Tag: pubmed

Scientifica (Cairo). 2025 Sep 23;2025:8849948. doi: 10.1155/sci5/8849948. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Inflammation helps the immune system identify and eliminate disease-causing and foreign stimuli and initiate the healing process. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been often used in treating inflammation. Synthetic drugs have been associated with severe effects, necessitating the need for alternative medicinal agents. Herbal remedies have comparatively fewer side effects, are widely available, and are arguably affordable, which makes them more attractive therapeutic agents. Ficus sycomorus is utilized by Kenya’s Mbeere community to treat inflammation. However, the science-based data to support their claim were lacking. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether methanol (MeOH) and dichloromethane (DCM) leaf and stem bark extracts of F. sycomorus have anti-inflammatory qualities in mice. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) andliquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used in phytochemical analysis of the extracts. In anti-inflammatory assays, 6-7-week-old mice were randomly grouped into six clusters with five mice each. Group one mice were administered normal saline. Groups of two to four mice were injected with carrageenan to induce inflammation and then received various treatments. Group two mice received the vehicle (normal saline), while group three mice received diclofenac (15 mg/kg body weight [bw]). The extracts were administered to the remaining groups at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg bw. One-way analysis of variance was used to assess for statistically significant differences, followed by Tukey’s post hoc tests in case of statistical significance. The significance threshold was inferred at p < 0.05. This study revealed significant anti-edema effects of the extracts on carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in mice. The GC-MS analysis identified fatty acids, terpenoids, and terpenes, which have been associated with anti-edema effects. In conclusion, the findings showed that the extracts have anti-edema effects and phytocompounds associated with the effects. F. sycomorus extract is hence a novel candidate for developing efficacious anti-inflammatory agents.

PMID:41036536 | PMC:PMC12483736 | DOI:10.1155/sci5/8849948

J Phys Ther Sci. 2025 Oct;37(10):524-529. doi: 10.1589/jpts.37.524. Epub 2025 Oct 1.

ABSTRACT

[Purpose] To investigate differences in knee and hip muscle strength between successful and unsuccessful single leg sit to stand tests from a 20-cm-high box (SLST 20) in healthy young adults. [Participants and Methods] Sixty-six lower limbs from 33 healthy adults (20 males, 13 females; mean age 25.4 ± 3.4 years) were classified into successful and unsuccessful groups. Isokinetic strength of the knee (flexion/extension at 60°/s) and hip (flexion/extension/abduction/adduction at 30°/s) was measured. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using sex as a covariate. Stratified analyses were also performed. [Results] The successful group had significantly greater strength in knee flexion/extension, hip flexion, and hip adduction. ANCOVA revealed that knee flexion and extension were significantly associated with SLST 20 performance, whereas hip strength was not, after adjusting for sex. Among females, hip adduction strength was significantly greater in the successful group, with no significant difference observed in males. [Conclusion] Knee strength is crucial for SLST 20 performance, and hip adduction strength may be important, particularly in females. Therefore, sex-specific assessments and training strategies should be considered in clinical practice.

PMID:41036527 | PMC:PMC12483485 | DOI:10.1589/jpts.37.524

Parkinsons Dis. 2025 Sep 23;2025:2386302. doi: 10.1155/padi/2386302. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Background: Previous studies revealed that optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual evoked potential (VEP) were impaired in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the results were inconsistent; in this meta-analysis, we tried to answer this issue by including studies that performed these two tests on the same sample size. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were comprehensively reviewed to retrieve the published studies investigating changes in OCT and VEP responses in PD patients. We analyzed the pooled weighted difference in means between PD patients and healthy controls using the random-effects model. Results: Ten studies were included (12 sets of data), enrolling 337 PD patients and 273 healthy controls. The P100 latency in PD patients was significantly higher compared to healthy controls (difference in means = 6.16, 95% CI: 1.16-11.15, p=0.02, n = 11). Significant thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (difference in means = -4.38, 95% CI: -6.29 to -2.47, p ≤ 0.001, n = 11) was observed in the PD eyes compared to the healthy subjects. However, no statistically significant difference was found in the means of P100 amplitude (p=0.06) and the average central foveal thickness (p=0.08) between PD patients and the control group. There was a significant negative correlation between RNFL weighted mean difference and P100 latency (r = -0.65, p ≤ 0.001) in all subjects. Conclusions: Our results confirmed that Parkinson’s patients showed significant thinning of RNFL thickness and prolonged P100 latency time.

PMID:41036516 | PMC:PMC12483749 | DOI:10.1155/padi/2386302

Front Sports Act Living. 2025 Sep 16;7:1673199. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1673199. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

This study explores the impact of a training workshop on gender equality among vocational training students in teaching and social and sports activities in Aragon, Spain. The evaluation of attitudes, beliefs and gender stereotypes related to leadership in sports was conducted on the basis of an analysis of pre- and post-intervention surveys. The methodology incorporated participatory techniques such as brainstorming, killer data and gamified interactive tools, with the objective of encouraging critical reflection and active learning. The results indicate that, although no statistically significant changes were observed, there was an improvement in the Egalitarianism Index (+0.51) after the workshop, especially among female participants. Furthermore, cluster analysis revealed a shift towards attitudes that are more homogeneous and favourable towards equality. The study concludes that this type of intervention has the potential to raise awareness among future sports professionals about structural inequalities and gender stereotypes, and highlights the importance of incorporating specific equality content into vocational training curricula. Notwithstanding the constraints imposed by the sample size and duration, this experience is presented as a promising pedagogical proposal that can be replicated in other educational contexts.

PMID:41036503 | PMC:PMC12479542 | DOI:10.3389/fspor.2025.1673199

Front Sports Act Living. 2025 Sep 17;7:1658676. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1658676. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the impact of individual player performance-particularly the VAL rating-on team success in professional basketball. It examines whether basketball operates as a “strong-link” sport, where outcomes depend primarily on top-performing players.

METHODS: A quantitative analysis was conducted on the 2022/2023 Hungarian NB I/A men’s league, using 21 offensive and defensive statistical indicators. Data were collected from official league sources and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 28.0.

RESULTS: Our findings reveal no significant correlation between individual VAL rankings and team standings. However, offensive and defensive ratings, as well as NET ratings (points scored over opponents per 100 possessions), were strongly associated with team performance, especially among foreign and young players. The VAL metric was more influenced by offensive than defensive performance. Limited playing time and experience may have affected the performance metrics of young players.

DISCUSSION: These results suggest that while basketball reflects strong-link sport characteristics, traditional metrics like VAL may not fully capture a player’s contribution to team success. A more comprehensive approach-incorporating both offensive and defensive indicators-could offer a clearer evaluation of player impact. Future research should also explore psychological, tactical, and social factors to better understand individual roles in team performance.

PMID:41036502 | PMC:PMC12483447 | DOI:10.3389/fspor.2025.1658676

Adv Genet (Hoboken). 2025 Sep 10;6(3):e00018. doi: 10.1002/ggn2.202500018. eCollection 2025 Sep.

ABSTRACT

The genome is like a kaleidoscope through which researchers have obtained varied findings, including favored mutations, disease susceptibility sites, and drug-responsive sites. Whether these findings have inherent connections is a question deserving investigation. Favored mutations enable humans to adapt to changing environments and lifestyles; however, the adaptation may come with some costs. This is because a favored mutation can change the frequency of varied neutral nucleotides across a large genomic region, and a favored mutation may become disfavored as environments and lifestyles change further. These are the best-known classes of connections whose causes and consequences have been understood. However, many favored mutations remain unidentified. Using a deep learning network (DeepFavored) that integrates statistical tests and is trained on large datasets, favored mutations are recently identified in 17 human populations. The analyses of the results, in conjunction with genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, suggest that the connection between adaptive evolution, disease susceptibility, and drug responsiveness (referred to as a trade-off) is extensive and highly population-specific. The analyses, along with other emerging evidence, suggest that there are other types of connections. In this commentary, these issues are discussed from both retrospective and prospective views, including current challenges and future directions.

PMID:41036480 | PMC:PMC12482930 | DOI:10.1002/ggn2.202500018

J Nurs Manag. 2025 Sep 5;2025:5468634. doi: 10.1155/jonm/5468634. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Background: Float pools are increasingly used in healthcare to enhance staffing flexibility and efficiency. However, the impact of floating on nurses remains underexplored. Challenges may include adjusting to different ward routines and limited team integration. Aim: To explore the perceived demands and resources associated with hospital float pool work, comparing experiences of nurses in intraorganizational pools with expectations of those preparing for interorganizational floating. Methods: This qualitative study, guided by the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, involved semistructured interviews with 27 nurses across five Dutch hospitals. Participants included nurses currently working in intraorganizational float pools and those anticipating working in a float pool across organizations. Results: Nurses in intraorganizational float pools generally reported job satisfaction, experiencing minor demands such as limited team acceptance. Learning opportunities and variation in tasks were key resources. Effective coping was supported by openness, confidence, and communication skills. In contrast, nurses not yet deployed but are anticipating interorganizational floating expected greater demands, including adapting to varying protocols and working across multiple hospital cultures. They emphasized the need for extrinsic resources such as rewards and described personal challenges such as time management and a preference for routine. Conclusion: Interorganizational floating is perceived as more demanding than intraorganizational float pool work. However, experienced nurses often reframe demands as manageable. Findings highlight the importance of a person-centered float pool design that aligns with individual characteristics and support needs. Tailoring float pool policies may enhance job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and support retention among floating nurses.

PMID:41036469 | PMC:PMC12483744 | DOI:10.1155/jonm/5468634

J Saudi Heart Assoc. 2025 Aug 26;37(3):13. doi: 10.37616/2212-5043.1445. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The interventricular septum (IVS)/anterior aortic angle is typically measured at 120° in healthy individuals but is more acute in patients with left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) narrowing, aortic valve anomalies, and discrete subaortic membrane (SAM).

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess this angle in pediatric patients with abnormal aortic valves and/or LVOT obstruction and evaluate its association with SAM development.

METHODOLOGY: A prospective cohort observational study was conducted in the pediatric cardiology department at PSCC-Qassim from September 2022 to June 2023. Echocardiographic assessments were performed on pediatric patients (neonates to 14 years) with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), with or without SAM. Patients with ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), or single ventricle pathology were excluded. The Aortoseptal angle was measured in the long-axis parasternal view.

RESULT: Among 319 cases, 153 served as controls with normal cardiac anatomy. The remaining 194 cases included 104 (53 %) with isolated BAV, 51 (26 %) with isolated SAM, and 11 (6 %) with BAV and SAM. The male-to-female ratio was 2.2:1. SAM was observed in 64 (33 %) cases, and significant aortic stenosis in 13 (6.7 %). Cardiac surgery was performed in SAM resection (4.1 %). The Aortoseptal angle ranged from 110° to 135° across groups, with no statistically significant differences between patients with SAM and controls. However, ROC analysis indicated that an angle <116° predicted SAM presence with 97 % sensitivity and 87 % specificity.

CONCLUSION: While a more acute Aortoseptal angle was common in SAM patients, no statistically significant differences were found. An angle <115° may warrant close monitoring for SAM development.

PMID:41036468 | PMC:PMC12483079 | DOI:10.37616/2212-5043.1445

Plast Surg (Oakv). 2025 Sep 29:22925503251379895. doi: 10.1177/22925503251379895. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study assesses how Canadian Plastic Surgery Residency Instagram accounts are utilized and perceived by residents, fellows, and attending physicians, and evaluates their influence on medical students’ residency program selection. Methods: This 2-part study includes: (1) a descriptive analysis of Instagram activity, content, and engagement, along with a national survey of Canadian plastic surgery residents, fellows, and attendings assessing account utility; and (2) a survey of medical students who attended the University of Toronto Plastic Surgery Residency Information Session, evaluating Instagram’s influence on residency selection. Descriptive statistics were reported. Results: Twelve of 13 Canadian Plastic Surgery Residency Programs had active Instagram accounts. Canadian Plastic Surgery Residency Instagram accounts had an average of 119 posts (SD = 94) over 5 years (SD = 2). Among surveyed residents (N = 27/77, 35%) and fellows/attendings (N = 83/328, 25%), Instagram use was reported by 93% and 81%, respectively. Resident recruitment ranked as the top goal (residents 1.75, fellows/attendings 3.17), followed by achievement highlights. Most residents (80%) and fellows/attendings (53%) felt medical students benefitted most. Preferred content included program culture (85%, 84%), resident profiles (90%, 73%), and research highlights (70%, 70%). Among medical student respondents (N = 25/112, 22%), 95% followed Canadian programs on Instagram, seeking program culture, resident profiles, and educational opportunities (all 89%). Over half (56%) said Instagram influenced their perception of a program, with all reporting a positive impact. Conclusion: Instagram is a valuable platform for Canadian Plastic Surgery Residency Programs to share insights and influence medical student decision-making.

PMID:41036453 | PMC:PMC12479458 | DOI:10.1177/22925503251379895

MedEdPORTAL. 2025 Sep 30;21:11549. doi: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11549. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Despite the extensive amount of literature available on bruising and child abuse, there are few open access teaching materials on this topic.

METHODS: An interactive module on abusive bruising and cutaneous mimics was created as part of a comprehensive child maltreatment curriculum. The module was evaluated in four formats: pilot presentation to a large audience of pediatric practitioners at a CME conference; presentation to an audience of family medicine residents; individual, self-paced completion by a large cohort of medical students; and presentation by a family medicine resident to a group of colleagues, to evaluate the accessibility of presentation by a non-child abuse pediatrician. In all formats, the module took 45-60 minutes to complete. Module effectiveness was evaluated with pre- and postmodule assessments.

RESULTS: The CME conference audience (n = 137) provided favorable feedback about the content; four of 51 anonymous comments focused on areas for growth, which were used to improve the content. Among in-person resident (n = 18) and asynchronous medical student (n = 300) participants, increases in confidence were negligible but knowledge scores notably increased from pre- to postmodule, changing from a median of 25% to 100% and median of 50% to 100%, respectively. In evaluating accessibility, the presenting resident commented on increased engagement, ability to gauge the audience’s understanding, and ease of use of the script and technical guide.

DISCUSSION: This interactive, versatile module on abusive bruising and cutaneous mimics was well-received and effective at increasing short-term knowledge among medical student and physician audiences.

PMID:41036450 | PMC:PMC12479944 | DOI:10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11549