Tag: statistics

Ginekol Pol. 2026 Jun 9. doi: 10.5603/gpl.105472. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to summarize the previous management of pregnant women with LQTS, as well as to present the current guidelines in this area.

DATA SOURCES: We conducted a systematic search in multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Medline/Embase between 1984 and 2022.

STUDY SELECTION: Original articles were eligible if they included pregnant patients suffering from congenital long QT syndrome with the three most common types 1-3.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: The subject-related articles were processed according to Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. A total of 15 publications were included in the final report. In the literature, 18 cases of long QT syndrome with the most common types in pregnant women were included, for a final total of 20 cases.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the advances in medicine there is a lack of studies that can determine unequivocally, the only right way to manage pregnant women suffering from long QT syndrome. The question remains – does cesarean section objectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in such cases? There is a strong need for further research in this scientific field, especially to create opportunities to reduce the performance of unjustified cesarean sections and thus improve mother and neonatal outcomes. It is believed that the actual incidence of LQTS is significantly higher than current statistics report, therefore, it is so vital to standardize the management of this group of patients.

PMID:42261734 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.105472

Ginekol Pol. 2026 Jun 9. doi: 10.5603/gpl.109239. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate Polish women’s attitudes toward water birth, including perceived benefits, concerns, and the influence of demographic factors such as age, education, residence, and childbirth history.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire shared in 76 Facebook groups targeting women and families in Poland. Responses were collected from February 17 to July 27, 2025. The questionnaire included demographic questions, childbirth history, awareness of water birth, perceived pros and cons, sources of information, and willingness to consider this method. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-squared test.

RESULTS: A total of 1,376 responses were analyzed. Awareness of water birth was high (98.2%), mainly acquired via the internet (83.6%). Benefits were known by 70.6% of respondents, particularly those aged 35-44 and those with higher education (p < 0.001). The most cited benefits were pain reduction (59.9%) and relaxation (51.6%). The most common concerns included complications (25.8%) and lack of familiarity (17.9%). Women with prior water birth experience were highly likely to choose it again (96.7%). Overall, 74.0% of all respondents would consider water birth, and 82.8% expressed a need for more accessible educational materials.

CONCLUSIONS: Polish women are generally aware of and open to water birth, but many lack access or adequate knowledge. Misinformation and limited awareness of contraindications persist, especially among younger and less-educated women. Educational efforts should be enhanced, particularly online, to support informed childbirth choices.

PMID:42261733 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.109239

Ginekol Pol. 2026;97(5):399-407. doi: 10.5603/gpl.105642.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) involves abnormal trophoblastic invasion into the uterine myometrium, with increasing incidence due to rising cesarean section rates. PAS poses significant risks, including blood transfusion, bladder injury, intensive care unit admission, and hysterectomy. This study evaluates the use of transverse uterine compression sutures to provide localized compression in placenta previa and PAS cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 55 pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa and PAS. Patients were divided into two groups: placenta accreta (28 women) and placenta increta (27 women). Demographic data, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the groups.

RESULTS: In the placenta accreta group, transverse sutures alone were sufficient in all cases. In the placenta increta group, four cases required a Bakri balloon, and two of those also needed uterine artery ligation for successful bleeding control. None of the patients required hysterectomy. Hemoglobin changes, mean arterial pressure, and fever were higher in the placenta increta group, but no statistically significant differences were observed in other parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: Transverse uterine compression sutures are highly effective in managing placenta previa and PAS. In severe cases like placenta increta, additional interventions may be necessary to control bleeding.

PMID:42261717 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.105642

Ginekol Pol. 2026;97(5):352-358. doi: 10.5603/gpl.104729.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects many women, including adolescents, around the world. While PCOS is primarily known for its reproductive and metabolic implications, growing evidence suggests that it is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and visfatin in adolescent girls with PCOS in respect to their central obesity status.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six PCOS patients were qualified for the study (mean age 15.97 ± 0.91 years, BMI 24.78 ± 5.83 kg/m²). 17 girls with abdominal obesity were included in the AO-PCOS group and 19 girls with waist circumference < 80 cm were classified into the NAO-PCOS group. Each patient had biochemical and hormonal tests performed. Furthermore, markers of endothelial dysfunction: VEGF, MMP-9, and visfatin were measured in all adolescents.

RESULTS: In the study, the AO-PCOS exhibited significantly higher levels of ALT, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, LDL cholesterol and testosterone. This group also showed statistically significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Moreover, higher concentrations of MMP-9, and VEGF and lower visfatin level were found in the group of adolescent patients with PCOS and abdominal obesity. However, significant differences were observed only in relation to MMP-9 concentration (p < 0.0001). Ssignificant positive correlation was found between MMP-9 concentration and body weight (R = 0.37; p = 0.03), waist circumference (R = 0.38; p = 0.02), BMI (R = 0.36; p = 0.03), and LDL concentration (R = 0.43; p = 0.01). Visfatin concentration showed a statistically significant negative correlation with androstenedione concentration (R = -0.53; p = 0.01). However, VEGF concentration did not show statistically significant correlations with any parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: The study results suggest that abdominal obesity, coexisting in adolescent girls with PCOS, may constitute a risk factor for cardiovascular complications in this patient group.

PMID:42261713 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.104729

J Alzheimers Dis. 2026 Jun 9:13872877261458402. doi: 10.1177/13872877261458402. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundSemaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog that is on the market to treat type 2 diabetes and weight loss (Ozempic, Wegovy). Two phase 3 clinical trials have been conducted, Evoke and Evoke+, testing the drug in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The trial management presented results of the intermediate readout at week 104 of the CDR-SB scores, which were negative. On the basis of that, the management decided to declare the trials a failure. However, data from week 130 and 156 had not been statistically analyzed.ObjectiveWhen evaluating time points 130 and 156, several results show a separation between drug group and placebo group with semaglutide showing better results.MethodsUsing the means, converting the SEMs to SDs and numbers of patients per group, I analyzed the results using the Welch T-test (two-tailed), which does not assume equal SD.ResultsThe ADCS-ADL-MCI test, Evoke trial, week 130, did show a significant difference, p = 0.0039. Other test such as the ADAS-cog-13 results show trends towards improvement by semaglutide at week 156. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarker analyses showed significant differences in some AD markers, too.ConclusionsThe results did show some limited drug effects at later time points of the trials. However, Semaglutide has been designed to stay in the blood for a long time and therefore does not cross the blood-brain barrier readily. Novel GLP-1 type drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier easily may show superior protective effects in AD patients.

PMID:42261705 | DOI:10.1177/13872877261458402

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2026 Jun 9:2184923261456799. doi: 10.1177/02184923261456799. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of lymph node dissection technique on survival outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer.MethodsA total of 442 patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer who underwent surgical resection at multiple centers between 2011 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the lymph node dissection technique: lobe-specific lymph node dissection and systematic lymph node dissection. Survival outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors affecting survival.ResultsPostoperative complications occurred in 86 patients (19.5%). Complications were significantly less frequent in the lobe-specific lymph node dissection group compared to the systematic lymph node dissection group (9.4% vs. 22.4%, respectively; p = 0.027). The overall annual survival rate was 68.3%. The 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in female patients than in male patients (83.6% vs. 61.7%, p < 0.001). The 5-year survival rate was 69.3% in patients who underwent systematic lymph node dissection and 64.8% in those who underwent lobe-specific lymph node dissection, with no statistically significant difference between the two techniques (p = 0.332). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, advanced age was not a significant predictor of survival (p = 0.119, HR = 0.714, 95% CI: 0.467-1.090), whereas male gender was identified as an independent poor prognostic factor (p = 0.01, HR = 2.781, 95% CI: 1.506-5.138).ConclusionsLymph node dissection remains a critical component of surgical treatment in early-stage lung cancer. The comparable survival outcomes and lower complication rates observed with lobe-specific lymph node dissection suggest that it may be a preferable option in selected patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Nevertheless, prospective multicenter studies are required to confirm these findings.

PMID:42261700 | DOI:10.1177/02184923261456799

J Burn Care Res. 2026 Jun 9:irag085. doi: 10.1093/jbcr/irag085. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Evaluate the influence of patient age on laser therapy outcomes for burn hypertrophic scars (HTS), with a specific focus on assessing differences in scar quality, pain, and itch across stratified age groups. A single-institution, retrospective cohort study analyzing outcomes of fractional ablative CO2 laser treatments among patients grouped into younger, middle-aged, and older cohorts using k-means clustering. Patients (n = 119) receiving three or more fractional ablative CO2 laser treatments were included. Scar metrics were evaluated pre-treatment and after each laser session using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and durometer measurements. Statistical analyses were performed to compare within- and between-group outcomes using ANOVA with corrections for multiple comparisons. The study cohort included 119 patients, with 49.58% female participants and an average age of 44.86 years (±16.4). The patients were predominantly African American (38.7%), followed by White (28.6%), Hispanic (10.9%), Asian (5.9%), Native American (1.7%), and 14.3% unspecified. Fitzpatrick skin type classifications were most common in Type V (32.8%) and Type II (20.2%), with lower representation in Types VI (4.2%) and I (1.7%). Laser treatment led to significant improvements across all age groups in POSAS metrics, though the timing and extent varied. The older cohort showed significant improvement in POSAS observer pliability after just one session (p < 0.05), while the younger and middle-aged groups required two or more sessions (p < 0.001). Middle-aged patients reported the highest baseline pain and itch levels, with mean scores of 6.17/10 and 6.64/10, respectively, compared to younger (4.26 and 4.97) and older (4.26 and 4.74) groups (p < 0.05). Pain and itch significantly decreased across all groups, with the middle-aged cohort showing the most consistent improvements (p < 0.05). VSS scores improved significantly for all groups, while durometer measurements showed significant changes only in the middle-aged cohort (p < 0.05). Age significantly influences laser therapy outcomes for burn HTS, with older patients experiencing earlier and more pronounced improvements in POSAS observer scales. Different age groups also reported varying levels of pain and itch throughout their laser treatment sessions. Importantly, considerable improvements were noted post-laser treatment across all age groups. These findings emphasize the importance of personalizing laser therapy to address age-specific physiological changes to optimize treatment timelines and outcomes for burn HTS patients.

PMID:42261654 | DOI:10.1093/jbcr/irag085

Australas Psychiatry. 2026 Jun 9:10398562261458938. doi: 10.1177/10398562261458938. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

ObjectivePost-traumatic nightmares (PTNs) are a debilitating symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet evidence for pharmacological treatment remains inconsistent. This audit examined the effectiveness and tolerability of prazosin for PTNs in an Australian inpatient psychiatric population.MethodA clinical audit with pre-test post-test analysis was conducted using records from Monash Health wards. Adult patients (n = 50) prescribed prazosin for PTNs for ≥7 days were included. Symptom severity was measured using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale at treatment initiation and discharge, and clinical response using the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale. Demographics, trauma histories, comorbidities, dosing, and adverse effects were also recorded.ResultsParticipants were predominantly female (74%) and aged 18-34 years. The median CGI-S improved from 5 (“markedly ill”) to 2 (“borderline mentally ill”), representing a 3-point reduction (p < .01). CGI-I ratings indicated patients were “much improved” (median = 2). Prazosin was discontinued in 12 of 114 patients, most commonly due to dizziness or hypotension.ConclusionsPrazosin was associated with clinically and statistically significant improvements in PTNs in this cohort, noting confounding variables and subjective assessment with no control group. Findings support clinical use while underscoring the need for larger, prospective Australian trials.

PMID:42261584 | DOI:10.1177/10398562261458938

J Korean Med Sci. 2026 Jun 8;41(22):e160. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e160.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Public health crises-most recently exemplified by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-cause widespread psychological, social, and economic disruptions, contributing to increased depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation rates. This study aims to examine the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of individuals who attempted suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the effectiveness of tailored interventions for economically vulnerable individuals.

METHODS: This study was conducted as part of the “Post-management Service for Suicide Attempters in the Emergency Room” project. Overall, 93 individuals who had attempted suicide were recruited, with 49 completing the study. Participants were categorized based on economic status (vulnerable vs. general) and suicide attempt timing (during vs. after COVID-19). The intervention included structured counseling sessions (six and four sessions for the vulnerable and general group, respectively). The vulnerable group received two additional sessions tailored to individual needs, choosing from family counseling, mental health education, social skills training, or vocational rehabilitation. Clinical assessments-Beck Scale for Suicidal ideation (BSS), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory-were conducted at baseline and follow-up, with statistical analyses using linear regression, mixed-effects analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation.

RESULTS: Changes in BSS scores negatively correlated with baseline BHS scores (B = -0.841, β = -0.593, P = 0.009) and intervention type (B = -4.596, β = -0.296, P = 0.040). During the COVID-19 intervention period, BSS scores improved greatly in the vulnerable group than in the general population group (F = 4.324, P = 0.049). Post-COVID-19, no significant group differences were observed in outcome measures. Changes in BSS scores positively correlated with changes in BHS scores across the total study population (r = 0.567, P < 0.001), general population group (r = 0.485, P = 0.016), and vulnerable population group (r = 0.641, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Tailored interventions were associated with reduced suicidal ideation, particularly among economically vulnerable individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing hopelessness emerged as a key mechanism in suicide prevention. The observed enhancement during the pandemic highlights the importance of context-sensitive strategies in public health crises. Further research using larger, randomized controlled trials is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0009463.

PMID:42261574 | DOI:10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e160

J Korean Med Sci. 2026 Jun 8;41(22):e156. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e156.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Visible Korean (VK) project aimed to overcome the limitations of traditional cadaver dissection by producing high-resolution sectioned images. This study compared a newly acquired 2024 dataset with a 2023 dataset to evaluate the feasibility of using sectioned images for clinical anatomical research.

METHODS: Two female cadavers were frozen and serially milled at constant intervals. The sectioned surfaces were photographed using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera of 35 mm charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor for 2023 dataset and a DSLR of 44 mm medium-format CCD sensor for 2024 dataset.

RESULTS: The 2024 dataset had 2.78 times higher pixel density (pixel size, 0.03 mm × 0.03 mm) than the 2023 dataset (pixel size, 0.05 mm × 0.05 mm), enabling clearer visualization of fine structures such as brain nuclei, fasciculi, vessel walls, meninges, and facial retaining ligaments. Pathological findings including cardiomegaly, vascular rupture, atherosclerosis, and endometrial neoplasm were clearly identified. The consistent intervals allowed accurate tracing of structures across multiple planes. The accumulated datasets from twelve cadavers now allow statistically reliable anatomical interpretation.

CONCLUSION: Sectioned images produced with modern DSLR technology can reproduce anatomical structures at a level comparable to cadaveric dissection. Their high resolution, color fidelity, and digital format allow repeated analysis without damage. These datasets are now suitable not only for education but also for clinical anatomy research, potentially contributing to a paradigm shift from traditional to digital dissection.

PMID:42261573 | DOI:10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e156