Category: Statistics

Technol Cancer Res Treat. 2025 Jan-Dec;24:15330338251365334. doi: 10.1177/15330338251365334. Epub 2025 Aug 11.

ABSTRACT

IntroductionSCINTIX^® therapy, a form of biology-guided radiotherapy using real-time positron emission tomography (PET) imaging on the RefleXion^® X1 platform, recently received FDA clearance for FDG-guided treatment of lung and bone tumors. This study evaluates the feasibility and dosimetric quality of Biology-Guided Radiotherapy (BgRT) plans for FDG-avid lesions in anatomical sites beyond current indications using processed diagnostic PET (dPET) images.MethodsEleven previously treated FDG-avid lesions in ten patients (sites: liver, head and neck, pancreas, kidney, pelvic/abdominal nodes) were retrospectively analyzed. dPET images were processed to emulate RefleXion X1 PET characteristics. BgRT plans were generated using a non-clinical version of the RefleXion treatment planning system, delivering stereotactic body radiation therapy-level doses (48Gy/3fx for liver, 40Gy/5fx for other sites). Plan deliverability was evaluated based on normalized target signal (NTS >2.7) and activity concentration (AC > 5 kBq/ml). Plans were categorized based on the presence of dose-limiting organs at risk (OAR) constraints. Dosimetric parameters were assessed according to institutional standards. Statistical analyses examined relationships between dPET standardized uptake value (SUV), PET-derived parameters, planning target volume (PTV) characteristics, and plan complexity.ResultsBgRT plans were successfully generated for all lesions. All met the NTS threshold (mean = 9.3); 72.7% met the AC goal (mean = 12.1 kBq/ml). Among cases with dPET SUV > 6, 87.5% met AC criterion, supporting this threshold as a reasonable selection criterion. Plans without dose-limiting OARs (n = 6) achieved higher PTV coverage (V100%=94.4%, conformity index (CI) = 1.08) compared to plans with OAR constraints (n = 5, V100%=78.0%, CI = 1.4). All plans were deemed clinically acceptable despite observed heterogeneity within target regions. MLC modulation intensity correlated strongly with target volume (r = 0.907) and superior-inferior extent (r = 0.896) rather than OAR proximity.ConclusionBgRT planning using processed dPET is feasible for non-lung/bone FDG-avid lesions. SUV > 6 may serve as a reasonable threshold, though feasibility is affected by tumor location, FDG background, and nearby critical structures. Findings support clinical potential of SCINTIX expansion into new anatomical sites.

PMID:40785471 | DOI:10.1177/15330338251365334

Small. 2025 Aug 11:e05452. doi: 10.1002/smll.202505452. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies have shown that protein wires based on the consensus tetratricopetide repeat (CTPR) conduct with an electrical resistance proportional to length of the protein, consistent with long-range hopping transport along the long axis of the protein. However, the attempts to measure similar currents across proteins mounted in fixed-gap devices have not been successful. Here, the study reports conducting atomic force microscopy studies of CTPR8 and CTPR4, ≈8 and 4 nm in length, finding that substantial contact force (>50 nN) is required to observe conduction in CTPR8. Scrape-tests indicate that the probe penetrates the film by ≈1 nm at this force. Importantly, electrical contacts that resemble the STM data are rare-approximately 1% of all contacts. STM reports only successful contacts, so it does not predict statistically how the proteins will behave in a fixed junction.

PMID:40785470 | DOI:10.1002/smll.202505452

Curr Med Res Opin. 2025 Aug 11:1-22. doi: 10.1080/03007995.2025.2544596. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To estimate preferences of adolescents and caregivers of children with food allergies (FA) for food allergy for attributes for treatments intended to prevent exposure-induced severe reactions and to examine how these vary by clinical and demographic factors.

METHODS: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted between May and June 2024 among US-resident individuals, aged 13-17 years or caregivers of a child with FA aged ≤12 years, self-reporting physician-diagnosed FA. The survey comprised treatment-attribute focused DCE choice sets; the Intolerance of Uncertainty─12 Scale (IUS-12); the Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM); and clinical/demographic questions. Conditional logistic regression analyses were conducted overall and among subgroups and presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Relative importance of attributes was also calculated.

RESULTS: Participants were adolescents (n = 73, mean age 15.9 years) and caregivers (n = 228, mean age 37.1 years). Overall, treatment attributes associated with statistically significant odds for preferring a treatment included a 95% relative reduction in moderate-to-severe allergic reaction risk vs no reduction (p < 0.001); oral administration over subcutaneous (p < 0.001); administration in a home vs clinical setting (p < 0.05); less frequent vs daily administration (every two weeks: p < 0.001; every four weeks: p < 0.001). Respondents were disinclined to prefer treatment attributes when risk of gastrointestinal symptoms (p < 0.001) or anaphylaxis (p < 0.001) increased. Efficacy (75% decrease in relative risk of a moderate-to-severe allergic reaction) was the top ranked attribute (OR = 1.61 (1.49, 1.75).

CONCLUSION: Overall, respondents indicated significant preferences for more efficacious, safer, and convenient (oral, at-home, and less frequent) treatments. Treatment efficacy was the most highly ranked treatment feature.

PMID:40785461 | DOI:10.1080/03007995.2025.2544596

Womens Health (Lond). 2025 Jan-Dec;21:17455057251358011. doi: 10.1177/17455057251358011. Epub 2025 Aug 11.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Severe mental illness influences uptake of contraceptive services through a number of factors in developing countries including Uganda. The paucity of data on contraceptive use among females with severe mental illness in sub-Saharan Africa including Uganda impairs the provision of guidelines for proper interventions.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the magnitude and factors associated with contraceptive use among females with severe mental illness attending the mental health outpatient’s clinic at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.

DESIGN: This study used a cross-sectional design.

METHODS: This study purposely screened 377 women with severe mental illness who attended Gulu hospital between March and June 2023 for contraceptive use using a semi-structured questionnaire with questions specific to the different contraceptive methods used such as condom use, injectable use, and others. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to determine prevalence and factors associated with contraceptive use.

RESULTS: Out of a total of 377 participants, 331 of them ever used at least one contraceptive method after being diagnosed with severe mental illness, that is the prevalence of 87.7%. Not attending school (Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR): 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.46; p = 0.005), being treated for bipolar affective disorder (AOR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01-0.54; p = 0.017), taking both antipsychotic and mood stabilizer (AOR: 13.84; 95% CI: 2.42-234.25; p = 0.007), ever being pregnant after being diagnosed with severe mental illness (AOR: 19.21; 95% CI: 3.40-108.34; p = 0.001), desire to have children (AOR: 9.91; 95% CI: 2.28-43.12; p = 0.002), and being aware of contraceptive use (AOR: 0.01; 95% CI: 0.01-0.29; p = 0.006) were more likely to use contraception.

CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that nearly nine-tenth women with severe mental illness use contraceptives which is associated with not attending school, being treated for bipolar affective disorder, taking both antipsychotic and mood stabilizer, ever being pregnant, desire to have children, and being aware of contraceptive use. The contraceptive facilities should be included directly in the mental health delivery for easy access, hence maximum use by women with severe mental illness.

PMID:40785454 | DOI:10.1177/17455057251358011

Womens Health (Lond). 2025 Jan-Dec;21:17455057251356806. doi: 10.1177/17455057251356806. Epub 2025 Aug 11.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cesarean section delivery is a surgical way to safeguard maternal and neonatal health when medical risk is associated with delivering babies. Its rates have been increasing globally over the past few decades, with a significant rise recorded in low- and middle-income countries, which leads cesarean section to crucial public health concerns due to unnecessary surgical interventions and associated risks for maternal and neonatal.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify the socioeconomic and demographic determinants contributing to the higher likelihood of cesarean section deliveries among Bangladeshi mothers residing in urban areas.

DESIGN: The initial survey employed a cross-sectional design to collect data.

METHODS: This research examined the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) dataset to identify the cesarean section among urban mothers. It utilized the chi-square test to measure associations, the Boruta algorithm, and a multivariable logistic regression model with a forest plot.

RESULTS: The study pointed out that urban mothers belonging in richer and richest families (adjusted odds ratio: 2.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.88-4.26 and adjusted odds ratio: 4.79, 95% confidence interval: 3.13-7.34) and higher educational attainment (adjusted odds ratio: 1.89, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-2.99) are significantly correlated with cesarean section. Divisional differences are also robust with the significance of Sylhet (adjusted odds ratio: 0.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.12-0.47) and Chottogram (adjusted odds ratio: 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.30-0.83) divisions. Media exposure (adjusted odds ratio: 1.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.27-1.87) and mothers gave birth at the age 20-24 and 25-34 (adjusted odds ratio: 1.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.31-2.14 and adjusted odds ratio: 3.15, 95% confidence interval: 2.03-4.89) are also highly significantly associated with the likelihood of cesarean section. Moreover, mothers working status (adjusted odds ratio: 0.53, 95% confidence interval: 0.43-0.65) and religion (adjusted odds ratio: 2.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.60-3.38) are also correlated with cesarean section.

CONCLUSION: The study reveals socioeconomic and sociodemographic reasons associated with the increase in cesarean section rates among urban mothers in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to mitigate cesarean section rates and improve maternal and neonatal health.

PMID:40785446 | DOI:10.1177/17455057251356806

Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2025 Aug 8. doi: 10.4103/aian.aian_225_25. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The time taken to transport patients for thrombolytic therapy in stroke cases remains alarmingly high, compromising potential positive outcomes. Addressing these delays can enhance prehospital care and improve patient prognoses.

AIM: This study aimed to identify factors causing delays in treating acute stroke patients at a tertiary care hospital in southern India, to inform better practices and expedite care.

METHODS: Caregivers of ischemic stroke patients were interviewed about delays. Patients were divided into two groups: those who arrived within the critical four-and-a-half-hour window (Group A) and those who arrived later (Group B). Data collected included distance from home to hospital, transportation options, and mode of transport. A comparative analysis was performed between patients from stroke-ready facilities versus others, with data analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS: The study included 594 patients, with 73.4% arriving outside the recommended window. Women represented one-third of the population overall and 20% in Group A. Younger patients arrived sooner (P < 0.0001). The main reason for delays was a lack of awareness of stroke symptoms (53.2%), followed by initial care sought at non-stroke-ready hospitals (23%). Use of ambulances and vehicle ownership significantly correlated with faster arrivals (P < 0.0001), while distance to the hospital did not significantly affect timeliness. Though most of the variables showed statistical significance between those coming to the hospital within and outside the four-and-a-half hour window with univariate analysis, none of the variables showed a significant association when subjected to logistic regression.

CONCLUSIONS: Delays in stroke treatment are a major concern, linked to factors like age, gender, and transportation issues. No single factor independently predicted early hospital arrival. To improve outcomes, we need strategies that enhance public education, symptom recognition, and transportation-especially for vulnerable groups like women and the elderly.

PMID:40785019 | DOI:10.4103/aian.aian_225_25

Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 10;15(1):29234. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-15188-1.

ABSTRACT

Alprazolam benzodiazepine misuse is increasingly a public health concern, evidenced by rising cases of overdose and toxicity. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective emergency room treatment. This study investigates the use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as a rapid diagnostic tool for assessing alprazolam toxicity using saliva samples. Saliva samples were collected from 30 individuals, including healthy subjects and patients with confirmed alprazolam poisoning. FTIR spectroscopy in the form of Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) was used to study the spectral profiles of the samples. Statistical analyses, such as Gaussian peak fitting and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) tests, were carried out to assess the diagnostic ability of the found spectral features. The designed protocol was subsequently applied to 55 additional saliva samples obtained from emergency room patients with suspected alprazolam poisoning, some of whom may have also used other drugs, but without confirmed multi-drug toxicity. Spectral differences between the two groups were evident, particularly in the 1200-1400 cm⁻¹ and 3000-3600 cm⁻¹ regions. ROC analysis demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, differentiating healthy subjects from poisoned ones with 90% classification accuracy at 1200-1400 cm⁻¹ and perfect separation with 100% sensitivity and specificity at 3000-3600 cm⁻¹. A Fisher’s exact test confirmed the diagnostic utility of this method for identifying alprazolam-poisoned individuals, yielding a p-value of less than 0.0002. The results affirm FTIR spectroscopy’s potential as a precise, non-invasive diagnostic tool for alprazolam intoxication. Its ability to quickly distinguish between toxic and non-toxic levels is crucial for improving patient care in emergencies. Moreover, its application was effective even in cases with potential co-medication, provided that alprazolam was the primary suspected agent. FTIR spectroscopy is an effective method for diagnosing alprazolam toxicity in saliva samples, offering a quick, efficient, and non-invasive alternative to traditional techniques. This study opens the door for further research on FTIR in toxicological screening, with the potential to transform clinical practices in drug overdose management.

PMID:40785013 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-15188-1

Brain Imaging Behav. 2025 Aug 11. doi: 10.1007/s11682-025-01046-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The neurobiological mechanism underlying adolescent borderline personality disorder (BPD) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess white matter (WM) microstructural abnormalities associated with emotional dysfunction and childhood trauma in adolescents with BPD.

METHODS: This study enrolled 53 adolescents aged 12-17 years with BPD and 39 healthy controls (HC). Radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD) were generated using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) analysis of the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data. Correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship of the DTI parameters with non-suicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI) and childhood trauma in adolescents with BPD.

RESULTS: Adolescents with BPD had lower AD values in the splenium of the corpus callosum, left anterior corona radiata and left external capsule, but higher RD values in the genu of the corpus callosum, body of the corpus callosum, right anterior corona radiata, and right uncinate fasciculus as compared to the HC group (p < 0.05, 5000 permutations). Increased RD values in the body of corpus callosum and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with the NSSI score (p < 0.05). Increased RD value in the right anterior corona radiata was positively correlated with childhood trauma (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study identified alterations within the cortical-limbic system in adolescents with BPD, which was correlated with NSSI and childhood trauma. WM diffusivity parameters may serve as potential neuroimaging biomarkers in adolescents with BPD.

PMID:40785006 | DOI:10.1007/s11682-025-01046-1

J Med Ultrason (2001). 2025 Aug 11. doi: 10.1007/s10396-025-01557-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to objectively and quantitatively analyze fetal motor behavior using DeepLabCut (DLC), a markerless posture estimation tool based on deep learning, applied to four-dimensional ultrasound (4DUS) data collected during the second trimester. We propose a novel clinical method for precise assessment of fetal neurodevelopment.

METHODS: Fifty 4DUS video recordings of normal singleton fetuses aged 12 to 22 gestational weeks were analyzed. Eight fetal joints were manually labeled in 2% of each video to train a customized DLC model. The model’s accuracy was evaluated using likelihood scores. Intra- and inter-rater reliability of manual labeling were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Angular velocity time series derived from joint coordinates were analyzed to quantify fetal movement patterns and developmental coordination.

RESULTS: Manual labeling demonstrated excellent reproducibility (inter-rater ICC = 0.990, intra-rater ICC = 0.961). The trained DLC model achieved a mean likelihood score of 0.960, confirming high tracking accuracy. Kinematic analysis revealed developmental trends: localized rapid limb movements were common at 12-13 weeks; movements became more coordinated and systemic by 18-20 weeks, reflecting advancing neuromuscular maturation. Although a modest increase in tracking accuracy was observed with gestational age, this trend did not reach statistical significance (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: DLC enables precise quantitative analysis of fetal motor behavior from 4DUS recordings. This AI-driven approach offers a promising, noninvasive alternative to conventional qualitative assessments, providing detailed insights into early fetal neurodevelopmental trajectories and potential early screening for neurodevelopmental disorders.

PMID:40785001 | DOI:10.1007/s10396-025-01557-w

J Med Ultrason (2001). 2025 Aug 11. doi: 10.1007/s10396-025-01558-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We aimed to compare the outcomes of endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) between elderly and non-elderly patients utilizing a systematic review and meta-analysis. Repositories of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to 25 January 2025 for all comparative studies providing data on the adequacy of the sample obtained from the procedure, procedure duration, and complications. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Six studies were eligible. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference in procedure duration, inadequate sampling, and all complications between elderly and non-elderly groups. There was no statistically significant difference between elderly and non-elderly for specific complications like bleeding, cardiovascular events, and hypoxemia. Subgroup analysis based on the definition of elderly did not change the results of inadequate sampling and all complications. Descriptive analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA for malignant lesions showed no difference between the two groups. EBUS-TBNA seems to have similar diagnostic yield and complication rates in the elderly as compared to the non-elderly population. More studies are needed to improve the quality of evidence.

PMID:40785000 | DOI:10.1007/s10396-025-01558-9