Category: Statistics

Eur J Popul. 2025 Dec 23. doi: 10.1007/s10680-025-09763-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This article presents an investigation into the gendered outcomes of inter-regional moves in six European countries, adopting a life-course perspective. Analyses are based on retrospective data from SHARELIFE for birth cohorts from the 1930s to 1960s in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Sweden. Linear probability panel models with fixed effects are used to examine the association between inter-regional migration and employment status over time, while assessing whether it differs by gender and family status. Results show that men experience improved employment probabilities following migration, regardless of their family status, and that these outcomes are consistent across countries. Moreover, the likelihood of employment for men continues to gradually increase several years after the move. In contrast, inter-regional mobility favours single women more than partnered women, especially mothers. Results, however, do not confirm a pattern of continued disadvantages, as mobility does not further reduce the employment prospects of mothers over time. The largest differences in the association between geographical mobility and employment between single women and mothers are observed in Mediterranean countries, while in more egalitarian countries like Sweden these differences are comparatively small.

PMID:41432959 | DOI:10.1007/s10680-025-09763-5

J Neurooncol. 2025 Dec 23;176(2):134. doi: 10.1007/s11060-025-05373-7.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Postoperative seizures are a significant complication following glioma surgery. While prophylactic antiseizure medications (ASMs) are widely prescribed, the optimal duration of prophylaxis remains unclear. Current guidelines lack specificity regarding high-risk subgroups that may benefit from extended ASM therapy. Here, we aimed to determine whether ASM duration affects postoperative seizure occurrence and to identify patient subgroups in whom longer ASM prophylaxis significantly reduces seizure risk.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 206 adult high-grade glioma patients who underwent resection. Postoperative seizure occurrence was the primary outcome. ASM duration was modeled using logistic regression with cubic splines to detect non-linear effects, and a classification decision tree was trained to identify high-risk subgroups. Observed seizure rates were compared across data-driven ASM duration thresholds. Time-to-event analysis was also performed.

RESULTS: Mean age was 48.1 years (SD 15.9); 48.5% were male. Most tumors were located in the frontal (43.3%) and temporal lobes (29.6%), with glioblastoma being the most common histology (65%). Spline regression revealed no statistically significant association between ASM duration and seizure occurrence (pseudo R² = 0.0066; p = 0.69). However, decision tree analysis suggested a clinically meaningful subgroup: patients aged > 52.5 years with subtotal resection had increased seizure risk when ASM duration was ≤ 135 days. In this group, extending ASM prophylaxis was associated with a lower seizure rate.

CONCLUSION: While extended ASM prophylaxis was not broadly associated with reduced seizure risk, tree-based analysis suggested an older, incompletely resected subgroup that may benefit from prolonged ASM use.

REGISTRATION NUMBER: IR.TUMS.SINAHOSPITAL.REC.1402.091 retrospectively registered.

PMID:41432958 | DOI:10.1007/s11060-025-05373-7

J Chem Theory Comput. 2025 Dec 23. doi: 10.1021/acs.jctc.5c01509. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Statistical approaches are an increasingly powerful technique for characterizing changes in the electronic structure during reactions or molecular excitations. High-throughput studies in complex environments, in particular, benefit from methods that are both computationally efficient and require minimal pre- or postprocessing of electronic structure outputs. To address this need, we investigate optimal transport (OT), which compares probability distributions through a cost-minimizing transport plan. By applying OT to electron densities along a reaction coordinate and partitioning the resulting transport plan, we reveal how noncore electron density evolves during chemical processes. We demonstrate the approach on two systems: Bergman cyclization and proton transfer occurring within a water cluster. Along the intrinsic reaction coordinate of Bergman cyclization, OT yields chemically intuitive insights and complements information provided by the electron localization function. For the proton-transfer reaction, based on ab initio molecular dynamics, OT clearly identifies individual transfer events. Together, these studies demonstrate that optimal transport provides a promising new framework for investigating chemical reactivity.

PMID:41432932 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jctc.5c01509

World J Urol. 2025 Dec 23;44(1):62. doi: 10.1007/s00345-025-06131-0.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based perioperative care approach aimed at attenuating surgical stress response and facilitating patient recovery. This study compared postoperative outcomes between an ERAS perioperative model to a traditional, unstandardized perioperative care practice in patients undergoing robotic nephrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 206 patients who underwent robotic renal surgery were stratified into traditional and ERAS cohorts. In total, 111 patients received the ERAS pathway, and 95 received traditional care. Data was collected through a retrospective review of electronic medical records. The primary outcome was length of hospital stay (LOS). The secondary outcomes included patient recovery milestones, pain scores, opioid use, patient complications, 30-day readmission rates, incidence of surgical site infection, and total hospital costs.

RESULTS: Implementation of the ERAS pathway was associated with shorter hospital stay (median LOS 2.2 days vs. 2.3 days p = 0.011), lower post-operative pain scores and lower total opioid requirements at all analyzed time points (0-1, 1-24, and 24-48 h). No statistically significant differences were observed in adverse events, rates of ileus, time to first flatus, surgical site infection, or oral intake. Hospital costs were similar between groups. 30-day readmission was higher in the traditional care cohort (9% vs. 2% p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS: ERAS was associated with reduced length of hospital stay, improved pain scores, reduced opioid use, and lower incidence of hospital readmission in patients undergoing robotic nephrectomy.

PMID:41432926 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-025-06131-0

Exp Brain Res. 2025 Dec 23;244(1):15. doi: 10.1007/s00221-025-07212-7.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate hand muscle strength, dexterity and hand sensation in individuals with type 2 diabetes with and without peripheral neuropathy. The study was completed with a total of 57 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN+) (n = 31) and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN-) (n = 26). Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test (SWMT) was used for light touch sensation, 128 Hz tuning fork for vibration sensation, esthesiometer for two-point discrimination sensation, Baseline hydraulic hand dynamometer for rough grip strength, Baseline pinch meter for finger pinch strength, and 9-hole peg test (NHPT) for manual dexterity. When light touch sensation was examined in DPN+ and DPN- groups, a significant difference was found between the groups (p < 0.05). When two-point discrimination sense was evaluated between the DPN+ and DPN- groups, it was found to be significant in favor of the DPN+ group in the 1st finger of the right hand and 2nd and 3rd fingers of the left hand (p < 0.05). Rough grip strength values ​​were found to be significantly lower in the DPN+ group in both hands (p < 0.05). In the DPN+ group, left 1st and 2nd finger pinch strength values ​​were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Manual dexterity values ​​were significantly higher in the DPN+ group (p < 0.05). Peripheral sensory nerve involvement in diabetic patients reduces hand grip strength and hand function. Understanding these connections between diabetes, sensation, and muscle strength is important for developing targeted interventions and rehabilitation strategies to help diabetic patients maintain their quality of life.

PMID:41432912 | DOI:10.1007/s00221-025-07212-7

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2025 Dec 23;38(1):2. doi: 10.1007/s40520-025-03253-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic introduced unprecedented social distancing measures that drastically altered daily activities for older individuals.

AIMS: To investigate whether the proportion of indoor falls changed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) social distancing period in South Korea compared to the pre-COVID-19 period.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary care academic hospital in South Korea of older adult patients who presented to the emergency department and were diagnosed with hip or femur-related fractures during the pre-COVID-19 period (January 2011 to December 2019) or the social distancing period (March 2020 to March 2022). We performed 1:1 propensity score matching. We compared the proportion of indoor and outdoor falls between the two groups.

RESULTS: A total of 2,433 patients diagnosed with hip or femur-related fractures were included (1,941 before COVID-19 and 492 during the social distancing period). After matching, the proportion of indoor falls was 61.1% in the social distancing group and 67.7% in the pre-COVID-19 group among 316 matched patients in each group (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 social distancing period in South Korea, the proportion of indoor falls decreased significantly compared to the pre-COVID-19 period among older adults with hip or femur-related fractures, suggesting a pandemic-related shift in fall patterns that highlights how lifestyle changes can impact injury patterns and inform fall prevention strategies. However, absence of data on household composition, cognitive status, and medication use, along with tertiary-center selection bias (higher comorbidity burden), limits generalizability.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:41432901 | DOI:10.1007/s40520-025-03253-8

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2025 Dec 23. doi: 10.1007/s10815-025-03776-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess whether discontinuing routine serum hormone testing following gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist trigger affects the incidence of empty follicle syndrome (EFS) and embryological outcomes in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycles.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 3834 COS cycles at a single fertility center from May 2020 to May 2024. Cycles were grouped based on post-trigger testing: 1964 with routine serum hormone measurement and 1870 without. The primary outcome was EFS, defined as failure to retrieve oocytes despite adequate follicular development. Secondary outcomes included the number of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes, fertilization rates, and utilizable embryos.

RESULTS: The incidence of EFS did not significantly differ between groups (0.87% with testing vs. 1.07% without; p = 0.06). In GnRH agonist-triggered cycles, the incidence was 0.74% with testing and 0.96% without (p = 0.53). After adjusting for age, trigger medication type, and estradiol level, there was no significant difference in the odds of EFS (adjusted OR 1.26; 95% CI, 0.63 to 2.53; p = 0.52). Secondary outcomes showed statistically significant improvements in the group without testing: oocytes retrieved (mean 12.6 vs. 12.0; p = 0.03), mature oocytes (mean 7.3 vs. 6.4; p < 0.01), and embryos suitable for clinical use (mean 4.0 vs. 3.6; p < 0.01). Fertilization rates were similar between groups.

CONCLUSION: The discontinuation of routine hormone testing following the GnRH agonist trigger did not increase the incidence of EFS and was associated with comparable embryological outcomes. These findings suggest that routine testing may be unnecessary in most cases, supporting a selective approach, potentially reducing clinical burden and cost without compromising patient care.

PMID:41432865 | DOI:10.1007/s10815-025-03776-z

Saudi Pharm J. 2025 Dec 23;33(6):53. doi: 10.1007/s44446-025-00053-z.

ABSTRACT

Sterile Injectable Products (SIPs) represent a critical class of pharmaceuticals that frequently face shortages and ultimately compromise patient care. Disruptions within the pharmaceutical supply chain are significant factors contributing to these shortages. This study aimed to investigate the causes and impacts of SIPs shortages in Saudi Arabia, with the central hypothesis that pharmaceutical supply chain disruptions are the primary drivers of these shortages and that they negatively affect patient outcomes. A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to two key stakeholder groups: supply chain management (SCM) personnel and healthcare professionals (HCPs). A total of 350 responses were collected and statistically analyzed. Our findings demonstrate a strong consensus among SCM respondents, with 73% agreeing that supply chain disruptions significantly affect SIPs availability. Poor demand forecasting and limited sourcing capabilities were identified as the primary contributing factors. From the perspective of HCPs, over 65% indicated that SIP shortages adversely impacted patient care, resulting in treatment delays, extended hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Additionally, many respondents reported that staff time is often wasted in the search for alternative therapies, which may also be of short supply. Interestingly, more than 70% of respondents from both groups expressed robust support for the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance forecasting and inventory management. Taken together, these findings underscore the urgent need for integrated strategies including proactive forecasting, sustainable inventory management, expanded local manufacturing, and AI-driven tools to strengthen the resilience of the SIP supply chain in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

PMID:41432861 | DOI:10.1007/s44446-025-00053-z

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2025 Dec 23. doi: 10.1007/s40520-025-03293-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a critical geriatric syndrome associated with adverse health outcomes and exhibits a complex relationship with obesity. Traditional anthropometrics, such as body mass index (BMI), inadequately assess obesity-related risks in the aging population. Emerging indices better capture visceral adiposity, potentially enhancing frailty prediction. This study evaluates these indices’ associations with frailty in older adults.

METHODS: This study analyzed existing data collected between 2002 and 2007 as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). BMI, body roundness index (BRI), a body shape index (ABSI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and waist/height0.5 (WHT·5R) were calculated using waist circumference, weight, and height. We used a modified frailty index (FI) with 36 standardized parameters to quantify the severity of frailty by the cumulative proportion of deficits.

RESULTS: In the adjusted model, increases in all indices except ABSI were statistically significantly associated with increases in FI (BRI: β(95%CI) = 0.004(0.003, 0.005); BMI: β(95%CI) = 0.001(0.0001, 0.001); ABSI: β(95%CI) = 2.034(1.627, 2.440); WHtR: β(95%CI) = 0.093(0.067, 0.119); WHT·5R: β(95%CI) = 0.007(0.005,0.009)). Bootstrap analysis showed that BRI had a greater impact on FI than BMI (difference = 0.0019), while WHtR and WHT·5R had a stronger impact on FI than BRI (difference = -0.0746 and -0.0027, respectively). The effect of WHtR on FI was significantly higher than that of WHT·5R (difference = 0.0719).

CONCLUSION: This study highlighted that WHtR was more strongly associated with FI than BMI, BRI, and WHT·5R, and highlighted the priority of waist-centered obesity measures in frailty risk assessment and clinical intervention in the elderly.

PMID:41432859 | DOI:10.1007/s40520-025-03293-0

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Dec 23;198(1):64. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14930-6.

ABSTRACT

Microsampling is a technique involving the collection of a small amount of biological material in a volume of several to dozens of microliters. The most common material collected is blood from a fingertip. Following a finger prick, dry blood spots are formed after being transferred to a carrier. The method is microinvasive and causes little discomfort during the collection. The preservation of blood in the form of dry spots seems to be an ideal tool for pesticide exposure assessment in the general population and occupationally exposed groups. Populations in agricultural areas are constantly exposed to environmental xenobiotics, including a wide range of pesticides and other pollutants. This technique can be a practical way to assess pesticide exposure, particularly in rural areas or places where whole blood collection is difficult. The issue has generated considerable scientific debate, primarily due to challenges associated with the analysis of small blood spots of unknown volume and the influence of the haematocrit (HCT) effect. The use of dry blood spots can significantly contribute to the expansion of the scale of pesticide biomonitoring, which will allow for the quick and effective identification of individuals exposed to their effects. The technique of microsampling and analysis of DBS indicate great potential in the assessment of pesticide exposure due to its simplicity of specimen collection, minimal invasiveness, and the possibility of storing and transporting the material without the use of specialized conditions. Clinical trial number: not applicable.

PMID:41432856 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14930-6