Category: Statistics

Sci Total Environ. 2024 Aug 16:175595. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175595. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

For accurate and reliable analysis of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater (WW), it is imperative to comprehend the significance of pre-treating WW before analysis. The suspended solids (SS) in the matrix tend to adhere to the MPs during filtration, which interferes with the detection of the MPs. In this regard, the present study aims to develop and optimize a pretreatment method to improve the extraction efficiency of MPs from WW by reducing the SS. A combination of the Fenton reaction and ultrasonication, ferro-sonication (Fe-UlS), was proposed to digest and eliminate the SS from WW. This hybrid pretreatment, Fe-UlS, was optimized for ultrasonication amplitude, treatment time, and hydrogen peroxide dose using response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design, achieving a desirability of 0.984. The optimum conditions for the Fe-UlS, such as the (1:1) Fenton reagent ratio (0.05 M FeSO₄: 30 % H₂O₂), ultrasonication amplitude (31 %), and total process time (30 min). were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The developed method was then employed for the extraction of spiked polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs in real WW and found efficient in removing 83 % of the TSS present in the primary influent were in 30 min at a temperature of 45 °C. Also, the method did not affect the physio-chemical characteristics of the MPs; however, the thermal analysis of PE and PP MPs showed a statistically significant decrease in the melting temperature, as proven by paired t-test analysis. Further, a non-targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis proved that Fe-UlS is a stable process, as it did not cause any leaching of MPs under the optimum pretreatment conditions. Finally, Laser Direct-Infrared Imaging (LD-IR) analysis was conducted to validate the developed Fe-UlS pretreatment approach for MP analysis in real WW. About 3434 MPs were detected in 100 mL of WW primary influent, within the size range of 9 to 500 μm. This hybrid pretreatment approach not only streamlines WW sample processing but also reduces the required concentration of Fenton reagent and processing time, yielding accurate and reliable results for monitoring MPs in WW.

PMID:39154992 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175595

Spine J. 2024 Aug 16:S1529-9430(24)00944-6. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2024.08.016. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative 3D imaging with cone-beam CT (CBCT) improves assessment of implant position and reduces complications in spine surgery. It is also used for image-guided surgical techniques, resulting in improved quality of care. However, in some cases, metal artifacts can reduce image quality and make it difficult to assess pedicle screw position and reduction.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether a change in CBCT acquisition trajectory in relation to pedicle screw position during dorsal instrumentation can reduce metal artifacts and consequently improve image quality and clinical assessability.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental cadaver study METHODS: : A human cadaver was instrumented with pedicle screws in the thoracic and lumbar spine region (Th11 to L5). Then, the acquisition trajectory of the CBCT (Cios Spin, Siemens, Germany) to the pedicle screws was systematically changed in 5° steps in angulation (-30° to +30°) and swivel (-25° to +25°). Subsequently, radiological evaluation was performed by three blinded, qualified raters on image quality using 9 questions (including anatomical structures, implant position, appearance of artifacts) with a score (1-5 points). For statistical evaluation, the image quality of the different acquisition trajectories was compared to the standard acquisition trajectory and checked for significant differences.

RESULTS: The angulated acquisition trajectory significantly increased the score for subjective image quality (p<0.001) as well as the clinical assessability of pedicle screw position (p<0.001) with particularly strong effects on subjective image quality in the vertebral pedicle region (d=1.61). Swivel of the acquisition trajectory significantly improved all queried domains of subjective image quality (p<0.001) as well as clinical assessability of pedicle screw position (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: In this cadaver study, the angulation as well as the swivel of the acquisition trajectory led to a significantly improved image quality in intraoperative 3D imaging (CBCT) with a constant isocenter. The data show that maximizing the angulation/swivel angle towards 30°/25° provides the best tested subjective image quality and enhances clinical assessability. Therefore, a correct adjustment of the acquisition trajectory can help to make intraoperative revision decisions more reliably.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The knowledge of enhanced image quality by changing the acquisition trajectory in intraoperative 3D imaging can be used for the assessment of critical screw positions in spine surgery. The implementation of this knowledge requires only a minor change of the current intraoperative imaging workflow without additional technical equipment and could further reduce the need for revision surgery.

PMID:39154945 | DOI:10.1016/j.spinee.2024.08.016

Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2024 Aug 16:111123. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111123. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Impaired gamma band oscillation, specifically 40-Hz auditory steady state response (ASSR) has been robustly found in schizophrenia, while there is relatively little evidence characterizing the ASSR before full-blown psychosis.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize gamma-band ASSR in populations at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR).

METHODS: One hundred and seven CHR subjects and sixty-five healthy control (HC) subjects were included and completed clinical assessments, the ASSR paradigm of electroencephalography (EEG) and cognitive assessments. Both indices of event-related spectrum perturbation (ERSP) and intertrial coherence (ITC) in response to 20-Hz, 30-Hz and 40-Hz click sounds were respectively qualified and compared between these two groups, as well as the relationship to clinical psychopathology and cognitive function was assessed.

RESULTS: At 40-Hz click sounds, ERSP in HC group (1.042 ± 0.047) was statistical significantly increased than that in CHR group (0.873 ± 0.036) (p = 0.005)；at 30-Hz, ERSP in HC group (0.536 ± 0.024) was increased than that in CHR group (0.483 ± 0.019), but the difference was trend statistical significance (p = 0.083)；at 20-Hz, ERSP in HC group (0.452 ± 0.017) was not different significantly from CHR group (0.418 ± 0.013) (p = 0.104). ERSP of the HC group was the highest at 40-Hz click sounds, followed by 30-Hz, and the lowest at 20-Hz. The difference between any two of the three ERSP showed statistical significance (30-Hz vs. 40-Hz: p < 0.001; 20-Hz vs. 40-Hz: p < 0.001；20-Hz vs. 30-Hz: p = 0.003). Similarly, ERSP of the CHR group was the highest at 40-Hz click sounds, followed by 30-Hz, and the lowest at 20-Hz. The difference between any two of these three ERSP showed statistical significance (30-Hz vs. 40-Hz: p < 0.001; 20-Hz vs. 40-Hz: p < 0.001；20-Hz vs. 30-Hz: p = 0.002). A statistically significant small positive correlation of 40-Hz ERSP with signal processing speed score was observed in the HC group (ρ = 0.27, p = 0.029). A statistically significant small negative correlation of 40-Hz ERSP with visual learning score was observed in the CHR group (ρ = -0.22, p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION: Impaired 40-Hz but undamaged hierarchical organization mode of auditory steady state presented in the CHR populations. Abnormal 40 Hz ASSR for CHR might be associated with cognitive functions, such as information processing speed and visual memory.

PMID:39154933 | DOI:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111123

Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2024 Aug 16:111121. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111121. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are heritable brain disorders characterized by alterations in cortical thickness. However, the shared genetic basis for cortical thickness changes in these disorders remains unclear.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search on cortical thickness in MDD and SCZ through PubMed and Web of Science. A coordinate-based meta-analysis was performed to identify cortical thickness changes. Additionally, utilizing summary statistics from the largest genome-wide association studies for depression (N_case = 268,615, N_control = 667,123) and SCZ (N_case = 53,386, N_control = 77,258), we explored shared genomic loci using conjunctional false discovery rate (conjFDR) analysis. Transcriptome-neuroimaging association analysis was then employed to identify shared genes associated with cortical thickness alterations, and enrichment analysis was finally carried out to elucidate the biological significance of these genes.

RESULTS: Our search yielded 34 MDD (N_case = 1621, N_control = 1507) and 19 SCZ (N_case = 1170, N_control = 1043) neuroimaging studies for cortical thickness meta-analysis. Specific alterations in the left supplementary motor area were observed in MDD, while SCZ exhibited widespread reductions in various brain regions, particularly in the frontal and temporal areas. The conjFDR approach identified 357 genomic loci jointly associated with MDD and SCZ. Within these loci, 55 genes were found to be associated with cortical thickness alterations in both disorders. Enrichment analysis revealed their involvement in nervous system development, apoptosis, and cell communication.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed the shared genetic architecture underlying cortical thickness alterations in MDD and SCZ, providing insights into common neurobiological pathways. The identified genes and pathways may serve as potential transdiagnostic markers, informing precision medicine approaches in psychiatric care.

PMID:39154931 | DOI:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111121

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2024 Aug 16:104311. doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104311. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling combined with perimacular hole massage versus ILM flap insertion in the management of patients with idiopathic macular holes was conducted.

METHODS: 35 patients (total of 35 eyes) with idiopathic macular holes (with hole diameters ranging from 366 to 1430 μm) were divided into two groups-Group A consisted of 20 eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with ILM peeling and perimacular hole massage, while Group B comprised 15 eyes that underwent PPV combined with ILM flap insertion. Subsequent follow-up examinations were performed at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery. The study also involved a comparison of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) classifications between both the patient groups.

RESULTS: The macular hole closure rates in Group A were 60%, while in Group B, the closure rate was 93%. There was significant difference in hiatus healing rate between the two groups (t = 4.843, p = 0.048). The difference in BCVA at 3 months post-operation between the two groups was statistically significant (t = 3.221, p = 0.003). Three months post-operatively, the BCVA in Group B demonstrated improvement compared to the pre-operative BCVA, with a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Three months post-operatively, the BCVA in Group A demonstrated improvement compared to the pre-operative BCVA, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The combination of PPV with ILM flap insertion demonstrates favorable therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of idiopathic macular holes, leading to improved visual acuity.

PMID:39154923 | DOI:10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104311

Am J Kidney Dis. 2024 Aug 16:S0272-6386(24)00920-X. doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2024.06.018. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) progresses rapidly in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared with the general population. We studied the association between CAC progression and higher risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), congestive heart failure, and all-cause mortality among adults with CKD.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: & Participants: 1,310 participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study who had at least one CAC scan with no prior history of CVD and with observed or imputed data on changes in CAC over time.

EXPOSURE: Observed or imputed CAC progression, categorized as incident CAC among participants with zero CAC on the baseline scan, or progressive CAC when the baseline scan demonstrated CAC and there was an increase in CAC ≥50 Agatston units per year.

OUTCOMES: Atherosclerotic CVD (myocardial infarction or stroke), congestive heart failure, and all-cause mortality.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression, stratified by presence of CAC at baseline.

RESULTS: A total of 545 participants without and 765 with prevalent CAC at baseline were included. During a mean 3.3 years between CAC assessments, 177 (32.5%) participants without baseline CAC developed incident CAC while 270 participants (35.3%) with baseline CAC developed a ≥50 Agatston units per year increase in CAC. After multivariable adjustment, incident CAC was associated with 2.42-fold higher rate of atherosclerotic CVD (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-4.79) and 1.82-fold higher rate of all-cause mortality (95% CI: 1.03-3.22). Progressive CAC (≥50 units per year) was not associated with atherosclerotic CVD (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.42; 95% CI: 0.85-2.35) but was associated with a 1.73-fold higher rate of all-cause mortality (95% CI: 1.31-2.28). Progressive CAC was not associated with incident heart failure.

LIMITATIONS: Residual confounding and limited statistical power for some outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Among adults with CKD stages 2-4, CAC progression over a mean 3.3 years was associated with higher risk of atherosclerotic CVD and all-cause mortality. The associations were strongest among participants without CAC at baseline.

PMID:39154888 | DOI:10.1053/j.ajkd.2024.06.018

Environ Pollut. 2024 Aug 16:124761. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124761. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Temporal trends for concentrations of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were evaluated from year 2000 to 2020 in 20 (Hg), 23 (Pb) and 11 (Cd) watercourses in remote forest catchments in Europe. Decreasing trends were observed in 15% (Hg), 39% (Pb) and 45% (Cd) of the watercourses during the period of evaluation. Decreasing trends were mainly observed between 2000 and 2005 for Hg and between 2000 and 2015 for Pb and Cd. For the last five years of the studied time period (2015-2020), more watercourses showed significant increasing, rather than decreasing Hg, Pb and Cd trends. This was interpreted as a legacy effect of metals still retained in catchment soils. The overall negative trends during the earlier part of the study period were likely driven by declining deposition of metals over Europe, especially for Pb and Cd. Other changes related to metal transport and chemistry may have contributed to the observed trends as well, including recovery from acidification and the ongoing browning of surface waters at northern latitudes. Here we found that organic carbon could explain the seasonal variation in Hg and Pb, but was not related the interannual trends. This study highlights the need for long-term monitoring and robust statistical methods that can detect multidirectional, long-term change in water chemistry.

PMID:39154885 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124761

Anal Biochem. 2024 Aug 16:115649. doi: 10.1016/j.ab.2024.115649. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is crucial for bodily functions, including collagen synthesis, immune system support and antioxidant defense. Despite autism spectrum disorder’s multifactorial nature involving genetic, environmental and neurological factors, robust evidence exploring the association between ascorbic acid and this disorder is notably lacking. This study introduces an innovative spectrofluorometric method to quantify ascorbic acid in the plasma of healthy children and those with autism spectrum disorder. The method relies on the interaction of ascorbic acid with the fluorescent dye propidium iodide. In acidic conditions, propidium iodide undergoes protonation and selectively binds to the negatively charged ascorbic acid forming an ion-pair complex. This complex alters the molecular structure of propidium iodide inducing chemical fluorescence quenching, that can be utilized for ascorbic acid quantification. The developed method undergoes rigorous validation following ICH guidelines, demonstrating a linear relationship within a concentration range of 4-40 μg/mL, with high precision and accuracy metrics. Analysis of real plasma samples from autistic and healthy children reveals clinically and statistically elevated levels of ascorbic acid in those with autism spectrum disorder.

PMID:39154879 | DOI:10.1016/j.ab.2024.115649

Anal Biochem. 2024 Aug 16:115648. doi: 10.1016/j.ab.2024.115648. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Neuropeptides play crucial roles in regulating neurological function acting as signaling molecules, which provide new opportunity for developing drugs for the treatment of neurological diseases. Therefore, it is very necessary to develop a rapid and accurate prediction model for neuropeptides. Although a few prediction tools have been developed, there is room for improvement in prediction accuracy by using deep learning approach. In this paper, we establish the NeuroPred-ResSE model based on residual block and squeeze-excitation attention mechanism. Firstly, we extract multi-features by using one-hot coding based on the NT5CT5 sequence, dipeptide deviation from expected mean and natural vector. Then, we integrate residual block and squeeze-excitation attention mechanism, which can capture and identify the most relevant attribute features. Finally, the accuracies of the training set and test set are 97.16% and 96.60% based on the 5-fold cross-validation and independent test, respectively, and other evaluation metrics have also obtained satisfactory results. The experimental results show that the performance of the NeuroPred-ResSE model outperforms those of existing state-of-the-art models, and our model is an effective, intelligent and robust prediction tool. The datasets and source codes are available at https://github.com/yunyunliang88/NeuroPred-ResSE.

PMID:39154878 | DOI:10.1016/j.ab.2024.115648

Heart Rhythm. 2024 Aug 16:S1547-5271(24)03145-X. doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.08.027. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies continue to evaluate the use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for guiding left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO).

OBJECTIVE: To conduct an updated meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness and safety outcomes of both imaging modalities.

METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase were searched for studies comparing ICE vs TEE to guide LAAO. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a random-effects model. The primary effectiveness endpoint was procedural success. The primary safety endpoint included the overall complications rate. Additional safety outcomes were assessed as secondary endpoints. Subgroup analysis of primary endpoints was conducted according to device type (Amulet, LAmbre, Watchman, Watchman FLX) and study region (American, Asia, Europe). We used R version 4.3.1 for all statistical analyses.

RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 19 observational studies encompassing 42,474 patients, of whom 4,415 (10.4%) underwent ICE-guided LAAO. Compared with TEE, ICE was associated with a marginally higher procedural success (OR 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01-1.76; p=0.04; I²=0%). There was no significant difference in the overall complications rate (OR 1.02; 95% CI: 0.77-1.36; p=0.89; I²=5%). However, ICE showed higher rates of pericardial effusion (OR 2.11; 95% CI: 1.47-3.03; p<0.001; I²=0%) and residual iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) (OR 1.52; 95% CI: 1.15-2.03; p<0.004; I²=0%). Subgroup analysis revealed variations in procedural success within the ICE group across study regions (p=0.02).

CONCLUSION: In this updated meta-analysis, the increasing adoption of ICE-guided LAAO demonstrated higher procedural success rates compared to TEE, although with limited statistical significance. Overall complication rates were similar; however, ICE showed higher rates of pericardial effusion and residual iASD.

PMID:39154871 | DOI:10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.08.027