Category: Statistics

Acta Odontol Scand. 2025 Jun 10;84:318-331. doi: 10.2340/aos.v84.43758.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of different oral barrier membranes on bone regeneration, focusing on their clinical efficacy and safety during dental implant procedures.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and CBM databases for case-control and cohort studies published between January 2002 and March 2025. Two independent researchers screened and extracted data, and statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD492390).

RESULTS: A total of 11 clinical controlled and cohort studies with 1,003 patients were included. The absorbable membrane group demonstrated a significantly higher success rate (p < 0.05), greater bone graft thickness (p < 0.05), and fewer adverse reactions (p < 0.05). Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in osseointegration, total mineralised tissue, and non-mineralised tissue (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Absorbable oral barrier membranes exhibit superior safety and efficacy profiles, making them a preferred choice for guided bone regeneration. However, further studies with higher methodological quality and longer follow-up durations are required.

PMID:40492364 | DOI:10.2340/aos.v84.43758

Int J Circumpolar Health. 2025 Dec;84(1):2516872. doi: 10.1080/22423982.2025.2516872. Epub 2025 Jun 10.

ABSTRACT

The Northwest Territories, Canada, has high rates of alcohol- and drug-related hospitalisations and deaths. There is considerable debate over how to provide substance use recovery services in this region, due to its small, culturally diverse population. The aim of this study was to examine demographic differences in ethnicity, gender and sex for individuals in the barriers to accessing services, supports to stay in recovery, and reasons they struggled to stay in recovery. A total of 439 respondents completed online and paper-based surveys on their experiences accessing recovery services in the Northwest Territories. A mixed methods approach was applied, in which Fisher’s exact test was applied to test for statistically significant demographic differences in quantitative responses, and themed analysis was performed using deductive coding using written survey responses. Several statistically significant demographic differences were identified in barriers to services, supports to recovery, and barriers to staying in recovery. Cultural incongruity, and the importance of social support to substance use disorder recovery, were identified as key themes that emerged in qualitative analysis. There is a need for community-based, culturally safe, and family-inclusive holistic supports at the community level to address substance use issues in the NT, including more informal confidential supports and efforts to reduce stigma and normalise and celebrate recovery.

PMID:40492355 | DOI:10.1080/22423982.2025.2516872

Genes Brain Behav. 2025 Jun;24(3):e70025. doi: 10.1111/gbb.70025.

ABSTRACT

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop following trauma exposure; however, not all trauma-exposed individuals develop PTSD, suggesting the presence of susceptibility and resilience factors. The gut microbiome and host genome, which are interconnected, have been implicated in the aetiology of PTSD. However, their interaction has yet to be investigated in a South African population. Using genome-wide genotype data and 16S rRNA (V4) gene amplicon sequencing data from 53 trauma-exposed controls and 74 PTSD cases, we observed no significant association between the host genome and summed abundance of Mitsuokella, Odoribacter, Catenibacterium and Olsenella, previously reported as associated with PTSD status in this cohort. However, PROM2 rs2278067 T-allele was significantly positively associated with the summed relative abundance of these genera, but only in individuals with PTSD and not trauma-exposed controls (p < 0.014). Polygenic risk scores generated using genome-wide association study summary statistics from the PGC-PTSD Overall Freeze 2 were not predictive of gut microbial composition in this cohort. These preliminary results suggest a potential role for the interaction between genetic variation and gut microbial composition in the context of PTSD, underscoring the need for further investigation.

PMID:40492293 | DOI:10.1111/gbb.70025

Congenit Anom (Kyoto). 2025 Jan-Dec;65(1):e70013. doi: 10.1111/cga.70013.

ABSTRACT

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster (FDND) occurred in 2011, which occurred after the Great East Japan Earthquake. However, how the incidence of radiation-induced malformations in Fukushima has been affected by FDND remains to be elucidated. To address this, we analyzed birth data from Fukushima and other areas in Japan from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research Japan Center, including information on birth defects between January 2010 and December 2022. Among the registered birth defects, microcephaly, microphthalmia, and neural tube defects were classified as radiation-induced malformations. Our study included 90 433 births in Fukushima, accounting for 52.6% of all births. Among these, birth defects were observed in 1376 (1.52%) births, of which 28 (0.031%) were diagnosed with radiation-induced malformations. With regard to other areas in Japan, 1 323 391 births, which accounted for 10.9% of all births, were registered; births with birth defects and radiation-induced malformations were observed in 37 490 (3.67%) and 889 (0.067%), respectively. Because sampling bias was suspected, we compared the rates of radiation-induced malformations in Fukushima and other areas in Japan by adjusting the incidence in Fukushima with the incidences of ventricular septal defects in both areas. However, there was no statistically significant difference between them. Our results, which covered the largest number of births in Fukushima, did not find a significant increase in the incidence of radiation-induced malformations in Fukushima since FDND.

PMID:40492283 | DOI:10.1111/cga.70013

ArXiv [Preprint]. 2025 May 30:arXiv:2504.00459v2.

ABSTRACT

Multivariate phase relationships are important to characterize and understand numerous physical, biological, and chemical systems, from electromagnetic waves to neural oscillations. These systems exhibit complex spatiotemporal dynamics and intricate interdependencies among their constituent elements. While classical models of multivariate phase relationships, such as the wave equation and Kuramoto model, give theoretical models to describe phenomena, the development of statistical tools for hypothesis testing and inference for multivariate phase relationships in complex systems remains limited. This paper introduces a novel probabilistic modeling framework to characterize multivariate phase relationships, with wave-like phenomena serving as a key example. This approach describes spatial patterns and interactions between oscillators through a pairwise exponential family distribution. Building upon the literature of graphical model inference, including methods like Ising models, graphical lasso, and interaction screening, this work bridges the gap between classical wave dynamics and modern statistical approaches. Efficient inference methods are introduced, leveraging the Chow-Liu algorithm for directed tree approximations and interaction screening for general graphical models. Simulated experiments demonstrate the utility of these methods for uncovering wave properties and sparse interaction structures, highlighting their applicability to diverse scientific domains. This framework establishes a new paradigm for statistical modeling of multivariate phase relationships, providing a powerful toolset for exploring the complexity of these systems.

PMID:40492251 | PMC:PMC12148093

ArXiv [Preprint]. 2025 May 27:arXiv:2505.21080v1.

ABSTRACT

We explored the fractal and multifractal characteristics of breast mammogram micrographs to identify quantitative biomarkers associated with breast cancer progression. In addition to conventional fractal and multifractal analyses, we employed a recently developed fractal-functional distribution method, which transforms fractal measures into Gaussian distributions for more robust statistical interpretation. Given the sparsity of mammogram intensity data, we also analyzed how variations in intensity thresholds, used for binary transformations of the fractal dimension, follow unique trajectories that may serve as novel indicators of disease progression. Our findings demonstrate that fractal, multifractal, and fractal-functional parameters effectively differentiate between benign and cancerous tissue. Furthermore, the threshold-dependent behavior of intensity-based fractal measures presents distinct patterns in cancer cases. To complement these analyses, we applied the Inverse Participation Ratio (IPR) light localization technique to quantify structural disorder at the microscopic level. This multi-parametric approach, integrating spatial complexity and structural disorder metrics, offers a promising framework for enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of breast cancer detection.

PMID:40492247 | PMC:PMC12148087

Ecancermedicalscience. 2025 Mar 13;19:1871. doi: 10.3332/ecancer.2025.1871. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Sorafenib is a multikinase tyrosine kinase inhibitor whose prolonged use may lead to cognitive impairment due to inhibition of angiogenesis. However, data on its impact on neurocognitive function in desmoid tumours (DTs) is lacking.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study enrolling 50 participants including 30 with DT on sorafenib (Group 1), 10 treatment-naive patients with DT (Group 2) and 10 healthy controls (Group 3). Questionnaire-based assessment was done using appearance anxiety inventory, Depression anxiety and stress questionnaire-21 (DASS-21), Hindi mental status examination (HMSE) and computer-based Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery (CANTAB) neuropsychological tests. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software version 10 and individual groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test with p value of <0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS: 50 participants had a median age of 29.91 years (25%-75% CI: 27.05-32.77 years), female predominance (n = 26, 52%), median duration of sorafenib 18.1 months (range: 6-60) at a median dose of 241.17 mg (range: 200-400). There was a statistically significant difference in anxiety (p = 0.0127) between Groups 1 (patients on sorafenib) and 3 (healthy controls), while other objective cognitive and neuropsychological parameters were comparable. There was a significant positive correlation between sorafenib duration and anxiety (p = 0.026) by DASS21, and a negative correlation between HMSE and mean five choice reaction time (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION: This is the first study to examine the neurocognitive effects of sorafenib in patients with DT. We exhibit significantly higher anxiety in patients with DT on sorafenib as compared to healthy controls. There was a significant correlation noted between anxiety and treatment duration. We propose further longitudinal studies to assess the effect of sorafenib in DT.

PMID:40492228 | PMC:PMC12146563 | DOI:10.3332/ecancer.2025.1871

Ecancermedicalscience. 2025 Mar 18;19:1874. doi: 10.3332/ecancer.2025.1874. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the second most prevalent cancer among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite dedicated efforts to enhance BC care in the region through improving diagnostic and treatment services, little is known about the treatment outcomes of BC patients and the predictors of outcomes in our local settings have not been enumerated. This study aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes and the associated factors among BC patients in Tanzania.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study at Muhimbili National Hospital and Ocean Road Cancer Institute in 2022. It involved female patients 18 years and above who were confirmed to have BC by histology. A sample size of 240 was determined to be adequate to detect a survival difference between the stages. Using Research Electronic Data Capture, clinical characteristics were collected from patients’ treatment records and survival status was ascertained both by case notes or phone calls to patients or next of kin. Data were transferred into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27 for subsequent analysis where continuous variables were summarised as proportions. We used chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests to determine the association between various patients’ characteristics and treatment outcomes. Kaplan-Meyer analysis was used to determine survival and a p-value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: In total, 298 BC patients were studied with a mean age of 53.2 ± 13.6 (27-89). Invasive ductal carcinoma, parity and late stage at presentation were predominant features in these patients. A triple negative subtype was identified in 35.2% of the women. Only 27.9% and 33.6% of the patients received neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy respectively, while 8.1% of the patients were palliated. The overall 5 years survival was 29.7%, while being significantly poor in patients with advanced stages of the disease. Luminal subtypes, parity, menopausal status and age had some influence on BC survival among our patients but not in a significant manner.

CONCLUSION: Mastectomy is predominantly offered to BC patients in Tanzania with no standardisation of use of chemo/radiation both in neo/adjuvant settings. Some important prognostic factors were missing including a lack of standardised work up of patients. With the predominance of advanced stage at presentation, BC carries unacceptable high mortality in Tanzania. Efforts to detect BC early, understand patients’ perception of their disease and standardisation of care are needed to successfully implement treatment guidelines.

PMID:40492227 | PMC:PMC12146571 | DOI:10.3332/ecancer.2025.1874

Ecancermedicalscience. 2025 Mar 20;19:1878. doi: 10.3332/ecancer.2025.1878. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The growing burden of cancer in Africa requires innovative approaches for enhancing the cancer workforce on the continent. Virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) are one such approach that can be utilised for continuous professional development, networking and sharing of cancer knowledge and best practices among different stakeholders.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the experiences of a cancer VCoP, the Africa Cancer Research and Control ECHO, and illustrate short- and long-term outcomes that are relevant to enhancing the cancer workforce in Africa.

METHODS: We collected quantitative and qualitative data about the 2022/2023 Africa Cancer ECHO through (i) statistics from the video conferencing platform (number of participants per session) and (ii) a cross-section survey at the end of the curriculum year in June 2023 (participants’ feedback about the sessions, learning and use of the knowledge and network from the ECHO). We also compared these data with evaluations of the ECHO from previous years, and conducted interviews with core community members to understand long-term outcomes regarding professional networking and collaboration.

RESULTS: The African Cancer ECHO has been running since 2018. Members meet regularly online to discuss different aspects of cancer control through didactical and case presentations. In 2022/2023, twelve 90-minute monthly sessions were held with an average of 33 attendees per session and 200 unique individuals from 14 African countries overall, plus additional representation from outside of Africa.Over the 4 years (2019/2020 to 2022/2023), different cancer control stakeholders participated in the Africa Cancer ECHO, including advocates, patients, clinicians, researchers and cancer planners. For each year, about 30% of the participants were new to the ECHO. The respondents were positive about the ECHO sessions and in agreement with the ECHO’s learning and networking outcomes 70%-90% of the time. The interviews revealed long-term, practical outcomes of the Africa Cancer ECHO, including securing research funding, initiation of a new community of practice to specifically address cancer survivorship in Africa and scientific research collaborations resulting in at least six peer-reviewed publications and several conference abstracts.

CONCLUSION: VCoPs, such as the Africa Cancer ECHO, have the potential to contribute to human resource capacity-building for cancer control in Africa through accessible and convenient peer learning, professional networking and collaboration. However, the identification and use of more robust evaluation tools and methods may provide a more comprehensive assessment of all of their benefits, including short and long-term outcomes.

PMID:40492226 | PMC:PMC12146562 | DOI:10.3332/ecancer.2025.1878

Ecancermedicalscience. 2025 Mar 5;19:1864. doi: 10.3332/ecancer.2025.1864. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of oral morphine (MOR) with oral tramadol (TRM) in control of pain as well as physical well-being in patients (pts) with moderate cancer pain (MCP) using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS).

METHODS: An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved randomised phase II trial was performed in opioid-naive pts with MCP as defined by pain score in numerical rating score (NRS) of 4-6. Patients were randomised to receive MOR syrup 5 mg 4 hourly or TRM 50 mg four times a day. Titration of dose was done in both groups for 3 days in case of inadequate pain control as per standard recommendation for MOR or until the maximum recommended daily dose for TRM. MOR was changed to prolonged release form on Day 4. The primary endpoint was the number of early responders, defined as pts with at least 20% reduction in pain intensity on NRS on Day 3. The secondary outcome was the number of patients with highly meaningful pain reduction, defined as a decrease in pain intensity on NRS by ≥5 and improvement in physical well-being with ESAS at Day 7.

RESULTS: Sixty-eight pts consented and were randomised, 34 in each arm. The primary endpoint occurred in 94.1% pts in MOR and 55.9% in TRM (p < 0.001). The number of patients with highly meaningful pain reduction was significantly higher in MOR than in TRM (76.5% versus 32.35%; p < 0.001). Improvement in general physical well-being as assessed by ESAS was better in the MOR group. No difference in adverse effects was noted between the treatment arms.

CONCLUSION: In this study, MOR was superior to TRM in the control of pain with statistically significant differences in the primary and secondary endpoints. Therefore, early use of MOR skipping the World Health Organization sequential analgesic ladder for MCP may be a higher value option in resource-scarce country with limited access to healthcare.

PMID:40492220 | PMC:PMC12146575 | DOI:10.3332/ecancer.2025.1864