Category: Statistics

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

J Nurs Manag. 2026;2026(1):e6160239. doi: 10.1155/jonm/6160239.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emergency department (ED) nurses face elevated risks of infection during emerging infectious disease (EID) outbreaks. A multilevel understanding of factors influencing infection control performance is essential for improving safety in these settings.

AIM(S): To examine associations among safety control, communication, perceived patient safety culture, and infection control performance among ED nurses and identify key influencing factors based on ecological systems theory.

METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Data were collected in October 2023 from 227 ED nurses at tertiary hospitals in South Korea who had experience caring for patients with confirmed or suspected EIDs. Structured, self-administered online questionnaires were used, and the responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression (SPSS Version 28).

RESULTS: Communication exhibited the strongest association with infection control performance (β = 0.53, p < 0.001), followed by safety control (β = 0.27, p < 0.001) and the availability of negative-pressure isolation rooms with anterooms (3-4) (β = 0.13, p = 0.016). These factors explained 74.0% of the variance in infection control performance (F = 46.83, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Infection control performance among ED nurses was associated with individual, organizational, and environmental factors. Ecological systems theory provided an effective framework for identifying these multilevel influences.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers should implement comprehensive multilevel strategies addressing safety control at the microsystem, communication at the mesosystem, and infrastructure at the macrosystem to improve infection control performance. This study provides evidence to support targeted interventions in emergency settings.

PMID:42522542 | DOI:10.1155/jonm/6160239

APMIS. 2026 Aug;134(8):e70242. doi: 10.1111/apm.70242.

ABSTRACT

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 9 (UBC9) expression has been implicated in a variety of malignancies, its precise role in CRC remains poorly understood. Also Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling is known to enhance cellular proliferation in various cancers. This study aims to investigate the expression of UBC9 and PI3K in CRC, prognostic and predictive significance, and association with patients’ survival. A total of 140 archival samples of CRC, 70 normal colonic tissue, and 40 metastatic lymph nodes were included. Immunohistochemistry was done for UBC9 and PI3K antibodies, and appropriate statistical analysis of results was performed. UBC9 and PI3K are highly expressed in tumor cells, where co-high expression is significantly associated with high grade, advanced stage, high lymph node ratio (LNR), lympho-vascular invasion (LVI), low tumor infiltration lymphocytes (TILs), chemo-resistance, and positive KRAS mutation, with the poorest median survival (17 months) in patients. Significant positive association was revealed between both molecules in metastatic lymph nodes. UBC9 and PI3K are related to CRC poor survival and resistance to treatment. A potential combined role of both molecules in colorectal carcinogenesis could be found.

PMID:42522541 | DOI:10.1111/apm.70242

Dermatol Online J. 2026 Jun 30;32(3). doi: 10.25251/10.25251/t1jlta74.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Café-au-lait macules (CALMs) are often the earliest visible sign of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder with marked clinical variability. Early characterization of CALM patterns may aid in anticipating systemic disease burden.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the early appearance, anatomical distribution, and number of CALMs in children with genetically confirmed NF1 and explore associations with central nervous system (CNS) and skeletal manifestations.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed children with genetically confirmed NF1 at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Athens, Greece (2018-2023). Demographic data, CALM count and distribution, mutation type, and systemic involvement were recorded. CALMs were documented through standardized dermatologic assessment and clinical photography. Statistical correlations were evaluated using nonparametric tests.

RESULTS: Sixty-three children (33 males, 30 females; mean age 7.5 ± 4.6 years) were included. All had more than 6 CALMs (mean 18.1 per child), most frequently on the thoracic region (53.6%). In 38.1% of patients, more than 6 CALMs were present by 6 months; among those with 6 or fewer at 6 months, 94.9% exceeded this threshold by 24 months. Children with 7-12 CALMs at 12 months had significantly higher frequencies of CNS and skeletal manifestations (P < .05).

CONCLUSION: CALMs were predominantly thoracic and showed the steepest increase between 6 and 12 months. Children with 7-12 CALMs at 12 months had greater systemic involvement, supporting early, risk-adapted surveillance strategies in pediatric NF1.

PMID:42522512 | DOI:10.25251/10.25251/t1jlta74

Eval Rev. 2026 Jul 29:193841X261472564. doi: 10.1177/0193841X261472564. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Academic probation is a common institutional response to poor academic performance, yet limited experimental evidence exists on whether the content and framing of probation notifications influence student outcomes. This study examined the impact of an embellished academic probation email on reenrollment and academic performance among community college students placed on academic probation. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a large, multi-campus community college. Students placed on academic probation at the end of the Fall term (n = 3,109) were randomly assigned to receive either the standard probation notification or an embellished version designed to increase salience and clarity through enhanced formatting, a graphic of sanctions progression, and encouragement to use support resources. Primary intent-to-treat outcomes were reenrollment in the subsequent Winter term and academic recovery, defined as reenrollment with a Winter GPA of at least 2.0. A secondary outcome, Winter GPA, was analyzed among students who reenrolled. Impacts were estimated using covariate-adjusted linear regression models, with logistic regression models estimated as robustness checks. The embellished email produced modest positive estimated effects. Reenrollment and academic recovery increased by approximately 2 to 3 percentage points, although estimates were accompanied by statistical uncertainty. Among returning students, Winter GPA was approximately 0.10 points higher in the treatment group, although these estimates were conditional on reenrollment and should be interpreted cautiously. Enhanced probation communications delivered through institutional email may modestly improve short-term academic outcomes for students placed on academic probation. More broadly, such low-cost communication interventions may complement broader student support strategies.

PMID:42522508 | DOI:10.1177/0193841X261472564

Am J Health Promot. 2026 Jul 29:8901171261472636. doi: 10.1177/08901171261472636. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundText messaging can improve attendance and retention in community health programs; however, message development can be resource intensive.PurposeTo compare human and large language model (LLM)-generated retention messages in terms of creation time, clarity, appropriateness, and alignment with behavior change principles.DesignMixed methods using expert message ratings and qualitative feedback from message developers.SettingBuilding Healthy Families, a family healthy weight program.SampleExperts in behavioral science or related fields (n = 21) and message developers (n = 3).MeasuresMatched message pairs were rated on a 5-point Likert scale for clarity, appropriateness, and alignment with Social Cognitive Theory principles.AnalysisWilcoxon signed-rank tests compared message ratings. Equivalence testing using a ±10% equivalence interval and 90% confidence intervals assessed similarity between message types.ResultsLLM-generated messages yielded significantly higher ratings than human-generated messages for 4 of 5 message pairs on clarity and 3 of 5 rated on appropriateness (all P‘s < 0.05). Messages were statistically equivalent for 3 of 5 message pairs rated for behavior change theory alignment (all P‘s < 0.05). Time to develop the human- and LLM-generated messages was approximately the same with similar averaged Flesch-Kincaid grade level scores. However, the LLM-generated messages were shorter and more concise.ConclusionThis study suggests the potential for LLMs to create messages more efficiently and reduce, but not eliminate, workload for health promotion professionals.

PMID:42522506 | DOI:10.1177/08901171261472636

Dermatol Online J. 2026 May 8;32(2). doi: 10.25251/fgc2ph98.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42522503 | DOI:10.25251/fgc2ph98

Dermatol Online J. 2026 May 8;32(2). doi: 10.25251/bpchfy12.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dermaroller-mediated microneedling is a minimally invasive modality used to induce controlled cutaneous injury and promote hair follicle regeneration. Unlike automated microneedling devices, dermarollers are manually operated, introducing variability in technique and treatment parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and procedural variability of dermarolling as a monotherapy for hair loss.

METHODS: A literature search of PubMed through September 2025 was performed using terms related to dermarolling and hair loss. Studies were included if they specifically evaluated dermaroller devices. Data regarding study design, patient population, treatment parameters, and outcomes were extracted.

RESULTS: Three studies met inclusion criteria, including two human clinical studies and one animal model. One clinical study demonstrated a statistically significant increase in hair count and thickness, whereas another reported no significant improvement in hair density or scalp coverage. The animal study showed enhanced hair regeneration, with optimal effects observed at needle lengths of 0.25-0.5 mm. Considerable variability existed across studies in needle length, treatment frequency, duration, and procedural endpoints. Reported adverse effects were generally mild and transient, though improper technique may increase the risk of epidermal injury and scarring.

CONCLUSION: Evidence supporting dermaroller monotherapy for hair loss remains limited and inconsistent. Lack of standardized protocols likely contributes to variable outcomes. Further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are needed to define optimal treatment parameters and establish the safety and efficacy of dermarollling in clinical practice.

PMID:42522488 | DOI:10.25251/bpchfy12