Tag: statistics

Parasit Vectors. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s13071-026-07271-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hard tick infestation occurs naturally in humans, domestic animals, and livestock species. Upon feeding, ticks transmit a wide variety of pathogens that may result in serious diseases with severe public health and economic impacts. While tick-borne diseases significantly impact human and animal health and agricultural production worldwide, as ectoparasites, ticks can also cause serious tissue injury, tick paralysis, or exsanguination from mass infestation. Experimental tick feeding is necessary to study tick-borne diseases and effectively test novel vaccines and therapeutics. Such studies raise concerns about on-host tick containment. Classically, tick containment cells for feeding on animals are rigid, lidded containers that are adhered to the host’s skin with adhesive or tape. They are bulky and easily damaged.

METHODS: Here, we describe the use of mesh packets, termed ‘teabags,’ containing 20 male and 5 female ticks each of both Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis applied with surgical tape beneath harnesses on five dogs to allow tick feeding. Canine hematological and blood chemistry parameters were recorded before, during, and after tick feeding.

RESULTS: Successful feeding for 7 days was observed for both tick species (21-24/25 A. americanum and 3-14/25 D. variabilis per dog). Statistically significant shifts were detected in canine host hematological and blood chemistry parameters during tick feeding, indicating that infestation with even small numbers of ticks affects the systemic hematological and blood chemistry parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: This new method is safe, humane, and effective and will improve the experimental design, containment, and safety of tick-feeding research across many host, parasite, and pathogen species.

PMID:41668111 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-026-07271-x

BMC Med Educ. 2026 Feb 11. doi: 10.1186/s12909-026-08746-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In recent decades, numerous studies have explored Problem-based Learning (PBL) or Case-based Learning (CBL) alone, but few have investigated their combination. Fundamental nursing is a core course for nursing undergraduates, and anaphylactic shock (a life-threatening clinical emergency) is a key teaching content. Traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) lacks interaction and fails to enhance critical thinking, highlighting the need for teaching methods.

METHODS: Nursing undergraduates from a medical college were randomly divided into two groups (n=50 each): the traditional group (LBL) and the PBL-CBL group (combined method). The intervention focused on anaphylactic shock in fundamental nursing (September 2022-June 2024). Data were collected via post-class tests (theoretical, practical, case analysis) and anonymous questionnaires (California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory, satisfaction, time consumption). Statistical analysis used SPSS 18.0.

RESULTS: The PBL-CBL group had significantly higher total test scores (87.33±4.21 vs. 73.32±3.66, P<0.001) and better performance in all test sections. Questionnaire results showed higher critical thinking scores (truth-seeking, analytical skills, etc.), course satisfaction, and teacher-student interaction in the PBL-CBL group, though it consumed more learning time (P<0.05).

DISCUSSION: The combined PBL-CBL method outperforms traditional LBL in deepening knowledge, enhancing clinical analysis ability, and improving critical thinking. It is a promising approach for fundamental nursing teaching, though it requires more student preparation time.

PMID:41668093 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-026-08746-2

BMC Public Health. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12889-026-26554-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide. Early symptom recognition and awareness of risk factors are crucial for prompt treatment and prevention. University students in Jordan and Syria represent a key demographic for health education; however, their knowledge of stroke is not well-documented. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of stroke among Jordanian and Syrian undergraduate students and to identify the factors associated with adequate stroke awareness in this group.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 529 undergraduate students from major public universities in Jordan and Syria. Data was collected using a validated 20-item Arabic Stroke Knowledge Questionnaire. Adequate knowledge was defined as scoring ≥ 50% correct answers. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS: Overall, 66.7% of students demonstrated adequate stroke knowledge. Significant independent predictors of higher knowledge were: Syrian nationality (OR = 3.1, p < 0.001), living with family (OR = 1.9, p = 0.031), female gender (OR = 1.4, p = 0.013), and personally knowing someone affected by stroke (OR = 1.4, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION: Although two-thirds of students have basic stroke knowledge, important gaps remain in recognizing acute symptoms (e.g., sudden numbness or confusion), in understanding modifiable risk factors, and in precise medical/scientific knowledge about stroke, which may delay emergency care and hinder prevention. Targeted, evidence‑based educational campaigns especially for students without personal stroke exposure are needed to turn knowledge into lifesaving action and reduce the future burden of stroke.

PMID:41668078 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-026-26554-7

BMC Pediatr. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12887-026-06596-x. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41668075 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-026-06596-x

BMC Pediatr. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12887-026-06561-8. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41668069 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-026-06561-8

BMC Public Health. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12889-026-26464-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Premarital screening (PMS) programs are a crucial measure to prevent hereditary and sexually transmitted diseases, particularly in communities with high consanguinity levels and genetic disorder prevalence. Premarital training is not well-researched in Bangladesh, where thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies are endemic. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) regarding PMS among undergraduate students in southeastern Bangladesh.

METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 844 undergraduate students from four universities in Chattogram, Bangladesh. A multistage cluster sampling method was used to recruit participants from science, business, and humanities disciplines. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, which assessed sociodemographic characteristics and KAP towards PMS. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA SE 18. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Out of 844 students, only 22.5% students had a good knowledge, while attitudes (89.2%) and perceptions (95.7%) toward PMS were highly positive. In multivariate analysis, science students were significantly more likely to have good knowledge than humanities students (AOR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.14-2.45; p = 0.009). Conversely, females (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.43-0.87; p = 0.006) and those with consanguineous parents (AOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42-0.99; p = 0.043) were less likely to demonstrate good knowledge. No significant associations were observed between age group, academic year, family history of hereditary disease, and attitudes after adjustment for factors.

CONCLUSION: Undergraduate students in southeastern Bangladesh exhibited poor knowledge but positive attitudes and perceptions toward PMS. Incorporation of premarital training modules into university curricula, as well as media- and community-based programs, may increase knowledge and promote preventive health behaviors.

PMID:41668059 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-026-26464-8

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12884-026-08750-w. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41668055 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-026-08750-w

BMC Oral Health. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1186/s12903-026-07787-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Apexification in immature teeth represents a clinical challenge due to the difficulty of achieving an effective apical seal and sufficient mechanical resistance. Bioceramic materials such as MTA Repair HP, Bio-C Repair, Biodentine, and PBS Cimmo HP have been developed to improve sealing ability and bond strength. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare, in vitro, the apical marginal adaptation by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and bond strength through the push-out test of these four calcium silicate- based cements used as an apical barrier.

METHODS: Forty simulated models of immature teeth with open apex were created. The specimens were divided into four groups to create an apical plug: G1 (MTA Repair HP), G2 (Bio-C Repair), G3 (Biodentine) and G4 (Cimmo HP). The apical portion of the specimens was sectioned, into2.5 mm slices. The adaptation of the apical barrier was assessed using SEM and the bond strength was evaluated by the push-out test. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: MTA Repair HP showed significantly better marginal adaptation compared to Cimmo HP (p < 0.05), while no statistical difference were found among the other materials. In contrast, PBS Cimmo HP exhibited the highest bond strength, significantly superior to Bio-C Repair (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the other materials. Both MTA Repair HP and Biodentine demonstrated consistent performance in both tests. Adhesive fracture was the most frequent type of failure observed across all materials.

CONCLUSION: MTA Repair HP, provided superior marginal adaptation, favoring its indication for apical sealing and prevention of leakage. Conversely, Cimmo HP, with its higher compressive strength, may be better suited for cases requiring greater mechanical resistance. Understanding the distinct properties of these materials assists clinicians in selecting the most appropriate bioceramic cement for apexification procedures.

PMID:41668039 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-026-07787-9

J Endourol. 2026 Feb 10:8927790251394635. doi: 10.1177/08927790251394635. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Robotic-assisted urologic stone removal and any potential histopathological effects of this approach have not been well studied. Here we assess safety and user experience of the novel MONARCH™ Platform, Urology, in performing both robotic-assisted ureteroscopy (URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) within a preclinical setting, alongside conventional devices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two endourologists conducted six simulated robotic-assisted URS and six robotic-assisted PCNL in a porcine model, comparing these with conventional approaches. The primary objectives were (1) perceived ease of completion as rated by the endourologists using a numerical 1-4 rating scale; (2) occurrence of adverse safety events as determined by the operating endourologists; (3) assessment of contrast extravasation seen on post-operative retrograde pyelogram; and (4) histopathological evaluation of the porcine models’ urinary tracts. Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test was used, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS: Tasks within URS and PCNL exhibited comparable ease of completion score means (median of all scores 4 in conventional URS and 4 in robot-assisted URS, p = 0.131; 3.17 in conventional PCNL and 4 in robot-assisted PCNL, p = 0.258). No safety events were observed by the endourologist during URS or PCNL procedures for either the robotic-assisted or conventional devices. In post-procedure pyelograms, none of the robotic-assisted cohort had more than minimal contrast extravasation, statistically similar to conventional devices (URS: median [range]; conventional, 0 [0-2] vs. robotic-assisted, 0 [0-1], p = 0.337; and PCNL: conventional, 0 [0-2] vs. robotic-assisted, 0 [0-1], p = 0.379). Blinded pathology assessment demonstrated no biologically significant nor clinically relevant differences between robotic-assisted and conventional devices in any category.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the MONARCH™ Platform in Urology has a safety profile comparable with conventional devices and a trend of easier completion of some tasks. This foundational study establishes the feasibility of a single platform to complete both robotic-assisted URS and PCNL, as a new treatment paradigm for urologic stone management.

PMID:41667941 | DOI:10.1177/08927790251394635

Psychol Med. 2026 Feb 11;56:e44. doi: 10.1017/S0033291726103286.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Seeking to clarify the parent-offspring transmission of Major Depression (MD) and type I Bipolar Disorder (BD), we examined offspring MD and BD risk in five informative parental pairs: Unaffected x MD, Unaffected x BD, MDxMD, MDxBD and BDxBD.

METHODS: We identified 289,637 individuals born in Sweden 1970-1990, followed through 2018, from parents with MD and/or BD identified from Swedish medical registers. We quantified the MD→MD, BD→BD, MD→BD and BD→MD parent-offspring transmission and explored effects of parental illness on MD→BD conversions.

RESULTS: The risk for MD was modestly and similarly increased in offspring of Unaffected x MD (HR=1.64) and Unaffected x BD parents (HR=1.53), higher in MDxMD and MDxBD pairings (HRs=2.39 and 2.47) and slightly lower in BDxBD matings (HR=2.29). By contrast, risk for BD was much higher in Unaffected x BD versus Unaffected x MD matings (HRs = 5.59 vs. 1.70), further elevated modestly in MDxBD matings (HR=6.26) and very high in BDxBD matings (HR=13.61). The rate of offspring MD→BD conversions was substantially increased by parental BD but not parental MD. Offspring BD was equally predicted by paternal and maternal affective illness while offspring MD was more strongly predicted by maternal than paternal affective illness.

CONCLUSIONS: Examining risk for MD and BD in offspring of different parental mating types of MD and BD is an informative strategy for further clarifying the cross-generational transmission of these two partially related and partially distinct mood disorders.

PMID:41667937 | DOI:10.1017/S0033291726103286