Category: Statistics

Phytopathology. 2024 Aug 8. doi: 10.1094/PHYTO-05-24-0167-R. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A protein-expressing citrus tristeza virus (CTV)-based vector construct, pT36CA-V1.3, obtained from a California isolate of the T36 strain (T36CA), was retooled into a virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) system intended for use with studies of California citrus. VIGS constructs engineered with a truncated Citrus macrophylla (Cm) PHYTOENE DESATURASE (PDS) gene sequence in the sense or anti-sense orientation worked equally well to silence the endogenous CmPDS gene. In a parallel effort to optimize vector performance, two non-synonymous nucleotides in open reading frame 1a of pT36CA-V1.3 were replaced with those conserved in the reference sequences from the T36CA cDNA library. The resulting viruses, T36CA-V1.4 (with one amino acid modification: D760N) and T36CA-V1.5 (with two amino acid modifications: D760N and P1174L), along with T36CA-V1.3 were individually propagated in Nicotiana benthamiana and C. macrophylla plants. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measurements of extracts of the newly emerged leaves suggested that all three viruses accumulated to similar levels in N. benthamiana plants at 5 week-post-inoculation. ELISA values of T36CA-V1.4- and -V1.5-infected C. macrophylla samples were significantly higher than that of T36CA-V1.3-infected samples within an 8 to 12 month-post-inoculation (mpi) window, suggesting a higher accumulation of T36CA-V1.4 and -V1.5 than T36CA-V1.3. However, at 36 mpi, the ELISA values suggested that all three viruses accumulated to similar levels. When C. macrophylla plants infected with each of the three viruses were grafted to commercial citrus varieties, a limited number of receptor plants became infected, demonstrating a weak but nonetheless (the first) successful delivery of T36CA to California-grown commercial citrus.

PMID:39115802 | DOI:10.1094/PHYTO-05-24-0167-R

J Cancer Surviv. 2024 Aug 8. doi: 10.1007/s11764-024-01651-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Rehabilitation services are recommended by clinical practice guidelines following breast cancer treatment, yet little is known about how utilization may vary by patient-level characteristics which we aimed to study using SEER-Medicare data.

METHODS: Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database was used to identify non-metastatic breast cancer survivors aged ≥ 66 years diagnosed between 2011 and 2016. Rehabilitation services delivered 0-11 months post-diagnosis were identified via outpatient or physician visit claims. Descriptive statistics and associations between patient characteristics and rehabilitation services were calculated using modified Poisson models estimating relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: Of 55,539 breast cancer survivors, 33% (n = 18,244) had received any type of rehabilitative services. Survivors were a mean age of 75 years (SD 6.7), 88% White, 86% urban-dwelling, and 21% Medicare/Medicaid dually enrolled. In adjusted models, patients aged > 75 vs. ≤ 75 were 6% (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.92-0.96) less likely to have received rehabilitative services. Survivors in an area with greater educational attainment vs. less educational attainment, White vs. non-White, or living in a rural vs. urban area were 26% (1.26, CI 1.22-1.30), 6% (1.06, CI 1.02-1.11), and 6% (1.06, CI 1.02-1.10) more likely to have received rehabilitative services, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The largest differences in rehabilitation utilization were observed for survivors of differing educational and treatment statuses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Further research is needed on barriers, access, and delivery of rehabilitation services, specifically for breast cancer survivors who are older-aged, non-White, or Medicare/Medicaid dual eligible.

PMID:39115791 | DOI:10.1007/s11764-024-01651-x

J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2024 Aug 8. doi: 10.1007/s10880-024-10028-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Prevalence rates of perinatal mood disorders range from 5 to 25%. Furthermore, suicide is a leading cause of death in postpartum women. Various factors have been associated with an increased risk of suicide in postpartum women, including co-occurring mental health disorders, lack of mental health care, and substance use. It is important for mental health screening and psychological assessment used within OB-GYN clinics to be current with regard to postpartum mood dysfunction and suicide risk assessment. We collected data from a sample of 78 postpartum women (0-6-month post-delivery), focusing specifically on patterns of emotional/internalizing dysfunction, using three different screening measures as predictors. Contrary to hypotheses, our sample did not produce significant elevations on target criterion scales of the Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-3 (MMPI-3). Although the multidimensional behavioral health screen (MBHS) was better at differentially capturing MMPI-3 elevations when compared to the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EDPS) and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), two of the three comparisons were not statistically significant. Statistical analyses were challenged by our extremely low base rate for elevated suicide risk. Despite this, the MBHS performed better than the EPDS and PHQ-9 at accurately capturing elevated suicide risk.

PMID:39115760 | DOI:10.1007/s10880-024-10028-2

World J Urol. 2024 Aug 8;42(1):476. doi: 10.1007/s00345-024-05186-9.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively investigate the potential association between prostate cancer (PCa) and the G84E mutation within the Homeobox Protein B13 (HOXB13) gene among individuals of Turkish descent, our study aims to undertake a prospective examination.

METHODS: We evaluated 300 patients (150 diagnosed with prostate cancer, 150 controls) who presented in our clinic. Data collected were prospectively examined. DNA isolation was performed using an isolation kit. The HOXB13-G84E mutation (rs138213197) was analyzed in the obtained samples. Data encoding and statistical analysis were performed.

RESULTS: The pathological allele for the G84E mutation was T. According to the findings, no mutations were detected in the control group, while the G84E mutation was detected in 17 patients in the patient group, all of whom had the TC genotype. The analysis showed that having the CC genotype reduced the risk of prostate cancer by 0.47 times (OR=0.47, CI=0.415-0.532). Our results did not support a trend toward family history or earlier-onset disease in comparisons between carriers and non-carriers of HOXB13 G84E mutation. Individuals with a positive family history exhibited a higher frequency of the G84E mutation.

CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that HOXB13 gene mutation is indeed linked to PCa in Turkish men. However, we did not find a relationship between the HOXB13 gene G84E mutation carrier status and either early-onset PCa or familial PCa in Turkish men.

PMID:39115757 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-024-05186-9

Parasitol Res. 2024 Aug 8;123(8):296. doi: 10.1007/s00436-024-08316-9.

ABSTRACT

Animal trypanosomosis is a significant livestock disease with economic and social repercussions, reducing the supply of animal products and restricting the utilization of animals for traction and transportation. In Ethiopia, it is prevalent and poses a major hindrance to the advancement of animal production. This repeated cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing seasonal variation in bovine trypanosomosis prevalence and tsetse fly density and identifying the potential risk factors in the Loka Abaya and Derara districts of the Sidama National Regional State. Blood samples were collected from 964 cattle, 484 samples during the dry season, and 480 during the wet season. The buffy coat method was employed to analyze these samples. Furthermore, 78 standard NGU traps were set up at various locations in the two districts during both seasons for entomological investigation. The overall apparent prevalence of trypanosomosis was 9% (95% CI 7.3-11.0), without a significant difference (p > 0.05) between the dry season (7.4%) and wet season (10.6%). The apparent prevalence was significantly higher in Loka Abaya (11.8%) than in Derara (6.3%) district (OR = 2.04; p = 0.003) and in cattle with black coat color (29%) than in mixed color (6.8%) (OR = 5.3; p < 0.001). The majority of infections were caused by Trypanosoma congolense (70%), followed by T. vivax (29%), and mixed infections (1%) with the two species. The average packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly (p < 0.0001) lower in infected animals (20.7 ± 4%) compared to uninfected ones (25.5 ± 5.4%), in cattle examined during the dry season (24.1 ± 6%) versus the wet season (26.1 ± 4.7%), in cattle sampled from the Loka Abaya district (24.2 ± 5.5%) versus Derara district (26 ± 5.3%), and in cattle with poor body condition (23.6 ± 5.7%) compared to those with good body condition (26.5 ± 5.3%). A total of 5282 flies were captured during the study, with 4437 (84%) being tsetse flies (Glossina pallidipes), 439 (8.3%) Tabanids, 190 (3.6%) Stomoxys spp., and 216 (4.1%) Musca spp. The apparent density (AD) of G. pallidipes was 28.4 flies/trap/day, showing no statistically significant difference between wet (32.1) and dry (24.6) seasons (p > 0.05). The AD of G. pallidipes was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the Loka Abaya district (57.3) than in the Derara district (0.9). The study highlights a moderate trypanosomosis apparent prevalence and high AD of G. pallidipes, showing significant variation between the study districts but no seasonal difference. The observed apparent prevalence of trypanosomosis and tsetse fly density notably affects animal health and productivity. As a result, strategies for vector control like insecticide-treated targets, trypanocidal medications for infected animals, and community-based initiatives such as education and participation in control programs are recommended.

PMID:39115753 | DOI:10.1007/s00436-024-08316-9

J Appl Genet. 2024 Aug 8. doi: 10.1007/s13353-024-00899-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Genotype-environment interaction consists of the different response of individual genotypes resulting from changing environmental conditions. Its significance is a phenomenon that makes the breeding process very difficult. On the one hand, the breeder expects stable genotypes, i.e., yielding similarly regardless of environmental conditions. On the other hand, selecting the best genotypes for each region is one of the key challenges for breeders and farmers. The aim of this study was to evaluate genotype-by-environment interaction for grain yield in new maize hybrids developed by Plant Breeding Smolice Co. Ltd., utilizing the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model. The investigation involved 69 maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids, tested across five locations in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Grain yield varied from 8.76 t ha^-1 (SMH_16417 in Smolice) to 16.89 t ha^-1 (SMH_16043 in Płaczkowo), with a mean yield of 13.16 t ha^-1. AMMI analysis identified significant effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction on grain yield. Analysis of variance indicated that 25.12% of the total variation in grain yield was due to environment factor, 35.20% to genotypic differences, and 21.18% to genotype by environmental interactions. Hybrids SMH_1706 and SMH_1707 are recommended for further breeding programs due to their high stability and superior average grain yield.

PMID:39115751 | DOI:10.1007/s13353-024-00899-4

Pediatr Surg Int. 2024 Aug 8;40(1):218. doi: 10.1007/s00383-024-05805-x.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We aimed to identify factors predicting the need for future liver transplantation (LT) at 18 years of age in patients with biliary atresia (BA).

METHODS: BA patients with native liver survival at > 18 years of age were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics, outcomes, hepatobiliary function, and liver fibrosis markers of native liver survivors (NLS group) were compared with patients who subsequently underwent LT (LT group).

RESULTS: The study population included 48 patients (NLS, n = 34; LT, n = 14). The male-to-female ratio, age at Kasai procedure, and type of BA in the two groups did not differ to a statistically significant extent. There was no significant difference in the MELD scores between the groups at 18 years of age. The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), albumin-bilirubin (ALBI), and BA liver fibrosis (BALF) scores at 18 years of age were significantly higher in the LT group. The AUCs for APRI, ALBI, and BALF were 0.91, 0.79, and 0.85, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Adult BA patients have limited options for LT owing to the lack of donor candidates and the low prevalence of deceased donors. The elucidation of prognostic factors for LT in adulthood is important. APRI was the most useful marker in this study.

PMID:39115750 | DOI:10.1007/s00383-024-05805-x

Acta Oncol. 2024 Aug 8;63:649-657. doi: 10.2340/1651-226X.2024.34802.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare thoracic malignancy with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Immunotherapy shows potential for improved outcomes; however, real-world evidence on its use will take time to accumulate. This study examined patient characteristics, treatment patterns, overall survival (OS), and predictors of mortality among patients diagnosed with MPM in Denmark prior to the introduction of newer treatments.

METHODS: This historical cohort study based on routinely collected Danish National Registry data included adults newly diagnosed with MPM between 01 January 2011 and 31 May 2018. Summary statistics were used to describe patient characteristics and initial treatment. OS was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods; Cox regression was used to compare patient mortality against the (age/sex-matched) general population and to investigate mortality predictors.

RESULTS: Overall, 880 patients were included; 44% had advanced MPM, 37% had non-advanced MPM, and 19% had unknown MPM stage. Median age at diagnosis was 71.9 years, and 82% of the patients were male. Within 180 days of diagnosis, no treatment was recorded for 215 patients (54%) with advanced MPM and 150 (46%) with non-advanced MPM. Median time-to-initial treatment (interquartile range) was 47 days (31-111) overall, 40 days (28-77) in patients with advanced MPM, and 53 days (35-121) with non-advanced MPM. Median OS was 13.7 months overall (non-advanced MPM: 18.0 months vs. advanced MPM: 10.0 months). Predictors of higher mortality were older age at diagnosis, histology, and advanced MPM stage.

INTERPRETATION: These findings provide a baseline upon which to evaluate MPM epidemiology as newer treatments are adopted in routine practice.

PMID:39114950 | DOI:10.2340/1651-226X.2024.34802

Acta Oncol. 2024 Aug 8;63:642-648. doi: 10.2340/1651-226X.2024.40199.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE: Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal margin (SCCAM) is an uncommon lesion that comprises one-third to a quarter of all anal squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment involves surgery or exclusive radiotherapy for small tumours, whereas the preferred treatment for larger tumours is chemoradiotherapy. In our department, selected patients with SCCAM are treated with electron beam radiotherapy using one perineal field. The present study evaluates this strategy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: All consecutive patients with SCCAM and treated with electron beam radiotherapy from 2012 to 2022 were included. Data were retrospectively extracted from the medical records and analysed descriptively. Local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) were analysed using Kaplan-Meier statistics.

RESULTS: Forty patients were evaluated. Primary radiotherapy was delivered in 35 (87.5%) patients. Five (12.5%) patients had postoperative radiotherapy. Median prescription dose was 60.0 (range 45.0-60.2) Gy in 28 (range 10-30) fractions delivered with 8 (range 4-18) MeV using a standard circular aperture and bolus. At a median follow-up of 73 (range 9-135) months, 7 (17.5%) patients were diagnosed with local recurrences. The 5-year LC rate was 84.3% (95% CI: 71.4%-97.2%). Analysis of LC according to T-stage revealed a 5-year LC of 100% (95% CI: 100%-100%) in T1 tumours compared to 57.0% (95% CI: 27.4%-86.6%) in T2 tumours (p < 0.001). 5-year OS was 91.6% (95% CI: 83.0%-100%). Late grade 3 toxicity included ulceration in the skin and subcutis in 2 (5.0%) patients.

INTEPRETATION: Electron beam radiotherapy enables the delivery of ‘eye-guided’ radiotherapy directly to the tumour. LC is good in patients with T1 tumours. Patients with T2 tumours have less satisfactory LC and should be treated with chemoradiotherapy. Electron beam radiotherapy enables the delivery of “eye-guided” RT directly to the tumour. LC is excellent in patients with T1 tumours. Patients with T2 tumours have less satisfactory LC and should be treated with chemoradiotherapy.

PMID:39114949 | DOI:10.2340/1651-226X.2024.40199

JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2024 Aug 2;10:e53879. doi: 10.2196/53879.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prior research has linked exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) with preterm birth (PTB). However, the modulating effect of preconception thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels on the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and PTB has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether preconception TSH levels modulate the impact of PM2.5 exposure on PTB.

METHODS: This cohort study was conducted in Guangdong, China, as a part of the National Free Pre-Pregnancy Checkups Project. PM2.5 exposure was estimated by using the inverse distance weighting method. To investigate the moderating effects of TSH levels on trimester-specific PM2.5 exposure and PTB, we used the Cox proportional hazards model. Additionally, to identify the susceptible exposure windows for weekly specific PM2.5 exposure and PTB, we built distributed lag models incorporating Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS: A total of 633,516 women who delivered between January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019, were included. In total, 34,081 (5.4%) of them had abnormal preconception TSH levels. During the entire pregnancy, each 10-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was linked to elevated risks of PTB (hazard ratio [HR] 1.559, 95% CI 1.390-1.748), early PTB (HR 1.559, 95% CI 1.227-1.980), and late PTB (HR 1.571, 95% CI 1.379-1.791) among women with abnormal TSH levels. For women with normal preconception TSH levels, PM2.5 exposure during the entire pregnancy was positively associated with the risk of PTB (HR 1.345, 95% CI 1.307-1.385), early PTB (HR 1.203, 95% CI 1.126-1.285), and late PTB (HR 1.386, 95% CI 1.342-1432). The critical susceptible exposure windows were the 3rd-13th and 28th-35th gestational weeks for women with abnormal preconception TSH levels, compared to the 1st-13th and 21st-35th gestational weeks for those with normal preconception TSH levels.

CONCLUSIONS: PM2.5 exposure was linked with a higher PTB risk, particularly in women with abnormal preconception TSH levels. PM2.5 exposure appears to have a greater effect on pregnant women who are in the early or late stages of pregnancy.

PMID:39114947 | DOI:10.2196/53879