Tag: pubmed

Indian J Gastroenterol. 2026 Jan 17. doi: 10.1007/s12664-025-01904-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recurrent acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis are disorders associated with significant morbidity. Despite increased awareness of quality-of-life impairment in these conditions, data comparing quality of life between chronic pancreatitis (CP) and recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) remains limited, particularly in Indian populations. This study aimed at assessing and comparing the quality of life in patients with CP and RAP compared to healthy controls.

METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional bicentric study enrolled patients from two tertiary care centers in India between 2019 and 2024. Quality of life was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Demographic characteristics, risk factors, complications and treatments were recorded for all participants. Statistical analysis included a comparison of quality-of-life domains across groups and a reliability assessment of the questionnaire.

RESULTS: The study comprised 216 participants: 54 CP patients (mean age 26.8 ± 9.4 years, 59.3% male), 54 RAP patients (28.4 ± 10.4 years, 79.6% male) and 108 age-matched healthy controls. Idiopathic etiology predominated in both groups (CP: 94.4%, RAP: 68.5%). CP patients demonstrated significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (20.2 ± 2.4 vs. 24.1 ± 4.5 kg/m², p < 0.001) and higher diabetes prevalence (27.8% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.01) compared to RAP patients. Global health status was impaired in CP patients (47.1) compared to RAP patients (64.7) and controls (74.8) (p = 0.001). Emotional functioning showed the most pronounced difference (CP: 56.6, RAP: 75.4, controls: 82.9; p < 0.001). Symptom scales revealed higher burden in CP patients for fatigue, pain and nausea/vomiting. Reliability analysis confirmed strong internal consistency for both patient groups (Cronbach’s alpha: RAP = 0.745, 95% CI: 0.644-0.825; CP = 0.847, 95% CI: 0.785-0.895).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate significant quality of life impairment in CP patients, particularly affecting emotional and physical functioning domains. The relatively preserved quality of life in recurrent acute pancreatitis patients suggests a critical window of opportunity for intervention before progression to chronic disease.

PMID:41546820 | DOI:10.1007/s12664-025-01904-2

Indian J Gastroenterol. 2026 Jan 17. doi: 10.1007/s12664-025-01910-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia (BA) is a serious condition and the leading cause for liver transplantation in children. The exact cause for BA is currently unknown, with one suggested mechanism being a viral infection. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral infection in BA patients and was previously known to be associated with worse outcomes, including liver fibrosis. Our study aimed at investigating the association between CMV infection and liver fibrosis in BA patients who underwent the Kasai procedure at our institution.

METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of medical records from BA patients who underwent the Kasai procedure between January 2019 and July 2024 at our hospital.

RESULTS: Our study involved 15 male and 23 female BA patients. The proportion of CMV-infected patients (n = 11) was lower than that of the non-CMV-infected BA patients (n = 27). The association between CMV infection status and liver cirrhosis (p = 1.0) was statistically insignificant. However, the age at the Kasai procedure showed a statistically significant association with cirrhosis (p = 0.027; odds ratio [OR] = 7.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-40.7). Moreover, a multi-variate analysis revealed a strong association between the age at the Kasai procedure and liver cirrhosis (p = 0.029; OR = 7.37; 95% CI = 1.22-44.42).

CONCLUSION: Our study’s findings suggest that CMV infection might not significantly affect the degree of liver fibrosis in BA patients following the Kasai procedure. Furthermore, the age at which the Kasai procedure is performed might influence the development of liver cirrhosis in these patients. These insights could reshape our understanding of BA and guide future research and clinical practice.

PMID:41546818 | DOI:10.1007/s12664-025-01910-4

J Autism Dev Disord. 2026 Jan 17. doi: 10.1007/s10803-026-07216-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigates the relationship between maternal external shame and family functioning in families raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The objective is to explore the association between parental feelings of shame, perceived inferiority, and the overall functioning of families raising children with ASD.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 517 families across Greece. Parents completed validated questionnaires, including the External Shame Scale and subscales measuring family functioning (e.g., communication, problem-solving, personal goals). Statistical analyses included Pearson/Spearman correlations, as well as multivariate linear regressions, to identify predictive relationships.

RESULTS: The findings revealed a significant negative association between maternal external shame and key aspects of family functioning, including problem solving, communication, and personal goals. Higher levels of external shame were linked to more dysfunctional family patterns, underscoring the emotional and relational burden experienced by mothers of children with ASD.

CONCLUSION: Parental external shame significantly impacts family functioning in ASD contexts. Drawing on family systems theory, these findings underscore the importance of holistic, family-centered interventions that promote parental mental health and resilience, supported by policies ensuring access to tailored mental health services.

PMID:41546809 | DOI:10.1007/s10803-026-07216-4

J Psycholinguist Res. 2026 Jan 17;55(1):13. doi: 10.1007/s10936-025-10187-9.

ABSTRACT

The burgeoning interest in the flipped language learning approach (FLLA), characterized by its learner-centered pedagogy and utilization of instructional technology, necessitates a systematic review to synthesize its psychological and learning effects. This review meticulously analyzed 55 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2023, employing a comprehensive search strategy across major databases including Education Source, ERIC, Web of Science, Scopus, and Computers and Applied Sciences Complete. Through bidirectional citation searching and Boolean logic, this study ensured the inclusion of relevant studies, adhering to stringent eligibility criteria to maintain the review’s integrity. The articles were subjected to an inductive paradigmatic analysis to identify empirical evidence of FLLA’s affordances and challenges, focusing on psychological effects, learning effects, instructional tools, and educational activities. The review reveals that FLLA promotes a broad spectrum of positive psychological effects, such as enhanced motivation, reduced anxiety, and improved attitudes towards technology, alongside significant learning outcomes including increased learner autonomy, engagement, and skill development. However, challenges such as increased workload and inconsistency in instructional design were also identified. In addition, all 55 studies underwent a structured methodological quality assessment adapted from the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and four custom domains (sampling adequacy, instrumentation validity, statistical transparency, and ecological validity), revealing generally moderate-to-high methodological quality but with notable variability in sampling and reporting practices. The systematic review concludes that FLLA holds substantial promise for enriching language learning pedagogy, though further research is needed to address its challenges and fully leverage its benefits. The systematic review concludes that FLLA holds substantial promise for enriching language learning pedagogy, though further research is needed to address its challenges and fully leverage its benefits.

PMID:41546805 | DOI:10.1007/s10936-025-10187-9

Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2026 Jan 17. doi: 10.1007/s13770-025-00780-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Wnt signalling pathway, one of the key classical stem cell pathways, plays an important role in helping the liver regenerate after injury. Stem cells can influence changes in adult cell behaviour by either activating or inhibiting this pathway. When liver damage is severe, the organ’s ability to regenerate may be compromised, sometimes leading to structural changes. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells have shown promise in improving the liver microenvironment more effectively through the classical Wnt pathway.

METHODS: Studies were conducted on both reviews and original experiments. This paper used a repeated-measures design, and statistical analysis was performed using a two-factor, two-level repeated-measures model to analyze the experimental results. The measurements taken before and after the intervention were compared, and interactions were examined. C57/6 BAL mice were randomly divided into two to three groups, with in vivo Choline-methionine deficiency C57 black mouse animal disease models, and hepG2 replace complex intake primary liver cell problem to mimic in vitro cell models simulated. One sample from each group was randomly selected for model validation, and stem cell injection experiments were conducted after validation. The experiments were carried out in a wholly randomized manner to explore the phenotype and intrinsic mechanisms of liver cirrhosis and steatosis.

RESULTS: In cirrhosis, inflammatory fibrosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial damage are key virulent factors in the primary stage. After treating mice for a month and a half, the AST content in the peripheral blood plasma of animals and the expression of ALT increased. The interventional treatment of umbilical cord mesenchymal cell infusion (three times a month at doses of 10⁵, 4 × 10⁵, or 10⁶) has further contributed to understanding the underlying mechanisms. The Wnt pathway plays a significant role in organ and tissue reversing function (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were used to treat cirrhosis, ranging from end-stage to early stages, in methionine-deficient rats by modulating the Wnt pathway. It can inhibit the progression of steatosis-related inflammation and fibrosis, further depresses cirrhosis in mice and humans, and underscores the significance of umbilical stem cells in public health.

PMID:41546791 | DOI:10.1007/s13770-025-00780-3

Cancer Causes Control. 2026 Jan 17;37(2):28. doi: 10.1007/s10552-025-02117-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Paid sick leave policies vary significantly across the United States and are known to influence access to and utilization of health services. However, little is known about how access to paid sick leave affects cancer-related outcomes such as screening, diagnosis, treatment adherence, and survivorship care.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to systematically map the literature on the association between paid sick leave and cancer-related outcomes among working adults in the United States and to identify gaps to inform future research and policy.

METHODS: The following databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus. Eligible studies included quantitative research conducted in the U.S. that evaluated paid sick leave in relation to any cancer-related outcome. Study findings were synthesized narratively and thematically, and critical appraisal of included studies was conducted.

RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included in the review. The majority of studies focused on cancer screening adherence (N = 9/11) and found a positive association between access to paid sick leave (either via self-report or at a state/municipal level) and cancer screening rates for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers (N = 7/9). Treatment and survivorship outcomes were infrequently analyzed.

CONCLUSION: Policymakers should consider implementing paid sick leave mandates to ensure timely initiation of cancer screening among working adults, a critical priority given rising rates of some early-onset cancers, including colorectal cancer.

PMID:41546781 | DOI:10.1007/s10552-025-02117-w

Cancer Causes Control. 2026 Jan 17;37(2):24. doi: 10.1007/s10552-025-02110-3.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify provider- and practice-level factors influencing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among Chinese American (CA) adolescents. Despite increasing public health efforts, HPV vaccination rates in this population remain suboptimal, and knowledge on the link between provider/practice characteristics and vaccine uptake is limited.

METHODS: We analyzed data from 1,272 CA adolescents (aged 13-17) using the National Immunization Survey-Teen (2015-2019) datasets. Key measures included HPV vaccine initiation and completion (based on proxy reporting and verification), accompanied by various multilevel factors: provider-level (recommendation, specialty), practice-level (facility type, vaccine acquisition, well-child exam), parent-level (mother’s education, marital status), and adolescent-level characteristics. Weighted descriptive statistics and stepwise multivariate logistic regression were used to examine associations.

RESULTS: Overall, 71.22% of CA adolescents initiated at least one HPV vaccine dose, while 48.14% completed the regimen. Provider’s recommendation (initiation OR = 21.50, completion OR = 8.12), having a pediatrician (initiation OR = 5.37, completion OR = 3.20), and receiving the 11-12-year-old well-child exams significantly predict both initiation and completion. Regional disparities were observed, with adolescents in the Northeast and West showing higher completion rates than those in the South. Unexpectedly, adolescents not enrolled in school and those with mothers who had less than 12 years of education or were unmarried showed higher completion rates.

CONCLUSION: Provider recommendations and pediatric care are crucial for improving HPV vaccination rates among CA adolescents. Addressing regional disparities and implementing targeted interventions, including enhanced provider training focused on culturally sensitive communication, are essential to dismantle systemic barriers and improve comprehensive vaccination coverage in this underserved population.

PMID:41546778 | DOI:10.1007/s10552-025-02110-3

Cancer Causes Control. 2026 Jan 17;37(2):32. doi: 10.1007/s10552-025-02096-y.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Early menarche is a known risk factor for breast cancer, as established by the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer in a 2012 reanalysis of data from forty-seven global epidemiological studies. Given recent changes in the average age at menarche, it is important to re-evaluate this association in the context of the past decade. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the relationship between early menarche, particularly before age 13, and female breast cancer risk by analyzing recently published observational studies and exploring this relationship across different regions of the world.

METHODS: Case-control studies published between January 2014 and February 2025 were systematically searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Early menarche was defined as < 13 years. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using common-effect models when heterogeneity was low (I² ≤ 30%) and random-effects models when heterogeneity was significant (I² > 30%). Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test.

RESULTS: Overall, results of the present meta-analyses show an increased association between menarche age < 13 and the risk of female breast cancer (OR = 1.15 [95% CI: 1.08 – 1.24]). Also, an increased association with breast cancer risk was found in the subgroup of menarche age < 12 (OR = 1.27 [95% CI: 1.09 – 1.48]). Lower OR was found in subgroup of menarche age ≥ 13 (OR = 0.89 [95% CI: 0.85 – 0.94]). For the geographical region subgroups, increased associations between menarche age < 13 and risk of breast cancer were found in Europe (OR = 1.15 [95% CI: 1.07 – 1.25]), North America (OR = 1.07 [95% CI: 1.03 – 1.11]), Oceania (OR = 1.15 [95% CI: 1.02 – 1.30]), and West Asia (OR = 1.70 [95% CI: 1.15 – 2.52]). Both population-based and hospital-based study designs demonstrated higher ORs for the association between menarche age < 13 and the risk of female breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis found a modest but statistically significant association between menarche before age 13 and increased breast cancer risk worldwide, while women who experienced menarche at age 13 or older had a lower risk. The association varied by region, with relatively higher odds observed in West Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North America. These results indicate an association rather than causation and are limited by the observational nature of the included studies.

PMID:41546761 | DOI:10.1007/s10552-025-02096-y

Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2026 Jan 17;82(2):36. doi: 10.1007/s00228-025-03962-z.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Antibiotics are widely used in the management of bacterial infections However; most antibiotics are not known for DRESS. Our objective is to find out the association of DRESS with available antibiotics using disproportionality analysis.

METHODS: Retrospective pharmacovigilance disproportionality analysis based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from a period of 2004 Q1- 2022 Q3 was conducted using OpenVigil 2.1 tool. Disproportionality measures like Proportional reporting Ratio with associated Chi- square values (PRR ≥ 2 with associated χ2 ≥ 4), ROR with a 95% confidence interval (lower limit of 95% C.I. of ROR is greater than 1), and the number of cases of co-occurrence (n) were used for the identification of novel signals.

RESULTS: A total of 13,918 cases of DRESS were reported, out of which 5,455 cases were found with various classes of antibiotics. The signal of DRESS was identified with a total of 40 antibiotics. Sub groups analysis results have shown variation in the strength of signal based on gender, age groups and geographical locations. The sensitivity analysis results have shown a decrease in the strength of signal after removal of cases of concomitant drugs.

CONCLUSION: 22 antibiotics were identified which can be associated with DRESS; however, further causality assessment is required to confirm the association.

PMID:41546760 | DOI:10.1007/s00228-025-03962-z

Eur J Pediatr. 2026 Jan 17;185(2):87. doi: 10.1007/s00431-026-06752-6.

ABSTRACT

While early-life growth patterns are thought to be pivotal for long-term cardiovascular health, their specific links to adolescent blood pressure (BP) and potential mediators remain unclear. We aimed to examine the associations of growth trajectories from birth to age two with systolic and diastolic BP in adolescence, and to quantify the proportion mediated by concurrent adolescent BMI. In a prospective birth cohort in rural China, we repeatedly measured infant weight and length at birth and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. Adolescent BP was measured and converted into percentiles. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify early-life weight-, length-, BMI- and weight-for-length z-score trajectories and examined their associations with adolescent BP. A general causal mediation estimated the natural indirect effects and corresponding proportions mediated through adolescent BMI. Among the 1388 infants enrolled, 741 (60.9% male; mean age, 11.26 (SD, 0.57) years old) were followed at adolescence. Greater and rapid BMI and weight-for-length growth trajectories were statistically associated with elevated adolescent BP and BP percentiles, with adjusted mean differences ranging from 2.32 to 5.29 mmHg. Adolescent BMI mediated a substantial portion (up to 85%) of the association with systolic BP, but it showed no significant mediating effect for diastolic BP.Conclusion: Rapid adiposity growth in infancy predicts elevated adolescent BP. Since adolescent BMI did not fully explain this association, especially for diastolic BP, preventive interventions within the first 1000 days may be critical for lifelong cardiovascular health beyond managing later childhood weight. Trial registration: ISRCTN08850194, retrospectively registered December 14, 2006. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN08850194?q=ISRCTN08850194&filters=&sort=&offset=1&totalResults=1&page=1&pageSize=10 . What is Known • Childhood body mass index (BMI) is positively associated with blood pressure at later life. What is New • This study identifies distinct weight, length, BMI, and weight-for-length growth trajectories from birth to two years of age and links rapid weight-related growth trajectories to elevated blood pressure in early adolescence. • Using causal mediation analysis, it shows adolescent BMI largely mediates the association for systolic, but not diastolic, blood pressure, highlighting interventions within the first 1000 day for lifelong cardiovascular health beyond managing later childhood weight.

PMID:41546755 | DOI:10.1007/s00431-026-06752-6