Tag: pubmed

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 5;15(1):11716. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-95595-6.

ABSTRACT

Despite extensive research studying the opinions on vaccination since the outbreak of COVID-19, the dynamics of temporal opinion shifts of individuals and their possible origins have been rarely studied. Here, we explore the possible influence of social interactions (retweet network) on individual’s opinion shift related to vaccinations based on large-scale Twitter data in Japan. We use an opinion score which calculates the fraction of pro-, neutral and anti-vaccine tweets to measure the dynamic changes of individual opinions, and identify statistically significant communities based on retweet network. By tracking individual’s dynamic opinion and its community affiliation, our study highly suggests that the opinion shifts are largely influenced by the user’s Twitter community. That is, if users are within the anti-vaccine (or pro-vaccine) community, they exhibit a significantly higher likelihood of changing their position and adopt an anti-vaccine (or pro-vaccine) stance. We also find that the anti-vaccine community’s influence appears to persist longer than the pro-vaccine community.

PMID:40188270 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-95595-6

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 5;15(1):11733. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96189-y.

ABSTRACT

In the study of stroke symptoms, a significant unresolved issue remains: What are the similarities and differences in the use of three symptom dimensions-occurrence, severity, and distress-and symptom burden to identify symptom clusters, and which level is recommended for constructing symptom clusters? This study aimed to identify the number and types of symptom clusters in stroke patients on the basis of these dimensions and to determine the most suitable dimension for extracting symptom clusters. Data were collected from 656 stroke patients via a convenience sampling method at a tertiary-level hospital in Wuhan, China, between August 2023 and March 2024. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to extract symptom clusters on the basis of the three dimensions of the symptom experience scale and symptom burden. Four similar symptom clusters were identified: the mood disturbance symptom cluster, the physical symptom cluster, the cognitive dysfunction symptom cluster, and the slurred speech and choking cough symptom cluster. The symptom of “fatigue” within the physical symptom cluster was not identified only in the dimension of distress (with a percentage agreement of 83.3%), whereas the symptom composition of other clusters remained consistent across all three symptom dimensions (with a percentage agreement of 100%). Moreover, all four symptom clusters exhibited high consistency in terms of both occurrence and symptom burden, regardless of whether the symptom with the highest factor loading or the overall symptom composition was considered. The use of symptom occurrence and symptom burden is recommended for identifying symptom clusters in stroke patients. Subsequently, trajectory studies of symptom clusters and symptom network analyses should be conducted on the basis of these two dimensions to establish a solid theoretical foundation for future clinical interventions and related scientific research.

PMID:40188267 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96189-y

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 5;15(1):11694. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96069-5.

ABSTRACT

Health-related social needs (HRSN) significantly influence healthcare utilization and outcomes. While prior studies have shown higher rates of hospital readmissions among individuals with HRSN, the impact of HRSN on hospital readmissions in persons living with HIV (PLWH) at population level, using ICD10 codes for HRSN in hospital discharge data, has not been fully explored. In this retrospective study using the 2016-2019 Florida and Maryland State Inpatient Database (SID), we examined the prevalence of HRSN among hospitalized PLWH using ICD-10 diagnosis codes including the domains of employment, family, housing, psychosocial, and education. In addition to descriptive analysis, we used multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the association between hospital readmission and the presence of HRSN, controlling for potential confounders. In Florida, we identified 43,229 PLWH patients, of whom 9.6% (4,153) had HRSN. PLWH with HRSN had a significantly higher 90-day (40.6% vs. 23.1%) and one-year (73.6% vs. 41.3%) readmission rates compared with those without HRSN. Multivariable regression analysis showed that patients with HRSN had nearly three times the odds of 90-day readmission [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.80 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.61-3.01)] and four times the odds of one-year readmission [aOR: 3.93(95% CI: 3.62-4.27)]. In the Maryland SID, 12.5% (1,551) of the 12,396 PLWH had HRSN. PLWH with documented HRSN had a significantly higher 90-day (39.9% vs. 20.4%) and one-year (68.2% vs. 37.9%) readmission rates than those without HRSN. In multivariable regression analysis, HRSN were similarly associated with substantially higher odds of 90-day readmission [aOR: 2.70(95% CI: 2.38-3.05)] and one-year readmission [aOR: 3.60(95% CI: 3.15-4.12)]. In both states, there was a dose-response relationship between the number of HRSN and readmission rates. In conclusion, the prevalence of HRSN is associated with significantly higher rates of hospital readmissions among PLWH. Our findings highlight the importance of accounting for social factors when studying hospital readmissions and call for the development of interventions targeting HRSN to reduce readmissions in PLWH.

PMID:40188258 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96069-5

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 5;15(1):11707. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-95153-0.

ABSTRACT

Globally, aflatoxin contamination in maize remains a huge burden despite many interventions put in place. The use of low-temperature plasma to decontaminate the maize is a potential solution for ensuring the safety and extended shelf life of the grain. This study optimized the parameters and investigated the efficacy of low-temperature nitrogen plasma (LTNP) in destroying fungi and reducing exposure to aflatoxins in naturally contaminated maize from an endemic region. The study generated 17 experimental runs using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) of the Box Behnken Design (BBD) with exposure time, pressure, and ionization density as independent variables. Quantitative exposure assessment was conducted using Monte Carlo simulations followed by sensitivity and scenario analysis to study factors influencing exposure and best aflatoxin-reducing plasma parameters. The best-fitting RSM model, the linear model, indicated that increased exposure time but not pressure and power led to a corresponding statistically significant decrease in the fungal load and aflatoxin content. LTNP reduced aflatoxin contamination to levels below all the main global regulatory limits. Numerical optimization of the percent reduction in aflatoxin and fungal load indicated that an exposure time of 1793.4 s, pressure of 0.98 pascal and ionization power of 189.8 W are required to achieve an optimal reduction of aflatoxin content of 82.6% and fungal load of 96.9%. Exposure assessment indicated high exposure especially for populations with lower body weight with ρ = -0.46 between body weight and exposure. The best LTNP combinations achieved aflatoxin exposure reduction results comparable to but with markedly less variation than existing practically used decontamination methods. Further optimization studies during upscaling are recommended, incorporating independent factors such as temperature and processing volume and outcomes such as organoleptic, physical, and chemical changes in the food matrices after treatment.

PMID:40188250 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-95153-0

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 5;15(1):11732. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96081-9.

ABSTRACT

The intrinsic capacity (IC) and balance function of older adults are closely related to falls. IC is not only directly related to falls but may also play a mediating role in balance and falls. This study aims to explore the mediating role of IC in balance and falls. A total of 284 elderly patients were divided into fall group (n = 131) and non-fall group (n = 153) based on whether they had experienced falls. All patients underwent assessments of IC, including locomotion (SPPB), vitality (MNA-SF), sensory (self-reported vision/hearing), cognition (MOCA), and psychological status (SAS/SDS). Patients underwent the sensory organization test and limits of stability test. (1) Using fall history as a binary dependent variable and various balance indicators as independent variables, visual (VIS) (p = 0.011, OR 0.957), vestibular function (p < 0.001, OR 0.958), and direction control (p = 0.042, OR 0.967) were negatively associated with falls. (2) After incorporating IC scores, sensory function (p < 0.001, OR 0.154), SPPB (p = 0.003, OR 0.758), and SOT-Composite (p < 0.001, OR 0.900) were negatively associated with falls, while SAS (p = 0.008, OR 1.068) was positively associated with falls. (3) IC score mediated the relationship between movement velocity (MVL) and falls. Among the five dimensions of IC, the SPPB and the MNA-SF mediated the relationship between MVL and falls, and the SPPB mediated the relationship between maximum excursion (MXE) and falls. The SAS mediated the relationship between SOM, VIS and falls, while the SDS mediated the relationship between SOM, EPE and falls. There are multiple mediating effects of IC between balance function and falls.

PMID:40188249 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96081-9

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 5;15(1):11734. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-94619-5.

ABSTRACT

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital heart defect where the pulmonary veins abnormally connect to the systemic venous circulation, rather than the left atrium (LA). This study retrospectively analyzed 48 children diagnosed with TAPVC from January 2014 to January 2024 to investigate how specific echocardiographic and morphological characteristics impact prognosis. Perioperative records, including echocardiography, computed tomography angiography (CTA) images, surgical details, and patient outcomes, were reviewed. Data were statistically analyzed using tools such as t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, χ² tests, and logistic regression. Key factors examined included age at surgery, anatomical subtype of TAPVC, presence of preoperative obstruction, surgical techniques used, and postoperative complications. By identifying the impact of these variables on survival rates and hospital recovery, the study aims to improve risk stratification and management strategies for better outcomes in children with TAPVC.

PMID:40188240 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-94619-5

NPJ Prim Care Respir Med. 2025 Apr 6;35(1):21. doi: 10.1038/s41533-025-00426-w.

ABSTRACT

We investigated healthcare avoidance during the first COVID-19 wave in a Dutch region with high infection rates. A mixed-method, multiphase study used (1) primary care electronic health records to identify patients, (2) questionnaires to capture patients with unreported COVID-19 symptoms, and (3) interviews om care avoidance. Additionally, a natural language model estimated COVID-19 incidence from routine care data. Of 2361 respondents (39% response rate), 535 (23%) reported COVID-19 symptoms; 180 sought help, mainly from GPs. Care-seeking rates did not differ significantly between those with or without relatives who experienced severe illness or death before their own illness (p = 0.270). Interviews showed the main barriers were feeling not ill enough and concerns about an overstressed healthcare system, especially GPs. Only a third of participants with symptoms sought help, mostly from GPs. Serious illness or death of loved ones had no significant impact. Findings highlight the need for clear communication and accessible healthcare, including telemedicine, for future pandemics.

PMID:40188237 | DOI:10.1038/s41533-025-00426-w

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 5;15(1):11670. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96852-4.

ABSTRACT

Millions of people worldwide suffer from heart failure, which is a serious public health concern that results in high medical costs from prolonged hospital stay. This study aimed to assess the determinant factors associated with prolonged hospitalization among admitted acute heart failure at Jimma Medical Center, south west Ethiopia. The study was conducted at Jimma Medical Center in Ethiopia from December 2023 to April 2024, employing a prospective observational design. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi-data V.4.6 and STATA V.17 and multiple linear regression was employed. T test and ANOVA were conducted and a p-value is deemed significant if it is less than 0.05, corresponding to a 95% confidence interval. A total of 294 individuals were enlisted, with a mean age of 56. Over half of the patients (53.4%) stayed eight days or more throughout their average 11.4-day hospital stay. The following were significant risk factors for extended hospital stays: living in a rural; being admitted to a cardiac unit having neck vein distension, having a third heart sound, having ankle edema; having hepatomegaly, and having pleural effusion were predictor’s of length of hospital stay. Based on this finding, the length of hospital stay in heart failure patients is influenced by various factors. Addressing these factors can help reduce the duration of hospitalization. Implementing targeted interventions, such as improving physical activity, managing comorbidities, and enhancing discharge planning, may lead to better patient outcomes and decrease the prolongation of hospital stays for those with heart failure.

PMID:40188231 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96852-4

Int Urol Nephrol. 2025 Apr 5. doi: 10.1007/s11255-025-04494-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the associations between serum salusins levels and atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and cardiac morphology in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

METHODS: This study comprised 83 patients with ADPKD, and 53 healthy individuals. Salusin α and β levels were measured by ELISA. Echocardiography, flow-mediated vasodilatation, and carotid artery intima-media thickness measurements were conducted.

RESULTS: Serum salusin α levels were significantly lower and the salusin β/α ratio was significantly higher in the patient group compared to Controls [2.64 (1.83-3.30) pg/mL vs. 3.20 (2.55-7.87) pg/mL, P = 0.002 and 2.81 (2.30-3.54) vs. 2.64 (2.02-3.18), P = 0.041, respectively]. Patients were further categorized into two groups: Group 1 (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and Group 2 (eGFR = 59-15 mL/min/1.73 m²). The salusin α level was 2.31 (1.73-3.24) pg/mL in Group 2 and 2.72 (1.94-3.32) pg/mL in Group 1. In the correlation analysis performed in Group 2, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between salusin α and left ventricular mass (LVM) and LVM index (P = 0.019, P = 0.015, respectively), as well as a statistically significant positive correlation between salusin β/α ratio and LVM (P = 0.004) and LVM index (P = 0.025). In Group 1, a statistically significant positive correlation was detected between proteinuria and salusin β (P = 0.036).

CONCLUSION: In patients with ADPKD, salusin α was found to be significantly lower, while salusin β/α ratio was found to be significantly higher compared to healthy individuals. Low salusin α levels and high salusin β/α ratio were associated with LVM in advanced stages of ADPKD and salusin β was associated with proteinuria in early stage of ADPKD patients.

PMID:40188198 | DOI:10.1007/s11255-025-04494-2

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 5;15(1):11736. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96774-1.

ABSTRACT

TERT promoter mutation is associated with poor prognosis in differentiated thyroid carcinoma, with US features varying by mutation status. However, this correlation in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is understudied. We investigated the association between clinicopathological characteristics and US features of ATC with TERT mutation status and prognosis. From November 1994 to May 2022, 58 ATC nodules from 58 patients were analyzed. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed US features based on the revised K-TIRADS and ACR-TIRADS. Of all 58 ATC nodules, 32 nodules were tested for TERT promoter mutation and detected in 11. TERT promoter-mutated ATC was larger than TERT wild-type ATC (p = 0.032); however, no other differences were observed. ATC with survival period of less than 12 months were more likely to have lymph node metastasis (p = 0.012) or distant metastasis at diagnosis (p < 0.001), larger size on US (p = 0.005), and suspicion for gross extrathyroidal extension on US (p = 0.04) compared to ATC with survival period of 12 months or more. Advanced disease at diagnosis was a critical factor associated with 1-year survival in patients with ATC, whereas the TERT promoter mutation status was not.

PMID:40188170 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96774-1