scholarly journals Owner Personality, Owner-Dog Attachment, and Canine Demographics Influence Treatment Outcomes in Canine Behavioral Medicine Cases

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Powell ◽  
Darko Stefanovski ◽  
Carlo Siracusa ◽  
James Serpell
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Behavioral Treatment ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Mixed Effect Models ◽  
Dog Attachment ◽  
Canine Behavior

Human and canine parameters can affect the development of canine behavior problems, although their influence on the dog's response to veterinary behavioral treatment remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the possible associations between canine behavior following clinical intervention and canine demographic characteristics, owner personality and owner-dog attachment. The study included 131 dog-owner dyads who attended a veterinary behavioral service. Owners completed the C-BARQ at baseline, 3-months and 6-months, and the 10 Item Personality Inventory and Lexington Attachment to Pet Scale at baseline. Data were analyzed for the effect of clinical intervention on C-BARQ subscale scores using mixed effect models. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between behavior change and canine and owner parameters. Within 6-months of veterinary consultation, trainability increased (coefficient 0.03, p = 0.01) and chasing (coefficient −0.04, p = 0.02), separation-related behavior (coefficient −0.04, p = 0.01) and energy level (coefficient −0.04, p = 0.05) decreased. Treatment outcomes were associated with both canine and owner variables. Canine behavior at baseline was the most consistent predictor of behavior change with less desirable baseline behavior associated with greater odds of decreased problem behavior at three- and 6-months post-consultation across most C-BARQ subscales. Canine age and weight; owner conscientiousness, extraversion and openness; and owner-dog attachment were also associated with treatment outcomes for some behavioral categories. These findings could be used by veterinarians to formulate more accurate prognoses and provide owners with targeted advice to reduce the influence of background factors on the dog's response to clinical behavioral intervention.

scholarly journals “Wish You Were Here”: Examining Characteristics, Outcomes, and Statistical Solutions for Missing Cases in Web-Based Psychotherapeutic Trials

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. e22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eyal Karin ◽  
Blake F Dear ◽  
Gillian Z Heller ◽  
Monique F Crane ◽  
Nickolai Titov
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Measurement Bias ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Psychotherapeutic Interventions ◽  
Lower Treatment

Background Missing cases following treatment are common in Web-based psychotherapy trials. Without the ability to directly measure and evaluate the outcomes for missing cases, the ability to measure and evaluate the effects of treatment is challenging. Although common, little is known about the characteristics of Web-based psychotherapy participants who present as missing cases, their likely clinical outcomes, or the suitability of different statistical assumptions that can characterize missing cases. Objective Using a large sample of individuals who underwent Web-based psychotherapy for depressive symptoms (n=820), the aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of cases who present as missing cases at posttreatment (n=138), their likely treatment outcomes, and compare between statistical methods for replacing their missing data. Methods First, common participant and treatment features were tested through binary logistic regression models, evaluating the ability to predict missing cases. Second, the same variables were screened for their ability to increase or impede the rate symptom change that was observed following treatment. Third, using recontacted cases at 3-month follow-up to proximally represent missing cases outcomes following treatment, various simulated replacement scores were compared and evaluated against observed clinical follow-up scores. Results Missing cases were dominantly predicted by lower treatment adherence and increased symptoms at pretreatment. Statistical methods that ignored these characteristics can overlook an important clinical phenomenon and consequently produce inaccurate replacement outcomes, with symptoms estimates that can swing from −32% to 70% from the observed outcomes of recontacted cases. In contrast, longitudinal statistical methods that adjusted their estimates for missing cases outcomes by treatment adherence rates and baseline symptoms scores resulted in minimal measurement bias (<8%). Conclusions Certain variables can characterize and predict missing cases likelihood and jointly predict lesser clinical improvement. Under such circumstances, individuals with potentially worst off treatment outcomes can become concealed, and failure to adjust for this can lead to substantial clinical measurement bias. Together, this preliminary research suggests that missing cases in Web-based psychotherapeutic interventions may not occur as random events and can be systematically predicted. Critically, at the same time, missing cases may experience outcomes that are distinct and important for a complete understanding of the treatment effect.

scholarly journals New Biomarkers Based on Smoking-Related Phenotypes for Smoking Cessation Outcomes of Nicotine Replacement Therapy: A Prospective Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Nikkholgh ◽  
◽  
Soltan Ahmad Ebrahimi ◽  
Enayatollah Bakhshi ◽  
Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Nicotine Patch ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Nicotine Replacement ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Nicotine Lozenge ◽  
New Biomarkers ◽  
A Prospective Study

Introduction: Identification of a potent biomarker related to smoking cessation can play a key role in predicting prognosis and improving treatment outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of new biomarkers based on levels of cotinine (Cot) and/or carbon monoxide (CO) to the short- and long-term quit rates of nicotine replacement therapies (nicotine patch (NP) and nicotine lozenge (NL)). Methods: In this prospective interventional study, a sample of 124 smokers under treatment with the 5A's method was selected between April 2016 and December 2018 in an outpatient smoking cessation center in 18th region of Tehran. They were divided into two groups for NP (n = 56) and NL (n = 61) interventions. The levels of Cot and CO were measured using ELISA and breath analysis at the beginning of the study. Three markers were calculated: Cot/CO, Cot to cigarette per day ratio (Cot/CPD), and CO/CPD. To determine the odds of smoking cessation success, binary logistic regression models and generalized estimating equations (GEE) model were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Of the NP participants, 30.4% and 19.6% were abstinent in 2 and 6 months respectively, while NL was found less effective with 19.7% for 2-month follow-up and 13.1% for 6-month follow-up. The 6-month success of attempts to quit was significantly different for the NP participants at the second half of Cot/CO (P = 0.029). In the NL participants, CO/CPD would be a superior predictor for the success of smoking cessation (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggested two markers, Cot/CO and CO/CPD in order, for the optimum treatment outcomes of NP and NL.

scholarly journals �Wish You Were Here�: Examining Characteristics, Outcomes, and Statistical Solutions for Missing Cases in Web-Based Psychotherapeutic Trials (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eyal Karin ◽  
Blake F Dear ◽  
Gillian Z Heller ◽  
Monique F Crane ◽  
Nickolai Titov
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Measurement Bias ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Psychotherapeutic Interventions ◽  
Lower Treatment

BACKGROUND Missing cases following treatment are common in Web-based psychotherapy trials. Without the ability to directly measure and evaluate the outcomes for missing cases, the ability to measure and evaluate the effects of treatment is challenging. Although common, little is known about the characteristics of Web-based psychotherapy participants who present as missing cases, their likely clinical outcomes, or the suitability of different statistical assumptions that can characterize missing cases. OBJECTIVE Using a large sample of individuals who underwent Web-based psychotherapy for depressive symptoms (n=820), the aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of cases who present as missing cases at posttreatment (n=138), their likely treatment outcomes, and compare between statistical methods for replacing their missing data. METHODS First, common participant and treatment features were tested through binary logistic regression models, evaluating the ability to predict missing cases. Second, the same variables were screened for their ability to increase or impede the rate symptom change that was observed following treatment. Third, using recontacted cases at 3-month follow-up to proximally represent missing cases outcomes following treatment, various simulated replacement scores were compared and evaluated against observed clinical follow-up scores. RESULTS Missing cases were dominantly predicted by lower treatment adherence and increased symptoms at pretreatment. Statistical methods that ignored these characteristics can overlook an important clinical phenomenon and consequently produce inaccurate replacement outcomes, with symptoms estimates that can swing from −32% to 70% from the observed outcomes of recontacted cases. In contrast, longitudinal statistical methods that adjusted their estimates for missing cases outcomes by treatment adherence rates and baseline symptoms scores resulted in minimal measurement bias (<8%). CONCLUSIONS Certain variables can characterize and predict missing cases likelihood and jointly predict lesser clinical improvement. Under such circumstances, individuals with potentially worst off treatment outcomes can become concealed, and failure to adjust for this can lead to substantial clinical measurement bias. Together, this preliminary research suggests that missing cases in Web-based psychotherapeutic interventions may not occur as random events and can be systematically predicted. Critically, at the same time, missing cases may experience outcomes that are distinct and important for a complete understanding of the treatment effect.

scholarly journals The value of formal titles to land in residential property transactions

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samwel Alananga Sanga
Keyword(s):  
Household Survey ◽  
Property Market ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Price Premiums ◽  
Mixed Effect Models ◽  
Residential Properties ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Housing Units

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of title risks on property prices to establish the associated title risk-price premiums across property types and the moderating effect of occupation strategies for informal transactions. Design/methodology/approach Based on household survey data on transactions for 1,514 residential properties in Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania, binomial logistic regression models were implemented to predict pre-purchase transaction risks. The results of which were used as inputs in mixed effect models to examine the effect of the predicted title risks on (2,010 constant) purchase price for three-bedrooms finished and unfinished housing units and 400 m2 plots. Findings Although legal titles have positive overall title risk-price premiums, such premiums hardly accrue from transactions involving finished houses and marginally accrue from vacant plots transactions. On average, unfinished housing purchasers are title risk-averse, “vacant plots” purchasers are title risk-neutral, while “finished housing” purchasers are title risk-lovers. Research limitations/implications The sample composition does not include developer-built housing units, the inclusion of which may sway results away from the observations of this study. Practical implications Titling alone can hardly be used as a property market stimuli (eliminate transaction risks) unless the market is dominated by unfinished houses. Originality/value Existing studies consider neither traded housing products nor pre-purchase transaction risks or consider only one of the two, thus leaving a gap in the literature for which this study sought to bridge. Researchers must incorporate both to arrive at a well-informed conclusion on the potential risks as well as prices achievable in each transaction.

scholarly journals Association between multimorbidity patterns and disability among older people covered by long-term care insurance in Shanghai, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zijing Wang ◽  
Wenjia Peng ◽  
Mengying Li ◽  
Xinghui Li ◽  
Tingting Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Disease Pattern ◽  
Long Term Care Insurance

Abstract Background Functional disability and multimorbidity are common among older people. However, little is known about the relationship between functional disability and different multimorbidity combinations. We aimed to identify multimorbidity patterns and explore the associations between these patterns and functional disability. Methods We investigated a multi-stage random sample of 1871 participants aged ≥60 years and covered by long-term care insurance in Shanghai, China. Multimorbidity was defined as the simultaneous presence of two or more chronic diseases in an individual. Participants completed scales to assess basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL, respectively). Multimorbidity patterns were identified via exploratory factor analysis. Binary logistic regression models were used to determine adjusted associations between functional disability and number and patterns of multimorbidity. Results Multimorbidity was present in 74.3% of participants. The prevalence of BADL disability was 50.7% and that of IADL disability was 90.7%. There was a strong association between multimorbidity and disability. We identified three multimorbidity patterns: musculoskeletal, cardio-metabolic, and mental-degenerative diseases. The cardio-metabolic disease pattern was associated with both BADL (OR 1.28, 95%CI 1.16–1.41) and IADL (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.19–1.68) disability. The mental-degenerative disease pattern was associated with BADL disability (OR 1.55, 95%CI 1.40–1.72). Conclusions Multimorbidity and functional disability are highly prevalent among older people covered by long-term care insurance in Shanghai, and distinct multimorbidity patterns are differentially associated with functional disability. Appropriate long-term healthcare and prevention strategies for older people may help reduce multimorbidity, maintain functional ability, and improve health-related quality of life.

scholarly journals The number of household members as a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi Hong Yim ◽  
Keun Ho Kim ◽  
Bum Ju Lee
Keyword(s):  
Peptic Ulcer ◽  
Peptic Ulcer Disease ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ulcer Disease ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Household Members ◽  
H Pylori

AbstractPeptic ulcer disease (PUD) is caused by many sociodemographic and economic risk factors other than H. pylori infection. However, no studies reported an association between PUD and the number of household members. We showed the number of family members affected by PUD based on sex in a Korean population. This cross-sectional study used 1998–2009 data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multiple binary logistic regression models adjusted for confounders were constructed to analyze the association of PUD with the number of household members. The number of household members was associated with PUD, age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, glucose, location (urban/rural), income, education level, stress, current drinking, and smoking in both sexes. Men with other household members had a higher PUD risk compared to men or women living alone (reference), and the opposite was observed for women. Men with 4 household members had a higher PUD risk than men living alone in the model adjusted for age, BMI, income, location, education, and stress (OR = 2.04 [95% CI 1.28–3.27], p value = .003). Women with more than 6 household members had a lower PUD risk than women living alone in the adjusted model (OR = 0.50 [0.33–0.75], p value = .001). Women with more household members had a lower PUD risk. However, more men had PUD than women regardless of the number of household members.

scholarly journals Development of a chimeric odour blend for attracting gravid malaria vectors

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Betelehem Wondwosen ◽  
Mengistu Dawit ◽  
Yared Debebe ◽  
Habte Tekie ◽  
Sharon R. Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Volatile Components ◽  
Innovative Strategy ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Plant Feeding ◽  
Global Vector

Abstract Background Odour-based tools targeting gravid malaria vectors may complement existing intervention strategies. Anopheles arabiensis are attracted to, and stimulated to oviposit by, natural and synthetic odours of wild and domesticated grasses associated with mosquito breeding sites. While such synthetic odour lures may be used for vector control, these may have limited efficacy when placed in direct competition with the natural source. In this study, workflows developed for plant-feeding pests was used to design and evaluate a chimeric odour blend based on shared attractive compounds found in domesticated grass odours. Methods Variants of a synthetic odour blend, composed of shared bioactive compounds previously identified in domesticated grasses, was evaluated sequentially in a two-choice olfactometer to identify a ratio-optimized attractive blend for malaria vectors. During this process, blends with ratios that were significantly more attractive than the previously identified synthetic rice blend were compared to determine which was most attractive in the two-choice olfactometer. To determine whether all volatile components of the most attractive blend were necessary for maximal attraction, subtractive assays were then conducted, in which individual components were removed for the most attractive blend, to define the final composition of the chimeric blend. Binary logistic regression models were used to determine significance in all two-choice assays. The chimeric blend was then assessed under field conditions in malaria endemic villages in Ethiopia, to assess the effect of dose, trap type, and placement relative to ground level. Field data were analyzed both descriptively and using a Welch-corrected t-test. Results A ratio-optimized chimeric blend was identified that significantly attracted gravid An. arabiensis under laboratory conditions. In the field, trap captures of An. arabiensis and Anopheles pharoensis were dependent on the presence of the lure, trap type (CDC, BG Sentinel and Suna traps), placement relevant to ground level, with low release rates generally luring more mosquitoes. Conclusions The workflow designed for the development of chimeric lures provides an innovative strategy to target odour-mediated behaviours. The chimeric lure identified here can be used in existing trapping systems, and be customized to increase sustainability, in line with goals of the Global Vector Control Response Group.

scholarly journals EPID-34. THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECT OF BIOPSY PRECEDING RESECTION IN SURGICALLY ACCESSIBLE GLIOBLASTOMAS: RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER DATABASE

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii85-ii86
Author(s):  
Ping Zhu ◽  
Xianglin Du ◽  
Angel Blanco ◽  
Leomar Y Ballester ◽  
Nitin Tandon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Failure Time ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
National Cancer Database ◽  
Prolonged Length ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Operative Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

Abstract OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of biopsy preceding resection compared to upfront resection in glioblastoma overall survival (OS) and post-operative outcomes using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). METHODS A total of 17,334 GBM patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 were derived from the NCDB. Patients were categorized into two groups: “upfront resection” versus “biopsy followed by resection”. Primary outcome was OS. Post-operative outcomes including 30-day readmission/mortality, 90-day mortality, and prolonged length of inpatient hospital stay (LOS) were secondary endpoints. Kaplan-Meier methods and accelerated failure time (AFT) models with gamma distribution were applied for survival analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were performed to compare differences in the post-operative outcomes between these groups. RESULTS Patients undergoing “upfront resection” experienced superior survival compared to those undergoing “biopsy followed by resection” (median OS: 12.4 versus 11.1 months, log-rank test: P=0.001). In multivariable AFT models, significant survival benefits were observed among patients undergoing “upfront resection” (time ratio [TR]: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75–0.93, P=0.001). Patients undergoing upfront GTR had the longest survival compared to upfront STR, GTR following STR, or GTR and STR following an initial biopsy (14.4 vs. 10.3, 13.5, 13.3, and 9.1, months), respectively (TR: 1.00 [Ref.], 0.75, 0.82, 0.88, and 0.67). Recent years of diagnosis, higher income and treatment at academic facilities were significantly associated with the likelihood of undergoing upfront resection after adjusting the covariates. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that 30-day mortality and 90-day mortality were decreased by 73% and 44% for patients undergoing “upfront resection” over “biopsy followed by resection”, respectively (both p &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Pre-operative biopsies for surgically accessible tumors with characteristic imaging features of Glioblastoma lead to worse survival despite subsequent resection compared to patients undergoing upfront resection.

scholarly journals Habitat use of golden jackals (Canis aureus) in riverine areas of northern Bosnia and Herzegovina

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldin Selimovic ◽  
Eva Maria Schöll ◽  
Larissa Bosseler ◽  
Jennifer Hatlauf
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Golden Jackal ◽  
Canis Aureus ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Habitat Analysis ◽  
Group Density

AbstractRecently confirmed expansion of golden jackals (Canis aureus) into countries without any previous records poses questions, one of them focusing on the species potential and possibly varying habitat use. In this study, we investigated the presence and distribution of golden jackals in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, where knowledge about golden jackal distribution and habitat use is still scarce. We used bioacoustic stimulation as a non-invasive tool to gather data on golden jackal presence. Habitat structures potentially selected by the species were assessed at 92 calling stations and used as input for binary logistic regression models. Our study area covered approximately 1150 km2, and bioacoustic stimulation within this area resulted in an estimated minimum relative group density of 3.5 territorial groups per 100 km2. We found territorial groups at distances between 15 and 38 km southwards from the river Sava but always within a maximum range of 3 km to perennial watercourses. Habitat analysis identified shrub vegetation and pastures as structures with a significant effect on the presence of resident golden jackals. Probability that golden jackals answered at calling stations increased with increasing surface area covered with pastures and shrubs. Distances between golden jackal territories and the nearest human settlement were relatively small. Our results indicate that structures like transitional woodland-shrubs and pastures, together with other potential influencing factors like local agricultural practices, low hunting pressure, diverse natural and anthropogenic food sources, could have benefited the settlement of golden jackals in the northern lowlands of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms in Swiss University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Correlates

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Volken ◽  
Annina Zysset ◽  
Simone Amendola ◽  
Anthony Klein Swormink ◽  
Marion Huber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
National Population ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
Containment Measures

Background: COVID-19 containment measures and the uncertainties associated with the pandemic may have contributed to changes in mental health risks and mental health problems in university students. Due to the high burden of the disease, depression is of particular concern. However, knowledge about the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Swiss university students during the pandemic is limited. We therefore assessed the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their change during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large sample of Swiss university students. Methods: We assessed depressive symptoms in two cross-sectional cohorts of university students (n = 3571) in spring and autumn 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared them with a matched sample of the Swiss national population (n = 2328). Binary logistic regression models estimated prevalence with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Adjusted prevalence of depressive symptoms in female (30.8% (95% CI: 28.6–33.0)) and male students (24.8% (95% CI: 21.7–28.1)) was substantially higher than in the matching female (10.9% (95% CI: 8.9–13.2)) and male (8.5% (6.6–11.0)) pre-pandemic national population. Depressive symptoms in the two consecutive student cohorts did not significantly differ. Conclusions: More than a quarter of Swiss university students reported depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was substantially higher as compared to the matched general population. Universities should introduce measures to support students in such times of crisis and gain an understanding of the factors impacting mental health positively or negatively and related to university structures and procedures.

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