Category: Statistics

Biomed Instrum Technol. 2025;59(1):117-127. doi: 10.2345/0899-8205-59.1.117. Epub 2025 Jun 11.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study sought to investigate whether and to what extent fluid strikethrough for disposable isolation gowns is underreported and to identify areas for improving healthcare worker (HCW) understanding of gown performance. Methods: Researchers developed a confidential, qualitative, online disposable isolation gown user experience survey with an intended audience of HCWs with experience either wearing disposable isolation gowns or selecting them for purchase. The unrestricted survey link was distributed from February to March 2024. Results: A total of 211 individuals completed the survey. When asked about selection, purchasers most frequently chose to purchase level 2 isolation gowns for patient care during nonsurgical applications. More than 40% of wearers stated that they did not have a choice regarding gown protection levels when donning personal protective equipment for patient care, and 34.3% experienced fluid strikethrough (i.e., penetration of fluid through a disposable isolation gown), yet nearly one-half never reported this problem. Discussion and Conclusion: To enhance safety, the healthcare community must work together to improve guidance on gown performance and selection based on fluid exposure risk. Frequent, underreported strikethrough incidents highlighted confusion among HCWs regarding gown classification and appropriate usage. A need exists for a unified, task-based framework that clearly links gown performance with clinical risk. Fostering a culture that normalizes reporting issues-while minimizing staff burden-combined with targeted education and streamlined reporting mechanisms, will enable more informed decision making and reinforce infection prevention efforts.

PMID:40498445 | DOI:10.2345/0899-8205-59.1.117

J Perianesth Nurs. 2025 Jun 11:S1089-9472(25)00048-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2025.02.010. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block (SMB) in patients undergoing septoplasty surgery.

DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.

METHODS: A total of 60 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this prospective, randomized controlled study. The patients were divided into two groups: group C (control group) and group B (block group). The groups were compared in terms of demographic variables, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, hemodynamic parameters (mean arterial pressure and heart rate), visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, postoperative recovery quality (QoR-15 scores) (Quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15)), and the need for rescue analgesics.

FINDINGS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding age, gender, or American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (P > .05). Baseline hemodynamic parameters were similar between the groups (P > .05). However, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in group B at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes postoperatively (P < .05). Visual analog scale scores at 0, 2, 6, and 12 hours were significantly lower in group B (P < .05). QoR-15 scores were also significantly higher in group B (P < .05), while the patients need rescue analgesics was lower in this group (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the total number of postoperative analgesic doses between the two groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS: The application of SMB during septoplasty surgery provides improved perioperative hemodynamic stability, reduced postoperative pain, and enhanced recovery quality. The SMB can be considered a valuable component of a multimodal analgesic approach in septoplasty surgeries.

PMID:40498428 | DOI:10.1016/j.jopan.2025.02.010

J Perianesth Nurs. 2025 Jun 11:S1089-9472(25)00056-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2025.02.018. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the effect of operating room waiting time on surgical fear and preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing urinary system surgery.

DESIGN: This study was conducted as a comparative cross-sectional.

METHODS: This study was conducted with 150 patients undergoing urinary system surgery at a state hospital in Turkey between December 2023 and July 2024. Data were collected using a Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Visual Analog Scale, and the Surgical Fear Questionnaire at two time points: before entering the operating room (T0) and before being placed on the surgical table (T1). Patients were divided into 2 groups based on waiting time: group A (<30 minutes) and group B (≥30 minutes). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 27.0 at a significance level of P less than .05.

FINDINGS: Patients in groups A and B were similar in terms of descriptive characteristics and T0 assessment. However, at T1 assessment, patients in group B had significantly higher levels of anxiety (P = .002), short-term fear (P = .001), and total fear (P = .001) compared to group A. Waiting time had a significant effect on anxiety (β = 0.637, P = .001), short-term fear (β = 0.788, P = .001), and total fear (β = 0.536, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged waiting time in the operating room significantly increases psychological burden by significantly increasing anxiety, short-term fear, and total fear levels in patients.

PMID:40498427 | DOI:10.1016/j.jopan.2025.02.018

Dig Dis Sci. 2025 Jun 11. doi: 10.1007/s10620-025-09111-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan documents the value of a collaborative provider workforce trained in the provision of hepatitis treatment and prevention to facilitate the United States’ 2030 viral hepatitis elimination efforts.

AIMS: This study aims to characterize the amount and type of viral hepatitis education topics provided to Doctor of Medicine students during the preclinical phase of medical school.

METHODS: Investigators developed a 19-item Qualtrics survey and sent survey links to curricula content experts at 157 accredited medical colleges/schools in April-May 2023, and allotted 28 days for survey completion. Survey questions assessed the type, amount, and topics of viral hepatitis instruction provided to Doctor of Medicine students, and the hepatitis instructors’ training/experience. We used descriptive statistics for analysis.

RESULTS: 51 medical institutions across 22 jurisdictions responded; 90% of programs presented hepatitis education as a required part of the curriculum. All education topic respondents confirmed that their institutions provided instruction on viral hepatitis epidemiology, diagnostics, and HBV vaccination. Screening and linkage to care for HBV, HCV, and HDV were included in 69%, 78%, and 33% of curricula, respectively, while 11% of curricula discussed national efforts to eliminate hepatitis by 2030.

CONCLUSIONS: Survey results show similarities, variability, and gaps in topics devoted to viral hepatitis education across United States medicine curricula. Most programs required hepatitis education in their curricula, many discussed HBV and HCV screening, and few discussed hepatitis elimination. To support national viral hepatitis elimination efforts, ideally, all medical schools should provide education on (1) screening, (2) linkage to care, and (3) national elimination strategies to better equip all future physicians to work toward viral hepatitis elimination.

PMID:40498408 | DOI:10.1007/s10620-025-09111-x

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2025 Jun 11. doi: 10.1007/s13555-025-01456-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis body surface area (BSA) of 10% or more has been a major criterion for determining systemic therapy eligibility. However, patients with BSA < 10% and even ≤ 3% may have high disease burden and difficulties accessing biologics. To assess psoriasis burden among patients with BSA ≤ 10%, this study characterized patient-reported outcomes (PROs) across BSA categories among systemic treatment-naïve patients initiating biologic therapy.

METHODS: Patients from the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry initiating biologics between April 2015 and September 2023 were categorized according to low (< 3%), medium (3-10%), or high (> 10%) BSA involvement. Measures assessed at initiation of biologic therapy included health-related quality of life, itch, pain, fatigue, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis disease characteristics, and medical history. Overlap between BSA groups for each outcome was calculated via non-parametric Mann-Whitney statistic transformation (range 0.0-1.0; 0.5 indicates complete similarity [i.e., for a comparison between low and high BSA groups, overlap of 0.5 means there is 50% probability that a randomly selected patient with low BSA would have the same or greater PRO burden as one with high BSA]; 0 or 1 indicates complete dissimilarity) to determine whether each measure differed in randomly selected patients with low or medium versus high BSA.

RESULTS: Of 1640 patients who initiated biologics, 7.0% had low BSA, 46.9% had medium BSA, and 46.2% had high BSA involvement. PRO overlap statistics ranged from 0.52 to 0.59 and from 0.60 to 0.70 for randomly selected patients with high versus medium and low BSA, respectively, indicating patients with high and medium BSA are likely to have similar levels of disease burden, and patients with high BSA are slightly more likely to have higher disease burden than those with low BSA. Near complete overlap (range 0.44-0.58) was observed for psoriasis disease characteristics and medical history in the low versus high and medium BSA groups.

CONCLUSION: Observed overlap in PROs across BSA categories shows that patients with low BSA can experience similarly poor quality of life and high symptom burden to those with higher BSA. These findings support the appropriateness of considering biologic therapies for patients with low BSA and indicators of high disease burden.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02707341.

PMID:40498388 | DOI:10.1007/s13555-025-01456-5

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2025 Jun 11. doi: 10.1007/s13555-025-01447-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The skin aging process is mainly associated with the appearance of fine wrinkles and flaccid, dry, and dull skin. A hyaluronic acid matrix (HAm) ingredient containing HA, sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and collagen is proposed to enhance skin health by improving hydration and structural integrity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of oral supplementation with HAm on skin properties.

METHODS: A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed, including 60 healthy women aged 35-65 with signs of natural skin aging (NCT05813054). Participants were assigned to receive either HAm (Dermial^®; 60 mg daily) or a placebo and were dermatologically assessed after 6 and 12 weeks. Skin properties were determined by the evaluation of stratum corneum hydration (SCH), brightness/glow, wrinkles, dryness, roughness, smoothness, pH, temperature, elasticity, friction, antioxidant capacity, deformability, melanin index, and erythema index. In addition, global satisfaction and adverse reactions were assessed.

RESULTS: Assessments were performed on data from 50 participants as a per-protocol analysis. Skin wrinkles and smoothness (6 weeks), and roughness (12 weeks) significantly improved in the HAm group compared with the placebo group. Participants receiving HAm had significantly increased skin SCH and brightness, and decreased scaliness and temperature at 6 and 12 weeks versus the baseline value. A statistically significant reduction in the erythema index and a balanced pH were also observed in the HAm group. Global satisfaction was significantly higher in HAm as compared to placebo. No serious adverse events associated with the tested products were registered during the study.

CONCLUSIONS: Daily supplementation with HAm effectively improves multiple aspects of skin health and appearance, suggesting its potential as a safe and beneficial antiaging ingredient. These results support the role of HAm in promoting skin brightness/glow and hydration, and reducing the visible effects of aging.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials. gov identifier, NCT05813054.

PMID:40498387 | DOI:10.1007/s13555-025-01447-6

Acta Parasitol. 2025 Jun 11;70(3):131. doi: 10.1007/s11686-025-01072-5.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The genus Myobia (Acari: Myobiidae) includes obligate ectoparasites of rodents, with M. murismusculi being the most frequently reported species in laboratory mouse colonies worldwide. However, morphological overlap and nomenclatural confusion have long hindered accurate species identification. This study aims to describe a new fur mite species from Mus musculus and to distinguish it from M. murismusculi and related taxa using detailed morphological and morphometric analyses.

METHODS: Fur mites were collected from laboratory mice in two facilities and examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Morphological characters were described, measured, and illustrated. Sstandardized morphometric characters were analyzed across multiple Myobia species using principal component analysis (PCA) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) to assess interspecific variation and species boundaries.

RESULTS: The new species, Myobia murina sp. nov., differs from M. murismusculi by longer dorsal setae ve and si. PCA and t-SNE analyses revealed a distinct cluster for M. murina, and PERMANOVA confirmed significant morphological divergence from all examined congeners (R² = 0.873, p < 0.001). An updated identification key for female mites of the subgenus Myobia is also provided.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the utility of morphometric approaches in mite taxonomy and confirms M. murina sp. nov. as a morphologically and statistically distinct species. Accurate species identification is essential for laboratory animal health management and fur mite diagnostics.

PMID:40498371 | DOI:10.1007/s11686-025-01072-5

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2025 Jun 11;44(2):54. doi: 10.1007/s10555-025-10268-0.

ABSTRACT

There is abundant but discrepant scientific literature reporting an effect of opioids on the course of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer monographs recently classified opium consumption as carcinogenic to humans in certain organs, raising concerns this may be due at least in part to the alkaloids opium contains (such as morphine and codeine). This systematic review investigated whether opioid exposure among cancer-free individuals is independently associated with the risk of future cancer incidence or cancer mortality. An electronic database search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, CINAHL and Scopus. Studies were included if they provided a statistical estimate of cancer mortality, cancer incidence, or cancer risk following opioid exposure. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Study characteristics and outcomes were extracted and analysed in a descriptive narrative synthesis. There were 27 studies that met the inclusion criteria, representing a total of 4,542,745 participants. Twelve of the 27 were rated as high quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The observed data is consistent with a small increase in the risk of cancer incidence or cancer mortality following opioid exposure, particularly in a subset of organs. There is, however, considerable uncertainty in the evidence given the substantial risk of bias in estimating the overall effect of opioid exposure on cancer outcomes in these studies. This review synthesises studies reporting cancer risk following opioid exposure and identifies the key methodological factors influencing ongoing uncertainty estimating the true effect. Rigorous epidemiological studies employing specific methods to minimize bias are warranted.

PMID:40498363 | DOI:10.1007/s10555-025-10268-0

Exp Appl Acarol. 2025 Jun 11;95(1):10. doi: 10.1007/s10493-025-01035-5.

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the efficacy of a plant-based premix of feed additives (PFA) composed of essential oils and vitamins on a farm with 1560 laying hens (ISA Brown line), naturally infested with poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae. The trial lasted 44 days. The AVIVET traps were used to determine PRM mass, number of eggs, larvae, blood-engorged and unfed nymphs, and adults on day – 12, – 5, and 0 before, and on days 2, 5, 8, 11, 15, 23, and 30, after, hens started to consume PFA. Friedman’s ANOVA was utilised to identify differences between means, and the post hoc Wilcoxon matched Pairs Test was then employed to ascertain the impact of the tested PFA on the D. gallinae population. From the eighth day until the end of the trial period, a statistically lower mass of mites (P < 0.05), the number of nymphs (P < 0.05) and the number of blood-engorged mites (P < 0.05) were observed compared to day 0. In comparison to day 0, a statistically significantly lower number of eggs (P < 0.01) was observed on day 5 (P < 0.05), day 11 (P < 0.01), larvae on day 23 (P < 0.05) and day 30 (P < 0.01), as well as unfed mites on days 15, 23, and 30 (P < 0.01, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). Egg production (%, hen-day) in 52-54 weeks of age (control period) was 88.7, while in 55-58 weeks of age (trial period) was 89.5. The results indicate that the tested PFA can control PRM without adversely affecting egg production.

PMID:40498361 | DOI:10.1007/s10493-025-01035-5

Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2025 Jun 11;51(1):226. doi: 10.1007/s00068-025-02896-6.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Accurate trauma triage ensures timely and specialized care for potentially critically injured patients. Undertriage remains a concern, particularly for patients without obvious vital sign derangements. This study evaluates the potential of biomarkers such as lactate, base deficit (BD), and blood glucose to improve triage score accuracy in identifying patients with severe injuries (Injury Severity Score [ISS] > 15) and predicting intensive care unit (ICU) admission without a high risk of severe injury (HRSI).

METHODS: This retrospective, single-center cohort study (2017-2021) included trauma patients with trauma team activation (TTA) due to mechanism of injury(MOI) and therefore only patients with moderate risk of severe injury criteria(MRSI). Exclusion criteria were any HRSI-criterion such as advanced airway management, Glasgow Coma Scale < 12, systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg, and specific injury patterns. Biomarkers were collected upon emergency department (ED) admission. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses evaluated biomarker predictive value alone and in combination with existing triage scores.

RESULTS: The study population included 3371 TTAs of which we were able to include 302 in our study-group. 15% had ISS > 15. These patients had significantly higher lactate (2.38 ± 1.2 vs. 1.57 ± 0.75 mmol/L, p < 0.05), BD (-0.2 ± 5.0 vs. 1.7 ± 2.7 mmol/L, p < 0.05), and blood glucose (144.8 ± 46.0 vs. 118 ± 37.9 mg/dL, p < 0.05). Augmenting triage scores with lactate improved predictive accuracy, with the highest AUC (0.774) observed for the age-lactate model. ICU admission prediction was less robust (AUC = 0.674).

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that biomarkers such as lactate could strengthen trauma triage scores, but prospective, multicenter validation is essential to confirm these preliminary results.

PMID:40498359 | DOI:10.1007/s00068-025-02896-6