Tag: pubmed

Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2025 Nov 5;11(1):134. doi: 10.1186/s40814-025-01693-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Older Chinese adults in the UK are more likely to be physically inactive and face unique cultural and socioeconomic barriers to physical activity (PA) compared with the general population, yet they lack tailored interventions. Using findings from an evidence review and qualitative interviews, and guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel framework, we developed a culturally appropriate PA promotion package to enhance the capability, opportunity, and motivation of older Chinese adults in the UK to engage in PA.

AIM: This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of culturally appropriate PA promotion strategies among older Chinese adults in the UK.

METHODS/DESIGN: This is a two-arm pragmatic feasibility RCT. Community-dwelling individuals who self-identify as Chinese, reside in the UK, are aged 60 years and older, and do not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendations (i.e. < 150 min moderate PA or balance/strength exercise < 2 times per week) will be recruited. Participants will be randomised to receive either the culturally appropriate PA promotion strategy package or the WHO PA recommendation leaflet. Outcome data will be collected at baseline, 12 weeks, and 18 weeks post-randomisation. Primary outcomes will include feasibility measures (e.g. recruitment, compliance, adherence, and follow-up rates), intervention acceptability (qualitative interviews), and both subjective PA levels (PA Scale for the Elderly) and objective PA levels (Realalt 3DTriSport 3D Pedometer). Secondary outcomes will include the Brief COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour) questionnaire, physical function assessments (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB), and quality of life (Control, Autonomy, Self-realisation, and Pleasure-12,CASP-12). The feasibility of the study will be evaluated based on the pre-specified progression criteria.

DISCUSSION: This is the first study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of conducting an RCT of a culturally appropriate PA promotion strategy package among older Chinese adults in the UK. The findings from this study will inform improvements in PA promotion strategies and guide the development of a full-scale RCT, with the ultimate goal of creating culturally appropriate, sustainable interventions to improve the health and well-being of older Chinese adults in the UK.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework on 19 November 2024 ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/XQHJS ).

PMID:41194268 | DOI:10.1186/s40814-025-01693-7

Adv Rheumatol. 2025 Nov 5;65(1):54. doi: 10.1186/s42358-025-00485-0.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41194251 | DOI:10.1186/s42358-025-00485-0

Confl Health. 2025 Nov 5;19(1):80. doi: 10.1186/s13031-025-00720-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization encourages all countries to implement Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR), a continuous quality improvement cycle of death identification, reporting, and review to prevent future mortality. However, MPDSR implementation in humanitarian settings requires contextual adaptations for effective implementation. The aim of this study was to understand the landscape of existing health surveillance and information systems that capture maternal and perinatal mortality in crisis-affected areas of Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to inform future implementation of MPDSR.

METHODS: A mixed-methods study was conducted in North Kivu and South Kivu in Eastern DRC. Within each province, three health zones were targeted. We conducted 109 key informant interviews to identify and understand how existing surveillance and health information systems capture data on maternal and perinatal mortality. Surveys were administered for each identified system (N = 53). Data collection occurred in December 2022 in South Kivu and in June 2023 in North Kivu. Descriptive statistics of survey findings were conducted to compare key characteristics of reporting systems. Thematic content analysis of interview transcripts was conducted and triangulated with survey findings to understand implementation realities by system and health zone type.

RESULTS: Two categories of death reporting systems were identified: health systems (National Health Information System, MPDSR, and their extensions into communities via community health workers) and administrative systems (civil registration and other community-based systems). Commonly reported implementation challenges in all health zones included insufficient human and financial resources, unavailable tools, and complex socio-cultural dynamics which created obstacles in the identification, reporting, and review of deaths. Insecurity within the region often limited system functionality. However, promising practices related to health authority and community engagement were implemented to overcome implementation challenges.

CONCLUSION: Our findings uncover a wealth of implementation experience that is essential to inform the development, implementation, and extension of MPDSR systems tailored for optimal functionality in crisis-affected contexts. Structural system inputs must be addressed alongside socio-cultural dynamics that influence reporting and review of maternal and perinatal deaths. The intervention mechanism in crisis contexts must include a component aimed at strengthening the community networks involved in information gathering.

PMID:41194246 | DOI:10.1186/s13031-025-00720-x

J Ovarian Res. 2025 Nov 5;18(1):240. doi: 10.1186/s13048-025-01818-9.

ABSTRACT

The dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced mouse model is widely used to study polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet findings on antral follicle (AF) dynamics remain inconsistent. Among 12 representative studies-classified as mechanistic (n = 1), intervention (n = 7), or mixed-type (n = 4)-half reported increased AF counts, while the others reported reductions. This variability likely stems from methodological differences, including DHEA dosage, solvent, animal age, treatment duration, follicle classification, and estrous cycle control. AMH, a key regulator of folliculogenesis, was reported in only one study, limiting mechanistic interpretation. Our subgroup and forest plot analyses suggest that ethanol solvents, younger animals, and longer treatment durations may increase the likelihood of AF elevation, though none reached statistical significance and these results should be interpreted as exploratory due to small sample sizes and study heterogeneity. We propose standardizing key variables such as AMH measurement, follicle classification, histological sectioning, estrous cycle staging, and DHEA administration protocols. Although the DHEA model recapitulates reproductive hallmarks of PCOS-such as hyperandrogenism and follicular arrest-it incompletely reflects the metabolic and neuroendocrine features of human PCOS, limiting its translational fidelity. These findings highlight the need for greater methodological transparency and standardization to improve the translational value of preclinical PCOS models.

PMID:41194236 | DOI:10.1186/s13048-025-01818-9

Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol. 2025 Nov 6;11(1):37. doi: 10.1186/s40748-025-00233-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are expert-agreed upon malnutrition indicators for infants, but the meaningfulness of these indicators in hospitalized neonates is unknown.

METHODS: Eighty-four term infants hospitalized in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit had body composition measurements and other anthropometric data extracted from the medical record. Linear regression using maximum likelihood estimation was performed to evaluate the relationship of malnutrition status (assessed at time of body composition assessment) with each body composition metric (body fat percent z-score, fat mass z-score, fat-free mass z-score) and with toddler body mass index (BMI) z-score. Linear regression was also performed to evaluate the relationship between each body composition metric and toddler BMI z-score.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant negative association between neonatal malnutrition diagnosis with a -0.83 change in fat-free mass z-score (95% CI -1.61 to -0.05, p = 0.04). There was no statistically significant association between body fat percent or fat mass and neonatal malnutrition diagnosis. There was no statistically significant relationship between each infant body composition metric and toddler BMI z-score in unadjusted linear regression models.

CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal malnutrition diagnosis is associated with lower fat-free mass in critically ill infants with a variety of conditions.

PMID:41194224 | DOI:10.1186/s40748-025-00233-8

BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2025 Nov 5;25(1):410. doi: 10.1186/s12911-025-03243-w.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This scoping review aims to synthesize research on artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting open-heart surgery outcomes, evaluating AI model performance, and identifying gaps in data quality, algorithmic bias, and clinical applicability to guide future advancements in personalized surgical planning and patient outcomes.

METHODS: Conducted using the PRISMA-ScR guideline, the review involved a systematic search across PubMed, Web of Science, IEEE, and Scopus. Articles were included if they focused on open-heart surgery, utilized AI methods, and were published in English. Exclusion criteria included non-relevance to open-heart surgery, non-original research, and lack of AI techniques. Data extraction included study details, AI methods, and performance metrics. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

RESULTS: Of the 64 included studies, 89.06% were retrospective. The most frequently employed algorithm was logistic regression (n = 41), followed by random forest in 38 studies and XGBoost in 32 studies for data analysis. Most studies focused on predicting postoperative outcomes. Mortality, acute kidney injury, and complications were the outcomes that more studies concentrated on. XGBoost, used in 32 studies, exhibited the best performance in 11 of these studies. Deep learning and hybrid models were underutilized. Major limitations included inconsistent model validation, limited prospective data, and lack of diversity in patient populations.

CONCLUSION: AI demonstrates promising predictive capabilities in open-heart surgery, particularly through machine learning models. These models can already assist surgeons in real-world practice by supporting real-time risk stratification and personalized decision-making, such as identifying high-risk patients for targeted interventions. However, methodological limitations hinder clinical translation. Future work should emphasize prospective validation, explainable AI, and equitable data representation to enhance model reliability and applicability in real-world settings.

PMID:41194211 | DOI:10.1186/s12911-025-03243-w

BMC Pediatr. 2025 Nov 5;25(1):909. doi: 10.1186/s12887-025-06215-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The under-five children mortality rate (U5CM) is still a global public health concern, especially in Ethiopia and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Unfortunately, the issue is notably underestimated and underreported, making it difficult to fully assess the severity of the crisis in the nation-state’s emerging regions. Regrettably, no research has been done to determine the time-to-death and its predictors for children under five in the developing regions of Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the time-to-death and its predictor factors among children under five years old in the developing regions of Ethiopia from March 21, 2019, to June 28, 2019.

METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of data collected in a cross-sectional study that was done among under-five children in the developing regions of Ethiopia between March 21, 2019, and June 28, 2019. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curve was utilized to display the statistically significant variance across categorical variables, and the survival time was evaluated using the log-rank test. The Cox Proportional Hazards (PH) regression model analysis of bivariable and multivariable variables was fitted to identify the predictor factors of time-to-death. The investigation’s findings were presented utilizing tables, text, graphs, and charts. The degree of significance was determined using an adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value less than 0.05.

RESULTS: In the study, a total of 2,019 children under five were included. The overall under-five child mortality rate in developing regions of Ethiopia was 8.1% (95% CI 7.0%, 9.4%). In the multivariable Cox PH regression model analysis, multiple birth type (AHR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.34, 6.46), mothers being AntiNatal Care (ANC) follow-up (AHR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.08, 3.87), not initiating exclusive breastfeeding (AHR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.23, 5.78), the female sex of the child (AHR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.333, 0.934), and the head of household being female (AHR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.236, 0.923) were recognized as main predictors of time-to-death among under five-children.

CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights an important under-five child mortality rate of 8.1% in the developing regions of Ethiopia. Important predictors identified through multivariable Cox Proportional (PH) regression model analysis include multiple birth type, lack of mother’s antenatal care (ANC) follow-up, the child’s sex, gender of household head, and failure to begin exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, in order to decrease the high rate of mortality among children under five, the government should emphasize improvement of the ANC services, promote exclusive breastfeeding, make a targeted intervention for multiple births, and support female households in the developing regions of Ethiopia.

PMID:41194207 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-025-06215-1

J Eat Disord. 2025 Nov 5;13(1):248. doi: 10.1186/s40337-025-01433-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Orthorexia Nervosa is a condition characterized by an obsession with healthy eating that can negatively impact an individual’s psychosocial functioning. The risk of developing orthorexia nervosa increases during adolescence due to environmental influences like social media and cultural norms. It is indicated that low self-esteem is linked to orthorexia nervosa, causing individuals to potentially use their fixation on healthy eating to seek social acceptance. This study aims to explore the connection between orthorexia nervosa and self-esteem among high school students.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the Ortho Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used to assess the relationship between Orthorexia Nervosa tendencies and high school students’ self-esteem. The sample was selected through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to analyze the data. The effects of variables such as gender, age, body mass index, diet history, physical activity habits, and attitudes towards organic nutrition on Orthorexia Nervosa were assessed using multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS: The study’s findings revealed a significant relationship between tendencies toward Orthorexia Nervosa and self-esteem. The overall Ortho Scale score was lower among overweight individuals, upper-class students, those dissatisfied with their weight, individuals who had previously dieted, regular exercisers, those who believed in the benefits of organic nutrition, and those with low self-esteem. A significantly small positive correlation was observed between the total score of the Ortho Scale and the total score of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a strong link between orthorexia nervosa tendencies and self-esteem among high school students. The results suggest that low self-esteem increases the risk of orthorexia nervosa. Additionally, factors such as dieting, dissatisfaction with weight, regular exercise, and beliefs in organic nutrition are associated with tendencies toward orthorexia nervosa.

PMID:41194204 | DOI:10.1186/s40337-025-01433-5

BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025 Nov 5;25(1):411. doi: 10.1186/s12906-025-05158-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Traditional medicinal plants are central to healthcare, nutrition, and cultural practices in rural Ethiopia, yet ethnobotanical knowledge is underdocumented and increasingly threatened. This study aimed to document medicinal plant diversity, usage, preference, and conservation status in Menz Keya Gebreal District, North Shewa Zone, to inform sustainable management and pharmacological research.

METHODS: Data were collected from 80 informants using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, focus group discussions, and field observations. Quantitative ethnobotanical analyses included Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Rank Order Priority (ROP), Cultural Value Index (CVI), paired and preference ranking, and direct matrix ranking. Similarity with other Ethiopian districts was assessed using Jaccard’s and Rahman’s indices. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression, were conducted using R to evaluate variation in knowledge across demographic groups.

RESULTS: A total of 121 medicinal plant species from 61 families were documented, with Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Euphorbiaceae being the most represented. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part, and oral administration was the predominant route of remedy preparation. High ICF values were observed for skin (0.87) and digestive disorders (0.82). Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel., Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex Benth., and Echinops kebericho Mesfin exhibited high FL, RFC, and ROP values, while Clutia abyssinica Jaub. & Spach and Euphorbia abyssinica J.F.Gmel.were prioritized for hepatitis treatment. Major threats to medicinal plants included agricultural expansion, overharvesting, and firewood collection. Ethnobotanical knowledge varied significantly by informant groups (P < 0.05). RSI and JSI revealed both shared and unique knowledge patterns across regions. Knowledge transfer occurred primarily within families, while sacred groves, home gardens, and cultural practices contributed to in situ conservation.

CONCLUSION: Menz Keya Gebreal District harbors rich medicinal plant diversity and traditional knowledge, but anthropogenic pressures threaten their persistence. Integrating community-based conservation, sustainable harvesting, pharmacological validation, and youth-focused knowledge preservation is essential to safeguard this ethnobotanical heritage.

PMID:41194202 | DOI:10.1186/s12906-025-05158-5

Exp Hematol Oncol. 2025 Nov 5;14(1):129. doi: 10.1186/s40164-025-00722-8.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41194180 | DOI:10.1186/s40164-025-00722-8