Tag: pubmed

Gait Posture. 2025 Feb 17;119:39-47. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.02.014. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of various plantar pressure parameters of patients with different curve locations (thoracic/lumbar) and types (single/double) of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

METHODS: Seventy-eight moderate AIS patients were included from Nanjing Drum Tower hospital, who were then classified into 4 groups by curve location and type, single thoracic scoliosis (S-T, n = 20), single lumbar scoliosis (S-L, n = 16), double curves with major curve at thoracic region (D-T, n = 22), double curves with major curve at lumbar region (D-L, n = 20). Another 22 healthy subjects were included as the control group. Multiple static and dynamic features, such as medial-lateral (M-L) area ratio and loading pattern were compared across groups.

RESULTS: For static plantar pressure, on the major curve side, the medial-lateral (M-L) area ratio was significantly different among five groups on both feet (P < 0.01). The ratio of S-T group was significantly lower than lumbar scoliosis groups on major curve side (P < 0.01). In midfoot, ratios of thoracic scoliosis groups were significantly lower than S-L group P < 0.01). On the compensatory side, D-L group had markedly lower ratio than thoracic groups in M-L area ratio and midfoot M-L area ratio (P < 0.01). For dynamic plantar pressure, the maximum pressure of medial rearfoot of thoracic scoliosis was significantly lower than lumbar scoliosis and control group on major curve side(P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the lateral rearfoot of thoracic had greater pressure than lumbar scoliosis groups (P < 0.01). The load distribution of metatarsal head (MH) had marked differences among groups on the compensated side, especially at MH1, MH4 and MH5 P < 0.01). Moreover, the loads of thoracic scoliosis were significantly larger than lumbar scoliosis at MH5 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: In moderate AIS patients, scoliosis curve location significantly affected static and dynamic plantar pressure while single or double curves had limited impact.

PMID:40020270 | DOI:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.02.014

Prev Vet Med. 2025 Feb 24;239:106488. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106488. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Validated diagnostic tools are essential when conducting serological surveys. However, reliable tests are scarce and hard to attain for emerging pathogens due to the lack of reference tests or samples. Recently, a recombinant myxoma virus (MYXV), named ha-MYXV, raised alarm in the Iberian Peninsula for its impact on Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) populations and its detection in wild (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and domestic rabbits. Here, we follow a Bayesian approach to evaluate two serological tools, an indirect ELISA (iELISA) and a competitive ELISA (cELISA), used to monitor this emerging pathogen in Iberian hare populations. We modelled serological data from 227 hares conveniently selected retrospectively for their apparent healthy status. First, we applied finite mixture models to adjust the cut-off thresholds of both tests, which improved the agreement between both tests (initial kappa = 0.42, after threshold adjustment = 0.78). Then, we employed Bayesian latent class models (BLCM) to estimate the assays’ specificity (Sp) and sensitivity (Se). The BLCM estimated median Sp of 94.0 % (95 % posterior probability interval (PPI): 85.9-99.4) and 96.1 % (PPI: 87.2-100.0), and Se of 77.7 % (PPI: 61.5-89.5) and 91.7 % (PPI: 78.1-99.9), for the iELISA and the cELISA, respectively. The true seroprevalence estimations show higher values in south-central Spain (ranging from 13.1 % to 70.4 %) and lower in the north (Navarra: 5.5 %). A Bayesian approach allowed to evaluate diagnostic tools for ha-MYXV, an emerging wildlife pathogen, in the absence of reference tests or samples. Future epidemiological studies of myxomatosis in Iberian hares should calculate true seroprevalence based on our estimations.

PMID:40020268 | DOI:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106488

J Health Econ. 2025 Feb 3;101:102971. doi: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2025.102971. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The 340B Drug Pricing Program incentivizes healthcare providers to increase medication use. It does this by allowing certain safety-net hospitals and clinics to purchase outpatient drugs at considerable discounts from manufacturers but be reimbursed at full price by payers. Yet, previous literature has left largely unstudied how the 340B program influences physician prescribing behavior. In this paper, I provide evidence of physician agency among 340B providers in the treatment of breast cancer. I leverage the staggered diffusion of the program to identify the impact of 340B participation on prescribing behavior and patient outcomes. Physicians who join the 340B program increase the share of patients who receive pharmaceutical treatments and increase the intensity of per-patient prescribing. I also find significant increases in prescribing medications that are not included in clinical treatment recommendations and medications to treat side effects. Despite more intensive treatment use, I find no statistically significant change in survival.

PMID:40020262 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhealeco.2025.102971

J Optom. 2025 Feb 27;18(1):100538. doi: 10.1016/j.optom.2025.100538. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of astigmatism among children in different areas of Xi’an.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Xi’an, China, involving children from 139 primary schools, 28 junior high schools, and 10 senior high schools. Data on uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and non-cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) were collected from March 2023 to June 2023 based on a new screening model by the Department of Ophthalmology of Xi’an Central Hospital. Data from the right eye were included in the statistical analysis. Trend changes in astigmatism prevalence across different areas, educational stages, ages, and genders were analyzed using the X² test and trend test.

RESULTS: A total of 99,515 children were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of astigmatism was 59.3% [95% CI: 59.0% to 59.6%]. The prevalence of astigmatism was higher in urban areas compared to the urban-rural fringe (61.1% [95% CI: 60.6% to 61.6%] vs. 58.3% [95% CI: 57.9% to 58.7%]) (X²trend = 73.174, P < 0.05). Boys had a higher prevalence of astigmatism than girls (59.8% [95% CI: 59.4% to 60.2%] vs. 58.8% [95% CI: 58.6% to 59.0%]) (X²trend = 11.613, P < 0.05). Compared to the primary and senior school, the overall prevalence of astigmatism is most significant during the junior school stage (X²trend = 1710.133, P < 0.05), with rates of 54.6% in primary school, 71.3% in junior high school, and 68.7% in senior high school (X²trend = 10.694-868.913, P < 0.05), among which grade 9 has the highest prevalence (X²trend = 2766.194, P < 0.05). Myopia severity increased with the degree of astigmatism (X²trend = 2547.677, P < 0.05), and boys were more likely to experience worsening myopia with increasing astigmatism compared to girls (X²trend = 36.878, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Astigmatism was most prevalent among children in Xi’an during junior school, peaking in grade 9. Urban areas showed higher incidence rates than urban-rural ones, and boys had a consistently higher prevalence than girls, with WTR being the most common type.

PMID:40020252 | DOI:10.1016/j.optom.2025.100538

Biochemistry. 2025 Feb 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00675. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Lin28 protein is well known for its role in inhibiting the biogenesis of microRNAs (miRNAs) that belong to the let-7 family. The Lin28 and let-7 axes are associated with several types of cancers. It is imperative to understand the underlying mechanism to treat these cancers in a more efficient way. In this study, we employed all-atom molecular dynamics simulation as a research tool to investigate the interaction formed between Lin28 and the precursor element of let-7d, one of the 12 members of the let-7 family. By constructing systems of an intact sequence length of preE-let-7d, our simulations suggest that both the loop region of the hairpin structure and the GGAG sequence can form stable interactions with the cold shock domain (CSD) and zinc knuckle domain (ZKD) regions of the protein, respectively. The system, by deleting the nucleotides GGAG at the 3′ terminal, indicates that the loop region is more responsible for its ability in bypassing the binding and repression of Lin28. Additionally, using let-7c-2, which can bypass Lin28 regulation, as a template, we constructed systems with mutated loop region sequences in miRNAs and tested their stabilities. Our simulation results coincide well with experimental observations. Based on both simulation results and statistical analysis from two databases, we hypothesized that two factors, namely, the interaction between terminal nucleotides and the ring tension originating from the middle nucleotides, can significantly influence their stabilities. Systems combining strong and weak terminal interactions with large and small ring tensions were recruited to validate our hypothesis. Our findings offer a new perspective and shed light on strategies for designing sequences to regulate the interactions formed between proteins and hairpin structures.

PMID:40020242 | DOI:10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00675

J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2025 Feb 28:1-7. doi: 10.3171/2024.12.PEDS24424. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Hydrocephalus in children with posterior fossa tumors (PFTs) is commonly treated with extraventricular drain (EVD) placement, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), or tumor resection alone. However, the optimal treatment approach remains undetermined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between management of preoperative hydrocephalus in children with PFTs and the need for early postoperative CSF diversion and permanent drainage.

METHODS: This international multicenter retrospective cohort study included all pediatric patients (aged < 18 years) who underwent primary resection of a posterior fossa tumor at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, United Kingdom, 2008-2018; Rigshospitalet University Hospital, Denmark, 2011-2020; Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, 2011-2020; and McMaster University Medical Centre, Canada, 2003-2020. The primary outcome was early postoperative CSF diversion (ETV, EVD, or shunt of any kind within 30 days of tumor resection). The secondary outcome was the permanent drainage (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) rate within 30 days after resection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS: In total, 310 children with PFTs were included, of whom 234 (75.5%) had preoperative hydrocephalus. Preoperative hydrocephalus was successfully treated in more than 85%. Thirty-eight children (12.3%) required permanent drainage, with a higher incidence in those treated with preoperative EVD. However, no statistically significant association was found between choice of preoperative hydrocephalus management (EVD vs ETV vs tumor resection alone) and persistent hydrocephalus requiring either early postoperative CSF diversion surgery or permanent CSF drainage.

CONCLUSIONS: This large international multicenter study did not demonstrate a significant association between choice of management of preoperative hydrocephalus (EVD, ETV, or tumor resection alone) and persisting hydrocephalus requiring surgical intervention after tumor resection.

PMID:40020235 | DOI:10.3171/2024.12.PEDS24424

Int J Med Educ. 2025 Feb 25;16:36-44. doi: 10.5116/ijme.679e.07de.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To cross-culturally validate the Feedback Orientation Scale in the clinical workplace, focusing on the Spanish adaptation of the instrument in the Chilean context.

METHODS: A cross-cultural validation of the Feedback Orientation Scale was conducted across six Chilean universities and nine health professions education programs. The target population were students in their clinical clerkship. The scale was translated through a rigorous process and was applied online. Validity and reliability of the constructs were evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis. A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted.

RESULTS: A total of 510 students participated (70% female, average age 24.1 years, 30% response rate). Students’ responses were from Medicine (n=128), Physiotherapy (n=128), Nursing (n=63), Dentistry (n=49), and five other disciplines. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a sufficient fit of the original factor structure CFI = 0.96, SRMR = 0.045, RMSEA = 0.051, 90% CI [0.044, 0.057]. Item loadings were above 0.50. Factor reliability ranged from 0.77 to 0.91. Overall, students’ perception of receptivity to feedback was positive, and the Feedback Self-efficacy subscale had the most “disagree” and “strongly disagree” responses.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide evidence regarding the validity and reliability of the Feedback Orientation Scale for assessing the feedback orientation of health profession education students in the clinical workplace. Students scored lowest on two items related to feedback self-efficacy, indicating low confidence in handling feedback. This Feedback Orientation Scale can reveal valuable insights into how students may differ in their receptivity and use of feedback in the clinical workplace, informing teaching practices and interventions, and redesigning existing feedback practices.

PMID:40020220 | DOI:10.5116/ijme.679e.07de

JCO Clin Cancer Inform. 2025 Mar;9:e2400224. doi: 10.1200/CCI-24-00224. Epub 2025 Feb 28.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Liquid biopsy, specifically circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), has emerged as a powerful tool for cancer early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring over a wide range of cancer types. Computational modeling (CM) of cfDNA data is essential to harness its full potential for real-time, noninvasive insights into tumor biology, enhancing clinical decision making.

DESIGN: This work reviews CM-cfDNA methods applied to clinical oncology, emphasizing both machine learning (ML) techniques and mechanistic approaches. The latter integrate biological principles, enabling a deeper understanding of cfDNA dynamics and its relationship with tumor evolution.

RESULTS: Key findings highlight the effectiveness of CM-cfDNA approaches in improving diagnostic accuracy, identifying prognostic markers, and predicting therapeutic outcomes. ML models integrating cfDNA concentration, fragmentation patterns, and mutation detection achieve high sensitivity and specificity for early cancer detection. Mechanistic models describe cfDNA kinetics, linking them to tumor growth and response to treatment, for example, immune checkpoint inhibitors. Longitudinal data and advanced statistical constructs further refine these models for quantification of interindividual and intraindividual variability.

CONCLUSION: CM-cfDNA represents a pivotal advancement in precision oncology. It bridges the gap between extensive cfDNA data and actionable clinical insights, supporting its integration into routine cancer care. Future efforts should focus on standardizing protocols, validating models across populations, and exploring hybrid approaches combining ML with mechanistic modeling to improve biological understanding.

PMID:40020203 | DOI:10.1200/CCI-24-00224

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2025 Feb 28. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003689. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The application of horizontal resistance is key in sprint training to modulate velocity and promote adaptations. However, the interaction between velocity and resistance on muscle excitation remains insufficiently studied. This study assessed the electromyographic (EMG) activity of thigh and gluteal muscles in response to varying velocity and resistance during sprinting.

METHODS: Thirty-seven elite athletes (27 females and 10 males) performed two trials under three conditions: a 40-meter maximal sprint without resistance and two resisted sprints applied by a robotic device with resistive forces equivalent to 25% and 75% of body mass in a sled condition. EMG activity was recorded from eight muscles in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscle groups for both lower limbs. Generalized mixed models were used to analyze average EMG changes with increasing velocity as a function of resistance. Statistical parametric mapping was used to assess the changes within the stance and swing phases as a function of sprint phase and resistance.

RESULTS: Hamstring EMG activity increased with increasing velocity (+17.9% in stance phase without resistance) and decreased as resistance increased, with opposite effects observed in quadriceps muscles. Higher gluteal EMG activity was found during the late swing phase with increasing velocity and decreasing resistance. The biceps femoris long head exhibited the largest EMG increase with velocity (+23% in the stance phase) among hamstrings, while the semitendinosus showed the highest increase with reduced resistance (+27% in the stance phase).

CONCLUSIONS: External resistance and running speed influence thigh muscle activity differently, even within the same muscle group, likely due to distinct muscle architecture and function. These insights should be considered when designing sprint training programs to target specific muscle groups, avoid muscle overloading, and account for inter-individual differences to optimize performance and reduce injury risk.

PMID:40020195 | DOI:10.1249/MSS.0000000000003689

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2025 Feb 28:1-16. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2025.2469845. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

An online survey of 103 clinicians using hypnosis was conducted to gain a broad real-world view of current practices, experiences, and perspectives on clinical hypnosis in Brazil. This research replicated a form focused on identifying clinical hypnosis practices across 31 countries, contributing to a global perspective on this intervention modality. The present study employed descriptive statistics in its data analysis. According to respondents, among the 36 most common uses of hypnosis, improving well-being, enhancing self-esteem, reducing stress, and controlling specific phobias and anxiety were reported as the most clinically effective applications. In Brazil, 90.3% of hypnotherapists do not consider hypnotizability relevant to the success of hypnotherapy. Concerns were raised about the technical-professional training of Brazilian hypnotherapists. This is the first investigation into hypnosis practices in Brazil. Although hypnosis has been regulated for over two decades by professional health councils, such as the Federal Council of Medicine and the Federal Council of Psychology, efforts to promote evidence-based practices must be made to address the identified gaps.

PMID:40020193 | DOI:10.1080/00207144.2025.2469845