Category: Statistics

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2026 Jun 6. doi: 10.1007/s13555-026-01808-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In June 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ritlecitinib (50 mg once daily) for treatment of severe alopecia areata (AA) in patients ≥ 12 years. This study aimed to assess the characteristics of patients prescribed ritlecitinib within the first 10 months following approval.

METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed data from the Komodo Healthcare Map^® (Komodo) and OMNY Health Foundation databases. Patients were aged ≥ 12 years with ≥ 1 ritlecitinib prescription on or after June 23, 2023, ≥ 1 AA diagnoses on or before index date (first prescription date), and ≥ 12 months of continuous enrollment before study entry. Two cohorts were assessed: patients with Komodo data (cohort 1) and linked Komodo and OMNY data (cohort 2). Clinical characteristics and AA treatment history were assessed over the 12-month pre-index period and stratified by age (12-17 and ≥ 18 years).

RESULTS: Cohort 1 included 2562 patients; of these, 61.8% were prescribed ritlecitinib by a dermatologist, 58.9% were female, and 35.2% were adolescents. Approximately 24% had alopecia totalis/alopecia universalis as the closest diagnosis prior to index, 12.4% had ≥ 1 other autoimmune disorder, 23.9% had ≥ 1 atopic disorder, and 23.7% had ≥ 1 diagnosis of a mental health condition captured. In cohort 1 during the 12 months before index date, 26.6% of patients received no AA treatments, 31.9% received systemic immunomodulators, and 31.3% received injectable corticosteroids. Cohort 2 included 381 patients; of those in cohort 2 with reported disease location, hair loss primarily occurred on the scalp (90.5%) and face (43.2%). In cohort 2, 77.2% of patients with a scalp hair loss (SHL) assessment had ≥ 50% SHL.

CONCLUSIONS: In the first 10 months following US approval, ritlecitinib was prescribed to a broad range of patients, including those with and without prior treatments and comorbidities. This suggests that ritlecitinib may provide new opportunities to engage or re-engage patients in AA-directed care.

PMID:42250189 | DOI:10.1007/s13555-026-01808-9

Clin Transl Oncol. 2026 Jun 6. doi: 10.1007/s12094-026-04388-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tattoo inks may contain carcinogenic compounds, and pigment migration to lymphatic tissues raises concerns regarding potential cancer risk. Epidemiological evidence remains inconclusive.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between tattoo exposure and the incidence of skin cancer and hematological malignancies.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to January 2026 for cohort and case-control studies comparing cancer incidence in tattooed versus non-tattooed adults. Random-effects meta-analyses using restricted maximum-likelihood estimators were performed to pool odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was quantified using I² statistics. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-E, and certainty of evidence was evaluated with GRADE. Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS: Seven observational studies including 140,841 participants were analyzed. Tattoo exposure was not associated with overall skin cancer (OR 0.92; 95%CI 0.83-1.04; I² = 0%; p = 0.179). Stratified analyses by number of tattoo sessions showed no significant associations: one session (OR 1.08; 95%CI 0.55-2.12; I² = 92.4%), two-to-three sessions (OR 0.90; 95%CI 0.62-1.32; I² = 63.2%), and ≥ 4 sessions (OR 0.70; 95%CI 0.29-1.70; I² = 88.5%). For hematological malignancies, pooled analysis showed no significant association (OR 1.02; 95%CI 0.78-1.32; I² = 64.9%; p = 0.910). Subtype analyses were non-significant: non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OR 1.00; 95%CI 0.73-1.36; I² = 3.7%), Hodgkin lymphoma (OR 1.19; 95%CI 0.59-2.40; I² = 91.7%), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (OR 0.90; 95%CI 0.57-1.44; I² = 61.7%), T-cell lymphoma (OR 1.07; 95%CI 0.61-1.88; I² = 0%), and follicular lymphoma (OR 0.99; 95%CI 0.72-1.36; I² = 1.9%). Sensitivity analysis excluding one influential study rendered the association for overall hematological malignancies statistically significant (OR 1.20; 95%CI 1.05-1.39; I² = 0%). Certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS: Tattoo exposure was not associated with increased skin cancer risk and showed no significant association with hematological malignancies in primary analyses. A significant association emerged only after sensitivity analysis, warranting cautious interpretation and further prospective investigation.

PMID:42250187 | DOI:10.1007/s12094-026-04388-4

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2026 Jun 6;36(1):215. doi: 10.1007/s00590-026-04813-y.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intrawound vancomycin powder in the definitive surgical management of high-risk fractures, with particular attention to postoperative infection, microbiological profile, and adverse events.

METHODS: Data Sources: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus was conducted in February 2025, with a search cut-off date of January 31, 2025 following PRISMA framework.

STUDY SELECTION: Randomized and observational comparative studies evaluating intrawound vancomycin powder in patients undergoing definitive fracture fixation were included if they reported postoperative infection, microbiological outcomes, or adverse events.

DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for randomized trials and ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Random-effects models were used to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

RESULTS: Eight studies involving 3185 patients were included, of whom 1149 received topical vancomycin powder. Vancomycin use was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative infection following fracture fixation (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42-0.82; p = 0.002; I² = 0%). Microbiological data were limited; however, one study reported a lower proportion of gram-positive infections in the vancomycin group, with no corresponding reduction in gram-negative infections. Two studies contributed to an exploratory pooled safety analysis, which showed no statistically significant difference in adverse events between groups (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.95-2.02; p = 0.38; I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS: The certainty of evidence was limited by risk of bias, outcome indirectness, and the inclusion of non-randomized studies. Intrawound vancomycin powder was associated with a reduced risk of postoperative infection in high-risk fracture fixation without a statistically significant increase in reported adverse events. Microbiological findings remain sparse and should be interpreted cautiously. These results suggest that intrawound vancomycin powder may represent a useful prophylactic adjunct in selected orthopaedic trauma cases, although further high-quality studies are required to clarify its safety profile and microbiological consequences.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID:42250185 | DOI:10.1007/s00590-026-04813-y

Matern Child Health J. 2026 Jun 6. doi: 10.1007/s10995-026-04273-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with substantial maternal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to describe demographic and clinical factors that differ between American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and White women with HDP in North Dakota.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis of resident, in-state, singleton births among AI/AN and White women with HDP using 2007-2020 North Dakota birth records from the Division of Vital Records. Descriptive analyses were performed using summary statistics and bivariate comparisons to compare demographic risk factors and maternal outcomes between AI/AN and White women with HDP. Annual trends in HDP diagnoses were also analyzed.

RESULTS: From 2007 to 2020, the prevalence of HDP increased significantly from 4.4% to 12.1%. The prevalence increased significantly among both AI/AN women (6.6% to 13.6%, p < 0.001) and White women (4.1% to 11.9%, p < 0.001). Compared with White women, AI/AN women had higher rates of cesarean delivery (45.3% vs. 38.5%, p < 0.001), cesarean delivery after a trial of labor (30.5% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001), preterm birth (23.1% vs. 17.0%, p < 0.001), fetal macrosomia (3.2% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001), and blood transfusion (2.2% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.009). AI/AN women had lower rates of third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration (0.4% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.004) and cephalic presentation at delivery (91.9% vs. 94.9%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: HDP increased significantly from 2007 to 2020 among both AI/AN and White women in North Dakota. Among pregnancies complicated by HDP, AI/AN women experienced higher rates of several adverse maternal and delivery outcomes. These findings highlight the need for targeted and culturally responsive strategies to improve maternal outcomes among AI/AN women.

PMID:42250178 | DOI:10.1007/s10995-026-04273-0

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2026 Jun 6;146(1):210. doi: 10.1007/s00402-026-06352-x.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Surgical stabilization of Pauwels Type III femoral neck fractures remains a significant challenge due to high vertical shear forces. While the medial buttress plate is a recognized solution, it requires extensive deep dissection. This study aims to compare the biomechanical performance of various screw configurations combined with either a medial buttress or anteromedial support plate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five third-generation synthetic femurs were used to create a standardized 70-degree (Pauwels III) fracture model. Specimens were divided into five groups (n = 5): (A) Inverted triangle (IT) screws with a Pauwels screw, (B) Inverted triangle (IT) with medial buttress plate (MBP), (C) Inverted triangle with anteromedial support plate (ASP), (D) L-configuration with medial buttress plate (MBP), and (E) L-configuration with anteromedial support plate (ASP). Axial loading was applied at 2 mm/min until construct failure, defined objectively by the real-time force-distance curve.

RESULTS: Although no statistically significant difference was found between groups (p = 0.102), a large effect size was observed (η² = 0.309). Group C (IT + ASP) demonstrated the highest mean failure load (1695 ± 494.6 N). Conversely, Group E (L-configuration + ASP) exhibited the lowest stability (977.2 ± 195.4 N) with a remarkably narrow standard deviation. The majority of failures occurred as transverse subtrochanteric fractures distal to the implants.

CONCLUSION: The combination of an inverted triangle screw arrangement with an anteromedial support plate demonstrated comparable biomechanical stability to the medial buttress plate, while offering a potentially safer surgical corridor. Conversely, pairing L-shaped screw configurations with anteromedial support plates resulted in the lowest mean ultimate load-to-failure among the tested constructs, likely due to potential stress riser effects.

PMID:42250173 | DOI:10.1007/s00402-026-06352-x

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Jun 6;198(7):691. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15538-0.

ABSTRACT

This investigation aims to assess surface soil contamination by heavy metals in the new city of Ali Mendjeli (Constantine, Algeria). The methodological approach is based on energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), associated with multivariate statistical tools and pollution indices (enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index ( $I_{\mathrm{geo}}$ ), and contamination factor (CF)), in order to characterize the contamination levels and identify potential sources of pollution. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of trace metallic elements. These mainly consist of the following elements: chromium, zinc, nickel, and lead, with average concentrations exceeding the limit values set by the AFNOR U44-04 regulations. Moreover, no copper contamination was observed. The EF values indicate moderate pollution for Ni, Cr, Pb, and Zn, and low pollution for Cu. Meanwhile, the positive values of $I_{\mathrm{geo}}$ varied between 0 and 2 for Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb indicate low to moderate contamination, confirming the consistency between the pollution indices. On the other hand, the CF values for Cr, Zn, Ni, and Pb, ranging between 1 and 6, indicate moderate to high contamination, mainly of anthropogenic origin. Principal component analysis (PCA), coupled with hierarchical clustering (HC), indicates that the main sources of heavy metal contamination come from agricultural activities, metallurgical industries, gravel quarries, waste incineration, and road traffic.

PMID:42250167 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15538-0

Int Orthop. 2026 Jun 6. doi: 10.1007/s00264-026-06873-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Accurate acetabular cup positioning is crucial in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), as malposition is associated with instability and early failure. We hypothesized that acetabular cup orientation may differ according to the surgical approach used. The aim of this study was to assess whether acetabular anteversion and inclination vary according to surgical approach and whether these differences affect the proportion of acetabular cups positioned outside reference orientation zones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-centre comparative study was conducted including 300 primary THAs performed between 2018 and 2022. A stratified random sample of 100 hips per approach was selected: posterolateral (PLA), direct lateral (DLA), and direct anterior (DAA). Cup inclination and anteversion were measured on standardized postoperative radiographs using calibrated digital software. Positioning was analyzed according to the safe zones described by Lewinnek and Reina, as well as the zone corresponding to the lowest observed dislocation ratio reported by Esposito et al. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using appropriate statistical tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: Mean inclination and anteversion for the overall cohort were 41.5° and 17.6°, respectively. Significant differences were observed between approaches for both inclination (p < 0.001) and anteversion (p = 0.011), with the DLA demonstrating lower mean anteversion compared with the PLA and DAA. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of cups positioned within the Lewinnek safe zone (p = 0.276). However, significant differences were observed in the proportion of cups within the Reina target zone (p = 0.0015) and within the zone centred on 48° inclination and 24° anteversion (± 10°) derived from Esposito et al. (p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSION: Acetabular cup positioning appears to vary according to surgical approach in primary THA, particularly regarding anteversion, with the PLA demonstrating higher mean anteversion and the DLA lower values. However, these differences did not translate into clinically relevant differences in positioning within established reference orientation zones according to widely used criteria.

PMID:42250144 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-026-06873-5

Indian J Gastroenterol. 2026 Jun 6. doi: 10.1007/s12664-026-02021-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Supragastric belching (SGB) is a behavioral disorder involving rapid air influx into the esophagus through a transiently relaxed upper esophageal sphincter, followed by immediate expulsion. Unlike gastric belching, it is not related to lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dysfunction or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Often associated with psychological stress, SGB can significantly impair quality of life and some patients remain refractory to conventional therapies.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, clinical records of patients diagnosed with refractory supragastric belching were systematically analyzed. Extracted data included detailed clinical history and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings; high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) was performed using Herbert’s 16-channel water perfusion system, with interpretation of esophageal motility patterns based on the Chicago Classification version 3.0 and perceived stress levels assessed using the PSS-10 questionnaire. All patients underwent a standardized intervention protocol consisting of nasogastric tube insertion followed by structured diaphragmatic breathing training (Yellapu Technique), aimed at behavioral modulation of belching. Follow-up evaluations included symptom assessment and perceived stress scores over a three-month period to determine therapeutic response.

RESULTS: Total 56 patients were analyzed (40 females and 16 males, mean age of 45.6 ± 10.0 years). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and HREM findings were within normal limits in all patients. Endoscopy showed normal mucosal findings. HREM demonstrated normal esophageal motility and sphincter function, with a baseline esophagogastric junction (EGJ) pressure of 33.75 ± 6.45 mmHg and an integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) of 10.90 ± 2.8 mmHg, both within physiological limits. Complete resolution of supragastric belching was observed in 55 patients. The paired mean Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score showed a statistically significant reduction, decreasing from 33 ± 3.65 at baseline to 22.92 ± 2.34 at one month (p < 0.001). No recurrence of symptoms was reported during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the Yellapu Technique appears to offer a practical and innovative therapeutic approach for the management of refractory supragastric belching. By combining mechanical interruption with behavioral modification, it was associated with immediate symptom relief as well as sustained improvement. These findings suggest that this technique may represent a promising adjunct or alternative to existing therapies, warranting further validation through well-designed prospective controlled studies.

PMID:42250134 | DOI:10.1007/s12664-026-02021-4

Pediatr Nephrol. 2026 Jun 6. doi: 10.1007/s00467-026-07362-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality across all age groups, yet data on pediatric kidney transplant outcomes associated with COVID-19 positive (COVID +) donors remain limited.

METHODS: Using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we identified 143 pediatric kidney recipients (< 18 years) of COVID + donors transplanted between September 2020 and February 2025 and compared them with 1808 recipients of COVID-19 negative (COVID -) donors using propensity score weighting to account for transplant year, age at transplant, sex, race, human leukocyte antigen mismatch, prior transplant, and immunosuppression.

RESULTS: Among 1940 pediatric recipients, 7.3% received kidneys from COVID + donors, with utilization increasing from 2.5% in 2020 to 10.5% in 2025. No statistically significant differences were observed in patient survival (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.10-6.73, p = 0.86) and overall graft failure (HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.67-2.73, p = 0.41) between COVID + and COVID – groups over a median follow-up of 1.2 years. Delayed graft function (7.7% vs. 7.2%) and median initial hospital stay (8.0 vs. 8.0 days) were also comparable.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of COVID + donors for pediatric kidney transplantation has increased over time. The posttransplant outcomes are similar between COVID + and COVID – pediatric recipients, supporting the use of COVID + donors in this population.

PMID:42250098 | DOI:10.1007/s00467-026-07362-y

Adv Ther. 2026 Jun 6. doi: 10.1007/s12325-026-03621-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Infectious keratitis can lead to significant ocular morbidity and threaten vision if not treated promptly with antimicrobial therapy. Adjuvant treatment with corneal cross-linking (CXL) can improve visual outcomes in cases of infectious keratitis. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) can provide additional qualitative and quantitative information on healing.

METHODS: This was a prospective, comparative control study of 40 eyes of 40 patients with infectious keratitis. The effectiveness of a customised epi-off CXL protocol was evaluated as adjuvant therapy. Clinical and AS-OCT parameters on days 7 and 14 of treatment, date of first report of healing and 1 month following reported healing were recorded.

RESULTS: Forty patients were randomly allocated to group A (medical treatment) and group B (medical treatment and CXL). The mean healing duration in days was 27.3 ± 9.27 in group A and 30.75 ± 7.39 in group B. The AS-OCT parameters corneal thickness (CT), infiltrate thickness (IT) and infiltrate width (IW) showed significant reduction compared to preoperative state with no clinically significant change between the groups (p > 0.05). The scar thickness (SC) was measured following reported complete healing and showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.03).

CONCLUSION: The addition of CXL to the treatment of infectious keratitis is associated with reduced scar thickness in the healing phase. Clinically, CXL as an adjuvant therapy to the medical treatment for infectious keratitis did not improve the healing duration or the final visual outcome.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06967376 on ClinicalTrials.gov retrospectively registered on 13 May 2025.

PMID:42250077 | DOI:10.1007/s12325-026-03621-4