Category: Statistics

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2025 Sep 18;175:103658. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2025.103658. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chlamydomonas is a haploid, unicellular green alga that serves as an excellent model system for studying ciliary biology. It possesses two motile cilia of equal length, making it ideal for investigating both ciliogenesis and ciliary motility, as well as cilia-based signaling. The organism’s ease of cultivation, the simplicity of cilia isolation, and the availability of well-established experimental systems for rapid and synchronous cilia regeneration and disassembly contribute to its utility in laboratory research. Furthermore, Chlamydomonas is highly amenable to a variety of genetic approaches, enhancing its value as a model organism. Due to the high degree of conservation in the core mechanisms governing ciliary structure and function, discoveries made in Chlamydomonas have significantly advanced our understanding of cilia across species and have provided important insights into cilia-related human disorders. In this overview, we summarize the key cellular features, life cycle stages, ciliary architecture and dynamics, ciliary behavior, biochemical and genetic advantages of Chlamydomonas as a model organism. Our goal is to provide a foundational perspective for those new to ciliary research in Chlamydomonas – including early-career scientists, experienced researchers transitioning from other fields, and cilia experts working with alternative model systems.

PMID:40972053 | DOI:10.1016/j.semcdb.2025.103658

Res Dev Disabil. 2025 Sep 18;165:105109. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2025.105109. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

An accurate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be complex due to the high degree of phenotypical variation and the necessity to integrate information from multiple assessments by various professionals. This paper examines the implementation and effectiveness of a specialized Autism ASD Assessment Clinic within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). The clinic addresses a critical service gap in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by offering structured, comprehensive evaluations for ASD using a multidisciplinary team (MDT) model, aiming to provide comprehensive and standardized assessments for children and adolescents aged 6-17 years suspected of having ASD. The methodology involved obtaining feedback from parents/caregivers through a Likert-scale questionnaire following the completion of the assessment for children and adolescents referred to the clinic between January 2022 and December 2024. Out of 48 families who attended the appointments and completed the assessment, 27 parents/caregivers completed the feedback. High satisfaction rates with the assessment’s thoroughness, professionalism of the MDT, and clarity of feedback were observed. A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between a child’s age and parental satisfaction with assessment thoroughness and clarity of feedback, suggesting higher satisfaction among parents of younger children. The findings highlight the clinic’s effectiveness in delivering quality care, improving early support for diagnosed individuals, and providing enhanced experience to families.

PMID:40972052 | DOI:10.1016/j.ridd.2025.105109

J Immunol. 2025 Sep 16:vkaf248. doi: 10.1093/jimmun/vkaf248. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal innate lymphoid cells in anti-tumor immunity. However, the contribution of the Y chromosome-encoded epigenetic regulator UTY (also known as KDM6C) to male NK cell development and effector function remains poorly characterized. Here, we demonstrated that conditional deletion of UTY in NK cells (Ncr1-iCre) in male mice led to a statistically significant but modest increase in total NK cell numbers (P < 0.05) and an elevated frequency of terminally differentiated CD27-CD11b+ subset in the spleen. Strikingly, UTY-deficient NK cells displayed impaired cytotoxic function, with significantly reduced granzyme B expression (P < 0.05) and attenuated control of B16F10 melanoma pulmonary metastases in vivo (P < 0.05). Importantly, combined UTX-UTY deficiency exacerbated these phenotypes, causing further increase in NK cell abundance, and decline in CD27+CD11b+ subset proportions and granzyme B expression level compared with UTX single knockout in male mice. RNA-sequencing combined with qRT-PCR validation uncovered significant downregulation of key genes involved in NK cell maturation (Cd27), cytotoxicity (Gzmb), survival (Bax, Casp3) and transcriptional regulation (Socs3, Tcf7, Fos) in UTY-deficient NK cells. Notably, dual UTX-UTY depletion synergistically repressed Casp3 expression, potentially contributing to the altered NK cell abundance (P < 0.05). These findings establish UTY as a sex-specific epigenetic modulator that restricts NK cell maturation while promoting cytotoxic function. Our data further reveal a cooperative role for UTY and UTX in orchestrating NK cell development via transcriptional regulation.

PMID:40972042 | DOI:10.1093/jimmun/vkaf248

PLoS One. 2025 Sep 19;20(9):e0332909. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0332909. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

This paper employs the mixed-frequency Granger causality test, reverse unconstrained mixed-frequency data sampling models, and Chinese data from January 2006 to June 2024 to test the nexus between consumer confidence and the macroeconomy. The results show that changes in the real estate market, GDP, and urban unemployment rate are Granger causes of consumer confidence. In reverse, consumer confidence is a Granger cause of the CPI. Second, GDP and the real estate market (CPI and urban unemployment rate) have a significant positive (negative) impact on consumer confidence, while the conditions of industrial production, interest rate, and stock market do not. Third, the “animal spirits” extracted from consumer confidence cannot lead to noticeable fluctuations in China’s macroeconomy. This suggests that the “animal spirits” will not dominate economic growth, even though they affect the macroeconomy slightly and inevitably. The results are robust after replacing the dependent variable and considering the influence of the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

PMID:40972021 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0332909

Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2025 Sep 16:gfaf175. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfaf175. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: In clinical trials, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), herein referred to as guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), alone or in combination, provide cardio-renal protection in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, data from real-world clinical practice on the impact of GDMT on clinical outcomes are limited.

METHODS: DISCOVER CKD (NCT04034992) is a multinational, observational cohort study in adults with CKD. We used the prospective cohort (enrollment: September 2019 to June 2022) to assess patient characteristics and outcomes up to 15 months by baseline GDMT use, including: a composite renal outcome (initiation of dialysis, kidney transplantation, estimated glomerular filtration rate < 15 ml/min/1.73 m2, or death attributable to renal causes); all-cause mortality and new cardiovascular (CV) events; and all-cause hospitalization. Inverse probability of treatment weighting method was employed in controlling confounding variables and estimating the effect of GDMT use.

RESULTS: Of 1052 prospectively enrolled patients (62.5 ± 13.6 years, 36.9% female), most had CKD stage 3a (31.6%) or 3b (29.3%); 8.4% were receiving dialysis. At baseline, 643 (61.1%) were receiving GDMT (RASi only, n = 496; SGLT2i only, n = 25; both, n = 122; range 42.7% [USA] to 82.2% [Spain, Sweden]). Patients receiving GDMT had a higher comorbidity burden than those without GDMT. In patients with CKD stage 3-4, GDMT use was associated with significantly lower incidence of the composite renal outcome [propensity score (PS)-weighted hazard ratio (HR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27-0.84, P = 0.01]. There was no significant difference between those receiving GDMT versus not in composite all-cause mortality and new CV events (PS-weighted HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.23-1.09; P = 0.08) or all-cause hospitalization rate (PS-weighted rate ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.52-1.16; P = 0.216).

CONCLUSIONS: GDMT use was associated with reduced adverse renal outcomes in real-world patients with CKD, underscoring the need to address large gaps in GDMT implementation.

PMID:40972017 | DOI:10.1093/ndt/gfaf175

PLoS One. 2025 Sep 19;20(9):e0327194. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0327194. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Lip repositioning surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used in the treatment of gummy smile. With the increasing demand for aesthetic dental procedures, platforms like YouTube™ have become popular sources for visual health information. This study aimed to evaluate the quality, reliability, and educational value of YouTube™ videos related to lip repositioning surgery and to identify factors influencing video quality. This research was conducted on YouTube™ using the term “lip repositioning” on February 20, 2025. The first 150 videos sorted by relevance were screened. According to the inclusion criteria, 53 videos were recorded. Data such as video duration, upload source, view count, comments, likes/dislikes, and country of origin were recorded. Viewer engagement was analyzed through interaction index and viewing rate. Content was evaluated using the Video Content Quality (VCQ) score, Global Quality Scale (GQS) and DISCERN tool. Statistical analyses were performed with a significance level of P < 0.05. Most videos were uploaded by dentists (64.2%), and 71.7% were educational. The mean VCQ score was 9.98 ± 3.95, indicating low-to-moderate content quality. Videos uploaded by professionals had higher quality scores (p < 0.001), while 56.6% were of poor content quality. Although YouTube™ is a widely used source for health information, videos on lip repositioning surgery lack sufficient educational value and reliability. Professional content creation should be encouraged.

PMID:40972002 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0327194

J Infect Dis. 2025 Sep 16:jiaf451. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiaf451. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In immunobridging, an investigational vaccine is approved based on a randomized trial of this vaccine versus an approved vaccine with an immunogenicity primary endpoint. Justification for immunobridging requires demonstration that meeting trial success criteria implies the investigational vaccine provides worthwhile protection against a relevant endpoint for a context of use. We consider recent statistical approaches whose integration supports immunobridging: (1) variable importance prediction analysis characterizing immune markers as correlates of risk; (2) controlled risk causal analysis evaluating markers as correlates of protection; and (3) transportability analysis combining data from efficacy and immunobridging trials for estimating investigational versus approved relative-vaccine efficacy.

PMID:40971983 | DOI:10.1093/infdis/jiaf451

Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2025 Sep 16:vjaf128. doi: 10.1093/inteam/vjaf128. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Understanding the spatial variability of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is critical for informed urban planning and sustainable waste management. This study examines the relationship between land use patterns and MSW generation across the urban ecosystem of Kota City, India, to identify spatial clusters and assess the influence of urban form and density. An integrated geospatial-statistical approach was applied to 146 urban wards using Hotspot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*), Global and Local Moran’s I, overlay analysis, and zonal statistics. Waste generation data were spatially linked with land use typologies and population density to detect statistically significant patterns. Daily waste generation ranged from 0.43 to 11.13 metric tons (t/day) across wards. High-intensity hotspots were found in densely populated and mixed-use zones, such as Ward 15 (0.61 kg/person/day) and Ward 5 (0.88 kg/person/day). Spatial autocorrelation analysis confirmed significant clustering (Global Moran’s I = 0.056, z = 2.59, p = 0.009), with prominent hotspots identified in Wards 12, 13 (Kota-North) and Wards 16, 17 (Kota-South) at 99% confidence. Residential zones contributed the highest MSW load (541.97 t/day), followed by industrial (55.69 t/day) and commercial areas (50.20 t/day). Urban land use, population density, and mixed-use zoning significantly influence waste generation patterns. The spatial-statistical framework developed herein provides a scalable decision-support tool for waste planning, zoning policy, and sustainable resource management in rapidly urbanizing cities.

PMID:40971982 | DOI:10.1093/inteam/vjaf128

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2025 Sep 16:traf092. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/traf092. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is considered a neglected tropical disease with high lethality. This study aimed to analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics of VL in the Central-West region of Brazil, from 2010 to 2019.

METHODS: Using data obtained from the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificações (SINAN) from Brazil and spatio-temporal analysis tools, an ecological study of VL cases was carried out considering each federated unit in the Central-West region from 2010 to 2019.

RESULTS: It was observed that state of Mato Grosso do Sul had the majority of municipalities with high incidence in all temporal series analyzed. A heterogeneous distribution of VL with spatial clustering in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul was observed. Furthermore, Goiás and Mato Grosso also presented high-risk municipalities, with clusters of higher relative risk (RR) observed from 2013 to 2017 in Goiás and from 2010 to 2013 in Mato Grosso.

CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it is observed that the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul need greater attention to support the adoption of effective measures to control VL in the Brazilian Central-West region.

PMID:40971974 | DOI:10.1093/trstmh/traf092

Nutr Rev. 2025 Sep 15:nuaf099. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaf099. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Olive oil as food is composed mainly of fatty acids and bioactive compounds with diverse and attractive biological activities that have an inverse relationship with insulin resistance and diabetes-related factors. However, the results of available clinical trials are inconsistent. Therefore, we summarized 51 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and evaluated the association of olive oil intervention with glycemic control in adults.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Sciences databases was performed to identify RCTs investigating the effect of different olive oil types on any glycemic profile component. Quantitative data were synthesized using either a fixed or random-effects model, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI for analysis.

RESULTS: In the primary search, 2705 articles were found, of which 115 were assessed in full text, and 51 trials (n = 4334 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. We found the consumption of olive oil was not associated with statistically significant changes in blood glucose (WMD = -0.04 mg dL-1; 95% CI, -0.1 to 0.02; P = .18; I2 = 27.05%), insulin (WMD = -0.3 µIU mL-1; 95% CI, -0.99 to 0.38; P = .39; I2 = 91.49%), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD = 0.02%, 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.06; P = .21; I2 = 0%) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD = -0.09; 95% CI, -0.25 to 0.06; P = .26; I2 = 73.13%). The nonlinear dose-response analysis showed a significant association between the olive dose and HOMA-IR (P = .024 for nonlinearity). Also, the duration of olive oil intervention showed a significant nonlinear relationship with HOMA-IR (P = .025 for nonlinearity), insulin (P = .002 for nonlinearity), and HbA1c (P = .048 for nonlinearity) in dose-response analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: Our comprehensive review and meta-analysis of 51 RCTs indicate that olive oil consumption by adults does not significantly affect overall glycemic control. However, a daily dose of 25-50 g significantly improves the HOMA-IR parameter, suggesting a potential benefit for diabetes management. These findings highlight the need for further research to fully understand the practical implications of olive oil consumption in diabetes care.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023459523.

PMID:40971936 | DOI:10.1093/nutrit/nuaf099