Category: Statistics

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0354351. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0354351. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

As a fundamental acoustic component, the buzzer is widely used in various electronic systems. The iron core is a critical element in buzzers for supporting the coil, and it is currently fed primarily by mechanical methods. To further improve the automatic feeding efficiency of iron cores, a machine vision-based detection method is proposed to achieve core localization, pose recognition, and notch-angle measurement. The method first employs the Hough transform to locate iron cores on the vibratory tray and exclude overlapping cores. It then statistically counts the edge pixels around each core’s center to select only those facing upward. Finally, by traversing the core’s circumference, it pinpoints the notch localization and computes its angle. This providing the necessary data support for the automatic grasping and placement of iron cores by the manipulator. Experimental results demonstrate that the Hough transform algorithm adopted in this paper achieves a mean relative localization error of only 2.61%, a recognition precision of 100% for front-up iron cores, and an average notch-angle measurement deviation of 1.06°. Compared with YOLOv8, the proposed method offers clear advantages in both detection accuracy and practicality.

PMID:42579715 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0354351

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0351623. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0351623. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Karst aquifers are highly sensitive to climate change due to their complex internal structure, which makes them both reactive and difficult to model. This study proposes a transdisciplinary decision-support analytical framework to support long-term groundwater management in a dynamic karst system in northwestern Tuscany (Italy). The approach combines time- and frequency-domains techniques – multivariate regression models and singular spectrum analysis, respectively – to characterize both short-term system memory and the low-frequency variability of the spring discharge. The methodology was applied to the Cartaro spring (Apuan Alps) using a 18-year dataset of discharge and meteorological variables (precipitation and temperature). Time-domain analysis showed that meteorological variables alone cannot fully explain the long-term variability of spring discharge, and that accounting for the short memory of the karst system (about five days) significantly improved the performance of the classical models. Furthermore, spectral decomposition allowed us to extract the significant annual and semi-annual oscillatory components with modulated amplitude, highlighting the role of low-frequency climatic variability in controlling spring behavior. By combining the results from the time and frequency domains, we fine‑tuned a forecasting procedure that enables statistically reliable annual predictions of long‑term average discharge trends, while limiting noise propagation and without relying on physical governing equations. The research is transdisciplinary, as it was developed from its preliminary phases in collaboration with stakeholders and local managers. The methodological workflow can be applied to other karst aquifers, provided that it is recalibrated using the site-specific hydro-climatic and discharge data.

PMID:42579711 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0351623

PLOS Glob Public Health. 2026 Aug 11;6(8):e0007041. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0007041. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Following its declaration as a pandemic, COVID-19 spread extensively, affecting millions globally. Concerns emerged that it could have a detrimental impact on sexual and reproductive health services. Specifically, these worries centred on the potential disruption of family planning and HIV-related care. We conducted a mixed methods study to understand the impact of the pandemic and its associated measures on access to FP and HIV services among women in a peri-urban area of Lilongwe, Malawi. We used descriptive statistics to assess what proportion of eligible women accessed FP/HIV services and understand experiences and challenges faced. 400 women responded to a questionnaire, and 30 of them completed in-depth interviews. We used frameworks by Peters (2008) and; Ensor and Cooper (2004) to analyse qualitative data. The mean age of the study participants was 30 years, with less than a third aged 18-25. Of the 269 who tried to access FP services, 254 (94.4%) received it, and 248 (92.2%) received their preferred method. Only 2 (6.1%) out of 33 women living with HIV reported difficulties in obtaining ART. For HIV Testing & Counselling (HTC) services, 97.0% (n = 293) of the 302 women who wanted the service attempted to access them, and 99.0% (n = 290) of the 293 were successful. The most commonly reported challenges were: being sent away if they did not have a mask, being sent away if the maximum number of clients per day had been reached, and higher fares for the few who used minibus. Overall, access to FP and HIV services was sustained. Women, however, faced some challenges while accessing the services, which were more pronounced among FP clients compared to ART clients. Our findings emphasize the need to implement strategies that will minimize challenges to health care access during pandemics, to ensure gains in FP and HIV services are sustained.

PMID:42579709 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pgph.0007041

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0355280. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0355280. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Large-scale adolescent fitness testing produces heterogeneous multi-item measurements. Translating these measurements into interpretable and comparable evidence for provincial surveillance remains challenging. We propose a two-stage Bayesian framework for adolescent physical fitness surveillance in Sichuan, China. In Stage 1, Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis maps cross-grade test items onto four latent fitness factors: strength, speed, endurance, and flexibility. This stage explicitly models item-level measurement error and item heterogeneity. In Stage 2, factor-level outcomes are modeled using Bayesian spatiotemporal hierarchical regression. This stage estimates covariate associations, temporal trends, and residual spatial heterogeneity. In the Sichuan application, the four latent factors showed clear and interpretable spatial structure. Residual spatial clustering persisted after adjustment for covariates, educational-stage effects, and shared temporal trends. Urbanization rate showed positive conditional associations with all four factors. Selected socioeconomic, geographic, and environmental covariates showed domain-specific associations, such as negative associations of GDP per capita and population density mainly with strength and speed. Model comparison using PSIS-LOO indicated that models with spatial random effects provided better conditional pointwise predictive fit than corresponding no-spatial models for all four factors, with satisfactory Pareto-k diagnostics. By separating latent measurement from regional spatiotemporal modeling, the proposed framework supports more interpretable regional comparisons. It also helps identify regions with persistent residual advantages or disadvantages, providing quantitative evidence for targeted monitoring and policy discussion.

PMID:42579708 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0355280

PLoS Comput Biol. 2026 Aug 11;22(8):e1014534. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1014534. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

High-throughput experimental platforms now routinely generate data from dozens or hundreds of independent observations. Simulation-based inference (SBI) offers a powerful framework for estimating model parameters from such complex datasets, but standard methods struggle to scale to the noisy multiple-replicates regime without incurring prohibitive computational costs or careful hyperparameter tuning. Here, we introduce a new method for fast and robust collective posterior inference from multiple independent replicates using a robust product-of-experts aggregation scheme that automatically mitigates the influence of outliers. Evaluating it on synthetic and empirical evolutionary datasets, we find it achieves state-of-the-art estimation accuracy and computational efficiency, including inference from noisy observations. Our method is compatible with any SBI framework, providing a scalable, plug-and-play solution for inference from noisy multiple-replicate datasets.

PMID:42579707 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1014534

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0342631. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342631. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral hygiene is linked with dental caries experience. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the associations between oral hygiene status, the frequency of tooth brushing, and the prevalence of dental caries in Nigeria. It also examined how the geographical zones and dentition type moderate these associations, and identified the tools commonly used for oral hygiene maintenance.

METHODS: The systematic review and meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022367763). A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, African Journals Online, African Index Medicus, and Google Scholar in January 2026 for studies conducted between January 2001 and December 2025. Observational studies and clinical trials reporting baseline caries prevalence were included. There was no language restriction. Studies were excluded if they did not provide information on the sample size, had no study outcome data, featured duplicate samples, or were review articles, meta-analyses, case reports, case series, in vitro studies, commentaries/letters (editorials, opinion pieces) devoid of primary data. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were conducted by dentition type, geopolitical zone, study design, publication year, mean age, and sample size.

RESULTS: Twenty-three cross-sectional studies were included, of which 20 (86.9%) were conducted in Southern Nigeria. Pooled data from 10 studies suggested poor oral hygiene was associated with 100% higher odds of dental caries (95% CI: 1.26-3.96; p = 0.003). After removing an influential outlier, the analysis showed a 76% increase in dental caries prevalence associated with poor oral hygiene (95% CI: 1.41-2.18; p = 0.003; I² = 0.00%). Brushing at least twice daily was associated with reduced dental caries (p < 0.001). Dentition type and publication year were significant moderators. The most common oral cleaning tool was a toothbrush with toothpaste, though chewing sticks, cotton wool, and other traditional tools were also reported.

CONCLUSION: Poor oral hygiene was linked to increased odds for dental caries, while twice-daily tooth brushing was protective in Nigeria. The type of cleaning tool was not significantly associated with dental caries risk, highlighting the importance of brushing frequency over tool type. Studies reporting on oral hygiene and dental caries in Northern Nigeria are needed to improve the national representativeness of the data.

PMID:42579706 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0342631

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0354482. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0354482. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of Nesprin-1 in the development and progression of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced heart failure (HF) and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS: HF was induced in mice via daily intraperitoneal injections of ISO (5 mg/kg/day) for 24 consecutive days. Cardiac function was evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography to measure diastolic left ventricular diameters (LVDd), systolic left ventricular end diameter (LVDs), ejection fraction (EF), and fractional shortening (FS). The HF model was validated through gross cardiac observation, WGA staining, and Western blot analysis of B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP). Histological changes were assessed via H&E staining. Oxidative stress was evaluated by quantifying malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The expression and localization of Nesprin-1, Connexin 43 (Cx43), DNA damage markers (53BP1, γH2AX), and epigenetic markers (H3K9me3, H3K27me3) were examined using immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The activation of the ERK signaling pathway was also analyzed.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, ISO-induced HF mice exhibited significant increases in body/heart weight and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, alongside elevated BNP expression (P < 0.01). Echocardiography revealed increased LVDd and LVDs with markedly reduced EF and FS (P < 0.01). Histopathologically, the model group showed disorganized myocardial structures, vascular proliferation, and hemorrhage. Crucially, Nesprin-1 expression was significantly downregulated (P < 0.01), accompanied by abnormal nuclear membrane localization and morphological changes in myocardial cell nuclei. Significant nuclear distortions in the model group included increased area, perimeter, and length-to-diameter ratio alongside reduced roundness. Parallel to these changes, the model group showed increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.05). Notably, several markers showed highly significant differences (P < 0.01), including the downregulation of Connexin 43 and the upregulation of DNA damage markers γH2AX and 53BP1. Significant epigenetic remodeling, characterized by elevated H3K9me3 and H3K27me3, was also observed. Finally, a marked hyperactivation of the ERK signaling pathway was recorded, also reaching statistical significance at (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the downregulation of Nesprin-1 is closely associated with HF pathogenesis. In the ISO-induced HF model, diminished Nesprin-1 expression correlated with disrupted nuclear homeostasis, reduced Cx43 expression, severe oxidative stress, DNA damage accumulation, and epigenetic disturbances, which may be mediated through the abnormal activation of the ERK signaling pathway.

PMID:42579703 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0354482

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0355843. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0355843. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Meningitis in neonates remains a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite its high morbidity and mortality, evidence on treatment outcomes and determinants of poor prognosis is limited. This study aimed to assess treatment outcomes of meningitis and its associated factors among neonates admitted to public hospitals in Harar town, Ethiopia.

METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 neonates diagnosed with meningitis admitted between October 2020 and October 2024. Data were extracted from medical records. Treatment outcomes were categorized as good or poor. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with poor treatment outcomes. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value <0.05 using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: A total of 169 (33%) neonates experienced poor treatment outcomes. Assisted vaginal delivery (AOR = 3.70; 95% CI: 1.42-9.69), positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture (AOR = 3.74; 95% CI: 1.76-7.96), elevated CSF white blood cell count >2500 cells/mm³ (AOR = 6.10; 95% CI: 2.54-14.69), high CSF protein >400 mg/dL (AOR = 5.43; 95% CI: 2.84-10.36), low CSF glucose <10 mg/dL (AOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 1.64-7.80), seizures at admission (AOR = 5.07; 95% CI: 2.71-9.46), seizures after admission (AOR = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.82-8.25), early-onset neonatal sepsis (AOR = 4.27; 95% CI: 2.03-8.99), and non-exclusive breastfeeding (AOR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.06-4.57) were predictor of poor treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION: About one-third of neonates with meningitis experienced poor treatment outcomes. Factors associated with poor outcomes included assisted vaginal delivery, severe CSF abnormalities (positive culture, high white blood cell count, elevated protein, and low glucose), seizures at or after admission, early-onset neonatal sepsis, and non-exclusive breastfeeding. These findings highlight the need for early risk stratification and timely interventions to improve neonatal care and treatment outcomes.

PMID:42579702 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0355843

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0356066. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0356066. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Whether screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can improve health outcomes may depend in part on screening being acceptable and accurate. Screening modality and context may be important determinants of these characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: We compared telephone ACE screenings by 211LA (a health and human services information and referral center) to self-completed screenings during well-child visits and identified family factors associated with differences in ACEs reporting.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: This is a secondary analysis of data from the intervention arm (n = 51) of a pilot randomized trial of telephone ACE care coordination via 211LA versus usual care at three Federally Qualified Health Centers. Children who had ≥ 1 ACE on the Pediatric ACEs and Related Life-events Screener (PEARLS) administered during a well-child visit and were randomized to the intervention were connected to 211LA 1-2 weeks after their clinic visit. 211LA then administered a subsequent telephone PEARLS screening.

METHODS: A within-subjects design examined whether scores differed between clinic and 211LA screening. Linear regressions tested whether trust in healthcare providers, parent stress, financial security, education, income, child age/sex, Latine ethnicity, and English proficiency predicted higher 211LA than clinic scores.

RESULTS: In paired t-tests, mean ACE scores were higher (2.08 vs. 1.35, p = 0.002) through 211LA than through clinics. In linear regressions, greater trust in healthcare providers (β = 0.64, p = 0.049), more parental stress (β = 0.06, p = 0.028), and speaking English “Well” versus “Very well” (β = 1.85, p = 0.043) were associated with a greater difference in 211LA versus clinic scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Telephone-based screening may be effective for sensitive questions. Specific family factors may affect which screening approaches are preferable.

PMID:42579699 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0356066

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0354367. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0354367. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

The non-medical use of sedatives and prescription opioids is a growing public health concern, particularly among Latino populations. This study aim was to identify individual and social determinants associated with non-medical use of sedatives and prescription opioids among Latinos in the United States. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the National Institute of Health All of Us Dataset. The sample included 22,457 Hispanic/Latino adults with complete data. The main outcomes were lifetime street opioids use, and past 3-month non-medical use of sedatives and prescription opioids. Independent variables included depression, discrimination, education, income, nativity, and language spoken at home. The non-medical use of sedatives and opioids in the past 3 months was low (0.4% sedatives, 0.2% opioids). Older age, being male, and reporting depression, discrimination, and neighborhood disorder were associated with increased odds of opioids use. Higher education, income, foreign-born status, and non-English language spoken at home were protective factors. Findings highlight the need for culturally tailored interventions targeting high-risk adult Latino subgroups to address opioid and non-medical use of sedatives disparities.

PMID:42579686 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0354367