Category: Statistics

Radiol Med. 2025 Feb 22. doi: 10.1007/s11547-025-01963-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate pancreatic changes associated with visceral fat obesity (VFO) and their clinical relevance using contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT (DE-CT) with automated 3D volumetry.

METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent triple-phase contrast-enhanced dynamic abdominal DE-CT. The patients were divided into two groups based on the measured visceral fat area: the VFO group (≥ 100 cm²) and the non-VFO group (< 100 cm²). Pancreatic changes in 3D CT volumetric measurement parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS: In total, 119 patients were evaluated (mean age, 67.6 ± 12.9 years old; 80 men). The extracellular volume fraction calculated from iodine maps (ECV-ID) (r = -0.683, p < 0.001) was most strongly associated with the visceral fat area, followed by the fat volume fraction (FVF) of the pancreas (r = 0.582, p < 0.001) with a statistically moderate correlation. The pancreatic volume and FVF of the pancreas were significantly higher in the VFO group than in the non-VFO group (volume: 84.9 ± 22.9 vs. 76.5 ± 25.8, p = 0.025, FVF: 15.5 ± 7.7 vs. 8.7 ± 9.5, p < 0.001). Conversely, the pancreatic CT attenuation value on unenhanced CT (19.9 ± 12.0 vs. 29.6 ± 13.8, p < 0.001), pancreatic iodine concentration in the equilibrium phase (EP) (18.4 ± 5.7 vs. 19.8 ± 4.7, p = 0.003), contrast enhancement (CE) value of pancreas (32.2 ± 5.3 vs. 34.5 ± 8.5, p = 0.005), and ECV-ID (26.7 ± 5.4 vs. 34.1 ± 7.4, p < 0.001) in the VFO group were significantly lower than those in the non-VFO group.

CONCLUSION: An increase in the pancreatic volume and FVF of the pancreas, as well as a reduction in the ECV fraction and the CE value in EP of the pancreas measured by automated 3D DE-CT volumetry, were the characteristic pancreatic changes in patients with VFO.

PMID:39987364 | DOI:10.1007/s11547-025-01963-7

Sci Rep. 2025 Feb 22;15(1):6487. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-87469-8.

ABSTRACT

Statistically, 30% of asthma deaths occur among asthmatics with insignificant symptoms, which creates a social burden. We aimed to analyze the role of erythrocyte distribution width (RDW) in the prognosis of asthma, especially in patients with insignificant symptoms. We included 3039 adult (≥ 20 years) asthma patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Cox regression was used to assess the association between RDW and long-term mortality. We adjusted three models to reduce potential bias. Subgroup analysis is used to evaluate specific populations. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the predictive effect of RDW on asthma mortality. After a mean follow-up of 130 months, we found a positive correlation between RDW and long-term mortality. After aliquoting RDW into thirds, the high RDW (RDW ≥ 13.0%) group had higher all-cause mortality (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.18-2.34) and respiratory mortality (HR 8.69, 95% CI 2.03-37.3). There was a significant interaction of RDW in the male and wheezing subgroups for respiratory mortality. Combining RDW and wheezing, we found that patients with high RDW and wheezing had the most increased respiratory mortality, and patients with high RDW but no wheezing also had higher mortality. Furthermore, the area under the curve of the RDW in predicting respiratory death in asthmatics was greater than 80%. Our study showed an association between high RDW and poor prognosis in asthma patients. In combination with wheezing symptoms, RDW is expected to be a biomarker for asthma management.

PMID:39987342 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-87469-8

Eye (Lond). 2025 Feb 22. doi: 10.1038/s41433-025-03716-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the distribution of small optic discs and large cup-to-disc ratio in children and to examine associations with maternal and environmental factors.

METHODS: Retinal photographs were graded from over 3000 12-year-olds in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Regression models examined associations between disc parameters and maternal and early-life exposures.

RESULTS: Mean cup-to-disc area ratio (CDAR) for 3288 children was 0.21 (95%CI 0.20,0.21). Discs with CDAR > 0.3 were present in 11%. The odds of CDAR > 0.3 were increased nearly three-fold in underweight children (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.9 (1.1, 7.3) p = 0.03) and 28-fold in severely premature ( < 28 weeks) children (paOR 28 95%CI 4.6,172, p < 0.001) with nearly one in four children affected. Mean cup-to-fovea/disc diameter (CF/DD) for 3327 children was 2.48 (95%CI 2.47,2.50). Small discs (CF/DD > 3) were present in 6% of which a third were bilateral. The odds of a small disc were increased in the offspring of mothers who smoked in pregnancy (aOR 1.7 (1.0,2.8) p = 0.04) and more than doubled in children born with a small head circumference (aOR 2.5 (1.4,4.5) p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Small optic discs and high cup-to-disc ratio are more frequent than usually supposed at age 12. The odds of CDAR > 0.3 are increased by severe prematurity and pathologically low child BMI. The odds of a small disc are increased by maternal smoking and small head circumference. Optimisation of risk factors in pregnancy and delivery and early childhood nutrition may play an important role in ophthalmic neurodevelopment and thus have a lifelong impact on ocular health.

PMID:39987338 | DOI:10.1038/s41433-025-03716-2

Sci Rep. 2025 Feb 22;15(1):6494. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-90195-w.

ABSTRACT

The Ryukyu archipelago is located southwest of the Japanese islands, and people originally from this region, the Ryukyu population, have a unique genetic background distinct from that of other populations, including people from mainland Japan. However, few genetic studies have focused on the Ryukyu population. In this study, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT, n = 15,224), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, n = 15,203), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT, n = 14,496) in the Ryukyu population. We found 13 loci with a genome-wide significant association (P < 5 × 10^-8), three for ALT, four for AST, and six for GGT, including one novel locus associated with ALT: rs117595134-A in HMMR/HMMR-AS1, ß = – 0.131, standard error = 0.024, P = 4.90 × 10^-8. Rs117595134-A is common in the Japanese population but is not observed in other ethnic populations in the 1000 genomes database. Additionally, 77 of 80 loci derived from Korean GWAS and 541 of 716 loci from European GWAS showed the same directions of effect (P = 1.41 × 10^-19, P = 2.50 × 10^-44, binomial test), indicating that most of susceptibility loci are shared between the Ryukyu population and other ethnic populations.

PMID:39987337 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-90195-w

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2025 Feb 22;114(3):36. doi: 10.1007/s00128-025-04014-z.

ABSTRACT

In recent years, Zinc Sulphur Nanoparticles (ZnS-NPs) have a wide range of applications such as in optical sensor, solid state solar window layers, photoconductors, phosphors and catalysts. There are no clear data on the waste-enriching effects of this nanoparticle, whose annual consumption is over million tons, and concerns remain unanswered. This research was also designed to investigate lethal and sublethal toxicity, as well as survivability and bioaccumulation on Gammarus pulex for the effects of possible waste products of ZnS-NPs. After acute 96-hours experiments, while the lethal concentration (LC50) value was estimated at 3.39 (2.79-4.17) ppm, it was found that both the toxicity and the accumulation levels of ZnS-NPs in tissues increased with increasing exposure durations and doses. Statistically significant differences were observed in ventilation rates of the organisms as exposure durations increased at higher doses such as 2, 5, and 10 ppm. According to our results, the lowest ventilation rate was determined at the highest dose of ZnS-NPs. Moreover, ZnS-NPs was proved to be highly toxic after 3.5 ppm, while ZnS-NPs very slowly accumulate in Gammarus pulex tissues (BCF equal to 5.8.10^{– 4} (4.28.10^{– 4}; 7.2.10^{– 4}) at the highest exposure dose).

PMID:39987312 | DOI:10.1007/s00128-025-04014-z

J Community Health. 2025 Feb 22. doi: 10.1007/s10900-025-01451-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study explores the impact of serious neighborhood crime on levels of stress and prevalence of depression. The target population was adults residing in affected communities, specifically within North Philadelphia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relationship between serious crimes in North Philadelphia and stress/depression among community residents. All participants (n = 577) resided within one of ten zip codes in North Philadelphia. Individual exposure to serious neighborhood crime over four years (2016-2019) was quantified. Levels of stress and prevalence of depression served as outcome measures of mental health. The study results did not support an association between exposure to neighborhood crime and stress/depression as measured by validated instruments. Resilience was identified to have a positive and statistically significant independent impact on both stress (p < 0.0001) and depression (p < 0.0001), serving as a mediator in the association between crime exposure and levels of stress and prevalence of depression. Results from this study can be used as a framework in targeting the needs of Philadelphia residents and improving their overall stress and depression.

PMID:39987310 | DOI:10.1007/s10900-025-01451-z

Eur J Nutr. 2025 Feb 22;64(2):100. doi: 10.1007/s00394-025-03599-9.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: While children’s nutrition in rural areas has garnered attention, the most studies focus on underweight, obesity and anemia, neglecting the importance of intelligence in children’s current academic performance and future success. This study aimed to examine how food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) and dietary diversity score (DDS) mediate the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on the intelligence development, offering insights for improving childhood nutrition.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study employed a stratified cluster random sampling method and included 1704 children aged between 8 and 16 years. Questionnaires was used to collect demographic data, FNLIT, DDS and Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) scores. SES was constructed using principal component analysis. Linear regression analysis was used to explore the interrelationship between the variables.

RESULTS: The mean scores for FNLIT, DDS, and SPM were 58.06 ± 7.00, 6.25 ± 1.64, and 37.60 ± 8.91, respectively. SES is positively correlated with SPM (B = 0.434, p < 0.01); FNLIT mediates the relationship between SES and SPM (B = 0.065, 95% CI: 0.035, 0.098). Among participants with DDS ≤ 6, DDS mediates the relationship between SES and SPM (B = 0.017, 95% CI: 0.0002, 0.044). For students with DDS ≤ 6, FNLIT + DDS has a positive mediated (B = 0.003, 95% CI: 0.0004, 0.007), while for primary students, it show a negative effect (B = – 0.003, 95% CI: – 0.008, – 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Both FNLIT and DDS have impacts on children intelligence. Nutrition education and dietary interventions should prioritize children with low SES and inadequate DDS to enhance intellectual development.

PMID:39987304 | DOI:10.1007/s00394-025-03599-9

Lipids Health Dis. 2025 Feb 21;24(1):59. doi: 10.1186/s12944-025-02484-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The monocyte-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) serves as an integrated indicator of the pro-inflammatory role of monocytes and anti-inflammatory properties of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Research has shown that the MHR is associated with the onset and prognosis of some diseases. However, no study has examined the link between the MHR and prognosis of populations with asthma.

METHODS: This study included data from 2,023 participants with asthma from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This survey applied various statistical models, such as Cox proportional hazards, restricted cubic spline (RCS), threshold effects analysis (TEA), Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and survival area plots, to assess the correlation between the MHR and mortality in participants with asthma.

RESULTS: According to the Cox hazard models, the MHR and mortality were positively correlated (hazard ratio: 1.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-3.11). Additionally, the RCS and TEA demonstrated a positive and linear relationship between the MHR and mortality. Participants with asthma who had a decreased MHR had better survival, compared with those who had an elevated MHR, as per the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and survival area plots.

CONCLUSIONS: This longitudinal investigation indicated that an increased MHR was associated with elevated mortality in individuals with asthma. Therefore, the MHR may serve as an independent biomarker for predicting the prognosis of individuals with asthma.

PMID:39985043 | DOI:10.1186/s12944-025-02484-y

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Feb 21;20(1):187. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-05591-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aims to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis to assess the clinical outcomes and complications associated with the one-hole split endoscopy (OSE) and unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease, thereby offering a reference for clinical decision-making.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, China National Knowledge Network, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database, in conjunction with specific search terms. The retrieved literature was subsequently screened according to stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were performed using Stata 15.1 software.

RESULTS: A total of 513 patients were included across five studies, comprising 246 patients in the OSE group and 267 patients in the UBE group. The findings of this meta-analysis indicated that the incision length in the OSE group was significantly shorter than that in the UBE group (SMD = – 1.92, 95%CI: -3.03 to -0.80, P = 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at various postoperative time points, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) values at various postoperative time points, rates of excellent and good outcomes, sagittal translation (ST), range of motion (ROM), and complication rates.

CONCLUSIONS: Both OSE and UBE techniques are considered safe and effective for the management of LDD, demonstrating comparable treatment outcomes. However, OSE techniques offer the advantages of smaller surgical incisions and potentially reduced trauma.

PMID:39985036 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-05591-9

Biomed Eng Online. 2025 Feb 21;24(1):22. doi: 10.1186/s12938-025-01353-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Established assessment scales used for Parkinson’s disease (PD) have several limitations in tracking symptom progression and fluctuation. Both research and commercial-grade wearables show potential in improving these assessments. However, it is not known whether pervasive and affordable devices can deliver reliable data, suitable for designing open-source unobtrusive around-the-clock assessments. Our aim is to investigate the usefulness of the research-grade wristband Empatica E4, commercial-grade smartwatch Fitbit Sense, and the Oura ring, for PD research.

METHOD: The study included participants with PD (N = 15) and neurologically healthy controls (N = 16). Data were collected using established assessment scales (Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire, Hoehn and Yahr Stage), self-reported diary (activities, symptoms, sleep, medication times), and 2-week digital data from the three devices collected simultaneously. The analyses comprised three steps: preparation (device characteristics assessment, data extraction and preprocessing), processing (data structuring and visualization, cross-correlation analysis, diary comparison, uptime calculation), and evaluation (usability, availability, statistical analyses).

RESULTS: We found large variation in data characteristics and unsatisfactory cross-correlation. Due to output incongruences, only heart rate and movement could be assessed across devices. Empatica E4 and Fitbit Sense outperformed Oura in reflecting self-reported activities. Results show a weak output correlation and significant differences. The uptime was good, but Oura did not record heart rate and movement concomitantly. We also found variation in terms of access to raw data, sampling rate and level of device-native processing, ease of use, retrieval of data, and design. We graded the system usability of Fitbit Sense as good, Empatica E4 as poor, with Oura in the middle.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study we identified a set of characteristics necessary for PD research: ease of handling, cleaning, data retrieval, access to raw data, score calculation transparency, long battery life, sufficient storage, higher sampling frequencies, software and hardware reliability, transparency. The three analyzed devices are not interchangeable and, based on data features, none were deemed optimal for PD research, but they all have the potential to provide suitable specifications in future iterations.

PMID:39985029 | DOI:10.1186/s12938-025-01353-0