Tag: statistics

Sci Rep. 2023 Jan 21;13(1):1203. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-28102-4.

ABSTRACT

Health care expenditure in the last year of life makes up a high proportion of medical spending across the world. This is often framed as waste, but this framing is only meaningful if it is known at the time of treatment who will go on to die. We analyze the distribution of health care spending by predicted mortality for the Danish population over age 65 over the year 2016, with one-year mortality predicted by a machine learning model based on sociodemographics and use of health care services for the two years before entry into follow-up. While a reasonably good model can be built, extremely few individuals have high ex-ante probability of dying, and those with a predicted mortality of more than 50% account for only 2.8% of total health care expenditure. Decedents outspent survivors by a factor of more than ten, but compared to survivors with similar predicted mortality they spent only 2.5 times as much. Our results suggest that while spending in the last year of life is indeed high, this is nearly all spent in situations where there is a reasonable expectation that the patient can survive.

PMID:36681729 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-28102-4

Sci Rep. 2023 Jan 21;13(1):1188. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-27928-2.

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus is a human commensal and also an opportunist pathogen causing life threatening infections. During S. aureus disease, the abscesses that characterise infection can be clonal, whereby a large bacterial population is founded by a single or few organisms. Our previous work has shown that macrophages are responsible for restricting bacterial growth such that a population bottleneck occurs and clonality can emerge. A subset of phagocytes fail to control S. aureus resulting in bacterial division, escape and founding of microabscesses that can seed other host niches. Here we investigate the basis for clonal microabscess formation, using in vitro and in silico models of S. aureus macrophage infection. Macrophages that fail to control S. aureus are characterised by formation of intracellular bacterial masses, followed by cell lysis. High-resolution microscopy reveals that most macrophages had internalised only a single S. aureus, providing a conceptual framework for clonal microabscess generation, which was supported by a stochastic individual-based, mathematical model. Once a threshold of masses was reached, increasing the number of infecting bacteria did not result in greater mass numbers, despite enhanced phagocytosis. This suggests a finite number of permissive, phagocyte niches determined by macrophage associated factors. Increased understanding of the parameters of infection dynamics provides avenues for development of rational control measures.

PMID:36681703 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-27928-2

Nat Commun. 2023 Jan 21;14(1):350. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-36021-1.

ABSTRACT

As the largest substructures in the nucleus, nucleoli are the sites of ribosome biogenesis. Increasing evidence indicates that nucleoli play a key role in the organization of 3D genome architecture, but systematic studies of nucleolus-associated chromatin interactions are lacking. Here, we developed a nucleolus Hi-C (nHi-C) experimental technique to enrich nucleolus-associated chromatin interactions. Using the nHi-C experiment, we identify 264 high-confidence nucleolus-associated domains (hNADs) that form strong heterochromatin interactions associated with the nucleolus and consist of 24% of the whole genome in HeLa cells. Based on the global hNAD inter-chromosomal interactions, we find five nucleolar organizer region (NOR)-bearing chromosomes formed into two clusters that show different interaction patterns, which is concordant with their epigenetic states and gene expression levels. hNADs can be divided into three groups that display distinct cis/trans interaction signals, interaction frequencies associated with nucleoli, distance from the centromeres, and overlap percentage with lamina-associated domains (LADs). Nucleolus disassembly caused by Actinomycin D (ActD) significantly decreases the strength of hNADs and affects compartment/TAD strength genome-wide. In summary, our results provide a global view of heterochromatin interactions organized around nucleoli and demonstrate that nucleoli act as an inactive inter-chromosomal hub to shape both compartments and TADs.

PMID:36681699 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-023-36021-1

Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2023 Jan 21. doi: 10.1111/acer.14973. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Parents impact their offspring’s brain development, neurocognitive function, risk, and resilience for alcohol use disorder (AUD) via both genetic and socio-environmental factors. Individuals with AUD and their unaffected children manifest low parietal P3 amplitude and low frontal theta (FT) power, reflecting heritable neurocognitive deficits associated with AUD. Likewise, children who experience poor parenting tend to have atypical brain development and greater rates of alcohol problems. Conversely, positive parenting can be protective and critical for normative development of self-regulation, neurocognitive functioning and the neurobiological systems subserving them. Yet, the role of positive parenting in resiliency toward AUD is understudied and its association with neurocognitive functioning and behavioral vulnerability to AUD among high-risk offspring is less known. Using data from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism prospective cohort (N = 1256, mean age [SD] = 19.25 [1.88]), we investigated the associations of closeness with mother and father during adolescence with offspring P3 amplitude, FT power, and binge drinking among high-risk offspring.

METHODS: Self-reported closeness with mother and father between ages 12 and 17 and binge drinking were assessed using the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism. P3 amplitude and FT power were assessed in response to target stimuli using a Visual Oddball Task.

RESULTS: Multivariate multiple regression analyses showed that closeness with father was associated with larger P3 amplitude (p = 0.002) and higher FT power (p = 0.01). Closeness with mother was associated with less binge drinking (p = 0.003). Among male offspring, closeness with father was associated with larger P3 amplitude, but among female offspring, closeness with mother was associated with less binge drinking. These associations remained statistically significant with father’s and mothers’ AUD symptoms, socioeconomic status, and offspring impulsivity in the model.

CONCLUSIONS: Among high-risk offspring, closeness with parents during adolescence may promote resilience for developing AUD and related neurocognitive deficits albeit with important sex differences.

PMID:36680783 | DOI:10.1111/acer.14973

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Jan 21. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-25371-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Green technology innovation is a crucial factor in the global quest for sustainability. In 2017, China approved the establishment of Pilot Zones for Green Financial Reform and Innovations to build and improve the green financial system. Using a difference-in-difference (DID) model, this paper examines the impact of this pilot policy on corporate green technology innovation and its transmission mechanism based on the data of green patents of Chinese A-share listed manufacturing companies between 2014 and 2019. It is found that Pilot Zones for Green Financial Reform and Innovations have contributed to the growth of green technology innovations. This conclusion is confirmed after a series of robustness tests. The pilot policy’s promotion of green technology innovations is mainly reflected in the application of corporate green invention patents. However, it is more significant for non-heavy polluting enterprises, high-tech certified enterprises, and large enterprises. The paper also finds that the pilot policy promotes corporate green technology innovation by promoting social financing, talent support, and government financial support.

PMID:36680721 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-25371-4

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Jan 21. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-25261-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

With the increase in population in cities, economic, social, and environmental problems continue to increase, and it is thought that the microclimatic conditions created by these problems will cause more environmental problems. One of the factors affecting the urban climate in urban areas is urban geometry. The climate of a region changes due to the shape of the land surface, human activities, atmospheric movements, and latent and sensible heat fluxes. Sky view factor (SVF), building view factor (BVF), and tree view factor (TVF) are actively used in the determination of urban geometry. However, studies on how these factors affect the thermal state of the urban environment are insufficient. Determining the land surface changes and thermal condition characteristics (LST, NDVI, SHF, and LHF) depending on urban growth and examining how these properties affect thermal conditions are very important in the construction of sustainable urban planning. In the study, SVF, BVF, TVF, LST, NDVI, SHF, and LHF values of 55 points determined for three different areas with different urban geometries were calculated. How these values affect each other and their situation on urban outdoor thermal comfort is evaluated. In the study, statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between surface temperature, surface heat fluxes, different view factors, and vegetation. As a result of ANOVA analysis, it was determined as very significant (p > 0.01) in all regions. Both SHF and LHF values differ with SVF. The SHF value has a direct relationship with the SVF value. LHF is inversely proportional to the SVF value. The situation is reversed for SHF variation concerning vegetation. LHF and NDVI are directly related. SHF and NDVI are inversely proportional. SVF and NDVI values also vary according to the LST value. It has been observed that LST has a direct relationship with SVF and an inverse relationship with NDVI.

PMID:36680715 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-25261-9

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2023 Jan 21. doi: 10.1007/s10554-022-02760-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ultrasonic echolucent carotid intima-media (IM) complex and accelerated progression of carotid intima mediathickness (cIMT) have both separately been shown to predict future cardiovascular events. The aim of this studywas to evaluate if the echogenicity of the IM-complex is associated with the 3-year progression of cIMT. B-modeultrasound images captured at baseline and 3-year follow-up in the ‘Visualization of asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease for optimum cardiovascular prevention’ (VIPVIZA) trial were included (n: 3154). The bilateral mean cIMT and IM-echogenicity by greyscale median (GSM) were measured in the common carotid artery. Associations between IM-GSM at baseline and the 3-year cIMT progression were investigated using linear regression models for the whole population and stratified by sex, age and VIPVIZA study group (intervention versus control). In addition, adjusted analyses for confounding factors were performed. Unadjusted analysis showed that decreased IM-GSM at baseline was associated with increased progression of cIMT (p < 0.001). Stratified by age, the association was significant among 40 (p < 0.001) and 60 years old (p < 0.001). The association was statistically significant in both sexes and on comparison of VIPVIZA study subgroups. Adjustments for confounding factors did not alter the estimated relationship between IM-GSM and cIMT progression. Echolucent carotid intima media at baseline associates with increased 3-year cIMT progression among an asymptomatic, middle-aged population. Echogenicity of the intima media may identify individuals at risk for accelerated vascular aging.

PMID:36680684 | DOI:10.1007/s10554-022-02760-3

J Plant Res. 2023 Jan 21. doi: 10.1007/s10265-023-01434-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plants’ ability to sense and respond to gravity is a unique and fundamental process. When a plant organ is tilted, it adjusts its growth orientation relative to gravity direction, which is achieved by a curvature of the organ. In higher, multicellular plants, it is thought that the relative directional change of gravity is detected by starch-filled organelles that occur inside specialized cells called statocytes, and this is followed by signal conversion from physical information to physiological information within the statocytes. The classic starch statolith hypothesis, i.e., the starch accumulating amyloplasts movement along the gravity vector within gravity-sensing cells (statocytes) is the probable trigger of subsequent intracellular signaling, is widely accepted. Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose through his pioneering research had investigated whether the fundamental reaction of geocurvature is contractile or expansive and whether the geo-sensing cells are diffusedly distributed in the organ or are present in the form of a definite layer. In this backdrop, a microscopy based experimental study was undertaken to understand the distribution pattern of the gravisensing layer, along the length (node-node) of the model plant Alternanthera philoxeroides and to study the microrheological property of the mobile starch-filled statocytes following inclination-induced graviception in the stem of the model plant. The study indicated a prominent difference in the pattern of distribution of the gravisensing layer along the length of the model plant. The study also indicated that upon changing the orientation of the plant from vertical position to horizontal position there was a characteristic change in orientation of the mobile starch granules within the statocytes. In the present study for the analysis of the microscopic images of the stem tissue cross sections, a specialized and modified microscopic illumination setup was developed in the laboratory in order to enhance the resolution and contrast of the starch granules.

PMID:36680680 | DOI:10.1007/s10265-023-01434-y

Food Environ Virol. 2023 Jan 21. doi: 10.1007/s12560-023-09549-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Indirect contact with contaminated surfaces is a potential transmission route for COVID-19. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate convenient and inexpensive surface sanitization methods, such as HOCl, against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 surrogate, Phi6 (~ 7 log PFU/mL), was prepared in artificial saliva and tripartite matrices, spot inoculated on coupons of either stainless steel or vinyl, and allowed to dry. The coupons were sprayed with either 500 ppm or 1000 ppm HOCl, and remained on the surface for 0 s (control), 5 s, 30 s, or 60 s. Samples were enumerated via the double agar overlay assay. Statistical analysis was completed in R using a generalized linear model with Quasipoisson error approximations. Time, concentration, surface type, and inoculum matrix were all significant contributors to log reduction at P = 0.05. Significant three-way interactions were observed for 1000 ppm, vinyl, and 60 s (P = 0.03) and 1000 ppm, tripartite, and 60 s (P = 0.0121). A significant two-way interaction between vinyl and 60 s was also observed (P = 0.0168). Overall, increased HOCl concentration and exposure time led to increased Phi6 reduction. Notably, the highest estimated mean log reduction was 3.31 (95% CI 3.14, 3.49) for stainless steel at 60 s and 1000 ppm HOCl in artificial saliva, indicating that this method of sanitization may not adequately reduce enveloped viruses to below infective thresholds.

PMID:36680664 | DOI:10.1007/s12560-023-09549-0

Egypt Heart J. 2023 Jan 21;75(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s43044-023-00332-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: For patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), early reperfusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) or thrombolytic treatment is essential to prevent major adverse cardiac events. The aim of the study is to compare the current status of managing STEMI patients at **** with European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommendations. Prospective cohort of all patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) between March 2020 and February 2021 in Alexandria University hospitals. Reporting patterns, causes of delay, and reperfusion status for all STEMI patients were noted. MACE: (Mortality, Re-infarction, Stroke, or Heart failure) was reported and compared among different management strategies.

RESULTS: The study was conducted over one year on 436 patients, 280 (64.2%) of them underwent PPCI, 32 (7.3%) received thrombolysis, and 124 (28.5%) had a conservative strategy. Patients’ mean age was 55.2 years, 72.2% were smokers and 80.9% were men. Family history was positive in 14.2% of patients, 33.5% had diabetes, 7.3% had renal impairment, and 41.5% had hypertension. The median pre-hospital waiting time was 360 min; the mean pre-hospital waiting time was 629.0 ± 796.7 min. The median Emergency Room waiting time was 48.24 ± 89.30 min. The median time from CCU admission to wire crossing was 40.0 min with a mean value 53.86 ± 49.0 min. The mean ischemia duration was 408 min, while the total ischemic time was 372 min. All patients who presented within 12 h received reperfusion therapy either a PPCI or thrombolysis at a rate of 71.5%, with 35.0% of those patients achieving prompt reperfusion in accordance with ESC guidelines. The PPCI group mortality rate was 2.9%, in comparison to 12.9% in the conservative group, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Overall in-hospital mortality was 5.5%, and total MACE was 27.3%. A statistically significant difference was observed between the three management groups as regards MACE rate, being 15%, 28.1%, and 54.8% in PPCI, thrombolysis, and conservative groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite financial and technical constraints, appropriate, timely reperfusion was near to achieving the ESC guidelines for the management of STEMI. The most common reperfusion strategy was PPCI, with an in-hospital death rate of less than 5% in the PPCI group. There was a concern about the increase in the total ischemia time due to some financial and technical constraints.

PMID:36680659 | DOI:10.1186/s43044-023-00332-x