Tag: pubmed

Biochem Genet. 2025 Nov 11. doi: 10.1007/s10528-025-11270-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Elevated TSH with normal T3 and T4 levels is a sign of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), is often linked to autoimmune thyroiditis. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) are early markers, but their diagnostic value and genetic associations in Middle Eastern populations are not well understood. This study assessed serum TPO levels and TPO gene polymorphisms in relation to SCH in Duhok, Iraq (September-December 2024). In a case-control design, 78 patients with SCH and 75 age- and gender-matched euthyroid controls were recruited. Serum levels of TSH, T3, T4, Vitamin D, and anti-TPO were measured. Genotyping of the TPO T1936C variant was performed by ARMS-PCR. Two-sided statistical tests were applied. Correlations were assessed using Spearman’s ρ, and genotype frequencies were tested for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Diagnostic performance of anti-TPO was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, including area under the curve (AUC), 95% CI, and Youden index. Patients with SCH showed significantly elevated anti-TPO levels compared to controls (107.5 ± 149.6 vs. 39.5 ± 81.6 IU/mL; p = 0.014). ROC analysis identified ≥ 60.4 IU/mL as the optimal anti-TPO cut-off for SCH prediction (AUC = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.52-0.71, sensitivity = 47.44%, specificity = 89.33%). TPO levels correlated positively with TSH (Spearman ρ = 0.174, p = 0.031), but not with T3, T4, or Vitamin D. TPO (T1936C) gene polymorphism analysis revealed no significant association with SCH (AA genotype: 80.77% in cases vs. 77.33% in controls), (GA genotype: 19.23% in cases vs. 22.67% in controls) p = 0.85. The GG genotype was absent in both groups. Anti-TPO antibodies demonstrated high specificity but modest sensitivity as diagnostic markers for SCH. The TPO T1936C variant was not associated with SCH, though this null finding may reflect the study’s limited statistical power. These results highlight the role of autoimmune markers in SCH diagnosis within the Kurdish population of Duhok, Iraq.

PMID:41214316 | DOI:10.1007/s10528-025-11270-5

Int J Obes (Lond). 2025 Nov 10. doi: 10.1038/s41366-025-01940-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the association between adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and the prevalence of sarcopenia as well as sarcopenic obesity in adults.

METHODS: This study included 9672 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We developed an EAT-Lancet score based on 24-hour dietary recall data and grouped the participants according to the quartiles of this score. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines were employed to assess the association between the EAT-Lancet diet and sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity. Additionally, mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the mediating role of inflammatory biomarkers in this relationship.

RESULTS: Among the 9672 participants, 910 (9.41%) were identified with sarcopenia, and 607 (6.28%) were identified with sarcopenic obesity. After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in the highest quartile groups were 0.72 (0.54-0.95) and 0.58 (0.42-0.82), respectively, compared to those in the lowest quartile group. A 10-point increase in the EAT-Lancet diet score was significantly associated with a reduced risk of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, with OR (95% CI) of 0.90 (0.84-0.98) and 0.86 (0.79-0.93), respectively. Furthermore, white blood cell count demonstrated the strongest mediating effect on this association, followed by C-reactive protein, systemic inflammation response index and systemic inflammatory index.

CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, with this association partially mediated by inflammatory biomarkers.

PMID:41214306 | DOI:10.1038/s41366-025-01940-0

J Urban Health. 2025 Nov 10. doi: 10.1007/s11524-025-01024-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

While the number of state legislative changes to relaxed concealed firearm carrying laws continues to increase, research examining the impact of these laws on changes in criminal behavior, particularly in urban contexts, has not kept pace. To enhance our understanding of the potential impact of permitless carry legislative changes, we examined the temporal association between legislative changes and changes in illegal and dangerous behavior most likely to be associated with firearms violence and arrests in Lexington (KY), Oklahoma City (OK), and Tulsa (OK). We use statistical controls to account for a major temporal confounder: the disruption of social order that occurred during and after the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Our findings show violent criminal offenses did not shift in the post-permitless carry period. However, there were consistent and robust statistically significant increases in illegal possession of a firearm, as well as an upward shift in threatening firearm behavior (i.e., brandishing a gun/pointing a firearm), net of controls and confounders. We also find significant and sizeable increases in stolen and recovered firearms in Lexington (KY), the lone setting that collected this outcome measure during our study period. We conclude by discussing how the findings can inform policy, forthcoming legislative initiatives, and future research.

PMID:41214298 | DOI:10.1007/s11524-025-01024-4

Int J Behav Med. 2025 Nov 10. doi: 10.1007/s12529-025-10398-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pain is the leading reason patients seek orthopedic care, but many experience significant delays before seeing a provider. This single-site, parallel-group randomized controlled trial evaluated whether an audio-recorded, brief mindfulness-based intervention (BMBI) delivered in an orthopedic clinic waiting room could reduce pain among patients awaiting an x-ray.

METHODS: Participants (n = 159) had a mean age of 52 years (SD = 16.3), were predominantly female (64%) and white (78%). Average pain intensity at baseline was 5.65 (SD = 2.18). Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a 4-min audio-recorded BMBI or a 4-min injury management control recording. Pain unpleasantness and pain intensity were measured pre- and post-intervention using numeric rating scales.

RESULTS: BMBI Participants reported significantly lower post-intervention pain unpleasantness (4.26 vs. 4.95, p = .021, d = .39) and pain intensity (4.23 vs. 5.21, p < .001, d = .59) compared to the control group. Although pain decreased in both groups, reductions were significantly greater in the BMBI group (p < .05). Notably, 52% of BMBI participants experienced a clinically meaningful pain reduction (i.e., ≥ 10%), compared to 33% in the control group (p = .041). Additionally, more BMBI participants expressed interest in further pain management resources (54% vs. 38%, p = .032).

CONCLUSIONS: An audio-recorded BMBI can produce statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in acute pain among orthopedic patients in the waiting room and may enhance their desire to seek additional pain management resources. As such, audio-delivered BMBIs represent a complementary pain management approach that can be delivered without clinician involvement. Findings highlight the need to further enhance patient engagement with MBIs in the waiting room and assess their effectiveness across a variety of healthcare environments.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was prospectively registered. Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov, TRN: NCT06171009, Registration date: September 19th 2024.

PMID:41214294 | DOI:10.1007/s12529-025-10398-3

Int Urogynecol J. 2025 Nov 10. doi: 10.1007/s00192-025-06398-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) with and without concomitant hysterectomy in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, in order to guide patient-centered surgical planning.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 87 patients who underwent LLS between 2021 and 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: LLS with concomitant total laparoscopic hysterectomy (n = 43), and uterus-preserving LLS (n = 44). Surgical parameters, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) scores, complication rates, recurrence, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence outcomes were compared over a minimum of 12 months’ follow-up.

RESULTS: Both groups achieved significant improvements in all POP-Q points (p < 0.0001), with no statistically significant difference in anatomical success, recurrence, pelvic pain, or urinary incontinence. Operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were significantly higher in the hysterectomy group (p < 0.0001). Vaginal length was better preserved in uterus-preserving procedures. No major intra- or postoperative complications were reported.

CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant hysterectomy during LLS increases surgical burden without offering clear anatomical or functional advantages. Uterus-preserving LLS is a safe and effective option and may be preferred in appropriately selected patients through shared decision making.

PMID:41214285 | DOI:10.1007/s00192-025-06398-2

Int Urogynecol J. 2025 Nov 10. doi: 10.1007/s00192-025-06325-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESES: A variety of instruments have been used to measure UI in studies about athletic UI (AUI). However, few studies used instruments with questions about bowel, bladder, and sexual habits. A more comprehensive screening tool has been developed: the Active Women Incontinence Screening Tool (AWIST). The purposes of this study were to identify gaps left by prior UI instruments, describe attributes of the AWIST previously excluded by UI screening tools, and evaluate validity and reliability of the AWIST.

METHODS: Key concepts were identified using a comparative analysis of 17 instruments used across 92 AUI studies. We used the Delphi method to validate the content of the AWIST, which involved two phases of review by eight experts. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was assessed at the item (I-CVI) and the scale (S-CVI) levels, where consensus among all selected items was determined using a modified Kappa statistic (K*) set at $\ge$ 0.60.

RESULTS: In the first phase, the AWIST demonstrated a mean relevance score of 3.67 (σ = 0.61, range 2-4; mean I-CVI 0.98, σ = 0.07). In the second phase, the AWIST had a main relevance score of 3.67 (σ = 0.57, range 2-4; mean I-CVI 0.99, σ = 0.05). The S-CVI/UA was 0.95 and the S-CVI-Ave was 0.99.

CONCLUSION: The AWIST is a comprehensive, validated screening tool created to evaluate key factors of AUI in women. Branching logic makes it equally useful for assessing nonathletic women. The AWIST is equally appropriate for research and clinical use.

PMID:41214284 | DOI:10.1007/s00192-025-06325-5

Can J Public Health. 2025 Nov 10. doi: 10.17269/s41997-025-01128-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: SARS-CoV-2 serological surveillance used blood donors, research cohorts, and residual patient samples. Differences in socio-demographic characteristics across these sources may bias seroprevalence estimates, necessitating statistical adjustment.

METHODS: We re-analyzed data from six serosurveillance sources, comparing the estimated percent of the population positive for SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid antibodies for six regions during periods when the sources’ sample collection overlapped. We assessed the concordance between sources with and without using multilevel regression and poststratification (MRP) to adjust for differences in representation by age, sex, and race.

RESULTS: Across regions and timepoints, unadjusted seroprevalence differed between sources by up to 20%. MRP did not consistently improve comparability of seroprevalence across sources. In 2022, seroprevalence was consistently highest among blood donors, and MRP increased regional seroprevalence across all sources (except in Manitoba during January-April 2022 in ABC Study). In a secondary regression analysis, immunoassay kit and sample type (dried blood spot or venous blood draw) strongly influenced the odds that a sample was classified as seropositive.

CONCLUSION: Adjusting for representativeness using common socio-demographic variables did not systematically improve concordance in seropositivity estimates between serosurveillance sources. While discrepancies between sources might be influenced by studies’ representativeness of characteristics we did not assess, methods for measuring seropositivity appear to explain much of the differences between sources. Serosurveillance findings are influenced by many aspects of study design beyond representativeness, such as sample type (venous blood draw or dried blood spots), choice of immunoassay, and laboratory procedures such as dilution or immunoassay calibration.

PMID:41214282 | DOI:10.17269/s41997-025-01128-z

Eur Phys J E Soft Matter. 2025 Nov 10;48(10-12):67. doi: 10.1140/epje/s10189-025-00527-x.

ABSTRACT

We examine the influence of an external orienting field on the director orientation and fluid flow of an active nematic liquid crystal confined in a channel, subject to infinite anchoring of the director and no-slip conditions at the channel walls. A mathematical model based on the Ericksen-Leslie dynamic equations for nematic liquid crystals is employed, with an additional active stress tensor accounting for the activity of the fluid. By solving the fully coupled nonlinear equations numerically, we investigate the dynamic response and the steady state of the active nematic when an orienting field is switched on. The dynamic behaviour when an orienting field is switched off is also examined, with our model demonstrating how the activity of the liquid crystal can enhance or hinder the classically observed kickback immediately after switch-off and generate nontrivial steady-state solutions. Specifically, we find that kickback, which can delay relaxation of the system to a steady state, can be made less pronounced, and eventually completely avoided, for contractile agents with a high activity parameter, even with a high magnitude orienting field value.

PMID:41214270 | DOI:10.1140/epje/s10189-025-00527-x

Forensic Sci Int. 2025 Nov 7;378:112710. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112710. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Friction ridge skin patterns, including latent fingerprints (LFs), have long been essential for human identification. However, traditional ridge examinations do not convey temporal information. The ability to estimate the Time-since-Deposition (TsDp) of LFs could provide valuable chronological context in criminal investigations, helping to reconstruct timelines and corroborate alibis. A recent study explored LF microbiota as potential biological “clocks” for TsDp estimations at the Phylum taxonomical rank. In that instance, it was revealed that the composition, relative abundance, and succession patterns of microorganisms varied over time. This dynamic nature made the transferred skin microbiome a promising candidate for investigating predictable temporal changes of LFs in semi-controlled environments, such as indoor locations. The present article further expands the taxonomic resolution of the original study by identifying time-dependent microbial taxa at the Family rank and suggesting specific temporal signatures through statistical analyses. The same experimental conditions were considered: three donors, hand washing conditions, and aging for 1, 7, 14, and 21 days. For this analysis, the relative abundance, presence, and temporal shifts were examined with a focus on time-variant taxa. The 16S rRNA gene (V4 region) sequencing revealed distinct temporal signatures across the observed time points and handwashing conditions. For example, in unwashed hands, the combined presence of Mycosphaerellaceae and Coxiellaceae indicated a freshly deposited LF. In contrast, under washed conditions, the presence of Ruminococcaceae and Beijerinckiaceae was associated with a recent deposition. These preliminary findings further demonstrate the potential of microbiome analysis as a forensic tool for estimating TsDp in LFs and are a feasibility study for further work.

PMID:41213205 | DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112710

Vaccine. 2025 Nov 9;68:127933. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127933. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In the UK, adults 65 years and over and those in clinical risk groups are among those eligible for seasonal influenza vaccination. While vaccine effectiveness for reducing cases of influenza is well documented, less is known about impact on wider hospital and post-discharge outcomes in the UK. We investigated whether vaccinated adults hospitalised with confirmed influenza infection had different outcomes to non-vaccinated adults during contact with health services.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the Combined Intelligence for Population Health Action platform, linking primary care, secondary care and laboratory data for Cheshire and Merseyside (2.7 M population), UK. We accessed 2081 laboratory-confirmed influenza hospital admissions for adults ≥16 years (October 2018-April 2024). We studied the association of influenza vaccination with several hospital and post-discharge outcomes, considering competing risks and potential confounding factors. We included age-based subgroup analyses.

RESULTS: Vaccination uptake was recorded as 38.8 %, 52.7 % and 20.9 % among ≥16, ≥65 and 16-64 years respectively. Among the full cohort and ≥ 65 years cohort, vaccination was associated with a reduction in length of hospital stay in competing risk models (17 %, 95 %CI 7-26 %; 19 %, 95 % CI 7-31 %), risk of death up to six months after discharge (aHR 0.66, 95 %CI 0.48-0.90; aHR 0.67, 95 %CI 0.48-0.92) and change in vaccination status in the next season (aOR 0.19, 95 %CI 0.13-0.27; aOR 0.07 95 %CI 0.04-0.13). No statistically significant difference was detected for admission to critical care or other post-discharge outcomes (readmission, attendance to general practice or emergency department).

CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination was associated with benefits beyond acute illness, reducing length of hospital stay and mortality among adults hospitalised with laboratory-confirmed influenza. Findings support policy decisions, including greater outreach to high-risk, low-uptake groups and advocate for the national integration of laboratory data with comprehensive healthcare data to enable more robust vaccine evaluations.

PMID:41213184 | DOI:10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127933