Tag: pubmed

Mov Ecol. 2025 Apr 17;13(1):27. doi: 10.1186/s40462-025-00549-2.

ABSTRACT

Understanding species-habitat associations is fundamental to ecological sciences and for species conservation. Consequently, various statistical approaches have been designed to infer species-habitat associations. Due to their conceptual and mathematical differences, these methods can yield contrasting results. In this paper, we describe and compare commonly used statistical models that relate animal movement data to environmental data. Specifically, we examined selection functions which include resource selection function (RSF) and step-selection function (SSF), as well as hidden Markov models (HMMs) and related methods such as state-space models. We demonstrate differences in assumptions while highlighting advantages and limitations of each method. Additionally, we provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate statistical method based on the scale of the data and intended inference. To illustrate the varying ecological insights derived from each statistical model, we apply them to the movement track of a single ringed seal (Pusa hispida) in a case study. Through our case study, we demonstrate that each model yields varying ecological insights. For example, while the selection coefficient values from RSFs appear to show a stronger positive relationship with prey diversity than those of the SSFs, when we accounted for the autocorrelation in the data none of these relationships with prey diversity were statistically significant. Furthermore, the HMM reveals variable associations with prey diversity across different behaviors, for example, a positive relationship between prey diversity and a slow-movement behaviour. Notably, the three models identified different “important” areas. This case study highlights the critical significance of selecting the appropriate model as an essential step in the process of identifying species-habitat relationships and specific areas of importance. Our comprehensive review provides the foundational information required for making informed decisions when choosing the most suitable statistical methods to address specific questions, such as identifying expansive corridors or protected zones, understanding movement patterns, or studying behaviours. In addition, this study informs researchers with the necessary tools to apply these methods effectively.

PMID:40247418 | DOI:10.1186/s40462-025-00549-2

Ital J Pediatr. 2025 Apr 17;51(1):126. doi: 10.1186/s13052-025-01965-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) on cardiac function in children and compare the effectiveness of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) with conventional echocardiography in the early detection of biventricular cardiac dysfunction in children with CAP.

METHODS: The study included 50 hospitalized children diagnosed with CAP and 50 matched healthy controls. All patients underwent cardiac evaluation including conventional echocardiography, TDI, and 2D-STE.

RESULTS: Fifty children with CAP with a mean age of 5.02 ± 2.46 years participated in the study. Thirty-two were male (64.0%). LV systolic function (S) and RV diastolic function (E’/A’) were significantly lower in the diseased group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The myocardial performance index (MPI) of both ventricles was significantly higher in the diseased group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In patients with CAP, the mean value of two-dimensional longitudinal strain (2D LS) was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences in echocardiographic parameters were observed when comparing complicated and non-complicated CAP subgroups.

CONCLUSION: TDI and 2D-STE demonstrated the ability to detect early biventricular dysfunction in pediatric patients diagnosed with CAP.

PMID:40247416 | DOI:10.1186/s13052-025-01965-1

Mov Ecol. 2025 Apr 17;13(1):28. doi: 10.1186/s40462-025-00557-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Current research on livestock movement ecology focuses on quantifying the factors that trigger alterations in movement behavior and understanding hidden mechanisms. Modern tracking technologies and robust statistical analysis models deliver new opportunities for investigating how individual animals cope with the joint effect of biotic and abiotic factors at different time scales.

METHODS: We applied multivariate Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) to characterize the fine-scale movement behavior (30-second intervals) of GPS-tracked domestic Zhongwei goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) for 124 days and analyzed the combined influence of biotic and abiotic factors and specific time of day on their seasonal movement behavioral transition in a predator-free, semi-arid mountain grassland in China.

RESULTS: We classified the behaviors of goats into two states: foraging (low step length, varied turning angle) and travelling (long step lengths, small turning angles). The terrain slopes had the most impact on their movement behavioral transition in the full year, spring, autumn, and winter. However, in the summer with hotter temperatures, the specific time of day explains their movement behavior most. Forage resources indicated by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and terrain ruggedness measured by the Vector Ruggedness Measure (VRM), had less impact on their behavior transitions compared to terrain slope and specific time of day. Elevation and solar radiation could not explain their movement behavior in different seasons, nor could NDVI in winter or VRM in spring and autumn. Across different seasons, the probability of foraging behavior increased with the later times of day, steeper terrain slopes, and higher NDVI, while it decreased with increasing VRM. The impact of NDVI on the probability of foraging behavior was largest during the early onset of vegetation growth in spring, and lowest in winter coinciding with a lower availability of food resources. The movement speed was lower, and the daily foraging percentage was higher in spring and winter due to lower food resources and shorter daylight hours. In contrast, movement speed was higher, and the daily foraging percentage was lower in summer and autumn with more food resources and longer daylight hours. The percentage of time allocated to foraging increases hourly from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm across various seasons.

CONCLUSIONS: HMMs were found to be useful for disentangling the movement behavior of goats. Our approach provides new insights into the seasonal and daily behavioral strategies of goats. Results demonstrate that in the mountain region, terrain slopes and specific times of the day more effectively trigger domestic goat behavioral transition from one state to the next compared with biotic factors, represented herein by NDVI, across different seasons. The early onset of vegetation growth and a shorter period of available high-quality forage in spring, significantly influenced goat behavioral transitions. Overall, these results are important for designing appropriate grazing management strategies that satisfy the ecological and socioeconomic demands of semi-arid grassland ecosystems.

PMID:40247393 | DOI:10.1186/s40462-025-00557-2

Ital J Pediatr. 2025 Apr 17;51(1):121. doi: 10.1186/s13052-025-01956-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes chronic infection in more than half of the population worldwide. Accumulating body of evidence indicates the possible role of H. Pylori infection in extra-intestinal health problems, including epilepsy. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of treating H. pylori infection on seizure frequency among children with drug-resistant idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE).

METHODS: A parallel, two-arm, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 126 children with drug-resistant IGE and positive H. pylori stool antigen test who were randomly assigned to study and comparison groups in 1.2:1 ratio. Only the study group received H. pylori eradication therapy (esomeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin) for two weeks. The primary outcome was seizure improvement (≥ 50% seizure frequency reduction compared with baseline) after 2.5 months. Secondary outcomes were occurrence of status epilepticus, escalation of antiseizure medication (ASMs), and adverse effects. Outcomes between the two groups were compared using Chi-square/Fisher exact tests on an intention-to-treat principle. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate possible effects of baseline variables on primary outcome.

RESULTS: Seizure improvement occurred in 23 (33%) children in the study group compared with seven (12%) children in the comparison group (Risk ratio [RR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-5.9; p 0.006). The study group had lower occurrence of status epilepticus (2.9% vs. 14%; RR 0.21, 95%CI: 0.05-0.93; p 0.042) and lesser need for ASMs escalation (4.4% vs. 19.3%; RR 0.23, 95%CI: 0.07-0.77; p 0.010). Adverse effects were more frequent among subjects in the study group, including nausea (15.9% vs. 10.5%) vomiting (8.7% vs. 3.5%), diarrhea (11.6% vs. 5.3%), and skin rash (4.4% vs. 1.8%), but the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). None of baseline participants’ variables was significantly associated with the primary outcome.

CONCLUSION: Treating H. pylori infection may improve seizure control in children with drug-resistant IGE, but further studies are warranted to confirm our findings and explore mechanisms behind seizure improvement following H. pylori eradication therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on www.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov (identifier: NCT05297695) on 17 March 2022. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05297695 .

PMID:40247384 | DOI:10.1186/s13052-025-01956-2

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Apr 17;30(1):305. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-02563-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: While previous studies have indicated comparable outcomes for redo surgical valve replacement (SVR) and primary SVR, there is limited information regarding the long-term follow-up of these patients. Providing prognostic data on redo SVR is crucial for enhancing decision-making and medical care, as well as for identifying low-risk subsets of patients eligible for redo SVR. This study aimed to evaluate the short- and mid-term outcomes of patients who underwent their first and second redo SVR of a previously replaced valve.

METHODS: We included 118 consecutive patients with a history of first or second redo SVR. The participants had a mean age of 57.5 ± 14.4 years, with 71 (60%) being female. The median follow-up period was 69 months. Clinical, intraoperative, and laboratory data were analyzed to assess all-cause mortality, major adverse events (MAE), and a composite of prosthetic valve thrombosis, embolic events, and major hemorrhage (TEH), along with their predictors. Bayesian model averaging was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The 30-day mortality rate was 11 patients (9.3%). Chronic kidney disease was identified as an independent predictor of 30-day mortality. The overall survival rates at one and five years were 86% (95% CI 80% to 93%) and 76% (95% CI 68% to 85%), respectively. Dyslipidemia, a history of major bleeding, chronic kidney disease, stroke, and transvalvular leakage in biological prostheses were all associated with all-cause mortality as independent predictors. The TEH-free survival rates at one and five years were 91% (95% CI 86% to 97%) and 79% (95% CI 71% to 88%), respectively. Diabetes, sex, a history of percutaneous coronary intervention, and baseline functional capacity were identified as independent predictors for the occurrence of TEH. The MAE-free survival rates at one and five years were 82% (95% CI 73% to 92%) and 61% (95% CI 49% to 75%), respectively. Hypertension and baseline functional class were independent predictors of MAE occurrence. The type and anatomical position of the valve were not predictors of mortality, THE, and MAE.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated acceptable short- and mid-term outcomes for redo SVR, especially in patients without significant risk factors. Several potential predictors of adverse outcomes were identified.

PMID:40247382 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-02563-x

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Apr 17;20(1):385. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-05769-1.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional outcomes of arthroscopic onlay dynamic anterior stabilization (DAS) using the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon for treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability (AGI) with limited to subcritical glenoid bone loss (GBL).

METHODS: Twenty-five patients underwent arthroscopic DAS using LHB tendon between March 2022 and October 2022 for treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability (AGI) with limited to subcritical glenoid bone loss (GBL) were included in a prospective study with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. The shoulder functional outcomes were assessed using the Rowe and the Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH) scores both preoperative and at 2 years follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done 6 months after surgery to evaluate LHB tendon healing to the anterior glenoid.

RESULTS: The study included 25 patients complaining of recurrent AGI. Twenty-one patients were males and four patients were females. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 22.75 ± 3.24 years. The mean duration between the first shoulder dislocation episode and surgery was 5.5 ± 2.13 months. The right shoulder was injured in 15 patients while the left shoulder was involved in 10 patients. The mean follow-up period was 24.25 ± 0.82 months. DAS using the long head of the biceps tendon resulted in a statistically significant improvement of the mean Rowe and the Quick DASH scores between preoperative and 2 years postoperative. Recurrent dislocation was reported in two (8%) patients during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic onlay dynamic anterior stabilization using the long head of the biceps tendon is a safe and effective method for the treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder instability with GBL up to 25%.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series study.

PMID:40247377 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-05769-1

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Apr 17;25(1):562. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-12732-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are common and can negatively affect the physical, mental, emotional, and developmental health of a child acutely and for a lifetime. Trauma-informed care (TIC) in the pediatric medical home helps counteract these effects by fostering supportive relationships and building skills that promote resilience. As key figures in the medical home, pediatric clinicians must understand adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and TIC principles to effectively recognize, assess and intervene early in cases of childhood adversity, which ultimately promotes long-term health and well-being.

METHODS: Pediatric clinicians who attended a virtual symposium were surveyed before and after eight one-hour educational sessions on TIC topics. To assess their knowledge of fundamental TIC principles, they were asked about their familiarity with the ACE study, the affiliative response, and the strength-based approach in pediatrics. Participants rated each sessions’ value using a 4-point Likert scale. In the post survey, they also shared how they would apply the knowledge gained clinically and suggestions to improve future education.

RESULTS: Seventy-five out of the 82 participants (91%) who were pediatric clinicians completed a pre survey and of those pediatric clinicians who completed the pre survey, 47 (63%) also completed the post-education survey. Prior to the educational sessions, 81% of participants were familiar with the ACE Study but only 37.1% were familiar with the affiliate response and only 50.6% with strength-based care approaches to pediatrics. Of those who completed the post survey, 95.7% rated the education as “Useful” or “Very useful.” Statistically significant improvements were detected in scores relating to each of the three fundamental TIC principles: associations between childhood stressors and later life health and well-being (p = < 0.0001), familiarity with the affiliate response (p = < 0.0001), and familiarity with the concept of a strength-based approach to pediatrics (p = < 0.005). After the training sessions, a majority, 34/47 (72%), of participants stated they would apply concepts from the training in clinical care.

CONCLUSIONS: This study was able to demonstrate existing gaps in pediatric clinicians’ knowledge of TIC, the usefulness of pediatric TIC education, and practical steps in providing TIC education for pediatric clinicians and healthcare providers.

PMID:40247357 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-025-12732-7

BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Apr 17;25(1):566. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-12644-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals often face substantial work-related burdens. A large body of evidence has shown that poor working conditions can lead to low levels of job satisfaction, increased emotional stress and burnout. While symptom targeted interventions take effect after symptoms become manifest, preventive interventions are required to reduce the risk of work-related diseases. Therefore, the UPGRADE-trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Creative Strengthening Groups as a potential intervention to enhance job satisfaction and work-related health. The German Innovation Fund (Innovationsfonds) funded the project.

METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial and randomly assigned healthcare professionals to either the intervention or the control group. The intervention – Creative Strengthening Groups – consisted of two one-day classes. We evaluated the primary outcome job satisfaction and further work-related outcomes using standardized questionnaires. We collected data at baseline as well as after three and six months. The study was conducted between October 2019 to March 2023, including the pandemic period.

RESULTS: We enrolled 196 participants (intervention n = 88, control n = 108) with a mean age of 46.2 ± 12.1 years (84.5% female). 43.7% were nursing professionals. Job satisfaction in the intervention group increased from 55.47 ± 10.23 to 57.07 ± 11.65 after three months and decreased in the control group from 56.29 ± 19.69 to 53.47 ± 20.09. The difference between groups did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, change in patient-related stress significantly differed between groups (intervention: -3.9 ± 12.16 vs. control: 5.17 ± 17.43; p =.027) as well as personal burnout (intervention: -5.25 ± 13.1 vs. control: 4.35 ± 16.24; p =.011). Within the intervention group, we observed a greater improvement concerning work-related burnout in nursing staff in geriatric care than in hospitals (-15.27 ± 13.5 vs. +3.28 ± 13.7; p =.003).

CONCLUSION: Though the Covid-19 pandemic worsened working conditions for healthcare professionals, our results indicate that intervention has the potential to enhance job satisfaction and work related health. Notably, due to the overall workload and the pandemic restrictions, a high number of participants did not continually participate in both classes of the intervention and some did not return all questionnaires. As long as healthcare professionals in Germany are facing exceedingly bad working conditions, it is very difficult to support their resources such as self-efficacy, self-esteem, and optimism by health promotion interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial has been registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; ID: DRKS00020908). Date of Registration: 2020-03-16.

PMID:40247351 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-025-12644-6

BMC Psychol. 2025 Apr 17;13(1):395. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-02691-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aging has become a global trend, and depression, as an accompanying issue, poses a significant threat to the health of middle-aged and older adults. Existing studies primarily rely on statistical methods such as logistic regression for small-scale data analysis, while research on the application of machine learning in large-scale data remains limited. Therefore, this study employs machine learning methods to explore the risk factors for depression among middle-aged and older adults in China.

METHODS: Using a two-step hybrid model combining long short-term memory (LSTM) and machine learning (ML), we compared 20 depression risk/protective factors in a balanced panel dataset of middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults (N = 3706; aged 45-94; 64.65% female; 41.20% middle-aged) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Data were collected across five waves (2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020). The LSTM model predicted risk factors for the fifth wave via data from the preceding four waves. Five ML models were then used to classify depression (yes/no) based on these factors, which included demographic, lifestyle, health, and socioeconomic variables.

RESULTS: The LSTM model effectively predicted depression-related variables (mean square error = 0.067). The average AUC of the five ML models ranged from 0.78 to 0.82. The key predictive factors were disability, life satisfaction, activities of daily living (ADL) impairment, chronic diseases, and self-reported memory. For the middle-aged group, the top three factors were disability, life satisfaction, and chronic diseases; for the Older people group, they were life satisfaction, chronic diseases, and ADL impairment.

CONCLUSION: The two-step hybrid model (“LSTM + ML”) effectively predicted depression over 2 years via demographic and health data, aiding early diagnosis and intervention.

PMID:40247342 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-025-02691-3

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Apr 17;20(1):384. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-05682-7.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent chronic joint disease. Due to the risks of opioid use and limited pharmacological effectiveness, mind-body exercise (MBE) therapy and other non-pharmacological interventions have emerged as first-line treatments for this condition. However, the optimal MBE modes for KOA remain undetermined. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to compare the efficacy of different MBE modes, including Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong, in managing KOA.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database from inception to 25 April 2024. Randomized clinical trials comparing MBE interventions for pain, physical function and quality of life (QoL) in KOA patients were eligible. The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool 2.0 and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development & Evaluation (GRADE) approach were used to assess literature quality and evidence certainty for each outcome.

RESULT: A total of 38 studies (N = 2561) were included, with 38 for pain, 36 for physical function, and 12 for QoL in the NMA. With moderate-certainty, both Pilates and TC showed significant improvements in pain reduction [Pilates: standardized mean difference (SMD) = – 1.19, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): – 1.92 to – 0.46; TC: SMD = – 0.78, 95% CI – 0.97 to – 0.59] and physical function (Pilates: SMD = – 1.37, 95% CI – 2.13 to – 0.50; TC: SMD = – 0.85, 95% CI – 1.08 to – 0.63) compared to the usual care group, while TC [SMD = – 0.57, 95% CI = (- 1.07 to – 0.06)] showed statistically significant efficacy in improving QoL compared to the usual care group.

CONCLUSION: There is moderate-certainty evidence that Pilates and Tai Chi may be the most effective mind-body exercises for improving pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis, while Tai Chi may be the best for improving quality of life. These findings may help clinicians guide their prescription of exercise types with respect to treatment outcomes. The limited number of large sample studies and the few studies with low bias risk are limitations. Trial registration The protocol for NMA has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024531878).

PMID:40247321 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-05682-7