Tag: statistics

Ophthalmol Ther. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s40123-025-01260-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study characterized the prevalence of thin corneas and identified tomographic patterns following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study at a tertiary referral center, including 88 eyes with FECD treated by DMEK and an age- and sex-matched control group. Tomographic parameters such as central corneal thickness (CCT), pachymetric progression indices including Belin-Ambrosio D index (BAD-D), and anterior corneal asymmetry indices were analyzed using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the DMEK and control groups and to examine correlations between clinical characteristics and CCT values.

RESULTS: At 1 year, the mean CCT in the DMEK group was 525 ± 36 µm, compared with 561 ± 32 µm in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Women were much more likely than men to have thin corneas (40% vs. 3.6% with CCT below 500 µm, p < 0.001) and higher BAD-D values (2.71 vs. 1.99, p = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, baseline CCT (β = -0.001, p < 0.001), age (β = -0.001, p = 0.032), and sex (β = 0.046, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of percentage pachymetric reduction, indicating that thicker preoperative corneas, older patients, and women experienced greater deswelling and thinner 1-year CCT. Postoperative endothelial cell density had no impact on pachymetry outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Patients with FECD undergoing DMEK often present with postoperative corneal thinning, particularly among women. Although the underlying cause is not fully understood, these findings suggest a potential link between chronic preoperative corneal edema and the likelihood of stromal remodeling. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this thinning phenomenon.

PMID:41205143 | DOI:10.1007/s40123-025-01260-6

CVIR Endovasc. 2025 Nov 8;8(1):99. doi: 10.1186/s42155-025-00588-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There have been several analyses conducted demonstrating a sharp decrease in general physician fulfillment and satisfaction. Other studies have demonstrated that burnout, anxiety, and moral injury are prevalent among interventional radiologists specifically, however there is a paucity of literature examining professional fulfillment within the profession. The purpose of this study was to characterize professional fulfillment through job, career, and specialty satisfaction scores among interventional radiologists using a validated assessment tool.

RESULTS: There were 106 respondents included in the analysis: 97 (91.5%) practicing interventional radiologists and 9 (8.5%) interventional radiology trainees, including 87 (82.1%) males and 19 (17.9%) females. Respondents included those in academic (40; 37.7%), private practice (46; 43.4%), and hybrid/other settings (20; 18.9%), as well as at various lengths of practice. The mean job satisfaction score was 3.48, with 38 (35.8%) of respondents expressing a mean score of ≥ 4, which has been established as being “satisfied”. The mean career satisfaction score was 3.40, with 38 (35.8%) of respondents reporting a mean score of ≥ 4. The mean global specialty satisfaction was 3.63 with 53 (50.0%) of respondents reporting a mean score of ≥ 4.

CONCLUSIONS: Professional fulfillment is low among interventional radiologists, with half expressing global specialty satisfaction and with minority percentages signaling job and career satisfaction. Patient interaction and work-life balance were identified as significant factors positively affecting professional fulfillment.

PMID:41205135 | DOI:10.1186/s42155-025-00588-1

Sleep Breath. 2025 Nov 8;29(6):348. doi: 10.1007/s11325-025-03487-w.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of an intervention programme combining Oropharyngeal Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) and cervical spine exercises in the general population with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), analysing its impact on respiratory variables (AHI, MSatO₂, ODI, TC90, Supine AHI), daytime sleepiness and quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blind randomised clinical trial with 32 participants diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA, assigned into two groups: control (n = 16) and intervention (n = 16). Both groups received hygiene- and diet-related recommendations, and the intervention group completed an OMT programme and cervical spine exercises over 20 weeks (May 2023-November 2024). The respiratory variables were evaluated using respiratory polygraphy, and daytime sleepiness and quality of life were measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and EuroQol-5D scales, respectively.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between groups (Median [IQR]): Apnoea-hypopnoea index (2.0 [-6/6], CI 95%, p = 0.86), Mean oxygen saturation (-0.5 [-1/0], CI 95%, p = 0.43), Oxygen Desaturation index (1.0 [-1/5], CI 95%, p = 0.72), Time with oxygen saturation below 90% (1.0 [0/3], CI 95%, p = 0.10), Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (-1.5 [-4/0], CI 95%, p = 0.83), and EuroQol-5D quality of life questionnaire (5.0 [0-10], CI 95% p = 0.08).

CONCLUSION: The comprehensive 20-week OMT programme and cervical spine exercises showed no effectiveness in improving respiratory parameters, daytime sleepiness or quality of life in patients with mild to moderate OSA compared to hygiene- and diet-related measures alone. The null results observed in this study suggest relevant clinical implications, such as the limited efficacy of low-frequency OMT protocols.

PMID:41205126 | DOI:10.1007/s11325-025-03487-w

World J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025 Nov 8;41(11):439. doi: 10.1007/s11274-025-04647-6.

ABSTRACT

Salinization and overuse of chemical fertilizer restrict usable agricultural land and crop productivity. Biological candidates are needed for sustainable agriculture. Therein, purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB) can operate as both a plant growth promoter and a bioremediator. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the how much chemical N fertilizer can be reduced by the nitrogen-fixing purple nonsulfur bacteria (Nf-PNSB) and the effects of Nf-PNSB on the N dynamics, growth, and yield of rice with a two-season experiment. A factorial experiment with two factors having 4 levels each was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications and 8 plants replication^-1. Each replication was a pot of soil with 8 rice plants. Factor A was N fertilizer percentages (100, 75, 50, and 0% N compared to the local recommended fertilization, LRF) and factor B was Nf-PNSB (no bacteria used, singly Rhodobacter sphaeroides S01 used, singly R. sphaeroides S06 used, and mixed R. sphaeroides S01 and S06 used, with a density of 1.6625 × 10⁵ CFU g^-1 dry soil). At the same N fertilizer level, treatments with the mixed Nf-PNSB outperformed the ones without bacteria, such as improved soil N availability and plant total N uptake and rice grain yield; and reduced soil Na⁺ and plant total Na uptake and proline content, in both seasons. Significant interaction effects between N fertilizer and PNSB were detected for most soil, plant, and yield traits. The mixed PNSB strain enhanced soil ammonium content and reduced Na⁺ accumulation under 100% N, but its effect was less consistent at 75% and 50% N. In both seasons, the 75% N + PNSB mixture treatment produced rice yields statistically similar to 100% N alone, although grain yield was slightly lower in season 2. Across N levels, PNSB supplementation generally reduced soil salinity and plant proline content while increasing N uptake. These results suggest that Nf-PNSB can partly compensate for chemical N reduction, particularly at 75% N, but the effects depend strongly on N level and season. Field trials are needed to confirm whether Nf-PNSB can reliably replace 25% of chemical N fertilizer under saline conditions.

PMID:41205123 | DOI:10.1007/s11274-025-04647-6

Ir J Med Sci. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s11845-025-04142-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder in which oxidative stress, redox imbalance, and genetic susceptibility play crucial roles. Glutathione peroxidase-3 (GPx-3), a selenium-dependent antioxidant enzyme, regulates redox homeostasis by detoxifying reactive oxygen species. Variants in the GPx-3 gene may alter antioxidant defense and trace element metabolism, thereby contributing to PV pathogenesis.

AIM: This case-control study investigated the association between the GPx-3 +1494A/G polymorphism and serum trace element levels in PV.

METHODS: A total of 71 patients with PV and 71 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were genotyped using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square (χ²) and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS: The AG genotype was significantly more prevalent in PV patients than in controls (88.7% vs. 50.6%, p = 0.002). Among AG carriers, PV patients exhibited higher Zn levels (p < 0.001), lower Fe concentrations (p = 0.037), and a reduced Cu/Zn ratio (p = 0.025). Additionally, the AG genotype was associated with increased body mass index (p = 0.049).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant association between the GPx-3 +1494A/G polymorphism and serum trace element levels in PV. The AG genotype was more prevalent among patients and accompanied by elevated Zn, reduced Fe and a lower Cu/Zn ratio, suggesting genotype-related alterations in trace element balance. These findings indicate that the +1494A/G variant may contribute to psoriasis susceptibility by modulating oxidative stress and redox homeostasis.

PMID:41205118 | DOI:10.1007/s11845-025-04142-9

Dig Dis Sci. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s10620-025-09538-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Ulcerative proctitis affects approximately 30% of patients with ulcerative colitis. Disease control is essential to maintain quality of life and to prevent disability and disease progression. The aim of this study was to investigate current practice on isolated proctitis management across the globe.

METHODS: Physicians with experience in treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) were invited to participate in an anonymous, multiple-choice survey between January and February 2025.

RESULTS: The survey included 460 physicians from 66 countries. Most participants (87.9%) assessed clinical activity of isolated proctitis within 3 months of treatment initiation, 75.9% used fecal calprotectin, and 67.1% used C-reactive protein to measure disease activity. Endoscopic assessment was performed 3 to 6 months (34.2%) or 6 to 12 months (48.4%) after treatment induction. In this survey, 49% of participants were more reluctant to begin an advanced therapy in patients with isolated proctitis compared to pancolitis or left-sided colitis. About two-thirds of participants were less likely to use biologics in combination with immunosuppressants in isolated proctitis compared to left-sided or pancolitis. Anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) was the preferred choice in first-line advanced therapy after failing conventional treatment (48.4%).

CONCLUSION: This study highlighted differences in management of isolated proctitis compared to left-sided colitis or pancolitis. This is likely explained by the fact that isolated proctitis patients were historically excluded from clinical trials; therefore, management relied on extrapolation of data from studies on more extensive disease.

PMID:41205107 | DOI:10.1007/s10620-025-09538-2

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2025 Nov 8;167(1):290. doi: 10.1007/s00701-025-06686-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive approaches to lumbar spine surgery are increasingly popular. Current guidelines highlight the importance of preoperative HbA1c in optimizing spine surgery outcomes. However, the role of preoperative HbA1c in minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the association of HbA1c with readmissions, reoperations, and complications following minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients at a single institution from 2011 to 2023 who underwent minimally invasive lumbar decompression or decompression with instrumented fusion using CPT and ICD9/10 codes. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess the effect of high HbA1c on readmissions and reoperations.

RESULTS: In total, 1013 [median age 64 (IQR 54-71)] patients met the inclusion criteria. The median preoperative HbA1c was 5.99% (IQR 5.62 – 6.39). Upon multivariate regression analysis adjusting for frailty, socioeconomic status, and other confounders, patients with high HbA1c (> 7.1) had increased odds of unplanned readmission within 90 days (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.10- 3.56, p = 0.019) and reoperation within 90 days (OR 2.82, 95%CI 1.14-6.31) of the index operation. Patients with high HbA1c also had increased odds of requiring reoperation due to persistent symptoms (OR 2.9, 95%CI 0.91-7.87, p = 0.048). After propensity score matching, patients with high HbA1c also had prolonged hospital lengths of stay (1.32 days vs 1.24 days, p = 0.006), post operative UTI (4.7% vs 0.9%, p = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest high preoperative HbA1C may be associated with increased rates of readmission and reoperation following minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery. Preoperative HbA1C control may be indicated for surgical optimization in minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery.

PMID:41205101 | DOI:10.1007/s00701-025-06686-2

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s00406-025-02154-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal relationships between specific sedentary behaviors-namely, driving, watching television, using a mobile phone, and using a computer-and insomnia.

METHODS: We selected independent genome-wide significant SNPs for each exposure and harmonized them with the insomnia GWAS. GWAS summary statistics were obtained from IEU OpenGWAS (UK Biobank). Instrument selection used P < 5 × 10⁻⁸ and LD clumping at r² < 0.001, 10,000 kb. Primary MR estimates were obtained using inverse variance weighting (IVW), with weighted median and MR-Egger as complementary methods. Sensitivity analyses included Cochran’s Q, MR-Egger intercept, MR-PRESSO, and leave-one-out.

RESULTS: After harmonization, the numbers of independent SNPs were: driving (n = 6), television (n = 104), mobile phone (n = 31), and computer (n = 80). IVW MR showed a positive association between television watching and insomnia (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.15-1.26, P < 0.001). Driving showed an inverse association with insomnia (OR = 0.821, 95% CI: 0.72-0.94, P = 0.005). Computer and mobile phone use did not show statistically significant IVW associations with insomnia. Sensitivity analyses did not indicate consistent directional pleiotropy; leave-one-out did not identify any influential SNP.

CONCLUSION: Our MR results indicated that genetic liability to longer television-watching time is associated with an increased risk of insomnia, whereas genetic liability to longer driving time is associated with a decreased risk of insomnia. It is important to approach these results carefully, as the genetic tools employed in this research mainly reflect a behavior’s general duration or tendency, lacking specific contextual information or timing nuances.

PMID:41205073 | DOI:10.1007/s00406-025-02154-1

Obes Surg. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s11695-025-08370-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To compare the severity of binge eating (BE), food addiction (FA), and body image dissatisfaction between candidates to bariatric and long-term post-bariatric patients; and investigate the association between dysfunctional eating behaviors and body mass index (BMI) and body image dissatisfaction after metabolic bariatric surgery.

METHODS: 86 patients seeking metabolic bariatric surgery and 59 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y Bypass Gastric at least two years ago (a mean of 7 years ago) were included. The mental disorders have been investigated through the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders – version 5 (DSM-5) criteria. The severity of BE, FA, and body image dissatisfaction were assessed through the Binge Eating Scale (BES), the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0), and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), respectively.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the scores of the mYFAS 2.0 (p = 0.929), BES (p = 0.336), and BSQ (p = 0.759) between groups. Among the post-bariatric patients, the mYFAS 2.0 and the BES significantly correlated with the BMI (r = 0.301, p = 0.024 and r = 0.291, p = 0.042, respectively). The BSQ scores were not significantly correlated with BMI (r = 0,207, p = 0,149) but were associated with the mYFAS (0.408, p = 0.004) and the BES (r = 0.526, p < 0.001). The scores of BES significantly predicted the scores of body image dissatisfaction in a linear regression model.

CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent metabolic bariatric surgery a long time ago did not have better food- and eating-related behaviors and were not more satisfied with their body image, despite weighing less. Dysfunctional eating behaviors may impair weight outcomes and body image satisfaction.

PMID:41205055 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-025-08370-x

Clin Oral Investig. 2025 Nov 8;29(12):557. doi: 10.1007/s00784-025-06624-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of 1% melatonin gel combined with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) versus DFDBA alone in treating intrabony periodontal defects in Stage II & III periodontitis. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), along with analysis of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG).

METHODOLOGY: A prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 20 patients with 20 intrabony defects. The control group received DFDBA alone, while the test group received a combination of 1% melatonin gel and DFDBA. Clinical parameters Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) and Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) were evaluated at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographic parameters linear bone fill and bone volume and GCF biomarkers (RANKL and OPG) were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Plaque Index (PI) and Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI) were secondary outcomes. CAL change served as the primary outcome variable.

RESULTS: After 6 months, the test group showed a mean CAL gain of 3.10 ± 0.87 mm and the control group 4.00 ± 1.85 mm, which was not statistically significant between the groups; however, intra-group comparison revealed a statistically significant CAL gain from baseline in both groups. Both groups showed improvements in assessed parameters, however, the test group demonstrated significantly greater bone fill (1.88 ± 0.26 mm vs. 1.16 ± 0.38 mm) and bone volume gain (22.67 ± 1.36 mm³ vs. 14.78 ± 0.5 mm³; p< 0.000). Greater reduction in PPD and gain in CAL were noted in the test group. GCF analysis revealed a significant increase in OPG (99.87 ± 15.07) and reduction in RANKL levels (66.13 ± 19.12) in the test group at 6 months (p= 0.000).

CONCLUSION: Melatonin gel as an adjunct to DFDBA enhances clinical, radiographic, and biochemical outcomes in intrabony periodontal defect therapy. Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2023/07/055039).

PMID:41205053 | DOI:10.1007/s00784-025-06624-7