Tag: statistics

Undersea Hyperb Med. 2025 Second Quarter;52(2):101-107.

ABSTRACT

A common complication of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) treatment is middle ear barotrauma (MEB), which can lead to pain, treatment abandonment, or delay in treatment. Studies have shown that pseudoephedrine decreases MEB for pressure changes in SCUBA divers and airplane travelers. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine if pseudoephedrine effectively decreases MEB rates in patients receiving their first HBO₂ treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between the pseudoephedrine and placebo groups concerning ear pain ratings, tympanic membrane injury, or rescue medication to help equalize ear pressure. Pseudoephedrine prophylaxis, given between 45 minutes and two hours before multiplace HBO₂ treatment, does not mitigate MEB or treatment delays.

PMID:40819351

Spine Deform. 2025 Aug 17. doi: 10.1007/s43390-025-01169-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Scoliosis is primarily seen during adolescence and often causes significant concern among patients and their families when the deformity becomes noticeable. With technological advancements, patients frequently search the Internet for information regarding their disease’s diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and potential complications. This study aims to assess the quality of Google and ChatGPT responses to questions about scoliosis.

METHODS: A search was conducted using Google with the keyword “scoliosis.” The first ten questions listed under the “People Also Ask” (FAQs) section were recorded. Responses to these questions from ChatGPT and Google were evaluated using a four-level rating system: “Excellent response not requiring clarification,” “satisfactory requiring minimal clarification,” “satisfactory requiring moderate clarification,” and “unsatisfactory requiring substantial clarification.” Additionally, the sources of the responses were categorized as academic, commercial, medical practice, governmental, or social media.

RESULTS: ChatGPT provided “excellent responses requiring no explanation” for 9 out of 10 questions (90%). In contrast, none of Google’s responses were categorized as excellent; 50% were unsatisfactory, requiring substantial clarification; 40% were satisfactory, requiring moderate clarification, and 10% were satisfactory, requiring minimal clarification. ChatGPT sourced 60% of its responses from academic resources and 40% from medical practice websites. Conversely, Google did not use scholarly sources, with 50% of reactions derived from commercial websites, 30% from medical practice sources, and 20% from social media. When the agreement between the 4 raters, regardless of AI, was examined using Fleiss Multirater Kappa in the reliability analysis, a statistically significant (p < 0.001) moderate agreement (κ = 0.48) was found.

CONCLUSION: ChatGPT outperformed Google by providing more accurate, well-referenced responses and utilizing more credible academic sources. This suggests its potential as a more reliable tool for obtaining health-related information.

PMID:40819320 | DOI:10.1007/s43390-025-01169-x

J Robot Surg. 2025 Aug 17;19(1):489. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02678-7.

ABSTRACT

There has been varying data on whether stoma-site specimen extraction (SSE) increases the risk of ostomy-related complications versus specimen extraction via a separate incision (non-SSE). Complications may be grouped into early (skin excoriation, stoma retraction or necrosis) and late (hernia, prolapse, stenosis, and ischemia dermatitis) complications. SSE in robotic surgery requires one fewer incision, but its impact on rates of early and late stoma-related complications is unknown. We hypothesized that outcomes are similar between SSE and non-SSE robotic colorectal surgery. A retrospective single-center analysis of patients undergoing robotic colorectal surgery was performed. Adult patients (≥ 18 years) who underwent elective, minimally invasive robotic-assisted colorectal resection with either ileostomy or colostomy creation between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2021 were included. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to compare the two groups. A total of 95 patients were identified; 68 had stoma-site extraction (SSE) performed. There were no statistically significant differences in early or late complications between the two groups. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the extraction site was not significantly associated with the risk of post-operative stoma complications within the first year-only age demonstrated a significant association with the risk of stoma complications. SSE was associated with significantly decreased operative time, although this difference may also be due to differences between surgeons. Most patients underwent ostomy reversal within 1 year of ostomy creation. Stoma-site specimen extraction (SSE) is a safe method of specimen removal in patients undergoing robotic colorectal surgery. Increased use of SSE may allow for shorter operative times and allows for colectomies to be performed with one fewer incision. As most patients had a stoma for less than 1 year, we caution against generalizing these results to those expected to have a permanent stoma.

PMID:40819315 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-02678-7

Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2025 Aug 17:207640251359059. doi: 10.1177/00207640251359059. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Since October 2019, Lebanon has been facing a severe and multifaceted economic crisis, considered one of the three most severe crises globally since the mid-1980s. Generally, economic crises and recessions are known to impact psychological well-being and mental health significantly.

AIM: Considering this unique social context, the objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between financial well-being, anxiety, and depression among Lebanese adults during times of crisis.

METHOD: This study included 225 Lebanese adults who completed an online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic data, financial well-being, anxiety, and depression.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed strong correlations between financial well-being and anxiety, as well as depression. This study shows an association between increasing levels of financial well-being and decreasing levels of anxiety and depression among Lebanese adults in times of crisis. Moreover, the study found negative correlations between age and anxiety, as well as age and depression. It also found that education level correlated with anxiety.

CONCLUSION: The study offers insights into mental health in Lebanese society during times of crisis and recession, especially among relatively younger adults.

PMID:40819266 | DOI:10.1177/00207640251359059

Urologia. 2025 Aug 17:3915603251355819. doi: 10.1177/03915603251355819. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Various nephrolithometry scoring systems have been introduced to assess the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and postoperative complications. Previous studies have incorporated various variables to determine factors influencing postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). Using separate scoring systems or nomograms to predict postoperative outcomes and AKI is cumbersome. Our study aims to find if stone scoring systems can be used to predict AKI following a PCNL procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted at Kasturba Hospital and Medical College from December 2023 to June 2024. All patients undergoing PCNL were included in the study. Scores were calculated for all patients pre-operatively using various nephrolithometry scoring systems. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of AKI following PCNL. The various stone scoring systems were assessed for their ability to predict AKI following PCNL.

RESULTS: Out of the 90 patients in the study, 15 (16.66%) developed AKI, and 75 (83.33%) had no AKI following PCNL. Statistical significance was found in stone size (p < 0.001), stone location (p = 0.011), Staghorn (p < 0.001), Guy’s Score (p = 0.001), STONE score (0.002), CROES Score (p = 0.001), Amplatz size (p = 0.012) and energy source (p = 0.01). No statistical significance was found when comparing sex, comorbidities, number of stones, the severity of HN, puncture location and number, intraoperative hypotension, operative time, and duration of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION: Nephrolithometry scoring systems, in addition to assessing postoperative outcomes such as stone-free rate and complications, can also be used to predict the occurrence of AKI. The use of a limited number of scoring systems to assess all the postoperative outcomes will help simplify and facilitate their use in routine clinical practice.

PMID:40819246 | DOI:10.1177/03915603251355819

J Orthod. 2025 Aug 17:14653125251358837. doi: 10.1177/14653125251358837. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of orthodontic clinical photographs taken with a mirrorless camera and a smartphone compared with those taken with a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved six participants (models), each of whom had five extra-oral and five intra-oral photographs taken using a DSLR (Canon 70D), a mirrorless camera (Canon RP) and a smartphone (iPhone 14 Pro), resulting in a total of 180 photographs. Four orthodontists served as assessors, evaluating the quality of each photograph based on image clarity, colour accuracy and lighting. They categorised the photographs as ‘good’ (no errors), ‘acceptable’ (some errors) or ‘unacceptable’, while also noting any specific errors observed. Statistical analysis was conducted using Fisher’s exact test and Pearson’s chi-square test. All statistical tests were interpreted at a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS: Compared to the DSLR camera, the photographs taken with the mirrorless camera were of identical quality, with 100% of photographs rated as good for each camera. For the smartphone camera, 41.7% were assessed as good and 58.3% as acceptable, which was significantly less (P < 0.001) than for the DSLR (100% good). For smartphone intra-oral photographs, the majority of ‘upper occlusal’ and ‘lower occlusal’ photographs were classified as ‘good’ (62.5%), while the remaining 37.5% were rated as ‘acceptable’. In contrast, for ‘right buccal’ and ‘left buccal’ photographs, the majority of photographs (87.5%) were categorised as ‘acceptable’, with only 12.5% rated as ‘good’.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, although DSLR and mirrorless cameras consistently produce high-quality orthodontic photographs suitable for all clinical and professional purposes, smartphone cameras fall short in photographic quality. Given their lower resolution and pixel count, smartphone-captured photographs may be adequate for clinical records but are not recommended for large-format applications.

PMID:40819226 | DOI:10.1177/14653125251358837

Alzheimers Dement. 2025 Aug;21(8):e70559. doi: 10.1002/alz.70559.

ABSTRACT

The Recruitment and Retention for Alzheimer’s Disease Diversity in the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (READD-ADSP) aims to recruit 5000 African participants (Alzheimer’s disease [AD] and cognitively unimpaired controls) to generate genomic and biomarker data to better characterize AD neurobiology in Africa from countries that constitute the African Dementia Consortium (AfDC). Blood samples from study participants are separated into fractions and transported to the African Coordinating Centre (ACC: Ibadan, Nigeria), where DNA extraction and long-term biospecimen storage are carried out. Plasma and DNA aliquots are shipped to the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami (HIHG-UM, Miami, USA) for genotyping, whole genome sequencing, and biomarker analysis. Innovative solutions were devised to mitigate challenges encountered so far. Our biobanking experience in a low-resource setting demonstrates the feasibility of establishing a successful African biobanking network, as an important infrastructure to support Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research in Africa. HIGHLIGHTS: Biobanking is gaining grounds in Africa in studies related to neurological disorders. The Recruitment and Retention for Alzheimer’s Disease Diversity in the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (READD-ADSP) biobanking network is a new initiative to enhance infrastructure for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) research in Africa through the African Dementia Consortium. The processes of the stepwise creation and development of the READD-ADSP biobanking network have been guided by global best practices and regulatory standards. Challenges were encountered in the process of establishing the READD-ADSP biobank, and home-grown solutions were developed to mitigate the challenges. The READD-ADSP biobanking experience offers lessons to researchers in low-resource settings on how collaborative efforts between the global north and global south enhance cutting-edge team science to tackle ageing-associated brain disorders in low- and middle-income countries.

PMID:40819212 | DOI:10.1002/alz.70559

Med Sci Monit. 2025 Aug 17;31:e947334. doi: 10.12659/MSM.947334.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Salivary gland neoplasms present a diagnostic challenge due to their heterogeneous nature and varying histological subtypes. Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of inflammatory biomarkers, such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune inflammation index (SII), in enhancing diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing between benign and malignant parotid gland tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the use of inflammatory biomarkers – NLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), SII, and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) – in the differential diagnosis of parotid gland tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients who underwent parotidectomy in a single center between 2019 and 2023 were included. Inflammatory biomarkers (NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI) were calculated and compared according to histopathological features (benign vs malignant) and subgroups (benign: pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin, and others; and malignant: high grade, low grade, and lymphoma. RESULTS A total of 206 patients were included in the study (benign: 177, malignant: 29). No significant difference was detected in NLR, PLR, SII and SIRI values between benign and malignant tumor groups. While all inflammatory markers were found to be elevated, only PLR exhibited a statistically significant difference among high-grade, low-grade, and benign tumor groups (P=0.05). Patients with Warthin tumor revealed significantly lower PLR and higher SIRI values than those with pleomorphic adenoma (P=0.02 and P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers seems to play a promising role in diagnosing parotid tumors, especially Warthin tumor and high-grade malignancies. Due to their accessibility and cost-effectiveness, further studies are warranted to determine their accuracy and optimal use in clinical practice.

PMID:40819210 | DOI:10.12659/MSM.947334

Isr Med Assoc J. 2025 Aug;27(8):504-509.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine skin tumor with an increasing incidence in Western countries. Predominantly affecting older individuals, MCC represents less than 1% of malignant skin tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the clinical presentation, therapeutic interventions, and follow-up outcomes of MCC patients. To promote heightened clinical awareness regarding the early recognition and diagnosis of MCC.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing medical records of MCC patients at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center between 2015-2022. From 19 initially identified patients, 17 met the inclusion criteria. Data collection included demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics.

RESULTS: The study included 17 patients, predominantly of Jewish origin, with a mean age of 70.06 years; 58.8% female. Medical co-morbidities included 64.7% hypertension and 35.3% diabetes. MCC tumors were predominantly left-sided (58.8%), with varied locations including limbs, trunk, and face. Surgical treatment consisted of excision and primary closure (64.7%) or skin grafting (23.5%). The average tumor diameter was 3.41 cm clinically and 3.83 cm pathologically. Lymph node involvement occurred in 29.4% of cases; 23.5% showed metastatic disease at diagnosis, with metastases diffused in different body areas. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no statistically significant differences across most variables, except for a significantly lower survival rate in patients with ischemic heart disease (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals unique characteristics of MCC, predominance of female patients, and a slightly younger average diagnosis age compared to existing literature. The 2-year survival rate in our cohort was 82%. The study underscores the importance of early detection and diagnosis of MCC, thereby enhancing clinical awareness and improving patient outcomes.

PMID:40819201

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 16;15(1):30011. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-15185-4.

ABSTRACT

Despite advancements in treatment strategies, glioblastoma, also known as GBM, remains an exceptionally aggressive primary brain tumor with a grim prognosis. Despite innovations in treatment strategies, GBM continues to pose significant challenges. The assessment of GBM mainly depends on neuroimaging methods, with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being the widely accepted standard. In recent years, positron emission tomography (PET) has emerged as a supplementary imaging modality offering insights into the biological behavior and aggressiveness of GBM tumors. PET, often referred to as PET, complements MRI in the diagnostic process of GBM. The objective of this study was to explore the potential advantages of combining PET and MRI in diagnosing GBM. Twenty-two patients diagnosed with GBM underwent four 18 F-fluorothymidine (FLT)-PET/MRI examinations before and during treatment. Advanced image analysis methods, including MATLAB and the imlook4d analysis platform, were employed. These methods encompassed adaptive threshold algorithms, batch processing pipelines, and image attribute extraction algorithms. MRI evaluations revealed significant variations in tumor response to radiation therapy among patients with long-term and short-term survival rates, as determined by the study findings (p < 0.04). Furthermore, PET measurements, including maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), PET tumor volume, and total lesion activity (TLA), showed trends toward statistical significance; however, the differences did not reach conventional significance thresholds. These results underscore the need for further research into the therapeutic efficacy of PET parameters in managing this aggressive brain tumor. The findings of this study highlight the potential of fusion imaging using PET and MRI as an effective diagnostic technique for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and emphasize the importance of ongoing research in this area to improve patient outcomes.

PMID:40819176 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-15185-4