Tag: statistics

RSC Adv. 2026 Aug 7. doi: 10.1039/d6ra03455a. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Welfare assessment of housed dairy cattle currently relies on subjective, snapshot-like observations that fail to capture the physiological impacts of the inhabited environment. Metabolomic profiling offers potential for objective welfare assessment, but its application to behavioural interventions remains unexplored. Here, we show that provision of outdoor access to housed dairy cows produces detectable changes in milk metabolite levels and associated pathway signatures, with effects impacted by exposure duration. Using untargeted metabolomics via direct infusion mass spectrometry on 371 samples across five timepoints, we applied univariate analysis and pathway analysis for the identification of fundamental physiological changes. Further analyses comprised stability explorations of machine learning methods alongside Cox-Battey selection, to aid the triangulation of high specificity detection of mass ions. Univariate analysis of the 14 day intervention period (S2-S4) identified 10 statistically significant mass ions (9 decreased, 1 increased; adjusted p < 0.05, FC > 2.0), while no significant ions emerged at early (S2-S3) or post-intervention (S4-S5) timepoints. Functional pathway analysis revealed impacted steroid hormone biosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism, and riboflavin metabolism during intervention, with glycerophospholipid metabolism and branched-chain amino acid pathways altered post-intervention. Machine learning identified discriminant features at all timepoints, with only m/z 621.2404 achieving both univariate significance and machine learning selection. These findings suggest that metabolomic profiling can detect welfare-relevant physiological adaptations to the environment provided to housed dairy cows, with convergent multi-method signals providing the most robust discriminant features for advancing dairy welfare assessment beyond subjective observation.

PMID:42569159 | PMC:PMC13448961 | DOI:10.1039/d6ra03455a

Front Sleep. 2026 Jul 24;5:1876293. doi: 10.3389/frsle.2026.1876293. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Young Black children experience poorer sleep health than children from other racial/ethnic groups. Tailored family-centered interventions are needed to improve sleep health among young Black children. Tailoring requires information about parent perceptions, practices and context. The purpose of this study was to (1) understand the contextual definition of sleep health for Black families; (2) bedtime routines and sleep practices among Black families; and (3) parent preferences that may inform intervention design.

METHODS: We engaged 30 Black parents of 3-8-year-old children with mild sleep problems (e.g., child takes >30 min to fall asleep at bedtime) in this study. Parents completed three ratings scales about sleep health practices and child bedtime behavior and a semi-structured interview. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and correlations. We used an implementation science rapid qualitative analysis approach to analyze qualitative data from the interviews.

RESULTS: The final sample identified as 52% African-American, 14% Jamaican, 10% Haitian, and 26% mixed multi-ethnic groups. Parent mean age was 41 years and child mean age were 5 years old. About 80% of responders were women. About one-third of the sample held a doctoral degree, and half the sample had a bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Parents answered 56% of sleep knowledge questions accurately (ranging from 32 to 100%) and reported an average of two sleep problems. Parents described healthy sleep as involving flexibility in sleep timing and bedtime routines. More than half of parents reported co-sleeping practices, with reasons ranging from a strategy to address night wakings, to a way to preserve bonding. Later child bedtime (after 9 pm) was associated with bedtime resistance, permissive parenting, and parent stress. Many parents reported that they had poor sleep quality and duration.

DISCUSSION: Findings elucidate a range of factors to consider in tailoring sleep health interventions for Black families of young children. These include the common practice of co-sleeping, parents’ value for flexibility related to bedtime and bedtime routines, and parents’ own challenges with getting enough and good quality sleep. Tailored family-centered interventions will benefit from considering these factors.

PMID:42569147 | PMC:PMC13449300 | DOI:10.3389/frsle.2026.1876293

Pol J Radiol. 2026 Jun 30;91:e308-e319. doi: 10.5114/pjr/217693. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate whether body composition and thoracic morphology parameters could serve as predictors of pneumothorax risk in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 147 percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsies performed between January 2019 and December 2023, categorizing patients into groups with and without pneumothorax. Indirect assessment methods for body composition, including body mass index (BMI) and thoracic morphology parameters, were evaluated alongside confounding factors such as access route (AR) through dependent lung areas (DA), patient demographics, lesion characteristics, and procedural details. Statistical analyses included chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests, while univariate and binomial logistic regression models were used to examine the impact of these factors on pneumothorax occurrence.

RESULTS: BMI ≥ 27.5 (p < 0.01), pectus excavatum at the level of the target lesion (PEL) (p = 0.028), transverse asymmetry at the anatomical reference level, defined as the level of the inferior pulmonary vein (TAA) (p < 0.01), and AR through DA (p < 0.01) were significantly associated with a reduced incidence of peri-interventional pneumothorax. Binary logistic regression confirmed BMI ≥ 27.5, AR through DA, TAA, and PEL as significant protective factors (R² = 0.497, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Constitutional factors such as higher BMI or the identification of subclinical chest deformities on pre-procedural imaging may facilitate stratification into lower-risk categories, facilitating more precise and confident procedural planning. Especially in the absence of these protective factors, ensuring that the AR traverses the DA becomes particularly important for minimizing the risk of pneumothorax during CT-guided lung biopsies.

PMID:42569144 | PMC:PMC13449063 | DOI:10.5114/pjr/217693

Int J Biomed Imaging. 2026 Aug 7;2026:7443570. doi: 10.1155/ijbi/7443570. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The TNM staging system is a main tool for treatment stratification and prognosis prediction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, patients with identical clinical stages often show different tumor regression patterns.

PURPOSE: This study is aimed at constructing a nomogram model integrating MRI and clinical variables to predict primary tumor residual status at the completion of radiotherapy for NPC cases.

STUDY TYPE: The present study is a retrospective design.

POPULATION: Two hundred NPC patients who accepted radical radiotherapy in the present hospital from December 2017 to March 2023 were systematically reviewed. The selected 200 NPC cases were divided into the training cohort (n = 160) and validation cohort (n = 40).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5T MRI scan, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1WI) and T2-weighted (T2WI) sequences.

ASSESSMENT: For the training cohort, the LASSO with logistic regression was conducted to choose important features and construct a radiomics model. The clinical variables of patients were selected on the basis of statistical analysis and previous research. The nomogram was developed by combining the clinical factors with the radiomics features.

STATISTICAL TESTS: Statistical analyses were conducted using R software for correlation analysis, chi-squared test, multivariable regression analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, ROC curve analysis, and DeLong test. Significant level was p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Up to 109 radiomics characteristics were extracted, from which seven stable characteristics were selected to generate the Rad-score. According to the regression result, T stage can be regarded as an independent predictor of primary tumor residual status. A nomogram combining the Rad-score and clinical variables was established and proved, yielding an AUC of 0.836 (95% CI: 0.766-0.889, p < 0.001) in the training set and 0.843 (p < 0.001) in the validation set, respectively. The DeLong test indicates that the nomogram model is superior to both the individual clinical variables and the Rad-score alone. The calibration curve and decision curve analyses proved the validity and clinical utility of the proposed model.

DATA CONCLUSION: A clinical-radiomics nomogram has good efficacy in predicting primary tumor residual after radiotherapy, providing individual treatment strategies for NPC cases.

PMID:42569119 | PMC:PMC13449176 | DOI:10.1155/ijbi/7443570

ACS Omega. 2026 Jul 22;11(30):44667-44681. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c13300. eCollection 2026 Aug 4.

ABSTRACT

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted considerable attention due to their outstanding catalytic and antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, most aqueous syntheses yield colloids with low metal concentrations and limited long-term stability, restricting their practical use. To address these challenges, highly concentrated and stable AgNP dispersions were prepared, reaching concentrations of up to 100 mM, by chemical reduction of AgBF₄ with tetrabutylammonium borohydride in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizer. The dispersions contained predominantly spherical nanoparticles with narrow size distributions and remained stable for at least 1 month. For improved reusability, the AgNPs were incorporated into regenerated cellulose films produced in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. Owing to its abundance, renewability, and biocompatibility, cellulose provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly platform for supporting metal nanoparticles, offering easy handling and potential for reuse. The resulting AgNP-cellulose composites contained up to 5 wt % of silver and preserved the cellulose type II structure. Structural, thermal, and morphological analyses confirmed the homogeneous distribution of PVP-stabilized AgNPs within the matrix. The hybrid films exhibited high catalytic activity toward 4-nitrophenol reduction and could be reused for at least five consecutive cycles with minimal loss of performance. In addition, antibacterial assays against Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) showed antibacterial activity, with a statistically supported and concentration-dependent response that was more pronounced for the Gram-positive strain. This work demonstrates a straightforward strategy to combine concentrated AgNP dispersions and cellulose supports, yielding recyclable catalytic and antimicrobial materials.

PMID:42569104 | PMC:PMC13448974 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c13300

ACS Omega. 2026 Jul 22;11(30):44682-44691. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c13091. eCollection 2026 Aug 4.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to develop multivariate calibration models for the physicochemical parameters of Brazilian honey samples using mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. A total of 97 samples of honey from Apis melliferabees from different botanical and geographical origins in Brazil were subjected to physicochemical analyses of pH, moisture, total soluble solids, free acidity, lactonic acidity, total acidity, proline, diastatic activity, hydroxymethylfurfural, and MIR. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed as an exploratory technique to assess the dispersion of the samples across physicochemical parameters. To predict physicochemical parameters of honey from MIR spectral data, spectral interval selection via partial least-squares regression (iPLS) was used. The PCA was performed based on physicochemical parameters, with the samples dispersed according to the quality standards set by Brazilian legislation. MIR spectroscopy, combined with iPLS analysis, allowed the construction of models with high predictive capacity for all parameters evaluated in honey samples. The models presented statistical validation parameters, including correlation coefficients ranging from 0.81 to 0.97, performance ratios for deviation from 1.7 to 4.4, and interval error ratios between 5.7 and 16.3. The results demonstrate the potential of using MIR spectroscopy in conjunction with iPLS for the simultaneous, fast, and nondestructive quantification of physicochemical parameters of honey.

PMID:42569096 | PMC:PMC13449194 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c13091

Ment Health Clin. 2026 Aug 3;16(4):196-201. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2026.08.196. eCollection 2026 Aug.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Olanzapine doses in adults with treatment-resistant schizophrenia or treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder have been compared in a few open-label trials, with higher doses associated with increased symptom improvement. The most significant adverse effects observed at off-label doses above 30 mg/day have been weight gain, sedation, or drowsiness.

METHODS: This single-center, retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate patient factors and outcomes in adult patients admitted to a county psychiatric hospital that received high-dose olanzapine therapy (HD-olanzapine, ≥40 mg/day) compared with standard-dose olanzapine (SD-olanzapine, 5-30 mg/day). Patients 18 years or older were included if they received at least 5 days of scheduled olanzapine treatment for psychotic symptoms or psychosis while admitted.

RESULTS: Subjects on HD-olanzapine (n = 139) and SD-olanzapine regimens (n = 70) were on average 35 years of age, and most were White. There was no statistical difference regarding 30-day all-cause readmissions, 30-day all-cause emergency-treatment service visits, or average duration of olanzapine therapy. The average length of stay was longer in the HD-olanzapine group (31.3 days vs 14.5, P = 0.009). Constipation was more common in the HD-olanzapine group (8.6% vs 1.4%, P = 0.0418).

DISCUSSION: Although 30-day all-cause readmissions and emergency-treatment service visits were similar between groups, patients who received olanzapine doses of 40 mg/day or greater for at least 5 days of treatment experienced significantly longer average length of stay and more constipation during an admission.

PMID:42569083 | PMC:PMC13449231 | DOI:10.9740/mhc.2026.08.196

Front Pharmacol. 2026 Jul 24;17:1905426. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1905426. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The TreeScan method is an emerging tool for active safety signal surveillance and has been increasingly applied in post-marketing monitoring of pharmaceuticals and vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate methodological developments and application patterns of the TreeScan method.

METHODS: A scoping review was conducted by searching Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed from inception to 16 May 2025. Two researchers independently screened studies and extracted data. Descriptive analyses were performed on study characteristics, methodologies, and application domains. Included studies were categorized as methodological or applied research.

RESULTS: Forty-four articles were included, comprising 13 methodological studies (29.5%) and 31 applied studies (70.5%). Applied studies included drug safety surveillance (n = 10), vaccine safety surveillance (n = 16), and other areas such as drug repurposing and epidemiology (n = 5). Most studies originated from the United States (n = 28) and South Korea (n = 8). The Bernoulli model (43.2%), Poisson model (18.2%), and tree-temporal scan statistic (29.5%) were the most frequently used approaches. Positive controls we1re used in 63.6% of studies, while 36.4% employed within-group controls. Vaccine safety surveillance represented the most common application area, whereas methodological innovations focused on improving statistical performance, controlling confounding, and extending TreeScan to new data structures.

CONCLUSION: TreeScan research is increasingly application-oriented, particularly in vaccine safety surveillance Recent methodological advances have improved its performance in handling confounding, hierarchical outcomes, and complex data structures. Future research should should prioritize validating newer TreeScan variants across diverse real-world databases and expanding applications beyond safety surveillance.

PMID:42569077 | PMC:PMC13449071 | DOI:10.3389/fphar.2026.1905426

Front Vet Sci. 2026 Jul 24;13:1758610. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1758610. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant health risks, especially to high-risk individuals who are exposed to cats. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to toxoplasmosis and determine its seroprevalence among selected high-risk groups in Cebu, Philippines-specifically veterinary students, veterinary personnel, and cat owners. A total of 416 participants completed a structured questionnaire evaluating their demographics, exposure history, and KAP levels, while 250 underwent further rapid serological testing for T. gondii. Results of the relative proportions revealed that there were more veterinary students who were having high level of knowledge (61%), compared to veterinary personnel (46%) and cat owners (24%). Relative proportions revealed that there were more veterinary students who were having high level of knowledge (61%), compared to veterinary personnel (46%) and cat owners (24%). Similar pattern was observed in the attitude level for veterinary students (54%), veterinary personnel (36%) and cat owners (32%). However, practice level showed that more veterinary personnel (54%) had high level than the veterinary students (35%) and cat owners (35%). The over-all seroprevalence of T. gondii was 29.2%, with the highest relative detection rates among veterinary personnel (43.8%) and cat owners (39%). While statistical analyses revealed no significant differences between the KAP levels of the three groups, significant associations between seropositivity and profile variables, including age, educational attainment, previous medical history, and frequency of cat contact (P ≤ 0.05) were found. These results highlight the need for sustained public education, improved veterinary and public health training, responsible pet ownership, and better access to diagnostic services.

PMID:42569037 | PMC:PMC13449146 | DOI:10.3389/fvets.2026.1758610

Cureus. 2026 Jul 8;18(7):e112256. doi: 10.7759/cureus.112256. eCollection 2026 Jul.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is increasingly recognized as a systemic disorder associated with cardiovascular morbidity. Sonographic grading of NAFLD may reflect progressive metabolic and cardiovascular involvement; however, evidence evaluating the association between ultrasonographic severity and serum biomarkers, echocardiographic parameters, and electrocardiographic findings remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sonographic grading of NAFLD and serum biomarkers, echocardiographic parameters, and electrocardiographic findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study included 96 adults with sonographically diagnosed NAFLD attending a tertiary care center between March 2024 and October 2025. Participants were categorized into Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 NAFLD based on ultrasonographic findings. Serum lipid profile and liver enzymes were evaluated, followed by transthoracic echocardiography and 12-lead electrocardiography. Continuous variables were compared using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s post-hoc test, while categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Increasing sonographic grade of NAFLD was associated with progressive elevations in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, together with a significant reduction in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (all p<0.001). Echocardiographic evaluation demonstrated significant increases in interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular mass, left ventricular mass index, left ventricular dimensions, and progressive reductions in ejection fraction and early-to-late ventricular filling velocity ratio (E/A ratio) (all p<0.001). The prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction increased from 10 (22.7%) in Grade 1 to 18 (52.9%) in Grade 2 and 14 (77.8%) in Grade 3 (p<0.001). QTc prolongation similarly increased from 6 (13.6%) to 11 (32.4%) and 12 (66.7%) across Grades 1-3 (p<0.001). Although P-wave and T-wave abnormalities were more frequent in advanced disease, these associations were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Increasing sonographic severity of NAFLD is associated with worsening biochemical abnormalities, adverse cardiac remodelling, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and QTc prolongation. Ultrasonographic grading, combined with routine biochemical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic evaluation, may facilitate the early cardiovascular risk stratification and comprehensive management of patients with NAFLD.

PMID:42569034 | PMC:PMC13449055 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.112256