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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Employing phylogenetic tree shape statistics to resolve the underlying host population structure

BMC Bioinformatics. 2021 Nov 10;22(1):546. doi: 10.1186/s12859-021-04465-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Host population structure is a key determinant of pathogen and infectious disease transmission patterns. Pathogen phylogenetic trees are useful tools to reveal the population structure underlying an epidemic. Determining whether a population is structured or not is useful in informing the type of phylogenetic methods to be used in a given study. We employ tree statistics derived from phylogenetic trees and machine learning classification techniques to reveal an underlying population structure.

RESULTS: In this paper, we simulate phylogenetic trees from both structured and non-structured host populations. We compute eight statistics for the simulated trees, which are: the number of cherries; Sackin, Colless and total cophenetic indices; ladder length; maximum depth; maximum width, and width-to-depth ratio. Based on the estimated tree statistics, we classify the simulated trees as from either a non-structured or a structured population using the decision tree (DT), K-nearest neighbor (KNN) and support vector machine (SVM). We incorporate the basic reproductive number ([Formula: see text]) in our tree simulation procedure. Sensitivity analysis is done to investigate whether the classifiers are robust to different choice of model parameters and to size of trees. Cross-validated results for area under the curve (AUC) for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves yield mean values of over 0.9 for most of the classification models.

CONCLUSIONS: Our classification procedure distinguishes well between trees from structured and non-structured populations using the classifiers, the two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Cucconi and Podgor-Gastwirth tests and the box plots. SVM models were more robust to changes in model parameters and tree size compared to KNN and DT classifiers. Our classification procedure was applied to real -world data and the structured population was revealed with high accuracy of [Formula: see text] using SVM-polynomial classifier.

PMID:34758743 | DOI:10.1186/s12859-021-04465-1

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The Association Between The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation And Dental Caries Among U.S. Adults

Int J Dent Hyg. 2021 Nov 10. doi: 10.1111/idh.12562. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program aims to alleviate hunger and improve food insecurity. The impact of SNAP participation on overall health has been studied. However, little is known about the effects of SNAP participation on oral health. We aimed to investigate the association between participating in SNAP and dental caries and to explore the role of food insecurity as a moderator in this relationship.

METHODS: We obtained data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 2011-2012 and 2013-2014.The primary outcome was untreated dental caries (none vs. one or more). Self-reported SNAP participation status in the past 12 months was the predictor and food security was the moderator. Food security was measured as overall food security status (full food secure/ food insecure) and household-level food security (full, marginal, low, and very low). Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between SNAP and dental caries, and whether food insecurity moderates this relationship. Statistical analysis was carried out in September 2020.

RESULTS: Our results suggested that after adjusting for potential confounders, SNAP participants were more likely to have untreated dental caries than non-SNAP participants (odds ratio:1.6; 95% CI:1.2-2.0). Food security status didn’t alter the relationship between SNAP participation and untreated dental caries.

CONCLUSIONS: Food security status didn’t alter the relationship between SNAP participation and untreated dental caries. SNAP participation was associated with untreated dental caries among U.S. adults, and this was not affected by their food security status.

PMID:34758187 | DOI:10.1111/idh.12562

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Non-Adjunctive Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Control of Hypoglycaemia (COACH): Results of a Post-Approval Observational Study

Diabet Med. 2021 Nov 10:e14739. doi: 10.1111/dme.14739. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Prior to the Continuous Monitoring and Control of Hypoglycaemia (COACH) study described herein, no study had been powered to evaluate the impact of non-adjunctive RT-CGM use on the rate of debilitating moderate or severe hypoglycaemic events.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this 12-month observational study, adults with insulin-requiring diabetes who were new to RT-CGM participated in a 6-month control phase where insulin dosing decisions were based on self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) values, followed by a 6-month phase where decisions were based on RT-CGM data (i.e., non-adjunctive RT-CGM use); recommendations for RT-CGM use were made according to sites’ usual care. The primary outcome was change in debilitating moderate (requiring second-party assistance) and severe (resulting in seizures or loss of consciousness) hypoglycaemic event frequency. Secondary outcomes included changes in HbA1c and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) frequency.

RESULTS: A total of 519 participants with mean (SD) age 50.3 (16.1) years and baseline HbA1c 8.0% (1.4%) completed the study, of whom 32.8% had impaired hypoglycaemia awareness and 33.5% had type 2 diabetes (T2D). The mean (SE) per-patient frequency of hypoglycaemic events decreased by 63% from 0.08 (0.016) during the SMBG phase to 0.03 (0.010) during the RT-CGM phase (p=0.005). HbA1c decreased during the RT-CGM phase both for participants with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D and there was a trend toward larger reductions among individuals with higher baseline HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS: Among adults with insulin-requiring diabetes, non-adjunctive use of RT-CGM data is safe, resulting in significantly fewer debilitating hypoglycaemic events than management using SMBG.

PMID:34758142 | DOI:10.1111/dme.14739

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Colorectal cancer risk susceptibility loci in a Swedish population

Mol Carcinog. 2021 Nov 10. doi: 10.1002/mc.23366. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To search for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk loci, Swedish samples were used for a genome-wide haplotype analysis. A logistic regression model was employed in 2663 CRC cases and 1642 controls in the discovery analysis. Three analyses were done, on all, familial-, and nonfamilial CRC samples and only results with odds ratio (OR) > 1 were analyzed. single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis did not generate any statistically significant results. Haplotype analysis suggested novel loci, on chromosome 2q36.1 (OR = 1.71, p value = 5.6924 × 10-8 ) in all CRC samples, chromosome 1q43 (OR = 4.04 p value = 3.24 × 10-8 ) in familial CRC samples, and two hits in nonfamilial CRC samples, chromosomes 2q36.1 (OR = 1.71 p value = 5.69 × 10-8 ) and 3p24.3 (OR = 1.62 p value = 6.21 × 10-9 ). Moreover, one locus on chromosome 20q13.33 was suggested in analyses of all samples, and five more novel loci were suggested on chromosomes 10q25.3, 15q,22.31, 17p11.2, 1p34.2, and 3q24. The haplotypes from the analysis of all samples were replicated in a second study of CRC cases and controls from the same part of Sweden. In summary, using haplotype analysis in Swedish CRC samples, the best hits were novel loci and the locus on chromosomes 2q36.1 and 20q13.33 suggested in the analysis of all samples were confirmed in a second cohort. The ORs were often higher than ORs from published genome-wide association study (GWAS). The study suggested it was possible that a risk locus could involve more than one gene, and that haplotypes could give information on the gene or genes possibly involved in the risk at specific locus.

PMID:34758156 | DOI:10.1002/mc.23366

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Does Cannabis Use in Adolescence Predict Self-harm or Suicide? Results from a Finnish Birth-Cohort Study

Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2021 Nov 10. doi: 10.1111/acps.13384. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Longitudinal studies examining the association between adolescent cannabis use and self-harm are rare, heterogenous and mixed in their conclusions. We study this association utilizing a large general population-based sample with prospective data.

METHODS: The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (n= 6582) with linkage to nationwide register data was used to study the association of self-reported cannabis use at age 15-16 years and self-harm and suicide death until age 33 (until year 2018), based on register information. Cox-regression analysis with Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used. Psychiatric disorders, parental psychiatric disorders and other substance use were considered as confounders.

RESULTS: In all, 6582 (49.2 % male) were included in the analysis, and 377 adolescents (5.7%) reported any cannabis use until the age of 15-16 years. Based on register information, 79 (55.7 % male) had visited in health care services due to self-harm, and 22 (90.1 % male) had died by suicide. In crude analyses, adolescent cannabis use was associated with self-harm (HR =3.93; 95 % CI 2.24-6.90). The association between cannabis use and self-harm remained statistically significant after adjusting for sex, psychiatric disorders at baseline, frequent alcohol intoxications, other illicit drug use, and parental psychiatric disorders (HR 2.06; 95 % CI 1.07-3.95). In contrast, the association of cannabis use with suicide did not reach statistical significance even in crude analysis (HR 2.60; 95 % CI 0.77-8.78) CONCLUSION: Cannabis use in adolescence may increase risk of self-harm independent of psychopathology and other substance use.

PMID:34758110 | DOI:10.1111/acps.13384

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Magnitude and temporal trend of acne vulgaris burden in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019: A analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Br J Dermatol. 2021 Nov 10. doi: 10.1111/bjd.20882. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is widespread across the world. Mapping the latest magnitudes and temporal trends of acne vulgaris provides the essential foundation for targeted public policies at the national, regional, and global levels.

METHODS: Complying with the framework of the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study, the incidence, prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) on acne vulgaris were retrieved in 204 countries and regions from 1990 to 2019. The average annual percentage change was calculated to depict the temporal trends in age-standardized rates (ASRs) of acne vulgaris burden by region, sex, and age.

RESULTS: Globally, 117.4 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 103.0, 133.7] million incident cases of acne vulgaris, 231.2 million (95% UI: 208.2, 255.5) prevalent cases and 5.0 (95% UI: 3.0, 7.9) million DALYs were estimated in 2019, with about 47% increase compared with 1990. Moreover, the overall ASRs of acne vulgaris increased by around 0.55% annually over the past three decades. We observed huge disparities in ASRs of acne vulgaris with its changing trends in sex, location, and age. The ASR of acne vulgaris among women was around 1.3 times that of men, but the gender difference was narrowed for the pronounced increase among men. The ASRs of acne vulgaris were higher in high-income regions, but the increasing trend was more pronounced in other regions.

CONCLUSION: The burden rate of acne vulgaris continues to increase in almost all countries. Understanding the specific characteristics of acne vulgaris burden is essential to formulate more effective and targeted interventions for controlling acne burden.

PMID:34758111 | DOI:10.1111/bjd.20882

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Albumin-corrected fructosamine predicts all-cause and non-CVD mortality among the very elderly aged ≥ 80 years without diabetes

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2021 Nov 10:glab339. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glab339. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Several guidelines have suggested alternative glycemic markers for hemoglobin A1c among older adults with limited life expectancy or multiple coexisting chronic illnesses. We evaluated associations between fructosamine, albumin-corrected fructosamine (AlbF) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and mortality in the diabetic and non-diabetic subpopulations, compared which marker better predicts mortality among participants aged 80 and above.

METHODS: Included were 2,238 subjects from the Healthy Ageing and Biomarkers Cohort Study (2012-2018) and 207 participants had diabetes at baseline. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models investigated the associations of fructosamine, AlbF, FPG and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and non-CVD mortality in the diabetic and non-diabetic subpopulations. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) explored potential non-linear relations. C-statistic, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification improvement (NRI) evaluated the additive value of different glycemic markers to predict mortality.

RESULTS: Overall, 1,191 deaths were documented during 6,793 person-years of follow-up. In the linear model, per unit increases of fructosamine, AlbF and FPG were associated with higher risk of mortality in non-diabetic participants, with hazard ratios of 1.02 (1.00, 1.05), 1.27 (1.14, 1.42) and 1.04 (0.98, 1.11) for all-cause mortality, and 1.04 (1.00, 1.07), 1.38 (1.19, 1.59) and 1.10 (1.01, 1.19) for non-CVD mortality, respectively. Comparisons indicated AlbF better predicts all-cause and non-CVD mortality in non-diabetic participants with significant improvement in IDI and NRI.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher concentrations of fructosamine, AlbF, and FPG were associated with higher risk of all-cause or non-CVD mortality among very elderly where AlbF may constitute an alternative prospective glycemic predictor of mortality.

PMID:34758092 | DOI:10.1093/gerona/glab339

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The effects of resistance training with blood flow restriction on muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy and functionality in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review with meta-analysis

PLoS One. 2021 Nov 10;16(11):e0259574. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259574. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) and osteoarthritis(OA) patients showed systemic manifestations that may lead to a reduction in muscle strength, muscle mass and, consequently, to a reduction in functionality. On the other hand, moderate intensity resistance training(MIRT) and high intensity resistance training(HIRT) are able to improve muscle strength and muscle mass in RA and OA without affecting the disease course. However, due to the articular manifestations caused by these diseases, these patients may present intolerance to MIRT or HIRT. Thus, the low intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction(LIRTBFR) may be a new training strategy for these populations.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to verify the effects of LIRTBFR on muscle strength, muscle mass and functionality in RA and OA patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials(RCTs), published in English, between 1957-2021, was conducted using MEDLINE(PubMed), Embase and Cochrane Library. The methodological quality was assessed using Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB2.0. Mean difference(MD) or standardized mean difference(SMD) and 95% confidence intervals(CI) were pooled using a random-effects model. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Five RCTs were included. We found no significant differences in the effects between LIRTBFR, MIRT and HIRT on muscle strength, which was assessed by tests of quadriceps strength(SMD = -0.01[-0.57, 0.54], P = 0.96; I² = 58%) and functionality measured by tests with patterns similar to walking(SMD = -0.04[-0.39, 0.31], P = 0.82; I² = 0%). Compared to HIRT, muscle mass gain after LIRTBFR was reported to be similar. When comparing LIRTBFR with low intensity resistance training without blood flow restriction(LIRT), the effect LIRTBFR was reported to be higher on muscle strength, which was evaluated by the knee extension test.

CONCLUSION: LIRTBFR appears to be a promising strategy for gains in muscle strength, muscle mass and functionality in a predominant sample of RA and OA women.

PMID:34758045 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0259574

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Increased prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptomatology in patients with familial Mediterranean fever

Mod Rheumatol. 2021 Sep 20:roab009. doi: 10.1093/mr/roab009. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies suggest that exposure to inflammation in infancy may increase the risk for attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We studied the ADHD manifestations among 124 familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients and examined the relationship between FMF patient characteristics and ADHD.

METHODS: Clinical, demographic, and genetic data were abstracted from patients’ medical records and supplemented by information obtained during clinic visits. ADHD manifestations were assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) questionnaire.

RESULTS: ADHD was diagnosed in 42 (32.8%) FMF patients, a rate significantly higher than in unselected populations (∼8%). A majority (n = 27, 64.3%) had combined inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive manifestations. Eight (19%) had predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and seven (16.6%) had predominantly inattentive symptoms. FMF patients with severe manifestations reported more ADHD symptoms. FMF patients with ADHD symptoms were less adherent to their treatment regimen, with only 61.9% of the patients with ADHD symptoms adhering to colchicine therapy compared to 92.7% of the patients without ADHD symptoms.

CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of ADHD characteristics in children with FMF may support the neuroimmune hypothesis that chronic inflammation increases the risk for ADHD. Children with FMF should be screened for ADHD as its presence may adversely affect adherence to treatment.

PMID:34758078 | DOI:10.1093/mr/roab009

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The prevalence of soil transmitted helminth infections in minority indigenous populations of South-East Asia and the Western Pacific Region: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021 Nov 10;15(11):e0009890. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009890. eCollection 2021 Nov.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections cause one of the most prevalent diseases in man. STHs disproportionately impact socio-economically disadvantaged communities including minority indigenous populations. This systematic review aimed to quantify the prevalence of STH infection within minority indigenous populations of the South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions.

METHODS: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines following a published protocol. A random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of STH infection, and meta-regression analysis was used to quantify associations with study characteristics. Where comparative data were available, sub-group analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk of STH infection in minority indigenous people relative to other population groups. The heterogeneity between studies was evaluated visually using Forest plots and was assessed quantitatively by the index of heterogeneity (I2) and Cochran Q-statistics.

RESULTS: From 1,366 unique studies that were identified, 81 were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of infection within minority indigenous populations was 61.4% (95% CI 50.8, 71.4) for overall STH infection; 32.3% (95% CI 25.7, 39.3) for Ascaris.lumbricoides; 43.6% (95% CI 32.6, 54.8) for Trichuris.trichiura; 19.9% (95% CI 15.7, 24.5) for hookworm and 6.3% (95% CI 3.2, 10.2) for Strongyloides.stercoralis. A significant increase in T. trichiura prevalence was observed over time. The stratified analysis showed that the prevalence of infection for STH overall and for each STH species were not significantly different in minority indigenous participants compared to other populations groups.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of STH infection is high within minority indigenous populations across countries at very different levels of socio-economic development. The increasing prevalence of T. trichiura calls for the implementation of more effective therapies and control strategies.

PMID:34758024 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0009890