Statistical Analysis Research Articles

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and support vector machines for the diagnosis of major depressive disorder in adolescents

BACKGROUND Research has found that the amygdala plays a significant role in underlying pathology of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, few studies have explored machine learning-assisted diagnostic biomarkers based on amygdala functional connectivity (FC). AIM To investigate the analysis of neuroimaging biomarkers as a streamlined approach for the diagnosis of MDD in adolescents. METHODS Forty-four adolescents diagnosed with MDD and 43 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, the FC was compared between the adolescents with MDD and the healthy controls, with the bilateral amygdala serving as the seed point, followed by statistical analysis of the results. The support vector machine (SVM) method was then applied to classify functional connections in various brain regions and to evaluate the neurophysiological characteristics associated with MDD. RESULTS Compared to the controls and using the bilateral amygdala as the region of interest, patients with MDD showed significantly lower FC values in the left inferior temporal gyrus, bilateral calcarine, right lingual gyrus, and left superior occipital gyrus. However, there was an increase in the FC value in Vermis-10. The SVM analysis revealed that the reduction in the FC value in the right lingual gyrus could effectively differentiate patients with MDD from healthy controls, achieving a diagnostic accuracy of 83.91%, sensitivity of 79.55%, specificity of 88.37%, and an area under the curve of 67.65%. CONCLUSION The results showed that an abnormal FC value in the right lingual gyrus was effective as a neuroimaging biomarker to distinguish patients with MDD from healthy controls.

The influence of perceived financial security on social intention entrepreneurs in Tunisia

Purpose Although a limited number of studies have suggested that financial factors significantly impact social entrepreneurs, the extent to which financial incentives influence the likelihood of starting a new social venture remains unclear. This paper aims to examine the role of perceived financial stability in shaping the propensity to embark on a new social entrepreneurial venture within a specific socio-economic context. Design/methodology/approach This study introduces perceived financial stability as a new determinant of social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) and uses two distinct measurement tools to validate this model. Separate statistical analyses are conducted using groups of samples (n = 204) to test the influence of perceived financial stability alongside other factors such as perceived social support and entrepreneurial social self-efficacy. Findings The results reveal that perceived financial stability, perceived social support and entrepreneurial social self-efficacy are all independent direct predictors of SEI. These factors also moderate the relationship between past experience and SEI. The study culminates in the development of the Hockerts model, highlighting the critical role of perceived financial stability in driving SEIs. Originality/value This research provides novel insights into how concerns about future financial security influence social entrepreneurs. It underscores the importance of perceived financial stability as a significant precursor to SEIs, offering a deeper understanding of the motivations behind social entrepreneurship.

Biochemical composition of Armenian chili pepper varieties: insights for functional food applications

Background: Capsicum annuum L. (pepper) is economically significant in many countries, including Armenia, where it helps conserve the vegetable gene pool and supports public health. Its rich biochemical composition makes it a key dietary component, particularly for its antioxidant properties, which combat free radicals. The biochemical makeup of peppers vary by genotype and maturity, leading breeders to develop varieties with both agronomic and nutritional benefits. Chili peppers are especially valued for their high carotene and ascorbic acid content, earning them the title of "multi vitamin concentrate," along with other vitamins and bioactive compounds that enhance their health benefits. Objective: This study examines the biochemical profiles of various Armenian chili pepper varieties, highlighting their nutritional value and potential in agricultural systems. By analysing these unique varieties, the research aims to advance knowledge of their health benefits and promote sustainable farming practices. Methods: The study examined six locally bred chili pepper varieties—'Artsiv', 'Punj', 'Kon', 'Deghin kakach', 'Oranj kakach', and 'Kaytsak'. Ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and phenols were measured at both the technical and biological ripening stages using spectrophotometry. Dry matter was determined by the thermogravimetric method, and sugar content by Bertrand’s method. Pungency was assessed using the Scoville heat units’ method, and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Results: The study of six Armenian chili pepper varieties showed differences in fruit shape, color, ripening times, and productivity. 'Deghin kakach', 'Oranj kakach', and 'Kon' produce conical fruits that change to yellow, orange, and red, respectively, while 'Punj', 'Kaytsak', and 'Artsiv' have elongated fruits that ripen red. Early varieties like 'Punj', 'Artsiv', and 'Kaytsak' mature 11–17 days earlier. 'Oranj kakach' was the most productive (19.4 t/ha), while 'Kaytsak' had the lowest yield. 'Artsiv', 'Punj', and 'Kaytsak' were hot, while the others were moderately hot. Carotenoid content rose during ripening, ascorbic acid ranged from 115.0 to 175.6 mg/100 g, with 'Punj' highest, and total phenolics peaked in 'Deghin kakach'. Conclusion: Armenian chili pepper varieties are rich in bioactive compounds—phenols, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and capsaicin— suitable for functional foods. During ripening, carotenoids increased by up to 583.64%, ascorbic acid by 97.4%, and phenols by 96.43%. ‘Punj’ had the highest ascorbic acid, ‘Oranj kakach’ the most carotenoids, and ‘Deghin kakach’ the most phenols, highlighting the potential of ripening to boost the health benefits of these peppers. Keywords: hot pepper, vitamin C, carotenoids, phenols, phenological stages, productivity

The Impact of Religious Practices on the Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth of Adolescents

Resilience and post-traumatic growth play crucial roles in the development of adolescents, particularly when they encounter diverse obstacles in life. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of religious practices on resilience and experience personal growth after experiencing trauma in adolescents. This research employs a quantitative methodology grounded on a positivist framework. Data were gathered using a simple random sampling method including 218 Muslim teenagers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia who had encountered stressful incidents in the preceding year. Statistical analysis was employed to examine the correlation between variables. This research illustrates that religious practices may serve as a substantial source of resilience for teenagers in managing trauma. Engagement in religious activities enhances resilience and fosters healthy development. These findings indicate the need for the amalgamation of spiritual support and psychological therapies to facilitate teenage rehabilitation.

Gain of bipolar disorder-related lncRNA AP1AR-DT in mice induces depressive and anxiety-like behaviors by reducing Negr1-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission

Abstract Background Bipolar disorder is a complex polygenic disorder that is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression and mania, the heterogeneity of which is likely complicated by epigenetic modifications that remain to be elucidated. Methods We performed transcriptomic analysis of peripheral blood RNA from monozygotic (MZ) twins discordant for bipolar disorder to identify disease-associated differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (DE-lncRNAs), which were further validated in the PsychENCODE brain RNA-seq dataset. We then performed behavioral tests, electrophysiological assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and PCR to investigate the function of DE-lncRNAs in the mouse and cell models. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 9.0 or SPSS. Results We identified a bipolar disorder-associated upregulated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), AP1AR-DT. We observed that overexpression of AP1AR-DT in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) resulted in a reduction of both the total spine density and the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) frequency of mPFC neurons as well as depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. A combination of the results of brain transcriptome analysis of AP1AR-DT overexpressing mice brains with the known genes associated with bipolar disorder revealed that NEGR1, which encodes neuronal growth regulator 1, is one of the AP1AR-DT targets and is reduced in vivo upon gain of AP1AR-DT in mice. We further demonstrated that overexpression of recombinant Negr1 in the mPFC neurons of AP1AR-DTOE mice ameliorates depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and normalizes the reduced excitatory synaptic transmission induced by the gain of AP1AR-DT. We finally identified that AP1AR-DT reduces NEGR1 expression by competing for the transcriptional activator NRF1 in the overlapping binding site of the NEGR1 promoter region. Conclusions The epigenetic and pathophysiological mechanism linking AP1AR-DT to the modulation of depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and excitatory synaptic function provides etiological implications for bipolar disorder.

Serum microRNA qPCR profiling and validation indicate upregulation of circulating miR-145-5p and miR-26a-5p in migraineurs

Abstract Background In recent years, miRNAs found in biological fluids have gained interest as biomarkers of numerous conditions, including migraine. This study aimed to identify differences in the levels of circulating miRNAs in the serum of migraineurs as compared to healthy controls, as well as between patients with different types of migraine and during the ictal and nonictal phases of the condition. Methods The screening phase of the study included serum from 13 migraine patients and 13 sex and age matched controls. A panel of 179 miRNAs was analysed using locked nucleic acid SYBR based qPCR. Based on statistical analysis (U Mann-Whitney test) and data from existing literature, nine miRNAs were selected for validation by TaqMan qPCR in an independent cohort of 26 migraineurs and eleven healthy controls. For comparison between the study and control group, U Mann-Whitney test was performed. The differences between patients with chronic and episodic migraine, migraine with and without aura and in ictal and nonictal phases were analysed with Kruskal-Wallis test. The results were corrected for multiple comparisons using Benjamini-Hochberg method. In all analysis p value ≤ 0,05 was considered as significant. Results Two miRNAs, miR-145-5p and miR-26a-5p were significantly upregulated in serum of migraineurs compared to healthy controls. MiRNA-19a-3p was downregulated in patients currently experiencing migraine headache compared to those in the interictal period. No differences were found between patients with different migraine types. Conclusion The results of our study add to the growing body of evidence for dysregulation of the circulating miRNA profile by migraine. They are further supported by previous reports on differential expression of miR-145-5p, miR-26a-5p and miR-19a-3p in migraineurs. However, more research on larger populations is needed to validate these findings, as well as elucidate the role of circulating miRNAs in the condition. Moreover, to wholly explore the biomarker potential of miRNAs, migraine patients should not only be compared to healthy controls but also to populations with different headache disorders. Graphical Abstract

Ambulatory management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AmbUDiv study): a multicentre, propensity score matching study

Abstract Introduction Recent studies have suggested that ambulatory management is feasible for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD); however, there is still no consensus regarding the most appropriate management settings. This study presents a multi-centre experience of managing patients presenting with AUD, specifically focusing on clinical outcomes and comparing ambulatory treatment with in-patient management. Methods A retrospective multi-centre study was conducted across four hospitals in the UK and included all adult patients with computed tomography (CT) confirmed (Hinchey grade 1a) acute diverticulitis over a 12-month period (January – December 2022). Patient medical records were followed up for 1-year post-index episode, and outcomes were compared between those treated through the ambulatory pathway versus inpatient treatment using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). All statistical analysis was performed using the R Foundation for Statistical Computing, version 4.4. Results A total of 348 patients with Hinchey 1a acute diverticulitis were included (260 in-patients; 88 ambulatory pathway), of which nearly a third (31.3%) had a recurrent disease. Inpatient management was dominant (74.7%), with a median of 3 days of hospital stay. PSM resulted in 172 patients equally divided between the two care settings. Ambulatory management was associated with a lower readmission rate (P = 0.02 before PSM, P = 0.08 after PSM), comparable surgical (P = 0.57 before PSM, 0% in both groups after PSM) and radiological interventions (P = 0.99 before and after PSM) within one year. In both matched and non-matched groups, a strong association between readmissions and inpatient management was noted in univariate analysis (P = 0.03 before PSM, P = 0.04 after PSM) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.02 before PSM, P = 0.03 after PSM). Conclusion Our study supports the safety and efficacy of managing patients with AUD through a well-designed ambulatory care pathway. In particular, hospital re-admission rates are lower and other outcomes are non-inferior to in-patient treatment. This has implications for substantial cost-savings and better utilisation of limited healthcare resources.

Zygomatic arch three-dimensional morphology of capuchin monkeys of the genus Cebus

The zygomatic arch is an anatomical structure present in humans and monkey species. This study evaluated the three-dimensional morphology of the zygomatic arch of Cebus monkeys through microcomputed tomography scans. 13 dry skulls of Cebus apella from Southeastern Brazil were examined, 6 male and 7 female. The images were segmented in Mimics 18.0 (Materialise, NV, Belgium) software. Measurements were performed in Rhinoceros 5.0 (McNeel & Associates, Seattle, USA). With the transversal measurements, the zygomatic arch was classified as cylindrical (C), elliptical (E) or blade-like (Bl). Statistical analysis was performed by GraphPAD Prism v.8 software (San Diego, CA, USA) to compare measurements with types and sex. The Two-way ANOVA test with multiple comparisons using the Sidak test was employed to verify the relationship between sexes and types. The significance level was 5%. In males, there was an incidence on the left side of 25% of type E and 25% of type Bl and on the right side of 33% of type E and 17% of type Bl. In females, there was an incidence on the left side of 14% of type E and 36% of type Bl, and on the right side of 14% of type E and 36% of type Bl. The behavior of Cebus apella and its oral habits involving masticatory muscles may be related to the different shapes of the zygomatic arch found, as they have a direct relationship with this cranium structure.

Features of hematological indices in cataract in the dynamics of surgical treatment

BACKGROUND: Cataract is one of the most common ophthalmologic diseases leading to blindness. AIM: To study the features of hematological indices in men over 40 years old with different types of cataract before and after surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examination groups included 25 patients (25 eyes) with opacities localized in the cortical substance of the lens, 19 (19 eyes) with total opacities, 26 (26 eyes) with nuclear opacities, 30 (30 eyes) with subcapsular opacities; of these, 43 patients (43 eyes) had initial cataract, 39 (39 eyes) — immature, 18 (18 eyes) — mature cataract. The control group consisted of 30 people. All study participants underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination and assessment of hematological indices. The following integral hematological indices were calculated using generally accepted formulas: lymphocyte index (lymphocytes/neutrophils); leukocyte intoxication index; neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio index; neutrophil/monocyte ratio index; lymphocyte/monocyte ratio index; lymphocyte/eosinophil ratio index; leukocyte ratio and erythrocyte sedimentation rate index. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 10 package. The Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney nonparametric tests were used to assess differences in the groups. The critical level of statistical significance when testing scientific hypotheses was p 0.05. RESULTS: At all stages of cataract maturity, before and after surgery, unidirectional changes in the hematological indices were revealed: the lymphocyte and eosinophil ratio decreased (1.4–2.0; p=0.01), the neutrophils and monocytes (1.3–2.1; p=0.04), lymphocytes and monocytes (1.4–2.5; p=0.02) ratios, leukocytes and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (2.9–6.8; p=0.01) increased. In immature cataract, the intoxication index according to the hematological indices increased by 2 times in the dynamics of surgical treatment. At the same time, multidirectional changes in the hematological indices were revealed in cortical and subcapsular opacities of the lens, unidirectional changes — in nuclear and total opacities. CONCLUSION: Patients with nuclear and total cataracts have the greatest number of disturbances in the ratio of cell populations according to hematological indices, therefore they constitute a risk group for the development of complications.

The impact of logo change on brand loyalty with the mediating role of brand attitude

PurposeThis research examines the impact of logo changes within rebranding strategies, with a focus on the recent logo transformation of Burger King. Redesigns of logos often reflect shifts in brand strategies and consumer preferences. This study aims to evaluate the effects of logo changes on brand loyalty with the mediating role of brand attitude.Design/methodology/approachThis study investigates the influence of Burger King’s logo change on consumer behavior, specifically regarding brand loyalty. The research involves an analysis of the appropriateness and familiarity of the old and new Burger King logos, based on data collected from 468 Egyptian consumers. Statistical analysis is conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the impact of logo changes on consumer loyalty.FindingsThe findings indicate that a change in logo can positively affect brand loyalty, particularly when the new logo is perceived as both appropriate and familiar to consumers. Additionally, the study highlights the mediating role of brand attitude, suggesting that favorable brand perceptions enhance the relationship between logo changes and consumer loyalty.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this study highlight key strategies for brand managers involved in rebranding efforts and the associated risks of such processes. Ensuring logo appropriateness and maintaining elements of familiarity are crucial to fostering consumer acceptance and loyalty.Originality/valueThis study highlights the important role of logo change “logo appropriateness and familiarity,” offering a new perspective on how aligning logos with brand identity and retaining familiar elements can enhance consumer acceptance and loyalty with the presence of brand attitude as a mediator in this relationship.

Investigating the Impact of Financial Sponsorship in Dermatology Research

Introduction: Financial sponsorship plays a crucial role in advancing dermatologic research, yet its impact on research quality and visibility is not well-defined. This study aims to evaluate the association between financial sponsorship and the quality of evidence, publication impact, and research collaboration in dermatology. Methods: We analyzed 1,380 dermatology articles published from October 2013 to October 2023 in three leading journals. Data collection was conducted using REDCap. We assessed the proportion of sponsored studies and their impact in terms of citation frequency, author count, and journal impact factors. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, chi-squared tests, and regression analysis in STATA VSN 16.1. Results: Sponsored articles comprised 48.2% of the total, with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) being the predominant funder. These articles showed significantly higher citation rates and more authors per article compared to non-sponsored ones. The mean journal impact factor was also higher for sponsored studies. Furthermore, sponsored studies were more likely to employ prospective study designs, indicative of higher evidence quality. Discussion: Financial sponsorship significantly enhances the visibility and quality of evidence in dermatologic research. The findings underscore the need for increased advocacy for funding, particularly in clinical research within dermatology, to foster greater research collaborations and more impactful scientific discoveries.

Urgent Versus Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Following Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage for Moderate Acute Cholecystitis: A Meta-Analysis

Background There is still controversy regarding the treatment strategy for moderate acute cholecystitis (AC). Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) followed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has shown advantages compared to emergency LC (ELC). However, the results are controversial. Therefore, we conducted this updated meta-analysis to clarify this issue. Materials and Methods A comprehensive literature search for relevant studies comparing the PTGBD + LC and ELC for moderate AC was performed. The statistical analysis was conducted using Stata. Results A total of 14 studies were included. The pooled analysis revealed that PTGBD + LC group had a shorter operation time (SMD = −1.07, 95%CI = −1.19 to −0.95), lower amount of intraoperative bleeding (SMD = −0.93, 95%CI = −1.07 to −0.79), lower conversion rate (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.17-0.44), lower postoperative complications (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.23-0.88) shorter postoperative hospital stay (SMD = −1.20, 95%CI = −1.33 to −1.07), lower wound infection rate (OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.23-0.74) and higher hospitalization expenses (SMD = 1.13, 95%CI = 0.96 to 1.29) compared with ELC group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of bile leak, bile duct injury and total hospital stay. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggested that PTGBD + LC has significant advantages over ELC for moderate AC patients, including lower surgical difficulty, lower conversion rate, fewer postoperative complications, and shorter hospital stay.

Long-Term Cumulative Effect of Management Decisions on Forest Structure and Biodiversity in Hemiboreal Forests

We evaluated the long-term impacts of various forest management practices on the structure and biodiversity of Estonian hemiboreal forests, a unique ecological transition zone between temperate and boreal forests, found primarily in regions with cold winters and moderately warm summers, such as the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. The study examined 150 plots across stands of different ages (65–177 years), including commercial forests and Natura 2000 habitat 9010* “Western Taiga”. These plots varied in stand origin—multi-aged (trees of varying ages) versus even-aged (uniform tree ages), management history—historical (practices before the 1990s) and recent (post-1990s practices), and conservation status—protected forests (e.g., Natura 2000 areas) and commercial forests focused on timber production. Data on forest structure, including canopy tree diameters, deadwood volumes, and species richness, were collected alongside detailed field surveys of vascular plants and bryophytes. Management histories were assessed using historical maps and records. Statistical analyses, including General Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs), Multi-Response Permutation Procedures (MRPP), and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA), were used to evaluate the effects of origin, management history, and conservation status on forest structure and species composition. Results indicated that multi-aged origin forests had significantly higher canopy tree diameters and deadwood volumes compared to even-aged origin stands, highlighting the benefits of varied-age management for structural diversity. Historically managed forests showed increased tree species richness, but lower deadwood volumes, suggesting a biodiversity–structure trade-off. Recent management, however, negatively impacted both deadwood volume and understory diversity, reflecting short-term forestry consequences. Protected areas exhibited higher deadwood volumes and bryophyte richness compared to commercial forests, indicating a small yet persistent effect of conservation strategies in sustaining forest complexity and biodiversity. Indicator species analysis identified specific vascular plants and bryophytes as markers of long-term management impacts. These findings highlight the ecological significance of integrating historical legacies and conservation priorities into modern management to support forest resilience and biodiversity.

Correlation between blepharospasm and psychological diseases: the anxiety, depression and sleep disorder study

AIM: To investigate the relationship between benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) symptoms and depression/anxiety/sleep disorder in a prospective manner and to determine whether treatment the BEB with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) can impact psychological symptoms. METHODS: This prospective interventional case series recruited 61 adults with evidence of BEB. Patients were administered the Jankovic Rating Scale (JRS), the Blepharospasm Disability Index (BSDI), Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) and the Athens insomnia scale (AIS) to evaluate the severity of BEB symptoms, depression, anxiety and sleep disorder before and 1wk, 1, 3mo after the BoNTA treatment. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationships between changes in the survey scores. RESULTS: The mean score for JRS, BSDI, PHQ-8, and GAD-7 improved significantly (P<0.0001), respectively, compared to the initial visit at follow-up. At baseline, worse BSDI scores were correlated with worse GAD-7 and PHQ-8, but not with worse AIS. At 1mo follow-up visit, there was no correlation between change in BSDI and PHQ-8/AIS, the change in GAD-7 showed a mild association with change in BSDI. The change in BSDI was correlated with the change in both PHQ-8 and GAD-7 in the subgroup of patients without a prior diagnosis of depression or anxiety. Patient satisfaction with BoNT/A treatment reached the highest at 1mo of follow-up (83.6%, 51/61). CONCLUSION: BEB may lead to psychological diseases. BoNT/A can significantly improve motor and non-motor symptoms of BEB, which emphasize the effectiveness of BoNT/A and therefore pave the way for its use in the field of psychiatry. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.

Pharmacodynamic effects and exploratory efficacy of afimetoran, a TLR7/8 inhibitor, in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Background: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition occurring alone or as a manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is an unmet need for safe and effective CLE-focused treatments. Afimetoran is an investigational, first-in-class, potent oral inhibitor of toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7/8. Given the involvement of TLRs 7/8 in SLE, afimetoran may have therapeutic potential for CLE. A phase 1b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (NCT04493541) demonstrated preliminary safety and efficacy of afimetoran in patients with active CLE. We assessed the pharmacodynamics, safety, and efficacy of afimetoran and its impact on CLE pathobiology. Methods: Patients aged 18–65 years with SLE and cutaneous manifestations by EULAR/ACR 2019 classification criteria or biopsy-proven CLE, and modified CLE Disease Area and Severity Index-Activity (CLASI-A) score ≥6, were randomized 2:1 to once-daily afimetoran (30 mg) or placebo for 16 weeks with a 4-week post-treatment follow-up period. The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability; efficacy was exploratory. Transcriptomics and cytokine analyses were performed using peripheral whole blood and serum, respectively, at baseline (pre-dose) and each study visit (weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 [post-dose]). Statistical analyses compared data from the 13 randomized patients with thirteen age-, ethnicity-, and gender-matched healthy volunteers. Treatment responses were evaluated longitudinally in each treatment arm. The dataset was analyzed using a linear regression model. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was performed for pathway enrichment. Results: 13 patients with CLE were randomized (afimetoran, n=8; placebo, n=5); 12 patients completed 16 weeks of treatment and 1 discontinued after 6 weeks due to COVID-19. Compared with placebo, afimetoran demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no serious adverse events, and showed a greater reduction in CLASI-A scores as early as week 4, which persisted to week 20. Improvement in the molecular disease profile was rapid (week 1), sustained through the 16-week treatment period, and the 4-week post-treatment follow-up period. Expression of interferon (IFN) pathway genes was significantly reduced with afimetoran compared with baseline (ΔGSVA enrichment score [ES]=1.57, P<0.0001) and placebo (ΔGSVA ES=0.56, P<0.01); this effect was maintained through week 16 and ≥4 weeks post-treatment. Expression of TLR7 and TLR8 pathway genes and key cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-18, IFNγ, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha [CCL3/MiP1α] or beta [CCL4/MiP1β]) were greatly reduced with afimetoran treatment. GSVA demonstrated robust pharmacodynamic activity on immune cell populations, including immature and activated dendritic cells, macrophages, and inflammatory pathway signatures. Conclusion: In patients with CLE, afimetoran was safe, well tolerated, and demonstrated durable efficacy beyond the treatment period. Afimetoran’s clinical effects and potent pharmacodynamic impact on the molecular disease profile suggest a substantial therapeutic benefit for patients with CLE.

Assessment of Vidian canal morphology in axial section and its associated structures using cone beam computed tomography: A descriptive study

The Vidian Nerve (VN), a branch of the trigeminal nerve, passes by the Vidian Canal (VC), located at the base of the skull. The VC branches into the greater petrosal nerve and the VN in the pterygopalatine fossa, where the greater petrosal nerve carries parasympathetic fibers to the lacrimal glands and nasal mucosa, and the VN carries sensory fibers from the nasopharynx, nasal cavity, and palate. In this study, 60 subjects of both sexes who underwent cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were selected by a convenient sampling technique. The data were subjected to statistical analysis following the examination of the various parameters in the axial sections. Among the various morphological characteristics appraised in the axial section, there was no significant sexual dimorphism, except for the angle between the VC and the medial wall of the maxillary sinus, which shows statistical significance. The present study aims to investigate morphometric analysis and its associated structures, offering insightful information about the complex structure of the Vidian canal (VC), which provides adequate knowledge for surgeons to plan with more caution complex skull base procedures, and eventually to lower the therapeutical risks associated with it.

Model for Inverting the Leaf Area Index of Green Plums by Integrating IoT Environmental Monitoring Data and Leaf Relative Content of Chlorophyll Values

The quantitative inversion of the leaf area index (LAI) of green plum trees is crucial for orchard field management and yield prediction. The data on the relative content of chlorophyll (SPAD) in leaves and environmental data from orchards show a significant correlation with LAI. Effectively integrating these two data types for LAI inversion is important to explore. This study proposes a multi−source decision fusion LAI inversion model for green plums based on their adjusted determination coefficient (MDF−ADRS). First, three statistical methods—Pearson, Spearman rank, and Kendall rank correlation analyses—were used to measure the linear relationships between variables, and the six environmental factors most highly correlated with LAI were selected from the orchard’s environmental data. Then, using multivariate statistical analysis methods, LAI inversion models based on environmental feature factors (EFs−PM) and SPAD (SPAD−PM) were established. Finally, a weight optimization allocation strategy was employed to achieve a multi−source decision fusion LAI inversion model for green plums. This strategy adaptively allocates weights based on the predictive performance of each data source. Unlike traditional models that rely on fixed weights or a single data source, this approach allows the model to increase the influence of a key data source when its predictive strength is high and reduce noise interference when it is weaker. This dynamic adjustment not only enhances the model’s robustness under varying environmental conditions but also effectively mitigates potential biases when a particular data source becomes temporarily unreliable. Our experimental results show that the MDF−ADRS model achieves an R2 of 0.88 and an RMSE of 0.39 in the validation set, outperforming other fusion methods. Compared to the EFs−PM and SPAD−PM models, the R2 increased by 0.19 and 0.26, respectively, and the RMSE decreased by 0.16 and 0.22. This model effectively integrates multiple sources of data from green plum orchards, enabling rapid inversion and improving the accuracy of green plum LAI estimation, providing a technical reference for monitoring the growth and managing the production of green plums.

Objective classification for solid hydrometeor particles using deep learning

AbstractVarious small particles are present in the clouds. Hydrometeor videosonde (HYVIS) is an in situ instrument to observe such particles. The movies were used to capture hydrometeors with approximately 110,000 frames per sounding. When the particles in such movies were manually classified and measured sizes of particles for every several frames, it took an unrealistically long time to perform statistical analysis because of the large number of observed frames. Particle classification is subjective for the observers. This study developed a technique to classify cloud particles objectively using deep learning to overcome these problems and investigated the statistical microphysical characteristics of clouds. This study used the deep learning method You Only Looking Once for detection and classification. The training data were obtained using HYVIS in the Republic of Palau in 2013. The results trained using only HYVIS images showed low validity because some types of particles in the training data were insufficient. The data for typical particle shapes were augmented to improve the classification. Thus, the validity of classification using augmented data was improved. We used the Yonaguni Island HYVIS observation results from manual and artificial intelligence (AI) classification. The AI tended to classify the less irregular type than the manual, but no other significant differences were found. We believe this AI classification system will be for cloud microphysical studies on solid-phase particles.

Navigation Training for Persons With Visual Disability Through Multisensory Assistive Technology: Mixed Methods Experimental Study

Background Visual disability is a growing problem for many middle-aged and older adults. Conventional mobility aids, such as white canes and guide dogs, have notable limitations that have led to increasing interest in electronic travel aids (ETAs). Despite remarkable progress, current ETAs lack empirical evidence and realistic testing environments and often focus on the substitution or augmentation of a single sense. Objective This study aims to (1) establish a novel virtual reality (VR) environment to test the efficacy of ETAs in complex urban environments for a simulated visual impairment (VI) and (2) evaluate the impact of haptic and audio feedback, individually and combined, on navigation performance, movement behavior, and perception. Through this study, we aim to address gaps to advance the pragmatic development of assistive technologies (ATs) for persons with VI. Methods The VR platform was designed to resemble a subway station environment with the most common challenges faced by persons with VI during navigation. This environment was used to test our multisensory, AT-integrated VR platform among 72 healthy participants performing an obstacle avoidance task while experiencing symptoms of VI. Each participant performed the task 4 times: once with haptic feedback, once with audio feedback, once with both feedback types, and once without any feedback. Data analysis encompassed metrics such as completion time, head and body orientation, and trajectory length and smoothness. To evaluate the effectiveness and interaction of the 2 feedback modalities, we conducted a 2-way repeated measures ANOVA on continuous metrics and a Scheirer-Ray-Hare test on discrete ones. We also conducted a descriptive statistical analysis of participants’ answers to a questionnaire, assessing their experience and preference for feedback modalities. Results Results from our study showed that haptic feedback significantly reduced collisions (P=.05) and the variability of the pitch angle of the head (P=.02). Audio feedback improved trajectory smoothness (P=.006) and mitigated the increase in the trajectory length from haptic feedback alone (P=.04). Participants reported a high level of engagement during the experiment (52/72, 72%) and found it interesting (42/72, 58%). However, when it came to feedback preferences, less than half of the participants (29/72, 40%) favored combined feedback modalities. This indicates that a majority preferred dedicated single modalities over combined ones. Conclusions AT is crucial for individuals with VI; however, it often lacks user-centered design principles. Research should prioritize consumer-oriented methodologies, testing devices in a staged manner with progression toward more realistic, ecologically valid settings to ensure safety. Our multisensory, AT-integrated VR system takes a holistic approach, offering a first step toward enhancing users’ spatial awareness, promoting safer mobility, and holds potential for applications in medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation. Technological advancements can further refine such devices, significantly improving independence and quality of life for those with VI.

Preliminary phase results of GC-MS analysis and cytotoxic activity of Argemone mexicana leaves methanol extract against MCF-7 cell lines

Argemone mexicana leaves (AML) contain a variety of bioactive components such as fatty acids, amino acids, phenolics and alkaloids, including Berberine, Isoquinoline, Scoulerine, Stylopine, Thalifone, Benzylisoquinolines, Protopine, and Tetrahydroberberine. This study aimed to examine the gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of AML extract and its cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cell lines to identify an alternative source for anticancer treatment. The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was utilized to assess the viability of AML extract-treated cells, while the apoptotic assay involved Acridine orange staining to determine the mode of cell death based on morphological and nuclear fragmentation. The GC-MS analysis was used to identify the biologically active compounds. The results showed that the percentage of cell viability after AML extract treatment ranged from 28.50% to 64.28% for concentrations of 1000 to 125 μg/ml (IC50 = 258.87 μg/ml). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in cell viability (p < 0.05). Exposure of cells to AML extract stimulated apoptosis through membrane blebbing, cell shrinkage, cytoplasm condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. Forty-one compounds were identified by GC-MS in the AML extract. Based on the peak area, some major compounds included n-Hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-, Phytol, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid (Z, Z, Z)-, and 1-methyl piperidine. In conclusion, the bioactive compounds are apparently responsible for the cytotoxic effects of the AML extract, and the in-vitro results highlight the extract’s potential as a source of natural anticancer drugs. However, further investigation is necessary to confirm this.