Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Prospective randomized, placebo-controlled study: role of branched-chain amino acids infusion as adjunct therapy post-liver surgery for patients in the intensive care unit

BMC Gastroenterol. 2025 Jun 19;25(1):439. doi: 10.1186/s12876-025-03696-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Several animal studies have shown that Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may prevent acute liver injury, although its effects in humans are as yet undetermined. Thus the purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of intravenous BCAAs infusion on liver profile post-liver surgery in the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS: A randomized study that was applied for post liver surgery patients who were randomly allocated to receive either intravenous BCAA immediately post-operative or placebo.

MEASUREMENTS: Follow-up liver profile, Child-Pugh, and SOFA scores during the first week post-surgery.

MAIN RESULTS: A significant decline of bilirubin and ALT on day three and five in the BCAA group compared to the control group respectively. There was a significant improvement of PT on day seven 12.5 in the BCAA group versus 12.9 in the control group, p-value 0.01. Total bilirubin levels decreased by 75% in the BCAA group, whereas in the control group saw an increase of 6.25% from the baseline which was statistically significant, p-value 0.0376. SOFA score was markedly improved in the BCAA group (p-value 0.013). In addition to a significantly shorter ICU stay in the BCAA group than in the control group (p-value 0.018).

CONCLUSION: There are beneficial effects of BCAAs infusion post-liver surgery; including improved metabolic profile (liver function tests), and shorter ICU stay.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: (Clinicaltrials.gov registration number:NCT03448848), 28/02/2018.

PMID:40537743 | DOI:10.1186/s12876-025-03696-3

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Mental health in children with and without disabilities in a register-based Swedish sample supports the two-continua model: a latent class analysis

BMC Public Health. 2025 Jun 19;25(1):2167. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-23388-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mental health is a term frequently used to describe mental health problems. However, mental health includes both mental health problems and well-being. Therefore, mental health can be seen as having two distinct yet related dimensions, as described in the two-continua model of mental health (Westerhof & Keyes, 2010) where an individual can simultaneously experience any combination of well-being and problems, suggesting four classes: (i) high well-being, low problems; (ii) high well-being, high problems; (iii) low well-being, low problems; and (iv) low well-being, high problems. Through this framework an understanding of differences in putative risk and protective factors can be gained when compared across classes. While the model has received support, it is unclear how it applies to children. In particular, children with disabilities, as disabilities pose a risk factor to poor mental health. A greater understanding of similarities and differences between children with and without disabilities, and of risk and protective factors, could help tailor support focused on enhancing well-being, both as a goal and as a means to better self-management of mental health.

METHODS: The present project utilizes Sweden Statistics (SCB) study (barnULF) to measure life conditions. Nearly 4000 children aged 10-18, with and without disabilities, and their caregivers (ULF/SILC) were studied through yearly interview-based sample surveys conducted between 2013 and 2019. Latent class analysis was performed to assess whether the data fit a 4-class model in line with the two-continua model. Possible factors influencing mental health, including participation, were compared across the identified classes and between children with and without disabilities.

RESULTS: The analysis confirmed the predicted model. Each class showed distinct features regarding putative risk and protective factors of mental health and demographics in both the child and caregiver. These features differed significantly between children with and without disabilities, especially relating to participation, social bonds, family functioning, digital media use, and perceived safety. Age, disability, and gender predicted class adversity.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that mental health problems and well-being are two related but separate constructs, highlighting the importance of promoting participation and recognizing well-being and not just mental health problems when planning interventions. The results also highlight the importance of providing support for not only the child but also their caregiver.

PMID:40537737 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-23388-7

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Metabolomics Identifies Distinct Metabolic Signatures in Infertility: A Comparative Analysis of PCOS, POR, and NOR

Reprod Sci. 2025 Jun 19. doi: 10.1007/s43032-025-01908-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Infertility affects approximately 15% of reproductive-age couples, with polycystic ovary syndrome and poor ovarian reserve being major contributing factors. Metabolomic profiling of follicular fluid offers insights into the underlying metabolic disturbances associated with these infertility phenotypes. This study aims to identify metabolic biomarkers distinguishing PCOS, POR, and male factor infertility, which may facilitate improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

METHODS: A total of 119 participants were categorized into three groups: PCOS (n = 39), POR (n = 40), and NOR (n = 40). Liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry was used for untargeted metabolomic profiling. Metabolites were identified using HMDB, MassBank, and MoNA, while pathway analysis was performed using KEGG. Statistical analyses were conducted using R and Python, including one-way ANOVA, t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests, with False Discovery Rate correction applied.

RESULTS: Distinct metabolic alterations were observed among the groups. Trehalose-6-phosphate, taurocholate, and N,N-dimethylglycine emerged as the most significantly altered metabolites, showing strong discriminatory potential between PCOS and POR. PCOS patients exhibited reduced levels of taurocholate, mycalemide, and trehalose-6-phosphate, whereas NOR patients showed elevated levels of N,N-dimethylglycine and argininosuccinate. The POR group demonstrated increased levels of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and haplopine, along with a broader metabolite distribution.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals phenotype-specific metabolic signatures in PCOS and POR, identifying taurocholate, mycalemide, and N,N-dimethylglycine as potential follicular biomarkers. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the metabolic basis of infertility and highlight the potential of follicular fluid metabolomics for precision medicine in reproductive health.

PMID:40537734 | DOI:10.1007/s43032-025-01908-5

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Understanding stress-induced illegitimate aggression: the role of physiological and psychological factors in police cadets

Biol Futur. 2025 Jun 19. doi: 10.1007/s42977-025-00265-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To better understand the consequences of stress in realistic scenarios, police cadets were tasked with performing a police intervention under differing expectations. One group was led to anticipate a dangerous mission, while the other expected a routine event. In the field, however, both groups faced the same challenging situation. The warned group exhibited strong pre-intervention stress responses, which was minimal in the other group. By contrast, the unwarned group experienced a sudden surge in stress within the first minute of the intervention, as reality clashed with their expectations. A similar sudden stress response by the beginning of the intervention was missing from the warned group. A significant portion of cadets unlawfully attacked suspects, a behavior linked to intense stress displayed at the onset of the intervention. This emotional, illegitimate aggression was driven primarily by the noradrenergic stress response, with no indication of cortisol involvement. Traditional statistical methods (group comparisons, univariate, and multivariate regressions) suggested that psychological traits had little impact compared to acute stress effects. However, machine learning revealed that psychological characteristics-such as those assessed by the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire, Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, Big Five Personality Test, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-played a crucial role in conjunction with stress responses. Multivariate analyses yielded data similar to those obtained through machine learning, but only when the dependent variables were selected to match those identified as crucial by the latter. These findings highlight the power of machine learning in uncovering complex interactions that traditional methods might overlook.

PMID:40537691 | DOI:10.1007/s42977-025-00265-3

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

The hidden asymmetry: facet joint tropism as a clue to spinal malalignment and muscle degeneration in adult spinal deformity

Spine Deform. 2025 Jun 19. doi: 10.1007/s43390-025-01133-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The role of facet joint tropism (FJT) in degenerative spinal disorders such as disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, and lumbar canal stenosis is well-established. However, its association with adult spinal deformity (ASD) remains underexplored. Hence, we aim to study the correlation of FJT with spinopelvic parameters and lumbar paraspinal muscle morphology in ASD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed 117 patients with ASD from 2021 to 2024. An absolute value difference (ΔFJA) of more than 10 degrees between the right- and left-facet joint angle (FJA) was defined as FJT. We considered patients with FJT at the apex vertebra as the FJT + group and with ASD but without FJT as the FJT- group.

RESULTS: The mean ΔFJAs between the FJT + (n = 45) and FJT- (n = 45) were 17.14 and 5.38, respectively. For Cobb angle (CA) > 40˚ (n = 13), 84.6% (n = 11) belonged to the FJT + group. For CA 10-19˚(n = 28), 78.6% (n = 22) belonged to the FJT- group. Of the radiological parameters, differences in CA (p = 0.012), pelvic incidence (PI) (p = 0.031), grades of vertebral body rotation (VBR) (p = 0.022), facet joint osteoarthritis grades (FJOA) (p = 0.040) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of concave multifidus muscle (MF) (p = 0.010) were statistically significant between both the groups. The CSA of MF was decreased on the concave side (2.45 cm2) compared to the convex side (3.70 cm2) and was negatively correlated with ΔFJA (R2 = 0.642, p = 0.020). The ΔFJA had significant positive correlation with CA (R2 = 0.550, p = 0.010), PI (R2 = 0.624, p = 0.030), grades of VBR (R2 = 0.610, p = 0.007), and grades of FJOA (R2 = 0.780, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ASD and FJT exhibited greater Cobb angle, higher PI, higher grades of FJOA and VBR, and lower CSA of concave MF. However, the role of facet joint tropism in adult spinal deformity-whether causal or compensatory-warrants validation through longitudinal, long-term studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID:40537686 | DOI:10.1007/s43390-025-01133-9

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Comparative analysis of erbium: glass 1550 nm and combined erbium: YAG & Nd: YAG lasers for perioral rejuvenation: a prospective study

Lasers Med Sci. 2025 Jun 20;40(1):291. doi: 10.1007/s10103-025-04540-6.

ABSTRACT

Perioral aging manifests as fine lines, wrinkles, and structural changes, often requiring specialized treatment. Although laser systems are widely used in facial rejuvenation, few studies directly compare their efficacy in perioral rejuvenation. This study evaluates and compares the efficacy and safety of two laser systems-Erbium: glass laser and Nd: YAG combined with Er: YAG laser-for perioral rejuvenation. A prospective, comparative clinical trial was conducted with 36 female patients who sought perioral rejuvenation at a tertiary dermatology hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to either the erbium: glass group or the Nd: YAG combined with Er: YAG group, each receiving three treatment sessions at 4-week intervals. Efficacy was assessed through clinical wrinkle severity ratings, VisioFace® imaging, and patient satisfaction scores. Safety was evaluated by monitoring adverse events. The mean ages in the erbium: glass and Nd: YAG combined with Er: YAG laser groups were 49.78 ± 6.59 and 46.72 ± 6.36 years, respectively, without significant difference (p > 0.05). All participants had Fitzpatrick skin types III- IV. Both treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in supralabial lines and skin hyperpigmentation (p < 0.05). While erbium: glass was more effective in reducing supralabial lines, the difference between the two laser systems was not statistically significant. Conversely, improvement in corner lip wrinkles was statistically significant only in the Nd: YAG combined with Er: YAG laser group (p < 0.05). Erbium: glass showed significantly superior results in reducing pore count (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of skin hyperpigmentation improvement. Both erbium: glass and Nd: YAG combined with Er: YAG laser are effective and safe options for perioral rejuvenation. Erbium: glass may be particularly suited for targeting superficial lines and pores, while Nd: YAG combined with Er: YAG laser appears more effective for treating deeper wrinkles. These findings support an individualized laser treatment selection approach based on specific skin concerns. Further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are recommended to confirm and expand on these results.

PMID:40537663 | DOI:10.1007/s10103-025-04540-6

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Risk Factors for Serious Bacterial Infections Among Young Infants With Hypothermia: Protocol for a Multicenter, Retrospective Case-Control Study

JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Jun 19;14:e66722. doi: 10.2196/66722.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia in young infants presenting to the emergency department (ED) may indicate a serious bacterial infection (SBI) such as a urinary tract infection, bacteremia, or bacterial meningitis. Improved understanding of the epidemiology of SBI in infants with hypothermia and the development of prediction models can help avoid unnecessary invasive procedures and antimicrobial exposure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to (1) describe the epidemiology of SBI and herpes simplex virus (HSV) among infants with hypothermia, (2) assess the role of biomarkers in predicting SBI, and (3) derive and internally validate a multivariable predictive model for SBI among infants with hypothermia.

METHODS: The study is being conducted through the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Collaborative Research Committee as a retrospective nested case-control study. We will include infants with hypothermia (rectal temperature<36.5 °C) presenting to 1 of 28 pediatric EDs in the United States between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2022. Exclusion criteria will include (1) fever in the ED or prior to ED arrival, (2) transfer from another health care facility, (3) technology dependence, (4) trauma, (5) skin and soft tissue infections, and (6) presentation in cardiac arrest. The primary outcomes will be culture-confirmed SBI (objectives 1-3) and HSV-positivity (objective 1). The analytic approach for each objective will be (1) to use descriptive statistics to summarize the epidemiology of SBI and HSV and clinical outcomes, (2) to compare biomarker parameters of infants with and without SBI and determine optimal cutoff values using a receiver operator characteristic curve, and (3) to develop a multivariable predictive model using penalized mixed effects logistic regression within a 1:3 case-control sample among infants in the cohort who had a blood culture obtained.

RESULTS: Data collection for this study is ongoing, with a collection of data from 21 hospitals at the time of protocol submission. Of 16 sites evaluated in preliminary analysis (n=45,673), the median age is 25 (IQR 6-52) days, and 24,182 (52.9%) are male. In total, 340 (0.7%) infants have an SBI, of whom 103 had bacteremia or meningitis. Mortality occurred in 7 (2.1%; 95% CI 0.9%-4.3%).

CONCLUSIONS: We will use a consensus-based outcome measure for SBI with an established data acquisition pathway. We will use a multicenter sample from US children’s hospitals, using a consensus-based outcome measure for SBI and a case-control approach to evaluate outcomes to improve the management of young infants with hypothermia in the ED.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/66722.

PMID:40536806 | DOI:10.2196/66722

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Healthcare Professionals’ Perceived Burden Related to Care in the Dying Phase – Results of a Cross-Sectional Explorative Study on General Wards and Intensive Care Units

Omega (Westport). 2025 Jun 19:302228251353548. doi: 10.1177/00302228251353548. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Most patients dying in hospitals die outside of specialist palliative care, making healthcare professionals of all disciplines responsible for the care of the dying. This cross-sectional study assessed how burdened healthcare professionals on non-palliative care hospital wards are when caring for dying patients. Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi2 and t tests) were used to analyze the data. N = 201 healthcare professionals on ten non-palliative care hospital wards participated in the survey (four general wards, six intensive care units). Intensive care unit staff reported a higher total burden related to care in the dying phase than general ward staff (d = 0.41; p = .005). “High demands of caring for dying patients”, “unexpected death”, and “special relationship with informal caregivers” were the most severe and prevalent burden factors in healthcare professionals. Results show specific burden factors that should be prioritized when implementing interventions to reduce burden in healthcare professionals.

PMID:40536794 | DOI:10.1177/00302228251353548

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Evaluation of Bone Trabeculation in the Mandible in Patients With Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion by Using Fractal Analysis

J Craniofac Surg. 2025 Jun 19. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000011565. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in trabecular bone architecture in the condylar neck and angulus regions of the mandible in patients who were treated with surgically assisted maxillary extension (SARME) using fractal analysis (FA) techniques.

METHODS: The study included 37 patients who underwent SARME operation for maxillary transversal deficiency in the Department of Oral, Maxillofacial and Maxillofacial Surgery. Fractal values (FV) were measured from the right and left condyle neck and angulus on panoramic radiographs before and 6 months after the operation.

RESULTS: As a result of the analysis, statistically significant changes were found in the bilateral condyle neck in pre and postoperative FV scores (P<0.05), whereas the changes in the angulus region were not statistically significant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that changing occlusion and masticatory forces after SARME surgery change the bone structure in the condyle region of the mandible, increase trabeculation and therefore FV.

PMID:40536787 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000011565

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

An Individualized Prediction Model for Early-Stage Classic Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

NEJM Evid. 2025 Jun 19:EVIDoa2500115. doi: 10.1056/EVIDoa2500115. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A predictive model for early-stage classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL) does not exist. Leveraging patient-level data from large clinical trials and registries, we developed and validated a model that we term the Early-Stage cHL International Prognostication Index (E-HIPI) to predict 2-year progression-free survival (PFS).

METHODS: We developed the model using the Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) guidelines in 3000 adults with newly diagnosed early-stage cHL from four international phase III clinical trials conducted from 1994 to 2011. External validation was performed in two cohorts, totaling 2360 treated patients from five international cHL registries (1996 to 2019). Two-year PFS was estimated using a Cox model with pretreatment variables selected using backward elimination. Internal validation corrected for overfitting. External validation assessed discrimination and calibration. The final model was also compared against European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) favorable or unfavorable status.

RESULTS: The median age in the development cohort was 31.2 years; 77.4% had stage II disease. The estimated 2-year PFS was 93.7%. Final variables retained in the model were sex and continuous values of maximum tumor diameter (MTD), and levels of hemoglobin and albumin. The optimism-corrected C statistic in the development cohort was 0.63 (95% confidence interval, 0.60 to 0.69). Two-year PFS was lower in the validation cohorts 1 (90.3%) and 2 (91.6%). In validation cohort 1, the C statistic was 0.63 and the calibration slope was near 1, but overall calibration indicated underprediction, which improved on updating the intercept. The performance was similar in validation cohort 2. In addition, higher-risk E-HIPI scores were associated with worse outcomes in both the EORTC unfavorable and favorable subgroups. When included altogether in one Cox model, the E-HIPI was associated with PFS, whereas EORTC favorable or unfavorable status was not. Online risk calculators were developed (https://rtools.mayo.edu/holistic_ehipi/).

CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing objective, continuous, and readily available variables, we developed and validated a new prediction model for early-stage cHL. Male sex, lower hemoglobin or albumin levels, and higher MTDs were associated with worse PFS. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute; grant number, NCI R01 CA 262265-04.).

PMID:40536772 | DOI:10.1056/EVIDoa2500115