Category: Statistics

Strabismus. 2026 Jul 29:1-8. doi: 10.1080/09273972.2026.2708089. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of ocular misalignment on social trait attribution in children and to evaluate whether isolated variations in ocular alignment affect early social perception.

METHODS: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 100 children aged 8-14 years evaluated standardized visual stimuli depicting characters that differed in ocular alignment (orthotropic, esotropic, and exotropic). The illustrations were neutrally designed to control for facial expression, symmetry, gender, and skin tone. Four questionnaire forms were created, each containing three images, and each participant completed only one form. Within each form, one image represented each ocular alignment condition, so that no child viewed more than one alignment version of the same base character. This design was intended to reduce direct comparison bias. Participants assigned predefined social traits – including intelligence, bravery, success, and friendliness – to each character. Responses were recorded in a binary format and statistically compared across alignment conditions.

RESULTS: Characters with ocular misalignment were less frequently assigned favorable attributes. Orthotropic characters were significantly more likely to be rated as intelligent, successful, and brave compared with both esotropic and exotropic characters (p < .05 for all comparisons). For friendliness, orthotropic characters were more frequently perceived as friendly than exotropic characters (p = .002). No significant differences were observed between esotropic and exotropic depictions. Age subgroup analysis (8-11 vs. 12-14 years) revealed similar perception patterns across groups.

CONCLUSION: Ocular alignment appears to influence social trait attribution in childhood. Even under controlled visual conditions, misalignment was associated with reduced attribution of positive characteristics. These findings highlight the potential role of early perceptual bias in the psychosocial experience of children with strabismus and underscore the broader clinical and societal relevance of ocular alignment beyond visual function.

PMID:42522688 | DOI:10.1080/09273972.2026.2708089

Cult Health Sex. 2026 Jul 29:1-13. doi: 10.1080/13691058.2026.2702631. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In this study we examine how intersecting gendered and ethnic identities shape access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information among Zezuru and Karanga people in rural Zimbabwe. While SRH policies in Zimbabwe promote universal access, they overlook intra-ethnic differences that produce uneven patterns of knowledge, service engagement, and autonomy. Using the theory of intersectionality, we investigate how cultural norms, religious beliefs, and socio-economic structures interact to create differentiated access to information and services. Data were collected through a cross-sectional quantitative survey conducted in Mashonaland East and Masvingo. The sample consisted of 418 respondents aged 18-49, selected using stratified multistage sampling. To analyse the data, we used descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show significant disparities where 84.3% (Karanga) compared to 55.9% (Zezuru) reported limited access to information. Additionally, men reported lower engagement with SRH information and services than women. Access to SRH information was shaped by intersecting factors including gender, ethnicity, religion, education, and livelihood insecurity. Findings call for SRH programmes and interventions that are locally entrenched, culturally responsive, and supported by strengthened community-based health systems.

PMID:42522653 | DOI:10.1080/13691058.2026.2702631

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2026 Jul 29. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000003666. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Standardized training and education are priorities for improving system-level quality and outcomes for pediatric trauma patients. The objective of this study is to identify common educational needs of pediatric trauma clinicians in the United States and the gaps in currently available education courses, to inform future curriculum development.

METHODS: An anonymous, IRB-approved, 30-item cross-sectional survey was developed and distributed to pediatric trauma clinicians via e-mail. Demographic and quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Open-ended responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Two hundred four surveys were analyzed. Respondents were faculty physicians (40.7%), nurses (23.5%), trauma program managers (18.6%), advanced practice providers (11.3%), EMS (4.4%), and trainee physicians (1.5%) representing thirty-seven states. 70% worked at a pediatric trauma center. 65% had taken the ATLS course, but only 50% felt that the course prepared them to care for pediatric trauma patients. 97% had taken PALS, but only 45% felt the course prepared them for pediatric trauma care. Respondents ranked comfort with specific pediatric trauma skills. Confidence was lowest for chest tube placement (mean=5.7/10) and dosing intubation medications (6.1/10). Confidence was highest for tourniquet placement (8.2/10) and assigning a GCS to a school-aged child or teen (8.1/10). Qualitative themes included: (1) Neither ATLS nor PALS provide comprehensive pediatric trauma education; (2) Comfort with pediatric trauma comes from experience rather than course completion; (3) There is a desire for additional pediatric-specific education, and (4) Multiple specific topics were identified as educational needs.

CONCLUSION: ATLS and PALS alone do not meet the need for comprehensive pediatric trauma education in the United States. Experience is most helpful for proficiency, putting low-volume centers at a disadvantage. Pediatric-specific trauma education is desired, including simulation-based courses and app-based reference materials. Pediatric procedural skills, age-specific assessment and physiology, and evidence-based best practices should be targeted.

PMID:42522642 | DOI:10.1097/PEC.0000000000003666

Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao. 2026 Jul 25;42(7):3304-3320. doi: 10.13345/j.cjb.260265.

ABSTRACT

To establish and validate an anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (AEX-HPLC) method for the determination of the empty-to-full capsid ratio in recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV), and to systematically evaluate its detection accuracy by comparing with the gold standard method of analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), thereby providing a reliable technical approach for the quality control of rAAV empty-to-full capsid ratio. A UniCore^TM Q strong anion-exchange chromatographic column was used, with 20 mmol/L Bis-Tris propane-acetic acid buffer as the mobile phase A, while the mobile phase B consisted of mobile phase A supplemented with 2.5 mol/L tetramethylammonium chloride. Gradient elution was performed over 17 minutes with a fluorescence detector (λ_ex 280 nm, λ_em 348 nm), and systematic methodological validation of the method was conducted. The method showed good specificity. The spiked recovery rate was >87%, and the relative standard deviations (RSD) of the empty-to-full capsid ratio for repeatability and intermediate precision were 4.91% and 0.99%, respectively, indicating good precision. The method had a good linear relationship within the concentration range of 5.54×10¹¹-4.16×10¹² vg/mL (R²≥0.99). Both the limit of detection and limit of quantitation reached 2.77×10¹⁰ vg/mL, and the sensitivity met the requirements for the detection of low-concentration samples. No significant differences in the results were observed when the pH of the mobile phase fluctuated within the range of 9.2-9.4 or the column temperature varied by ±3 ℃, showing good robustness. Compared with the AUC method, there was no statistically significant difference in the determination results (P=0.156). The AEX-HPLC method established in this study has been fully validated, and all performance indicators meet the requirements for the quality control of rAAV empty-to-full capsid ratio. The method can be directly applied to the detection of the empty-to-full capsid ratio in marketed rAAV drugs. The results obtained by this method are consistent with those obtained by the gold standard AUC method, demonstrating reliable accuracy. By virtue of its charge separation principle, the method possesses unique detection advantages and is simple to operate. Furthermore, it overcomes the limitations of the AUC method, such as high equipment cost, low detection throughput, time-consuming detection, and limited accessibility. It is suitable for the detection of rAAV drug intermediates and the release of final products, and holds significant practical value for promoting the establishment of the quality control system for rAAV drug industrialization.

PMID:42522633 | DOI:10.13345/j.cjb.260265

Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao. 2026 Jul 25;42(7):3006-3018. doi: 10.13345/j.cjb.260131.

ABSTRACT

Premature ovarian failure (POF) severely impairs women’s reproductive health and quality of life. Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is a common chemotherapeutic drug that clinically induces ovarian function damage. However, the potential metabolic regulatory mechanism underlying CTX-induced POF remains unclear, and it is urgent to reveal its pathogenesis from a metabolic perspective. Based on the CTX-induced POF mouse model, this study obtained serum metabolomic data from mice in the normal group and the model group, screened and identified 41 qualitatively differential metabolites, among which lipids and lipid-like molecules accounted for 54%, and clarified the significant alterations in the serum metabolic profile of POF model mice. Eight SPF-grade female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the normal control group and the POF model group. The model group received an intraperitoneal injection of CTX to establish the POF model, and the successful establishment of the model was verified by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. UPLC-HRMS technology combined with multivariate statistical analysis was used to screen differential serum metabolites, followed by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. This study reveals that abnormal choline metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism are the core regulatory links of CTX-induced POF, and confirms that the coordinated disorder of multiple metabolic pathways is involved in POF progression. It provides foundational data and scientific evidence for the screening of early diagnostic biomarkers, the elucidation of pathogenesis, and the development of targeted intervention strategies for POF.

PMID:42522614 | DOI:10.13345/j.cjb.260131

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2026 Jul-Aug 01;214(4):71-73. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001879. Epub 2026 Jul 29.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42522604 | DOI:10.1097/NMD.0000000000001879

Mater Horiz. 2026 Jul 29. doi: 10.1039/d6mh00706f. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination technology, leveraging low-grade waste heat or renewable and sustainable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, and geothermal energy), represents a promising method for producing freshwater. A significant trend in current research involves the development of hybrid systems that integrate HDH with electricity or energy generation technologies, such as photovoltaics, mechanical vapor compression, and organic Rankine cycles. These hybrid systems aim to simultaneously address water and energy demands. However, challenges remain in scaling these systems for broader applications, particularly concerning cost-effectiveness and maximizing freshwater yield across diverse environmental conditions. Optimizing the packing materials, which serve as the core component where approximately 90% of the heat and mass transfer occurs, is critical for advancing the commercialization of HDH technology. The packing materials within humidifiers play a fundamental role by maximizing water holdup and sustaining mass-transfer capacity through enhanced contact area and prolonged interaction time between water and air streams. This study systematically reviews and classifies the packing materials and structures utilized in HDH humidifiers. Packing materials exhibit substantial diversity, encompassing cellulose papers, plastic packings, fiber-based materials, metal wire mesh, ceramics, wood-based materials, and biomimetic structures. Analysis indicates that structured packings, such as corrugated plates, have dominated long-term HDH applications despite their higher costs and maintenance complexities due to their compact design and superior thermal performance. Material utilization statistics reveal that cellulose-based packings are the most prevalent, followed by plastics and fiber-based materials, collectively accounting for approximately 60% of deployments. Cellulose and wire mesh demonstrate superior humidification performance, while structured corrugated plates and biomimetic configurations are favored for their structural advantages. To further enhance humidification efficiency and overall system performance, future packing designs should not only emphasize high humidification efficiency but also prioritize key characteristics, such as wettability, durability, and environmental sustainability. This review provides a comprehensive classification and overview of packing materials to assist researchers in improving HDH system efficiency and advancing its commercialization potential.

PMID:42522600 | DOI:10.1039/d6mh00706f

J Hum Nutr Diet. 2026 Aug;39(4):e70320. doi: 10.1111/jhn.70320.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Food consumption is influenced by sociodemographic factors throughout life, including generational affiliation. Different cohorts, such as Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y and Generation Z, are considered. In this context, the study aimed to examine the association between generational groups and diet quality, specifically the consumption of unprocessed/minimally processed foods and ultra-processed foods (UPF), using data from the 2023 Vigitel survey in Brazil.

METHODS: This is a population-based cross-sectional study conducted using data from VIGITEL 2023, including adults (≥ 18 years) residing in Brazilian state capitals. Dietary intake, the outcome variable, was assessed using questions based on the VIGITEL questionnaire, followed by the construction of a score considering consumption frequency and the level of food processing. Generational status was defined based on the difference between participants’ reported age and the year of data collection, with individuals classified into the following cohorts. Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y and Generation Z. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations, adjusting for educational level, marital status, and geographic region, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The final sample comprised 21,690 Brazilian adults. Individuals from Generation X (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.33-2.38), Generation Y (OR: 3.24; 95% CI: 2.42-4.34), and Generation Z (OR: 3.45; 95% CI: 2.46-4.83) exhibited significantly higher odds of consuming a lower-quality diet compared to Traditionalists.

CONCLUSION: Younger generations demonstrated a greater propensity toward diets high in ultra-processed foods, characterised by elevated energy density, added sugars, and saturated fats, underscoring the need for targeted public health strategies.

PMID:42522588 | DOI:10.1111/jhn.70320

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2026 Jul 29. doi: 10.1039/d6cp01113f. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Reactive oxygen species generated during inflammation can oxidize viral envelope lipids, with outcomes ranging from modulated infectivity to viral inactivation. For SARS-CoV-2, the molecular mechanisms by which membrane lipid oxidation influences spike protein anchoring remain poorly understood. We use all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to quantify how graded oxidation of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) affects the anchoring of the SARS-CoV-2 spike transmembrane (TM) region in an endoplasmic-reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC)-like multicomponent membrane. Viral envelopes containing 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% oxidized POPC (PoxnoPC) corresponding to 0-55% oxidation of all PO-type phospholipids were simulated with the spike TM helix and cytoplasmic tail embedded in a POPC/POPE/POPI/POPS/cholesterol mixture. Steered MD and umbrella sampling were used to calculate the potential of mean force (PMF) for extracting the TM + CT region along the membrane normal. Partial oxidation (25-75% POPC) produced reductions in the detachment barrier that were not statistically distinguishable from the native system within the sampling uncertainty, whereas full POPC oxidation lowered the anchoring free energy by about 23% (from 606 ± 39 to 464 ± 38 kJ mol^-1), indicating that oxidation of roughly half of the glycerophospholipids can measurably weaken spike-membrane coupling. Despite this reduction, the remaining barrier (about 180 k_BT) is still large, suggesting that oxidation alone may be insufficient for spontaneous spike detachment and likely acts synergistically with mechanical forces during fusion or immune engagement. Analysis of acyl chain order parameters, area per lipid, membrane thickness, number density profiles, and lateral lipid clustering reveals that POPC peroxidation decreases lipid order, thins and softens the bilayer, and disrupts cholesterol-stabilized clusters that refer to large cooperative lipid assemblies (>10 lipids) identified via radial distribution function (RDF)-based clustering. These oxidation-induced changes reduce hydrophobic matching around the TM helix and facilitate its extraction from the viral envelope. Our results provide a mechanistic link between lipid peroxidation, membrane nanostructure, and spike anchoring, supporting lipid oxidation, for example during cold atmospheric plasma or ozone treatment, as a physically grounded contributing antiviral mechanism against SARS-CoV-2.

PMID:42522576 | DOI:10.1039/d6cp01113f

Ginekol Pol. 2026;97(6):466-485. doi: 10.5603/gpl.109312.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Fetal and placental growth are influenced by multiple maternal and fetal factors, including fetal sex and maternal parity. Accurate knowledge of these determinants is essential for growth monitoring and perinatal risk assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fetal sex and maternal parity on birth weight, placental weight, and the fetal-to-placental weight ratio in a large single-center cohort.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 4,642 singleton live births between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation at a tertiary hospital in the Wielkopolska region, Poland. Birth weight, placental weight, and fetal-to-placental weight ratios were analyzed according to fetal sex and maternal parity. Percentile charts were generated, and differences were assessed using appropriate statistical tests with p < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS: Male newborns had higher birth weights than females, with significant differences from 36 to 40 weeks. Placental weight increased with gestational age, with males showing higher values at 38-40 weeks. Fetal-to-placental weight ratios were higher in males at 30, 36, 37, and 40 weeks, indicating greater placental efficiency. Multiparous women delivered newborns with higher birth and placental weights compared to primiparas, particularly in late gestation. Correspondingly, fetal-to-placental ratios were higher among multiparas, reflecting enhanced placental efficiency in subsequent pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS: Fetal sex and maternal parity significantly influence fetal and placental growth and fetoplacental efficiency. Male newborns and offspring of multiparas had higher birth weights and more favorable fetal-to-placental weight ratios. The provided percentile charts may serve as practical references for obstetric and neonatal care in the Wielkopolska region.

PMID:42522555 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.109312