Tag: statistics

Health Promot J Austr. 2025 Jul;36(3):e70074. doi: 10.1002/hpja.70074.

ABSTRACT

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Socioeconomic disparities in food environments significantly impact diet quality and health outcomes, yet comparative evidence between metropolitan and regional areas remains limited. We examined spatial and temporal changes in food outlet availability in Victoria, Australia from 2019 to 2023.

METHODS: Geospatial data from OpenStreetMap was used to classify food outlets into healthy, less healthy, and unhealthy categories. Outlet densities were calculated within 500 m (walkable) and 2000 m (short driving) buffers from Statistical Area Level 1 centroids. Socioeconomic disparities were assessed using the Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage quintiles. Gini coefficients quantified inequality, while Kruskal-Wallis tests, Dunn’s post hoc tests, and k-means clustering identified socio-spatial patterns.

RESULTS: In metropolitan Melbourne, both highly disadvantaged (quintile 1) and affluent areas (quintiles 4-5) had significantly higher densities of food outlets (e.g., 2.3 vs. 2.7 healthy outlets per 1000 people within 500 m in 2023), while mid-range socioeconomic areas (quintiles 2-3) had notably lower availability. Regional Victoria exhibited similar trends, with mid-range areas consistently underserved. From 2019 to 2023, Melbourne’s Gini coefficients for healthy outlet access improved slightly (0.45-0.43), whereas regional areas worsened (0.52-0.55). Clustering revealed limited healthy food availability in disadvantaged rural clusters and high densities of unhealthy options in urban regional centres.

CONCLUSIONS: Food outlet availability in Victoria shows distinct non-linear socioeconomic disparities, disproportionately disadvantaging mid-range socioeconomic areas.

SO WHAT: Strategic urban planning and targeted policy interventions in underserved suburban and regional locations are essential for mitigating inequalities and promoting healthier communities.

PMID:40653608 | DOI:10.1002/hpja.70074

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 13;15(1):25325. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-11289-z.

ABSTRACT

Given the high prevalence of psychological complications during pandemics such as COVID-19, it is imperative to identify effective psychological interventions that can improve the mental health of patients and community members. The effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention in discharged patients with infectious respiratory diseases, particularly during pandemics, has been examined in a limited number of studies. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training program in alleviating psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress among patients who have passed the acute phase of COVID-19 and have been discharged from the hospital. This was a quasi-experimental study included 70 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (29 [41.4%] men and 41 [58.6%] women) who were discharged from three teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran, between September 11, 2021, and January 10, 2022 were selected by convenience sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group (35 per group). The intervention group received a 4-week online MBSR training program based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s recommendations (2003), while the control group followed the routine hospital discharge plan. Research data were collected using the Lovibond (1995) Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). The results were compared before and after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21, employing descriptive statistics as well as paired and independent sample t-tests. Cohen’s d was used to determine effect sizes. The post-test score of stress after the online MBSR training program for 4 weeks significantly decreased in the MBSR group to 12.59 ± 6.77 compared with the control group which had a score of 22.60 ± 10.82(p < 0.001). The total anxiety score significantly decreased, with scores of 8.68 ± 6.52 for the MBSR group versus 18.16 ± 13.37 for the control group (p < 0.001). The depression score in the intervention group (8.68 ± 6.52) was significantly lower compared to the depression score in the control group (18.16 ± 13.37) after the intervention (p < 0.001). This study provides preliminary evidence that online MBSR intervention can serve as an effective measure to reduce depression, stress and anxiety during pandemics such as the COVID-19 crisis. Policymakers and healthcare managers can integrate public mindfulness-based intervention training into crisis management planning to reduce psychological complications and enhance resilience during disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic.Trial registration. The current study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences on 10/08/2021 with the registration code IR.SBMU.PHARMACY.REC.1400. 108. In addition, the study protocol was registered with the Iranian Clinical Trial Registration Center on 03/06/2022 under the code IRCT20210715051896N1.

PMID:40653580 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-11289-z

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 13;15(1):25295. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-11421-z.

ABSTRACT

Study aimed to assess air pollution in Patagonia using the moss Lepyrodon lagurus. The 16 selected micro-, macro-, and trace elements: Al, Cu, Cd, Co, Pb, Zn, V, Ba, Cr, Fe, Mn, S, Sr, P, Ni and Hg were determined using ICP-OES and direct mercury analyzer. Factor analysis (FA), enrichment factor (EF) and other pollution indicators were employed to group elements and associate them with possible sources and level of emission. Half of the elements were characterized by statistically significant variations in terms of the effect of sampling location on their concentration. Despite the observed concentrations: Co (0.947 mg/kg), Pb (1.37 mg/kg), V (4.29 mg/kg), Cr (1.68 mg/kg), Ni (1.94 mg/kg) were low concerning literature studies, but the area cannot be deemed pristine. Based on the research carried out different anthropogenic, traffic-related activities can be considered as one the main sources of air pollution in the Patagonia region based on values of FA and EF. The highest values of EF were: 14.3 for Co, 6.50 for Pb, and 6.00 for Ni. Future biomonitoring studies using mosses should be expanded to include other species to control the level of atmospheric aerosol pollution in Patagonia and also to identify the most sensitive biomonitor for this area.

PMID:40653574 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-11421-z

Eur J Pediatr. 2025 Jul 14;184(8):479. doi: 10.1007/s00431-025-06308-0.

ABSTRACT

Adherence to the 24-h Movement Guidelines (physical activity [PA], screen time [ST], and sleep duration) has been associated with positive health outcomes. However, meta-analyses on overall adherence to these guidelines among children remain limited. This study aimed to report children’s adherence to the 24-h Movement Guidelines. Six databases were searched in November 2023, with an update conducted in April 2025. The review followed the PRISMA framework and included studies reporting the prevalence of adherence to the 24-h Movement Guidelines among children aged 5 to 13. A random-effects model was used to pool prevalence rates across studies. Subgroup analyses were conducted using sex, geographical region, and measurement method. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. This meta-analysis of 29 studies involving 126,129 children aged 5 to 13 revealed a low overall adherence rate of 10.4% (95% CI 8.8-12.0%) among children meeting all three 24-h Movement Guidelines. Subgroup analysis revealed lower adherence in girls (10.0%, 95% CI 6.9-13.1%) than in boys (13.2%, 95% CI 8.9-17.6%). Regarding geographical regions, South America (5.6%, 95% CI 1.3-9.9%) and Asia (6.8%, 95% CI 5.3-8.3%) showed lower adherence rates. For measurement methods, adherence was higher in device-measured (11.9%, 95% CI 8.8-14.9%) than self-reported (8.4%, 95% CI 6.5-10.3%).

CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need for sex- and region-specific strategies to promote adequate PA, reduce ST, and ensure sufficient sleep among children. Future research should consider measurement methods when designing interventions to improve adherence to the 24-h Movement Guidelines.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42024552497) What is known: • Many studies have examined adherence to the 24-h Movement Guidelines among school-aged children. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing evidence are still lacking.

WHAT IS NEW: • Subgroup analyses by sex showed lower adherence in girls than in boys, while analyses by geographic region revealed particularly low adherence in South America and Asia. Moreover, studies using device measures yielded higher adherence estimates than those using self-reports.

PMID:40653572 | DOI:10.1007/s00431-025-06308-0

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 13;15(1):25324. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-10890-6.

ABSTRACT

Social participation is recognized as a critical factor in reducing mortality and promoting healthy aging in middle-aged and older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the determinants influencing social participation within this demographic remain poorly understood. The present study sought to assess the social participation status of middle-aged and older individuals with CVD and identify the factors influencing their participation levels. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 2018 data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) database. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to explore differences and correlations among variables. Latent class analysis was performed using Mplus 8.3 software, while logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine patterns of social participation and their associated factors. A total of 2388 participants were included in the analysis. Latent profile analysis identified four distinct social participation patterns: “individual participation,” “group participation,” “full participation,” and “low participation.” Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found across these patterns with regard to educational attainment, geographic location, living conditions, health insurance coverage, and alcohol consumption. Social participation was associated with health status, ADL, IADL, loneliness, and depression. High level of social participation as a component of healthy lifestyle has been identified to be effective in reducing CVD mortality. Therefore, targeted interventions to enhance social participation may improve cardiovascular health outcomes in middle-aged and older adults.

PMID:40653571 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-10890-6

Neurosurg Rev. 2025 Jul 14;48(1):566. doi: 10.1007/s10143-025-03727-3.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The reports of seizures following Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are low; however, these seizures would be debilitating. Current literature has not provided a comprehensive analysis of seizure incidence post-DBS across various neuropsychiatric disorders. Additionally, there is a lack of insight into the contributing factors and the underlying mechanisms associated with this occurrence.

AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the incidence of epilepsy in patients with neurological disorders who have undergone DBS, excluding those with drug-resistant epilepsy.

METHOD AND MATERIAL: The study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and involved thorough data extraction from several databases, specifically PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, until 28-Feb-2025. We performed this Meta-analysis by using Comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software version 3.0 for the statistical analysis Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis encompassed 33 studies, and 5,488 patients. The most frequently neurological disorder which underwent DBS in this review, was Parkinson’s Disease. Our meta-analysis revealed that the incidence of seizures following DBS was 2.9% (95% CI: 0.020 to 0.042; p-value < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was identified between the rate of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and seizure occurrence, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.635 (p-value: 0.007). Furthermore, there is a significant increase in the likelihood of seizure occurrences following globus pallidus internus- DBS compared to subthalamic nucleus- DBS.

CONCLUSION: Patients with neurological disorders following DBS may experience seizures; however, the incidence of such occurrences is low and typically resolves spontaneously.

PMID:40653570 | DOI:10.1007/s10143-025-03727-3

Discov Oncol. 2025 Jul 13;16(1):1326. doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-02834-3.

ABSTRACT

Endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA) the fatal and intrusive subtype of cervical carcinoma is on rise from the last decade. Its improper detection leads to worst clinical outcomes that urges the discovery of novel biomarkers. Therefore, we proposed insilico and invitro based approches to identify key genes that could be used as potential targeted therapies. RNA-seq and gene expression data was operated via R-programming that identified 11,592 differential expressed genes which are mainly enriched in metabolic pathways, chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation, amoebias, MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Clustering modules and hub genes were retrieved to design network of immune cells with varying expression using multiple statistical algorithms. The Drugs targeting hub genes were determined from Drug gene interaction database which was further categorized for docking and dynamics based simulations. Results indicate high binding affinity of Imatinib compound into active pockets of BIRC5 which is confirmed by cell viability lab experiment. Current study demonstrates novel biomarkers and therapeutic drugs for in depth understanding of endocervical carcinogensis.

PMID:40653567 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-025-02834-3

Support Care Cancer. 2025 Jul 14;33(8):689. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09741-x.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of aromatherapy massage on sleep quality and mental and psychological disorders in breast cancer survivors (BCS) undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS: The study was a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Eligible breast cancer patients were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (received lavender aromatherapy) or the placebo group (received sweet almond oil massage). Aromatherapists focused their massage on specific areas of the body (from the lumbosacral area to the soles of the feet, and then from the shoulders to the palms of the hands). From baseline to four weeks after the intervention, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain response, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was used to assess cognitive function, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used to assess anxiety, and the Beck Depression Inventory Second Version (BDI-II) was used to assess depression in patients. All statistical analyses were conducted using STATA software (version 16.0), with a P-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Ultimately, a total of 96 participants were divided into the intervention group (n = 47) and the placebo group (n = 51). The baseline characteristics were statistically comparable between the two groups. Statistically significant differences were observed in sleep quality scores (7.51 ± 2.90 vs 9.71 ± 2.67, P < 0.001), anxiety scores (20.26 ± 6.73 vs 24.10 ± 6.46, P = 0.005), and pain response (6.66 ± 1.45 vs 7.41 ± 1.19, P = 0.006) of the intervention group compared to the control group at the 4th week post-intervention. However, there was no significant difference in depression scores (29.43 ± 7.17 vs 30.88 ± 6.26, P = 0.286) and cognitive function scores (28.06 ± 1.55 vs 27.51 ± 1.97, P = 0.128) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Aroma massage with lavender essential oil may have a positive effect for BCS undergoing chemotherapy and warrants further promotion.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at www.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov (Registration Number: NCT06338527, Registration Date: March 28, 2024).

PMID:40653563 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-025-09741-x

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 13;15(1):25300. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-10735-2.

ABSTRACT

Congestive heart failure (CHF) and social determinants of health (SDoH) are each associated with increased mortality risk, but their combined effects are not well understood. This study investigated the joint association of CHF and cumulative SDoH burden with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Data were obtained from 38,937 U.S. adults aged ≥ 18 years participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2018. CHF was identified by self-reported physician diagnosis. Eight SDoH indicators across five domains were assessed and categorized into low (≤ 2) or high (> 2) burden. Cox proportional hazards models estimated the independent and joint associations of CHF and SDoH with mortality. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models assessed non-linear associations. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed, and Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves illustrated survival. Among 38,937 participants (mean age 47.1 years; 51.9% female), 3.4% had CHF and 54.0% had high SDoH burden. During a median follow-up of 8.1 years, 4,730 all-cause deaths and 1,224 CVD deaths were recorded. CHF was associated with elevated all-cause (HR = 2.31, 95% CI: 2.03-2.62) and CVD mortality (HR = 3.52, 95% CI: 2.90-4.26). High SDoH burden also increased the risk of all-cause (HR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.69-1.99) and CVD mortality (HR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.62-2.28). The highest risks were observed among individuals with both CHF and high SDoH burden (HR = 3.47 and 5.27, respectively). RCS analysis demonstrated significant non-linear, dose-response relationships (p for nonlinearity < 0.001). Joint risks were particularly elevated in younger adults (< 65 years), those with hypertension, and individuals lacking routine healthcare. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of findings. CHF and high SDoH burden are independently and jointly associated with increased mortality. Addressing both clinical and social risk factors is essential to reduce disparities and improve cardiovascular outcomes.

PMID:40653549 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-10735-2

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 13;15(1):25308. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-09324-0.

ABSTRACT

Despite the important role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant stress response, little is known about their effects on RNA. Present study focuses on RNA oxidation in soybean seedlings exposed for a short time to cadmium (1-3 h, 10 mg/L Cd). Treatment with the metal had no effect on the level of common oxidative stress markers: superoxide anion accumulation, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio. On the other hand, 2 h-long exposure to Cd induced the formation of the most frequent oxidative modification of RNA, 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHG). The immunohistochemical detection of 8-OHG in the root cross sections demonstrated that this modification is accumulated in the inner cortex tissue, endodermis, protoxylem and phloem, and co-localizes with ROS. The sequencing of 8-OHG enriched poly(A)RNA revealed that transcripts differ in their susceptibility to the oxidation. The highly oxidized transcripts (HOTs) are associated with signalling, stress response and proteins folding. In turn, the lowly oxidized transcripts (LOTs) are involved in mitochondria functioning, response to stimuli and gibberellic acid (GA) metabolism.

PMID:40653546 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-09324-0