Tag: pubmed

Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2025 Oct 11. doi: 10.1002/bmb.70018. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

One type of active learning technique that instructors can incorporate is the use of various drawing activities. This study investigates the impact of drawing during biology lecture classes on student learning. Undergraduate students in two lecture sections of an introductory cellular and molecular biology course completed worksheets that either required them to draw (learner-generated) or required them to interpret a drawing (instructor-generated). The four topics that were assessed were amino acid polymerization, nucleotide polymerization, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis. Student learning was assessed using multiple-choice and short-answer exam questions. Students who completed the learner-generated worksheet related to amino acid polymerization performed significantly better than students who completed the instructor-generated worksheet. Differences in student learning were not statistically significant for the other three topics; however, trends indicated that for some topics, the learner-generated worksheet increased student understanding while for other topics the students who completed the instructor-generated worksheet performed better. These findings indicate that it is important to carefully align the type of drawing activity with the complexity of the topic. When the drawings were too complex, students did not gain as much from creating their own images. Instructors are encouraged to thoughtfully integrate various types of drawing activities into their courses to increase student learning.

PMID:41074661 | DOI:10.1002/bmb.70018

Ann Med. 2025 Dec;57(1):2570798. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2570798. Epub 2025 Oct 11.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Venous-Origin Chronic Pelvic Pain (VO-CPP), a subgroup of Pelvic Venous Disorders (PeVD) can significantly affect Quality of Life (QoL). Previous papers have highlighted the lack of evaluations measuring QoL of patients before and after embolization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of embolization in reducing a variety of symptoms and improving QoL in patients with VO-CPP.

METHODS: A prospective analysis of 40 female patients (mean 36.9 years) diagnosed with VO-CPP, undergoing venous embolization between June 2020 and May 2023 was conducted. Patients with extrinsic compressions, other pelvic conditions, and S₃V₃ without S₂ in SVP Classification were excluded. Patients were evaluated before and after treatment at mid-term (MT) (9.4 ± 5.1 months) and long-term (LT) (29.6 ± 6.94 months). The severity of 12 different symptoms were assessed using VAS scale (pelvic, postcoital, standing, back, hip, leg and abdominal pain; nausea frequency, urinary discomfort, sleep disturbance and dysmenorrhoea), while QoL was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Likert scale.

RESULTS: Significant reductions in all measured symptoms were observed between pre-treatment and MT and LT follow-ups (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant differences were found between MT and LT scores, indicating a sustained relief. The greatest benefits were observed in reducing daytime pelvic pain (6.25 ± 1.93 to 2.49 ± 2.47), standing (7.43 ± 1.65 to 3.41 ± 2.43) and postcoital pain (6.40 ± 2.63 to 2.54 ± 2.22). QoL scores in both physical and mental health showed statistically significant and sustained improvement after the procedure. Most patients were satisfied with the procedure (81%), with 86% willing to undergo it again and 89% to recommend it.

CONCLUSION: Embolization provides significant, sustained improvements in symptom relief while enhancing QoL in VO-CPP patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these effects and exclude a placebo response.

PMID:41074660 | DOI:10.1080/07853890.2025.2570798

Health Soc Care Deliv Res. 2025 Oct;13(36):1-22. doi: 10.3310/TDAS1298.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ethnic minority women face worse maternity outcomes and increased risk of perinatal mental health issues, yet research on the accessibility and acceptability of perinatal mental health services for these groups is limited.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To explore access to and utilisation of mental health services during the perinatal period among ethnic minority women; (2) to explore care pathways to community and inpatient perinatal mental health services; (3) to explore the attitudes, experiences and service improvement suggestions of ethnic minority women with perinatal mental health problems, as well as those of their partners, family members and healthcare professionals and (4) to produce recommendations for improving clinical practice.

METHODS: Mixed-methods study was conducted during 2018-23, encompassing four studies aligned with specific aims: (1) a population-based study of 615,092 women who gave birth in National Health Services hospitals in England, using data from the National Commissioning Data Repository; (2) a retrospective evaluation of patients accessing community perinatal mental health services in Birmingham and London (n = 228) and inpatient services in Birmingham, London and Nottingham (n = 198) using an adapted World Health Organization care pathways questionnaire; (3) a qualitative study with four cohorts across England: service users (n = 37), non-users or those who disengaged (n = 23), partners/family (n = 15) and healthcare professionals (n = 24); (4) findings informed recommendations for practice improvements, coproduced with individuals with lived experience of perinatal mental illness and of being in a minoritised ethnic group. Data were analysed using quantitative and qualitative approaches.

RESULTS: Access issues to mental health services were evident for Black African, Asian and White other women compared to White British women. Variability in patient journeys to community perinatal mental health services seem to stem from service-level factors rather than patient needs. Asian patients had more emergency admissions to Mother and Baby Units, while Black patients were less likely to experience multiple services before Mother and Baby Unit admission. Barriers to access included limited service awareness, fear of child removal, stigma, remote clinical appointments and unresponsive services. Despite these challenges, many women found services helpful. Family members noted gaps in family-focused care. Recommendations for improvement include raising awareness, monitoring access for different ethnic groups and addressing concerns about child removal, with a focus on consistent care, family involvement and cultural sensitivity.

CONCLUSION: These findings shed light on health inequalities in perinatal mental health care for ethnic minority women. The results can be utilised to address existing barriers and improve outcomes for mothers, infants and families.

LIMITATIONS: Diversity within merged ethnic groups; limited sample of non-English-speaking women; reliance on self-reported measures; use of pre-COVID-19 data; under-representation of Black women who did not engage with services, and over-representation of Black and Asian patients in Birmingham and London samples in the study exploring patient pathways to Mother and Baby Units (compared to maternity population).

FUTURE WORK: Implementation of good practices in perinatal mental health care, targeted interventions to address the fear of child removal, innovative strategies to recruit Black and non-English-speaking women and exploring the experiences of ‘White other’ women.

FUNDING: This synopsis presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme as award number 17/105/14.

PMID:41074656 | DOI:10.3310/TDAS1298

Birth Defects Res. 2025 Oct;117(10):e2536. doi: 10.1002/bdr2.2536.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Congenital neurosurgical anomalies, such as neural tube defects (NTDs) and hydrocephalus, are prevalent central nervous system disorders. This study investigates their prevalence and factors statistically associated with their occurrence.

METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH) from May 2023 to April 2024 included 978 patients. Data from 145 children with CNS anomalies were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and STATA-15, with binary logistic regression to identify potential risk factors associated with these conditions.

RESULTS: The prevalence of congenital neurosurgical conditions was 14.3% (145/978). Hydrocephalus occurred in 8.3% (81/978), NTDs in 5.01% (49/978), Chiari malformations in 0.92% (9/978), and encephalocele in 0.61% (6/978). Logistic regression found that folate deficiency associated with delayed antenatal care was linked to a higher likelihood of NTDs and hydrocephalus (OR 2.56, p ≤ 0.005). Other factors showing statistical associations included prematurity, low birth weight, pregnancy infections, unprescribed drug use, malnutrition, gestational diabetes, and hypertension.

CONCLUSION: Key factors statistically associated with congenital CNS anomalies in this cohort include low birth weight, prematurity, inadequate folic acid intake, gestational diabetes, maternal hypertension, and unprescribed drug use. These findings highlight the importance of early prenatal care and maternal health optimization to potentially reduce the occurrence of these anomalies.

PMID:41074652 | DOI:10.1002/bdr2.2536

Hum Brain Mapp. 2025 Oct 1;46(14):e70357. doi: 10.1002/hbm.70357.

ABSTRACT

Although substantial progress has been made in mapping the connectivity of cortical networks responsible for conscious awareness, neuroimaging analysis of subcortical networks that modulate arousal (i.e., wakefulness) has been limited by a lack of robust segmentation procedures for ascending arousal network (AAN) nuclei in the brainstem. Automated segmentation of brainstem AAN nuclei is an essential step toward elucidating the physiology of human consciousness and the pathophysiology of disorders of consciousness. We created a probabilistic atlas of 10 AAN nuclei built on diffusion MRI scans of 5 ex vivo human brain specimens imaged at 750 μm isotropic resolution. The neuroanatomic boundaries of AAN nuclei were manually annotated with reference to 200 μm 7 Tesla MRI scans in all five specimens and nucleus-specific immunostains in two of the scanned specimens. We then developed a Bayesian segmentation algorithm that utilizes the probabilistic atlas as a generative model and automatically identifies AAN nuclei in a resolution- and contrast-adaptive manner. The segmentation method displayed high accuracy when applied to in vivo T1 MRI scans of healthy individuals and patients with traumatic brain injury, as well as high test-retest reliability across T1 and T2 MRI contrasts. Finally, we show through classification and correlation assessments that the algorithm can detect volumetric changes and differences in magnetic susceptibility within AAN nuclei in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic coma, respectively. We release the probabilistic atlas and Bayesian segmentation tool to advance the study of human consciousness and its disorders. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03504709.

PMID:41074651 | DOI:10.1002/hbm.70357

Orthop Surg. 2025 Oct 11. doi: 10.1111/os.70189. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Thoracolumbar fractures are a prevalent clinical disease, with several surgical techniques, including traditional freehand pedicle screw fixation (TFPSF), conventional fluoroscopy (C-arm) percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (CPPSF), O-arm-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (OPPSF), and robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (RPPSF), being currently applied. However, a comprehensive comparison of their relative efficacy across multiple perioperative and functional outcomes is lacking, leading to uncertainty in optimal technique selection. This network meta-analysis (NMA) evaluates and compares the clinical efficacy of these four surgical techniques to identify the most effective intervention and guide clinical decision-making. Researchers independently searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science for studies published before September 20, 2024. Studies were selected based on stringent eligibility criteria. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed using RoB 2.0, while cohort studies were evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). After data extraction, Bayesian network analysis was executed using R 4.2.2 and Stata 16.0. Nineteen studies were included, encompassing 1344 patients with thoracolumbar fractures. For screw accuracy, OPPSF ranked highest (SUCRA = 92.7%), significantly outperforming TFPSF (RR 1.12; 95% credible intervals [CrI] [1.04, 1.23]) and CPPSF (RR 1.12; 95% CrI [1.04, 1.22]), with RPPSF also surpassing both. OPPSF showed superior intraoperative blood loss reduction (SUCRA = 79.8%) while TFPSF had significantly more bleeding than others. For hospitalization, RPPSF ranked highest (SUCRA = 65.0%) but CPPSF significantly shortened stays versus TFPSF (MD -2.24; 95% CrI [-4.48, -0.03]). CPPSF also showed better pain control (SUCRA = 77.9%) with significantly lower VAS scores versus TFPSF (MD -1.02; 95% CrI [-1.71, -0.37]). RPPSF demonstrated the lowest complication risk (SUCRA = 94.9%), with both CPPSF and RPPSF showing significant reductions versus TFPSF. Additionally, although CPPSF ranked first in SUCRA for both operative time (SUCRA = 81.6%) and Cobb angle (SUCRA = 72.4%), the pairwise comparisons did not demonstrate statistical significance, necessitating cautious interpretation. In summary, OPPSF tends to demonstrate superior precision and blood loss control, CPPSF may optimize rehabilitation efficiency, while RPPSF appears to be the safest technique. Technique selection should balance clinical outcomes, economic feasibility, and patient-specific priorities.

PMID:41074646 | DOI:10.1111/os.70189

Nurs Crit Care. 2025 Nov;30(6):e70207. doi: 10.1111/nicc.70207.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients are at an increased risk of constipation due to inadequate nutrition, prolonged immobility and opioid use. Constipation may increase intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS) and intra-abdominal infections.

AIM: To determine the impact of a nurse-driven bowel protocol on constipation in ICU patients.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective before-after cohort study of ICU patients between July 2019 and February 2020 and July 2023 and February 2024. Patients were divided into a bowel protocol and a no bowel protocol group. The primary outcome was constipation for > 72 h at any point during ICU admission. Key secondary outcomes included constipation for > 6 days during ICU admission, ICU and hospital LOS and incidence of diarrhoea.

RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were included, with 58 patients in each group. Patients in the bowel protocol group had a higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) score (52 vs. 48, p = 0.05) and lower rates of acute hypoxic respiratory failure (60% vs. 79%, p = 0.03). The primary outcome of constipation for > 72 h during ICU stay did not differ significantly between groups (79% vs. 78%, p = 0.82). Patients in the bowel protocol group had lower rates of constipation for > 6 days, (18% vs. 44%, p = 0.043), which remained significant after adjusting for covariates including morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), SAPS II score and age (OR 0.30, p = 0.047, 95% CI [0.09-0.98]). No differences were seen in other secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving the bowel protocol experienced no difference in constipation but were less likely to have prolonged constipation (> 6 days) in the ICU.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurse-driven bowel protocols may decrease constipation in ICU patients.

PMID:41074640 | DOI:10.1111/nicc.70207

J Med Virol. 2025 Oct;97(10):e70639. doi: 10.1002/jmv.70639.

ABSTRACT

Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are major respiratory pathogens that have impacted global health, sharing similar transmission routes and clinical symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic brought attention to coinfection with these viruses, which has been associated with worse clinical outcomes, but the full extent of this impact remains underexplored. As both viruses circulate together during seasonal outbreaks, understanding their coinfection dynamics is crucial for public health response. This retrospective observational study analyzed data from over 30 000 hospitalized patients sourced from the Brazilian Epidemiological Surveillance System (SIVEP-Gripe). Patients were classified into two groups: influenza mono-infection and influenza-SARS-CoV-2 coinfection. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were performed to evaluate associations with primary (mortality) and secondary (ICU admission) outcomes. Among approximately 3.7 million reported severe acute respiratory syndrome cases, 35 831 were influenza-infected, with 1763 (4.9%) coinfected with SARS-CoV-2. Coinfected patients exhibited nearly double the risk of death (aOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.52-2.30) and a significantly higher likelihood of ICU admission (aOR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.07-1.52), compared to those with influenza alone. Coinfected patients also presented with more severe respiratory symptoms and longer hospital stays. Coinfection with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 is associated with significantly worse clinical outcomes, including higher mortality and increased need for intensive care. Early identification and tailored management strategies for coinfected patients are essential to improving patient outcomes, particularly for those with underlying comorbidities.

PMID:41074627 | DOI:10.1002/jmv.70639

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2025 Nov;41(6):e70059. doi: 10.1111/phpp.70059.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo, a common depigmentation disorder, is often treated with phototherapy. 308-nm monochromatic excimer lamp/laser (308-nm MEL) is typically administered in hospitals, whereas 308-nm light-emitting diodes (308-nm LED) offer a home-based alternative. This study compared the efficacy and safety of home-based 308-nm LED with hospital-based 308-nm MEL in pediatric vitiligo.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 75 pediatric vitiligo patients treated with home-based 308-nm LED or hospital-based 308-nm MEL was conducted. Efficacy (repigmentation > 50%) and adverse events were evaluated after 16, 32, and 48 sessions. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0.

RESULTS: After 48 sessions, hospital-based 308-nm MEL showed higher efficacy rates (79.5%) than home-based 308-nm LED (38.9%, p < 0.001). However, efficacy was similar when cumulative doses were comparable (p > 0.05). Adverse events were more frequent in the home-based group (63.9% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.029), likely due to cautious dose adjustments. Shorter disease duration and stable disease correlated with better outcomes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Home-based 308-nm LED is a viable alternative to hospital-based 308-nm MEL for pediatric vitiligo when cumulative doses are similar. However, higher adverse events in home-based therapy highlight the need for better patient education and professional guidance. AI and digital platforms could enhance the safety and efficacy of home-based phototherapy.

PMID:41074622 | DOI:10.1111/phpp.70059

J Clin Ultrasound. 2025 Oct 11. doi: 10.1002/jcu.70092. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to quantify the O-RADS classification using the ultrasound scoring method (USM) and explore its clinical application value.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 205 patients with adnexal tumors (unilateral or bilateral), corresponding to 244 tumor cases, admitted to our hospital from 2018 to 2023. This cohort included 100 patients with malignant tumors (122 malignant lesions, comprising 34 borderline tumors, and 6 malignant tumors of the fallopian tubes) and 105 patients with benign tumors (122 benign lesions). All cases were confirmed by preoperative ultrasound examination and postoperative pathology. A senior ultrasound physician performed the O-RADS classification, while another ultrasound physician applied the USM. The scores were manually assigned, and the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of the USM and O-RADS classification in the differential diagnosis of adnexal tumors were determined through ROC curve analysis. The Delong test was used in R to compare the diagnostic performance of the two diagnostic methods. The optimal range of scores between different categories of O-RADS was calculated using by ROC curve.

RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the USM (when the optimal cut-off value was ≥ 14 points) in the differential diagnosis of adnexal tumors were 0.951, 0.877, and 0.975 (95% CI: 0.960-0.990). The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of O-RADS classification (when the optimal cut-off value was ≥ 4 categories) in the differential diagnosis of adnexal tumors were 0.984, 0.887, and 0.973 (95% CI: 0.955-0.992). The AUC comparison between O-RADS classification and USM revealed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.87, p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Both the USM and the O-RADS classification exhibit high diagnostic efficacy in the differential diagnosis of adnexal tumors. The quantification of O-RADS categories using the USM provides a more intuitive and convenient approach, suitable for ultrasound physicians at all levels. This method demonstrates strong generalizability and can effectively guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.

PMID:41074610 | DOI:10.1002/jcu.70092