Tag: statistics

BMC Ophthalmol. 2025 Aug 15;25(1):460. doi: 10.1186/s12886-025-04283-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic outcome for Type 2 Diabetic Retinopathy (T2DR) following vitrectomy has been unsatisfactory, with no definitive biomarker available to predict treatment response. Identifying a biomarker correlated with treatment efficacy is crucial, as the vitreous-situated between the lens and retina-may influence retinal metabolic perturbations.

METHODS: Vitreous samples were collected during vitrectomy, and their metabolic profiles were analyzed using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Statistical analyses were conducted to identify metabolites and metabolic pathways correlated with therapeutic outcomes.

RESULTS: Patients demonstrating poor therapeutic responses exhibited elevated levels of specific metabolites, including Dodecanoylcarnitine, Linoleylcarnitine, Stearylcarnitine, Decanoic acid, and Proline. Perturbed metabolic pathways included Fatty Acid Biosynthesis, Beta Oxidation of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids, and Mitochondrial Beta-Oxidation of Short Chain Saturated Fatty Acids. These metabolites showed strong discriminatory power for predicting positive outcomes, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 0.925, 0.885, 0.864, 0.811, and 0.808, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential of Dodecanoylcarnitine, Linoleylcarnitine, Stearylcarnitine, Decanoic acid, and Proline as biomarkers for predicting therapeutic outcomes following vitrectomy for T2DR. These findings provide novel insights into the metabolic factors influencing treatment response variability and suggest pathways for future therapeutic interventions.

PMID:40817201 | DOI:10.1186/s12886-025-04283-6

Emerg Radiol. 2025 Aug 16. doi: 10.1007/s10140-025-02378-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The incidence of subdural hematomas (SDHs) is increasing due to the aging population, frequent use of anticoagulants/antiplatelets, and fall-related trauma. While some acute SDHs remain stable and require no intervention, others expand, necessitating neurosurgical management. Our study objective was to better identify predictors of acute SDH enlargement to guide clinical management.

METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 32,401 noncontrast CT brain scans over six years. We identified 262 patients with acute SDHs and evaluated demographic, clinical, and radiologic factors associated with hematoma enlargement and the need for surgical intervention. Statistical analyses, including univariate analyses, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves, were performed to determine predictors of SDH growth and surgery.

RESULTS: SDH enlargement occurred in 58/232 (25%) of patients with follow-up imaging. Larger initial SDH size, concurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage, hypertension, convexity location, and midline shift were significantly associated with hematoma expansion (p < 0.05). No patient with an initial SDH ≤ 3 mm required surgery initially or in follow-up, although 8/72 (11.1%) enlarged (maximum width 10 mm). An 8.5-mm initial SDH size threshold best predicted the need for surgical intervention (AUC 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS: Initial SDH size, hypertension, SAH, initial midline shift, and convexity location are key predictors of hematoma expansion. Although patients’ with SDHs ≤ 3 mm rarely expanded, they never required surgery. A prospective study to determine a more judicious use of hospital-based resources, especially for those patients with initial SDH size > 3 mm who have risk factors for expansion, would be an important step in the management of SDHs.

PMID:40817177 | DOI:10.1007/s10140-025-02378-7

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 15;15(1):29928. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-15901-0.

ABSTRACT

Due to high variability, potato virus Y (PVY) is an excellent model for developing new virus detection and strain differentiation methods. We present a pioneering assessment using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to identify three predominant strains of PVY: PVY^O, PVY^NTN, and PVY^N-Wi. We prepared and characterized the genomic, protein, and whole-virus samples. MALDI analysis yielded distinct spectral signatures for each strain, enabling identification. The protein extracts analyzed in the LP 2-20 kDa mode showed the highest spectral richness for N-Wi and O strains, with significant statistical differentiation (p < 0.05) across specific m/z values. RT-qPCR linear detection ranged from 6000 to 0.6 pg of viral RNA. MALDI-TOF MS identified the PVY strains down to 0.001 mg/mL. The Principal Component Analysis outcomes highlighted the distinct clustering of PVY strains based on their MALDI-TOF spectra, with a 45% laser power setting emerging as optimal for balancing the spectral quality across strains. Mann-Whitney U-test comparisons of ion intensity distributions reinforced MALDI’s discriminative accuracy, revealing statistically significant (p < 0.05) ion signals unique to each strain. Our study steps forward in applying MALDI-TOF MS for simultaneous viral strain detection and identification.

PMID:40817166 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-15901-0

J Med Syst. 2025 Aug 16;49(1):105. doi: 10.1007/s10916-025-02239-3.

ABSTRACT

The early prediction of sudden cardiac death (SCD) has garnered considerable global attention as a potentially life-saving intervention for at-risk individuals. While various strategies have been proposed, many are constrained by prediction time resolution (typically analyzing 1- to 2-min ECG segments) and early prediction time windows not exceeding 20 min. In this study, we propose a novel yet straightforward methodology that combines locality preserving projection (LPP) features and fuzzy entropy (FuEn) based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) from individual ECG beats containing 1000 data points. Specifically, 15 features were extracted: 14 discriminative LPP features selected from the training data using the feature ranking method, along with one FuEn feature calculated from the first intrinsic mode function (IMF1) of the EMD. These selected features are applied to test data to differentiate between normal subjects and those at risk of SCD. A distinguishing aspect of our approach is that it analyzes each single ECG beat for SCD prediction, rather than relying on 1- or 2-min segments. Additionally, we incorporate group-based fivefold cross-validation to ensure a robust evaluation of prediction performance. Our method successfully predicts SCD 30 min in advance with an accuracy of 97.6%. In principle, the features extracted from this methodology can be integrated into portable medical sensors for real-time SCD risk assessment, suitable for use both in medical facilities and at home under the supervision of healthcare providers.

PMID:40817165 | DOI:10.1007/s10916-025-02239-3

Eur Radiol. 2025 Aug 15. doi: 10.1007/s00330-025-11934-1. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40817141 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-025-11934-1

Sci Data. 2025 Aug 15;12(1):1435. doi: 10.1038/s41597-025-05782-3.

ABSTRACT

As the world’s largest CO₂ emitter, China needs accurate city-level CO₂ emission accounts to formulate effective low-carbon policies. However, previous studies mainly accounted for emissions from fossil fuel combustion and overlooked process-related CO₂ emissions from industrial production (e.g., mineral, chemical, metal products), which account for approximately 13% of China’s total emissions. In this study, we built the first time-series dataset of process-related CO₂ emissions for 289 Chinese cities from 2000 to 2021. The dataset covers 11 industrial products and adheres to the methodology recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). We applied China-specific emission factors and compiled industrial output data from city statistical yearbooks and bulletins. Missing output data were imputed using missForest models. The estimated uncertainty of the process-related emissions in our dataset ranges from 3.87% to 3.91%. Our dataset provides a robust foundation for analyzing emission patterns at the city level and for designing targeted low-carbon policies.

PMID:40817113 | DOI:10.1038/s41597-025-05782-3

BMC Public Health. 2025 Aug 15;25(1):2790. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-23898-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Effective primary prevention with human papillomavirus vaccination and secondary prevention with screening can prevent most cervical cancer cases. Cervical cancer screening uptake varies among women in underserved populations. Research that adds to the understanding of the individual and geographic area-level characteristics of women and their screening status is valuable for public health intervention planning. This study aimed to identify these characteristics related to cervical cancer screening status.

METHODS: The study population included women between the ages of 28 to 69 years in Alberta. Data was extracted from administrative health data sources and linked to the Alberta Cervical Cancer Screening Program database to determine screening status. Descriptive bivariate analysis was conducted to describe variations in cervical cancer screening statuses and individual-level sociodemographic, health system factors, and geographic characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between these characteristics and screening participation. Geospatial analyses including heat maps were used to visualize variation in screening participation across the province. Getis-Ord Gi* hot-spot analysis was used to determine the location and magnitude of spatial autocorrelation.

RESULTS: The study included 933,965 eligible women. Compared with those who are currently up-to-date for screening, those who have no record of screening tend to be older (OR: 3.63; 95% CI: 3.57 to 3.70), reside in the South Zone (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.47 to 1.55), were health system non-users (OR: 2.95: 95% CI: 2.86 to 3.04), did not see a general practitioner (OR: 13.86; 95% CI: 13.32 to 14.43), or had no usual provider of care (OR: 3.227; 95% CI: 3.141 to 3.315). There are statistically significant hot spots of women who are overdue or have no record of cervical cancer screening in the North, Central, and Calgary Zones.

CONCLUSIONS: This study found that cervical cancer screening participation varied across geographical, health system and sociodemographic characteristics and identified clusters of regions with higher proportions of women who are under-screened in Alberta, Canada. Overall, these findings will help inform the design of interventions that aims to improve cervical cancer screening participation among underserved groups.

PMID:40817111 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-23898-4

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 15;15(1):29948. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-03971-z.

ABSTRACT

Healthcare-associated urinary tract infections (HAUTIs) represent a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, contributing to patient morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors associated with HAUTIs is crucial for implementing targeted prevention strategies and optimizing patient care. This study aimed to assess the incidence and characteristics of HAUTIs, as well as their associated factors, at the University Hospital Center Sahloul in Sousse, Tunisia. We conducted a longitudinal study over a three-month period at the University Hospital Center Sahloul in Sousse, Tunisia, over a 3-month period (September-November 2022). Patient data were collected daily, and HAUTIs were defined according to standardized criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with HAUTIs. A total of 1947 patients were included, with an age median of 55 years and a male predominance. Patients were mainly hospitalized in medical and surgical departments with a median length of stay of seven days. Among our patients, 23.1% had been hospitalized in the past 6 months and 33% had a urinary catheter at the time of HAUTI diagnosis. The incidence of HAUTIs was 2.8% and 3.75% among catheterized patients, with an incidence density of 3.08 cases per 1000 hospitalization days. HAUTIs were more frequent in medical (3.9%) and surgical (1.9%) departments. The majority of HAUTIs were symptomatic, with fever being the most common sign. Urinary cultures were positive in all cases with the majority of pathogens isolated being Gram-negative bacteria (56.6%). Pathogens were resistant to antibiotics in 37.5% of the cases. Univariate analysis showed several risk factors associated with HAUTIs, while multivariate analysis showed independent risk factors including increased length of stay (p < 0.001), advanced age (p = 0.012), hospitalization method (p = 0.005), and history of neurogenic bladder (p = 0.019). Clinical improvement was observed in 72.2% of cases, and mortality was low (1.7%). HAUTIs remain a big concern, particularly in medical and surgical departments. Our study shows that prolonged hospitalization, advanced age, hospitalization method and history of neurogenic bladder are significant risk factors for HAUTIs. The high prevalence of antibiotic resistance highlights the need for antimicrobial stewardship programs in local hospitals. In order to reduce HAUTI incidence and improve quality of care, strict infection control measures must implemented, patients at risk must be detected early and catheter management must be optimized.

PMID:40817091 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-03971-z

Parasit Vectors. 2025 Aug 15;18(1):347. doi: 10.1186/s13071-025-06997-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Babesia canis infections are of rising importance in Germany. This retrospective study aimed to correlate hematological and biochemical parameters with acute-phase proteins, levels of parasitemia and antibodies, as well as stays abroad in dogs with acute B. canis infection.

METHODS: Dogs in Germany tested PCR-positive for B. canis and negative for Anaplasma phagocytophilum from January 2018 to December 2024 were included if data on hematocrit, leukocytes, and platelets were available. Hematological scoring (HES) was performed by addition of points for mild (+ 1), moderate (+ 2), and marked (+ 3) anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia, as well as for the presence of pancytopenia (+ 3) and leukocytosis (+ 1). Results of biochemical and CRP analysis, Babesia antibody determination, and pathogen quantification were included, if available. P ≤ 0.05 in Spearman’s rank correlation was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: 342 dogs were included. History of stays abroad was known for 191/342 dogs (55.8%; no stays abroad 113/191 (59.2%), imported 55/191 (28.8%), travel 23/191 (12.0%)). The most common clinicopathologic findings were increased CRP (87.4%), thrombocytopenia (85.1%), anemia (78.7%), hyperbilirubinemia (74.2%), decreased iron levels (51.1%), and leukopenia (49.7%). Dogs without stays abroad showed significantly higher HES (n = 113, median: 6), CRP (n = 60, median: 116.2 mg/l), and levels of parasitemia (n = 92, median: 2916 × 10³ parasites/ml), but lower serum antibody levels (n = 59, median: 1.5 TE) compared with imported dogs (HES: n = 55, median: 2; CRP: n = 23, median: 40.0 mg/l; levels of parasitemia: n = 29, median: 23 × 10³ parasites/ml; antibodies: n = 37, median: 60.6 TE) (P < 0.001 each). Positive correlations were found between CRP and levels of parasitemia (ρ = 0.444), CRP and HES (ρ = 0.406), as well as levels of parasitemia and HES (ρ = 0.348), while negative correlations were observed between levels of antibodies and parasitemia (ρ = -0.666), as well as antibody levels and HES (ρ = -0.652) (P < 0.001 each).

CONCLUSIONS: About 60% of dogs with acute B. canis infection had no history of stays abroad, thus representing autochthonous infections. Most dogs without stays abroad were immunologically naive, in contrast to most imported dogs showing positive and high antibody levels. Dogs with high antibody levels showed less severe clinicopathological alterations and lower levels of parasitemia in the peripheral blood, explained by protective antibody activity.

PMID:40817086 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-025-06997-4

BMC Med. 2025 Aug 15;23(1):478. doi: 10.1186/s12916-025-04315-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Concerns exist over a possible worsening of disparities in health status and health care access across racial/ethnic and income groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to characterize trends in racial/ethnic and income differences in self-reported measures of health status and health care access among US adults.

METHODS: This serial cross-sectional nationally representative study included adults (age ≥ 18 years) participating in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2019 to 2022. Self-reported health status (poor or fair health status, functional limitation, clinician-diagnosed depression or anxiety disorders) and health care access and affordability were collected.

RESULTS: Our analysis included 107,230 adults (mean [SE] age, 48.1 [0.1] years, 51.6% women), of whom 6.1% were Asian, 12.1% were Black, 17.3% were Latino/Hispanic, and 64.5% were White. Black individuals with low income had the highest prevalence of poor or fair health status (30.9% [95% CI, 27.8%-34.3%] in 2019 and 28.4% [95% CI, 25.1% to 32.0%] in 2022), and these racial/ethnic gaps did not change significantly, irrespective of income levels. The prevalence of clinician-diagnosed depression or anxiety disorders increased from 2019 to 2022 for all racial/ethnic groups, especially for Whites (from 32.6% [95% CI, 30.8%-34.4%] to 38.2% [95% CI, 36.4% to 40.1%], P < 0.001). There was no significant change in functional limitations during the pandemic. Latino/Hispanic individuals with low income had the highest estimated prevalence of limited health care access from 2019 to 2022. Health insurance access and affordability significantly improved for White individuals with low income from 2019 to 2022 (P < 0.001), but not for other racial/ethnic groups. Racial/ethnic gaps in health care access and affordability did not change significantly, irrespective of income levels.

CONCLUSIONS: In a serial cross-sectional survey study of US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, prevalence of clinician-diagnosed depression or anxiety disorders significantly increased. Racial and ethnic differences in health status and health care access either persisted or widened over time.

PMID:40817069 | DOI:10.1186/s12916-025-04315-4