Category: Statistics

Genome Biol. 2025 Sep 4;26(1):266. doi: 10.1186/s13059-025-03702-7.

ABSTRACT

We present a new and considerably improved version of RoAM (Reconstruction of Ancient Methylation), a flexible tool for reconstructing ancient methylomes and identifying differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between populations. Through a series of filtering and quality control steps, RoAM produces highly reliable DNA methylation maps, making it a valuable tool for paleoepigenomics studies. We apply RoAM to pre-and post-Neolithic transition Balkan samples, and uncover DMRs in genes related to sugar metabolism. Notably, we observe post-Neolithic hypermethylation of PTPRN2, a regulator of insulin secretion. These results are compatible with hypoinsulinism in pre-Neolithic hunter-gatherers.

PMID:40908480 | DOI:10.1186/s13059-025-03702-7

J Relig Health. 2025 Sep 4. doi: 10.1007/s10943-025-02432-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Postmenopausal women are more likely to experience sleep problems; therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of spiritual reminiscence on their sleep quality. This clinical trial involved 40 postmenopausal women who were randomly selected based on inclusion criteria and divided into two groups of 20 each. The reminiscence protocol was conducted over six sessions. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a demographic questionnaire before the intervention and immediately afterward. There were no significant differences in demographic variables between the two groups (P > 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in sleep quality was observed within the intervention group at both time points (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant differences in sleep quality were found between the intervention and control groups (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that spiritual reminiscence is an effective intervention for improving sleep quality among postmenopausal women.

PMID:40908457 | DOI:10.1007/s10943-025-02432-1

J Robot Surg. 2025 Sep 4;19(1):556. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02743-1.

ABSTRACT

The KangDuo Surgical Robot-01 (KD-SR-01) was developed as a lower-cost alternative, but its perioperative performance relative to da Vinci remains uncertain. This study aims to compare operative efficiency and perioperative safety between the KD-SR-01 and da Vinci systems in colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. A PROSPERO-registered systematic review (CRD420251082786) searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 28 June 2025. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative cohort studies involving adult CRC patients treated with both robotic platforms were eligible. Primary outcomes were operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), and docking time; postoperative complications were analysed as secondary outcomes. Random-effects meta-analysis generated weighted mean differences (WMDs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Study quality was appraised with ROBINS-I and Cochrane RoB 2 tools. Four studies (2 RCTs, 2 cohorts) enrolling 273 patients (KD-SR-01 = 136; da Vinci = 137) met the criteria. KD-SR-01 was associated with a longer OT (WMD = 25.51 min, 95% CI 11.05-39.96), but a shorter docking time (WMD = – 0.84 min, 95% CI – 1.58 to – 0.10). No significant differences were observed in EBL (WMD = 8.62 mL, 95% CI – 9.02 to 26.26) or in the rate of postoperative complications (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.49-2.21). Cohort studies showed moderate risk of bias; RCTs were judged as low risk or had some concerns. The KD-SR-01 system showed similar intraoperative blood loss, docking time, and safety outcomes compared to the da Vinci platform. However, operative time was significantly longer, which may affect clinical workflow and should be considered in platform selection.

PMID:40908423 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-02743-1

Neurocrit Care. 2025 Sep 4. doi: 10.1007/s12028-025-02350-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent American Heart Association guidelines have relied on post hoc subgroup analyses to identify summary blood pressure measures for targets in early management of acute intracerebral hemorrhage. To our knowledge, measurement error has not been considered when determining the impact of these summary measures. Our objective was to determine whether statistically significant differences in three systolic blood pressure (SBP) measures (achieved SBP, SBP variability, and magnitude of SBP reduction) in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage from the antihypertensive treatment of acute cerebral hemorrhage II (ATACH-2) randomized clinical trial are clinically meaningful by comparing them to a minimally detectable difference (MDD) of 10 mm Hg.

METHODS: We performed a post hoc analysis of individual patient data from the ATACH-2 randomized clinical trial, evaluating the differences in achieved SBP, SBP variability, and magnitude of SBP reduction between patients with favorable (modified Rankin scale score 0-3) and unfavorable (modified Rankin scale score 4-6) outcomes. We used the empirical cumulative distribution functions and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests to compare distributions, and we considered differences clinically meaningful if they exceeded the MDD of 10 mm Hg. We also performed a propensity score matched analysis to understand the nature of the association between these measures and outcomes.

RESULTS: Although SBP variability in the first 24 h differed statistically between outcome groups, the mean difference (95% confidence interval) did not exceed the MDD threshold. Achieved SBP and magnitude of SBP reduction showed no significant differences between groups. In the propensity score matched analysis, there were no statistical differences between any blood pressure measurements and outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that although there are statistically significant differences in SBP variability between patients with good and poor outcomes in ATACH-2, these differences do not meet the threshold for clinical relevance because they were within the range of measurement noise. The propensity score matched analysis suggested that the association between summary blood pressure measurements and outcomes is not robust to analytical method. These findings emphasize the need for caution in interpreting post hoc findings for clinical decision-making.

PMID:40908415 | DOI:10.1007/s12028-025-02350-w

J Robot Surg. 2025 Sep 4;19(1):557. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02727-1.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to analyze national trends in the adoption of robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) for lung cancer resections compared to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open approaches across geographic regions and institution types in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). A retrospective cohort study was performed of adults who underwent a lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer between 2010 and 2021 in the NCDB. Data were stratified by facility type, surrounding area population, and geographic location. Multivariable logistic regressions with interaction terms were used to determine if the change in rates of RATS varied by facility type, surrounding population, and location. A total of 301,123 oncologic lung resections were included in this study. The total number of RATS surpassed VATS in 2019, with 9579 and 9454 cases, respectively. By 2021, RATS accounted for 65.4% of minimally invasive cases. Academic programs were found to be increasing the proportion of their RATS resections at a faster rate than community programs. Facilities in metropolitan settings are adopting robotic resections at a more rapid rate than in urban and rural areas. The rate of RATS adoption varied significantly by region, with the East South-Central region having the slowest adoption rate. In contrast, the South Atlantic and East North-Central regions experienced the highest rate of increase in RATS adoption. RATS for oncologic lung resection is increasing and has surpassed VATS and open resections as of 2019. RATS resections are growing most rapidly in academic and metropolitan programs, and in certain geographic regions.

PMID:40908399 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-02727-1

Endocrine. 2025 Sep 4. doi: 10.1007/s12020-025-04412-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Depression is a common but often underrecognized comorbidity in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Identifying its prevalence can help in early intervention and better management.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the proportion of depression in patients with diabetes mellitus using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and to evaluate associations with gender, age, diabetes duration, and comorbid conditions.

METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 89 diabetic patients attending outpatient services at a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected via structured interviews using the HAM-D [1] questionnaire. A HAM-D score ≥ 8 was considered indicative of depression. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and subgroup analysis based on gender, age groups, and other variables.

RESULTS: Among 89 patients, 26 (29.2%) were found to have depression. The prevalence was higher in females (36.8%) compared to males (23.5%). Depression was more frequent in older age groups, particularly among patients aged 60-74 years. [Pie chart and bar graphs to be inserted.] CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of diabetic patients exhibit depressive symptoms, particularly older individuals and females. Routine screening using tools like HAM-D can aid in early identification and intervention.

PMID:40908393 | DOI:10.1007/s12020-025-04412-7

J Robot Surg. 2025 Sep 5;19(1):558. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02657-y.

ABSTRACT

This comprehensive systematic review assesses the clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted procedures for acute abdominal emergencies, analyzing data from 27 studies comprising 1142 cases. The investigation specifically examines five critical emergency conditions: complicated appendicitis (representing 32.5% of cases), acute cholecystitis (28.7%), small bowel obstruction (15.2%), perforated peptic ulcers (9.8%), and acute diverticulitis (7.4%). Analysis reveals robotic procedures averaged 152 min (± 38) in duration, with an overall conversion rate of 9.1%. Complication rates showed no significant difference from laparoscopic methods (13.2% versus 14.7%, p = 0.21). The data highlight two significant robotic advantages: improved intraoperative hemostasis (85 mL versus 120 mL average blood loss, p = 0.03) and lower conversion rates among obese patients (11.3% versus 18.6%, p = 0.04). These findings indicate that robotic systems may provide distinct technical benefits for specific emergency scenarios while delivering safety outcomes equivalent to traditional minimally invasive surgery.

PMID:40908371 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-02657-y

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2025 Sep 4;115(3):37. doi: 10.1007/s00128-025-04101-1.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the environmental and health risks of heavy metal contamination from e-waste recycling in Lahore, Pakistan. Surface soil (0-15 cm) samples were collected from recycling facilities, and heavy metal concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Cadmium (Cd) (5.38), Copper (Cu) (835.53), Lead (Pb) (468.90), Mercury (Hg) (1.61), and Zinc (Zn) (416.39) exceeded European Union (EU) guidelines, while Manganese (Mn) (372.29), Iron (Fe) (750.05), Arsenic (As) (6.96) and Chromium (Cr) (64.80) were within limits. Soil contamination indices indicated soil quality deterioration. The highest ecological risks (Er) were from Cd (1646.232) and Hg (322.15). Children faced higher non-carcinogenic risk (2.93) and carcinogenic risk (1.76 × 10⁻³), particularly from Pb (1.74) and Cu (1.56 × 10⁻³), respectively, while adults faced no significant risks. These findings highlight the need for sustainable e-waste management practices in Pakistan.

PMID:40908348 | DOI:10.1007/s00128-025-04101-1

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2025 Sep 4;35(1):380. doi: 10.1007/s00590-025-04504-0.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intraoperative tranexamic acid (TXA) on perioperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing proximal femoral nailing (PFN) for intertrochanteric fractures.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 1,728 patients who underwent PFN fixation for intertrochanteric fractures between 2017 and 2024. Perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) dynamics, transfusion requirements, and clinical outcomes were compared between patients receiving 1-1.5 g intravenous TXA (n = 1,446) and controls (n = 282).

RESULTS: The TXA group demonstrated reduced perioperative Hb decline (2.15 ± 1.40 vs 2.76 ± 1.57 g/dL, p < 0.001) and lower rates of Hb drop > 2 g/dL (47.9% vs 63.5%, OR 0.53, p < 0.001). TXA administration was associated with decreased transfusion requirements (7.1% vs 11.0%, p = 0.021). Multivariate analysis confirmed TXA as an independent protective factor against blood loss. Mortality rates showed no significant difference between groups.

CONCLUSION: Intraoperative TXA during PFN fixation was associated with reduced perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements. These findings support TXA as an effective blood conservation strategy in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

PMID:40908344 | DOI:10.1007/s00590-025-04504-0

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2025 Sep 4. doi: 10.1007/s11239-025-03178-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Optimal systolic blood pressure (SBP) targets after endovascular therapy (EVT) for stroke in older adults (≥ 65 years) remain undefined. This study assessed age-stratified associations between early post-EVT SBP (first 6 h) and outcomes. Post hoc analysis of two trials. Patients were stratified by age (18-64 vs. ≥ 65 years) and SBP (≤ 120, 120-140, > 140 mmHg). Primary outcome was 90-day functional status (modified Rankin Scale, mRS). Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) and multivariable regression adjusted for confounders. Post-EVT SBP data were available for 267 young and 395 old patients. IPTW analysis revealed that sustained SBP below 120 mmHg during the first 6 h post-EVT significantly enhanced functional independence in elderly patients (common OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.18-3.39). Among young cohorts, maintenance of SBP ≤ 120 mmHg (cOR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.45-5.82) and 120-140 mmHg (cOR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.58-6.47) were associated with a better outcome. sICH incidence demonstrated no statistically significant association with systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels (P = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.93-1.35). During the initial 6-h window post-EVT, younger patients with SBP ≤ 140 mmHg and elderly patients with SBP ≤ 120 mmHg were associated with favorable outcome. These results suggest that stricter blood pressure control may be particularly beneficial for older adults in the early post-EVT phase.Trial Registration: The DEVT registration: URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn ; Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-IOR-17013568, and the RESCUE BT registration: URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn ; ChiCTR-INR-17014167.

PMID:40908335 | DOI:10.1007/s11239-025-03178-z