Category: Statistics

Int J Nanomedicine. 2026 Apr 3;21:583269. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S583269. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria are most commonly found in failed root canal cases. Among those, Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is the most resistant intracanal microbe. Hence, the antibacterial effectiveness of various intracanal medicaments (ICMs) is primarily tested against E. faecalis. To eliminate such resistant bacteria from the entire root canal system, various contemporary intracanal medicaments (ICMs) with an effective antibacterial action are evaluated. The purpose of the study is to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of intracanal medications, Phytosphingosine nano-emulsion (PHSN), Chitosan nano-emulsion (CHN), and Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP) against E. faecalis in endodontics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Assuming the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 15.93 and SD 1.53 with estimated error of 1, 80% power, and 5% alpha error, the sample size was calculated as 9. All three ICMs were prepared following the standard protocols. These ICMs were categorised into 3 groups as follows: Group I: PHSN; Group II: CHN; Group III: TAP. The antibacterial property of these ICMs was evaluated using MIC and disk diffusion methods. ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s tests.

RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be 1 μg/mL for PHSN, 32 μg/mL for CHN, and 4.0 μL/mL for TAP against E. faecalis. PHSN showed the largest zone of inhibition (38.3 ± 1.48), followed by CHN (8.16 ± 0.966), and TAP (6.30 ± 1.71). Thus, PHSN showed significantly higher antimicrobial efficiency compared to CHN and TAP (p < 0.05). Although CHN showed a higher zone of inhibition than the TAP, the difference between them was statistically nonsignificant.

CONCLUSION: Phytosphingosine nano-emulsion (PHSN) has maximum efficacy against E. faecalis, and it can hinder its growth with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1μg/mL. Chitosan nano-emulsion (CHN) shows slightly more efficacy than Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP), but without any statistical significance.

PMID:41953859 | PMC:PMC13055908 | DOI:10.2147/IJN.S583269

Indian J Palliat Care. 2026 Jan-Mar;32(1):45-50. doi: 10.25259/IJPC_29_2025. Epub 2025 Jul 31.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Anxiety is a common concern among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study aimed to explore the impact of relaxation therapy combined with natural expressions of gratitude, either towards God or in a non-religious context, on anxiety levels in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 46 breast cancer patients aged 18-65 years at Ngoerah Hospital One Day Care Chemotherapy Clinic from March to December 2023. Participants underwent a 15-minute relaxation therapy. Following the session, they were naturally assigned to one of two groups based on their response: 26 participants expressed gratitude towards God, and 20 participants expressed plain gratitude. Anxiety levels were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) before and after the intervention. Data were analysed statistically.

RESULTS: The gratitude to God group showed a greater reduction in BAI scores (mean difference = 10.93, standard deviation [SD] = 5.73) compared to the plain gratitude group (mean difference = 5.56, SD = 3.43). Paired t-tests indicated significant reductions in anxiety for both groups (P < 0.001 for both). The independent t-test revealed a significant difference in anxiety reduction between the two groups (t[44] = 3.24, P < 0.01, 95% confidence interval = 0.89-8.27), with the gratitude to God group experiencing a larger decrease in anxiety levels.

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that relaxation therapy, particularly when accompanied by a natural expression of gratitude directed towards a higher power, may be more effective in reducing anxiety among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

PMID:41953835 | PMC:PMC13054332 | DOI:10.25259/IJPC_29_2025

Indian J Palliat Care. 2026 Jan-Mar;32(1):91-96. doi: 10.25259/IJPC_51_2025. Epub 2026 Feb 10.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of spiritual well-being on the relationship between social support and depression among family caregivers of cancer patients (FCPC) undergoing chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 families of cancer patients participated in this study, meeting the following inclusion criteria: Individuals aged 18-65 years, providing care for a patient with cancer in 4 months, residing with the patient and demonstrating no communication difficulties. Convenience sampling was conducted in two hospitals located in Yogyakarta and Jember, Indonesia, from May to August 2024. A valid and reliable self-reported structured questionnaire was used to collect data on depression, spiritual well-being and social support. The characteristic respondent questionnaire was also used. The unpaired t-test, analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were used to examine the relationships between depression and respondent characteristics, as well as the correlations among depression, spiritual well-being and social support. In addition, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) PROCESS macro version 4.2 was used to examine the mediating factor model hypothesis confirmation.

RESULTS: The results showed that, based on the correlational test, spiritual well-being and social support were interconnected. The occupational status of the respondents correlated with depression. Social support positively affected spiritual well-being (B = 0.245; P < 0.001), and spiritual well-being was negatively affected by depression (B = -0.248; P < 0.001). In addition, social support was directly affected by depression (B = -0.236; P < 0.001). Bootstrap analysis supported the relationship between social support and depression with spiritual well-being as a mediating factor (B = -0.061; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study indicated that social support was a significant predictor of depression in FCPC undergoing chemotherapy, with spiritual well-being acting as a mediating factor. Therefore, nurses should integrate spiritual nursing care and incorporate significant others to mitigate depression. Future studies are needed to explore further mediators and develop specific interventions for reducing depression.

PMID:41953834 | PMC:PMC13054333 | DOI:10.25259/IJPC_51_2025

Indian J Palliat Care. 2026 Jan-Mar;32(1):65-71. doi: 10.25259/IJPC_108_2025. Epub 2026 Feb 10.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Community health workers (CHWs) are the frontline workers providing primary care. This study aimed to assess the impact of training on CHWs’ knowledge and perceptions of palliative care (PC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixed-method research design was adopted. The participants included CHWs posted in a block of North India. Using a pre-post quasi-experimental design, the PC knowledge questionnaire-basic (PCKQ-B) was used to assess the PC knowledge of CHWs before and after a 3-day PC training programme. Paired t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey post hoc tests were used to determine the pre- and post-training differences in knowledge within and between groups. Responses to the open-ended questions and participants’ narratives during the training were coded, thematically analysed and triangulated with quantitative results.

RESULTS: Of 49 CHWs who attended the training, 45 completed both pre- and post-tests. The training was associated with a statistically significant increase in mean PCKQ-B score (18.4 ± 2.942 post-training vs. 12 ± 3.422 pre-training; P < 0.001). Six out of seven domains showed improvement in the perception of CHWs regarding PC, with the highest impact on bereavement care (1 ± 0.00 post-training vs. 0.54 ± 0.501 pre-training; P < 0.001). Baseline PC knowledge and improvement in knowledge post-training were significantly associated with participants’ designation and gender. Training improved participants’ perception of PC from being just basic nursing care (pre-training) to a holistic care which extends beyond death to include bereavement care (post-training) and the importance of communication skills in fostering trust and reducing anger and frustration. Fear and anxiety about cancer, poverty, lack of resources, poor trust in public facilities, myths, lack of health awareness, social stigma and non-supportive families were identified as challenges to providing PC in the community.

CONCLUSION: Short-term PC training contextualised to the local needs improved CHWs’ knowledge and perceptions of PC. Future trainings should emphasise addressing the psycho-social and spiritual domains of care.

PMID:41953824 | PMC:PMC13054359 | DOI:10.25259/IJPC_108_2025

Front Plant Sci. 2026 Mar 24;17:1800142. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2026.1800142. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to characterize sapling regeneration in typical Quercus forests in Beijing, investigate the relationship between sapling density and environmental factors, and provide a theoretical basis for sustaining the ecological stability of Quercus forests in northern China.

METHODS: During June-September 2023, sapling density (individuals with diameter at breast height [DBH]1-5 cm) and environmental variables were surveyed across 17 plots in five Quercus forest types. Correlation analysis, random forest variable importance ranking, and multiple linear regression were used to identify key environmental factors affecting sapling density.

RESULTS: In Q. mongolica stands, sapling density (>1000 stems/ha) and mean DBH were the highest, while the stands of the other four Quercus species each maintained densities below 500 stems/ha with comparable DBH values. Sapling density was positively correlated with total stem number (N), canopy density (CD), and stand density (SD), but negatively with mean DBH (MD) and available copper (ACu). Random Forest analysis ranked the variables with relative importance exceeding 5% in the following order: MD > altitude (AL) > SD > Shannon-Wiener index (H´) > ACu > humus layer thickness (HLT) > N > CD. Multiple linear regression identified slope aspect, SD, and ACu as the primary environmental factors affecting sapling density.

DISCUSSION: Sapling abundance and growth status vary across Quercus forests in Beijing, with regeneration density co-regulated by multiple environmental factors. Therefore, forest management should integrate both biotic and abiotic factors to promote natural regeneration.

PMID:41953814 | PMC:PMC13055438 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2026.1800142

BJPsych Int. 2025 Nov;22(4):104-112. doi: 10.1192/bji.2025.11. Epub 2025 May 21.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mental illness affects an estimated 500 million people globally, with 85% living in low- and medium-income countries (LMICs). Research has shown that people with mental illness are over-represented in the criminal justice system compared with the general population. There is limited information available on institutional attitudes towards mental illness in LMICs.

AIMS: This study aimed to examine mental health literacy (MHL) and mental health stigma (MHS) among Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officers.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted among ZPCS officers (N = 163) between August and December 2022. Data were collected using the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and Attitudes Towards Mentally Ill Offenders (ATMIO). The primary hypothesis was that increased MHL is inversely related to MHS in this group.

RESULTS: A significant inverse correlation was found between MHL and MHS (r = 0.36, P < 0.001). A regression analysis controlling for age and sex showed that MHLS is a statistically significant component in this model, indicating that MHL is associated with reduced MHS (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: In this group, increased MHL is associated with decreased MHS. This suggests that interventions to increase MHL should be further evaluated in these settings.

PMID:41953791 | PMC:PMC13054152 | DOI:10.1192/bji.2025.11

J Exp Orthop. 2026 Apr 7;13(2):e70708. doi: 10.1002/jeo2.70708. eCollection 2026 Apr.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare tibiofemoral rotation (TFR) measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in patellofemoral (PF) patients and descriptively report mean differences using an alternative plateau-anchored MRI measurement method.

METHODS: Surgical candidates for tibial derotational osteotomy with both CT and MRI were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics/surgical indication/tibial torsion were recorded. TFR was measured on CT/MRI using standard posterior condylar-posterior tibial axis technique. A plateau-anchored MRI method utilizes the angle between the distal femoral posterior condylar axis and the axis connecting the proximal tibial plateau’s most medial and lateral aspects. Paired t tests compared TFR between modalities and MRI methods; subgroup analyses evaluated diagnosis. Pearson correlation assessed association between CT-based TFR and tibial torsion.

RESULTS: Fifty-eight knees/46 patients (50 female; mean age 21 ± 7 years; body mass index [BMI] 25 ± 6 kg/m²) were analysed. Indications: PF instability ± pain: 20 knees, pain without instability: 38 knees. Mean MRI TFR: 2.11°; CT TFR 8.28°; plateau-anchored MRI method 9.80°. Mean difference between standard MRI and CT was -6.18° (95% confidence interval [CI] -7.48 to -4.88; p < 0.001); the difference between plateau-anchored MRI and CT was 1.51° (95% CI 0.01-3.01; p = 0.048). Bland-Altman plots showed good inter- and intra-observer agreement. In exploratory subgroup analyses (PF instability ± pain vs. pain without instability), no statistically significant differences were observed in the CT-MRI mean TFR differences. Tibial torsion (38.9° ± 7.0°) did not correlate significantly with CT-based TFR (r = 0.25; p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION: CT and MRI yield systematically different TFR values in the same PF patients; standard MRI yielding lower values than CT. A plateau-anchored MRI method yielded a smaller mean difference relative to CT than the standard MRI method in this cohort. These results should not be interpreted as demonstrating interchangeability, accuracy, or clinical readiness of the plateau-anchored method.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

PMID:41953756 | PMC:PMC13054234 | DOI:10.1002/jeo2.70708

J Vet Res. 2026 Mar 12;70(1):129-137. doi: 10.2478/jvetres-2026-0014. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Pyometra is a common and potentially life-threatening uterine infection in bitches, with severe local and systemic inflammation as symptoms. Studies exist on inflammatory markers in peripheral blood (PB), but little is known about their expression in uterine blood (UB). This study aimed to compare their concentrations simultaneously in UB and PB of bitches with pyometra, and to evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic potential.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two bitches with confirmed pyometra (13 closed-cervix and 9 open-cervix cases) and six healthy controls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected from the cephalic and uterine veins during ovariohysterectomy. The concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 were measured using an ELISA validated for dogs, and C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured by an immunoturbidimetric assay. These five inflammatory markers were compared statistically between the three groups of dogs and two types of blood sample using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests.

RESULTS: All markers were significantly elevated in affected bitches’ UB and PB. The IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher in UB than in PB, suggesting local production of this cytokine. Conversely, the IL-10 levels were higher in PB, possibly reflecting a systemic regulatory response. The concentrations of IL-1α and IL-1β differed insignificantly from each other. Those of CRP were significantly higher in open-cervix than in closed-cervix pyometra, indicating a stronger acute-phase response.

CONCLUSION: The results assign IL-6 and CRP a potential role as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of pyometra. Simultaneous analysis of uterine and systemic inflammatory responses provides insight into the disease’s pathophysiology and may support more targeted therapeutic approaches.

PMID:41953742 | PMC:PMC13054760 | DOI:10.2478/jvetres-2026-0014

J Vet Res. 2026 Feb 4;70(1):9-20. doi: 10.2478/jvetres-2026-0003. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Canine viral infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in dogs worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the presence of canine adenovirus (CAdV), canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine herpesvirus (CHV) at the molecular level.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 68 paired nasal secretion and blood samples were obtained from 34 dogs, and 93 faecal samples were collected, each from a single dog. All sampled animals showed clinical signs of respiratory or gastrointestinal disorders. They came from five different provinces of Türkiye. The samples were tested by PCR and selected strains were sequenced.

RESULTS: While no CAdV was detected in the PCR analyses, CPV gene amplification was achieved in 60.2% (56/93) of the DNA extracted from faecal samples, CDV genes were amplified in 11.8% (4/34) of the genetic material extracted from nasal swabs, and CHV genes were amplified in 14.7% (5/34). One nasal swab sample showed a co-infection with CDV and CHV, but the corresponding blood sample did not. Phylogenetic analyses of the viral strains were conducted; among CPV strains, CPV-2b and CPV-2c variants were identified and found to share high genetic similarity with strains of Asian and African origin. The CDV strains were closely related to European strains, while the CHV strains exhibited genetic diversity and matched strains isolated worldwide. No statistically significant association was found between viral infections and the sex or age of the animals.

CONCLUSION: These findings provide insight into the molecular epidemiology of viral infections in dogs in Türkiye and reveal that local strains are phylogenetically closely related to globally circulating strains.

PMID:41953737 | PMC:PMC13054762 | DOI:10.2478/jvetres-2026-0003

Mater Today Bio. 2026 Mar 19;38:103026. doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103026. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

An automated radiation modulator (ARM) was developed to enable a high-throughput radiation sensitivity test using patient-derived organoids (PDOs) as an in vitro diagnostic device. Treatment strategies for head and neck cancer include surgery and radiotherapy. However, patient responses to radiotherapy vary widely. To overcome limitations in efficiency and scalability, the ARM was developed to provide controlled, reproducible, and high-throughput radiation delivery. Its feasibility was validated by comparing it with conventional radiation methods using two HNSCC cell lines, as well as by applying it to PDO-based radiation sensitivity tests. The ARM successfully classified head and neck cancer PDOs into radiation-sensitive and radiation-resistant groups. OncoSensi, a radiation sensitivity screening method utilizing the ARM, was cross-validated with clinical radiotherapy outcomes, including recurrence status, in 14 patients with head and neck cancer. The multi-parameter OncoSensi model achieved a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 75%, demonstrating superior predictive performance compared to the single-parameter model, which yielded a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 50%. Statistically significant difference in recurrence-free survival (RFS) was observed between the OncoSensi-sensitive and -resistant groups. Therefore, ARM-based radiation sensitivity screening can serve as a practical tool for implementing precision medicine in radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer, ultimately contributing to improved treatment efficacy and patient prognosis.

PMID:41953717 | PMC:PMC13053779 | DOI:10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103026