BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2026 Mar 30. doi: 10.1186/s12872-026-05804-x. Online ahead of print.
NO ABSTRACT
PMID:41906092 | DOI:10.1186/s12872-026-05804-x
BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2026 Mar 29. doi: 10.1186/s12891-026-09775-0. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Endoscopic calcaneoplasty has gained increasing popularity in recent years for the treatment of Haglund’s deformity, which is characterized by a posterosuperior calcaneal prominence and associated retrocalcaneal bursitis. However, the relationship between preoperative calcaneal morphological parameters and postoperative clinical outcomes remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether bump height and the bump-calcaneus ratio, measured on preoperative radiographs, are associated with clinical or radiological outcomes following endoscopic calcaneoplasty.
METHODS: A prospective evaluation was conducted on 22 feet in 22 patients who underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty. Demographic data and radiographic parameters including bump height, bump-to-calcaneus ratio, and various angular measurements were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Normality was assessed with Shapiro-Wilk test, and non-parametric tests were used for all analyses. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated from Wilcoxon Z statistics. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was evaluated by comparing AOFAS improvement with literature values. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparisons.
RESULTS: The mean patient age was 46.2 ± 13.1 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 14 ± 2 months. The mean operative time was 63 ± 27 min. Both AOFAS and VAS scores demonstrated statistically significant improvement at all time points (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (d = 1.75 for AOFAS, d = 1.76 for VAS). The mean Δ AOFAS at 12 months (41.1 ± 24.1) exceeded the established MCID range, confirming clinically meaningful improvement. No significant associations were identified between preoperative bump height or bump-to-calcaneus ratio and clinical outcomes (p > 0.05). No surgical complications or infections were observed.
CONCLUSION: Endoscopic calcaneoplasty resulted in significant clinical improvement in patients with Haglund’s deformity, with substantial increases in AOFAS scores and reductions in VAS pain scores. In this cohort, no significant association was observed between preoperative bump height, bump-calcaneus ratio, and postoperative clinical outcomes. However, the relatively small sample size limits the generalizability of these findings, and larger prospective studies are warranted.
PMID:41906077 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-026-09775-0
Int J Legal Med. 2026 Mar 30. doi: 10.1007/s00414-026-03784-3. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Sex estimation is fundamental in establishing the biological profile in forensic anthropology. However, osteometric standards from one population often do not apply to another due to ethnic and environmental variations. This study analyzed pelvic anthropometric measurement using three-dimensional (3D) Computed Tomography (CT) scans to establish population-specific sex estimation standards for the Gujarati population. A retrospective cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center in Gujarat analyzed pelvic CT scans of 300 adults aged 18-65 years. Eight pelvic measurement and three indices were measured using NeoRad software. Statistical analysis included Student’s t-test and multivariate Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) to generate sex-classification models. The analysis revealed significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.05) in four measurement: Ischial Length, Iliac Height, Acetabular Breadth, and Subpubic Angle. Males exhibited larger dimensions, except for the subpubic angle, which was wider in females. The multivariate discriminant function model achieved 80.7% classification accuracy, correctly classifying 80.6% of males and 80.8% of females. The study shows that 3D CT-derived pelvic measurement reliably indicate sex determination in the Gujarati population. The discriminant functions provide a non-invasive, population-specific tool that enhances forensic identification accuracy in this region, emphasizing local standards over global averages.
PMID:41906050 | DOI:10.1007/s00414-026-03784-3
Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Mar 30;198(4):380. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15227-y.
ABSTRACT
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) are persistent PFAS of growing regulatory concern, yet robust spatiotemporal evidence in Vietnam remains limited. Here, we developed a 12-month surface-water monitoring dataset with triplicate sampling across an ≈45-site lake-river-estuary-coastal network in Northern Vietnam, quantified PFOA/PFOS by LC-MS/MS, and translated the observations into a control-prioritization framework. Across pooled station-month observations (n = 552), PFOA showed a median of 7.56 ng/L (p95 = 30.95), while PFOS was higher with a median of 16.55 ng/L (p95 = 107.77). Concentrations consistently increased along the basin transport-retention continuum, with stable hotspots in downstream and estuarine nodes (e.g., Ba Lat, Cua Day, Do Son, Sam Son, Tra Co) and the water-body hierarchy estuaries > river (downstream) > coastal > lakes. Clear seasonality was observed, with PFOS peaking in January/December and PFOA peaking in February/December. Mechanistic interpretation combined field covariates with water-particle-DOC partitioning concepts, adsorption-desorption tests using reference sediment, and multivariable modeling, consistently identifying suspended solids and dissolved organic carbon as dominant drivers, especially for PFOS. Ecological screening using risk quotients (RQ) indicated PFOS-driven concern at priority downstream/estuarine nodes. In parallel, integrated exposure scenarios (drinking water and fish consumption) suggested seafood intake can dominate PFOS exposure, yielding tail risks for children and high-seafood consumers even when mixture-level indices remain generally acceptable under baseline scenarios.
PMID:41906047 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15227-y
Sci Rep. 2026 Mar 30. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-44124-0. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Comparative analyses of nucleotide sequences across diverse taxa, including viruses, bacteria, plants, and mammals, consistently reveal patch-type sequence identities of around 45%. These identities consist of short stretches interspersed by mismatches. Similarly, identity patterns emerge in alignments of randomized shuffled or scrambled sequences. These findings suggest patch-type identities reflect intrinsic statistical properties of the four-letter genetic alphabet. Such patterns likely function as recognition signals for illegitimate recombination, a mechanism that promotes sequence insertions, exchanges, and rearrangements without extensive homology. Patch-type identities have been observed at integration sites of foreign DNA and may play a role in evolutionary innovation and rapid diversification (e. g. SARS-CoV-2). Simulation data support the ideas that the frequency and length distribution of matching segments can be predicted by statistical models based on base composition, yet may also create local environments conducive to recombination. Further, the statistical architecture of the genetic alphabet encodes not only biological information, but also the potential for genome remodeling and adaptation during evolution. By bridging fundamental sequence properties with biological outcomes, this study provides a framework for exploring how randomness at the nucleotide sequence level can give rise to order and complexity across the tree of life.
PMID:41905996 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-44124-0
Sci Rep. 2026 Mar 29. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-37151-4. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Maternal nutrition is crucial for optimal child growth and development, reducing pregnancy complications like low birth weight and premature birth. Adequate nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding helps prevent nutrient deficiencies with long-lasting effects. However, poor maternal nutrition can lead to adverse child growth outcomes, such as intrauterine growth restriction and developmental issues. The main objective of this study was to investigate the factors influencing maternal nutrition practices and its implication for child growth and development in the communities of Jimma Town. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2024 among 423 mothers. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by trained data collectors to gather detailed information on socio-demographic characteristics, maternal health, nutrition, and child growth and development. The multivariate analysis was conducted to control the confounding influence using variables that were eligible for multivariable logistic regression analysis and had a p-value of less than 0.25. In the multivariable logistic regression, factors with p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant predictors. This study of 423 mothers with a 100% response rate identified key factors affecting child growth. Education was significant, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of 4.02 for primary, 5.44 for secondary, and 2.95 for college education. Casual laborers had a lower AOR of 0.19, while marital status (AOR = 1.14) and income levels between 6,001 and 10,000 (AOR = 2.11) positively impacted outcomes. Important health indicators included no pregnancy support (AOR = 0.27), no antenatal care (AOR = 0.30), and a fetal heartbeat (AOR = 4.02). Nutritional practices such as not consuming calcium-rich foods (AOR = 0.43) and adequate breastfeeding (AOR = 6.10) were linked to better development. Children with a normal BMI (AOR = 2.62) and appropriate birth weight (AOR = 1.16) showed improved growth outcomes, all at a 5% significance level. The analysis reveals that being educated mothers, having husbands employed in NGOs or in private business, being married mothers, having a family monthly income (6001-10,000), having a normal BMI, having a breastfeeding frequency of 6-8 per day, having pregnancy support, increasing the number of meals during pregnancy and lactation, having a balanced diet, having antenatal visits, having tetanus toxoid, having nutritional counseling, and taking different supplements during pregnancy like folic acid, iron, calcium, omega-3, vitamins, and zinc can improve child growth and development. Interventions aimed at improving maternal education, economic support, and nutritional health are essential for enhancing child growth in the community.
PMID:41905984 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-37151-4
Sci Rep. 2026 Mar 29. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-46269-4. Online ahead of print.
NO ABSTRACT
PMID:41905973 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-46269-4
Br J Nutr. 2026 Mar 30:1-27. doi: 10.1017/S0007114526106965. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a recognized healthy eating pattern, and the tendency toward orthorexia nervosa in professional athletes, and to examine their relationship with physical activity levels. The study was conducted with athletes (n=134) at the Turkish Olympic Preparation Center (TOHM). Data were collected using a questionnaire covering: socio-demographic information, dietary habits, anthropometric measurements, the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and the ORTO-11 scale assessing orthorexic tendencies. Of the participants, 17.2% had poor dietary quality, 60.4% moderate, and 22.4% good dietary quality. According to the ORTO-11 (cutoff ≤25 points), 30.6% of athletes exhibited orthorexic tendencies. Athletes adhering to a diet had significantly higher orthorexia tendencies compared to non-dieters (p<0.05). A significant association was found between athletic experience and orthorexic tendencies, particularly among those with 4-8 years and ≥8 years of experience (p<0.05). Moreover, athletes consuming three main meals had significantly higher KIDMED and ORTO-11 scores than those consuming two meals (p<0.05). No statistically significant correlation was found between the KIDMED score, ORTO-11 score, and physical activity level (p>0.05). Professional athletes showed moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet, while certain groups displayed higher orthorexia tendencies. Diet quality and orthorexic tendencies differed significantly with eating habits such as athletic experience and meal patterns, whereas physical activity level had no effect. These findings highlight the importance of multidisciplinary nutrition strategies focusing on both performance and sustainable healthy eating behaviors.
PMID:41905962 | DOI:10.1017/S0007114526106965
J Clin Periodontol. 2026 Mar 29. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.70120. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To compare the impact of intraoral scanning (IOS) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) registration on implant positional accuracy in robotic computer-assisted implant surgery (r-CAIS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients requiring implant placement in the anterior or premolar regions were enrolled and randomly allocated to either a CBCT group or an IOS group at a 1:1 ratio. Implant positional accuracy was assessed by comparing planned versus actual implant positions using global platform deviation, global apex deviation and angular deviation. Subgroup analyses were performed based on jaw position and span length. The implant survival rate and patient satisfaction were recorded at prosthesis delivery. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed-effects modelling.
RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included (16 patients with 25 implants in each group). In the IOS group, the global platform deviation, global apex deviation and angular deviation were reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD): 0.89 (0.65) mm, 0.95 (0.77) mm and 1.91 (1.98)°, respectively. In the CBCT group, the corresponding values were 0.88 (0.42) mm, 0.98 (0.46) mm and 1.84 (1.46)°. No statistically significant differences were found between IOS and CBCT groups (p > 0.05) regardless of jaw position or edentulous span. The implant survival rate and patient satisfaction were 100% in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative registration using IOS is non-inferior to CBCT-based registration in implant accuracy for r-CAIS, supporting its application as a radiation-free alternative for registration in partially edentulous patients with sufficient number of stable residual teeth.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2400093045.
PMID:41905961 | DOI:10.1111/jcpe.70120
J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2026 Dec;39(1):2650951. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2026.2650951. Epub 2026 Mar 29.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Infants born before 32 weeks of gestation are at high risk of developing intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which is associated with significant mortality and morbidity as well as long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. There is currently a lack of consensus regarding the impact of delivery mode on these infants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association between mode of delivery and the incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (sIVH) in very to extremely preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation.
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, using integrated obstetric and neonatal databases. Live births born between 23 + 0 and 31 + 6 weeks from 2015 to 2023 were included. Confounders were selected a priori based on a direct acyclic graph, and severe IVH incidence was compared between vaginal and cesarean delivery using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.
RESULTS: A total of 683 infants were eligible for analysis. The proportion of children born by cesarean section was 77.5%. The incidence of sIVH in preterm infants delivered by cesarean section was 4.7% compared to 3.9% in vaginal deliveries. The univariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated no significant association between cesarean section and sIVH (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.53-3.28, p = 0.529).
CONCLUSION: In this cohort of very and extremely preterm infants, there was no significant association between the incidence of severe IVH and mode of delivery. These findings do not support cesarean sections as a preventive measure for sIVH and highlight the importance of optimizing pre-, peri-, and postnatal factors that impact haemodynamic stability.
PMID:41905948 | DOI:10.1080/14767058.2026.2650951