Tag: pubmed

Otol Neurotol. 2025 Mar 19. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004490. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the changes in the incidence of otitis media and ventilation tube insertion (VTI) rates among South Koreans aged ≤18 years since the COVID-19 pandemic and analyze the impact of social distancing and increased personal hygiene.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study utilizing health insurance claim data.

SETTING: Healthcare facilities across South Korea.

PATIENTS: Individuals aged ≤18 years diagnosed with acute suppurative otitis media (AOM), chronic serous otitis media (SOM), or acute mastoiditis (AM).

INTERVENTION: Diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, including VTI procedures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Changes in the monthly average number of patients and episodes of AOM, SOM, and AM, and the number of VTI procedures, comparing pre-COVID-19 (2018-2019) to post-COVID-19 (January 2020-May 2021) periods.

RESULTS: The monthly average number of patients with AOM and number of episodes decreased by 56.6% and 62.9%, respectively (Estimate: 0.37 [95% CI: 0.30-0.46], p = 0.01) post-pandemic. SOM patients and episodes decreased by 58.2% and 61.2%, respectively (estimate, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.33-0.46; p = 0.01). AM patients and episodes decreased by 15.8% and 16.6%, respectively (estimate, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69-1.00; p = 0.06). The monthly average number of VTI procedures for AOM and SOM also decreased significantly post-pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in the incidence of otitis media and VTI surgeries in South Koreans aged ≤18 years. This decrease may be attributed to the implementation of social distancing measures and increased personal hygiene practices during the pandemic. These findings provide valuable insights for preventing and managing pediatric otitis media during future respiratory pandemics and similar public health emergencies.

PMID:40164975 | DOI:10.1097/MAO.0000000000004490

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2025 Mar 14. doi: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000001745. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the potential malignancy associated with high-risk breast lesions using breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements, and texture analysis parameters.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 40 patients with 41 lesions diagnosed as high-risk lesions after needle biopsy. All the patients underwent surgery. Based on the histopathologic results of the surgical excision, the patients were divided into 2 groups: those diagnosed with malignancy and those who were not. The MRI characteristics of the lesions were recorded. The ADC values of the lesions were measured. Textural analysis of the lesions was also performed.

RESULTS: Fourteen lesions (34.1%) were upgraded to malignancy. The median ADCmean values ​​in the malignant group were 1.114 × 10-3 versus 1.383×10-3 mm2/s in the nonmalignant group, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The cutoff value for the mean ADC was 1.163 ×10-3 mm2/s. The sensitivity and specificity were 71.4% and 85.2%, respectively. Among the texture analysis parameters, kurtosis values obtained from images on the ADC map and the first subtracted dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) series and contrast values obtained from images on the second subtracted DCE series were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.016, P = 0.019, and P = 0.045, respectively) between the malignant and nonmalignant groups.

CONCLUSIONS: ADC measurements and texture analysis parameters provide useful diagnostic information for determining which high-risk breast lesions will progress to malignancy.

PMID:40164962 | DOI:10.1097/RCT.0000000000001745

Diabetologia. 2025 Mar 31. doi: 10.1007/s00125-025-06407-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Our aim was to detect early structural and functional changes in the macular capillaries using optical coherence tomography angiography during the course of type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, individuals with type 1 diabetes (n=143) or type 2 diabetes (n=197) from the German Diabetes Study (ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT01055093) underwent clinical examination and cluster analysis to identify phenotype-based diabetes subtypes, using BMI, age, HbA_1c, homoeostasis model estimates and islet autoantibodies. Colour fundus photography, optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography were performed within the first year of diabetes diagnosis (baseline) and at 5 year intervals up to year 10. Age- and sex-adjusted participants served as control participants (n=105). Perfusion density, vessel density, presence of retinal microaneurysms in superficial, intermediate and deep capillary plexus (SCP, ICP, DCP), choriocapillaris flow deficit density (CC FD) and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) of the macula as well as retinal layer thickness, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were analysed.

RESULTS: Perfusion density and vessel density of SCP were already reduced at baseline in type 2 diabetes (expected difference compared with control participants: -0.0071, p=0.0276, expected difference: -0.0034, p=0.0184, respectively), especially in participants with severe insulin-deficient and mild obesity-related diabetes. At year 10 only perfusion density of the SCP and DCP was reduced in both type 1 and 2 diabetes (p=0.0365, p=0.0062, respectively). The FAZ was enlarged and the CC FD within the first year increased in type 1 (p=0.0327, p=0.0474, respectively) and more markedly in type 2 diabetes (p=0.0006, p<0.0001). The occurrence of microaneurysms in SCP and DCP was significant at year 5 (p=0.0209, p=0.0279, respectively) and year 10 (p=0.0220, p=0.0007). Presence of microaneurysms in SCP and DCP was associated with decreases in perfusion density and vessel density in both SCP and ICP. Furthermore, microaneurysms were associated with decreased ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer thickness.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Type 2 diabetes already reduces macular perfusion SCP at time of clinical diagnosis, while long-standing diabetes affects both SCP and DCP. The FAZ of the SCP and the CC FD are early indicators of diabetic alterations, with more pronounced changes observed in type 2 diabetes. Microaneurysms in the macular plexus are associated with a decrease of ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer. Subclinical microangiopathy occurs prior to manifestation of diabetic retinopathy, disease-related visual acuity impairment or inner retinal layer thinning.

PMID:40164944 | DOI:10.1007/s00125-025-06407-5

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Apr 1. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-36339-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of lead on the cultivation of Lactuca sativa L. in a hydroponic system, elucidating the effects of lead on physiological processes, anatomy, and its bioaccumulation capacity. Lettuce plants were grown in a greenhouse under a hydroponic system containing lead nitrate (50, 100, 250, 500 μM), with Hoagland solution as a negative control, for a period of 42 to 70 days. Plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry matter, leaf area, chloroplastic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, anatomical parameters, and lead content were evaluated. The results demonstrated that growth parameters were affected according to lead concentration. The 500-μM concentration caused the greatest reduction in stem height (30.28%) and leaf area (88.07%). A significant decrease in the number of leaves, ranging from 20 to 90.47%, was observed at all concentrations on the 70th day. Chloroplastic pigment content was statistically reduced at all concentrations, reflecting a sharp decline of 58.82% in the photochemical quenching and 45.22% in the vitality index. The root morpho-anatomy was also altered, with the proportion of vascular bundle area decreasing by 43.50% and a 501.47% increase in aerenchyma formation. Lead accumulation in the roots was 21.54 times higher at the highest concentration compared to the lowest, highlighting the cumulative potential of this organ, while the metal was not detected in the aerial part, indicating the absence of translocation. Despite the negative effects on biomass and physiological parameters, Lactuca sativa L. demonstrated tolerance to lead and potential for rhizofiltration, making it a promising candidate for application in hydroponic systems aimed at treating contaminated wastewater.

PMID:40164908 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-36339-x

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Mar 31. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-36329-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Surface water is used for a variety of purposes, including agriculture, drinking water, and other services. Therefore, its quality is crucial for irrigation, human welfare, and health. Thus, the main objective is to improve surface water quality assessment and geochemical analysis to evaluate anthropogenic activities’ impact on surface water quality in the Brahmani Watershed, Odisha. In the present paper, emerging techniques such as CRITIC (Criteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation), Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS), Weighted Aggregated Sum-Product Assessment (WASPAS), SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanation), and Geographical Information System (GIS) were used to locate the origins of pollution in the surface water. The 5-year (2018-2023) database was created by analysing samples that varied geographically over seven sampling locations. The dataset was categorized according to its intended usage. The study employed Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) tool, to forecast quantities and their geographical arrangement. The water temperature detected at several locations along the river revealed minor variations. The pH variations indicate that the surface water in the studied area is alkaline. Notably, the water’s lowest temperature ever recorded was 25.72 °C, at Q-(1). In addition, sufficient DO concentrations are monitored to ensure optimal water quality. The major parts of the study area were found to be majorly affected with high concentrations of PO₄^3-, EC, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and SO₄^2-. To determine the degree of contamination, a basic standard reference is necessary to interpret the values, which range from the anthropogenic to the natural contribution. The statistical results reveal the dominant decreasing order amongst the cations, such as: Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ and in anions, namely, SO₄^2- > Cl^– > NO₃^– > F^– > PO₄^3-, respectively. It displays seasonal variations in dissolved and specific phase metal fractions that are not statistically significant at any of the seven sites. Proceeding further, the water quality index showed that the four samples fall in the poor water quality class, whereas the rest, 3 samples, were of good water quality. The surface water is contaminated and negatively affected due to percolation of ions from landfill leachate as per the data of C-WQI. Based on ARAS and WASPAS, Q-(1) and Q-(2) were mainly not fit for consumption. Meanwhile, the SHAP-WQI showed an increase in the number of samples (71.43%) with unsuitable quality for drinking. This emphasizes on the importance of weathering, dissolution, terrigenous, leaching, ion exchange, lithological and evaporation as the primary processes. Human influences were the secondary factors. Overall, the findings indicate that the study area’s surface water is safe to drink, with the exception of a few locations including, Q-(1), (2), (3), (4), and (7), in the river water. Integrating GIS using WQ methods gives a new knowledge on the spatial variation in surface water characteristics for designated use. When enforcing regulations and carrying out pollution control operations, this will help determine the precise sampling sites or the sections of the river that show significant degradation. Thus, the integrated model provides insightful data on surface watershed management for urban planners and decision-makers. In overall, these findings underscore the importance of coordinated efforts across administrative boundaries within the basin to reduce water governance costs, providing valuable insights for fostering the coordinated development of regional economies and environmental sustainability. As a result, future studies should be conducted in the area to precisely state the quality of water used for drinking and domestic purposes.

PMID:40164907 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-36329-z

Behav Res Methods. 2025 Mar 31;57(5):131. doi: 10.3758/s13428-025-02647-w.

ABSTRACT

As a method for developing and testing hypotheses, meta-analytic structural equation modeling, or MASEM, has drawn the interest of scholars. However, challenges remain in how we can model and explain meaningful heterogeneity in structural equation modeling (SEM) parameters. To address this issue, two novel methods have recently been proposed in the literature: Bayesian MASEM (BMASEM) and one-stage MASEM (OSMASEM). How the two methods can be applied to address actual psychological research questions involving heterogeneity is a topic of debate and confusion. In this study, we describe and compare the two methods using two illustrations on the mediating mechanism of mindfulness-based intervention and the factor structure of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. In the illustrations, both methods were used to test the moderating effect of a covariate, to build a prediction equation for effect sizes in specific populations, and to evaluate the equivalence of standardized factor loadings of a scale. The study ends with a discussion of practical issues that may arise when applying BMASEM and OSMASEM.

PMID:40164904 | DOI:10.3758/s13428-025-02647-w

Neurosurg Rev. 2025 Mar 31;48(1):342. doi: 10.1007/s10143-025-03476-3.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Recent robotic-assisted surgical systems have shown promising efficiency and accuracy in brain surgeries. However, their application in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery remains limited.

METHODS: Studies from the Embase, Scopus, and Pubmed databases were included using a modified search string, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We extracted technical aspects of robotic-assisted DBS (RA-DBS) surgery, patient characteristics, accuracy, safety, and overall clinical results. We applied a random effects model for analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and the I² statistic. Additionally, subgroup analysis was conducted for the type of anesthesia, and frame-based versus frameless procedures and using microelectrode recordings (MER). Quality appraisal was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS: The pooled mean radial error (RE) and Euclidean distance (3D-EE) in robotic surgeries were 1.04 mm (95% CI 0.93 to 1.15 mm) and 1.19 mm (95% CI: 0.94 – 1.45 mm). RA-DBS outcomes regarding RE were comparable to conventional stereotactic DBS (C-DBS) surgery (SMD: -0.56, 95% CI: -1.35 – 0.22, P-value: 0.16). Also, the difference in the rates of reported complications was insignificant (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: -0.64 – 1.15, P-value: 0.58). None of the frame-based or frameless (P-value: 0.36), the use of MER (P-value: 0.11), or the type of anesthesia (P-value: 0.27) showed significant differences. However, there was an insignificant lower RE trend in the studies that employed frame-based techniques, used general anesthesia, and did not utilize MER.

CONCLUSION: Our study shows an acceptable level of error associated with RA-DBS. We found that the accuracy and complication rates were comparable to C-DBS. Due to substantial heterogeneity in the pooled mean RE and 3D-EE, more studies with higher sample sizes are required to evaluate RA-DBS.

PMID:40164900 | DOI:10.1007/s10143-025-03476-3

Support Care Cancer. 2025 Apr 1;33(4):335. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09408-7.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Treatment decisions are often highly complex when the outcomes are uncertain. In Japan, the consultation fees incurred can be reimbursed when physicians and nurses work together with patients to provide shared decision-making (SDM) on treatment plans. However, the extent to which reimbursed consultations are used by clinicians is unclear. This study aimed to determine the extent to which so-called “reimbursed SDM consultations” are used in cancer treatment and to identify the characteristics of patients having these consultations using a nationwide database.

METHODS: This retrospective study used health service utilization data linked to hospital-based cancer registries from 591 hospitals in Japan. Data for patients aged 18 years or above diagnosed with cancer in 2019 were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the association between reimbursed SDM consultations and patient characteristics.

RESULTS: Overall, 74,828 patients (12.2%) received reimbursed SDM consultations in 533 hospitals. The presence of breast cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 2.00), treatment types of radiotherapy (OR = 1.86) and pharmacotherapy (OR = 1.76), and distant metastasis (OR = 1.49) and the invasion of adjacent organs (regional) (OR = 1.47) were positively associated with reimbursed SDM consultations. Cervical (OR = 0.38) and renal cancers (OR = 0.49) were negatively associated with reimbursed SDM consultations.

CONCLUSION: This study is the first to determine the extent to which reimbursed SDM consultations are used and the characteristics of the patients receiving them. Further studies should investigate the factors influencing the use of reimbursed SDM consultations.

PMID:40164872 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-025-09408-7

Qual Life Res. 2025 Mar 31. doi: 10.1007/s11136-025-03959-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: When confronted with healthy functional impairments, the attribution of disease-induced distress plays a key role in the prognosis of health outcomes. This study examined the effects of an attribution-related intervention, namely WeChat-based EPIC (enter, practice, intensify, consolidate) training, on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), attribution, and life attitude in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

METHODS: Eligible patients were recruited using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the intervention or control group via stratified block randomization. The former received WeChat-based EPIC training plus routine nursing care for 6 months. The latter received only routine nursing care. HRQoL (primary indicator), attribution and life attitude (secondary indicators) were measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast version 4.0 (FACT-Bv4.0), Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and Life Attitude Self-rating Questionnaire for Breast Cancer (LASQ-BC), respectively. A linear mixed model was used to examine the score fluctuations at the 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals relative to the baseline.

RESULTS: After 6 months, the intervention group (n = 84) showed statistically significant higher total scores in the FACT-Bv4.0 [mean difference: – 15.01; 95% confidence interval: – 17.96, – 12.07; p < 0.001], ASQ [- 4.16 (- 4.45, – 3.86); p < 0.001], and LASQ-BC [- 6.77 (- 8.27, – 5.27); p < 0.001] than that of the control group (n = 82). The total scores of the three indicators also showed significant group, time, and group-by-time interaction effects (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The WeChat-based EPIC training was an effective intervention for improving HRQoL and psychological health in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry www.chictr.org.cn , prospectively registered on 11 April 2020, ChiCTR2000031827.

PMID:40164865 | DOI:10.1007/s11136-025-03959-2

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Mar 31;197(4):492. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-13957-z.

ABSTRACT

The spatial distribution of particulate matter pollution in urban areas is as complex as the complexity layout of buildings and streets and the various emission sources. Because of relatively high costs and inflexibility, the traditional fixed station monitoring is not able to satisfy the demand of dynamic particulate monitoring. A particulate sensor (OPC_N3) was installed on a trailer of a bicycle and applied to investigate spatio-temporal distributions of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations in summer time of Karlsruhe, Germany. Before that, the sensors were calibrated against a standard instrument (Fidas200). Temporal variations show that PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ mass concentrations in the morning were on average higher 2.7 ± 1.2 µg/m³ than in the afternoon and evening. The highest PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations were observed in the southern forest of Karlsruhe (segment 9), and the street surface is the primary influencing factor. Walking at 5 km/h has a higher concentration than speed at 5 km/h of riding. When riding at different speeds on the same gravel and potholed path, higher speeds are associated with higher particulate matter (PM) concentrations. Distribution pattern of particulate matter on workday and weekend was also different: Mean PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations of southern forest (segment 10) in the morning and evening at weekend are on average higher by 11.2 ± 10.3 µg/m³ than at workday. Construction activities on workday also had significant effect on particulate matter concentration. Spatial distribution of aerosol concentrations was highly depending on land use and city structure. These results provide good insights for the application of low-cost sensors in urban environments monitoring and a basis to develop potential mitigation measures.

PMID:40164845 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-13957-z