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16 pages, 901 KB  
Systematic Review
Sleep, Stress, and Recovery as Predictors of Injury Risk in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review
by Enrique Cantón, Joel Raga and David Peris-Delcampo
Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020236 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026
Abstract
Introduction. Sleep is an essential component in the recovery, performance, and injury prevention processes of soccer players. Associated psychological variables, such as the balance between stress and recovery, have been less explored, despite their potential influence on rest and injury vulnerability. This [...] Read more.
Introduction. Sleep is an essential component in the recovery, performance, and injury prevention processes of soccer players. Associated psychological variables, such as the balance between stress and recovery, have been less explored, despite their potential influence on rest and injury vulnerability. This study aims to examine the relationship between sleep quality, quantity, and chronotype and injury risk in soccer players, also incorporating the modulating role of stress and recovery. Method. A PRISMA systematic review was conducted using searches in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Ovid, EBSCO, MDPI, Springer Nature Link, SPORTDiscuss (full text), and Dialnet. Original studies and reviews on sleep and its relationship with sports injuries in soccer players or comparable athletic populations were included. Eighteen studies were selected that addressed sleep indicators (quality, quantity, chronotype), injury incidence, and, to a lesser extent, measures of stress and recovery using instruments such as the RESTQ-Sport or wellness questionnaires. Results. There is evidence of an association between poor sleep quality or quantity and an increased risk of injury or illness. Chronotype is an emerging variable of interest, although still insufficiently researched. Regarding stress and recovery, direct evidence is limited, although studies that address this issue show that an imbalance between these two dimensions negatively impacts sleep quality and increases susceptibility to injury. Conclusions: Sleep and the stress–recovery balance are key and interdependent factors in the risk of injury in soccer players. Future research should consider including these variables to further understand the mechanisms underlying the injury process and optimize prevention and recovery strategies. Full article
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13 pages, 697 KB  
Article
The Impact of a Rosemary Containing Drink on Cognition and Mood: The Role of Eye Blink Dynamics
by Leigh Martin Riby, Dimana Kardzhieva, Sam Fenwick, Sophia Fowler and Mark Moss
NeuroSci 2026, 7(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci7010015 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026
Abstract
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) has been linked to improvements in psychological wellbeing through cholinergic mechanisms. However, this study investigated whether individual differences in eye blink rate (EBR) and blink variability (EBV), which are proxies of dopaminergic activity and attentional control, influence the [...] Read more.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) has been linked to improvements in psychological wellbeing through cholinergic mechanisms. However, this study investigated whether individual differences in eye blink rate (EBR) and blink variability (EBV), which are proxies of dopaminergic activity and attentional control, influence the cognitive and mood-enhancing properties of a rosemary-containing drink. Forty-eight healthy adults completed a three-stimulus odd-ball cognitive task under rosemary or control conditions, while vertical electrooculograms were recorded. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were also measured using the P3a component at the Cz scalp electrode as an additional index of dopaminergic activity. Subjective mood and arousal (alert, contented, calm) were collected pre- and post-task using Bond–Lader visual analogue scales. Reaction times during the task were modelled with ex-Gaussian parameters (μ, σ, τ). Rosemary ingestion led to increased alertness and contentedness following the task. Cognitive effects were moderated by blink metrics, with significant interactions between rosemary and blink metrics for mean reaction time μ and response variability σ. Rosemary also increased P3a amplitudes, indicative of dopaminergic contribution. The effects of rosemary on cognition and mood were moderated by individual blink profiles, indicating that baseline neurocognitive state plays a role. Although cholinergic accounts are well established, this study highlights the use of proxies of dopamine to investigate broader neurotransmitter involvement in rosemary’s enhancing properties. Full article
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12 pages, 313 KB  
Article
In the Light of Healthcare Professionals: Beliefs About Chronic Low Back Pain
by Brigitta Péter, Adrian Georgescu, Ileana-Monica Popovici, Lucian Popescu, Timea Szabó-Csifó, Liliana-Elisabeta Radu and Pia-Simona Fagaras
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010183 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition that impairs quality of life, functionality, and work productivity. While most acute episodes of back pain resolve, 4–25% become chronic due to factors such as high pain intensity, psychological distress, and [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition that impairs quality of life, functionality, and work productivity. While most acute episodes of back pain resolve, 4–25% become chronic due to factors such as high pain intensity, psychological distress, and maladaptive behaviors. Nonspecific CLBP is best understood through the biopsychosocial model, encompassing biological, psychological, and social influences, including kinesiophobia. Management relies on physical activity, pain education, and psychological interventions, with therapist knowledge and attitudes affecting outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CLBP among healthcare workers, examine their knowledge of pain neurophysiology, evaluate kinesiophobia, and explore how personal experience with CLBP influences their beliefs, attitudes, and interactions with patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January to May 2025 among healthcare professionals. A total of 50 participants completed an online questionnaire, of which 42 were valid and included in the analysis. The questionnaire collected demographic and professional data, determined the presence of CLBP, and included three standardized instruments: the Revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (rNPQ) to assess knowledge of pain mechanisms, the Health Care Providers’ Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) to evaluate beliefs about pain and disability, and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) to measure fear of movement. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Results: Among the 42 participants, 11 demonstrated low, 28 moderate, and 3 high knowledge of pain neurophysiology (rNPQ), with a mean score of 5.66. On the HC-PAIRS, the majority (30 participants) scored above 60, indicating beliefs that pain leads to disability, while 12 scored below 60, reflecting a biopsychosocial perspective; gender did not significantly affect HC-PAIRS scores (p = 0.213). As for kinesiophobia (TSK-11), 24 participants had low, 17 moderate, and 1 clinically significant fear of movement. Correlation analysis revealed that younger participants had higher rNPQ scores (r = −0.358, p = 0.020) and lower TSK-11 scores (r = −0.389, p = 0.011). TSK-11 scores increased with age (r = 0.432, p = 0.004), while HC-PAIRS scores showed no significant correlations. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals, particularly physiotherapists, show gaps in knowledge of pain neurophysiology and a tendency toward biomedical beliefs regarding chronic low back pain. This cross-sectional study indicates that a greater understanding of pain mechanisms is associated with lower kinesiophobia, emphasizing the importance of education. Integrating the biopsychosocial model into undergraduate and continuing professional training, through interdisciplinary and practical modules, may improve knowledge, reduce maladaptive fear-avoidance behaviors, and enhance patient care. Future studies should include larger, more diverse samples and assess the long-term impact of educational interventions on clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy: A New Perspective)
24 pages, 334 KB  
Article
The Impact of Compassion Fatigue on the Psychological Well-Being of Nurses Caring for Patients with Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Post-COVID-19 Data Analysis
by Maria Topi, Paraskevi Tsioufi, Evangelos C. Fradelos, Foteini Malli, Evmorfia Koukia and Polyxeni Mangoulia
Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020224 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Nurses are susceptible to compassion fatigue due to the nature of their professional responsibilities. Factors contributing to this vulnerability include daily patient interactions and organizational elements within their work environment, as well as work-related stress and sociodemographic characteristics, including age, marital status, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Nurses are susceptible to compassion fatigue due to the nature of their professional responsibilities. Factors contributing to this vulnerability include daily patient interactions and organizational elements within their work environment, as well as work-related stress and sociodemographic characteristics, including age, marital status, years of professional experience, and, notably, gender. This research investigates the relationship between compassion fatigue and the levels of anxiety and depression, as well as the professional quality of life among nurses providing care to dementia patients in Greece. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 115 nurses working in dementia care centers in Greece. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL-5), and the participants’ personal, demographic, and professional information were all included in an electronic questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used. Results: A total of 42.6% of nurses rated their working environment as favorable. Additionally, 23.5% of the sample exhibited high levels of compassion satisfaction, whereas 46.1% demonstrated low levels of burnout. Female gender (p = 0.022) and a higher family income (p = 0.046) was positively associated with compassion satisfaction. Regression analysis indicated that elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression were found to correlate with decreased compassion satisfaction, increased burnout, and heightened secondary post-traumatic stress. Conclusions: Engaging in the care of patients with dementia, particularly throughout the pandemic period, has underscored a pronounced susceptibility to compassion fatigue, physical fatigue, pain, psychological stress, and a reduced quality of life. These results highlight the importance for nursing management to adopt specific organizational measures, including proper staffing levels, balancing workloads, and conducting routine mental health assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Healthcare Quality, Patient Safety, and Self-care Management)
21 pages, 1509 KB  
Article
Cross-Sectional Associations of Sport Participation, Academic Performance, and Psychological Well-Being Among Rural Romanian Adolescent Boys in the Context of Family Background
by Filoména Dávid, Krisztina Rácz and Pál Salamon
Children 2026, 13(1), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13010135 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a sensitive period for psychological, academic, and social development, and sports participation has been described as a potential protective factor for academic performance and psychological well-being. However, limited research has examined the combined influence of sports involvement, sport type, and [...] Read more.
Background: Adolescence is a sensitive period for psychological, academic, and social development, and sports participation has been described as a potential protective factor for academic performance and psychological well-being. However, limited research has examined the combined influence of sports involvement, sport type, and family background on adolescents’ academic and psychological outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the associations between organized sport participation, sport type (football vs. judo), psychological well-being, psychosomatic symptoms, academic performance, and family socioeconomic background among adolescent boys. Methods: The sample consisted of 52 boys aged 11–14 years from a rural school, divided into football players (n = 13), judo athletes (n = 13), non-athletes (n = 13), and a contextual subgroup of students with special educational needs (SEN; n = 13), with the latter included for exploratory purposes only. Data included school-record-based academic performance and validated self-report measures of life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, psychosomatic complaints, perceived physical fitness, and socioeconomic background. Results: Athletes demonstrated significantly higher academic achievement than non-athletes in overall grade point average (p < 0.001), mathematics (p < 0.001), Romanian (p < 0.001), English (p = 0.03), and Hungarian (p < 0.001). They also reported higher life satisfaction (p < 0.001) but simultaneously showed slightly elevated depressive symptom scores (p < 0.001), indicating a paradoxical pattern of concurrent psychosocial benefits and psychological strain. Parental education (p < 0.001), parental occupational status (p = 0.01), and fathers’ occupational position (p = 0.02) were significantly higher among athletes’ families. Perceived physical fitness was also rated higher by athletes (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in body mass index, family structure, or most psychosomatic symptoms. Conclusions: Sport participation was associated with more favorable academic and psychological indicators, yet also with elevated depressive symptoms, highlighting the dual nature of organized sport during adolescence. Future research should apply longitudinal designs, include female participants, and incorporate objective indicators of training load. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Fitness and Health in Adolescents)
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15 pages, 967 KB  
Article
A Method for Assessing Week-Long Cortisol Output Using a Continuously Worn Sweat Patch
by Jerrold S. Meyer, Jenna P. Blain and Karen A. Kalmakis
Methods Protoc. 2026, 9(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps9010013 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Although sample matrices are available for assessing cortisol output over hours/days (serum, saliva, or urine) or months (hair or nails), there is no current method for measuring integrated cortisol output over a period of 1 week. Therefore, the primary aim of this study [...] Read more.
Although sample matrices are available for assessing cortisol output over hours/days (serum, saliva, or urine) or months (hair or nails), there is no current method for measuring integrated cortisol output over a period of 1 week. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for collecting and measuring sweat-derived cortisol from commercially available skin patches worn for 1 week. Additional aims were to determine whether the accumulated sweat cortisol correlated with salivary cortisol measured during the same week, and whether sweat cortisol was related to psychological stress measured using two different questionnaires. After conducting preliminary in vitro validation studies, we obtained the following data from a convenience sample of university students and employees: (a) cortisol and sodium contents of patches worn for 1 week (sodium was used to correct for variation in sweating rate), (b) mean area-under-the-curve of salivary cortisol concentrations measured for 3 days during the week of patch wearing, and (c) two different measures of psychological stress. The results demonstrate that a continuously worn sweat patch can be used to collect and measure sweat cortisol over a 1-week period. However, the patch’s cortisol contents did not correlate with either the salivary cortisol area under the curve or the participants’ psychological stress. Because previous findings showed that sweat cortisol is significantly related to both circulating and salivary cortisol levels, we hypothesize that the lack of an observed correlation between patch and salivary cortisol may have resulted from limitations of our experimental design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Sciences and Physiology)
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15 pages, 921 KB  
Article
Dental Anxiety and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Adults in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Nada Tawfig Hashim, Muhammed Mustahsen Rahman, Riham Mohammed, Md Sofiqul Islam, Vivek Padmanabhan, Sharifa Jameel Hossain, Nallan C. S. K. Chaitanya, Noran Osama Mohammed, Asawer Ahmed Saeed and Shahista Parveen Dasnadi
Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020219 - 15 Jan 2026
Viewed by 27
Abstract
Background: Dental anxiety is a common psychological condition that may influence patients’ perceptions of oral health and well-being. Although its association with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has been widely studied internationally, evidence from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains limited. [...] Read more.
Background: Dental anxiety is a common psychological condition that may influence patients’ perceptions of oral health and well-being. Although its association with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has been widely studied internationally, evidence from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between dental anxiety and OHRQoL among adult patients attending an academic dental clinic in the UAE. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult dental patients using a non-probabilistic sampling approach. Dental anxiety was assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used for bivariate analyses. Multiple linear regression was applied as an exploratory approach to assess adjusted associations between dental anxiety and OHRQoL after accounting for age and gender. Results: Higher dental anxiety scores were independently associated with poorer OHRQoL after adjustment for age and gender. Bivariate analyses showed no statistically significant differences in dental anxiety or OHRQoL scores between men and women; however, subgroup comparisons should be interpreted cautiously given the sample size. The findings indicate a consistent association between higher anxiety levels and greater perceived oral health impact within the study population. Conclusions: Dental anxiety was associated with impaired oral health-related quality of life among adult dental clinic attendees in the UAE. These findings reflect associations observed within a modest, non-probabilistic, cross-sectional sample and should not be interpreted as causal or generalized to the wider population. Further longitudinal and population-based studies incorporating clinical and contextual variables are needed to clarify temporal relationships and strengthen external validity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Maxillofacial Health Care: Third Edition)
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15 pages, 473 KB  
Article
From Trauma to Suicidal Ideation in a Spanish Chronic Pain Population: Cognitive Mediation in the Genesis of Psychological Suffering
by Juan José Mora-Ascó, Carmen Moret-Tatay, María José Beneyto-Arrojo and Miguel Pedro León-Padilla
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020715 - 15 Jan 2026
Viewed by 37
Abstract
Background: Chronic pain is consistently associated with increased vulnerability to suicidal ideation, particularly among individuals with a history of early adverse experiences. However, the cognitive mechanisms linking childhood trauma to suicidal thoughts in this population remain insufficiently understood. Methods: A cross-sectional study was [...] Read more.
Background: Chronic pain is consistently associated with increased vulnerability to suicidal ideation, particularly among individuals with a history of early adverse experiences. However, the cognitive mechanisms linking childhood trauma to suicidal thoughts in this population remain insufficiently understood. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 adults living with chronic pain. Participants completed validated measures assessing childhood trauma, perceived burdensomeness, hopelessness, pain catastrophizing, and suicidal ideation. Correlational analyses were conducted to examine associations among variables, followed by a multiple mediation model to test the mediating role of cognitive processes. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations and robust-estimation mediation procedures implemented in JASP. Results: Childhood trauma showed positive and significant associations with perceived burdensomeness, hopelessness, pain catastrophizing, and suicidal ideation. Mediation analyses showed that perceived burdensomeness, hopelessness, and pain catastrophizing significantly mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation, with small-to-moderate indirect effects. These findings suggest that maladaptive cognitive patterns may partially explain how early adverse experiences are associated with suicidal thoughts in individuals with chronic pain. Conclusions: The results highlight the relevance of considering early adverse experiences and pain-related cognitive processes in the clinical assessment of suicidal ideation among individuals with chronic pain. Further research using longitudinal and multimethod designs is needed to refine explanatory models and guide psychological interventions aimed at reducing vulnerability to suicidal ideation in this population. This study expands existing knowledge by simultaneously examining perceived burdensomeness, hopelessness, and pain catastrophizing as mediators between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation in individuals with chronic pain. These findings contribute to refining trauma-informed clinical approaches and identifying specific intervention targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Pain and Suicidal Behavior: Clinical Implications)
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18 pages, 599 KB  
Article
Relationships Among Functional Status, Global Self-Reported Categorical Measure of Activity Level, Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychological State in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease in Greece
by Anna Christakou, Nektaria Angeliki Komisopoulou, Amalia Panagiota Louka and Vasiliki Sakellari
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16010090 - 15 Jan 2026
Viewed by 42
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting patients’ daily lives in multiple domains, including functional status, health-related quality of life, and psychological well-being. This study examined the relationship between self-reported global activity level, functional status, Health Related QoL [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting patients’ daily lives in multiple domains, including functional status, health-related quality of life, and psychological well-being. This study examined the relationship between self-reported global activity level, functional status, Health Related QoL (HRQoL), and psychological state among patients with Parkinson’s disease in Greece. Methods: Thirty volunteers (mean age = 69.07, SD = 11.24), members of the Greek Parkinson’s Patients and Caregivers Association, completed (a) the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire to evaluate HRQoL and (b) the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess psychological state. Participants then performed (a) the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST) and (b) the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to evaluate functional status. All questionnaires and the test used in the present study have been validated in Greek. Correlation analysis with Spearman r tests with Bonferroni correction was performed between the above variables. Subsequent linear regression models were used to identify independent predictors of HRQoL and balance using SPSS 29.0.2.0. Results: Participants reported elevated anxiety (M = 9.67, SD = 4.44) and depressive symptoms (M = 8.97, SD = 4.08), alongside relatively high HRQoL scores (M = 40.09, SD = 18.40). Impaired functional performance was observed, with 22 participants failing to complete the FTSST within 16 s and 16 scoring below 40 on the BBS. Functional status was strongly correlated with HRQoL (r = −0.696, p < 0.001) and activity level (r = −0.521, p < 0.008). Depression was also significantly associated with poorer HRQoL (r = 0.618, p < 0.008) and lower activity levels (r = −0.545, p < 0.008). Regression analyses revealed that balance (β = −0.526), disease duration (β = 0.437), anxiety (β = 0.411), and lower limb function (β = −0.351) were significant independent predictors of HRQoL (R2 = 0.785; F(9, 20) = 12.69; p < 0.001), while HRQoL (β = −0.738) and lower limb function (β = −0.391) independently predicted balance (R2 = 0.699; F(9, 20) = 4.72; p = 0.002), suggesting a bidirectional relationship between physical function and subjective well-being. Conclusions: Activity level, HRQoL, functional status, and psychological state in patients with Parkinson’s disease are interrelated factors. Increased levels of anxiety and depression, as well as reduced HRQoL, were observed. The findings point to a potentially reinforcing cycle between poor balance and diminished quality of life, with anxiety and age playing key roles. Overall, the results illustrate that functional, psychological, and HRQoL measures interact in complex ways, emphasizing the multidimensional profile of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Further studies with larger samples are required to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurodegenerative Diseases)
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15 pages, 1258 KB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional Study on Relationships Between Depression and Anxiety in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients and Disease Severity, Subjective Symptoms and Quality of Life
by Marta Szepietowska, Piotr K. Krajewski, Przemyslaw Pacan, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Lukasz Matusiak and Andrzej K. Jaworek
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020700 - 15 Jan 2026
Viewed by 35
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, and recurrent disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with numerous comorbidities. Growing evidence suggests that depression and anxiety occur more frequently in HS patients, yet their relationship with clinical severity and especially subjective symptoms remains [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, and recurrent disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with numerous comorbidities. Growing evidence suggests that depression and anxiety occur more frequently in HS patients, yet their relationship with clinical severity and especially subjective symptoms remains insufficiently understood. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of probable depressive and anxiety symptoms in Polish patients with HS and to examine their associations with clinical disease severity, pain and itch intensity, and quality of life (QoL). Methods: Eighty-four HS patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Disease severity was assessed using Hurley staging and the IHS4. Pain and itch intensity were evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Psychological assessment included self-administered screening questionnaires, such as PHQ-9 and HADS-D for depression and GAD-7 and HADS-A for anxiety. QoL was measured using DLQI and HiSQOL instruments. Statistical analyses were performed with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Possible depressive disorders were identified in 25.0% of patients. PHQ-9 and HADS-D scores differed significantly across Hurley stages and correlated positively with IHS4. Possible anxiety disorder according to GAD-7 criteria was present in 15.5% of patients. Both GAD-7 and HADS-A correlated with IHS4. They also showed correlations with pain and/or itch intensity. All psychological measures showed strong correlations with both QoL instruments. Conclusions: Depression and anxiety seem to be common in HS and closely associated with clinical severity and reduced QoL. Their relation with pain and itch requires further studies. These findings underscore the need for multidisciplinary management in HS care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Psychodermatology)
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14 pages, 585 KB  
Article
Psychological and Physiological Assessment of Distress Among Public Healthcare Workers During Pandemic Control Efforts
by Dinko Martinovic, Anamarija Jurcev Savicevic, Majda Gotovac, Zeljko Kljucevic, Magda Pletikosa Pavic, Marko Kumric, Zeljka Karin, Slavica Kozina, Daniela Supe Domic, Manuel Colome-Hidalgo and Josko Bozic
Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020212 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 78
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Public healthcare workers face significant occupational stress during crisis situations, yet research on this particular population remains limited compared to other healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on distress levels and the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Public healthcare workers face significant occupational stress during crisis situations, yet research on this particular population remains limited compared to other healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on distress levels and the sense of coherence among public health workers by integrating psychological assessments with physiological markers of stress to identify protective factors against pandemic-related occupational stress. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted at the Teaching Public Health Institute of Split and Dalmatia County from July 2021 to February 2022 at two time points: the latency phase (between COVID-19 waves) and hyperarousal phase (during an active wave). Fifty-four public health workers participated in the study. There were three questionnaires assessing psychological distress: Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Impact of Events Scale—Revised and Sense of Coherence Scale-29. Salivary and blood samples were collected at both time points to measure cortisol levels, cortisol awakening response, and interleukin-6 concentrations. Results: The cortisol area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg) was significantly elevated during the stress phase compared to the latency phase (234.8 vs. 201.8; p = 0.023), indicating heightened physiological stress responses. Epidemiologists demonstrated significantly lower sense of coherence scores compared to non-epidemiologists (117.9 ± 9.1 vs. 125.6 ± 10.5; p = 0.029). A lower sense of coherence was significantly associated with higher psychological distress and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sense of coherence and interleukin-6 levels were significant independent predictors of cortisol changes. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that public health workers experience measurable physiological stress responses during pandemic peaks, with sense of coherence emerging as a protective psychological factor. Interventions targeting sense of coherence and organizational support may possibly enhance resilience and reduce mental health morbidity in this vulnerable workforce during crisis situations. Full article
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8 pages, 211 KB  
Article
Sex-Based Differences in Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Are Not Present Three Months After ACL Reconstruction
by Abdulmajeed Alfayyadh, Jack R. Williams, Kelsey Neal, Ashutosh Khandha, Lynn Snyder-Mackler and Thomas S. Buchanan
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020680 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 81
Abstract
Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide important insights into recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Previous research suggests that males and females recover differently after ACLR, with females reporting greater pain, slower functional gains, and lower psychological readiness at later stages of [...] Read more.
Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide important insights into recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Previous research suggests that males and females recover differently after ACLR, with females reporting greater pain, slower functional gains, and lower psychological readiness at later stages of rehabilitation. However, it is unknown if patient-reported outcomes differ by sex early after ACLR. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis comparing patient-reported outcome measures between sexes three months after ACLR. We hypothesized that females would report worse PROMs compared to males. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used data from a prospectively maintained ACL reconstruction cohort. Fifty-six individuals (female: 23 and male: 33) with primary, unilateral ACLR completed PROMs three months after surgery. These PROMs included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS; Symptoms, Pain, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation, Quality of Life), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS), Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI), and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK). All outcomes were expressed on a 0 to 100 percent scale, with higher scores indicating better outcomes, except for TSK, where lower scores indicated better outcomes. Normality was assessed within sex, using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Two-tailed independent-samples t-tests with Welch correction were used for approximately normal variables; otherwise, Mann–Whitney U tests were utilized (α = 0.05). Several outcomes had limited statistical power to detect MCID-sized differences, and findings for these measures should be interpreted cautiously. Results: No significant differences between sexes were found for any of the PROMs. Males trended towards having better KOOS Sport and Recreation and IKDC, but these were not statistically significant, and the effect sizes were small-to-moderate. Conclusions: No statistically significant sex-based differences were detected in PROMs at approximately 3 months after ACLR, indicating that any sex-related divergences between these measures may not occur until later in recovery. Full article
15 pages, 302 KB  
Article
Physical and Psychological Effects of Nasogastric Tube (NGT) Use in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: An Exploratory Study
by Federico Amianto, Tomaso Oliaro, Francesca Righettoni, Chiara Davico, Daniele Marcotulli and Andrea Martinuzzi
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020266 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 63
Abstract
Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) may require nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding when oral intake is insufficient. Evidence on the psychological impact and prognostic correlates of NGT use in adolescents affected with AN is limited. Methods: Fifty-seven adolescent inpatients (96.5% female; age range 12–18 years; [...] Read more.
Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) may require nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding when oral intake is insufficient. Evidence on the psychological impact and prognostic correlates of NGT use in adolescents affected with AN is limited. Methods: Fifty-seven adolescent inpatients (96.5% female; age range 12–18 years; and mean age 15.0 ± 1.51 years) affected with AN admitted in a child psychiatry ward and treated with NGT re-feeding in addition to oral nutrition were included in the study. A 21-item VAS questionnaire was administered at intake (T0), after NGT introduction (T1), after one week of NGT use (T2), and after NGT dismissal (T3) to assess the physical and psychological effects. Participants were also assessed with psychometric measures including personality (TCI), eating psychopathology (EDI-2), general psychopathology (BDI-II, SCL-90-R, and TAS), and family functioning (FAD). The measures were compared between each timepoint with paired t-tests and ANOVA for repeated measures. Pearson correlations were performed between the VAS scores and psychometric measures. Results: From admission to discharge, weight increased by +3.2 kg and BMI by +1.2 kg/m2. Items 1, 3, 4, 6, 15, 18, and 20 of the VAS questionnaire items showed significant improvement over time. TCI personality traits, EDI-2 eating and BDI, SCL-90 and TAS general psychopathology, and FAD family functioning were related to NGT perception by the AN adolescents. Conclusions: NGT was helpful in weight progression during inpatient treatment. It was generally well tolerated, with progressive improvement in psychological and physical discomfort during treatment. The meaningful associations with specific psychometric features suggest the possibility to tailor the NGT use based on adolescent characteristics. Multidisciplinary care and tailored psychoeducation may enhance NGT acceptance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Nutrition)
15 pages, 680 KB  
Article
The Impact of Empowering Leadership on the Job Crafting of Knowledge Employees: A Moderated Mediating Effect Model
by Yu Mao, Quan Fang, Chunyan Jiang and Huabin Wu
Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16010117 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 103
Abstract
Empowering leadership can provide more resource support for organizations and better match the characteristics of current knowledge employees, such as a high demand for autonomy and pursuit of value diversification. However, existing literature has not fully clarified the specific cognitive transmission mechanisms linking [...] Read more.
Empowering leadership can provide more resource support for organizations and better match the characteristics of current knowledge employees, such as a high demand for autonomy and pursuit of value diversification. However, existing literature has not fully clarified the specific cognitive transmission mechanisms linking empowering leadership to knowledge workers’ job crafting, nor has it sufficiently examined the boundary conditions of this relationship under specific individual traits. This study aimed to explore the impact of empowering leadership on knowledge employees’ job crafting by constructing a moderated mediation model. This study introduces role breadth self-efficacy as a mediating variable and learning goal orientation as a moderating variable and collects questionnaire data to investigate the underlying mechanisms among 338 knowledge employees. Empowering leadership has a positive effect on knowledge employees’ job crafting. Role breadth self-efficacy mediates the relationship between empowering leadership and job crafting. Learning goal orientation positively moderated the impact of empowering leadership on role breadth self-efficacy. Building an empowering leadership model with empowerment and psychological safety at its core can stimulate employees’ job crafting. Role breadth self-efficacy can be improved by challenging tasks and systematic training. The implementation of differentiated management based on learning-goal orientation strengthens the empowerment effect. These measures provide feasible paths for organizations to drive adaptive changes. Full article
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14 pages, 1592 KB  
Article
The Relationship Between Emotion Processing and Flexor Afferent Responses in Upper Limbs
by Gianluca Isoardo, Rita B. Ardito, Stefano Ciullo, Elena Fontana, Ilaria Stura, Giuseppe Migliaretti, Paolo Titolo, Enrico Matteoni, Andrea Calvo, Valeria Fonzo, Federica Laino and Mauro Adenzato
Sensors 2026, 26(2), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020557 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 79
Abstract
Background: This study investigates the influence of emotional processing on flexor reflex responses in the upper limbs, focusing on cutaneomuscular reflexes (CMRs) and the cutaneous silent period (CSP) in patients with chronic neuropathic pain. The modulation of motor reflexes by emotions remains unclear. [...] Read more.
Background: This study investigates the influence of emotional processing on flexor reflex responses in the upper limbs, focusing on cutaneomuscular reflexes (CMRs) and the cutaneous silent period (CSP) in patients with chronic neuropathic pain. The modulation of motor reflexes by emotions remains unclear. Methods: Fifty-one patients with chronic upper limb neuropathic pain (carpal tunnel syndrome, other neuropathies, post-burn hypertrophic scars) and twenty healthy controls underwent standardized electrodiagnostic signal acquisition. Neurophysiological assessments (CMRs, CSP, standard nerve conduction tests) and psychological evaluations (anxiety, depression, emotion processing) were conducted. Neurophysiological signal acquisition included median and ulnar nerve conduction studies recorded with an electrodiagnostic system (48 kHz sampling rate; 30–3000 Hz bandpass). CSP and CMRs were recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis using surface electrodes (bipolar belly–tendon montage) and were evoked by electrical stimulation delivered through ring electrodes, with individualized perceptual-threshold calibration. Statistical analyses examined correlations between neurophysiological and psychological measures. Results: Patients showed significantly longer duration and higher intensity of CMRs and CSP than controls (p < 0.01). CMR and CSP durations correlated positively with anxiety, depression, and alexithymia scores, and negatively with facial emotion recognition. General Linear Model analyses indicated these relations were mediated by tactile and pain perception thresholds. Conclusions: The findings support that spinal reflex responses in the upper limbs are modulated by emotional and cognitive-affective processes, especially in chronic pain contexts. This highlights the complex interaction between emotion regulation and motor control in neuropathic pain conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Biomechanics, Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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