Category: Statistics

Int J Biomed Imaging. 2026 Aug 7;2026:7443570. doi: 10.1155/ijbi/7443570. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The TNM staging system is a main tool for treatment stratification and prognosis prediction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, patients with identical clinical stages often show different tumor regression patterns.

PURPOSE: This study is aimed at constructing a nomogram model integrating MRI and clinical variables to predict primary tumor residual status at the completion of radiotherapy for NPC cases.

STUDY TYPE: The present study is a retrospective design.

POPULATION: Two hundred NPC patients who accepted radical radiotherapy in the present hospital from December 2017 to March 2023 were systematically reviewed. The selected 200 NPC cases were divided into the training cohort (n = 160) and validation cohort (n = 40).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5T MRI scan, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1WI) and T2-weighted (T2WI) sequences.

ASSESSMENT: For the training cohort, the LASSO with logistic regression was conducted to choose important features and construct a radiomics model. The clinical variables of patients were selected on the basis of statistical analysis and previous research. The nomogram was developed by combining the clinical factors with the radiomics features.

STATISTICAL TESTS: Statistical analyses were conducted using R software for correlation analysis, chi-squared test, multivariable regression analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, ROC curve analysis, and DeLong test. Significant level was p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Up to 109 radiomics characteristics were extracted, from which seven stable characteristics were selected to generate the Rad-score. According to the regression result, T stage can be regarded as an independent predictor of primary tumor residual status. A nomogram combining the Rad-score and clinical variables was established and proved, yielding an AUC of 0.836 (95% CI: 0.766-0.889, p < 0.001) in the training set and 0.843 (p < 0.001) in the validation set, respectively. The DeLong test indicates that the nomogram model is superior to both the individual clinical variables and the Rad-score alone. The calibration curve and decision curve analyses proved the validity and clinical utility of the proposed model.

DATA CONCLUSION: A clinical-radiomics nomogram has good efficacy in predicting primary tumor residual after radiotherapy, providing individual treatment strategies for NPC cases.

PMID:42569119 | PMC:PMC13449176 | DOI:10.1155/ijbi/7443570

ACS Omega. 2026 Jul 22;11(30):44667-44681. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c13300. eCollection 2026 Aug 4.

ABSTRACT

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted considerable attention due to their outstanding catalytic and antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, most aqueous syntheses yield colloids with low metal concentrations and limited long-term stability, restricting their practical use. To address these challenges, highly concentrated and stable AgNP dispersions were prepared, reaching concentrations of up to 100 mM, by chemical reduction of AgBF₄ with tetrabutylammonium borohydride in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizer. The dispersions contained predominantly spherical nanoparticles with narrow size distributions and remained stable for at least 1 month. For improved reusability, the AgNPs were incorporated into regenerated cellulose films produced in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. Owing to its abundance, renewability, and biocompatibility, cellulose provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly platform for supporting metal nanoparticles, offering easy handling and potential for reuse. The resulting AgNP-cellulose composites contained up to 5 wt % of silver and preserved the cellulose type II structure. Structural, thermal, and morphological analyses confirmed the homogeneous distribution of PVP-stabilized AgNPs within the matrix. The hybrid films exhibited high catalytic activity toward 4-nitrophenol reduction and could be reused for at least five consecutive cycles with minimal loss of performance. In addition, antibacterial assays against Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) showed antibacterial activity, with a statistically supported and concentration-dependent response that was more pronounced for the Gram-positive strain. This work demonstrates a straightforward strategy to combine concentrated AgNP dispersions and cellulose supports, yielding recyclable catalytic and antimicrobial materials.

PMID:42569104 | PMC:PMC13448974 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c13300

ACS Omega. 2026 Jul 22;11(30):44682-44691. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c13091. eCollection 2026 Aug 4.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to develop multivariate calibration models for the physicochemical parameters of Brazilian honey samples using mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. A total of 97 samples of honey from Apis melliferabees from different botanical and geographical origins in Brazil were subjected to physicochemical analyses of pH, moisture, total soluble solids, free acidity, lactonic acidity, total acidity, proline, diastatic activity, hydroxymethylfurfural, and MIR. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed as an exploratory technique to assess the dispersion of the samples across physicochemical parameters. To predict physicochemical parameters of honey from MIR spectral data, spectral interval selection via partial least-squares regression (iPLS) was used. The PCA was performed based on physicochemical parameters, with the samples dispersed according to the quality standards set by Brazilian legislation. MIR spectroscopy, combined with iPLS analysis, allowed the construction of models with high predictive capacity for all parameters evaluated in honey samples. The models presented statistical validation parameters, including correlation coefficients ranging from 0.81 to 0.97, performance ratios for deviation from 1.7 to 4.4, and interval error ratios between 5.7 and 16.3. The results demonstrate the potential of using MIR spectroscopy in conjunction with iPLS for the simultaneous, fast, and nondestructive quantification of physicochemical parameters of honey.

PMID:42569096 | PMC:PMC13449194 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c13091

Ment Health Clin. 2026 Aug 3;16(4):196-201. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2026.08.196. eCollection 2026 Aug.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Olanzapine doses in adults with treatment-resistant schizophrenia or treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder have been compared in a few open-label trials, with higher doses associated with increased symptom improvement. The most significant adverse effects observed at off-label doses above 30 mg/day have been weight gain, sedation, or drowsiness.

METHODS: This single-center, retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate patient factors and outcomes in adult patients admitted to a county psychiatric hospital that received high-dose olanzapine therapy (HD-olanzapine, ≥40 mg/day) compared with standard-dose olanzapine (SD-olanzapine, 5-30 mg/day). Patients 18 years or older were included if they received at least 5 days of scheduled olanzapine treatment for psychotic symptoms or psychosis while admitted.

RESULTS: Subjects on HD-olanzapine (n = 139) and SD-olanzapine regimens (n = 70) were on average 35 years of age, and most were White. There was no statistical difference regarding 30-day all-cause readmissions, 30-day all-cause emergency-treatment service visits, or average duration of olanzapine therapy. The average length of stay was longer in the HD-olanzapine group (31.3 days vs 14.5, P = 0.009). Constipation was more common in the HD-olanzapine group (8.6% vs 1.4%, P = 0.0418).

DISCUSSION: Although 30-day all-cause readmissions and emergency-treatment service visits were similar between groups, patients who received olanzapine doses of 40 mg/day or greater for at least 5 days of treatment experienced significantly longer average length of stay and more constipation during an admission.

PMID:42569083 | PMC:PMC13449231 | DOI:10.9740/mhc.2026.08.196

Front Pharmacol. 2026 Jul 24;17:1905426. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1905426. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The TreeScan method is an emerging tool for active safety signal surveillance and has been increasingly applied in post-marketing monitoring of pharmaceuticals and vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate methodological developments and application patterns of the TreeScan method.

METHODS: A scoping review was conducted by searching Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed from inception to 16 May 2025. Two researchers independently screened studies and extracted data. Descriptive analyses were performed on study characteristics, methodologies, and application domains. Included studies were categorized as methodological or applied research.

RESULTS: Forty-four articles were included, comprising 13 methodological studies (29.5%) and 31 applied studies (70.5%). Applied studies included drug safety surveillance (n = 10), vaccine safety surveillance (n = 16), and other areas such as drug repurposing and epidemiology (n = 5). Most studies originated from the United States (n = 28) and South Korea (n = 8). The Bernoulli model (43.2%), Poisson model (18.2%), and tree-temporal scan statistic (29.5%) were the most frequently used approaches. Positive controls we1re used in 63.6% of studies, while 36.4% employed within-group controls. Vaccine safety surveillance represented the most common application area, whereas methodological innovations focused on improving statistical performance, controlling confounding, and extending TreeScan to new data structures.

CONCLUSION: TreeScan research is increasingly application-oriented, particularly in vaccine safety surveillance Recent methodological advances have improved its performance in handling confounding, hierarchical outcomes, and complex data structures. Future research should should prioritize validating newer TreeScan variants across diverse real-world databases and expanding applications beyond safety surveillance.

PMID:42569077 | PMC:PMC13449071 | DOI:10.3389/fphar.2026.1905426

Front Vet Sci. 2026 Jul 24;13:1758610. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1758610. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant health risks, especially to high-risk individuals who are exposed to cats. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to toxoplasmosis and determine its seroprevalence among selected high-risk groups in Cebu, Philippines-specifically veterinary students, veterinary personnel, and cat owners. A total of 416 participants completed a structured questionnaire evaluating their demographics, exposure history, and KAP levels, while 250 underwent further rapid serological testing for T. gondii. Results of the relative proportions revealed that there were more veterinary students who were having high level of knowledge (61%), compared to veterinary personnel (46%) and cat owners (24%). Relative proportions revealed that there were more veterinary students who were having high level of knowledge (61%), compared to veterinary personnel (46%) and cat owners (24%). Similar pattern was observed in the attitude level for veterinary students (54%), veterinary personnel (36%) and cat owners (32%). However, practice level showed that more veterinary personnel (54%) had high level than the veterinary students (35%) and cat owners (35%). The over-all seroprevalence of T. gondii was 29.2%, with the highest relative detection rates among veterinary personnel (43.8%) and cat owners (39%). While statistical analyses revealed no significant differences between the KAP levels of the three groups, significant associations between seropositivity and profile variables, including age, educational attainment, previous medical history, and frequency of cat contact (P ≤ 0.05) were found. These results highlight the need for sustained public education, improved veterinary and public health training, responsible pet ownership, and better access to diagnostic services.

PMID:42569037 | PMC:PMC13449146 | DOI:10.3389/fvets.2026.1758610

Cureus. 2026 Jul 8;18(7):e112256. doi: 10.7759/cureus.112256. eCollection 2026 Jul.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is increasingly recognized as a systemic disorder associated with cardiovascular morbidity. Sonographic grading of NAFLD may reflect progressive metabolic and cardiovascular involvement; however, evidence evaluating the association between ultrasonographic severity and serum biomarkers, echocardiographic parameters, and electrocardiographic findings remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sonographic grading of NAFLD and serum biomarkers, echocardiographic parameters, and electrocardiographic findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study included 96 adults with sonographically diagnosed NAFLD attending a tertiary care center between March 2024 and October 2025. Participants were categorized into Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 NAFLD based on ultrasonographic findings. Serum lipid profile and liver enzymes were evaluated, followed by transthoracic echocardiography and 12-lead electrocardiography. Continuous variables were compared using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s post-hoc test, while categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Increasing sonographic grade of NAFLD was associated with progressive elevations in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, together with a significant reduction in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (all p<0.001). Echocardiographic evaluation demonstrated significant increases in interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular mass, left ventricular mass index, left ventricular dimensions, and progressive reductions in ejection fraction and early-to-late ventricular filling velocity ratio (E/A ratio) (all p<0.001). The prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction increased from 10 (22.7%) in Grade 1 to 18 (52.9%) in Grade 2 and 14 (77.8%) in Grade 3 (p<0.001). QTc prolongation similarly increased from 6 (13.6%) to 11 (32.4%) and 12 (66.7%) across Grades 1-3 (p<0.001). Although P-wave and T-wave abnormalities were more frequent in advanced disease, these associations were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Increasing sonographic severity of NAFLD is associated with worsening biochemical abnormalities, adverse cardiac remodelling, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and QTc prolongation. Ultrasonographic grading, combined with routine biochemical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic evaluation, may facilitate the early cardiovascular risk stratification and comprehensive management of patients with NAFLD.

PMID:42569034 | PMC:PMC13449055 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.112256

BMJ Public Health. 2026 Aug 5;4(3):e005074. doi: 10.1136/bmjph-2026-005074. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Peer-to-peer HIV self-testing (HIVST) has shown promise in addressing barriers to HIV testing challenges by leveraging social networks and peer influence to promote health-seeking behaviours.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceived feasibility and acceptability of the peer-to-peer HIVST distribution model among adolescents and young people aged 15-24 years in Uganda.

METHODS: We conducted a descriptive exploratory qualitative study in Wakiso District, Uganda. Data were collected through six focus group discussions (n=68) and 14 in-depth interviews, including interviews with peer leaders. Participants were purposively recruited through community meetings with support from Village Health Teams. Discussions explored perceptions of peer-to-peer HIVST distribution, including potential barriers and facilitators. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English and analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Participants perceived the peer-to-peer HIVST distribution model as both feasible and acceptable. Key facilitators of feasibility included peer trust, structured training, community-based delivery and integration with existing health structures. Perceived barriers included logistical constraints, inadequate supervision, kit storage challenges and concerns about equitable reach. Acceptability was driven by trust, confidentiality, emotional support, autonomy and the relatability of peer distributors. However, concerns about gossip, stigma, confidentiality breaches and the emotional burden placed on peer distributors were identified as potential barriers to sustained acceptability.

CONCLUSION: Peer-to-peer HIVST distribution was perceived as a feasible and acceptable approach for increasing HIV testing among adolescents and young people. Future implementation efforts should strengthen peer training and supervision, address confidentiality and stigma concerns, provide psychosocial support for peer distributors, and ensure equitable access for socially marginalised adolescents.

PMID:42569013 | PMC:PMC13448566 | DOI:10.1136/bmjph-2026-005074

ACS Omega. 2026 Jul 22;11(30):44614-44633. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c10279. eCollection 2026 Aug 4.

ABSTRACT

This study presents an in-depth examination of the swelling characteristics of biopolymeric hydrogels developed with sodium alginate, employing both conventional and modern modeling techniques to predict and optimize the process. Hydrogel swelling properties have found critical applications in controlled drug delivery, wound dressing, and food technology applications, and thus have developed a high demand for predictive and tuning strategies. In this case, different concentrations of polymers, cross-linkers, microalgal cells, and media volume are set with different compositional parameters. The measurements of experimental swelling degrees were conducted under controlled conditions to obtain both equilibrium and dynamic measurements. Initial data analysis was performed by response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD), which explained the effects of independent and interactive formulation factors. Then, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was implemented and trained on the same data set to elicit possible complex and nonlinear associations that are not considered in traditional approaches. The results of the two models were evaluated intensively based on the statistical parameters such as R², RMSE, and the analysis of the residuals. The ANN model appeared more predictive and produced finer nonlinear trends in the swelling response when compared to RSM, which generated understandable equations and response surfaces required to develop mechanistic insight. It is found that the use of hybrid modeling is one of the possible future directions because the complementary strengths were evaluated in terms of comparative analysis. The results show that machine learning and statistical design are synergistic in the study and optimization of hydrogel systems. The article develops the methodological toolkit that can be used to study hydrogels as well as establishes a basis for intelligent material design with data-centric design, which is more likely to be practical with better functionality and performance.

PMID:42569012 | PMC:PMC13448944 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c10279

Geohealth. 2026 Aug 7;10(8):e2025GH001699. doi: 10.1029/2025GH001699. eCollection 2026 Aug.

ABSTRACT

The intensification of extreme heat events in the Mediterranean basin poses growing threats to public health, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions like the Valencian Region (eastern Spain). Despite the implementation of provincial and municipal heat prevention plans, their efficacy remains unevaluated, and most studies have focused on provincial capitals, potentially overlooking subregional variability. This study addresses these gaps by quantifying moderate and extreme heat-attributable mortality across 28 thermoclimatic areas (TAs)-a climatic subdivision of the Valencian Region- from 1975 to 2019, using a two-stage time-series analysis of high-resolution temperature and mortality data. Results reveal a distinct coastal-inland gradient, with significantly higher mortality impacts in inland TAs compared to coastal provincial capitals. Areas most impacted by extreme heat are concentrated in interior regions, while coastal capitals exhibit lower risks. These findings underscore the limitations of relying on administrative boundaries for public health surveillance and adaptation planning. The study highlights the value of climatically coherent zones, such as TAs, for improving the spatial resolution of early warning systems and tailoring heat prevention strategies. This scalable methodological framework provides critical insights for enhancing the design of heat adaptation plans not only in Spain but also in other Mediterranean and climate-sensitive regions.

PMID:42569010 | PMC:PMC13449177 | DOI:10.1029/2025GH001699