Category: Statistics

Br J Math Stat Psychol. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1111/bmsp.70029. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Although individuals may exhibit both gradual and abrupt changes in their dynamic properties as shaped by both slowly accumulating influences and acute events, existing statistical frameworks offer limited capacity for the simultaneous detection and representation of these distinct change patterns. We propose a Bayesian regime-switching (RS) modelling framework and an entropy measure adapted from the frequentist framework to facilitate simultaneous representation and testing of postulates of gradual and abrupt changes. Results from Monte Carlo simulation studies indicated that using a combination of entropy and information criterion measures such as the Bayesian information criterion was consistently most effective at facilitating the selection of the best-fitting model across varying magnitudes of abrupt changes. We found that slight lower entropy thresholds may be helpful in facilitating the selection of longitudinal models with RS properties as this class of models tended to yield lower entropy values than conventional thresholds for reliable classification in cross-sectional mixture models-even under satisfactory parameter recovery and classification results. We fitted the proposed models and other candidate models to the data collected from an intervention study on the psychological well-being (PWB) of college-attending early adults. Results suggested abrupt, regime-related transitions in the intra-individual variability levels of PWB dynamics among some participants following the intervention period. Practical usage of the entropy measure in conjunction with other model selection measures, and guidelines to enhance simultaneous detection of true abrupt and gradual changes are discussed.

PMID:41501619 | DOI:10.1111/bmsp.70029

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2026 Jan 7:34894251401132. doi: 10.1177/00034894251401132. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of rhinophototherapy (RPT) on nasal mucosa and inflammatory cells in allergic rhinitis compared to intranasal corticosteroids (INCS).

METHODS: Adult patients (≥18 years) with newly diagnosed perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) were randomly divided into 2 groups, RPT and INCS. Treatment was administered for 2 weeks. Primary outcome was evaluation of the inflammatory cells and mucosal damage via inferior turbinate biopsy, performed post-treatment. Secondary outcomes measured were visual analogue score (VAS) of clinical symptoms (overall, runny nose, sneezing, nasal block, nasal itchiness and ocular itchiness) and nasal patency using rhinomanometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF).

RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included, with 18 patients randomized into RPT and 17 patients into INCS. The mean age of patients was 31.3 ± 9.6 (range: 19-57). There was no statistically significant difference observed in terms of inflammatory cells in both groups. Similarly, both groups had no differences in mucosal damage parameters. Patients in RPT group showed statistically significant improvement for overall and specific symptoms VAS score (P < 0.05). Comparing both groups, patients using INCS reported bigger effect size for overall VAS score and specific VAS score for runny nose, sneezing, nasal and eye itchiness. Both groups showed improvement in PNIF reading post-treatment although only RPT group showed statistical significance (P = .015). In terms of rhinomanometry, both groups showed significant improvement in post-treatment nasal flow rate (P < .05). There was decrease in total nasal resistance observed in both groups, albeit with RPT being statistically significant (P = .004). There were no adverse events reported in both groups.

CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in inflammatory cells of inferior turbinate mucosa and mucosal damage between RPT and INCS. RPT is a safe and suitable short-term alternative (2 weeks) for AR patients who are contraindicated for or unable to tolerate INCS.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov with the ID: NCT05919316.

PMID:41501617 | DOI:10.1177/00034894251401132

J Phys Chem B. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.5c07574. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Glucose mutarotation plays a fundamental role in carbohydrate chemistry by governing the interconversion between α- and β-anomers in solution, thereby influencing the physical, chemical, and biological properties of glucose. Two mechanisms have been proposed for the mutarotation of glucose in aqueous solution. However, it remains unclear which pathway predominates under typical conditions, as both have been suggested, and definitive experimental or theoretical evidence distinguishing them is still lacking. To clarify the mutarotation mechanism of glucose, deep learning potential molecular dynamics (DLPMD) simulations were performed to investigate the underlying mechanism and free energy profiles of glucose mutarotation. Compared with previous ab initio molecular dynamics results, the DLPMD simulations provide a more accurate and statistically converged description of the reaction landscape, revealing that mutarotation preferentially proceeds via the ring-opening pathway. This route exhibits a lower activation barrier and avoids the formation of a high-energy C1 carbocation. Within the ring-opening mechanism, the formation of the β-anomer is kinetically favored. These results demonstrate that DLPMD simulations reliably capture both reaction pathways and conformational preferences in aqueous solution, offering a computationally efficient alternative to conventional density functional theory (DFT) methods.

PMID:41501613 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jpcb.5c07574

J Clin Psychiatry. 2026 Jan 7;87(1):25m15860. doi: 10.4088/JCP.25m15860.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a 6-month digital multidomain cognitive intervention on cognitive function and psychosocial outcomes in older adults at high risk of dementia.

Methods: A 2-arm, randomized clinical trial was conducted at Fujian Provincial Hospital and 4 community health care centers (April 2024 to December 2024). Participants (N=166, aged ≥60 years, modified dementia risk score >79) were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to a 6-month digital multidomain cognitive intervention and control group. Primary outcomes included general cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) scores; secondary outcomes covered memory (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test [ROCFT] and Auditory Verbal Learning Test), language (Verbal Fluency Test and Boston Naming Test), executive function and attention (Shape Trails Test), visuospatial skill (ROCFT), mobility (Activity of Daily Living and Berg Balance Scale), psychosocial status (15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Quality of Life-Alzheimer’s Disease), and health-promoting behaviors (Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II and Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices). Intention-to-treat analysis with random forest imputation was performed.

Results: A total of 154 participants (92.77%) completed the trial. Compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in general cognitive function, visuospatial memory, and loneliness, including MoCA (t=2.106, P=.037), ROCFT immediate and long-delay recall (Z=-2.789, P=.05; t=2.797, P=.05), and UCLA Loneliness Scale (Z=-2.641, P=.008). No statistically significant between-group differences emerged in other indicators.

Conclusion: A 6-month digital multidomain intervention significantly enhanced general cognitive function and visuospatial memory and reduced loneliness in older adults at high risk for dementia. These results highlight the potential of WeChat-based delivery models to provide feasible, acceptable, and widely applicable solutions for dementia risk reduction in aging populations.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials. gov identifier: NCT06442943.

PMID:41499182 | DOI:10.4088/JCP.25m15860

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2026 Jan 7:llag008. doi: 10.1093/ced/llag008. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Narrowband ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is a widely used treatment for various dermatological conditions. To optimize dosing and identify abnormal photosensitivity, minimal erythema dose (MED) testing is routinely performed. This retrospective review analysed MED values from 882 patients in Dundee and 188 in London, excluding those with abnormal photosensitivity or repeat tests. Median MED values increased with Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype (SPT), but significant overlap was observed across SPTs and between centres. Notably, Dundee exhibited statistically lower MED values than London for SPT II/III (p < 0.001). Compared to published volunteer studies, both centres reported lower MEDs, possibly due to differences in dosimetry, erythema assessment, or population UV sensitivity. Non-responder rates were low for SPT I-III but higher in SPT IV-VI, suggesting a need for broader test dose ranges in darker skin types. These findings provide updated reference ranges to inform NB-UVB phototherapy protocols and improve clinical practice.

PMID:41498221 | DOI:10.1093/ced/llag008

Palliat Support Care. 2026 Jan 7;24:e20. doi: 10.1017/S1478951525101429.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers (CG) face a complex disease trajectory, which includes a multitude of challenges related to identifying credible health resources, access to services, and securing emotional support. Scalable, sustainable interventions that guide recently diagnosed PLWD and CG are desperately needed to minimize unnecessary burden and improve quality of life. This article describes the feasibility and acceptability of an early virtual palliative care intervention (SUPPORT-D^TM) for use among PLWD with mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer’s disease and their CG.

METHODS: Using a quasi-experimental design, this 6-week prospective feasibility study was conducted among 28 (PLWD/CG) dyads and 2 individual CG. Eligibility criteria for PLWD included those with mild cognitive impairment (FAST score ≥4). SUPPORT-D^TM comprises 4 main areas of guided support: 1) understanding the disease, 2) caring for myself, 3) caring for the caregiver, and 4) planning for the future. Outcome data were collected pre/post and during the intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted post intervention with 10 dyads. This study was approved by the Medical University of South Carolina IRB and data were collected from January 2023 to March 2024.

RESULTS: Seventy-six percent (23/30) of enrolled dyads successfully completed the study. PLWD and CG scores on validated measures of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility indicated SUPPORT-D^TM was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. Post-intervention interview feedback further evidenced the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of SUPPORT-D^TM.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Delivery of this virtual nurse-led early palliative care intervention (a Program of SUPPORT-D^TM) was feasible for both PLWD and their CGs. A Program of SUPPORT-D^TM has potential as a feasible intervention to provide anticipatory guidance to community-dwelling PLWD and CG. Participants endorsed inclusion of additional content specific to physical activity, stress management, and social support as helpful refinements for future delivery.

PMID:41498161 | DOI:10.1017/S1478951525101429

Hypertension. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.125.25444. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The health benefits of different moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) patterns, including weekend warrior and regularly distributed activity, in individuals with hypertension remain unclear. This study investigated associations between MVPA patterns and mortality and stroke outcomes in patients with hypertension.

METHODS: A total of 52 838 participants from the UK Biobank with accelerometer data following hypertension were included. Participants were classified by weekly MVPA amounts and distribution: active weekend warrior, active regular, and inactive. Cox proportional hazards models examined associations between MVPA patterns and all-cause mortality, with secondary outcomes including stroke mortality, stroke, and ischemic stroke.

RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 7.5 years, 2636 all-cause mortality, 161 stroke mortality, 875 stroke, and 716 ischemic stroke events occurred. Compared with the inactive group, both active weekend warriors (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70 [95% CI, 0.64-0.77]; P<0.0001) and active regular (HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.65-0.82];P<0.0001) demonstrated ≈30% lower risk of all-cause mortality. Both active groups showed risk reduction trends for stroke mortality (active weekend warrior: HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.59-1.22]; active regular: HR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.55-1.38]), stroke (HR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.73-1.00] versus HR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.75-1.10]), and ischemic stroke (HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.70-0.99] versus HR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.70-1.08]), though these were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the health benefits of actively engaging in guideline-recommended MVPA for patients with hypertension, demonstrating a 30% mortality risk reduction whether they distribute MVPA throughout the week or concentrate MVPA within 1 to 2 days compared with physical inactivity.

PMID:41498144 | DOI:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.125.25444

Comput Inform Nurs. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1097/CIN.0000000000001416. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Serious games have an important role in nursing education to support the development of students’ knowledge, skills, satisfaction, and self-confidence. Serious games in the development of basic nursing skills are defined as interactive computer applications that present a challenging goal, offer an enjoyable and engaging experience, incorporate scoring mechanisms, and equip users with useful skills, knowledge, or attitudes. They provide students with opportunities for active learning, solving clinical problems, and gaining experience in a risk-free environment. Serious gaming applications ensure that education is not interrupted, especially in situations such as disasters and epidemics. Gamification-based education has recently become one of the e-learning methods used in nursing education. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of serious game activities in raising palliative care awareness among nursing students at Al-Quds University in Palestine, where gamification had not been previously utilized. This study employed a single-group quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design to evaluate the effectiveness of a serious game in raising palliative care awareness among nursing students. The findings reveal a statistically significant increase in students’ palliative care knowledge scores following the e-learning and serious game activity (t = -3.659; P < .001). Post intervention, the difference between pre-test and post-test scores was found to be statistically significant for both female (P = .022) and male (P = .023) students, fourth-year students (P = .003), students with palliative care experience (P = .004), those who had taken 5 or more nursing courses with clinical practice (P = .009), and students who had previously received palliative care education (P < .001). In conclusion, since serious game-based educational games can positively impact nursing students’ knowledge, skills, and self-confidence, they should be added to the curriculum by combining them with traditional education.

PMID:41498142 | DOI:10.1097/CIN.0000000000001416

Lupus. 2026 Jan 7:9612033261415985. doi: 10.1177/09612033261415985. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

ObjectivesThe occurrence of a birth-cohort pattern underlying the time trends of any given disease is indicative of exposure to environmental risk factors during early life with long-lasting consequences that influence the disease occurrence during patients’ subsequent lifetime. The present analysis serves to test whether the time trends of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) in England & Wales and the United States are characterized by a similar birth-cohort patterns as other autoimmune diseases associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).MethodsIn an observational study using the Vital Statistics of England & Wales and the United States from 1951 to 2022, the mortality trends of SLE were compared to those of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), multiple sclerosis (MS), Crohn’s disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC).ResultsMortality from SLE rose among generations born during the 19^th century and decreased among generations born subsequently during the 20^th century. This birth-cohort pattern of SLE was matched by almost identical patterns underlying the occurrence of MS and CD, whereas mortality from HL and UC were similarly characterized by a birth-cohort patterns with a rise and fall in mortality that were shifted by 10-20 years towards earlier generations when compared to SLE, MS, and CD.ConclusionThe similarities in the birth-cohort patterns of SLE and other EBV-associated diagnoses suggest that they all share a common risk factor, such as EBV infection. The trends of SLE may have been shaped by underlying trends in the acquisition of EBV infection during adolescence or early adulthood.

PMID:41498141 | DOI:10.1177/09612033261415985

Clin Chem Lab Med. 2026 Jan 8. doi: 10.1515/cclm-2025-1126. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of robotic venipuncture in clinical settings and compare its performance with manual venipuncture in terms of blood specimen quality and test results.

METHODS: From March to April 2025, 63 participants (35 females, 28 males), aged 23-73 years, were recruited at Zoucheng People’s Hospital Medical Laboratory Center. Blood samples were collected using both robotic venipuncture and manual venipuncture on April 8, 2025. Specimen quality was assessed pre-testing, and coagulation/biochemical parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS: Robotic venipuncture demonstrated advantages in reducing venipuncture pain and achieving more consistent blood sample mixing. Compared with manual venipuncture, the robotic system enables more precise control of blood collection volume and anticoagulant ratio. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in fibrinogen (Fib), prothrombin time (PT), plasminogen activity (PTA), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), International Normalized Ratio (INR), thrombin time (TT), potassium (K⁺), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) levels between the two methods.

CONCLUSIONS: Robotic venipuncture technology demonstrates clinical feasibility, offering more precise blood collection volumes and accurate anticoagulant-to-blood ratios compared to manual venipuncture, thereby enhancing specimen stability (Lippi G, Salvagno GL, Montagnana M, Lima-Oliveira G, Guidi GC, Favaloro EJ. Quality standards for sample collection in coagulation testing. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2012;38:565-75; Reneke J, Etzell J, Leslie S, Ng VL, Gottfried EL. Prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time due to underfilled specimen tubes with 109 mmol/L (3.2 %) citrate anticoagulant. Am J Clin Pathol. 1998;109:754-7). However, challenges remain, including longer procedure times and initial user acceptance barriers.

PMID:41498135 | DOI:10.1515/cclm-2025-1126