A narrow pentaquark state, Pc(4312)+, decaying to J/ψp, is discovered with a statistical significance of 7.3σ in a data sample of Λb0→J/ψpK− decays, which is an order of magnitude larger than that ...previously analyzed by the LHCb Collaboration. The Pc(4450)+ pentaquark structure formerly reported by LHCb is confirmed and observed to consist of two narrow overlapping peaks, Pc(4440)+ and Pc(4457)+, where the statistical significance of this two-peak interpretation is 5.4σ. The proximity of the Σc+D¯0 and Σc+D¯*0 thresholds to the observed narrow peaks suggests that they play an important role in the dynamics of these states.
The use of statistical significance and 𝑝-values has become a matter of substantial controversy in various fields using statistical methods. This has gone as far as some journals banning the use of ...indicators for statistical significance, or even any reports of 𝑝-values, and, in one case, any mention of confidence intervals. I discuss three of the issues that have led to these often-heated debates. First, I argue that in many cases, 𝑝-values and indicators of statistical significance do not answer the questions of primary interest. Such questions typically involve making (recommendations on) decisions under uncertainty. In that case, point estimates and measures of uncertainty in the form of confidence intervals or even better, Bayesian intervals, are often more informative summary statistics. In fact, in that case, the presence or absence of statistical significance is essentially irrelevant, and including them in the discussion may confuse the matter at hand. Second, I argue that there are also cases where testing null hypotheses is a natural goal and where 𝑝-values are reasonable and appropriate summary statistics. I conclude that banning them in general is counterproductive. Third, I discuss that the overemphasis in empirical work on statistical significance has led to abuse of 𝑝-values in the form of 𝑝-hacking and publication bias. The use of pre-analysis plans and replication studies, in combination with lowering the emphasis on statistical significance may help address these problems.
Multiple myeloma van de Donk, Niels W C J; Pawlyn, Charlotte; Yong, Kwee L
The Lancet (British edition),
01/2021, Letnik:
397, Številka:
10272
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Multiple myeloma is the second most common haematological malignancy in high-income countries, and typically starts as asymptomatic precursor conditions—either monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined ...significance or smouldering multiple myeloma—in which initiating genetic abnormalities, such as hyperdiploidy and translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain, are already present. The introduction of immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and CD38-targeting antibodies has extended survival, but ultimately the majority of patients will die from their disease, and some from treatment-related complications. Disease progression and subsequent relapses are characterised by subclonal evolution and increasingly resistant disease. Patients with multiple myeloma usually have hypercalcaemia, renal failure, anaemia, or osteolytic bone lesions—and a detailed diagnostic investigation is needed to differentiate between symptomatic multiple myeloma that requires treatment, and precursor states. Risk stratification using both patient-specific (eg, performance status) and disease-specific (eg, presence of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities) is important for prognosis and to define the best treatment strategy. Current research strategies include the use of minimal residual disease assays to guide therapy, refining immunotherapeutic approaches, and intercepting disease early in smouldering multiple myeloma.
IntroductionSubarachnoid hyperdensities (SH) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been discordant and are mostly considered insignificant.Aim of Study: We aim to identify the prevalence of SH ...following MT, associated predictors and the following functional outcomes.Methods369 patients from our stroke registry were analyzed for the presence of SH on flat detector computer tomography (FDCT) directly after the MT, and on follow-up dual-energy CT (DECT), then classified according to a visual grading scale. 178 were included with anterior circulation occlusions were included. Regression analysis was performed to identify significant predictors and Kruskal-wallis analysis was performed to test the variables among the different groups. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin score (mRS) at 90 days and was analyzed with the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank-sum test.ResultsPrevalence of SH on FDCT was 37.1% in patients experiencing a significant unfavorable outcome (p=0.035). Significantly fewer patients with SH achieved a mRS ≤3 at 90 days (37.9% vs. 53.6%, p=0.043). In addition, mortality was significantly higher in the SH group (34.8% vs. 19.6%, p=0.024). Distal occlusions and a higher number of device passes were significantly associated with SH (p=0.035) and (p=0.001), respectively. Patients who received IV rt-PTA had significantly less SH (p= 0.024).ConclusionPostinterventional SH are a frequent finding after MT and are associated with neurological decline and an unfavourable outcome. They are more common with distal occlusions and multiple device passes.Disclosure of InterestFD serves as a consultant/proctor for Balt, Cerenovus, Microvention, received scientific grant from Cerenovus and received speaker honoraria from Acandis, Asahi, Stryker.
MGUS affects more than 5% of persons older than 70 years and shortens survival, as compared with age-matched controls. In a long-term study involving more than 1000 patients, those with IgM MGUS had ...a higher rate of progression to B-cell cancer than those with IgG MGUS.
Rewriting results sections in the language of evidence Muff, Stefanie; Nilsen, Erlend B.; O’Hara, Robert B. ...
Trends in ecology & evolution (Amsterdam),
March 2022, 2022-03-00, 20220301, Letnik:
37, Številka:
3
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Despite much criticism, black-or-white null-hypothesis significance testing with an arbitrary P-value cutoff still is the standard way to report scientific findings. One obstacle to progress is ...likely a lack of knowledge about suitable alternatives. Here, we suggest language of evidence that allows for a more nuanced approach to communicate scientific findings as a simple and intuitive alternative to statistical significance testing. We provide examples for rewriting results sections in research papers accordingly. Language of evidence has previously been suggested in medical statistics, and it is consistent with reporting approaches of international research networks, like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, for example. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, ecology and evolution might benefit from adopting some of the ‘good practices’ that exist in other fields.
It has been known for decades that there are severe problems associated with null-hypothesis significance testing (NHST) based on arbitrary P-value thresholds (e.g., P = 0.05).A small literature review indicates that much of the current research in ecology and evolution is still disregarding the warnings and frequently relies on binary decisions based on P-values to report statistical significance.While the P-value itself is a sound mathematical concept that does not have to be banned when used correctly, we should stop using the term ‘statistical significance’ and replace it with a gradual notion of evidence.Language matters and ‘evidence’ is an intuitive concept that honestly reflects what the data really tell us.To facilitate rewriting scientific results, we offer generic examples of how to translate (binary) significance language into a gradual language of evidence.
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) was identified in 3.2% of 21 463 residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, 50 years of age or older. The risk of progression to multiple ...myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, AL amyloidosis or a lymphoproliferative disorder is approximately 1% per year. Low-risk MGUS is characterized by having an M protein <15 g/l, IgG type and a normal free light chain (FLC) ratio. Patients should be followed with serum protein electrophoresis at six months and, if stable, can be followed every 2-3 years or when symptoms suggestive of a plasma cell malignancy arise. Patients with intermediate and high-risk MGUS should be followed in 6 months and then annually for life. The risk of smoldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma (SMM) progressing to multiple myeloma or a related disorder is 10% per year for the first 5 years, 3% per year for the next 5 years and 1-2% per year for the next 10 years. Testing should be done 2-3 months after the initial recognition of SMM. If the results are stable, the patient should be followed every 4-6 months for 1 year and, if stable, every 6-12 months.
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