Tag: pubmed

BMC Public Health. 2025 Nov 11;25(1):3904. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-25216-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Research analysing central obesity and cardiometabolic diseases among residents in multiethnic areas in western China is relatively rare. The purpose of this study was to explore the epidemiological features of and correlations between central obesity and cardiometabolic disease clustering in residents of Xinjiang aged 40 years and older.

METHODS: Data from the “China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance (CCDRFS)” program, which covered 8 districts in Xinjiang from 2013 to 2023, were used, and data were collected via questionnaires, body measurements and laboratory tests. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis in SPSS 26.0.

RESULTS: A total of 10,908 participants (46.21% male, 53.79% female) were included in this study. The prevalence of central obesity was 81.49% and was higher among women. The prevalences of mild and severe disease were 34.31% and 47.18%, respectively. The prevalence of cardiometabolic disease clustering was 40.95%. Factors such as sex, age, urban‒rural distribution, and education level were associated with the prevalence of central obesity and cardiometabolic disease clustering. The prevalence of central obesity showed a continuous increasing trend over time, whereas the clustering of major cardiometabolic diseases decreased first but then increased. The prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases increased with increasing central obesity in men and women and in the overall population. Multivariate analysis revealed that after adjustment for age, urban‒rural distribution and education level, the risk of having two major cardiometabolic diseases was 1.860 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.533-2.257) and 3.658 (95% CI: 3.035-4.409) times greater, respectively, in men with mild and severe central obesity than in men with noncentral obesity, while the corresponding values were 1.758 (95% CI: 1.439-2.147) and 3.000 (95% CI: 2.480-3.629), respectively, in women. The risk of having three or more major cardiometabolic diseases was 2.415 (95% CI: 1.730-3.371) and 5.552 (95% CI: 4.039-7.632) times greater in men with mild and severe central obesity, respectively, than in men with noncentral obesity, and the corresponding values were 2.130 (95% CI: 1.476-3.075) and 5.570 (95% CI: 3.958-7.838), respectively, in women.

CONCLUSION: Central obesity and cardiometabolic disease clustering is significant in Xinjiang’s middle-aged and elderly population. The risk of cardiometabolic disease clustering is greater in people with central obesity, especially those with greater waist circumference. The prevalence of related diseases has increased significantly and demands attention in terms of prevention and control.

PMID:41219984 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-25216-4

Harm Reduct J. 2025 Nov 11;22(1):184. doi: 10.1186/s12954-025-01319-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is critical that a range of harm reduction supplies are available through Ontario’s Public Health Units (PHU) to meet the varying needs of people who use drugs. Therefore, we assessed geographic variation in opioid-related deaths and the distribution of these harm reduction supplies among 34 PHUs in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS: We conducted a population-based repeated cross-sectional study using publicly available administrative datasets between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2022. Rates of opioid-related deaths and the distribution of harm reduction supplies (inhalation supplies, naloxone, and needles provided) were calculated per PHU. Small area rate variation statistics including the extremal quotient (EQ) were used to assess variation across PHUs in 2022.

RESULTS: Over the study period, the quarterly number of opioid-related deaths increased by 40.6% (3.2 to 4.5 per 100,000) in Ontario. The distribution rate of all harm reduction supplies increased, although there was considerable variation by type of supply. For example, the EQ ranged from 34.7 for naloxone to 1,610.6 for foil. In 2022, there were three PHUs with significantly higher rates of opioid-related deaths compared to the provincial average. In general, these PHUs also had significantly higher distribution rates of naloxone, needles, and inhalation supplies.

CONCLUSIONS: Across Ontario, there is high variability in harm reduction supply distribution and opioid-related mortality. Regions with elevated opioid-related death rates also had high supply distribution rates, suggesting that efforts are concentrated in regions with particular need. To minimize harms related to substance use, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure a clear understanding of community-based needs for harm reduction services.

PMID:41219973 | DOI:10.1186/s12954-025-01319-4

Hum Genomics. 2025 Nov 12;19(1):131. doi: 10.1186/s40246-025-00848-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mandibular hypoplasia, Deafness, Progeroid features, and Lipodystrophy (MDPL) syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder linked to variants in the POLD1 gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase delta, a key enzyme involved in DNA replication and repair. Most patients carry a recurrent in frame deletion (p.Ser605del) within the active site of the p125 subunit. Despite its rarity, understanding the functional consequences of the Ser605del variant has broad implications for aging-related diseases and genome stability.

METHODS: We combined structural modelling, molecular dynamics simulations, and protein-protein interaction (PPIs) analyses to evaluate the impact of Ser605del in the catalytic activity of DNA polymerase delta. Bioinformatic tools were applied to characterize its interaction network. RT-q PCR and Western Blot were performed to assess expression levels of POLD1, TRF1, and PARP1 in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) of three MDPL patients of different ages. Cells were monitored at different passages, both in basal condition and after damage by X irradiation. POLD1/TRF1 interaction was confirmed by immunoprecipitation analyses.

RESULTS: Using molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and thermodynamic analyses, we found that Ser605del affects the DNA-binding site, impairing dTTP binding. The deletion alters short linear motifs involved in protein-protein interactions (PPIs), allowing the acquisition of a F/Y-X-L-X-P (FSLYP) consensus sequence with TRF1, a telomeric protein. In silico analyses highlighted a stronger interaction between the Ser605del POLD1 variant and TRF1. Experiments on MDPL fibroblasts confirmed a stronger POLD1-TRF1 binding and revealed dysregulation of PARP1, involved in telomere maintenance. Following X-ray irradiation, aimed at exacerbating the cellular phenotype, we observed a decreasing trend in these markers, which reached statistical significance particularly in one older patient.

CONCLUSIONS: We identified a novel short linear motif (FSLYP) in the Ser605del POLD1 protein that mediates abnormal interaction with TRF1, revealing a structural and functional link between POLD1 and telomere biology, contributing to premature aging phenotypes. This work provides new insights into MDPL pathogenesis and lays the foundation for future research into aging-related therapies.

PMID:41219970 | DOI:10.1186/s40246-025-00848-0

BMC Pulm Med. 2025 Nov 11;25(1):518. doi: 10.1186/s12890-025-03986-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sputum culture conversion is an important predictor of treatment response and patient outcome in pulmonary multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB). However, the determinants of time to culture conversion and its association with treatment regimens among MDR/RR-TB patients in Southwestern Oromia remain poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the time to initial sputum culture conversion and associated factors among pulmonary MDR/RR-TB patients in Southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective follow-up study on 168 MDR/RR-TB patients who had initiated treatment and followed up between 2013 and 2023 at centers in the Southwestern Oromia region of Ethiopia. A semi-structured data collection tool was used to extract demographic, clinical and bacteriological data. The median time to sputum culture conversion was analysed using Kaplan‒Meier survival curves. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with delayed time to sputum culture conversion. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Of the 168 participants, 85.7% (144) achieved culture conversion during a total follow-up of 397.8 person-months. Among those converted, 48.6% (70/144) achieved conversion within two months, 42.4% (61/144) within three to four months, and 9% (13/144) after four months of treatment. The median time to sputum culture conversion was 62 days (IQR: 32-92). The median time to culture conversion was longer for smear-positive samples (63 days, IQR: 32-93 days) than for smear-negative samples (59 days, IQR: 30-90 days, chi² = 6.68, P value = 0.0098). Patients receiving a shorter MDR/RR-TB regimen were twice as likely to achieve culture conversion faster than those receiving longer regimens (aHR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.11-3.08, P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION: The median time to initial sputum culture conversion was 62 days, which was lower than the 4-month threshold considered a potential indicator of treatment failure according to the World Health Organization. MDR/RR-TB patients with HIV coinfection, higher baseline smear grades and those on longer treatment regimens were shown to have a delayed time to culture conversion. Attention should be given to these patients during their MDR/RR-TB treatment course to reduce delays in culture conversion and improve treatment outcomes.

PMID:41219969 | DOI:10.1186/s12890-025-03986-2

Biomed Eng Online. 2025 Nov 11;24(1):134. doi: 10.1186/s12938-025-01437-x.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and compare the clinical efficacy and impact on fertility function between laparoscopic surgery and methotrexate treatment for tubal pregnancy.

METHODS: Five English databases and four Chinese databases were systematically searched from the database establishment to January 31, 2024, and a meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS: Ten articles were included, with a total of 1,034 study patients. The meta-analysis showed that compared with a single intramuscular injection of methotrexate, laparoscopic surgery for tubal pregnancy was associated with a significantly higher tubal patency rate [OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.72-3.53, P < 0.001]; and a significantly higher spontaneous pregnancy rate [OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.28-3.46, P = 0.003]; and a shorter time for serum HCG levels to return to normal [MD = -7.10, 95% CI – 7.84-6.36, P < 0.001]. However, there was no statistically significant difference in treatment success rate between the two treatment methods [OR = 1.88, 95% CI 0.53-6.69, P = 0.33], and no statistically significant difference in recurrent EP rate [OR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.41-2.87, P = 0.87].

CONCLUSION: Compared with a single intramuscular injection of methotrexate, laparoscopic surgery for tubal pregnancy is associated with better fertility function in the future, while the difference in clinical efficacy needs further exploration.

PMID:41219963 | DOI:10.1186/s12938-025-01437-x

BMC Med. 2025 Nov 11;23(1):629. doi: 10.1186/s12916-025-04452-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCAs) served as a novel indicator of genomic aging. We aimed to investigate the association of expanded mCAs (cell fraction ≥ 10%) with all-cause and cause-specific mortality, and to examine the joint effect of expanded mCAs and frailty index (FI), an indicator of phenotypic aging, on mortality in two large prospective cohorts.

METHODS: A total of 100,237 participants in the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) and 456,283 participants in the UK Biobank (UKB) were included, followed till Dec 31, 2023, and Nov 30, 2022, respectively. MoChA pipeline was used to detect expanded mCAs events and the subtypes. FIs were calculated using previously validated equations, with 28 items included in the CKB and 49 items in the UKB, and categorized participants into three groups: robust, prefrail, and frail. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to examine the associations of the expanded mCAs and joint categories of frailty-mCAs with all-cause and cause-specific mortality by using Cox proportional hazards models. The combined effect values of two cohorts were estimated using random-effects models by meta-analysis.

RESULTS: The prevalence of expanded mCAs in the CKB and UKB was 2.2% and 3.4%, respectively. After a median follow-up of 17.2 years in the CKB and 13.7 years in the UKB, expanded mCAs carriers had a higher risk of all-cause (HRs [95% CIs]: 1.20 [1.16, 1.24]) and risks of cause-specific mortality (HRs [95% CIs]: 1.27 [1.21, 1.34], 1.13 [1.02, 1.25], and 1.24 [1.12, 1.37] for death from cancers, circulatory diseases, and respiratory diseases, respectively). Such associations largely did not overlap with FI, especially for all-cause and cancer mortality. Joint analyses revealed that individuals with lower frailty level but with expanded mCAs had a comparable and even higher risk of cancer mortality compared to those with higher frailty level but without mCAs. Similar pattern was also found in terms of adjusted 10-year cancer mortality rates.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that expanded mCAs were significantly associated with all-cause and cause-specific deaths and could serve as a complement to the FI in providing a more comprehensive perspective on mortality risk, especially for cancer mortality.

PMID:41219961 | DOI:10.1186/s12916-025-04452-w

Int J Health Geogr. 2025 Nov 11;24(1):33. doi: 10.1186/s12942-025-00417-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Area-level socioeconomic status is a well-established determinant of geographical disparities in life expectancy. However, limited attention has been paid to spatial spillover effects, whereby socioeconomic conditions in neighbouring regions influence health outcomes. This study aimed to estimate the direct and spatial spillover effects of socioeconomic factors on life expectancy in Japan and to explore possible mechanisms underlying the observed spillover patterns.

METHODS: Life expectancy at birth by sex at the municipal level in Japan for 2020 was the outcome variable. A spatial Durbin error model was used to estimate the direct and spatial spillover effects of ten regional socioeconomic factors, along with six control variables, on life expectancy. To ensure robustness, six spatial weight matrices were used. The results were compared with those obtained from a non-spatial linear regression model.

RESULTS: Moran’s I values for the residuals of the non-spatial model were statistically significant, indicating spatial autocorrelation. The unemployment rate and the proportion of individuals with no high school diploma showed negative direct and spillover effects, suggesting that being surrounded by regions with employment instability and low educational attainment is associated with lower life expectancy. Taxable income per capita showed no statistically significant spillover effects.

CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that socioeconomic conditions in neighbouring regions, in addition to those within a region, are associated with life expectancy. The observed spillover effects for employment and education support the role of collective resources in shaping regional health. These results indicate the need to incorporate interregional socioeconomic contexts into public health strategies to address geographical disparities in health.

PMID:41219958 | DOI:10.1186/s12942-025-00417-7

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025 Nov 11;25(1):1190. doi: 10.1186/s12884-025-08386-2.

ABSTRACT

In Southern Iraq, as in other regions, neonates and infants suffer from health problems due to different potential risk factors leading to congenital malformations, which can result in either mortality or lifelong disability. Given the limited number of studies on congenital malformations in Iraq, especially in the south, this study surveyed malformations over four years to provide a clearer picture of their incidence and causes. Retrospective data on congenital malformations in South Iraq’s governorates of Basrah, Misan, and Thi Qar from Health Directorates were derived and then analysed. The study classified malformations into six groups based on affected organ systems. Several variables were considered potential risk factors, including parental age, consanguinity, family history, place of residence, birth status, sex, and birth weight. A total of 365,106, 140,246, and 237,302 births were recorded in hospitals in Basrah, Misan, and Thi Qar, respectively, during the period from 2020 to 2023. Among them, the rate of congenital malformations per 1000 births was 2.13 in Basrah, 2.34 in Misan, and 2.91 in Thi Qar. The overall prevalence across the southern region was 2.42 per 1000. Nervous and circulatory system malformations were the most common types. The study did not identify any statistically significant temporal trends in malformations, either at the level of individual governorates or the region as a whole. Several significant associations emerged from the analysis. Malformations of the nerv [Formula: see text]. Limb and cleft lip and palate malformations were more commonly linked to parental consanguinity and a positive family history. Birth status, sex, and birth weight also showed significant associations with malformation type, while no meaningful association was found with place of residence. The low incidence of malformations reported does not necessarily reflect the actual situation in the region. Therefore, the study calls for addressing the underlying causes by improving hospital documentation systems, implementing modern recording methods, and ensuring accurate case reporting.

PMID:41219946 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-025-08386-2

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Nov 11;17(1):330. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01388-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the effect of emotional intelligence levels on decision-making among individuals interested in e-sports. The population consisted of individuals aged 18 and over who are interested in e-sports.

METHOD: The research sample included 385 participants (178 women and 207 men; Age Average = 21.41 ± 3.24). The study utilized a 20-question information form, the Melbourne Decision Making Scale, and the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale to collect data.

RESULTS: A statistically significant relationship was found between participants’ emotional intelligence scores and their decision-making scores. Higher emotional intelligence scores were associated with increased self-esteem in decision-making and improvements in various decision-making sub-dimensions; however, a negative relationship was found with careful decision-making. High emotional intelligence positively influenced the ability to use and evaluate emotions and maintain emotional control, which in turn positively affected decision-making.

CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that high emotional intelligence contributes positively to self-esteem and certain adaptive aspects of decision-making. However, a paradoxical pattern emerged: while emotional intelligence was positively related to maladaptive decision-making styles, it showed a negative association with careful and rational decision-making. These results suggest that emotional intelligence, although generally regarded as a protective factor, may also foster overconfidence or reliance on intuition in complex decision-making contexts. While some findings aligned with previous literature, the counterintuitive results highlight the need for further research to explore the mechanisms underlying these relationships in the specific context of e-sports.

PMID:41219941 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-025-01388-9

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Nov 11;17(1):329. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01382-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal women experience accelerated ageing of arterial vessels and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Exercise training, as a non-pharmacological intervention, holds great value in improving cardiovascular issues such as arterial stiffness.

OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to: (1) synthesize current evidence on the efficacy of exercise in improving systemic arterial pulse wave velocity (SAPWV) in postmenopausal women; (2) clarify differential effects of exercise interventions on central versus peripheral PWV; and (3) quantify the statistical moderating effects of exercise protocol parameters and participant characteristics.

METHODS: Six electronic databases (EMBASE, EBSCOhost, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL) were systematically searched up to August 7, 2024, and updated on April 4, 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of exercise training on PWV in postmenopausal women were included. A three-level meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, as applied in R. Study quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.

RESULTS: Nine studies (27 RCTs) were included. Compared with the control group, the overall effect of exercise on SAPWV reached only marginal significance [g = -1.07; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = -2.15, 0.00, p = 0.05], with the CI including zero-indicating that the true effect could be null or even negative. Additionally, exercise had significant improvements on SAPWV sub-indicators, including carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV; g = -2.44; 95% CI = -3.94, -0.93) and central PWV (g = -1.57; 95% CI = -2.84, -0.30). The improvement in SAPWV was more pronounced when participants aged < 65 years (g = -1.52; 95% CI = -2.80, -0.24), exercising ≥ 3 times per week (g = -1.14; 95% CI = -2.25, -0.04), and engaging in aerobic exercise (g = -1.76, 95% CI = -3.13, -0.40). PWV sub-indicators, regional PWV, and exercise type moderated the effects of exercise training on SAPWV.

CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that exercise training may improve arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women, with particularly pronounced effects on cfPWV and central PWV. Subgroup analysis further revealed that participants aged < 65 years, those exercising ≥ 3 times weekly, and those engaging in aerobic exercise interventions all demonstrated significant reductions in SAPWV. Although the overall effect of exercise on SAPWV reached only marginal significance, more pronounced effects were observed within specific populations and exercise modalities. Future large-sample studies are needed to validate these findings further.

PMID:41219939 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-025-01382-1