Category: Statistics

Health SA. 2026 Mar 13;31:3233. doi: 10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3233. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted healthcare systems, posing risks for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in resource-limited, high HIV-prevalence settings. These disruptions threatened antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, viral load suppression (VLS) and retention in care (RiC).

AIM: This study aimed to compare treatment outcomes of ALHIV on ART in the Khayelitsha and Eastern Substructure (KESS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SETTING: The study was performed in KESS, Cape Town, South Africa.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted among ALHIV aged 10-19 years receiving ART at public health facilities, pre-COVID-19 (before 01 March 2020) and during COVID-19 (01 March 2020-31 December 2021). Sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment data were analysed. Descriptive and inferential statistics compared outcomes and determined factors associated with VLS (< 1000 copies/mL) using SPSS v.30.

RESULTS: Data from 1702 ALHIV (pre-COVID-19) and 2733 ALHIV (during COVID-19) were analysed. Viral load suppression declined from 82.1% to 64.8%, while full VLS (< 50 copies/mL) from 70.8% to 53.7% (p = 0.065). Antiretroviral therapy adherence fell from 96.4% to 70.0% (p < 0.001), and RiC 80.3% to 76.3% (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, higher CD4 count, and consistent ART adherence predicted VLS.

CONCLUSION: Antiretroviral therapy adherence and VLS rates among ALHIV declined during COVID-19. Adolescent-centred healthcare delivery models are needed to ensure continuity of HIV treatment during public health emergencies.

CONTRIBUTION: This study provides local evidence on the pandemic’s impact in a high-burden South African context. By quantifying declines in ART adherence, RiC, and VLS, it highlights ALHIV vulnerabilities and the need to strengthen adolescent-responsive, resilient healthcare systems.

PMID:41960585 | PMC:PMC13058524 | DOI:10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3233

Bioinformation. 2026 Jan 31;22(1):385-387. doi: 10.6026/973206300220385. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Orthodontic appliances influence patients’ oral functions, especially speech and mastication. Therefore, it is of interest to compare speech and mastication difficulties among patients treated with clear aligners and conventional braces. One hundred participants were assessed through a validated questionnaire and performance tests. Clear aligners showed fewer articulation and chewing problems than fixed braces. The differences were statistically significant. Thus, we show clear aligners may provide improved comfort and oral function during orthodontic treatment.

PMID:41960548 | PMC:PMC13058382 | DOI:10.6026/973206300220385

Bioinformation. 2026 Jan 31;22(1):405-408. doi: 10.6026/973206300220405. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

The success of dental implants is influenced by the timing of prosthetic loading. Therefore, it is of interest to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of immediate loading (IL) versus conventional loading (CL) of dental implants supporting fixed prostheses. Hence, a total of 30 patients were randomly assigned to either IL or CL groups. Clinical parameters such as implant stability (measured by Periotest), peri-implant soft tissue health and radiographic marginal bone loss (MBL) were evaluated over a 12-month period. Results indicated that both groups demonstrated high implant survival rates (96.6% IL vs 100% CL), with no statistically significant differences in MBL at 3, 6 and 12 months (p > 0.05). However, IL provided faster functional rehabilitation and patient satisfaction. Thus, we show the clinical viability of immediate loading protocols in appropriately selected cases, without compromising implant stability or bone levels.

PMID:41960537 | PMC:PMC13058331 | DOI:10.6026/973206300220405

Bioinformation. 2026 Jan 31;22(1):175-179. doi: 10.6026/973206300220175. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Titanium (Ti) dental implants are considered the gold standard in edentulous rehabilitation. However, the tribocorrosion and subsequent release of titanium ions into the systemic circulation has become an issue of concern. Hence, this prospective longitudinal study used the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) at baseline, 1-week and 6-months post-operative in order to study serum titanium levels in 60 healthy patients that were undertaking the implant surgery. The baseline serum titanium levels were 1.42 ± 0.55 ng/mL with a statistically significant increase of the mean serum titanium levels to 2.15 + 0.82 ng/mL after one week post- operation and a partial stabilization to 1.94 + 0.71 ng/mL at 6 months. Though, the dental implant placement causes a statistically significant increase in the levels of titanium in the systemic compartments, these levels are far below the accepted toxicological limits.

PMID:41960517 | PMC:PMC13058369 | DOI:10.6026/973206300220175

Bioinformation. 2026 Jan 31;22(1):66-70. doi: 10.6026/973206300220066. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic and periampullary tumors and its impact on postoperative outcomes is highly relevant. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic and periampullary tumors. A prospective observational analysis of 50 patients revealed that sarcopenia, assessed through Psoas Muscle Index, Hand Grip Strength and Gait Speed, is a significant predictor of postoperative outcomes. Age did not notably affect sarcopenia prevalence, while factors such as gender, ECOG status and diabetes were identified as key risk factors. Gait speed was found to be the strongest predictor of mortality, emphasizing its potential as a primary diagnostic tool. The identification of sarcopenia as a significant predictor of postoperative outcomes in pancreaticoduodenectomy patients with gait speed emerging as the strongest predictor of mortality, offering a potential tool for preoperative assessment and improved patient management.

PMID:41960489 | PMC:PMC13058357 | DOI:10.6026/973206300220066

Bioinformation. 2026 Jan 31;22(1):357-361. doi: 10.6026/973206300220357. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Somatosensory deficits have gained growing attention in cerebral palsy; therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the central perceptual abnormalities in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Seventy children (35 children with CP and 35 controls, age-range: 6 months-10 years) were evaluated by somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), visual evoked potentials (VEP) and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) and the association with electroencephalography (EEG), clinical and radiologic findings was sought for. Tibial SSEPs and median SSEPs revealed abnormal cortical response in 77.14 % (27 of 35) and 65.22 % (15 of 23) respectively, 14.29 % (5 of 35) had abnormal BAEP, 18 of 35 (51.4 %) had abnormal VEP, 14 patients (40 %) demonstrated abnormal EEG and 91.43 % had abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Abnormal tibial SSEPs were statistically correlated with abnormal EEG (p=0.005) and perinatal asphyxia (p=0.01) while abnormal median SSEPs were statistically correlated with abnormal VEP (p=0.0098) and perinatal asphyxia (p=0.03) (chi-square test). Evidences of sensory cortical involvement in CP can help in designing better treatment plans. Cortical SSEPs may further be evaluated in prospective studies to assess their potential utility as a prognostic tool in children with CP.

PMID:41960465 | PMC:PMC13058302 | DOI:10.6026/973206300220357

Bioinformation. 2026 Jan 31;22(1):328-332. doi: 10.6026/973206300220328. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

The role of serum lipids as tumour markers in the diagnosis of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) is of interest. Hence, three groups (oral cancer, OPMDs and age and sex matched healthy controls) comprising 40 patients each was selected. Serum lipid profile values (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein) were compared among the groups (unpaired t-test and one way-ANOVA) (p-value of <0.05 was considered as significant). Mean values of total serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein were found to be elevated in cases of oral cancer and oral PMDs as compared to controls with statistical significance (p<0.001). The alterations in levels obtained in the study, support the role of serum lipid profile as biomarkers for oral cancer and OPMDs, yet strengthening of the evidences by long-term follow-up studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to establish the association.

PMID:41960459 | PMC:PMC13058311 | DOI:10.6026/973206300220328

Bioinformation. 2026 Jan 31;22(1):593-598. doi: 10.6026/973206300220593. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

The validity of clinical research depends on robust statistical methodology, yet peer review often fails to identify analytical flaws, particularly in Prosthodontics where statistical errors can mislead evidence-based practice. Therefore, it is of interest to audits the statistical rigor of available data on this issue. Hence, 328 publications were systematically analysed. Our analysis shows that about one-third demonstrated rigorous, assumption-validated analyses, while nearly half showed ambiguous or inappropriate usage. Common issues included lack of assumption checks, inadequate adjustment for multiple comparisons, and missing sample size justifications. Thus, we show the urgent need for improved editorial standards, mandatory reporting checklists, and dedicated statistical review to ensure transparency and research integrity.

PMID:41960457 | PMC:PMC13058335 | DOI:10.6026/973206300220593

SAGE Open Nurs. 2026 Apr 7;12:23779608261433262. doi: 10.1177/23779608261433262. eCollection 2026 Jan-Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although e-learning has become routine in nursing education, many courses still lack explicit, structured guidance targeting students’ motivation in online environments. Evidence remains limited regarding whether such motivational guidelines improve objective learning achievement, particularly in maternity nursing.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of e-learning motivational guidelines on motivation and learning achievement among maternity nursing students.

METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with intervention and control groups was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing during the 2021-2022 academic year. A systematic random sample of 261 students was assessed using three tools: (1) a computer skills assessment sheet, (2) a motivation for e-learning assessment sheet, and (3) an auditing checklist to evaluate learning achievement. The intervention group received an e-learning course integrated with structured motivational guidelines, whereas the control group received the usual e-learning course.

RESULTS: Postintervention, 69.7% of the intervention group exhibited high motivation across all domains of total motivation for e-learning, compared with approximately 62% of the control group who demonstrated positive motivation across related items. A strong, statistically significant positive correlation was found between total learning achievement and total motivation in the intervention group (r = .983, p < .001).

CONCLUSION: Embedding structured motivational guidelines within e-learning was associated with higher motivation and improved learning achievement among maternity nursing students, addressing a key gap by linking explicit motivational support to measurable academic outcomes in this specialty context.

PMID:41960443 | PMC:PMC13058182 | DOI:10.1177/23779608261433262

Front Mol Neurosci. 2026 Mar 25;19:1741854. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2026.1741854. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Carriers of the FMR1 gene premutation (PM) are at increased risk for Fragile X-associated PM Conditions (FXPAC). Some clinically significant symptoms can be further classified as Fragile X-associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (FXAND). Many FXAND-related cases may go underrated and untreated. This study aimed to investigate the rates of FXAND-related symptoms among female PM carriers.

METHODS: The study was conducted at the Belgrade Fragile X Clinic on a clinical sample of 35 women with the PM and 35 controls using an adapted version of the Symptom Impact Questionnaire and the Fatigue Assessment Scale. The survey was designed to collect data on FXAND symptoms, including chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Each symptom was self-rated by participants on a scale from 0 to 10. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

RESULTS: Women with the PM (mean age: 44.51 ± 12.90 y.; 90.51 ± 22.04 CGG repeats) had statistically significant higher frequency and severity of chronic pain (p = 0.03; p = 0.02) and fatigue (p = 0.001 for both) in contrast to age-matched controls. Although the prevalence of anxiety symptoms was not significantly different between groups, the severity of anxiety symptoms were significantly higher in the PM group (p < 0.001), and was positively correlated with chronic fatigue (p = 0.003 vs. p = 0.27 in controls). Depressive symptom frequency and severity did not differ between groups (p = 0.47; p = 0.55), but there were a significant positive correlation between anxiety and depressive symptoms in the PM group (p = 0.003). Depressive symptoms were also positively correlated with chronic fatigue in the PM group (p = 0.02), but not in controls (p = 0.58). Compared to controls, PM carriers reported more frequently lower energy, poorer sleep, greater memory issues, cognitive difficulties, balance problems, and increased sensory sensitivity (p ≤ 0.001, all).

CONCLUSION: Female PM carriers experience significantly higher frequency and severity of FXAND-related symptoms. Our findings of an association between fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms highlight the need for comprehensive screening and underscore the importance of recognizing and treating individuals with FXAND.

PMID:41960422 | PMC:PMC13057454 | DOI:10.3389/fnmol.2026.1741854