Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Statistical and Clinical Limitations in the NMN Retinal Thickness Trial

Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2026 Aug;26(8):e70780. doi: 10.1111/ggi.70780.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42562765 | DOI:10.1111/ggi.70780

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Immunogenicity of an additional COVID-19 mRNA vaccine dose in immunosuppressed children with two doses of primary immunization

Pediatr Neonatol. 2026 Jul 21:S1875-9572(26)00112-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2026.05.005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Immunogenicity following an additional (third) COVID-19 vaccine dose in children receiving immunosuppressive therapy remains insufficiently characterized.

METHODS: We enrolled immunosuppressed children with hematological malignancies, nephrotic syndrome (NS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who had completed a two-dose primary series of mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2 at least 150 days prior to enrollment. Humoral and cellular immune responses were assessed before and after an additional dose and compared with responses in healthy children one month after primary vaccination.

RESULTS: In children receiving immunosuppressive therapy (n = 7), the additional dose resulted in a 1.50-fold increase in anti-spike IgG levels and a modest 1.14-fold increase in cellular immune responses. Children with hematological cancers (n = 2) showed increases in both humoral and cellular immune responses. Despite the additional dose, anti-spike IgG levels in the immunosuppressed group (geometric mean concentration = 895.62 BAU/mL) remained lower than those in healthy controls (2454.56 BAU/mL; n = 14), although the difference was not statistically significant, while levels in the hematological cancer group were substantially lower (16.26 BAU/mL). Cellular immune responses also remained reduced in both the immunosuppressed group (69.73 SFU/2 × 105 PBMCs) and the hematological cancer group (17.89 SFU/2 × 105 PBMCs) compared with healthy controls (112.26 SFU/2 × 105 PBMCs). Neutralizing antibody titers against the BA.2 variant increased by 2.08-fold in the immunosuppressed group and by 18.12-fold in the hematological cancer group.

CONCLUSIONS: Although an additional mRNA-1273 dose was associated with increased humoral and cellular immune responses in children with hematological cancers and enhanced humoral responses in immunosuppressed children, the overall magnitude of response was limited. Immunogenicity following the additional dose was modest, and the clinical benefit of an additional dose in children with NS, IBD, or hematological cancers remains uncertain.

PMID:42562753 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedneo.2026.05.005

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Lifestyle-related factors associated with mobility decline in middle-aged adults: A 7-year longitudinal observation of health checkup database

J Orthop Sci. 2026 Aug 6:S0949-2658(26)00219-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jos.2026.07.008. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mobility decline increases risks of falls, long-term care, and mortality, yet it may start in midlife. We examined lifestyle-related factors for the incident mobility decline in middle-aged adults.

METHODS: We conducted a 7-year cohort study using a health checkup database from an urban area of Japan (2016-2023). Participants without baseline mobility limitation were included; those without 2023 follow-up or with missing data were excluded. Mobility was assessed at baseline and follow-up using locomotive syndrome (LS) risk tests, including two-step and stand-up tests and the Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale-25. Baseline lifestyle habits and lifestyle-related conditions were collected. The main outcome was incident LS at follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between baseline factors and LS development.

RESULTS: Among 10,445 participants (median age 47 years [interquartile range 42-53]; 3949 [38%] female), 1205 (12%) developed LS over 7 years, mainly due to deterioration in the stand-up test (681, 6%) and Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale-25 (566, 6%). In analyses stratified jointly by age group and sex, high waist circumference was associated with incident LS in women across all age groups and in men aged 40-49 and 50-59 years. Diabetes was associated with incident LS in men aged 40-49 and 50-59 years. However, interaction analyses did not provide statistical evidence that these associations differed across age-sex subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS: High waist circumference and diabetes in midlife were associated with incident LS over 7 years, although residual confounding factors and potential informative censoring due to loss to follow-up may have influenced these associations.

PMID:42562729 | DOI:10.1016/j.jos.2026.07.008

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Adjunctive platelet-rich plasma in non-union lower extremity fracture management: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Chin J Traumatol. 2026 Jul 31:S1008-1275(26)00146-X. doi: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2026.06.001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Non-union fractures of the lower extremity remain a major clinical challenge due to high mechanical loading, compromised vascularity, and limited soft-tissue coverage. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a biological adjunct to enhance bone healing; however, its efficacy in non-union fractures is still debated. This review aimed to synthesize available evidence on reported outcomes of adjunctive PRP use in non-union lower extremity fractures.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search up to 31st October 2025 was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Cochrane, and Google Scholar in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines. Eligible studies included adult patients with non-union tibial or femoral fractures treated with PRP as platelet gel, platelet concentrate, or composite graft, compared with standard treatment or without PRP. The primary outcome was time to radiographic union, while radiographic non-union and complications were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Random-effects models with the DerSimonian-Laird method were used to calculate pooled effect sizes, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics.

RESULTS: Seven studies involving 230 patients were included. Heterogeneous PRP-augmented surgical strategies significantly reduced time to radiographic union by 2.59 weeks compared with control (95% confidence intervals: -4.14 to -1.05; p < 0.001, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis showed a consistent direction of effect across randomized and observational studies. The pooled analysis of radiographic non-union showed a non-significant trend favoring PRP (odds ratio: 0.35; 95% confidence intervals: 0.11 – 1.08; p = 0.07; I2 = 0%). Complication outcomes were inconsistently reported, and available data did not identify a clear signal of serious PRP-related harm.

CONCLUSION: Heterogeneous PRP-augmented surgical strategies, including PRP gel, platelet concentrate, and composite graft, were associated with a modest reduction in time to radiographic union in lower extremity non-union fractures. Adequately powered trials using standardized PRP protocols and clinically meaningful outcomes are required.

PMID:42562721 | DOI:10.1016/j.cjtee.2026.06.001

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Cohort study of 23 patients with seropositive immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy

Rev Med Interne. 2026 Aug 6:S0248-8663(26)00667-3. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2026.07.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) are rare muscular inflammatory muscle diseases that bear poor prognosis. Description of their clinical evolution remains limited in the literature. This study aimed to describe the clinical, biological, and serological features of patients with anti-HMGCR or anti-SRP IMNM presenting with muscle involvement at diagnosis and to identify factors associated with relapse during follow-up.

METHODS: Between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2023, we retrospectively identified 66 patients with anti-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) or anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) autoantibodies in three French immunology laboratories (Rouen, Le Havre, Dieppe). We included 23 patients with a follow-up of at least 3 months: 14 with anti-HMGCR and 9 with anti-SRP autoantibodies. Statistical analysis was performed on clinical data and focused on a score derived from the manual muscle testing score at 6 months after diagnosis and during follow-up, as well as biological data and treatment strategy.

RESULTS: IMNM patients with anti-SRP were significantly younger and had more severe disease at diagnosis compared to patients with anti-HMGCR. We observed an inverse correlation between creatine kinase (CK) levels and muscular strength during follow-up. At diagnosis, women, anti-SRP patients, and patients who experienced a relapse during follow-up had more severe muscle weakness compared to male, anti-HMCGR positive patients and patients who did not experience a relapse, respectively. Relapse occurred in 65.2% of patients. Relapsing patients had higher CK level and higher anti-SRP levels at diagnosis compared to non-relapsing patients. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins was associated with a shorter time to response.

CONCLUSION: Our study provides valuable clinical insights into the management of seropositive IMNM in a real-world setting and highlights the need for further research in this area.

PMID:42562677 | DOI:10.1016/j.revmed.2026.07.006

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Aortic Angulation Distribution and Effects on the Outcomes of Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Heart Lung Circ. 2026 Aug 6:S1443-9506(26)00199-X. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2026.01.022. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aortic angulation (AA), defined as the angle between the horizontal plane on the coronal plane and the plane of the aortic valve annulus, is an important anatomical factor in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Whether AA affects early clinical outcomes and complications in self-expanding (SE)-TAVR procedures is still controversial.

METHOD: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 519 consecutive patients who underwent SE-TAVR at our centre from January 2016 to January 2021. Preoperative AA, technique success, and one-year postoperative survival rates were primarily analysed.

RESULTS: The AA of patients undergoing SE-TAVR ranged from 25° to 93°, with a mean value of 55.4°±9.7°. There was a statistically significant difference in technique success between AA≤55.5° and AA>55.5° groups (84.3% vs 75.1%, p=0.009), mainly driven by the higher proportion of second-valve implantation during TAVR (8.8% vs 19.6%, p<0.001). In valve-type subgroup analysis, larger AA demonstrated good predictive value for second-valve implantation (area under the curve 0.690; 95% confidence interval 0.617-0.763). However, AA showed limited predictive efficacy for technical success in patients with bicuspid aortic valve, and it was not associated with major complications or unplanned interventions in patients with tricuspid aortic valve.

CONCLUSIONS: A larger AA is associated with a lower rate of technical success of SE-TAVR, mainly due to an increased frequency of second-valve implantation. The impact of AA is more evident in patients with tricuspid aortic valve rather than in those with bicuspid aortic valve.

PMID:42562673 | DOI:10.1016/j.hlc.2026.01.022

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Impact of breastfeeding on morbidity during the first two years of life

An Pediatr (Engl Ed). 2026 Aug 6:504276. doi: 10.1016/j.anpede.2026.504276. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Breastfeeding (BF) has demonstrated multiple benefits for the mother-infant dyad, including immunological protection for the child. This study assessed the relationship between breastfeeding patterns and morbidity during the first two years of life.

METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the LAYDI study. This study was a single-cohort trial to analyze the association between breastfeeding and child development carried out by the Primary Care Pediatric Research Network (PAPenRed) and involving 320 pediatricians. Each pediatrician recruited one newborn per month over one year and followed them up to age 24 months. Demographic, feeding, and morbidity data were collected over seven visits (<15 days, and at 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months).

RESULTS: The sample included 2046 infants. We found that BF had a protective effect against common conditions such as constipation in the early visits (P < .001), and against infectious diseases after adjusting for confounders (“having siblings” and “enrolment in child care center”) (P < .001 at 12 and 18 months). Breastfeeding also offered specific protection against the most frequent acute infections, including otitis media, conjunctivitis, bronchiolitis, gastroenteritis, and wheezing episodes, which remained statistically significant after adjustment (P < .005). Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) through age 6 months conferred long-term protection, particularly against acute otitis media (at 12, 18, and 24 months [P < .001, P < .004, and P < .036]).

CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding has a protective effect against common gastrointestinal disorders in infancy (constipation, colic, regurgitation) and against infectious diseases. Exclusive BF in the first 6 months provides sustained protection (12-24 months) against the 19 conditions under study, particularly the most prevalent ones. These results support the association between breastfeeding and reduced morbidity extending through at least the age two years.

PMID:42562657 | DOI:10.1016/j.anpede.2026.504276

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Association of Asynchronous Virtual Scribe Services: Patient Experience in Primary Care

J Am Board Fam Med. 2026 Aug;39(1):165305. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2026.260173R0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Virtual scribe services are increasingly utilized to reduce documentation burden and mitigate clinician burnout. While evidence supports their positive impact on clinician wellness and productivity, the effect on patient experience has not received as much attention. We hypothesized that clinicians using virtual scribes would demonstrate improved patient satisfaction scores due to enhanced face-to-face interaction during visits.

METHODS: Using a pre-post design, we analyzed patient satisfaction data for 81 primary care clinicians utilizing asynchronous virtual scribe services (two different vendor programs) within a large integrated health network in Eastern Pennsylvania. Patient satisfaction was measured using four vendor-administered questions assessing overall rating of care, likelihood to recommend, clinician listening, and trust. Pre-implementation scores (6 months prior to scribe utilization) were compared to post-implementation scores (months 3-9 with a scribe service) using related-samples Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements in patient-reported satisfaction metrics were observed in overall rating of the visit (P < .001) and trust (P = .012). Likelihood to recommend and listening showed positive trends but did not reach statistical significance (P = .086 and P = .705, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Virtual scribe implementation was associated with significant improvements in patient-reported overall experience and trust in their clinicians. These findings suggest that reducing documentation burden may enhance the patient-clinician relationship, providing additional justification for scribe investment beyond clinician wellness.

PMID:42562655 | DOI:10.3122/jabfm.2026.260173R0

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

The Association Between Continuity of Care and Emergency Department Utilization Among Canadian Senior Adults

J Am Board Fam Med. 2026 Aug;39(1):165727. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2025.250211R1.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Continuity of care with a primary care physician is critical for appropriate healthcare utilization, particularly among seniors with complex health needs. This study examines the association between the length of care continuity and the usual place of care for minor health problems, focusing on emergency department (ED) use.

METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2019-2020 Canadian Health Survey on Seniors (CHSS), a nationally representative 15-minute supplement to the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) for Canadians aged 65 years and older. Of 245,639 selected households, 100,797 individuals responded to the CCHS (41.0%), and 41,635 of 45,863 eligible respondents completed the CHSS (90.8%). Minor health problems or nonurgent conditions were defined as self-reported difficulties accessing immediate care for issues such as fever, vomiting, headaches, sprains, minor burns, cuts, rashes, or other nonlife-threatening conditions. A multinomial logistic regression model examined the association between continuity of care (< 1 year, 1-< 2 years, ≥ 2 years, or no regular provider) and usual place of care, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, health, access, and provincial factors.

RESULTS: Among 41,060 seniors, most reported having continuity of care with a primary care physician for two years or more. Males and those reporting poorer health were more likely to use the ED for minor problems, whereas individuals with higher income or education more often sought care at a doctor’s office. Longer continuity of care was associated with lower odds of ED use for minor problems, with consistent effects in both unadjusted (coef. = -0.251, P < 0.001) and adjusted models (coef. = -0.086, P = 0.083). Other determinants, including income, access to care, and province, also influenced care location.

CONCLUSION: Longer continuity with a primary care physician is associated with reduced ED use for minor health problems among seniors. These findings highlight the value of sustained patient-provider relationships in promoting appropriate care utilization and alleviating pressures on emergency departments.

PMID:42562651 | DOI:10.3122/jabfm.2025.250211R1

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Copper filtration reduces radiation dose while maintaining image quality in cerebral flat-detector CT

J Neurointerv Surg. 2026 Aug 6:jnis-2026-025750. doi: 10.1136/jnis-2026-025750. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Flat-detector computed tomography (FDCT) is increasingly used for peri-interventional cerebral imaging but is associated with a relatively high radiation exposure. Copper (Cu) filtration may reduce radiation dose. However, its impact on cerebral image quality and intracranial hemorrhage detection remains unclear.

METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, 31 patients undergoing neurointerventional procedures with intraindividual FDCT acquisitions with and without Cu filtration were analyzed. Quantitative image quality was assessed using contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Qualitative image analysis and intracranial hemorrhage detection were independently evaluated by two readers blinded to Cu filtration status using five-point scales.

RESULTS: Cu filtration resulted in a significant radiation dose reduction of 25.9% for both entrance skin dose (145.19±13.18 mGy vs 195.89±18.05 mGy) and dose-area product (41.52±3.77 Gy·cm² vs 56.01±5.16 Gy·cm²), respectively (P<0.001). No differences in CNR were observed for unfiltered vs Cu-filtered FDCT (basal ganglia: 4.73±2.04 vs 4.37±1.99, P=0.419). Qualitative image ratings were similar between techniques (supratentorial cortex: 2.27±0.66 vs 2.08±0.75, P=0.089), with very good inter-reader agreement (κ=0.86; 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.91). All intracranial hemorrhages were correctly identified by both techniques. Correct exclusion of intracranial hemorrhage was 15/16 with Cu filtration and 14/16 without Cu filtration, without statistically significant difference. Differences were limited to hemorrhage mimics (n=2) and minor variations in diagnostic confidence without affecting binary classification.

CONCLUSION: Cu filtration in cerebral FDCT enables substantial radiation dose reduction while preserving image quality and intracranial hemorrhage detection, supporting its clinical implementation as a practical dose optimization strategy for peri-interventional imaging.

PMID:42562637 | DOI:10.1136/jnis-2026-025750