Tag: statistics

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2025 Sep 19:e32057. doi: 10.1002/pbc.32057. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Treatment of pediatric B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) impacts both patients and their caregivers. An understanding of family functioning during therapy can inform family-centered care. We aimed to prospectively identify negative and positive changes in family life as perceived by caregivers throughout ALL therapy.

METHODS: Caregivers of children aged ≥4 years with average-risk B-ALL enrolled on the Children’s Oncology Group trial AALL0932 who consented to an ancillary study were asked: “How has family life changed since your child’s diagnosis of leukemia for the better or for the worse?” Written free responses were collected at approximately 2, 8, 17, 26 (end of therapy for females), and 38 (end of therapy for males) months post-diagnosis. Inductive content analysis was used to create codes, subcategories, and categories. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample and frequencies of reported codes.

RESULTS: Overall, 994 responses were collected from caregivers of 468 children across all timepoints. Twenty-seven individual codes were identified, categorized by negative changes (reported by 89% of caregivers) and positive changes (reported by 58% of caregivers). Subcategories of negative changes, including changes in daily routines, work and finance, patient health and care needs, effects on other family members, and emotional changes, were identified across all timepoints, but were most prevalent early in therapy. Importantly, positive changes were also identified, including family support, community support, and changes in outlook.

CONCLUSION: This study identifies negative and positive family changes perceived by caregivers of children undergoing B-ALL therapy that can inform future interventions to better support families.

PMID:40974099 | DOI:10.1002/pbc.32057

HGG Adv. 2025 Sep 19:100520. doi: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2025.100520. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, are major global health challenges and leading causes of blindness. This study leveraged genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving over 100,000 individuals, integrating data from the Taiwan Biobank and National Health Insurance Research Database, to identify genetic loci associated with disease onset. Our findings suggest that these conditions are influenced by multifactorial etiologies, as pleiotropic loci including rs10811660, rs4710941, rs2283228 and rs7646518 were identified, linking ocular diseases to metabolic conditions. Notably, a strong genetic correlation was observed between cataract and depression. Mendelian randomization analysis further demonstrated a causal effect of depression on cataract risk, implicating shared biological pathways, particularly oxytocin signaling, in disease pathophysiology. This finding revealed a functional genetic variant near the OXTR gene, highlighting its potential as a causal candidate for genetic diagnosis in precision health. By bridging the gap between genetic discovery and clinical application, this research offers critical insights into shared genetic mechanisms across diverse health domains, paving the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

PMID:40974049 | DOI:10.1016/j.xhgg.2025.100520

J Biol Dyn. 2025 Dec;19(1):2553766. doi: 10.1080/17513758.2025.2553766. Epub 2025 Sep 19.

ABSTRACT

This paper proposes an immunosuppressive infection model with time delay and stochastic perturbation. A stochastic threshold $R_0^s$ is constructed, and the sufficient conditions for virus extinction and weak persistence are given. Subsequently, we respectively fit the SDDE and ODE models to the real data, and conduct a sensitivity analysis of the equilibrium. The greater the noise intensity, the more obvious the oscillation amplitude of the solution curve around the immune-free equilibrium, the larger noise intensity can cause the originally persistent virus in ODE to go extinct in the SDDE model. The greater the time delay, the longer it takes for the virus and immune cells to reach their first peaks. The viral replication rate significantly affects the virus-immune system, and the reproduction of HIV-1 can be inhibited by modulating it. A relatively high viral inhibition rate will lead to the extinction of immune cells while the virus persists.

PMID:40974040 | DOI:10.1080/17513758.2025.2553766

Am J Med Genet A. 2025 Sep 19:e64269. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.64269. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Trisomy 13, the third most common autosomal trisomy after trisomy 21 and trisomy 18, is associated with a significantly high infant mortality rate. However, large-scale studies examining causes of death in trisomy 13 remain scarce. Therefore, we aimed to better understand the mortality patterns. To this end, a population-based study was conducted using Japanese population-based mortality data from the Vital Statistics Database (n = 4,230,092 death records); we examined early mortality and identified phenotypic subgroups based on combinations of co-occurring causes of death. We identified 150 individuals with trisomy 13 who died between 2019 and 2021. Cardiovascular disease was significantly associated with early mortality. Using K-means clustering based on principal components of cause-of-death categories, we identified three distinct subgroups: respiratory-dominant (19%), cardiovascular-dominant (64%), and multi-organ involvement (17%). The cardiovascular-dominant cluster showed the highest rate of death before age 1 (83%; p = 0.001), while surgical intervention rates did not significantly differ across clusters. These findings highlight phenotypic heterogeneity and may support individualized care planning for trisomy 13 and provide insights that may support future care and decision-making.

PMID:40974038 | DOI:10.1002/ajmg.a.64269

Med Sci Monit. 2025 Sep 20;31:e949298. doi: 10.12659/MSM.949298.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Many methods are used to increase the osseointegration of dental implants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) on the osseointegration of dental implants in 20 patients, as measured by resonance frequency analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 20 patients, with each patient receiving 2 SLA implants. After preparing the 2 implant sockets in each patient, one socket was randomly selected and irrigated with i-PRF before implant placement, while the other socket was left untreated. Implant stability was evaluated using a frequency analysis device at a 3-month evaluation. RESULTS The initial implant stability quotient (ISQ) values of the implants in the the test group (i-PRF+) averaged 68.875±9.571, increasing to 74.237±8.283 after 3 months. In the control group (i-PRF-), the initial ISQ values averaged 73.275±7.699 and measured 73.662±8.089 after 3 months. The ISQ values of women in the i-PRF+ group were significantly higher than those of men (P=0.004), whereas no statistically significant difference was found between male and female patients in the i-PRF- group (P=0.399). No statistically significant difference was found in ISQ values based on bone density in either the test or control groups (test group, P=0.109; control group, P=0.430). CONCLUSIONS Implants treated with i-PRF demonstrated significantly higher stability values in resonance frequency evaluations compared to untreated implants. Additionally, while i-PRF application resulted in a significantly greater increase in stability in women than in men, bone density did not have an effect on stability.

PMID:40974036 | DOI:10.12659/MSM.949298

Am J Med Genet A. 2025 Sep 19:e64258. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.64258. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD), or Niemann-Pick disease types A, B, and A/B, is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by SMPD1 mutations. Clinical forms range from severe neurovisceral (type A) to chronic visceral (type B), mainly affecting the liver, spleen, and lungs. Until 2022, treatment was limited to supportive care. The approval of olipudase alfa for the non-central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of ASMD marked a major advance, with trials showing improvements in organ volumes and lung function. This meta-analysis evaluates the broader clinical impact of olipudase alfa in ASMD. A systematic search of Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase identified RCTs and cohort studies on olipudase alfa in patients with ASMD. Primary outcomes included mean change in %DLco, %Liver volume, and %Spleen volume; other secondary outcomes were also assessed. Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines, and statistical analyses were conducted using R software. The study was registered in PROSPERO CRD420251032281. Three studies (One RCT) encompassing 46 patients were included. Follow-up duration ranged from 1 to 6.5 years. All patients received olipudase alfa; only one study included a placebo group. Pooled results showed a mean DLco increase of 34.63% (95% CI: 26.09-43.18), a liver volume reduction of -37.76% (95% CI: -49.78 to -25.75), and a spleen volume reduction of -49.46% (95% CI: -57.39 to -41.53) after 2 years. The olipudase alfa demonstrates substantial clinical benefits in ASMD, significantly improving lung function and reducing organomegaly. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.

PMID:40974024 | DOI:10.1002/ajmg.a.64258

Aesthet Surg J. 2025 Sep 19:sjaf187. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjaf187. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Labiaplasty improves women’s genital self-image, sexual function, and mental well-being, while enhancing male partners’ sexual satisfaction and overall couple sexual harmony.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of labiaplasty on women’s genital self-perception, sexual function, psychological state and sexual satisfaction levels of male partners in women with physical and functional complaints about labium minus.

METHODS: 97 women and their partners who underwent labiaplasty between January 2021 and June 2024 were included in the study. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Quality of Sexual Experience Scale (QSES), Female Genial Self-Image Scale (FSGIS), Sexual Quality of Life – Female (SQoL-F) questionnaires were applied to women before and after labiaplasty. Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-Ejd), Golombok-Rust Sexual Satisfaction Scale (GRISS), New Sexual Satisfaction Scales (NSSS) were applied to male partners. Preoperative and postoperative data were compared with participants who were one year postoperatively.

RESULTS: In female participants, significant improvements were found in genital self-perception, sexual function, sexual pleasure, lubrication, orgasm and overall quality of sexual life, and a statistically significant decrease in depression scores was observed. In male partners, ejaculatory function remained constant, but positive changes were found in general sexual satisfaction, impotence, premature ejaculation and satisfaction levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Labiaplasty operation provides significant gains not only in terms of aesthetics but also psychological and sexual well-being in women, and indirectly positively affects the quality of sexual life of male partners. It is thought that surgical intervention can increase sexual harmony in couple relationship as well as individual satisfaction.

PMID:40974005 | DOI:10.1093/asj/sjaf187

Aust J Rural Health. 2025 Oct;33(5):e70089. doi: 10.1111/ajr.70089.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative condition with no known cure. The prevalence of PD and barriers to accessing clinical care increase with distance from major cities. Understanding factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PD has important clinical and public health implications.

METHOD: In a national survey of Australian adults diagnosed with PD, we examined the influence of location on HRQoL and demographics, symptom course and diagnosis, treatment utilisation and preferences, and satisfaction with current services. Final data included 87 respondents from six states in Australia, with 55 identified as living in regional areas and 32 in major cities. Measures also included the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and self-reported Hoehn and Yahr scale for disease severity.

RESULTS: Time to obtain a diagnosis was significantly longer for regional respondents than major city counterparts. There were also significant differences in prioritising 10 statements relating to PD. In an overall analysis examining the impact of all the above variables on HRQoL as determined by the PDQ-39, only the Hoehn and Yahr scores explained significant variance; there was no significant difference between regional and metropolitan respondents after accounting for the other variables.

CONCLUSION: Individuals living in regional areas experienced longer delays in obtaining a diagnosis of PD. Both groups highly rated better access to neurologists and the need for better diagnosis as priorities. Location, disease duration and satisfaction with services were not significantly associated with HRQoL.

PMID:40973986 | DOI:10.1111/ajr.70089

Occup Med (Lond). 2025 Aug 1;75(6):341-347. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqaf023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An extensive health and social services reform was implemented in Finland at the beginning of 2023.

AIMS: To describe the working conditions and well-being of persons preparing extensive organizational changes, to compare their results to the reference group, to analyse whether unreasonable workload impacted work recovery, psychosocial distress, work ability and work performance, and to analyse whether the changes in work recovery, psychosocial distress and work ability were associated with a change in work performance.

METHODS: Data were collected by four surveys from reform preparers in 2022 in open cohort settings. Descriptive statistics were used to report the preparers’ situation and in relation to the reference group at the endpoint. Further, covariance and linear regression analyses were performed to study the associations between start and endpoint data (N = 340).

RESULTS: While putting in significant effort, decreasing proportions of preparers experienced leader support, participatory safety and opportunities for innovation. Many preparers had unreasonable workload, a significant proportion working long hours and doing preparation work alongside their main responsibilities. Their situation was notably worse on various work-related indicators compared to the reference group. Unreasonable workload and adverse changes in working conditions decreased the well-being of many preparers, impacting their work performance.

CONCLUSIONS: When preparing for extensive organizational changes, the focus should be on leading preparers’ collaboration and work processes. Leadership should support innovation, foster a positive team climate, ensure participatory safety and provide a reasonable workload to support well-being. Good working conditions are important as they promote better well-being, work ability and performance.

PMID:40973973 | DOI:10.1093/occmed/kqaf023

Occup Med (Lond). 2025 Aug 1;75(6):369-376. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqaf064.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aftermath of the 2008 recession created conditions in which precarious employment may have become more common in the UK. We characterized two distinct periods: high unemployment/lower income (2011-5) and lower unemployment/stagnant income (2015-9).

AIMS: We aimed to describe the prevalence and persistence of these dimensions of precarious employment over two time periods (2011-5 and 2015-9) and investigate the prevalence of precarious employment patterns, poor self-rated health and common mental disorder.

METHODS: We used the UK Longitudinal Household Study to create employment history sequences for three dimensions of precarious employment using two four-wave samples. We applied latent class analysis to sequenced data to identify people persistently exposed to each dimension of precarious employment. We calculated age-sex standardized prevalence of poor self-rated health and common mental disorder by latent class for each precarious employment dimension.

RESULTS: Our analysis included 16 161 (2011-15) and 12 963 (2015-19) individuals. We found a latent class representing persistent exposure to each of the three precarity dimensions, but little overlap between these classes. Latent classes were very similar for both study periods. Prevalence of poor self-rated health and common mental disorder increased for most latent classes between 2011-15 and 2015-19. Employment discontinuity had the highest prevalence out of the precariously employed latent classes for both outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: A minority of workers in the UK were in a state of chronic precarity, which did not change substantially between the two time periods. Experiencing persistent employment discontinuity was the dimension of precarity with the highest levels of poor health.

PMID:40973972 | DOI:10.1093/occmed/kqaf064