Tag: statistics

Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2025 May 21;21(1):25. doi: 10.1186/s13223-025-00969-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by painful and potentially life-threatening tissue swelling due to a deficiency or dysfunction of the C1 esterase inhibitor protein. Despite the availability of comprehensive on-demand treatment guidelines, compliance to guideline recommendations remains suboptimal, resulting in persisting unmet need.

METHODS: This observational, online survey was conducted between September 6, 2022, and October 19, 2022 to understand the behaviors and perspectives of individuals in the US with hereditary angioedema (HAE). Participants were recruited by the US Hereditary Angioedema Association and were eligible if they were US residents with clinician-diagnosed HAE type I or II and had experienced at least one HAE attack. The survey included multiple-choice, rank-order, and scale-based responses using a 5-point Likert scale for agreement and an 11-point Likert scale for anxiety. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, summarizing continuous variables as means, medians, and ranges, and categorical variables as frequency distributions and percentages.

RESULTS: A total of 107 out of 155 participants completed the survey (mean age = 41 years; 80.4% female). Half of the respondents used both prophylaxis and on-demand therapy, while the other half used on-demand therapy only. Icatibant was the most commonly used on-demand treatment (78.5%). The survey revealed that 57% of respondents did not treat all HAE attacks, and only 14% treated attacks immediately. Delays in treatment were common, with a mean time to treatment of 2.4 h, and younger patients were less likely to carry on-demand treatment. Reasons for delaying treatment included the perceived severity of the attack, lack of on-demand treatment availability, and pain associated with treatment. Additionally, 32.7% of respondents experienced the return of an HAE attack after initial treatment, with those delaying treatment more likely to experience recurrence. The survey also found that delayed treatment led to more severe attacks and longer recovery times, impacting work, social activities, and overall quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: Although guidelines recommend early treatment of HAE attacks, many respondents do not treat immediately. This finding underscores the importance of incorporating open patient-physician communication to improve guideline compliance and the management of HAE.

PMID:40400016 | DOI:10.1186/s13223-025-00969-0

Breast Cancer Res. 2025 May 21;27(1):87. doi: 10.1186/s13058-025-02030-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Carriers of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer than the general population. It is unclear if these PVs influence other breast or ovarian cancer risk factors, including age at menopause (ANM), age at menarche (AAM), menstrual cycle length, BMI or height. There is a biological rationale for associations between BRCA1 and BRCA2 PVs and reproductive traits, for example involving DNA damage and repair mechanisms. The evidence for or against such associations is limited.

METHODS: We used data on 3,046 BRCA1 and 3,264 BRCA2 PV carriers, and 2,857 non-carrier female relatives of PV carriers from the Epidemiological Study of Familial Breast Cancer (EMBRACE). Associations between ANM and PV carrier status was evaluated using linear regression models allowing for censoring. AAM, menstrual cycle length, BMI, and height in carriers and non-carriers were compared using linear and multinomial logistic regression. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders, and weighted analyses carried out to account for non-random sampling with respect to cancer status.

RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in ANM between carriers and non-carriers was observed in analyses accounting for censoring. Linear regression effect sizes for ANM were -0.002 (95%CI: -0.401, 0.397) and -0.172 (95%CI: -0.531, 0.188), for BRCA1 and BRCA2 PV carriers respectively, compared with non-carrier women. The distributions of AAM, menstrual cycle length and BMI were similar between PV carriers and non-carriers, but BRCA1 PV carriers were slightly taller on average than non-carriers (0.5 cm difference, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION: Information on the distribution of cancer risk factors in PV carriers is needed for incorporating these factors into multifactorial cancer risk prediction algorithms. Contrary to previous reports, we found no evidence that BRCA1 or BRCA2 PV are associated with hormonal or anthropometric factors, except for a weak association with height. We highlight methodological considerations and data limitations inherent in studies aiming to address this question.

PMID:40399999 | DOI:10.1186/s13058-025-02030-9

Chiropr Man Therap. 2025 May 21;33(1):20. doi: 10.1186/s12998-025-00584-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Contextual factors influence clinicians’ delivery of force-based manipulation (FBM), like spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). It is particularly important to discern how contextual factors interact with therapeutic forces delivered to an older adult population, to minimize risk and identify ideal dosage. This study aimed to determine whether contextual factors pertaining to aging result in the modulation of kinetic and kinematic parameters used by experienced clinicians when delivering SMT.

METHODS: Participants were randomly presented with a series of 12 AI-generated patient vignettes, featuring both visual and auditory content and representing varying age-related contextual factors. Factors included chronological (35-, 65- and 85-year-old), pathological (“healthy” vs degenerative spine), and felt (perceived as “young” vs. “old”) age. Participants delivered SMT to a human analogue manikin based on each vignette, presented six times in randomized order. Kinetic and kinematic parameters were collected and analyzed for differences between “young” and “old” contextual factors of age, using a 3-way repeated measures ANOVA model.

RESULTS: Sixteen licensed chiropractors (8 female, 8 male) participated, with an average age of 45.4 (SD = 9.7, range 34-64) years and 18.3 (SD = 10.8, range 5-39) years of experience. A main effect in peak force was found for both chronological (F(_2,30) = 26.18; p <.001, η_p² = 0.636) and pathological age (F(_1,15) = 11.58; p =.004, η_p² = 0.436), following a stepwise progression of decreased force with increased age and with pathology. No statistically significant differences were found in peak force based on felt age, or in time to peak force for any factor. A main effect was found for chronological age with peak acceleration (F(_2,20) = 9.50; p <.001, η_p² = 0.487) and peak velocity (F(_2,20) = 7.20; p =.004, η_p² = 0.419), but not for pathological or felt age. There was a significant difference in time to peak velocity for felt age (F(_1,10) = 12.23; p =.006, η_p² = 0.550), with a shorter time to peak velocity in response to vignettes with older felt age.

CONCLUSION: Contextual factors of aging modulated certain kinetic and kinematic characteristics when delivering SMT. This provides evidence that practitioners differentially discern aspects of aging to inform how they deliver FBM dosage. Future research is needed to identify ideal kinetic and kinematic characteristics based on considerations of aging.

PMID:40399997 | DOI:10.1186/s12998-025-00584-1

Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2025 May 21;33(1):94. doi: 10.1186/s13049-025-01410-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Accurate dispatch prioritization for emergency medical services (EMS) is essential for optimizing resource allocation and ensuring timely emergency response. In the Province of Quebec, Canada, a locally adapted dispatch system was implemented using the standardized codes of the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) but with regional priority definitions. Despite periodic reviews, the system’s performance has not been formally assessed. This study evaluates the effectiveness of this prioritization system by comparing priority levels assigned at call-taking with on-scene paramedic assessments and by examining how the system’s performance has evolved over three years and across chief complaints.

METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed EMS dispatches in the Capitale-Nationale administrative region of the Province of Quebec, Canada, between July 15 and December 15 over three consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023). We assessed system performance using sensitivity, specificity, overtriage, undertriage, predictive values, and accuracy. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests for priority consistency and pairwise t-tests for performance changes over time. Additionally, we examined variations across chief complaints to identify high overtriage and undertriage medical conditions.

RESULTS: This study analyzed 96,099 EMS dispatches over a three-year period. While 61.8% of these dispatches were classified as urgent at call-taking, paramedics later determined that 79.7% of all cases were stable and required non-urgent transport, indicating a high level of overtriage. Conditions such as abdominal pain, falls, and psychiatric issues were the chief complaints that showed high overtriage rates (> 90%), whereas allergic reactions, diabetic problems, and heart conditions had the highest undertriage rates (> 10%). Over the three-year period, priority modifications led to a 2.5% decrease in undertriage but a 3.7% increase in overtriage (p < 0.05), highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing accuracy with an adequate response in dispatch prioritization.

CONCLUSION: The studied prioritization system effectively identifies non-urgent dispatches but exhibits a high overtriage rate, which strains EMS resources. The recent priority modifications further increased overtriage, underscoring the challenge of balancing resource allocation with timely intervention. Refining dispatch criteria and integrating secondary triage or AI-based decision support could potentially improve accuracy and system efficiency.

PMID:40399996 | DOI:10.1186/s13049-025-01410-6

J Biomed Sci. 2025 May 21;32(1):50. doi: 10.1186/s12929-025-01137-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is an increasingly prevalent metabolic disorder with moderate to high heritability. Glycemic indices are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring the disease. Previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) have identified several risk loci associated with type 2 diabetes, but data from the Taiwanese population remain relatively sparse and primarily focus on type 2 diabetes status rather than glycemic trait levels.

METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive genome-wide meta-analysis to explore the genetics of glycemic traits. The study incorporated a community-based cohort of 145,468 individuals and a hospital-based cohort of 35,395 individuals. The study integrated genetics, transcriptomics, biological pathway analyses, polygenic risk score calculation, and drug repurposing for type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS: This study assessed hemoglobin A1c and fasting glucose levels, validating known loci (FN3K, SPC25, MTNR1B, and FOXA2) and discovering new genes, including MAEA and PRC1. Additionally, we found that diabetes, blood lipids, and liver- and kidney-related traits share genetic foundations with glycemic traits. A higher PRS was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Finally, eight repurposed drugs were identified with evidence to regulate blood glucose levels, offering new avenues for the management and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS: This research illuminates the unique genetic landscape of glucose regulation in Taiwanese Han population, providing valuable insights to guide future treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes.

PMID:40399988 | DOI:10.1186/s12929-025-01137-7

BMC Nurs. 2025 May 21;24(1):571. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-03199-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Digital competence is increasingly crucial for academic success and lifelong learning, especially in health education fields such as nursing. However, limited research examines the relationship between digital competence, academic motivation, and lifelong learning among nursing students.

AIM: To assess the relationship between digital competence, academic motivation, and lifelong learning among undergraduate nursing students and explore the mediating role of academic motivation in this relationship.

METHODS: A descriptive comparative cross-sectional study was conducted, guided by the STROBE guidelines. Using systematic random sampling, 500 undergraduate nursing students were selected from Mansoura University, Egypt. Data were collected from July to August 2024 using three validated scales: the Students’ Digital Competence Scale, the Lifelong Learning Scale, and the Academic Motivation Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: The results showed a strong positive correlation between digital competence and academic motivation (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), as well as between digital competence and lifelong learning (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). Students with higher digital competence scores also had significantly higher academic motivation (4.21 ± 0.45) and lifelong learning tendencies (4.37 ± 0.48). Multiple regression analysis confirmed that digital competence significantly predicted both academic motivation (β = 0.38, p < 0.001) and lifelong learning (β = 0.44, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Digital competence significantly enhances academic motivation and promotes lifelong learning among nursing students. The findings emphasize the need for nursing curricula to integrate digital competence training to improve educational outcomes and prepare students for future challenges in healthcare.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:40399954 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-025-03199-2

BMC Oral Health. 2025 May 21;25(1):745. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-06088-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have assessed the upper airway using various examination methods, such as cephalometric imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, there is a significant gap in the research regarding the relationship between these different imaging modalities. This study compares airway assessments using kinetic MRI and cephalometric scans, examining their correlation with three dimensional (3D) MRI data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Kinetic MRI, cephalometric scans, and 3D MRI of forty-seven participants were used in the present study. Airway areas and widths were measured at the retropalatal, retroglossal, and hypopharyngeal levels in both kinetic MRI and cephalometric scans. Airway volumes were calculated from 3D MRI data. Statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression, were performed to evaluate the data and identify significant differences, correlations, and prediction models, respectively.

RESULTS: Significant differences were found between kinetic MRI and cephalometric scans. Cephalometric data showed larger airway areas and widths compared to kinetic MRI measurements. Although both cephalometric and kinetic MRI showed a correlation with 3D MRI, kinetic MRI demonstrated stronger correlations with 3D MRI airway volumes than cephalometric scans. According to our linear regression model equations, RPA-Max (maximum retropalatal airway area) and RPA (retropalatal airway area) can elucidate variations in RPV (retropalatal airway volume). RGA-Med (median retroglossal airway area) and RGA-Min (minimum retroglossal airway area) can explain variations in RGV (retroglossal airway volume). HPA (hypopharyngeal airway area) and ULHPAW-Max (maximum upper limit hypopharyngeal airway width) account for variations in HPV (hypopharyngeal airway volume). Additionally, TA-Max (maximum total airway area) can account for variations in TPV (total pharyngeal airway volume).

CONCLUSION: Both cephalometric data and kinetic MRI data showed correlations with 3D MRI data. The shared posture of kinetic MRI and 3D MRI led to stronger correlations between these two modalities. Although cephalometric data had fewer correlations with 3D MRI and predictors for 3D airway volume, they were still significant. Our study highlights the complementary nature of kinetic MRI and cephalometric imaging, as both provide valuable information for airway assessment and exhibit significant correlations with 3D MRI data.

PMID:40399950 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-06088-x

Biomed Eng Online. 2025 May 21;24(1):63. doi: 10.1186/s12938-025-01374-9.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) filling on the restoration of masticatory function and the modulation of inflammatory factors within gingival sulcular fluid in patients suffering from periapical inflammation.

METHODS: 98 patients with periapical inflammation were selected and divided into a control group and a nano group using the red blue ball method, with 49 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional root canal therapy only, and the nano group underwent endodontic treatment with the nano-HA filling method. Gingival fluid samples were collected from all patients at enrollment, 1 week, and 3 months postoperatively to analyze the levels of interleukin- 1β (IL- 1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). At the time of enrollment and 3 months after surgery, patients were monitored for bite force, masticatory efficiency, and clinical efficacy.

RESULTS: In this study, compared to the control group, the experimental group treated with nano-HA filling showed significantly better improvement in bite force and masticatory efficiency, with the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.01). Moreover, the experimental group significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors such as IL- 1β and TNF-α, with a continuous decrease in their levels over time. In terms of filling effect, healing rate, and total efficacy rate, the experimental group also achieved superior results compared to the control group, with the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the application of nano-HA fillers and the gingival sulcus inflammatory factor at 1 week postoperatively and 3 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION: In comparison with conventional restorative materials, nano-HA restorative has been shown to possess several notable advantages. These include the promotion of recovery of masticatory function, the regulation of inflammatory factor expression in gingival sulcular fluid, and the enhancement of clinical efficacy and filling effect. This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical promotion of the use of nano-HA restorative materials in the treatment of periapical inflammation.

PMID:40399943 | DOI:10.1186/s12938-025-01374-9

Genome Biol. 2025 May 21;26(1):135. doi: 10.1186/s13059-025-03576-9.

ABSTRACT

Technological advances have enabled us to profile multiple omics layers with spatial information, significantly enhancing spatial domain detection and advancing a variety of biomedical research fields. Despite these advancements, there is a notable lack of effective methods for modeling spatial multi-omics data. We introduce SMOPCA, a Spatial Multi-Omics Principal Component Analysis method designed to perform joint dimension reduction on multimodal data while preserving spatial dependencies. Extensive experiments reveal that SMOPCA outperforms existing single-modal and multimodal dimension reduction and clustering methods, across both single-cell and spatial multi-omics datasets derived from diverse technologies and tissue structures.

PMID:40399936 | DOI:10.1186/s13059-025-03576-9

BMC Oral Health. 2025 May 21;25(1):755. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-06075-2.

ABSTRACT

INTRO: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, severity, duration of oral manifestations in individuals with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the association of these manifestations with the severity of COVID-19 and the patient’s oral hygiene.

METHODS: This study included 820 patients with confirmed COVID-19. A questionnaire form including oral hygiene habits, the severity of Covid-19, the presence, severity and durations of oral manifestations was prepared, and a web-based survey was performed using Google-forms. Obtained data was analysed with Pearson chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: The most commonly reported manifestations were taste dysfunction (63.4%), xerostomia (59.9%), halitosis (31.1%), dysphagia (27.8%), hypersensitive teeth (27.2%) and gingival bleeding (14.3%). The incidence of the oral manifestations was found significantly associated with severity of COVID-19 (P = 0.000 V = 0.151), presence of systemic diseases (P = 0.034, V = 0.074) and age (P = 0.023, V = 0.099). Tooth brushing decreased the incidence of aphthous like lesions of tongue during Covid-19 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Maintenance of oral hygiene was associated with a reduced incidence of aphthous-like lesions, underscoring the protective role of routine oral care. These findings highlight the need to integrate oral health assessment and hygiene education into COVID-19 management protocols, which may also be important for potential future pandemics.

PMID:40399926 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-06075-2