Tag: statistics

Wound Repair Regen. 2026 Mar-Apr;34(2):e70136. doi: 10.1111/wrr.70136.

ABSTRACT

High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) allows non-invasive visualization of skin microarchitecture, offering quantitative assessment of dermal composition and vascularity, but its systematic use to track temporal changes in postoperative wound healing is still limited. This study aimed to describe and validate HFUS morphologic and vascular features corresponding to the biological phases of cutaneous surgical wound healing. A total of 730 patients who underwent surgical excision of skin lesions were evaluated at different postoperative intervals using high- and ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (48-70 MHz). Dermal thickness, echogenicity and vascularity were analysed with B-mode and colour Doppler imaging through quantitative and semi-quantitative methods and reproducibility was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Cohen’s κ statistics. Cross-sectional analysis demonstrated a progressive structural and vascular evolution consistent with canonical healing phases: dermal thickness decreased from 2.45 ± 0.38 mm at T0 to 1.58 ± 0.21 mm at T4, while echogenicity increased from 0.5 [0-1] to 2.5 [2, 3], reflecting collagen compaction and maturation. Vascularity peaked at T2 (2.2 ± 0.5) and declined to 0.8 ± 0.3 by T4, paralleling the regression of angiogenesis. Measurement reproducibility was excellent (ICC = 0.91; κ = 0.82). HFUS morphologic patterns closely mirrored the biological sequence from inflammatory oedema through granulation and fibroplasia to collagen remodelling, providing real-time in vivo correlates of tissue repair. These findings support HFUS as a reliable, quantitative and reproducible tool for monitoring postoperative wound healing and as a potential imaging biomarker framework for early detection of abnormal scar evolution.

PMID:41761379 | DOI:10.1111/wrr.70136

Hum Genomics. 2026 Feb 28. doi: 10.1186/s40246-026-00913-2. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41761370 | DOI:10.1186/s40246-026-00913-2

Perioper Med (Lond). 2026 Feb 28. doi: 10.1186/s13741-026-00664-7. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41761352 | DOI:10.1186/s13741-026-00664-7

J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1186/s12984-025-01819-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Home exercise programs prescribed to children with cerebral palsy (CP) are often associated with low adherence. Interactive technologies can help motivate and guide children through exercise programs at home, reducing onus on parents. This study sought to understand the impact of movement-tracking feedback on children’s engagement and parents’ experiences within an interactive computer play home exercise program (ICP-HEP), Bootle Boot Camp.

METHODS: A multi-case mixed methods study was conducted with three children with CP and their parents. In the quantitative single case experimental design with alternating treatments phase, children used the ICP-HEP with and without movement-tracking feedback for four weeks, and exercise adherence, exercise fidelity (movement performance quality), perceived level of fun and helpfulness for the body (i.e., 5-point rating scales and survey) were evaluated. The version (feedback/no feedback) with the highest exercise adherence was carried out for two additional weeks. Dyadic (child/parent) qualitative interviews followed. Quantitative data were analyzed using visual and statistical approaches. Qualitative data were analyzed using directed content analysis. Quantitative and qualitative results were merged through narrative weaving and joint displays.

RESULTS: Accuracy of the movement tracking and feedback provided varied among children, exercises, and play environments. Feedback may have contributed positively to exercise adherence for two children, with a significant enhancement (p < 0.001) for one of these children, and no observed negative impacts for the third child. Parents and one child perceived feedback as generally being useful for learning about movement quality, however when perceived to be inaccurate, it may have been ignored. While children had varied perspectives on how fun and helpful feedback was, it was valued by all parents. All children experienced some frustration due to sporadic technical issues. All children/parents preferred Bootle Boot Camp over conventional home programs, and suggested game refinements to enhance this ICP-HEP experience.

CONCLUSION: Use of an interactive therapy game has the potential to support children’s adherence to and children’s/parents’ experiences with home exercise, with feedback impacting children differently based on personal and environmental factors. This study serves as a foundation for future game refinements and larger-scale testing that will continue to explore the impact of feedback within an ICP-HEP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05998239.

PMID:41761323 | DOI:10.1186/s12984-025-01819-1

Hum Genomics. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1186/s40246-026-00928-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The interplay between genetic factors and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity underscores the critical roles of genetic variations in the responses to the virus. Specifically, genetic variations in genes such as AAK1 and ADAM17 may influence the molecular pathways that determine how the virus enters cells and how the immune system responds, thereby affecting disease outcomes. Identifying these potential genetic variants clarifies individual responses to infectious diseases and helps aid in developing effective targeted therapeutic strategies.

METHODS: We performed targeted next-generation sequencing focusing on specific single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in AAK1, ADAM17, and CD209 genes, which are implicated in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. The study was conducted in a Middle Eastern cohort, comprising 96 COVID-19 patients with varying disease severities and 69 healthy controls. The correlation between the prevalence of the investigated genetic variants and the serum level of inflammatory cytokines within the studied cohort was also evaluated.

RESULTS: Our analysis revealed statistically significant differences in genetic variants between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. Notably, a 5’UTR variant, rs12692386: chr2:9695906, A > G, in the ADAM17 gene showed a significant association (p = 0.039). Additionally, two variants in the AAK1 gene, an intronic variant chr2:69732672, C > A (p = 0.029) and a missense variant rs1275698668: chr2:69747984, G > C (p = 0.017), were identified, suggesting their potential role in influencing disease susceptibility and severity. The gender-stratified analysis between the two groups showed a significant difference in the AAK1-SNV-rs1275698668 (p = 0.027) in female susceptibility, suggesting a protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The AAK1-SNV-rs1275698668 showed a significant difference between the three severity groups (p = 0.045). Prediction in-silico tools suggest that 2:g.69747984G > C and 2:g.9,695,906 A > G have potential functional/regulatory impacts on the ADAM17 and AAK1 genes, respectively. Moreover, different correlation patterns between the identified genetic variants and inflammatory cytokine levels (including CD40 ligand, IL-1b, GM-CSF, and IL-4) were observed in COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest potential genetic biomarkers in AAK1 and ADAM17 genes that could affect the disease severity and circulating cytokine levels in COVID-19 patients.

PMID:41761307 | DOI:10.1186/s40246-026-00928-9

BMC Res Notes. 2026 Feb 28. doi: 10.1186/s13104-026-07754-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to provide comprehensive documentation of the Occupational Job Strain Index (JSI), developed using data from the Norwegian nationwide Survey of Living Conditions conducted in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016, and 2019. The JSI, based on Karasek’s Demand-Control Model, offers detailed information on working conditions, addressing a gap in national register data. The surveys, including information on the psychosocial working environment, contributed to the development of the JSI through self-reported information and psychosocial exposure items by Statistics Norway (SSB).

DATA DESCRIPTION: This paper includes the scripts documenting the construction of the Psychosocial Job Exposure Matrix and the Occupational Job Strain Index (Data File 1), along with a script containing the key for converting 4-digit STYRK-08 codes into 4-digit STYRK-98 codes and the procedure for merging the index with register data (Data File 2). Data File 3 contains the complete Psychosocial Job Exposure Matrix and Occupational Job Strain Index. Data File 4 includes a full codebook.

PMID:41761288 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-026-07754-1

BMC Health Serv Res. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1186/s12913-026-14233-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In China, national health reforms are interpreted, piloted and implemented slightly differently by each local health authority. This is the first study of China’s 2023 pharmacy reform allowing 360 million urban employee basic medical insurance (UEBMI) members the right to purchase prescription medicine using their insurance at retail pharmacies. For Wuhan, we assess the impact of the 2023 medicine purchasing reform on medicine buying behavior; evaluate the benefits of the changes to UEBMI members; and provide new insights into China’s retail pharmacies’ business model.

METHODS: From March 2022 to December 2023, we gained unique access to daily UEBMI members’ medicine purchases, covering 34,956 claims at two representative Wuhan pharmacies. The impact of the new retail pharmacy purchasing policy on medicines purchasing behavior were quantitatively evaluated using descriptive statistics and interrupted time series analysis (ITSA).

RESULTS: No significant pre-reform trend in medicine purchases was observed, confirming a stable baseline prior to the 2023 reform. However, medicine purchases from retail pharmacies showed a significant upward trend. There was no evidence of medicine over-use or fraud. The benefit to members was measured by the absence of any significant upward per capita total expenditure trend and a significant decrease in the proportion of medicine expenditures from members personal medical savings accounts. Retired UEBMI members benefited more than currently employed UEBMI members from allowing UEBMI funds for prescription purchases from retail pharmacies.

CONCLUSIONS: The 2023 reforms allowed UEBMI members to purchase medicine from retail pharmacies, providing medicine accessibility and affordability for members, especially retired members; did not trigger an increase in members’ medicine consumption; attenuated the over-use of hospital pharmacies. Future study should empirically test whether pharmacies’ business model transformed away from a singular focus on price competition towards a combination of price competition and health services.

PMID:41761281 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-026-14233-7

Nutr J. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1186/s12937-025-01236-z. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41761272 | DOI:10.1186/s12937-025-01236-z

Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1186/s12933-026-03113-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used therapies for cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetes (T2D). With the emergence of the SURPASS-CVOT trial, tirzepatide (a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist) has entered the therapeutic landscape; however, its comparative effect on cardiovascular outcomes compared to placebo and individual GLP-1RAs remains undefined.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA) of RCTs enrolling adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Eligible RCTs evaluated tirzepatide or GLP-1RAs and reported major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), CV mortality, all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or non-fatal stroke. A class-level NMA was conducted to estimate the incremental benefit of tirzepatide and GLP-1RAs over placebo, and an agent-level NMA was conducted to explore differences between tirzepatide and individual GLP-1RA agents. Subgroup analyses, including established cardiovascular disease populations, and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Eleven trials met inclusion criteria (10 GLP-1RA trials and 1 tirzepatide trial [SURPASS-CVOT]). In the class-level analysis, tirzepatide significantly reduced MACE (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.91), CV mortality (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.66-0.90), all-cause mortality (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.65-0.83), non-fatal MI (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.97), and non-fatal stroke (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64-0.97) compared to placebo. Formal statistical comparisons between tirzepatide and the GLP-1RA class could not be performed within the constraints of the NMA; however, point estimates across outcomes numerically favored tirzepatide compared with placebo. In the agent-level analysis, tirzepatide reduced MACE compared to placebo (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70-0.94) and lixisenatide (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.97). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses did not substantially change point estimates.

CONCLUSION: Among adults with T2D and established ASCVD or high CV risk, class-level analysis demonstrated that tirzepatide significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular events compared to placebo; at the agent-level, tirzepatide demonstrated comparable efficacy to individual GLP-1RAs. These findings suggest that tirzepatide provides cardiovascular benefit at least comparable to established GLP-1RAs, supporting its emerging role in cardiovascular risk reduction in T2D.

PMID:41761267 | DOI:10.1186/s12933-026-03113-3

Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1186/s12969-026-01194-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatologic disease of childhood and includes a heterogeneous group of subtypes with varying clinical presentations, laboratory profiles, and outcomes. Data from the Middle East, including Palestine, remain limited. This study aimed to compare clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and short-term outcomes between oligoarticular and non-oligoarticular JIA and to identify factors associated with disease subtype and six-month remission or relapse.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at pediatric rheumatology centers in Hebron, Palestine, including children diagnosed with JIA between January 2019 and August 2025. ILAR criteria were used for subtype classification. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were extracted from medical records. The primary outcome was remission or relapse at six months based on Wallace criteria. Statistical analyses included group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression to identify variables associated with subtype and relapse.

RESULTS: A total of 171 children were included. Persistent oligoarticular JIA was the most common subtype (38.0%), followed by polyarticular RF-negative (PRF-) (22.8%) and enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) (14.6%). Systemic JIA patients tended to have a younger age at onset and demonstrated a higher inflammatory burden. Knee arthritis was the most frequent joint involvement (63.7%), and extra-articular manifestations, particularly oral ulcers, rash, and uveitis, differed across subtypes. NSAIDs were used in 62.0% of patients, methotrexate in 79.5%, and biologics in 22.2%. After six months, 53.8% achieved remission while 46.2% relapsed, with systemic JIA and PRF- showing the highest relapse rates. Multivariable analysis showed that younger age, knee involvement, lower ESR, and six-month remission were independently associated with the oligoarticular subtype. Predictors of relapse included PRF- subtype, systemic JIA, and family history of rheumatologic disease.

CONCLUSION: This study provides the first detailed characterization of JIA in Palestinian children, highlighting clinically meaningful differences between subtypes and identifying factors associated with remission and relapse. Systemic and PRF- JIA were linked to higher inflammatory activity and poorer short-term outcomes. These findings may support improved risk stratification and therapeutic planning and demonstrate the importance of long-term prospective studies in the region.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:41761264 | DOI:10.1186/s12969-026-01194-8