Category: Nevin Manimala

J Foot Ankle Res. 2026 Mar;19(1):e70113. doi: 10.1002/jfa2.70113.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Podiatrists are the primary health professionals associated with assessment, diagnosis and management of lower limb problems. Research is critical in informing evidence-based practice. As part of a national research priorities project, this bibliometric review aimed to map all Australian podiatry-relevant research from 1970 to 2024 and explore volume over time, authors, institutions, level of evidence, funding sources and categories of research.

METHODS: Podiatry-relevant research was categorised into 10 streams: dermatology, diabetes-related foot disease, gerontology, musculoskeletal and sports, paediatrics, rheumatology, surgery, workforce and education, First Nations foot health and neurological and vascular disease. A systematic search of the literature was conducted in each stream up until December 2024. Meta-data from Scopus were analysed in Biblioshiny, where publications volume, authors, institutions, journals and collaborations were described. Each publication was also categorised for level of evidence using the National Health and Medical Research Council criteria, research type using the United Kingdom Clinical Research Collaboration Health Research Classification System and funding source using Higher Education Research Data Collection specifications.

RESULTS: A total of 1641 publications were included across all research streams. Steady increases in publication volume occurred over the past 20 years, with diabetes-related foot disease yielding the highest volume (n = 335), followed by musculoskeletal (n = 308) and paediatrics (n = 280). Musculoskeletal and sports research demonstrated the highest proportion of level I evidence (22%), whereas most streams were dominated by level IV evidence. The majority of research across all streams received no funding support, ranging from 32% unfunded in First Nations foot health research to 87% in surgical research. Rheumatology achieved the highest proportion of competitive funding (47% Category 1). The most frequent research categories were aetiology, detection and screening and evaluation of treatments. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Research was the most frequent publication source, with 140 (8%) of total publications.

CONCLUSION: Australian podiatry-relevant research has grown substantially, particularly over the past 2 decades. However, significant disparities exist in volume, evidence quality and funding across different streams, with most research conducted without external funding support, highlighting the need for strategic investment to enhance evidence generation in key areas of podiatry practice.

PMID:41689815 | DOI:10.1002/jfa2.70113

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2026 Feb 14:10499091261425190. doi: 10.1177/10499091261425190. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveWe designed a survey to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among cancer patients and to understand the gaps in provider-patient communication.MethodsAn IRB-approved 36-item survey was distributed through the Jefferson Recruitment Enhancement Service team and social media. Questions assessed the impact of cancer treatment on sexual health, provider communication, how sexual health was assessed, and possible interventions. Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test were used to compare the group differences with a P-value threshold (α) of 0.05 for statistical significance.Results916 patients responded to the survey, with most being diagnosed with breast (n = 271, 29.6%) and prostate cancer (n = 358, 39.1%). 71.8% of patients experienced an impact on sexual function by cancer treatment. Most experienced issues with their sexual desire, body image, arousal, comfort during intercourse, and ability to achieve orgasm (α < 0.001). Only 35.5% reported being asked about their sexual health by an oncologist and only 22.2% were given a questionnaire to assess their sexual health (α < 0.001). 49.8% of breast patients and 15.4% of prostate patients were never told their sexual health could be affected by their cancer treatment (α < 0.001). 60.3% of prostate patients were formally asked about their sexual health by an oncologist compared to 21.4% of breast patients (α < 0.001). 74% of respondents stated it is essential for oncologists to speak to patients about sexual health.ConclusionCancer survivors believe it is important for providers to discuss sexual health. However, providers are more inclined to address sexual health concerns with male patients than with female counterparts.

PMID:41689813 | DOI:10.1177/10499091261425190

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2026 Feb 14:34894261422107. doi: 10.1177/00034894261422107. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Auditory localization, an essential skill for survival and communication, enables individuals to identify the source of sounds in their environment. Hearing loss (HL) in one or both ears often disrupts binaural hearing mechanisms, compromising auditory localization abilities. This study aimed to compare auditory localization abilities among unilateral cochlear implant (UnCI) users, bimodal cochlear implant (BimCI) users, and individuals with normal hearing (NH).

METHODS: This study included a total of 119 participants: 50 with NH, 46 UnCIs, and 23 BimCIs. The Auditory Localization Scale was used to compare the participants’ localization abilities. The scale consists of 24 items across 5 subdimensions: traffic zone, outdoor situations, indoor situations, psychological aspects, and quiet situations. On this scale, higher scores represent greater difficulty with hearing and sound localization, whereas lower scores correspond to better performance in these situations.

RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed among the 3 groups across all subsections of the Auditory Localization Scale (traffic-zone, P < .001; outdoor situations, P < .001; indoor situations, P < .001; psychological aspects, P = .001; quiet situations, P < .001), as well as in the total score (P < .001). Post-hoc analyses revealed no significant difference between the bimodal and unilateral CI users (P > .017). However, the NH group obtained significantly lower scores across all subsections and in the total score compared with both CI groups. (P < .017).

CONCLUSIONS: While bimodal hearing is advantageous for providing binaural signals, it may not be adequate for auditory localization; consequently, further endeavors are required to enhance subjective benefits and hearing outcomes in adult CI users.

PMID:41689812 | DOI:10.1177/00034894261422107

Cogn Emot. 2026 Feb 14:1-16. doi: 10.1080/02699931.2026.2613139. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Z-curve analysis is intended to diagnose the credibility of research results, but its interpretation and statistical properties are often misunderstood. We clarify that the Expected Discovery Rate (EDR; i.e. average observed power) is conceptually distinct from average pre-data power and lacks a clear link to credibility because it reflects both the average pre-data power and the estimated average population effect size. In our review of 37 articles reporting 278 Z-curve applications, 77.3% concluded publication bias, yet 48.2% did not state whether the p-values analyzed reflected focal findings, and 69.1% may have violated the assumption of independent p-values. Simulations further demonstrate that Z-curve estimators can be biased and inconsistent, failing to follow the Law of Large Numbers and potentially producing misleading conclusions. We also question claims made by Soto and Schimmack [Credibility of results in emotion science: A Z-curve analysis of results in the journals Cognition & Emotion and Emotion. Cognition and Emotion, (2025), 39(8), 1803-1819], regarding the credibility of emotion-science findings, noting that such conclusions should be interpreted cautiously given the limitations of Z-curve estimates. Overall, we do not recommend using Z-curve to evaluate research findings. Traditional meta-analytic methods remain more appropriate and reliable for statistical conclusions about focal research findings.

PMID:41689810 | DOI:10.1080/02699931.2026.2613139

STAR Protoc. 2026 Feb 13;7(1):104306. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104306. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The scPrediXcan framework enables cell-type-specific transcriptome-wide association studies (TWASs) by integrating deep learning-based prediction of gene expression from DNA sequence and epigenetic features. We present a protocol for scPrediXcan: training cell-type-specific models for expression prediction, predicting personalized expression, and testing associations with genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics. This framework produces scalable TWAS models for different cellular contexts with minimal computational burden. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhou et al.¹.

PMID:41689808 | DOI:10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104306

Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2026 Feb 14:1-13. doi: 10.1080/17549507.2026.2618243. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: There is limited research into the current practices and factors that may influence speech-language pathologists in the prescription and utilisation of assistive technology to support return to work goals for people with cognitive communication disorder post traumatic brain injury.

METHOD: An exploratory cross-sectional survey of speech-language pathologists in Australia and the UK who work with adults with traumatic brain injury was completed. Mixed method analysis identified the types of assistive technology used by clinicians, and highlighted barriers and facilitators to prescribing assistive technology. Descriptive statistics, reflexive thematic analysis, and content analysis were employed to analyse survey responses.

RESULT: Sixteen speech-language pathologists reported employing a range of assistive technology devices and applications to support communication and memory difficulties. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in a central organising concept of ‘a nuanced approach’ with five themes. Content analysis highlighted barriers to assistive technology use that were consistent with previous research related to their design and function, service provision, and awareness and information.

CONCLUSION: Surveyed clinicians primarily prescribed familiar devices and inbuilt or downloadable applications. The prescription and use of assistive technology by surveyed clinicians is multifaceted, involving considerations of the individual and workplace barriers and facilitators to determine its utility.

PMID:41689428 | DOI:10.1080/17549507.2026.2618243

Eur J Neurol. 2026 Feb;33(2):e70463. doi: 10.1111/ene.70463.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sleep and sleep disorders (SD) have a major impact on brain (neurological and psychiatric), body and societal health. Despite this, the epidemiological and economic burden of SD have not been sufficiently analyzed. This study investigates the epidemiology and costs of SD across 47 European countries and identifies knowledge gaps in the literature.

METHODS: Systematic literature reviews on PubMed (between January 2010 and April 2023) and expert communications identified relevant epidemiological and cost-of-illness (COI) studies on five major SD: insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Four epidemiological parameters, including prevalence, were investigated. Economic analyses stratified direct, indirect, and informal care costs, and employed an imputation procedure that accounts for several country-specific economic factors. Costs were expressed as purchasing power parity (PPP)-adjusted 2019 Euros.

RESULTS: Eleven COI and six epidemiological studies were identified. Estimated prevalence for OSA, insomnia, RLS, narcolepsy, and RBD in the adult population was 18%, 10%, 3%, 0.03%, and 0.009%, respectively. Economic data were exclusively available for high-income Europe. OSA was the most costly SD (€184 billion), followed by insomnia (€158 billion), RLS (€79 billion), narcolepsy (€905 million), and RBD (€436 million). Direct and indirect costs contributed 48% and 52%, respectively, with no available data on informal care costs.

CONCLUSIONS: The unexpected high prevalence and substantial economic burden associated with SD contrast with the universally neglected role of sleep health and SD in public health strategies. More research on the burden of SD is needed.

PMID:41689412 | DOI:10.1111/ene.70463

Biomark Med. 2026 Feb 14:1-9. doi: 10.1080/17520363.2026.2628972. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Low-grade inflammation remains a clinical concern in virally suppressed people living with HIV-1 (PWH). Identifying reliable biomarkers is essential for monitoring inflammation-related risk.

METHODS: This exploratory cross-sectional study evaluated NF-κB p65 as a biomarker in 60 virally suppressed HIV-1 infected individuals and 60 controls. NF-κB p65 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (HS-CRP) levels were quantified. Statistical analyses were performed in R (v4.3.2) using multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for age, gender, HS-CRP, and socio-economic status. Predictive performance was assessed using AUC, calibration, and decision curve analysis. Additional analysis includes principal component analysis (PCA), k-means clustering, and linear regression was performed.

RESULTS: NF-κB p65 levels were significantly elevated in PWH than controls (p < 0.001), while HS-CRP was not independently associated. NF-κB p65 remained the strongest predictor of low-grade inflammation (OR = 2.3, AUC = 0.816) than HS-CRP. The model demonstrated good calibration and clinical utility. PCA and k-means clustering revealed heterogenous inflammatory profiles, and NF-κB p65 showed a borderline inverse association with CD4+ T cell counts. Low SES was also linked to increased inflammation (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: NF-κB p65 is a promising biomarker for monitoring subclinical inflammation in virally suppressed HIV-1 infection.

PMID:41689410 | DOI:10.1080/17520363.2026.2628972

Int J Cancer. 2026 Feb 14. doi: 10.1002/ijc.70382. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Salivary gland malignancies (SGM) are heterogeneous regarding origin, biology and prognosis. We investigated patterns of clinical and pathological features and outcome differences attributable to standardized decision making for treatment pathways before and after establishing our multidisciplinary tumor board (MDTB) in 2007. We retrospectively analyzed data of electronic health records, the Saxon cancer registry and the clinic’s tumor database (1990-2024). Statistical analysis included contingency tables, Pearson’s chi-squared tests for categorical, Student’s t test for numerical data, Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival plots and log-rank tests for time-dependent outcome measures. Among 200 patients, 83 were diagnosed before and 117 since 2007. Treatment modalities included surgery in 93% of cases, with 33.5% receiving adjuvant radiotherapy and 12.5% receiving adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. We observed disease progression in 50% of patients. Locoregional free survival was superior since 2007 (p = .035). Distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) decreased related to earlier detection of distant metastasis (M1) linked to prevention of deaths from the index cancer in patients with M1 at diagnosis or relapse (rM1) since 2007 (p = .120). Moreover, conditional OS was not affected for patients with M1/rM1 diagnosis by numerically increased detection of distant metastasis since 2007 (p = .574). MDTB decision making at a certified cancer center is accompanied by increasing numbers of diagnosis of SGM and better locoregional control but not DMFS due to higher metastasis detection rate and treatment. Despite excellent and numerically improved disease-specific survival, 10-years OS remained similar.

PMID:41689399 | DOI:10.1002/ijc.70382

Muscle Nerve. 2026 Feb 14. doi: 10.1002/mus.70167. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve (MN) is a key parameter for confirming carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with ultrasound. This study evaluates the performance of a convolutional neural network (CNN) with a 2D U-Net architecture for automated MN CSA segmentation in both healthy individuals and patients with CTS. Automated segmentation supports large-scale analysis, improves standardization across centers, and may serve as a foundation for future diagnostic tools.

METHODS: Three hundred static ultrasound images from 50 healthy participants and 300 from 74 patients with CTS were used to train and validate a five-layer U-Net model. Each CSA measurement was performed in triplicate. Model performance was evaluated using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and by comparing automated with manually annotated CSA values. Prospective evaluation was conducted on a small, unseen dataset and on data acquired using a different ultrasound system.

RESULTS: Manual CSA measurements showed excellent repeatability (ICC 0.982). The model achieved high DSCs (0.95 in controls, 0.96 in CTS) and showed no statistically significant difference from manual CSA measurements (p = 0.227). Segmentation inaccuracies in the test set were primarily attributable to minor contouring differences at the epineurial border. On unseen data, errors occurred in more proximally scanned images or scans showing intraneural hyperechogenicity.

DISCUSSION: In line with current literature, a CNN with a 2D U-Net architecture demonstrates strong potential for MN segmentation on static ultrasound images. However, reduced accuracy on unseen data suggests overfitting. Further validation is required to ensure robustness across anatomical and technical variation before clinical implementation.

PMID:41689395 | DOI:10.1002/mus.70167