Category: Statistics

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 Jul 7. doi: 10.1002/jpn3.70136. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Limited literature exists on non-clinically significant varices (nCSV) and progression in children with portal hypertension (PHT). This study investigates trends and associations in this cohort.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analysed 70 children with nCSV undergoing surveillance endoscopy between January 2012 and 2024. Laboratory parameters, prediction scores and fibroscan results were collected. Statistical analysis include Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared test and receiver operating characteristic.

RESULTS: Ten children (14.3%) presented with portal vein thrombosis (PVT), 26 (37.1%) with non-biliary atresia chronic liver disease (CLD) and 34 (48.6%) with biliary atresia (BA). Twenty-five children (35.7%) had variceal progression, with median years until progression of 3 years recorded in PVT and CLD (PVT: 1-6 years, CLD: 2-8 years), and 2 years (1-10 years) in BA. Haemoglobin count (Hb) (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.943), risk score (AUC = 0.748), and spleen stiffness by fibroscan (SSM) (AUC = 1.00) revealed optimal accuracy in predicting progression in PVT, with similar findings in CLD (von Willebrand Factor score [vWFAg score]: AUC = 1.00, risk score: AUC = 0.767, SSM: AUC = 0.882). Suboptimal accuracy was seen in BA biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS: Risk score is a reliable marker to monitor variceal progression in CLD and PVT. Interim noninvasive scores could be trialled along with surveillance OGD to validate results. Caution is advised extending endoscopy period for children with BA. Due to small subgroup sizes, larger cohort studies are needed to validate SSM and vWFAg score in children with nCSV.

PMID:40621668 | DOI:10.1002/jpn3.70136

Chronobiol Int. 2025 Jul 7:1-9. doi: 10.1080/07420528.2025.2524520. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the time-of-day on muscular strength, power and endurance performance in resistance-trained individuals. Fourteen resistance-trained males (age: 26.3 ± 6.7 years) underwent a randomized, counterbalanced cross-over trial. After a familiarization session, participants underwent two trials performing in the morning (9:00 h) and in the evening (18:00 h) a muscular strength and power assessment for bench press and back squat exercises at 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, and 100% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Then, muscular endurance was assessed for both exercises at 65%1RM, performing one set until failure. Once completed, isometric strength and vertical jump capacity (CMJ) tests were also performed. Only back squat exercise at 25% 1RM reported higher performance in the evening compared to the morning at mean velocity and mean and peak power (11-13%, p = 0.018-0.031, g = 1.91-2.20). Also, CMJ power was higher in the evening compared to the morning trial (2.5%, p = 0.002, g = 0.23). No statistical differences were found in the remaining loads, exercises or tests. In conclusion, circadian rhythm affects muscular strength and power performance at low (≤25% 1RM) but not moderate-to-higher loads in resistance-trained male participants, an effect observed in lower-body (e.g. back squat and vertical jump) but not in upper-body exercises (e.g. bench press).

PMID:40621663 | DOI:10.1080/07420528.2025.2524520

Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2025 Jul 7;34:e37. doi: 10.1017/S2045796025100139.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Understanding patterns and predictors of elevated psychological distress (EPD) among humanitarian migrants compared to the host population is critical for designing effective mental health interventions. However, existing research presents conflicting findings on the prevalence of EPD. This study examined EPD prevalence and associated factors in humanitarian migrants and Australian-born adults using large population-level datasets.

METHODS: Kessler 6 scores (range 6-30) were dichotomised, and scores above 19 were defined as EPD and indicative of probable serious mental illness. Comparative 1:2 matched analysis used humanitarian migrant data from the Building a New Life in Australia and Australian-born comparators from the National Health Survey. Each humanitarian migrant was matched by age, sex and location with two Australian-born residents. Modified Poisson regression identified predictors of EPD in both groups.

RESULTS: EPD was higher among humanitarian migrants (17.2%, 95% CI: 15.5, 18.9) compared to Australian-born (14.5%, 95% CI: 13.3, 15.6), with an adjusted relative risk (aRR) with 95% confidence intervals (1.16%, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.21) after adjusting for key factors. In both groups, females had a higher aRR than males, with similar effect sizes: 1.06 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.08) among Australian-born and 1.04 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.07) among humanitarian migrants. The impact of age on distress was more pronounced in Australian-born individuals: compared to the 65+ age group, the youngest group (18-24 years) had an aRR of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.28, 1.43) for Australian-born and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.27) for humanitarian migrants. Compared to excellent health, poor and fair self-rated health condition had an aRR of 2.13 (95% CI: 2.03, 2.26) and 1.69 (95% CI: 1.61, 1.79), respectively, for humanitarian migrants and 1.94 (95% CI: 1.82, 2.05) and 1.48 (95% CI: 1.43, 1.56), respectively, for Australian born. Australian-born individuals in the lowest-income quintile had higher distress (aRR: 1.11 [95% CI: 1.06-1.15]) compared to the highest-income quintile, with no significant income effect for humanitarian migrants. In both groups, females with poorer self-rated health had higher aRRs than females reporting excellent health.

CONCLUSIONS: Although distress prevalence was higher in the humanitarian migrants, age and sex differences followed similar patterns in both groups. Income level was a factor in Australian-born adults but not in humanitarian migrants. Clinically, this highlights the need for culturally sensitive and group-specific mental health support. From a policy perspective, the use of matching methodology from large, separate datasets offers a valuable model for generating actionable insights, supporting the development of targeted and equitable mental health programmes.

PMID:40621658 | DOI:10.1017/S2045796025100139

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2025 Jul 7;19:e176. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2025.10106.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: On February 6, 2023, 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes struck southeastern Türkiye, affecting 11 provinces and causing significant losses. This study aims to assess the mental health status of survivors in the twelfth month after the earthquake.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey with the virtual snowball sampling method. The survey included sociodemographic data, previous traumas, earthquake-related experiences, and the Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determining Scale (PETLDS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

RESULTS: The study included 2544 participants. The mean PETLDS score was 58.14±18.18, indicating that the participants were highly traumatized. Among them, 59.5% had high levels of post-traumatic symptoms, 44.2% had high anxiety, and 61% had high depression symptoms. 35.77% of participants displayed a co-occurrence of post-traumatic stress along with anxiety and depression. Female gender was the strongest predictor of high-level trauma and anxiety, while a history of psychiatric disorder was the strongest predictor of depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that symptoms were predicted by low income, low education level, smoking, comorbid chronic diseases, past traumatic experiences, the loss or injury of a loved one due to the earthquake, personal injury, temporary displacement, and damage to homes and workplaces.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that one year after the earthquake, mental health problems are prevalent among survivors, highlighting the need for urgent psychiatric interventions.

PMID:40621653 | DOI:10.1017/dmp.2025.10106

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2025 Jul 7;19:e179. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2025.10121.

ABSTRACT

Measles (rubeola) caused by measles virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted via respiratory droplets or can spread via sneezing or coughing of an infected person. In January 2025, two cases of measles associated with international travel seen in unvaccinated individuals of Harris County were reported by the Houston Health Department. This disease which was once declared eradicated from United States (US) in the year 2000, unfortunately has affected a total of 607 cases since January 2025, across the US, with highest number of cases recorded in Texas. Majority of the cases are witnessed in the paediatric population, especially the ones who are unvaccinated or have an uncertain vaccination history. Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy is an important barrier in achieving measles eradication, and it is more imperative than ever to address this issue in a timely manner. There is an urgent need of virus containment measures to be taken by public health authorities to curb its spread, specifically by reinforcing the importance and safety of vaccinations, debunking myths and educating parents that the recommended two doses of vaccination not only serve as a safety net for their child but also for the community as a whole.

PMID:40621651 | DOI:10.1017/dmp.2025.10121

Clin Transl Med. 2025 Jul;15(7):e70386. doi: 10.1002/ctm2.70386.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40621643 | DOI:10.1002/ctm2.70386

Int J Psychol. 2025 Aug;60(4):e70073. doi: 10.1002/ijop.70073.

ABSTRACT

The rise of migrants from different cultural backgrounds in Italy highlights the need to promote harmonious coexistence between them and the local population. A key factor in addressing this challenge is the level of acceptance in society of a multicultural ideology. An instrument to measure this concept has recently been revised into the Revised Multicultural Ideology Scale (MCI-r). Despite the urgency of adopting this broader ideology in Italy, no adaptation of the current scale has been made in the Italian context. To bridge this gap, our studies aim to adapt the MCI-r scale to the Italian context and assess its predictive validity on variables crucial for positive intergroup relations. We collected data from two distinct samples: one from Prolific (N = 301) and another from Sapienza University (N = 204). Using confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance, and convergent and discriminant validity analyses, we investigated the psychometric properties of the scale based on its recent validations in other societies. Furthermore, we tested its predictive validity concerning the quality of contact with migrants and political orientation. Our findings supported a four-factor solution and a higher-order dimension. Additionally, results supported the predictive validity of MCI-r and the superordinate dimension on positive contact with migrants and political orientations.

PMID:40621641 | DOI:10.1002/ijop.70073

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2025 Jul 7;19:e178. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2025.10117.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore concerns and feeling of safety among quarantined and non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study of free text answers from participants of an online survey. The survey was conducted between March 2020 and June 2021. COVID-19 positive adults in home isolation and adults in quarantine were eligible for participation. 698 participants answered one or more of three open-ended questions about concerns and safety. We analyzed free-text answers using thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke with an inductive approach.

RESULTS: Analysis of the free-text answers from all participants identified three main themes: (1) Fear of the unknown, (2) Views on personal care and public health measures, and (3) Concern for the future of a country in crisis. Participants’ feelings revolved around health-related concerns and societal related concerns. They were concerned about their own and other’s health, and possible long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection. Some participants were satisfied with the health care system, others thought follow-ups, testing, vaccination, and information would increase their feeling of safety.

CONCLUSIONS: People quarantined and isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic had concerns regarding personal health and societal consequences of infection control measures. Health care follow-ups and individualized information would increase participants’ feeling of safety.

PMID:40621640 | DOI:10.1017/dmp.2025.10117

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2025 Jul 7;19:e175. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2025.10097.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed millions of people worldwide, continues to be marked by waves of reinfections. We aimed to assess the incidence and clinical characteristics of reinfection in COVID- 19 cohort.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center descriptive study was conducted. Data were collected from all patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 via PCR from March 18, 2020, the onset of the first major COVID-19 wave, until the end of 2020. All PCR-positive patients were followed-up, and those who had SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity again at least 90 days after the initial onset were contacted via telemedicine.

RESULTS: 5814 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 with PCR positive in the first wave were included. The incidence of reinfection among the cohort of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the initial wave of COVID-19 was 0.73%. Among healthcare workers, the 1-year reinfection rate was 2.14%, 3.9 times higher than non-healthcare workers. We observed that the clinical course was milder and less complicated in patients who had reinfection. In cases of reinfection among fully vaccinated individuals, statistically significantly fewer symptoms were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: We observed that healthcare workers are at approximately four times greater risk of reinfection. Reinfections generally presented with a milder clinical course.

PMID:40621638 | DOI:10.1017/dmp.2025.10097

Mult Scler. 2025 Jul 7:13524585251353079. doi: 10.1177/13524585251353079. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The relationship between attendance at specialized multiple sclerosis (MS) clinics and mortality has not been fully evaluated.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the association between visits to specialized care in Danish MS clinics and mortality.

METHODS: We collected data from Danish national registers to assess survival among people with MS according to the number of visits in MS clinics. We employed the Kaplan-Meier method and extended Cox regression modelling.

RESULTS: In total, 9929 patients with MS were included in the study, contributing 105 115 person-years at risk. A total of 316 patients with MS died during a median follow-up of 10.3 years. Cumulative visits were not statistically associated with mortality (hazard ratio (HR), 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00, 0.99-1.02). Female sex (0.68, 0.53-0.87), being divorced (0.56, 0.37-0.86), being married or in a partnership (0.60, 0.45-0.79) and higher education (0.64, 0.45-0.91) were independently associated with reduced mortality. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ⩾ 3 (2.38, 1.60-3.54), ischaemic cerebrovascular disease (1.97, 1.42-2.75) and pneumonia (7.03, 5.48-9.02) were associated with an increased mortality.

CONCLUSION: We found no association between visits to specialized care and mortality. Our findings suggest that improving survival in patients with MS may require a focus on quality and content of care and proactive management of comorbidities.

PMID:40621617 | DOI:10.1177/13524585251353079