Category: Statistics

Discov Ment Health. 2026 Jan 24. doi: 10.1007/s44192-026-00378-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depressive symptoms are common in elite sports but remain understudied in female professional beach volleyball. Unique stressors including financial insecurity, dyadic team structures, and public visibility may increase vulnerability to mental health issues.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms among female professional beach volleyball players and to investigate potential influencing factors such as training volume, financial security, and perceived social support.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 52 professional female beach volleyball players ranked within the top 200 of the world ranking (mean age 26.14 ± 4.70 years) from German-speaking countries, the United States, and Canada. Data were collected using standardized self-report instruments, including the State Trait Anxiety Inventory Trait version (STAI-T) and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). Additionally, psychosocial and structural stressors such as financial uncertainty, interpersonal team dynamics, and support from coaches and teammates were assessed. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify significant associations.

RESULTS: In total, 67.3% (n = 35) of athletes exceeded the clinical cut-off score for trait anxiety (STAI-T ≥ 44), and 71.2% (n = 37) reported depressive symptoms above the clinical threshold (BDI-II ≥ 14). Trait anxiety and depressive symptoms were strongly correlated (r = 0.777, p < 0.001). Higher training volume correlated with more severe depressive symptoms (r = 0.450, p <0 .001), and several sport-related factors showed significant correlations with trait anxiety (all p < 0.05). Multiple regression identified poor team communication (p < 0.001) and financial insecurity (p = 0.026) as significant predictors of psychological burden, whereas international ranking showed no association with either anxiety or depression.

CONCLUSIONS: Elite female beach volleyball players exhibit high rates of clinically relevant anxiety and depressive symptoms. Psychosocial stressors, structural insecurities and subjective success perceptions, rather than objective competitive success, appear to be key contributors. These findings underscore the need for targeted sport-psychological support, financial stabilization, and long-term preventive strategies tailored to the unique demands of elite beach volleyball.

PMID:41579268 | DOI:10.1007/s44192-026-00378-8

J Med Ultrason (2001). 2026 Jan 24. doi: 10.1007/s10396-026-01617-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the dynamics of the talus-lateral malleolus distance during landing and compare the results between individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and healthy adults.

METHODS: Participants were divided into the healthy (12 adults, 12 feet) and CAI (12 adults, 12 feet) groups. Participants performed forward single-leg drop landing from a 30-cm-high box. Through the synchronization of ultrasound with a motion capture system, measurements of the talus-lateral malleolus distance and ankle joint angles were obtained during forward single-leg drop landing. The analysis interval was from 200 ms before to 200 ms after initial contact; the time was normalized to 100%. Statistical parametric mapping was employed to investigate differences in the temporal changes of the talus-lateral malleolus distances and ankle joint angles during landing between groups.

RESULTS: A significantly longer talus-lateral malleolus distance was observed before initial contact in the CAI group (1-49%) as compared with the healthy group (p = 0.000). In addition, the ankle adduction angle before initial contact (12-61%) was larger in the CAI group than in the healthy group (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the talus-lateral malleolus distance increases along with the ankle adduction movement in individuals with CAI, especially before initial contact, potentially indicating high mechanical ankle instability. This study established an innovative measurement system for quantitative evaluation of the dynamics of the talus and lateral malleolus during landing. The findings of this study may contribute to a more detailed understanding of pathology and features of movement in patients with CAI.

PMID:41579262 | DOI:10.1007/s10396-026-01617-9

EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem. 2026 Jan 24. doi: 10.1186/s41181-026-00425-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), also known as prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is overexpressed in 90-100% of prostate cancer cells. The radiopharmaceutical [¹⁸F]PSMA-1007, recognised as a PET tracer for prostate cancer imaging, is based on PSMA inhibitor [Glu-CO-Lys(2Nal-Amb-Glu-Glu-PyTMA)] bound to the radioisotope Fluorine-18. [¹⁸F]Fluoride was obtained via the ¹⁸O(p,n)¹⁸F reaction using a cyclotron for medical use, while synthesis of [¹⁸F]PSMA-1007 was performed with two different platforms: FASTlab2 and NEPTIS^® Perform. Both modules enabled synthesis through nucleophilic substitution reaction and subsequent purification in solid phase extraction (SPE). Quality control process was validated according to the current specific monograph (3116) of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) before clinical use.

RESULTS: Twenty syntheses of [¹⁸F]PSMA-1007 for each module were performed in order to evaluate and compare radiochemical purity (96.58% ± 1.25 with FASTlab2 vs 95.86% ± 0.79 with NEPTIS^® Perform) and decay-corrected radiochemical yield (43.7% ± 3 with FASTlab2 vs 28.5% ± 3.1 with NEPTIS^® Perform).

CONCLUSION: Both platforms produced [¹⁸F]PSMA-1007 that consistently met all pharmacopoeial quality control standards. However, the FASTlab2 system demonstrated a statistically significant higher decay-corrected radiochemical yield (43.7% ± 3% vs. 28.5% ± 3.1%, p-value < 0.001 after statistical testing). While this yield difference does not impact radiochemical purity or product safety, it may represent a relevant advantage in terms of production efficiency and available activity for clinical use, which may influence the choice of synthesizer.

PMID:41579247 | DOI:10.1186/s41181-026-00425-3

Spine Deform. 2026 Jan 24. doi: 10.1007/s43390-026-01289-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis entails notable bleeding and transfusion risk, yet optimal tranexamic acid dosing remains undefined. We conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) comparing high dose, low dose, and no-TXA regimens in this setting.

METHODS: We conducted a PROSPERO-registered NMA (CRD420251033929) of RCTs in AIS patients undergoing PSF. PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, reference lists, and grey literature were searched for trials comparing high dose (20-50 mg/kg load; 10-20 mg/kg/h infusion), low dose (10 mg/kg load; 1 mg/kg/h infusion), or no TXA. Outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model to produce mean differences for continuous data and relative risks for binary data.

RESULTS: Five RCTs (n = 475) were included. Patients had a frequency-weighted average (FWA) (SD) age of 15.1 (1.5) years, preoperative Cobb angle of 58.0 (7.9)°, 10.4 (1.3) levels fused, and operative time of 186.9 (62.0) minutes. They were allocated to high-dose TXA (n = 184), low-dose TXA (n = 144), or no-TXA (n = 147) arms. The FWA total EBL was 787.3 (261.5) mL in the high-dose group, 705.3 (219.0) mL in the low-dose group, and 1016.3 (492.2) mL in controls. There was no significant difference in EBL between high- vs low-dose TXA (MD -98.3 mL [-646.9, 426.2]). In the NMA, high-dose TXA reduced total EBL by 319 mL (95% CI -818 to 133) and low-dose by 219 mL (95% CI -764 to 294) versus no TXA-an 81% probability that no TXA was worst strategy-though neither comparison reached statistical significance. When compared per fused level, High- and low-dose TXA reduced EBL per level by 38.2 mL (MD -38.2 [-86.3, 6.1]) and 29.5 mL (MD -29.5 [-85.2, 27.3]) versus no TXA, respectively, without statistical significance; however, the no-TXA arm had an 87% probability of being worst for EBL by level. The FWA EBL per level was 78.9 ± 6.3 mL, 78.2 ± 7.2 mL, and 116.3 ± 17.8 mL for high-dose, low-dose, and no-TXA groups (very low certainty). When compared by operative time, high and lowdose TXA reduced EBL per hour by 81.0 mL/h (MD -81.0 [-250.0, 80.5]) and 60.2 mL/h (MD -60.2 [-285.0, 160.0]) versus no TXA, respectively, with no statistical significance. FWA EBL per hour was 273.8 ± 112.6 mL/h, 315.4 ± 133.6 mL/h, and 249.8 ± 150.2 mL/h for high dose, low dose, and no TXA (very low certainty). Both TXA arms had no complications vs. one uncontrolled bleed in the no-TXA group (0.7%).

CONCLUSION: High and low dose TXA in AIS PSF yielded modest, non-significant reductions in total blood loss and per-level EBL. No thromboembolic, neurologic, or renal complications occurred among, underscoring its safety. These results support a case-by-case approach to TXA use and highlight the need for larger, standardized RCTs to confirm its clinical value.

PMID:41579239 | DOI:10.1007/s43390-026-01289-y

Sports Med. 2026 Jan 24. doi: 10.1007/s40279-025-02386-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with impaired physical fitness, including physical functional performance and cardiorespiratory fitness, which affect health-related quality of life and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of a moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise program and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment alone or in combination during weight maintenance for physical fitness.

METHODS: This is secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial involving 193 adults with obesity (age 18-65 years, body mass index 32-43 kg/m²) without diabetes mellitus who completed an 8-week low-calorie diet and were subsequently randomized (1:1:1:1 ratio) to: exercise plus placebo; glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide 3 mg once-daily plus usual activity; exercise plus liraglutide combined; or placebo plus usual activity. The exercise program was a combination of group sessions (interval-based indoor cycling followed by circuit training) and individual sessions of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, designed to meet the World Health Organization recommendations on physical activity for health. Exercise adherence was measured with sports watches and heart rate monitors. Key secondary endpoints related to physical fitness were changes from randomization to the end of treatment (weeks 0-52) in: (1) physical functional performance (time to ascend and descend an 11-step stairway twice); (2) cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption normalized to fat-free mass); and (3) muscle strength (isometric knee extensor peak torque).

RESULTS: Participants randomized to exercise performed a median 2.65 session/week (116 min/week at 79% of maximum heart rate) with no significant difference between those who received placebo or liraglutide. Compared with liraglutide alone, the combined treatment decreased time to complete a stair climb test by 1.2 s [95% confidence interval 0.6-1.9] (corresponding to 8.6%) and improved peak oxygen consumption by 3.0 mL/min/kg fat-free mass [95% confidence interval 0.5-5.5]. Exercise alone led to similar benefits, whereas liraglutide alone did not improve physical fitness. Compared with placebo (- 7.8%), relative muscle strength (strength normalized to body weight) was higher with exercise (- 0.4%), liraglutide (+ 1.0%), and the combined treatment (+ 3.3%) because of lower weight and preserved absolute strength.

CONCLUSIONS: Structured exercise combined with glucagon-like peptide-1-based obesity pharmacotherapy led to clinically meaningful improvements in physical functional performance and cardiorespiratory fitness, in contrast to pharmacotherapy alone.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT number, 2015-005585-32; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04122716.

PMID:41579235 | DOI:10.1007/s40279-025-02386-0

Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Jan 24;48(3):113. doi: 10.1007/s10653-026-02998-z.

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the spatial variation, sources, and environmental and ecological risks of heavy metal and metalloid pollution in the surface soil of the Singrauli coal mine area, Madhya Pradesh, India. It analyses the intensity of pollution through the major pollution indices. Composite soil samples were collected from 14 sampling locations using the quartering method. Collected samples were digested and analysed for 14 elements by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentration of these elements is used to compute 7 pollution Indices to determine the severity of pollution in the study area. Multivariate statistical analysis was conducted to identify the sources and processes contributing to metal pollution in the study area. The abundance of elements followed the order: Fe > Al > Mn >Ba > Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co > B > As > Ag > Cd. The concentration of Cd (0.43 ± 0.18 mg/kg), Pb (15.73 ± 10.48 mg/kg), and Zn (83.00 ± 53.55 mg/kg) exceeded the mean USEPA recommended concentration for soil. The geo-accumulation Index showed a positive value for Pb (I_geo = 1.52). The enrichment factor showed a high enrichment for Mn, Cu, As, and Cd. Mean Contamination Factor values ranged between 0.03 (Ag) and 4.77 (Cd). Nemerow pollution index (NPI) values ranged from 1.08 to 5.67, suggesting slight to heavy pollution. The enrichment factor for Cd fell in a very high-risk zone (Er > 120). The potential risk index (PERI) across sites ranged from 47.46 to 275.07, suggesting a low to moderate ecological risk. Mean ERM quotient (MERMQ) values indicated the potential soil toxicity in the study area. The global implications of studying heavy metal pollution in soil, especially around coal mining areas, are widespread and impact various aspects of the environment, viz., sustainability, scientific research, agricultural productivity, human health and socio-economic development worldwide. This issue is recognised globally as a significant environmental problem that requires urgent global attention.

PMID:41579234 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-026-02998-z

Curr Oncol Rep. 2026 Jan 24;28(1):2. doi: 10.1007/s11912-026-01738-x.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cancer is the leading cause of mortality among incarcerated individuals in the United States, with lung cancer being the most prevalent. This review aims to evaluate current data on lung cancer within carceral settings and to describe disparities between incarcerated and non-incarcerated populations. We conducted a narrative review of published papers and studies addressing lung cancer screening, prevalence, mortality, and treatment in correctional facilities.

FINDINGS: While the literature is limited, existing studies indicate that lung cancer has a higher prevalence, is diagnosed at more advanced stages, and carries a higher mortality among incarcerated individuals compared to non-incarcerated individuals. Although lung cancer screening is recommended based on eligibility criteria for the general population, there is a paucity of data on how screening is implemented in carceral settings, and the existing studies suggest that even eligible individuals with significant smoking history often do not undergo lung cancer screening. Furthermore, the literature provides minimal insight into lung cancer treatment for incarcerated patients. This review underscores the urgent need for expansion of lung cancer screening efforts and further studies on lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes among incarcerated populations.

PMID:41579227 | DOI:10.1007/s11912-026-01738-x

Biochem Genet. 2026 Jan 24. doi: 10.1007/s10528-026-11322-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum affects and decreases its yield substantially. Fifty Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers were used to analyze the genetic and genotypic variation among 36 C. lindemuthianum isolates. Among the 50 SSRs, 24 were polymorphic and amplified 66 alleles. Most of the SSRs had polymorphic information content (PIC) values > 0.30, indicating their strong discriminative competence. Distance based dendrogram analysis and population structure analysis divided 36 C. lindemuthianum isolates into three clusters. Analysis of molecular variance at spatiotemporal levels showed high genetic variation among the populations. The six C. lindemuthianum subpopulations had high Shannon-Wiener indices. The multilocus genotype and genetic diversity indices show that C. lindemuthianum populations in Kashmir are diverse. The three geographic subpopulations of C. lindemuthianum rejected the null hypothesis of linkage equilibrium (p = 0.001). Before this study, all PCR based genetic diversity studies on C. lindemuthianum relied on dominant markers. This study is the first to identify 24 robust SSRs, which can be utilized to elucidate the population structure of the common bean anthracnose pathogen.

PMID:41579225 | DOI:10.1007/s10528-026-11322-4

Brain Topogr. 2026 Jan 24;39(2):19. doi: 10.1007/s10548-026-01174-x.

ABSTRACT

Cigarette smoking is known to be associated with altered static functional connectivity in the brain. However, investigating its dynamics may offer novel and insightful perspectives for elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying smoking addiction. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of dynamic functional network connectivity in heavy smokers. This study is a secondary analysis of a previously acquired dataset, leveraging novel dynamic functional network connectivity methodologies to investigate distinct research questions. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 34 heavy smokers and 36 non-smokers. Forty-two meaningful independent components were selected after the group independent component analysis. Four distinct brain states were identified based on a sliding window approach and k-means clustering analysis. The temporal properties of these states were compared between the two groups, and correlations between these differences and smoking-related factors were examined in heavy smokers. Compared with non-smokers, heavy smokers exhibited a lower occurrence rate and mean dwell time in state 2 characterized by synchrony within the default mode network and anticorrelation with other domains, and a reduced mean dwell time in state 3 marked by high connectivity within the sensory domains. Network-based statistics revealed that cognitive control and cerebellar domains played important roles in the altered subnetworks. In heavy smokers, the occurrence rate showed negative relationships with the duration of smoking in state 2. These findings advance our understanding of the temporal and network-level dysfunctions associated with smoking addiction, offering a new framework for future studies aimed at developing targeted treatments and preventive strategies.

PMID:41579218 | DOI:10.1007/s10548-026-01174-x

Int Ophthalmol. 2026 Jan 24;46(1):69. doi: 10.1007/s10792-026-03972-5.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the quantitative changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT), retinal thickness, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) following upper eyelid blepharoplasty in patients with dermatochalasis, using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

METHODS: This retrospective study included 78 eyes of 78 patients (mean age: 57.9 ± 8.7 years) who underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty between May 2024 and May 2025. Only right eyes with high-quality SD-OCT images obtained both preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively were included. Retinal thickness was assessed in 9 ETDRS subfields. Subfoveal CT and CVI were measured using horizontal B-scan images. CVI was calculated based on the binarization method described by Agrawal et al., using ImageJ software. Pre- and postoperative values were compared using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests depending on normality.

RESULTS: Subfoveal CT significantly increased after surgery (287.22 ± 39.67 µm to 294.23 ± 39.74 µm; p = 0.030). A marked increase in CVI was also observed (61.48 ± 9.13% to 63.63 ± 9.13%; p < 0.001). No significant differences were detected in most retinal segments, except for the inferior inner (p = 0.016) and inferior outer (p = 0.002) regions, which showed statistically significant thickening postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS: Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is associated with measurable structural changes in the posterior segment, including increased subfoveal CT and CVI, as well as regional thickening of the inferior retina. These findings suggest that blepharoplasty may influence choroidal hemodynamics and retinal adaptation beyond its functional and cosmetic benefits.

PMID:41579214 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-026-03972-5