Category: Statistics

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jan 22. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-18124-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

On the basis of DMSP/OLS and NPP-VIIRS night light images, this study realized carbon emission estimations based on the municipal level from 1999 to 2017, compensating for the characteristics of incomplete statistical data and different statistical calibers. On this basis, the epsilon-based measure (EBM) super-efficiency model and the global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) index are used to measure the urban land use efficiency (ULUE) and urban land total factor productivity (ULTFP) of the three urban agglomerations under the carbon emission constraints from 1999 to 2017. The following conclusions are drawn through research. (1) The correlation coefficient between the total value of night light pixels and energy consumption carbon emissions was relatively high in the three major urban agglomerations during 1999-2017, and they all passed the significance test of 1%. (2) The ULUE of the three major urban agglomerations generally shows a downward trend and then an upward trend, and spatial heterogeneity is obvious. The spatial distribution of the average level of ULUE is Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration (PRDUA) > Yangtze River Delta Urban agglomeration (YRDUA) > Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban agglomeration (BTHUA). (3) The ULTFP of the three major urban agglomerations are all showing an increasing trend, but the geometric mean of URTFP in the PRDUA, BTHUA, and YRDUA decreases successively. Technological progress is the main driving force to promote the progress of ULTFP in each urban agglomeration. (4) The kernel density estimation shows a significant gap in ULUE between the three major urban agglomerations in China, and a phenomenon of polarization or multipolarization is observed. The main reason is the hysteresis of technology diffusion.

PMID:35064500 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-021-18124-8

Obes Surg. 2022 Jan 22. doi: 10.1007/s11695-022-05889-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity and fast weight loss in the postoperative period of bariatric surgery increase significantly the risk of cholelithiasis. Moreover, emerging evidence has pointed out the role of bile acids as possible metabolism and weight loss enhancers. This study aims to analyze the influence of cholecystectomy (CL) concomitant with bariatric surgery on weight loss, metabolic repercussions, and postoperative morbidity.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. A total of 363 medical records were analyzed between 2002 and 2017, with 255 patients divided into four groups: with concomitant CL: sleeve gastrectomy (SG + CL group) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GB + CL group); without concomitant CL: sleeve gastrectomy (SG group) and RYGB (GB group).

RESULTS: CL concomitant with bariatric surgery is not related to worse long-term metabolic outcomes when compared to isolated bariatric surgery. In the postoperative follow-up of the isolated bariatric surgeries, 18 (16.5%) patients underwent cholecystectomy. There was no statistical difference between the groups regarding post-surgical complications.

CONCLUSION: CL did not lead to worse metabolic outcomes and was also not related to a higher incidence of postoperative complications. Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis are important concerns in the postoperative period of bariatric surgery and a careful evaluation of the concomitant procedure should be performed.

PMID:35064462 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-022-05889-1

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jan 22. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-18085-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This paper is a pioneer attempt using ecological footprints, the latest environment sensitivity proxy to be regressed, contributing to the scarce literature concerning one of the most burning global dilemmas of the era. For econometric analysis, fiscal and monetary tools, green energy consumption, and economic growth have been chosen as a set of regressors data spanning 1990-2020 in China facing the highest total ecological footpaths. And giving priority to the relevancy, reliability, and robustness autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) have been applied for instant and eternal sensitivities, followed by the widely used stationarity tests (augmented Dicky-Fuller and Phillips-Perron tests) and bounds test. Granger’s ordeal has also noticed causal inferences. Cointegrating findings are robust across all techniques, and ARDL results remain consistent regardless of short and prolonged duration. We witness positive and statistically significant (at 10%) responsiveness of ecological footprints (EFP) to China’s rapid gross domestic output (GDP) growth per capita fueled by fossil fuels (primarily coal). Contrarily, negative/inverse sensitivity to expansionary fiscal (higher government expenditures, GEx), contractionary monetary policies (higher policy rate, DR), and green energy use (REnC). Besides, EFP demonstrates statistically significant reciprocal interconnection with GDP and REnC but a unidirectional connection with DR (DR → EFP). GDP has effective collaboration with REnC and GEx whereas single-sided relationship DR as (GDP → DR). Finally, some policy choices are endorsed.

PMID:35064496 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-021-18085-y

Jpn J Radiol. 2022 Jan 22. doi: 10.1007/s11604-021-01242-1. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:35064442 | DOI:10.1007/s11604-021-01242-1

Intern Emerg Med. 2022 Jan 21. doi: 10.1007/s11739-022-02929-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The role of cardiovascular (CV) pharmacotherapies in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia remains controversial. This study aims to assess the impact of renin-angiotensin system modulation (RASi) (either angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACEIs) or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs)) on COVID-19 outcome.

METHODS: We performed a cohort study on consecutive patients admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia at the Internal Medicine Unit of Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital in Bologna, Italy. Patients with a possible alternative cause of respiratory failure other than COVID-19 were excluded. Clinical, pharmacological and laboratory data at admission and during the hospitalization were collected. Patients were treated with intravenous dexamethasone, low molecular weight heparin and nasal flow or Venturi mask oxygen. Subjects were followed until discharge, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission or death. Severe cases were defined by acute respiratory distress syndrome (arterial oxygen partial pressure and the fraction of inhaled oxygen ratio (P/F) ≤ 100 mmHg/%, or P/F ≤ 150 mmHg/% and respiratory rate ≥ 26/min). Patients with chronic use of RAS modulation were compared with those without for the composite outcome of in-hospital mortality or ICU admission. Hazard ratios (HR) were obtained by Cox regression, adjusted for several clinical factors.

RESULTS: Of the 268 patients enrolled in the study, 93 (35%, mean age 68 ± 13 years, 67% males) were treated with RASi (58% ACEIs and 42% ARBs). There were no meaningful differences between the RASI and no RASI group regarding clinical and laboratory parameters at admission. As expected, patients in the RASi group had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic heart disease. One hundred eight patients (40%) were admitted to ICU during hospitalization due to severe respiratory failure, and 24 (9%) died. The risk of in-hospital death or ICU admission was lower in the RASI group than in the non-RASI group (age and sex-adjusted HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.37-0.8), even after adjustment for several comorbidities (fully adjusted HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.74). Seven (7.5%) patients died in the RASi group vs 17 (9.7%) in the non-RASi group, leading to a non-statistically significant mortality risk reduction (fully adjusted HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.18-1.90). The lower risk in the RASi group was primarily related to ARBs use compared to ACEIs (HR 0.5, 95% CI 0.28-0.92 and HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.51-1.32, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed an inverse association between the chronic use of RASi and COVID-19 pneumonia severity (either ICU admissions or in-hospital death), even when significant comorbidities are considered.

PMID:35064437 | DOI:10.1007/s11739-022-02929-7

Cancer Causes Control. 2022 Jan 22. doi: 10.1007/s10552-021-01539-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (AMBER) Study is an ongoing prospective cohort study investigating how direct measures of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and health-related fitness (HRF) are associated with survival after breast cancer.

METHODS: Women in Alberta with newly diagnosed stage I (≥ T1c) to IIIc breast cancer were recruited between 2012 and 2019. Baseline assessments were completed within 90 days of surgery. Measurements included accelerometers to measure PA and SB; a graded treadmill test with gas exchange analysis to measure cardiorespiratory fitness (VO_2peak); upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance; dual-X-ray absorptiometry to measure body composition; and questionnaires to measure self-reported PA and SB.

RESULTS: At baseline, the 1528 participants’ mean age was 56 ± 11 years, 59% were post-menopausal, 62% had overweight/obesity, and 55% were diagnosed with stage II or III disease. Based on device measurements, study participants spent 8.9 ± 1.7 h/day sedentary, 4.4 ± 1.2 h/day in light-intensity activity, 0.9 ± 0.5 h/day in moderate-intensity activity, and 0.2 ± 0.2 h/day in vigorous-intensity activity. For those participants who reached VO_2peak, the average aerobic fitness level was 26.6 ± 6 ml/kg/min. Average body fat was 43 ± 7.1%.

CONCLUSION: We have established a unique cohort of breast cancer survivors with a wealth of data on PA, SB, and HRF obtained through both direct and self-reported measurements. Study participants are being followed for at least ten years to assess all outcomes after breast cancer. These data will inform clinical and public health guidelines on PA, SB, and HRF for improving breast cancer outcomes.

PMID:35064432 | DOI:10.1007/s10552-021-01539-6

J Prosthodont. 2022 Jan 21. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13481. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To estimate the effects of the thermal cycling (TC) process on the metal surfaces of Locators, as well as retention loss, and the correlation between them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five new Locator R-Tx were included in the study. Four areas were marked on each Locators’ patrix metal surface and scanned using a confocal scanner (μsurf explorer; NanoFocus). Three surface roughness parameters were measured in the scans: Sa (average distance of peaks from the central plain of the area), Vmp (volume of the peaks in the area), and Spc (mean curvature of the peaks describing the degree of their sharpness). Retention test was performed using Instron® 4500 compression tension tensile tester at a speed of 10 mm/min. The retention tests were done using a working model made of two acrylic blocks in which the Locator system parts were inserted. The surface parameters measurements and the retention tests were performed 2 times, one before and one after TC. The Locators were subjected to 15,000 TC cycles by investing them into 2 tubs with different water temperatures, 55^˚ and 5^˚ Celsius. During each 60 second cycle, the Locators were submerged in each tub for 20 seconds, with a 10 second transition time between the tubs. The post TC retention and surface parameters measurements were compared with those prior to TC and the prior to TC measurements served as controls. Changes in parameters before and after TC were analyzed by a two-way ANOVA nested model with random intercept and slope by restricted maximum likelihood method. Correlation between retention and surface parameters was quantified and examined using Kendall’s correlation test. The findings were considered statistically significant if p<0.05.

RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in retention of 16.6N at the second retention test (p <0.001). A significant statistical decrease in surface parameters were measured after TC process, Sa and Vmp (18 ×10^-3 μm, p = 0.041 and 0.94 ×10^-3 1/μm, p = 0.001 respectively). A significant statistical increase in Spc of 6.4 ×10^-3 μm³ /μm² (p = 0.023) was noticed. The correlation between retention decreases and surface changes was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: The TC process causes a substantial reduction in retention over time to the Locator system. In addition, TC causes significant but minor changes to Locator surface area. Most of the changes are in the horizontal dimension. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35061925 | DOI:10.1111/jopr.13481

Int J Dermatol. 2022 Jan 21. doi: 10.1111/ijd.16046. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Histopathological examination of skin remains the cornerstone in the diagnosis of leprosy. At a few centers, fluorescent microscopy has been found to be useful in detecting more acid-fast bacilli (AFB) compared to modified Fite-Faraco staining but is sparsely documented. Hence, we studied the sensitivity of fluorescent microscopy and modified Fite-Faraco stain in the detection of Mycobacterium leprae in tissue sections.

METHODS: Patients attending our outpatient department during January 2019 to June 2020 with the clinical features of leprosy were examined, and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology after informed consent. Tissue sections were stained by fluorescent stain and modified Fite-Faraco stain. Bacillary index was calculated for each case.

RESULTS: Forty patients were recruited after following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. AFB were demonstrated in 20 patients by modified Fite-Faraco stain and in 27 patients with fluorescent stain. The sensitivity of fluorescent staining method (67.5%) was higher than modified Fite-Faraco stain (50%). Bacillary index was increased in 26 out of 40 cases by the fluorescent staining compared to the modified Fite-Faraco staining. Chi-square value was 69.3 and P value was 0.000, indicating a statistically significant correlation.

LIMITATIONS: Fluorescent microscope is expensive, and trained people are needed to identify the bacilli.

CONCLUSION: Fluorescent staining is more sensitive than modified Fite-Faraco staining in the detection of AFB in tissue sections. The bacilli detected per field were high with the fluorescent staining compared to the modified Fite-Faraco method.

PMID:35061916 | DOI:10.1111/ijd.16046

J Dent Educ. 2022 Jan 21. doi: 10.1002/jdd.12884. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to evaluate radiographically the technical quality of root canal treatment performed by undergraduate students using reciprocating NiTi instrumentation and single-cone obturation.

METHODS: Endodontic treatment on 1102 teeth performed by undergraduate students from the School of Dentistry of the University of Santa Cecilia (Brazil) was evaluated. All root canal preparations were performed using Reciproc files and were irrigated with 1% NaOCl. The root canal was filled with gutta-percha, along with AH Plus sealer, using the single-cone obturation technique. The technical quality of the root canal treatment was evaluated based on immediate postoperative radiographs. Distance between the end of the filling and the radiographic apex, the filling density, and the taper of the root filling was assessed. Inter-examiner agreement statistic (Kappa) and Chi-square statistic test were used for statistical evaluation of the results. Differences were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Anterior teeth, maxillary premolars, and molars presented better results than mandibular premolars and molars (p < 0.05). Mandibular premolars presented a high incidence of a short length of obturation (33.34%) and mandibular molars presented a high incidence of overfilling (6.55%). The majority of the treatment analyzed (62.46%) fulfilled all the criteria showing acceptable working length, taper, and density of obturation. Instrument fractures occurred in eighteen root canals (0.81%).

CONCLUSIONS: The use of NiTi reciprocating instruments with the single-cone obturation technique provided an acceptable quality of endodontic treatment in the majority of the cases performed by undergraduate students.

PMID:35061917 | DOI:10.1002/jdd.12884

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2022 Jan 21:dkab498. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkab498. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Routine HIV drug resistance genotyping identified an integrase sequence harbouring T97A, E138K, G140S and Q148H, with high predicted resistance to all integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of these substitutions alone and together on phenotypic INSTI susceptibility.

METHODS: We constructed recombinant NL4.3 viruses harbouring all mutation combinations in the autologous integrase sequence. Viruses were grown in GFP-reporter CD4+ T-cells in the presence of 0.01-1000 nM raltegravir, elvitegravir, dolutegravir, bictegravir, and cabotegravir. Infection was measured by imaging cytometry.

RESULTS: Q148H-containing viruses lacking G140S failed to propagate or mutated in vitro, consistent with fitness costs. Statistically significant reductions in INSTI susceptibility were observed for several mutation combinations, as follows. T97A or G140S alone conferred 3.6- to 5.6-fold decreased susceptibility to raltegravir and elvitegravir. Two-mutation combinations conferred low-to-moderate resistance to raltegravir and elvitegravir only, except G140S/Q148H which eliminated raltegravir and elvitegravir activity and conferred 24.6-, 7.9-, and 107.5-fold reduced susceptibility to dolutegravir, bictegravir and cabotegravir. Addition of E138K to G140S/Q148H conferred 35.5, 11.6 and 208-fold reduced susceptibility to dolutegravir, bictegravir, and cabotegravir, while addition of T97A to G140S/Q148H conferred 318, 121 and >1000-fold reduced susceptibility to these drugs. T97A/E138K/G140S/Q148H in the autologous backbone conferred >300-fold reduced susceptibility to all INSTIs. Notably, bictegravir EC50 was significantly lower when T97A/E138K/G140S/Q148H was introduced into NL4.3, suggesting that other mutations in the autologous sequence enhanced resistance.

CONCLUSIONS: High-level dolutegravir, bictegravir and cabotegravir resistance requires multiple integrase substitutions including compensatory mutations. T97A and E138K further enhance the resistance conferred by G140S/Q148H, yielding >300-fold decreased susceptibility to all INSTIs when all four mutations are present.

PMID:35061879 | DOI:10.1093/jac/dkab498