Tag: statistics

BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s40360-026-01171-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral ivermectin is commonly used as a second-line treatment for classic scabies, particularly in cases of treatment failure or poor adherence to topical permethrin, the standard of care. However, the comparative efficacy and safety of oral ivermectin, alone or in combination with permethrin, remains unclear. This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of these treatments to guide clinicians and policymakers.

METHODS: On April 17, 2022, we conducted a comprehensive search of databases, including MEDLINE and CENTRAL, as well as secondary sources for randomized controlled trials comparing oral ivermectin, alone or in combination with topical permethrin, and topical permethrin, or any of the three with other scabicides or placebo/vehicle/no treatment among patients with classic scabies. The primary outcomes were clinical cure and serious adverse events. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 and evaluated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. Network meta-analyses were performed using available case analysis and a random-effects model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses explored the impact of methodologic decisions and known effect modifiers. Effect estimates and certainty of evidence ratings were presented in the Summary of Findings tables.

RESULTS: We included 38 RCTs (N = 4879), most of which had moderate or high overall risk of bias. Oral ivermectin, given in varying dosing regimens (single dose, two-dose, or flexible dosing) showed little or no difference in clinical cure rates compared to permethrin, which was also administered in different dosing schedules, at one to two weeks post-treatment (network RR 0.95, 95% CI [0.89, 1.02]; 30 RCTs, N = 3469; global inconsistency P = 0.42; low certainty evidence). Serious adverse events were rare (1/3212; 0.03%, 95% CI [0.000079, 0.17]; 29 RCTs; very low certainty evidence). One child who received oral ivermectin was hospitalized for cellulitis but eventually recovered. Limited data (1 RCT; n = 100) suggested that combination oral ivermectin/permethrin may be as effective or more effective than permethrin for clinical cure at one to two weeks (network RR 1.21, 95% CI [0.94, 1.56]; low certainty evidence).

CONCLUSION: There may be little or no difference between oral ivermectin and permethrin in clinical cure. However, combination therapy with oral ivermectin and permethrin may be as good as or better than permethrin alone. The rate of serious adverse events is uncertain. Further well-designed RCTs should be conducted to confirm the findings and inform clinical practice and public health policy on scabies control.

STUDY REGISTRATION: UPM RGAO-2021-1058; PHRR230322-005013; PROSPERO CRD42022278007.

PMID:42365388 | DOI:10.1186/s40360-026-01171-7

BMC Res Notes. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s13104-026-07932-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional comparative study examined differences in body mass index (BMI), nutritional knowledge, and eating behaviors between dancer and non-dancer university students. Given the physical and aesthetic demands of dance, understanding potential differences in health-related characteristics in this population is of particular importance.

METHODS: Seventy female undergraduates (35 dancers and 35 non-dancers, aged 17-22 years) were recruited. Height, weight, and BMI were measured using the InBody 970 analyzer. Nutritional knowledge was assessed using the Chinese version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (C-GNKQ), and disordered eating risk was evaluated using the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26)©. Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests, with effect sizes (Cohen’s d) calculated to estimate the magnitude of differences.

RESULTS: Dancers were significantly taller than non-dancers (P = 0.003, d = 0.74) and had a lower BMI (P = 0.023, d = 0.82). No statistically significant difference was observed in overall C-GNKQ scores (P = 0.128, d = 0.37), although dancers scored higher in the dietary knowledge subscale (P = 0.037, d = 0.52). EAT-26© scores were higher in dancers, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.147, d = 0.35). Additional Spearman correlation analyses revealed no significant associations among BMI, C-GNKQ scores, and EAT-26© scores (P > 0.05).

PMID:42365379 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-026-07932-1

J Eat Disord. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s40337-026-01649-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Barcelona Bipolar Eating Disorder Scale (BEDS), which can facilitate screening for comorbid eating disorders (EDs) in bipolar disorder (BD) patients.

METHODS: A total of 100 BD patients and 129 healthy controls (HCs) were included in the study conducted at Ankara Etlik City Hospital Psychiatry Clinic. These patients were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Sociodemographic forms, the Turkish version of the BEDS, the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE), and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) were used to assess validity and reliability.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the patient and control groups regarding the BITE and BEDS total scores. For the DEBQ, no significant group differences were observed in the total, restrained eating, or external eating scores, whereas the healthy control group had higher emotional eating scores. The correlation coefficient between each item and the total score ranged from 0.313 to 0.644. Cronbach’s alpha for the scale was 0.821. The removal of any items from the original scale did not lead to an improvement in Cronbach’s alpha. The BEDS score was found to be significantly correlated with the BITE score, DEBQ total score, emotional eating score, and external eating score (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the BEDS score and the DEBQ restrictive eating subscale, YMRS, BPRS, or HAM-D scale scores.

CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the BEDS is a valid and reliable scale that can be used as an assessment tool in the evaluation of eating disorders in the Turkish BD population.

PMID:42365363 | DOI:10.1186/s40337-026-01649-z

Adv Rheumatol. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s42358-026-00559-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis (SA) is a rapidly progressive joint disease that can lead to cartilage damage if not treated promptly. A prompt and accurate distinction between SA and inflammatory arthritis (IA) is essential for establishing an optimal treatment plan. Progranulin (PRGN), an anti-inflammatory glycoprotein involved in various autoimmune diseases, has rarely been studied as a diagnostic biomarker for infectious arthritis. However, its precise role in this context remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of synovial fluid PRGN (SF-PRGN) in distinguishing SA from IA and osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS: This single-center, cross-sectional study included 59 patients who underwent synovial fluid aspiration and were categorized into three groups: SA (n = 23), IA (n = 18), and OA (n = 18). SA was diagnosed based on a positive synovial fluid culture or fulfillment of clinical criteria suggestive of infection. SF-PRGN levels were measured using ELISA, and synovial fluid C-reactive protein (SF-CRP) levels were determined using an immunoturbidimetric assay.

RESULTS: Mean SF-PRGN levels were higher in the SA (339.77 ± 142.16 ng/mL) and IA (300.52 ± 159.60 ng/mL) groups than in the OA group (133.44 ± 41.77 ng/mL), indicating a statistically significant difference between the inflammatory and non-inflammatory groups (p < 0.05). However, the SF-PRGN did not significantly differentiate between SA and IA (p = 0.803). In contrast, SF-CRP levels were markedly elevated in SA (61.91 ± 46.84 mg/L) and demonstrated strong discriminatory power between SA and IA (p < 0.001; AUC: 0.795, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Although SF-PRGN levels are elevated in inflammatory arthritis, they lack specificity for SA. SF-CRP exhibited superior diagnostic accuracy in differentiating SA from IA. These findings underscore the need for further research on reliable biomarkers of SA in larger patient cohorts.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number not applicable.

PMID:42365362 | DOI:10.1186/s42358-026-00559-7

BMC Health Serv Res. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s12913-026-15042-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The global surge in cosmetic procedures has been accompanied by a rise in medical malpractice litigation. Cosmetic services differ fundamentally from therapeutic medicine in their elective nature, heightened patient expectations, and the growing participation of unlicensed providers, each contributing to distinct patterns of adverse outcomes and varying levels of judicial accountability. Therefore, clarifying the distinct risk patterns and legal consequences between medically qualified professionals and unauthorized providers is of critical importance; this research gap has been addressed in the present study.

METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed 525 medical malpractice complaint records registered at the Shahid Ghodosi Judicial Complex in Shiraz, Iran, between 2021 and 2023. Records were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted from judicial case files using a structured checklist including demographic, clinical, forensic, and legal variables. Descriptive statistics and the Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact Test were performed using SPSS version 25.

RESULTS: Of the 525 medical malpractice records reviewed, 253 (48.1%) met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. Statistically significant differences were observed between licensed and unlicensed providers across clinical outcomes, service settings, and judicial penalties (p < 0.001). Licensed providers were involved in 74.3% of cases and were primarily associated with technical complications in surgical procedures, particularly rhinoplasty (27.1%), leading mainly to structural deformities (86.4%) and dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcomes. In these cases, “Diyah” (financial compensation) alone was the predominant judicial outcome (96.8%). In contrast, unlicensed providers (25.7%) were significantly associated with minimally invasive procedures such as fillers and Botox (40.0%), frequently performed in informal settings including private homes (53.8%). These interventions were mainly linked to infections and tissue necrosis (62.2%) and resulted in significantly harsher judicial penalties, including imprisonment (52.3%) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Licensed and unlicensed providers exhibited distinct malpractice patterns and judicial outcomes. Licensed providers were primarily associated with technical complications resulting in Diyah penalties, whereas unlicensed providers were linked to severe adverse events in informal settings and harsher sanctions, including imprisonment. These findings highlight the need for targeted regulatory and patient-safety interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

PMID:42365359 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-026-15042-8

BMC Res Notes. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s13104-026-07908-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: A major problem with reviewing the statistical methodology in published medical articles is that extracting the necessary details from large sample sets is time-consuming. This paper demonstrates how a novel automated procedure can extract information about statistical reporting from literature. To illustrate this, we searched the PubMed Central database for original research articles published in 2021 and 2023 to identify the statistical software packages used for data analysis. A key element in terms of transparency and reproducibility is the reporting of the software used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: A freely available Shiny App was created with the help of generative artificial intelligence, and it was used to retrieve automatically information from randomly selected samples of articles indexed in PubMed Central. We analyzed a large sample of articles (n = 1740) to determine the reporting of statistical software for nine study designs. We found that, across different study types, proprietary software such as IBM SPSS Statistics still dominates. Despite multiple calls for greater use of open-source research software, these programs are not used as frequently. In addition, a surprising number of articles did not report the software used. Furthermore, this is the first application of the recent Vibe Coding concept to statistical research methods.

PMID:42365353 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-026-07908-1

BMC Res Notes. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s13104-026-07929-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The objective of this study is to compare the hemostatic efficacy of oxidised regenerated cellulose powder (Surgicel^® Powder) and fibrin glue (Tisseel^®) in a rat model of liver parenchymal haemorrhage, and to evaluate their effects on tissue healing.

RESULTS: Preoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit values were comparable among the groups (p > 0.05). At 24 h, postoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit values differed significantly among the three groups (p = 0.045 and p = 0.042, respectively), with lower values in the saline-compression control group and relatively preserved values in the Surgicel^® Powder and Tisseel^® groups. However, no statistically significant difference was identified between the two active treatment groups. Histopathological evaluation revealed no statistically significant between-group differences in necrosis, inflammation, fibrosis, haemorrhage, or granulation tissue formation (p > 0.05).

PMID:42365352 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-026-07929-w

J Orthop Surg Res. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s13018-026-07049-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Imaging modalities play a critical role in determining surgical versus conservative management for distal radius fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) on the decision to operate in distal radius fractures and to compare their influence between AO Type B and Type C fractures.

METHODS: This cross-sectional, survey-based study included 97 orthopedic and traumatology specialists. Twelve distal radius fracture cases classified according to the AO system (six Type B and six Type C) were selected. Participants were sequentially presented with plain radiographs, post-reduction radiographs in cast, 2D CT images, and 3D CT reconstructions for each case. After each imaging stage, participants were asked to indicate their decision to operate (surgical or conservative). Changes in the decision to operate were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: Among AO Type B fractures, the addition of CT imaging to plain and post-reduction radiographs did not significantly change the decision to operate in most cases (p > 0.05). In contrast, among AO Type C fractures, the addition of 2D CT imaging significantly changed the decision to operate in favor of surgical management (p < 0.05), whereas the subsequent addition of 3D CT did not produce a further significant change (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: For AO Type B distal radius fractures, the addition of CT imaging to plain and post-reduction radiographs had limited impact on the decision to operate. In AO Type C fractures, 2D CT imaging significantly influenced the decision to operate, whereas the subsequent addition of 3D CT did not provide an additional impact on the decision to operate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: Descriptive survey study.

PMID:42365333 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-026-07049-y

BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s12911-026-03645-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Frailty in older adults is a multidimensional condition associated with physical, psychological, and sociodemographic factors that may affect functionality and quality of life during aging. The analysis of these factors often requires the management of heterogeneous information, which can represent a challenge for specialists during evaluation and follow-up processes. In this context, computational tools and data-driven approaches may support the organization and exploratory analysis of multidimensional health information. This study presents the development of a web-based computational system designed to support specialists in the collection, management, and analysis of health-related data from older adults in the State of Hidalgo, México.

METHOD: A web platform was developed to register and organize sociodemographic, psychological, and physical information from older adults. The system integrated questionnaires, physical measurements, statistical analysis tools, and computational intelligence techniques within a single environment. Data from 210 participants were collected and analyzed using exploratory statistical methods, feature selection techniques, and K-means clustering to identify patterns associated with functional and health-related characteristics. Internal validation metrics, including the Silhouette coefficient, Davies-Bouldin Index, and Calinski-Harabasz Index, were used to support cluster evaluation.

RESULTS: The proposed system facilitated the structured storage, visualization, and exploratory analysis of multidimensional health information. The clustering analysis identified two differentiated groups characterized by distinct physical and psychological profiles. Differences were observed in variables such as muscular strength, calf circumference, body mass index, gratitude, and functional self-perception. The interpretation of the obtained profiles considered the demographic composition of the groups, particularly the predominance of women in one cluster, which may influence physical measurements associated with aging. Additionally, the usability assessment conducted with specialists using the SUS instrument indicated an acceptable level of usability for exploratory and research support purposes.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that integrating computational intelligence and statistical analysis techniques into a unified platform may support the exploratory assessment of multidimensional factors related to aging and frailty in older adults. The proposed system does not aim to establish clinical diagnoses, but rather to provide specialists with an additional resource for organizing and interpreting complex health-related information. This approach may contribute to the development of data-driven tools to support gerontological research and comprehensive evaluation processes in older populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

PMID:42365325 | DOI:10.1186/s12911-026-03645-4

BMC Psychiatry. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s12888-026-08328-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders have a significant impact on youth globally; however, data from low- and middle-income countries such as Kenya are scant. This study aimed to determine the frequency and patterns of anxiety symptoms among Kenyan youth, as well as assess the relationships between anxiety symptoms and sociodemographic, economic, and comorbid mental health factors.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in urban and peri-urban locations in the Nairobi Metropolitan area among 1,972 participants aged 14-25 years. The study used validated instruments, including the Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire (ASQ), Beck Depression Inventory, and WHO-ASSIST. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlations were used for statistical analysis, and a univariate GLM was used to determine the predictors of the anxiety symptoms.

RESULTS: Anxiety symptoms were common, with the most reported cognitive symptoms being worry and nervousness. Females and participants from urban areas had significantly higher anxiety scores (p < 0.001), with mean differences ranging from 6 to 15 points across frequency, intensity, and total scores compared to males and peri-urban participants. Anxiety scores had a negative correlation (p < 0.01) with lower wealth index and moderate positive correlations with psychosis and bipolar disorder. Depression (r = 0.51; p < 0.01), PTSD, and substance use (i.e., alcohol and cannabis) were comorbid conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: The study unearths the complexity of anxiety among Kenyan youth, with a nexus of social, economic, and psychological factors involved. These findings call for comprehensive mental health strategies focusing on reducing socioeconomic disparities and addressing comorbid conditions. Longitudinal trends and the efficacy of such interventions should be explored in future research for similar populations.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:42365324 | DOI:10.1186/s12888-026-08328-y