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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Food Texture Preference and Oral Clefts: A New Perspective from a Case-Control Study

Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2025 Apr 13:10556656251332119. doi: 10.1177/10556656251332119. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveAccording to food texture preference (FTP), children can be categorized as soft likers (SL) or hard likers. This study explored the relationship between FTP and having an oral cleft in children of the mixed dentition stage. The hypothesis stated that having an oral cleft phenotype would shift a child’s FTP toward soft-food textures.DesignA case-control study that employed a validated child food texture preference questionnaire (CFTPQ) to assess FTP. Children’s general demographics, food neophobia, and food intake data were collected using validated questionnaires. A pediatric dentist evaluated the children’s dental status.SettingData was collected in a dental teaching center and 5 public schools for cases and controls, respectively.ParticipantsThis study included 6- to 13-year-old children with treated oral clefts (n = 87) and their non-cleft peers (n = 413).Main outcome measureCFTPQ index.ResultsCases demonstrated a significantly lower mean CFTPQ index (31.97 ± 16.20) compared to controls (42.07 ± 16.42, P < .001). A total of 45 cases (51%) and 94 (23%) controls were identified as SL (P < .001). Cases were more food neophobic (42.67 ± 9.03) compared to controls (39.03 ± 11.62, P = .002). The final linear regression model identified age and oral cleft phenotype as variables of significant impact on FTP. Moreover, the cleft type, the type, and the number of surgical interventions received did not significantly influence their FTP.ConclusionsThis study offers new insight into a potential relationship between FTP and oral clefts in 6- to 13-year-old children. Children with cleft lip and/or palate demonstrate a preference for soft food textures and are more food-neophobic compared to their non-cleft counterparts.

PMID:40223297 | DOI:10.1177/10556656251332119

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Low blood flow velocity in the left atrial appendage in sinus rhythm as a predictor of atrial fibrillation: results of a prospective cohort study with 3 years of follow-up

Neurol Res Pract. 2025 Apr 14;7(1):24. doi: 10.1186/s42466-025-00381-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cause of cardioembolic stroke and can lead to severe and recurrent cerebrovascular events. Thus, identifying patients suffering from cardioembolic events caused by undetected AF is crucial. Previously, we found an association between increasing stroke severity and a decreasing left atrial appendage (LAA) blood flow velocity below 60 cm/s.

METHODS: This was a prospective single-center cohort study including hospitalized patients who underwent a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in sinus rhythm. The participants were divided into two groups (≥ 60 cm/s;<60 cm/s) based on their maximum LAA blood flow velocity. The results of the cardiovascular risk assessment and 24- to 72-hour ECG Holter were recorded. Follow-up appointments were scheduled at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. The primary endpoint was new-onset AF. The statistics included a Cox-proportional-hazard-model and a binary logistic regression. Numerical data or categorical data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test or chi-square test.

RESULTS: A total of 166 patients were recruited. The median LAA blood flow velocity was 64 cm/s. New-onset AF was diagnosed in 22.9% of the patients. An LAA blood flow velocity ≤ 60 cm/s was associated with a threefold increased risk of new-onset AF (35.8% vs. 11.5%; HR3.56; CI95%1.70-7.46; p < 0.001), independently according to a multivariate analysis (p = 0.035). Furthermore, a decreasing LAA blood flow velocity was associated with an increased risk of new-onset AF (OR1.043; CI95%1.021-1.069; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: A low LAA blood flow velocity (≤ 60 cm/s) in sinus rhythm is prospectively associated with an increased risk of new-onset AF. Additional simple LAA-TEE examinations could help to identify patients who benefit from more accurate cardiac rhythm monitoring.

PMID:40223142 | DOI:10.1186/s42466-025-00381-4

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A multidimensional network of factors associated with long COVID in the French population

Commun Med (Lond). 2025 Apr 13;5(1):114. doi: 10.1038/s43856-025-00846-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Various factors associated with long COVID have been evidenced, but the heterogeneity of definitions and epidemiological investigations has often hidden risk pathways relevant for understanding and preventing this condition.

METHODS: This nationwide random sampling survey conducted in France after the Omicron waves in autumn 2022 assessed eight sets of factors potentially associated with long COVID in a structured epidemiological investigation based on a conceptual model accounting for the relationships between these sets of factors. A representative sample of 1813 adults of whom 55% were infected with SARS-CoV-2 was assessed for infection dates and context, post-COVID symptoms and these factors. Four definitions of long COVID, including the World Health Organisation’s, were used.

RESULTS: Female sex, household size (≥2), low financial security, negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on occupation and work conditions, number of comorbidities (≥2), presence of respiratory disease, mental and sensory disorders, number of SARS-CoV-2 infections (≥2) and initial symptoms (≥6), perceived high severity of COVID-19 are positively and consistently associated with long COVID. Age ≥ 75 years, retirement, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (≥2 doses) and good perceived information regarding long Covid are negatively associated with the condition.

CONCLUSIONS: The broad spectrum of factors confirmed here strongly suggests that long COVID should be regarded not only as a direct complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection but also as driven by a broader network of contextual, medical, psychological and social factors. These factors should be better considered in strategies aimed at limiting the long COVID burden in the general population.

PMID:40223130 | DOI:10.1038/s43856-025-00846-2

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The burden of ambient air pollution on years of life lost from ischaemic heart disease in Pudong new area, Shanghai

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 13;15(1):12715. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96745-6.

ABSTRACT

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) remains a major public health threat globally. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term burden of air pollution exposure on years of life lost (YLLs) from IHD in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. Data on air pollutants, meteorological factors, and daily IHD deaths were collected from 2013 to 2021. A distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) combined with linear (for YLLs) and quasi-Poisson (for mortality) regression models was applied to analyse the association between air pollution exposure and the IHD burden. A stratified analysis was conducted according to sex, age, education level, and residence registration. Each 10 µg/m³ increase in PM10, SO2, and NO2 exposure was associated with YLL increases of 0.40 (95% CI: -0.32, 1.11), 4.38 (95% CI: 0.83, 7.92), and 0.67 (95% CI: -0.71, 2.04) years, respectively, at lag0-3. The corresponding YLL increase due to PM2.5 exposure was 0.28 (95% CI: -0.24, 0.80) years at lag0-1. The impacts of air pollution exposure on YLLs and daily IHD deaths were greater for male and urban groups than for female and rural groups. Furthermore, the difference in SO2 exposure was statistically significant among sex-stratified groups. Air pollution exposure was positively associated with IHD-related YLL increases in Pudong New Area, Shanghai.

PMID:40223129 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96745-6

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Determinants of the time period from stroke onset to arrival at the emergency department: a GIS integrated hospital-based cross-sectional study

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 13;15(1):12726. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-95371-6.

ABSTRACT

Stroke is a serious public health problem in developing countries like India, leading to rising deaths and disability-adjusted life years related to stroke. Pre-hospital delay is a major concern in most acute stroke cases, affecting timely interventions and treatment outcomes. Hence the current study aimed to identify the factors influencing the time from stroke onset to arrival at the emergency department and to map the spatial distribution of stroke cases from the tertiary care hospital. We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study among stroke patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Mysuru. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, and pre-hospital factors, along with detailed addresses of the place of stroke onset, first and second consultation, and their proximal first referral units were collected. GIS mapping was done using the software ArcGIS v10.8.2, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25. Most of the study participants were men, over 60 years of age, and residents from rural areas of Mysuru and its neighboring districts. The study found that only 25% of the stroke cases arrived within 4.5 h of symptom onset, with hemiparesis and slurred speech being the most common presenting complaints. Almost all the cases were within a 20 km radius of the first referral units with factors such as age group (p = 0.028), diabetes as a comorbid condition (p = 0.007), the decision taken for symptom onset (p < 0.01), the person involved in decision-making (p = 0.006), and the mode of arrival at the hospital (p = 0.004) being significantly associated with the duration from stroke onset to arrival at the hospital. This highlights the need for public awareness campaigns on stroke symptoms, the importance of early hospital presentation following stroke onset, and the capacity building of first referral units to provide timely emergency stroke care for people residing in rural areas.

PMID:40223117 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-95371-6

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Comparative analysis of the clinical efficacy of conservative treatment for adenomyosis using traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine

J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Apr 13;44(1):116. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-00852-z.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy of commonly used conservative treatments for adenomyosis using both TCM and Western medicine.

METHODS: 210 patients with adenomyosis were selected and divided into 3 groups: Group A (Dan’e Fukang), Group B (Dienogest), and Group C (Goserelin + Mirena), with 70 cases in each group. Afterward, indicators were collected for comparison.

RESULTS: Different treatment approaches exhibited varying effects on uterine VAS, and PBAC among the 3 groups (P < 0.001). The effects of different treatment approaches on serum levels of estradiol (E2), FSH, and CA125 also differed among the 3 groups (P < 0.001). After 3 months of treatment, the incidence of adverse reactions among the 3 groups was significantly different (P < 0.001), with further comparison indicating a lower incidence of adverse reactions in Groups A and B than in Group C (P < 0.017). Meanwhile, statistically significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions among the 3 groups were observed again after 6 months of treatment (P = 0.004), with further comparison revealing a lower incidence of adverse reactions in Group B than in Group C. Additionally, the comparison of uterine volume (P < 0.001) and VAS (P < 0.001) among the 3 groups was different after 12 months of treatment, and further comparison revealed that the uterine volume was ranked as Group B > Group C > Group A, while the pelvic pain VAS scores were ranked as Group C > Group B = Group A.

CONCLUSION: Dan’e Fukang Decoction is markedly effective in alleviating pain; Goserelin + Mirena exhibits significant efficacy in reducing bleeding.

PMID:40223114 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-025-00852-z

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Differential attainment in UK postgraduate medical examinations: examining the relationship between sociodemographic differences and examination performance

BMC Med. 2025 Apr 14;23(1):216. doi: 10.1186/s12916-025-04034-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Differential attainment (DA), or differences in performance of groups (rather than individual differences), has been observed in a number of postgraduate medical specialty examinations used in UK medical training. Until now, much of the published research on DA has been limited in scope and size to one specialty, one examination or one type of assessment. This retrospective cohort study addressed this gap by examining the relationship between numerous sociodemographic differences and performance in almost all UK postgraduate medical examinations using a dataset of more than 180,000 examination attempts by UK and international medical graduates, adjusting for prior academic attainment.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used the UK Medical Education Database (UKMED) to analyse the impact of a range of sociodemographic factors on performance in all UK postgraduate medical examinations aggregated into written and clinical exams. Pass/fail data at the first examination attempt were analysed for all candidates (UK medical school graduates (UKG) and those from non-UK schools (IMG)) sitting an examination between 2014 and 2020. Univariate analyses identified variables to carry forward into multivariate logistic regression models. Informed by previous research, all models were adjusted for prior academic attainment.

RESULTS: 180,890 examination first-attempts were made by UKG and IMG candidates, and 121,745 (67.3%) passed at the first attempt. Multivariate regression models showed that place of primary qualification (UKG vs IMG), gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability status and working less than full-time were all statistically significant, independent predictors of examination outcomes for all examination candidates. Additionally, there were significant associations between socioeconomic backgrounds and performance for UKGs alone. The strongest independent predictors of failing written and clinical examinations were graduating from a non-UK medical school, having a minority ethnic background and having a registered disability.

CONCLUSIONS: This, the largest study of UK postgraduate medical examination outcomes, identified sociodemographic differences that were independently predictive of performance in written and clinical postgraduate medical examinations. Further analysis is now required to ascertain whether these group-level differences exist in each postgraduate medical examination, the majority or a select few.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

PMID:40223107 | DOI:10.1186/s12916-025-04034-w

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Right atrium area is associated with survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a single-center cohort study

Echo Res Pract. 2025 Apr 14;12(1):9. doi: 10.1186/s44156-025-00072-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is associated with high mortality, highlighting the importance of identifying prognostic factors to guide treatment escalation plans. This study investigates the short-term prognostic potential of transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), a commonly performed investigation in OHCA patients. This study is among the first to report left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) in OHCA patients.

METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 54 patients treated between 2019 and 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient characteristics were reported using the 2015 Utstein template, and echocardiographic parameters were assessed following British Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Univariate analyses compared TTE parameters by survival-to-discharge and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation outcomes. Correlations between LV ejection fraction (LVEF) derived from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) and echocardiographic LV systolic parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS: The survival-to-discharge rate was 77.8%. Non-survivors had a significantly larger right atrium (RA) area (RAA) (20.8 cm2 vs. 15.2 cm2 in survivors; p = 0.003). No statistically significant differences were observed for other right or left heart parameters. The median LVGLS was reduced at -11.4% (interquartile range: -14.0 to -7.6). LVEF correlates well on cMRI and TTE (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.830).

CONCLUSION: This study identifies a novel association between larger RAA and short-term mortality following OHCA, alongside a higher survival rate in a tertiary center. Further research should consider incorporating RA parameters into analyses to refine prognostic assessments.

PMID:40223106 | DOI:10.1186/s44156-025-00072-5

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Clinical data required for the approval of pediatric pharmaceuticals in Japan

BMC Pediatr. 2025 Apr 14;25(1):289. doi: 10.1186/s12887-025-05646-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In Japan, the number of pharmaceuticals with pediatric indications is low, and some are approved only in Europe or the USA but not in Japan. As the approval review report by the Japanese health authority contains any detailed items considered for drug approval, this study aimed to analyze the review reports and elucidate data types that facilitate the approval of pediatric drugs in Japan.

METHODS: We identified products approved in Japan, extracted relevant product- and review-related information, and summarized the characteristics of pediatric drug clinical data and drug approval procedures.

RESULTS: Among 625 products (approved 04/2019-02/2024), 171 with pediatric indications were analyzed. The approval review considered orphan drug designation for 56 products, public knowledge-based application for 16 products, mandatory post-marketing surveillance for 42 products, and investigator-initiated studies for 11 products. For only 10 products, confirmatory studies were completed exclusively in Japanese children. Among the other 161 products, extrapolation from non-Japanese children and Japanese adults and/or older children was discussed for 93 and 100 products, respectively. Extrapolation-based reviews focused on ethnic and population factors and consistency of exposure dose, efficacy, and safety. Statistical confirmation is not always necessary for approval. Administrative incentives are often applied, including for orphan drugs and Sakigake designation and public knowledge-based applications.

CONCLUSIONS: The appropriateness or sufficiency of the clinical data package can refer to the PMDA. By considering joining a multinational study and determining the required number of Japanese patients, a path toward the approval of pediatric drugs in Japan can be identified.

PMID:40223100 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-025-05646-0

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Dietary live microorganisms and depression-driven mortality in hypertensive patients: NHANES 2005-2018

J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Apr 13;44(1):117. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-00861-y.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between dietary microorganism intake and mortality risk among hypertensive adults with depression in the United States.

METHODS: This study utilizes data from the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, focusing on individuals with hypertension. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve is employed to preliminarily explore the relationship between dietary microorganism intake, depression, and mortality risk in hypertensive individuals. The Cox proportional hazards model is used for both individual and combined analyses of these relationships. Mediation analysis assesses the mediating effect of depression on the association between dietary microorganisms and mortality, while subgroup and sensitivity analysis evaluates the stability of the model.

RESULTS: This cohort study included 11,602 hypertensive participants (5,904 men and 5,698 women), with 1,201 having depression. During follow-up period, 2,085 died from all causes, 692 due to cardiovascular events. Preliminary analysis using the K-M curve reveals that hypertensive individuals with higher dietary microorganism intake and those without depression have lower mortality risks. Cox proportional hazards model analysis shows that increased dietary microorganism intake is associated with reduced mortality risk in hypertensive individuals (HRALL-cause=0.654, 95%CI: 0.555-0.771; HRCVD-cause:0.675, 95%CI: 0.472,0.967). High intake of diets rich in dietary microorganisms may mitigate the ALL-cause mortality risk of depression in hypertensive populations(HRALL-cause=0.493, 95%CI: 0.256-0.947). Mediation analysis revealed that depression serves as a partial mediator in the process of dietary microorganisms improving the long – term prognosis of the hypertensive population. Results of subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis showed that the beneficial effect of dietary microorganism intake on prognosis remained stable in most of the hypertensive population.

CONCLUSION: Patients with depression among those suffering from hypertension can reduce the risk of all-cause mortality caused by depression by increasing their intake of dietary microorganisms. This provides clinicians with a new non-pharmacological intervention approach and offers a direction for the optimization of clinical combined treatment regimens.

PMID:40223098 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-025-00861-y