Tag: statistics

Waste Manag. 2025 May 13;203:114879. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2025.114879. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The air classification efficiency of landfilled Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is critical for resource recovery but remains challenged by the heterogeneity and non-spherical morphology of waste. In this study, a probabilistic framework that integrates spheroid modeling with the Monte Carlo procedure to predict and optimize the separation efficiency was developed, and the results were compared using orthogonal experiments. The morphological distributions (elongation, flatness, and size) of 381 landfill samples and the density distributions of 184 landfill samples were statistically characterized. For the numerical model, spheroidal particles were generated by randomly sampling from each parameter’s distribution. Then, a numerical model that incorporates non-spherical drag coefficients was developed. The model achieved a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of < 0.13 in predicting separation indicators, compared to the experimental results. The experimental results demonstrated that, under the same airflow velocity conditions, the recovery of light substances (R_L) in landfilled MSW was lower than that of fresh MSW, partially due to the increase in density resulting from the degradation of organic matter. The numerical model revealed that the separation efficiency (E) exhibited velocity-dependent unimodal trends. The model further identified the optimal performance of the effective separation interval for an airflow direction of 15° under 21.40 m/s (50 Hz), and the interval length was 21 % and 15 % longer compared to 0° and 30°, respectively, under equivalent velocities. The results of this work provide a reference for optimizing the air classification apparatus of landfilled MSW, and a basic method for use in more thorough simulation studies.

PMID:40367546 | DOI:10.1016/j.wasman.2025.114879

Appl Radiat Isot. 2025 May 9;224:111888. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111888. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cosmetic materials are widely used to enhance or alter appearance and skin care, can increase human exposure to various chemicals, including radioactive elements. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of alpha particles in a total of fifteen different powdered cosmetic samples collected randomly from Iraqi Kurdistan markets. Tracks of alpha particles released from radon gas content in cosmetic samples were recorded using passive detector such as CR-39. The chemical etching solution of NaOH 6.25 N was used at 70 °C for 6 h to enlarge and reveal the alpha tracks, then scanned by microscope. The results showed that the range values of concentration level of radon and radium in the analyzed powdered cosmetic samples were 159.12-422.01 Bq. m^-3 and 0.48-1.27 Bq. kg^-1, respectively. Consequently, the radon concentration values in most studied samples were within the reference limiting range (200-600 Bq. m^-3) reported by ICRP. In addition, health risk parameters of annual effective dose (AED_Rn), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), lung cancer cases per million people per year (CPPP), the absorbed dose for soft tissues (D_s) and lungs (D_l) were calculated and compared to international standards. The correlation between natural radionuclides concentration and health risk parameters was analyzed statistically using Pearson correlation coefficient. The findings indicate that most of these cosmetic products pose radiation risks. As a result, many of these brands are likely to expose consumers to potential health hazards associated with radiation.

PMID:40367538 | DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111888

Appl Radiat Isot. 2025 May 13;224:111892. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111892. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The integration of PET and CT technologies has revolutionized medical imaging, particularly in cancer management. However, the associated radiation exposure necessitates a detailed understanding of the risks involved. This study aims to quantify the effective dose (ED) and associated cancer risks from whole-body CT scans in PET-CT procedures.

METHODS: Data from 500 patients (226 men and 274 women) undergoing PET-CT scans were analyzed. Two methods were employed to calculate the ED: The Dose Length Product (DLP) and the NCICT dosimetry system, which utilizes Monte Carlo simulations. Organ doses and ED were compared between genders, and the correlation between ED and patient age was examined.

RESULTS: The mean DLP was 516.4 ± 200 mGy cm, resulting in an ED of 7.76 ± 3.01 mSv using the DLP method, and 6.82 ± 2.56 mSv using NCICT. The thyroid received the highest organ dose, followed by the kidneys in females and the testes in males. A significant decrease in cancer risk with increasing age was observed for both genders.

CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of considering age in assessing the cancer risks from CT radiation in PET-CT scans, particularly for younger patients. It advises caution in recommending CT scans and suggests exploring alternative imaging modalities while adhering to ALARA principles to reduce exposure. It also paves the way for future research aimed at either eliminating or reducing the CT dose component in PET/CT scans, thereby enhancing the overall safety and efficacy of this imaging modality.

PMID:40367536 | DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111892

Appl Radiat Isot. 2025 May 8;224:111898. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111898. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The present investigation was conducted to quantify the radiological exposure associated with inhalation of attached and unattached ²²²Rn and ²²⁰Rn progeny concentrations in indoor environments. The total progeny concentrations of ²²²Rn and ²²⁰Rn were estimated using direct progeny sensors, and the attached progeny concentrations of ²²²Rn and ²²⁰Rn were measured using wire-mesh-capped direct radon and thoron progeny sensors based on LR-115 type-II detectors. The obtained average unattached fraction of ²²²Rn progeny was 0.14, similar to the UNSCEAR recommended value, while the unattached fraction for ²²⁰Rn progeny was 0.09. In the different indoor conditions, the concentration of total progeny, attached and unattached progeny of ²²²Rn and ²²⁰Rn are higher in mud dwelling among mud, cement and stone dwellings. In addition to it, a seasonal variation was also studied, and a descriptive statistical analysis was done using a paired student’s t-test to compare progeny fractions between dwelling types. Dose conversion factors for mouth and nasal breathing were further estimated separately and the average dose conversion factors for mouth and nasal breathing were found to be 19.5 ± 6.3 mSv/WLM and 8.5 ± 1.1 mSv/WLM, respectively. The annual effective dose is under the ICRP reference level, however, the inhalation dose estimated for mouth breathing was found to be more than twice that of nasal breathing. In the present study, the unattached radon progeny contributes 14.21 % to the annual effective dose (AEDR).

PMID:40367533 | DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111898

J Clin Neurosci. 2025 May 13;137:111326. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2025.111326. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The increasing use of single (SAPT) and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in endovascular treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) raises concerns about ventriculostomy-related hemorrhage (VRH). This study evaluates the impact of platelet transfusion, timing of ventriculostomy placement relative to antiplatelet therapy (APT), and APT type (DAPT vs. SAPT) on VRH risk and clinical outcomes.

METHODS: A retrospective study of a prospectively collected cohort of aSAH presenting to a single academic center from 2016 to 2023 was conducted. Patients who underwent ventriculostomy placement and APT were included, while those on anticoagulation were excluded. The cohort was then split into three groups: 1) patients on APT at the time of ventriculostomy placement and who were not given platelet transfusion, 2) patients on APT at the time of ventriculostomy placement and who were given platelet transfusion, and 3) patients who were initiated on APT after ventriculostomy placement as part of their endovascular therapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed examining rates of tract hemorrhage, symptomatic tract hemorrhage, and poor neurologic outcomes at three-months, defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) > 3.

RESULTS: Among 404 cases identified, 129 patients were on APT during or after ventriculostomy placement. Mean age was 59.5 ± 13.9 years, 38.8 % male, and 74.4 % were White. When comparing those who were on APT and did not receive platelet transfusion (n = 24) with those who received platelet transfusion (n = 34), there were no differences in rates of VRH or symptomatic VRH on univariate (37.5 % vs. 29.4 %, p = 0.52 and 4.2 % vs. 5.9 %, p = 0.77, respectively) or multivariate analysis (OR 0.79, 95 %CI [0.24, 2.61], p = 0.7 and OR 0.28, 95 %CI [0.01, 7.99], p = 0.4. Comparing those already on APT versus those with APT initiation after ventriculostomy, there were no statistically significant differences in rates of VRH or symptomatic VRH on univariate (37.5 % vs. 25.4 %, p = 0.26 and 4.2 % vs. 1.4 %, p = 0.42, respectively) or multivariate analysis (OR 0.74, 95 %CI [0.42, 1.31], p = 0.3 and OR 0.28, 95 %CI [0.01, 7.99], p = 0.4). Furthermore, there were no differences in functional neurologic outcomes at 3-month follow-up on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION: Our study did not identify benefits conferred from platelet transfusion with regard to VRH or outcomes after ventriculostomy placement in aSAH on APT. We also found no differences in VRH in patients who had ventriculostomy placement before or after APT initiation. With the increasing use of endovascular therapies, ventriculostomy placement under APT is increasingly common, necessitating further research to mitigate the risk of significant VRH.

PMID:40367531 | DOI:10.1016/j.jocn.2025.111326

J Craniofac Surg. 2025 May 14. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000011496. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The corpus callosum plays a crucial role in interhemispheric communication. Although callosal circularity has demonstrated promise as a marker for differentiating a range of neurological conditions, research investigating the impact of chronic high-altitude hypoxia on corpus callosum morphology remains limited. This study aims to investigate the circularity and eccentricity of the corpus callosum in Tibetan adults, as well as their interrelationship, to assess how the hypoxic environment influences corpus callosum morphology.

METHODS: This study enrolled 262 Tibetan adults. MRI scans were employed to obtain measurements of callosal length, height, perimeter, and area, from which circularity and eccentricity values were derived. Statistical analyses involved Mann-Whitney U tests to evaluate sex differences, partial correlation analyses to assess age effects, and quadratic regression models to elucidate the relationship between circularity and eccentricity.

RESULTS: The analysis revealed no statistically significant sex differences in either circularity or eccentricity. Circularity exhibited a biphasic, inverted U-shaped trajectory across the lifespan, reaching a peak at 22.8 years, with men attaining peak values earlier than women. Moreover, a significant quadratic relationship between circularity and eccentricity was identified, delineating a critical threshold at an eccentricity value of 0.939.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the high-altitude hypoxic environment does not markedly alter the overall stability of callosal circularity and eccentricity, deviations from normative values may serve as sensitive biomarkers for neurological anomalies. These novel morphological metrics provide valuable quantitative insights into corpus callosum integrity, potentially facilitating the early detection of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.

PMID:40367501 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000011496

J Craniofac Surg. 2025 May 14. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000011490. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a debilitating craniofacial pain disorder often refractory to conservative treatments. Nerve decompression surgery has emerged as a promising intervention, yet the long-term efficacy and optimal patient selection remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the effectiveness of occipital nerve decompression in reducing pain frequency, intensity, and duration in patients with ON. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating greater occipital nerve (GON) or lesser occipital nerve (LON) decompression for ON were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for case series and observational studies. A random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled effects on pain reduction, and heterogeneity was analyzed using I² statistics. Twelve studies comprising 838 patients were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in pain frequency by 20.30 days/month (95% CI: 16.53-24.08, P<0.0001) following nerve decompression. Subgroup analysis revealed superior outcomes for post-traumatic ON, while chronic migraine-related ON showed more variability. Technique modifications, such as midline versus separate incisions for LON decompression, influenced reoperation rates (4.4% versus 15.2%, P<0.05). Heterogeneity was high (I²=97.21%), likely due to surgical variability and patient selection differences. Nerve decompression significantly reduces ON-related pain, though patient selection and surgical technique optimization remain crucial. Standardized protocols and prospective trials are needed to refine clinical guidelines.

PMID:40367499 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000011490

Am J Gastroenterol. 2025 May 14. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000003531. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Forceps-assisted cannulation has been reported to facilitate difficult papillary cannulation during ERCP, especially in the context of abnormal papillary anatomy or associated papillary diverticula. We performed a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate if forceps-assisted cannulation improves cannulation success rates, reduces the incidence of difficult cannulations, and decreases the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

METHODS: 152 patients with difficult papillary cannulation during ERCP were randomized to cannulation with or without forceps. Difficult cannulation was defined as: papilla in/on the rim of a diverticulum, difficult cannulation (defined as 5 or more attempts, 5 or more minutes, or 2 or more unintended PD wire passages), redundant tissue overlaying the papilla, or a type 2, 3, or 4 papilla. The primary clinical outcome was rate of successful cannulation.

RESULTS: 70 patients underwent forceps-assisted cannulation and 81 did not use forceps. Forceps patients were younger (62 vs. 68 years p=0.009), but otherwise baseline demographics, ERCP indication, trainee involvement and papilla classification were similar with failed initial cannulation the most common reason for enrollment. 100% of patients in the forceps-assisted group vs. 83.9% in the no forceps group (p<0.001) underwent successful cannulation. All patients in the no forceps group who crossed over to the forceps group had successful cannulation. While not statistically significant, the difficult cannulation rate (57.1 vs. 69.1, p=0.132) was higher in the no forceps group and the PEP rate was low in both groups (5.7 vs 3.7, p=0.705).

CONCLUSIONS: Using forceps-assisted technique to overcome difficult cannulation improves ERCP cannulation success rates.

PMID:40367484 | DOI:10.14309/ajg.0000000000003531

Wiad Lek. 2025;78(4):885-893. doi: 10.36740/WLek/203072.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To detect the effect of an experimental 0.7% nanosilver in sodium fluoride (NSSF) and compare it to that of 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) on demineralized teeth, also observes the impact of applying 10% Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous-calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) on those groups and compares that to CPP-ACP’s lone impact on demineralized teeth.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 60 sound, premolar teeth without hypo-mineralization or cracks. They were divided into three groups following the formation of caries-like lesions using a Feather Stone pH cycle. Group No.1 was treated with NSSF, group No.2 was treated with NaF, and deionized water was used for Group No.3. All groups had two minutes of application time and were then stored for 24 hours in artificial saliva. After that, they were treated with CPP-ACP, for seven days twice a day. Microhardness measurements were carried out four times: before any intervention, after the pH cycle, after 24 hours from the application of NSSF and NaF, and a final one after seven days from the application of CPP-ACP on the previous groups. An XRF, XRD analysis, and particle size analyzer were used to confirm the nanosilver properties of the powder.

RESULTS: Results: There was a statistically significant increase in microhardness values (P<0.05) following CPP-ACP’s application on teeth previously subjected to NSSF and NaF. The group that was subjected to deionized water before CPP-ACP’s application revealed a statistically significant value (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: CPP-ACP enhances the microhardness and, hence, the mineralization of teeth previously treated with NSSF and NaF solutions.

PMID:40367474 | DOI:10.36740/WLek/203072

Wiad Lek. 2025;78(4):860-875. doi: 10.36740/WLek/203897.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To investigate how lifestyle factors of patients with CHD and comorbid conditions, along with medicines properties, influence treatment adherence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: include the results of a survey conducted among patients with CHD and comorbid conditions at the Department of Cardiology of the P.L. Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine from June to September 2024 (n = 101). The study employed methods of analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, comparison, statistical and bibliographic research.

RESULTS: Results: The study revealed a significantly low adherence rate of 13.9% [CI 95% 13.9 ± 0.002; p<0.0001] to risk factor modification and prescribed pharmacotherapy in secondary prevention of CHD. It confirmed a statistically significant influence of patient preferences with CHD and comorbid conditions on effective pharmacotherapy (χ2 = 3.350,232, p = 0.067). Patients receiving consultations from both doctors and pharmacists were 22 times more likely (OR = 22.67) to adhere to pharmacotherapy compared to those consulting only doctors. The study found that only 7.8% [CI 95% 7.8 ± 0.05; p<0.0001] of surveyed patients with CHD and comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease utilized the “Affordable Medicines” program.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The decline in the socioeconomic status of the population during the war in Ukraine negatively affects adherence to clinical guidelines for risk factor modification and secondary prevention of CHD, as evidenced by observational studies EUROASPIRE IV and V. The study identified that 42.8% of respondents prefer original medicines when selecting medications, but financial constraints prevent prolonged use as part of prescribed pharmacotherapy, adversely affecting treatment adherence. The effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach in enhancing treatment adherence among patients with CHD and comorbid conditions was confirmed, demonstrating a 22-fold higher adherence rate compared to consultations with doctors alone.

PMID:40367472 | DOI:10.36740/WLek/203897