Statistical modelling under epistemic data imprecision : some results on estimating multinomial distributions and logistic regression for coarse categorical data

Paper presented at 9th International Symposium on Imprecise Probability: Theories and Applications, Pescara, Italy, 2015. Abstract: The paper deals with parameter estimation for categorical data under epistemic data imprecision, where for a part of the data only coarse(ned) versions of the true values are observable. For different observation models formalizing the information available on the coarsening process, we derive the (typically set-valued) maximum likelihood estimators of the underlying distributions. We discuss the homogeneous case of independent and identically distributed variables as well as logistic regression under a categorical covariate. We start with the imprecise point estimator under an observation model describing the coarsening process without any further assumptions. Then we determine several sensitivity parameters that allow the refinement of the estimators in the presence of auxiliary information

Statistical modelling under epistemic data imprecision : some results on estimating multinomial distributions and logistic regression for coarse categorical data

Paper presented at 9th International Symposium on Imprecise Probability: Theories and Applications, Pescara, Italy, 2015. Abstract: The paper deals with parameter estimation for categorical data under epistemic data imprecision, where for a part of the data only coarse(ned) versions of the true values are observable. For different observation models formalizing the information available on the coarsening process, we derive the (typically set-valued) maximum likelihood estimators of the underlying distributions. We discuss the homogeneous case of independent and identically distributed variables as well as logistic regression under a categorical covariate. We start with the imprecise point estimator under an observation model describing the coarsening process without any further assumptions. Then we determine several sensitivity parameters that allow the refinement of the estimators in the presence of auxiliary information

Beyond backscattering: Optical neuroimaging by BRAD

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a powerful technology for rapid volumetric imaging in biomedicine. The bright field imaging approach of conventional OCT systems is based on the detection of directly backscattered light, thereby waiving the wealth of information contained in the angular scattering distribution. Here we demonstrate that the unique features of few-mode fibers (FMF) enable simultaneous bright and dark field (BRAD) imaging for OCT. As backscattered light is picked up by the different modes of a FMF depending upon the angular scattering pattern, we obtain access to the directional scattering signatures of different tissues by decoupling illumination and detection paths. We exploit the distinct modal propagation properties of the FMF in concert with the long coherence lengths provided by modern wavelength-swept lasers to achieve multiplexing of the different modal responses into a combined OCT tomogram. We demonstrate BRAD sensing for distinguishing differently sized microparticles and showcase the performance of BRAD-OCT imaging with enhanced contrast for ex vivo tumorous tissue in glioblastoma and neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease

Return to sport activity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in skeletally immature athletes with manual drilling original all inside reconstruction at 8 years follow-up

Objective: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are common injuries in adolescent athletes, especially in those who bear high stress on their knees due to shearing forces. The goal of the surgical procedures in skeletally immature patients is to restore joint stability avoiding the adverse effects on the growth process. The aim of this study was to verify the return of the skeletally immature professional athletes to sports in the long-term, following ACL reconstruction with the original all-inside technique and with manual drilling. Methods: This study included 24 athletes (14 boys, 10 girls; mean age: 13.15 years, range: 9e14 years) who had radiographic evidence of open physes, were less than 14 years of age at the time of surgery and those with a minimum follow-up of eight years. All patients completed a questionnaire, the IKDC subjective knee evaluation form, and Tegner Activity Scale. Biomechanical outcomes of the KT-1000 arthrometer, gait analysis, and stabilometric and isokinetic results were also evaluated. A plain radiograph of both lower limbs was taken to obtain a precise measurement of the limb length and mechanical axis angles. Results: The patients returned to sport activities in a mean time of 6.43 months. No rerupture or resurgery due to growth abnormalities was observed. The mean difference in length between the operated and contralateral legs was 0.4 (range: 0.2 to 0.7) cm. The mean side-to-side difference measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer was 5.2 (range: 3.5 to 7) mm in the preoperative and 0.8 (range: 0 to 2.5) mm in the postoperative measurements. Conclusion: In conclusion, the original all-inside technique with manual drilling with a half tunnel and short graft seems to be a very effective technique for the surgical management of ACL injuries in pediatric/ adolescent athletes. A good rate of return to sports at pre-injury levels or higher, high patient satisfaction and a decent motor and proprioceptive function is possible as shown by our analysis. Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study

Endocrine immune-related adverse events in patients with metastatic renal and urothelial cancer treated with immune checkpoint-inhibitors

Purpose To evaluate the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of immune-related adverse events (e-irAE) of checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Methods A retrospective, single-center study was conducted to identify a cohort that received ICI for mUC or mRCC. e-irAE were classified according to the CTCAE V.5.0. Patients received ICI for mUC or mCC between 01/2017 and 03/2021. A retrospective chart review was performed. T-Test, the chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test were performed. Results 102 Patients received ICI [mUC: 40 (39%), mRCC: 62 (61%)]. 64 (63%) received an ICI monotherapy, 27 (27%) a dual ICI therapy, 11 (11%) a combination with VEGFi. e-irAE occurred in 19 (19%) patients [grade 1–2: 17 (84%), grade 3: 3 (16%)]. The median time until e-irAE was 42 days (range 11–211 days). 14 Patients developed thyroidism (14%), 4 (4%) a hypophysitis, 1 (1%) an adrenal insufficiency (AI). 7 patients (7%) had to discontinue ICI therapy [hypophysitis (100%), AI (100%), thyroidism (14%)]. 6 (86%) received cortisone. After a median range of 34 days 5 patients (71%) restarted ICI therapy. All patients (n = 4) with hypophysitis continued ICI [4 (100%) prednisone, 3 (75%) levothyroxine]. 11 (79%) presented with hyperthyroidism. 4 (37%) needed therapy (1 (7%) prednisone, 3 (21%) thiamazole, 2 (14%) beta blocker). The 9 (64%) patients with hypothyroidism received levothyroxine. Hypophysitis appears only on dual ICI (CTLA-4/PD-1) inhibition (p 0.007). Conclusion This study shows the importance of adequate diagnosis and therapy of e-irAEs

Towards a reliable categorical regression analysis for non-randomly coarsened observations: An analysis with German labour market data

In most surveys, one is confronted with missing or, more generally, coarse data. Many methods dealing with these data make strong, untestable assumptions, e.g. coarsening at random. But due to the potentially resulting severe bias, interest increases in approaches that only include tenable knowledge about the coarsening process, leading to imprecise, but credible results. We elaborate such cautious methods for regression analysis with a coarse categorical dependent variable and precisely observed categorical covariates. Our cautious results from the German panel study "Labour market and social security'' illustrate that traditional methods may even pretend specific signs of the regression estimates

Correlação entre perda auditiva e controle glicêmico em pacientes diabéticos atendidos em um serviço de otorrinolaringologia

Introduction: Hearing loss is the fourth leading cause of disability in the world, with more than a billion people with some degree of loss, resulting in high annual costs. The auditive deficit can be a consequence of infections, genetic and environmental factors and comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM). Although the role of DM in hearing loss is still uncertain, studies suggest that diabetic microangiopathy and neuropathy are involved. Objective: Evaluate the audiometric profile of patients with DM treated at an outpatient clinic in Curitiba-PR. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study evaluating 41 diabetic patients between April 2020 and March 2021 regarding hearing complaints, presence of comorbidities and degree and type of hearing loss. Results: The mean age was 66.3 years, being 63.4% female and the mean value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 7.67%. 82.9% of patients had tinnitus and 68.3% had hearing loss. 36.6% had hypertension, while 80.5% had dyslipidemia. As for the diabetes control, 65.9% had a HbA1c ≥ 7%. Conclusions: DM may be associated with hearing loss, however, it is not possible to verify a clear correlation between cause and effect. Thus, further studies with more extensive and detailed data are necessary.Introdução: Perdas auditivas correspondem à quarta maior causa de incapacitação no mundo, com mais de um bilhão de pessoas com algum grau de perda, acarretando elevados gastos anuais. O déficit auditivo pode ser consequência de infecções, fatores genéticos, ambientais e comorbidades como hipertensão e diabetes mellitus (DM). Apesar de ainda o papel da DM na perda auditiva ser incerto, estudos sugerem que a microangiopatia e neuropatia diabéticas estejam envolvidas. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil audiométrico de pacientes com DM atendidos em um ambulatório em Curitiba-PR. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal com avaliação de 41 pacientes diabéticos entre abril de 2020 e março de 2021 quanto a queixa auditiva, presença de comorbidades e grau e tipo de perda auditiva. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 66,3 anos, sendo 63,4% do sexo feminino e o valor médio da hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) foi de 7,67%. 82,9% dos pacientes apresentaram tinnitus e 68,3% apresentaram hipoacusia. 36,6% apresentaram hipertensão, enquanto 80,5% tinham dislipidemia. Quanto ao controle de glicemia, 65,9% tinham HbA1c ≥ 7%. Conclusões: A DM pode estar associada com perda auditiva, não sendo, contudo, possível constatar uma clara correlação de causa e efeito. Assim, novos estudos, mais aprofundados e com um N maior, são necessários