Tag: statistics

Cureus. 2025 Apr 22;17(4):e82780. doi: 10.7759/cureus.82780. eCollection 2025 Apr.

ABSTRACT

Background In India, sanitary pads are the most used menstrual hygiene product despite potential health and environmental risks. Menstrual cups offer a safer, sustainable alternative, but lack widespread study. This study examines awareness, attitudes, and practices of menstrual cup use among medical students and factors influencing adoption. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at a private medical college in Chennai in India among 250 medical students. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. After obtaining informed consent, data collection was carried out using a pre-structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data was entered into MS Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA, USA) and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Descriptive statistics are presented in tables, analytical statistics include the calculation of unadjusted odds ratios, followed by logistic regression analysis to assess associations between relevant variables. Results Among the 250 study participants, more than two-thirds were aged between 18 and ≤ 21 years. Poor knowledge about menstrual cups (56.4%), unfavorable attitudes (57.6%), and menstrual cup usage of 46.4% were noted among the study participants. Key factors significantly associated with poor knowledge about menstrual cups included family members who did not use menstrual cups (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.21), non-availability of menstrual cups (AOR 5.12), experiencing frequent menstrual problems (AOR 2.11), and receiving doctors’ advice regarding menstrual issues (AOR 2.91). Unfavorable attitudes were linked to concerns while purchasing sanitary napkins (AOR 3.60), non-usage by family members (AOR 2.16), non-availability (AOR 3.10), menstrual issues (menorrhagia, recurrent infections), disposal concerns (AOR 2.60), and perceived difficulty of use (AOR 4.17). Conclusion This study highlights the necessity for enhanced education on menstrual hygiene practices, even within the medical community, to address the knowledge gap. It is essential to educate young medical students on the benefits and drawbacks of menstrual cups, with a focus on why they are a safer and more eco-sustainable option. Future research should be conducted in community settings to allow for the generalization of the findings.

PMID:40406792 | PMC:PMC12096921 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.82780

Cureus. 2025 Apr 22;17(4):e82802. doi: 10.7759/cureus.82802. eCollection 2025 Apr.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the early clinical and radiological outcomes of the midline lumbar interbody fusion (MIDLIF) approach with the use of robotic assistance and expandable spacers.

METHODS: A retrospective case series was performed on patients who underwent MIDLIF procedures for the treatment of degenerative spinal diseases, with a minimum of three months postoperative follow-up. Demographic (age, gender, body mass index [BMI], comorbidities, and diagnoses), surgical data (operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, intraoperative complications), patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (visual analogue scale [VAS] back pain and disability (Oswestry disability index [ODI]), and radiographic data were collected.

RESULTS: In total, 42 patients were included, with an average age of 53.6 years and a BMI of 28 kg/m². Surgical data showed the mean total operative time was 98.8 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 17.1 mL with no intraoperative complications. At three-month follow-up, all mean PROs showed statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) when compared with baseline. VAS back pain improved from 7.5 (standard deviation (stdev) 7.5±0.7) preoperatively to 3.0 (stdev 1.0) at three months postoperative, while ODI improved from 58.7 (stdev 7.2) to 26.3 (stdev 10.3) at the same time points. Radiographic data showed that using robotic assistance for planning and placing cortical screws yielded high accuracy, as evidenced by a mean tip deviation of 1.2 mm (stdev 0.6 mm), mean tail deviation of 1.1 mm (stdev 0.4 mm) and a mean angular offset of 1.4 mm (stdev 0.7). Two (4.8%) patients had postoperative complications at three-month follow-up, including a wound infection and one report of wound dehiscence.

CONCLUSION: MIDLIF is an efficient, reproducible surgical procedure with a low complication rate that resulted in significant improvements in early PROs. Robotic assistance for planning and placing cortical screws in MIDLIF was highly accurate. These initial findings suggest that using robotic assistance adds value to MIDLIF procedures and is a viable alternative to traditional posterior fusion procedures.

PMID:40406778 | PMC:PMC12097802 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.82802

Cureus. 2025 Apr 22;17(4):e82765. doi: 10.7759/cureus.82765. eCollection 2025 Apr.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Medical schools were not immune to the difficulties posed by the COVID pandemic. Educational institutions were shut down. By April 2020, 73.8% of registered students in 186 countries were adversely affected. The circumstances forced academic institutions to transition to emergency online teaching, despite the controversies of the effectiveness of this method. The absence of face-to-face teaching greatly impacted the clinical placements and affected the physical and practical skills training of many institutions.

OBJECTIVE: There is a dearth of data showing how medical students perceive blended learning. As far as the authors are aware, no study has ever addressed the experience of medical students regarding blended, online, and physical teaching in Mauritius. Therefore, the objective of the research is to address the challenges they faced and provide suggestions to tackle the drawbacks and help the betterment of the style of teaching with enhanced academic performance. A qualitative and quantitative assessment of the students’ experience of these three methods was conducted.

METHODS: A mixed methods study, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data, was conducted at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Medical College, Mauritius, to understand medical students’ perceptions of online, hybrid, and physical teaching. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 29; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) was used for quantitative data analysis, whereas NVivo 12 Plus software was used for qualitative data analysis.

RESULTS: Out of 700 participants, 568 medical students participated in the study for quantitative data synthesis, resulting in an overall response rate of 81.14% (568). A total of 224 (69.1%) female students preferred a mixture of online and in-person lectures, followed by didactic lectures (100, 30.9%) and online (0, 0%). Among all male students, 160 (65.6%) preferred a mixture of online and in-person lectures, didactic lectures (68, 27.5%), and online lectures (16, 6.6%) (p<0.05). Webex was the most popular online video conferencing application utilized for the lectures, which was preferred by 248 (76.5%) female students, followed by Zoom (52, 16%), Google Meet (20, 6.2%), and Microsoft Teams (4, 1.2%). Regarding male students, 200 (82%) students preferred Webex, Zoom (32, 13.1%), Microsoft Teams (8, 3.3%), and Google Meet (4, 1.6%), which was statistically significant (p<0.05). A total of 144 (77.8%) Mauritian students, 34 (73.9%) South Africans, and 206 (61.7%) Indian students preferred a mixture of online and in-person lectures (p<0.05). A descriptive phenomenological qualitative data analysis generated three themes from the codes were as follows: online learning system, physical learning system, and blended learning system. Each theme had three different categories – emotional, academic, and related variables. Under each category, related codes were organized.

CONCLUSION: The novelty of this study is evident, and its practical implications stretch far beyond the lockdown and COVID-19, but its findings, particularly surrounding the reduction in the loss of class times during tropical storms and hurricanes, are invaluable. The hybrid model of teaching caters to a wider audience of students and helps create a balanced mental and physical educational experience, resulting in the best outcome for students in their studies by capitalizing on the advantages of both didactic and online lectures.

PMID:40406771 | PMC:PMC12096337 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.82765

BMC Glob Public Health. 2025 May 23;3(1):43. doi: 10.1186/s44263-025-00164-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In 2017, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health adopted and implemented the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) antenatal care (ANC) policy, including the eight-visit ANC (8vANC) recommendation, to improve ANC uptake and reduce perinatal deaths. This study aimed to examine the impact of the 2016 WHO ANC policy implementation on selected birth outcomes in Nigeria.

METHODS: This research applied an implementation research approach to assess cesarean births, low birth weight (LBW), and perinatal death outcomes associated with the 2016 WHO ANC policy implementation across states in Nigeria. We used multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model to perform secondary analyses on a matched sample of mothers and children, n = 10,864. A main fixed effect variable was generated from maternal adherence as penetration-fidelity and categorized as ” < 8vANC and partial/non-concordant,” ” < 8vANC and concordant,” “8vANC and partial/non-concordant,” and “8vANC and concordant.” We measured “concordant” as maternal self-reported adherence to five selected ANC components (timing of first ANC visit, blood pressure measurement, tetanus vaccinations, urinalysis, and blood sample test), whereas partial/non-concordant was defined as the receipt of fewer components.

RESULTS: There was no significant association between penetration-fidelity and cesarean births. Compared with children born to mothers who were categorized as ” < 8vANC and partial/non-concordant,” the final adjusted models indicated that penetration-fidelity was significantly associated with reduced odds of LBW among children of mothers who were categorized as “8vANC and concordant” (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.20-0.71, p = 0.003) but with increased odds of perinatal death among children birthed to mothers categorized as “8vANC and concordant” (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.05-3.26, p = 0.032). There was no statistically significant between-state residual variation associated with birth outcomes. Overall, multiparity was associated with increased odds of LBW and perinatal death, whereas advanced maternal age was associated with reduced odds.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the need for more nuanced ANC promotion campaigns that would target the varied maternal age and parous spectrum along the maternal and child health continuum. Further research is needed to evaluate the degree to which the state-level implementation of the policy may have also influenced adherence to the 2016 WHO ANC recommendations.

PMID:40405319 | DOI:10.1186/s44263-025-00164-8

Alzheimers Res Ther. 2025 May 22;17(1):112. doi: 10.1186/s13195-025-01754-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The use of polygenic risk scores (PRS) for predicting disease risk in Japanese populations, particularly for dementia and related phenotypes, remains markedly unexplored. The aim of this study was to bridge this gap by developing a novel PRS model designed to predict amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition utilizing positron emission tomography (PET) imaging data from a Japanese cohort.

METHODS: Using the polygenic risk score-continuous shrinkage (PRS-CS) algorithm, we calculated PRS based on significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in this population. We applied a PRS calculation approach informed by Japanese genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics into a Japanese dementia cohort from Keio University.

RESULTS: Our findings revealed that a p-value threshold of pT < 0.1 optimally enhanced the predictive capability of the Japanese Aβ PET positivity risk model. Moreover, we demonstrated that distinguishing between the counts of APOE2 and APOE4 alleles in our calculations significantly elevated model performance, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.759. Remarkably, this predictive accuracy remained robust even when the pT was adjusted to be < 1.0 × 10^{– 5}, maintaining an AUC of 0.735. This study validated the efficacy of the model in identifying individuals with a increased risk of amyloid pathology.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the potential of PRS as a noninvasive tool for early detection and risk stratification of AD, which could lead to enhanced clinical applications and interventions.

PMID:40405310 | DOI:10.1186/s13195-025-01754-2

Int J Retina Vitreous. 2025 May 22;11(1):59. doi: 10.1186/s40942-025-00680-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a vision-threatening ophthalmic emergency requiring prompt surgical intervention. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, recurrence remains a significant challenge, leading to additional surgeries and poorer visual outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for RRD recurrence following surgical repair in an Egyptian tertiary care setting.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Alexandria Main University Hospital, Egypt, including 134 patients who underwent RRD surgery (pars plana vitrectomy [PPV] or scleral buckling [SB]) between March and September 2023. Demographic, clinical, and surgical variables were evaluated. Recurrence was defined as anatomical detachment after initial surgical success within a 6-month follow-up period. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors.

RESULTS: The recurrence rate was 24.6%, with early recurrence (≤ 6 weeks) occurring in 14.9% of cases. PPV had a significantly higher recurrence rate (34.8%) compared to SB (19.3%) (p = 0.049). Univariate analysis identified right eye laterality (p = 0.02), high myopia (p = 0.015), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (p < 0.001), and ocular comorbidities (p = 0.018) as significant risk factors. Multivariate analysis confirmed right eye laterality (OR: 3.7, p = 0.016), high myopia (OR: 0.34, p = 0.04), and PVR (OR: 0.15, p = 0.005) as independent predictors. Surgeon experience significantly influenced outcomes in univariate analysis (p = 0.001), but not in adjusted models.

CONCLUSIONS: RRD recurrence remains prevalent occurring in nearly one-quarter of repaired RRD cases, predominantly within the early postoperative period. Surgical technique, laterality, and ocular characteristics significantly impacted recurrence risk. These findings highlight the need for individualized surgical planning and enhanced surveillance in high-risk patients, particularly during the critical first postoperative weeks.

PMID:40405309 | DOI:10.1186/s40942-025-00680-7

BMC Res Notes. 2025 May 22;18(1):227. doi: 10.1186/s13104-025-07294-0.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This dataset offers empirical support for understanding the number of sexual harassment complaints across various industries and sectors, and for analysing patterns over a decade. The data was manually collected from the annual integrated report or business responsibility report of each company on the BSE100 list. This dataset can be utilised by the Indian Ministry of Women & Child Development and related stakeholders as a foundation for studying the impact of previous interventions and policy changes on complaint reporting rates. Additionally, it can also be used to analyse patterns and trends and give way to revisions to existing legal frameworks and improvements to grievance redressal mechanisms for sexual harassment complaints.

DATA DESCRIPTION: Data includes descriptive statistics for all variables and compares complaints received between each year and the subsequent year, with a total of 10 year-to-year comparisons for the period: 2013-2024. The variables are: (1) List of BSE100 Companies, (2) Industry, (3) Sector, (4) Number of sexual harassment complaints received for the periods: 2013-2024, (5) Number of sexual harassment complaints pending during the periods: 2013-2024.

PMID:40405307 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-025-07294-0

Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2025 May 22;23(1):76. doi: 10.1186/s12958-025-01405-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Genetic factors and an unfavorable intrauterine environment may contribute to the development of metabolic disorders in offspring later in life. The present study aims to investigate and compare the risks of pre-diabetes mellitus (pre-DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and abnormal glucose tolerance in female and male offspring with early maternal menopausal age versus those with normal maternal menopausal age, later in life.

METHODS: In this prospective population-based study, there were 1,516 females and 1,563 males with normal maternal menopausal age, as well as 213 females and 237 males with early maternal menopausal age. Unadjusted and adjusted cox regression models were used to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between early maternal menopausal age with pre-DM, T2DM and abnormal glucose tolerance in offspring. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATA software package; the significance level was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: The present study revealed a higher risk of pre-DM in female offspring with early maternal menopausal age compared to females with normal maternal menopausal age (unadjusted HR (95% CI): 1.42 (0.98, 2.05); P = 0.06 (marginal significant) and adjusted HR (95% CI): 1.47 (1.00, 2.16); P = 0.04). Additionally, a higher risk of abnormal glucose tolerance among female offspring with early maternal menopausal age in adjusted model was observed (HR (95% CI): 1.13 (0.99-1.29); P = 0.06, marginal significant). However, no significant differences were observed in the risks of developing pre-DM and abnormal glucose tolerance in male offspring with early maternal menopausal age compared to males with normal maternal menopausal age in both unadjusted and adjusted models. No significant difference was observed in the risk of T2DM in the offspring with early maternal menopausal age compared to offspring with normal maternal menopausal age.

CONCLUSIONS: This pioneering study, characterized by a long-term follow-up, demonstrated that early maternal menopausal age is associated with an increased risk of developing pre-DM in female offspring later in life. It may be advisable to implement screening for pre-DM and glucose metabolism disorders in these female offspring.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:40405295 | DOI:10.1186/s12958-025-01405-z

Nutr J. 2025 May 22;24(1):82. doi: 10.1186/s12937-025-01143-3.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Prior evidence suggests that dietary lignans may mitigate inflammation, attenuate insulin resistance, and improve blood lipids. Little is known about the effects of lignans in pregnant women who are at elevated risk of glucose and lipid abnormalities, partially due to increase in estrogen levels during pregnancy. This study was designed to investigate the association between dietary lignan intake, measured as urinary enterolignans (enterodiol and enterolactone), with blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic risks in pregnant women.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed data from 480 pregnant women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2010 and had data for urinary enterolignan concentrations. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between urinary enterolignan concentrations and cardiometabolic risk biomarkers. Cardiometabolic risk markers were log-transformed and geometric means were calculated by quartiles of urinary enterolignan concentrations.

RESULTS: Higher urinary enterolignan concentrations were associated with a more beneficial cardiometabolic profile: comparing women in the highest versus lowest quartiles of total enterolignan concentrations, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was 62 versus 54 mg/dL (P for trend = 0.01); triacylglycerol (TG) was 141 versus 171 mg/dL (P for trend = 0.004); TG/HDL-C ratio was 2.3 versus 3.2 (P for trend = 0.001); Total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratio was 3.4 versus 3.9 (P for trend = 0.03); C-reactive protein (CRP) was 0.4 versus 0.7 mg/dL (P for trend = 0.01); and fasting insulin was 7.7 versus 13.9 μU/mL (P for trend < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Lignan intake may have favorable effects on cardiometabolic risk markers in pregnant women.

KEY MESSAGES: The results of our study showed that urinary excretion of enterolignans were inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk markers in pregnant women. These findings support further investigation on the role of lignans in modifying lipid and glucose metabolism. Given the high prevalence of maternal insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia and its serious health consequences for both women and their offspring, the use of lignans, if demonstrated to be efficacious, could provide a cost-effective option for curbing this epidemic by prevention and early treatment.

PMID:40405289 | DOI:10.1186/s12937-025-01143-3

Genome Biol. 2025 May 22;26(1):139. doi: 10.1186/s13059-025-03609-3.

ABSTRACT

Statistical normalizations are used in differential analyses to address sample-to-sample variation in sequencing depth. Yet normalizations make strong, implicit assumptions about the scale of biological systems, such as microbial load, leading to false positives and negatives. We introduce scale models as a generalization of normalizations, which allows researchers to model potential errors in these modeling assumptions, thereby enhancing the transparency and robustness of data analyses. In practice, scale models can drastically reduce false positives and false negatives rates. We introduce updates to the popular ALDEx2 software package, available on Bioconductor, facilitating scale model analysis.

PMID:40405262 | DOI:10.1186/s13059-025-03609-3