Tag: statistics

Med Biol Eng Comput. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s11517-025-03473-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Monitoring maternal and fetal health during pregnancy is crucial for preventing adverse outcomes. While tests such as ultrasound scans offer high accuracy, they can be costly and inconvenient. Telehealth solutions and more accessible body shape information provide pregnant women with a convenient way to monitor their health. This study explores the potential of 3D body scan data, captured during the 18-24 gestational weeks, to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes and estimate clinical parameters. We developed a novel algorithm with two parallel streams which are used for extract body shape features: one for supervised learning to extract sequential abdominal level circumference information, and the other for unsupervised learning to extract global shape descriptors, alongside a branch incorporating shape-related demographic data. Our results demonstrated that 3D body shapes can support the prediction of preterm labor and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as the estimation of fetal weight. Compared to other machine learning models, our algorithm achieved the best performance, with prediction accuracies exceeding 89% and fetal weight estimation accuracy of 72.22% within a 10% error margin, outperforming the conventional anthropometric measurements-based method by 18.18%.

PMID:41205023 | DOI:10.1007/s11517-025-03473-0

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s00417-025-07019-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To study intricate relationship between drusen volume and evolving dynamics of retinal and choroidal vasculature in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS: Patients underwent swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) using Plex Elite 9000 device. Retinal thickness, retinal vessel perfusion, drusen volume, choroidal thickness (ChT), choroidal vascularity index (CVI), choroidal vessel diameters (MChVD), and intervessel distance (IVD) were assessed. The Advanced Research and Innovation (ARI) Network, ResUNet model, and Phansalkar thresholding were utilized for image analysis. The linear mixing model was used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS: We assessed 53 eyes from 40 patients with dry AMD (22 eyes with early-stage, 31 eyes with intermediate-stage eyes). The mean age was 75.25 years and 62.5% were females. The mean LogMar visual acuity was 0.09 ± 0.17 standard deviation (SD) in early-stage and 0.19 ± 0.14 SD in intermediate-stage (p = 0.03). Mean drusen volume was 0.075 ± 0.125 SD mm³ in early-stage and 0.24 ± 0.26 SD mm³ in intermediate-stage (p = 0.005). Mean ChT was thicker, and mean CVI was higher in the early-stage compared to the intermediate-stage (p < 0.05). A decrease of 11.48 μm in MChVD for every 1 mm³ increase in drusen volume was noted.

CONCLUSION: With increase in drusen volume, a reduction in CVI and MChVD was noted, without any significant association with changes in retinal metrics, suggesting that choroidal vessels may exhibit early changes during disease progression.

PMID:41204997 | DOI:10.1007/s00417-025-07019-w

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Nov 8;197(12):1311. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14703-1.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the presence and distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the liver tissues of six Procellariiformes species collected from beach-cast individuals along the Rio Grande do Sul coast during their migration in the South Atlantic and the blood of brown booby (Sula leucogaster) sampled from a resident breeding population at the São Pedro and São Paulo Archipelago. POPs, including PCBs, DDTs, and Mirex, pose significant threats to marine ecosystems due to their persistence and bioaccumulative nature. Procellariiformes, such as albatrosses and petrels, and Suliformes, such as Sula leucogaster, are particularly vulnerable due to their high position in the food webs and high longevity. This study assesses the relative contributions of different POPs, identifies shifts in contamination profiles, and explores ecological factors driving variations in POP concentrations. Among Procellariiformes, no statistically significant differences were detected in POP concentrations between the taxonomic groups, suggesting shared exposure pathways in overlapping marine habitats. However, Shearwaters exhibited higher median PCB and Mirex levels compared to other groups. In contrast, S. leucogaster displayed a distinct contamination profile dominated by PCBs and DDTs, reflecting its specific foraging behaviors and tropical habitat. The predominance of highly chlorinated PCB congeners in S. leucogaster and Procellariiformes suggests long-range atmospheric transport as a significant source of contamination. These findings highlight the ecological role of multiple species of seabirds as sentinel species and underscore the need for ongoing monitoring of legacy POPs in tropical and subtropical ecosystems to inform conservation strategies.

PMID:41204991 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14703-1

J Biopharm Stat. 2025 Nov 8:1-27. doi: 10.1080/10543406.2025.2575941. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of Bayesian meta-analysis methods for estimating odds ratios (ORs), with a focus on the impact of heterogeneity and prior distribution choices under varying conditions. Recognizing the limitations of frequentist approaches, especially in small-sample or rare-event scenarios, we implemented a Bayesian framework utilizing four different priors for heterogeneity: half-normal, exponential, half-Cauchy, and inverse-gamma. Simulation studies were conducted across 1,152 scenarios, varying the number of studies, event rarity, randomization ratios, and baseline risks. Results indicate that prior specification and study size substantially influence estimation accuracy, particularly for rare events. To further explore these interactions, CHAID (Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection) analysis, which effectively identified key factors affecting model performance, is implemented. CHAID revealed that the number of studies included in the meta-analysis (NSMA) is the most significant determinant of estimation reliability, while other variables such as event type and randomization ratio exert notable influence under specific conditions. CHAID also facilitated the categorization of OR estimation quality and heterogeneity levels, offering a powerful visual and interpretive aid. Overall, this study underscores the importance of prior selection in Bayesian meta-analysis and highlights CHAID analysis as a valuable complementary tool for uncovering complex interactions and enhancing result interpretability.

PMID:41204818 | DOI:10.1080/10543406.2025.2575941

Proteins. 2025 Nov 8. doi: 10.1002/prot.70079. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Biomolecules rely on water and ions for stable folding, but these interactions are often transient, dynamic, or disordered and thus hidden from experiments and evaluation challenges that represent biomolecules as single, ordered structures. Here, we compare blindly predicted ensembles of water and ion structure to the cryo-EM densities observed around the Tetrahymena ribozyme at 2.2-2.3 Å resolution, collected through target R1260 in the CASP16 competition. Twenty-six groups participated in this solvation “cryo-ensemble” prediction challenge, submitting over 350 million atoms in total, offering the first opportunity to compare blind predictions of dynamic solvent shell ensembles to cryo-EM density. Predicted atomic ensembles were converted to density through local alignment and these densities were compared to the cryo-EM densities using Pearson correlation, Spearman correlation, mutual information, and precision-recall curves. These predictions show that an ensemble representation is able to capture information of transient or dynamic water and ions better than traditional atomic models, but there remains a large accuracy gap to the performance ceiling set by experimental uncertainty. Overall, molecular dynamics approaches best matched the cryo-EM density, with blind predictions from bussilab_plain_md, SoutheRNA, bussilab_replex, coogs2, and coogs3 outperforming the baseline molecular dynamics prediction. This study indicates that simulations of water and ions can be quantitatively evaluated with cryo-EM maps. We propose that further community-wide blind challenges can drive and evaluate progress in modeling water, ions, and other previously hidden components of biomolecular systems.

PMID:41204761 | DOI:10.1002/prot.70079

ANZ J Surg. 2025 Nov 7. doi: 10.1111/ans.70374. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to validate the Emergency Surgery Acuity Score (ESAS) in Korean patients who underwent emergency general surgery (EGS) and evaluate its effectiveness in predicting various outcomes.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING: Two tertiary hospitals in South Korea.

PARTICIPANTS: This study included 1629 adults who underwent EGS between July 2014 and December 2019.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The ESAS and its abbreviated version, the Physiological Emergency Surgery Acuity Score (P-ESAS), were calculated for each patient. Predictive performance was assessed for 28-day mortality, post-operative complications, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and hospital length of stay (LOS). C-statistics were used to compare ESAS with P-ESAS and other scoring systems, including the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Logistic regression models were employed to identify independent predictors of 28-day mortality, incorporating clinically relevant covariates such as demographic characteristics, comorbidities, physiological parameters, and surgical factors.

RESULTS: The ESAS and P-ESAS demonstrated superior predictive abilities compared to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) across clinical outcomes. For 28-day mortality, the c-statistics were 0.917 for ESAS, 0.897 for P-ESAS, and 0.691 for CCI. Both ESAS and P-ESAS outperformed CCI in predicting post-operative complications (c-statistics: 0.701, 0.677, and 0.637, respectively) and ICU admission (c-statistics: 0.777, 0.737, and 0.645, respectively). Linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between ESAS and hospital length of stay (LOS = 2.96 × ESAS; p < 0.001, adjR² = 0.430). Both ESAS and P-ESAS were identified as significant independent predictors of 28-day mortality in multivariable analyses.

CONCLUSION: The ESAS is validated as an effective tool for predicting 28-day mortality, post-operative complications, ICU admission, and hospital LOS in Korean patients undergoing emergency general surgery. Its predictive performance compared to other scoring systems highlights its potential to improve risk stratification and resource management in emergency surgery settings.

PMID:41204760 | DOI:10.1111/ans.70374

Hand (N Y). 2025 Nov 8:15589447251387287. doi: 10.1177/15589447251387287. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Many patients have spiritual or cultural preferences regarding the disposal and reclamation of amputated parts, yet little is known about the current process. Our goal was to understand patient preferences and increase patient education regarding amputation disposal and reclamation.

METHODS: A quality improvement approach was used. Stakeholders were interviewed to process map current methods. Amputation patients were surveyed to determine preferences for amputation disposal and reclamation. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act, change concepts were applied and outcomes measured through the same survey. Descriptive methods, analysis of variance, unpaired t-tests, and run/statistical process control charts were used for analysis.

RESULTS: Stakeholders identified barriers against amputation reclamation, including lack of patient access to resources, limited provider clarity surrounding the process, and no standardized policies. Baseline preferences were first gathered from 31 patients: 42% felt educated about the disposal process, 42% were concerned about the treatment of their amputated part, 74% wished to be more informed, and 16% wanted to reclaim their part. Change concepts were then implemented. First, a presentation was given at teaching rounds for medical trainees and staff. Results showed no significant change. Second, an educational handout about amputation disposal was distributed to patients. This showed a significant improvement in patient education, decreased concern for the management of amputated parts, and decreased needs for further discussion with health care providers.

CONCLUSIONS: Many patients have preferences for amputation disposal. Patients mostly value education and awareness. The format through which education is provided is important-access to educational material may be most beneficial for patients.

PMID:41204737 | DOI:10.1177/15589447251387287

Breastfeed Med. 2025 Nov 6. doi: 10.1177/15568253251393226. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: This study aims to compare the macronutrient content of mature breast milk expressed by three different methods: hand expression, manual pump, and electric pump. Methods: This experimental study includes 31 mothers of term infants who met the inclusion criteria. Milk samples were collected on three different days using each expression method, following randomization and standardized procedures. All samples were frozen and later analyzed using the Miris® Human Milk Analyzer (HMATM) to determine fat, protein, carbohydrate, and energy values. Statistical analysis was conducted using R software (version 4.4.1). Results: The mean age of the mothers was 23 ± 4 years, and 35.5% were middle school graduates. The average energy content was 74.5, 72.3, and 71.7 kcal/100 mL for hand, electric pump, and manual pump expression, respectively. Lactose levels were 7.2, 7.1, and 7.2 g/100 mL; fat content was 4.3, 4.0, and 3.9 g/100 mL; and true protein was 1.2 g/100 mL across all methods. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the measured macronutrients among the three expression methods (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study found no significant differences in the energy, lactose, fat, or true protein content of breast milk expressed by hand, manual pump, or electric pump. This finding indicates that, regardless of mothers’ economic status or access to equipment, any method of milk expression can be effectively used to provide breast milk, provided that the technique is applied correctly.

PMID:41204733 | DOI:10.1177/15568253251393226

Death Stud. 2025 Nov 7:1-6. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2585931. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Using a cross-sectional design, this study examined the relationship between childhood trauma and the writing of a suicide note as well as the mediation and moderation effects of psychache (i.e., psychological pain) on this relationship. A non-clinical sample of 1012 young adults aged 17 to 29 years (M = 19.56; SD = 1.94; 3.7% > 25 years) participated. A mediation model was tested using path analysis through structural equation modeling, and a moderation model was tested using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, while statistically controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables. A partial mediating effect of psychological pain was found in the association between childhood trauma and writing a suicide note. Psychache also interacted and potentiated the relationship of childhood trauma with writing a suicide note. As such, psychache assists in explaining why and when individuals who have experienced more traumatic events in childhood are more likely to write suicide notes.

PMID:41204719 | DOI:10.1080/07481187.2025.2585931

Ultrastruct Pathol. 2025 Nov 7:1-26. doi: 10.1080/01913123.2025.2584119. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Tramadol (TRM) is a centrally acting analgesic drug used for management of moderate to severe pain. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a cytokine that has the ability to mobilize stem cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral circulation. This study was performed to evaluate the histological and biochemical alterations in the adrenal cortex after intake of tramadol and the possible protective role of G-CSF on it. Fifty adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: Group I as a control group, group II (TRM treated group) received a daily dose of 80 mg/kg body weight orally via gastric tube for 12 weeks and group III (TRM+G-CSF-treated group) received subcutaneous injections of 100 μg/kg body weight of G-CSF for seven consecutive days, then TRM from the 8th day to the end of the experiment in the same dose as group II. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken for hormonal essay and tissue samples were processed. Light and electron microscopic studies were done. Morphometric and statistical studies were carried out. The study revealed that TRM induced histological and ultrastructural degenerative changes, decreased serum levels of aldosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone, as well as a strong positive Bax immune reaction. However, G-CSF reversed these alterations and showed a strong positive CD34 immune reaction. In conclusion: G-CSF improved histological, biochemical and immunohistochemical metrics in the rat adrenal cortex after tramadol-induced injury.

PMID:41204716 | DOI:10.1080/01913123.2025.2584119