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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The role of scapular morphological structure in degenerative rotator cuff injury: a digital reconstruction radiograph study

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025 Aug 23;26(1):815. doi: 10.1186/s12891-025-09086-w.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships among the acromial tilt (AT), the glenoid inclination angle (GIA), the critical shoulder angle (CSA), the acromioglenoid angle (AGA), and degenerative rotator cuff injury via digital reconstruction radiographs (DRRs).

METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 63 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled from the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between April 2023 and April 2024, 33 patients with rotator cuff injury and 30 controls were included. Clinical data and scapular computed tomography (CT) scans were collected, and three-dimensional reconstructions were generated via Amira software (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA). Digital reconstruction radiograph (DRR) images were simulated at the Grashey and Y positions of the scapula, and the parameters were measured via Digimizer software (MedCalc Software, Belgium). The diagnostic and predictive validity of each parameter for DRR for rotator cuff injury was assessed through statistical analysis of the measured data, including inter-observer consistency, correlation analysis among parameters, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS: (1) Inter-observer reliability was excellent for all the parameters (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.8). (2) CSA and AGA were significantly greater in the rotator cuff injury group (PCSA= 0.003;PAGA < 0.001), whereas GIA was significantly lower (P < 0.001); no difference was detected in AT (P > 0.05). (3) Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that GIA, CSA, and AGA were risk factors for rotator cuff injury (PCSA=0.008; PAGA = 0.001; PGIA = 0.001). (4) ROC analysis yielded area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.755 (GIA), 0.700 (CSA), and 0.796 (AGA), with cutoff thresholds of 83.98°, 30.67°, and 42.04°, respectively. (5) Strong correlations were observed between the CSA and AGA (r = 0.939), whereas the GIA was inversely correlated with both the CSA (r = -0.423) and the AGA (r = -0.471).

CONCLUSION: Measurements of GIA, CSA, and AGA derived from DRRs demonstrate high diagnostic value for degenerative rotator cuff injury. DRR represents a reliable alternative to conventional radiography in clinical practice. In the future, DRR holds promise as a tool for assessing the impact of degenerative rotator cuff injury. However, due to radiation exposure concerns, the current application of DRR is recommended primarily for retrospective studies utilizing existing computed tomography (CT) data.

PMID:40849641 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-025-09086-w

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A comparison of high-fidelity and virtual reality simulation as assessment tools in undergraduate medical education

Adv Simul (Lond). 2025 Aug 23;10(1):43. doi: 10.1186/s41077-025-00374-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Simulation is widely used across many aspects of health professions education and, in recent years, has begun to be explored as an assessme nt tool, particularly in relation to examining technical clinical skills. Although previous research has suggested that simulation may be an effective tool for assessing clinical skills, there is a lack of evidence exploring which form of technology may be a more reliable assessment tool. This crossover study aimed to compare two forms of simulation technology-a high-fidelity manikin and virtual reality, as potential tools for assessing acute clinical care assessment skills.

METHODS: The participating students completed two different simulation scenarios: one scenario using a high-fidelity manikin and one using a virtual reality system. The two scenarios were then marked using a checklist created for the research and a global assessment score. The results for each simulation technology were compared with one another and compared with the participants’ medical final summative assessment scores.

RESULTS: Sixteen students participated in the research. The assessment checklist scores from the two technologies were comparable, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.918) and a strong positive correlation between the two (correlation coefficient = 0.665, p = 0.005). However, neither simulation technology had a statistically significant correlation with the summative final written examination paper (high-fidelity manikin: correlation coefficient = – 0.25, p = 0.927; virtual reality: correlation coefficient = 0.363, p = 0.167) or final clinical examination scores (high-fidelity manikin: correlation coefficient = – 0.204, p = 0.449; virtual reality: correlation coefficient = – 0.201, p = 0.455).

CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this research suggest that virtual reality simulation is comparable to high-fidelity simulation when comparing student scores across the two forms of simulation. However, neither method demonstrated a strong correlation with final summative examination outcomes, suggesting that a single scenario assessment using either technology may not provide an appropriate alternative to existing final summative examinations. To better understand the role of simulation in assessment, further research is needed to compare these two simulation technologies in more depth and provide additional evidence to support educators in understanding how they can be best used within health professions education.

PMID:40849636 | DOI:10.1186/s41077-025-00374-y

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Effects of balance device training on ankle function and postural control ability in patients with functional ankle instability

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Aug 23;20(1):795. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-06195-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Functional ankle instability (FAI) is a common chronic disease after ankle sprains, and exercise intervention can improve symptoms of instability. This research aims to assess the effect of two new ankle balance device training programs on the ankle function and postural control ability in individuals with functional ankle instability.

METHODS: A total of sixty-eight participants with FAI were randomly assigned to three groups: the spherical ankle balance device (SABD) group, the ensiform ankle balance device (EABD) group and the control group. Participants in all three groups engaged in an 8-week exercise intervention, conducting 4 times per week, each lasting 30 min. Variables were assessed before and after the intervention immediately, including the CAIT score, peroneal muscle reaction time, joint position sense, ankle inversion and eversion torques, and postural control ability. A paired t-test was utilized to compare results within each group, while one-way ANOVA was applied for comparisons between groups. Stepwise regression analysis was performed using the changes in CAIT score post-training as the dependent variable, with changes in peroneal muscle reaction time, position sense, postural control ability, and ankle torque as independent variables to establish a regression equation. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistically significant differences.

RESULTS: After eight weeks of intervention, the SABD and EABD groups exhibited significant reductions in peroneal muscle reaction time (P < 0.05) and increases in ankle eversion torque (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. The EABD group demonstrated superior outcomes in ankle inversion and eversion torque and postural control compared to SABD groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Training with new ankle balance devices significantly enhanced postural control and ankle function in patients with FAI, especially for ensiform ankle balance device.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ChiCTR2500107096, 20,250,804 (Retrospectively registered).

PMID:40849635 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-06195-z

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Association between vitamin D deficiency, inflammatory markers, and knee osteoarthritis: a retrospective study

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Aug 23;20(1):794. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-05805-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition influenced by various biochemical, anatomical, and lifestyle factors. Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in OA, but its role in disease severity and associated symptoms remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in knee OA patients and its relationship with inflammatory markers and clinical symptoms.

METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 986 patients with knee OA over a 3.5-year period. Vitamin D levels, ESR, and platelet counts were assessed, along with demographic and clinical data. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore associations.

RESULT: This study involved 986 patients with knee OA, majority of them (85% ) were female with mean age 52.95 ± 12.44 years. More than half of patients 59.7% had unilateral knee OA and 40.3% had bilateral knee OA. The mean value of Vitamin D3 was 25.35 ± 14.125. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 70.9% of patients, with moderate deficiency being most prevalent (36.94%). No significant association was found between vitamin D levels and inflammatory markers. However, a strong association was observed between vitamin D deficiency and symptoms like polyarthralgia (p < .05)., Bilateral OA was associated with higher vitamin D deficiency levels compared to unilateral OA (P < .001).

CONCLUSION: OA more prevalence among female .As well as, vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in knee OA patients and its severity associated with Bilateral OA and polyarthralgia but not with inflammatory markers. Future research should focus on the long-term impact of vitamin D supplementation and the molecular mechanisms underlying these disparities.

PMID:40849628 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-05805-0

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The effect of exercise on menstrual symptoms: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Womens Health. 2025 Aug 23;25(1):406. doi: 10.1186/s12905-025-03940-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Menstrual symptoms are a prevalent and frequently encountered woman’s health condition. This study aimed to examine the effect of exercise on menstrual symptoms, sleep quality, fatigue, and physical activity levels.

METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial between September 2023 and December 2023. The study included 54 women aged 18 to 45 years. The participants were allocated to the exercise or the control group using simple randomization with a sealed envelope method. All participants were evaluated with the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ), the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ) before and after treatment. The control group did not receive an exercise program. The exercise group received strengthening, flexibility, and balance exercises. A moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and walking program was implemented at least three days per week. The study spanned three menstrual cycles for each woman and lasted an average of 12 weeks.

RESULTS: Within-group analysis showed a significant decrease in MSQ (p=0.001), MDQ (menstrual) (p=0.002), FSS (p=0.003), and PSQI (p=0.001) scores after exercise. In contrast, the IPAQ score increased significantly in the exercise group p=0.001). In the control group, a significant decrease was observed only in the MDQ (intermenstrual) score (p=0.915). A comparison of the pre-treatment and post-treatment changes in the exercise and control groups revealed a significant decrease in MSQ (p=0.001), MDQ (menstrual) (p=0.023), and PSQI scores (p=0.001) and an increase in IPAQ scores (p=0.001) in the exercise group compared to the control group. However, the decrease in MDQ (pre-menstrual and intermenstrual) (p=0.626, p=0.348) and FSS scores (p=0.102) were not statistically different between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, exercise can decrease the menstrual symptoms in women with menstrual symptoms as a primary outcome. Second, exercise can also increase their sleep quality. Therefore, it can be employed as a non-pharmacological adjuvant method to help women manage their symptoms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol is registered with http://clinicaltrials.gov/ (17/August/2023, Clinical Trial, NCT06006507).

PMID:40849627 | DOI:10.1186/s12905-025-03940-8

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Optimizing antithrombotic therapy following mitral valve repair: a comprehensive network meta-analysis

BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2025 Aug 23;25(1):628. doi: 10.1186/s12872-025-04974-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation (MR) presents either as primary or secondary, with options for surgical or transcatheter repair. Thromboembolic risks following surgery are significant despite the use of antithrombotic medications, and guidelines for postoperative anticoagulation therapy lack consistency. This systematic review aims to compare antithrombotic medications after mitral valve repair (MVR). In this study, we intend to compare antithrombotic medications after MVR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study followed the Cochrane handbook and PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched databases (PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Cochrane, Web of Science) until June 2024 for TMVR studies using specific criteria. Quality assessment utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data extraction encompassed study characteristics and outcomes. Primary outcomes included thromboembolic events and bleeding within six months. Statistical analysis employed R software to assess heterogeneity and publication bias.

RESULTS: From the 121 articles screened, 12 were included in the study. These cohort studies, involving 20,644 participants, spanned from 2008 to 2022. While most studies were of good to high quality, some exhibited lower quality. Analysis favored oral anticoagulants (OAC) over single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) for reducing bleeding risk (RR = 0.31, 95% CI: [0.11-0.87], P < 0.05), with moderate heterogeneity. Thromboembolic events did not significantly differ among interventions. Transient ischemic attacks and stroke outcomes were similar between SAPT and vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Six-month mortality rates were comparable between SAPT and VKA, with notable heterogeneity and higher mortality with SAPT in one study. Qualitative synthesis highlighted procedural success rates and bleeding complications across different interventions in transcatheter mitral valve repair studies.

CONCLUSION: OACs showed a lower risk of bleeding compared to antiplatelet therapies, while VKAs and OAC + SAPT may reduce thromboembolic events. No significant differences were found in stroke, TIA, or short-term mortality. These findings support individualized therapy and highlight the need for further randomized trials.

PMID:40849614 | DOI:10.1186/s12872-025-04974-4

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Use of urinary NGAL in steroid-resistant vs. steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Nephrol. 2025 Aug 23;26(1):486. doi: 10.1186/s12882-025-04420-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nephrotic syndrome is a common glomerular disorder. Treatment typically begins with corticosteroids, but patient response varies. Differentiating between steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) early in the disease course is important, as SRNS is associated with a higher risk of poor long-term outcomes. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a biomarker released in response to tubular injury, has emerged as a potential non-invasive marker for renal damage.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting NGAL levels in SSNS and SRNS, based on the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and the WHO Virtual Health Library Regional. The statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS: A total of 16 studies were included. Meta-analyses revealed significantly higher urinary NGAL levels in both SSNS and SRNS patients compared to healthy controls. Urinary NGAL levels were significantly higher in SSNS and SRNS patients compared to healthy controls, with SMD = 0.78 (95% CI: 0.434-1.128, P < .001) and SMD = 2.56 (95% CI: 1.152-3.971, P < .001), respectively. Patients with SRNS had markedly higher urinary NGAL levels than those with SSNS (SMD = 1.889, 95% CI: 0.819-2.959, P < .001). ROC analyses across several studies demonstrated moderate to strong discriminative ability of urinary NGAL in distinguishing between SRNS and SSNS.

CONCLUSION: Urinary NGAL demonstrated strong potential as a non-invasive biomarker for distinguishing between SRNS and SSNS, supporting its clinical utility in early diagnosis, risk stratification, and management.

PMID:40849613 | DOI:10.1186/s12882-025-04420-9

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Prevalence and predictors of caesarean deliveries at the Tamale teaching hospital in Northern Ghana

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025 Aug 23;25(1):881. doi: 10.1186/s12884-025-07902-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Modern medicine has significantly transformed the process of childbirth among women. The preferred mode of childbirth has become of global interest to many researchers due to the steady rise in recent caesarean section (CS) rates. While CS is often viewed as a life-saving intervention, it is associated with both immediate and long-term complications for the mother, newborn, and future pregnancies. To better understand the medical and non-medical reasons for CS among women, this study was conducted to identify the socio-demographic and obstetric factors that influence CS in the Tamale Metropolis.

METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 318 postpartum mothers at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Descriptive analysis, univariate logistic regression and stepwise multivariate logistic regression model were conducted, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The majority of respondents (63.5%) were below 30 years. Almost all respondents (95.3%) were enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The majority (95.91%) had single births. Most respondents (91.2%) had spontaneous vaginal delivery. The prevalence of CS was 8.8%. Significant factors influencing the preference for CS were maternal age above 30 years (aOR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.01-5.12), rural settlement (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.10-0.92), twin delivery (aOR = 6.88, 95% CI = 1.64-28.95), and obstetric complication (aOR = 10.55, 95% CI = 2.42-46.04).

CONCLUSION: There is a need to focus on initiatives that address regional disparities, enhance access to comprehensive maternal healthcare services, and promote informed decision-making regarding mode of delivery to ultimately improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

PMID:40849612 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-025-07902-8

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Efficacy and safety of PCSK-9 inhibitors in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2025 Aug 23;25(1):629. doi: 10.1186/s12872-025-05070-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a leading cause of global cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) being a key modifiable risk factor. Despite statin therapy, many patients fail to achieve optimal LDL-C targets, highlighting the need for adjunctive treatments such as PCSK9 inhibitors (e.g., Evolocumab and Alirocumab). However, comparative evidence on their efficacy and safety in ACS patients remains limited.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of PCSK9 inhibitors (Evolocumab and Alirocumab) in patients with ACS, focusing on LDL-C reduction and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed PCSK9 inhibitors in ACS patients and reported outcomes on LDL-C and MACE. Both direct and network meta-analyses were performed to compare effect sizes across interventions. No direct head-to-head trials between Evolocumab and Alirocumab were identified.

RESULTS: Nine RCTs involving 37,934 patients were included. Direct meta-analysis showed that PCSK9 inhibitors significantly reduced LDL-C (mean difference [MD]: – 52.7 mg/dL; 95% CI: – 61.2 to – 44.1) and lowered the risk of MACE (odds ratio [OR]: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.68-0.93). In subgroup analysis, Evolocumab produced greater LDL-C reductions, while Alirocumab showed a stronger trend toward MACE reduction, though not statistically significant (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.68-1.03). Network meta-analysis confirmed these patterns but revealed no statistically significant differences between the two agents.

CONCLUSION: PCSK9 inhibitors significantly improve lipid profiles and reduce cardiovascular event risk in ACS patients. While Evolocumab and Alirocumab offer similar overall benefits, their differential effects on LDL-C and MACE warrant further investigation. These findings support the role of PCSK9 inhibitors in secondary prevention strategies for high-risk cardiovascular populations.

PMID:40849610 | DOI:10.1186/s12872-025-05070-3

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Genetically predicted interleukin 7 levels and neuroblastoma risk combined with analysis of radiation therapy timing effects

Discov Oncol. 2025 Aug 23;16(1):1601. doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-03336-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The causal relationship between interleukin-7 levels and neuroblastoma risk remains unclear, and optimal radiation therapy timing lacks definitive evidence. This study investigated causal associations using Mendelian randomization while examining radiation therapy timing effects.

METHODS: We conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using GWAS summary statistics for interleukin-7 levels and neuroblastoma with three SNPs as instrumental variables. Multiple MRmethods included inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, and mode approaches. Additionally, 1,007 neuroblastoma patients from SEER database (2000-2018) were analyzed comparing preoperative (n = 416) versus postoperative (n = 591) radiation therapy using propensity score matching and Cox regression models.

RESULTS: Mendelian randomization revealed significant positive causal association between elevated interleukin-7 levels and increased neuroblastoma risk. The IVW method showed higher interleukin-7 levels associated with 3.6-fold increased odds (OR = 3.585, 95% CI: 1.216-10.575, p = 0.021). In clinical analysis, preoperative radiation demonstrated superior survival outcomes with 27% mortality reduction (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55-0.97, p = 0.031). Subgroup analysis revealed significant racial differences, with White patients deriving greatest benefit from preoperative radiation (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.42-0.78, p < 0.001).

RESULTS: This study provides evidence for causal relationship between interleukin-7 levels and neuroblastoma risk, suggesting inflammatory pathways’ role in pathogenesis.

PMID:40849609 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-025-03336-y