Category: Statistics

Addiction. 2023 Dec 17. doi: 10.1111/add.16400. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Standard approaches to smoking cessation may not be as effective for certain populations, and tailoring on cultural factors could improve their effectiveness. This systematic review measured the effectiveness of culturally tailoring smoking cessation interventions on quitting or reducing smoking combustible tobacco.

METHOD: We searched MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Embase and Cochrane Central Register from inception to 21 June 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of community-based, primary care or web-based interventions for smoking cessation in adults who smoked tobacco, with measurement of smoking abstinence or reduction at least 3 months following baseline. We examined comparisons between either an intensity-matched culturally tailored intervention and a non-tailored intervention or a standard non-tailored intervention and the same intervention plus a culturally tailored adjunct. We sub-grouped studies according to the level of tailoring and performed subgroup analyses where appropriate. We assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence.

RESULTS: We identified 43 studies, 33 of which were meta-analyzed (n = 12 346 participants). We found moderate certainty evidence, limited by heterogeneity, that intensity-matched culturally tailored cessation interventions increased quit success when compared with non-tailored interventions at 3-month follow-up or longer (n = 5602, risk ratio [RR] = 1.29 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10, 1.51, I² = 47%, 14 studies). We found a positive effect of adding a culturally tailored component to a standard intervention compared with the standard intervention alone (n = 6674, RR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.10, 1.95, I² = 74%, 18 studies), but our certainty in this effect was low due to imprecision and substantial statistical heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION: Culturally tailored smoking cessation interventions may help more people to quit smoking than a non-tailored intervention. Adapting or adding cultural components to smoking cessation interventions originally developed for majority populations could improve cessation rates in populations who do not fully identify with majority cultural norms.

PMID:38105395 | DOI:10.1111/add.16400

Small Methods. 2023 Dec 17:e2300958. doi: 10.1002/smtd.202300958. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Nomex Honeycomb core is the foundational building block for manufacturing aerospace composite components. Its usage requires machining honeycomb in complex aerodynamic profiles where the quality of the core is governed by accuracy and precision of cut profiles. The assessment of accuracy and precision is directly related to forces induced in the cutting tool and cutting efficiency. These two parameters form the basis of a multi-objective function that this paper aims to optimize for the milling operation. The parameter of depth of cut considered in this paper has not been analyzed in a multi-objective optimization study of the Nomex Honeycomb core previously. A Taguchi-based array of Design of Experiments followed by Analysis of Variance and correlation analysis is utilised. The results indicate that the most significant factor is the feed rate, with a percentage contribution of 72% for the cutting forces and depth of cut, with a percentage contribution of 85% in the case of cutting efficiency. The two parameters are optimized using Desirability Function Analysis and Grey Relational Analysis. The results are validated through experimental runs with an error within 5% of the statistical predictions, with the percentage improvement in cutting forces for optimum runs as compared to the worst experimental run at 47.8%. The percentage improvement in cutting efficiency likewise is 11%.

PMID:38105388 | DOI:10.1002/smtd.202300958

Syst Parasitol. 2023 Dec 18;101(1):3. doi: 10.1007/s11230-023-10136-x.

ABSTRACT

Pseudoplatystoma punctifer is a catfish species that occupies the first place in the statistics of fishing landings in the region of Loreto, being of economic importance in the Peruvian Amazonia. As an initiative to know the parasites present in the gills of P. punctifer from the Peruvian Amazonia, a study was carried out with fish collected in the Belén Market, in Loreto-Peru. Specimens were provided between June and October 2018 from local fishermen from the Belén Market, in Loreto-Peru and samples were processed and analyzed in the “Laboratorio de Parasitología y Sanidad Acuícola” from the “Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana” (IIAP) in Iquitos, Loreto-Peru. The analyzes of the gills revealed the presence of two new species of Monogenoidea: Demidospermus aureagarciae n. sp. and D. doncellae n. sp. These species are unique among congeners by the morphology of the copulatory complex and vagina. Demidospermus aureagarciae n. sp presents a male copulatory organ as a coiled tube, with a complete counterclockwise ring, with dilated base with a developed sclerotized margin, from which a flap projects; a concave accessory piece, with a tapered and curved distal part and a saculiform vaginal vestibule, connected to the vaginal canal. Demidospermus doncellae n. sp. presents a copulatory complex that is an elongated coiled tube, with approximately three clockwise rings, with dilated base with a developed sclerotized margin, from which a flap projects; an accessory piece sheath like, and a sclerotized vagina with dextral position, with saclike vaginal vestibule, connected to an elongated canal.

PMID:38105359 | DOI:10.1007/s11230-023-10136-x

Neurol Sci. 2023 Dec 18. doi: 10.1007/s10072-023-07262-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can present with either bulbar or spinal symptoms, and in some cases, both types of symptoms may be present. In addition, cognitive impairment has been observed in ALS. The study aimed to evaluate the frontal and general cognitive performance in ALS not only cross-sectionally but also longitudinally.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were employed to assess cognitive function in 52 adults with ALS and 52 cognitively healthy individuals. The statistical analyses encompassed the Pearson Chi square test, the Skillings-Mack test, the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and the Proportional Odds Logistic Regression Model (POLR).

RESULTS: Cross-sectionally, lower cognitive performance was associated with ALS diagnosis, older age, and motor functional decline. The cognitive impairment of individuals with bulbar and spinal-bulbar symptoms showed faster deterioration compared to those with spinal symptoms. The spinal subgroup consistently performed worst in delayed recall and attention, while the spinal-bulbar and bulbar subgroups exhibited inferior scores in delayed recall, attention, visuospatial skills, orientation, and verbal fluency.

CONCLUSION: The incorporation of cognitive screening in the diagnostic workup of ALS may be beneficial, as early detection can enhance symptom management and improve the quality of life for both individuals with ALS and their care partners.

PMID:38105306 | DOI:10.1007/s10072-023-07262-1

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2023 Dec 18;56(1):15. doi: 10.1007/s11250-023-03865-0.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to establish linear measurements of local goat kids at birth and their factors of variation, as well as their possible correlations with birth weight. Additionally, the study analyses statistical models and barymetric functions to predict birth weight of kids based on their morphometric data. The database includes data on 128 goat kids born to 89 goats and 9 bucks in the experimental goat herd at the El GORDHAB station of IRA. Average BW, withers height (L1), heart girth (L2), rump height (L3), and body length (L4) of all kids were 2.45kg, 32.66cm,30.56cm, 33.41cm, and 31.21cm respectively. Results show that in general, local goat kids are small in size and weight at birth, which varies depending on sex, dam age, and type of birth. Highest and positive correlation coefficient value between birth weight and heart girth were observed (r = 0.95). The coefficient of determination (R²) for heart girth (0.78) was higher than other body measurements in single trait evaluation indicating it as the best trait for the predication of birth weight. The most appropriate combination of body measurements (R² = 0.82) was observed between height at withers and heart girth for predication of birth weight estimation. Developing a system for recording birth weight based on easily obtainable body measurements could be a useful approach for rural areas. Result join the study objective by conceiving feasible genetic improvement plans for agropastoral herds by establishing individual phenotypes estimation even when the classical animal management does not already allowed.

PMID:38105297 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-023-03865-0

Prog Orthod. 2023 Dec 18;24(1):45. doi: 10.1186/s40510-023-00495-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to compare periodontal support changes during retraction of mandibular anterior teeth for skeletal Class II malocclusion with different facial divergence and to analyze relevant factors influencing bone remodeling by applying three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) reconstruction technology.

METHODS: Forty-eight patients with Class II malocclusion requiring surgical orthodontic treatment enrolled in the study were divided into the hyperdivergent group (n = 16), normodivergent group (n = 16) and hypodivergent group (n = 16) according to their vertical skeletal patterns. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained before treatment (T1) and after presurgical orthodontic treatment (T2). The two-dimensional (2D) alveolar bone morphology, movement of mandibular central incisors and volume of the alveolar bone around incisors were measured on the labial and lingual sides by 3D CBCT reconstruction technology. Statistical analyses were performed with one-way ANOVA, paired t tests and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS: During presurgical orthodontic treatment, the alveolar bone height on the labial side of the hyperdivergent group decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05), but was maintained in the normodivergent and hypodivergent groups (P > 0.05). However, the alveolar bone volume, alveolar bone thickness at each level and alveolar bone height on the lingual side decreased significantly for all the groups. Apart from the initial morphometric measurements at T1, the morphology of lingual alveolar bone at T2 was significantly influenced by the direction and amount of tooth movement. Horizontal retraction and vertical protrusion of the root apex were negatively related to the alveolar bone on the lingual side after presurgical orthodontic treatment.

CONCLUSION: For Class II malocclusion patients undergoing presurgical orthodontic treatment, the changes in the periodontal support of the lower central incisors varied in different vertical skeletal patterns. There exists a great periodontal risk of alveolar bone resorption on the lingual side for various vertical types. To avoid alveolar bone deterioration, it is essential to investigate the bone remodeling of patients with different alveolar bone conditions and cautiously plan tooth movement prior to orthodontic treatment. Moreover, 3D measurements based on CBCT construction can provide complementary information to traditional 2D measurements.

PMID:38105288 | DOI:10.1186/s40510-023-00495-y

Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 17;13(1):22452. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-47838-7.

ABSTRACT

In this study, the Sobolev-type equation is considered analytically to investigate the solitary wave solutions. The Sobolev-type equations are found in a broad range of fields, such as ecology, fluid dynamics, soil mechanics, and thermodynamics. There are two novel techniques used to explore the solitary wave structures namely as; generalized Riccati equation mapping and modified auxiliary equation (MAE) methods. The different types of abundant families of solutions in the form of dark soliton, bright soliton, solitary wave solutions, mixed singular soliton, mixed dark-bright soliton, periodic wave, and mixed periodic solutions. The linearized stability of the model has been investigated. Solitons behave differently in different circumstances, and their behaviour can be better understood by building unique physical problems with particular boundary conditions (BCs) and starting conditions (ICs) based on accurate soliton solutions. So, the choice of unique physical problems from various solutions is also carried out. The 3D, line graphs and corresponding contours are drawn with the help of the Mathematica software that explains the physical behavior of the state variable. This information can help the researchers in their understanding of the physical conditions.

PMID:38105278 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-47838-7

BMJ Open Qual. 2023 Dec 17;12(4):e002450. doi: 10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002450.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: As the leading cause of fatal injuries in geriatric populations, falls are a serious health concern with a predicted rate of seven fall-related deaths per hour by 2030. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a screening tool proposed by the Center for Disease Control for evaluating patients’ risk of falling (‘fall risk’). However, there exist no current protocols on how to use the test results to decrease fall risk. The Fall Prevention Protocol (FPP) is a new comprehensive fall prevention programme created to address the lack of standardised TUG test follow-up in an Advanced Primary Care (APC) clinical setting. The programme provides a comprehensive approach for identifying fall risk and creating an individualised intervention plan to reduce the likelihood of falls. Due to the recent creation and implementation of FPP, there have been no efforts made to quantitatively prove that the FPP is more effective at reducing falls than the use of the TUG test alone without an established protocol for intervention.

METHODS: This quality improvement project focuses on creating a user-friendly statistical analysis software for determining the effectiveness of the FPP compared with just using the TUG test without a standardised post-test protocol in reducing the number of falls in geriatric patients in an APC setting. The software-created using MATLAB R2022b and finalised as a stand-alone computer application-takes in data sets of patient fall history, determines the best statistical test for comparing the data, then analyses and provides users with a conclusion regarding which protocol is more beneficial for reducing falls.

RESULTS: The developed software was proven to be user-friendly, able to be used in a healthcare setting with minimal necessary training, and deemed appropriate for data analysis of future fall risk protocol effectiveness testing.

PMID:38105241 | DOI:10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002450

Health Educ Behav. 2023 Dec 17:10901981231217978. doi: 10.1177/10901981231217978. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is a preventable yet highly prevalent disease in Africa. Despite female adolescents and young women being a target group for cervical cancer prevention strategies, little research has examined their knowledge of how to prevent the disease. The study aimed to describe: (a) knowledge about cervical cancer prevention and (b) sociodemographic, social, and systemic factors associated with and interacting with knowledge among female senior high school students in Ghana.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey assessed knowledge about (a) risk factors and (b) primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer among 2,400 female students from 17 public senior high schools in the Ashanti region, Ghana. Descriptive statistics were used to describe knowledge. Linear mixed-effects regression models were used to examine factors associated with knowledge scores.

RESULTS: Knowledge gaps were observed for at least two-thirds (>65%) of students. Most students (mean age = 17) did not know that early sexual debut (before 18 years) is a risk factor for cervical cancer (72%) and that a blood test cannot detect cervical cancer (71%). Students in later stages of senior high school education and those who received sexual health education from teachers and parents had significantly greater cervical cancer knowledge scores than their counterparts. Interactive effects showed that school-based sexual health education was associated with higher knowledge scores than home-based education among students.

CONCLUSIONS: Most female senior high school students had gaps in knowledge about cervical cancer prevention. Finding new ways to strengthen the capacity of schools and parents to deliver accurate cervical cancer prevention information is warranted.

PMID:38105234 | DOI:10.1177/10901981231217978

BMC Bioinformatics. 2023 Dec 17;24(1):484. doi: 10.1186/s12859-023-05618-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the field of computational personalized medicine, drug response prediction (DRP) is a critical issue. However, existing studies often characterize drugs as strings, a representation that does not align with the natural description of molecules. Additionally, they ignore gene pathway-specific combinatorial implication.

RESULTS: In this study, we propose drug Graph and gene Pathway based Drug response prediction method (GPDRP), a new multimodal deep learning model for predicting drug responses based on drug molecular graphs and gene pathway activity. In GPDRP, drugs are represented by molecular graphs, while cell lines are described by gene pathway activity scores. The model separately learns these two types of data using Graph Neural Networks (GNN) with Graph Transformers and deep neural networks. Predictions are subsequently made through fully connected layers.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that Graph Transformer-based model delivers superior performance. We apply GPDRP on hundreds of cancer cell lines’ bulk RNA-sequencing data, and it outperforms some recently published models. Furthermore, the generalizability and applicability of GPDRP are demonstrated through its predictions on unknown drug-cell line pairs and xenografts. This underscores the interpretability achieved by incorporating gene pathways.

PMID:38105227 | DOI:10.1186/s12859-023-05618-0