The normal distribution, an epistemological view

The role of the normal distribution in the realm of statistical inference and science is considered from epistemological viewpoint. Quantifiable knowledge is usually embodied in mathematical models. History and emergence of the normal distribution is presented in a close relationship to those models. Furthermore, the role of the normal distribution in estimation of model parameters, starting with Laplace’s Central Limit Theorem, through maximum likelihood theory leading to Bronstein von Mises and Convolution Theorems, is discussed. The paper concludes with the claim that our knowledge on the effects of variables in models or laws of nature has a mathematical structure which is identical to the normal distribution. The epistemological consequences of the latter claim are also considered

The applicability of magnetic resonance imaging classification system (MRICS) for cerebral palsy and its association with perinatal factors and related disabilities in a Croatian population-based sample

Aim To investigate the association of cerebral palsy motor disorders, perinatal factors, and related disabilities with brain magnetic resonance imaging classification score (MRICS)-based groups in a population-based sample. Methods The study enrolled children with cerebral palsy born from 2003 to 2015 treated at Split University Hospital who underwent brain MRI scanning. Perinatal data (plurality, birth weight, gestational age, and Apgar score) were collected from hospital records. Motor disorders of cerebral palsy (gross and fine motor function) and the related disabilities (intellectual status, speech and eating ability, epilepsy, vision and hearing status) were evaluated with neurological status assessment. Neuroimaging findings were presented as MRICS-based groups. Results Of 115 enrolled children, an abnormal finding on brain MRI was confirmed in 95%, including white matter injury (66%), maldevelopments (13.9%), gray matter injury (9.6%), and miscellaneous findings (6.1%). Gross and fine motor function were not significantly associated with MRICS-based group. All related disabilities and perinatal factors, except Apgar score, were significantly associated with MRICS-based group. Conclusion Brain MRICS-based groups were associated with perinatal risk factors and related disabilities of cerebral palsy, but not with common motor disorders. MRI classification score is a reliable diagnostic tool, which strongly correlates with perinatal factors and related disabilities of cerebral pals

Liver damage indices as a tool for modifying methadone maintenance treatment: a cross-sectional study

Aim To assess the effect of liver damage on methadone metabolism in opiate addicts undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 74 patients treated at the outpatient clinic of Public Health Institute of Split-Dalmatia County from 2013-2016. Concentrations of methadone and its main inactive metabolite were measured in participants’ biological samples on regular checkups. Urine samples obtained before oral methadone intake, and blood and urine samples obtained 90 minutes after methadone intake were analyzed using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry. Participants were divided into groups according to liver damage criteria: hepatitis C virus status (positive, negative, or clinical remission); aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI) index (<0.7 and ≥0.7); and fibrosis-4 score (3.25).Results Metabolic ratio and methadone metabolite concentration in plasma decreased linearly with HCV infection status by the factor of 1.67 (P = 0.001) and 2.2 (P = 0.043), respectively. Metabolic ratio in plasma decreased in patients with APRI index ≥0.7 by the average factor of 2.12 (P = 0.01) and methadone metabolite concentration in plasma decreased by the factor of 6.16 (P = 0.009). Metabolic ratio in urine decreased with the severity of fibrosis-4 score by the average factor of 1.63 (P = 0.008), whereas methadone metabolite concentration decreased by the factor of 3.53 (P = 0.007). Conclusion Liver damage decreases methadone metabolism. Indices of liver function should be calculated regularly during MMT for methadone dose titration

KLINIČKI I PATOFIZIOLOŠKI PRIKAZ BOLESNIKA S OROFARINGEALNIM RAKOM PLOČASTIH STANICA POZITIVNIH NA HUMANI PAPILOMAVIRUS – ISTRAŽIVANJE U JUŽNOJ HRVATSKOJ

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of human papilloma virus (HPV) in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) from southern Croatia on survival, clinical outcomes, and pathological features. Methods: We analyzed HPV DNA presence and p16 immunohistochemistry staining in 68 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from patients diagnosed with OPSCC at the Split University Hospital Center between 2013 and 2017. Histologic features were analyzed using a light microscope. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from patient records and analyzed for HPV status. Results: In this study, 10.29% of patients were HPV positive (HPV+). Lymphocyte invasion was more prominent in p16 positive OPSCC. Overall survival (OS) was better in HPV+ and p16+ patients. HPV status is a significant prognostic variable for patients from south Croatia with OPSCC. Conclusion: HPV seems to have a minor influence on OPSCC in south Croatia in comparison to other Western European countries and the USA. Although the influence of HPV on survival was significant, traditional risk factors were more important in the carcinogenesis of OPSCC in our population.Cilj: Svrha ovog istraživanja bila e analizirati utjecaj humanog papilomavirusa (HPV) na preživljavanje, kliničke pokazatelje i patohistološke značajke u ispitanika oboljelih od orofaringealnog raka pločastih stanica (OPSCC) u južnoj Hrvatskoj. Metode: Istražili smo prisutnost HPV DNK i imunohistokemijsko bojanje na p16 u 68 u parafinske blokove uklopljenih uzoraka tkiva ispitanika oboljelih od OPSCC-a i liječenih u Kliničkom bolničkom centru Split u razdoblju od 2013. do 2017. godine. Svjetlosnim mikroskopom utvrđene su histološke značajke tkiva. Retrospektivno smo prikupili kliničke podatke ispitanika i proučili ih s obzirom na HPV status. Rezultati: U ovom je istraživanju 10,29% pacijenata pozitivno na HPV (HPV+). Invazija limfocita značajnija je u ispitanika s p16 pozitivnim (p16+) OPSCC-om. Ukupno preživljavanje (OS) bolje je u HPV+ i p16+ ispitanika. HPV je značajan prognostički čimbenik u ispitanika koji boluju od OPSCC-a iz južne Hrvatske. Zaključak: Čini se da je HPV manje utjecajan uzročni čimbenik nastanka OPSCC-a u južnoj Hrvatskoj u usporedbi sa zapadnoeuropskim zemljama i SAD-om. Iako je HPV značajan čimbenik preživljavanja, tradicionalni čimbenici rizika pokazali su se važnijim karcinogenima za nastanak OPSCC-a u našoj populaciji

Hypovitaminosis D Influences the Clinical Presentation of Immune Thrombocytopenia in Children with Newly Diagnosed Disease

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia defined as platelet count in peripheral blood <100 × 109/L. Hypovitaminosis D is very common in children with autoimmune diseases. To analyze whether hypovitaminosis D is associated with the clinical presentation of ITP in children, medical records of 45 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia in the coastal region of Croatia were evaluated. The severity of bleeding was assessed using two bleeding scores. Children with lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) values had higher values of the skin-mucosa-organ-gradation (SMOG) bleeding score and respectively more severe bleeding on diagnosis of ITP. With further analysis of the main domains of that score, we found that patients with a lower 25(OH)D value had more severe bleeding in the skin and organs. When 25(OH)D and ITP Bleeding Scale (IBLS) score were analyzed, a negative correlation was found, but it was not significant. Our findings suggest that hypovitaminosis D influences the severity of the clinical presentation of ITP in children on initial diagnosis of the disease. Therefore, therapy with 25(OH)D could be a new potential option for treatment of ITP. To investigate the connection between 25(OH)D and the incidence and severity of ITP, further studies, especially randomized controlled studies, are needed

Retro-trochanteric sciatica-like pain: current concept

The aim of this manuscript is to review the current knowledge in terms of retro-trochanteric pain syndrome, make recommendations for diagnosis and differential diagnosis and offer suggestions for treatment options. The terminology in the literature is confusing and these symptoms can be referred to as ‘greater trochanteric pain syndrome’, ‘trochanteric bursitis’ and ‘trochanteritis’, among other denominations. The authors focus on a special type of sciatica, i.e. retro-trochanteric pain radiating down to the lower extremity. The impact of different radiographic assessments is discussed. The authors recommend excluding pathology in the spine and pelvic area before following their suggested treatment algorithm for sciatica-like retro-trochanteric pain. Level of evidence II

COVIDiSTRESS Global Survey dataset on psychological and behavioural consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak

This N = 173,426 social science dataset was collected through the collaborative COVIDiSTRESS Global Survey - an open science effort to improve understanding of the human experiences of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic between 30th March and 30th May, 2020. The dataset allows a cross-cultural study of psychological and behavioural responses to the Coronavirus pandemic and associated government measures like cancellation of public functions and stay at home orders implemented in many countries. The dataset contains demographic background variables as well as measures of Asian Disease Problem, perceived stress (PSS-10), availability of social provisions (SPS-10), trust in various authorities, trust in governmental measures to contain the virus (OECD trust), personality traits (BFF-15), information behaviours, agreement with the level of government intervention, and compliance with preventive measures, along with a rich pool of exploratory variables and written experiences. A global consortium from 39 countries and regions worked together to build and translate a survey with variables of shared interests, and recruited participants in 47 languages and dialects. Raw plus cleaned data and dynamic visualizations are available.Measurement(s) psychological measurement center dot anxiety-related behavior trait center dot Stress center dot response to center dot Isolation center dot loneliness measurement center dot Emotional Distress Technology Type(s) Survey Factor Type(s) geographic location center dot language center dot age of participant center dot responses to the Coronavirus pandemic Sample Characteristic - Organism Homo sapiens Sample Characteristic - Location global Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data:Peer reviewe