Tag: statistics

RSC Adv. 2025 Nov 7;15(51):43322-43333. doi: 10.1039/d5ra05719a. eCollection 2025 Nov 6.

ABSTRACT

Point-of-care (PoC) detection of antibodies in blood enables rapid, on-site diagnosis. However, these devices often face challenges related to user variability due to the requirement of multiple manual operations. To address this issue, we designed and developed a disposable microfluidic device that requires minimal user input for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (ABs) in total blood and antigens associated with blood types. Here, we present a passive pressure-driven pumping technique that rapidly mixes blood samples with reagents, delivering results within three minutes. The device requires 15 μL of capillary blood and can detect SARS-CoV-2 ABs across a concentration range of 0 to 60 μg mL^-1. Additionally, we demonstrated the versatility of the microfluidic device by implementing blood typing functionality, highlighting its potential for broader serological testing applications. We also developed a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm as a proof-of-concept to demonstrate the potential application of machine learning (ML)-based analysis to complement visual interpretation of results. We evaluated the performance and predictive accuracy of the SVM model and compared it to human interpretations. The analysis showed that the SVM model achieved a statistically significant improvement in predicting varying degrees of agglutination when compared to human interpretation. This device addresses the need for a user-friendly, rapid COVID-19 AB testing solution and blood-typing assay and also provides a model for the future development of diagnostic devices that are integrated with ML models for improved diagnostic accuracy and accessibility in both clinical and non-clinical environments.

PMID:41209517 | PMC:PMC12593424 | DOI:10.1039/d5ra05719a

Alpha Psychiatry. 2025 Oct 21;26(5):47535. doi: 10.31083/AP47535. eCollection 2025 Oct.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated risk factors in adult patients with severe mental disorders (SMD) who were admitted to the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of adult patients with SMD admitted to our hospital. The research comprised 5964 adult inpatients with SMD. Data were collected from 1 January 2023, to 31 December 2023. The collected data encompassed demographic details, classifications of mental disorders, hospitalization records, concomitant conditions, and pertinent laboratory findings. We performed descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to assess the prevalence of T2DM and identify associated risk factors.

RESULTS: Patients with SMD had a 10.14% frequency of concurrent T2DM. In this patient cohort, our study found that age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, triglyceride levels and apolipoprotein B levels were important risk factors for T2DM.

CONCLUSION: The results show that T2DM is much more common in people with SMD and suggest that several clinical and demographic traits may increase the chance of developing this condition. Extensive screening and targeted treatments are necessary for this vulnerable group.

PMID:41209502 | PMC:PMC12593731 | DOI:10.31083/AP47535

Alpha Psychiatry. 2025 Sep 23;26(5):46810. doi: 10.31083/AP46810. eCollection 2025 Oct.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders (MDs) are associated with prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes, but the results reported by different studies are inconsistent. Our aim was to explore the causal relationship between 10 MDs and PCa using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis.

METHODS: Our study was based on summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of PCa and 10 major MDs in the European population. The genetic locus data used in the analysis included variants associated with PCa and the 10 MDs. Causal estimates were calculated using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, and sensitivity MR techniques, including Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger regression, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO), were employed to evaluate potential horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. All statistical analyses were conducted using R software.

RESULTS: Our study did not find a causal relationship between PCa and the 10 MDs. In reverse MR analysis, a causal association between insomnia and PCa was found only for insomnia, which reduced PCa risk (odds ratio [OR], 0.9706; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9468-0.9951; p = 0.0188). However, after MVMR adjustment for habits (cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, coffee intake, and tea intake), this causal relationship no longer existed (OR, 1.011; 95% CI, 0.932-1.096; p = 0.795).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a negative correlation between insomnia and PCa from a genetic perspective. However, such results may be mediated by lifestyle habits and therefore need to be interpreted with caution.

PMID:41209499 | PMC:PMC12593758 | DOI:10.31083/AP46810

Toxicol Rep. 2025 Oct 16;15:102144. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2025.102144. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Genotoxicity evaluations are essential components of the safety assessment for compounds intended for ingestion. Kaurenoic acid, a naturally occurring diterpene, is found in various plant species that are under investigation for potential therapeutic and sweetening properties. Salmonella typhimurium strains TA1535, TA1537, TA98 and TA100 and Escherichia coli strain WP2uvrA were treated with kaurenoic acid using the Ames plate incorporation and pre-incubation methods. Up to eight dose levels were tested, with and without metabolic activation using 10 % rat liver S9 mix with standard co-factors. Kaurenoic acid did not induce an increase in revertant colony frequency at any dose level under either condition indicating a lack of mutagenic activity. Additionally, genotoxic potential was evaluated in human peripheral blood lymphocytes via the in vitro micronucleus assay. Duplicate cultures were treated with kaurenoic acid at four dose levels with exposure conditions including a 4-hour exposure with or without 2 % S9 and a 24-hour exposure without S9. While kaurenoic acid exhibited marked toxicity, it did not produce any statistically significant increase in micronucleated binucleate cells. The assay included a dose that induced approximately 55 ± 5 % cytostasis, consistent with current OECD guidelines. Under the conditions of these studies, kaurenoic acid demonstrated no evidence of mutagenicity, clastogenicity, or aneugenicity. When considered with existing literature, the current findings support the conclusion that kaurenoic acid does not pose a genotoxic risk.

PMID:41209491 | PMC:PMC12593435 | DOI:10.1016/j.toxrep.2025.102144

Pain Rep. 2025 Nov 5;10(6):e1359. doi: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000001359. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Offset analgesia (OA), an endogenous pain inhibition after an abrupt decrease in noxious stimulation, provides a paradigm to study dynamic interaction between ascending and descending pain pathways. Previous studies assumed that this interaction follows deterministic dynamics. In contrast, a recent perspective views pain perception as a Bayesian process: a statistically optimal updating of pain predictions based on noisy sensory input.

OBJECTIVES: We examined whether OA is driven by a deterministic interaction between ascending and descending pathways, or by a Bayesian process in which the brain updates pain perception by combining expectations with incoming signals.

METHODS: We modified the conventional OA paradigm by adding high-frequency noise after an abrupt decrease in noxious stimulation and measured pain intensity responses in healthy participants. Pain reports were analyzed using 2 computational models: a deterministic dynamic equation model and a recursive Bayesian integration model. Hypothesis testing was conducted using model selection.

RESULTS: Offset analgesia was observed after reduction of noxious stimuli, but pain was disinhibited by high-frequency disturbances. The deterministic model predicted unbounded oscillations depending on disturbance sequence, whereas the Bayesian model predicted gradual OA attenuation by filtering out noise. Model selection favored the Bayesian model.

CONCLUSION: The brain dissociates noise from primary signals, achieving stable pain perception even in the presence of noisy inputs. Thus, OA reflects a stochastic integration between prediction and observation, with noise magnitude modulating pain intensity. Clinically, these results suggest that enhancing endogenous pain inhibition for chronic pain may be achieved through interventions targeting noise recognition mechanisms.

PMID:41209484 | PMC:PMC12591703 | DOI:10.1097/PR9.0000000000001359

Transplant Direct. 2025 Nov 7;11(12):e1875. doi: 10.1097/TXD.0000000000001875. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Delayed graft function (DGF) in deceased-donor kidney transplantation increases morbidity, prolongs hospitalization, and increases healthcare costs. Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) has emerged as a promising strategy to reduce DGF; however, large-scale real-world data remain limited.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (2014-2024), including adult dialysis-dependent recipients of deceased-donor kidneys preserved using either static cold storage (SCS) or HMP. The primary outcome was DGF, defined as dialysis requirement within 7 d posttransplant. A matched-pairs analysis was conducted using kidneys from the same donor.

RESULTS: The overall cohort included 59 859 recipients (46.8% SCS, 53.2% HMP), with 2208 matched pairs identified. In the overall cohort, HMP grafts had longer cold ischemia times and a higher kidney donor risk index. They were more frequently obtained from older and donation after circulatory death donors. Although the overall DGF incidence was higher with HMP (34.4% versus 30.9%, P < 0.001), matched-pairs analysis revealed significantly lower DGF rates with HMP (29.8% versus 36.1%, P < 0.001). Adjusted analyses identified HMP as protective against DGF (overall cohort odds ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.78; paired cohort OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50-0.93). Additional modifiable risk factors include prolonged cold ischemia time, higher recipient body mass index, and longer dialysis duration.

CONCLUSIONS: This real-world study demonstrates that HMP is associated with a significant reduction in DGF risk in kidney transplantation compared with SCS, supporting its broader implementation and targeted management of modifiable risk factors.

PMID:41209481 | PMC:PMC12594304 | DOI:10.1097/TXD.0000000000001875

Genus. 2025;81(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s41118-025-00273-0. Epub 2025 Nov 7.

ABSTRACT

This contribution explores the division of paid and unpaid labour among same-sex couples in Italy relying on primary data collected via an online survey. The (non-probabilistic) sample consists of 190 respondents, mainly women (n = 138), in a co-residing same-sex couple at the survey date. Results from descriptive statistics reveal a general pattern of equal division of both paid and unpaid labour among the majority of couples in our sample-a result which aligns with previous research based on different countries. Same-sex partners in our sample tend to share domestic and childcare chores equally, even when paid labour is not equally shared. This result contrasts markedly with the gender division found among different-sex partners in Italy from existing empirical studies, especially among parents. Finally, we find that in those same-sex couples where the division of childcare is unbalanced, care tasks tend to be skewed towards the respondent irrespective of their relationship to the child, unlike prior international studies suggesting a higher involvement in care tasks for the birth or biological parent.

PMID:41209477 | PMC:PMC12594702 | DOI:10.1186/s41118-025-00273-0

Front Vet Sci. 2025 Oct 24;12:1629328. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1629328. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The sodium-to-potassium (Na:K) ratio is commonly used as a screening criterion for hyponatremic and/or hyperkalemic hypoadrenocorticism (HA), a serious endocrine disorder in dogs characterized by non-specific clinical signs and variable laboratory findings. A Na:K ratio below 27 typically prompts further investigation through adrenal function tests. However, previous studies suggest that serum K levels may increase with age, even in otherwise healthy dogs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of age on the Na:K ratio, in order to determine whether age-related changes could impact the reliability of this ratio as a screening tool in adult and senior dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed biochemical and hematological data from 208 dogs, aged 5-16 years, enrolled in a longitudinal research project of general canine population. The data included their medical history before the control visit and during the 12-month follow-up period.

RESULTS: The prevalence of dogs with a Na:K ratio ≤ 27 was found to be 2.4 ± 2.7% in dogs under 10 years and 12.8±7.0% in those over 10 years. None of the dogs with Na:K ratio ≤ 27 had clinical suspicion of HA, either at the time of initial evaluation or during the 6-months follow-up period. Serum K levels showed a modest but statistically significant age-related increase of 0.22 ± 0.05 mEq/L every 5 years, while Na levels remained stable. As a result, the Na:K ratio declined by 1.5 ± 0.3 points every 5 years. Serum K was moderately correlated with the plateletcrit (PCT) (r = 0.39, p-value < 0.00001) and PCT was found to increase by 5.9% ± 1.6% every 5 years. It was estimated that each 10% increase in PCT corresponded to 0.142 ± 0.027 mEq/L rise in serum K.

DISCUSSION: The prevalence of dogs with a Na:K ratio ≤ 27 increases with age, reducing the specificity of this threshold for diagnosing HA in older dogs-particularly when Na levels are within the normal range. This decline is due largely, though not exclusively, to age-related increases in PCT, as platelets release K during clotting.

PMID:41209463 | PMC:PMC12593493 | DOI:10.3389/fvets.2025.1629328

Front Aging. 2025 Oct 23;6:1652588. doi: 10.3389/fragi.2025.1652588. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: As the global population ages, trauma among middle aged and older adults has become a significant public health concern, particularly in emergency care settings. In Saudi Arabia, the number of adults aged ≥50 years is steadily increasing, particularly in urban centers such as Jeddah, where multigenerational households and chronic health conditions influence injury patterns and healthcare utilization. Middle aged and older adults face higher rates of injury-related hospitalizations than younger populations, often exacerbated by physiological vulnerability and comorbid conditions. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic factors, prevalent injury types, associated comorbidities, and clinical outcomes of middle aged and older adult’s patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with trauma.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients aged ≥50 years who presented to the ED with trauma between January 2021 and December 2023. The assessed variables included sociodemographic data, injury severity, injury patterns, comorbidities, clinical management, and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify the associations and predictors of surgical intervention.

RESULTS: A total of 248 middle aged and older adult patients with trauma were analyzed. Male patients sustained more severe injuries, with a statistically significant association between gender and injury severity (p = 0.028). No significant correlation was found between injury severity, age, and comorbidities. Logistic regression revealed that the mode of arrival and lower body injuries were significant predictors of surgical intervention (OR = 2.714, p = 0.046). Patients arriving by walk-in (OR = 7.560, p = 0.002) or personal vehicle (OR = 5.231, p = 0.006) were more likely to undergo surgery than those transported by ambulance. Surgical intervention was inversely associated with injury recurrence (OR = 0.214, p = 0.019), whereas the presence of comorbidities significantly increased the likelihood of surgical management (OR = 2.024, p = 0.031).

CONCLUSION: Middle aged and Older adult trauma patients represent a complex and vulnerable population in emergency care. Male gender, lower limb injuries, comorbidities, and non-ambulance transport modes are significant predictors of surgical intervention. Identifying these factors can guide early triage, optimize care, and inform preventive strategies to improve outcomes and reduce the healthcare burden.

PMID:41209421 | PMC:PMC12589095 | DOI:10.3389/fragi.2025.1652588

Lancet Reg Health West Pac. 2025 Oct 21;63:101706. doi: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101706. eCollection 2025 Oct.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Secondary education, and early marriage and childbirth are major determinants of health and wellbeing. We aimed to describe the long-term trends and inequalities of these three indicators in Chinese adolescents over three decades of dramatic social and economic change.

METHODS: Using data from Chinese population censuses and 1% population sample surveys from 1990 to 2020 (the most recent survey), we calculated the senior secondary school participation rate in 20-24-year-olds, the ever-married rate in 15-19-year-olds, and the age-specific fertility rate in 15-19 year-old females, by urban-rural location and province.

FINDINGS: In urban areas, the secondary school participation rate substantially increased, from 34.7% in 1990 to 82.4% in 2020 for females and from 38.7% to 77.0% for males. The participation rate in rural areas also greatly increased, from 5.0% in 1990 to 55.7% in 2020 for females and from 9.1% to 51.0% for males, but remained markedly lower than in urban areas at all time points. The ever-married rate decreased dramatically from 1990 to 2005, rebounded between 2005 and 2015, and then dropped so that the rate in 2020 was at a level comparable to that in 2005 (0.7% [95% CI 0.7-0.7] for urban females, 2.2% [2.1-2.2] for rural females, 0.2% [0.2-0.2] for urban males, and 0.5% [0.5-0.5] for rural males). In urban areas, the fertility rate decreased from 10.1 per 1000 in 1990 to 2.4 (2.3-2.4) per 1000 in 2000, but then largely stabilised between 2000 and 2020. For rural adolescents, the fertility rate also decreased dramatically from 25.9 per 1000 in 1990 to 8.5 (8.2-8.8) per 1000 in 2005. The fertility rate rebounded to 15.4 (14.9-15.9) per 1000 in 2015 and decreased to 12.5 (12.3-12.7) in 2020 in rural areas. These three indicators greatly varied by province in 2020, with more negative patterns in western provinces.

INTERPRETATION: China has seen dramatic changes in adolescent education, and early marriage and fertility over the past three decades but large inequities persist between urban-rural areas and by province. Government investments are needed to promote education in rural areas and western regions to promote more equitable health, development and wellbeing in Chinese adolescents.

FUNDING: National Nature Science Foundation of China.

PMID:41209392 | PMC:PMC12589909 | DOI:10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101706