Tag: statistics

Heliyon. 2024 Jun 15;10(12):e33134. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33134. eCollection 2024 Jun 30.

ABSTRACT

Associations between brain structure and body mass index (BMI) are increasingly gaining attention. Although BMI-related regional alterations in brain morphology have been previously reported, the effect of BMI on the microstructural profiles, which provide information on the proxy of neuronal density within the cortex, is unexplored. In this study, we investigated the links between cortical layer-specific microstructural profiles and BMI in 302 neurologically healthy young adults. Using the microstructure-sensitive proxy based on the T1-and T2-weighted ratio, we estimated microstructural profile covariance (MPC) by calculating linear correlations of cortical depth-wise intensity profiles between different brain regions. Then, low-dimensional gradients of the MPC matrix were estimated using dimensionality reduction techniques, and the gradients were associated with BMI. Significant effects in the heteromodal association areas were observed. The BMI-gradient association map was related to the geodesic distance along the cortical surface, curvature, and sulcal depth, suggesting that the microstructural alterations occurred along the cortical topology. The BMI-gradient association map was further linked to cognitive states related to negative emotions. Our findings may provide insights into understanding the atypical cortical microstructure associated with BMI.

PMID:38984310 | PMC:PMC11231607 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33134

Heliyon. 2024 Jun 15;10(12):e32946. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32946. eCollection 2024 Jun 30.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The rising prevalence of familial multiple sclerosis (MS) in Iran has spurred interest in the potential impact of parental consanguinity on the risk of developing the disease. This study aims to aggregate current knowledge on parental consanguinity and its possible effect on MS risk, particularly among familial MS patients from various regions and ethnicities in Iran. The objective is to enhance the understanding of MS genetics and encourage further research in this field.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on clinically definite familial MS (FMS) patients registered in the nationwide MS registry of Iran (NMSRI). Data were extracted and supplemented with structured telephone follow-ups to gather detailed histories of MS in relatives and the familial relationships of the patients’ parents. A family penetration score was proposed. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tests were used to analyze the data at a significance level of 0.05, adhering to ethical guidelines.

RESULTS: Out of 19,911 individuals registered in the NMSRI, 2307 FMS patients across 13 provinces were included in the final analysis. Among these, 385 (19.3 %) reported parental consanguinity, with 283 (14.2 %) having parents who were cousins and 102 (5.1 %) having parents who were distant relatives. The data showed no significant association between parental kinship and variables such as MS phenotype, number of affected relatives with MS, hospitalization rates, and expanded disability status scale score. Similarly, MS severity did not differ based on parental consanguinity (P-value >0.05). While the rate of consanguineous marriage was higher among patients with an onset age less than 18 years, there was no statistically significant difference in disease onset age based on parental consanguinity status.

CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the complexity of factors influencing MS development, including genetic and environmental components. These results highlight the need for further research to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of MS etiology.

PMID:38984301 | PMC:PMC11231546 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32946

Biomicrofluidics. 2024 Jul 2;18(4):044101. doi: 10.1063/5.0214436. eCollection 2024 Jul.

ABSTRACT

This paper presents an innovative strategy to address the issues of clogging and cluster-related challenges in microchannels within microfluidic devices. Leveraging three-dimensional (3D) microbubble streaming as a dynamic solution, our approach involves the controlled activation of microbubbles near channel constrictions, inducing microstreaming with distinctive features. This microstreaming, characterized by a high non-uniform 3D gradient and significant shear stress, effectively inhibits arch formation at constrictions and disintegrates particle clusters, demonstrating real-time prevention of clogging incidents and blockages. This study includes experimental validation of the anti-clogging technique, a detailed examination of microstreaming phenomena, and their effects on clogging and clustering issues. It also incorporates statistical analyses performed in various scenarios to verify the method’s effectiveness and adaptability. Moreover, a versatile control system has been designed that operates in event-triggered, continuous, or periodic modes, which suits different lab-on-a-chip applications and improves the overall functionality of microfluidic systems.

PMID:38984267 | PMC:PMC11232117 | DOI:10.1063/5.0214436

Malays J Med Sci. 2024 Jun;31(3):149-159. doi: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.11. Epub 2024 Jun 27.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Existing research indicated a high prevalence of mental health issues among adolescents. Gender and parenting styles are two factors that may influence adolescents’ mental health. Nonetheless, most published studies focused on either secondary school or university students. In contrast, there is a dearth of similar research involving pre-university students. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of mental disorders among pre-university students and their association with parenting styles.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study via online questionnaire survey was conducted among students from a pre-university college on the East Coast of Malaysia. Convenience sampling was used to recruit the participants. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: i) sociodemographic data, ii) the Parental Authority Questionnaire and Depression, and iii) the Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). An online invitation to answer the questionnaire was done via the Student Representative Council (SRC). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test.

RESULTS: A total of 431 participants responded to the online survey. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 49.0% (n = 210), 68.0% (n = 293) and 37.6% (n = 162), respectively. In addition, father’s educational level (χ² = 10.332, P = 0.001) and the authoritarian parenting style (χ² = 10.099, P = 0.006) were significantly associated with mental health disorders among adolescents.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of mental disorders among pre-university students is relatively high. Pre-university admission mental health screening is vital for early detection and intervention of mental disorders among this vulnerable group. Further research is imperative to establish a comprehensive plan of action that targets parental involvement in managing adolescent mental health disorders.

PMID:38984249 | PMC:PMC11229572 | DOI:10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.11

Malays J Med Sci. 2024 Jun;31(3):173-184. doi: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.13. Epub 2024 Jun 27.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore regional differences (i.e. Europe, Asia and others) in the well-being of para-athletes and its potential psychosocial determinants, including the Athletic Identity Measure Scale (AIMS), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).

METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey using data from multinational badminton federations. The study participants were athletes registered in the Para Badminton Classification Master List of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The main study outcome is the WHO Quality of Life-Disability Questionnaire (WHOQOL-DIS).

RESULTS: There were 1,385 (aged 36 years old, IQR 18 years old) registrants on the master list. Respondents totaled 170. Only 137 (65% were males) were included in the analysis after excluding those with missing data (Europe 40%, Asia 30%, others 30%). Following the results of factor analysis, the original Athletic Identity Measure Scale (AIMS) was separated into self-identity (SI) and AIMS-modified. SI, AIMS-modified, the BRS and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were all scored above average. The AIMS-modified scores of Europeans were significantly lower than those of other non-Asians (U = 757.000, P < 0.05). BRS was statistically higher among those with acquired disabilities (median: 3.33) compared to those with congenital disabilities (median: 3.0) (U = 1,717.000, Z = –2.711, P < 0.05) and among Europeans (median: 3.3) compared to Asians (median: 3.0) (U = 704.500, P < 0.05). The regression model explained 32% of the variability in quality of life (QOL) with five significant predictors. The SWLS (β = 0.307, P = 0.01), BRS (β = 0.269, P = 0.01), full-time employment (β = 0.191, P = 0.05) and being female (β = 0.162, P = 0.05) all had a positive effect on QOL, but not the AIMS (–0.228, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The results show that the athletes’ resilience, satisfaction with life and identity vary across regions. Furthermore, satisfaction with life, employment and gender were found to be significant predictors of athletes’ QOL.

PMID:38984248 | PMC:PMC11229559 | DOI:10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.13

Malays J Med Sci. 2024 Jun;31(3):241-251. doi: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.19. Epub 2024 Jun 27.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the world of sports, motivation is an essential concept that can affect the sporting performance of athletes and help them accomplish their goals. The coach is regarded as an important individual with the ability to significantly influence the athlete’s motivation. To assess the impact of the coach-athlete relationship on motivation, the objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q) for coaches and athletes.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the coaches and athletes in Malaysia. Data were collected using a convenience sampling approach over a 6-month period. The study was carried out in two phases using two independent samples of coaches and athletes to assess the construct validity and internal consistency of the Malay version of the CART-Q. The CART-Q consisted of 11 items measuring three constructs: i) closeness (four items), ii) commitment (three items) and iii) complementarity (four items). In phase 1, the subjects consisted of 211 coaches (21 years old-65 years old) from both sexes and from individual and team sports, ranging from levels 1 to 5. In phase 2, the subjects consisted of 362 athletes (12 years old-39 years old), also from both sexes and from individual and team sports. The statistical analyses performed included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate the translated version scale, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha).

RESULTS: In phase 1, the sample of coaches, with 190 males (90.0%) and 21 females (10.0%), had a mean age of 38.6 (SD = 8.74) years old. The major sport type was archery (19.0%). The CFA revealed adequate fit indices with all 11 items retained (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.059, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.964, Tucker and Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.950, standardised root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.037). The CR values were closeness = 0.874, commitment = 0.566 and complementarity = 0.757. The AVE values were closeness = 0.357, commitment = 0.194 and complementarity = 0.275. The Cronbach’s alpha values were closeness = 0.867, commitment = 0.553 and complementarity = 0.794. In phase 2, the sample of athletes, with 175 males (48.1%) and 189 females (51.9%), had a mean age of 20.2 (SD = 3.35) years old. The major sport type was archery (11.5%). The CFA revealed satisfactory fit indices with all 11 items retained (RMSEA = 0.092, CFI = 0.948, TLI = 0.924, SRMR =.038). The CR values were closeness = 0.893, commitment = 0.786 and complementarity = 0.949. The AVE values were closeness = 0.401, commitment = 0.253 and complementarity = 0.418. The Cronbach’s alpha values were closeness = 0.900, commitment = 0.772 and complementarity = 0.900.

CONCLUSION: Overall, the study findings supported the conclusion that the Malay version of the CART-Q has adequate psychometric properties to assess the perceptions of coaches and athletes regarding their relationship.

PMID:38984247 | PMC:PMC11229560 | DOI:10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.19

Malays J Med Sci. 2024 Jun;31(3):229-240. doi: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.18. Epub 2024 Jun 27.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study sought to compare the prevalence of underweight and overweight among ever-married, non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Bangladesh by urban or rural residency status.

METHODS: This study used Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2017 data. Cross-sectional study design with two-stage stratified sampling method was employed. A sample of ever-married non-pregnant women of reproductive age was selected and multinomial logistic regression was utilised in analysis.

RESULTS: It was found that around half of rural women (45.0%, N = 4,934) and more than half of urban women (60.3%, n = 3,913) were overweight. Nearly one in seven rural women (14.0%, n = 1,537) and 1 in 12 urban women (9.0%, n = 564) were reported as underweight. Our analyses revealed that being overweight was substantially connected with age, husband’s occupation, economic status, television access, and division for both urban and rural areas. Women from poor households were significantly more likely to be underweight than women from middle- income households for both urban (P < 0.05; OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.94) and rural (P < 0.05; OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.46) areas. Interestingly, women without television access both in urban (P < 0.001; OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.91) and rural (P < 0.001; OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.84) areas had an inverse association with overweight/obesity compared to women with television access. In both areas, women in Sylhet and Mymensingh had higher likelihood of being underweight than Barisal division. Additionally, in both residential zones, women in Sylhet had lower likelihood of being overweight than Barisal division.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals that multiple characteristics are linked to both overweight and underweight among ever-married, non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Bangladesh. Addressing these variables should be a priority in public health efforts to combat the dual challenge of malnutrition in Bangladesh.

PMID:38984237 | PMC:PMC11229563 | DOI:10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.18

HCA Healthc J Med. 2024 Apr 30;5(2):75-85. doi: 10.36518/2689-0216.1594. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the number of unhoused individuals in Asheville, North Carolina resulting in more tent encampments.Understanding the physical, mental, and socially determined health characteristics associated with being unhoused can help guide stakeholders with policy development, healthcare program planning, and funding decisions to support unhoused individuals.

METHODS: In this study, we used an observational cross-section methodology. Using a convenience sample approach, we interviewed 101 participants who were receiving services from 2 emergency hotel shelters, a day center, and a resource center. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and open-ended responses were collected and grouped to provide context.

RESULTS: Most participants were White (71%) and identified as male (76%). Over 60% reported having a high school education or advanced degree. Of the participants, 76% reported being unhoused for more than 6 months, and their last permanent housing was in Western North Carolina. Dental disease, chronic pain, and hypertension were common physical conditions. PTSD, depression, and anxiety were common mental health conditions. A lack of transportation was the most noted socially determined challenge. Marijuana, methamphetamine, and alcohol were the most often used substances, where methamphetamine was noted to be particularly problematic for the participants.

CONCLUSION: Understanding the physical, mental, and social issues of the complex unhoused population can assist policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders in addressing challenges and testing improvement strategies.

PMID:38984228 | PMC:PMC11229599 | DOI:10.36518/2689-0216.1594

HCA Healthc J Med. 2024 Apr 30;5(2):67-73. doi: 10.36518/2689-0216.1406. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has accounted for more than 1 000 000 deaths in the United States alone. In May 2020, the Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization to allow the investigational use of intravenous remdesivir for the treatment of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in hospitalized children and adults. Several other agents, such as hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone, and tocilizumab have been investigated as potential treatment options; however, dexamethasone is currently the only agent that has been proven to reduce mortality in patients who require supplemental oxygen. The purpose of this study was to determine if initiation of remdesivir treatment in patients who presented with early symptoms of COVID-19 (defined as symptom onset < 7 days) had a significant impact on in-patient all-cause mortality compared to initiation of remdesivir treatment in patients who presented with symptom onset of at least 7 days.

METHODS: This ethics-committee-approved, retrospective, multicenter, double-arm study was conducted across 10 facilities in the HCA Healthcare West Florida Division. Adult inpatients age 18 and older with confirmed COVID-19 and administered intravenous remdesivir from May 1, 2020, to July 31, 2020, were included. Exclusion criteria included patients less than 18 years of age, the concomitant use of hydroxychloroquine or tocilizumab for any indication, or an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 milliliters per minute. The primary outcome of this study was in-patient all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included total length of stay, time to discharge, oxygen requirements, and number of ventilator days.

RESULTS: A total of 217 patients from facilities in the HCA Healthcare West Florida Division were evaluated for inclusion. The primary outcome of all-cause mortality occurred in 34.9% of patients with symptom onset of fewer than 7 days versus 31.0% of patients with symptom onset of at least 7 days (P = .57). There were no statistical differences found among the secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Time since symptom onset did not result in a statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality in patients who received intravenous remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19.

PMID:38984222 | PMC:PMC11229600 | DOI:10.36518/2689-0216.1406

Front Neuroimaging. 2024 Jun 25;3:1336887. doi: 10.3389/fnimg.2024.1336887. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Use of functional MRI in awake non-human primate (NHPs) has recently increased. Scanning animals while awake makes data collection possible in the absence of anesthetic modulation and with an extended range of possible experimental designs. Robust awake NHP imaging however is challenging due to the strong artifacts caused by time-varying off-resonance changes introduced by the animal’s body motion. In this study, we sought to thoroughly investigate the effect of a newly proposed dynamic off-resonance correction method on brain activation estimates using extended awake NHP data.

METHODS: We correct for dynamic B0 changes in reconstruction of highly accelerated simultaneous multi-slice EPI acquisitions by estimating and correcting for dynamic field perturbations. Functional MRI data were collected in four male rhesus monkeys performing a decision-making task in the scanner, and analyses of improvements in sensitivity and reliability were performed compared to conventional image reconstruction.

RESULTS: Applying the correction resulted in reduced bias and improved temporal stability in the reconstructed time-series data. We found increased sensitivity to functional activation at the individual and group levels, as well as improved reliability of statistical parameter estimates.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results show significant improvements in image fidelity using our proposed correction strategy, as well as greatly enhanced and more reliable activation estimates in GLM analyses.

PMID:38984197 | PMC:PMC11231096 | DOI:10.3389/fnimg.2024.1336887