Tag: statistics

J Midlife Health. 2024 Oct-Dec;15(4):250-257. doi: 10.4103/jmh.jmh_32_24. Epub 2025 Jan 2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vaginal laxity and sexual dysfunction are commonly experienced by women, but are typically stigmatized and considered inappropriate to discuss openly. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TTCRF), in addressing these concerns. The study used a single-blinded randomized sham-control design.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim was to study the role of TTCRF for vaginal rejuvenation using subjective and objective measurements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred parous women were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (n = 110) or a sham group (n = 90). Participants who were between 35 and 55 years of age and reported complaints of vaginal laxity, as well as those who presented symptoms such as vaginal flatus or sexual issues, were included. The treatment group was administered TTCRF therapy, whereas the sham group had a placebo procedure to ensure blinding was maintained. The outcome measures included subjective assessments, such as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire (VLQ), the Vaginal Flatus Score (VFS), and the Vaginal Laxity and Bother Score (VLBS), as well as objective measurements, such as the Modified Oxford Score (MOS) and the Genital Hiatus (GH) questionnaire.

RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. Significant improvements in FSFI, VLQ, and VLBS were noted in the treatment group compared to sham at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The MOS improvements did not reach statistical significance, suggesting potential limitations in its use as an objective measure. VFS showed improvement in both the groups, indicating a potential placebo effect. No significant changes were observed in GH. Adverse events were mild and transient, with no serious incidents reported.

CONCLUSION: Despite societal taboos, TTCRF demonstrated notable improvements in subjective measures of vaginal laxity and sexual dysfunction over a 6-month period. The safety and outpatient feasibility of TTCRF were established. The findings contribute to understanding the role of TTCRF in managing these sensitive concerns among women.

PMID:39959723 | PMC:PMC11824938 | DOI:10.4103/jmh.jmh_32_24

Neurosurg Pract. 2023 Jan 11;4(1):e00026. doi: 10.1227/neuprac.0000000000000026. eCollection 2023 Mar.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous series have demonstrated central nervous system activity for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and shown improved local control between stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and ICI for lung cancer brain metastases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the addition of ICI to SRS for melanoma brain metastasis improves outcomes when compared with historical control group treated in the era before ICI availability.

METHODS: In this single institution retrospective series, outcomes of 24 patients with melanoma receiving concurrent ICI and SRS were compared with 111 historical controls treated before ICI era. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cumulative incidence of local and distant failures was estimated using a competing risk model that accounted for baseline differences using propensity score adjustments.

RESULTS: The median OS time was improved in patients receiving ICI compared with the historical control group (17.6 vs 6.6 months, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.056, P = .0005). Cumulative incidence at 1 year for local failure in the historical control and ICI groups was approximately 12.5% and 6.5%, respectively (HR = 0.25, P = .19), while cumulative incidence of distant brain failure in the historical control and ICI groups was approximately 48% and 28%, respectively (HR = 0.326, P = .015).

CONCLUSION: Distant brain failure and OS were improved in patients receiving concurrent ICI with SRS compared with historical controls. Local failure trended in the same direction; however, owing to small sample size, this did not reach statistical significance. While these data remain to be validated, they suggest that patients with brain metastasis may benefit from concurrent use of ICI with SRS.

PMID:39959719 | PMC:PMC11809996 | DOI:10.1227/neuprac.0000000000000026

3 Biotech. 2025 Mar;15(3):60. doi: 10.1007/s13205-025-04217-5. Epub 2025 Feb 13.

ABSTRACT

This retrospective study analyzed factors associated with tooth loss in patients with stages 3 and 4 periodontitis undergoing non-surgical periodontal therapy. Data from 84 patients treated at Griffith University Periodontal Clinic (2019-2022) were examined, focusing on patient factors such as smoking status, osteoporosis, and age, alongside tooth loss variables. The logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with stage 4 periodontitis had a significantly higher likelihood of tooth loss compared to those with stage 3 (odds ratio [OR] 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-4.84). Smoking was also identified as a significant risk factor, with smokers showing an OR of 1.69 (95% CI 1.4-3.9) for tooth loss. While no statistically significant relationships were observed for other variables (p > 0.05), patients under 40 years and over 71 years with stage 4 periodontitis exhibited notable tooth loss outcomes (p = 0.003 and p = 0.034, respectively). These findings emphasize the importance of integrating smoking cessation programs into periodontal care and tailoring treatment strategies for high-risk groups. Further longitudinal studies with comprehensive data collection are recommended to enhance the understanding of tooth loss predictors in advanced periodontitis.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04217-5.

PMID:39959707 | PMC:PMC11825966 | DOI:10.1007/s13205-025-04217-5

Acta Inform Med. 2024;32(2):117-121. doi: 10.5455/aim.2024.32.117-121.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Carbonic Anhydrase II (CA-II) plays a pivotal role in various physiological processes, including maintaining acid-base balance. Its implications in testicular health, especially cryptorchidism, make it an essential focus for researchers. ELISA is widely used to measure biomarker concentrations, with OD serving as a key indicator. Understanding the precision of OD measurements for CA-II can enhance its diagnostic and research applications.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between OD and CA-II concentration using linear regression analysis, thereby establishing a quantitative framework for accurate and reproducible CA-II measurements. By validating the OD-to-concentration relationship, this research will aid in developing standardized protocols that can improve diagnostic reliability, enhance monitoring of disease progression, and support therapeutic interventions targeting CA-II.

METHODS: Standardized ELISA was employed to determine CA-II concentrations across sample groups, recording OD at specific wavelengths. Data were analyzed for linearity, group differences using ANOVA, and pairwise comparisons via Tukey’s HSD test. Correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between CA-II concentration and OD.

RESULTS: A linear regression model (y=0.3758x+0.1604) demonstrated a nearly perfect R2 value of 0.9957. Statistical tests revealed a strong correlation (0.998) between CA-II concentration and OD values. ANOVA did not indicate significant differences among concentration quartiles; however, the data strongly supported OD’s use as a reliable proxy for CA-II measurement.

CONCLUSION: The established linear relationship between CA-II concentration and OD confirms the accuracy of ELISA in CA-II measurement. This methodology supports future investigations into CA-II’s involvement in testicular health, potentially aiding in diagnostics and understanding of conditions such as cryptorchidism.

PMID:39959681 | PMC:PMC11821567 | DOI:10.5455/aim.2024.32.117-121

Acta Inform Med. 2024;32(2):112-116. doi: 10.5455/aim.2024.32.112-116.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health issue with a significant impact on pregnant women, mainly due to the interplay between liver function and hematological changes. The liver plays a key role in erythropoiesis and systemic hemostasis. In HBeAg-positive pregnant women, platelet dynamics may be uniquely influenced by the interaction of HBV, immune modulation in pregnancy, and liver function. This area remains underexplored.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to analyze the interaction between HbeAg status with others preclinical factors by using the matrix correlation and multidimensional statistics methods.

METHODS: We used SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) to demonstrate and quantify the direct reciprocal interaction between platelet count and HBeAg status in HBsAg-positive pregnant women.

RESULTS: We found the quantity of platelet, with the optimal threshold is 201×10^3cells/ml, directly relates with HBeAg status (R =0.24) and negatively correlates with ratio of AST on ALT (R=-0.139). In case of HbeAg positive, the risk ratio having a high quantity of platelet (>201x103cells/ml) and high AST/ALT ratio (>1.42) is 2.16[1.23,3.80] (p<0.05). SEM model shows that platelet count has a direct impact on HBeAg (p<0.05, Coefficient =0.24) and indirectly through the AST/ALT ratio. This impact is greater than the direct impact from HBeAg on platelet count (p < 0.05, coefficient = 0.23).

CONCLUSION: Research results show a complex relationship between platelet count, AST/ALT ratio and HBeAg in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The direct interaction between platelet count, HBeAg status, and AST/ALT ratio suggests intriguing complex immuno-biochemical responses to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

PMID:39959675 | PMC:PMC11821564 | DOI:10.5455/aim.2024.32.112-116

Front Oncol. 2025 Jan 31;15:1525946. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1525946. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pelvic lymph node metastasis is a critical factor influencing prognosis and treatment strategies in cervical cancer patients. This study aimed to identify significant clinical and pathological risk factors associated with pelvic lymph node metastasis in patients with cervical cancer.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 186 cervical cancer patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University from January 2010 to December 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: those with pelvic lymph node metastasis (n=40) and those without (n=146). Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, pathological features, and treatment modalities were collected. Statistical analysis included t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to evaluate potential risk factors for lymph node metastasis.

RESULTS: Patients with pelvic lymph node metastasis were significantly older (mean age 52.5 ± 8.3 years) than those without metastasis (mean age 48.7 ± 10.2 years; p=0.023). High-risk HPV positivity was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (75% vs. 41%, p=0.001). Lymphovascular invasion was observed in 75% of the metastatic group compared to 24.7% in the non-metastatic group (p<0.001). Tumor size >4 cm was more frequent in patients with metastasis (50% vs. 12.3%, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified high-risk HPV infection (OR 4.13, 95% CI: 2.09-8.17, p<0.001), lymphovascular invasion (OR 7.87, 95% CI: 4.05-15.29, p<0.001), and tumor size >4 cm (OR 6.24, 95% CI: 3.24-12.02, p<0.001) as independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSION: This study identifies several independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer, including high-risk HPV infection, lymphovascular invasion, and tumor size greater than 4 cm. These findings can help guide clinical decision-making and individualized treatment planning, improving outcomes for patients with cervical cancer. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings.

PMID:39959672 | PMC:PMC11825327 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2025.1525946

J Alzheimers Dis. 2025 Feb 16:13872877251315044. doi: 10.1177/13872877251315044. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A novel neuroimaging signature of regional cortical thickness on brain MRI recently showed high potential for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) risk stratification in the community. How these findings translate to other populations, remains undetermined.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to replicate this novel ADRD neuroimaging marker in the population-based Rotterdam Study.

METHODS: We included all participants from the population-based Rotterdam Study with brain-MRI between 2005-2016, and derived the signature using FreeSurfer. We computed hazard ratios and C-statistics for 10-year dementia risk, and betas for cross-sectional associations with cognition, comparing the novel signature to hippocampal volume, mean cortical thickness, and another cortical thickness signature (Dickerson’s).

RESULTS: Of 3249 participants (mean age 71.3 ± 8.0 years), 294 developed dementia (74.8% clinical AD) during a mean follow-up of 8.1 years. The novel ADRD signature had similar magnitude of associations as Dickerson’s signature and cortical thickness for AD dementia (HR per 1-SD increase 0.87;0.78-0.96), but performed worse than all markers for all-cause dementia. Of the four neuroimaging markers, hippocampal volume showed the strongest associations with both risk of all-cause dementia and clinical AD dementia. The ADRD had the weakest association with general cognitive function (β per 1-SD increase 0.04;0.02-0.06), and executive function (β per 1-SD increase 0.02;0.00-0.04), followed by cortical thickness and Dickerson’s, and hippocampal volume showed the strongest associations.

CONCLUSIONS: In this community-based study, the novel cortical thickness signature did not outperform hippocampal volume for dementia risk stratification. The importance of replication studies underlines the value of the current study. Replicating research findings is essential to establish robust biomarkers for dementia risk prediction.

PMID:39956960 | DOI:10.1177/13872877251315044

J Alzheimers Dis. 2025 Feb 16:13872877251317543. doi: 10.1177/13872877251317543. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

During decades scientists tried to unveil the genetic architecture of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), recurring to increasingly larger sample numbers for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in hope for higher statistical gains. Here, a retrospective look on the most prominent GWAS was performed, focusing on the quality of the diagnosis associated with the used data and databases. Different methods for AD diagnosis (or absence) carry different levels of accuracy and certainty applied to both subsets of cases and controls. Furthermore, the different phenotypes included in these databases were explored, as several incorporate other ageing comorbidities and might be encompassing many confounding agents as well. Age of the samples’ donors and origin populations were also investigated as these could be biasing factors in posterior analyses. A tendency for looser diagnostic methods in more recent GWAS was observed, where greater datasets of individuals are analyzed, which may have been hampering the discovery of associated genetic variants. Specifically for AD, a diagnostic method conveying a clinical outcome may be distinct from the disease neuropathological assessment, since the first has a practical perspective that not necessarily needs a confirmation. Due to its properties and complex diagnosis, this work highlights the importance of the neuropathological confirmation of AD (or its absence) in the subjects considered for research purposes to avoid reaching statistically weak and/or misleading conclusions that may trigger further studies with powerless groundwork.

PMID:39956949 | DOI:10.1177/13872877251317543

J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2025 Feb;16(1):e13730. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.13730.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is prominently involved in the tumour microenvironment and tissue remodelling processes in most cancers, and its expression is also noted in normal skeletal muscle. This study aims to explore the relationship between FAP expression and age-related muscle characteristics through FAP inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT imaging.

METHODS: This retrospective analysis studied 54 patients with lung cancer (n = 27) and pancreatic cancer (n = 27) using FAPI PET/CT. Imaging-based muscle features including the mean standardised uptake value (SUVmean), skeletal muscle index (SMI) and Hounsfield units (HU) were evaluated. Age-related FAP expression in skeletal muscles was also evaluated using the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) dataset. Statistical analyses included Spearman’s rank correlation and Kruskal-Wallis test, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS: Analysis revealed a moderate to strong positive correlation between FAPI SUVmean and age (ρ = 0.368, p = 0.006), with older age groups showing higher muscle uptake. Within specific cohorts, the FAPI-74 group demonstrated a stronger correlation (ρ = 0.500, p = 0.008) compared to the FAPI-46 group (ρ = 0.319, p = 0.105). SUVmean also correlated negatively with muscle density (HU) (ρ = -0.298, p = 0.029), suggesting an association with higher fat infiltration. GTEx data supported these findings, showing a significant increase in FAP expression across age groups (p < 0.001), with the highest median FAP in the 70-79 age group.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates an age-related increase in FAPI uptake in skeletal muscle, correlated with changes in muscle density and fat infiltration. The role of FAP extends beyond pathology to normal muscle, indicating broader biological functions. Accordingly, FAPI PET shows promise for assessing age-related muscle health and quality.

PMID:39956945 | DOI:10.1002/jcsm.13730

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2025 Feb 16:e31609. doi: 10.1002/pbc.31609. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a red cell enzymopathy in which exposure to oxidative stressors, such as drugs or fava bean ingestion, can trigger acute hemolytic episodes (AHEs). This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of fava bean-induced hemolysis (FBIH) with non-fava bean-induced hemolysis (NFBIH) in children with G6PD deficiency in a high-prevalence setting.

METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted at a region referral hospital in Oman. Hospital records of children hospitalized for AHE due to G6PD deficiency over a 3-year period were analyzed. Participants were categorized into FBIH and NFBIH groups based on the documented precipitating factor.

RESULTS: Among the 236 recruited cases, 51.6% AHEs were attributed to FBIH. Children with FIBH were younger, more likely to present with abdominal pain, and had greater severity of hemolysis upon admission (hemoglobin: 4.8 vs. 6.7 g/dL; p < 0.001). Lab markers such as serum ferritin, blood urea, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly elevated in FBIH. The least squares regression model demonstrated a strong link between various predictor variables and hemoglobin levels, explaining about 76.6% of the variance in the study cohort.

CONCLUSION: Children with FBIH experience more severe hemolytic episodes compared to those with NFBIH. Our statistical model identified clinical and laboratory parameters potentially useful in early risk stratification during AHEs. Culturally sensitive dietary education of patients and caregivers is necessary, particularly in regions where fava beans are a dietary staple. The potential influence of specific G6PD genotypes within the NFBIH group merits future investigation.

PMID:39956941 | DOI:10.1002/pbc.31609