Category: Statistics

Parasitol Res. 2025 Jun 3;124(6):59. doi: 10.1007/s00436-025-08506-z.

ABSTRACT

Dirofilaria immitis, also known as canine heartworm, contains an endosymbiont, Wolbachia, in all life stages. The antibiotic, doxycycline, has been incorporated into heartworm treatment protocols to eliminate Wolbachia. Previous studies indicate that subsequent infection cannot be established using viable third-stage larvae (L3) developed from doxycycline-treated microfilariae (mf). The stages in which the development of larvae is impacted by doxycycline remain unknown. We examined the impact of doxycycline on the third-stage to fourth-stage larval molt, as it is the first molt of D. immitis after it invades the vertebrate host. Microfilaremic blood was collected weekly from D. immitis-infected dogs with or without doxycycline treatment at 10 mg/kg as recommended by the American Heartworm Society. Blood was collected weekly until the end of doxycycline treatment. The blood was used for L3 production and mf isolation. Wolbachia levels in mf and L3 were measured using real-time quantitative PCR. L3 were cultured in vitro for 9 days to assess whether molting occurred. The Fisher’s exact test and Bonferroni correction were used for statistical analysis. The molting of L3 from the doxycycline-treated groups did not show a significant difference compared to the L3 from the control group at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. The Wolbachia levels in mf and L3 decreased starting from 7 days post-treatment and remained less than five percent of controls throughout the treatment. Doxycycline treatment can eliminate Wolbachia in both mf and subsequently developed L3. The molts of the mf to L3 in the mosquito and the L3 to L4 molt in vitro do not appear to be impacted by the reduction or elimination of Wolbachia.

PMID:40459778 | DOI:10.1007/s00436-025-08506-z

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2025 Jun 3;57(5):240. doi: 10.1007/s11250-025-04479-4.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to explore farm-level losses of cattle, goats and sheep and relevant risk factors in the mixed crop-livestock and pastoral production systems in Ethiopia. Data from 1,528 cattle farms, 868 goat farms and 749 sheep farms, spanning the year 2018/19, were analysed in this study. A farm was defined as a case farm if it lost at least one cattle/goat/sheep in the past 12 months. The 12-month incidence of livestock loss was calculated for each region and production system. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess risk factors contributing to livestock loss in the farms. Forty-five percent of goat farms, 36% of sheep farms and 23% of cattle farms reported losing at least one animal in the past 12 months. Cattle loss in the pastoral system was associated with not using vaccines (Odds Ratio = 7, P < 0.01). In the mixed crop-livestock system cattle loss was associated with the absence of a roofed house (Odds Ratio = 1.40, P < 0.05). Risk factors for goat loss in the mixed crop-livestock system were selling live goats in the past 12 months (Odds Ratio = 1.58, P < 0.05). For sheep loss in the pastoral system, the identified risk factor was having cattle on farm (Odds Ratio = 2.40, P < 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights into the scale and the drivers of livestock loss within the major cattle and small ruminants production systems in Ethiopia.

PMID:40459774 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-025-04479-4

Hernia. 2025 Jun 3;29(1):194. doi: 10.1007/s10029-025-03385-w.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: For primary bilateral inguinal hernias, international guidelines favor a laparoscopic posterior mesh repair due to relatively lower risk of acute and chronic pain, faster recovery, and favorable biomechanical properties compared to open anterior approaches (Lichtenstein, plug and patch, etc.). However, studies comparing open mesh-based bilateral inguinal hernia repairs to bilateral laparoscopic and robotic mesh-based approaches are limited. The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) registry includes longitudinal data on bilateral inguinal hernia repairs performed via open as well as laparo-endoscopic approaches. We hypothesize that outcomes for bilateral inguinal hernia repair are similar between open and laparo-endoscopic approaches in the ACHQC registry.

METHODS: Data from 2012 to 2024 was obtained from the ACHQC registry for individuals who underwent open and laparo-endoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair. After adjusting for confounding covariates, 3:1 propensity score-based matching was performed to compare patient-reported quality of life using EuraHS scores between the open, robotic, and laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair cohorts. Postoperative complications and hernia recurrences were also compared between these cohorts.

RESULTS: In the matched analysis between laparoscopic, robotic, and open repair groups, 575, 524, and 208 individuals, respectively, were included. In the combined analysis comparing laparo-endoscopic to open repairs, data was included for 627 and 211 individuals, respectively, after propensity score matching with 3-year follow up. The open cohort comprised of approximately 40% open preperitoneal and 60% Lichtenstein repairs. The mean age of individuals in this study was 63 years (± standard deviation of 8 years), with nearly 92% of the patients being male (772/838). EuraHS scores up to the 3-year follow-up timepoint did not show statistical or clinical differences between the study cohorts (p = 0.19). There were also no significant differences between the rates of hernia recurrence at 3-year follow up, 30-day surgical site occurrences, postoperative bleeding, peripheral nerve injury, venous thromboembolic events, and urinary tract infections between the three cohorts.

CONCLUSION: For individuals undergoing primary bilateral inguinal hernia repair, all three approaches- laparoscopic, robotic, and open- are comparable in surgical and patient-reported outcomes in the ACHQC registry. Given the high percentage of open preperitoneal repairs in this study, further investigation is warranted to understand if the “open” cohort outcomes are skewed by the combination of both anterior and posterior open repairs in the same group.

PMID:40459773 | DOI:10.1007/s10029-025-03385-w

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Jun 3;197(7):723. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14121-3.

ABSTRACT

This study advances our approach to modeling particulate matter levels-specifically, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5-in Delhi’s dynamic urban environment through an extensive evaluation of traditional time series models (ARIMAX, SARIMAX) and machine learning models (RF, SVM) across air quality monitoring stations utilizing data from the period 2019 to 2023. We established a clear baseline of air quality variations using seasonal decomposition, highlighting critical seasonal peaks in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations influenced by localized emissions and adverse weather conditions. Subsequent trend analysis revealed increasing PM₁₀ levels at several key monitoring stations, underscoring the impact of urban activities and seasonal variations. In contrast, reduction was observed in PM_2.5 levels at most monitoring stations. We utilized a wide range of exogenous variables, including other pollutants and meteorological parameters in our time series models to enhance the accuracy of predicting particulate matter. The SVM model proved to be more accurate in predicting particulate matter levels. It achieved testing RMSE values between 12.48 and 67.22 µg/m³ for PM₁₀ and 8.38 and 48.95 µg/m³ for PM_2.5, with testing R-squared values between 0.30 and 0.95 for PM₁₀ and 0.41 and 0.96 for PM_2.5. This research pioneers a methodologically enriched approach by systematically incorporating these exogenous factors, enhancing predictive capabilities, and deepening the understanding of complex environmental dynamics specific to urban cities like Delhi. The extensive spatial coverage and robust integration of diverse exogenous factors can significantly enhance environmental modeling, providing actionable insights for policymakers and advancing air quality forecasting in urban megacities.

PMID:40459764 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14121-3

World J Urol. 2025 Jun 3;43(1):351. doi: 10.1007/s00345-025-05659-5.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of netrin-1 in Bladder Pain Syndrome /Interstitial Cystitis (BPS/IC).

METHODS: A total of 40 BPS/IC patients, 20 patients with overactive bladder (OAB), and 20 healthy controls were included. Baseline data of all participants were collected. Plasma netrin-1 expression levels were measured before treatment and two months after treatment. Statistical significance of differences among the three groups was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of netrin-1.

RESULTS: The netrin-1 expression level in the BPS/IC group was 777.37 ± 268.02 pg/ml, which was significantly higher than in the other two groups (P < 0.001). No significant difference in netrin-1 expression was observed between the OAB group and the healthy control group. Netrin-1 expression was positively correlated with ICSI, ICPI, and VAS scores. The netrin-1 expression level two months after treatment in the BPS/IC group was 485.06 ± 135.99 pg/ml, which was significantly lower than before treatment CONCLUSION: Netrin-1 can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for BPS/IC. However, the underlying mechanisms of netrin-1 in BPS/IC remain unclear and require further investigation.

PMID:40459754 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-025-05659-5

World J Urol. 2025 Jun 3;43(1):350. doi: 10.1007/s00345-025-05721-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Residual stone fragments (RFs) following ureteroscopy increase the risk of reintervention. This study assesses stone-free rates (SFR) using non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT), identifies factors influencing SFR, and investigates the relationship between RFs and retreatment rates (RTR).

METHODS: Patients who underwent ureteroscopy for urolithiasis between September 2017 and March 2024 were included if they had postoperative NCCT. Exclusion criteria include nephrocalcinosis and combined intrarenal surgery. Clinical data, procedural details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models assessed factors affecting SFR and RTR. A Kaplan Meier curve analyzed time to retreatment after surgery.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATION: Among 457 patients (519 renal units) the true SFR was 42.8%, increasing to 58.4% and 78.6% when RFs < 3 mm and < 4 mm were included. Factors negatively associated with SFR included prior urolithiasis treatment, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, positive urine culture, prior stenting, larger stone size, and mid- or lower-pole stone location. Conversely, exclusively ureteric stones and single stones were associated with higher SFR. On multivariate analysis, positive urine culture, prior urolithiasis treatment, increasing stone size, and mid-pole stone location remained significant predictors of reduced SFR. Logistic regression revealed the odds ratio for RTR with RF > 3 mm versus RF < 3 mm was 7.14 (95% CI: 1.96-24.39). Limitations included the risk of missing some stone-related outcomes during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The NCCT determined true SFR was 42.8%, with the size of RFs strongly correlating with the RTR. Patients with residual calculi should be counselled about increased risk of retreatment rate.

PMID:40459750 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-025-05721-2

Hernia. 2025 Jun 3;29(1):195. doi: 10.1007/s10029-025-03376-x.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent hiatal hernia (HH) is a significant challenge in surgical practice, with recurrence rates reported to range between 25% and 42%. This condition often requires redo surgeries, which are technically demanding and complex. While advancements in surgical techniques have improved outcomes, the optimal strategy for the surgical management of HH recurrence remains unclear. While mesh reinforcement is proposed to reduce recurrence, its use remains controversial due to potential complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate whether redo-surgery for HH with cruroplasty using mesh reinforcement was superior to suture cruroplasty in terms of postoperative complications and mortality. To our knowledge, there is no existing review on the topic using a systematic approach.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies evaluating postoperative outcomes of redo surgery for recurrent HH with and without mesh reinforcement were included. A random-based model was used in the meta-analysis to explore potential between-study heterogeneity. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The risk of bias was assessed with the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies – of Interventions (Version 2) ROBINS-I.

RESULTS: A total of 14 studies with 1011 patients were included. No statistically significant difference was observed in postoperative complications (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.32-1.04, p = 0.07) or mortality (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.08-1.98, p = 0.27) between mesh-reinforced and non-reinforced cruroplasty. However, the results suggest a numerical tendency toward lower rates in the mesh group, which did not reach statistical significance. The funnel plots were symmetrical, suggesting no significant publication bias. The overall quality of evidence was moderate, with considerable heterogeneity among studies.

CONCLUSION: This review highlights the sheer lack of robust data on the benefit of mesh placement in HH repair and the significant heterogeneity in the available literature. Although mesh reinforcement shows a potential trend toward better outcomes, it does not achieve statistical significance in reducing complications or mortality. New prospective, RCTs are necessary to better evaluate the benefits and risks of mesh placement.

PMID:40459749 | DOI:10.1007/s10029-025-03376-x

J Sleep Res. 2025 Jun 3:e70107. doi: 10.1111/jsr.70107. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Our purpose was to evaluate how cannabis smoking influenced multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) outcomes. This was a retrospective study of all adults that had undergone a MSLT at St. Michael’s Hospital (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) from 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2018. Three groups of persons were considered: active cannabis-only smokers, active tobacco-only smokers and non-active cannabis and tobacco smokers. A range of outcomes from the MSLT and preceding overnight polysomnogram were evaluated. Descriptive statistics at the univariate level were used. We identified a total of 139 individuals undergoing MSLT, of whom 9 (6.5%) were active cannabis-only smokers, 14 (10.0%) were active tobacco-only smokers and 116 (83.4%) were non-smokers. There were non-significant trends among cannabis-only smokers versus non-smokers and tobacco-only smokers towards lower mean sleep onset latency on MSLT (8.1 min vs. 9.2 min and 10.5 min, respectively) and there was a greater proportion of severe sleepiness (33.3% vs. 22.4% and 14.3%, respectively), having at least one REM sleep onset period (55.6% vs. 28.4% and 42.9%, respectively), narcolepsy diagnosis (22.2% vs. 8.6% and 7.1%, respectively), and idiopathic hypersomnia diagnosis (33.3% vs. 30.2% and 14.3%). Although we found no significant differences among the groups we evaluated, there were non-significant trends in multiple outcomes indicative of hypersomnia among active cannabis-only smokers, most notable of which were more frequent (and potentially incorrect) diagnoses of narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

PMID:40458917 | DOI:10.1111/jsr.70107

Oper Dent. 2025 Jun 3. doi: 10.2341/23-073-LIT. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the bond strength of self-adhesive (no need for bonding procedures) and conventional (with total-etch or self-etch primers) cementation strategies and the qualitative variables that interfere with the adhesion of fiberglass posts through a systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) and registered under the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The research question was “What resin cement provides better bond strength between the fiberglass posts and the root dentin: conventional or self-adhesive?” The PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched by two independent researchers.

RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between self-adhesive and conventional resin cements (p<0.00001), favoring conventional cements.

CONCLUSION: Conventional cements presented the best results regarding the bond strength of the fiberglass post cementation. However, variations in methodology and the risk of bias in analyzed studies may have decreased the reliability of the present study. More studies on this subject using a leveled methodology are recommended.

PMID:40458915 | DOI:10.2341/23-073-LIT

J Infect Dis. 2025 Jun 3:jiaf219. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiaf219. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Invasive mold infections (IMI) can lead to severe morbidity and mortality, but routine public health surveillance is lacking. Although extensive evaluation is needed for clinical diagnosis, case classification prediction models may inform surveillance efforts, which are essential to better characterize epidemiologic trends and assess the value of a more inclusive IMI case definition.

METHODS: We modeled medical record data of potential IMI cases from 4 medical centers in Houston, Texas, during September 2016 to August 2018. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and random forest machine learning methods to identify key host and clinical factors, mycological evidence, diagnostics, and health care exposures predictive of IMI case versus noncase status using both conventional and novel definitions. We assessed feature importance by measuring each variable’s impact on prediction error using leave-one-covariate-out and permutation feature importance approaches.

RESULTS: Receipt of systemic antifungal medication, hospital billing codes related to IMI, and positive pulmonary histopathology results were identified as the most important predictors of IMI case status across all measures. Removal of these features from the models resulted in reductions to prediction accuracy ranging from 3.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2%-3.2%) to 7.6% (95% CI, 7.2%-8.0%). Some IMI risk factors, including cancer diagnosis and prolonged receipt of corticosteroid medications, worsened prediction in several assessments of feature importance.

CONCLUSIONS: Features identified as important predictors of IMI case status using machine learning methods deviated from classic IMI risk factors. Our results will inform robust and feasible IMI case prediction models for public health surveillance.

PMID:40458914 | DOI:10.1093/infdis/jiaf219