Category: Statistics

BMC Med. 2026 Jan 21. doi: 10.1186/s12916-026-04641-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To examine associations between public park characteristics within different walking distances from residential locations and depression, to distinguish between features within parks (e.g. amenities, attractions, facilities, tree cover) and park metrics in the home area (e.g. number of parks, size, and total area), and to employ rigorous geospatial analysis linking the best available objectively measured park and urban green space (UGS) exposures to validated depression outcomes across multiple scales.

METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study utilised baseline data from 329,363 UK Biobank participants resident in urban areas. Prevalent diagnosed depression was defined as an ICD-10 code of F32 (depressive episode) or F33 (recurrent depressive disorder). Park characteristics and urban green space data were derived from Ordnance Survey Great Britain datasets and spatially linked to participants’ residential addresses. Three definitions of Home Catchment Area size were tested for every individual respondent: 400 m (m), 800 m, and 1600 m, as proxies for a 10-,20- and 40-min return walk respectively. Logistic regression models assessed associations with robust statistical approaches including assessment of interaction, correction for multiple testing, confounder adjustment, and sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS: Specific park characteristics within 20-min and 40-min catchments were associated with reduced depression likelihood among women only. Within 40-min catchments, protective associations were observed for recreational amenities (cafés: odds ratio (OR) 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85-0.93; toilets: OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.91), attractions (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.80-0.87), sports facilities (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.79-0.90), and tree canopy coverage (e.g. > 20%, OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.85-0.91). In a 20-min catchment, each 1% increase in urban greenspace classified as parks was associated with 11% reduced depression odds among women (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.95). No significant protective associations were observed among men, with some paradoxical adverse associations identified.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides robust evidence for protective associations between park characteristics and depression among women, but not men. Findings support proximity-based planning concepts but challenge the current policy and practice focus on 20-min neighbourhood and identify park features which optimise preventive potential. Results have direct implications for evidence-based urban planning policy internationally, providing a framework for developing mental health-supporting green infrastructure that recognises sex-based differences.

PMID:41566331 | DOI:10.1186/s12916-026-04641-1

Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2026 Jan 21. doi: 10.1186/s12991-025-00624-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia and inflammation play key roles in the pathophysiology of depression and are significantly associated with the plasma atherogenic index (AIP). However, a reliable biomarker for diagnosing depression remains elusive. The hsCRP/HDL-C ratio, combining C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), may serve as a potential composite indicator.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the relationship between the hsCRP/HDL-C ratio and depression.

METHODS: NHANES data (2015-2020) from 10,357 participants were analyzed. Depression was assessed using the PHQ-9, and dyslipidemia with AIP. Participants were grouped based on their hsCRP/HDL-C ratio. Statistical methods included Student’s t-test, chi-square test, logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS) model, and mediation analysis.

RESULTS: RCS regression analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between the hsCRP/HDL-C ratio and depression. The two-piece logistic regression model was used to calculate the threshold effect, and the likelihood ratio test (p < 0.05) indicated that the inflection point for hs-C/H was 11.608. When the hsCRP/HDL-C ratio was below this threshold, a positive correlation with depression was observed (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07). When the hsCRP/HDL-C ratio was equal to or greater than the threshold, a negative correlation was found (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.00). Subgroup analysis showed consistent results, with marital status being the only factor that significantly influenced this relationship. Mediation analysis revealed that AIP partially mediated the relationship between hsCRP/HDL-C ratio and depression, explaining 11.2% of the total effect (95% CI: 2.26%-27.00%).

CONCLUSIONS: A higher hsCRP/HDL-C ratio is associated with increased depression risk. Interventions targeting CRP levels and lipid abnormalities may help reduce this risk.

PMID:41566323 | DOI:10.1186/s12991-025-00624-3

BMC Public Health. 2026 Jan 21. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-26092-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: High blood pressure (BP) is becoming increasingly common among young adults, with university students representing a particularly vulnerable group, posing a growing public health challenge worldwide. The study explores the relationship between BMI and demographic characteristics related to elevated BP in this group, the study addresses a critical gap in local data and supports broader efforts to reduce the future burden of hypertension in South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the association between BMI, demographic data, and elevated BP among university students in South Africa.

METHODS: A cross-sectional research study was conducted with university students. The researchers measured the participants’ anthropometrics and BP and obtained their demographic data. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with elevated BP whilst descriptive statistics, t-tests and chi-square tests were used to profile the study’s variables.

RESULTS: The prevalence of elevated BP was 46.4%. Elevated BP was more common among males (51.2%) and among students aged 25 years and older (58.9%). There was a significant association between BMI category and elevated BP, with students who were overweight showing an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.37-2.87), and students living with obesity showing an adjusted OR of 4.45 (95% CI: 2.73-7.27), compared to those with normal BMI. Additionally, pursuing a postgraduate degree and residing off campus were associated with increased odds of elevated BP. In contrast, being female was associated with lower odds of elevated BP (adjusted OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.16-0.31).

CONCLUSION: BMI, gender, educational level, and residence are significant predictors of high BP among university students. Early intervention is necessary to prevent hypertension in students.

PMID:41566312 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-26092-8

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi. 2026 Jan 10;47(1):113-118. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20250623-00430.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To understand the molecular epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of natural scavengers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the community population. Methods: From 2010 to 2015, people from the Wuwei Hepatitis B Prevention and Treatment Demonstration Zone were used as the research object to conduct health examinations and follow-up visits. Using the nested case-control study method, 99 HBsAg natural clearancers during the follow-up period were selected as the case group, and 316 HBsAg natural clearancers who did not have HBsAg natural clearance were selected as the control group. Data were collected using questionnaires, serology, and single-nucleotide polymorphism detection. Results: Among the 99 HBsAg natural clearance cases, 45 cases were male (45.45%) and 54 cases were female (54.55%); among the 316 control cases, 156 cases were male (49.37%) and 160 cases were female (50.63%); the genotypes of Notch3 gene rs1043994 loci CC, CT and TT genotypes accounted for 63.64%, 32.95% and 3.41%, respectively, and the frequency in the control group was 77.21%, 21.84% and 0.95%, respectively. The difference in genotype distribution between the two groups was statistically significant (P=0.014). The distribution frequencies of the Notch4 gene rs367398 AA, AG, and GG genotypes in the case group were 11.36%, 50.00% and 38.64%, respectively. In the control group, the frequencies were 5.38%, 43.99% and 50.63%, respectively. The genotype distribution difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P=0.043). Analysis of multivariate logistic regression model showed that factors related to the natural clearance of HBsAg include age ≥60 years old (OR=3.14, 95%CI: 1.33-7.41, P=0.009), Notch3 gene rs1043994 locus CT genotype (OR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.06-3.13, P=0.031), and TT genotype (OR=5.58, 95%CI: 1.05-29.59, P=0.044), Notch4 gene rs367398 locus AA genotype (OR=2.89, 95%CI: 1.17-7.13, P=0.021). Conclusion: In a community-based population of HBsAg carriers, individuals aged ≥60 years, those with the Notch3 gene rs1043994 locus (CT, TT) and the Notch4 gene rs367398 locus (AA) were more likely to experience natural clearance of HBsAg.

PMID:41566273 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20250623-00430

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi. 2026 Jan 10;47(1):105-112. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20250722-00514.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the performance of blocking the mother to child transmission of HBV in Jiangsu Province, to standardize the practice of blocking the mother to child transmission of HBV. Methods: Five counties (districts) were selected in northern, central and southern Jiangsu; the local data of maternal HBV screening and blocking mother to child transmission of HBV during 2021-2023 were extracted from relevant information systems. Chi-square test, Cochran-Armitage test and Firth’s penalized likelihood logistic regression model were used for statistical analyses. Results: From 2021 to 2023, a total of 63 805 pregnant women were surveyed in HBV screening, the HBsAg positive rate was 4.46%. In the positive women, 18.46% were at high-risk for mother to child transmission of HBV indicated by HBeAg or HBV-DNA levels; the rate of antiviral therapy during pregnancy increased from 33.78% in 2021 to 82.20% in 2023 (P<0.001). In 2 844 HBV-exposed live-born infants, the annual timely injection rates of hepatitis B immune globulin exceeded 98.30% each year (P=0.627), and the annual timely injection rate of hepetitis B vaccine birth dose increased from 95.25% in 2021 to 99.12% in 2023 (P<0.001). The annual post-vaccination serological test rate in HBV-exposed infants increased from 68.83% in 2021 to 92.82% in 2023 (P<0.001). In the post-vaccination serological test of 2 343 children, the annual HBsAb negative rate fell from 18.59% in 2021 to 6.92% in 2023 (P<0.001). Eight cases of blocking failure were identified (0.34%), the blocking failure rate in the pregnant women at high risk was 1.65%. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk for blocking failure was 6.75 times (aOR=6.75,95%CI: 1.46-64.47) higher in high-risk pregnant women who received no antiviral therapy than in those who received antiviral therapy during pregnancy. Conclusions: From 2021 to 2023, the measures of blocking the mother to child transmission of HBV in Jiangsu is effective. Antiviral therapy for pregnant women at high risk is the key determinant of success. In the blocking transmission practice, it is necessary to increase the antiviral treatment rate in pregnant women at high-risk, further standardize the post-vaccination serological test procedures and strengthen the booster vaccination in HBsAb-negative children.

PMID:41566272 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20250722-00514

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi. 2026 Jan 10;47(1):99-104. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20250527-00353.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the association between sarcopenic obesity (SO) phenotype and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community-dwelling old adults. Methods: The base line data from Hubei Memory and Aging Cohort Study during 2018-2023 were used in this study. Old adults aged ≥65 years, including those from 4 urban communities in Wuhan and 48 rural villages in Dawu, Hubei Province, were recruited through cluster random sampling. They were divided into four groups: control (without sarcopenia or obesity), obesity only, sarcopenia only, and SO. MCI was diagnosed by using Peterson criteria. The associations of obesity only, sarcopenia only, SO with MCI risk were evaluated by binary logistic regression analysis, then stratified analyses was conducted. Results: A total of 2 738 old adults aged ≥65 years [(72.59±5.36) years] were included in this study, in whom 53.98% were women.The crude prevalence rates of obesity, sarcopenia, and SO were 50.62%, 18.37%, and 10.01%, respectively. The prevalence of MCI was 22.62% in the control, 24.46% in the obesity only, 43.67% in the sarcopenia only, 43.43% in the SO. After adjusting for all variables. The risk for MCI increased by 71% (OR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.24-2.37) in sarcopenia only group and 60% (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.18-2.16) in SO group compared with the control. In subgroup analysis, the moderation effect of age and residence were statistically significant (all P interactions <0.05). In the rural old adults, compared with control, obesity only group showed a 28% (OR=0.72, 95%CI: 0.54-0.97) lower risk for MCI, while the sarcopenia only group showed a 53% (OR=1.53, 95%CI: 1.07-2.20). In the urban adults, compared with control, SO group showed a 116% (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.11-4.19) higher risk for MCI. Conclusion: Both sarcopenia only and SO are the potential risk factors for MCI in community-dwelling old adults aged ≥65 years with heterogeneity across populations.

PMID:41566271 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20250527-00353

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2026 Jan 21. doi: 10.1186/s12884-026-08642-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prenatal distress during pregnancy may increase pregnancy complications and negatively affect mother-fetus bonding. Today, mobile health applications play an important role in pregnant women’s search for information and support. This study aims to examine the effects of mobile applications used during pregnancy on prenatal distress level and prenatal attachment.

METHODS: This descriptive and comparative study was conducted between March and June 2025 in an obstetrics outpatient clinic of a university hospital in eastern Turkey. The study included 313 pregnant women who were at or after the 32nd week of pregnancy, graduated from at least primary school, used smartphones, did not have risky or multiple pregnancies, and did not have any diagnosed psychiatric illness. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using the Personal Information Form, Prenatal Attachment Scale (PAS) and Prenatal Distress Scale (PDS) developed by the researcher.

RESULTS: 35.1% of the participants stated that they used pregnancy-related mobile applications. The most preferred application was “Happy Mom” with 42.7% and 80% of the applications had the feature of sending notifications. The mean scores of the total score and sub-dimension scores of the PAS were found to be statistically significantly higher and the mean scores of the total score and sub-dimension scores of the PAS were found to be significantly lower in pregnant women using mobile applications (p < .05).

CONCLUSION: The study shows that the use of mobile applications during pregnancy is associated with higher prenatal attachment levels and lower prenatal distress levels. Mobile applications may support women in adapting to the pregnancy process and in strengthening the mother-fetus bond, although causality cannot be firmly established due to the cross-sectional design of the study.

PMID:41566250 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-026-08642-z

J Feline Med Surg. 2026 Jan 21:1098612X261418859. doi: 10.1177/1098612X261418859. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To report changes in serum creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations following treatment of feline hyperthyroidism with anti-thyroid medications and compare these biomarkers at baseline between cats that were and were not azotaemic after treatment.

METHODS: Retrospective study; hyperthyroid cats that were euthyroid (total thyroxine concentration (TT4) 7-40 nmol/L) at 1 month (T1) and/or 2-9 months (T2) following treatment were identified and grouped by renal status defined by serum creatinine concentrations post-treatment. Comparisons were made using non-parametric statistics, and the correlations assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Data are presented as median [minimum-maximum].

RESULTS: Nineteen hyperthyroid cats were included. At baseline, TT4 was negatively correlated with serum concentrations of creatinine (rs = -0.73; P<0.001) but not SDMA (rs = -0.42; P=0.074). Serum creatinine concentrations increased significantly at T1 and T2 (137 [97-241] μmol/L and 162 [76-251] μmol/L) compared to baseline (117 [62-216] μmol/L; P=0.003 and P<0.001 respectively), whereas serum SDMA did not change significantly at T1 but did increase by T2 (11 [8-29] μg/dL and 13 [9-24] μg/dL respectively) compared to baseline (12 [7-21] μg/dL; P=0.548 and P=0.039 respectively). There was no significant difference in baseline serum SDMA between cats that were azotaemic after treatment and those that remained non-azotaemic (12 [7-21] μg/dL, n=13 vs. 13 [11-19] μg/dL, n=6; P=0.42).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Serum SDMA concentrations are not helpful in predicting post-treatment azotaemia in initially non-azotaemic hyperthyroid cats treated with anti-thyroid medications, and might be influenced by factors other than glomerular filtration rate in hyperthyroidism.

PMID:41566222 | DOI:10.1177/1098612X261418859

BMC Bioinformatics. 2026 Jan 21. doi: 10.1186/s12859-025-06352-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Accurate acquisition of phenotypic data is critical for cataloguing and utilising genetic variation in cultivated crops, landraces, and their wild relatives. The collection of phenotypic data using handwritten notes often introduces errors which can and should be avoided. Electronic data collection is crucial for ensuring error prevention and data standardisation and thus ensuring high-quality, reliable data.

IMPLEMENTATION: This paper describes the development of GridScore NEXT, a new plant phenotyping application that significantly advances the state of the art for collecting field trial data in plant genetics, pre-breeding and crop improvement research. Building on its predecessor, GridScore, the development of GridScore NEXT was driven by real life, in the field interactions with expert user groups across a number of crops. This iterative design methodology allowed the development and testing of new features. Collaborators from the ‘Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods and Development’ (BOLD) project, focusing on crops including rice, grasspea, and alfalfa, along with barley, potato, vegetable and blueberry teams, provided invaluable insights through training sessions and interviews and in the field use of the application.

RESULTS: Key improvements to GridScore NEXT include enhanced data collection tools, supporting individual plant phenotyping within plots and enabling new data types such as GPS coordinates and image traits. GridScore NEXT provides customisable user defined validation rules to help prevent errors and incorporates barcode scanning for accurate, efficient data capture. The application offers an increased toolbox of data visualizations over its predecessor including heatmaps and statistical box plots, which aid in identifying potential data issues and understanding trial performance in the field. GridScore NEXT is cross-platform and can operate without an internet connection, making it ideal for field use in remote areas. Its adoption has led to standardisation of methods, significant error reduction, and the timely sharing of data, enabling quicker decision-making in pre-breeding and characterisation experiments. GridScore NEXT is available under an open-source (Apache 2.0) licence and freely available to all with no restrictions. It offers self-hosting options for enhanced data security and privacy. GridScore NEXT shows broad applicability across a diverse range of not only plant phenotyping experiments, but any experiment that requires the collection of accurate data.

PMID:41566195 | DOI:10.1186/s12859-025-06352-5

Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2026 Jan 25;29(1):92-97. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn441530-20250415-00160.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To characterize the endoscopic severity distribution and clinical features of diversion colitis (DC) following curative resection for rectal cancer with concurrent ileostomy. Methods: This descriptive observational study enrolled patients who met the following criteria: (1) preoperative histopathological confirmation of primary rectal adenocarcinoma via colonoscopic biopsy; (2) curative rectal cancer surgery (open or laparoscopic) with simultaneous prophylactic loop ileostomy; (3) subsequent ileostomy closure; and (4) complete medical records of 1-month follow-up data after closure. Patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection or had inadequate bowel preparation precluding clear endoscopic mucosal visualization were excluded. Clinical data were retrospectively collected for 173 patients who underwent the aforementioned procedures at Peking University People’s Hospital between January, 2023 and December, 2024. Primary endpoints were the overall incidence of endoscopic DC, its severity distribution (mild, moderate, severe), and specific manifestations (edema, mucosal hemorrhage, and contact bleeding). Secondary endpoints included the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score [range 0-42; no LARS (0-20), minor LARS (21-29), major LARS (30-42)] and bowel function-related symptoms (abdominal pain, mucous stool, rectal bleeding before and after closure, and diarrhea after closure). Results: Among the cohort, 108 patients (62.4%) were male, with a median age of 67 years (IQR 59-73). Endoscopic assessment revealed a 100% overall incidence of DC. Moderate to severe edema was present in 113 patients (65.3%), mucosal hemorrhage in 105 (60.7%), and contact bleeding in 66 (38.2%). Based on DC severity scores, cases were classified as mild in 52 (30.1%), moderate in 72 (41.6%), and severe in 49 (28.3%). Compared to the mild/moderate DC group, the severe DC group had a significantly longer median time to stoma closure [5.7 months (IQR 3.8, 7.7) vs. 4.7 months (IQR 3.7, 5.9); Z=2.335, P=0.020] and higher C-reactive protein levels (P=0.002). The severe DC group also exhibited higher incidences of pre-closure abdominal pain [20.4% (10/49) vs. 8.1% (10/124); χ²=5.234, P=0.022] and post-closure rectal bleeding [18.4% (9/49) vs. 8.1% (10/124); χ²=3.813, P = 0.049]. Furthermore, the severe DC group had a higher median LARS total score [31 (IQR 27, 38) vs. 27 (IQR 15, 34); Z=2.370, P=0.018] and a significantly greater proportion of patients with clustered defecation [59.2% (29/49) vs. 37.1% (46/124); χ²=6.977, P=0.031]. There were no statistically significant in other defecation function related symptoms between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: DC is an extremely common finding after curative rectal cancer surgery with concurrent ileostomy. Severe DC is associated with a longer interval to stoma closure, elevated inflammatory markers, and inferior postoperative bowel function.

PMID:41566186 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn441530-20250415-00160