Tag: pubmed

J Cutan Med Surg. 2025 Mar 3:12034754251322778. doi: 10.1177/12034754251322778. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the awareness of and attitudes toward various aspects of sun-exposure risks and protection methods among Canadians.

METHODS: An online survey conducted from September 28 to October 18, 2021, included 17,001 participants aged 18 years and above from 17 countries across 5 continents; the data presented are those of the Canadian population (n = 1,000). The survey focused on demographics, sun-exposure habits, comprehension of risks, and knowledge of photoprotection. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify prevalent trends and discrepancies in sun-protective behaviours among Canadians.

RESULTS: The majority of Canadian respondents (93%) acknowledged the health risks associated with sun exposure. While 81% of Canadians reported using some form of sun protection, only 10% systematically implemented all recommended protective measures, highlighting a gap in knowledge translation. Misconceptions regarding the safety of tanned skin and the effectiveness of sunscreens were widespread, particularly in younger demographics and in individuals with darker skin. Knowledge and preventive behaviours were markedly better among individuals who regularly consult dermatologists.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights general awareness of sun-protective behaviours but a lack of universal and comprehensive implementation among Canadians. Given the knowledge gaps in younger demographics and darker skin phototypes, targeted educational initiatives are essential to correct prevalent misconceptions about sun exposure and tanned skin. Dermatologists and other health care professionals can play a pivotal role in education and primary prevention strategies for skin cancer and other sun-related comorbidities.

PMID:40026168 | DOI:10.1177/12034754251322778

Prague Med Rep. 2025;126(1):9-16. doi: 10.14712/23362936.2025.2.

ABSTRACT

Iliac crest is common site for harvesting bone grafts. Morphometry of iliac crest is of vital importance in orthopedic surgery. Measurements were done on male (n=85) and female (n=85) hip bones. Length of iliac crest, thickness of iliac crest and ilium were measured. Thickness was measured at pre-defined points on crest and ilium 2 cm apart starting from anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Ilium was measured at a depth of 2.5 cm from crest. Statistical analysis was done. Iliac crests were longer in male bones. Ventral iliac crest was thickest at 6 cm from ASIS in both sexes. While iliac crest bore minimum thickness at 12 cm and 10 cm from ASIS in male and female bones respectively, however at 2.5 cm below iliac crest surface ilium was thickest at 4 cm from ASIS and at ASIS in male and female bones respectively. In case of male bones, dorsal part of iliac crest was thickest at 2.15 ± 1.29 cm from posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) while in females it was at 1.78 ± 1.31 cm from PSIS. In dorsal part of ilium, it was observed at 2.31 ± 1.47 cm and 1.9 ± 1.79 cm from PSIS for male and female bones respectively. This study provided detailed variable morphometry and significant sexual dimorphism observed in iliac crest and ilium. Thickest safe zones in both sexes are a useful guide for harvesting appropriate bone grafts.

PMID:40026158 | DOI:10.14712/23362936.2025.2

Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2025 Mar 3:e011188. doi: 10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.124.011188. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous observational studies showed left atrial appendage occlusions with the WATCHMAN device reduced 1-year mortality, which conflicted with evidence generated from randomized controlled trials. We proposed to use the high-dimensional propensity score (hdPS) to assist in nonactive comparator selection (prevalent user of medication) and compared 1-year mortality between patients with atrial fibrillation who received the WATCHMAN device (percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion device [pLAAO]) and direct oral anticoagulants in 2 matched cohorts based on (1) traditional propensity score (PS) and (2) integrating traditional PS with information learned from hdPS.

METHODS: Patients entered the cohort once diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in the 15% of Medicare fee-for-service claims database from 2011 to 2018. Patients could enter the study cohort upon receiving WATCHMAN or at an outpatient visit with an atrial fibrillation diagnosis, respectively. We used PS matching with a 1:3 ratio for patients in pLAAO and direct oral anticoagulant groups. In cohort 2, we implemented a multistep approach with information learned from hdPS. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios of outcomes with 95% CIs.

RESULTS: In cohort 1, we identified 1159 and 3477 patients in the pLAAO and direct oral anticoagulant groups with a mean age of 78.1 versus 77.5 years, 44.9% versus 40.8% of women, and a 1-year mortality rate of 8.02 versus 8.97/100 person-years (hazard ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.69-1.09]). With the support of hdPS, in cohort 2, we excluded patients with malignant cancer and added frailty score in the PS model. We identified 953 and 2859 patients in the pLAAO and direct oral anticoagulant groups with a mean age of 78.1 versus 77.9 years, 47.2% versus 46.1% of women, and a 1-year mortality rate of 7.45 and 7.69/100 person-years (hazard ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.73-1.24]).

CONCLUSIONS: No association was found between pLAAO and 1-year mortality, which is consistent with existing evidence from randomized controlled trials. The hdPS approach provides an opportunity to improve nonactive comparator selection in traditional PS analysis.

PMID:40026152 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.124.011188

Br J Nutr. 2025 Mar 3:1-48. doi: 10.1017/S0007114525000376. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Prior studies have shown that plant-based diets are associated with lower cardiovascular risk. However, these diets encompass a large diversity of foods with contrasted nutritional quality that may differentially impact health. We aimed to investigate the pooled cross-sectional association between metabolic syndrome (MetS), its components, and healthy and unhealthy plant-based diet indices (hPDI and uPDI), using data from two French cohorts and one representative study from the French population. This study included 16,358 participants from the NutriNet-Santé study, 1,769 participants from the Esteban study and 1,565 participants from the STANISLAS study who underwent a clinical visit. The MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. The associations between these plant-based diet indices and MetS were estimated by multivariable Poisson and logistic regression models, stratified by gender. Meta-analysis enabled the computation of a pooled Prevalence Ratio. A higher contribution of healthy plant foods (higher hPDI) was associated with a lower probability of having MetS (PR_men: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.75-0.94, PR_women: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.67-0.77), elevated waist circumferences and elevated blood pressure. In women, a higher hPDI was associated with a lower probability of having elevated triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterolemia and hyperglycemia; and a higher contribution of unhealthy plant foods was associated with a higher prevalence of MetS (PR_women: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01-1.26) and elevated triglycerides. A greater contribution of healthy plant floods was associated with protective effects on metabolic syndrome, especially in women. Gender differences should be further investigated in relation to the current sustainable nutrition transition.

PMID:40026144 | DOI:10.1017/S0007114525000376

Cardiol Young. 2025 Mar 3:1-7. doi: 10.1017/S1047951125001222. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acquired chylothorax is an established complication of CHD surgery, affecting 2-9% of patients. CHD places a child at risk for failure to thrive, with subsequent chylothorax imposing additional risk.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a retrospective chart review to ascertain quantitative markers of nutrition and growth in children affected by chylothorax following CHD surgery between 2018 and 2022 compared to controls.

METHODS: We utilised electronic medical record system, EPIC, at Children’s Hospital, New Orleans, targeting subjects < 18 years old who underwent CHD surgery between 2018 and 2022 and developed a subsequent chylothorax. Study subjects were identified using the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases codes (ICD-10 codes: J94.0, I89.8, and J90.0). Each chylothorax case (n = 20) was matched by procedure type and age to a control with no chylothorax (n = 20). Data were recorded in REDCap and analysed using SPSS.

RESULTS: After removal of outliers, we analysed 19 total matched pairs. There was no statistical difference in growth velocity (p = 0.12), weight change (operation to discharge) (p = 0.95), weight change (admission to discharge) (p = 0.35), Z-score change (operation to discharge) (p = 0.90), Z-score change (admission to discharge) (p = 0.21), serum protein (p = 0.88), or serum albumin (p = 0.82). Among cases, linear regression demonstrated no significant association between maximum chylous output and growth velocity (p = 0.91), weight change (operation to discharge) (p = 0.15), or weight change (admission to discharge) (p = 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe statistically significant markers of growth or nutrition in children with chylothorax post-CHD surgery compared to those without chylothorax. Multisite data collection and analysis is required to better ascertain clinical impact and guide clinical practice.

PMID:40026099 | DOI:10.1017/S1047951125001222

J Alzheimers Dis. 2025 Mar 3:13872877251321182. doi: 10.1177/13872877251321182. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Geroscience aims to understand how the biology of aging serves as a shared contributor to multiple age-related health conditions. Genetic variants that influence multiple traits are said to exert pleiotropic effects. The study by Pan and colleagues applied a modern statistical model to identify genetic variants with potentially pleiotropic effects by assessing their joint association with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and another age-related comorbidity (e.g., coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia, cancer). Motivated by Pan and colleagues, this commentary introduces the concept of genetic geroscience as a paradigm for identifying genetic variants with potentially pleotropic effects on multiple age-related health conditions.

PMID:40026006 | DOI:10.1177/13872877251321182

Chemphyschem. 2025 Mar 3:e202400711. doi: 10.1002/cphc.202400711. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This work presents a systematic study of the electronic response and physico-chemical characteristics from hydrothermally treated organic carbon sources (banana peels and cocoa husks). Both samples are exposed to 150 °C and 210 °C for 2, 4, and 6 hours. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and conductivity measurements are used to describe the electronic properties for each organic carbon source. A multicategorical statistical optimization model let us to identify the best dielectric performance considering: a) temperature treatment, b) exposure time, c) frequency, and d) the organic carbon source. Our results indicate that cocoa husk hydrothermally treated samples (CHH) exhibited the best dielectric response, originating from high carboxyl concentrations or diamond-like carbon structures at 150°C for 6 and 2 hours. In contrast, banana peel hydrothermally treated samples (BPH) are good conductors in comparison to CHH, due to low carboxylation or highly graphitization. This study provides valuable insights into the fundamental structure of lignocellulosic carbon sources that can aid in the development of energy storage and microwave technologies by transforming agricultural residues into high-value electronic materials.

PMID:40025910 | DOI:10.1002/cphc.202400711

Sci Prog. 2025 Jan-Mar;108(1):368504251320766. doi: 10.1177/00368504251320766.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Data regarding the long-term outcomes of patients with thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) after drug therapy (DT) alone and endovascular procedure (EP)+ drug therapy (DT) are limited. In this study, we compared the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of major amputation in TAO patients treated with DT alone and those treated with EP+ DT.

METHODS: Consecutive patients with TAO treated at Ganzhou People’s Hospital between 2012 and 2022 were included in this real-world study. All patients were administered DT. Some patients were treated with EP in addition to DT. The patients were classified into two groups: the DT group and the EP+ DT group. Long-term follow-up was sustained for all patients after treatment, and limb events were documented throughout the follow-up period. Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the factors associated with major amputation of the TAO.

RESULTS: A total of 150 TAO patients with 175 lower limb lesions were included in the study and the number of patients in DT group and EP+ DT group was 81 and 69, respectively. The technical success rate in the EP group was 82.6%. The major amputation was performed in 19 and 21 patients in the respective groups, accounting for 26.7% of the total patients. The Kaplan-Meier curves for major amputation did not significantly differ between the two groups. Cox regression analysis revealed that disease duration (hazard ratio (HR), 0.865; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.783-0.979], p = 0.005), wound grade (HR, 2.240; 95% CI 1.565-3.207], p < 0.001) and current smoking (HR, 3.075; 95% CI 1.317-7.812], p = 0.009) were independent factors for major amputation in patients with TAO.

CONCLUSION: In terms of long-term outcomes, major amputation in TAO patients did not seem to be related to the treatment methods despite a higher immediate patency rate observed after endovascular procedures. Additionally, we identified independent factors for major amputation.

PMID:40025902 | DOI:10.1177/00368504251320766

Curr Med Res Opin. 2025 Mar 3:1-10. doi: 10.1080/03007995.2025.2470749. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) measures supported by a severity algorithm may serve as a decision aid for triage and consultation in follow-up of patients with endometriosis. In a new follow-up regime, patients filled out an endometriosis-specific questionnaire (EQ) at home before outpatient consultation (tele-Patient-Reported Outcome Measures; telePROM). A severity algorithm was assigned patients’ answers using a color code thereby reflecting the need of clinical attention. Our study aimed to assess the test-retest reliability of the severity algorithm and of the single items as well as to evaluate the face- and content validity of the EQ.

METHODS: The study was carried out in a referral endometriosis clinic at a Danish University Hospital. The validation was based on an initial version of the EQ, which was adjusted simultaneously with its severity algorithm, to meet the purpose of this study. Reliability was assessed by a test-retest setting of the questionnaire including patients with endometriosis, ≥ 18 years and Danish speaking. Kappa statistics and interclass correlation analyses were applied to assess test-retest reliability. Face- and content validity was explored by focus group interviewing of patients.

RESULTS: In total, 14 patients answered the questionnaire twice. Results indicate that the EQ demonstrated substantial reliability in three out of five domain indicators in the severity algorithm and 65% of items with kappa values above 0.60. Further, focus-group interview of five patients resulted in adding an open-ended question regarding important issues to discuss at the consultation.

CONCLUSION: TelePROM in outpatient follow-up of endometriosis is feasible as patients viewed the questionnaire relevant for their clinical follow-up. Yet, due to the small sample size results should be interpreted with caution. Further validation of the EQ is recommended.

PMID:40025888 | DOI:10.1080/03007995.2025.2470749

Epigenomics. 2025 Mar 2:1-12. doi: 10.1080/17501911.2025.2473309. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Dietary modification is a cornerstone and a primary goal for weight loss, whose effects may be related to epigenetic phenomena. In this literature review, a comprehensive search without time restriction was performed in PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, SciELO, and Scopus databases to identify epigenetic signatures related to obesity outcomes upon dietary advice. In this context, experimental studies and clinical trials have identified certain DNA methylation marks, miRNA expression profiles and histone modifications putatively associated with adiposity outcomes after different nutritional interventions. These include traditional dietary patterns, diets with different macronutrient compositions, and supplementation with fatty acids, amino acids and derivatives, methyl donors, vitamins and minerals, probiotics and prebiotics, and bioactive food compounds. Some of these epigenetic signatures have been mapped to genes involved in food intake control, adipogenesis, lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, body fat deposition, and gut microbiota modulation. However, additional studies are still required to address dosage and follow-up variability, validation of epigenetic marks, genome-wide approaches, and appropriate statistical settings. Although more investigation is required, these insights may contribute to the characterization of epigenetic biomarkers of body weight regulation toward the prescription of tailored dietary strategies targeting the epigenome for a more precise obesity management and control.

PMID:40025880 | DOI:10.1080/17501911.2025.2473309