2.5. Statistical Analysis
The sample size calculation was based on data from our previous randomized trial on the same study population [We presented median values and interquartile ranges (IQR) of serum biomarkers at baseline and the end of the study, in changes in time from baseline and % changes, by treatment arm. Biomarker values below the limit of detection (LLOD) were obtained by dividing the LLOD by two. Correlations among biomarkers are measured through Spearman correlation coefficients, which are “joined” in a graphical representation to create a network. Differences by arms were evaluated by Wilcoxon rank tests and through ANCOVA models adjusted for baseline values and significant confounders. The normal distribution of residuals from the full model was graphically checked. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, adjustment for multiple testing was not performed.Two-tailed 