Category: Statistics

Dermatology. 2022 Feb 15:1-9. doi: 10.1159/000522009. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) is a key endpoint in psoriasis management. Petto et al. [Pharm Stat. 2019;18(1):4-21] developed a statistical method to estimate the proportion of patients reaching absolute PASI response given baseline PASI score and proportion of patients achieving relative improvements at predefined time points.

OBJECTIVES: To test this method on clinical data from two phase 3 tildrakizumab trials (reSURFACE 1/2) comparing estimated absolute PASI ≤1/≤2/≤3/≤5 responses with reference responses from clinical databases.

METHODS: Reference PASI responses of ≤1/≤2/≤3/≤5 were extracted from clinical databases. Estimation of absolute PASI ≤1/≤2/≤3/≤5 response rates at week (W) 12 and W28 by treatment and trial were performed. Differences between estimated and reference responses were analysed. Bland-Atman limits of agreement and Passing-Bablok regression to assess variations between estimated and reference responses were performed.

RESULTS: Differences between estimated and reference absolute PASI ≤1/≤2/≤3/≤5 responses at W12 and W28 by treatment and trial were of little clinical relevance with an overall mean difference in PASI response proportion of -2.2% (e.g., for the tildrakizumab 100-mg arm, original proportions of patients achieving PASI of ≤1/≤2/≤3/≤5 at W28 were 38.5%/52.2%/63.5%/73.9% and 39.8%/54.8%/63.6%/76.9% [reSURFACE 1 and 2, respectively] vs. estimated proportions of 33.2%/49.8%/62.5%/78.3% and 34.3%/51.6%/64.5%/79.9%). Limits of agreement were -7.1% to 1.4% at W12 and -6.8% to 4.3% at W28. Scatterplots revealed linearity that stood the cusum test in Passing-Bablok regression with slope 1.14 (95% confidence intervals: 1.06 to 1.20).

CONCLUSION: Good estimates of absolute PASI response rates were achieved with the application of the statistical method to tildrakizumab data reported in the phase 3 studies, in particular in the verum study arms. Our data support the method provided by Petto et al. [2019] to estimate proportions of psoriasis patients reaching absolute PASI value thresholds using relative PASI improvements.

PMID:35168231 | DOI:10.1159/000522009

Comput Biol Chem. 2022 Feb 10;97:107640. doi: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107640. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the abundant post-transcription modification in cellular RNA. It regulates different biological processes, such as, protein synthesis, X-chromosome inactivation, cell stability, cell-reprogramming and miRNA regulation etc. Most recently, various studies claimed that mutations in m6A sites are linked with various diseases, such as, brain-tumor, heart attack, obesity and cancer. The correct identification of m6A sites is essential to overcome these diseases. However, the state-of-the-art predictors face many challenges for precise detection of m6A sites. Even for model organisms, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the detection of m6A sites is difficult due to complex patterns surrounding the m6A sites. These patterns are not widely understood and lead to non-discriminative features for detecting m6A sites. To overcome this problem, we propose a novel predictor called m6A-Finder that creates features based on global and local sequence order. The global sequence order is captured by physical properties based features, while the local sequence order is captured by the statistical features. The fusion of these features results in high dimensional vector which lead to over-fitting, to solve this problem, we use mRMR algorithm to remove redundant features. The proposed technique is evaluated on the most widely used Saccharomyces cerevisiae species dataset. Overall, the m6A-Finder achieved an accuracy of 82.02%, the sensitivity of 82.10%, specificity of 81.94% and a Matthew correlation coefficient value of +0.64.

PMID:35168159 | DOI:10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107640

J Environ Manage. 2022 Feb 12;309:114713. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114713. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The decarbonization and the transition pathways from fossil fuels to green energy technologies in the era of global climatic change, poses great challenges. An effective management tool of all parameters related to a just transition plan could minimize the effects on local communities and maximize the long-term benefits creating conditions for the enhancement of regional sustainable development. For this reason, this paper develops a conceptual model for the evaluation of crucial aspects related to decarbonization projects, through a questionnaire to survey a sample of locals from a coal dependent region. A methodology based on the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to investigate a set of ten hypotheses which describe possible relationships between the aspects of the conceptual model. Although, respondents agree with the need for a change in the current fossil fuel resource management system, they do not regard that the decarbonization will have a positive effect on the sustainability of the coal-dependent region. Also, respondents who support such changes they do not believe that the climate change has serious impacts on humanity and natural ecosystems. In general, the outcomes of the analysis highlight that a just coal transition is not an easy process and it might cause disruptions to the societies. A just transition plan should be a result of effective public dialogue with the active participation of all stakeholder groups, which will be directly or indirectly affected by the major changes of decarbonization.

PMID:35168131 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114713

Acta Psychol (Amst). 2022 Feb 12;224:103530. doi: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103530. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aesthetics and evaluation of objects is becoming increasingly important in contemporary society. Although there have been many studies on processes related to computational aesthetic, a clear formalisation and visualization of the aesthetic field is still lacking. In this paper, we present a set of Machine Learning techniques and mathematical methods to extract the most important features related to aesthetical evaluation, thus making this process automatic, without the human intervention. The techniques are then applied to a sample of 83 images of triangles, produced by artists. The results of the empirical method provide a series of measurements that allow the extrapolation of mathematical aesthetic characteristics of the images and their location in the aesthetic space.

PMID:35168145 | DOI:10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103530

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022 Feb 9;59:103683. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103683. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Regular upper limb evaluation in persons with multiple sclerosis to detect early alterations and to monitor possible deterioration, both in gross and fine motor dexterity, is important for optimal levels of participation in life activities across the life span. The purpose of the present study was to inquire upon alterations in bilateral gross and fine manual dexterity, measured with the Box and Block test (BBT) and the Nine Hole Peg test (NHPT), in persons with MS (PwMS) across a wide range of disability levels and across MS types.

METHODS: This is a secondary cross-sectional analysis of BBT and NHPT administered to 215 PwMS at all disability levels and three MS phenotypes, relapsing-remitting, primary progressive and secondary progressive (RRMS, PPMS, SPMS). To inquire on the prevalence of alterations in upper limb gross and fine dexterity, PwMS test scores were compared to normative healthy subjects’ values, Abnormal values were defined as scores equal or exceeding 2 standard deviations from the normative values for NHPT and the BBT. The data of both arms was analyzed by disability level and by the type of MS. For characterization and comparisons based on disability level, the sample was divided in four groups according to the EDSS score: 0-3.5 were categorized as Mild (EDSS-Mi), EDSS>3.5 to 5.5 were categorized as Moderate (EDSS-Mo), EDSS>5.5 to 6.5 were categorized as Severe (EDSS-Se), and disability levels of 7 and beyond were categorized as Severe-non-ambulant (EDSS-SeN). Finally, correlations between UL dexterity measures bilaterally were carried out.

RESULTS: Mean (SD) age of the sample was 54.07 (±12.81) years, with a mean (SD) disease duration of 18.91 (±10.95) years and a median EDSS (IQR) of 6.5 (5.5/7). Fifty-three% had RRMS, 19% PPMS and 28% SPMS. Almost the whole sample (96.2%) showed abnormal scores on the BBT; 91.5% had abnormal bilateral scores. Abnormal scores were present on the NHPT in 85.4% of the whole sample, with 68.9% having bilateral abnormal scores. With increase in disability levels the mean number of blocks moved was reduced and time taken to finish the NHPT was increased. The BBT and the NHPT in each arm were highly correlated over all disability levels, with correlation ranging from 0.74 to 0.86. Overall, right and left arm had statistical differences in median scores on the NHPT peg/sec (p = 0.004) but similar scores on the BBT (p = 0.57). Abnormal bilateral scores were recorded in 85% of PwRR, in 96% of PwSP and 100% of PwPP for the BBT and in about 56% of PwRR, increasing up to 80 and 85% in PwPP and PwSP for the NHPT. Progressive forms of MS presented statistically different values on the BBT (p<0.001) and the NHPT (p<0.001) with respect to the RRMS type.

CONCLUSION: We found that both fine and gross manual dexterity were altered with respect to normative values in most persons with MS, but abnormalities in gross manual dexterity were more prevalent and pronounced earlier in the disease course. Similarly, with regard to MS types, bilateral alterations in gross manual dexterity were more prevalent than were fine manual dexterity in all three phenotypes considered.

PMID:35168094 | DOI:10.1016/j.msard.2022.103683

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2022 Feb 10;212:114658. doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114658. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The fatty acid composition is a parameter that determines the quality and origin of vegetable oils. The standard method used in the analysis of fatty acid composition is gas chromatography (GC). In the last 20 years, however, the ¹H NMR method has become more important in the analysis of fatty acids. Thanks to no need of special sample preparation, the high speed of analysis and the possibility to automate the process of analysis, ¹H NMR is becoming a popular method of testing vegetable oils. It is possible to test oils both qualitatively and quantitatively, taking into account both the fatty acid profile and the level of minor components. In combination with statistical and chemometric methods, the analysis of ¹H NMR spectra allows one to obtain much valuable information about the tested oil, considering its composition, quality, the presence of impurities, or the origin. The paper presents an overview of publications focusing on the application of the ¹H NMR method in the profiling of fatty acids in vegetable oils.

PMID:35168124 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114658

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2022 Feb 4;272:120980. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.120980. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Using the proper size of nanoparticles as an active substrate, Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can provide a reliable technique for detecting and identifying fungi, including Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium verticilliodes, and Aspergillus parasiticus that have been associated to biodeterioration and biodegradation of cultural heritage materials. In this research spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of average size of 10, 30 and 60 nm were synthesized using the wet chemical method with good yield and their size and shape distributions were examined using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The protocol for fungi sample preparation proved to be critical for producing high-quality and reproducible SERS spectra. We found that the effect of AgNPs on SERS signal enhancement is size dependent under the same experimental conditions; the SERS intensity of fungal strains using 60 nm achieved up to 2.3×10⁵ enhancement, about twice as intense as those produced with 30 nm, and 10 nm produced a minor broad weak peak barely discernible around 1400 cm^-1, similar to the NR spectra profile in the 550-1700 cm^-1 spectral region, and the SERS signals using 60 nm showed high reproducibility, with less than 20% variance. Furthermore, we used principal component analysis (PCA) to statistically classify the SERS spectrum into four separate clusters with 99 percent variability so that the four fungal strains could be clearly detected and identified. The SERS technique, in combination with the PCA developed in this study, provides a simple, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective analytical tool for detecting and identifying filamentous fungal strains.

PMID:35168033 | DOI:10.1016/j.saa.2022.120980

J Contam Hydrol. 2022 Feb 2;246:103963. doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2022.103963. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The excessive application of agricultural irrigation water and chemical fertilizer has increased crop yields to help meet the demand for food, but it has also led to major water environment problem, i.e. non-point source (NPS) pollution, which needs to be addressed to achieve sustainable development targets. Although numerous studies have focused on the control and reduction of agricultural NPS pollution from the perspective of irrigation and fertilizer, the effects of different cropping systems on NPS pollution (ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N)) in the Dongjiang River Basin (DRB) were seldom assessed. Specifically, variation in the NH₃-N load was simulated and analyzed at the annual and semi-annual scales under ten different cropping systems using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model, which was calibrated and validated with satisfactory statistical index values in the DRB. The results indicated that the NH₃-N load decreased, distinctly increased, slightly decreased when sweet potato, peanut, and rice were planted, respectively. Compared with mono-cropping, crop rotation could reduce the NH₃-N load, and the planting sequence of crops could affect the NH₃-N load to a certain extent. Planting peanuts in spring would dramatically increase NH₃-N load. To evaluate NH₃-N pollution, a critical threshold of NH₃-N emission (5.1 kg·ha^-1·year^-1) was proposed. Meeting the NH₃-N emission threshold cannot be achieved by altering the cropping system alone; additional measures are needed to reduce agricultural NPS pollution. This study facilitates the development of cropping systems and provides relevant information to aid the sustainable development of agriculture in the DRB.

PMID:35168031 | DOI:10.1016/j.jconhyd.2022.103963

Phytomedicine. 2022 Jan 26;99:153955. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153955. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Equisetum arvense L. (EA) is a traditional phytomedicine used as a diuretic agent worldwide and regulated strictly by European Medicine Agency (EMA) and Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). However, few studies evaluating its efficacy and safety have been published and no clinical trial assessing its antihypertensive effect has been reported to date.

PURPOSE: To assess antihypertensive effect, safety and tolerability of EA compared to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

METHODS: This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial, allocating 58 systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) stage I patients (both sexes, 25-65 years old) into two groups (EA and HCTZ). All patients underwent biochemical and cardiologic checkup prior to and during interventions. The EA standardized dry extract (900 mg/day) or HCTZ (25 mg/day) were administered for 3 months and follow-up visits were conducted every 30 days. Efficacy established goals were systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreases ≥ 10.0 mmHg and/or casual blood pressure (CBP) < 140/90 mmHg.

RESULTS: EA treatment demonstrated a significant antihypertensive effect, promoting a mean decrease of SBP and DBP by 12.6 and 8.1 mmHg, respectively, and resulting a CBP mean of 134.0/84.5 mmHg at the end of intervention on the SAH stage I patients (CBP mean of 148.5/95.7 mmHg). There were no significant statistical differences between EA and HCTZ interventions on blood pressure decrease, and before-after treatments regarding to biochemical tests and signs of acute toxicity, renal, hepatic and hematologic alterations. A slight trend but no significant difference were observed between adverse events from EA (3.58%) and HCTZ (4.68%) groups.

CONCLUSION: EA standardized dry extract was successfully applied to the SAH stage I patient treatment, decreasing effectively SBP ad DBP values to the reference normal ranges, and demonstrating a well-tolerability profile similar to HCTZ intervention.

PMID:35168030 | DOI:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153955

J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2022 Feb 8;71:126944. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126944. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The dynamics of essential metals such as Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) may be associated with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has spread across the globe.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum levels of Cu and Zn, as well as the Cu:Zn ratio in the acute phase of COVID-19 along with the assessment of their connection to other laboratory parameters (hematological, biochemical, hemostatic).

METHODS: Serum levels of Cu and Zn were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in 75 patients in the acute COVID-19 phase and were compared with those of 22 COVID-19 patients evaluated three months after the acute phase of the disease (‘non-acute’ group) and with those of 68 healthy individuals.

RESULTS: In comparison with both the non-acute patients and the healthy controls, the acute patients had lower levels of hemoglobulin and albumin, and higher levels of glucose, creatinine, liver transaminases, C-reactive protein (CRP), and higher values of the neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) at the hospital admission. They also exhibited increased levels of Cu and decreased of Zn, well represented by the Cu:Zn ratio which was higher in the acute patients than in both non-acute patients (p = 0.001) and healthy controls (p < 0.001), with no statistical difference between the last two groups. The Cu:Zn ratio (log scale) positively correlated with CRP (log scale; r = 0.581, p < 0.001) and NLR (r = 0.436, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION: Current results demonstrate that abnormal dynamics of Cu and Zn levels in serum occur early during the course of COVID-19 disease, and are mainly associated with the inflammation response.

PMID:35168023 | DOI:10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126944