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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Culture practice of Oreochromis niloticus through recirculating aquaculture system (RAS): a modern and growth-optimized approach of fish culture by maintaining water quality with proper fish stocking density in Bangladesh

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Apr 17. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-36386-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The recirculating aquaculture system is a modern method for managing indoor fish culture and ensuring maximum output. The focus of this research was to see how water physical and chemical characteristics influenced the productivity of tilapia in fish tanks (size: dia-3.35 m and depth-1.5 m) of constant water capacity (10,000 l) using three stocking densities such as 1200 fish/tank (89 fish per m3), 1000 fish/tank (74 fish per m3), and 800 fish/tank (59 fish per m3) in Treatments I, II, and III, respectively. Ninety fish samples were randomly obtained every 2 weeks over 4 months; they were weighed, measured, and returned to the tank. The average range of different physical-chemical parameters was within the limit, with some variations observed in certain readings. It was noted how much weight the fish gained on average and their specific growth rates (SGR) for Treatments I, II, and III at the end of the experiment. The treatments indicated statistically substantial differences ( P < 0.05 ) considering the specific growth rate, final mean weight, and weight gain. Treatment III which was the controlled group had a significantly higher SGR than the other treatments. Correlation between length, weight, specific growth rate (based on weight), and physical-chemical parameters was observed and tabulated. The regression between fish growth and physical-chemical parameters was also calculated. The results of this study consistently indicate that stocking density is a more important factor in determining the overall yield than water quality indicators in RAS.

PMID:40244553 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-36386-4

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Robustness of textural analysis features in quantitative 99 mTc and 177Lu SPECT-CT phantom acquisitions

EJNMMI Phys. 2025 Apr 17;12(1):40. doi: 10.1186/s40658-025-00749-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Textural Analysis features in molecular imaging require to be robust under repeat measurement and to be independent of volume for optimum use in clinical studies. Recent EANM and SNMMI guidelines for radiomics provide advice on the potential use of phantoms to identify robust features (Hatt in EJNMMI, 2022). This study applies the suggested phantoms to use in SPECT quantification for two radionuclides, 99 mTc and 177Lu.

METHODS: Acquisitions were made with a uniform phantom to test volume dependency and with a customised ‘Revolver’ phantom, based on the PET phantom described in Hatt (EJNMMI, 2022) but with local adaptations for SPECT. Each phantom was filled separately with 99 mTc and 177Lu. Sixty-seven Textural Analysis features were extracted and tested for robustness and volume dependency.

RESULTS: Features showing high volume dependency or high Coefficient of Variation (indicating poor repeatability) were removed from the list of features that may be suitable for use in clinical studies. After feature reduction, there were 39 features for 99 mTc and 33 features for 177Lu remaining.

CONCLUSION: The use of a uniform phantom to test volume dependency and a Revolver phantom to identify repeatable Textural Analysis features is possible for quantitative SPECT using 99 mTc or 177Lu. Selection of such features is likely to be centre-dependent due to differences in camera performance as well as acquisition and reconstruction protocols.

PMID:40244535 | DOI:10.1186/s40658-025-00749-0

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

What determines gait speed in community-living older adults? A relative weight analysis

Eur Geriatr Med. 2025 Apr 17. doi: 10.1007/s41999-025-01208-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Slower gait is prevalent in older adults. Multiple factors contribute to the slowness in older adults. However, whether these factors affect gait speed similarly or differently remains unknown. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the relative importance of eight modifiable factors (body mass index, leg muscle strength, power, dorsiflexion range of motion, tactile sensation, balance, fear of falling, and cognition) affecting gait speed in community-living older adults.

METHODS: Eighty-five community-living older adults (mean ± standard deviation age: 72.3 ± 5.5 years; 51 females and 34 males) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. A motion capture system assessed their gait speed. Those eight factors that could slow gait speed in older adults were also evaluated. A multiple linear regression model and relative weight analysis were utilized to determine the relative importance of each factor in contributing to the gait speed variation.

RESULTS: All eight factors were significantly correlated with the gait speed. Together, they accounted for about 50% of the observed variation in gait speed. Six factors (body mass index, strength, power, range of motion, balance, and fear of falling) each explained a statistically significant portion of the gait speed variation. The most important factor was the leg muscle power (relative weight = 0.124), contributing 25.2% of the explained speed variation.

CONCLUSION: Leg muscle power could be a principal factor determining gait speed in older adults. Other factors also significantly influence gait speed in this population. The findings could guide prioritizing actions to improve gait speed in older individuals.

PMID:40244530 | DOI:10.1007/s41999-025-01208-w

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Prevention of bicalutamide-induced breast events in patients with prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

J Endocrinol Invest. 2025 Apr 17. doi: 10.1007/s40618-025-02583-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of tamoxifen, anastrozole, and radiotherapy in preventing bicalutamide-induced breast events-specifically gynecomastia and breast pain-in patients with prostate cancer.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted according to PRISMA-P guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for English-language studies without temporal restrictions. Studies were included if they involved prostate cancer patients treated with bicalutamide receiving preventive interventions (tamoxifen, anastrozole, or radiotherapy) compared to bicalutamide alone (or bicalutamide plus placebo/sham). Data extraction focused on the incidence of gynecomastia and breast pain, and study quality was assessed using the Jadad scale. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models, and heterogeneity was evaluated with the I² statistic. Publication bias was explored via funnel plots and the trim-and-fill method.

RESULTS: Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Tamoxifen significantly reduced the risk of breast events by 82% (RR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08-0.38 for gynecomastia and RR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.07-0.43 for breast pain). Radiotherapy reduced gynecomastia risk by 52% (RR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.38-0.59) and breast pain by 34% (RR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.48-0.90). Anastrozole did not show significant benefit.

CONCLUSION: Tamoxifen appears to be the most effective strategy for preventing bicalutamide-induced breast events, with radiotherapy serving as a viable alternative, and anastrozole offering no benefit. Further large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings and refine preventive treatment recommendations.

PMID:40244528 | DOI:10.1007/s40618-025-02583-8

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Spatial dynamics of a pest population with stage-structure and control

J Math Biol. 2025 Apr 17;90(5):48. doi: 10.1007/s00285-025-02208-x.

ABSTRACT

We study an integro-difference model for a pest population that is divided into four life stages. In the model, spatial spread of the population is described by an integral convolution and pest control is applied to each population stage. When the spatial domain is infinite, we establish the spreading speeds and existence of traveling waves; when the spatial domain is finite, we first establish threshold conditions in terms of the principal eigenvalue of an associated eigenvalue problem to determine population persistence and extinction, and then define the net reproductive rate and use it to develop equivalent threshold conditions for persistence and extinction. The cases where the reproduction function is monotone and where it is nonmonotone are both investigated. Numerical simulations show that the larger the control effectiveness is the easier to eradicate the pest population and that the same control effectiveness on different stages may yield different population dynamics in the long-term.

PMID:40244510 | DOI:10.1007/s00285-025-02208-x

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The Relationship Between Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Orthorexia Nervosa in Their Mothers

J Autism Dev Disord. 2025 Apr 17. doi: 10.1007/s10803-025-06818-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim is to examine the relationship between Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) symptoms and sensory sensitivities in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as the relationship between maternal orthorexia nervosa (ON) and ARFID, and to identify the factors influencing ARFID. The symptom severity of 104 children was assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), maternal ON symptoms with ORTO-11, ARFID symptoms with the Nine-Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Screening Tool (NIAS), and sensory sensitivities with the Eyuboglu Sensory Reactivity Scale (ESRS). Multiple regression analyzed predictors of NIAS scores, and moderator analysis examined whether ORTO-11 moderated the ESRS-NIAS relationship. ON was present in 58% of the mothers. Mothers with ON had significantly higher total NIAS scores and NIAS Fear subscale scores. A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between the CARS scores and the hyporeactivity and sensory-seeking subscales of the ESRS scale. When NIAS was taken as the dependent variable, a significant regression relationship was found between CARS-9 and ORTO-11. However, ORTO-11 does not play a moderating role in the effect of ESRS on NIAS. ARFID symptoms are predicted by maternal ON symptoms and CARS-9 scores in children. We emphasize the importance of evaluating the eating attitudes and food perspectives of caregivers when atypical eating behaviors are identified in the clinical follow-up of children diagnosed with ASD. Since the study was conducted solely with mothers’, further research is needed to examine the effects of ON symptoms in fathers and other caregivers.

PMID:40244507 | DOI:10.1007/s10803-025-06818-8

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Prevalence and risk of chronic opioid use in orthopaedic polytrauma patients

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2025 Apr 17;145(1):248. doi: 10.1007/s00402-025-05864-2.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Prolonged opioid usage has numerous side effects, contributing to poorer long-term outcomes. An unexplored area pertains to patient-specific factors that influence chronic opioid consumption in cases of multiple fractures. We aimed to assess the prevalence and identify risk factors for chronic opioid usage in orthopedic polytrauma patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 167 patients who sustained multiple lower extremity fractures occurring at a level-one trauma between July 2017 and June 2020. Utilizing the state prescription monitoring database, we gathered opioid prescription data for 3 months before and one year following the surgical procedure.

RESULTS: In total, 68 patients (41%) exhibited chronic opioid use after trauma. Of the 167 patients, 38 (22.7%) engaged in pre-admission opioid usage, of which 28 patients (73.7%) displayed chronic usage after discharge. Pre-admission opioid use (odds ratio 9.02, P = < 0.001) and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) greater than 15 (odds ratio 3.62, P = 0.007) increased the odds of chronic usage compared to those without these risk factors. The chronic use group had significantly more surgeries performed on average (mean 4 vs. 2.9; P = 0.015) and a higher frequency of open fractures (P = 0.017). Polytrauma patients that obtained greater amounts of Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MMEs) before, during, and after admission, were statistically more likely to become chronic opioid users.

CONCLUSIONS: Chronic opioid use is common after polytrauma. Polytrauma patients with pre-admission opioid use, a higher ISS, and escalated opioid requirements during hospitalization should be closely monitored for long-term opioid use. Sustained endeavors to mitigate opioid consumption and enhance non-opioid approaches are essential in preventing long-term challenges secondary to chronic opioid usage in polytrauma patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level 2 Retrospective Cohort.

PMID:40244504 | DOI:10.1007/s00402-025-05864-2

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Psychological counselling services at a Southern Italian university: utilization rates and characteristics of university students asking help

Riv Psichiatr. 2025 Mar-Apr;60(2):71-77. doi: 10.1708/4487.44876.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To assess the utilization rate of a university psychological counselling center in Southern Italy, a retrospective analysis of data collected from September 2018 to December 2023 was conducted.

METHOD: Data were gathered through an online questionnaire, which was distributed to students seeking psychological help (SH) from University Counselling Service (UCS) at their first contact with the service.

RESULTS: The frequency of contacts with UCS (n=639) and the number of SH students who received psychological counselling (n=503) significantly differed over a 6-year period, with the highest number of interviews delivered after the Covid-19 pandemic (contacts: χ2=84.814, p<.0001; interventions: χ2=25.161, p<.0001). More than 40% of the SH students were medical students, followed by approximately 32% of students attending psychological courses. Differences were found across years in the type of course attended by SH students (χ2=54.323, p<.0001) and in dropout rates (χ2=24.427, p<.0001).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The significantly higher demand for psychological help confirms the increased psychological distress in university students. The shift to online modalities and the broader dissemination of mental health literacy, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak, may explain the significant increase in service utilization rates. These findings highlight the need for timely interventions to address the needs of SH students.

PMID:40242925 | DOI:10.1708/4487.44876

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Burden, impacts and management practices of dysmenorrhea among female students in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Int Health. 2025 Apr 17:ihaf028. doi: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaf028. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Dysmenorrhea is a public health problem worldwide, and affects more than half of reproductive-age females in Ethiopia. Despite dysmenorrhea having being studied, this has not covered the impacts and management of dysmenorrhea. Therefore, this review aimed at critically appraising, synthesizing and presenting the evidence on the burden, impacts and management methods of dysmenorrhea among females in Ethiopia. International databases (SCOPUS, CINAHL, CAB Abstract, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Google and Google Scholar) and lists of references were employed to search literature in Ethiopia. The overall burden of dysmenorrhea was presented using a random-effects model for the reported proportion by forest plot using STATA version 18. The heterogeneity of the studies was determined using p=0.05 for I2 statistics. In addition, sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the stability of pooled values in the presence of outliers. Furthermore, Egger’s regression test and funnel plot were performed to check for potential publication bias. A total of 20 studies and a population of 8713 were included in the review. The overall burden of dysmenorrhea among females was 73% (95% CI 68 to 77%), with I2=96.04. Psychological problems (59.9%), poor concentration (42.3%) and absenteeism from the class (41.3%) were the common impacts of dysmenorrhea, and bed rest (54%), use of painkillers (41.5%) and hot drinks (41.3%) were commonly practiced treatments by participants. Around three out of four females experienced dysmenorrhea. Enhancing social support may reduce stress; and behavioral interventions such as mind-body awareness and relaxation training are believed to help decrease the risk of depression by alleviating dysmenorrhea. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy have played a crucial role in its management. But the literature offers controversial scientific proof, and imply that high-quality trials are needed to make conclusive recommendations for better management methods of dysmenorrhea.

PMID:40242920 | DOI:10.1093/inthealth/ihaf028

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The co-occurrence of IgG4-related disease and malignancy: insights from a prospective cohort study

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2025 Apr 9. doi: 10.55563/clinexprheumatol/5c7nti. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the relationship between IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) and malignancies, focusing on tumour distribution and risk factors for malignancy development during follow-up.

METHODS: We analysed a prospective cohort of 278 IgG4-RD patients, including 22 with malignancies, and calculated standardised incidence ratios (SIRs). Bayesian statistical models were employed to identify risk factors.

RESULTS: Among 278 IgG4-RD patients, 22 (7.9%) developed malignancies. Lung cancer (13.6%) was the most prevalent malignancy, with a significantly higher incidence in the follow-up group compared to the history/concurrent group (19.3% vs. 7.0%; p=0.008). Testicular cancer occurred exclusively in the history/concurrent group (3.5%) and was absent in the follow-up group (p=0.044). The overall SIR was 3.28 (95% CI: 1.31-5.58) and lymphoma exhibited a markedly high SIR of 17.63 (95% CI: 0-52.89). Elevated ESR (estimate: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04-0.23) and more organ involvements (estimate: 1.94, 95% CI: 0.31-3.93) were identified as significant risk factors for malignancy development.

CONCLUSIONS: IgG4-RD patients exhibit an elevated risk of specific malignancies, particularly lymphoma, with elevated ESR and greater organ involvement identified as significant risk factors for malignancy development during follow-up period.

PMID:40242911 | DOI:10.55563/clinexprheumatol/5c7nti