Category: Statistics

J Food Sci. 2025 Aug;90(8):e70450. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.70450.

ABSTRACT

Long-term glucocorticoid therapy is known to induce osteoporosis by disrupting bone metabolism and altering gut microbiota. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were used to establish a glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) model by intramuscular injection of dexamethasone. The mice were then divided into control, GIOP, and experimental groups; the experimental group was orally administered selenium-enriched egg white protein (Se-EWP) in order to evaluate its bone-protective effects and potential mechanisms. The results showed that Se-EWP significantly improved bone strength, trabecular microstructure, and bone mineral density in GIOP mice; enhanced the expression of bone synthesis-related proteins, such as osterix and osteocalcin; and decreased the expression of bone catabolism-related proteins, such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, and cathepsin K. In addition, Se-EWP was found to alleviate glucocorticoid-induced gut microflora dysbiosis by increasing beneficial bacteria and microbial diversity. Se-EWP significantly modulated the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (Htr1b) pathway, which is crucial for bone homeostasis and gut-bone communication. The modulation of the Htr1b pathway suggests that Se-EWP may exert its anti-osteoporotic effects through this mechanism. These effects were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between changes in the intestinal microbiota and bone metabolism parameters, further supporting the hypothesis that Se-EWP exerts its effects through the gut-bone axis. This suggests a novel therapeutic mechanism of action for Se-EWP through the gut-bone axis. In conclusion, this study provides strong evidence supporting the application of Se-EWP in the prevention and treatment of GIOP.

PMID:40754656 | DOI:10.1111/1750-3841.70450

Phytother Res. 2025 Aug 3. doi: 10.1002/ptr.70058. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Flavonoids remain controversial regarding their role in cancer-related mortality and all-cause mortality in cancer patients. A comprehensive search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, and CINAHL up to February 2024. Using adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), we compared flavonoid intake in the highest with lowest categories. Random-effects models were employed when the I² statistic surpassed 50%, while fixed-effects models were utilized otherwise. Fifteen eligible articles, comprising 19 cohorts, met the inclusion criteria. A significant inverse association was observed between total flavonoid intake and all-cause mortality (HR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91-0.99). However, the study found no significant association between total flavonoid intake and reduced cancer-related mortality risk (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.83-1.04). A meta-regression analysis showed that the hazard ratio significantly decreased with the duration of follow-up (p = 0.005). Among flavonoid subclasses, flavan-3-ols intake was linked to a reduced risk of cancer-related mortality (HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.59-0.94). The consumption of flavanones, flavones, and isoflavones was correlated with a reduced likelihood of mortality from any cause, with summary HRs of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95-0.99), 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92-0.98), and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80-0.97), respectively. This study indicated that dietary intake of total flavonoids, flavanones, flavones, and isoflavones is inversely correlated with the risk of all-cause mortality in cancer patients.

PMID:40754648 | DOI:10.1002/ptr.70058

Psychooncology. 2025 Aug;34(8):e70249. doi: 10.1002/pon.70249.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Body image disturbance and sexual dysfunction are two of the most common issues reported by patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The objective of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effects of an ostomy on body image (BI) and sexual dysfunction (SX) in patients with CRC.

METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched seven databases (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, WEB of SCIENCE) covering articles published in English between January 1st, 2000 and July 20, 2024. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) version 4 software.

RESULTS: Of 6321 identified articles, 92 met the inclusion criteria, totalling 27,039 patients. Patients with an ostomy reported significantly more body image concerns (g = -0.467 (95% CI -0.546 to -0.388), p < 0.001; prediction interval (PI): -1.046 to 0.112) and sexual dysfunction (g = -0.331 (95% CI -0.406 to -0.256), p < 0.001; PI: -0.894 to 0.232). Meta-regression showed that for BI, publication date and the choice of questionnaire explained 30% of the variance in effect size (R²analog = 0.30, df = 3, p < 0.05). For SX, gender and publication date explained 31% of the variance in effect size (R²analog = 0.3, df = 2, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that patients with an ostomy, compared to those without, experience significantly higher levels of BI concerns and SX, with moderate-to-large effect sizes observed. However, there was significant heterogeneity, indicated by the broad prediction interval across studies. Results from the meta-regression suggested that the measurement tools, gender and publication date contributed to the observed variability. Future research should explore additional factors that influence outcomes in body image and sexual health for individuals with lived experience of CRC.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION: No CRD42020167716.

PMID:40754638 | DOI:10.1002/pon.70249

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 3;15(1):28312. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-09422-z.

ABSTRACT

This study has investigated Coxiella burnetii and HIV infection among the persons experiencing homelessness of São Paulo city, Brazil, and assessed correspondent associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 203 individuals performing serological tests for anti-C. burnetii and anti-HIV antibodies. A prevalence of 14.8% (30/203) was found for anti-C. burnetii IgG antibodies, with titers ranging from 64 to 1024, while anti-HIV seroprevalence was 6.4% (13/203). No statistical association was found between C. burnetii and HIV seropositivity, or between seropositivity and assessed clinical and epidemiological variables. The findings herein highlight the high homelessness exposure to Q fever, possibly influenced by environmental factors such as dust aerosols, stray animal interactions and unsanitary living conditions. To the authors knowledge, this is the first serosurvey of C. burnetii in persons experiencing homelessness to date. The study herein has emphasized the importance of public health strategies targeting vulnerable populations, particularly in Brazilian major cities. Further C. burnetii surveys should be conducted to establish whether transmission may occur in other persons experiencing homelessness worldwide.

PMID:40754629 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-09422-z

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 3;15(1):28324. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-10073-3.

ABSTRACT

The olm (Proteus anguinus), with a predicted maximum lifespan of more than 100 years, is the longest-lived amphibian, which in addition possesses a range of unique adaptations to its dark, subterranean cave habitat. To assess the underlying molecular signatures, we present the first comprehensive transcriptome of the olm. Our study provides gene expression data across six organs and comparative genomics analyses, accessible via an interactive web server: http://comp-pheno.de/olm . The data uncover significant organ-specific gene expression, with the brain showing the highest number of organ-specific expressed genes. Our findings reveal significantly more genes under strong negative selection than positive selection, particularly in brain-specific expressed genes. Processes under positive selection in the olm resemble those in other long-lived species.

PMID:40754627 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-10073-3

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 3;15(1):28326. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-13733-6.

ABSTRACT

A growing body of literature supports the association between ambient particulate pollution and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Both issues are particularly relevant in Italy. This study investigates the relationship between T2DM and exposure to PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in Italian municipalities from 2013 to 2021. Data on T2DM were provided by the Italian Association of Diabetologists (AMD), representing the only national outpatient dataset not based on self-reported information. Air pollution data, sourced from the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA, were summarized using the population-weighted exposure (PWE) indicator. Both datasets were made available through a dedicated research agreement. Random effects models and non-parametric methods were applied to assess the association between air pollution and T2DM. Results indicate a statistically significant relationship, particularly between T2DM and PM2.5. T2DM incidence rates were significantly negatively associated with time (coefficient = – 0.07961, p < 0.01), indicating a decreasing trend over time. After adjusting for other covariates, PM₁₀ population-weighted exposure was not significantly associated with incidence rates (coefficient = – 0.00057, p = 0.58). On the other hand, increases in the ratio of PM_2.5 to PM₁₀ (pwratio) were significantly positively associated with increases in T2DM incidence rates (coefficient = 0.52304, p < 0.01) at the municipal level. T2DM prevalence proportions were significantly positively associated with time (coefficient = 0.01749, p < 0.01), suggesting an increasing trend over time. PM₁₀ was significantly negatively associated with prevalence proportions (coefficient = – 0.00298, p = 0.03), while increases in pwratio were significantly positively associated with increases in prevalence proportions (coefficient = 0.18724, p < 0.01). Thus, municipalities with a higher share of PM_2.5 within the same level of PM₁₀, tended to show higher T2DM prevalence proportions and incidence rates, consistent with the spatial distribution of air pollution and disease burden observed across Italy.

PMID:40754624 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-13733-6

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 3;15(1):28304. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-13087-z.

ABSTRACT

The efficient formulation of drilling fluids is critical for maintaining stability and performance in demanding wellbore environments. In this study, a novel nanocomposite material (TiO₂/Saponin/Zr) was synthesized and introduced into drilling fluid formulations to enhance rheological behavior, filtration control, and thermal stability. The synthesis involved sol-gel methods, FTIR, TGA, and SEM analyses, confirming the material’s successful functionalization and nanoscale structure. Rheological measurements demonstrated significant improvements in viscosity and shear stress with nanoparticle concentrations up to 500 ppm, where the optimal performance was achieved. Filtration tests revealed reductions in fluid loss by up to 50%, ensuring better wellbore stability. Statistical modeling with the Bingham Plastic and Herschel-Bulkley approaches revealed superior predictability for these nanocomposite-enhanced fluids. Overall, this innovative nanocomposite provides a promising avenue for addressing challenges in modern drilling operations, offering technical and operational benefits.

PMID:40754607 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-13087-z

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2025 Aug 3;35(1):337. doi: 10.1007/s00590-025-04470-7.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common sports-related injury that often requires surgical intervention. The two main types of grafts used in ACL reconstruction are autografts and allografts. Two types of transplants have their own advantages in different aspects, so the choice of graft type is a matter of ongoing debate among orthopedic surgeons. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the results of ACL reconstruction using allograft versus autograft.

METHODS: The Embase and PubMed databases were searched for clinical trial literature from January 1, 2000, to July 19, 2023, which met the individual inclusion criteria, for a meta-analysis of objective and subjective outcomes of the knee joint. Using random effects model, risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tools.

RESULTS: Thirteen studies and total of 1299 patients were included in the analysis. The pooled mean difference (MD) of subjective IKDC score was 2.14 (95% CI:1.43-2.85). The pooled MD of Lysholm score was 0.38 (95% CI:-1.25-2.02). The pooled MD of Tegner score was 0.23 (95% CI:0.03-0.43). The pooled relative risk (RR) of Lachman test was 1.32 (95% CI:0.95-1.82). The pooled RR of pivot shift test was 1.12 (95% CI:1.00-1.25). The pooled RR of objective IKDC was 1.03 (95% CI:1.01-1.05). In general, statistically significant differences in favor of autograft were observed for Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score, Tegner score, pivot shift test and Objective International Knee Documentation Committee score, as for the Lysholm score and Lachman test there is no statistical differences between the two.

CONCLUSION: From a majority of the outcome measures, autografts appear to have a slightly better effect compared to allografts. However, these slight differences in scores may not be reflected in clinical outcomes, indicating that there is not much superiority or inferiority between the two from the perspective of clinical outcomes. Therefore, in other fields such as humanities and economics, they are important factors for doctors to make choices in clinical practice.

PMID:40754602 | DOI:10.1007/s00590-025-04470-7

Echo Res Pract. 2025 Aug 4;12(1):19. doi: 10.1186/s44156-025-00086-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is used to assess aortic stenosis (AS) severity and track disease progression. As the field moves to study medical therapies to halt disease progression, reliable non-invasive imaging markers that are sensitive to small changes in disease progression are needed to enable efficient trial designs. The signal-to-noise ratio of commonly obtained TTE-based measures of progressive (non-severe) AS severity is unknown.

METHODS: This is a retrospective study of TTEs done at a tertiary referral centre (Tufts Medical Center, Boston MA). A cohort of patients with progressive AS who had two TTEs done within 30 days (in the absence of valve intervention) and a cohort of progressive AS patients with TTEs ≥ 1 year apart, also without valvular intervention, were assembled. Limits of agreement (LOA) and intraclass correlation (ICC) were calculated for aortic valve area (AVA) by continuity equation, peak velocity, and mean gradient. Cohen’s d-statistic (d) was calculated for each hemodynamic assessment and a composite marker to assess sensitivity for detecting disease progression normalised to measurement variability.

RESULTS: The reproducibility cohort included 24 patients. The progression cohort included 35 patients. The median age was 70 years (interquartile range [IQR] 13). 22 patients (37.3%) were female. In the progression cohort, the median time between TTEs was 2.2 years (IQR 3.1 years). In the reproducibility cohort, AVA LOA were -0.7 to 0.8, ICC = 0.61; peak velocity LOA were -149.0 to + 126.7, ICC = 0.29; and mean gradient LOA were -16.2 to 12.2, ICC = 0.06. The d-statistic for annualised change in AVA was -0.29, the d-statistic for annualised change in maximum velocity was 0.46, the d-statistic for mean gradient was 0.55. The d-statistic for a composite, including all three hemodynamic markers, was 0.45.

CONCLUSIONS: Standard TTE markers of AS severity have variable sensitivity for detecting AS progression. For patients with progressive (non-severe) AS, mean gradient has the highest signal-to-noise ratio and may be the most reliable TTE-based assessment of disease progression.

PMID:40754590 | DOI:10.1186/s44156-025-00086-z

J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Aug 3;44(1):275. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-01032-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Magnesium, an essential dietary trace element, plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes, and its deficiency has been associated with the development of hyperlipidemia. However, its potential to predict long-term outcomes and inform risk stratification in hyperlipidemic patients remains underexplored.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study introduces the magnesium depletion score (MgDS), a novel index for quantifying magnesium deficiency, and investigates its association with mortality outcomes in individuals with hyperlipidemia. Data from 12,592 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018 were analyzed. Advanced statistical methods, including weighted Cox proportional hazards models, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, were employed to assess the association between MgDS and mortality risks.

RESULTS: The results indicate that higher MgDS is significantly associated with increased risks of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with hyperlipidemia, even after adjusting for confounders. Subgroup analyses identified prediabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption as significant modifiers of this association. RCS analysis confirmed a linear relationship between MgDS and mortality, further supporting its value as a reliable predictor of long-term outcomes. ROC analysis demonstrated the potential of MgDS as an independent tool for predicting mortality at 1, 3, and 5 years. Notably, high MgDS levels in hyperlipidemic individuals with binge drinking habits were associated with significantly higher mortality risks.

CONCLUSIONS: These results establish MgDS as a promising biomarker for mortality risk stratification in patients with hyperlipidemia. This novel index offers important insights for clinical practice and could facilitate the development of tailored management strategies, particularly for high-risk hyperlipidemia populations, to mitigate long-term health risks.

PMID:40754582 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-025-01032-9