Category: Statistics

J Oral Pathol Med. 2023 Jun 7. doi: 10.1111/jop.13451. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial regulatory roles in cancer progression, including oral cancer (OC). However, the biological mechanisms of miRNA-15a-5p in OC remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of miRNA-15a-5p and the YAP1 gene in OC.

METHODS: A total of 22 clinically and histologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients were recruited, and their tissues were stored in a stabilizing solution. Later, RT-PCR was performed to evaluate miRNA-15a-5p and the targeting gene YAP1. The results of OSCC samples were compared with unpaired normal tissues.

RESULTS: The normality tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk, revealed a normal distribution. Inferential statistics were performed using an independent sample t-test/unpaired t-test among the study intervals to compare the expression of miR-15a and YAP1. SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Released 2019) was used to analyse the data. The significance level was set at 5% (α = 0.05), and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The expression of miRNA-15a-5p was lower in OSCC than in normal tissue, whereas the opposite was observed for YAP1 levels.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that miRNA-15a-5p was downregulated and YAP1 was overexpressed, which had a statistically significant difference between the normal and OSCC groups. Therefore, miRNA-15a-5p may serve as a novel biomarker to better understand the pathology and as a potential target in OSCC therapy.

PMID:37285474 | DOI:10.1111/jop.13451

JBJS Rev. 2023 Jun 7;11(6). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.23.00077. eCollection 2023 Jun 1.

ABSTRACT

» Data continue to accumulate indicating that many systematic reviews are methodologically flawed, biased, redundant, or uninformative. Some improvements have occurred in recent years based on empirical methods research and standardization of appraisal tools; however, many authors do not routinely or consistently apply these updated methods. In addition, guideline developers, peer reviewers, and journal editors often disregard current methodological standards. Although extensively acknowledged and explored in the methodological literature, most clinicians seem unaware of these issues and may automatically accept evidence syntheses (and clinical practice guidelines based on their conclusions) as trustworthy.» A plethora of methods and tools are recommended for the development and evaluation of evidence syntheses. It is important to understand what these are intended to do (and cannot do) and how they can be utilized. Our objective is to distill this sprawling information into a format that is understandable and readily accessible to authors, peer reviewers, and editors. In doing so, we aim to promote appreciation and understanding of the demanding science of evidence synthesis among stakeholders. We focus on well-documented deficiencies in key components of evidence syntheses to elucidate the rationale for current standards. The constructs underlying the tools developed to assess reporting, risk of bias, and methodological quality of evidence syntheses are distinguished from those involved in determining overall certainty of a body of evidence. Another important distinction is made between those tools used by authors to develop their syntheses as opposed to those used to ultimately judge their work.» Exemplar methods and research practices are described, complemented by novel pragmatic strategies to improve evidence syntheses. The latter include preferred terminology and a scheme to characterize types of research evidence. We organize best practice resources in a Concise Guide that can be widely adopted and adapted for routine implementation by authors and journals. Appropriate, informed use of these is encouraged, but we caution against their superficial application and emphasize their endorsement does not substitute for in-depth methodological training. By highlighting best practices with their rationale, we hope this guidance will inspire further evolution of methods and tools that can advance the field.

PMID:37285444 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.RVW.23.00077

Sci Adv. 2023 Jun 9;9(23):eadi1405. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adi1405. Epub 2023 Jun 7.

ABSTRACT

Long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are powerful cosmic explosions, signaling the death of massive stars. Among them, GRB 221009A is by far the brightest burst ever observed. Because of its enormous energy (E_iso ≈ 10⁵⁵ erg) and proximity (z ≈ 0.15), GRB 221009A is an exceptionally rare event that pushes the limits of our theories. We present multiwavelength observations covering the first 3 months of its afterglow evolution. The x-ray brightness decays as a power law with slope ≈t^-1.66, which is not consistent with standard predictions for jetted emission. We attribute this behavior to a shallow energy profile of the relativistic jet. A similar trend is observed in other energetic GRBs, suggesting that the most extreme explosions may be powered by structured jets launched by a common central engine.

PMID:37285439 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.adi1405

Sci Adv. 2023 Jun 9;9(23):eade6350. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.ade6350. Epub 2023 Jun 7.

ABSTRACT

Global warming has shifted phenological traits in many species, but whether species are able to track further increasing temperatures depends on the fitness consequences of additional shifts in phenological traits. To test this, we measured phenology and fitness of great tits (Parus major) with genotypes for extremely early and late egg lay dates, obtained from a genomic selection experiment. Females with early genotypes advanced lay dates relative to females with late genotypes, but not relative to nonselected females. Females with early and late genotypes did not differ in the number of fledglings produced, in line with the weak effect of lay date on the number of fledglings produced by nonselected females in the years of the experiment. Our study is the first application of genomic selection in the wild and led to an asymmetric phenotypic response that indicates the presence of constraints toward early, but not late, lay dates.

PMID:37285433 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.ade6350

J Infect Dis. 2023 Jun 7:jiad185. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiad185. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adding additional specimen types (e.g., serology or sputum) to nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) RT-PCR increases respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detection among adults. We assessed if a similar increase occurs in children and quantified under-ascertainment associated with diagnostic testing.

METHODS: We searched databases for studies involving RSV detection in persons <18 years using ≥2 specimen types or tests. We assessed study quality using a validated checklist. We pooled detection rates by specimen and diagnostic tests and quantified performance.

RESULTS: We included 157 studies. Added testing of additional specimens to NP aspirate (NPA), NPS and/or nasal swab (NS) RT-PCR resulted in statistically non-significant increases in RSV detection. Adding paired serology testing increased RSV detection by 10%, NS by 8%, oropharyngeal swabs by 5%, and NPS by 1%. Compared to RT-PCR, direct fluorescence antibody tests, viral culture, and rapid antigen tests were 87%, 76%, and 74% sensitive, respectively (pooled specificities all ≥98%). Pooled sensitivity of multiplex versus singleplex RT-PCR was 96%.

CONCLUSIONS: RT-PCR was the most sensitive pediatric RSV diagnostic test. Adding multiple specimens did not substantially increase RSV detection, but even small proportional increases could result in meaningful changes in burden estimates. The synergistic effect of adding multiple specimens should be evaluated.

PMID:37285396 | DOI:10.1093/infdis/jiad185

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2023 Jun 13;120(24):e2300189120. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2300189120. Epub 2023 Jun 7.

ABSTRACT

Using millions of observations compiled from the public administrative data of Taiwan, we find a surprising gender inequity in terms of real estate: Men own more land than women, and the annual rate of return (ROR) of men’s land outperform women’s by almost 1% per year. The latter finding of gender-based ROR difference is in sharp contrast to prior evidence that women outperform men in security investment, and also suggests a quantity-and-quality double jeopardy in female land ownership which, given the heavy weight of real estate in individual wealth, has important implications for wealth inequality among men and women. Our statistical analyses suggest that such a gender-based difference in land ROR cannot be attributed to individual-level factors such as liquidity preferences, risk attitudes, investment experience, and behavioral biases, as described in the literature. Rather, we hypothesize parental gender bias-a phenomenon that is still prevalent today-to be the key macrolevel factor. To test our hypothesis, we partition our observations into two groups: an experimental group in which parents can exercise gender discretion, and a control group in which parents cannot exercise such discretion. Our empirical evidence shows that the gender difference with respect to land ROR only exists in the experimental group. For many societies with long-lasting patriarchal traditions, our analysis provides a perspective to help explain gender differences in wealth distribution and social mobility.

PMID:37285393 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2300189120

Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2023 Jun 7:1-12. doi: 10.1044/2023_AJSLP-22-00393. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Voice disorders significantly impair the ability to communicate effectively and reduce the quality of life in older adults; however, its prevalence has not been well established. The aim of our research was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of voice disorders among the older population.

METHOD: Five medical databases were systematically searched for studies that reported the prevalence of voice disorders in older adults. The overall prevalence was exhibited in proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) utilizing random-effects models. Heterogeneity was measured using I ² statistics.

RESULTS: Of 930 articles screened, 13 fulfilled the eligibility criteria, including 10 studies in community-based settings and three in institutionalized settings. An overall prevalence of voice disorders in older adults was estimated to be 18.79% (95% CI [16.34, 21.37], I ² = 96%). Subgroup analysis showed a prevalence of 33.03% (95% CI [26.85, 39.51], I ² = 35%) in institutionalized older adults, which was significantly higher than that in the community-based older adults with 15.2% (95% CI [12.65, 17.92], I ² = 92%). Some factors that influenced the reported prevalence were identified, including types of survey, the definition of voice disorders, sampling methods, and the mean age of the population among included studies.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of voice disorders in the older population depends on various factors but is relatively common in older adults. The findings of this study accentuate the necessity for researchers to standardize the protocol for reporting geriatric dysphonia as well as for older adults to express their voice-related problems so that they will receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

PMID:37285381 | DOI:10.1044/2023_AJSLP-22-00393

PLoS One. 2023 Jun 7;18(6):e0286061. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286061. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

People have used rainwater harvesting (RWH) technology for generations to a considerable extent in semi-arid and arid regions. In addition to meeting domestic needs, this technology can be utilized for agricultural purposes as well as soil and water conservation measures. Modeling the identification of the appropriate pond’s location therefore becomes crucial. This study employs a Geo Information System (GIS) based multi-criteria analysis (MCA) approach and satellite rainfall data, Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP) to determine the suitable locations for the ponds in a semi-arid area of Indonesia, Liliba watershed, Timor. The criteria for determining the location of the reservoir refer to the FAO and Indonesia’s small ponds guideline. The watershed’s biophysical characteristics and the socioeconomic situation were taken into consideration when selecting the site. According our statistical analysis, the correlation coefficient results of satellite daily precipitation were weak and moderate, but the results were strong and extremely strong for longer time scales (monthly). Our analysis shows that about 13% of the entire stream system is not suitable for ponds, whereas areas that are both good suitability and excellent suitability for ponds make up 24% and 3% of the total stream system. 61% of the locations are partially suited. The results are then verified against simple field observations. Our analysis suggests that there are 13 locations suitable for pond construction. The combination of geospatial data, GIS, a multi-criteria analysis, and a field survey proved effective for the RWH site selection in a semi-arid region with limited data, especially on the first and second order streams.

PMID:37285375 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0286061

PLoS One. 2023 Jun 7;18(6):e0286811. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286811. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

Success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) remains influenced by race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Here, we focus on the impact of gender on question-asking behavior during the 2021 JOBIM virtual conference (Journées Ouvertes en Biologie et Mathématiques). We gathered quantitative and qualitative data including : demographic information, question asking motivations, live observations and interviews of participants. Quantitative analyses include unprecedented figures such as the fraction of the audience identifying as LGBTQIA+ and an increased attendance of women in virtual conferences. Although parity was reached in the audience, women asked half as many questions as men. This under-representation persisted after accounting for seniority of the asker. Interviews of participants highlighted several barriers to oral expression encountered by women and gender minorities : negative reactions to their speech, discouragement to pursue a career in research, and gender discrimination/sexual harassment. Informed by the study, guidelines for conference organizers have been written. The story behind the making of this study has been highlighted in a Nature Career article.

PMID:37285372 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0286811

PLOS Digit Health. 2023 Jun 7;2(6):e0000260. doi: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000260. eCollection 2023 Jun.

ABSTRACT

The burden of HIV and related diseases have been areas of great concern pre and post the emergence of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe. Machine learning models have been used to predict the risk of diseases, including HIV accurately. Therefore, this paper aimed to determine common risk factors of HIV positivity in Zimbabwe between the decade 2005 to 2015. The data were from three two staged population five-yearly surveys conducted between 2005 and 2015. The outcome variable was HIV status. The prediction model was fit by adopting 80% of the data for learning/training and 20% for testing/prediction. Resampling was done using the stratified 5-fold cross-validation procedure repeatedly. Feature selection was done using Lasso regression, and the best combination of selected features was determined using Sequential Forward Floating Selection. We compared six algorithms in both sexes based on the F1 score, which is the harmonic mean of precision and recall. The overall HIV prevalence for the combined dataset was 22.5% and 15.3% for females and males, respectively. The best-performing algorithm to identify individuals with a higher likelihood of HIV infection was XGBoost, with a high F1 score of 91.4% for males and 90.1% for females based on the combined surveys. The results from the prediction model identified six common features associated with HIV, with total number of lifetime sexual partners and cohabitation duration being the most influential variables for females and males, respectively. In addition to other risk reduction techniques, machine learning may aid in identifying those who might require Pre-exposure prophylaxis, particularly women who experience intimate partner violence. Furthermore, compared to traditional statistical approaches, machine learning uncovered patterns in predicting HIV infection with comparatively reduced uncertainty and, therefore, crucial for effective decision-making.

PMID:37285368 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pdig.0000260