Tag: pubmed

JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Sep 18;14:e73927. doi: 10.2196/73927.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Everyday life has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing health disparities among underserved communities have been exacerbated. Latino and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) populations disproportionately experience health disparities, even when compared to other minority populations. Both populations have heart disease, cancer, and diabetes as the leading causes of death, and both have high rates of obesity. As we recover from the pandemic, we must consider the intersection of continued health disparities, new social norms and attitudes, and new patterns of health behavior.

OBJECTIVE: The overarching goal of this project is to reduce health disparities among Latino and NHPI populations, considering new health behavior patterns, social norms, and increased technology use. The research project-specific aims are to (1) conduct key informant interviews and focus groups among Latino and NHPI populations; (2) develop and implement a community health and health behavior survey; and (3) co-design, develop, and test new technology that is meaningful and responsive to community needs and preferences.

METHODS: Using community-based participatory research (CBPR) and mixed methods approaches, the interdisciplinary research team will develop new technology based on community insights (key informant interviews, focus groups, and a community health survey). With our community liaisons, we will recruit adult (18+ years old) Latino and NHPI community members from the northern region in San Diego County (ie, Oceanside, San Marcos, and Escondido), largely from culturally related groups and organizations, such as dance schools (hālaus) and churches. Qualitative data will be analyzed using directed content analysis, and quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. The main outcomes include the identification of community health needs, culturally appropriate interventions, desired modality of intervention strategies, and acceptability of the technology. We expect the new technology to be focused on mobile health (mHealth) smartphone apps. Components will likely include strategies to improve obesity-related health behaviors and mental health.

RESULTS: This study received funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences in April 2022 as part of the Support for Research Excellence (SuRE) Program (R16). Key informant interviews and focus groups were completed in July 2023. Community health surveys were completed in August 2024. The development of the beta mHealth app began in September 2024 in partnership with California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) computer science students. Beta testing and evaluation will be completed by December 2025. The qualitative findings, identifying themes for a new mHealth app, were published in June 2025.

CONCLUSIONS: A major strength of this study is that it works with the communities of intended impact to directly inform new innovations to promote health behaviors. This study includes unique partnerships and an interdisciplinary team of researchers, students, community members, and consultants/collaborators to inform practices that can impact health disparities among Latino and NHPI populations with technology and strategies that are innovative and effective.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/73927.

PMID:40965967 | DOI:10.2196/73927

Sci Prog. 2025 Jul-Sep;108(3):368504251381584. doi: 10.1177/00368504251381584. Epub 2025 Sep 18.

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveSoft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare, heterogeneous tumors of mesenchymal origin that arise from muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. They pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, and limited data exist on their epidemiology and outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the clinicopathological characteristics and one-year survival of patients with STSs managed at a tertiary facility in Tanzania.MethodsA retrospective cohort review was conducted of medical records from January 2019 to April 2023. Data included patient demographics, tumor site, histological subtype, grade, stage at diagnosis, treatment modalities, and follow-up. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression was applied to identify predictors of one-year survival.ResultsNinety-six cases were analyzed. Males constituted 54.2% of patients, and the majority (70.8%) were aged 15-64 years. Rhabdomyosarcoma was the most frequent histological type (34.4%), followed by sarcoma not otherwise specified (28.1%). Surgery was the predominant treatment modality. The overall one-year survival rate was 63.8% (95% CI: 48.0-71.7). Female sex (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 3.36; 95% CI: 1.25-9.03; p = 0.016) and absence of surgery (adjusted HR: 5.57; 95% CI: 1.92-16.14; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of increased mortality. The advanced stage (Stage IV: HR = 9.37; unknown stage: HR 10.30) showed a trend toward poorer outcomes, although not statistically significant. Histological subtype was not clearly associated with mortality, though gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) trended toward improved survival (HR = 0.06; p = 0.057). Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with increased mortality (HR = 4.39; p = 0.049), likely due to confounding by indication.ConclusionApproximately two-thirds of patients with STSs survive one year post-diagnosis. Prognosis is strongly influenced by sex, stage, and surgical management. These findings highlight the need for early diagnosis, appropriate surgery, and structured multidisciplinary care to improve survival outcomes in Tanzanian tertiary settings.

PMID:40965966 | DOI:10.1177/00368504251381584

Psychol Methods. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1037/met0000770. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

When processing and analyzing empirical data, researchers regularly face choices that may appear arbitrary (e.g., how to define and handle outliers). If one chooses to exclusively focus on a particular option and conduct a single analysis, its outcome might be of limited utility. That is, one remains agnostic regarding the generalizability of the results, because plausible alternative paths remain unexplored. A multiverse analysis offers a solution to this issue by exploring the various choices pertaining to data-processing and/or model building, and examining their impact on the conclusion of a study. However, even though multiverse analyses are arguably less susceptible to biases compared to the typical single-pathway approach, it is still possible to selectively add or omit pathways. To address this issue, we outline a novel, more principled approach to conducting multiverse analyses through crowdsourcing. The approach is detailed in a step-by-step tutorial to facilitate its implementation. We also provide a worked-out illustration featuring the Semantic Priming Across Many Languages project, thereby demonstrating its feasibility and its ability to increase objectivity and transparency. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID:40965962 | DOI:10.1037/met0000770

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2025 Sep 15. doi: 10.1515/jpem-2024-0626. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: There is little data on prevalence, incidence rate and clinical characteristics on diabetes amongst the pediatric and adolescent group in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to document annual case counts, describe clinical characteristics, and assess loss to follow-up among pediatric and adolescent patients with diabetes at Kenyatta National Hospital.

METHODS: This was a hospital-based retrospective, descriptive study carried out at Kenyatta National Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, between January 2008 and December 2021 amongst diabetic patients aged 25 years and below. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.0.

RESULTS: Type 1 diabetes was the leading form of diabetes at 99.3 % (n=288). Most, 56.3 %, of cases of type 1 diabetes got diagnosed within the ages of 6-18 years, majority being 6-11 years. Most patients, 90.2 % presented in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at initial diagnosis. There was a sustained increasing trend in type 1 diabetes with a notable dip in hospital visitations during covid time, the year 2020. Patients with type 1 diabetes took an average of 2.5 months and a median interval of 18 days from symptom onset to diagnosis. A third of the cases of type 1 diabetes, 31.25 %, were lost to follow up.

CONCLUSIONS: The increasing cases of type 1 diabetes with delayed diagnosis require allocation of more resources and increased awareness creation. Measures need to be put in place to manage chronic conditions during pandemics. Hospital-based tracking system is required to prevent loss to follow up cases.

PMID:40965958 | DOI:10.1515/jpem-2024-0626

Psychol Trauma. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1037/tra0002029. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effectiveness of trauma practice (TP), a multimodal, triphasic approach to trauma therapy, within a community-based setting, including phase-linked effects on therapeutic outcomes.

METHOD: The sample included 39 clients and 15 clinicians. Participants varied in terms of trauma exposure and comorbid mental health to increase generalizability of results and representation of various trauma presentations in research. Posttraumatic symptoms (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) and trauma-related distress (Trauma Symptom Checklist [TSC-40]) were measured at baseline, after each phase, and at 6 months posttherapy.

RESULTS: Mixed effects models, nested by participants and clinician education level, showed significant decreases in posttraumatic symptoms and trauma symptom distress, reflecting a shift from clinical to nonclinical levels with robust effect sizes and reliable change indices. Phase-based analyses indicated symptom improvement during each treatment phase, with the greatest improvement observed in Phase I. Treatment gains were maintained at follow-up; however, sample sizes at follow-up were small.

CONCLUSIONS: This study’s implications suggest a strong foundation for TP’s effectiveness and clinical utility, encouraging further exploration into its phase-specific benefits and broader application in trauma therapy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID:40965953 | DOI:10.1037/tra0002029

Psychol Trauma. 2025 Oct;17(7):1548-1550. doi: 10.1037/tra0002013.

ABSTRACT

THE ISSUE: Criterion A, the event criterion in the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis, has been the subject of continuous debate over the years. The publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), has marked a significant change in the definition of potentially traumatic events. Most notably, secondary traumatization and indirect exposure are now an integral part of the PTSD diagnosis. However, the Manual includes one exclusion, noting that exposure through electronic media, television, movies, or pictures should not be considered as potentially traumatic, unless it is work-related.

RECOMMENDATIONS: In this article, we wish to strongly challenge this exclusion, using the events of October 7, 2023, in Israel as a unique case example. The events of that day included the killing of more than a thousand civilians and the abduction of more than 250 civilians and soldiers. During these events, millions worldwide were exposed to horrific, uncensored footage of killings and kidnapping. These were broadcast on social media and other informal media outlets (e.g., Telegram), which during the war have become a major source of information. Due to the lack of formal censorship or regulation, the materials shown were often very graphic. This represents a radical shift from traditional forms of media, to which we believe the DSM-5 referred in the first place. We would like to strongly argue that such coverage has a significant traumatic potential, as we already witness in large parts of Israeli society today. We therefore argue for the removal of the Criterion A4 exclusion from the DSM-5. Implications for clinical work and media policy are also discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID:40965950 | DOI:10.1037/tra0002013

Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1037/pha0000791. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Despite awareness of polysubstance use-the co-use of multiple drugs-and its associated risks, there is a lack of research consensus on how to identify and classify individuals engaging in polysubstance use. Latent class analysis (LCA) and latent profile analysis (LPA) are data-driven approaches that may improve the identification and classification of polysubstance use. By clustering data using different indicators, LCA/LPA can extract subgroups of common drug use patterns within a sample. Variability in how LCA/LPA are conducted, however, can substantially impact how subgroups are extracted and have not been thoroughly reviewed. The present review was one of a two-part series preregistered on PROSPERO entitled, “A systematic review of studies using latent class analysis to examine patterns of polysubstance use in adults (Part 1) and adolescents (Part 2)” (CRD42022352293). The present review sourced relevant studies using LCA/LPA in the context of characterizing adult polysubstance use and identified factors influencing the number of latent classes extracted. Across several articles using LCA/LPA (n = 136), the current review found differences, for example, in the number of extracted classes based on study sample sizes (ρ = .275, p < .001) and the number of indicators used (r = .244, p = .004). The present review noted substantial heterogeneity in study methodologies, statistical analyses, and latent class solutions. For future research, the review suggests some methodological considerations including attention to sample sizes, study locations, and the number of indicators included in LCA/LPAs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID:40965924 | DOI:10.1037/pha0000791

Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1037/cdp0000775. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The Police and Law Enforcement (PLE) Scale assesses police-based discrimination and shows excellent psychometric properties among Black men. We posit that experiences with law enforcement vary at the intersection of race/ethnicity and gender and are linked to psychosocial outcomes.

METHOD: Replicate the factor structure of the PLE Scale in an independent sample of Black men (n = 198) and extend the measure by testing its psychometric comparability among Black women (n = 193), Latina women (n = 209), White women (n = 186), Latino men (n = 203), and White men (n = 198). We utilized a U.S.-based online sample (n = 1,187) of 18-26-year-olds. Measurement invariance tests were conducted; multigroup structural equation modeling examined the relationship between the PLE Scale and loneliness, access to environmental reward, depressive and anger rumination, and impulsive sexual behaviors.

RESULTS: The PLE Scale replicates among Black men, does not display adequate psychometric properties among White women, and necessitates partial measurement invariance models across other groups. After accounting for differential item functioning, Black and Latino men report the highest levels of police-based discrimination. Similarities and differences were observed in the association between higher police-based discrimination and more loneliness, depressive, and anger rumination. Access to environmental reward and sexual behaviors displayed measurement bias that precluded comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS: While this measure necessitates latent variable statistics to be applied across intersectional identities, it shows adequate psychometric properties to be useful in research among Black, Latino, and White men, Black women and Latina women (but not White women). Last, police-based discrimination appears to be particularly linked to rumination among men. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID:40965923 | DOI:10.1037/cdp0000775

JAMA Oncol. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.3266. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is associated with poor survival, and no new treatment strategies have changed clinical outcomes in past decades. This highlights the unmet need to understand the biology and develop more effective and tolerable treatment options.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding an immune checkpoint inhibitor to chemotherapy for advanced PSCC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: HERCULES (LACOG 0218) was a phase 2 single-arm nonrandomized clinical trial evaluating pembrolizumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with advanced PSCC from August 2020 to December 2022. Patients were followed up for 24 months. Patients with metastatic, recurrent, or locally advanced disease not amenable to curative-intent therapy were included. Statistical analyses were performed between November 21, 2023, and January 25, 2024.

INTERVENTION: Fluorouracil, 1000 mg/m2 per day, intravenously for days 1 to 4; cisplatin, 70 mg/m2 (or carboplatin, area under the curve, 5) intravenously on day 1; and pembrolizumab, 200 mg, intravenously on day 1 every 3 weeks for 6 cycles, followed by pembrolizumab, 200 mg, intravenously every 3 weeks for up to 34 cycles.

MAIN OUTCOME: The primary end point was the overall response rate (ORR) assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1).

RESULTS: Overall, 37 patients were enrolled in 11 Brazilian centers and 33 patients were eligible for efficacy analysis. The median (range) age was 56 (30-76) years, 24 patients (64.9%) had metastatic disease, 8 (21.6%) had recurrent disease, and 5 (13.5%) had locally advanced disease. ORR was 39.4% (95% CI, 22.9%-57.9%). At median follow-up of 24.0 months (cut-off date January 24, 2024), median progression-free survival was 5.4 (95% CI, 2.7-7.2) months and median overall survival was 9.6 (95% CI, 6.4-13.2) months. Treatment-related adverse events (AE) rates of any grade and grades 3 to 4 were 91.9% and 51.4%. Immune-related AE rates of any grade were 21.6% and grade 3 to 4 were 5.4%. There were no treatment-related deaths.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The HERCULES clinical trial is the first trial to demonstrate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced PSCC with a manageable safety profile.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04224740.

PMID:40965911 | DOI:10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.3266

JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Sep 2;8(9):e2532469. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.32469.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: COVID-19 remains a disease with high burden in the US, prompting continued debate about optimal targets for annual vaccination.

OBJECTIVE: To project COVID-19 burden in the US for April 2024 to April 2025 under 6 scenarios of immune escape (20% and 50% per year) and levels of vaccine recommendation (no recommendation, vaccination for individuals at high risk only, vaccination for all eligible groups) and to assess the potential benefit of vaccine recommendations in reducing disease burden.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: For this decision analytical model, the US Scenario Modeling Hub, a collaborative modeling effort, convened 9 teams to provide scenario projections of US COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths for April 2024 to April 2025, under 6 scenarios combining levels of immune escape and possible vaccine recommendations.

EXPOSURE: Annually reformulated vaccines were assumed to be 75% effective against hospitalization for variants circulating on June 15, 2024, and available on September 1, 2024. Age- and state-specific coverage was assumed to be as reported in September 2023 to April 2024.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Ensemble estimates were made for weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths. Projections are presented for relative and absolute prevented hospitalizations and deaths averted due to vaccination over the April 2024 to April 2025 period.

RESULTS: For the US population (332 million, with an estimated 58 million aged ≥65 years), COVID-19 was expected to cause 814 000 (95% projection interval [PI], 400 000-1.2 million) hospitalizations and 54 000 (95% PI, 17 000-98 000) deaths for April 2024 to April 2025, comparable in magnitude to the prior year. Vaccination of high-risk groups only was projected to reduce hospitalizations (compared to no vaccination recommendation) by 76 000 (95% CI, 34 000-118 000) and deaths by 7000 (95% CI, 3000-11 000) across both immune escape scenarios. Compared with vaccinating high-risk groups only, a universal vaccine recommendation was projected to provide direct and indirect benefits, further preventing 11 000 hospitalizations and 1000 deaths in those aged 65 years and older.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this decision analytical modeling study of COVID-19 burden in the US in 2024 to 2025, ensemble projections suggested that although vaccinating high-risk groups had substantial benefits in reducing disease burden, maintaining the vaccine recommendation for all individuals had the potential to save thousands more lives. Despite divergence of projections from observed disease trends in 2024 to 2025-possibly driven by variant emergence patterns and immune escape-averted COVID-19 burden due to vaccination was robust across immune escape scenarios, emphasizing the substantial benefit of broader vaccine availability for all individuals.

PMID:40965885 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.32469