Tag: statistics

Appl Radiat Isot. 2021 Jul 21;176:109868. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109868. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The process of differentiation between source and reservoir rocks requires the presence of many geological, physical, and geochemical data. The scope of this research is to evaluate a new approach to separate source rocks from reservoir rocks by calculating the heat that results from the decaying of radioactive materials in the rocks. The average value of radiogenic heat production produced (RHP) for studied formation is calculated as 0.97 μW/m³, while the standard deviation value is 0.67 μW/m³. The zones with average values of more than (0.97) are referred to be the zones that have higher amounts of total organic carbon materials (TOC) with an agreement coefficient of 95%. The RHP value ranging from an average value (0.97) to the sum of this value plus one standard deviation (1.66) are recorded in low shale content zones which are considered as reservoir rocks. The RHP values of more than 1.66 were recorded in the zones of moderate and high volume of shale content, which can be considered as source rocks.

PMID:34311217 | DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109868

Animal. 2021 Jul 23;15(8):100318. doi: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100318. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Identifying animals that are superior in terms of feed efficiency may improve the profitability and sustainability of the beef cattle sector. However, measuring feed efficiency is costly and time-consuming. Biomarkers should thus be explored and validated to predict between-animal variation of feed efficiency for both genetic selection and precision feeding. In this work, we aimed to assess and validate two previously identified biomarkers of nitrogen (N) use efficiency in ruminants, plasma urea concentrations and the ¹⁵N natural abundance in plasma proteins (plasma δ¹⁵N), to predict the between-animal variation in feed efficiency when animals were fed two contrasted diets (high-starch vs high-fibre diets). We used an experimental network design with a total of 588 young bulls tested for feed efficiency through two different traits (feed conversion efficiency [FCE] and residual feed intake [RFI]) during at least 6 months in 12 cohorts (farm × period combination). Animals reared in the same cohort, receiving the same diet and housed in the same pen, were considered as a contemporary group (CG). To analyse between-animal variations and explore relationships between biomarkers and feed efficiency, two statistical approaches, based either on mixed-effect models or regressions from residuals, were conducted to remove the between-CG variability. Between-animal variation of plasma δ¹⁵N was significantly correlated with feed efficiency measured through the two criteria traits and regardless of the statistical approach. Conversely, plasma urea was not correlated to FCE and showed only a weak, although significant, correlation with RFI. The response of plasma δ¹⁵N to FCE variations was higher when animals were fed a high-starch compared to a high-fibre diet. In addition, we identified two dietary factors, the metabolisable protein to net energy ratio and the rumen protein balance that influenced the relation between plasma δ¹⁵N and FCE variations. Concerning the genetic evaluation, and despite the moderate heritability of the two biomarkers (0.28), the size of our experimental setup was insufficient to detect significant genetic correlations between feed efficiency and the biomarkers. However, we validated the potential of plasma δ¹⁵N to phenotypically discriminate two animals reared in identical conditions in terms of feed efficiency as long as they differ by at least 0.049 g/g for FCE and 1.67 kg/d for RFI. Altogether, the study showed phenotypic, but non-genetic, relationships between plasma proteins δ¹⁵N and feed efficiency that varied according to the efficiency index and the diet utilised.

PMID:34311194 | DOI:10.1016/j.animal.2021.100318

Thorac Cancer. 2021 Jul 26. doi: 10.1111/1759-7714.14082. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: At present, lobectomy is still the standard treatment for lung cancer. Judging whether a lesion is invasive adenocarcinoma (IA) has important guiding significance for determining the scope of surgical resection. The commonly used methods are intraoperative frozen sections and computed tomography (CT) signs. There is still controversy about the accuracy of both in judging the invasiveness of ground-glass nodules (GGNs).

METHODS: The clinical data of patients with GGNs who underwent surgery were collected. According to the results of univariate analysis, the variables with statistical differences were selected and included in logistic regression multivariate analysis. The predictive variables were determined and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn in order to achieve the area under the curve (AUC) value.

RESULTS: According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the longest diameter and maximum CT value of nodules were independent risk factors for IA. The mathematical prediction model of CT signs was determined, and the ROC curves of CT signs and intraoperative frozen sections (FS) were drawn, respectively. The AUC values under the curves were calculated to be 0.873 and 0.807, respectively. The mathematical prediction model of intraoperative frozen section combined with CT signs was established. A ROC curve was drawn and the AUC was calculated to be 0.925.

CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy of CT signs in judging whether nonbenign GGNs were IA was higher than that of intraoperative FS. Combined with CT signs and intraoperative FS to establish a mathematical prediction model, the diagnostic accuracy of judging whether nonbenign GGNs are IA is significantly improved.

PMID:34310857 | DOI:10.1111/1759-7714.14082

Int J Clin Pract. 2021 Jul 26:e14652. doi: 10.1111/ijcp.14652. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric patients are highly exposed to medication errors especially dosing errors. This study assessed the community pharmacists’ knowledge about appropriate dosing of antibiotics among pediatric patients, factors affecting community pharmacists’ knowledge, and barriers that lead to inappropriate dosing of antibiotics.

METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 1283 Jordanian pharmacists who worked in community pharmacies. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression were conducted.

RESULTS: The response rate was 87.1%. The majority of pharmacists (86.4%) were non-knowledgeable about appropriate dosing of antibiotics among pediatrics. The monthly income of the pharmacist was positively associated with pharmacists’ knowledge. The case of azithromycin dosing in acute bacterial pharyngitis was answered correctly by the highest percentage of community pharmacists (55.8%) while the case of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole dosing in lower urinary tract infection was answered correctly by the lowest percentage (15.7%). Poor scientific knowledge about dose calculation was the most reported barrier by the participants (54.7%).

CONCLUSION: Most community pharmacists were non-knowledgeable about appropriate dosing of antibiotics in pediatrics and the level of knowledge was affected by monthly income. Implementing adequate and appropriate educational programs, constructing specific guidelines that regulate antibiotics practice among community pharmacists are highly recommended.

PMID:34310826 | DOI:10.1111/ijcp.14652

Colorectal Dis. 2021 Jul 26. doi: 10.1111/codi.15836. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the conflicting consequences of faecal diversion on stoma outcomes and anastomotic leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer, including interaction effects determined by the extent of mesorectal excision.

METHOD: Anterior resections between 2007 and 2016 were identified using the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. National Patient Registry data were added to determine stoma outcome two years after surgery. Tumour distance from the anal verge constituted a proxy for extent of mesorectal excision [total mesorectal excision (TME): ≤ 10 cm; partial mesorectal excision (PME): 13-15 cm]. With confounder-adjusted probit regression, the total effect of defunctioning stoma on permanent stoma, and the interaction effect of extent of mesorectal excision, were estimated together with the indirect effect through anastomotic leakage. Baseline risks, risk differences (RDs) and relative risks (RRs) were reported.

RESULTS: The main study cohort included 4529 patients. Defunctioning stomas influenced the absolute permanent stoma risk [TME: RD 0.11 (95% CI 0.09-0.13); PME: RD 0.15 (95% CI 0.13-0.16)]. The baseline risk was higher in TME, with a resulting greater RR in PME [2.23 (95% CI 1.43-3.02) vs 4.36 (95% CI 3.05-5.68)]. The indirect reduction in permanent stoma rates, due to the alleviating effect of faecal diversion on anastomotic leakage, was small [TME: 0.89 (95% CI 0.81-0.96); PME: 0.96 (95% CI 0.91-1.00)].

CONCLUSION: In anterior resection for rectal cancer, defunctioning stomas may reduce chances of a stoma-free outcome. Considering leakage reduction benefits, consequences of routine diversion in TME might be fairly balanced, while this seems questionable in PME.

PMID:34310840 | DOI:10.1111/codi.15836

Immun Inflamm Dis. 2021 Jul 26. doi: 10.1002/iid3.491. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Induction immunosuppression has improved the long-term outcomes after lung transplant. This is the first report exploring the association of induction immunosuppression with the development of de novo donor-specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSA) in lung transplant recipients (LTR).

METHODS: Sixty-seven consecutive primary LTR were followed for 3 years posttransplant. A total of 41/67 (61%) LTR-received induction immunosuppression using a single dose of rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin (rATG; 1.5 mg/kg) within 24 h of transplant. All recipients had a negative flow cytometry crossmatch on the day of transplant. Serum samples at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months posttransplant were assessed for the presence of de novo HLA DSA.

RESULTS: De novo HLA DSA were detected in 22/67 (32.8%) LTR within 1-year posttransplant. Of these, 9/41 (21.9%) occurred in the induction therapy group and 13/26 (50%) in the noninduction group. Class II DSA were detected in 3/41 (7.3%) LTR who received induction compared to 9/26 (34.6%) LTR without induction immunosuppression (p = .005). Differences in overall survival or freedom from chronic lung allograft dysfunction rates between the two groups were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Induction immunosuppression utilizing a modified regimen of single-dose rATG is associated with a significant reduction in de novo DSA production in LTR.

PMID:34310850 | DOI:10.1002/iid3.491

J Prosthodont. 2021 Jul 26. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13406. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Error testing at each stage of prosthetic manufacturing remains relatively underdeveloped for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing methods, and no experimental studies have validated the computer-aided design programs. This study aimed to test the accuracy and trueness of the computer-aided design of a three-unit fixed prosthesis.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Three computer-aided design programs (Exocad, Dental System™, and inLab 16) were tested on the designs of a three-unit fixed partial denture, and a three-dimensional analysis program was used to calculate the internal clearance error for the computer-aided design prostheses. The Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s post hoc tests were used to reveal significant differences in trueness between the three computer-aided design programs (α<0.05).

RESULTS: Dental System™ showed the lowest mean error values for #24 and #26 at the mesial margin (both 0 μm), mesial wall (0.10, 0.12 μm, respectively), occlusal surface (-0.05, 0.10 μm), distal wall (0.23, -0.02 μm), and distal margin (both 0 μm). In sum, except for the mesial margin and distal margin site of tooth #26, the mean error value of Dental System™ was statistically the lowest, followed by those of Exocad and inLab 16 (p<0.003).

CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of computer-aided design differed according to the type of computer-aided design program: Dental System™ achieved the best trueness at the margins, axial walls, and occlusal surface, followed by Exocad and inLab 16. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:34310790 | DOI:10.1111/jopr.13406

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2021 Jul 26:e12880. doi: 10.1111/anec.12880. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Several ECG criteria have been widely used for diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in clinical practice. However, their performance in a general Chinese population is limited.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A multi-stage, stratified cluster sampling across China was performed and 7415 representative Chinese adults aged 18-85 years were analyzed. ECG was collected by using GE MAC 5500 machine. The association between five ECG-LVH criteria (i.e., Peguero-Lo Presti, Cornell, Cornell product, Sokolow-Lyon and Sokolow-Lyon product) and echocardiographic LVH (Echo-LVH) was assessed by Pearson’s correlation, diagnostic statistics like predictive values, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. We found that the prevalence of the Echo-LVH was 11% while ECG-LVH ranged from 3% to 27%. All ECG-LVH criteria had high negative predictive value (NPV) (89%) and specificity (73-96%) but low positive predictive value (PPV) (12-24%) and sensitivity (4-29%). The newly Peguero-Lo Presti criteria had higher sensitivity (29%) but lower specificity (73%) and accuracy (68%) compared with other criteria. Cornell product had the best diagnostic performance (AUC: 0.59), as well as the highest specificity (96%) and accuracy (86%) but lowest sensitivity (4%). Among single-lead components of ECG criteria, R_aVL voltage and QRS duration performed relatively better than others. Hypertensive and older individuals had higher sensitivity but lower specificity and accuracy than their counterparts.

CONCLUSION: ECG-LVH criteria had high NPV to detect Echo-LVH. Though with higher sensitivity, Peguero-Lo Presti criteria did not have better diagnostic performance to detect Echo-LVH. R_aVL and QRS duration had stronger association with Echo-LVH among all single-lead components.

PMID:34310813 | DOI:10.1111/anec.12880

Transpl Int. 2021 Jul 26. doi: 10.1111/tri.13994. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

With this issue, Transplant International (TI) reveals its new attires! A new logo, a new cover page design and a new style accompany a re-branding effort by ESOT, but also denote the new spirit and the new strategic positioning of our journal.

PMID:34310784 | DOI:10.1111/tri.13994

Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2021 Jul 26. doi: 10.1111/pai.13605. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Childhood allergic rhinitis (AR) is clinically heterogeneous. We aimed to identify distinct phenotypes amongst children with AR using data-driven techniques, and to ascertain their association with patterns of symptoms, allergic sensitization and comorbidities.

METHODS: We recruited 510 children with physician-diagnosed AR, of whom 205 (40%) had asthma. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to identify latent structure within the data set using 17 variables (allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, asthma, family history of asthma, family history of allergic rhinitis, skin sensitization to 8 common allergens, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy).

RESULTS: A four-class solution was selected as the optimal model based on statistical fit. We labeled latent classes as: (1) AR with grass mono-sensitization and conjunctivitis (n=361, 70.8%); (2) AR with house dust mite sensitization and asthma (n=75, 14.7%); (3) AR with pet and grass polysensitization and conjunctivitis (n=35, 6.9%) and (4) AR among children with tonsils and adenoids removed (n=39, 7.6%). Perennial AR was significantly more common among children in Class 2 (OR 5.83, 95%CI 3.42-9.94, p<0.001) and Class 3 (OR 2.88, 95%CI 1.36-6.13, p=0.006). Mild and intermittent AR symptoms were significantly more common in children in Class 2 compared to those in Class 1. AR was more severe in Class 1 compared to other 3 classes, indicating that upper respiratory symptoms are more severe among children with isolated seasonal rhinitis, than in those with rhinitis and coexisting asthma.

CONCLUSION: We have identified 4 phenotypes in school-age children with AR, which were associated with different patterns of clinical symptoms and comorbidities.

PMID:34310772 | DOI:10.1111/pai.13605