Tag: statistics

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2023 Apr 29;55(3):178. doi: 10.1007/s11250-023-03571-x.

ABSTRACT

Digestibility and intake are parameters difficult and expensive to estimate under grazing conditions; therefore, the aim of this study was to develop near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) calibrations applied to feces (F-NIRS) and evaluate their accuracy to predict dry matter digestibility (DMD) and dry matter intake (DMI) of Colombian creole cattle. Five digestibility trials using creole steers were conducted; indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) was used as internal marker and Cr₂O₃ and TiO₂ as external markers. A total of 249 forage and 396 fecal samples from individual animals were collected, dried, and grinded for conventional chemical analysis. For spectral analysis, fecal samples were pooled across collection periods (77 samples). Chemometric analysis was performed using WinISI V4.10 software applying the modified partial least squares method. Cross-validation was performed to avoid overfitting the models. The goodness-of-fit statistics considered were the coefficient of determination in cross-validation and prediction sets (R²cv and r², respectively) and the ratio performance deviation (RPD). Fecal NIRS calibrations developed for forage and supplement DMD showed a satisfactory fit (R²cv =0.87 and RPD=2.77 and R²cv=0.92 and RPD=3.50, respectively). The accuracy of fecal output equations using chromium (Cr) and titanium (Ti) was similar in terms of R²cv (0.92) and RPD (3.63 vs. 3.57). Total DMI equations using Ti performed better compared to Cr (R²cv = 0.82 vs. 0.78; RPD=2.41 vs. 2.17, respectively). The F-NIRS models were validated using a completely independent set of fecal samples showing a moderate fit (r²>0.8 and RPD>2.0). This study showed that F-NIRS is a feasible tool to predict DMD and DMI of creole steers under grazing conditions. However, previous to socialization, this requires an improvement in accuracy of the calibrated equations related to grazing animals in different production contexts.

PMID:37119301 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-023-03571-x

Eur J Pediatr. 2023 Apr 29. doi: 10.1007/s00431-023-04989-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-Ab) is an autoantibody associated with acquired demyelinating syndrome (ADS) in childhood and adults. The pathogenic roles of MOG-Ab and long-term outcomes of children with MOG-Ab-associated disease (MOGAD) remain elusive. We investigated the clinical features of children with ADS during follow-up in our institute. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed using medical charts of patients managed in Kyushu University Hospital from January 1st, 2001, to March 31st, 2022. Participants were children of < 18 years of age when they received a diagnosis of ADS in our hospital. Cell-based assays were used to detect MOG-Ab in serum or cerebrospinal fluid at the onset or recurrence of ADS. The clinical and neuroimaging data of MOG-Ab-positive and MOG-Ab-negative patients were statistically analyzed. Among 31 patients enrolled in this study, 22 (13 females, 59%) received tests for MOG antibodies. Thirteen cases (59%) were MOG-Ab-positive and were therefore defined as MOGAD; 9 (41%) were MOG-Ab-negative. There were no differences between MOGAD and MOG-Ab-negative patients in age at onset, sex, diagnostic subcategories, or duration of follow-up. MOGAD patients experienced headache and/or somatosensory symptoms more frequently than MOG-Ab-negative patients (12/13 (92%) vs. 3/9 (22%); p = 0.0066). Somatosensory problems included persistent pain with hyperesthesia in the left toe, perineal dysesthesia, and facial hypesthesia. No specific neuroimaging findings were associated with MOGAD or the presence of somatosensory symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: Long-lasting somatosensory disturbances are prominent comorbidities in children with MOGAD. Prospective cohorts are required to identify molecular and immunogenetic profiles associated with somatosensory problems in MOGAD.

WHAT IS KNOWN: • Recurrence of demyelinating events occurs in a group of children with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).

WHAT IS NEW: • Long-lasting headache and somatosensory problems are frequent comorbidities with pediatric MOGAD. Pain and somatosensory problems may persist for more than 5 years. • Neuroimaging data do not indicate specific findings in children with somatic disturbances.

PMID:37119299 | DOI:10.1007/s00431-023-04989-z

J Math Biol. 2023 Apr 29;86(5):85. doi: 10.1007/s00285-023-01915-7.

ABSTRACT

Acquired immunity to a dengue virus serotype (whether by infection or the only licensed dengue vaccine) can produce antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in later infections with another dengue serotype, resulting in higher viral loads and more severe symptoms such as dengue hemorrhagic fever, unless the person already has immunity to multiple dengue serotypes. Screening to confirm dengue seropositivity is therefore recommended before vaccination. Recent studies suggest that the closely-related Zika virus may also interact with dengue through ADE. This study uses a mathematical model to evaluate the likely impact of imperfect screening and dengue vaccination on the spread of both viruses in a population where only one dengue serotype circulates, although the vaccine may take against any or all of the four recognized serotypes. Analysis focuses on the reproductive numbers of the viruses. Results indicate that vaccination increases the spread of Zika through induced ADE, while its impact on the spread of dengue depends on screening specificity and serotype-specific vaccine efficacies, as well as the intensity of ADE. Numerical analysis identifies the roles played by age-in and catch-up vaccination as well as screening characteristics and prior dengue exposure.

PMID:37119296 | DOI:10.1007/s00285-023-01915-7

Oncologist. 2023 Apr 29:oyad103. doi: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad103. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Women and underrepresented groups in medicine hold few academic leadership positions in the field of hematology/oncology. In this study, we assessed gender and race/ethnicity representation in editorial board positions in hematology/oncology journals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Editorial leadership board members from 60 major journals in hematology and oncology were reviewed; 54 journals were included in the final analysis. Gender and race/ethnicity were determined based on publicly available data for Editor-in-Chief (EiC) and Second-in-Command (SiC) (including deputy, senior, or associate editors). Descriptive statistics and chi-squared were estimated. In the second phase of the study, editors were emailed a 4-item survey to self-identify their demographics.

RESULTS: Out of 793 editorial board members, 72.6% were men and 27.4% were women. Editorial leadership were non-Hispanic white (71.1%) with Asian editorial board members representing the second largest majority at 22.5%. Women comprised only 15.9% of the EiC positions (90% White and 10% Asian). Women were about half as likely to be in the EiC position compared with men [pOR 0.47 (95% CI, 0.23-0.95, P = .03)]. Women represented 28.3% of SiC editorial positions. Surgical oncology had the lowest female representation at 2.3%.

CONCLUSION: Women and minorities are significantly underrepresented in leadership roles on Editorial Boards in hematology/oncology journals. Importantly, the representation of minority women physicians in EiC positions is at an inexorable zero.

PMID:37119268 | DOI:10.1093/oncolo/oyad103

Hist Psychiatry. 2023 Apr 29:957154X231168956. doi: 10.1177/0957154X231168956. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study examines attempted suicide in older people between 1870 and 1908 in (NSW), Australia. Statistical Registers of NSW indicate persons aged 60+ had disproportionately high rates of apprehension (10.9%) and conviction (13.0%) for attempted suicide. Newspaper reports of 110 suicide attempts in older people indicate that alcohol misuse, poor health, depression, being tired of living, financial problems, relationship difficulties, loss events and insanity were the main issues. Most were treated compassionately with medical care and support, albeit sometimes in a gaol setting. Medical casebooks of persons aged 60+ years with suicide attempts (n = 49) or suicidal ideation (n = 43) admitted to hospitals for the insane indicated that over 75% were psychotic and 50% had melancholia.

PMID:37119262 | DOI:10.1177/0957154X231168956

Malays J Pathol. 2023 Apr;45(1):31-41.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria with 8-aminoquinolines is contraindicated in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient individuals due to the risk of acute haemolytic anaemia. Effective G6PD screening is paramount to avoid adverse drug reactions. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of novel quantitative point-of-care (POC) tests as a new screening method for G6PD deficiency in Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 153 neonatal cord blood, 99 peripheral blood of older children aged between 1 month to 12-years old, and 62 peripheral adult blood were screened for G6PD deficiency using two quantitative POC tests, CareStartTM biosensor (Carestart) and CareStartTM Biosensor 1 (S1). The results were compared with OSMMR2000D kit as a reference assay. Two statistical analyses were performed in this study to evaluate the POC test performances, the Spearman’s correlation test and the Cohen’s kappa method.

RESULTS: Both Carestart and S1 tests showed significant positive correlations to OSMMRS000D with r² = 0.7916 and r² = 0.7467. Their measurement of agreement showed a kappa (κ) value of 0.805 (p<0.001, 95% CI), and 0.795 (p<0.001, 95% CI), respectively. Analysis of the area under the Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) at 60% cut-off illustrated that the Carestart had 90.2% sensitivity, 98.9% specificity, 98.3% positive predictive value (PPV), and 93.8% negative predictive value (NPV). The corresponding values for the S1 were 95.2%, 100%, 100%, and 96.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that the Carestart and S1 biosensors have high-performance reliability for screening of G6PD deficiency, which can guide safe prescriptions of anti-malaria medications and hence, eradication of Plasmodium vivax malaria.

PMID:37119244

Malays J Pathol. 2023 Apr;45(1):11-18.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The eosinophil counts in colonic biopsies are affected by geographical and possibly seasonal variations. This study aims to investigate the significance of seasonal variations of eosinophil counts in histologically normal colonic mucosal biopsies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, cross sectional study that included 337 cases of normal colonic biopsies. The number of eosinophils per high power field was counted in the most densely populated area. The eosinophilic counts were compared among genders, age groups, biopsy sites and in various months and seasons. Two tailed T-test was used to compare means and a p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: 173 (51%) of cases were from males. The age range was between 18-82 with the mean being 51.7 years (SD= 17.5). 181 (54%) biopsies were from the right colon and 156 (46%) from the left colon. There was a statistically significant difference between eosinophil counts in the right colon (mean 20.2, SD 13.2) and left colon (mean 13.8, SD10.1); p value <0.001. The mean eosinophil counts was highest in autumn (21.1) followed by spring (18.3). The counts in winter and summer were close (15.2 and 15.1 respectively). There was a statistically significant difference between counts in autumn and summer (p=0.013) and between autumn and winter (p=0.008). However, there was no statistically significant differences between autumn and spring counts (p=0.183). When stratified according to site, this pattern of statistical significance was observed in the right colon but not the left colonic mucosal biopsies.

CONCLUSION: There are significant seasonal variations of eosinophil counts in normal colonic biopsies which are more pronounced in the right colon. Pathologists and gastroenterologists need to be aware of these variations and to take them into account when determining if a patient has tissue eosinophilia.

PMID:37119242

Arch Public Health. 2023 Apr 28;81(1):78. doi: 10.1186/s13690-023-01093-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Frailty in older adults is an increasing challenge for individuals, health care organizations and public health, both globally and in The Netherlands. To focus on frailty prevention from a public health perspective, understanding of frailty status is needed. To enable measurement of frailty within a health survey that currently does not contain an established frailty instrument, we aimed to construct a frailty index (FI) and investigate its psychometric properties.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Dutch Public Health Monitor (DPHM), including respondents aged ≥ 65 years (n = 233,498). Forty-two health deficits were selected based on literature, previously constructed FIs, face validity and standard criteria for FI construction. Deficits were first explored by calculating Cronbach’s alpha, point-polyserial correlations, and factor loadings. Thereafter, we used the Graded Response Model (GRM) to assess item difficulty, item discrimination, and category thresholds.

RESULTS: Cronbach’s alpha for the 42 items was 0.91. Thirty-seven deficits showed strong psychometric properties: they scored above the cutoff values for point-polyserial correlations (0.3) or factor loadings (0.4) and had moderate to very high discrimination parameters (≥ 0.65). These deficits were retained in the scale. Retaining the deficits with favorable measurement properties and removing the remaining deficits resulted in the FI-HM37.

CONCLUSION: The FI-HM37 was developed, an FI with 37 deficits indicative of frailty, both statistically and conceptually. Our results indicate that health monitors can be used to measure frailty, even though they were not directly designed to do so. The GRM is a suitable approach for deficit selection, resulting in a psychometrically strong scale, that facilitates assessment of frailty levels using the DPHM.

PMID:37118785 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-023-01093-4

BMC Med. 2023 Apr 28;21(1):163. doi: 10.1186/s12916-023-02863-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Considerable evidence has been reported that tobacco use could cause alterations in gut microbiota composition. The microbiota-gut-brain axis also in turn hinted at a possible contribution of the gut microbiota to smoking. However, population-level studies with a higher evidence level for causality are lacking.

METHODS: This study utilized the summary-level data of respective genome-wide association study (GWAS) for 211 gut microbial taxa and five smoking phenotypes to reveal the causal association between the gut microbiota and tobacco smoking. Two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) design was deployed and comprehensively sensitive analyses were followed to validate the robustness of results. We further performed multivariable MR to evaluate the effect of neurotransmitter-associated metabolites on observed associations.

RESULTS: Our univariable MR results confirmed the effects of smoking on three taxa (Intestinimonas, Catenibacterium, and Ruminococcaceae, observed from previous studies) with boosted evidence level and identified another 13 taxa which may be causally affected by tobacco smoking. As for the other direction, we revealed that smoking behaviors could be potential consequence of specific taxa abundance. Combining with existing observational evidence, we provided novel insights regarding a positive feedback loop of smoking through Actinobacteria and indicated a potential mechanism for the link between parental smoking and early smoking initiation of their children driven by Bifidobacterium. The multivariable MR results suggested that neurotransmitter-associated metabolites (tryptophan and tyrosine, also supported by previous studies) probably played a role in the action pathway from the gut microbiota to smoking, especially for Actinobacteria and Peptococcus.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the current study suggested the role of the specific gut microbes on the risk for cigarette smoking (likely involving alterations in metabolites) and in turn smoking on specific gut microbes. Our findings highlighted the hazards of tobacco use for gut flora dysbiosis and shed light on the potential role of specific gut microbiota for smoking behaviors.

PMID:37118782 | DOI:10.1186/s12916-023-02863-1

BMC Public Health. 2023 Apr 28;23(1):792. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15652-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Poisoning of children after exposure to pesticides is a major public health concern, particularly in countries with poorer urban populations, such as South Africa. This may stem from the illegal distribution and domestic use of street pesticides, which are highly hazardous agricultural pesticides. The aim of this study was to profile paediatric deaths due to acute pesticide poisoning in the west-metropole of Cape Town, South Africa; to identify whether the active ingredients were highly hazardous pesticides according to the FAO and WHO; and to inform policy and public health interventions to prevent future exposures and mortality.

METHODS: A retrospective and descriptive analysis of forensic post-mortem records (2010 to 2019) was conducted to identify cases of paediatric deaths (< 18 years old) in the west metropole of Cape Town, involving pesticide poisoning admitted to the Salt River mortuary (one out of 16 mortuaries in the Western Cape province). Demographic, circumstantial, autopsy, and toxicological information was captured. Descriptive statistics, together with chi-square tests, Fisher’s probability tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS: In total, 54 paediatric pesticide deaths were identified, including 22 (40.7%) males and 32 (59.3%) females, out of 5,181 paediatric unnatural deaths admitted over the 10-year period. The median age of the decedents was 8.3 years (range: 1 day to 17.9 years), with the majority under five years (42.6%) or between 15 and 18 years old (40.7%). All incidents occurred in peri-urban areas of Cape Town, with most individuals being admitted to hospital (88.9%) for a median survival time of 4.8 h. Toxicological analysis was requested in 50 cases (92.6%) with the organophosphate pesticides terbufos (n = 29), methamidophos (n = 2) and diazinon (n = 2) detected most frequently. Adolescent (15-18 years) suicides (29.6%) and accidental child deaths (< 4 years) (18.5%) were common.

CONCLUSIONS: Terbufos and methamidophos are highly hazardous pesticide (HHP) active ingredients registered in South Africa for agricultural uses, yet commonly sold as street pesticides for domestic use in lower socioeconomic areas. Reducing access and availability of toxic pesticides, especially through the illegal selling of street pesticides, and providing low toxic alternatives to poorer communities, may support mortality reduction initiatives. Mortality and toxicology data provide important, often overlooked, surveillance tools for informing policy and public health interventions to reduce toxic pesticide harm in local communities.

PMID:37118778 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-023-15652-5