Category: Statistics

Int J Dent Hyg. 2026 May 12. doi: 10.1111/idh.70087. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study aimed to compare the clinical and biochemical effectiveness of using an oral irrigator (OI) and an interdental brush (IB) during fixed orthodontic treatment.

METHODS: A total of 30 patients with fixed orthodontic treatment were included in the study. All participants were randomly divided into two equal groups: patients using OI (OI-group) and patients using IB (IB-group). The patients were followed regularly; clinical evaluations were performed at 4 different times (baseline, 2nd, 4th, and 8th weeks), and gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected simultaneously. Total and concentration levels of IL-1β, IL-10, MMP-1, and MMP-8 from the collected gingival crevicular fluid samples were evaluated by the ELISA method. Clinical and biochemical differences that occurred at different times between the two groups were statistically examined.

RESULTS: The GI and BOP values at the 8th week (p < 0.001) and PI values at the 2nd (p = 0.004), 4th (p = 0.003), and 8th weeks (p < 0.001) were found to be statistically lower in the OI-group. Total IL-1β values in the 2nd week (p = 0.016), and total MMP-8 values in the 4th (p = 0.006) and 8th weeks (p = 0.01) were statistically lower in the OI-group. There were no significant differences in MMP-1 and IL-10 values between the groups at any time interval of the study (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the use of an oral irrigator in conjunction with a toothbrush resulted in lower levels of gingival inflammation markers and plaque compared to an interdental brush in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, suggesting that the oral irrigator served as a beneficial tool for supporting periodontal health during orthodontic treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05562986.

PMID:42120952 | DOI:10.1111/idh.70087

Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2026 May 12:zxag132. doi: 10.1093/ajhp/zxag132. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the comprehensive workflow and time and motion activities associated with hospital pharmacy and nursing staff for a cephalosporin antibiotic in 3 different marketed formulations: (1) a formulation prepared by traditional compounding, (2) a dual-chamber IV bag stored with prefilled diluent in the upper chamber and powdered drug in the lower chamber, and (3) a standard diluent container with an integrated drug vial adaptor that allows for drug admixture after connection to a single-dose powdered drug vial.

METHODS: The study was conducted at 3 hospital locations from a single hospital network located in Arkansas. Study procedures were assessed by direct observations of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurses. Sequences and durations of tasks were observed to identify and document the actual time for each task.

RESULTS: Approximately 402 observational hours of data collection occurred, with more than 100 formulated doses observed per formulation, with 98.6% overall study confidence. Use of the dual-chamber IV bag formulation resulted in a 63% decrease in labor time compared to traditional compounding. When comparing the dual-chamber IV bag formulation to the standard diluent formulation, there was about a 22% decrease in labor time. Based on the number of process steps, use of the dual-chamber formulation resulted in approximately 54% fewer opportunities for error versus traditional compounding and 35% fewer opportunities for error than use of the standard diluent formulation.

CONCLUSION: Independent descriptive statistical analysis verified that the dual-chamber IV bag cephalosporin antibiotic formulation is a faster, simpler-to-use drug administration platform and associated with less chance of formulation and dosing errors.

PMID:42120928 | DOI:10.1093/ajhp/zxag132

Sci Rep. 2026 May 12. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-49630-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study adopted single-factor tests integrated with response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design (BBD) to improve and optimize the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique for protein extraction from perilla meal. Four major parameters (material-liquid ratio, extraction pH, microwave power, microwave time) were screened and evaluated in preliminary trials, and their favorable ranges were determined as 1:15, 8-10, 400 W and 120 s, respectively. On this basis, BBD was employed to further refine three core variables: extraction pH, microwave power, and microwave time, and a quadratic regression model was constructed. Analysis of variance verified the model was statistically significant and highly reliable (F = 30.48, p < 0.0001), with a satisfactory goodness-of-fit. A distinct synergistic interaction between extraction pH and microwave power toward protein yield was detected, whereas interactive impacts between microwave time and the other two variables were not significant. The magnitude of influence on protein yield followed: microwave time > microwave power > extraction pH. The model predicted a peak protein yield of 31.3276% under the optimized conditions: pH 10.02, 398.63 W, 115.45 s. Validation experiments yielded an actual yield of 30.9309 ± 0.1036% (n = 3), which closely matched the predicted value, confirming the precision and industrial applicability of the model. This work established a high-efficiency MAE protocol for perilla meal protein and supplied a scientifically sound and scalable technical foundation for industrial application and high-value valorization of this underused plant protein resource.

PMID:42120921 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-49630-9

Sci Rep. 2026 May 12. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-52546-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) are a global biodiversity threat impacting most terrestrial vertebrates and posing scientific, economic and conservation challenges. Research on WVC is nevertheless geographically uneven, and large-scale multi-taxon studies are scarce. We analysed data from the Polish Roadkill Observation System, a nationwide volunteer-based programme recording WVC carcasses across all terrestrial vertebrates. Based on 28,709 casualties recorded during 2000-2022, we examined the mortality patterns in vertebrate classes and some correlates of WVCs distribution. In total, 205 species were identified, representing 55% of Poland’s terrestrial vertebrate fauna, including 16% of threatened species. The approximate proportion of roadkilled mammals, amphibians, birds and reptiles was 8:8:5:1; mammals and amphibians are thus the most frequently reported vertebrates on Polish roads by citizen scientists. Reports of multiple casualties concerned mostly amphibians and reptiles, and were often associated with protected areas. Regression models revealed that observed roadkill was positively correlated with body mass and carcass persistence but not with species distribution range in Poland. Prominent seasonal patterns were also evident, with peak mortality occurring in warm seasons and coinciding with taxon-specific phenological events. Our study demonstrates the value of citizen-science data for identifying nationwide patterns of WVCs, while also highlighting the need to move beyond opportunistic observations toward a nationally coordinated, systematic survey to generate more accurate and policy-relevant estimates.

PMID:42120920 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-52546-z

Sci Rep. 2026 May 12. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-50326-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Urbanisation-environment interactions are increasingly non-linear, yet traditional Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD) frameworks often rely on static, linear assumptions that fail to capture complex feedback loops. This study proposes an integrated framework combining CRITIC-weighted CCD assessment with interpretable machine learning (Random Forest and XGBoost) to decode the co-evolution of urbanisation and ecological integrity. Taking Malaysia, a country characterised by rapid expansion and high spatial disparity-as a critical case study, we utilized multi-source remote sensing and longitudinal statistics across 16 states. Our XGBoost model (Test R² ≈ 0.87) outperformed traditional regressions, confirming significant non-linear and dynamic coupling effects. By applying SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations), we moved beyond mere prediction to identify the sustainability “tipping points” within the system. Key findings reveal: (1) a distinct spatial decoupling in northern and east-coast regions; (2) a “hump-shaped” threshold effect for built-up expansion where coordination peaks before declining; and (3) the critical role of forest/water assets as non-linear ecological buffers. These results demonstrate that sustainable transitions depend more on spatial structure and asset management than on income growth alone. This interpretable AI-CCD framework provides a scalable, evidence-based toolkit for low- and middle-income countries to navigate the trade-offs between development and ecological preservation.

PMID:42120893 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-50326-3

Sci Data. 2026 May 12. doi: 10.1038/s41597-026-07347-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Significant improvements in sequencing technologies have allowed the development of more contiguous genome assemblies in many plant species. The pea genome is characterized by its richness in repeated elements and its long and complex centromeres. This makes its assembly challenging. In this paper, we present an improved version of the genome sequence of the French cultivar ‘Caméor’. This sequence was obtained by combining Nanopore and PacBio long-read sequencing, Hi-C contact maps and Bionano maps. The assembly of centromeres was refined using a combination of FISH and ultra-long Nanopore read analyses. Overall, the new Cameor_v2 genome assembly is a highly continuous pea genome assembly with small total gap size and a large contig N50. In this version, the orientation of chromosomes was revised according to internationally accepted karyotype rules. Gene annotation statistics indicated a high completeness of gene sequences, with most gene sequences with 3′ and 5′ UTR. This genome assembly with its associated data constitute a useful resource for pea genetics, comparative mapping and functional genomics.

PMID:42120873 | DOI:10.1038/s41597-026-07347-4

Eur J Epidemiol. 2026 May 13. doi: 10.1007/s10654-026-01396-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The poor performance of the UK in reducing mortality compared to many other high-income countries following the 2008 financial crisis have been extensively studied, with particular attention to deaths of despair at working ages. However, longer-term trends in the differences in working-age mortality between the UK and peer countries have not been systematically investigated.

METHODS: We compared trends (1990-2019) in age-standardised mortality rates at age 25-49 years in the UK and its constituent parts (England and its 9 standard regions, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) with those of 21 peer countries.

FINDINGS: Between 1990 and 2019 the UK went from having relatively low mortality rates at age 25-49 years compared to its peers to having one of the highest. This reflects both the better progress made by many other countries in reducing mortality rates as well as an absolute increase in the UK from 2013. Against the counter-factual that rates in the UK followed the median of the comparator countries (2001-2019) this resulted in 3.1 million excess years of life lost. The divergence in mortality of the UK with its peers was apparent from 1990 and was observed for all constituent parts of the UK and English regions. External cause mortality accounted for much of the divergence in rates between 2001 and 2019 (69% women; 78% men), as did the overlapping categories of drug-related deaths (42%; 28%) and suicides (17%; 20%). Alcohol-related deaths made only a small contribution.

INTERPRETATION: The divergence in mortality rates at ages 25-49 years in the UK from peer countries was already apparent from 1990, pre-dating the austerity policies two decades later. Nevertheless, austerity may well have exacerbated this longer-term deterioration in the UKs position. The fact that all areas of the UK showed deterioration relative to peer countries indicates that this is a national problem.

PMID:42120865 | DOI:10.1007/s10654-026-01396-0

Discov Oncol. 2026 May 12. doi: 10.1007/s12672-026-05174-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which allicin, a bioactive compound from garlic, exerts antitumor effects, specifically focusing on its role in regulating the long non-coding RNA UCA1 via the induction of autophagy.

METHODS: Experiments were conducted using human colorectal cancer cell lines HCT-116 and HT-29. Cell proliferation was measured with a CCK-8 kit, apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, cell invasion was assessed using Transwell chambers, and migration was evaluated via a scratch wound assay. Autophagic structures were examined under a transmission electron microscope. The expression level of lncRNA UCA1 was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the expression of proteins associated with autophagy was detected by western blot analysis.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, allicin treatment significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation, increased the rate of apoptosis, and reduced capabilities for invasion and migration. Furthermore, allicin downregulated the expression of lncRNA UCA1 in a concentration-dependent manner and simultaneously increased the number of autophagosomes. All these effects were statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, when cells were co-treated with an mTOR activator, the antitumor effects of allicin and the increase in autophagosomes were significantly counteracted (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Allicin inhibited colon cancer cell activities through the induction of cellular autophagy and the subsequent regulation of lncRNA UCA1 expression.

PMID:42120819 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-026-05174-y

Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2026 May 13. doi: 10.1007/s40368-026-01211-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association among anxiety, symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, and awake bruxism in children.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 274 children aged between 7 and 12 years. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, applied by interview and clinical assessment. Statistical analysis involved descriptive and inferential analysis using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. A binary logistic regression model was applied to identify independent predictors of anxiety.

RESULTS: Age ranged from 7 to 12 years and was equally distributed between the sexes. 23.3% of the sample presented anxiety; 4.3% presented TMD symptoms; 18.2% presented bruxism. Anxiety was associated with sex (p = 0.005), TMD symptoms (p = 0.008), and tooth wear (p = 0.005). In the logistic regression model, tooth wear, TMD symptoms, and male sex remained independent predictors of anxiety, whereas awake bruxism and age were not. The model explained a limited proportion of the variance in anxiety.

CONCLUSION: Anxiety was observed in nearly one-quarter of the study sample and was associated with sex, TMD symptoms, and tooth wear. Awake bruxism, however, was not an independent predictor of anxiety. Given the cross-sectional design and the limited variance, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory and do not support causal inferences.

PMID:42120810 | DOI:10.1007/s40368-026-01211-0

Behav Res Methods. 2026 May 12;58(6):164. doi: 10.3758/s13428-026-03037-6.

ABSTRACT

Generalizing the familiar two-correlation comparison, this paper presents a dependence-robust omnibus test to evaluate whether an outcome is equally correlated with multiple predictors. By accounting for shared sampling variation, the test simultaneously avoids false alarms and missed discoveries. The test also nests the pairwise test as a special case. Monte Carlo studies show near-nominal size ( $\approx 5\%$ at $\alpha =0.05$ ) for $n\ge 50$ across diverse dependence structures and under moderate non-normality (e.g., $t_5$ errors) together with high power for moderate departures from equality. We illustrate the method on publicly available educational data and provide an interactive web app (size/power simulator and point-and-click analysis) to facilitate adoption. Collectively, the results support the omnibus test as a practical default when assessing equality of outcome-predictor correlations to be augmented by pairwise contrasts for succinct context rather than primary inference.

PMID:42120809 | DOI:10.3758/s13428-026-03037-6