Tag: nevin manimala

Behav Res Methods. 2026 Jan 16;58(2):38. doi: 10.3758/s13428-025-02911-z.

ABSTRACT

Standardized coefficients – including factor loadings, correlations, and indirect effects – are fundamental to interpreting structural equation modeling (SEM) results in psychology. However, they often exhibit skewed sampling distributions in finite samples, which are not captured by conventional symmetric confidence intervals (CIs). Methods such as bootstrap CI that do not impose symmetry are more appropriate for these coefficients. Despite its popularity, the widely used R package lavaan (version 0.6-19 or earlier) provides limited bootstrap support for standardized coefficients. Specifically, its function standardizedSolution() uses the delta method for CIs and lacks bootstrap p values. It provides a flexible and powerful function, bootstrapLavaan(), for bootstrapping, and it can be used to form bootstrap CIs for the standardized coefficients. However, this function requires a certain level of R coding skills. Moreover, no built-in functions are available to inspect bootstrap distributions, which are recommended for assessing the stability of the bootstrap estimates. To address these limitations, we developed the semboottools R package, which provides a simple workflow in SEM to form bootstrap confidence intervals for unstandardized and standardized estimates of model and user-defined parameters. It allows researchers to generate percentile or bias-corrected bootstrap CIs, standard errors, asymmetric p values, compare the bootstrap CIs with other CI methods (e.g., delta method), and visualize the distributions of bootstrap estimates – with minimal coding effort. We believe the tool can facilitate researchers in easily forming bootstrap CIs, comparing different CI methods to assess the need for bootstrapping, and examining the distribution of bootstrap estimates to assess their stability.

PMID:41543658 | DOI:10.3758/s13428-025-02911-z

MAGMA. 2026 Jan 16. doi: 10.1007/s10334-025-01319-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study compared image quality and lipid suppression efficacy between 5 and 3 T MR systems for lower-extremity non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (NCE-MRA) using an optimized 2D time-of-flight (TOF) sequence with spatially separated lipid pre-saturation (SLIP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers underwent 2D TOF examination on lower limbs at both field strengths. The SLIP technique was evaluated across field strengths and compared with conventional CHESS to assess lipid suppression efficiency. Subjective scoring was used to assess vessel visualization and image quality, while quantitative analysis of vessel-to-muscle contrast ratios was performed. Statistical significance was determined using paired t-tests. Three patients with Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease (PAOD) were evaluated at 5 T and compared to computed tomography angiography (CTA) as the reference standard.

RESULTS: The implementation of SLIP underscores the capability of increased field strength for more effective implementation of chemical shift-based lipid suppression technique. 5 T NCE MRA demonstrated higher Likert scores of radiologists’ subjective evaluations of vessel delineation (5 T vs 3 T: 3.73 vs. 3.47, P < 0.001) and image quality (3.58 vs 3.27, P = 0.002) than 3 T. Vessel-to-background ratio (VBR) (14.87 ± 3.80 vs 10.07 ± 2.64, P < 0.001) and vessel contrast-to-background ratio (VCBR) were higher at 5 T (0.84 ± 0.11 vs 0.77 ± 0.12, P < 0 .001), indicating enhanced vessel delineation than 3 T.

CONCLUSION: 5 T NCE-MRA outperforms 3 T in visualizing lower limb vasculature, with enhanced lipid suppression and reduced in-plane saturation artifacts, offering a non-invasive alternative for peripheral vascular assessment.

PMID:41543643 | DOI:10.1007/s10334-025-01319-2

Discov Oncol. 2026 Jan 16. doi: 10.1007/s12672-026-04428-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Accurate classification of cancer subtypes is crucial for personalised therapies and targeted interventions. In this study, we propose BioGAT-LGG, a deep learning framework that integrates multi-omics data, including mRNA, miRNA, and DNA methylation, using a correlation-based Graph Attention Network version 2 (GATv2) for biomarker discovery and Lower-Grade Glioma (LGG) subtype classification. Unlike existing methodologies that rely on external biological priors, such as protein-protein interaction networks or reference graphs, BioGAT-LGG constructs gene-driven correlation graphs, enabling the model to learn biologically meaningful molecular interactions. To improve feature interpretability and reduce dimensionality, LASSO regression is performed during model training. The model achieved 98.03% accuracy, with precision (98.12%), recall (97.74%), and F1-score (97.87%) in a stratified 10-fold cross-validation. Extensive analysis and enrichment of known cancer-related pathways, including PI3K-Akt signalling, Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Transcriptional Misregulation in Cancer, identified the biomarkers hsa-mir-3936, MTCO1P40, and CCND2, which were subsequently validated. These results indicate that BioGAT-LGG effectively captures biologically validated mechanisms and can enable clinically significant subtype classification and biomarker-guided decision-making. This framework thus lays a scalable foundation for multi-omics integration in oncology, which can be further adopted in other tumour types.

PMID:41543639 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-026-04428-z

Hernia. 2026 Jan 16;30(1):64. doi: 10.1007/s10029-025-03568-5.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Inguinal hernias are commonly encountered during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), either preoperatively or intraoperatively. Performing concurrent inguinal hernia repair (IHR) at the time of RARP may prevent the morbidity, cost, and inconvenience associated with a second operation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of concurrent IHR during RARP compared with RARP alone.

METHODS: This study followed PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42025646245). Comprehensive searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were conducted to identify studies comparing outcomes of RARP with and without concurrent IHR. Primary outcomes included operative time, length of hospital stay, blood loss, and postoperative complications. A proportional meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

RESULTS: Twenty studies comprising 1,402 patients who underwent concurrent IHR and 20,405 patients who underwent RARP alone were included. Concurrent IHR was associated with a statistically significant increase in operative time (mean difference 30.45 min; 95% CI 13.71-77.38) but showed no significant differences in postoperative complications, blood loss, or hospital stay. The pooled hernia recurrence rate was low (mean 1.9%), and Clavien-Dindo I-III complication rates were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSION: Concurrent IHR during RARP may be feasible, with perioperative outcomes broadly comparable to RARP alone. Concurrent repair may be considered in selected patients and experienced centres however given study heterogeneity and the predominance of retrospective evidence, these findings should be interpreted cautiously.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was prospectively registered on PROSPERO on 03/02/2025 under ID: CRD42025646245.

PMID:41543617 | DOI:10.1007/s10029-025-03568-5

Eat Weight Disord. 2026 Jan 16. doi: 10.1007/s40519-026-01817-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: LGBTQ + people have shown health disparities compared to heterosexual and cisgender people in eating disorders. How these disparities are determined, however, is an understudied area. Through the use of a psychological mediation framework, this study aims to explore how daily heterosexist experiences related to one’s LGBTQ + identity may determine eating disorder risk.

METHODS: 376 LGBTQ + people from Italy responded to self-report questionnaires regarding daily heterosexist experiences, eating behaviors and associated factors in an online anonymous survey. Descriptive, bivariate and mediation analyses were conducted using the “PROCESS” macro, including distress scores for heterosexist experiences, emotion dysregulation, self-esteem, shame, and eating disorder risk, controlling for body-mass index, age and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS: Statistically significant positive associations were found between distress related to heterosexist experiences, emotion dysregulation, shame and eating disorder risk. Mediation analyses found that the direct effect of heterosexist experiences on eating disorder risk was nonsignificant. The indirect effects of heterosexist experiences on eating disorder risk through emotion dysregulation (B = 0.041, β = 0.304, BootSE = 0.017, 95% CI [0.006, 0.078]) and low self-esteem (B = 0.092, β = 0.089, BootSE = 0.023, 95% CI [0.049, 0.145]) were significant. The indirect effect through shame was nonsignificant.

CONCLUSIONS: Heterosexist experiences seem to have significant indirect effects on eating disorder risk through emotion dysregulation and low self-esteem. Policies for reducing harassment, discrimination and violence related to sexual orientation and gender identity in institutional, organizational and social contexts may help prevent negative health outcomes in LGBT + people. Clinical contexts may benefit from considering the effects of minority stress.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3-Observational cross-sectional study.

PMID:41543611 | DOI:10.1007/s40519-026-01817-9

Eur J Nutr. 2026 Jan 16;65(1):32. doi: 10.1007/s00394-025-03888-3.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41543610 | DOI:10.1007/s00394-025-03888-3

AAPS PharmSciTech. 2026 Jan 15;27(1):74. doi: 10.1208/s12249-025-03300-7.

ABSTRACT

Vildagliptin (VLD) is a powerful oral hypoglycemic agent used in the management of type II diabetes. The goal of the current research was to develop VLD-loaded zein protein-based nanoparticles (VLD-ZP NPs) for enhancing their oral hypoglycemic effect, achieving a sustained release profile, and addressing the issues associated with rapid metabolism and side effects. A 2³ full factorial design was utilized to assess the influence of independent formulation variables on the observed responses. The independent variables considered were VLD-to-zein weight ratio (X₁), ethanol-to-water volume ratio (X₂), and stirring time (X₃). The dependent responses evaluated were particle size (Ps), zeta potential (Zp), entrapment efficiency (EE), and percent of drug release after 2H (Q_2H) and 8H (Q_8H). The optimized VLD-ZP NPs formula (F04), with a desirability value of 0.94, exhibited a small Ps (149.64 ± 1.4nm), low Q_2H (23.97 ± 2.1%), high Zp (- 37.67 ± 1.8mV), high EE (68.67 ± 2.3%), and sustained Q_8H release (62.57 ± 2.4%). Further investigations of F04 confirmed sustained drug release, spherical vesicle morphology through TEM, and effective entrapment via DSC and X-ray diffraction. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies revealed that C_max and AUC_0-12H of F04 were enhanced by 1.25-fold and 1.8-fold compared to the marketed VLD product. Also, t_1/2 and MRT were extended by 1.84-fold and 1.56-fold, respectively. These findings indicated improved oral bioavailability and prolonged residence time of VLD. Additionally, the in vivo pharmacodynamic study revealed that F04 provided markedly superior and sustained hypoglycemic effects over the marketed VLD product, with higher R_max, longer TR_½, and a 2.8-fold increase in AUC_(0-24H).

PMID:41540169 | DOI:10.1208/s12249-025-03300-7

Chin J Integr Med. 2026 Jan 15. doi: 10.1007/s11655-026-4137-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of Biqi Capsules in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS: This multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted across more than 100 centers in China. Data on RA patients were collected from the CERTAIN database between January 2019 and March 2024. Patients were categorized into an exposed group and a control group. The control group was treated with conventional Western medicine, and the exposed group was combined with Biqi Capsules (0.3 g/capsule, 4 capsules per dose, orally, 2-3 times/d) on the basis of conventional treatment. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance baseline characteristics. The main outcomes was the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28-ESR), and secondary outcomes included Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), Patient Global Assessment (PGA), and Evaluator Global Assessment (EGA) scores, as well as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and other laboratory test results as safety indicators.

RESULTS: A total of 2,267 patient records were analyzed, with 711 in the exposed group and 1,556 in the control group. After PSM, 710 patients were included in each group, with comparable baseline demographic characteristics (P>0.05). Following matching, pre-treatment HAQ and TJC were similar between groups (P>0.05), while significant differences were observed in DAS28-ESR, EGA, PGA, VAS, SJC, TJC, and ESR (P<0.01). Post-treatment analysis showed that all indices improved significantly in both groups (P<0.01). Furthermore, post-treatment levels of EGA, PGA, VAS, SJC, and TJC were statistically significant between the two groups (P<0.01). The reduction in DAS28-ESR was significantly greater in the exposed group than in the control group (P<0.01). Statistically greater improvements were also found in EGA, PGA, SJC, TJC, and ESR, indicating superior clinical improvement in the exposed group (P<0.01). The incidence of abnormal γ-glutamyl transferase and creatinine levels were higher in the control group than in the exposed group (P<0.01 or P<0.05), while no significant differences were observed in other safety indicators between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Biqi Capsules combined with conventional treatment of Western medicine effectively reduce RA disease activity, lower inflammation levels, relieve clinical symptoms, and do not increase the incidence of adverse events. (Registration No. NCT05219214).

PMID:41540164 | DOI:10.1007/s11655-026-4137-5

Pediatr Nephrol. 2026 Jan 15. doi: 10.1007/s00467-025-07138-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on the use of novel iron therapies in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a cross-over study to compare iron polymaltose complex (IPC) and liposomal iron in pediatric patients with CKD and iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

METHODS: Cross-over study of 33 children with CKD and IDA was conducted. They were randomized into 2 groups (group A: 17 patients, group B: 16 patients) to receive either liposomal iron or IPC for 3 months. After an 8-week washout period, they were switched to the other therapy. Red cell and iron indices, as well as bone minerals and 25(OH)D₃, were measured at baseline and after each 3-month period. A follow-up visit was conducted at 4 weeks during the treatment period to report any possible adverse events.

RESULTS: Hb levels increased by at least 1 g/dL in 48% following liposomal iron therapy and 51.5% following IPC therapy. There was no statistically significant difference in ΔHb, ΔFe, ΔsTR (transferrin receptor), or ΔTSAT (transferrin saturation) levels between the groups (p > 0.05). By mixed model analysis, IPC showed a higher Hb and TSAT and lower TRresponse compared with liposomal iron. IPC, but not liposomal iron, led to a significant reduction in serum phosphorus in both groups. Thirty-six percent of IPC recipients experienced adverse effects, compared to 3% of liposomal iron recipients.

CONCLUSIONS: Both IPC and liposomal iron effectively improved iron status in children with CKD and IDA. However, IPC indicated a superior response, whereas liposomal iron was associated with a more favorable tolerability profile.

PMID:41540129 | DOI:10.1007/s00467-025-07138-w

Vet Res Commun. 2026 Jan 15;50(2):105. doi: 10.1007/s11259-025-11044-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis in humans and animals, has been implicated in acute infections with high mortality rates in animal hosts and in mastitis in dairy cattle. It has intrinsic resistance to a wide range of antibiotics and is also known to possess a multitude of virulence determinants. This study provides baseline data on the occurrence of this pathogen in bovine milk samples in Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria.

METHODS: A total of 371 milk samples collected from dairy cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis were assessed for the presence of B. pseudomallei using phenotypic microbiological techniques, confirmed by molecular methods. Selected resistance (folA, folP, Omp38, bpeE and bpeF) and virulence (bsaU, pili/fimbriae, bimA, tssA and wbiE) genes were screened for using self-designed specific primers, while antibiotic susceptibility testing against clinically relevant antibiotics was via the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique.

RESULTS: Molecular identification confirmed 16 isolates (4.31%) as B. pseudomallei. Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, imipenem, tetracycline and ceftazidime was absolute (100.0%), trailed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) at 93.8%. Meropenem exhibited the highest activity in vitro, as 93.8% of isolates were susceptible to it. All isolates (100.0%) were classified as extremely drug-resistant (XDR), with multiple antibiotic resistance indices ≥ 0.2. All isolates (100.0%) also harboured both resistance and virulence determinants, with 68.8% having ≥ 6 genes – 93.75% had the folP gene. The predominant virulence gene was BsaU, detected in 87.5% of isolates. No isolates had the wbiE gene.

CONCLUSION: The presence of XDR strains and carriage of multiple resistance and virulence genes in B. pseudomallei strains portend serious implications in affected dairy cattle. This study recommends prudent antibiotic use in dairy cattle and the proper processing of milk before consumption to limit the risk of zoonotic transmission.

PMID:41538090 | DOI:10.1007/s11259-025-11044-9