Tag: statistics

Sci Prog. 2025 Oct-Dec;108(4):368504251406564. doi: 10.1177/00368504251406564. Epub 2025 Dec 16.

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of rivaroxaban in preventing arteriovenous graft (AVG) thrombosis following endovascular intervention, assess the risk of recurrent thrombosis, and develop a clinically applicable predictive model.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 108 patients with AVG thrombosis who underwent endovascular treatment at our center between October 2020 and October 2024. Patients were stratified into a rivaroxaban group (n = 71) and a control group (n = 37). Fifteen variables from the two groups were analyzed and summarized. Four machine learning algorithms (random forest, Support Vector Machine – Recursive Feature Elimination, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator, and XGboost) were applied to identify risk factors for recurrent thrombosis. A predictive model was constructed using logistic regression and validated with an internal dataset.ResultsAmong the 108 patients, 69 were male and 39 were female, with ages ranging from 21 to 89 years. Fibrinogen levels were significantly lower in the rivaroxaban group (4.02 ± 0.87 vs. 4.59 ± 1.03, p < 0.01), More notably, the 12-month postprocedural patency rate was significantly higher in the rivaroxaban group (75%) than in the nonrivaroxaban group (17%), with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in other aspects (p > 0.05). The model exhibited a C-index of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78-0.95). The receiver operating characteristic and decision curve analysis curves demonstrated that the multifactor model had superior discriminative ability and net clinical benefit for identifying recurrent AVG thrombosis compared to single factors (AUC_{linear predictor} = 0.87, AUC_{rivaroxaban use} = 0.78, AUC_D-dimer = 0.60). Validation in the internal validation set and the entire cohort confirmed good calibration and efficacy (validation set: AUC = 0.86, entire cohort: AUC = 0.85).ConclusionRivaroxaban may exert a positive effect on maintaining the patency of AVG fistulas after endovascular treatment for thrombosis. The constructed nomogram prediction model can be used to predict the risk of recurrent thrombosis following endovascular treatment of AVG fistula thrombosis.

PMID:41400855 | DOI:10.1177/00368504251406564

Infection. 2025 Dec 16. doi: 10.1007/s15010-025-02712-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We compared nationwide data on the clinical characteristics of deceased and non-deceased patients with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-coded hospitalization to evaluate potential risk factors for in-hospital fatality by age group.

METHODS: Data from International Statistical Classification of Diseases (10th Revision)-based German Hospital Statistics for patients from 2010-2019 with a primary discharge diagnosis code for RSV-related pneumonia (J12.1), bronchitis (J20.5) or bronchiolitis (J21.0) were assessed by remote data retrieval. Selected underlying conditions and complications were reported stratified by age group and outcome.

RESULTS: Overall, 612 (0.3% of 205,352) RSV-coded patients died in hospital (103 children < 18 years, 51 adults 18-59 years, 458 seniors > 59 years). Children and adults with underlying chronic cardiovascular, neurological, immunological, or lower respiratory diseases had a higher risk of dying than those without (Odds Ratio 109, 58, 28, 6 in children, and 3, 3, 3, 2 in adults). In seniors, the risk was increased for patients with chronic neurological conditions (OR 1.3) but not for other underlying conditions. Acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and pneumonia increased the risk of a fatal outcome in all age groups.

CONCLUSION: In-hospital fatality of RSV-coded patients varied considerably with age, chronic conditions and complications. Seniors were the most affected age group and may therefore benefit from the RSV vaccination recommended in Germany since 2024 for all over 75 years and seniors with pre-existing conditions.

PMID:41400853 | DOI:10.1007/s15010-025-02712-8

J Mol Model. 2025 Dec 16;32(1):18. doi: 10.1007/s00894-025-06591-6.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: In order to increase the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), we propose to study the influence of maximizing the push-pull effect by quantifying the donor force (Ds) and the acceptor capacity (Ap) calculated as functions of the Electrophilicity, Orbital Hardness, and Polarizability. The sum of the donor force and the acceptor capacity is the inductive force, which allows the push-pull effect to be maximized. With this approach, we applied the Barrera-Crivelli-Loeb (BCL) model to a series of eleven Zinc Porphyrins to correlate the Global Efficiency Index (GEI) with the experimental measurement of Photo Conversion Efficiency (PCE). The use of this strategy together with the use of siloles and siloxanes allows the design of two new dyes, BCL 516 and BCL 520, with theoretically calculated efficiencies of 10.64% and 10.61%.

METHODS: In this work, all calculations were performed with the Amsterdam Density Functional 2023 package. For geometry optimization (ground state and first singlet), the optimized Perdew-Becke-Ernzerhof exchange correlation functional was employed with a DZP basis set for H, C, N, O, S, and a Zeroth Order Regular Approximation (ZORA) – TZP basis set for Ti and Zn. Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) calculations were achieved with the Statistical Average Orbital model exchange correlation potential (SAOP), including solvent effects with the Conductor-like Screening Model (COSMO). Calculations of molecular properties like electrophilicity, orbital hardness, and polarizability were carried out in the gas phase with the SAOP potential model after optimization of the target molecule with the OPBE exchange correlation functional. To determine the orbital hardness of the HOMO and LUMO, the occupation number of the frontier orbital was modified by 0.3 units.

PMID:41400849 | DOI:10.1007/s00894-025-06591-6

Int Ophthalmol. 2025 Dec 16;46(1):28. doi: 10.1007/s10792-025-03883-x.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and aesthetic efficacy of postoperative topical treatments compared to conservative management following standard upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

METHODS: This prospective, randomized controlled trial included 69 patients undergoing isolated upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Participants were randomized into three groups: (1) antibiotic-steroid ointment (Maxitrol), (2) antibiotic-only ointment (chloramphenicol), and (3) no topical treatment (control). Primary outcomes included patient satisfaction, pain, perceived swelling, and aesthetic results using the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES), assessed at one week and four months postoperatively. Adverse events and complications were also recorded.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in patient-reported outcomes at either time point, including pain (p = 0.05), satisfaction (p = 0.3), or eyelid swelling (p = 0.9). Aesthetic evaluation by a blinded independent senior plastic surgeon showed no significant difference in SBSES scores between groups (p = 0.7). No adverse effects or postoperative infections were reported.

CONCLUSION: Routine use of postoperative topical antibiotic or corticosteroid-containing ointments following standard upper eyelid blepharoplasty does not confer additional benefit in terms of patient satisfaction, symptom control, or aesthetic outcomes when compared with conservative care alone. Given the low infection risk, potential side effects, and concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance, a simplified postoperative regimen focusing on lubrication alone may be sufficient for uncomplicated cases. These findings support a more minimalist approach to postoperative management and emphasize the need for larger, multicenter trials to validate these results across broader surgical contexts.

PMID:41400848 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-025-03883-x

Br J Radiol. 2025 Dec 16:tqaf299. doi: 10.1093/bjr/tqaf299. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate solid volume ratio (SVR) in predicting long-term postoperative outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma patients.

METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical, pathological, and CT data of patients with lung adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection and were pathologically confirmed in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of our hospital from June 2014 to June 2023. Multivariate COX analysis was also conducted to identify independent factors that affect treatment effect. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 154 patients (82 males and 72 females) were included in this study. The average age was 62.11 ± 8.74 years. There were 60 patients (38.96%) who smoked, and 63 patients (40.90%) had positive pleural invasion. The 3-year DFS rate and OS rate after surgical resection were 87.5% and 92.0%, respectively; the 5-year DFS rate and OS rate after surgical resection were 81.6% and 89.1%, respectively. Multiple COX regression analysis showed that gender (P = 0.009, OR: 4.197, 95% CI: 1.426-12.353), and the solid volume ratio (P = 0.004, OR: 1.021, 95% CI: 1.007-1.036) were identified as an independent predictor of recurrence. Multivariate COX analysis showed that SVR (P = 0.003, OR: 1.028, 95% CI: 1.009-1.046) was identified as an independent predictor of postoperative survival in patients with lung cancer.

CONCLUSION: In this study, compared with consolidation tumor rate (CTR), the SVR has certain value in evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of lung adenocarcinoma.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: SVR is an independent predictor of postoperative recurrence and survival in lung cancer, and provides new ideas for postoperative efficacy evaluation.

PMID:41400845 | DOI:10.1093/bjr/tqaf299

Alzheimers Dement. 2025 Dec;21(12):e71034. doi: 10.1002/alz.71034.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Research on dementia in centenarians is scarce. This study assesses the 2024 Lancet Commission risk factors for dementia in Colombian centenarians.

METHODS: The Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB), Mini-Mental State Examination, and Barthel Index were evaluated in Colombian centenarians. A preserved cognitive-functional phenotype (PCFP), defined by a CDR-SB <2 and a Barthel index ≥60, was utilized to signify the absence of dementia based on cognitive screening instruments. Associations with age-related clinical variables were assessed through multivariate analyses.

RESULTS: Among 160 centenarians, 63.7% did not meet the PCFP criteria and were classified as having dementia. Frailty, alcohol intake, and depression were linked to dementia, while physical performance, nutritional status, and quality of life were associated with PCFP. Physical activity, education, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking showed no significant associations.

DISCUSSION: Traditional dementia risk factors were not universally confirmed in centenarians, underscoring the need for prevention strategies tailored to specific settings.

HIGHLIGHTS: Dementia risk factors act differently in Colombian centenarians. Frailty and malnutrition strongly linked to dementia in centenarians. Preserved cognitive-functional phenotype identified in 36% of centenarians. Quality of life and physical performance protect against cognitive decline. Classical risk factors (education, hypertension, diabetes) showed no effect.

PMID:41400045 | DOI:10.1002/alz.71034

Clin Nurs Res. 2025 Dec 16:10547738251398357. doi: 10.1177/10547738251398357. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore the effects of the incomplete prone position in non-mechanically ventilated adults with a tracheostomy, providing evidence for its clinical management. Non-mechanically ventilated adults (n = 64) with a tracheostomy who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this randomized controlled trial. They were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 32) and or an experimental group (n = 32). Both groups received standard tracheostomy care. The experimental group was positioned in the incomplete prone position, while the control group was maintained in the lateral position. Continuous intervention lasted for 7 days. We compared the differences in respiratory oxygenation indicators, pulmonary infection rates, sputum volume, hemodynamics, and the complications between the two groups. After 7 days of intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher arterial partial pressure of oxygen and oxygenation index than the control group (p < .05). From day 2 onward, pulse oxygen saturation was consistently higher in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < .001). Furthermore, a significantly lower respiratory rate was observed in the experimental group from day 4 onward (p < .001). No statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of pulmonary infection between the two groups (p > .05). However, a significant intergroup difference was observed in the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (p < .05). From day 1 to 7, the experimental group exhibited significantly higher daily sputum volume than the control group (p < .001). The analysis of sputum volume revealed significant effects for both time and group (p < .001), but the group-by-time interaction effect was not statistically significant (p = .064). No significant effects for time or group were found on hemodynamic parameters, including heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure (p > .05). Additionally, the group-by-time interaction effect was not statistically significant (p > .05). Importantly, no severe complications occurred in either group. The incomplete prone position significantly improved oxygenation, promoted airway secretion clearance, and reduced pulmonary infection severity in non-mechanically ventilated adults with a tracheostomy.

PMID:41400043 | DOI:10.1177/10547738251398357

Clin Nurs Res. 2025 Dec 16:10547738251403958. doi: 10.1177/10547738251403958. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Identifying the symptoms that most significantly deteriorate patient outcomes (i.e., quality of life [QoL] and daily activities) at specific treatment stages is important in caring for patients with hematologic cancer. Yet, few studies have examined symptom experiences and patient outcomes during the early phases of chemotherapy immediately after diagnosis. Hence, this study aimed to (a) evaluate symptom experience (prevalence, severity), QoL, and interference with daily activities before and 1 week after completing induction chemotherapy and (b) identify key symptoms affecting QoL and daily activities at each time point. The sample included 124 patients undergoing their first chemotherapy for hematologic cancer. We administered the Memorial Symptoms Assessment Scale, a single-item QoL scale, and the symptom-interference subscale of the Brief Pain Inventory. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, Spearman’s rho, and multiple-regression analysis. No significant changes emerged in QoL or interference with daily activity scores from pre- to postchemotherapy, suggesting that the impact of chemotherapy on patient outcomes was not instant. However, two items in interference with daily activities worsened following treatment, possibly due to hospitalization: “relationships with others” (p = .03), and “sleep” (p = .001). At both time points, interference with daily activities was highest for “enjoyment of life.” Across time points, “lack of energy” most frequently and severely occurred. Symptom experience was strongly associated with interference in daily activities but not with QoL. Significant independent predictors of interference with daily activities were “being irritable” (β = .31, p < .001), “insomnia” (β = .18, p = .04), and “difficulty in concenting” (β = .18, p = .02) before chemotherapy; “difficulty in concentrating” (β = .30, p < .001), “worrying” (β = .30, p = .003), and “lack of energy” (β = .20, p = .02) 1 week after induction chemotherapy. In conclusion, psychological symptoms (e.g., lack of energy, difficulty in concentrating, being irritable, and worrying) were not only prevalent but also greatly influenced daily activities before and after treatment. Nurses should assess and manage these symptoms and be aware of pharmacological/nonpharmacological interventions to alleviate them. Interference in “enjoyment of life” is a notable patient outcome throughout treatment.

PMID:41400009 | DOI:10.1177/10547738251403958

Alzheimers Dement. 2025 Dec;21(12):e70979. doi: 10.1002/alz.70979.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Functional impairment across degenerative dementias remains understudied in Latin American contexts. We aimed to assess total and item-level functional performance, determine specific instrumental activities, and identify differences in functional profiles between groups.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1445 participants were classified according to the Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (PFAQ). Statistical comparisons were adjusted for age, sex, and education using linear regression residuals and corrected for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS: Functional impairment increased progressively from normal cognition to dementia. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) groups showed significantly greater total PFAQ scores compared to controls and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Distinct profiles of impairment emerged: AD was more associated with memory-dependent tasks, while FTD showed disproportionate deficits in executive and social activities.

DISCUSSION: Functional abilities are differentially impacted in AD and FTD within the Peruvian population. Our findings highlight the importance of item-level functional evaluation to support early detection and subtype differentiation of dementia in underserved regions.

HIGHLIGHTS: We characterized and compared functional abilities among Peruvian older adults with normal cognition and neurodegenerative disease in different stages. PFAQ scores were analyzed across dementia stages in a Peruvian population. Functional abilities were differentially impacted in Peruvian participants with AD compared to FTD. AD was more associated with memory-dependent tasks, while FTD showed disproportional deficits in executive and social activities.

PMID:41400005 | DOI:10.1002/alz.70979

Med Lav. 2025 Dec 16;116(6):16988. doi: 10.23749/mdl.v116i6.16988.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aims to assess cumulative loads affecting the lower back, shoulders, and distal upper extremities among automotive mechanics.

METHODS: The survey was conducted in automotive repair workshops in Shiraz, involving 157 independent mechanics selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a multiple-questionnaire including the Persian Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (P-CMDQ), the Lifting Fatigue Failure Tool (LiFFT), the Shoulder Work Assessment Tool (SWAT), and the Distal Upper Extremity Tool (DUET). Descriptive statistics were used to assess musculoskeletal discomfort, and Partial correlation analyses, adjusted for age and Body Mass Index (BMI), examined the relationships between risk levels from LiFFT, SWAT, and DUET and discomfort reported in the P-CMDQ.

RESULTS: The results showed a high level of musculoskeletal discomfort, especially in the lower back, shoulders, and hands. Risk assessments indicated that the cumulative loads are in the high range for the lower back in 42.7% of cases, the shoulders in 40.8%, and the distal upper extremities in 36.3%. A strong correlation was observed between cumulative load on the lower back and perceived discomfort in this region (r = 0.730), whereas the correlations for the shoulders (r = 0.611) and distal upper extremities (r = 0.537) were moderate.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the significant influence of workplace factors on the musculoskeletal health of automotive mechanics, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and ergonomic solutions to enhance their health and productivity.

PMID:41400003 | DOI:10.23749/mdl.v116i6.16988