Comparison Of Effect Sizes Research Articles

Synergistic effect of defocus incorporated multiple segment glasses and repeated low level red light therapy against myopia progression

Defocus incorporated multiple segment (DIMS) lenses and repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) are used to retard myopia progression. However, it is currently unknown if there is a synergistic effect of the two interventions. In the current study, 190 school-aged children with myopia (380 eyes) were studied for the change in axial length (AL) over nearly one year of follow-up. Of 380 eyes, 170 eyes wore DIMS lenses, 80 eyes had RLRL therapy, and 130 eyes had both interventions (DIMS_RLRL) for myopia control. AL changes were calculated at each follow-up visit by subtracting the baseline measurements and normalized to yearly changes in mm. AL changes as a primary outcome were analyzed in a generalized linear mixed model to compare effect sizes of myopia control among three interventions while adjusting for age, sex, baseline axial length, and follow-up length. Participants had a mean age of 9.84 ± 2.63 years old, mean AL of 24.49 ± 1.20 mm, mean SER of -2.90 ± 2.08 diopters, and mean follow-up time of 301 ± 91 days. By the end of the study, the adjusted mean yearly axial change with combination therapy was − 0.13 mm, -0.04 mm for the eyes with RLRL alone, and 0.16 mm for the eyes with DIMS lenses alone (p < 0.0001). Combination therapy of DIMS and RLRL has significantly greater effect size in controlling myopia progression than either RLRL alone (p = 0.0009) or DIMS alone (p < 0.0001).

Strength of Genetic Associations with Thyrotropin Values Differs Between Populations with Similarity to African and European Reference Populations.

Background: Epidemiological data suggest the population distribution of thyrotropin (TSH) values is shifted toward lower values in self-identified Black non-Hispanic individuals compared with self-identified White non-Hispanic individuals. It is unknown whether genetic differences between individuals with genetic similarities to African reference populations (GSA) and those with similarities to European reference populations (GSE) contribute to these observed differences. We aimed to compare genome-wide associations with TSH and putative causal TSH-associated variants between GSA and GSE groups. Methods: We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 9827 GSA individuals and 9827 GSE individuals with TSH values between 0.45 and 4.5 mU/L. We compared effect sizes and allele frequencies of previously reported putative causal TSH-associated variants and our power to detect associations with these variants between the two groups. We additionally focused on variants in PDE8B and PDE10A, loci that have been most strongly associated with TSH in previous GWAS in GSE populations. Results: Four loci attained genome-wide significance in the GSA group compared with seven in the GSE group. PDE8B was not significantly associated with TSH in the GSA group, despite its strong association in the GSE group. Eight putative causal variants had significantly different effect sizes between groups. There was ≥80% power in the GSA group to detect significant associations with variants in PDE8B, PDE10A, NFIA, and LOC105377480, with higher expected power than in the GSE group for variants in PDE8B, NFIA, and LOC105377480 and similar power for other variants in PDE8B and PDE10A. No additional putative causal variants in PDE8B and PDE10A had effect sizes that differed significantly between the groups; power to identify associations with additional putative causal variants in PDE8B and PDE10A was similar between the groups. Conclusions: Patterns of genetic associations with TSH differed between identically sized GSA and GSE groups. Failure to replicate the strongest associations previously reported in GSE individuals in our GSA population was not fully explained by differences in allele frequencies or power, assuming similar effect sizes. Larger GSA population GWAS are necessary to confirm our findings and further investigate the contribution of genetic factors to population differences in the distribution of TSH values.

Arithmetic is not arithmetic: Paradigm matters for arithmetic effects.

Research on arithmetic uses different experimental paradigms. So far, it is unclear whether these different paradigms lead to the same effects or comparable effect sizes. Therefore, this study explores how different experimental paradigms influence mental arithmetic performance, focusing on understanding the potential differences and similarities in cognitive processes between paradigms. Six paradigms were systematically compared: decision paradigms (verification, forced-choice, delayed forced-choice) and production paradigms (written production, verbal-keyboard production, and simple verbal production). The results show consistent arithmetic effects related to operation (addition vs. subtraction) and task difficulty (with or without carry/borrow) across all paradigms, particularly in reaction time measures. However, accuracy varied between paradigms, with verbal-keyboard production and simple verbal production paradigms showing higher effect sizes for accuracy measures. These findings underscore the importance of considering each paradigm's specific demands and characteristics in arithmetic research, suggesting that paradigm selection can influence the observed outcomes. Our study provides critical methodological insights that can guide future research in the design and interpretation of arithmetic tasks, enhancing the reliability and ecological validity of findings in numerical cognition.

Risk of all-cause mortality by various cigarette smoking indices: A longitudinal study using the Korea National Health Examination Baseline Cohort in South Korea.

Smoking behaviors can be quantified using various indices. Previous studies have shown that these indices measure and predict health risks differently. Additionally, the choice of measure differs depending on the health outcome of interest. We compared how each smoking index predicted all-cause mortality and assessed the goodness-of-fit of each model. A population-based retrospective cohort, the Korea National Health Examination Baseline Cohort, was used (N=6001607). Data from 2009 were utilized, and the participants were followed until 2021. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed among all participants and ever smokers, respectively, to estimate all-cause mortality. Model fit was assessed by the Akaike Information Criterion. For men, smoking intensity showed the strongest effect size (hazard ratio HR=1.16; 95% CI: 1.14-1.18), while pack-years provided the best model fit for all-cause mortality. Among women, smoking intensity showed both the strongest effect size (HR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.28-1.74) and the best model fit. Smoking status (never/former/current) also showed comparable effect sizes (men, HR=1.14; 95% CI: 1.13-1.15; women, HR=1.14; 95% CI: 1.11- 1.18) with fair model fit. Analyses of people who ever smoked indicated that a model incorporating smoking status, duration, and intensity best described the mortality data. The smoking indices showed varying effect sizes and model fits by sex, making it challenging to recommend a single optimal measure. Smoking intensity may be preferred for capturing cumulative exposure, whereas smoking status is notable for its simplicity, comparable effect size, and model fit. Further research that includes biochemical measurements, additional health outcomes, and longer follow-up periods is needed to refine these findings.

Normal tissue complication probability model predicting taste impairment in head and neck cancer patients: Evaluating the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa as a predictor.

Taste impairment is a common yet complex toxicity of head and neck cancer (HNC) radiotherapy treatment that may affect quality of life of survivors. This study aimed to predict acute and late taste impairment using taste bud bearing tongue mucosa as a new taste-specific organ-at-risk compared to full oral cavity as identified in previous studies. Included HNC patients were treated with curative radiotherapy between 2007 and 2022. The endpoint was patient-rated moderate-to-severe taste loss scored with the EORTC QLQ-H&N35. The new tongue mucosa structure was derived from the existing oral cavity structure in accordance with published guidelines. An auto-segmentation tool was developed and verified by comparison to manually delineated structures. The performance of the mean dose admitted to this new structure was evaluated with both univariable analysis and a refit of a reference NTCP model substituting the oral cavity with the tongue mucosa. A total of 691 HNC patients were included. Good conformity between manually delineated and auto-segmented structures was observed with no significant differences in mean dose (22.2 Gy vs. 22.1 Gy) or volume (20.7 cm3 vs. 20.3 cm3). Full oral cavity mean dose showed comparable effect size in univariable analysis compared to tongue mucosa mean dose. The NTCP model with tongue mucosa did not outperform the reference model with oral cavity for any evaluated time points. The tongue mucosa mean dose did not outperform the oral cavity mean dose in the logistic regression NTCP model predicting acute and late taste impairment.

Contrasting Effects of Increasing Invasive Crayfish Densities on Competing Submerged Macrophytes in Shallow Lakes

ABSTRACT Non‐native crayfish are among the most widespread aquatic invasive species worldwide. High densities of crayfish in lakes can potentially cause complete loss of macrophytes through herbivory, physical destruction, shading by suspension of sediments and nutrient release facilitating phytoplankton, thus altering ecosystem state and functions. However, lower crayfish densities may affect different macrophyte species in different ways, thus altering competition between macrophyte species with different growth forms. We hypothesize that high crayfish densities can completely destroy submerged macrophyte communities and shift systems into more turbid conditions whereas low crayfish densities can promote low‐growing macrophytes that compete with canopy‐forming species. To test these hypotheses, we applied three different densities (2, 4, 8 crayfish m−2) of the invasive crayfish Procambarus clarkii and a control (no crayfish) to 36 mesocosms of monocultures and mixed stands of low‐growing and canopy‐forming submerged macrophytes for 60 days. We measured concentrations of nutrients, suspended solids, phytoplankton and periphyton and above‐ and belowground biomass of low‐growing Vallisneria natans and canopy‐forming Hydrilla verticillata. In addition, we conducted a meta‐analysis of crayfish impacts on macrophytes to compare effect sizes between different crayfish densities. Using data from published studies, we derived the relationship between crayfish density and crayfish‐induced reductions in macrophyte abundance. Our meta‐analysis revealed a significant decline of macrophytes with increasing crayfish densities. In line with existing studies, high crayfish densities caused a strong loss of both low‐growing and canopy‐forming macrophytes and increased nutrient concentrations, phytoplankton biomass and suspended sediment, thus favouring an ecosystem shift to more turbid conditions. Low and medium crayfish densities reduced macrophyte biomass similarly for both species in monocultures. However, in mixed cultures, low crayfish densities (2 crayfish m−2) reduced the above‐ and belowground biomass of the canopy‐forming H. verticillata more than that of low‐growing V. natans, supporting our hypothesis. This support of low‐growing macrophytes occurred despite a temporal facilitation of shading by increased periphyton biomass. Our results show that the impact of crayfish invasions on aquatic ecosystems is strongly dependent on their density. High densities facilitate the loss of macrophytes and increase the likelihood of ecosystem collapse into a turbid state. However, low densities can provide a competitive advantage to low‐growing macrophytes that would otherwise be outcompeted by canopy‐forming species. Although complete eradication is often impossible, management of invasive crayfish can target densities that have potentially positive effects on invaded ecosystems.

In Patients With Painful Hip Osteoarthritis, Is It More Beneficial to Offer Them an Ultrasound-Guided or a Fluoroscopic-Guided Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection to Relieve Their Symptoms? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disabling musculoskeletal condition. Clinical guidelines recommend intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACSI) as a pharmacological adjunct to help manage pain. IACSI are typically image-guided either by ultrasound guidance (USG) or fluoroscopic guidance (FG) with no clear evidence towards the more efficacious guidance technique. This study aims to systematically review the scientific literature to determine the clinical effectiveness of USG compared with FG-IACSIs for people with pain-related hip OA. A systematic review of major bibliographic databases from inception to 24 August 2023 was conducted. Randomised controlled trials of USG- and FG-IACSIs for patients with hip OA were included. The primary outcome measure was pain. Hedges' g calculated effect size and meta-analysis using the random-effects model-estimated pooled effect sizes. τ2, I2 and Cochran's Q calculated heterogeneity. Network meta-analysis was completed to indirectly compare effect sizes. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB2). A total of 1464 citations were identified; eight studies were included in the review. No studies directly compared imaging modalities. Two network meta-analyses indirectly comparing USG- to FG-IACSI via an image-guided comparator hip injection ([any comparator], [local anaesthetic or saline]) established effect sizes (g) of 2.61 and 2.46, respectively, both in favour of FG-IACSI. Heterogeneity was low in the USG studies and high in the FG studies. Evidence suggests that both USG and FG-IACSI are effective at reducing pain at 1 month in patients with painful hip OA. Although network meta-analyses favoured FG-IACSI, further high-quality trials are needed to determine the preferred guidance technique.

A Meta-Analytic Review of Personality and Teacher-Student Relationships.

This meta-analysis provides the first comprehensive synthesis of associations between student and teacher personality traits and the quality of teacher-student relationships. Fifty-five studies met the eligibility criteria, contributing a total of 238 effect sizes. We used multivariate meta-analysis with robust variance estimation (RVE) to model the dependency of effect sizes. Student prosocial behavior (ρ = 0.59) and proactive personality (ρ = 0.48) were the strongest predictors of positive teacher-student relationship quality. All Big Five traits of students, except neuroticism, showed significant positive associations, with all correlations exceeding 0.4 when holding constant with all other moderators. Teacher agreeableness (ρ = 0.31) and conscientiousness (ρ = 0.29) yielded modest associations. Students with less emotional stability or aggressive behaviors were more likely to experience negative teacher-student relationships, such as conflict and dependency. Our findings highlight the critical role of student personality in explaining the quality of teacher-student interactions. Multiple traits appear equally important, as indicated by comparable effect sizes. The literature is relatively limited when it comes to teacher personality. We were unable to examine teacher traits in relation to teacher-student conflict and dependency, but, overall, agreeable and conscientious teacher behaviors appeared to be important for favorable interactions, whereas teacher neuroticism may undermine the quality of such interactions.

Implications of What Works Clearinghouse Guidelines on Single-Case Design: An Investigation of Empty Training Phases

The What Works Clearinghouse quality standards provide guidance regarding studies capable of supporting evidence-based practices. Standards concerning single-case designs have been extensively revised to accommodate new evaluation methods, such as the design comparable effect size. These designs often omit data in which children and other participants receive training. Recently, the What Works Clearinghouse suggested studies with such “empty training phases” do not meet minimum standards of evidence. However, evidence regarding the effect of empty training phases on results is limited. This study used a subset of single-case design data from a recent meta-analysis to simulate studies with empty training phases. We calculated design-comparable effect sizes, evaluated differences between simulated and unsimulated data, and conducted random effects meta-analyses. Effects of simulated studies with artificially designed empty training phases were nearly four times as large as effects of the original, unaltered data. Guidance for intervention researchers follows a description of findings.

Does Content-Focused Intervention Enhance Motivation in Physical Education? A Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Guided by the content specificity perspective of motivation, the purpose of the study was to identify the extent to which student motivation level is a function of content variations. Motivation intervention studies were reviewed and categorized into content-focused and motivation-only learning contexts for meta-analysis. Original and calculated effect sizes were used to determine the effects of each learning context on student motivation change. Two independent sample t-tests were conducted to compare effect sizes. The analyses showed that the content-focused learning context was effective in student motivation change (effect size g = 0.88). Within the content-focused learning context, intervention content was significantly more effective in student motivation change than the conventional curriculum (effect size g = 0.36). The findings suggest a possibility that motivation is content-specific and should be part of the curriculum.

Associations of ambient particulate matter and household fuel use with chronic liver disease in China: A nationwide analysis

BackgroundLong-term effects of outdoor and indoor air pollution on chronic liver disease (CLD) remain unclear. Thus, the study was conducted to investigate the relationship between prolonged exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10) and household fuel usage with CLD. MethodsData from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) covering the years 2011 to 2020 were employed. In the cross-sectional analysis, 16,680 participants were included, while 12,969 participants were enrolled in the longitudinal study. The associations between various sizes of particulate matter and CLD were elucidated using logistic regression model and generalized linear-mixed models. Additionally, the additive effects of ambient particulate matter (PM) levels and the utilization of solid fuels for cooking were investigated, with a comparison of effect sizes between converted and non-converted fuel types. ResultsOver a 10-year follow-up period, 746 (5.75 %) individuals developed CLD. For a 1-year average concentrations, PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 were each linked to a 1.549 (95 %CI:1.522–1.576), 1.296 (95 %CI:1.276–1.317) and 1.134 (95 %CI:1.118–1.150) fold risk of incident CLD per 10 μg/m3 increase, respectively. A similar effect of PM concentrations over a 2-year period on CLD was observed. Moreover, simultaneous exposure to ambient PM and solid fuels is associated with an increased risk of CLD. Those who continue using solid fuels may face a higher risk of CLD compared to individuals who switch to cleaner cooking fuels. Female participants, smokers, and individuals with shorter sleep duration and multiple chronic diseases exhibited slightly stronger effects. ConclusionLong-term exposure to various sizes of PM (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) has been linked to an elevated risk of CLD incidence. Co-exposure to ambient PM and solid fuels is associated with higher health risks.

Gains in soil carbon storage under anthropogenic nitrogen deposition are rapidly lost following its cessation.

In the Northern Hemisphere, anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition contributed to the enhancement of the global terrestrial carbon (C) sink, partially offsetting CO2 emissions. Across several long-term field experiments, this ecosystem-level response was determined to be driven, in part, by the suppression of microbial activity associated with the breakdown of soil organic matter. However, since the implementation of emission abatement policies in the 1970s, atmospheric N deposition has declined globally, and the consequences of this decline are unknown. Here, we assessed the response of soil C storage and associated microbial activities, in a long-term field study that experimentally increased N deposition for 24 years. We measured soil C and N, microbial activity, and compared effect sizes of soil C in response to, and in recovery from, the N deposition treatment across the history of our experiment (1994-2022). Our results demonstrate that the accumulated C in the organic horizon has been lost and exhibits additional deficits 5 years post-termination of the N deposition treatment. These findings, in part, arise from mechanistic changes in microbial activity. Soil C in the mineral soil was less responsive thus far in recovery. If these organic horizon C dynamics are similar in other temperate forests, the Northern Hemisphere C sink will be reduced and climate warming will be enhanced.

Dissecting shared genetic architecture between depression and body mass index

BackgroundA growing body of evidence supports the comorbidity between depression (DEP) and obesity, yet the genetic mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Our study explored the shared genetic architecture and causal associations of DEP with BMI.MethodsWe investigated the multigene overlap and genetic correlation between DEP (N > 1.3 million) and BMI (N = 806,834) based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and using the bivariate causal mixture model and linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC). The causal association was explored by bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR). Common risk loci were identified through cross-trait meta-analyses. Stratified LDSC and multi-marker gene annotation analyses were applied to investigate single-nucleotide polymorphisms enrichment across tissue types, cell types, and functional categories. Finally, we explored shared functional genes by Summary Data-Based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) and further detected differential expression genes (DEG) in brain tissues of individuals with depression and obesity.ResultsWe found a positive genetic correlation between DEP and BMI (rg = 0.19, P = 4.07 × 10−26), which was more evident in local genomic regions. Cross-trait meta-analyses identified 16 shared genetic loci, 5 of which were newly identified, and they had influence on both diseases in the same direction. MR analysis showed a bidirectional causal association between DEP and BMI, with comparable effect sizes estimated in both directions. Combined with gene expression information, we found that genetic correlations between DEP and BMI were enriched in 6 brain regions, predominantly in the nucleus accumbens and anterior cingulate cortex. Moreover, 6 specific cell types and 23 functional genes were found to have an impact on both DEP and BMI across the brain regions. Of which, NEGR1 was identified as the most significant functional gene and associated with DEP and BMI at the genome-wide significance level (P < 5 × 10−8). Compared with healthy controls, the expression levels of NEGR1 gene were significant lower in brain tissues of individuals with depression and obesity.ConclusionsOur study reveals shared genetic basis underpinnings between DEP and BMI, including genetic correlations and common genes. These insights offer novel opportunities and avenues for future research into their comorbidities.

Population-specific putative causal variants shape quantitative traits.

Human genetic variants are associated with many traits through largely unknown mechanisms. Here, combining approximately 260,000 Japanese study participants, a Japanese-specific genotype reference panel and statistical fine-mapping, we identified 4,423 significant loci across 63 quantitative traits, among which 601 were new, and 9,406 putatively causal variants. New associations included Japanese-specific coding, splicing and noncoding variants, exemplified by a damaging missense variant rs730881101 in TNNT2 associated with lower heart function and increased risk for heart failure (P = 1.4 × 10-15 and odds ratio = 4.5, 95% confidence interval = 3.1-6.5). Putative causal noncoding variants were supported by state-of-art in silico functional assays and had comparable effect sizes to coding variants. A plausible example of new mechanisms of causal variants is an enrichment of causal variants in 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), including the Japanese-specific rs13306436 in IL6 associated with pro-inflammatory traits and protection against tuberculosis. We experimentally showed that transcripts with rs13306436 are resistant to mRNA degradation by regnase-1, an RNA-binding protein. Our study provides a list of fine-mapped causal variants to be tested for functionality and underscores the importance of sequencing, genotyping and association efforts in diverse populations.

Can TK-TD modelling bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo mammalian toxicity data?

Repeated dietary dose testing is used to assess longer term toxicity of chemicals, such as pesticides, to mammals. However, the internal pesticide concentration varies significantly as feeding rate relative to body size fluctuates over time. Toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TK-TD) models can estimate internal toxicant concentration over time and link this directly to observed effects on endpoints such as the growth rate of laboratory rats. Using TK-TD models it is therefore possible to predict the effects that would result from a constant internal concentration of a pesticide. This presents the possibility of comparison with data from in vitro experiments, potentially facilitating quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE). We used in vivo TK-TD models to identify relevant internal concentrations and then estimated the experimental conditions required to replicate these in cultured cells, using in vitro TK models. Cell population growth was measured, with a view to extrapolating through time and comparing effect sizes with in vivo predictions. However, observed cell proliferation was not significantly affected by the tested concentrations of any of the five pesticides in this study and so extrapolation was not possible. In light of this negative result, we highlight areas for future work towards QIVIVE of graded sublethal effects in mammals. The most pressing objective is improving the accuracy of in vivo TK predictions, which could be achieved with dietary dosing in TK studies.

Assessing the impact of cannabis use on freeway driving performance and practices: A comparative analysis with placebo and alcohol-influenced driving

Objective The objectives of this study were 1) to identify the effects cannabis has on driving performance and individual motor practices when on the freeway compared to placebo and 2) to bring context to the effects of cannabis on driving by comparing effect sizes to those of alcohol. Methods Data for analysis was collected from a study of fifty-three participants with a history of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis use who completed three visits in randomized order (placebo (0% THC), 6.18% THC, and 10.5% THC). Data for the alcohol analysis was from a subset of eighteen of these participants with a history of recent alcohol use that completed a fourth alcohol visit that targeted a .05 g/210L breath alcohol content (BrAC) during the drive. Comparisons were made using an analysis of variance approach with the SAS General Linear Models Procedure. Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated for the cannabis and alcohol conditions relative to placebo for both the full sample and alcohol subset. Results Standard deviation of lane position (SDLP) for cannabis significantly increased compared to placebo and the effect size was comparable to that of alcohol at .05 BrAC. Lane departures for cannabis significantly increased relative to placebo as did the time out of the lane. Cannabis use resulted in an increased amount of time at 10% or more below the speed limit for the 6.18% THC condition. Relative to alcohol, cannabis produced more time at slower speeds and less time at speeds more than 10% above the speed limit. Conclusions Multiple factors of lateral and longitudinal vehicle control on the freeway showed statistical significance. Drivers under the influence of cannabis exhibited higher rates of driving errors but also showed more cautious behaviors such as generally lower speeds on the freeway. Compared with alcohol, effect sizes varied. For longitudinal control, there were larger effect sizes for alcohol with speed effects in opposite directions, but relatively equivalent effect sizes for lateral control and driving errors associated with lane keeping.

Replication study: Investigating the effects of maximal anaerobic fatigue on dynamic postural control using the Y-Balance Test

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to replicate the study titled “Investigating the effects of maximal anaerobic fatigue on dynamic postural control using the Y-Balance Test” by Johnston et al. (2018) as part of a large replication project. This study aimed to determine the effects of maximal anaerobic fatigue on dynamic postural control using the Y-Balance Test, with a specific focus on anterior reach distance. DesignA single session intervention. MethodsForty male and female university students (age: 22 ± 3 years, height: 171.88 ± 8.96 cm, mass: 76.20 ± 14.31 kg) partaking in competitive sport, completed a Y-Balance Test protocol at 20, 10, and 0 min before a modified 60 s Wingate fatiguing protocol. Post-fatigue assessments were completed at 0, 10, and 20 min after the Wingate test. Replication outcomes included significance, direction, and effect size comparison using a z-test. ResultsA one-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant effect for maximal anaerobic fatigue on normalised anterior reach direction (F1.82, 69.03 = 7.16, p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.159; 95 % CI: 0.025, 0.320). Therefore, we replicated the original findings for anterior reach distance in terms of statistical significance (F = 3.818, p = 0.025, ηp2 = 0.376; 95 % CI: 0.00, 0.62). The replication and original effect size estimates for anterior reach direction were compared using a z-test and were deemed compatible (z = 1.65, p = 0.05). ConclusionsOverall, we replicated the original study findings for the effect of maximal anaerobic fatigue on anterior reach distance in a Y-Balance Test.

Quantification of escape from X chromosome inactivation with single-cell omics data reveals heterogeneity across cell types and tissues

Several X-linked genes escape from X chromosome inactivation (XCI), while differences in escape across cell types and tissues are still poorly characterized. Here, we developed scLinaX for directly quantifying relative gene expression from the inactivated X chromosome with droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. The scLinaX and differentially expressed gene analyses with large-scale blood scRNA-seq datasets consistently identified the stronger escape in lymphocytes than in myeloid cells. An extension of scLinaX to a 10x multiome dataset (scLinaX-multi) suggested a stronger escape in lymphocytes than in myeloid cells at the chromatin-accessibility level. The scLinaX analysis of human multiple-organ scRNA-seq datasets also identified the relatively strong degree of escape from XCI in lymphoid tissues and lymphocytes. Finally, effect size comparisons of genome-wide association studies between sexes suggested the underlying impact of escape on the genotype-phenotype association. Overall, scLinaX and the quantified escape catalog identified the heterogeneity of escape across cell types and tissues.

Subacromial balloon spacer massive rotator cuff tear treatment systematic review and meta-analysis: Patient selection and physical therapy may be keys to outcome success.

Subacromial balloon spacer implantation (SBSI) efficacy for massive rotator cuff tear treatment was evaluated based on perceived shoulder function, active shoulder mobility, pain, complications and research study methodological quality. The purpose was to better discern the efficacy of this device from both surgical and rehabilitative perspectives to improve patient outcomes. PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched (1 January 2010 to 1 June 2024) using 'balloon spacer', 'subacromial spacer', 'subacromial balloon spacer', 'shoulder spacer' and 'inspace' terms. Pre-surgery (baseline), 12-month (12-m) and 24-month (24-m) post-SBSI mean changes were compared using one-way ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc tests, and comparative study effect sizes were calculated (p ≤ 0.05). This review consists of 27 studies with 894 patients (67.8 ± 5 years of age) and 29.4 ± 17-month follow-up. Modified Coleman Methodology Scores (MCMS) revealed fair overall quality (mean = 61.4 ± 11). Constant-Murley scores improved from 34.8 ± 6 (baseline), to 64.2 ± 9 (12-m) and 67.9 ± 8 (24-m) (12-m, 24-m > baseline, p < 0.001). ASES scores improved from 35.1 ± 14 (baseline), to 83.3 ± 7 (12-m) and 81.8 ± 5 (24-m)(12-m, 24-m > baseline, p < 0.001). VAS pain scores improved from 6.6 ± 1 (baseline), to 2.6 ± 1 (12-m) and 2.0 ± 1 (24-m) (12-m, 24-m < baseline, p < 0.001). Flexion increased from 108.5 ± 25° (baseline), to 128.5 ± 30° (12-m) and 151.2 ± 14° (24-m) (24-m > 12-m, baseline, p = 0.01). Abduction increased from 97.7 ± 24° (baseline) to 116.3 ± 23° (12-m) and 142.3 ± 15° (24-m) (24-m > 12-m, baseline, p = 0.02). External rotation (ER) in adduction changed from 33.1 ± 7° (baseline) to 32.5 ± 4° (12-m) and 53.9 ± 9° (24-m)(24-m > 12-m, baseline, p = 0.01). ER at 90° abduction increased from 56.3 ± 3° (baseline) to 83.5 ± 5° (12-m) and 77.1 ± 4° (24-m) (24-m, 12-m > baseline, p = 0.01). Comparison studies, however, displayed insignificant results with small effect sizes. Despite overall fair MCMS scores, at 24-m post-SBSI, shoulder function improved and pain decreased. More rigorous comparative studies, however, revealed insignificant findings. Patients with the potential to re-establish the essential glenohumeral joint force couple that depresses the humeral head on the glenoid fossa and who comply with physical therapy may be more likely to achieve success following SBSI. Level IV.

A Comprehensive Approach to PROMs in Elective Orthopedic Surgery: Comparing Effect Sizes across Patient Subgroups.

Background: There is limited knowledge regarding the comparative patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and effect sizes (ESs) across orthopedic elective surgery. Methods: All patient data between January 2020 and December 2022 were collected, and treatment outcomes assessed as a PROM difference between baseline and one-year follow-up. The cohort was divided into subgroups (hand, elbow, shoulder, spine, hip, knee, and foot/ankle). The PROM ESs were calculated for each patient separately, and patients with ES > 0.5 were considered responders. Results: In total, 7695 patients were operated on. The mean ES across all patient groups was 1.81 (SD 1.41), and the largest ES was observed in shoulder patients and the smallest in hand patients. Overall, shoulder, hip, and knee patients had a larger ES compared to hand, spine, and foot/ankle patients (p < 0.0001). The proportion of positive responders ranged between 91-94% in the knee, shoulder, and hip, and 69-70% in the hand, spine, and foot/ankle subgroups. Conclusions: The ESs are generally high throughout elective orthopedic surgery. However, based on our institutional observations, shoulder, hip, and knee patients experience larger treatment effects compared to hand, spine, and foot/ankle patients, among whom there are also more non-responders. The expected treatment outcomes should be clearly communicated to patients when considering elective surgery. Because of the study limitations, the results should be approached with some caution.