Tag: pubmed

Commun Dis Intell (2018). 2026 Feb 24;50. doi: 10.33321/cdi.2026.50.011.

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae poses a pressing public health threat. Current surveillance programs via antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) depend on successfully cultivating the organism via bacterial culture. However, AST is more challenging in extragenital sites and in remote clinical settings where there is a delay between sample collection and testing. This study evaluated whether an enhanced specimen transport system involving direct plating of samples onto selective agar with carbon dioxide enrichment (Bio-BagTM Type C, Becton Dickinson) improved N. gonorrhoeae recoverability compared to the standard method of rayon swabs in Amies gel (TransystemTM, Copan Diagnostics). Men with urethral or rectal gonorrhoea confirmed by nucleic acid amplification testing were consecutively recruited from an urban Sydney clinic. Among 33 rectal samples, enhanced transport yielded a slightly higher culture positivity rate (72.7%) than the standard method (69.7%), though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.790). Notably, rectal specimens arriving at the laboratory within five hours had significantly higher culture yields (100%) than those with longer transport times (61.5%; p = 0.049). Future studies of the impact of enhanced transport in rural and remote settings are critical to enhance AMR surveillance.

PMID:41730157 | DOI:10.33321/cdi.2026.50.011

Commun Dis Intell (2018). 2026 Feb 24;50. doi: 10.33321/cdi.2026.50.012.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) surveillance in Victoria is conducted through Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Vaccination in the Community (SAEFVIC), an enhanced surveillance system integrated with clinical services for vaccinees experiencing an AEFI. This report summarises SAEFVIC’s surveillance and vaccine pharmacovigilance activities in 2019 and 2020.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study approach was used to analyse AEFI reports submitted in 2019 and 2020, compared to those since 2015. Data were categorised by vaccinee demographics (age; sex; pregnancy; and Indigenous status), vaccines administered and reported AEFI. Age cohorts were defined as best fit to the National Immunisation Program age groups. Proportional reporting ratio was determined for perceived signals being investigated. Clinical services and educational activities were described.

RESULTS: There were 3,828 AEFI reports received in 2019 and 2020 (28.8 per 100,000 population), with 7.6% defined as serious; 52% of all reports were female vaccinees; 56 of 464 reports among adult females (12.1%) were pregnant vaccinees; and 29 reports (0.9%) were Indigenous Australians. Reporting trends by age group were similar across all cohorts. No vaccine safety signals were confirmed. Telehealth consultations at Specialist Immunisation Clinics increased in 2020 in-line with Medicare eligibility criteria changes. Educational resources on various vaccine safety topics were published, particularly the anticipated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program.

CONCLUSION: AEFI surveillance in Victoria continues to be robust through the SAEFVIC model and provides confidence in informing the safety profile of vaccines administered in Australia. These data provide a baseline for AEFI surveillance for comparison to the COVID-19 vaccination program commenced in 2021.

PMID:41730156 | DOI:10.33321/cdi.2026.50.012

J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2026 Feb 23:1-17. doi: 10.1044/2025_JSLHR-25-00700. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of visual biofeedback approaches and nonbiofeedback motor-based treatment on generalization outcomes following speech therapy for children with residual speech sound disorders (RSSDs).

METHOD: A total of 108 children aged 9-15 years with RSSD affecting American English /ɹ/ were randomly assigned to receive 19 motor-based speech treatment sessions, with or without visual biofeedback (divided into ultrasound or visual-acoustic biofeedback). The treatment included practice designed to implement several motor learning principles, with task difficulty systematically adjusted based on the child’s performance. Children’s /ɹ/ accuracy on untreated words before and after treatment was rated as correct or incorrect by lay listeners who were blinded to participant characteristics, treatment conditions, and time points.

RESULTS: The mixed-effects regression model revealed a statistically significant interaction between treatment type and time point. Specifically, both the biofeedback and nonbiofeedback motor-based treatment groups made progress over time, but the amount of generalization to untreated words was significantly greater in the biofeedback condition than in the motor-based treatment. In a subanalysis comparing biofeedback types, greater generalization was observed following ultrasound biofeedback than visual-acoustic biofeedback, although this effect was strongest at one treatment site.

DISCUSSION: This randomized controlled trial found that adding biofeedback to motor-based treatment can increase the rate of accurate production of the American English /ɹ/ in untreated words.

PMID:41730150 | DOI:10.1044/2025_JSLHR-25-00700

J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2026 Feb 23:1-14. doi: 10.1044/2025_JSLHR-25-00427. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The human voice is a complex acoustic signal shaped by multiple anatomical and environmental factors. It serves as a primary medium for communication, allowing individuals to express emotions, intentions, and identity. These features can change due to aging, lifestyle habits, health conditions, and several sociocultural factors. Given the impact of voice disorders on daily life and psychological well-being, accurate assessment tools are essential for early detection and intervention. Given the natural variability of the human voice and the need for appropriate assessment tools, normative studies centered on young populations are necessary, as most existing studies focus on older populations more prone to vocal health problems. The aim of this study was to establish normative acoustic data for 23 acoustic parameters including the Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) and the Acoustic Breathiness Index (ABI) in young adult, native Spanish speakers, analyzed separately by gender.

METHOD: A total of 194 participants (82 men, 112 women) aged 18 to 25 years were recruited, who reported no prior history of voice disorders. Recordings of sustained vowels and connected speech were analyzed using Voxplot, a clinical tool based on Praat. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and gender differences were explored through t tests.

RESULTS: Normative values were obtained for 23 acoustic parameters in young Spanish-speaking adults. Several measures showed significant gender differences, particularly those related to fundamental frequency and spectral characteristics. Additionally, preliminary threshold values for mild dysphonia were calculated.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides normative acoustic data for young adult speakers and exploratory threshold values for parameters that may be obtained through Voxplot. The preliminary thresholds values may serve as reference points for early detection of vocal alterations. However, future studies should include groups with vocal pathologies in order to establish cutoff points.

PMID:41730148 | DOI:10.1044/2025_JSLHR-25-00427

Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2026 Feb 23;60:e20250323. doi: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0323en. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientific literature on the effectiveness of educational interventions aimed at acquiring cultural competencies in nurses and nursing students.

METHOD: Searches were conducted in the following databases PubMed, Lilacs, Esmerald, Scopus, and Scielo, focusing on the study of educational interventions related to cultural competencies. The PRISMA methodology was used, critical reading was performed with the CASPe tool, and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted with RevMan.

RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included, 11 of which were educational interventions. These significantly improved cultural competencies, especially in knowledge, communication skills, and self-awareness. Qualitatively, a positive impact was evidenced, and quantitatively, the effect on knowledge was statistically significant (P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis reveals a significantly positive effect, in a generalized way, of educational interventions on cultural competence in nurses and students. Continuous learning and innovative educational practices are necessary to maintain and reinforce knowledge. Further studies using both qualitative and quantitative methods are needed to improve both educational initiatives and cultural competence training.

PMID:41730134 | DOI:10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0323en

Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2026 Feb 23;60:e20250253. doi: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0253en. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Aim to explore the associations and sex differences between online health information seeking behaviours (OHISBs) and self-reported health among university students.

METHODS: Cross-sectional, analytical study carried out in the 5,408 university students from Xinyang Normal University, who responded questionnaire in Wenjunxing as valid participants. t-tests and binary logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS.

RESULTS: Sex differences in OHISBs were found. Females most liked food nutrition and diet-related OHI (p < 0.001), while males most liked physical exercise OHI (p < 0.001). For specific OHISBs, finding information about hospitals or doctors (OR = 1.785, [CI95% = 1.212-2.628], p < 0.01), and online reservation of health care projects (OR = 2.491, [CI95% = 1.056-5.876], p < 0.05) had significant impacts on females’ self-reported health, and finding information about hospitals or doctors (OR = 2.171, [CI95% = 1.035-4.551], p < 0.05) had a significant impact on males’ self-reported health.

CONCLUSION: Findings of sex-differentiated online health seeking and the benefits of proactive search indicate that effective digital interventions for students must combine gender-specific strategies with behavioral empowerment.

PMID:41730133 | DOI:10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0253en

Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2026 Feb 23;60:e20240411. doi: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2024-0411en. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the social representations of ageism among undergraduate nursing students.

METHOD: Exploratory and descriptive study, with a quantitative and qualitative approach. Data was collected via Google Forms, investigating the sociodemographic profile of nursing undergraduates in the state of São Paulo and their perceptions of ageism. Quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis, while the evocations were processed using the software openEvoc, based on the Theory of Social Representations (Moscovici, 2003) and analyzed according to Bardin (2015).

RESULTS: A total of 242 students participated, with an average age of 23.8 years; 78.9% (n = 191) were female, 74.0% (n = 179) attended public universities, and 40.1% (n = 97) were in their 3rd year of undergraduate studies. On the whole, 1200 evocations were listed, organized into four categories: “Experience,” “Longevity as a Process,” “Stereotypes,” and “Public Policies.”

CONCLUSION: Positive perceptions of ageism prevailed, although negative and stereotypical terms were still recurrent. These findings reinforce the need for pedagogical strategies addressing ageism in nursing education, to promote more critical and positive attitudes towards older people.

PMID:41730130 | DOI:10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2024-0411en

Cogn Sci. 2026 Jan;50(2):e70178. doi: 10.1111/cogs.70178.

ABSTRACT

In adults, cognitive fatigue enhances statistical language learning-the ability to detect repeating hidden patterns in continuous speech, and a core component of implicit language acquisition. This supports the cognitive cost hypothesis, which proposes that the adult cognitive architecture, especially executive functions (EFs), constrains effortless language learning. In contrast, articulatory suppression impairs statistical language learning, suggesting the involvement of lower-level auditory-motor mechanisms in acquiring new linguistic knowledge from speech streams. This study examined whether the effects of cognitive fatigue and articulatory suppression on statistical language learning depend on individuals’ cognitive resources (CRs). Specifically, we tested whether individual differences in late-developing EFs (1) are associated with statistical language learning ability and (2) modulate the effects of cognitive fatigue and articulatory suppression. Fifty Dutch-speaking first-year university students participated in a multisession statistical-learning experiment. EFs were assessed using three tasks measuring working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Cognitive fatigue was induced using a time-loaded dual N-back task at participants’ maximum speed prior to speech exposure. Articulatory suppression was induced by instructing participants to whisper continuously while listening to the speech stream. Learning was assessed using a post-exposure two-alternative forced-choice recognition task, where participants selected between a pseudoword from the stream and a foil. Based on a factor and cluster analysis of EF scores, participants were grouped into high and low CR groups. In line with the cognitive cost hypothesis, the high CR group performed less well in statistical language learning than the low CR group but benefited from cognitive fatigue. Articulatory suppression impaired statistical learning in the low CR group only, suggesting they rely more on auditory-motor mechanisms. These findings demonstrate that cognitive functioning impacts statistical language learning, suggesting that the ability to acquire new linguistic knowledge from speech streams depends on the interaction between higher-level cognitive and lower-level auditory-motor mechanisms.

PMID:41730120 | DOI:10.1111/cogs.70178

Personal Ment Health. 2026 Feb;20(1):e70067. doi: 10.1002/pmh.70067.

ABSTRACT

Many features of personality psychopathology are shared among patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), yet the impact of these shared features is not fully understood, and the impact of having more personality psychopathology features during adolescent onset of AN, especially among adolescents admitted to an inpatient eating disorder unit, has not been explored. This study evaluated how personality psychopathology, utilizing a measure of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptom severity, has a potential predictive value in understanding risk of readmission for an eating disorder over time. A total of 256 adolescents were admitted for medical stability to an inpatient unit for the first time. Adolescents completed the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children-11 (BPFSC-11) within the first 14 days of admission; demographic variables, anxiety and mood comorbidities, and readmission status were obtained through chart review. Higher scores on the BPFSC-11 were significantly associated with being readmitted within 1 year of discharge from the inpatient unit. These findings highlight how personality psychopathology features at onset of severe AN in adolescence could indicate a higher risk for recovery complications, including repeated inpatient admission. These findings may underscore the role of supplementary therapeutic interventions alongside family-based therapy, including dialectical behavior therapy.

PMID:41725590 | DOI:10.1002/pmh.70067

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2025 Sep 3;169:D8610.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In the Netherlands, a growing group of young people requests medical assistance in dying based on psychiatric suffering (MAID-PS). This study examined trends, characteristics and outcomes of such requests at ExpertisecentrumEuthanasie (EE) between 2012 and 2021.

DESIGN: Retrospective quantitative file study.

METHOD: All young applicants (< 24 years, N = 352, 73.4% female) who requested MAID-PS at EE between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2021, were included in the study.

RESULTS: Of N=397 applications, 47.3% were withdrawn (N=188) and 44.8% were rejected (N=178). Among N=353 unique applicants, 12 (3.0%) died by MAID and 17 (4.3%) by suicide during the application process. Deceased applicants often had multiple psychiatric diagnoses, a history of suicide attempts, and an extensive treatment history.

CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a growing group of young applicants with severe psychological suffering and high risk of suicide. More insight into persistent death wishes and effective suicide prevention is needed.

PMID:41725582