Tag: statistics

Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther. 2026 Jan 30;58(1):10-16. doi: 10.5114/ait/216697.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: While patient satisfaction is a major marker of quality in healthcare, predictors of Press Ganey scores for anesthesia survey questions have not been well explored. This study aimed to explore factors associated with anesthesia-specific patient satisfaction scores.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of percentile ranking on patient satisfaction questions. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the patient experiences with anesthesia at our institution. Three questions were added to the Press Ganey surveys: (1) rating of anesthesia services, (2) explanations provided by the anesthesiologists, (3) friendliness/courtesy of the anesthesiologist. A total of 3,218, 3,294, and 3,200 patients, respectively, answered the questions on a Likert scale. Covariates included attending anesthesiologist workload, number of comparator healthcare institutions, and season of year.

RESULTS: Lower percentile rank with rating of anesthesia services was associated with greater attending anesthesiologist workload (-13.7; 95% CI: -24.8 to -2.6; P = 0.017), season of year (-9.0; 95% CI: -16.2 to -1.8; P = 0.016), and smaller number of comparator healthcare institutions (2.4; 95% CI: 0.5 to 4.3; P = 0.015). Lower percentile rank with explanations provided by the anesthesiologists (0.7; 95% CI: 0.1 to 1.3; P = 0.021) and friendliness/courtesy of the anesthesiologist (0.9; 95% CI: 0.2 to 1.5; P = 0.008) were associated with decreasing number of comparator healthcare institutions.

CONCLUSIONS: Improving patient satisfaction may require reduction or redistribution of anesthesiologist workload, improvement in resident communication skills, and increased supervision of junior residents. Anesthesia-specific patient satisfaction scores should be risk-adjusted for contextual factors such as seasonality, workload, and number of comparator institutions before being tied to payment.

PMID:41664907 | DOI:10.5114/ait/216697

Biometrics. 2026 Jan 6;82(1):ujag033. doi: 10.1093/biomtc/ujag033.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41664906 | DOI:10.1093/biomtc/ujag033

Cereb Cortex. 2026 Feb 10;36(2):bhag007. doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhag007.

ABSTRACT

Short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), a paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (pp-TMS) paradigm, provides an in vivo marker of GABA-A-mediated inhibitory tone in the human cortex. SICI has been extensively characterized at the local level, but its relationship with brain network dynamics remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether interindividual variability in SICI correlates with resting-state functional connectivity (FC) derived from high-density EEG (HD-EEG). Eighteen healthy volunteers underwent HD-EEG followed by pp-TMS based assessment of SICI and intracortical facilitation. FC was computed in source space across canonical frequency bands using the weighted phase lag index, and its association with conditioned motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) was tested using network-based statistics. Stronger FC in β and high-γ bands was positively associated with reduced inhibition (ie larger conditioned MEPs) at ISI 2 ms. These networks prominently involved sensorimotor, prefrontal, and temporo-parietal regions (β) as well as parieto-occipital, sensorimotor, and temporal regions (γ). Our findings provide the first electrophysiological evidence that local inhibitory tone is mirrored by large-scale frequency-specific networks in the healthy brain. This multimodal approach advances the understanding of how GABA-A-mediated inhibition shapes cortical network organization and may inform future studies on disease-related alterations of inhibitory dynamics.

PMID:41664904 | DOI:10.1093/cercor/bhag007

An Sist Sanit Navar. 2026 Feb 10;49(1):e1152. doi: 10.23938/ASSN.1152.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Observational Gait Scale for Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation, including intra- and inter-rater reliability, minimal detectable change, and construct validity.

METHODS: An observational study was conducted in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation. Gait was recorded under standardized conditions and independently assessed by two trained evaluators using the Observational Gait Scale for Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation, which comprised two sections: 1 – assessment of kinematic gait patterns focused on joint mobility, and 2 – assessment of spatiotemporal parameters. Intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman plots and Pearson’s correlation with the Houghton Scale were used.

RESULTS: Thirty-seven participants were included, 56.8% women and mean age 45.6 years (SD=13.8). Intra-rater reliability was excellent for the total score (ICC = 0.996), section 1 (ICC = 0.988), and section 2 (ICC = 0.995) with an MDC95 of 0.12 points. Inter-rater reliability was also excellent (total ICC = 0.987; section 1 = 0.966; section 2 = 0.986), with an MDC95 of 0.36 points. Bland-Altman analysis showed narrow limits of agreement (±1.4 points intra-rater and ±2.28 points inter-rater). Construct validity was strong and statistically significant (r= -0.773; p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The Observational Gait Scale for Persons with Lower Limb Amputation is a reliable and valid tool for assessing an objective and structured evaluation of gait patterns in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation. Its design, excellent reliability and strong construct validity support its use in both clinical practice and research.

PMID:41664884 | DOI:10.23938/ASSN.1152

J Learn Disabil. 2026 Feb 10:222194261417589. doi: 10.1177/00222194261417589. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Students in grades 2 through 4 with significant word reading difficulties were randomly assigned to one of two 10-week interventions. In the Dual Treatment condition, decoding instruction emphasized regularity in spelling-sound correspondence, sound-by-sound decoding, and separately taught high-frequency words on a whole-word basis. In the Integrated condition, decoding instruction interleaved regularity and variability in spelling-sound correspondence, targeted larger letter units, and aligned high-frequency word instruction with decoding. At posttest, statistically significant differences favored the Integrated condition on standardized word reading efficiency (g = 0.37), silent word identification fluency (g = 0.41), and an intervention-aligned list of words not targeted in either condition (g = 0.26). Although not statistically significant, effect sizes also favored the Integrated condition on standardized sentence reading efficiency (g = 0.25), intervention-aligned letter-sound correspondence (g = 0.24), and other word lists taught or not taught in both conditions (gs = 0.12 to 0.21). A nonstatistically significant effect favored the Dual Treatment condition on intervention-aligned correct letter sequences spelling (g = -0.19), and null effects were observed on a standardized oral reading fluency (g = 0.04) and intervention-aligned whole word spelling (g = 0.02). Supported exposure to greater variability in spelling-sound correspondence may improve generalized word reading skills.

PMID:41664880 | DOI:10.1177/00222194261417589

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2026 Feb 10:trag005. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/trag005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The study evaluated COVID-19 vaccine uptake and the barriers and facilitators influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among key populations living with HIV/AIDS in Rivers State, Nigeria.

METHODS: A key population-based cross-sectional study employed purposive sampling to recruit 458 participants from one-stop shops between April-June 2024. Data collection tools were integrated into a Kobo database. SPSS version 27 (IBM, Armonk, USA) for descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square and bivariate logistic regression) analysed vaccine uptake and associated factors, with significance determined at p<0.05.

RESULTS: The COVID-19 vaccine uptake was 54.1%, with 22.3% partially vaccinated and 31.8% fully vaccinated. Pfizer-BioNTech (43.5%) and Moderna (22.2%) were the most administered vaccines. Key barriers included lack of information (91.7%), vaccine side effects concerns (88.0%), and distrust in vaccine safety (95.2%). Younger participants, those with shorter antiretroviral therapy (ART) durations, single individuals, and unemployed participants showed significantly lower vaccine uptake (χ²=48.266, 37.689, 29.131, and 62.136; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Moderate vaccine uptake highlights gaps in COVID-19 vaccination among key populations. To improve vaccine uptake, tailored interventions addressing stigma, misinformation, and access barriers are recommended. Leveraging community leaders and integrating vaccines into HIV/AIDS care programs can enhance acceptance and delivery.

PMID:41664867 | DOI:10.1093/trstmh/trag005

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2026 Dec;22(1):2624919. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2026.2624919. Epub 2026 Feb 10.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of introducing 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) for elders into provincial immunization program in Zhejiang, China. From a societal perspective, a decision tree-Markov model was constructed to stimulate the economic and health consequences of Streptococcus pneumonae infection diseases in both 60-y-old and 70-y-old cohort, with one dose PPV23 vaccination and a coverage of 90% versus no vaccination. The model accounted for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia (NBP). Model parameters were obtained from up-to-date published literature and statistical data. The costs associated with vaccination and medical treatment, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), the number of Spn infection cases averted, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated. Both effects and costs were discounted by 3% annually. The sensitivity analysis was implemented to evaluate the robustness of the model. Compared to the no-vaccination, the PPV23 vaccination program could reduce the number of IPD case, NBP case, death by 9.56%, 3.93% and 6.72% in the 60-y-old cohort. The corresponding figures for the 70-y-old cohort were 20.96%, 30.22%, and 15.70%. The ICER was estimated at US$ 635.31/QALY and US$ 69.36/QALY for the 60-y-old and 70-y-old cohort, respectively, and these results were robust in sensitivity analyses. Introducing a vaccination program of PPV23 targeting both 60 y old and 70 y old was economical based on the parameters, having the potential to substantially reduce morbidity and mortality related to Spn and the related disease burden.

PMID:41664848 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2026.2624919

Int J Surg. 2026 Feb 5. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000004687. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally. However, its macroeconomic burden remains underexplored.

METHODS: Using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data, we quantified the economic welfare loss due to CRC across 204 countries using the Value of a Statistical Life Year (VSLY) approach. The Valuation of a Statistical Life (VSL) was derived by adjusting the U.S. benchmark ($11.8 million) based on per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and income elasticity (base case: 1.0). VSLY was calculated by dividing VSL by half the national life expectancy. Country-specific Value of Lost Welfare (VLW) was estimated and expressed as a percentage of GDP (VLW/GDP). Aggregated analyses were performed by sociodemographic index (SDI) and GBD regions. Sensitivity analyses used alternative elasticity values (0.55, 1.5) and applied a 3% discount rate.

FINDINGS: In 2021, global CRC-related VLW was estimated at $3.49 trillion (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: $3.02-$3.96 trillion), equivalent to 2.28% (95% UI: 1.97%-2.58%) of global GDP. VLW/GDP ratios were highest in high-SDI regions (2.81%) and the Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia super-region (3.48%). At the national level, VLW ranged from <$500 million in small island states to >$0.6 trillion in China and the U.S. Discounting increased VLW estimates by 35%-67%.

CONCLUSIONS: CRC imposes a substantial and inequitable economic burden, particularly in economically developed and aging societies. Incorporating VSLY into cancer burden assessments underscores the urgency of investing in prevention, early detection, and surgical capacity strengthening, especially in middle-income and resource-limited settings.

PMID:41664847 | DOI:10.1097/JS9.0000000000004687

Immunotherapy. 2026 Feb 10:1-8. doi: 10.1080/1750743X.2026.2626241. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine the impact of antibiotic spectrum of activity and exposure timing on survival outcomes and development of gastritis/colitis.

METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 214 patients with advanced, metastatic, or unresectable melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Antibiotic exposure was classified by spectrum of activity (with and without anaerobic coverage) and antibiotic timing. Primary outcomes were the effect of antibiotic administration 30-days prior to starting ICI therapy and during ICI therapy on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS: Antibiotic exposure during ICI was associated with improved OS (HR: 0.57, 95% CI (0.35-0.92), p = 0.023). Use of antibiotics without anaerobic coverage was associated with improved PFS (HR: 0.53, 95% CI (0.32-0.87), p = 0.013), and OS (HR: 0.47, 95% CI (0.24-0.92), p = 0.026). There was a trend toward increased risk of gastritis/colitis with antibiotics without anaerobic coverage during ICI therapy, although this did not reach statistical significance (OR 2.08, 95% CI (0.43-5.46), p = 0.069).

CONCLUSION: Antibiotic timing and spectrum of activity may be predictive of survival outcomes and risk of developing gastritis/colitis in ICI-treated patients with advanced-stage melanoma. Unlike previous studies, we found improved survival in patients receiving antibiotics during treatment and in those receiving antibiotics without anaerobic coverage.

PMID:41664838 | DOI:10.1080/1750743X.2026.2626241

J Periodontal Res. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1111/jre.70086. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate clinical and patient reported outcomes after subgingival instrumentation at two different re-evaluation timings in stage III/IV periodontitis and the influence of clinical and radiographic variables on final outcomes.

METHODS: Forty participants were assigned to 3-month (control) or 6-month (test) re-evaluation after steps 1-2 of therapy. The primary outcome was the number of teeth reaching the Endpoints of Treatment (EoT). EoT was defined as a site with PPD < 6 mm or PPD = 4/5 mm without BoP. Secondary outcomes included changes in clinical parameters and in oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14) scores. ANOVA, ANCOVA, mixed-effects models and multilevel models were applied.

RESULTS: Thirty-six patients completed the study. Patients allocated to the 3-month group had 15.8 ± 4.0 teeth reaching the EoT, accounting for 65.8% ± 14.3 of the teeth, while patients assigned to the 6-month group had 15.5 ± 5.9 (64.9% ± 21.5), without statistically significant differences. Percentages of sites achieving EoT were 68.5% ± 11.6 in the 3-month group and 71.9% ± 14.4 in the 6-month group, without statistically significant differences. Final OHIP-14 scores were 6.5 ± 8.9 in the 3-month group and 7.3 ± 7.5 in the 6-month group, without statistically significant differences. Risk for residual pockets at re-evaluation was influenced by higher baseline PPD (p < 0.0001), plaque (PI) at site level (p = 0.011), molar tooth (p = 0.012), furcation involvement (p < 0.0001), shallow intrabony defect (p = 0.018), deep intrabony defect (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION: No difference in clinical and patient-centered outcomes was observed between groups. NSPT frequently failed to achieve EoT at pockets with intrabony defects, while EoT were frequently achieved at sites with mainly horizontal bony defects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06086821 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06086821?cond=re-evaluation%20periodontal&rank=1).

PMID:41664833 | DOI:10.1111/jre.70086