Category: Statistics

Biomed Res Int. 2026;2026(1):e5309217. doi: 10.1155/bmri/5309217.

ABSTRACT

Human gustatory function is a complex trait combining taste, smell, and touch required for the safety and quality assessment of ingested food. Taste dysfunction is one of the most prominent symptoms of COVID-19 that was reversible in most cases, but some patients reported permanent changes in their perception of different food sources. This symptom brought attention to the complexity of the regulation of smell and taste and their potential use in diagnostics and treatment of acute and chronic taste disorders. We investigated the genetic association of candidate genes with SARS-CoV-2 infection-related dysgeusia. A total of 96 individuals with confirmed virus infection were divided into groups according to the presence of self-reported taste dysfunction and genotyped using a custom Illumina gene panel. Out of 18 functionally related taste genes, statistically significant differences were observed for HCN4 variants c∗2393C > G (p = 0.013) and c.2556G > A (p = 0.026), PLCB2 variants c.3037-55T > C (p = 0.019) and c.582+958_582+959inv (p = 0.021), and TAS1R1 variant c.1594+41G > A (p = 0.03), which indicate possible association to taste dysfunction in response to virus infection.

PMID:41906187 | DOI:10.1155/bmri/5309217

Trop Med Health. 2026 Mar 29. doi: 10.1186/s41182-026-00946-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Wild edible plants (WEPs) have long supported rural livelihoods in Ethiopia by contributing to food security, nutrition, and cultural identity. Despite their importance, many of these plants and the indigenous knowledge associated with them are increasingly overlooked due to environmental degradation, agricultural expansion, and socio-economic changes. This study aimed to document the diversity, indigenous knowledge, and cultural importance of WEPs in Dabat District, northwestern Ethiopia.

METHODS: A total of 136 informants participated in the study, which was conducted from January to November 2025 in eight selected kebeles of Dabat District. Informants were selected using purposive sampling for key informants and simple random sampling for general informants to ensure inclusion of knowledgeable community members. Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and direct observations. Voucher specimens were collected and identified using standard botanical procedures and authenticated herbarium references. Quantitative ethnobotanical analyses, including relative frequency of citation, preference ranking, and direct matrix ranking, were used to evaluate the cultural importance and multipurpose value of species. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were performed using R software to assess patterns of knowledge distribution across socio-demographic groups.

RESULTS: The study documented 52 wild edible plant species belonging to 41 genera and 27 botanical families. These species were mainly consumed as fruits, leafy vegetables, and tubers. Ximenia americana L. was identified as the most preferred species, followed by Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC., Cordia africana Lam., Morus alba L., and Rosa abyssinica R.Br. ex Lindl., which were valued for their taste, accessibility, and frequent use. Direct matrix ranking indicated that Cordia africana Lam. had the highest multipurpose value due to its roles in food provision, fuelwood, construction materials, income generation, and farm tool production. Species such as Vachellia seyal (Delile) P.J.H.Hurter and Vachellia abyssinica (Hochst. ex Benth.) Kyal. & Boatwr. were also highly valued for energy supply, fencing, and marketable products. WEPs played an important role in supplementing household diets, particularly during seasonal food shortages. Traditional knowledge of WEPs varied significantly (P < 0.005) among informants, with older individuals, men, and respondents with lower levels of formal education demonstrating greater familiarity with these resources. Major threats identified included agricultural expansion, habitat degradation, overgrazing, and declining intergenerational transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS: WEPs remain an important component of local food systems and cultural traditions in Dabat District. Their continued use contributes to dietary diversity and provides a safety net during periods of food scarcity. Strengthening documentation, conservation, and sustainable management of WEPs, while promoting the transmission of indigenous knowledge, will enhance their role in supporting rural livelihoods and food security.

PMID:41906185 | DOI:10.1186/s41182-026-00946-2

Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2026 Mar 29. doi: 10.1186/s13098-026-02151-x. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41906175 | DOI:10.1186/s13098-026-02151-x

BMC Psychol. 2026 Mar 30. doi: 10.1186/s40359-026-04457-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Body image dissatisfaction (BID) among adolescents is a growing public health concern globally, linked to unhealthy eating behaviors, low self-esteem, and psychological distress. In Nepal, research on BID remains limited, particularly in exploring both genders and the influence of behavioral, perceptual, and familial factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of BID and its associated factors among adolescents in Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 313 adolescents aged 10-19 years. Data were collected between 8th -30th June 2024 using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The questionnaire covered four domains: socio-demographic, behavioral, perceptual, and anthropometric characteristics. Validated instruments, including Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16B), Figure Rating Scale, and Perceived Beauty Standards Scale (PBSS-8), were utilized. Eight wards were randomly selected, and households were approached through systematic sampling at fixed intervals. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed, and multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with body image dissatisfaction. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The prevalence of BID was 24.3% (95% CI: 19.8-28.8). Female adolescents were nearly twice as likely as males to report dissatisfaction (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.02-3.88). Overweight/obese adolescents had significantly higher odds of BID (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.16-5.02). Adolescents who skipped meals (AOR = 4.14; 95% CI: 2.01-8.52) and those who experienced body shaming (AOR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.37-5.36) were at increased risk. Perceiving one’s body as “a bit too large” (AOR = 3.51; 95% CI: 1.33-9.31) or “much too large” (AOR = 8.68; 95% CI: 2.99-20.14) also showed strong associations with dissatisfaction.

CONCLUSION: Nearly one in four adolescents experienced BID, with greater vulnerability among females, those with overweight/obesity, and those exposed to body shaming. These findings suggest the importance of incorporating body image literacy and psychosocial wellbeing components into existing adolescent health and school-based education programs in Nepal.

PMID:41906166 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-026-04457-x

BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2026 Mar 30. doi: 10.1186/s12872-026-05804-x. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41906092 | DOI:10.1186/s12872-026-05804-x

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2026 Mar 29. doi: 10.1186/s12891-026-09775-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic calcaneoplasty has gained increasing popularity in recent years for the treatment of Haglund’s deformity, which is characterized by a posterosuperior calcaneal prominence and associated retrocalcaneal bursitis. However, the relationship between preoperative calcaneal morphological parameters and postoperative clinical outcomes remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether bump height and the bump-calcaneus ratio, measured on preoperative radiographs, are associated with clinical or radiological outcomes following endoscopic calcaneoplasty.

METHODS: A prospective evaluation was conducted on 22 feet in 22 patients who underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty. Demographic data and radiographic parameters including bump height, bump-to-calcaneus ratio, and various angular measurements were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Normality was assessed with Shapiro-Wilk test, and non-parametric tests were used for all analyses. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated from Wilcoxon Z statistics. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was evaluated by comparing AOFAS improvement with literature values. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS: The mean patient age was 46.2 ± 13.1 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 14 ± 2 months. The mean operative time was 63 ± 27 min. Both AOFAS and VAS scores demonstrated statistically significant improvement at all time points (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (d = 1.75 for AOFAS, d = 1.76 for VAS). The mean Δ AOFAS at 12 months (41.1 ± 24.1) exceeded the established MCID range, confirming clinically meaningful improvement. No significant associations were identified between preoperative bump height or bump-to-calcaneus ratio and clinical outcomes (p > 0.05). No surgical complications or infections were observed.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic calcaneoplasty resulted in significant clinical improvement in patients with Haglund’s deformity, with substantial increases in AOFAS scores and reductions in VAS pain scores. In this cohort, no significant association was observed between preoperative bump height, bump-calcaneus ratio, and postoperative clinical outcomes. However, the relatively small sample size limits the generalizability of these findings, and larger prospective studies are warranted.

PMID:41906077 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-026-09775-0

Int J Legal Med. 2026 Mar 30. doi: 10.1007/s00414-026-03784-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Sex estimation is fundamental in establishing the biological profile in forensic anthropology. However, osteometric standards from one population often do not apply to another due to ethnic and environmental variations. This study analyzed pelvic anthropometric measurement using three-dimensional (3D) Computed Tomography (CT) scans to establish population-specific sex estimation standards for the Gujarati population. A retrospective cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center in Gujarat analyzed pelvic CT scans of 300 adults aged 18-65 years. Eight pelvic measurement and three indices were measured using NeoRad software. Statistical analysis included Student’s t-test and multivariate Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) to generate sex-classification models. The analysis revealed significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.05) in four measurement: Ischial Length, Iliac Height, Acetabular Breadth, and Subpubic Angle. Males exhibited larger dimensions, except for the subpubic angle, which was wider in females. The multivariate discriminant function model achieved 80.7% classification accuracy, correctly classifying 80.6% of males and 80.8% of females. The study shows that 3D CT-derived pelvic measurement reliably indicate sex determination in the Gujarati population. The discriminant functions provide a non-invasive, population-specific tool that enhances forensic identification accuracy in this region, emphasizing local standards over global averages.

PMID:41906050 | DOI:10.1007/s00414-026-03784-3

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Mar 30;198(4):380. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15227-y.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) are persistent PFAS of growing regulatory concern, yet robust spatiotemporal evidence in Vietnam remains limited. Here, we developed a 12-month surface-water monitoring dataset with triplicate sampling across an ≈45-site lake-river-estuary-coastal network in Northern Vietnam, quantified PFOA/PFOS by LC-MS/MS, and translated the observations into a control-prioritization framework. Across pooled station-month observations (n = 552), PFOA showed a median of 7.56 ng/L (p95 = 30.95), while PFOS was higher with a median of 16.55 ng/L (p95 = 107.77). Concentrations consistently increased along the basin transport-retention continuum, with stable hotspots in downstream and estuarine nodes (e.g., Ba Lat, Cua Day, Do Son, Sam Son, Tra Co) and the water-body hierarchy estuaries > river (downstream) > coastal > lakes. Clear seasonality was observed, with PFOS peaking in January/December and PFOA peaking in February/December. Mechanistic interpretation combined field covariates with water-particle-DOC partitioning concepts, adsorption-desorption tests using reference sediment, and multivariable modeling, consistently identifying suspended solids and dissolved organic carbon as dominant drivers, especially for PFOS. Ecological screening using risk quotients (RQ) indicated PFOS-driven concern at priority downstream/estuarine nodes. In parallel, integrated exposure scenarios (drinking water and fish consumption) suggested seafood intake can dominate PFOS exposure, yielding tail risks for children and high-seafood consumers even when mixture-level indices remain generally acceptable under baseline scenarios.

PMID:41906047 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15227-y

Sci Rep. 2026 Mar 30. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-44124-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Comparative analyses of nucleotide sequences across diverse taxa, including viruses, bacteria, plants, and mammals, consistently reveal patch-type sequence identities of around 45%. These identities consist of short stretches interspersed by mismatches. Similarly, identity patterns emerge in alignments of randomized shuffled or scrambled sequences. These findings suggest patch-type identities reflect intrinsic statistical properties of the four-letter genetic alphabet. Such patterns likely function as recognition signals for illegitimate recombination, a mechanism that promotes sequence insertions, exchanges, and rearrangements without extensive homology. Patch-type identities have been observed at integration sites of foreign DNA and may play a role in evolutionary innovation and rapid diversification (e. g. SARS-CoV-2). Simulation data support the ideas that the frequency and length distribution of matching segments can be predicted by statistical models based on base composition, yet may also create local environments conducive to recombination. Further, the statistical architecture of the genetic alphabet encodes not only biological information, but also the potential for genome remodeling and adaptation during evolution. By bridging fundamental sequence properties with biological outcomes, this study provides a framework for exploring how randomness at the nucleotide sequence level can give rise to order and complexity across the tree of life.

PMID:41905996 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-44124-0

Sci Rep. 2026 Mar 29. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-37151-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Maternal nutrition is crucial for optimal child growth and development, reducing pregnancy complications like low birth weight and premature birth. Adequate nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding helps prevent nutrient deficiencies with long-lasting effects. However, poor maternal nutrition can lead to adverse child growth outcomes, such as intrauterine growth restriction and developmental issues. The main objective of this study was to investigate the factors influencing maternal nutrition practices and its implication for child growth and development in the communities of Jimma Town. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2024 among 423 mothers. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by trained data collectors to gather detailed information on socio-demographic characteristics, maternal health, nutrition, and child growth and development. The multivariate analysis was conducted to control the confounding influence using variables that were eligible for multivariable logistic regression analysis and had a p-value of less than 0.25. In the multivariable logistic regression, factors with p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant predictors. This study of 423 mothers with a 100% response rate identified key factors affecting child growth. Education was significant, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of 4.02 for primary, 5.44 for secondary, and 2.95 for college education. Casual laborers had a lower AOR of 0.19, while marital status (AOR = 1.14) and income levels between 6,001 and 10,000 (AOR = 2.11) positively impacted outcomes. Important health indicators included no pregnancy support (AOR = 0.27), no antenatal care (AOR = 0.30), and a fetal heartbeat (AOR = 4.02). Nutritional practices such as not consuming calcium-rich foods (AOR = 0.43) and adequate breastfeeding (AOR = 6.10) were linked to better development. Children with a normal BMI (AOR = 2.62) and appropriate birth weight (AOR = 1.16) showed improved growth outcomes, all at a 5% significance level. The analysis reveals that being educated mothers, having husbands employed in NGOs or in private business, being married mothers, having a family monthly income (6001-10,000), having a normal BMI, having a breastfeeding frequency of 6-8 per day, having pregnancy support, increasing the number of meals during pregnancy and lactation, having a balanced diet, having antenatal visits, having tetanus toxoid, having nutritional counseling, and taking different supplements during pregnancy like folic acid, iron, calcium, omega-3, vitamins, and zinc can improve child growth and development. Interventions aimed at improving maternal education, economic support, and nutritional health are essential for enhancing child growth in the community.

PMID:41905984 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-37151-4