Category: Statistics

Mater Sociomed. 2025;37(2):106-110. doi: 10.5455/msm.2025.37.106-110.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a rare complication of viral URTIs, usually occurring in winter. It is characterized by acute onset of bilateral calf pain and difficulty/refusal to walk. A prodromal phase precedes these manifestations, consisting of catarrhal and constitutional symptoms. These are associated with increased muscle-specific enzymes, usually normal inflammatory parameters, and leukopenia.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to define the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of BACM patients and determine the etiology leading to their development.

METHODS: Medical charts for patients diagnosed with BACM from October to April 2023/2024 at the Pediatric Clinic Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Department of Allergology, Rheumatology, and Immunology were reviewed retrospectively. Relevant medical information was collected for 20 patients. Statistical analysis was done in Microsoft Excel 2013.

RESULTS: Demographic analysis demonstrated male predominance (75%), with primarily school-aged children affected (median age 8.36). Most cases occurred in winter (60%). The majority of patients presented with bilateral calf pain (100%), difficulty walking (90%), and fever (100%). All cases demonstrated increased CK levels, with median values of 3779 U/L; a notable number had leukopenia (70%). The most commonly isolated pathogen was Influenza B virus (75%).

CONCLUSION: BACM is relatively rare but presents acutely and leads to plenty of distress for both patients and their parents. A child with coryzal symptoms complicated by bilateral calf pain or difficulty/refusal to walk and an increase in CK levels should raise suspicion of BACM. The condition is self-limiting and usually resolves without complications.

PMID:40607097 | PMC:PMC12212264 | DOI:10.5455/msm.2025.37.106-110

Mater Sociomed. 2025;37(2):131-135. doi: 10.5455/msm.2025.37.131-135.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSC) is the leading malignant tumour of the head and neck. Establishing new biomarkers is extremely important because they can be important for early diagnosis and prognosis of LSC.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the significance of cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) in the early diagnosis and prognosis of LSC.

METHODS: This was prospective research involving 35 patients of both sexes with pathohistologically confirmed LSC, who were treated in the period from 2022 to 2024. The control group consisted of 30 patients who underwent surgery for other non-malignant diseases and who had a normal indirect laryngoscopy findings. The levels of CYFRA 21-1 were determined for three time periods: preoperative, four weeks after surgery, and three months after radiotherapy or concomitant chemoradiotherapy. For the statistical analysis of data we used descriptive statistics methods, the Student T-test and the χ2 test to calculate the significance of the tested differences, where differences on the level of p<0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS: Statistically significantly higher mean serum levels of CYFRA 21-1 were found preoperatively in the experimental group in comparison with the control group (p<0.001). Statistically significant lower levels of CYFRA 21-1 were found four weeks after surgery in the experimental group in comparison with preoperative levels (p=0.004). A statistically significant decrease in serum levels of CYFRA 21-1 was also found three months after radiotherapy or concomitant chemoradiotherapy in comparison with the preoperative levels (p=0.001). The serum levels of CYFRA 21-1 were statistically significantly higher preoperatively in patients with stage III/IV of the disease in comparison with stage I/II (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Increased levels of CYFRA 21-1 are a significant indication of the presence of LSC, especially in patients with advanced stages of the disease.

PMID:40607093 | PMC:PMC12212222 | DOI:10.5455/msm.2025.37.131-135

Mater Sociomed. 2025;37(2):159-163. doi: 10.5455/msm.2025.37.159-163.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Posterior pericardiotomy has been proposed as a preventive strategy against postoperative pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, data regarding its clinical outcomes and potential associations with postoperative complications remain limited.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing off-pump CABG with concomitant posterior pericardiotomy, and to assess potential associations between perioperative variables and the development of common postoperative complications.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 38 patients who underwent off-pump CABG with posterior pericardiotomy. Demographic and clinical characteristics, procedural details, postoperative complications, and outcomes were analyzed. Associations between operative time, comorbidities (sex, diabetes mellitus, smoking), and postoperative complications such as atrial fibrillation, pleural and pericardial effusions, and drainage volume were statistically evaluated using chi-square and correlation analysis.

RESULTS: The study cohort had a mean age of 66.64 ± 7.28 years, with 68.1% male patients. Arterial hypertension was present in all patients, diabetes mellitus in 44.7%, and prior myocardial infarction in 65.7%. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 42.86 ± 10.21%, and triple-vessel disease was observed in 63.2% of patients. All patients underwent off-pump CABG. The mean operative time was 254.31 ± 59.04 minutes. Postoperative complications included new-onset atrial fibrillation in 15.7% of patients, pleural effusion in 42.1%, and pericardial effusion in 10.5%. No cases of cardiac tamponade were reported. A significant association was found between smoking and new-onset atrial fibrillation (p = 0.050), while no significant associations were observed between sex or diabetes and postoperative complications. Operative time was not significantly associated with pericardial or pleural effusion, nor with drainage volume. Complete recovery was observed in all 100.0% of patients.

CONCLUSION: Posterior pericardiotomy performed during off-pump CABG was associated with a low incidence of pericardial effusion and no occurrence of cardiac tamponade. The procedure appears to be safe and may contribute to favorable postoperative outcomes. Smoking may be a risk factor for new-onset atrial fibrillation, warranting further investigation.

PMID:40607089 | PMC:PMC12212279 | DOI:10.5455/msm.2025.37.159-163

Mater Sociomed. 2025;37(2):92-97. doi: 10.5455/msm.2025.37.92-97.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Understanding sexual health inequalities among university students is essential to inform targeted public health interventions. Previous studies show that knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors differ based on sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, and level of education.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess how gender, age, and SRH education influence knowledge, behaviors, and use of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among Albanian university students.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 7,679 university students in public and private institutions across Albania. A structured questionnaire assessed SRH knowledge, STI prevention behaviors, and access to healthcare services. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression to examine relationships between sociodemographic variables and SRH outcomes.

RESULTS: Female students reported higher engagement in preventive practices such as gynecological visits and Pap tests (p < 0.001), while male students reported earlier sexual debut and less consistent condom use. Prior SRH education significantly increased the likelihood of STI/HIV testing (p < 0.001). Age was positively associated with STI awareness but not necessarily with service use. Only 11.4% of respondents reported STI testing, and 7.6% had been tested for HIV, while 53.8% were unaware of available testing services.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights disparities in SRH knowledge and service utilization driven by gender, age, and educational exposure. Tailored public health programs that integrate SRH into university curricula and emphasize outreach to young men and underserved populations are needed to reduce inequities and promote preventive behaviors.

PMID:40607088 | PMC:PMC12212243 | DOI:10.5455/msm.2025.37.92-97

Cyborg Bionic Syst. 2025 Jul 2;6:0305. doi: 10.34133/cbsystems.0305. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Abnormalities in the ossicular chain, a key middle-ear component that is crucial for sound transmission, can lead to conductive hearing loss; reconstruction offers an effective treatment. Accurate preoperative ossicular-chain measurements are essential for creating prostheses; however, current methods rely on cadaver studies or manual measurements from 2-dimensional images, which are time-intensive and laborious and depend heavily on radiologist expertise. To improve efficiency, we aimed to develop a systematic approach for automated ossicular-chain segmentation and measurement using ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (U-HRCT). One hundred forty patients (226 ears) with normal ear anatomy underwent U-HRCT. Twelve parameters were defined to measure ossicular-chain components. Automated measurements based on automated segmentation of 226 ear images were verified through manual measurements. We analyzed variations by ear side, sex, and age group. Stapes analysis was limited by segmentation accuracy. Complete segmentation of the malleus, incus, and stapes was achieved in 47 ears. Automated measurements of 8 parameters showed no significant differences compared to manual measurements in 47 cases. Significant sex-based differences emerged in all parameters except stapes footplate length, incudostapedial joint angle, and stapes volume (P = 0.205, P = 0.560, and P = 0.170, respectively). Notable side-specific differences were observed in female incus height and male malleus volume (P = 0.017 and P = 0.037, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found in other parameters across different age groups, except for malleus and incus volumes (P = 0.015 and P = 0.031). The proposed algorithm effectively automated ossicular-chain segmentation and measurement, establishing a normative range for ossicular parameters and providing a valuable reference for detecting abnormalities.

PMID:40607078 | PMC:PMC12214297 | DOI:10.34133/cbsystems.0305

Imaging Sci Dent. 2025 Jun;55(2):114-125. doi: 10.5624/isd.20240243. Epub 2025 Apr 28.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the relationship of the third molars with the mandibular canal as a predictor of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) sensory disturbances using panoramic radiography (PR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted of 4 databases-PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar-for the period from 1985 to 2024. In the retrieved articles, the outcome of interest was the relationship of the mandibular canal with the third molars on PR and CBCT scans. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and quantitative meta-analysis was performed using STATA. A random-effects restricted maximum likelihood model was employed for the meta-analysis, and the I² statistic was used to assess heterogeneity.

RESULTS: A total of 1,635 articles were initially retrieved. After a rigorous selection process, 20 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 8 were selected for the meta-analysis. The findings indicated that CBCT yielded higher prevalence rates for root darkening, root deflection, interruption of the white line, diversion of the mandibular canal, and narrowing of the mandibular canal (theta values: 49.962, 4.76, 8.09, 2.229, and 4.708, respectively) compared with PR (theta values: 1.363, 1.605, 6.322, 0.655, and 1.449, respectively).

CONCLUSION: CBCT was more accurate than PR in investigating predictors of IAN paresthesia in mandibular third molar surgery. Considering the higher prevalence of paresthesia in the presence of root darkening, CBCT may be highly efficient in detecting this parameter and thus aiding in the prevention of paresthesia.

PMID:40607074 | PMC:PMC12210119 | DOI:10.5624/isd.20240243

Imaging Sci Dent. 2025 Jun;55(2):197-206. doi: 10.5624/isd.20250029. Epub 2025 Apr 28.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between incidental vascular calcification-like imaging findings and self-reported medical data, as well as to assess the relationship between reported predisposing factors and imaging findings using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 391 CBCT scans from 188 males and 203 females were anonymously analyzed for the presence of extra- and intra-cranial carotid artery calcifications (ECAC and ICAC, respectively) and signs of Mönckeberg medial sclerosis (MMS). The patients were categorized into 4 groups based on their self-reported medical histories. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the data, which were subsequently validated through simple univariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: Among the 391 CBCT scans reviewed, 23.27% exhibited ECAC, 42.71% demonstrated ICAC, and 1.8% showed MMS. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (P<0.05) between both ECAC and ICAC and self-reported predisposing factors-including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and sleep apnea/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-with notable differences among the study categories (P<0.05). In addition, a strong correlation (P<0.001) was found between the presence of ECAC, ICAC, and MMS and increasing age. Men were significantly more susceptible to ECAC than women (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the importance of a thorough pre-treatment medical history assessment in dental patients, particularly when vascular calcification-like signs are observed on CBCT imaging.

PMID:40607072 | PMC:PMC12210113 | DOI:10.5624/isd.20250029

Imaging Sci Dent. 2025 Jun;55(2):105-113. doi: 10.5624/isd.20240227. Epub 2025 Apr 28.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) facilitates the differentiation of unicystic ameloblastoma (UAM), odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), and dentigerous cyst (DC) by depicting detailed internal lesion structures based on water molecule movement. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of DW-MRI in distinguishing UAM, OKC, and DC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review included studies from 2008 to 2022 that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of DW-MRI through apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in UAM, OKC, and DC. Six studies were qualitatively appraised using the QUADAS-2 tool, and 4 studies were subsequently included in a network meta-analysis for quantitative assessment of mean ADC values. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024502152).

RESULTS: Six studies encompassing 230 patients employed DW-MRI with an echo planar imaging sequence, yielding images with either hyperintense or hypointense lesion enhancements. The studies demonstrated that the mean ADC value for UAM was >2.0×10^-3 mm²/s, for DC was >1.0×10^-3 mm²/s, and for OKC was <1.0×10^-3 mm²/s (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows that DW-MRI, when used in conjunction with ADC measurements, effectively differentiates among UAM, OKC, and DC. The statistically significant ADC cut-off values support the use of DW-MRI as an adjunctive imaging modality to improve diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice.

PMID:40607070 | PMC:PMC12210118 | DOI:10.5624/isd.20240227

Imaging Sci Dent. 2025 Jun;55(2):165-174. doi: 10.5624/isd.20240218. Epub 2025 Apr 10.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate whether the position and number of high-density objects within the field of view (FOV) affect the volumetric alteration (VA) artifact in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four cylinders, each made of either cobalt-chromium, titanium, or zirconium, were placed in a phantom for acquisitions using the OP300 Maxio (Instrumentarium Dental, Tuusula, Finland) and Eagle (Dabi Atlante S/A Indústrias Médico Odontológicas, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) CBCT systems. The cylinders were arranged in 7 different combinations based on their position and number within the FOV. Two oral radiologists segmented the volumes of the cylinders, and VA was calculated as the difference between the tomographic and physical volumes. Statistical analyses included the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and multiway analysis of variance with Tukey’s post-hoc test (α=5%).

RESULTS: VA was observed under all experimental conditions. The factors region (anterior/posterior), combination (1 to 7), and material (cobalt-chromium, titanium, or zirconium) significantly influenced VA (P<0.05). In general, the presence of 3 cylinders within the FOV reduced VA (P<0.05). Although the effect of a cylinder’s position varied with the CBCT system, VA typically increased in the posterior region (P<0.05). Additionally, titanium exhibited the lowest VA for both CBCT systems (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The presence of 3 high-density objects within the FOV reduced VA in CBCT images, whereas positioning an object in the posterior region generally increased its measured volume.

PMID:40607065 | PMC:PMC12210117 | DOI:10.5624/isd.20240218

Clin Med Insights Cardiol. 2025 Jun 30;19:11795468251347777. doi: 10.1177/11795468251347777. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The effect of Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 inhibitors on cardiovascular, renal, dyslipidemia, and inflammatory markers has not been analyzed simultaneously. The goal is to determine if SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce cardiovascular and renal mortality, and improve these health outcomes.

METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library and MEDLINE databases were used to conduct a comprehensive literature search from inception to September 2023. Randomized control trials with follow-up for at least 8 weeks, with a group taking SGLT2 inhibitors being compared with a group taking either placebo or other medication, in which cardiovascular outcomes, renal outcomes, lipid biomarkers, and inflammatory markers were reported as the primary outcomes were included. The statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager with a random-effects model.

RESULTS: Thirteen studies comprising 92 920 patients were analyzed for several outcomes. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in overall mortality, death due to heart failure, cardiovascular causes, and renal causes in the SGLT2 inhibitor group as compared to placebo. Pooled results also revealed a significant reduction in the frequency of renal replacement therapy and renal composite endpoint in patients on SGLT2 inhibitors. There was also a significant reduction in IL-6, TNF-a, systolic blood pressure in the same group. On the other hand, Flow Mediated Dilation (FMD), lipid profile, and the incidence of amputations and fractures showed no significant associated SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.

CONCLUSION: Our analysis indicates that diabetics and non-diabetics suffering from cardiovascular and renal diseases experience a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality from SGLT2 inhibitor therapy, leading to a better prognosis of such conditions in the long-term.

PMID:40607064 | PMC:PMC12214313 | DOI:10.1177/11795468251347777