Tag: statistics

Chemosphere. 2025 Nov 17;393:144771. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144771. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The billions of tons of bisphenol A (BPA)-containing waste constitutes a serious concern. BPA leaching from waste through water is a major source of soil contamination. BPA enters the body primarily through ingestion and affects cellular redox balance and cholinergic neuronal activity. The aim of this study was to assess gastrointestinal motility, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, and GPx), and the GSH, MDA, and choline (Ch) concentrations in the digestive systems of Lumbricus terrestris earthworms reared for 7 d in soil containing various BPA concentrations. After the 7-d exposure period, crop gizzards were collected from the digestive tracts for analysis. BPA exposure caused an increase in AChE activity, except in animals exposed to the highest BPA concentration. Changes in cholinergic activity were confirmed via Ch concentration measurements. We observed that BPA exerted a relaxant effect on crop gizzard muscles, with statistically significant decreases in the frequency and maximum force of spontaneous isometric contractions (ICs). The IC parameters induced by acetylcholine chloride (AChC) were lower in animals reared in BPA-contaminated soil than in those of the control group. Statistically significant reductions in the mean and minimum IC forces were observed. SOD activity and GPx activity increased in response to low and medium BPA concentrations but decreased in animals exposed to the highest BPA concentration. A similar pattern was observed for the GSH concentration. CAT activity notably decreased in a BPA concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, we observed a statistically significant and BPA concentration-dependent increase in the MDA concentration.

PMID:41252785 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144771

J Therm Biol. 2025 Nov 14;134:104333. doi: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2025.104333. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cold-water immersion (CWI) between consecutive bouts of simulated rugby seven’s matches on performance, physiology and perception. Using a randomised crossover counterbalanced design, 10 male recreational team-sport athletes completed two trials involving two 14 min simulated self-paced intermittent-sprint protocol (ISP) bouts with a 45 min recovery between each bout including a 15 min recovery intervention. Participants completed resting measures, 15 m sprints and vertical jumps (VJ) followed by the first ISP (ISP1) in a hot environment. After ISP1 participants were either seated in an ice-bath (CWI; 11.6 ± 1.8 °C) (CWI) or sat in a thermo-neutral environment (CONT) for 15 min. Measures of heart rate (HR), core temperature (T_core), skin temperature (T_skin), thermal sensation (TS) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during ISP1, ISP2 and the recovery period. Statistical significance was set at P = 0.05. Vertical jump height was lower and 15 m sprint times slower during ISP2, following CWI (P = 0.01-0.02). While jogging self-paced efforts from ISP1 to ISP2 were maintained, sprint times were slower, and bounding distance was increased in CWI compared to CONT. Tskin was reduced during recovery for CWI (P = 0.001). Tcore, RPE, and TS were lower throughout ISP2 for CWI (P = 0.001-0.04). Therefore, CWI as a recovery modality between successive bouts of simulated rugby sevens in the heat may negatively affect initial high intensity performance compared to passive recovery yet may attenuate thermoregulatory stress through a pre-cooling effect still present 30 min after CWI, leading to higher intensity during the jogging efforts.

PMID:41252773 | DOI:10.1016/j.jtherbio.2025.104333

Int Immunopharmacol. 2025 Nov 17;168(Pt 2):115860. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2025.115860. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the lung-protective effects of esketamine and dexmedetomidine administered before anesthesia induction in patients with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

METHODS: Sixty patients with mild-to-moderate COPD scheduled for VATS who completed the study and were included in the statistical analysis were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15 per group): Control (Group C, saline), Dexmedetomidine (Group D, 0.8 μg/kg), Esketamine (Group E, 0.25 mg/kg), and Combination (Group ED, dexmedetomidine 0.8 μg/kg plus esketamine 0.25 mg/kg). Arterial blood gases, peak airway pressure (Ppeak), plateau pressure (Pplat), dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), heart rate (HR), and mean blood pressure (MBP) were measured at different time points. Inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α), oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD), intraoperative drug use, postoperative recovery, pain scores, and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS: At T4 (2 h after one-lung ventilation), peak airway pressure (Ppeak) and plateau pressure (Pplat) were significantly lower, and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) significantly higher, in Groups E and ED compared to Groups C and D (P < 0.05). At the same time point, levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly lower in Groups E and ED than in Groups C and D (P < 0.05). TNF-α levels were significantly lower in Groups E and ED compared to Group C, and significantly lower in Group ED than in Group D (P < 0.05). IL-10 levels were significantly higher in Groups E and ED than in Groups C and D, with Group E showing higher levels than Group ED (P < 0.05). Similarly, SOD levels were significantly elevated in Groups E and ED compared to Groups C and D, and higher in Group E than in Group ED (P < 0.05). MDA levels were significantly reduced in Groups E and ED compared to Group C, and lower in Group ED than in Group D (P < 0.05). Additionally, PaO₂ at T4 was significantly higher in Group ED than in Groups C and D (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose esketamine combined with dexmedetomidine, administered before anesthesia induction, improved intraoperative pulmonary mechanics and oxygenation, and attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with mild-to-moderate COPD undergoing VATS. The combination also helped maintain hemodynamic stability and reduced postoperative pain, contributing to enhanced perioperative recovery.

PMID:41252770 | DOI:10.1016/j.intimp.2025.115860

J Pediatr Nurs. 2025 Nov 17;86:191-198. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2025.11.015. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pediatric oncology/hematology nurses frequently witness the suffering and death of children, placing them at high risk for secondary traumatic stress. Self-compassion has emerged as a protective factor against psychological distress in healthcare professionals.

METHODS: This descriptive correlational study included 115 nurses in pediatric oncology/hematology units at six hospitals in three major cities. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple inferential statistical methods.

RESULTS: Nurses reported moderate levels of secondary traumatic stress and self-compassion. A significant negative correlation was found between the total self-compassion scale and secondary traumatic stress scale scores (r = -0.46, indicating a moderate negative correlation, p < 0.01). Subscales of self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity were negatively associated with secondary traumatic stress. At the same time, self-judgment and isolation were positively correlated. Multiple regression analysis showed that self-compassion explained a significant portion of variance in secondary traumatic stress scores (R² = 0.31, indicating that 31 % of the variance was explained, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that higher self-compassion, particularly self-kindness and mindfulness, may buffer nurses against the adverse effects of secondary trauma. Conversely, self-critical attitudes may heighten vulnerability. These results highlight pediatric oncology nurses’ emotional burden and underscore the importance of psychological support.

CONCLUSION: Promoting self-compassion may help reduce secondary traumatic stress and improve well-being among pediatric oncology/hematology nurses. Interventions focused on self-compassion training could serve as a sustainable strategy to support nurses’ mental health and care quality.

PMID:41252766 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2025.11.015

Psychol Rep. 2025 Nov 18:332941251399139. doi: 10.1177/00332941251399139. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present study was to create a shorter and contemporary version of the Jackson Career Explorer (JCE), titled “The JCE Mini”. Utilizing archival data of people who had completed the JCE (N = 3105), half of the sample was used to develop shorter, three-item scales, and the second half was used to validate the shorter measure (102 items) with additional self-report responses. The JCE Mini showed good internal consistency for most scales and good convergent validity with other career inventories. Correlations with a personality measure were consistent with previous research of the full JCE. In Study 2, a new scale was created to assess an interest in technological careers to improve the JCE Mini’s relevance to the current job market by testing six new items. In addition, we tested 20 new items in nine scales that were updated to reflect changes in the workplace and improve the psychometrics of the scales. The new sample (N = 609) completed 102 items from the JCE Mini of Study 1 and 26 new items. Results suggest that the new JCE Mini, consisting of 105 items that assess 28 work roles or specific careers (one more than the original JCE), and seven work styles demonstrate good internal consistencies for the scales and good convergent validity.

PMID:41252756 | DOI:10.1177/00332941251399139

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2025 Nov 18:tpmd250211. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.25-0211. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa has stagnated despite widespread adoption of control measures such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). Progress has stalled, in part, because of pyrethroid insecticide resistance, driving the need for retooling to increase the effectiveness of bed nets. Consequently, LLINs have been treated with the chemical synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Piperonyl butoxide LLINs have been shown to be efficacious in controlled settings; however, their effectiveness in real-world settings warrants investigation. In Bungoma County, Western Kenya, a cohort of 768 participants was followed from June 2017 to December 2023 via active and passive surveillance. Household visits were conducted monthly, during which LLIN use for nets distributed in 2017 and 2021 was recorded, and symptomatic malaria cases were identified using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The comparative effectiveness of PBO versus conventional LLINs was assessed in terms of malaria infections. A multilevel logistic regression model was fit with monthly RDT results as the dependent variable. The study results indicate that PBO LLINs provide greater protection against malaria at the individual level than conventional LLINs (odds ratio: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.47-1.03), although the findings were not statistically significant. The added protection against malaria infections provided by PBO LLINs compared with conventional LLINs observed in the current study aligns with findings from most previous studies, although this finding was not statistically significant. In areas with documented pyrethroid resistance, the use of LLINs with an added synergist, such as PBO, can provide additional protection against malaria infections (compared with pyrethroid-only LLINs) and should be considered for scaled-up scenarios despite the additional cost.

PMID:41252747 | DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.25-0211

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2025 Nov 18:tpmd250482. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.25-0482. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Mass azithromycin distribution has been shown to reduce all-cause child mortality in several settings in the Sahel by 14-18%. A trial in Niger found that mass azithromycin distribution to children ages 1-59 months old reduced cause-specific mortality because of malaria, dysentery, meningitis, and pneumonia. However, this study was done in the absence of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). Here, we assess the effect of mass azithromycin distribution on cause-specific child mortality in a setting receiving SMC. The Child Health with Azithromycin Treatment trial was a cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 341 communities in Nouna District, Burkina Faso. Eligible children (ages 1-59 months old) received a single oral 20-mg/kg dose of azithromycin or matching placebo. Six rounds of distribution occurred over a 36-month period. An enumerative census was conducted during each twice-yearly distribution, during which vital status for all children in the community was collected. Verbal autopsy was performed to assess cause of death. Of 1,086 deaths recorded in the trial, verbal autopsy results were available for 992 (91%). The most common causes of death were infectious, including malaria (34%), diarrhea (24%), and pneumonia (9%). Children living in communities receiving azithromycin had significant reduction in malaria mortality (incidence rate ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50-0.90; P = 0.008). Other infectious causes of mortality, including diarrhea and pneumonia, were lower in communities receiving azithromycin but were not statistically significantly different. Mass azithromycin distribution for child mortality has benefits in the context of SMC for reducing mortality, including for malaria mortality.

PMID:41252743 | DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.25-0482

J Gerontol Nurs. 2025 Nov 19:1-7. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20251112-02. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe a model of nurse-led age-friendly care in the acute care setting and associated processes and outcomes aligned with the 4Ms Framework.

METHOD: We implemented the Supporting Older Adults at Risk Model-a novel model of care that includes primary care geriatric nurse practitioner co-management and AGS CoCare^®:HELP-and used descriptive statistics to evaluate outcomes aligned with each of the 4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility.

RESULTS: Advance care planning conversations were documented for 81% of the selected sample, resulting in subsequent family meetings and goal-concordant care. Beers Criteria^® and anticholinergic medications were identified and reduced. Mobility goals were identified for 100% of the selected sample and mobility was maintained or improved for 46%. Addressing mentation was done in alignment with What Matters.

CONCLUSION: Nurses are well-positioned to lead age-friendly care and drive optimal outcomes in the acute care setting, especially considering the geriatrician workforce shortage.

PMID:41252722 | DOI:10.3928/00989134-20251112-02

Chem Soc Rev. 2025 Nov 18. doi: 10.1039/d4cs00375f. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Single-molecule sensors are pivotal tools for elucidating chemical and biological phenomena. Among these, quantum tunnelling sensors occupy a unique position, due to the exceptional sensitivity of tunnelling currents to sub-ångström variations in molecular structure and electronic states. This capability enables simultaneous sub-nanometre spatial resolution and sub-millisecond temporal resolution, allowing direct observation of dynamic processes that remain concealed in ensemble measurements. This review outlines the fundamental principles of electron tunnelling through molecular junctions and highlights the development of key experimental architectures, including mechanically controllable break junctions and scanning tunnelling microscopy-based approaches. Applications in characterising molecular conformation, supramolecular binding, chemical reactivity, and biomolecular function are critically examined. Furthermore, we discuss recent methodological advances in data interpretation, particularly the integration of statistical learning and machine learning techniques to enhance signal classification and improve throughput. This review highlights the transformative potential of quantum-tunnelling-based single-molecule sensors to advance our understanding of molecular-scale mechanisms and to guide the rational design of functional molecular devices and diagnostic platforms.

PMID:41252716 | DOI:10.1039/d4cs00375f

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2025 Nov 18. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000001774. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with substantial maternal morbidity and long-term cardiovascular risk, but the consistency of echocardiographic remodeling remains unclear. We conducted a mega-meta-analysis of left ventricular function and geometry, enabled by a large language model based suite of tools. A PROSPERO-registered review (CRD420251109103) searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase without date limits. Synthesa AI screened more than 18,000 abstracts, extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and generated Bayesian analytic code, with all outputs validated by human reviewers. Seventy-five studies including met eligibility criteria. Preeclampsia was associated with a small but statistically significant reduction in ejection fraction (mean difference -0.87%, 95% CrI -1.58 to -0.16) and a clinically meaningful impairment in global longitudinal strain (-3.08%, 95% CrI -4.13 to -2.06). Left ventricular mass index was substantially higher in the preeclampsia group (+13.10 g/m2, 95% CrI 10.06 to 16.21), as was relative wall thickness (+0.062, 95% CrI 0.042 to 0.081), whereas fractional shortening showed no significant difference (-0.60%, 95% CrI -2.15 to +0.86). Moderator analyses revealed that BMI and parity significantly influenced strain, while gestational age at diagnosis accounted for nearly all variance in ventricular mass. This mega-meta-analysis defines a remodeling phenotype of preserved ejection fraction, impaired strain, and hypertrophic adaptation consistent with subclinical systolic dysfunction. Equally, it demonstrates the transformative role of LLM-based tools, showing that evidence syntheses of this magnitude can be automated, scaled, and standardized in ways previously unattainable.

PMID:41252711 | DOI:10.1097/FJC.0000000000001774