This study was conducted in the Al-Kawtha Agricultural Project, Babil Governorate, Iraq (874 km²), with the aim of evaluating the spatial distribution of major soil nutrients. Four land-use types were considered: wheat, maize, eggplant, and uncultivated land. Soil samples were collected from two depths (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm) and analyzed to determine nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc.as well as key physical and chemical properties.The results showed substantial variation in nutrient levels among the different land uses, while soil pH remained relatively stable. Nitrogen concentrations ranged from 18.90 to 38.9 mg kg⁻¹, phosphorus from 4.30 to 11.27 mg kg⁻¹, potassium from 97.60 to 145.3 mg kg⁻¹, iron from 3.58 to 7.58 mg kg⁻¹, and zinc from 0.31 to 0.46 mg kg⁻¹. The highest nutrient concentrations were observed in uncultivated areas, reflecting minimal nutrient removal, whereas cultivated fields—especially maize—showed lower nitrogen and organic matter content. Phosphorus was more abundant in deeper layers, while other nutrients were concentrated in the topsoil .Statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05) confirmed that Findings revealed that soil nutrient distribution was significantly influenced by both land-use type and soil depth. These findings emphasize the long-term impact of cultivation on soil nutrient depletion and highlight the necessity of sustainable management strategies, including organic fertilization and crop rotation, to preserve soil fertility and productivity.

Disability rating scales play a pivotal role in clinical trials, but there is a notable lack of guidance on how to analyze these scales. Using amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as a case study, our aim was to explore how disability rating scales have been analyzed in completed clinical trials and to assess how these different approaches influence both the risk of false-positive findings and the statistical power to detect true treatment effects. We searched PubMed and Embase to systematically identify randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials using the revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R) as primary end point, with ≥20 randomly assigned patients and ≥12-weeks of follow-up. Data were extracted on the statistical analysis approaches and strategies for handling missing data. Variability in statistical methods was mapped to the various research questions that the trials aimed to address. A simulation study assessed how each statistical method influenced validity (false-positive rate) and precision (statistical power), using the Ceftriaxone trial data set to model a realistic trial scenario. Our analysis included 45 randomized clinical trials, comprising a total sample size of 7,338 patients, and identified 39 distinct statistical methods using a mixture of longitudinal and cross-sectional techniques. Most trials (55.6%) did not use all available (longitudinal) ALSFRS-R measurements, resulting in suboptimal utilization of patient data and reduced statistical precision. Applying the different statistical methods to the same trial data set resulted in large differences in the estimated treatment effect size, ranging from a negative 1.33 to a positive 2.33 SD difference. Among the methods used, 38.9% (95% CI 24.8%-55.1%) were at risk of increasing false-positive rates, potentially contributing to the erroneous advancement of ineffective treatments. Statistical power of valid strategies varied widely, ranging from 17.9% to 78.2%. Our results demonstrate considerable variability in statistical methods, with the choice of method able to influence the estimated treatment effects, potentially resulting in misleading conclusions and uncertainty about treatment effects. This limits the interpretability and comparability of clinical trials and influences clinical decision-making and drug development. Establishing statistical consensus recommendations could improve the utility of disability scales in clinical trials and accelerate progress toward effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Untargeted metabolomics and in-house database analysis reveal differences between Elephantopus scaber L. and Elephantopus tomentosus L.

ABSTRACT The study focuses on using remote sensing methods for geotechnical monitoring and disaster management in Saudi Arabia. Surface changes were analysed through satellite image processing, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) surveys, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) assessments, revealing significant landform alterations and ground subsidence. High-resolution LiDAR data enabled precise terrain and elevation measurements, while statistical analyses quantified movement rates across three designated hazard zones (Zones A, B, and C based on deformation characteristics), identifying Zone C as the most active. Temporal trend analysis showed seasonal fluctuations and stability concerns. Geographic Information System (GIS)-based spatial analysis produced slope stability maps that support land use planning and hazard mitigation. Integrating Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) enhanced real-time monitoring, with simulations confirming their reliability. The study underscores the vital role of continuous remote sensing and data integration for disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable risk management in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder often leads to ongoing sleep difficulties such as insomnia and nightmares, which can interfere with mood, concentration, and daily activities. Guided imagery, a relaxation method that uses calming, multisensory visualizations, has shown potential to improve sleep and reduce distress in people experiencing high stress or trauma. This study evaluates the effectiveness of guided imagery in improving sleep quality among young adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to conventional occupational therapy. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of guided imagery and conventional occupational therapy in improving sleep quality among young adults (18-25 years) with post-traumatic stress disorder. Materials and methods: A quasi experimental design was conducted with 30 young adults aged 18-25 years, recruited through convenience sampling and divided into two groups: experimental (guided imagery intervention) and control (conventional occupational therapy). The potential of the post-traumatic stress disorder was accomplished by the diagnosis of PTSD using Clinician- Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5, Past-Month version. Both interventions were delivered over three months, with 36 sessions held three times per week, each lasting 45 minutes. The state of sleep prior to intervention and right after the intervention was critically explained with the aid of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analysis was performed to compare pre- and post-test scores within and between groups. Results: The experimental group (N=15) had a mean pre-test PSQI score of 14.40 (SD=2.41) and a post-test score of 8.73 (SD=2.05), showing a highly significant improvement (t=15.707, p=0.000). The control group (N=15) had a mean pre-test PSQI score of 14.07 (SD=1.53) and a post-test score of 13.47 (SD=1.60), also showing significant improvement (t=2.358, p=0.033). Post-test scores between the groups revealed a significantly greater improvement in the experimental group compared to the control group (t=7.050, p=0.000). Conclusion: Guided imagery was found to greatly improve sleep quality in young adults living with post-traumatic stress disorder, offering better results than conventional occupational therapy. These results highlight the value of using gentle, non-drug approaches like guided imagery to ease sleep difficulties and support overall well-being in this group.

Compositional data and properties of Romanian wine varieties - A statistical analysis

Influence of noise and effect characteristics on statistical power in the analyses of one-dimensional biomechanical trajectories.

Acute aerobic exercise improves inhibitory control in individuals with test anxiety: evidence from event-related potentials.

Development of weighted efficiency for photovoltaic inverters: A Brazilian case study

Impact of atmospheric correction on machine learning-based land cover classification: insights from the Sil Canyon (NW Spain)

The whole-body vibration (WBV) encountered in a rotorcraft dominates near 4-6 Hz, causing resonant oscillations of the seated human pilot/crew. Exposure to such WBV has been associated with many health disorders among the exposed pilot/crew, namely, deformities of the spine and loading of neck muscles, apart from discomfort and deteriorated tracking performance. The use of helmet and mounted devices together with non-neutral head-neck complex (HNC) postures, frequently assumed by pilots, further accentuates the dynamic stresses imposed on the HNC. This study experimentally investigates the transmission of vertical seat vibration to HNC of seated human subjects, assuming non-neutral HNC postures. The data were analyzed to highlight the effects of HNC posture on translational and rotational vibration responses of HNC. The experiments were conducted on 14 adult males subjected to band-limited white-noise vibration in the 0.5 to 25 Hz frequency range. Considering four different HNC postures (neutral, yaw rotation, flexion, and combined flexion and rotation) and two back support conditions (NB- no back support and WB- an inclined back support). The responses were measured in the sagittal plane at four different locations (mouth level, forehead, top of the skull, and C7 vertebrae) under three different levels of seat vibration, expressed in terms of root-mean-squared acceleration values (RMS: 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 m/s 2 ). The results showed pronounced effects of HNC postures, which were also confirmed through statistical analyses of the measured data. The analyses also indicated significant effects of back support condition and measurement location, irrespective of the HNC posture. • The effect of non-neutral head-neck postures on the vibration transmissibility was investigated experimentally. • The experiment design includes four different head-neck postures, two different sitting conditions, and three excitation levels. • The responses were measured in the sagittal plane at four different locations. • The results revealed the considerable effects of non-neutral head-neck postures on the peak transmissibility magnitudes and frequencies. • The statistical analyses also confirmed the significant effects of head-neck posture on the peak transmissibility magnitude and frequencies.

Machine learning and deep learning tools have been proposed to improve survival prediction in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but comparative benchmarks remain unclear. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (January 2018 to March 2025) identified studies developing or externally validating artificial intelligence (AI)-based models for overall or relapse-free survival reporting area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC). Two reviewers extracted design, population, features, algorithms, and training/validation AUCs and assessed risk of bias using Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). Random-effects meta-analysis (DerSimonian-Laird) pooled validation AUCs overall and by horizon (1/2/3/5 years) and feature category (gene-centric vs nongenetic). Optimism bias was the training-validation AUC difference. We included 24 predominantly retrospective studies (137 model cohorts; ∼51 055 patients). Of 120 PROBAST domain ratings, 74% were low risk, 25% unclear, and <1% high; statistical analysis was the weakest domain. Across 73 independent validation cohorts, the pooled AUC was 0.769 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.742-0.795) with substantial between-study variability (I 2 = 95.7%; meaning most of the spread reflects real differences across cohorts rather than chance). Validation AUCs increased with longer horizons (1-year, 0.748; 2-year, 0.760; 3-year, 0.760; 5-year, 0.833). Pooled development AUC was 0.801 vs 0.749 in matched validation sets (ΔAUC, 0.052; 95% CI, 0.041-0.063). Nongenetic models achieved a pooled validation AUC of 0.776 vs 0.741 for gene-centric models (ΔAUC, 0.035; P = .085). AML AI prognostic models show moderate discrimination with modest optimism but substantial heterogeneity and limited prospective validation, supporting standardized reporting and rigorous external evaluation.

Introduction: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) originated as a form of biological/neuro modulatory treatment for psychiatric disorders. In recent decades, its use is declining despite evidence-based international guidelines, but on the contrary, there has been an increase in research on ECT. Aim: To explore the sociodemographic profile, clinical profile, ECT parameters, side-effects and outcomes of modified ECT among patients who received ECT over the past six years (2019-2025). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Department of Psychiatry, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital (AVMCH), Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (VMRF-DU), Puducherry, India in March 2025 to September 2025. The medical records were obtained for 71 patients who received ECT in the last six years (May 1st, 2019-May 31st, 2025). The data were collected using a semistructured proforma for sociodemographic details, clinical profile, ECT parameters and the clinical response. The data was entered in MS Excel 365 and statistical analysis was done using mean and standard deviation for continuous variables, percentage and frequency for categorical variables. Results: A total of 64 records were included out of 71. The most common ICD 10 diagnosis of subjects who received ECT was bipolar affective disorder- 21 (32.8%), followed by Schizophrenia- 19 (29.6%). The most common indication for ECT, irrespective of diagnosis was irritability/aggression/ violence- 19 (29.7%). The clinical response of the subjects who received ECT were improved in 43 (67.2%), partially improved in 15 (23.4%) and not improved in 6 (9.4%). Conclusion: In the present study, no major life-threatening complications was found with minimal and manageable sideeffects following modified ECT. ECT was indicated predominantly for mood disorders followed by psychotic disorders, especially, for those patients with irritability/aggression.

Rapid diagnosis of asthma via metabolomic analysis of exhaled volatile organic compounds using high-pressure photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Perioperative ketamine or esketamine for acute postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression.

Incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome After the Diagnosis of Ulnar Neuropathy.

Introduction: Infertility is defined as the failure of a couple to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual activity. Oligospermia is one of the causes of male infertility, when there are fewer than 20 million sperm per millilitre of semen. In Ayurveda, oligospermia is correlated with Kshina Shukra. Need of the study: A study on oligospermia is needed to address the growing concern of male infertility, which affects many couples and often has limited treatment options. Modern medicines such as Clomiphene citrate and Letrozole, which have long been used in the management of oligospermia, may be associated with adverse effects including dizziness, visual disturbances, flushing (skin redness), headaches, and nasal congestion. Vrushadi Vati, a herbal compound mentioned in Harita Samhita, contains Rishbhak (Malaxis muscifera), Bruhti (Solanum indicum), Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Pippali (Piperlongum), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), and Sharkara (white sugar), all of which possess aphrodisiac properties. No previous study has been conducted on Vrushadi Vati in Kshina Shukra (oligospermia). Aim: Evaluation of comparative efficacy of Vrushadi Vati versus Tab Clomiphene citrate in the management of Kshina Shukra (oligospermia). Materials and Methods: This will be a randomised controlled trial conducted at the Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Salod (H), Wardha, from March 2024 to February 2026. Patients will be randomly divided into two groups using a computerised method, each having 22 patients: Group A (n=22): Tab Clomiphene citrate (control group), Group B (n=22): Vrushadi Vati (experimental group). Treatment will be administered for 90 days. Follow-up will occur on the 30th, 60th, and 90th day, with parameters including sperm count and sperm motility assessed on the 30th and 90th days. Statistical analysis will be performed using the Wilcoxon signedrank test. Assessment parameters will be compared before and after treatment within each group by performing paired t-tests and between groups using unpaired t-tests. A p-value &lt;0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Topical low-dose talc is associated with early histological changes in airway anastomotic healing: A pilot rat study.

Rickettsioses are predominantly zoonotic infections that circulate among animal populations and can be transmitted to humans, representing emerging vector-borne diseases spread through infected arthropod vectors. Rickettsia asembonensis displays a broad geographic distribution and is predominantly associated with fleas. Recent reports have identified R. asembonensis in febrile human patients in Malaysia, Peru, and Zambia, underscoring its emerging zoonotic potential. In Thailand, however, investigations of Rickettsia spp. have concentrated mainly on ticks and fleas, with comparatively little information regarding infections in pet dogs and cats. The present study examined Rickettsia spp. in 968 pets, 472 client-owned dogs, and 496 client-owned cats from the Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom regions, using the 17-kDa gene as a molecular marker. Genetic analyses of Rickettsia species were performed using maximum-likelihood phylogeny with IQ-TREE, Bayesian inference, pairwise sequence similarity assessment, and nucleotide sequence type network analysis. A total of 114 pets tested positive, corresponding to a prevalence of 11.8%, with 21.6% (102/472) in dogs and 2.4% (12/496) in cats. Of these, 48 samples were sequenced, leading to the identification of R. asembonensis and either uncultured Rickettsia spp. or the Rickettsia endosymbiont of Haemaphysalis bispinosa. Statistical analysis indicated significantly higher infection rates in pet dogs and cats from the Nakhon Pathom region. Phylogenetic reconstruction with maximum-likelihood and Bayesian-inference approaches revealed distinct clustering of R. asembonensis and uncultured Rickettsia spp. Furthermore, three nucleotide sequence types of R. asembonensis identified here were unique and not shared with isolates from other countries or host species, as demonstrated by phylogenetic and Templeton-Crandall-Sing network analyses. This work provides the first documentation of R. asembonensis in client-owned urban dogs and cats in Thailand and highlights the need for increased awareness among veterinarians and pet owners, given its public health relevance.

Effects of insecticides and awareness on the dynamics of a delayed malaria model: A real-data calibration.