Tag: pubmed

BMC Surg. 2025 Dec 26. doi: 10.1186/s12893-025-03447-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Abdominal ectopic bronchogenic cysts (EBCs) are rare congenital malformations that are frequently misdiagnosed preoperatively due to their nonspecific and often asymptomatic presentation. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and optimal management of abdominal EBCs by integrating data from a sizable single-institutional case series with a comprehensive literature review.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 12 patients with pathologically confirmed abdominal bronchogenic cysts who were treated at our institution from January 2015 to January 2024. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, imaging features, surgical management, and pathological findings were collected. A comprehensive review of the pertinent literature was also performed to identify published case reports and series. Data are presented using descriptive statistics, including medians and proportions.

RESULTS: The cohort comprised 12 patients (7 male, 5 female) with a median age of 46 years. Eight patients (66.7%) were symptomatic. The most common symptom was epigastric pain, presenting in 7 patients (58.3%). Eleven cysts (91.7%) were located in the upper abdominal retroperitoneum. Eleven patients (91.7%) were misdiagnosed preoperatively. Laparoscopic complete resection was achieved in 9 patients (75%), while 3 patients (25%) underwent open surgery. The diagnosis was histologically confirmed in all cases by the identification of ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium. One patient (8.3%) experienced recurrence following initial fenestration and required reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal bronchogenic cysts present a considerable diagnostic challenge, resulting in a high preoperative misdiagnosis rate. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an abdominal cystic neoplasm. Laparoscopic complete resection represents a safe and effective therapeutic approach, yielding favorable outcomes. Complete surgical excision is paramount to prevent recurrence. Surgical intervention is, therefore, recommended to achieve both diagnostic confirmation and definitive therapy.

PMID:41454289 | DOI:10.1186/s12893-025-03447-x

BMC Infect Dis. 2025 Dec 26. doi: 10.1186/s12879-025-12324-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and other skin diseases impose a high disease burden in Ethiopia, yet access to care is poor due to limited and centralized diagnostics and treatment. Decentralizing care could improve this but may necessitate substantial changes to the healthcare system. This study aimed to assess the available resources and the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals for decentralizing the diagnosis and care of CL and common skin diseases to lower healthcare facilities.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in South Ethiopia, from May to July 2023, involving 11 health centers, four primary hospitals, and one general hospital. Infrastructure was assessed on-site. Resources, knowledge, and skills of staff members regarding the treatment of CL and other skin diseases were collected using a newly developed questionnaire, comprising 25 knowledge-based and 14 skill-based questions. Skills were assessed via lesion and pathogen images. Descriptive statistics for the different variables studied and inferential statistics based on (confidence) interval estimation were reported.

RESULTS: Most facilities had equipment for diagnosis and localized treatment. Adequate hospitalization space and necessary equipment for systemic treatment of CL were found in 3 out of 4 primary hospitals, but none of the health centers. Consumable and drug shortages were common across all facilities. The median score of BSc laboratory technologists was significantly higher than that of diploma technicians (i.e. 29 vs. 15 out of a maximum of 39, p < 0.001). Clinical staff scores varied significantly across education levels (p = 0.007), with physicians scoring the highest (median 33, IQR 31-36), followed by health officers (median 29, IQR 27-32), BSc nurses (median 28, IQR 16-36), and diploma nurses (median 25, IQR 19-29). Notably, no significant differences in median scores were observed between primary hospitals and health centers for clinical and laboratory staff.

CONCLUSIONS: Decentralizing the diagnosis and treatment of common skin diseases and localized CL treatment to health centers appears feasible with facility adjustments, continuous training, and reliable supply chains, while referring CL cases requiring systemic treatment to primary hospitals. Strong strategic efforts to maintain staff knowledge and skills and tackle supply shortages are crucial for successful decentralization.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:41454287 | DOI:10.1186/s12879-025-12324-0

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025 Dec 27. doi: 10.1186/s12891-025-09452-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius are prevalent in individuals with shoulder pain and may interfere with neuromuscular control and kinematics during shoulder movements. The purpose of this study was to compare shoulder muscle activation patterns and kinematic parameters, particularly scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR), between individuals with upper trapezius MTrPs and the healthy group during shoulder abduction.

METHODS: An observational study was conducted with participants assigned to either a trigger point group (n = 15) or a healthy group (n = 13). Surface electromyography (EMG) recorded activation of eight shoulder muscles during abduction. Kinematic analysis quantified SHR, scapular, and glenohumeral motion. Statistical comparisons were made using independent t-tests with SPSS version 17, considering a p-value of less than 0.05 as significant.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in peak EMG amplitudes, onset timing, or root mean squared activity between groups for any muscle ( p > 0.05). However, the trigger point group exhibited a significantly prolonged rise time (1.21 ± 0.51) compared with the healthy group (0.68 ± 0.39; d = 0.90, p < 0.001), as well as an increased SHR (4.84 ± 0.77) compared with the healthy group (4.23 ± 0.50; d = 0.90, p = 0.026), respectively. These findings suggest a disruption in glenohumeral-scapular coordination, potentially indicative of compensatory neuromuscular adaptations associated with the presence of trigger points. Other kinematic variables, including maximum scapular upward rotation and anterior tilt, did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSION: Upper trapezius MTrPs are associated with increased SHR and prolonged rise time during abduction, reflecting altered shoulder coordination. Combining kinematic assessments with advanced EMG timing analyses may provide more sensitive markers of subtle neuromuscular changes associated with MTrPs.

PMID:41454245 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-025-09452-8

J Clin Densitom. 2025 Dec 11;29(1):101658. doi: 10.1016/j.jocd.2025.101658. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease in the elderly. This study aimed to assess whether routine T1-weighted MR images can visually indicate the presence of osteoporosis by estimating vertebral bone marrow fat content.

METHODS: Lumbar spine MRI and DEXA scans from 320 patients (performed within a 6-month interval) were retrospectively reviewed. Two radiologists independently graded the percentage of high T1 signal within the L4 vertebral body into <50 % or ≥50 %, representing marrow fat content. Visual fat scores were compared with T-scores from DEXA scans. Inter-reader agreement was assessed using Cohen’s and Fleiss’ kappa statistics. Spearman’s correlation was used to evaluate the association between MRI grading and DEXA scores.

RESULTS: Of the 320 patients (mean age 56.8 years; 80.3 % female), 48.4 % had osteopenia or osteoporosis. Visual MRI grading yielded 141 patients with <50 % and 179 with ≥50 % marrow fat. A weak but statistically significant correlation was observed between MRI visual fat scores and DEXA T-scores (ρ = 0.139, p = 0.013). Inter-reader agreement was moderate (Cohen’s kappa = 0.509, 95 % CI: 0.415 to 0.603).

CONCLUSION: Routine T1-weighted lumbar spine MRI may serve as an opportunistic screening tool for osteoporosis. Visual estimation of vertebral marrow fat content shows potential to identify patients who may benefit from further DEXA evaluation.

PMID:41453250 | DOI:10.1016/j.jocd.2025.101658

Aquat Toxicol. 2025 Dec 21;291:107690. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107690. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aluminum (Al) is a widespread aquatic neurotoxic pollutant, yet its brain accumulation is seldom quantified in fish neurotoxicity studies. Here, we investigated the neurobehavioral and molecular consequences of acute waterborne Al exposure in adult zebrafish (n = 227). Fish were exposed for 96 h to 50 mg/L AlCl₃ at pH 5.0 and then transferred to clean water for a 7-day depuration period. Despite the absence of statistically significant Al accumulation in either brain or carcass, exposed animals exhibited consistent neurobehavioral impairments, including reduced non-associative learning (short-term habituation of the acoustic startle response), anxiety- and depression-like phenotypes (positive geotaxis and negative scototaxis), and increased aggressive-like behavior. All behavioral alterations were fully reversed after depuration, indicating a transient effect. Brain oxidative stress markers (catalase, superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation), neurotransmitter levels, and acetylcholinesterase activity remained largely unchanged, arguing against a direct, generalized disruption of brain biochemistry. In contrast, brain expression of appa, gfap, and cat was significantly upregulated immediately after exposure and returned to control levels after depuration, suggesting an early but reversible stress and glial response. Overall, these findings show that short-term acidic Al exposure can induce reversible cognitive and affective disturbances in zebrafish in the absence of detectable brain accumulation, highlighting the importance of transient molecular stress pathways in acute aluminum neurotoxicity.

PMID:41453237 | DOI:10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107690

Public Health Nutr. 2025 Dec 26:1-25. doi: 10.1017/S1368980025101729. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a validated anthropometric measure describing body shape independently of BMI and height. This study aimed to evaluate the association between ABSI and dietary quality and eating behaviors in a Mediterranean clinical population.

DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional study analyzing associations between ABSI and diet/behavior using Pearson correlations and multivariable linear regressions adjusted for age, sex, and BMI.

SETTING: The study took place at a Mediterranean diet-based nutrition clinic in Rome, Italy.

PARTICIPANTS: The sample included 1,640 adult patients attending follow-up visits at the clinic. ABSI z-scores were calculated and standardized by age and sex. Weekly food intake was assessed using 7-day food diaries, and behavioral preferences were collected via structured questionnaires.

RESULTS: The Pearson correlation between BMI and internal zABSI was weak but statistically significant (r = 0.113, p < 0.0001), confirming that ABSI captures body shape independently from BMI. As expected, ABSI strongly correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Playing a sport was inversely associated with zABSI (β = -0.365, p < 0.001). Nighttime eating (β = 0.237, p = 0.001), snacking between meals (β = 0.133, p = 0.014), and preference for sweet over salty foods (β = 0.025, p = 0.010) were positively associated with higher ABSI values.

CONCLUSIONS: In this Mediterranean clinical sample, ABSI identified behavioral and dietary correlates of body shape-related risk. Promoting physical activity and addressing nighttime eating may help improve anthropometric profiles linked to abdominal fat distribution.

PMID:41451686 | DOI:10.1017/S1368980025101729

Popul Health Metr. 2025 Dec 24. doi: 10.1186/s12963-025-00437-2. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41444900 | DOI:10.1186/s12963-025-00437-2

BMC Nurs. 2025 Dec 24;24(1):1493. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-04109-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: ICU nurses in China experience substantial psychological stress due to understaffing, employment instability, and emotionally intensive care. While organizational factors have been studied, the role of intrinsic Nursing Occupational Values (NOV) in shaping Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) is underexplored. This study examined associations between NOV and ProQOL among ICU nurses and tested potential mediating mechanisms.

METHODS: We conducted a multi-site cross-sectional study in 12 hospitals in Henan Province (January-March 2022). A convenience sample of ICU nurses (n = 356) completed the Chinese Nurses’ Professional Values Scale (7 domains) and the Chinese ProQOL Scale (Compassion Satisfaction, Job Burnout, Secondary Trauma). Analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression adjusting for significant covariates (education, employment type, hospital level), and mediation models using bootstrapping (5,000 resamples; α = 0.05).

RESULTS: NOV differed by education, professional title, employment type, income, hospital level, and marital status (all p < 0.05). Compassion Satisfaction was positively predicted by Leadership Attitude and Reward (β = 0.137, p = 0.037), Job Security (β = 0.086, p = 0.028), and Colleague Relationship (β = 0.284, p = 0.019). Job Burnout decreased with Intention of Career Choice (β = -0.164, p = 0.020) and Colleague Relationship (β = -0.308, p = 0.011) but increased with Nurse-Patient Relationship (β = 0.183, p = 0.040). Secondary Trauma increased with Nurse-Patient Relationship (β = 0.204, p = 0.044). Mediation analysis indicated that Job Security significantly mediated the effect of Leadership Attitude and Reward on Compassion Satisfaction (95% CI [0.01, 0.27]).

CONCLUSIONS: Intrinsic professional values, especially Job Security, are associated with higher Compassion Satisfaction and lower Job Burnout among ICU nurses. Interventions that strengthen leadership support and employment stability may enhance nurse well-being and care quality in resource-constrained critical care settings.

PMID:41444890 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-025-04109-2

J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2025 Dec 24;21(1):87. doi: 10.1186/s13002-025-00834-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND : Cyperus esculentus a perennial sedge, has been cultivated since ancient times for its nutritious and versatile tubers, which are used in cooking, traditional medicine, and various industries. Despite its potential, the crop remains underutilized in Togo and is grown in limited areas. Moreover, there is a lack of information on its genetic diversity, cropping systems, uses, and the impact of climate change on its productivity; factors essential for effective breeding and sustainable cultivation. This study aimed to document and compare existing knowledge on the uses and production systems of tiger nuts, as well as tiger nut producers’ perceptions of climate change and its impact on tiger nut cultivation in two regions of Togo with contrasting climatic conditions.

METHODS: A total of 206 tiger nut producers from six ethnic groups were selected across 26 villages located in the Savanes region (Sudanian climate) and the Plateaux region (Guinean climate) were selected following the snowball method during a survey conducted from July to September 2023. Data on tiger nut uses, diversity, production systems, and producers’ perceptions of climate change and its impact on the species’ productivity were collected using participatory rural appraisal methods. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s Exact Test to examine the relationship between region and sociodemographic factors, and multinomial logistic regression to identify which sociodemographic characteristics influence tiger nut growers’ perceptions of climate change and their views on its impact on production.

RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in the gender distribution of tiger nut producers between the two regions. In the Savanes region, most producers were male (75%), whereas in the Plateaux region, most were female (84%). The area dedicated to tiger nut production also varied significantly between the regions. In the Savanes region, no more than 0.25 ha was allocated to the crop, whereas in the Plateaux region, 58% of producers dedicated more than 0.25 ha of their land to tiger nut cultivation. Seven distinct uses were identified: tuber consumption, commercialization, medicinal applications, soil fertilization, traditional beverage preparation, weed control, and livestock feeding. The last three were reported exclusively in the Savanes region. Eight major constraints were identified across the two regions. The most critical in the Plateaux region was harvesting difficulties, while in the Savanes region it was pest attacks. Regarding climate change, chi-square tests showed a significant association between climatic zones and farmers’ perceptions, as well as between regions and the reported effects of climate change on tiger nut cultivation (P < 0.001). Perceived climate change indicators included irregular rainfall, delayed onset of rains, drought spells, and early rainfall. Reported effects on the crop included reduced yields, abnormal growth patterns, premature yellowing of leaves, seedling desiccation, and small tubers.

CONCLUSION: The ethno-ecological knowledge captured in this study provides a foundational resource for the sustainable management and conservation of tiger nut, and for the development of effective breeding strategies in Togo.

PMID:41444888 | DOI:10.1186/s13002-025-00834-9

BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2025 Dec 24. doi: 10.1186/s12911-025-03326-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Synthetic data generation (SDG) has emerged as a critical enabler for data-driven healthcare research, offering privacy-preserving alternatives to real patient data. Temporal health data – ranging from physiological signals to electronic health records (EHRs) – pose unique challenges for SDG due to their complexity, irregularity, and clinical sensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: This review systematically examines SDG methods for longitudinal and time-series health data. Its aims are to (1) propose a lightweight taxonomy to support orientation across the SDG landscape along five structural dimensions, (2) characterize the major synthesis techniques and their alignment with temporal structures and data modalities, and (3) synthesize the utility and privacy evaluation strategies used in practice.

METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across four major databases (ACM, arXiv, IEEE Xplore, Europe PMC) for publications from 2017 to 2025. Eligible studies proposed or applied SDG techniques to healthcare-relevant temporal data with sufficient methodological transparency. Structured data extraction and thematic analysis were used to identify modeling trends, evaluation metrics, and domain-specific requirements, complemented by a comparative synthesis of SDG methods.

RESULTS: A total of 115 studies were included. Deep generative models – especially Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Autoencoders (AEs), and diffusion-based methods – dominate the field, with increasing adoption of autoregressive and hybrid simulation approaches. Event-based EHR data are most commonly targeted, while continuous and irregular time series remain underexplored. Utility evaluations vary widely, with strong emphasis on descriptive statistics and predictive performance, but limited attention to inferential validity and clinical realism. Privacy assessments are sparse and inconsistently reported: only 30% of studies included any metric, and just around 6% implemented differential privacy (DP), often without parameter disclosure. This limited adoption may reflect technical challenges, limited expertise, and the absence of regulatory incentives.

CONCLUSIONS: Synthetic temporal data play an increasingly vital role across clinical prediction, public health modeling, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. However, SDG research remains fragmented in terminology, evaluation practices, and privacy safeguards. Responsible-AI considerations – such as fairness, transparency, and trust – along with evidence on clinical adoption remain underexplored but are critical for future integration. This review provides a unified conceptual and methodological framework to guide future research, standardization efforts, and interdisciplinary collaboration for responsible, effective use of synthetic health data.

PMID:41444887 | DOI:10.1186/s12911-025-03326-8