Optimal Matching Method Research Articles

Enhancing Federated Learning in Heterogeneous Internet of Vehicles: A Collaborative Training Approach

The current Internet of Vehicles (IoV) faces significant challenges related to resource heterogeneity, which adversely impacts the convergence speed and accuracy of federated learning models. Existing studies have not adequately addressed the problem of resource-constrained vehicles that slow down the federated learning process particularly under conditions of high mobility. To tackle this issue, we propose a model partition collaborative training mechanism that decomposes training tasks for resource-constrained vehicles while retaining the original data locally. By offloading complex computational tasks to nearby service vehicles, this approach effectively accelerates the slow training speed of resource-limited vehicles. Additionally, we introduce an optimal matching method for collaborative service vehicles. By analyzing common paths and time delays, we match service vehicles with similar routes and superior performance within mobile service vehicle clusters to provide effective collaborative training services. This method maximizes training efficiency and mitigates the negative effects of vehicle mobility on collaborative training. Simulation experiments demonstrate that compared to benchmark methods, our approach reduces the impact of mobility on collaboration, achieving large improvements in the training speed and the convergence time of federated learning.

Multicenter evaluation of mechanical thrombectomy for distal medium vessel occlusions with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Scores ≥ 6 and ≤ 6.

While mechanical thrombectomy is considered standard of care for large vessel occlusions, scientific evidence to support treatment for distal and medium vessel occlusions remains scarce. To evaluate feasibility, safety, and outcomes in patients with low National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of distal medium vessel occlusions. Retrospective data review and analysis of prospectively maintained databases at 41 academic centers in North America, Asia, and Europe between January 2017 and January 2022. Characteristics and outcomes were compared between groups with low stroke scale score (≤ 6) versus and higher stroke scale scores (> 6). Propensity score matching using the optimal pair matching method and 1:1 ratio was performed. Data were collected on a total of 1068 patients. After propensity score matching, there were a total of 676 patients included in the final analysis, with 338 patients in each group. High successful reperfusion rates were seen in both groups, 90.2% in ≤ 6 and 88.7% in the > 6 stroke scale groups. The frequency of excellent and good functional outcome was seen more common in low versus higher stroke scale score patients (64.5% and 81.1% versus 39.3% and 58.6%, respectively). The 90-day mortality rate observed in the ≤ 6 stroke scale group was 5.3% versus 13.3% in the > 6 stroke scale group. Mechanical thrombectomy in distal and medium vessel occlusions, specifically in patients with low stroke scale scores is feasible, though it may not necessarily improve outcomes over IVT.

Battles and crossings of methods: Sequence analysis and geometric data analysis for the study of professional careers

This article proposes to discuss the exploratory use of two quantitative methods: on the one hand sequence analysis combined with optimal matching methods, and on the other hand geometric data analysis, more specifically multiple correspondence analysis and principal component analysis, combined with hierarchical ascending classifications. The aim is not to determine whether one method is more effective than another, nor to pit them against each other. The aim is to identify similarities and differences, and, more generally, to reflect on the cross-use of quantitative methods. The approach is decidedly practical and reflective. It consists of opening up the kitchen of implementation through a case study: build a typology of the professional futures of the accredited parliamentary assistants at the European Parliament. The paper defends the idea that typologies are tools and stages in analysis. Putting these methods to the test in this way aims to highlight several issues, suggest avenues of analysis, and highlight the need to explore the data using a variety of tools. This text is an invitation to compare and combine methods, and to use them in a considered and non-mechanical way, taking into account their strengths but also their weaknesses, which are also instructive.

Comparing neuroendocrine recovery between surgical and conservative management in pituitary apoplexy patients: a propensity score-matched analysis.

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare and potentially life-threatening clinical syndrome. Patients may present with severeneuro-ophthalmologic or endocrine symptoms. Current evidence is unclear whether conservative or surgicalmanagement leads to the best neuroendocrine outcomes. This study aimed to compare neuroendocrine outcomesbetween surgical and conservative treatments in a single center. Cases of patients with pituitary apoplexy whoreceived transsphenoidal surgery or conservative management in Songklanagarind Hospital between January 1,2005 and December 31, 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. A propensity score matching method was used toadjust bias from treatment selection (surgery or conservative treatment). Differences in visual field, visual acuity,cranial nerve, and endocrine outcomes between the surgical and conservative treatment groups were analyzedusing logistic regression analysis. This study included 127 patients, with 98 and 29 patients in the surgical and theconservative treatment group, respectively. The optimal matching method was used for propensity score matching.Compared to the conservative group, the surgically treated patients had a significantly higher rate of visual fieldrecovery (odds ratio (OR): 12.89, P = 0.007). However, there were no statistical differences in the recovery rate ofpreoperative visual acuity, cranial nerve, and endocrine deficits between the groups. Transsphenoidal surgery wasassociated with a higher rate of visual field recovery when compared to the conservative treatment for pituitaryapoplexy patients. Careful selection of appropriate treatment based on the patient's presentation andneuroendocrine status will result in the best outcomes while avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention.

Applying sequence analysis to uncover ‘real-world’ clinical pathways from routinely collected data: a systematic review

ObjectivesThis systematic review aims to elucidate the methodological practices and reporting standards associated with sequence analysis (SA) for the identification of clinical pathways in real-world scenarios, using routinely collected data. Study Design and SettingWe conducted a methodological systematic review, searching five medical and health databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE and Web of Science. The search encompassed articles from the inception of these databases up to February 28, 2023. The search strategy comprised two distinctive sets of search terms, specifically focused on sequence analysis and clinical pathways. Results19 studies met the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. Nearly 60% of the included studies were published in or after 2021, with a significant proportion originating from Canada (n = 7) and France (n = 5). 90% of the studies adhered to the fundamental SA steps. The optimal matching (OM) method emerged as the most frequently employed dissimilarity measure (63%), while agglomerative hierarchical clustering using Ward's linkage was the preferred clustering algorithm (53%). However, it is imperative to underline that a majority of the studies inadequately reported key methodological decisions pertaining to SA. ConclusionThis review underscores the necessity for enhanced transparency in reporting both data management procedures and key methodological choices within SA processes. The development of reporting guidelines and a robust appraisal tool tailored to assess the quality of SA would be invaluable for researchers in this field.

Therapeutic Donor Kidney Transplant Outcomes: Comparing Early US Experiences Using Optimal Matching.

Therapeutic donors (TDs) are individuals who undergo organ removal for medical treatment with no replacement organ, and the organ is then transplanted into another person. Transplant centers in the United States have started using TDs for kidney transplantation (KT). TD-KT recipient outcomes may be inferior to those of non-TD-living-donor (non-TD-LD)-KT or deceased-donor (DD)-KT because of the conditions that led to nephrectomy; however, these outcomes have not been sufficiently evaluated. This was a retrospective cohort study using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data. Via optimal matching methods, we created 1:4 fivesomes with highly similar characteristics for TD-KT and non-TD-LD-KT recipients and then separately for TD-KT and DD-KT recipients. We compared a 6-mo estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between groups (primary endpoint) and a composite of death, graft loss, or eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 6 mo (secondary). We identified 36 TD-KT recipients with 6-mo eGFR. There was also 1 death and 2 graft losses within 6 mo. Mean ± SD 6-mo eGFR was not significantly different between TD-KT, non-TD-LD-KT, and DD-KT recipients (59.9 ± 20.7, 63.3 ± 17.9, and 59.9 ± 23.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; P > 0.05). However, the 6-mo composite outcome occurred more frequently with TD-KT than with non-TD-LD-KT and DD-KT (18%, 2% [P < 0.001], and 8% [P = 0.053], respectively). Early graft function was no different between well-matched groups, but TD-KT demonstrated a higher risk of otherwise poor 6-mo outcomes compared with non-TD-LD-KT and DD-KT. Our results support selective utilization of TD kidneys; however, additional studies are needed with more detailed TD kidney information to understand how to best utilize these kidneys.

Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients from SARS-CoV-2-Infected versus Noninfected Deceased Donors.

Acceptable post-transplant outcomes were reported in kidney transplant recipients from donors with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, there are no comparative studies with well-matched controls. This multicenter, prospective observational study, which included three transplant centers in the United States, enrolled 61 kidney recipients from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected deceased donors. Using optimal matching methods, we matched every recipient to three comparators receiving kidneys from SARS-CoV-2-negative deceased donors with otherwise highly similar characteristics in the same transplant centers to compare 6-month eGFR. Among recipients of SARS-CoV-2-infected donor kidneys, one recipient died with a functional graft within 6 months. Mean 6-month eGFR was not significantly different between SARS-CoV-2-infected and noninfected donor groups (55±21 and 57±25 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , respectively; P = 0.61). Six-month eGFR in recipients from SARS-CoV-2-infected donors who died of reasons other than COVID-19 was not significantly different from those from SARS-CoV-2-negative donors (58±22 and 56±25 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , respectively; P = 0.51). However, recipients from donors who died of COVID-19 had significantly lower 6-month eGFR than those from SARS-CoV-2-negative donors (46±17 and 58±27 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , respectively; P = 0.03). No donor-to-recipient SARS-CoV-2 transmission was observed. Six-month eGFR was not significantly different between recipients of kidneys from SARS-CoV-2-infected and noninfected donors. However, those receiving kidneys from donors who died of COVID-19 had significantly lower 6-month eGFR. Donor-to-recipient SARS-CoV-2 transmission was not observed.

Research on the fluid dynamics interaction between submarine sand waves and seawater by seismic oceanography

IntroductionThe seafloor is an important interface between the lithosphere and the hydrosphere, where processes related to circulation and energy exchange happen along with various marine processes widely developed in the water column near the seafloor. These processes are still not yet completely understood as there are constraints of submarine detection technology and the interdisciplinary nature of these complex environments. Seismic reflection data have been a preferable tool to study and image these processes due to their characteristics in terms of spatial resolution. In seismic reflection data, submarine sand waves show hair-like reflection configurations with low continuity and wearing-hair style, appearing with an angle with the seafloor. Investigation of the relationship between the characteristics of submarine sand waves induced hair-like reflection configuration and hydrodynamics is crucial for understanding hair-like reflection configuration generation and spatiotemporal evolution. MethodsThis study combines fluid dynamics numerical simulation and seismic oceanography to discuss the seismic response characteristics and formation mechanisms of the hair-like reflection configuration. First, we create a seawater time-variant fluid-dynamical model followed by the numerical simulation of seismic oceanography data. This procedure results in seismic oceanography numerical simulation sections with hair-like reflection configurations for different constant flow conditions forced on the boundary. Optimal matching method is then applied to interpret field seismic reflection sections given the results obtained with the numerical experiments. Results and discussionAs consequence, the fluid dynamic explanation for the formation mechanism of the hair-like reflection configuration due to differences in seawater thermohaline is proposed. The study provides additional comprehension and further insights into the dynamic process of submarine sand waves induced hair-like reflection configuration using the seismic oceanography method.

Optimal Matching Method of Structural Parameters of Hydro-mechanical Transmission Device

In this paper, for the hydro-mechanical transmission device with constant speed input and variable speed output, an optimization model is constructed, which takes the structural parameters of the fixed gear train, the rotating gear train, and the circular diameter of the torque converter as the design variables and the weighted comprehensive efficiency as the objective function. The optimization model considers the influence of the change of the stator opening on the original characteristics of the torque converter, and limits the value of the structural parameters of the planetary gear train by the reference value of the transmission ratio of the planetary gear train given in the mechanical design manual, and gives the steps to solve the optimization model by using the search algorithm. The value range of the hydraulic torque converter is limited by reversely calculating the circulation circle diameter of the hydraulic torque converter within the speed range, so as to improve the search efficiency. The optimization model and solution method are verified by taking a boiler feed pump of a thermal power plant as the load.

Equivalent model-based optimal matching for two-stage turbocharging systems with bypass valves

A bypass valve can effectively distribute the energy of a two-stage boosting system and adapt to the demand for air intake regulation in multiple combustion modes. Gradually, it has become the direction of evolution of boosting technology. However, the existing two-stage turbocharging system matching methods do not consider the selection of bypass valves simultaneously. This study proposes an optimal matching method (H-TCB) for the critical parameters of a two-stage turbocharging system with a bypass valve based on the equivalent model of a two-stage turbocharging system. Taking the lowest comprehensive energy consumption as the constraint boundary, the theoretical constraint equations for the optimal distribution principle of the pressure and expansion ratios of the two-stage turbocharger with a bypass valve were obtained. The cooperative optimal relationship between the bypass coefficient and flow area of the high-pressure stage turbine and the similar flow of the high-pressure stage compressor were analyzed. The research results show that, as the bypass coefficient increases, the optimized matching high-pressure stage turbocharger efficiency increases gradually, the effective flow area of the high-pressure stage turbine reduces, and the flow of the high-pressure stage compressor increases.

Optimal road matching by relaxation to min-cost network flow

• Proposed an optimization model to achieve the global optimal road network matching; • Proposed a multivariate matching relation adaptive min-cost network flow method; • Constraints-based iterative relaxation is imposed to reduce matching ambiguities. Road matching is the prerequisite for integrating different data to obtain a complete, correct road network. The growth of multi-source data calls for the advancement of matching methods. There are many methods of road matching, ranging from traditional methods using threshold or weighted judgment to methods based on statistical and optimization models. This article provides an optimal matching method by relaxation to min-cost network flow. The matching problem is considered an optimization problem, i.e., finding a plan to match features in two datasets to minimize the total difference. The optimization-based matching method can overcome traditional method’s suboptimal nature. Referencing more road information than the other methods make our method superior in its flexibility and applicability to different matching relationships. Additionally, the iterative relaxation by angle, flow, and shortest path-based constraints is introduced to reduce ambiguous matching. We demonstrate the model in real-world experiments. Our method achieves a better result than the other four methods: it has a more stable performance for matching pairs of more complicated correspondence relations and easily confused situations. The average matching precision, recall, and f-score were 0.985 in two test sites.

Left atrial appendage occlusion versus standard of care in patients with atrial fibrillation and a prior thrombo-embolic event despite oral anticoagulant therapy: a propensity score matched comparison

Abstract Introduction Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) that suffer from ischemic stroke despite oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy have a very high risk of recurrent stroke and better prevention strategies are needed. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a promising secondary prevention strategy that may provide mechanical protection in patients that suffer from thrombo-embolic events under OAC. However, evidence showing effectiveness of LAAO in this population is scarce and the current international guidelines only consider LAAO in patients with a contra-indication for OAC. Purpose To compare percutaneous LAAO to standard-of-care including continuing/switching anticoagulation therapy for secondary stroke prevention in patients with AF and a prior thrombo-embolic event and/or LAA thrombus under OAC therapy. Methods The STR-OAC LAAO cohort is an international collaboration combining a selection of patients from multiple LAAO registries (22 participating centers). Patients that underwent percutaneous LAAO because of a thrombo-embolic event and/or LAA thrombus on OAC were included. Propensity score matching (optimal matching method, 1:1 ratio) with a previously published multi-center dataset of patients continuing/switching anticoagulation treatment after a thrombo-embolic event was performed to adjust for imbalances in age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and CHA2DS2-VASc score. The primary outcome was ischemic stroke. Time-to-event analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox-proportional-hazard regression analyses. Results A total of 404 patients underwent LAAO between 2010–2021 and were included in the STR-OAC LAAO cohort. Mean age was 72±9 years; 44% was female and mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED score were 4.8±1.7 and 2.5±1.4, respectively. Most patients received a Watchman or Amplatzer device (53% and 43%). Oral anticoagulation was discontinued after LAAO at discharge or after confirmation of adequate LAA closure at 1–3 months follow-up in 44% or 20%, respectively. The remaining 35% of patients continued OAC after LAAO as an adjunctive strategy. All LAAO patients were propensity-score matched and included in the primary outcome analysis. Baseline characteristics were well balanced after matching (Table 1). During follow up including 1406 patient-years (LAAO 1007; control 399) a total of 61 patients experienced an ischemic stroke: 2.2% per patient-year in LAAO group versus 9.8% per patient-year in the control group. LAAO was associated with a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke (HR 0.33, 95% CI [0.19–0.59], p&amp;lt;0.001) compared to standard-of-care (Figure 1). Conclusion In this propensity-score matched study, LAAO was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke compared to standard-of-care in patients with a thrombo-embolic event and/or LAA thrombus despite OAC treatment. Randomized controlled trial data may further confirm the effectiveness of LAAO in this very high-risk population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Optimal matching method based on rare plants in opportunistic social networks

The spread of seeds affects the regeneration, pattern, genetic structure, invasion, and settlement of plant populations. However, seed transmission is a relatively weak research link. The spread of plants is not controlled by the communicator. wind transmission of seeds is a relatively weak research link. The spread of plants is not controlled by the communicator. The way plants transmit and accept seeds is similar to how user nodes accept data transmission requests in social networks. In this study, we selected rare and endangered Pterospermum heterophyllum as the research object and applied them to a social network. All plants were considered nodes and all seeds as transmitted data by history record. Through use of historical records, the seeds that established infection and immunity algorithms in opportunistic social networks were recorded, healthy plants were identified, and the number of plants with diseases was reduced to achieve the selectivity of dominant plants in the social network.

Reproductive health diseases among South Korean workers: the propensity score matching approach

Background And Aim: To explore the reproductive health problems that may arise from occupational exposure of productive workers’ workplace hazard. Methods: A retrospective investigation was made on the Korean health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES) of the workers with occupational classification code from 2007 to 2015 for adults ages 20 and 49 years. First, we compared workers classified as workers who KNHANES Korean Standard Classification of Diseases (KCD) reclassification codes 211 to 233 (including diseases such as urogenital system and infertility) and 234 to 244 (including pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium) with those who did not classify reproductive health diseases reclassification codes (211 to 233, 234 to 244). Then, the relationship between reproductive health diseases and heavy metal exposure according to gender was investigated using the propensity score matching method. Results: In consideration of age, gender, body mass index, and occupation, a 1:1 optimal matching method was used to match workers with genital and non-reproductive diseases. Before matching, there were 2,135 men and 3,838 women. After matching, 42 men and 382 women were reproductive health workers, and 42 men and 382 women were non-reproductive health workers. As a result of estimation by the PSM method, there was no significant difference in male reproductive health disease and exposure to lead, mercury, and cadmium, and there was no difference even after matching. There were significant differences in female reproductive health disease and lead and mercury exposure, but lead did not show a significant difference after matching. Also, there was no significant difference between reproductive disease and cadmium exposure before and after matching. Conclusion: It was confirmed that exposure to mercury in female workers was sensitive to reproductive health diseases. Exposure to mercury in the workplace should be more cautious. Keywords: workers, reproductive health disease, Korean health and Nutrition Examination Survey

"The reputation premium": does hospital ranking improvement lead to a higher healthcare spending?

Global health systems have often disclosed hospital quality and performance information via hospital ranking or rating programs over the last 20years. This study aims to examine the relationship between hospital ranking and healthcare spending. Using the Basic Medical Insurance claims data from a big city in central China and the hospital ranking data from the Fudan Chinese Hospital League Table from 2016 to 2018, this study exploits the variation of hospital reputable ranking across hospitals and periods to employ the difference-in-differences (DiD) design. To alleviate the self-selection bias emerging from inpatients' selection of hospitals and the extrapolation bias emerging from the potential mis-specification of our linear model, we combine the DiD design with the 3-to-1 optimal Mahalanobis metric matching method. This study finds that ceteris paribus one hospital ascending from the Regional Famous Hospital Group to the National Famous Hospital Group significantly increases inpatients' total healthcare costs, reimbursement costs, and out-of-pocket costs by 5.9%, 6.2%, and 4.0%, respectively. Mechanism analysis reveals that it should be attributed more to physician moral hazard than patient willingness-to-pay. Leads and lags (event study) analysis validates our DiD identification framework and shows that the impact materializes slowly but significantly. In the robustness check, we transfer the outcome variables from the log value to the level value and control five digits of ICD-10 for the disease fixed-effects. The results are highly robust.

Single-port versus multiport partial nephrectomy: a propensity-score-matched comparison of perioperative and short-term outcomes.

The objective of this study was to compare the perioperative and short-term functional and oncological outcomes of single-port and multiport robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using propensity-score analysis. We evaluated all patients who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy at our institution between January 2019 and October 2020. Patient demographics, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Propensity-score matching was performed on age, sex, body mass index, prior abdominal surgery, and nephrometry score using the optimal matching method. A post hoc sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the robustness of the results. In total, 48 and 238 patients underwent single-port and multiport robotic partial nephrectomy, respectively. Following propensity-score matching, 48 multiport cases were matched 1:1 to single-port cases. The single-port cohort had lower median opioid use at postoperative day 1 (4.6 vs 9.8 MME, p = 0.0209) and cumulative hospital stay (5.1 vs 9.3 MME, p = 0.0357). Single port also had a shorter median length of stay (1.4 vs 1.6days, p = 0.0045), although the post hoc sensitivity analysis showed no difference between the groups [- 0.13 (95% CI; - 0.580, 0.315, p = 0.5607). There were no significant differences in operative time, estimated blood loss, ischemia time, transfusions received, or positive margin rates. In conclusion, based on our early experience, single-port robotic partial nephrectomy is a safe and acceptable alternative to multiport robotic partial nephrectomy, providing comparable perioperative and postoperative outcomes while reducing inpatient opioid use.

Optimization and Control of Vehicle Vertical System with Suspended In-Wheel Motor

This paper presents an optimization and control approach for vehicle vibration system with suspended in-wheel motor to reduce the vertical negative effects. Vibrations caused by the motor unbalanced radial force arising from road surface can be mitigated through the proposed ap-proach. A four quarter in-wheel motor suspension system with dynamic vibration absorber is established, and analytical switch reluctance motor (SRM) model is derived using Fourier series. Cuckoo search based optimal matching method between suspension and vibration isolator pa-rameters is designed to improve the vibration performance while reducing the external disturb-ance effect on the motor air gap with typical road excitations. On the basis of the optimal matching results, a hybrid control strategy is proposed for the in-wheel motor suspension, and the sus-pension and isolator dampers are considered as the semi-active device to assign the hybrid con-trol force according to model responses. Simulation results indicate that the optimized model can achieve better vibration characteristics, and the hybrid controller can improve the riding comfort and handling stability effectively.

Propensity-Score Matched Analysis Between Extraperitoneal Single Port and Intraperitoneal Multiport Radical Prostatectomy: A Single-Institutional Experience

ObjectiveTo compare the perioperative results and intermediate-term functional outcomes of single port and multiport robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy by using a propensity-score analysis. Materials and MethodsWe evaluated all patients who underwent robotic prostatectomy by 3 urologic surgeons at our institution between January 2019 and October 2020. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and assessed. Patients were matched based on body mass index, Gleason group, and prostate volume using the optimal matching method. ResultsOverall, 98 and 165 patients underwent single port and multiport robotic prostatectomy, respectively. Following propensity-score matching, 98 multiport cases were matched 1:1 to single port cases. The median operative time was lower for multiport (111.5 vs 147.0 minutes, P = .0000). Single port had a lower median estimated blood loss (50.0 vs 75.0 mL, P = .0006), pain score on postoperative day 0 (1.0 vs 2.0, P = .0004), opioid use at postoperative day 1 (0.0 [IQR 0.0-5.0] vs 0.0 MME [IQR 0.0-7.5], P = .0058), cumulative opioid use (2.0 vs 7.0 MME, P = .0008), and lymph node yield (4.0 vs 7.0 nodes, P = .0051). Single port had a greater percentage of men regain full erectile function by 6 months (23.8% vs 4.8%, P = .002). ConclusionThe single port robotic system is a safe option for localized prostate cancer treatment, offering superior pain control and comparable perioperative results and intermediate-term functional outcomes compared to the multiport robotic approach.

Оптимальный подбор пар субъектов в исследованиях дизайна «случай-контроль»: демонстрация метода сопоставления на примере анализа влияния пандемии COVID-19 на персонал медицинских организаций

Case-control studies are retrospective observational studies designed to determine the relationship between the outcome of interest and its potential cause. This study design has known disadvantages: possible bias in the results, selection bias in the control group, etc. In order to avoid inconsistency between the study and control groups and thus underestimating of the possible influence of intervening factors (confounder), a whole class of methods is used to ensure that case-control matching pairs are selected and matched. Objective. To discuss and demonstrate the possibility of forming groups of research subjects (impact and control) on the basis of matching variables using the optimal matching procedure and compare the results of paired and unpaired analysis. Materials and methods. The baseline data were the results of a cross-sectional study of the impact of pandemic COVID-19 on health worker behavior. An example algorithm was used to assess the impact of awareness of different aspects of SARS-CoV-2 on health professionals. The processing was done in the R software environment. Discussion. The present study had two objectives: to demonstrate a method for optimal matching of case-control pairs for specific data and to estimate the effect of certain factors on the outcome of interest. Using this method allows for maximum consistency between study and control groups on selected matching variables. This tool simplifies and automates data preparation for subsequent analysis when case and potential control data are presented in a single dataset. Thus, the example shows that with different values of the number of controls per case indicator the point and interval estimate of the odds ratio varies slightly and indicates a statistically insignificant association between the need for more information and the forced use of leave by the health professional due to various concerns about the impact of COVID-19.

Trajectories and individual determinants of regular cancer screening use over a long period based on data from the French E3N cohort

Despite several incentive policies for cancer screenings over the last two decades, the overall and regular use of cancer screenings remains insufficient in France. While the individual determinants of cancer screening uptake have been fairly well studied, the literature has rarely focused on the regularity of screening uptake, which is key to early cancer detection. We aimed to address this issue by studying cancer screening behaviors over 15 years, emphasizing the regularity and diversity of use. Using data from 40,021 women in the French E3N cohort, we studied the individual trajectories of screenings for breast, colorectal and cervical cancer between 2000 and 2014. We employed optimal matching methods to identify typical behaviors of use for each cancer screening. Then, we determined the associations between the identified behavior screening patterns for the different cancer screenings and, finally, assessed the associated individual determinants with logistical and multinomial models. We found that screening behaviors were fairly stable over time, with few typical screening patterns for each cancer. Overall, once a woman starts screening, she continues, and once she stops, she no longer returns. Cancer screening behaviors appear consistent; in particular, insufficient use of mammography appears to be associated with long-term nonuse of other cancer screenings. Factors associated with low or nonuse of screening are overall common between cancer screenings and are similar to those identified in the literature of screening use at a single point in time. Ultimately, these barriers prevent some women from entering a screening process in the long run, ultimately reinforcing social inequalities in health. Targeting women with insufficient mammography uptake may reach women outside of cancer screening settings more generally and, thus, both increase the overall uptake of cancer screening and reduce social inequalities in cancer screening.