Tag: pubmed

Qual Quant. 2025;59(Suppl 1):389-412. doi: 10.1007/s11135-024-01983-x. Epub 2024 Oct 8.

ABSTRACT

Digital trace data form a rich, growing source of data for social sciences and humanities. Data donation offers an innovative and ethical approach to collect these digital trace data. In data donation studies, participants request a copy of the digital trace data a data controller (e.g., large digital social media or video platforms) collected about them. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation obliges platforms to provide such a copy. Next, the participant can choose to share (part of) this data copy with the researcher. This way, the researcher can obtain the digital trace data of interest with active consent of the participant. Setting up a data donation study involves several steps and considerations. If executed poorly, these steps might threaten a study’s quality. In this paper, we introduce a workflow for setting up a robust data donation study. This workflow is based on error sources identified in the Total Error Framework for data donation by Boeschoten et al. (2022a) as well as on experiences in earlier data donation studies by the authors. The workflow is discussed in detail and linked to challenges and considerations for each step. We aim to provide a starting point with guidelines for researchers seeking to set up and conduct a data donation study.

PMID:40191694 | PMC:PMC11971172 | DOI:10.1007/s11135-024-01983-x

SSM Popul Health. 2025 Mar 12;30:101776. doi: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2025.101776. eCollection 2025 Jun.

ABSTRACT

Having a sense of meaning in life supports adolescent health but is affected by experiences of wealth or poverty. We examined its associations with relative advantage (RA) and relative deprivation (RD) in a sample of Canadian adolescents (n = 17,634) using survey data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. We calculated RA and RD using all other schoolmates as reference groups in 238 schools. Descriptively, RA was associated with greater meaning and purpose and RD was associated with less. Regression-based estimates of prevalence ratios (PR) revealed more nuanced patterns. RD was associated with less of a sense of meaning and purpose in females and gender-diverse youth only. RA was associated with a reduced risk of low meaning and purpose in females (PR 0.77; 95 % CI: 0.61 to 0.98), with similar trends in males and gender diverse students that did not achieve significance. Although the association was not pronounced at the ecological (school) level, the negative associations with RD were stronger in more unequal schools. To illustrate, in schools of high wealth inequality, RD was most strongly associated with having low meaning and purpose in females (PR 1.59; 95 % CI: 1.20 to 2.11) and gender diverse adolescents (PR 1.97, 95 % CI: 0.90 to 4.33), with no statistically significant effect in males. These patterns reveal the salience of proximal socioeconomic reference cues for adolescents and offer new insights into why inequalities in health and wellbeing are so challenging to address in youth populations. They also underscore the importance of both socioeconomic position and wealth distribution within school settings, providing impetus for thought and change.

PMID:40191600 | PMC:PMC11968296 | DOI:10.1016/j.ssmph.2025.101776

Front Neurol. 2025 Mar 21;16:1553263. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1553263. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for prognosis spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients.

METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science were used for screening literature on NLR predicting ICH prognosis from database up to January 2024. Case-control or cohort studies that provided statistical analysis data on NLR predicting ICH prognosis were included. Data were combined using odds ratio (OR) and standard mean differences (SMD) for categorical variables and continuous variables, respectively. Meta-analysis, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses were performed by Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 15.0.

RESULTS: Meta-analysis of 21 studies with a total of 7,176 patients confirmed that NLR has a significant predictive value for mortality (SMD: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.58-1.02; OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.17) and neurological function outcomes (SMD: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50-0.81; OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.17-1.41). NLR also significantly predicted the occurrence of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) (SMD: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.21-0.87). Subgroup analysis suggested that NLR had good predictive value for mortality in ICH patients aged ≥60 years, with hematoma volume > 15 mL, and NLR cut-off >7.5, and for neurological function in ICH patients, Asian patients, and those with NLR cut-off >7.5. The stability of the results was confirmed by sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION: NLR can significantly predict mortality, neurological function outcomes, and SAP occurrence in ICH patients. NLR cut-off >7.5 has good predictive value for both mortality and neurological function in ICH patients. Considering the limitations of this study, such as small sample size and potential heterogeneity, prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the findings of this article.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024544506.

PMID:40191597 | PMC:PMC11968378 | DOI:10.3389/fneur.2025.1553263

Front Neurol. 2025 Mar 21;16:1550250. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1550250. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness. of acupuncture as an adjunct therapy for improving sleep quality in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) who are experiencing fragmented sleep disorders.

METHOD: This pilot study recruited a small cohort of 11 patients diagnosed. With PD, each undergoing a structured 4-week acupuncture intervention comprising three sessions per week. Outcome measures included polysomnography (PSG) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), both of which were evaluated at baseline and following the completion of the 4-week acupuncture regimen.

RESULT: Post-intervention analysis showed trends toward improved sleep continuity with statistical significance in the sleep arousal index (p = 0.001), sleep arousal frequency (p = 0.001), and PSQI scores (p = 0.026) compared to baseline measurements. Importantly, no adverse events or complications were reported throughout the study period.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that acupuncture provides preliminary evidence supporting its use as a feasible adjunctive therapy for improving sleep quality in individuals with PD. Further research is required to evaluate the long-term efficacy of acupuncture and to examine its practicality and feasibility for integration into established PD management protocols.

PMID:40191590 | PMC:PMC11968347 | DOI:10.3389/fneur.2025.1550250

Biomater Investig Dent. 2025 Mar 31;12:43372. doi: 10.2340/biid.v12.43372. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Considering the effect of bone resorption-inhibiting drugs, such as bisphosphonates, on bone density, the present study evaluated the stability of implants coated with polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-alendronate sodium.

METHODOLOGY: Ten healthy Swiss rabbits were selected (mean weight: 3.5 kg). Two titanium implants were inserted in each rabbit’s tibia bone, one implant coated with PLGA-alendronate sodium and the other functioning as control. Torque meter equipment measured the amount of torque while inserting the implants. Insertion torque was measured during the initial insertion of the implants, and after 4 weeks, the rabbits were anesthetized again, the implants were exposed, and resistance torques were measured and recorded. Using a trephine bur, all implants and the surrounding bone structure were then removed for histological evaluation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate alendronate and PLGA biologically. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.v23 software with a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The results showed that the difference between insertion torque and final resistance torque after 4 weeks was statistically significant (p = 0.024). The mean number of osteoclasts and macrophages differed substantially between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.001). The ratio of woven bone to lamellar bone and the number of osteoblasts did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The use of PLGA-alendronate sodium coating decreased the number of osteoclasts and macrophages and increased the stability of implant anchorage.

PMID:40191582 | PMC:PMC11971944 | DOI:10.2340/biid.v12.43372

Fam Process. 2025 Jun;64(2):e70033. doi: 10.1111/famp.70033.

ABSTRACT

The present research examined parents’ perspectives of co-parenting and supportive and hostile parenting as predictors of youth resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 47 mother/father dyads who had at least one K-12 child (M_age = 11.40, SD = 3.92). Mothers and fathers each completed an online survey that measured parenting, co-parenting, and youth resilience during the pandemic. Data were analyzed using the actor-partner interdependence model. Results revealed a positive relationship between mother supportiveness and perceived youth resilience; in contrast, increased father supportiveness was associated with lower perceived youth resilience. For both mothers and fathers, increases in their own hostility were associated with decreased perceived youth resilience and more positive co-parenting predicted greater resilience. Overall, findings showed that maternal supportiveness, parent hostility, and co-parenting were significantly related to youth resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights the role of maternal supportiveness in youth resilience and the importance of including mother and father perspectives when examining the effects of parenting. Findings also have implications for family interventions and policies that facilitate youth resiliency by demonstrating the need to address both parent-child and co-parenting relationships during times of adversity.

PMID:40189733 | DOI:10.1111/famp.70033

Discov Ment Health. 2025 Apr 6;5(1):47. doi: 10.1007/s44192-025-00176-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a critical period during which there is a concerning rise in the incidence of mental health problems, including depression and body dysmorphic concerns symptoms, as well as addictive behaviors such as problematic social media use. The objective of this research is to examine the role of depression as a mediator between problematic social media use and body dysmorphic concerns.

METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design and recruited a total of 336 Lebanese adolescents, aged 15 to 18, with an average age of 15.69 ± 1.10 years and 63.4% of them being female, from all governorates of Lebanon between the months of December 2023 and January 2024. The statistical analysis was performed utilizing version 25 of the SPSS program. Two categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test, and two means were examined using the Student t test. Model 4 of the PROCESS MACRO, an add-on for SPSS, was utilized to conduct the mediation analysis.

RESULTS: After adjusting for age and sex, depression was found to partially mediate the association between problematic social media use and body dysmorphic concerns (indirect effect: Beta = .48; Boot SE = .08; Boot CI .33; .65). Higher PSMU was significantly associated with more depression and directly associated with more body dysmorphic concerns.

CONCLUSION: This study has shown, for the first time that depression may act as a mediator in the relationship between problematic social media use and Body dysmorphic disorder. Recognizing this malleable factor as a mediator might provide new understanding for psychiatric therapies conducted on persons who are likely to display signs of dysmorphia when they utilize social media in an addictive pattern.

PMID:40189726 | DOI:10.1007/s44192-025-00176-8

Discov Oncol. 2025 Apr 6;16(1):475. doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-02255-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), the predominant subtype of renal cell carcinoma, poses significant health risks. The rapid progression and resistance to targeted therapies highlight the need for new tumor markers and therapeutic targets. FADS1, part of the fatty acid desaturase family, regulates fatty acid synthesis and participates in lipid metabolism. However, its role in KIRC is not well-studied.

METHODS: The study utilized bioinformatics analysis through the TCGA database and other platforms to identify FADS1 expression levels in KIRC. Twenty pairs of KIRC clinical tissue samples were used for qPCR verification. Meanwhile, eight pairs of KIRC clinical tissue samples were used for Western blot verification. Conduct statistical evaluation, including Wilcoxon rank sum test and Kaplan-Meier analysis, to explore the correlation between FADS1 expression and clinical pathological features and immune infiltration. In addition, in vitro experiments were conducted to confirm the biological function of FADS1.

RESULTS: The findings indicated that FADS1 is highly expressed in KIRC and contributes to tumor development. FADS1’s role in lipid metabolism leads to lipid accumulation within tumor cells, which may influence the occurrence and progression of KIRC. TIMER analysis revealed a correlation between FADS1 expression and the infiltration levels of various immune cells, indicating its potential role in modulating immune characteristics.

CONCLUSION: FADS1 could serve as a prognostic biomarker associated with immunity in KIRC, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. The study underscores the importance of further research into FADS1’s role in lipid metabolism and immune infiltration to develop effective therapeutic strategies.

PMID:40189725 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-025-02255-2

Doc Ophthalmol. 2025 Apr 7. doi: 10.1007/s10633-025-10005-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: B-scan ultrasound is widely utilized for diagnosing posterior segment ocular disorders due to its non-invasive nature and ability to provide real-time imaging. This meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of B-scan ultrasound in detecting various posterior segment ocular disorders.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases including Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS, from their inception until May 2024. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool was employed to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. A bivariate meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and other diagnostic performance measures. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA 14.2, which included generating summary receiver operating characteristic curves and diagnostic odds ratios.

RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 1,617 reference-tested units. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of B-scan ultrasound for diagnosing posterior segment ocular disorders were remarkably high at 96% (95% CI 91-98%) and 94% (95% CI 87-98%), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio was 363 (95% CI 94-1406), indicating substantial diagnostic accuracy. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.99, confirming the excellent capability of B-scan ultrasound. Notable heterogeneity was observed (I² = 86%), and no significant publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSION: B-scan ultrasound demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing posterior segment ocular disorders, confirming its utility as a reliable diagnostic tool in clinical practice.

PMID:40189719 | DOI:10.1007/s10633-025-10005-6

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 6;15(1):11771. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96357-0.

ABSTRACT

Domain generalization (DG) addresses the challenge of out-of-distribution (OOD) data; however, the reliance on statistical correlations during model development often introduces shortcut learning problems. Current approaches to mitigating these issues commonly involve the integration of causal inference, formalizing DG problems through a general structural causal model. Nevertheless, ensuring the independence of features when incorporating causal models is often overlooked, leading to spurious causal relationships. In this work, we design three independent feature modules using GAN variants (GAN, WGAN, and WGAN-GP) and select the best-performing WGAN module to integrate into the existing causal model framework, constructing an independent causal relationship learning (ICRL) model. Extensive experiments on widely used datasets demonstrate that our model, with independent causal representations, outperforms the original model in both performance and efficiency, thereby validating the effectiveness of our proposed approach. The code for ICRL can be accessed at: https://github.com/22Shao/ICRL.git .

PMID:40189711 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96357-0