Sources of variation in fibre diameter attributes of Australian alpacas and implications for fleece evaluation and animal selection

2004 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 433 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. A. McGregor ◽  
K. L. Butler
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Potential Benefit ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Selection Efficiency ◽  
Sources Of Variation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Dark Shade ◽  
Entire Male

Sources of variation in fibre diameter attributes of Australian alpacas and implications for fleece evaluation and animal selection were investigated using data collected in the years 1994–97, from 6 properties in southern Australia. Data were analysed using REML (multiple regression analysis) to determine the effect on mean fibre diameter (MFD) and coefficient of variation of MFD (CV(FD)) of age, origin (property), sex (entire male, female), breed (Huacaya, Suri), liveweight, fibre colour, individual, and interactions of these effects. The mean (n = 100) age (range) was 4.2 years (0.1–11.9), liveweight 72.0 kg (12.0–134 kg), MFD 29.1 μm (17.7–46.6 μm), CV(FD) 24.33% (15.0–36.7%). A number of variables affected MFD and CV(FD). MFD increased to 7.5 years of age, and correlations between MFD at 1.5 and 2 years of age with the MFD at older ages were much higher than correlations at younger ages. Fibre diameter 'blowout' (increase with age) was positively correlated with the actual MFD at ages 2 years and older. There were important effects of farm, and these effects differed with year and shearing age. Suris were coarser than Huacayas with the effect reducing with increased liveweight; there was no effect of sex. Fleeces of light shade were 1 μm finer than dark fleeces. CV(FD) declined rapidly between birth and 2 years of age, reaching a minimum at about 4 years of age and then increasing; however, CV(FD) measurements on young animals were very poor predictors of CV(FD) at older ages, and the response of CV(FD) to age differed with farm and year. Suris had a higher CV(FD) than Huacayas on most properties, and MFD, liveweight, and sex did not affect CV(FD). Fleeces of dark shade had higher CV(FD) than fleeces of light shade in 2 of the years. It is concluded that there are large opportunities to improve the MFD and CV(FD) of alpaca fibre through selection and breeding. The potential benefit is greatest from reducing the MFD and CV(FD) of fibre from older alpacas, through reducing the between-animal variation in MFD and CV(FD). Sampling alpacas at ages <2 years is likely to substantially decrease selection efficiency for lifetime fibre diameter attributes.

A New Look at Lake Wobegon: Who’s in Your Canoe?

2018 ◽  
Vol 108 ◽  
pp. 312-316
Author(s):  
Chris Bollinger ◽  
Tisha L. N. Emerson ◽  
Linda English ◽  
Gail M. Hoyt
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Quantile Regression ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Impact Response ◽  
Response Error ◽  
Quantile Regression Analysis ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Economics Courses ◽  
New Look

We re-examine the Lake Wobegon effect for reported GPA using data from students enrolled in principles of economics courses. Students are well known to over-report their GPA on surveys. In addition to standard measures of the mean difference, we extend the analysis to understand the distribution of response error using quantile regression analysis. We also examine how survey conditions impact response error. Our findings suggest that response error is more complicated than simple over-confidence. Students respond differently throughout the distribution of GPA and respond differently when seated near friends. Modeling response error should take these findings into account.

scholarly journals Trends in incidence rate, health care use, and costs due to rib fractures in the Netherlands

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonne T. H. Prins ◽  
Mathieu M. E. Wijffels ◽  
Sophie M. Wooldrik ◽  
Martien J. M. Panneman ◽  
Michael H. J. Verhofstad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Health Care Costs ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
Rib Fractures ◽  
Work Absence ◽  
Lost Productivity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Care Costs

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to examine population-based trends in the incidence rate, health care consumption, and work absence with associated costs in patients with rib fractures. Methods A retrospective nationwide epidemiologic study was performed with data from patients with one or more rib fractures presented or admitted to a hospital in the Netherlands between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018 and have been registered in the Dutch Injury Surveillance System (DISS) or the Hospital Discharge Registry (HDR). Incidence rates were calculated using data from Statistics Netherlands. The associated direct health care costs, costs for lost productivity, and years lived with disability (YLD) were calculated using data from a questionnaire. Results In the 4-year study period, a total of 32,124 patients were registered of which 19,885 (61.9%) required hospitalization with a mean duration of 7.7 days. The incidence rate for the total cohort was 47.1 per 100,000 person years and increased with age. The mean associated direct health care costs were €6785 per patient and showed a sharp increase after the age of 75 years. The mean duration of work absence was 44.2 days with associated mean indirect costs for lost productivity of €22,886 per patient. The mean YLD was 0.35 years and decreased with age. Conclusion Rib fractures are common and associated with lengthy HLOS and work absenteeism as well as high direct and indirect costs which appear to be similar between patients with one or multiple rib fractures and mostly affected by admitted patients and age.

scholarly journals Cognitive Performance and Its Associations with Dental Caries: Results from the Dental, Oral, Medical Epidemiological (DOME) Records-Based Nationwide Study

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 178
Author(s):  
Itzhak Abramovitz ◽  
Avraham Zini ◽  
Matan Atzmoni ◽  
Ron Kedem ◽  
Dorit Zur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Allocation Of Resources ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intelligence Score ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Age Range

Relatively few studies have analyzed the association between cognitive performance and dental status. This study aimed to analyze the association between cognitive performance and dental caries. Included were data from the dental, oral, medical epidemiological (DOME) study; cross-sectional records-based research, which integrated large socio-demographic, medical, and dental databases of a nationally representative sample of young to middle-aged military personnel (N = 131,927, mean age: 21.8 ± 5.9 years, age range: 18–50). The cognitive function of draftees is routinely measured at age 17 years using a battery of psychometric tests termed general intelligence score (GIS). The mean number of decayed teeth exhibited a gradient trend from the lowest (3.14 ± 3.58) to the highest GIS category (1.45 ± 2.19) (odds ratio (OR) lowest versus highest = 5.36 (5.06–5.68), p < 0.001). A similar trend was noted for the other dental parameters. The associations between GIS and decayed teeth persisted even after adjusting for socio-demographic parameters and health-related habits. The adjustments attenuated the OR but did not eliminate it (OR lowest versus highest = 3.75 (3.38–4.16)). The study demonstrates an association between cognitive performance and caries, independent of the socio-demographic and health-related habits that were analyzed. Better allocation of resources is recommended, focusing on populations with impaired cognitive performance in need of dental care.

scholarly journals Adolescents’ Bipolar Experiences and Suicide Risk: Well-Being and Mental Health Difficulties as Mediators

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3024
Author(s):  
Ascensión Fumero ◽  
Rosario J. Marrero ◽  
Alicia Pérez-Albéniz ◽  
Eduardo Fonseca-Pedrero
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Emotional Difficulties ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Age Range

Bipolar disorder is usually accompanied by a high suicide risk. The main aim was to identify the risk and protective factors involved in suicide risk in adolescents with bipolar experiences. Of a total of 1506 adolescents, 467 (31%) were included in the group reporting bipolar experiences or symptoms, 214 males (45.8%) and 253 (54.2%) females. The mean age was 16.22 (SD = 1.36), with the age range between 14 and 19. Suicide risk, behavioral and emotional difficulties, prosocial capacities, well-being, and bipolar experiences were assessed through self-report. Mediation analyses, taking gender as a moderator and controlling age as a covariate, were applied to estimate suicide risk. The results indicated that the effect of bipolar experiences on suicide risk is mediated by behavioral and emotional difficulties rather than by prosocial behavior and subjective well-being. Specifically, emotional problems, problems with peers, behavior problems, and difficulties associated with hyperactivity were the most important variables. This relationship was not modulated by gender. However, the indirect effects of some mediators varied according to gender. These results support the development of suicide risk prevention strategies focused on reducing emotional difficulties, behavioral problems, and difficulties in relationships with others.

scholarly journals Serum C-reactive protein metabolite (CRPM) is associated with incidence of contralateral knee osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Christine Bay-Jensen ◽  
Asger Bihlet ◽  
Inger Byrjalsen ◽  
Jeppe Ragnar Andersen ◽  
Bente Juhl Riis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Iii ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Inflammatory Phenotype ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Using Data

AbstractThe heterogeneous nature of osteoarthritis (OA) and the need to subtype patients is widely accepted in the field. The biomarker CRPM, a metabolite of C-reactive protein (CRP), is released to the circulation during inflammation. Blood CRPM levels have shown to be associated with disease activity and response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the level of blood CRPM in OA compared to RA using data from two phase III knee OA and two RA studies (N = 1591). Moreover, the association between CRPM levels and radiographic progression was investigated. The mean CRPM levels were significantly lower in OA (8.5 [95% CI 8.3–8.8] ng/mL, n = 781) compared to the RA patients (12.8 [9.5–16.0] ng/mL, n = 60); however, a significant subset of OA patients (31%) had CRPM levels (≥ 9 ng/mL) comparable to RA. Furthermore, OA patients (n = 152) with CRPM levels ≥ 9 ng/mL were more likely to develop contra-lateral knee OA assessed by X-ray over a two-year follow-up period with an odds ratio of 2.2 [1.0–4.7]. These data suggest that CRPM is a blood-based biochemical marker for early identification OA patients with an inflammatory phenotype.

The impact of legs fat mass and legs lean fat mass on thigh circumference according cardiovascular risk: a population-based study

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Chlabicz ◽  
M Paniczko ◽  
J Jamolkowski ◽  
P Sowa ◽  
M Lapinska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Muscle Tissue ◽  
Fat Mass ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Thigh Circumference ◽  
Tissue Model ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Medical University of Bialystok, Poland Introduction A low thigh circumference is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and total mortality. Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the thigh circumference and cardiovascular (CV) risk classes, and to assess what type of tissue, adipose tissue or muscle tissue affects the thigh circumference. Methods The longitudinal, population-based, Polish study was conducted in 2017-2020. A total of 931 individuals aged 20-79 were analyzed. Pol-SCORE system was used to assess the 10-year risk of fatal CV based on the following risk factors: age, gender, smoking, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol for individuals aged 40-70.  Then, CV risk classes were assessed using the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines. The measurement of thigh circumference were performed directly below the gluteal fold of the thigh. Both thighs were measured and the mean value was calculated as the final thigh circumference. Body composition was assessed using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Results The mean age was 49.1 ± 15.5 years and 43.2% male. The mean thigh circumference was 58.2 ± 5.9 cm, the mean legs fat mass was 7.7 ± 2.8kg, and the mean legs lean mass was 16.9 ± 4.0kg. Lower thigh circumference was associated with higher CV risk classes in univariate linear regression analysis (β -0.516, p = 0.002), as well adjusted by age and sex (β -0.839, p = 0.008), adjusted by age, sex, BMI (β -0.886, p &lt;0.001), and age, sex, WHR (β -0.988, p &lt;0.001). In linear regression analysis legs adipose tissue and muscle tissue were related to the thigh circumference independently of CV risk classes (Model 1) and Pol-SCORE value (Model 2). However, fatty tissue (Model 1: β 0.746, p &lt; 0.001; Model 2: β 0.749, p &lt; 0.001) affects the thigh circumference more than the muscle tissue (Model 1: β 0.479, p &lt; 0.001; Model 2: β 0.442, p &lt; 0.001) (Fig. 1). Conclusion Smaller thigh circumference was associated with higher CV risk classes. Thigh circumference was more influenced by adipose tissue than by muscle tissue, regardless of the Pol-SCORE  or CV risk classes. Table 1. Variable Model 1 Model 2 Beta p R2 Beta p R2 Legs fat mass 0.746 &lt;0.001 0.785 0.749 &lt;0.001 0.760 Legs lean mass 0.479 &lt;0.001 0.785 0.442 &lt;0.001 0.760 Model 1: adjusted for Cardiovascular risk classesModel 2: adjusted for Pol-SCOREResults of the linear regression analysis thigh circumference in the general population Abstract Figure 1.

scholarly journals Factors associated with the use of fashion braces of the Saudi Arabian Youth: application of the Health Belief Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anwar S. Alhazmi ◽  
Dania E. Al Agili ◽  
Mohammed S. Aldossary ◽  
Shaker M. Hakami ◽  
Bashaer Y. Almalki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Perceived Susceptibility ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Belief Model ◽  
The Health Belief Model

Abstract Background In spite of the fact that fashion braces (FBs) have been in the spotlight in recent years among both orthodontists and the general public in several countries, there is still limited evidence regarding FBs. The aim was to identify health-related behaviors in using FBs by considering the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods A cross-sectional study with a random sampling technique was conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The data was obtained from different middle and high schools students, and first-year students at Jazan University. The questionnaire collected data on demographic characteristics and 27 items to examine the constructs of the HBM. Chi Square test was carried out to establish the factors associated with using, the intention to use, and previous knowledge on the use of fashion braces. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the factors associated with the use of fashion braces. Results 406 study participants completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 88.3%. Majority of respondents were males (52.2%) and > 19 years old (44.3%). Only 9.9% students had used the FBs. However, 25.7% of students had the intention to use them. The perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits and cues to action constructs scores were fair with the mean values of 15.38 (SD = 9.4), 28.17 (SD = 10.8) and 6.65 (SD = 2.50), respectively. However, the perceived barrier score was high with the mean values of 22.14 (SD = 7.50), and lower score of self-efficacy with mean of 8.73 (SD = 3.30). Gender, age, monthly income (family), and education level were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the use of fashion braces among the study’s participants. Based on the results of logistic regression analysis family income, perceived susceptibility, and risk severity constructs predict the use of fashion braces in the study's sample. Conclusions The current study suggests that the family income, perceived susceptibility, and risk severity of students significantly influence the use of fashion braces. Hence, it is recommended that researchers should investigate effective educational strategies and programs for improving young people’s knowledge about fashion braces and focus more on low family income students so that their using of fashion brace will be decreased.

Factors affecting desired family size in Bangladesh

1994 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Kabir ◽  
Ruhul Amin ◽  
Ashraf Uddin Ahmed ◽  
Jamir Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Family Size ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Work Status ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Rural Bangladesh ◽  
Contraceptive Prevalence ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Desired Family Size

SummaryFactors affecting desired family size in rural Bangladesh are examined using data from contraceptive prevalence surveys conducted between 1983 and 1991. The analysis suggests that mothers having two sons and one daughter are more inclined to perceive their family as complete than those having three sons and no daughter. Logistic regression analysis indicates that important determinants of desire for more children are age of woman, current contraceptive use status, work status, and family planning worker's visit. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.

The role of exudation in chronic subdural hematomas

2007 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Tokmak ◽  
A. Celal Iplikcioglu ◽  
Sirzat Bek ◽  
Cem Atilla Gökduman ◽  
Mustafa Erdal
Keyword(s):  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Subdural Hematomas ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Exudation Rate

Object Chronic subdural hematomas (SDHs) are a local inflammatory process that causes the formation of a granulation tissue often referred to as the external or outer membrane. This membrane has abnormally permeable macrocapillaries. Therefore, exudation from the macrocapillaries in the outer membrane of chronic SDH may play an important role in the enlargement of chronic SDH. In this study the authors investigated the role of exudation in chronic SDH. Methods The authors examined 24 patients (16 men and eight women; age range 38–86 years [mean age 61.4 years]) with 27 chronic SDHs. The clinical status of the patients was evaluated according to the classification described by Markwalder. The diagnosis was established on computed tomography (CT) scans in all cases. The authors also used the Nomura Classification for judging the lesion's appearance on CT scans. Immediately after the diagnosis, all patients were administered 20 mCi (740 mBq) technetium-99m human serum albumin. Four hours later, blood and SDH samples were taken and radioactivity levels were measured in each. The ratio of activity of the samples taken from chronic SDH to the radioactivity of blood was determined as a percentage and defined as the exudation rate. On the follow-up CT scan obtained on postoperative Day 20, subdural collections thicker than 5 mm were determined to be a reaccumulation. Results The correlations between the exudation rate and age of the patients, clinical grades, CT appearances, and amount of reaccumulation were investigated. In this series the average exudation rate was 13.24% (range 2.05–28.88%). The mean exudation rates according to the clinical grades assigned to patients were as follows: Grade 0, 8.67 ± 5.64% (three patients); Grade 1, 5.07 ± 1.43% (eight patients); Grade 2, 17.87 ± 3.73% (seven patients); and Grade 3, 19.65 ± 7.67% (six patients). Exudation rates in patients with Grades 2 and 3 were significantly higher than those in Grades 0 and 1 (p < 0.05). The mean exudation rates according to the lesion's appearance on CT scans were found as follows: hypodense appearance, 6.55 ± 4.52% (eight patients); isodense appearance, 11.07 ± 6.32% (five patients); hyperdense appearance, 19.47 ± 13.61% (three patients); and mixed-density appearance, 17.40 ± 5.80% (nine patients). The differences among the groups were significant (p < 0.05). The average exudation rate was statistically higher in the patients with reaccumulation (16.30 ± 8.16%) than that in the patients without reaccumulation (9.96 ± 6.84%) (p < 0.05). Conclusions The exudation rate in chronic SDH is correlated with a higher clinical grade (Markwalder Grade 2 or 3), mixed-density CT appearance, and reaccumulation. Therefore, exudation from macrocapillaries in the outer membrane of chronic SDH probably plays an important role in the pathophysiology and the growth of chronic SDH.

Relation of Fatigue with Alexithymia and Depression in Psychiatric Outpatients

2007 ◽  
Vol 105 (2) ◽  
pp. 539-545
Author(s):  
Thomas N. Wise ◽  
Michael J. Sheridan
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Psychosocial Stress ◽  
Multivariate Regression ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Psychiatric Outpatients ◽  
The Mean

The complaint of fatigue is common in community, primary care, and psychiatric settings. Fatigue is often associated with depression and psychosocial stress. This report investigated the role of alexithymia and depression in fatigue as reported in a sample of 151 psychiatric outpatients (75 men and 76 women) who completed all scales. The mean age of the sample was 45.5 yr. ( SD = 12.5), and mean education was 16.2 yr. ( SD = 2.4). Fatigue was inversely correlated with education (–.16) and positively correlated with depression (.44), anxiety (.30), and alexithymia (.35). However, in a multivariate regression analysis, only depression and alexithymia remained significant ( p ≤ .01).

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