Category: Statistics

BMJ Public Health. 2025 Sep 8;3(2):e002828. doi: 10.1136/bmjph-2025-002828. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The UK has promoted increased availability of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks (no/lo, ≤1.2% alcohol by volume) as a public health strategy. To be effective, no/lo beverages must replace, and not supplement, standard alcoholic drinks. Emerging evidence suggests that the reasons people drink alcohol may be an important determinant of the potential public health impact of these drinks. This study aimed to determine whether alcohol drinking motives were associated with no/lo consumption after accounting for sociodemographic characteristics and alcohol consumption.

METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of adults residing in Great Britain (aged 16-93) who had drunk alcohol in the past year were recruited via the Alcohol Toolkit Study (N=2555; 49.0% female). The dependent variable was frequency of no/lo consumption (less than vs at least monthly). Five questions captured respondents’ alcohol drinking motives (enhancement, social, conformity, coping-anxiety, and coping-depression), derived from the Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised. Sociodemographic characteristics, including age, gender, social grade, education, Index of Multiple Deprivation (a UK-wide measure of relative deprivation for small geographic areas), and hazardous alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), were also assessed. Descriptive analysis presents the proportion of respondents drinking no/lo at least monthly among low endorsement (ie, drinking for a motive less than half the time) versus high endorsement (ie, drinking for a motive at least half the time) of each drinking motive. Quasibinomial regression modelling explored relationships between alcohol drinking motives and no/lo consumption, accounting for sociodemographic characteristics and hazardous drinking.

RESULTS: Drinking alcohol to conform was associated with an increased likelihood of at least monthly no/lo consumption after accounting for sociodemographic characteristics and hazardous drinking (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.21, p=0.041).

CONCLUSIONS: No/lo drinks may facilitate reduced alcohol consumption by offering an alternative for individuals wishing to participate in alcogenic environments. However, those who drink alcohol to conform are not typically higher-risk drinkers, which may limit the public health benefit of no/lo drinks. Further research is needed to explicitly explore substitution effects.

PMID:40937431 | PMC:PMC12421153 | DOI:10.1136/bmjph-2025-002828

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2025 Aug 27;16:1572675. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2025.1572675. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Elderly population is more susceptible to both hypothyroidism and chronic kidney disease (CKD) independently and it is very crucial to assess kidney function in elderly hypothyroid patients in relation to autoimmunity. There are previous studies showing a correlation between eGFR and TSH, T3, and T4 in the elderly population but no such studies correlating the estimated GFR (eGFR) with the anti-thyroid antibodies of elderly hypothyroid patients are available. This study aimed to assess renal function in newly diagnosed elderly hypothyroid patients and correlate findings with anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) levels.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 128 participants aged 60 years and above after obtaining ethics committee approval. All cases were newly diagnosed patients of hypothyroidism whether clinical or subclinical. The control group consisted of age and sex matched individuals with normal thyroid profile status. Fasting blood samples were collected and serum thyroid parameters, glycemic and renal markers were evaluated, and statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Hypothyroid patients exhibited elevated anti-TPO levels and markers of renal dysfunction, including increased urea, uric acid, and urine albumin/creatinine ratio. Multiple regression analysis identified anti-TPO as an independent predictor of kidney function. Subgroup analysis revealed significantly lower eGFR and elevated renal markers in anti-TPO positive patients.

DISCUSSION: The interplay between thyroid dysfunction and renal impairment is particularly significant in the elderly, who are more vulnerable to both conditions. Elevated anti-TPO levels are associated with renal dysfunction in elderly hypothyroid patients, suggesting a potential role for anti-TPO in renal impairment.

PMID:40937419 | PMC:PMC12420214 | DOI:10.3389/fendo.2025.1572675

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2025 Aug 27;16:1599423. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2025.1599423. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes, contributing significantly to end – stage renal disease. Irisin, an exercise – induced myokine, has been linked to metabolic disorders, but its relationship with DN remains unclear. This study aims to comprehensively and accurately explore the association between serum irisin levels and DN through a systematic review and meta – analysis.

METHODS: The research was conducted following the Meta – analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Multiple electronic databases, including Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), and Wanfang Database, were systematically searched using relevant keywords related to irisin and DN. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies that stratified Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients based on the presence or absence of DN, measured serum irisin levels in both groups, and provided data in a suitable format. Two independent reviewers performed literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. The Jadad scale was used for RCTs, and the Newcastle – Ottawa Scale (NOS) was applied for cohort and case – control studies. Statistical analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.3 software, with heterogeneity evaluated by Q and I² tests, and appropriate models (fixed – effects or random – effects) selected accordingly. INPLASY registration number:202530056.

RESULTS: A total of seven studies, comprising 453 DN patients and 346 non-DN controls, were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that serum irisin levels were significantly lower in patients with diabetic nephropathy, particularly those with more advanced stages of albuminuria. Specifically, irisin levels were significantly reduced in patients with microalbuminuria (MD = 30.84, 95% CI: 7.81 to 53.87, I² = 96%) and macroalbuminuria (MD = 30.84, 95% CI: 7.81 to 53.87, I² = 98%) compared to those with normoalbuminuria. Furthermore, a direct comparison between microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria also revealed significantly lower irisin levels in the latter group (MD = 12.53, 95% CI: 3.46 to 21.59, I² = 89%). In terms of renal function, patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² exhibited lower irisin concentrations than those with preserved renal function (MD = 3.43, 95% CI: -2.90 to 9.75, I² = 90%), though this difference was not statistically significant. Given the substantial heterogeneity among the included studies, random-effects models were applied for all analyses. Funnel plot assessment showed general symmetry in most comparisons, indicating a low to moderate risk of publication bias, although asymmetry was observed in the microalbuminuria vs. macroalbuminuria subgroup, suggesting potential small-study effects.

CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides evidence for an association between serum irisin levels and DN. Lower serum irisin levels were related to more severe albuminuria and decreased eGFR in T2DM patients. However, considering the limitations of this study, such as potential missing data and methodological differences, further large – scale, multi-center, and high-quality RCTs are needed to validate these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: INPLASY.COM, identifier 202530056.

PMID:40937412 | PMC:PMC12420281 | DOI:10.3389/fendo.2025.1599423

Indian J Clin Biochem. 2025 Oct;40(4):683-690. doi: 10.1007/s12291-024-01235-7. Epub 2024 May 25.

ABSTRACT

This study delves into the exploration of exosomal transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) as potential diagnostic markers for cervical cancer (CC). Employing plasma-derived exosomes isolated through ultracentrifugation and confirmed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), qNano, and western blot analysis, we extracted total RNA from CC and adjacent tissues (n = 48), alongside exosomes from cervical cancer patients (n = 140) and healthy donors (n = 140) using Trizol reagents. The expression of exosomal tRFs was assessed through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and subjected to statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney U or t-tests, along with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The findings unveiled a significant downregulation of exosomal tRF-Phe-GAA-001 and tRF-Gly-GCC-037 in both CC tissues and plasma samples from early-stage patients compared to healthy controls. Remarkably, these two exosomal tRFs exhibited promising capabilities as circulating biomarkers for both the diagnosis and early detection of CC, as evidenced by their high area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.9337 and 0.9432, respectively. Consequently, exosomal tRF-Phe-GAA-001 and tRF-Gly-GCC-037 were downregulated in CC and early-stage CC, indicating their potential as innovative non-invasive biomarkers for early CC diagnosis.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12291-024-01235-7.

PMID:40937397 | PMC:PMC12420557 | DOI:10.1007/s12291-024-01235-7

J Biol Methods. 2025 Aug 20;12(3):e99010069. doi: 10.14440/jbm.2025.0002. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has emerged as an effective surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study evaluated how the adoption of HoLEP in a general urology clinic influenced clinical and procedural volume.

OBJECTIVE: To better understand the practice ramifications of HoLEP adoption, we analyzed the changes to a general urologist’s patient demographics and practice patterns after the addition of HoLEP to their surgical repertoire.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic health records 30 months before and after the introduction of HoLEP to examine changes in a general urologist’s patient population. Pearson’s Chi-squared test and Student’s t-test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 4390 unique patients were seen over a period of 5-years, with 2052 seen before and 2338 after the introduction of HoLEP. The mean distance from patients’ residence zip codes to the treatment center remained statistically unchanged (pre-HoLEP: 32.52 ± 152.42 miles, post-HoLEP: 29.65 ± 141.79 miles, p=0.9896). Among those who underwent HoLEP, prostate sizes were comparable between patients residing in the same county and those coming from different counties (96.42 ± 3.24 cc vs. 104.52 ± 4.34 cc, p=0.141). Surgical volume rose from 355 to 1018 cases with a concordant increase in other BPH-related surgeries, marked by an inflection point at the time of HoLEP’s introduction.

CONCLUSION: There was an increase in clinical and surgical volume to an established general urologist’s practice after HoLEP was offered. Most patients continued to be drawn from the initial catchment area, potentially reflecting previously unmet treatment needs for patients with large prostate glands.

PMID:40937374 | PMC:PMC12422107 | DOI:10.14440/jbm.2025.0002

Nurs Res Pract. 2025 Sep 3;2025:6934650. doi: 10.1155/nrp/6934650. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Background: Infertility is a reproductive disorder affecting either the male or female reproductive system, characterized by the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It may result from male, female, or idiopathic factors, with certain etiologies being preventable. Management of infertility frequently involves assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). Objective: This quantitative cross-sectional study aimed to discover the traditional practices used for infertility treatment among females in Albaha City. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with 251 infertile women between the ages of 50 or beneath who had primary or secondary infertility because of personal reasons or male infertility in the maternity outpatient departments of Albaha City hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The study period lasted from May 30, 2021, until January 2022. The research obtained approval from the Faculty of Nursing ethical committee at King Abdulaziz University Jeddah before participants granted their consent. Results: A total of 251 participants indicated that 51.0% found traditional infertility treatment successful and 45.8% had no previous knowledge about the approach, while 3.2% viewed it negatively. Among the participants, 39.5% revealed that they got pregnant after using traditional treatments, whereas 60.5% said they did not get pregnant. About 29.0% of women who got pregnant achieved it within 6 months and 11.0% of them conceived over 6 months to 1 year. Two-thirds of participants reported no side effects from traditional healing treatment, and half of the respondents planned to repeat their experience. The research conducted on pregnancy and herb consumption demonstrated a lack of statistical importance expressed through the data values (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Many participants believed in using traditional practices and visiting traditional healers instead of attending medical facilities and the care services provided by health professionals due to their actions on physiological systems and low cost. Further investigation is required to support the outcomes of this study.

PMID:40937363 | PMC:PMC12422851 | DOI:10.1155/nrp/6934650

Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2025 Sep 9;15:20451253251367591. doi: 10.1177/20451253251367591. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Poor adherence to antipsychotic medications is the leading cause of relapses and hospitalizations in patients with schizophrenia, resulting in worse functional outcomes and quality of life. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics are an effective therapeutic option to improve adherence, but they are often underutilized, particularly during inpatient care.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive factors for LAI utilization among inpatients with schizophrenia and to assess whether initiating a LAI antipsychotic treatment during hospitalization reduces the risk of readmission.

DESIGN: Observational prospective study.

METHODS: Patients were evaluated at admission, discharge, and after 3 months. Two comparisons were performed: patients who initiated a LAI during the hospitalization versus those who continued with oral antipsychotics, and readmitted versus not-readmitted patients within 3 months. Factors statistically associated with LAI initiation or readmission were entered as independent variables in two backward logistic regression models, having “LAI initiation” and “rehospitalization at three months” as outcomes.

RESULTS: One hundred two patients were included. Twelve were lost at follow-up. Forty-two (44%) initiated an LAI during the admission. Subjects who received LAI were significantly younger, more educated, and less adherent to treatment. Thirty (33%) patients were readmitted within 3 months after discharge. Re-hospitalized subjects had more psychiatric hospitalizations in the past and a lower rate of LAI antipsychotic treatment initiation during the studied hospitalization: 5/39 (13%) patients prescribed a LAI antipsychotic were readmitted within 3 months, compared with 25/51 (49%) prescribed an oral antipsychotic medication (OR = 0.19; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION: Introducing LAI antipsychotic treatment during a psychiatric hospitalization may reduce the risk of early readmissions, thus facilitating the improvement of the course of the illness and the patient’s quality of life.

PMID:40937358 | PMC:PMC12420969 | DOI:10.1177/20451253251367591

Jamba. 2025 Aug 29;17(1):1898. doi: 10.4102/jamba.v17i1.1898. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Noncompliance with locational guidelines for petrol station facilities in South Africa’s urban areas is widespread, posing significant disaster risks. Petrol stations store and handle flammable substances such as liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen and biodiesel, making adherence to environmental impact assessment (EIA) safety parameters critical. This study evaluates the spatial distribution and compliance of petrol stations in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban with the 2002 EIA guidelines. Using a mixed-methods approach, geospatial mapping via Google Earth and ArcGIS alongside secondary qualitative analysis, the study assessed petrol station distances from sensitive land uses (residential, public institutions and critical infrastructure) and the spacing between petrol stations. The results reveal a significant degree of noncompliance with the EIA’s 100-m setback from sensitive uses and the 3-km minimum distance between petrol stations. In all three cities, petrol stations are often clustered within high-density urban cores, overlapping safety buffer zones and situated near residential and institutional structures. These spatial patterns indicate a regulatory gap in land-use enforcement and raise serious concerns about disaster preparedness and risk exposure in urban areas. The findings emphasise the urgent need to integrate disaster risk reduction (DRR) into urban land-use planning. While the study acknowledges that existing noncompliant petrol stations cannot be retrofitted easily, it recommends embedding DRR into future siting policies and calls for emergency preparedness measures at high-risk sites.

CONTRIBUTION: The study’s spatially grounded analysis of EIA compliance across multiple cities in South Africa offers an evidence-based framework to guide future policy on hazardous facility siting in disaster-prone urban contexts.

PMID:40937353 | PMC:PMC12421480 | DOI:10.4102/jamba.v17i1.1898

China CDC Wkly. 2025 Sep 5;7(36):1168-1173. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2025.196.

ABSTRACT

This study systematically evaluated the spatial distribution, health risks, and regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in global drinking water using the PubMed and Web of Science databases (January 1, 2000 to February 25, 2025). Among the 122 studies reviewed, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) received the greatest research attention (detected in 102 and 100 studies, respectively) and showed the highest detection rates (64.69% and 60.72%, respectively). Several other compounds, including perfluorooctane sulfonamide, perfluorobutanesulfonamide, and perfluoropropane sulfonate, also exhibited high detection rates but remain underregulated, underscoring the need for further research and regulatory oversight. The three countries with the highest concentrations of [Formula: see text] were the Republic of Korea, the United States, and China. Risk assessments indicated that perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluorobutanoic acid, and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid posed negligible health risks, while perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), PFOA, PFOS, and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) showed descending levels of health risk (PFHxS > PFOA > PFOS > PFNA). Regulatory approaches are shifting from compound-specific standards to integrated mixture-based frameworks, reinforced by progressively stringent limits.

PMID:40937346 | PMC:PMC12421654 | DOI:10.46234/ccdcw2025.196

J Multidiscip Healthc. 2025 Sep 5;18:5551-5561. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S534760. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A multitude of congenital and acquired conditions can result in short stature, each with distinctive clinical presentations and treatment options. We aimed to develop and validate a prediction model to identify GHD among children with short stature using clinical and laboratory parameters.

METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 1120 children with short stature from a hospital in China. The data were randomly split into a derivation set and a validation set. Features were selected based on clinical relevance and statistical significance to construct a multivariate logistic regression model in the derivation set. Discrimination, calibration, and prediction accuracy were evaluated on both sets.

RESULTS: Of the 1120 children, 278 (25%) were diagnosed with GHD, 694 (62%) were male, and the mean age was 6.97 ± 2.97 years. The derivation set comprises 785 (70%) children. The model incorporates four predictors: age (OR=0.761; 95% CI 0.660, 0.873), delayed bone age (OR=1.841; 95% CI 1.365, 2.537), IGF-1 SDS (OR=0.148; 95% CI 0.095, 0.220), and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio (OR=0.901; 95% CI 0.870, 0.930). The model exhibits good discriminative ability, with an AUC of 0.952 (0.937, 0.967) in the derivation set and 0.950 (0.927, 0.973) in the validation set. Furthermore, it shows high accuracy with sensitivity and specificity of 0.895 in the derivation set, which was 0.946 and 0.851 in the validation set. The model also demonstrates reliable calibration.

CONCLUSION: We have developed a prediction model for accurate screening of GHD in children with short stature.

PMID:40937344 | PMC:PMC12420774 | DOI:10.2147/JMDH.S534760