Category: Statistics

Br J Nutr. 2025 Dec 9:1-32. doi: 10.1017/S0007114525105862. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cancer-related fatigue is a common problem among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors even after completion of treatment. In a randomized trial, we assessed the effect of a person-centred lifestyle program on cancer-related fatigue among CRC survivors who completed treatment.Survivors who completed treatment at least six months but no longer than five years ago, and who were experiencing cancer-related fatigue were randomized to intervention or control group. The intervention group worked with a lifestyle coach for six months during 12 sessions, to stepwise increase adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research cancer prevention guidelines on healthy diet and physical activity. Control group did not receive lifestyle coaching. Changes in cancer-related fatigue from baseline to six months were assessed with the FACIT-Fatigue Scale. As secondary outcome, we assessed changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Higher scores indicate less fatigue and better HRQoL.80 participants were randomized to the intervention group; 81 to the control group. Baseline characteristics were similar: mean age 64.1±10.9 years, 55.3% women, 72% had colon cancer. There were favourable changes in dietary behaviours and physical activity in the intervention group; the control group did not show changes to the same extent. The program did not result in statistically significant differential changes over time between intervention and control group in cancer-related fatigue (0.8; 95%CI -1.6,3.2) or HRQoL (1.3; 95%CI -2.2,4.8).A person-centred lifestyle program improved lifestyle of CRC survivors, but the program was not effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue or in improving HRQoL.

PMID:41363069 | DOI:10.1017/S0007114525105862

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Dec;24(12):e70578. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70578.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common chronic hyperpigmentation disorder that substantially impairs patients’ quality of life. With the rapid growth of short-video platforms such as TikTok and Bilibili, an increasing number of patients are turning to these media for health-related information. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of melasma-related videos available on TikTok and Bilibili.

METHODS: Between August 17 and 19, 2025, we searched Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) and Bilibili using the Chinese keyword “” (“melasma”), and included the top 150 videos under each platform’s default comprehensive ranking. The search and analysis were conducted in Chinese, reflecting the linguistic and geographical context of mainland China. Video characteristics and engagement metrics were recorded. The quality and reliability of the videos were independently evaluated by two researchers using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) instrument.

RESULTS: A total of 237 videos were included in this study. Content was dominated by clinical manifestations (46.8%), etiology (44.3%), and diagnosis (40.1%), whereas treatment-related content was markedly underrepresented (9.7%). The median video length was 127.00 s (70.75-270.50) on Bilibili and 47.00 s (35.00-96.00) on TikTok. TikTok videos achieved significantly higher engagement than Bilibili (p < 0.05). Overall video quality was moderate, with both GQS and mDISCERN showing a median score of 3.00 (IQR: 2.00-4.00). The mDISCERN score of Bilibili videos was 3.00 (3.00-4.00), significantly higher than TikTok (p < 0.05). Videos uploaded by healthcare professionals scored 3.00 (3.00-4.00) on GQS and 3.00 (2.00-4.00) on mDISCERN, both significantly higher than those uploaded by non-healthcare professionals (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study found that melasma-related short videos presented an incomplete content structure, with treatment-related information being markedly underrepresented. The overall quality of the videos was moderate, whereas those produced by healthcare professionals demonstrated higher quality and reliability. Future efforts should encourage greater participation from healthcare professionals and the implementation of refined content strategies, with the aim of improving both the quality and educational value of dermatology-related short video resources.

PMID:41363060 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.70578

J Fish Biol. 2025 Dec 9. doi: 10.1111/jfb.70286. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Schizothorax richardsonii (Gray, 1832), commonly known as snow trout, is a widely consumed food fish in the cold-water drainages of the Himalayas and serves as a significant source of animal protein for communities living along the riverbanks. This study examined morphological and genetic variations in six stocks of S. richardsonii from the Ganga and Chenab river systems in the Central and Western Indian Himalayas, utilizing the truss network analysis and mitochondrial COX1 gene marker. A total of 268 fish samples were collected for morphometric analysis, of which 34 were used for genetic study, from six distinct locations between August 2021 and July 2022. Various statistical analyses were performed, including univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), canonical discriminant function analysis (CDFA) and boxplot analysis. Seventy-one morphometric measurements of fish showed statistically significant variations (p < 0.01) among six locations of the two river basins forming six different fish stocks. The origins of the dorsal, pectoral fins and eye diameter were found to be important parameters in morphological discrimination. Furthermore, sequencing and analysis of the mitochondrial COX1 gene of 34 specimens of S. richardsonii revealed the highest haplotype (0.80000) and nucleotide (0.00265) diversities in the Pindar River. A newly emerged haplotype, Hap_7, was identified in the Rajouri Tawi. Phylogenetic analysis showed clear geographical divergence among the populations. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) identified morphometric variations that were attributed to differences in water velocity and transparency of the selected drainages, whereas genetic variations were associated with differences in water temperature, prolonged geographical isolation, geological changes and reproductive isolation between populations. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the morphometric and genetic population structure and evolutionary dynamics, which will help resolve the taxonomic ambiguity and suggest potential population structure and indicate possible management units for this vulnerable species.

PMID:41363057 | DOI:10.1111/jfb.70286

J Vasc Access. 2025 Dec 9:11297298251398418. doi: 10.1177/11297298251398418. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Central venous catheters are recommended for chemotherapy administration, but peripheral intravenous catheters are frequently used. This study examined venous access practices (central vs peripheral) for administering antineoplastic agents to patients with solid or hematologic malignancies and assessed the associated educational aspects.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A questionnaire developed according to the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research Guidelines was distributed to Italian hematology/oncology nurses who performed intravenous chemotherapy administration and peripheral vein cannulation. Of 171 questionnaires returned, 141 were completed.

RESULTS: Statistics showed that 33% of respondents used peripheral veins for at least 25% of patients within 30-day period. Peripheral veins were chosen because of organizational challenges, urgency, and central catheter issues or malfunctions. Irritant and vesicant drugs were administered by 60% and 49.3% of respondents. The study found 81.7% of nurses received additional education on chemotherapy administration. While 95.8% of nurses informed patients about chemotherapy side effects and extravasation signs, 77.5% did not document this in patients’ charts. Informed consent forms often lacked specifications for peripheral vein administration (63.9%), essential for safe antineoplastic agent administration.

CONCLUSIONS: The survey highlighted the need for standardized guidelines for intravenous chemotherapy, as peripheral veins serve multiple purposes.

PMID:41363047 | DOI:10.1177/11297298251398418

Emerg Microbes Infect. 2025 Dec 9:2602315. doi: 10.1080/22221751.2025.2602315. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) of the H5, H7, and H10 subtypes pose substantial threats to global public health owing to their high pathogenicity, cross-species transmissibility, and potential to spark epidemics. Rapid and accurate detection is essential for outbreak control and zoonotic risk mitigation. Here, we report the development of a multiplex lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) based on core-shell upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) conjugated with subtype-specific monoclonal antibodies targeting the haemagglutinin proteins of H5, H7, and H10 AIVs. The assay achieved limits of detection of 0.0313, 0.0156, and 0.0625 ng/mL for recombinant HA proteins and 2^-4, 2^-4, and 2^-3 haemagglutination units for viral titers of H5, H7, and H10, respectively. No cross-reactivity was observed with other AIV subtypes or respiratory pathogens, and intra- and inter-assay variation remained below 6%, demonstrating high specificity and reproducibility. Validation with 135 avian and 125 human clinical samples showed complete concordance with real-time RT-PCR results. Integration with a smartphone-based analytical platform enabled rapid readout, automated quantification, and cloud-based data sharing, providing results within 10 minutes. This intelligent UCNPs-LFA system combines ultra sensitivity, multiplexing, and field-deployable usability, representing a significant advance over conventional methods. By enabling timely and reliable detection of H5, H7, and H10 AIVs in both animal and human samples, this platform offers a practical tool for early warning, surveillance, and control of emerging zoonotic influenza, thereby contributing to global preparedness against avian influenza outbreaks.

PMID:41363045 | DOI:10.1080/22221751.2025.2602315

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 Dec 9. doi: 10.1002/jpn3.70298. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We aim to categorize the mechanical properties of the esophagus in children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in different disease stages and based on different management modalities, using endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe (EndoFLIP) which has been established to objectively evaluate mechanical properties of the esophagus in patients with EoE.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of children who completed EndoFLIP during sedated endoscopy over 2 years. Patients with EoE were categorized into EoE remission or active EoE based on published guidelines. Control subjects were those with normal endoscopy, esophageal biopsies, and EndoFLIP parameters. EndoFLIP studies were analyzed for distensibility index (DI) and maximum diameter (MD) at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), as well as contractile response (CR).

RESULTS: We included 130 subjects, 60 controls, and 70 with EoE (34 [49%] had active EoE and 36 [51%] were in remission). DI and MD were significantly lower in active EoE compared to controls (p < 0.001). DI and MD were significantly lower in initial (baseline) EoE compared to active EoE on therapy (p < 0.05) and EoE remission (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in DI and MD between EoE subgroups on different therapies.

CONCLUSION: Assessment of esophageal mechanical properties using EndoFLIP provides valuable information on disease severity in pediatric EoE. In our cohort, histological remission achieved with therapies such as proton pump inhibitors, topical steroids, and dupilumab was associated with improved distensibility and diameter at the EGJ. However, a subset of patients continued to demonstrate abnormal EndoFLIP findings despite histologic improvement.

PMID:41363038 | DOI:10.1002/jpn3.70298

Pulmonology. 2025 Dec 31;31(1):2598693. doi: 10.1080/25310429.2025.2598693. Epub 2025 Dec 9.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Risk factors of poor outcomes associated with COVID-19 are not well identified in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD).

PATIENTS OR MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed a multicentre prospective cohort of patients with ILD and COVID-19 from January 2020 to December 2022. Risk factor analysis for death at 90 days and hospitalisation was conducted using logistic regression, adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS: A total of 603 patients were included (66 years [54-74], 62% male). ILD diagnoses were autoimmune ILD (n = 147 [24%]), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF, n = 124 [21%]), non-IPF fibrosing ILD (n = 118 [20%]), granulomatosis (n = 115 [19%]), exposure-related/secondary ILD (n = 68 [11%]), and other rare lung diseases (n = 31 [5%]). Hospitalisation due to COVID-19 was associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer or haematological disease, background glucocorticoid therapy, DL_CO < 40%pred and FVC < 70%pred. Death due to COVID-19 at day 90 was associated with the underlying ILD diagnosis, background glucocorticoid therapy, cardiovascular disease, cancer or haematological disease, and DL_CO < 40%pred, whereas vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was protective. COVID-19-related mortality occurred mainly in the first 90 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

CONCLUSIONS: Poor outcomes related to COVID-19 are associated with ILD subtype and severity, background glucocorticoid therapy and absence of vaccination. There is no evidence of late mortality.

PMID:41363029 | DOI:10.1080/25310429.2025.2598693

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 Dec 9. doi: 10.1002/jpn3.70307. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Data on the relationship between body composition and strength in children with intestinal failure (IF) is lacking. The objectives were to (1) assess strength in children with IF compared to published norms; (2) examine the relationship between body composition and strength.

METHODS: Children aged 4-18 years with IF, excluding those with significant developmental delay or mobility challenges, were included. Functional strength was assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) and muscle strength was measured with a dynamometer for handgrip strength (HGS) and knee flexion/extension. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Two-sample t-test compared strength in IF patients to published norms, and the relationship between body composition and strength was analyzed using linear regression.

RESULTS: Thirty-one children (71% male, mean age 9.9 years) were included. Twelve (39%) received parenteral nutrition (PN). Children with IF had significantly lower HGS (p = 0.004), knee flexion (p = 0.002), and extension (p < 0.001) compared to published norms. Specifically, 80.6% scored below the mean for HGS, 71.0% for knee flexion, and 74.2% for extension. BOT-2 revealed 26.9% had scores less than -1 SD. No significant differences in strength were found between those on enteral nutrition or PN. A significant positive relationship between functional strength and increased fat-free mass, and decreased fat mass was found (r² = 0.36, p = 0.002), with male sex strengthening the relationship (r² = 0.62, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Children with IF, both on enteral nutrition and PN, are weaker than healthy literature controls. Decreased strength was associated with lower fat-free mass. This relationship was stronger in males than in females, highlighting the need to further investigate the mechanisms behind body composition and strength in this population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04610918.

PMID:41363022 | DOI:10.1002/jpn3.70307

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 Dec 9. doi: 10.1002/jpn3.70308. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia (HAAA) is described as acute severe hepatitis of unknown origin followed by bone marrow failure (BMF). We aimed to provide a comprehensive picture of pediatric HAAA.

METHODS: Two-center retrospective analysis was performed using data from children diagnosed with acquired BMF, including severe aplastic anemia (SAA) and myelodysplastic syndrome type refractory cytopenia of childhood (RCC). The assessment of the subcohort of HAAA included clinical features indicative of diagnosis and disease progression, with additional data from previously published case series.

RESULTS: Cohort comprised 62 children with acquired BMF and 22 children with HAAA. Median age of HAAA patients was 13.5 years. Potentially triggering viral infections were detected in 45%. The median interval from hepatitis onset to cytopenia was 3 weeks. All cases presented with severe hepatitis (median alanine transaminase 2127 U/L) and all but one with hyperbilirubinemia (median bilirubin 15.3 mg/dL). Coagulopathy was variable (median international normalized ratio 1.5). Four patients (18%) developed acute liver failure, two (9%) required liver transplantation. Hepatic parameters normalized within a median of 8.5 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the course of hepatitis between patients with SAA and RCC. Early lymphopenia was a key finding in patients with HAAA, progressing from a median of 905/µL at hepatitis onset to 530/µL within 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS: HAAA occurs in both SAA and RCC. Most cases present with severe acute cholestatic hepatitis and variable coagulopathy. Hepatic recovery is common. Lymphopenia at disease onset is frequent and may serve as a diagnostic marker.

PMID:41363020 | DOI:10.1002/jpn3.70308

Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2025;125(11):111-116. doi: 10.17116/jnevro2025125111111.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the risk factors for a slowed intra-atrial conduction in patients with schizophrenia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-two electrocardiograms of patients with schizophrenia who took antipsychotics were analyzed. The components of the metabolic syndrome, as well as anthropometric parameters, were identified as potential risk factors.

RESULTS: Slowed intra-atrial conduction (P >0.10 s) was found in 21 (17.2%) patients. Therefore, the patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of slowed intra-atrial conduction. Male sex (p=0.031), the duration of basic therapy (p<0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (p=0.043), the presence of metabolic syndrome (p=0.015), and hypersthenic body type (p<0.001) were statistically significant risk factors for slowed intra-atrial conduction in patients with schizophrenia.

CONCLUSION: If these risk factors are identified in patients with schizophrenia, continuous monitoring of the electrocardiogram and pharmacological interventions are recommended for the identified indications.

PMID:41362983 | DOI:10.17116/jnevro2025125111111