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.