Tag: statistics

Discov Oncol. 2025 Nov 20. doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-04113-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults, with glioblastoma (GBM) being the most aggressive subtype. The causal relationship between platelet count and glioma risk remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate this relationship using Mendelian randomization (MR) methodology.

METHODS: We performed MR analysis using 707 platelet count-associated SNPs as instrumental variables, validated by three statistical methods (IVW radial, Maximum likelihood, and MR IVW). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified glioma susceptibility loci. We also measured mRNA expression of 4 platelet-related genes (THPO, GP6, ITGA2B, MPL) in glioma cell lines (U87-MG and U251-MG) and normal astrocytes (NHA) using qRT-PCR.

RESULTS: MR analysis demonstrated that genetically determined increased platelet count significantly reduces glioma risk (OR: 0.721-0.724, 95% CI: 0.554-0.938, P < 0.05), representing approximately 27-28% risk reduction per standard deviation increase. GWAS identified multiple susceptibility loci across chromosomes 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 16, and 20. This protective association was confirmed in GBM subtype analysis (OR: 0.65-0.95). All 4 platelet-related genes showed significant downregulation in glioma cells compared to normal astrocytes (P < 0.001), with expression ranging from 0.31 to 0.48-fold of controls.

CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes a causal relationship between platelet count and glioma risk through genetic evidence. Increased platelet count confers protection against glioma, including GBM. Suppressed expression of platelet-related genes in glioma cells supports this finding. These results provide new insights into glioma pathogenesis and suggest potential for platelet-based prevention strategies and biomarker development.

PMID:41264048 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-025-04113-7

Mol Biol Rep. 2025 Nov 20;53(1):105. doi: 10.1007/s11033-025-11272-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Occupational asthma (OA), particularly diisocyanate-induced asthma (DA), is a common work-related respiratory condition. Genetic variations in antioxidant enzyme genes, such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), may influence susceptibility to OA. This study investigates associations between polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 (rs1695, rs1138272) and DA risk in an Iraqi Arab male population.

METHODS: A total of 235 male workers exposed to diisocyanates were enrolled: 125 with DA and 110 exposed but asymptomatic controls. Genotyping was performed using multiplex-PCR and RFLP-PCR. Associations were analyzed under various genetic models, including combined genotypes.

RESULTS: No statistically significant associations were found between individual GSTP1 SNPs and overall DA risk. Combined analysis of variant alleles at both GSTP1 SNPs (rs1695 and rs1138272) suggested a nominal association with increased DA risk (OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.02-4.12; p = 0.04; adj. p = 0.24). Carriers of the GSTP1 rs1695 variant combined with the GSTT1-null genotype also showed a nominally increased risk (OR = 2.88; p = 0.04; adj. p = 0.12). Stratification by disease severity indicated that GSTM1-null and GSTT1-null genotypes were approximately twofold more frequent among patients with severe DA compared to controls (OR = 2.20; 95% CI:1.01-4.82; p = 0.04 and OR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.06-4.67; p = 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSION: While individual GST polymorphisms were not significantly associated with DA, certain combined genotypes, particularly those involving GSTP1 and GSTT1, showed nominal associations, and GSTM1-null and GSTT1-null genotypes may contribute to severe DA. This is the first study to assess these associations in an Arab population, providing valuable preliminary data for future occupational asthma research.

PMID:41264046 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-025-11272-x

Acta Parasitol. 2025 Nov 20;70(6):234. doi: 10.1007/s11686-025-01178-w.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic disease in Algeria. In southeastern regions, data concerning this infection are limited. Therefore, we aimed to assess the epidemiological status and identify the causative Leishmania spp. in El Meghaier province.

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between 2023 and 2024. Diagnosis was confirmed by microscopic examination. For patients with positive results, clinical and demographic data were recorded. Molecular analysis was then carried out on DNA extracted from Giemsa-stained slides to identify the Leishmania species.

RESULTS: In total 722 suspected cases were analyzed and only 118 were positive cases. A predominance in males was detected, and the most affected group age was [≥ 20] years old (N = 51; 43.2%). The statistical analysis showed strong association between age group and the positivity rate (X² = 37.59, P < 0.0001). Multiple lesions were observed in 72 patients (61.1%), most frequently located on the feet (76 cases; 64.4%) and hands (15 cases; 12.7%). Among the 118 microscopically positive samples, 53 were included for molecular analysis. Of these, 29 yielded a positive PCR amplification. Initial parasite typing was performed using PCR-ITS1, which detected Leishmania DNA in 14 samples (26.4%), predominantly L. major (92.8%). Samples negative by PCR-ITS1 were subsequently analyzed using nested ITS1-PCR, which identified 15 additional positives (38.5%). Sequencing of the amplified products confirmed the presence of L. major (66.6%) and L. infantum (13.3%).

CONCLUSION: These findings confirm, for the first time, the occurrence of both L. major and L. infantum in the study area. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential vectors and reservoirs involved.

PMID:41264036 | DOI:10.1007/s11686-025-01178-w

Neurosurg Rev. 2025 Nov 20;49(1):16. doi: 10.1007/s10143-025-03944-w.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Skull base surgery presents significant challenges due to the complex anatomy and proximity of tumors to critical neurovascular structures. While advancements in surgical techniques have improved outcomes, the risk of postoperative adverse events (AEs) remains substantial. This study provides a prospective analysis of AEs and associated risk factors in skull base surgery, leveraging data from a high-volume tertiary neurosurgical center. The analysis focuses on tumor location, surgical craniotomies, and patient-specific factors to identify predictors of complications and guide risk mitigation strategies. Methods Between January 2022 and December 2023, 236 adult patients undergoing skull base surgery were prospectively enrolled. AEs-defined as any complication occurring within 30 days postoperatively-were systematically documented. Data collection included patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical craniotomies, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes to identify risk factors for AEs. Statistical analyses were performed to assess associations between these variables and postoperative complications. Results The study cohort had a mean age of 56.8 ± 12.7 years, with tumor distribution supratentorial (55.1%) and infratentorial (44.9%). The most frequently utilized surgical craniotomies were retrosigmoid (40.3%), pterional (39.4%), and later lateral supraorbital (6.4%). Overall, 28.8% of patients experienced AEs, with 22.5% neurosurgical (e.g., new-onset cranial nerve deficits) and 8.5% non-neurosurgical (e.g., thromboembolic events, infections). Older age and higher ASA scores (p = 0.01) were significant predictors of non-neurosurgical AEs. Revision surgery was required in 6.8% of cases. Infratentorial tumor location and prolonged operative times were strongly associated with an increased risk of surgical complications (p = 0.001), while the retrosigmoid craniotomy was a key risk factor for both neurosurgical AEs and revision surgeries (p = 0.001). ROC analysis showed that combining age and ASA score improved prediction of non-neurosurgical AEs (combined AUC = 0.78 vs. age AUC = 0.70; ASA AUC = 0.72). Conclusion Our findings highlight critical and actionable risk factors influencing neurosurgical outcomes. We demonstrate that infratentorial tumor location and prolonged surgical duration significantly increase the likelihood of surgery-related adverse events, with the retrosigmoid craniotomy particularly elevating these risks. Notably, advanced age and higher ASA scores robustly predict non-surgery-related complications, with a combined predictive accuracy superior to each factor individually. These insights underscore the importance of meticulous preoperative risk assessment and tailored surgical strategies, enabling clinicians to proactively manage high-risk patients and improve postoperative outcomes.

PMID:41264035 | DOI:10.1007/s10143-025-03944-w

World J Urol. 2025 Nov 20;43(1):708. doi: 10.1007/s00345-025-06005-5.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Exposure to antibiotics in early life exerts profound impacts on the gut microbiota and is linked to various diseases. This study investigated the association between long-term or recurrent antibiotics use during early life(LRAU), genetic risk and urolithiasis incidence using a large-scale cohort.

METHODS: Participants in the UK Biobank who completed digestive health questionnaire were included in this cohort study. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the risk of incident urolithiasis for LRAU and polygenic risk score (PRS). Additionally, the potential interaction effects were assessed.

RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 51 years, 3011 of the 121,746 participants developed urolithiasis. Compared to non-LRAU participants, those with LRAU exhibited higher risks of urolithiasis with HRs of 1.20 (95% CI 1.09-1.31). This association is still significant at 5-year intervals from ages 35 to 60. Participants with high and moderate PRS demonstrated increased risks of urolithiasis compared with low group, with HRs of 1.78 (95% CI 1.62-1.94) and 1.36 (1.23-1.49). When stratified by PRS, the significance of LRAU was no longer evident, but still could bring additional risk. Results in the sensitivity analyses were highly consistent with the primary analyses.

CONCLUSION: Both LRAU and a higher PRS are associated with an increased risk of urolithiasis. This association is significant for LRAU at 5-year intervals from ages 35 to 60. A dose-response correlation between PRS and urolithiasis incidence was indicated. LRAU could bring additional urolithiasis risk in participants with higher genetic risk.

PMID:41264027 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-025-06005-5

World J Urol. 2025 Nov 20;43(1):707. doi: 10.1007/s00345-025-06081-7.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Nephrometry scores are essential tools for classifying and comparing tumor complexity and guiding surgical planning in partial nephrectomy. However, their performance in single-port robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (SP-RAPN) has not been formally assessed. We aimed to externally validate and compare the predictive performance of the Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA), Radius-Exophytic/Endophytic-Nearness-Anterior/Posterior-Location (RENAL), and Simplified PADUA Renal (SPARE) nephrometry scores in patients undergoing SP-RAPN.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 211 consecutive patients who underwent SP-RAPN for solitary ≤ cT2 renal tumors at two academic centers between 2019 and 2024. The primary endpoint was Trifecta achievement, defined as the simultaneous presence of negative surgical margins, absence of perioperative complications, and warm ischemia time ≤ 25 min. Discrimination and clinical utility of each nephrometry score were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA). Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for relevant clinical covariates.

RESULTS: Trifecta was achieved in 50.7% of patients. The SPARE score demonstrated the highest discriminative performance (AUC 0.681), followed by PADUA (0.661) and RENAL (0.654), though these differences were not statistically significant. DCA showed overlapping net benefit curves, with SPARE offering marginally superior. Limitations include the retrospective design and underrepresentation of highly complex tumors.

CONCLUSIONS: PADUA, RENAL, and SPARE scores show comparable performance in predicting Trifecta achievement in the setting of SP-RAPN. SPARE may perform slightly better, and it represents a more practical choice for routine preoperative assessment due to its ease of use.

PMID:41264016 | DOI:10.1007/s00345-025-06081-7

Chemosphere. 2025 Nov 17;393:144771. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144771. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The billions of tons of bisphenol A (BPA)-containing waste constitutes a serious concern. BPA leaching from waste through water is a major source of soil contamination. BPA enters the body primarily through ingestion and affects cellular redox balance and cholinergic neuronal activity. The aim of this study was to assess gastrointestinal motility, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, and GPx), and the GSH, MDA, and choline (Ch) concentrations in the digestive systems of Lumbricus terrestris earthworms reared for 7 d in soil containing various BPA concentrations. After the 7-d exposure period, crop gizzards were collected from the digestive tracts for analysis. BPA exposure caused an increase in AChE activity, except in animals exposed to the highest BPA concentration. Changes in cholinergic activity were confirmed via Ch concentration measurements. We observed that BPA exerted a relaxant effect on crop gizzard muscles, with statistically significant decreases in the frequency and maximum force of spontaneous isometric contractions (ICs). The IC parameters induced by acetylcholine chloride (AChC) were lower in animals reared in BPA-contaminated soil than in those of the control group. Statistically significant reductions in the mean and minimum IC forces were observed. SOD activity and GPx activity increased in response to low and medium BPA concentrations but decreased in animals exposed to the highest BPA concentration. A similar pattern was observed for the GSH concentration. CAT activity notably decreased in a BPA concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, we observed a statistically significant and BPA concentration-dependent increase in the MDA concentration.

PMID:41252785 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144771

J Therm Biol. 2025 Nov 14;134:104333. doi: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2025.104333. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cold-water immersion (CWI) between consecutive bouts of simulated rugby seven’s matches on performance, physiology and perception. Using a randomised crossover counterbalanced design, 10 male recreational team-sport athletes completed two trials involving two 14 min simulated self-paced intermittent-sprint protocol (ISP) bouts with a 45 min recovery between each bout including a 15 min recovery intervention. Participants completed resting measures, 15 m sprints and vertical jumps (VJ) followed by the first ISP (ISP1) in a hot environment. After ISP1 participants were either seated in an ice-bath (CWI; 11.6 ± 1.8 °C) (CWI) or sat in a thermo-neutral environment (CONT) for 15 min. Measures of heart rate (HR), core temperature (T_core), skin temperature (T_skin), thermal sensation (TS) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during ISP1, ISP2 and the recovery period. Statistical significance was set at P = 0.05. Vertical jump height was lower and 15 m sprint times slower during ISP2, following CWI (P = 0.01-0.02). While jogging self-paced efforts from ISP1 to ISP2 were maintained, sprint times were slower, and bounding distance was increased in CWI compared to CONT. Tskin was reduced during recovery for CWI (P = 0.001). Tcore, RPE, and TS were lower throughout ISP2 for CWI (P = 0.001-0.04). Therefore, CWI as a recovery modality between successive bouts of simulated rugby sevens in the heat may negatively affect initial high intensity performance compared to passive recovery yet may attenuate thermoregulatory stress through a pre-cooling effect still present 30 min after CWI, leading to higher intensity during the jogging efforts.

PMID:41252773 | DOI:10.1016/j.jtherbio.2025.104333

Int Immunopharmacol. 2025 Nov 17;168(Pt 2):115860. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2025.115860. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the lung-protective effects of esketamine and dexmedetomidine administered before anesthesia induction in patients with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

METHODS: Sixty patients with mild-to-moderate COPD scheduled for VATS who completed the study and were included in the statistical analysis were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15 per group): Control (Group C, saline), Dexmedetomidine (Group D, 0.8 μg/kg), Esketamine (Group E, 0.25 mg/kg), and Combination (Group ED, dexmedetomidine 0.8 μg/kg plus esketamine 0.25 mg/kg). Arterial blood gases, peak airway pressure (Ppeak), plateau pressure (Pplat), dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), heart rate (HR), and mean blood pressure (MBP) were measured at different time points. Inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α), oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD), intraoperative drug use, postoperative recovery, pain scores, and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS: At T4 (2 h after one-lung ventilation), peak airway pressure (Ppeak) and plateau pressure (Pplat) were significantly lower, and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) significantly higher, in Groups E and ED compared to Groups C and D (P < 0.05). At the same time point, levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly lower in Groups E and ED than in Groups C and D (P < 0.05). TNF-α levels were significantly lower in Groups E and ED compared to Group C, and significantly lower in Group ED than in Group D (P < 0.05). IL-10 levels were significantly higher in Groups E and ED than in Groups C and D, with Group E showing higher levels than Group ED (P < 0.05). Similarly, SOD levels were significantly elevated in Groups E and ED compared to Groups C and D, and higher in Group E than in Group ED (P < 0.05). MDA levels were significantly reduced in Groups E and ED compared to Group C, and lower in Group ED than in Group D (P < 0.05). Additionally, PaO₂ at T4 was significantly higher in Group ED than in Groups C and D (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose esketamine combined with dexmedetomidine, administered before anesthesia induction, improved intraoperative pulmonary mechanics and oxygenation, and attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with mild-to-moderate COPD undergoing VATS. The combination also helped maintain hemodynamic stability and reduced postoperative pain, contributing to enhanced perioperative recovery.

PMID:41252770 | DOI:10.1016/j.intimp.2025.115860

J Pediatr Nurs. 2025 Nov 17;86:191-198. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2025.11.015. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pediatric oncology/hematology nurses frequently witness the suffering and death of children, placing them at high risk for secondary traumatic stress. Self-compassion has emerged as a protective factor against psychological distress in healthcare professionals.

METHODS: This descriptive correlational study included 115 nurses in pediatric oncology/hematology units at six hospitals in three major cities. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple inferential statistical methods.

RESULTS: Nurses reported moderate levels of secondary traumatic stress and self-compassion. A significant negative correlation was found between the total self-compassion scale and secondary traumatic stress scale scores (r = -0.46, indicating a moderate negative correlation, p < 0.01). Subscales of self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity were negatively associated with secondary traumatic stress. At the same time, self-judgment and isolation were positively correlated. Multiple regression analysis showed that self-compassion explained a significant portion of variance in secondary traumatic stress scores (R² = 0.31, indicating that 31 % of the variance was explained, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that higher self-compassion, particularly self-kindness and mindfulness, may buffer nurses against the adverse effects of secondary trauma. Conversely, self-critical attitudes may heighten vulnerability. These results highlight pediatric oncology nurses’ emotional burden and underscore the importance of psychological support.

CONCLUSION: Promoting self-compassion may help reduce secondary traumatic stress and improve well-being among pediatric oncology/hematology nurses. Interventions focused on self-compassion training could serve as a sustainable strategy to support nurses’ mental health and care quality.

PMID:41252766 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2025.11.015