Category: Statistics

Ultrasound Med Biol. 2024 Oct 28:S0301-5629(24)00369-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.09.023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Arterial stiffening serves as an early indicator for a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Arterial Dispersion Ultrasound Vibrometry (ADUV) is a method that leverages acoustic radiation force to stimulate arterial wall motion, assess wave propagation characteristics, and subsequently calculate the arterial shear modulus. Previously, we introduced an inversion technique based on a guided cylindrical wave model, which proved effective in rubber tube phantom experiments. In this study, we broaden the scope of our investigation from phantom experiments to in vivo examination of common carotid arteries in human subjects, identify the challenges, and provide solutions, leading to a systematic protocol for ADUV application and robust estimation of the elastic modulus of common carotid arteries.

METHODS: We achieve this by analyzing ADUV data from 59 subjects categorized as (a) confirmed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (n = 27), (b) with cardiovascular risk factors (n = 20), and (c) healthy (n = 12). A crucial aspect of this work is the development of metrics to differentiate high-quality ADUV data from unusable data.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: With the proposed metrics, in our cohort, we observed 82% of diameter data and 78% of motion data as usable data. Future work will involve applying this protocol to a larger cohort with subsequent statistical analysis to assess and validate the resulting biomarkers.

PMID:39472160 | DOI:10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.09.023

Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. 2024 Oct 20;42(10):757-762. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20231218-00159.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the health status and the influencing factors of abnormal lung function of welding fumes exposure workers in Tianjin from 2020 to 2022, and to provide theoretical basis for the protection and intervention of key occupational diseases. Methods: In October 2023, the relevant data of occupational health examination of welding fumes exposure workers in Tianjin from 2020 to 2022 (10831, 10758 and 21717 in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively) were collected from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information Platform. The electrocardiogram, chest radiograph and lung function abnormalities of workers in each year were analyzed, as well as the association between lung function abnormalities and gender, age, working age, region, etc. With gender, age and years of service as independent variables, logistic regression analysis was performed year by year on the influencing factors of abnormal lung function. Results: From 2020 to 2022, electrocardiogram, chest radiograph and lung function abnormality rates of workers exposed to welding fumes had statistical significances (χ(2)=301.79, 7.87, 1614.54, P<0.05), and the lung function abnormality rate showed a downward trend year by year (χ(2)(trend)=1516.19, P<0.001). The abnormal rates of lung function in male workers exposed to welding fumes were higher than those in female workers (χ(2)=61.65, 8.04, 15.22, P<0.05). With the increase of age, the abnormal rate of lung function showed an increasing trend (χ(2)(trend)=6.47, 10.81, 4.72, P<0.05). The abnormal rates of lung function in the four districts around the city in each year were 22.05% (318/1442), 8.91% (171/1919) and 6.48% (273/4212), respectively. Year by year logistic regression analysis showed that females were the protective factors for abnormal lung function (OR=0.369, 0.568, 0.546; 95%CI: 0.298-0.458, 0.367-0.879, 0.388-0.767; P<0.05) . Conclusion: Attention should be paid to the health status of welding fumes workers in Tianjin, focusing on the protection of middle-aged male workers, and effective prevention measures should be taken for key areas and industries such as the four districts around the city.

PMID:39472139 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20231218-00159

Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. 2024 Oct 20;42(10):743-745. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20230609-00200.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyse the characteristics of micronuclus and chromosomal aberrations and the lens opacity in different working years, ages and work type of radiation workers with lens opacity. Methods: In January 2022, we selected 400 radiation workers with lens opacity who had undergone occupational health examination in Hangzhou Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease from March 2014 to December 2021 as research objects. To analyze the differences of micronucleus, chromosome aberration and the lens opacification rates of different length of service, type of work, age radiologic workers. Results: The results showed that radiation the micronucleus abnormality (0.59‰) and chromosome aberration (2.67%) in peripheral blood in workers who served more than 20 years were significantly higher than that of micronucleus abnormality (0.18‰) and chromosome aberration (0.31%) in workers served less than 20 years, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The micronucleus abnormality (0.32‰) and chromosome aberration (0.57%) in the interventionist were higher than oral radiation workers (0.12‰ and 0.19%) and diagnostic radiologist (0.05‰ and 0.12%), the differences were statistically signcficant (χ(2)=23.98, 6.72, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The rates of micronucleus and chromosome aberration of the interventionaist are higher than oral radiation workers and the traditional radiologist. Workers engaged in radiation should improve personal protection and undertake regular occupational health examinations.

PMID:39472136 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20230609-00200

Blood Adv. 2024 Oct 29:bloodadvances.2024013926. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2024013926. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Disease-modifying therapies are standard of care (SOC) for sickle cell disease (SCD), but hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has curative potential. We compared outcomes prospectively through 2-years after biologic assignment to a Donor or No Donor (SOC) Arm based on the availability of an HLA-matched sibling or unrelated donor (BMTCTN 1503; NCT02766465). A donor search was commenced after eligibility confirmation. The primary endpoint was the comparison of survival 2 years after biologic assignment between treatment arms. Power calculations required 60 participants on the Donor Arm and 140 on the No Donor Arm to determine if early transplant-related mortality might be balanced by disease-related mortality over a longer period of follow-up. Secondary objectives compared changes in SCD-related events, functional outcomes, and organ function. Data were analyzed by the intent-to-treat principle. A total of 113 participants were enrolled, 28 on the Donor and 85 on the No Donor Arm The 2-year probabilities of survival were 89% and 93%, on the Donor and No Donor Arms, respectively. Vaso-occlusive pain (VOC) was less frequent on the Donor Arm in the second year after biologic assignment (p < 0.001). On PROMIS-57 surveys there was decreased fatigue (p=0.003) and an increased ability to participate in social roles and activities (p=0.003) on the Donor Arm 2-years after biologic assignment. Differences in other secondary outcomes did not reach statistical significance. Barriers to accrual prevented an objective comparison of survival. Assignment to the Donor Arm led to improvements in VOC, fatigue, and social function.

PMID:39471440 | DOI:10.1182/bloodadvances.2024013926

Mil Med. 2024 Oct 29:usae503. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usae503. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide. Military personnel are particularly vulnerable to TB because of the factors like deployments to endemic regions and close-quarters living. This study aims to compare the characteristics and outcomes of symptomatic TB cases between military and civilian patients treated at 2 French military hospitals, with a specific focus on diagnostic delay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included patients over 18 years old with culture-confirmed symptomatic TB treated between 2008 and 2021. Military patients (Group A) were compared to civilian patients (Group B), matched by age and sex. Data collected included demographic details, diagnostic delay, clinical presentations, and treatment outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-squared tests and Mann-Whitney tests, with significance set at P < .05.

RESULTS: A total of 17 military and 38 civilian patients were included in the study. The median diagnostic delay was shorter for military patients at 49 days, compared to 64 days for civilians, although this difference was not statistically significant (P = .42). In the military group, 59% had been deployed to TB endemic regions, with 35% showing symptoms during operational missions. Clinical presentations and microbiological findings were similar between the two groups. Notably, two military patients were infected with Mycobacterium canettii, likely linked to deployments in Djibouti, where this strain is endemic. The military population showed a significant burden of physical sequelae, with 25% experiencing lasting physical impairments post-treatment.

CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis presentation and outcomes in military and civilian patients were generally comparable. Early diagnosis remains essential to minimize disease severity and operational impact, particularly in military settings.

PMID:39471417 | DOI:10.1093/milmed/usae503

Eur J Endocrinol. 2024 Oct 29;191(5):E5-E9. doi: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae129.

ABSTRACT

Researchers frequently come across sample size calculations in the scientific literature they read, in projects undertaken by their peers, and likely within their own work. However, despite its ubiquity, calculating a sample size is often perceived as a hurdle and not fully understood. This paper provides a brief overview of sample size estimation to guide readers, researchers, and reviewers through its fundamentals.

PMID:39471402 | DOI:10.1093/ejendo/lvae129

JMIR Form Res. 2024 Oct 29;8:e60370. doi: 10.2196/60370.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hazardous alcohol consumption is highly prevalent for men who have sex with men (MSM). The 4 treatments currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for alcohol use are reaching an alarmingly low percentage of people who would benefit from a reduction in their alcohol use. There is increasing interest in alternative methods of treatment, such as herbal supplements, to address hazardous drinking. However, research on the acceptability of alternative pharmacotherapies among MSM remains limited.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the prevalence and correlates of expressing interest in using herbal supplements for alcohol treatment among MSM with hazardous alcohol consumption.

METHODS: We conducted a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional study of MSM who use alcohol, conducted from March 2015 to July 2017 in San Francisco, California, to assess the overall prevalence of interest in using herbal supplements to help reduce alcohol consumption. Associations between expressing interest in herbal supplements and demographic, social, and clinical characteristics were examined using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS: One-third (66/200, 33%) of the participants expressed interest in an herbal supplement for reducing alcohol consumption. In the multivariable analyses, weekly binge drinking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.85, 95% CI 1.17-6.93), interest in abstaining from alcohol use (aOR 5.04, 95% CI 1.46-17.40), higher severity of alcohol dependence score (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.41), and interest in naltrexone (aOR 3.22, 95% CI 2.12-4.91) were independently associated with higher odds of being interested in using an herbal supplement to reduce alcohol consumption, adjusting for age, race or ethnicity, and education.

CONCLUSIONS: We found that MSM who have hazardous drinking habits, more severe alcohol dependence, and interest in pharmacotherapy were more likely to express interest in using an herbal supplement for reducing alcohol consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has evaluated correlates of interest in herbal supplements for alcohol use among MSM. As researchers implement novel alcohol treatment studies, they should focus on recruitment efforts among MSM with a motivation to reduce their alcohol use patterns.

PMID:39471379 | DOI:10.2196/60370

JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2024 Oct 29;12:e55239. doi: 10.2196/55239.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing availability of smoking cessation apps, low engagement and cessation rates have remained a significant challenge. To address this issue, we used a user-centered design to iteratively develop a mobile app (MO) to provide comprehensive, tailored, and evidence-based content to support smokers in their quitting journey.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the acceptability, use, and preliminary efficacy of the MO app for smoking cessation. Specifically, we sought to understand smokers’ preferred features, engagement, and satisfaction with MO; identify concerns in using the app and ways to improve the app; and evaluate its smoking cessation outcomes.

METHODS: Through 3 cohorts, we recruited 10, 12, and 85 adult smokers who attempted to quit smoking to pilot-test the MO app between December 2019 and July 2022. Participants were instructed to complete a baseline survey, interact with the app for 6 weeks, and fill in a postsurvey at week 6. Participants in cohort 3 completed an additional postsurvey at week 12. Participants’ app use was tracked and analyzed. The primary outcome measures were participants’ 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 6 and 12 weeks.

RESULTS: Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the MO app across all 3 cohorts, rating it between 4.40 and 4.76 on a scale of 5 for acceptability. Users engaged with app activities for an average of 89 to 159 times over 35 days. The most liked features of the app included “quit plan,” “tracking,” “reminders and notifications,” “MOtalks,” and “motivational quotes.” The 7-day point prevalence abstinence rate of the modified intention to treat population in cohort 3 was 58% at 6 weeks and 52% at 12 weeks. Those who interacted more frequently with app features and engaged with more diverse activities were more likely to maintain abstinence at weeks 6 and 12. For each additional time logged into the app, the odds of staying abstinent at week 12 increased by 5% (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.08). Participants who earned >5000 points during app use also had higher odds of quitting at both 6 weeks (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.25-7.75) and 12 weeks (OR 4.65, 95% CI 1.83-11.76), compared with those who earned <5000 points.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that MO is a feasible mobile phone app with high acceptability and usability and can effectively deliver smoking cessation support to individuals who want to quit. Implications for developing and evaluating mobile phone apps for smoking cessation are discussed.

PMID:39471372 | DOI:10.2196/55239

JMIR Form Res. 2024 Oct 29;8:e64412. doi: 10.2196/64412.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sexual harassment (SH) and sexual assault (SA) are serious public health problems among US service members. Few SH and SA prevention interventions have been developed exclusively for the military. Code of Respect (X-CoRe) is an innovative web-based, multilevel, SA and SH intervention designed exclusively for the active-duty Air Force. The program’s goal is to increase Airmen’s knowledge and skills to build and maintain respectful relationships, ultimately reducing SH and SA and enhancing Airmen’s overall well-being and mission readiness.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aimed to assess the short-term psychosocial impact (eg, knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy) of the web-based component of X-CoRe on a sample of junior enlisted and midlevel Airmen.

METHODS: Airmen from a military installation located in the Northeastern United States were recruited to complete the 10 web-based modules in X-CoRe (9/15, 60% male; 7/15, 54% aged 30-35 years). Participants were given pretests and posttests to measure short-term psychosocial outcomes associated with SH and SA. Descriptive statistics and paired 2-tailed t tests were conducted to assess differences from preintervention to postintervention time points.

RESULTS: After completing X-CoRe, participants had a significantly greater understanding of active consent (P=.04), confidence in their healthy relationship skills (P=.045), and confidence to intervene as bystanders (P=.01). Although not statistically significant (P>.05), mean scores in attitudes about SH, couple violence, and cyberbullying; perceptions of sexual misconduct as part of military life; and relationship skills self-efficacy with a romantic partner and friend also improved.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study demonstrate X-CoRe’s effectiveness in improving critical determinants of SH and SA, making it a promising intervention for SH and SA prevention. More rigorous research is needed to determine X-CoRe’s impact on SH and SA victimization and the long-term impact on associated psychosocial determinants.

PMID:39471370 | DOI:10.2196/64412

J Med Internet Res. 2024 Oct 29;26:e51269. doi: 10.2196/51269.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Passive sensing through smartphone keyboard data can be used to identify and monitor symptoms of mood disorders with low participant burden. Behavioral phenotyping based on mobile keystroke data can aid in clinical decision-making and provide insights into the individual symptoms of mood disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to derive digital phenotypes based on smartphone keyboard backspace use among 128 community adults across 2948 observations using a Bayesian mixture model.

METHODS: Eligible study participants completed a virtual screening visit where all eligible participants were instructed to download the custom-built BiAffect smartphone keyboard (University of Illinois). The BiAffect keyboard unobtrusively captures keystroke dynamics. All eligible and consenting participants were instructed to use this keyboard exclusively for up to 4 weeks of the study in real life, and participants’ compliance was checked at the 2 follow-up visits at week 2 and week 4. As part of the research protocol, every study participant underwent evaluations by a study psychiatrist during each visit.

RESULTS: We found that derived phenotypes were associated with not only the diagnoses and severity of depression and mania but also specific individual symptoms. Using a linear mixed-effects model with random intercepts accounting for the nested data structure from daily data, the backspace rates on the continuous scale did not differ between participants in the healthy control and in the mood disorders groups (P=.11). The 3-class model had mean backspace rates of 0.112, 0.180, and 0.268, respectively, with a SD of 0.048. In total, 3 classes, respectively, were estimated to comprise 37.5% (n=47), 54.4% (n=72), and 8.1% (n=9) of the sample. We grouped individuals into Low, Medium, and High backspace rate groups. Individuals with unipolar mood disorder were predominantly in the Medium group (n=54), with some in the Low group (n=27) and a few in the High group (n=6). The Medium group, compared with the Low group, had significantly higher ratings of depression (b=2.32, P=.008). The High group was not associated with ratings of depression with (P=.88) or without (P=.27) adjustment for medication and diagnoses. The High group, compared with the Low group, was associated with both nonzero ratings (b=1.91, P=.02) and higher ratings of mania (b=1.46, P<.001). The High group, compared with the Low group, showed significantly higher odds of elevated mood (P=.03), motor activity (P=.04), and irritability (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the promise of mobile typing kinematics in mood disorder research and practice. Monitoring a single mobile typing kinematic feature, that is, backspace rates, through passive sensing imposes a low burden on the participants. Based on real-life keystroke data, our derived digital phenotypes from this single feature can be useful for researchers and practitioners to distinguish between individuals with and those without mood disorder symptoms.

PMID:39471368 | DOI:10.2196/51269