Category: Statistics

J Relig Health. 2025 Sep 19. doi: 10.1007/s10943-025-02454-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to develop and validate the Spiritual Justice Scale (SJS) as a reliable measure of individuals’ perceptions of spiritual justice. The development of the scale was founded upon theoretical foundations and supported by rigorous statistical analyses. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a one-dimensional structure explaining 56.26% of the variance, while confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the model with acceptable fit indices. Reliability analysis demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.95). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was identified between the SJS and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), suggesting a close relationship between spiritual justice and compassion, as well as fairness. The findings suggest that the SJS is a psychometrically sound instrument. Its potential applications extend to research and practice in counselling, education, social work, and spirituality studies, offering a foundation for further investigations into the role of spiritual justice in psychological well-being and social functioning.

PMID:40971019 | DOI:10.1007/s10943-025-02454-9

World J Urol. 2025 Sep 19;43(1):563. doi: 10.1007/s00345-025-05946-1.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency of intervention requirements in inpatient urology consultations and the clinical and demographic factors influencing these decisions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed urology consultations over a one-year period at a large tertiary regional hospital. The timing and location of consultations, indications, procedures performed, and the need for intervention were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of intervention.

RESULTS: A total of 1,977 consultations were identified. The most common reasons for consultation were hematuria (18.9%), male lower urinary tract symptoms (18.3%), and obstructive uropathy (14.3%). The majority of consultations originated from the emergency department (59.5%). Urologic interventions were performed in 52.5% of the patients, with the most frequent procedures being urethral catheterization (18.2%), bladder irrigation (7.9%), and suprapubic catheterization (3%). According to the univariate analysis, refugee patients had a significantly higher intervention rate (p = 0.046). In the multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with the need for intervention included consultations initiated from the emergency department, the level of seniority of the evaluating physician, and symptom-based consultation requests (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Inpatient urology consultations constitute a significant clinical workload, and a considerable proportion of those requiring intervention involve simple procedures that can be performed by nonurologist healthcare personnel. The high rate of noninterventional consultations reduces service efficiency. Improving triage systems and providing targeted training to healthcare staff may help alleviate this burden.

PMID:40971014 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-025-05946-1

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Sep 19;197(10):1123. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14603-4.

ABSTRACT

Urban air quality models are essential for managing particulate matter (PM) pollution, yet their accuracy is often limited by sparse monitoring networks and outdated emission inventories. This study presents a scalable framework for improving PM10 and PM2.5 modelling through the use of high-resolution emissions inventories and enhanced validation based on calibrated low-cost sensor networks. Using Warsaw city in Poland as a representative case study, we demonstrate that incorporating high-resolution residential heating emissions from the Central Register of Emissions from Buildings (CEEB) and calibrating road dust resuspension parameters led to concentration reductions of up to 20% in urban hotspots and reduced the prediction bias for PM2.5 by 57% at key locations. Notably, the Revised scenario resolved substantial overestimations in districts where incorrect fuel classifications had previously caused overestimations. However, persistent winter overestimations and the inability to fully capture extreme PM10 peaks in dry months highlight ongoing challenges, particularly in modelling resuspension dynamics under dry conditions. Our findings reveal that low-cost sensors, when rigorously calibrated, can extend spatial coverage and improve model validation, though they may underestimate extreme pollution events. The methodological advances presented here are broadly applicable to cities worldwide, particularly those facing similar challenges of diverse emission sources and limited regulatory monitoring. This integrated approach supports more accurate forecasting and targeted mitigation strategies, offering a scalable solution for urban environments seeking to achieve international air quality standards.

PMID:40971007 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14603-4

Support Care Cancer. 2025 Sep 19;33(10):864. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09927-3.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Returning to work after cancer is a major concern, particularly in the case of head and neck cancer (HNC). As the head and neck sphere is central to communication and appearance, it can be affected to varying degrees, which can be extremely disabling. Returning to work remains a challenge for this vulnerable population.

METHODS: Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses including 153 HNC survivors, we studied how different sociodemographic and clinical factors were associated with non-return to work in the VICAN national epidemiological survey set up in France. Eligible participants were aged between 18 and 60.

RESULTS: After 5 years, 48.4% of survivors had still not returned to work. Factors associated with non-return to work were age over 50 (p < 0.001), cancer recurrence (p = 0.015), lack of high school diploma (p = 0.002), pain preventing return to work (p = 0.002), and lower physical quality of life score (p = 0.031). For those under 50, older age (p < 0.001), single status (p = 0.042), recurrence (p = 0.004), manual occupation (p = 0.043), no high school diploma (p = 0.010), pain (p < 0.001), depression (p = 0.039), and impaired physical score (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with not returning to work.

CONCLUSION: Almost half of HNC survivors do not return to work following treatment. The return-to-work process is multifactorial and influenced by a wide range of medical, functional, and psychosocial variables. Our findings have identified specific patient-related risk factors, as well as key clinical and psychological determinants, which may facilitate the early identification of at-risk individuals and inform targeted interventions to optimize return-to-work outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SURVIVORS: The organization of a multidisciplinary post-treatment, “post-habilitation,” cancer strategy seems increasingly inevitable, in order to plan a return to daily life (work, sociability, married life).

PMID:40970976 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-025-09927-3

Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2025 Sep 19;95(1):89. doi: 10.1007/s00280-025-04808-2.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Zolbetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), is approved in combination with chemotherapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, CLDN18.2-positive, unresectable, advanced or recurrent gastric cancer (in Japan) and in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy for first-line locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative, CLDN18.2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma (in geographies including but not limited to the US, Europe, and China). Noncompartmental analysis (NCA) was previously used to evaluate the effect of zolbetuximab on pharmacokinetics (PK) of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin; however, limitations of NCA confounded the results. This study utilized population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) analysis to address these limitations.

METHODS: In Cohort 2 of the phase 2 ILUSTRO study (NCT03505320), patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative, CLDN18.2-positive G/GEJ adenocarcinoma received zolbetuximab with modified folinic acid, 5-FU, and oxaliplatin. PopPK models were developed to evaluate the impact of zolbetuximab on PK of 5-FU and oxaliplatin (including simultaneous analysis of free and total platinum).

RESULTS: PK of 5-FU was adequately described by a 1-compartment model with zero-order input and first-order elimination. PK of free and total platinum was simultaneously described by a 3-compartment model with zero-order input, first-order elimination, and time-dependent free fraction. No impact of zolbetuximab on 5-FU PK or on systemic clearance or free fraction of oxaliplatin in plasma was observed. The effect of zolbetuximab on oxaliplatin distribution volume (12.3% decrease) was statistically significant but not considered clinically relevant.

CONCLUSION: PopPK analysis suggests no effect of zolbetuximab on 5-FU or oxaliplatin PK.

PMID:40970968 | DOI:10.1007/s00280-025-04808-2

Expert Rev Med Devices. 2025 Sep 19. doi: 10.1080/17434440.2025.2563619. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study is to perform a propensity score matched analysis of sutureless AVR and TAVR to compare patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes including hemodynamic performance.

METHODS: Patients treated by either sutureless aortic valve replacement (SU-AVR) using Perceval^TM or transcatheter aortic valve replacement between Oct. 2017 and June 2022 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to limit the bias of a non-randomized study.

RESULTS: After PSM, 118 pairs of patients were obtained. The in-hospital mortality rate was 0% in SU-AVR and 4.2% in TAVR (p = 0.063). Postoperative complications rates including disabling stroke (0% vs 2.5%, p = 0.250), new need for dialysis (1.7% vs 0%, p = 0.500) and permanent pacemaker implantation at 30 days (5.9% vs 10.2%, p = 0.332) showed no statistical difference. At discharge, TAVR showed significantly lower peak and mean gradients, while paravalvular leakage higher than 1/4 significantly higher in TAVR (11% vs 0%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: TAVR offers significantly better transprosthetic gradients, shorter ICU and hospital stay and less need for postoperative dialysis. Surgery using a sutureless valve showed less paravalvular leakage.

PMID:40970339 | DOI:10.1080/17434440.2025.2563619

Am J Biol Anthropol. 2025 Sep;188(1):e70126. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.70126.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates molar wear progression in a captive baboon population under controlled dietary and environmental conditions. By comparing the dentin exposure ratio (DER) with a newly developed quadrant-based modification of Scott’s dental wear scoring system (Krueger-Scott method), we evaluate how wear patterns vary by age, sex, and occlusal region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mandibular second molars (M₂) were assessed at two timepoints, during life and postmortem, in 201 captive baboons from the Southwest National Primate Research Center. Krueger-Scott and DER data were collected from 3D intraoral scans processed in MEDIT Link software. The Krueger-Scott scores assigned ordinal scores (1-10) to four equal quadrants of each M₂ based on enamel facet development and dentin exposure. Statistical analyses tested relationships between wear progression, quadrant location, sex, and age.

RESULTS: Krueger-Scott scores and DER values increased significantly between timepoints, indicating wear progression. However, Krueger-Scott scores revealed strong functional patterning: buccal and lingual cusps showed high within-group correlations and weaker cross-group correlations. Males showed significantly higher wear than females, despite being younger on average. The relationship between age and wear progression differed by sex.

DISCUSSION: The Krueger-Scott method provided a more anatomically informative and efficient approach to tracking occlusal wear than DER. It captured regional wear variation and functional asymmetries that DER could not detect. Even under controlled conditions, sex-based differences in wear emerged, likely reflecting behavioral, morphological, or enamel structural variation. These findings offer a comparative baseline and demonstrate the utility of quadrant-level scoring for interpreting wear in extant and extinct taxa.

PMID:40970332 | DOI:10.1002/ajpa.70126

Euro Surveill. 2025 Sep;30(37). doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.37.2500119.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTIONTuberculosis (TB) is curable and preventable, yet remains a health concern in vulnerable populations. Individuals experiencing homelessness are at increased risk owing to medical, environmental and social factors.AIMWe aimed to evaluate a 20-year TB screening programme in people experiencing homelessness in Brno, Czechia (2005-2024), and analyse additional TB diagnoses in this population made outside the project, to inform public health strategies for TB control in vulnerable groups in a low-incidence country.METHODSClinical examination and chest X-ray screening were offered to people without stable housing, incentivised by meal vouchers. Individuals with pathological findings underwent further diagnostic evaluation and treatment. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Additional TB diagnoses made in this population through other detection methods were analysed for comparison.RESULTSBetween 2005 and 2024, of 3,918 individuals approached, 2,664 participated in screening (average participation rate: 68.0%), and 18 were diagnosed with TB through the project. Another 132 individuals experiencing homelessness were diagnosed with TB through other pathways, yielding 150 diagnoses, representing 19.3% of TB notifications in Brno. The estimated TB incidence among people experiencing homelessness was 24.4 times higher than in the general population (95% confidence interval: 20.5-28.9). Despite a citywide decline in TB incidence, the proportion of TB diagnoses among people who experience homelessness increased over time.CONCLUSIONHomelessness is a risk factor for TB in low-incidence settings. This long-term screening initiative proved feasible and valuable, demonstrating how outreach-based screening can support early detection and contribute to TB prevention among socio-economically marginalised populations.

PMID:40970305 | DOI:10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.37.2500119

Stroke. 2025 Sep 19. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.125.052121. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The benefit of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) beyond 24 hours from last known well in acute ischemic stroke remains uncertain. Although some slow progressors may retain salvageable tissue, supporting evidence in this ultra-late window comes mainly from small observational studies.

METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central up to February 2025 for studies comparing EVT and best medical therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated >24 hours from last known well. Eligible studies reported functional independence (90-day 0-2 modified Rankin Scale score), excellent clinical outcome (90-day 0-1 modified Rankin Scale score), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, or 90-day mortality. Pooled unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. Subgroup analyses were performed by study design, stroke severity, imaging modality, and occlusion territory. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic and the Cochran Q test, and the certainty of evidence (CoE) was assessed using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS: Ten observational studies (3 prospective and 7 retrospective) comprising 1871 patients (EVT: 866; best medical therapy: 1009) were included. EVT was associated with significantly higher odds of functional independence (8 studies; adjusted OR, 4.62 [95% CI, 3.30-6.47]; I²=0%; low CoE) and excellent clinical outcome (2 studies; adjusted OR, 5.68 [95% CI, 2.49-12.97]; I²=0%; very-low CoE). EVT increased the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (4 studies; adjusted OR, 9.54 [95% CI, 3.78-21.07]; I²=0%; low CoE), but 90-day mortality did not differ significantly between groups (4 studies; adjusted OR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.30-1.31]; I²=41.2%; very-low CoE). All subgroup analyses aligned with the main findings.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that EVT was associated with improved functional outcomes without an increase in 90-day mortality, despite a higher symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage risk. Given the limited CoE and overall study quality, ongoing randomized trials are essential to confirm these findings and guide patient selection in the ultra-late time window.

PMID:40970285 | DOI:10.1161/STROKEAHA.125.052121

J Addict Dis. 2025 Sep 19:1-8. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2025.2464328. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to report on a patient case in which transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was used to treat gambling disorder (GD).

METHODS: The research method used is a single case study, with the participant selected using purposive sampling. The patient is a 28-year-old married man who has been gambling for five years. Research tools included Gambling Symptoms Assessment scale, Impulsiveness Scale, Depression and Anxiety Inventory, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The intervention protocol included stimulation for 10 consecutive days, 20 min per day, with a current of 1.5 mA, and montage with the anodal electrode over F3 and the cathodal electrode over F4. Data were analyzed by fMRI and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) software.

RESULTS: Findings suggest that intervention with tDCS may be effective in reducing the symptoms of GD, depression, anxiety and impulsivity.

DISCUSSION: This is the first report of tDCS effectiveness and feasibility in a case report utilizing an fMRI outcome. While results of this case report are promising, more robust studies are required to establish therapeutic efficacy of tDCS in GD.

PMID:40970274 | DOI:10.1080/10550887.2025.2464328