Tag: pubmed

J Neuropsychol. 2025 Nov 5. doi: 10.1111/jnp.70020. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Reassessments with the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) may generate learning effects, compromising the validity of the results. In Brazil, there are still no comparative studies between adapted versions of the test in healthy individuals. This study compared scores obtained on versions A and B of the RAVLT-A, routinely used in the neuropsychological assessment of patients with epilepsy and investigated the effects of age, education and version used. A prospective study with 188 cognitively healthy adults was randomly assigned to two groups (version A or B). Comparative analyses between groups and multivariate linear regression models were conducted to examine the impact of age, education and version on RAVLT-A scores. No significant differences were observed between versions A and B of the RAVLT-A (p > .05). Regression indicated a significant influence of age and, especially, education on performance on the test variables. The version used had no statistically relevant impact on the scores. This is the first Brazilian study to examine two adapted versions of the RAVLT-A in healthy adults. The findings demonstrate comparability between versions A and B, supporting their alternate use in reassessments to reduce practice effects. Age and, especially, education significantly influenced performance, emphasizing the need for normative data stratified by both variables, since those commonly used in Brazil are stratified only by age.

PMID:41190450 | DOI:10.1111/jnp.70020

Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2025 Nov;8(11):e70396. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.70396.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Existing literature on ovarian masses necessitating intervention in children by pediatric surgeons and gynecologists in Low- and Middle-Income Countries is sparse and lacks collaborative standardization in management between the two subspecialties. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the range of ovarian masses presenting to these two specialties and to explore variations in management.

METHODS: A 15-year retrospective review of surgically biopsied or excised ovarian masses between subspecialties at two academic hospitals in Johannesburg.

RESULTS: We identified 288 patients, six with bilateral disease and 294 ovarian masses. The mean age was 13.34 years (SD ±5.12). The most common presentation was abdominal pain in 149/288 (51.74%); 117 patients (40.62%) were from pediatric surgery and 171 (59.38%) from gynecology departments. There were 127/288 (44.09%) non-neoplastic and 161/288 (55.90%) neoplastic lesions, of which 110/161 (68.33%) were benign and 51/161 (31.67%) malignant. The neoplastic lesions consisted of 107/161 (66.45%) germ cells, 28/161 (17.39%) surface epithelial tumors, and 26/161 (16.14%) sex cord-stromal tumors. Ovarian-sparing surgery was done in 56/288 (19.44%) patients, 22/117 (18.80%) in pediatric surgery, and 34/171 (19.88%) in gynecology. Laparoscopy was done in 57/288 (19.79%) patients, 24/117 (20.51%) in pediatric surgery, and 19/171 (19.29%) in gynecology. The survival rate in benign masses was 100%, and 86.28% in malignancies.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the diverse spectrum of ovarian masses managed by pediatric surgeons and gynecologists. A laparoscopic approach combined with ovarian preservation, which was comparable between specialties, should be the preferred method for managing benign lesions whenever feasible. These findings underscore the need for standardized, collaborative guidelines between pediatric surgeons and gynecologists to ensure consistent and optimal management of ovarian masses in children.

PMID:41190447 | DOI:10.1002/cnr2.70396

Circ Genom Precis Med. 2025 Nov 5:e005233. doi: 10.1161/CIRCGEN.125.005233. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a pathophysiological process common to a range of cardiovascular diseases. We reasoned that considering clinical presentations of atherosclerosis across the coronary, peripheral, and cerebrovasculature as a single entity would enhance statistical power to identify rare genetic variation driving pathological processes across multiple vascular beds.

METHODS: We performed an exome-wide association study of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in 434 438 UK Biobank participants of European ancestry.

RESULTS: We identified rare, predicted damaging variants in HTRA1, SGTB (small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat co-chaperone beta), and RBM12 to be associated with risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, independent of known risk factors. Both SGTB and HTRA1 were downregulated in the aorta of patients with coronary artery disease compared with controls. Loss-of-function variants in the RNA-binding protein RBM12 increased the risk of coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases to a similar extent. SGTB increased the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the coronary and peripheral circulations but not the cerebrovasculature. While loss-of-function variants in HTRA1 are known to cause monogenic stroke syndromes, we found that damaging missense variants in HTRA1 are associated with increased risk of disease in both the cerebrovascular and coronary circulation. Surprisingly, the increased risk of coronary artery disease was driven predominantly by a single missense variant (p.R227W; minor allele frequency, 0.009). In vitro, the R227W mutant HTRA1 efficiently proteolyzed the disordered substrate casein but not aggregated α-synuclein. In contrast, a stroke risk-raising variant (D320N) could not efficiently process any of the tested substrates.

CONCLUSIONS: We identified novel genetic variants predisposing to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases that act independently of established cardiovascular risk factors. The observed phenotypic and functional heterogeneities between HTRA1 variants suggest that distinct biochemical mechanisms drive HTRA1-related vascular disease in the brain and heart.

PMID:41190437 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCGEN.125.005233

J Oral Rehabil. 2025 Nov 5. doi: 10.1111/joor.70093. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The recently developed BruxScreen consists of two parts: BruxScreen-Q (self-report questionnaire) and BruxScreen-C (clinical assessment).

OBJECTIVES: To test the intra- and inter-rater reliability, construct validity, acceptability and feasibility of the BruxScreen-Q and BruxScreen-C and assess their concordance among Dutch dental students.

METHODS: 88 out of 109 potentially eligible dental master students completed a set of questionnaires two times (Q1; Q2) and participated in two clinical workshops (CE1; CE2), using the BruxScreen-Q and BruxScreen-C, respectively. Intra-rater reliability of the BruxScreen-Q and concordance between the BruxScreen-Q and BruxScreen-C were assessed using Cohen’s (weighted) Kappa. Intra- and inter-rater reliability of the BruxScreen-C were analysed using intraclass correlation coefficients calculated from generalised linear mixed-effects models. Construct validity of the BruxScreen-Q was tested using Spearman’s Rank Correlation or Mann-Whitney U test based on hypothesis testing. Acceptability and feasibility of the BruxScreen were assessed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Intra-rater reliability for BruxScreen-Q was fair to substantial. Intra- and inter-rater reliability for BruxScreen-C varied from poor to excellent. BruxScreen-Q showed moderate construct validity, based on the acceptable consistency between the actual and hypothesised effect size of the questionnaire items. BruxScreen-Q (Q2) and BruxScreen-C (CE2) were found both acceptable and feasible by a majority of the students. There was no agreement between subject-based bruxism according to the BruxScreen-Q and clinically based bruxism according to the BruxScreen-C.

CONCLUSION: The BruxScreen demonstrates acceptable reliability, construct validity, acceptability and feasibility in assessing both subject-based bruxism and clinically based bruxism. However, there is a discrepancy between self-reported bruxism and the clinicians’ diagnosis.

PMID:41190434 | DOI:10.1111/joor.70093

Microbiologyopen. 2025 Dec;14(6):e70113. doi: 10.1002/mbo3.70113.

ABSTRACT

The beneficial effects of probiotics on the immune system are well established; however, the precise mechanisms underlying their action remain incompletely understood. To date, the impact of probiotics in home mechanically ventilated (HMV) patients has not been investigated. This study evaluated the effects of oral supplementation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 (LGG) on nasal microbiota composition and selected immune parameters in HMV patients. Thirty-one individuals, following a 3-month probiotic-free washout period, received LGG at a dose of 8 × 10⁹ CFU/day for 6 months. Nasal swabs and blood samples were collected at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months, to assess nasal microflora, Th1/Th2 balance, and levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. A statistically significant increase in IL-2 was observed at both 3 and 6 months (p = 0.0307; p = 0.0001, respectively), along with a transient rise in IFN-γ at 3 months (p = 0.0253) and IL-4 at 6 months (p = 0.0297). The IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio also increased at 3 months (p = 0.0394). No significant changes were detected in the remaining cytokines or nasal bacterial flora. Notably, none of the participants required antibiotic therapy during the intervention period-contrasting with prior seasons, when at least one course was typically necessary. Given the critical role of IL-2 and IFN-γ in anti-infective immunity, their elevation may indicate enhanced resistance to infection, while increased IL-4 may reflect modulation of inflammation. These findings suggest that LGG supplementation, due to its safety, affordability, and immunomodulatory potential, may be a valuable adjunctive strategy to reduce infection risk and improve outcomes in HMV patients.

PMID:41190418 | DOI:10.1002/mbo3.70113

Clin Nephrol. 2025 Nov 5. doi: 10.5414/CN111790. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Roxadustat is used for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, particularly those on hemodialysis with comorbid cancer. Some studies suggest a link between roxadustat and cancer progression, but the mechanisms remain unclear, highlighting the need for further investigation into potential causal links.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore associations between genetic variations in Roxadustat targets and 14 cancer types. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Egl-9 family hypoxia inducible factor 1 (EGLN1) and Egl-9 family hypoxia inducible factor 2 EGLN2 genes, related to hemoglobin levels, were chosen as instrumental variables. Analyses used inverse variance-weighted (IVW)-MR and summary data-based MR (SMR) approaches, assessing horizontal pleiotropy with Mendelian randomization Egger (MR-Egger) and Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), and using the heterogeneity in dependent instrumental variables (HEIDI) test for SMR.

RESULTS: Summary statistics were derived from three UK studies involving 172,925 individuals. IVW-MR revealed a positive association between EGLN1 variants and breast cancer (OR = 1.644) and lung adenocarcinoma (OR = 2.117), while negative associations were found for malignant non-melanoma skin cancer and kidney cancer. SMR confirmed the links to breast cancer and a decrease in skin cancer risk. EGLN2 expression was positively associated with prostate and lung cancers and negatively with estrogen receptor (ER)- breast and brain cancers.

CONCLUSION: Our findings support a potential causal relationship between the inhibition of EGLN1 and EGLN2 and the development of specific cancer types.

PMID:41190396 | DOI:10.5414/CN111790

Am J Hum Biol. 2025 Nov;37(11):e70165. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.70165.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to prospectively identify visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation thresholds in a cohort of sex-, age-, and BMI-matched non-Hispanic White and Black adults using a range of commonly employed whole-body and abdominal-specific adiposity measures associated with chronic disease risk.

METHODS: A total of 344 non-Hispanic White (n = 172) and Black adults (n = 172) matched for sex, age, and BMI completed anthropometric and DXA-based body composition assessments. Anthropometric measures included BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). DXA was used to quantify VAT, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), body fat percentage (BF%) across the whole body, trunk, and android region, and the android-to-gynoid BF% ratio. Segmented linear regression was used to identify significant sex- and race-specific VAT thresholds for each variable-defined as the inflection points where the relationship between VAT and each variable significantly changed.

RESULTS: Significant VAT thresholds were observed for BF%, WHtR, SAT, android BF%, and trunk BF% in both racial groups, with all thresholds higher for Black than White adults. When stratified by sex, all variables showed significant thresholds in White males, while none were observed in Black males. Significant VAT thresholds were identified for BF%, WHR, and SAT in Black females; WHtR in White females; and android-to-gynoid BF% in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS: After matching for key anthropometric influences, distinct sex- and race-specific VAT thresholds exist for Black and White adults, often falling below current clinical guidelines. These findings support the need for population-specific screening tools to improve early detection and prevention of cardiometabolic risks.

PMID:41190377 | DOI:10.1002/ajhb.70165

Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025 Nov 4:211258. doi: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02618. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Adolescent e‑cigarette use is a growing public health concern, yet the influence of family context and risk perceptions on usage patterns remains poorly understood.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated relationships between family context, risk perceptions, and e‑cigarette use patterns among a nationally representative sample of 4797 Polish adolescents aged 15-18 years who were current e‑cigarette users (defined as use in the past 30 days). Using computer-assisted web interviews, the authors assessed family factors (parental awareness, attitudes, and nicotine use), risk perceptions, and e‑cigarette use behaviors.

RESULTS: Among adolescent e‑cigarette users, 92.6% engaged in poly-nicotine use (i.e., used ≥1 other nicotine product) with only 7.4% reporting exclusive e‑cigarette use. Notably, 46.7% of participants reported extensive multiple product use (concurrent use of ≥5 products). Structural equation modeling demonstrated that family context significantly influenced e‑cigarette use patterns, both directly (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and indirectly through risk perceptions (β = 0.12). Risk perception emerged as the strongest direct predictor of e‑cigarette use patterns (β = 0.41, p < 0.001). Parental e‑cigarette use was associated with a 70% increase in adolescents’ likelihood of intensive e‑cigarette use (≥10 times daily) (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.39-2.07, p < 0.001). Traditional cigarette initiation (compared to e‑cigarette initiation) was associated with almost twice the likelihood of multiple nicotine product use (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.67-2.13, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the significant influence of family context and risk perceptions on adolescent nicotine use behaviors, suggesting that family-based interventions addressing these factors could be effective prevention strategies. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5).

PMID:41190369 | DOI:10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02618

Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025 Nov 4:211458. doi: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02650. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Burnout is a work-related syndrome with growing relevance in occupational health. This study explored the association between job stress factors and burnout in Korean workers at small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1024 employees from SMEs (50-299 workers) receiving outsourced occupational health services completed a cross-sectional survey. Job stress was measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale short form (KOSS), and burnout was assessed with the Korean version Burnout Syndrome Scale (KBOSS), aligned with International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) criteria. Burnout was evaluated across 3 dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy. Burnout syndrome was defined as meeting all 3 dimensions. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between job stress factors and burnout.

RESULTS: Burnout syndrome was found in 3.3% of participants. Key findings with statistical measures include: 1) burnout syndrome association – high job demand (Q3: OR = 12.62, 95% CI: 2.03-78.41, p < 0.05) and high overall job stress (Q4: OR = 17.56, 95% CI: 1.40-220.76, p < 0.05); 2) exhaustion predictors – high job demand (Q3: OR = 10.71, 95% CI: 3.64-31.48, p < 0.001), inadequate compensation (Q4: OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.02-4.16, p < 0.05), and poor workplace culture (Q4: OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.11-6.24, p < 0.05); 3) paradoxical findings – low job autonomy associated with reduced exhaustion (Q4: OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11-0.48, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Specific job stressors differentially impact burnout dimensions in Korean SMEs: Job demand and overall stress critically predict burnout syndrome, while inadequate compensation and poor workplace culture significantly affect exhaustion. The counterintuitive protective effects of reduced autonomy warrant further investigation. Organizations should prioritize evidence-based workload management and compensation fairness aligned with ICD-11 diagnostic patterns. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5).

PMID:41190368 | DOI:10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02650

Headache. 2025 Nov 5. doi: 10.1111/head.15093. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between migraine attack onset in children and adolescents and Chinooks, which are dry and warm westerly winds that generally occur in the winter and bring about abrupt weather changes to the east of the Rocky Mountains in Southern Alberta, Canada.

METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal clinical cohort study with recruitment from November 2020 to May 2024. Participants were: 8-18 years old, had migraine as per International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition criteria, had 1-15 headache days/month, lived in the geographical location where Chinook winds occur, and had exposure to at least one pre-Chinook or Chinook day during the study period. Chinook days were defined using Nkemdirim’s criteria and Environment Canada data were used to categorize day type as either Chinook, pre-Chinook, or non-Chinook. Weather data were merged with data from daily headache diaries, completed for periods of 8-30 days. The primary outcome was attack onset, defined as a day with a new migraine attack of moderate or severe severity, as per the 4-point scale (0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = severe). Both univariate and adjusted models were used to determine if there was an association between migraine attack onset and day type (i.e., pre-Chinook, Chinook, or non-Chinook) at the aggregate study sample level. The adjusted models controlled for age and sex, and both models included a random intercept. Subsequently, individual n = 1 models were fitted to explore each individual participant’s personal odds of migraine attack onset on both pre-Chinook and Chinook days versus non-Chinook days. Pre-Chinook/Chinook sensitivity values were calculated for each individual by dividing the model’s regression coefficient by its standard error. Sensitivity values >1.96 suggest a significant association between pre-Chinook/Chinook days and attack onset.

RESULTS: Sixty youth with 1253 days of complete data, of which 144 (12%) were attack onset days, participated in the study. There were 158 Chinook (13%), 124 pre-Chinook (10%), and 971 non-Chinook days (77%). There were 39 female participants (39 of 60; 65%), with a median age of 14 years (quartile [Q] 1 = 12, Q3 = 16), and a median headache frequency of 6.2 days/month (Q1 = 4, Q3 = 11). Neither the univariate nor the adjusted models found any significant association between day type and attack onset at an aggregate level (pre-Chinook adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-1.78, p = 0.947; Chinook adjusted OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.69-1.91, p = 0.596). No individual participants met the threshold for statistically significant pre-Chinook or Chinook sensitivity.

CONCLUSION: We did not find a relationship between pre-Chinook and Chinook conditions and migraine attack onset. This may be due to the lack of an association between Chinooks and attack onset in youth with migraine, or due to a lack of statistical power in our study. Future studies with greater statistical power should aim to assess for a potential relationship between Chinooks and attack onset, as it could have important treatment implications.

PMID:41190359 | DOI:10.1111/head.15093