Category: Statistics

J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2021 Dec 24. doi: 10.1002/acm2.13509. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study compared sensitivity encoding (SENSE) and compressed sensing sensitivity encoding (CS-SENSE) for phase oversampling distance and assessed its impact on image quality and image acquisition time. The experiment was performed with a large diameter phantom using 16-channel anterior body coils. All imaging data were divided into three groups according to the parallel imaging technique and oversampling distances: groups A (SENSE with phase oversampling distance of 150 mm), B (CS-SENSE with phase oversampling distance of 100 mm), and C (CS-SENSE with phase oversampling distance of 75 mm). No statistically significant differences were observed among groups A, B, and C regarding both T2 and T1 turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequences using an acceleration factor (AF) of 2 (p = 0.301 and 0.289, respectively). In comparison with AF 2 of group A, the scan time of AF 2 of groups B and C was reduced by 11.2% and 23.5% (T2 TSE) and 15.8% and 22.7% (T1 TSE), respectively, while providing comparable image quality. Significant image noise and aliasing artifact were more evident at AF ≥ 2 in group A compared with groups B and C. CS-SENSE with a less phase oversampling distance can reduce image acquisition time without image quality degradation compared with that of SENSE, despite the increase in aliasing artifact as the AF increased in both CS-SENSE and SENSE.

PMID:34953027 | DOI:10.1002/acm2.13509

J Cell Mol Med. 2021 Dec 24. doi: 10.1111/jcmm.17120. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The overall survival of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients remains poor. To improve patient outcomes, effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for GBM are needed. In this study, we first applied bioinformatic analyses to identify biomarkers for GBM, focusing on SOX (sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY)-related high mobility group (HMG) box) B1 family members. The ONCOMINE, GEPIA, LinkedOmics and CCLE databases were used to assess mRNA expression levels of the SOX B1 family members in different cancers and normal tissue. Further bioinformatic analysis was performed using the ONCOMINE database in combination with the LinkedOmics data set to identify the prognostic value of SOX B1 family members for GBM. We found mRNA expression levels of all tested SOX B1 genes were significantly increased in GBM. In the LinkedOmics database, increased expression of SOX3 indicated a better overall survival. In GEPIA databases, increased expression of all SOX B1 family members suggested an improved overall survival, but none of them were statistically different. Then, Transwell assays and wound healing were employed to evaluate the motility and invasive captivity of U251 cells when silencing SOX2 and SOX3. We found exogenous inhibition of SOX2 appeared to reduce the migration and invasion of U251 cells in vitro. Collectively, our research suggested that SOX2 might serve as a cancer-promoting gene to identify high-risk GBM patients, and SOX3 had the potential to be a prognostic biomarker for GBM patients.

PMID:34953010 | DOI:10.1111/jcmm.17120

Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2021 Dec 24. doi: 10.1002/ieam.4571. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Clean Water Act requires states to develop methods for assessing water quality. Assessment methods serve as decision-making procedures for including waterbodies on the Section 303(d) List of Impaired Waters. We used 17 years of ambient water quality data to explore statistical analyses for assessment methods that are representative of New York’s waterbodies. Power analyses were performed to determine how many samples are needed to evaluate exceedances of water quality criteria using one sample t-tests in lakes and flowing waters. Results suggest 6 samples for lakes and 8 samples for flowing waters are needed to obtain at least 80% power, which is less samples than most other types of statistical assessment methodologies. This lower number was possible because the power analysis was applied to the actual variability found in monitoring data to calculate the effect size as opposed to more conservative statistical estimates based on random data. Water quality criteria can have different analysis requirements such as single samples or means above the threshold, so we compared how many impairments would occur in the dataset if the 6 or 8 samples were assessed as two single exceedances or a mean above the water quality criteria. Because the power analysis gives no indication of the time frame of when samples should be collected, the inter and intra-annual variability of the data was assessed to determine whether sampling over a growing season in one year or sampling over multiple years is more representative of the water quality status. Results showed that data collected over the growing season captured more variability in water quality data than data collected over multiple years in both waterbody types. With the prevalence of regulatory agencies having large, historical datasets rising, it would be possible for other agencies to apply these types of analyses to their assessment methodologies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:34953017 | DOI:10.1002/ieam.4571

Hum Brain Mapp. 2021 Dec 24. doi: 10.1002/hbm.25758. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Understanding how brain activity translates into behavior is a grand challenge in neuroscientific research. Simultaneous computational modeling of both measures offers to address this question. The extension of the dynamic causal modeling (DCM) framework for blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses to behavior (bDCM) constitutes such a modeling approach. However, only very few studies have employed and evaluated bDCM, and its application has been restricted to binary behavioral responses, limiting more general statements about its validity. This study used bDCM to model reaction times in a spatial attention task, which involved two separate runs with either horizontal or vertical stimulus configurations. We recorded fMRI data and reaction times (n= 26) and compared bDCM with classical DCM and a behavioral Rescorla-Wagner model using Bayesian model selection and goodness of fit statistics. Results indicate that bDCM performed equally well as classical DCM when modeling BOLD responses and as good as the Rescorla-Wagner model when modeling reaction times. Although our data revealed practical limitations of the current bDCM approach that warrant further investigation, we conclude that bDCM constitutes a promising method for investigating the link between brain activity and behavior.

PMID:34953009 | DOI:10.1002/hbm.25758

J Vet Intern Med. 2021 Dec 24. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16341. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rabacfosadine (RAB, Tanovea-CA1) is a novel chemotherapy agent conditionally approved for the treatment of lymphoma in dogs.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of RAB in dogs with lymphoma.

ANIMALS: One hundred and fifty-eight client-owned dogs with naïve or relapsed multicentric lymphoma were prospectively enrolled from January to October 2019.

METHODS: Dogs were randomized to receive RAB or placebo at a 3 : 1 ratio. Treatment was given every 21 days for up to 5 treatments. Study endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR) at a given visit, best overall response rate (BORR), and percent progression free 1 month after treatment completion. Safety data were also collected.

RESULTS: The median PFS was significantly longer in the RAB group compared to placebo (82 vs 21 days; P < .0001, HR 6.265 [95% CI 3.947-9.945]). The BORR for RAB-treated dogs was 73.2% (50.9% complete response [CR], 22.3% partial response [PR]) and 5.6% (0% CR, 5.6% PR) for placebo-treated dogs (P < .0001). One month after the last treatment, 37 RAB-treated dogs (33%) were progression free compared with no placebo-treated dogs (P < .0001). The most common adverse events observed in the RAB group were diarrhea (87.5%), decreased appetite (68.3%), and vomiting (68.3%) and were generally low grade and reversible. Serious adverse events were reported in 24 RAB-treated (20%) and 5 placebo-treated dogs (13%).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Rabacfosadine demonstrated statistically significant antitumor efficacy in dogs with lymphoma when administered every 21 days for up to 5 treatments as compared to placebo.

PMID:34952995 | DOI:10.1111/jvim.16341

Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2021 Dec 24:e1903. doi: 10.1002/mpr.1903. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of ADHD, and related comorbidities, mortality, and type of health service use among children and young adults, using different case definitions.

METHODS: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study between 2000 and 2018, using the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System (QICDSS) database. All residents aged less than 25 years eligible for health insurance coverage were included. We compared outcomes of three indicators (morbidity, services use and mortality) according two different algorithms of ADHD definitions, to the general population.

RESULTS: The cumulative prevalence of ADHD has risen steadily over the past decade, reaching 12.6% in 2017-2018. People with ADHD have a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, make greater use of medical, mental health services, and are hospitalized more often. The comparison of prevalence between the two algorithms and the general population for the three indicators showed that the cohort having one claim was very close to that with two or more, and statistically significant higher to that of people without ADHD.

CONCLUSION: This finding support that a single claim algorithm for ADHD can be used for case definition. More research is needed on the impact of potentially effective treatments in improving consequences of ADHD.

PMID:34952999 | DOI:10.1002/mpr.1903

Clin Cardiol. 2021 Dec 24. doi: 10.1002/clc.23760. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: NT Pro-BNP is a blood marker secreted by cardiomyocytes. Myocardial stretch is the main factor to stimulate NT Pro-BNP secretion in cardiomyocytes. NT Pro-BNP is an important risk factor for cardiac dysfunction, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. So does atrial myocyte stretching occur when patients have atrial fibrillation (AF)? Whether atrial muscle stretch induced by AF leads to increased NT Pro-BNP remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between NT Pro-BNP and AF.

HYPOTHESIS: AF can cause changes in myocardial tension. Changes in myocardial tension may lead to increased secretion of NT Pro-BNP. We hypothesize that NT Pro-BNP may increase in AF with or without LAD enlargement.

METHODS: This clinical study is an observational study and has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University. Ethical approval documents is attached. The study retrospectively reviewed 1345 patients with and without AF. After excluding 102 patients who were not eligible, the final total sample size was 1243 cases: AF group 679 patients (378, 55.7% males) and non-AF group 564 patients (287, 50.8% males). NT Pro-BNP was observed in AF group and non-AF group with or without LAD. After adjusting for age, gender, BMI, left atrial diameter, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cerebral infarction, NT Pro-BNP remains statistically significant with AF.

CONCLUSION: NT Pro-BNP can be used as a risk predictor of AF with or without left atrial enlargement.

PMID:34952980 | DOI:10.1002/clc.23760

Sci Rep. 2021 Dec 24;11(1):24412. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-02723-z.

ABSTRACT

Evaluation of appropriate physics parameterization schemes for the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is vital for accurately forecasting tropical cyclones. Three cyclones Nargis, Titli and Fani have been chosen to investigate the combination of five cloud microphysics (MP), three cumulus convection (CC), and two planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes of the WRF model (ver. 4.0) with ARW core with respect to track and intensity to determine an optimal combination of these physical schemes. The initial and boundary conditions for sensitivity experiments are drawn from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) global forecasting system (GFS) data. Simulated track and intensity of three cyclonic cases are compared with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) observations. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is applied to check the significance of the data obtained from the model. Further, Tukey’s test is applied for post-hoc analysis in order to identify the cluster of treatments close to IMD observations for all three cyclones. Results are obtained through the statistical analysis; average root means square error (RMSE) of intensity throughout the cyclone period and time error at landfall with the step-by-step elimination method. Through the elimination method, the optimal scheme combination is obtained. The YSU planetary boundary layer with Kain-Fritsch cumulus convection and Ferrier microphysics scheme combination is identified as an optimal combination in this study for the forecasting of tropical cyclones over the Bay of Bengal.

PMID:34952900 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-021-02723-z

BMJ Open. 2021 Dec 24;11(12):e053825. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053825.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to assess the burden and significant risk factors among male commercial drivers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES: Medline via PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane databases and Africa Journal Online were searched from January 2010 to December 2020.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: The authors included observational studies reporting on the burden and/or risk factors for hypertension among commercial drivers in SSA. Male adult population ≥18 years working as a commercial driver in SSA as well articles published in English.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two independent coauthors used a prepared data extraction form to extract data from the eligible published papers and assessed the risk of bias. DerSimonian and Laird random effects model was used to pool the burden of hypertension and significant risk factors among male commercial drivers in SSA. The presence of heterogeneity among studies was quantified by estimating variance using both Cochrane’s Q statistics and the I² statistics. A subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Overall, 14 articles met the inclusion criteria involving a total of 4285 male commercial drivers in SSA. The estimated pooled burden of hypertension among the male commercial drivers in SSA was 32% (95% CI 24% to 39%). The risk factors identified were age OR=1.10 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.15), overweight/obese OR=3.38 (95% CI 2.46 to 4.29), alcohol consumption OR=3.00 (95% CI 2.05 to 3.95) and duration of driving (≥5 years) OR=1.83 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.63). Funnel plot inspection and Egger’s regression test of small effect (0.5838) showed no evidence of publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS: Our review showed that nearly one-third of male commercial drivers in SSA have hypertension. Reduction of modifiable risk factors such as overweight/obesity, alcohol consumption and long-term driving through multifaceted implementation strategies are recommended for prevention and control of hypertension among male commercial drivers in SSA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021250910.

PMID:34952880 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053825

Med Sci Monit. 2021 Dec 25;27:e932036. doi: 10.12659/MSM.932036.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) is common and associated with postoperative mortality. We assessed MINS occurrence and association with 30-day and long-term mortality in older adult patients undergoing orthopedic surgery in China. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent orthopedic surgery between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2017, at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. MINS was defined as postoperative troponin I peak elevation above the 99th percentile upper reference limit (>0.034 µg/L) within 30 days after surgery. Outcomes were 30-day postoperative mortality and long-term all-cause mortality. RESULTS From 34 901 patients, 5897 (16.9%) had serial troponin I measurements, and 266 (4.5%) had MINS after surgery. Mean patient age was 71.1±9.2 years; 32.9% were male. Among patients with MINS, 180 had myocardial infarction (MI) (3.2%). Patients with MI had higher 30-day and long-term mortality than those without MI (8.9% vs 1.2%; P<0.016 and 18.9% vs 3.5%; P=0.001). Male sex (OR 5.87, 95% CI 1.75-19.67; P=0.004), RCRI ≥2 (OR 5.05, 95% CI 1.67-15.31; P=0.004), and MI (OR 9.13, 95% CI 1.13-73.63; P=0.011) were independently associated with 30-day mortality. Age (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.11; P=0.001), male sex (HR 2.96, 95% CI 1.51-5.80; P=0.002), RCRI ≥2 (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.03-3.94; P=0.041), orthopedic trauma (HR 3.40, 95% CI 1.00-11.44; P=0.049), and MI (HR 7.33, 95% CI 2.22-24.20; P=0.001) were predictors of 2-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS Perioperative MI was independently associated with 30-day and long-term mortality after orthopedic surgery, providing a potential indicator of high risk of mortality in patients who could benefit from targeted prevention and intervention.

PMID:34952895 | DOI:10.12659/MSM.932036