Optimization-Based Stable Balancing Weights Versus Propensity Score Weighting for Samples With High Covariate Imbalance.

Purpose: To compare the performance (covariate balance, effective sample size [ESS]) of stable balancing weights (SBW) versus propensity score weighting (PSW). Two applied cases were used to compare performance: (Case 1) extreme imbalance in baseline covariates between groups and (Case 2) substantial discrepancy in sample size between groups.

Methods: Using the Premier Healthcare Database, we selected patients who (Case 1) underwent a surgical procedure with one of two different bipolar forceps between January 2000 and June 2020, or (Case 2) a neurological procedure using one of two different nonabsorbable surgical sutures between January 2000 and March 2020.

Risk of anastomotic leakage with two-row versus three-row manual circular staplers in colorectal anastomosis: a U.S. cohort study.

Purposes: To compare the risk of anastomotic leak (AL) between Ethicon manual circular staplers (two-row) versus Medtronic EEA circular stapler with Tri-Staple technology (three-row) and between Medtronic EEA circular stapler with DST Series technology (two-row) versus Tri-Staple technology.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in adult patients who underwent a left-sided colorectal surgery 2019-2022 in U.S.

Causal mediation and sensitivity analysis for mixed-scale data.

The goal of causal mediation analysis, often described within the potential outcomes framework, is to decompose the effect of an exposure on an outcome of interest along different causal pathways. Using the assumption of sequential ignorability to attain non-parametric identification, Imai et al. (2010) proposed a flexible approach to measuring mediation effects, focusing on parametric and semiparametric normal/Bernoulli models for the outcome and mediator.