1
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Guo W, Wenz L, Auffhammer M. The visual effect of wind turbines on property values is small and diminishing in space and time. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309372121. [PMID: 38498707 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309372121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Renewable power generation is the key to decarbonizing the electricity system. Wind power is the fastest-growing renewable source of electricity in the United States. However, expanding wind capacity often faces local opposition, partly due to a perceived visual disamenity from large wind turbines. Here, we provide a US-wide assessment of the externality costs of wind power generation through the visibility impact on property values. To this end, we create a database on wind turbine visibility, combining information on the site and height of each utility-scale turbine having fed power into the U.S. grid, with a high-resolution elevation map to account for the underlying topography of the landscape. Building on hedonic valuation theory, we statistically estimate the impact of wind turbine visibility on home values, informed by data from the majority of home sales in the United States since 1997. We find that on average, wind turbine visibility negatively affects home values in an economically and statistically significant way in close proximity ([Formula: see text]5 miles/8 km). However, the effect diminishes over time and in distance and is indistinguishable from zero for larger distances and toward the end of our sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- CMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change, Leece 73100, Italy
- RFF-CMCC European Institute on Economics and the Environment, Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici, Milan 20144, Italy
| | - Leonie Wenz
- Department of Complexity Science, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Potsdam 14412, Germany
- Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Berlin 10829, Germany
| | - Maximilian Auffhammer
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA 02138-5398
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2
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Spitschan M, Vidafar P, Cain SW, Phillips AJK, Lambert BC. Power Analysis for Human Melatonin Suppression Experiments. Clocks Sleep 2024; 6:114-128. [PMID: 38534797 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep6010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In humans, the nocturnal secretion of melatonin by the pineal gland is suppressed by ocular exposure to light. In the laboratory, melatonin suppression is a biomarker for this neuroendocrine pathway. Recent work has found that individuals differ substantially in their melatonin-suppressive response to light, with the most sensitive individuals being up to 60 times more sensitive than the least sensitive individuals. Planning experiments with melatonin suppression as an outcome needs to incorporate these individual differences, particularly in common resource-limited scenarios where running within-subjects studies at multiple light levels is costly and resource-intensive and may not be feasible with respect to participant compliance. Here, we present a novel framework for virtual laboratory melatonin suppression experiments, incorporating a Bayesian statistical model. We provide a Shiny web app for power analyses that allows users to modify various experimental parameters (sample size, individual-level heterogeneity, statistical significance threshold, light levels), and simulate a systematic shift in sensitivity (e.g., due to a pharmacological or other intervention). Our framework helps experimenters to design compelling and robust studies, offering novel insights into the underlying biological variability in melatonin suppression relevant for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Spitschan
- Department of Health and Sport Sciences, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany
- TUM Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS), Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
- Max Planck Research Group Translational Sensory and Circadian Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Parisa Vidafar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Sean W Cain
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Andrew J K Phillips
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ben C Lambert
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3LB, UK
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3
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Genge A, Cedarbaum JM, Shefner J, Chio A, Al-Chalabi A, Van Damme P, McDermott C, Glass J, Berry J, van Eijk RPA, Fournier C, Grosskreutz J, Andrews J, Bertone V, Bunte TM, Couillard M, Cummings C, Kittle G, Polzer J, Salmon K, Straub C, van den Berg LH. The ALSFRS-R Summit: a global call to action on the use of the ALSFRS-R in ALS clinical trials. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38396337 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2320880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS) was developed more than 25 years ago as an instrument to monitor functional change over time in patients with ALS. It has since been revised and extended to meet the needs of high data quality in ALS trials (ALSFRS-R), however a full re-validation of the scale was not completed. Despite this, the scale has remained a primary outcome measure in clinical trials. We convened a group of clinical trialists to discuss and explore opportunities to improve the scale and propose alternative measures. In this meeting report, we present a call to action on the use of the ALSFRS-Revised scale in clinical trials, focusing on the need for (1) harmonization of the ALSFRS-R administration globally, (2) alignment on a set of recommendations for clinical trial design and statistical analysis plans (SAPs), and (3) use of additional outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Genge
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, ALS Center of Excellence, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jesse M Cedarbaum
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Movement Disorders, Coeruleus Clinical Sciences LLC, Woodbridge, CT, USA
| | | | - Adriano Chio
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Chris McDermott
- Department of Neurology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jonathan Glass
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James Berry
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Neurology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruben P A van Eijk
- Department of Neurology and Biostatistics, UMC Utrecht Hersencentrum Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Julian Grosskreutz
- Precision Neurology of Neuromuscular and Motoneuron Diseases, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jinsy Andrews
- Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, Neurology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vanessa Bertone
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tommy M Bunte
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Hersencentrum Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mathias Couillard
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cathy Cummings
- International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, Northampton, Northamptonshire, UK, and
| | - Gale Kittle
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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4
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Irzmańska E, Mizera K, Litwicka N, Sałasińska K. An Approach to Testing Antivandal Composite Materials as a Function of Their Thickness and Striker Shape-A Case Study. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:591. [PMID: 38475275 DOI: 10.3390/polym16050591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Our research material comprised antivandal fire-retardant hybrid composites modified with inorganic and organic fillers intended for application in public transport vehicles. This paper presents an approach to studying their impact strength as a function of the composite thickness (3 to 6 mm) and striker shape (hemispherical, semicylindrical, wedge-shaped) used in the experimental stand. Group A composites, made of single fabric layers (n = 5), were thinner and their impact strength was lower by 73% than that for Group B composites made of double fabric layers. Study results show an almost threefold improvement in impact strength for a thickness increase of as little as 0.3 mm. Statistical analysis (the Shapiro-Wilk test, p > 0.05) did not show any significant differences in the quantitative evaluation of changes (n = 3) on the surface of the examined materials caused by impacts with strikers of different shapes. In turn, a linear correlation (Shapiro-Wilk test, W = 0.0857, p = 0.022) was found between impact strength and the thickness of the studied materials. It was observed that appropriate arrangement of fabrics and powder fillers can lead to a different distribution of forces and energy absorbed by the tested material. A lower impact strength was observed for the composite which had powder fillers in its composition, which caused the formation of microvoids in the structure of the material and thus led to a weakening in their strength properties. An effect of the placement of the glass fabric layer in the composite on the results was also observed. Moreover, SEM evaluation of the composites revealed their layered structure and the impregnation of woven fabrics with resin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Irzmańska
- Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute of Labour Protection-National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB), Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamila Mizera
- Department of Chemical, Biological and Aerosol Hazards, Central Institute of Labour Protection-National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB), Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Litwicka
- Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute of Labour Protection-National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB), Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamila Sałasińska
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
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Ansah EW, Rodriguez D, Burnette CB. Editorial: The use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) methods in eating behavior research. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1378515. [PMID: 38440238 PMCID: PMC10910634 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1378515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Wilson Ansah
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Daniel Rodriguez
- Department of Urban Public Health and Nutrition, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - C. Blair Burnette
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
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6
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Pekdogan T, Udriștioiu MT, Yildizhan H, Ameen A. From Local Issues to Global Impacts: Evidence of Air Pollution for Romania and Turkey. Sensors (Basel) 2024; 24:1320. [PMID: 38400479 PMCID: PMC10892254 DOI: 10.3390/s24041320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution significantly threatens human health and natural ecosystems and requires urgent attention from decision makers. The fight against air pollution begins with the rigorous monitoring of its levels, followed by intelligent statistical analysis and the application of advanced machine learning algorithms. To effectively reduce air pollution, decision makers must focus on reducing primary sources such as industrial plants and obsolete vehicles, as well as policies that encourage the adoption of clean energy sources. In this study, data analysis was performed for the first time to evaluate air pollution based on the SPSS program. Correlation coefficients between meteorological parameters and particulate matter concentrations (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) were calculated in two urban regions of Romania (Craiova and Drobeta-Turnu Severin) and Turkey (Adana). This study establishes strong relationships between PM concentrations and meteorological parameters with correlation coefficients ranging from -0.617 (between temperature and relative humidity) to 0.998 (between PMs). It shows negative correlations between temperature and particulate matter (-0.241 in Romania and -0.173 in Turkey) and the effects of humidity ranging from moderately positive correlations with PMs (up to 0.360 in Turkey), highlighting the valuable insights offered by independent PM sensor networks in assessing and improving air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Pekdogan
- Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University, Adana 46278, Turkey;
| | | | - Hasan Yildizhan
- Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University, Adana 46278, Turkey;
| | - Arman Ameen
- Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainability Science, University of Gävle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
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7
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Stroeva AR, Klyukina AA, Vidishcheva ON, Poludetkina EN, Solovyeva MA, Pyrkin VO, Gavirova LA, Birkeland NK, Akhmanov GG, Bonch-Osmolovskaya EA, Merkel AY. Structure of Benthic Microbial Communities in the Northeastern Part of the Barents Sea. Microorganisms 2024; 12:387. [PMID: 38399791 PMCID: PMC10892650 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Barents Sea shelf is one of the most economically promising regions in the Arctic in terms of its resources and geographic location. However, benthic microbial communities of the northeastern Barents Sea are still barely studied. Here, we present a detailed systematic description of the structures of microbial communities located in the sediments and bottom water of the northeastern Barents Sea based on 16S rRNA profiling and a qPCR assessment of the total prokaryotic abundance in 177 samples. Beta- and alpha-diversity analyses revealed a clear difference between the microbial communities of diverse sediment layers and bottom-water fractions. We identified 101 microbial taxa whose representatives had statistically reliable distribution patterns between these ecotopes. Analysis of the correlation between microbial community structure and geological data yielded a number of important results-correlations were found between the abundance of individual microbial taxa and bottom relief, thickness of marine sediments, presence of hydrotrolite interlayers, and the values of pH and Eh. We also demonstrated that a relatively high abundance of prokaryotes in sediments can be caused by the proliferation of Deltaproteobacteria representatives, in particular, sulfate and iron reducers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra A. Klyukina
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nils-Kåre Birkeland
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7803, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Elizaveta A. Bonch-Osmolovskaya
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Y. Merkel
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia
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8
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Virág L, Egedy A, Varga C, Erdős G, Berezvai S, Kovács L, Ulbert Z. Determination of the most significant rubber components influencing the hardness of natural rubber (NR) using various statistical methods. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25170. [PMID: 38322875 PMCID: PMC10844055 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Manufacturers use a large number of components in the production of modern rubber products. The selection of the constituents of the rubber recipe is primarily determined by the purpose of use. The different fields of applications of rubbers require the presence of appropriate mechanical properties. In this respect, it can be useful to know which substances forming the rubber recipe have significant influence on the different mechanical properties. In this study, the statistical analysis of the influence of rubber components on the hardness of natural rubber (NR) is proposed based on literature review. Based on the literature data, various statistical analyses, like linear regression, constrained linear regression, Ridge regression, Ridge sparse regression and binary classification decision trees were performed to determine which rubber components have the most significant effect on the hardness. In the statistical analyses, the effect of a total of 42 constituents of rubber compound on hardness was investigated. Most of the applied statistical methods confirmed that the traditional frequently used rubber components, such as carbon black and sulfur, have a primary effect on the hardness. However, the substances forming the rubber compound that are not widely used in practice or newly developed components appear differently in the lists of significant additives obtained by the different statistical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilla Virág
- Department of MOL Hydrocarbon and Coal Processing, Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, H8200 Veszprém, Egyetem Str. 10, Hungary
| | - Attila Egedy
- Department of Process Engineering, Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, H8200 Veszprém, Egyetem Str. 10, Hungary
| | - Csilla Varga
- Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, H8200 Veszprém, Egyetem Str. 10, Hungary
| | - Gergely Erdős
- ECon Engineering Kft. H1116, Budapest, Kondorosi út 3, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Berezvai
- Department of Applied Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Kovács
- ECon Engineering Kft. H1116, Budapest, Kondorosi út 3, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Ulbert
- Department of Process Engineering, Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, H8200 Veszprém, Egyetem Str. 10, Hungary
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9
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Johnson ML, Zwart MP. Robust Approaches to the Quantitative Analysis of Genome Formula Variation in Multipartite and Segmented Viruses. Viruses 2024; 16:270. [PMID: 38400045 PMCID: PMC10892338 DOI: 10.3390/v16020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
When viruses have segmented genomes, the set of frequencies describing the abundance of segments is called the genome formula. The genome formula is often unbalanced and highly variable for both segmented and multipartite viruses. A growing number of studies are quantifying the genome formula to measure its effects on infection and to consider its ecological and evolutionary implications. Different approaches have been reported for analyzing genome formula data, including qualitative description, applying standard statistical tests such as ANOVA, and customized analyses. However, these approaches have different shortcomings, and test assumptions are often unmet, potentially leading to erroneous conclusions. Here, we address these challenges, leading to a threefold contribution. First, we propose a simple metric for analyzing genome formula variation: the genome formula distance. We describe the properties of this metric and provide a framework for understanding metric values. Second, we explain how this metric can be applied for different purposes, including testing for genome-formula differences and comparing observations to a reference genome formula value. Third, we re-analyze published data to illustrate the applications and weigh the evidence for previous conclusions. Our re-analysis of published datasets confirms many previous results but also provides evidence that the genome formula can be carried over from the inoculum to the virus population in a host. The simple procedures we propose contribute to the robust and accessible analysis of genome-formula data.
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10
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Choudhery S, DeJesus MA, Srinivasan A, Rock J, Schnappinger D, Ioerger TR. A dose-response model for statistical analysis of chemical genetic interactions in CRISPRi screens. bioRxiv 2024:2023.08.03.551759. [PMID: 37577548 PMCID: PMC10418283 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.03.551759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
An important application of CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) technology is for identifying chemical-genetic interactions (CGIs). Discovery of genes that interact with exposure to antibiotics can yield insights to drug targets and mechanisms of action or resistance. The objective is to identify CRISPRi mutants whose relative abundance is suppressed (or enriched) in the presence of a drug when the target protein is depleted, reflecting synergistic behavior. Different sgRNAs for a given target can induce a wide range of protein depletion and differential effects on growth rate. The effect of sgRNA strength can be partially predicted based on sequence features. However, the actual growth phenotype depends on the sensitivity of cells to depletion of the target protein. For essential genes, sgRNA efficiency can be empirically measured by quantifying effects on growth rate. We observe that the most efficient sgRNAs are not always optimal for detecting synergies with drugs. sgRNA efficiency interacts in a non-linear way with drug sensitivity, producing an effect where the concentration-dependence is maximized for sgRNAs of intermediate strength (and less so for sgRNAs that induce too much or too little target depletion). To capture this interaction, we propose a novel statistical method called CRISPRi-DR (for Dose-Response model) that incorporates both sgRNA efficiencies and drug concentrations in a modified dose-response equation. We use CRISPRi-DR to re-analyze data from a recent CGI experiment in Mycobacterium tuberculosis to identify genes that interact with antibiotics. This approach can be generalized to non-CGI datasets, which we show via an CRISPRi dataset for E. coli growth on different carbon sources. The performance is competitive with the best of several related analytical methods. However, for noisier datasets, some of these methods generate far more significant interactions, likely including many false positives, whereas CRISPRi-DR maintains higher precision, which we observed in both empirical and simulated data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeevani Choudhery
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michael A. DeJesus
- Laboratory of Host-Pathogen Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Aarthi Srinivasan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jeremy Rock
- Laboratory of Host-Pathogen Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Dirk Schnappinger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Thomas R. Ioerger
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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Zupin Ž, Štampfl V, Kočevar TN, Gabrijelčič Tomc H. Comparison of Measured and Calculated Porosity Parameters of Woven Fabrics to Results Obtained with Image Analysis. Materials (Basel) 2024; 17:783. [PMID: 38399035 PMCID: PMC10890284 DOI: 10.3390/ma17040783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Porosity, the measure of the open spaces within a fabric structure, is a decisive factor in the performance of textiles. It influences breathability, permeability to liquids or gases, and suitability for various industries such as apparel, medical, and technical textiles. This study compares classical porosity calculation methods with non-destructive image analysis for 24 woven fabric samples that differ in density and weave pattern. Factors such as fabric density, weave pattern, illumination conditions, magnification, and the influence of the Otsu and Yen threshold algorithms were considered. The multifactor ANOVA statistical analysis shows that fabric density and weave pattern significantly influence porosity, with illumination playing an important role, while the threshold algorithm has a minor influence. A strong correlation is found between the actual fabric porosity and the results of the image analysis, except for double-sided illumination (reflective and transmissive), where the correlation is weakest. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the reliability of different porosity assessment approaches, which is essential for applications in various textile industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Živa Zupin
- Department of Textiles, Graphic Arts and Design, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Snežniška ulica 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.Š.); (T.N.K.); (H.G.T.)
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12
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Adams EK, Kramer MR, Joski PJ, Coloske M, Dunlop AL. Examination of the Black-White racial disparity in severe maternal morbidity among Georgia deliveries, 2016 to 2020. AJOG Glob Rep 2024; 4:100303. [PMID: 38283324 PMCID: PMC10811457 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies find that delivery hospital explains a significant portion of the Black-White gap in severe maternal morbidity. No such studies have focused on the US Southeast, where racial disparities are widest, and few have examined the relative contribution of hospital, residential, and maternal factors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the portion of Georgia's Black-White gap in severe maternal morbidity during delivery through 42 days postpartum explained by hospital, residential, and maternal factors. STUDY DESIGN Using linked Georgia hospital discharge, birth, and fetal death records for 2016 through 2020, we identified 413,124 deliveries to non-Hispanic White (229,357; 56%) or Black (183,767; 44%) individuals. We linked hospital data from the American Hospital Association and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and area data from the Area Resource File and American Community Survey. We identified severe maternal morbidity indicator conditions during delivery or subsequent hospitalizations through 42 days postpartum. Using race-specific logistic models followed by a decomposition technique, we estimated the portion of the Black-White severe maternal morbidity gap explained by the following: (1) sociodemographic factors (age, education, marital status, and nativity), (2) medical conditions (diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, and smoking), (3) obstetrical factors (singleton or multiple, and birth order); (4) access to care (no or third trimester care, and payer), (5) hospital factors that are time-varying (delivery volume, deliveries per full-time equivalent nurse, doctor communication, patient safety, and adverse event composite score) or measured time-invariant characteristics (ownership, profit status, religious affiliation, teaching status, and perinatal level), and (6) residential factors (county urban/rural classification, percent uninsured women of reproductive age, obstetrician-gynecologists per women of reproductive age, number of federally-qualified and community health centers, medically-underserved area [yes/no], and census tract neighborhood deprivation index). We estimated models with and without hospital fixed-effects, which account for unobserved time-invariant hospital characteristics such as within-hospital care processes or unmeasured hospital-specific factors. RESULTS There was 1.8 times the rate of severe maternal morbidity per 100 discharges among non-Hispanic Black (3.15) than among White (1.73) individuals, with an explained proportion of 30.4% in models without and 49.8% in models with hospital fixed-effects. In the latter, hospital fixed-effects explained the largest portion of the Black-White severe maternal morbidity gap (15.1%) followed by access to care (14.9%) and sociodemographic factors (14.4%), with residential factors being protective for Black individuals (-7.5%). Smaller proportions were explained by medical (5.6%), obstetrical (4.0%), and time-varying hospital factors (3.2%). Within each category, the largest explanatory portion was payer type (13.3%) for access to care, marital status (10.3%) for sociodemographic, gestational hypertension (3.3%) for medical, birth order (3.6%) for obstetrical, and patient safety indicator (3.1%) for time-varying hospital factors. CONCLUSION Models with hospital fixed-effects explain a greater proportion of Georgia's Black-White severe maternal morbidity gap than models without them, thereby supporting the point that differences in care processes or other unmeasured factors within the same hospital translate into racial differences in severe maternal morbidity during delivery through 42 days postpartum. Research is needed to discern and ameliorate sources of within-hospital differences in care. The substantial proportion of the gap attributable to racial differences in access to care and sociodemographic factors points to other needed policy interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Kathleen Adams
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, GA (Dr Adams, Mr Joski, and Ms Coloske)
| | - Michael R. Kramer
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University Atlanta, GA (Dr Kramer)
| | - Peter J. Joski
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, GA (Dr Adams, Mr Joski, and Ms Coloske)
| | - Marissa Coloske
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, GA (Dr Adams, Mr Joski, and Ms Coloske)
| | - Anne L. Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, GA (Dr Dunlop)
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Elgaleidh MAM, Dilek Tepe H, Doyuk F, Çeter T, Yazgan İ. Identification of Marker Molecules in Aqueous Plant Extracts Affecting the Gold Nanostructures' Morphology and Size. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301349. [PMID: 38108659 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
This work was performed as a comparative study using nine different aqueous pollen grain extracts from eight different genera (Juniperus, Biota, Cupressus, Abies, Pinus, Cedrus, Populus and Corylus) to synthesize gold nanostructures (AuNSs) to understand if there is any possible marker that helps to predict the final morphology and size of the AuNSs. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that Apigenin and Pinoresinol compounds are the marker molecules in determination of the AuNSs physical characteristics while total protein, reducing carbohydrate, flavonoid and phenol contents did not show any statistically meaningful outcome. The "dominancy hypothesis" was tested by paying attention to the most concentrated phenolic acids and flavonoids in the control of AuNSs morphology and size, for which correlation analysis were performed. The statistical findings were tested using two new more pollen extracts to validate the models. Three main findings of the study were (i) determination of Apigenin and Pinoresinol levels in pollen extract can give an insight into the AuNSs physical characters, (ii) the most concentrated phenolic acids and flavonoids don't need to be same to pose same dictative effect on AuNSs morphology and size, rather relatively abundant ones in the extract play the key role and (iii) differences in the polymeric structures (e. g. lignin, cellulosic compounds etc.) have minor effect on the final morphology and size of the AuNSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareia Ahmed-M Elgaleidh
- Aerobiology Labratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkiye
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Al Jufra University, Houn, Libya
| | - Hafize Dilek Tepe
- Applied Science Research Center, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkiye
| | - Fatma Doyuk
- Applied Science Research Center, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkiye
| | - Talip Çeter
- Aerobiology Labratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkiye
| | - İdris Yazgan
- Center of Materials and Biosensors, Department of Biology, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkiye
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14
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Shu L, Tang Z, Wang H, Cao L, Li H. Clinical analysis of nonsyndromic oligodontia phenotypes. Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi 2024; 42:89-96. [PMID: 38475956 DOI: 10.7518/hxkq.2024.2023203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide references, this study investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with nonsyndromic oligodontia. METHODS The information of 178 patients with oligodontia was collected, including histories, oral examinations, and panoramic radiographs. Tooth agenesis characteristics were calculated and evaluated. All the data were statistically analyzed with SPSS 24.0 software. RESULTS No significant difference in the number of missing teeth was found between sexes nor between the right and left sides, and congenitally missing teeth affected the maxillary arch (P<0.05). The highest prevalence of tooth agenesis was observed in the mandibular second premolars. In the maxillary arch, the most common pattern of tooth agenesis was agenesis of the bilateral first and second premolars. The agenesis of the bilateral second premolars was observed in the mandibular arch. The prevalence of a symmetric pattern between the right and left quadrants was significantly higher than that of matched patterns between the maxillary and mandibular antagonistic quadrants. Approximately 16.85% of patients with nonsyndromic oligodontia were affected by other tooth-related anomalies. CONCLUSIONS The common patterns of tooth agenesis were successfully identified in patients with nonsyndromic oligodontia. Dentists need to provide multidisciplinary treatments for patients with nonsyndromic oligodontia because of variations in occluding and full-mouth tooth agenesis patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Shu
- Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry, Suzhou Stomatological Hospital, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Zichun Tang
- Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry, Suzhou Stomatological Hospital, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry, Suzhou Stomatological Hospital, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Li Cao
- Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry, Suzhou Stomatological Hospital, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Hu Li
- Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry, Suzhou Stomatological Hospital, Suzhou 215000, China
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Attar F, Sharma A, Gupta B, Karuturi S. Statistical Design-Guided Synthesis of Nanoarchitectonics of High-Performance NiFeMoN Electrocatalyst through Facile One-Step Magnetron Sputtering. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024:e2308063. [PMID: 38282172 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
This study presents an innovative, statistically-guided magnetron sputtering technique for creating nanoarchitectonics of high-performing, NiFeMoN electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water splitting. Using a central composite face-centered (CCF) design, 13 experimental conditions are identified that enable precise optimization of synthesis parameters through response surface methodology (RSM), confirmed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The statistical analysis highlighted a interaction between Mo% and N% in the nanostructured NiFeMoN and found optimizing values at 31.35% Mo and 47.12% N. The NiFeMoN catalyst demonstrated superior performance with a low overpotential of 216 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and remarkable stability over seven days, attributed to the modifications in electronic structure and the creation of new active sites through Mo and N additions. Furthermore, the NiFeMoN coating, when used as a protective layer for a Si photoanode in 1 m KOH, achieved an applied-bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE) of 5.2%, maintaining stability for 76 h. These advancements underscore the profound potential of employing statistical design for optimizing synthesis parameters of intricate catalyst materials via magnetron sputtering, paving the way for accelerated advancements in water splitting technologies and also in other energy conversion systems, such as nitrogen reduction and CO2 conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Attar
- School of Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Astha Sharma
- School of Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Bikesh Gupta
- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Siva Karuturi
- School of Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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16
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Qananwah Q, Khader A, Al-Hashem M, Mumani A, Dagamseh A. Investigating the impact of smoking habits through photoplethysmography analysis. Physiol Meas 2024; 45:015003. [PMID: 38176078 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/ad1b10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Smoking is widely recognized as a significant risk factor in the progression of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular diseases. Valuable information related to cardiac arrhythmias and heart function can be obtained by analyzing biosignals such as the electrocardiogram (ECG) and the photoplethysmogram (PPG). The PPG signal is a non-invasive optical technique that can be used to evaluate the changes in blood volume, and thus it can be linked to the health of the vascular system.Objective. In this study, the impact of three smoking habits-cigarettes, shisha, and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes)-on the features of the PPG signal were investigated.Approach. The PPG signals are measured for 45 healthy smokers before, during, and after the smoking session and then processed to extract the morphological features. Quantitative statistical techniques were used to analyze the PPG features and provide the most significant features of the three smoking habits. The impact of smoking is observed through significant changes in the features of the PPG signal, indicating blood volume instability.Main results. The results revealed that the three smoking habits influence the characteristics of the PPG signal significantly, which presentseven after 15 min of smoking. Among them, shisha has the greatest impact on PPG features, particularly on heart rate, systolic time, augmentation index, and peak pulse interval change. In contrast, e-cigarettes have the least effect on PPG features. Interestingly, smoking electronic cigarettes, which many participants use as a substitute for traditional cigarettes when attempting to quit smoking, has nearly a comparable effect to regular smoking.Significance. The findings suggest that individuals who smoke shisha are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases at an earlier age compared to those who have other smoking habits. Understanding the variations in the PPG signal caused by smoking can aid in the early detection of cardiovascular disorders and provide insight into cardiac conditions. This ultimately contributes to the prevention of the development of cardiovascular diseases and the development of a health screening system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasem Qananwah
- Department of Biomedical Systems and Informatics Engineering, Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ateka Khader
- Department of Biomedical Systems and Informatics Engineering, Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Munder Al-Hashem
- Department of Biomedical Systems and Informatics Engineering, Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Mumani
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Dagamseh
- Department of Electronics Engineering, Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
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17
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Hong SY, Yoon J, An YJ, Lee S, Cha HG, Pandey A, Yoo YJ, Joo JC. Statistical Analysis of the Role of Cavity Flexibility in Thermostability of Proteins. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:291. [PMID: 38276699 PMCID: PMC10819066 DOI: 10.3390/polym16020291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional statistical investigations have primarily focused on the comparison of the simple one-dimensional characteristics of protein cavities, such as number, surface area, and volume. These studies have failed to discern the crucial distinctions in cavity properties between thermophilic and mesophilic proteins that contribute to protein thermostability. In this study, the significance of cavity properties, i.e., flexibility and location, in protein thermostability was investigated by comparing structural differences between homologous thermophilic and mesophilic proteins. Three dimensions of protein structure were categorized into three regions (core, boundary, and surface) and a comparative analysis of cavity properties using this structural index was conducted. The statistical analysis revealed that cavity flexibility is closely related to protein thermostability. The core cavities of thermophilic proteins were less flexible than those of mesophilic proteins (averaged B' factor values, -0.6484 and -0.5111), which might be less deleterious to protein thermostability. Thermophilic proteins exhibited fewer cavities in the boundary and surface regions. Notably, cavities in mesophilic proteins, across all regions, exhibited greater flexibility than those in thermophilic proteins (>95% probability). The increased flexibility of cavities in the boundary and surface regions of mesophilic proteins, as opposed to thermophilic proteins, may compromise stability. Recent protein engineering investigations involving mesophilic xylanase and protease showed results consistent with the findings of this study, suggesting that the manipulation of flexible cavities in the surface region can enhance thermostability. Consequently, our findings suggest that a rational or computational approach to the design of flexible cavities in surface or boundary regions could serve as an effective strategy to enhance the thermostability of mesophilic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Yeon Hong
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Inha Technical College, Inha-ro 100, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jihyun Yoon
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si 14662, Republic of Korea (S.L.)
| | - Young Joo An
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si 14662, Republic of Korea (S.L.)
| | - Siseon Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si 14662, Republic of Korea (S.L.)
| | - Haeng-Geun Cha
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si 14662, Republic of Korea (S.L.)
| | - Ashutosh Pandey
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, 19 Steve Biko Road, Durban 4000, South Africa;
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna 485001, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Young Je Yoo
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jeong Chan Joo
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si 14662, Republic of Korea (S.L.)
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Hafsa N, Rushd S, Alzoubi H, Al-Faiad M. Accurate prediction of pressure losses using machine learning for the pipeline transportation of emulsions. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23591. [PMID: 38223734 PMCID: PMC10784171 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the significant challenges to designing an emulsion transportation system is predicting frictional pressure losses with confidence. The state-of-the-art method for enhancing reliability in prediction is to employ artificial intelligence (AI) based on various machine learning (ML) tools. Six traditional and tree-based ML algorithms were analyzed for the prediction in the current study. A rigorous feature importance study using RFECV method and relevant statistical analysis was conducted to identify the parameters that significantly contributed to the prediction. Among 16 input variables, the fluid velocity, mass flow rate, and pipe diameter were evaluated as the top predictors to estimate the frictional pressure losses. The significance of the contributing parameters was further validated by estimation error trend analyses. A comprehensive assessment of the regression models demonstrated an ensemble of the top three regressors to excel over all other ML and theoretical models. The ensemble regressor showcased exceptional performance, as evidenced by its high R2 value of 99.7 % and an AUC-ROC score of 98 %. These results were statistically significant, as there was a noticeable difference (within a 95 % confidence interval) compared to the estimations of the three base models. In terms of estimation error, the ensemble model outperformed the top base regressor by demonstrating improvements of 6.6 %, 11.1 %, and 12.75 % for the RMSE, MAE, and CV_MSE evaluation metrics, respectively. The precise and robust estimations achieved by the best regression model in this study further highlight the effectiveness of AI in the field of pipeline engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Hafsa
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer Science and Information Technology, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayeed Rushd
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 380, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadeel Alzoubi
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer Science and Information Technology, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majdi Al-Faiad
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 380, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
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Nickkar A, Pourfalatoun S, Miller EE, Lee YJ. Applying the heteroskedastic ordered probit model on injury severity for improved age and gender estimation. Traffic Inj Prev 2024; 25:202-209. [PMID: 38019532 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2023.2286429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Driver characteristics have been linked to the frequency and severity of car crashes. Among these, age and gender have been shown to impact both the possibility and severity of a crash. Previous studies have used standard ordered probit (OP) models to analyze crash data, and some research has suggested heteroskedastic ordered probit (HETOP) could provide improved model fit. The objective of this paper is to evaluate potential improvements of the heteroskedastic ordered probit (HETOP) model compared to the standard ordered probit (OP) model in crash analysis, by examining the effect of gender across age on injury severity among drivers. This paper hypothesizes that the HETOP model can provide a better fit to crash data, by allowing heteroskedasticity in the distribution of injury severity across driver age and gender. METHODS Data for 20,222 crashes were analyzed for North Carolina from 2016 to 2018, which represents the state with the highest number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled amongst available crash data from the Highway Safety Information System. RESULTS Darker lighting conditions, severe road surface conditions, and less severe weather were associated with increased injury severity. For driver demographics, the probability of severe injuries increased with age and for male drivers. Moreover, the variance of severity increased with age disproportionately within and across genders, and the HETOP was able to account for this. CONCLUSIONS The results of the two applied approaches revealed that HETOP model outperformed the standard OP model when measuring the effects of age and gender together in injury severity analysis, due to the heteroskedasticity in injury severity within gender and age. The HETOP statistical method presented in this paper can be more broadly applied across other contexts and combinations of independent variables for improved model prediction and accuracy of causal variables in traffic safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirreza Nickkar
- Department of Transportation & Urban Infrastructure Studies, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shiva Pourfalatoun
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Erika E Miller
- Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Young-Jae Lee
- Department of Transportation & Urban Infrastructure Studies, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Hosseinzadeh T, Mirfarhadi N, Pouralizadeh M, Tabrizi KN, Fallahi‐Khoshknab M, Khankeh HR, Shokooh F. Psychometric properties of the persian version of the nursing clinical reasoning scale. Nurs Open 2024; 11:e2041. [PMID: 38268299 PMCID: PMC10697119 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to translate the Nursing Clinical Reasoning Scale (NCRS) into Persian and evaluate its psychometric properties. DESIGN This study was a methodological and cross-sectional study. METHODS This methodological study was conducted in 2020 in a teaching hospital. After obtaining necessary permission from its developers, NCRS was translated into Persian through the method proposed by the World Health Organization. Then, its face, content, and construct validity and reliability were assessed. For construct validity assessment through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, 300 nurses (two 150-nurse samples), who had randomly been selected, completed the instrument. Reliability also assessed through the internal consistency and the stability methods. Data were analysed using the SPSS (v. 20.0) and the AMOS (v. 5.0) software. RESULTS The content validity indices of NCRS and its items were 0.97 and more than 0.79, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis revealed an assessment and confirmation factor and an implementation and reflection factor for the scale which together explained 57.30% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed this two-factor structure (χ2 /df = 2.11, NNFI = 0.952, RMSEA = 0.053, CFI = 0.91, GFI = 0.94, IFI = 0.95, and NFI = 0.96). The Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient values of the scale were 0.96 and 0.94, respectively. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The Persian NCRS can help nursing policy makers and mentors identify the need for developing nurses' and nursing students' CR skills and implement need-based educational courses to improve these skills. Moreover, it helps determine whether the educational programmes are effective in improving nurses' CR skills and clinical competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Touba Hosseinzadeh
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyGuilan University of Medical Science (GUMS)RashtIran
| | - Nastaran Mirfarhadi
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyGuilan University of Medical Science (GUMS)RashtIran
| | - Moluk Pouralizadeh
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyGuilan University of Medical Science (GUMS)RashtIran
| | - Kian Norouzi Tabrizi
- Department of Nursing, Social Determinants of Health Research CenterUniversity of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Hamid reza Khankeh
- Department of Health in Disasters & EmergenciesUniversity of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation SciencesTehranIran
| | - Forozan Shokooh
- Department of Basic SciencesUniversity of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation SciencesTehranIran
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Ordak M. Statistical recommendations for the Global Burden of Disease studies. Curr Med Res Opin 2024; 40:123-124. [PMID: 37950150 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2023.2283203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Studies Global Burden of Disease (GBD) presents an all-encompassing portrayal of mortality and disability, considering various countries, time periods, age groups, and sex. This article presents statistical recommendations for GBD studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Ordak
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Yang Y, Han X, Qin D. Dynamic feature analysis of handwritten electronic signatures based on Fourier transform. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:264-272. [PMID: 37753810 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The utilization of handwritten electronic signatures has expanded in various application scenarios, leading to an increased demand for identification. Unlike handwriting signatures, handwritten electronic signatures offer the advantage of extracting dynamic feature data, including writing pressure, velocity, and acceleration. In this study, the Fourier transform was employed to extract 18 characteristics from the time domain and frequency domain of writing pressure, velocity, and acceleration. The experimental findings revealed distinguishable differences between genuine signatures and random forgeries in writing pressure. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in writing velocity and writing acceleration. Moreover, significant differences were detected in most characteristics when comparing genuine signatures with freehand imitation forgeries and tracing imitation forgeries. The canonical discriminant analysis was performed between the genuine and Non-genuine signatures; the cross-validation estimated the discriminating power of these characteristics with a satisfactory result. The study proposed a new approach to analyzing handwritten electronic signatures using time-domain and frequency-domain characteristics and demonstrated its effectiveness in the examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- School of Investigation, People's Public Security University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Xingzhou Han
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Da Qin
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
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23
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Williams S, Carson RG, Tóth K. Reply from Sean Williams, Richard G. Carson and Katalin Tóth. J Physiol 2024; 602:243-244. [PMID: 38048257 DOI: 10.1113/jp285954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard G Carson
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katalin Tóth
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Zakerian M, Roudi F, Mahjoub F, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A, Motavasselian M. The relationship between nutritional facts and temperament of selected Iranians' frequent food items: a summative content analysis study. Arch Med Sci Atheroscler Dis 2023; 8:e100-e111. [PMID: 38283934 PMCID: PMC10811537 DOI: 10.5114/amsad/171707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dietary intake is considered as a major determinant factor in health maintenance as well as primary and secondary prevention of diseases. The knowledge on the relationship between food nutritional facts and their temperament (Mizaj) can be helpful in the integrative Iranian medicine and modern nutrition approach to individualized diet planning. Material and methods This study was carried out in three phases using a summative content analysis method: 1) Extraction of the Iranians' frequent food items through an academic discussion panel of nutritionists and MDs, PhDs of Iranian medicine; 2) Determination of the extracted food items' temperament and nutritional facts; 3) Statistical analysis of the extracted data using SPSS software. Results Foods with warm temperament had higher mean levels of energy and polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as iron, zinc, and manganese. On the other hand, the mean values of total fatty acids, cholesterol, vitamin B12, and retinol were significantly higher in wet temperament foods. Additionally, the dryness of food items had a positive significant association with total carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Finally, wet foods had higher amounts of moisture and vitamin A. Conclusions The results of the present study revealed that warmness of food items is associated with higher amounts of macronutrients as well as cell growth and proliferation related micronutrients. Moreover, foods with dry temperament had higher amounts of minerals. Further studies, especially food analytical studies, are required to validate the accuracy of aforementioned findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Zakerian
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Roudi
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mahjoub
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Malihe Motavasselian
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Delen A, Sanli FB, Abdikan S, Dogan AH, Durdag UM, Ocalan T, Erdogan B, Calò F, Pepe A. A Statistical Approach for the Integration of Multi-Temporal InSAR and GNSS-PPP Ground Deformation Measurements. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 24:43. [PMID: 38202905 PMCID: PMC10780305 DOI: 10.3390/s24010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Determining and monitoring ground deformations is critical for hazard management studies, especially in megacities, and these studies might help prevent future disaster conditions and save many lives. In recent years, the Golden Horn, located in the southeast of the European part of Istanbul within a UNESCO-protected region, has experienced significant changes and regional deformations linked to rapid population growth, infrastructure work, and tramway construction. In this study, we used Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) techniques to investigate the ground deformations along the Golden Horn coastlines. The investigated periods are between 2015 and 2020 and 2017 and 2020 for InSAR and GNSS, respectively. For the InSAR analyses, we used sequences of multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images collected by the Sentinel-1 and ALOS-2 satellites. The ground displacement products (i.e., time series and velocity maps) were then cross-compared with those achievable using the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) technique for the GNSS solutions, which can provide precise positions with a single receiver. In the proposed analysis, we compared the ground displacement velocities obtained by both methods by computing the standard deviations of the difference between the relevant observations considering a weighted least square estimation procedure. Additionally, we identified five circle buffers with different radii ranging between 50 m and 250 m for selecting the most appropriate coherent points to conduct the cross-comparison analysis. Moreover, a vertical displacement rate map was produced. The comparison of the vertical ground velocities derived from PPP and InSAR demonstrates that the PPP technique is valuable. For the coherent stations, the vertical displacement rates vary between -4.86 mm/yr and -23.58 mm/yr and -9.50 and -27.77 mm/yr for InSAR and GNSS, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Delen
- Department of Geomatics Engineering, Gaziosmanpasa University, 60150 Tokat, Türkiye; (A.D.); (A.H.D.)
| | - Fusun Balik Sanli
- Department of Geomatic Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34220 Esenler, Istanbul, Türkiye; (F.B.S.); (T.O.); (B.E.)
| | - Saygin Abdikan
- Department of Geomatics Engineering, Hacettepe University, 06800 Ankara, Türkiye;
| | - Ali Hasan Dogan
- Department of Geomatics Engineering, Gaziosmanpasa University, 60150 Tokat, Türkiye; (A.D.); (A.H.D.)
| | - Utkan Mustafa Durdag
- Department of Geomatic Engineering, Artvin Coruh University, 08100 Artvin, Türkiye;
| | - Taylan Ocalan
- Department of Geomatic Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34220 Esenler, Istanbul, Türkiye; (F.B.S.); (T.O.); (B.E.)
| | - Bahattin Erdogan
- Department of Geomatic Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34220 Esenler, Istanbul, Türkiye; (F.B.S.); (T.O.); (B.E.)
| | - Fabiana Calò
- Institute for the Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA), National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Via Diocleziano 328, 80124 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Antonio Pepe
- Institute for the Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA), National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Via Diocleziano 328, 80124 Napoli, Italy;
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Lee S, Kim EJ, Kwon E, Oh SJ, Cho M, Kim CM, Lee W, Hong J. Identification of Terpene Compositions in the Leaves and Inflorescences of Hybrid Cannabis Species Using Headspace-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Molecules 2023; 28:8082. [PMID: 38138572 PMCID: PMC10745826 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol in Cannabis species exert their pharmacological effects via the endocannabinoid system, it is believed that other phytochemicals, particularly terpenes, can modulate therapeutic outcomes through the entourage effect. Therefore, to gain a better understanding of the pharmacological effects of Cannabis, obtaining information on phytochemical compositions, including mono-, di-, and sesqui-terpenes in Cannabis species is essential. Applying a sophisticated analytical method is indispensable. In this study, headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS) was employed to identify major terpenes in the leaves and inflorescences of hybrid Cannabis species. The incubation time and temperature conditions for HS-GC/MS were optimized. This method was successfully applied to the leaves (n = 9) and inflorescences (n = 7) of hybrid Cannabis species. A total of 26 terpenes in Cannabis species were detected, and six major components, such as α-pinene (9.8-2270 μg/g), β-pinene (2.6-930 μg/g), myrcene (0.7-17,400 μg/g), limonene (1.3-300 μg/g), β-caryophyllene (60-3300 μg/g), and α-humulene (40-870 μg/g), were quantified. Each sample showed different terpene compositions, but six major terpenes among all the terpenes detected were consistently found in both the leaves and inflorescences of hybrid Cannabis species. In this study, the six major terpenes' potential in hybrid Cannabis species was evaluated as biomarkers to distinguish hybrid Cannabis species samples. This study contributes to a better understanding of the entourage effect of Cannabis-based botanical drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.L.); (E.J.K.)
| | - Eun Jae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.L.); (E.J.K.)
| | - Eunjeong Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.L.); (E.J.K.)
| | - Seo Jeong Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.L.); (E.J.K.)
| | - Mansoo Cho
- Graduate School of Techno Design, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea;
| | - Chul Min Kim
- Department of Horticulture Industry, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea;
| | - Wonwoong Lee
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Wanju 55338, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongki Hong
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.L.); (E.J.K.)
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Cullen K, Jones M, Sheehan C, Game F, Vedhara K, Fitzsimmons D. Development of a resource-use measure to capture costs of diabetic foot ulcers to the United Kingdom National Health Service, patients and society. J Res Nurs 2023; 28:565-578. [PMID: 38162721 PMCID: PMC10756167 DOI: 10.1177/17449871231208108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) add a significant burden to the lives of people with diabetes in the United Kingdom. They can have a considerable impact on a patient's daily life, with treatment requiring frequent changes of dressings and clinic attendances. Nurses and other allied health professionals (AHPs) within the community provide most wound care representing the primary cost driver. Aims To collaboratively explore key resource use related to the management of DFUs to develop, and pilot, a participant-reported measure to inform economic evaluations. Methods A literature search and semi-structured interviews determined health and non-health resource use in management of DFUs. A consensus view of the selected items was established in a modified Delphi study and further tested for acceptability and validity in a pilot study. Results Primary care consultations with a podiatrist or orthotist, district nurse visits, out-of-hours and emergency care, scans and investigations, and consumables provided in clinics were rated as the most important resource use items. Conclusions This work has informed the development of a measure that captures resource use considered important by the people most affected by DFUs; patients, family members and carers, and the healthcare professionals key to DFU management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Cullen
- Research Officer, Swansea Centre for Health Economics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mari Jones
- Research Officer, Swansea Centre for Health Economics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Christina Sheehan
- Programme Manager/Research Support Officer, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Frances Game
- Consultant and Director, Royal Derby Hospital, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS FT, Derby, UK
| | - Kavita Vedhara
- Professor, Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Deborah Fitzsimmons
- Professor, Swansea Centre for Health Economics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
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Obeidat MS, Sarhan LO, Qasim TQ. The influence of human resource management practices on occupational health and safety in the manufacturing industry. Int J Occup Saf Ergon 2023; 29:1279-1293. [PMID: 36050921 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2120267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
This study provides an overview of the influence of applying two human resource management (HRM) practices on workers' occupational health and safety (OHS). These practices are selection and recruitment, and development and training. Furthermore, this study highlights the observed activities to define hazards, processes and OHS measures in the manufacturing industries. It also assesses the importance of workers' knowledge and awareness of OHS programs. A structured questionnaire was administered to those working in the manufacturing sector in several countries. The responses were analyzed statistically. The results showed that the demographic variables had a significant impact on workers' knowledge and awareness of OHS programs. In addition, HRM practices played a major role in OHS. Therefore, it is recommended to top management to highly consider OHS practices by integrating them into the workplace, starting from worker selection, all the way to production, operations and management, by establishing a strong HRM system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Said Obeidat
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
| | - Lubna Omar Sarhan
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
| | - Tarek Q Qasim
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
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29
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Chen P, Xie L, Ma L, Zhao X, Chen Y, Ge Z. Prediction and analysis of genetic effect in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. IET Syst Biol 2023; 17:352-365. [PMID: 37907428 PMCID: PMC10725712 DOI: 10.1049/syb2.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
With increasing research on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more and more studies have indicated that GERD is associated with IPF, but the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of the present study is to identify and analyse the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between IPF and GERD and explore the relevant molecular mechanisms via bioinformatics analysis. Four GEO datasets (GSE24206, GSE53845, GSE26886, and GSE39491) were downloaded from the GEO database, and DEGs between IPF and GERD were identified with the online tool GEO2R. Subsequently, a series of bioinformatics analyses are conducted, including Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analyses, the PPI network, biological characteristics, TF-gene interactions, TF-miRNA coregulatory networks, and the prediction of drug molecules. Totally, 71 genes were identified as DEGs in IPF and GERD. Five KEGG pathways, including Amoebiasis, Protein digestion and absorption, Relaxin signalling pathway, AGE-RAGE signalling pathway in diabetic complications, and Drug metabolism - cytochrome P450, were significantly enriched. In addition, eight hub genes, including POSTN, MMP1, COL3A1, COL1A2, CXCL12, TIMP3, VCAM1, and COL1A1 were selected from the PPI network by Cytoscape software. Then, five hub genes (MMP1, POSTN, COL3A1, COL1A2, and COL1A1) with high diagnostic values for IPF and GERD were validated by GEO datasets. Finally, TF-gene and miRNA interaction was identified with hub genes and predicted drug molecules for the IPF and GERD. And the results suggest that cetirizine, luteolin, and pempidine may have great potential therapeutic value in IPF and GERD. This study will provide novel strategies for the identification of potential biomarkers and valuable therapeutic targets for IPF and GERD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Chen
- Department of Respiratory MedicineWenzhou People's HospitalWenzhouChina
| | - Lubin Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Leikai Ma
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Xianda Zhao
- Department of AnesthesiologyFirst People's Hospital of WenlingWenlingChina
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of AnesthesiologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Zhouling Ge
- Department of Respiratory MedicineWenzhou People's HospitalWenzhouChina
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30
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Golden E, Allen D, Amberg A, Anger LT, Baker E, Baran SW, Bringezu F, Clark M, Duchateau-Nguyen G, Escher SE, Giri V, Grevot A, Hartung T, Li DD, Muster W, Snyder K, Wange R, Steger-Hartmann T. Toward implementing virtual control groups in nonclinical safety studies. ALTEX 2023. [PMID: 38043132 DOI: 10.14573/altex.2310041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Historical data from control groups in animal toxicity studies is currently mainly used for comparative purposes to assess validity and robustness of study results. Due to the highly controlled environment in which the studies are performed and the homogeneity of the animal collectives it has been proposed to use the historical data for building so-called virtual control groups, which could replace partly or entirely the concurrent control. This would constitute a substantial contribution to the reduction of animal use in safety studies. Before the concept can be implemented, the prerequisites regarding data collection, curation and statistical evaluation together with a validation strategy need to be identified to avoid any impairment of the study outcome and subsequent consequences for human risk assessment. To further assess and develop the concept of virtual control groups the transatlantic think tank for toxicology (t⁴) sponsored a workshop with stakeholders from the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, academia, FDA, pharmaceutical, contract research organizations (CROs), and non-governmental organizations in Washington, which took place in March 2023. This report summarizes the current efforts of a European initiative to share, collect and curate animal control data in a centralized database and the first approaches to identify optimal matching criteria between virtual controls and the treatment arms of a study as well as first reflections about strategies for a qualification procedure and potential pitfalls of the concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Golden
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Frank Bringezu
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Chemical & Preclinical Safety, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Matthew Clark
- Charles River Laboratories, now KALOS Technologies, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Guillemette Duchateau-Nguyen
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research & Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Varun Giri
- BASF SE, Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, 67056 Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Armelle Grevot
- Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Muster
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research & Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Snyder
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Ronald Wange
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Callahan JL, Pfluger AR, Coffey CL, Figueroa LA, Munakata-Marr J. Performance analysis of three pilot-scale multi-compartment anaerobic baffled reactors treating domestic wastewater at psychrophilic temperatures in Colorado. Water Environ Res 2023; 95:e10957. [PMID: 38129948 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
A transition from inefficient aerobic wastewater treatment methods to sustainable approaches is needed. Anaerobic bioreactors are a viable solution as they consume less energy, reduce biosolid production, and provide a source of renewable methane-rich biogas. A barrier to widespread implementation of anaerobic technologies is the lack of design guidance, especially in colder climates. This study bridges this knowledge gap by deriving design principles from three long-running pilot-scale anaerobic baffled reactors (ABRs) operating under psychrophilic conditions. The ABRs removed an average of 56% and 80% chemical oxygen demand (COD) and suspended solids, respectively, with a methane yield of 0.21 L CH4 /g CODrem . Methane production may be improved with increased influent sCOD concentrations and decreased sulfate concentrations. Results suggest that ABRs can treat a range of wastewater strengths accompanied by useable methane production. Despite sharing location, temperature, and HRT, the ABRs displayed distinct performances, highlighting the significance of influent wastewater characteristics. PRACTITIONER POINTS: ABRs achieved 56% and 80% removal efficiencies for COD and suspended solids. Average biogas was 63% methane, and methane yield was 0.21 L CH4 /g CODrem . Volumetric methane production was positively correlated with the influent sCOD/sulfate ratio and negatively correlated with influent sulfate loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie L Callahan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA
- Reinventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt) Engineering Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Andrew R Pfluger
- Reinventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt) Engineering Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York, USA
| | - Carolyn L Coffey
- Reinventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt) Engineering Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Black & Veatch, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Linda A Figueroa
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA
- Reinventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt) Engineering Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Junko Munakata-Marr
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA
- Reinventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt) Engineering Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Jia W, Yu H, Song L, Wang J, Niu S, Zang G, Liang M, Liu J, Na R. Development of clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer drugs in China from 2005 to 2023. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1239351. [PMID: 38034540 PMCID: PMC10687557 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1239351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Over the past few decades, the development of anti-cancer drugs in China has made outstanding achievements based on the support of national policies. To assess the progress of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) drugs, we conducted a statistical analysis of clinical trials of drugs targeting NSCLC in China from 2005 to 2023. Methods We downloaded, screened and analysed the data from three official websites, the Centre for Drug Evaluation of China National Medical Products Administration website (NMPA), ClinicalTrials.gov and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR). Results From January 1, 2005 to April 15, 2023, a total of 1,357 drug clinical trials that met the standards were included, and the number of registered drug clinical trials has been increasing year by year, reaching the maximum of 199 in 2021. Among them, the maximum of 462 items (34.05%) in phase II clinical trials, followed by 333 (24.54%) in phase III clinical trials, and 139 (10.24%) in phase IV clinical trials. In all drug clinical trials, industry sponsored trials (ISTs) have 722 items (53.21%), which are higher than investigator-initiated trials (IITs). The clinical trials of chemical drugs have a maximum of 723 items (53.28%), while biopharmaceuticals have grown rapidly in the past 10 years, with a total of 374 (27.56%), and 48.19% of the drug clinical trials of combined medication. In addition, the geographical distribution of the leading units and participating units of Chinese drug clinical trials are uneven, and economic regions such as Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu are obviously ahead of other regions. Conclusion From 2005 to 2023, the clinical trials of registered drugs for the treatment of NSCLC increased rapidly. Among them, due to the development of immunotherapy, the clinical trials of biopharmaceuticals and drugs for combined medication are growing most rapidly, while the exploration of the original drugs is a little far from enough. Our research provides a direction for the future drug clinical trials of NSCLC, laying foundation for further extending the survival rate of patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, Chi Feng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Haiyan Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chi Feng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Li Song
- Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, National Drug Clinical Trial Institute Office, Qingdao, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pharmacy Supplement, Chi Feng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Shuyu Niu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chi Feng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Guojie Zang
- Chifeng Clinical Medicine College of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Chifeng, China
| | - Mingjie Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chi Feng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Jinwei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chi Feng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Risu Na
- Clinical Science of Stomatology, Chi Feng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
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Chen H, Chan VWK, Yan CH, Fu H, Chan PK, Chiu K. The effect of the surgical helmet system on intraoperative contamination in arthroplasty surgery. Bone Jt Open 2023; 4:859-864. [PMID: 37952558 PMCID: PMC10640923 DOI: 10.1302/2633-1462.411.bjo-2023-0078.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims The surgical helmet system (SHS) was developed to reduce the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), but the evidence is contradictory, with some studies suggesting an increased risk of PJI due to potential leakage through the glove-gown interface (GGI) caused by its positive pressure. We assumed that SHS and glove exchange had an impact on the leakage via GGI. Methods There were 404 arthroplasty simulations with fluorescent gel, in which SHS was used (H+) or not (H-), and GGI was sealed (S+) or not (S-), divided into four groups: H+S+, H+S-, H-S+, and H-S-, varying by exposure duration (15 to 60 minutes) and frequency of glove exchanges (0 to 6 times). The intensity of fluorescent leakage through GGI was quantified automatically with an image analysis software. The effect of the above factors on fluorescent leakage via GGI were compared and analyzed. Results The leakage intensity increased with exposure duration and frequency of glove exchanges in all groups. When SHS was used and GGI was not sealed (H+S-), the leakage intensity via GGI had the fastest increase, consistently higher than other groups (H+S+, H-S+ and H-S-) after 30 minutes (p < 0.05) and when there were more than four instances of glove exchange (p < 0.05). Additionally, the leakage was strongly correlated with the duration of exposure (rs = 0.8379; p < 0.050) and the frequency of glove exchange (rs = 0.8198; p < 0.050) in H+S-. The correlations with duration and frequency turned weak when SHS was not used (H-) or GGI was sealed off (S+). Conclusion Due to personal protection, SHS is recommended in arthroplasties. Meanwhile, it is strongly recommended to seal the GGI of the inner gloves and exchange the outer gloves hourly to reduce the risk of contamination from SHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtai Chen
- Division of Joint Replacement Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vincent W. K. Chan
- Division of Joint Replacement Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chun H. Yan
- Division of Joint Replacement Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Henry Fu
- Division of Joint Replacement Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ping-Keung Chan
- Division of Joint Replacement Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - KwongYuen Chiu
- Division of Joint Replacement Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
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Gerasimov E, Mitenev A, Pchitskaya E, Chukanov V, Bezprozvanny I. NeuroActivityToolkit-Toolbox for Quantitative Analysis of Miniature Fluorescent Microscopy Data. J Imaging 2023; 9:243. [PMID: 37998090 PMCID: PMC10672520 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging9110243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The visualization of neuronal activity in vivo is an urgent task in modern neuroscience. It allows neurobiologists to obtain a large amount of information about neuronal network architecture and connections between neurons. The miniscope technique might help to determine changes that occurred in the network due to external stimuli and various conditions: processes of learning, stress, epileptic seizures and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, using the miniscope method, functional changes in the early stages of such disorders could be detected. The miniscope has become a modern approach for recording hundreds to thousands of neurons simultaneously in a certain brain area of a freely behaving animal. Nevertheless, the analysis and interpretation of the large recorded data is still a nontrivial task. There are a few well-working algorithms for miniscope data preprocessing and calcium trace extraction. However, software for further high-level quantitative analysis of neuronal calcium signals is not publicly available. NeuroActivityToolkit is a toolbox that provides diverse statistical metrics calculation, reflecting the neuronal network properties such as the number of neuronal activations per minute, amount of simultaneously co-active neurons, etc. In addition, the module for analyzing neuronal pairwise correlations is implemented. Moreover, one can visualize and characterize neuronal network states and detect changes in 2D coordinates using PCA analysis. This toolbox, which is deposited in a public software repository, is accompanied by a detailed tutorial and is highly valuable for the statistical interpretation of miniscope data in a wide range of experimental tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gerasimov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander Mitenev
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Pchitskaya
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Viacheslav Chukanov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Snoussi H, Cohen‐Adad J, Combès B, Bannier É, Tounekti S, Kerbrat A, Barillot C, Caruyer E. Effectiveness of regional diffusion MRI measures in distinguishing multiple sclerosis abnormalities within the cervical spinal cord. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3159. [PMID: 37775975 PMCID: PMC10636413 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. Although conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used for MS diagnosis and clinical follow-up, quantitative MRI has the potential to provide valuable intrinsic values of tissue properties that can enhance accuracy. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of diffusion MRI in distinguishing MS lesions within the cervical spinal cord, using a combination of metrics extracted from diffusion tensor imaging and Ball-and-Stick models. METHODS We analyzed spinal cord data acquired from multiple hospitals and extracted average diffusion MRI metrics per vertebral level using a collection of image processing methods and an atlas-based approach. We then performed a statistical analysis to evaluate the feasibility of these metrics for detecting lesions, exploring the usefulness of combining different metrics to improve accuracy. RESULTS Our study demonstrates the sensitivity of each metric to underlying microstructure changes in MS patients. We show that selecting a specific subset of metrics, which provide complementary information, significantly improves the prediction score of lesion presence in the cervical spinal cord. Furthermore, the Ball-and-Stick model has the potential to provide novel information about the microstructure of damaged tissue. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that diffusion measures, particularly combined measures, are sensitive in discriminating abnormal from healthy cervical vertebral levels in patients. This information could aid in improving MS diagnosis and clinical follow-up. Our study highlights the potential of the Ball-and-Stick model in providing additional insights into the microstructure of the damaged tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haykel Snoussi
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inria, Inserm, IRISA UMR 6074, Empenn ERL U 1228, Rennes, FranceUniversité de Rennes, CNRS, Inria, Inserm, IRISA UMR 6074RennesFrance
- Department of RadiologyBoston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Julien Cohen‐Adad
- NeuroPoly LabInstitute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
- Functional Neuroimaging UnitCRIUGM, Université de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
- Mila – Quebec AI InstituteMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Benoît Combès
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inria, Inserm, IRISA UMR 6074, Empenn ERL U 1228, Rennes, FranceUniversité de Rennes, CNRS, Inria, Inserm, IRISA UMR 6074RennesFrance
| | - Élise Bannier
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inria, Inserm, IRISA UMR 6074, Empenn ERL U 1228, Rennes, FranceUniversité de Rennes, CNRS, Inria, Inserm, IRISA UMR 6074RennesFrance
- Department of RadiologyRennes University HospitalRennesFrance
| | - Slimane Tounekti
- Department of RadiologyThomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Anne Kerbrat
- Departement of NeurologyRennes University HospitalRennesFrance
| | - Christian Barillot
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inria, Inserm, IRISA UMR 6074, Empenn ERL U 1228, Rennes, FranceUniversité de Rennes, CNRS, Inria, Inserm, IRISA UMR 6074RennesFrance
| | - Emmanuel Caruyer
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inria, Inserm, IRISA UMR 6074, Empenn ERL U 1228, Rennes, FranceUniversité de Rennes, CNRS, Inria, Inserm, IRISA UMR 6074RennesFrance
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Polanco A, Liang G, Park S, Wang Y, Graham RJ, Yoon S. Trace metal optimization in CHO cell culture through statistical design of experiments. Biotechnol Prog 2023; 39:e3368. [PMID: 37497992 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
A majority of the biotherapeutics industry today relies on the manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, yet challenges remain with maintaining consistent product quality from high-producing cell lines. Previous studies report the impact of individual trace metal supplemental on CHO cells, and thus, the combinatorial effects of these metals could be leveraged to improve bioprocesses further. A three-level factorial experimental design was performed in fed-batch shake flasks to evaluate the impact of time wise addition of individual or combined trace metals (zinc and copper) on CHO cell culture performance. Correlations among each factor (experimental parameters) and response variables (changes in cell culture performance) were examined based on their significance and goodness of fit to a partial least square's regression model. The model indicated that zinc concentration and time of addition counter-influence peak viable cell density and antibody production. Meanwhile, early copper supplementation influenced late-stage ROS activity in a dose-dependent manner likely by alleviating cellular oxidative stress. Regression coefficients indicated that combined metal addition had less significant impact on titer and specific productivity compared to zinc addition alone, although titer increased the most under combined metal addition. Glycan analysis showed that combined metal addition reduced galactosylation to a greater extent than single metals when supplemented during the early growth phase. A validation experiment was performed to confirm the validity of the regression model by testing an optimized setpoint of metal supplement time and concentration to improve protein productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashli Polanco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George Liang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - SoYoung Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yongdan Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ryan J Graham
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Seongkyu Yoon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
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Kim W, Lee T. A Study to Improve the Reliability of High-Strength Concrete Strength Evaluation Using an Ultrasonic Velocity Method. Materials (Basel) 2023; 16:6800. [PMID: 37895781 PMCID: PMC10608696 DOI: 10.3390/ma16206800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) technique, which is an efficient technique for concrete quality evaluation, can be affected by several factors. Many studies have proposed compressive-strength prediction models based on UPV in concrete; however, few studies have investigated the factors resulting in statistically different UPV results for different models. This study examined the difference between compressive strengths of various concrete specimens calculated by age-dependent and temperature-dependent UPV-based prediction models. Furthermore, a statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of aggregates and water/cement ratio (design compressive strength), which are said to affect UPV, on the compressive-strength prediction models. The experimental results revealed that the residual compressive strength of concrete after high-temperature exposure was about 9.5 to 24.8% higher than the age-dependent compressive strength. By contrast, after high-temperature exposure, UPV tended to be about 34.5% lower. The compressive strengths and UPVs were significantly different with respect to high temperature, aggregate density, and design compressive strength. The compressive-strength prediction model derived from the regression analysis showed a high R2 (average 0.91) and mean error converged to zero compared to the compressive-strength prediction model without considering these factors. Finally, the differences between the age- and temperature-based compressive-strength prediction models were analyzed according to the corresponding microstructures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taegyu Lee
- Department of Fire and Disaster Prevention, Semyung University, Jecheon 27136, Republic of Korea;
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Elseddik M, Alnowaiser K, Mostafa RR, Elashry A, El-Rashidy N, Elgamal S, Aboelfetouh A, El-Bakry H. Deep Learning-Based Approaches for Enhanced Diagnosis and Comprehensive Understanding of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3211. [PMID: 37892032 PMCID: PMC10606231 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent medical condition resulting from compression of the median nerve in the hand, often caused by overuse or age-related factors. In this study, a total of 160 patients participated, including 80 individuals with CTS presenting varying levels of severity across different age groups. Numerous studies have explored the use of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques for CTS diagnosis. However, further research is required to fully leverage the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in CTS diagnosis, addressing the challenges and limitations highlighted in the existing literature. In our work, we propose a novel approach for CTS diagnosis, prediction, and monitoring disease progression. The proposed framework consists of three main layers. Firstly, we employ three distinct DL models for CTS diagnosis. Through our experiments, the proposed approach demonstrates superior performance across multiple evaluation metrics, with an accuracy of 0.969%, precision of 0.982%, and recall of 0.963%. The second layer focuses on predicting the cross-sectional area (CSA) at 1, 3, and 6 months using ML models, aiming to forecast disease progression during therapy. The best-performing model achieves an accuracy of 0.9522, an R2 score of 0.667, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0132, and a median squared error (MdSE) of 0.0639. The highest predictive performance is observed after 6 months. The third layer concentrates on assessing significant changes in the patients' health status through statistical tests, including significance tests, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and a two-way ANOVA test. These tests aim to determine the effect of injections on CTS treatment. The results reveal a highly significant reduction in symptoms, as evidenced by scores from the Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Status Scale, as well as a decrease in CSA after 1, 3, and 6 months following the injection. SHAP is then utilized to provide an understandable explanation of the final prediction. Overall, our study presents a comprehensive approach for CTS diagnosis, prediction, and monitoring, showcasing promising results in terms of accuracy, precision, and recall for CTS diagnosis, as well as effective prediction of disease progression and evaluation of treatment effectiveness through statistical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Elseddik
- Department of the Robotics and Internet Machines, Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
- Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Computers and Information, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Khaled Alnowaiser
- College of Computer Engineering and Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reham R Mostafa
- Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Computers and Information, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
- Research Institute of Sciences and Engineering (RISE), University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed Elashry
- Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Computers and Information, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Nora El-Rashidy
- Department of Machine Learning and Information Retrieval, Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Elgamal
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Aboelfetouh
- Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Computers and Information, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
- Delta Higher Institute for Management and Accounting Information Systems, Mansoura 35511, Egypt
| | - Hazem El-Bakry
- Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Computers and Information, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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Eckert I, Pascher E. Letter to the Editor: Double-counting due to inadequate statistics leads to false-positive findings in "Effects of creatine supplementation on memory in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials". Nutr Rev 2023; 81:1495-1496. [PMID: 36644917 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Prokopidis et al have conducted a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials to assess the effects of oral creatine supplementation on memory performance of healthy individuals. However, concerns were raised regarding the validity of their statistical analyses, which may have led to misleading conclusions. In this letter, we describe the statistical issue at hand and its potential implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Eckert
- is with the Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Eric Pascher
- is with the Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Deichsel EL, Tickell KD, Rogawski McQuade ET. Minimizing error in estimates of the effect of interventions by accounting for baseline measurements: A simulation study analyzing effects on child growth. Matern Child Nutr 2023; 19:e13547. [PMID: 37439573 PMCID: PMC10483953 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Interventions to reduce childhood stunting burden require clinical trials with a primary outcome of linear growth. When growth is measured longitudinally, there are several options for including baseline measurements in the analysis. This study compares the performance of several methods. Randomized controlled trials evaluating a hypothetical intervention to improve length-for-age z-score (LAZ) from birth through 24 months of age were simulated. The intervention effect was evaluated using linear regression and five methods for handling baseline measurements: comparing final measurements only (FINAL), comparing final measurement adjusted for baseline (ADJUST), comparing the change in the measurement over time (DELTA), adjusting for baseline when comparing the changes over time (DELTA+ADJUST) and adjusting for baseline in two-step residuals approach (RESIDUALS). We calculated bias, precision and power of each method for scenarios with and without a baseline imbalance in LAZ. Using a 0.15 effect size at 18 months, FINAL and DELTA required 1200 and 1500 enroled participants, respectively, to reach 80% power, whereas ADJUST, DELTA+ADJUST and RESIDUALS only required 900 participants. The adjusted models also produced unbiased estimates when there was a baseline imbalance, whereas the FINAL and DELTA methods produced biased estimates, as large as 0.07 lower and higher, respectively, than the true effect. Adjusted methods required smaller sample size and produced more precise results than both DELTA and FINAL methods in all test scenarios. If randomization fails, and there is an imbalance in LAZ at baseline, DELTA and FINAL methods can produce biased estimates, but adjusted models remain unbiased. These results warn against using the FINAL or DELTA methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Deichsel
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kirkby D Tickell
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, Nairobi, Kenya
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Regueira-Iglesias A, Balsa-Castro C, Blanco-Pintos T, Tomás I. Critical review of 16S rRNA gene sequencing workflow in microbiome studies: From primer selection to advanced data analysis. Mol Oral Microbiol 2023; 38:347-399. [PMID: 37804481 DOI: 10.1111/omi.12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The multi-batch reanalysis approach of jointly reevaluating gene/genome sequences from different works has gained particular relevance in the literature in recent years. The large amount of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequence data stored in public repositories and information in taxonomic databases of the same gene far exceeds that related to complete genomes. This review is intended to guide researchers new to studying microbiota, particularly the oral microbiota, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and those who want to expand and update their knowledge to optimise their decision-making and improve their research results. First, we describe the advantages and disadvantages of using the 16S rRNA gene as a phylogenetic marker and the latest findings on the impact of primer pair selection on diversity and taxonomic assignment outcomes in oral microbiome studies. Strategies for primer selection based on these results are introduced. Second, we identified the key factors to consider in selecting the sequencing technology and platform. The process and particularities of the main steps for processing 16S rRNA gene-derived data are described in detail to enable researchers to choose the most appropriate bioinformatics pipeline and analysis methods based on the available evidence. We then produce an overview of the different types of advanced analyses, both the most widely used in the literature and the most recent approaches. Several indices, metrics and software for studying microbial communities are included, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Considering the principles of clinical metagenomics, we conclude that future research should focus on rigorous analytical approaches, such as developing predictive models to identify microbiome-based biomarkers to classify health and disease states. Finally, we address the batch effect concept and the microbiome-specific methods for accounting for or correcting them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Regueira-Iglesias
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Special Needs Unit, Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Carlos Balsa-Castro
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Special Needs Unit, Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Triana Blanco-Pintos
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Special Needs Unit, Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Tomás
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Special Needs Unit, Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
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Volovici V, Brody DL. Sample Size, Replicability, and Pre-Test Likelihoods-Essential, Overlooked, and Critical Components of Statistical Inference: A Journal of Neurotrauma Guide to Statistical Methods and Study Design. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:1990-1994. [PMID: 37125444 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Perhaps one of the most overlooked components of statistical inference is the sample size. While in randomized controlled trials, power analysis is common and sample size justification is an integral component of the core statistical analysis plan, observational and laboratory research studies often rely on convenience samples and/or underpowered analyses. Insufficiently powered studies increase uncertainty associated with the results and limit interpretability. Moreover, they increase the likelihood that the findings might be disproved in future replication studies. A scientific study can be compared with a diagnostic test for the "truth"- i.e., whether a certain effect exists or whether a relationship is actually true. In this diagnostic analogy, the positive predictive value is dependent not only on the statistical power of the study in question, but also on the pre-test likelihood that any true relationship exists at all. The concept of using an estimate of the pre-test likelihood to interpret observed results is another critical and often overlooked component of statistical inference. Even if a statistically significant relationship or an effect is found, however, such finding alone may be insufficient. It often must be replicated, ideally in a more generalizable setting. Further, if the effect size is small, replication often requires sample sizes that are substantially larger than the original study. For most neurotrauma research, thousands of subjects are usually not required, but many studies do require substantially larger sample sizes than are typically presented in published research to increase replicability. In this methodological tutorial, choice of sample size, pre-test probability, and the concept of positive predictive value for scientific findings will be discussed, together with suggestions to improve replicability of neurotrauma research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Volovici
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Medical Decision Making, Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David L Brody
- Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Neurotrauma, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Abu-Khudir R, Hafsa N, Badr BE. Identifying Effective Biomarkers for Accurate Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis Using Statistical Machine Learning. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3091. [PMID: 37835833 PMCID: PMC10572229 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) has one of the lowest survival rates among all major types of cancer. Consequently, it is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Serum biomarkers historically correlate well with the early prognosis of post-surgical complications of PC. However, attempts to identify an effective biomarker panel for the successful prognosis of PC were almost non-existent in the current literature. The current study investigated the roles of various serum biomarkers including carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL-8), procalcitonin (PCT), and other relevant clinical data for identifying PC progression, classified into sepsis, recurrence, and other post-surgical complications, among PC patients. The most relevant biochemical and clinical markers for PC prognosis were identified using a random-forest-powered feature elimination method. Using this informative biomarker panel, the selected machine-learning (ML) classification models demonstrated highly accurate results for classifying PC patients into three complication groups on independent test data. The superiority of the combined biomarker panel (Max AUC-ROC = 100%) was further established over using CA19-9 features exclusively (Max AUC-ROC = 75%) for the task of classifying PC progression. This novel study demonstrates the effectiveness of the combined biomarker panel in successfully diagnosing PC progression and other relevant complications among Egyptian PC survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Abu-Khudir
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 380, Hofuf 31982, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Branch, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Noor Hafsa
- Computer Science Department, College of Computer Science and Information Technology, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Hofuf 31982, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Badr E. Badr
- Egyptian Ministry of Labor, Training and Research Department, Tanta 31512, Egypt;
- Botany Department, Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
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Chen YK, Welsh S, Pillay AM, Tannenwald B, Bliznashki K, Hutchison E, Aston JAD, Schönlieb CB, Rudd JHF, Jones J, Roberts M. Common methodological pitfalls in ICI pneumonitis risk prediction studies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228812. [PMID: 37818359 PMCID: PMC10560723 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pneumonitis is one of the most common adverse events induced by the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), accounting for a 20% of all ICI-associated deaths. Despite numerous efforts to identify risk factors and develop predictive models, there is no clinically deployed risk prediction model for patient risk stratification or for guiding subsequent monitoring. We believe this is due to systemic suboptimal approaches in study designs and methodologies in the literature. The nature and prevalence of different methodological approaches has not been thoroughly examined in prior systematic reviews. Methods The PubMed, medRxiv and bioRxiv databases were used to identify studies that aimed at risk factor discovery and/or risk prediction model development for ICI-induced pneumonitis (ICI pneumonitis). Studies were then analysed to identify common methodological pitfalls and their contribution to the risk of bias, assessed using the QUIPS and PROBAST tools. Results There were 51 manuscripts eligible for the review, with Japan-based studies over-represented, being nearly half (24/51) of all papers considered. Only 2/51 studies had a low risk of bias overall. Common bias-inducing practices included unclear diagnostic method or potential misdiagnosis, lack of multiple testing correction, the use of univariate analysis for selecting features for multivariable analysis, discretization of continuous variables, and inappropriate handling of missing values. Results from the risk model development studies were also likely to have been overoptimistic due to lack of holdout sets. Conclusions Studies with low risk of bias in their methodology are lacking in the existing literature. High-quality risk factor identification and risk model development studies are urgently required by the community to give the best chance of them progressing into a clinically deployable risk prediction model. Recommendations and alternative approaches for reducing the risk of bias were also discussed to guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen K. Chen
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Welsh
- Department of Surgery, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ardon M. Pillay
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kamen Bliznashki
- Digital Health, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Emmette Hutchison
- Digital Health, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - John A. D. Aston
- Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carola-Bibiane Schönlieb
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James H. F. Rudd
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James Jones
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Roberts
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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45
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Khattak MA, Iqbal Z, Nasir F, Neau SH, Khan SI, Hidayatullah T, Pervez S, Sakhi M, Zainab SR, Gohar S, Alasmari F, Rahman A, Maryam GE, Tahir A. Tamoxifen-Loaded Eudragit Nanoparticles: Quality by Design Approach for Optimization of Nanoparticles as Delivery System. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2373. [PMID: 37896131 PMCID: PMC10609841 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles have numerous applications as drug carriers in drug delivery. The aim of the study was to produce tamoxifen nanoparticles with a defined size and higher encapsulation for efficient tissue uptake with controlled drug release. The quality by design approach was utilized to produce tamoxifen-loaded Eudragit nanoparticles by identifying the significant process variables using the nanoprecipitation method. The process variables (amount of drug, polymer, and surfactant) were altered to analyze the influence on particle size (PS), % encapsulation efficiency (EE). The results showed that the drug and polymer individually as well as collectively have an impact on PS, while the surfactant has no impact on the PS. The %EE was influenced by the surfactant individually and in interaction with the drug. The linear regression model was endorsed to fit the data showing high R2 values (PS, 0.9146, %EE, 0.9070) and low p values (PS, 0.0004, EE, 0.0005). The PS and EE were confirmed to be 178 nm and 90%, respectively. The nanoparticles were of spherical shape, as confirmed by SEM and TEM. The FTIR confirmed the absence of any incompatibility among the ingredients. The TGA confirmed that the NPs were thermally stable. The in vitro release predicted that the drug release followed Higuchi model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzna Ali Khattak
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; (M.A.K.); (T.H.); (S.P.); (S.R.Z.); (S.G.); (A.R.); (G.e.M.); (A.T.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Cecos University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Pharmacy, Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;
| | - Fazli Nasir
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; (M.A.K.); (T.H.); (S.P.); (S.R.Z.); (S.G.); (A.R.); (G.e.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Steven H. Neau
- Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Sumaira Irum Khan
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Mirpur University of Science and Technology, New Mirpur City 10250, Pakistan;
| | - Talaya Hidayatullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; (M.A.K.); (T.H.); (S.P.); (S.R.Z.); (S.G.); (A.R.); (G.e.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Sadia Pervez
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; (M.A.K.); (T.H.); (S.P.); (S.R.Z.); (S.G.); (A.R.); (G.e.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Mirina Sakhi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Swabi, Swabi 23430, Pakistan;
| | - Syeda Rabqa Zainab
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; (M.A.K.); (T.H.); (S.P.); (S.R.Z.); (S.G.); (A.R.); (G.e.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Shazma Gohar
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; (M.A.K.); (T.H.); (S.P.); (S.R.Z.); (S.G.); (A.R.); (G.e.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Altafur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; (M.A.K.); (T.H.); (S.P.); (S.R.Z.); (S.G.); (A.R.); (G.e.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Gul e Maryam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; (M.A.K.); (T.H.); (S.P.); (S.R.Z.); (S.G.); (A.R.); (G.e.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Arbab Tahir
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; (M.A.K.); (T.H.); (S.P.); (S.R.Z.); (S.G.); (A.R.); (G.e.M.); (A.T.)
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Pai A, Sabharwal A. Calorie Compensation Patterns Observed in App-Based Food Diaries. Nutrients 2023; 15:4007. [PMID: 37764790 PMCID: PMC10536014 DOI: 10.3390/nu15184007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-regulation of food intake is necessary for maintaining a healthy body weight. One of the characteristics of self-regulation is calorie compensation. Calorie compensation refers to adjusting the current meal's energy content based on the energy content of the previous meal(s). Preload test studies measure a single instance of compensation in a controlled setting. The measurement of calorie compensation in free-living conditions has largely remained unexplored. This paper proposes a methodology that leverages extensive app-based observational food diary data to measure an individual's calorie compensation profile in free-living conditions. Instead of a single compensation index followed in preload-test studies, we present the compensation profile as a distribution of days a user exhibits under-compensation, overcompensation, non-compensation, and precise compensation. We applied our methodology to the public food diary data of 1622 MyFitnessPal users. We empirically established that four weeks of food diaries were sufficient to characterize a user's compensation profile accurately. We observed that meal compensation was more likely than day compensation. Dinner compensation had a higher likelihood than lunch compensation. Precise compensation was the least likely. Users were more likely to overcompensate for missing calories than for additional calories. The consequences of poor compensatory behavior were reflected in their adherence to their daily calorie goal. Our methodology could be applied to food diaries to discover behavioral phenotypes of poor compensatory behavior toward forming an early behavioral marker for weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amruta Pai
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA;
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47
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Ordak M. ChatGPT's Skills in Statistical Analysis Using the Example of Allergology: Do We Have Reason for Concern? Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2554. [PMID: 37761751 PMCID: PMC10530997 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11182554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Content generated by artificial intelligence is sometimes not truthful. To date, there have been a number of medical studies related to the validity of ChatGPT's responses; however, there is a lack of studies addressing various aspects of statistical analysis. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the answers provided by ChatGPT in relation to statistical analysis, as well as to identify recommendations to be implemented in the future in connection with the results obtained. METHODS The study was divided into four parts and was based on the exemplary medical field of allergology. The first part consisted of asking ChatGPT 30 different questions related to statistical analysis. The next five questions included a request for ChatGPT to perform the relevant statistical analyses, and another five requested ChatGPT to indicate which statistical test should be applied to articles accepted for publication in Allergy. The final part of the survey involved asking ChatGPT the same statistical question three times. RESULTS Out of the 40 general questions asked that related to broad statistical analysis, ChatGPT did not fully answer half of them. Assumptions necessary for the application of specific statistical tests were not included. ChatGPT also gave completely divergent answers to one question about which test should be used. CONCLUSION The answers provided by ChatGPT to various statistical questions may give rise to the use of inappropriate statistical tests and, consequently, the subsequent misinterpretation of the research results obtained. Questions asked in this regard need to be framed more precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Ordak
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1 Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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48
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Alibrandi A, Zirilli A, Loschiavo F, Gangemi MC, Sindoni A, Tribulato G, Lo Giudice R, Famà F. Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Statistical Analysis in Southern Italy. Children (Basel) 2023; 10:1553. [PMID: 37761514 PMCID: PMC10527699 DOI: 10.3390/children10091553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and food selectivity, both of which are prevalent in the pediatric population. In this context, the authors paid attention to food selectivity and its possible correlation with the atypicality of sensory processes, outlining the useful rehabilitation treatments to draw on. This research included the parents or caregivers of pediatric patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and placed within a therapeutic clinic. The sample is composed of 111 children, males and females, aged between 2 and 10 years, and includes 60 children diagnosed with autism and 51 children with normotypical development, similar in characteristics but without the disorder. The standardized questionnaire, "Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory", was developed to examine behavior during meals, especially in children with ASD. The "Brief Sensory Profile", and the "Child Oral and Motor Proficiency Scale", were also administered. The results obtained from the analysis lead to evidence of eating and food selectivity difficulty. Additionally, our study demonstrates that food selectivity can be caused by extreme sensory modulation and sensory problems related to the smell, texture, color, and temperature of food. In fact, the results obtained emphasize the correlation between food selectivity and the sensory domains of taste and smell. Furthermore, this research highlights a correlation between motor skills and eating skills, particularly regarding food selectivity, which is closely associated with atypical and disruptive behaviors during meals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (A.Z.)
| | - Agata Zirilli
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (A.Z.)
| | | | | | - Alessandro Sindoni
- New Hospital of Prato S. Stefano, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, 59100 Prato, Italy;
| | - Graziella Tribulato
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (G.T.); (F.F.)
| | - Roberto Lo Giudice
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (G.T.); (F.F.)
| | - Fausto Famà
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (G.T.); (F.F.)
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Eliot L, Beery AK, Jacobs EG, LeBlanc HF, Maney DL, McCarthy MM. Why and How to Account for Sex and Gender in Brain and Behavioral Research. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6344-6356. [PMID: 37704386 PMCID: PMC10500996 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0020-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long overlooked in neuroscience research, sex and gender are increasingly included as key variables potentially impacting all levels of neurobehavioral analysis. Still, many neuroscientists do not understand the difference between the terms "sex" and "gender," the complexity and nuance of each, or how to best include them as variables in research designs. This TechSights article outlines rationales for considering the influence of sex and gender across taxa, and provides technical guidance for strengthening the rigor and reproducibility of such analyses. This guidance includes the use of appropriate statistical methods for comparing groups as well as controls for key covariates of sex (e.g., total intracranial volume) and gender (e.g., income, caregiver stress, bias). We also recommend approaches for interpreting and communicating sex- and gender-related findings about the brain, which have often been misconstrued by neuroscientists and the lay public alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Eliot
- Stanson Toshok Center for Brain Function and Repair, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, North Chicago, Illinois 60064
| | - Annaliese K Beery
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
| | - Hannah F LeBlanc
- Division of the Humanities & Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Donna L Maney
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Margaret M McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
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50
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Becerra-Garcia LE, Cohen AD, Chen X, Dickinson SL, Macagno ALM, Allison DB. Incorrect analysis in "Effects of the application of a food processing-based classification system in obese women: A randomized controlled pilot study" has resulted in incorrect conclusions of demonstrated effects where no such effects have been demonstrated. Nutr Health 2023:2601060231194653. [PMID: 37670730 DOI: 10.1177/02601060231194653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
In their 2023 Nutrition and Health paper "Effects of the application of a food processing-based classification system in obese women: A randomized controlled pilot study", Giacomello et al. investigated the effects of an educational intervention based on the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population among obese women. The authors concluded that the intervention significantly improved weight loss, quality of life, components of metabolic syndrome, and pain. However, we believe the statistical analysis employed in the study was flawed. The authors used within-group changes to draw conclusions, which is known as a difference in nominal significance error. This error has the potential to inflate Type I error rates substantially. To address this issue, we re-analyzed the data obtained from the authors. We focused on body mass and hip circumference and replicated the incorrectly chosen within-group analyses, which remained significant. However, to properly evaluate the intervention's effectiveness, it is essential to compare the differences between the groups directly. Therefore, we calculated change scores for each participant and used independent samples t-tests and linear mixed models to compare between-group differences. Both methods yielded similar non-significant p-values, indicating that there is no significant effect of treatment on body mass or hip circumference. The original paper's conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the intervention are not supported by the proper statistical analysis. The data should be re-analyzed using appropriate between-group comparisons, and the corrected results should be published, or the incorrect results and original paper should be retracted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis-Enrique Becerra-Garcia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Aaron D Cohen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Xiwei Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Stephanie L Dickinson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Anna L M Macagno
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - David B Allison
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
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