Tag: statistics

J Chem Inf Model. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.6c00299. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Drug-like molecules often interact with multiple biological targets. Assessing this polypharmacology is essential for drug development. Here, we trained deep neural networks to associate bioactive molecules up to 80 non-hydrogen atoms reported in ChEMBL 34, represented as binary substructure fingerprints, with lists of targets on which the molecules are ≥50% active at ≤10 μM. We included 2,496,555 interactions between 1,187,089 molecules and 7546 targets having at least five reported active molecules, including single proteins, protein complexes, protein families, cell lines, organisms, and further target types. This represents a much larger data set than in previously reported models, which were mostly limited to protein targets. Our models achieve good performances in terms of recall and precision per molecule and per target, as illustrated by overall statistics and by a case study in comparison with other online prediction tools. PPB3 predictions can be performed online at https://ppb3.gdb.tools/.

PMID:41721463 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jcim.6c00299

J Health Popul Nutr. 2026 Feb 21. doi: 10.1186/s41043-026-01250-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Sub-Saharan Africa faces unique nutritional challenges, exacerbated by conditions such as poverty, limited access to healthcare, and diverse dietary traditions. Despite the scholarship on children’s feeding and their nutritional conditions in sub-Saharan Africa, scanty evidence exists on the association between children’s feeding practices and growth outcomes. Consequently, this study seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of children’s feeding practices and their association with growth outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS: Demographic and Health Survey data from 30 countries were used for this study, with a sample aged 0-59 (n = 174,281). The descriptive analysis involved the computation of child and maternal factors, presented in frequencies and percentages. We further analysed the weighted percentages of stunting, wasting, and underweight and their co-existence across included countries and children’s socio-demographic characteristics. To investigate the association between child feeding practices and other demographic factors with child weight and growth outcome, we employed a multilevel logistic regression. Given the large amount of missing data on the covariate exclusive breastfeeding, it was excluded during the model fitting process.

RESULTS: We noted that 6.94% (95%CI:6.79,7.09) were wasted, 32.17(95%CI:31.90,32.45) were stunted, 16.72%(95%CI:16.50,16.94) were underweight children, and 2.32% (95%CI:2.24,2.40) were wasted, stunted and underweight. Age-appropriate feeding (conceived as not wasted, stunted or underweight based on WHO’s definition) increased co-occurrence risk (AOR = 1.68), while exclusive breastfeeding reduced it (AOR = 0.40). Children with low birth weight were more likely to be wasted [AOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.57-1.74], stunted [AOR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.44-1.54] and underweight [AOR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.84-1.98]. Females were observed to have lower odds of all three indicators as manifested in their co-existence (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.55-0.63). Children 12-23 months had the highest odds of experiencing the co-existence of stunting, wasting and underweight (AOR = 5.86, 95% CI = 4.94-6.95) relative to those below 6 months.

CONCLUSION: Feeding practices significantly predict growth outcomes, urging policies for age-appropriate diets, dietary diversity, and breastfeeding support. The findings underscore the urgent need to address child malnutrition, particularly stunting, wasting, and underweight, to improve child health and well-being. These findings should inform policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in developing effective strategies to improve child nutrition and overall well-being in the region. Context-specific policies and interventions, prioritizing maternal nutrition, access to quality prenatal care, and appropriate infant feeding practices, are crucial in mitigating the impact of malnutrition on children in the region. Further research and collaboration are needed to develop targeted strategies and sustainable solutions to tackle child malnutrition effectively in sub-Saharan Africa.

PMID:41721444 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-026-01250-9

Paediatr Anaesth. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1002/pan.70152. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common intraocular malignancy diagnosed in early childhood. Treatment is extensive, requiring multiple general anesthetics to facilitate eye examinations. However, little is known how repeated exposure to general anesthesia in early childhood affects cognitive function in RB survivors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the effects of anesthesia exposure on cognition in 14- to 26-year-old RB survivors compared with those in healthy controls.

METHODS: Patients who previously received care for RB (n = 98) were recruited and compared to a cohort of healthy subjects (n = 97). Participants’ cognitive functioning was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). MoCA scores were compared between groups using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Relationships between MoCA scores and anesthesia exposure were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Multiple regression was used to evaluate the effect of anesthesia (both before the age of three and throughout childhood) on cognition.

RESULTS: RB patients scored significantly lower than controls on the MoCA and several of its subscales (Naming, Attention, Language, and Abstraction; adjusted ps < 0.05). Total childhood anesthesia exposure was negatively associated with MoCA total scores (ρ = -0.19, p = 0.009) and some subscale scores. In regression models adjusted for covariates, each time anesthesia was administered before the age of three (β = -0.06, p = 0.02) or throughout childhood (β = -0.04, p = 0.005) was associated with a small but statistically significant decrease in cognition. Hollingshead socioeconomic status (β = 0.04, p = 0.001) and public insurance (β = -1.75, p < 0.0001) were stronger predictors of MoCA total scores than anesthesia exposure.

CONCLUSION: Despite any effects of repeated anesthesia exposure in early childhood on cognition, MoCA scores for RB survivors were in the normal range. These findings add to the developing research on neurocognitive effects of anesthesia in early childhood in a population with large anesthesia exposure and minimal confounding factors. Future research should include additional measures of neurodevelopmental functioning and focus on the at-risk low socioeconomic status population. Continued follow-up and assessment of visual function in bilateral survivors are imperative.

PMID:41721443 | DOI:10.1002/pan.70152

Eur J Med Res. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1186/s40001-026-04078-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Hyperuricemia has been strongly associated with the risk of gout and metabolic syndrome. Serum copper may play a significant role in uric acid metabolism and the development of hyperuricemia. However, high-quality studies investigating the association between serum copper levels and the prevalence of hyperuricemia in adolescent populations remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum copper levels and the prevalence of hyperuricemia in a nationally representative sample of adolescents.

METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2011 and 2016, including a nationally representative sample of 1,034 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Serum copper concentrations and serum uric acid levels were measured through standardized laboratory procedures. Hyperuricemia was defined using sex-specific serum uric acid thresholds according to pubertal stage. The association between serum copper levels and the prevalence of hyperuricemia was assessed using multivariable logistic regression models, interaction analyses, and smoothed curve fitting to explore potential nonlinear relationships.

RESULTS: Among the study population, 139 participants (13.44%) were identified with hyperuricemia. Except for the unadjusted model, a significant positive association was observed between serum copper levels and the prevalence of hyperuricemia. After controlling for all relevant confounders, each 1-unit increase in serum copper concentration was associated with a 5% higher prevalence of hyperuricemia (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.10). This association remained consistent and statistically significant across various demographic and health-related subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a positive association between serum copper levels and the prevalence of hyperuricemia in adolescents, suggesting that elevated serum copper may serve as a potential risk factor. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring serum copper levels as part of hyperuricemia prevention and management strategies in youth. Nonetheless, longitudinal studies are warranted to validate these associations and explore the underlying mechanisms.

PMID:41721441 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-026-04078-5

BMC Psychol. 2026 Feb 21. doi: 10.1186/s40359-026-04201-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study aims to examine the relationship between social appearance anxiety and genital self-image in young adult men.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 15, 2024, and September 15, 2025, involving 245 male individuals residing in the city center of eastern Turkey. The research data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), and the Male Genital Self-Image Scale (MGIS). Data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. Descriptive statistics (number, percentage, minimum and maximum scores, mean, standard deviation), ANOVA, independent samples t-test, Cronbach’s α, simple linear regression, and multiple regression analyses were utilized in the evaluation.

FINDINGS: The participants’ average age was 21.37 ± 2.24 years, and their average daily social media usage time was 4.83 ± 2.85 h. It was found that 71.4% of the participants were university graduates, 37.6% were in a romantic relationship, and 70.2% had a normal body mass index. The mean SAAS score was 31.84 ± 11.74, while the mean MGIS score was 23.26 ± 4.54. A negative and low-level significant relationship was found between social appearance anxiety and genital self-image (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study found that participants exhibited low levels of social appearance anxiety and high levels of genital self-image, and Social appearance anxiety was found to explain 4.6% of the variance in genital self-image. There is a need for more comprehensive research that systematically examines influential factors across diverse populations and age groups.

PMID:41721435 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-026-04201-5

Syst Rev. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1186/s13643-026-03118-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mpox is an emerging global health threat with increasing frequency and geographic spread recently. Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in outbreak prevention, early detection, isolation, and response. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of knowledge and attitude toward Mpox among healthcare providers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Hinari, and Google Scholar to identify eligible studies published between 2 July 2015 and 2 July 2025. Data were extracted and managed using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA version 17. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Publication bias was examined using funnel plots and Egger’s regression test, and statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251123652).

RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis included seven studies from Sub-Saharan Africa, comprising a total of 3379 healthcare providers. The pooled prevalence of adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward Mpox was 40.52% (95% CI, 30.17-50.88) and 51.20% (95% CI, 44.48-57.91), respectively, with high heterogeneity (I² > 90%). Factors associated with higher knowledge included age over 40 years (AOR = 5.90; 95% CI, 1.27-27.41), being married (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.24-2.01), being a physician (AOR = 6.82; 95% CI, 1.38-33.56), having 5-10 years of work experience (AOR = 7.02; 95% CI, 1.51-32.74), prior information about Mpox (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.11-2.97), and a history of COVID-19 vaccination (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI, 1.47-2.68). Regarding attitude, higher education (AOR = 2.09; 95% CI, 1.38-3.18) and male sex (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI, 1.12-1.91) were positively associated. Prevalence was pooled through meta-analysis, while associated factors were reported individually from each study, as pooling adjusted odds ratios was not appropriate due to differences in covariates and outcome definitions. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to high heterogeneity, the small number of studies, and uneven geographic representation.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that knowledge and attitudes toward Mpox among healthcare providers in Sub-Saharan Africa are generally suboptimal. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to high heterogeneity across studies, the limited number of included studies, and uneven geographic representation. Nonetheless, the findings underscore the need for context-specific capacity-building interventions, including targeted training, improved access to up-to-date clinical guidelines, and enhanced preparedness strategies to support healthcare providers in responding to Mpox and other emerging infectious diseases.

PMID:41721422 | DOI:10.1186/s13643-026-03118-9

BMC Res Notes. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1186/s13104-026-07736-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Malaria in pregnancy remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among marginalized populations with limited access to preventive services. This study assessed knowledge of malaria and preventive practices among nomadic Fulani pregnant women in the Savannah Region of Northern Ghana.

RESULTS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2022 among 159 Fulani pregnant women. Due to the nomadic nature of the population, participants were recruited using a combination of census and snowball sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 25, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Overall, 61.0% demonstrated good knowledge of malaria, while 71.1% exhibited poor preventive practices. More than half (54.7%) owned at least one insecticide-treated net (ITN), yet only 28.9% slept under one the previous night. In multivariable models, ANC attendance was significantly associated with malaria knowledge (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.12-0.83, p = 0.020), while number of children predicted preventive practice (AOR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.10-0.90, p = 0.032). Low ITN usage underscores some knowledge-practice gap. Strengthening ANC-based malaria education, improving sustained ITN distribution and follow-up, and implementing culturally tailored community outreach could enhance malaria-in-pregnancy prevention among nomadic and hard-to-reach populations in northern Ghana.

PMID:41721387 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-026-07736-3

BMC Health Serv Res. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1186/s12913-026-14203-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patient safety culture and climate are essential for improving healthcare quality and reducing harm. An organization’s culture reflects its long-term values and norms, and climate captures employees’ current perceptions and experiences. In Estonia, these aspects have not yet been comprehensively studied. This study aims to assess patient safety culture and climate in Estonian hospitals from the perspective of employees and to examine the relationship with employee background characteristics.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three Estonian hospitals during 2022. Data were collected using the Estonian and Russian language versions of HSOPSC 2.0 and SAQ. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS: A total of 594 (31%) hospital employees responded, with 51% completing the survey in Estonian and 49% in Russian. The highest ratings for patient safety culture and climate were observed in the subscales ‘Job satisfaction’ (85%) and ‘Teamwork climate’ (79%), lowest ratings were reported for ‘Staffing and work pace’ (55%) and ‘Response to error’ (55%). Perceptions of safety culture and climate were significantly associated with language group, membership in a leadership position, department work experience, and whether the employee was a healthcare professional, emerging as the most influential factors.

CONCLUSIONS: Differences across language groups, leadership position, department work experience, and healthcare professional positions should be considered when developing strategies to strengthen patient safety culture and climate. Using HSOPSC 2.0 and SAQ together may offer complementary perspectives on the dimensions of patient safety culture and climate in Estonia.

PMID:41721383 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-026-14203-z

Eur J Med Res. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1186/s40001-026-03999-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Biodegradable polymer (BP) and polymer-free (PF) drug eluting stents were designed to reduce late adverse events linked to durable-polymer coatings. However, concerns remain regarding the efficacy of PF-DES particularly due to variations in drug-release mechanisms.

METHODS: RCTs comparing PF-DES and BP-DES in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions were included. Primary endpoints were Target lesion revascularization (TLR), Target vessel revascularization (TVR), definite stent thrombosis, Cardiac death (CD), angiographic outcomes and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane’s ROB 2.0 and meta-analysis performed using RevMan 5.4.

RESULTS: Ten RCTs including 9020 patients (4043 PF-DES; 4977 BP-DES) were included. At 12 months, PF-DES showed a significantly higher TLR rate (2.08% vs. 1.36%; RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.087-2.21; P = 0.02), persisting at 24 months (RR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.46-2.77, P < 0.0001). At 1-3 months, OCT-derived analyses demonstrated no statistically significant differences in uncovered struts or neointimal thickness between stent types, while findings related to malapposed struts were heterogenous and dependant on sensitivity analyses. Angiographically, PF-DES showed greater in-stent late lumen loss at 6-8 months ([MD]: 0.24 mm, 95% CI 0.17-0.30, P < 0.00001), whereas minimal lumen diameter was comparable. However, no significant differences were found in target vessel revascularization (TVR), stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction, or mortality at 1- or 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: PF-DES were associated with comparable safety to BP-DES; however, it exhibited higher rates of target lesion revascularization and greater late lumen loss were observed. OCT-derived findings were heterogenous and should be interpreted cautiously. Further RCTs with standardized imaging protocols and longer follow-up are warranted.

PMID:41721379 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-026-03999-5

BMC Oral Health. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1186/s12903-026-07811-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success rate of the Premixed MTA versus conventional powder/liquid MTA in indirect pulp capping of immature permanent carious mandibular molars.

METHODOLOGY: A randomized clinical trial with a parallel group design and an allocation ratio of 1:1 was conducted at the outpatient clinic at the Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University. The study included 24 pediatric patients aged 6-8 years, randomly assigned to either the premixed MTA (Well-Root™ PT) (n = 12) group or the conventional MTA (Cerkamed MTA+) (n = 12) group. Both groups underwent similar clinical procedures, including caries removal, indirect pulp capping, and restoration. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The pulp sensibility was tested using electrical pulp testing and radiographic evaluation for furcal radiolucency and root resorption using digital intraoral radiographs. Collected data were statistically analyzed at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: Premixed MTA group showed overall success (100%) while the conventional MTA group showed a success rate of 91.6%, at 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-ups, with no significant difference between both groups (P > 0.05). Regarding the postoperative pain, patients who received premixed MTA showed no pain, while in the conventional MTA group, only one patient experienced pain (P > 0.05). No furcal radiolucency or root resorption was observed in participants from both groups during the follow-up periods.

CONCLUSION: Both premixed MTA and conventional MTA demonstrated comparable clinical and radiographic success rates in indirect pulp capping of immature permanent molars.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The full trial protocol and statistical analysis plan can be accessed on December 2, 2022, on the clinical trial registry page at www.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov (ID: NCT05597553), retrospectively registered.

PMID:41721378 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-026-07811-y