Category: Statistics

Curr HIV Res. 2026 Apr 7. doi: 10.2174/011570162X435140260327050554. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the prevalence and diversity of dermatoses in HIV infected patients, and to compare alterations of skin lesion characteristics with the past literature.

METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center study was conducted on patients who were admitted to Şanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital between January 2020 and April 2023 with a diagnosis of HIV infection. Patients, whose dermatological examination had been performed, were included in the study.

RESULTS: Out of 144 individuals included in the study, 84.7% of them were male, and the median age was 34.5 (18-75). The prevalence of skin disorders among patients was found to be 57.6%. The most frequently dermatoses were condylomata acuminata (39.8%), telogen effluvium (16.9%), and scabies (9.6%). The frequency of condylomata acuminata and scabies was significantly higher in those with a history of homosexual intercourse. The number of skin findings increased as the CD4 count decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The pattern of HIV/AIDS-related skin disorders has transitioned during ART development; while the findings triggered by immunosuppression decreased, other sexually transmitted infections-related dermatoses and ART-related conditions dominated. Although dermatosis prevalence appears reduced in the ART era, HIV remains linked to a wide range of dermatological manifestations. This study shows that over half of patients still experience skin findings, underscoring the continued importance of dermatological assessment in the comprehensive care of people living with HIV.

PMID:41969168 | DOI:10.2174/011570162X435140260327050554

Chin Clin Oncol. 2026 Mar 30:cco-2025-aw-152. doi: 10.21037/cco-2025-aw-152. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has been increasingly adopted in the treatment of gastric cancer. Although the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy have been well established, evidence regarding laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) remains limited, especially for early-stage disease. This study aimed to compare the short-term surgical outcomes and long-term survival between LTG and open total gastrectomy (OTG) in patients with stage 0-I gastric cancer.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinicopathological data of 122 patients with stage 0-I gastric cancer underwent radical LTG or OTG from January 2010 to December 2013. Multivariate regression with a generalized estimation equation (GEE) was used to analyze the differences in total complications, LTG-related complications and OTG-related complications between the laparoscopic and open groups. The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the long-term survival of the two groups. The primary outcome was the short-term outcomes and long-term survival of LTG with traditional OTG for stage 0-I gastric cancer.

RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative complications was 16.4% in the LTG group and 18.4% in the OTG group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). In the adjusted multivariate GEE regression for OTG-related complications, the risk of OTG-related complications in the laparoscopic group was 0.111 (95% confidence interval: 0.016-0.771, P=0.03). Before and after IPTW adjustment, there was no statistically significant difference in survival between the LTG group and the OTG group (P=0.28 and P=0.34).

CONCLUSIONS: LTG is safe and feasible to apply in stage 0-I gastric cancer. Comparing OTG, LTG with a similar overall complication rate and long-term survival, but reduce the incidence of OTG-related complications and does not increase the risk of LTG-related complications in stage 0-I gastric cancer. However, these findings still need to be confirmed in a large clinical trial.

PMID:41969164 | DOI:10.21037/cco-2025-aw-152

Ann Palliat Med. 2026 Mar 24:apm-2025-1-145. doi: 10.21037/apm-2025-1-145. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prognostic information is paramount in the decision-making of patients with cancer. Furthermore, the type of information required depends on cancer progression. However, preferences for such information among patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy for the first time have not been well-elucidated. This study aimed to identify patient preferences for prognostic information to improve informational support provided by healthcare providers.

METHODS: This study was conducted as part of a longitudinal study and analyzed data on preferences for prognostic information collected after one course of cancer chemotherapy. A questionnaire was used to assess preferences for prognostic information (life and functional prognoses), knowledge of chemotherapy, anxiety about adverse events (AEs), and information-seeking behaviors. Patient characteristics were collected, and the relationships between variables and preferences for prognostic information were analyzed.

RESULTS: Fifty-four patients participated in the study (mean age: 66.0 years; 55.6% male). Regarding prognosis, 40.7% of patients answered “strongly agree” or “agree” on a six-point scale to the degree to which they wanted to know their life prognoses, whereas 31.5-50.0% wanted to know their functional prognosis. No significant differences were observed in the types of prognostic information; however, each prognostic variable exhibited a positive correlation (r=0.60-0.89, P<0.001). Subgroup analyses were performed according to treatment intent (adjuvant, life-sustaining/palliative). In the life-sustaining/palliative group, a statistically significant association was observed between the propensity to seek information regarding life prognosis and the execution of information-seeking behavior among participants (P=0.04), and correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between older adult-only households and thinking (r=0.40, P=0.02) and eating prognoses (r=0.38, P=0.03). In the adjuvant group, age exhibited a negative correlation with life prognosis (r=-0.59, P=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS: In Japanese patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy for the first time, both functional and life prognoses are important. Patients who wanted to know about one type of prognosis also tended to want information about another. For patients receiving life-sustaining/palliative care, life prognosis was important, and these patients tended to seek information. Being in an older adults-only household was significantly correlated with the desire for prognostic information, particularly thinking and eating habits. We speculated that this tendency would be observed only in the life-sustaining/palliative group, as these patients were more aware of approaching the end of life. In the adjuvant group, a tendency for decreased prognostic awareness was suggested in older adults, which may reflect a change in treatment values with age, from “life extension” to “functional maintenance”. Healthcare providers should offer individualized informational support that considers each patient’s specific treatment purpose and background rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

PMID:41969162 | DOI:10.21037/apm-2025-1-145

Am J Biol Anthropol. 2026 Apr;189(4):e70249. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.70249.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to assess temporal change in vertebral size and shape in macaques born on Cayo Santiago from 1951 to 2002 in order to clarify patterns of temporal change identified in the cranium, appendicular skeleton, and body mass.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed overall size, vertebral body height, and overall shape using a published dataset of 3D coordinate data representing six vertebrae from 132 female and 78 male Rhesus macaques from Cayo Santiago. We performed multiple linear regression with year of birth and age at death as independent variables, and assessed differences between early (1950-1965) and late (1985-2002) cohorts using standard statistical methods.

RESULTS: We found decreases in overall size and vertebral body height over time across vertebrae. Females decreased more than males, resulting in greater sexual dimorphism over time. We found no evidence of vertebral shape change. Incidentally, we found that thoracolumbar vertebral body height is not sexually dimorphic in this group and that males largely maintain vertebral body height over time.

DISCUSSION: Our results are consistent with an overall reduction of the skeleton in this population rather than localized reductions in specific body regions or in soft tissue mass. Females displayed more extreme changes than males, and this pattern may suggest that females are under stronger selection for environmental reasons, possibly due to the physiological demands of pregnancy. Female-male differences may also reflect early female age at first birth, which occurs prior to full skeletal maturation and may directly affect female growth.

PMID:41969161 | DOI:10.1002/ajpa.70249

J Ultrasound Med. 2026 Apr 13. doi: 10.1002/jum.70255. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is the standard method for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. However, the effect of the optimal puncture approach on diagnostic yield and patient outcomes remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic effectiveness and clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided transperineal versus transrectal prostate aspiration biopsy in patients suspected of prostate cancer.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 150 patients who underwent prostate biopsy at our hospital between February 2020 and August 2024. Patients were divided into transperineal (n = 62) and transrectal (n = 88) groups. Key outcomes including cancer detection rate, complications, pain (VAS), and negative emotions were compared, with p < .05 indicating a statistically significant difference.

RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the transperineal and transrectal groups in the detection rates of prostate cancer (51.61% versus 43.18%), chronic prostatitis (12.90% versus 18.18%), or benign prostatic hyperplasia (35.48% versus 38.64%). Transperineal biopsy required longer puncture time (22.92 ± 2.02 min versus 19.70 ± 1.93 min), but resulted in fewer overall complications (20.97% versus 38.64%), lower post-procedure pain scores (VAS: 2.82 ± 1.13 versus 3.68 ± 1.14), and lower anxiety (HAMA: 10.34 ± 1.29 versus 12.55 ± 1.44) and depression scores (HAMD: 10.33 ± 1.68 versus 12.90 ± 1.38).

CONCLUSION: Both ultrasound-guided transperineal and transrectal prostate biopsies are effective diagnostic methods for prostate cancer. Transperineal biopsy offers advantages in reducing postoperative complications, pain, and negative emotional responses, supporting its preferential use in selected patients.

PMID:41969148 | DOI:10.1002/jum.70255

Cancer Biother Radiopharm. 2026 Apr 13:10849785261431195. doi: 10.1177/10849785261431195. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the poorest treatment responses since it contains desmoplastic stroma, lacks good vascularity, and has high interstitial fluid pressures, which are the most damaging factors depriving chemotherapy. Liposomal doxorubicin is much better in terms of systemic pharmacokinetics but is not efficient in PDAC due to the significant barrier of nanoparticles-stromal and vascular barriers.Purpose/Hypothesis: In a bid to eliminate these shortcomings, this paper presents CavitoMod-UTMDNet, which is an integrated mechanistic and experimental platform capable of utilizing ultrasound-targeted masterpiece unaffiliating (UTMD) as a means of temporarily improving vascular and stromal permeability and better intratumoral delivery of liposomal doxorubicin.Population/Subjects: The model combines Rayleigh-Plesset cavitation modeling and Fickian diffusion analysis with a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model and systematic in vitro and in vivo validation.Assessment: Passive cavitation detection was used to establish stable cavitation exposure windows within FDA-acceptable mechanical index limits.Statistical Tests: UTMD increased intracellular drug uptake 3.2-3.8fold and reduced IC 0 in PANC-1 and BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cell lines by around 50% in the presence of a stable cavitation (MI 1.2). UTMD progressively improved the level of intratumor drug delivery in the orthotopic immunodeficient mouse models (NU/NU strain) (2.4-fold) and led to a 54% decrease in tumor volume 21 days later without any trace of hepatic, renal, and cardiac toxicity.Results: There were strong links between cavitation energy density and drug uptake and diffusion depth and therapeutic response as evidence that there is a mechanistic character to UTMD-enhanced actions. It will support the drug development in a better way. CavitoMod-UTMDNet is a combined strategy to maximize ultrasound-enhanced nanocarrier (nanoparticles) delivery using a physics-based reproducible plan to optimize ultrasound-enhanced nanocarrier delivery in PDAC that will see improvement in future translation to image-guided therapeutic strategies.

PMID:41969145 | DOI:10.1177/10849785261431195

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2026 Apr;61(4):e71600. doi: 10.1002/ppul.71600.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although survival for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) has improved, long-term pulmonary function deficit remains a concern. We aimed to explore the prevalence of pulmonary function deficit and abnormal pulmonary function tests in childhood ALL survivors and clinical associations.

METHODS: This national, retrospective cohort study (February 2019-May 2024) included eligible 5-17.9 year-old survivors (N = 295) who performed a valid pulmonary function test ≥ 1 year after treatment (N = 185). Clinical associations included treatment characteristics, pulmonary diagnosis, and radiological findings from medical charts.

RESULTS: Among 185 survivors, 37% (95% confidence interval (CI): [30, 45]) had pulmonary function deficit, with the highest prevalence (56%) among 15-17.9-year-olds. Abnormal test prevalence was 37% [27, 48] for diffusing capacity (carbon monoxide and/or nitric oxide), 29% [22, 38] for lung clearance index, 12% [8,18] for forced expiratory volume in the first second, and 11% [7, 17] for broncho-dilator response. Bronchiolitis obliterans, stem cell transplantation and CT-verified bronchiectasis were significant clinical associations of pulmonary function deficit (100%, 97.5% CI: [40, 100], 89% [76, 103], 73% [51, 96]) and abnormal diffusing capacity (100% (97.5% CI [29, 100]), 82% [59, 105], 75% [45, 105]), respectively. Bronchiectasis (88% [65, 110]) and transplantation (64% [39, 89]) were associated with a higher prevalence of abnormal lung clearance index. Bronchiolitis obliterans (75% [19, 99]) and transplantation (61% [39, 84]) were associated with a higher prevalence of abnormal forced expiratory volume in the first second.

CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary function deficit was frequent in childhood ALL survivors, especially after stem cell transplantation or pulmonary disease. Tailored long-term pulmonary monitoring, including small airway function and diffusing capacity, may aid in timely detection and intervention.

PMID:41969139 | DOI:10.1002/ppul.71600

ScientificWorldJournal. 2026;2026(1):e6175776. doi: 10.1155/tswj/6175776.

ABSTRACT

The emerging issue of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions is highly affecting global sustainable and economic development endeavors. Countries with high population growth, rapid industrialization, and significant energy needs find themselves in this bracket. This study, based on data from 1960 to 2018, evaluates carbon emissions using principal component analysis (PCA). The findings indicate that two leading principal components (C.1 and C.2) had the greatest impact as they accounted for seventy-seven percent (77%) of the total variance. The eigenvalues of both components were greater than one, signifying their significance. C.1 shows a strong connection for CO₂ emissions, total population, and production of electric energy through various sources. C.2 is more connected to the growth of industries. The scree plot confirms this by finding them to be dominant. This emphasizes the interaction between electricity production, specifically from coal, and the demographic data. The results highlight how PCA can be utilized to distinguish drivers that cause the emission of carbon to provide an understanding that might be used in managing the environment and setting relevant policies.

PMID:41969135 | DOI:10.1155/tswj/6175776

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2026 Apr 14. doi: 10.1515/jpem-2025-0685. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of androgens on retinal microvasculature in prepubertal girls with isolated premature pubarche (PP) with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA).

METHODS: Eighty-six prepubertal, non-obese girls with isolated PP with normal birth weight and 86 age-matched control girls were evaluated. Retinal microvascular structures in the macular and optic disc regions were examined using OCT and OCTA. Data from subjects with isolated PP were compared with data from healthy controls. Correlations between dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), androstenedione (AS), testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels, bone age, pubertal stage as well as OCT and OCTA parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS: The inferior retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in the isolated PP group was significantly higher than the control group (p=0.007). A statistically significant increase in the vessel density (VD) was observed in temporal quadrant of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and inferior quadrant of the deep capillary plexus (DCP) in the isolated PP group compared with the control group (p<0.05). There were significant positive correlations between DHEAS, AS, testosterone levels and RNFL, macula-disk regions’s OCTA parameters (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: In the isolated PP patients, thickening of RNFL and increased VD in the macula and optic disc region were recognized under the effect of androgens compared to the control group. In these patients, early microvascular changes can be detected noninvasively by means of OCT and OCTA. These findings suggest a potential link between androgen exposure and retinal microvascular alterations; however, further studies are needed to explore their clinical implications.

PMID:41969133 | DOI:10.1515/jpem-2025-0685

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2026 May 1;101(5):547-554. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000003809.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Steatotic liver disease (SLD) and liver fibrosis are significant comorbidities in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Early detection is essential for effective management. This study evaluated the utility of the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) in detecting hepatic steatosis (HS) using Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) measurements as the reference.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 446 PLHIV recruited from Cairo University Hospitals. HS was defined as CAP values exceeding 248 dB/m. FLI cut-off points were determined using the Youden index with bootstrapping validation. Performance metrics and kappa concordance statistics were calculated.

RESULTS: The study cohort (78.7% male, median age 35) showed HS in 27.1% (n = 121) and significant liver fibrosis in 6.5% (n = 29). Optimal FLI cut-off of 45 yielded 71% sensitivity and 72% specificity (receiver operating characteristic = 0.77), while the 60 cut-off provided 57% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Despite similar overall prevalence estimates between methods (30.3% by FLI vs. 27.1% by CAP), significant discordance existed (P < 0.001) with only low-moderate agreement (73.5% agreement, κ = 0.465). Nearly half (49%) of participants with CAP-defined HS were misclassified as having no SLD when using FLI. Importantly, HS was associated with significant liver fibrosis when identified by CAP (P < 0.05) but not when identified by FLI (κ = 0.078, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: FLI demonstrates substantial limitations as a screening tool for HS in people living with HIV, missing nearly half of CAP-defined cases. The poor concordance with CAP and particularly weak performance in lean individuals-who represent a significant proportion of PWH-indicate that FLI cannot reliably identify HS in this population and should not be used as a standalone diagnostic tool.

PMID:41969132 | DOI:10.1097/QAI.0000000000003809