Tag: pubmed

Analyst. 2025 Mar 6. doi: 10.1039/d4an01384k. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Solid-state nanopores represent a powerful platform for the detection and characterization of a wide range of biomolecules and particles, including proteins, viruses, and nanoparticles, for clinical and biochemical applications. Typically, nanopores operate by measuring transient pulses of ionic current during translocation events of molecules passing through the pore. Given the strong noise and stochastic fluctuations in ionic current recordings during nanopore experiments, signal processing based on the statistical analysis of numerous translocation events remains a crucial issue for nanopore sensing. Based on parallel computational processing and efficient memory management, we developed a novel signal processing procedure for translocation events to improve the signal identification performance of solid-state nanopores in the presence of baseline oscillation interference. By using an adaptive threshold within a sliding window, we could correct the baseline determination process in real time. As a result, the features of translocation event signals could be identified more accurately, especially for the intermittent occurrence of high-density complex signals. The program also demonstrated good signal differentiation. As a ready-to-use software, the data program is more efficient and compatible with diverse nanopore signals, making it suitable for more complex nanopore applications.

PMID:40047096 | DOI:10.1039/d4an01384k

Pain Pract. 2025 Mar;25(3):e70018. doi: 10.1111/papr.70018.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer pain is a prevalent and debilitating symptom that impacts quality of life. Pain management remains challenging; however, due to various barriers, including stigma associated with opioid use, ambiguous roles of clinicians, and diverse attitudes toward pain management among healthcare professionals, patients, and carers.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the attitudes surrounding cancer pain among patients, carers, and health professionals at a tertiary cancer hospital.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The survey included demographic measures and statements assessing attitudes toward cancer pain management. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in IBM SPSS 29. Ethics approval was granted by the Peter MacCallum HREC.

RESULTS: 308 participants (153 patients and carers, 155 health professionals) completed the survey. The results revealed significant variability in attitudes surrounding cancer pain and its management. Discrepancies in understanding between health professionals and patients/carers were observed. Differing views on the goals of pain management were revealed, with 51.6% of patients/carers expecting pain elimination compared to 20.6% of health professionals. The roles of clinicians in pain management were also perceived differently, highlighting a lack of clarity in responsibilities. Both groups emphasized the need for increased education on cancer pain and its management.

CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed substantial variability in attitudes toward cancer pain management among patients, carers, and health professionals. Discrepancies emerged in understanding, with many patients and carers uncertain about the nature of cancer pain, contrasting with health professionals’ recognition of its complexity. The terminology distinguishing “cancer pain” from “non-cancer pain” may contribute to this confusion, suggesting a need to reconsider these semantics. Divergent views on clinician roles and opioid use underscored uncertainties, especially regarding specialist access and prescribing practices. Both groups emphasized the need for education to bridge these gaps, with clearer communication and revised guidelines potentially improving patient outcomes.

PMID:40047077 | DOI:10.1111/papr.70018

Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2025 Mar 6. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.124.322367. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). APOM plays a critical role in reverse cholesterol transport by facilitating the formation of pre-β-HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and enabling the binding of S1P (sphingosine-1-phosphate) to HDL, a complex involved in several antiatherogenic processes. In this study, we sought to investigate the potential association between plasma APOM levels and the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with CKD.

METHODS: Plasma APOM levels were quantified using a sandwich ELISA-based assay. Plasma S1P levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The primary end point was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS: In this secondary analysis of the CARE FOR HOMe study (Cardiovascular and Renal Outcome in CKD 2-4 Patients-The Fourth Homburg Evaluation), 463 nondialysis patients with CKD stages G2 to G4 were included. Plasma APOM levels exhibited a significant inverse association with the risk of MACE (standardized hazard ratio, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.49-0.75]; P<0.001) and all-cause mortality (standardized hazard ratio, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.48-0.83]; P<0.001). This inverse association with MACE remained robust after adjusting for established cardiovascular and renal risk factors. These findings were further corroborated in an independent cohort of 822 patients with CKD from the Copenhagen CKD study. Plasma S1P levels showed an inverse association with MACE in univariable analyses; however, this relationship lost statistical significance after multivariable adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate a significant association between low plasma APOM levels and an increased risk of MACE in patients with CKD. These results suggest that APOM may play a role in cardiovascular protection in this vulnerable population.

PMID:40047074 | DOI:10.1161/ATVBAHA.124.322367

Intern Med J. 2025 Mar 6. doi: 10.1111/imj.16657. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Secondary stroke prevention is crucial for reducing recurrent events and associated morbidity. Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, is considered an alternative to aspirin for patients with ischaemic stroke due to its potentially lower risk of haemorrhagic complications. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of cilostazol versus aspirin for secondary stroke prevention. It provides a basis for drug selection and observation of secondary stroke prevention strategies.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science databases for randomised controlled trials comparing cilostazol with aspirin in secondary stroke prevention. Key outcomes included recurrence of ischaemic stroke, intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), death, effective rate and incidence of adverse events. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics and Cochran’s Q test. Publication bias was evaluated using Doi plots and Luis Furuya-Kanamori index.

RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 8993 participants were included. Cilostazol significantly reduced the recurrence of ischaemic stroke (risk ratio (RR): 0.766, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.624-0.941) and ICH (RR: 0.392, 95% CI: 0.250-0.616) compared to aspirin. No significant differences were observed in overall mortality or adverse events. Cilostazol increased risks of headache, dizziness, diarrhoea and tachycardia but reduced constipation. Heterogeneity was generally low to moderate.

CONCLUSION: Cilostazol is an effective alternative to aspirin for secondary stroke prevention, reducing the risk of recurrent ischaemic stroke and ICH. However, its use is associated with certain adverse effects. Clinicians should consider individual patient profiles and preferences when selecting anti-platelet therapy for stroke prevention. Further research is warranted to optimise cilostazol use in clinical practice.

PMID:40047064 | DOI:10.1111/imj.16657

Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2025 Mar 6. doi: 10.1111/opo.13486. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate seasonal variations in changes of axial length (AL) among myopic children wearing orthokeratology (ortho-K) lenses.

METHODS: The data of 600 children receiving ortho-K treatment, aged 7-13 years, were collected retrospectively. Data were classified as ‘summer’ or ‘winter’ based on the midpoint of the 6-month period between visits. For each interval, AL from the right eye was used for statistical analysis. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare the seasonal differences in AL. Furthermore, the relationship between seasonal differences in AL, age and initial AL was analysed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis, respectively.

RESULTS: The AL at 1 year after the initial ortho-K treatment was 24.96 ± 0.85 mm, representing an increase of 0.19 ± 0.15 mm. The semi-annual axial elongation was 0.07 ± 0.09 and 0.12 ± 0.09 mm for the summer and winter, respectively (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that the control of axial growth in the summer was better than in the winter (β = -0.05, p < 0.001). A similar seasonal pattern was found among children aged 7-12 years as well as for those with an initial AL < 26 mm (but not in children aged 13 years).

CONCLUSIONS: The inhibition of axial growth by ortho-K treatment in the summer months is superior to that seen in the winter. Seasonal differences decrease with age and the initial AL.

PMID:40047056 | DOI:10.1111/opo.13486

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2025 Mar 6. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.70047. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Hoopicoach is a digital health tool designed to support patients throughout all stages of gynecologic surgery, including pre-, intra-, and postoperative phases. It offers a personalized care pathway based on the type of surgery, providing reliable medical information through easily understandable content, diagrams, a chatbot, and videos produced by medical staff. The present study aimed to evaluate patient and caregiver usage and satisfaction with Hoopicoach, focusing on frequency of use, satisfaction, stress management, and patient understanding of surgery. Additionally, the study assessed the tool’s value for healthcare professionals.

METHODS: A pilot, observational, descriptive, single-center cohort study was conducted in a gynecologic and breast cancer surgery department from September 2020 to May 2022. The referring surgeon offered Hoopicoach to all patients scheduled for applicable surgeries. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by patients and caregivers.

RESULTS: A total of 79 patients participated, primarily aged 40-65 years, with most usage occurring before surgery, particularly among those undergoing partial mastectomies. High satisfaction was reported, with 93.7% willing to recommend Hoopicoach. A total of 89% rated their understanding of surgery as 4 or 5 (on a 5-point scale), and 80% felt all their questions were answered. Frequent use correlated with reduced stress, though was not statistically significant. Among 16 caregivers, 94% found Hoopicoach helpful for informing patients, and 87% believed it enhanced care quality.

CONCLUSION: Hoopicoach effectively supports patients throughout their surgical journey in gynecology, with high satisfaction reported by both patients and caregivers.

PMID:40047044 | DOI:10.1002/ijgo.70047

Ther Apher Dial. 2025 Mar 6. doi: 10.1111/1744-9987.70004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Phosphate binders (PBs) are commonly prescribed to reduce serum phosphate levels. This study examined the association between the PB pill burden and cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 395 patients undergoing hemodialysis between August 2018 and November 2023 at a single facility in Japan. Statistical analyses were conducted using baseline, time-averaged, and time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS: Of the 395 included patients, cardiovascular events occurred in 121 patients (30.6%). The patients were categorized into tertiles based on their daily PB pill intake: T1 (<4 pills/day), T2 (4-8 pills/day), and T3 (≥9 pills/day). T3 was associated with increased cardiovascular risk (vs. T1 hazard ratio [HR] = 1.51, p = 0.064; vs. T2 HR = 2.06, p = 0.005). Similar results were obtained for the time-averaged and time-dependent models.

CONCLUSION: A high PB pill burden (≥9/day) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

PMID:40047034 | DOI:10.1111/1744-9987.70004

Vestn Oftalmol. 2025;141(1):37-44. doi: 10.17116/oftalma202514101137.

ABSTRACT

The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus increases the need for treatment of diabetic maculopathy (DM). Evaluation of surgical outcomes in DM, including postoperative microstructural changes in the retina and its vascular plexuses, remains a relevant challenge.

PURPOSE: This article assesses changes in angiographic parameters of the retinal capillary plexuses after surgical treatment of DM using various methods of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Vitreoretinal surgery, including vitrectomy with membrane peeling, was performed in comparable groups of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and DM. The surgical methods differed in the approach to retinal ILM peeling: in group 1 the ILM was completely removed; group 2 underwent dosed fovea-sparing peeling (DFSP) of the ILM; in group 3 the ILM was left intact. Postoperative outcomes were compared between groups using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).

RESULTS: Intergroup comparisons across all time points and parameters did not reveal statistically significant differences. The analysis showed no significant changes in angiographic parameters in groups 1 and 3. In group 2 significant changes were observed in the parameters of deep capillary plexus: increased vessel density, vessel skeleton density and vessel perimeter index, as well as reduced foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area. Correlation analysis revealed that high FAZ area values in the deep capillary plexus were predictors of the development of retinal atrophy in the long-term.

CONCLUSION: The obtained results demonstrate the dynamics of changes following DFSP of the ILM in both the neuronal structures of the retina and its capillary plexuses, with these changes tending toward normalization of retinal structure.

PMID:40047021 | DOI:10.17116/oftalma202514101137

Vestn Oftalmol. 2025;141(1):13-20. doi: 10.17116/oftalma202514101113.

ABSTRACT

Iris melanoma is a rare malignant tumor of melanocytic origin. Oncogenic viruses, whose invasion of the cell alters proliferation regulation mechanisms, play an important role in tumor development and progression.

PURPOSE: To identify clinical, morphometric, and pathomorphological correlations with infectious status in patients with iris melanoma and to determine predictors of unfavorable prognosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with iris melanoma were examined. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) was performed using the RS-3000 Advance system (Nidek, Japan) with OCT-Angiography software. The specific humoral response to herpesviruses was assessed by detecting IgG and IgM antibodies in blood serum via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using an automated immunoassay analyzer LAZURITE (Dynex Technologies Inc., USA). Statistical analysis employed Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r_s).

RESULTS: Iris melanoma was predominantly observed in female patients (n=11) of advanced age (n=8). Biomicroscopy revealed 10 pigmented, 1 hypopigmented, and 5 non-pigmented tumors. The mean prominence on OCT was 1461.7±740.5 μm, the basal diameter was 3409.6±1822.8 μm, and the volume was 4.7±3.7 mm³. Ciliary body involvement was detected in 10 patients. Iris melanomas were classified as epithelioid-cell (n=1), spindle-cell (n=12), and mixed-cell (n=3) types. Extrabulbar growth was noted in three patients. Serological markers of viral reactivation were identified: herpes simplex virus type 1 (n=11) and type 2 (n=5), and cytomegalovirus (n=3).

Direct correlations (r_s=0.5-0.8) were identified between the presence of serological markers of herpesvirus reactivation and unfavorable prognostic features, including advanced age, maximum tumor basal diameter, ciliary body involvement, dense pigmentation, and extrabulbar growth. The mean follow-up period was 18.5±2.97 months, and all patients were alive, with no evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrated a correlation between herpesvirus reactivation and unfavorable prognostic features of iris melanoma. Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of the role of herpesviruses in the pathogenesis of iris melanoma and to develop personalized approaches to prevention and treatment.

PMID:40047017 | DOI:10.17116/oftalma202514101113

Front Psychiatry. 2025 Feb 19;16:1525631. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1525631. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is well known that postmenopausal women have an increased risk of depression, and there is a dose correlation between carotenoid intake and depression. However, there is no clear study on the relationship between carotenoids and the risk of depression in postmenopausal women. To evaluate the relationship between the prevalence of depression and carotenoid intake in postmenopausal women.

METHODS: The study was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2018 and included 1089 postmenopausal female participants. A logistic regression model was used to verify the relationship between carotenoid intake and the prevalence of depression in postmenopausal women. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was used to study the dose-response relationship between carotenoid intake and depression.

RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding variables, Odds Ratios (95% confidence intervals) were found for depression in the highest quartile compared with the lower quartile. Among them, the results of lutein zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Total lycopene 0.29 (0.10,0.87), β-carotene 0.41 (0.18,0.94), and total carotenoid 0.25 (0.09,0.67) were negatively correlated with the risk of depression in postmenopausal women. When α-carotene intake exceeded 2.90 mg/day, it was negatively and non-linearly associated with the prevalence of depression in postmenopausal women (P-nonlinear < 0.0022). When β-carotene intake exceeded 1.06 mg/day, it was negatively correlated with the prevalence of depression in postmenopausal women. It had an L-type nonlinear relationship with the prevalence of depression (P-nonlinear < 0.0016). Total lycopene was linearly correlated with the prevalence of depression in postmenopausal women (P-nonlinear = 0.3). When the intake exceeded 2.05 mg/day, it was negatively correlated with the prevalence.

CONCLUSION: The study found that dietary intake of sufficient α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, total lutein, and zeaxanthin was negatively correlated with the prevalence of depression in postmenopausal women. Still, there was no dose correlation between β-cryptoxanthin.

PMID:40046991 | PMC:PMC11880210 | DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1525631