Tag: pubmed

J Pediatr Nurs. 2025 May 6;83:146-153. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2025.04.034. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To examine the relationship between caregiving burden and parenting stress in caregivers of children with esophageal atresia and to identify factors associated with caregiving burden. Additionally, it explores whether self-efficacy mediates this correlation.

DESIGN: An analytical cross-sectional study.

METHODS: Data were collected from 139 caregivers using the Zarit Caregiving Burden Scale (ZCB), Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSE), and Parental Stress Scale (PS) between June and October 2023. Statistical analyses included structural equation modeling and logistic regression using IBM SPSS 28.0, SPSS Amos, and Jamovi software.

RESULTS: Among the participants, 68.3 % experienced a moderate-to-high caregiving burden. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between ZCB and CSE scores, while a moderate positive correlation was observed between ZCB and PS scores. Parenting stress was associated with caregiving burden; however, self-efficacy did not mediate this relationship.

CONCLUSION: Caregivers, particularly mothers with high parental stress, a history of miscarriage, and a gestational age above 30 weeks, should be prioritized for interventions addressing caregiving burden.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION: Assessing caregiving burden and stress in outpatient clinics is critical for effective home care management. Standardized discharge education and psychosocial support should be provided to caregivers to alleviate their burden.

IMPACT: This study fills a research gap regarding caregivers of children with esophageal atresia and provides guidance for healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, and policymakers. Promoting community-based and personal care support services is essential for reducing caregiving burden and parental stress.

REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to the STARD guidelines.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public involvement.

PMID:40334567 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2025.04.034

J Clin Anesth. 2025 May 6;104:111861. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2025.111861. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) analgesia among children undergoing surgery remains unsettled. We aimed to perform an updated systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis to determine whether ESPB is effective for pediatric patients undergoing major surgeries.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing systemic analgesia with vs. without ESPB in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. We computed mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratio (RR) for binary outcomes, with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics. Statistical analyses were performed using R Software, version 4.2.3.

RESULTS: We included 10 RCTs, comprising 570 participants, of whom 287 (50,4 %) underwent ESPB. Compared with systemic analgesia alone, ESPB was associated with a lower intraoperative (MD -1.03 μg/kg; 95 % CI -1.73 to -0.33; p < 0.01) and postoperative (MD -0.08 mg/kg; 95 % CI -0.12 to -0.03; p < 0.01) opioid consumption; a longer time to first analgesic requirement (MD 138.76 min; 95 % CI 84.20 to 193.32; p < 0.01); and lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (RR 0.42; 95 % CI 0.23 to 0.77; p < 0.01). There were no differences between groups for postoperative pain at 6 h (SMD -0.61; 95 % CI -1.16 to -0.07; p = 0.03), and 12 h (SMD -0.13; 95 % CI -0.36 to 0.11; p = 0.28); however, postoperative pain at 24 h was lower with ESPB (SMD -0.59; 95 % CI -0.97 to -0.21; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: In children undergoing surgery, ESPB was associated with lower intra and postoperative opioid consumption, higher time to first analgesic requirement, and lower PONV, but these differences may be of modest clinical significance.

PMID:40334564 | DOI:10.1016/j.jclinane.2025.111861

Mar Pollut Bull. 2025 May 6;217:118065. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118065. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Himalayan rivers were observed to be more vulnerable having irregular water flows, flooding, and contamination due to various stresses, including climate change, urbanization, and industrial development. This study investigated the occurrence, sources, ecological, and health-based ramifications for heavy metal(loid)s (HM), i.e., As, Cu, Zn, Co, Pb, Sb, Cr, Cd, Mn, and Ni in the Astore river basin (ARB), Himalayas, Pakistan. Results of HM contamination index (HCI) estimations suggested that 2.43 %, 12.2 %, and 24.4 % of water samples from the Astore and Rupal valleys may pose strong, moderate, and low toxicity risks, respectively. Pb, Cu, and Cd contribute more to the aquatic toxicity than any other HM included in the ecological risk index (ERI) estimations. Children are the most vulnerable age group to health ailments caused by HM. Statistical analyses revealed that geogenic sources mainly contribute to HM, except for Ni and Cr, which are mainly derived from anthropic sources in ARB.

PMID:40334560 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118065

J Environ Radioact. 2025 May 6;287:107704. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107704. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A harmonized, publicly accessible database of worldwide observations and experiments on radiocaesium transfer from soil to plants is lacking. Such a database is needed for evaluating and establishing transfer models, especially for regions with limited research but operational or planned nuclear reactors. Therefore, we systematically screened the literature for radiocaesium soil-to-plant transfer factors (CR, i.e., concentration ratios), extracted data that met the criteria for experimental soundness, relevance, and traceability, and compiled a harmonized database. The database included 7,182 CR data points and associated variables from 139 source documents. The CRs ranged from 0.000028 to 380 kg kg^-1, with the highest CR observed with soils from tropical climates and the lowest with soils from temperate climates. However, data from tropical (N = 411) and arid climates (N = 335) remained limited. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that CRs were most influenced by the specific study (methods and designs) in which the data were obtained, followed by soil properties and plant species-based categories. On a subset (N = 199) that contained all variables required for semi-mechanistic models, it was found that these models fitted the CR data rather well (R² = 0.42-0.50). Slightly better predictions with the same data were found with a random forest model (R² = 0.51) or a statistical mixed-effects model (R² = 0.58). More adequate machine learning models could not yet be created due to insufficient reliable data. The harmonized database in this study can be further completed and analyzed to support machine learning applications and improve impact assessments of food chain contamination following accidental radiocaesium deposition on agricultural land.

PMID:40334553 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107704

Nurse Educ Pract. 2025 May 5;85:104389. doi: 10.1016/j.nepr.2025.104389. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of the study was to explore midwifery students’ experiences with simulation as pedagogic method when learning management of postpartum haemorrhage patients.

BACKGROUND: Malawi is just starting to implement simulation-based education, even though it is recommended in midwifery education to enhance patient safety. Therefore, to ensure successful incorporation of simulation-based education into midwifery training programs, it is crucial to understand students’ experiences with the pedagogic method.

DESIGN: The study applied a descriptive-mixed-convergent design.

METHOD: One-hundred and seven midwifery students participated in the study. Data were collected through questionnaires and three focus group discussions. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis respectively.

RESULTS: Quantitatively, students graded all the questions related to the simulation design elements, educational practices and students’ satisfaction and self-confidence in learning with mean scores above four on a 5-point Likert Scale. One theme and two sub-themes emerged from qualitative data analysis. Main theme: simulation mirrors demanded competence for professional practice; sub-themes: (1) a realistic and active learning method; and (2) a conducive environment for students’ learning.

CONCLUSION: Midwifery students experienced simulation as a valued pedagogical approach to teaching and learning that mirrored postpartum management clinical skills necessary for them to practice as professionals in the resource-limited setting. More research is necessary to explore feasibility for simulation-based education in Malawi and whether students can apply the knowledge and skills acquired during simulation into clinical practice particularly within constrained environment.

PMID:40334551 | DOI:10.1016/j.nepr.2025.104389

Theriogenology. 2025 May 3;243:117417. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117417. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Oxidative stress during oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is still concerned. Lipoamide (LAM) has been widely studied as an agent for alleviating various diseases associated with oxidative disruption. This work aimed to evaluate the potential effects of LAM on bovine oocyte IVM and its mechanisms. Different concentrations of LAM (0, 10, 50, 100, and 200 μmol/L) were supplemented to bovine oocyte IVM medium. The IVF derived zygote cleavage and blastocyst formation rate in the 100 μmol/L LAM treatment group was increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05).There was no statistical difference in PBI between 100 μmol/L LAM treatment and the control group, although the treatment tended to increase it (P = 0.059). Further revealed that LAM increased the expression of PI3K and phosphorylated-AKT1 (pAKT1), improved mitochondrial profile, and reduced apoptosis in bovine oocytes. Meanwhile, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as the 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG, DNA damage-specific marker) displayed lower levels accumulation in LAM-exposed oocytes. Taken together, the results show that administration of LAM (100 μmol/L) during IVM can ameliorate the developmental competence of bovine oocyte through the potential regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA damage, and PI3K/AKT signaling.

PMID:40334541 | DOI:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117417

Curr Pharm Teach Learn. 2025 May 6;17(7):102325. doi: 10.1016/j.cptl.2025.102325. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Ensuring the safety and accuracy of compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) is a crucial part of a pharmacist’s role. The purpose of this study was to determine if intravenous (IV) admixture lab course activities improved students’ confidence and comfort levels in compounding sterile preparations across campuses and terms.

METHODS: This study examined pre- and post-survey results collected from third-year pharmacy students (P3s) who enrolled in the 2022 Basic IV Admixtures Lab course, delivered on two campuses, during the 5-week summer term or 10-week fall term. Confidence and comfort levels were measured using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not confident/comfortable at all to 5 = completely confident/comfortable) with seven questions in each category. Helpfulness of required and optional course activities was measured with eleven questions using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = unhelpful to 5 = helpful). Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and ANOVA were used for data analysis.

RESULTS: Ninety-eight students completed both pre- and post-surveys (94.2 % response rate). Student confidence and comfort level improved (p < 0.001) on all measured items after taking the course, with improvement in confidence ranging from 0.62 to 2.35 points and comfort level ranging from 0.62 to 2.18 points. No differences were found in mean improvement scores between terms or between campuses. The majority of required and optional activities had a high mean score of 4 and above on the helpfulness scale.

CONCLUSION: The IV admixture lab course improved confidence and comfort levels in the preparation of CSPs regardless of which term and on which campus students took the course.

PMID:40334477 | DOI:10.1016/j.cptl.2025.102325

Sci Total Environ. 2025 May 6;981:179593. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179593. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Wastewater Based Epidemiology (WBE) has been identified as a tool for monitoring and predicting patterns of SARS-CoV-2 in communities. Several factors may lead to a day-to-day variation in the measurement of viral genetic material. Wastewater samples are systematically collected from the two major wastewater treatment plants in Crete, Greece. Physico-chemical factors were tested, viral concentration was determined by RT-real time PCR and the results were normalized. The influence of restriction measures, rain and physico-chemical agents was addressed. Statistics together with machine learning (ML) were applied to predict human cases. 781 samples were analyzed. RNA concentration was reduced during lockdown and was impacted by rain. Fluctuations in pH and total solids’ concentrations were associated with changes in viral load. Conductivity was mainly related to chloride ions. In Heraklion, wastewater viral load preceded human cases by three days on average. Cross- correlation estimates did not perform likewise in Chania. According to ML, the ratio of sewage RNA measurements to reported cases decreased in comparison to the first wave, due to different variants, climatological parameters, testing rate and behaviors related to seeking healthcare. The model developed showed a close approximation between recorded and predicted cases. Parameters such as total solids, pH, conductivity, rain and inhibitors can significantly impact the recovery of viral RNA. The correlation between viral load in wastewater and human cases is not straightforward. The application of ML may fill some but not every gap. Existing models cannot be directly applied to different Wastewater Treatment Plants or countries.

PMID:40334465 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179593

Sci Total Environ. 2025 May 6;981:179578. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179578. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Clothing can act as a barrier and a source of skin exposure to chemicals due to reversible accumulation on and within textile fibers. The partition coefficient quantifies the equilibrium relationship between textile and air for a specific chemical and is a key parameter in models estimating dermal exposure. Here, textiles composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers were exposed for 26 days in environmental test chambers under different climatic conditions to semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) that have similar, but not identical, physical and chemical properties. The nine textiles tested included a single fiber type or blends of cotton, polyester, nylon, linen and/or elastane. The seven SVOCs are found commonly indoors and in consumer products: 4-t-octylphenol (4t-OP),4-nonylphenol (4-NP); di-n-butyl adipate (DnBA); galaxolide (HHCB); di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP); benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and 3-(4′-methylbenzylidene)camphor (4-MBC). The chamber air concentrations and masses accumulated on textiles were measured and the mass based (K_m, m³/g), area based (K_a, m) and volume based (K_v, dimensionless) partition coefficients were calculated. Partition coefficients among all chemicals were generally lower for polyester and higher for cotton and blends. A hierarchical cluster analysis combined with fiber specific matrix analysis showed that, across the SVOCs tested, the partition coefficients for nylon/elastane were ~ 7 to 70 times higher than for jeans cotton, while the partition coefficient for jeans cotton were ~ 2 to 7 time higher than for polyester. K_m, K_a and K_v were lowest for HHCB and highest for 4-NP, DnBP and 4-MBC. However, chemical-textile partition coefficients were not statistically correlated with respect to physical and environmental properties of the SVOCs. The values were statistically the same for different chamber air concentrations of the chemicals tested, and from 24 °C to 33 °C there was only a weak reduction in the partition coefficients.

PMID:40334462 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179578

Schizophr Res. 2025 May 6;281:132-137. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2025.04.036. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Racially and ethnically minoritized emerging adults in the United States have a higher prevalence of psychotic experiences when compared to their White peers. Racism gives rise to social stressors, including ethno-racial discrimination, which can increase the risk for psychotic experiences. Racism is ever-shapeshifting into new forms of racism, including online racism, yet little research has examined its associations with psychotic experiences.

METHODS: We used Qualtrics panels to recruit emerging adults, including Black (N = 1200) and Asian American/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian (N = 1600). Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the association between online racism (Online Racism Scale – Very Brief) and psychotic experiences (reporting at least one psychotic experience using the WHO CIDI psychosis screen), controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, everyday discrimination, internet usage, and mental health.

RESULTS: Approximately 42 % of the sample reported a lifetime psychotic experience. In multivariable logistic regression models, a one-unit increase on the online racism scale was associated with a 13 % increase in odds of having a lifetime psychotic experience. This association attenuated slightly after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and further attenuated after adjusting for everyday discrimination, total internet usage, and depression and anxiety. After accounting for all covariates, a one-unit increase in online racism was associated with a 5 % increase in odds of psychotic experiences.

CONCLUSION: Online racism is more common than in-person discrimination, and people of color use social media platforms at high rates, where they inevitably face various types of online racism. Online racism is pervasive, often anonymous, and unmoderated, and these exposures are associated with greater odds of psychotic experiences.

PMID:40334439 | DOI:10.1016/j.schres.2025.04.036