Tag: statistics

Front Microbiol. 2026 Feb 11;16:1722229. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1722229. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Rapid and scalable surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is urgently needed in resource-constrained countries where routine monitoring is limited. Wastewater-based metagenomics offers a potential solution for early detection and geographic mapping of AMR.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective DNA shotgun metagenomic analysis of untreated wastewater collected across Nagpur, India (February-April 2021). A total of 422 grab samples were pooled into 138 composite samples from 10 urban zones and rural catchments. The bacterial microbiota and resistome were profiled, and urban-rural patterns were compared using diversity metrics and correlation analyses.

RESULTS: Across all samples, 871 bacterial genera were detected, dominated by Proteobacteria, with frequent presence of Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Acidovorax and Bacteroides. Beta diversity revealed statistically significant but subtle urban-rural compositional shifts. Of 33 globally important pathogens examined, 13 were detected at generally low relative abundance (<1%). Vibrio cholerae appeared in one sample, while Aeromonas spp. were most prevalent. Seven pathogens occurred in ≥10% of samples, with Aeromonas, Citrobacter, and Enterobacter differing significantly between locations (p < 0.05). The resistome comprised 606 unique antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), dominated by drug/biocide efflux determinants, followed by macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B genes driven largely by 23S rRNA mutations. Carbapenemases (blaNDM, blaKPC) and colistin resistance (mcr) were detected at lower abundance. Correlation analyses linked Pseudomonas with mexEF/emhABC efflux and copBCDRS copper resistance operon, Acinetobacter with oxa and dfrA, and Aeromonas with ctx, tetA, sul1, dfrB/F, and gyrA/parC.

DISCUSSION: These findings show that wastewater metagenomics sensitively resolved clinically relevant pathogens and ARGs in an Indian urban-rural setting, capturing nuanced geographic structure. Integrating routine DNA metagenomics into One Health environmental surveillance could strengthen AMR early warning and guide interventions in resource-constrained contexts.

PMID:41757357 | PMC:PMC12932555 | DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1722229

Front Microbiol. 2026 Feb 11;16:1742406. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1742406. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infects more than half of the world’s population and is the main risk factor for gastric cancer, although only a small percentage of those infected develop the disease. This disparity suggests the influence of bacterial, environmental, and host susceptibility factors. In Colombia, the department of Nariño presents a unique scenario: in both the Andean region and the Pacific coast, the prevalence of infection reaches 90%, but gastric cancer rates differ markedly (150/100,000 and 6/100,000 inhabitants, respectively), a phenomenon known as the “Colombian enigma.”

METHODS: This study analyzed gastric cancer mortality in 64 municipalities in Nariño, Colombia, using official epidemiological data and genome-based Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA evolution and virulence.

RESULTS: The results showed a positive correlation between altitude and gastric cancer mortality. Phylogenomically, two local subpopulations were identified: hspColombia_Andes, predominant in high-risk areas and hspColombia_PacificCoast, associated with low risk. These populations showed genetic overlap, reflecting flow between nearby regions.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the genetic diversity of Helicobacter pylori, particularly the hspColombia_Andes and hspColombia_PacificCoast subpopulations, is associated with regional differences in gastric cancer mortality. Furthermore, the influence of environmental factors such as altitude and the association of the vacA and cagA oncogenes with gastric lesions reinforce their role in pathogenesis and in the possible prediction of cancer risk.

PMID:41757356 | PMC:PMC12932587 | DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1742406

Front Dent Med. 2026 Feb 11;7:1645170. doi: 10.3389/fdmed.2026.1645170. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, dental colleges are increasingly required to enhance research productivity and international academic standing. This study aimed to identify research training priorities among oral healthcare professionals at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: A validated questionnaire was distributed to faculty members and comprised four sections: demographics, prior research training, self-rated performance vs. perceived importance of research competencies, and preferred training delivery methods. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses.

RESULTS: A total of 45 out of 61 faculty members completed the survey (response rate: 73.8%). Participants’ evaluations of prior research training ranged from poor or fair to excellent, with the majority reporting training levels between good and very good. Research training priorities varied by academic rank, with assistant professors identifying a broader range of high-priority areas compared to associate professors and full professors.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the development of targeted faculty development programs aligned with rank-specific research training priorities to strengthen research competencies and enhance institutional research capacity.

PMID:41757353 | PMC:PMC12932486 | DOI:10.3389/fdmed.2026.1645170

ESMO Real World Data Digit Oncol. 2026 Feb 19;11:100677. doi: 10.1016/j.esmorw.2025.100677. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) are commonly used in older patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Treatment selection is informed by considering adverse event (AE) profiles, given that there are no previous randomised phase III comparison trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective registry-based randomised trial utilised the electronic Prostate Cancer Australian Database to collect clinical data. Patients aged ≥75 years who were suitable to receive abiraterone or enzalutamide for mCRPC were randomised to receive either ARPI treatment, stratified by prior docetaxel use. Telephone assessments were conducted at baseline and 12 weeks, including the Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration (BOMC) tool, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Falls Risk Questionnaire (FRQ). Descriptive statistics and mixed-effects linear regression were used to compare groups, including changes in assessment scores from baseline. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to analyse effects of variables on time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS: We enrolled 76 men between June 2019 and September 2023, but closed due to slow accrual in December 2023. Nineteen (25%) had prior docetaxel. The median age was 81 years (interquartile range 77-85 years). The mean score change at 12 weeks trended higher in those receiving enzalutamide for each of BOMC (+0.64 versus -0.51, P = 0.46), GDS (+0.70 versus +0.06, P = 0.06), and FRQ (+1.4 versus -0.12, P = 0.06). A higher baseline GDS score was associated with shorter TTF [hazard ratio (HR) 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.6, P = 0.014], as was higher baseline FRQ score (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.09-1.22, P = 0.012). There were no differences in TTF, OS, prostate-specific antigen response, or AE rates between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the importance of individualised assessment of cognition, depression, and falls risk in older patients commencing ARPI treatment.

PMID:41757352 | PMC:PMC12934321 | DOI:10.1016/j.esmorw.2025.100677

Front Cell Neurosci. 2026 Feb 11;20:1757304. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2026.1757304. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Makorin-2 (MKRN2) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in multiple biological processes, yet its role in neurological disorders remains poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate how MKRN2 regulates the RNA-binding protein CSDE1-a molecule linked to autism-related genes-and to explore the functional implications of this interaction in neurodevelopment.

METHODS: Using mass-spectrometry screening, we identified CSDE1 as a direct substrate of MKRN2. Ubiquitination sites were validated through mutagenesis of conserved lysine residues. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) assays were performed in HEK293 and SH-SY5Y cells, and behavioral phenotypes were assessed in Mkrn2-knockout mice. Statistical analyses included appropriate tests for comparing ubiquitination levels, condensate formation, and social behavior outcomes.

RESULTS: MKRN2 mediates CSDE1 ubiquitination at four lysine residues (K81, K91, K208, K727). Deletion of MKRN2 or mutation of these sites abolished ubiquitination. MKRN2 and CSDE1 formed co-localized condensates via LLPS, which was disrupted by functional impairment of either protein. Mkrn2-knockout mice exhibited sex-specific social abnormalities-increased sociability in males and social withdrawal in females-recapitulating autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) heterogeneity. We further identified MARK1 and HNRNPUL2, ASD-associated mRNAs, as ubiquitination-dependent targets of CSDE1, linking aberrant condensate dynamics to synaptic plasticity deficits.

CONCLUSION: Our study reveals an LLPS-coupled ubiquitination mechanism by which MKRN2 regulates CSDE1, providing a novel molecular pathway underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. These findings offer new insights for understanding and treating neurological diseases such as ASD.

PMID:41757349 | PMC:PMC12932526 | DOI:10.3389/fncel.2026.1757304

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 25;9(3):e71933. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.71933. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In Nepal, abortion was legalized in 2002; however, national-level evidence on the factors influencing abortion practices remains limited. This study explored the predictors of induced abortion among women of reproductive age in Nepal using data from the most recent nationally representative survey.

METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which employed a nationally representative design. The analytic sample consisted of 14,845 women aged 15-49 years. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and associations were examined using the Rao-Scott chi-square test. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated through multivariable Poisson regression to identify determinants of abortion.

RESULTS: Overall, 19% of women reported having ever terminated a pregnancy. The prevalence of abortion was higher among women aged 45-49 years (aPR = 5.009, 95% CI: 3.437-7.302, p < 0.001), those with only basic education (aPR = 1.181, 95% CI: 1.075-1.298, p = 0.001), women with six or more children (aPR = 4.024, 95% CI: 2.950-5.490, p < 0.001), frequent internet users (aPR = 1.141, 95% CI: 1.026-1.270, p = 0.015), and women who listened to radio weekly (aPR = 1.115, 95% CI: 1.021-1.218, p = 0.015). In contrast, reduced prevalence was observed among women from poorer households (aPR = 0.838, 95% CI: 0.741-0.947, p = 0.005), those watching television once weekly (aPR = 0.874, 95% CI: 0.794-0.961, p = 0.006), and Buddhist women (aPR = 0.792, 95% CI: 0.679-0.924, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS: Induced abortion remains relatively common in Nepal. Key determinants include maternal age, parity, education level, household wealth, religious affiliation, and media exposure. To reduce reliance on abortion and improve reproductive health outcomes, policies should expand access to modern contraceptives and comprehensive reproductive health services. Interventions must particularly prioritize older and multiparous women, those with limited education, and women from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds who may face barriers to contraception and safe services, alongside populations highly exposed to internet and radio platforms.

PMID:41757345 | PMC:PMC12933135 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.71933

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 25;9(3):e71908. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.71908. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Substance use, particularly cannabis and alcohol consumption, presents a growing public health challenge in Ghana, with significant implications for both mental and physical health. While the adverse psychological effects of these substances have been extensively studied, their biochemical impact remains inadequately explored, particularly in psychiatric settings. The rising prevalence of substance-use disorders among individuals receiving psychiatric care necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of the physiological consequences associated with cannabis and alcohol use. This study investigated these biochemical effects in patients at Accra Psychiatric Hospital.

AIM: The study sought to determine the impact of the use of cannabis and alcohol on hemoglobin level, lipid profile, and liver function analysis.

METHOD: This cross-sectional study at Accra Psychiatric Hospital assessed the impact of cannabis and alcohol use on hemoglobin levels, lipid profile, and liver enzymes among 184 participants. Using stratified purposive sampling, data collection involved structured interviews, and blood analysis. Hemoglobin concentration, lipid profile, and liver enzyme activity were measured using standard laboratory techniques. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS and GraphPad Prism, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The study compared 92 non-users with 92 substance users (alcohol-only, n = 21; cannabis-only, n = 50; dual users, n = 21). Hemoglobin levels were similar between non-users and single-substance users, but significantly higher in dual users compared with non-users (p = 0.017) and alcohol-only users (p = 0.027). Cannabis-only users had significantly lower total cholesterol than non-users (4.53 ± 0.98 vs. 5.30 ± 1.23 mmol/L, p < 0.001), while LDL-C was higher in non-users than in all substance user groups (p < 0.05). No group differences were found for HDL-C, triglycerides, and VLDL. Liver function analysis revealed significantly higher AST in all substance user groups, with dual users recording the highest levels (81.14 ± 72.26 U/L, p < 0.001 vs. non-users). GGT was markedly elevated in alcohol-only and dual users compared with non-users (p < 0.001). Both direct and indirect bilirubin were significantly higher in all substance user groups (p < 0.05), and albumin levels were significantly lower in non-users than in all substance user groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that while single-substance use of alcohol or cannabis had limited impact on hemoglobin and lipid profiles, dual use was associated with elevated hemoglobin and marked liver enzyme abnormalities. Elevated AST, GGT, and bilirubin in substance users, particularly dual users, suggest potential hepatic stress, warranting targeted public health interventions and monitoring. It is recommended that routine liver function screening be incorporated into healthcare services for individuals with a history of alcohol and cannabis use to enable early detection and management of hepatic impairment.

PMID:41757343 | PMC:PMC12933133 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.71908

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 24;9(3):e71927. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.71927. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a pressing public health issue for young children in low- and middle-income countries like Somalia, significantly increasing risks of morbidity, mortality, and impaired development. High-dose Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is a crucial preventative intervention, yet data on its coverage in Somalia’s complex humanitarian context are scarce. This study aims to assess the prevalence of VAS and identify its sociodemographic determinants among Somali children aged 6-59 months.

METHODS: This study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional design, analyzing data from 15,456 children aged 6-59 months from the nationally representative Somalia Demographic and Health Survey (SDHS) 2020. The outcome was maternal report of a child receiving a Vitamin A supplement in the preceding 6 months. To ensure the results were nationally representative, weighted descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were performed in Stata to account for the complex survey design.

RESULTS: The prevalence of VAS receipt was critically low at 11.2%. Multivariate analysis revealed significant and unexpected disparities. Contrary to expectations, compared to children of mothers with no education, those with primary (AOR = 0.453, p < 0.001), secondary (AOR = 0.302, p < 0.001), or higher education (AOR = 0.327, p < 0.001) had significantly lower odds of their child receiving VAS. Children in nomadic households had significantly lower odds than those in rural households (AOR = 0.626, 95% CI: 0.549-0.714, p < 0.001). Compared to mothers aged 15-19, older mothers (≥ 35 years) had significantly lower odds of their child receiving VAS. Children of divorced mothers also had lower odds than those of married mothers (AOR = 0.799, p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION: VAS coverage among young Somali children is alarmingly inadequate. The counterintuitive finding regarding maternal education suggests that conventional assumptions about health-seeking behaviors may not apply in this context. Targeted interventions and strengthened health system delivery are urgently needed to address these disparities.

PMID:41757342 | PMC:PMC12933129 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.71927

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 24;9(3):e71831. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.71831. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Saudi Arabia, with early detection playing a critical role in improving survival outcomes. However, screening uptake remains suboptimal, particularly among younger women. To address this gap, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of young women in the Jazan region and identify key demographic and behavioral predictors influencing breast cancer screening uptake.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study (N = 480) was conducted between January and March 2024. A structured, validated questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics and KAP regarding breast cancer. The primary outcomes assessed were knowledge, attitude, and practice scores. Statistical analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and logistic regression to identify predictors of breast self-examination (BSE).

RESULTS: Most participants were young, single Saudi students residing in urban areas. The mean scores were: knowledge (3.66 ± 0.66), attitude (4.09 ± 0.58), and practice (3.81 ± 0.73). Moderate-to-strong positive correlations were observed between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.569, p < 0.001) and between knowledge and practice (r = 0.567, p < 0.001), indicating meaningful associations among the three domains. Age differences were evident, with both the youngest (< 25 years) and oldest (> 45 years) groups demonstrating comparatively higher knowledge scores. Participants in health-related specializations also showed higher knowledge levels (mean = 3.78 ± 0.66), suggesting a notable effect of academic background. Logistic regression demonstrated that age (26-35 years) substantially increased the likelihood of performing BSE (adjusted OR = 12.422; 95% CI: 1.12-137.95), while having two to three children markedly reduced the odds (adjusted ORs = 0.051-0.065). Additionally, non-Saudi participants had lower odds of practicing BSE (crude OR = 0.212; 95% CI: 0.06-0.72), highlighting demographic disparities in screening behaviors.

CONCLUSION: Age, education, specialization, and family responsibilities significantly influence women’s breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors, including BSE and screening uptake. Targeted, population-specific awareness strategies are essential to enhance early detection practices and reduce the breast cancer burden in the KSA.

PMID:41757341 | PMC:PMC12933140 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.71831

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 25;9(3):e71923. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.71923. eCollection 2026 Mar.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge, necessitating accurate forecasting methodologies to support effective control and prevention strategies. This paper explores the application and comparative performance of single and hybrid time-series models for forecasting TB incidence trends specifically in Somalia.

METHODS: Annual TB incidence data from 2000 to 2022 were sourced from the World Bank to train and evaluate a comprehensive suite of 14 time-series models. This included five single models-ARIMA, ETS, TBATS, Theta, and NNAR-and nine hybrid model combinations (e.g., ARIMA-ETS, ARIMA-TBATS, ARIMA-ETS-TBATS). Model performance was assessed using Theil’s U statistic, Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Symmetric Mean Absolute Percentage Error (SMAPE), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE).

RESULTS: Among the single time-series models, the TBATS model demonstrated the best fit. However, the comparative analysis revealed that the hybrid ARIMA-ETS-TBATS model outperformed other hybrid configurations. The study highlights that hybrid modeling offers enhanced forecasting accuracy compared to single models.

CONCLUSION: The resulting forecasts provide valuable insights into future TB incidence trends in Somalia. These findings underscore the importance of hybrid modeling in generating accurate data to aid informed public health decision-making and the development of targeted intervention strategies for TB control.

PMID:41757340 | PMC:PMC12933138 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.71923