Category: Statistics

Equine Vet J. 2025 Jul 20. doi: 10.1111/evj.70000. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early and specific diagnosis of bronchopneumonia in foals is important to prevent severe disease. In human medicine, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are important diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in neonatal pneumonia in other species. Evaluation of these markers in foals with naturally occurring respiratory diseases is lacking.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if CRP and IL-6 were useful predictors of respiratory disease in foals from birth to weaning.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

METHODS: Periodic blood samples from 200 initially healthy foals were collected from birth to weaning on a farm with endemic Rhodococcus equi and Streptococcus equi pneumonia. The foals were examined weekly by physical examination and trans-thoracic ultrasonography to determine the presence or absence of pulmonary consolidation and were divided into three groups after weaning: (1) foals that remained healthy; (2) foals that developed subclinical, mild, self-limiting pulmonary lesions; and (3) foals that developed severe pulmonary lesions and clinical pneumonia that required antimicrobial treatment. Thirty foals from each health group (N = 90 total foals) were randomly selected from the 200 initially enrolled for assessment of associations between CRP and IL-6 concentrations and health status. Data were analysed using linear mixed models, with p-values < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Age-related changes were found in both plasma CRP and IL-6 concentrations. Circulating concentrations of CRP were increased through weaning, while plasma IL-6 concentrations decreased through weaning. Respiratory disease did not significantly impact concentrations of CRP or IL-6 at any age.

MAIN LIMITATIONS: Timing of sample collection, small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS: Neither IL-6 nor CRP concentrations were suitable predictors of subclinical or clinical bronchopneumonia in foals in this study. Further studies are needed to determine if more frequent measurement of these markers in foals at the time of pneumonia diagnosis provides helpful diagnostic or prognostic information.

PMID:40684375 | DOI:10.1111/evj.70000

Foot Ankle Int. 2025 Jul 20:10711007251351317. doi: 10.1177/10711007251351317. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Isolated gastrocnemius tightness is associated with several foot conditions. The Silfverskiöld test examines for such tightness, and when assessing passive ankle dorsiflexion it is important to perform the examination with the proper technique. Several studies have reported reproducible examination techniques, yet none, to our knowledge, have evaluated whether measurement side-medial or lateral-affects dorsiflexion values. Understanding measurement consistency is crucial for clinical practice and research standardization. We have undertaken a study investigating whether this is of importance and assessed the repeatability of ankle dorsiflexion measurements.

METHODS: We performed an exploratory cross-sectional examination of 145 pediatric patients (290 feet) with a 2-person 2-hand Silfverskiöld test. Masked, repeated goniometric measurements were undertaken along both the medial and lateral axis of the leg and foot.

RESULTS: There was a small systematic difference between medial and lateral measurements where lateral measurements were on average almost 2 degrees more in equinus. The repeatability coefficient for all repeated measurements ranged from 5.1 to 5.5 degrees. The intraclass correlation coefficient between medial and lateral measurements was excellent (ICC = 0.97).

CONCLUSION: We found a small systematic difference of 2 degrees between medial and lateral measurements that was less than the repeatability coefficient. The repeatability coefficient was 5 degrees, meaning that for ankle dorsiflexion measurements it is unlikely that a second measurement will differ more than 5 degrees. We do not believe that the statistically significant small difference between medial and lateral measurements is clinically relevant; however, it makes sense to consistently measure ankle dorsiflexion on either the medial or lateral side.

PMID:40684368 | DOI:10.1177/10711007251351317

Egypt J Immunol. 2025 Jul;32(3):66-80. doi: 10.55133/eji.320308.

ABSTRACT

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a class of chronic inflammatory disorders including, Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The PTPN22 gene is thought to be a T-cell negative regulator, regulates immune cell activation, and an important risk factor for human autoimmunity. This study aimed to investigate the potential association of PTPN22 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with inflammatory bowel disease in Egyptian patients and their relation to clinical disease characteristics. Three SNPs in the PTPN22 gene (-1123G/C, +788G/A, and +1858C/T) were investigated in 90 IBD patients (19 with CD and 71 with UC) and 81 apparently healthy controls. These 3 polymorphisms were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Allele and genotype frequencies were correlated with disease association and with clinical disease characteristics. No statistically significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the PTPN22 gene SNPs (-1123G/C, +788G/A, and +1858C/T) were found between IBD patients and control subjects. In conclusion although the PTPN22 gene is involved in autoimmune diseases, it does not appear to be associated with IBD predisposition or its clinical characteristics in Egyptians.

PMID:40684363 | DOI:10.55133/eji.320308

Egypt J Immunol. 2025 Jul;32(3):40-47. doi: 10.55133/eji.320305.

ABSTRACT

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) impacts the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in multiple hospitalizations, complications, and diminished quality of life. IBD has two subtypes: Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Evidence suggested that immune response dysregulation and genetic susceptibility are the main disease pathogenesis. IBD diagnosis is established by clinical, laboratory, radiological, endoscopic and histological criteria. MiRNA-146 suppresses proinflammatory cytokines and activates T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs). Serum miRNA-146b-5p targets genes and cytokines responsible for inhibiting autophagy and maintaining cell homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate the role of miRNA -146b-5p in diagnosis of IBD and response to treatment. The study consisted of sixty 60 participants separated into 3 groups. Blood samples were withdrawn from 20 acute IBD cases before treatment (Group I), 20 Chronic IBD patients on treatment (Group II) and 20 apparently healthy controls (Group III) for assay of miRNA-146b-5p using the Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), fecal calprotectin and C reactive protein (CRP). The study revealed statistically significant variation between the 3 studied groups according to stool fecal calprotectin, CRP and microRNA-146b-5p (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in microRNA-146b-5p expression among Ulcerative Colitis cases and the control Group and among Crohn’s Disease cases and the control Group III (p < 0.001). There was no difference in microRNA-146b-5p among the CD and UC patients (p>0.05). Multi-Regression analysis showed that smoking was a significant variable for CD but not for UC. In conclusion, MiRNA-146b-5p was proved with a superior performance as a biomarker for early diagnosis of IBD and for follow up response to treatment.

PMID:40684351 | DOI:10.55133/eji.320305

Psychiatr Pol. 2025 Feb 28;59(1):89-103. doi: 10.12740/PP/189457. Epub 2025 Feb 28.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess the potential increased risk of eating disorders among women during the first year after childbirth.

METHODS: In this study involving 288 women between the ages of 21 and 45, the SCOFF questionnaire was used. This tool was used to evaluate and analyse the collected responses, using a predetermined dataset. After data collection, in-depth statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.3 software. Analytical techniques included the χ2 test, Kruskal-Wallis rank ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS: The results were considered statistically significant at a threshold of p ≤ 0.05. The results underscore that most women have concerns about their postpartum weight. The infant feeding method showed a clear correlation with satisfaction with current body weight. Women who chose to breastfeed were more likely to report satisfaction with their body weight. Interestingly, about 50% of female respondents showed a predisposition to developing an eating disorder.

CONCLUSIONS: This propensity appears to depend on variables such as the chosen method of feeding the baby, weight satisfaction and body mass index (BMI). To ensure the well-being of both mothers and infants, a comprehensive study of eating disorders in the perinatal phase is necessary. There is therefore an urgent need for educational initiatives that include mental well-being and nutritional knowledge, targeting pregnant and postpartum women.

PMID:40684344 | DOI:10.12740/PP/189457

Psychiatr Pol. 2025 Feb 28;59(1):25-38. doi: 10.12740/PP/188582. Epub 2025 Feb 28.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe the changes in the postural stabilisation, quality of life, cognitive functions and behaviour of patients with paranoid schizophrenia who have undergone the Snoezelen therapy and the auctorial sensorimotor exercise program.

METHODS: The study was conducted on 55 patients aged 55 to 75 years. Group S underwent therapy in the Snoezelen room for nine weeks, group ES underwent the Snoezelen therapy and were also subjected to auctorial sensorimotor exercise programme, and group C were not given any therapeutic intervention. The Biosway portable balance system, the Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti Test and the Timed Up & Go Test were used to evaluate the effects of the therapy.

RESULTS: In group ES, statistically significant changes were observed in all tested indicators; in group S such changes were observed in the Limit of Stability test, Tinetti Test and TUG test; while in group C, no statistically significant changes were found.

CONCLUSIONS: The Snoezelen therapy had a significant impact on changes in postural control rations and a reduced risk of falls. The auctorial sensorimotor exercise programme increased the impact of the Snoezelen room on postural stability measured using the Biosway platform and the risk of falls assessed using the TUG test.

PMID:40684342 | DOI:10.12740/PP/188582

Neurol Res. 2025 Jul 20:1-15. doi: 10.1080/01616412.2025.2532039. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon yet potentially life-threatening subtype of stroke that predominantly affects younger individuals. This study aimed to systematically identify and validate druggable genes associated with CVT susceptibility using Mendelian randomization (MR) approaches.

METHODS: We integrated two large-scale expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) datasets – eQTLGen (peripheral blood) and PsychENCODE (brain tissue) – as exposures, with CVT genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from FinnGen serving as the outcome. A two-sample MR (TSMR) framework was employed, supported by sensitivity analyses, summary-data-based MR (SMR), and Bayesian colocalization. Functional enrichment, single-cell analyses, drug prediction, and molecular docking were further performed to explore biological relevance and therapeutic potential.

RESULTS: TSMR identified 19 candidate genes from blood eQTLs after false discovery rate (FDR) correction; two were excluded due to pleiotropy, leaving 17, among which 10 were supported by SMR and colocalization. An additional nominally significant gene (ZP3) was detected from brain tissue. Of these, IL18, BMPR2, and COMT exhibited the strongest evidence. Functional annotation implicated these genes in cytokine signaling, cellular adhesion, and coagulation pathways. Single-cell RNA sequencing localized their expression mainly to monocytes, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells. Drug repurposing and docking analysis suggested potential inhibitory interactions between IL18 and glucocorticoids/pioglitazone, and between BMPR2 and iloprost.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals novel gene networks potentially involved in CVT pathogenesis and prioritizes IL18, BMPR2, and COMT as promising candidates for future therapeutic development. Nonetheless, these findings are based on genetic inference and require further mechanistic and clinical validation.

PMID:40684330 | DOI:10.1080/01616412.2025.2532039

Expert Rev Vaccines. 2025 Jul 20. doi: 10.1080/14760584.2025.2536093. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Respiratory infections such as pneumococcal disease (PD), RSV, influenza (Flu), and COVID-19 impose a major socio-economic burden in the UK. Adult vaccination programs cost-effectively reduce this burden, yet their societal value remains under-assessed.

METHODS: A benefit-cost analysis (BCA) using life-table-based disease modeling estimated morbidity and mortality reductions from current age- and risk-based recommendations. Mortality risk reduction was monetized using two approaches: value of a statistical life year (VSLY) and hence adjusting for remaining life expectancy, and value of a statistical life (VSL), assuming equal valuation across ages. Scenarios included current and expanded eligibility. Outcomes were reported as benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) and net benefits (NBs).

RESULTS: Over each cohort’s lifetime, vaccinations prevented 313,000 hospitalizations, freed up 1.9 million bed days, and averted over 86,000 deaths. First-year BCRs were 5.1 (VSLY) and 19.3 (VSL), with NBs of £5.1 billion and £23 billion, respectively. Lifetime net benefits ranged from £35.5 billion to £200.1 billion, with BCRs of 5.8 and 27.8. Expanded eligibility further increased NBs but lowered the BCR.

CONCLUSION: Adult respiratory vaccination delivers socio-economic benefits well beyond direct healthcare savings, yet investment remains low. Considering broader impacts beyond standard cost-effectiveness can better align policy with public health and economic goals.

PMID:40684318 | DOI:10.1080/14760584.2025.2536093

Expert Rev Vaccines. 2025 Jul 20. doi: 10.1080/14760584.2025.2536092. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Respiratory infections like pneumococcal disease (PD), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (Flu), and COVID-19 significantly impact Japan’s aging population, imposing substantial health and economic burdens. Effective vaccines exist, yet uptake remains limited due to funding constraints and vaccine hesitancy. This study assessed the societal return on investment in adult respiratory vaccination programs to support informed policy decisions.

RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODS: We conducted a benefit-cost analysis using static cohort models and life tables to estimate benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) and societal net benefits (NBs), monetizing health impacts through value of statistical life and cost-of-illness methods. Costs comprised vaccination program expenses. Scenario and sensitivity analyses explore coverage scenarios and parameter assumptions.

RESULTS: Adult vaccination programs generated BCRs around 18:1 within five years and 20:1 over a lifetime. Lifetime NBs exceeded ¥113 trillion, preventing nearly three million hospitalizations and freeing millions of hospital bed-days, alongside avoiding over ¥100 billion in productivity losses. Expanding vaccine coverage significantly increased NBs by > 30%, whereas reduced COVID-19 vaccine uptake notably diminished returns.

CONCLUSION: Japan’s adult respiratory vaccination programs generate substantial socioeconomic returns, strengthening public health, healthcare resilience, and workforce productivity. Increasing uptake across the population can generate significantly higher NBs. Realizing these benefits requires addressing vaccine uptake barriers and enhancing public investment.

PMID:40684314 | DOI:10.1080/14760584.2025.2536092

Expert Rev Vaccines. 2025 Jul 20. doi: 10.1080/14760584.2025.2536086. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: China has yet to implement a nationwide two-dose vaccination strategy. This study assesses the real-world effectiveness of varicella vaccination in Guangzhou, where the policy recommends voluntary, self-funded administration of two doses of the live attenuated vaccine, to provide insights for optimizing vaccination strategies.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using outbreak data from 2017 to 2022 across preschools, primary, and secondary schools, we employed a three-level matched case-control design (school, grade, and class) and applied conditional logistic regression to estimate the effectiveness of single-dose (VE1) and two-dose (VE2) vaccinations, incremental VE, and the effectiveness of emergency vaccination.

RESULTS: From 2017 to 2022, 1,058 varicella cases were included in the study, with a median age of 9.0 years. The effectiveness of a single-dose vaccine ranged from 45.8% to 46.7%, while the two-dose vaccine showed higher effectiveness (94.5% to 95.8%), with an incremental VE of 89.7% to 92.1%. VE1 decreased over time, whereas VE2 remained relatively high within five years after the booster dose, with the interval between doses having little effect on VE2. Emergency vaccination was effective for the first dose (78.0%-84.5%) and more effective for the second dose (87.2%-91.4%).

CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose varicella vaccination provides limited protection, whereas the two-dose regimen enhances effectiveness.

PMID:40684305 | DOI:10.1080/14760584.2025.2536086