Restricted Maximum Likelihood Research Articles

Safety and efficacy of anti-HER2 agents in the treatment of biliary tract cancers: A systematic review.

639 Background: Limited treatment options exist for patients with locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancers (BTCs). Recently, several clinical trials provided preliminary evidence for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) as a new target for patients with HER2 expressing BTC. We conducted a systematic review and pooled analysis of the safety and efficacy of anti-HER2 agents in patients with advanced BTC. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed to identify phase 1, 2, or 3 clinical trials published between January 2019 and March 2024 that evaluated anti-HER2 therapy in locally advanced or metastatic BTC. Primary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), rate of treatment discontinuation, and death. Forest plots were generated to summarize the results and demonstrate the effect size estimates for each study, along with their confidence intervals and the pooled estimate from the random-effects model. The random-effects models were configured to use the Restricted Maximum Likelihood method for estimating between-study variance for all analyses. Results: After excluding duplicate and irrelevant articles, data extraction and analysis were performed on eight selected clinical trials. The analysis included 368 patients with a median age of 64 (range 49-68), with 55% being female. Patients were treated with several anti-HER2 agents, including zanidatamab, pertuzumab plus trastuzumab, tucatinib plus trastuzumab, trastuzumab deruxtecan, trastuzumab plus chemotherapy, trastuzumab-pkrb plus chemotherapy and neratinib. The pooled ORR and DCR were 34% (95% CI 24-44) and 64% (95% CI 51-77) respectively. The pooled weighted PFS and median OS survival were 4.8 and 9.4 months, respectively. The pooled duration of response was 5.0 months. In our subset analysis, which included only patients who had received ≥1 prior therapy, the pooled ORR was 30% (95% CI 22-39), the pooled DCR was 62% (95% CI 48-75), and the pooled median PFS was 4.4 months. In the study cohort, 82.6% of patients experienced any adverse event, and 32.1% experienced a grade 3-4 adverse event. Only 5.7% of the patients discontinued treatment secondary to TRAEs. Conclusions: In patients with HER2 expressing BTCs, anti-HER2 therapies demonstrated preliminary signals of efficacy with manageable toxicities, particularly in the second-line setting.

Comparative Analysis of Genomic and Pedigree-Based Approaches for Genetic Evaluation of Morphological Traits in Pura Raza Española Horses

Background: The single-step best linear unbiased predictor (ssGBLUP) has emerged as a reference method for genomic selection in recent years due to its advantages over traditional approaches. Although its application in horses remains limited, ssGBLUP has demonstrated the potential to improve the reliability of estimated breeding values in livestock species. This study aimed to assess the impact of incorporating genomic data using single-step restricted maximum likelihood (ssGREML) on reliability (R2) in the Pura Raza Española (PRE) horse breed, compared to traditional pedigree-based REML. Methods: The analysis involved 14 morphological traits from 7152 animals, including 2916 genotyped individuals. Genetic parameters were estimated using a multivariate model. Results: Results showed that heritability estimates were similar between the two approaches, ranging from 0.08 to 0.76. However, a significant increase in reliability (R2) was observed for ssGREML compared to REML across all morphological traits, with overall gains ranging from 1.56% to 13.30% depending on the trait evaluated. R2 ranged from 6.93% to 22.70% in genotyped animals, significantly lower in non-genotyped animals (0.82% to 12.37%). Interestingly, individuals with low R2 values in REML demonstrated the largest R2 gains in ssGREML. Additionally, this improvement was much greater (5.96% to 19.25%) when only considering stallions with less than 40 controlled foals. Conclusions: Hereby, we demonstrated that the application of genomic selection can contribute to improving the reliability of mating decisions in a large horse breeding program such as the PRE breed.

Regression of carotid atherosclerosis in high-risk individuals with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors represent a novel approach for reducing cholesterol and, accordingly, the burden of atherosclerosis. However, limited data are available regarding the possible effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on atherosclerotic plaque. To evaluate the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in reducing carotid plaque progression in individuals with high-risk carotid atherosclerotic disease. We used carotid total plaque area (TPA) to assess the burden of atherosclerosis. Ultrasound imaging of the carotid was acquired before and after the initiation of PCSK9 inhibitor therapy. We selected high-risk cases with atherosclerosis with a minimum of three ultrasound examinations, 1 year before, one at the time of initiation of a PCSK9 inhibitor, and 1 year after initiating a PCSK9 inhibitor. Statistical analysis was conducted using the mixed-effects model with Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML). We reviewed data from 131 patients with a mean follow-up of 6 (±4) years. Patients were high-risk, with the majority having diabetes or hypertension. There was a decrease in TPA, particularly during the first 3 years after initiating PCSK9 inhibitor therapy (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we observed that individuals with higher baseline serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels experienced a greater decline in TPA (p < 0.05). PCSK9 inhibitors are effective in achieving plaque regression in high-risk patients with atherosclerosis. This is important, as plaque regression is associated with a lower risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death.

Pharmacological preventions and treatments for pericardial complications after open heart surgeries

BackgroundPericardial complications following cardiac surgery are common and debilitating, significantly impacting patients’ survival. We performed this network meta-analysis to identify the most effective and safest preventions and treatments for pericardial...

A comparison of confidence interval methods for the intraclass correlation coefficient based on the one-way random effects model

Abstract Intraclass correlation coefficients are widely used not only in medicine but also in various other fields. This study focuses on the intraclass correlation coefficient based on the one-way random effects model. We review the methods for constructing confidence intervals and compare their performance through simulations. Donner and Wells (Biometrics 42:401–412, 1986) and Ukoumunne (Stat Med 21(24):3757–3774, 2002) conducted simulation studies to compare some methods. However, in this study, we also include methods developed after their studies. These include a method based on the nonparametric bootstrap by Ukoumunne et al. (Stat Med 22(24):3805–3821, 2003), a method based on the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) by Burch (Comput Stat Data Anal 55(2):1018–1028, 2011), and a method based on the beta distribution by Demetrashvili et al. (Stat Methods Med Res 25(5):2359–2376, 2016). Our simulations reveal that under the normality of random effects and errors, the REML-based method performs best overall in terms of coverage probability of confidence intervals, upper and lower error rates, and mean interval width.

The Safety Profile of Inclisiran in Patients with Dyslipidemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Inclisiran is a novel drug that employs ribonucleic acid (RNA) interference to lower the levels of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein. It has demonstrated a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels compared to a placebo. We aim to comprehensively evaluate the safety of using Inclisiran in patients with dyslipidemia and ASCVD or an ASCVD risk equivalent. Four electronic databases, namely, Pubmed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov, were searched from inception to June 2024 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing safety profiles of Inclisiran and the control group. The outcomes investigated were all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), injection-site adverse events, new-onset or worsening type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and nasopharyngitis. The effect estimates of outcomes were assessed using the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted using the restricted maximum likelihood method. Subgroup analysis was performed based on different dosing regimens. The study included 7 RCTs, enrolling 4790 patients (age 63.8 ± 9.7 years, 33.2% females) who received Inclisiran. Compared to the control group, Inclisiran use did not yield a significant effect on all-cause mortality (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.54 to 1.54; I2 = 0%), MACEs (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.17; I2 = 0%), nasopharyngitis (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.45; I2 = 0%), and T2DM (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.21; I2 = 0%). However, Inclisiran use demonstrated a significant increase in injection-site adverse events (RR, 6.50; 95% CI, 3.20 to 13.20; I2 = 29%). Inclisiran use significantly increased injection-site reactions, with no increase in mortality, T2DM, or nasopharyngitis. It demonstrates a generally favorable safety profile, making it a promising option for lipid management in individuals at high cardiovascular risk, such as those with ASCVD or equivalent conditions. While it effectively improves dyslipidemia, decision-makers should be aware of an increased incidence of injection-site reactions, which, though typically mild, warrant consideration in clinical practice. Further trials are required to assess the safety of Inclisiran, particularly the association of the severity of injection-site adverse events over longer treatment durations.

Positive associations between mean ambient temperature and involuntary admissions to psychiatric facilities.

Temperature increases in the context of climate change affect numerous mental health outcomes. One such relevant outcome is involuntary admissions as these often relate to severe (life)threatening psychiatric conditions. Due to a shortage of studies into this topic, relationships between mean ambient temperature and involuntary admissions have remained largely elusive. To examine associations between involuntary admissions to psychiatric institutions and various meteorological variables. Involuntary admissions data from 23 psychiatric institutions in the Netherlands were linked to meteorological data from their respective weather stations. Generalized additive models were used, integrating a restricted maximum likelihood method and thin plate regression splines to preserve generalizability and minimize the risk of overfitting. We thus conducted univariable, seasonally stratified, multivariable, and lagged analyses. A total of 13,746 involuntary admissions were included over 21,549days. In univariable and multivariable models, we found significant positive associations with involuntary admissions for ambient temperature and windspeed, with projected increases of up to 0.94% in involuntary admissions per degree Celsius temperature elevation. In the univariable analyses using all data, the strongest associations in terms of significance and explained variance were found for mean ambient temperature (p=2.5×10-6, Variance Explained [r2]=0.096%) and maximum ambient temperature (p=8.65×10-4, r2=0.072%). We did not find evidence that the lagged associations explain the associations for ambient temperature better than the direct associations. Mean ambient temperature is consistently but weakly associated with involuntary psychiatric admissions. Our findings set the stage for further epidemiological and mechanistic studies into this topic, as well as for modeling studies examining future involuntary psychiatric admissions.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery in adolescents: a single-center study of efficacy and outcome predictors.

Some adolescents undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) have suboptimal responses to surgery, particularly over the longer term. This study aimed to quantify changes in weight loss over time in adolescents undergoing MBS and identify preoperative predictors of weight loss. This was a prospective, observational cohort study of 73 adolescents (12-19 years) living with obesity undergoing MBS. Absolute and relative changes in anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated up to 30 months. Changes in anthropometric measures were assessed using a mixed residual maximal likelihood model. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify predictors of a >35.0% reduction in BMI z-score from baseline to 12 months. Predictive accuracy was assessed by ROC-AUC analysis. Most patients (87.7%) underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (12.3% underwent laparoscopic sleeve bypass). Weight, weight z-score, BMI, and BMI z-score significantly decreased over 30 months (p<0.001) up to a -53.8% relative change in BMI z-score at 30 months. There was a significant increase (p=0.02) in HDL cholesterol and a significant decrease in triglycerides (p=0.0001) and ALT (p=0.0004) after surgery. A higher preoperative BMI was associated with a reduced odds (OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.79-0.97, p=0.03) of a >35% reduction in BMI z-score at 12 months. A baseline BMI >52.6 kg/m2 had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 40.6% for detecting a >35.0% postoperative decrease in BMI z-score. MBS results in sustained weight loss in adolescents. A high preoperative BMI predicts resistance to optimal weight loss after surgery and argues against delaying surgery once eligibility thresholds are met.

Genetic investigations into the use of sensory evaluation: the case of boar taint discrimination in Pietrain sired crossbreds.

Using genetic selection for raising intact boars, which improves growth and feed efficiency, is a promising alternative to castration for mitigating boar taint. Selective breeding has the potential to help to identify and select genetic lines with a reduced risk of boar taint. Common phenotypes are laboratory measurements of skatole (SKA) and androstenone (ANON) i.e., the major compounds responsible for boar taint, in backfat. However, an alternative exists: sensory evaluation by human assessors. The objectives of this study were (1) to estimate the genetic relationships among sensory scores (SENS) obtained by different assessors, (2) to correlate these scores with SKA and ANON, (3) to establish the independence of SENS from the causal traits, here SKA and ANON, by recursive modeling, holding those constant, and (4) to combine different assessors to allow an efficient selection against boar taint. Data included up to 1,016 records of SKA, ANON, and SENS (0-5) from 10 trained assessors on the backfat of intact males reared at least until puberty at three performance testing stations testing the products of Pietrain × commercial crossbred sows. Genetic parameters were estimated using restricted estimate maximum likelihood. Traits SKA and ANON were log10 transformed (SKAt and ANONt) and SENS traits were Snell transformed SENS (SENSt). Heritability estimates were 0.52 for SKAt and 0.53 for ANONt, those for SENSt ranged from 0.07 to 0.30. Moderate to high genetic correlations between some SENSt and SKAt (up to 0.87) and ANONt (up to 0.61) were found. Heritabilities and correlations indicated that some SENSt could be used to select against boar taint. Studying the independence of SENSt from SKAt and ANONt based on a posteriori recursive model revealed a large range of reductions of genetic variance: up to 71.08%. However, some SENSt remained moderately heritable (0.04-0.19) indicating independent genetic variance from SKAt and ANONt. This reflects that some heritable compounds potentially not related to SKA or ANON are perceived. Finally, the combination of assessors allowed, here shown with three assessors, to obtain a high heritability of 0.40, associated to high genetic and phenotypic correlations. Moreover, these results demonstrate the potential of using the sensory scores of several trained assessors for selection against boar taint.

Vaginal Antiseptic Preparation at the Time of Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To compare the rates of surgical site infection (SSI) after hysterectomy using vaginal antisepsis with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) versus povidone-iodine (PI). PubMed, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were queried from January 1, 1985 through Dec 7, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized comparisons of interventions (NRCIs) of CHG and PI vaginal antiseptic preparation prior to hysterectomy were included. The primary outcome was SSI as defined by the CDC. Secondary outcomes included postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vaginal culture specimens. Large single group studies of vaginal CHG reporting adverse events and case reports of desquamation were also included. Methodologic quality of each study was assessed using the original Cochrane Risk of Bias and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies Intervention tools. Restricted maximum likelihood meta-analyses of odds ratios (OR) were conducted. 5,289 abstracts were screened. 10 met inclusion with a total of 9,618 participants. The studies included 4 RCTs (n=306), 3 prospective NRCIs (n=1,089), and 3 retrospective NRCIs (n=8,223). PI was compared to 4% CHG in 4 studies (n=2,491), 2% CHG in 2 studies (n=236), 0.1% in 1 study (n=50), and both 2% and 4% CHG in 1 study (n=49). Meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in SSIs, although SSIs were somewhat more common with CHG (summary OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.91-1.63). The relative effect of antiseptic preparations on UTIs was unclear, with an imprecise summary OR (1.18, 95% CI 0.65-2.12). Positive vaginal cultures were less common with CHG preparation (summary OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.04-0.27). Two studies reported no adverse events with CHG, and two found no difference in vaginal irritation when compared with PI. Two case reports described vaginal desquamation or hypersensitivity with CHG. There is no evidence of a difference in postoperative infection with CHG use compared to PI, but CHG vaginal preparation results in lower rates of positive intraoperative vaginal cultures. Despite inadequate reporting, risk of adverse events appears low.

Evaluation of the parameters of variability of the productivity of kholmogory breed bulls

For the first time in Russia a mathematical analysis of sperm production of Kholmogory stud bulls will be performed based on a linear equation model. The aim of the research was to evaluate the parameters of variability of the productivity of Kholmogory stud bulls based on a linear equation model. The object of the study was Kholmogory stud bulls (n = 72) born and used mainly in the Komi Republic. The main aspects of sperm productivity that were the subject of the study include the following parameters: "proportion of live sperm", "sperm concentration", "proportion of sperm with PPD, (%)", "number of sperm with PPD in a dose", "number of sperm with intact acrosome", "number of sperm with abnormal morphology", "sperm survival at 38°C, h". The collected data were analyzed using a mixed equation model approach with the REMLF90 restricted maximum likelihood program. The highest values of the genetic correlation coefficient were found for such sperm production parameters as "sperm concentration, million/ml" - it was reliably positively associated with "the number of sperm with PPD in a dose, million" and "the number of sperm with an intact acrosome, %". In this case, the correlations were at the level of r=0.6-0.8. "The number of sperm with abnormal morphology, %" positively correlated with "the proportion of live sperm, %" and with the "sperm survival at 38°C" parameter. Negatively strong reliable relationships were not established either for the values of genetic or paratypic correlations. Low heritability of sperm productivity parameters (0.039…0.112) indicates that the influence of genetics on these parameters is small. Among these parameters, the highest heritability coefficient was demonstrated by the parameter “sperm survival at 38°C” (0.322). In light of the analysis of sperm productivity as a complex of parameters, it can be stated that this system demonstrates significant stability and variability, which emphasizes the importance of taking into account various aspects when assessing sperm productivity.

Six months of hybrid closed-loop therapy improves diabetes-specific positive well-being, and reduces diabetes distress and fear of hypoglycemia: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThis analysis aimed to investigate diabetes-specific psychological outcomes among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using hybrid closed-loop (HCL) versus standard therapy.Research design and methodsIn this multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled,...

Dopaminergic Treatment and Episodic Memory in Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-analysis of the Literature.

To date, few studies have focused on the benefits of dopaminergic treatment on episodic memory functions in patients affected by Parkinson's disease (PD). We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of pharmacological therapy with dopamine in alleviating episodic memory deficits in Parkinson's patients. A secondary aim was to evaluate the role of dopamine in episodic memory circuits and thus in different memory systems. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed (1971-2022) to find studies that met specific inclusion criteria. The studies had to provide sufficient data (means and standard deviations) to evaluate performance on neuropsychological tests of episodic memory. A total of k = 36 measures were included in the analysis. A statistically significant difference suggested better performance following dopaminergic therapy assumption (ON condition) than following dopaminergic withdrawal (OFF condition), specifically the estimated pooled effect calculated through a random-effects restricted maximum likelihood model was log ratio of means (RoM) = 0.047 (p = 0.011). The back-transformed RoM, indicating a 4.8% improvement, provides an interpretable measure of the effect size, as it reflects the multiplicative change in performance associated with the ON condition. A meta-regression analysis was also performed to assess the influence of specific memory tasks and relevant covariates/factors on the overall meta-analytic effect: four memory contrasts (verbal/visual, immediate/delayed, recall/recognition, word-list/short-story), age of participants, years of education, severity of illness, duration of illness in years, country of study, proportion of women in the sample, type of medication, counterbalancing. Word list/short story and proportion of women in the sample were the only two statistically significant predictors in the model, both associated with a positive higher pooled effect size. The present study revealed a significant overall difference between the results obtained in the ON and OFF conditions. We also found a significantly greater pharmacological effect in the recall of short stories than word lists, which supports the hypothesis of a beneficial effect of dopamine on the hippocampal circuit rather than on prefrontal cortical areas.

The effect of training distribution, duration, and volume on VO2max and performance in trained cyclists: A systematic review, multilevel meta-analysis, and multivariate meta-regression.

This study aimed to systematically investigate whether polarized or non-polarized training leads to greater physiological and performance adaptations in cyclists. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, focusing on interventions categorized as polarized, non-polarized, or unclear. Inclusion criteria required participants to be at least recreationally trained cyclists (VO2max ≥ 59 ml/kg/min) and interventions lasting > 4 weeks. A multi-level random-effects meta-analysis using restricted maximum likelihood estimation was performed. A multivariate meta-regression assessed associations between training volume, VO2max, and time-trial performance. Forty-one studies, comprising 81 training groups and 797 participants, were included. Training significantly improved VO2max across all groups (g = 0.42, 95 % confidence interval = 0.31-0.53, P ≤ 0.001) and time-trial performance (g = 0.39, 95 % confidence interval = 0.25-0.53, P ≤ 0.001), with no significant differences between training modalities (P > 0.05). Longer intervention durations positively influenced VO2max (g = 0.03, 95 % confidence interval = 0.02-0.05, P < 0.001) and time-trial performance (g = 0.04, 95 % confidence interval = 0.03-0.06, P < 0.001). No associations were found between weekly or total training volume and changes in VO2max or time-trial performance. Polarized and non-polarized training modalities yield comparable improvements in VO2max and time-trial performance in trained cyclists. Beyond achieving a necessary training volume, further increases do not appear to enhance performance. These findings encourage athletes and coaches to prioritize effective training distribution rather than fixating on total volume or a specific model.

Optimizing Individualized Antimicrobial Dosing in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and target concentration intervention (TCI) represent significant advancements in individualized medicine, aiming to tailor dosages based on patient-specific characteristics. These approaches account for intra- and inter-individual physiological and clinical variability, with the goal of improving target attainment and clinical remission while reducing treatment failure and adverse effects. The objective is to assess and enhance the current body of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have investigated alternative personalized dosing strategies, such as TDM and TCI, in terms of their efficacy and safety for individualized antimicrobial dosing in pediatric populations. Only studies that compared different dosing regimens and reported plasma concentrations were included in the analysis. Databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until January 3rd, 2024. Only published, peer-reviewed RCTs were considered for inclusion. The study focused on human subjects aged < 18 years who were receiving an antimicrobial drug. The interventions compared experimental dosing versus standard dosing with TDM or TCI. The risk of bias was assessed using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. The primary outcome was the attainment of target concentrations, while secondary outcomes included adverse effects, clinical remission, and treatment failure. Data synthesis was performed using the restricted maximum likelihood method, and the risk ratio (RR) was used as the measure of effect size. Only 11 TDM-based RCTs were included in the study [experimental vs standard doses: 592 (51.3%) patients vs 563 (48.7%) patients]. Experimental dose was significantly associated with improvement in target attainment (RR 1.2587, OR 1.0717-1.4786; p=0.0051). However, experimental antimicrobial dose optimization was non-significantly associated with a numerical decrease in treatment failure (RR 0.8966, OR 0.7749-1.0374; p=0.1424). In addition, it was not significant associated with higher adverse effects [RR 1.3408, odds ratio (OR) 0.1783-10.0825; p=0.7757] and clinical remission rates (RR 4.0589, OR 0.2494-66.0558; p=0.3250). This meta-analysis showed that only target attainment using TDM was significantly improved in pediatric patients treated with experimental doses of antimicrobials compared to standard doses. Larger TCI-focused RCTs are needed to significantly improve treatment failure, adverse effects, and clinical remission.

Evaluating Predictive Accuracy of Regression Models with First-Order Autoregressive Disturbances: A Comparative Approach Using Artificial Neural Networks and Classical Estimators

In the last decade, the size and complexity of datasets have expanded significantly, necessitating more sophisticated predictive methods. Despite this growth, limited research has been conducted on the effects of autocorrelation within widely used regression methods. This study addresses this gap by investigating how autocorrelation impacts the predictive accuracy and efficiency of six regression approaches: Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Cochrane–Orcutt (CO), Prais–Winsten (PW), Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE), and Restricted Maximum Likelihood Estimation (RMLE). The study evaluates each method’s performance on three datasets characterized by autocorrelation, comparing their predictive accuracy and variability. The analysis is structured into three phases: the first phase examines predictive accuracy across methods using Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE); the second phase evaluates the efficiency of parameter estimation based on standard errors across methods; and the final phase visually assesses the closeness of predicted values to actual values through scatter plots. The results indicate that the ANN consistently provides the most accurate predictions, particularly in large sample sizes with extensive training data. For GDP data, the ANN achieved an MSE of 1.05 × 109, an MAE of 23,344.64, and an MAPE of 81.66%, demonstrating up to a 90% reduction in the MSE compared to OLS. These findings underscore the advantages of the ANN for predictive tasks involving autocorrelated data, highlighting its robustness and suitability for complex, large-scale datasets. This study provides practical guidance for selecting optimal prediction techniques in the presence of autocorrelation, recommending the ANN as the preferred method due to its superior performance.

Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition Through Captioned Viewing: A Meta‐Analysis

AbstractSecond language (L2) viewing with captions (i.e., L2 on‐screen text) is now a proliferating as well as promising area of L2 acquisition research. The goal of the present meta‐analysis was to examine (a) the relationship between captioned viewing and incidental vocabulary learning and (b) what variables related to learners, treatment, methodology, and vocabulary tests moderate the captioning effect. Synthesizing 89 effect sizes from 49 primary studies (i.e., independent experiments), we fitted a multilevel meta‐analysis model with restricted maximum likelihood estimation to calculate the overall effect size based on a standardized mean difference of gain scores between captioned viewing and uncaptioned viewing groups. The results showed a medium effect of captioning on L2 vocabulary learning, g = 0.56, p &lt;.001. Moderator analysis indicated moderating effects of instructional level, target audience of video materials, and administration of vocabulary pretest. These results are discussed with the aim of guiding future research and language learning through viewing.

The Gradient of Spontaneous Oscillations Across Cortical Hierarchies Measured by Wearable Magnetoencephalography

The spontaneous oscillations within the brain are intimately linked to the hierarchical structures of the cortex, as evidenced by the cross-cortical gradient between parametrized spontaneous oscillations and cortical locations. Despite the significance of both peak frequency and peak time in characterizing these oscillations, limited research has explored the relationship between peak time and cortical locations. And no studies have demonstrated that the cross-cortical gradient can be measured by optically pumped magnetometer-based magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG). Therefore, the cross-cortical gradient of parameterized spontaneous oscillation was analyzed for oscillations recorded by OPM-MEG using restricted maximum likelihood estimation with a linear mixed-effects model. It was validated that OPM-MEG can measure the cross-cortical gradient of spontaneous oscillations. Furthermore, results demonstrated the difference in the cross-cortical gradient between spontaneous oscillations during eye-opening and eye-closing conditions. The methods and conclusions offer potential to integrate electrophysiological and structural information of the brain, which contributes to the analysis of oscillatory fluctuations across the cortex recorded by OPM-MEG.

Heritability and Correlation Estimates for Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor I Concentration, Weight, Weight Gain, and Height in Angus Beef Cattle in a Long-Term Divergent Selection Study for Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor I (1989 to 2017).

This study investigated the genetic parameters for serum IGF-I concentrations and growth traits in beef cattle. A divergent selection experiment for serum IGF-I concentration was initiated in 1989. One hundred spring-calving (50 high line and 50 low line) and 100 fall-calving (50 high line and 50 low line) black Angus cows with unknown IGF-I concentrations were randomly assigned to the two divergent selection lines. For the 2009 through 2017 breeding seasons, the selection criterion in the two lines was changed from serum IGF-I concentration to high vs. low maintenance energy expected progeny differences (ME EPDs). The number of records available for analysis varied from 2056 for IGF-I concentration on day 42 of the postweaning performance test to 2988 for birth weight, with the exception that only 617 records were available for IGF-I concentration at weaning. (Co)variance components were estimated for direct and maternal additive genetic effects using an animal model and multiple-trait, derivative-free, restricted maximum likelihood (MTDFREML) computer programs. Direct heritability estimates for serum IGF-I concentrations ranged from 0.34 ± 0.07 to 0.46 ± 0.07, whereas direct heritability estimates for weight traits ranged from 0.32 ± 0.05 to 0.39 ± 0.07. Maternal genetic effects on IGF-I were low, with estimates ranging from 0.02 ± 0.11 to 0.17 ± 0.05, and were similarly low for weight traits. Maternal permanent environmental effects were negligible for IGF-I but were larger for weight traits, especially for weaning weight (0.22 ± 0.04). Direct maternal correlations for postweaning IGF-I concentrations were approximately -0.90. The genetic correlations of IGF-I with weight traits were generally low, with negative correlations observed for birth weight and small positive correlations for the other weight traits. Environmental and phenotypic correlations between IGF-I concentrations and growth traits were generally small, indicating circulating IGF-I has a modest impact on growth traits in beef cattle.

Development of an indigestible dietary protein index to investigate the effects of dietary protein content in postweaned pigs.

Proteolytic fermentation induces negative effects on gut health and function, which may affect pig performance. The objective was to conduct a meta-analysis to develop an index of dietary indigestible dietary protein (IDP) to investigate growth performance outcomes of mixed-sex weanling pigs (average body weight of 7.59kg). Eighty-nine articles reporting growth performance variables [average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), gain:feed ratio (GF), initial (IBW), and final body weight] in pigs fed different dietary protein (DP) content (from 12% to 33.6%) and protein sources (plant and animal) were included. DP and IDP index was calculated in all experiments using a common database, with the IDP index defined as the difference between total DP and standardized ileal digestible DP. A DP- and an IDP-based model were developed to predict the ADG, GF, and ADFI (by their relationship) of weaning pigs using a multivariable linear mixed model regression approach with estimates of variable effects obtained using the residual maximum likelihood method. Based on a stepwise manual forward selection, significant predictor variables with improvement of at least 2 points in the Bayesian information criterion were included in the final regression model. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05 and a trend at P < 0.10. Initial exploratory analysis of the database showed a quadratic increase (P < 0.01) in the IDP index with increasing inclusion of plant protein sources in diet formulation and a linear decrease (P < 0.01) in the IDP index with increasing synthetic amino acid inclusion. Regarding the models, the DP-based model could not account for the inclusion of protein sources compared to the IDP-based model. There was a tendency for DP to positively affect (P < 0.10) ADG and GF. Increasing the IDP index tended to negatively impact (P < 0.10) ADG while reducing (P < 0.05) ADFI. Using a practical and hypothetical feed formulation simulation, the final regression models predicted the expected negative impact of a high IDP index on newly weaned pig performance when compared to a low IDP diet. The IDP-based model predicted a stronger negative effect of high IDP when compared to the DP-based model. Results indicate that IDP may be an improved and more reliable index to investigate the impact of DP on pig performance in the postweaning phase.