Category: Statistics

Atten Percept Psychophys. 2025 Jan 23. doi: 10.3758/s13414-024-03002-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Historically, electrophysiological correlates of scene processing have been studied with experiments using static stimuli presented for discrete timescales where participants maintain a fixed eye position. Gaps remain in generalizing these findings to real-world conditions where eye movements are made to select new visual information and where the environment remains stable but changes with our position and orientation in space, driving dynamic visual stimulation. Co-recording of eye movements and electroencephalography (EEG) is an approach to leverage fixations as time-locking events in the EEG recording under free-viewing conditions to create fixation-related potentials (FRPs), providing a neural snapshot in which to study visual processing under naturalistic conditions. The current experiment aimed to explore the influence of low-level image statistics-specifically, luminance and a metric of spatial frequency (slope of the amplitude spectrum)-on the early visual components evoked from fixation onsets in a free-viewing visual search and navigation task using a virtual environment. This research combines FRPs with an optimized approach to remove ocular artifacts and deconvolution modeling to correct for overlapping neural activity inherent in any free-viewing paradigm. The results suggest that early visual components-namely, the lambda response and N1-of the FRPs are sensitive to luminance and spatial frequency around fixation, separate from modulation due to underlying differences in eye-movement characteristics. Together, our results demonstrate the utility of studying the influence of image statistics on FRPs using a deconvolution modeling approach to control for overlapping neural activity and oculomotor covariates.

PMID:39849263 | DOI:10.3758/s13414-024-03002-5

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2025 Jan 24. doi: 10.1007/s12011-024-04508-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Auto-mechanics who often work without safety measures are vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxic metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). These toxic metals exert their deleterious effect by interacting with the micronutrients at their primary site of action. This study aimed to investigate the effects of toxic metal exposure on serum micronutrient levels of auto-mechanics in Nigeria. This case-control study involves 60 participants aged 18 to 45 years. The control group consists of 30 healthy male staff of University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria. The test group consists of 30 male auto-mechanics recruited from their workshops in the Bodija and Olodo areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. Blood lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), plasma iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) were quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method. Results show that systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and plasma levels of Pb and Cd were significantly higher in the auto-mechanic group when compared with control, while there were significantly lower levels of micronutrients: Fe, Zn, Mn, and Se when compared with control (p < 0.05). The plasma levels of Ca and Mg were not statistically different in the two groups. Also, there was a significant negative relationship between Cd and Zn (r = – 0.38, p = 0.001), a weak positive relationship (r = 0.46, p = 0.001) between Pb and SBP, and a weak non-significant negative relationship between Pb and Se (r = 0.4, p = 0.11) in the auto-mechanics. The chronic exposure to Pb and Cd in auto-mechanics is associated with elevated blood pressure and reduced micronutrients levels which can impact negatively on their health.

PMID:39849260 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-024-04508-7

Clin Oral Investig. 2025 Jan 24;29(1):81. doi: 10.1007/s00784-025-06165-z.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence and volume of contrast medium extrusion when activated with a laser and to compare these outcomes with those of other irrigation techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen cadaver mandibles containing 116 single-rooted teeth were prepared using conventional rotary instrumentation. The teeth were randomly assigned to four irrigation groups: side-vented needle, sonic irrigation, laser activation at the orifice, and laser activation at the middle third of the canal. Gastrografin, an iodinated contrast medium, was used to simulate irrigants. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained pre- and post-irrigation to assess the incidence and volume of extrusion. Two blinded observers evaluated the images for the presence or absence of extrusion. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and chi-square tests.

RESULTS: The observers reached a consensus on 116 out of 116 cases, resulting in a percent agreement of 100%. None of the experimental groups, side-vented needle (n = 29), sonic irrigation (n = 29), laser activation at the orifice (n = 29), and laser activation in the middle third (n = 29), demonstrated any radiographic evidence of extrusion.

CONCLUSION: This cadaver-based model, combined with CBCT, provides a clinically relevant assessment of irrigant behavior during endodontic treatment. While the findings from this study suggest that LAI at the orifice or in the middle third of the canal may be a safe method for enhancing irrigation in endodontics, clinicians should remain cautious regarding the potential risks of irrigant extrusion.

PMID:39849256 | DOI:10.1007/s00784-025-06165-z

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Jan 23;197(2):185. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-13617-2.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the spatio-temporal distribution of formaldehyde (HCHO) over the mainland Southeast Asian region (including Northeast India) from 2019 to 2022 using TROPOMI satellite data. HCHO is a key atmospheric trace gas which is influenced by both natural processes and anthropogenic activities. We analyze HCHO levels in relation to atmospheric species including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and environmental factors such as land surface temperature (LST), precipitation (PPT), fire radiative power (FRP), and enhanced vegetation index (EVI). Peak levels of HCHO are particularly observed in March and April, which coincide with the dry and warm seasons and reflect seasonal variability arising from both fluctuating emission sources and regional climate patterns. Correlation analyses reveal significant associations between HCHO and CO (r = 0.727), followed by HCHO and NO₂ (r = 0.577) and HCHO and LST (r = 0.539). Conversely, a negative correlation with PPT (r = – 0.233) is observed as HCHO decreases with increased precipitation due to washout. The negative correlation with EVI (r = – 0.319) is unexpected since biogenic emissions are significant contributors to HCHO. This outcome likely results from the confounding effect of precipitation. A robust multiple regression model incorporating these variables is developed which is able to explain 61.8% of the variance in HCHO. It enhances predictive capabilities facilitating the estimation of HCHO distribution and supporting air quality management efforts in the region. This research contributes to understanding the complex interactions of HCHO with atmospheric chemistry and climate variability in Southeast Asia. Insights gained from this study are crucial for informing environmental policies aimed at reducing air pollution and protecting public health in rapidly developing regions.

PMID:39849246 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-13617-2

Ophthalmol Ther. 2025 Jan 24. doi: 10.1007/s40123-025-01092-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The prevailing narrative in scientific literature has long overemphasized the role of ocular axes in intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, perpetuating misconceptions that have led to unnecessary exclusions of patients. Historical assumptions, coupled with inconsistent terminology and statistical inaccuracies, have muddled clinical decision-making. This review delves into these misconceptions, offering a critical reassessment of their relevance. Drawing from a non-systematic search across PubMed, the IOLEvidence App Database, and additional sources through snowballing, the review includes diverse studies exploring the relationship between ocular axes (angles, chords, kappa, alpha, lens, …) and IOL implantation. The findings reveal widespread confusion in terminology, particularly the interchangeable use of terms like ‘angles’ and ‘chords’, and highlight device-specific variability in parameters such as Chord-mu, Chord-alpha, and Chord-lens. Despite these inconsistencies, no robust evidence supports using these measures as grounds for excluding patients from IOL procedures. Interestingly, postoperative IOL centration (Chord-iol) emerged as a more critical factor for visual outcomes than preoperative ocular axes. The evidence suggests that values for Chord-mu, Chord-alpha, and Chord-lens should prompt further evaluation of atypical cases but are not reliable exclusion criteria. Moreover, a shift in focus toward aligning the IOL slightly temporal to the vertex normal appears to optimize visual acuity and minimize photic phenomena, challenging the established paradigm of knowledge about IOL centration.

PMID:39849245 | DOI:10.1007/s40123-025-01092-4

Funct Integr Genomics. 2025 Jan 23;25(1):25. doi: 10.1007/s10142-024-01525-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: T cells are involved in every stage of tumor development and significantly influence the tumor microenvironment (TME). Our objective was to assess T-cell marker gene expression profiles, develop a predictive risk model for human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) utilizing these genes, and examine the correlation between the risk score and the immunotherapy response.

METHODS: We acquired scRNA-seq data for HPV-negative OSCC from the GEO datasets. We performed cell‒cell communication, trajectory, and pathway enrichment analyses of T-cell-associated genes. In addition, we constructed and validated a T-cell-associated gene prognostic model for HPV-negative OSCC patients using TCGA and GEO data and assessed the immune infiltration status of HPV-negative OSCC patients .qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of prognosis-related genes in different risk groups.

RESULTS: ScRNA-seq was conducted on 28,000 cells derived from 14 HPV-negative OSCC samples and 6 normal samples. We identified 4,635 T cells from these cells and identified 774 differentially expressed genes(DEGs) associated with T cells across five distinct T-cell subtypes. Through the integration of bulk-RNAseq data, we established a prognostic model based on DEGs related to T cells. By separating patients into high-risk and low-risk groups according to these prognostic related genes, we can accurately predict their survival rates and the immune infiltration status of the TME.qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the patients of low risk group, the expression of PMEPA1, SH2D2A, SMS and PRDX4 were significantly up-regulated in high risk group.

CONCLUSION: This study provides a resource for understanding the heterogeneity of T cells in HPV-negative OSCC patients and associated prognostic risk models. It provides new insights for predicting survival and level of immune infiltration in patients with HPV-negative OSCC.

PMID:39849233 | DOI:10.1007/s10142-024-01525-6

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2025 Jan 23;145(1):138. doi: 10.1007/s00402-025-05758-3.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is a standard and effective treatment to correct stiffness and improve range of motion (ROM) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Delayed MUA has been associated with increased rates of revision surgeries and infections. Early MUA has been shown to double the mean gain in flexion compared to delayed interventions. To identify candidates early and effectively, this study aimed to evaluate various risk factors influencing the likelihood of undergoing MUA after TKA using statistical analysis.

METHODS: Data from 1973 to 2023 were collected from TriNetX, reviewing 245,567 unique patients. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes identified those who had undergone TKA and MUA. ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes identified preoperative comorbidities and complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed the association between preoperative risk factors and MUA likelihood. Independent sample t-tests, Levene’s test, and effect size analyses examined age differences between MUA and non-MUA cohorts. The study included 6,867 patients (2.8%) in the MUA cohort and 238,700 patients (97.2%) in the non-MUA cohort.

RESULTS: Among 245,567 TKA patients, 6,867 (2.8%) required MUA. Univariate analysis showed significant associations with age < 65 (OR = 2.49 [CI: 2.37-2.61], p < 0.001), Black race (OR = 2.04 [CI: 1.91-2.18], p < 0.001), SCD (OR = 2.96 [CI: 2.01-4.35], p < 0.001), and cannabis-related disorders (OR = 2.38 [CI: 1.29-4.38], p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis confirmed significant predictors: age < 65 (OR = 2.39 [CI: 2.26-2.53], p < 0.001), Black race (OR = 1.65 [CI: 1.51-1.81], p < 0.001), SCD (OR = 1.51 [CI: 1.00-2.26], p = 0.048), and female sex (OR = 1.13 [CI: 1.07-1.18], p < 0.001). The average age was 61.94 years in the MUA cohort and 67.09 years in the non-MUA cohort, with a significant mean difference of 5.14 years (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that younger age, female sex, and Black race are significant predictors of MUA after TKA. Additionally, novel risk factors such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and sickle cell disease (SCD) were identified, with SCD notably increasing the likelihood of MUA. This study uniquely highlights reduced likelihoods of MUA in PAD and CKD patients, contrasting with prior literature. The significant association of SCD with MUA, alongside these novel findings, emphasizes the value of demographic and comorbidity-specific predictors in refining postoperative risk stratification.

PMID:39849219 | DOI:10.1007/s00402-025-05758-3

J Neurol. 2025 Jan 23;272(2):164. doi: 10.1007/s00415-025-12908-5.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39849209 | DOI:10.1007/s00415-025-12908-5

J Imaging Inform Med. 2025 Jan 23. doi: 10.1007/s10278-025-01402-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Parkinson’s disease (PD), a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, is commonly diagnosed using functional medical imaging techniques such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In this study, we utilized two SPECT data sets (n = 634 and n = 202) from different hospitals to develop a model capable of accurately predicting PD stages, a multiclass classification task. We used the entire three-dimensional (3D) brain images as input and experimented with various model architectures. Initially, we treated the 3D images as sequences of two-dimensional (2D) slices and fed them sequentially into 2D convolutional neural network (CNN) models pretrained on ImageNet, averaging the outputs to obtain the final predicted stage. We also applied 3D CNN models pretrained on Kinetics-400. Additionally, we incorporated an attention mechanism to account for the varying importance of different slices in the prediction process. To further enhance model efficacy and robustness, we simultaneously trained the two data sets using weight sharing, a technique known as cotraining. Our results demonstrated that 2D models pretrained on ImageNet outperformed 3D models pretrained on Kinetics-400, and models utilizing the attention mechanism outperformed both 2D and 3D models. The cotraining technique proved effective in improving model performance when the cotraining data sets were sufficiently large.

PMID:39849204 | DOI:10.1007/s10278-025-01402-z

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2025 Jan 23. doi: 10.1007/s00127-025-02817-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among Mozambican youth aged 15-24 years, as well as their help-seeking behaviors.

METHODS: Data from 8,154 youth participants in the 2022-23 Mozambique Demographic Health Survey were analyzed. MDD and GAD were assessed using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between sociodemographic factors and mental health outcomes and health-seeking behaviors.

RESULTS: The prevalence of MDD and GAD among Mozambican youth was 7.5% for each condition. However, only 9.3% of those with either MDD or GAD sought help for their symptoms, primarily from family and friends. Females had significantly higher odds of experiencing both MDD and GAD but lower help-seeking behavior as compared to males. Unemployment, lower household wealth, and being single were associated with higher odds of both disorders and lower odds of help-seeking behaviors. Higher education increased the odds of GAD and help-seeking behaviors. Significant regional variations were observed, with conflict-affected regions including Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Zambezia showing the highest prevalence of MDD and GAD.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals substantial mental health challenges among Mozambican youth, with notable disparities across sociodemographic groups and regions. The low rates of help-seeking behavior underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve mental health awareness and access to services for socio-demographically vulnerable youth.

PMID:39849198 | DOI:10.1007/s00127-025-02817-3