Category: Statistics

Hereditas. 2025 Jul 14;162(1):131. doi: 10.1186/s41065-025-00501-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In thoracic surgery, the concept of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has been extensively implemented. Although numerous studies have investigated ERAS in thoracic surgery, bibliometric analyses remain limited. In this study, the developmental trajectory, current research status, and prospective trends of ERAS in thoracic surgery were systematically analyzed through bibliometric and visual analysis techniques.

METHODS: Literature pertaining to ERAS in thoracic surgery was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Microsoft Excel 2019, R software (version 4.1.0), the Bibliometric Online Analysis Platform, VOSviewer (version 1.6.18), and Citespace (version 6.3.R1) were utilized for statistical analysis, bibliometric evaluation, and data visualization.

RESULTS: A total of 617 publications were retrieved over the past decade. The number of publications has generally demonstrated an upward trend from 2015 to 2024. China and Sichuan University ranked as the leading country and institution, respectively, in terms of publication volume. The Journal of Thoracic Disease was identified as the leading journal in both publication count and citation frequency. Henrik Kehlet was recognized as the most prolific and highly co-cited author. Current research hotspots include “video-assisted thoracic surgery,” “pain management,” and “multicenter clinical trials.”

CONCLUSION: ERAS-related research in thoracic surgery has been increasing steadily, highlighting it as a rapidly evolving and promising field. The ERAS concept plays a critical role in all perioperative phases-preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative-and requires further in-depth investigation. Many existing ERAS studies in thoracic surgery lack high-quality evidence, underscoring the urgent need for rigorously designed research with robust methodological standards.

PMID:40660412 | DOI:10.1186/s41065-025-00501-9

Arch Public Health. 2025 Jul 14;83(1):186. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01675-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: India’s ageing population presents new health challenges, particularly the rising burden of lung diseases like Asthma and COPD among middle-aged and older adults. These conditions weaken individuals and heighten the risk of geriatric complications. Understanding their interplay with socio-economic, demographic, and household factors is essential for informed public health interventions.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: This study investigates the growing burden of Asthma and COPD among Indian individuals aged 45 years and above using LASI Wave 1 data. Unadjusted prevalence was calculated across predictor variables. Poisson regression identified factors associated with Asthma and COPD, while logistic regression examined their unadjusted and adjusted associations with geriatric syndromes.

RESULTS: The study reveals that the prevalence of Asthma and COPD among individuals aged 45 years and above is 4.38% and 2.1%. It reveals distinct yet overlapping risk patterns for both Asthma and COPD. For both diseases, the risk increases significantly with age, particularly for those aged 60 years and above, and is higher among wealthier individuals and those belonging to SC, OBC, or non-classified social groups. Women are less likely to suffer from both diseases, while discontinued smoking elevates the risk for both. Employment status influences both conditions differently, those currently working are less likely to have COPD and Asthma. Household factors such as the absence of a separate kitchen increase the risk for both diseases. Cooking on open fires and exposure to passive smoking significantly heighten the risk of COPD. Regional variations persist, with lower risk in the North-East and elevated risks in the South. Both diseases show significant association with geriatric syndromes such as ADL (1.418 for Asthma and 1.424 for COPD), IADL (1.587 for Asthma and 1.542 for COPD), and Falls ((1.172 for Asthma and 1.320 for COPD)), after adjusting for various individual and household determinants.

CONCLUSION: The study reveals complex relationships between social, individual and household factors, chronic lung diseases (Asthma and COPD), and age-related complications in India’s older population.It highlights the need for targeted treatments addressing both lung diseases and geriatric complications, guiding policymakers in framing healthcare policies to promote healthy aging in India’s diverse older population.

PMID:40660407 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01675-4

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Jul 14;30(1):618. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-02892-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune diseases (AID) have been showed to be susceptibility to malignancy. This study aimed to analyzed the profile of serum tumor markers in four common autoimmune disease.

METHODS: Patients with dermatomyositis (DM, n = 132), Systemic sclerosis (SSc, n = 77), Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, n = 191), Rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n = 160) and ovarian cancer (n = 250) were included in this study. Twelve tumor markers (CA724, AFP, FRT, NSE, CA19-9, CA125, CYFRA21-1, CA153, β-HCG and HE4) levels and abnormal rate in these patients were retrospective statistics. The tumor markers profiles were compared among the different AID.

RESULTS: Compared with ovarian cancer (OV) patients, there were no significant differences for the levels and abnormal rates of CYFRA21-1/HE4/CA50/FRT in AID patients. The levels and abnormal rates of CA724/FRT/CA125/NSE were higher in OV patients than that in AID patients. 75% AID patients have at least one elevated tumor marker. 69.46% AID patients have 2-5 elevated tumor markers. All the 12 tumor markers were negative in 16.67, 19.74, 27.23 and 32.70% of DM, SSc, SLE and RA patients. Except CA50, the levels of the other eleven tumor markers were significantly different between DM/SSc/SLE/RA. Except AFP/β-HCG/SCC, the abnormal rate of the other tumor markers were significantly different between these AID.

CONCLUSIONS: The increased levels of tumor makers were common in four major AID, and the profile of tumor makers were significantly different among these AID.

PMID:40660406 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-02892-x

J Anesth Analg Crit Care. 2025 Jul 14;5(1):43. doi: 10.1186/s44158-025-00246-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Post-extubation sore throat (PEST), cough, and hoarseness are common complications of tracheal intubation. Several agents and techniques have been postulated to reduce their occurrence.

AIM: This study sought to compare the effects of intravenous and intra-cuff magnesium sulphate on the incidence and severity of PEST, cough and hoarseness of voice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomised single-blind study involving 90 surgical patients requiring endotracheal intubation. Patients were randomised into 3 groups: A (control), B (intra-cuff magnesium sulphate) and C (intravenous magnesium sulphate). Participants in Group A had the endotracheal tube cuff (ETTc) inflated with air to a pressure of 25 cmH₂O whilst those in Group B had the ETTc inflated with 2 g of magnesium sulphate solution and the pressure adjusted to 25 cmH₂O with top-ups of 0.9% normal saline. Participants in Group C had the ETTc filled with air to a pressure of 25 cmH₂O and received 2 g of intravenous magnesium sulphate in 20 ml of 0.9% normal saline perfused over 10 min immediately prior to the induction of general anaesthesia. The occurrence of PEST, cough and hoarseness of voice were recorded at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after surgery.

RESULTS: The incidence of PEST on swallowing in the intra-cuff magnesium sulphate group compared to the intravenous magnesium sulphate group at 4, 8, and 12 h post-operatively were 51.7% vs 12.5%, 51.7% vs 18.8% and 51.7% vs 21.9% respectively. Compared to intra-cuff magnesium sulphate, intravenous magnesium sulphate significantly reduced the incidence and severity of PEST during swallowing at 4, 8, and 12 h. The incidence of PEST at rest in the intra-cuff magnesium sulphate group compared to the intravenous magnesium sulphate group at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h post-operatively were 13.8% vs 9.4%, 20.7% vs 6.3%, 17.2% vs 6.3%, 13.8% vs 3.1% and 13.8% vs 3.1% respectively. Compared to intra-cuff magnesium sulphate, intravenous magnesium sulphate reduced the incidence of PEST at rest, though this was not statistically significant over first 24 h postoperative period. Intravenous magnesium sulphate had significantly lower PEST severity scores at rest at 12 h only compared to intra-cuff magnesium sulphate. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence and severity of cough and hoarseness between the study groups.

CONCLUSION: Intravenous magnesium sulphate given at induction was found to be better compared to intra-cuff magnesium sulphate in lowering the incidence and severity of post-extubation sore throat on swallowing but not at rest. However, it does not significantly reduce the incidence or severity of post-extubation cough or hoarseness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PACTR202211634990263.

PMID:40660404 | DOI:10.1186/s44158-025-00246-x

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Jul 14;30(1):617. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-02873-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense itching and lesions that significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Abrocitinib, a selective Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, has shown promise in treating AD by targeting inflammatory pathways linked to disease symptoms. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of abrocitinib in reducing lesion severity and pruritus in AD patients.

METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted on September 19, 2024, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included studies were randomized controlled trials assessing abrocitinib’s effects on lesion area and pruritus in AD patients. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analyses, including meta-regression and subgroup analysis, were conducted using Stata. Funnel plots were examined to assess publication bias.

RESULTS: Five studies met inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 267 to 837 participants. Abrocitinib significantly improved Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75) scores, as well as pruritus scores on the Pruritus Patient Numeric Rating Scale (PP-NRS), compared to placebo (all P < 0.001). A dose-response effect was observed, with higher efficacy at the 200 mg dose. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was higher in the intervention group, particularly at 200 mg, though no significant difference was noted in serious adverse events (SAEs) between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Abrocitinib is effective in reducing lesion severity and pruritus in AD, with dose-dependent improvements. Despite a higher incidence of manageable TEAEs at 200 mg, no significant increase in SAEs was observed, supporting abrocitinib’s safety and efficacy as a treatment for moderate to severe AD.

REGISTRATION: CRD420251056272.

PMID:40660399 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-02873-0

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Jul 14;30(1):623. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-02891-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The elimination of the causative agent and the facilitation of tissue regeneration are the fundamental objectives of periodontal therapy. Various adjunctive agents have been investigated to optimize treatment outcomes with surgical interventions. Periostin is a matricellular protein predominantly expressed in periodontal tissues, playing a key role in tissue remodeling, inflammation, and wound healing. The human placental extract has been used in periodontal surgery and compared with open flap debridement alone, with gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) periostin levels assessed to gauge periodontal wound healing.

METHODS: Sixteen systemically healthy patients diagnosed with Stage III Grade C periodontitis were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the test group (n = 8) or the control group (n = 8), with a total of nine males and seven females distributed across the groups. The test group underwent open flap debridement (OFD), followed by applying human placental extract gel absorbed into a gelatin sponge, while the control group received only OFD. Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 month post-treatment. GCF periostin levels were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months.

RESULTS: The test group demonstrated a mean probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction of 4.75 ± 1.28 mm, compared to 3.12 ± 1.12 mm in the control group, with the difference being statistically significant. The relative attachment level (RAL) gain was 4.37 ± 1.18 mm in the test group and 2.75 ± 0.70 mm in the control group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. At 3 months, the mean healing index score was 4.50 ± 0.53 in the test group and 3.62 ± 0.51 in the control group, with a statistically significant intergroup difference. The Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and Gingival Bleeding Index (BI) showed moderate reductions at 3 months; however, intergroup differences were not statistically significant, except for BI, where the difference at 3 months was -0.180.

CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive use of placental extract gel in surgical periodontal therapy demonstrated beneficial effects on healing outcomes. In addition, periostin shows promise as a biomarker for periodontal wound healing.

PMID:40660386 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-02891-y

Isr J Health Policy Res. 2025 Jul 15;14(1):40. doi: 10.1186/s13584-025-00704-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Accessibility and availability are critical components of quality healthcare, particularly for dialysis patients requiring tri-weekly treatments. Inconveniently placed or oversubscribed dialysis centers contribute to widening healthcare disparities. This study aims to enhance equity in dialysis care by utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to optimize facility placement through data-driven decision-making.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed national data from 5,961 hemodialysis patients across 76 dialysis centers in Israel. Geographic accessibility was assessed using GIS to measure travel distances between patients’ residences and their treating dialysis centers. For utilization rate, active hemodialysis patient count was compared to estimated maximum capacity for each center. Statistical comparisons across districts were conducted using chi-square, ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis tests, with Bonferroni corrections. Findings were visualized using ArcGIS software.

RESULTS: The median travel distance to dialysis centers varied significantly by district (p < 0.001), with the longest distance in the North district (10.9 km) and the shortest in the South district (3.4 km). The mean utilization rate was 73.3%, with the highest in the North district (82.5%) and the lowest in the Jerusalem district (64.3%). No significant differences in utilization rates were found between districts (p = 0.38.

CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to apply GIS to national patient-based data for assessing dialysis center accessibility and utilization. Our findings demonstrate how GIS integration with national registries can inform equitable healthcare planning and facility allocation. This approach offers policymakers a scalable, technology-driven strategy to optimize resource distribution, correct healthcare inequities, and improve accessibility for dialysis patients.

PMID:40660384 | DOI:10.1186/s13584-025-00704-5

Inj Epidemiol. 2025 Jul 14;12(Suppl 1):41. doi: 10.1186/s40621-025-00596-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Helmet use significantly decreases head injuries, the most common cause of bicycle-related fatalities in youth. Our objective was to determine bicycle helmet use by rural adolescents, their attitudes regarding helmets, and associated demographic factors.

METHODS: A convenience sample of 2022 Iowa FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Leadership Conference attendees completed an anonymous electronic or paper survey. After compilation in Qualtrics, descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using statistical program, R.

RESULTS: 1,331 adolescents 13-18 years participated. Almost three-fifths (58%) were female; 56% were 16-18 years. One-half lived on a farm, 21% lived in the country/not on a farm and 28% lived in town. 90% of subject households had at least one bicycle. Overall, 78% had ridden a bicycle in the past year. Those from farms had lower proportions that had ridden a bicycle in the past year (73%) than those living elsewhere (83%), p < 0.001, and also rode them less frequently. The mean importance (rated 1-10) of wearing a bike helmet was 4.7 (median 4). Males, older teens, non-Hispanic White individuals, and those from farms all ascribed lower bicycle helmet importance than their corresponding peers. Only 15% supported laws requiring bicycle helmet use. Three-quarters (74%) rarely or never wore a helmet; only 13% said they always or mostly wore a helmet. A direct relationship was noted between helmet use and those who rode more frequently, and to those ascribing higher importance to helmet use. Only 12% stated their parents had a strict “no helmet, no riding” rule. However, those with a rule had 18 times greater odds of supporting bicycle helmet laws and had a higher median ascribed bicycle helmet importance as compared to those without a rule (9 vs. 4). Moreover, participants with a strict rule had 32 times higher odds of wearing a bicycle helmet always/most of the time versus those without a rule.

CONCLUSIONS: Bicycle helmet use is infrequent among rural adolescents. Youth whose parents had a strict “no helmet, no riding” rule placed greater importance on using helmets, were more supportive of bicycle helmet laws, and had significantly greater helmet use.

PMID:40660377 | DOI:10.1186/s40621-025-00596-8

Ital J Pediatr. 2025 Jul 15;51(1):225. doi: 10.1186/s13052-025-02072-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Childhood pneumonia remains a significant clinical and public health challenge, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality in under five years of age, including Ethiopia. Despite efforts to reduce its impact, childhood pneumonia persists as a leading cause of death in young children, particularly in low-resource settings. This study investigates the association between childhood pneumonia incidence and meteorological factors in the Central Gondar Zone, northwest Ethiopia, from January 2013 to December 2022.

METHODS: Institution based time-series cross-sectional study design was conducted in Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Data on childhood pneumonia cases were obtained from the Central Gondar Zone Health Department and Gondar Administrative Health Department. Meteorological data, including temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity, were sourced from the West Amhara Meteorology Agency. Spearman correlation, bivariate negative binomial, and multivariable negative binomial regressions were employed to analyze the relationship between childhood pneumonia incidence and meteorological factors.

RESULTS: The findings reveal a consistent increase in childhood pneumonia incidence during the study period. Specifically, there is a significant inverse association between mean monthly temperature and the incidence of childhood pneumonia, indicating a higher incidence during the cooler month. In contrast, mean monthly rainfall demonstrates a positive association with childhood pneumonia incidence, suggesting increased incidence following periods of higher rainfall. However, no significant association was observed between relative humidity and childhood pneumonia incidence.

CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the complex interplay between meteorological factors and childhood pneumonia incidence, with implications for public health interventions and climate adaptation strategies in Ethiopia. Understanding these associations can inform targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of childhood pneumonia, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions.

PMID:40660351 | DOI:10.1186/s13052-025-02072-x

Clin Epigenetics. 2025 Jul 14;17(1):124. doi: 10.1186/s13148-025-01931-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has significantly increased, highlighting the need for effective and objective approaches for the early diagnosis of TC. This study aimed to explore RASGEF1C methylation as a biomarker for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from a total of 363 PTC and 409 benign thyroid nodules from multiple centers were analyzed. RASGEF1C methylation profiles were examined via MALDI-TOFF mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed via logistic regression adjusted for covariates, nonparametric tests, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Additionally, 40 follicular thyroid cancer samples, 45 medullary thyroid cancer samples, and 7 anaplastic thyroid samples from three hospitals were afterward collected to compare methylation patterns across subtypes.

RESULTS: Hypomethylation of RASGEF1C in PTC was observed vs. BTN (all odds ratios (ORs) ≥ 1.57, p values < 0.001). Stratification analysis revealed a more pronounced association in younger patients, especially for BRAF V600E-positive PTC patients, than in individuals with benign tumors (all ORs ≥ 1.89, p values < 0.001). ROC analysis further demonstrated the outstanding diagnostic power of RASGEF1C hypomethylation for BRAF V600E-positive PTC cases (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.93), for cases < 55 years old (AUC = 0.88), and even for patients with a tumor length ≤ 1 cm (AUC = 0.83). Moreover, we observed the lowest RASGEF1C methylation level in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, the most aggressive subtype of TC. Our results revealed similar RASGEF1C hypomethylation between chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and papillary thyroid cancer, whereas RASGEF1C methylation in subacute thyroiditis patients was similar to that in the other benign subtypes.

CONCLUSION: Our study revealed RASGEF1C methylation as a promising biomarker for distinguishing and classifying benign and malignant thyroid tumors and even provided epigenetic evidence for the inflammatory-cancer transformation. Nevertheless, the limitation of tissue-based biomarkers should be well noted, and the development of more accessible biomarkers warrants further exploration in the future.

PMID:40660340 | DOI:10.1186/s13148-025-01931-y