Tag: statistics

Drug Alcohol Rev. 2026 Mar;45(3):e70142. doi: 10.1111/dar.70142.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Industry reports suggest that same-day alcohol delivery service usage has increased substantially in recent years. In 2021, the New South Wales (NSW) government established a framework to reduce the risks associated with same-day deliveries, which included mandatory sales reports from retailers. Using this data, this study aims to quantify the nature of the same-day delivery market across NSW.

METHODS: Six-monthly aggregate data from July 2021 to June 2024 were obtained on the volume of beer, wine and spirits self-reported by alcohol retailers as sold by same-day delivery, by delivery postcode. Frequencies were used to examine the number of retailers, postcodes and amount of alcohol sold in each reporting period. Heat maps were used to examine sales per capita by postcode. Comparisons were also made with data extracted from publicly available industry reports and national consumption estimates.

RESULTS: Forty-nine retailers reported sales, with four accountable for 89% of alcohol sold, and only 8 retailers consistently reporting across the entire period. Market share fluctuated substantially by retailer and liquor category. Statewide per capita consumption was 0.09 L of pure alcohol in 2021-22, 0.07 in 2022-23, and 0.08 in 2023-24. Comparison to industry data suggested that on average over a litre of pure alcohol was delivered per transaction.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: NSW sales data has the potential to provide a unique insight into the nature of the same-day delivery market. The current level of data aggregation limits its utility; a lack of compliance checking and anomalies in the data bring its validity into question.

PMID:41848612 | DOI:10.1111/dar.70142

Orthop Surg. 2026 Mar 18. doi: 10.1111/os.70271. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Clavicle fracture fixation is frequently complicated by implant mismatch and mechanical failure due to the complex and highly variable S-shaped anatomy of the clavicle. Conventional morphometric classification systems rely on subjective assessments of curvature and fail to capture the continuous spectrum of clavicular shape variation, limiting their utility for personalized implant design and preoperative planning. Furthermore, large-scale statistical shape modeling studies focusing on Asian populations remain scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize clavicular morphology in an Asian cohort using statistical shape modeling (SSM), investigate sex- and side-related differences, and evaluate the validity of traditional morphological classification systems.

METHODS: A retrospective study analyzed 288 clavicles reconstructed from CT scans of 144 adults (94 females, 50 males). Three-dimensional models were segmented in 3D Slicer, aligned, and processed using the Scalismo platform. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to establish the SSM and extract modes of variation (MoV). Morphometric parameters were calculated automatically. Independent t-tests assessed sex and side differences, and clustering analysis was conducted to compare data-driven groupings with traditional three-type classifications.

RESULTS: The first six MoV explained 82.38% of total variance. PC01 (50.84%) reflected clavicular length and midshaft width; PC02-PC06 represented curvature and rotational variations. Significant sex differences were observed in PC01, PC02, and PC06 (p < 0.05), whereas no side differences were detected. Agglomerative clustering identified two morphological groups with poor concordance with traditional three-type classifications (Adjusted Rand Index≈0), indicating a continuous rather than discrete distribution of clavicular shapes.

CONCLUSION: Clavicular morphology exhibits sex-dependent but not side-dependent variability. Traditional categorical classifications inadequately capture anatomical diversity. Large-scale SSM provides objective morphometric evidence to guide personalized preoperative planning and improve implant design in clavicle fracture fixation.

PMID:41848582 | DOI:10.1111/os.70271

Int J Radiat Biol. 2026 Mar 18:1-11. doi: 10.1080/09553002.2026.2636303. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This article analyzes intracellular processes of adaptation to the nutrient medium and radiation exposure.

METHODS: The analysis uses experimental data on the effects of nutrient medium on yeast cells and published research of cellular responses to radiation exposure.

RESULTS: Adaptation of cells to both the nutrient medium and external radiation exposure revealed the consistent formation of pseudo-wild cell centers (PWCs) dependent on the environment and genotype. These quasi-equilibrium foci change as PWCs undergo modification, death, and proliferation. The cellular adaptation system demonstrates an interaction between the environment, genes, and proteins. Adaptation depends on external active energy, and is associated with variability in the secondary structure of genes and the tertiary structure of proteins.

CONCLUSIONS: Adaptation creates an energy-dependent sequence of quasi-equilibrium states of PWC foci by optimizing the conformational structures of genes and proteins. From a physical perspective, the active energy of a changing environment disrupts but immediately optimizes genetic structures according to the principle of free energy minimization; quasi-equilibrium foci of PWCs are continuously formed, ensuring diversity, stability, and reproduction under suitable conditions.

PMID:41848575 | DOI:10.1080/09553002.2026.2636303

J Homosex. 2026 Mar 18:1-25. doi: 10.1080/00918369.2026.2642717. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) clients often receive suboptimal mental health care. LGBTQ+ clinical competence self-report measures have been developed to assess therapists’ knowledge and attitudes and subjective self-perceived skills and performance. However, therapist self-perceived assessments of their skills and performance have been found to be biased. Observational measures of LGBTQ+ competence are needed to more objectively evaluate therapists’ skills and performance. The objective of this exploratory pilot study was to develop and assess the coding reliability of observational measures of therapists’ competence with LGBTQ+ clients. The observational measure developed and tested in this study consisted of 29 items that corresponded to 29 expected competencies applicable to LGBTQ+ competent and ethical therapy. On-line initial consultations between 43 therapists and a simulated client were video recorded. Two trained self-identifying LGBTQ+ coders observed the video-recordings and used the 29 items to rate the LGBTQ+ competencies of these 43 therapists. We generated item proportions and kappa statistics. This preliminary study suggests that 13 measures of LGBTQ+ clinical competence were operationally defined to be observable, measurable, and reliably coded. Future research is warranted to both confirm and expand on this conclusion to advance evidence-based approaches to improve the mental health care for LGBTQ+ clients.

PMID:41848553 | DOI:10.1080/00918369.2026.2642717

Can Urol Assoc J. 2026 Mar 16. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.9407. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Even small quantities of prescribed opioids for acute postoperative pain can lead to addiction, hinder recovery, and be unnecessary. This study evaluated whether an opioid-free postoperative pathway following reconstructive urologic surgery increased pain-related patient communication.

METHODS: An opioid-free postoperative protocol was implemented at our institution in 2019. We conducted a case-cohort study of patients undergoing artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement, urethroplasty, or buried penis repair (BPR) between 2015 and 2023. Patients with concurrent surgeries or preoperative opioid use were excluded. Retrospective chart review captured demographics, surgical data, and pain-related communications within 60 days postoperatively. Statistical analysis included unpaired t-tests and chi-squared tests.

RESULTS: The study included 360 patients: 181 opioid recipients and 179 opioid-free (BPR: 84; urethroplasty: 140; AUS: 132). No significant demographic differences were observed. Pain-related communication did not significantly differ between groups. In the non-opioid cohort, only 3.9% received an opioid within 60 days postoperatively. Pain-related communication occurred in 21% of opioid-treated patients and 16% of non-opioid patients. Among those who contacted providers for pain, 25.8% in the opioid group received refills, while 30.5% of opioid-naive patients were newly prescribed opioids (p=0.26). Most opioid-treated patients (74.2%) were managed with non-narcotic methods after initial contact.

CONCLUSIONS: An opioid-free postoperative regimen for reconstructive urologic procedures, such as urethroplasty, BPR, and AUS placement, is feasible, well-tolerated, and does not increase pain-related patient communication, supporting broader adoption of opioid-sparing approaches in surgical care.

PMID:41848541 | DOI:10.5489/cuaj.9407

Food Funct. 2026 Mar 18. doi: 10.1039/d5fo04235f. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: Olive leaves, a by-product of olive oil production, are rich in oleuropein, a phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) and oleuropein on glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Methods: The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022375615) and followed PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to January 2026 without restrictions. Eligible studies were RCTs in adults comparing OLE or oleuropein with placebo or control. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias (RoB 2) assessment were performed independently by two reviewers; certainty of evidence was assessed with GRADE. Meta-analyses were conducted when at least two trials reported suitable data. Results: Eleven RCTs were included (4 short-term and 7 continuous-intake trials). Short-term crossover studies showed heterogeneous effects on postprandial glycemia and insulin responses, precluding meta-analysis. In continuous-intake, parallel-design RCTs, pooled analyses demonstrated no statistically or clinically significant effects on glycemic or lipid outcomes. Evidence regarding inflammatory markers was scarce and of low certainty. Conclusion: The current evidence does not support clinical recommendations for OLE supplementation aimed at health benefits. Data from methodologically consistent and robust trials indicate no statistically significant metabolic or inflammatory effects under usual human consumption patterns, whereas evidence from other study designs remains inconclusive. Further high-quality RCTs are required to clarify potential metabolic benefits.

PMID:41848522 | DOI:10.1039/d5fo04235f

Int Angiol. 2026 Mar 18. doi: 10.23736/S0392-9590.26.05521-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Evaluate mid-term outcomes, including amputations and mortality, in patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) deemed unsuitable for vein bypass surgery undergoing endovascular treatment in the femoropopliteal segment.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted including all patients undergoing endovascular treatment for CLTI at a university hospital between 2013-2017. Kaplan-Meier (KM) analyses estimated survival probabilities, and major amputation rates were compared between genders and diabetic versus non-diabetic patients.

RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four patients and 142 limbs were included. 49% of lesions classified as TASC-II D. Technical success was achieved in 95% of limbs. Median follow-up was 24 months (IQR: 13-36 months). 31% had died by study conclusion. KM-estimated freedom from all-cause mortality was 67% (95% CI: 59-77%) at 48 months. The major amputation rate was 25% (N.=35 limbs). KM-estimated freedom from major amputation was 64% (95% CI: 48-85%) at 46 months. There was no significant difference in major amputation-free survival between genders: females 76% (95% CI 63-91%) vs males 70% (95% CI 60-82%) at 36 months. The rate of major amputations was higher in patients with diabetes (19/55, 35% vs. 16/87, 18%, P=0.048), however, KM-estimates showed no statistically significant difference over time, P=0.570.

CONCLUSIONS: In this CLTI cohort unsuitable for vein bypass surgery, 25% underwent major amputation and 31% died following endovascular treatment during a median follow-up of 24 months. Larger comparative studies, including conservative treatment, are needed to define optimal management for complex femoropopliteal lesions.

PMID:41848486 | DOI:10.23736/S0392-9590.26.05521-5

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2026 Mar 17:S1499-4046(26)00040-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2026.02.004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between adult intuitive eating and perceived food security during childhood.

METHODS: A survey was conducted consisting of the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 and the 6-item short form of the US Household Food Security Module modified to assess perceived food security status in participants aged 0-17 years. Student, faculty, and staff participants (n = 331) were primarily White, women, and aged 18-24 years. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Kendall’s Tau-b correlations.

RESULTS: Overall, perceived childhood food insecurity was negatively correlated with adult intuitive eating (T_b = -0.1, P = 0.03) and body-food choice congruence (T_b = -0.1, P = 0.03). When stratified by gender, among women, perceived childhood food insecurity was negatively correlated with adult intuitive eating (T_b = -0.1, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Perceived childhood food insecurity and adult intuitive eating warrant further exploration to identify those who may benefit from intuitive eating education.

PMID:41848476 | DOI:10.1016/j.jneb.2026.02.004

J Foot Ankle Surg. 2026 Mar 17:S1067-2516(26)00045-1. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2026.02.009. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Comparative trials evaluating surgical outcomes are critical in guiding treatment for hallux valgus. However, the statistical stability of these outcomes is not well documented. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the statistical fragility of comparative studies analyzing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open techniques for hallux valgus correction.

STUDY: Design A systematic review identified comparative studies assessing MIS versus open hallux valgus correction.

METHODS: Outcome data were extracted with Fragility Index (FI) and Continuous Fragility Index (CFI) calculated for significant outcomes, and reverse FI (rFI) and reverse CFI (rCFI) for nonsignificant outcomes. Fragility Quotient (FQ) was calculated for each and compared to the number of patients lost to follow-up (LTFU).

RESULTS: Of 628 studies screened, 18 met inclusion criteria, totaling 1,369 patients. Among 88 dichotomous outcomes, the median FI was 2, FQ was 0.021, rFI was 4, and rFQ was 0.072. For 236 continuous outcomes, the median CFI was 8, CFQ was 0.116, rCFI was 19, and rCFQ was 0.280.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate fragility in comparative trials on MIS versus open hallux valgus correction and among the first to assess reverse fragility in continuous outcomes. Significant results were more fragile than nonsignificant data and dichotomous outcomes were more fragile than continuous ones with nearly a quarter having an FI lower than the number of patients LTFU. Both outcome types demonstrated considerable statistical fragility supporting the cautious interpretation of MIS vs open hallux valgus findings and the reporting of statistical fragility data alongside P-values to better contextualize the robustness of clinical research.

PMID:41848475 | DOI:10.1053/j.jfas.2026.02.009

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2026 Mar 10:S0735-1097(26)00328-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2026.01.076. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) polygenic risk score (PRS), low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) are biomarkers that predict CAD. It is unclear whether integrating genomics with lipid and inflammatory biomarkers could complement traditional risk scores in identifying people at risk of CAD.

OBJECTIVES: This study assesses the predictive value of CAD PRS, LDL-C, Lp(a), and hsCRP for incident CAD across different age and sex groups.

METHODS: Participants (n = 215,695) from the UK Biobank aged 40 to 69 years with baseline CAD PRS, LDL-C, Lp(a), and hsCRP values were followed for 12 years to assess the incidence of CAD. We evaluated a multivariable-adjusted Cox model that included all 4 biomarkers, net reclassification index, C-statistics, and population attributable risk across different age and sex groups.

RESULTS: Over a 12-year follow-up, 4,721 men and 2,425 women developed CAD. The HRs for incident CAD associated with each biomarker elevation were 1.79 (95% CI: 1.70-1.89) for CAD PRS, 1.60 (95% CI: 1.48-1.66) for LDL-C, 1.20 (95% CI: 1.12-1.29) for Lp(a), and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.57-1.72) for hsCRP. CAD PRS demonstrated a stronger association in men (HR per SD: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.45-1.54) than women (HR per SD: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.31-1.44; P-interaction ≤ 0.001). All biomarkers conferred greater HRs at younger ages (P < 0.0001). Individuals with all biomarkers elevated had a 4.65-fold increased risk of CAD compared with those with no elevated biomarkers. A combined 4-biomarker model had a higher C-statistic of 0.753 compared with the pooled cohort equations (C-statistic of 0.740). The C-statistic of the combined 4-biomarker model was also higher in younger individuals in both sexes and yielded a 32.0% continuous net reclassification index when compared with the pooled cohort equations.

CONCLUSIONS: CAD PRS, LDL-C, hsCRP, and Lp(a) show independent age- and sex-specific associations with CAD. Measuring all 4 biomarkers may improve midlife CAD risk prediction for both male and female patients.

PMID:41848465 | DOI:10.1016/j.jacc.2026.01.076