Tag: statistics

New Phytol. 2026 Aug 20. doi: 10.1111/nph.71474. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cell polarity and tip growth rely on the dynamic spatial organization of signaling and structural components. Quantitative characterization of these spatiotemporal dynamics is critical for understanding polarized cell growth, yet manual quantification is labor-intensive and existing computational tools often lack the flexibility and robustness needed to analyze molecular and structural dynamics in tip-growing cells. Tip Quantification (TipQuant) identifies the cell apex by detecting the site of maximum expansion and automatically quantifies fluorescence distribution along the plasma membrane and within the apical cytoplasm from live-cell imaging data, enabling analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of molecular and structural components in tip-growing cells. TipQuant accurately identified cell apices and quantified the spatiotemporal behavior of fluorescently labeled proteins and cellular structures in Arabidopsis thaliana pollen tubes and Fusarium graminearum hyphae, reproducing manual measurements while reducing user bias and improving efficiency, consistency, and analytical flexibility. The tool also revealed a strong positive correlation between rho-like GTPase from plants activity and apical Ca²⁺ influx in Arabidopsis pollen tubes, demonstrating its utility for analyzing dynamic cellular processes. TipQuant is a robust analytical tool for quantifying spatiotemporal dynamics in tip-growing cells, providing a flexible alternative to manual image analysis and enabling studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying polarized growth.

PMID:42619582 | DOI:10.1111/nph.71474

J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2026 Aug 20. doi: 10.5056/jnm25145. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: : Gut directed hypnotherapy can assist with irritable bowel syndrome, but access remains limited. This feasibility study conducted an exploratory comparison of 4 large language models (LLMs) to evaluate the readability and information quality of model generated responses to common patient questions about pre- hypnotherapy support.

METHODS: : Four LLMs (ChatGPT-4o, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, Gemini, and DeepSeek-R1) were queried using a pre-specified set of 14 standardized patient-oriented prompts. Responses were assessed for readability using validated indices (FKGL, FRES, and CLI) and for information quality using the DISCERN instrument and 5 item Likert scale, rated by a single evaluator. Paired statistical tests were used, and results are reported with effect sizes and confidence intervals.

RESULTS: : In this exploratory evaluation, DeepSeek-R1 and ChatGPT-4o generated responses with relatively higher scores across readability metrices (Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease Score, and Coleman-Liau Index) and information quality measures (DISCERN and Likert), which are distinct constructs assessed by separate instruments. Claude 3.7 Sonnet produced denser with lower readability and reliability scores, and Gemini showed intermediate performance. Interpretation is limited using automated readability metrics and single-rate design. As the DISCERN and Likert scores were generated by a single rater, statistical comparisons involving these measures cannot be considered definitive. The results below are presented solely to illustrate observable trends within this exploratory dataset.

CONCLUSION: LLMs show potential for generating patient oriented pre-hypnotherapy information, but this feasibility study is not sufficient to determine clinical applicability. The findings primarily highlight the need for expanded evaluation with multiple expert raters, patient participants, and more robust quality assessment methods before considering any practical or clinical use.

PMID:42619578 | DOI:10.5056/jnm25145

Child Care Health Dev. 2026 Sep;52(5):e70332. doi: 10.1111/cch.70332.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Child life specialists (CLSs) are increasingly recognized in paediatric practice, yet evidence regarding the efficacy of CLS intervention in children remains insufficient. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the intervention effects of CLSs on paediatric patients.

METHODS: Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and APA PsycArticles) were systematically searched using subject terms and free terms. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing CLS effects on paediatric pain and psychological outcomes were included, with searches from database inception through 30 January 2026. Two reviewers independently screened literature and extracted data. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using Stata/MP 18.0, calculating standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) via a random-effects model.

RESULTS: The initial search yielded 1140 records, and 12 studies (n = 1096 participants) were ultimately included in the analysis. The included studies primarily originated from the United States and Canada. Intervention settings included inpatient units, outpatient clinics and emergency departments. The meta-analysis revealed that, compared to conditions without CLS involvement, the presence of CLSs may alleviate children’s pain (SMD = -0.28, 95% CI -0.49 to -0.07, p = 0.009), distress (SMD = -0.26, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.05, p = 0.018) and anxiety (SMD = -0.37, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.01, p = 0.007) during medical procedures and treatments. However, the effect on alleviating children’s fear was not statistically significant (SMD = -0.11, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.10, p = 0.290).

CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports the potential of CLSs to alleviate paediatric pain, psychological distress and anxiety. However, their efficacy in reducing fear requires further validation. Despite the uncertainties involved, the potential value of CLSs in clinical practice warrants broader recognition.

PMID:42619575 | DOI:10.1111/cch.70332

Aust Occup Ther J. 2026 Aug;73(4):e70119. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.70119.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Early after stroke, inpatients commonly experience difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADL). Occupational therapists are key to providing early rehabilitation to optimise recovery. However, the effectiveness of early, activity-based retraining of ADLs is not clear. The aim of this systematic scoping review is to determine whether activity-based retraining targeting basic activities of daily living (b-ADL) and/or simple cognitive instrumental activities of daily living (C-IADL) delivered early after stroke improves functional independence.

METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase were searched. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials or quasi-randomised trials, with at least 75% of participants over the age of 18, with a stroke diagnosis, and who received activity-based interventions within the hospital setting. Articles were screened by two authors using Covidence. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool (RoB2). All results were meta-analysed using Comprehensive Meta Analysis software (V4.0).

CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: No consumer or community involvement was included in this study.

RESULTS: A total of 7546 articles were screened, and six studies including n = 254 participants met the inclusion criteria. Performance outcome measure results were meta-analysed; there was no statistically significant impact of activity-based interventions on functional performance (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.06, 0.87; P = 0.09). Two studies reviewed quality of life and satisfaction outcomes; data were not synthesised.

CONCLUSION: Whereas individual trials suggested improvements early after activity-based training, our meta-analysis showed variability in effects in trials to date. Further research is required to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of activity-based interventions within the hospital setting to guide occupational therapy practice.

PMID:42619544 | DOI:10.1111/1440-1630.70119

Aust Dent J. 2026 Aug 20. doi: 10.1111/adj.70060. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral health-related conditions are a leading and preventable cause of paediatric hospital presentations in Australia, contributing substantially to healthcare expenditure and placing increasing pressure on public hospital infrastructure. Preschool-aged children are disproportionately affected, often presenting late with advanced disease requiring resource-intensive care, including emergency extractions under general anaesthesia. In Western Australia, these challenges are further compounded by geographic barriers that limit timely access to public dental services.

METHODS: This study provides longitudinal data on dental-related emergency presentations at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) and its predecessor, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (PMH), over six years (2016-2021). The primary aim was to characterise the nature, volume, and demographic profile of unplanned emergency presentations associated with odontogenic infection.

RESULTS: Emergency presentations for odontogenic infections accounted for 46% of all presentations to the dental department. Children under five years accounted for nearly 60% of these cases, demonstrating a pronounced age-related disparity. A consistent year-on-year increase was observed in emergency presentations, with over 30,000 teeth being extracted, the majority of these requiring general anaesthesia. Posterior primary teeth comprised the majority of extractions, likely reflecting advanced, untreated early childhood caries.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight a persistent and escalating burden of preventable disease presenting at a late stage, where care is more invasive, costly, and resource-intensive. Without strategic investment in early, accessible, and preventive models of care, increasing demand will continue to strain hospital-based services and divert resources from other critical areas of paediatric healthcare.

PMID:42619532 | DOI:10.1111/adj.70060

Appl Neuropsychol Child. 2026 Aug 20:1-8. doi: 10.1080/21622965.2026.2719661. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the narrative skills and working memory performance of children with speech sound disorder (SSD) and their typically developing peers. The participant group of the study consisted of a total of 60 children (30 children with SSD – 30 typically developing peers). For this purpose, a comparative descriptive research model was used. The independent samples T-test was used to compare the groups in terms of scale scores. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the Narrative Skills scores and the Working Memory (WM) scale scores of the participants. According to the analysis results, there is a statistically significant difference between the working memory scores and narrative performance scores of the two groups. In this study, verbal short-term memory, verbal working memory, visual short-term memory, and visual working memory scores did not differ according to gender among participants with short-term memory disorder (p > 0.05), however, there was a statistically significant difference in the total working memory score according to gender. The total WM score of the female group was higher than that of the male group. Narrative performance of participants with SSD did not differ according to gender.

PMID:42619531 | DOI:10.1080/21622965.2026.2719661

Ann Med. 2026 Dec;58(1):2719947. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2026.2719947. Epub 2026 Aug 20.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Advances in cancer treatment have prolonged survival, but the incidence of bone metastases has also increased. Shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral metastases involves major surgical trauma and uncertain functional outcomes in older patients. This study aimed to assess whether age influences prognosis and functional recovery after shoulder arthroplasty.

METHODS: Fifty-three patients with isolated proximal humeral metastases undergoing arthroplasty were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into Group A (≥65 years, n = 25) and Group B (<65 years, n = 28). Surgical outcomes were compared between groups, including operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, pain, limb function, complications, survival, recurrence, and quality of life. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, chi-square tests, and Cox regression to identify prognostic factors.

RESULTS: Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, Visual Analogue Scale, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores, complication rates, survival, recurrence, and metastasis showed no significant group differences (p > 0.05). However, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were significantly different (p < 0.05). Cox regression identified tumor malignancy and hospital stay as independent risk factors (p < 0.05), while age was not prognostic (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Older patients achieved survival, functional recovery, and complication rates comparable to younger patients. Prosthetic humeral head replacement is therefore a viable treatment option for isolated proximal humeral metastases in older patients.

PMID:42619530 | DOI:10.1080/07853890.2026.2719947

Pulmonology. 2026 Dec;32(1):2719420. doi: 10.1080/25310429.2026.2719420. Epub 2026 Aug 20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sleep apnoea (SA) is prevalent and correlated with multiple comorbidities. Nevertheless, SA remains underdiagnosed and underrecognized in the Chinese population. This study aimed to evaluate the comorbidity burden and healthcare utilisation among SA patients from the Beijing Medical Insurance Database.

METHODS: This study extracted data from the Beijing Medical Insurance Database spanning 2016 to 2021. Patients with SA documented in the discharge diagnosis on the front page of medical records were enrolled as the case group, and one control subject matched by age, gender, and admission date was randomly assigned to each case. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance additional covariates. Primary indicators included comorbidity burden, hospitalisation frequency, length of stay, and medical expenditures. Generalised linear models were used to evaluate the associations.

RESULTS: A total of 50 379 pairs were initially identified, and 33 439 pairs were included in the final analysis after PSM. The comorbidity burden was significantly increased among SA patients. SA was independently associated with higher medical expenditures, including daily cost, per-visit cost, annual cost, and cumulative cost, as well as longer hospital length of stay and greater hospitalisation frequency. Subgroup analyses revealed that the increased healthcare utilisation was more pronounced among females, individuals aged ≥65 years, unemployed subjects, and patients with related comorbidities.

CONCLUSION: The comorbidity burden and healthcare utilisation are significantly increased in SA patients. There is an urgent need to enhance awareness of SA as a prevalent disorder and to implement early screening and proactive interventions.

PMID:42619508 | DOI:10.1080/25310429.2026.2719420

Glob Chang Biol. 2026 Aug;32(8):e71047. doi: 10.1111/gcb.71047.

ABSTRACT

The future of how we understand and manage ecosystems largely depends on direct and continuous observations that connect local territories to planetary processes. Latin America (LATAM: Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean) hosts ecosystems critical for regulating global carbon, water, and energy cycles. However, persistent underinvestment in science and technology hampers the long-term monitoring capacity needed to advance regional priorities. Addressing the climate crisis requires investing in local researchers, technicians, and students, providing Earth System Science training that integrates biophysical and sociocultural knowledge. Although English is the lingua franca of science, training in native languages accelerates technical capacity, strengthens regional collaboration, and grounds solutions in local experience. Here, we present TAFE (Taller de Aprendizaje de Flujos Ecosistémicos) as an example of how regionally grounded, native-languages training can strengthen ecosystem flux science in LATAM and beyond. Such initiatives help decentralize knowledge, reduce the underrepresentation of Global South ecosystems in flux databases, and empower the next generation to lead research for both regional and global benefit.

PMID:42619499 | DOI:10.1111/gcb.71047

Cereb Cortex. 2026 Aug 1;36(8):bhag120. doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhag120.

ABSTRACT

Lesion-deficit mapping is a premier technique for dissociating neural correlates of cognitive functions. However, the contribution of domain-general cognition (g) to the performance of virtually all complex behavioral tasks may encumber such efforts. This possibility has been largely unexplored. Here, we examined the influence of g in lesion-deficit mapping using a combination of structural equation modeling, lesion-behavior mapping (LBM), and structural lesion network mapping (sLNM) and functional lesion network mapping (fLNM). We modeled latent variables for visuospatial ability, processing speed, language, and anterograde memory among 473 patients with focal brain damage (age range 20 to 93, 257 men, 216 women), both with and without g-associated variance embedded within each factor. Lesion-deficit maps for domain-specific cognitive abilities were statistically significantly less spatially inter-correlated after partitioning out g (P = 0.010 for LBM; P = 0.003 for sLNM; P = 0.003 for fLNM). Lesion-deficit maps also implicated the existence of distinct neuroanatomy for specific cognitive domains that was, in many cases, only apparent and clearly distinct from lesion-deficit maps of g after partitioning out the influence of g. Overall, our findings suggest that, if left unaccounted for, domain-general cognitive variance could tangibly affect conclusions about the extent to which different cognitive functions rely on distinct neuroanatomy.

PMID:42619488 | DOI:10.1093/cercor/bhag120