Tag: pubmed

J Interpers Violence. 2025 Dec 12:8862605251396045. doi: 10.1177/08862605251396045. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) exposure in in-school adolescents, the forms and ways in which adolescents get exposed or are involved in domestic violence, and factors that are associated with exposure to domestic violence. The study aimed to determine the pattern and factors associated with child exposure to domestic violence (CEDV) in Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit 406 students from four secondary schools in Ile-Ife, South-western Nigeria; the design was descriptive cross-sectional. Standardized, facilitated, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to participants after obtaining their assent and parental consent. Information collected included sociodemographic data and details of exposure to DV using the CEDV questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The prevalence of exposure to any form of domestic violence was 84.7%. Verbal abuse was the most prevalent form of abuse observed by 78.8% of the participants. A third (32.1%) of participants reported exposure to DV for at least 4 years. About 45.3% of those exposed were involved in the DV to varying degrees. Most of those exposed to DV experienced it as first-hand witnesses, and 58.1% were direct victims: physically, emotionally, or sexually. Low socioeconomic class was significantly associated with exposure to DV (χ² = 6.158 and p = .046). Participants had high exposure to DV, and a large proportion of them were involved, with those from lower socioeconomic classes being at higher risk. Efforts must be put in place in the home (family) to protect children and to facilitate optimal psychosocial development.

PMID:41384381 | DOI:10.1177/08862605251396045

Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2025 Dec 5:14288. doi: 10.4081/aiua.2025.14288. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prediabetes, defined as impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), is recognized as an increasing metabolic disorder globally. Although its vascular and metabolic implications are well established, the link between prediabetes and male sexual dysfunction is uncertain. This meta-analysis was performed to summarize available evidence on the relationship between prediabetes and sexual dysfunction in men.

METHODS: A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus from inception to July 2025 was undertaken to retrieve observational studies reporting sexual dysfunction outcomes (erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation) in prediabetic men. The eligibility criteria were adult men with prediabetes and comparative data with normoglycemic controls. Studies were screened by two independent reviewers who also extracted data and evaluated study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Meta-analysis with random effects model was employed to combine effect sizes and assess heterogeneity on the basis of I² statistic. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were employed to investigate publication bias. GRADE approach was applied to grade the certainty of the evidence according to risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, and publication bias.

RESULTS: A total of ten studies with 11,000 participants were available for analysis. Combined odds ratio (OR) of sexual dysfunction in prediabetic men compared to normoglycemic men was 2.50 (95% CI: 1.35-4.64), indicating significant association with high heterogeneity (I² = 87.9%, p<0.001). Funnel plot asymmetry was checked by visual inspection and confirmed by Egger’s regression test for publication bias, which was not significant (p=0.275). According to GRADE, the quality of evidence was generally low, downgraded for high heterogeneity and imprecision but upgraded for large effect size.

CONCLUSIONS: We found that men with prediabetes have approximately 2.5-fold higher odds of sexual dysfunction than men with normoglycemia. Due to the high pooled effect size, although with low certainty of evidence, additional high-quality prospective studies are needed to replicate findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.

PMID:41384370 | DOI:10.4081/aiua.2025.14288

Ann Bot. 2025 Dec 12:mcaf320. doi: 10.1093/aob/mcaf320. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adansonia suarezensis, one of Madagascar’s six endemic baobab species, is currently classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List and faces severe risks from habitat loss and climate change, being predicted to become extinct by 2080 if no conservation actions are taken. We combined population genomics with ecological surveys to assess the genetic diversity, population structure, and regeneration dynamics of this species across representative sites.

METHODS: We generated SNP data from 118 mature individuals sampled across four sites using a target capture approach and evaluated genetic diversity, inbreeding, and population structure. Ecological surveys were conducted at Mahory and Beantely, representing the two genetic clusters, to compare forest structure, floristic composition, and regeneration dynamics. Vertebrate diversity was also recorded to assess its potential influence on regeneration.

KEY RESULTS: Population genomic analyses identified two moderately differentiated genetic groups, with Mahory clearly distinct from the northern localities. Pairwise FST values ranged from 0.054 to 0.133, all statistically significant (p = 0.001). Despite low overall genetic diversity, no evidence of inbreeding was detected, consistent with bat-mediated cross-pollination. Ecological surveys revealed higher species richness, greater structural diversity, and stronger regeneration signals in Mahory, especially in core zones, compared with Beantely. By contrast, regeneration in Beantely was weak, with few saplings and juveniles despite relatively high adult densities. These differences likely reflect stronger edge effects, greater disturbance, and lower animal diversity at Beantely, which may limit pollination and seed dispersal.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that A. suarezensis is structured into two genetic groups with low but significant differentiation and that regeneration failure is widespread, but most pronounced in degraded edge habitats. Conservation strategies should therefore prioritize the protection of core forest zones, safeguard pollinator and disperser communities, and reinforce natural regeneration through targeted restoration. By integrating genomic and ecological perspectives, this study provides essential guidance for the long-term conservation of A. suarezensis.

PMID:41384368 | DOI:10.1093/aob/mcaf320

Chin Med J (Engl). 2025 Dec 12. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000003855. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells have been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). T cells for CAR-T therapy can be derived from the peripheral blood (recipient) of the patient or donor. Despite having identical genomes, the different maturation environments of these T cells can lead to functional differences. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of CAR-T cells derived from these two sources.

METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study collected clinical data from 36 patients who experienced B-ALL relapse after allo-HSCT and received CD19 CAR-T cell therapy between January 2016 and October 2023 across seven centers. The primary endpoint was complete remission (CR)/CR with an incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) rate at 28 days post-CAR-T cell infusion. Secondary endpoints included the 2-year overall survival (OS) rate, 2-year event-free survival (EFS) rate, incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and CAR-T cell-related encephalopathy syndrome (CRES).

RESULTS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 36 patients: 12 in the recipient group and 24 in the donor group. The recipient and donor groups showed no statistically significant differences in CR/CRi rates (83.3% vs. 100.0%, P = 0.105), 2-year EFS rates (50.8% vs. 51.6%, P = 0.617), or 2-year OS rates (49.5% vs. 63.6%, P = 0.215). In addition, the incidences of GVHD, CRS, and CRES did not significantly differ between the two groups. Further analysis within the donor group revealed 12 matched sibling donors (MSDs) and 12 haploidentical donors (HIDs). The 2-year EFS rate was statistically significantly greater in the HID group than in the MSD group (75.0% vs. 30.7%, P = 0.043), whereas no significant differences were observed in the CR/CRi rates, 2-year OS, or the incidence of GVHD, CRS, and CRES between these subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS: Both recipient-derived and donor-derived CD19 CAR-T cell therapies are effective treatment options for B-ALL relapsed post-allo-HSCT patients. HID-derived CAR-T cells offer a longer EFS and may be considered the optimal choice.

PMID:41384350 | DOI:10.1097/CM9.0000000000003855

Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2025 Dec 1;26(4 Suppl):41-48. doi: 10.23804/ejpd.2025.S05.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The purpose of this study was to survey Italian dental practitioners on behaviour guidance techniques (BGTs). Use of tell-show-do (TSD), sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen according to the Langa technique, audio-visual distraction (AVD) and referral to general anaesthesia (GA) were enquired, particularly focusing on nitrous oxide usage in paediatric dental patients.

METHODS: The research was conducted between September 2022 and December 2023. Data from 153 surveys were eligible to be processed using the STATA/BE software program, version18.0. The sample was stratified based on time in practice (≤10 and >10 years in practice), gender, practicing area (northern, central or southern Italy). Descriptive and inferential analysis were conducted comparing groups using X2 test or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. The level of statistical significance was set at P value <0.05.

RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three complete surveys were analysed. Of the respondents, 79.8% (121) were female and 20.92% (32) were male. Regarding years in practice, 53.59% (82) were in practice for less than or equal to 10 years and 46.41% (71) were in practice for more than 10 years. As for location of the practice, 45.10% (69) worked in northern Italy, 23.53% (36) practiced in central Italy and 31.37% (48) were from southern Italy, Sicily and Sardegna included. Significant difference was found between genders, with 55.37% (67) female practitioners who assessed to have more than 50% of their patients in paediatric age, compared to 28.12% (9) male participants. Statistical significance was also found between years in practice and referral to general anaesthesia: 29.27% (24) respondents in practice for equal or less than 10 years stated to refer no patients to general anaesthesia compared to 9.86% (7) providers in practice for more than 10 years. In the sample stratified by geographical area, statistical significance was noticed among practitioners who do not refer any paediatric patient to GA: 37.50% (18) Southern Italian practitioners versus 27.78% (10) central Italian practitioners and 4.35% (3) northern Italian practitioners. Northern Italy was found to be the territory with the highest referral to GA: the answer category <10% paediatric patients indicated for GA was selected by 71.01% (49) northern practitioners versus 66.67% (24) central respondents and 45.83% (22) southern participants in the survey.

CONCLUSIONS: Behaviour guidance technique selection and utilisation among Italian practicing paediatric dentists is influenced by multiple factors, including gender, time in practice and geographic location of practice. The results showed Tell-Show-Do as the preferred behaviour guidance technique among Italian practitioners. GA referral was assessed to be significantly higher among northern practitioners. Responders in practice for more than 10 years referred to GA a statistically higher percentage of paediatric patients, who were more prevalent in female providers’ practices. Sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen according to the Langa technique was noticed to be the least prevalent among the enquired BGTs; there is a need to implement the use and knowledge of nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia among Italian practitioners.

PMID:41384332 | DOI:10.23804/ejpd.2025.S05

Am J Biol Anthropol. 2025 Dec;188(4):e70182. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.70182.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the financial barriers faced by graduate students in bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology, addressing a critical gap by incorporating recent perspectives. Prior research has highlighted financial inequities within the field, yet few studies focus on burdens impacting students’ well-being, academic success, and career paths. This research aims to amplify student voices and identify actionable, student-centered solutions to alleviate financial strain and support retention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 29-question anonymous survey was distributed to current and recent biological anthropology graduate students (n = 103) across the United States. Questions covered various financial factors, including institutional costs, students’ lived experiences with strain, and career advancement expenses. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic coding for qualitative responses.

RESULTS: The survey revealed that nearly all participants depend on some form of financial aid (assistantships, grants, fellowships, or scholarships), with many reporting insufficient stipends, unmet living costs, and a need for external employment. Over half-expressed concerns about financial impacts on career opportunities, with many using loans or credit to cover essential costs like conferences, travel, and program fees. Financial strain significantly impacted well-being, with 58% considering leaving the field due to financial pressures.

DISCUSSION: The findings underscore the urgent need for institutional reforms to ensure livable wages, transparent funding, and professional development support. Addressing these barriers is essential for retaining diverse talent and fostering a sustainable future in bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. This study advocates practical solutions to reduce financial inequity and promote a more inclusive academic environment.

PMID:41384300 | DOI:10.1002/ajpa.70182

Nanomedicine (Lond). 2025 Dec 12:1-17. doi: 10.1080/17435889.2025.2582466. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This meta-analysis examined the antibacterial efficacy of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) through statistical analysis of published data.

METHOD: Following a comprehensive literature search and systematic screening, data were extracted and analyzed using STATA software to calculate pooled standard mean differences and effect sizes.

RESULTS: Analysis of data from 58 articles (218 experiments) demonstrated significant antibacterial activity. Analysis of 189 agar diffusion tests showed substantial effect (EF = 15.04; 95% CI = 14.793-15.277; p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed greater efficacy for particles larger than 50 nm and rod-shaped nanoparticles. CeO₂ NPs were effective against both Gram-positive (EF = 18.194) and Gram-negative (EF = 14.049) bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Compared to conventional antibiotics, CeO₂ NPs were generally less effective (SMD = -2.846, p < 0.0001) but performed comparably to Amoxicillin, Streptomycin, Linezolid, and Clindamycin. MIC and CFU tests confirmed significant growth-inhibitory effects across multiple bacterial species.

CONCLUSION: CeO₂ NPs demonstrate significant broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, suggesting potential against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Future research should explore synergistic effects with standard antibiotics.

PMID:41384286 | DOI:10.1080/17435889.2025.2582466

Res Rep Urol. 2025 Dec 6;17:481-493. doi: 10.2147/RRU.S568396. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate survival outcomes and identify prognostic factors among bladder cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 488 bladder cancer patients admitted between 2007 and 2017 were followed until December 31, 2020, using both active and passive follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate observed survival (OS), with group comparisons performed using the Log rank test. Variables included sex, age group, number of hospital admissions, TNM stage, and geographic origin.

RESULTS: Of 488 patients, 485 (99.38%) were successfully followed. The majority were male (80.21%) with a mean age of 66.5 years. The average number of hospital admissions was 1.81. Overall 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS rates were 79.95%, 63.50%, 56.32%, and 45.54% for males, and 69.79%, 58.33%, 56.01%, and 56.01% for females, respectively (P = 0.697). Age significantly affected prognosis (P < 0.01), with 5-year OS declining from 66.67% (age ≤34) to 29.53% (≥80). Patients with ≥3 admissions had worse survival (44.87%) than those with one (61.93%) or two admissions (58.97%) (P < 0.01). TNM stage was strongly with survival: 5-year OS rates were 86.43% (Stage I), 55.48% (Stage II), 38.25% (Stage III), and 13.85% (Stage IV) (P < 0.01). Regional differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Advanced age and late-stage diagnosis were associated with poorer survival, while early-stage detection correlated with better outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of early screening, timely treatment, and comprehensive care strategies to improve bladder cancer survival, especially in resource-limited settings. Limitations include single-center design and absence of multivariate adjustment.

PMID:41384284 | PMC:PMC12691630 | DOI:10.2147/RRU.S568396

J Innov Card Rhythm Manag. 2025 Nov 15;16(11):6509-6519. doi: 10.19102/icrm.2025.16114. eCollection 2025 Nov.

ABSTRACT

Patients with heart failure (HF) may experience depression or anxiety due to various reasons associated with their or caregivers’ characteristics. The purpose of this study was to explore patients’ and caregivers’ characteristics associated with hospitalized HF patients’ anxiety and depression. A total of 300 hospitalized HF patients with their caregivers were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, which also included patients’ and caregivers’ characteristics. The statistical significance level was set at P < .05. A statistically significant association was observed between patients’ anxiety and age (P = .044), level of education (P = .015), type of diagnosis (P = .001), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (P = .001), prior hospitalization within the current year (P = .013), current smoking (P = .001), frequency of physical exercise (P = .001), and their self-reported ability for symptom management after hospital discharge (P = .001). A statistically significant association was observed between patients’ depression and age (P = .018), type of diagnosis (P = .001), NYHA class (P = .001), prior hospitalization within the current year (P = .004), current smoking (P = .001), occasional alcohol consumption (P = .026), frequency of physical exercise (P = .001), and their self-reported ability for symptom management after hospital discharge (P = .001). In terms of caregivers’ characteristics, a statistically significant association was observed between patients’ anxiety/depression and the relationship with caregivers (P = .006 and P = .001, respectively), whether caregivers declared added responsibilities among family members (P = .041 and P = .002, respectively), and whether they felt uncertain about patients’ clinical outcome (P = .001 and P = .001, respectively). Finally, a statistically significant association was observed between patients’ depression and the occupation of their caregivers (P = .038). Patients’ characteristics associated with anxiety/depression were demographic and clinical, while caregivers’ characteristics associated with patients’ anxiety/depression were their self-reports and demographic characteristics. Knowledge of factors that influence anxiety and depression can enable health care professionals to offer appropriate interventions tailored to their needs.

PMID:41384283 | PMC:PMC12694892 | DOI:10.19102/icrm.2025.16114

Front Health Serv. 2025 Nov 26;5:1466958. doi: 10.3389/frhs.2025.1466958. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) represents the most comprehensive U.S. health reform since Medicare and Medicaid. However, evidence on its impact on population health in the general U.S. population, particularly mental health, remains limited.

METHODS: We analyzed a nationally representative sample of non-elderly adults aged 18-64 from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2007-2019). Outcomes included two health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures derived from the SF-12 v2: physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Using conditional-mean and quantile-regression difference-in-differences models, we examined the effect of the ACA by comparing pre-post changes in PCS and MCS scores among non-elderly adults relative to counterfactuals from TRICARE beneficiaries not subject to ACA provisions.

RESULTS: Our conditional-mean DID estimates indicate that the ACA was associated with a 2.7% increase in PCS scores among non-elderly adults during 2011-2013. Although statistically insignificant, MCS scores exhibited increases of growing magnitude following the implementation of the major ACA major provisions in 2014. Notably, simultaneous-quantile DID estimates suggest that the increases in PCS and MCS scores attributable to the ACA were concentrated among individuals with relatively lower health levels, particularly those around the 30th to 60th percentiles of the score distributions.

DISCUSSION: Findings indicate that the ACA led to measurable gains in physical and mental health, particularly among relatively lower-middle levels of physical and mental health. Policymakers assessing the value of the ACA, or more generally debating the value of expanding access to health insurance in the population, should consider these positive gains in population health.

PMID:41384265 | PMC:PMC12689885 | DOI:10.3389/frhs.2025.1466958