Tag: pubmed

Am J Public Health. 2026 Apr;116(4):512-521. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2025.308359.

ABSTRACT

Objectives. To examine differences in the prevalence of gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension by maternal nativity and country of birth among Hispanic mothers in Florida. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1 130 250 births from Florida birth certificate data between 2004 and 2022. We compared Hispanic maternal health outcomes by nativity (US-born vs foreign-born) and country of birth using descriptive statistics and nested log-binomial regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. Results. Foreign-born Hispanic mothers had a higher prevalence of gestational diabetes (5.3%) but lower rates of gestational hypertension (4.3%) than did US-born mothers (4.7% and 5.3%, respectively). Foreign-born mothers from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua had significantly lower adjusted risks for gestational diabetes. Gestational hypertension risk was also lower for most foreign-born groups. However, foreign-born Puerto Rican and Cuban mothers had elevated risks for gestational diabetes compared with their US-born counterparts. Conclusions. Maternal health risks vary substantially in the Hispanic population by nativity and heritage, underscoring the need to disaggregate data to identify disparities. Public Health Implications. Policies and interventions should account for subgroup-specific risks to effectively address maternal health inequities in Hispanic communities. (Am J Public Health. 2026;116(4):512-521. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308359).

PMID:41812123 | DOI:10.2105/AJPH.2025.308359

Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2026 Mar 11:1-10. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2026.2633875. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objectives. The challenge of growing synthetic textile waste is a concern for sustainable development and needs addressing. Methods. This study develops protective gloves from recycled para-aramid fibres (RPA) with blends of cotton and polyester fibres (both virgin and recycled) to optimize protection and comfort. The impact of different blend ratios of fibres was studied for yarn properties along with comfort and protection of gloves through air permeability, cut, abrasion, tear and puncture resistance. Results. Higher content of RPA showed better strength; in contrast, substitution of cotton showed the opposite effect. In gloves, RPA-virgin polyester (60:40) had the best abrasion, cut, tear and puncture resistance at 500 cycles, 564 gf, 71 N and 87 N, with second-best air permeability. The sustainable alternative 60:40 RPA–recycled polyester (RP) gloves showed the best air permeability (2080 mm/s), with next-best abrasion, cut, tear and puncture resistance at 460 cycles, 555 gf, 70 N and 85 N. The worst characteristics were illustrated by a recycled cotton (RC) with RP blend. Statistical analysis by mixture regression models supported >95% of total variance for all results. Conclusion. These findings suggest parity of protection in recycled fibre and virgin fibre-derived safety gloves and manufactured sustainable protective gloves.

PMID:41812102 | DOI:10.1080/10803548.2026.2633875

JCO Glob Oncol. 2026 Mar;12(3):e2500386. doi: 10.1200/GO-25-00386. Epub 2026 Mar 11.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) is known to increase platelet counts (PCs) in certain infections.

METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to the CPLE or placebo arm and continued treatment until the PC improved to 75,000 × 10⁹/L or above, a platelet transfusion was required, or upto D+10. The primary outcome was to evaluate whether CPLE improves PC faster compared with placebo in a significant proportion of patients with a modified intention-to-treat protocol.

RESULTS: Between March 2020 and October 2024, 219 patients were randomly assigned, of whom 198 patients (CPLE arm: 129; placebo arm: 69) were analyzed for outcomes. The primary end point with modified intention-to-treat analysis showed a statistically significant increase in PC to ≥75,000 × 10⁹/L in a greater proportion of patients by D+4 compared with placebo (59% v 44%; P = .042). The primary outcome of increasing PC >75,000 × 10⁹/L at D+4 was significantly improved by CPLE (83/129, 64% v 33/69, 48%; P = .034) compared with placebo as per protocol analysis. There was no grade 3 or grade 4 treatment-related adverse events associated with CPLE. About 43% of patients in the placebo arm versus 25% of patients in the CPLE arm needed dose reductions or delays in their subsequent chemotherapy treatment for patients with grade 2 chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) at the baseline (P 0.033) and not significant in grade 3 CIT.

CONCLUSION: CPLE is a potential therapeutic intervention to improve CIT faster and to a greater extent than placebo in this phase III randomized trial without any safety concerns. It could be potentially used as a secondary prophylaxis to maintain the chemotherapy intensity.

PMID:41812092 | DOI:10.1200/GO-25-00386

J Clin Oncol. 2026 Mar 11:JCO2600051. doi: 10.1200/JCO-26-00051. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41812087 | DOI:10.1200/JCO-26-00051

Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2026 Mar 11:1-7. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2026.2638072. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objectives. This study evaluated radiation protection knowledge among oral and dental healthcare professionals in Turkey, focusing on medical imaging technicians (MITs), dentists and dental assistants (DAs). Methods. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 236 participants using the validated Turkish version of the healthcare professional knowledge of radiation protection (Tr-HPKRP) scale. Knowledge was assessed across three domains: radiation physics and principles; radiation protection; and safe use of ionizing radiation. Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied for group comparisons. Results. MITs achieved significantly higher scores than dentists and DAs across all domains (p < 0.01). Structured education through academic programs or formal in-service training was positively associated with knowledge (p < 0.01), while reliance on informal sources such as media or colleagues showed no effect (p > 0.05). Professional experience was not correlated with knowledge (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Substantial knowledge gaps exist among dentists and DAs compared with MITs. Integrating standardized and regularly updated radiation safety training into undergraduate curricula and continuing professional development is essential to improve compliance with best practices and ensure patient and practitioner safety in dental diagnostic imaging.

PMID:41812078 | DOI:10.1080/10803548.2026.2638072

Acad Med. 2026 Mar 11:wvag058. doi: 10.1093/acamed/wvag058. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigates current remediation practices in US internal medicine (IM) clerkships, focusing on how clerkship directors (CDs) identify, diagnose, remediate, and reassess struggling students, and explores strategies for improving remediation processes in undergraduate medical education.

METHOD: Study data derive from an annually recurring, nationally representative survey of IM core CDs at 140 fully and provisionally Liaison Committee on Medical Education-accredited schools fielded from September to December 2023. One section included 16 questions on identification of struggling learners and remediation strategies for IM clerkship students. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Free-text responses were analyzed using qualitative inductive content analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 118 of 140 CDs (84%) responded to the survey section that informed this study. These CDs reported that students most frequently had deficiencies in test-taking (72 [61%]), differential diagnosis generation (70 [59%]), oral presentations (67 [57%]), and time management (61 [52%]). Deficiencies were identified in multiple ways, most frequently through faculty communication (76 [64%]), shelf examination performance (74 [63%]), and narrative evaluations (70 [59%]), but only 26 CDs (22%) thought that struggling students were identified early enough to initiate remediation during clerkship. The most commonly reported remediation method was retaking a failed examination without other remediation (80 of 117 [68%]). The CDs called for centralized remediation processes to improve resource allocation and better tools, including sharing information about learners’ past performance, to improve early identification and support for struggling students.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevailing clerkship remediation model is conducted episodically and in silos, which has contributed to persistent challenges, including delayed identification of struggling learners, limited sharing of learners’ educational needs across clerkships, and inadequate resources for CDs. A programmatic and collaborative remediation model should be embedded centrally in the school’s overall educational program and conducted longitudinally to support all students’ continuous growth.

PMID:41812056 | DOI:10.1093/acamed/wvag058

Cancer Nurs. 2026 Mar 10. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000001553. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Screening and early diagnosis for cervical cancer are essential to reducing morbidity and mortality; however, participation in cancer screening remains inadequate.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effect of motivational interviewing based on the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior) model on women’s cervical cancer health beliefs and participation in screening.

INTERVENTIONS/METHODS: The study was designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial and conducted between February 12 and November 12, 2024. The sample consisted of 68 women aged 30-65. The intervention group received COM-B model-based motivational interviewing in 4 sessions, including 1 face-to-face meeting and 3 telephone calls.

RESULTS: The median scores of the “Health Motivation” and “Barriers to Pap Smear Tests” subscales of the “Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and the Pap Smear Test” changed statistically significantly over time from pretest to posttest. Following the intervention, women in the intervention group had higher participation in cervical cancer screening compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, the COM-B model-based motivational interviewing program increased perceived health motivation and participation in cervical cancer screening while reducing perceived barriers to Pap smear tests.

IMPLICATIONS FOR ONCOLOGY NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses could adopt a motivational interviewing approach to increase women’s participation in cervical cancer screening. The COM-B model may also serve as an effective framework for promoting changes in cancer screening behaviors. Future large-scale implementation studies are recommended to assess feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and broader applicability of this approach.

PMID:41812047 | DOI:10.1097/NCC.0000000000001553

Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2026 Dec;17(1):2633970. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2026.2633970. Epub 2026 Mar 11.

ABSTRACT

Background: Torture, banned under international treaties such as the UN Convention Against Torture, remains a widespread violation with profound health consequences. The Istanbul Protocol (IP) sets global standards for the medical documentation of torture highlighting the important role of healthcare providers. A limitation of existing research on torture’s health impacts is that studies are largely cross-sectional and reliant on self-reported clinical data. Norway’s detailed healthcare registry data offers a robust opportunity to conduct longitudinal, population-based studies, advancing our understanding of torture’s long-term effects on refugees and its public health implications.Objectives: This study has two main aims: (1) to examine the frequency of torture-related diagnostic codes and the factors associated with their use in primary and specialized care among adult Syrian refugees resettled in Norway, and (2) to link self-report data on torture exposure in adult refugees from Syria with data on HCSU over a 6-year follow-up to explore group differences in utilization patterns.Methods: Study participants include the RBMI cohort (N = 14,350), comprised of all adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway in 2015-2017; and the REFUGE cohort – a subsample of the RBMI cohort – comprised of those in the RBMI cohort who participated in a nationwide survey study in 2018. Aim 1 will be addressed using data (2015-2024) from the Norwegian Registry for Primary Health Care (KPR) and the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR), which contain information on all contacts with primary- and specialized healthcare services throughout Norway (e.g. date of contact, diagnostic code given). To address aim 2, we will link 2018 survey data on torture exposure to the abovementioned registry data on HCSU. In addition to descriptive statistics, multivariable, two-part hurdle regression models will be used to analyse data since we expect zero inflation and overdispersion of the outcomes (HCSU).Stage of study: This manuscript reports Stage 1 of a Registered Report; analyses will be conducted after in-principle acceptance.

PMID:41812026 | DOI:10.1080/20008066.2026.2633970

Oncol Nurs Forum. 2026 Feb 25;53(2):e26535281. doi: 10.1188/26.ONF.e26535281.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess racial and ethnic differences in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening and shared decision-making (SDM) and examine whether SDM modifies screening rates by race and ethnicity.

SAMPLE & SETTING: Data from the 2021-2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed, including 10,778 men aged 55-69 years eligible for PSA screening.

METHODS & VARIABLES: Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests assessed racial and ethnic differences in PSA screening and estimated SDM (eSDM) use. Multiple logistic regression models evaluated the impact of eSDM on PSA screening rates, including an interaction term for race and ethnicity and eSDM.

RESULTS: Among the sample, 46% reported undergoing PSA screening in the past year. eSDM was a significant predictor of PSA screening. After adjusting for eSDM and covariates, racial disparities in screening rates were no longer significant. Only Asian American men showed a significantly lower likelihood of screening following SDM exposure compared to White men.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING: SDM can reduce racial and ethnic disparities in PSA screening. In addition, factors like healthcare access significantly influence screening rates, requiring targeted investigation. The results call for further investigation to culturally optimize SDM.

PMID:41812019 | DOI:10.1188/26.ONF.e26535281

Oncol Nurs Forum. 2026 Feb 25;53(2):e26535282.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of live and robotic cat-assisted therapies on chemotherapy-induced symptoms and happiness levels in patients with cancer.

SAMPLE & SETTING: 45 patients were randomly assigned to live cat therapy, robotic cat therapy, or control groups in a university hospital.

METHODS & VARIABLES: Data were collected between June 1 and September 1, 2023. Patients in therapy groups interacted with a live or robotic cat for 20 minutes twice weekly for three months.

RESULTS: Although the live cat therapy group had higher median happiness scores than the robotic cat therapy group, differences in happiness and symptom scores between groups were not statistically significant. Both therapies alleviated chemotherapy-induced symptoms and enhanced emotional well-being, with robotic cat therapy showing slightly greater overall effectiveness.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Robotic pet therapy offers a feasible alternative where live animal-assisted therapy is impractical. Integrating these therapies into oncology nursing can enhance symptom management and psychological support, promoting holistic, patient-centered care.

PMID:41812016