Tag: statistics

Neth Heart J. 2025 Sep 15. doi: 10.1007/s12471-025-01989-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is very limited data available on the impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on absenteeism occurrence, absenteeism duration, and the associated rough cost-estimate for employers.

METHODS: We extracted routinely collected absenteeism data for the years 2019-2022 from a database maintained by two large, nationally operating occupational health services (n = 443,740). All diagnoses and included sickness cases were recorded > 6 weeks of absenteeism. Descriptive statistics, including median values (IQR) and percentages, were calculated and compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson chi-square test. Subgroup comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. To analyse return-to-work over time, a Kaplan-Meier curve was constructed, and differences in return-to-work were assessed using the Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) test.

RESULTS: CVD is the primary cause of absenteeism in 3.2% of all absenteeism cases. The median duration of absenteeism following CVD was 119 working days (IQR 156; Q1-Q3 62.9-218.6) with a minimum rough cost-estimate to employers of € 37,000 per employee. The most frequently occurring CVD diagnoses were: acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, cardiac arrhythmia, unspecified cardiovascular complaints and angina.

CONCLUSIONS: CVD occurs frequently, results in prolonged absenteeism, and incurs high costs for employers. We strongly believe that CVD-related absenteeism should receive greater attention. Specifically, both in-hospital and outpatient treatments should place a stronger emphasis on work-related issues, including strategies for returning to work with or without tailored assignments in the workplace. This focus will help ensure that employees can sustainably return to work and continue to contribute to society.

PMID:40952643 | DOI:10.1007/s12471-025-01989-6

Endocrine. 2025 Sep 15. doi: 10.1007/s12020-025-04416-3. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40952635 | DOI:10.1007/s12020-025-04416-3

Sports Med. 2025 Sep 11. doi: 10.1007/s40279-025-02307-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Muscle stretching is widely used in clinical, athletic, and otherwise healthy populations, yet a consensual definition of stretch intensity-a key component of stretch load-does not exist. This is important because the effects of stretch intensity on range of motion and strength are controversial but suggested to affect clinical practice and scientific research. Most commonly, stretch intensity is defined in relation to an individual’s perceived level of discomfort or pain; however, these definitions are problematic for several reasons, including that consensual and objective quantifiable definitions of ‘pain’ and ‘discomfort’ do not exist, perceptions vary widely (and may not be sensed in some populations), and their ordinal (interval) nature is problematic from a statistical (research) point of view. The maximal range of motion or stretch distance may instead be useful; however, it can be difficult to define the ‘start of stretch’ and tissue stress varies non-linearly with range of motion or distance, meaning tissue load (stress) varies markedly with small changes in joint angle or distance near the stretch limit but varies less when stretches are performed further from it. Alternatively, setting joint angles or stretch distances as a percentage of the peak passive torque or resistive force can circumvent these issues, removing the need to define the ‘start of stretch’ and ensuring that intensity changes largely reflect changes in tissue load; however, torque/force measurement can sometimes be difficult or impossible to assess. A concerted research effort is thus required to produce an accepted definition of stretch intensity, and then to clarify how this can be quantified in scientific and practical settings.

PMID:40952622 | DOI:10.1007/s40279-025-02307-1

J Endocrinol Invest. 2025 Sep 15. doi: 10.1007/s40618-025-02704-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyse the effect on fasting glucose levels after one month of PTH 1-34 treatment in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

METHODS: Twenty-six postmenopausal women treated with PTH 1-34 were enrolled. Patients with glucose ≥ 110 mg/dl and/or glycosylated hemoglobin > 48 mmol/mol were excluded. At baseline and after one month treatment, we measured fasting serum glucose, calcium, creatinine, PTH, 25(OH)vitamin D, OPG, RANKL, and BALP. Standardized questionnaires were administered to assess dietary caloric intake and physical activity.

RESULTS: After one month, patients were divided according to the increase (group A) or decrease of glucose (group B). We found no difference between these two groups as regards anthropometric, biochemical evaluation, DXA measurements, dietary caloric intake, physical activity and fractures at baseline. There was no difference between groups in the number of patients treated before with bisphosphonates. Dietary caloric intake and physical activity after one month of therapy were not different in both groups. The mean delta glucose decrease after one month was 7%±4% in group B while the delta increase was 8%±5% in group A, p = 0.001. The only statistically significant difference between these groups, after one month, was an increase in mean delta BALP in group B compared to group A (group B:19 ± 23% vs. group A -0.7 ± 7, p = 0.04). Mean delta vitamin D and OPG increased, while mean delta PTH and RANKL decreased in both groups, without statistically significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSION: PTH 1-34 decreases mean serum glucose levels when bone formation is increased, as suggested by a significant increase in BALP in this group.

PMID:40952601 | DOI:10.1007/s40618-025-02704-3

J Appl Genet. 2025 Sep 13. doi: 10.1007/s13353-025-01006-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The genetic structure and variability of sea trout populations in the southern Baltic Sea were shaped during the last glaciation, in parallel with the evolution of the Baltic Sea. However, human activities-particularly hydrotechnical development and the introduction of non-local genetic lines-have altered and partially reduced the original genetic diversity. In the present study, the authors describe the historical changes that have occurred and present the current level of genetic variability within Polish sea trout populations. A total of 575 sea trout from nine river populations and three hatchery broodstocks were genotyped at 13 microsatellite loci. The global F_ST obtained via AMOVA was moderate, at 0.041. The highest pairwise F_ST values were observed between the Rutki and Aquamar broodstocks and all other populations. The lowest and statistically non-significant pairwise differences were detected between the Rega and Ina river populations, as well as between the Słupia and Łupawa. Genetic structure analysis revealed geographic differentiation, identifying either four or seven distinct clusters. Additionally, neighbour-joining clustering showed that the examined populations and stocks were divided into two main subgroups: one consisting of samples related to the Vistula origin, and the other comprising clearly separated Pomeranian populations. This paper discusses the emergence of new genetic variability driven by microevolutionary processes and presents a revised approach for sea trout population management.

PMID:40952578 | DOI:10.1007/s13353-025-01006-x

Egypt Heart J. 2025 Sep 15;77(1):88. doi: 10.1186/s43044-025-00685-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac rhythm disorder, significantly impacting global health and healthcare costs. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the preferred method for catheter-based AF ablation, reducing arrhythmia recurrence. However, vascular access complications remain a concern. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of venous closure systems (VCSs), like Perclose™ ProGlide™, with traditional manual compression (MC) techniques, focusing on time to hemostasis (TTH), time to ambulation in hours (TTA), time to discharge (TTD), and complication rates.

METHOD: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Embase, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Five studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Data were analyzed using OpenMeta, applying a random-effects model to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and funnel plots evaluated publication bias.

RESULT: The meta-analysis included 5 studies with a total of 240 patients. VCSs significantly reduced TTA (SMD – 2.029, 95% CI – 3.097 to – 0.962, p = 0.001) and TTD (SMD – 2.081, 95% CI – 3.870 to – 0.292, p = 0.023) compared to MC, but showed no significant reduction in TTH (SMD – 1.109, 95% CI – 2.524 to 0.307, p = 0.125). No significant differences were observed in bleeding complications (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.413 to 4.125, p = 0.604) or hematoma rates (OR 4.665, 95% CI 0.768 to 28.345, p = 0.094).

CONCLUSION: VCSs demonstrated faster ambulation and discharge times compared to MC techniques, suggesting potential benefits in improving patient flow and satisfaction. However, the slight increase in hematoma risk warrants further investigation. These findings could guide clinical decision-making in vascular access management post-AF ablation.

PMID:40952576 | DOI:10.1186/s43044-025-00685-5

Curr Med Sci. 2025 Sep 15. doi: 10.1007/s11596-025-00111-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Optimizing sedation to minimize respiratory depression during fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) presents an ongoing challenge. This trial compared the safety and efficacy of remimazolam-remifentanil versus propofol-remifentanil for maintaining spontaneous ventilation in patients undergoing FOB.

METHODS: This pre-registered randomized controlled trial enrolled 103 consecutive candidates for FOB (April 2023 to April 2024). After excluding 10 ineligible participants, 93 were enrolled in a two-phase study. In the initial dose-determination phase, 21 participants underwent dose escalation to establish the induction dose of remimazolam (0.35 mg/kg) using the modified Dixon’s method. Subsequently, 72 participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to remimazolam-remifentanil group (Group R-R) or propofol-remifentanil group (Group P-R) (n = 36 each). Remifentanil was administered by target-controlled infusion (3.0 ng/mL plasma concentration) in both groups. Group R-R received remimazolam 0.35 mg/kg, while Group P-R received propofol 2.0 mg/kg after remifentanil loading. Standardized supplemental doses were administered for inadequate sedation (Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score >1 or Bispectral index >75). The primary endpoint was the incidence of respiratory depression, defined as SpO₂ <95% or a respiratory rate <8 breaths/min. Secondary outcomes included procedure completion, movement or cough-related interruptions, hemodynamic stability, adverse events, procedural time, and satisfaction ratings from both bronchoscopists and participants.

RESULTS: Group R-R demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of respiratory depression (11.1% vs. 33.3%; P = 0.045) and of hypotension requiring vasopressors (16.7% vs. 41.7%; P = 0.020). However, transient involuntary movements (25.0% vs. 8.3%; P = 0.111) and cough (38.9% vs. 22.2%; P = 0.125) were numerically more frequent in Group R-R, though not statistically significant. All procedures were completed successfully without discontinuation. Hypertension, arrhythmias, procedural times, and satisfaction scores were comparable between groups (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Compared to propofol-remifentanil, remimazolam-remifentanil provides effective moderate sedation for FOB with superior respiratory safety and reduced hypotension requiring vasopressors, despite a numerically higher incidence of transient movement and cough. It thus represents a promising alternative for maintaining spontaneous ventilation during FOB.

PMID:40952556 | DOI:10.1007/s11596-025-00111-6

Environ Geochem Health. 2025 Sep 11;47(10):433. doi: 10.1007/s10653-025-02743-y.

ABSTRACT

Fluoride (F^–) and arsenic (As) are the two most conspicuous contaminants, in terms of distribution and menace, in aquifers cause health problems. These contaminants in the shallow aquifers of the eastern Henan Plain, posing serious health risks for the local residents. A total of 136 groundwater samples (74 from the dry season and 62 from the wet season) were analyzed to investigate the to assess the levels and mechanisms of high F^– and As enrichment in groundwater. Statistical and geostatistical methods, including charge balance calculations and health risk assessments, were employed to evaluate the spatial distribution and associated health risks of these contaminants. The results indicate the maximum concentrations of 2.82 mg/L for F^– and 51.4 μg/L for As, predominantly in the central, eastern, and southern regions of the study area, particularly at depths of 10-40 m. Elevated levels of these contaminants are associated with higher pH and increased Na⁺, HCO₃^–, SO₄^2- ions, while Ca²⁺ levels are depleted, attributed to fluorite and sulfide-bearing minerals and anthropogenic activities. The northern part shows a higher vulnerability to non-carcinogenic health risks, whereas the southeastern region exhibits greater carcinogenic risks. The hazard index (HI) values exceeding 1.0 suggest significant non-carcinogenic health risks. The study addresses a significant gap by comprehensively examining the co-occurrence and mechanisms of fluoride and arsenic in groundwater, providing critical data for policymakers to enhance and improve water quality management.

PMID:40952528 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-025-02743-y

J Diabetes. 2025 Sep;17(9):e70156. doi: 10.1111/1753-0407.70156.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed to evaluate the effects of sitagliptin on diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

METHODS: This was a randomized, open-label clinical trial. The participants were assigned to either the control group, which received standard conventional therapy alone, or the sitagliptin treatment group, which received an oral administration of sitagliptin (100 mg once daily) in conjunction with standard conventional therapy. The primary endpoints were the ulcer healing rate and adverse reactions. The secondary endpoints included the time to ulcer healing, peripheral blood CD34+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) count, serum levels of stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

RESULTS: A total of 62 subjects were enrolled in this trial, with 31 individuals assigned to each group. One participant from each group was lost to follow-up. Posttrial analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, the sitagliptin group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in ulcer area and improved efficacy in terms of ulcer healing (p < 0.05). Although not statistically significant (p = 0.071), the sitagliptin group also tended to have a shorter ulcer healing time. Additionally, the sitagliptin group presented significantly greater numbers of CD34+ EPCs and higher SDF-1α levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference in HbA1c levels was observed between the two groups (p > 0.05). No adverse events associated with sitagliptin treatment were reported.

CONCLUSIONS: The DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin may facilitate the healing of DFUs independent of its glucose-lowering effects, potentially by enhancing the mobilization of CD34 + EPCs in peripheral blood.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration number: ChiCTR 2000029230, Approval date: 2020/01/19.

PMID:40948240 | DOI:10.1111/1753-0407.70156

Cardiol Young. 2025 Sep 15:1-7. doi: 10.1017/S1047951125109554. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients diagnosed with hypertension (HT) are at high risk for end-organ damage. With changing living conditions and access to healthcare facilities worldwide, the rate of diagnosis in childhood is increasing. In this study, healthy children were compared with a group of pediatric patients diagnosed with hypertension. Cardiac findings in the hypertensive group were compared at presentation and at six months. We aimed to determine the discriminatory value of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) measurements as an early imaging marker for cardiac involvement in children with HT compared to healthy children and to determine its prognostic feature for HT treatment response.

METHODS: Fifty-nine primary hypertension patients and 76 control patients aged 0-18 years were compared. EAT values measured between the healthy group and the patient group and at the beginning of treatment and subsequent follow-ups in the patient group were evaluated with M-mode measurements.

RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of sex, and age. EAT was found to be significantly higher in the patient group than in the healthy group. There was a statistically significant difference between the EAT measurements evaluated before and after treatment in the patient group.

CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Using EAT measurements as a noninvasive parameter may provide information about early cardiac involvement due to HT. EAT is promising as an imaging marker that can be used in diagnosis and follow-up.

PMID:40948230 | DOI:10.1017/S1047951125109554