Category: Statistics

Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-39536-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow along with heat and mass transfer behavior of Casson-type hybrid nanofluid through aluminum oxide ([Formula: see text]) as well as titanium dioxide ([Formula: see text]) nanoparticles dispersed throughout engine oil, a thermally stable functioning fluid that is used in utmost industrialized thermal exchanger applications. The advanced model incorporates the collective influences of heat radiation, Darcy-Forchheimer permeable media resistance, magnetic field-heating, and activation energy under nonlinear chemical reaction circumstances. Employing similarity transformations, the intricate governing equations are streamlined to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that are numerically solved by means of the Bvp4c solver. The numerical solutions attained via the Bvp4c algorithm are employed for training a Morlet Wavelet Neural Network with Particle Swarm Optimization as well as Neural Network Algorithm (MWNN-PSO-NNA), through improving prediction robustness as well as generality behavior. The results show that strengthening the magnetic field leads to a decrease in the velocity distribution whereas thermal radiation growth in temperature, via variations falling within the range of 15-25% across the flow domain. Raising activation energy nearly 30% is observed to regulate species concentration as well as promote a more controlled thermal response inside the porous structure. In comparison with the base fluid and single-nanoparticle suspensions, the hybrid nanofluid exhibits superior thermal performance. Moreover, the MWNN-PSO-NNA outcomes remain in close agreement with the numerical solutions, yielding error levels of the order 10⁻⁵-10⁻⁶, which confirms the reliability of the proposed framework for complex non-Newtonian hybrid nanofluid systems relevant to industrial thermal applications. The proposed neural network model demonstrates strong predictive capability, achieving an accuracy greater than 99% while reducing computational time by approximately 45% when compared with traditional numerical methods. An ANN is developed to rapidly predict flow, heat, and mass transfer. Trained on bvp4c data, it achieves comparable accuracy while reducing computational time by 45% compared to repeated numerical simulations. Additionally, the hybrid nanofluid formulation displays strong potential for industrial lubrication applications, thermal control of mechanical components, and energy-based cooling systems, where improved heat transfer productivity is a main performance requirement. The main motivation of this study is to address the growing demand for efficient thermal management in industrial lubrication systems involving non-Newtonian fluids. The goal is to apply a robust MWNN-PSO-NNA framework to accurately predict the flow, heat, and mass transfer characteristics of Casson hybrid nanofluid over a radially stretching surface under combined physical effects. This study is the first to integrate engine-oil-based Casson hybrid nanofluid modeling with Darcy-Forchheimer porous effects and an optimized MWNN-PSO-NNA framework, providing highly accurate thermal-fluid predictions relevant to advanced industrial heat transfer systems.

PMID:41673449 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-39536-x

Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-38860-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

As ecologically dominant keystone species, ants play critical roles in ecosystem functioning and trophic interactions. This study examines current and future distribution patterns of five ant species (Cataglyphis nodus, Crematogaster subdentata, Lasius neglectus, Messor platyceras, and Messor syriacus) across central Iran’s forest, grassland, and human-modified landscapes. Species were collected along an ecological gradient extending from the central Zagros Mountains to Gavkhouni Lake on the Iranian Plateau. Using an ensemble species distribution modeling (SDM) approach incorporating five machine learning algorithms (Generalized Additive Model, GAM, Generalized Boosted Model, GBM, Generalized Linear Model, GLM, Random Forests, RF, and Extreme Gradient Boosting, XGBOOST), we evaluated habitat suitability under climate change scenarios (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, SSP126 to SSP585, 2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080, 2081-2100). Environmental predictors included 19 bioclimatic variables, topography, and NDVI-derived vegetation indices to assess current habitat suitability and to project future distributions under climate change scenarios from 2021 to 2100. Our best ensemble model (GBM) showed strong predictive performance (Receiver Operating Characteristic, ROC,: 0.78-0.90; max True Skill Statistic, TSS,: 0.75), identifying temperature variables, precipitation metrics, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ,NDVI, as key environmental drivers. Projected range changes (2021-2100) revealed species-specific responses: C. nodus, C. subdentata and M. platyceras showed maximum gains and losses under SSP126 and SSP585 respectively in different period; L. neglectus displayed extreme reduction potential, exhibited maximum gains and losses under SSP245 and SSP585 respectively in different period; while M. syriacus showed relative stability maximum gains and losses under SSP370 and SSP585 in different period, highlighting significant interspecific variability in climate change vulnerability across emission scenarios. Niche breadth analysis identified C. nodus and M. platyceras as “winners” transitioning toward generalist strategies, while C. subdentata remained a vulnerable specialist. These findings highlight: (1) substantial interspecific variability in climate vulnerability, (2) the critical influence of emission scenarios on distributional outcomes, and (3) the importance of vegetation-mediated microclimates in buffering climate impacts. Conservation efforts must prioritize microhabitat preservation and landscape connectivity, particularly for functionally important species. The results provide crucial insights for conservation prioritization in arid land ecosystems under global change.

PMID:41673439 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-38860-6

Int J Impot Res. 2026 Feb 11. doi: 10.1038/s41443-026-01237-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Testosterone therapy (TTh) is widely used to treat late-onset hypogonadism, aiming to improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms of testosterone deficiency. However, concerns remain regarding its potential association with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and prostate cancer events (PCaE). This systematic review and meta-analysis, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024603054) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, evaluated the risk of MACE, PCaE, and clinically significant prostate cancer (CsPcE) associated with TTh in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A comprehensive search of PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central identified 3794 records, of which 41 RCTs (n = 11,161) met inclusion criteria. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were estimated using Mantel-Haenszel or restricted maximum likelihood methods under fixed or random-effects models, based on heterogeneity. Meta-regression explored sources of heterogeneity and effect modifiers, and sensitivity analyses were performed using continuity correction for zero-event trials. TTh was not associated with a statistically significant increase in MACE (OR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.52-1.32; I² = 53.2%), PCaE (OR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.52-1.51; I² = 0.0%), or CsPcE (OR 1.13; 95% CI: 0.39-3.26; I² = 0.0%). Comorbidities contributed to heterogeneity in MACE outcomes. Current evidence supports the short- to mid-term safety of TTh, though long-term data remain necessary. Registry and the Registration No. of the study/trial: CRD42024603054.

PMID:41673435 | DOI:10.1038/s41443-026-01237-4

Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-36449-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major risk factor for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). Oxidative stress and inflammation, mediated by the advanced glycation end products (AGE)-receptor for AGE (RAGE)-nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) pathway, contribute to OHSS development and impaired oocyte quality. Astaxanthin (AST), a potent antioxidant, may modulate this pathway. In this exploratory pilot trial using a triple‑blind, randomized, placebo‑controlled design, 44 PCOS patients at high risk for OHSS were assigned to receive AST (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) adjunct to the COS regimen. COS was performed using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol with individualized gonadotropin dosing. Stimulation characteristics, gonadotropin dose, and follicle distribution were comparable between groups. The mean number of retrieved oocytes was slightly higher with AST, and the oocyte maturity rate (OMR) was significantly greater. Estradiol and progesterone levels on trigger day were lower in the AST group, though not statistically significant. Molecular analyses showed reduced RAGE expression, a lower phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa-B (pIκB)/inhibitor of kappa-B (IκB) ratio in granulosa cells (GCs), and significantly decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6) in follicular fluid (FF), with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) showing a downward trend. These findings suggest that AST supplementation may improve COS outcomes and favorably modulate inflammatory pathways, with potential to reduce OHSS risk in high-risk PCOS patients. However, this pilot trial was not powered enough to confirm the primary OHSS endpoint, and larger studies are required for validation.Trial registration: Registration ID: IRCT20231028059882N2; Registration date: 2024-06-15; Update date: 2025-03-16; Direct Access Link: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/77250.

PMID:41673418 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-36449-7

Sleep Breath. 2026 Feb 11;30(1):40. doi: 10.1007/s11325-025-03566-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sleep problems are common in the general population and are consistently associated with adverse health outcomes. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Sleep Disturbance (SD) and Sleep-Related Impairment (SRI) scales were developed to assess sleep disturbance and related Impairment. This study evaluated the validity and reliability of short forms of these scales in the general Iranian population.

METHODS: The questionnaires were completed by 440 participants via an online survey. Following confirmation of unidimensionality for the PROMIS SD and SRI by factor analysis, Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis was performed. Convergent and concurrent validity, internal consistency, marginal reliability, and test-retest reliability were subsequently evaluated.

RESULTS: The original single-factor models, modified with correlated error terms for both scales and excluding PROMIS-SRI item 6, demonstrated excellent fit in the confirmatory factor analysis. The modified PROMIS-SD and PROMIS-SRI short forms demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.89, 0.93; ω = 0.86, 0.93), good convergent validity (AVE = 0.69, 0.67). In addition, these short forms exhibited satisfactory test-retest reliability (r = 0.69, 0.86) and excellent marginal reliability (α = 0.91, 0.92). Concurrent validity was supported by moderate to strong correlations of both PROMIS scales with established measures, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale – 21(DASS-21).

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that Persian short forms of PROMIS-SD and PROMIS-SRI are reliable and valid psychometric instruments to assess sleep disturbance and related impairments in the Iranian general population.

PMID:41673354 | DOI:10.1007/s11325-025-03566-y

Support Care Cancer. 2026 Feb 11;34(3):186. doi: 10.1007/s00520-026-10366-x.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of two forms of social support (peer and peer plus virtual professional support) on quality of life, feelings of support, and exercise levels in older adult survivors of cancer.

METHODS: We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to the AgeMatchPLUS (peer support plus weekly qualified exercise professional support) or AgeMatch (peer support only) group. The primary outcome was feasibility (measured by recruitment, retention, adherence rates). Secondary outcomes included quality of life, social support, exercise volume, and physical activity enjoyment. Outcomes were measured at baseline (T1), post-intervention (10-weeks post baseline (T2)), post-tapering (14-weeks post baseline (T3)), and at 6-months follow-up (T4). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multiple linear regression was performed for all secondary outcomes to determine estimates of effect between groups.

RESULTS: Virtual peer and professional exercise-related social support are feasible for older adults survivors of cancer. Those matched with a peer in addition to virtual professional support demonstrated improved exercise-related social support and resistance training volume post-intervention. No other significant differences were found between groups, with both groups significantly increasing their exercise levels across the study.

CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the feasibility and benefit of peer matching, both independently and alongside professional support, for older survivors of cancer. Future research efforts should examine the effectiveness of this intervention on a larger scale and compare outcomes to a no intervention group.

REGISTRY: This trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05549479, August 23, 2022).

PMID:41673350 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-026-10366-x

Lung Cancer. 2026 Feb 3;213:108935. doi: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2026.108935. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multiplex immunofluorescence imaging enables detailed characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment, but whether immune cell densities add prognostic value beyond established clinical factors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.

METHODS: Tissue samples from an NSCLC cohort (n = 298) were stained with a multiplex immunofluorescence panel targeting immune cell markers (CD4, CD8, FoxP3, CD20), cancer cells (pan-cytokeratin), and cell nuclei (DAPI). We quantified immune cell densities, nuclear pleomorphism features, and clinical variables, and trained four machine learning models (logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and k-nearest neighbors) to predict overall survival.

RESULTS: Clinical parameters consistently demonstrated the strongest performance in predicting long and short-term survival (logistic regression mean accuracy 0.60 ± 0.01, AUC 0.66 ± 0.01). The addition of immune cell densities revealed a small, statistically significant improvement in survival prediction (accuracy 0.62 ± 0.01, p < 0.01, AUC 0.67 ± 0.01, p = 0.04), while nuclear pleomorphism features did not improve prediction. When combined with clinical parameters, immune cell densities also improved survival stratification in Cox regression analyses numerically (HR = 0.51 vs. 0.55 for clinical parameters alone). Model interpretation analyses showed that stage and performance status have the largest effect on model performance. Selected immune cell densities (tumor CD4-helper and stroma B-cells) have a limited but consistent effect.

CONCLUSION: Clinical parameters remain the dominant predictors of outcome in NSCLC, with immune cell densities providing only limited prognostic value for clinical stratification. The openly available code and datasets present a unique resource for method development or focused analysis.

PMID:41671623 | DOI:10.1016/j.lungcan.2026.108935

Int J Med Inform. 2026 Feb 5;211:106334. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2026.106334. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) in women with a history of hysterectomy represents a significant global health concern. It is crucial to clarify the association between hysterectomy for benign indications and UI to avoid unnecessary surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a machine learning (ML) model to identify factors associated with UI in women with a history of hysterectomy.

METHODS: We analyzed 2021 patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications as our derivation cohort. Thirteen demographic and clinical features were evaluated: age, educational, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist), medical history diabetes mellitus (DM), and reproductive history. Six ML algorithms were employed: logistic regression (LR), naïve Bayes (NB), multilayer perceptron (MLP), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM). External validation was performed on a cohort consisting of 556 patients from the Second Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. To improve interpretability, the predictive process was graphically illustrated employing a nomogram and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Finally, the model was deployed as an online clinical decision support platform for applications.

RESULTS: A comparison of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves using LR as the reference model revealed no statistically significant differences across the six ML algorithms. In the internal validation cohorts, the models achieved area-under-the-curve (AUC) values of 0.753-0.763 and accuracies between 0.627 and 0.664. This predictive performance was sustained in the external-validation cohort, with AUC values ranging from 0.702 to 0.718 and accuracies ranging from 0.661 to 0.697.

CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that ML models could effectively identify UI in women with a history of hysterectomy. This approach, facilitated by the nomogram and online tool, enhanced the feasibility and accessibility of identifying women at risk.

PMID:41671616 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2026.106334

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2026 Feb 7;263:109339. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2026.109339. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Awake craniotomy (AC) is the gold standard for tumor resections in eloquent brain regions requiring surgical precision. Traditional AC uses pins to immobilize the head, which may contribute to scalp injury, discomfort, and hemodynamic fluctuations. We evaluated perioperative outcomes of AC performed with and without pin fixation at a single tertiary center.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults undergoing AC between October 2018 and June 2023. Outcomes included head movement and movement-related workflow disruptions, anesthetic dosing, hemodynamics, operative duration, and postoperative recovery.

RESULTS: Head movement was greater in unpinned cases (p < 0.001), although disruptive movements were uncommon (Grade 4: 6 %; no Grade 5 events). Propofol dosing was higher in pinned patients (3.2 ± 1.9 vs 2.4 ± 2.2 mg/kg/hr; p = 0.029), while dexmedetomidine dosing was similar between groups. RASS scores were comparable overall, with sex-based differences observed. Unpinned AC was associated with smaller increases in systolic blood pressure (17.5 ± 24.1 vs 25.4 ± 24.7 mmHg; p = 0.021), shorter operative duration (151.7 ± 56.3 vs 184.2 ± 74.7 min; p = 0.001), and similar ICU length of stay (p = 0.649).

CONCLUSIONS: Unpinned AC was associated with greater head movement but rare clinically disruptive events, alongside modest differences in anesthetic requirements, hemodynamics, and operative duration. These findings suggest potential workflow and comfort benefits in carefully selected patients rather than major safety differences. Prospective multicenter studies with standardized protocols are warranted to better define patient selection and validate these observations.

PMID:41671615 | DOI:10.1016/j.clineuro.2026.109339

Aten Primaria. 2026 Feb 10;58(5):103421. doi: 10.1016/j.aprim.2025.103421. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness in the promotion of physical and mental health of health professionals working in primary care through the use of a mobile application that includes three modules: physical exercise, nutrition and positive emotional health.

DESIGN: Quasi-experimental, before-after, non-randomized study that evaluates the effectiveness of the Cuídate section of the SalusOne® mobile application, specifically in the modules of emotional well-being, virtual gym and healthy eating.

PLACE: Bilbao-Basurto and Rioja Alavesa Integrated Health Organizations.

PARTICIPANTS: 100 primary care professionals, of whom 58 completed the study. The majority were women (93.1%), with a mean age of 45.2 years. Nursing professionals predominated (56.9%).

INTERVENTIONS: Use of the “Cuídate” section of the SalusOne® app, which includes: virtual gym, healthy eating module and emotional well-being module.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Baseline and 6-month assessments on physical health, mental health (DASS-21 scale), eating habits and satisfaction with the intervention.

RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in LDL-cholesterol (-4.5mg/dL; p=0.033), HDL-cholesterol (+3.8mg/dL; p=0.004), glycosylated hemoglobin (-0.05%; p=0.038) and daily fruit consumption (+0.43 pieces; p<0.001). The DASS-21 scale showed statistically significant reductions in depression, anxiety and stress. 74.6% expressed high satisfaction and a desire to continue using the tool.

CONCLUSIONS: Cuídate program could have a positive effect on the physical and emotional health of healthcare professionals. Despite the methodological limitations and the low adherence rate, the results suggest its usefulness as an accessible strategy for promoting occupational health.

PMID:41671606 | DOI:10.1016/j.aprim.2025.103421