Tag: pubmed

Rev Colomb Obstet Ginecol. 2025 Sep 30;76(3). doi: 10.18597/rcog.4318.

ABSTRACT

OBJETIVO: describir la prevalencia del uso de juguetes eróticos en mujeres, caracterizar los dispositivos más usados y su efecto sobre la puntuación en el índice de función sexual femenina. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal multicéntrico, con análisis descriptivo. Se incluyeron mujeres mayores de 18 años con pareja estable, residentes en Colombia. Las participantes se reclutaron de la consulta externa ginecológica de clínicas privadas de alta complejidad, en 21 ciudades del país, entre 2019 y 2024. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio simple. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas, orientación sexual, uso de juguetes eróticos, puntuación del índice de función sexual femenina global y por dominio, tipo de dispositivos utilizados, uso individual o con pareja. Análisis descriptivo.

RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 1.759 mujeres, de las cuales 1.280 utilizaron juguetes sexuales para una prevalencia de uso del 72,76 %. Las mujeres homosexuales utilizaron más frecuentemente los juguetes que las heterosexuales. La puntuación media del índice de función sexual femenina en las usuarias de juguetes sexuales fue de 29,55 (DE ± 9,12) y de las no usuarias fue de 27,43 (DE ± 8,59). El dominio de mayor puntuación fue el orgasmo (4,97 ± 1,29), seguido del dominio del deseo (4,95 ± 1,68), (p = 0,027). El dildo (53,49 %) y el vibrador (48,15 %) fueron los juguetes más utilizados.

CONCLUSIONES: el uso de juguetes sexuales entre las mujeres colombianas es una práctica común, por lo cual su uso debe ser indagado en la consulta ginecológica. Se requieren estudios que evalúen la salud sexual y reproductiva de las mujeres usuarias de juguetes sexuales.

PMID:41410884 | DOI:10.18597/rcog.4318

Obes Surg. 2025 Dec 18. doi: 10.1007/s11695-025-08428-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most commonly performed metabolic and bariatric surgery, yet literature on long-term outcomes, including weight loss durability and safety, remains limited.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study examined patients from 3 bariatric centers of excellence undergoing SG from 2010 to 2014 to allow for 10 years of follow-up period. Baseline characteristics, annual weight and body mass index (BMI), obesity-related medical conditions resolution and recurrence, and complications were documented. Statistical methods included paired t-test, Kaplan-Meier curve, and multivariate regression.

RESULTS: A total of 830 patients (73.3% female, mean age 45.6 ± 11.6, mean preoperative BMI 45.6 ± 7.8 kg/m² ) were included, with a median follow-up period of 9.8 years. Patients achieved a maximum percentage total weight loss (%TWL) of 29.0 ± 9.7 at 24 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). Resolution rates for type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HLD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were 58.7%, 45.0%, 41.4%, and 65.8%, respectively, with recurrence rates of 5.4%, 10.4%, 6.9%, and 1.4%. Suboptimal clinical response (< 20% TWL) occurred in 15.8% of patients. 63.9% and 57.5% of the cohort experienced recurrent weight gain of > 10% and > 20% from postoperative nadir weight; T2DM (p = 0.02) and adherence to follow-up (≥ 5 postoperative visits) (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with weight gain of > 20%. Complications occurred in 10.0% (early) and 19.8% (late) of patients. 10.1% of the cohort required revisional surgery by the end of the study period.

CONCLUSION: Overall, SG demonstrates relatively favorable long-term outcomes, but the notable rates of recurrent weight gain raise concern regarding its durability.

KEY POINTS: Sleeve gastrectomy resulted in significant weight loss, with a peak at 24 months. 57.5-63.9% of the cohort had recurrent weight gain; 10.1% required revision surgery. SG counseling must include long-term outcomes and potential need for revision.

PMID:41410827 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-025-08428-w

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2025 Dec 18. doi: 10.1007/s12011-025-04949-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is a prevalent reproductive issue but its etiology remains obscure. Male exposure to environmental chemicals is suggested to elevate URSA risk in female partners. Herein, a case-control design set out to investigate associations between metal levels in human seminal plasma with URSA risk, plus to determine evidence of mediating effects by oxidative stress. Levels of 15 metal elements and oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal plasma were measured in 125 male spouses of URSA cases compared to 108 male partners of women with successful pregnancy outcomes. The associations of single or mixed metals on URSA risk were analyzed using logistic regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), respectively. BKMR analyses reveal a joint effect of metal co-exposures on URSA risk. Through multiple statistical approaches, titanium (Ti), cadmium (Cd) or magnesium (Mg) were major contributors to metal mixtures elevating URSA risk. MDA was significantly and positively associated with URSA risk. Mediation analysis shows that the associations of Ti, Cd or Mg with URSA risk appear to be mediated by MDA at rates of 23.30%, 16.26% or 34.48%, respectively. In vitro experiments confirmed the seminal plasma relevant dose Ti, Cd or Mg exposure induced male mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2 cells oxidative stress. Metal mixtures in seminal plasma are associated with increased URSA risk in female spouses, with Ti, Cd or Mg being significant contributors, potentially via oxidative stress, providing further insights into URSA etiology.

PMID:41410821 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-025-04949-8

Mol Neurobiol. 2025 Dec 18;63(1):308. doi: 10.1007/s12035-025-05628-4.

ABSTRACT

Epilepsy is a complex neural disorder that has an impact on over 50 million people around the world. Even though there are environmental factors that can be attributed to its occurrence, this disorder can also be associated with genetics. This work aimed to evaluate some known polymorphisms-CYP3A4*1B (rs2740574) and SLC6A11 (rs2304725). This case-control study consisted of 105 clinically diagnosed cases of epilepsy and 140 healthy controls. Genetic analysis was conducted using SYBR Green-based qRT-PCR with allele-specific primers. The relation of various genotypes with the risk of developing epilepsy was tested using logistic regression models. Stratified analyses were achieved based on the type of epilepsy, age of onset, and response to antiepileptic medication. Some participants were tested for gene expression analysis. Both polymorphisms were statistically associated with increased risk of developing epilepsy as the CYP3A4*1B GG genotype had a risk of 3.54-fold increase (95% CI: 1.35-9.27, p = 0.010) and the SLC6A11 TT genotype had an increase of risk by 3.00-fold (95% CI: 1.15-7.81, p = 0.024). The G-T allele combination of variant alleles conferred an even greater association (OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.78-4.62, p < 0.001). The association was found to be higher for generalized and early-onset epilepsy compared with focal and late-onset forms. The CYP3A4*1B GG genotype was significantly associated with drug resistance (OR = 4.44, 95% CI: 1.28-15.41, p = 0.019). Measurement of transcript expression showed a decrease of CYP3A4 and increased SLC6A11 with the variant genotypes. Genetic variants of CYP3A4*1B and SLC6A11 are relevant markers of sustained risk of acquiring epilepsy for the Iraqis population.

PMID:41410815 | DOI:10.1007/s12035-025-05628-4

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Dec 23;122(51):e2523012122. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2523012122. Epub 2025 Dec 18.

ABSTRACT

Like human decision-making under real-world constraints, artificial neural networks may balance free exploration in parameter space with task-relevant adaptation. In this study, we identify consistent signatures of criticality during neural network training and provide theoretical evidence that such scaling behavior arises naturally from information-driven self-organization: a dynamic balance between the maximum entropy principle that promotes unbiased exploration and mutual information constraint that relates updates with task objective. We numerically demonstrate that the power-law exponent of updates remains stable throughout training, supporting the presence of self-organized criticality. Furthermore, we show that the loss landscape exhibits exponential ruggedness under small perturbations, transitioning to power-law ruggedness at larger scales, in the absence of mini-batch noise, indicating an intrinsic geometric landscape. We also observe a power-law distribution in the intervals between large updates, indicating an intermittent learning process. Together, these findings suggest that neural network learning reflects a nonequilibrium process governed by the fundamental trade-off between randomness and relevance, highlighting its dynamic nature and offering insights into the interpretability of AI systems.

PMID:41410766 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2523012122

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2025 Dec 18. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-06095-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Fatigue can exacerbate gait abnormalities in unilateral transtibial amputees (TTA), but specific changes in walking patterns and compensatory strategies under fatigue remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate gait alterations in unilateral TTA following a fatigue-inducing protocol.

METHODS: Ten male unilateral TTA and ten age-matched able-bodied controls underwent three-dimensional gait analysis at self-selected speed under non-fatigued and fatigued conditions. Spatiotemporal parameters, joint kinematics, and ground reaction forces were measured. Two-way ANOVA was used for statistical comparisons.

RESULTS: Within the TTA group, the residual limb demonstrated a shorter stance phase (62.3 ± 2.4% vs. 65.1 ± 1.4%) and single support (34.7 ± 1.9% vs. 37.1 ± 2.8%), but greater step length (38.27 ± 2.49% vs. 35.76 ± 1.92%), peak hip flexion(35.0 ± 5.6° vs. 28.6 ± 3.0°) and knee flexion(67.3 ± 7.2° vs. 56.4 ± 5.6°) than the intact limb. Fatigue further increased step length (37.42 ± 2.41% vs. 36.61 ± 2.63%) and hip flexion (33.2 ± 5.3° vs. 30.5 ± 5.3°), while reducing hip extension (10.9 ± 4.8° vs. 12.8 ± 4.2°) and hip horizontal range of motion (17.5 ± 6.0° vs. 19.5 ± 6.6°). Compared to controls, TTA group had longer stride time (1.15 ± 0.04s vs. 1.08 ± 0.08s) and greater hip horizontal range of motion (18.5 ± 6.4° vs. 12.5 ± 3.0°), but lower cadence (105.1 ± 4.1 steps/min vs. 111.6 ± 8.1 steps/min).

CONCLUSION: Fatigue amplifies pre-existing gait asymmetries in unilateral TTA and elicits compensatory strategies, including increased reliance on the intact limb and greater proximal joint mobility. Targeted interventions to enhance residual limb function and hip flexor strength and endurance may help reduce fatigue-related asymmetry and fall risk.

PMID:41410758 | DOI:10.1007/s00421-025-06095-4

Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2025 Dec 18;51(1):363. doi: 10.1007/s00068-025-03042-y.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Post-traumatic pulmonary embolism (PE) may develop directly in the lungs, termed “de novo” pulmonary embolism (DNPE). Severe chest trauma has been identified as a potential risk factor for DNPE due to localized inflammation, occult vascular injury, and low-flow states (venous stasis). The primary outcome was to examine the association between DNPE and chest trauma, while the secondary outcome was to characterize patients in the DNPE group.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with trauma aged ≥ 15 years admitted to Songklanagarind Hospital, a level 1 trauma center, from 2013 to 2023. All patients diagnosed with post-traumatic PE were reviewed for clinical parameters, imaging findings, and treatments. Patients without ultrasonographic evaluation for DVT were excluded.

RESULTS: Among 43,908 patients with trauma, PE was diagnosed in 78 (0.18%). After excluding four patients without DVT assessment, 74 patients remained. Of these, 49 (66%) were diagnosed with DNPE and 25 (34%) with PE + DVT. Compared with patients with PE + DVT (32%), patients with DNPE (38.8%) showed no significant difference in the incidence of chest trauma (p = 0.567). The location of PE significantly differed (p = 0.005) between the groups, with DNPE showing more peripheral involvement (79.6%) and PE + DVT showing more central emboli (52%). No patient in the DNPE group underwent pulmonary thromboembolectomy.

CONCLUSION: DNPE is more common among patients with trauma, but its association with chest trauma was not statistically significant. DNPE may result from undetected pelvic DVT or other mechanisms requiring further investigation.

PMID:41410754 | DOI:10.1007/s00068-025-03042-y

Pak J Biol Sci. 2025 Dec;28(9):576-586. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2025.576.586.

ABSTRACT

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Carvacrol, a naturally occurring phenolic monoterpenoid compound found in various essential oils, exhibits outstanding pharmacological characteristics, essentially anticancer, antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of carvacrol as a topical agent in preventing and treating DMBA-induced oral cancer in rats through &lt;i&gt;in vivo&lt;/i&gt; assessment of its anticancer efficacy and histopathological effects. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This study was designed to investigate the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of topically applied carvacrol in a rat model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). The expression of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2), markers of proliferation and apoptosis, respectively, was estimated by immunohistochemical staining. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s &lt;i&gt;post hoc&lt;/i&gt; test and Pearson’s correlation, following normality confirmation (p>0.05), with results summarized using descriptive statistics. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Noteworthy declines in both PCNA and Bcl-2 expression were noticed in groups treated with carvacrol, either concurrently with DMBA or following its application. The group receiving carvacrol alternately with DMBA showed the most noticeable suppression in both markers. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; These results highlight carvacrol’s dual character in quashing carcinogenesis and stimulating apoptotic cell death, supporting its potential as a safe, natural therapeutic agent for OSCC intervention.

PMID:41410137 | DOI:10.3923/pjbs.2025.576.586

Biotechnol Bioeng. 2025 Dec 18. doi: 10.1002/bit.70128. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, are abundant in bovine milk and Lactobacillus culture media but difficult to isolate with high efficiency and purity. In response, a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based membrane filter was developed to address these limitations. Under equivalent conditions, the developed filter outperformed commercial filters, achieving a 2.17-fold higher EV recovery rate compared to the commercial polyethersulfone (PES) membrane from a 5 mL high-concentration sample, and yielding a total of 50 mL of EV solution at a concentration of 5.52 × 10¹⁰ particles/mL. The membrane was engineered to achieve a minimum pore size of 32 nm and a minimum thickness of 290 nm through separate fabrication processes. Among these, the MEMS160 membrane, which features uniformly distributed 168 nm pores on a 318 nm thick structure, demonstrated enhanced performance by effectively reducing fouling, as confirmed by blocking-model assessments. Biological evaluations showed that EVs isolated using the developed filter retained notable purity and bioactivity. Specifically, milk-derived EVs increased the proliferation of human fibroblasts (Hs68) and human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) by up to 25% and 50%, respectively, while Lactobacillus-derived EVs increased proliferation by up to 11% and 53% at certain concentrations. Furthermore, co-treatment with an anti-aging peptide (AIMP1-derived peptide) had a synergistic effect on both cell types. Similar trends were seen in canine and feline fibroblasts. Milk-derived EVs boosted proliferation by up to 25% in canine and 31% in feline cells, while Lactobacillus-derived EVs increased it by up to 46% and 34%, respectively. These effects reached statistical significance. These results show the filter’s potential for large-scale EV isolation and dermatological applications, requiring high purity and yield.

PMID:41410131 | DOI:10.1002/bit.70128

Biom J. 2025 Dec;67(6):e70104. doi: 10.1002/bimj.70104.

ABSTRACT

In the competing risks setting, the $t$ -year absolute risk for a specific time $t$ (e.g., 2 years), also called the cumulative incidence function at time $t$ , is often interesting to estimate. It is routinely estimated using the nonparametric Aalen-Johansen estimator. This estimator handles right-censored data and has desirable large sample properties, as it is the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator (NPMLE). Inference for comparing absolute risks, via either a risk difference or a risk ratio, can therefore be done via usual asymptotic normal approximations and the delta method. However, the small sample performances of this approach are not fully satisfactory. Especially, (i) coverage of confidence intervals may be inaccurate and (ii) comparisons made using a risk ratio and a risk difference can lead to inconsistent conclusions, in terms of statistical significance. We, therefore, introduce an alternative empirical likelihood approach. One advantage of this approach is that it always leads to consistent conclusions when comparing absolute risks via a risk ratio and a risk difference, in terms of significance. Simulation results also suggest that small sample inference using this approach can be more accurate. We present the computation of confidence intervals and p-values using this approach and the asymptotic properties that justify them. We provide formulas and algorithms to compute constrained NPMLE, from which empirical likelihood ratios and inference procedures are derived. The novel approach has been implemented in the timeEL package for R, and some of its advantages are demonstrated via reproducible analyses of bone marrow transplant data.

PMID:41410124 | DOI:10.1002/bimj.70104