Category: Statistics

J Chromatogr A. 2026 Jun 3;1783:467163. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2026.467163. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The mathematical models in the plate theory of chromatography are solved by using a statistical approach. An equation for the number of theoretical plates is proposed which can unify the equations that are deduced from the continuous flow (CF) and discontinuous flow (disCF) model respectively. The models are compared with those in the rate theory of chromatography such as the equilibrium dispersive (ED), transport (TR), Wade-Lucy-Carr (WLC), transport dispersive (TD) and general rate (GR) model. In the case of high column efficiency, expressions are given to account for the relationship between the parameters in the CF and ED model and those in the disCF and TR model. A ratio parameter is proposed to account for the contribution to peak variance of the finite rate of the equilibrium or the mass transfer kinetics between mobile and stationary phase. It is used to calculate the plate height and can be measured in experiments by changing mobile phase composition slightly. It is also demonstrated that the TR and WLC model will be equivalent when the adsorption isotherm is linear. When the adsorption isotherm is nonlinear, a nonlinear driving force equation is deduced from the Langmuir kinetics equation, which can explain the concentration dependence of the rate coefficient in the TR model which has been reported in literature.

PMID:42258991 | DOI:10.1016/j.chroma.2026.467163

Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2026 May 5;55:104186. doi: 10.1016/j.clon.2026.104186. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Third-line treatment options for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remain limited. Chemotherapy rechallenge has shown efficacy in this setting, but direct comparisons with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are lacking. This real-world study aimed to retrospectively compare TKI (regorafenib/fruquintinib) versus rechallenge chemotherapy in refractory mCRC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2018 to June 2023, 107 mCRC patients receiving third-line therapy were analyzed (median follow-up: 6.6 months). Endpoints included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Patients were divided into TKI (n = 53) and rechallenge chemotherapy (n = 54) groups. Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox models, and RECIST 1.1-based spider/waterfall plots were generated using RStudio (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) 3.5.2 (significance: P < .05).

RESULTS: Rechallenge chemotherapy significantly improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.27-0.70; P < .001) and PFS (HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.27-0.70; P = .002) with significantly higher objective response rate (10.9% vs. 0%, P = .025) and disease control rate (67.4% vs. 52.8%, P = .090) compared to TKIs.

CONCLUSION: In this single-center retrospective real-world cohort, rechallenge chemotherapy was associated with improved survival and response outcomes compared with TKIs in third-line mCRC. However, given the non-randomized design and potential confounding, these findings should be considered hypothesis-generating. Rechallenge chemotherapy may be considered in selected patients with prior chemotherapy sensitivity and an adequate treatment-free interval, pending prospective validation.

PMID:42258990 | DOI:10.1016/j.clon.2026.104186

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jun 4;514:142578. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142578. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Effective early warning systems for aquatic contamination require monitoring strategies capable of detecting subtle, long-term shifts in mixture-driven biological activity. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) serves as a carrier and reservoir for complex contaminant mixtures, facilitating their transport and persistence in aquatic systems, yet systematic toxicological time series for archived SPM remain scarce. Regulatory monitoring predominantly targets Priority Substances and River Basin Specific Pollutants, leaving the temporal trends of particle-associated mixture toxicity largely unresolved. Leveraging 18 years (2005-2022) of cryogenically archived annual SPM composites from the Rhine River, we conducted a spatiotemporal effect-based assessment integrating receptor-mediated effects, oxidative stress analysis and untargeted Cell Painting phenomics. This integrated toolbox enabled evaluation of pathway-specific responses and multi-compartment cellular perturbations associated with particle-bound contaminant mixtures. Polar SPM-associated chemicals elicited oxidative stress response and caused endocrine disruption through estrogen receptor α (ERα) activation and androgen receptor inhibition (anti-AR). Trend analysis showed spatiotemporal variation along the river, with statistically increasing trends of oxidative stress and anti-AR activity over time at Koblenz, driven by polar chemicals. Both polar and non-polar SPM extracts activated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), indicating presence of compounds capable of triggering xenobiotic response pathways. Several subcellular compartments were affected, with mitochondrial features being among the most affected. These findings demonstrate that SPM-associated chemicals elicit diverse toxicological effects by acting on several receptors and impacting diverse cellular structures. Combining targeted and phenomics-based effect approaches provided comprehensive mechanistic insights and valuable information to support the early warning systems for chemical contamination in aquatic environments.

PMID:42258982 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142578

J Pediatr Nurs. 2026 Jun 8;90:99-106. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.05.050. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early ambulation following surgery is essential for recovery, yet children undergoing surgery often face barriers due to multiple lines and medical equipment.

METHODS: A quasi-experimental design was used to compare children who received the early ambulation device with a retrospective surgical-condition-stratified comparison group. Outcomes included length of stay, time to first ambulation, and daily average ambulation.

RESULTS: Results showed several significant improvements in the experimental group versus the comparison group. Among children in the abdominal surgery cohort, the experimental group had a greater total ambulation (15.0 vs. 12.0, p = 0.023) and higher daily ambulation frequency (5.5 vs. 2.5, p < 0.001); and length of stay trended shorter in the experimental group but did not reach statistical significance (3.0 vs. 3.8 days, p = 0.060). Children in the spinal fusion cohort also experienced benefits, including a shorter length of stay (3.9 vs. 4.7 days, p = 0.001), earlier ambulation (18.7 vs. 39.7 h, p < 0.001), and a greater frequency of ambulation (20.5 vs. 15.0, p < 0.001). Improvements were most pronounced in the early to mid-postoperative period.

CONCLUSION: This study provides the first evidence of early ambulation device use in a pediatric surgical population. The device was associated with earlier mobilization, more frequent ambulation, and reduced hospital length of stay in the spinal fusion cohort, with a trend toward reduced length of stay in the abdominal cohort. Advantages of utilizing the early ambulation device include cost savings for families and the organization, as well as increased independence when ambulating.

PMID:42258971 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2026.05.050

J Pediatr Nurs. 2026 Jun 8;90:87-98. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.05.040. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Quantify post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence rates in pediatric nurses; identify the strength, direction, and predictive relationship between PTSD and psychological capital (PsyCap), psychological safety, coworker support, and supervisor support; and explore nurses’ perceptions and coping strategies for dealing with work-related trauma.

DESIGN: A convergent mixed-methods cross-sectional, correlational-predictive online research study design utilizing the Conservation of Resources theoretical framework.

METHODS: Convenience sample of pediatric nurses working in direct patient care in the United States.

INSTRUMENTS: Post-Traumatic Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ), Psychological Safety tool, Coworker Support Scale (CSS), and Supervisor Support Scale (SSS). Qualitative questions were content analyzed. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including hierarchical regression models, were used.

RESULTS: One-hundred and seventy-one participants were included in the analysis; 56.7% met the cut-point for full PTSD criteria. PTSD symptoms were inversely related to nurses’ Psychological Capital and PsyCap scores. Additionally, Psychological Safety and PsyCap were independent predictors of PTSD when entered in the hierarchical regression analysis model. A joint display table was developed to integrate qualitative and quantitative findings.

CONCLUSION: PTSD is a concern for direct-care pediatric nurses. Results from the hierarchical regression analysis lend important insight into workforce factors (Psychological Safety) and intrapersonal qualities (PsyCap) affecting PTSD symptomology in pediatric nurses. Qualitative comments support the importance of coworker, leader, and organizational support for individuals. Implication to Practice This study highlights potential predictive and protective intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational factors on pediatric nurses’ PTSD symptomology.

PMID:42258970 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2026.05.040

J Pediatr Nurs. 2026 Jun 8;90:77-86. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.05.045. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To develop and preliminarily validate a questionnaire assessing primary care nurses’ practices, perceptions, and perceived barriers in managing childhood obesity.

DESIGN: Sequential exploratory study conducted in three phases: item development, content validation, and a cross-sectional observational study with an initial psychometric validation.

METHODS: Items were generated through a literature review, focus groups, and adaptation of an existing adult obesity instrument. A panel of six experts assessed content validity, clarity, coherence, and item adequacy. The final version 39-item questionnaire was distributed online to primary care nurses in Madrid, Spain; 253 complete responses were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were calculated. A preliminary Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted on selected items.

RESULTS: The overall content validity index was 0.96. The final instrument identified three areas: training and experience, practices and barriers, and knowledge of childhood obesity. Factor analyses supported coherent underlying dimensions for selected items, with acceptable internal consistency. Nurses reported positive attitudes toward addressing pediatric obesity but identified barriers such as limited consultation time, low treatment adherence, and intervention complexity.

CONCLUSION: The NPPBQ-CO is a structured instrument with initial evidence of content validity, preliminary psychometric support and acceptable internal consistency. Further validation is warranted.

PMID:42258969 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2026.05.045

ESMO Open. 2026 Jun 8;11(6):107730. doi: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2026.107730. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) often have disease progression after standard temozolomide-based chemoradiation. The benefits and optimal use of re-irradiation (re-RT) following re-operation (re-OP) in recurrent GBM (rGBM) remain uncertain. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of post-operative re-RT in patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase-wild-type rGBM, aiming to identify survival benefits and determine clinicogenetic criteria for patient selection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from the Korean Radiation Oncology Group 21-02 retrospective study were evaluated, including 531 patients with rGBM from 2013 to 2019. A subset of 164 patients undergoing re-OP were analyzed for survival and benefits of post-operative re-RT. Additionally, 206 patients receiving re-RT, irrespective of re-OP, were evaluated for risks of radiation necrosis. The overall survival (OS) after re-OP was the primary endpoint. Statistical analyses included the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test for OS, Cox proportional hazards regression model for univariate and multivariate analyses, and the Fine-Gray competing risk model for assessing the risk of brain necrosis.

RESULTS: The median OS after re-OP was 13.4 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly better OS for those who received re-RT (17.6 months) than for those who did not (11.0 months; P = 0.002). Factors associated with improved OS included higher Karnofsky performance status scores, post-operative re-RT, and additional systemic therapy after re-OP. Factors associated with adverse outcomes included recurrence outside the initial RT field and homozygous deletion of CDKN2A/B. The incidence of grade 2 or higher RT necrosis was 5.8% among those undergoing both re-OP and post-operative re-RT.

CONCLUSION: Post-operative re-RT appears to be associated with enhanced survival and minimal toxicity in patients with rGBM following temozolomide chemoradiation. Our study suggests a novel clinicogenetic criterion for re-RT after re-OP in rGBM, which requires further validation.

PMID:42258967 | DOI:10.1016/j.esmoop.2026.107730

ESMO Open. 2026 Jun 8;11(6):107769. doi: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2026.107769. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) has improved outcomes for many patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). T-DXd is associated with alopecia, yet limited data exist describing the efficacy of scalp cooling (SC) in preventing alopecia among patients receiving T-DXd.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, phase II trial evaluated the efficacy of SC among patients with MBC receiving T-DXd. Conducted at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the trial enrolled patients with MBC without alopecia at baseline, initiating treatment with T-DXd. Participants elected either the SC arm, using the Paxman Scalp Cooling System, or the non-SC arm. The primary endpoint was hair loss rate, defined as locally assessed Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 5.0) grade ≥1 alopecia occurring at cycle 3, day 1; cycle 5, day 1; or end of treatment, whichever occurred first.

RESULTS: Among 40 enrolled evaluable patients, 33 (82.5%) patients [18 (90%) in the SC arm and 15 (75%) in the non-SC arm] experienced grade ≥1 alopecia. The difference in rates between arms was not statistically significant (P = 0.41). Grade 2 alopecia rates were the same in both arms (55%). Centralized image review revealed no significant differences in grade ≥1 (P = 1.00) or grade 2 alopecia (P = 0.33) between treatment arms. Grade 2 alopecia was the primary reason for SC discontinuation (45%). The median time to grade 2 alopecia was 2.76 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.64-NA] in the SC arm; 4.60 months (95% CI, 2.53-NA) in the non-SC arm (P = 0.7).

CONCLUSIONS: SC with T-DXd did not reduce alopecia rates. Small sample size and lack of randomization may have limited the interpretation. Further studies are crucial to improve SC’s efficacy with antibody-drug conjugate therapy.

PMID:42258966 | DOI:10.1016/j.esmoop.2026.107769

Cancer Treat Res Commun. 2026 Jun 8;48:101279. doi: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2026.101279. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for several malignancies, including cervical cancer. Women with obesity participate less frequently in screening and may have higher rates of unsatisfactory cytology, potentially affecting cervical lesion detection. This study evaluated the association between BMI and high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in a referral cohort.

METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, clinical and histopathological data from 257 women referred to the dysplasia unit clinic of Hannover Medical School (Germany) between January 2021 and December 2025 were analyzed. BMI was categorized as normal (<25 kg/m²), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m²), and obese (≥30 kg/m²). The primary outcome was high-grade cervical lesions (CIN 2/3/AIS). Logistic regression assessed associations between BMI and high-grade lesions, adjusting for age, gravidity, and smoking.

RESULTS: Overall, the distribution of histological findings showed numerically higher proportions of CIN 3 with increasing BMI, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.055). Increasing BMI was significantly associated with high-grade lesions (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.02-2.52, p = 0.040), remaining significant after adjustment (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.01-3.00, p = 0.048). HPV genotype distribution (p = 0.784) and cytological findings (p = 0.34) were comparable across BMI groups.

CONCLUSION: Higher BMI was associated with an increased likelihood of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in women referred for dysplasia evaluation. Similar HPV and cytology distributions suggest that this association may reflect differences in timing of diagnosis or clinical detection rather than underlying HPV patterns.

PMID:42258959 | DOI:10.1016/j.ctarc.2026.101279

Cancer Treat Res Commun. 2026 May 29;48:101267. doi: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2026.101267. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, including in Georgia. This study aimed to evaluate the number of new cancer cases, identify the most common cancer sites, analyze sex differences, and evaluate age-standardized rates (ASR) and age-specific rates from 2015 to 2019 in Georgia.

METHODS: We used the Georgia National Cancer Registry data for all registered cancer cases, excluding non-melanoma of skin, and the National Statistics Office of Georgia population data. ASRs per 100,000 population were calculated using the direct standardization method, with the WHO’s world standard population as a reference.

RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2019, 50,098 cancer cases (ICD-10 codes C00-96 exc. C44) were diagnosed in Georgia, including 21,802 in men (ASR 175.5/100,000) and 28,296 in women (ASR 192.8/100,000). Among men, the most common cancer sites were lung (16%, ASR 28.0/100,000); prostate (14%, ASR 22.0/100,000); bladder (10%, ASR 16.3/100,000); colorectal (10%, ASR 16.2/100,0000); and larynx (6%, ASR 10.9/100,000). Among women, the most common cancer sites were breast (34%, ASR 64.5/100,000), thyroid (14%, ASR 34.3/100,000), colorectal (7%, 10.3/100,000), cervix (6%, ASR 12.6/100,000) and corpus uteri (6%, ASR 11.4/100,000), respectively.

CONCLUSION: This is the first comprehensive evaluation of cancer incidence in Georgia. Beyond sex-specific cancers such as breast and prostate, lung cancer was more common in men, while thyroid cancer was more common in women. The overall cancer incidence in Georgia was lower than the 2022 GLOBOCAN-estimated ASR for the 27 EU countries. Differences in healthcare infrastructure, screening uptake, or reporting accuracy may explain these disparities.

PMID:42258958 | DOI:10.1016/j.ctarc.2026.101267