Category: Statistics

J Environ Manage. 2022 Feb 23;310:114755. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114755. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Methane (CH₄) is one of the dominant greenhouse gases (GHG) that is largely emitted from rice fields and thus, significantly contributes to global warming. Significant efforts have been made to find out suitable strategies to mitigate CH₄ emission from rice culture. However, the effectiveness of these management practices is often diverse with negative, no, or positive impacts making it difficult to adopt under a particular condition. The diversity of rice cultivation in terms of agro-climatic conditions and cultivation practices makes it difficult for providing specific recommendations. Here, we collected data from a total of 198 studies reporting 1052 observations. The management practices are categorized into five different management practices i.e., water, organic and inorganic fertilizer management, crop establishment method, and agronomic practices while major categories were subdivided into different classes. To test statistically significant differences in the effectiveness between major management practices, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. The Gaussian and bootstrapping model were applied to find out the best estimate of the effectiveness of each practice. In addition, mechanisms controlling the CH₄ emission reductions were synthesized. Next, the adoption potentials of these practices were assessed based on the existing rice cultivation systems in Bangladesh. Our results showed that water and organic matter management were the most effective methods irrespective of the growing conditions. When these technologies are customized to Bangladesh, water management and crop establishment methods seem most feasible. Among the rice-growing seasons in Bangladesh, there is a larger scope to adopt these management practices in the Boro season (December to May), while these scopes are minimal in the other two seasons due to their rain-fed nature of cultivation. Altogether, our study provides fundamental insights on CH₄ reductions strategies from rice fields in Bangladesh.

PMID:35219203 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114755

Res Vet Sci. 2022 Feb 11;145:177-187. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.02.014. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the ability of a subunit vaccine composed of recombinant molecules of α-toxin, β-toxin, FnBPA and ClfA, formulated with cationic liposomes and CpG-ODN, to confer protection against natural S. aureus intramammary infection (IMI) and to assess the antibody response against the vaccine components. A stringent criterion based on molecular identification of the isolates was used to define IMI. The proportion of animals that developed new S. aureus IMI was higher in the Control group compared with the Vaccine group (reduction of 60.7%), and time to new S. aureus IMI was higher for animals in the Vaccine group compared with animals in the Control group, although not statistically significant. Molecular identification of the isolates allowed the detection of S. aureus pulsotypes that appeared transiently in milk and others that were able to establish IMI, providing a new perspective to define parameters related to the definition of new IMI and cures. Specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 levels against the four recombinant proteins included in the vaccine were significantly increased in the vaccinated group and the recombinant α-toxin included in the vaccine generated antibodies that reduced significantly the haemolytic activity of native α-toxin. Data reported in the present study indicate a possible effect on both the proportion of animals developing new IMI and the time to new S. aureus IMI, but the incidence of disease within the study was too low to provide statistical confirmation.

PMID:35219182 | DOI:10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.02.014

Horm Behav. 2022 Feb 23;141:105138. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105138. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A primary goal of the field of behavioral neuroendocrinology is to understand how the brain modulates complex behavior. Over the last 20 years we have proposed various brain networks to explain behavioral regulation, however, the parameters by which these networks are identified are often ill-defined and reflect our personal scientific biases based on our area of expertise. In this perspective article, I question our characterization of brain networks underlying behavior and their utility. Using the Social Behavior Network as a primary example, I outline issues with brain networks commonly discussed in the field of behavioral neuroendocrinology, argue that we reconsider how we identify brain networks underlying behavior, and urge the future use of analytical tools developed by the field of Network Neuroscience. With modern statistical/mathematical tools and state of the art technology for brain imaging, we can strive to minimize our bias and generate brain networks that may more accurately reflect how the brain produces behavior.

PMID:35219166 | DOI:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105138

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2022 Feb 15;271:183-188. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.02.012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the frequency of uterine cavity abnormalities in PCOS patients higher than the normo-ovulatory patients.

STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the ART center of a tertiary university hospital. A total of 103 patients; 51 PCOS, and 52 male factor infertility were enrolled in the study between the years 2011-2019. HSG images of all patients were numbered and evaluated by ten senior reproductive endocrinologists and surgeons whom were blinded to the research and choose the most appropriate figure for each patient’s HSG image and marked the shape of cavity according to the ASRM and ESGE/ESHRE classification. Results and demographic parameters were compared between PCOS and male factor infertility groups.

RESULTS: The percentage of the normal uterine cavity was significantly lower in the PCOS group than control group as 51 % and 66.7 %, 77 % and 94.2 % according to the ASRM and ESHRE/ESGE classifications, respectively. The frequency of Partial Septate Uterus (ESHRE-ESGE U2a / ASRM Va, 21.6% vs 5.8 % p < 0.05), Complete Septate Uterus (ESHRE-ESGE U2b / ASRM Vb, 7.8% vs 0% p < 0.01) and Dysmorphic Uterus (ESHRE-ESGE U1c) / ASRM VII) 3.9 % vs 0p < 0.05) were significantly higher in PCOS patients than controls. The frequency of arcuate uterus classified as VI in ASRM and considered as normal in ESHRE/ESGE was 16 % and 17.3 % in PCOS and control groups, respectively, without statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides that, compared to the healthy population, the frequency of uterine cavity abnormality is clearly higher in PCOS patients.

PMID:35219169 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.02.012

Foot (Edinb). 2021 Sep 25;50:101869. doi: 10.1016/j.foot.2021.101869. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is limited evidence on outcomes for plantar fascia radiofrequency microtenotomy. An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis for outcomes of radiofrequency microtenotomy for the treatment of plantar fasciitis was conducted.

METHODS: A comprehensive evidence-based literature review of PubMed and Cochrane Databases was conducted in March 2019, which identified 11 relevant articles assessing the efficacy of plantar fascia radiofrequency microtenotomy. The studies were then assigned to a level of evidence (I-IV). Individual studies were reviewed to provide a grade of recommendation (A-C, I) according to the Wright classification in support of or against endoscopic plantar fascia release. Meta-analysis was performed for 7 of the studies that measured AOFAS scores.

RESULTS: Based on the results of this evidence-based review, there was fair (grade B) evidence to support plantar fascia radiofrequency microtenotomy. There was a statistically significant mean increase of 40.9 in AOFAS scores post procedure.

CONCLUSION: There was fair (grade B) evidence to recommend radiofrequency microtenotomy for plantar fasciitis. There is a need for more high quality level I randomized controlled trials with validated outcome measures to allow for stronger recommendations to be made.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, systematic review of level II studies.

PMID:35219133 | DOI:10.1016/j.foot.2021.101869

Cortex. 2022 Jan 31;149:101-122. doi: 10.1016/j.cortex.2021.12.015. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A growing number of studies claim to decode mental states using multi-voxel decoders of brain activity. It has been proposed that the fixed, fine-grained, multi-voxel patterns in these decoders are necessary for discriminating between and identifying mental states. Here, we present evidence that the efficacy of these decoders might be overstated. Across various tasks, decoder patterns were spatially imprecise, as decoder performance was unaffected by spatial smoothing; 90% redundant, as selecting a random 10% of a decoder’s constituent voxels recovered full decoder performance; and performed similarly to brain activity maps used as decoders. We distinguish decoder performance in discriminating between mental states from performance in identifying a given mental state, and show that even when discrimination performance is adequate, identification can be poor. Finally, we demonstrate that simple and intuitive similarity metrics explain 91% and 62% of discrimination performance within- and across-subjects, respectively. These findings indicate that currently used across-subject decoders of mental states are superfluous and inappropriate for decision-making.

PMID:35219121 | DOI:10.1016/j.cortex.2021.12.015

Foot (Edinb). 2021 Oct 22;50:101871. doi: 10.1016/j.foot.2021.101871. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim was to compare the minimally invasive (MIS) chevron osteotomy to the well-established open chevron osteotomy for the correction of hallux valgus deformity.

METHODS: Two retrospective cohorts of patients treated with MIS or open chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus correction, matched for age and gender with a minimum follow up of six months were reviewed. Functional outcomes were evaluated using pre and post-operative Manchester Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (MOXFQ), Visual Analog Score (VAS) for pain and the Unified Elective Orthopaedic Score (UnEOS). Two independent, blinded examiners evaluated the radiographic correction of hallux valgus (HV) and intermetatarsal (IM) angle.

RESULTS: A Total of 54 cases (27 per study group) with a mean follow-up of 25.9 months were included in the study. Pre-operatively, VAS (p = 0.76) and MOXFQ (p = 0.46) scores and HV angle (p = 0.1) were comparable in both groups. However, IM angle was significantly larger in the MIS group (p = 0.005). Post-operatively there was significant improvement in VAS and MOXFQ scores as well as significant correction of the HV and IM angles (p < 0.0001) for both groups. Comparing the two procedures, there was no significant difference between groups for VAS (p = 0.34), MOXFQ scores (p = 0.56) and HV angles (p = 0.069) but the MIS technique was significantly better in improving the IM angle (p = 0.016). The post-operative UnEOS score and the Satisfaction UnEOS domain reached excellent levels for the entire cohort with no statistical difference between the two groups (p = 0.2 and 0.28 respectively).

CONCLUSION: Results show MIS chevron osteotomy provides better radiographic correction of the IM angle but functional outcomes for all parameters were comparable to the open technique. It can therefore be considered at least equivalent to standard open surgery when compared using validated Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).

PMID:35219131 | DOI:10.1016/j.foot.2021.101871

J Clin Neurosci. 2022 Feb 22;98:240-247. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.02.028. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

High grade gliomas (HGGs) are aggressive brain tumors associated with poor prognosis despite advances in surgical treatment and therapy. Navigated tumor resection has yielded improved outcomes for patients. We compare 5-ALA, fluorescein sodium (FS), and intraoperative MRI (IMRI) with no image guidance to determine the best intraoperative navigation method to maximize rates of gross total resection (GTR) and outcomes. A frequentist network meta-analysis was performed following standard PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration CRD42021268659). Surface-under-the-cumulative ranking (SUCRA) analysis was executed to hierarchically rank modalities by the outcomes of interest. Heterogeneity was measured by the I² statistic. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and the use of Egger’s test. Statistical significance was determined by p < 0.05. Twenty-three studies were included for analysis with a total of 2,643 patients. Network meta-analysis comparing 5-ALA, IMRI, and FS was performed. The primary outcome assessed was the rate of GTR. Analysis revealed the superiority of all intraoperative navigation to control (no navigation). SUCRA analysis revealed the superiority of IMRI + 5-ALA, IMRI alone, followed by FS, and 5-ALA. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were also examined. FS (vs. control) was associated with improved OS, while IMRI was associated with improved PFS (vs. control, FS, and 5-ALA). Intraoperative navigation using IMRI, FS, and 5-ALA lead to greater rates of GTR in HGGs. FS and 5-ALA also yielded improvement in OS and PFS. Further studies are needed to evaluate differences in survival benefit, operative duration, and cost.

PMID:35219089 | DOI:10.1016/j.jocn.2022.02.028

Appl Ergon. 2022 Feb 23;101:103719. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103719. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) arise during nursing education. We examined cross-sectional associations between self-reported MSCs and both sociodemographic and workplace characteristics in different clinical placement settings. We included two observations among three cohorts of third-year Dutch nursing students (total N = 711) of the undergraduate nursing program of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. Questionnaire data on sociodemographic, physical and psychosocial work characteristics, and MSCs were used. Generalized estimating equation analysis for repeated measurements with backward elimination was used to examine associations with MSCs. In total, 79% of students experienced MSCs. Female sex (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.22-0.62), lifting and bending (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.03), physical job demands (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.68-3.22) and need for recovery (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03), were statistically significantly associated with overall MSCs. Models for regional complaints are also presented in this article. Nursing school and clinical placement staff should consider these factors when dealing with nursing students with MSCs.

PMID:35219107 | DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103719

EBioMedicine. 2022 Feb 23;77:103895. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103895. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Endometrial cancer is a common gynaecological cancer with increasing incidence and mortality. In the last decade, endometrial cancer genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have provided a resource to explore aetiology and for functional interpretation of heritable risk variation, informing endometrial cancer biology. Indeed, GWAS data have been used to assess relationships with other traits through correlation and Mendelian randomisation analyses, establishing genetic relationships and potential risk factors. Cross-trait GWAS analyses have increased statistical power and identified novel endometrial cancer risk variation related to other traits. Functional analysis of risk loci has helped prioritise candidate susceptibility genes, revealing molecular mechanisms and networks. Lastly, risk scores generated using endometrial cancer GWAS data may allow for clinical translation through identification of patients at high risk of disease. In the next decade, this knowledge base should enable substantial progress in our understanding of endometrial cancer and, potentially, new approaches for its screening and treatment.

PMID:35219087 | DOI:10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103895