Tag: statistics

Plant Dis. 2026 Mar 7. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-12-25-2489-RE. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) is the causal agent of olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS), a devastating disease threatening olive groves in Apulia, Italy. Efforts are underway to identify effective strategies to limit its spread. In this study, two biopesticide formulations, one derived from an onion extract rich in organosulfur compounds and the other based on the bacterium Paraburkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN, were tested under field conditions. Treatments were applied eight times per year over a four-year period to assess their potential to reduce Xylella populations and disease progression. The results indicated that neither formulation lowered Xylella populations. Nonetheless, after four years of experimentation, the formulated PsJN treatment reduced both newly developed and pre-existing Xfp symptoms when applications started at the early stages of infection. In contrast, no effect was observed when treatments were applied to trees already exhibiting widespread infection and severe symptoms. Physiological analyses of stomatal conductance revealed that both treatments alleviated the drought stress associated with Xfp infection, with the formulated PsJN treatment showing statistically significant improvements. Consistently, treated olive trees exhibited higher stomatal conductance and lower canopy temperatures compared with untreated controls. Based on these encouraging results, further studies are needed to explore the use of these products under different conditions and application timings, as well as in combination with other treatments, to support the development of an integrated management strategy for controlling infections.

PMID:41793768 | DOI:10.1094/PDIS-12-25-2489-RE

Syst Biol Reprod Med. 2026 Dec;72(1):168-184. doi: 10.1080/19396368.2026.2637454. Epub 2026 Mar 7.

ABSTRACT

Unexplained infertility (UI) affects ∼10% of infertile couples, yet standard diagnostic protocols fail to identify a cause. Follicular fluid (FF), which supports oocyte development, contains metabolites that may reflect underlying molecular disturbances. In this exploratory study, we investigated the FF metabolome of women with UI and compared it with controls to explore metabolic alterations associated with UI. FF was collected during oocyte retrieval from 20 women undergoing IVF (ten with UI, ten with male factor infertility), matched for age, BMI, stimulation, and fertilization protocols. Metabolomic profiling was performed using hydrophilic interaction and reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to Q-TOF-MS/MS, followed by metabolite identification (XCMS Online and MetaboAnalyst) and KEGG pathway analysis. Approximately 2000 features were detected. Differential metabolites were identified by OPLS-DA (VIP > 2) and validated using univariate metrics such as fold change (|log₂FC| > 1), statistical significance (p < 0.05), and ROC analysis (AUC > 0.8). Twelve metabolites, including diacylglycerols, phosphatidic acids, vitamin D3 derivatives (VitD3-glucosiduronate, 1α-hydroxy-2β-(5-hydroxypentoxy)-VitD3), asparaginyl-asparagine, 3α-hydroxy-6-oxo-5β-cholan-24-oic acid, Leu-Pro-Ala-Ser-Phe, triacylglycerols, phosphatidylcholine, and lactosyl-ceramide were significantly decreased, while Ile-Lys-Val-Val was increased in women with UI. Pathway analysis highlighted disruptions in glycerophospholipid, glycerolipid, steroid, and linoleic acid metabolism. Consistent with the untargeted findings, targeted analysis demonstrated significantly reduced levels of follicular 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in women with UI despite uniform oral supplementation, indicating dysregulated follicular vitamin D availability. Whilst the study was limited by sample size, the metabolome analysis was performed in triplicate for each sample, thus providing preliminary insights into the metabolic disruptions in FF from women with UI.

PMID:41793761 | DOI:10.1080/19396368.2026.2637454

Occup Med (Lond). 2026 Mar 7:kqag007. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqag007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Occupational Medicine is driven by evidence-based practice. A focus on country-specific research is crucial to inform local healthcare policy and service delivery.

AIMS: To descriptively analyse research carried out in Ireland between 2014 and 2023, use this analysis to identify priority areas for future research and practical solutions to current difficulties in Occupational Health (OH) research practice.

METHODS: A literature search was performed on medical databases, generating a list of research articles published from 2014 to 2023 using appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing directly on the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate whether a change in research output was seen from 2014 to 2019 versus 2020 to 2023 (following the COVID-19 pandemic), with independent t-tests.

RESULTS: A total of 101 articles were identified as per the inclusion/exclusion criteria for these 10 years. Of the articles, 60% (n = 61) had no listed author affiliated with an OH department, 3% (n = 3) listed ageing as a major theme, and one article presented economic evaluation or cost-effectiveness as a major theme.

CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study highlight the need for research in OH to be directed towards areas which have been recently overlooked, and the need for greater collaboration between OH multidisciplinary team professionals in research. The creation of a research guide by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, aligned to the faculty’s pro-active advocacy OH strategy, could direct research towards overlooked areas. This will better inform healthcare policy and service delivery in OH in Ireland, conferring wider applicability in other countries.

PMID:41793748 | DOI:10.1093/occmed/kqag007

Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2026 Mar 7:27986. doi: 10.4317/medoral.27986. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM) is a severe, rapidly progressing opportunistic fungal infection with a high mortality rate, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients with diabetes mellitus or haematological malignancies. Its incidence has increased in recent years, particularly since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, coinciding with population ageing and the growing prevalence of immunocompromised patients. Data regarding survival rates and the most effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in Spain are limited. This study analyses the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis of RCM at a tertiary care centre in southern Spain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 36 patients treated for RCM between 2009 and 2023. Clinical-epidemiological variables, history of immunosuppression, extent of infection, diagnostic and therapeutic management, and survival outcomes were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests and regression models (p<0.05).

RESULTS: Males predominated (66.7%), with a mean age of 58 years (range 17-83). The primary risk factors were haematological malignancies (61.1%), solid tumours (16.6%), and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (22.2%). The most common clinical presentation was orbital involvement (86.1%), followed by sinusitis (47.2%), neurological symptoms (36.1%), and palatal necrosis (25%). Imaging studies revealed pansinusitis in 97.2% of cases and periorbital/nasomaxillary cellulitis in 66.7%. Treatment consisted of combined antifungal therapy (liposomal amphotericin B/azoles) and management of the underlying disease. Twenty-seven patients (75%) underwent surgical intervention, including endoscopic sinus surgery, maxillectomy, or orbital exenteration. Overall mortality was 66.7% (24 deaths), which was significantly associated with advanced age and the absence of surgical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: RCM is a rare but highly lethal infection in our setting. Early diagnosis and prompt combined treatment, involving multidisciplinary management and standardised protocols, are essential to improve outcomes. The main prognostic factors identified were age, control of immunosuppression, and timely surgical intervention. Further multicentre studies are needed to optimise treatment strategies.

PMID:41793736 | DOI:10.4317/medoral.27986

Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2026 Mar 7:27887. doi: 10.4317/medoral.27887. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Minor salivary gland carcinomas of the tongue are rare tumors with diverse clinical and histological features and poor prognosis. Evidence regarding their characteristics and survival is limited. This study aimed to describe their clinical presentation, histology, and survival.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 29 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of minor salivary gland carcinoma of the tongue, treated at a referral cancer center between January 1990 and December 2024. Clinical, histological, therapeutic, and survival data were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS: The median age was 61 years (range, 21-99), with a female predominance (62.1%). The base of the tongue was the most common site (65.5%). Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most frequent histology (48.3%), followed by adenocarcinoma (27.6%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (24.1%). Most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages (III-IV, 65.4%), with node involvement in 41.4% of cases. Surgery was the primary treatment modality (38%), and radiotherapy was administered in 48.3% of cases. Five-year disease-free survival was 70%, while overall survival was 35%, with a median of 87 months. Moderately differentiated tumors showed a trend toward better survival, without statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS: Minor salivary gland carcinomas of the tongue are rare and frequently diagnosed at advanced stages. Prognosis is largely influenced by histology and tumor differentiation, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up and multicenter studies to more reliably identify prognostic factors.

PMID:41793734 | DOI:10.4317/medoral.27887

Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2026 Mar 7:28133. doi: 10.4317/medoral.28133. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To determine the causal efficacy of supportive periodontal care (SPC) frequency on inflammatory and anatomical periodontal outcomes using a propensity score-matched analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized electronic health records from a multi-center dental data repository. Adult patients with periodontitis and at least one year of follow-up were classified into two maintenance cohorts based on their average recall interval: Frequent Maintenance (≤4.5 months) and Infrequent Maintenance (≥5.5 months). Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed to balance baseline covariates, including age, gender, diabetes, smoking status, and baseline disease severity (PPD and CAL), resulting in a matched sample of 1,500 patients. The primary outcomes were the annualized rates of change in PPD and Bleeding on Probing (BOP). Secondary outcomes included changes in clinical attachment level (CAL), furcation involvement, and tooth mobility.

RESULTS: Patients in the Frequent Maintenance group demonstrated significantly greater annual reductions in PPD (-0.19mm vs. -0.12mm; p<0.001) and BOP (-8.97% vs. -4.38%; p<0.001) compared to the Infrequent group. This represented a two-fold greater reduction in inflammatory burden for frequent attendees. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups regarding the improvement of acquired periodontal defects, including furcation involvement (p=0.15) and tooth mobility (p=0.57).

CONCLUSIONS: Frequent SPC provides a robust biological benefit by significantly reducing gingival inflammation and pocket depth but does not independently reverse acquired defects like furcation involvement or tooth mobility. These findings support a risk-based maintenance approach where visit frequency targets inflammation, while structural stability requires distinct therapeutic expectations or interventions.

PMID:41793731 | DOI:10.4317/medoral.28133

West Afr J Med. 2025 Aug 29;42(8):603-610.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) comes with both maternal and fetal complications; universal and selective screening have been used by various guidelines for its diagnosis. An appraisal of FIGO’s recommended universal screening is essential for domestication in low-resource settings.

OBJECTIVE: To compare universal and selective screening methods for the determination of hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP), including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) in a low-resource setting.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study of pregnant women in Enugu, southeast Nigeria. The eligible women in each group were consecutively recruited between 24-28 weeks gestational age and their fasting blood sugar (FBS) and 2 hours post prandial (2HPP) glucose levels were tested. Included were all consenting pregnant women between 24-28 weeks gestational age while excluded were those beyond 28 weeks and know diabetics already on treatment. The first group (universal group) was universally screened while in the second group (selective group) only participants with risk factors for HIP were screened. All data were analysed using statistical package for social sciences version 24 at 95% confidence level.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HIP, GDM and DIP were 7.1% (36/508), 5.6% (28/508) and 1.4% (7/508), respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of HIP, GDM and DIP between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, 42.9% of cases of GDM and 66.7% of cases of DIP recorded in the universal group were from participants without any risk factor for HIP.

CONCLUSION: The detection of HIP, GDM and DIP is similar using the two screening methods. However, about half of the cases of HIP would be missed with selective screening. Obstetricians are therefore encouraged to adopt the universal screening method as selective screening is associated with missed diagnosis of HIP.

PMID:41793699

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2026 Mar 1;27(3):1123-1133. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.3.1123.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the clinicopathological significance and prognostic impact of SLFN11 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in high-grade and low-grade ovarian serous carcinoma.

METHODS: A total of 70 patients diagnosed with high-grade and low-grade serous carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical data, including age, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), CA125 levels, treatment details, and survival outcomes, were collected. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess SLFN11 expression in tumor cells and TILs. Statistical correlations were performed with chemotherapy response, recurrence, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS: High SLFN11 expression was significantly associated with better response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.003), higher histopathologic chemotherapy response score (p = 0.026), lower recurrence rate (p = 0.037), and improved survival outcomes (p < 0.001). High SLFN11 expression had significantly longer PFS (median= 33.05 months) and OS (median= 66.91 months), compared to those with low SLFN11 expression (median PFS =7.60 and median OS = 31.50, p<0.001). Similarly, high TILs count was associated with improved response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.008) and higher response score (p = 0.007). TILs-high patients had longer median PFS (25.52 months) and median OS (68.24 months) than TILs-low patients (median PFS = 10.30 and median OS = 30.63 months, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight that immunohistochemical expression of SLFN11 and the density of TILs may serve as predictive biomarkers for chemotherapy response and survival in ovarian serous carcinoma, with potential implications for personalized treatment strategies.

PMID:41793692 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.3.1123

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2026 Mar 1;27(3):1099-1107. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.3.1099.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has improved genomic analysis depth in precision oncology. This study analyzed genomic biomarker testing in stage IV NSCLC, focusing on brain metastasis and clinicopathological correlations.

OBJECTIVE: To study molecular markers and clinicopathological correlations in stage IV NSCLC patients, with and without brain metastasis.

METHODS: A total of 169 stage IV NSCLC patients were studied from April 2023 to May 2025. Demographic data, clinical presentations, and mutation analyses were assessed using NGS on tissue blocks or liquid biopsies.

RESULTS: Among 169 patients, 41.42% (n = 70) had brain metastasis (NSCLC-BM), while 58.58% (n = 99) had no brain metastasis (mNSCLC). Median ages were 51.5 and 56 years, respectively. Adenocarcinoma comprised 95.27% (n = 161) of cases. The cerebral hemisphere was the most common intracranial metastatic site, while skeletal involvement was the most common extracranial site. Headache was the predominant neurological symptom. EGFR mutations were the most common overall. EGFR > TP53 > ALK > other mutations were observed in NSCLC-BM, while EGFR > TP53 > KRAS > other mutations were seen in mNSCLC. Mutation analysis stratified by smoking history (χ²(1) = 1.347, p = 0.245) and sex (χ²(1) = 0.0302, p = 0.862) was not statistically significant. The benefit of gefitinib plus chemotherapy in EGFR exon 19 and exon 21 L858R mutations was greater in mNSCLC (log-rank χ²(1) = 10.813, p = 0.001) than in NSCLC-BM (log-rank χ²(1) = 3.100, p = 0.078). Median survival was 11 months (95% CI: 7.506-14.494) for NSCLC-BM versus 21 months (95% CI: 8.365-33.635) for mNSCLC, with a statistically significant difference (log-rank χ²(1) = 8.639, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION: NSCLC-BM showed higher genomic biomarker enrichment (80% vs. 68.68%) but poorer outcomes than mNSCLC. EGFR was the most common targetable mutation, followed by ALK in NSCLC-BM and KRAS in mNSCLC.

PMID:41793689 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.3.1099

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2026 Mar 1;27(3):1081-1090. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.3.1081.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Consumption of fermented freshwater fish is common in Northeast Thailand but increases the risk of Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) infection, nitrosamine exposure, and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). This study evaluated a 3Es-based safety program designed to enhance knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and to reduce ergonomic risks among informal fish processors.

METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 100 participants from two fishing communities in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The experimental group (n = 50) received a 13-week safety program based on engineering, education, and enforcement (3Es), while the comparison group (n = 50) received routine health services. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and an ergonomic assessment using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Statistical analyses included t-tests and effect size estimation with Cohen’s d.

RESULTS: Post-intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the comparison group in knowledge (mean difference = 2.09, p < 0.001, d = 2.69, very large effect), attitudes (mean difference = 0.39, p < 0.001, d = 3.88, very large effect), and behaviors (mean difference = 0.25, p < 0.001, d = 1.06, large effect). RULA scores also improved markedly, with fish sorting, drying, and packaging risk levels reduced from high to low, and cleaning and gutting reduced from very high to medium risk.

CONCLUSION: The 3Es-based program significantly improved safety-related knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and reduced ergonomic risks. Large effect sizes confirm that these gains are both statistically and practically meaningful, supporting integration into community health services and local policies for sustainable OV and CCA prevention.

PMID:41793687 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.3.1081