Category: Statistics

Womens Health (Lond). 2026 Jan-Dec;22:17455057261455275. doi: 10.1177/17455057261455275. Epub 2026 Jun 9.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundWomen’s futsal has experienced significant growth, highlighting the importance of understanding psychological need satisfaction and burnout as key determinants of athlete well-being. Basic psychological needs satisfaction, according to Self-Determination Theory, and athlete burnout are key constructs in promoting healthy and sustainable sports environments. Foot injuries are also prevalent in high-intensity sports such as Futsal and may be related to psychological outcomes in athletes.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological need satisfaction and burnout in female futsal players, and to explore associations between foot and ankle injuries (podiatric pathology), age, and sport experience with these psychological variables.DesignObservational, cross-sectional, descriptive study.MethodsNinety-four adult female futsal players from first and second national divisions participated. Participants completed a sociodemographic and injury questionnaire, the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), and the Psychological Needs in Sport Questionnaire (PNSQ-15). Injury history included ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, fifth metatarsal fractures, and anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics.ResultsThe majority of players (85%) reported previous injuries, with ankle sprains (73.4%) and plantar fasciitis (35.1%) being most common. PNSQ-15 scores indicated high activation and concentration, with moderate confidence and motivation. Greater age and sport experience were associated with higher concentration and motivation. ABQ scores were moderate overall; more weekly training hours were associated with lower burnout in the dimensions of reduced sense of accomplishment and sport devaluation. Players with plantar fasciitis showed higher burnout scores, particularly in reduced sense of accomplishment (p=0.036).ConclusionFemale futsal players showed favorable psychological skills and moderate levels of burnout. Age, sport experience, and training load were associated with some psychological dimensions, while the presence of certain foot injuries was related to higher burnout scores. These findings suggest that psychological need satisfaction, training load, and injury history are interrelated factors influencing burnout and psychological well-being in female futsal players.

PMID:42262746 | DOI:10.1177/17455057261455275

Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2026 Jun 9. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.26.09631-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chronic primary pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and requires a multimodal management approach. Instrumental physical therapies are widely used in rehabilitation, although their effectiveness remains heterogeneous across conditions and modalities. The objective of this paper is to synthesize the evidence and recommendations from the 2026 Clinical Practice Guideline developed by the Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (SIMFER) on the use of instrumental physical therapies in chronic primary pain (i.e., complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, and primary bone marrow edema syndromes). The guideline was developed following the GRADE methodology. Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were performed to identify systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. Evidence was appraised in terms of risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, and publication bias. Recommendations were formulated using the Evidence-to-Decision framework. The panel issued a conditional recommendation in favor of adding instrumental physical therapies to conventional treatment in patients with fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and primary bone marrow edema syndromes. Evidence suggests modest to large improvements in pain and disability for specific modalities such as TENS, low-level laser therapy, and electromagnetic field therapy. However, overall certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low due to methodological limitations and heterogeneity. Adverse events were generally mild and transient, and patient acceptability was high. Instrumental physical therapies may be considered as adjunctive interventions within a multimodal rehabilitation approach for chronic primary pain. Despite encouraging findings, the low certainty of evidence highlights the need for high-quality trials with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up to strengthen future recommendations.

PMID:42262745 | DOI:10.23736/S1973-9087.26.09631-0

Echocardiography. 2026 Jun;43(6):e70529. doi: 10.1111/echo.70529.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the corrected index of cardio-electrophysiological balance (ICEBc) and left ventricular mechanical dispersion (LVMD), in obese individuals and to examine their associations with obesity severity and electromechanical myocardial heterogeneity.

METHODS: This prospective case-control study included obese individuals (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and normal-weight healthy controls. All participants underwent standard 12-lead electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography. The ICEB and corrected ICEB (ICEBc) were calculated from ECG recordings. LVMD was assessed using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Comparisons between groups and correlation analyses between ICEBc, LVMD, and body mass index (BMI) were performed using appropriate statistical methods, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Obese individuals had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures. LVMD was significantly higher and global longitudinal strain was significantly lower in obese participants. QTc and ICEBc were significantly higher in obesity. Among obese subgroups, LVMD and ICEBc increased with obesity severity. LVMD showed a good positive correlation with ICEBc (r = 0.675, p < 0.001). BMI correlated moderately with LVMD (r = 0.543, p < 0.001) and weakly with ICEBc (r = 0.257, p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION: Obesity was associated with higher LVMD and ICEBc values, suggesting increased electrical and mechanical myocardial heterogeneity. LVMD and ICEBc may serve as complementary, non-invasive surrogate markers of obesity-related electromechanical remodeling. Larger longitudinal studies with rhythm monitoring are required to determine whether these parameters predict clinical arrhythmic events.

PMID:42262739 | DOI:10.1111/echo.70529

Health Soc Work. 2026 Jun 9:hlag025. doi: 10.1093/hsw/hlag025. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Emergency departments are vital safety-net resources for adults seeking mental health treatment. Frequent mental health emergency department use has been associated with homelessness and alcohol use. However, little of this research has been conducted in rural settings, particularly in Northern Appalachia. Therefore, this program-level study aimed to describe the relationship between recent mental health emergency department use, homelessness, and alcohol use in intake survey data from one outpatient mental health clinic. Participants were 1,293 adults seeking treatment between June 2020 and August 2022. On average, participants reported using an emergency room for a psychiatric or emotional problem less than one time in the past 30 days. Nights spent homeless were statistically significantly positively associated with recent mental health emergency department use. Additionally, those who used alcohol daily or almost daily demonstrated a statistically significant greater frequency of mental health emergency department use compared with adults who did not use alcohol within the past 30 days. Future social work research should replicate this study with a larger, multisite, random sample of mental health treatment-seeking adults in rural Northern Appalachian settings.

PMID:42262733 | DOI:10.1093/hsw/hlag025

Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2026 Jun 9:izag092. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izag092. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation beginning in the rectum with variable proximal extension. However, up to 17% of patients demonstrate patchy cecal inflammation known as a periappendiceal red patch (PARP). Although PARP has historically been linked to severe disease and worse outcomes, its long-term clinical significance remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate outcomes in UC patients with isolated PARP.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed to identify studies comparing UC patients with and without endoscopic or histologic evidence of PARP. Meta-analysis was conducted using R (version 4.4.3). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and between-study heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins’ I2 statistic.

RESULTS: Thirteen nonrandomized studies, including 2289 UC patients (PARP+: 725; PARP-: 1564), were analyzed. PARP was significantly associated with higher odds of proctitis (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.09-2.18; P = .02). No significant associations were observed between PARP and left-sided colitis (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.57-1.35; P = .51) or extensive colitis (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.50-1.41; P = .45). PARP was not associated with disease progression, pharmacotherapeutic escalation, or colectomy. However, moderate-to-high heterogeneity was observed across most of the outcomes.

CONCLUSION: PARP is more frequently observed in patients with ulcerative proctitis but does not appear to influence long-term disease progression or major clinical outcomes, supporting its classification as a benign endoscopic finding in UC.

PMID:42262727 | DOI:10.1093/ibd/izag092

Vet Med Sci. 2026 Jul;12(4):e71022. doi: 10.1002/vms3.71022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The significant cross-reactivity between bovine, ovine, and caprine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) enables the adaptation of bovine-specific diagnostics for use in other ruminants; consequently, the Alertys OnFarm Pregnancy Test (AOFPT)-a blood-based lateral flow assay-provides a rapid and practical solution for pregnancy detection directly at the animal’s head under field conditions.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated to assess and validate the performance of AOFPT in goats at days 21 and 28 post-mating, by comparing the results with serum progesterone (P4) analysis and using transabdominal ultrasonography (TAUS) as the gold standard.

METHODS: The study involved 85 Kilis goats, five months post-partum. Estrus was synchronized using an 11-day progestagen device, d-cloprostenol, and PMSG. Whole blood and serum samples were collected on Days 21 and 28 post-mating. AOFPT was performed on-farm immediately after collection. For validation, serum progesterone concentrations were measured via electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and TAUS was performed on Days 35 and 42, with Day 42 findings serving as the gold standard.

RESULTS: Results indicated that on Day 21, AOFPT sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 79.4%, 93.8%, 98.2%, and 51.7%, respectively. By Day 28, these metrics reached 100%, 81.3%, 95.8%, and 100%. Statistical agreement between AOFPT and the reference method was K = 0.55 (82.14%) on Day 21 and K = 0.87 (96.43%) on Day 28 (p <0.001). Median ± interquartile range (IQR) of P4 concentrations were 5.95±2.60 ng/mL on day 21 and 6.92 ± 2.93 ng/mL on Day 28. AOFPT-identified pregnant goats exhibited significantly higher P4 levels (p < 0.001) than non-pregnant goats on Day 21 (5.98 ± 3.21 vs. 4.05 ± 5.46) and Day 28 (6.84 ± 3.06 vs. 0.75 ± 5.96).

CONCLUSIONS: AOFPT demonstrated accuracy and reliability closely matching P4 measurements and the reference method. This test provides a practical tool for early on-farm pregnancy diagnosis in goats, potentially enhancing reproductive management and productivity in dairy goat farms and large herds.

PMID:42262719 | DOI:10.1002/vms3.71022

Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2026 Jun 9. doi: 10.1007/s40368-026-01236-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the oral health status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Türkiye and to examine the distribution of caries experience using the Significant Caries (SiC) Index to identify high-risk subgroups.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 51 children with CP receiving services from the Spastic Children’s Foundation. Clinical examinations assessed dental caries using combined dft + DMFT scores, whilst lesion severity was evaluated using a three-category clinical classification mapped to ICDAS levels. Plaque accumulation was assessed using the Silness-Löe index. Caregivers completed structured questionnaires on oral hygiene practices, feeding habits, and dental attendance. Descriptive statistics were used. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD or median (IQR). Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS: ICDAS-mapped lesion prevalence was 94% and the mean dft + DMFT score was 4.12 ± 3.59. Lesion severity distribution based on ICDAS-mapped categories showed a predominance of moderate lesions. The SiC value was 8.41, indicating a subgroup with markedly higher caries burden. Although 86% had a toothbrushing habit, only 43% brushed twice daily. Of those using toothpaste, 59% used fluoride-free children’s toothpaste and 34% used adult toothpaste. Nighttime bottle use persisted in 55% and all with this habit had caries. The mean plaque index was 1.25 ± 0.99. No caregiver had received oral health education.

CONCLUSION: Dental caries amongst children with CP in Türkiye are highly prevalent and concentrated in a high-risk subgroup identified by the SiC.

PMID:42262716 | DOI:10.1007/s40368-026-01236-5

Ann Nucl Med. 2026 Jun 9. doi: 10.1007/s12149-026-02245-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to establish a user-friendly practical way to prepare phantoms for routine quantitative ⁶⁸Gallium (Ga) PET.

METHODS: We produced gallium ions in 0.05 M HCl from a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator and prepared a phantom in five ways. We directly diluted [⁶⁸Ga]Ga³⁺ in water (i), neutralized [⁶⁸ Ga]Ga³⁺ in NaOH then diluted it with water (ii), labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-617 with [⁶⁸Ga]Ga³⁺ then added it to water (iii), and directly added [⁶⁸Ga]Ga³⁺ to 0.05 M HCl (iv) and 0.1 M citric acid (v). A cylindrical phantom was scanned for 60 min in list mode, and images were reconstructed into consecutive 5-min frames. Temporal changes in spatial uniformity and image noise were evaluated based on the standard deviations (SD) of inter-ROI differences, coefficients of variation (CV), SUV_mean, and the fraction of pixels outside the SUV range of 0.95-1.05.

RESULTS: The visible distribution of activity in the phantom prepared using method (ii) was not uniform with peripheral accumulation, and spatial uniformity progressively deteriorated over time. The SD increased from 0.0206 to 0.0361 at 5 and 60 min, respectively. In contrast, the phantoms prepared using the other four methods yielded visually homogeneous images and the methods (iii), (iv), and (v) maintained relatively stable SDs throughout image acquisition. The CV increased modestly over time under all conditions, and was consistent with decreasing count statistics, whereas SUV_mean remained stable with only small deviations from unity. Pixel-wise analysis showed higher fractions of pixels outside SUV 0.95-1.05 for methods (i) and (ii).

CONCLUSIONS: Diluting [⁶⁸Ga]Ga³⁺ with 0.05 M HCl or 0.1 M citric acid enabled reliable preparation of a uniform phantom with spatial uniformity comparable to that of radiolabeling. Direct dilution in water showed no apparent peripheral accumulation on visual assessment, but quantitative analyses suggested less stable uniformity than acidic dilution. These approaches are practical for quality assurance and cross-calibration in quantitative ⁶⁸Ga PET.

PMID:42262712 | DOI:10.1007/s12149-026-02245-6

Ann Nucl Med. 2026 Jun 9. doi: 10.1007/s12149-026-02243-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance (MR) and [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) studies suggested that temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) might be a progressive disease with mesial temporal regions being the most vulnerable to epileptic seizures. However, the biasing effect of brain atrophy and mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) has not been assessed. We assessed the relationship between epilepsy duration and cerebral glucose metabolism (CMRglu) before and after partial volume correction (PVC).

METHODS: We used PET with FDG in 22 TLE patients to quantify absolute and normalized CMRglu values. An automated, MR-segmentation-based PVC algorithm was applied.

RESULTS: PVC increased CMRglu variability. Normalization of regional absolute CMRglu values to global gray matter reduced variability. There was no significant relationship between absolute CMRglu values and epilepsy duration. A significant negative relationship was found between normalized CMRglu values in parahippocampus and hippocampus that persisted after PVC only in parahippocampus. A significant positive relationship between CMRglu asymmetry indices (AIs) and epilepsy duration was found in hippocampus before, but not after PVC. In patients with MTS, before PVC a statistical trend between epilepsy duration and AI was obtained for hippocampus, superior temporal cortex, and amygdala. After PVC, statistical significance was attained in amygdala.

CONCLUSION: Ipsilateral mesial temporal regions are one of the areas most sensitive to epileptic seizures. Assessment of metabolic progression is affected by methodological factors, such as brain atrophy (and the correction thereof) and data variability. Normalized CMRglu values and AIs have greater statistical power than absolute CMRglu values implying no need for quantitative PET studies.

PMID:42262711 | DOI:10.1007/s12149-026-02243-8

Ann Biomed Eng. 2026 Jun 9. doi: 10.1007/s10439-026-04180-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Recent reports indicate that approximately half of the head impacts and one third of the concussions in American football occur due to contact with the helmet’s facemask. Despite this, helmet innovations have primarily focused on improving attenuation of impacts to the helmet shell. During facemask impacts, the chinstrap goes into tension and materials in the chin cup are compressed. Various chinstraps are available to equip to helmets and the present study sought to conduct the first known evaluation of the influence of the chinstrap on facemask impact severity.

METHODS: Fourteen different chinstraps were affixed to an identical American football helmet which was subjected to laboratory impact testing. Chin cup liner thickness and lengths of the top and bottom straps were measured for each chinstrap. A linear impactor delivered impacts at 3.0 and 7.4 m/s at a central facemask impact location while the helmet was worn by a medium NOCSAE headform. Head kinematics were recorded and used to compute the Head Acceleration Response Metric (HARM), a brain injury risk metric derived from linear and rotational head kinematics.

RESULTS: One-way ANOVAs revealed a statistically significant effect of chinstrap model on HARM at both impact velocities (p < 0.0001). Differences in HARM between chinstraps were as great as 35.4% at 3.0 m/s and 31.4% at 7.4 m/s. There was a statistically significant association between HARM and chin cup liner thickness at 3.0 m/s (p = 0.0002), indicating thicker chin cup liners resulted in lower HARM (R² = 0.706), but this trend was not observed at 7.4 m/s (p = 0.14, R² = 0.450). Top strap length was not significantly associated with HARM at 3.0 m/s (p = 0.689) or 7.4 m/s (p = 0.541). There was a statistically significant association between HARM and bottom strap length at 3.0 m/s (p = 0.004, R² = 0.523), but this trend was not observed at 7.4 m/s (p = 0.799).

CONCLUSION: Overall, we report that the chinstrap can significantly influence the severity of facemask impacts in American football helmets across multiple impact velocities. Increasing chinstrap liner thicknesses and strap lengths may yield reductions in kinematics-based injury risk metrics at some impact velocities. Further investigation of the chinstrap system is warranted to inform future chinstrap design toward improved impact attenuation.

PMID:42262703 | DOI:10.1007/s10439-026-04180-z