Tag: statistics

One Health Outlook. 2025 Apr 2;7(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s42522-024-00130-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) in cattle negatively affects the cattle economy in Africa, with zoonotic TB posing drug-resistance issues in humans. The burden of TB in cattle and zoonotic TB in humans in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is not well understood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of both TB in cattle and zoonotic TB in humans in SSA through meta-analysis.

METHODS: Research on TB prevalence was sourced from multiple databases. A random effects meta-analysis model estimated TB prevalence in SSA and its regions, while meta-regression identified risk factors. The analysis included 114 studies for cattle and 59 for humans.

RESULTS: The estimated TB prevalence in cattle was 5.06% (95% CI: 3.76-6.78), with a higher burden in West Africa. The prevalence was greater on farms than at abattoirs. Among humans, M. bovis prevalence was 0.73% (95% CI: 0.53-1.01), increasing to 1.56% (95% CI: 1.04-2.33) in TB incident cases, especially in the West and East Africa. Higher prevalence was noted among livestock workers, and in drug-resistant cases. Significant factors influencing TB prevalence varied for cattle and humans, including country, diagnostic methods, and study populations.

CONCLUSION: Focusing interventions on farms and livestock workers could help reduce the disease burden.

PMID:40170127 | DOI:10.1186/s42522-024-00130-8

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2025 Apr 1. doi: 10.1111/ajo.70026. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and women who experience complications during pregnancy, such as pregnancy loss (miscarriage and stillbirth), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes, have a significantly higher risk of future CVD. Increasing awareness of CVD risk among these women is crucial for effective engagement in risk reduction programs.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey using a non-probability sampling method was adopted to explore the CVD knowledge and awareness of women with a history of complications of pregnancy. Distribution occurred from February to December 2021 via two tertiary hospitals in Australia and various groups in social media.

RESULTS: Of 364 survey responses received, a sample of 299 completed responses were considered for final analysis. The participants’ mean knowledge score regarding CVD risk factors was 14.5 (SD ± 4.6; range 0-25). Among them, 50.2% had poor knowledge, 25.1% had moderate knowledge, and only 24.7% had good knowledge of CVD and its risk factors in women. Statistically significant differences in knowledge scores were observed based on ethnicity (p = 0.009) and education level (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION: This study revealed a significant gap in CVD knowledge among women with pregnancy complications, highlighting the need for targeted educational programs. Improving health literacy, particularly among high-risk and lower socioeconomic groups, is crucial for reducing CVD incidence.

PMID:40170108 | DOI:10.1111/ajo.70026

Global Health. 2025 Apr 1;21(1):15. doi: 10.1186/s12992-025-01108-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although international mobility of medical personnel has gained scholarly attention, there has been limited empirical research on overseas-educated dietetic professionals. China has experienced a notable return of highly skilled professionals. This study aims to explore the experiences of Chinese overseas-educated dietetic returnees, focusing on their practice areas, job satisfaction, motivations for returning, post-return challenges, and career development strategies.

METHODS: A web-based survey, conducted from July to December 2022, targeted dietetic returnees with degree(s) from institutions outside mainland China. Participants were recruited from professional group chats on a social media platform. Job satisfaction was assessed using a 7-item scale, with responses ranging from 0 to 5 for each item. Its internal consistency was evaluated via Cronbach’s alpha. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, and ANOVA. A multivariate regression helps further predict job satisfaction. Thematic analysis guides the analysis of an open-ended question.

RESULTS: Participants (N = 138) were mainly female (86.2%), had a master’s degree (79.0%), and had studied in the United States (37.7%). Clinical roles dominated post-return employment, but returnees also pursued biomedicine, biotechnology, and media. The mean job satisfaction score of 3.39 indicated moderate satisfaction. Job satisfaction varied across subgroups (e.g., older participants); however, in the multivariable regression model, only salary level remained a significant predictor. Key motivations for returning included familial ties, societal connections, and a desire to contribute to home country development. Returnees identified limited domestic networking connections as a top challenge. Meanwhile, they demonstrated agency in navigating post-return career development, such as by leveraging transnational social networks. Returnees also envisioned systematic workforce changes, such as improving licensure and regulation for foreign-trained professionals.

CONCLUSION: Returnees have diverse career pathways. Post-return job satisfaction, however, was significantly predicted only by salary level, emphasizing the critical role of compensation and economic viability in sustaining careers in the dietetic field. Our findings suggest that while returnees were primarily motivated by personal and cultural factors, they faced significant re-entry challenges that warrant attention from educators and policymakers. Future research should explore the global mobility of the dietetic profession and its potential to contribute to ‘brain gain’ in China’s healthcare sector.

PMID:40170102 | DOI:10.1186/s12992-025-01108-5

J Clin Periodontol. 2025 Apr 1. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.14155. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of an anti-sensitivity toothpaste on the oral-health-related quality of life (OHrQoL) in a real-world (RW) setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a decentralised, prospective, 24-week, open-label study in participants with self-reported dentine hypersensitivity (DH). A total of 655 enrolled participants used a 5% potassium nitrate toothpaste per label instructions and completed the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ) and Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) monthly for 24 weeks and numerical scale for satisfaction of self-management of DH at 24 weeks. An ANOVA model was used to assess changes from baseline, overall and within subgroups (age ≤ 40, > 40 years, DH diagnosis confirmed or not by a dentist, use of sensitivity toothpaste [non-user, intermittent and current users] and DH frequency [frequent: several times a week; less frequent: less than once a week]).

RESULTS: The intent-to-treat population included 577 participants. At each timepoint, compared to baseline, improvements were statistically significant for all measures of OHrQoL (p < 0.0001, except Global Oral Health) and for NPRS (p < 0.0001) in the overall population and among subgroups (p < 0.05). All participants were highly satisfied with the product for self-management of DH.

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the effectiveness of an anti-sensitivity toothpaste in improving OHrQoL and self-reported DH in an RW setting, as measured by a validated questionnaire.

PMID:40170098 | DOI:10.1111/jcpe.14155

Genome Med. 2025 Apr 1;17(1):33. doi: 10.1186/s13073-025-01457-1.

ABSTRACT

Unraveling the spatial configuration of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for elucidating tumor-immune interactions based on immuno-oncology. We present STopover, a novel approach utilizing spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) data and topological analysis to investigate the TME. By gradually lowering the feature threshold, connected components (CCs) are extracted based on spatial distance and persistence, with Jaccard indices quantifying their spatial overlap, and transcriptomic profiles are permutated to assess statistical significance. Applied to lung and breast cancer SRT, STopover revealed immune and stromal cell infiltration patterns, predicted key cell-cell communication, and identified relevant regions, shedding light on cancer pathophysiology (URL: https://github.com/bsungwoo/STopover ).

PMID:40170080 | DOI:10.1186/s13073-025-01457-1

Infect Dis Poverty. 2025 Apr 2;14(1):28. doi: 10.1186/s40249-025-01276-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Malaria and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) represent significant public health challenges in tropical regions, particularly affecting children and impeding development. This study investigates the co-morbidity of malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp., and STH infections, including Ascaris lumbricoides(roundworm), Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (hookworm), and Trichuris trichiura(whipworm), in Nigeria.

METHODS: We utilized malaria prevalence data from the Nigeria Malaria Indicators Survey (NMIS) for the years 2010 and 2015 and STH prevalence data from the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) portal, covering the years 1978-2014. A Bayesian coregionalization model was employed to analyze the prevalence and incidence of malaria and STH, linking these data to climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation. The study’s findings highlight significant co-morbidity between malaria and STH, particularly in the southsouth and southeast regions.

RESULTS: Our analysis reveals notable regional disparities: malaria prevalence is highest in the northwest and north-central regions, while Ascaris lumbricoides is widespread in both northern and southern states. Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus(Hookworm) are predominantly found in the southwest, and Trichuris trichiura, though less prevalent, is significant in specific areas. Substantial co-morbidity between malaria and STH was observed, particularly in the South-South and southeast regions, indicating a compounded health burden. Furthermore, climatic factors significantly influence disease distribution; higher temperatures correlate with increased malaria prevalence, although temperature has a minimal effect on STH prevalence and incidence. In contrast, precipitation is positively associated with both malaria and STH incidence.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings enhance our understanding of the spatial distribution and risk factors associated with malaria and STH in Nigeria, providing vital insights for the development of public health policies and targeted intervention strategies.

PMID:40170071 | DOI:10.1186/s40249-025-01276-x

Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2025 Apr 1;17(1):111. doi: 10.1186/s13098-025-01664-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To date, no meta-analysis has reported on the role of transdermal estrogens combined with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) in relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in postmenopausal women. To fill this knowledge gap, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the effects of transdermal estrogens and MPA on CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in major databases including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Embase, from inception to 12 February 2025. The combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and non-MeSH keywords was used.

RESULTS: A total of 14 trials were included in the meta-analysis. The combined eligible trials found that transdermal estrogens combined with MPA significantly decreased total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: -13.37 mg/dL, 95% CI: -21.54 to -5.21, p = 0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -12.17 mg/dL, 95% CI: -23.26 to -1.08, p = 0.031), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (WMD: -7.26 mg/dL, 95% CI: -11.48 to -3.03, p = 0.001) compared to the control. No statistically significant associations were observed between transdermal estrogens combined with MPA on triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoAI).

CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the current meta-analysis, transdermal estrogens combined with oral MPA administration had a beneficial effect on certain CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women, as evidenced by the significant reductions in TC, LDL-C, and ApoB.

PMID:40170070 | DOI:10.1186/s13098-025-01664-1

J Anim Sci Biotechnol. 2025 Apr 2;16(1):48. doi: 10.1186/s40104-025-01188-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Supplementation of choline chloride in culture medium programs the preimplantation bovine embryo to increase weaning weight of the resultant calf. Here, it was hypothesized that similar programming actions of choline can be induced by feeding rumen-protected choline (RPC) to beef cows during the periconceptional period.

RESULTS: A preliminary experiment was conducted to determine changes in circulating concentrations of choline and its metabolites after RPC supplementation. Suckled beef cows were individually fed 0, 30, 60, and 90 g of RPC (i.e., 0, 8.6, 17.3 and 25.9 g choline chloride) and blood samples were collected at random times after feeding. There were no differences in plasma concentrations of choline or its metabolites between groups. In the second experiment, effects of feeding 60 g/d RPC from d -1 to 7 relative to timed artificial insemination were examined for suckled beef cows. Feeding RPC did not affect pregnancy or calving rates, pregnancy losses, plasma concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins, gestation length or calf birth weight. Calves from RPC fed dams were lighter than control calves at ~118 days of age (range 75-150; age included in the statistical model) and at weaning at ~248 days of age. There was no effect of treatment on hip height at ~118 days of age although there was a trend for RPC calves to be shorter at weaning. Weight/height ratio was lower for RPC than control at both 118 and 248 days of age. Treatment did not affect testis weight at ~118 days of age.

CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of RPC during the periconceptional period programmed development to alter calf phenotype in the postnatal period. The net result, reduced body weight, was the opposite of the phenotype caused by the addition of choline to embryo culture medium.

PMID:40170061 | DOI:10.1186/s40104-025-01188-8

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Apr 2;17(1):66. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01101-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated the effects of SAQ training on sprint, change-of-direction, and jump performance in soccer players. However, further research is needed to assess its broader impact on different athletic populations and performance metrics. This study aims to expand the existing evidence by incorporating a wider range of outcomes and providing a more comprehensive analysis of SAQ training effects.

METHODS: A thorough search of databases, including Web of Science Core, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and SCOPUS, was conducted, with data up to July 2024. The PEDro scale assessed study quality and RevMan 5.3 evaluated bias risk. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated from means and standard deviations, with heterogeneity assessed using the I² statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using an extended Egger test.

RESULTS: Eleven RCTs involving 499 healthy athletes from sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis, and handball met the inclusion criteria. The SAQ interventions lasted between 4 and 12 weeks, with a frequency of two to three sessions per week. The analysis revealed significant improvements in 5-meter sprint (ES = 0.63, p < 0.01), 20-meter sprint (ES = 0.49, p < 0.01), 30-meter sprint (ES = 0.55, p = 0.015), change of direction (COD) performance (ES = 0.39, p < 0.01), reaction time (ES = 0.52, p = 0.01), lower limb power (ES = 0.96, p < 0.01), and flexibility (ES = 0.57, p < 0.01), with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. Subgroup analysis indicated that only session duration had a near-significant effect on COD performance (≤ 60 min: ES = 0.58; >60 min: ES = 0.24; p = 0.059).

CONCLUSIONS: SAQ training effectively enhances sprint performance, COD ability, reaction time, lower limb strength, and flexibility, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The findings suggest that shorter training durations (≤ 60 min) may be more beneficial for improving COD performance, although this effect did not reach statistical significance. Further trials are recommended to determine the optimal training dosage, along with high-quality studies covering a broader range of sports, particularly in athletes aged 14 to 18.

PMID:40170059 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-025-01101-w

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2025 Mar 24;252:108863. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2025.108863. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cranioplasty is performed to repair the cranium after injury or surgery. Cerebrospinal fluid shunts are commonly required to treat associated hydrocephalus. Single-stage shunt and cranioplasty surgery have been associated with increased risks compared with a staged approach. We aimed to assess whether the timing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting (pre- or post-cranioplasty) affects complication rates.

METHODS: We retrospectively identified all cranioplasty procedures conducted between 11/2017-12/2021 and 1/2004-3/2022 from the Cambridge and Oulu University Hospitals, respectively. The primary and secondary outcomes were implant removal and complications, respectively.

RESULTS: Four-hundred-and-thirty-three cranioplasties were performed in 379 patients. Sixty-eight (16 %) cranioplasties were performed in patients requiring a shunt. Forty-three (63 %) shunts were inserted before, three (4 %) during, and 22 (32 %) after cranioplasty. Overall complication rates excluding hydrocephalus were 47 % and 41 % among those shunted before and after cranioplasty, respectively (OR 0,74, 95 % CI 0,24-2,28). SSIs (26 % vs. 18 %) and CSF leaks (7 % vs. 0 %) were slightly more common among those shunted before cranioplasty compared to those shunted after cranioplasty, respectively, but rates of post-operative haematomas were similar (5 % vs. 5 %, respectively). Overall implant removal rates were statistically similar between patients with shunts cited pre-cranioplasty and those with shunts cited after cranioplasty (26 % vs. 32 %, respectively, OR 1,26, 95 % CI 0,44-3,55).

CONCLUSION: Although patients who underwent CSF shunting before cranioplasty had 6 % more complications than those who had been shunted after cranioplasty, those shunted after cranioplasty had 6 % more implant failures. Delaying CSF shunt insertion after cranioplasty should be preferable, not least because CSF absorption can improve on cranioplasty insertion. Single-stage surgery should be avoided.

PMID:40168698 | DOI:10.1016/j.clineuro.2025.108863