Category: Statistics

Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2025;53(2):250-255. doi: 10.36740/Merkur202502114.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The aim is to investigate the mental health indicators of cadets during their stressful academic training under martial law.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The research, which was conducted in the academic year 2023-2024, involved 253 male cadets of the 1st-4th training years at the National Academy of Internal Affairs (Kyiv, Ukraine). Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of literary sources, mental health testing, and methods of mathematical statistics. Seven psycho-diagnostic methods were used to test the cadets’ mental health.

RESULTS: Results: The results obtained indicate a pronounced negative impact of stressors of academic activities under martial law on the cadets’ mental health and, in particular, on the level of manifestation of stress disorders, a tendency to develop stress, reduced stress resistance, increased nervous and emotional stress, anxiety, and deterioration of the emotional state. The most pronounced negative changes in these indicators of mental health were found in cadets who have not developed skills to cope with stress during academic activities and the use of effective means of stress prevention and restoration of psycho-emotional state (junior cadets).

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The research demonstrates the urgent need to develop cadets’ stress resistance during academic training to ensure the effectiveness of their educational activities under martial law and further service activities, as well as to develop skills in the use of available means to prevent stressful phenomena in the process of education during the war.

PMID:40322809 | DOI:10.36740/Merkur202502114

Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2025;53(2):229-238. doi: 10.36740/Merkur202502112.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Aim: This study investigates dehumanization and attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals among primary healthcare nurses in Greece, exploring the influence of personality traits, empathy, and LGBTQ+ health knowledge.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with 114 public-sector primary healthcare nurses completing self-report questionnaires between July and October 2023. Instruments included a culturally adapted dehumanization scale, the Ten-Item Personality Inventory, and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman’s correlations, and linear regression.

RESULTS: Results: The sample was predominantly female (74.6%), heterosexual (93.9%), and Christian Orthodox (93%). Only 8.8% had attended LGBTQ+ healthcare courses, and 33.3% had cared for LGBTQ+ patients. Mechanistic dehumanization showed limited associations with personality traits, while animalistic dehumanization was negatively correlated with willingness to care (r = -0.441, p < 0.001) and comfort with LGBTQ+ care (r = -0.391, p < 0.001). Empathy and openness to experience influenced attitudes and willingness to care. Higher empathy unexpectedly reduced willingness to care, while emotional stability and conscientiousness predicted dehumanization.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Findings highlight a moderate dehumanization trend among nurses, affecting LGBTQ+ patients’ care quality. Educational initiatives targeting LGBTQ+ health knowledge, empathy training, and the influence of personality traits are critical to fostering inclusive care and reducing dehumanization in healthcare settings.

PMID:40322807 | DOI:10.36740/Merkur202502112

Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2025;53(2):203-211. doi: 10.36740/Merkur202502108.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Aim: This preclinical study was oriented towards evaluating the efficiency of newly developed antibiotics against a selection of multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, with the broader aim of finding a potent candidate to counteract the increasing resistance issue.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study utilized four distinct strains of multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (SA-1 to SA-4) and three novel antibiotics (NA-1 to NA-3) under controlled laboratory conditions. The bacterial strains were cultured in vitro, and a series of tests including drug susceptibility testing and the determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were conducted. Statistical analysis was carried out using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests to analyze the significance of the observed results.

RESULTS: Results: Our data showcased variations in the growth characteristics and resistance profiles of the different strains, helping in identifying the most potent antibiotic among the tested compounds. Notably, antibiotic NA-1 manifested the lowest MIC values against the strains SA-1 and SA-3, indicating a higher potency (p < 0.01). Moreover, NA-1 exhibited significantly lower MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ values (0.56 μg/mL and 0.95 μg/mL, respectively), suggesting that it had the best inhibitory power amongst the antibiotics tested against a majority of the strains (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The findings from this preclinical in-vitro study accentuate the potential of novel antibiotic NA-1 as a promising candidate in combatting multidrug- resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. However, further research, including in-vivo studies, is requisite to substantiate the efficacy of this antibiotic in a clinical setting.

PMID:40322803 | DOI:10.36740/Merkur202502108

Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2025;53(2):157-165. doi: 10.36740/Merkur202502102.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The purpose of the study was to prove the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application in the treatment of post-immobilization extra-articular contractures of the mandible by modeling the specified pathology and conducting morphological analysis of experimental material.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study involved an experiment conducted on 60 male WAG rats aged 9-11 months. Four groups were formed. Group 1 included 6 intact rats that were not subjected to any interventions and were withdrawn from the experiment one month after its initiation. Group 2 included 18 rats with a mandibular fracture in the angle region which was treated over the course of one month using an immobilizing muzzle. After removal of the muzzle, extra-articular mandibular contracture was diagnosed. All rats were withdrawn from the experiment one month after its initiation. Group 3 included 18 rats with mandibular fractures that were treated over the course of one month using an immobilizing muzzle. After removal of the muzzle, post-immobilization extra-articular mandibular contracture was diagnosed. Following this diagnosis, 6 rats were withdrawn from the experiment. The other rats received PRP injections into the contracture area every three days for 15 days. After completion of the treatment, these rats were also withdrawn from the experiment. Group 4 included 18 rats with a mandibular fracture. After modeling a mandibular fracture, PRP was injected into the soft tissues surrounding the fracture through the available holes in the immobilizing muzzle every five days for one month. After a month, the immobilizing muzzle was removed from the rats, among which 6 rats were randomly selected and withdrawn from the experiment. The other rats continued to be injected with PRP every three days for 15 days, after which the animals were withdrawn from the experiment. The material for morphological examination consisted of masseter muscle samples. Histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, morphometric and statistical methods were used.

RESULTS: Results: The comprehensive morphological study showed that PRP in the masseter muscle had antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects, reduced the severity of alterative changes in muscle fibers and increased their regenerative potential, reduced the severity of hemodynamic disorders, and increased the number of vessels. The therapeutic effect of PRP was more pronounced in cases where it was applied both during the treatment of mandibular fracture using an immobilizing muzzle for one month and for an additional 15 days after its removal, compared to animals in which PRP was applied only during the 15 days following muzzle removal.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The comprehensive morphological study of experimental material conducted by the authors confirmed the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of post-immobilization extra-articular contractures of the mandible, thereby expanding the available arsenal of treatment methods for this pathology.

PMID:40322797 | DOI:10.36740/Merkur202502102

Nat Ment Health. 2025 Feb;3(2):253-265. doi: 10.1038/s44220-024-00353-8. Epub 2025 Jan 8.

ABSTRACT

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly heritable and burdensome worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) can provide new evidence regarding the aetiology of AUD. We report a multi-ancestry GWAS focusing on a narrow AUD phenotype, using novel statistical tools in a total sample of 1,041,450 individuals [102,079 cases; European, 75,583; African, 20,689 (mostly African-American); Hispanic American, 3,449; East Asian, 2,254; South Asian, 104; descent]. Cross-ancestry functional analyses were performed with European and African samples. Thirty-seven genome-wide significant loci (105 variants) were identified, of which seven were novel for AUD and six for other alcohol phenotypes. Loci were mapped to genes, which show altered expression in brain regions relevant for AUD (striatum, hypothalamus, and prefrontal cortex) and encode potential drug targets (GABAergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons). African-specific analysis yielded a unique pattern of immune-related gene sets. Polygenic overlap and positive genetic correlations showed extensive shared genetic architecture between AUD and both mental and general medical phenotypes, suggesting they are not only complications of alcohol use but also share genetic liability with AUD. Leveraging a cross-ancestry approach allowed identification of novel genetic loci for AUD and underscores the value of multi-ancestry genetic studies. These findings advance our understanding of AUD risk and clinically-relevant comorbidities.

PMID:40322774 | PMC:PMC12048032 | DOI:10.1038/s44220-024-00353-8

J Tehran Heart Cent. 2024 Apr;19(2):116-123. doi: 10.18502/jthc.v19i2.16201.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyopathy, characterized by heart stiffness, can lead to heart failure. This study aimed to investigate aortic stiffness in children with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to better understand its contribution to disease severity.

METHODS: This case-control study compared 48 children with DCM with 96 healthy children over a 10-year period starting in 2011. Aortic strain, aortic stiffness index, aortic distensibility, and pressure strain elastic modulus were measured. These parameters, along with several echocardiographic measures, were compared between the DCM and control groups. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 18, with a significance threshold set at a P value below 0.05.

RESULTS: The participants included 57.6% boys, with 58.3% in the DCM group and 57.35% in the control group (χ²=0.014, P=0.905). The age range was 2 to 18 years, with mean ages of 11.08±4.63 years for the DCM group and 10.77±2.82 years for the control group (P=0.691). Significant differences between groups were observed in aortic distensibility (P=0.004), aortic stiffness β index (P=0.001), and pressure strain elastic modulus (P=0.004). Post-treatment analyses based on ejection fraction and fractional shortening cutoffs indicated no changes in elasticity parameters except for the aortic stiffness β index, which varied according to the Ross classification.

CONCLUSION: Children with DCM exhibited reduced aortic strain and aortic distensibility, as well as elevated aortic stiffness β index and pressure strain elastic modulus.

PMID:40322760 | PMC:PMC12045314 | DOI:10.18502/jthc.v19i2.16201

J Tehran Heart Cent. 2024 Apr;19(2):96-101. doi: 10.18502/jthc.v19i2.16198.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Maintaining an optimal mean arterial pressure (MAP) is vital for cerebral blood flow and the overall health of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This study investigated the impact of low MAP on cerebral blood flow and in-hospital clinical outcomes in CABG candidates at our hospital.

METHODS: We compared a convenience sample of 55 patients with a low MAP (55 mmHg) and 54 patients with a high MAP (75 mmHg) who underwent CABG at Tehran Heart Center in 2023. We recorded the patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics by measuring cerebral oximeter readings and lactate levels pre- and post-operation. We then compared the baseline and postoperative characteristics between the 2 groups and determined the impact of MAP on their postoperative changes.

RESULTS: The groups were statistically similar at baseline, except for a lower pH in the low MAP group (55 mmHg) (P=0.016). The preoperative and postoperative measurements (including lactate levels and cerebral oximeter readings) did not differ between the groups. However, heart rate was significantly higher in the high MAP group (75 mmHg) (P=0.034). The adjusted effect of baseline MAP on selected postoperative characteristics showed that it could significantly but inversely influence heart rate (β coefficient=-5.952; P=0.017) and had a borderline effect on troponin (β coefficient=1.734; P=0.051) and HCO₃ (β coefficient=0.785; P=0.062).

CONCLUSION: MAP did not significantly influence clinical outcomes in our study. Nonetheless, maintaining an optimal MAP is essential for preventing cerebral injury and ensuring adequate cerebral oxygenation in CABG patients.

PMID:40322759 | PMC:PMC12045318 | DOI:10.18502/jthc.v19i2.16198

Orthop J Sports Med. 2025 May 1;13(4):23259671251334774. doi: 10.1177/23259671251334774. eCollection 2025 Apr.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fencing has maintained sustained popularity in the United States and internationally. However, there is limited information regarding acute injury patterns among fencing athletes.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of fencing injuries evaluated at emergency departments in the United States from 2013 to 2023 and analyze trends in diagnosis by demographics, mechanism of action, and disposition status.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiological study.

METHODS: The US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was queried in June of 2024 using the product code 3260-Fencing (activity/apparel/equipment). The analysis included descriptive statistics for diagnosis prevalence and demographics, univariate analysis utilizing diagnosis and demographic data, and a text analysis of the narrative descriptions.

RESULTS: From 2013 to 2023, 129 fencing-related injuries were reported from US emergency departments, representing an NEISS national estimate of 3418 (95% CI, 2200-4636). The most common age group affected was 11 to 15 years (35.7%), followed by 16 to 20 years (29.5%), with a median age of 16 years. Most injured individuals were White (49.65%) and male (56.5%). However, there was an upward trend in injuries among female athletes throughout the study. The most frequent injuries were strains or sprains (26.4%), lacerations (15.5%), fractures (11.6%), and contusions/abrasions (10.9%). Fracture prevalence was higher in females than males (14.4% vs 9.6%; P1 = .04). Males experienced a higher laceration prevalence (21.9% vs 7.1%; P = .02). The most affected body part was the finger (14%), followed by the wrist (8.5%), leg (8.5%), and head (7.8%). Most injuries occurred in sports-specific facilities (70%), followed by personal homes. Regarding disposition, 97.7% of all patients were treated and released. Fencing injuries rose steadily until the COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline, but they have since rebounded.

CONCLUSION: Fencing injuries decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since become more prevalent. Fractures were more prevalent among females, whereas males had a higher prevalence of lacerations. Understanding the epidemiology and nature of fencing injuries can help inform coaches, athletes, and health care providers about potential risks and injury prevention strategies.

PMID:40322752 | PMC:PMC12049607 | DOI:10.1177/23259671251334774

Bioinformation. 2025 Feb 28;21(2):155-158. doi: 10.6026/973206300210155. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Menopause is one of the most important phases of a woman’s life. Therefore, it is of interest to conduct a randomized-controlled trial approach and three hundred post-menopausal volunteers were split into two groups randomly and quality of life was evaluated using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). The exercise group engaged in a program consisting of submaximal weight-bearing and breathing exercises for eight weeks, five times a week. The quality of life in the two groups was compared after eight weeks. The NHP’s quality of life improved in the exercise group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Thus, an 8-week regimen of consistent, supervised exercise could enhance the quality of life for post-menopausal women.

PMID:40322714 | PMC:PMC12044177 | DOI:10.6026/973206300210155

Bioinformation. 2025 Feb 28;21(2):253-256. doi: 10.6026/973206300210253. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Efficient and safe blood donation procedures are critical for maintaining an adequate and reliable blood supply. Needle priming, a pre-donation procedure aimed at preventing clot formation, is hypothesized to improve blood flow and reduce donation time. A case-control study was conducted with 340 participants to evaluate the impact of needle priming on whole blood donation. The case group underwent needle priming before donation, while the control group followed standard procedures without priming. The study found a statistically significant reduction in blood collection time in the needle priming group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Needle priming prior to blood donation significantly enhances procedural efficiency, reduces clotting risks and improves donor satisfaction.

PMID:40322704 | PMC:PMC12044171 | DOI:10.6026/973206300210253