A survey of variable selection methods in two Chinese epidemiology journals

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although much has been written on developing better procedures for variable selection, there is little research on how it is practiced in actual studies. This review surveys the variable selection methods reported in two high-ranking Chinese epidemiology journals.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Articles published in 2004, 2006, and 2008 in the Chinese Journal of Epidemiology and the Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine were reviewed. Five categories of methods were identified whereby variables were selected using: A - bivariate analyses; B - multivariable analysis; e.g. stepwise or individual significance testing of model coefficients; C - first bivariate analyses, followed by multivariable analysis; D - bivariate analyses or multivariable analysis; and E - other criteria like prior knowledge or personal judgment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among the 287 articles that reported using variable selection methods, 6%, 26%, 30%, 21%, and 17% were in categories A through E, respectively. One hundred sixty-three studies selected variables using bivariate analyses, 80% (130/163) via multiple significance testing at the 5% alpha-level. Of the 219 multivariable analyses, 97 (44%) used stepwise procedures, 89 (41%) tested individual regression coefficients, but 33 (15%) did not mention how variables were selected. Sixty percent (58/97) of the stepwise routines also did not specify the algorithm and/or significance levels.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The variable selection methods reported in the two journals were limited in variety, and details were often missing. Many studies still relied on problematic techniques like stepwise procedures and/or multiple testing of bivariate associations at the 0.05 alpha-level. These deficiencies should be rectified to safeguard the scientific validity of articles published in Chinese epidemiology journals.</p

Association between the Mediterranean Diet Index and self-reported Gingival Health Status Indicators in a population of Chilean adults: a cross-sectional study

Despite the recognized impact of diet on non-communicable diseases, the association between the Mediterranean diet and periodontal diseases is still uncertain. This study aimed to determine the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Index (MDI) and self-reported gingival health status in Chilean adults, exploring the feasibility of using validated web-based survey questionnaires. Methodology: Cross-sectional data were collected from a representative sample of a population of Chilean adults (18-60 years old) using a low-cost and time-saving methodology. By the PsyToolkit platform, anonymous survey data were downloaded and analyzed in bivariate (crude) and backward stepwise selection multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic determinants, smoking, and dental attendance using STATA 17. Odds ratios (OR) [95% confidence intervals] were estimated. Results: In total, 351 complete statistical data were mostly obtained from female university students who had never smoked and reported having visited a dentist in the previous year. Multivariate regression models showed an association between MDI and very good/good gingival health status (OR 1.18 [95% CI 1.04-1.34], p=0.013), absence of bleeding on toothbrushing (OR 1.12 [95% CI 1.01-1.25], p=0.035), and absence of clinical signs of gingival inflammation (OR 1.24 [95% CI 1.10-1.40], p&lt;0.001), after controlling for age, sex, educational level, smoking, and dental attendance. Conclusions: We associated adherence to the Mediterranean diet with better self-reported gingival health status in a population of Chilean adults in an entirely web-based research environment. Longitudinal studies with random sampling are required to establish the effect of diet on gingival and periodontal health. Nevertheless, this evidence could contribute to the design of low-cost surveillance programs to reduce the burden of periodontal disease and related “common risk factors”

Modelling the effect of prebiotics, probiotics and other functional additives on the growth, feed intake and feed conversion of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles

Dietary supplementation of aquafeeds with functional additives is a commonly employed strategy in order to reduce the potential negative effects associated to fishmeal (FM) and fish oil (FO) replacement by alternative protein and oil sources. Nevertheless, the wide variety of functional ingredients with different bioactive properties hinders the selection of appropriate dietary supplementation strategies on feed formulation. The present study aimed to develop an observational multiple-linear regression (MLR) model to identify the effects of a variety of functional ingredients supplementation on European sea bass juveniles (Dicentrarchus labrax) growth performance and feed utilization. A literature survey was conducted gathering a total of 61 dietary treatments. The functional ingredients were classified in three main groups, namely, “probiotics”, “prebiotics” or “others” (including plant derived compounds such as essential oils, extracts and powders). Three different MLR were obtained and validated, allowing to describe the effects of functional ingredients supplementation on fish specific growth rate (SGR) (with a final R-squared (R2) = 0.96, adjusted R-squared (adj R2) = 0.92 and a p-value= 7.21E- 08)), fish feed intake (FI) (R2 = 0.97, adj R2 = 0.95 and a p-value= 5.42E-12)) and fish feed conversion ratio (FCR) (R2 = 0.90, adj R2 = 0.80 and a p-value= 2.02E-05)). MLR model trimming, allowed the detection of a significant positive correlation (cor) between dietary prebiotics supplementation and SGR (cor= 0.32, p-value= 8.52E-04). On the contrary, prebiotic supplementation presented a negative correlation with fish FI (cor= − 0.44, p-value= 6.27E-05) and FCR (cor= − 0.41, p-value= 8.96E-05).This work was founded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 818367; AquaIMPACT—Genomic and nutritional innovations for genetically superior farmed fish to improve efficiency in European aquaculture. Authors want to thank the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) for the funding for Antonio Serradell through the call “ERASMUS + PRACTICAS ´ (SMT)” 2020-2021.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

e-Visits For Early Post-operative Visits Following Orthopaedic Surgery Can They Add Efficiency Without Sacrificing Effectiveness

We asked 217 sport surgery and 135 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients to complete a questionnaire (e-Visit) before attending their two and six-week post-operative appointment. Our primary objective was to use the questions asked of patients prior to their appointment to develop a model that could be used as web-based e-Visit to predict early post-operative adverse events. Gold standard comparison was the surgeon’s opinion as to the presence or absence of an event at follow-up. Secondary objective was evaluation of a simplified model. We found good area under the curve (AUC) statistics (0.76 (95% CI 0.69 - 0.84) and 0.80 (95% CI .74 - .85)) and good sensitivity (0.70, 0.83) and specificity (0.70, 0.80) for the two- week model and for the six-week model respectively. The simplified models and raw-data models were similar. Future work should improve the web-based interface, include educational content, and be validated using a large multicenter RCT

A population health approach to workplace mental health: rationale, implementation and engagement

ObjectivesTo describe a population health-based program to support employee and dependent mental health and learn from engagement trends.MethodsRetrospective analysis of a program utilizing an assessment of mental health risk. For scoring “at risk,” a Care Concierge is offered to connect users with resources.ResultsParticipation was offered to 56,442 employees and dependents. Eight thousand seven hundred thirty-one completed the assessment (15%). Of those, 4,644 (53%) scored moderate or higher. A total of 418 (9%) engaged the Care Concierge. Factors that negatively influenced the decision to engage care included bodily pain, financial concerns. Positive influences were younger age, high stress, anxiety, PTSD and low social support.ConclusionProactive assessment plus access to a Care Concierge facilitates mental healthcare utilization. Several factors influence likelihood to engage in care. A better understanding of these factors may allow for more targeted outreach and improved engagement

Correlates of physical activity and outdoor time in Canadian school children from families speaking a non-official language at home

Research suggests that physical activity (PA) and outdoor times are lower in Canadian children who speak a non-official language at home. Using data from the Active Transportation and Independent Mobility study, we investigated the correlates of PA and outdoor time among schoolchildren from this population to inform future interventions. The sample included 1,699 children recruited in 37 schools and was stratified by area-level socioeconomic status and type of urbanization (urban, suburban, rural). Among these, 478 spoke a non-official language at home. PA was measured using pedometers for 7 consecutive days. Children’s outdoor time and data on potential correlates were collected via child and parent surveys and weather data from Environment Canada. Correlates of PA and outdoor time differ according to gender and span through the ecological model underscoring the need for gender-sensitized interventions targeted at the individual, family, social and environmental level correlates to increase children’s PA and outdoor time

The big 5 leagues: The determinants of football transfer fees

This study aims to identify which determinants have a significant effect on football transfer fees, in the 2019/2020 summer transfer market, and for the European Big 5 leagues, using a sample of 436 individual transfers. Following Ante´s work (2019), the analysis is conducted through stepwise regression with backwards elimination with an elimination measure of p >= .2. The study identifies players’ and performance characteristics, contract duration, the domestic league players are transferred to, and playing position as the determinants of transfer fees which have a positive or negative effect. Minutes Played, Goals, Through Balls, Contract Duration, Premier League and Strikers are some of the main determinants which show a positive effect on transfer fees. On the other hand, Age (squared), Fouls, Clearances and Central Defender present a negative impact. Furthermore, differences across the sub-samples concerning the Big 5 leagues, transfer size and playing position can be identified which suggests that the overall results, that is, the results from the full sample might not be the right path in terms of statistical analysis for determinants of transfer fees.Este estudo pretende identificar os determinantes que têm um efeito significativo nos valores de transferência de jogadores de futebol, no mercado de transferências do verão de 2019/2020, e para as 5 principais ligas Europeias, utilizando uma amostra de 436 transferências. Dando continuidade ao trabalho de Ante (2019), a análise é conduzida através de regressões stepwise com eliminação para trás com uma medida de eliminação de p >= 0.2. O artigo identifica características dos jogadores, performance, duração de contrato, ligas para onde o jogador é transferido e posições em campo como determinantes do valor de transferência, que podem ter um efeito positivo ou negativo. Minutos Jogados, Golos, Passes em Profundidade, Duração de Contrato, Liga Inglesa e Ponta de Lança são alguns dos determinantes que afetam positivamente o valor de transferência. Por outro lado, Idade (ao quadrado), Faltas, Alívios e Defesa Central apresentam um efeito negativo. Além disso, são identificadas diferenças ao longo dos subgrupos relativos às 5 principais ligas Europeias, valor de transferência e posição em campo, o que sugere que os resultados relativos à amostra total podem não ser o caminho a seguir em termos de análise estatística relativamente aos determinantes do valor de transferência

Southern African lesbian and bisexual women responses to symptoms of sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) in lesbian and bisexual women is a relatively unexplored topic, particularly for women from low and middle-income countries. Despite perceptions that women who have sex with women (WSW) are at negligible risk for contracting STI, existing research demonstrates that WSW do become infected with STI. Given the opposition between assumptions of invulnerability and the observed risks, we explored how WSW would respond to symptoms of STI (i.e., wait until symptoms passed, see a medical doctor, and inform sexual partners). We used data collected as part of a collaboration between academic researchers and community-based LGBTQ organizations in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Chi-square tests were used to test whether participants’ responses to hypothetical STI symptoms varied in relation to several intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural factors. Multivariable logistic regression (backward) was used to assess whether these variables were independently associated with women’s responses. Most women would be proactive in response to potential STI symptoms and would see a medical doctor. However, most women would not inform their sexual partner of symptoms of STI. Findings demonstrate several intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural factors that influence WSW’s health agency, and show a clustering of high-risk factors among women who would not be proactive about their health. Our findings suggest the need for improved health and health care of WSW in Southern Africa.The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (PI: Vasu Reddy, Ph.D.), with additional support from the United Nations Development Programme, and Open Society Foundations; these organizations also participated in the study. Additional support came from a NIMH-center grant (P30-MH43520; PI: Robert Remien, Ph.D.) and a NIMH-training grant (T32-MH19139; PI: Theo Sandfort, Ph.D.).http://link.springer.com/journal/105082020-10-12hj2019Psycholog

PRE-DRINKING AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ALCOHOL-IMPAIRED DRIVING AMONG YOUNG-ADULT MALE DRINKERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS IN LONDON ONTARIO

Alcohol-impaired driving is a major public health problem and has been linked to risky drinking behaviours. Pre-drinking, the consumption of alcohol In a private setting before attending a main event may be associated with alcohol- impaired driving. The objectives of this study were to: 1) conduct a preliminary assessment of the nature and extent of pre-drinking among male post-secondary student drinkers and 2) identify factors associated with alcohol-impaired driving, focusing, in particular, on the role of frequent pre-drinking. Data from a cross-sectional survey of males attending the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe Community College were analyzed. Statistical techniques included chi-square tests, t-tests, and multiple logistic regression. Approximately 89% of student drinkers reported pre-drinking in the past 12 months, with an average of 5.6 standard drinks consumed in a pre-drinking session. Frequent pre-drinking was found to be significantly associated with alcohol-impaired driving (OR 5.94 95% C.l. 2.98 - 11.82), adjusting for , covariates