Category: Statistics

Adv Skin Wound Care. 2025 Apr 4. doi: 10.1097/ASW.0000000000000306. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of extra-virgin olive and almond oils on maintaining skin integrity in neonates admitted to the neonatal ICU.

METHODS: This was a semiexperimental study. The sample comprised 120 term (37-42 weeks) neonates treated in a state hospital in Istanbul, Turkey (May-August 2023), who met the sample criteria (olive oil: 60, almond oil: 60). The data were collected using a newborn identification form, the Neonatal Skin Condition Score, and the DMM Skin Moisture Meter.

RESULTS: The neonates’ sex, gestational age, postnatal age, birth weight, length, and head circumference measurements were similar, suggesting no significant differences between the groups (Ps > .05). A statistically significant difference was found between the mean skin hydration levels of neonates treated with almond oil and extra-virgin olive oil on the first, second, and third days of the application, where a higher skin hydration was determined in the extra-virgin olive oil group (P = .024, P = .004, P = .020). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the Neonatal Skin Condition Score scores of neonates treated with almond oil and extra-virgin olive oil before and on all days of the application (1-5 days, P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS: Both extra-virgin olive oil and almond oil increased the stratum corneum hydration in term neonates. The application of extra-virgin olive oil and almond oil did not result in any adverse effects on neonatal skin conditions of neonates admitted to the neonatal ICU.

PMID:40184517 | DOI:10.1097/ASW.0000000000000306

Adv Skin Wound Care. 2025 Apr 2. doi: 10.1097/ASW.0000000000000300. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application of telemedicine in patients with an ostomy and assess the current research status.

DATA SOURCES: The authors searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and VIP (Chinese Scientific Journals Database) databases from the inception of each database to March 2024.

STUDY SELECTION: A total of 41 articles comparing telemedicine and standard care in ostomy patients were included.

DATA EXTRACTION: Information was extracted from full-text articles, including author(s), year, country, study design, ostomy type, sample characteristics, intervention type, duration, and outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS: In the 41 studies, telemedicine intervention tools encompass social and conference software, mobile healthcare apps, and remote devices. Intervention durations ranged from 4 weeks to 3 years. The intervention content can be categorized into seven key aspects: health guidance, health counseling, psychological care, peer support, medical appointment scheduling, information statistics, and remote visits. Evaluation of these interventions involves measuring outcomes in 10 areas, including quality of life, ostomy knowledge, self-efficacy, self-care ability, stoma complications, participant satisfaction, psychology, coping and adaptation, burden, and health condition.

CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of telemedicine for patients with an ostomy has had a profound impact. As internet technology evolves, optimization of platforms and longer interventions are needed. Healthcare professionals should enhance their training in online communication. In addition, researchers should design specific, specialized measurement scales based on the characteristics of patients with stomas.

PMID:40184509 | DOI:10.1097/ASW.0000000000000300

Eur J Endocrinol. 2025 Apr 4:lvaf060. doi: 10.1093/ejendo/lvaf060. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) affects approximately 1 in 15,000 individuals. We leveraged the power of multicentre registry data to assess the trend and predictors of blood pressure (BP) within children and young persons with 21OHD to inform monitoring strategies.

METHOD: Data from the International CAH Registry in patients younger than 20 years was compared to normative values. Values of BP were modelled to create reference curves, multiple change point analysis applied to quantify the difference with normative data. Covariate adjustment was informed by a directed acyclic graph, prior to joint outcome regression modelling to accurately assess predictors of BP.

RESULTS: A total of 6436 visits within 554 patients (52.5% females) showed BP-Standard deviation scores (SDS) were higher at younger ages. Patients under five years had systolic BP-SDS of 1.6 (Q1:0.6-Q3:2.7) decreasing to 1.0 (Q1:0.2-Q3:1.8) over five years, equating to 31.0% over the 95th centile decreasing to 15.0%. Higher doses of fludrocortisone were associated with a small increase in systolic BP equivalent to 1.2mmHg with every 100 micrograms extra fludrocortisone. Renin of 100µU/ml was associated with 4.6mmHg lower systolic BP than a renin of 1µU/ml, higher 17OH-progesterone and androstenedione also predicted lower systolic and diastolic BP (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Higher BP in children with 21OHD is common and particularly pronounced at a younger age, but may not be attributable to excessive mineralocorticoid replacement. There is a need to improve our understanding of the determinants of this raised BP as well as its long-term effects.

PMID:40184493 | DOI:10.1093/ejendo/lvaf060

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2025 Dec;41(1):2487498. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2025.2487498. Epub 2025 Apr 4.

ABSTRACT

To date, there remains a paucity of prospective studies examining the association between premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The objective of this study was to investigate the potential association between POI and CVD utilizing the method of Mendelian randomization (MR). MR analyses utilized summary statistics from the most extensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on POI and CVD extracted from European ancestry cohorts and the FinnGen biobank. The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was the primary MR analysis technique. Supplementary analyses were performed using MR-Robust Adjusted Profile Score (MR-RAPS). Cochran’s Q statistic, MR-Egger, and weighted median MR models were employed to further assess heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Causal effects of POI on coronary heart disease (odds ratio [OR] = 1.048, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.006-1.091; p = 0.023)] and ischemic stroke (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.000-1.020; p = 0.0498) were found. However, we did not observe a significant correlation between POI and hypertension (OR = 0.999, 95% CI: 0.994-1.004, p = 0.691), heart failure (OR = 1.009, 95% CI: 0.999-1.020, p = 0.0725), atrial fibrillation (OR = 0.995, 95% CI: 0.986-1.004, p = 0.3035), and myocardial infarction (OR = 1.002, 95% CI: 0.991-1.013, p = 0.7061). POI was causally associated with coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke, with no apparent impact on hypertension, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or myocardial infarction. The causal relationship between POI and CVD underscores the imperative for proactive cardiovascular risk management in individuals with POI.

PMID:40184471 | DOI:10.1080/09513590.2025.2487498

PLoS One. 2025 Apr 4;20(4):e0321177. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321177. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The Chinese version of Dietary Sodium Restriction Questionnaire (DSRQ) was adapted to evaluate its reliability and validity for measuring adherence to a sodium-restricted diet in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

METHODS: Specific items related to peritoneal dialysis were added to create a PD version of the DSRQ (PD-DSRQ), which was administered to 135 patients undergoing PD. Item analysis was performed using the critical ratio and homogeneity tests. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined by assessing the internal consistency. Content validity was evaluated using the expert evaluation method, and construct validity was assessed via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

RESULTS: The item analysis revealed correlation coefficients (R-values) ranging from 0.311 to 0.745 for each item, with statistically significant differences between the high and low subgroups for all items. The Cronbach’s α coefficients for the overall PD-DSRQ and the attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control subscales were 0.805, 0.892, 0.794, and 0.889, respectively. The item-level content validity index ranged from 0.83 to 1.00, and the scale-level content validity index/universal agreement was 0.9894. Exploratory factor analysis identified a three-factor structure consistent with the original DSRQ, except for Question 18. The three factors had eigenvalues of 5.302, 4.179, and 1.290, which explained 64.32% of the variance. The average variance extracted for each dimension was 0.5777, 0.5654, and 0.5259, and the composite reliability values were 0.8864, 0.7956, and 0.8802, respectively, demonstrating good convergent and discriminant validity.

CONCLUSION: The PD-DSRQ encompasses general information and three dimensions: attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The questionnaire demonstrated strong reliability and validity, making it a reliable tool for assessing adherence to sodium-restricted diets in patients undergoing PD.

PMID:40184402 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0321177

PLoS One. 2025 Apr 4;20(4):e0320795. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0320795. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Youth unemployment in the East Gojjam Zone is a critical issue. This study focuses on identifying the factors that influence unemployment duration and evaluating the impact of job creation programs on the well-being of youth in this region. We employed Cox regression to analyze the determinants of unemployment duration and used propensity score matching to assess the welfare effects of job creation initiatives. Our multistage cluster sampling revealed a youth unemployment rate of 33.3% (95% CI: 27.3-39.3). Over half of the unemployed youth transitioned to employment within four years, with 25% securing jobs within two years. Participation in job creation programs led to an average earnings increase of 1,069.716 birr, though retention in these programs was low at 49%. The findings reveal a connection between prolonged unemployment, skill mismatches, financial constraints, limited work experience, weak social networks, low income, and a preference for public-sector employment. To effectively address these challenges, interventions must focus on improving job accessibility, aligning vocational training with labor market needs, promoting financial inclusion, and enhancing social support systems.

PMID:40184397 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0320795

PLoS One. 2025 Apr 4;20(4):e0321471. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321471. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Respiratory health and chronic disease risks are prevalent concerns in agricultural communities in Northern Thailand, prompting an assessment of these issues among residents in Chiang Mai. A cross-sectional study involving 145 participants was conducted in San Pa Tong District from October to December 2023, utilizing structured questionnaires and spirometry tests to evaluate lung function and chronic health disease risk. The study found that education and income significantly impacted lung function, with better FVC% and FEV1/FVC% predicted values observed in those with primary education and lower income. Lower DM risk was associated with better lung function (P = 0.023). Logistic regression showed a significant increase in lung function impairment among participants with high to very high DM risk (aOR 9.06, p < 0.05). High CV and COPD risk levels also correlated with lung function impairment, though not all results were statistically significant. The results emphasize the intricate interplay between socioeconomic factors, chronic disease risks, and lung function, advocating for public health interventions that holistically address population respiratory and metabolic health.

PMID:40184396 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0321471

PLoS One. 2025 Apr 4;20(4):e0309751. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309751. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) is a novel solid-state additive manufacturing technique that circumvents issues of porosity, cracking, and properties anisotropy that plague traditional powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition approaches. However, correlations between process parameters, thermal profiles, and resulting microstructure in AFSD still need to be better understood. This hinders process optimization for properties. This work employs a framework combining supervised machine learning (SML) and physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to predict peak temperature distribution in AFSD from process parameters. Eight regression algorithms were implemented for SML modeling, while four PINNs leveraged governing equations for transport, wave propagation, heat transfer, and quantum mechanics. Across multiple statistical measures, ensemble techniques like gradient boosting proved superior for SML, with the lowest MSE of 165.78. The integrated ML approach was also applied to classify deposition quality from process factors, with logistic regression delivering robust accuracy. By fusing data-driven learning and fundamental physics, this dual methodology provides comprehensive insights into tailoring microstructure through thermal management in AFSD. The work demonstrates the power of bridging statistical and physics-based modeling for elucidating AM process-property relationships.

PMID:40184386 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0309751

Res Q Exerc Sport. 2025 Apr 4:1-10. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2025.2471880. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present study was to compare the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), affective (Feeling Scale), and remembered enjoyment (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale) responses following different exercise intensities/patterns and to investigate possible associations with physiological parameters in active adults. In a randomized crossover trial, 16 active adults (29.9 ± 3.2 years; 8 males/8 females) performed three different conditions: moderate continuous exercise (MCE) at 70% lactate threshold (LT), heavy continuous exercise (HCE) at 10% of the difference between LT and VO₂ peak, and heavy interval exercise (HIE) wherein intensity matched HCE but performed as 1-minute on:off with stationary rest in between. RPE (CR10) and affect were evaluated during exercise while remembered enjoyment was assessed at the end of each exercise session. Average RPE was significantly different (p = .001; η_p² = .744) between all three exercise modalities (MCE = 2.6 ± 0.8, HCE = 5.1 ± 1.0; HIE = 3.5 ± 0.9; p ≤.001). Average affect during exercise was also significantly different (p = .001; η_p² = .427) with post hoc testing revealing lower affect for HCE compared to MCE (p = .002) and HIE (p = .008). Similar results were observed for affect nadir (lowest affect during exercise; MCE = 3.1 ± 1.3; HCE = 1.2 ± 1.7; HIE = 2.4 ± 1.6; p = .001; η_p² = .470). Remembered enjoyment was not statistically different between modalities (MCE = 98 ± 18; HCE = 96 ± 17; HIE = 100 ± 16; p = .468; η_p² = .049), but more people preferred HCE (10/16; 62.5%) compared with both HIE (4/16; 25%) and MCE (2/16; 12.5%) (p = .039): Despite the higher average RPE and lower affect during HCE, no difference was observed for remembered exercise enjoyment, and active individuals seem to prefer this exercise modality compared with HIE or MCE.

PMID:40184203 | DOI:10.1080/02701367.2025.2471880

JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Apr 4;14:e66350. doi: 10.2196/66350.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Intestinal protozoal infections caused by Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Cryptosporidium parvum are prevalent in Malaysia. They cause severe diarrheal diseases with symptoms such as bloody stools, abdominal pain, stomach discomfort, and bloating. These infection outbreaks have been reported in diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and geographical regions usually during the rainy season or in areas with poor sanitation. Despite the importance of these infections, data on its overall prevalence, risk factors, and diagnostic methods remain limited.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to systematically review and synthesize evidence on the risk factors, prevalence, and detection methods for intestinal protozoal infections in Malaysia, offering insights that are applicable to other tropical and low-income regions.

METHODS: Studies on intestinal protozoal infections among Malaysian patients published after January 2010 up to November 2024 will be eligible for inclusion. The eligibility criteria include studies investigating infections caused by E. histolytica, G. lamblia, and C. parvum using validated diagnostic methods such as microscopy, molecular techniques, or immunoassays. Case reports, reviews, and studies without original data will be excluded. Comprehensive database searches will be conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. The reference lists of selected papers are also checked. A standardized data extraction form will be used to record study characteristics, outcomes, and associated variables. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale approach. Data synthesis will utilize a random effects model to estimate pooled prevalence and identify risk factors associated with these infections. Subgroup analyses will examine variations by geographic region and diagnostic method. Statistical heterogeneity will be assessed using I² statistic and meta-regression. Publication bias will be assessed using Egger and Begg funnel plot test. The results are reported in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.

RESULTS: This systematic review was funded in June 2024. Database searches were started in July 2024, and we identified 1652 papers as of December 2024 for screening. Completion of study screening is anticipated by May 2025, with data extraction and analysis expected to conclude by December 2025.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study will address critical knowledge gaps in the epidemiology and risk factors of intestinal protozoal infections in Malaysia. Study limitations include potential bias in study selection, heterogeneity in diagnostic methods, and differences in the reporting quality of the included studies. Our findings will provide valuable insights into the prevalence of these infections, the associated risk factors, and the diagnostic techniques employed, which should strengthen public health measures, improve diagnostic procedures, and guide future research to reduce the prevalence of intestinal protozoal infections in Malaysia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews) registration CRD42023456199; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42023456199.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/66350.

PMID:40184188 | DOI:10.2196/66350