Tag: pubmed

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2025 Oct;35(10):e70141. doi: 10.1111/sms.70141.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a short school-based personalized interval training program (METs-Up) using a smartphone application on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in French adolescents. Secondary objective was to assess the effects of the program on body mass index (BMI). A total of 9021 adolescents (4428 boys and 4593 girls, age range: 10-14 years) were randomized to the experimental group (EXP) (n = 5845) or the control group (CON) (n = 3176). The EXP performed a personalized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program ranging (95.5 to 102.5% dynamic maximal aerobic speed, MAS) integrated into physical education (PE) lessons over 6 weeks. HIIT consisted of approximately two 15-min sessions per week of high-intensity, intermittent-running exercises. The CON group followed conventional PE lessons. CRF (20-m Shuttle Run Test) and BMI were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, both groups showed significant improvements in CRF compared to baseline value (p < 0.05). The increase in the EXP group (13.7% in laps completed) was significantly higher than in the CON group (4.8%) (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant decrease in BMI was observed in the EXP (-0.8%), whereas no significant change was observed in the CON group. A short school-based personalized METs-Up HIIT program, utilizing an innovative smartphone application, significantly improved CRF in French adolescents, addressing the decline in CRF levels among youth.

PMID:41017018 | DOI:10.1111/sms.70141

Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2025 Sep 28. doi: 10.1007/s10484-025-09738-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Social, emotional, and academic adjustments are critical for students’ personal and academic success. Difficulties in these domains can impede overall development, necessitating effective interventions to promote psychological well-being and adaptability. Neurofeedback and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) have shown promise in addressing these challenges. Neurofeedback facilitates self-regulation of brain activity to improve attention and emotional control, while MBCT integrates mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioral strategies to alleviate anxiety and depression. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of neurofeedback and MBCT in enhancing social, emotional, and academic adjustment among students. The statistical population comprised 910 pre-university students from Zhengzhou during the 2022-2023 academic year. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 90 students were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: 30 in the control group, 30 in the neurofeedback group (experimental group 1), and 30 in the MBCT group (experimental group 2). Data were collected using the Adjustment Inventory for School Students (AISS) and a standardized Mindfulness Protocol. Statistical analyses revealed that neurofeedback and MBCT significantly improved students’ emotional, social, and academic adjustments compared to the control group. However, no significant difference in effectiveness was observed between the two interventions. These findings suggest that neurofeedback and MBCT are equally effective in fostering students’ psychological resilience and adaptability, highlighting their potential as valuable tools for promoting well-being and academic success in educational contexts.

PMID:41017006 | DOI:10.1007/s10484-025-09738-6

Sports Med. 2025 Sep 28. doi: 10.1007/s40279-025-02327-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Head acceleration events (HAEs) are an increasing concern in rugby union due to their association with brain injury and long-term neurological health.

OBJECTIVES: This original research study aimed to establish essential baseline data on HAEs in under-21 professional rugby using instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) and to determine whether a higher competition level (professional club versus international) is associated with elevated magnitude and incidence rate of HAEs.

METHODS: A prospective observational cohort design was used with 32 under-21 club academy players and 38 under-20 international players. Players underwent 3D dental scans and were provided with custom-fit iMGs. The iMGs contained an accelerometer and gyroscope that sampled at 3200 Hz with measured ranges of ± 200 g and ± 35 rad/s. The iMGs recorded peak linear acceleration (PLA), peak angular acceleration (PAA) and peak angular velocity (PAV). Data were collected from academy matches (254 player-matches; 241 h of exposure) and international matches (114 player-matches; 118.2 h of exposure). Descriptive statistics (median, interquartile range [IQR], 95th percentile and peak values) were calculated to characterise HAE magnitude across positions and competition levels. Negative binomial regressions assessed incidence rates across teams, positions and thresholds, adjusting for exposure time.

RESULTS: A total of 6508 HAEs were recorded across 368 player matches from club U21 and national U20 rugby players. Median and peak values for linear acceleration, angular acceleration and change in angular velocity were generally higher in club players, particularly in the front row and outside backs. Club outside backs demonstrated the highest PLA (72.8 g) and PAA (5740 rad/s²), while the club front row reached the highest PLA (81.8 g) and PAA (8034 rad/s²) overall. The national team back row reported the highest ΔPAV with 38.3 rad/s. Incidence rate analyses revealed significantly higher rates of severe HAEs (> 30 g, > 2000 rad/s², > 15 rad/s) in club outside backs and the club front row compared with their national counterparts. Conversely, the club halves exhibited significantly lower rates of low-magnitude events across all metrics.

CONCLUSION: This study compared HAEs in U21 professional club and U20 international rugby players using iMGs. Contrary to expectations, international players did not consistently exhibit higher HAE magnitude or incidence. Notably, club outside backs and front row players experienced the highest severe HAE rates. These findings highlight the need to consider playing style, position-specific demands and technique in strategies to mitigate concussion risk in developing elite rugby players.

PMID:41016997 | DOI:10.1007/s40279-025-02327-x

Esophagus. 2025 Sep 29. doi: 10.1007/s10388-025-01157-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with esophageal cancer (EC) usually have multiple comorbidities, particularly, high cachexia incidence, which may lead to increased postoperative complications. A novel inflammatory marker, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), was recently reported to be associated with cancer cachexia. This study evaluated the correlation between clinical data suggestive of cachexia in patients with EC and circulating GDF15 levels.

METHODS: Eighty patients with EC were enrolled in this study. Plasma samples were collected before initiating any cancer treatment. GDF15 was quantified using ELISA. Clinical information, including age, comorbidities, biochemical data, Controlling Nutritional Status score, and Psoas muscle index (PMI), was collected from the clinical records. Clinical impact of GDF15 was then evaluated and compared with cachectic indicators or postoperative results.

RESULTS: The median value of GDF15 was 1168 pg/mL (range 298-9100 pg/mL). GDF15 values statistically correlated with age, prevalence of diabetes, serum level of aspartate aminotransferase/γ-glutamyltransferase/creatinine/blood sugar/albumin, and PMI. Sixty-three patients finally underwent curative esophagectomy with right thoracic approach and gastric tube reconstruction. Patients with infectious complications had a statistically higher GDF15 than those without. The cut-off value was 930 pg/mL for detecting infectious complications, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.685, and high GDF15 was detected as an independent risk factor for postoperative infectious complications.

CONCLUSIONS: GDF15 is potentially suggestive of general condition deterioration from aging, organ dysfunction, and decreased muscle mass, which may lead to cachexia in patients with EC. Moreover, patients with higher GDF15 are at a risk of postoperative infectious complications.

PMID:41016991 | DOI:10.1007/s10388-025-01157-0

Ophthalmol Ther. 2025 Sep 29. doi: 10.1007/s40123-025-01245-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: To compare the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) premarket approval (PMA) trials of topography-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (TG-LASIK) and ray tracing-guided LASIK (RT-LASIK) for the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism.

METHODS: This comparative study was conducted between TG-LASIK (P020050/S012; Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA) with Allegretto Wave Eye-Q laser and topography-guided custom ablation treatment planning software, and “WaveLight Plus” RT-LASIK (P020050/S043; Alcon Laboratories, Inc.) using the WaveLight EX500 excimer laser and InnovEyes Sightmap. Clinical outcomes were compared, including visual and refractive measures, astigmatic correction, mesopic contrast sensitivity, higher-order aberrations, and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS: This analysis included 249 eyes (212 patients) that underwent TG-LASIK and 336 eyes (168 patients) that underwent RT-LASIK. At 12 months, uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/16 or better (64.8% TG-LASIK vs. 70.2% RT-LASIK) and 20/20 or better (92.6% TG-LASIK vs. 94.4% RT-LASIK) did not differ statistically between platforms. However, more TG-LASIK eyes had 20/10 or better (15.7% vs. 2.5%, P < 0.001) and 20/12.5 or better (34.4% vs. 26.4%, P = 0.044) than RT-LASIK eyes. Both platforms demonstrated comparable refractive predictability and stability (P > 0.05). For preoperative cylinder between – 1.00 to – 4.00 D, RT-LASIK showed greater astigmatic overcorrection (P < 0.05). At 3 months, RT-LASIK showed higher mesopic contrast sensitivity at 3, 6, and 12 cycles per degree under glare, with more eyes achieving clinically significant gains compared to TG-LASIK (P < 0.001). Both platforms induced changes in total higher-order aberrations, although not clinically significant. RT-LASIK also reduced spherical aberration from baseline. Both procedures showed a reduction in symptom severity for glare, halos, starburst, double vision, and dry eye.

CONCLUSIONS: While TG-LASIK showed superior visual acuity outcomes, RT-LASIK was associated with higher contrast sensitivity; however, both platforms demonstrate excellent visual and refractive outcomes. The majority of published studies are consistent with FDA PMA trends, showing potential reductions in spherical aberration and higher rates of 20/20 or better visual acuity with RT-LASIK.

PMID:41016970 | DOI:10.1007/s40123-025-01245-5

Glob Health Res Policy. 2025 Sep 29;10(1):48. doi: 10.1186/s41256-025-00447-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Routine childhood vaccination coverage under the National Immunization Program of the Philippines is well below the target of 95% with a high number of zero-dose children. Declining immunization rates led to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and pertussis. This study aimed to identify the factors affecting childhood vaccine uptake by exploring the perspectives of community members, program managers, and coordinators.

METHODS: Three regions with low vaccine coverage in the Philippines were selected as study sites. We conducted focus groups with adult caregivers of vaccinated and unvaccinated children aged 0-11 years recruited by barangay (community) health workers. Key informant interviews were also conducted with immunization program managers and coordinators from different administrative levels. Focus group and interview guides were informed by the World Health Organization’s Behavioural and Social Drivers (BeSD) of Vaccination framework. Transcripts were analysed by themes and deductive axial coding was used to categorize themes into BeSD domains and socioecological levels.

RESULTS: Twelve focus groups (n = 143) and 57 key informant interviews were done. Various behavioural and social drivers of vaccination present at different levels of the socioecological model affect vaccine decisions both positively and negatively. Under the ‘Thinking and feeling’ domain of the BeSD, at the intrapersonal level, the perception of benefits and negative side effects of routine vaccines were clear drivers of vaccination. In the ‘Social processes’ domain, factors at multiple socioecological levels such as the influence of family, barangay health workers, and community leaders were identified. Practical issues such as the availability of vaccines and accessibility of vaccination sites remain a barrier to vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS: Availability of routine vaccines and accessibility to vaccination sites are major challenges in the Philippines. Acceptability of routine vaccines continue to be affected by previous controversies around the Dengue vaccine and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest that enhancing advocacy for immunization through continuing communication training for health care workers on health promotion and education regarding vaccination may contribute to increased vaccine uptake. Integration of immunization with other population-based health programs could be explored.

PMID:41016961 | DOI:10.1186/s41256-025-00447-5

Lasers Med Sci. 2025 Sep 29;40(1):391. doi: 10.1007/s10103-025-04596-4.

ABSTRACT

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), which involves both stimulatory and inhibitory biological responses to light, represents a critical area of research requiring further in-depth exploration. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of 650 nm and 450 nm diode lasers on wound healing following tooth extraction in a rabbit model. Local anesthesia was used. A continuous-wave (CW) diode laser with wavelengths of 650 then 450 were used on wound after tooth extraction in 30 rabbits divided into three groups randomly and equally separated groups: control group (G1), 650 nm group (G2) and 450 nm group (G3), with laser parameters determined based on a prior pilot study in rabbits. The energy density for a 30-second exposure was 7.64 J/cm². The power output and the power density were 200 mW and 254 mW per cm², respectively. By day 7, 70% of rabbits in the G2 exhibited pink gingival tissue, compared to only 40% in the G3.Healing outcomes demonstrated statistically significant (p < 0.05) in G2in the gingival color and thickness relative to those G1 and G3.By day 14, none of theG1 displayed severe congestion, whereas G2 showed normal tissue recovery without pathological secretion(only two rabbits in G3 showed suppuration).Histopathological analysis revealed that 650 nm PBMT stimulated partial epithelialization and collagen deposition by day 7, with further enhancement by day 14. The 650 nm wavelength demonstrated superior healing effects, characterized by increased pink gingival tissue, reduced bleeding, and absence of inflammation. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) accelerates wound healing and is effective in reducing inflammation. Further research is needed to optimize wavelength selection.Clinical trial number Not applicable.

PMID:41016952 | DOI:10.1007/s10103-025-04596-4

Clin Oral Investig. 2025 Sep 29;29(10):478. doi: 10.1007/s00784-025-06572-2.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: An in vitro study to verify the potential effectiveness of an orthodontic adhesive incorporating a polybetaine zwitterionic mixture in preventing biofilm formation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), were added to An adhesive at 1 wt% (MS1) And 3 wt% (MS3). The MS0 group had no zwitterions. Flowability measurement, shear bond strength (SBS), the adhesive remnant index (ARI), and the contact angle were assessed. Bracket bonding was performed, and cross-sections were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biofilm formation was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Statistical analyses were conducted using R software. Wilcoxon tests with the Holm correction were used for non-parametric data, and pairwise t-tests with the Bonferroni correction were used for parametric data. Significance was set at P < 0.0001.

RESULTS: Flow analysis showed no significant differences in the experimental groups compared to the MS0 group (P > 0.05). The SEM images confirmed uniform bonding in all groups. SBS decreased significantly with higher MS content (P < 0.0001), And ARI scores shifted with the addition of zwitterionic mixtures, increasing scores to 1 And 2. MS3 showed a significantly lower contact angle compared to MS0 (P < 0.05). MS3 exhibited reduced biofilm formation and lower fluorescence intensity (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Despite reductions in SBS, all adhesives remained at minimum acceptable levels. The 3 wt% zwitterionic adhesive effectively suppressed biofilm formation and may help prevent demineralization.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An orthodontic adhesive containing a zwitterionic mixture can satisfy clinical properties and prevent side effects due to biofilm formation.

PMID:41016948 | DOI:10.1007/s00784-025-06572-2

J Neurol. 2025 Sep 29;272(10):659. doi: 10.1007/s00415-025-13383-8.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: About 30% of patients with isolated adult-onset dystonia report an improvement of their motor symptoms after the consumption of alcohol. In this cross-sectional study, we sought to investigate whether the observed improvement is attributable to the anxiolytic, euphoric, and analgesic properties of alcohol, rather than or in addition to its effect on dystonic movements, as psychiatric symptoms and pain frequently occur in dystonia patients and as emotional stress is a well-established trigger for symptom exacerbation.

METHODS: We analyzed data from 339 prospectively enrolled participants with recently diagnosed isolated dystonia (mean age: 55.2 ± 12.5 years, 228 female) of the Natural History Project of the Dystonia Coalition, a large international multicenter study. Alcohol responsiveness was determined by patients´ self-report. Symptoms of depression, as well as generalized and social anxiety, were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Severity of pain was measured using question 21 of the RAND 36-Item Health Survey.

RESULTS: Participants with more severe pain reported greater response to alcohol than those with less severe pain (p = .004), whereas symptoms of depression (p = .986), generalized anxiety (p = .395) and social anxiety (p = .953) were not associated.

CONCLUSION: Alcohol responsiveness in isolated dystonia is associated with higher levels of pain, whereas self-reported alcohol-related improvements in dystonic movements or tremor do not depend on the euphoric or anxiolytic effects of alcohol. This finding underscores the potential role of pain management in alleviating motor symptoms in dystonia.

PMID:41016940 | DOI:10.1007/s00415-025-13383-8

Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2025 Sep 29;29(1):162. doi: 10.1007/s10006-025-01449-w.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the postoperative clinical outcomes between the conservative bone trocar and open conventional techniques for iliac crest bone harvesting for alveolar bone grafting.

METHODS: The study included 20 unilateral cleft patients aged between 8 and 11 years, just before canine eruption, who suffered from oro-nasal communication, and were divided into two groups. Group A: ten patients using the open technique with a 4 cm incision at the anterior superior iliac crest for harvesting bone chips. Group B: ten patients using a conservative technique with a 1 cm incision at the anterior superior iliac crest using a special bone trocar extractor and curette. Postoperative evaluation included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain assessment to compare the level of pain postoperatively. Also Vancouver scale was used for scar wound evaluation through clinical examination of wound size and concerning tissue vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and height.

RESULTS: There were no postoperative complications observed, including infection, dehiscence, and graft resorption in both groups. Two weeks postoperative: Group A reported significantly higher pain (7.8 ± 0.79) compared to Group B (3.6 ± 0.97) & p < 0.001, indicating statistically significant lower pain levels in Group B. Regarding the Vancouver Scar Scale, two weeks postoperative: Group A had significantly higher scar severity (9.1 ± 0.88) compared to Group B (3.0 ± 0.82) and p < 0.001, suggesting better scar satisfaction in Group B. One month postoperatively, Group B over time confirmed better scar appearance.

CONCLUSION: Autogenous iliac crest using a conservative technique with a bone trocar is significantly more beneficial, less painful, and provides better wound scar healing satisfaction than the standard open approach in terms of VAS pain scale and Vancouver scar scale.

PMID:41016933 | DOI:10.1007/s10006-025-01449-w