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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Hepatitis C virus screening reactive among blood donors in mainland China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Transfus Med. 2022 Nov 9. doi: 10.1111/tme.12935. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be transmitted by blood transfusion. The aim of this meta-analysis is to estimate the anti-HCV reactive rate and to define the demographic characteristics of blood donors who have potential threats to blood safety in mainland China for nearly 30 years, in order to provide a safe reference for blood transfusion and corresponding guidance for policymakers to increase blood safety.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature reporting the anti-HCV screening reactive rate in Chinese blood donors was identified by systematic searching of four electronic databases from 1991 to 2017. The Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were strictly followed, and data manipulation and statistical analysis were performed by Stata 15.0.

RESULTS: Our results showed that the post-donation anti-HCV reactive rate was 0.53% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51%-0.55%) with a significant variation from 1.58% (95% CI, 1.13%-2.03%) before 1998 to 0.51% (95% CI, 0.48%-0.53%) after 1998 when the Blood Donation Law was implemented in China. In addition, anti-HCV screening reactive rate for family or replacement donors was significantly higher than that in individual voluntary blood donors.

CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that blood centres in China should convert more eligible first-time donors into repeat donors and turn the ‘real family or replacement donors’ into individual voluntary blood donors to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HCV. In the meantime, large surveys should be carried out among volunteer donors from high-risk populations.

PMID:36349871 | DOI:10.1111/tme.12935

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Impact of a smoke free policy on smoking behaviour of clients in treatment for substance use disorder

Tijdschr Psychiatr. 2022;64(9):604-607.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In 2018 Jellinek became a smoke free institution. By implementing ‘Jellinek Smoke free’ in all locations (15), a policy has been implemented to facilitate smoking cessation in clients with a comorbid tobacco use disorder seeking treatment for substance use disorders at Jellinek.

AIM: To investigate whether the implementation of the new policy impacted smoking behaviour of clients in treatment for substance use disorders at Jellinek.

METHOD: Based on data from anonymized client files, changes in smoking behaviour (cessation or reduction) were analysed for clients with other addictions who started treatment in 2016 versus clients who started in 2019 – after the implementation of the new smoke free policy. Comparative analyses were conducted on the population as a whole, per type of treatment (outpatient care, residential care, Minnesota, outreaching care) as well as per type of smoker (light, moderate, heavy).

RESULTS: In the client population as a whole, significantly more people stopped smoking in 2019 (22%) in comparison to 2016 (16%) and there was a trend toward statistical significance with regard to reduction. When a cessation period was part of treatment, significantly more clients stopped and decreased the number of cigarettes a day. Moreover, light and moderate smokers (≤ 20 cigarettes a day) stopped and reduced significantly more in 2019 (32%) than in 2016 (23%). In outpatient care, outreaching care and with heavy smokers (> 20 cigarettes a day), there was no significant difference in percentage of cessation and reduction between 2016 and 2019.

CONCLUSION: After implementing Jellinek Smoke free, significant changes in smoking behaviour occurred in the client population as a whole with a comorbid tobacco use disorder, in treatments where a cessation period was part of treatment as well as with light and moderate smokers.

PMID:36349857

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Psychiatric symptoms and COVID-19: results of a national case register

Tijdschr Psychiatr. 2022;64(9):558-565.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders are associated with a more severe course of COVID-19. COVID-19 can also lead to psychiatric symptoms.

AIM: To gain insight into vulnerabilities and protective factors for the course of COVID-19 in a Dutch (neuro)psychiatric population.

METHOD: Patients were divided into three groups: patients with pre-existent mental disorders without and with new (neuro)psychiatric symptoms (NPS) during COVID-19 and patients without pre-existent mental disorders who developed de novo NPS during COVID-19. We summarize the characteristics of each group and compare the subgroups with inferential statistics.

RESULTS: 186 patients were included in the case register. Patients with NPS showed a more severe course of COVID-19. Mortality in patients with NPS was higher in patients with pre-existent mental disorders compared to patients without pre-existent mental disorders. The most frequently reported de novo psychiatric symptoms during COVID-19 were delirium (46-70%), anxiety (53-54%) and insomnia (18-42%).

CONCLUSION: NPS might be an expression of a more severe COVID-19 episode. In patients who developed NPS during COVID-19 we found evidence for a higher mortality risk in patients with pre-existent mental disorders. Extra vigilance for neuropsychiatric symptoms during COVID-19 is warranted.

PMID:36349850

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Coexistence of ergodicity and nonergodicity in the aging two-state random walks

Soft Matter. 2022 Nov 9. doi: 10.1039/d2sm01093c. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The two-state stochastic phenomenon is observed in various systems and is attracting more interest, and it can be described by the two-state random walk (TSRW) model. The TSRW model is a typical two-state renewal process alternating between the continuous-time random walk state and the Lévy walk state, in both of which the sojourn time distributions follow a power law. In this paper, by discussing the statistical properties and calculating the ensemble averaged and time averaged mean squared displacement, the ergodic property and the ultimate diffusive behavior of the aging TSRW is studied. Results reveal that because of the two-state intermittent feature, ergodicity and nonergodicity can coexist in the aging TSRW, which behave as the time scalings of the time averages and ensemble averages not being identically equal. In addition, we find that the unique state occupation mechanism caused by the diverging mean of the sojourn times of one state, determines the aging TSRW’s ultimate diffusive behavior at extremely large timescales, i.e., instead of the term with the larger diffusion exponent, the diffusion is surprisingly characterized by the term with the smaller one, which is distinctly different from previous conclusions and known results. At last, we note that the Lévy walk with rests model which also displays aging and ergodicity breaking, can be generalized by the TSRW model.

PMID:36349834 | DOI:10.1039/d2sm01093c

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Risk Factors for Cerebrovascular Events in Moyamoya Angiopathy Using 4D Flow MRI: A Pilot Study

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2022 Nov 9. doi: 10.1002/jmri.28522. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Little is known about internal carotid artery (ICA) hemodynamics in patients with moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) and its role in cerebrovascular events.

PURPOSE: To characterize ICA hemodynamics in MMA patients by 4D flow MRI and investigate its relationship with cerebrovascular events.

STUDY TYPE: Prospective.

SUBJECTS: Seventy MMA patients (50 years old ± 9, 30 males).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: Time-resolved three-directional velocity encoded fast field echo sequence (4D flow) MRI, T1-weighted fast field echo sequence, T2 weighted turbo spin echo sequence, diffusion weighted echo planar imaging; T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery turbo spin echo sequence, susceptibility weighted fast field echo sequence, and time-of-flight MR angiography fast field echo sequence at 3.0T.

ASSESSMENT: ICA hemodynamics (maximum and average velocity [Vmax , Vavg ], average blood flow [Flowavg ], and wall shear stress) were analyzed based on 4D flow data. Cerebral infarction, defined as the occurrence of events, in 124 brain hemispheres was determined according to clinical symptoms and conventional brain MR imaging.

STATISTICAL TESTS: The independent-samples T test was used to evaluate differences in ICA hemodynamics between infarcted and non-infarcted hemispheres. Binary logistic regression was performed to investigate the relationship between ICA hemodynamics and events. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Sixty-one infarcted hemispheres (eight hemispheres with acute ischemic damage, 30 with chronic ischemic damage, and 23 with chronic hemorrhagic damage) had cerebrovascular events and 63 non-infarcted hemispheres did not. The hemodynamic parameters in the infarcted hemispheres (Vmax : P < 0.001; Vavg : P = 0.003; and Flowavg : P = 0.004) were significantly lower than those in the non-infarcted hemispheres. However, Vmax (P = 0.052), Vavg (P = 0.107), and Flowavg (P = 0.074) were not significantly different among hemispheres with acute ischemic lesions, chronic ischemic lesions and chronic hemorrhagic lesions. Vmax (odds ratio 3.033, 95% CI: 1.075-8.562) was independently associated with cerebrovascular events.

DATA CONCLUSION: Vmax maybe a higher risk factor of cerebrovascular events in MMA patients.

EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 3.

PMID:36349829 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.28522

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Spatiotemporal Design of the Metal-Organic Framework DUT-8(M)

Adv Mater. 2022 Nov 9:e2207741. doi: 10.1002/adma.202207741. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Switchable metal-organic frameworks change their structure in time and selectively open their pores adsorbing guest molecules, leading to highly selective separation, pressure amplification, sensing, and actuation applications. The three-dimensional engineering of metal-organic frameworks has reached a high level of maturity, but spatiotemporal evolution opens a new perspective towards engineering materials in the 4th dimension (time) by t-axis design, in essence exploiting the deliberate tuning of activation barriers. This work demonstrates the first example in which an explicit temporal engineering of a switchable metal-organic framework (DUT-8, [M1 M2 (2,6-ndc)2 dabco]n , 2,6-ndc = 2,6,-naphthalene dicarboxylate, dabco = 1,4 diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, M1 = Ni, M2 = Co) is presented. The temporal response is deliberately tuned by variations in cobalt content. We present a spectrum of advanced analytical methods for analyzing the switching kinetics stimulated by vapor adsorption using in situ time-resolved techniques ranging from ensemble adsorption and advanced synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments to individual crystal analysis. A novel analysis technique based on microscopic observation of individual crystals in a microfluidic channel reveals the lowest limit for adsorption switching reported so far. Differences in the spatiotemporal response of crystal ensembles originate from an induction time that varies statistically and widens characteristically with increasing cobalt content reflecting increasing activation barriers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:36349824 | DOI:10.1002/adma.202207741

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Dealing with missing values in proteomics data

Proteomics. 2022 Nov 9:e2200092. doi: 10.1002/pmic.202200092. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Proteomics data are often plagued with missingness issues. These missing values (MVs) threaten the integrity of subsequent statistical analyses by reduction of statistical power, introduction of bias, and failure to represent the true sample. Over the years, several categories of missing value imputation (MVI) methods have been developed and adapted for proteomics data. These MVI methods perform their tasks based on different prior assumptions (e.g., data is normally or independently distributed) and operating principles (e.g., the algorithm is built to address random missingness only), resulting in varying levels of performance even when dealing with the same dataset. Thus, to achieve a satisfactory outcome, a suitable MVI method must be selected. To guide decision making on suitable MVI method, we provide a decision chart which facilitates strategic considerations on datasets presenting different characteristics. We also bring attention to other issues that can impact proper MVI such as the presence of confounders (e.g., batch effects) which can influence MVI performance. Thus, these too, should be considered during or before MVI. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:36349819 | DOI:10.1002/pmic.202200092

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Mass spectrometry-based high-throughput proteomics and its role in biomedical studies and systems biology

Proteomics. 2022 Nov 9:e2200013. doi: 10.1002/pmic.202200013. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

There are multiple reasons why the next generation of biological and medical studies require increasing numbers of samples. First, many conditions need to be considered to produce generalisable results. For example, biological systems are dynamic, and the effect of a perturbation depends on the genetic background and environment. Moreover, human population and clinical studies only reach sufficient statistical power if conducted at scale and with precise measurement methods. Finally, many proteins remain without sufficient functional annotations, because they have not been systematically studied under a broad range of conditions. In this review, we discuss the latest technical developments in mass spectrometry-based proteomics that facilitate large-scale studies by fast and efficient chromatography, fast scanning mass spectrometers, data-independent acquisition (DIA), and new software. We further highlight recent studies which demonstrate how high-throughput proteomics can be applied to capture biological diversity, annotate gene functions or to generate predictive and prognostic models for human disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:36349817 | DOI:10.1002/pmic.202200013

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Fusional vergence dysfunctions in acute acquired concomitant esotropia of adulthood with myopia

Ophthalmic Res. 2022 Nov 7. doi: 10.1159/000527884. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Acute acquired concomitant esotropia (AACE) has been increased dramatically in myopia. To clarify whether fusional vergence dysfunctions exist in AACE with myopia, and to explore the relationship between fusional vergence and myopia in AACE Methods: A prospective clinical study. Adult AACE patients as well as controls (aged ≥18 years) both with myopia were prospectively recruited from October 2016 to August 2021. Refractive error and fusional divergence and convergence amplitude at distance were measured, as determined with a comprehensive refractor. The main outcome measures were the real value of the fusional divergence amplitude (calculated by subtracting the break point value from the angle of deviation) and the real value of the fusional convergence amplitude (calculated by subtracting the angle of deviation from the break point value). Two-sided p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS: Fusional vergence consisting of fusional divergence and fusional convergence in patients with AACE of adulthood were different from the controls (p<0.001), with fusional convergence decreased and fusional divergence increased. In the linear regression analysis, spherical equivalents were significantly negatively correlated with fusional convergence (right eyes, p<0.001; left eyes, p<0.001) in patients with AACE of adulthood but not in controls. There was a significant difference in fusional convergence amplitude among different degrees of spherical equivalents (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Fusional vergence dysfunction exist in AACE of adulthood, which may be attributed to self-adaptation based on concomitant esotropia to maintain fusion in AACE. Fusional convergence was associated with degrees of myopia, implying the adaption would be weakened as the degree of myopia becomes serious.

PMID:36349785 | DOI:10.1159/000527884

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Dietary Protein and Fiber Affect Gut Microbiome and Treg/Th17 Commitment in Chronic Kidney Disease Mice

Am J Nephrol. 2022 Nov 7:1-6. doi: 10.1159/000526957. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have dysbiosis, dysmetabolism, and immune dysregulation. Gut microbiome plays an important role shaping the immune system which is an important modulator of CKD progression.

METHODS: We compared the effect of a diet low in protein and high in fiber (LP-HF; n = 7) to that of diet rich in protein, but low in fiber (HP-LF; n = 7) on gut microbiome and T-cell commitment in male CKD (Alb/TGF-β1) mice. The gut microbiomes of these mice were subjected to 16S rRNA taxonomic profiling at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks of the study.

RESULTS: The LP-HF diet was associated with an increase in Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum BT, a taxon whose functions include those closely related to butyric acid synthesis (Kendall’s W statistic = 180 in analysis of microbiome composition). HP-LF diet was associated with increased abundance of two predominantly proteolytic bacterial strains related to Parabacteroides distasonis (W statistic = 173), Mucispirillum schaedleri, and Bacteroides dorei (W statistic = 192). Pathway analysis suggested that the LP-HF diet induced carbohydrate, lipid, and butyrate metabolism. As compared with HP-LF mice, LP-HF mice had 1.7-fold increase in CD4+Foxp3+Treg cells in spleen and 2.4-fold increase of these cells in peripheral blood. There was an 87% decrease in percentage of CD4+ Th17 + cells in spleen and an 85% decrease in peripheral blood, respectively, in LP-HF mice compared to the HP-LF mice.

CONCLUSION: The LP-HF diet promotes the proliferation of saccharolytic bacteria and favors T-cell commitment toward Treg cells in a CKD mouse of model. Clinical significance of the finding needs to be further investigated.

PMID:36349783 | DOI:10.1159/000526957