Category: Statistics

Int Urol Nephrol. 2022 Aug 24. doi: 10.1007/s11255-022-03342-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Detrusor pressure-volume relationship evaluation by urodynamics provides useful clinical information; however, it is invasive, and requires specific installations. An alternative technique proposed by our research group is the electrical bioimpedance (BI) which is an easily performed and non-invasive method. In this work, we assess the relationship between BI and detrusor bladder pressure in adults with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted. 20 patients (11 females and 9 male) previously diagnosed with neurogenic bladder were included. All participants underwent simultaneously a urodynamic evaluation (UDS) and BI determination, and both examination signals were recorded and subjected to Shapiro-Wilks statistical test. A correlational statistical test was used to compare the pressure parameters (detrusor, vesical and abdominal) with their respective BI determinations. Subsequently, a linear regression test was performed to evaluate the concordance between BI and their respective pressure values.

RESULTS: From the 20 correlations, between detrusor bladder pressure (PDET) and abdominal bioimpedance determinations (ZABD), obtained for all participants, 16 evidenced significant results over 90% (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: A significantly high correlation between abdominal bioimpedance determinations and the detrusor bladder pressures was evidenced. These results should be confirmed in a larger group of participants.

PMID:36001269 | DOI:10.1007/s11255-022-03342-x

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Aug 24. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-22649-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Environmental geological disasters pose a significant threat to human life, property and environmental safety. It is necessary to conduct targeted governance in key prevention and control areas based on reasonable susceptibility assessment. Using the debris flow disaster in Xiuyan County as an example, this study compares and analyzes prone prediction models such as the frequency ratio (FR), decision tree (DT) and random forest (FR) models and evaluates the cost of prevention and control and the protection of life and property. The research results show that the FR, DT and RF models have good performance. The ROC test, disaster point density statistics and cross-validation results show that the RF model has the best performance. The study area was mainly less and mildly prone areas. The highly prone areas are mainly distributed in the northeast and southwest of the study area. It is the key area of disaster prevention and control. Elevation, rainfall intensity and population density have the largest influence on the susceptibility to debris flows. Based on the RF model, the disaster points in the highly prone areas account for 54% of the disaster points of the whole area, and the project treatment cost of the disaster points is 0.78 million yuan per single gully, which protects 56% of the lives and property in the study area, which is better than the DT and FR models. The RF model not only has good prediction performance in terms of susceptibility. It can realize the targeted management of disasters, achieve the targeted investment of governance costs and the effective protection of life and property and serve the sustainable development of the regional environment and economy with greater value.

PMID:36001261 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-22649-x

Cerebellum. 2022 Aug 24. doi: 10.1007/s12311-022-01462-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Progressive ataxias frequently lead to speech disorders and consequently impact on communication participation and psychosocial wellbeing. Whilst recent studies demonstrate the potential for improvements in these areas, these treatments generally require intensive input which can reduce acceptability of the approach. A new model of care-ClearSpeechTogether-is proposed which maximises treatment intensity whilst minimising demands on clinician. This study aimed to establish feasibility and accessibility of this approach and at the same time determine the potential benefits and adverse effects on people with progressive ataxias.

METHOD: This feasibility study targeted people with progressive ataxia and mild-moderate speech and gross motor impairment. ClearSpeechTogether consisted of four individual sessions over 2 weeks followed by 20 patient-led group sessions over 4 weeks. All sessions were provided online. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected for evaluation.

RESULTS: Nine participants completed treatment. Feasibility and acceptability were high and no adverse effects were reported. Statistical tests found significantly reduced vocal strain, improved reading intelligibility and increased participation and confidence. Participant interviews highlighted the value of group support internalisation of speech strategies and psycho-social wellbeing.

DISCUSSION: ClearSpeechTogether presented a feasible, acceptable intervention for a small cohort of people with progressive ataxia. It matched or exceeded the outcomes previously reported following individual therapy. Particularly notable was the fact that this could be achieved through patient led practice without the presence of a clinician. Pending confirmation of our results by larger, controlled trials, ClearSpeechTogether could represent an effective approach to manage speech problems in ataxia.

PMID:36001243 | DOI:10.1007/s12311-022-01462-9

Neuroinformatics. 2022 Aug 24. doi: 10.1007/s12021-022-09599-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Identification of informative signatures from electrophysiological signals is important for understanding brain developmental patterns, where techniques such as magnetoencephalography (MEG) are particularly useful. However, less attention has been given to fully utilizing the multidimensional nature of MEG data for extracting components that describe these patterns. Tensor factorizations of MEG yield components that encapsulate the data’s multidimensional nature, providing parsimonious models identifying latent brain patterns for meaningful summarization of neural processes. To address the need for meaningful MEG signatures for studies of pediatric cohorts, we propose a tensor-based approach for extracting developmental signatures of multi-subject MEG data. We employ the canonical polyadic (CP) decomposition for estimating latent spatiotemporal components of the data, and use these components for group level statistical inference. Using CP decomposition along with hierarchical clustering, we were able to extract typical early and late latency event-related field (ERF) components that were discriminative of high and low performance groups ([Formula: see text]) and significantly correlated with major cognitive domains such as attention, episodic memory, executive function, and language comprehension. We demonstrate that tensor-based group level statistical inference of MEG can produce signatures descriptive of the multidimensional MEG data. Furthermore, these features can be used to study group differences in brain patterns and cognitive function of healthy children. We provide an effective tool that may be useful for assessing child developmental status and brain function directly from electrophysiological measurements and facilitate the prospective assessment of cognitive processes.

PMID:36001238 | DOI:10.1007/s12021-022-09599-y

Vasc Med. 2022 Aug 24:1358863X221117608. doi: 10.1177/1358863X221117608. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate changes in the arterial spectral Doppler waveform in a canine artery stenosis model.

METHODS: Canine femoral artery stenosis models were established in 12 beagle dogs. Doppler waveforms were recorded in the femoral artery preoperatively and postoperatively in the femoral artery and at the ankle after formation of a 50%, 70%, and 90% stenosis or occlusion. Major descriptors for arterial Doppler waveform were used to analyse waveforms.

RESULTS: The proportion of multiphasic waveforms proximal to a moderate stenosis decreased compared to normal baseline, although the difference was not statistically significant, whereas the decreases at the stenosis, distal to the stenosis, and at the ankle were significant (p < 0.05). The decreases in arteries with a more severe stenosis or occlusion were significant at all locations (p < 0.05). The proportion of high resistive waveforms decreased significantly at the ankle in the arteries with a moderate stenosis (50%) (p = 0.002), but the decreases proximal to, at, and distal to the stenosis were not significant. The decreases were significant at all locations in the arteries with a more severe stenosis (p < 0.05). The decrease was significant at the ankle in the arteries with an occlusion (p < 0.001) but not significant pre, at, and post an occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS: Phasicity and resistance of Doppler waveforms alter in canine femoral arteries with a stenosis. Phasicity change seems more sensitive in response to an arterial stenosis than resistance change. Additional information on arterial resistance could be obtained using end-diastolic ratios, resistive indices, and potentially end-systolic notch velocity measurements.

PMID:36000474 | DOI:10.1177/1358863X221117608

J Am Heart Assoc. 2022 Aug 24:e025864. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.122.025864. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background The systemic inflammation that occurs after exposure to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), which is especially severe in neonatal patients, is associated with poorer outcomes and is not well understood. In order to gain deeper insight into how exposure to bypass activates inflammatory responses in circulating leukocytes, we studied changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression during and after exposure to bypass. miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that have important roles in modulating protein levels and function of cells. Methods and Results We performed miRNA-sequencing on leukocytes isolated from neonatal patients with CPB (n=5) at 7 time points during the process of CPB, including before the initiation of bypass, during bypass, and at 3 time points during the first 24 hours after weaning from bypass. We identified significant differentially expressed miRNAs using generalized linear regression models, and miRNAs were defined as statistically significant using a false discovery rate-adjusted P<0.05. We identified gene targets of these miRNAs using the TargetScan database and identified significantly enriched biological pathways for these gene targets. We identified 54 miRNAs with differential expression during and after CPB. These miRNAs clustered into 3 groups, including miRNAs that were increased during and after CPB (3 miRNAs), miRNAs that decreased during and after CPB (10 miRNAs), and miRNAs that decreased during CPB but then increased 8 to 24 hours after CPB. A total of 38.9% of the target genes of these miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in our previous study. miRNAs with altered expression levels are predicted to significantly modulate pathways related to inflammation and signal transduction. Conclusions The unbiased profiling of the miRNA changes that occur in the circulating leukocytes of patients with bypass provides deeper insight into the mechanisms that underpin the systemic inflammatory response that occurs in patients after exposure to CPB. These data will help the development of novel treatments and biomarkers for bypass-associated inflammation.

PMID:36000433 | DOI:10.1161/JAHA.122.025864

Bone Jt Open. 2022 Aug;3(8):656-665. doi: 10.1302/2633-1462.38.BJO-2021-0214.R1.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The mid-term results of kinematic alignment (KA) for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using image derived instrumentation (IDI) have not been reported in detail, and questions remain regarding ligamentous stability and revisions. This paper aims to address the following: 1) what is the distribution of alignment of KA TKAs using IDI; 2) is a TKA alignment category associated with increased risk of failure or poor patient outcomes; 3) does extending limb alignment lead to changes in soft-tissue laxity; and 4) what is the five-year survivorship and outcomes of KA TKA using IDI?

METHODS: A prospective, multicentre, trial enrolled 100 patients undergoing KA TKA using IDI, with follow-up to five years. Alignment measures were conducted pre- and postoperatively to assess constitutional alignment and final implant position. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of pain and function were also included. The Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Arthroplasty Registry was used to assess survivorship.

RESULTS: The postoperative HKA distribution varied from 9° varus to 11° valgus. All PROMs showed statistical improvements at one year (p < 0.001), with further improvements at five years for Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score symptoms (p = 0.041) and Forgotten Joint Score (p = 0.011). Correlation analysis showed no difference (p = 0.610) between the hip-knee-ankle and joint line congruence angle at one and five years. Sub-group analysis showed no difference in PROMs for patients placed within 3° of neutral compared to those placed > 3°. There were no revisions for tibial loosening; however, there were reports of a higher incidence of poor patella tracking and patellofemoral stiffness.

CONCLUSION: PROMs were not impacted by postoperative alignment category. Ligamentous stability was maintained at five years with joint line obliquity. There were no revisions for tibial loosening despite a significant portion of tibiae placed in varus; however, KA executed with IDI resulted in a higher than anticipated rate of patella complications.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(8):656-665.

PMID:36000465 | DOI:10.1302/2633-1462.38.BJO-2021-0214.R1

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2022 Aug 23;102(31):2458-2464. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20220109-00060.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of cryoablation(CYA) and radiofrequency ablation(RFA) for stageⅠnon-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Methods: From January 2014 to January 2019, 90 eligible patients [48 males, 42 females, age: 39-85(63.6±10.1)years] in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University met the inclusion criteria were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into 2 groups according to different treatment methods(group CYA and group RFA). The duration of operation, intraoperative pain, local tumor progression rate and the incidence of complications were compared. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the 2 groups were estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves, and were compared by using log-rank test. Results: The clinical data and tumor situation of the patients between two groups did not show significant differences. The mean duration of operation for group CYA was longer than that for group RFA [(73.5±17.2)min vs (51.4±18.7)min, P<0.001];the mean intraoperative visual analogue score(VAS)for group CYA was lower than that for group RFA (0.53±0.89 vs 3.44±2.44, P<0.001). The median follow-up period time were 53 months and 52 months for group CYA and RFA. At the end of the study, The local tumor progression rate was 31.6%(12/38) and 25.0%(13/52) for group CYA and group RFA, the difference were not statistically(P=0.491). There was no statistical difference for progress-free survival(PFS)between group CYA and group RFA[51(95%CI:40.3-55.0)months)vs 44(95%CI:37.2-54.1) months, P=0.649]. The median OS was not reached in both groups. The most common complications observed in the two groups were pneumothorax, hemorrhage and pleural effusion. There was no statistical difference in the incidence rates [42.1%(16/38) for group CYA vs 28.8% (15/52)for group RFA, P=0.191]. The incidence rate of pleural effusion for group CYA was higher than that for group RFA [26.3%(10/38)vs 5.8%(3/52), P=0.006]. The incidence rates of pneumothorax and hemorrhage had no statistical difference between the two groups [13.3%(5/38)vs 13.5% (7/52) and 15.8%(6/38) vs 9.6% (5/52), all P>0.05]. Conclusion: Compared with RFA,CYA shows no significant differences in the same efficacy and safety for treating patients with stage Ⅰ NSCLC, with less intraoperative pain but longer operative duration.

PMID:36000376 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20220109-00060

Cardiol Young. 2022 Aug 24:1-8. doi: 10.1017/S104795112200261X. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine potentially modifiable risk factors for a complicated Glenn procedure (cGP) and whether a cGP predicted adverse neurodevelopmental and functional outcomes. A cGP was defined as post-operative death, heart transplant, extracorporeal life support, Glenn takedown, or prolonged ventilation.

METHODS: All 169 patients having a Glenn procedure from 2012 to 2017 were included. Neurodevelopmental assessments were performed at age 2 years in consenting survivors (n = 156/159 survivors). The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-3^rd Edition (Bayley-III) and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-2^nd Edition (ABAS-II) were administered. Adaptive functional outcomes were determined by the General Adaptive Composite (GAC) score from the ABAS-II. Predictors of outcomes were determined using univariate and multiple variable linear or Cox regressions.

RESULTS: Of patients who had a Glenn procedure, 10/169 (6%) died by 2 years of age and 27/169 (16%) had a cGP. Variables statistically significantly associated with a cGP were the inotrope score on post-operative day 1 (HR 1.04, 95%CI 1.01, 1.06; p = 0.010) and use of inhaled nitric oxide post-operatively (HR 7.31, 95%CI 3.19, 16.76; p < 0.001). A cGP was independently statistically significantly associated with adverse Bayley-III Cognitive (ES -10.60, 95%CI -17.09, -4.11; p = 0.002) and Language (ES -11.43, 95%CI -19.25, -3.60; p = 0.004) scores and adverse GAC score (ES -14.89, 95%CI -22.86, -6.92; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Higher inotrope score and inhaled nitric oxide used post-operatively were associated with a cGP. A cGP was independently associated with adverse 2-year neurodevelopmental and functional outcomes. Whether early recognition and intervention for risk of a cGP can prevent adverse outcomes warrants study.

PMID:36000320 | DOI:10.1017/S104795112200261X

J Phys Chem A. 2022 Aug 24. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpca.2c01309. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The relative abundances of singly deuterated methanol isotopologues, [CH₂DOH]/[CH₃OD], in star-forming regions deviate from the statistically expected ratio of 3. In Orion KL, the nearest high-mass star-forming region to Earth, the singly deuterated methanol ratio is about 1, and the cause for this observation has been explored through theory for nearly three decades. We present high-angular resolution observations of Orion KL using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array to map small-scale changes in CH₃OD column density across the nebula, which provide a new avenue to examine the deuterium chemistry during star and planet formation. By considering how CH₃OD column densities vary with temperature, we find evidence of chemical processes that can significantly alter the observed gas-phase column densities. The astronomical data are compared with existing theoretical work and support D-H exchange between CH₃OH and heavy water (i.e., HDO and D₂O) at methanol’s hydroxyl site in the icy mantles of dust grains. The enhanced CH₃OD column densities are localized to the Hot Core-SW region, a pattern that may be linked to the coupled evolution of ice mantle chemistry and star formation in giant molecular clouds. This work provides new perspectives on deuterated methanol chemistry in Orion KL and informs considerations that may guide future theoretical, experimental, and observational work.

PMID:36000316 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jpca.2c01309