Tag: pubmed

MAGMA. 2025 Mar 5. doi: 10.1007/s10334-025-01233-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study presents a novel deep learning-based framework for precise brain MR region segmentation, aiming to identify the location and the shape details of different anatomical structures within the brain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The approach uses a two-stage 3D segmentation technique on a dataset of adult subjects, including cognitively normal participants and individuals with cognitive decline. Stage 1 employs a 3D U-Net to segment 13 brain regions, achieving a mean DSC of 0.904 ± 0.060 and a mean HD95 of 1.52 ± 1.53 mm (a mean DSC of 0.885 ± 0.065 and a mean HD95 of 1.57 ± 1.35 mm for smaller parts). For challenging regions like hippocampus, thalamus, cerebrospinal fluid, amygdala, basal ganglia, and corpus callosum, Stage 2 with SegResNet refines segmentation, improving mean DSC to 0.921 ± 0.048 and HD95 to 1.17 ± 0.69 mm.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis reveals significant improvements (p-value < 0.001) for these regions, with DSC increases ranging from 1.3 to 3.2% and HD95 reductions of 0.06-0.33 mm. Comparisons with recent studies highlight the superior performance of the performed method.

DISCUSSION: The inclusion of a second stage for refining the segmentation of smaller regions demonstrates substantial improvements, establishing the framework’s potential for precise and reliable brain region segmentation across diverse cognitive groups.

PMID:40042762 | DOI:10.1007/s10334-025-01233-7

Obes Surg. 2025 Mar 5. doi: 10.1007/s11695-025-07769-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders are relatively common in individuals who undergo metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). Prior research suggests that mental disorders may relate to increased healthcare use after MBS. We retrospectively explored the association between preoperative mental health disorders and healthcare use in the first postoperative year.

METHODS: Patients who underwent primary MBS and had a structured preoperative psychological assessment report were included. Data on healthcare use was collected as the total number of non-routine healthcare appointments including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department visits. Additionally, gastrointestinal (GI) healthcare use at the radiology, gastroenterology, and emergency departments was analyzed separately.

RESULTS: Of the 944 included patients, 261 (28%) had a preoperatively diagnosed mental disorder. Most prevalent were depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. Patients with a preoperative mental disorder had a 15% (adjusted, CI 1.04-1.27, p = 0.005) higher rate of total healthcare use compared to those without. Among patients who had any GI-related healthcare, those with a mental disorder had a 61% higher rate of GI-related healthcare use (CI 1.02-2.55, p = 0.041). Patients with a mental disorder tended to have 20% lower odds of having no GI-related healthcare appointments (unadjusted, not statistically significant, CI 0.37-1.74, p = 0.568).

CONCLUSION: The presence of preoperative mental disorders was weakly related to higher total non-routine hospital healthcare use in the first year after MBS. Models explained only 5-13% of the variation in appointment frequency, meaning unmeasured and/or unknown factors play a role in healthcare use.

PMID:40042759 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-025-07769-w

Obes Surg. 2025 Mar 5. doi: 10.1007/s11695-025-07766-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders and disordered eating habits are frequently identified among metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) patients. However, how these factors may affect postsurgical outcomes has not been adequately addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between patients’ eating habits and optimal clinical response after MBS.

METHODS: The study analyzed data from patients who underwent MBS at Marmara University Hospital between 2015 and 2023. Patient demographics, body mass index, obesity-associated medical problems, follow-up periods, surgical procedures (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy-SG, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass-RYGB), and eating habits (binge eating, carbohydrate craving, night eating, and sweet eating) were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: the optimal clinical response group (%TWL ≥ 20) and the suboptimal clinical response group (%TWL < 20) after surgery, and the groups were compared.

RESULTS: A total of 426 patients, including 197 patients who underwent SG and 229 patients who underwent RYGB, were included. The mean age of all patients was 40.9 ± 10.7 years. During the preoperative period, binge eating, carbohydrate craving, night eating, and sweet eating habits were detected in 55.9%, 67.6%, 47.7%, and 60.6% of the patients, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 24 months (1-60 months). Eighty percent of the patients achieved an optimal clinical response. The preoperative eating habits and %TWL values of the patients were analyzed. There was no statistically significant effect of eating habits on the optimal clinical response in all patients or in the SG vs RYGB groups.

CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the effect of preoperative disordered eating habits on weight loss after MBS and revealed no significant difference between those with these habits and those without these habits. It is difficult to predict weight loss after MBS on the basis of preoperative eating behavior. However, further studies are needed to evaluate this factor in combination with other factors before or after surgery.

PMID:40042758 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-025-07766-z

Ann Afr Med. 2025 Mar 4. doi: 10.4103/aam.aam_254_24. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Insufficient recognition of ominous headache red flags delays specialized care for potentially life-threatening secondary pathologies. Population-level awareness in Saudi Arabia warrants assessment to guide public health planning. The aim of the study was to evaluate headache red flag knowledge and associated care-seeking attitudes among Saudi adults through a cross-sectional survey.

METHODS: A multistage random sample of 643 Saudis aged 15-85 years was recruited proportionally across 13 regions from November 23, 2023 to February 14, 2024. A self-administered questionnaire assessed knowledge of 12 common red flags through closed responses. Total scores were calculated, and associations with demographic/clinical predictors were examined using statistics including Chi-square, ANOVA, and Bayesian correlations.

RESULTS: Mean knowledge score was 11.73/24 indicating partial overall understanding. Higher scores correlated with male gender, ages 36-55 years, tertiary education, and prior headache histories. Knowledge of key red flags like “thunderclap headache” was incomplete. Timely specialist evaluation for concerning symptoms received limited endorsement over analgesic use. Vulnerable subgroups demonstrating low awareness included females, youth, and those reliant on unreliable hazard information sources.

CONCLUSION: Saudi adults demonstrated modest yet uneven headache red flag knowledge influenced by sociodemographic attributes. Specific deficits warrant targeted educational campaigns addressing individual and systemic barriers to prompt neurological evaluations for alarm symptoms. Public health efforts involving experts, community leaders, and technological innovations hold promise enhancing timely diagnosis of secondary pathologies nationwide if periodically monitored.

PMID:40041935 | DOI:10.4103/aam.aam_254_24

Am J Hum Biol. 2025 Mar;37(3):e70016. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.70016.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Despite growing evidence linking adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with physical health conditions such as obesity and hypertension, research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India, remains limited. This study aims to examine the relationship between ACE exposure and the risk of overweight/obesity and hypertension among young adults in Delhi-NCR, India.

METHODS: The present cross-sectional study involved 1702 young adults of both sexes. Participants were recruited from two universities in Delhi-NCR, India. ACEs were measured using the ACE-International questionnaire (ACE-IQ), while anthropometric (weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference) and blood pressure parameters were assessed using standard protocols.

RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight/obesity increased with higher ACE categories, from 38% among participants with no ACEs to 49.7% among those with ≥ 4 ACEs (p = 0.006). Linear regression showed a significant positive association between ACE scores and BMI (β = 0.182, p = 0.004), waist circumference (WC; β = 0.351, p = 0.022), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR; β = 0.002, p = 0.026). Odds ratio analysis revealed that participants with 3 or more ACEs had increased odds of being overweight/obese compared to unexposed individuals. No consistent associations were found between ACE exposure and blood pressure parameters. Among specific ACE domains, household mental illness was associated with higher odds of both general and central obesity, and bullying showed the highest odds for overweight/obesity.

CONCLUSIONS: ACE-exposed young adults may be at a higher risk of overweight/obesity; however, the risk of hypertension may not be immediate. Early intervention may help offset the risk of obesity and related disorders among ACE-exposed youth.

PMID:40041929 | DOI:10.1002/ajhb.70016

Front Glob Womens Health. 2025 Feb 18;6:1481164. doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2025.1481164. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Involvement of male partners in postnatal care (PNC) is an effective approach to improving maternal and child health outcomes. Despite this, it has been perceived as a woman’s responsibility and continues to be a significant problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Furthermore, there is a paucity of evidence regarding male involvement during postnatal care in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the current status of male partners’ involvement in postnatal care and associated factors in the study area, Wolaita Sodo, in southern Ethiopia in 2023.

METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 629 participants from 1 April to 1 May 2023 using a multistage sampling technique. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with male partner involvement during postnatal care. The level of significant association in the multivariable analysis was determined based on a P-value of <0.05.

RESULTS: This study found that 32.95% [95% confidence interval (CI): 29.2-36.8] of male partners are involved in postnatal care service utilization. A higher maternal educational level [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.95, 95% CI: 1.76-4.94], good knowledge of postnatal care services (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.93-5.3), good knowledge of danger signs and complications (AOR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.39-8.48), a favorable attitude (AOR: 4.02, 95% CI: 2.50-6.45), distance (AOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.15-3.17), and cesarean delivery (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.39-4.60) were significantly associated with male partner involvement in postnatal care services.

CONCLUSION: In this study, a male partner’s involvement in their spouse’s PNC service utilization was found to be low. Maternal educational status, good knowledge of PNC services, good knowledge of danger signs and complications, a favorable attitude, distance, and cesarean delivery were associated with male partner’s involvement in PNC. Therefore, strengthening awareness about postnatal care services and danger signs through health education and promoting a positive attitude toward postnatal services are essential.

PMID:40041927 | PMC:PMC11876152 | DOI:10.3389/fgwh.2025.1481164

Acta Pharm Sin B. 2025 Jan;15(1):123-132. doi: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.12.004. Epub 2024 Dec 12.

ABSTRACT

Debates persist regarding the efficacy and safety of azvudine, particularly its real-world outcomes. This study involved patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted to 25 hospitals in mainland China with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality during hospitalization, the proportion of patients discharged with recovery, time to nucleic acid-negative conversion (T _NANC), time to symptom improvement (T _SI), and time of hospital stay (T _HS). Safety was also assessed. Among the 5884 participants identified, 1999 received azvudine, and 1999 matched controls were included after exclusion and propensity score matching. Azvudine recipients exhibited lower all-cause mortality compared with controls in the overall population (13.3% vs. 17.1%, RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90; P = 0.001) and in the severe subgroup (25.7% vs. 33.7%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients discharged with recovery, and a shorter T _NANC were associated with azvudine recipients, especially in the severe subgroup. The incidence of adverse events in azvudine recipients was comparable to that in the control group (2.3% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.170). In conclusion, azvudine showed efficacy and safety in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron wave in China.

PMID:40041892 | PMC:PMC11873617 | DOI:10.1016/j.apsb.2024.12.004

Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2025 Feb 28;21:421-436. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S501207. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Brexpiprazole, when administered with antidepressant therapy, may provide additional benefits due to complementary actions on noradrenaline (norepinephrine), serotonin, and dopamine neurotransmitter systems. This review addressed the question: what information can preclinical studies provide on the use of brexpiprazole + antidepressant treatment?

METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted to search for preclinical studies of brexpiprazole + antidepressant therapy that included a behavioral test relating to any psychiatric disorder. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and conference abstracts were searched (January 1, 2011-July 5, 2021). The statistically significant (p<0.05) findings for brexpiprazole + antidepressant were extracted.

RESULTS: Of 296 records screened, nine articles were eligible, describing seven unique studies. In rodent models, including three models of depression (unpredictable chronic mild stress, social defeat stress, and lipopolysaccharide-induced depression), brexpiprazole + selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) consistently showed statistically significant benefits over vehicle on depression-like behaviors (forced swim test, tail suspension test, sucrose preference), whereas brexpiprazole and antidepressant monotherapies did not. In the predator scent stress model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), brexpiprazole + SSRI (escitalopram) showed a significant benefit over vehicle and/or monotherapy on anxiety-like behaviors (elevated plus-maze) and hyperalertness (acoustic startle response), whereas brexpiprazole and escitalopram monotherapies did not significantly differ from vehicle. In the fear conditioning model of PTSD, brexpiprazole showed significant improvements whether administered as monotherapy or in combination with escitalopram.

CONCLUSION: Based on a small number of studies, the administration of brexpiprazole with an antidepressant appears to have a greater treatment effect than either brexpiprazole or antidepressant monotherapies in preclinical studies of depression- and PTSD-like behaviors. Thus, preclinical studies support evidence from randomized clinical trials for the therapeutic effects of adjunctive brexpiprazole in the treatment of major depressive disorder, and brexpiprazole in combination with sertraline in the treatment of PTSD. Funding: Otsuka/Lundbeck.

PMID:40041884 | PMC:PMC11878111 | DOI:10.2147/NDT.S501207

Health Educ J. 2023 Nov;82(7):725-738. doi: 10.1177/00178969231185652. Epub 2023 Jul 13.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: African Americans in the USA experience a disproportionate burden of chronic disease. Healthy lifestyle promotion programmes can help decrease this disease risk. This study determined the feasibility of using dyadic peer support to augment an existing healthy lifestyle programme in African American churches.

DESIGN: A prospective pre-post design was used with 80 participants from three churches in the southeastern USA over an 18-week period.

METHODS: Participants attended 9 weeks of group nutrition classes followed by 9 weeks of a dyadic peer support programme. Feasibility was measured by recruitment, acceptability, ability to collect peer support data, ability to implement the peer support component and preliminary health outcomes. Descriptive statistics and multilevel models were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS: Seventy-eight percent of participants completed group classes and peer support activities. Over 95% of participants would work with a partner again. Lay leaders and educators felt they had the resources and participant support to implement a dyadic peer support intervention. Participants achieved small but significant average increases of 1.1 fruit servings per day (p = .001) and 1.2 days of physical activity per week (p = .01) post-intervention. Significant changes in weight (-2.6 pounds, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -4.18, -1.1; p = .001) and vegetable intake (0.681 servings, 95% CI = 0.122, 1.241; p = .017) achieved during the first 9 weeks of the programme were maintained during the second 9 weeks.

CONCLUSION: Dyadic peer support can successfully be used to augment existing healthy lifestyle promotion programmes within African American churches. Studies using control groups are needed to test the effectiveness of dyadic peer support on health outcomes more rigorously.

PMID:40041881 | PMC:PMC11879274 | DOI:10.1177/00178969231185652

Int J Public Health. 2025 Feb 18;70:1607953. doi: 10.3389/ijph.2025.1607953. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the gender difference in Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and its association with mental health, examine social-demographic and health characteristics-specific relationships.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated lifetime prevalence of total, psychological, physical and sexual IPV victimization. Gender-stratified multiple logistic regressions were performed to examine associations between total and subtypes of IPV victimization and anxiety and depressive symptoms, suicide ideation and suicide attempt. Sensitivity analyses and stratification analyses were additionally conducted.

RESULTS: Among 21,824 participants (female: 44.7%), females reported higher total, psychological and physical but not sexual lifetime prevalence of IPV victimization than males. Specifically, male participants with psychological (OR = 3.62, 95% CI: 2.58-5.08 vs. OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.39-2.51) or sexual (OR = 4.02, 95% CI: 2.61-6.20 vs. OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.91-2.35) IPV victimization presented greater odds of presenting possible anxiety than females; males with physical IPV victimization showed greater likelihood of with suicide ideation than females (OR = 9.95, 95% CI: 6.68-14.82 vs. OR = 4.61, 95% CI: 3.02-6.15).

CONCLUSION: Prevention programs should be tailored to respond to IPV in various contexts to reduce the likelihood of and the detrimental effects of IPV.

PMID:40041880 | PMC:PMC11876969 | DOI:10.3389/ijph.2025.1607953