Category: Statistics

Semin Oncol Nurs. 2026 Mar 9:152172. doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2026.152172. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, causing specific physical, psychosocial, and supportive care needs. In Australia, over 120 PC Specialist Nurses (PCSNs) provide comprehensive, personalized care and support to people dealing with PC. PCSNs require specialized education to optimize knowledge of PC diagnosis and management, enabling them to provide high-quality, person-centered care. Electronic learning courses are vital for enhancing the knowledge and skills of these skilled practitioners. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of seven eLearning modules for improving PCSNs’ knowledge of PC diagnosis, treatment, and care.

METHODS: This article presents a nonexperimental evaluation study using pre- and post-tests. PCSNs completed pre-post knowledge and attitudes surveys about the eLearning modules. Knowledge acquisition and learning progress were assessed with bespoke scales and surveys, developed by researchers for each module. Responses were matched and compared using, respectively, McNemar’s statistic (n range: 10-36) and Wilcoxon signed rank tests (n range: 41-61). Satisfaction was measured using the Satisfaction with Asynchronous eLearning Scale (n range: 15-118).

RESULTS: Participants demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge against learning outcomes for all modules and satisfaction. In particular, knowledge of specific aspects of PC symptoms, treatment, and care, including patient’s sexual concerns, increased. The results indicated a high level of satisfaction with the modules’ format, content, and relevance.

CONCLUSIONS: Engaging, targeted eLearning courses can significantly enhance PCSNs’ knowledge and learner satisfaction. Learner confidence and clinical preparedness were also noted to be improved.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The findings reinforce the need for specific education for specialist nurses to address the distinct clinical and psychosocial challenges faced by people with PC and their families. Further research should examine the longer-term impact of similar codesigned, online professional education.

PMID:41807176 | DOI:10.1016/j.soncn.2026.152172

J Prosthet Dent. 2026 Mar 9:S0022-3913(26)00129-0. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2026.02.021. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Data on the accuracy of digital scans for complete arch implant-supported restorations, particularly concerning how different scan body (SB) designs affect implant orientation transfer in dental computer-aided design (CAD) programs, are lacking.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the trueness of implant position transfer using various new SB designs in digital scans.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A master maxillary model was fabricated with 4 straight multi-unit abutments connected to parallel implant analogs. Digital scans were obtained using an intraoral scanner with 4 SB designs: the original SB (OS), a 3-dimensionally (3D) printed SB replicating the original design (POS), a 3D printed SB with an asymmetric hexagon (PHS), and a 3D printed SB with an asymmetric hexagon modified with horizontal and vertical projections (PHVS). Ten digital scans were acquired per group and saved as standard tessellation language (STL) files. The master model with original SBs was scanned using a reference scanner to generate a reference dataset. STL files were imported into the inspection software program to measure linear, angular, and 3D deviations between each scan and the reference. Statistical analysis was performed using 1-way ANOVA followed by pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction (α=.05).

RESULTS: Significant differences were found among SB designs in linear, angular, and 3D deviations (P<.05). The PHS group (horizontal extensions) exhibited the lowest deviations compared with all other groups (P<.05). The POS group showed lower linear and angular deviations than PHVS.

CONCLUSIONS: The novel SB design with horizontal extensions (PHS) yielded the highest accuracy in linear, angular, and 3D measurements.

PMID:41807169 | DOI:10.1016/j.prosdent.2026.02.021

J Prosthet Dent. 2026 Mar 9:S0022-3913(26)00131-9. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2026.02.019. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although universal adhesives have been widely used, the role of silane in their formulations, especially regarding its chemical stability and interaction with functional monomers like 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP), and how these factors affect zirconia bonding remains unclear.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of universal adhesives (UAs) on the microshear bond strength (μSBS) and chemical interaction to zirconia immediately (IM) and after thermal aging (TC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Zirconia polycrystals were sectioned into blocks (n=96), cut into segments, and sintered. The segments were randomly assigned to 7 experimental groups (n=10) according to the following independent variables: adhesive treatment, categorized by the presence of silane, as follows: silane-free adhesives: Ambar (AMB) and Adper Single Bond 2 (SB2); silane/MDP containing adhesives: Ambar Universal APS (AMU), Scotchbond Universal (SBU); Ambar Universal APS Plus (AMU+), and Scotchbond Universal Plus (SBU+); and time: immediate (24 hours) or after 10 000 TC. Alloy Primer, a 10-MDP containing zirconia primer, was used as the positive control group. Additionally, 26 zirconia slices were subjected to micro-Raman spectroscopy to assess the chemical interaction after bonding procedures. After surface treatment, cylindrical molds were filled with resin cement and polymerized. All specimens were tested for μSBS at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (α=.05).

RESULTS: At the immediate time, AMU, SBU, AMU+, and SBU+ exhibited μSBS values statistically comparable with those of Alloy Primer (P>.05), whereas AMB and SB2 showed significantly lower μSBS (P<.05). After TC, all groups demonstrated a significant decrease in μSBS (P<.001). Nevertheless, AMU, AMU+, SBU, and SBU+ preserved higher residual μSBS than the control group, while AMB and SB2 dropped to 0 MPa. Raman analysis confirmed chemical interaction between the adhesives (AMU, AMU+, SBU, and SBU+) and the zirconia surface.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of 10-MDP-containing universal adhesives was effective for zirconia bonding, enhancing the immediate performance and improving long-term durability. However, the inclusion of silane in these adhesives did not significantly influence the bond strength to zirconia.

PMID:41807168 | DOI:10.1016/j.prosdent.2026.02.019

J Prosthet Dent. 2026 Mar 9:S0022-3913(26)00142-3. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2026.02.024. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Comparative studies assessing monolithic zirconia and metal-ceramic for implant-supported fixed prostheses remain limited.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to compare the survival and success of metal-ceramic and monolithic zirconia implant-supported prostheses using a split-mouth design.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 112 participants with 302 implant-supported prostheses. All participants had received both metal-ceramic (n=145) and monolithic zirconia (n=157) restorations between January 2018 and January 2024. Mechanical complications were recorded for all restorations. For the split-mouth analysis, the odds ratio was calculated using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). To compare the 5-year cumulative survival rates between groups, the Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test (α=.05) were performed.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 36 months. Of the 302 implant-supported prostheses, 12 metal-ceramic and 10 monolithic zirconia restorations failed. The 5-year cumulative survival rates were 90.9% (95% CI, 85.9% to 95.9%) for the metal-ceramic group and 90.0% (95% CI, 81.9% to 98.2%) for the monolithic zirconia group, with no significant difference (P=.653). Similarly, survival rates did not differ significantly for single crown (P=.240) or fixed partial denture (P=.647). According to GEE analysis, the odds ratio for mechanical complications between the groups was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.41 to 2.98). Although complications were more frequent in the metal-ceramic group, the difference was not statistically significant (P=.830).

CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective split-mouth study, the 5-year cumulative survival rates and the incidence of mechanical complications did not differ significantly between metal-ceramic and monolithic zirconia implant-supported prostheses. Although metal-ceramic showed a higher number of complications, this difference was not statistically significant. Within the limitations of this study, monolithic zirconia may be considered a suitable material for implant-supported prostheses.

PMID:41807167 | DOI:10.1016/j.prosdent.2026.02.024

J Prosthet Dent. 2026 Mar 9:S0022-3913(26)00098-3. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2026.02.012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Artificial intelligence (AI) has been applied to crown design and can produce acceptable morphology. However, occlusal morphology and contact area distribution generated by AI may differ from natural teeth. Whether they can approach ideal static and dynamic occlusion remains unknown.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to assess whether using a technique based on the wear facets of antagonist teeth improved the performance of occlusal morphology and contact area distribution of AI generated crowns.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study, 23 participants were enrolled. Four types of crowns for maxillary first molars were analyzed: natural tooth (NA), technician designed crown (TE), AI generated crown (AT), and the Facets Align technique adjusted AT crown (FA). Occlusal morphology was evaluated by cusp inclination and root mean square (RMS). Occlusal contact area distribution was evaluated by area, F1-score, and occlusal contact separation distance. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to analyze the stress distribution of the crowns. Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman 2-way rank nonparametric test and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α=.05).

RESULTS: The cusp inclination of AT was lower than that of NA (P<.01) on the distobuccal and distopalatal cusps. The occlusal contact area of AT was smaller than that of NA (P<.01). The occlusal contact separation distance of AT was the shortest during protrusive, working side, and nonworking side lateral movements (P<.01). FA did not differ significantly from NA and AT in cusp inclination. FA had smaller RMS (P<.01) and larger occlusal contact area (P<.001) than AT in several regions. FA improved the occlusal contact separation distance of AT during lateral movement on the working side (P<.05), while no significant difference was observed during protrusive and nonworking side lateral movement. The mean F1-score was 0.60 for FA, and the difference was significant between FA and AT (P<.001). As for finite element analysis (FEA), FA tended to exhibit higher stress and deformation values than AT but remained lower than NA.

CONCLUSIONS: The Facets Align technique optimized AI generated crowns in both static and dynamic occlusion when there were wear facets on the antagonist tooth.

PMID:41807165 | DOI:10.1016/j.prosdent.2026.02.012

Acad Radiol. 2026 Mar 9:S1076-6332(26)00117-0. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2026.02.029. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study compared thermal ablation (TA) and surgical resection (SR) in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on multiparametric gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI features, with an emphasis on the impact of tumor location, size, and liver function reserve.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with early-stage HCC treated with either TA or SR at our hospital from January 2016 to August 2021 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) with a 1:1 nearest-neighbor algorithm was employed to balance nineteen predefined covariates across treatment groups. Standardized imaging protocols and blinded consensus review were implemented. Survival outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression. Subgroup analyses stratified by tumor topography, size, and albumin-bilirubin grade were performed.

RESULTS: Initially, 92 patients in the TA group and 181 patients in the SR group were included. After PSM, a balanced cohort of 50 patients in each group was achieved. No significant differences in OS (log-rank p = 0.822) or DFS (log-rank p = 0.268) were found between the TA and SR groups. The subgroup analyses after matching demonstrated no statistically significant differences in OS or DFS across the stratified groups (all p > 0.05). Further Cox analysis revealed that elevated alpha-fetoprotein (hazard ratio = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.04-3.39, p = 0.037) was an independent risk factor affecting DFS in the ablation group.

CONCLUSION: This study indicates that TA and SR offer similar therapeutic outcomes in early-stage HCC, with comparable survival outcomes for patients.

PMID:41807162 | DOI:10.1016/j.acra.2026.02.029

Mov Disord. 2026 Mar 10. doi: 10.1002/mds.70264. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence indicates that dysregulation of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), synthesized by the enzyme stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD), impacts on α-synuclein pathology in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) brain.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze SCD and MUFA-enriched lipids in the periphery of patients with sporadic PD compared with healthy control subjects.

METHODS: Serum SCD protein was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in patients with PD (n = 40) and control subjects (n = 41). Lipidomic profiling was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and LipidSearch software. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U tests and Welch’s t tests with false discovery rate (FDR) correction.

RESULTS: SCD levels were higher in PD (mean = 1702 pg/ml) compared with control subjects (1158 pg/ml; P = 2.2 × 10^-4; Cohen’s d = 0.73). Lipidomics showed elevated MUFA content in four lipid classes: methylphosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, dihexosylceramide, and triglycerides (FDR < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Increased SCD and MUFA-enriched lipids indicate altered membrane and sphingolipid metabolism in PD, consistent with central disease pathology, that present a potential for novel biomarker development for PD. © 2026 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

PMID:41807087 | DOI:10.1002/mds.70264

Musculoskeletal Care. 2026 Mar;24(1):e70202. doi: 10.1002/msc.70202.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain is a highly prevalent and disabling condition that impairs physical function and has a broad social impact. This study aimed to assess the effects of manipulative techniques on static, quasi-static, and dynamic balance in individuals with chronic low back pain, and to compare these outcomes between an experimental group and a placebo group. The study is justified by the high prevalence of low back pain, the economic burden associated with treatment and work absence, and the need to clarify the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches.

METHODS: A randomized, controlled, longitudinal, pre/post-intervention clinical trial was conducted with 30 participants (18-59 years), of both sexes, all experiencing chronic low back pain. Individuals with other musculoskeletal, neurological, cognitive, cardiorespiratory, or balance-affecting conditions were excluded. Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group, which received global spinal manipulation in the thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic regions, or a placebo group. Assessments included the modified Sensory Organization Test (SOT), the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and pain pressure threshold algometry, applied before and after the intervention.

RESULTS: Results indicated that a single session of spinal manipulation did not produce significant changes in static, quasi-static, or dynamic balance variables. Additionally, comparisons between pre- and post-intervention (immediate, 24 h, and 1 week follow-up) revealed no statistically significant differences were found.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a single session of spinal manipulation may not be sufficient to induce measurable changes in balance parameters in this population.

PMID:41807085 | DOI:10.1002/msc.70202

Stat Med. 2026 Mar;45(6-7):e70476. doi: 10.1002/sim.70476.

ABSTRACT

Modeling dynamic heterogeneity is essential for revealing the distinct longitudinal trajectories of individual change. Dynamic heterogeneity analysis of semi-continuous longitudinal data is commonly difficult due to the semi-continuity of longitudinal responses. The hidden semi-Markov model is a powerful tool that can reveal the longitudinal dependency structure and the dynamic heterogeneity of the observation process by introducing the sojourn time distribution. To address the challenge of modeling dynamic heterogeneity in semi-continuous longitudinal data, this study develops a two-part hidden semi-Markov mixed-effects model. The proposed model mainly consists of two parts: a discrete binary indicator model to estimate the probability of a zero outcome for the semi-continuous longitudinal response, and a continuous hidden semi-Markov model to fit the positive values of semi-continuous longitudinal responses. In order to accurately obtain the state of each individual at different observation times, a set of likelihood ratio test state iteration algorithms is developed. Bayesian methods are used to estimate the regression coefficients and state parameters of the proposed model. The proposed methodology is applied to analyze the dataset of the Health and Retirement Study conducted by the University of Michigan. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the flexibility of the proposed model under various scenarios.

PMID:41807079 | DOI:10.1002/sim.70476

Trends Neurosci Educ. 2026 Mar;42:100278. doi: 10.1016/j.tine.2026.100278. Epub 2026 Jan 29.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study is the first to examine the prevalence of neuromyth beliefs among parents of primary school students in Turkey, the sources of these beliefs, their relationship with educational level, and their predictive effect on attitudes toward neuroscience and purchase intentions.

METHOD: A total of 311 Turkish parents with children in primary school participated in the study. The prevalence of parents’ neuromyth beliefs, their sources (e.g., TV news, social media), attitudes toward neuroscience, and purchase intentions for brain development products were measured using scales. Frequency analyses, simple linear regression analysis, and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: The analyses revealed that neuromyth beliefs are prevalent among Turkish parents and that TV news and social media are the main sources of these beliefs. Statistical analyses showed that neuromyth belief levels decreased significantly as parents’ education level increased. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that belief in neuromyths significantly predicted attitudes toward neuroscience.

CONCLUSION: This study shows that parents’ belief in neuromyths is widespread in the Turkish context and is disseminated particularly through popular media channels. The fact that belief in neuromyths positively predicts attitudes toward neuroscience indicates that parents are interested in neuroscientific topics, albeit with misconceptions. These results suggest that science-based awareness campaigns targeting parents should consider differences in media use and educational levels.

PMID:41807074 | DOI:10.1016/j.tine.2026.100278