Category: Statistics

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 13;15(1):25307. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-10998-9.

ABSTRACT

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), a common cause of chronic low back pain, strongly impacts daily life. Although previous studies have identified certain biomarkers indicating IDD, comprehensive analyses that integrate transcriptomic and proteomic data to elucidate age-related changes in IDD are lacking. We addressed this issue by integrating transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to identify key molecular signatures that may be potential therapeutic targets for improving the treatment of age-related IDD. We used transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to identify key regulatory genes associated with IDD. We performed RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry of 3 elderly patients with IDD and 3 younger patients with intervertebral disc lesions. Statistical analysis and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were employed to interpret the transcriptomic and proteomic data. Validation was performed with external datasets and RT‒qPCR. Gene regulatory network and ceRNA network analyses revealed the factors associated with characteristic genes. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed 45 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 34 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) associated with IDD. We identified CXCL14 as the sole molecule significantly upregulated in IDD at both the transcriptome (4.2-fold, p < 0.001) and proteome levels (3.8-fold, p = 0.003). RT‒qPCR confirmed CXCL14 overexpression in elderly IDD patients (|log2-fold change| =4.1, p < 0.001), consistent with external dataset analysis (GSE147383: |log2-fold change| =1.3, p = 0.008). Gene regulatory networks revealed that CXCL14 interacts with inflammatory mediators (IL-1β and TNF-α) and activates the NF-κB pathway, a key driver of extracellular matrix degradation and inflammation. ceRNA network analysis further identified hsa-miR-582-3p and hsa-miR-150-5p as potential upstream regulators of CXCL14. We analysed the expression profiles of elderly IDD patients and younger patients through transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, identifying unique molecular features associated with IDD. These findings lay a foundation for developing targeted treatments for elderly IDD patients and provide broader insights into potential therapeutic strategies for managing ageing-related IDD across different patient populations. CXCL14 is a potential therapeutic target for pain associated with age-related IDD and could inform the development of novel drug therapies and diagnostic tools, potentially improving clinical outcomes and providing a basis for personalized treatment approaches in managing chronic low back pain and IDD.

PMID:40653514 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-10998-9

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 13;15(1):25311. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-11193-6.

ABSTRACT

The Dusit Model, a prototype area in Bangkok, Thailand, integrates telemedicine into primary and tertiary care to reduce overcrowding and promote equitable access. This study aimed to identify factors influencing telemedicine acceptance using an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 389 participants using Vajira@Home. Variables included demographics, the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and telemedicine acceptance. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate binary logistic regression were employed. Telemedicine acceptance was significantly correlated with generation, perceived ease of use (adjusted OR = 3.95, p = 0.047), and facilitating conditions (adjusted OR = 5.78, p = 0.013). Compared to Generation Z, Baby Boomers and Generation X had lower odds of acceptance (OR = 0.01 and 0.22, respectively). Model fit was confirmed (AUC = 0.79; Hosmer-Lemeshow p > 0.05). Generation, usability perceptions, and infrastructure support critically influence telemedicine acceptance. Policy should prioritize digital literacy for older adults, improve user experience, and invest in infrastructure to enhance equitable adoption.

PMID:40653511 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-11193-6

Transl Psychiatry. 2025 Jul 14;15(1):216. doi: 10.1038/s41398-025-03387-3.

ABSTRACT

Many epidemiological studies have shown an association between infectious agents, particularly viruses, and psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. However, evidence of a viral infection in the brain that associates with schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BPD), and major depression (MDD) has not been found. A potential reason for this discrepancy may be that viruses are more likely to infect the neuroepithelium than neural tissue. To test this hypothesis, we used viral sequence enrichment technology and performed RNA sequencing in postmortem choroid plexus (CP) isolated from 84 SCZ, 73 BPD, 23 MDD cases and 76 unaffected controls (CNT) from the Stanley Medical Research Institute brain collection. This approach enabled us to identify the presence of 13 viral species in the CP of 46 subjects. We discovered that CP samples collected from subjects with SCZ and BPD are more likely to contain viral sequences. In terms of individual viruses, the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) was the only viral species that reached the threshold of statistical significance for an association with SCZ and BPD. Therefore, we focused on HCV to characterize the association between psychiatric disorders and viruses. Analysis of the TriNetX electronic health record database with data on 285 million patients revealed that the prevalence of chronic HCV was 3.6 and 3.9 percent in the SCZ and BPD populations respectively. The prevalence of chronic HCV in these populations was almost double that observed for MDD (1.8%) and approximately 7-fold higher than the control population (0.5%). These findings confirm previous studies that report higher HCV prevalence in SCZ and BPD and suggest that HCV infection may be associated with disease pathology rather than behaviors such as intravenous drug injection, since these behaviors are present in all three disorders. We analyzed hippocampus RNA sequencing data from the subjects identified to be HCV positive via sequence capture. We found that although the virus was absent in this tissue, HCV RNA in the CP was associated with consistent host transcriptional changes in the hippocampus that were potentially related to the innate immune response. Our results are consistent with previous studies and provide clues regarding the contribution of viruses to the pathology of psychiatric disorders.

PMID:40653495 | DOI:10.1038/s41398-025-03387-3

Malar J. 2025 Jul 13;24(1):230. doi: 10.1186/s12936-025-05421-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The performance of two piperonyl butoxide (PBO-synergist) insecticide-treated net (ITN) brands, PermaNet^® 3.0 and Olyset^® Plus, were evaluated under field conditions in two neighboring districts in Sierra Leone over 36 months to estimate median ITN survival, understand insecticidal efficacy, and identify factors influencing ITN durability. This assessment can help guide future PBO-synergist ITN procurement and replacement strategies.

METHODS: This prospective study tracked 370 households and 652 campaign-distributed ITNs from 2020, followed annually for 36 months. Districts were purposefully selected based on shared characteristics. Household surveys were conducted, and 30 ITNs per round were tested for bioefficacy and chemical residue. Key indicators included ITN survival, 24-h mosquito mortality, and chemical content reduction compared to manufacturer targets doses. Cox proportional hazard models identified factors influencing ITN survival.

RESULTS: Median useful life was 3.0 (95% CI 2.7-3.5) years for PermaNet^® 3.0 ITNs in Bo and 2.2 (95% CI 2.0-2.4) years for Olyset^® Plus ITNs in Moyamba. PermaNet^® 3.0 ITNs displayed 13% 24-h mortality against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes on roof panels, with a 46% reduction in PBO content 34 months post-distribution. Olyset^® Plus ITNs had 3% f24-hour mortality against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes, with a 77% reduction in PBO content. Several factors were associated with improved ITN survival, including cohort ITNs from Bo (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.33, p < 0.001), households without children under five (CU5) (aHR = 0.64, p = 0.003), highest socio-economic status tertile (aHR = 0.63, p = 0.016), exposure to social and behaviour change (SBC) messages combined with positive net attitudes (aHR = 0.63, p = 0.008), lack of food storage in sleeping spaces (aHR = 0.56, p = 0.006), exclusive adult use of ITNs (aHR = 0.72, p = 0.048), net folding when not in use (aHR = 0.67, p = 0.015), and drying nets outside (aHR = 0.44, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION: ITNs in Bo outperformed those in Moyamba in both physical and insecticidal performance. However, ITN survival is highly context specific, and further investigation into field performance of new ITN types is necessary across diverse epidemiological settings.

PMID:40653493 | DOI:10.1186/s12936-025-05421-7

Isr J Health Policy Res. 2025 Jul 14;14(1):43. doi: 10.1186/s13584-025-00702-7.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40653492 | DOI:10.1186/s13584-025-00702-7

J Clin Neurosci. 2025 Jul 12;140:111467. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2025.111467. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD) of the lumbar region is a major cause of low back pain, accounting for a large proportion of morbidity and healthcare expenditure. While MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis, its unavailability and high cost in developing nations require a clinical method for the identification of PIVD. Artificial intelligence (AI) based diagnostic systems provide an alternative, but current models are based largely on radiological rather than clinical parameters. Therefore, this study aims to identify key clinical determinants for diagnosing lumbar PIVD, forming the basis for an AI-driven diagnostic model. Prospective cross-sectional research was performed between October 2023 and January 2024 at a Haryana-based tertiary care hospital. The three-stage methodology adopted for the study included: (1) thorough review of the literature, (2) patient interviews (n = 12) with established lumbar PIVD, and (3) a survey of expert opinion (n = 12) among physiotherapists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons with special interest in spinal disorders. The data were analyzed based on frequency distribution and descriptive statistics. Clinical determinants were grouped into four categories: demographic (age 25-50 years), anthropometric (height, Body Mass Index > 25 kg/m²), symptomatic (low back pain, radiating pain, neurological deficits, abnormal posture, limited lumbar range of motion), and occupational (sitting > 6 h, heavy lifting). Expert verification attested to their relevance in PIVD diagnosis. The identification of these clinical determinants allows for a transition from MRI-dependent diagnosis to AI-assisted clinical evaluation. Incorporating these tested parameters within AI algorithms can improve diagnostic accuracy, maximize patient management, and decrease the dependency on expensive imaging methods.

PMID:40652579 | DOI:10.1016/j.jocn.2025.111467

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2025 Aug;11(4):e70172. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70172.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) over the years has continued to be widely debated in literature and not yet fully understood. Several causes have been associated with tinnitus including altered mandibular posture and disorders at the muscle, joint and periodontal receptors. This study aimed to investigate masseter and temporalis muscle activity in patients with TMD with and without somatosensory tinnitus (ST).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 105 patients (mean age 50.49 ± 11.7 years) with TMD classified according to Axis I DC/TMD diagnostic criteria were enrolled and then divided into two groups: 53 subjects with ST and 52 without ST. Electromyographic and kinesiographic instrumental examinations were used for data collection. Statistical analyses, including Levene’s test and independent t-test, were performed to evaluate and compare muscle activity abnormalities between the two groups.

RESULTS: The study showed a higher incidence of abnormal masticatory muscle activity in habitual resting position in TMD without ST patients compared to those with TMD and ST. A statistically significant difference in muscle activity between the two groups was observed.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a potential link between masticatory muscle activity and tinnitus in TMD patients. Neuroplasticity may play a role in modulating the psychoacoustic characteristics of tinnitus.

PMID:40652553 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70172

J Eval Clin Pract. 2025 Aug;31(5):e70194. doi: 10.1111/jep.70194.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE: Powerlessness is a negative perception that can affect all people throughout their lives. Individuals are particularly vulnerable in times of illness and are prone to experience powerlessness. It is therefore important to learn about powerlessness, recognize the symptoms and take action.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop a measurement tool that can evaluate the powerlessness of patients.

METHODS: In this methodological study, face and content validity, construct validity and reliability analyses were examined to develop the scale and determine its psychometric properties. The scale’s psychometric properties were tested with 1044 nurses and patients in different sample groups. Data were collected between 22 November 2022 and 2 December 2023.

RESULTS: The content validity index of the scale is 0.75. According to principal components analysis, the scale consisted of 24 items and four sub-dimensions. The total variance of the scale was 64.62%, and the factor loading values were in the range of 0.649-0.882. In confirmatory factor analysis, fit indices were acceptable or good. According to the reliability analysis, the scale’s reliability is high. Test-retest showed that the scale made stable measurements over time.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the patient powerlessness assessment scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for patients and nurses.

PMID:40652539 | DOI:10.1111/jep.70194

Psychol Health Med. 2025 Jul 13:1-25. doi: 10.1080/13548506.2025.2522930. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) brings together Asia-Pacific nations to enhance economic ties. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) faces changes due to Technological Innovation (TI), presenting economic opportunities and challenges for member states. This study explored the impacts of technology on TCM production and exportation within the RCEP framework. A purposive sampling technique is used in this study to choose the samples for data collection. Utilizing a mixed method approach, valid responses were gathered from 450 participants. The collected data were subjected to analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study revealed that TI in TCM production indeed has significant positive implications for RCEP member states. The study found that the adoption of advanced technology in TCM production promotes innovation and sustainability within the industry, driving long-term growth for RCEP member states. The study highlights the potential for RCEP member states to leverage their collective expertise and resources to establish themselves as leaders in the global TCM industry, creating new avenues for economic development and cooperation. The study’s contribution lies in highlighting how technology in TCM production can boost economic resilience and competitiveness within the RCEP framework, emphasizing its role in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among member states.

PMID:40652536 | DOI:10.1080/13548506.2025.2522930

Diagn Cytopathol. 2025 Jul 13. doi: 10.1002/dc.25497. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: There are studies suggesting that the use of a uterine manipulator during minimally invasive surgery (MIS) may lead to tumor spread in endometrial cancer patients, and there is no clear consensus on the safety of uterine manipulator use. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of uterine manipulator use on peritoneal cytology (PC) results obtained before and after hysterectomy in endometrial cancer patients.

METHODS: A single-center, prospective observational study was conducted, including 108 patients who were diagnosed with endometrial cancer and underwent surgical intervention. The patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 36), total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH); Group 2 (n = 41) laparoscopic hysterectomy with intrauterine manipulator (TLH with IUM); and Group 3 (n = 31) laparoscopic hysterectomy without IUM (TLH without IUM). PC samples were taken before and after the hysterectomy, and cytology results were compared among the groups.

RESULTS: Of the 108 patients included in the study, 33.3% (36/108) were in Group 1, 38% (41/108) were in Group 2, and 28.7% (31/108) were in Group 3. The clinical and demographic data among the groups were similar (p > 0.05). PC was positive in six of the 108 patients. In the TLH with IUM group, one patient with a negative cytology sample before the manipulation showed a positive result after the hysterectomy.

CONCLUSIONS: Although statistical significance was not reached, utilizing an IUM to manage endometrial cancer with MIS may enhance cytology positivity. This finding requires further validation through larger prospective studies.

PMID:40652525 | DOI:10.1002/dc.25497