Category: Statistics

Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2022 Mar 13. doi: 10.1007/s00787-021-01932-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The stability and effectiveness of the Treatment Program for Children with Aggressive Behavior (THAV) in terms of reducing behavioral problems in children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) were examined at a 10-month follow-up (FU). A total of 76 families and their children (boys aged 6-12 years), who previously participated in a randomized controlled trial comparing THAV with an active control group, took part in the 10-month FU assessment. Outcome measures were rated by parents and included the evaluation of child aggressive behavior, prosocial behavior, problem-maintaining and problem-moderating factors, and comorbid symptoms. Linear mixed models for repeated measures (MMRM) were conducted. The results revealed that THAV effects remained stable (problem-maintaining and problem-moderating factors; comorbid symptoms) and even partially improved (aggressive behavior; ADHD symptoms) over the FU period. Additionally, the differences between the THAV intervention group and the control group, which were apparent at the end of the treatment (post), mainly also remained at the FU assessment. It can be concluded that THAV is an effective and stable intervention for boys aged 6-12 years with ODD/CD.

PMID:35279770 | DOI:10.1007/s00787-021-01932-1

Mol Biotechnol. 2022 Mar 12. doi: 10.1007/s12033-022-00477-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The present study was defined to evaluate the effect of a combinational approach of applying phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and alkaline phosphatase for plant growth promotion as a novel strategy. An extracellular phosphatase producing novel Pseudomonas asiatica strain ZKB1 was isolated from ant hill soil. Alkaline phosphatase production was statistically optimized by Plackett-Burman and central composite designs with a yield of 42.45 U/ml and 5.88-fold enhancement. Alkaline phosphatase was purified by column chromatography (DEAE-Cellulose and Sephadex G-100) with 17.55-fold purification and specific activity of 87.77 U/mg. The molecular mass of purified phosphatase was ~ 45 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature were 9.0 and 50 °C, respectively, revealing alkali-thermostability. Phosphatase exhibited the highest specificity toward p-nitrophenyl phosphate disodium salt. Kinetic analysis revealed K_m (0.434 mM) and V_max (264.44 U/mg). Alkaline phosphatase and Pseudomonas asiatica strain ZKB1 as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria were assessed for their ability to induce plant growth in pot experiments with Phaseolus mungo seeds. Seeds soaked in bacterial culture broth and irrigated with increased phosphatase concentration demonstrated better growth with plumule and radical length of 14.8 ± 0.2 cm and 3.5 ± 0.4 cm, respectively. Results were consistent with the combinational approach in terms of enhanced growth. The study suggests the application of alkaline phosphatases in agricultural management, crop improvements, and soil fertility enhancement.

PMID:35279799 | DOI:10.1007/s12033-022-00477-1

J Autism Dev Disord. 2022 Mar 12. doi: 10.1007/s10803-022-05496-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The demand of social skills interventions for people with ASD has grown in recent years. The main goal of this research was to study social skills: “responding to interaction” and “initiating interaction”, and to capture whether there were differences between an initial and a final session in a program for children with ASD. Additionally, we aimed to compare social skills patterns according to the VIQ level. The sample (N = 20) was divided into 2 subgroups depending on whether the VIQ was > 90 or < 90. We employed a mixed methods approach based on a systematic observation of social behaviors. The observational design was nomothetic, follow-up, and multidimensional. Once we confirmed inter-observer reliability for the ad hoc observational instrument we performed descriptive statistics and polar coordinate analysis using LINCE software. The results show high intragroup and intergroup variability. In general, participants with VIQ < 90 showed a better improvement in responding to interaction, whereas participants with VIQ > 90 showed more complex patterns to initiate interactions. The polar coordinate technique was useful for detecting significant relationships between autism’s social micro-behaviors. Results and information obtained through observational methodology could allow professionals to understand communication and interaction of participants.

PMID:35279764 | DOI:10.1007/s10803-022-05496-0

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Mar 12. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-19590-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on producer services based on data from 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2018. The spatial panel STIRPAT-Durbin model was used to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and spatial effects of CO₂ emissions. The empirical results reveal four key findings. First, there are significant differences in CO₂ emissions between eastern and western China, and the agglomeration areas gradually evolved from east to central and south China. Second, the increase in industrial agglomeration level leads to increased carbon emissions from producer services and produces negative spatial spillover effects. Third, urbanization, employment scale, and per capita wealth significantly increase the provinces’ carbon emissions and produce positive spatial spillover effects. Fourth, technology can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, but the positive spatial spillover effect is not significant.

PMID:35279750 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-19590-4

Ir Med J. 2022 Jan 20;115(1):518.

ABSTRACT

Objective Day case tonsillectomy is standard practice in many international centres, and is widespread across the UK. In Ireland, implementation has been slow for multiple reasons. Our unit aimed to introduce day case tonsillectomy, following a pilot programme. Following a year of implementation we have reaudited our practice. We hypothesised that day case tonsillectomy is a practical and favourable solution to facilitate access to surgery in the context of long waiting times for ENT surgery. Methods This was a prospective audit collecting data on day case tonsillectomy. All patients for day case tonsillectomy were selected in OPD according to our inclusion criteria. We recorded demographical data, surgical technique, length of stay, failed discharges, bleeding rate and readmission rate. Results There was one primary haemorrhage within 24 hours of surgery (0.08%). There were 16 secondary bleeds, giving a rate of 13.9%. Of these, four patients required a return to theatre for the cessation of bleeding (3.5%). There was no statistical significance in bleed rate between surgical technique. Failed discharge rate was 6%. The average time from extubation to discharge was 6 hours and 53 minutes. Conclusions Our experience of day case tonsillectomy is that it is safe, feasible and efficient in a selected group of patients. This can expedite long waiting times for tonsillectomy, and improve access to overnight beds for other cases. Our numbers represent the first unit in Ireland to have 2 year of experience with data showing successful implementation.

PMID:35279052

Ir Med J. 2022 Jan 20;115(1):519.

ABSTRACT

Aims Hip fractures are a significant source of morbidity and mortality, with occurrences set to increase as our population continues to age. The aim of this study is to determine the current and future incidence of hip fractures in Ireland based on predicted population growth. Methods A search was performed of the Irish Hip Fracture Database to identify all hip fracture patients, aged over 60, from 2017-2019. Data on the current population, as well as projections up to 2046, were obtained from the Central Statistics Office, so as to determine projected hip fracture incidence in the coming decades. Results The incidence of hip fractures, in the Irish population aged over 60, was an average of 389.3 per 100,000 from 2017-2019. Annual hip fracture numbers are expected to increase by at least 158.8% by 2046, assuming a stable incidence rate. Conclusion The age and gender specific incidence of hip fractures in Ireland in those over 60 has remained stable compared to previous years. However, this study projects there will be a significant increase in hip fractures in Ireland in the coming decades and there will need to be appropriate resource allocation within future healthcare budgets.

PMID:35279053

Ir Med J. 2022 Jan 20;115(1):512.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:35279046

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2022 Mar 12:glac063. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glac063. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic claudication (NC) is a debilitating spinal condition affecting older adults’ mobility and quality of life.

METHODS: A randomised controlled trial of 438 participants evaluated the effectiveness of a physical and psychological group intervention (BOOST programme) compared to physiotherapy assessment and tailored advice (best practice advice [BPA]) for older adults with NC. Participants were identified from spinal clinics (community and secondary care) and general practice records and randomised 2:1 to the BOOST programme or BPA. The primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at 12 months. Data was also collected at 6 months. Other outcomes included ODI walking item, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and falls. The primary analysis was intention-to-treat.

RESULTS: The average age of participants was 74.9 years (SD 6.0) and 57% (246/435) were female. There was no significant difference in ODI scores between treatment groups at 12 months (adjusted mean difference (MD): -1.4 [95% Confidence Intervals (CI) -4.03, 1.17]), but, at 6 months, ODI scores favoured the BOOST programme (adjusted MD: -3.7 [95% CI -6.27, -1.06]). At 12 months, the BOOST programme resulted in greater improvements in walking capacity (6MWT MD 21.7m [95% CI 5.96, 37.38]) and ODI walking item (MD -0.2 [95% CI -0.45, -0.01]) and reduced falls risk (odds ratio 0.6 [95% CI 0.40, 0.98]) compared to BPA. No serious adverse events were related to either treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: The BOOST programme substantially improved mobility for older adults with NC. Future iterations of the programme will consider ways to improve long-term pain related disability.

PMID:35279025 | DOI:10.1093/gerona/glac063

Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2022 Mar 12:1-6. doi: 10.1123/pes.2021-0075. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Physical inactivity among adolescents in the United States continues to be a pervasive and growing problem, especially among low income and adolescents of color. Physical literacy is important for adolescents to engage in physical activity. However, few studies have assessed physical literacy among marginalized populations. The purpose of this study is to describe levels of physical literacy among marginalized adolescents in a Midwest City.

METHODS: Data were collected from 169 participants (85 adolescents and 84 parents). Adolescents included in the study were from 4 Kansas City (Missouri) public schools. Univariate statistics were calculated for 3 physical literacy domains (PLAYinventory, PLAYself, and PLAYparent). To assess for differences among groups, the authors conducted a single-factor analysis of variance (1-way analysis of variance).

RESULTS: The sample (N = 169) was primarily Hispanic (48.2% adolescents and 42.9% parents). Sedentary behaviors were self-reported as the highest overall activities adolescents participated in within the past 12 months. The mean physical literacy score for this sample was 71.9 among adolescent reported and 72.7 among parent reported. Analysis of variance of racial and ethnic groups for PLAYself and PLAYparent assessments showed no significant difference in values. Compared with other subscales of both the PLAYparent and PLAYself instrument, parents and adolescents showed a lack of confidence in adolescent’s ability to be active in the 4 environments (land, water, ice, and snow).

CONCLUSION: Physical literacy is shown to be important in maintaining physical activity throughout life; given this, it is important to understand how to increase confidence of seasonal specific skills in marginalized adolescents.

PMID:35279022 | DOI:10.1123/pes.2021-0075

J Sport Rehabil. 2022 Mar 12:1-10. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2021-0236. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The etiology of patellofemoral pain has remained elusive, potentially due to an incomplete understanding of how pain, motor control, and kinesiophobia disrupt central nervous system functioning.

OBJECTIVE: To directly evaluate brain activity during experimental knee pain and its relationship to kinesiophobia in patients with patellofemoral pain.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional.

METHODS: Young females clinically diagnosed with patellofemoral pain (n = 14; 14.4 [3.3] y; body mass index = 22.4 [3.8]; height = 1.61 [0.1] m; body mass = 58.4 [12.7] kg). A modified Clarke test (experimental pain condition with noxious induction via patella pressure and quadriceps contraction) was administered to the nondominant knee (to minimize limb dominance confounds) of patients during brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) acquisition. Patients also completed a quadriceps contraction without application of external pressure (control contraction). Kinesiophobia was measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. The fMRI analyses assessed brain activation during the modified Clarke test and control contraction and assessed relationships between task-induced brain activity and kinesiophobia. Standard processing for neuroimaging and appropriate cluster-wise statistical thresholds to determine significance were applied to the fMRI data (z > 3.1, P < .05).

RESULTS: The fMRI revealed widespread neural activation in the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, and cerebellum during the modified Clarke test (all zs > 4.4, all Ps < .04), whereas neural activation was localized primarily to frontal and cerebellar regions during the control contraction test (all zs > 4.4, all Ps < .01). Greater kinesiophobia was positively associated with greater activity in the cerebello-frontal network for the modified Clarke test (all zs > 5.0, all Ps < .01), but no relationships between kinesiophobia and brain activity were observed for the control contraction test (all zs < 3.1, all Ps > .05).

CONCLUSIONS: Our novel experimental knee pain condition was associated with alterations in central nociceptive processing. These findings may provide novel complementary pathways for targeted restoration of patient function.

PMID:35279019 | DOI:10.1123/jsr.2021-0236