Statistical and Methodological Aspects of Oral Health Research provides oral health researchers with an overview of the methodological aspects that are important in planning, conducting and analyzing their research projects whilst also providing biostatisticians with an idea of the statistical problems that arise when tackling oral health research questions. This collection presents critical reflections on oral health research and offers advice on practical aspects of setting up research whilst introducing the reader to basic as well as advanced statistical methodology. Features: An introduction to research methodology and an exposition of the state of the art. A variety of examples from oral health research. Contributions from well-known oral health researchers, epidemiologists and biostatisticians, all of whom have rich experience in this area. Recent developments in statistical methodology prompted by a variety of dental applications. Presenting both an introduction to research methodology and an exposition of the latest advances in oral health research, this book will appeal both beginning and experienced oral health researchers as well as biostatisticians and epidemiologists.

A practical guide to analysing partially observeddata. Collecting, analysing and drawing inferences from data iscentral to research in the medical and social sciences.Unfortunately, it is rarely possible to collect all the intendeddata. The literature on inference from the resultingincomplete data is now huge, and continues to grow both asmethods are developed for large and complex data structures, and asincreasing computer power and suitable software enable researchersto apply these methods. This book focuses on a particular statistical method foranalysing and drawing inferences from incomplete data, calledMultiple Imputation (MI). MI is attractive because it is bothpractical and widely applicable. The authors aim is to clarify theissues raised by missing data, describing the rationale for MI, therelationship between the various imputation models and associatedalgorithms and its application to increasingly complex datastructures. Multiple Imputation and its Application: Discusses the issues raised by the analysis of partiallyobserved data, and the assumptions on which analyses rest. Presents a practical guide to the issues to consider whenanalysing incomplete data from both observational studies andrandomized trials. Provides a detailed discussion of the practical use of MI withreal-world examples drawn from medical and social statistics. Explores handling non-linear relationships and interactionswith multiple imputation, survival analysis, multilevel multipleimputation, sensitivity analysis via multiple imputation, usingnon-response weights with multiple imputation and doubly robustmultiple imputation. Multiple Imputation and its Application is aimed atquantitative researchers and students in the medical and socialsciences with the aim of clarifying the issues raised by theanalysis of incomplete data data, outlining the rationale for MIand describing how to consider and address the issues that arise inits application.

It is imperative that health professionals caring for patients with rheumatic diseases understand how to correctly interpret evidence in their field, taking into account the merits and shortcomings of available data. Understanding Evidence-Based Rheumatology offers a practical assessment of criteria, drugs, trials, and registries and provides useful tools for successfully interpreting this data. The book introduces readers to basic analysis of trial design, statistics and application of data through no-nonsense, easy-to-follow insights. Using numerous examples, chapters outline the difficulties physicians encounter when measuring disease activity in rheumatology and offer strategies for systematically approaching these situations. Ethical issues in study design and reporting are examined and the book closes with a summary of future directions for scientific and clinical studies in rheumatology. Understanding Evidence-Based Rheumatology is an invaluable resource for trainees, clinicians and scientists, preparing them with the necessary tools to correctly gather evidence and shed light on the difficult practice of rheumatology.

DNA evidence is widely used in the modern justice system. Statistical methodology plays a key role in ensuring that this evidence is collected, interpreted, analysed and presented correctly. This book is a guide to assessing DNA evidence and presenting that evidence in a courtroom setting. It offers practical guidance to forensic scientists with little dependence on mathematical ability, and provides the scientist with the understanding they require to apply the methods in their work. Since the publication of the first edition of this book in 2005 there have been many incremental changes, and one dramatic change which is the emergence of low template DNA (LTDNA) profiles. This second edition is edited and expanded to cover the basics of LTDNA technology. The author's own open-source R code likeLTD is described and used for worked examples in the book. Commercial and free software are also covered.

With the increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice, there is a need for all health and social care professionals to understand the principles of general and clinical research. In the United Kingdom and several other countries, this had led to a proliferation of advanced programs, including for those seeking doctorate degrees. In this book, the editors introduce readers to the principles and practice of clinical research. Eighteen chapters and three appendices provide guidance on the different stages of a research project, from inception to the dissemination of results. Topics include: • steps to engage in practice-based research; • ethical questions surrounding research; • sources of funding; • collecting and collating data. Contributing authors emphasize the need to critically appraise literature before carrying out a research project. They also explain the stages of a research project and share insights on where to go for more information. The book includes an index, a glossary, and charts and figures to promote learning. Discussion questions reinforce critical material.

How to identify optimal phase II trial designs Providing a practical guide containing the information needed to make crucial decisions regarding phase II trial designs, A Practical Guide to Designing Phase II Trials in Oncology sets forth specific points for consideration between the statistician and clinician when designing a phase II trial, including issues such as how the treatment works, choice of outcome measure and randomization, and considering both academic and industry perspectives. A comprehensive and systematic library of available phase II trial designs is included, saving time otherwise spent considering multiple manuscripts, and real-life practical examples of using this approach to design phase II trials in cancer are given. A Practical Guide to Designing Phase II Trials in Oncology: Offers a structured and practical approach to phase II trial design Considers trial design from both an academic and industry perspective Includes a structured library of available phase II trial designs Is relevant to both clinical and statistical researchers at all levels Includes real life examples of applying this approach For those new to trial design, A Practical Guide to Designing Phase II Trials in Oncology will be a unique and practical learning tool, providing an introduction to the concepts behind informed decision making in phase II trials. For more experienced practitioners, the book will offer an overview of new, less familiar approaches to phase II trial design, providing alternative options to those which they may have previously used.

Clinical Research in Oral Health surveys the essentials of clinical research in oral health, anchoring these principles within the specific context of the oral health arena. Addressing research questions exclusively applicable to dentistry and oral health, the book thoroughly illustrates the principles and practice of oral health clinical research. Clinical Research in Oral Health also clarifies the framework of regulatory issues and presents emerging concepts in clinical translation, relating the research principles to clinical improvement.