Tag: pubmed

BMC Psychol. 2025 Aug 29;13(1):987. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-03271-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trait emotional intelligence (EI) is often assessed using the 30-item Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF). However, previous research using item response theory (IRT) modelling has identified several underperforming items. This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate, refine, and optimize the TEIQue-SF using IRT, with the goals of identifying and eliminating underperforming items, and examining whether items in the refined version function differently across sexes. Furthermore, the study sought to further validate the Swedish version of the TEIQue-SF.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study surveyed 845 first-year students aged 19-59 (87% women) from seven healthcare and social work programs across six universities in southern Sweden. Participants completed the TEIQue-SF and health-related measures for convergent validity. IRT modeling employed the Graded Response Model (GRM) using the 2-Parameter Logistic Model in IRT for Patient-Reported Outcomes (IRTPRO). Marginal reliability and differential item functioning (DIF) were assessed with IRT, internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha and mean inter-item correlations, and validity through evaluating Direct Discrepancy Dynamic fit index (DDDFI) and bivariate correlations.

RESULTS: The IRT modeling identified underperforming items, leading to a refined 12-item TEIQue-SF that effectively captures trait EI with high-quality items. The item selection process is detailed and supplemented. The shortened measure showed a strong correlation with the original (r = .94), demonstrated good reliability, and exhibited uniform DIF for only one item (Item 15). A comparison of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model fit statistics using the DDDFI indicated a fair fit for the TEIQue-SF. Consistent with previous research on the TEIQue-SF, both 30-item and 12 item versions demonstrated strong convergent validity with health-related measures within the Swedish context.

CONCLUSIONS: The 12-item TEIQue-SF is a brief, precise, and valid measure for assessing trait EI while preserving its global conceptual structure. IRT modeling and validity testing against health-related measures confirm that 12-item TEIQue-SF effectively captures trait EI.

PMID:40883795 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-025-03271-1

Inflamm Regen. 2025 Aug 29;45(1):27. doi: 10.1186/s41232-025-00391-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Spiny mice (Acomys sp.) have a unique ability of scarless regeneration. Therefore, the transfer of models used in convenient laboratory mice to study fibrosis could be a prospective approach, enabling the identification of novel antifibrotic therapies.

METHODS: In this study, we first applied a model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in Acomys cahirinus (Acomys), using Mus musculus C57BL/6 (Mus) as a control. Changes in lung tissue density were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The severity of fibrosis in lung tissue, as well as the deposition of extracellular matrix components, was assessed by histochemical analysis and morphometry (hematoxylin and eosin, Van Gieson). Data on the content of the main profibrotic proteins of the extracellular matrix, including collagen types I and IV, fibronectin, and fibronectin with EDA domain, were additionally validated by dot blotting. Changes in the number and localization of the main cell types contributing to the development of fibrosis (myofibroblasts, activated stromal cells, epithelium, M2 macrophages, leukocytes) were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis and morphometry. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software. Kruskal-Wallis H-test with the Dunn test and Mann-Whitney test was used for comparison between groups. Differences were considered significant when *p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Our data demonstrate that Acomys can survive high doses of bleomycin, which are sub-lethal and lethal for C57/Bl6 mice strain. In the head-to-head study, we performed an MRI to reveal changes in lung density as well as analyzed the morphology of Mus and Acomys lungs together with the identification of cell types required for fibrotic development. In contrast to Mus, Acomys demonstrated a decrease in respiratory regions upon bleomycin administration, but “classical” signs of fibrosis, such as fibrotic focuses or extracellular matrix accumulation, are detected only in small areas.

CONCLUSIONS: The model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in Acomys is valid for the further investigation of possible mechanisms of resistance to damage-induced profibrotic stimuli.

PMID:40883787 | DOI:10.1186/s41232-025-00391-4

AIDS Res Ther. 2025 Aug 29;22(1):84. doi: 10.1186/s12981-025-00777-x.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Abortion is a critical reproductive health issue among young women living with HIV (YWLHIV). Despite the widespread use of the antiretroviral therapy (ART) for women of reproductive age, its impact on abortion prevalence remains unclear. We set out to determine the prevalence of abortion among the YWLHIV receiving TLD-based ART regimen in northern Uganda and its association with the ART regimen and duration alongside other key socio-demographic, reproductive health, lifestyle and facility access- related factors.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study of YWLHIV who reported at least one pregnancy in northern Uganda. Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, participants were asked about their abortion history, ART regimen and duration, contraceptive use, parity, male partner’s HIV status, and access to community-based family planning resources. Descriptive statistics for abortion prevalence, Chi-square test, Fisher’s Exact test, bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses for the associations between these variables and the occurrence of abortion were used. The 5% significance level and 95% confidence intervals were considered.

RESULTS: We analyzed data of 268 YWLHIV who reported conceiving at least one pregnancy. The abortion prevalence was 20.9% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) of 16.2% – 26.1%). No significant association was found between the abortion experience and ART regimens nor duration. The significant predictors for abortion included awareness of public health facilities that provide family planning services, parity, sero-concordant HIV-positive partnerships, and modern contraceptive use.

CONCLUSION: This study found a substantial abortion prevalence of 20.9% among the YWLHIV in northern Uganda. There was no significant association between the occurrence of abortion and ART regimens nor duration. Key predictors of abortion included awareness of public health facilities that provide family planning services, parity, use of contraceptive methods and the male partner’s HIV positive status. To reduce abortion, creation of awareness of public health facilities that provide family planning services, contraceptive use, and couple-focused HIV testing and status disclosure are recommended.

PMID:40883776 | DOI:10.1186/s12981-025-00777-x

Confl Health. 2025 Aug 30;19(1):64. doi: 10.1186/s13031-025-00678-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Over 70% of women and girls face heightened risks of sexual and reproductive health in conflict zones where reproductive health care is often neglected. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the epidemiological evidences of reproductive health risks of internal migrants in Ethiopia.

METHODS: Different data bases (CINHAL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, Google scholar and PubMed central) were accessed. Observational Studies conducted in English language were included as per the predetermined inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of the prevalence of reproductive health risks was determined using a random effects model. PRISMA and Systematic Review Guidelines from the Center for Reviews and Dissemination recommendation were followed in the review. Random effect model with I² statistics and sensitivity testing was performed.

RESULTS: We found 324 studies on the databases searched and only eleven studies with 9976 individuals met the criteria of inclusion. The overall pooled magnitude of reproductive health risks in this study is 45.8% (95% CI: 35.6, 56.1). Nearly half of the studies were conducted in Amhara region. Gender based violence is the most frequently reported reproductive health risk. Premarital sex, early marriage and unmet need for contraceptives, abortion, sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy were reported.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Reproductive health risks among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are frequent in all age groups of women, adolescent girls and boys. However, limited number of primary evidences is found to be the major bottleneck to summarize this review. Therefore, the government, non-governmental organizations and researchers with any responsible stockholders should give an appropriate attention to have precise and tangible data on the burden, extent of the problems and survivor population in need of sexual and reproductive health services.

PMID:40883773 | DOI:10.1186/s13031-025-00678-w

BMC Med Educ. 2025 Aug 29;25(1):1219. doi: 10.1186/s12909-025-07755-x.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To survey the current state of cybersecurity awareness among radiography teachers in Africa, identify existing challenges, and propose targeted interventions to enhance cybersecurity education, practices, and resilience within the radiography education sector.

METHODOLOGY: This quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted among radiography educators attending the Radiography Educators Conference of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiologic Technologists in Abuja, Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 53 participants who completed a 30-item self-administered questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and 95% Confidence Intervals.

RESULTS: The study revealed that 28.3% (95% CI: 17.3%-42.3%) of participants had experienced a cybersecurity incident, and a significant 43.4% (95% CI: 30.4%-57.3%) had not received formal cybersecurity training. While awareness of common cyber threats was high (86.8%, 95% CI: 74.4%-94.2%), understanding of institutional data privacy policies (67.9%, 95% CI: 53.7%-79.7%) and secure data sharing protocols (64.2%, 95% CI: 49.8%-76.5%) was comparatively lower. Key cybersecurity practices showed considerable gaps: only 50.9% (95% CI: 36.8%-64.9%) regularly backed up critical data, and merely 41.5% (95% CI: 29.1%-55.2%) reported suspicious emails or incidents.

CONCLUSION: The findings underscore an urgent need for tailored cybersecurity training programs and increased awareness initiatives that effectively translate knowledge into consistent, secure practices among African radiography teachers. Fortifying their cybersecurity readiness is vital for safeguarding patient data and ensuring the integrity of healthcare services in the digital age.

PMID:40883763 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-025-07755-x

BMC Womens Health. 2025 Aug 29;25(1):413. doi: 10.1186/s12905-025-03954-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the second-most common cancer among Cambodian women, with an estimated 1274 new cases and 670 deaths annually. On October 5, 2023, the Cambodian government introduced HPV vaccination for 9-year-old girls into the country’s national immunization schedule. The optimal strategy for this nascent vaccination campaign, and the expected effects thereof, depend on a robust understanding of HPV epidemiology in Cambodia. To this end, we conducted a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of HPV infection among patients with cervical cancer at Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

METHODS: Fifty specimens of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cervical tumor tissue selected from archival specimens of biopsies performed at Calmette Hospital between April 2019 to March 2020 were analyzed using next-generation sequencing to detect HPV types present in each sample. Forty-seven samples of non-cancerous cervical tissue were selected for comparison from archival specimens of non-oncological hysterectomies performed at Cambodia’s National Maternal and Child Health Center between January 2020 to March 2021 and analyzed using PCR, gel electrophoresis, and p16 immunohistochemistry to detect the presence of HPV infection in each sample. Those that tested positive for HPV underwent next generation sequencing to detect which HPV subtypes were present in each sample.

RESULTS: HPV-16/18 were detected in 83.3% of cervical cancer specimens, and HPV-58 was detected in 11.9%. Multiple HPV subtypes were detected in 2.4% of cancer specimens. Neither HPV-16 nor – 18 differed statistically in observed prevalence from either those rates reported for all Asia or globally. The observed prevalence of HPV-58 was not dissimilar between Cambodia and Asia, however Cambodia’s prevalence of HPV-58 was substantially higher than the global rate. HPV DNA was detected in 0/47 control specimens.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study of HPV type prevalences among patients with cervical cancer in Cambodia, providing epidemiological data that is crucial for assessing and optimizing the country’s vaccination policy. Results suggest that the efficacy of current vaccination strategy should not be hindered by any outsized prevalence of non-vaccine type HPV.

PMID:40883757 | DOI:10.1186/s12905-025-03954-2

Harm Reduct J. 2025 Aug 29;22(1):147. doi: 10.1186/s12954-025-01300-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the United States, only 15-20% of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) receive medications for OUD annually. Injectable opioid agonist treatment with hydromorphone (iOAT-H) is a novel approach that reduces non-prescribed opioid use. However, interest in iOAT-H among women, who face unique challenges in OUD treatment, may be different than men. This study evaluates women’s attitudes toward iOAT-H, and gender disparities in OUD-related risks, exploring potential gender-specific treatment needs. We hypothesized that women would be less interested in iOAT-H than men given the disproportionate stigma women face in accessing OUD treatment.

METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study of urban syringe service program participants. Participants self-reported interest in iOAT-H, which was assessed on a 4-point scale with 3 or 4 considered “interested.” Participants also provided self-reported data on preferences for OUD treatment and their OUD-related risks, including frequency of drug use and injection practices. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were employed to explore gender differences.

RESULTS: Of 108 participants, 31% were women and 69% were men with a mean age of 43.0 (SD ± 10.8). Almost all participants had severe OUD (98.1%) and had prior OUD care (96.3%). Most women (68%) and men (64%) reported interest in iOAT-H. For OUD treatment preferences, most women chose iOAT-H (56%), while men most commonly endorsed methadone treatment (42%) as their preferred option. Women had more OUD-related risks than men including injecting more times per day (5 vs. 3, p > 0.01) and injecting in public more often (24 vs. 7, p = 0.05) in the past 30 days.

CONCLUSION: Interest in iOAT-H was high among women and men, but we found gender differences in OUD-related risks. This may reflect unmet needs among women who would potentially enter treatment with iOAT-H, but additional work is necessary to examine specific risks such as mental health, trauma exposure, and creating safe treatment spaces for women. Nonetheless, iOAT-H appeared acceptable to women in our sample, and many treatment-experienced people who inject drugs would prefer iOAT-H to other available OUD treatments.

PMID:40883756 | DOI:10.1186/s12954-025-01300-1

Crit Care. 2025 Aug 29;29(1):390. doi: 10.1186/s13054-025-05628-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoid (GC) signaling plays a crucial role in immune regulation during critical illness, but cell-specific responses remain poorly understood. While previous studies have predominantly examined glucocorticoid receptor (GCR)-α and GCR-β, the roles of alternative isoforms (GCR-γ, GCR-P) and the downstream effectors GC-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) and dual-specific phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) across different immune cell populations in critical illness remain unexplored.

METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, we enrolled 43 critically ill patients and 25 healthy controls. Longitudinal blood samples were collected at ICU admission (24-48 h) and days 4 (4d), 8 (8d), and 14 (14d). We quantified the mRNA expression of four GCR variants (GCR-α, GCR-β, GCR-γ, and GCR-P) and GC downstream targets (GILZ and DUSP1) in isolated polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) via RT‒PCR. Serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10) were measured concurrently. Statistical analyses included mixed-effects modeling to assess temporal and cell-specific patterns.

RESULTS: PMNs exhibited sustained downregulation of GCR-α, GCR-β, and GCR-γ, with preserved GILZ expression, while GCR-P remained stable. In PBMCs, GCR-α, GCR-β, GCR-γ, and GILZ levels showed no significant changes compared to controls, yet GCR-P was upregulated. DUSP1 was downregulated in PMNs and elevated in PBMCs. Negative correlations emerged between IL-6 and both GILZ and DUSP1. All expression patterns remained stable across time points in the subset of patients who completed the 2-week study despite dynamic ACTH changes and persistently elevated cortisol.

CONCLUSIONS: PMNs show reduced GCR-α/β/γ with preserved GILZ, while PBMCs maintain GCR-α/β/γ but upregulate GCR-P and DUSP1. These findings highlight divergent GC responsiveness between innate and adaptive immune cells, with implications for cortisol’s role in immune regulation during critical illness and may reflect cell-specific effects driven by changes in glucocorticoid receptor signaling.

PMID:40883751 | DOI:10.1186/s13054-025-05628-9

Biomed Eng Online. 2025 Aug 29;24(1):104. doi: 10.1186/s12938-025-01436-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) represents a major cardiovascular risk in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis. Given that radial artery pulse waveforms can reflect vascular status, this study aimed to evaluate their utility in the non-invasive assessment of CAC severity.

METHODS: 58 patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis were enrolled. CAC severity was assessed using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and classified into four groups based on Agatston scores: no calcification (0), mild (1-100), moderate (101-400), and severe (> 400). Radial artery pulse waveforms were recorded before, hourly during, and after hemodialysis. Key features were extracted based on morphological differences among groups. Statistical inter-group comparisons and intra-group trend analyses were performed. A gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model was trained to classify CAC severity using waveform features.

RESULTS: Clear morphological differences were observed among the four CAC groups. The non-calcified group showed a distinct main wave followed by identifiable tidal waves. With increasing CAC severity, the tidal waves became progressively attenuated and less distinguishable, resulting in a smoother overall waveform, particularly in the severe calcification group. Pulse waveform features exhibited significant variation across CAC groups and over the hemodialysis process, including parameters related to waveform morphology, descending limb, complexity and distribution, mean value, and full-process stereoscopic pulse wave features. The GBDT model demonstrated robust and consistent performance, with an average accuracy of 84.1% and a macro-AUC of 0.962 in fivefold cross-validation, and comparable results (83.9% accuracy, 0.961 macro-AUC) on the independent test set. Notably, the model performed particularly well in identifying Severe Calcification cases.

CONCLUSIONS: Radial artery pulse wave analysis may serve as a non-invasive adjunct for assessing CAC severity in patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis.

PMID:40883745 | DOI:10.1186/s12938-025-01436-y

BMC Surg. 2025 Aug 30;25(1):400. doi: 10.1186/s12893-025-03150-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Accurately predicting cavoatrial junction (CAJ) position is important for totally implantable venous-access port (TIVAP) application, which could reduce complications.

METHODS: Clinical information of 117 breast cancer (BRCA) patients who underwent TIVAP implantation was collected. The length of the implanted catheter was determined by a chest radiograph method in the test group, as follows: total catheter insertion length was L, and the distance from the pre-puncture point to the right sternoclavicular joint was measured as L1; the distance from the right sternoclavicular joint to 1.5 vertebral bodies under the trachea carina in the chest radiograph was measured as L2; the preset catheter length was L = L1 + L2. The length of the implanted catheter was determined by a surface measurement method in the control group, as follows: total length of catheter insertion was L; the distance from the pre-puncture point to the right sternoclavicular joint was measured as L1; the distance from the third anterior intercostal space of the right sternoclavicular joint was measured on the body surface as L2; the preset catheter length was L = L1 + L2. CAJ positioning rate and complication rate were compared between the two method groups. Logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic, and decision curve analysis were performed to evaluate the predictive value of the chest radiograph.

RESULTS: For BRCA patients, the chest radiograph was exhibited more accurately in predicting CAJ position. Subgroup analysis indicated a remarkably higher CAJ position rate in the chest radiograph method group regardless of age, while no significant difference between the two measurement groups for patients with BMI > 24.9 kg/m² was observed.

CONCLUSION: The chest radiograph method could more effectively predict the CAJ position than the surface measurement in the overall cohort. However, subgroup analysis revealed that this advantage was not statistically significant in patients with BMI > 24.9 kg/m², suggesting reduced efficacy in high-BMI populations.

PMID:40883736 | DOI:10.1186/s12893-025-03150-x