Tag: statistics

Hepatol Commun. 2025 Mar 21;9(4):e0648. doi: 10.1097/HC9.0000000000000648. eCollection 2025 Apr 1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To identify clinical characteristics and serological biomarkers that predicted subsequent nosocomial infection in ATTIRE trial patients.

METHODS: We identified 360 patients at hospitalization without infection and not prescribed antibiotics and compared clinical characteristics between those who subsequently developed a nosocomial infection and not. In a 68-patient subcohort, we compared plasma biomarkers of bacterial translocation, infection, and inflammation at hospitalization between those who developed a nosocomial infection and not. In a 56-patient subcohort, we investigated plasma lipidomic profiles in those who did and did not develop nosocomial infection using Lipotype Shotgun platform analysis and multivariate statistical techniques. To further investigate lipid pathways, we compared outcomes in patients taking statins or not at hospitalization.

RESULTS: Serum bilirubin >188 µmol/L at hospitalization predicted subsequent nosocomial infection in univariate and multivariate analyses, with 80% specificity. The most common nosocomial infections were respiratory tract (29%) and those developing infection had significantly greater 28 and 90-day mortality than those not (p=9.34E-05 and 0.014). Serological biomarkers of bacterial translocation, infection, and inflammation did not predict subsequent infection. Partial least squares discriminatory analyses identified cholesterol esters (CEs) (CE.18.1.2, CE.18.1.0, and CE.16.0.0) as important predictors of infection but provided only a small improvement in predictive ability over bilirubin alone. RNA-sequencing analyses suggest this is mediated by a downregulation of the cellular cholesterol esterification enzyme sterol O-acyltransferase 1. Statin use was not associated with nosocomial infection prevention.

CONCLUSIONS: In ATTIRE, elevated serum bilirubin at hospitalization was the only clinical characteristic that predicted subsequent development of nosocomial infection. Considering the rising incidence of antimicrobial resistance, these data could be used to limit antibiotic prophylaxis or aid trial design for investigating use in high-risk patients.

PMID:40126412 | DOI:10.1097/HC9.0000000000000648

J Med Econ. 2025 Mar 24:1-15. doi: 10.1080/13696998.2025.2484073. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for about 90% of all primary liver cancer cases, is the fifth most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This study aims to analyse the differential costs of HCC-related hospital admissions compared to the general population in Spain.

METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study analyzed inpatient admissions from a Spanish national discharge database, covering 90% of hospitals between 2010 and 2022. HCC-related admissions were identified using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes, while control admissions were selected from the general population in the same database without an HCC diagnosis. The direct hospitalization cost was included, covering medical examinations, procedures, medications, surgeries, personnel and equipment. Statistical methods, including nearest-neighbor matching, propensity score matching, and a generalized linear model, were used to estimate differential costs and to ensure comparability based on age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

RESULTS: A total of 199,670 HCC-related hospital admissions and 200,000 control admissions were analyzed. Most HCC-related admissions involved male patients (78%) aged 66-85 years, with an average CCI of 5.18. HCC-related admissions incurred significantly higher costs, with an estimated differential cost of €1,303.68 using GLM, €1,804.25 via propensity score matching, and €1,767.77 using nearest-neighbor matching. Total costs per HCC admission ranged between €1,000 and €31,000.

CONCLUSIONS: HCC-related hospital admissions impose a significantly higher economic burden due to the complexity of care. Given the high mortality and resource utilization, advancements in early detection, treatment, and cost-effective interventions are needed to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

PMID:40126406 | DOI:10.1080/13696998.2025.2484073

J Minim Access Surg. 2025 Mar 24. doi: 10.4103/jmas.jmas_271_24. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of a validated instrument to measure fatphobia, its epidemiology in India remains unknown. This study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the Fat Phobia Scale-Short Form (FPS-SF) in Hindi.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a purposive sampling technique was conducted in the metabolic surgery clinic of a tertiary care teaching institution. We followed the World Health Organization’s procedure for cultural adaptation and validation of an instrument. The study was biphasic. The phase-1 entailed forward translation, formation of an expert panel, backward translation and cognitive interviewing with the two groups of seven individuals, each with severe obesity. During phase-2, 175 participants (students [n = 120], patients [n = 55]) were recruited after written informed consent. Hindi-FPS-SF was administered to students twice, 1 week apart. All participants completed Hindi-FPS-SF, Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale (Hindi-WBIS-M), Patient Health Questionnaire (Hindi-PHQ-9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (Hindi-GAD-7). Statistical analysis was done.

RESULTS: Several items of forward-translated Hindi-FPS-SF underwent culture-specific modifications in Phase-1. Content or curricular validity and face validity were assessed. In Phase-2, the reliability and validity of Hindi-FPS-SF were evaluated. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), intra-class correlation type-A coefficient (ICC) and cross-cultural reliability were α =0.902 (P < 0.001), 0.799 (95% CI = 0.753-0.840) (P < 0.001) and (ICC: 0.865-0.992) (P < 0.001), respectively. The convergent-construct validity assessed by correlations between total scores of Hindi-WBIS-M and Hindi-FPS-SF was significant. Criterion validity measured through correlations with original FPS-SF, Hindi-WBIS-M, PHQ-9 and GAD-7 was significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The Hindi-FPS-SF demonstrated good psychometric properties and may be used to measure fat phobia and its correlates in India for epidemiological purposes.

PMID:40126402 | DOI:10.4103/jmas.jmas_271_24

Prehosp Emerg Care. 2025 Mar 24:1-10. doi: 10.1080/10903127.2025.2476196. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Neonates, infants 30 days of age or younger, are understudied in prehospital emergencies. Our objective was to describe prehospital assessment and care for patients <30 days of age at the San Diego-Tijuana Point of Entry (POE). Additional objectives included describing assessments, care, frequency, and level of care for newborns brought to the border by Mexican ambulances.

METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis from January 1, 2014 to January 01, 2020 of all 9-1-1 calls involving patients <30 days of age at the San Diego POEs. The 9-1-1 responses to newly delivered patients were “newborns”. Patients who were not immediately post-delivery were “neonates.” Patient demographics, response intervals, clinician interventions, and dispositional data were collected from electronic patient records. Descriptive statistics applied.

RESULTS: A total of 57 patients <30 days of age were included. With 27 newborn patients, 15 were delivered by EMS personnel (27, 55.6%). Initial APGARs scores were 8-10 in 44.4% and 5-7 in 29.6%. Procedures include newborn care (88.9%), advanced life support (ALS) assessment (63.0%), and warming (59.3%). There were 5 patients that had stimulation, 7 received oxygen, and 3 received Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) ventilation. No serial heart rates were documented. Regarding 30 neonates, the predominant method of transport to the POE was Mexican ambulance (n 16, 53.3%). Medications administered included oxygen (n 16, 53.3%) and albuterol/ipratropium (n 1, 3.3%). Procedures included ALS assessment (n 19, 63.3%), pulse oximetry (n 22, 73.3%) and 3-lead electrocardiogram (n 8, 26.7%). Three patients (10%) received BVM. Mexican Ambulances brought 16 neonates. A physician or nurse was present in 37.5% transfers, 50% incubated, 25% intubated, 37.5% on supplemental oxygen, and 71% had preexisting intravenous access. These were not interfacility transfers but were 9-1-1 activations by U.S. border agents; And 14 neonates did not arrive via Mexican ambulance. Their complaints were respiratory distress (n 7, 50%) and Brief Resolved Unexplained Episode (n 4, 28.6%).

CONCLUSIONS: We found that 9-1-1 transports at the San Diego-Tijuana POE for patients <30 days were few and involved resuscitation, neonates in Mexican ambulances with specialized equipment, physicians, and unfamiliar medications. Neonates arriving via private transport had respiratory distress and BRUE.

PMID:40126385 | DOI:10.1080/10903127.2025.2476196

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2025 Mar 24:99228251321597. doi: 10.1177/00099228251321597. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the type 2 inflammatory response associated with asthma and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

METHODS: Sixty-seven children with RSV infection hospitalized in our hospital from October 2023 to December 2023 and 27 healthy children undergoing medical examination were included. The study population was divided into the RSV LRTI group (n = 67) and the control group (n = 27). Interleukin-13 (IL-13), serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), and blood eosinophil count (EOS) were tested and compared between the two groups. The presence or absence of specificity between the two groups was analyzed using the rank sum test and subject operating characteristic curves (Receiver Operating Characteristic curves, ROC curves).

RESULTS: The levels of IL-13, IgE, MUC5AC, and EOS were higher in children with RSV LRTI compared to healthy children. These differences were statistically significant (P < .05). The ROC curve analysis results showed that IL-13, IgE, MUC5AC, and EOS predicted type 2 inflammation with areas under the curve of 0.687, 0.762, 0.764, and 0.646, respectively.

CONCLUSION: A type 2 inflammatory response associated with asthma may be observed after RSV-induced LRTIs.

PMID:40126358 | DOI:10.1177/00099228251321597

Noncoding RNA. 2025 Mar 17;11(2):26. doi: 10.3390/ncrna11020026.

ABSTRACT

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Morocco, often detected at late stages. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers for CRC detection, with miR-21, miR-29a, and miR-92a showing significant diagnostic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of these miRNAs in a Moroccan population and their efficacy as diagnostic biomarkers.

METHODS: A prospective study was conducted using blood samples from 50 CRC patients and 50 healthy controls. Circulating miRNA expression levels were quantified through reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), with normalization to miR-1228-3p. Statistical analyses, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, sensitivity (Sen), and specificity (Spe) evaluations, were performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of individual miRNAs and their combined performance as panels.

RESULTS: The expression levels of miR-21, miR-29a, and miR-92a were significantly elevated in CRC patients compared to healthy controls (all p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated that miR-92a exhibited the highest individual diagnostic performance (AUC: 0.938), followed by miR-21 (AUC: 0.907) and miR-29a (AUC: 0.898). Sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 90%, 92% and 56%, and 76% and 94%, respectively. Combinatorial analysis revealed that the miR-29a and miR-92a panel achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.976), surpassing individual miRNAs and other combinations, highlighting its potential as a robust, non-invasive biomarker panel for CRC.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential of the miR-29a and miR-92a combination, which achieved excellent diagnostic efficiency (AUC: 0.976). These findings underscore miRNA utility in enhancing early detection and reducing CRC-related mortality in Morocco.

PMID:40126350 | DOI:10.3390/ncrna11020026

Infect Dis Rep. 2025 Feb 27;17(2):20. doi: 10.3390/idr17020020.

ABSTRACT

Background. Influenza remains a significant public health issue, with seasonal trends varying across regions. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of influenza virus trends in Italy, leveraging epidemiological and virological data from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS). The primary objective is to assess influenza activity at both national and regional levels, highlighting variations in incidence rates and viral subtype circulation during the 2023/2024 season. Methods. We conducted a systematic approach to data collection, processing, and visualization, utilizing influenza surveillance data from ISS. Incidence rates, subtype distribution, and co-circulating respiratory viruses were analyzed to identify key trends. Results. Our findings reveal a significant increase in influenza cases during the 2023/2024 season, with incidence rates surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Notably, changes in the circulation of influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B were observed, alongside the presence of other respiratory viruses such as RSV and rhinovirus. Conclusions. This study underscores the importance of real-time surveillance, transparent data sharing, and advanced visualization tools in guiding public health responses. By integrating lessons from COVID-19, we highlight the necessity of standardized surveillance frameworks to enhance preparedness for future seasonal outbreaks and potential pandemics.

PMID:40126326 | DOI:10.3390/idr17020020

Infect Dis Rep. 2025 Feb 26;17(2):18. doi: 10.3390/idr17020018.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, vaccination rates for preventable diseases, including influenza, have significantly dropped among racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) individuals in the United States. This study explored the effects of a community-based educational intervention designed to improve influenza vaccine literacy and acceptance among vulnerable REM individuals.

METHODS: The intervention included four 45 min interactive educational sessions on the influenza vaccine. The session attendees (18+) were invited to participate in a pre-/post-intervention study where an anonymous survey measured their post-COVID-19 pandemic attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding the influenza virus and vaccine. To assess the effect of the intervention on vaccine literacy, we used a Mann-Whitney U test to test for differences between the pre-/post-intervention survey responses to seven knowledge-based questions. Descriptive statistics were employed to assess the impact of intervention on vaccine acceptance.

RESULTS: A total of 116 participants completed the pre-intervention survey, and 90 (78%) completed the post-intervention survey. All (100%) identified as REM, and 99% lived in highly vulnerable areas. Only 43% believed they were at risk for viral infection before the intervention, but 60% said the intervention helped them reassess their risk. We found significant differences in vaccine literacy when comparing the pre-/post-intervention survey responses, particularly regarding guideline-based vaccine recommendations (p < 0.05). Before the intervention, 65% of the participants indicated a high likelihood of receiving the influenza vaccine. In contrast, after the intervention, 81% of respondents indicated a high likelihood of being vaccinated, and 72% indicated that they were “extremely likely” to receive the immunization.

CONCLUSIONS: Community-based educational interventions can have a positive impact on influenza vaccine literacy and acceptance among vulnerable REM populations in the post-COVID-19 era.

PMID:40126324 | DOI:10.3390/idr17020018

Struct Dyn. 2025 Mar 20;12(2):024302. doi: 10.1063/4.0000288. eCollection 2025 Mar.

ABSTRACT

Pump-probe methods are a ubiquitous tool in the field of ultrafast dynamic measurements. In recent years, x-ray free-electron laser experiments have gained importance due to their ability to probe with high chemical selectivity and at atomic length scales. Measurements are typically repeated many thousands of times to collect sufficient statistics and vary parameters like delay or fluence, necessitating that initial conditions are restored each time. An alternative is presented by experiments which measure the relevant parameters in a single shot. Here, we present a time-to-space mapping imaging scheme that enables us to record a range of delays and laser fluences in any single shot of the x-ray probe. We demonstrate the use of this scheme by mapping the ultrafast dynamics of the optically induced insulator-to-metal Verwey transition in a magnetite thin film, probed by soft x-ray resonant diffraction. By extrapolating our results toward the conditions found at x-ray free-electron lasers with higher photon energy, we demonstrate that the presented data could be recorded in a single shot.

PMID:40124102 | PMC:PMC11928099 | DOI:10.1063/4.0000288

Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2025 Mar 18;18:795-803. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S502475. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) by comparing self-management behaviors, anxiety, and sleep quality in T2DM patients.

METHODS: This is a single-center prospective study. During the patients’ hospitalization, we collected their clinical data, and three months after discharge, we conducted follow-up by phone to record weight changes, blood glucose levels, self-management behaviors, anxiety levels, and sleep quality.

RESULTS: A total of 271 patients were included in this study. Among them, 177 (65.31%) were classified into the oral drug combined with long-acting insulin group, and 94 (34.69%) were classified into the oral drug combined with GLP-1RAs group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in age, duration of diabetes, comorbidities, complications, or types of oral medications (P> 0.05). However, significant differences were observed between the groups in postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, dietary control, medication adherence, actual anxiety, and sleep time (P<0.05). Notably, the oral medication combined with GLP-1RAs group demonstrated improved dietary control, medication adherence, anxiety and actual sleep time compared to the oral medication combined with long-acting insulin group.

CONCLUSION: In this 3-month study, there were statistically significant differences in HbA1c, post-prandial glucose, weight, for self-management behaviors, for dietary control, medication adherence, anxiety, and actual sleep time in T2DM patients. The findings suggest that GLP-1 RA may contribute to the improvement of dietary behaviors, medication adherence, anxiety, and sleep quality in addition to weight and glycemic control in T2DM patients.

PMID:40124098 | PMC:PMC11929419 | DOI:10.2147/DMSO.S502475