Tag: pubmed

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2025 Jul 18:glaf157. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glaf157. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was a comparative analysis of different epigenetic clocks with regard to their ability to predict a future onset of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). In addition, cross-sectional relationships between epigenetic age measures and MetS were investigated.

METHODS: MetS was diagnosed in participants of the Berlin Aging Study II at baseline (n = 1,671, mean age 68.8 ± 3.7 years, 51.6% women) and at follow-up (n = 1,083; 7.4 ± 1.5 years later). DNA methylation age acceleration (DNAmAA) was calculated for a total of ten epigenetic clocks at baseline. In addition, DunedinPACE, a DNAm-based measure of the pace of aging, was calculated. The relationship between MetS, DNAmAA and DunedinPACE was investigated by fitting regression models adjusted for potential confounders and calculating receiver operating characteristic statistics.

RESULTS: Among all biomarkers investigated, DunedinPACE was the only DNAm-based predictor that was significantly associated with incident MetS at follow-up on average 7.4 years later (OR: 9.84, p = 0.028). Logistic regression models predicting MetS that either included solely clinical parameters or solely epigenetic clock estimates (DNAmAA) or DunedinPACE revealed that GrimAge DNAmAA had an area under the curve most comparable to the model considering clinical variables only. Cross-sectional differences between participants with and without MetS remained statistically significant for DunedinPACE only after covariate adjustment (baseline: β = 0.042, follow-up: β = 0.031, p < 0.0001 in both cases).

CONCLUSION: Comparison of epigenetic clocks in relation to MetS showed strong and consistent associations with DunedinPACE. Our results highlight the potential of using certain DNAm-based measures of biological ageing in predicting the onset of clinical outcomes, such as MetS.

PMID:40680238 | DOI:10.1093/gerona/glaf157

J Med Internet Res. 2025 Jul 18;27:e76215. doi: 10.2196/76215.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Machine learning (ML) models may offer greater clinical utility than conventional risk scores, such as the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk scores. However, there is a lack of knowledge on whether ML or traditional models are better at predicting the risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who have undergone percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to systematically review and critically appraise studies comparing the performance of ML models and conventional risk scores for predicting MACCEs in patients with AMI who have undergone PCI.

METHODS: Nine academic and electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ACM, IEEE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were systematically searched from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2024. We included studies of patients with AMI who underwent PCI, and predicted MACCE risk using ML algorithms or conventional risk scores. We excluded conference abstracts, gray literature, reviews, case reports, editorials, qualitative studies, secondary data analyses, and non-English publications. Our systematic search yielded 10 retrospective studies, with a total sample size of 89,702 individuals. Three validation tools were used to assess the validity of the published prediction models. Most included studies were assessed as having a low overall risk of bias.

RESULTS: The most frequently used ML algorithms were random forest (n=8) and logistic regression (n=6), while the most used conventional risk scores were GRACE (n=8) and TIMI (n=4). The most common MACCEs component was 1-year mortality (n=3), followed by 30-day mortality (n=2) and in-hospital mortality (n=2). Our meta-analysis demonstrated that ML-based models (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.88, 95% CI 0.86-0.90; I²=97.8%; P<.001) outperformed conventional risk scores (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.79, 95% CI 0.75-0.84; I²=99.6%; P<.001) in predicting mortality risk among patients with AMI who underwent PCI. Heterogeneity across studies was high. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot. The top-ranked predictors of mortality in both ML and conventional risk scores were age, systolic blood pressure, and Killip class.

CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrated that ML-based models had superior discriminatory performance compared to conventional risk scores for predicting MACCEs in patients with AMI who had undergone PCI. The most commonly used predictors were confined to nonmodifiable clinical characteristics. Therefore, health care professionals should understand the advantages and limitations of ML algorithms and conventional risk scores before applying them in clinical practice. We highlight the importance of incorporating modifiable factors-including psychosocial and behavioral variables-into prediction models for MACCEs following PCI in patients with AMI. In addition, further multicenter prospective studies with external validation are required to address validation limitations.

PMID:40680235 | DOI:10.2196/76215

Physiol Rep. 2025 Jul;13(14):e70463. doi: 10.14814/phy2.70463.

ABSTRACT

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are important hypertrophic molecules that are potential treatments for many types of myopathy and osteopathy. This study aimed to determine if the SARM RAD140 had additive effects on muscle hypertrophy when combined with the functional overloading (FO) of the plantaris muscle. Male, Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 10 rats/group) were randomly selected into one of four treatment groups: (1) RAD140-FO, (2) RAD140-Control, (3) Vehicle-Control, or (4) Vehicle-FO. RAD140 groups received drugs through drinking water, and control groups received only Vehicle (methylcellulose). Standard rat chow and water were provided ad libitum. Muscle weights of the triceps-surae group and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured. Muscle weight analysis showed a marked increase in RAD140-FO groups but was not statistically different from the Vehicle-FO group. CSA results indicated similar findings; however, RAD140-Control showed significantly elevated CSA compared to Vehicle-Control. The tibial microarchitecture was analyzed using micro computed tomography. RAD140 did not impact cortical or trabecular bone structural morphometric properties following 14 days of treatment. The data presented here show the potential of RAD140 to stimulate muscle hypertrophy in young healthy rats.

PMID:40680216 | DOI:10.14814/phy2.70463

Aging Ment Health. 2025 Jul 18:1-12. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2025.2532658. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a dementia awareness and stigma reduction program among the Arab minoritized population in Israel. Specifically, we examined changes in knowledge, stigma, perceived susceptibility, and support sources following community-based informational sessions conducted by trained Arab student facilitators.

METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was used. A pre-post design with 1349 participants was employed for the quantitative component, assessing changes in subjective and objective knowledge, stigma, perceived susceptibility, and support sources. The qualitative component included in-depth interviews with 40 student facilitators to explore their experiences and insights. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analyses, and thematic content analysis.

RESULTS: The findings revealed significant increases in dementia knowledge, positive emotional reactions, and use of formal support sources. However, no significant changes were observed in perceived susceptibility, negative emotional reactions, or behavioral discrimination. Qualitative findings highlighted facilitators’ role in challenging misconceptions, fostering engagement, and addressing cultural barriers to dementia discussions.

CONCLUSION: The program effectively enhanced dementia knowledge and encouraged community dialogue but had limited impact on deep-seated stigma. Future initiatives should incorporate sustained interventions and culturally tailored messaging to further promote dementia awareness and reduce stigma in minoritized communities.

PMID:40680202 | DOI:10.1080/13607863.2025.2532658

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2025 Jul 18. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202505-1102LE. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40680196 | DOI:10.1164/rccm.202505-1102LE

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2025 Jul 18. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202505-1235LE. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40680193 | DOI:10.1164/rccm.202505-1235LE

J Med Internet Res. 2025 Jul 18;27:e75701. doi: 10.2196/75701.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In today’s digital landscape, social media proliferation offers easier access to others’ information and social activities but also introduces challenges such as social media fatigue (SMF). Previous studies have linked the fear of missing out (FoMO) to SMF; however, the directionality of this relationship remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between FoMO and SMF among college students and examine whether a mutually predictive relationship exists between them.

METHODS: This study adopted a longitudinal research design, administering questionnaires at two distinct time points (ie, T1 and T2) separated by a two-month interval. At T1, the questionnaire included demographic variables of the research subjects (student ID, name, gender, etc.), the Fear of Missing Out Scale, and the Social Media Fatigue Scale. At T2, the questionnaire consisted only of collecting demographic information (student ID and name) for matching, along with the same two scales. Following data collection, the datasets from the two time points were matched based on the demographic information; only successfully matched data were included in the final analyses. Subsequently, descriptive statistics and correlation analyses of FoMO and SMF at T1 and T2 were conducted using SPSS (version 26.0). Finally, a cross-lagged panel analysis was conducted using the FoMO and SMF at T1 and T2 to examine the autoregressive and cross-lagged relationships between the variables over time.

RESULTS: A total of 862 valid questionnaires were matched across the two data collection steps. Correlation analysis showed that FoMO at T1 was positively correlated with SMF at T1 (r=0.340; P<.001) and FoMO at T2 (r=0.332; P<.001) and SMF at T2 (r=0.229; P<.001). FoMO at T2 was positively correlated with SMF at T1 (r=0.217; P<.001) and T2 (r=0.417; P<.001). SMF at T1 and T2 were also positively correlated (r=0.425; P<.001). The cross-lagged regression results indicated that using the autoregressive path, FoMO at T1 positively predicted FoMO at T2 (β=0.300; P<.001), and SMF at T1 positively predicted SMF at T2 (β=0.351; P<.001). Additionally, FoMO at T1 positively predicted SMF at T2 (β=0.067; P=.003), and SMF at T1 positively predicted FoMO at T2 (β=0.156; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS: There is a bidirectional relationship between FoMO and SMF among college students, suggesting a mutual influence over each other and that this relationship perpetuates a negative cycle. These findings further extend existing research and provide insights for developing mental health programs for college students.

PMID:40680183 | DOI:10.2196/75701

JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2025 Jul 18;11:e72590. doi: 10.2196/72590.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Caring for individuals with rare diseases (RDs) presents unique challenges that can significantly impact caregivers’ quality of life (QoL). The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) is a widely used tool for assessing QoL across different populations.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the QoL of caregivers of individuals with RDs and evaluates the psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF in this population.

METHODS: A self-administered, anonymous, computer-assisted web-based survey was conducted among family caregivers of individuals with RDs in Poland between March and August 2024. Due to the lack of a national registry of patients with RDs, participants were recruited through convenience sampling via associations, foundations, and organizations of patients with RDs. Eligibility criteria included being 18 years and older of age, speaking Polish, being a caregiver of a person with a confirmed RD diagnosis, and providing informed consent. The survey included sociodemographic questions and the Polish version of the WHOQOL-BREF, which assesses QoL across 4 domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach α, and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the instrument’s structural validity.

RESULTS: A total of 942 caregivers of individuals with various RDs participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the 4-domain structure, with further improvement in a finally modified WHOQOL-BREF model (χ2243=1043.0; P<.001; Comparative Fit Index=0.919; Tucker-Lewis Index=0.907; root-mean-square error of approximation=0.059). Internal consistency was satisfactory, with Cronbach α values ranging from 0.70 (social relationships) to 0.84 (psychological health). Mean domain scores on a scale of 0-100 were 50.2 (SE 0.59; physical health), 54.9 (SE 0.59; psychological health), 51.3 (SE 0.67; social relationships), and 52.1 (SE 0.56; environment), with minimal floor and ceiling effects (≤1.4%) across domains. Younger female caregivers reported significantly lower psychological health (eg, mean 43.6, SE 0.59 vs mean 59.9, SE 10.0 for younger male caregivers) and social relationships (mean 39.3, SE 3.34 vs mean 55.0, SE 4.75) well-being compared to other groups. Exactly 151 (16%) of caregivers rated their overall QoL as poor or very poor, and 289 (30.7%) were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their health, with female caregivers reporting more dissatisfaction (n=263, 32.4%) than male caregivers (n=26, 20%). Overall, our findings demonstrate the robust psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF among caregivers of people with RDs and provide domain-specific normative data to guide future research and interventions.

CONCLUSIONS: The WHOQOL-BREF is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing QoL among caregivers of individuals with RDs, though the social relationship domain may require further refinement. Caregivers experience varying QoL outcomes depending on demographic factors, highlighting the need for targeted support interventions. Future research should explore cultural adaptations and potential supplementary modules to enhance the instrument’s applicability in caregiver populations.

PMID:40680179 | DOI:10.2196/72590

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2025 Jul 18:ezaf241. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezaf241. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of a frail patients electively treated for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by open surgery with enhanced repair protocol (OSER) or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS: A retrospective study on frail AAA patients treated by EVAR and OSER was conducted. Patients were defined as frail if presenting a normalized total psoas muscle area (nTPA) <500 mm2/m2. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sarcopenia and AAA-related as well as all-cause mortality rates. Secondary outcomes included reinterventions, operative time, blood transfusion, length of ICU and postoperative hospital stay.

RESULTS: A total of 403 patients were included in the study, of which 122 (30.3%) had a nTPA < 500mm2/m2. Among them, 272 (67.5%) patients were treated with EVAR while 131 (32.5%) with OSER. Although EVAR was more frequently performed in sarcopenic patients than OSER (p < 0.001), there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Likewise, no statistically significant differences were found regarding mortality and reintervention rates at Kaplan-Meier analysis. However, sarcopenic patients undergoing OSER exhibited a significantly higher all-cause mortality rate at 1 month (p = 0.031) and cumulative follow-up (p = 0.004) compared to all other subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS: the present experience demonstrates that less invasive approaches, but surgical or endovascular, are viable for AAA patients with no significant difference in intraoperative and immediate postoperative outcomes. Nevertheless, the potential of EVAR as a preferred strategy should be considered for frail patients based on ascertained sarcopenia.

PMID:40680178 | DOI:10.1093/ejcts/ezaf241

J Med Internet Res. 2025 Jul 18;27:e68200. doi: 10.2196/68200.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Protecting public health depends on the effective communication of health-related information to the public, especially during public health emergencies. Health communication campaigns traditionally relied on mass media outlets but increasingly incorporate social media platforms. This paper presents a content analysis of original communications posted to X (formerly Twitter) by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023, a time characterized by the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic and mpox epidemic public health emergencies.

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to investigate: (1) what information was being discussed by CDPH, (2) how information was presented, (3) the nature of communications, and (4) the impact of communication attributes on engagement. Secondary objectives included investigating the correlation between mpox cases and mpox-related communications and using a bioethical risk communication framework to characterize the intent of mpox-related communications.

METHODS: Original communications posted by the CDPH from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023, were collected. Communication attributes including the date and time of posting, the communication text, accompanying media, text in image-based accompanying media, and the language of the text were extracted at the time of collection. A total of 2 researchers independently reviewed the communications using a coding schema that was developed to codify the health topics and the bioethical framework to codify the intent of mpox-related communications. Percent agreement and Cohen kappa were used to establish intercoder reliability. Negative binomial regressions were used to investigate the impact of attributes on public engagement. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to measure the strength and direction of the correlation between the weekly number of mpox cases and the number of weekly mpox-related communications.

RESULTS: A total of 1105 original communications were posted, a majority of which discussed communicable diseases (n=539, 51.8%), were posted in English (n=801, 72.5%), during the standard workday (n=1003, 90.8%), and with additional media (n=839, 75.9%). All communications were proactive in nature, and none directly responded to other accounts. Regression analysis suggested that communications posted during the workday (event rate ratio [ERR]=1.25) and those with images (ERR=2.59) or videos (ERR=2.40) received significantly higher levels of engagement, as did those discussing maternal and child health (ERR=2.35), mental health (ERR=1.48), and substance use (ERR=1.61). Communications discussing communicable diseases were not among the health topics with higher levels of engagement. Communications posted exclusively in Spanish received significantly lower levels of engagement (ERR=0.67). In addition, mpox-related communications were positively correlated with reported mpox cases at a significant level, and most mpox-related communications sought to inform the public (n=60, 60.6%), as opposed to influence behavior (n=39, 39.4%).

CONCLUSIONS: Social media platforms can represent valuable tools for risk communication during public health emergencies but should supplement other dissemination vehicles that may be more appropriate for communicating nuanced information, achieving behavior change, and reaching certain demographic groups.

PMID:40680161 | DOI:10.2196/68200