Category: Statistics

Addiction. 2025 Jan 12. doi: 10.1111/add.16755. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: We applied the Institute of Medicine (IOM) definition of racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare to estimate disparities in alcohol-related problems. This estimation involved adjusting for drinking patterns, gender and age, with observed disparities further explained by socioeconomic status (SES). We compared results of five statistical approaches which use different methods for adjusting covariates.

DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted analysis of the repeated cross-sectional data from the US National Alcohol Surveys (NAS) from 2000 to 2020, comparing traditional regression, rank-and-replacement, propensity score weighting, G-computation and the double-robust methods.

PARTICIPANTS: 39 239 respondents aged 18 + across five NAS surveys oversampling Black and Hispanic/Latino/a populations.

MEASUREMENTS: Our primary analysis examined the dichotomous outcomes of the three alcohol problem measures: occurrence of negative consequences, alcohol dependence (using DSM-IV criteria) and alcohol use disorder (AUD, using DSM-5 criteria). The drinking pattern variables encompassed past year total alcohol volume and measures of heavy drinking, including the number of days consuming 12+, 8-11 and 5-7 drinks.

FINDINGS: After adjusting for age, alcohol volume and heavy drinking days, statistically significantly higher prevalence of DSM-IV dependence and DSM-5 AUD were observed for Black and Hispanic men who drank in the past year compared with White men who drank. For instance, the Black-White difference in AUD prevalence ranged from 3.7% (95% confidence interval = 1.1%, 6.2%) to 4.9% (2.1%, 7.8%)-, while the HispanicWhite difference ranged from 2.3% (0.1%, 4.4%) to 3.4% (1.1%, 5.6%), using different adjustment methods. Further adjusting for SES factors only moderately explained the observed disparities. We found consistent results in the estimation of disparities across all five methods.

CONCLUSIONS: There appear to be racial and ethnic disparities in alcohol-related problems between Black and Hispanic men in the United States relative to White men after alcohol drinking patterns and age are adjusted. The findings also exhibit overall consistency across the five different methods or measurement applied.

PMID:39800864 | DOI:10.1111/add.16755

Pediatr Dermatol. 2025 Jan 12. doi: 10.1111/pde.15850. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs) present unique challenges due to their clinical and genetic heterogeneity. This study investigated the clinical characteristics of children diagnosed with systemic ALCL.

METHODS: Retrospective data from 14 pediatric patients diagnosed with systemic ALCL at Valme University Hospital were studied. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were collected and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 8.5 years, with a male predominance (78.6%). Cutaneous presentation occurred in 35.7% of cases, with characteristic rapidly growing subcutaneous nodules. B symptoms were present in 57.1% of patients, while 100% exhibited nodal involvement. Visceral and bone marrow involvement was observed in 71.4% and 7.1% of patients, respectively. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement was absent. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement was positive in all cases. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy resulted in 100% 5- and 10-year overall survival rates.

CONCLUSIONS: Systemic ALCL in children often presents with advanced-stage disease, with cutaneous involvement in a significant proportion of cases. Prompt recognition of skin lesions is vital to expedite diagnosis and treatment initiation, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This study underscores the importance of vigilance and early intervention in managing pediatric ALCL.

PMID:39800860 | DOI:10.1111/pde.15850

Aust J Rural Health. 2025 Feb;33(1):e13214. doi: 10.1111/ajr.13214.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To measure current levels and experiences of food and water security in Walgett to guide a community-led program and to provide a baseline measure.

DESIGN: A community-led cross-sectional survey conducted in April 2022 by trained local researchers.

SETTING: Walgett, a regional town in NSW, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 251 Aboriginal adults.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURED: Food and water security levels and experiences were measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Household Water InSecurity Experiences (HWISE) Scale. The relationship between food and water insecurity was determined through linear regression analysis.

RESULTS: Almost half of the respondents experienced food insecurity (46%) or water insecurity (44%) in the last 12 months. Most participants attributed food insecurity to difficulties with food affordability (71%) and availability (63%). More than four in five participants reported relying on purchased or donated bottled water due to main water source interruption (83%) or quality concerns (86%). Water insecurity was associated with food insecurity; HFIAS score increased by 0.43 points for every point higher on the HWISE scale.

CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to measure levels and experiences of food and water security in an Aboriginal community in Australia using validated tools. The results highlight the interconnectedness of food and water insecurity and provide evidence of levels far higher than Australian national level estimates and comparable to low- and middle-income countries. A holistic government response alongside community-led efforts are needed to increasefood and water security to improve health and well-being in remote Aboriginal communities.

PMID:39800851 | DOI:10.1111/ajr.13214

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s11356-024-35764-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Human-induced global warming, primarily attributed to the rise in atmospheric CO₂, poses a substantial risk to the survival of humanity. While most research focuses on predicting annual CO₂ emissions, which are crucial for setting long-term emission mitigation targets, the precise prediction of daily CO₂ emissions is equally vital for setting short-term targets. This study examines the performance of 14 models in predicting daily CO₂ emissions data from 1/1/2022 to 30/9/2023 across the top four polluting regions (China, India, the USA, and the EU27&UK). The 14 models used in the study include four statistical models (ARMA, ARIMA, SARMA, and SARIMA), three machine learning models (support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting (GB)), and seven deep learning models (artificial neural network (ANN), recurrent neural network variations such as gated recurrent unit (GRU), long short-term memory (LSTM), bidirectional-LSTM (BILSTM), and three hybrid combinations of CNN-RNN). Performance evaluation employs four metrics (R², MAE, RMSE, and MAPE). The results show that the machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models, with higher R² (0.714-0.932) and lower RMSE (0.480-0.247) values, respectively, outperformed the statistical model, which had R² (- 0.060-0.719) and RMSE (1.695-0.537) values, in predicting daily CO₂ emissions across all four regions. The performance of the ML and DL models was further enhanced by differencing, a technique that improves accuracy by ensuring stationarity and creating additional features and patterns from which the model can learn. Additionally, applying ensemble techniques such as bagging and voting improved the performance of the ML models by approximately 9.6%, whereas hybrid combinations of CNN-RNN enhanced the performance of the RNN models. In summary, the performance of both the ML and DL models was relatively similar. However, due to the high computational requirements associated with DL models, the recommended models for daily CO₂ emission prediction are ML models using the ensemble technique of voting and bagging. This model can assist in accurately forecasting daily emissions, aiding authorities in setting targets for CO₂ emission reduction.

PMID:39800837 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-024-35764-8

Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2025 Jan;19(1):e70070. doi: 10.1111/irv.70070.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nonpharmaceutical interventions for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, during the pandemic altered the epidemiology of respiratory viruses. This study aimed to determine the changes in respiratory viruses among children hospitalized from 2018 to 2023.

METHODS: Nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from children aged under 15 years with fever and/or respiratory symptoms admitted to a medical institution in Fukushima Prefecture between January 2018 and December 2023. Eighteen respiratory viruses were detected using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: Overall, 1933 patients were included. Viruses were detected in 1377 (71.2%); of these, a single virus was detected in 906 (46.9%) and multiple viruses in 471 (24.3%). Among the viruses whose epidemics were temporarily suppressed, the epidemics of respiratory syncytial virus A and human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) started earlier, and the epidemics of human metapneumovirus, HPIV1, and influenza A and C viruses resumed as behavioral restrictions for preventing COVID-19 eased. The median age of children with airway infection was significantly higher in the postpandemic group than in the prepandemic group (18.0 months vs. 21.0 months, p < 0.01). The median age of children infected with HPIV3 and human rhinovirus was significantly higher in the postpandemic group than in the prepandemic group.

CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening of nonpharmaceutical interventions changed the epidemic dynamics of pediatric infectious diseases, with a trend toward older hospitalized children. Continuous monitoring of pediatric infectious disease outbreaks in hospitalized children can help prepare for the emergence of future viruses and pandemics.

PMID:39800834 | DOI:10.1111/irv.70070

Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2025 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s00787-025-02640-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Online therapies have the potential to improve access to psychological services for individuals in need while alleviating the burden on healthcare systems. However, child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychotherapists (CAPPs) rarely integrate these services into their daily practice. This exploratory study investigates CAPPs’ acceptance of online therapy, with a focus on treating children and adolescents with digital media use disorders (DMUD). The study aimed to examine attitudes toward online therapy for DMUD treatment and to identify barriers and facilitating factors to its implementation. A cross-sectional online survey (5-10 min) was distributed to 1000 members of a German practitioner network, with 142 respondents completing it in full. Attitudes toward online therapy were assessed using adapted versions of the Attitude towards Telemedicine in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (ATiPP) questionnaire. Barriers and facilitating factors were explored using open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and regressions were used to analyze the closed-ended questions, while responses to open-ended questions were categorized. CAPPs reported considerable experience with DMUD, but less experience with online therapy. Attitudes towards online therapy were generally neutral, with less favorable views on its use for DMUD treatment. Key barriers to implementation in outpatient care included technical challenges, lack of personal contact or control, and concerns about data security. Facilitators included access to adequate technical resources, user-friendly and evidence-based programs, interactive tools, and opportunities for regular face-to-face interactions. The results highlight the need to develop online therapy solutions that align practitioners’ needs and acceptance. However, further qualitative and quantitative research with more representative samples is essential for a more comprehensive understanding of this topic.

PMID:39800830 | DOI:10.1007/s00787-025-02640-w

Pediatr Res. 2025 Jan 12. doi: 10.1038/s41390-025-03836-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Although there was an overall decreasing trend in the mean sodium intake and excess sodium intake, dietary sodium intake remained suboptimal in US youth.

PMID:39800827 | DOI:10.1038/s41390-025-03836-1

Occup Med (Lond). 2025 Jan 11:kqae128. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqae128. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The symptoms of Long coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) are heterogeneous, creating uncertainty for employers regarding the diagnosis. The prevalence of Long Covid-19 in the workforce is also unknown. Furthermore, workers affected by Long Covid-19 encounter considerable difficulties in ensuring work safety and returning to their jobs due to this condition.

AIMS: This review is aimed to identify the prevalence of Long Covid-19 in the workplace and to determine the various symptoms of Long Covid-19 experienced by the workers.

METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled estimates for the prevalence of Long Covid-19. Heterogeneity among the estimates was evaluated using the I² statistic.

RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of Long Covid-19 among workers across the 11 studies was 38% (95% CI 23-56). A total of 43 symptoms associated with Long Covid-19 were identified in the workplace, with the top five symptoms being dyspnoea at moderate activity (51%, 95% CI 39-62), mental symptoms (38%, 95% CI 6-87), dyspnoea at mild activity (35%, 95% CI 25-47), fatigue (26%, 95% CI 3-78) and effort intolerance (24%, 95% CI 15-35).

CONCLUSIONS: The review indicates a significant burden of long-lasting symptoms within the workforce. The top five reported symptoms of Long Covid-19 were dyspnoea during mild and moderate activities, mental symptoms, fatigue and effort intolerance.

PMID:39800813 | DOI:10.1093/occmed/kqae128

Drugs Aging. 2025 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s40266-024-01175-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to outline considerations for treating older adults with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) as it relates to infection, comorbidities, cancer, and quality of life.

RECENT FINDINGS: The recent 2023 American College of Rheumatology/American College of Chest Physicians guideline conditionally recommended specific disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), antifibrotics, and short-term glucocorticoids to treat RA-ILD. Since RA-ILD often affects older adults, we contextualize these pharmacologic options related to infection, gastrointestinal (GI) effects, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and quality of life. Nearly all DMARDs and glucocorticoids are immunosuppressive and increase infection risk. Rituximab, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and glucocorticoids may have particularly high infection risk. Many therapies recommended for treating RA-ILD have potential GI side effects. Antifibrotics have a high rate of nausea and diarrhea. Janus kinase inhibitors may increase risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease in older people. In older individuals, decisions must weigh the risks and benefits of drug options while considering clinical and social factors such as polypharmacy, adherence, cost, convenience, and social support. Management of RA-ILD in older individuals is complex and should consider risks and benefits, while optimizing quality and quantity of life through a shared decision-making process.

PMID:39800810 | DOI:10.1007/s40266-024-01175-0

Clin Rheumatol. 2025 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s10067-025-07308-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To investigate the fertility status, pregnancy outcomes, and disease activity during and after pregnancy in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) currently being followed up at an adult rheumatology clinic. This study included 141 adult patients diagnosed with according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria, who are now monitored at an adult rheumatology clinic. Data on demographics, disease characteristics, medication history, fertility status, and pregnancy outcomes were collected through medical records and patient interviews. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test to compare categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Out of 141 patients (65 male, 76 female), 19 female and 6 male patients attempted to have children. Six male patients fathered ten children without assisted reproductive techniques (ART), while 16 female patients had 19 children. Only one patient couldn’t conceive. The observed pregnancy complications included miscarriage (17.4%), preeclampsia (4.3%), preterm birth (4.3%), and gestational diabetes (4.3%). Flares during or within the first month after labor in 32.2% of pregnancies. There was no statistically significant association between medication use and pregnancy complications or disease activity during pregnancy. JIA does not significantly impact fertility or increase the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Disease activity during pregnancy and postpartum flares are manageable without the need for additional precautions. Patients with JIA can pursue pregnancy without significant concerns related to their condition. Key Points • JIA does not significantly impact fertility in both male and female patients. • JIA does not increase risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes or complications. • JIA disease activity remains stable and manageable during pregnancy and postpartum.

PMID:39800808 | DOI:10.1007/s10067-025-07308-z