Tag: statistics

Cogn Emot. 2026 Jan 7:1-16. doi: 10.1080/02699931.2025.2606074. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Trypophobia is the phenomenon in which individuals report a range of aversive responses when seeing clusters of small holes. Since the phenomenon was first described in the peer-reviewed literature in 2013, approximately 60 papers have appeared directly concerned with the condition. There have also been hundreds of news articles in both online and print media. In the present review of the literature, we examine why trypophobia is likely to occur. Four explanations have been posited in the past decade. These state that the stimuli (1) induce cortical hyperexcitability via the image statistics they possess, (2) signal the presence of a dangerous/poisonous animal, (3) cue the observer to the presence of disease and (4) are aversive due to a form of social learning. We argue that the available evidence points to the disease avoidance hypothesis as the most likely account of the phenomenon.

PMID:41503743 | DOI:10.1080/02699931.2025.2606074

J Sep Sci. 2026 Jan;49(1):e70348. doi: 10.1002/jssc.70348.

ABSTRACT

The objective was to achieve accurate origins discriminations of flos of Lonicerae japonicae, especially those from the genuine and non-genuine producing areas. An integration strategy was proposed based on machine learning, combining ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-ion mobility chromatography data fusion for geographical origins discrimination of flos of Lonicerae japonicae. Sixty-one batches of flos of Lonicerae japonicae samples from different origins were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-ion mobility chromatography. Multivariate statistical analysis, including principal component analysis and partial least-squares discriminant analysis were performed for the classification with an accuracy of 80.33% and 96.72%, respectively. Variable importance in projection (VIP>1) screened 9 nonvolatile differential constituents and 32 volatile differential constituents, respectively. The results of machine learning models combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-ion mobility chromatography data fusion indicated that the multilayer perceptron, logistic, gradient boosting decision tree, and Decision Tree (CART)) combined with a middle-level data fusion approach, achieve 100% classification accuracy with the training set. Among them, the multilayer perceptron algorithm achieved 100% accuracy for both the training and testing sets. These findings provide methodology support for tracing the origin of flos of Lonicerae japonicae.

PMID:41503737 | DOI:10.1002/jssc.70348

Matern Child Nutr. 2026 Mar;22(1):e70155. doi: 10.1111/mcn.70155.

ABSTRACT

Parental feeding practices play a crucial role in preventing childhood obesity and promoting healthy eating habits. However, few interventions are specifically designed to improve these practices. We aimed to assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of a novel psychoeducational intervention, Empower Parents to Optimise Feeding Practices (EPO-Feeding), tailored to enhance parental feeding practices in China. A parallel-arm feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in two public kindergartens in Yangzhou, China. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (EPO-Feeding programme plus usual care) or control group (usual care). Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and 1 month after intervention. Descriptive statistics assessed feasibility and acceptability, while analysis of variance for repeated measures and generalised estimating equations analysed continuous and categorical outcomes across time points, respectively. Within 2 weeks, 131 parents expressed interest, and 84 eligible participants were randomly assigned. Module attendance and retention rates were high, with 83.3% (n = 35) completing all sessions and 97.6% (n = 82) completing all measurements. Satisfaction surveys indicated high acceptability. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the intervention group, including increased encouragement of healthy eating and monitoring, reduced pressure to eat and food as rewards, improved weight accurate perception, and enhanced parenting efficacy (p < 0.05). However, no significant effects were found in long-term outcomes, including children’s eating behaviours and weight status. This study demonstrates high feasibility and acceptability of the EPO-Feeding programme and suggests its potential to support Chinese parents’ feeding strategies. A full-scale RCT is recommended. Trial registration. It was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06181773), 20/11/2023.

PMID:41503735 | DOI:10.1111/mcn.70155

Matern Child Nutr. 2026 Mar;22(1):e70158. doi: 10.1111/mcn.70158.

ABSTRACT

Protein and fat concentrations in donor human milk (DHM) can vary twofold to threefold and are influenced by the number of unique donors per pool. The aim of this study was to broadly characterize how the number of donors (2-10) randomly combined into a pool during milk bank processing influenced the variability of macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive factors in DHM. The minimum number of donors required for 80% of the pools to meet pre-defined targets for true protein, fat, and disialyllacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT) was also evaluated. Monte Carlo simulation was used to create models that accounted for donor lifetime donation volume and milk bank production constraints. Variability in nutrients was quantified as a Nutrient Inequality Index (NII) which was computed as the ratio of the 90th percentile to the 10th percentile for each simulation. Random multi-donor pooling of 2-10 donors produced lower variability in DHM macronutrients than most vitamins and minerals. A priori targets of 0.9 g/dL of true protein, 3.5 g/dL of fat, and 210 µg/L of DSLNT could not be achieved with any random pooling scenario. The NII for lactose stabilized at less than 1.1 when there were 3+ donors per pool, while the NII for fat and true protein stabilized at less than 1.3 when there were 5+ donors per pool. The NII exceeded 1.5, even at 10 donors per pool, for several micronutrients including zinc, copper, sodium, iron, biotin, riboflavin, B6, B12, and pantothenic acid.

PMID:41503733 | DOI:10.1111/mcn.70158

BMC Biotechnol. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1186/s12896-025-01093-y. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41501758 | DOI:10.1186/s12896-025-01093-y

BMC Med Educ. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1186/s12909-026-08567-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional anatomy is essential for clinical imaging interpretation, yet many medical curricula lack systematic training for clinical students. This study assessed needs among resident physicians and proposed a collaborative education framework.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 130 resident physicians from Zhejiang University-affiliated hospitals (June-August 2025) evaluated knowledge gaps, clinical challenges, and preferences using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.

RESULTS: Of 130 respondents (53% female, 58% aged 26-30), 74% reported no formal cross-sectional anatomy training, despite 88% citing high clinical needs. Top challenges included anatomical positioning (45%), with surgery residents showing greatest urgency (95%). Preferences favored clinical-basic science collaboration (64% “very important”), blended online-offline formats (57%), and 3D imaging (71%).

CONCLUSIONS: Significant educational gaps persist in cross-sectional anatomy, underscoring the need for collaborative models integrating clinical cases and technology. This framework can guide curriculum reforms to enhance imaging competency and patient safety in global medical education.

PMID:41501742 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-026-08567-3

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1186/s12884-026-08633-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection continues to be among the most serious postoperative complications of cesarean delivery, leading to maternal morbidity and additional healthcare cost. Despite the rising trend of cesarean deliveries, evidence on the magnitude and risk factors of surgical site infection in local hospitals in Ethiopia remains limited. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of surgical site infection among women who underwent cesarean delivery at Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

METHODS: An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 25 August to 15 September 2025 among women who underwent cesarean delivery at Gandhi Memorial Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between 1 May 2023 and 30 April 2025. A total of 485 medical records were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected from women’s medical records via a structured checklist and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical significance was declared at a p- value < 0.05 with a 95% CI.

RESULTS: Among the reviewed records, 31 (6.4%; 95% CI: 4.49-8.36) women developed surgical site infection. Repeated digital vaginal examination (AOR = 2.44 (1.41, 5.19) increases the risk of bacterial introduction; delayed timing of prophylactic antibiotic (AOR = 2.32 (1.23, 4.29) reduces protective coverage at the time of incision; absence of vaginal cleansing right before surgery (AOR = 3.75 (1.26, 11.17) likely increases bacterial load and postoperative hemoglobin level < 11 g/dl (AOR = 5.16 (1.76, 11.19)) may reduce immune capacity. All were significantly associated with surgical site infection.

CONCLUSION: This study found lower surgical site infection rates compared to previous Ethiopian studies; however, it remains a critical postoperative concern. Reducing frequent digital vaginal examinations, ensuring timely prophylactic antibiotics, promoting preoperative vaginal cleansing, and maintaining adequate maternal hemoglobin levels are critical to further reduce the risk of SSI. The retrospective nature of the study limits assessment of some factors, including operating room conditions.

PMID:41501740 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-026-08633-0

BMC Urol. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1186/s12894-025-02035-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the clinical efficacy of super-lubricous Foley catheters in reducing urethral complications during indwelling catheterization. Focusing on addressing friction-induced injuries, the study assessed four outcomes: 1) urethral adverse reactions; 2) urethral trauma and inflammatory responses; 3) patient comfort; and 4) post-removal voiding symptoms.

METHODS: A total of 114 patients from a tertiary hospital (December 2023-June 2024) were randomly allocated into two arms: 57 individuals in the experimental arm were treated with super-lubricous Foley catheters, whereas the same number in the control arm received conventional catheters. Primary outcomes included bladder irritation and urethral pain. Secondary outcomes encompassed urethral injury (red blood cells and epithelial cells), inflammation (white blood cells), comfort metrics (activity restriction, sleep disturbance, anxiety), and voiding parameters (dysuria, urinary hesitation, incomplete bladder emptying and lower abdominal pain).

RESULTS: The baseline data revealed no statistically meaningful differences between the two groups. (all P > 0.05). The experimental group demonstrated significantly lower overall rates of bladder irritation (31.6% vs. 50.9%, P < 0.05) and urethral pain during catheterization (14.0% vs. 31.6%, P < 0.05). Notably, urinary epithelial cells (median 6 vs. 13.5/HP) and leukocytes (31 vs. 81/μL) were reduced in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Activity restriction rates decreased significantly (42.1% vs. 68.4%, P < 0.05), and first void volume improved (200 vs. 150 mL, P < 0.05). There were no meaningful differences between groups in the occurrence of the four urination-related symptoms-including dysuria, urinary hesitation, incomplete bladder emptying, and lower abdominal pain (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Super-lubricous Foley catheters effectively mitigate bladder irritation, urethral trauma, and inflammation while enhancing patient mobility. However, they show limited efficacy in alleviating post-removal voiding dysfunction. These findings support the clinical adoption of super-lubricous Foley catheters for reducing catheterization-related complications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was a randomized controlled trial registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300078483, https://www.chictr.org.cn/) on 11 December 2023.

PMID:41501738 | DOI:10.1186/s12894-025-02035-8

BMC Oral Health. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-07589-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer remains a major global health concern with low survival in late stages. In Palestine, the burden is amplified by delayed detection and limited healthcare resources, yet public awareness has never been assessed. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and awareness of oral cancer risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures among Palestinian adults.

METHODS: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted between May and August 2025 using an anonymous bilingual (Arabic/English) questionnaire adapted from a validated Middle East-North Africa tool. Palestinian adults aged ≥ 18 years were eligible, excluding health-related professionals and students. Snowball sampling via social media produced 753 valid responses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of good knowledge (≥ 4 correct responses per domain).

RESULTS: Participants were predominantly female (66.3%) and university educated (72.6%). Overall, 46.7% demonstrated good knowledge of risk factors, 32.5% of symptoms, and 53.7% of protective measures. Awareness was highest for tobacco (79.2%) and lowest for HPV infection (38.5%) and alcohol-containing mouthwash (34.1%). Females and university graduates consistently showed better knowledge across all domains (p < 0.001). Current smokers had significantly poorer awareness of risk and protective factors (p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified female gender (OR = 1.59-1.65) and university education (OR = 2.22) as independent predictors of higher knowledge, while current smoking predicted lower protective awareness (OR = 0.65). Receiving oral cancer education from a dentist was the strongest predictor of good knowledge across all domains (risk factors OR = 3.79; symptoms OR = 2.16; protective measures OR = 1.95; all p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: The surveyed Palestinian sample demonstrated limited awareness of oral cancer, especially regarding symptoms and less-recognized risk factors. Dentist-led education markedly improves knowledge, suggesting that integrating standardized awareness materials into routine dental visits and community campaigns could strengthen early detection and national prevention efforts.

PMID:41501724 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-07589-5