping, and risk prediction. However, the increasing number of GWAS summary statistics and the diversity of software tools available for their analysis can make it challenging for researchers to select the most appropriate tools for their specific needs. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the currently available software tools and databases for GWAS summary statistics analysis. We conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify relevant software tools and databases. We categorized the tools and databases by their functionality, including data management, quality control, single-trait analysis, and multiple-trait analysis. We also compared the tools and databases based on their features, limitations, and user-friendliness. Our review identified a total of 305 functioning software tools and databases dedicated to GWAS summary statistics, each with unique strengths and limitations. We provide descriptions of the key features of each tool and database, including their input/output formats, data types, and computational requirements. We also discuss the overall usability and applicability of each tool for different research scenarios. This comprehensive review will serve as a valuable resource for researchers who are interested in using GWAS summary statistics to investigate the genetic basis of complex traits and diseases. By providing a detailed overview of the available tools and databases, we aim to facilitate informed tool selection and maximize the effectiveness of GWAS summary statistics analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the core indicators recommended by the Lancet Commission is surgical workforce density, aiming to improve the number of surgery, anesthetists, and obstetric (SAO) providers to 20 per 100,000 population by 2030. We assessed SAO workforce capacity in Somalia and made recommendations for improvement. Method: A cross‐sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire from the WHO Program for Global Surgery and Social Change (PGSSC) Surgical Assessment Tool. All hospitals that offer surgical care services were included. A descriptive analysis was conducted using the statistical software SPSS. Results: Of the 55 surveyed facilities providing surgical care services, 28 (50.9%) were public, mainly in urban areas. We found that there were 474 SAO specialists and non‐specialists (SAO providers) and 446 other important personnel (e.g., midwives, radiologists, and pathologists). Out of 474 SAOs, Banadir had 288. Overall, surgery specialties were the most prevalent profession among SAO providers' workforce, accounting for 160 (33.7%) surgery specialists, with 1.2 per 100,000 population. The six states of Somalia have 54 OB/GYN specialists (0.4 per 100,000 population). There were a total of 22 anesthesia specialists, with a ratio of 0.2 anesthesia specialists per 100,000 population. Conclusion: We found a serious shortage of the SAO workforce in Somalia, and it is unlikely to meet the 2030 Lancet Commission on Global Surgery targets. There is a need for additional training of SAO providers who can offer effective leadership in surgical care services to combat the extremely avoidable surgical‐related morbidities and mortalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]