Parametric Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

Assessment of surface friction of self-ligating brackets under conditions of angulated traction

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess resistance to sliding of stainless steel passive self-ligating brackets with 0° and 2.5° angulations and to compare them to active self-ligating brackets at zero angulation. The hypothesis to be tested was that passive self-ligating brackets produce lower frictional forces than active self-ligating brackets. METHODS: Twenty five 0.022 x 0.028-in slot maxillary canine brackets were divided into 5 groups of 5 brackets: Damon SL II (Ormco, CA, USA) self-ligating bracket and Gemini (3M/Unitek, CA, USA) conventional bracket with angulation of 0 and 2.5° and a group of Speed 2 (American Orthodontics, WI, USA) active clip self-ligating system with zero angulation. Twenty five segments of stainless steel 0.020-in archwire (TP Orthodontics, IN, USA) were tested and each bracket/wire interface was evaluated at 4 successive points during sliding. Overall, 100 frictional values were analyzed by parametric analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Frictional tests were performed with an Emic DL 10000 testing machine (Emic, Brazil) with a load cell of one kilogram. Passive self-ligating brackets produced lower frictional forces than active self-ligating brackets (p < 0.01). Under angulation, brackets with a slide mechanism produced higher friction than the same brackets under zero angulation (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, the slide system under angulation produced smaller friction values than conventional brackets tied with elastomeric ligatures in 0° tests.

A framework for the analysis of phantom data in multicenter diffusion tensor imaging studies

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is commonly used for studies of the human brain due to its inherent sensitivity to the microstructural architecture of white matter. To increase sampling diversity, it is often desirable to perform multicenter studies. However, it is likely that the variability of acquired data will be greater in multicenter studies than in single-center studies due to the added confound of differences between sites. Therefore, careful characterization of the contributions to variance in a multicenter study is extremely important for meaningful pooling of data from multiple sites. We propose a two-step analysis framework for first identifying outlier datasets, followed by a parametric variance analysis for identification of intersite and intrasite contributions to total variance. This framework is then applied to phantom data from the NIH MRI study of normal brain development (PedsMRI). Our results suggest that initial outlier identification is extremely important for accurate assessment of intersite and intrasite variability, as well as for early identification of problems with data acquisition. We recommend the use of the presented framework at frequent intervals during the data acquisition phase of multicenter DTI studies, which will allow investigators to identify and solve problems as they occur.

Value of CA 15-3 detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of breast cancer leptomeningeal metastases.

2075 Background: An increased incidence of leptomeningeal metastases (LM) is reported in breast cancer (BC), which is the predominant etiology of LM in solid tumors Our aim was to assess the significance of intra-CSF CA 15-3 measure in the early diagnosis of BC LM. Methods: Serum and CSF levels of CA 15-3 and albumine were evaluated in 4 groups of 20 patients recruited from April 2008 to January 2011: group A (new diagnosis of BC LM), group B (new diagnosis of various other solid tumors LM), group C (progression of intraparenchymal brain metastasis of BC) and group D (controls without any cancer). CA 15-3 was assessed by automatic immune-enzymatic technology (Kryptor, BRAHMS Biomarkers). Non parametric analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction was used for comparisons of means. Results: In group A, median age was 51,5 years (30-70). LM and intraparenchymal metastases were observed at the MRI in 80% and 75% of patients respectively. CSF cytology was positive in 85% of cases. Median proteinorachia was 1,03 g/l (0,22-16,12). Median CSF/serum albumine ratio were 0,02 (0,006-0,62) in group A; 0,01 (0,004-0,05) in group B; 0,01 (0,004–0,05) in group C; 0,006 (0,002-0,04) in group D. Median rates of inra-CSF CA 15-3 were 8,65 U/ml (0,1-250,9) in group A; 0,55 U/ml (<0,3-213,5) in group B; 0,55 U/ml (<0,3-18,5) in group C; 0,30 U/ml (<0,3-0,3) in group D. Median rates of CA 15-3 in serum were 51,4 U/ml (11,9-2819) in group A; 21,1 U/ml (7,5-296,4) in group B; 30,4 U/ml (11,9-4999) in group C; 40,2 U/ml (6,2-23,8) in group D. Median CSF/serum CA 15-3 ratio were 0,18 (0,004-4,39) in group A; 0,03 (0-3,79) in group B; 0,015 (0,002-0,53) in group C; 0,02 (0,007-0,19) in group D. In group A, intra-CSF and serum 15-3 rates were statistically significantly different from the 3 other groups (p<0,0001). Conclusions: Intra-CSF CA 15-3 assessment may be helpful for early diagnosis of BC LM. The reproducibility of this tool will be validated. Futures studies will be planned to determine a threshold rate for BC LM diagnosis.

The Effect of Crown/Implant Ratio and Crown Height Space on Stress Distribution in Unsplinted Implant Supporting Restorations

To measure the transfer of axial and nonaxial load in unsplinted fixed implant supported restoration with varying crown to implant (C/I) ratios and crown height space (CHS). A photoelastic block model was constructed. Three holes were drilled vertically in a straight line in the mid axis of the photoelastic model at predetermined locations to lengths of 12 mm. Three implants were inserted into the model. Two strain gauges were cemented onto the neck of each implant on the buccal and lingual aspects, which provided a simultaneous direct reading of strain. Four groups of cement retained restorations with C/I ratios of 1:1; 1:1.5; 1:1.75, and 1:2 were used. CHS were 10, 15, 17.5, and 20 mm, respectively. Fifteen static loadings were carried out simultaneously with 20 kg weights via a custom-built loading apparatus at 0 and 30 degrees to the vertical axis. Descriptive analysis consisted of mean and standard deviation of microstrain values for each group. Groups were compared by the use of the 1-way parametric analysis of variance. A P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant. Occlusal force application at 30 degrees showed a statistically significant increase in both buccal (1,588 ± 150 vs 2,610.59 ± 150) and palatal (64.92 ± 7 vs 146.59 ± 15) microstrain values as C/I ratio increased from 1:1 to 1:1.5 (P < .001). Force application at 30 degrees in cases with C/I ratio of 1:1.75 and 1:2 resulted in fracture of the abutment screw followed by dislodgment of the crowns. Failures were noted at CHS >15 mm. CHS is more significant than the C/I ratio in assessing biomechanical-related detrimental effects. Prosthetic failure occurred at CHS ≥ 15 mm.

Expression of periodontal interleukin-6 protein is increased across patients with neither periodontal disease nor diabetes, patients with periodontal disease alone and patients with both diseases

Epidemiological studies have established that patients with diabetes have an increased prevalence and severity of periodontal disease. Interleukin (IL)-6, a multifunctional cytokine, plays a role in the tissue inflammation that characterizes periodontal disease. Our recent study has shown a trend of increase in periodontal IL-6 expression at the mRNA level across patients with neither periodontal disease nor diabetes, patients with periodontal disease alone and patients with both diseases. However, the periodontal IL-6 expression at the protein level in these patients has not been investigated. Periodontal tissue specimens were collected from eight patients without periodontal disease and diabetes (group 1), from 17 patients with periodontal disease alone (group 2) and from 10 patients with both periodontal disease and diabetes (group 3). The frozen sections were prepared from these tissue specimens and IL-6 protein expression was detected and quantified. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the difference in IL-6 protein levels among the three groups was statistically significant (p = 0.035). Nonparametric analysis using the Jonckheere-Terpstra test showed a tendency of increase in periodontal IL-6 protein levels across group 1 to group 2 to group 3 (p = 0.006). Parametric analysis of variance (ANOVA) on IL-6 protein levels showed that neither age nor gender significantly affected the difference of IL-6 levels among the groups. Periodontal IL-6 expression at the protein level is increased across patients with neither periodontal disease nor diabetes, patients with periodontal disease alone and patients with both diseases.

Comparative age distribution of influenza morbidity and mortality during seasonal influenza epidemics and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic

BackgroundSeveral studies have shown a relatively high mortality rate among young people infected by the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus. Here we compared the age distributions of morbidity and mortality during two seasonal influenza epidemics (H1N1 and H3N2) in France and the United States with those of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic waves in the same countries.MethodsAge-standardized ratios were used to compare the age distribution of morbidity and mortality due to influenza between the two countries and across the different years. Non parametric analysis of variance was used to compare these ratios between epidemic and pandemic influenza.ResultsAge distribution of morbidity was similar between the 2009 pandemic and seasonal epidemics due to H1N1 (p = 0.72) and H3N2 viruses (p = 0.68). In contrast, the proportion of under-60s among influenza deaths was markedly higher during the 2009 pandemic (peak <20 years) than during the seasonal epidemics (respectively p = 0.007 and p = 0.0008).ConclusionsYoung age was a principal mortality risk factor due to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Eotaxin-2/CCL24 and eotaxin-3/CCL26 exert differential profibrogenic effects on human lung fibroblasts

Eotaxin-2/CCL24 and eotaxin-3/CCL26 play an important role in eosinophil chemotaxis and activation in asthma. We previously demonstrated that eotaxin/CCL11 is profibrogenic for human lung fibroblasts. The effect of eotaxin-2/ CCL24 and eotaxin-3/CCL26 on lung fibroblasts has not yet been investigated. To evaluate whether eotaxin-2/CCL24 and eotaxin-3/CCL26 modulate fibrotic properties of lung fibroblasts. Fibroblast proliferation was evaluated by means of 3-hydroxythymidine incorporation. Collagen production was assessed by means of 3-hydroxyproline incorporation and biochemical staining. Chemotaxis was determined using Boyden chambers. Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin was evaluated by means of immunostaining. Transforming growth factor beta1 release was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Parametric analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons test, was used to calculate statistical significance. Eotaxin-2/CCL24 but not eotaxin-3/CCL26 stimulated human lung fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. In contrast, eotaxin-3/CCL26 but not eotaxin-2/CCL24 promoted fibroblast migration. Neither eotaxin-2/CCL24 nor eotaxin-3/ CCL26 induced the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin or transforming growth factor beta1 from lung fibroblasts. Eotaxin-2/CCL24 and eotaxin-3/CCL26 have differential profibrogenic effects on human lung fibroblasts. These CC chemokines may, therefore, contribute to airway remodeling in asthma.

Efeito da estimulação cortical na variável tempo de reação e performance hábil-motriz-cognitiva em jovens atletas de futebol

The study was verified the effect of the cortical stimulation in the time of reaction and skilled motor cognitive efficiency in soccer athletes, before and cortical after stimulation the sample of (N=20) athletes masculine of soccer of the infantile category. The participants were divided in 2 groups, control and experimental, being the experimental group submitted to the stimulation. 10 sessions, of 20'. The data originating from of the test were treated through a parametric variance analysis (ANOVA) two way. The average of successes / for the time of reaction obtained significant earnings for the experimental group when compared to the control in the moment after - tests (P <0.05). In the experimental group obtained significant earnings in the improvement of the time of reaction when compared to the group controls (p <0.05). In the in groups, the group that it received the combined training, obtained significant improvements compared the before and after-test (p <0,05). It was ended that the combined training the motor learning can be perfected in several knowledge areas and sport.

Anatomia do lenho de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) ocorrente em dois ambientes

This study compares and characterizes the wood from stem of Enterolobium contortisiliquum in different environments. Samples from a total of twenty individuals were collected from plants occurring in a Caatinga area in the municipalities of Campina Grande, PB (7°11' S and 35°58' W), and Buique-PE (8°35' S and 37°14' S) and in a Tropical Semidecidual Forest in the municipalities of Taquara-RS (29°44' S and 50°50' W), and Santa Maria-RS (29°47' S and 53°34' W). The areas present different climatic conditions, where Campina Grande and Buique present the highest temperatures and lowest rainfall compared to Taquara and Santa Maria. A qualitative analysis was made through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and analysis of variance (P ³ 0,05). In general, regardless of the origin the individuals examined, the wood of E. contortisiliquum presented solitary and multiple vessels, intervascular pits and alternate polygonal radiovascular alterns with shapes, vestured pits, presence of vasicentric paratraqueal parenchyma, homogeneous rays, predominantly 3 to 4 cell wide. Gelatinous fibres were observed. All individuals analyzed presented growth layers. A greater quantity of crystals and starch grains was detected in cells of the axial parenchyma of plants from the lower latitudes localities. The parametric analysis of variance confirm the associations between environment and wood anatomic characteristics of E. contortisiliquum, but show differences when data are compared to reports from other species and registered in the literature.

Robust ANOVA for microarray data

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) separates the effects of different factors in a dataset. Typical examples for gene microarray data are the factors time and treatment. This separation can improve the interpretability of the results. However, the main effects and interactions, calculated in ANOVA, can be heavily influenced by outliers, large numbers of non-expressed genes with noise, and the heavy-tailedness of the distribution of expression values. Robust methods are less affected by these and will improve the analysis. In this paper, several methods to perform robust nonparametric ANOVA are applied to a large multi-treatment time series dataset. The results are compared with the results obtained with parametric ANOVA using Procrustes analysis. A further comparison is made by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of groups of genes identified as significant by inspection of the interaction terms in ANOVA. It is shown that there are significant differences in the estimates of main effects and gene–treatment interactions. ROC curves show an improved representation of current biological knowledge for one particular robust form of ANOVA, using a combination of rank transformed data, with the median as location parameter.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease correlation with posterior laryngitis

Over the last years numerous studies have been performed dealing with mutual relations among gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and numerous diseases of the upper airways. The aim of the present study was to establish possible causal relationship between GERD and posterior laryngitis (PL). The study included 103 patients with gastrointestinal complaints. Diagnostic procedure included a medical history, gastroscopy and laryngeal directoscopy. The obtained data processed using classic methods of the descriptive statistics, as well as Pearson's chi-square test, Student's t test, rank sum test and Fisher's parametric analysis of variance. Out of the total number of 103 examined patients, 33 (32%) were diagnosed with PL, while GERD was diagnosed in five of the examined patients all belonging to the PL group (15% of the patients with PL). In the remaining patients, PL was caused by other factors. All the patients with GERD had PL and globus sensation while 80% of GERD patients had prominent symptom of pain. The results of the study are indicative of the causal relationship between GERD and PL.

Effect of the Crown Preparation Margin and Die Type on the Marginal Accuracy of Fiber-reinforced Composite Crowns

The objective of this laboratory investigation was to determine the effect of different preparation designs (light chamfer, deep chamfer, and shoulder) and die-making materials (stone and epoxy) on the resulting margin misfit for fiber-reinforced composite crowns using a measuring microscope. Sixty standardized FibreKor crowns were made on stone and epoxy resin dies (n=30 each) duplicated from three metal master dies representing complete crown tooth preparation with a total convergence of 5 degrees . For each die group, three of the tooth preparation designs were established in relation to the type of finish line (n=0 each) as follows: Group A (0.5-mm light chamfer finish line); Group B (1.0-mm deep chamfer finish line); and Group C (1.0-mm shoulder finish line). Marginal accuracy was evaluated by measuring the distances between each of four pairs of indentations on the crowns and on the dies with a Nikon measuring microscope. Analysis of seating measurements with parametric analysis of variance and Tukey's Studentized Range (HSD) disclosed a statistically significant difference for both tooth preparation design and die material (p< 0.001). However, the interaction effect was not significant (p=0.9073). The least marginal opening value was for FibreKor crowns made on epoxy resin dies with a light chamfer finish line (57 microm), but the difference was not statistically significantly different from crowns made on epoxy resin dies with a deep chamfer light chamfer finish line (61 microm). However, crowns made on epoxy resin dies with a shoulder finish line (81 microm) had significantly higher values (p< 0.05). FibreKor crowns made on stone dies with the shoulder finish line (95 microm) had statistically higher marginal opening values (p< 0.05). The least marginal opening value was for crowns made on stone dies with a light chamfer finish line (66 microm), but the difference was not statistically significantly different from crowns made on stone dies with a deep chamfer light chamfer finish line (70 microm). Significant differences were found among the die material used for the shoulder margin design. However, there was no significant difference between light chamfer and deep chamfer margin designs for both die materials.

Exploração de fatores de risco para lesões no atletismo de alta performance

Os fatores de risco para instalação de lesões do esporte têm sido pesquisados no sentido de facilitar o entendimento sobre o assunto. Contudo, para altos níveis de performance, nos eventos de pista e campo do atletismo, são escassos os documentos que abordam o tema. Assim, a partir da possibilidade de reunir informações sobre a condição descrita, objetivou-se com o presente estudo a exploração de fatores de risco para lesões desportivas no atletismo, a partir de inquérito aplicado a atletas da elite mundial da modalidade. A população foi composta por 60 homens e 60 mulheres alocados em grupos conforme a especificidade de sua modalidade (velocidade, resistência, arremessos e saltos). Realizou-se entrevista utilizando-se de inquérito de morbidade referida, abordando questões sobre variáveis antropométricas e de treinamento, assim como lesões. Utilizou-se a técnica da análise de variância paramétrica para as variáveis antropométricas (idade, peso, estatura) e da técnica da análise de variância não paramétrica em relação às variáveis de treinamento (anos de treinamento e horas semanais). Para associação entre momento de lesão e especialidades, utilizou-se do teste de Goodman em nível de 5% de significância. Os resultados mostraram que houve elevada freqüência de lesões na modalidade em ambos os sexos. As taxas de lesão por atleta entrevistado foram de 0,92 (velocidade), 1,08 (resistência), 1,22 (saltos) e 1,20 (arremessos). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante para as variáveis antropométricas e de treinamento em relação às provas, com exceção dos saltadores, que apresentaram diferenças para estatura e tempo de treinamento; nesse caso, os acometidos são mais altos ou praticam atletismo há menos tempo (P &lt; 0,05). Concluiu-se que, para população estudada, o risco de lesão é acentuado, mas sem relação entre variáveis e presença de agravos, salvo para especialistas em provas de saltos, que apresentaram estatura e tempo de treinamento como fatores predisponentes à lesão.

Further studies on the mechanism of antiphagocyte-antioxidative effect of H1-antihistamines

-receptor antago-nists possess other pharmacological properties; anti-infl am-matory action, inhibition of blood platelet function and antioxidative effects [1, 2]. The mechanism(s) responsible for the nonspecifi nett comparison test after parametric analysis of variance (ANOVA) for c non-receptor operated activity of H

A Functional Genomics Analysis of the B56 Isoforms of Drosophila Protein Phosphatase 2A

Members of the B56 family of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunits play crucial roles in Drosophila cell survival. Distinct functions of two B56 subunits were investigated using a combination of RNA interference, DNA microarrays, and proteomics. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of the B56-1 subunit (PP2A-B') but not the catalytic (mts) or B56-2 subunit (wdb) of PP2A resulted in increased expression of the apoptotic inducers reaper and sickle. Co-knockdown of B56-1 with reaper, but not with sickle, reduced the apoptosis caused by depletion of the B56 subunits. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry identified proteins modified in cells depleted of PP2A subunits. These included generation of caspase-dependent cleavage products, increases in protein abundance, and covalent modifications. Results suggested that up-regulation of the ribosome-associated protein stubarista can serve as a sensitive marker of apoptosis. Up-regulation of transcripts for multiple glutathione transferases and other proteins suggested that loss of PP2A affected pathways involved in the response to oxidative stress. Knockdown of PP2A elevated basal JNK activity and substantially decreased activation of ERK in response to oxidative stress. The results reveal that the B56-containing isoform of PP2A functions within multiple signaling pathways, including those that regulate expression of reaper and the response to oxidative stress, thus promoting cell survival in Drosophila.

Circadian Intraocular Pressure Control with Dorzolamide versus Timolol Maleate Add-On Treatments in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients Using Latanoprost

Purpose: To compare the 24-hour efficacy of dorzolamide and timolol maleate administered twice daily to primary open-angle glaucoma patients whose intraocular pressure (IOP) could not be adequately controlled with latanoprost monotherapy. Methods: In this double-blind prospective crossover clinical comparison trial, 36 primary open-angle glaucoma patients with uncontrolled IOP despite treatment with latanoprost applied once daily were administered timolol and dorzolamide twice daily. The treatment sequence was randomized. All patients underwent measurements for four 24-hour tonometric curves: at baseline and after each 4-week period of treatment. The IOP measurements were taken at 06:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, 21:00, 24:00 and 03:00 h. The between-group differences were tested for significance by means of parametric analysis of variance at each time point and circadian curve. The peak values within circadian curve were defined. The mean of the exact amount and percentage of additional IOP reductions from baseline were evaluated and success rates (a minimum of 10% reduction) were determined for both drug regimens. Results: The mean peak/circadian curve IOPs were 23.4 ± 2.2/21.8 ± 2.2 mm Hg at dorzolamide baseline, 23.3 ± 2.2/21.7 ± 2.1 mm Hg at timolol baseline, and reduced to 20.2 ± 1.7/18.7 ± 1.7 mm Hg and 20.7 ± 2.4/19.4 ± 1.6 mm Hg, respectively. When added to latanoprost, both dorzolamide and timolol lowered IOP at circadian curve significantly (p < 0.05). Dorzolamide reduced baseline IOP values at each time point. Timolol also significantly reduced baseline IOP values at all time points except at 03:00. The mean of the exact amount and percentage of reduction in IOP at circadian curve and 5 out of 8 time points were significantly greater with dorzolamide add-on treatment (p < 0.05). The successful reduction rates were 86% for the dorzolamide group and 61% for the timolol group (p = 0.016; χ² test). Conclusion: Both of the combinations are effective in lowering IOP, the exact amount and percentage of reduction is greater with the latanoprost + dorzolamide regimen, especially at night-time.

Attachment of Acanthamoeba to First- and Second-Generation Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses

To investigate the attachment of Acanthamoeba to first- and second-generation silicone hydrogel contact lenses, and to determine if patient wear or the presence of a bacterial biofilm coating affects attachment characteristics. Experimental study. Attachment to the silicone hydrogel lenses was compared with that to a conventional hydrogel control lens. Sixteen replicates (n = 16) were carried out for unworn, worn, and biofilm-coated lenses of each type. Unworn, worn, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm-coated first-generation (lotrafilcon A) and second-generation (galyfilcon A) silicone hydrogel and conventional hydrogel (etafilcon A) lens quarters were incubated for 90 minutes in suspensions of plate-cultured Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites. Trophozoites attached to one surface of each lens quarter were counted by direct light microscopy. Logarithmic transformation of data allowed the use of parametric analysis of variance for statistical analysis. Attachment of Acanthamoeba was affected significantly by lens material type (P<0.001), with higher numbers of trophozoites attaching to the first-generation lotrafilcon A silicone hydrogel lens, compared with the second-generation galyfilcon A lens and the conventional hydrogel lens. Attachments to the latter 2 lenses did not differ significantly from each other (P = 0.126). Patient wear and the presence of a bacterial biofilm had no significant effect on attachment to the lotrafilcon A lens (P = 0.426) but did significantly increase attachment to the galyfilcon A (P<0.001) and the etafilcon A (P = 0.009) lenses; attachment to the latter 2 lenses was still significantly less than that found with the first-generation silicone hydrogel (P<0.001). Acanthamoeba demonstrated a significantly greater affinity for the first-generation silicone hydrogel lens as compared with the second-generation silicone hydrogel and the conventional hydrogel. If exposed to Acanthamoeba (e.g., when showering or swimming, through noncontinuous wear and ineffective lens care regimes), first-generation silicone hydrogel lenses may promote a greater risk of Acanthamoeba infection due to the enhanced attachment characteristics of this lens material. However, prospective studies in patients are required to determine if these experimental results are clinically significant.

Repeat Sample Intraocular Pressure Variance in Induced and Naturally Ocular Hypertensive Monkeys

To compare repeat-sample means variance of laser induced ocular hypertension (OH) in rhesus monkeys with the repeat-sample mean variance of natural OH in age-range matched monkeys of similar and dissimilar pedigrees. Multiple monocular, retrospective, intraocular pressure (IOP) measures were recorded repeatedly during a short sampling interval (SSI, 1-5 months) and a long sampling interval (LSI, 6-36 months). There were 5-13 eyes in each SSI and LSI subgroup. Each interval contained subgroups from the Florida with natural hypertension (NHT), induced hypertension (IHT1) Florida monkeys, unrelated (Strasbourg, France) induced hypertensives (IHT2), and Florida age-range matched controls (C). Repeat-sample individual variance means and related IOPs were analyzed by a parametric analysis of variance (ANOV) and results compared to non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOV. As designed, all group intraocular pressure distributions were significantly different (P < or = 0.009) except for the two (Florida/Strasbourg) induced OH groups. A parametric 2 x 4 design ANOV for mean variance showed large significant effects due to treatment group and sampling interval. Similar results were produced by the nonparametric ANOV. Induced OH sample variance (LSI) was 43x the natural OH sample variance-mean. The same relationship for the SSI was 12x. Laser induced ocular hypertension in rhesus monkeys produces large IOP repeat-sample variance mean results compared to controls and natural OH.

The use of nonparametric contrasts in one-way layouts and random block designs

Nonparametric simple-contrast estimates for one-way layouts based on Hodges–Lehmann estimators for two samples and confidence intervals for all contrasts involving only two treatments are found in the literature. Tests for such contrasts are performed from the distribution of the maximum of the rank sum between two treatments. For random block designs, simple contrast estimates based on Hodges–Lehmann estimators for one sample are presented. However, discussions concerning the significance levels of more complex contrast tests in nonparametric statistics are not well outlined. This work aims at presenting a methodology to obtain p-values for any contrast types based on the construction of the permutations required by each design model using a C-language program for each design type. For small samples, all possible treatment configurations are performed in order to obtain the desired p-value. For large samples, a fixed number of random configurations are used. The program prompts the input of contrast coefficients, but does not assume the existence or orthogonality among them. In orthogonal contrasts, the decomposition of the value of the suitable statistic for each case is performed and it is observed that the same procedure used in the parametric analysis of variance can be applied in the nonparametric case, that is, each of the orthogonal contrasts has a χ2 distribution with one degree of freedom. Also, the similarities between the p-values obtained for nonparametric contrasts and those obtained through approximations suggested in the literature are discussed.

Molecular classification of human endometrial cycle stages by transcriptional profiling

Endometrium is a dynamic tissue that undergoes cyclic changes each month, under the overall control of estrogen and progesterone. The aims of this study were to investigate the changing global gene expression profile of human endometrium during the menstrual cycle using microarray technology and to determine the correlation between histopathological evaluation and molecular profile of the samples. Standard two-colour cDNA microarrays were performed on the 43 samples against a common reference, using a 10.5 K cDNA glass slide microarray. The results were validated using real-time PCR. Analysis of expression data was carried out using parametric analysis of variance with Benjamini-Hochberg correction. Hierarchical clustering reveals a strong relationship between histopathology and transcriptional profile of the samples. The study identified 1452 genes that showed significant changes in expression (P< or =0.05) across the menstrual cycle, with 425 genes having changes that are at least 2-fold. The data were also independently analysed by a CSIRO algorithm called GeneRaVE that identified a small subset of genes whose expression profiles could be used to classify nearly all the biopsies into their correct cycle stage. We also identified and validated three genes [(natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor (NCR)3, fucosyl transferase (FUT)4 and Fyn-binding protein (FYB)] that had not been shown to have significant cyclic changes in the human endometrium, previously. We have shown for the first time that endometrial cycle stage prediction is possible based on global gene expression profile.