Category: Statistics

Biomed Res Int. 2026;2026(1):e7129618. doi: 10.1155/bmri/7129618.

ABSTRACT

Worldwide, over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, often relying on unsafe sources that increase hygiene risks and fecal contamination. This study assessed the mediating role of hygienic water handling practices in the relationship between household water security and fecal contamination in Wenago District, Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and April 2024, involving 411 randomly selected households. Data were collected through structured interviews, whereas microbiological analysis of stored water samples was performed using a Wagtech portable testing kit and membrane filtration technique. Statistical analyses were conducted, summarizing descriptive findings in both text and tables. Mediation analysis utilized multiple linear regression models to evaluate the direct and indirect effects. Findings showed that 69.1% of households practiced good water handling, 94.9% faced insecurity, and 93.4% of samples were fecally contaminated. Mediation analysis indicated a significant indirect effect of household water security on contamination through handling practices (B = 13.726; 95% CI: 11.400-16.050; p < 0.001). The direct effect remained significant (B = 28.019, 95% CI: 25.718, 30.321, p < 0.001), confirming partial mediation. These results underscore the importance of hygienic handling in reducing contamination risks and safeguarding public health.

PMID:42030016 | DOI:10.1155/bmri/7129618

Behav Res Methods. 2026 Apr 24;58(5):140. doi: 10.3758/s13428-026-02967-5.

ABSTRACT

Lexique 4, an updated French lexical database, expands upon its predecessor, Lexique 3, by incorporating several significant improvements to enhance its utility in psycholinguistics, computational linguistics, and education. The new version is based on a larger corpus of 316 million words derived from 65,317 documents, including movie, TV show, and documentary subtitles, which offers more accurate frequency estimates and includes contemporary neologisms. Lexique 4 introduces new variables, such as orthographic surface frequency, contextual diversity (CD), and detailed morphological structure, which provide a more comprehensive view of lexical properties. We find that contextual diversity is a slightly better predictor than word frequency, in line with previous work. Moreover, the integration of lexical decision times from the French Lexicon Project into Lexique 4 facilitates more in-depth linguistic research. Enhancements to the user interface, including a redesigned web platform, enable dynamic searches and sorting capabilities, increasing accessibility and usability for researchers. Statistical analyses indicate that the updated frequency measures in Lexique 4 are better predictors of lexical decision times compared to Lexique 3, supporting the value of these enhancements. Overall, Lexique 4 represents a comprehensive and flexible tool for analyzing French lexical properties, making it an essential asset for a broad range of users.

PMID:42030008 | DOI:10.3758/s13428-026-02967-5

Brain Topogr. 2026 Apr 24;39(3):45. doi: 10.1007/s10548-026-01196-5.

ABSTRACT

Entropy rate (ER) and sample entropy (SE) are two metrics that have been used to quantify the syntactic complexity of electroencephalography (EEG) microstate sequences. We here present a theoretical and numerical comparison of these two metrics and apply them to a resting-state EEG dataset from individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and a control group. We first derive theoretical ER and SE estimates for first-order discrete Markov processes, providing a null hypothesis for statistical testing of higher-order syntax properties. Under the first-order syntax null hypothesis, we find a close mathematical relationship between both metrics that can be expressed by the microstate transition probability matrix. An inequality is derived that shows ER to be an upper bound to SE under the Markov approximation. We quantify accuracy and precision of the theoretical ER and SE estimates on EEG microstate sequences from the healthy control group. We then show that ER and SE identify significant higher-order syntax properties in microstate sequences from the control and AD groups. We investigate continuous and jump microstate sequences. In the former, each time point is labelled with the best matching microstate label, and in the latter, duplicate labels are removed, exclusively retaining transitions between non-identical microstates. Group comparison demonstrates that continuous microstate sequences from the AD group have lower entropy values (ER, SE), whereas jump sequences from the AD group have higher entropy values compared to control. Finally, we introduce a new syntax metric that normalizes ER and SE values with respect to their first-order syntax levels, to assess differences that only depend on syntax order. This metric revealed no differences between control and AD groups for either continuous or jump microstate sequences. This study provides further insights into higher-order microstate syntax and how it can be quantified with respect to the underlying first-order syntax. Similarities and differences between ER and SE as syntax metrics are highlighted and exemplified on experimental data. Our results show that (i) EEG microstate sequences from control and AD subjects show higher-order syntax properties across the tested syntax levels, (ii) continuous and jump sequences from control and AD groups are syntactically different, and (iii) differences between the control and AD groups disappear when higher-order syntax properties are normalized to the group-specific Markov level.

PMID:42030001 | DOI:10.1007/s10548-026-01196-5

Neurocrit Care. 2026 Apr 24. doi: 10.1007/s12028-026-02521-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of trauma-related mortality. While male individuals are disproportionately affected, the influence of sex on mortality remains controversial, with conflicting evidence suggesting female advantage, disadvantage, or no difference. Clarifying this relationship is crucial for prognosis and sex-specific treatment. A systematic search was conducted on 4 June 2025 in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library without date restrictions. Observational studies reporting sex-stratified TBI patient mortality with sufficient data to derive effect sizes were included. Screening, full-text assessment, and data extraction were performed independently by multiple reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR) for mortality in female versus male individuals, with subgroup and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses as well as meta-regression. Heterogeneity was quantified using I² and prediction intervals. Quality was assessed using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. A total of 40 studies, encompassing over 1 million patients (383,914 female individuals; 662,748 male individuals), were included. Overall, sex was not significantly associated with TBI mortality [OR 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90-1.09], though substantial between-study heterogeneity and prediction intervals indicated that female mortality could be higher in some contexts and lower in others. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences by TBI type, age, or severity. Although initial analyses suggested lower female mortality in good-quality studies and higher female mortality in patients with severe TBI and in studies conducted before the 2000s, the findings were not robust in leave-one-out analyses. Meta-regression indicated that mean age differences did not explain heterogeneity between sex and mortality estimates. Concluding, there is no universal biological association between sex and TBI mortality. Instead, the relationship appears context-dependent, varying by study characteristics and patient populations. Future research should move beyond assessing sex as a simplistic risk factor and focus on identifying specific biological and clinical contexts where sex influences outcomes to inform personalized care.

PMID:42029980 | DOI:10.1007/s12028-026-02521-3

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2026 Apr 24. doi: 10.1007/s10856-026-07047-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Significant clinical challenges are posed by large bone defects, necessitating the use of scaffolds that combine mechanical stability with osteoinductive properties. While polycaprolactone (PCL) lends itself well to 3D printing, its limited bioactivity means it needs to be modified with bioactive additives. Various additives have been proposed to enhance PCL scaffolds, but a systematic comparative evaluation of their mechanical and biological effects is lacking. This hinders the optimal selection of materials for specific applications. In this study, we compared the effects of four additives-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), osteogenon (OST), zinc oxide (ZnO) and vitroceramic calcium phosphate (CaPNPs)-when incorporated at a concentration of 0.5 wt% into 3D-printed PCL scaffolds. We comprehensively evaluated the mechanical properties, thermal characteristics, and osteoblast biocompatibility using tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry, and SaOS-2 cell culture assays (MTT test, activity of alkaline phosphatase, production of collagen I and fluorescent staining with acridine orange or phalloidin). ZnO modification significantly enhanced the mechanical properties (834% strain at break versus 658% for pure PCL and an increased Young’s modulus), as well as supporting cell viability (87 and 85%). Meanwhile, CaPNPs demonstrated the highest level of early-stage cell viability (103% after 24 h), although this was not statistically significant. All additives exhibited non-cytotoxic profiles with >80% cell viability and demonstrated time-dependent increases in alkaline phosphatase activity, but further evaluation for clinical application is essential. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for selecting PCL scaffold additives based on specific application requirements: ZnO is optimal for mechanically demanding applications, while CaPNPs could be optimal for facilitating rapid cell integration.

PMID:42029947 | DOI:10.1007/s10856-026-07047-w

Eur Radiol. 2026 Apr 24. doi: 10.1007/s00330-026-12547-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ventilation/perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (V/Q-SPECT) is the standard first-line imaging method for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), but it lacks anatomical detail. Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) enables high-resolution assessment of perfusion, vasculature, and parenchyma in one scan, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare quantitative lobar lung perfusion between PCCT and V/Q-SPECT in patients with suspected or confirmed CTEPH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective single-centre study included twenty-three patients (ten females, thirteen males; mean age 67.9 ± 10.7 years). The median interval between PCCT and V/Q-SPECT imaging was 3 days (range: 0-11 days). Lung perfusion was analysed on a lobar basis using PCCT-derived perfused blood volume (PBV) maps and V/Q-SPECT perfusion images. Data were normalised using a z-score approach based on the 95% confidence interval. Lobar segmentation was performed with TotalSegmentator. Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analyses compared lobar and whole-lung perfusion metrics. Perfusion defect volumes were quantified from normalised maps.

RESULTS: Whole-lung perfusion correlated strongly between PCCT and V/Q-SPECT (r = 0.72, p < 0.05). Lobar correlations ranged from r = 0.62 to r = 0.85. PCCT yielded slightly higher perfusion values (mean PBV 0.50 ± 0.04) than V/Q-SPECT (0.49 ± 0.09). Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of +0.015 (limits -0.13 to +0.16). Perfusion defect volumes correlated moderately (whole-lung r = 0.60, lobes r = 0.49-0.77, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: PCCT-based perfusion imaging shows high concordance with V/Q-SPECT in this cohort, supporting its feasibility as a single-modality tool for functional and anatomical lung evaluation in CTEPH.

KEY POINTS: Question PCCT perfusion may address the unmet need for a combined functional and anatomical evaluation of CTEPH in a single examination. Findings PCCT showed strong correlation with V/Q-SPECT for lobar and whole-lung perfusion, with minimal bias and consistent quantitative agreement. Clinical relevance PCCT enables simultaneous high-resolution assessment of perfusion, vasculature, and parenchyma, potentially improving diagnostic confidence and streamlining CTEPH work-up in clinical practice.

PMID:42029914 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-026-12547-y

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2026 Apr 24;313(1):172. doi: 10.1007/s00404-026-08445-9.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To develop a practical risk-stratification framework for unplanned cesarean delivery (CD) among term nulliparous individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) undergoing induction of labor (IOL).

METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary care center (January 2010-March 2025) of nulliparous individuals with singleton gestations diagnosed with HDP undergoing IOL at ≥ 37 + 0 weeks. We excluded multiple gestations, major fetal anomalies, planned CD, or intrauterine fetal death. We included demographic and pregnancy characteristics available prior to induction and evaluated association with unplanned CD. Stepwise backward logistic regression was used to build a model for identifying independent predictors of unplanned CD. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated.

RESULTS: Among 1,326 eligible individuals, 347 (26.2%) underwent unplanned CD. Independent predictors of CD were age > 35 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.97, 95% CI 1.45-2.66), body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m² (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.58-2.70), HDP with severe features (aOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.17-2.49), thrombocytopenia (aOR 2.66, 95% CI 1.17-6.06), and need for cervical ripening (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.23-2.16). Cesarean risk increased stepwise with accumulation of risk factors: 28.4% with ≥ 1 factor, 36.7% with ≥ 2, 44.7% with ≥ 3, and 64.7% with ≥ 4. The presence of ≥ 4 factors yielded a positive LR of 5.17 (95% CI 1.92-13.99).

CONCLUSION: In term nulliparous individuals with HDP undergoing induction, approximately one in four require CD. A simple model based on five routinely available pre-induction factors enables individualized counseling and shared decision-making at the bedside.

PMID:42029903 | DOI:10.1007/s00404-026-08445-9

Radiol Oncol. 2026 Apr 16. doi: 10.2478/raon-2026-0021. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological malignancy globally. Its rising incidence is closely linked to the increasing prevalence of morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 40 kg/m²), which elevates the technical difficulty of surgery and the risk of perioperative complications. Identifying the optimal surgical approach is critical for this high-risk population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study with prospectively collected data compared laparoscopic (LPSC) versus open abdominal (LAP) surgical approaches for low risk endometrioid carcinoma in morbidly obese patients. Data were collected over an eleven-year period (January 2013-December 2023) and included 73 patients (58 LPSC, 15 LAP) who met the inclusion criteria (BMI > 40 kg/m², low-grade, early-stage endometrioid carcinoma). Outcomes measured included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, and intraoperative/postoperative complications, which were rigorously classified using the Clavien-Dindo system.

RESULTS: Baseline patient characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The LPSC group demonstrated significantly superior perioperative outcomes. The average postoperative hospital stay was markedly shorter in the LPSC group (4.5 days) compared to the LAP group (12.7 days). Furthermore, LPSC was associated with lower rates of reoperation, transfusions, and postoperative anemia. Crucially, LPSC resulted in a statistically lower occurrence of severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade II and III).

CONCLUSIONS: he laparoscopic approach offers clear and significant perioperative advantages over open abdominal surgery for morbidly obese patients with low-risk endometrial carcinoma. Given the improved safety profile, LPSC or robotic-assisted surgery should be established as the preferred initial surgical approach in these technically challenging cases.

PMID:42029898 | DOI:10.2478/raon-2026-0021

Can J Public Health. 2026 Apr 24. doi: 10.17269/s41997-026-01204-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To describe the demographic and health profiles of Black people in the African Caribbean Track Study (A/C Study) who consented to linkage to administrative databases, examine variations in healthcare use, and compare these patterns to those observed in the general population to inform efforts to reduce health disparities.

METHODS: Using a matched cohort design, participants who consented to administrative data linkage in the A/C Study were matched 1:10 to general population controls based on age (± 5 years), sex, and census metropolitan area. We compared sociodemographic characteristics, HIV prevalence, and healthcare use using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

RESULTS: Of the 1380 A/C Study participants, 309 provided consent and 115 (8.3%) were successfully linked to administrative data and matched to 1150 controls (total N = 1265). A/C Study participants were significantly more likely to reside in areas of higher material deprivation and residential instability. HIV prevalence was substantially higher in the A/C cohort compared to the general population (OR = 29.87; 95% CI, 8.10-110.12). A/C participants also had significantly higher odds of ER use (OR = 2.16; 95% CI, 1.38-3.40). No significant differences were observed in primary care visits, hospitalizations, specialist visits, or UPC index.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights disparities in HIV burden and emergency care use among Black communities in Ontario, underscoring persistent inequities in access to timely, preventive care. These findings demonstrate the value of data linkage for equity-focused health system research and emphasize the need for culturally responsive interventions to improve outcomes among Black populations in Canada.

PMID:42029872 | DOI:10.17269/s41997-026-01204-y

Sports Med Open. 2026 Apr 24;12(1):49. doi: 10.1186/s40798-026-01023-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Reaction speed represents a fundamental cognitive-motor capacity in sport, yet empirical findings regarding its psychological predictors remain inconsistent, particularly across stages of athletic expertise. This study aimed to investigate the associations of performance level and stress tolerance with latent reaction speed in athletes and to determine whether these associations differ across competitive levels.

RESULTS: A cross-sectional sample of 304 competitive athletes (amateur, pre-elite, and elite) completed standardized computerized psychophysiological assessments. Latent reaction speed was modeled as a unified cognitive-motor construct indicated by simple and choice reaction speed and motor execution measures. Performance level and stress tolerance were assessed as task-based indices of performance efficiency and cognitive load tolerance under standardized conditions. Structural equation modeling was used to examine predictors of latent reaction speed, followed by multi-group analyses across athlete competitive levels. Both performance level (β = 0.19, p = 0.004) and stress tolerance (β = 0.17, p = 0.010) showed small but statistically significant positive associations with latent reaction speed, together explaining 14.2% of its variance. Age was negatively associated with latent reaction speed, while gender effects were small. Multi-group analyses revealed that performance level (β = 0.28, p < 0.001) and stress tolerance (β = 0.17, p = 0.028) significantly predicted latent reaction speed only among pre-elite athletes, whereas no significant associations were observed in amateur or elite groups.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the contribution of performance-related psychological factors to reaction speed is stage-specific, with relevance during the pre-elite phase of athletic development. The findings indicate statistically significant but modest associations between performance-related psychological factors and latent reaction speed across stages of athletic development.

PMID:42029866 | DOI:10.1186/s40798-026-01023-y