Tag: nevin manimala

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023 Jun 7:dgad344. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgad344. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Many observational studies have been reported the association between educational attainment (EA) and thyroid function, but the causal relationship remains unclear. We aimed to obtain causal effects of EA on thyroid function and to quantify the mediating effects of modifiable risk factors.

METHODS: Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed by using summary statistics from large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to assess the effect of EA on thyroid function, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4). A multivariable analysis was conducted to assess the mediating role of smoking and help to explain the association between EA and thyroid function. Similar analysis was further performed using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002.

RESULTS: In MR analysis, EA was causally associated with TSH (β=0.046, 95% CI: 0.015-0.077; p = 4.00 × 10-3), rather than hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and FT4. Importantly, smoking could serve as a mediator in the association between EA and TSH, in which the mediating proportion was estimated to be 10.38%. After adjusting for smoking in the multivariable MR analysis, the β value of EA on TSH was attenuated to 0.030 (95% CI: 0.016-0.045; p = 9.32 × 10-3). Multivariable logistic regression model in NHANES suggested a dose-response relationship between TSH (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.05-1.68; P for trend = 0.023) and EA. Smoking, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and body mass index (BMI) partially mediated the association between EA and TSH, with the proportion of the mediation effects being 43.82%, 12.28% and 6.81%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: There is a potentially causal association between EA and TSH, which could be mediated by several risk factors, such as smoking.

PMID:37285488 | DOI:10.1210/clinem/dgad344

J Infect Dis. 2023 Jun 7:jiad212. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiad212. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To reduce the risk of pertussis related morbidity and mortality in early life, an increasing number of countries recommend maternal pertussis vaccination. Hence, there is limited knowledge about half-lives of vaccine-induced pertussis-specific maternal antibodies, especially in preterm infants and factors potentially influencing them.

METHODS: We compared two different approaches to provide estimates of the half-lives of pertussis-specific maternal antibodies in infants and explored potential effects on the half-life for two studies. In the first approach, we estimated the half-lives per child and used these estimates as responses in linear models. In the second approach, we used linear mixed effect models on a log-2 transformed scale of the longitudinal data to use the inverse of the time parameter as an estimate for the half-lives.

RESULTS: Both approaches provided similar results. The identified covariates partly explain differences in half-life estimates. The strongest evidence we observed was a difference between term and preterm infants, with the preterm showing a higher half-life. Among others, a longer interval between vaccination and delivery increases the half-life.

CONCLUSION: Several variables influence the decay speed of maternal antibodies. Both approaches have (dis)advantages, while the choice is secondary when assessing the half-life of pertussis-specific antibodies. Brief summary: We compared two approaches for estimating the half-life of vaccine-induced pertussis-specific maternal antibodies, focusing on the difference between preterm and term born infants, while also examining other variables. Both approaches yielded similar results, with preterm infants showing a higher half-life.

PMID:37285482 | DOI:10.1093/infdis/jiad212

J Oral Pathol Med. 2023 Jun 7. doi: 10.1111/jop.13451. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial regulatory roles in cancer progression, including oral cancer (OC). However, the biological mechanisms of miRNA-15a-5p in OC remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of miRNA-15a-5p and the YAP1 gene in OC.

METHODS: A total of 22 clinically and histologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients were recruited, and their tissues were stored in a stabilizing solution. Later, RT-PCR was performed to evaluate miRNA-15a-5p and the targeting gene YAP1. The results of OSCC samples were compared with unpaired normal tissues.

RESULTS: The normality tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk, revealed a normal distribution. Inferential statistics were performed using an independent sample t-test/unpaired t-test among the study intervals to compare the expression of miR-15a and YAP1. SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Released 2019) was used to analyse the data. The significance level was set at 5% (α = 0.05), and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The expression of miRNA-15a-5p was lower in OSCC than in normal tissue, whereas the opposite was observed for YAP1 levels.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that miRNA-15a-5p was downregulated and YAP1 was overexpressed, which had a statistically significant difference between the normal and OSCC groups. Therefore, miRNA-15a-5p may serve as a novel biomarker to better understand the pathology and as a potential target in OSCC therapy.

PMID:37285474 | DOI:10.1111/jop.13451

JBJS Rev. 2023 Jun 7;11(6). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.23.00077. eCollection 2023 Jun 1.

ABSTRACT

» Data continue to accumulate indicating that many systematic reviews are methodologically flawed, biased, redundant, or uninformative. Some improvements have occurred in recent years based on empirical methods research and standardization of appraisal tools; however, many authors do not routinely or consistently apply these updated methods. In addition, guideline developers, peer reviewers, and journal editors often disregard current methodological standards. Although extensively acknowledged and explored in the methodological literature, most clinicians seem unaware of these issues and may automatically accept evidence syntheses (and clinical practice guidelines based on their conclusions) as trustworthy.» A plethora of methods and tools are recommended for the development and evaluation of evidence syntheses. It is important to understand what these are intended to do (and cannot do) and how they can be utilized. Our objective is to distill this sprawling information into a format that is understandable and readily accessible to authors, peer reviewers, and editors. In doing so, we aim to promote appreciation and understanding of the demanding science of evidence synthesis among stakeholders. We focus on well-documented deficiencies in key components of evidence syntheses to elucidate the rationale for current standards. The constructs underlying the tools developed to assess reporting, risk of bias, and methodological quality of evidence syntheses are distinguished from those involved in determining overall certainty of a body of evidence. Another important distinction is made between those tools used by authors to develop their syntheses as opposed to those used to ultimately judge their work.» Exemplar methods and research practices are described, complemented by novel pragmatic strategies to improve evidence syntheses. The latter include preferred terminology and a scheme to characterize types of research evidence. We organize best practice resources in a Concise Guide that can be widely adopted and adapted for routine implementation by authors and journals. Appropriate, informed use of these is encouraged, but we caution against their superficial application and emphasize their endorsement does not substitute for in-depth methodological training. By highlighting best practices with their rationale, we hope this guidance will inspire further evolution of methods and tools that can advance the field.

PMID:37285444 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.RVW.23.00077

Sci Adv. 2023 Jun 9;9(23):eadi1405. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adi1405. Epub 2023 Jun 7.

ABSTRACT

Long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are powerful cosmic explosions, signaling the death of massive stars. Among them, GRB 221009A is by far the brightest burst ever observed. Because of its enormous energy (E_iso ≈ 10⁵⁵ erg) and proximity (z ≈ 0.15), GRB 221009A is an exceptionally rare event that pushes the limits of our theories. We present multiwavelength observations covering the first 3 months of its afterglow evolution. The x-ray brightness decays as a power law with slope ≈t^-1.66, which is not consistent with standard predictions for jetted emission. We attribute this behavior to a shallow energy profile of the relativistic jet. A similar trend is observed in other energetic GRBs, suggesting that the most extreme explosions may be powered by structured jets launched by a common central engine.

PMID:37285439 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.adi1405

Sci Adv. 2023 Jun 9;9(23):eade6350. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.ade6350. Epub 2023 Jun 7.

ABSTRACT

Global warming has shifted phenological traits in many species, but whether species are able to track further increasing temperatures depends on the fitness consequences of additional shifts in phenological traits. To test this, we measured phenology and fitness of great tits (Parus major) with genotypes for extremely early and late egg lay dates, obtained from a genomic selection experiment. Females with early genotypes advanced lay dates relative to females with late genotypes, but not relative to nonselected females. Females with early and late genotypes did not differ in the number of fledglings produced, in line with the weak effect of lay date on the number of fledglings produced by nonselected females in the years of the experiment. Our study is the first application of genomic selection in the wild and led to an asymmetric phenotypic response that indicates the presence of constraints toward early, but not late, lay dates.

PMID:37285433 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.ade6350

J Infect Dis. 2023 Jun 7:jiad185. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiad185. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adding additional specimen types (e.g., serology or sputum) to nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) RT-PCR increases respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detection among adults. We assessed if a similar increase occurs in children and quantified under-ascertainment associated with diagnostic testing.

METHODS: We searched databases for studies involving RSV detection in persons <18 years using ≥2 specimen types or tests. We assessed study quality using a validated checklist. We pooled detection rates by specimen and diagnostic tests and quantified performance.

RESULTS: We included 157 studies. Added testing of additional specimens to NP aspirate (NPA), NPS and/or nasal swab (NS) RT-PCR resulted in statistically non-significant increases in RSV detection. Adding paired serology testing increased RSV detection by 10%, NS by 8%, oropharyngeal swabs by 5%, and NPS by 1%. Compared to RT-PCR, direct fluorescence antibody tests, viral culture, and rapid antigen tests were 87%, 76%, and 74% sensitive, respectively (pooled specificities all ≥98%). Pooled sensitivity of multiplex versus singleplex RT-PCR was 96%.

CONCLUSIONS: RT-PCR was the most sensitive pediatric RSV diagnostic test. Adding multiple specimens did not substantially increase RSV detection, but even small proportional increases could result in meaningful changes in burden estimates. The synergistic effect of adding multiple specimens should be evaluated.

PMID:37285396 | DOI:10.1093/infdis/jiad185

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2023 Jun 13;120(24):e2300189120. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2300189120. Epub 2023 Jun 7.

ABSTRACT

Using millions of observations compiled from the public administrative data of Taiwan, we find a surprising gender inequity in terms of real estate: Men own more land than women, and the annual rate of return (ROR) of men’s land outperform women’s by almost 1% per year. The latter finding of gender-based ROR difference is in sharp contrast to prior evidence that women outperform men in security investment, and also suggests a quantity-and-quality double jeopardy in female land ownership which, given the heavy weight of real estate in individual wealth, has important implications for wealth inequality among men and women. Our statistical analyses suggest that such a gender-based difference in land ROR cannot be attributed to individual-level factors such as liquidity preferences, risk attitudes, investment experience, and behavioral biases, as described in the literature. Rather, we hypothesize parental gender bias-a phenomenon that is still prevalent today-to be the key macrolevel factor. To test our hypothesis, we partition our observations into two groups: an experimental group in which parents can exercise gender discretion, and a control group in which parents cannot exercise such discretion. Our empirical evidence shows that the gender difference with respect to land ROR only exists in the experimental group. For many societies with long-lasting patriarchal traditions, our analysis provides a perspective to help explain gender differences in wealth distribution and social mobility.

PMID:37285393 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2300189120

Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2023 Jun 7:1-12. doi: 10.1044/2023_AJSLP-22-00393. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Voice disorders significantly impair the ability to communicate effectively and reduce the quality of life in older adults; however, its prevalence has not been well established. The aim of our research was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of voice disorders among the older population.

METHOD: Five medical databases were systematically searched for studies that reported the prevalence of voice disorders in older adults. The overall prevalence was exhibited in proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) utilizing random-effects models. Heterogeneity was measured using I ² statistics.

RESULTS: Of 930 articles screened, 13 fulfilled the eligibility criteria, including 10 studies in community-based settings and three in institutionalized settings. An overall prevalence of voice disorders in older adults was estimated to be 18.79% (95% CI [16.34, 21.37], I ² = 96%). Subgroup analysis showed a prevalence of 33.03% (95% CI [26.85, 39.51], I ² = 35%) in institutionalized older adults, which was significantly higher than that in the community-based older adults with 15.2% (95% CI [12.65, 17.92], I ² = 92%). Some factors that influenced the reported prevalence were identified, including types of survey, the definition of voice disorders, sampling methods, and the mean age of the population among included studies.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of voice disorders in the older population depends on various factors but is relatively common in older adults. The findings of this study accentuate the necessity for researchers to standardize the protocol for reporting geriatric dysphonia as well as for older adults to express their voice-related problems so that they will receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

PMID:37285381 | DOI:10.1044/2023_AJSLP-22-00393

PLoS One. 2023 Jun 7;18(6):e0286061. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286061. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

People have used rainwater harvesting (RWH) technology for generations to a considerable extent in semi-arid and arid regions. In addition to meeting domestic needs, this technology can be utilized for agricultural purposes as well as soil and water conservation measures. Modeling the identification of the appropriate pond’s location therefore becomes crucial. This study employs a Geo Information System (GIS) based multi-criteria analysis (MCA) approach and satellite rainfall data, Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP) to determine the suitable locations for the ponds in a semi-arid area of Indonesia, Liliba watershed, Timor. The criteria for determining the location of the reservoir refer to the FAO and Indonesia’s small ponds guideline. The watershed’s biophysical characteristics and the socioeconomic situation were taken into consideration when selecting the site. According our statistical analysis, the correlation coefficient results of satellite daily precipitation were weak and moderate, but the results were strong and extremely strong for longer time scales (monthly). Our analysis shows that about 13% of the entire stream system is not suitable for ponds, whereas areas that are both good suitability and excellent suitability for ponds make up 24% and 3% of the total stream system. 61% of the locations are partially suited. The results are then verified against simple field observations. Our analysis suggests that there are 13 locations suitable for pond construction. The combination of geospatial data, GIS, a multi-criteria analysis, and a field survey proved effective for the RWH site selection in a semi-arid region with limited data, especially on the first and second order streams.

PMID:37285375 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0286061