scholarly journals Association Between Ov16 Seropositivity and Neurocognitive Performance Among Children in Rural Cameroon: a Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Wepnyu Y. Njamnshi ◽  
Leonard Ngarka ◽  
Leonard N. Nfor ◽  
Constance Ayuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Neurocognitive Performance ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Gender Education ◽  
Rural Cameroon ◽  
Scale Estimate

AbstractInfection with Onchocerca volvulus was recently reported to increase the risk for epilepsy in Cameroonian children. We investigated whether infection with O. volvulus may alter the cognitive function of children who may or may not develop epilepsy later in their lifetime. Using rapid diagnostic tests, we determined the presence of Ov16 antibodies in 209 school-aged children without epilepsy recruited from three Cameroonian villages, as a proxy for onchocerciasis exposure. In addition, the neurocognitive performance of these children was assessed using a battery of validated tools. Participants were aged 6–16 years, and 46.4% were Ov16 seropositive. Upon standardizing age-specific neurocognitive scores and investigating predictors of neurocognitive performance using multiple linear regression models (adjusted for gender, education level, previous ivermectin use, and anthropometric parameters), we found that being Ov16-positive was significantly associated with reduced semantic verbal fluency (estimate –0.38; 95% confidence interval –0.65 to –0.11; p = 0.006) and lower scores on the International HIV Dementia Scale (estimate –0.31; confidence interval –0.56 to –0.04; p = 0.025). Furthermore, an increasing frequency of past ivermectin use was associated with increased neurocognitive scores. Our findings suggest that exposure to O. volvulus may affect neurocognitive performance of children.

scholarly journals Trends in the Cumulative Incidence of Vocational Rehabilitation Indicators in Brazil, 2007–2016

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3952
Author(s):  
Cristiano Barreto de Miranda ◽  
João Silvestre Silva-Junior ◽  
Gisele Aparecida Fernandes ◽  
Frida Marina Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Disability Benefits ◽  
The Public ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
The Mean

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) aims at improving work ability to facilitate workers’ return to work. VR is provided in Brazil by the public social security system. The aim of the present study was to analyze trends in VR indicators for Brazil from 2007 to 2016. Based on open-access, secondary aggregate data, we calculated the cumulative incidence of VR indicators. We fitted Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression models to estimate trends and calculated annual percent variation with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The mean cumulative incidence of referrals to VR services was 37.16/1000 temporary disability benefits granted and exhibited a decreasing trend of −6.92% (95% CI: −8.38; −5.43). The mean cumulative incidence of admissions to VR services was 57.34/100 referrals and exhibited an increasing trend of 3.31% (95% CI: 1.13; 5.53). The mean cumulative incidence of rehabilitation was 57.43/100 admissions and remained stable along the analyzed period, −2.84 (95% CI: −5.87; 0.29). Our findings evidence a reduction in the number of workers referred for VR, an increase of admissions, and stability in the cumulative incidence of rehabilitated workers.

Physical activity accrued as part of public transport use in England

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Patterson ◽  
E Webb ◽  
C Millett ◽  
A A Laverty
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Public Transport ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Active Travel ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Logistic Regression Models

Abstract Background Walking and cycling for transport (active travel) is an important source of physical activity with established health benefits. However, levels of physical activity accrued during public transport journeys in England are unknown. Methods Using the English National Travel Survey 2010–14 we quantified active travel as part of public transport journeys. Linear regression models compared levels of physical activity across public transport modes, and logistic regression models compared the odds of undertaking 30 min a day of physical activity. Results Public transport users accumulated 20.5 min (95% confidence interval=19.8, 21.2) a day of physical activity as part of public transport journeys. Train users accumulated 28.1 min (26.3, 30.0) with bus users 16.0 min (15.3, 16.8). Overall, 34% (32%, 36%) of public transport users achieved 30 min a day of physical activity in the course of their journeys; 21% (19%, 24%) of bus users and 52% (47%, 56%) of train users. Conclusion Public transport use is an effective way to incorporate physical activity into daily life. One in three public transport users meet physical activity guidelines suggesting that shifts from sedentary travel modes to public transport could dramatically raise the proportion of populations achieving recommended levels of physical activity.

scholarly journals Prenatal Exposure to Cigarette Smoke and Anogenital Distance at 4 Years in the INMA-Asturias Cohort

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4774
Author(s):  
Miguel García-Villarino ◽  
Rocío Fernández-Iglesias ◽  
Isolina Riaño-Galán ◽  
Cristina Rodríguez-Dehli ◽  
Izaro Babarro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Smoke Exposure ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Anogenital Distance ◽  
Exposure During Pregnancy ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
Prenatal Androgen ◽  
Relevant Covariates

Smoking by women is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, low birth weight, infertility, and prolonged time to pregnancy. Anogenital distance (AGD) is a sensitive biomarker of prenatal androgen and antiandrogen exposure. We investigated the effect of smoking and passive smoke exposure during pregnancy on anogenital distance in offspring at 4 years in the INMA-Asturias cohort (Spain). Women were interviewed during pregnancy to collect information on tobacco consumption, and anogenital distance was measured in 381 children: Anoscrotal distance in boys and anofourchetal distance in girls. We also measured maternal urinary cotinine levels at 32 weeks of pregnancy. We constructed linear regression models to analyze the association between prenatal smoke exposure and anogenital distance and adjusted the models by relevant covariates. Reported prenatal smoke exposure was associated with statistically significant increased anogenital index (AGI), both at week 12 of pregnancy (β = 0.31, 95% confidence interval: 0.00, 0.63) and at week 32 of pregnancy (β = 0.31, 95% confidence interval: 0.00, 0.63) in male children, suggesting altered androgenic signaling.

Exposure to Organophosphate Pesticides and Menstrual Cycle Characteristics in Chinese Preconceptional Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 189 (5) ◽  
pp. 375-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Lin Ji ◽  
Yi Hu ◽  
Lap Ah Tse ◽  
Yiwen Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Maternity Hospitals ◽  
Diethyl Phosphate ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Organophosphates (OPs) are the most heavily used pesticides in China. The Chinese population, including preconceptional women, is highly exposed, yet little is known regarding the associations between OP exposure and menstruation in humans. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in women preparing for pregnancy to investigate the relationship between biomarkers of OP exposure and menstrual cycle characteristics. From 2013 to 2015, 627 women visiting free preconception-care clinics at 2 maternity hospitals in Shanghai, China, were included. Information on menstrual cycle characteristics was obtained through questionnaires. OP exposure was assessed by measuring urine concentrations of 6 dialkylphosphate metabolites (dimethylphosphate, dimethylthiophosphate, dimethyldithiophosphate, diethylphosphate, diethylthiophosphate, and diethyldithiophosphate). The relationship between concentrations of dialkylphosphate metabolites and menstrual cycle characteristics was analyzed using multiple linear regression models and logistic regression models. Log-transformed levels of diethyl phosphate metabolites (the sum of diethylphosphate and diethylthiophosphate levels) were related to a higher risk of irregularity of menstrual cycles (adjusted odds ratio = 2.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.28, 4.34). Subjects with a higher concentration of diethyl phosphate metabolites (log-transformed) had a shorter duration of menstrual bleeding (adjusted β = −0.33, 95% confidence interval: −0.64, −0.02). The findings suggest that OP exposure may be associated with alterations in menstrual function in preconceptional women.

scholarly journals Association between Urine Ammonium and Urine TGF-β1 in CKD

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalani L. Raphael ◽  
Sarah Gilligan ◽  
Thomas H. Hostetter ◽  
Tom Greene ◽  
Srinivasan Beddhu
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Ammonium Excretion ◽  
Serum Bicarbonate ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Urine Ph ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Kidney Fibrosis ◽  
Tgf Β1

Background and objectivesUrinary ammonium excretion increases in response to nonvolatile acids to maintain normal systemic bicarbonate and pH. However, enhanced ammonia production promotes tubulointerstitial fibrosis in animal models. Therefore, a subset of individuals with CKD and normal bicarbonate may have acid-mediated kidney fibrosis that might be better linked with ammonium excretion than bicarbonate. We hypothesized that urine TGF-β1, as an indicator of kidney fibrosis, would be more tightly linked with urine ammonium excretion than serum bicarbonate and other acid-base indicators.Design, setting, participants, & measurementsWe measured serum bicarbonate and urinary ammonium, titratable acids, pH, and TGF-β1/creatinine in 144 persons with CKD. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models determined the cross-sectional association between TGF-β1/creatinine and serum bicarbonate, urine ammonium excretion, urine titratable acids excretion, and urine pH.ResultsMean eGFR was 42 ml/min per 1.73 m2, mean age was 65 years old, 78% were men, and 62% had diabetes. Mean urinary TGF-β1/creatinine was 102 (49) ng/g, mean ammonium excretion was 1.27 (0.72) mEq/h, mean titratable acids excretion was 1.14 (0.65) mEq/h, mean urine pH was 5.6 (0.5), and mean serum bicarbonate was 23 (3) mEq/L. After adjusting for eGFR, proteinuria, and other potential confounders, each SD increase of urine ammonium and urine pH was associated with a statistically significant 1.22-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 1.35) or 1.11-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.21) higher geometric mean urine TGF-β1/creatinine, respectively. Each SD increase of serum bicarbonate and urine titratable acids was associated with a nonsignificant 1.06-fold (95% confidence interval, 0.97 to 1.16) or 1.03-fold (95% confidence interval, 0.92 to 1.14) higher geometric mean urine TGF-β1/creatinine, respectively.ConclusionsUrinary ammonium excretion but not serum bicarbonate is associated with higher urine TGF-β1/creatinine.

scholarly journals Investigating Students’ Difficulties in Understanding Confidence Intervals in Linear Regression Models

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4.33) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Nor Rashidah Paujah @ Ismail ◽  
Fadzilah Abdol Razak ◽  
Norhayati Baharun
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Confidence Intervals ◽  
Standard Error ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Good Explanation ◽  
Correct Interpretation ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Regression Slope

How do tertiary students perform when finding confidence intervals of linear regression models? Do they have strong understanding on how to compute the interval and provide good explanation on the interval obtained? To answer these questions, 197 answer scripts were examined to investigate students’ ability to calculate the confidence interval of the regression slope and their ability to make comprehensive interpretation afterwards. It was found that only 48% of the students managed to compute the confidence interval correctly. The errors made by most of the students were caused by the failure to identify the correct degrees of freedom and the failure to evaluate the correct value of the standard error of the slope. Of those who were able to compute the correct values, the percentage that were able to give complete and correct interpretation dropped to only 7.1%. 68.5% of them provided incorrect interpretations which showed their inability to understand the concept of regression slope. It is hoped that this study will give some ideas to educators in providing better understanding on computing and interpreting the confidence interval among students.  

scholarly journals The Effect of the Economic Crisis on Adolescents’ Perceived Health and Risk Behaviors: A Multilevel Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Néboa Zozaya ◽  
Laura Vallejo
Keyword(s):  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Unemployment Rates ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Breakfast Skipping ◽  
The Impact

Background: Previous studies have analyzed the impact of economic crises on adult’s health and lifestyles, but evidence among children and adolescents is limited. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of the economic crisis on self-perceived health and some risk behaviors in the Spanish adolescent population. Methods: We used data from four waves (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014) of the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) survey in Spain. Separate multilevel logistic and linear regression models were applied for health complaints, self-rated health, life satisfaction, smoking, alcohol consumption, and breakfast skipping. Annual change in Spanish regional unemployment rates was used as a proxy of the economic crisis. An increasing set of control variables were included, consisting of individual, socioeconomic, and family and peer relationships indicators. Median odds ratios were estimated to quantify the cross-region and cross-school variation. Results: Increases in unemployment rates were linked to a higher risk of poorer health and bad habits in the simplest models. The effect was no longer statistically significant when indicators of family and peer relationships were included, suggesting a protective effect against the impact of the economic crisis. Our findings also show that schools had a larger effect on health and lifestyles than regions. Conclusion: The child’s social context—family, peers, school, and region—play an important role on the effects of the economic crisis on health and risk behaviors.

Longitudinal Associations Between Device-Measured Physical Activity and Early Childhood Neurodevelopment

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Otávio Amaral de Andrade Leão ◽  
Gregore Iven Mielke ◽  
Pedro Curi Hallal ◽  
John Cairney ◽  
Jorge Mota ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Response Characteristic ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Child Neurodevelopment ◽  
Longitudinal Associations ◽  
Activity Trajectory

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal associations between physical activity and early childhood neurodevelopment. Methods: Data from 1673 children from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study were analyzed. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers on the wrist at ages 1, 2, and 4 years. Neurodevelopment was measured using the Battelle Development Inventory at age 4 years. Linear regression models were used to test trajectories and cumulative associations of physical activity with child neurodevelopment. Results: Of the 3 physical activity trajectories observed, children in the medium (β = 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.25 to 2.10) and high (β = 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.61 to 3.82) trajectories showed higher neurodevelopment scores than children in the lower activity trajectory. Cumulative analyses showed that children in the highest tertile of physical activity in all follow-ups presented a mean neurodevelopment score 4.57 (95% confidence interval, 2.63 to 6.51) higher than children in the lowest tertile in all follow-ups. All analyses showed a dose–response characteristic of association, with higher physical activity indicating higher neurodevelopment scores. Conclusions: Physical activity may be an important predictor of neurodevelopment through early childhood.

FAKTOR DETERMINAN PENYALURAN KREDIT BANK PERSERO

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-71
Author(s):  
Wigiyanti Masodah
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Main Activity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Given ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Models

Offering credit is the main activity of a Bank. There are some considerations when a bank offers credit, that includes Interest Rates, Inflation, and NPL. This study aims to find out the impact of Variable Interest Rates, Inflation variables and NPL variables on credit disbursed. The object in this study is state-owned banks. The method of analysis in this study uses multiple linear regression models. The results of the study have shown that Interest Rates and NPL gave some negative impacts on the given credit. Meanwhile, Inflation variable does not have a significant effect on credit given. Keywords: Interest Rate, Inflation, NPL, offered Credit.

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