Category: Statistics

Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2025 Feb 16. doi: 10.12932/AP-280524-1865. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Premorbid allergic diseases are linked with the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), however, the risk of allergic diseases among patients with AMD is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between AMD with or without visual disability (VD) and the risk of allergic diseases.

METHODS: A total of 2,744,372 Individuals 50 years or older participated in the Korean National Health Screening Program in 2009 were categorized by presence of AMD and VD. Patients were followed until December 2019, and the prospective association of AMD and related VD with incident allergic diseases cases identified during the study period was investigated using the multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS: During an average follow-up period of 5.87 years, 1,783,370 individuals were diagnosed with allergic diseases. Moreover, an increased risk of allergic diseases was observed in the group of individuals with AMD as compared to the control group (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.13; 95%CI, 1.11-1.14). The risk of atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis was more profound than that of asthma (aHR 1.12 [95%CI 1.07-1.18], aHR 1.13 [95%CI 1.11-1.14], and aHR 1.06 [95%CI 1.04-1.09], respectively). Furthermore, patients affected by AMD with VD were at an increased risk of atopic dermatitis (aHR 1.32, 95%CI 1.12-1.56) than those without VD (aHR 1.11, 95%CI 1.05-1.16) when compared with those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: AMD is associated with an increased risk of developing allergic diseases. Further investigations are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

PMID:39955640 | DOI:10.12932/AP-280524-1865

Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2025 Feb 16. doi: 10.12932/AP-131223-1749. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy (FA) often originate early in life. Gut microbiota interactions with the host immune system influence allergy development, yet the distinct gut microbiome and functional profiles in individuals with AD, FA, or both AD+FA remain underexplored.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated microbial colonization and proteomic profiles in infants with AD, FA, and AD+FA compared to age- and sex-matched controls from the Allergy Development in Early Life and Associated Factors in the Thai Birth Cohort (ALICE).

METHODS: Gut microbiomes from stool samples were analyzed using 16S sequencing, and proteomic analysis was conducted by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: The study included 16 AD, 5 FA, 5 AD+FA subjects, and 26 controls. AD+FA group exhibited the most severe dysbiosis. Enrichment of proteins involved in methionine biosynthesis in Bifidobacterium scardovii and high Erysipelotrichaceae colonization suggest a link to high-fat diets, known to reduce intestinal short-chain fatty acid and serotonin levels, contributing to allergies. Erysipelotrichaceae in AD+FA groups also expressed proteins related to histidine degradation. Low Bifidobacteriaceae levels were noted in FA and AD+FA, with more pathogenic strains colonized. Increased Bacteroidaceae in FA and AD+FA and Enterobacteriaceae in FA were detected. Pathways involving vitamin B1, a ligand for proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) from Enterobacteriaceae could promote TH2 cells, type 2 innate lymphoid cells, and M2 macrophages, likely contribute to allergic inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS: AD+FA phenotype exhibited the most distinctive gut microbiome alterations, highlighting unique dysbiosis patterns. Microbiome biosynthesis pathways involving metabolism of methionine, histidine, serotonin, and vitamin B1 point to new targets for modifying or treating AD and FA.

PMID:39955638 | DOI:10.12932/AP-131223-1749

J Ethn Subst Abuse. 2025 Feb 16:1-21. doi: 10.1080/15332640.2025.2465390. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Immigrant young adults from predominantly people of color countries (IYPOC) encounter structural stressors that potentially exacerbate health outcomes such as substance use amidst ongoing societal challenges. The association may be further compounded by cultural isolation and the dual task of identity negotiation. The current study explored cultural isolation as a mediator of the association between racial discrimination and substance use among IYPOC. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to collect data from IYPOC residing in the United States. The analytic sample was composed of 262 individuals aged 18 to 29, and the largest racial group was Black or African American. The current study performed regressions and PROCESS Macro Model 4 with bootstrapping. Racial discrimination and cultural isolation were statistically significantly associated with substance use. The indirect effect of racial discrimination on substance use through cultural isolation was statistically significant. The results underscore the need for tailored support and interventions that address the complex interplay of racial discrimination, cultural isolation, and health outcomes among IYPOC.

PMID:39955637 | DOI:10.1080/15332640.2025.2465390

Med J Aust. 2025 Feb 17;222(3):135-143. doi: 10.5694/mja2.52594.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in eligibility rates and use of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of NDIS unit-record administrative data.

SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Applicants for NDIS support aged 7 years or older, 1 July 2016 – 31 August 2022 (eligibility analysis); active NDIS participants aged 7 years or older on 31 August 2022 (plan size and spending analyses).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences in NDIS eligibility rates by broad age group (under 55 years v 55 years or older), gender (girls and women v other applicants), and residential socio-economic status (three lowest deciles of the Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage v other areas); differences in NDIS personal plan size (allocation) and spending (use) by gender and residential socio-economic status.

RESULTS: During 2016-22, 705 594 people aged 7 years or older had applied for NDIS support; 485 676 applicants with recorded decisions were included in our analysis (393 152 eligible, 92 524 ineligible). Eligibility rates were highest for applicants with brain injury or stroke, intellectual disability, or autism (900 or more per 1000 applicants), and only minor inequalities by socio-demographic group were evident. Eligibility rates were lower for applicants with physical disability, psychosocial disability, or unclassified (other) disability (60-75%). Eligibility inequalities were most marked for people with physical disability, with fewer approvals for women and girls than men and boys (145 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 138 – 152] fewer approvals per 1000 applicants), for people aged 55 years or older than for younger applicants (235 [95% CI, 227-242] fewer approvals per 1000 applicants), and for people from lower socio-economic status areas than for those from other areas (86 [95% CI, 78-93] fewer approvals per 1000 applicants). The eligibility rate for applicants with psychosocial disability was lower for women and girls than men and boys (83 [95% CI, 77-89] fewer approvals per 1000 applicants). Inequalities in plan sizes and spending by socio-economic group and gender for the 312 268 active participants at 31 August 2022 were smaller.

CONCLUSIONS: Women and girls and applicants over 55 years of age or living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas with certain disability types are less likely to be deemed eligible for NDIS support than other applicants. Inequalities in plan allocation and use of personal NDIS budgets are less marked. Changes to NDIS eligibility processes could reduce these inequalities.

PMID:39955631 | DOI:10.5694/mja2.52594

ALTEX. 2025 Feb 14. doi: 10.14573/altex.2403272. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Prediction of hepatotoxicity in humans remains an unresolved challenge. Recently, an in-vitro/in-silico-method was established to predict blood concentrations of test compounds with an increased risk of causing human hepatotoxicity. In the present study, we addressed the question whether gene expression data can improve the quality of hepatotoxicity prediction compared to cytotoxicity analysis alone. A particular challenge is that high-dimensional gene expression data must be summarized into variables that allow for the determination of the lowest test compound concentration that causes altered gene expression. To address this challenge, we analyzed 60 hepatotoxic and non-hepatotoxic substances in a concentration dependent manner for cytotoxicity and expression of 3,524 probes, whose expression were previously reported to be influenced by hepatotoxicants. The toxicity separation index (TSI) was applied to quantify how well specific summary variables of gene expression are able to differentiate between the set of hepatotoxic and non-hepatotoxic substances. The best TSI was obtained when the lowest concentration of a test compound was considered positive that led to differential expression of two genes when compared to vehicle controls. Furthermore, the best gene expression-based summary variable was superior to cytotoxicity-based variables alone, and the combination of the best summary variables of gene expression and cytotoxicity data further improved the TSI compared to each category alone. In conclusion, the method used to derive summary variables of gene expression is critical and the best summary variables improve the prediction of hepatotoxic substances in relation to oral doses and blood concentrations in humans.

PMID:39955620 | DOI:10.14573/altex.2403272

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2025 Feb 15;20(1):128. doi: 10.1186/s13019-025-03368-z.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Unnecessary blood preparation by surgeons adversely affects blood bank stocks and the healthcare system in many ways. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the patient blood management strategy in patients in whom we performed lobectomy and pneumonectomy with thoracotomy.

METHODS: A total of 87 patients have been included in this study. Patient specific data, such as demographic information, laboratory information, preoperative blood ordering, and blood transfusion information have been recorded.

RESULTS: All patients were cross-matched, but only 32 (36.7%) of the patients received blood transfusions. Although a total of 264 units of blood had been reserved, the amount of blood used for transfusion was 68 (25.7%) units. The cross-match / transfusion rate was 3.88, the transfusion index was 0.78, and the transfusion probability was 36.7%. There is a positive and statistically significant correlation between the amount of blood allocated (r = 0.591, p = 0.00) and the duration of intensive care and hospital stay (r = 0.266, p = 0.013). There was also a positive and statistically significant correlation between the amount of blood used and the duration of intensive care and hospital stay (r = 0.422, p = 0.00) (r = 0.474, p = 0.00).

CONCLUSION: In elective lung resection performed by thoracotomy, the amount of blood wasted during the patient’s blood preparation process is high. During the patient blood preparation process, institution-controlled programs should be implemented instead of subjective evaluation at the discretion of the surgeon Planning a patient-specific blood preparation process to alleviate the burden on the healthcare system may prove to be more efficient.

PMID:39955605 | DOI:10.1186/s13019-025-03368-z

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Feb 15;20(1):169. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-05572-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that impairs proprioception and postural control, increasing fall risk and reducing quality of life. This study evaluated cervical proprioception and postural control in RA patients versus asymptomatic individuals, examined their relationship within the RA group, and investigated pain’s mediating effects on this association.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 82 RA patients and 82 age- and gender-matched controls were recruited. Cervical proprioception was assessed using the Cervical Joint Position Error Test (CJPET), while postural control was evaluated via a stabilometric force platform measuring center-of-pressure length (L CoP), 95% confidence ellipse sway area (ESA 95%), and center-of-pressure velocity (V CoP). Statistical analyses included t-tests, correlation, regression, and mediation analysis to evaluate relationships and the role of pain in cervical proprioception and postural control.

RESULTS: RA patients demonstrated significantly impaired cervical proprioception and postural control compared to controls (p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in cervical flexion, extension, rotation, and postural control measures (L CoP, ESA 95%, and V CoP; p < 0.001 for all parameters). Pearson’s correlations revealed significant relationships between cervical proprioception and postural control parameters. Regression analysis indicated that cervical proprioception, particularly when combined with age and disease duration, significantly predicted postural control. Mediation analysis revealed that pain significantly mediated the relationship between cervical proprioception and postural control.

CONCLUSIONS: Cervical proprioception is significantly reduced in RA patients and strongly influences postural control. Pain serves as a key mediator in this relationship, emphasizing the need for effective pain management to enhance proprioceptive and postural functions in RA patients. These findings suggest that the insights from this cross-sectional study could inform future interventions aimed at enhancing proprioception and managing pain, which may significantly benefit RA patients’ postural stability and overall quality of life.

PMID:39955601 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-05572-y

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2025 Feb 15;20(1):130. doi: 10.1186/s13019-025-03373-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Studies show conflicting results regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease requiring cardiac surgery and data from Germany are lacking. In this study, two patient cohorts who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were compared.

METHODS: Patients who presented for coronary artery bypass graft surgery before (01.05.18-30.04.19; group “B”) or during the COVID-19 pandemic (01.05.20-30.04.21; group “P”) at the University Hospital Münster in Germany were retrospectively identified and compared regarding demographics, preoperative status, surgical data, and postoperative outcome.

RESULTS: 513 (group “B”) and 501 patients (group “P”) were included, demographics were comparable. In group “P”, preoperative myocardial infarction and emergency indications were more frequent, heart-lung machine and aortic clamping times were longer. Postoperative ICU-days and inpatient stay did not differ. Postoperative need of an extracorporeal life support system and intrahospital mortality tended to be higher in group “P”, without reaching statistical significance.

CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on cardiac surgical care with the prioritization of emergency procedures. Patients treated during the pandemic were in a more critical preoperative condition, duration of surgery was longer, but post-operative mortality was comparable.

PMID:39955596 | DOI:10.1186/s13019-025-03373-2

BMC Vet Res. 2025 Feb 15;21(1):68. doi: 10.1186/s12917-025-04528-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Canine chronic enteropathies (CE) are a group of disorders defined by persistent or recurrent clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease without a primary neoplastic, metabolic, parasitic, or other infectious cause. In this prospective, multicentre, uncontrolled, open-label study, a commercial dry diet with a protein source of extensively hydrolysed poultry feather was assessed in the management of dogs with CE that had not responded to previous dietary and antibacterial therapies. Dogs with moderate or marked protein-losing enteropathy were excluded. After screening, dogs entered stage 1 and started the test diet. Gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed, and only dogs with histopathological evidence of small intestinal inflammation confirming CE could continue to stage 2 of the trial. The test diet was fed for 10 weeks throughout stages 1 and 2, and the primary outcome measure was clinical success defined as a reduction in canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) of ≥ 75%. Secondary outcomes included body condition score (BCS, scale 1-9) and faecal consistency score (scale 1-5). Results (median [range]) for dogs with confirmed CE that participated in both study stages are reported.

RESULTS: A total of 15 dogs commenced stage 1, and 13 of these progressed to stage 2 (age 4.2 [1.1-7.1] years; BCS 3 (2-4); previous diet therapies 2 [1-3]) of which two were withdrawn at week 5 for protocol deviations. CIBDAI scores decreased from 9 (7-16; n = 13) at baseline to 2 (1-11; n = 13) at week 2 (P < 0.001), 2 (0-6; n = 13) at week 5 (P < 0.001), and 1 (0-3; n = 11) at week 10 (P < 0.001). Treatment success was achieved by 8/13 dogs at week 5 and 10/11 dogs at week 10. Faecal score (n = 11) and BCS (n = 11) improved between baseline (1 [1-3] and 3 [3-4], respectively; P < 0.001) and week 10 (4 [3-5] and 4 [3-5], respectively; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Dogs with CE that had failed to respond to previous dietary and antibacterial therapy showed clinical improvement within 10 weeks when fed a dry extruded diet with a single protein source hydrolysed to amino acids and oligopeptides, without concurrent immunosuppressant treatment.

PMID:39955592 | DOI:10.1186/s12917-025-04528-y

BioData Min. 2025 Feb 15;18(1):15. doi: 10.1186/s13040-025-00430-3.

ABSTRACT

Explainable and interpretable machine learning has emerged as essential in leveraging artificial intelligence within high-stakes domains such as healthcare to ensure transparency and trustworthiness. Feature importance analysis plays a crucial role in improving model interpretability by pinpointing the most relevant input features, particularly in disease subtyping applications, aimed at stratifying patients based on a small set of signature genes and biomarkers. While clustering methods, including unsupervised random forests, have demonstrated good performance, approaches for evaluating feature contributions in an unsupervised regime are notably scarce. To address this gap, we introduce a novel methodology to enhance the interpretability of unsupervised random forests by elucidating feature contributions through the construction of feature graphs, both over the entire dataset and individual clusters, that leverage parent-child node splits within the trees. Feature selection strategies to derive effective feature combinations from these graphs are presented and extensively evaluated on synthetic and benchmark datasets against state-of-the-art methods, standing out for performance, computational efficiency, reliability, versatility and ability to provide cluster-specific insights. In a disease subtyping application, clustering kidney cancer gene expression data over a feature subset selected with our approach reveals three patient groups with different survival outcomes. Cluster-specific analysis identifies distinctive feature contributions and interactions, essential for devising targeted interventions, conducting personalised risk assessments, and enhancing our understanding of the underlying molecular complexities.

PMID:39955586 | DOI:10.1186/s13040-025-00430-3