Category: Statistics

Natl Med J India. 2025 Nov-Dec;38(6):326-331. doi: 10.25259/NMJI_988_2022.

ABSTRACT

Background One of the most important indicators of mental health in old age is life satisfaction. We aimed at verifying the psychometric properties of the Life Satisfaction Index-A (LSIA), used to evaluate life satisfaction and well-being, among older Iranians. Methods The forward-backward procedure was used for translating the English version of the LSIA into Persian. Thereafter, face and content validity were done by 15 specialists. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was done for construct validity. Reliability was evaluated by using the Cronbach’s alpha method. Statistical analysis was performed using Mplus 7.4. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results In the face validity, more than 90% of all questions had an impact score above 1.5, content validity ratio (CVR) >0.6, and content validity index (CVI) >0.8. CFA showed that the first-level factors ‘resolution and fortitude’, ‘Zest’ and ‘congruence between desired and achieved goals in life’ explain the first factor of the second level which is ‘the perception of reality’, and the first level factors ‘positive self-concept’ and ‘mood tone’ explain the second factor of the second level which is ‘mental perception’. The proposed structural model showed acceptable to the data and Cronbach’s alpha for the LSIA’s dimensions ranged between 0.89 and 0.95. Conclusion The findings suggest that the LSIA appears to be an appropriate instrument for older adults in Iran, but it needs further validation to explore different sub-cultural aspects in the older Iranian population.

PMID:41645981 | DOI:10.25259/NMJI_988_2022

Natl Med J India. 2025 Nov-Dec;38(6):344-349. doi: 10.25259/NMJI_726_2022.

ABSTRACT

Background Transmission of the delta variant resulted in a surge of SARS-CoV-2 cases in New Delhi, India, during the early half of the year 2021. Healthcare workers (HCWs) received vaccines on priority for the prevention of infection. We estimated the effectiveness of the BBV152 vaccine among HCWs against SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization, or death. Methods This retrospective cohort study was done at a multi-speciality tertiary care public-funded hospital in New Delhi, India. 12 237 HCWs participated in the study. The intervention was the BBV152 whole virion inactivated vaccine (Covaxin, Bharat Biotech Limited, Hyderabad, administered two doses four weeks apart). The outcome measures were vaccine effectiveness against any SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptomatic infection, or hospitalization or death. Results The mean (SD) age of HCWs was 36 (11) years, 66% were men, and 16% had comorbid conditions. After adjusting for potential covariates-age, sex, health worker type category, body mass index, and comorbid conditions, the vaccine effectiveness (95% confidence interval) in fully vaccinated HCWs and >14 days after receipt of the second dose was 44% (37 to 51, p<0.001) against sympto-matic infection, hospitalization or death due to SARS-CoV-2, and 61% (37 to 76, p<0.001) against hospitalization or death, respectively. The partial dose was not effective. Conclusion The BBV152 vaccine, with complete two doses, offered a modest response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in real-life situations against a backdrop of high delta variant community transmission.

PMID:41645980 | DOI:10.25259/NMJI_726_2022

Natl Med J India. 2025 Nov-Dec;38(6):332-338. doi: 10.25259/NMJI_824_2022.

ABSTRACT

Background In the Indian context, there is no recent data on substance use among school students. We report on the pattern of substance use and associated factors among school students in a cross-sectional nationwide survey conducted in 10 cities of India. Methods From each city, data from 200 students each from three schools (urban-government, urban-private, rural school) were collected. Within each school, a section from each grade (VIII, IX, and XI/XII) was randomly selected. Finally, 5920 students (boys 52.4%, mean [SD] age 14.7 [1.6] years) self-administered the questionnaire in the classroom setting. Results There were 15.1% students who reported lifetime, 10.3% past year, and 7.2% past month use of any substance, including tobacco, with most being used occasionally. Substances used in the past year were tobacco (4%), alcohol (3.8%), opioids (2.8%), cannabis (2%), inhalants (1.9%), and sedatives (0.6%). Substance use was significantly higher among boys than girls and higher with increasing grades. Past year users had significantly high/very high total difficulties score on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (15.0 [5.1]) compared to non-users (13.4 [5.7]; p<0.001). There was a significant difference between substance users and non-users in the subscales conduct problem, hyper-activity, emotional problems, and in the impact score (p<0.001). Past year users compared to non-users reported higher ‘substance use (any)’ by family members (p<0.001) and peers (p<0.001). Conclusions A substantial proportion of school students reported using psychoactive substances, mostly for occasional use. School-based prevention efforts are required on a wide scale in the country. We recommend early identification and intervention for substance use in school settings.

PMID:41645979 | DOI:10.25259/NMJI_824_2022

Natl Med J India. 2025 Nov-Dec;38(6):365-368. doi: 10.25259/NMJI_398_2024.

ABSTRACT

Background The doctor-patient relationship is an important component of modern medicine. It is essenstial to respect the patient’s views while also conveying the appropriate treatment protocols to them. We aimed to determine the characteristics that the general public in India considers important in a ‘Good doctor’ who would treat them or a member of their family. Methods We did a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study including 402 participants. The questionnaire consisted of 21 physicians’ characteristics, with 7 characteristics in each of 3 domains: professional expertise, humanism, and autonomy. Participants were asked to select 4 qualities they valued most. Descriptive statistics were calculated and summarized. Categorical variables were analysed using the Chi-square test. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results The majority of patients (273) wanted their doctor to provide a clear explanation of their disease, while 218 patients wanted their doctor to be honest about their illness. The most commonly preferred domain was autonomy (84.3%), 75.1% chose humanism as the preferred characteristic while 74.6% favoured professional expertise. Conclusion The growing exposure to health education has changed people’s perceptions from ‘only doctors decision’ to ‘shared decision-making’. Open and transparent communication with patients reinforces trust in the doctor- patient relationship and must go hand in hand with humanism and professional competence.

PMID:41645971 | DOI:10.25259/NMJI_398_2024

Natl Med J India. 2025 Sep-Oct;38(5):268-274. doi: 10.25259/NMJI_878_2023.

ABSTRACT

Background We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant therapy, especially direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy, for primary prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE), in non-bedridden cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods English and Chinese literature published from the inception of the databases up to December 2022 was extracted from five databases: PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Wanfang Medical and CNKI. Statistical analysis was done using Stata/SE 16.0 software. Results Eight randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that DOACs were effective in preventing symptomatic PE in cancer patients (Log risk ratio [RR]=-0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.73, -0.05). Moreover, compared to the control group, DOACs did not increase the risk of major bleeding (Log RR 0.55, 95% CI -0.20, 1.30). Conclusion The meta-analysis indicates that in cancer patients, DOACs have a significant effect on the prevention of PE, with good safety profile and no increased risk of major bleeding.

PMID:41645951 | DOI:10.25259/NMJI_878_2023

Cancer Biother Radiopharm. 2026 Feb 6:10849785261420926. doi: 10.1177/10849785261420926. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical impact of docetaxel and capecitabine administered under ultrasound-mediated enhancement in patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), with an emphasis on safety, quality of life, immunological modulation, and therapeutic efficacy.

METHODS: A total of 80 patients with advanced TNBC who received treatment at this institution between October 2021 and October 2022 were chosen at random and placed in either the control group (CG, n = 40) or the observation group (OG, n = 40). While the OG received capecitabine and docetaxel supplemented by an ultrasound-mediated drug delivery strategy intended to enhance intratumoral absorption, the CG received cisplatin and docetaxel. The groups were compared in terms of clinical response, immunological function, quality of life (FACT-B), incidence of adverse events, and serum tumor markers.

RESULTS: Compared with the CG, the OG showed a considerably greater response rate (RR) and disease control rate (p < 0.05). Immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, and IgA levels in the CG dramatically decreased after two treatment cycles (p < 0.05), while levels in the OG were maintained and continued to be greater than those in the CG (p < 0.05). Both groups’ FACT-B scores dropped (p < 0.05), but the OG’s reduction was less noticeable (p < 0.05), suggesting that ultrasound-enhanced therapy improved quality-of-life preservation. The OG had decreased incidence of adverse events; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Following therapy, tumor markers CA125 and CA153 reduced in both cohorts (p < 0.05), with the OG showing larger reductions (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Capecitabine and docetaxel administered via ultrasound improve therapeutic efficacy in advanced TNBC, lessen immune suppression brought on by treatment, improve quality of life, and support a positive safety profile while encouraging higher decreases in tumor marker expression. These results demonstrate the potential therapeutic benefit of using ultrasound-based medication delivery techniques into TNBC systemic therapy.

PMID:41645929 | DOI:10.1177/10849785261420926

Acad Emerg Med. 2026 Feb;33(2):e70239. doi: 10.1111/acem.70239.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prolonged emergency department waiting times are associated with increased mortality among older patients. In January 2025, the ED of Linkoping University Hospital, Sweden, implemented a low-resource routine to expedite the workup of older patients living with frailty by prioritized physician assessment and subsequent workup.

AIM: To investigate if a frailty alert using the Clinical Frailty Scale followed by prioritized clinical assessment influences ED operating metrics.

DESIGN: This was an observational before and after study of a pre-implementation group (control) and a post-implementation group (intervention) between October 2024 and February 2025.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients aged > 64 years, with a documented CFS assessment during the ED visit at the Linkoping University Hospital, Sweden, who consented to participation, were included.

METHOD: Standard ED operating metrics, Time to physician, ED length of stay (LOS), and admission rates were compared between a pre-implementation group and a post-implementation group.

RESULTS: A total of 542 ED visits were analyzed (248 pre-implementation, 294 post-implementation). Time to physician was shorter in the post-implementation group at 31 min (IQR 15, 65) versus 44 min (IQR 20, 94) (p < 0.001). ED LOS was reduced from 352 (IQR 266, 515) to 319 (IQR 240, 458) minutes (p = 0.014). The admission rate was unchanged at 59% and 60% (p = 0.4).

CONCLUSION: Frailty alerts based on the CFS with prioritized workup reduced ED LOS and time to physician in older patients living with frailty in this single center study and may be a low-resource intervention to reduce the risks of adverse events in the ED.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06869148.

PMID:41645916 | DOI:10.1111/acem.70239

J Sleep Res. 2026 Feb 6:e70301. doi: 10.1111/jsr.70301. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Adolescents frequently use smartphones, smartwatches, personal computers, tablets, and other electronic devices during the day and at night. Whilst these devices are kept close to the eyes, they emit artificial light at night (ALAN) and generate noise. ALAN and noise are also emitted from other indoor and outdoor sources, such as home appliances, road traffic, street lighting, and advertising boards. However, the effect of these exposures has been studied mainly in the adult population, and little is known about their combined effect on adolescents. The present study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by examining the combined effect of ALAN and noise on the quality of sleep of junior high and high school students. Study participants included 81 adolescents (age 13-18 years) living in Tamra, a town in northern Israel. A 41-day experiment was carried out during which participants wore smartwatches, connected to Android smartphones, to monitor their exposures to ALAN and noise and their sleep patterns. The collected data were then analysed using statistical tools and showed that an increase in ALAN in a plausible range of 40-150 lx before sleep is estimated to reduce sleep efficiency (SE), all other factors being constant, by ~18% (t < -16, p < 0.01), whilst an increase in noise from 30 to 60 dB was estimated to reduce SE by ~22% (t < -14, p < 0.01). These estimates are higher than those found for the adult population in previous studies, according to which the effects of these environmental risk factors on sleep duration and quality were estimated to be ~8%-9%.

PMID:41645901 | DOI:10.1111/jsr.70301

Acta Oncol. 2026 Feb 6;65:75-82. doi: 10.2340/1651-226X.2026.44970.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Advanced breast cancer (ABC) involves substantial end-of-life (EOL) healthcare use and costs. Understanding cost drivers can inform care delivery and resource allocation. Patient/material and methods: We conducted a retrospective, population-based study of individuals (n = 1,437) who died with breast cancer in the Stockholm Region (2015-2023). Healthcare utilization and costs during the last 12 months of life were obtained from the Stockholm Regional Healthcare Data Repository (VAL) and estimated using the Region Stockholm cost model. Variables included age, sex, socioeconomic status (Mosaic), Charlson Comorbidity Index, Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), systemic therapy, and place of death. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models assessed cost associations.

RESULTS: Total costs rose toward EOL, increasing 140% in the final 3 months versus the prior quarter. Hospitalizations and specialized palliative care drove costs, while outpatient visits declined. Younger age (18-69 years), high frailty (HFRS > 15), and systemic therapy were independently associated with higher costs. Hospital death was associated with lower expenditures than dying elsewhere (rate ratio [RR]: 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-0.91). The top 5% of cost users were mainly younger, frail patients receiving systemic therapy.

INTERPRETATION: ABC-related costs escalate in the final year of life, driven by hospitalizations, palliative care, and systemic therapies. Younger, frailer patients incur higher costs, while those dying in hospital settings are associated with lower costs. Early palliative integration and frailty-based risk stratification were associated with distinct patterns of healthcare utilization and costs toward the EOL.

PMID:41645873 | DOI:10.2340/1651-226X.2026.44970

J Chem Inf Model. 2026 Feb 6. doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.5c02978. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We validate semiempirical sTDA-xTB and sTD-DFT-xTB methods for high-throughput screening of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters using 747 experimentally characterized molecules─the largest such benchmark to date. Our framework achieves >99% computational cost reduction versus TD-DFT while maintaining strong internal consistency (Pearson r ≈ 0.82) and reasonable agreement with 312 experimental singlet-triplet gaps (MAE ≈ 0.17 eV). Large-scale analysis statistically validates key design principles: D-A-D architectures outperform other motifs, and optimal torsional angles of 50^°-90^° maximize TADF efficiency, while PCA confirms a low-dimensional property space. This work establishes xTB methods as cost-effective tools for accelerating TADF discovery.

PMID:41645809 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jcim.5c02978