Nevin Manimala

BMC Pediatr. 2025 Jan 14;25(1):30. doi: 10.1186/s12887-024-05381-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are global issues, especially among women of childbearing age, linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. These risks vary by age, race, and ethnicity, with increasing rates among immigrant and minority women. This study compares overweight and obesity rates, pregnancy weight gain, and neonatal outcomes in Turkish and Syrian immigrant/refugee women.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, at Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Hospital in Izmir, Turkey a total of 1353 mother-infant pairs were checked for eligibility. Of the entire cohort of 1353 mother-infant pairs, 323 pairs with complete medical records were included. The primary outcome was rate of pregestational obesity or overweight as secondary outcomes were weight gain during pregnancy and adherence to guidelines, neonatal outcomes according to different BMI categories and possible impact of maternal weight gain on neonatal morbidities in two different ethic populations.

RESULTS: Of the 323 mother-infant pairs, overweight/obese mothers had higher birth weights and cesarean-section rates. Syrian mothers were more likely to gain less weight than recommended. Neonatal outcomes, such as hospitalization and SGA/LGA birth rates, were similar across groups, with varying compliance to weight gain guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS: Pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain significantly affect some of the neonatal outcomes. High obesity rates and ethnic disparities highlight the need for culturally tailored prenatal care to improve maternal and neonatal health, especially in immigrant populations. Further research with larger, diverse cohorts is needed.

PMID:39810166 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-024-05381-y

World J Surg Oncol. 2025 Jan 14;22(1):342. doi: 10.1186/s12957-024-03621-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The delivery of cancer services changed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to describe changes in presentations, assess the change in recommendations by the MDT during the pandemic, and describe the subsequent long-term impact of these changes on survival rates in patients with EG cancer.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed comparing three patient groups of those referred to EG MDT in the same 6-month period pre-pandemic (PP;2019) during the initial phase of the pandemic (P1;2020) and the year after the initial phase (P2;2021). The primary aim of this study was to describe and compare deviations from the standard of care across these three timeframes. Secondary outcomes included differences in the number of new cases with early and advanced oesophageal and gastric lesions, a comparison of survival rates among the groups, and an analysis of postoperative histopathology to identify any shifts in the tumour stage across the studied periods.

RESULTS: A consistent demographic profile across these periods was maintained, but with a significant decrease in patient referrals during P1 (35.25% reduction from PP to P1 and 9.5% reduction from PP to P2), quicker ‘time to treatment’ during P1 (130.8 days in P1 vs 162 in PP and 178.9 in P2), and notable changes in treatment modalities. Additionally, we found an increased deviation from initial curative to palliative intent in the P2 group (6.4% changed in P2 vs 2.2% in PP and 3.5% in P2) primarily driven by disease progression. A further significant observation was the emergence of more aggressive tumour characteristics, particularly in the P2 group, albeit without a statistically significant difference in two-year overall survival rates among the groups (p-value 0.31).

CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted oesophagogastric cancer care, with a reduction in patient referral rates during the initial pandemic phase and a subsequent increase in more advanced stage disease. Our findings from a major UK EG centre highlight accelerated treatment decision-making during the initial pandemic phase was possible and that standard of care was maintained. These insights provide valuable lessons for healthcare systems in managing cancer care during global health emergencies.

PMID:39810163 | DOI:10.1186/s12957-024-03621-0

BMC Public Health. 2025 Jan 14;25(1):154. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-21018-2.

ABSTRACT

Men who have sex with men are a target group for HIV prevention and control. HIV testing is part of a broader combination prevention strategy. This study aimed to analyze the predictors for adherence to HIV infection testing among Brazilian men who have sex with men. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1438 participants, online selected for convenience in all regions of Brazil. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of HIV testing in the study population. Adherence to the HIV test was high (80.1%). Had condomless anal intercourse in the last 12 months (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 1,659; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1,12 – 2,43; p = 0,010), knew one place to seek HIV testing (AOR 6,158 [IC95%: 4,27 – 8,86]; p < 0,001), Received counselling on HIV testing by a health professional (AOR 3,389 [IC95%: 2,28 – 5,02]; p < 0,001), Have been diagnosed with STI (AOR 2,266 [IC95%: 1,41 – 3,62]; p < 0,001) and Knew someone living with HIV (AOR 1,86 [IC95%: 1,29 – 2,67]; p < 0,001) were independently associated with higher chances of HIV testing.

PMID:39810161 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-024-21018-2

AIDS Res Ther. 2025 Jan 14;22(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s12981-024-00691-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early detection and initiation of care is crucial to the survival and long-term well-being of children living with HIV (CLHIV). However, there remain challenges regarding early testing and linking of CLHIV for early treatment. This study examines the progress made towards achieving the 95-95-95 HIV indicators and associated factors among CLHIV < 15 years in South Africa.

METHODS: The data was collected as part of the 2017 cross-sectional, multistage cluster randomized population-based household National HIV survey. Age-appropriate structured questionnaires were utilized to gather sociodemographic data, HIV-related knowledge, risk behaviours, and health-related information. Blood samples were collected to test for HIV serology, viral load suppression, and antiretroviral usage. Backward stepwise multivariable generalized linear regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with the 95-95-95 HIV indicators. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are shown, and p < 0.05 indicates statistical significance.

RESULTS: A total of 12,237 CLHIV < 15 years were included (median 8 years, interquartile range 4-11 years). HIV prevalence was 2.8% (95% CI: 2.4-3.3). Overall, 40.0% of the CLHIV were tested and knew their status (first 95%), and among these, 72.6% (95% CI: 61.7-81.3) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (second 95%), and 95.0% (95% CI: 88.4-97.9) of these were virally suppressed (third 95%). Among CLHIV, the odds of testing and knowing the HIV-positive status were significantly higher among children whose health was rated as fair/poor than excellent/good [AOR = 1.32 (95%CI: 1.05-1.67), p = 0.022], and were significantly lower among females than males [AOR = 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71-0.95), p = 0.009], and were significantly lower among those attending private healthcare facilities than public health facilities [AOR = 0.64 (95% CI:0.57-0.74), p < 0.001]. Among those who knew their HIV-positive status, the odds of being on ART were significantly higher among children residing in farm areas than urban areas [AOR = 1.40 (95% CI:1.05-1.86), p = 0.017], and were significantly lower among children attending private healthcare facilities [AOR = 0.44 (95% CI:0.36-0.54), p < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of HIV status and initiation of treatment in children was low. The findings highlight the need to improve HIV status awareness and disclosure to children. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and programs tailored for CLHIV in urban areas.

PMID:39810159 | DOI:10.1186/s12981-024-00691-8

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Jan 14;25(1):77. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-12212-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Midwifery faces global workforce shortages exacerbated by the pandemic. Understanding job satisfaction drivers is vital for creating supportive work environments. This study explored the multifaceted nature of job satisfaction of midwives in the post-COVID era in order to understand the elements that contribute and the ones that don’t to midwives’ sense of fulfilment and engagement at work.

METHODS: Employing a quantitative descriptive methodology, a nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 169 actively practicing female midwives in Slovenia using the McCloskey-Mueller Satisfaction Scale. The survey focused on various dimensions of job satisfaction.

RESULTS: Results revealed that midwives place high importance on praise/recognition, scheduling satisfaction, and work-life balance but exhibit a very weak non-significant negative relationship between job satisfaction and the importance they place on these factors. The study also identified a weak but statistically significant positive correlation between midwives’ satisfaction with praise/recognition and the importance they attribute to it.

CONCLUSIONS: The study emphasises the need for a holistic approach in enhancing job satisfaction among midwives, fostering an environment that supports their professional development and acknowledges their contributions. It emphasizes the critical role of healthcare policymakers in developing inclusive and gender-sensitive workplace policies to improve the quality of maternal care and support the well-being and job satisfaction of midwives. Management strategies should focus on reinforcing positive work environments that facilitate professional development and work-life balance. Prioritizing these factors can improve job satisfaction, retention, and healthcare outcomes.

PMID:39810157 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-025-12212-y

Am J Surg. 2025 Jan 9;244:116192. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116192. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Approximately 22 ​% of the United States population communicates in a non-English language, potentially impacting healthcare communication and outcomes. Few studies have examined the association between non-English primary language (NEPL) and surgical outcomes and none to our knowledge in patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula creation within a safety net system. In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis on adults who underwent AVF creation for hemodialysis access between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019. We employed a bivariate logistic regression analysis to assess the relationship between primary language and 30-day ED visits and readmissions, both for all-cause after AVF surgery and those specifically related to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) complications and a multivariate logistic regression to adjust for any cofounders. Among the study population of 1502 patients, 70 ​% were NEPL and predominantly self-identified as Hispanic/Latino. Despite the older age and higher prevalence of diabetes among NEPL patients, there was no statistically significant association of NEPL with 30-day readmission or ED visits post-AVF creation. The availability of certified translators and diverse array of healthcare professionals may have contributed to these findings. Nonetheless, further investigation is warranted to elucidate the impact of language discordance on post-surgical outcomes.

PMID:39808860 | DOI:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116192

J Pediatr Surg. 2025 Jan 6;60(3):162104. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.162104. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Inequities exist in pediatric surgical outcomes. Differential outcomes have been identified across racial groups, geography, and socioeconomic standing. However, the association between preferred language, interpreter use, and surgical outcomes is not well-studied in pediatric surgical literature.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of surgical patients ages 0-21 years at a quaternary pediatric hospital between 1/1/2016 – 12/31/2020. The 95 languages spoken by our cohort were grouped into English, Spanish, Asian languages, Other Indo-European languages, and Other languages. Study outcomes were 30-day post-operative mortality and serious adverse events (SAE). Logistic regression assessed the relationship between language, interpreter use, and post-operative outcomes. Deviation contrasts avoided centering non-Hispanic white English speakers. All-pairs comparisons (Turkey contrasts) determined differences between language groups.

RESULTS: Among 56,655 patients, 89 % had a documented language of English, 6.7 % Spanish, 1.4 % Other, 1.3 % an Asian language, and 1.3 % an Other Indo-European language. On multivariable regression, English speakers had 54 % decreased odds of mortality (OR 0.46, 95 % CI: 0.31, 0.69), while Other language speakers had 240 % increased odds of mortality (OR 2.4, 95 % CI: 1.31, 4.41). Pairwise comparisons showed that English language speakers had reduced odds of mortality versus Other language speakers (OR 0.18, 95 % CI: 0.07, 0.45). Interpreter use was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of SAE but did not reduce mortality risk.

DISCUSSION: Pediatric surgical patients with a linguistic minority preference experienced statistically significant increased odds of post-operative mortality. Additional inquiry to assess and address disparate pediatric surgical care outcomes associated with language is warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID:39808857 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.162104

J Strength Cond Res. 2024 Dec 1;38(12):2164-2171. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004978.

ABSTRACT

Hammert, WB, Dankel, SJ, Kataoka, R, Yamada, Y, Kassiano, W, Song, JS, and Loenneke, JP. Methodological considerations when studying resistance-trained populations: Ideas for using control groups. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): 2164-2171, 2024-The applicability of training effects from experimental research depends on the ability to quantify the degree of measurement error accurately over time, which can be accounted for by including a time-matched nonexercise control group. Yet, control groups are rarely included in studies on resistance-trained individuals. Many authors instead report short-term relative or absolute measures of reliability for the interpretation of statistical tests and the size or meaning of effects observed and assume that good short-term reliability justifies the lack of a control group. In this article, we offer some potential alternatives for employing control groups in research studies on resistance-trained individuals. We wish to suggest researchers consider using a “time-matched training group” (i.e., resistance-trained individuals who keep an exercise log, continue their normal training, and perform the pre- and posttest measures spanning the same duration as that of the exercise group or groups) and/or a time-matched nonexercise control group (i.e., non-resistance-trained individuals who perform only the pre- and posttest measures spanning the same duration as that of the exercise training group or groups). If it is not feasible (e.g., researchers do not wish to randomly assign individuals to a time-matched training group or include a time-matched nonexercise control group) to employ such designs, or relevant, then an alternative approach might be to include a run-in (i.e., control) period that spans the same duration as the exercise training intervention. Our hope is that this article can help strengthen future research designs conducted on resistance-trained individuals.

PMID:39808811 | DOI:10.1519/JSC.0000000000004978

J Strength Cond Res. 2024 Dec 1;38(12):2065-2073. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004914. Epub 2024 Sep 17.

ABSTRACT

Kember, LS, Riehm, CD, Schille, A, Slaton, JA, Myer, GD, and Lloyd, RS. Residual biomechanical deficits identified with the tuck jump assessment in female athletes 9 months after ACLR surgery. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): 2065-2073, 2024-Addressing biomechanical deficits in female athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is crucial for safe return-to-play. The tuck jump assessment (TJA) is used to identify risks associated with ACL injury, yet its fundamental analyses lack the ability to explore landing forces. Kinetic asymmetries during the TJA were assessed in athletes with ACLR (n = 38) and matched healthy controls (n = 21) using discrete time-point analysis and statistical parametric mapping (p < 0.05). The ACLR group performed fewer jumping cycles with distinct kinetic differences, including longer ground contact time (g = 1.45), larger peak center of mass displacement (g = 1.29), and lower peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) (g = -2.05) and relative leg stiffness (g = -1.51). Greater interlimb kinetic asymmetries were evident in the ACLR group for VGRF (g = 0.84), relative leg stiffness (g = 0.85), average loading rate (g = 0.84), peak braking force (g = 0.85), and time of braking (g = 0.80) and propulsive peaks (g = 1.04). Moderate differences in VGRF favored the uninvolved limb of the ACLR group for the majority (2-100%) of the stance phase of TJA (d = -0.52). Distinct jump-landing strategies between ACLR athletes and healthy controls were revealed during the TJA, which may indicate compromised stretch-shortening cycle function. Findings highlight the need for targeted rehabilitation to foster greater kinetic symmetry in jump-landing performance and underscore the importance of longitudinal and progressive monitoring for optimized return-to-play outcomes in athletes after ACLR.

PMID:39808808 | DOI:10.1519/JSC.0000000000004914

J Strength Cond Res. 2024 Dec 1;38(12):2055-2064. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004924. Epub 2024 Sep 17.

ABSTRACT

Grammenou, M, Kendall, KL, Wilson, CJ, Porter, T, Laws, SM, and Haff, GG. Effect of fitness level on time course of recovery after acute strength and high-intensity interval training. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): 2055-2064, 2024-The aim was to investigate time course of recovery after acute bouts of strength (STR) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). A secondary goal was to assess the influence of total fitness score (TFS), composed of handgrip strength and maximum aerobic power on recovery. Twenty-eight resistance-trained individuals completed 8 testing sessions within a 14- to 17-day period. Subjects performed a testing battery comprising isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and a modified Wingate test (WINmod) at baseline, immediately after exercise, as well as at 6 and 24 hours after the training sessions. A one-way ANOVA was performed to examine time changes after the training sessions. Subjects were then grouped based on their TFS in high, medium, and low groups. To examine the influence of TFS on time course of recovery, we performed a linear mixed-effects model. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Both training sessions resulted in a significant reduction in peak force (PF) that persisted for up to 6 (p < 0.05) and 24 hours (p < 0.001). The STR session showed immediate and 24-hour postexercise declines in jump height and reactive strength index modified (RSImod) compared with baseline. The low TFS group exhibited a significant RSImod reduction immediately after HIIT (p < 0.001), compared with the medium TFS group (p = 0.0002). In the STR session, the high TFS group displayed an increased eccentric displacement during CMJ 24 hours after exercise compared with baseline (p = 0.033). Overall, subjects with high TFS may be able to recover CMJ performance at the same rate as other TFS groups, despite performing more work.

PMID:39808807 | DOI:10.1519/JSC.0000000000004924