Tag: statistics

Stat Comput. 2023;33(4):81. doi: 10.1007/s11222-023-10244-0. Epub 2023 May 18.

ABSTRACT

Count data that are subject to both under and overdispersion at some hierarchical level cannot be readily accommodated by classic models such as Poisson or negative binomial regression models. The mean-parameterised Conway-Maxwell-Poisson distribution allows for both types of dispersion within the same model, but is doubly intractable with an embedded normalising constant. We propose a look-up method where pre-computing values of the rate parameter dramatically reduces computing times and renders the proposed model a practicable alternative when faced with such bidispersed data. The approach is demonstrated and verified using a simulation study and applied to three datasets: an underdispersed small dataset on takeover bids, a medium dataset on yellow cards issued by referees in the English Premier League prior to and during the Covid-19 pandemic, and a large Test match cricket bowling dataset, the latter two of which each exhibit over and underdispersion at the individual level.

PMID:37220636 | PMC:PMC10193358 | DOI:10.1007/s11222-023-10244-0

J Pain Res. 2023 May 17;16:1595-1605. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S406374. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis is a chronic, ongoing disease that affects patients, and pain is considered a key factor affecting patients, but the brain changes during the development of osteoarthritis pain are currently unclear. In this study, we used electroacupuncture (EA) to intervene the rat model of knee osteoarthritis and analyzed the changes in topological properties of brain networks using graph theory.

METHODS: Sixteen SD rat models of right-knee osteoarthritis with anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) were randomly divided into electroacupuncture intervention group and control group. The electroacupuncture group was intervened on Zusanli (ST36) and Futu (ST32) for 20 min each time, five times a week for 3 weeks, while the control group was applied sham stimulation. Both groups were measured for pain threshold. The small-world properties and node properties of the brain network between the two groups after the intervention were statistically analyzed by graph theory methods.

RESULTS: The differences are mainly in the changes in node attributes between the two groups, such as degree centrality, betweenness centrality, and so on in different brain regions (P<0.05). Both groups showed no small-world characteristics in the brain networks of the two groups. The mechanical thresholds and thermal pain thresholds were significantly higher in the EA group than in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that electroacupuncture intervention enhanced the activity of nodes related to pain circuit and relieved pain in osteoarthritis, which provides a complementary basis for explaining the effect of electroacupuncture intervention on pain through graphical analysis of changes in brain network topological properties and helps to develop an imaging model for pain affected by electroacupuncture.

PMID:37220632 | PMC:PMC10200108 | DOI:10.2147/JPR.S406374

J R Stat Soc Series B Stat Methodol. 2020 Dec;82(5):1273-1300. doi: 10.1111/rssb.12388. Epub 2020 Jul 10.

ABSTRACT

We introduce a simple new approach to variable selection in linear regression, with a particular focus on quantifying uncertainty in which variables should be selected. The approach is based on a new model – the “Sum of Single Effects” (SuSiE) model – which comes from writing the sparse vector of regression coefficients as a sum of “single-effect” vectors, each with one non-zero element. We also introduce a corresponding new fitting procedure – Iterative Bayesian Stepwise Selection (IBSS) – which is a Bayesian analogue of stepwise selection methods. IBSS shares the computational simplicity and speed of traditional stepwise methods, but instead of selecting a single variable at each step, IBSS computes a distribution on variables that captures uncertainty in which variable to select. We provide a formal justification of this intuitive algorithm by showing that it optimizes a variational approximation to the posterior distribution under the SuSiE model. Further, this approximate posterior distribution naturally yields convenient novel summaries of uncertainty in variable selection, providing a Credible Set of variables for each selection. Our methods are particularly well-suited to settings where variables are highly correlated and detectable effects are sparse, both of which are characteristics of genetic fine-mapping applications. We demonstrate through numerical experiments that our methods outperform existing methods for this task, and illustrate their application to fine-mapping genetic variants influencing alternative splicing in human cell-lines. We also discuss the potential and challenges for applying these methods to generic variable selection problems.

PMID:37220626 | PMC:PMC10201948 | DOI:10.1111/rssb.12388

J Alzheimers Dis Rep. 2023 Apr 20;7(1):299-306. doi: 10.3233/ADR220117. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Short cognitive screening instruments (CSI) are required to identify cognitive impairment in busy outpatient clinics. While the Six Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT) is commonly used, its accuracy in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and against more widely-used CSIs is less well established.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the diagnostic accuracy of the 6CIT against the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (Qmci) screen across the cognitive spectrum in a memory clinic population.

METHODS: In total, 142 paired assessments were available (21 with SCD, 32 MCI, and 89 with dementia). Consecutive patients underwent a comprehensive assessment and were screened using the 6CIT, Qmci, and MoCA. Accuracy was determined from the area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC).

RESULTS: The median age of patients was 76 (±11) years; 68% were female. The median 6CIT score was 10/28 (±14). The 6CIT was strongly, negatively, and statistically significantly correlated with the Qmci (r = -0.84) and MoCA (r = -0.86). The 6CIT had good accuracy for separating cognitive impairment (MCI or dementia) from SCD, (AUC:0.88; 0.82-0.94), similar to the MoCA (AUC:0.92; 0.87-0.97, p = 0.308), but statistically lower than the Qmci (AUC:0.96; 0.94-0.99, p = 0.01). The 6CIT was faster to administer, median time 2.05 minutes versus 4.38 and 9.5 for the Qmci and MoCA, respectively.

CONCLUSION: While the Qmci was more accurate than the 6CIT, the shorter administration time of the 6CIT, suggests it may be useful when assessing or monitoring cognitive impairment in busy memory clinics, though larger samples are required to evaluate.

PMID:37220615 | PMC:PMC10200246 | DOI:10.3233/ADR220117

Rehabil Couns Bull. 2017;61(4):217-227. doi: 10.1177/0034355217700819.

ABSTRACT

Given vocational rehabilitation’s (VR) substantial role in workforce development, it follows that agencies would encourage and support consumers using the most current job-seeking methods, including social media. Recent data, however, show that online strategies are limited in VR practice and that many agencies lack comprehensive policies to guide social media use. We conducted a qualitative analysis to examine current VR social media policies and procedures and offer recommendations for policy development. Through an examination of open coding of 22 policies and one guideline, we identified seven themes and 25 subthemes, which mapped onto recommended social media policy elements from research. Only two VR policies, however, covered themes in a comprehensive way, and only one policy acknowledged social media as a tool for consumer job search. This outcome is an oversight given the emphasis social media plays in employment networking, proof of performance, and skills demonstration when seeking employment.

PMID:37220600 | PMC:PMC10202493 | DOI:10.1177/0034355217700819

World J Plast Surg. 2023;12(1):37-42. doi: 10.52547/wjps.12.1.37.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previously, absorbable screw and plate systems were widely used in craniosynostosis surgery in Iran, but now, due to the establishment of economic sanctions, the importation of these tools into the country has become difficult. In this study, we compared the short-term complications of cranioplasty surgery in craniosynostosis using absorbable plate screws with absorbable sutures.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 47 patients with a history of craniosynostosis who underwent cranioplasty at Tehran Mofid Hospital, Tehran, Iran from 2018 to 2021 were divided into two groups. For first group (31 patients) we used absorbable plate and screws, and for the second group (16 patients) absorbable sutures (PDS). All operations in both groups were performed by the identical surgical team. Patients followed up for consecutive post-operative examinations in the first and second weeks and 1, 3, and 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25.

RESULTS: The results did not show any short-term or medium-term complications in either group. No recurrences were observed. In Whittaker classification, 63.8% were Class I, 29.8% were Class II, 6.4% were Class III, and 0% were Class IV. There was no statistically significant relationship between the type of treatment (screw and plate or absorbable suture) and higher Whitaker. There was also no statistically significant relationship between type of craniosynostosis and higher Whittaker.

CONCLUSION: The absorbable sutures can be considered as valuable and cost-effective tools in the fixation of bone fragments in craniosynostosis surgeries by surgeons.

PMID:37220571 | PMC:PMC10200089 | DOI:10.52547/wjps.12.1.37

Health Serv Insights. 2023 May 18;16:11786329231174745. doi: 10.1177/11786329231174745. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Long-term care (LTC) homes (“nursing homes”) were challenged during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. The objective of this study was to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on resident admission and discharge rates, resident health attributes, treatments, and quality of care.

DESIGN: Synthesis analysis of “Quick Stats” standardized data table reports published yearly by the Canadian Institute for Health Information. These reports are a pan-Canadian scorecard of LTC services rendered, resident health characteristics, and quality indicator performance.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: LTC home residents in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario, Canada that were assessed with the interRAI Minimum Data Set 2.0 comprehensive health assessment in fiscal years 2018/2019, 2019/2020 (pre-pandemic period), and 2020/2021 (pandemic period).

METHODS: Risk ratio statistics were calculated to compare admission and discharge rates, validated interRAI clinical summary scale scores, medication, therapy and treatment provision, and seventeen risk-adjusted quality indicator rates from the pandemic period relative to prior fiscal years.

RESULTS: Risk of dying in the LTC home was greater in all provinces (risk ratio [RR] range 1.06-1.18) during the pandemic. Quality of care worsened substantially on 6 of 17 quality indicators in British Columbia and Ontario, and 2 quality indicators in Manitoba and Alberta. The only quality indicator where performance worsened during the pandemic in all provinces was the percentage of residents that received antipsychotic medications without a diagnosis of psychosis (RR range 1.01-1.09).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled numerous areas to strengthen LTC and ensure that resident’s physical, social, and psychological needs are addressed during public health emergencies. Except an increase in potentially inappropriate antipsychotic use, this provincial-level analysis indicates that most aspects of resident care were maintained during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PMID:37220547 | PMC:PMC10196682 | DOI:10.1177/11786329231174745

Drug Des Devel Ther. 2023 May 17;17:1453-1462. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S405963. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress has an important role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common type of dementia. Boric acid (BA) contributes significantly to the protection of the brain by reducing lipid peroxidation and supporting antioxidant defense. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of BA treatment in AD rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups were formed as Control (C), Alzheimer’s (A), Alzheimer’s + Boric acid (ABA), Boric acid (BA). Intracerebroventricular injection of Streptozotocin (STZ) was preferred to create an AD. After 4 weeks, BA was applied 3 times every other day. The Radial Arm Maze Test (RAMT) was used to evaluate memory and learning abilities. Biochemical and histopathological evaluations were made in the hippocampus.

RESULTS: Initial RAMT inlet/outlet (I/O) numbers were similar. Two weeks after STZ injection, I/O numbers decreased in group A and ABA compared to group C and BA (p<0.05). After the second BA application, I/O numbers increased in the ABA group compared to the A group (p<0.05). In group A, PON-1, TOS and OSI levels were higher and TAS levels were lower than in groups BA and C. After BA treatment, PON-1 and OSI levels were lower in the ABA group than in the A group (p<0.05). Although there was an increase in TAS value and a decrease in TOS, this did not make a statistical difference. The thickness of the pyramidal cell in CA1 and the granular cell layers in the dentate gyrus, and the number of intact and degenerated neurons in the pyramidal cell layer were similar between the groups.

DISCUSSION: Significant improvement in learning and memory abilities after BA application is promising for AD.

CONCLUSION: These results show that BA application positively affects learning and memory abilities, and reduces oxidative stress. More extensive studies are required to evaluate histopathological efficacy.

PMID:37220543 | PMC:PMC10200114 | DOI:10.2147/DDDT.S405963

PeerJ. 2023 May 18;11:e15398. doi: 10.7717/peerj.15398. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent entrapment neuropathy resulting in hand pain, numbness and/or weakness, which significantly impairs hand function in daily activities. Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a potential therapeutic option for focal peripheral nerve disease and may be beneficial for CTS treatment. We aimed to compare the effects of rPMS and conventional therapy in the management of CTS.

METHODS: A blinded assessor randomly assigned 24 participants with electrodiagnostically-confirmed mild or moderate CTS to either rPMS or conventional therapy. Both groups were briefed on disease progression and tendon-gliding exercises. In the intervention group, the rPMS protocol, five sessions of rPMS-with a frequency of 10 Hz, 10 pulses/train, and 100 trains/session-were performed over a period of 2 weeks, with three sessions in the first week and two sessions in the second week. At baseline and the end of the second week, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, pinch strength, and electrodiagnostic results were evaluated.

RESULTS: The rPMS group demonstrated significantly greater within-group improvement in symptom severity scores (2.3 vs. 1.6, p = 0.009) and pinch strength (10.6 lbs vs. 13.8 lbs, p < 0.001). Regarding electrodiagnostic parameters, sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude was significantly increased (8.7 µV vs. 14.3 µV, p = 0.002) within the group treated with rPMS. With conventional therapy, there were no statistically significant within-group differences. Multiple linear regression models showed that there were no significant differences in other outcomes in between-group comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS: Five sessions of rPMS resulted in significant reduction in symptom severity, improvement in pinch strength and increase in SNAP amplitude. Future research should investigate the clinical utility of rPMS using a larger sample and longer treatment and follow-up durations.

PMID:37220528 | PMC:PMC10200096 | DOI:10.7717/peerj.15398

PeerJ. 2023 May 18;11:e15245. doi: 10.7717/peerj.15245. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease, which is mainly caused by coronary atherosclerosis, is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Gut microbiota likely play an important role in coronary atherosclerosis. This study aims to investigate the microbiota profile of adults with coronary atherosclerosis to provide a theoretical basis for future research.

METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from 35 adult patients diagnosed with coronary atherosclerosis and 32 healthy adults in Nanjing, China, and the V3-V4 region of 16S rDNA genes was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing. Differences in alpha diversity, beta diversity, and gut microbiota composition between the two groups were then compared.

RESULTS: A beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences between adults with coronary atherosclerosis and controls, but there was no statistical difference in alpha diversity between the two groups. There were also differences in the composition of the gut microbiota between the two groups. The genera, Megamonas, Streptococcus, Veillonella, Ruminococcus_torques_group, Prevotella_2, Tyzzerella_4, were identified as potential biomarkers for coronary atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSION: There are some differences in the gut microbiota of adults with coronary atherosclerosis compared to healthy adults. The insights from this study could be used to explore microbiome-based mechanisms for coronary atherosclerosis.

PMID:37220524 | PMC:PMC10200099 | DOI:10.7717/peerj.15245