Tag: statistics

Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Mar 14;104(11):e41768. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000041768.

ABSTRACT

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, necessitating the identification of risk factors and preventive measures. Fatty acids, vital nutrients involved in various bodily functions, have been linked to CRC; however, findings are inconsistent. This Mendelian randomization study utilized data from the UK Biobank and included 18 fatty acid-related phenotypes. We used single-nucleotide polymorphisms as instrumental variables to examine the Causal connections between fatty acids and CRC. Statistical analysis involved the inverse-variance-weighted, Mendelian randomization-Egger, and weighted median methods to ensure robust findings. Our analysis revealed that docosahexaenoic acid and omega-3 fatty acids were positively associated with CRC risk. No significant associations were found between CRC and total fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, or monounsaturated fatty acids. The degree of unsaturation was positively associated with CRC, while the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids was negatively associated. The study highlights a positive association between docosahexaenoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and CRC, suggesting that specific fatty acids may influence CRC risk. Further research in diverse populations is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.

PMID:40101081 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000041768

Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Mar 14;104(11):e41854. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000041854.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with influenza vaccine nonreceipt among adults in the United States. This nationally representative, cross-sectional study analyzed self-reported data on influenza vaccination status and sociodemographic, physical health, and health care access factors among 27,189 adults from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey. The primary outcome was influenza vaccination nonreceipt in the past 12 months. A multivariable logistic regression model evaluated associations between 19 sociodemographic, physical health, and health care access variables with influenza vaccine nonreceipt. Shapley Additive Explanations assessed the relative importance of covariates associated with nonreceipt in the regression model. The population-weighted analysis indicated 52.8% influenza vaccination nonreceipt among US adults. The logistic regression model identified 15 covariates as significantly associated with vaccine nonreceipt. When evaluating the relative importance of the variables, the key determinants of vaccine nonreceipt were younger age, lack of doctor visits in the past year, and lower educational attainment. Influenza vaccine nonreceipt was 92.4% among adults with all 3 characteristics compared to only 16.0% among those with none of the characteristics. In conclusion, influenza vaccine coverage in the overall US adult population remains well below public health goals. Significant disparities persist among subgroups like younger adults, those without recent health care visits, and individuals with lower educational attainment. There is an urgent need for expanded outreach efforts targeting vulnerable populations to address disparities in vaccine uptake.

PMID:40101075 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000041854

Am J Hypertens. 2025 Mar 18:hpaf029. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpaf029. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous adrenal ablation (PAA) is an effective and safe therapy for treating patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). However, its effectiveness in comparison to that of adrenalectomy (ADX) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) remains unclear.

METHODS: Databases were searched including: Pubmed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library. Studies were included if patients with PA who received two of three different treatments (ADX, MRAs, or PAA) and reported our interested outcomes, including blood pressure, serum potassium and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR).

RESULTS: In total of 10,681 patients from forty-seven studies were identified. Both ADX and PAA showed superior clinical success (systolic BP: ADX: -4.69 [-6.4, -2.95], PAA: -3.96 [-9.05, 0.99]; diastolic BP: ADX: -3.14 [-4.55, -1.85], PAA: -2.99 [-6.96, 0.98]) compared with MRAs. According to the Bayesian ranking curves (SUCRA values), ADX ranked first for all outcomes of interest (systolic BP: 81.02%, diastolic BP: 76.95%, serum potassium: 96.55%, and ARR: 88.03%), while PAA ranked second for all outcomes (systolic BP: 65.94%, diastolic BP: 69.66%, serum potassium: 50%, and ARR: 45.14%).

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this network meta-analysis suggest that PAA could be an alternative treatment for patients with PA who are unable to opt for surgery or MRA therapy, and its clinical and biochemical success fall between those of ADX and MRAs.

PMID:40099475 | DOI:10.1093/ajh/hpaf029

Pest Manag Sci. 2025 Mar 18. doi: 10.1002/ps.8772. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of migratory takeoff behavior is the essential first step for long-distance migration of insects. However, its characteristics, frequency of occurrence, and the identity of environmental and physiological factors influencing this process remain largely unknown.

RESULTS: We investigate the global pest fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) as an exemplar species to investigate the behavioral traits associated with migratory takeoff of nocturnally migrating moths in year-round breeding areas. Our studies of FAW were carried out in Yunnan (2020-2022) and Hainan (2023) provinces of South China. Most migratory FAW moths were observed to takeoff at the age of Day (D)1-3, with the highest migratory proportion on D2, whereas mating behavior mostly happened during the first half night on D1. Typically, the migratory individuals took off within 40 min after sunset when the illumination fell below 2.7 lx, reaching its peak within 15 min. The optimal conditions for their takeoff are warm and dry weather with gentle winds. Yunnan and Hainan field populations showed a similar seasonal pattern in their migratory proportion, with the highest proportion in spring, and then decreasing as the seasons progress. Additionally, FAW moths emerging from caterpillars fed on maize plants at V14-R1 stages showed a higher migratory proportion than those from larvae fed on maize plants at other growth stages. Compared with nonmigratory individuals, migratory ones had slightly longer forewings (marginally significant) and flew faster, with higher wingbeat frequency, but other morphological characteristics and flight parameters were similar.

CONCLUSION: The study of FAW moths in Yunnan and Hainan from 2020 to 2023 found that migratory moths take off under specific conditions and show a seasonal pattern, with those from certain maize stages having higher migratory proportion, longer forewings and faster flight. These findings advance our understanding of the migratory takeoff behavior of FAW and, thus, provide a basis for the accurate prediction and management of the migratory dynamics. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID:40099473 | DOI:10.1002/ps.8772

Acta Orthop. 2025 Mar 13;96:265-271. doi: 10.2340/17453674.2025.43001.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Discharge on day of surgery after hip or knee arthroplasty is increasing, but whether this leads to an increase in the overall number of post-discharge healthcare system contacts is unknown. We aimed to investigate whether day-case surgery leads to increased patient-reported healthcare system contacts compared with non-day-case surgery within the first 30 days postoperatively.

METHODS: We performed a prospective multicenter study at seven fast-track centers from September 2022 to August 2023. Candidates for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) were evaluated for day-case eligibility using pre-defined criteria. Patients received a survey 30 days postoperatively regarding any healthcare system contacts related to surgery. Planned healthcare visits were excluded. We used day-case eligible patients not discharged on day of surgery (inpatients) as control group.

RESULTS: Of 2,278 day-case eligible patients, 2,073 (91%) completed the survey, including 1,146 day-case patients (55%) and 927 inpatients (45%). The overall rate of healthcare system contacts was 49% (95% confidence interval [CI] 45-51) in day-case patients compared with 52% (CI 49-56) in inpatients. Specific contacts included visits to a general practitioner (GP) or out-of-hours medical clinic (25% [CI 22-27] vs 32% [CI 29-35]), the emergency department (ED) (6% [CI 4-7] vs 7% [CI 5-8]), and outpatient clinics or wards (35% [CI 33-38] vs 35% [CI 32-38]). The most common reasons for all types of healthcare contacts were wound problems, prescription renewals, and pain management.

CONCLUSION: Day-case hip and knee arthroplasties was not associated with increased healthcare system contacts within the first 30 days postoperatively.

PMID:40099463 | DOI:10.2340/17453674.2025.43001

Acta Orthop. 2025 Mar 13;96:256-264. doi: 10.2340/17453674.2025.43188.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The use of spinal implants has increased substantially. Their widespread use raises public health concerns. We aimed to study spinal surgery trends in Italy from 2001 to 2019 and present a mapping for ICD9-CM codes potentially related to spinal diagnoses and procedures.

METHODS: ICD9-CM codes of interest were selected and mapped to clinically meaningful spinal diagnostic categories and procedure classes. The Italian National Hospital Discharge Records database was then browsed according to these codes. Surgical volumes and trends were described. Population incidence rates (IR) were estimated and provided with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Variations in IRs were reported in terms of incidence rate ratio. The statistical significance of counts and IR time series trends was assessed by using the Cox-Stuart test.

RESULTS: 1,560,969 spinal procedures were extracted from 209,818,966 admissions registered nationally. The annual number of spinal procedures increased significantly by 67%, from 58,369 in 2001 to 97,636 in 2019 (P < 0.002). 1,040,326 (67%) procedures did not include implants, while 590,643 (33%) used implants, 395,450 (25%) associated with fusions and 125,193 (8%) with non-fusions. Population IRs increased from 100.9 (CI 100.1-101.7) to 163.2 (CI 162.2-164.3) episodes per 100,000 inhabitants. Surgical volumes for non-implant-related procedures remained stable, while implant-related procedures increased significantly, by 420% over the 19 observed years (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION: Spinal surgical procedures and their population incidence rates increased significantly. Fusions and other implant-related procedures increased substantially for most diagnostic categories. An ICD9-CM mapping for spinal diagnoses and procedures as a reproducible tool for further explorations was presented.

PMID:40099462 | DOI:10.2340/17453674.2025.43188

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2025 Feb;45(1):21-27. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-N2734.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the suitability of Bama pigs as a model for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) research.

METHODS: Sixteen 8-month-old male Bama pigs underwent esophageal manometry to determine the precise anatomical positioning of the upper (UES) and lower esophageal sphincters (LES) relative to the incisor teeth, as well as their respective contraction intensities. The pigs were randomly allocated into three experimental groups (n = 6, 5, 5), with each group subjected to Dx PH-probe monitoring. In Group 1, animals were fasted for 24 hours and water-deprived for 6 hours before undergoing pH monitoring under anaesthesia. Group 2 was anaesthetised two hours post-normal feeding and subsequently monitored. Group 3 also received anaesthesia two hours after eating but were monitored in an awake state.

RESULTS: The mean distance from the UES to the incisor teeth was found to be 19.8 ± 1 cm, while the LES was located at 40 ± 2.5 cm. The resting pressure measurements revealed a mean value of 64 ± 12 mmHg for the UES and 20 ± 4 mmHg for the LES in Bama pigs. Laryngopharyngeal pH values across the three groups were 7 ± 0.6, 7 ± 0.5, and 7.4 ± 1.2, respectively, showing no significant differences or reflux events. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in the lower oesophageal pH between Group 1 and Group 2.

CONCLUSIONS: The Bama pig emerges as a suitable animal model for studying LPRD, given its comparable physiological parameters. The feasibility of establishing a reflux model in Bama pigs and using it to investigate the underlying mechanisms of LPRD is convincingly supported by these findings.

PMID:40099443 | DOI:10.14639/0392-100X-N2734

J Eval Clin Pract. 2025 Mar;31(2):e70039. doi: 10.1111/jep.70039.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: A variety of complications can arise following a stroke, with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) being a prevalent consequence. The objective of the research was to explore the relationship between 25(OH)D levels, PSCI, and the duration of hospitalization.

METHODS: Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were measured within the first 24 h of hospital admission. Cognitive impairment in stroke patients was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Functional independence was evaluated on the day of discharge using the Barthel Index (BI). Additionally, the duration of hospitalization for each patient was recorded. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software.

RESULTS: An observation revealed that levels of 25(OH)D were comparatively reduced in stroke people who suffered from cognitive impairment as opposed to individuals without such impairment (p = 0.022). Patients with cognitive impairment following a stroke demonstrated reduced BI scores (p < 0.001) and longer durations of hospitalization (p = 0.002) in contrast to patients without cognitive impairment. Upon comparing groups with different concentrations of 25(OH)D, it was observed that individuals with low concentrations had longer hospitalization durations (p = 0.03) and higher NIHSS scores (p = 0.003) than those with high concentrations of 25(OH)D. Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis indicated that a 25(OH)D level of < 25 nmol/L was a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment following a stroke.

CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated a potential linkage between reduced levels of 25(OH)D and an escalated susceptibility to cognitive impairment following a stroke. Furthermore, individuals with lower concentrations of 25(OH)D generally experienced longer hospital stays.

PMID:40099417 | DOI:10.1111/jep.70039

Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2025 Mar 18. doi: 10.1002/mdc3.70040. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder reported to be associated with impulsivity and impairments in interoception and emotional regulation. However, limited research has explored the combined influence of RLS severity, psychological factors, and chronotype on impulsive decision-making and risk-taking behavior in RLS patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess impulsive-decision making and its modulation by RLS severity, chronotype, and psychological factors (including interoception, anxiety, alexithymia, and sleep quality) in RLS patients compared to healthy controls (HC).

METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 20 RLS patients and 20 age- and sex-matched HC. Participants completed a series of questionnaires measuring interoception, anxiety, alexithymia, sleep quality, and chronotype, followed by a temporal discounting task to assess impulsivity. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman’s rank correlations, and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS: No significant differences in impulsive decision-making were observed between groups. RLS patients exhibited higher levels of depression and alexithymia, along with lower scores on interoceptive awareness compared to HC. However, within the RLS group, greater symptoms’ severity, poorer sleep quality, and higher anxiety were positively correlated with increased impulsivity. Regression analysis showed that the MAIA-2-Not Distracting sub-scale was a significant predictor of impulsivity in RLS patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Interoceptive deficits, particularly difficulties in ignoring bodily sensations, play a central role in impulsive decision-making in RLS patients. These findings highlight the importance of targeting interoception, emotional regulation, and sleep quality in therapeutic interventions for RLS. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm these relationships.

PMID:40099406 | DOI:10.1002/mdc3.70040

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2025 Mar 17. doi: 10.4081/monaldi.2025.3316. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The idea of heated tobacco products (HTPs) is to deliver nicotine to the consumer by heating the tobacco rather than burning it, possibly causing less release of many harmful and potentially harmful chemical constituents (HPHCs), including carbon monoxide (CO). This prospective observational study targets studying the acute effects of HTPs regarding exhaled CO, serum cotinine level, and pulmonary function. A total of 91 participants were included; 46 current traditional cigarette smokers were instructed not to smoke for a minimum of 12 hours before the study (not following the smoking cessation program) and then divided into two groups. Group 1 contained 23 participants who smoked their usual cigarette brands, and Group 2 consisted of 23 participants who smoked the I-Quit-Ordinary-Smoking tobacco sticks. Group 3 is the control group, including 45 normal healthy non-smoker participants. All participants were subjected to the subsequent thorough medical history and clinical examination, followed by assessment of the following parameters before smoking as well as 5 minutes after smoking (either heated tobacco or traditional cigarettes according to their groups): oxygen saturation (SpO₂), heart rate (HR), measurement of exhaled CO, spirometry, and blood sample for serum cotinine level (which was assessed 5 minutes as well as 30 minutes after smoking). The study’s findings showed that after smoking cigarettes, the amount of CO in the air was higher (mean 32.83±16.73 standard deviation) than after smoking heated tobacco, which was statistically significant. Serum cotinine levels also went up after smoking in both groups, but they were slightly higher after HTPs than after conventional cigarettes (CCs). Spirometry and SpO2 levels went down after smoking in groups 1 and 2, while HR levels went up after smoking in both groups, with a p-value of less than 0.001. We concluded that the HTPs have acute respiratory and cardiovascular effects similar to CCs but with less exhaled CO.

PMID:40099401 | DOI:10.4081/monaldi.2025.3316