Tag: statistics

Immunohorizons. 2026 Mar 10;10(3):vlag013. doi: 10.1093/immhor/vlag013.

ABSTRACT

Reproductive disorders such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are increasingly recognized as immune-mediated conditions, yet their immunopathology remains poorly understood. Menstrual blood, a noninvasive and biologically relevant sample, offers a unique window into reproductive tract immunity but has been underutilized in this context. We optimized Cytek’s® 25-color high-dimensional flow cytometry panel by incorporating a mitochondrial dye to investigate immune cell profiles in menstrual mononuclear cells (MMCs) from healthy individuals, and those with endometriosis or PCOS, in comparison with matched peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This enabled detailed assessment of 40 immune cell subsets and 546 immunological parameters, including markers of activation, exhaustion, migration, and mitochondrial content. MMCs displayed a distinct immune landscape compared to PBMCs, enriched with tissue-resident NK cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, alongside changes in mitochondrial mass for various cell subsets and other markers such as PD-1. These findings support a metabolically active, tissue-adapted immune environment within menstrual fluid, representative of the reproductive tract. Exploratory analyses of MMCs from individuals with endometriosis or PCOS revealed disease-specific trends: for example, mitochondrial mass differed across Tregs, CD4 central memory cells, plasmablasts, and cDC1s, with endometriosis and PCOS exhibiting distinct patterns rather than a uniform “reproductive disorder” phenotype. Although these disease-associated findings did not consistently reach statistical significance due to the small cohort size, they demonstrate the potential of menstrual blood immunoprofiling to uncover biologically meaningful differences across diverse immune cell populations. Together, this study establishes menstrual fluid as a valuable, non-invasive sample for immunological assessment and a promising avenue for future biomarker discovery in reproductive disorders.

PMID:41885004 | DOI:10.1093/immhor/vlag013

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2026 Dec 31;22(1):2638034. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2026.2638034. Epub 2026 Mar 26.

ABSTRACT

Since the Covid-19 pandemic entered its endemic phase, France, Italy, and Hungary, as well as many other European countries, have observed a rise in vaccine hesitancy. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to understand the reasons behind this trend by linking statistical observations with in-depth view of vaccine hesitancy. A total of 3,021 adults were surveyed from France, Italy, and Hungary via nationally representative surveys, examining views toward these vaccines. We employed both pooled and un-pooled linear regression analyses. In each country, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Our pooled survey analysis reveals that hesitancy toward Covid-19 and influenza vaccines was higher among respondents reporting mistrust in healthcare providers [95% CI = -0.26,-0.17; P < .001] and lower among those with underlying health conditions. Additionally, older adults were less likely to receive Covid-19 vaccines but more likely to receive an influenza vaccine. Those without a Covid-19 vaccination were 18% points more likely to be unvaccinated against influenza [95% CI = 0.11,0.24; P < .001]. The interviews highlight that these broader patterns reflect a post-pandemic landscape characterised by heightened ambivalence and complexity in vaccine decisions, in which people find it difficult to decide independently and rely more on experts. The interviews also revealed various influences on vaccine hesitancy, including safety concerns, diminished fear of disease, and online misinformation. These indicate that post-pandemic vaccine hesitancy reflects shifting attitudes shaped by shared pandemic experiences across countries, underscoring the need for continued research and monitoring in light of how post-pandemic vaccine hesitancy differs from pre-pandemic forms.

PMID:41884998 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2026.2638034

J Econ Entomol. 2026 Mar 26:toag073. doi: 10.1093/jee/toag073. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The intensification of agriculture in tropical landscapes has posed significant challenges to pest management programs worldwide. While primary pests have been the focus of biotechnological advancements in crop design, the impact on early season pests often has been overlooked. Consequently, outbreaks of these pests have been reported globally. The Bt maize event MON 95379 expressing Cry1B.868 and Cry1Da_7 was approved for commercial use in Brazil in 2020. Although it has high efficacy against primary maize lepidopteran pests, there is no information on its effects on early season pests. In this context, our purpose was to investigate MON 95379 (Cry1B.868 + Cry1Da_7) levels of protection across tropical maize germplasm against Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Bt hybrids expressing Cry1B.868 + Cry1Da_7, Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 + Cry3Bb1, and Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 + Vip3Aa + Cry3Bb1 + RNAi exhibited no symptoms of plant mortality after 15 d post-infestation by E. lignosellus, a statistically significant improvement compared to the average observed in a non-Bt hybrid (∼85%). Similarly, low levels of plant mortality (<10%) were recorded across all Bt hybrids during the same evaluation for A. ipsilon, while the non-Bt hybrid showed an average plant mortality rate of 60%. These findings indicate that MON 95379 (Cry1B.868 + Cry1Da_7) may fit as an effective tool for managing early season pests in maize.

PMID:41884990 | DOI:10.1093/jee/toag073

J Dual Diagn. 2026 Mar 26:1-12. doi: 10.1080/15504263.2026.2638188. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objective: Black individuals in the United States have high rates of obesity and cigarette smoking, both of which increase health risks. One factor that has demonstrated significant relations to cigarette smoking outcomes is anxiety sensitivity. Yet, work examining these relations among Black individuals with obesity who smoke is nonexistent. Therefore, the present study examined the role of anxiety sensitivity in relation to several smoking outcomes among Black individuals with obesity who smoke. Methods: Participants were 161 Black adults with obesity who endorsed daily combustible cigarette smoking (M_age = 47.1 years, SD = 14.19, age range 19-73 years; 65.2% female). Results: Results indicated that greater levels of anxiety sensitivity were statistically significantly and positively related to increased cigarette dependence, severity of problems when trying to quit, perceived barriers to smoking cessation, and smoking abstinence expectancies, including negative mood, somatic symptoms, and harmful consequences. Importantly, findings were observed above and beyond the variance accounted for by age, sex, education, income, perceived physical health, average number of cigarettes smoked per day, hazardous drinking, and cannabis use. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Black individuals with obesity who smoke and exhibit higher levels of anxiety sensitivity may be at increased risk for processes known to sustain smoking behavior and impede quitting success.

PMID:41884970 | DOI:10.1080/15504263.2026.2638188

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2026 Apr;12(2):e70337. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70337.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the association between malocclusion severity and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children aged 11-14 years by simultaneously using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14), Parent/Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ), and Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional, clinic-based study was conducted on 117 children aged 11-14 years and their parents/guardians referred to a specialized dental clinic in Rasht city, Iran, in 2022. Children with systemic diseases, a history of orthodontic treatment, or craniofacial abnormalities were excluded. OHRQoL was independently assessed using the CPQ11-14 and P-CPQ. Malocclusion severity was determined using the DAI, and children were categorized into normal occlusion, definite, severe, and very severe malocclusion groups. The associations of age and gender with OHRQoL were also examined. Data were analyzed statistically (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: The mean OHRQoL score was significantly higher among children with malocclusion compared with those with normal occlusion (p < 0.001), indicating poorer quality of life. Higher malocclusion severity was significantly associated with worse OHRQoL scores (p < 0.001). These associations were significant in both sexes (p < 0.05). A significant association between malocclusion severity and poorer OHRQoL was observed in children older than 12 years (p < 0.001), whereas this association was not statistically significant in children aged 12 years or younger (p > 0.05). Multivariable analysis confirmed that malocclusion severity remained independently associated with OHRQoL after adjustment for demographic factors (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Greater severity of malocclusion, particularly in older children, is significantly associated with poorer OHRQoL. The relative agreement between child and parent assessments highlights the importance of considering both perspectives in clinical and research settings.

PMID:41884966 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70337

J Immunol Res. 2026;2026(1):e4001873. doi: 10.1155/jimr/4001873.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of vitamin D (VitD), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and regulatory T cells (Treg) in the pathogenesis of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in children.

METHODS: From February 2023 to September 2024, 51 children with ITP and 44 healthy children from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College were enrolled. The serum levels of VitD and TGF-β1 and the percentage of Treg cells in peripheral blood were measured.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age and sex between the two groups (p > 0.05). ITP group VitD, TGF-β1, and the level of Treg cells were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). In the ITP group, VitD and TGF-β1 (r = 0.421), Treg cells (r = 0.516), TGF-β1 and Treg cells (r = 0.563), and platelet count (r = 0.399, 0.305, 0.361, respectively, p < 0.05). The median model analysis showed that VitD had a significant negative overall effect on ITP risk (regression coefficient = -0.014, p = 0.004), but its direct effect was no longer significant after the introduction of TGF-β1 and Treg, suggesting a complete mediation effect, where the path of VitD affecting ITP via TGF-β1 is significant (effect value = -0.015, p < 0.001), but the mediated pathway involving Treg was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: There is dysregulation of VitD, TGF-β1, and Treg cells in newly diagnosed children with ITP. TGF-β1 may be a key mediator of the regulation of ITP by VitD, suggesting the potential value of TGF- β1 as an intervening target.

PMID:41884964 | DOI:10.1155/jimr/4001873

Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2026 Mar 24. doi: 10.5507/bp.2026.007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The no-touch (NT) technique for saphenous vein harvesting aims to preserve vascular integrity and improve graft performance in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, concerns remain regarding wound healing disorders and local complications at the graft harvest site.

METHODS: This prospective observational comparative study included 60 consecutive patients undergoing CABG, allocated to conventional saphenous vein harvesting (CONV, n=30) or the NT technique (NT, n=30). Group allocation was based on routine clinical practice and surgeon preference, without formal randomization. The primary outcome was the incidence of wound healing disorders and local complications at the harvest site. Secondary outcomes included perioperative parameters, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and venous graft patency assessed by computed tomography coronary angiography one year after surgery.

RESULTS: Operative time and aortic cross-clamp time were comparable between groups. Shorter graft harvesting time was observed in the NT group (35 ± 7.5 min vs. 43 ± 9.1 min; P=0.001), along with significantly reduced perioperative blood loss (15 ± 7 mL vs. 40 ± 12.1 mL; P<0.0001). The incidence of subcutaneous hematoma on postoperative day 7 was significantly lower in the NT group (20% vs. 60%; P=0.003). No statistically significant differences were found between groups in wound infection rates, MACE, or venous graft patency at one-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION: The NT technique for saphenous vein harvesting offers relevant perioperative advantages, including shorter harvesting time, reduced blood loss, and fewer early local complications, without adversely affecting operative time, major adverse cardiac events, wound infection, or one-year graft patency.

PMID:41884962 | DOI:10.5507/bp.2026.007

Scand J Urol. 2026 Mar 26;61:72-79. doi: 10.2340/sju.v61.45602.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is an aggressive disease with a high mortality rate. Radical cystectomy (RC) is the standard treatment for MIBC and selected non-muscle invasive bladder -cancer (NMIBC) cases. The NorCys-study (NCT04523038, NCT04537221 and NCT04523025) aims to validate biomarkers predicting RC outcomes. This report describes RC practice patterns across the Nordic countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, multi-institutional study included bladder cancer patients undergoing RC with or without preoperative chemotherapy in all five Nordic countries from 5/2020 to 1/2025. Clinical and pathological data were collected prospectively into REDCap database and analysed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank sum and Pearson’s Chi-squared tests.

RESULTS: A total of 1,642 patients from 15 centres were enrolled. Of these, 35% (531) had clinical NMIBC (T1-Tis-Ta), and 65% (999) had cT2-4 disease. Preoperative chemotherapy was administered to 398/929 (43%) cT2-4 or node-positive patients. The most common neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimens were gemcitabine – cisplatin (GC) (275/475 [58%]) and dose-dense methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin (dd-MVAC) (144/475 [30%]). Robot-assisted RC was the most common surgical approach administered in 886 of 1,472 (60%) cases, with variation between centres. Ileal conduit was the predominant diversion method in 1,375 out of 1,465 cases (94%). Median surgical time was 322 min, blood loss was 300 mL and hospital stay was 9 days. Final pathology demonstrated pT0 in 29%, ≥pT2 in 43% and lymph node metastases 203 (17%).

CONCLUSION: This study reports current RC practices amongst Nordic countries. Patient cohorts did not differ between countries, and although the practices were generally similar, some differences were noted in chemotherapy regimens, the use of robotic-assisted surgery and rates of early RC.

PMID:41884949 | DOI:10.2340/sju.v61.45602

Indian J Ophthalmol. 2026 Apr 1;74(4):580-583. doi: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_1933_25. Epub 2026 Mar 26.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a collagen matrix implant (CMI) as an adjunct in ocular surface reconstruction for moderate to severe post-chemical injury symblepharon.

METHODS: This prospective interventional pilot study included ten eyes of nine patients (all male, mean age 17.90 ± 9.48 years) with moderate (n = 4) or severe (n = 6) symblepharon secondary to chemical injury. All patients underwent symblepharon lysis, followed by ocular surface reconstruction using mucous membrane graft and amniotic membrane graft, with the additional placement of a CMI secured with 6-0 vicryl sutures. A symblepharon ring was placed postoperatively for 6-8 weeks. All patients were followed for at least 6 months. Surgical success was defined as ≥30% forniceal depth (FD) correction at 3 months, categorized as excellent (75 – 100%), good (60 to <75%), or poor (30 to <60%). Recurrence was defined as a >2 mm decrease in FD from the 3-month value. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v23.

RESULTS: All nine patients completed 6 months of follow-up. There was no case of failure or recurrence. The mean percent depth correction at 3 months was 78.32% in the upper eyelid and 74.47% in the lower eyelid. The mean upper middle FD increased significantly from 4.40 mm preoperatively to 12.20 mm at 3 months, stabilizing at 11.40 mm at 6 months. Similarly, the mean lower middle FD improved from 2.42 mm to 7.57 mm at 3 months, maintaining 7.28 mm at 6 months (Friedman test: χ2 = 10.78, P = 0.00455). Anatomical outcomes were excellent in 8 eyes, good in 1 eye, and poor in 1 eye. Two patients showed significant visual acuity improvement. One patient developed postoperative orbital cellulitis, and three had pyogenic granuloma (not implant-related). There were no cases of implant extrusion.

CONCLUSION: The collagen matrix implant appears to be a safe and effective adjunct for ocular surface reconstruction in moderate to severe post-chemical injury symblepharon, demonstrating encouraging short-term anatomical outcomes with no recurrences at 6 months. Further studies with longer follow-up are warranted.

PMID:41884917 | DOI:10.4103/IJO.IJO_1933_25

Indian J Ophthalmol. 2026 Apr 1;74(4):499-507. doi: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_1977_25. Epub 2026 Mar 26.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to characterize the effects of eye muscle surgery on children with achromatopsia and infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) who have had no previous surgery.

DESIGN: This is a prospective, single-center, interventional case series analysis of 17 patients’ clinical and electrophyisological data before and after eye muscle surgery.

METHODS: Outcome measures included: demographic and clinical characteristics, binocular best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), strabismic deviation (SD), anomalous head posture (AHP), contrast sensitivity function (CSF), and the expanded nystagmus acuity function (NAFX). Postoperative data were collected between 6 and 9 months after surgery and statistical analysis perfomed.

RESULTS: The age at surgery ranged from 19 months to 12 years (~7.2 years), 53% were male, and 23% were other than Caucasians. Follow-up ranged 9 months -10 years (~ 4.3 years). Nine patients had strabismus. All had a significant refractive error, and 7 patients had amblyopia. Sixteen had abnormal SD-OCT dysmorphology. All had the unique INS waveform of dual-jerk. In 13 patients, a molecular diagnosis was obtained. A surgical algorithm involving at least 2 recti muscles on each eye was perfomed on every patient. There were no surgical complications with a reoperation rate of 12%. Along with unique unexpected improvements in blepharospasm and photophobia, there were improvements in AHP, SD, BCVA, CSF, and the NAFX.

CONCLUSIONS: Achromatopsia has unique associations of a vertical AHP and dual-jerk INS waveforms. In spite of their associated retinal disease, patients with achromatopsia show improvements in many afferent and efferent measures of ocular motor and visual functions after eye muscle surgery for nystagmus.

PMID:41884912 | DOI:10.4103/IJO.IJO_1977_25