Tag: pubmed

BMC Psychol. 2025 Mar 2;13(1):181. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-02542-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Wars profoundly impact mental health with growing long lasting consequences. This study assessed the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and well-being among Sudanese affected by the ongoing conflict, with a specific focus on healthcare workers (HCWs).

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 1 and June 30, 2024, using the validated Arabic versions of PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) (PCL-5) and the World Health Organization (WHO)-5 Well-Being Index.

RESULTS: A total of 1022 participants were included, and 44% were recruitted through online questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. Their mean age was 31.4 ± 12.5 years, 63.4% were females, 16.3% were HCWs and 83.3% were displaced due to conflict. The mean score of PTSD was 35 ± 21.3 with 56.9% having PTSD. The mean well-being score was 55.0 ± 23.9 with 40% reporting poor well-being. Among HCWs, 60.5% suffered from PTSD and 27.5% experienced poor well-being. A significant negative correlation was observed between PTSD and well-being scores (r=-0.273, p < 0.001). Predictors of PTSD were being male [β = -10.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-13.44, -8.38); p < 0.001], urban area resident [β = -10.38, 95%CI (-18.78, -1.98); p = 0.016], non-medical profession [β = 5.07, 95%CI (1.46, 8.67); p = 0.006], living with 2 to 10 households [β = 6.69, 95%CI (0.46, 12.91); p = 0.035], living with more than 20 households [β = 13.20, 95%CI (4.17, 22.23); p = 0.004], insufficient income [β = 4.32, 95% CI (1.84,6.81); p = 0.001], living in conflict zones [β = 13.38 95%CI (8.83,17.92); p < 0.001], refugee resettlement [β = 13.18, 95%CI (9.98,16.38); p < 0.001], and well-being score [β = -0.20, 95%CI (-0.25, -0.15); p < 0.001]. Predictors of well-being scores were living with more than 20 households [β = -17.44, 95%CI (-28.83, -6.04); p = 0.003], being a HCW [β =-6.22, 95%CI (-11.87, -0.57); p = 0.031], being a student [β = -7.55, 95%CI (-12.94, -2.16), p = 0.006, insufficient income [β = -5.04, 95%CI (-8.17, -1.90); p = 0.002], and living in conflict zones [β = -8.22, 95%CI (-13.96, -2.48); p = 0.005].

CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights an alarmingly high prevalence of PTSD among Sudanese including HCWs, with significant mental health consequences. These findings emphasize the urgent need for mental health interventions and humanitarian support to mitigate the psychological challenges faced by the conflict affected population.

PMID:40025606 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-025-02542-1

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Mar 1;20(1):223. doi: 10.1186/s13018-025-05649-8.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Foot postural alignment is linked to changes in gait patterns. This review aimed to compare spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters of the lower extremities in individuals with and without flexible flatfoot.

METHODS: Under PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for original and peer-reviewed articles with selected keywords from inception to November 2024. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Statistical analysis was conducted with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 3. To evaluate data heterogeneity, the Q-test and I² statistic were applied. Egger’s test was used to assess publication bias.

RESULTS: After searching the mentioned databases, 5309 articles were found. Finally, sixteen articles were included in the current review. A significant difference was found between the two groups in ankle inversion (effect size; 0.291, 95% CI = 0.053_0.053, P = 0.017), eversion (effect size; -0.568, 95% CI= -0.784_-0.352, P = 0.001), and hip flexion (effect size; -0.348, 95% CI= -0.576_-0.120, P = 0.003). Also, stride length (effect size; 0.658, 95% CI = 0.184_1.133, P = 0.007) and gait speed (effect size; 0.447, 95% CI = 0.120_0.774, P = 0.007) significantly differed between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: This study indicated that subjects with flatfoot exhibited alterations in the inversion, eversion, hip flexion, stride length, and walking speed compared to neutral foot participants and demonstrated a distinct gait pattern throughout the entire gait cycle. Health specialists are advised to consider these findings when prescribing prevention and rehabilitation programs for musculoskeletal deformities in individuals with flexible flatfoot.

PMID:40025605 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-025-05649-8

Ir Vet J. 2025 Mar 1;78(1):7. doi: 10.1186/s13620-025-00294-3.

ABSTRACT

Foals commonly experience diarrhoea in the first weeks of life. Although this condition is rarely life-threatening, it can have significant health consequences. This study investigated whether new-born foals can benefit from a dietary supplement of nucleotides, as already demonstrated in other species. Dietary nucleotides have positive effects on rapidly proliferating tissues and are considered “semi-essential nutrients” since cells have only a limited capacity to synthesize these compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate whether providing foals with a dietary nucleotide supplementation, in the form of an oral paste, was able to affect diarrhoea incidence, systemic immunity, intestinal microbiota and volatile fatty acid production. Thirty new-born standardbred foals, from 3 different premises within the same area, were equally distributed between two groups: one group received an oral paste containing dietary nucleotides (NUCL group), while the other received a placebo paste (CTRL group). Faecal and blood samples were collected on days 1 and 35 after birth. No statistical differences in cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-12) or faecal calprotectin levels were found between the two groups, suggesting that the level of nucleotide supplementation used in this study did not have significant effects on the systemic immune system and on the levels of faecal calprotectin. However, the NUCL group showed a lower relative frequency of number of days with diarrhoea (6.12% vs 13.33%; p < 0.001) and greater weight gain compared with the CTRL group (50.3 ± 5.65 kg vs 44.0 ± 8.65 kg; p < 0.05). Total volatile fatty acids, branched volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, succinic acid and iso-butyric acids in faecal samples were all higher in the NUCL group compared with the CTRL group. This outcome may explain an earlier establishment of a gut microbiota in the foals of the NUCL group that was closer to that typical of an adult horse, characterised by predominant fibrolytic populations. Volatile fatty acid production (especially butyric acid) has also been shown to correlate with the intestinal well-being of the horse, supporting the use of dietary nucleotide supplements for improved health and well-being in new-born foals. Although we noted no clear differences in the faecal microbial communities between the two groups, dietary nucleotide supplementation did appear to have a positive clinical outcome, reducing the number of days of diarrhoea and increasing the levels of volatile fatty acids.

PMID:40025599 | DOI:10.1186/s13620-025-00294-3

Adv Simul (Lond). 2025 Mar 1;10(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s41077-025-00338-2.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal mortality is high in middle- and low-income countries, including Tanzania. Most of these deaths are preventable and linked to suboptimal quality of care. In this study, we assessed neonatal resuscitation skills acquisition after a 1-day Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) simulation training using improved tools and associated factors among healthcare providers in 12 facilities in Tanzania.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare providers working in the labor wards in selected health facilities. The training was conducted in situ using the HBB second edition curriculum with improved simulation tools (Neonatalie Live simulator, NeoBeat heart rate meter, and Upright resuscitator). After training, skills acquisition was evaluated using Objectively Structured Clinical Evaluation. Participants who scored an average of 75% or above were considered passing. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the proportion of staff who passed the evaluation by different demographic categories. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare mean scores among demographic categories. Factors associated with neonatal resuscitation skills acquisition were analyzed using modified Poisson regression.

RESULTS: A total of 481 participants were enrolled in the study. Among these, 420 (87.3%) passed the skills evaluation on the first attempt. The overall mean skills score was 92.4%. In bivariable analysis, health facility level, region, age, and experience working in the labor ward were associated with passing skills evaluation on the first attempt. However, after controlling other variables in a multivariable model, none of the factors showed a statistically significant association.

CONCLUSION: In-situ, HBB simulation training using improved training tools effectively imparts neonatal resuscitation skills among healthcare providers. Participants learned skills similarly regardless of their different demographic characteristics, including level of education and working experience. Due to its potential to impart skills, frequent simulation training using improved tools may be considered for scaling up in other health facilities.

PMID:40025598 | DOI:10.1186/s41077-025-00338-2

Virol J. 2025 Mar 2;22(1):54. doi: 10.1186/s12985-025-02670-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster(HZ), a severe complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), is associated with significant morbidity. The effect of herpes zoster vaccine(HZV) for preventing HZ on patients after HSCT is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the efficacy and safety of HZV in HSCT recipients.

METHODS: The databases Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant studies. Random-effects models were used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HZ infection and related events.

RESULTS: A total of 3048 individuals from five studies (four randomized controlled trials and one retrospective cohort study) were included. The overall incidence of HZ in the HZV group and control group was 6.4% and 18.3% respectively, resulting in a pooled RR of 0.36 (95%CI, 0.29-0.45; P < 0.001), indicating no heterogeneity (P = 0.88,I² = 0). HZV demonstrated a reduction in the risk of PHN (RR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.15-1.11), although statistical significance was not reached (P = 0.08). Furthermore, through two independent RCTs, HZV showed a decrease in the incidence of HZ-related complications compared to placebo administration. The overall incidence of adverse events in the HZV group and control group was found to be 63.6% and 60.2% respectively, with a pooled RR of 1.02 (95% CI, 0.97-1.06, P = 0.51), indicating no heterogeneity (P = 0.66, I² = 0).

CONCLUSION: The HZV group demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of HZ among HSCT recipients, without an increase in adverse events. This highlights the positive impact of HZV on decreasing the incidence of PHN and complications associated with HZ. Furthermore, our findings support the effectiveness and tolerability of HZV as a preventive measure against HZ for HSCT recipients.

PMID:40025586 | DOI:10.1186/s12985-025-02670-5

BMC Public Health. 2025 Mar 1;25(1):825. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22087-7.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the relationship between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurrence in the general population, with a focus on potential gender disparities.

METHODS: The study included 22,952 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Various statistical models were employed to evaluate the association between AIP and CKD occurrence and explore gender-specific differences.

RESULTS: Adjusted for confounding factors, higher AIP levels showed a mild association with increased CKD risk in the general population. Specifically, individuals in the highest AIP quartile had a slightly elevated odds ratio (OR) for CKD compared to the lowest quartile (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.02-1.52, P for trend = 0.023). Gender-stratified analysis revealed significant differences. Among males, higher AIP levels were significantly associated with CKD risk (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.15-1.94, P for trend < 0.001), whereas in females, the association was weaker and statistically non-significant (P for trend = 0.055). U-shaped relationships between AIP and CKD were observed. Mediation analysis provided insights into potential pathways underlying this association. Among males, changes in uric acid accounted for 44.50% of CKD prevalence related to AIP, while glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), BMI, and bicarbonate levels contributed 44.09%, 17.55%, and 15.36%, respectively. Among females, uric acid changes accounted for 45.53%, while eGFR, bicarbonate, C-reactive protein (CRP), sodium, and potassium levels contributed 37.96%, 12.43%, 6.37%, 5.58%, and 3.14%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that elevated AIP levels may increase CKD risk, particularly among males in the general U.S.

PMID:40025582 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-22087-7

BMC Psychol. 2025 Mar 1;13(1):180. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-02497-3.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This Research explores the intermediary function of academic stress and sleep quality in the connection between physical exercise and subjective well-being among high school students.

METHODS: This Research conducted an online survey through random sampling with a sample of 540 (males = 310, females = 217; grade 10 = 159, grade 11 = 190, grade 12 = 178) high school students to explore the intermediary function of academic stress and sleep quality between physical exercise and subjective well-being. The participants were surveyed using PSQI, the Subjective Well-Being Scale, the ESSA, and PSQI. SPSS Statistics 26 was used to conduct reliability and validity tests, descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis. Mediation analysis was conducted utilizing Model 6 from the PROCESS 4.0 plugin.

RESULTS: (1) Physical exercise shows a significant positive correlation with subjective well-being, and the direct impact of physical exercise on subjective well-being is also significant. (2) Physical exercise adversely affects academic stress and positively influences sleep quality. Academic stress negatively impacts sleep quality and subjective well-being, while sleep quality positively influences subjective well-being. (3) Academic stress and sleep quality serve as significant mediators between physical exercise and subjective well-being. The mediation effect encompasses two indirect paths: In one aspect, physical exercise has an indirect impact on subjective well-being through its influence on academic stress; in another aspect, physical exercise indirectly affects subjective well-being via the chain mediation effects of academic stress and sleep quality.

CONCLUSION: Physical exercise can directly influence the subjective well-being of high school students. Additionally, physical exercise can indirectly impact their subjective well-being through academic stress, and it can also indirectly influence their subjective well-being through the chain mediation effect of academic stress and sleep quality. Based on these findings, it is recommended that schools provide more opportunities for physical exercise, integrated with psychological counseling and sleep management, to help students effectively alleviate academic stress, thereby enhancing their overall well-being.

PMID:40025577 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-025-02497-3

Mol Cancer. 2025 Mar 1;24(1):60. doi: 10.1186/s12943-025-02271-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, making early detection crucial for improving survival outcomes. The study aims to develop a machine learning-enabled blood-derived exosomal RNA profiling platform for multi-cancer detection and localization.

METHODS: In this multi-phase, multi-center study, we analyzed RNA from exosomes derived from peripheral blood plasma in 818 participants across eight cancer types during the discovery phase. Machine learning techniques were applied to identify potential pan-cancer biomarkers. During the screening and model validation phases, the sample size was progressively expanded to 1,385 participants in two steps, while the candidate biomarkers were refined into a set of 12 exosomal tumor RNA signatures (ETR.sig). In the subsequent model construction phase, diagnostic models were developed using the expanded cohort and ETR.sig. Statistical analyses included the calculation of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and AUC values to assess the models’ ability to distinguish cancer cases from controls and determine tumor origins. To further validate and explore the biological relevance of the identified biomarkers, we integrated tissue RNA-seq, single-cell data, and clinical information.

RESULTS: Machine learning analysis initially identified 33 candidate biomarkers, which were narrowed down to 20 ETR.sig in the screening phase and 12 ETR.sig in the validation phase. In the model construction phase, a diagnostic model based on ETR.sig, built using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, showed excellent performance with an AUC of 0.915 for distinguishing pan-cancer from controls. The multi-class classification model also demonstrated strong classification power, with macro-average and micro-average AUCs of 0.983 and 0.985, respectively, for differentiating between eight cancer types. Additionally, tumor origin classification using the RF-based diagnostic models achieved high AUC values: BRCA 0.976, COAD 0.98, KIRC 0.947, LIHC 0.967, LUAD 0.853, OV 0.972, PAAD 0.977, and PRAD 0.898. Integration of tissue RNA-seq, single-cell data, and clinical information revealed key associations between ETR.sig-related genes and tumor development.

CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates the robust potential of exosomal RNA as a minimally invasive biomarker resource for cancer detection. The developed ETR.sig platform offers a promising tool for precision oncology and broad-spectrum cancer screening, integrating advanced computational models with nanoscale vesicle biology for accurate and rapid diagnosis.

PMID:40025576 | DOI:10.1186/s12943-025-02271-4

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Mar 1;17(1):33. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01081-x.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Para-karate has been gaining popularity rapidly; however, scientific research on the subject remains limited. This study aims to examine the kata preferences at top-level para-karate events and explore the relationship between sport class (type of impairment) and kata selection.

METHODS: Data was collected from nine events-four World Para-Karate Championships (2016, 2018, 2021, 2023) and five European Para-Karate Championships (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023). A total of 906 katas were performed: 567 by males and 339 by females. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis.

RESULTS: Top-level para-karate athletes utilized 62 katas (61%) from the official WKF list (102 katas). The most popular katas were Gojushiho Sho (19.9%), Unsu (11.5%), Kanku Sho (9.5%), Suparinpei (6.7%), and Jion (6.2%). A significant relationship was found between sport class and kata selection (p ≤ 0.05). The most popular kata for K30 was Unsu (15%), while K10 and K21 + K22 classes predominantly chose Gojushiho Sho (16.6% and 30.3%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Kata selection for para-karate athletes is influenced by the type of impairment. Intellectually impaired athletes and their coaches often select a single, challenging kata with a balanced fast-to-slow movement ratio, such as Gojushiho Sho, to optimize performance.

PMID:40025570 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-025-01081-x

World J Surg Oncol. 2025 Mar 1;23(1):72. doi: 10.1186/s12957-025-03726-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Currently, various risk prediction models for surgical site infection (SSI) in patients with gastrointestinal tumors have been developed, but comprehensive comparisons regarding the model construction process, performance, and data sample bias are lacking. This study conducts a systematic review of relevant research to evaluate the risk bias and clinical applicability of these models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched for studies related to SSI prediction models in gastrointestinal cancer patients published up to August 19, 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the quality. A meta-analysis was conducted on the common predictive factors included in the model, using odds ratio (OR) values and 95% confidence interval (CI) as effect statistics. The Q test and heterogeneity index I² were used to assess heterogeneity. All the statistical analyses were performed via Stata 16.0 software. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was submitted as a supplement.

RESULTS: A total of 28 articles were included, and 39 models were constructed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the models ranged from 0.660 to 0.950, indicating good predictive performance. Eight studies conducted internal validation, eight studies conducted external validation, and two studies used a combination of internal and external validation for model evaluation. The overall risk of bias in the literature was high, but the applicability was good. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that factors such as underlying diseases, surgical factors, demographic factors, and laboratory-related indicators are the main predictors of surgical site infections in patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

CONCLUSIONS: Currently, risk prediction models for surgical site infections in patients with gastrointestinal cancer remain in the developmental phase, and there is a high risk of bias in the areas of study subjects, outcomes, and analysis. Researchers need to enhance research methodologies, conduct large-scale prospective studies, and refer to the reporting standards of the bias risk assessment tool for predictive models to construct predictive models with low bias risk and high applicability.

PMID:40025565 | DOI:10.1186/s12957-025-03726-0