Category: Statistics

Conserv Biol. 2026 Aug 10:e70367. doi: 10.1111/cobi.70367. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Identifying ecologically matching areas is both challenging and critical for understanding spatial patterns of biodiversity and advancing conservation planning. However, existing approaches often lack spatial flexibility, overlook shape and size constraints, or rely on limited environmental parameters, reducing their effectiveness in real-world applications. To address these limitations, we developed and tested a four-step framework for identifying ecologically and spatially matching areas. Our framework method involved defining the parameters for the comparative analyses; assessing similar environmental conditions between target protected areas and potential matching areas, through a modified version of the multivariate environmental similarity surface (mMESS); simulating randomly distributed polygons that mirror both the shape and surface area of the target protected area; and integrating the simulated polygons with the resulting mMESS to identify areas where environmental similarity, shape, and surface match. Finally, we applied decision criteria to identify real-world matching areas. We tested our approach in both the Northern and the Central Apennines (Italy), comparing a national park in each of these two regions to similar but unprotected areas-specifically excluding national parks, regional parks, and Natura 2000 Network sites. Our framework offers a robust tool for identifying matching and mismatching areas and enhancing our understanding of these areas’ spatial distributions and environmental conditions to support conservation planning and management. The framework may be applied to a broad range of ecological studies at various scales and has the potential to guide future conservation efforts and policies.

PMID:42572926 | DOI:10.1111/cobi.70367

Stat Med. 2026 Aug;45(18-19):e70690. doi: 10.1002/sim.70690.

ABSTRACT

Evaluating diagnostic accuracy for multi-category outcomes remains a significant challenge, primarily due to computational limitations in existing performance metrics. The Polytomous Discrimination Index (PDI) has emerged as an order-agnostic solution suitable for nominal classifications. However, its broader adoption has been constrained by the lack of efficient implementation, especially for its variance estimation, which typically would require computationally intensive bootstrapping procedures. In this work, we address this limitation by proposing a novel asymptotic variance estimator for the PDI. Our method integrates classical U -statistic theory with recent advances in combinatorics, offering a scalable and theoretically grounded alternative. To assess the performance of the proposed approach, we conduct extensive simulation studies and observe remarkable gain in computing time. We further apply our method to a real-world brain image analysis where deep neural networks are used as a diagnostic tool. We can efficiently report the accuracy of the neural networks with different depth specifications.

PMID:42572921 | DOI:10.1002/sim.70690

Laryngoscope. 2026 Aug 10. doi: 10.1002/lary.70807. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD) is a form of cricopharyngeal achalasia in which the inability to burp leads to gaseous esophageal distension, abdominal bloating, throat gurgling, and excessive flatulence. Botulinum toxin (BTX) injection of the cricopharyngeus (CP) muscle has emerged as an effective treatment, but the symptom burden of R-CPD and treatment effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remain incompletely characterized.

METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients undergoing CP BTX treatment for R-CPD were enrolled. Participants received an initial CP injection of 75-100 units of onabotulinumtoxinA under general anesthesia; some underwent a second injection for incomplete response. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) survey at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and Welch t-tests and subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Pre- and post-treatment SF-36 data were available for 25 participants. Significant improvements were observed in 6 of 8 SF-36 domains: role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, general health, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, and emotional well-being. Both Physical and Mental Component Summary Scores improved significantly after treatment. Subgroup analyses identified numerical differences by sex and psychiatric history, but none remained statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons.

CONCLUSION: BTX treatment for R-CPD was associated with improvement in HRQoL. These findings support recognition of R-CPD and overall understanding of its burden on patients. Limitations include small sample size and selection bias, underscoring the need for larger longitudinal studies to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes.

PMID:42572920 | DOI:10.1002/lary.70807

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2026 Aug 10. doi: 10.1002/oby.70275. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore patients’ perspectives on GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) for weight loss across the continuum of contemplating use to discontinuation, with and without achieving weight loss goals.

METHODS: From June to October 2025, participants completed a 30-item survey and ~30-question semi-structured interview regarding their perceptions of GLP-1RAs for weight loss. Interviews were tailored to six GLP-1RA groups: (1) considering use; (2) < 3 months on therapy; (3) ≥ 3 months on therapy without achieving weight loss goal; (4) ≥ 3 months on therapy with achieving weight loss goal; (5) discontinued without achieving goal; and (6) discontinued after achieving goal. Qualitative coding and thematic analysis were conducted in Dedoose (9.0.107); quantitative analyses used SAS 9.4.

RESULTS: A total of 185 participants consented, and 141 completed data collection (76%). Descriptive profiles suggested heterogeneity across psychosocial and behavioral domains. Groups 3 and 4 showed stronger profiles (higher perceived competence, intrinsic motivation, and self-monitoring). After false discovery rate adjustment across 78 comparisons, perceived competence was the only statistically significant differentiator: Group 1 was lower (z = -3.15; q = 0.0347) and Group 4 higher (z = 4.44; q < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the importance of tailoring behavioral support to individuals’ stage of engagement in GLP-1RA-supported weight loss journeys.

PMID:42572911 | DOI:10.1002/oby.70275

Twin Res Hum Genet. 2026 Aug 10:1-3. doi: 10.1017/thg.2026.10092. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Haldane (J. B. S.) was a brilliant scientist. His ‘cost of natural selection’ is a view of the dark underbelly of Darwin’s creation – a count of the individuals who fall by the wayside when one allele displaces another. Th. Dobzhansky, perhaps not liking Haldane’s brand of mathematics, called in the eminent European William Feller to scrutinize Haldane’s cost. Feller published two articles (1966, 1967). The second sentence of the first paper shows that Feller misunderstood what Haldane measured: ‘These authors [Haldane and M. Kimura] introduce a measure for the loss in population size caused by a slow natural selection.’ Feller made intricate calculations of population size under various assumptions. These missed the point of Haldane’s clever notion. Feller’s two articles are an attempted demolition of conventional population genetics methodology.

PMID:42572908 | DOI:10.1017/thg.2026.10092

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2026 Aug 10:34894261476823. doi: 10.1177/00034894261476823. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess sociodemographic and medical factors associated with repeat bilateral myringotomy with tympanostomy tube placement (rBMT) in the diverse patient population at our academic medical center.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.

SETTING: Tertiary academic medical center.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients seen at a quaternary medical center who underwent BMT was conducted. Demographic, medical, and socioeconomic information was collected. Fisher’s exact test was used to estimate the association between rBMT with all nominal responses. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between patient variables and rBMT.

RESULTS: There were 216 (69% male) patients who underwent rBMT. The mean number of BMT surgeries in those requiring rBMT was 3.09. Black & Hispanic individuals were less likely to undergo rBMT (P < .05). There were no statistically significant association between social vulnerability index (SVI), type of insurance or distance from the medical center and rBMT (P > .05).

CONCLUSION: When looking at sociodemographic disparities in those who underwent rBMT, our study demonstrates race and ethnicity were statistically significant factors for decreased likelihood of repeat BMT. SVI, insurance type, and distance from the medical center were not statistically significant in terms of likelihood of rBMT.

PMID:42572846 | DOI:10.1177/00034894261476823

J Helminthol. 2026 Aug 10;100:e85. doi: 10.1017/S0022149X26102119.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the in vivo anthelmintic efficacy and clinical safety of crude ethanolic extract (CEE) obtained from Artemisia absinthium in naturally infected Awassi breed sheep with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). A total of 18 non-pregnant sheep were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each: CEE (1.0 g/kg), albendazole (5 mg/kg), and negative control (untreated). Changes in egg counts (EPG) were quantitatively monitored in faecal samples collected before treatment (day 0) and after treatment (days 7 and 15). The research findings showed that A. absinthium CEE significantly reduced the parasite load over time, with the highest efficacy achieved on day 15 (p < 0.001), demonstrating statistically significant efficacy in suppressing the fecundity of GIN agents. According to the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), therapeutic success was observed in 76.77% of the CEE group and 100% of the albendazole group. The performance demonstrated by CEE confirmed the potential of plant secondary metabolites to reduce dependence on synthetic drugs, and the absence of any adverse effects during the trial period demonstrated the plant’s high biosafety profile. Consequently, A. absinthium offers a powerful, economical, and residue-free biotherapeutic alternative to synthetic anthelmintics in sustainable and organic livestock models, countering global anthelmintic resistance. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first investigation in Türkiye evaluating the anthelmintic efficacy of A. absinthium CEE in Awassi breed sheep naturally infected with GIN, providing the first regional efficacy data from Şanlıurfa.

PMID:42572844 | DOI:10.1017/S0022149X26102119

J Res Adolesc. 2026 Sep;36(3):e70247. doi: 10.1111/jora.70247.

ABSTRACT

Latine lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth in the United States (U.S.) experience compounded forms of oppression that increase vulnerability to both school-based and cyberbullying. Guided by the Minority Stress Theory (MST) and the Temporal Intersectional Minority Stress Model (TIMSM), this study examined how intersectional bullying relates to future outlook among Latine LGBTQ+ youth, and whether internalized stigma, depression, and caregiver acceptance mediate or moderate these associations. Data were drawn from a national U.S. sample of 1772 Latine LGBTQ+ adolescents aged 13-18. Participants completed validated measures assessing intersectional school and cyberbullying, LGBTQ+ internalized stigma, depression-anxiety, caregiver acceptance, and beliefs about the future. Serial indirect-effects and moderation analyses were conducted. Both school-based bullying and cyberbullying were indirectly associated with more negative beliefs about the future through increased LGBTQ+ internalized stigma and depressive/anxiety symptoms. Cyberbullying demonstrated slightly stronger links to internalized stigma, whereas school bullying was more closely tied to depressive/anxiety outcomes. LGBTQ+ caregiver acceptance at high levels significantly buffered the effects of both forms of bullying on internalized stigma and depression. Findings underscore the cumulative impact of intersectional bullying on Latine LGBTQ+ youths’ mental health and future outlook within the U.S. sociocultural context. Culturally responsive interventions that strengthen caregiver acceptance, promote affirming school climates, and address digital victimization are essential for fostering resilience and hope among Latine LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S.

PMID:42572836 | DOI:10.1111/jora.70247

J Rehabil Med. 2026 Aug 10;58:jrm45736. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v58.45736.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Multimodal prehabilitation improves outcomes in colorectal surgery, but its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness before metabolic and bariatric surgery are unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a 6-week multimodal prehabilitation programme compared with standard preintervention education in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Propensity score matched cohort observational study at Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, China, January 2022 to January 2025. Sixty prehabilitation patients were matched 1:1 to 60 controls from 254 standard care candidates using nearest-neighbour matching on the logit of the propensity score. Follow-up was 12 months.

INTERVENTIONS: A 6-week programme of supervised exercise, nutritional counselling, and psychological support vs 2 standard preoperative counselling sessions. All patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Total weight loss at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included body composition, metabolic parameters, functional capacity, patient-reported outcomes, safety, and healthcare costs.

RESULTS: Among 120 matched patients (mean [SD] age, 32.6 [5.2] years; 65.8% male; mean body mass index [BMI], 38.2 [3.2] kg/m2), total weight loss at 12 months did not differ between groups (23.7 [5.1] vs 23.4 [2.7] kg; difference, 0.3 kg; 95% CI, -1.3 to 1.8; p = 0.75). At 3 months, prehabilitation showed significantly greater weight loss (adjusted β = 2.85 kg; 95% CI, 1.77 to 3.93; p < 0.001), lower body fat, lower diastolic blood pressure, and higher Short Form-36 (SF-36) mental scores. All differences were attenuated by 6 months. No serious adverse events occurred. Total costs were modestly higher in the prehabilitation group (mean, ¥84 843 vs ¥78 051), a difference attributable almost entirely to the prehabilitation programme itself; because the incremental effect on weight loss at 12 months was not statistically significant, a meaningful incremental cost-effectiveness ratio could not be estimated.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A 6-week multimodal prehabilitation programme accelerated early postoperative weight loss and improved short-term functional outcomes but did not improve total weight loss at 12 months. Because prehabilitation added cost without a demonstrable difference in 12-month weight loss, a cost-effectiveness advantage could not be established. The dominant metabolic effects of bariatric surgery appear to override the incremental gains of preoperative conditioning over time.

PMID:42572833 | DOI:10.2340/jrm.v58.45736

J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2026 Aug 10. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.70216. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Negative outcomes of psychological treatments for pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been underresearched. Although reporting has increased over the years, a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis is lacking.

METHODS: We conducted a preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020206290) and followed PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and PTSDpubs were systematically searched from inception to May 13, 2025. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychotherapies for pediatric PTSD with ≥10 participants per arm. Two independent coders extracted data and assessed risk of bias.

RESULTS: Seventy-two RCTs (N = 5,677) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 69, 6, and 19 reported the incidence of all-cause dropout, deterioration of PTSD, and adverse events, respectively. Most trials (74%) investigated trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Random effects meta-analysis showed that 7.87% of patients (95% CI, 4.07-12.55; I² = 82%) dropped out, with no significant difference relative to passive controls (RR = 1.04, 95% CI, 0.64-1.69; I² = 53%). Less than 0.01% (95% CI, 0.00-2.39; I² = 0%) of patients reported deterioration after TF-CBT, compared to 1.26% (95% CI, 0.00-8.13; I² = 40%) of passive controls. Limited data prohibited isolated review of other treatments. The incidence of adverse events during psychological treatments was also uncommon (0.29%, 95% CI, 0.00-2.67; I² = 34%) and similar to passive controls (1.14%, 95% CI, 0.00-8.02; I² = 84%).

CONCLUSIONS: Psychological treatments for pediatric PTSD-with most accumulated evidence for TF-CBT-appear safe and acceptable for the vast majority of children and adolescents with PTSD, which is encouraging for clinical practice. Reporting on deterioration and adverse events was scarce, limiting statistical power. Negative outcomes should be routinely assessed in clinical practice and future research, using validated measures and clearly defined constructs. Future work should distinguish serious adverse events and adverse events.

PMID:42572827 | DOI:10.1111/jcpp.70216