Tag: statistics

J Bioinform Comput Biol. 2026 Jun;24(3):2671003. doi: 10.1142/S0219720026710034. Epub 2026 Jun 12.

ABSTRACT

Some post-GWAS analysis software can run to completion without reporting an error while producing results that are not biologically valid. We call this failure false locality: a result appears to be local to a gene or protein because it was produced from a regional window, but the window or its metadata points to the wrong genomic address. We identify three mechanisms. First, a genome-build address mismatch occurs when GRCh38 protein-QTL coordinates are used with GRCh37 outcome files; in our 91-sentinel audit, 66 coordinates moved by more than 100[Formula: see text]kb and 54 moved by more than 200[Formula: see text]kb after remapping. Second, non-specific regional noise occurs when significant P values persist after the analysis window is deliberately moved to a zero-overlap variant set. Third, location-label blindness occurs when software returns the same output after the declared coordinate label is changed while the SNP table is unchanged; in an official SMR/HEIDI CXCL10 test, the top SNP, SMR P value, and HEIDI P value remained identical across correct, wrong, and shifted labels. We propose a simple Change Test: a result should not be treated as local evidence unless the numerical output changes, weakens, or disappears when the analysis window or coordinate label is intentionally moved to a biologically wrong location. This standard turns software execution from a passive success signal into an explicit spatial-specificity check.

PMID:42324819 | DOI:10.1142/S0219720026710034

Anthropol Anz. 2026 Jun 19. doi: 10.1127/anthranz/2006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Adult height and body mass index (BMI) are among the fundamental somatic characteristics of humans and are shaped by the interplay of biological, familial, and environmental factors. An increasing body of research indicates the long-term importance of early-life conditions for traits observed in adulthood. This study aimed to assess the contribution of selected biological and family-related environmental determinants to variation in adult height and BMI among physical education students. An additional exploratory aim was to analyse potential correlates of age at menarche in women. The study included 267 physical education students (180 men and 87 women). Body height and body mass were measured, and data on birth parameters and family characteristics were collected, with the data obtained at the beginning of the 2025/2026 academic year. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression models. Adult height was significantly associated with the stature of both parents as well as with birth length and birth weight, with the high proportion of explained variance being partly attributable to the inclusion of sex in the models. BMI was associated with sex, birth weight, and maternal educational level, with a moderate degree of explained variance. No significant associations were found between age at menarche and the predictors included in the analysis. The findings highlight the importance of familial and early-life determinants for adult height in young adults, as well as the limited role of socioeconomic environmental factors in the population studied. Interpretation of the results for BMI requires consideration of the specific characteristics of a physically active population.

PMID:42324814 | DOI:10.1127/anthranz/2006

Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2026 Jun;35(2):e70081. doi: 10.1002/mpr.70081.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Index construction using the joint probability density (JPD) method is extremely robust and, unlike confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) or item response theory (IRT), puts few restrictions on underlying data. When input variables’ numbers are large, however, JPD estimation can be difficult.

OBJECTIVE: To assess two simplifications of JPD estimation using the TWEAK, a well validated screener for problematic drinking, and to compare these against the fully estimated JPD, the conventionally scored TWEAK, and TWEAK scores estimated through CFA and IRT.

METHODS: Mailed survey of a nationally representative panel of 410 gender-stratified, post-9/11 Veterans with pending disability claims for posttraumatic stress disorder.

RESULTS: Summary statistics for the TWEAK’s fully estimated JPD and the two simplifications were very similar, and Spearman’s correlations were 0.97-1.00 (ps < 0.001). Spearman’s correlations across the remaining scoring approaches were -0.84 to -0.90 (ps < 0.001). All 6 scoring approaches identified differences in men’s TWEAK scores by alcohol use diagnosis (ps ≤ 0.02); the 3 JPD approaches did not reach statistical significance in the women. IRT analysis identified local dependence issues.

CONCLUSIONS: Our simplified estimations of JPD score were very similar to the fully estimated JPD and much easier to calculate. All 3 JPD estimations were highly concordant with more traditional scoring approaches.

PMID:42324792 | DOI:10.1002/mpr.70081

Infect Dis (Lond). 2026 Jun 21:1-9. doi: 10.1080/23744235.2026.2689018. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rubella immunity plays a key role in preventing congenital rubella syndrome, but longitudinal data on antibody stability remain limited.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate rubella IgG seroprevalence, seroconversion, and changes in rubella IgG concentrations over time.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2,022 consecutive individuals from Region Zealand, Denmark, each with at least two serum samples submitted for routine rubella IgG testing between 11 September 2018 and 30 May 2025. Pairedsamples from each individual were analysed.

RESULTS: At baseline, 88.6% of participants were seropositive, increasing to 90.6% at follow-up. The cohort was predominantly female (99.4%) and mean age at first sample was 29.8 years. Among initially seronegative individuals, 75 seroconverted, while 34 individuals initially seropositive seroreverted. Median IgG levels among seroconverts were 23.5 IU/mL (range 10-350 IU/mL). Individuals who remained seropositive showed a modest yet statistically significant median decrease of 8.4% between the first and second samples (Hodges-Lehmann ratio = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.91-0.93, p < 0.0001), with minimal association between antibody change and time interval (Spearman’s ρ = -0.058, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of routinely tested individuals, rubella IgG levels remained broadly stable, indicating sustained rubella seropositivity over time. Seroconversion and seroreversion occurred in a small subset of individuals, supporting the continued monitoring of rubella immunity, particularly among women of reproductive age. Maintaining high vaccination coverage remains important to sustain rubella elimination and prevent congenital rubella syndrome.

PMID:42324788 | DOI:10.1080/23744235.2026.2689018

Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2026 Jun 22:pyag032. doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyag032. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study was to explore how serum ghrelin levels modulate the relationship between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and outcomes of antidepressant treatment, specifically focusing on 12-week remission and 24-month relapse in patients with depressive disorders.

METHODS: This investigation involved the analysis of baseline serum levels of ghrelin and IL-6 among 1086 patients enrolled in a naturalistic study of stepwise antidepressant therapy. Remission was determined by a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score of 7 or less at 12 weeks. Those who responded (HAMD score ≤ 14) at this juncture were subsequently monitored for relapse (HAMD score > 14) quarterly over a 24-month period. The study employed logistic regression models, adjusted for various sociodemographic and clinical factors, to evaluate the interaction between these biomarkers and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS: Findings revealed that while serum ghrelin levels did not independently affect treatment outcomes, they significantly influenced the association between elevated IL-6 levels and the risks of non-remission at 12 weeks and relapse at 24 months. Specifically, high IL-6 levels correlated with poorer outcomes predominantly in the presence of lower ghrelin levels, with these interactions reaching statistical significance in relapse outcomes post-adjustment.

CONCLUSION: The study highlights the complex interplay between IL-6 and ghrelin in shaping the efficacy of antidepressant treatments, demonstrating divergent influences on remission and relapse. These results emphasize the importance of incorporating multiple biomarkers into predictive models to tailor antidepressant strategies more effectively. Continued research is needed to dissect the underlying dynamics of these biomarker interactions.

PMID:42324769 | DOI:10.1093/ijnp/pyag032

Am J Sports Med. 2026 Jun 21:3635465261455048. doi: 10.1177/03635465261455048. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Posterior shoulder dislocations are rare but particularly challenging in high-demand populations. While anterior instability has been well studied, limited data exist on the morphological consequences of traumatic first-time and recurrent posterior dislocations.

PURPOSE: To quantify posterior glenoid bone loss (pGBL), glenoid version, reverse Hill-Sachs lesions, and acromial morphology in patients with traumatic posterior shoulder dislocations and compare these features between the single and recurrent dislocation groups.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted using the Military Health System Data Repository to identify patients who sustained traumatic posterior shoulder dislocations between January 2017 and December 2024. These were defined as events requiring manual reduction with subsequent advanced imaging demonstrating a posterior labral tear or posterior bony Bankart lesion, with or without a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. Morphological features were independently assessed by 2 raters. Measured factors included pGBL (measured by the perfect circle technique (PCT), two-thirds glenoid height methods, and one-third glenoid height method), glenoid version, reverse Hill-Sachs Lesion parameters, and acromial tilt and height. Patients were stratified into single and recurrent dislocation groups. Statistical comparisons were performed using t tests, with significance set at a P value < .05. Linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between number of dislocations and extent of pGBL.

RESULTS: A total of 39 shoulders sustained posterior dislocation events with adequate imaging. Patients with multiple dislocations (vs a single dislocation) demonstrated significantly greater mean pGBL across all 3 measurement techniques: PCT (12.4% vs 10.5%; P = .031), two-thirds glenoid height method (13.7% vs 11.5%; P = .021), and one-third glenoid height method with sex-specific adjustments (13.0% vs 10.7%; P = .009). Glenoid retroversion was not significantly greater in the recurrent dislocation group (-11.0° vs -8.0°; P = .252). No significant differences were observed in reverse Hill-Sachs lesion dimensions or acromial morphology between groups. A weak positive correlation was found between the number of dislocations and pGBL (R² = 0.054).

CONCLUSION: After first-time traumatic posterior dislocation, the mean pGBL was approximately 11%. Bone loss increased with recurrent dislocations, approaching thresholds associated with failure after isolated posterior soft tissue stabilization. No association was found with reverse Hill-Sachs lesion size. Early recognition and intervention, particularly in high-demand populations at risk of recurrent dislocation, may be appropriate to prevent pGBL progression.

PMID:42324750 | DOI:10.1177/03635465261455048

Nurs Open. 2026 Jun;13(6):e70630. doi: 10.1002/nop2.70630.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To explore the chain mediating effects of self-esteem and coping modes on the relationship between social support and stigma with rheumatoid arthritis patients and to identify actionable targets for nursing interventions.

DESIGN: A multicentre, cross-sectional, correlational study.

METHODS: Using convenience sampling, RA patients were recruited from the rheumatology departments of four hospitals in China, from June to September 2023. The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale-Rheumatoid Arthritis (ISMI-RA), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Medical Coping modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) were used to assess the patients’ stigma, social support, self-esteem and coping styles. SAS 9.4 software was used for statistical analysis. Normally distributed continuous data were described using means and standard deviations. Independent sample t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for comparisons between groups. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to describe the degree of correlation between variables. The chain mediating model was constructed using AMOS 24.0 software, and the maximum likelihood method was used for model parameter estimation, and the model was adjusted according to the modification index.

RESULTS: Mean participant age was 53.62 ± 12.40 years. Stigma scores differed significantly by family history, income, education, morning stiffness duration, DAS28 and pain level (all p < 0.001). Stigma correlated negatively with self-esteem (r = -0.482), confrontation coping (r = -0.512) and social support (r = -0.590) and positively with avoidance (r = 0.251) and acceptance coping (r = 0.462). Social support was directly associated with stigma (β = -0.502) and also indirectly associated through self-esteem and coping modes, with the indirect pathways accounting for 31.51% of the total association.

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that patients with RA frequently experience moderate stigma, and that self-esteem and coping modes may serve as chain mediators between social support and stigma. Nurses may consider assisting patients in building positive social support networks, enhancing their self-esteem and promoting positive coping modes as potential strategies to reduce stigma.

PMID:42324729 | DOI:10.1002/nop2.70630

NMR Biomed. 2026 Aug;39(8):e70342. doi: 10.1002/nbm.70342.

ABSTRACT

Ultrashort echo time (UTE) and zero echo time (ZTE) techniques have been shown to generate robust functional MRI (fMRI) contrast of hemodynamic origin from the inflow of unperturbed spins into the imaging volume under local radiofrequency transmission. As such, they are ideally suited not only to map the dynamics of cerebral blood flow (CBF) during intense neuronal activity but also the dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The goal of this work was to pilot the use of UTE-fMRI for human studies of brain activation and neurofluid dynamics. We thus conducted fMRI studies at 7 T with a transmit/receive head coil using a slab-selective UTE sequence on 13 human participants during a visual task. Spatio-temporally matched gradient-echo echo planar imaging (GE-EPI) data were also acquired for qualitative comparison purposes, and respiratory and cardiac signals were measured to quantify multiple physiological metrics. Functional brain activations were analyzed using a general linear model at single subject and group levels. Moreover, time-courses from the whole cortex, carotid arteries, and fourth ventricle were correlated between each other, and physiological contributions to these ROI signals were evaluated with a linear mixed model and a relative importance computation. Robust and reproducible functional activations were detected with UTE-fMRI in the visual cortex across participants. Although the functional contrast-to-noise ratio was higher with GE-EPI than with UTE, the temporal signal-to-noise ratio was lower, and group-level statistical power and activation patterns of UTE maps were similar to those obtained with GE-EPI. In addition, the UTE task-evoked signal in CSF was negatively correlated with those in the whole cortex and in the carotid arteries and was primarily driven by the stimulus paradigm. We conclude that UTE-fMRI can be used not only for functional studies of the human brain but also for assessing the relationship between hemodynamic and CSF signals, which can help elucidate brain homeostatic processes.

PMID:42324687 | DOI:10.1002/nbm.70342

Nutr Clin Pract. 2026 Jun 21. doi: 10.1002/ncp.70140. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gastrostomy tube placement is a common intervention for long-term nutrition in people with dysphagia. Minimising complications such as tube dislodgement is integral in gastrostomy management, as unplanned replacements may require urgent care to prevent stoma closure. Anecdotally, people living with motor neurone disease (plwMND) have frequent complications, although the frequency compared to other conditions remains unknown. This single-centre retrospective audit aimed to quantify and compare gastrostomy-related complications between MND and other conditions.

METHODS: All adults managed with a gastrostomy from 2016 to 2021 attending a single centre, dietitian-led gastrostomy service were included. The service database and medical records were screened for complications including unplanned tube replacements, infection, hypergranulation tissue, compromised tube integrity or dislodgement and their frequency was compared in those with MND and in those with other conditions.

RESULTS: In total, n = 193 replacement gastrostomy tubes were required in n = 51 individuals. People living with MND had a statistically nonsignificantly lower rate and likelihood of first unplanned replacement compared to other conditions after adjustment for age (HR 0.42). Modelling demonstrated a reduced risk of unplanned replacement with a history of previous infection and hypergranulation tissue, and an increased risk with a history of compromised tube integrity and previous displacement in plwMND. Of unplanned replacements, 48% occurred between 90 to 180 days, with tube integrity the most frequently associated complication.

CONCLUSION: People living with MND were more likely to experience hypergranulation tissue but did not have a higher rate of unplanned tube replacements compared to those with other conditions. People experiencing higher rates of unplanned gastrostomy replacements may benefit from strategies to reduce complications.

PMID:42324684 | DOI:10.1002/ncp.70140

Nurs Open. 2026 Jun;13(6):e70637. doi: 10.1002/nop2.70637.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To describe the status of nurses’ behaviours towards promoting mobility among hospitalized older adults in China, and to explore modifiable enablers and barriers for nurses.

DESIGN: A sequential-explanatory mixed method design was used to collect data from nurses in three tertiary teaching hospitals in Hunan Province, China.

METHODS: Quantitative data were collected using the Nurses’ Behaviour Towards Promoting Mobility Scale, which covers eight dimensions: physical fitness assessment, exercise guidance, daily activities guidance, joint movement assistance, physical therapists’ consultation, environment arrangement, mobilization assistance and cognition stimulation. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth individual interviews, with questions developed based on the quantitative findings. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used to analyse the quantitative data. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically and mapped to the capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour (COM-B) model. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated using a joint display approach.

RESULTS: The overall level of nurses’ mobility promotion behaviours was moderate (156.15 ± 23.94), with scoring rates varying across dimensions (50.69%-81.69%). Nurses’ behaviours were significantly associated with their working positions and departments. Further, the qualitative data revealed six barriers including ‘insufficient competence’, ‘lack of standardized protocols’, ‘fear of adverse events’, ‘unclear nurse role’, ‘lack of time’, and ‘limited environment and equipment’, and four facilitators, such as ‘practice-based training’, ‘incentive policies’, ‘family involvement’ and ‘organizational expectations’. The quantitative and qualitative findings were convergent, dissonant, complementary or silent.

CONCLUSION: Nurses’ behaviours towards promoting mobility were suboptimal and influenced by multiple barriers and enablers related to the COM-B model. These findings need to be considered when developing targeted nurse-driven mobility promotion interventions to improve the functional abilities of hospitalized older adults.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: This study emphasizes the necessity of improving nurses’ behaviours in promoting older inpatients’ mobility. Adequate practice-based training is essential to enhance nurses’ capability in this area. Additionally, fostering a sense of responsibility and implementing an incentive policy could boost motivation. At the organizational level, clear protocols and standardized procedures, together with supportive ward environments, may increase opportunities for implementation. Involving family members in mobility promotion care might be an alternative way considering nurses’ heavy workload and time limitations.

REPORTING METHOD: The study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for the quantitative component, the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist for the qualitative component, and the Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) guideline for the reporting of mixed methods.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Nurses participated in the quantitative study and qualitative interviews that informed this study.

PMID:42324679 | DOI:10.1002/nop2.70637