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result(s) for
"Valeri, Linda"
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Statistical software for analyzing the health effects of multiple concurrent exposures via Bayesian kernel machine regression
by
Bobb, Jennifer F.
,
Coull, Brent A.
,
Claus Henn, Birgit
in
Air pollution
,
Bayes Theorem
,
Bayesian analysis
2018
Background
Estimating the health effects of multi-pollutant mixtures is of increasing interest in environmental epidemiology. Recently, a new approach for estimating the health effects of mixtures, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), has been developed. This method estimates the multivariable exposure-response function in a flexible and parsimonious way, conducts variable selection on the (potentially high-dimensional) vector of exposures, and allows for a grouped variable selection approach that can accommodate highly correlated exposures. However, the application of this novel method has been limited by a lack of available software, the need to derive interpretable output in a computationally efficient manner, and the inability to apply the method to non-continuous outcome variables.
Methods
This paper addresses these limitations by (i) introducing an open-source software package in the R programming language, the
bkmr
R package, (ii) demonstrating methods for visualizing high-dimensional exposure-response functions, and for estimating scientifically relevant summaries, (iii) illustrating a probit regression implementation of BKMR for binary outcomes, and (iv) describing a fast version of BKMR that utilizes a Gaussian predictive process approach. All of the methods are illustrated using fully reproducible examples with the provided R code.
Results
Applying the methods to a continuous outcome example illustrated the ability of the BKMR implementation to estimate the health effects of multi-pollutant mixtures in the context of a highly nonlinear, biologically-based dose-response function, and to estimate overall, single-exposure, and interactive health effects. The Gaussian predictive process method led to a substantial reduction in the runtime, without a major decrease in accuracy. In the setting of a larger number of exposures and a dichotomous outcome, the probit BKMR implementation was able to correctly identify the variables included in the exposure-response function and yielded interpretable quantities on the scale of a latent continuous outcome or on the scale of the outcome probability.
Conclusions
This newly developed software, integrated suite of tools, and extended methodology makes BKMR accessible for use across a broad range of epidemiological applications in which multiple risk factors have complex effects on health.
Journal Article
The Joint Effect of Prenatal Exposure to Metal Mixtures on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 20–40 Months of Age: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh
2017
Exposure to chemical mixtures is recognized as the real-life scenario in all populations, needing new statistical methods that can assess their complex effects.
We aimed to assess the joint effect of in utero exposure to arsenic, manganese, and lead on children's neurodevelopment.
We employed a novel statistical approach, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), to study the joint effect of coexposure to arsenic, manganese, and lead on neurodevelopment using an adapted Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development™. Third Edition, in 825 mother-child pairs recruited into a prospective birth cohort from two clinics in the Pabna and Sirajdikhan districts of Bangladesh. Metals were measured in cord blood using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
Analyses were stratified by clinic due to differences in exposure profiles. In the Pabna district, which displayed high manganese levels [interquartile range (IQR): 4.8, 18 μg/dl], we found a statistically significant negative effect of the mixture of arsenic, lead, and manganese on cognitive score when cord blood metals concentrations were all above the 60th percentile (As≥0.7 μg/dl, Mn≥6.6 μg/dl, Pb≥4.2 μg/dl) compared to the median (As=0.5 μg/dl, Mn=5.8 μg/dl, Pb=3.1 μg/dl). Evidence of a nonlinear effect of manganese was found. A change in log manganese from the 25th to the 75th percentile when arsenic and manganese were at the median was associated with a decrease in cognitive score of −0.3 (−0.5, −0.1) standard deviations. Our study suggests that arsenic might be a potentiator of manganese toxicity.
Employing a novel statistical method for the study of the health effects of chemical mixtures, we found evidence of neurotoxicity of the mixture, as well as potential synergism between arsenic and manganese. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP614.
Journal Article
Invited Perspective: A Multivariate Disease Process Perspective for Environmental Epidemiology
2023
Life course epidemiological studies provide longitudinal information, with varying degrees of frequency, over a long follow-up for a rich set of environmental, social, and biological factors. Life course cohort studies constitute a large investment of funds and time holding the promise of uncovering the effect of complex environmental exposures and of informing prevention strategies when randomized controlled trials are unethical or unfeasible. To inform effective prevention strategies it is important to identify which environmental pollutants are the key drivers of health outcomes as well as identify which timing of exposure influences which phase of the health condition of interest and through which mechanism. Such promise can be fully realized when we acknowledge that disease and exposure are multivariate intertwined dynamic processes in continuous time and consequently apply appropriate methods to investigate their dynamic dependence. Data science methods can be shaped by causal inference principles to overcome key methodological challenges toward the accomplishment of this goal.
Journal Article
Associations between prenatal maternal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and birth outcomes among pregnant women in San Francisco
by
Smith, Sabrina Crispo
,
Gao, Songmei
,
Morello-Frosch, Rachel
in
Automation
,
Birth outcomes
,
Birth weight
2020
Background
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used in consumer products for their water repellent and flame retardant properties, respectively. However, there is widespread prenatal exposure and concern about their potential harm to the developing fetus. Here, we utilized data from a demographically diverse cohort of women in San Francisco, CA to examine associations between prenatal exposure to PFAS and PBDEs with gestational age and birth weight for gestational age z-scores.
Methods
Women included in this analysis were enrolled in the Chemicals in our Bodies (CIOB) cohort study (
N
= 506). PFAS and PBDEs were measured in serum obtained during the second trimester of pregnancy. Linear regression models were used to calculate crude and adjusted β coefficients for the association between PFAS and PBDE concentrations in tertiles and gestational age and birth weight z-scores. Individual PFAS and PBDE concentrations, as well as their sums, were examined in separate models.
Results
The highest compared to lowest tertile of BDE-47 was associated with shorter gestational age (β = − 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = − 0.95, − 0.02). Additionally, exposure to BDE-47 and BDE-99 in the middle tertile was also associated with a reduction in birth weight z-scores (β = − 0.26, 95% CI = -0.48, − 0.04; β = − 0.25, 95% CI = -0.47, − 0.04, respectively) compared to those in the lowest tertile of exposure. No consistent associations were observed between increasing PFAS concentrations and gestational age or birth weight z-scores.
Discussion
Among a diverse group of pregnant women in the San Francisco Bay Area, we found non-linear associations between prenatal exposure to PBDEs during the second trimester of pregnancy and birth weight z-scores. However, most PFAS congeners were not associated with adverse birth outcomes. PFAS and PBDE concentrations were lower in our cohort relative to other studies. Future research should assess the effects of emerging and persistent PFAS and PBDEs on birth outcomes, as some congeners are being phased out and replaced by chemically similar structures.
Journal Article
Neurodevelopmental outcomes among 2- to 3-year-old children in Bangladesh with elevated blood lead and exposure to arsenic and manganese in drinking water
2016
Background
The people of Bangladesh are currently exposed to high concentrations of arsenic and manganese in drinking water, as well as elevated lead in many regions. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between environmental exposure to these contaminants and neurodevelopmental outcomes among Bangladeshi children.
Methods
We evaluated data from 524 children, members of an ongoing prospective birth cohort established to study the effects of prenatal and early childhood arsenic exposure in the Sirajdikhan and Pabna Districts of Bangladesh. Water was collected from the family’s primary drinking source during the first trimester of pregnancy and at ages 1, 12 and 20–40 months. At age 20–40 months, blood lead was measured and neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using a translated, culturally-adapted version of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III).
Results
Median blood lead concentrations were higher in Sirajdikhan than Pabna (7.6 vs.
Journal Article
Effectiveness of a Video-Based Intervention on Reducing Perceptions of Fear, Loneliness, and Public Stigma Related to COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial
2021
Objectives: During the first peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, we investigated the impact of digital interventions to reduce COVID-19 related fear, loneliness, and public stigma. Methods: We recruited and randomly assigned 988 United States residents to: 1) no intervention 2) informational sheet to learn about COVID-19, 3) (2) AND video encouraging digital social activity, 4) (2) AND video sensitizing to COVID-19 related stigma (registered in Clinicaltrials.gov). Surveys were conducted between April 2-16, 2020. We employed generalized linear mixed models to investigate intervention effects. Results: 10% of the participants reported not being afraid of people COVID-19+ and 32% reported not feeling lonely. Stigma and fear items reflected acute worries about the outbreak. Relative to the informational sheet only group, video groups led to greater reduction in perceptions of fear towards COVID-19+ (ORvideo.solo = 0.78, p-val<0.001; ORvideo.friend = 0.79, p-val<0.001) and of stigma (BETAvideo.solo = −0.50, p-val<0.001; BETAvideo.friend = −0.69, p-val<0.001). Conclusion: Video-based interventions lead to reductions in COVID-19-related fear and stigma. No difference in social activity among groups was found, potentially explaining lack of efficacy on loneliness.
Journal Article
Strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration on critical health issues: One Health Systems Mapping and Analysis Resource Toolkit (OH-SMART) for operationalizing One Health
by
Vesterinen, Heidi M.
,
Prasarnphanich, Ong-Orn
,
Suwandono, Agus
in
Animals
,
Antiinfectives and antibacterials
,
Antimicrobial agents
2019
Addressing critical global health issues, such as antimicrobial resistance, infectious disease outbreaks, and natural disasters, requires strong coordination and management across sectors. The One Health approach is the integrative effort of multiple sectors working to attain optimal health for people, animals, and the environment, and is increasingly recognized by experts as a means to address complex challenges. However, practical application of the One Health approach has been challenging. The One Health Systems Mapping and Analysis Resource Toolkit (OH-SMART) introduced in this paper was designed using a multistage prototyping process to support systematic improvement in multi-sectoral coordination and collaboration to better address complex health concerns through an operational, stepwise, and practical One Health approach. To date, OH-SMART has been used to strengthen One Health systems in 17 countries and has been deployed to revise emergency response frameworks, improve antimicrobial resistance national action plans and create multi agency infectious disease collaboration protocols. OH-SMART has proven to be user friendly, robust, and capable of fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and complex system-wide problem solving.
Journal Article
Role of preconception nutrition supplements in maternal anemia and intrauterine growth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
by
Kuhn, Louise
,
Aziz Ali, Sumera
,
Genkinger, Jeanine
in
Anemia - prevention & control
,
Biomedicine
,
Dietary Supplements
2025
Background
Impaired intrauterine growth, a significant global health problem, contributes to a higher burden of infant morbidity and mortality, mainly in resource-poor settings. Maternal anemia and undernutrition, two important causes of impaired intrauterine growth, are prioritized by global nutrition targets of 2030. We synthesized the evidence on the role of preconception nutrition supplements in reducing maternal anemia and improving intrauterine growth.
Methods
We undertook a review of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of preconception nutrition supplements on maternal hemoglobin, an indicator to estimate maternal anemia, and markers of intrauterine growth including birth weight, length, head circumference, and small for gestational age. Additionally, we examined preterm birth as an important perinatal outcome. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Embase. We computed summary mean differences and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effect models. We employed
I
2
and Cochran’s
Q
test statistics to assess heterogeneity. We used a revised Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB version 2.0) and GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation) tools to assess the risk of bias and quality of evidence of eligible RCTs, respectively.
Results
We identified 20 eligible RCTs (
n
= 27,659 women). Preconception nutrition supplements (iron and folic acid, multiple micronutrients, and a lipid-based nutrient supplement) overall increased maternal hemoglobin by 0.30 g/dL ((0.03, 0.57);
I
2
= 79%;
n
=9). However, we did not find a significant effect of the supplements on birth weight (12.25 gm ((− 22.66, 47.16);
I
2
= 55%;
n
=10)), length (0.15 cm (− 0.26, 0.56);
I
2
= 68%;
n
= 5), head circumference (− 0.23 cm (− 0.88, 0.43);
I
2
= 84%;
n
=4), small for gestational age (RR 0.91 (0.80, 1.04);
I
2
= 31%;
n
=8), or preterm birth (RR 0.93 (0.69,1.25);
I
2
= 57%;
n
=12). In general, the quality of evidence was assessed as very low to moderate.
Conclusion
Preconception nutrition supplements studied to date appear to reduce maternal anemia. However, it is uncertain whether there are beneficial effects of the supplements on intrauterine growth. Low quality of evidence warrants future well-designed RCTs to produce solid scientific data, particularly of a more comprehensive package of preconception nutrition supplements that include both macro- and micronutrients.
Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42023464966.
Journal Article
COVID-19 Pandemic Factors and Depressive Symptoms Among Primary Care Workers in São Paulo, Brazil, October and November 2020
by
Valeri, Linda
,
Ballester, Dinarte
,
Cavalcanti, Maria Tavares
in
Aggression
,
Brazil - epidemiology
,
Clinics
2022
Objectives. To investigate associations between COVID-19-related factors and depressive symptoms among primary care workers (PCWs) in São Paulo, Brazil, and to compare the prevalence of probable depression among PCWs before and during the pandemic. Methods. In a random sample of primary care clinics, we examined 6 pandemic-related factors among 828 PCWs. We used multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate prevalence ratios for probable depression. We assessed the prevalence of probable depression in PCWs before and during the pandemic in 2 comparable studies. Results. Adjusted prevalence ratios were substantial for insufficient personal protective equipment; experiences of discrimination, violence, or harassment; and lack of family support. Comparisons between PCWs before and during the pandemic showed that the prevalence of probable depression among physicians, nurses, and nursing assistants was higher during the pandemic and that the prevalence among community health workers was higher before the pandemic. Conclusions. Our findings indicate domains that may be crucial to mitigating depression among PCWs but that, with the exception of personal protective equipment, have not previously been examined in this population. It is crucial that governments and communities address discriminatory behaviors against PCWs, promote their well-being at work, and foster family support. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(5):786–794. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306723 )
Journal Article
A randomized control trial to support smoke-free policy compliance in public housing
2023
Background
Smoke-free housing policies in multiunit housing are increasingly widespread interventions to reduce smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. Little research has identified factors that impede compliance with smoke-free housing policies in low-income multiunit housing and test corresponding solutions.
Methods
We are using an experimental design to test two compliance support interventions: (A) a “compliance through reduction (via relocation and reduction in personal smoking) and cessation” intervention targets households with smokers and involves support to shift smoking practices to areas beyond the apartment or building setting, reduce personal smoking, and deliver in-residence smoking cessation support services via trained peer educators and (B) a “compliance through resident endorsement” intervention involving voluntary adoption of smoke-free living environments through personal pledges, visible door markers, and/or via social media. We will compare randomly sampled participants in buildings that receive A or B or A plus B to the NYCHA standard approach.
Discussion
This RCT addresses key gaps in knowledge and capitalizes on key scientific opportunities by (1) leveraging the federal mandate to ban smoking in a public housing system of more than sufficient size to conduct an adequately powered RCT; (2) expanding our understanding of smoke-free policy compliance beyond policy implementation by testing two novel treatments: (a) in-residence smoking cessation and (b) resident endorsement, while (3) addressing population and location-specific tobacco-related disparities. At the conclusion of the study, this RCT will have leveraged a monumental policy shift affecting nearly half a million NYC public housing residents, many of whom disproportionately experience chronic illness and are more likely to smoke and be exposed to secondhand smoke than other city residents. This first-ever RCT will test the effects of much-needed compliance strategies on resident smoking behavior and secondhand smoke exposure in multiunit housing.
Trial registration
Clinical Trials Registered, NCT05016505. Registered on August 23, 2021.
Journal Article
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