Category: Statistics

Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2025 Oct 15;250:10610. doi: 10.3389/ebm.2025.10610. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Many studies reported that glaucoma is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to investigate the potential causal relationship between glaucoma and CVD using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of glaucoma and CVD were downloaded from the IEU OpenGWAS project. The CVD included unstable angina pectoris (UAP), coronary artery disease (CAD), high blood pressure (HBP), myocardial infarct (MI), heart failure (HF), ischemic stroke (IS), atrial fibrillation (AF), and pulmonary embolism (PE). The inverse variance weighting (IVW) analysis was the primary method in MR analysis. Meanwhile, sensitivity analysis and statistical power tests were performed. The random effects IVW method showed a causal relationship between glaucoma and a decreased risk of MI (Odds ratio (OR): 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-0.99; P = 0.012). In the reverse MR analysis, genetic susceptibility of UAP (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.23; P = 0.022), CAD (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1-1.21; P = 0.041), and HBP (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.25-2.67; P = 0.002) was significantly linked to an increased risk of glaucoma. MR-Egger (P = 0.005) and IVW (P = 0.005) methods found that HBP presented different degrees of heterogeneity. The random effects IVW method also demonstrated that HBP is the risk factor for glaucoma (P = 0.0017). Although reverse MR initially suggested a potential association between CAD and glaucoma, MVMR showed no causal relationship after adjusting for obesity and BMI. The MR analysis found that glaucoma serves as a protective factor for MI, while UAP and HBP were risk factors for glaucoma in the European population, which may contribute to preventing and managing glaucoma and CVD.

PMID:41170525 | PMC:PMC12568447 | DOI:10.3389/ebm.2025.10610

Chem Sci. 2025 Oct 29. doi: 10.1039/d5sc05991g. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Exotic cycloaddition entrance channels were discovered for the bimolecular gas-phase reactions of the phenylethynyl radical (C₆H₅CC, X²A₁) with ethylene-d₄ (C₂D₄) and propylene (C₃H₆) as explored under single-collision conditions utilizing the crossed molecular beams technique combined with electronic structure and statistical calculations. Connecting the concepts of barrierless entrance channels, excited states, and facile non-photochemically activated cycloadditions, the reaction pathway features an unconventional thermal [2 + 2] cycloaddition forming a four-membered ring collision complex followed by multiple isomerizations prior to unimolecular decomposition via atomic hydrogen loss to (un)substituted naphthalenes-naphthalene-d₄ (C₁₀H₄D₄) and 1-/2-methylnaphthalene (C₁₁H₁₀). The small energy gap between the singly-occupied a₁ highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) with a σ-character and the underlying doubly-occupied b₁ molecular orbital with a π-character allows a facile promotion of an electron. This in turn enables a versatile low-temperature reactivity of phenylethynyl, where the end-on and side-on barrierless approaches of ethylene are due to its interaction with the σ and π orbitals, respectively, thus suggesting this mechanism as a possible method for tuning substituents in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) formation and highlighting its versatility as a probe of fundamental carbon chemistry via counterintuitive cycloaddition reactions under single-collision conditions.

PMID:41170523 | PMC:PMC12569633 | DOI:10.1039/d5sc05991g

Biomed Res Int. 2025 Oct 29;2025:4866275. doi: 10.1155/bmri/4866275. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cameroon, located in Central Africa, is characterized by a high endemicity of hepatitis B. National studies estimate the prevalence of HBs antigen carriage to range between 8% and 15% in the general population. Identified high-risk groups include adolescents and young adults, among whom university students represent a vulnerable population. The objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B viral biomarkers among students at the University of Yaoundé II in Cameroon.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study from February 20 to June 20, 2024. Samples were collected at the Soa campus of the University of Yaoundé II. Initial testing was performed using rapid diagnostic tests at the university, followed by ELISA (Fortress Diagnostics) at the blood bank of the Central Hospital of Yaoundé. The detection of anti-HBs, HBe antigen (HBeAg), anti-HBe, and anti-HBc was carried out using the Hightop HBV 5-in-1 rapid test. Data were processed and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS Version 25. The chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and odds ratio calculations for comparing proportions and logistic regression were used to search for risk factors. The result was significant with a p value less than 5%.

RESULTS: A total of 250 students were tested. HBs antigen was positive in eight students (3.2%). Among these, anti-HBs and HBeAg were absent, while anti-HBe was positive in six out of eight (75.0%) and anti-HBc was positive in all eight cases (100%). Only two students (0.8%) had been vaccinated against hepatitis B.

CONCLUSION: All eight HBsAg-positive students were in the chronic phase of hepatitis B infection. A history of blood transfusion and unprotected sexual intercourse was strongly associated with HBV infection. Vaccination coverage was extremely low, highlighting the need for targeted immunization programs in this population. Educational and awareness efforts regarding transmission routes and preventive measures must be strengthened.

PMID:41170507 | PMC:PMC12571039 | DOI:10.1155/bmri/4866275

Biomed Res Int. 2025 Oct 29;2025:4302237. doi: 10.1155/bmri/4302237. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Pediatric drug prescriptions raise significant safety concerns, particularly when potentially inappropriate medications are involved. This study is aimed at identifying and evaluating the frequency of antimicrobial and psychotropic medications considered potentially inappropriate when prescribed by dentists to children and adolescents in Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the National System for Controlled Products Management (SNGPC) between December 2020 and November 2021. To assess the frequency of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), medications were classified according to the Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs in Pediatrics (KIDs’ List). Data were organized in Excel and analyzed descriptively. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% CI, adjusted for age and gender. Analyses were performed in SPSS Version 29.0. A total of 204,026 dental prescriptions for individuals under 18 years of age were recorded over the 12 months. The overall prescription rate of risky medication was 2.2 per 10,000 pediatric patients. Among the risky prescriptions, antibiotics were the most frequently dispensed, accounting for 41.2%, with azithromycin being the most commonly prescribed (68.5%). The Southeast region showed the highest frequency of both total and risky prescriptions. Males and neonates/infants received a higher number of risky prescriptions. These findings underscore the urgent need for personalized clinical guidelines for pediatric dental prescribing in Brazil. Promoting the rational use of medications in this population is essential to minimizing ADRs and improving patient safety.

PMID:41170506 | PMC:PMC12570961 | DOI:10.1155/bmri/4302237

Front Public Health. 2025 Oct 15;13:1676418. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1676418. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Social determinants of health (SDoH) are regarded as the fundamental causes of health and disease. Nevertheless, the relationship between SDoH and mortality risk in osteoarthritis (OA) patients remains poorly understood. This study aims to examine the associations between SDoH and all-cause or cardiovascular mortality risks among OA patients.

METHODS: Analysis of data from ten National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles (1999-2018) encompassing 4,681 OA participants was conducted. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were employed to assess the associations between SDoH and mortality outcomes, encompassing all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling was employed to assess potential non-linear associations. Subgroup analyses and interaction evaluations were subsequently performed to investigate the consistency of the observed associations across predefined demographic and clinical subgroups.

RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 84 months, 1,300 participants died, including 447 cardiovascular deaths. In the fully adjusted multivariable model, Cox proportional hazards models showed that each 1-point increase in the cumulative SDoH score are associated with a 15% increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.11-1.19) and a 13% elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06-1.21). Most notably, Individuals with ≥5 adverse SDoH factors had a 119% higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.72-2.79) and a 109% greater risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.30-3.37) compared to those without any adverse factors. Kaplan-Meier survival curves further indicated significantly worse cumulative survival in high SDoH burden groups (Log-rank p < 0.001). Moreover, RCS analyses confirmed a linear dose-response gradient for SDoH levels and mortality risk (Non-linearity p > 0.05). Subgroup analyses identified stronger SDoH to all-cause mortality associations in low-BMI participants than high-BMI counterparts (Interaction p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION: Among US adults with OA, adverse SDoH are associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Developing and implementing innovative public health approaches aimed at SDoH is crucial for mitigating premature mortality and addressing health inequities in this population. Integrating SDoH assessment into OA clinical management pathways and public health programs may improve prognostic outcomes; however, future research should validate these findings through large-scale prospective cohort studies and intervention trials.

PMID:41170494 | PMC:PMC12568563 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1676418

Front Public Health. 2025 Oct 15;13:1676425. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1676425. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The perceived burdensomeness is a negative emotion and cognition that arises from an individual’s belief that they place an excessive burden on others. For older adult hemodialysis patients who migrated with their families, they not only endure the pain of their illness but also face the challenges of living in a different place. They worry that their illness will burden their families, and perceived burdensomeness may be even more pronounced. This study aimed to explore the trend of perceived burdensomeness over time and its influencing factors in older adult migrant hemodialysis patients in China.

METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted on 120 older adult hemodialysis patients who migrated with their families in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from June 2022 to October 2023. The patients were surveyed using the perceived burdensomeness subscale, general information questionnaire, and family support scale at T1 (first admission for hemodialysis), T2 (6 months after hemodialysis), and T3 (12 months after hemodialysis). Changes in perceived burdensomeness and family support were analyzed. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze factors influencing perceived burdensomeness among older adult migrant hemodialysis patients.

RESULTS: This study initially included 120 older adult hemodialysis patients who migrated with their families as research subjects, and no patient dropped out during the study. Among them, 61 were male, with an average age of (71.9 ± 7.5) years. 86 were married, and 34 were divorced or widowed. 68 were able to take care of themselves, and 52 were unable to. 74 had one adult child, 36 had two adult children, and 10 had three or more adult children. The perceived burdensomeness scores of patients showed a gradually increasing trend across the three time points (T1: 23.29 ± 3.82, T2: 23.98 ± 3.84, and T3: 24.58 ± 3.84), remaining consistently at a high level. The family support scores showed a gradually decreasing trend (T1: 10.25 ± 1.91, T2: 9.70 ± 1.84, and T3: 9.13 ± 1.88). The differences in both perceived burden and family support scores across the three time points were statistically significant (F = 3.337, 10.702, all p < 0.05). Generalized estimating equation analysis revealed that marital status, household registration, family income per capita, number of adult children, self-care ability, comorbidities, dialysis frequency, and family support significantly influenced the changes of perceived burdensomeness among older adult migrant hemodialysis patients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The perceived burdensomeness of older adult migrant hemodialysis patients shows a trend of gradual increase over time and is at a relatively high level. Targeted intervention measures should be formulated according to the patients’ marital status, household registration, family income per capita, number of adult children, self-care ability, comorbidities, dialysis frequency and family support to improve the patients’ perceived burdensomeness, mental health level and quality of life.

PMID:41170492 | PMC:PMC12568331 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1676425

Front Public Health. 2025 Oct 15;13:1551907. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1551907. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected healthcare systems in Africa, revealing urgent Challenges in resource-limited settings and the need for effective diagnostic strategies. This study examines the factors influencing the rollout and uptake of COVID-19 antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) in six African countries: Cameroon, Chad, Burkina Faso, Niger, Sierra Leone, and the Republic of Congo.

METHODS: Utilizing qualitative methodologies, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with healthcare personnel, community health workers, and community members to explore barriers and facilitators affecting decentralized testing efforts.

RESULTS: Key barriers identified include misinformation, distrust in government intentions, staff demotivation, and stigma surrounding positive test results. In contrast, facilitators such as community engagement, short turn around turn, international travel requirement and the involvement of community health workers in testing process emerged as strong motivators for testing uptake. Findings emphasize the critical importance of coherent communication strategies and community sensitization efforts to combat misinformation and foster acceptance of testing. Moreover, Integrating COVID-19 testing into routine healthcare surveillance and strengthening community health systems through capacity building are essential for improving overall public health responses. Stakeholders highlighted government policies, including public awareness campaigns, Media engagement and decentralisation of testing services, as essential in improving testing coverage.

CONCLUSION: This study underscores the need for targeted interventions that respect local contexts, enhancing the resilience and strength of healthcare systems and pandemic preparedness in Africa against current and future public health challenges.

PMID:41170491 | PMC:PMC12568697 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1551907

Front Public Health. 2025 Oct 15;13:1679219. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1679219. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether fascia knife release therapy combined with exercise for treating neck and shoulder pain administered over a period of 12 weeks enhanced the visual analog scale (VAS), cervical muscle endurance test (CMET) score and neck disability index (NDI) score in adolescent table tennis players.

METHODS: This study adopted a prospective, exploratory design with a small sample size. The sample size was determined on the basis of the minimum requirements suggested by the relevant literature and feasibility considerations. Accounting for a potential 10% attrition rate, the study ultimately enrolled 40 adolescent table tennis players who were randomized to a control group or treatment group during the recovery period at the Anhui Sports Rehabilitation Clinic (Hefei, Anhui, China) in 2024. The subjects were divided into a medication group (n = 20, control group; CON) and a fascia knife release therapy combined with exercise group (n = 20, experimental group; EXP). A recovery exercise was applied to the control group for 12 weeks, whereas fascia knife release therapy combined with exercise was applied to the treatment group within the recovery empty period. The visual analog scale (VAS), cervical muscle endurance test (CMET) and neck disability index (NDI) were used to assess recovery before and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS: Comparisons of the visual analog scale (p = 0.854), cervical muscle endurance test (p = 0.393) and neck disability indices (p = 0.828) scores revealed no statistically significant differences between the CON group and the EXP group before the intervention. Compared with the control group, the EXP group presented significantly lower VAS (p = 0.001) and NDI (p = 0.001) scores following 12 weeks of fascia knife release therapy combined with exercise. There was a statistically significant increase in CMET in the treatment group (p = 0.001) compared with that in the CON group.

CONCLUSION: Fascia knife release therapy combined with functional exercise enhances cervical muscle endurance (CMET) while significantly reducing pain (VAS) and functional disability (NDI) in adolescent table tennis players with neck and shoulder pain. Thus, this combined approach not only addresses immediate symptoms but also strengthens the muscles around the neck and shoulders, providing improved support and stability.

PMID:41170490 | PMC:PMC12568588 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1679219

Front Public Health. 2025 Oct 15;13:1620863. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1620863. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To examine the association between the social unacceptability of vaping and the main correlate, country of residence, as well as other sociodemographic variables in three Middle Eastern countries.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey study of a convenience sample of regular vapers in Middle Eastern countries was recruited. Recruitment took place through paid advertisements on social media, regular e-cigarette users, completed an online survey. Vapers responded to socio-demographic and social unacceptability questions. Ordinal logistic regression was used for analysis.

RESULTS: N = 428 vapers completed the survey. Male vapers and vapers who currently smoke had lower odds for social unacceptability perceptions relative to females and never smoker counterparts. Vapers in Qatar, experiencing pressure to vape from friends, encountering negative effects, and mod and e-cigarette use was associated with higher odds of social unacceptability perceptions relative to vapers in Egypt, not experiencing pressure from friends, not encountering negative effects, and pod use, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Relative to vapers in Egypt, those in Qatar reported higher social unacceptability levels, likely due to restrictive legislations, and calls for similar restrictions in Egypt. More awareness is needed to increase social unacceptability among vapers who are males and current smokers. Highlighting potential negative effects from vaping in education campaigns and regulatory restrictions on pod design (compact, sleek, and concealable features) may help increase the social unacceptability of vaping.

PMID:41170488 | PMC:PMC12568529 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1620863

Front Public Health. 2025 Oct 15;13:1670698. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1670698. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients experience significant psychological and physiological challenges, affecting their treatment outcomes and overall wellbeing. Traditional gardening benefits mental health and quality of life but is often impractical, requiring alternatives. This pilot study evaluated the impact of indoor hydroponic gardening on cancer patients’ mental health and quality of life.

METHODS: A case-crossover pilot study included 36 adult cancer patients from the Houston Methodist Cancer Center, with participants serving as their own control through repeated measurements. Participants received AeroGarden hydroponic systems and engaged in an 8-week gardening intervention. Mental wellbeing, mental distress, quality of life, fruit and vegetable consumption, and pain management were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks using validated scales. Data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to account for within-subject correlations over time.

RESULTS: The study included 36 cancer patients with a mean age of 57.5 years. Significant improvements were observed in mental wellbeing scores (p-trend = 0.042), depression subscale scores (p-trend = 0.003), and global quality of life (p-trend < 0.001) over the 8 weeks. Emotional and social functioning scores also improved significantly (p-trend = 0.001 and p-trend = 0.010, respectively), along with increased fruit and vegetable intake (p-trend = 0.028). While overall pain management scores showed a decreasing trend, these changes were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that indoor hydroponic vegetable gardening can significantly improve mental health and quality of life in cancer patients, suggesting it as an alternative to traditional gardening. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings and explore long-term benefits.

PMID:41170487 | PMC:PMC12568356 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1670698