Tag: pubmed

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Dec 23. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-07467-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Dental caries impacts children’s health- and oral health-related quality of life. Preference-based measures (PBM) can quantify these impacts as utilities, facilitating economic evaluation of interventions. Two paediatric PBMs (one generic (CHU9D) and one condition-specific (CARIES-QC-U)) were used in the BRIGHT randomised control trial investigating the impact of a behaviour change intervention on schoolchildren’s oral health. No comparison has been made of these two instruments previously. This study aimed to compare the psychometric properties of CHU9D and CARIES-QC-U using trial data.

METHODS: Baseline trial data were assessed. Mean utility scores, missing values and floor and ceiling effects were determined for each instrument. Cronbach’s alpha was assessed to indicate internal consistency for each instrument. Correlations were explored between CARIES-QC-U and CHU9D, the dimensions within the two instruments, and between each instrument and DMFT. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were explored for each component of DMFT in relation to overall utility values from each instrument.

RESULTS: Baseline data from 4542 schoolchildren aged 11-13 years were analysed. Over a third of participants had obvious caries experience. Mean utility scores for CARIES-QC-U and CHU9D were 0.76 and 0.91 respectively. Missing data was low for both instruments. Floor and ceiling effects were greater for CARIES-QC-U. Internal consistency was acceptable for both instruments. Correlation between utilities of CARIES-QC-U and CHU9D was weak at 0.35. Correlation between clinical caries experience and utilities from CARIES-QC-U was negative (r=-0.09) and stronger than with CHU9D (r=-0.02). Correlations between dimensions within the instruments were weaker than anticipated. Small, statistically significant effects were seen for both instruments and the decayed (D) component of DMFT, though this was stronger with CARIES-QC-U.

CONCLUSIONS: The burden of caries was reflected in participant utility scores. Whilst both PBMs performed well psychometrically, CARIES-QC-U demonstrated greater ability to capture impacts related to dental caries, indicating better suitability for caries research than CHU9D.

PMID:41437031 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-07467-0

BMC Public Health. 2025 Dec 23. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-25989-8. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41437028 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-25989-8

BMC Public Health. 2025 Dec 23;25(1):4291. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-25593-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and self-reported history of fractures among various age groups in the general population is unclear.

METHODS: Participants were recruited using a multistage probability sampling method between 2021 and 2023 in Guangdong Province, China. Sleep study was performed with a wearable type-IV monitor. OSA was defined using the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) of ≥ 5 events/h. Fracture history was self-reported according to physician diagnoses. Poor sleep quality was defined as a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score > 5.

RESULTS: A total of 5,519 participants were analyzed. The mean age of participants was 52.7 years. The prevalence rates of OSA and self-reported history of fractures were 44.5% and 13%, respectively. Participants were categorized into groups based on age tertiles. In T3 group (ages 59-91), OSA was significantly associated only with self-reported previous non-traumatic fractures (OR = 3.68, 95%CI:1.79-7.57). Similar results were observed in the T2 group (ages 48-58). OSA was not associated with self-reported history of fractures in the T1 group (ages 18-47). Furthermore, participants with both OSA and poor sleep quality had a higher odds of self-reported previous traumatic fractures compared to those with OSA alone in the T3 group (OR = 1.64, 95% CI:1.02-2.65). Interactions between OSA and age, as well as between OSA and alcohol consumption, regarding self-reported history of fractures were observed (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: OSA was independently associated with self-reported previous non-traumatic fractures in the general population. The association was age-dependent and more meaningful in the elderly population.

PMID:41437004 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-25593-w

BMC Urol. 2025 Dec 24. doi: 10.1186/s12894-025-02029-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer incidence increases markedly after midlife, coinciding with age-related hormonal decline and alterations in antioxidant defense mechanisms. This study investigated age-specific associations between endogenous antioxidant markers (total bilirubin, albumin, and uric acid) and prostate cancer risk.

METHODS: Data were derived from the Korean Cancer Prevention Study-II (KCPS-II), and a total of 83,371 men were included after excluding individuals with a history of cancer or missing key variables at baseline. Participants were categorized into four age groups: < 45, 45-55, > 55, and > 65 years. During a mean follow-up of 13.5 years, 705 incident cases of prostate cancer (ICD-10: C61) were identified. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prostate cancer per 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in each antioxidant marker were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Quartile and trend analyses were also performed.

RESULTS: Total bilirubin showed a statistically significant negative association with prostate cancer risk in men aged 45-55 years (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.75-0.98, p = 0.0208), while a significant positive association was observed in men over 65 years (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02-1.43, p = 0.0285). Albumin was not significantly associated with prostate cancer risk in most age groups, but a significant positive association was found in men under 45 years (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.07-1.86, p = 0.0152). Uric acid showed a consistent positive association with prostate cancer risk in the overall population (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06-1.21, p = 0.0003), and in men aged < 45 years (HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02-1.30, p = 0.0241), > 55 years (HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08-1.32, p = 0.0005), and > 65 years (HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.38, p = 0.0121).

CONCLUSIONS: Total bilirubin was negatively associated with prostate cancer risk during the andropause period (ages 45-55), but this association reversed with increasing age. Uric acid consistently showed a positive association with prostate cancer risk across all age groups.

PMID:41436997 | DOI:10.1186/s12894-025-02029-6

BMC Cancer. 2025 Dec 23. doi: 10.1186/s12885-025-15488-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Undernutrition contributes to nearly half of global cancer-related deaths. In Ethiopia, previous studies using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) have reported an undernutrition prevalence of 30-60% among cancer patients. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria offer a standardized, evidence-based approach by combining phenotypic and etiologic factors. However, their application and related evidence remain limited in Ethiopia, particularly in Bahir Dar City.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among adult cancer patients receiving follow-up care at public referral hospitals in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2024.

METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 cancer patients on follow-up at Felege Hiwot and Tibebe Ghion Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals from June 8 to July 8, 2024. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire and through chart reviews. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, and clinical data were used to assess undernutrition based on the GLIM criteria. Data were entered using the KoboToolbox and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with undernutrition. Statistical significance was determined at a 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05.

RESULTS: The study included 393 participants, yielding a response rate of 97.8%. The prevalence of undernutrition among adult cancer patients was 50.3% (95% CI: 44.4%-55.5%), with 31.5% classified as severely undernourished and 18.8% as moderately undernourished. Multivariable analysis identified four factors significantly associated with undernutrition: loss of appetite (AOR = 18.21, 95% CI: 10.01-33.12), presence of chronic comorbidities (AOR = 3.86, 95% CI: 1.67-8.94), female sex (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.17-4.03), and larger tumor size, with the highest risk observed in T4 tumors (AOR = 17.98, 95% CI: 6.45-29.19).

CONCLUSION: Undernutrition was common among adult cancer patients in Bahir Dar City, with loss of appetite, female sex, tumor size, and comorbidities as significant predictors. Early application of the GLIM criteria, management of treatment-related symptoms, and targeted nutrition interventions for high-risk groups, particularly women, are recommended to improve patient outcomes.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:41436992 | DOI:10.1186/s12885-025-15488-9

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025 Dec 23;25(1):1317. doi: 10.1186/s12884-025-08467-2.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To expand the clinical phenotype spectrum and improve the understanding of prenatal ultrasound manifestations and fetal prognosis of 16p13.11 deletion/duplication syndrome in the East Asian population.

METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive ultrasound phenotypic analysis, pedigree analysis and long-term postnatal outcome follow-up on 201 fetuses with 16p13.11 deletion/duplication, as well as on the phenotypic manifestations of 14 patients who underwent chromosomal microarray analysis between April 2013 and July 2024. Descriptive statistical analysis was used.

RESULTS: The detection rates were 0.08% and 0.18%, the frequencies of de novo occurrence were 26.9% and 14.5%, and the rates of abnormal postnatal phenotypes were 25% and 17.5% in our prenatal cohort of deletion and duplication, respectively. Overall, 28.6% of deletions and 15.9% of duplications exhibited abnormal postnatal phenotypes even if they were inherited from a phenotypically normal parent. Developmental delay was the most common clinical abnormality. Immune disorders, torticollis, concealed penis and cryptorchidism were closely related phenotypes that had previously gone unnoticed. Copy number variations extending to intervals I + II or II + III appeared to be associated with a broader range of phenotypes. Isolated choroid plexus cysts may be the most relevant ultrasound soft marker for deletion, whereas isolated thickened nuchal translucency appears to be more closely associated with duplication. Cardiovascular and urinary malformations were the most frequently detected ultrasound structural abnormalities.

CONCLUSION: The large East Asian prenatal cohort is conducive to enhancing genetic counseling for 16p13.11 deletion/duplication syndrome by facilitating a more accurate prediction of fetal prognosis and developmental potential.

PMID:41436988 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-025-08467-2

BMC Ophthalmol. 2025 Dec 23. doi: 10.1186/s12886-025-04586-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Differences between actual and programmed capsulotomy diameter were found in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). This study aimed to evaluate the deviation between the programmed (PDC) and actual (ADC) diameters of the capsulotomy in FLACS, identify the influencing factors, and establish a predictive model to improve the accuracy of capsulotomy size.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 47 eyes from 47 adult patients who underwent FLACS. The ADC was measured using Image Pro Plus version 6.0 based on intraoperative video images, and the diameter deviation of the capsulotomy (DDC) was calculated by subtracting the PDC from the ADC. Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships of demographics and ocular biometrics with ADC and DDC. Multiple linear regression was conducted to develop a model for predicting ADC.

RESULTS: The mean ADC (5.99 ± 0.34 mm) was significantly greater than the PDC (5.67 ± 0.15 mm, P < 0.001) in the overall cohort. The average DDC was 0.33 ± 0.31 mm, with 63.8% of eyes exhibiting a DDC greater than 0.20 mm. Correlation analysis showed that age was significantly negatively correlated with both ADC and DDC, and this correlation remained significant after adjusting for other ocular biometrics. Stepwise multiple linear regression identified age and PDC as independent predictors for ADC, yielding the following formula: ADC = 2.531 – 0.011·Age + 0.741·PDC (F = 14.265, P < 0.001; adjusted R² = 0.366, Durbin-Watson statistic = 2.294).

CONCLUSION: Age was identified as the most significant factor influencing DDC. The proposed regression model for ADC may aid surgeons in preoperative planning for a more accurate and individualized capsulotomy diameter.

PMID:41436985 | DOI:10.1186/s12886-025-04586-8

BMC Public Health. 2025 Dec 23;25(1):4286. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-25463-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incidence of hypertension in children and adolescents has gradually increased, becoming a public health issue of global concern. Current evidence has established a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure in adult populations, whereas the nature of this association remains inconclusive in pediatric population. Therefore, in this study, we explored the association between BMI and blood pressure in children and adolescents.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 8,157 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in Zhangwu County, Liaoning Province. From February to September 2022, we collected the hypertension risk factor questionnaire and completed anthropometric measurements and blood pressure measurements. BMI was calculated as (weight (kg)/height (m)²), and categorized into four groups: underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity based on percentile thresholds. Blood pressure was classified into normal blood pressure, prehypertension, stage one hypertension, and stage two hypertension in accordance with the definition criteria of the American Academy of Pediatrics. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-square test, and ordinal logistic regression analysis were all performed to explore the correlation between BMI and blood pressure. SPSS 27.0 statistical software and SPSS AU were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 20.4%, with a prevalence of 19.9% in boys and 20.8% in girls. The blood pressure categories increased with the elevation of BMI categories (all P < 0.001). A significant association between BMI categories and blood pressure categories was observed in both the unadjusted model (prehypertension: OR = 5.01, 95%CI: 4.52-5.55; stage one hypertension: OR = 10.09, 95%CI: 9.03-11.26; stage two hypertension: OR = 108.54, 95%CI: 91.05-129.38; all P < 0.001) and the model adjusted for age and smoking (prehypertension: OR = 6.05, 95%CI: 4.91-7.46; stage one hypertension: OR = 12.20, 95%CI: 9.86-15.08; stage two hypertension: OR = 131.39, 95%CI: 102.02-169.20; all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity may represent a potential risk factor for high blood pressure in the pediatric population. These findings underscore the importance of early weight management to mitigate the long-term risk of cardiovascular diseases.

PMID:41436984 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-25463-5

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025 Dec 23. doi: 10.1186/s12884-025-08577-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section (CS) is among the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide and is critical for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. However, surgical site infections (SSIs) remain one of the most common postoperative complications, imposing substantial maternal morbidity, delaying recovery, and indirectly affecting neonatal health. Despite various infection prevention measures, the burden of SSIs is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Emerging evidence suggests that implementing evidence-based care bundles can markedly reduce SSIs, but existing studies are fragmented and inconsistent, underscoring the need for a comprehensive synthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based care bundles in preventing SSIs following caesarean delivery.

METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO registration: CRD42024603854). A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Hinari, and Google Scholar using a PICO-based strategy. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the revised Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Galbraith plot, I² statistics, and Cochran’s Q test. Publication bias was examined with funnel plots and Egger’s test. A fixed-effects model was applied to calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: A total of 21 studies involving 32,709 women who underwent CS were included. Pooled analysis demonstrated that implementation of evidence-based intervention bundles significantly reduced the incidence of post-CS SSIs from 5% (95% CI: 1-8%) before intervention to nearly 0% (95% CI: 0-1%) after intervention (RR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.27-0.31). This represents a 71% relative reduction in SSI risk. In absolute terms, bundle implementation translated into thousands of preventable infections and avoided complications across diverse settings.

CONCLUSION: Evidence-based bundles are a highly effective, practical, and adaptable strategy for reducing SSIs following caesarean delivery. Their integration into routine obstetric care can substantially improve maternal recovery, support early neonatal care including breastfeeding, and decrease healthcare costs associated with prolonged hospital stays. Adoption of such bundles should be prioritized globally, with particular urgency in LMICs where the burden of post-CS SSIs is highest.

PMID:41436971 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-025-08577-x

BMC Infect Dis. 2025 Dec 23. doi: 10.1186/s12879-025-12378-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pakistan ranks fifth among countries with the highest tuberculosis (TB) incidence worldwide, yet only approximately 70% of TB patients receive treatment. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends active TB case finding and TB preventive treatment (TPT) for household contacts (HHCs) following exclusion of active TB disease. We piloted the integration of WHO-recommended chest X-ray (CXR) screening and TPT for HHCs, with data collection via PREVENT-TB app.

METHODS: A mixed-method pilot study was conducted in 19 healthcare facilities in Hafizabad and Nankana Sahib districts of Punjab, Pakistan, from December 2021 to September 2023. It aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a CXR based TB screening among HHCs, the initiation of TPT, and the feasibility of using a mobile application to document the intervention and its completeness. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyse quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse semi-structured interviews with programme staff, healthcare providers and patients. Digital and paper-based data collection approaches were compared.

RESULTS: Among 694 index TB patients, 2817 HHCs were identified, of whom 1421 (50%) underwent CXR and symptom screening. A total of 118 (8%) screened HHCs had TB symptoms and/or CXR abnormalities and 5 (4%) were diagnosed with TB. Of the 1416 HHCs eligible for TPT, 957 (68%) initiated TPT, and among these 903 (94%) completed their treatment. The most common reason for refusal of screening and TPT was perceived lack of need by HHCs. Digital data collection was found to satisfactorily support both implementation and monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS: Integrating CXR screening and TPT into routine primary healthcare with digital monitoring are feasible.

PMID:41436960 | DOI:10.1186/s12879-025-12378-0