The phrase "a prior study observed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referencing findings or conclusions from an earlier research study in academic or scientific writing.
Example: "A prior study observed a significant correlation between sleep quality and academic performance."
Alternatives: "an earlier study noted" or "a previous study found".
One prior study observed an inverse association between toenail Se and prevalent T2DM (10), whereas two other studies using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed nonlinear positive associations between serum Se and prevalence of T2DM (12, 12).
Prior studies observed a negative association between BRMS1 and activation of PI3-kinase/Akt signaling [ 28, 33], which is consistent with the well documented evidence that PI3-kinase/Akt signaling affects numerous steps of the metastatic cascade, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion [ 34].
Prior studies observed that Wolbachia did not alter the expression of defensin, diptericin and cecropin in D. simulans or A. albopictus [ 41].
Wang et al. followed quantum dot-labeled E. coli σ RNAPs as they searched for promoters on a nanofabricated array of stretched λ phage DNA, called DNA curtains, and, in contrast to prior studies, observed no 1D sliding of RNAP.
Although three prior studies observed no meaningful increases in the risk of low birth weight (Lagakos et al. 1986; Rodenbeck et al. 2000; Sonnenfeld et al. 2001), two studies observed increases in the risk of very low birth weight (defined as < 1,500 g) (Bove et al. 1995; Rodenbeck et al. 2000).
In a prior study, we observed that cows with a 0-d dry period had greater energy balance and lower milk production compared with cows with a 30- or 60-d dry period in early lactation.
In a prior study, the SGRQ was observed to possess validity in LAM [ 14].
A prior study from our institution observed that the rate of adherence was 76% in a group composed mainly of foreign workers and refugees [ 42].
This finding is similar to a prior study where no difference was observed in diagnostic versus screening procedures [ 23].
These findings suggest that only a small portion of the poor interobserver agreement observed in a prior study of telephonic versus in-person triage can be attributed to the use of the telephone.
