Category: Statistics

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 26;14(1):29266. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-80340-2.

ABSTRACT

Earthquakes cause severe destruction in the region where they occur. Children and adolescents are the group most affected group by earthquakes, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is most common in this group. The age-related increase in Grip Strength varies between childhood and early adolescence. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Hand Grip and Hand Measurements of children exposed to the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake on February 6, 2023. The “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Response Scale for Children” was administered to 116 children who in children between the ages of 8 and 12 groups, and consent was obtained from the participants. Morphometric measurements of the hands of the children were measured with a digital caliper. Children’s hand Grip Strength measurements were made by using a digital hand dynamometer. The analysis of study data was performed with the SPSS (Statistical Program in Social Sciences) 25 software. Positive and statistically significant relationships were detected between right and left-hand Grip Strength and right and left-hand measurements of females and males (p < 0.05). Statistically significant and negative relationships were detected between PTSD and right and left-hand Grip Strength and right and left-hand measurements in females and males (p < 0.05).In the present study, it was detected that as post-traumatic stress disorder increases, hand Grip Strength decreases. We think that these findings will guide future prospective studies.

PMID:39587186 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-80340-2

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 25;14(1):29197. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-79800-6.

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the value of suspension and suturing technique in the prevention of anastomotic leakage of rectal cancer following double stapling technique. We performed a cohort study between August 2018 and December 2021 and analyzed the patients with rectal cancer underwent radical resection and double stapling technique at the department of general surgery. 324 patients were recruited in this research. There were 124 patients in control group and 200 patients in study group. There was a total of 19 patients present with anastomotic leakage. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was 5.8%. 12 patients were in control group and 7 in study group. The incidence of anastomotic leakage in control group was 9.7%. while the incidence of anastomotic leakage in study group was 3.5%, which was significantly lower than that in control group (p = 0.021). There were 4 patients present with anastomotic bleeding in control group (3.2%) while there were 6 cases with anastomotic bleeding in study group (3%) with no statistical differences. The average operation time of patients with anastomotic leakage was longer than that of patients without anastomotic leakage (p = 0.048). The intraoperative blood loss of patients with anastomotic leakage was more (p = 0.003) and the proportion of diabetes in anastomotic leakage group was larger (p = 0.003). Suspension and suturing technique could reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage of patients with rectal cancer underwent double stapling technique. It is safe, simple, and easy to perform. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and diabetes may be high-risk factors of anastomotic leakage.

PMID:39587181 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-79800-6

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 25;14(1):29233. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-80876-3.

ABSTRACT

This article investigates the interrelationships and interdependencies inherent in the integrated use of the territory’s social, resource, and environmental potential to achieve its sustainable development. The basic hypotheses formulated during this study were as follows: Sustainable development of the territory’s resource and ecological potential cannot be achieved if its social potential is reduced; Sustainable development of the territory’s ecological and social potential can be achieved only if it is economically feasible, that is if it contributes to the sustainable development of the territory’s resource potential; Sustainable development of the territory’s resource and social potential cannot be achieved while its ecological potential deteriorates; Ensured sustainable development of territories in today’s world is only possible with simultaneous integrated use of the territory’s social, resource, and environmental potential. The aim of this research is to investigate the interrelationships among these three components and to determine their impact on the overall development of the regions. A comprehensive multi-stage research project based on the analysis of statistical information and survey results was designed and applied to meet the research objective. Methodologically, the study was based on a quantitative approach, which led to the integrated use of economic-statistical and econometric data processing methods. All these hypotheses were tested and found to be true in the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture of the People’s Republic of China. The results indicate a direct and stable relationship between the development of resource potential, ecological potential, and social potential of the territories. Specifically, regions with high resource potential exhibit better social indicators, while ecological investments contribute to the improvement of public health and quality of life. The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive approach to examining the interconnections among resources, social aspects, and ecological sustainability, thereby contributing to the international literature in the field of sustainable development. These results can be of use to state and municipal government experts when planning territorial development, as well as to academic researchers, including to identify promising avenues for later research.

PMID:39587180 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-80876-3

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 25;14(1):29208. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-80404-3.

ABSTRACT

Residual histograms can provide meaningful statistical information in low-level visual research. However, the existing image denoising methods do not deeply explore the potential of alternate multiple residual histograms for overall optimization constraints. Considering this deficiency, this paper presents a novel unified framework of the alternating multiple residual Wasserstein regularization model (AMRW), which can tactfully embrace multiple residual Wasserstein constraints and different image prior information for image denoising. Specifically, AMRW focuses on solving the practical and meaningful problem of restoring a clean image from multiple frame degraded images. Utilizing the Wasserstein distance in the optimal transport theory, the residual histograms of the multiple degraded images are as close as possible to the referenced Gaussian noise histogram to enhance the noise estimation accuracy. Further, the proposed concrete AMRW combines the triple residual Wasserstein distance with the image total variation prior information for Gaussian image denoising. More importantly, through the alternating implementation of residual Wasserstein regularization from different image frames, the beneficial information of the image is essentially transmitted in each cycle, continuously improving the quality of the output image. Synchronously, the alternate iterative algorithm of histogram matching and Chambolle dual projection has high implementation efficiency. AMRW provides a new research idea for other visual processing tasks such as image inpainting and image deblurring. Finally, extensive numerical experiments substantiate that our AMRW can greatly boost the subjective and objective performance of the restored images compared with some popular image denoising algorithms in recent years.

PMID:39587177 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-80404-3

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 25;14(1):29228. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-79862-6.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of dietary intake and supplementation of total magnesium, iron, zinc and selenium on pulmonary function in middle-aged to elderly individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study utilized publicly available data from NHANES, focusing on the 2007-2012 cycles to include participants aged 50 and above with COPD. The definition of COPD followed the 2024 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. Dietary mineral intake was assessed through two 24-h dietary recall surveys. Pulmonary function assessments included parameters such as forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75%), and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Sex-specific associations of total magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium intakes with pulmonary function parameters were assessed using multivariable regression models adjusted by potential covariates. The study sample had a mean age of 64.56 ± 8.26 years, with 35% being female. The median intakes of total magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium for males were 312.8 mg, 15.6 mg, 14.4 mg, and 127.9 mcg, respectively, while for females, they were 257.5 mg, 12.8 mg, 11.4 mg, and 96.2 mcg. In males, higher total magnesium and iron intake were significantly associated with increased FEV1, FVC, and PEF (P < 0.05), while in females, only total zinc intake showed a positive association with PEF (P < 0.05). Participants meeting the recommended dietary allowance for total magnesium also exhibited significantly better lung function outcomes in both sexes. This study highlights the importance of adequate dietary mineral intake in managing pulmonary health among COPD patients. Enhancing mineral consumption, particularly magnesium, and iron, may be a viable strategy for improving lung function and overall health in this population, especially in men.

PMID:39587155 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-79862-6

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 25;14(1):29245. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-80487-y.

ABSTRACT

Little is known about the optimal measure of handgrip strength for predicting all-cause mortality and whether this association is modified by age or sex. We used data from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 9,583 adults aged ≥ 20 years were included. Equal-length grip strength was measured using a digital handheld Takei dynamometer. We defined five measurements of grip strength, i.e., the average of handgrip strength (HGS), maximum of grip strength (MGS), HGS/body mass index (BMI), HGS/height (HT)², and MGS/weight, and three indicators of low grip strength, namely, low reference grip strength, lowest 20% grip strength, and low grip strength in sarcopenia. Information on deaths were obtained through linkage to National Death Index (NDI). Cox regression was used to assess the association of grip strength with mortality risk. HGS, MGS, HGS/BMI, HGS/HT², and MGS/weight were all inversely associated with all-cause mortality, with HGS or HGS/HT² (the area under the curve (AUC) = 0.714) being the optimal predictor of mortality, followed by MGS (AUC = 0.712). Participants with low grip strength showed increased risk of mortality regardless of which indicator was used, and the highest effect size was seen for lowest 20% grip strength group (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.20 for men, 2.52 for women). The above-mentioned correlations were consistently found in people of different ages and sexes. This study suggests the simplest measure of absolute grip strength (HGS, MGS) was the optimal index for predicting all-cause mortality, followed by HGS/HT². Keeping an adequate level of handgrip strength may be beneficial to reduce the risk of mortality.

PMID:39587152 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-80487-y

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 26;14(1):29269. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-75320-5.

ABSTRACT

The Indian summer monsoon (ISM) is a complex and multiscale interacting climate system, which is responsible for major contribution in India’s annual rainfall. Understanding the spatial and temporal variability of ISM rainfall is critical for managing water resources, which directly impact and regulate the functioning of India’s socio-economic conditions and subsequently, sustenance of over a billion people. This study evaluates the suitability of various gridded precipitation data products with different spatiotemporal resolutions, essential requirement for hydrologic modeling, disaster mitigation, irrigation allocation and agricultural application. Hence, we evaluate the performance of seven gridded datasets in generating time-matched characteristic event occurrences and their respective magnitudes using gauge-based Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) gridded data as reference. We observe that reanalysis datasets underperform compared to satellite and hybrid products in identifying both normal and extreme precipitation events. We develop a performance measure, called ‘rank score’ that considers deviations from IMD data in magnitude, statistical moments, and rain event detectability for a robust assessment and identifying best-suited dataset. Results indicate that APHRODITE, MSWEP, and CHIRPS (in descending order) are the most suitable data products across India. Additionally, region-specific evaluations provide valuable insights into the applicability of these datasets in different climatic and homogeneous rainfall zones.

PMID:39587150 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-75320-5

Soc Sci Med. 2024 Aug 5;364:117166. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117166. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Improving older people’s health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) may slow the progression of health conditions and improve quality of life. Electronic health (eHealth) literacy is increasingly important for individuals managing health in the digital age. Previous cross-sectional studies have shown a positive association between eHealth literacy and HPL among older adults. However, no longitudinal studies have examined the association over time, their temporal relationship, and the potential underlying mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the longitudinal association and temporal relationship between eHealth literacy and HPL among older adults, and to explore their underlying mechanisms based on the Integrated Model of eHealth Use (iMeHU).

METHODS: This longitudinal study was conducted among older adults in Jiangxi Province, China, from February to November 2022. Data were collected at baseline (T1) and 3-month (T2) and 6-month follow-up (T3), using online self-reported questionnaires. Older people’s eHealth literacy and HPL were measured using the Digital Health Literacy Instrument and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II. Statistical analyses included Linear mixed model (LMM), cross-lagged panel model (CLPM), longitudinal mediation analysis, and multi-group analysis.

RESULTS: 611 participants were included at T1; 464 (75.9%) completed the follow-ups at T2 and T3. The LMM results suggested that older individuals with higher eHealth literacy levels showed better HPL over time (adjusted β = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.27-0.35, p < 0.001), after adjusting for covariates. CLPMs supported that eHealth literacy could predict older people’s improved HPL subsequently, but not the reverse. Attitude towards eHealth mediated the relationship from eHealth literacy to improved HPL, with a mediated proportion of 17.2%. In addition, the prospective relationships were stronger and only significant in older patients.

CONCLUSIONS: From a longitudinal perspective, this study highlighted the important roles of eHealth literacy and attitude towards eHealth in improving older people’s HPL, especially for the patients. The findings provide robust evidence and practical implications to develop targeted interventions.

PMID:39586136 | DOI:10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117166

Int J Med Educ. 2024 Nov 22;15:139-149. doi: 10.5116/ijme.6736.4367.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to confirm and evaluate the learning effect of a physician-facing e-learning course on genetic medicine for improving genomic literacy.

METHODS: We employed qualitative and quantitative methodology to survey 103 physicians who took the course at a national university in Japan. Evaluations were conducted at the levels of participant feedback, learning, and behaviour. Participants completed a questionnaire and test (full score = 100) before and after the course. Pre- and post-test scores were compared using paired-samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the difference their clinical experience. The effect size was estimated using Cohen’s d.

RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 96 physicians. Approximately 80% (n = 75-93) of participants responded positively to the course, a result supported by the qualitative data. The mean scores for the pre- and post-test showed an increase from 71.25 to 74.58 (p=0.008). In particular, mean test scores increased significantly from 68.94 to 75.53 (p<0.001) in physicians with no clinical experience in genetic medicine, while no significance was observed scores for physicians with clinical experience in genetics from 73.47 to 73.67 (p=0.903). Behavioural assessment was carried out for 28 participants; however, no statistically significant differences were identified.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that our e-learning course was useful for physicians with no experience of genetic medicine. For those with experience, it may be necessary to provide more practice-based education and educational methodologies. Behavioural assessment needs to be examined further.

PMID:39586107 | DOI:10.5116/ijme.6736.4367

J Med Internet Res. 2024 Nov 25;26:e63661. doi: 10.2196/63661.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic differences in health outcomes persist despite the global focus on these issues by health organizations. Barriers to accessing care contribute significantly to these health disparities. Among these barriers, those related to travel time-the time required for patients to travel from their residences to health facilities-remain understudied compared with others.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the impact of telehealth in addressing health disparities associated with travel time to hospitals for patients with recurrent hospital admissions. It specifically examined the role of telehealth in reducing in-hospital length of stay (LOS) for patients living farther from the hospital.

METHODS: We sourced the data from 4 datasets, and our final effective sample consisted of 1,600,699 admissions from 536,182 patients from 63 hospitals in New York and Florida in the United States from 2012 to 2015. We applied fixed-effect models to examine the direct effects and the interaction between telehealth and patients’ travel time to hospitals on LOS. We further conducted a series of robustness checks to validate our main models and performed post hoc analyses to explore the different effects of telehealth across various patient groups.

RESULTS: Our summary statistics show that, on average, 22.08% (353,396/1,600,699) of patients were admitted to a hospital with telehealth adopted, with an average LOS of 5.57 (SD 5.06) days and an average travel time of about 16.89 (SD 13.32) minutes. We found that telehealth adoption is associated with a reduced LOS (P<.001) and this effect is especially pronounced as the patients’ drive time to the hospital increases. Specifically, the coefficient for drive time is -0.0079 (P<.001), indicating that for every additional minute of driving time, there is a decrease of 0.0079 days (approximately 11 minutes) in the expected LOS. We also found that telehealth adoption has a larger impact on patients frequently needing health services, patients living in high internet coverage areas, and patients who have high virtualization potential diseases.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that telehealth adoption can mitigate certain health disparities for patients living farther from hospitals. This study provides key insights for health care practitioners and policy makers on telehealth’s role in addressing distance-related disparities and planning health care resources. It also has practical implications for hospitals in resource-limited countries that are in the early stages of implementing telehealth.

PMID:39586091 | DOI:10.2196/63661