Category: Statistics

Front Artif Intell. 2025 Aug 20;8:1623573. doi: 10.3389/frai.2025.1623573. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Autonomous systems operating in high-dimensional environments increasingly rely on prioritization heuristics to allocate attention and assess risk, yet these mechanisms can introduce cognitive biases such as salience, spatial framing, and temporal familiarity that influence decision-making without altering the input or accessing internal states. This study presents Priority Inversion via Operational Reasoning (PRIOR), a black-box, non-perturbative diagnostic framework that employs structurally biased but semantically neutral scenario cues to probe inference-level vulnerabilities without modifying pixel-level, statistical, or surface semantic properties. Given the limited accessibility of embodied vision-based systems, we evaluate PRIOR using large language models (LLMs) as abstract reasoning proxies to simulate cognitive prioritization in constrained textual surveillance scenarios inspired by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations. Controlled experiments demonstrate that minimal structural cues can consistently induce priority inversions across multiple models, and joint analysis of model justifications and confidence estimates reveals systematic distortions in inferred threat relevance even when inputs are symmetrical. These findings expose the fragility of inference-level reasoning in black-box systems and motivate the development of evaluation strategies that extend beyond output correctness to interrogate internal prioritization logic, with implications for dynamic, embodied, and visually grounded agents in real-world deployments.

PMID:40910117 | PMC:PMC12405252 | DOI:10.3389/frai.2025.1623573

Front Cell Neurosci. 2025 Aug 20;19:1606451. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2025.1606451. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cognitive reserve (CR) refers to the discrepancy between brain pathology and observed cognitive decline. While education is a key indicator of CR, its role as a potential moderator in the relationships between brain morphology and cognitive impairments in Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear. This study examined whether education affects the relationship between brain age and cognitive impairments in patients with PD.

METHODS: Data from 58 patients with PD were analyzed using a secondary dataset from the OpenNeuro database. Participants aged ≥55 years were on stable medications and underwent standardized neuropsychological assessments. Brain age predictions were generated from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the brainageR package, and the brain age difference (BAD) was calculated after correction for regression dilution. The moderation effect of education on the relationship between BAD and cognition was assessed using Hayes’ PROCESS macro. The primary outcome was cognitive performance across six domains: attention, executive function, language, learning and memory, visuospatial ability, and global cognition.

RESULTS: Among the six domains, a significant moderation effect of education was found only for language ability (β = 0.01, p = 0.013, R ² = 0.20). The relationship between BAD and language was steeper at lower education levels. No statistically significant moderation was found in the remaining five domains.

CONCLUSION: Having more years of education is associated with buffering the effects of accelerated brain aging on language ability in PD.

PMID:40910106 | PMC:PMC12405238 | DOI:10.3389/fncel.2025.1606451

Med Phys. 2025 Sep;52(9):e17960. doi: 10.1002/mp.17960.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Advanced diffusion models have been introduced to improve characterization of tissue microstructure in breast cancer assessment.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of monoexponential apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), time-dependent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (td-dMRI), and the Continuous-Time Random-Walk (CTRW) diffusion model for differentiating breast lesions and predicting Ki-67 expression levels.

METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive patients with suspected breast lesions undergoing preoperative MRI were enrolled in this prospective investigation. Each participant underwent conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), CTRW, and td-dMRI acquisition. From conventional DWI, ADC_mean, ADC_min, and ADC_max were extracted from two-dimensional lesion regions of interest, and the intralesional ADC difference (ADC_max – ADC_min) was computed. CTRW analysis involved whole-lesion histograms to quantify temporal heterogeneity (α), spatial heterogeneity (β), and the anomalous diffusion coefficient (D). td-dMRI data were fitted using the JOINT model to derive five microstructural parameters, with PGSE_50ms also obtained. Group comparisons of diffusion parameters between benign and malignant lesions were performed using Mann-Whitney U tests, followed by correlation analyses with Ki-67. Bonferroni correction was applied to account for multiple testing, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Logistic regression was employed to combine significant parameters, and diagnostic performance was assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS: The td-dMRI-derived f_in and cellularity, alongside various CTRW-based histogram parameters, demonstrated statistically significant distinctions between benign and malignant breast lesions (all adjusted p < 0.05, Bonferroni correction). Among all evaluated models, the combined CTRW metrics yielded the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) (0.975), indicating markedly improved diagnostic efficacy compared to conventional DWI (all p < 0.05). Diffusion metrics generated from ADC, α, and td-dMRI maps were significantly associated with Ki-67 expression (ρ = 0.39-0.62, all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion parameters derived from conventional DWI, td-dMRI, and CTRW mapping demonstrate potential in characterizing breast lesion microstructure. Nevertheless, validation in larger cohorts remains necessary to substantiate their clinical utility.

PMID:40908518 | DOI:10.1002/mp.17960

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2025 Sep;41(5):e70051. doi: 10.1111/phpp.70051.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Narrowband-ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is an effective treatment for psoriasis in patients who have failed topical regimens or those who desire to avoid systemic treatment. Despite its regular use in non-white individuals, NB-UVB treatment response for psoriasis in skin of color (SOC) has not been systematically reviewed.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review on the basis of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) on all available studies to date assessing NB-UVB for psoriasis treatment in skin of color (SOC) (up to 15 November 2024). The primary outcome was qualitative data on clinical outcomes of UVB (PASI 75). Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to assess treatment responses. Secondary outcomes of biochemical and immunologic mechanisms of NB-UVB, NB-UVB in combination with other treatments, and NB-UVB compared to other forms of phototherapy were assessed.

RESULTS: Of 1283 articles initially identified, 54 were ultimately included for formal review. We identified 43 articles assessing clinical outcomes of NB-UVB phototherapy in patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III-IV for a total of 1322 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 12 patients with palmoplantar psoriasis. Nine studies were included for meta-analysis of PASI75 response; 70.5% of patients achieved PASI75, and all studies demonstrated statistically significant PASI improvement after treatment. NB-UVB demonstrated a higher rate of complete clearance when compared to BB-UVB but did not result in a statistically significant difference in the proportion of the patient population achieving PASI75 when compared to PUVA.

CONCLUSIONS: Phototherapy is effective for the treatment of psoriasis in SOC patients and remains a valuable treatment option despite the advent of various topical, systemic, and biologic treatments for psoriasis.

PMID:40908513 | DOI:10.1111/phpp.70051

Health Serv Res. 2025 Sep 4:e70033. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.70033. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the changing Accountable Care Organizations-ACO workforce and ACOs’ shared savings earnings and quality performance.

DATA SOURCES: Medicare Shared Savings Program-MSSP provider-level research identifiable files, performance year financial and quality report public use files, and National Physician Compare data (2013-2021).

STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN: We characterized 865 MSSPs, separately pre- (2013-2019) and post-pandemic (2020-2021) according to the percentage of primary care physicians (PCPs), non-physicians, specialists, and other specialty, financial risk model, assigned Medicare beneficiary demographics, clinical risk factors, and provider supply by specialty within the MSSP’s primary service state, (total and per-capita) shared savings earnings/losses owed and quality score. Longitudinal ordinary least-squares regressions with random effects were estimated to assess the association between MSSP provider specialty mix and annual (1) per-capita shared savings/losses and (2) quality score, controlling for risk model, beneficiary characteristics, provider supply, and year factors. We also compared outcomes across MSSPs, 32 Pioneers and 62 Next Generation-NGACOs.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: PCPs represented 33.9% of MSSP’s workforce, on average. Higher percentages of PCPs and non-physicians were associated with higher per-capita earned shared savings and quality scores among MSSPs. A 1-percentage-point (ppt) increase in PCPs and non-physicians was associated with higher per-capita shared savings of $2.25 (p < 0.01) and $1.82 (p = 0.03), respectively, pre-COVID, and $2.73 (p < 0.01) and $1.81 (p = 0.14) post-COVID. We estimated increases in quality scores among MSSPs of ~0.1 ppt with a 1 ppt increase in PCPs, non-physicians, and specialists only pre-pandemic. No statistically significant relationships were estimated between provider specialty mix and performance measures in Pioneers and NGACOs.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher percentages of PCPs and non-physicians were associated with higher per-capita shared savings earnings and quality scores among MSSPs. As new federal initiatives continue to unfold, value-based payment models increasing incentives for primary care should be monitored to determine their ability to further improve care efficiency.

PMID:40908503 | DOI:10.1111/1475-6773.70033

BMC Public Health. 2025 Sep 4;25(1):3038. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-24231-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Questionnaires that assess psychological functioning are 21 limited by their subjective nature, while HRV can serve as a more objective 22 (but also complex) index of such functioning. This study aims to validate sex 23 differences in college students’ mental well-being using psychological scales 24 and HRV, and to investigate the correlation between psychological scales 25 and HRV for each sex.

METHOD: 240 college students (120 males and 120 females, aged 18-22 27 years) were recruited via cluster sampling from 1st Sept. to 1st Nov. 2023 at 28 Zhejiang University in China. Mental well-being was assessed using the 29 Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and the 21-item 30 version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), while HRV 31 was measured at rest using a Polar H7 heart rate monitor.

RESULTS: Comparative analyses showed that female students had higher 33 anxiety scores (DASS-21) (p = 0.033, Partial η² = 0.019) and lower mental 34 well-being scores (WEMWBS) (p = 0.047, Partial η² = 0.016) compared to 35 male students. Additionally, female students exhibited lower HRV across 36 multiple indices, including SDNN (p < 0.001, Partial η² = 0.158), RMSSD (p 37 < 0.001, Partial η² = 0.064), pNN50 (p < 0.001, Partial η² = 0.045), and 38 absolute high-frequency (HF) power (p = 0.003, Partial η² = 0.038). 39 Correlational analyses further revealed that only female students’ anxiety 40 scores were negatively associated with RMSSD (r = -0.245, p = 0.008), 41 absolute HF power (r = -0.261, p = 0.005), and normalized HF power (r = – 42 0.262, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: Female university students exhibited poorer mental well-being 44 than male students, as indicated by both subjective and objective measures, with anxiety being particularly prominent. Combining psychological scales 46 with measures of HRV (RMSSD and HF power) may improve anxiety 47 assessment in female university students.

PMID:40908489 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-24231-9

Genome Biol. 2025 Sep 4;26(1):266. doi: 10.1186/s13059-025-03702-7.

ABSTRACT

We present a new and considerably improved version of RoAM (Reconstruction of Ancient Methylation), a flexible tool for reconstructing ancient methylomes and identifying differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between populations. Through a series of filtering and quality control steps, RoAM produces highly reliable DNA methylation maps, making it a valuable tool for paleoepigenomics studies. We apply RoAM to pre-and post-Neolithic transition Balkan samples, and uncover DMRs in genes related to sugar metabolism. Notably, we observe post-Neolithic hypermethylation of PTPRN2, a regulator of insulin secretion. These results are compatible with hypoinsulinism in pre-Neolithic hunter-gatherers.

PMID:40908480 | DOI:10.1186/s13059-025-03702-7

J Relig Health. 2025 Sep 4. doi: 10.1007/s10943-025-02432-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Postmenopausal women are more likely to experience sleep problems; therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of spiritual reminiscence on their sleep quality. This clinical trial involved 40 postmenopausal women who were randomly selected based on inclusion criteria and divided into two groups of 20 each. The reminiscence protocol was conducted over six sessions. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a demographic questionnaire before the intervention and immediately afterward. There were no significant differences in demographic variables between the two groups (P > 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in sleep quality was observed within the intervention group at both time points (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant differences in sleep quality were found between the intervention and control groups (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that spiritual reminiscence is an effective intervention for improving sleep quality among postmenopausal women.

PMID:40908457 | DOI:10.1007/s10943-025-02432-1

J Robot Surg. 2025 Sep 4;19(1):556. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02743-1.

ABSTRACT

The KangDuo Surgical Robot-01 (KD-SR-01) was developed as a lower-cost alternative, but its perioperative performance relative to da Vinci remains uncertain. This study aims to compare operative efficiency and perioperative safety between the KD-SR-01 and da Vinci systems in colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. A PROSPERO-registered systematic review (CRD420251082786) searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 28 June 2025. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative cohort studies involving adult CRC patients treated with both robotic platforms were eligible. Primary outcomes were operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), and docking time; postoperative complications were analysed as secondary outcomes. Random-effects meta-analysis generated weighted mean differences (WMDs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Study quality was appraised with ROBINS-I and Cochrane RoB 2 tools. Four studies (2 RCTs, 2 cohorts) enrolling 273 patients (KD-SR-01 = 136; da Vinci = 137) met the criteria. KD-SR-01 was associated with a longer OT (WMD = 25.51 min, 95% CI 11.05-39.96), but a shorter docking time (WMD = – 0.84 min, 95% CI – 1.58 to – 0.10). No significant differences were observed in EBL (WMD = 8.62 mL, 95% CI – 9.02 to 26.26) or in the rate of postoperative complications (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.49-2.21). Cohort studies showed moderate risk of bias; RCTs were judged as low risk or had some concerns. The KD-SR-01 system showed similar intraoperative blood loss, docking time, and safety outcomes compared to the da Vinci platform. However, operative time was significantly longer, which may affect clinical workflow and should be considered in platform selection.

PMID:40908423 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-02743-1

Neurocrit Care. 2025 Sep 4. doi: 10.1007/s12028-025-02350-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent American Heart Association guidelines have relied on post hoc subgroup analyses to identify summary blood pressure measures for targets in early management of acute intracerebral hemorrhage. To our knowledge, measurement error has not been considered when determining the impact of these summary measures. Our objective was to determine whether statistically significant differences in three systolic blood pressure (SBP) measures (achieved SBP, SBP variability, and magnitude of SBP reduction) in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage from the antihypertensive treatment of acute cerebral hemorrhage II (ATACH-2) randomized clinical trial are clinically meaningful by comparing them to a minimally detectable difference (MDD) of 10 mm Hg.

METHODS: We performed a post hoc analysis of individual patient data from the ATACH-2 randomized clinical trial, evaluating the differences in achieved SBP, SBP variability, and magnitude of SBP reduction between patients with favorable (modified Rankin scale score 0-3) and unfavorable (modified Rankin scale score 4-6) outcomes. We used the empirical cumulative distribution functions and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests to compare distributions, and we considered differences clinically meaningful if they exceeded the MDD of 10 mm Hg. We also performed a propensity score matched analysis to understand the nature of the association between these measures and outcomes.

RESULTS: Although SBP variability in the first 24 h differed statistically between outcome groups, the mean difference (95% confidence interval) did not exceed the MDD threshold. Achieved SBP and magnitude of SBP reduction showed no significant differences between groups. In the propensity score matched analysis, there were no statistical differences between any blood pressure measurements and outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that although there are statistically significant differences in SBP variability between patients with good and poor outcomes in ATACH-2, these differences do not meet the threshold for clinical relevance because they were within the range of measurement noise. The propensity score matched analysis suggested that the association between summary blood pressure measurements and outcomes is not robust to analytical method. These findings emphasize the need for caution in interpreting post hoc findings for clinical decision-making.

PMID:40908415 | DOI:10.1007/s12028-025-02350-w