Category: Statistics

Cancer Treat Res Commun. 2026 Jul 29;48:101329. doi: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2026.101329. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common solid cancer affecting men. LncRNA PCAT19 has a carcinogenic role in multiple solid and hematological cancers. Additionally, miR-195 was significantly downregulated in multiple malignancies. Moreover, ITGA6 promotes pathways that control carcinogenesis. E-cadherin is a glycoprotein involved in epithelial cell adhesion and maintaining tissue integrity. E-cadherin loss is related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer metastasis. This preliminary study investigated the expression of PCAT19, miR-195, ITGA6, and E-cadherin in PC tissues.

SUBJECTS & METHODS: Seventy-two tissue specimens from 36 PC patients were enrolled in this study. The diseased group included 36 primary PC tissues, and the control group included 36 specimens from their non-neoplastic adjacent tissues. Gene expression of LncRNA PCAT19, miR-195, and ITGA6 in tissues was estimated by Reverse transcription- quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and E-cadherin expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: A statistically significant upregulation inPCAT19 (7.92-fold) and ITGA6 (6.67-fold) gene expression and downregulation of miR-195 (4.17-fold) gene expression in tumor tissues compared to adjacent non-neoplastic tissues were recorded. During follow-up, 11 of 36 patients (30.6%) died, and disease progression occurred in 6 of 25 evaluable patients (24.0%). There was a statistically significant decrease in PCAT19 and ITGA6 and an increase in miR-195 among surviving cases compared with dead cases. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that PCAT19 at a cutoff of > 8.89-fold demonstrated promising discriminatory performance for advanced-stage PC, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-0.99, P < 0.001), 70% sensitivity, 93.7% specificity, 93.3% positive predictive value, 71.4% negative predictive value, and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 80.6%. In comparison, ITGA6 (AUC = 0.73) and miR-195 (AUC = 0.71) exhibited only fair discriminatory ability.

CONCLUSION: Upregulation of PCAT19 and ITGA6, and downregulation of miR-195, in prostate cancer tissues may be associated with disease aggressiveness.

PMID:42526156 | DOI:10.1016/j.ctarc.2026.101329

Bioorg Chem. 2026 Jul 23;181:110258. doi: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2026.110258. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have gained recognition for their critical roles in various biological processes and are increasingly viewed as promising candidates for use in disease diagnosis and treatment strategies for complex human diseases. Despite advances in computational methods for predicting circRNA-disease associations (CDAs), existing models often fail to effectively capture both similarity metrics and higher-order mixed neighborhood information simultaneously in bio-graph networks, leading to suboptimal prediction performance. In this study, we present HSimGCDA, an enhanced graph convolutional network that leverages higher-order similarity measures to improve the prediction of CDAs. Specifically, our approach first constructs multi-similarity graph networks that integrate diverse data features of circRNAs and diseases. We then implement a higher-order similarity strategy that effectively aggregates the higher-order similarity information between nodes and their remote neighbors, thus enriching the topological information of the nodes and revealing potential features brought about by different neighboring nodes. Ultimately, a multilayer perceptron algorithm is utilized to accurately infer likely CDAs. The experimental results indicated that HSimGCDA demonstrated excellent competitiveness on the benchmark CircR2Disease dataset, achieving a prediction accuracy of 95.93% and an AUC score of 98.74%. Additionally, the ablation experiments further validated the effectiveness of the improved HSimGCDA model. Furthermore, case studies on gastric and breast cancers demonstrated that HSimGCDA successfully identified previously unrecognized circRNAs associated with these diseases. Collectively, these findings emphasize the potential of HSimGCDA as a practical tool for exploring CDA, thereby providing valuable insights into disease diagnosis and therapeutic development.

PMID:42526132 | DOI:10.1016/j.bioorg.2026.110258

Neurochirurgie. 2026 Jul 29;72(5):101861. doi: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2026.101861. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Research on intracranial aneurysm (IAs) emphasizes the role of flow-induced and neuroinflammation-driven vascular remodelling in aneurysm progression and rupture. However, tissue access for histo-molecular analysis remains limited, particularly with the rise of endovascular techniques. This study aims to establish systematic criteria for IA tissue sampling and preservation in clinical practice.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, adult patients undergoing IA surgery had systematic sampling of the aneurysmal wall, meninges, middle meningeal artery, and superficial temporal artery. Histological analysis was performed to assess tissue integrity, followed by pre-analysis using housekeeping genes expression to evaluate the feasibility of RT-qPCR analyses. Clinico-radiological data, including sampling-related complications were reviewed. A statistical comparison was made between ruptured and unruptured aneurysm groups.

RESULTS: Aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) accounted for over 60% in both groups. As expected, in ruptured cases, morbidity and mortality were significantly higher than in unruptured cases (p < 0.001; p = 0.043). No major complications could be directly attributed to sampling. Sampling success rates for the aneurysmal wall reached 97% in both groups, and around 80% for other tissues (STA, MMA, DM). Histopathological analysis of the aneurysmal wall was completed in 85% of unruptured cases and 83% of ruptured cases, indicating a depth limit of >3 mm for aneurysm sampling. Housekeeping gene expression was observed in all samples, without restriction based on aneurysm depth.

CONCLUSION: This study proposed criteria for safe and reproducible MCA aneurysm tissue sampling in routine clinical practice. These findings could support the creation of a national French vascular biobank, fostering further translational research.

PMID:42526103 | DOI:10.1016/j.neuchi.2026.101861

Poult Sci. 2026 May 21;105(11):107159. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2026.107159. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The delivery of ocular vaccines in the poultry industry is a crucial challenge, where manual eye-drop administration is prone to user-dependent variation. This leads to significant vaccine waste, increased labor costs, and potential health risks to animals. Employing robust statistical modeling, we aimed to compare a novel automated dropper apparatus against conventional methods under various influencing factors. Through multi-linear regression, we identified dispensing angle and inconsistent manual pressure as primary sources of drop mass variability in conventional systems. For flat-tip droppers, decreasing the dispensing angle led to smaller drops, while for round-tips, a tilted position (45°) altered drop mass significantly due to lateral wetting. We also demonstrated that remaining volume of the bottle could not explain the variability in drop mass, evidenced by near-zero R-squared values in regression models regardless of preparation or dispensing rate. The automated dropper exhibited superior performance, reducing drop mass standard deviation by 1.32 to 1.23 mg compared to manual methods ensuring both consistent dosing and minimizing waste. These lower standard deviations were particularly noticeable when compared to alternative dispensing techniques. These findings underscore the potential of automated systems to enhance accuracy and consistency in large-scale eye-drop poultry vaccine delivery.

PMID:42526087 | DOI:10.1016/j.psj.2026.107159

Injury. 2026 Jul 23;57(10):113502. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2026.113502. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The value of delayed cervical flexion-extension radiographs after blunt cervical spine trauma remains debated in alert patients with persistent neck pain, normal neurological examination, and normal initial static imaging. At Nantes University Hospital, a dedicated delayed dynamic radiography pathway has been used for more than 20 years. This study reassessed its diagnostic relevance.

METHODS: Prospective, observational, single-centre study conducted in routine clinical practice between May 2022 and May 2024. Two populations were analyzed: patients referred to the delayed dynamic radiography pathway after blunt cervical trauma (n = 303), and patients who underwent surgery for unstable post-traumatic cervical ligamentous injury diagnosed during the acute emergency department assessment (n = 24). The objectives were to determine whether delayed flexion-extension radiographs identify surgically relevant unstable cervical injuries in alert patients without neurological/radiological abnormalities at initial emergency department assessment, and to describe the clinical and radiological features of surgically treated unstable ligamentous injuries.

RESULTS: Among 303 patients referred to the delayed dynamic radiography pathway, 4 unstable cervical ligamentous injuries were identified. Retrospective review showed that all 4 patients had abnormal initial imaging and/or neurological symptoms, and therefore did not meet the intended low-risk pathway criteria. No unstable cervical ligamentous injury was diagnosed among the 299 other patients referred according to the pathway criteria, i.e. without initial neurological/radiological features suggestive of instability. During the same period, 23 unstable cervical ligamentous injuries were diagnosed in the emergency department and treated surgically. Among all 27 surgically treated patients, initial imaging was abnormal in 25 (92.6%) and neurological impairment was present in 16 (59.3%); all (100%) had either abnormal initial imaging and/or neurological findings.

CONCLUSION: In alert patients with persistent neck pain, normal neurological examination, and no suspicious abnormality on initial static imaging, delayed flexion-extension radiographs did not identify any surgically relevant injury. Routine use of this pathway should be reconsidered, with initial assessment relying on neurological examination and CT-based evaluation, and dynamic radiographs reserved for cases after specialist evaluation.

PMID:42526083 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2026.113502

Clin Psychol Rev. 2026 Jul 25;128:102786. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2026.102786. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The comparative efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) relative to other bona fide psychotherapies has been obscured by methodological limitations and variability in how ACT and active comparators are operationalized. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing full-model ACT (therapist-delivered, multi-session interventions targeting the core ACT processes) to bona fide psychotherapies. We identified 34 RCTs meeting our inclusion criteria. In line with prior critiques of the ACT literature, we identified several common methodological shortcomings, such as lack of preregistration of primary outcomes and hypotheses, inadequate statistical power for detecting differential effects, limited use of intent-to-treat analyses, and interpretive overreach. Random-effects three-level meta-analyses indicated that full-model ACT was not superior to bona fide psychotherapies on mental and behavioral health outcomes (g = -0.01, p = .86). Secondary, hypothesis-generating post hoc analyses examined clinical significance, ACT-targeted processes, and an exploratory TOST comparison against a prespecified equivalence region (g = ±0.20). Current RCT evidence does not justify recommending full-model ACT over other established treatments. Further progress will require more rigorous comparative trials and idiographic designs that better align with the ACT model.

PMID:42526063 | DOI:10.1016/j.cpr.2026.102786

J Prim Care Community Health. 2026 Jan-Dec;17:21501319261474422. doi: 10.1177/21501319261474422. Epub 2026 Jul 29.

ABSTRACT

Introduction/ObjectivesLower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are prevalent and represent prominent health issues among community-dwelling older people globally. This study aimed to examine the association among psychological adaptation, socio-economic status (SES), symptom types, and quality of life in community-dwelling older women with LUTS.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 older women residing in communities in central Thailand, who were recruited using purposive sampling criteria. Data collection was conducted through structured interviews and questionnaires, including the Personal Information Questionnaire, the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale-15, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, and the King’s Health Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsParticipants presented with multiple urinary tract symptoms; filling symptoms were found in 99.3% of participants, followed by incontinence (70%), and voiding symptoms (30%). For psychosocial adaptations, 23.3% suggested mild-moderate depressive symptoms, and 2.7% were classified as having moderate-severe depressive symptoms. Regarding SES, the majority of participants had completed primary school (73.3%), earned an average monthly income of 500-1,000 baht (52.7%), and were unemployed (56.7%). For quality of life, the mean total quality of life score was 16.45 ± 11.32. Participants with more than one lower urinary tract symptom were 3.81 times more likely to report poor quality of life than those with only filling symptoms (OR: 3.81, 95% CI: 1.53-9.47, p = 0.004).ConclusionThe findings from this study provide essential insights for healthcare personnel, particularly geriatric nurse practitioners, about the impact of LUTS on the quality of life of community-dwelling older women. Implementing systematic screening for LUTS may facilitate timely intervention, potentially delaying symptom progression, mitigating complications, and thereby enhancing the quality of life among this population.

PMID:42526051 | DOI:10.1177/21501319261474422

S D Med. 2026 May;79(suppl 5):s48-s49.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an ophthalmic emergency analogous to acute ischemic stroke, presenting with sudden painless vision loss and carrying a poor visual prognosis. The use of thrombolysis in managing CRAO remains controversial; recent randomized trials have not demonstrated statistically significant improvement in visual outcomes, though authors acknowledge potential underpowering to detect a clinically meaningful effect, with larger trials ongoing. Observational data suggest time-dependent treatment effects within a 4.5-hour window. Regardless of treatment efficacy, rapid recognition and evaluation within this narrow therapeutic window are essential for time-sensitive intervention. This study evaluated CRAO incidence and barriers to timely diagnosis within a regional healthcare system.

METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with CRAO across Avera Health facilities (June 2018-September 2025). Cases were identified using ICD-10 codes and confirmed through medical record review. Thrombolysis rates were used as a process measure to identify workflow inefficiencies. Data included presentation site, referral pathways, time from symptom onset to presentation, and thrombolysis eligibility and administration.

RESULTS: Of 107 patients identified, 67 had complete documentation. Initial presentation occurred across multiple settings: 36 (53.7%) to the emergency department, 31 (46.3%) to ophthalmology/optometry/outpatient settings. Forty-three patients (64.2%) presented >4.5 hours after symptom onset. Among 24 presenting within the window, 7 (29%) received thrombolysis, 4 (16.7%) had contraindications to thrombolysis, and 13 (54.2%) either presented to or were referred to ophthalmology for evaluation, all of whom were diagnosed outside the treatment window.

CONCLUSION: Timely CRAO evaluation remains uncommon due to delayed presentation and diagnostic delays awaiting ophthalmologic consultation. Among patients presenting within the treatment window, just 45.8% received time-sensitive treatment options. Referral for ophthalmologic evaluation prior to emergency department diagnosis was the most common barrier (54.2%). Streamlined triage pathways, emergency department education, and remote retinal imaging may facilitate earlier diagnosis and preserve treatment opportunities.

PMID:42526019

S D Med. 2026 May;79(suppl 5):s37.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain affects nearly one quarter of U.S. adults and remains difficult to treat with existing pharmacologic therapies. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has emerged as a potential non-invasive neuromodulation approach. The insular cortex plays a central role in pain perception and represents a promising stimulation target. Capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia provides a validated experimental pain model for studying analgesic interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether HD-tDCS targeting the insular cortex modulates thermal sensitivity and subjective pain perception in a capsaicin-induced pain model.

METHODS: Fifteen healthy participants underwent both active and sham HD-tDCS conditions. Capsaicin was applied to induce localized thermal hyperalgesia. Thermal sensory testing was performed before and after stimulation, including heat pain threshold (HPT), thermal sensory limen (TSL), and numeric rating scale (NRS) pain ratings. Repeated-measures ANOVA evaluated the effects of time and stimulation condition.

RESULTS: Capsaicin application increased thermal sensitivity and pain ratings across participants. However, no significant stimulation × time interaction was observed for HPT, TSL, or NRS scores, indicating no detectable difference between active and sham HD-tDCS conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, insular HD-tDCS did not significantly alter thermal sensitivity or pain perception in a capsaicin-induced pain model. These findings may reflect limited statistical power given the small sample size. Larger studies are needed to determine whether targeted neuromodulation of the insula can modulate acute pain processing.

PMID:42526006

S D Med. 2026 May;79(suppl 5):s36.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The healthcare industry is the largest private employer in the United States, yet workforce shortages persist. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) estimates that 92 million people live in primary care health professional shortage areas (HPSAs), 64 million in dental HPSAs, and 137 million in mental health HPSAs. An aging population and rising chronic illness rates place a growing burden on the healthcare system, with projected shortages exceeding 140,000 physicians and 100,000 registered nurses by 2038. Recruiting younger learners into healthcare careers is therefore critical. This study evaluated whether a traditional informational presentation or a presentation combined with hands-on activities was more effective at increasing high school students’ interest in healthcare careers.

METHODS: Two medical students visited eight high school chemistry classes, providing either a 30-minute informational presentation with time for questions, or a 10-minute presentation followed by 30 minutes of hands-on healthcare activities, including practicing vital signs and learning intubation techniques. Both presentations discussed motivations for working in healthcare and potential career paths. Students completed anonymous pre- and post-surveys assessing healthcare career interest. Surveys were paired using anonymous identifiers. Parental consent and student assent were obtained per institutional review board requirements.

RESULTS: The study included 129 consented participants, primarily 10th-grade students (n=124). Prior healthcare exposure was reported by 54%, and 62% had previously considered a healthcare career. On a scale of 1-10, baseline interest averaged 4.29. Interest increased by 0.64 (±1.16) in the presentation-only group and by 0.68 (±1.27) in the presentation plus hands-on group. These changes were statistically significant (p<0.001), with no significant difference between groups. Overall, 44% of students reported increased interest, 43% no change, and 12% decreased interest.

CONCLUSION: Both approaches were influential in reaffirming students’ interest or disinterest in a healthcare career. However, they did not differ significantly in their effect on interest. Future studies including broader student populations and expanded hands-on activities may better clarify effective strategies for engaging undecided students.

PMID:42526004