Tag: pubmed

Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2025 Aug 7. doi: 10.1007/s40368-025-01089-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The study aimed to use eye tracking technology to assess children’s visual attention and preferences towards paediatric dentists and dental operatory. The secondary objective was to determine the stress levels associated with it.

METHODS: A pilot study included 40 children aged 4-12 years. Eye movements were tracked using the View-Point eye tracker, measuring mean dwell time, total fixations, time to first fixation (TTFF), and total fixation time (TFT). Respiratory and heart rates were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and paired t-test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: While no significant differences were observed in overall dwell times, TTFF, or TFT among image pairs, male children showed significantly higher dwell times and fixations for male dentist images (p = 0.02; 0.002), with similar results for female children viewing female dentist images (p = 0.007). TFT was longer for images of dentists in white coats (p = 0.008) and yellow dental chairs (p = 0.04). Stress levels did not significantly differ by gender or age.

CONCLUSION: Eye tracking proves to be a valuable tool in pediatric dentistry for assessing children’s preferences. Children of a certain gender preferred dentists of the same gender, while most favoured dentists in white coats and yellow dental chairs. Further research with advanced technology can better explore children’s dental preferences in paediatric dental settings.

PMID:40773154 | DOI:10.1007/s40368-025-01089-4

Discov Ment Health. 2025 Aug 7;5(1):116. doi: 10.1007/s44192-025-00253-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mental health workers in post-conflict settings such as Timor Leste face distinct stressors stemming from limited human resources, underdeveloped systems, and ongoing socio-political instability, all of which increase the risk of psychological distress among these professionals. Consequently, constructs such as mindfulness, cognitive fusion, and coping strategies are essential not only theoretically significant, but also serve as practical targets for strengthening mental resilience of these professionals in these high-burden environments. This study aims to investigate the relationships between mindfulness, cognitive fusion, coping strategies, and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) among mental health workers in Timor Leste.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving a convenience sample of 37 mental health workers from PRADET and the national referral hospital in Dili. Mindfulness was assessed using the Toronto Mindfulness Questionnaire (TMQ), psychological flexibility using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), cognitive fusion was measured using the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), and coping strategies were evaluated using the DBT-Ways of Coping Checklist (DBT-WCCL). Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). All scales were using English validated versions. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: Significant positive correlations were found between Depression and Anxiety (Spearman’s rho = 0.649, p < 0.001), and between Depression and Stress (Spearman’s rho = 0.753, p < 0.001). Depression was also significantly correlated with Cognitive Fusion (Spearman’s rho = 0.445, p = 0.006) and Blaming Others (Spearman’s rho = 0.422, p = 0.009), and negatively correlated with Coping Strategies (Skills Use) (Spearman’s rho =- 0.341, p = 0.039). Anxiety and Stress were highly correlated (Spearman’s rho = 0.855, p < 0.001), and both were significantly associated with Cognitive Fusion, General Dysfunctional Coping, and Blaming Others. Mindfulness (De-Centering) showed a strong positive correlation with Mindfulness (Curiosity) (Spearman’s rho = 0.770, p < 0.001), and was also weakly associated with General Dysfunctional Coping (Spearman’s rho = 0.343, p = 0.038). Overall, the results suggest that higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress are linked to greater cognitive fusion and dysfunctional coping, while effective coping skills are negatively associated with depression.

CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the critical roles of cognitive fusion and coping strategies in predicting psychological distress among mental health workers in Timor Leste. Cognitive fusion and dysfunctional coping strategies were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Adaptive coping strategies, such as skills use, were linked to lower levels of depression. Given the high risk of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress disorder in this population, targeted interventions promoting mindfulness and adaptive coping skills are essential. Addressing these factors can enhance resilience and well-being among mental health professionals, ultimately improving the quality of care provided to their clients.

PMID:40773146 | DOI:10.1007/s44192-025-00253-y

Blood Res. 2025 Aug 7;60(1):42. doi: 10.1007/s44313-025-00091-5.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains a curative option for acute leukemia. While an adequate CD34⁺ cell dose is essential for engraftment, the optimal upper threshold in haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (haplo-PBSCT) remains unclear.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 81 patients with acute leukemia who underwent haplo-PBSCT with reduced-intensity conditioning between 2010 and 2020. Patients were stratified by CD34⁺ cell dose (< 8 × 10⁶/kg vs. ≥ 8 × 10⁶/kg). Clinical outcomes, including overall survival (OS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), graft failure, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) incidence, were compared.

RESULTS: A higher CD34⁺ cell dose was associated with inferior OS (P = 0.022) and increased NRM (P = 0.002), despite similar rates of graft failure and acute GVHD. Chronic GVHD was more frequent in the higher dose group, though the difference was not statistically significant. Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed a high CD34⁺ cell dose as an independent predictor of poor OS (HR 2.054, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that excessively high doses may adversely affect survival by increasing transplant-related toxicity. Graft cell dose should be carefully balanced to optimize outcomes in haplo-PBSCT.

PMID:40773143 | DOI:10.1007/s44313-025-00091-5

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Aug 7;197(9):990. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14434-3.

ABSTRACT

Ocean acidification (OA), caused by the uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide, is a concern for ocean resource users in coastal regions where the phenomenon is compounded by variable processes. Sustained OA monitoring systems are critical for characterization of baseline ocean conditions and identification of changes and impacts to coastal ecosystems and communities. Establishing an OA monitoring network is best accomplished through iterative planning, sustained funding, and comprehensive understanding of the coastal system. This paper offers decision-making considerations for entities interested in establishing a local to regional scale OA observing system. Such considerations include which carbon system parameters can be measured in each system, which sensors and platforms will provide applicable information for interested partners, and best practices for observing data management. Because every region faces unique circumstances, we present context-specific examples of effective decision-making processes from established U.S. OA observing networks. These regional case studies offer information on specific scientific questions, observing techniques, and methodology employed to establish and manage OA observations in the coastal zone.

PMID:40773125 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14434-3

Discov Oncol. 2025 Aug 7;16(1):1490. doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-03370-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) represents a significant public health challenge characterized by complex pathogenic mechanisms. While inflammatory proteins are known to play crucial roles in cancer development, their causal relationships with breast cancer risk remain inadequately understood. This study employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate potential causal associations between inflammatory proteins and breast cancer susceptibility.

METHODS: We utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for inflammatory protein levels from 14,824 European individuals as exposure data. The primary outcome data were obtained from BC GWAS summary statistics, with an additional independent BC cohort serving as validation(FinnGen_R12). The primary analysis was conducted using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by MR-Egger and weighted median approaches. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses included Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, and leave-one-out analysis. The causal direction was verified through Steiger test and reverse MR. We further performed multivariable MR (MVMR), linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), and colocalization analysis to strengthen our findings.

RESULTS: After Bonferroni correction, we identified a significant inverse genetic association between Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) levels and BC risk. While C-X-C motif chemokine 5 (CXCL5) did not survive Bonferroni correction, it showed significant negative association with BC in MVMR analysis. Reverse MR analyses found no evidence of causal effects of BC on these inflammatory proteins, supporting the direction of our primary findings. Colocalization analysis revealed strong evidence of shared genetic variants between LIFR and BC, suggesting common genetic determinants underlying their relationship.

CONCLUSION: This study provides genetic evidence for causal relationships between inflammatory proteins and BC risk, particularly highlighting the protective role of LIFR. These findings enhance our understanding of BC pathogenesis and may inform future therapeutic strategies.

PMID:40773112 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-025-03370-w

Quintessence Int. 2025 Aug 7;0(0):0. doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b6444204. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively characterize dental unit waterline (DUWL) biofilms through integrated analysis combining scanning electron microscopy and high-throughput sequencing, examining structural features and microbial community composition across different tubing sections.

METHOD AND MATERIALS: For each of the eight dental units with high-speed handpiece waterlines in continuous clinical service for ≥6 months at a university dental hospital, three 2-cm segments were collected from proximal, middle, and distal sections (total n=24). Scanning electron microscopy evaluated biofilm coverage percentage and morphology across 10 fields per specimen using a 9-grid quantification method. Microbial communities were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region sequencing with subsequent bioinformatic processing through QIIME2. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and PERMANOVA to assess sectional differences.

RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopy revealed a gradient of biofilm coverage increasing from proximal (31%) to middle (87%) and distal sections (nearly 100%). Structural features included partially detached biofilm fragments and distinctive bulging bacterial aggregates. Molecular analysis identified Proteobacteria as the predominant phylum, followed by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, with significant variations in community composition between sections. The distal section showed the highest microbial diversity, with significant differences observed in Chao1 richness (P =.025), observed species (P =.025), and ODS coverage (P =.024) between study groups. Principal coordinate analysis confirmed distinct clustering patterns among biofilm communities from different tubing sections.

CONCLUSION: This multidimensional analysis achieved its aim of comprehensively characterizing DUWL biofilms, establishing that heterogeneous distribution patterns warrant section-specific monitoring approaches for effective contamination control.

PMID:40773105 | DOI:10.3290/j.qi.b6444204

Ann Hematol. 2025 Aug 7. doi: 10.1007/s00277-025-06393-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of somatic mutations (SMs) in severe/very severe aplastic anemia (V/SAA) and transfusion-dependent nonsevere aplastic anemia (TD-NSAA) prior to immunosuppressive therapy (IST) and their impact on treatment efficacy. Next-generation sequencing was used to analyze 114 hematopoiesis-related genes at disease onset in 312 patients. SMs were detected in 17.9% of cases, involving 25 genes, most commonly DNMT3A (14, 20.9%) and BCOR (9, 13.4%). SMs were more frequent in patients over 40 years old, predominantly with a single mutation of low variant allele frequency (< 20%). Patients with SM were older and had lower lymphocyte counts. SMs did not significantly influence hematologic responses at 3, 6, or 12 months, relapse, progression, death, survival, or failure-free survival (p > 0.05). Grouping patients by mutated genes revealed no significant differences in IST efficacy, though Group I (PIGA or BCOR/BCORL1) showed higher hematologic response rates in patients over 40 years of age. The cumulative incidence of clonal evolution was higher in Group II (DNMT3A, TET2, ASXL1, FAT1, or RUNX1), though not statistically significant. SMs in V/SAA and TD-NSAA were infrequent and did not affect IST outcomes or treatment decisions. However, the higher clonal evolution incidence in certain mutations warrants further research.

PMID:40773104 | DOI:10.1007/s00277-025-06393-z

AIDS Behav. 2025 Aug 7. doi: 10.1007/s10461-025-04850-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Male circumcision (MC) has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a recent randomised controlled trial. A question that remains unanswered is whether MC in MSM implies HIV compensation, i.e. condomless sex and/or multiple sex partners. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies published before November 5, 2024 and reviewed references of included studies. We included interventional and observational studies reporting original quantitative data on the association between MC and condom use or the number of sex partners among MSM. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted directly from the studies or calculated from available data when necessary. A Mantel-Haenszel random effects model was used to calculate pooled ORs and CIs. The final analysis included 41,694 MSM from 15 eligible studies. No statistically significant association was found between MC and condomless sex (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.91-1.14; k = 13; I² = 18%) or multiple sex partners (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.94-1.12; k = 10; I² = 12%) among MSM. The lack of association persisted in the great majority of subgroup analyses, encompassing country income, age, recruitment setting, time length, year of recruitment, circumcision assessment, proportion circumcised, or risk of bias. In conclusion, MC among MSM was not found to be associated with either condomless sex or multiple sex partners. Nonetheless, standard minimum service packages, as per WHO guidelines, should be integrated and consistently provided within MC programs to better protect MSM from HIV infection.

PMID:40773103 | DOI:10.1007/s10461-025-04850-4

Clin Exp Med. 2025 Aug 7;25(1):281. doi: 10.1007/s10238-025-01819-4.

ABSTRACT

Dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and insulin resistance (IR) are intricately linked. In recent years, a series of novel lipid indices have emerged. Investigating their correlation with diabetes and IR is critical for early intervention. This study analyzed 19,780 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants (1999-2020), examining the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli risk index I (CRI-I) and II (CRI-II), estimated small dense LDL cholesterol (EsdLDL-C), non-HDL cholesterol-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (NHHR), and remnant cholesterol (RC). Covariates were selected via Boruta and LASSO regression. Multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic splines, ROC, subgroup, and mediation analyses were employed, validated by sensitivity analyses. The prevalence of diabetes was 15.0%. After adjustment, four indices (excluding CRI-II and EsdLDL-C) were associated with diabetes. For Q4 vs Q1, AIP and RC showed significantly elevated risk (OR: 2.52 [2.07-3.07] and 2.13 [1.75-2.58], respectively). Regarding IR, all indices exhibited dose-dependent associations, with AIP (OR: 5.74 [5.00-6.59]) and RC (4.09 [3.58-4.67]) showing the strongest links. For diabetes diagnosis, AIP (AUC: 0.824) and RC (0.822) outperformed other lipid indices (cutoffs: 0.31, 31.0) but were less effective than fasting glucose and HbA1c. For IR, AIP (AUC: 0.837) and RC (0.830) remained superior among lipid indices and showed no significant diagnostic disadvantage vs IR-related indicators. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger AIP/RC-diabetes/IR associations in females. Mediation analyses showed HOMA-IR mediated 43.1% and 50.3% of AIP/RC-diabetes associations, more pronounced in older adults (> 65 years), males and those with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m², while fatty acid intake did not affect these mediators. All six indices correlate with IR, but only AIP and RC strongly associate with diabetes, mediated by HOMA-IR. Females show enhanced AIP/RC-diabetes links, while older, male, and overweight groups exhibit greater HOMA-IR mediation. And AIP or RC’s diagnostic performance for IR is not inferior to other IR assessment indices. Thus, AIP and RC are prioritized biomarkers for diabetes and IR monitoring.

PMID:40773099 | DOI:10.1007/s10238-025-01819-4

Am J Hum Biol. 2025 Aug;37(8):e70120. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.70120.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the influences exerted by temperature on the circadian rhythm of births.

METHODS: In the past births occurred mainly between midnight and dawn, while today births tend to be less frequent during the night hours. Today, almost all births are hospitalized and, therefore, they may adapt to the organizational requirements of the health care structures and staff. This piece of research regards births in Udine, a city in north-eastern Italy, recorded at the beginning of the 19th century. The data on births come from the French civil register. Weather data come from very detailed daily collection with three measurements per day. From the statistical point of view, we apply methods developed for circular data. In order to highlight relationships between time of birth and explanatory variables, we estimate MANOVA (multivariate analysis of variance) models and perform a statistical test for comparison between groups.

RESULTS: The test against the homogeneity of the hour-of-birth distributions across the 4 seasons is significant (p < 0.01). One-to-one comparison of the distributions is performed via Watson’s two-sample test on data for each couple of seasons: the Summer-Autumn comparison is the only non-significant test of homogeneity. Moreover, we consider daily temperatures in the bivariate model in several different ways and transformations. The daily temperature effect is more significant if considered as the difference between the evening temperature of the day before the birth and the mean daily temperature of the same day, over the nine-year period 1807-1815. Finally, based on this division of the births, Watson’s two-sample homogeneity test for the distribution of the hour of birth is significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: We found that the circadian rhythm of births is influenced by temperature, with an anticipation of the time of birth on warmer days. To our knowledge, our results are the first evidence of the effects of daily temperature on the time of birth.

PMID:40772405 | DOI:10.1002/ajhb.70120