Category: Statistics

J Food Sci. 2026 Jun;91(6):e71164. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.71164.

ABSTRACT

This study explored pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb.) infusion as a novel substrate for kombucha fermentation and examined the impact of symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) geographical origin on flavor development. Kombucha samples fermented using SCOBYs sourced from three regions in China: Jining, Shandong (SJ); Hangzhou, Zhejiang (ZH); and Hefei, Anhui (AH), were systematically characterized by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS), electronic nose, electronic tongue, sensory evaluation, and multivariate statistical analyses. In total, 50 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified across all samples. The SJ sample exhibited the highest total VOC concentration (29.42 µg/g) and a balanced, floral, and fruity profile, linked to key compounds like 2-buten-1-one, 1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadien-1-yl)-, (E)-, linalool, ethyl acetate, and phenethyl acetate. The ZH sample (27.24 µg/g) showed intense sour notes from acetic acid and butanoic acid, along with astringent notes from 4-ethylphenol and malty notes from 3-methyl-1-butanol. The AH sample had the lowest VOCs (10.32 µg/g) and malt-like, sour, and bitter characteristics. Odor activity value (OAV) analysis identified 2-buten-1-one, 1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadien-1-yl)- as the most influential aroma-active compound across all samples. Furthermore, orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis screened 19 key differential aroma compounds contributing to sample discrimination. Overall, these findings demonstrate that SCOBY origin plays a decisive role in shaping the aroma composition, taste attributes, and sensory quality of pandan kombucha, providing a scientific basis for substrate innovation and starter culture selection in kombucha production.

PMID:42219551 | DOI:10.1111/1750-3841.71164

J Ultrasound Med. 2026 May 31. doi: 10.1002/jum.70316. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42219536 | DOI:10.1002/jum.70316

BMC Glob Public Health. 2026 Jun 1;4(1):54. doi: 10.1186/s44263-026-00283-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Poor diet quality related to common mental disorders contribute to global health syndemics. However, there is no synthesis quantifying associations specifically in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) where these concomitant health burdens are most prevalent.

METHODS: We drew on a systematic Evidence and Gap Map (EGM) of > 3,000 records from Medline, CAB Global Health and PsycINFO (2000-2024). We selected LMIC studies quantifying healthy diets (validated dietary indices or factor-analytic methods) against validated screening measures of depression, anxiety, and stress, with a healthy versus unhealthy diet comparator. Effect sizes were standardised as mean differences from Hedges’ g and pooled using three-level meta-analysis with robust variance estimation (RVE). Risk of bias was assessed, and sensitivity analyses showed robustness across study designs, dietary measures, and country income strata.

RESULTS: Eighty-three eligible studies from 23 countries (depression n = 69; anxiety n = 43; stress n = 26), and 65 LMIC sample populations, reported statistical measures for 633,317 unique individuals. The Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) comparing healthy diets to unhealthy diets were -0.29 for depression (95% CI -0.35 to -0.23), -0.25 for anxiety (95% CI -0.35 to -0.16), and -0.24 for stress (95% CI -0.33 to -0.14). Results remained robust when restricted to low Risk of Bias studies. Findings were similar in direction and magnitude across study designs, dietary measurements, diagnostic tools, country income levels, and estimates adjusted for socio-economic status. Methodological limitations (e.g., cross-sectional design) and few studies from low-income countries created evidence gaps.

CONCLUSIONS: Healthy diets were consistently associated with lower depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in LMIC. These findings call for integrated dietary and mental health programming in LMIC (and in any setting with disproportionate health vulnerabilities), and for longitudinal and intervention research across diverse low-income settings beyond Iran and China.

PMID:42219528 | DOI:10.1186/s44263-026-00283-w

Arthroplasty. 2026 Jun 1;8(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s42836-026-00393-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Extensor mechanism disruption following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) significantly impairs knee function and quality of life. Extensor mechanism reconstruction (EMR) is effective but carries risks, including post-operative falls due to persistent quadriceps weakness and extensor lag. We sought out to answer the following four questions: What is the incidence of traumatic events following EMR after TKA using different grafting and reconstruction techniques? Are there significant differences in the rate of traumatic events based on the type of graft used (allograft vs. mesh graft) in EMR? What is the association between post-operative extensor lag and the occurrence of traumatic events in patients who have undergone EMR? Does the use of assistive devices influence the occurrence of traumatic events post-EMR?

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study at an academic center included 41 patients (mean age: 67.8 ± 10.1 years; 61% female) who underwent EMR post-TKA at a single academic center. Reconstructions included allograft (n = 25) and synthetic mesh grafts (n = 16). Patient demographics, ASA Score, type of EMR, and post-operative extensor lag were documented. The primary outcome was the occurrence of traumatic events post-EMR. Statistical analysis involved Fisher’s exact test, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS: Of the 41 patients, 16 (39%) experienced post-operative falls leading to traumatic injuries. No significant differences were found in traumatic event rates between the allograft (36%) and mesh graft (43.75%) groups. The mean extensor lag was 7° ± 14°, with no statistically significant association observed between the degree of extensor lag and traumatic events. The use of assistive devices did not significantly influence the occurrence of traumatic events.

CONCLUSION: More than one-third of patients experienced traumatic events following EMR after TKA, highlighting the need for comprehensive post-operative management and patient counseling. The study found no statistically significant association between graft type, extensor lag, or use of assisted devices and the occurrence of these events. Further research is required to understand the risk factors and improve patient outcomes in this clinically challenging domain.

PMID:42219522 | DOI:10.1186/s42836-026-00393-8

J Pharm Health Care Sci. 2026 Jun 1. doi: 10.1186/s40780-026-00590-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common surgical complication that delays recovery and increases healthcare costs. Although U.S. guidelines recommend multimodal, risk-stratified prophylaxis, Japan lacks unified national guidelines, resulting in practice variation. Despite expanded insurance coverage for 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists, sustained adherence to best practices requires a multidisciplinary framework. We implemented a pharmacist-led, multidisciplinary PONV prevention protocol and evaluated its impact on PONV incidence among adults undergoing elective surgery across multiple specialties.

METHODS: We developed a pharmacist-led multidisciplinary PONV prevention protocol based on U.S. guideline algorithms, recommending ≥ 2 and ≥3 prophylactic agents for medium- and high-risk patients, respectively. Pharmacists in the admission support center collected preoperative risk factors, while operating room pharmacists relayed assessments to anesthesiologists and nurses. We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients aged ≥ 18 years undergoing elective gastrointestinal or gynecological surgery under general anesthesia. We compared 110 and 255 patients in the pre- and post-intervention groups, respectively, focusing on patients at medium to high risk. For primary analysis, we performed 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) using five covariates to control for confounding. Conditional logistic regression evaluated intervention effects while accounting for the matched design.

RESULTS: The final analysis included 106 controls and 243 intervention patients. PSM produced 103 well-balanced matched pairs (standardized differences < 0.1). Conditional logistic regression showed that the pharmacist-led intervention significantly reduced PONV occurrence (odds ratio [OR] 0.308, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.139-0.680). Prophylactic agent use increased significantly after the intervention (OR 3.95, 95% CI 2.43-6.54), with dexamethasone (OR 5.92, 95% CI 3.03-11.60) and 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists (OR 4.98, 95% CI 2.69-9.22) showing the largest increases. Dopamine antagonists and total intravenous anesthesia administration also showed upward trends, though without statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a pharmacist-led multidisciplinary PONV prevention protocol was associated with a lower incidence of PONV in medium- to high-risk patients. Pharmacist-conducted preoperative risk assessment improved the implementation of risk-based prophylaxis within a multidisciplinary framework. These findings suggest that pharmacist-driven collaborative approaches may facilitate more consistent PONV prophylaxis in clinical settings lacking unified guidelines.

PMID:42219521 | DOI:10.1186/s40780-026-00590-2

Stat Med. 2026 Jun;45(13-14):e70611. doi: 10.1002/sim.70611.

ABSTRACT

Trials with recurrent event responses are frequently encountered during clinical trials. Benefits have been demonstrated in previous studies when trials were conducted with a doubly biased coin design (DBCD). However, there is a lack of discussion about sample size determination. In this paper, we provide the methods to compute the required sample size with a given test power when DBCD is used. More importantly, our proposed sample size determination procedure also allows unequal follow-up time due mainly to possible patient dropout. Without considering patient dropout, it is shown that the required sample size to reach the prespecified test power is underestimated. Theoretical results are derived to measure the impact of dropouts on the required sample size and treatment allocation proportions. A simulation study is conducted to illustrate the usefulness of our proposed procedure. Finally, a clinical example is used to illustrate the advantages of our proposed procedure in practice.

PMID:42219516 | DOI:10.1002/sim.70611

Res Integr Peer Rev. 2026 Jun 1;11(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s41073-026-00198-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) reviews research applications using a process that includes preliminary review by primary reviewers, followed by panel discussion where primary reviewers and other reviewers on the panel (panelists) discuss and score the most competitive applications. PCORI switched from in-person to virtual panel discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study compared reviewers’ scores and perceptions of panel interactions for virtual and in-person review panels and assessed reviewers’ perspectives about virtual panels. PCORI uniquely includes patients and other stakeholders as reviewers alongside scientists; thus, differences between reviewer types were also explored.

METHODS: This observational study utilized repeated cross-sectional data from PCORI funding cycles before and after switching to virtual review, including reviewer score data and closed- and open-ended responses from reviewer surveys. The study team used linear and logistic regression to examine reviewer scores and quantitative survey responses and conducted thematic analysis of open-ended survey responses.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between in-person and virtual panels in primary reviewers’ post-discussion scores or the magnitude of score change from pre- to post-discussion. In contrast, panelists gave stronger post-discussion scores in virtual panels, and this difference between formats was greater for stakeholder reviewers compared to scientists. Reviewers’ ratings of panel interactions appeared to be similar between formats. While reviewers noted challenges of virtual panels, including challenges related to discussion quality and social interactions, they also noted benefits, such as lack of travel.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study suggests that virtual and in-person review panels were largely comparable on reviewer scores and some key aspects of reviewer experiences in a multi-stakeholder review process. Despite having some challenges, virtual review processes may be a viable approach for funders during times of necessity and beyond. Practical considerations and recommendations for virtual panels are discussed.

PMID:42219512 | DOI:10.1186/s41073-026-00198-y

BMC Public Health. 2026 Jun 1;26(1):1758. doi: 10.1186/s12889-026-27997-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: People with functional limitations may be lonelier than those without functional limitations, as health-related constraints can restrict social participation. However, this relationship might also vary depending on the type of loneliness considered and the age of the individual. Consequently, this study examines differences in emotional and social loneliness according to functional limitation status and across age groups.

METHODS: Population-based data from 3,984 participants aged 40 and older from the 2023 German Aging Survey were analyzed. Emotional and social loneliness were measured using the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and functional limitations were assessed using the Global Activity Limitation Indicator (GALI). Analysis of variance examined differences across age groups and functional limitation severity.

RESULTS: Results showed that participants with functional limitations generally reported progressively higher levels of both types of loneliness compared to those without functional limitations. Emotional loneliness showed consistent patterns across age groups, with progressive increases from no functional limitations to moderate functional limitations to severe functional limitations. In contrast, social loneliness displayed a significant interaction with age group, where middle-aged adults (40-65 years) showed much stronger progressions in social loneliness according to functional limitation severity as compared to older adults (66+).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that functional limitations are generally associated with increased loneliness, but that the extent varies by both type of loneliness and age group. The stronger differences in social loneliness among middle-aged adults indicate that functional limitations may have particularly pronounced social implications earlier in the life course. Middle-aged adults with functional limitations thus represent a particularly psychosocially vulnerable group.

PMID:42219485 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-026-27997-8

Respir Res. 2026 Jun 1. doi: 10.1186/s12931-026-03747-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Genetic variation in CYP2A6, an enzyme which inactivates nicotine and activates nitrosamines, alters smoking behaviours and was associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer (LC) in a phenome-wide association study.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS: Does smoking quantity mediate the association between CYP2A6 and the risk for COPD and LC? Does the extent of mediation differ between the diseases?

METHODS: We implemented two-step two-sample mediated Mendelian Randomization (MR) and observational mediation analyses. CYP2A6 activity was instrumented using a CYP2A6 genetic score. We tested pack-years (chronic smoking exposure), cigarettes per day (CPD; self-reported), and the summation of nicotine’s main metabolites, cotinine, and trans-3′-hydroxycotinine (COT+3HC; nicotine intake biomarker) as quantity measures among current smokers. We sourced smoking quantity genetic instruments for MR from genome-wide significant summary statistics. This research was conducted using the UK Biobank Resource.

RESULTS: All three smoking quantity measures significantly mediated the effects of CYP2A6 activity on COPD and LC risk in forward mediated MR (p values < 0.05). Given the many assumptions of MR, this provides only a potential direction of effect. Smoking quantity measures mediated a large proportion of the COPD risk but less for LC. In reverse mediated MR (i.e., negative control), CYP2A6 activity did not mediate smoking quantity effects on COPD and LC.

INTERPRETATION: Mediated MR and observational mediation analyses together supported a mechanistic role of faster CYP2A6 influencing smoking quantity increase, which increases COPD and LC risk. The observational mediation analyses suggest additional mechanisms may be involved in CYP2A6’s impact on LC.

PMID:42219484 | DOI:10.1186/s12931-026-03747-7

BMC Med Educ. 2026 Jun 1. doi: 10.1186/s12909-026-09569-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gross anatomy is foundational in medical education and is traditionally taught through cadaveric dissection. However, post-COVID-19 technological advancements have introduced digital tools, such as the anatomage table (AT), which offers interactive 3D virtual dissection to enhance learning outcomes and overcome logistical challenges.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the perceived educational benefits of AT and associated factors among medical students at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Rwanda.

METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study using a structured, validated questionnaire was conducted among 148 first- to third-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students. Data were collected using the KoboToolbox and analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with perceived educational benefits of AT. A p-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Of the 135 participating medical students (response rate of 91.2%), 83.0% perceived AT as beneficial, while 83.7% demonstrated good practice and a favorable attitude toward its use. Additionally, 65.9% of the participants reported improved learning due to the use of AT. Logistic regression identified female sex (AOR = 3.51, CI: 1.26-9.76), good practice (AOR = 3.05, CI: 1.26-7.36), and perceived learning improvement (AOR = 4.45, CI: 2.26-9.13) as significant predictors of perceived benefits.

CONCLUSION: This study shows that students perceived AT as a beneficial educational tool for learning gross anatomy and associated it with a positive attitude and improved learning experience.

PMID:42219483 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-026-09569-x