Tag: statistics

Psychol Rep. 2025 Aug 5:332941251363891. doi: 10.1177/00332941251363891. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Grit is important to experiencing success and is shaped through several childhood experiences. However, the association of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) to grit is underexplored, especially through emotional regulation. Hence, this study examined the association between ACEs, BCEs, emotional regulation, and grit. Further, we investigated the mediating role of emotional regulation between (a) ACEs and grit and (b) BCEs and grit. Self-report measures of ACEs, BCEs, emotional regulation, and grit were used to collect data from 548 Gen Z young adults born in 1997 or later (Female = 344, Male = 202, Mean age = 20.39) in India. We applied descriptive statistics, linear regression, and structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyze the data. The analyses revealed a significant negative association of ACEs with emotional regulation and grit, whereas BCEs were associated positively. Emotional regulation fully mediated the relationships between (a) ACEs and grit (β = -.08; CI = -.13 to -.04) and (b) BCEs and grit (β = .16; CI = .10 to .23). The study findings confirm the negative relationship of ACEs on an important life outcome, grit. However, BCEs showed beneficial effects. Furthermore, emotional regulation explains the association between negative and positive childhood experiences and grit. These findings have implications for fostering emotional regulation and mitigating the negative outcomes of ACEs among emerging adults.

PMID:40762830 | DOI:10.1177/00332941251363891

J Math Biol. 2025 Aug 5;91(3):24. doi: 10.1007/s00285-025-02255-4.

ABSTRACT

In order to be useful in assessing the effects of climate change on biological populations, mathematical models have to adequately represent the life cycle of the species in question, the dynamics of and interactions with its resource(s), and the effect of changing environmental conditions on their vital rates. Due to this complexity, such models are often analytically intractable. We present here a consumer-resource model that captures seasonality (summer and winter), with synchronously reproducing consumers (birth pulse), structured into non-reproductive juveniles and reproductive adults, and that remains analytically tractable. Our model is motivated by hibernating mammals, such as marmots, ground squirrels, or bats, some of which live in high altitude regions where the effects of climate change are stronger than elsewhere. One stage-specific impact of climate change in those species is that juveniles may benefit from warmer winters while adults may suffer. We explore various aspects of how this differential response to climate change shapes population dynamics from stable populations to cycles and chaos. We show that the qualitative relationship between winter temperature and winter mortality has a significant effect on the model dynamics, hence informing empiricists of required data to assess the effect of climate change on these species. Our results question the long-standing expectation that species with slower life histories are necessarily more strongly affected by climate change than species with faster life histories.

PMID:40762823 | DOI:10.1007/s00285-025-02255-4

Int Urogynecol J. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1007/s00192-025-06210-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Midurethral sling (MUS) success may depend on sling positioning along the urethra, which may be affected by concurrent apical prolapse repair. Our prospective cohort study evaluated differences in MUS positioning using translabial ultrasound in women who had MUS only versus those with concurrent apical prolapse repair.

METHODS: Women undergoing MUS with or without concurrent prolapse repair were enrolled. MUS was placed after the apical suspension. Ultrasound images were obtained at the beginning of the case, after suspension (if applicable), and following sling placement. Two experts reviewed the images and measured the urethral length, sling positioning along the urethra, and the angle between the urethra and the pubic symphysis. Measurements were averaged for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Fifty-one women participated: 27 in the MUS alone group and 24 in the concurrent group. There were no differences in urethral length (27.4 vs 27.2 mm, p = 0.728), MUS position (0.24 vs 0.26 mm; p = 0.71), or angle (24° vs 23°, p = 0.574). Both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in Urinary Distress Inventory6 scores.

CONCLUSIONS: There have been conflicting reports of MUS success when placed on its own versus at the time of prolapse repair. One hypothesis has been that positioning of the MUS may be affected by the prolapse repair. Our study did not observe any difference in the MUS positioning along the urethra, nor sling angle when placed with or without a concurrent prolapse repair.

PMID:40762821 | DOI:10.1007/s00192-025-06210-1

Int Urogynecol J. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1007/s00192-025-06198-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common health problem that significantly impairs quality of life, particularly in terms of sex. Our study aimed to assess the quality of sexual life of women after successful POP repair with laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC).

METHODS: This prospective cohort study was aimed at assessing the influence of successful laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy on the quality of sexual life after the surgery. Pre- and postoperative examinations included the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) scale and validated quality-of-life questionnaires. PFDI-20 and PFIQ were used to choose patients who were satisfied with the results of the surgery. The quality of sexual life of sexually active and nonactive patients was subsequently evaluated via the PISQ-IR questionnaire. Post-surgery evaluation was planned 8-12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS: A total of 181 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 58.2±9.6 years. Patients in the sexually active group were significantly younger (55.5±9.5) than were those in the nonactive group (63.4±7.7). Follow-up visits took place 10±2.34 months after surgery. We achieved statistically significant improvements in the PFDI-20 questionnaire, particularly in the POPDI-6 section, the PFIQ-7 questionnaire, and the POPQ scale. Among sexually active women, improvements in sexual function were observed across most domains, including global quality (p = 0.003), arousal and orgasm (p < 0.001), condition impact (CI, feelings of sexual inferiority, embarrassment, or anger during sexual activity, p < 0.001), and condition-specific (CS, feelings of fear or shame during sexual activity, p < 0.001). A notable finding was the significant reduction in dyspareunia, which decreased from 12.7% to 3.3%. The study also revealed that sexual inactivity was correlated with negative self-perception, which improved significantly following surgery (CS, p = 0.04; CI, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy improves the quality of sexual life and leads to a reduction in dyspareunia and distress related to POP symptoms.

PMID:40762819 | DOI:10.1007/s00192-025-06198-8

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1007/s00417-025-06880-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide (SCTA) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). The study was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, involving a comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed to identify relevant studies assessing SCTA in DME, and data from selected studies were pooled for analysis. The primary outcomes were changes in central macular thickness (CMT) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). Secondary outcome was the duration of therapeutic effect, intraocular pressure (IOP) and other complications. The random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled mean with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eleven studies were included, comprising a total sample size of 411 eyes. In patients with DME receiving SCTA, CMT significantly improved over the study period (SMD: -5.377, 95% CI: -7.290 to -3.464, P = 0.000), decreasing from a pooled mean of 545.313 μm at baseline to 315.794 μm at last follow-up post-injection. CDVA improved from a baseline value of 0.777 to 0.521 LogMAR at final follow-up but failed to demonstrate statistical significance (SMD: 1.083, 95% CI: -0.520 to 2.686, P = 0.185). Additionally, the therapeutic effect of SCTA was shown to last up to 6 to 12 months in several studies. Post-injection IOP remained stable (SMD: 0.428, 95% CI: -0.324 to 1.179, P = 0.264). Other complications included cataract progression, particularly in phakic patients, while retinal detachment and endophthalmitis were rare. In conclusion, SCTA intervention in DME patients demonstrated a significant improvement in CMT along with stable CDVA and IOP. The absence of IOP elevation is a key advantage, making SCTA an effective and safe treatment option with favorable structural and visual outcomes.

PMID:40762816 | DOI:10.1007/s00417-025-06880-z

Clin Genet. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1111/cge.70038. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Avascular necrosis (AVN) and minimal trauma fractures (MTF) cause significant morbidity in patients with telomere biology disorders (TBDs). TBDs are associated with very high risks of bone marrow failure, pulmonary fibrosis, cancer, and many other complications due to pathogenic germline variants in genes essential for telomere function and maintenance. To understand the extent to which AVN and MTF occur in TBDs and identify areas requiring more research in the role of telomeres in bone biology. We assessed the occurrence of AVN and MTF in 233 patients with TBDs. An age, gender, and gene-matched TBD patient control group was used to assess associations between AVN/MTF and clinical characteristics. Forty-two (18%) patients with TBD developed at least one AVN and/or MTF event with 19 patients experiencing their first event in childhood. AVN and MTF were most common in patients with autosomal or X-linked recessive, or heterozygous TINF2 disease (19/36 AVN and 17/19 MTF). Androgen and corticosteroid use were more common in patients with AVN compared with matched patient controls (41.2% vs. 16.3%, p < 0.05 and 41.2% vs. 14%, p < 0.01, respectively); however, 57.1% of patients experienced AVN and/or MTF events in the absence of androgen or corticosteroid use. Severe bone marrow failure and hematopoietic cell transplantation history were significantly more common in MTF patients than in controls (44.2% and 30.2% respectively, p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant associations between low bone mineral density or vitamin D deficiency and AVN or MTF. AVN and MTFs are common, debilitating complications in TBDs and frequently occur independently of androgen or corticosteroid use. Our results underscore the need for disease-specific translational studies as well as improved prevention and therapeutic options for patients with TBDs. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00027274.

PMID:40762130 | DOI:10.1111/cge.70038

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1002/ksa.12812. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to quantify the contribution of the meniscofemoral ligaments (MFLs) on restraining a posterior tibial translation (PTT) in the human knee joint.

METHODS: Sixteen human cadaveric knee joints were tested in a robotic test setup with six degrees of freedom. Knees with no MFL, one MFL and two MFLs were included. Knee joints without MFLs were excluded from the statistical analysis regarding the influence of MFLs on PTT. The knees were tested in a displacement-controlled protocol, which replayed the native kinematics of a force controlled test protocol with PTT at 89 N in neutral tibial rotation, PTT in 5 Nm internal rotation, PTT in 5 Nm external rotation, while constantly measuring the force. The principle of superposition was used to determine the contribution of each cut structure (in-situ forces) to restraint of the performed movements. First, the anterior and posterior MFL (aMFL/pMFL) were randomly cut, followed by the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).

RESULTS: Neither the aMFL, nor the pMFL showed a significant contribution to the restriction of PTT in the PCL-intact knee neither in 0°, 30°, 60° or 90° of flexion in neutral, internal, or external rotation (p > 0.05). The PCL showed a significant contribution to the knee joint restraining PTT in 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° flexion as well as in all rotation states (all p < 0.05). A contribution of the PCL restraining PTT of 28% ± 14% in 0° flexion, 53% ± 21% in 30° flexion, 61% ± 20% in 60° flexion and 54% ± 16% in 90° knee flexion was measured in neutral rotation.

CONCLUSION: The MFLs do not contribute to restriction of a PTT in any flexion angle, while the PCL acts as the primary restraint against PTT from 0°-90° knee flexion. This effect was seen in neutral rotation as well as in tibial internal and external rotation. This study indicates that a dissection of the MFLs to gain access to the PCL during reconstruction surgery does not destabilise the knee.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level N/A.

PMID:40762113 | DOI:10.1002/ksa.12812

Acta Orthop. 2025 Aug 5;96:587-594. doi: 10.2340/17453674.2025.44250.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Arthroplasty registries report revision risk, but patient-reported outcomes may also measure implant performance. We aimed to evaluate (i) change in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) across multiple total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs in a regional registry, (ii) the association of patellar resurfacing on the change in PROMs, and (iii) the variation in PROMs change within implants with or without patellar resurfacing.

METHODS: This is a cohort of primary TKAs from Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative (MARCQI) performed between January 1, 2017 and September 30, 2021. The dependent measure was change in KOOS JR. Independent variables were implant name and patellar resurfacing. Multivariate modeling adjusted for patient-level factors. A previous report suggests a change of 23 points in KOOS JR as clinically relevant in achieving acceptable pain/function levels. A clinically relevance ratio (CRR) of those achieving the threshold of 23 points to the overall group was calculated for each implant.

RESULTS: 18 implant designs met the inclusion criteria. There were 51,606 cases with complete preoperative and postoperative KOOS JR matched pairs. There was variation in improvement from preoperative to postoperative unadjusted KOOS JR scores across implant designs (P < 0.001), ranging from 18.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.8-20.6) to 27.0 (CI 24.9-29.2). Patellar resurfacing resulted in greater KOOS JR improvement 1.0 (CI 0.5-1.5, P < 0.001). Of the cases with resurfaced patellae, the CRR was 50.2% (CI 49.7-50.7). For cases without resurfaced patellae, the CRR was 47.2% (CI 45.9-48.5). The association of implant design persisted whether the patella was resurfaced or not, evident in the adjusted mean change in KOOS JR (P < 0.001), ranging from 20.1 (CI 17.6-22.6) to 25.5 (CI 24.3-26.7) for resurfaced and from 17.0 (CI 13.9-20.1) to 23.3 (CI 20.3-26.2) for not resurfaced, and the CRR difference (P < 0.001), ranging from 45.8% (CI 42.5-48.6) to 55.8% (CI 50.4-60.8) for resurfaced and from 37.9% (CI 27.4-44.7) to 51.4% (CI 43.9-56.6) for not resurfaced.

CONCLUSION: Implant design and patellar resurfacing both show an association with KOOS JR improvement. Variations in implant design persist whether the patella is resurfaced or not. Implant selection and patellar resurfacing may be associated with patient outcomes.

PMID:40762095 | DOI:10.2340/17453674.2025.44250

Anal Chem. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c01257. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pathological processes are often accompanied by alterations of protein conformations in blood serum, making investigation of these structural rearrangements highly relevant for clinical diagnostics. Conformation of albumin, the predominant protein in blood serum, is known to be a sensor of pathologies in the human organism; however, label-free methods for its assessment directly in blood serum samples are lacking. In this work, we present a novel analytical methodology for evaluating albumin conformation using the fluorescence parameters of intrinsic blood serum fluorophores excited in the visible range. We first estimate the contribution of various endogenous fluorophores excited in the vicinity of 400 nm to both steady-state fluorescence and fluorescence decay across picosecond and nanosecond time scales, showing that one of the dominant fluorophores is bilirubin, an albumin ligand. In model experiments, we then demonstrate that the structural and photophysical features of bilirubin make its fluorescence decay at picosecond time scale sensitive to conformation of the protein-bilirubin complex. As a final step, it is demonstrated that changes in the ultrafast fluorescence decay parameters of the bilirubin are sensitive enough to detect biologically relevant differences in albumin conformation in serum across different patients. Specifically, we observed statistically significant differences in blood serum albumin’s conformation for patients of different age groups (≤34 years and ≥65 years), suggesting that bilirubin may serve as a promising intrinsic sensor for assessing albumin conformational modifications in blood serum.

PMID:40762091 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c01257

J Sep Sci. 2025 Aug;48(8):e70233. doi: 10.1002/jssc.70233.

ABSTRACT

Plantaginis semen (PS), a traditional herbal medicine extensively utilized in China, contains bioactive compounds that exhibit notable therapeutic effects in promoting diuresis, regulating blood pressure, modulating lipid metabolism, and controlling blood glucose levels. Crude PS (CPS) and salt-processed CPS (SPS) are the two most commonly used decoction pieces of PS. The therapeutic efficacy of PS is further enhanced after salt processing, resulting in the SPS exhibiting superior pharmacological effects compared to the CPS. This study aims to explore the differences in chemical constituents between CPS and SPS in vitro. Additionally, the study seeks to compare the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of bioactive compounds after oral administration of extracts from both crude and salt-processed PS in rats. The identification results showed that there were 45 common components and six unique components between CPS extract and SPS extract. The results of multivariate statistical analysis have identified six differential components. The PK study results demonstrated that the mean plasma concentration-time profile and PK parameters of six representative components were significantly different between CPS extract and SPS extract. This study proved that salt-processed method increased the dissolution of most components and absorption of active components in PS, and revealed the material basis underlying the superior efficacy of SPS compared to CPS to some extent. This study provides a scientific foundation for the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) following salt processing, elucidating how this ancient preparation method amplifies pharmacological activity through modern mechanistic insights.

PMID:40762073 | DOI:10.1002/jssc.70233