Tag: statistics

J Am Coll Health. 2025 May 20:1-8. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2025.2503840. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objective: The primary goal was to evaluate college student sports gambling experiences and behaviors. Participants: A college student convenience sample (n = 575) was recruited at an on-campus health service during the fall 2024 semester. Methods: Clinical, public health, and health promotion staff collaborated to create a 16-item survey derived from validated screening tools, a recent national poll, and novel questions of interest informed by staff experience. Descriptive statistics summarize key data, chi-square analysis evaluates demographic differences, and an exploratory thematic analysis categorizes qualitative feedback. Results: There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in sports gambling experiences and behaviors for enrollment level and gender. Students reported knowing people with sports betting problems, experiencing pressure to sports gamble, and expressed concern about the online sports betting industry. Bettors endorsed several at risk behaviors. Conclusion: These findings identify opportunities for greater research, prevention, and support of college students around this rapidly evolving issue.

PMID:40393000 | DOI:10.1080/07448481.2025.2503840

PLoS One. 2025 May 20;20(5):e0323990. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0323990. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoa Leishmania and transmitted by sandflies. Up to 60% of all VL cases worldwide occur in East Africa. Given its ranking as a main cause of death among the parasitic infections worldwide, VL constitutes a serious global health concern. In Turkana County, the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics has undertaken significant work in supporting the decentralization of access to diagnosis and treatment, expanding from six health facilities giving VL care in 2018 to twenty-two in 2022. This study sought to assess the decentralization of VL services in Turkana to inform policy at the county and national levels.

METHODS: This was a mixed methods cross-sectional survey conducted in four selected health facilities within Turkana County, between November 2023 and February 2024. Quantitative data involved data abstraction from records of VL patients between January 2018 to December 2022. For the qualitative data, 13 in-depth interviews were conducted with VL patients, 16 key informant interviews (KIIs) with healthcare workers, and seven KIIs with the county health management team members. Descriptive analysis of the quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative data were performed to assess the decentralization model in improving VL treatment and care in Turkana County.

RESULTS: The community had low knowledge of VL signs and symptoms. The mean delay time since the onset of symptoms before seeking medical care was 46.9 days. This long delay was mainly attributed to the long distance to the health facilities and the high costs of accessing the treatment facilities. Majority of the patients sought traditional treatments first before visiting the health facilities. Further, health workers indicated that the decentralization model has led to accurate diagnosis of VL and improvement of the infrastructure within the health facilities.

CONCLUSION: The study observed low awareness of VL disease among patients that contributed heavily to delayed time to diagnosis. This calls for revamped health education and awareness campaigns among the communities living in VL endemic areas to promote positive behaviour change for effective control and elimination of the disease.

PMID:40392936 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0323990

PLoS One. 2025 May 20;20(5):e0319673. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319673. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer remains a major cause of mortality among women globally, driving the need for advanced therapeutic solutions. This study presents a novel, comprehensive methodology integrating explainable artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning models, and genetic algorithms to enhance the bioactivity and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) properties of compounds targeting estrogen receptor alpha (ER[Formula: see text]). By employing SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) and LassoNet, we identified and refined 50 critical molecular descriptors from an initial set of 729, significantly influencing the prediction of bioactivity. The selected descriptors were systematically validated, bolstering the predictive robustness of our models, which demonstrated a mean coefficient of determination of 77[Formula: see text] for bioactivity and high accuracy scores of 90.2[Formula: see text], 93.7[Formula: see text], 89.5[Formula: see text], 87.3[Formula: see text], and 95.8[Formula: see text] for absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, respectively. Further optimization through genetic algorithms identified candidate compounds with superior bioactivity, achieving pIC50 values as high as 10.05, surpassing the previously observed peak values in the dataset. These results underscore the potential of leveraging advanced machine learning and optimization techniques to accelerate the discovery of effective cancer therapies.

PMID:40392928 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0319673

PLoS One. 2025 May 20;20(5):e0310474. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310474. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Seasonal influenza vaccination is crucial for preventing influenza and its complications. Data from the United States Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) indicate a higher proportion of adverse events (AEs) after influenza vaccination in hypertensive people. However, there is limited evidence on AEs in hypertensive people following seasonal influenza vaccination. We identified 4647 individuals aged 18 years or older with a history of hypertension who received seasonal influenza vaccination and 6380 seasonal influenza-vaccine-induced AEs between 1 January 2013 and 23 June 2023 from VAERS. We identified two groups for comparison: recovery and no recovery from seasonal influenza-vaccine-induced AEs. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for potential confounding factors, including demographic characteristics (age, sex, and region) and season of onset. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate the risk ratio of reported adverse events (AEs) that affected recovery after seasonal influenza vaccination. Most AEs were nonserious and occurred within 48 hours. The most common AEs were general disorders and administration site conditions (therapeutic and non-therapeutic responses, inflammation) and musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (musculoskeletal and connective tissue pain and discomfort, bursal disorders, joint-related signs, and symptoms). All three types of seasonal influenza vaccines were associated with injection site reactions (47.07% trivalent influenza vaccine [TIA], hazard ratio, HR 2.04, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.22-3.40; 20.00% quadrivalent influenza vaccine [QIA], HR 2.81, 95% CI, 1.81-4.37; 67.48% influenza vaccine, unknown manufacturer [FLUX], HR 2.83, 95% CI, 1.12-7.15) and were the AEs affecting the largest proportion of delayed recoveries in the hypertensive population. Potential AEs following seasonal influenza vaccination may affect the recovery of the hypertensive population. The majority of AEs reported were general disorders, predominantly injection site reactions, and nonserious.

PMID:40392910 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0310474

PLoS One. 2025 May 20;20(5):e0320045. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0320045. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

An extension of two finite trigonometric series is studied to derive closed form formulae involving the Hurwitz-Lerch zeta function. The trigonometric series involves angles with a geometric series involving the powers of 3. These closed formulae are used to derive composite finite and infinite series involving special functions, trigonometric functions and fundamental constants. A short table summarizing some interesting results is produced.

PMID:40392903 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0320045

PLoS One. 2025 May 20;20(5):e0322325. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322325. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Missing teeth is a prevalent dental health problem that can lead to several unfavorable consequences, including dental caries, periodontal disease, bone deterioration, jaw disorders, malocclusion, and irregular teeth alignment. This Study aims to assess awareness of the consequences of missing teeth in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-section study was conducted, including 216 Saudi adults from Qassim, while children were excluded. Data were collected using an online questionnaire, which consisted of two parts: the first part gathered participants’ demographic data, and the second part included questions assessing their awareness level regarding teeth loss. Descriptive statistical analysis, bivariate chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed using SAS OnDemand for academics. Among the 216 participants, 129 (59.7%) were females and 69 (31.9%) were between the ages of 26 and 35. The study revealed that 60.2% of participants were knowledgeable about treatment options for missing teeth. However, a lack of knowledge regarding available treatment options was significantly associated with age (P-value < .0001), education level (P-value 0.0336), and income level (P-value 0.0037). In this study, only 62.5% of participants reported being aware of the consequences of missing teeth. A significant number of the participants lacked awareness of these consequences, with the highest percentage of unawareness observed among the uneducated. Hence, educating patients about the complications of not replacing missing teeth is crucial, as it can improve their attitude toward treatment and enhance their quality of life.

PMID:40392894 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0322325

PLoS One. 2025 May 20;20(5):e0323419. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0323419. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Sugammadex is a cyclodextrin used to reverse neuromuscular block with amino-steroid nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, rocuronium and vecuronium. Sugammadex-induced bradycardia was recently demonstrated in a single-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients receiving rocuronium for neuromuscular block. It has also been hypothesized that the bradycardia and rare instances of cardiac arrest occurring after the use of sugammadex may be due to a transient decrease in circulating corticosteroids, causing a temporary ‘mini Addisonian crisis.’ It was proposed that the administration of corticosteroids such as dexamethasone for post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) management might offer prophylaxis against these adverse occurrences. The study database was queried from a prospective study on sugammadex-related bradycardia, which was approved by the Human Studies Review Board and exempt from patient consent requirements. Patients were grouped into those that had or had not received dexamethasone as prophylaxis for PONV prior to the administration of sugammadex, and heart rate changes were evaluated 5 minutes after sugammadex administration. A total of 103 subjects were evaluated, of whom 38 received intravenous dexamethasone (either 4 mg, 8 mg, or 10 mg) during their anesthetic course and 65 patients had not received dexamethasone. The average heart rate (HR) slowing (3.2 bpm ± 3.9 in the control group, 3.7 bpm ± 3.8 in the dexamethasone group), and maximal HR slowing (5.0 bpm ± 3.9 in the control group, 5.0 bpm ± 3.8 in the dexamethasone group) over the five minutes following sugammadex administration were not significant between groups (average HR slowing p = 0.553, maximal HR slowing p = 0.988). These results potentially negate the proposed theory, or it may be that corticosteroids with more mineralocorticoid activity such as fludrocortisone or hydrocortisone are required to prevent this effect. Larger studies or prospective trials evaluating this effect with cortisol concentration measurement are needed to further evaluate the hypothesis.

PMID:40392892 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0323419

J Laryngol Otol. 2025 Mar;139(3):227-236. doi: 10.1017/S0022215121003625.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nasal septal perforations are defects of the septum. Symptomatic patients failing conservative measures may be considered for surgery; however, the surgery is challenging. This study describes a technique involving mucosal advancement flaps and autologous or acellular porcine interposition grafts and assessed the long-term closure rate and symptom control.

METHOD: This study looked at patients with symptomatic septal perforations who underwent surgery between 2005 and 2017. Symptoms were assessed pre- and post-operatively using a visual analogue scale. A literature search was performed for septal perforation repair techniques and outcomes.

RESULTS: A total of 95 per cent of patients had complete closure of their septal perforations, 90 per cent had complete symptom control. There were statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-operative mean visual analogue scale score for epistaxis (p < 0.001), crusting (p < 0.001), whistling (p < 0.001) and nasal obstruction (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Surgical closure of nasal septal perforations with mucosal advancement flaps and an interposition graft is a reliable technique with excellent long-term outcomes.

PMID:40391559 | DOI:10.1017/S0022215121003625

Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2025 May 20. doi: 10.1111/opo.13529. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of refractive errors on functional vision and eye-related quality of life (QoL) in a cohort of African children, using the Pediatric Eye Questionnaire (PedEyeQ).

METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 169 children aged 5-17 years (97 with refractive errors and 72 visually normal controls) and their parents/guardians. Refractive errors were classified based on cycloplegic refraction. The PedEyeQ was administered through interviewer-assisted sessions to assess functional vision and psychosocial well-being across child, proxy and parent-reported domains. Statistical analyses were conducted using Mann-Whitney U-tests for group comparisons and Kruskal-Wallis tests for subgroup analyses, with Bonferroni corrections applied for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS: Children with refractive errors had significantly lower PedEyeQ scores across all domains compared with controls (p < 0.01). Among refractive error types, astigmatism showed the most pronounced deficits in functional vision and psychosocial well-being. For children aged 5-11 years, median functional vision scores were 50 (43.7-70.0) for refractive error versus 90 (67.5-95.0) for the controls. Similarly, for children aged 12-17 years, the respective scores were 65 (45.0-75.0) and 90 (75.0-95.0). Proxy and parent-reported domains demonstrated similar findings, highlighting substantial impacts on family QoL and parental concerns.

CONCLUSION: Refractive errors, particularly astigmatism, impair functional vision and eye-related QoL severely in African children and their families, suggesting a need for early detection and correction to improve outcomes for these children.

PMID:40391550 | DOI:10.1111/opo.13529

Int J Epidemiol. 2025 Apr 12;54(3):dyaf046. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyaf046.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Maternal pre-pregnancy diabetes is associated with a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Few large, cohort studies have assessed associations with a wide large range of causes of infant death.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all singleton live births to women aged 18-49 years in the US National Vital Statistics System from 2011 to 2020. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause and cause-specific infant mortality.

RESULTS: Of 34 918 803 pregnant women with singleton live births, 302 823 had pre-pregnancy diabetes with 3585 corresponding infant deaths [estimated mortality rate per 10 000 infants with 95% CI was 78.60 (75.96-81.25)] compared with 34 615 980 without pre-pregnancy diabetes and 171 989 corresponding infant deaths [42.63 (42.41-42.86)]. The adjusted RR (95% CI) of pre-pregnancy diabetes compared with no pre-pregnancy diabetes was 1.84 (1.78-1.91) for infant death, 1.89 (1.81-1.97) for neonatal death, 1.85 (1.77-1.94) for early neonatal death, 2.04 (1.87-2.23) for late neonatal death, and 1.75 (1.65-1.86) for postneonatal deaths. The association was stronger (RR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.88-2.20) with lower maternal age (<25 years) than with higher maternal age (≥40 years) (RR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.28-1.63). Associations varied across maternal race, smoking, and body mass index. Significantly increased risk was observed for 48 out of 73 specific causes of death.

CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that maternal pre-pregnancy diabetes is an important risk factor for infant death, encompassing a wide range of causes of death, and suggest that these effects may be systemic given the large number of specific causes of death affected.

PMID:40391520 | DOI:10.1093/ije/dyaf046