Tag: statistics

Cureus. 2025 Jul 12;17(7):e87760. doi: 10.7759/cureus.87760. eCollection 2025 Jul.

ABSTRACT

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management, with diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) and computed tomography (CT) being primary tools. It significantly impacts patients’ quality of life, causing symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pain, decreased sense of smell, and nasal discharge. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of DNE in comparison to CT, the gold standard, for CRS diagnosis. Methodology A prospective observational study was conducted at Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Kanpur. A total of 109 patients presenting with CRS symptoms for more than 12 weeks were included. All participants underwent both DNE and CT of the paranasal sinuses. Correlations between radiological and endoscopic findings were evaluated to identify patterns and inform treatment decisions. Results A statistically significant correlation was found between endoscopic and radiological findings (χ² = 55.20, p < 0.00000001), indicating strong diagnostic concordance. DNE achieved a sensitivity of 93.42%, specificity of 75.75%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 89.33%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 83.33%. These findings highlight the diagnostic utility of DNE for detecting mucosal abnormalities, while also emphasizing the superior anatomical detail provided by CT imaging. Conclusion DNE is a valuable, minimally invasive tool for diagnosing CRS, offering high sensitivity in detecting mucosal inflammation. However, CT remains essential for a complete anatomical assessment, particularly in complex or refractory cases.

PMID:40792313 | PMC:PMC12336917 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.87760

Cureus. 2025 Jul 11;17(7):e87750. doi: 10.7759/cureus.87750. eCollection 2025 Jul.

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic had a widespread impact on healthcare systems globally, particularly affecting older adults. This study was conducted to investigate long-term changes in hip fracture (HF) incidence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural and aged Japanese community. We retrospectively reviewed HF cases (femoral neck and trochanteric fractures) in patients aged ≥65 years at the Shonai Amarume Hospital in the Yamagata prefecture, Japan, from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2024. Cases were divided into pre-pandemic (2015-2019) and pandemic (2020-2024) periods. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A total of 78 HFs occurred in the pre-pandemic period and 134 during the pandemic. There were no significant differences in patient age or sex ratio between the two groups. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in HF incidence during the pandemic (Wilcoxon p = 0.0461; Kruskal-Wallis p = 0.0495) in this rural and aged community. These findings suggest the need for targeted fall prevention and social support systems for older adults, particularly in aging regions, during public health crises.

PMID:40792309 | PMC:PMC12335979 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.87750

Front Med (Lausanne). 2025 Jul 28;12:1604280. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1604280. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: As for global brachial plexus avulsion, the recoveries of intrinsic muscles are not satisfying after nerve transfers.

METHODS: A retrospective review of 31 patients treated with different CC7 transfers after GBPA was carried out. The modified group: CC7 transfer to median nerve and DBUN by medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve (MACN). The conventional group: CC7 transfer to median nerve. The mean follow-up period was 3 years.

RESULTS: After CC7 transfers, one patient got M3, one patient got M2 and two patients got M1 in abductor digiti minimi (ADM) in the modified group, while no patients had recovery in ADM in the conventional group. The recoveries of abductor pollicis brevis (APB) were similar between two groups. Motor unit potentials (MUP) of ADM and dorsal interosseous muscle (DIM) appeared in 4 and 2 patients respectively after surgery in the modified group. Nobody gained MUP of ADM or DIM in the conventional group. There were no statistical differences of MUP in APB, compound motor action potential (CMAP) in FDPI and FCR between two groups.

DISCUSSION: CC7 transfer to median nerve and DBUN by pedicled ulnar nerve and MACN could initially make intrinsic muscles regeneration in patients with GBPA, while not affect the recovery of median nerve.

PMID:40792305 | PMC:PMC12336263 | DOI:10.3389/fmed.2025.1604280

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 11;15(1):29372. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-04561-9.

ABSTRACT

Intensive mono-cropping and abiotic stresses in the tea (Camellia sinensis L.) growing areas caused soil nutrient degradation and low crop productivity. Site-specific management requires understanding the mechanism of the geographical setting and its variability that plays a pivotal role in the growth and quality of tea crops. The present study targeted the tea-growing soils of India to determine their nutrient status as well as profile mineralogical composition to establish soil and land use management strategies for the region. Collected surface soil samples were analyzed for soil parameters. Soil profile sampling was done for clay mineral characterization of the area by using X-ray diffraction method. The Geo-statistical approach was used in this study-A method for analyzing geographical distribution and variability that is evolved from classical statistics. Study revealed that soil reaction was acidic to normal (3.95-6.80); non-saline (0.05-0.47 dS m^-1) and soil organic carbon (SOC) range was low to medium (0.06-0.62%). Macronutrients, available nitrogen (N) status was low (62.5-237 kg ha^-1), whereas available phosphorus (P) (3.0-59 kg ha^-1) and potassium (K) (100-403 kg ha^-1) levels were low to high. Micronutrients, iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) was deficient to sufficient, whereas, zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were sufficient in range. Descriptive statistics and geostatistical methods of the analysis revealed that soil pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), SOC, available K, Fe and Mn were strongly spatial dependent, whereas N, Zn, and Cu, were moderately spatial dependent, caused by both random factors as well as structural factors (soil texture, soil type, fertilization, and local ecological restoration management). Clay mineralogical characterization of soil profile (surface and subsurface) revealed the dominance of illite clay minerals followed by kaolinite and smectite and less concentration of chlorite and quartz showing greater forms of K presence in the soils. Therefore, the recommendation is that, application of balance fertilizers with combination of inorganic (macro and micronutrients) and organic sources of nutrients might be beneficial for sustainable tea production in this region. It will ultimately improve soil fertility, enhance tea yield and support the socio-economic well-being of tea growers.

PMID:40790121 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-04561-9

Nat Microbiol. 2025 Aug 11. doi: 10.1038/s41564-025-02084-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat, especially in fungal pathogens. To optimize the use of available antifungals, we need rapid detection and monitoring tools that rely on high-quality AMR mutation data. Here we present FungAMR, a resource based on manual curation of 501 published studies on AMR mutations in clinically and agriculturally relevant fungal pathogens resulting in 35,792 entries covering 208 drugs, 246 genes and 95 fungal species. Each entry includes gene, mutation site and drug susceptibility data, with confidence scores indicating the strength of the supporting evidence. Data analysis revealed convergent mechanisms of resistance, indicating some potentially universal resistance mutations and mutations that lead to cross-resistance within and across antifungal classes. We also developed a computational tool, ChroQueTas, that leverages FungAMR to screen fungal genomes for AMR mutations. FungAMR is available as a web-searchable interface within the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD). These evolving resources promise to facilitate research on antifungal resistance.

PMID:40790106 | DOI:10.1038/s41564-025-02084-7

BDJ Open. 2025 Aug 11;11(1):73. doi: 10.1038/s41405-025-00360-6.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare two different approaches for palatal wound healing following free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting: one involving Nano Bio-Fusion (NBF) gingival gel used in conjunction with a palatal stent, and the other using a palatal stent alone. Outcomes were assessed in terms of wound healing, post-operative pain, and patient satisfaction.

METHODS: This parallel-grouped, two-arm, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) included twenty-six patients with mucogingival defects that required harvesting an epithelialized free gingival graft (FGG). Patients were randomly allocated into either test group (NBF gingival gel and palatal stent; n = 13) or control group (palatal stent only; n = 13). Wound healing, the primary outcome, was evaluated over a 30-day period, while secondary outcomes included post-operative pain-measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and analgesic consumption-and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS: In the test group, wound healing showed statistically significant higher healing index score than control group after 3 days (P = 0.017), then no statistical significance was noted. Regarding post-operative pain, the test group showed statistically significantly lower pain scores (VAS) than control group in the first week, followed by no statistical significance in the second week. In the third day, the test group showed statistically significant lower analgesic consumption dose (P = 0.024) with overall statistically significant higher satisfaction score than control group (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that NBF gingival gel may promote early-stage palatal wound healing, reduce postoperative pain and analgesic consumption during the first week, and enhance overall patient satisfaction.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: (NCT05442359 | | https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ 30-June-2022).

PMID:40790022 | DOI:10.1038/s41405-025-00360-6

J Gen Intern Med. 2025 Aug 11. doi: 10.1007/s11606-025-09793-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Over half of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA), with Black and Hispanic beneficiaries disproportionately in MA versus traditional Medicare (TM).

OBJECTIVE: To examine Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities in preventive and chronic disease care by MA vs. TM.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional propensity-score-weighted difference-in-disparities analyses compared Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities in MA and TM using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (2015-2020).

PARTICIPANTS: Medicare beneficiaries with cardiovascular disease or risk factors (N = 68,788 person-years).

MAIN MEASURES: Influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, blood pressure check, cholesterol test, colorectal cancer screening, preventive care index (count of above; 0-5), mammogram, annual wellness visit; hemoglobin A1C and eye exam.

KEY RESULTS: Black and Hispanic, compared to white, beneficiaries were less likely to receive annual wellness visits, influenza vaccines, pneumococcal vaccines, and colorectal cancer screening. Black beneficiaries in MA vs. TM had higher overall preventive care use (preventive care index, 3.67 vs. 3.44) and higher rates of all preventive services examined. Hispanic beneficiaries in MA vs. TM had higher preventive care use (index, 3.67 vs. 3.56), including annual wellness visit, blood pressure check, colorectal cancer screening, and breast cancer screening. Preventive care use was higher among White beneficiaries in MA than TM (index, 3.88 and 3.79). Black-White disparities were smaller in MA than TM for preventive care use (difference-in-disparities: + 0.13 index points, 95% CI 0.04-0.22), blood pressure check (+ 2.2 percentage points [p.p.], 95% CI 0.1-4.4), cholesterol check (+ 2.2 p.p., 95% CI 0.2-4.2), and eye exam (+ 5.0 p.p., 95% CI 1.4-8.7). Hispanic-White disparities were not statistically different in MA vs. TM.

CONCLUSIONS: Although MA was associated with smaller Black-White disparities in preventive care compared to TM, these differences were modest, and MA was not associated with smaller Hispanic-White disparities.

PMID:40790002 | DOI:10.1007/s11606-025-09793-z

Cogn Affect Behav Neurosci. 2025 Aug 11. doi: 10.3758/s13415-025-01336-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cognitive control processes, specifically interference control and error monitoring, are often impaired across neuropsychiatric disorders and have been proposed as transdiagnostic markers of psychopathology and important treatment targets. Accurately probing them, however, requires understanding the psychometric properties of the measures used to assess cognitive control, including their intra- and interindividual stability over time. Using an Eriksen Flanker Task, we tested behavioral and electrophysiological readouts of cognitive control in 36 healthy individuals (26 females, 10 males; mean age ± standard deviation = 33.18 ± 14.49, range = 19-68) and evaluated their test-retest reliability across 48 hours by calculating Spearman correlations and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients to assess group-level stability. Moreover, we assessed repeatability through Coefficients of Variation and Bland-Altman statistics to investigate the degree of change in participants’ absolute scores. We found moderate-to-excellent test-retest reliability for most cognitive control measures, with condition-specific metrics generally being more reliable than difference scores. Regarding repeatability, we observed considerable intraindividual variability in absolute scores over time, which differed widely between participants. These results demonstrate that measurements of cognitive control may display substantial intraindividual variability across sessions despite demonstrating high test-retest reliability and vice versa. Our findings expand the current literature by providing novel information about the stability of behavioral and physiological markers of cognitive control over time. Moreover, they may have important implications for the application and evaluation of clinical interventions by highlighting the usefulness of considering repeatability measures in addition to the more commonly reported test-retest reliability metrics, when tracking changes over time in clinically relevant processes within single individuals.

PMID:40790001 | DOI:10.3758/s13415-025-01336-7

J Cancer Surviv. 2025 Aug 11. doi: 10.1007/s11764-025-01879-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Up to 75% of cancer survivors experience cognitive impairment from cancer or its treatment. No modifiable risk factor has been identified; however, a Mediterranean Diet may be protective. We sought to determine if the relationship between cognitive performance and cancer survivorship depends on Mediterranean Diet adherence.

METHODS: We used the latest data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Mediterranean Diet adherence was defined as the aMed score which gives 1 point for intake above/below the sample-specific median for healthful/unhealthful food groups (range 0-9). Cognitive processes assessed included processing speed, attention, working memory, learning, short-term memory, and executive function. Linear regression models adjusting for demographics, diet, and health behavior were used to determine the relationship between cognition and cancer history.

RESULTS: Among 2450 participants, 385 had cancer. Mean age was 68.9 years (SE = 0.2). The most common cancer was breast cancer (24%). Cancer history was not associated with cognition (p > 0.05). Among high aMed scores, cancer history was more negatively associated with number of Intrusions compared to low aMed scores (β (95% CI): 0.61 (0.07, 1.16), p = 0.03 for aMed*Cancer interaction term).

CONCLUSIONS: Cancer history was more negatively associated with cognition among high versus low aMed scores. Because of the cross-sectional nature of NHANES, the limited number of cancer survivors, and the lack of treatment information, larger prospective studies with treatment data are needed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Cancer survivors may require dietary recommendations different from that of the general population. More studies, however, are needed to confirm this.

PMID:40789996 | DOI:10.1007/s11764-025-01879-1

Metabolomics. 2025 Aug 11;21(5):105. doi: 10.1007/s11306-025-02296-2.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The metabolome is an intermediate between DNA variation and clinical phenotypes. Metabolomics have been widely used in biomedical studies for reflecting physiological changes in response to variation coming from various sources, such as diet, environment, time, and lifestyle. While lifestyle factors contribute a considerable part of the metabolic variation, current human studies lack information estimating lifestyle, mainly because it is not strictly defined.

OBJECTIVE: In this work, metabolite concentrations are measured at two time points (2007 and 2014). Additionally, SNP data together with self-reports on dietary behavior. By having measurements over time, as well as all main sources of metabolic variation (diet, genetics), both time-effects and lifestyle-effects can be estimated. Since lifestyle and time effects can be estimated under this setting, we are interested in identifying metabolites sharing similar relationships to diet and lifestyle, using network analysis.

METHODS: The correlation between repeated measurements is modeled using a random intercepts linear mixed model, with dietary preferences, genetics, and time as fixed effects. The random intercepts can be defined as the lifestyle, and represent the part of the metabolic variation which is not due to diet, genetics, and time and is subject-specific. The part of every metabolite relevant to diet and lifestyle instead of the original values is used as input values to network estimation methods.

CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrates how correcting for several sources of metabolic variation, allows us to look for residual variation and build networks with meaningful metabolite groups sharing similar association to diet and lifestyle.

PMID:40789994 | DOI:10.1007/s11306-025-02296-2