Category: Statistics

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

Spine Deform. 2025 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s43390-024-01038-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The etiology of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) has been shown to significantly influence baseline parent-reported health-related quality of life (HrQOL). In combining these etiology groups, we obligatorily lump together many disparate diagnoses, particularly true in the neuromuscular (NM) cohort. We sought to evaluate the influence of underlying neuromuscular diagnosis on the HrQOL at 5 years following surgery for EOS.

METHODS: A retrospective review of a multi-center EOS database was performed. Children treated with primary distraction-based, growth-friendly instrumentation (GFI) for EOS with complete baseline, 2-year, and 5-year post-surgical EOSQs were included. Neuromuscular scoliosis patients, as classified by the C-EOS system, were isolated and subdivided by underlying diagnosis into 5 groups. EOSQ domains and composite HrQOL score at presentation, 2-year, and 5-year follow-up were compared across underlying diagnosis.

RESULTS: A total of 65 neuromuscular EOS patients were identified (mean 7.6 ± 1.99 years of age, 50% female). Cerebral palsy was the most common underlying diagnosis (30%, N = 18), followed by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA, N = 16). There were differences in EOSQ domains with CP, SMA, and MD having significantly lower scores than Chiari/Syrinx patients at 2-year follow-up. Chiari/Syrinx patients demonstrated EOSQ scores statistically similar to idiopathic EOS patients at all time points (P > 0.05). CP patients were most likely to experience improvement in HrQOL at 5-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Underlying NM diagnosis has direct implications on treatment response following GFI for EOS. Cerebral palsy patients demonstrate the best improvement in HrQOL at 5 years following surgery while others actually deteriorate over time. Children with EOS related to Chiari and Syringomyelia had similar HrQOL scores to idiopathic EOS and may not be best suited for inclusion in NM cohorts when assessing HrQOL scores following treatment. Increasing population-based HrQOL data may allow further refinement and prognostication of neuromuscular diagnoses over time.

PMID:39800792 | DOI:10.1007/s43390-024-01038-z

Environ Manage. 2025 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s00267-025-02111-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Citizen science has been increasingly utilized for monitoring resource conditions and visitor use in protected areas. However, the quality of data provided by citizen scientists remains a major concern that hinders wider applications in protected area management. We evaluated a prototype, citizen science-based trail assessment and monitoring program in Hong Kong using an integrated evaluative approach with a specific focus on the congruence of data collected by trained volunteers and managers. Datasets were evaluated in two ways. First, we compared differences in average values and standard deviations for measured trail indicators across all 30 sampling points. Second, we explored how result patterns characterized by the coefficients of variation and statistical significance differed for data collected by managers and volunteers at each sampling point or trail feature. Results revealed that the two trail assessment methods (one by volunteers, the other by managers) yielded incongruent data for some variables (e.g., trail width and maximum incision depth), but not others (e.g., Trail problems of erosions and multiple trail treads). Results of group interviews also revealed some possible factors that may have led to incongruent results, such as lack of experience and different perceptions between volunteers and managers in recognizing trail problems. While this study shows the potential value of citizen science-based monitoring programs, further steps are recommended to enhance the quality and usability of citizen science data to support effective trail monitoring and management.

PMID:39800779 | DOI:10.1007/s00267-025-02111-7

Acta Neurol Belg. 2025 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s13760-025-02718-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a relapsing central nervous system disease most commonly associated with aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab) and Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies. These demyelinating disorders influence cortical excitability, which has been studied using advanced imaging techniques and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in our study.

METHODS: This is a prospective study of 30 subjects. Ten subjects, each of AQP4, MOGAD, and dual seronegative (SN)-NMOSD, were recruited and compared to 30 healthy controls. All the subjects underwent TMS and MRI with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Resting motor threshold (RMT), central motor conduction time (CMCT), ipsilateral (ISP) and contralateral silent period (cSP), short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were the TMS parameters assessed. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial diffusivity (AD) were the DTI parameters studied. DTI findings were correlated with the TMS parameters.

RESULTS: The study cohort had a male-to-female ratio of (M: F) = 13:17. RMT was highest in the AQP4-Ab subgroup (40.2 ± 11.9%) compared to SN NMOSD (36.2 ± 4.6%) and MOGAD (34.5 ± 6.7%). CMCT was maximum prolonged in subjects with MOGAD (9.6 ± 1.9 msec). The cSP was reduced in MOGAD (79.9 ± 36.3msec). SICI was lowest in the AQP4-Ab subgroup (1.27 ± 1.12) and was preserved in the MOGAD subgroup (0.88 ± 0.55). The DTI data demonstrated statistically significant, reduced FA and AD in AQP4-Ab and SN NMOSD subjects.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study that looked at the cortical excitability changes in the three subgroups of NMOSD. It has been observed that AQP4 NMOSD and SN NMOSD had a severe form of demyelinating disease compared to MOGAD.

PMID:39800771 | DOI:10.1007/s13760-025-02718-x

Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2025 Jan;19(1):e70068. doi: 10.1111/irv.70068.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in millions of people experiencing long COVID condition, a range of persistent symptoms following the acute phase, with an estimated prevalence of 27%-64%.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To understand its pathophysiology, we conducted a longitudinal study on viral load and cytokine dynamics in individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We used reverse transcriptase droplet digital PCR to quantify viral RNA from nasopharyngeal swabs and employed multiplex technology to measure plasma cytokine levels in a cohort of people with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our study included individuals with long COVID condition and those without, all of whom had at least three nasopharyngeal and plasma samples collected within 55 days after diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RESULTS: Individuals affected with long COVID symptoms had delayed viral clearance and lower viral loads at diagnosis compared to those without symptoms. Additionally, cytokine analysis revealed variations in IL-18, MIG, and IP-10 levels, with delayed normalization in individuals affected by long COVID syndrome. Correlation analysis indicated associations between viral load and IP-10 and interrelations among cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, MIG, and IP-10.

CONCLUSION: Our study provides insights into the association between nasopharyngeal viral load, cytokine dynamics, and the development of long COVID syndrome, providing an early signature of this condition.

PMID:39800769 | DOI:10.1111/irv.70068

Nat Commun. 2025 Jan 12;16(1):610. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-55911-0.

ABSTRACT

People living with HIV are at higher risk of heart failure and associated left atrial remodeling compared to people without HIV. Mechanisms are unclear but have been linked to inflammation and premature aging. Here we obtain plasma proteomics concurrently with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in two independent study populations to identify parallels between HIV-related and aging-related immune dysfunction that could contribute to atrial remodeling and clinical heart failure. We discover a plasma proteomic signature that may in part reflect or contribute to HIV-associated atrial remodeling, many features of which are associated with older age and time to incident heart failure among an independent community-based cohort without HIV. This proteomic profile was statistically enriched for immune checkpoint proteins, tumor necrosis factor signaling, ephrin signaling, and extracellular matrix organization, identifying possible shared pathways in HIV and aging that may contribute to risk of heart failure.

PMID:39800750 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-025-55911-0

Trop Med Health. 2025 Jan 13;53(1):4. doi: 10.1186/s41182-024-00679-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oromia regional state experiencing cholera outbreaks in a protracted pattern despite various interventions at local and regional levels. This study aimed to examine the implementation of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities for cholera outbreak control in the region.

METHODS: We conducted a quantitative and qualitative mixed-method study. The study included 422 respondents for quantitative, 22 key informant interviews (KII), and 4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for the qualitative methods. Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities were assessed using standard questionnaires adapted from national cholera guideline later categorized as poor, satisfactory and good. The findings have also been derived qualitatively from three distinct themes or pillars, specifically (coordination and logistics, RCCE, and the Oral Cholera Vaccine). The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata, version 14.0, and ATLAS.ti9 software was used for qualitative data analysis. An ordinal logistic regression model was applied to identify factors associated with the RCCE status, and a thematic content analysis was performed for the qualitative study. Odds Ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to present the findings from the quantitative analysis.

RESULTS: Only 53% (223) of participants had received health information on cholera of whom 22.8% (96) had material for Social Behaviour Change (SBC) in the local language (Afan Oromo). The overall RCCE implementation status was rated as poor by 73% of the respondents, satisfactory by 23%, and only 4% rated it as good. Level of education and occupation of the house are among the factors affecting the implementation of RCCE. The qualitative findings revealed a lack of regular community dialogues, and community engagements were notably minimal during the early phase of the outbreak. Overall, the RCCE implementation activities were characterized by inconsistency, a lack of comprehensiveness, and uniformity across all levels.

CONCLUSION: The RCCE-related intervention activities were found to be minimal, inconsistent and less focused. The RCCE interventions and awareness creation need to begin with the small units of the community structures, including individuals and families and have to happen continuously with the community, and health workers’ involvement at all level. Preliminary evaluation of Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) materials before their distribution should be made, and adopting diverse communication modalities to control the outbreak.

PMID:39800749 | DOI:10.1186/s41182-024-00679-0

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Jan 13;25(1):62. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-12208-8.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Understanding patient experience is crucial for advancing patient-centered care and improving hospital service quality. This study aimed to design and validate a Persian version of a patient experience assessment questionnaire to evaluate hospital services.

METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study on tool development was conducted cross-sectionally during 2021-2022 in Iran. The study consisted of two stages: (1) In the first stage, a deductive approach and comprehensive literature review were employed to develop the initial questionnaire items, based on the framework from prior research titled “Developing a Model for Evaluating Patient Experience in Teaching Hospitals in Iran.” (2) In the second stage, validation was carried out by assessing face validity, content validity (using expert panels to evaluate the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR)), and construct validity through confirmatory factor analysis. Sampling for the face validity stage included 30 randomly selected patients, while construct validity was assessed with a sample of 340 participants, of which 300 provided complete and valid data. Reliability was determined using internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and stability (intra-cluster correlation coefficient) measures.

RESULTS: The initial questionnaire comprised 44 items. Following expert reviews and validation processes, 10 items were removed, resulting in a final version with 33 items. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the five-dimensional structure, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.97 and an intra-cluster correlation coefficient of 0.89, indicating strong internal consistency and reliability.

CONCLUSION: This study successfully developed and validated a 33-item questionnaire for assessing patient experience in Iranian hospitals, ensuring cultural relevance and robust psychometric properties.

PMID:39800734 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-025-12208-8