Category: Nevin Manimala

Ethn Health. 2026 Jun 21:1-20. doi: 10.1080/13557858.2026.2688761. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Latine population is at least two times more likely to be food insecure compared to the non-Hispanic white population. Challenges in accessing sufficient, culturally preferred, and healthy foods, particularly for those in rural areas, include limited financial resources and transportation difficulties. Additionally, this population commonly has low enrollment in food assistance programs, an effective method in reducing food insecurity (FI). Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and depression are frequently associated with FI; the Latine population carries a disproportionately high burden or risk of these diseases.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to understand the prevalence of FI, FI as a predictor and outcome variable, and health conditions associated with FI among the Latine population in rural, western North Carolina.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in community settings using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable binary logistic regressions.

RESULTS: Among 193 participants, 47% reported FI. Those identifying as food insecure were more likely to report a household income under $35,000 (OR 5.49, 95% CI: 1.37, 22.06), low educational attainment (OR 3.85, 95% CI: 1.23, 12.04), and being unmarried (OR 3.53, 95% CI: 1.01, 12.20). When modeled as a predictor, FI was associated with higher odds of reporting symptoms of CVD (OR 3.95, 95% CI: 1.43, 12.14) and depression (OR 5.01, 95% CI: 1.45, 21.52).

CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates a high prevalence of FI and significant relationships between FI and a myriad of variables in a region of rural, western NC and contributes to a dearth of literature about the experience of FI among the Latine population. Understanding the predictors of FI in this context can better support efforts to increase food security among this population.

PMID:42324865 | DOI:10.1080/13557858.2026.2688761

J Bioinform Comput Biol. 2026 Jun;24(3):2650006. doi: 10.1142/S021972002650006X. Epub 2026 Jun 11.

ABSTRACT

Copy number variation (CNV) is one of the most imperative forms of structural variations that can span over the coding and non-coding regulatory regions of an individual’s genome. Copy number variations (CNV) can significantly impact the genotype and phenotype traits by altering the gene dosage, consequently affecting the gene expression landscape concerning various cellular functions and are the cause behind complex diseases in an individual. Exceptionally fast advancement in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology has led to massive growth of DNA-seq data, which contains both Whole Genome Sequence (WGS) and targeted Exome Sequence data of various species including H.sapiens, and precise detection of the DNA region affected by CNV enables the copy number profiling of a genome, thereby understanding our genome. This work has proposed a methodology named ReinVar, which can accurately determine and analyze the underlying copy number profile of the whole genome by adopting a model-free reinforcement learning paradigm. The methodology involves a novel approach to model the problem of identifying CNV as a Markov decision process (MDP), followed by determination of CNV under Reinforcement Learning framework. ReinVar also adopted a Map-Reduce programming paradigm to provide a big data solution to address the issue of exponential growth of NGS read sequence data. ReinVar has shown strong performance in detecting CNV gains and losses across diverse ethnic groups, with a high number of shared variant calls. ReinVar’s ability to accurately identify both CNV gains and losses, coupled with consistent detection across ethnic groups and strong ROC characteristics, underscores ReinVar’s effectiveness as a robust and sensitive CNV detection method.

PMID:42324820 | DOI:10.1142/S021972002650006X

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