Category: Statistics

Anal Chem. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c01257. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pathological processes are often accompanied by alterations of protein conformations in blood serum, making investigation of these structural rearrangements highly relevant for clinical diagnostics. Conformation of albumin, the predominant protein in blood serum, is known to be a sensor of pathologies in the human organism; however, label-free methods for its assessment directly in blood serum samples are lacking. In this work, we present a novel analytical methodology for evaluating albumin conformation using the fluorescence parameters of intrinsic blood serum fluorophores excited in the visible range. We first estimate the contribution of various endogenous fluorophores excited in the vicinity of 400 nm to both steady-state fluorescence and fluorescence decay across picosecond and nanosecond time scales, showing that one of the dominant fluorophores is bilirubin, an albumin ligand. In model experiments, we then demonstrate that the structural and photophysical features of bilirubin make its fluorescence decay at picosecond time scale sensitive to conformation of the protein-bilirubin complex. As a final step, it is demonstrated that changes in the ultrafast fluorescence decay parameters of the bilirubin are sensitive enough to detect biologically relevant differences in albumin conformation in serum across different patients. Specifically, we observed statistically significant differences in blood serum albumin’s conformation for patients of different age groups (≤34 years and ≥65 years), suggesting that bilirubin may serve as a promising intrinsic sensor for assessing albumin conformational modifications in blood serum.

PMID:40762091 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c01257

J Sep Sci. 2025 Aug;48(8):e70233. doi: 10.1002/jssc.70233.

ABSTRACT

Plantaginis semen (PS), a traditional herbal medicine extensively utilized in China, contains bioactive compounds that exhibit notable therapeutic effects in promoting diuresis, regulating blood pressure, modulating lipid metabolism, and controlling blood glucose levels. Crude PS (CPS) and salt-processed CPS (SPS) are the two most commonly used decoction pieces of PS. The therapeutic efficacy of PS is further enhanced after salt processing, resulting in the SPS exhibiting superior pharmacological effects compared to the CPS. This study aims to explore the differences in chemical constituents between CPS and SPS in vitro. Additionally, the study seeks to compare the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of bioactive compounds after oral administration of extracts from both crude and salt-processed PS in rats. The identification results showed that there were 45 common components and six unique components between CPS extract and SPS extract. The results of multivariate statistical analysis have identified six differential components. The PK study results demonstrated that the mean plasma concentration-time profile and PK parameters of six representative components were significantly different between CPS extract and SPS extract. This study proved that salt-processed method increased the dissolution of most components and absorption of active components in PS, and revealed the material basis underlying the superior efficacy of SPS compared to CPS to some extent. This study provides a scientific foundation for the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) following salt processing, elucidating how this ancient preparation method amplifies pharmacological activity through modern mechanistic insights.

PMID:40762073 | DOI:10.1002/jssc.70233

SAR QSAR Environ Res. 2025 Aug 5:1-28. doi: 10.1080/1062936X.2025.2535606. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The existing QSAR approaches for mammalian acute toxicity have been limited in scope, often relying on small or narrowly focused datasets and on classification endpoints. In contrast, our work leverages a sufficiently large curated dataset (9843 rat oral and 2323 intravenous LD₅₀ values) to build regression models of acute toxicity. The best-performing QSAR models developed using 2D RDKit descriptors and the Cat Boost method achieve Q² _test = 0.66 at a data coverage of at least 77% within the applicability domain (AD) during validation of test sets. All models were rigorously validated according to OECD QSAR principles with clearly defined endpoints, explicit algorithms, and a well-characterized AD. The best QSAR models are integrated into the ToxAI_assistant web platform (https://tox-ai-assistant.streamlit.app/), which includes toxicity-level prediction with allowance for AD in terms of World Health Organization (WHO). We also provide mechanistic insight by identifying key toxicophores – substructural features statistically associated with high toxicity – thereby offering a structural interpretation. In sum, these elements (large and diverse data, regression modelling, WHO-based categorization, detailed fragment analysis, and AD assessment) together address the gaps of earlier studies and constitute the core novelty of our approach.

PMID:40762068 | DOI:10.1080/1062936X.2025.2535606

Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1177/15578550251364114. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of diode laser (DL), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and ozone water on the removal of smear layer (SL) and its assessment via scanning electron microscope (SEM) following its effect on shear bond strength (SBS) on carious affected dentin. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six caries-affected dentin (CAD) samples were obtained from the dental outpatient department. The occlusal enamel and infected dentin of the included samples were meticulously excised using a water-cooled, slow-speed device, resulting in a flat mid-coronal CAD surface. Based on the effectiveness of SL removal techniques, the samples were categorized into groups (n = 11 each). Group 1: no treatment, Group 2: DL, Group 3: PDT-activated methylene blue (MB), Group 4: 16 ppm ozonated water, Group 5: 17% ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), and Group 6: 37% phosphoric acid (PA). One pair of samples from each group was assessed under SEM following different conditioning regimes. The remaining samples underwent the application of an adhesive 7th-generation single-bottle adhesive and composite placement. All bonded samples were aged, and SBS assessment was performed via a universal testing machine, and unbonded surfaces were assessed under a stereomicroscope. A one-way analysis of variance was employed, followed by Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) post hoc tests. Statistical significance was established at a p value of less than 0.05. Results: The highest SL removal efficiency was observed in the PA group. The lowest SL removal efficacy was examined in the no-treatment group. SL removal efficiency via DL and EDTA was found to be comparable (p > 0.05) and significantly lower than samples conditioned with PA (p < 0.05). Samples conditioned with PDT-activated MB and ozonated water had comparable micro (μ)- SBS scores (p > 0.05). Samples conditioned via EDTA, PA, and diode demonstrated cohesive failure predominantly. Conclusions: PA is considered the benchmark for effectively removing the SL from dentin affected by caries, as it also enhances bonding strength. Nonetheless, EDTA and DLs present viable alternatives to phosphoric acid.

PMID:40762061 | DOI:10.1177/15578550251364114

Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1111/dom.70006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To assess the glycaemic efficacy and safety of CT-868, a cAMP signal-biased, dual glucagon-like peptide-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist, in participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This 26-week (W), phase 2, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial enrolled adults with T2D, Body Mass Index ≥27 kg/m², and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.0-10.0%. Participants were randomized (1:2:1) to once-daily CT-868 1.75 mg, 4.0 mg, or placebo. Due to COVID-19-related CT-868 supply constraints, some participants randomized to 4.0 mg received 3.25 mg maximum and were analysed as a separate dose arm. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c at W26. Secondary endpoints included changes from baseline to W26 in fasting glucose, 7-point self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), body weight, lipids and the occurrence of adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS: Overall, 103 participants were enrolled (CT-868 1.75 mg, n = 26; 3.25 mg, n = 18; 4.0 mg, n = 32; placebo, n = 27). Clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in HbA1c were observed with CT-868 at W26 (-1.61 to -2.24%-points vs. placebo; all p < 0.001). Body weight was modestly reduced with CT-868 4.0 mg at W26 (-2.9% vs. placebo, p < 0.001). CT-868 improved fasting glucose, SMBG, and most lipid parameters vs. placebo. AEs were mostly mild/moderate. No participants experienced hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS: CT-868 1.75 to 4.0 mg yielded robust, clinically meaningful decreases in HbA1c, supporting potent glycaemic-lowering effects and improved key lipid parameters in participants with overweight/obesity and T2D, despite modest weight loss. CT-868 was well tolerated, supporting future investigation of higher doses to maximize weight loss.

PMID:40762050 | DOI:10.1111/dom.70006

APMIS. 2025 Aug;133(8):e70055. doi: 10.1111/apm.70055.

ABSTRACT

This study is intended to expound the effect of clarithromycin combined with oxymetazoline hydrochloride (OZH) spray in acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis (AECRS). Patients with AECRS were retrospectively collected and divided into a control group and an observation group. The control group received clarithromycin, and the observation group received OZH spray in addition to clarithromycin. Symptom resolution time, nasal mucociliary transmission velocity, nasal endoscopy score, olfactory function, serum inflammatory factor levels, incidence of adverse reactions, and 6-month recurrence were recorded. After treatment, the observation group showed shorter resolution times for headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, and nasal mucosal edema; higher nasal mucociliary transport rate (MTR) and clearance (MCC); lower Lund-Kennedy score; more Grades I cases; fewer Grades III cases; lower levels of serum IL-6, TNF-α, hs-CRP, IL-8, and IL-1β; and lower recurrence rate than the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Clarithromycin combined with OZH spray is more effective in patients with AECRS, which can shorten symptom resolution time, increase nasal MTR, improve olfactory function, reduce inflammation and recurrence rates, and have a high degree of safety.

PMID:40762040 | DOI:10.1111/apm.70055

Head Neck. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1002/hed.70003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a DNA virus capable of infecting mucous membranes. In most cases, the infection is cleared by the immune system, but a prolonged exposure to HPV can progress to cancer. 40%-60% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are linked to HPV, which is considered a risk factor especially among young people in industrialized countries. HNSCC are not identified early due to their slow growth and their locations not being easy to see. Despite the prognostic value of HPV, the use of HPV-DNA as a diagnostic marker is not fully developed. HPV-DNA can be detected in saliva specimens of patients with HPV-driven cancers. Considering this, we employed saliva samples to optimize a non-invasive RT-PCR assay for HPV infection and prove the hypothesis that the presence of HPV DNA represents a risk factor for Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OCSCC). The potential of this work is to highlight how an HPV screening program based on salivary testing can be useful for early cancer detection and patient monitoring.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, 127 patients and 93 control samples were tested for the presence of HPV in self-collected saliva specimens. Viral DNA was extracted from saliva using an automated instrument. A multiplex RT-PCR was employed for the detection of the (28 most frequent HPV Types). Patients’ demographics were collected in a clinical database. Statistics were performed by STATA16, and significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Most patients had a diagnosis of OCSCC (49.1%), 38%-9% of which involved the tongue. 9.6% resulted positive for HPV DNA in saliva, specifically for high-risk subtypes (42.9% type 58; 28.6% types 45, 59, 39 and 9.6% type 16, 18). HPV+patients were compared to those who were found negative. HPV infection was related to the TNM stage, especially with pT2N1 (p ≤ 0.002) and with primary vs. relapsed tumors (p = 0.004). Independent of site, the assay reached a sensitivity of 91.7%, a specificity of 100%, and an agreement of 98.5%, compared to the oropharyngeal swab (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.947; n = 65). Test PPV was 100% (95% CI 71.5-100), while NPV was 98.1% (95% CI 90.1-100).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that salivary HPV testing is a non-invasive and convenient test that could become part of routine clinical management for HPV infection of the oral cavity. This test represents an ideal mode of screening of asymptomatic individuals and a long-term monitoring tool for HPV-driven cancer patients.

PMID:40762035 | DOI:10.1002/hed.70003

Orthop Surg. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.1111/os.70142. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Hinge fracture is a known complication of lateral open wedge distal femoral osteotomy (LOWDFO). However, few studies have differentiated between intraoperative hinge fractures (IHF) and postoperative hinge fractures (PHF). This study aims to investigate the causes of these two types of fractures to help reduce complication rates and improve surgical outcomes.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 100 patients with genu valgum deformity and lateral unicompartmental osteoarthritis who underwent distal femoral osteotomy at our hospital between January 1st, 2022, and January 1st, 2024, in our hospital. Clinical parameters, radiological data, and the associated factors influencing IHF and PHF were analyzed. Radiological data such as mechanical axis deviation (MAD) and mechanical lateral distal femur angle (mLDFA) were collected. Clinical outcomes such as osteoarthritis index and time of healing were evaluated. Based on fracture morphology, IHF and PHF were further classified into Type 1 (extension), Type 2 (distal) and Type 3 (proximal) for detailed analysis. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Chi-square tests, and regression models to identify factors associated with IHF and PHF.

RESULTS: A total of 87 patients were included in this study. The mean healing time of patients with all kinds of hinge fractures (3.4 ± 1.2 months) was longer than that of patients with no hinge fractures (2.8 ± 0.7 months), which was significant, p = 0.013. The MAD correction, mLDFA correction, and mLDFA correction ratio were related to hinge fractures (p = 0.010, 0.002, and 0.002 respectively). The body weight was higher in all types of hinge fractures group (IHF and PHF together) than the no hinge fractures group. The IHF group had a longer time of healing than the no IHF group. In the IHF group, the mLDFA correction (p = 0.005), mLDFA correction ratio (p = 0.005), and BMI (p = 0.031) were higher than the no IHF group. The PHF was related to hinge position. The group of hinge localized proximal to the adductor tubercle (AT) had a higher rate of PHF than the group of hinge localized in the adductor tubercle (p = 0.001). The healing time in the IHF group (3.9 ± 1.4 months) was significantly longer than the healing time in the PHF group (2.7 ± 0.4 months) (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION: In patients with genu valgum undergoing LOWDFO, IHF and PHF represent distinct clinical entities. IHF is associated with greater mLDFA correction, higher mLDFA correction ratios, and increased body weight. In contrast, PHF is primarily associated with hinge position, with a higher incidence observed when the hinge is located proximal to the adductor tubercle. Among the two, IHF has a more pronounced impact on delayed bone healing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective study Level IV.

PMID:40762034 | DOI:10.1111/os.70142

J Environ Health Sci Eng. 2025 Aug 2;23(2):26. doi: 10.1007/s40201-025-00951-3. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Phthalates are one of the most common environmental contaminants and endocrine disruptors. Environmental exposure to phthalates may increase the risk for allergic diseases. However, the existing literature presents conflicting findings regarding the long-term impact of early-life exposure to these substances.

METHODS: We searched the Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar, Medline and Embase databases for all related publications from 1974 to September 1st, 2024. Ultimately, 22 studies with a total of 16,161 participants were selected. The relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to evaluate whether prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with allergic endpoints. To assess statistical heterogeneity across studies, both the Q-test and I ² statistic were adopted. Publication bias of the included studies was evaluated using Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Stratified analysis was conducted based on the gender of children, molecular weight of phthalates, disease type, phthalate species, parental exposure period and region. The systematic literature search protocol was formally registered in PROSPERO.

RESULTS: Childhood wheeze (RR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00-1.21), eczema (RR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17), and rhinitis (RR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.09) are potentially associated with prenatal exposure to phthalates, particularly butyl-benzyl phthalate (RR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.24), di-ethyl-hexyl phthalate (RR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15) and di-iso-nonyl phthalate (RR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.23).

CONCLUSION: Maternal phthalate exposure during pregnancy exhibits a significant association with elevated risks of childhood respiratory and allergic manifestations, including wheezing episodes, eczematous dermatitis, and rhinitis symptoms.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-025-00951-3.

PMID:40762014 | PMC:PMC12317961 | DOI:10.1007/s40201-025-00951-3

Front Dent Med. 2025 Jul 21;6:1593218. doi: 10.3389/fdmed.2025.1593218. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dickkopf-1 is a glycoprotein that inhibits Wingless-related integration site signaling, impairing osteoblast and osteoclast functions, leading to bone loss and systemic inflammation linked to periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Porphyromonas gingivalis exacerbates rheumatoid arthritis through citrullination and inflammation, highlighting their bidirectional relationship. To date no meta-analysis has examined the role of Dickkopf-1 in periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and their comorbidity. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association and role of Dickkopf-1 in these comorbid conditions.

METHODS: The present study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of Transparent Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses PRISMA statement (registered at PROSPERO under the number CRD42025643227). A total of 15 studies (14 case-control and 1 cross-sectional) were selected out of 386 using databases like PubMed and Google Scholar (by BM, JM, and DP). A random-effects model evaluated Dickkopf-1 levels in serum/gingival crevicular fluid in periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis via standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using statistical metrics, forest plots, funnel plots, Begg’s test, and Egger’s regression.

RESULTS: A total of 386 studies were retrieved and 15 were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing 4,438 participants (2,190 cases and 2,248 controls). The pooled SMD of 2.694 (p = 0.02; 95% CI: 1.170-6.203) indicated a significant association of Dickkopf-1 with periodontitis and/or rheumatoid arthritis compared to healthy controls. However, Egger’s test revealed a t-value of 3.05 (p = 0.009), indicating significant publication bias.

CONCLUSION: Elevated Dickkopf-1 levels in rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis patients suggest its critical role in the pathogenesis of both conditions. Hence, Dickkopf-1 holds therapeutic potential for managing interconnected inflammatory and bone disorders and may serve as a biomarker for diagnosing these diseases.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/search, PROSPERO CRD42025643227.

PMID:40762009 | PMC:PMC12318980 | DOI:10.3389/fdmed.2025.1593218