Category: Statistics

Jpn J Appl Phys (2008). 2022 Jul;61(SG):SG1049. doi: 10.35848/1347-4065/ac48d3. Epub 2022 May 30.

ABSTRACT

In a previous study, an annular-array transducer was employed to characterize homogeneous scattering phantoms and excised rat livers using backscatter envelope statistics and frequency domain analysis. A sound field correction method was also applied to take into account the average attenuation of the entire scattering medium. Here, we further generalized the evaluation of backscatter coefficient (BSC) using the annular array in order to study skin tissues with a complicated structure. In layered phantoms composed of two types of media with different scattering characteristics, the BSC was evaluated by the usual attenuation correction method, which revealed an expected large difference from the predicted BSC. In order to improve the BSC estimate, a correction method that applied the attenuation of each layer as a reference combined with a method that corrects based on the attenuation of the analysis position were applied. It was found that the method using the average attenuation of each layer is the most effective. This correction method is well adapted to the extended depth of field provided by an annular array.

PMID:40778239 | PMC:PMC12330873 | DOI:10.35848/1347-4065/ac48d3

Npj Ment Health Res. 2025 Aug 7;4(1):35. doi: 10.1038/s44184-025-00153-7.

ABSTRACT

Investigating long-term posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) course and its predictors may guide prevention and early intervention strategies following trauma exposure, potentially reducing the long-lasting impact of trauma. N = 155 emergency-admitted adults with (suspected) serious injury were repeatedly assessed until one-year post-trauma and completed a 12-15 year follow-up including a clinical PTSD interview. Adverse one-year PTSD trajectories; more exposure to additional potentially traumatic events and recent life stressors; and early post-trauma predictors (younger age, greater perceived impact of prior potentially traumatic events, higher heart rate) were significantly associated with higher PTSD symptom severity 12-15 years post-trauma. This study showed high consistency between one-year PTSD and its early post-trauma predictors with long-term PTSD outcomes. Early post-trauma predictors had predictive value up to 12-15 years. This suggests that early risk identification of one-year PTSD and subsequent effective early interventions also hold long-term beneficial effects for PTSD outcome.

PMID:40775520 | DOI:10.1038/s44184-025-00153-7

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 7;15(1):28935. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-14817-z.

ABSTRACT

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), particularly carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC), are significant pathogens causing healthcare-associated infections. This retrospective study assesses the effectiveness of ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ/AVI) in achieving perianal swab (PAS) negativity compared to other treatments, including colistin, polymyxin B, meropenem, and combinations with fosfomycin. We retrospectively analyzed 147 CRE-colonized patients (76 females) screened with PAS samples from January 14, 2021, to April 27, 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: those treated with CAZ/AVI (n = 40) and those receiving alternative treatments (n = 44) for bloodstream infections or ventilator associated pneumonia caused by CRE. PAS negativity was defined as conversion from positive to negative, while relapse was a positive PAS result after initial negativity. A p-value below 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The CAZ/AVI group achieved a higher rate of PAS negativity (32 patients) with a median time to PAS negativity of 1 week. Relapse rates were similar between CAZ/AVI (23/24) and non-CAZ/AVI groups (8/10). Significant differences in PAS negativity were observed at two weeks (p < 0.001) but not at four weeks (p = 0.492). The median time to PAS negativity was shorter in the CAZ/AVI group (1 week) compared to the non-CAZ/AVI group (2 weeks; p = 0.027). CAZ/AVI is more effective than alternative treatments for short-term PAS negativity, but relapse rates are comparable, highlighting challenges in long-term CRE management. Continuous surveillance and personalized decolonization strategies are essential. Further research is needed to investigate relapse mechanisms and evaluate combination therapies or novel strategies for sustained decolonization.

PMID:40775514 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-14817-z

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 7;15(1):28982. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-14555-2.

ABSTRACT

Neuronavigation is integral to modern neurosurgery. Clinical studies demonstrate its effectiveness. The primary tracking modalities in neurosurgical navigation are optical tracking systems (OTS) and electromagnetic tracking systems (EMTS). OTS remains the gold standard due to its accuracy and reliability. However, inherent inaccuracies due to brain deformation, image resolution, tool calibration, and registration errors can impact overall accuracy significantly, which differs from the system-declared accuracy. Augmented reality (AR) technologies solve traditional navigation challenges by integrating virtual information with the patient’s anatomy, enhancing the surgeon’s focus and cognitive load management. Head-mounted displays (HMDs) offer ergonomic benefits, although most AR-based neuronavigation studies have been limited to proof-of-concept trials. This study aims to evaluate VOSTARS, a novel hybrid video and optical see-through HMD designed for precision surgery, specifically in neurosurgical oncology for targeting supratentorial tumors. Previous in-vitro studies using patient-specific phantoms have shown promising results, with high accuracy in real-to-virtual target visualization and craniotomy trajectory tracing. With this work, we further assessed VOSTARS’ targeting accuracy within a realistic neurosurgery clinical workflow and compared its performance to the commercial StealthStation system on a patient-specific phantom. Our results demonstrate that users achieved the same median accuracy, 2 mm (IQR: 1 mm), over 60 measurements with both VOSTARS and the StealthStation with no statistically significant difference between the systems, confirming the non-inferiority of the VOSTARS platform compared to a commercial optical tracking-based surgical navigator.

PMID:40775508 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-14555-2

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 7;15(1):28984. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-14676-8.

ABSTRACT

Hyperuricemia is closely linked to metabolic diseases and cardiovascular conditions, while circadian syndrome (CircS) plays a pivotal role in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its related disorders. This study examines the relationship between CircS, serum uric acid (SUA) levels, and the risk of hyperuricemia using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018. Weighted multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the relationships between CircS, its components, SUA levels, and the risk of hyperuricemia, supplemented by subgroup analyses and interaction tests to understand the influence of other risk factors. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was utilized to investigate potential nonlinear relationships. The study included 16,785 adults aged 20 and older, of whom 5,833 exhibited CircS and 3,572 had hyperuricemia. The weighted linear regression revealed a significant positive association between CircS and SUA levels (β = 0.108, 95% CI 0.034, 0.182; P = 0.005), with triglyceride scores showing the strongest association (β = 0.168, 95% CI 0.105, 0.231; P < 0.001). Additionally, weighted multivariable logistic regression indicated a significant link between CircS and hyperuricemia occurrence (OR = 1.227; 95% CI: 1.073, 1.402; P = 0.003), with blood pressure scores having the most substantial contribution (OR = 1.538; 95% CI: 1.347, 1.756; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed the robustness of these correlations across various populations. RCS results demonstrated significant nonlinear relationships between CircS, SUA levels, and hyperuricemia (P < 0.001). In conclusion, this study establishes a significant positive association between CircS and both SUA levels and the risk of hyperuricemia, highlighting a notable nonlinear relationship between the two.

PMID:40775505 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-14676-8

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 7;15(1):28908. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-13404-6.

ABSTRACT

Maintaining physical function and mobility is essential for older adults to preserve independence, reduce fall risk, and minimise dependence on care. “Power Centering for Seniors” (PCS) is a mindfulness-based, proprioceptive training programme combining Tai Chi and Qi Gong with functional strength and balance practices. This study assessed the efficacy of the PCS programme on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults. The study included 57 participants aged 70 years or older, randomised into an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). The PCS intervention consisted of 24 supervised sessions over 12 weeks, with additional home exercises. Physical functional performance was measured using the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance 10 (CS-PFP-10) test, focusing on the subdomain Lower Body Strength and Balance & Coordination. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyse the data, adjusting for baseline CS-PFP-10 scores, sex, and age. Fifty-one participants completed the study. The PCS intervention led to non-significant improvements in the CS-PFP-10 total score compared to the CG, with an adjusted difference of 2.05 points (95% CI: -0.78 to 4.89; p = 0.163; Cohen’s d = 0.403). Similar trends were observed in the sub-scores for Lower Body Strength (adjusted difference: 2.84, 95% CI: -0.21 to 5.90; p = 0.074; Cohen’s d = 0.517) and Balance & Coordination (adjusted difference: 3.34, 95% CI: -0.09 to 6.79; p = 0.063; Cohen’s d = 0.541). The PCS intervention showed potential for improving physical function in older adults in areas critical for maintaining mobility and independence. While trends were favourable, the results did not reach statistical significance.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04861831; date of registration: April 27, 2021.

PMID:40775497 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-13404-6

Z Rheumatol. 2025 Aug 8. doi: 10.1007/s00393-025-01701-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Enthesitis is a hallmark of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) with a notable impact on quality of life. However, information on the prevalence, burden of damage, and associated characteristics of trochanteric enthesitis is lacking. This novel study aimed to explore the prevalence of radiographic trochanteric enthesitis in axSpA patients and analyze its association with disease activity and functional impairments in detail.

METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional observational study included 165 patients diagnosed with axSpA who underwent pelvic radiography. Clinical and demographic data were collected, including disease activity scores, functional status, and spinal mobility. Statistical analyses examined associations with trochanteric enthesitis; binary logistic regression identified independent predictors.

RESULTS: Radiographically, trochanteric enthesitis was observed in 19 patients (11.5%), more commonly bilaterally (89.5%) and more prevalently in radiographic axSpA (17.7% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.032). Patients with trochanteric enthesitis had higher inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C‑reactive protein [CRP]; p = 0.034, p = 0.006), disease activity scores (axial spondyloarthritis disease activity score with CRP [ASDAS-CRP], ASDAS-ESR, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI]; p = 0.004, p = 0.034, p = 0.032), and impaired spinal mobility (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index [BASMI], p = 0.014). Functional impairments were observed in lumbar lateral flexion, intermalleolar distance, cervical rotation, and chest expansion (p = 0.048, p = 0.009, p = 0.029, p = 0.029). In binary logistic regression, age (p = 0.015) and CRP (p = 0.011) emerged as independent predictors of radiographic trochanteric enthesitis.

CONCLUSION: Trochanteric enthesitis affects a notable subset of axSpA patients, especially those who are older and have elevated CRP. It is associated with higher disease activity, increased systemic inflammation, and functional impairment.

PMID:40775493 | DOI:10.1007/s00393-025-01701-4

Radiol Phys Technol. 2025 Aug 7. doi: 10.1007/s12194-025-00948-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In acute ischemic stroke (AIS), where the shortest possible assessment is required to minimize time to mechanical thrombectomy (MT). With recent advancements in MRI reconstruction technology, MRI has also become valuable in the decision-making process for AIS treatment planning. In this study, we compared the examination times of our MRI protocol with those of a standard CT protocol for evaluating AIS through phantom simulations to obtain timing information directly relevant to treatment strategies, and evaluated the utility of MRI for MT. Ten radiological technologists performed scans using the same phantom for each modality. Evaluation items included time for hemorrhage detection, time for penumbra evaluation, and time for brain artery evaluation, and total examination time. The total examination time was slightly shorter with CT (696.2 ± 52.7 s) compared to MRI (701.8 ± 15.8 s), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.4). For other parameters, MRI demonstrated significantly faster detection times: hemorrhage detection (CT, 80.9 ± 12.8 s; MRI, 66.3 ± 1.7 s; p = 0.0002), penumbra evaluation (CT, 696.2 ± 52.7 s; MRI, 262.1 ± 9.3 s; p = 0.0002), and brain artery evaluation (CT, 592.1 ± 32.3 s; MRI, 367.8 ± 8.3 s; p = 0.0002). The coefficient of variation (CV) was lower for MRI compared to CT, indicating less variability in examination times with MRI. This study demonstrates that MRI protocols, including perfusion imaging, can more rapidly visualize factors essential for MT decision-making and do not delay time to MT.

PMID:40775486 | DOI:10.1007/s12194-025-00948-5

Int J Clin Pharm. 2025 Aug 7. doi: 10.1007/s11096-025-01972-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Integrating community pharmacies into primary care via digital infrastructure is crucial to enhancing continuity, coordination, and safety of care. Historically, community pharmacies have not had full access to general practice electronic health records (EHRs), limiting their ability to provide informed interventions. The introduction of shared, interoperable EHRs has the potential to address this limitation and redefine the clinical role of community pharmacists.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of granting community pharmacies read-and-write access to a shared EHR system (SystmOne) across selected sites in the East of England.

METHOD: A 12-month mixed-methods pilot (Jan-Dec 2023) was conducted using an explanatory sequential and convergent approach. Data were collected from 35 community pharmacies and 31 general practices via activity logs, surveys, and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data and thematic coding used for analysing qualitative data. Data was then integrated to evaluate service delivery, communication, and user experience.

RESULTS: Thirteen community pharmacies actively used the EHR, documenting over 19,000 appointments and 16,000 clinical entries. Usage varied, with barriers including workload, technical complexity, and duplicated documentation requirements. However, users reported improvements in patient safety, interprofessional communication, and service efficiency. Appointment booking and task-sharing functions fostered collaborative working, while access to real-time clinical information supported clinical decision-making. Training support, trust between sectors, and policy alignment were identified as critical enablers for system uptake.

CONCLUSION: Providing community pharmacies with read-and-write access to a shared EHR is feasible and contributes to safer, more integrated patient care. Improved communication, clinical documentation, and task delegation between pharmacists and general practice staff represent a major shift in digital collaboration. However, successful scale-up requires investment in interoperability, national IT infrastructure alignment, and streamlined reimbursement processes to prevent duplication of effort. These findings support the evolving clinical role of community pharmacists and suggest that integrated digital systems are essential to realising the full potential of community pharmacy in the modern NHS to improve patient care.

PMID:40775484 | DOI:10.1007/s11096-025-01972-6

Int J Clin Pharm. 2025 Aug 7. doi: 10.1007/s11096-025-01977-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The potentially inappropriate medications (PIM)-China criteria, published in 2017, require updates to reflect new therapeutic evidence and address limitations such as outdated medications and condition-specific considerations.

AIM: This study aimed to develop an updated version of the PIM-China criteria through a modified Delphi consensus methodology, ensuring evidence-based and clinically relevant recommendations for older adults in China.

METHOD: A literature review of six PIM criteria (Beers, STOPP, FORTA, EU(7)-PIM, Japan and Korea criteria) and relevant literature (2018-2023) informed a preliminary list of PIMs. A multidisciplinary panel of 33 experts, comprising 12 physicians and 21 pharmacists, evaluated 210 candidate criteria over three Delphi rounds. Statistical measures were used to validate consensus, including Kendall’s W, coefficient of variation (CV), and expert authority coefficient (Cr). Cr values ≥ 0.80 indicated high reliability, while Kendall’s W > 0.20 signified moderate to strong agreement.

RESULTS: The updated criteria consist of 154 items, a 57% increase from 2017, including 100 individual medications or drug classes and 54 condition-specific PIMs. Notable additions include recommendations addressing drug-drug interactions, renal function adjustments, and alternative treatments. Consensus improved significantly across rounds, with Kendall’s W increasing from 0.145 to 0.271 for individual PIMs and 0.118 to 0.360 for condition-specific PIMs (P < 0.05). Cr reached 0.85, reflecting the panel’s high authority.

CONCLUSION: The updated 2024 PIM-China criteria enhance prescribing safety and clinical relevance by incorporating new evidence and expert consensus. These criteria are vital for reducing adverse drug events, optimizing prescribing practices, and improving healthcare for older adults in China.

PMID:40775482 | DOI:10.1007/s11096-025-01977-1