Statistics and level of evidence in endodontic research Epidemiology and treatment of post-treatment endodontic disease

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-6
Author(s):  
Markus Haapasalo
2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 488-494
Author(s):  
Anna Barnard ◽  
Victoria Jansen ◽  
Mark G. Swindells ◽  
Melanie Arundell ◽  
Frank D. Burke

We report a single-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing acupuncture to sham (non-penetrating) needling for relief of symptoms of basal thumb joint arthritis. Seventy acupuncture naive patients with basal thumb joint arthritis were randomized to receive true acupuncture or sham needling with 35 patients in each arm. Blinded baseline and post-treatment assessments included visual analogue pain scores for different grips and movement. Function was assessed using the Nelson questionnaire. Both groups showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in pain at week one post-treatment compared with baseline, but there was no difference between the treatment groups. The pain relief was comparable with published data for some standard treatments. Acupuncture did not perform better than sham needling in this study, indicating that pain relief may have been achieved through non-specific mechanisms. Level of evidence: I


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Francisco ◽  
M. G. Delboni ◽  
A. R. Lima ◽  
Y. Xiao ◽  
W. L. Siqueira ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Paul E. Jenkins ◽  
Lydia Smith ◽  
Ceridwen Morgan

Abstract Purpose This study tests the value of a measure of eating disorder (ED) psychopathology in predicting outcome following guided self-help in a non-underweight sample with regular binge eating. It examines whether early reductions in ED psychopathology are associated with remission status at post-treatment. Methods Seventy-two adults with bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or an atypical form of these illnesses received up to ten sessions of cognitive behaviour therapy-based guided self-help. Using a session-by-session measure of eating pathology and associated reliable change indices, response was analysed using receiver operating characteristic analysis to predict outcomes at post-treatment. Results In this routine care setting, nearly one-quarter of the sample achieved remission following GSH, approximately two-thirds of whom showed early change in ED psychopathology. Early change prior to session 6 was accurate in predicting later remission. Individuals showing early change did not differ from others on baseline characteristics or rates of attrition. Conclusion Data suggest that a majority of those who respond to treatment will do so before the second half of treatment, information that could be used to ensure that evidence-based treatments are used as effectively as possible. Level of evidence Level III.


Author(s):  
Mikaela Kislevitz ◽  
Christine Wamsley ◽  
Alison Kang ◽  
Suzanne Kilmer ◽  
John Hoopman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite the proven efficacy of liposuction, there is a population of patients who prefer non-surgical alternatives. Laser hyperthermia-induced lipolysis has emerged as one non-invasive alternative to liposuction. Objectives The authors sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 1060-nm (±10 nm) diode laser for non-invasive fat reduction of the abdomen. Methods This single-arm, 2-center study enrolled 30 patients. Patients received a 25-minute 1060-nm diode laser treatment on their abdomen. Ultrasound adipose measurements, body weight, and circumference were taken at baseline and at 6- and 12-week follow-up visits. Blinded evaluators identified “before” and “after” photos of each patient. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was completed by each patient at study exit. Results A total 29 patients completed all treatment and follow-up visits. Ultrasound images showed an adipose reduction of 8.55% at 12 weeks post-treatment (P < 0.0001). Blinded evaluators correctly identified 67% of the pre- and post-treatment images at site 01 (Sacramento, CA) and 56% at site 02 (Dallas, TX). Satisfaction was high, with 72% of patients reporting being either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their results on a 5-point Likert scale. Pain was rated as mild by 62% of patients, moderate by 38%, and severe by none on the Wong-Baker Scale. Conclusions These results indicate that a single treatment with a 1060-nm (±10 nm) diode laser, per the treatment protocol, is safe and effective in reducing unwanted fat in the abdomen as objectively measured employing ultrasound. The treatment was well-tolerated among all patients, with minimal discomfort reported and high patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence: 4


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-220
Author(s):  
Yvonne-Mary Papamerkouriou ◽  
Pantelis Tsoumpos ◽  
George Tagaris ◽  
George Christodoulou

Purpose Proximal tibial metaphyseal fractures can be complicated by a late valgus deformity, referred to as Cozen’s phenomenon. We studied children with such fractures to determine whether the child’s age at the time of injury influenced the development of Cozen’s as well as the occurrence of elongation. In addition, we explored whether the deformity resolved at long-term follow-up. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 33 patients (six months to 14 years old). Mean follow-up was 8.8 years (3 to 25). We measured angulation of the fractured limb post-treatment, at maximum deformity and final follow-up, as well as elongation and compared them with the uninjured limb. Results Three of the fractures were treated surgically whereas the rest, nonoperatively. In all, 15 out of 33 fractures developed late valgus deformity between eight and 19 months (mean time 12.5 months). A total of 24 fractures developed elongation. We found no association of either of these with age. Angulation increased to a statistically significant level, from post-treatment to maximum deformity, and then decreased at final follow-up, leaving no statistically significant difference from the initial measurement. The difference in valgus between fractured and uninjured limb increased to a statistically significant level from post-treatment to maximum deformity and then decreased, leaving an excess from the initial measurement. Conclusion In almost half the patients, late valgus deformity developed within two years post-fracture and corrected to the initial post-treatment angles. Patients should be warned of this possibility and reassured of its natural resolution. Level of evidence IV


2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARKUS HAAPASALO ◽  
YA SHEN ◽  
DOMENICO RICUCCI

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