Category: Statistics

J Alzheimers Dis. 2026 Jun 9:13872877261458402. doi: 10.1177/13872877261458402. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundSemaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog that is on the market to treat type 2 diabetes and weight loss (Ozempic, Wegovy). Two phase 3 clinical trials have been conducted, Evoke and Evoke+, testing the drug in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The trial management presented results of the intermediate readout at week 104 of the CDR-SB scores, which were negative. On the basis of that, the management decided to declare the trials a failure. However, data from week 130 and 156 had not been statistically analyzed.ObjectiveWhen evaluating time points 130 and 156, several results show a separation between drug group and placebo group with semaglutide showing better results.MethodsUsing the means, converting the SEMs to SDs and numbers of patients per group, I analyzed the results using the Welch T-test (two-tailed), which does not assume equal SD.ResultsThe ADCS-ADL-MCI test, Evoke trial, week 130, did show a significant difference, p = 0.0039. Other test such as the ADAS-cog-13 results show trends towards improvement by semaglutide at week 156. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarker analyses showed significant differences in some AD markers, too.ConclusionsThe results did show some limited drug effects at later time points of the trials. However, Semaglutide has been designed to stay in the blood for a long time and therefore does not cross the blood-brain barrier readily. Novel GLP-1 type drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier easily may show superior protective effects in AD patients.

PMID:42261705 | DOI:10.1177/13872877261458402

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2026 Jun 9:2184923261456799. doi: 10.1177/02184923261456799. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of lymph node dissection technique on survival outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer.MethodsA total of 442 patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer who underwent surgical resection at multiple centers between 2011 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the lymph node dissection technique: lobe-specific lymph node dissection and systematic lymph node dissection. Survival outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors affecting survival.ResultsPostoperative complications occurred in 86 patients (19.5%). Complications were significantly less frequent in the lobe-specific lymph node dissection group compared to the systematic lymph node dissection group (9.4% vs. 22.4%, respectively; p = 0.027). The overall annual survival rate was 68.3%. The 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in female patients than in male patients (83.6% vs. 61.7%, p < 0.001). The 5-year survival rate was 69.3% in patients who underwent systematic lymph node dissection and 64.8% in those who underwent lobe-specific lymph node dissection, with no statistically significant difference between the two techniques (p = 0.332). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, advanced age was not a significant predictor of survival (p = 0.119, HR = 0.714, 95% CI: 0.467-1.090), whereas male gender was identified as an independent poor prognostic factor (p = 0.01, HR = 2.781, 95% CI: 1.506-5.138).ConclusionsLymph node dissection remains a critical component of surgical treatment in early-stage lung cancer. The comparable survival outcomes and lower complication rates observed with lobe-specific lymph node dissection suggest that it may be a preferable option in selected patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Nevertheless, prospective multicenter studies are required to confirm these findings.

PMID:42261700 | DOI:10.1177/02184923261456799

J Burn Care Res. 2026 Jun 9:irag085. doi: 10.1093/jbcr/irag085. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Evaluate the influence of patient age on laser therapy outcomes for burn hypertrophic scars (HTS), with a specific focus on assessing differences in scar quality, pain, and itch across stratified age groups. A single-institution, retrospective cohort study analyzing outcomes of fractional ablative CO2 laser treatments among patients grouped into younger, middle-aged, and older cohorts using k-means clustering. Patients (n = 119) receiving three or more fractional ablative CO2 laser treatments were included. Scar metrics were evaluated pre-treatment and after each laser session using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and durometer measurements. Statistical analyses were performed to compare within- and between-group outcomes using ANOVA with corrections for multiple comparisons. The study cohort included 119 patients, with 49.58% female participants and an average age of 44.86 years (±16.4). The patients were predominantly African American (38.7%), followed by White (28.6%), Hispanic (10.9%), Asian (5.9%), Native American (1.7%), and 14.3% unspecified. Fitzpatrick skin type classifications were most common in Type V (32.8%) and Type II (20.2%), with lower representation in Types VI (4.2%) and I (1.7%). Laser treatment led to significant improvements across all age groups in POSAS metrics, though the timing and extent varied. The older cohort showed significant improvement in POSAS observer pliability after just one session (p < 0.05), while the younger and middle-aged groups required two or more sessions (p < 0.001). Middle-aged patients reported the highest baseline pain and itch levels, with mean scores of 6.17/10 and 6.64/10, respectively, compared to younger (4.26 and 4.97) and older (4.26 and 4.74) groups (p < 0.05). Pain and itch significantly decreased across all groups, with the middle-aged cohort showing the most consistent improvements (p < 0.05). VSS scores improved significantly for all groups, while durometer measurements showed significant changes only in the middle-aged cohort (p < 0.05). Age significantly influences laser therapy outcomes for burn HTS, with older patients experiencing earlier and more pronounced improvements in POSAS observer scales. Different age groups also reported varying levels of pain and itch throughout their laser treatment sessions. Importantly, considerable improvements were noted post-laser treatment across all age groups. These findings emphasize the importance of personalizing laser therapy to address age-specific physiological changes to optimize treatment timelines and outcomes for burn HTS patients.

PMID:42261654 | DOI:10.1093/jbcr/irag085

Australas Psychiatry. 2026 Jun 9:10398562261458938. doi: 10.1177/10398562261458938. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

ObjectivePost-traumatic nightmares (PTNs) are a debilitating symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet evidence for pharmacological treatment remains inconsistent. This audit examined the effectiveness and tolerability of prazosin for PTNs in an Australian inpatient psychiatric population.MethodA clinical audit with pre-test post-test analysis was conducted using records from Monash Health wards. Adult patients (n = 50) prescribed prazosin for PTNs for ≥7 days were included. Symptom severity was measured using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale at treatment initiation and discharge, and clinical response using the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale. Demographics, trauma histories, comorbidities, dosing, and adverse effects were also recorded.ResultsParticipants were predominantly female (74%) and aged 18-34 years. The median CGI-S improved from 5 (“markedly ill”) to 2 (“borderline mentally ill”), representing a 3-point reduction (p < .01). CGI-I ratings indicated patients were “much improved” (median = 2). Prazosin was discontinued in 12 of 114 patients, most commonly due to dizziness or hypotension.ConclusionsPrazosin was associated with clinically and statistically significant improvements in PTNs in this cohort, noting confounding variables and subjective assessment with no control group. Findings support clinical use while underscoring the need for larger, prospective Australian trials.

PMID:42261584 | DOI:10.1177/10398562261458938

J Korean Med Sci. 2026 Jun 8;41(22):e160. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e160.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Public health crises-most recently exemplified by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-cause widespread psychological, social, and economic disruptions, contributing to increased depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation rates. This study aims to examine the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of individuals who attempted suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the effectiveness of tailored interventions for economically vulnerable individuals.

METHODS: This study was conducted as part of the “Post-management Service for Suicide Attempters in the Emergency Room” project. Overall, 93 individuals who had attempted suicide were recruited, with 49 completing the study. Participants were categorized based on economic status (vulnerable vs. general) and suicide attempt timing (during vs. after COVID-19). The intervention included structured counseling sessions (six and four sessions for the vulnerable and general group, respectively). The vulnerable group received two additional sessions tailored to individual needs, choosing from family counseling, mental health education, social skills training, or vocational rehabilitation. Clinical assessments-Beck Scale for Suicidal ideation (BSS), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory-were conducted at baseline and follow-up, with statistical analyses using linear regression, mixed-effects analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation.

RESULTS: Changes in BSS scores negatively correlated with baseline BHS scores (B = -0.841, β = -0.593, P = 0.009) and intervention type (B = -4.596, β = -0.296, P = 0.040). During the COVID-19 intervention period, BSS scores improved greatly in the vulnerable group than in the general population group (F = 4.324, P = 0.049). Post-COVID-19, no significant group differences were observed in outcome measures. Changes in BSS scores positively correlated with changes in BHS scores across the total study population (r = 0.567, P < 0.001), general population group (r = 0.485, P = 0.016), and vulnerable population group (r = 0.641, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Tailored interventions were associated with reduced suicidal ideation, particularly among economically vulnerable individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing hopelessness emerged as a key mechanism in suicide prevention. The observed enhancement during the pandemic highlights the importance of context-sensitive strategies in public health crises. Further research using larger, randomized controlled trials is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0009463.

PMID:42261574 | DOI:10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e160

J Korean Med Sci. 2026 Jun 8;41(22):e156. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e156.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Visible Korean (VK) project aimed to overcome the limitations of traditional cadaver dissection by producing high-resolution sectioned images. This study compared a newly acquired 2024 dataset with a 2023 dataset to evaluate the feasibility of using sectioned images for clinical anatomical research.

METHODS: Two female cadavers were frozen and serially milled at constant intervals. The sectioned surfaces were photographed using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera of 35 mm charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor for 2023 dataset and a DSLR of 44 mm medium-format CCD sensor for 2024 dataset.

RESULTS: The 2024 dataset had 2.78 times higher pixel density (pixel size, 0.03 mm × 0.03 mm) than the 2023 dataset (pixel size, 0.05 mm × 0.05 mm), enabling clearer visualization of fine structures such as brain nuclei, fasciculi, vessel walls, meninges, and facial retaining ligaments. Pathological findings including cardiomegaly, vascular rupture, atherosclerosis, and endometrial neoplasm were clearly identified. The consistent intervals allowed accurate tracing of structures across multiple planes. The accumulated datasets from twelve cadavers now allow statistically reliable anatomical interpretation.

CONCLUSION: Sectioned images produced with modern DSLR technology can reproduce anatomical structures at a level comparable to cadaveric dissection. Their high resolution, color fidelity, and digital format allow repeated analysis without damage. These datasets are now suitable not only for education but also for clinical anatomy research, potentially contributing to a paradigm shift from traditional to digital dissection.

PMID:42261573 | DOI:10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e156

J Multidiscip Healthc. 2026 Jun 3;19:617553. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S617553. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The growing population of older adults who are vulnerable to family care issues is primarily due to a lack of family support or their families’ inability to provide adequate care, particularly in Thailand’s semi-urban regions. Thailand has introduced several policies to support its aging population. However, important gaps remain for older adults with family care vulnerability. This study aimed to investigate factors relating to the quality of life of older adults with family care vulnerability in semi-urban regions of Thailand.

METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional survey using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. Data were gathered with 119 older adults with family care vulnerability in a semi-urban of Thailand. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics for distributions, Fisher’s Exact Test for qualitative factors, and Pearson’s correlation for quantitative variables, with significance set at 0.05.

RESULTS: Overall, 86.6% of participants indicated a reasonable quality of life, with the highest satisfaction in life (69.7%), access to news (67.2%), environmental quality (61.4%), satisfaction levels in personal safety (61.3%), and sleep (61.3%), while low satisfaction was exhibited in financial stability, enduring adverse feelings, and sexual health. Significant characteristics associated with quality of life include chronic illness (p = 0.042), accompanying individuals at the service center (p = 0.013), engagement in community activities (p = 0.005), availability of family members for consultation (p = 0.007), age (r = -0.226, p = 0.014), distance from home to the service center (r = -0.275, p < 0.001), and family income (r = 0.215, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that enhancing older adults’ well-being requires economic security, accessible healthcare, and strong social ties. Policies should reduce isolation and foster community participation to ensure equality and sustainable aging support.

PMID:42261569 | PMC:PMC13242822 | DOI:10.2147/JMDH.S617553

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 7;9(6):e72609. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.72609. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant public health challenge across Ethiopia, including the Tigray region, where school-age children (SAC) are particularly vulnerable. The La’elay Maichew district, characterized by rural agrarian and irrigated settings and the 2020-2022 armed conflict, may experience heightened transmission of IPIs. This study aimed to assess the status of IPIs and associated risk factors among school students in La’elay Maichew district, Tigray Region, Ethiopia.

METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2024, involving 190 school students aged 7-21 years. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, and stool samples were processed using the Kato-Katz technique.

RESULTS: This study found an overall prevalence of IPIs of 3.2% (6/190) among school students [95% CI: 1.2-6.9], with Enterobius vermicularis (1.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.1%), and Taenia saginata (0.5%) identified as the primary species. Those children aged 15-21 years and grades 9-12 showed higher infection rates (7.6% and 9.3%, respectively), though multivariate analysis revealed no significant associations. Behavioral risk factors, including poor handwashing (76.3% before/after meals, 82.1% after toilet use), lack of toilet use (75.8%), and barefoot walking (80.5%), were prevalent but not statistically linked to infection status.

CONCLUSION: The low prevalence observed in this study may reflect the sustained impact of previous mass drug administration (MDA) programs in the study area. It could also result from post-conflict population displacement, changes in school attendance patterns, or methodological limitations, particularly the use of a single Kato-Katz thick smear, which has lower sensitivity for detecting light-intensity infections. Persistent poor hygiene practices highlight the need for integrated interventions that combine deworming with improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) education to sustain low infection rates and prevent resurgence in the study area.

PMID:42261559 | PMC:PMC13242696 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.72609

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 7;9(6):e72639. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.72639. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Low birth weight (LBW) remains a significant public health challenge in developing countries, contributing substantially to infant mortality and morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: To examine sociodemographic, maternal health, and healthcare utilization factors associated with low birth weight in Ghana.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 8,581 women 15-49 years from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). LBW was defined as birth weight < 2,500 grams. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of LBW. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS: The prevalence of LBW was 16.8%. The independent predictors of LBW included household poverty (aOR = 1.66), middle-income status (aOR = 1.49), lack of malaria prevention (aOR = 2.77), absence of skilled antenatal care (aOR = 1.71), and lack of iron supplementation (aOR = 1.31). Protective factors were maternal secondary education (aOR = 0.68), advanced maternal age (aOR = 0.74), and overweight BMI (aOR = 0.56). Significant interactions were identified between young maternal age and underweight status (aOR = 2.89). Also, there was an interaction between poverty and lack of malaria prevention (aOR = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS: Low birth weight in Ghana is influenced by socioeconomic inequalities, maternal nutritional status, and healthcare access, with synergistic effects between young maternal age and undernutrition. Targeted interventions addressing poverty, maternal nutrition, and ensuring access to skilled antenatal care, iron supplementation, and malaria prevention are essential for reducing LBW prevalence.

PMID:42261558 | PMC:PMC13242698 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.72639

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 7;9(6):e72544. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.72544. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is one of the most common congenital anomalies in children with urinary tract infections (UTIs), potentially leading to serious complications, including renal scarring and permanent kidney damage. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, laterality, and severity of VUR and its associations with demographic, clinical, and functional factors in children with recurrent UTIs.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined 109 children aged 2 months to 5 years with recurrent UTIs who were referred to a tertiary center of nephrology clinic. Data collected included age at diagnosis, renal scarring, constipation, voiding dysfunction, gender, VUR grade, and laterality.

RESULTS: Of the 109 children studied, 51.38% had VUR (unilateral or bilateral). The majority of patients were female (78.9%). Unilateral reflux (29.35%) was more frequent than bilateral reflux (22.01%). Among those with VUR, 58.9% had mild to moderate reflux (grades 1-3), while 41.07% had severe reflux (grades 4-5). Renal parenchymal scarring was present in 30.2% of cases, more commonly affecting the right kidney (18.3%) than the left (4.6%). Voiding dysfunction was highly prevalent (66.1%) and was significantly associated with VUR. Most patients (85.3%) received antibiotic prophylaxis, although its association with renal scarring was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: This study identified a higher prevalence of VUR among children with recurrent UTIs than previously reported, with unilateral and mild-to-moderate reflux being predominant. The findings highlight the interplay between female gender, voiding dysfunction, and VUR in recurrent pediatric UTIs. Early detection and targeted management, including addressing bladder-bowel dysfunction and judicious use of antibiotic prophylaxis, are essential to prevent recurrent infections and reduce the risk of renal damage.

PMID:42261557 | PMC:PMC13242690 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.72544