Is modelling dental caries a 'normal' thing to do?
A suitable modelling approach for caries data is to employ a Poisson or a negative binomial model for the dmf/DMF response and a binomial model for the caries-free/caries-present outcome. This allows separate estimation of those factors which influence the magnitude of caries and those factors which influence whether caries is actually present or not.
Taken together, up-regulation of GPR34 expression in human gastric carcinoma may play a critical role in tumor progression and in determining patient prognosis. GPR34 may be a useful diagnostic or prognostic molecular biomarker, and a potential target for therapeutic intervention.