Tag: statistics

J Neurovirol. 2026 Jan 2. doi: 10.1007/s13365-025-01295-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (HAND) is a common complication of HIV-1 infection, which can be exacerbated by exposure to cigarette smoke (CS). Tight junction proteins (TJPs) of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) play a crucial role in maintaining BBB integrity and preventing the entry of circulating toxic factors, including those resulting from HIV-1 infection, into the central nervous system. Both CS exposure and HIV-1 infection can independently disrupt TJPs and compromise BBB integrity; however, the combined or individual effects of these factors on BBB TJPs remain poorly understood.

METHODS: An in vitro BBB comprised of Sprague-Dawley rat brain microvascular endothelial cell (RBMVEC) transwell cultures was exposed to wild-type (WT) and HIV-1 transgenic (TG) rat sera, alone or in combination with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and analyzed for trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and paracellular permeability to 10 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to assess the effects of treatment on the cellular localization and expression of the TJPs, “zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-5.

RESULTS: Pretreatment TEER measures were significantly higher for cultures treated with WT serum alone compared to those treated with TG serum or with CSE. Compared to pretreatment, TEER measures were significantly reduced by treatment with WT serum alone, CSE alone, WT serum + CSE, and TG serum + CSE. TG serum alone or TG serum + CSE resulted in statistically significant increased permeability compared to WT serum. All treatments decreased TJP staining intensity, and, in some cases, altered TJP localization. These effects were most prominent following incubation with either CSE alone, TG serum alone, or TG serum + CSE.

CONCLUSIONS: CSE and TG serum induced separate and additive toxic effects on BBB function and integrity, which may underlie mechanisms that are associated with more severe HAND among HIV+ cigarette smokers.

PMID:41483449 | DOI:10.1007/s13365-025-01295-2

Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2026 Jan 2;19(1):10. doi: 10.1007/s12178-025-10003-w.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ponte osteotomy (PO) is frequently used in corrective surgery, yet its specific effect on vertebral rotation correction remains unclear. This study systematically reviewed the literature to compare PO with alternative techniques in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Following PRISMA methodology, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for comparative studies assessing axial rotation outcomes in idiopathic scoliosis treated with or without PO. The primary outcome was vertebral rotation correction.

RECENT FINDINGS: Six studies were included, encompassing a total of 439 patients with mean ages ranging from 13.5 ± 2.8 to 17.5 ± 3.7 years. Most study populations were predominantly female in four studies, predominantly male in one, and evenly distributed in one. Two studies showed a meaningful improvement in postoperative thoracic rotation in the PO group compared to inferior facetectomy (IF). Other studies found PO to be superior to IF and posterior spinal fusion (PSF), although these differences were not statistically significant, except for one study that reported a statistically significant advantage of PO over PSF. No meaningful superiority was observed when comparing PO with skip pedicle screw fixation. Overall, intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were similar between PO and non-PO groups, although one study reported a higher rate of intraoperative neuromonitoring changes and reoperations in the PO group. Most studies to date have found that PO is associated with superior vertebral rotation outcomes compared to IF and PSF, with only half showing statistical significance. PO is also linked to longer operative time and greater blood loss, warranting further high-quality studies to clarify its risk-benefit profile.

PMID:41483443 | DOI:10.1007/s12178-025-10003-w

Qual Life Res. 2026 Jan 3;35(1):22. doi: 10.1007/s11136-025-04102-x.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41483427 | DOI:10.1007/s11136-025-04102-x

Mol Biol Rep. 2026 Jan 3;53(1):249. doi: 10.1007/s11033-025-11410-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: RNA biomarker research has grown significantly in recent years, with a focus on blood-based biomarker studies using cell-free nucleic acids (cf-NAs). These RNA derivatives (e.g., mRNAs, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs) are useful in diagnostic procedures for genetic changes and can be found in a variety of physiological fluids, such as plasma, brain fluid, and urine. RNA biomarkers are composed of different coding and non-coding transcripts. Among these, cfRNAs extracted from blood provide a minimally invasive source for disease diagnosis and monitoring. However, cfRNA isolation is challenging due to degradation, instability, lack of standardization, and contamination by microbial, environmental, and intrasample DNA. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain cell-free RNAs in high concentration using appropriate methods and process them using downstream PCR systems.

METHODS AND RESULTS: To compare the purity and quality of cfRNAs isolated from plasma, five different isolation methods using commercial cfRNA kits were evaluated by digital PCR (dPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). RNA quality was assessed across kits, and expression levels were measured using cfRNA reference genes such as GAPDH and B2M. The results of analysis revealed that the GAPDH housekeeping gene showed greater consistency than B2M, and both genes exhibited statistically significant expression.

CONCLUSIONS: Our comparative analysis of five cfRNA isolation methods demonstrated that commercial kits outperformed phenol-chloroform-based procedures. These results underscore the need for optimized isolation strategies and careful reference gene selection to enhance the reliability of cfRNA-based biomarker discovery.

PMID:41483423 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-025-11410-5

Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Jan 3;48(2):74. doi: 10.1007/s10653-025-02965-0.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the hydrogeochemical behavior and salinization processes affecting groundwater in the Kujang area, Eastern Odisha, India. Groundwater was very hard during both pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) periods due to elevated total hardness (TH). The chemical composition displayed high concentrations of Na⁺, Cl⁻, Mg²⁺, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and TH, reflecting saltwater-freshwater mixing within the coastal aquifer. The ionic dominance sequence Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > K⁺ = Cl⁻ > HCO₃⁻ > SO₄²⁻ indicates saline influence. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA and correlation), combined with the Base Exchange Index (BEX), Seawater Mixing Index (SMI), and ionic ratios, suggested the effects of seawater intrusion. Additional factors contributing to groundwater salinity include over-pumping, agricultural return flow, and wastewater infiltration. Simpson’s ratio [Cl⁻/(HCO₃⁻ + CO₃²⁻)] suggests that most samples fall within moderate to injurious contamination categories. The Hydrochemical Facies Evolution (HFE) diagram revealed that 86% of PRM and 64% of POM samples were affected by seawater intrusion and cation exchange. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) profiles demonstrated heterogeneous subsurface conditions with saline horizons at both shallow and deeper levels. Entropy water quality index (EWQI) analysis revealed that 55% (PRM) and 42% (POM) of groundwater samples with EWQI > 100 were categorized as poor to extremely poor. Therefore, the groundwater quality was found to be largely unsuitable for drinking purposes. This is the first integrated EWQI-VES-based assessment for the Kujang Block, providing a comprehensive understanding of groundwater salinization and insights for sustainable aquifer management.

PMID:41483421 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-025-02965-0

Immunol Res. 2026 Jan 2;74(1):2. doi: 10.1007/s12026-025-09735-1.

ABSTRACT

The lectin pathway, activated by ficolins, contributes to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis, but ficolin data remain inconsistent across populations. Present muti-centric cross-sectional study assessed serum ficolin-1, -2, and – 3 levels and their associations with clinical features and disease activity among SLE patients from five Indian regions (Mumbai, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nagaland). Serum levels of ficolin-1, ficolin-2, and ficolin-3 were measured using ELISA. Disease activity was assessed using the SELENA-SLEDAI score. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Serum ficolin levels differed significantly by region. Ficolin-1 and ficolin-2 levels were positively correlated with the renal involvement in SLE patients from Mumbai (r = 0.218; p < 0.001 and r = 0.199; p = 0.001, respectively), while ficolin-1 levels were also correlated with lupus nephritis (LN) in SLE patients from Manipur (r = 0.247; p = 0.040). In Assam, ficolin-2 levels were significantly reduced in patients with mucocutaneous manifestations (r=-0.258; p = 0.014), and ficolin-3 levels showed a negative correlation with musculoskeletal manifestations (r=-0.217; p = 0.040). In Mumbai, ficolin-1 levels were positively associated with disease activity (r = 0.139; p = 0.018), and ficolin-3 levels correlated positively with anti-dsDNA autoantibodies (r = 0.172; p = 0.004). Conversely, ficolin-3 levels showed a negative correlation with anti-dsDNA (r=-0.470; p < 0.001) in Assam. The present study demonstrated significant regional variations in ficolin levels among SLE patients across India. Association of ficolin-1 and ficolin-3 with specific organ involvement suggested their potential as possible immunological indicators in SLE. These findings suggested the importance of considering regional and ethnic differences in SLE management and warranted further validation through larger, longitudinal studies.

PMID:41483420 | DOI:10.1007/s12026-025-09735-1

Surg Innov. 2026 Jan 3:15533506251414954. doi: 10.1177/15533506251414954. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundEarly innovations are often disruptive but gain traction when the benefits become evident. EXtended Reality (XR) has recently gained momentum for surgical training. XR involves a head-mounted display (HMD) blending physical and digital worlds for enhanced visualization, communication, and understanding. To understand its potential impact, the receptiveness of plastic surgeons was assessed for its usefulness and usability.MethodsPlastic surgeons watched XR interventions and completed a survey assessing applications for remote consultation, intra-operative education, and pre-operative planning. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and categorical inferential testing, with group differences assessed using Fisher’s exact test on dichotomized Likert responses.ResultsEleven attending and ten resident physicians (21/44, 48%) responded to the survey. Attendings perceived greater usefulness of XR for virtual consultation than residents (91% vs 50%), with a near-significant trend (P = 0.056) and higher reported mean usefulness and usability scores. Residents more often anticipated need for technical support during virtual consultation (60% vs 27%). Both groups strongly endorsed XR for intra-operative education. Willingness to use and optimism were high among both groups. For pre-operative planning, both groups perceived XR as useful, though usability concerns were prominent, including moderate perceived complexity and anticipated need for technical support particularly among residents (89% vs 70%).ConclusionAttendings were more receptive than residents to integrating XR in plastic surgery training with residents reporting greater cognitive load. Residents valued improved intra-operative visibility and noted the Hawthorne effect. Selecting high-value, usable XR applications while minimizing trainee role stress is essential for advancing residency education.

PMID:41483385 | DOI:10.1177/15533506251414954

J Robot Surg. 2026 Jan 3;20(1):134. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-03109-3.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to comprehensively describe the use of robotic surgery for the excision of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) in the literature. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were searched. Screening, selection, data extraction, and quality analysis were performed by two independent authors using pre-defined criteria. Conflicts were resolved by independent senior authors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. From 25 unique articles, 14 articles were selected, describing 26 distinct patients with lingual (n = 16), suprahyoid (n = 1), or infrahyoid (n = 9) TGDCs treated with robotic surgery. The median age was 11 years (IQR = 17). A simple transoral approach was performed for all lingual TGDCs (n = 16). Suprahyoid and infrahyoid TGDCs were treated using transvestibular sublingual (n = 1), postauricular (n = 8), and bilateral axillary-breast (n = 1) approaches. No intraoperative complications were reported. Post-operative complications included minor bleeding (n = 1), oral-cutaneous fistula (n = 1), nerve weakness (n = 1), and seroma (n = 1). No recurrences were reported across a median follow-up of 16 months (IQR = 7.5). The current available evidence is limited to small case series and reports. This study demonstrates low complication rates, no reported recurrences, and favorable recovery in patients undergoing TGDC excision, supporting the role of robotic surgery as a safe and effective option in select cases.

PMID:41483345 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-03109-3

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Jan 2;198(1):75. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14937-z.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated contamination by ten heavy metals (Mo, Hg, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Cd, Ni, Mn) in soils from an abandoned paint factory in Kaifeng City. Pollution levels were assessed using multiple indices, including the single-factor index, geo-accumulation index, Nemerow index, and potential ecological risk index. Source apportionment was performed using the absolute principal component score, multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model, and the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. The results revealed significant variation in mercury (Hg) contamination, with a coefficient of variation of 436%, while other heavy metals showed moderate variation (10-35%). Pollution assessment identified Hg and Cu as the primary pollutants, with Hg showing severe contamination (Nemerow index P_N > 3). Source apportionment from both models identified five distinct pollution sources. This study underscored the importance of integrating source apportionment with ecological risk assessment to inform remediation strategies for abandoned industrial sites.

PMID:41483343 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14937-z

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2026 Jan 2. doi: 10.1007/s12011-025-04919-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Elasmobranchs play crucial ecological roles and exhibit high biological diversity, yet their physiology, especially regarding contaminant regulation, remains poorly understood. In this sense, the pancreas, a vital organ for digestion and hormonal balance, is still severely understudied in ecotoxicological assessments concerning this group This study investigated, for the first time, total and subcellular concentrations of metals and metalloids by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the pancreatic tissue of five threatened elasmobranch species along the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Species-specific bioaccumulation patterns were observed: Narcine brasiliensis exhibited the highest contamination, accumulating six elements, while Dasyatis hypostigma showed high Pb, Rb, Se and Ti levels. Zapteryx brevirostris exhibited the highest concentrations of Hg and V, while Atlantoraja castelnaui and Squatina guggenheim displayed high levels of Mn and Co, respectively. Subcellular analyses revealed that, in most species, metal concentrations associated with detoxification proteins (e.g., metallothioneins) were lower than total concentrations, suggesting either limited detoxification capacity, such as insufficient synthesis or metallothionein binding, or saturation of detoxification sites, implying maximum metal-binding capacity. Molar ratio assessments indicated potential protective interactions involving essential elements like Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, although these defenses do not always seem to be sufficient. Additionally, statistically significant associations such as Zn-As and Fe-Ti, among others, highlight potential competitive or antagonistic interactions affecting metal bioavailability. These findings suggest that the pancreas may be more vulnerable to metal toxicity than previously assumed. Overall, this study provides novel insights into metal handling in elasmobranchs and highlights the importance of including subcellular metal partitioning in future environmental exposure and physiological risk assessments in marine predators.

PMID:41483332 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-025-04919-0