Category: Statistics

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Feb 12. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-19092-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Meteorological variables are regarded as risk factors for inflammatory diseases, but their associations with uveitis, one of the leading causes accounting for blindness worldwide with an estimated prevalence of 38-714 cases/100,000 person-years, have not been thoroughly investigated. The present study explored the short-term association between meteorological variables and hospital admissions for uveitis in Hefei City, China. Daily data on uveitis hospital admissions and meteorological variables including mean temperature (MT) (°C), diurnal temperature range (DTR) (°C), and relative humidity (RH) (%), from 2014 to 2020, were collected. A time-series study using generalized linear model combined with distributed lag non-linear model was applied. Totally, 1911 admissions for uveitis including 894 first admissions and 1017 readmissions were reported during the study period. The associations of high percentile of MT (75th, 24.5℃) and low percentile of DTR (25th, 5.4℃) with uveitis admissions were observed to be statistically significant from lag9 (RR = 1.041, 95%CI: 1.002-1.081) to lag11 (RR = 1.053, 95%CI: 1.003-1.104) and lag4 (RR = 1.053, 95%CI: 1.019-1.088) to lag5 (RR = 1.052, 95%CI: 1.020-1.085), respectively. Moreover, a significant association between low percentile of RH (1th, 44%) and uveitis admissions appeared at lag0-8 (RR = 1.869, 95%CI: 1.017-3.434) and lasted until lag0-13 (RR = 2.539, 95%CI: 1.102-5.850) in the cumulative lag structure. Subgroup analyses indicated that males and the young seemed to be more sensitive to high MT exposure, while females appeared to be more vulnerable to low DTR exposure. Interestingly, both the young and the elderly are susceptible to low DTR and low RH exposure. Furthermore, high MT and low DTR exposure were associated with increased risk of first admission for uveitis. In summary, exposure to high-value of MT and low-value of DTR and RH may increase the hospital admissions for uveitis, especially for the status of first admission.

PMID:35149948 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-19092-3

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Feb 11. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-19122-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the effects of human capital, bio-capacity, energy use, and economic growth on the ecological footprint of G20 countries for the period 1970-2016, using the panel dynamic common correlated effects (DCCE) model. In the study, the G20 was considered in two groups, as developed and emerging economies. According to the DCCE estimation results, the long-term impact of human capital on the ecological footprint is negative and statistically strong in the developed economies while it is insignificant in the emerging economies. The impact of bio-capacity on the ecological footprint is positive in the short and long term in the emerging economies, and only in the short term in the developed economies. In addition, economic growth and energy use undermine the environmental quality in both groups of countries. The error correction coefficients are negative and statistically significant, which means that the deviations from the short-term equilibrium converge the long-term equilibrium level for both groups.

PMID:35149945 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-19122-0

Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2022 Feb 11. doi: 10.1007/s00508-021-01992-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To increase knowledge of discrete symptoms shall help to avoid misinterpretation of test results and to gain better understanding of associations between early symptoms and severe disease to provide additional criteria for targeted early interventions.

DESIGN: Retrospective observational study.

SETTING: Austrian GP practices in the year 2020, patients above 18 years were included.

PARTICIPANTS: We recruited 25 practices which included 295 participants with a positive SARS-CoV‑2 test.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data collection comprised basic demographic data, risk factors and the recording of symptoms at several points in time in the course of the illness. Descriptive analyses for possible associations between demographics and symptoms were conducted by means of cross tabulation. Group differences (hospitalized yes/no) were assessed using Fisher’s exact test. The significance level was set to 0.05; due to the observational character of the study, no adjustment for multiplicity was performed.

RESULTS: Only one third of patients report symptoms generally understood to be typical for COVID‑19. Most patients presented with unspecific complaints. We found symptoms indicating complicated disease, depending on when they appear. The number of symptoms may be a predictor for the need of hospital care. More than 50% of patients still experience symptoms 14 days after onset.

CONCLUSION: Unspecific symptoms are valuable indicators in the detection of early COVID‑19 disease that practitioners and the general public should be aware of also in the interpretation of low sensitivity tests. Monitoring patients using the indicators we identified may help to identify patients who are likely to profit from early intervention.

PMID:35149931 | DOI:10.1007/s00508-021-01992-y

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Feb 11. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-19026-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The evidence on the health and economic impacts of air pollution with schizophrenia is scarce, especially in developing countries. In this study, we aimed to systemically examine the short-term effects of PM_2.5 (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm in diameter), PM₁₀ (≤ 10 μm in diameter), NO₂ (nitrogen dioxide), SO₂ (sulfur dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), and O₃ (ozone) on hospital admissions for schizophrenia in a Chinese coastal city (Qingdao) and to further assess the corresponding attributable risk and economic burden. A generalized additive model (GAM) was applied to model the impact of air pollution on schizophrenia, and the corresponding economic burden including the direct costs (medical expenses) and indirect costs (productivity loss). Stratified analyses were also performed by age, gender, and season (warm or cold). Our results showed that for a 10 μg/m³ increase in the concentrations of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, and CO at lag5, the corresponding relative risks (RRs) were 1.0160 (95% CI: 1.0038-1.0282), 1.0097 (1.0018-1.0177), 1.0738 (1.0222-1.01280), and 1.0013 (1.0001-1.0026), respectively. However, no significant effect of NO₂ or O₃ on schizophrenia admissions was found. The stratified analysis indicated that females and younger individuals (< 45 years old) appeared to be more vulnerable, but no significant difference was found between seasons. Furthermore, 12.41% of schizophrenia hospitalizations were attributable to exposure to air pollution exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standard, with a total economic burden of 89.67 million RMB during the study period. At the individual level, excessive air pollution exposure resulted in an economic burden of 8232.08 RMB per hospitalization. Our study found that short-term exposure to air pollutants increased the risk of hospital admissions for schizophrenia and resulted in a substantial economic burden. Considerable health benefits can be achieved by further reducing air pollution.

PMID:35149942 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-19026-z

J Plant Res. 2022 Feb 11. doi: 10.1007/s10265-022-01378-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Prosopis chilensis (Molina) Stuntz (Leguminosae) is a valuable native species in Argentina that has been proposed to be used in reforestation, afforestation and restoration programmes. Natural provenances show important differentiation in height, shape, spine size, fruits and foliar traits throughout their distribution in the semiarid Monte ecoregion. The goal of this work was to characterize the genetic basis of the leaf variation in P. chilensis aiming to contribute to the improvement management program. We analyzed morphological variation and estimate narrow sense heritability for ten quantitative traits from a provenance-progeny trial founded from open pollinated families. We assessed the variance components by a generalized linear mixed model. Differences among provenances were quantified through univariate Q_ST statistics and multivariate discriminant analysis of principal components. Finally, univariate and multivariate neutrality test were conducted to unveil the evolutionary forces that shape the variation. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed low genetic variation in foliar traits among provenances grown in the common garden. Consistently, the Q_ST estimates for each trait were low. Both, the univariate (Q_ST-F_ST comparison) and the multivariate neutrality test suggest that the leaf variation among provenances may be shaped by genetic drift rather than selective forces. Heritability estimates were significant only for leaflet apex and leaflet apex/leaflet area. Since genetic variation for most foliar traits among provenances estimated under controlled environmental conditions were very low or absent, the variation described in the wild would be explained merely by plastic response to varying environments. These results are discussed in terms of adaptive strategies and the use of different provenances as seed sources within the framework of the improvement program. It is expected that P. chilensis seeds or seedlings from trees selected under economical criteria will be able to develop in different areas thanks to the phenotypic plasticity of leaf traits.

PMID:35149910 | DOI:10.1007/s10265-022-01378-9

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2022 Feb 12:hyac011. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyac011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Older patients tend to have comorbidities and physiological decline, which require adaptation in terms of standard treatment. Therefore, the care of older patients poses a unique challenge for healthcare providers. Their standard care is relatively less established than for younger patients because older patients are often excluded from clinical trials, resulting in limited representation. This review, using various data sources, such as cancer registries and national statistics, aims to describe the nationwide status of older patients in Japan and the care provided to them. Incidence statistics have revealed that each age group’s most common types of cancers are different. Relevant data have also shown that older patients are more likely to be left without treatment compared with their younger counterparts, although the extent of such differences tends to depend on the cancer type. A survey of the general population has shown that older patients are more likely to be treated for common diseases; however, they are found to have undetected diseases when screened for the common diseases. Individuals’ life expectancies may vary depending on their physical conditions. The social lives of older persons, which often revolve around their jobs and family structures, vary widely. Thus, clinicians and caregivers should consider the background information of older patients in order to accommodate their special needs.

PMID:35149875 | DOI:10.1093/jjco/hyac011

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2022 Feb 11. doi: 10.1007/s00402-022-04372-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Classifying complex acetabular defects in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) by means of conventional radiographs comes with significant limitations. Statistical shape modelling allows the virtual reconstruction of the native pelvic morphology, hereby enabling an analytic acetabular defect assessment. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of advanced imaging augmented with analytic representations of the defect on (1) intra- and inter-rater reliability, and (2) up- or downscaling of classification scores when evaluating acetabular defects in patients undergoing revision THA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The acetabular defects of 50 patients undergoing revision THA were evaluated by three independent, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons. Defects were classified according to the acetabular defect classification (ADC) using four different imaging-based representations, namely, standard radiographs, CT imaging, a virtual three-dimensional (3D) model and a quantitative analytic representation of the defect based on a statistical shape model reconstruction. Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were quantified using Fleiss’ and Cohen’s kappa scores, respectively. Up- and downscaling of classification scores were compared for each of the imaging-based representations and differences were tested.

RESULTS: Overall inter-rater agreement across all imaging-based representations for the classification was fair (κ 0.29 95% CI 0.28-0.30). Inter-rater agreement was lowest for radiographs (κ 0.21 95% CI 0.19-0.22) and increased for other representations with agreement being highest when using analytic defect models (κ 0.46 95% CI 0.43-0.48). Overall intra-rater agreement was moderate (κ 0.51 95% CI 0.42-0.60). Intra-rater agreement was lowest for radiographs (κ 0.40 95% CI 0.23-0.57), and highest for ratings including analytic defect models (κ 0.64:95% CI 0.46-0.82). Virtual 3D models with quantitative analytic defect representations upscaled acetabular defect scores in comparison to standard radiographs.

CONCLUSIONS: Using 3D CT imaging with statistical shape models doubles the intra- and inter-rater reliability and results in upscaling of acetabular defect classification when compared to standard radiographs. This method of evaluating defects will aid in planning surgical reconstruction and stimulate the development of new classification systems based on advanced imaging techniques.

PMID:35149888 | DOI:10.1007/s00402-022-04372-x

Cereb Cortex. 2022 Feb 12:bhac021. doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhac021. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Semantic processing is the ability to discern and maintain conceptual relationships among words and objects. While the neural circuits serving semantic representation and controlled retrieval are well established, the neuronal dynamics underlying these processes are poorly understood. Herein, we examined 25 healthy young adults who completed a semantic relation word-matching task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG data were examined in the time-frequency domain and significant oscillatory responses were imaged using a beamformer. Whole-brain statistical analyses were conducted to compare semantic-related to length-related neural oscillatory responses. Time series were extracted to visualize the dynamics and were linked to task performance using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that participants had significantly longer reaction times in semantic compared to length trials. Robust MEG responses in the theta (3-6 Hz), alpha (10-16 Hz), and gamma (64-76 Hz and 64-94 Hz) bands were observed in parieto-occipital and frontal cortices. Whole-brain analyses revealed stronger alpha oscillations in a left-lateralized network during semantically related relative to length trials. Importantly, stronger alpha oscillations in the left superior temporal gyrus during semantic trials predicted faster responses. These data reinforce existing literature and add novel temporal evidence supporting the executive role of the semantic control network in behavior.

PMID:35149873 | DOI:10.1093/cercor/bhac021

Clin Oral Implants Res. 2022 Feb 11. doi: 10.1111/clr.13904. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to determine accuracy defined by trueness and precision of computer-assisted implant surgery comparing two guided surgery kits designed for either closed sleeves or open sleeves with a lateral window.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Each n=20 implants were placed fully guided (sleeve-bone distance of 2 or 4mm) in identical replicas using a surgical guide with both closed sleeve or an open sleeve, partially guided, or free hand. The achieved implant position was digitized and compared with the planned position. Trueness and precision were determined. The angular deviation was defined as the primary outcome parameter. The means, standard deviation, and 95%-confidence intervals were analyzed statistically with 1-way ANOVA and the Scheffé procedure.

RESULTS: The accuracy of guided implant placement using closed and open sleeves was comparable when the sleeve-bone distance was 2 mm. Accuracy decreased when the sleeve-bone distance increased in both fully guided groups, more so in the open than in the closed sleeve group. The least accurate method was the free hand group. Partially guided implant surgery was more accurate than free hand placement, but less accurate than the fully guided groups with 2 mm sleeve-bone distance.

CONCLUSIONS: The closer the sleeve to the bone, the more accurate and precise is computer-assisted implant surgery using a closed system and a system using open sleeves. Partially guided implant surgery using only the static guide for the pilot drill is less accurate than both fully guided approaches, but more accurate than free hand surgery.

PMID:35148444 | DOI:10.1111/clr.13904