Tag: statistics

Microb Cell Fact. 2025 Sep 3;24(1):200. doi: 10.1186/s12934-025-02827-5.

ABSTRACT

Diminishing the productivity of Taxol by the potential fungi with storage is the key hurdle that impedes their applications to be an industrial platform for Taxol production. Thus, exploring of a fungal isolate with a reliable robustness for Taxol biosynthesis is the objective of this study. Although, Encephalartos bubalinus has diverse ethnopharmaceutical properties, however, the identity of its endophytic fungi remains poorly explored. Therefore, the endophytic fungi inhabiting this plant has been isolated and characterized, and their Taxol productivity was assessed. Amesia nigricolor OR364127.1, an endophyte of E. bubalinus, was characterized as the potent biologically active and Taxol producer (105 μg/l). The sample identity was resolved from the HPLC, FT-IR and MS/MS analysis, with the molecular mass/ fragmentation pattern was identical to authentic one. The extracted Taxol of A. nigricolor had a strong activity against the HepG2 (IC₅₀ 19 nM) and MCF7 (IC₅₀ 23 nM) with a selectivity index 13.2 and 11.9 to the normal Vero cells. Taxol of A. nigricolor had a powerful anti-wound healing, and apoptotic properties, with ability to stop the G2/M cell cycle, ensuring their consistent biological activity to the authentic one. The Taxol yield by A. nigricolor was enhanced by 2 folds (205.2 μg/l), with the statistical bioprocessing by CCD. The half-life time for production of Taxol by A. nigricolor was more than 10 months, that being higher than those reported for various Taxol-producing fungi, ensuring the relative stability of the biosynthetic machinery of Taxol by A. nigricolor with storage as solid cultures at 4°C. A relative restoring to the Taxol productivity by A. nigricolor was noticed with ethylacetate extract of E. bubalinus, ensuring the presence of chemical signals inducing Taxol productivity by A. nigricolor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first recorded endophytic fungus “A. nigricolor EFBL-AG” with a relative stability of Taxol biosynthetic machinery.

PMID:40903778 | DOI:10.1186/s12934-025-02827-5

Mil Med Res. 2025 Sep 3;12(1):56. doi: 10.1186/s40779-025-00645-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The level of premature deaths (deaths among those aged 30-69 years) caused by cancer is an important indicator of evaluating the level of cancer prevention and control. However, the current burden and temporal trends in cancer-related premature deaths, and their impact on life expectancy at the global, regional, and national levels are not clear.

METHODS: Cancer mortality data for 185 countries were obtained from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database. High-quality cancer mortality data and national population statistics for 47 countries were extracted from the United Nations and national cancer registry databases, covering the period 2003-2022. Countries were classified based on the human development index (HDI). The death probability, the year of life lost (YLL), and the potential gain in life expectancy (PGLE) attributable to premature deaths from site-specific and all-cancers combined were calculated.

RESULTS: Globally, the probability of premature cancer deaths was 6.49% (95% UI 6.49-6.50). The YLLs caused by cancer-related premature death were 163.86 million (95% UI 163.70-164.03), constituting 65.58% of the total cancer-related YLLs. The PGLEs were 1.16 years (95% UI 1.16-1.16). The premature death probability increased with higher HDI levels in men, but decreased in women. Cancer-related premature deaths as a proportion of total cancer deaths varied from 18.31% (95% UI 18.20-18.43) in Japan to 84.44% (95% UI 76.10-91.16) in São Tomé and Príncipe. Lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer-related premature deaths in men, and breast cancer ranked first in women. By eradicating premature deaths attributable to lung, liver, colorectal, and stomach cancer in men, and to breast, cervical, and lung cancer in women, 0.55 years (95% UI 0.55-0.55) and 0.49 years (95% UI 0.49-0.49) of PGLEs could be achieved, accounting for 48.67% and 42.24% of the total PGLEs, respectively. Cancer-related premature deaths decreased significantly in 38 countries during 2003-2022 (P < 0.05). The probability of premature cancer-related deaths decreased by more than 15.50% from 2015 to 2022 in 16 countries.

CONCLUSIONS: Cancer-related premature deaths declined in many countries, with 16 of them having achieved the expected reduction by 2022. The current burden of cancer-related premature deaths is profound but varies around the world. Eliminating premature deaths from major cancer types could substantially increase life expectancy, underscoring the importance of prevention and treatment efforts for these cancers.

PMID:40903768 | DOI:10.1186/s40779-025-00645-9

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Sep 3;30(1):839. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-03106-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil-to-HDL-C ratio (NHR) has recently emerged as a composite biomarker integrating lipid metabolism and inflammatory status. Nevertheless, its potential association with the risk of gout or hyperuricemia remains inadequately explored. The present study aimed to examine the possible link between NHR and both conditions.

METHODS: This study included 31,117 eligible adults from the 2007-2018 NHANES database in the United States. Participants were categorized into NHR quartiles, and weighted multivariate logistic regression along with restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses was performed to assess its association with gout and hyperuricemia risk. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the robustness and heterogeneity of the association across different subpopulations. All analyses were weighted to guarantee the generalizability of the findings to the national population.

RESULTS: A positive correlation was observed between NHR and the risk of both gout and hyperuricemia. As NHR levels increased, the proportion of participants with gout or hyperuricemia rose significantly-specifically, the prevalence of gout was 2.46%, 3.69%, 4.24%, and 5.79% (p < 0.001), and for hyperuricemia, it was 13.63%, 17.38%, 20.65%, and 26.08% (p < 0.001), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that, in the unadjusted Model 1 analysis, each 1-unit increase in NHR was associated with a 5.1% higher risk of gout (OR = 1.051, 95% CI 1.036-1.069, p < 0.001) and a 5.8% higher risk of hyperuricemia (OR = 1.058, 95% CI 1.051-1.066, p < 0.001). The positive association remained stable and statistically significant after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Further RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear trend in the relationship between NHR and both conditions, with a potential risk threshold of approximately 16, beyond which the risk of disease increased substantially. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the NHR had better discriminatory performance than either HDL-C or NEU alone in predicting hyperuricemia (AUC = 0.682) and gout (AUC = 0.81).

CONCLUSION: NHR showed a significant association with the risk of gout and hyperuricemia, demonstrating a nonlinear dose-response pattern. NHR may serve as a promising inflammation-metabolism marker for the early identification of individuals at risk for uric acid-related disorders.

PMID:40903753 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-03106-0

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Sep 3;25(1):1183. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-13318-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Perinatal anxiety is a significant public health issue with potential adverse outcomes for both mothers and their babies. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the costs associated with health service use for women with and without perinatal anxiety in the UK National Health Service (NHS) at six and twelve months postpartum. This research is part of the MAP Alliance Study-a large programme of research on perinatal anxiety.

METHODS: A cost of illness (COI) analysis was performed using a retrospective approach in which recorded data of self-reported health resource use was analysed. The COI analysis identified the different components of costs and the size of the contribution of each health resource and quantified the direct costs incurred by the NHS due to perinatal anxiety.

RESULTS: Results found that women experiencing perinatal anxiety use healthcare services more frequently and incur higher healthcare costs compared to those without. At six months postpartum, the mean total healthcare cost per woman with perinatal anxiety was £1174 (95% CI: 1080.67, 1263.05) compared with £1046 (95% CI: 975.16, 1123.83) for women without. At twelve months postpartum, the mean total healthcare cost per woman with perinatal anxiety was £414 (95% CI: 347.76, 488.87) compared with £267 (95% CI: 226.06, 314.81) for women without. However, this cost difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (-£14; 95% CI: -161.88, 135.65, p = 0.808).

CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the economic impact of perinatal anxiety on healthcare systems and highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve care pathways for affected women. The results of this analysis have significant implications for public health policy, emphasising the importance of optimising perinatal mental health care pathways to reduce long-term costs and improve outcomes for women.

PMID:40903747 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-025-13318-z

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Sep 3;25(1):1401. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-06813-6.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of post-polymerization time and curing device type on the surface roughness, microhardness and color change of 3D printed permanent resin materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, permanent resin samples with a layer print thickness of 50 μm and dimensions of 10 × 2 mm3 were produced on SLA and DLP printers. The samples were post-polymerized in blue LED and UV LED curing devices for 10, 20, 40 and 60 min. Initial surface roughness, microhardness and color values of all polymerized samples were measured. The samples were then aged (5000 cycles) and surface roughness, microhardness and color values were measured again. Data were evaluated using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in surface roughness when the samples produced in SLA and DLP printer were polymerized using blue LED and UV LED curing device for different durations (p > 0.05). The samples produced in SLA printer showed higher microhardness value when polymerized with UV LED for longer time (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the microhardness values of DLP samples when polymerized with blue LED and UV LED (p > 0.05). When the samples produced in SLA and DLP printer were polymerized using blue LED and UV LED curing device for different durations, the color change and whiteness index increased as the post-polymerization time increased (p < 0.05). The surface roughness of the samples after aging did not change statistically significantly, while the microhardness value decreased (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The post-polymerization time and the type of polymerization device do not affect the surface roughness of the 3D printed samples, but increase the microhardness value. Post-polymerization time increases the color change and whiteness index values of the samples. Post-polymerization of 3D printer permanent resin materials has an effect on the mechanical and optical properties of the material.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The post polymerization time of 3D resin materials and the type of curing device change the microhardness, color change and surface roughness of the material. This may affect the clinical success of the restoration.

PMID:40903740 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-06813-6

BMC Surg. 2025 Sep 3;25(1):407. doi: 10.1186/s12893-025-03156-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As the population of Japan continues to age rapidly, an increasing number of patients aged ≥ 80 years are undergoing surgery for gastric cancer. Although minimally invasive techniques have improved surgical safety, operative risks in the super-elderly population (≥ 85 years) remain a significant concern.

METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study analyzed 72 patients aged ≥ 80 years who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer at our hospital between January 2014 and August 2024. Patients were stratified into two groups: the super-elderly group (≥ 85 years, n = 26) and the younger-elderly group (80-84 years, n = 46). Clinical characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The mean age was 83.7 (range: 80-93) years. Comorbidities were common, particularly cardiovascular disease (19.4%) and diabetes mellitus (27.8%). Compared with the younger-elderly group, the super-elderly group had a longer preoperative hospital stay (5.8 vs. 4.5 days) but a shorter overall hospital stay (14.3 vs. 21.1 days). Minimally invasive surgery was less frequently performed in the super-elderly group (42.3% vs. 56.5%). Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 2 occurred in 40.3% of all patients, with a lower incidence in the super-elderly group (34.6% vs. 43.5%). Mortality from non-cancer-related causes did not differ significantly between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate preoperative optimization, gastrectomy can be performed safely in patients aged ≥ 85 years. Individualized treatment strategies that account for comorbidities are essential for achieving favorable outcomes in this expanding population.

PMID:40903729 | DOI:10.1186/s12893-025-03156-5

BMC Endocr Disord. 2025 Sep 4;25(1):202. doi: 10.1186/s12902-025-02022-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic and endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Chronic low-grade inflammation is implicated in its pathogenesis, with diet and lifestyle playing pivotal roles. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern (EDIP), and Dietary and Lifestyle Inflammation Scores (DLIS) are distinct indices developed to assess systemic inflammation. The DII focuses on nutrient composition, EDIP derives from data-driven food patterns, and DLIS integrates both dietary and lifestyle factors. While these inflammatory indices have been linked to metabolic diseases, their associations with PCOS remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate these associations.

METHODS: This case-control study included 100 women with newly diagnosed PCOS (confirmed by Rotterdam criteria, within 3 months) and 100 age-matched (± 2 years) controls, recruited from the Imam Khomeini Hospital Infertility Centre in Ahvaz, Iran. Controls were selected from women visiting the same center for routine fertility check-ups, excluding those with PCOS symptoms or hormonal disorders. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 147-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. Inflammatory scores were calculated, and logistic regression was used to analyze their associations with PCOS.

RESULTS: The results showed that the odds of PCOS were higher in the multivariable model across tertiles of DLIS (OR: 3.70; 95%CI: 1.05-5.70, P-trend = 0.002) and DII (OR: 2.82; 95%CI: 1.10-5.60, P-trend = 0.03) after controlling for age, BMI, energy intake (except for DII), physical activity, educational level, marital status, parity, employment status, household income, history of diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism. However, no statistical association was found between EDIP and the likelihood of PCOS.

CONCLUSION: Pro-inflammatory diets (higher DII) and combined diet-lifestyle patterns (higher DLIS) were associated with odds of PCOS, highlighting the importance of anti-inflammatory interventions. However, the case-control design limits causal interpretation, and future cohort studies are needed to confirm temporality.

PMID:40903727 | DOI:10.1186/s12902-025-02022-y

BMC Geriatr. 2025 Sep 3;25(1):685. doi: 10.1186/s12877-025-06229-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The world’s elderly population is increasing. Due to the increase in musculoskeletal disorders in this group and the multifactorial nature of this disease, this study investigated the effective factors in preventing musculoskeletal pain in the elderly living in nursing homes, based on the Health Belief Model.

METHODS: A cross-sectional design was conducted with a random sample of 311 older adult nursing home residents in the Kahrizak nursing home, whose aims were to identify the determinants influencing musculoskeletal pain prevention practices (intake of vitamin D, stress management, and correct body posture). Health Belief Model (HBM) questionnaires were employed to gather data, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain severity, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22 software and statistical indicators (frequency, percentage, and correlation). This study applied the Partial Least Squares technique of Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using Smart PLS software to test the proposed relationships among the study variables. AMOS was employed to verify the hypothesized relationships between the constructs of the HBM using covariance-based structural equation modeling, whereas Smart PLS was utilized to evaluate the predictive performance of the model, especially for formative constructs like cues to action.

RESULTS: The average age of the elderly was 75.3. The correlation between age, weight, and depression was significant. The highest R² value for cues to action was 0.426. Results showed that knowledge had a strong impact on perceived benefits and self-efficacy, perceived sensitivity and severity had moderate impacts, and perceived barriers had a negative correlation with preventive behaviors. R² value of 0.426 indicated that measures like knowledge, self-efficacy, and stress management captured some variance on the construct cues to action and are an important element in HBM’s core model, driving seniors to perform musculoskeletal pain prevention activities.

CONCLUSION: Given that cues to action were a significant predictor of doing MSD preventive behaviours, frequent reminder mechanisms, such as daily reminders or educational programming, are recommended to convince older adults to take preventive measures, including vitamin D intake and correct posturing.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20220904055881N1. Registered on 11 February 2023.

PMID:40903726 | DOI:10.1186/s12877-025-06229-5

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Sep 3;25(1):1184. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-13327-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) surgical safety checklist (SSC) is a crucial tool for improving patient safety in surgical settings. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards WHO SSC among healthcare professionals in Mogadishu, Somalia, and identify factors associated with these outcomes.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2024 among 422 healthcare professionals in Mogadishu. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO SSC, consisting of sociodemographic information, knowledge assessment (12 items), and attitude assessment (7 items). Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used for the data analysis.

RESULTS: The study revealed that 81.04% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of SSC (score > 60%), with a mean knowledge score of 9.59 out of 12 (SD 2.92). However, only 13.51% exhibited a positive attitude towards SSC (score > 60%), despite 87.6% agreeing that SSC improves patient safety. Higher knowledge was significantly associated with professional roles in medicine and surgery (p < 0.001), nursing (p < 0.001), and having a master’s degree (p = 0.039). Attitudes were significantly more positive among professionals in medicine and surgery (p < 0.001) and nursing (p = 0.001), but not significantly influenced by education level or years of experience (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: While knowledge levels of WHO SSC among healthcare professionals in Mogadishu are generally good, attitudes towards the checklist are mixed, with a low proportion demonstrating positive attitudes. Targeted interventions, including comprehensive training programs and addressing workflow concerns, are recommended to enhance SSC implementation and use in Somali healthcare settings.

PMID:40903723 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-025-13327-y

Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2025 Sep 3;51(1):283. doi: 10.1007/s00068-025-02957-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma constitutes a significant proportion of hospital presentations, often resulting from high-energy mechanisms such as interpersonal violence and traffic accidents. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health restrictions markedly altered daily life and social behavior, potentially influencing trauma patterns and emergency healthcare utilization.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of nationwide anonymized inpatient data from German hospitals, reported to the National Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System (InEK), covering the period from March 18, 2019 to March 17, 2023. CMF trauma cases were identified using ICD-10 codes and stratified across four timeframes: pre-pandemic, pandemic, post-pandemic, and normalization. Statistical analysis included descriptive evaluation and Poisson regression.

RESULTS: A total of 118,620 CMF-related diagnoses were recorded in the pre-pandemic period, which declined significantly during the pandemic (- 14.66%, p < 0.0001). Although case numbers increased in the post-pandemic (+ 4.95%, p < 0.0001) and normalization periods (+ 12.65%, p < 0.0001 compared to pandemic), they did not fully return to pre-pandemic levels. The largest relative declines were observed for mandibular and midfacial fractures. In contrast, general trauma indicators such as distal radius fractures remained relatively stable, suggesting a trauma-mechanism-specific effect.

CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the number of CMF emergency cases in Germany, with partial recovery observed in subsequent years. These findings reflect shifts in trauma etiology and healthcare-seeking behavior during and after pandemic-related societal changes.

PMID:40903690 | DOI:10.1007/s00068-025-02957-w