Tag: statistics

Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere. 2025 Aug;53(4):209-219. doi: 10.1055/a-2563-9702. Epub 2025 Sep 2.

ABSTRACT

Currently, no suitable parameter to predict the occurrence of azotaemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) after hyperthyroidism treatment in cats exists. The aim of this study was to evaluate various clinical and laboratory parameters as well as renal cortical thickness (assessed by ultrasound) as predictors of azotaemic CKD after radioiodine therapy (RAIT).Cats presented for RAIT (April 2021-April 2022) were prospectively enrolled. Cats with azotaemia (creatinine≥140 µmol/L) and cats with pathological renal morphology were excluded. After RAIT, cats were followed for 6-12 months (measurement of total thyroxine [TT4], thyroid-stimulating hormone and creatinine). Cats with persistent hyperthyroidism and cats with a follow-up<6 months were excluded from the statistical analysis, as their thyroid and kidney function could not be sufficiently evaluated. Following parameters obtained prior RAIT were compared between cats that developed azotaemic CKD following RAIT and those that did not: age, weight, duration since the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and RAIT, blood pressure, haematocrit, concentration of creatinine, urea, potassium, phosphate, TT4 and symmetrical dimethylarginine, urine-specific gravity, urine protein/creatinine ratio and sonographically assessed renal cortical thickness.51 cats were enrolled; 29/51 were included in the statistical analysis (11/29 became euthyroid and 18/29 became hypothyroid post RAIT). There was no difference in the frequency of azotaemia between euthyroid and hypothyroid cats (5/11 vs. 6/18, p=0.7). None of the clinical, laboratory and morphological markers proved to be predictive of the development of azotaemic CKD following RAIT.None of the investigated parameters was predictive of the development of azotaemic CKD in hyperthyroid cats after RAIT. Due to the small study population, future larger studies should be undertaken, especially to assess morphological markers.

PMID:40897180 | DOI:10.1055/a-2563-9702

Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere. 2025 Aug;53(4):231-244. doi: 10.1055/a-2625-9116. Epub 2025 Sep 2.

ABSTRACT

In South American Camelids (SAC), determining a suitable time point for mating poses challenges as females ready for conception do not show estrus signs or behavioral changes. Therefore, the applicability of measuring sex steroids in milk and vaginal cytology as non-invasive methods for monitoring ovarian activity was investigated.Samples were collected from a total of 10 alpacas (A) and 9 llamas (L) over a period of 4 weeks following parturition. The concentrations of progesterone (P4), estradiol-17β (E2) and total estrogens (GOE) in blood and milk were measured using radioimmunoassays after sample extraction. Vaginal swabs were prepared and evaluated according to the procedure routinely used in dogs.In A and L, the estrogen concentrations in milk were significantly lower than those in blood (E2 in blood: A: 11.1±2.9 pg/ml, L: 14.6±5.0 pg/ml; E2 in milk: A: 6.2±3.1 pg/ml, L: 7.9±5.8 pg/ml; GOE in blood: A: 120. 2±26.9 pg/ml, L: 143.7±45 pg/ml; GOE in milk: A: 57.1±16.1, L: 75.9±34.6 pg/ml), while the differences between the two species were not significant. The correlations between steroid concentrations in blood and milk were statistically significant in L, but not in A. While in L, correlations between estrogen concentrations and vaginal cytological parameters showed several statistical significances with p-values partly <0.01, in A only GOE in the blood was negatively correlated with the proportion of basal-/parabasal cells.P4 measurement in milk allows the detection of luteal phases in SAC with high reliability. Despite statistical significance, the correlations between estrogen concentrations in blood and milk were also too weak in L to estimate blood concentrations with acceptable accuracy based on estrogen concentrations in milk at the level of the individual animal. Vaginal cytology could in principle be suitable for the identification of the maturation phase of follicular waves in L. However, improvements of the methodology and further validation are warranted before its routine use.

PMID:40897165 | DOI:10.1055/a-2625-9116

Cytokine. 2025 Sep 1;195:157021. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157021. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of microbiota (lung and gut) in the development of asthma. However, the potential effect between oral microbiota and asthma remains poorly understood.

METHODS: This study performed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study using summary statistics from the genome-wide association studies of oral microbiota, immune cell traits and asthma. Various MR analysis methods were employed, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), constrained maximum likelihood model averaging-based method (cML-MA-BIC), maximum likelihood (ML), weighted mode, weighted median, and MR-robust adjusted profile score (MR-RAPS). Additionally, mediation analyses were performed to identify the immune cell traits that mediate these effects.

RESULTS: This study identified 12 oral bacterial taxa and 36 inflammatory cytokines associated with asthma. After identifying the oral microbiota and immune cell characteristics associated with asthma, we applied a mediation MR framework to investigate whether immune cell traits mediate the effect of microbiota on asthma. Finally, we identified eight immune cell traits that mediate asthma caused by bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the causal associations between oral bacterial taxa, immune cell traits, and asthma, providing evidence that various immune cell traits serve as critical mediators between the oral microbiota and asthma. The link between the oral microbiome and asthma has important implications for clinical practice.

PMID:40897151 | DOI:10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157021

Acta Psychol (Amst). 2025 Sep 1;260:105483. doi: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105483. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Compared to existing research on foreign language anxiety (FLA) and motivation, which focus on learning English as a foreign language (EFL), research on anxiety and motivation in learning Chinese as second or foreign language remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of anxiety and motivation on learning Chinese as a foreign language (CFL), as well as investigate the relationship between anxiety and motivation among CFL learners, with the primary factors that could contribute to increasing anxiety and motivation levels. Employing a correlational design, 66 first-year intermediate school CFL learners participated in this study. Data were collected using two questionnaires: the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) by Sung and Li (2019) and a motivation scale adapted by Wen (1997). To analyze the data using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), the present study employed a quantitative approach and a descriptive-analytical method. The findings revealed a high impact of anxiety on CFL learning, particularly concerning the mastery of language skills and writing Chinese characters. Learners expressed high levels of Chinese class performance anxiety, while levels of confidence in their overall ability to learn the language were significantly lower. Additionally, learners exhibited high motivation to learn Chinese. No significant relationship was observed between anxiety and motivation. This study highlights significant insights for Chinese language instructors, emphasizing the need to improve teaching approaches to minimize anxiety while improving motivation.

PMID:40897141 | DOI:10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105483

Epilepsy Behav. 2025 Sep 1;172:110696. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110696. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) has recently updated the classification of epileptic seizures. This study aims to explore the perspectives of a broad group of neurologists and neurology residents regarding the new classification.

METHODS: A structured, anonymous online survey was distributed among adult general neurologists, epileptologists, and neurology residents across 10 Spanish-speaking countries. A 23-item questionnaire covered demographic data and opinions on the ILAE seizure classifications. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS: A total of 124 participants completed the survey. While 56.5 % supported updating the 2017 classification, 53.3 % felt the revision came too soon. The 2017 version remained the preferred seizure classification (48.8 %), followed by the 2025 update (30.1 %) and earlier versions. Although 44.7 % of respondents expressed a favourable opinion of the 2025 classification, most participants feel it does not address the limitations of the previous version. Epileptologists were significantly more favourable toward the update (61.9 %) and rated it higher. Neurology residents were the most critical subgroup. Nearly half (49.6 %) of participants expect to adopt the new classification in their clinical practice, while 26.0 % are undecided, and 24.4 % believe they will not.

CONCLUSION: The 2025 ILAE seizure classification received mixed feedback from a considerable group of neurologists and neurology residents. While epileptologists were more receptive, many non-epileptologist neurologists and residents questioned its timing and practical benefit. The 2017 version remains the most accepted version of all ILAE classifications. Nevertheless, the new classification is expected to be widely adopted in clinical practice.

PMID:40897133 | DOI:10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110696

Intensive Crit Care Nurs. 2025 Sep 1;92:104215. doi: 10.1016/j.iccn.2025.104215. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40897105 | DOI:10.1016/j.iccn.2025.104215

Water Res. 2025 Aug 21;287(Pt B):124448. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2025.124448. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is the degradation of a mixture of three pesticides from three distinct families: Metalaxyl (fungicide), Metolachlor (herbicide), and Diazinon (organophosphate Insecticide). In this work, the enhanced advanced oxidation process known as “Photo-Fenton” was first optimized, and the mineralization step was determined. The experimental design and response surface “three-parameter Doehlert design” were employed as the experimental methodology to modeling and optimizing the experimental parameters. Hydrogen peroxide, ferrous iron, and pH were the factors examined in this investigation. The mathematical model obtained was also validated. In the optimal conditions C_Fe=5mg L^-1, [Formula: see text] = 395.2 mg L^-1 and pH=3.47, an 81 % mineralization rate was achieved. By combining the QuEChERS extraction method (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe), pre-concentration with the evaporation protocol, and GC-MS/MS analysis, a novel analytical methodology for determination of three analytes and the by-products of photo-degradation was developed. It was observed that this approach performed well for all analytes and the by-products detection at trace and ultra-trace levels. MTCh produced 12 by-products, DZN produced six, and MTX produced five intermediates after 15 min of degradation. Under the same ideal operating conditions, other alternative processes were tested to boost the mineralization yield: Fenton with an efficiency of 70 %, Photo-Fenton with two lamps 85 %. The yield for the adsorption procedure was 72 %. However, the cyclic approach, which started with Photo-Fenton and proceeded with adsorption, achieved a 90 % yield, and with the hybrid process (adsorption and Photo-Fenton process), the mineralization reached 99 % after just 60 min and was able to attain nearly complete mineralization by combining the processes of degradation and removal simultaneously.

PMID:40897100 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2025.124448

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Sep 1;999:180323. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180323. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Human interventions, such as vegetation removal and engineering structures, can significantly alter river dynamics, often increasing erosion and flood risk. While many studies have examined the role of vegetation, flood regimes, and channel geometry in river morphodynamics, long-term, reach-scale analyses of channel response to abrupt riparian vegetation removal remain scarce. This study examines channel changes in the meandering Orljava River, Croatia, over the past 55 years, focusing on its response to floods before and after anthropogenic removal of riparian vegetation in 2011. Channel morphometric parameters were measured using aerial images, orthophotos, and topographic maps. To assess factors influencing lateral migration rates, data on flood magnitude, duration, riparian vegetation, and channel geometry were analysed using linear mixed models. The results showed a fourfold increase in migration rates and a 40 % increase in channel width after vegetation removal. Statistical analysis revealed that migration rates were negatively related to riparian vegetation cover and positively related to the duration of geomorphically effective discharges, channel slope, and width. The most geomorphically dynamic sections were located downstream of mill weirs and artificial meander cutoffs, which locally modify channel slope and increase stream power. These findings suggest that human interventions have been the primary drivers of intense bank erosion, channel migration, and agricultural land loss. To mitigate lateral erosion and flood risks in actively meandering rivers like the Orljava, restoring riparian vegetation is crucial for stabilizing riverbanks. Additionally, preserving natural sinuosity can enhance geomorphological diversity and improve channel stability by reducing slope and stream power.

PMID:40897095 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180323

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Sep 1;999:180338. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180338. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous environmental bacteria that cause chronic pulmonary disease. Incidence patterns have risen globally over the last several decades. Prior studies suggest that climate change may have a role in increasing incidence patterns.

METHODS: We analyzed NTM incidence from two US-based populations: Medicare beneficiaries and persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). We identified predictors of NTM incidence with time-lagged meteorological and severe weather event covariates across US climate zones.

FINDINGS: The average annual incidence of NTM was 30.4 per 100,000 for the Medicare population and 2071.4 per 100,000 pwCF, with both populations showing rising incidence over the study period. We found that several factors predicted NTM incidence risk for the Medicare population and pwCF. In the Southeastern US particularly, floods were predictors of NTM incidence risk and across the mid-latitude US, dust storms were predictors of incidence. Air pressure, cloud cover, precipitation, and the number of days above various temperature thresholds were consistent predictors of NTM incidence across climate zones. The lag time between predictive meteorological variation or weather events and NTM incidence varied by zone and population studied.

INTERPRETATION: Geographic heterogeneity exists in the meteorological and severe event factors predictive of NTM incidence, evidenced by data from two high-risk study populations in the US. The role of continued climate change in the spatial and temporal distribution of NTM incidence merits further research.

PMID:40897094 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180338

Clin Imaging. 2025 Aug 28;126:110595. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2025.110595. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the prognostic value of incidental coronary artery calcium (CACi) identified on routine chest computed tomography (CT) scans in predicting cardiovascular outcomes and its association with statin prescription in asymptomatic individuals.

METHODS: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for randomized clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, and retrospective cohort studies. Search terms included combinations of “CT,” “routine,” “thorax,” “coronary,” and “calcification. The primary outcomes were cardiovascular mortality and statin initiation in asymptomatic patients with incidental CAC detected on routine chest CT. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software, specifically version 4.3.2.Outcomes included cardiovascular mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary outcomes included statin initiation and medication adherence as reported by each study.

RESULTS: 67,127 patients were included from 7 studies, of which 4 were RCT. Follow up ranged from 6 to 135 months and the prevalence of male participants was 86 %. The results indicated a significantly higher likelihood of cardiovascular mortality in the group with incidental CAC presence (OR: 7.38, 95 % CI: 4.10-13.28, p < 0.001). Heterogeneity was considered moderate, with an I² of 45 % and a Chi² of 7.26.

CONCLUSIONS: Incidental coronary artery calcium quantification on routine chest computed tomography is a valuable tool for cardiovascular risk stratification, and the detection of incidental coronary arterial calcium is related with and increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.

PMID:40897083 | DOI:10.1016/j.clinimag.2025.110595