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Nevin Manimala Statistics

In-Flight Medical Events on Commercial Airline Flights

JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Sep 2;8(9):e2533934. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.33934.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: In-flight medical events are an inevitable challenge in commercial aviation. Managing these events is complicated by constrained medical resources and delayed access to definitive care.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the epidemiology of in-flight medical events and identify factors associated with aircraft diversion, hospital transport, and in-flight mortality.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study included 77 790 in-flight medical events reported to a global ground-based medical support center from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023. All passengers experiencing an in-flight medical event across 84 participating airlines during the study period were included. Data were collected from consultations initiated by flight crew via radio or satellite communication with a dedicated ground-based physician. No demographic or clinical exclusions were applied.

EXPOSURES: Medical conditions occurring during commercial flights that prompted contact with the ground-based support center. Data included clinical presentation, in-flight management, passenger demographics, involvement of volunteer medical professionals, and disposition.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary outcome was aircraft diversion, and secondary outcomes were hospital transport and in-flight mortality. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and multivariable analyses were used to identify clinical and operational variables associated with these outcomes.

RESULTS: Among 77 790 in-flight medical events, the overall incidence was 39 events per 1 million enplanements, with 1 event per 212 flights, or 17 events per billion revenue passenger kilometers. The median (IQR) age of affected passengers (42 316 females [54.4%]) was 43 (27-61) years. Aircraft diversion occurred in 1.7% of cases, most frequently due to neurologic (41%) and cardiovascular (27%) conditions. Suspected stroke (adjusted OR [AOR], 20.35; 95% CI, 12.98-31.91) and acute cardiac emergencies (AOR, 8.16; 95% CI, 6.38-10.42) were the factors associated with the highest odds of diversion. The involvement of a physician volunteer was also associated with increased odds of diversion (AOR, 7.86; 95% CI, 4.49-13.78).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study of 77 790 in-flight medical events, these events occur more frequently than previously reported. Serious neurologic conditions, cardiac events, and physician volunteer involvement are each associated with higher odds of diversion. These findings contribute to the understanding of in-flight medical event frequency and outcomes and may inform policy, flight crew training, and diversion protocols.

PMID:41021228 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.33934

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Short Social Media Videos as a Supplementary Educational Resource in Neuroanatomy: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial

JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Sep 2;8(9):e2533971. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.33971.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: The integration of microlearning tools, such as short social media videos, into medical education may offer novel strategies to enhance student engagement and knowledge acquisition. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness remains limited.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short-term academic performance and student engagement associated with short social media videos as a supplementary educational resource in a neuroanatomy course.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, during the 2024 to 2025 academic year. Third-year medical students who responded to an open invitation were enrolled and divided into an intervention group and a control group based on voluntary participation and access to the social media platform.

INTERVENTION: The intervention group engaged with 50 educational Instagram reels (each 90 seconds) over 2 months through a study-specific Instagram account. The control group continued traditional study methods without exposure to the videos.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary outcomes included changes in neuroanatomy knowledge scores, measured by standardized preintervention and postintervention assessments. Secondary outcomes included student perceptions of the educational value and usability of the videos.

RESULTS: A total of 167 third-year medical students (84 men [50.3%]) were enrolled and divided into an intervention group (n = 84) and a control group (n = 83). Mean (SD) baseline assessment scores were 5.5 (2.8) of 20 in the intervention group and 5.5 (2.3) of 20 in the control group. Postintervention scores were significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the control group (mean [SD] score, 9.9 [2.1] of 20 vs 7.5 [2.4] of 20; P < .001). No significant differences were observed between the intervention group and the control group in final neuroanatomy examination scores (mean [SD] score, 17.2 [1.3] of 20 vs 16.5 [1.5] of 20; P = .09). Among intervention participants, 84.5% (71 of 84) reported that the videos were a beneficial supplement to traditional learning, although 27.4% (23 of 84) noted that the content delivery could feel monotonous.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this nonrandomized clinical trial, the use of short social media videos was associated with improved short-term academic performance and positive student engagement but not with long-term benefit. The sustained impact of short social media videos demands ongoing evaluation, evidence-based modifications, and a focus on balancing creativity with educational outcomes.

PMID:41021227 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.33971

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Cognitive Change in Older Women

J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2025 Sep 29. doi: 10.1177/15409996251383009. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Whether the history of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) contributes to cognitive decline in women is unclear. Methods: Among parous female Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) participants (aged ≥ 65 years without dementia at enrollment), we abstracted APO history for those born 1940 or later and enrolled between 2005 and 2020 (n = 444). Generalized estimating equations estimated the association between APO history and cognition score, measured using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument assessment using item response theory (CASI-IRT), and cognitive decline. Results: Among all participants, 13% had a history of APO. In adjusted models, women with an APO history had 0.23-point lower CASI-IRT score at any age (95% confidence interval: -0.54, 0.07); this small difference was not statistically significant. We found no evidence of an association between APO history and 4-year cognitive change. Conclusion: Among women in the ACT study born in 1940 or later, we found no evidence of a significant association between history of APO and lower cognition or cognitive decline in older adulthood.

PMID:41021219 | DOI:10.1177/15409996251383009

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Multi-database pharmacovigilance assessment of GLP-1 receptor agonist-related ophthalmic risks using advanced signal detection in FAERS and vigibase

J Endocrinol Invest. 2025 Sep 29. doi: 10.1007/s40618-025-02712-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The expanding clinical use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for type 2 diabetes and obesity has raised concerns about underrecognized ocular adverse events (AEs). Despite their metabolic benefits, fragmented evidence and methodological limitations in pharmacovigilance systems hinder comprehensive risk characterization. This study aimed to systematically evaluate ocular toxicity signals associated with GLP-1 RAs using advanced signal mining across the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and VigiBase.

METHODS: Data from FAERS (2005-2025 Q1) and VigiBase (1987-2025 Q1) were analyzed for ocular AEs linked to five GLP-1 RAs (exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide, lixisenatide). Disproportionality analyses using Bayesian (Information Component, IC025 > 0) and frequentist (Reporting Odds Ratio, ROR 95% CI > 1) methods identified significant signals. Duplicate reports and incomplete data were excluded, with statistical processing performed in R packages and Excel software.

RESULTS: Across both databases, ocular AEs predominantly occurred in individuals aged 45-64 and females. Semaglutide exhibited the strongest signals, notably for NAION (ROR = 40.18, IC025 = 2.06 in VigiBase and ROR = 31.46, IC025 = 4.84 in FAERS), with 2,878 cases in VigiBase and 2,047 in FAERS. Dulaglutide showed high rates of visual impairment and diabetic retinopathy. Early-onset AEs (≤ 30 days) were common with dulaglutide and semaglutide, while exenatide-related events peaked after > 360 days. Discrepancies between databases emerged, such as absent liraglutide/lixisenatide signals in VigiBase but moderate activity in FAERS. Furthermore, review of the prescribing information for these GLP-1RAs indicates that ocular adverse events are incompletely characterized. Diabetic retinopathy is reported solely for semaglutide and dulaglutide, while blurred vision is the only ocular event listed for lixisenatide. Other potential ocular risks are not mentioned in any of the respective drug labels.

CONCLUSION: This large-scale pharmacovigilance analysis suggests underrecognized ocular safety signals associated with GLP-1 RAs, most prominently NAION with semaglutide and visual impairment/diabetic retinopathy with dulaglutide. The distinct AE profiles, temporal patterns (early vs. late onset), and database discrepancies highlight the complexity of GLP-1 RA ocular toxicity. These findings underscore the need for enhanced clinical vigilance, targeted post-marketing surveillance, and consideration of label updates to reflect these emerging ocular safety concerns.

PMID:41021211 | DOI:10.1007/s40618-025-02712-3

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Epidemiology of Injury in Elite and Amateur Soccer Referees: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Sports Med. 2025 Sep 29. doi: 10.1007/s40279-025-02326-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of injury in soccer has traditionally focused on soccer players, rather than match officials. Although injury data on referees exist, no comprehensive review has summarized injury profiles in this population.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of injury epidemiology in elite and amateur soccer referees, focusing on injury rates, types, locations, severity, and causes.

METHODS: PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus, covering their entire history up to 19 April 2025 were searched. This review included prospective and retrospective studies reporting injury incidence or prevalence among football match officials, with a study period of at least one season. Studies needed to specify injury definitions and include data on injury location, type, mechanism, or severity. Both male and female officials were eligible. Systematic reviews, commentaries, and letters were excluded. Study quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the STROBE-SIIS, in addition to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and funnel plots. Injury incidence rates were estimated using a random effects Poisson regression, accounting for heterogeneity and moderators. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic.

RESULTS: A total of 17 studies were included, encompassing 3621 referees. The most frequent injuries were strains and sprains in the knee and ankle. The overall injury incidence was 2.19 injuries per 1000 h of exposure (95% CI 1.30-3.69). On-field referees experienced an incidence rate of 1.46 injuries per 1000 h of exposure (95% CI 0.76-2.81), while assistant referees had a lower rate of 0.84 per 1 h of exposure (95% CI 0.36-1.97). During matches, the injury incidence was 2.24 per 1000 h of exposure (95% CI 1.38-3.64), compared with 0.67 injuries per 1000 h of exposure during training sessions (95% CI 0.36-1.24). However, despite sensitivity analysis, there were still high levels of heterogeneity across included studies.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings noted higher injury incidence during matches compared with training, and on-field referees compared with assistants. The variation in injury profiles highlights the importance of implementing targeted preventive strategies tailored to the unique demands of refereeing. However, there is still a lack of research in this population, especially in female referees.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024497970.

PMID:41021207 | DOI:10.1007/s40279-025-02326-y

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The causal relationship between platelet indices and liver cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Discov Oncol. 2025 Sep 29;16(1):1752. doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-03536-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Platelet indices are non-invasive biomarkers used to assess disease status. Observational studies have shown that platelet indices are related to liver cancer. However, the specific relationship between the two is still inconclusive. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal relationship between platelet indices and liver cancer.

METHODS: We identified 2 cancer outcomes (liver cell carcinoma, malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts) from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We used inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as the main method. In order to evaluate the potential horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses were examined via MR-Egger regression, heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test.

RESULTS: Two-Sample MR analysis showed there were causal relationships between platelet indices and liver cancer. The mean platelet volume was positively associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk, while platelet count was inversely correlated with HCC risk, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule levels were significantly related to an increased malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts risk. In addition, we conducted reverse MR analyses and found that malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts was positively associated with platelet count and platelet crit, but negatively correlated with platelet distribution width. Following multivariable mendelian randomization adjustments for potential confounding variables, the independent effects of platelet indices on HCC were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The bidirectional causal relationship between platelet indices and liver cancer may be mediated by confounding factors such as liver cirrhosis. Further validation through mediation MR analyses or larger-scale replication studies is required to elucidate these causal pathways.

PMID:41021163 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-025-03536-6

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Mendelian randomization analysis of druggable gene expression in liver cancer risk and autoimmune hepatitis

Discov Oncol. 2025 Sep 29;16(1):1774. doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-03579-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Liver cancer remains one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies worldwide, while autoimmune hepatitis is an immune-mediated inflammatory liver disease characterized by circulating autoantibodies and distinctive histopathological features. Mendelian Randomization (MR), as an innovative epidemiological research method, providing a reliable approach for exploring causal relationships between gene expression and liver disease risk.

METHODS: This study employed a comprehensive two-sample Mendelian randomization analytical approach to systematically evaluate the causal relationships between druggable gene expression levels and liver disease risk, including both liver cancer and autoimmune hepatitis. The study incorporated expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data from 4,479 druggable genes as exposure variables, with liver cancer genome-wide association study (GWAS) data and autoimmune hepatitis GWAS data serving as outcome variables.

RESULTS: Mendelian randomization analysis revealed significantly different impacts of multiple gene expression levels on liver disease outcomes. For liver cancer, high expression of CCL7 and CCL11 genes demonstrated protective effects, with CCL11 gene showing statistical significance (HR = 0.600, 95%CI: 0.409-0.953, p = 0.027), suggesting these genes may exert protective functions through immune response regulation mechanisms. Conversely, high expression of CASP8, CD5, and FGF21 genes significantly increased patient mortality risk.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides sufficient and reliable scientific evidence for liver disease risk-related genes through multidimensional Mendelian randomization validation analysis.

PMID:41021153 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-025-03579-9

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Transitioning to da Vinci Xi for colorectal cancer surgery: a prospective cohort study of 102 cases from a UK centre with a structured robotic programme

J Robot Surg. 2025 Sep 29;19(1):644. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02832-1.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated short-term outcomes and learning curves following the introduction of the Intuitive© da Vinci Xi robotic platform for elective colorectal cancer resections at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust (WHTH). A smooth transition was enabled by prior experience with the CMR Surgical© Versius platform, with outcomes benchmarked against national data. A prospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal resections between April 2024 and March 2025. Data included demographics, diagnosis, operative details, complications, length of stay (LOS), and oncological outcomes. Results were compared with historical laparoscopic data from the National Bowel Cancer Audit (NBOCA, 2019-2022) and Model Health System (MHS, 2024). Learning curves for operative time were assessed using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis across three procedures: right hemicolectomy (RH), anterior resection (AR), and abdominoperineal resection (APR).A total of 102 patients were included, with a median age of 69 years (IQR = 60-75), and 54.9% (n = 56) were male. All colonic resections (n = 72) achieved a lymph node yield ≥ 12, significantly higher than the 88.1% in NBOCA (p = 0.001). Among rectal resections (n = 30), 96.7% had negative margins versus 90.1% in NBOCA (p = 0.10). Conversion to open surgery was 3% (n = 3), the anastomotic leak rate was 1% (n = 1), and 4% (n = 4) required a return to theatre. MHS data showed that 13% of all colorectal patients at WHTH had a LOS ≥ 9 days, compared to 29% nationally (p = 0.0001), decreasing to 7.1% in the robotic cohort. CUSUM analysis showed stabilisation after ~ 12 right hemicolectomies and 20 low pelvic resections, with variability among surgeons. Surgeons with prior robotic experience achieved faster proficiency and generated time savings. The successful introduction of the da Vinci Xi platform at WHTH, supported by prior Versius experience, led to excellent oncological outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and low complication rates. These findings highlight the value of structured robotic implementation in advancing colorectal cancer care within the NHS.

PMID:41021138 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-02832-1

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Comprehensive analysis of Mithi river water quality: pollution assessment, and lead bioremediation by indigenous bacteria

World J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025 Sep 29;41(10):350. doi: 10.1007/s11274-025-04589-z.

ABSTRACT

Environmental pollution is a biggest challenge faced by whole world at current time. The natural resources are victims of pollution and contamination of natural resources with heavy metals such as Pb. Pb is a highly toxic and frequent pollutant all around the world. In present study, Mithi River, a highly polluted urban water body was physico-chemically analyzed at four different sites along its course and their association was statistically analysed. Further, Pb bioremediating bacteria were isolated from Mithi river water and analysed for their Pb remediation potential. The findings revealed consistently low water quality across all sites, indicating high pollution levels, particularly in the lower stretch of river. Mithi River exhibited a substantial total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) (Taximan- 2.89 × 109 and BKC- 2.13 × 109) and a prevalence of lead-resistant bacteria (Taximan- 3.16 × 108 and BKC 2.24 × 107). A total 21 Pb resistant bacteria were isolated and gram negative coccobacilli were the most dominant. Notably, P. mirabilis demonstrated ability to bioremediate up to 100% of lead within 48 h. The SEM-EDX analysis illustrated biosorption of Pb on cell surface. Furthermore, P. mirabilis secretes significant amount of extracellular components in Pb concentration dependent manner. The study demonstrated that P. mirabilis exhibits tolerance to a wide range of environmental conditions, including variations in pH, temperature, salinity, and resistance to various toxic pollutants like heavy metals and organic contaminants. This broad tolerance spectrum to environmental conditions, combined with its strong bioremediation potential, highlights P. mirabilis as a promising candidate for lead bioremediation. Though, real-time application of bioremediation process is still lagging behind and needs immediate attention.

PMID:41021137 | DOI:10.1007/s11274-025-04589-z

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Low pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicted a better survival in recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors

Discov Oncol. 2025 Sep 29;16(1):1756. doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-02862-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A precise predictor is urgently needed for immunotherapy in cervical cancer (CC), which would be very helpful for disease monitoring. Thus, we explore the relationship between pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and prognosis in recurrent/metastatic CC patients who were treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

METHODS: A total of 282 patients with recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer were enrolled in this retrospective study from December 2018 to September 2023. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the optimal threshold for evaluating the influence of pre-treatment NLR on patients’ survival. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to determine the predictive roles of pre-treatment NLR for progression-free survival of immunotherapy (PFSi) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS: A pre-treatment NLR = 3.91 was determined to be the optimal cut-off value for predicting patient prognosis, with an AUC of 0.636 (P < 0.05). Patients with a pre-treatment NLR < 3.91 (low-NLR group) exhibited significantly extended PFSi (P < 0.001) and OS (P < 0.001) compared to those with pre-treatment NLR ≥ 3.91 (high-NLR group). Notably, lower pre-treatment NLR was associated with better objective response rate (36.8% vs. 18.3%, P < 0.001). In the stratification analysis, the predictive roles of pre-treatment NLR were mainly found in patients with positive expression of PD-L1 (P = 0.041 for PFSi; P = 0.001 for OS). Moreover, regardless of when the immunotherapy was initiated, a lower pre-treatment NLR correlated with longer survival.

CONCLUSION: The pre-treatment NLR could be a biomarker for predicting the response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in recurrent/metastatic CC. In combination with PD-L1 status, it may improve the benefits of immunotherapy and lower the treatment costs.

PMID:41021135 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-025-02862-z