Tag: statistics

Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2025 Dec;16(1):2469978. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2025.2469978. Epub 2025 Mar 10.

ABSTRACT

Background: Evidence supporting the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cognitive impairment is accumulating. However, less is known about which factors influence this association.Objective: The aims of this meta-analysis were to (1) elucidate the association between PTSD and a broad spectrum of cognitive impairment, including the risk of developing neurocognitive disorder (NCD) later in life, using a multilevel meta-analytic approach, and (2) identify potential moderating factors of this association by examining the effects of age (20-39, 40-59, 60+), study design (cross-sectional or longitudinal), study population (war-exposed populations/veterans or the general population), neurocognitive outcome assessed (i.e. a diagnosis of NCD or type of cognitive domain as classified according to A Compendium of Neuropsychological tests), gender (≥50% women or <50% women), study quality (high vs low), type of PTSD measure (self-report or clinical diagnosis), as well as the presence of comorbidities such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, and substance use (all coded as either present or absent).Method: Peer-reviewed studies on this topic were extracted from PubMed and Web of Science with predetermined keywords and criteria. In total, 53 articles met the criteria. Hedge’s g effect sizes were calculated for each study and a three-level random effect meta-analysis conducted.Results: After accounting for publication bias, the results suggested a significant association between PTSD and cognitive impairment, g = 0.13 (95% CI: 0.10-0.17), indicating a small effect. This association was consistent across all examined moderators, including various neurocognitive outcomes, age, gender, study design, study population, study quality, type of PTSD measure, and comorbidities such as depression, substance use, and TBI.Conclusions: These findings collectively suggest that PTSD is associated with both cognitive impairment and NCD. This emphasizes the need for early intervention (including prevention strategies) of PTSD, alongside monitoring cognitive function in affected individuals.International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number: CRD42021219189, date of registration: 02.01.2021.

PMID:40062977 | DOI:10.1080/20008066.2025.2469978

Clin Neuropharmacol. 2025 Mar 10. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0000000000000630. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the changes in brain functional activity before and after acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) treatment in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and the correlation between brain functional changes and clinical symptoms.

METHODS: We recruited 12 patients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, criteria for MDD. Patients underwent clinical assessments and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans before and after ACT intervention. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and fractional ALFF (fALFF) maps were obtained after data preprocessing, and the ALFF/fALFF values of patients were extracted and compared. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between fALFF/ALFF values and clinical symptoms.

RESULTS: A total of nine MDD patients completed the study. The results showed that, following treatment, there was an improvement in psychological flexibility, along with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Additionally, MDD patients exhibited increased ALFF in the left inferior frontal gyrus and triangle, as well as increased fALFF in the left medial superior frontal gyrus following symptom remission. Pearson correlation analysis showed that fALFF of the left medial superior frontal gyrus at baseline was negatively correlated with the rate of Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Second Edition (AAQ-II), change (r = -0.76, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: We observed alterations in spontaneous activity in regions of the prefrontal cortex in MDD patients following ACT, providing preliminary relevant insights into understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the treatment of MDD by ACT.

PMID:40062938 | DOI:10.1097/WNF.0000000000000630

J Craniofac Surg. 2025 Mar 7. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000011200. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Iatrogenic internal nasal valve (INV) dysfunction is a significant complication after nasal surgery, often necessitating revision surgeries involving cartilage grafting, which carries high risks of complications such as mucosal synechiae, septal perforations, and chronic inflammation. This study evaluates the efficacy of a modified dermal-fat flap suspension technique as an alternative to conventional cartilage grafting for INV reconstruction. A retrospective review was conducted of 30 patients treated between March 2019 and March 2023, including 8 patients who underwent the modified dermal suspension technique and 22 who received spreader grafts. Preoperative and postoperative nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scores were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. While both groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvements, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups. The modified technique, performed under local anesthesia, was associated with fewer complications and avoided extensive cartilage grafting or mucosal dissection, making it particularly suitable for patients with advanced age, high ASA scores, or complex surgical histories. Common complications included transient orbital edema and rare cases of skin discoloration, which resolved over time. Despite a small sample size and reliance on subjective nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scores, this study highlights the potential of the modified dermal-fat flap suspension technique as a less invasive, effective alternative for managing INV dysfunction, especially in high-risk patients. Further studies with larger cohorts and objective measures are needed to validate these findings.

PMID:40062937 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000011200

Artif Organs. 2025 Mar 10. doi: 10.1111/aor.14986. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prior studies of anticoagulation bridging during periods of low International Normalized Ratio (INR) in outpatients with a durable, continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) have shown a variable impact on thrombotic and bleeding events. These studies include predominantly older devices such as the HeartMate 2 (HM2) and HeartWare HVAD, which are known to experience more overall thrombotic events than the HeartMate 3 (HM3) device. The majority of these patients also received concomitant aspirin.

METHODS: The primary objective of this study was to compare hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAEs) occurring while bridging subtherapeutic (≤ 1.7) INRs with therapeutic low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) versus not bridging in outpatients with an HM3 CF-LVAD, many of whom were not receiving concomitant aspirin.

RESULTS: Of the 79 patients eligible for inclusion in this study, 64 were not bridged and 15 were bridged at least once during the study period. In the non-bridged group, there were a total of 12 HRAEs of 997 bridging opportunities (BOs) (1.20%) versus 0 of 39 BOs in the bridged group. Of the 12 HRAEs in the non-bridged group, 10 were bleeding events; the 2 thrombotic events were minor venous thromboembolisms.

CONCLUSION: Omission of LMWH bridging in HM3 CF-LVAD patients with a subtherapeutic INR and low rates of background aspirin use did not result in a statistically significant or clinically relevant increase in the rate of HRAEs.

PMID:40059801 | DOI:10.1111/aor.14986

Br J Nutr. 2025 Mar 10:1-47. doi: 10.1017/S0007114524002587. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

There is a growing focus on understanding the complexity of dietary patterns and how they relate to health and other factors. Approaches that have not traditionally been applied to characterize dietary patterns, such as latent class analysis and machine learning algorithms, may offer opportunities to characterize dietary patterns in greater depth than previously considered. However, there has not been a formal examination of how this wide range of approaches has been applied to characterize dietary patterns. This scoping review synthesized literature from 2005-2022 applying methods not traditionally used to characterize dietary patterns, referred to as novel methods. MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched using keywords including latent class analysis, machine learning, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Of 5274 records identified, 24 met the inclusion criteria. Twelve of 24 articles were published since 2020. Studies were conducted across 17 countries. Nine studies used approaches with applications in machine learning, such as classification models, neural networks, and probabilistic graphical models, to identify dietary patterns. The remaining studies applied methods such as latent class analysis, mutual information, and treelet transform. Fourteen studies assessed associations between dietary patterns characterized using novel methods and health outcomes, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and asthma. There was wide variation in the methods applied to characterize dietary patterns and in how these methods were described. The extension of reporting guidelines and quality appraisal tools relevant to nutrition research to consider specific features of novel methods may facilitate consistent reporting and enable synthesis to inform policies and programs.

PMID:40059795 | DOI:10.1017/S0007114524002587

Ann Med. 2025 Dec;57(1):2476040. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2476040. Epub 2025 Mar 10.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to construct a model based on machine learning to predict new HIV infections in HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM).

METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a previous random clinical trial aiming to evaluate the preventive effects of PrEP on new HIV infection in MSM. During 2013-2015, 1455 HIV-negative MSM were enrolled. Participants were divided into treatment group and control group and regularly followed up until they seroconverted to HIV positive or until the 2-year endpoint reached. Five machine-learning approaches were applied to predict the risk of HIV infection. Model performance was evaluated using Harrel’s C-index and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) and validated in an external validation cohort. To explain this model, shapley additive explanation (SHAP) values were calculated and visualized.

RESULTS: During the observation period, 102 MSM developed HIV infection. Thirteen parameters are selected to construct the model. The random survival forest model showed the best performance in the validation cohort, with a C-index of 0.7013, and could significantly categorize MSM into three groups. Our model indicated that MSM with younger age, receptive anal intercourse, and multiple male sexual partners had an increased risk of HIV infection, and those with higher AIDS knowledge scores had a lower risk.

CONCLUSION: We presented a machine learning-based model to predict their risk of developing HIV infection. This model could be applied to recognize MSM who are at a higher risk of developing HIV infection.

PMID:40059791 | DOI:10.1080/07853890.2025.2476040

Otol Neurotol. 2025 Feb 24. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004469. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

HYPOTHESIS: Simvastatin enhances radiation cytotoxicity of primary vestibular schwannoma (VS) and NF2-mutant human Schwann (HS01) cells.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 10% of VS progress after radiotherapy. Simvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication that promotes apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, and enhances radiation response in various cancers. In this study, we determine the effect of simvastatin on the viability of irradiated and nonirradiated primary VS and HS01 cells.

METHODS: Primary VS (N = 5) and HS01 cells were pretreated with simvastatin (0 or 1 μM) prior to irradiation (0 or 18 Gy). A cell-based assay was used to measure cell viability. Immunocytochemistry was performed for γH2AX (DNA damage marker) and RAD51 (DNA repair protein). Statistical analysis was conducted with parametric and nonparametric one-way analysis of variance tests.

RESULTS: Radiation initiated double-stranded breaks in DNA in both VS and HS01 cells. Two VS were radiation-resistant and the remaining three VS were radiation-sensitive. In response to radiation, radiation-resistant VS cells activated RAD51-mediated DNA repair. Simvastatin blocked RAD51 activation in radiation-resistant VS, increased levels of lethal DNA damage, and enhanced radiation-induced cell death. Simvastatin also enhanced radiation-induced cell death in radiation-sensitive VS cells through RAD51-independent mechanisms. However, simvastatin was not effective as a radiosensitizer in HS01 cells.

CONCLUSION: Simvastatin improved radiation response of radiation-resistant primary VS cells by inhibiting RAD51-related DNA repair. Although through RAD51-independent mechanisms, simvastatin also improved radiation response in radiation-sensitive VS cells. Additional preclinical investigations are warranted to evaluate the mechanisms of action and efficacy of statin drugs as radiosensitizers for VS patients.

PMID:40059781 | DOI:10.1097/MAO.0000000000004469

COPD. 2025 Dec;22(1):2468328. doi: 10.1080/15412555.2025.2468328. Epub 2025 Mar 10.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials have shown beneficial results from lung volume reduction with endobronchial coils in patients with emphysema, but comprehensive safety data are not yet available for a new coil type, Coil #4. The objective of this study is to generate real-world data (RWD) on the safety and efficacy of endobronchial Coil #2 and Coil #4.

METHODS: This is a cohort study of prospectively collected data from the multicenter German Lung Emphysema Registry e.V. (LE-Registry) for patients with advanced lung emphysema undergoing lung volume reduction. All patients treated with Coil #2 or Coil #4 were evaluated at baseline and at 3 months for pulmonary function tests (FEV₁, FVC, RV, DLCO, pCO₂), exercise capacity, quality of life (mMRC, CAT, SGRQ), and adverse events. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze response rates and changes in clinical outcomes.

RESULTS: Data from 73 patients (37 Coil #2, 36 Coil #4) enrolled between 2017 and 2024 were evaluated. At 3 months, outcome data were available for 32 Coil #2 and 26 Coil #4 patients. In the Coil #2 cohort significant improvements in RV and SGRQ were observed. The Coil #4 cohort shows significant improvements in FVC, RV, SGRQ, and CAT. Complications occurred in 37% of Coil #2 and 37% of Coil #4 patients, with 26% of patients treated with Coil #4 experiencing pneumothorax.

CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes observed in this RWD study are consistent with other published coil studies. The higher pneumothorax rate with Coil #4 is surprising and should be minimized by adapting the technique.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00021207 registered on 29/05/2020.

PMID:40059773 | DOI:10.1080/15412555.2025.2468328

J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2025 Mar 10. doi: 10.1089/cap.2024.0130. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Prior studies have demonstrated that, in both adults and youth, bipolar disorder (BD) is a polygenic illness. However, no studies have examined polygenic risk scores (PRSs) in relation to the longitudinal course of mood symptoms in youth with BD. Methods: This study included 246 youth of European ancestry with BD (7-20 years old at intake) from the Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth study and Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder. Mood symptom severity was assessed at intake and, for 168 participants, prospectively for a median of 8.7 years. PRSs for BD, schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were constructed using genome-wide summary statistics from independent adult cohorts. Results: Higher BD-PRS was significantly associated with lower most severe lifetime depression score at intake (β = -0.14, p = 0.03). Higher SCZ-PRS and MDD-PRS were associated with significantly less time spent in euthymia (SCZ-PRS: β = -0.21, p = 0.02; MDD-PRS: β = -0.22, p = 0.01) and more time with any subsyndromal mood symptoms (i.e., any mania, mixed, or depression symptoms; SCZ-PRS: β = 0.15, p = 0.04; MDD-PRS: β = 0.17, p = 0.01) during follow-up. PRSs for BD and ADHD were not significantly associated with any longitudinal mood variable. Conclusions: This exploratory analysis was the first to examine psychiatric PRSs in relation to the prospective course of mood symptoms among youth with BD. Results from the current study can serve to guide future youth BD studies with larger sample sizes on this topic.

PMID:40059772 | DOI:10.1089/cap.2024.0130

Acta Orthop. 2025 Mar 10;96:243-249. doi: 10.2340/17453674.2025.43189.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Return to work (RTW) following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is important for patients and society. We aimed to investigate the association between markers of socioeconomic status (SES) and RTW after primary THA, and whether the association is influenced by sex, age, and comorbidity.

METHODS: Using Danish population-based registries we included 9,431 patients aged 18 to 59 years, undergoing primary THA for osteoarthritis from 2008-2018. Exposure was individual-level data on SES markers (education, income, and cohabitation). Work status information before and after THA was obtained from the Danish Register for Evaluation of Marginalization. We computed cumulative incidence of RTW up to 24 months after THA. The association between SES and RTW was analyzed using Cox regression by hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS: The median time to RTW was 54 days. Cumulative incidence of RTW was 86% by 6 months and 93% by 24 months. The adjusted hazard ratio for RTW was 1.9 (CI 1.8-2.0) for high vs low education, 2.2 (CI 2.1-2.3) for high vs low income, and 1.3 (CI 1.3-1.4) for cohabiting vs living alone. Associations were stronger in male than female patients for all SES markers.

CONCLUSION: Most patients returned to work within 24 months, with the largest proportion within 6 months. Markers of low SES were associated with delayed RTW, highlighting the importance of enhanced focus on THA patients in socially vulnerable positions to reduce health and financial implications of delayed RTW.

PMID:40059766 | DOI:10.2340/17453674.2025.43189