Tag: statistics

Acad Radiol. 2025 Nov 7:S1076-6332(25)00988-2. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2025.10.030. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a deep learning-based noise reduction (DLD) technique on image quality and diagnostic accuracy for the evaluation of coronary arteries in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) CT imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent CT scans for pre-TAVI planning between October 2022 and April 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Conventional images were reconstructed and denoised images were generated using dedicated software. Objective image quality was evaluated by measuring the mean Hounsfield unit (HU) and standard deviation (SD) in regions of interest within the aortic root, coronary arteries, and subcutaneous fat to calculate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). For subjective assessment, two readers used a 5-point Likert scoring system to evaluate sharpness, noise, contrast and overall image quality. The diagnostic performance of both datasets was assessed using invasive coronary angiography as reference standard.

RESULTS: Denoised reconstructions showed significantly higher SNR (37.5±12.8 vs.12.3±4.1) and CNR (45.3±15.4 vs. 14.7±4.4), and lower noise (16.9±7.9 vs. 47.9±11.6 HU) (all p<0.001). Subjective assessment demonstrated that denoised images received the highest score for sharpness, noise, contrast and overall image quality (all p<0.001). For the evaluation of diagnostic accuracy, a total of 800 vessels and 1787 segments were analyzed. The per-segment diagnostic performance of the DLD for detection of CAD revealed an AUC of 90% (95% CI: 88.5-91.3), with accuracy of 93.9% (95% CI: 92.7-95), 85.7% (95% CI: 78.7-90.4) sensitivity and 94.7% (95% CI: 93.5-95.7) specificity, in the absence of a statistically significant difference compared with the evaluation performed on standard images (p=0.056).

CONCLUSION: The DLD substantially improves image quality without affecting diagnostic accuracy for the evaluation of coronary arteries in patients undergoing pre-TAVI CT scans.

PMID:41206269 | DOI:10.1016/j.acra.2025.10.030

J Pediatr Urol. 2025 Oct 28:S1477-5131(25)00580-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2025.10.017. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Serum cystatin C is increasingly recognized as a valuable biomarker for estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in adults and children, due to its lower susceptibility to extrarenal influences compared to serum creatinine. Pediatric patients, particularly those with posterior urethral valves (PUV), pose challenges in accurately assessing kidney function due to variability in age, muscle mass, and nutritional status. Accurate eGFR measurement is crucial for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in these patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare eGFR estimates using serum cystatin C and serum creatinine in children diagnosed with PUV, utilizing established pediatric formulae.

STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients (<18 years) diagnosed with PUV and treated with valve ablation or vesicostomy within the first year of life between 2000 and 2020. Patients included had paired serum cystatin C and creatinine measurements (not standardized to timing, fasting, or hydration status) within a three-month interval. eGFR was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) bedside creatinine (Schwartz) formula and the CKiD Under 25 (U25) equations (creatinine-based, cystatin C-based, and combined creatinine-cystatin C). Differences between formulae were evaluated using statistical tests for paired measurements.

RESULTS: Twenty-four patients met inclusion criteria, yielding 93 measurement pairs. Median age at cystatin C measurement was 11.5 years. The CKiD bedside creatinine (Schwartz) formula consistently yielded slightly higher eGFR values (median differences ranging from 1.5 to 2.6 mL/min/1.73 m²) compared to the CKiD U25 formulas. Cystatin C-based eGFR resulted in higher CKD stage classification (upstaging) for 11-27 % of the children. However, longitudinal analyses showed consistent trends in eGFR across all formulae.

DISCUSSION: Our findings support previous literature demonstrating slightly higher eGFR estimates with creatinine-based formulas compared to cystatin C-based formulas, potentially reflecting creatinine’s susceptibility to extrarenal factors, notably muscle mass. While differences were statistically significant, clinical implications were limited due to small absolute differences. Limitations include the study’s retrospective nature, small sample size, absence of direct GFR measurement, and lack of long-term clinical outcomes, potentially affecting generalizability and prognostic evaluation.

CONCLUSION: This study confirms that creatinine-based formulas slightly overestimate eGFR compared to cystatin C-based methods in children with PUV. Despite these discrepancies, consistent trends across methods emphasize the importance of maintaining a consistent biomarker for patient monitoring. Prospective research is needed to fully elucidate cystatin C’s role in clinical practice and prognostication.

PMID:41206265 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpurol.2025.10.017

J Pediatr Urol. 2025 Oct 22:S1477-5131(25)00570-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2025.10.008. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rhythmic bladder contractions (RBCs) are routinely observed in neurogenic bladders (NB) during urodynamic studies (UDS), often below the standard clinical threshold. These rhythmic bladder contractions may contribute to bladder hypertrophy despite low measured pressures, highlighting the need for objective quantification of this intrinsic activity.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to validate Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis for precisely characterizing RBCs in NB patients, assessing its relationship to visual inspection and its stability across varying bladder filling rates and motion artifact.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 115 UDS from 70 NB patients (0.5-18 years). Python-based FFT was applied to detrusor pressure data to derive the Highest Amplitude Frequency (HAF). The HAF was compared for reproducibility between same-day studies performed at identical and different filling rates. We used Bayes Factor (BF) analysis for robust statistical evaluation, Bland Altman analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis to determine the lowest discernible amplitude measured on FFT.

RESULTS: The HAF was the most reproducible measure (r = 0.85)and highly consistent across same-day UDS, irrespective of changes in filling rate (moderate evidence, BF). This key finding suggests the underlying RBC mechanism is filling rate independent. HAF closely aligned with the visually measured frequency (mean difference ≅ 5 %), validating the FFT method. ROC analysis determined the optimal amplitude cutoff for visually confirming a contraction was overall 1.06, and 1.53 when motion artifact was significant, demonstrating FFT’s efficacy in penetrating noise.

CONCLUSION: FFT analysis is a reliable, objective, and reproducible method for quantifying bladder rhythmic activity, yielding an HAF that is stable regardless of filling rate or movement. The HAF is introduced as a robust, reproducible urodynamic parameter to objectively monitor neurogenic bladders.

PMID:41206264 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpurol.2025.10.008

JAMA. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.21358. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disabling cardiovascular condition that impairs walking ability. Few effective therapies improve walking performance in people with PAD. Metformin is a widely available and inexpensive therapy for type 2 diabetes with pleiotropic effects that include activating AMP-activated protein kinase, reducing oxidative stress, and stimulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether metformin improves 6-minute walk distance, compared with placebo, in people with PAD and without diabetes at 6-month follow-up.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized double-blind clinical trial involving 4 centers in the US. Enrollment began May 23, 2017, and ended on February 17, 2025, with 202 of the targeted 212 (95%) enrolled, due to funding limitations. Participants were adults aged 50 years and older with PAD. Final follow-up occurred August 19, 2025.

INTERVENTIONS: Participants with PAD were randomized to receive either metformin (n = 97) or placebo (n = 105) for 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was 6-month change in 6-minute walk distance (minimum clinically important difference, 8 to 20 m). Secondary outcomes were maximal treadmill walking time, pain-free treadmill walking time, the Walking Impairment Questionnaire distance and speed scores, the Short-Form 36 physical functioning score, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. Results were adjusted for site and the baseline value for each outcome measure.

RESULTS: Of 202 randomized patients (mean [SD] age, 69.6 [8.4] years, 56 [28%] female, 79 [39%] Black), 179 (89%) completed 6-month follow-up. Metformin did not significantly improve 6-minute walk distance compared with placebo (metformin: 358.6 to 353.2 m, within-group change: -5.4 m; placebo: 359.8 to 354.5 m, within-group change: -5.3 m, adjusted between-group difference: 1.1 m [95% CI, -16.3 to 18.6 m]; P = .90). Compared with placebo, metformin did not significantly improve any secondary outcomes. The most common serious adverse events were cardiovascular events (3.1% for metformin and 1.9% for placebo). The most common nonserious adverse events were indigestion/stomach upset (64.9% for metformin and 40.6% for placebo) and headache (37.2% for metformin and 49.5% for placebo).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among people with PAD without diabetes, metformin did not improve 6-minute walk distance at 6-month follow-up compared with placebo. These results do not support metformin for improving walking performance in patients with PAD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03054519.

PMID:41205146 | DOI:10.1001/jama.2025.21358

Ophthalmol Ther. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s40123-025-01260-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study characterized the prevalence of thin corneas and identified tomographic patterns following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study at a tertiary referral center, including 88 eyes with FECD treated by DMEK and an age- and sex-matched control group. Tomographic parameters such as central corneal thickness (CCT), pachymetric progression indices including Belin-Ambrosio D index (BAD-D), and anterior corneal asymmetry indices were analyzed using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the DMEK and control groups and to examine correlations between clinical characteristics and CCT values.

RESULTS: At 1 year, the mean CCT in the DMEK group was 525 ± 36 µm, compared with 561 ± 32 µm in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Women were much more likely than men to have thin corneas (40% vs. 3.6% with CCT below 500 µm, p < 0.001) and higher BAD-D values (2.71 vs. 1.99, p = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, baseline CCT (β = -0.001, p < 0.001), age (β = -0.001, p = 0.032), and sex (β = 0.046, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of percentage pachymetric reduction, indicating that thicker preoperative corneas, older patients, and women experienced greater deswelling and thinner 1-year CCT. Postoperative endothelial cell density had no impact on pachymetry outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Patients with FECD undergoing DMEK often present with postoperative corneal thinning, particularly among women. Although the underlying cause is not fully understood, these findings suggest a potential link between chronic preoperative corneal edema and the likelihood of stromal remodeling. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this thinning phenomenon.

PMID:41205143 | DOI:10.1007/s40123-025-01260-6

CVIR Endovasc. 2025 Nov 8;8(1):99. doi: 10.1186/s42155-025-00588-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There have been several analyses conducted demonstrating a sharp decrease in general physician fulfillment and satisfaction. Other studies have demonstrated that burnout, anxiety, and moral injury are prevalent among interventional radiologists specifically, however there is a paucity of literature examining professional fulfillment within the profession. The purpose of this study was to characterize professional fulfillment through job, career, and specialty satisfaction scores among interventional radiologists using a validated assessment tool.

RESULTS: There were 106 respondents included in the analysis: 97 (91.5%) practicing interventional radiologists and 9 (8.5%) interventional radiology trainees, including 87 (82.1%) males and 19 (17.9%) females. Respondents included those in academic (40; 37.7%), private practice (46; 43.4%), and hybrid/other settings (20; 18.9%), as well as at various lengths of practice. The mean job satisfaction score was 3.48, with 38 (35.8%) of respondents expressing a mean score of ≥ 4, which has been established as being “satisfied”. The mean career satisfaction score was 3.40, with 38 (35.8%) of respondents reporting a mean score of ≥ 4. The mean global specialty satisfaction was 3.63 with 53 (50.0%) of respondents reporting a mean score of ≥ 4.

CONCLUSIONS: Professional fulfillment is low among interventional radiologists, with half expressing global specialty satisfaction and with minority percentages signaling job and career satisfaction. Patient interaction and work-life balance were identified as significant factors positively affecting professional fulfillment.

PMID:41205135 | DOI:10.1186/s42155-025-00588-1

Sleep Breath. 2025 Nov 8;29(6):348. doi: 10.1007/s11325-025-03487-w.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of an intervention programme combining Oropharyngeal Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) and cervical spine exercises in the general population with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), analysing its impact on respiratory variables (AHI, MSatO₂, ODI, TC90, Supine AHI), daytime sleepiness and quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blind randomised clinical trial with 32 participants diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA, assigned into two groups: control (n = 16) and intervention (n = 16). Both groups received hygiene- and diet-related recommendations, and the intervention group completed an OMT programme and cervical spine exercises over 20 weeks (May 2023-November 2024). The respiratory variables were evaluated using respiratory polygraphy, and daytime sleepiness and quality of life were measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and EuroQol-5D scales, respectively.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between groups (Median [IQR]): Apnoea-hypopnoea index (2.0 [-6/6], CI 95%, p = 0.86), Mean oxygen saturation (-0.5 [-1/0], CI 95%, p = 0.43), Oxygen Desaturation index (1.0 [-1/5], CI 95%, p = 0.72), Time with oxygen saturation below 90% (1.0 [0/3], CI 95%, p = 0.10), Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (-1.5 [-4/0], CI 95%, p = 0.83), and EuroQol-5D quality of life questionnaire (5.0 [0-10], CI 95% p = 0.08).

CONCLUSION: The comprehensive 20-week OMT programme and cervical spine exercises showed no effectiveness in improving respiratory parameters, daytime sleepiness or quality of life in patients with mild to moderate OSA compared to hygiene- and diet-related measures alone. The null results observed in this study suggest relevant clinical implications, such as the limited efficacy of low-frequency OMT protocols.

PMID:41205126 | DOI:10.1007/s11325-025-03487-w

World J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025 Nov 8;41(11):439. doi: 10.1007/s11274-025-04647-6.

ABSTRACT

Salinization and overuse of chemical fertilizer restrict usable agricultural land and crop productivity. Biological candidates are needed for sustainable agriculture. Therein, purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB) can operate as both a plant growth promoter and a bioremediator. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the how much chemical N fertilizer can be reduced by the nitrogen-fixing purple nonsulfur bacteria (Nf-PNSB) and the effects of Nf-PNSB on the N dynamics, growth, and yield of rice with a two-season experiment. A factorial experiment with two factors having 4 levels each was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications and 8 plants replication^-1. Each replication was a pot of soil with 8 rice plants. Factor A was N fertilizer percentages (100, 75, 50, and 0% N compared to the local recommended fertilization, LRF) and factor B was Nf-PNSB (no bacteria used, singly Rhodobacter sphaeroides S01 used, singly R. sphaeroides S06 used, and mixed R. sphaeroides S01 and S06 used, with a density of 1.6625 × 10⁵ CFU g^-1 dry soil). At the same N fertilizer level, treatments with the mixed Nf-PNSB outperformed the ones without bacteria, such as improved soil N availability and plant total N uptake and rice grain yield; and reduced soil Na⁺ and plant total Na uptake and proline content, in both seasons. Significant interaction effects between N fertilizer and PNSB were detected for most soil, plant, and yield traits. The mixed PNSB strain enhanced soil ammonium content and reduced Na⁺ accumulation under 100% N, but its effect was less consistent at 75% and 50% N. In both seasons, the 75% N + PNSB mixture treatment produced rice yields statistically similar to 100% N alone, although grain yield was slightly lower in season 2. Across N levels, PNSB supplementation generally reduced soil salinity and plant proline content while increasing N uptake. These results suggest that Nf-PNSB can partly compensate for chemical N reduction, particularly at 75% N, but the effects depend strongly on N level and season. Field trials are needed to confirm whether Nf-PNSB can reliably replace 25% of chemical N fertilizer under saline conditions.

PMID:41205123 | DOI:10.1007/s11274-025-04647-6

Ir J Med Sci. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s11845-025-04142-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder in which oxidative stress, redox imbalance, and genetic susceptibility play crucial roles. Glutathione peroxidase-3 (GPx-3), a selenium-dependent antioxidant enzyme, regulates redox homeostasis by detoxifying reactive oxygen species. Variants in the GPx-3 gene may alter antioxidant defense and trace element metabolism, thereby contributing to PV pathogenesis.

AIM: This case-control study investigated the association between the GPx-3 +1494A/G polymorphism and serum trace element levels in PV.

METHODS: A total of 71 patients with PV and 71 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were genotyped using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square (χ²) and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS: The AG genotype was significantly more prevalent in PV patients than in controls (88.7% vs. 50.6%, p = 0.002). Among AG carriers, PV patients exhibited higher Zn levels (p < 0.001), lower Fe concentrations (p = 0.037), and a reduced Cu/Zn ratio (p = 0.025). Additionally, the AG genotype was associated with increased body mass index (p = 0.049).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant association between the GPx-3 +1494A/G polymorphism and serum trace element levels in PV. The AG genotype was more prevalent among patients and accompanied by elevated Zn, reduced Fe and a lower Cu/Zn ratio, suggesting genotype-related alterations in trace element balance. These findings indicate that the +1494A/G variant may contribute to psoriasis susceptibility by modulating oxidative stress and redox homeostasis.

PMID:41205118 | DOI:10.1007/s11845-025-04142-9

Dig Dis Sci. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s10620-025-09538-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Ulcerative proctitis affects approximately 30% of patients with ulcerative colitis. Disease control is essential to maintain quality of life and to prevent disability and disease progression. The aim of this study was to investigate current practice on isolated proctitis management across the globe.

METHODS: Physicians with experience in treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) were invited to participate in an anonymous, multiple-choice survey between January and February 2025.

RESULTS: The survey included 460 physicians from 66 countries. Most participants (87.9%) assessed clinical activity of isolated proctitis within 3 months of treatment initiation, 75.9% used fecal calprotectin, and 67.1% used C-reactive protein to measure disease activity. Endoscopic assessment was performed 3 to 6 months (34.2%) or 6 to 12 months (48.4%) after treatment induction. In this survey, 49% of participants were more reluctant to begin an advanced therapy in patients with isolated proctitis compared to pancolitis or left-sided colitis. About two-thirds of participants were less likely to use biologics in combination with immunosuppressants in isolated proctitis compared to left-sided or pancolitis. Anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) was the preferred choice in first-line advanced therapy after failing conventional treatment (48.4%).

CONCLUSION: This study highlighted differences in management of isolated proctitis compared to left-sided colitis or pancolitis. This is likely explained by the fact that isolated proctitis patients were historically excluded from clinical trials; therefore, management relied on extrapolation of data from studies on more extensive disease.

PMID:41205107 | DOI:10.1007/s10620-025-09538-2