Comparison of baseline data Intergroup count data are compared using chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. If measurement data normally distributed exhibit homogeneity of variance, single-factor or multi-factor analysis of variance is applied. If heterogeneity of variance is shown, non-parametric test or approximate test (e.g., Tamhnnes T2 test) is employed. For measurement data not normally distributed, non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskall-Wallis rank sum test is used. Baseline balance and comparability in each group is examined.