Tag: statistics

J Community Health. 2025 Apr 5. doi: 10.1007/s10900-025-01463-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the livelihoods of waste pickers and the potential health challenges they face, with the primary goal of informing policy development and interventions in Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 1,274 waste pickers across 20 local governments in Lagos State were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS for Windows. Results indicated that most waste pickers were male (69%) and aged between 18 and 40. Common hazards faced by waste pickers included harassment (19%), injuries (13%), accidents (11%), and burns (7%). Despite these hazards, 50% of waste pickers earned between ₦30,001 and ₦50,001 (approximately $23-38.5) per month, with only a few earning above ₦50,000. Additionally, 70% of respondents reported having savings. Respondents highlighted several measures to improve their livelihoods, including recognition, security, financial support, empowerment, and job opportunities. As a result, 71% of waste pickers expressed willingness to leave their jobs if empowered. The major hazards encountered by waste pickers include harassment (19%), injuries (13%), accidents (11%), and burns (7%).

PMID:40186839 | DOI:10.1007/s10900-025-01463-9

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Apr 5;197(5):509. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-13931-9.

ABSTRACT

Pakistan, located in an arid region characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures, faces significant vulnerability to climate change. The country’s diverse meteorological conditions pose significant challenges for effective climate modeling. This study focuses on analyzing long-term meteorological time series data (1981-2020) from various regions across Pakistan to examine regional climate variability and detect emerging weather trends. Seventeen climate indices were calculated to assess weather patterns, followed by trend analysis utilizing both parametric and non-parametric methods. The parametric approach employed ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, while the non-parametric methods included the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen’s Slope (SS) estimator. Over the 40-year period, the analysis revealed significant trends, such as increases in hot days, cold nights, warm nights, and extreme precipitation events. These findings emphasize the distinct and complex regional impacts of climate change in Pakistan. By identifying these trends through robust statistical techniques like OLS, MK, and SS, the study provides critical evidence of climate shifts, emphasizing the urgent need for tailored, region-specific strategies to strengthen resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.

PMID:40186819 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-13931-9

Sleep Breath. 2025 Apr 5;29(2):150. doi: 10.1007/s11325-025-03322-2.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate long term effect of soft tissue surgery on blood pressure (BP) in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

SEARCH METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane library, and Ovid Medline databases were searched through January 2024. Manual searches were also obtained. This review included studies assessing impact of soft tissue surgery for the treatment of OSA in adults on long-term BP.

RESULT: A total of five studies (299 patients) met our inclusion criteria. Pooled random effects analysis demonstrated a statistically significant long-term postoperative reduction of BP, with average systolic BP reduction of 14.04 mmHg [95%CI (-21.97, -6.11); P = 0.0005]. Pooled random effects analysis of data from four studies (277 patients) also demonstrated statistically significant long-term postoperative reduction of diastolic BP by 6.88 mmHg compared with preoperative baseline [95%CI (-13.31, -0.45); P = 0.04].

CONCLUSION: Soft tissue surgery for OSA treatment in adults significantly resulted in long-term blood pressure reduction.

PMID:40186815 | DOI:10.1007/s11325-025-03322-2

Arch Dermatol Res. 2025 Apr 5;317(1):676. doi: 10.1007/s00403-025-04186-y.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40186801 | DOI:10.1007/s00403-025-04186-y

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Apr 5;197(5):511. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-13967-x.

ABSTRACT

Soil erosion is a global concern, and tons of fertile topsoil are lost worldwide. Topography significantly influences soil erosion patterns, shaping how soil loss varies across landscapes. In the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), the topographic factor (LS-factor) quantifies this impact, with Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) serving as key inputs for its derivation. The soil loss over Kerala, India, is estimated using different DEMs. The study also explored two methods for deriving the LS-factor, one based on flow accumulation and another based solely on the slope length. Among the approaches tested for LS factor estimation, the slope-based method proved more effective than one incorporating flow accumulation, as the study is for a region rather than a distinct hydrologic unit. Four freely available Digital Elevation Models, ALOS, ASTER, SRTM, and Cartosat-1 were selected for the study. The study showed that the general pattern of soil erosion can be captured by using any of these DEMs despite differences in individual elevation values. The mean potential soil loss estimated for the year 2020 was 215.91 t/ha/year, 205.70 t/ha/year, 203.99 t/ha/year, and 207.97 t/ha/year when using ASTER, ALOS, SRTM, and Cartosat-1, respectively. The ASTER DEM shows a slightly higher mean value but exhibited the least uncertainty, which was confirmed by bootstrap resampling uncertainty analysis. These findings emphasize the need for careful DEM selection based on terrain characteristics, enhancing the accuracy of soil erosion assessments and informing more effective land management strategies.

PMID:40186796 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-13967-x

Childs Nerv Syst. 2025 Apr 5;41(1):152. doi: 10.1007/s00381-025-06814-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and normal preoperative MRIs present significant challenges in surgical planning. Advanced diagnostic techniques, including PET, SPECT, and intraoperative ECOG, are used to localize seizure foci, but their high cost and limited availability pose challenges, especially in low-resource settings. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of resective epilepsy surgery in these cases and assess the role of advanced imaging in a middle-income country.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 12 pediatric patients (mean age 10.21 years) with normal preoperative 3 T MRI who underwent resective epilepsy surgery or functional hemispherectomy between 2007 and 2021 at two centers in Medellín, Colombia. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected, including the use of advanced imaging techniques (PET, SPECT) and intraoperative ECOG. Seizure outcomes were assessed using the Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale.

RESULTS: Of the 12 patients, 10 underwent extratemporal resections, and 2 underwent temporal lobe surgery. Seven patients had advanced imaging, and 5 were evaluated with intraoperative ECOG. At 2-year follow-up, 83.3% of patients who underwent resective surgery achieved favorable outcomes (Engel Classes I and II). Temporal lobe resections had a higher rate of seizure freedom (50%) compared to extratemporal resections (30%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.47). Reoperations due to seizure recurrence were required in 30% of extratemporal resections (p = 0.02). Complications were minimal, with three superficial wound infections. Histopathology revealed cortical dysplasia in 33.3% of cases.

CONCLUSION: Epilepsy surgery in pediatric patients with normal MRIs can yield favorable outcomes, especially with temporal lobe resections. Advanced imaging improves localization but remains costly, highlighting the need for cost-effective surgical strategies in resource-limited settings.

PMID:40186785 | DOI:10.1007/s00381-025-06814-4

Ir J Med Sci. 2025 Apr 5. doi: 10.1007/s11845-025-03955-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and psychological symptoms. While psychological trauma is known to affect FM severity, the impact of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, remains insufficiently studied.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of earthquake-related trauma on fibromyalgia severity and quality of life.

METHODS: A total of 100 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia per the American College of Rheumatology 2016 criteria were enrolled. All participants experienced the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey. Disease activity and quality of life were assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) at 1 and 6 months post-earthquake. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was employed to measure psychological trauma levels. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficients.

RESULTS: FIQ scores significantly improved from 1 month (74.97 ± 20.15) to 6 months (67.25 ± 16.39) post-earthquake (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was found between IES-R and FIQ scores at 1 month (r = 0.636, p < 0.01) and 6 months (r = 0.411, p < 0.01). Subgroups with home or family loss showed more pronounced FIQ scores, while groups exposed to new stress factors did not show significant changes over time (p = 0.307).

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that earthquake-related trauma exacerbates fibromyalgia symptoms, highlighting the necessity of integrating psychological and stress management interventions in the treatment of FM, particularly in disaster-affected regions.

PMID:40186784 | DOI:10.1007/s11845-025-03955-y

Eur J Nutr. 2025 Apr 5;64(4):145. doi: 10.1007/s00394-025-03663-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Observational studies still cannot establish a causal relationship between plasma caffeine levels and cancer risk. This study aimed to investigate the genetic effects of plasma caffeine levels on cancer risk through Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS: Plasma caffeine’s genome-wide association study (GWAS) data were derived from a meta-analysis of 9,876 individuals of European ancestry. We selected 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) closely associated with plasma caffeine levels as instrumental variables (IVs). The GWAS data for cancer outcomes were obtained from genotype data in the Finnish Biobank and digital health record data from the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, specifically the R10 version released on December 18, 2023. The risk effects of genetic variations were assessed using the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method and the wald ratio method.

RESULTS: After correction, genetically predicted higher levels of plasma caffeine were significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.33-1.78, P_FDR < 0.001). In cancer subtype analysis, genetically predicted higher levels of plasma caffeine were significantly associated with the risk of lung squamous cell carcinoma (OR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.16-2.19, P_FDR = 0.037) and non-small cell lung cancer (OR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.21-1.89, P_FDR = 0.003) after correction.

CONCLUSION: The current MR results indicate that long-term higher levels of plasma caffeine are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. These findings merit further exploration to understand whether caffeine intake, supplementation, or cessation could have clinically relevant therapeutic or preventive effects.

PMID:40186783 | DOI:10.1007/s00394-025-03663-4

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2025 Apr 5;145(1):223. doi: 10.1007/s00402-025-05851-7.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: N-chlorotaurine (NCT) is a well-tolerated antiseptic with broad-spectrum microbicidal activity and could therefore be a promising alternative to vancomycin, the current standard of care for the prevention of postoperative septic arthritis (PSA) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether soaking bovine extensor tendons in N-chlorotaurine (NCT), vancomycin, or 0.9% saline influences structural tendon properties. In this controlled biomechanical study, fifty bovine extensor tendons were randomized into groups and soaked for 10 min in distilled water solutions containing either 1% vancomycin, 1% NCT, 5% NCT, 5% NCT with 0.1% ammonium chloride, or 0.9% saline. Tendons were then mounted in cryo-clamps and subjected to uniaxial tensile testing until failure. Failure mode, ultimate load, ultimate elongation, and stiffness of the linear region from the load-elongation curve were extracted and compared for each graft.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were detected across all measured parameters (p > 0.05) and solutions. The mean ultimate load, ultimate elongation, stiffness and elastic modulus were not statistically significantly different between all five tested solutions.

CONCLUSIONS: Both NCT and vancomycin even at high concentrations do not impair structural tendon properties compared to 0.9% saline. NCT appears to be safe for clinical use from a biomechanical perspective.

PMID:40186777 | DOI:10.1007/s00402-025-05851-7

Support Care Cancer. 2025 Apr 5;33(4):355. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09405-w.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive therapy that uses low-level light in the visible and near-infrared spectrum to stimulate cellular processes, promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation without causing thermal damage. PBM has shown potential in alleviating neuropathic pain and improving nerve function by enhancing mitochondrial activity, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating inflammatory pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that PBM may be a promising adjunctive treatment for managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and improving patients’ quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of photobiomodulation (PBM) on sensory complaints, balance, and gait speed in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

METHODS: Prospective clinical study in 47 patients with CIPN in the lower limbs (CAAE: 70504423.9.0000.5382). Patients received PBM (630/850 nm), in the nerve pathway, 2 × /week for 2 weeks. The Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (DN-4), the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool (FANPIQ) and its interference items, and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) were used. Balance was assessed by measuring the amplitude, speed, and area of displacement with a force platform on rigid and deformable surfaces. Gait speed (GS) was assessed by the 10-m walk test. Measurements were collected at the beginning and end of treatment and analyzed with descriptive statistics and independent t-test.

RESULTS: Sensory symptoms improved, as evidenced by the results of the DN-4 (p < 0.0001) and the FANPIQ (p = 0.0031), but not in the LEFS (p = 0.2379). There was also a significant improvement in the amplitude of the anteroposterior displacement (APD) and in the amplitude of the mediolateral displacement (MLD) (p = 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), in the velocity of the APD and MLD (p = 0.0431 and p = 0.0016), and in the displacement area (p = 0.0001). On the deformable surface, significant reductions were also observed in the APD and MLD (p = 0.0314 and p = 0.0008), as well as in the velocity of the MLD (p = 0.0091) and displacement area (p = 0.0029). GS showed improvement (p = 0.0315).

CONCLUSION: PBM proved to be a promising low-cost resource for the management of sensory symptoms of CIPN, with positive clinical repercussions on balance and gait speed.

PMID:40186772 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-025-09405-w