Tag: pubmed

J Man Manip Ther. 2025 Feb 15:1-8. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2025.2465729. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Tactile sensitivity is one of the most important skills for developing competence in manual palpation. There is a lack of studies aimed at analyzing the development of tactile sensitivity during different levels of physiotherapy education. The present study aims to compare manual tactile sensitivity in two groups of physiotherapy students.

METHODS: Twenty first-year physiotherapy students (mean age 19.4 yrs ± 0.6) and twenty final-year physiotherapy students (mean age 23.7 yrs ± 3.7) participated in the study. For the tactile sensitivity test, 3 wooden tables were used, in which different geometric structures were engraved. Subjects were instructed to perform a tactile examination of the geometric structures and then reproduce them by drawing on a sheet of paper. The tactile time, drawing time, accuracy, and difficulty of the geometric structures were scored. A two-sample t-test was used for the between-groups comparison if more time in an educational program should result in differences in tactile time, drawing time, accuracy, and difficulty. Linear regression was used to compare the difficulty with the accuracy of all geometric structures. Wilcoxon test was used to test the intra-rater agreement.

RESULTS: The accuracy of the reproduction of geometric structures 1, 2 and 3 were 77.5%, 27.5% and 45%, for all physiotherapy students respectively. Final-year physiotherapy students spent more time exploring geometric structure 2 (p = 0.014) and geometric structure 3 (p = 0.0018) compared to first-year physiotherapy students. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in drawing time, accuracy, and difficulty of geometric structures. The examiner showed a high intra-rater agreement in the assessment (over 96%).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The study showed that the level of education and gained experience during laboratory teaching may be important in improving the palpation skills of physiotherapy students. Tactile sensitivity exercises should be included in physiotherapy education programs.

PMID:39953824 | DOI:10.1080/10669817.2025.2465729

J Viral Hepat. 2025 Mar;32(3):e70010. doi: 10.1111/jvh.70010.

ABSTRACT

Medication nonadherence among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can lead to severe liver disease progression, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Yet the factors that influence adherence in high-risk groups, like Korean Americans, remain unclear. Thus, this study explored the psychosocial and clinical factors affecting medication adherence in CHB patients. A cohort of 365 Korean American patients with CHB from two clinics in Philadelphia and Los Angeles was studied. The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) gauged their adherence to antiviral medication. Using descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses, we identified factors associated with MMAS-8 scores. Of the participants, 78% were undergoing antiviral therapy, with over two-thirds (69%) reporting medium to high adherence levels. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age, knowledge of sequalae of CHB, perceived HBV stigma and possession of pharmacy plan were associated with medication adherence. Older participants had higher medication adherence than younger. High knowledge of sequalae of CHB and low perceived HBV stigma were associated with higher medication adherence. Having pharmacy plans was also associated with higher medication adherence to antiviral therapy. These findings highlight the critical role of person-related factors (e.g., knowledge and stigma) and healthcare factors in medication adherence. Future research should focus on developing targeted educational interventions focusing on personal factors to improve medication adherence among Korean American patients with CHB.

PMID:39953814 | DOI:10.1111/jvh.70010

Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2025 Feb;34(2):e70109. doi: 10.1002/pds.70109.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Many post-authorization safety studies focus on congenital malformations and rely on diagnosis codes found in US data sources. However, no authoritative standards exist for identifying and classifying malformations in these data. To address this, we translated an existing public health surveillance guide, the European Concerted Action on Congenital Anomalies and Twins (EUROCAT), into an ICD-10-CM code list for use in studies using US administrative healthcare data. The EUROCAT guide was selected for its decisive major or minor classification of each code. However, translation was required for use in US data sources since EUROCAT utilizes ICD-10-BPA which differs from ICD-10-CM (the coding system commonly encountered in US data sources).

METHODS: We mapped EUROCAT to ICD-10-CM. For each code, manual review was conducted by two or more researchers, and major/minor classification was based on code descriptions since some codes differed between coding systems.

RESULTS: A final code list was created, containing 916 ICD-10-CM codes for 744 major and 172 minor malformations. The code list contains ICD-10-CM codes, their corresponding descriptions, their major or minor classification and disease category according to EUROCAT, and variables indicating anomalies caused by genetic or infectious diseases unlikely attributable to a medication.

CONCLUSIONS: We adapted the EUROCAT Guide 1.5 into an ICD-10-CM code list for use in pregnancy studies using US data sources. This list includes new ICD-10-CM codes available in 2024. As new ICD-10-CM codes become available, or as the EUROCAT Guide is updated, further updates to this list will be needed.

PMID:39953813 | DOI:10.1002/pds.70109

Cancer Med. 2025 Feb;14(4):e70693. doi: 10.1002/cam4.70693.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Sleep disturbance (SD) and sleep-related impairment (SRI) significantly impact the lives of primary brain tumor (PBT) patients. We aimed to describe the prevalence of SD and SRI in this population, determine the reliability of the PROMIS-SD and PROMIS-SRI instruments, and identify predictive factors to support the development of targeted interventions for at-risk individuals.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated SD and SRI in PBT patients enrolled in a Natural History Study who completed 1-year follow-up questionnaires (N = 229). Demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic data were analyzed to identify factors associated with SD and SRI. Descriptive statistics were used to report the prevalence of sleep problems, and linear regression analysis was conducted to identify predictive factors. The reliability of sleep-related instruments was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha.

RESULTS: Fifteen percent of PBT participants reported clinically significant SD and 20% reported clinically significant SRI, which were associated with financial toxicity (p < 0.001), being unemployed (p ≤ 0.02), and taking psychotropic medication (p ≤ 0.002). Good internal consistency was demonstrated by the SD (0.923) and SRI (0.925) questionnaires in this population.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, social factors such as financial toxicity and employment status were associated with SD and SRI. Psychotropic medications also impacted SD and SRI in PTB survivors, but less so than financial toxicity. Social factors and other medications may impact sleep more strongly in PBT survivors than their previous treatment courses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: SD and SRI can be impacted by multiple factors, including those not related to PBT treatment, which should be considered by their providers.

PMID:39953810 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.70693

Cancer Med. 2025 Feb;14(4):e70680. doi: 10.1002/cam4.70680.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Germline genomic sequencing (GS) is increasingly offered to children with cancer. To optimize integration into routine care, assessment of implementation barriers and a better understanding of healthcare professionals’ perspectives and experiences are needed.

METHODS: Healthcare professionals delivered trio germline GS to newly diagnosed pediatric and adolescent patients with cancer via the PREDICT completed questionnaires with qualitative and quantitative items. Each study site recorded reasons for eligible families’ nonenrolment in PREDICT to identify barriers to recruitment. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive statistics, whereas qualitative data underwent inductive content analysis, with results integrated for interpretation.

RESULTS: Thirty-three healthcare professionals participated, including 23 oncology professionals and 10 genetic professionals. Healthcare professionals perceived PREDICT as beneficial to participating and future families, and that perceptions of personal benefit and altruism were drivers of family uptake. Concerns included workforce capacity and potential family distress given the trio design and high-stress diagnosis setting. Barriers to recruitment related to clinical decision-making, family factors, and logistics. Although most rated their genetics/genomics knowledge as “good,” regarding germline results, few were “very confident” interpreting (29%), explaining (32%), making treatment recommendations (9.7%), and providing psychosocial support to families (29%). They acknowledged a need for further training in these areas for trainees; yet, fewer were interested in training for themselves.

CONCLUSION: Successful implementation of routine germline GS will require targeted strategies to address logistical issues and alleviate potential negative psychosocial impacts for families. Recognizing the escalating demand on genetics experts, upskilling of the current workforce and involvement of a broader spectrum of healthcare professionals are warranted.

PMID:39953756 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.70680

Aust Dent J. 2025 Feb 14. doi: 10.1111/adj.13059. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of occlusal splint (OS) and Botox (BTX) injections in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Irrespective of the starting year, studies were searched for up to 2024 using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus databases and the Google Scholar search engine. In the study, graded chronic pain scale and maximum mouth opening amount parameters were analysed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis programme.

RESULTS: Out of 619 studies, only six were included in the meta-analysis. The effect size was 0.293 in favour of BTX in the studies evaluating the maximum mouth-opening (MMO) range. However, the amount of MMO did not show a statistically significant difference between the OS and BTX groups (95% CI – 0.383 to 0.969, P = 0.395, z = -0.850). In the subgroup analyses carried out based on the follow-up periods, it was found that the MMO was statistically significantly higher in the BTX group at the first week and in the OS group at the third month. However, there was no significant difference observed at the first, second, sixth and twelfth month follow-ups (P > 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups (P > 0.05) in the publications that evaluated the graded chronic pain scale (GCPS), although an effect size of 0.673 was found in favour of OS (95% CI 0.331 to 1.365, P = 0.272, z = -1.098).

CONCLUSION: BTX injections and OS applications show significant differences in the MMO of individuals in the early period. In contrast, the MMO of individuals and the GCPS show similar findings in the sixth month and longer follow-up.

PMID:39953753 | DOI:10.1111/adj.13059

Acta Ophthalmol. 2025 Feb 14. doi: 10.1111/aos.17460. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and risk factors of retinal detachment (RD) and bacterial endophthalmitis in a cohort of children who underwent cataract surgery before the age of eight.

METHODS: Data was retrieved from the Swedish national paediatric cataract register. All eyes with congenital or infantile cataract that underwent surgery between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2023 with at least one follow-up were included. Cases associated with trauma, uveitis or RD at surgery were excluded. Parameters that could be important for complications were analysed.

RESULTS: RD was found in seven of 1073 eyes reflecting an incidence of 0.65%. There were no statistically significant differences in age at surgery, presences of intellectual disability or general disease, cataract type, surgical technique, axial length, corneal diameter, previous glaucoma surgery or occurrence of persistent fetal vasculature (PFV), although the frequency of glaucoma surgery and PFV was higher in RD cases; 42.9% versus 13.2% and 57.1% versus 26.0%. Aphakia was significantly more common in RD patients; 71.4% versus 19.3% (p = 0.042), as well secondary glaucoma; 57.1% versus 19.5% (p = 0.032). No cases of endophthalmitis were observed.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of RD was low compared to previous studies and no endophthalmitis was found. This might be a result of centralized paediatric cataract care with few but experienced surgeons. Aphakia and secondary glaucoma were associated with higher RD risk and those cases should be followed carefully. PFV and glaucoma surgery were found at a higher frequency in RD cases prompting comprehensive postoperative care also for these children.

PMID:39953745 | DOI:10.1111/aos.17460

Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2025 Feb 12. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2024-0100. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The present study was done to study the knowledge change among Medical Officers (MO) and Community health officers (CHO) regarding menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI with emphasis on adolescents after online training.

METHODS: This is a retrospective record-based analysis conducted in the State Adolescent Health Centre, AIIMS Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh in 2023-2024 over 10 months. Participants were selected based on their attendance at online training sessions involving MOs and CHOs on menstrual cups, menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI. The data from Google Forms for pretests and post-tests, containing a total of 30 questions in English and Telugu, covering menstrual hygiene, early marriage, and HIV/STI topics was retrieved. The study covered all 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh, India, with online training sessions conducted via Zoom. The proportion of correct responses to individual questions is given with a 95 % confidence interval. Statistical comparisons of scores of individual questions were done using the McNemar test. Statistical comparisons of total scores of pre-test and post-test were done using the paired t-test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: Of the total 13,432 MOs and CHOs, 9,897 participated in the training with a response rate of 73.6 %. Among those who participated the training 2,809 (28.38 %) completed both pretest and posttest. The majority were CHOs (85.3 %), females, and aged under 35 years. Statistically significant increases in knowledge were observed across various aspects of menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI. Increase in knowledge regarding menstruation 4.3 % (3.5-5.1 %), p-value:<0.001, first vaginal bleeding (first menstruation) 4.7 % (3.9-5.5 %), p-value:<0.001, complication seen in delivering babies in teen pregnancy 4.9 % (4.1-5.7 %), p-value:<0.001, the symptom of STI 7.0 % (6.1-7.9 %), p-value:<0.001, and others. The total pretest mean score was 16.73 ± 4.44 and the post-test mean score was 18.81 ± 4.39. There was a statistically significant difference between pretest and post-test mean scores p value<0.001.

CONCLUSIONS: The training program significantly improved knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI among the participants indicating the effectiveness of educational intervention in addressing gaps towards adolescent Health.

PMID:39953713 | DOI:10.1515/ijamh-2024-0100

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2025 Jan 9:vgaf007. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgaf007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Water reservoirs and lakes are gaining popularity for recreation activities as populations increase and green spaces become in high demand. However, these activities may cause contamination to critical water resources. This study investigates the impact of recreational activities on the presence and concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and ultraviolet (UV) filters in drinking water reservoirs in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Polydimethylsiloxane passive samplers were used to monitor 14 lakes over a 3-year period, focusing on seasonal variations and the influence of recreational activities such as petrol-powered boating and swimming. A total of 15 PAHs and six UV filters were detected, with chrysene (97%) and octyl salicylate (34%) being the most prevalent PAH and UV filter, respectively. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels were statistically significantly higher in lakes permitting petrol-powered boating, especially during summer (p = 0.005 to 0.05). Lake Maroon and Lake Moogerah were the only sites that showed significantly higher PAH levels in summer (3.9 ± 1.1 and 4.0 ± 1.2 ng L-1, respectively) than winter (1.6 ± 0.61 and 1.5 ± 0.84, respectively). Ultraviolet filters were generally detected in higher levels in lakes allowing swimming, with Lake Moogerah and Lake Sommerset measuring UV filter concentrations of 20 ± 4.1 and 20 ± 11 ng L-1 in summer, respectively. Other lakes that do not permit swimming, such as Lake Maroon and Lake Samsonvale, also exhibited elevated UV filter levels, suggesting illegal swimming. These findings highlight the complexity of PAH and UV filter presence, influenced by multiple factors including lake size, recreational activity type, and seasonal variations. The levels of individual PAHs and UV filters in this study were below established freshwater guidelines. However, when considering their bioaccumulation potential and mixture toxicity, mitigating the impact of these substances on our environment and the organisms within it should be of priority.

PMID:39953706 | DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgaf007

J Pharm Pract. 2025 Feb 14:8971900251320740. doi: 10.1177/08971900251320740. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: Asthma is one of the most common pediatric disease states. However, current literature about outpatient pharmacy appointment effectiveness on pediatric asthma control is not widely available. Objective: To determine whether outpatient pharmacist visits in pediatric patients with asthma result in a measurable difference in asthma control, utilizing the validated asthma control test (ACT) and childhood asthma control test (C-ACT) scoring tools. Methods: This study enrolled 16 children ages 6-17 years old at an outpatient primary care clinic (November 2023-April 2024). The patients visited the outpatient pharmacist 2 to 3 times over a 12-week period. The primary outcome was the change in the patient’s ACT or C-ACT from the baseline to the final study visit. Additional outcomes of interest included improvement in inhaler technique using a Vitalograph AIM® device, medication adherence rates, and change in emergent interventions from 6 months before enrollment compared to 3 months after the final visit. Results: The median improvement in asthma control test was 3 at the final study visit (4 or 12 weeks after counseling), which was statistically significant (P = 0.0348). This was an improvement from 50% of patients controlled at baseline to 100% at the final visit (P = 0.0053). Emergent interventions including oral steroid courses, emergency department visits, and hospitalization for asthma were less common after pharmacist intervention than before enrollment (P = 0.0464). Improvements in technique were seen at the initial visit using Vitalograph AIM® to visualize counseling points. Conclusion: Our study supports that outpatient pharmacist visits can have a measurable impact on pediatric asthma control.

PMID:39953701 | DOI:10.1177/08971900251320740