Tag: pubmed

BMC Pulm Med. 2024 Nov 13;24(1):565. doi: 10.1186/s12890-024-03335-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The association of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) with various cardiovascular events has been well-established. However, the exploration of its potential involvement in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently limited. Therefore, our study aims to examine the relationship between Lp-PLA2 and pulmonary conditions, including emphysema, obstructive ventilatory dysfunction as well as small airway dysfunction, to provide further evidence of a possible association with COPD development.

METHODS: Using data from the Southwest Hospital Health Management Center, spanning January 2013 to July 2024, we analyze relationship of serum Lp-PLA2 levels with diffuse pulmonary emphysema and pulmonary functions. In univariate analysis, group differences were assessed with t-tests for numerical variables and Chi-square tests for categorical data. Variables found to be statistically significant (two-sided P < 0.05) in univariate analysis were subsequently included as covariates in multivariate analysis, performed using a binary logistic regression model. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the differences.

RESULTS: We established 2 case-control populations: the Imaging population (1056 subjects, mean age 57.666 ± 8.700 years old, 89.9% male) selected from 24,670 initial records, and the Pulmonary Function population (279 subjects, mean age 52.082 ± 11.473 years old, 71.4% male) selected from 1868 initial records. Univariate analysis revealed that serum Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly higher in patients with diffuse pulmonary emphysema, obstructive ventilatory dysfunction as well as small airway dysfunction compared to those without (454.682 ± 141.382U/L vs. 423.330 ± 140.658U/L, P < 0.001; 475.059 ± 157.181U/L vs. 420.824 ± 142.119U/L, P = 0.006; 475.31 ± 148.980U/L vs. 439.036 ± 157.977U/L, P = 0.049, respectively). Multivariate analysis further showed higher Lp-PLA2 levels were associated with increased risks of diffuse pulmonary emphysema, obstructive ventilatory dysfunction as well as small airway dysfunction. Using Lp-PLA2 ≤ 300 U/L as reference, odds ratios for the aforementioned conditions showed a gradually increasing trend with every 100U/L increase in Lp-PLA2 levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary study suggests that Lp-PLA2 is independently associated with diffuse pulmonary emphysema, obstructive ventilatory dysfunction as well as small airway dysfunction, which are commonly seen in COPD development. These findings indicated a possible association between Lp-PLA2 and COPD, though further validation is needed in a large cohort of COPD patients.

PMID:39538218 | DOI:10.1186/s12890-024-03335-9

BMC Psychiatry. 2024 Nov 13;24(1):796. doi: 10.1186/s12888-024-06146-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is common in chronic schizophrenia patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of Shen-based Qigong Exercise (SBQE) in improving the cognitive impairment of stable schizophrenia patients in rehabilitation wards.

METHODS: SBQE is derived from the theory of “body-spirit syncretism (xin shen he yi)” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is extracted from the four traditional Qigong techniques. In this 12-week, randomized, single-blind, controlled study, a total of 40 schizophrenia patients were randomly assigned to either the SBQE group or the control group. The scores for the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) were recorded at baseline and week 12, respectively.

RESULTS: At week 12, the mean RBANS total score was 84.5 points in the SBQE group and 72.8 points in the control group. The estimated mean difference was – 11.60 points (2-sided 95% CI, -22.41 to -0.79; P = 0.04). This difference was statistically significant (time-by-group interaction effect estimates, F_(1,38) = 5.07; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings indicated that SBQE led to an improvement in cognitive impairment in stable schizophrenia patients in rehabilitation wards. Further research with robust design and larger sample sizes is necessary to validate the effects of SBQE on cognitive function and psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia, thus providing more substantial evidence for the clinical application of SBQE.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05310955 on 22/02/2022; http://www.chictr.org.cn/ Identifier: ChiCTR2200057373 on 10/03/2022.

PMID:39538216 | DOI:10.1186/s12888-024-06146-8

BMC Oral Health. 2024 Nov 13;24(1):1368. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-05156-y.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The alveolar bone defect often was hardly healed naturally by the body’s repair mechanism. Implant placement was the most favored option for replacing a missing tooth in the current times, and the preservation of alveolar bone was vital. Tooth components, especially dentin, were very similar to alveolar bone components and could be used for promoting the alveolar bone regeneration process in reconstructive dentistry.

METHODS: We exhaustively scoured multiple literature databases, such as PubMed and Embase, from inception to September 2024. The protocol for this meta-analysis was officially registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023400591). Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that reported alveolar bone preservation through demineralized dentin grafts were chosen from the studies. We extracted both qualitative and quantitative data and evaluated statistical heterogeneity using the I² test. The potential for publication bias was evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative methods. A visual evaluation of the funnel plot was used for the qualitative assessment, with the Begg’s test and the Egger’s test were used for quantitative analysis.

RESULTS: Ultimately, 7 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 230 participants who were adults without systemic diseases and free from caries or peri-apical infections. Compared with the control group, the demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) group was not statistically significant for improving radiographic ridge width change (SMD – 0.09, 95% CI -0.39 to 0.22) and ISQ values (SMD 0.06, 95% CI -2.39 to 2.51). These results indicate that DDM performs comparably to the control, suggesting that it can be considered an effective alternative in achieving similar outcomes in these specific measures.

CONCLUSIONS: The DDM grafts appear to be a feasible alternative to other biomaterials used for alveolar bone preservation.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable. This study is a meta-analysis and does not involve a clinical trial. Therefore, no clinical trial number has been assigned.

PMID:39538212 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-024-05156-y

BMC Med Educ. 2024 Nov 13;24(1):1301. doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-06040-7.

ABSTRACT

There is a paucity of rigorous longitudinal data regarding the relationship between humanities and their effect on multiple psychometrics. Using an observational art course, we assessed pre- and post-course metrics and longitudinal impacts with 120 preclinical medical students taking the “Art of Observation” between 2016 and 2019. Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) and Jeffreys Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET) were assessed annually for four years. Budner Tolerance of Ambiguity (TOA) Scale was administered before and after the course. The JSE showed no drop in empathy as students progressed from first to fourth year (p = 0.374). The TSET showed statistically significant increases in cultural self-efficacy (p < 0.001) in the cognitive and practical components but no change in the affective component of the scale. After the art course, TOA significantly improved on two [solubility (p = 0.009) and complexity (p = 0.21)] of the three subscales, but not novelty (p = 0.62). Empathy and cultural self-efficacy remained consistently high throughout medical school and did not decrease during the clinical years in an institution prioritizing the humanities and community engagement. Comfort with cultural competency generally improved throughout training. After taking an art course that emphasizes cognitive flexibility and a multiple perspectival approach, students demonstrated greater tolerance for ambiguity.

PMID:39538208 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-024-06040-7

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2024 Nov 13;24(1):747. doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06971-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Education during pregnancy is important for the development of the pregnant woman’s ability to adapt to change and for a healthy birth. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of education through a diabetes education program on maternal and newborn health in women diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study, we compared the maternal and neonatal health outcomes of pregnant women who participated in the diabetes education program and were diagnosed with gestational diabetes with the outcomes of pregnant women who did not participate in the diabetes education program and were diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The study included patients who were diagnosed with diabetes between 24and 26 weeks gestation at a tertiary education and research hospital and who underwent a 75-gram OGTT test. Age, BMI, parity, method of delivery, weight gain during pregnancy, newborn birth weight, gestational age and Apgar scores were compared.

RESULTS: The study included 119 patients and analyzed maternal-neonatal outcomes. There were no statistically significant differences in age (33 ± 5.7 versus 31 ± 5.2), body mass index (BMI) (32.2 vs. 31.2), gravidity, parity, number of miscarriages, mode of delivery, family history of diabetes, smoking, prenatal corticosteroid use, and gestational age at delivery. The HbA1c value (p: 0.013), the total weight gain during pregnancy (p: 0.015), the need for insulin treatment (p: 0.002), and the birth weight (0.005) were significantly higher in the group without diabetes education.

CONCLUSION: In our study, diabetic school education was associated with lower HbA1c levels, less weight gain and less need for insulin therapy. When the results were categorized by insulin use, it was found that in patients using insulin, those who received diabetic school education had fewer macrosomic fetuses, whereas in patients not using insulin, those who received diabetic school education had lower maternal weight gain during pregnancy.

PMID:39538195 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-024-06971-5

BMC Med Educ. 2024 Nov 13;24(1):1298. doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-06306-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Procrastination is characterized by the deliberate postponement of assigned educational tasks and is correlated with low academic achievement and depression. Concern about procrastination is particularly high among medical students, as it has a strong association with aspects such as low self-efficacy, lack of organization, low intrinsic motivation, inefficient effort regulation and time management problems. On the other hand, it was found that students’ use of study strategies is significantly related to better academic results. The relationship between students’ tendency to procrastinate and the adoption of effective study strategies remains little explored, leaving a critical space for investigation. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring how procrastination affects the selection and effectiveness of study strategies adopted by students.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Brazil and included medical students from the first to the seventh semester of the Unichrsitus Medical School. The validated procrastination scale and the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory were used. Generalized linear regression multivariate models with robust errors were used to verify the association between the study variables.

RESULTS: 447 students participated, 70.2% of whom were female, with an average age of 23 years. The domain of “study aids” scored higher among younger students, who self-referred as black and who studied in private schools prior to the Medical School. Higher procrastination scores were statistically associated with higher main idea selection, concentration, time organization and anxiety scores and with lower study aids and study preoccupation scores (p values < 0.05). In addition, active methodology was associated with higher scores in the domains of study aids and time organization.

CONCLUSIONS: Procrastination is associated with the study strategies used by medical students, which can be modified through training and ultimately improve their performance. Students in traditional models, who are older, white and from public schools may especially benefit from this training.

PMID:39538189 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-024-06306-0

BMC Public Health. 2024 Nov 13;24(1):3144. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-20534-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is closely linked to cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the association between Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), the newly established measurement to assess cardiovascular health (CVH), and COPD among U.S. general adults.

METHODS: This study extracted the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2018) data. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between LE8 and COPD. A restricted cubic spline regression model was used to explore the dose-response relationships between LE8 scores and COPD. In addition, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of our results.

RESULTS: Our study included 19,774 participants representing 145.2 million non-institutionalized U.S. population aged ≥ 20 years. The overall age-adjusted prevalence of COPD was 4.5%. After adjusting for the potential covariates, LE8 was inversely associated with COPD [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.169, 95% CI: 0.115, 0.249], exhibiting a nonlinear dose-response relationship (P for nonlinearity < 0.05). Similar trends in the associations of health behavior score (AOR = 0.300, 95% CI: 0.223, 0.404) and health factor score (AOR = 0.603, 95% CI: 0.426, 0.852) with COPD were also identified. Furthermore, higher LE8 metric scores of nicotine exposure and sleep health were associated with a lower prevalence of COPD.

CONCLUSION: LE8 was inversely associated with spirometric/self-reported COPD in a nonlinear trend, primarily driven by the nicotine exposure metric of LE8. Adhering to LE8 guidelines, especially smoking cessation, to sustain optimal CVH levels may be beneficial to alleviate the burden of COPD.

PMID:39538175 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-024-20534-5

BMC Med Educ. 2024 Nov 13;24(1):1300. doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-06311-3.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study explored the effectiveness of a Problem-based Learning (PBL) teaching model on the WeChat public platform for radiation oncology residency training programs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The WeChat PBL program was initiated in 2019. The study recruited student participants, on a voluntary basis, who were in their first and second years of standardized training in radiation oncology. We selected classic and trending issues in radiation oncology as the two main teaching topics. Students in the PBL group searched for relevant literature, summarizing PowerPoint presentations or academic speeches on specific issues published on the professional WeChat public platform after an in-depth review by teachers. The final national standardized training examination scores for resident physicians were used to evaluate teaching effectiveness. The graduation scores of the PBL and non-PBL groups were compared, and a stratified analysis was conducted based on the year of participation to assess the teaching effectiveness of this model. Moreover, questionnaires were administered to evaluate students’ experiences.

RESULTS: Among the 36 students who joined the study in 2019, 16 (44.0%) voluntarily joined the PBL teaching group. Nine students started teaching PBL in their first year of residency, accounting for 47.4% of that year, and seven started in their second year, accounting for 41.2%. The average graduation scores of the PBL group were superior to those of the non-PBL-focused group for the same grade. The rate of high scores among students in the PBL group (56.3%) was higher than that of students in the non-PBL group (25%). Specifically, first-year residents who joined the PBL group had an average score of 92.3 ± 2.2, significantly higher than their non-PBL counterparts, who scored an average of 88.6 ± 4.6, showing a statistically significant advantage (p = 0.042). All students were satisfied with the PBL WeChat teaching and would recommend the PBL WeChat course to others.

CONCLUSION: The PBL residency teaching model on the WeChat platform improved residency scores and garnered student satisfaction.

PMID:39538173 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-024-06311-3

Genetics. 2024 Nov 13:iyae187. doi: 10.1093/genetics/iyae187. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Gene co-expression networks typically comprise modules and their associated hub genes, which are regulating numerous downstream interactions within the network. Methods for hub screening, as well as data-driven estimation of hub co-expression networks using graphical models, can serve as useful tools for identifying these hubs. Graphical model-based penalization methods typically have one or multiple regularization terms, each of which encourages some favorable characteristics (e.g., sparsity, hubs, power-law) to the estimated complex gene network. It is common practice to find a single optimal graphical model corresponding to a specific value of the regularization parameter(s). However, instead of doing this, one could aggregate information across several graphical models, all of which depend on the same data set, along the solution path in the hub gene detection process. We propose a novel method for detecting hub genes that utilizes the information available in the solution path. Our procedure is related to stability selection, but we replace resampling with a simple statistic. This procedure amalgamates information from each node of the data-driven graphical models into a single influence statistic, similar to Cook’s distance. We call this statistic the Mean Degree Squared Distance (MDSD). Our simulation and empirical studies demonstrate that the MDSD statistic maintains a good balance between false positive and true positive hubs. An R package MDSD is publicly available on GitHub under the General Public License https://github.com/markkukuismin/MDSD.

PMID:39535861 | DOI:10.1093/genetics/iyae187

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2024 Nov 13:e27396. doi: 10.1002/ppul.27396. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Rapid growth in childhood predisposes to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. While obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is bidirectionally linked to obesity, its developmental origins are sparsely studied. We examined associations between postnatal growth and the risk of OSA in adulthood.

METHODS: We included adults whose childhood anthropometric data was collected in the New Delhi Birth Cohort study. The risk of OSA was defined by the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) with and without the obesity criterion. Using logistic regression, we studied associations of OSA risk with conditional growth parameters, which are statistically independent measures of gain in height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), during infancy (0-2 years), early childhood (2-5 years), and late childhood (5-11 years).

RESULTS: Among 521 subjects (58.9% males) with a mean (SD) age of 40.9 (1.7) years, 30.9% had a high risk of OSA. On multivariate analysis, a high risk of OSA was associated with a higher conditional BMI in infancy (odds ratio: 1.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.57; p = 0.048) and early childhood (1.35; 1.07-1.69; p = 0.011). Higher risk of OSA was associated with greater conditional weight in early childhood (1.34; 1.06-1.68; p = 0.013). Using the modified BQ definition without obesity, adult risk of OSA was significantly associated with a higher adult BMI instead of childhood conditional BMIs.

CONCLUSIONS: Greater gain in conditional BMI or weight in early childhood is associated with a high risk of OSA in middle age, which is mediated by a higher attained adult BMI.

PMID:39535853 | DOI:10.1002/ppul.27396