Statistical analysis
Variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation, median
[interquartile range Q1-Q3], or number and percentage, as
appropriate. Continuous data were compared using the Studentt -test or Mann-Whitney U test, depending on data normality.
Categorical variables were compared using the χ² test or Fisher exact
test, depending on sample size. Multiple-group comparisons were
performed using one-way analysis of variance as a parametric test or
Kruskal-Wallis test as a non-parametric test. If significant differences
were observed, posthoc tests with Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise
comparisons were performed. We considered a P value < 0.05 as
statistically significant.