Tag: pubmed

Dig Dis Sci. 2025 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s10620-025-09123-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Prophylactic endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) defect closure has been suggested to reduce delayed adverse events (DAE) associated with ESD but the data are limited. We aim to study the effect of prophylactic rectal ESD defect closure on post-ESD outcomes.

METHODS: An international multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed between 2016 and 2023 involving patients who underwent rectal ESD without intraprocedural perforations and had follow-up data available for at least 2 weeks post-ESD. Delayed adverse events (DAE) defined as bleeding and perforation within 2 weeks of ESD and post-procedure hospitalization or observation rates were compared between the two groups – ESD defects closed (closure group) and ESD defects open (open group).

RESULTS: A total of 385 patients were included. Complete closure of ESD defects was performed in 166 (43%) patients. DAE were observed in 21 (5.5%) patients. On logistic regression analysis, anticoagulant use, NICE3 lesions and incomplete resections had significantly higher rate of DAE. In these high-risk groups, defect closure had a numerically lower rate of DAE without statistical significance. While defect closure did not significantly reduce the rate of overall DAE (p = 0.16), there were no delayed perforations in the closure group compared to 3 (1.3%) in the open group. A significantly lower number of patients were kept for post-ESD overnight hospital observation in the closure group compared to the open group (17% v 37%, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic closure of rectal ESD defects leads to significantly less overnight hospital observation. Anticoagulant use, NICE 3 lesions and incomplete resections had significantly higher DAE within 2 weeks. While defect closure did not significantly reduce the overall DAE, selective prophylactic defect closure in high-risk groups will need to be studied in larger samples.

PMID:40553399 | DOI:10.1007/s10620-025-09123-7

Acta Neurol Belg. 2025 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s13760-025-02826-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Stigmatization in MS patients is an important problem that affects social interaction, work life and daily life. In this study, we investigated the prevalence, severity and especially the effects of stigmatization on work life in MS patients.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 420 people living with MS (PwMS) assessed stigma using the NeuroQoL Stigma Short Form and a direct stigma survey. Demographic, clinical, workplace, and social data were collected through an online survey. Statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Stigma was prevalent, with 77% reporting stigma in direct surveys and 67.6% scoring > 8 on the NeuroQoL Stigma Short Form. Stigma was more severe in patients with progressive MS and higher EDSS scores. The most disturbing symptoms were fatigue (73.3%), imbalance (46.7%) and attention deficit 50.5%). The most prominent complaint affecting work life was fatigue (41.2%). Only 7.3% of the patients had sought psychological support for this issue. 57.4% of patients had disclosed their illness to their employer and 68.1% to their coworkers.

CONCLUSIONS: Stigma in MS is pervasive, linked to clinical severity, workplace challenges, and social withdrawal. Interventions targeting stigma’s psychological and social dimensions, along with workplace education and support are essential.

PMID:40553376 | DOI:10.1007/s13760-025-02826-8

Methods Mol Biol. 2025;2952:411-428. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4690-8_22.

ABSTRACT

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with conventional biostatistics represents a pivotal advancement in healthcare research. The synergistic relationship between traditional biostatistical approaches and modern AI techniques highlights their complementary roles in advancing medical research and clinical practice. While conventional biostatistics provides robust frameworks for hypothesis testing, parameter estimation, and statistical inference, AI offers enhanced capabilities in pattern recognition, predictive modeling, and the analysis of complex, high-dimensional datasets. This chapter explores the fundamental concepts and the complementary strengths of these two paradigms, discussing their foundational principles, practical applications, critical challenges, and ethical considerations in clinical practice. Furthermore, we present emerging trends and future directions, focusing on explainable AI, hybrid modeling approaches, real-time data integration, and advances in precision medicine. The comprehensive analysis illuminates the convergence of AI and biostatistics is revolutionizing healthcare research while maintaining scientific rigor and statistical validity, ultimately paving the way for more sophisticated, efficient, and personalized healthcare solutions.

PMID:40553345 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-4690-8_22

Methods Mol Biol. 2025;2952:283-295. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4690-8_17.

ABSTRACT

The synergistic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques with bioinformatics, statistics, and biotechnology has ushered in a transformative era in the realms of cell and genetic engineering. This convergence represents a powerful alliance, combining the computational prowess of AI with the wealth of biological information harnessed through bioinformatics and statistical methodologies. The collaborative impact of these disciplines has redefined our approach to understanding, manipulating, and optimizing complex biological systems. By leveraging advanced algorithms, machine learning models, and data analytics, researchers can navigate the intricate molecular landscapes with unprecedented precision. This chapter aims to dissect the multifaceted applications of AI within cell and genetic engineering, shedding light on its role in enhancing precision, efficiency, and innovation. The intricate dance between AI and biological data comes to life, showcasing how algorithms unravel genomic intricacies or predict protein structures. Formulas, grounded in statistical methodologies, underline the quantitative rigor AI brings to these fields. Accompanied by images, this exploration seeks to elucidate the tangible impact of AI on the biological sciences, offering readers a visual journey into the world where computational intelligence meets the intricacies of life at the molecular level.

PMID:40553340 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-4690-8_17

Int Urol Nephrol. 2025 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s11255-025-04627-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study aimed to assess the impact of catheterization duration on postoperative outcomes, focusing on re-catheterization rates and associated risk factors.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent HoLEP at our institution (June 2022-August 2024). Starting in November 2023, we decided to attempt catheter removal the morning after the procedure unless contraindicated. Patients were categorized into two groups based on catheterization duration: > 1 day (Group A) and ≤ 1 day (Group B). Perioperative variables, functional outcomes, and re-catheterization rates were compared between the groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of re-catheterization.

RESULTS: 258 patients were analyzed. Baseline characteristics, including age, BMI, IPSS, Q_max, and PSA, were comparable between groups. Median prostate volume was larger in Group A (85 vs. 70.5 mL, p = 0.06) -though the difference bordered on statistical significance. Enucleation time was significantly longer in Group A (80 vs. 55 min, p < 0.001). Patients in Group A experienced higher re-catheterization rates (21.9 vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001) and longer hospitalization (2 vs. 1 day, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis confirmed catheterization duration as the sole independent predictor of re-catheterization (p < 0.001). Factors such as prostate volume, post-void residual volume, and enucleation time were insignificant. Most re-catheterizations were due to urinary tract infections (16/30, 53%).

CONCLUSION: Early catheter removal after HoLEP is safe and effective, reducing re-catheterization risk without compromising outcomes. Early removal may also enhance postoperative recovery by minimizing infections.

PMID:40553309 | DOI:10.1007/s11255-025-04627-7

J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2025 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s40615-025-02463-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The built environment and food environment have been well documented as correlated factors of obesity, but literature has paid less attention to how these environments interact with racial and ethnic composition to affect obesity. This study examines the racial-ethnic context of obesity concerning the built environment and food environment in a racially segregated city, Chicago.

METHODS: The obesity data was sourced from the Healthy Chicago Survey, which gathered information through landline and cell phone interviews with adults aged 18 years or older. The built environment was measured by density, diversity, and design: the density was measured in 1000 residents per square mile within a community; the design of the built environment was measured by the intersection density; and the diversity was measured by the entropy index for land use mix. Spatial statistics were used to identify local clusters and outliers of built environments. We used the North American Industry Classification System codes to distinguish different types of food stores. We used ordinary least squares regression models to examine the effects of the built environment on the obesity rate and included interaction terms to investigate how the built environment interacts with racial composition to impact the obesity rate.

RESULTS: Our results show that population density had a positive association with obesity rates when the African American population percentage increased. Both intersection density and the land use mix were negatively associated with obesity rates. However, as the percentage of the African American population increased, the magnitude of the negative association between the intersection density and obesity rate decreased, while the magnitude of the negative association between the land use entropy index and obesity rate increased. Besides, built environments are more important than food environments in reducing the obesity rate, although grocery stores showed negative effects on obesity while restaurant establishments showed positive effects on obesity.

CONCLUSIONS: We provide suggestive evidence that improving urban planning and design to increase the intersection density and land use diversity might significantly reduce the obesity rate, although race was significant in the obesity rate, and the magnitudes of effects of intersection density and land use diversity on the obesity rate differed in African American communities. This evidence highlights the importance of considering demographic factors in designing and planning urban environments to promote public health. Race significantly influenced the obesity rate, with varying effects observed in African American communities. Our findings suggest that tailored urban planning strategies might be necessary to effectively address obesity in different populations.

PMID:40553299 | DOI:10.1007/s40615-025-02463-0

J Autism Dev Disord. 2025 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s10803-025-06901-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Atypical sensory processing has been recognized as a notable characteristic in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While visual global-local processing in ASD has been widely studied, understanding of auditory processing across global and local levels remains less defined. To clarify the mixed findings in the literature, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis and searched for potential factors that might explain the heterogeneity of previous studies. Our thorough search across four electronic databases up to 2025 identified 25 eligible studies for quantitative synthesis, focusing on comparisons of auditory global-local pitch processing between individuals with ASD and typically developing peers. Our findings indicated that the pooled effect size (Hedges’ g = -0.05) for global pitch processing was not statistically significant, whereas there was a significant, albeit modest, pooled effect size (Hedges’ g = 0.29) for local pitch processing. Significant moderators influencing global pitch processing included the number of answer choices, language typology, and participants’ vocabulary size, while inconsistencies in local pitch processing outcomes were associated with the vocabulary size of autistic participants and variations in task paradigms employed. Overall, this meta-analysis supports the notion that individuals with ASD tend to prefer local pitch processing without apparent deficits in global processing abilities, aligning with the Enhanced Perceptual Functioning model. These findings contribute to our understanding of auditory processing differences in ASD, and offer implications for targeted interventions and further research directions.

PMID:40553249 | DOI:10.1007/s10803-025-06901-0

JAR Life. 2025 Jun 9;14:100016. doi: 10.1016/j.jarlif.2025.100016. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To identify subgroups who may be more likely to respond well to a multidomain intervention among older adults with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of the Japan Multimodal Intervention Trial for Prevention of Dementia. A total 531 participants aged 65-85 years with mild cognitive impairment were randomized into intervention (vascular risk management, exercise, nutritional counseling, and cognitive training) and control (health-related information) groups. The outcome was the change in average Z scores of neuropsychological tests from baseline to 18 months. Interactions between intervention and age (65-74, 75-85 years), memory impairment (amnestic, nonamnestic), HbA1c levels (within, outside target range), or APOE genotype (0, ≥1 APOE ε4 alleles) among participants with diabetes were evaluated using the mixed-effects model for repeated measures.

RESULTS: Among 76 participants with diabetes, a significant age × intervention interaction (P = 0.007) was found, which was driven by benefits in the younger age group (Z score difference: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.55) that were not observed in the older age group. Intervention benefits were also detected in those with HbA1c levels outside the target range (Z score difference: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.56), with HbA1c levels × intervention interaction (P = 0.021). No significant interactions were detected between intervention and memory impairment or APOE genotype.

CONCLUSIONS: Multidomain interventions may benefit younger older adults or those with overly strict or lenient HbA1c control; however, these findings need confirmation in future studies.

PMID:40546712 | PMC:PMC12181009 | DOI:10.1016/j.jarlif.2025.100016

Autism Dev Lang Impair. 2025 Jun 17;10:23969415251350586. doi: 10.1177/23969415251350586. eCollection 2025 Jan-Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and children with development language disorder (DLD) often experience syntactic impairments. It is of the utmost importance to implement evidence-based intervention at the earliest possible stage to mitigate the adverse effects of these difficulties. Internationally, several programs are supported by scientific evidence. In Portugal, there are currently only two intervention programs, one of which is PROsyntax. However, its effectiveness has not yet been established.

AIM: This study aims to determine the effects of PROsyntax on expressive and receptive syntax in preschool-age children with syntactic impairments diagnosed with DLD or ASD.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This study is a nonrandomized controlled trial with a nonprobabilistic convenience sample. Thirty-one children aged between 3 and 6 years were recruited and allocated into an experimental group (EG, intervention group) (n = 14) and a control group (CG, without intervention) (n = 17). A blind pre- (T1) and postintervention (T2) assessment was conducted using two standardized instruments (SIN:TACS for expression and Subtest 3 of Avaliação da Linguagem Oral (ALO) for comprehension). Children in the EG received intervention with PROsyntax, comprising 24 sessions, biweekly, lasting 1 hr each. The intervention was conducted within the school setting by a speech and language therapist.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were observed in the EG compared to the CG in both expressive (F_{Time × Group}(1,27) = 293.22; p < .001; η_p ² = 0.92) and receptive (F_{Time × Group}(1,27) = 147.18; p < .001; η_p ² = 0.85) syntax. Large effect sizes were found (SIN:TACS: d = 4.07 (DLD) and d = 11.67 (ASD); ALO: d = 3.29 (DLD) and d = 4.31 (ASD)). Strong correlations between measures were observed at both time points. Postintervention, the CG also received the intervention and showed comparable gains. High satisfaction ratings were reported by both families and early childhood educators.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the effects of PROsyntax in improving expressive and receptive syntactic skills in preschool-age children with ASD or DLD. These findings have important implications for clinical practice, suggesting that explicit interventions can yield significant gains in preschool-age children with syntactic impairment. However, the nonrandomized design, small sample size, and absence of long-term follow-up limit the generalizability of results. Further research is needed to confirm these effects and explore differential responses across diagnostic groups.

PMID:40546705 | PMC:PMC12181704 | DOI:10.1177/23969415251350586

World J Exp Med. 2025 Jun 20;15(2):100548. doi: 10.5493/wjem.v15.i2.100548. eCollection 2025 Jun 20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. DMD is reported to coexist with other comorbidities, although the occurrence of the triad, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and epilepsy is very rare. Indeed, only one case of the triad has currently been reported. Here, we present a detailed case report of a ten-year-old boy with DMD, ASD, and epilepsy. We also investigated the dysregulation of miRNAs in this unusual triad (represented as DMD++) compared with a healthy individual and a DMD patient (represented as DMD+) without autism.

AIM: To understand the differential expression of miRNAs in rare comorbid DMD cases.

METHODS: The Sequin Form Board test, Gesell’s drawing test, multiplex ligation probe amplification, and Vineland Social Maturity Scale were applied to confirm the DMD and ASD. Total RNA was isolated from samples using TRIzol. cDNA was synthesized using the Mir-X™ miRNA First-Strand Synthesis kit. qRT-PCR was performed using SYBR Advantage qPCR Premix. The results were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s t-test.

RESULTS: miR-146a-5p and miR-132-5p showed significant downregulation in both patient samples. miR-199a-5p and miR-146a-3p showed no change in expression between the diseased and controls. miR-132-3p showed downregulation only in the DMD+ sample (0.21 ± 0.04). The decrease in miR-132-3p can result in failed silencing of the phosphatase and tensin homolog-mediated apoptotic pathway, leading to severe skeletal muscle atrophy. Here, the downregulation of miR-132-3p in DMD+ is consistent with severe muscle loss and higher disease progression than that in DMD++. DMD++ has slower disease progression, and the expression of miRNA involved in inflammatory and apoptotic responses is more similar to that of the control.

CONCLUSION: Our study shows marked difference in miRNA expression in this rare case of DMD with autism and epilepsy. These miRNAs also serve as regulators of several muscle regeneration, apoptosis, and inflammatory pathways. This study shows the significance of studying miRNAs in such rare cases in a larger cohort to progress in several intervention treatments utilizing miRNAs.

PMID:40546680 | PMC:PMC12019623 | DOI:10.5493/wjem.v15.i2.100548