Tag: statistics

Clin Lab. 2025 Mar 1;71(3). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.240726.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Calcium (CA) is crucial for a wide range of biological functions. However, the correlation between total calcium and hyperuricemia in US adults remains unclear. This study aimed to assess whether total calcium is associated with hyperuricemia.

METHODS: Based on data from the NHANES (2011 – 2018), we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 20,028 US adults aged 18 or older. Logistic regression, fitting smooth curves, and interaction effects were utilized to support the research objectives.

RESULTS: Regression analyses demonstrated a positive relation between total calcium and hyperuricemia (p < 0.001). Positive association between levels of total calcium and the risk of hyperuricemia was observed after full adjustment for all the confounding variables (odds ratio: 13.28, 95% confidence interval: 10.38 – 16.99, p < 0.001). The interaction of total calcium and hyperuricemia with age and gender was significant (p values for interaction < 0.05), while there was no interaction in other subgroups (p-values for interaction > 0.05). In addition, curve fitting after adjusting for all the confounding variables indicated a nonlinear positive correlation between total calcium and hyperuricemia (p for nonlinearity = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS: The present cross-sectional study revealed that a nonlinear positive association existed between total calcium and hyperuricemia in US adults. The results could be beneficial for the management and treatment of hyperuricemia.

PMID:40066556 | DOI:10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.240726

Clin Lab. 2025 Mar 1;71(3). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.241015.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the expression and clinical significance of coiled-coil domain containing 12 (CCDC12) in the initial diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODS: A total of 80 AML patients were enrolled as the experimental group, and 20 normal bone marrow specimens were used as the control group. Clinical data of AML patients were collected. The expression level of CCDC12 was measured using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (QRT-PCR) in both groups. The relationship between CCDC12 expression and clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis in AML patients was analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to evaluate the effect of CCDC12 expression on overall survival (OS) in AML patients, while Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to assess prognosis.

RESULTS: CCDC12 expression was significantly higher in AML patients compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Patients in the high CCDC12 expression group were older, had higher platelet counts (PLT), poorer treatment responses, and worse prognoses, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The OS in the high CCDC12 expression group was significantly shorter (p < 0.05). High CCDC12 expression was identified as an independent risk factor for poor AML prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS: CCDC12 is highly expressed in AML patients. Elevated CCDC12 expression is associated with unfavorable clinical pathological characteristics and poor prognosis. This marker may provide a new approach for the diagnosis, monitoring, and targeted therapy of AML.

PMID:40066551 | DOI:10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.241015

Clin Lab. 2025 Mar 1;71(3). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.241030.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There has been a large number of immigration to Turkey after 2011, and in the past 13 years, a mixed population has been formed with both the transition to Turkish citizenship and high fertility rates. Along with numerous human migrations, gene trait transfer also occurs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of migration on blood group changes in Turkey by determining the blood group distribution of Turkish citizens living in Turkey, the blood group distribution of foreign nationals coming to Turkey, and the blood group distribution of 0-year-old babies born in the last four years.

METHODS: Patients whose blood types were checked at our hospital between 2020 and 2024 were included in the study. For each patient, age, gender, citizenship identification numbers, ABO, and Rh blood groups were obtained from medical records. These constituted the study data.

RESULTS: Blood group tests were requested for 507,959 patients in our hospital. A total of 49.8% of them were female and 50.2% were male. The mean age was 38.2 ± 19.1 years. Citizens of the Republic of Turkey constituted 92.7% of the blood groups examined, and of these, A, B, AB, and O blood groups were found to be 44.2%, 15.2%, 7.1%, and 33.6%, respectively. Out of the Rh blood groups, 87.5% were Rh positive and 12.3% were Rh negative. Foreign Turkish citizens constituted 6.5% of the examined blood groups, and A, B, AB, and O blood groups were found to be 36.7%, 20.4%, 8.0%, and 34.9%, respectively; 90.2% of Rh blood groups were Rh positive and 9.7% were Rh negative. When the blood groups of babies born between 2020 – 2024 were examined, ABO and Rh blood groups were similar to the general blood group distribution of Turkey, and there was no difference. In addition, among all blood groups, the A2 and A2B rates were found to be 0.01% and 0.005%, and the variant (weak D – Partial D) Rh blood group rate was 0.2%.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the blood groups of foreign nationals who migrated to Turkey and became citizens were found to be statistically, significantly different from the Turkish blood group distribution (p < 0.05). The blood group distribution of babies born in the last four years still reflected the same blood group distribution as the Turkish blood group distribution. Good blood stock management is required to avoid problems in blood supply. In Turkey, which has become a mixed population due to migration, it was thought that these results could be a guide in the supply of blood and blood products needed by patients and that they would also contribute to our country’s blood group database and world literature.

PMID:40066545 | DOI:10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.241030

Clin Lab. 2025 Mar 1;71(3). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.240801.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to understand the distribution and drug resistance characteristics of Enterococcus so as to provide a reliable basis for clinical use of antibiotics and hospital infection control.

METHODS: In total, 3,455 strains of Enterococcus, isolated from January 2010 through December 2021, were col-lected. Bruker MALDI biotyper, MICROSCAN walkaway 40 analysis system, and Vitek-2 compact automatic drug sensitivity identification analyzer were used to identify the strains and to test drug sensitivity, and then the results were analyzed. Whonet 5.6 software and SPSS 20.0 were used for data analysis.

RESULTS: Among the 3,455 pathogens, the top three were Enterococcus faecium (1,819 strains, 52.65%), Enterococcus faecalis (1,310 strains, 37.92%), and Enterococcus gallinarum (1,203 strains, 3.47%). There were more strains from females (1,808 strains, 52.33%) than from males (1,647 strains, 47.67%). Furthermore, 1,446 strains (41.85%) were isolated from urine samples, and the resistance rates to vancomycin and linezolid were 15.72% and 0.58%, respectively. The resistance rates to penicillin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin were higher than 50%.

CONCLUSIONS: Enterococcus faecium was the main pathogen of enterococcal infection. Most of them were cultured in urine. The multi-drug resistance was high. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus cannot be ignored. Bacterial resistance monitoring provides an important theoretical basis for clinicians to rationally use antibiotics and prevent nosocomial infection.

PMID:40066540 | DOI:10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.240801

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2025 Feb;11(1):e70063. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70063.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As a combination of curve of Spee and curve of Wilson, the Monson sphere reflects the arrangement of teeth in three-dimensional (3D) space. For occlusal analysis, the Monson sphere can provide an important reference for prosthetic reconstructions or orthodontic treatments.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to generate and investigate the 3-D Monson sphere through a complete digital workflow with intraoral scanning models and custom software.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four Chinese adults (32 males and 32 females) with individual normal occlusion were recruited, and their intraoral scanning models were obtained using a digital intraoral scanner. Twenty-six landmarks on the scanning models were digitized using a reverse engineering software. Monson’s sphere was generated and evaluated by fitting a sphere to the cusp tips using a least-squares method by means of custom software program. Mann-Whitney’s U test was performed to test the radius difference of Monson’s sphere between males and females. One-sample t-test was used to test the statistical significance (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: Monson’s sphere could be generated by means of digital scanning combined with customed software. The mean radius of Monson’s sphere was 77.35 ± 13.38 mm, which was lower than the theoretical value proposed by Monson. Furthermore, there were significant differences between males and females in Monson’s sphere radius (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: This study explores a new best-fit algorithm for generating 3-D Monson’s sphere by complete digital workflow. The radius of Monson’s sphere in Chinese adults was lower than the classical value of four-inch proposed by Monson. There was a significant difference between males and females. Monson’s sphere value found in this study could be used as a reference for prosthetic reconstruction and orthodontic treatment and be applied to improve dental treatment results.

PMID:40066508 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70063

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2025 Feb;11(1):e70109. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70109.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the impact of incorporating glass ionomer fillers of varying sizes on fluoride release, antiplaque properties, and the abrasive effects of toothpaste.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this laboratory study, three toothpaste samples containing glass ionomer filler particles (0.5, 5 µm, and a hybrid combination of equal proportions of both fillers) were tested, along with a base toothpaste without fillers or fluoride and a commercial toothpaste (Colgate Total) as controls. Fluoride release was measured using a fluoride ion-selective electrode. Antiplaque properties were assessed by evaluating the effect of toothpaste on cultured saliva in tissue culture plates, with optical density measured using an ELISA reader. Abrasive effects were analyzed by changes in enamel thickness of bovine teeth using a three-body wear test. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s tests in SPSS software at a 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS: Toothpaste containing 0.5 µm fillers showed the highest fluoride release, whereas the lowest release was associated with 5 µm fillers. All formulations demonstrated antiplaque activity, though differences among filler-containing toothpastes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Enamel abrasion differed significantly among the samples (p < 0.001), with the greatest abrasion observed for toothpaste containing 5 µm fillers and the least abrasion observed for 0.5 µm fillers.

CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating glass ionomer fillers into toothpaste formulations provides fluoride release and antiplaque effects comparable to those of commercial toothpaste. Smaller filler sizes enhance fluoride release and reduce abrasiveness, though filler size does not significantly influence antiplaque efficacy.

PMID:40066482 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70109

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2025 Feb;11(1):e70113. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70113.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the level of oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among a group of mothers with kindergarten (KG) children aged 3-5 years toward their own and their children’s oral health and assess its influence on their children’s oral health status.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The sample was selected randomly from public and private KGs in Jeddah. Self-administrated questionnaires were distributed to the mothers of KG schoolchildren aged 3-5 years, which contained translated and validated Mothers’ Behavior Questionnaire about their own oral health behaviors, Mothers’ Attitude Questionnaire about their children’s oral health, and Mothers’ Knowledge Questionnaire about their children’s oral health. The oral health of the KG school children was examined to determine the decayed, missed, and filled index (dmft).

RESULTS: A total of 461 child-mother pairs completed the study. The mean values of dmft were 5.41 ± 4.81. The children’s oral health (dental caries) and the mothers’ oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior were significantly associated with KG type (public vs. private), mothers’ age, mothers’ education, and family income. A multiple linear regression model indicated that younger mothers (< 30-40 years), highly educated mothers, high family income, and mothers with higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with lower dmft scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Mothers whose children attended private KGs exhibited better oral health-related attitudes, habits, and knowledge. School type, mother’s age, mother’s education level, and monthly income were factors that strongly impacted the behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge of the mothers. Dental caries was lower among children whose mothers were young, well-educated, from high family income families, and had higher knowledge related to oral health. Implementing targeted educational programs for mothers, particularly those with lower educational attainment and from low-income backgrounds, is essential for enhancing the oral health of children in kindergarten age.

PMID:40066470 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70113

BJUI Compass. 2025 Jan 31;6(3). doi: 10.1002/bco2.424. eCollection 2025 Mar.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant global health concern, ranking as the second most prevalent cancer among men worldwide. Genetic factors, particularly germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in DNA repair genes (DRGs), play a crucial role in PCa predisposition. Our study aimed to assess patients’ adherence to a targeted PCa screening program targeting high-risk individuals with DRG PVs and evaluate the potential reduction in biopsy and MRI rates by employing our screening protocol.

METHODS: We conducted a prospective ongoing trial evaluating targeted PCa screening in men with documented PVs in DRGs. Screening involved annual assessment of medical history, physical examination, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, Prostate Health Index (PHI), and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) when indicated. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse patient characteristics, and adherence to screening was evaluated at three time points: baseline (T0), one year (T1), and two years (T2) from enrolment.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 101 high-risk individuals were enrolled, with a median age of 52 years. Adherence to screening was high, with 72.3% of patients attending the first annual follow-up (T1) and 100% attending the second follow-up (T2). Despite elevated PSA levels in some patients, no PCa was detected during the study period. However, our screening protocol demonstrated the potential in reducing unnecessary biopsies and MRIs, particularly in patients with elevated PSA but low PHI values. Limitations include the ongoing nature of the study, small sample size, and lack of non-carrier controls.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our findings described a new PCa screening strategy integrated with genetic risk factors. The incorporation of PHI shows promise in improving the efficiency of diagnostic procedures while minimizing unnecessary interventions. High adherence among high-risk individuals underscores the potential effectiveness of targeted screening programs.

PMID:40066468 | PMC:PMC11891281 | DOI:10.1002/bco2.424

Front Pediatr. 2025 Feb 24;13:1533877. doi: 10.3389/fped.2025.1533877. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, improving patient outcomes, and streamlining routine tasks. However, integrating AI into PICU environments poses significant ethical and data privacy challenges, necessitating effective governance and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and ethical implementation. This study aimed to explore valuable insights into healthcare professionals’ current perceptions and readiness to adopt AI in pediatric critical care, highlighting the opportunities and challenges ahead.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted an online survey among healthcare practitioners at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The survey included questions about professional roles, experience, and familiarity with AI, their opinions on AI’s role, trust in AI-driven decisions, and ethical and privacy concerns. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS.

RESULTS: Results found varying familiarity with AI among healthcare professionals, with many expressing limited knowledge of AI applications in PICU settings. Despite this, there was growing recognition of AI’s current applications. Trust in AI-driven decisions for PICU management was mixed, with most expressing partial trust. Opinions on AI’s role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving patient outcomes varied. Ethical considerations, data privacy, and effective governance to address regulatory and ethical challenges were highlighted as critical concerns.

CONCLUSION: Healthcare practitioners in the PICU preferred using AI for routine patient monitoring but had concerns about its use in diagnoses and advanced healthcare. Concerns were held regarding data privacy, security breaches, and patient confidentiality.

PMID:40066464 | PMC:PMC11891184 | DOI:10.3389/fped.2025.1533877

Med Care. 2025 Apr 1;63(4):293-299. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000002116. Epub 2025 Jan 3.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study illustrates how the statistical reliability of an individual measure relates to the overall reliability of a composite metric, as understanding this relationship provides additional information when evaluating measures for endorsement.

BACKGROUND: National quality measure endorsement processes typically evaluate individual metrics on criteria such as importance and scientific acceptability (eg, reliability). In practice, quality measures may be used in composite rating systems, which aid in the interpretation of overall quality differences.

METHODS: We define an individual measure’s reliability by its intraclass correlation and analytically establish the relationship between a composite’s reliability and the reliability of its components. We use real data to confirm this relationship under various scenarios. We are motivated by 8 quality measures, which comprise the Quality of Patient Care Star Ratings on Dialysis Facility Care Compare. These measure 4 primary outcomes (mortality, hospitalizations, readmissions, and blood transfusions), vascular access (2 measures), and facility processes (2 measures).

RESULTS: Depending on the reliability of the individual measures, their respective weights in the composite, and their pairwise correlations, there are circumstances when adding a new measure, even if it is less reliable, increases the composite’s reliability. For the dialysis facility Star Ratings, we find that the combined reliability of measures grouped within certain domains of care exceeded the reliability of the individual measures within those domains.

CONCLUSIONS: New quality measures may add utility to a composite rating system under certain circumstances-a consideration that should, in part, factor into quality measure endorsement processes.

PMID:40064621 | DOI:10.1097/MLR.0000000000002116