Category: Statistics

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 May 1;198(5):539. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15340-y.

ABSTRACT

Heavy metal contamination in lake sediments poses significant ecological and health risks, yet comprehensive national-scale assessments remain limited. This study systematically evaluates the spatial distribution, ecological risks, and human health implications of heavy metals Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, and As in sediments from 41 representative large lakes across China. Analyses were conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the geoaccumulation index (I_geo), the potential ecological risk index (PERI), and health risk models. Spatial analysis via geographic information systems (GIS) revealed that heavy metal contamination was generally higher in eastern lakes (0.19-376.00 mg/kg) than in western lakes (0.17-339.00 mg/kg), with southwestern lakes (11.55-339.00 mg/kg) emerging as a notable pollution hotspot. Cd was identified as the predominant contributor to ecological risk, with 80% of lakes exceeding moderate risk thresholds (PERI > 60). Severe Cd pollution hotspots were observed notably in Chaohu (34.5 mg/kg), Dianchi (1.30 mg/kg), and Fuxian (7.90 mg/kg) lakes. Non-carcinogenic risk (hazard quotient (HQ) < 1) for Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu were negligible, and carcinogenic risks for Cr and As (10⁻⁵-10⁻⁴) remained within acceptable limits. This multi-metric assessment underscores Cd as a priority pollutant requiring urgent mitigation. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers to design region-specific pollution control strategies and advance sustainable lake management in China.

PMID:42065836 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15340-y

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 May 1;198(5):535. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15382-2.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the presence, spatial distribution, and ecological risk of trace metal contamination in the Potomac River Test Range Complex (PRTR) middle danger zone, a heavily utilized military testing site with over a century of munitions activity. Surface water, near-bed water, and surficial sediment samples were collected from 21 sites and analyzed for trace metals (Al, As, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Contamination levels were interpreted using the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) for water samples and the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) for sediments. Ward’s multivariate cluster analysis with silhouette optimization was applied to assess spatial relationships between contamination patterns and historical projectile-density zones. Surface waters were generally low in contamination, whereas near-bed waters exhibited higher metal concentrations with multiple sites classified as critically polluted. Sediments showed widespread anthropogenic enrichment (Igeo Classes 1-3), with elevated ecological risks (PERI) concentrated in areas of dense historical munitions activity. Cluster analyses revealed clear spatial separation between high- and low-intensity use zones, supporting a linkage between munitions testing and localized contamination. These findings demonstrate that military activities contribute measurably to metal contamination superimposed on broader watershed inputs. This study represents one of the first field-based, multi-matrix assessments of contamination within the PRTR, advancing beyond prior evaluations that utilized modeling and screening approaches. This integrated framework provides improved resolution of contamination pathways and strengthens targeted monitoring, ecological risk assessment, and management of impacted aquatic systems.

PMID:42065826 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15382-2

Ann Biomed Eng. 2026 May 1. doi: 10.1007/s10439-026-04162-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Meniscal allograft transplantation can restore joint biomechanics and alleviate symptoms, but its clinical use is limited by the scarcity of size-matched, structurally intact grafts. Current two-dimensional sizing and subjective inspection in tissue banks fail to capture complex three-dimensional geometry and subtle surface defects, highlighting the need for an accurate, reliable, and practical solution for routine donor tissue evaluation.

METHODS: We developed an integrated system combining optical 3D scanning with curvature-based analysis for 3D geometry capture and surface defect detection in meniscus allografts. System performance was validated in terms of scanner accuracy and tissue bank workflow feasibility.

RESULTS: The system completes each scan within 2 versus ~ 60 min for micro-computed tomography (μCT). It demonstrated μCT-comparable accuracy (mean volume difference: 6.9%; surface deviation: 8.3%). Scanning through phosphate buffer saline (PBS)-immersed transparent bags yielded equivalent accuracy to scanning in air (mean volume difference: 7.2%; surface deviation: 12.5%). The workflow demonstrated high intra- and inter-operator reproducibility. Viability testing revealed PBS-preserved tissues maintained > 94% viability for 20 min, whereas air-exposed tissues dropped below 70% within 10 min. For defect assessment, curvature metrics reliably identified surface wear, longitudinal, and radial defects, with size measurements for wear and longitudinal tears showing equivalence (± 10% margin) to stereomicroscopy.

CONCLUSION: This portable system enables accurate and rapid 3D scanning under tissue banking conditions and quantitative surface defect detection. It supports improved graft shape matching and surface defect screening, offering a practical and scalable solution for tissue banks and clinical settings, potentially extendable to other fibrocartilaginous and osteochondral tissues.

PMID:42065816 | DOI:10.1007/s10439-026-04162-1

Obes Surg. 2026 May 1. doi: 10.1007/s11695-026-08712-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a pre-lunch single bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (AEX) alters time spent in hypoglycaemia (<3.0 mmol/L) during the subsequent 24 hours (24-h) and parameters of glucose homeostasis in individuals without diabetes after metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS).

METHODS: In a randomised crossover study, 15 participants completed two conditions: 30min treadmill walking at 60% V̇O₂peak (AEX) and time-matched sitting (CON). After an overnight fast and a standardised breakfast, participants performed AEX or CON, and both conditions were followed by an identical lunch administered as a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) assessed glucose levels for 24-h post-intervention, during which participants consumed standardised meals. CGM data were available for analysis in 11 participants. The primary outcome was time spent with glucose <3.0 mmol/L during the 24-h post-intervention. Secondary outcomes included other CGM-derived glucose metrics and plasma glucose and insulin responses during the 3-h MMTT.

RESULTS: Only one isolated hypoglycaemic event (<3.0 mmol/L) occurred, precluding statistical analysis of the primary outcome. Mean 24-h glucose (AEX: 6.4 (1.0); CON: 6.5 (0.9) mmol/L; p = 0.57) and time <3.9 mmol/L (AEX 0 (0.0, 0.5); CON 0 (0.0, 0.5) %; p = 0.68) did not differ between conditions. AEX reduced glucose coefficient of variation (p < 0.01). During the MMTT, nadir, peak, and AUC_0-180 glucose, as well as pre-MMTT insulin concentrations, were higher following AEX (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: A pre-lunch 30-min bout of AEX did not increase the 24-h risk of hypoglycaemia post-MBS but elevated post-MMTT glucose levels.

PMID:42065808 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-026-08712-3

J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2026 May 1. doi: 10.1007/s40615-026-02995-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The Hispanic population in the United States (U.S.) is rapidly growing. Prior research indicates that foreign-born women have lower neuraxial labor analgesia (NLA) rates than U.S.-born counterparts but influence of maternal country of origin remains unclear. This study examines the association between birthplace (foreign-born vs. US-born) and NLA during labor.

METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized CDC WONDER’s Natality Expanded-Results Database (2016-2023) to analyze birth characteristics amongst several populous Hispanic subgroups. A Chi-Square test assessed overall differences in NLA by birthplace, Statistical significance was set at p < .05.

RESULTS: The study included 704,913 participants. Rates of NLA in U.S.-born mothers of Mexican origin were significantly higher than their foreign-born counterparts (80.30% and 74.2% respectively; absolute difference 6.1%, 95% CI: 5.9, 6.4). Rates of NLA in U.S.-born mothers of Cuban origin were significantly lower than their foreign-born counterparts (82.30% and 85/70% respectively, absolute difference-3.4, 95% CI: -4.3, -2.5). There was no difference in NLA between U.S.-born and foreign-born women of Dominican origin (81.40% and 76.70% respectively, absolute difference 4.8, CI: -6.0, 15.6). Of all the Hispanic origins, Cubans (both U.S. born and foreign-born) were most likely to use neuraxial labor analgesia (82.3% and 85.7% respectively). There is no significant difference in age of mother, birth weight, BMI, number of prenatal visits, and interval since last live birth between U.S.-born and foreign-born women of the same Hispanic origin (p>.05).

CONCLUSION: Intra-racial differences in NLA exist based on maternal birthplace and Hispanic origin, highlighting need for further research on cultural influences in obstetric pain management. These trends should be continuously monitored to formulate tailored public health interventions.

PMID:42065806 | DOI:10.1007/s40615-026-02995-z

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 May 1;198(5):536. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15379-x.

ABSTRACT

This study presents a long-term analysis of water quality using the National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI) based on the monitoring data from 1966 to 2023 for the Sumida River in Tokyo. Although the NSFWQI has been widely used, it is not often applied to large, long-term datasets. This study illustrates how the NSFWQI can be effectively used for multidecadal analysis, allowing researchers to identify temporal dynamics and progressive changes in water quality. In this study, NSFWQI was developed from 27 sampling points using four to eight key parameters: transparency, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate, phosphate, and fecal coliform of the monthly dataset from 1966 to 2023. The results show that the overall water quality improved from poor in 1966 to good by 2012, driven mainly by reduced BOD and enhanced DO. Moreover, the analysis identified eight significant change points, indicating gradual improvements in water quality that correspond to major policy and infrastructure advancements. However, among eight water quality parameters, fecal coliform levels remained persistently high, indicating continuing microbial risks linked to diffuse sources and aging sewer infrastructure. The findings highlight how sustained governance and infrastructure investment can reverse urban river degradation, while emphasizing that chemical recovery alone is insufficient without microbial management. Incorporating WQI-based assessments into Japan’s monitoring frameworks could enhance adaptive water governance and public communication of river health.

PMID:42065793 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15379-x

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 May 1;198(5):537. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15339-5.

ABSTRACT

Land use land cover (LULC) changes are key indicators of environmental transformation, directly influencing hydrological balance, ecosystem services and sustainable land management. Sher River basin, an agro-ecological diverse sub-basin of the Upper Narmada River system in India, is the primary hydrological and socio-economic lifeline for local communities, but no comprehensive study on Sher River basin related to long term LULC dynamics could be tracked in the literature. To fulfil this research gap, long term LULC spatiotemporal change detection and transition patterns analysis with a dual-seasonal focus on the Rabi and Kharif cropping periods over a 23-year period (2001-2023) in Sher River basin are carried out. LULC maps are created using multi-sensor Landsat data (TM, ETM+ , OLI/TIRS) for 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2023 at an interval of 5 years for both Rabi and Kharif seasons using a supervised classification technique with the maximum likelihood classifier. Five LULC classes, namely, built-up, agricultural, forest, water body and barren land are delineated. All classified maps achieved overall accuracies exceeding 85% with kappa coefficients greater than 0.80. The agricultural land increased significantly in both seasons, more sharply during Rabi (5.86% to 10%) while built-up areas expanded more than fivefold (0.18% to 0.85%) reflecting rapid urbanization during 23 years. Barren land declined noticeably, transitioning mainly into agricultural and urban land uses. Forest cover, after an initial decline, showed recovery post 2016 with a modest increase in the later years due to afforestation initiatives. Water bodies remained relatively stable with minor seasonal variations. This study provides critical insights into seasonal land dynamics, highlighting clear seasonal contrasts in land use behavior between Rabi and Kharif periods. The findings emphasize the need for integrated land use planning to balance agricultural growth, urban expansion and ecological sustainability in sub-humid watersheds.

PMID:42065792 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15339-5

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 May 1;198(5):538. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15325-x.

ABSTRACT

This study presents a vision-based framework for accurate vehicle speed estimation and real-world emission assessment at urban signalized intersections under challenging weather conditions. Using a publicly available dataset recorded in Curitiba, Brazil, comprising five videos (total duration 132 min) captured by a single low-cost 5 MP camera under cloudy, sunny, dusty, heavy rain, and low-visibility conditions, vehicles were detected with YOLOv11 and tracked using ByteTrack. Speed was estimated through a monocular vision pipeline calibrated against radar ground truth. The proposed speed estimation method achieved outstanding accuracy, with mean absolute error (MAE) ranging from 0.38 to 0.84 km/h and standard deviation below 0.96 km/h across all weather scenarios, significantly outperforming existing vision-only approaches. Two emission models were implemented: (1) MOVESTAR using measured speeds and vehicle classification, and (2) SUMO with real trajectory enforcement via TraCI to create a high-fidelity digital twin of the intersection. When the whole four-lane region was analyzed (439 vehicles total), MOVESTAR yielded average emissions of CO₂ 2.02 g/mi, HC 0.018 g/mi, NOx 0.058 g/mi, and fuel consumption 93.15 g/mi. After unit standardization to g/km and statistical comparison via paired t-tests, MOVESTAR consistently produced significantly lower and more realistic emission estimates than SUMO for fuel, CO₂, NOx, and HC (p < 0.01), with CO₂ and fuel showing the most significant differences (- 12 g/km and – 18.57 g/km, respectively). Heavy rain and dusty conditions were identified as the most challenging environments, whereas cloudy and sunny weather provided the highest accuracy.

PMID:42065790 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15325-x

Exp Appl Acarol. 2026 May 1;96(4):48. doi: 10.1007/s10493-026-01137-8.

ABSTRACT

Spider mites, particularly Tetranychus urticae Koch and T. turkestani Ugarov and Nikolskii (Acari: Tetranychidae), are major agricultural pests, and their increasing resistance to chemical acaricides underscores the need for alternative control strategies. This study explored the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma spp. against these mites. Specifically, we evaluated (1) the efficacy of spore suspensions from five isolates of four Trichoderma species (Trichoderma afroharzianum, T. guizhouense, T. harzianum and T. virens) and their combinations on different biological stages of T. urticae, (2) the efficacy of T. afroharzianum spore suspension on different populations of T. urticae (green and red forms) and T. turkestani in both Petri dish and pot experiments. Results showed that Trichoderma spore suspensions were ineffective against T. urticae eggs, with mortality rates ≤ 2.8% at 7 days post-application (dpa), which did not differ significantly from the control. However, the fungi caused significant mortality of 50-65% in the mobile stages of the mites (larvae, nymphs, and adult females) compared with the control. Based on the initial screening results, a single Trichoderma isolate (T. afroharzianum) was selected for detailed assessment across multiple spider mite populations. Petri dish assays at 7 dpa showed that T. afroharzianum was more effective against T. turkestani (up to 60%) and the green form of T. urticae (53%) than against the red form of T. urticae (35%). Pot experiments confirmed these results, showing that T. afroharzianum reduced egg and mobile stage populations by 36-39% in T. turkestani and T. urticae (green form and laboratory culture populations), whereas reductions in the red form of T. urticae were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that T. afroharzianum has potential as a biological control agent; however, its efficacy varies among spider mite populations, highlighting the need to integrate it with other biological or chemical strategies.

PMID:42065786 | DOI:10.1007/s10493-026-01137-8

J Gastrointest Cancer. 2026 May 1;57(1):104. doi: 10.1007/s12029-026-01476-0.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Total Neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) has now become the standard of care in locally advanced rectal cancer(LARC) and has shown promising results. However, use and outcome of different TNT regimens in real-world practice is largely unknown.Here we report the feasibility and efficacy of RAPIDO regimen which we adopted since 2021 for LARC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data, conducted at Tata Medical Center, Kolkata between January 2021 to June 2024. 95 consecutive patients with localized rectal adenocarcinoma, treated with short course radiotherapy 25 Gy/5frs/1week followed by CAPOX based chemotherapy with or without surgery were analysed. Data was collected in the Redcap Database.

RESULTS: The median age of the cohort was 53 years. Lower rectal disease, T4,N2,EMVI(Extramural Vascular Invasion) Grade 3/4, MRF (Mesorectal fascia) involvement were seen in 51(54%), 21(22.1%), 86(90.5%), 58(61%) and 70 (73.7%)patients respectively.62 patients (65.2%) underwent surgery. Pathological complete response (pCR) was achieved in 27.4%(17/62) cases. At a median follow-up of 2.4 years,43 patients (45.3%) underwent TNT and surgery and are disease free on follow up. Local failure was seen in 2 patients after surgery(3.2%)0.17 of 62 patients (27.4%) who underwent surgery developed distant metastasis with lung being the most common site (16.1%). The estimated 3 year overall survival of all patients was 83% and for patients who underwent surgery 3-year OS was 92% and 3-year disease free survival(DFS) was 63% Maximum grade≥ 3 diarrhoea and febrile neutropenia during chemotherapy were observed in 17 (17.9%) and 14 (14.7%) patients respectively.

CONCLUSION: RAPIDO protocol in real world settings shows excellent response rates in LARC. It is a safe and feasible approach, however implementing a prolonged neoadjuvant treatment in the real world remains a challenge because of suboptimal compliance.

PMID:42065776 | DOI:10.1007/s12029-026-01476-0