Category: Statistics

Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2026 Jan 13:e014195. doi: 10.1161/CIRCEP.125.014195. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are the most prevalent ventricular arrhythmia in adults. High PVC burden can lead to left ventricular systolic dysfunction, eccentric hypertrophy, and an increased risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Inadequate angiogenesis is a key determinant in the transition from adaptive to maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy, and fibrosis is a risk factor for arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. We quantitatively assessed structural remodeling and transcriptional alterations in PVC-induced cardiomyopathy (PVC-CM).

METHODS: Animals were implanted with modified pacemakers to deliver bigeminal PVCs (200-220 ms coupling interval) for 12 weeks. Collagen deposition and interstitial ultrastructure of left ventricular samples were analyzed using light and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Pericytes, fibroblasts, myocytes, smooth muscle, and endothelial cells were imaged using confocal microscopy, quantified with an artificial intelligence-based segmentation analysis, and compared using hierarchical statistics. Transcriptional changes were assessed via RNAseq, and protein expression was assessed using western blot.

RESULTS: Although cardiomyocytes hypertrophied in PVC-CM, capillary rarefaction was overcome by an increase in the capillary-to-myocyte ratio. Additionally, thicker blood vessels were more abundant in PVC-CM. Fibroblast-to-myocyte ratio more than doubled, interstitial collagen fibers increased, and interstitial space thickened in PVC-CM. Transcripts involved in interstitial remodeling, inflammatory response, and alarmins were strongly elevated in PVC-CM, showing enrichment of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) transcriptional signature. These results coincide with elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IL (interleukin)‑1β, the inflammasome component NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat family, pyrin domain containing 3), and increased expression of NF‑κB p65 (RelA).

CONCLUSIONS: Although the angiogenic response meets the metabolic demands of cardiac hypertrophy, upregulated markers of inflammation and cardiomyopathy linked to reactive fibrosis collectively represent an adverse left ventricular remodeling in PVC-CM that could provide the substrate for heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death in PVC-CM.

PMID:41527819 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCEP.125.014195

Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2026 Jan;67(1):e70107. doi: 10.1111/vru.70107.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to optimize magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) protocols for time-resolved MRA imaging in dogs by using different injection rates and contrast volumes. In this experimental and prospective study, four protocols combining two flow rates (0.2 and 2.0 mL/s) and two contrast volumes (0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg, equivalent to 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/kg gadolinium) were applied in five healthy beagle dogs. Quantitative measurements, including maximum signal intensity, peak enhancement time, diagnostic window, and signal homogeneity, were obtained for the common carotid artery and external jugular vein. Qualitative assessment included arterial visibility persistence, wall margin clarity, and artifact evaluation. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and effect size analysis was used to further interpret nonsignificant trends. The low-flow-high-volume protocol (0.2 mL/s, 0.4 mL/kg) yielded the longest diagnostic window and superior vessel visibility with minimal venous contamination, while maintaining comparable maximum signal intensity to higher flow rate protocols. Artifact-related issues such as ringing and intravoxel dephasing were least observed in the low-flow-high-volume protocol. Although high-flow-high-volume protocol showed improved signal homogeneity, it was associated with greater artifact susceptibility. Interobserver agreement ranged from fair to substantial (κ = 0.457-0.681), with greater variability in artifact-related scores. These findings suggest that a slower injection rate with higher contrast volume, as seen in the low-flow-high-volume protocol, provides the best balance of image quality and diagnostic performance, supporting its recommendation as a preferred protocol for small-animal time-resolved MRA.

PMID:41527816 | DOI:10.1111/vru.70107

Nucl Med Commun. 2026 Jan 13. doi: 10.1097/MNM.0000000000002102. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nuclear medicine’s lung perfusion scintigraphy is a valuable imaging technique for assessing many health conditions. Various methods have been described in the literature for segmenting and quantifying the lung perfusion in single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) images, but they rely on commercially available software, require manual definition of regions/volumes of interest, or both.

OBJECTIVE: This study proposes a never reported approach to segment and quantify SPECT (and SPECT/CT) lung perfusion images by developing a fully automated algorithm utilizing only free software.

METHODS: Python programming language was used to write a completely automated algorithm for 3D Slicer to segment and quantify SPECT and SPECT/CT images. The algorithm was tested in 37 lung perfusion images, collected retrospectively from a public hospital database.

RESULTS: The algorithm was able to perform fully automated lobar perfusion quantification. The mean relative perfusion found were: LUL – 23.5%, LLL – 22.3%, RUL – 24.6%, RML – 7.9%, and RLL – 21.7%. The algorithm also segmented and quantified the relative perfusion of the left (L) and right (R) lungs without the aid of CT: L – 44.6% and R – 55.3%; and found no statistical difference in the results obtained with or without CT (P-value = 0.38 and 0.44, respectively).

CONCLUSION: The algorithm created required no user interaction, presented good agreement with previously reported works, and was on average 10 times faster than the fastest algorithm reported on the literature, thus making it a free, efficient, and reliable tool for assisting diagnosis.

PMID:41527776 | DOI:10.1097/MNM.0000000000002102

Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr. 2025 Dec;74(8):649-663. doi: 10.13109/prkk.2025.74.8.649.

ABSTRACT

Sexual Abuse and Technology-Facilitated Sexual Abuse: An Overview of Current Epidemiology, Definitions, and Consequences for Affected Children and Adolescents Child sexual abuse represents a growing global problem, increasingly reflected in technologyfacilitated child sexual abuse. In Germany, a total of 18,085 cases of child sexual abuse were registered in 2024, while technology-facilitated abuse has risen sharply in recent years. In 2023, the number of cases involving the production, distribution, acquisition, and possession of abusive material reached a new peak of 45,191 cases (plus 7.4 %) and has more than tripled since 2019 (Bundeskriminalamt, 2024). There are fluid transitions between sexual abuse and technology-facilitated sexual abuse. The article examines the long-term psychosocial, physical, and neurobiological consequences for those affected, which are diverse and often extend to the entire social environment. Particular emphasis is placed on the specific burden of technology- facilitated abuse, where the digital presence of abusive material can lead to persistent feelings of helplessness and prolong the experience of abuse. In light of the persistently high rate of child sexual abuse and the increasing prevalence of technology-facilitated sexual abuse, the need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies is underscored. The article also emphasizes the importance of early awareness-raising and training to effectively support affected children and adolescents.

PMID:41527755 | DOI:10.13109/prkk.2025.74.8.649

Palliat Support Care. 2026 Jan 13;24:e24. doi: 10.1017/S1478951525101508.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to adapt and validate a Spanish (Argentina) version of the Caregiver Indirect and Informal Care Cost Assessment Questionnaire (CIIQ) to enable the measurement of informal care-related costs in the Argentine context, addressing the current lack of Spanish-language tools for assessing indirect costs.

METHOD: The CIIQ was translated, cross-culturally adapted, and validated for the Spanish-Argentine language and culture. Psychometric properties were evaluated in a purposive sample of relatives of patients with advanced chronic disease and limited life expectancy in Argentina. Missing data and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) were assessed, along with discriminant capacity, content, and construct validity. Construct validity was examined through principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

RESULTS: The translation and cultural adaptation process was completed without major difficulties. A total of 154 caregivers completed the baseline questionnaire and 90 completed the follow-up assessment, with missing data remaining below 10% across items. Internal consistency was high for the overall instrument (α = 0.802) and for the unpaid care cost domain (α = 0.866). The productivity loss domain showed moderate reliability (α = 0.362). Low correlations with unrelated domains (ρ < 0.2) supported adequate discriminant validity. PCA identified 2 components – informal care costs (51.5% of explained variance) and productivity loss costs (20.3%) – which were further supported by CFA.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The Spanish-Argentine version of the CIIQ is a reliable and culturally appropriate instrument for assessing the economic burden of informal care in Argentina. While the unpaid care items demonstrated strong psychometric performance, productivity-related items may require refinement to improve reliability in future applications.

PMID:41527721 | DOI:10.1017/S1478951525101508

Palliat Support Care. 2026 Jan 13;24:e33. doi: 10.1017/S1478951525101545.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Clinical pharmacists are increasingly recognized as essential members of multidisciplinary palliative care teams, yet their specific roles and impact have not been comprehensively summarized. This scoping review aimed to systematically map and synthesize published evidence on the clinical roles, interventions, and professional contributions of pharmacists within multidisciplinary palliative care services for patients with non-communicable diseases.

METHODS: A scoping review was conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 2000 to May 2024. Eligible studies reported clinical pharmacist interventions in palliative care. Data were extracted on study characteristics, pharmacist activities, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS: Twelve studies were included, predominantly from the United States. Pharmacist-led interventions encompassed medication reconciliation (91.7%), symptom management (83.3%), adverse drug event prevention (75.0%), patient and caregiver education (58.3%), and policy-level contributions (33.3%). High physician acceptance rates (≥90%) were consistently reported. Outcomes included improved symptom control, reduced drug-related problems, and enhanced patient-reported quality of life.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This scoping review synthesizes current evidence on the roles of clinical pharmacists in palliative care teams. The findings highlight their essential contributions to medication safety, symptom management, deprescribing, and opioid stewardship, reinforcing the need for pharmacist integration into multidisciplinary palliative care models to improve patient-centered outcomes. Future research should focus on implementation models, cost-effectiveness analyses, and service expansion in community-based settings.

PMID:41527714 | DOI:10.1017/S1478951525101545

Asian J Endosc Surg. 2026 Jan-Dec;19(1):e70236. doi: 10.1111/ases.70236.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tubal ligation is a common permanent contraception method. Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) offers a scarless alternative to laparoscopy, but comparative evidence for interval tubal ligation is limited.

OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical outcomes and recovery between vNOTES and conventional laparoscopic tubal ligation.

METHODS: Retrospective cohort at a tertiary center (August 2024-May 2025). Women aged 30-50 seeking permanent contraception with ASA ≤ 3 were included.

EXCLUSIONS: prior pelvic surgery or known pelvic pathology, salpingectomy or non-contraceptive indications (e.g., hydrosalpinx), concomitant procedures, incomplete records. Patients were grouped by technique: vNOTES (n = 20) or laparoscopy (n = 27).

OUTCOMES: operative time, hospital stay, time to mobilization, analgesia use, Δhemoglobin/Δhematocrit, complications.

TESTS: t-test/Mann-Whitney, Chi-square/Fisher; effect sizes (Cohen’s d) and 95% CIs reported (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: Baseline demographics were comparable. Operative time did not differ (mean difference -3.77 min, 95% CI -9.70 to 2.15; p = 0.199; d = -0.32). vNOTES was associated with shorter hospitalization (-3.40 h, 95% CI -6.51 to -0.29; p = 0.033; d = 0.47), earlier mobilization (-0.80 h, 95% CI -1.27 to -0.33; p < 0.001; d = 0.94), and lower postoperative analgesia use (-1.05 doses, 95% CI -1.48 to -0.63; p < 0.001; d = 1.55). Changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit were similar (both p > 0.40). One vNOTES case required conversion to laparoscopy due to adhesions; no conversions occurred in the laparoscopy group.

CONCLUSIONS: vNOTES and laparoscopy are both safe for interval tubal ligation. vNOTES confers clinically meaningful recovery advantages-shorter hospitalization, faster mobilization, and reduced analgesic need-while maintaining comparable operative time and blood loss surrogates. These findings support vNOTES as a promising, patient-centered alternative.

PMID:41527687 | DOI:10.1111/ases.70236

Cureus. 2026 Jan 10;18(1):e101230. doi: 10.7759/cureus.101230. eCollection 2026 Jan.

ABSTRACT

Hip osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain and disability, and total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an effective treatment for advanced disease. Despite surgical success, many patients experience prolonged postoperative deficits, and conventional rehabilitation does not always restore full function. Virtual reality-based rehabilitation (VR-R) has recently emerged as a potential tool to enhance recovery through increased engagement and non-pharmacological pain modulation. We aim to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of VR-R after THA in improving functional recovery, reducing pain and opioid use, and enhancing overall rehabilitation outcomes. We systematically searched the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase until November 14, 2025. The quality of the included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan tool (v. 5; The Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK), with mean difference (MD) or standardized MD (SMD) for continuous data. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic, and random-effects models were used when I² exceeded 50%. This systematic review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251268393). Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 397 patients. VR-R demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative stress (SMD = -1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): (-1.69, -0.67); p < 0.00001; I² = 0%). In contrast, no significant differences were observed between VR-R and conventional rehabilitation for pain (SMD = -0.87; p = 0.11), opioid consumption (SMD = -0.42; p = 0.40; I² = 87%), general mobility (SMD = 0.18; p = 0.32), or functional independence as measured by the Barthel index (MD = 8.00; p = 0.37). VR-R significantly reduces postoperative stress following THA but shows no significant benefits for pain, opioid consumption, mobility, or functional independence compared to standard care. Despite substantial heterogeneity across studies, VR-R represents a safe adjunctive tool for addressing psychological aspects of recovery. Standardized protocols and large-scale trials are needed to establish optimal implementation strategies.

PMID:41527675 | PMC:PMC12790695 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.101230

F1000Res. 2025 Dec 2;14:1018. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.166713.2. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the application of Modified Flanders Interaction Analysis during mathematics lessons in senior secondary schools in the Festac area of Lagos State, Nigeria.

METHODS: The study employed a descriptive survey design to observe and analyse classroom interactions between teachers and students, focusing on verbal and non-verbal communication. Researchers used a structured observation schedule to collect data from a purposively selected sample of 10 mathematics teachers and 725 students across five schools. The researchers designed the instrument to collect information on teachers’ and students’ interaction patterns in the classroom. They analysed the data using mean scores, standard deviation, percentages, and t-test statistics, applying a 0.05 significance level for hypothesis testing.

FINDINGS: The results of the analysis revealed that teachers dominate all the activities in the classroom; that is, the teachers were the active people in the classes, while the students were just passive listeners and moderate engagement through non-verbal behaviours. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between teacher and student patterns, particularly verbal behaviours. The study underscores that mathematics classes in senior secondary schools in the Festac area of Lagos State were teachers-centered.

CONCLUSION: Based on the study findings, the researchers recommended that mathematics teachers adopt more student-centered teaching approaches to enhance active student participation and engagement during lessons. Also, they should not be too strict, but they should be approachable, friendly, and accommodating so that the students will not be afraid to ask questions during or after the lesson, enhancing their performance. Hence, the government should ensure that teacher training programs incorporate observation techniques to effectively equip teachers with the skills to assess and improve classroom interaction.

PMID:41527665 | PMC:PMC12790597 | DOI:10.12688/f1000research.166713.2

Cureus. 2025 Dec 11;17(12):e98998. doi: 10.7759/cureus.98998. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Children were exposed to excessive screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic due to online classes, which led to increased use of digital devices for social connections and recreation. Children who continue to use digital devices for longer periods at younger ages are at higher risk of developing myopia and digital eye strain (DES), which remains a public health concern even after schools have reopened. Aims To determine the prevalence of DES and its associated factors among adolescent schoolchildren (11-17 years) in the Chengalpattu District. Settings and design A cross-sectional study was carried out in schools in Chengalpattu District. Materials and methods To assess the prevalence of DES and its contributing factors, a semi-structured questionnaire was used. The study included all students in schools selected using simple random sampling. Statistical analysis Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. For categorical variables, Fisher’s exact test and the chi-square test were used, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean age of the 546 participants was 12.77 ± 1.7 years. During the lockdown, the average time spent using digital devices was 6.7 ± 2.5 hours. Overall, 93% (n = 508) of children had screen time >5 hours during the lockdown. About 51.5% of adolescents had DES. Conclusions This study underscores the need to reduce DES among children through eye health education and by promoting periodic eye check-ups.

PMID:41527654 | PMC:PMC12790465 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.98998