Tag: statistics

J Environ Manage. 2021 May 31;293:112890. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112890. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In reality, economic expansion cannot be paced-up enough. This account for a potential trade-off between income and environmental degradation that is expectedly feasible at a maximum level of income. On this note, the current study looked at the validity of income-environmental degradation (Environmental Kuznets Curve, EKC) hypothesis especially amidst risk to investment in the United States over the period 1984-2017. Considering that the burning of fossil fuels constitutes the largest source of Greenhouse gas (GHG) in the United States, this study employed energy carbon emissions as a proxy for environmental quality and as a dependent variable. While the study employed renewable energy production as additional explanatory variable, it implemented the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique in addition to a set of cointegration techniques. Importantly, the study found that the EKC hypothesis is valid for the case of the United States but not without a non-significant trade-off of risk to investment. Additionally, renewable energy production exhibits a statistically significant and desirable impact on environmental quality in both the short and long-run. In general, the study posited that while environmental sustainability is achievable at maximum level of income, it is likely attainable at the detriment of risk to investment. Hence, this observation should trigger a potential policy mechanism that minimizes risk to investment in light of the attainment of the country’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).

PMID:34082348 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112890

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2021 May 21;260:119987. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.119987. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Six sequential spectrophotometric-based univariate methods were developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of three novel anticancer drugs vandetanib (VAN), dasatinib (DAS), and sorafenib (SOR) in a mixture, without the requirement for separation. These methods are novel, simple, precise, and accurate. Different steps including zero crossing, ratio-based, and/or derivative spectra were utilized to develop these analytical methods, namely, ratio difference spectrophotometric method, constant center method, successive derivative ratio method, isoabsorptive method, mean centering of the ratio spectra method, and derivative ratio spectrum-zero crossing method. The calibration curve linearity was ranged from 2 to 9, 2-9, and 3-9 μgmL^-1 for VAN, DAS, and SOR, respectively. These established methods were applied for the quantification of the three selected drugs in different biological fluids (spiked human plasma and urine) and pharmaceutical preparations. The aforementioned methods were established for the concurrent estimation of ternary and binary mixtures to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. The results did not statistically differ from the other reported methods, indicating no significant difference in accuracy and precision at p = 0.05.

PMID:34082354 | DOI:10.1016/j.saa.2021.119987

Early Hum Dev. 2021 May 19;158:105395. doi: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105395. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency during critical windows of brain development is associated with suboptimal neurodevelopmental outcomes. Identifying markers of neonatal iron status that best correlate with neurodevelopmental outcome is critical for optimal management of iron supplementation of neonates.

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate two markers of iron sufficiency, ferritin and zinc protoporphyrin-to-heme ratios (ZnPP/H), with neurodevelopmental outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study.

SUBJECTS: All infants with concurrent ferritin and ZnPP/H measurements obtained between October 2014 and April 2017 and Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd Edition (BSID-III) evaluated at 24 months corrected age were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Associations between iron markers (minimum, maximum and median ferritin and ZnPP/H) and BSID-III score at 24 months were assessed.

RESULTS: 223 lab measurements from 62 infants were assessed. Mean gestational age was 28.1 weeks (SD = 2.6) with a mean birth weight of 1.1 kg (SD = 0.4). Significant associations between maximum and median ZnPP/H and motor score, and between median ZnPP/H and cognitive score were observed. Trends were also seen with higher minimum, median and maximum ZnPP/H associated with lower BSID-III scores, but did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). The associations between ferritin values and BSID scores were less consistent.

CONCLUSIONS: A positive association was seen between ZnPP/H values and BSID-III scores. Trends between ferritin and BSID values were less consistent, potentially because ferritin is more affected by inflammation. Consideration should be given to using ZnPP/H preferentially to adjust iron supplementation in the NICU to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.

PMID:34082259 | DOI:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105395

Atherosclerosis. 2021 May 27;328:33-37. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.05.014. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The APOE ε4 genotype has a higher risk for developing coronary artery disease (CAD), but there is preliminary evidence that antioxidative lifestyle factors interact with APOE genotype on CAD risk. Here, we assessed the effect modification of physical activity, oily fish and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake with APOE genotype on risk of incident CAD.

METHODS: The present study comprised 345,659 white European participants from UK Biobank (mean age: 56.5 years, 45.7% men) without a history of CAD. Information regarding physical activity, oily fish intake and PUFA intake was collected through questionnaires, and information on incident CAD through linkage with hospital admission records. Analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS: Higher physical activity level and oily fish intake were both associated with a lower incidence of CAD. However, these associations were similar across the different APOE genotypes (p-values for interaction > 0.05). Most notable, higher PUFA intake was associated with a lower CAD risk in APOE ε4 genotype carriers (hazard ratio: 0.76, 95% confidence interval: 0.63-0.92), and not in APOE ε3/ε3 genotype carriers (0.90; 0.79, 1.02), but without statistical evidence for effect modification (p-value_interaction = 0.137).

CONCLUSIONS: While higher physical activity and high fish and PUFA intake were associated with a lower risk of incident CAD, no evidence for interaction of these lifestyle factors with APOE genotype was observed in UK Biobank participants. Interventions intended to reduce cardiovascular risk might therefore be similarly effective across the APOE genotype carriers.

PMID:34082327 | DOI:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.05.014

Bioresour Technol. 2021 May 23;336:125322. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125322. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Anaerobic digestion (AD) processes of food waste (FW) have potential risk on environments due to the prevalence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigated the effect of bentonite on methane production and the abundance of ARGs in biogas slurry and residue during AD of FW. Results showed that methane production increased by 68.52% and 56.79% with 3 g/L and 5 g/L of bentonite in mesophilic and thermophilic digestion, respectively. Adding 5 g/L of bentonite effectively reduced the genes of ermB, ermF, tetQ, tetX, sul1, sul2 and intI1 with a range of 80.82% – 100.00% in biogas residue under mesophilic reactor. The abundance of ARGs and intI1 in biogas residue were lower than in slurry under both temperatures with 5 g/L of bentonite. Statistical analysis indicated that bentonite and temperature were main driver factors which could impact ARGs by influencing the abundance and structure of microbial communities.

PMID:34082336 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125322

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2021 May 31;220:112383. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112383. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Geochemical approaches are popular for evaluations based on heavy metal concentrations in sediments or soils for eco-risk assessment. This study proposes a systematic geochemical approach (SymGeo) to explore six heavy metals in topsoils and bird tissues and organs of the target birds. We assume that the proposed approach based on field-collected heavy metals in topsoils and feathers can predict the areas with the potential risk of the heavy metals in birds. Finite mixture distribution modeling (FMDM) was used to identify background values of the heavy metal concentrations in topsoil. A spatial enrichment factor (EF), potential contamination index (PCI), contamination degree (Cod), and potential ecological risk index (PRI) based on FMDM results for topsoil, and a potential risk index (PRI_bird) of heavy metals in the birds, were utilized for systematic prioritization of high eco-risk areas. Using multiple EF, PRI, and Cod results and multiple PRI-based maps of the heavy metals in feathers, we systematically prioritized risk areas where there is a high potential for heavy metal contamination in the birds. Our results indicate that heavy metal concentrations in the feather, liver, and kidney are not spatially cross-autocorrelated but are statistically significantly correlated with some heavy metals in topsoil due to external and internal depositions. Further, multiple EF, Cod, and RI distributions for topsoil, along with the PRI of the feather, showed that adequate coverages for potential risk for birds were greater than 71.05% in the top 30% and 84.69% in the top 20% potential eco-risk priority area of heavy metals in bird liver and kidney. Hence, our proposed approach suggests that assessments of heavy metals in bird feathers and topsoils without bird organs can be utilized to identify spatially high-risk areas. The proposed approach could be improved by incorporating water and sediment samples to enhance the crowdsourcing and the species-specific data.

PMID:34082242 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112383

Leuk Res. 2021 Apr 24;107:106586. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2021.106586. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to determine the power of he international prognostic scoring systems (IPS-7 and IPS-3) and to obtain indices by integrating leukocyte lymphocyte ratio (LLR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) factors as prognostic indicators in cases with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). 1012 patients with cHL were evaluated with 2 different IPS-4 scores with four parameters: stage, age, hemoglobin level, and either LLR or PNI. Statistical package SPSS v 22.0 was used. Two different Cox regression models were obtained for OS and PFS. Model 1 showed LLR ≥ 5,8 as the highest risk for OS and anemia as the highest risk for PFS. Model 2 showed PNI ≤ 45,2 as the highest risk for OS and anemia as the highest risk for PFS. IPS-4 scores obtained by integrating either LLR or PNI to IPS-3 integration of a biologic parameter either LLR or PNI need to be determined with clinical risk scoring parameters.

PMID:34082249 | DOI:10.1016/j.leukres.2021.106586

Nutrition. 2021 Apr 15;89:111265. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2021.111265. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the complication rate and identify whether age, nutritional status, and history of respiratory aspiration prior to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are risk factors for post-PEG placement complications in Polish children. In addition, the safety of two enteral feeding methods (3 h vs. 8 h) after PEG insertion in children was compared.

METHODS: Children with clinical indications for PEG placement were recruited from six medical centers in Poland to participate in the study. The patients were centrally randomized to receive the first bolus feed via a feeding tube at 3 h (group 1) or 8 h (group 2) after PEG placement. The preprocedural preparation, postoperative care, and resumption of feeding were performed on all of patients in accordance with the study protocol. Patients were followed for 12 mo.

RESULTS: Of the 97 randomized patients, 49 were assigned to group 1 and 48 to group 2. Full feed after PEG placement was achieved within 24 to 48 h in most cases (74% vs. 82%). There were no differences between the groups regarding the number of early mild (31.3% vs. 31.3%) and serious (2.1% vs 8.3%) complications or the duration of hospitalization after PEG placement (P > 0.05). The most common serious complication after PEG placement was accidental displacement of PEG. Most reported late complications were mild. The results of the regression analysis indicate no statistically significant effect of age, body mass index standard deviation score, white blood cell count, serum albumin level, and respiratory aspiration in the medical history on the occurrence of mild and severe complications.

CONCLUSIONS: The early initiation of post-PEG feeding was not associated with an increase in the number of complications. Most complications after the PEG procedure were mild. Age, serum albumin level, white blood cells, body mass index standard deviation score, and a history of aspiration to the respiratory tract were not confirmed as a risk factor for post-PEG complications in children.

PMID:34082251 | DOI:10.1016/j.nut.2021.111265

Sci Total Environ. 2021 May 24;789:147983. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147983. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Climate change-induced floods in tropical urban areas have presented a serious global challenge because of failed conventional stormwater management practices. This research aims to develop a comprehensive methodological framework for flood damage estimation and mitigation, particularly in a tropical urban city. In this study, interdisciplinary fields were integrated through statistical downscaling, hydrologic-hydraulic modeling, and the development of flood damage curves. Relationships between tangible flood damage and flood-borne outbreak with flood depths were elucidated to predict future damage. Various flood mitigation strategies were evaluated. Herein, Hat Yai Municipality in Southern Thailand was selected as the study area. The flood simulation was conducted for 2010 and the highest flood damage sensitivity was exhibited by non-commercial buildings due to significant commercial stock damage, which was followed by that observed for detached houses. There was a strong linear relationship between the number of patients infected with leptospirosis and flood depth (R² = 0.85). For climate change studies, flood maps for storms with 20-, 50-, and 100-year return periods under the A2/RCP8.5 scenario were generated using hydrological-hydraulic 1D/2D model; these maps were applied with the developed flood damage curves for damage estimation. It was found that reducing flood damage by implementing agroforestry and expanding the main bypass channel provides comparable damage reductions of -25.5% and – 27.5%, respectively, under the worst-case scenario of a 100-year return period in 2040-2059. Therefore, to deal with uncertain climate change situations, the incorporation of structural and non-structural measures is recommended. Such a combination when coupled with an eight-hour flood awareness time can result in a damage reduction of -59.9%. A flood warning system was in high demand by residents in the area; however, damage reduction from this measure alone was not high (approximately -17.0%) when compared to that obtained with other measures; consequently, additional measures were needed.

PMID:34082213 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147983

Environ Int. 2021 May 31;154:106663. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106663. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a large family of man-made organic, ubiquitous, and persistent contaminants with endocrine-disrupting properties. PCBs have been associated with numerous adverse health effects and were classified as carcinogenic to humans, but their long-term impact on mortality risk in the general population is unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to assess whether background exposure levels of PCBs increase all-cause and cancer- and cardiovascular-specific mortality risk in the general population.

METHODS: We searched the Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases for eligible studies up to 1st of January, 2021. We included cohort and nested-case control studies comparing the lowest vs. the highest background exposure level of PCBs in the general population and reporting data for all-cause mortality and/or cancer-/cardiovascular-specific mortality. Studies reporting occupational and accidental exposures were excluded. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate summary relative risks (SRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity across studies was assessed by I2 statistics, and publication bias both graphically and using Egger’s and Begg’s tests. Quality of included studies was assessed using the National Toxicology Program/Office of Health Assessment and Translation (NTP/OHAT). Confidence in the body of evidence and related level of evidence were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) based on the NTP/OHAT framework. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020178079).

RESULTS: The initial search led to 2,132 articles. Eight prospective cohort studies met our inclusion criteria, leading to 72,852 participants including 17,805 deaths. Overall exposure to PCBs was not statistically significantly associated with all-cause mortality (SRR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.90-1.41, n = 7 studies, low certainty); however, dietary exposure to PCBs was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular-specific mortality (SRR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.14-1.66, n = 3 studies, moderate certainty), while no association was found with cancer-specific mortality (SRR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.72-1.59, n = 5 studies, low certainty).

CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that background exposure to PCBs is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular-specific mortality in the general population with a “moderate” level of evidence. These findings should be interpreted with caution given the small number of studies on mortality in the general population.

PMID:34082240 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2021.106663