Category: Statistics

Microb Cell Fact. 2025 Sep 9;24(1):201. doi: 10.1186/s12934-025-02832-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Synthetic dyes in the textile industry pose risks to human health and environmental safety. The current study aims to examine the efficacy of a novel esterase derived from an endophyte fungus in decolorizing diverse dyes, focusing on its production, purification, optimization, and characterization.

RESULTS: Trichoderma afroharzianum AUMC16433, a novel fungal endophyte with esterase-producing ability, was first detected from the cladodes of Opuntia ficus indica by ITS-rRNA sequencing. Furthermore, several fermentation variables that augment esterase production were improved by utilising the Plackett-Burman design and RSM. Ammonium sulphate precipitation at 60% and Sephacryl S300 HR gel filtration were employed to purify the isolated esterase to a specific activity of 1372.1 U/mg with a 2.29-fold increase and a recovery of 42.87%. The enzyme’s molecular weight was ascertained to be 43 kDa via SDS-PAGE. The isolated esterase revealed peak activity at 40 °C and pH 8. The kinetic characteristics of esterase were Vmax = 2.717 U/mL and Km = 3.33 mM. The half-life time was 54.4% at 50 °C after 4 h, and the enzyme still retained 14.7% of its activity after 24 h at 50 °C. Esterase decolorized several synthetic dyes used industrially, with the highest decolorization rate in malachite green after 24 h with 66%, and successfully degraded both bromothymol blue and tartrazine with 65.5% and 65.3%, respectively, in the same time frame. Crystal violet and methyl red showed moderate decolorization, with decolorization rates of 57.1% and 43.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The esterase enzyme isolated for the first time from the new endophytic Trichoderma afroharzianum has a high dyes decolorization potential, which offers it a sustainable strategy for addressing environmental contamination issues.

PMID:40926235 | DOI:10.1186/s12934-025-02832-8

BMC Public Health. 2025 Sep 9;25(1):3046. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-24015-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are common in the working-age population. More knowledge is needed on how to support work participation and reduce sickness absence. The objective of the study was to estimate the distribution of mental well-being and work capacity in women and men in a working population and assess the association between mental well-being and work capacity, while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and working positions.

METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected through an online survey distributed to individuals who were currently working. The study population consisted of 8462 employees (58% women). The WHO-5 Mental Well-being Index (scale ranging from 0 to 100 with higher scores representing a better mental well-being) and the Capacity to Work Instrument (C2WI) (scale ranging from 14 to 56 with higher scores representing a more strained work capacity) were used. Univariable and multivariable linear regressions were used to assess the associations between self-perceived mental well-being and capacity to work, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and working positions.

RESULTS: Low self-perceived mental well-being and strained work capacity were more common among women, particularly younger aged (18-34 years). Poor health status was associated with strained work capacity in both men and women. Regression analyses showed that lower self-perceived mental well-being was significantly associated with strained work capacity. Among women, the fully adjusted model showed a regression coefficient (B) of – 0.253 (95% CI: -0.264 to – 0.242); among men, it was – 0.225 (95% CI: -0.237 to – 0.213).

CONCLUSIONS: This study, focusing on a currently working population, identified disparities in self-perceived mental well-being and work capacity across gender and age groups. These findings underscore the importance of early workplace interventions to support mental well-being and work capacity in these sub-groups. Notably, the association between the WHO-5 and C2WI may be partly attributable to item-level overlap, as certain C2WI items may capture symptoms related to mental health. This potential overlap should be considered when interpreting the findings.

PMID:40926225 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-24015-1

BMC Ophthalmol. 2025 Sep 9;25(1):500. doi: 10.1186/s12886-025-04247-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the ganglion cell complex thickness in patients taking oral hydroxychloroquine.

METHODS: In this hospital-based, cross-sectional, non-interventional, comparative study, 87 eyes of 87 patients taking hydroxychloroquine were recruited. All the patients underwent complete ophthalmological evaluation along with dilated fundus examination. Patients were divided into two groups based on the duration of hydroxychloroquine intake: Group 1 (62 patients having duration of hydroxychloroquine intake < 5 years) and Group 2 (25 patients having duration of hydroxychloroquine intake ≥ 5 years). Age and gender-matched healthy volunteers with normal ocular findings were taken as controls. Average, superior, inferior GCC thickness, focal loss volume, and global loss volume were measured by RTvue XR Avanti SD-OCT.

RESULTS: The average, superior, and inferior GCC thicknesses were significantly reduced in both Group 1 (< 5 years) and Group 2 (≥ 5 years) as compared to controls (p < 0.001). In Group 1, mean GCC values were 94.70 ± 6.34 μm (average), 94.43 ± 6.28 μm (superior), and 94.74 ± 6.81 μm (inferior), while the corresponding values in controls were 99.79 ± 4.61 μm, 99.38 ± 4.63 μm, and 99.97 ± 4.61 μm. Likewise, FLV and GLV in Group 1 were 1.76 ± 2.5% and 4.07 ± 3.27%, significantly higher than in controls (0.72 ± 0.45% and 1.39 ± 1.1%, respectively; p = 0.002 for FLV, p = 0.001 for GLV). Similarly, in Group 2, mean GCC thicknesses were 92.70 ± 6.39 μm (average), 92.44 ± 5.92 μm (superior), and 93.32 ± 7.25 μm (inferior), all significantly lower than in controls (p < 0.001). While GLV was significantly elevated in Group 2 (4.46 ± 4.42%; p-0.003), the difference in FLV (1.23 ± 1.12%) was not statistically significant compared to controls (p-0.077).

CONCLUSION: The Ganglion Cell Complex thickness was significantly thinner in patients taking hydroxychloroquine along with elevated Focal Loss Volume % and Global Loss Volume %. However, no statistically significant correlation was observed between GCC thickness and duration of hydroxychloroquine use.

PMID:40926218 | DOI:10.1186/s12886-025-04247-w

BMC Psychiatry. 2025 Sep 9;25(1):854. doi: 10.1186/s12888-025-07296-z.

ABSTRACT

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and disabling condition affecting approximately 3.5% of the global population, with diagnosis on average delayed by 7.1 years or often confounded with other psychiatric disorders. Advances in electroencephalography (EEG) analysis using machine learning hold promise for the development of OCD-specific biological markers. This systematic review aims to evaluate studies that classify individuals with OCD from other groups based on EEG data. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and IEEE databases through February 2025; of 42 screened studies, 11 met inclusion criteria for final analysis. Data were extracted across four domains: general information, population characteristics, EEG features, and machine learning features. Results revealed extensive heterogeneity in study populations, associated symptoms, EEG preprocessing methods, validation strategies, and reporting of model accuracy, underscoring the need for harmonized standards. Notably, only a few studies provided statistical interpretation of their models. None of reviewed studies employed modern interpretability techniques such as SHAP or LIME methods that, beyond reducing “black-box” opacity, can inform optimal electrode placement for neurofeedback or transcranial electrical stimulation. Many studies were constrained by cultural limitations, small sample sizes and lack of demographic information e.g., age, gender, medication. This work represents the first systematic review of EEG-ML classification studies in OCD and emphasizes the urgent need for methodological standardization in this emerging field.

PMID:40926215 | DOI:10.1186/s12888-025-07296-z

BMC Public Health. 2025 Sep 9;25(1):3039. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-24447-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: People living in prison face exceptionally high prevalence rates of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and poor oral health-related quality of life. Despite its importance, various aspects of oral healthcare in prison settings remain understudied. The present study investigates the barriers and facilitators associated with providing and utilizing oral health services in prison settings, drawing on insights from prison health experts, managerial and custodial staff, healthcare providers, and individuals with lived experience of imprisonment.

METHODS: From March to June 2023, a total of fifteen participants participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted until data saturation to identify barriers and facilitators of oral health services in prisons. Potential areas for improvement were also explored. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Themes and sub-themes were derived from the dataset and converted into preliminary codes which aligned with research objectives.

RESULTS: The first topic, barriers, included two themes: organizational barriers related to the provision of services, and individual barriers related to the utilization of services. The second topic, facilitating factors, included six themes: funding, community partnership, substance use treatment, communicating with policy makers, transportation, and education.

CONCLUSION: Ensuring the oral health of incarcerated individuals is a fundamental aspect of their right to health and a crucial factor in their successful reintegration into society. Formerly incarcerated people are often hard to reach in the community, making the period of confinement a unique opportunity to deliver quality oral healthcare. Given that most incarcerated individuals will eventually return to their communities, providing comprehensive healthcare, including oral health interventions, represents a valuable public health investment.

PMID:40926212 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-24447-9

BMC Public Health. 2025 Sep 9;25(1):3040. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-24425-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As populations age, more knowledge is needed on people who extend their working lives. The aim of this study was to explore if prior sickness absence (> 14 days) and/or disability pension (SADP) in mental and/or somatic diagnoses were associated with time until work exit after ages 65-69 and ≥ 70, respectively, among women and men.

METHODS: This prospective population-based cohort study included all 65-69-year-olds (cohort65, n = 201,263) and ≥ 70-year-olds (cohort70, n = 93,751) who were in paid work in Sweden in 2014. SADP was measured in 2010-2014 as yes/no and categorised by number of days. Work was defined as work income ≥ 75% of the income requirement for SA benefits. Work exits were observed between 2015 and 2018. Linked microdata were analysed using Accelerated Failure Time model to derive Time Ratios (TR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), adjusting for sociodemographic factors and branch of industry, and censoring for death and emigration.

RESULTS: Most individuals had no prior SADP (cohort65: 66.3% women, 75.8% men; cohort70: 96.8% women, 97% men). In both cohorts and sexes, ~ 80% remained in paid work at least some time during follow-up, and ~ 41% worked throughout the follow-up. In cohort65, women with prior mental SADP (TR 0.94; 95%CI 0.93-0.96), and women (0.95; 0.94-0.96) and men (0.94; 0.93-0.95) with prior somatic SADP had marginally shorter time until work exit than individuals of the same sex without the corresponding SADP. Prior SA was generally not associated with work exit in cohort70.

CONCLUSIONS: Neither mental nor somatic SADP was strongly associated with time until work exit.

PMID:40926208 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-24425-1

BMC Pediatr. 2025 Sep 10;25(1):679. doi: 10.1186/s12887-025-05797-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a common intervention for anemia in preterm infants; however, its association with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains debated. While biological mechanisms suggest potential harm, the clinical impact of transfusion frequency on BPD incidence and severity remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether RBC transfusion frequency is independently associated with the risk and severity of BPD in preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included preterm infants (< 32 weeks gestational age) admitted to the NICU at Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University between January 2020 and December 2022. Only transfusions administered before 36 weeks postmenstrual age were included. Clinical data, including transfusion frequency, hemoglobin levels, and respiratory diagnoses, were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for BPD, and ROC curve analysis determined the optimal transfusion threshold. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate confounding effects.

RESULTS: Among 228 included infants, 184 (80.7%) received at least one RBC transfusion. The BPD group received a higher number of transfusions (mean 4.24 vs. 1.89, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified transfusion frequency (OR = 1.245; 95% CI: 1.023-1.514; p = 0.049) and lower gestational age (OR = 0.749; 95% CI: 0.561-0.998; p = 0.05) as independent risk factors for BPD. ROC analysis demonstrated transfusion frequency effectively predicted BPD (AUC = 0.749), with ≥ 4 transfusions (sensitivity 51%, specificity 77%) correlating with increased severity (Kendall’s τ_b = 0.453, p < 0.001). Neonatal hemoglobin levels inversely correlated with transfusion requirements (r=-0.187, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis confirmed this association across GA strata (p < 0.05). Early transfusion (≤ 14 days of life) was not associated with increased severity.

CONCLUSION: RBC transfusion frequency is an independent, dose-dependent risk factor for BPD in preterm infants. Reducing unnecessary transfusions and optimizing anemia management may help mitigate BPD risk and severity.

PMID:40926206 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-025-05797-0

BMC Public Health. 2025 Sep 9;25(1):3044. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-24362-z.

ABSTRACT

We study the dynamics of coexisting influenza and SARS-CoV-2 by adapting a well-established age-specific COVID-19 model to a multi-pathogen framework. Sensitivity analysis and adjustment of the model to real-world data are used to investigate the influence of age-related factors on disease dynamics. Our findings underscore the critical role that transmission rates play in shaping the spread of influenza and COVID-19. Furthermore, our analysis highlights the significant interaction between influenza and SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates, particularly in scenarios with partial cross-immunity. This underscores the importance of comprehensive interventions that simultaneously target both pathogens to effectively control their spread in coexisting environments. Our results demonstrate the importance of age-structured models in capturing the dynamics of influenza and COVID-19, underscoring the importance of accounting for age structure. Notable disparities emerge in estimated transmission rates between single-pathogen and multi-pathogen models, shedding light on the complex interactions between pathogens and their impacts on disease transmission across different age groups.

PMID:40926205 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-24362-z

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Sep 9;25(1):1193. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-13393-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Maternal healthcare (MHC) in Cameroon reflects the persistent challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, where high maternal mortality continues despite improved service utilization, stressing inequitable effective coverage (EC). This study applied EC cascade analysis-including service contact, continuity, and input-adjusted coverage-to quantify geographic and socioeconomic disparities, informing equity-focused strategies to dismantle structural barriers in the MHC continuum.

METHODS: We combined population and health facility data (2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey and 2015 Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care Assessment) to estimate the input-adjusted coverage of antenatal care (ANC) and intra-and postpartum care (IPC). Inequalities were assessed using absolute and relative measures.

RESULTS: The MHC cascade showed significant falls in input-adjusted coverage. For ANC, 86.3% service contact eroded to 25.3% continuity and 14.4% input-adjusted coverage. For IPC, the service continuum dropped from 51.4 to 31.4% input-adjusted coverage, revealing steeper losses compared to ANC (20.0% vs. 10.9%). When accounting for service readiness, relative inequalities intensified (e.g., the wealth-based RII for ANC increased by 122%), while absolute gaps narrowed (SII declined by 25%), indicating a greater loss of coverage among socioeconomically privileged groups (IPC input-adjusted coverage dropped by 20.9% for the highest quintile vs. 11.1% for the lowest quintile). At the same time, marginalized populations experienced compounded exclusion-facing severely limited access to care and substandard service quality at available facilities-highlighting the critical need to improve both access and quality.

CONCLUSION: Cameroon’s MHC disparities stem from systemic resource and quality gaps. Integrating absolute and relative inequality metrics into policy frameworks can dismantle structural biases, aligning interventions with continuum-of-care strategies to prevent avoidable mortality.

PMID:40926204 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-025-13393-2

BMC Endocr Disord. 2025 Sep 9;25(1):207. doi: 10.1186/s12902-025-02038-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Thyroid nodules (TNs) are frequent and often benign. Accurately differentiating between benign and malignant nodules is crucial for proper management. This research aims to use ultrasonography to examine TNs and identify possible risk factors in order to improve patient outcomes and diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS: The study included 128 euthyroid participants who underwent thyroidectomy, splitted into two groups (benign and malignant) regarding the histopathological outcomes. Data on age, sex, family history of thyroid cancer and radiation exposure were collected. Ultrasound (US) was used to assess nodule number, size, vascularity and TIRAD scores. US Lymph node status was also evaluated. Statistical analysis compared benign and malignant nodules.

RESULTS: No significant differences were found between benign and malignant groups regarding age, sex, family history, and radiation exposure. Significant differences were observed in nodule size (p < 0.05), echogenicity (p < 0.001), and margins (p < 0.05), with larger, hyper/isoechoic, and smooth-margined nodules more common in the benign group. TIRAD scores (p < 0.001) and lymph node status (p < 0.001) also differed significantly, with benign cases showing TR3 scores and non-suspicious lymph nodes, while malignant cases had more TR4 scores and suspicious lymph nodes. Additionally, malignant nodules were significantly more hypoechoic (p < 0.001). Most benign cases were nodular colloid hyperplasia, followed by follicular adenoma and thyroiditis. Most malignant cases were Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). PTC was associated with younger age (p = 0.006), smaller nodule size (p = 0.04), and hypoechoic nodules (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION: Sex, age, family history of thyroid cancer, and radiation exposure history did not significantly vary between groups with benign and malignant thyroid tumors, according to the research. Higher TIRAD scores and hypoechoic nodules were more common in malignant nodules. Benign nodules had smoother margins, were bigger, and were more likely to be hyper/isoechoic.

PMID:40926198 | DOI:10.1186/s12902-025-02038-4