Tag: pubmed

Int J Dev Neurosci. 2025 Jun;85(4):e70027. doi: 10.1002/jdn.70027.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulated inflammatory signalling pathway plays a crucial role in the development and pathogenesis of clinical features in schizophrenia. SOCS3, a key regulator of inflammatory signalling pathways, has been implicated in this process. However, the complicated association between SOCS3 function and clinical features in unmedicated first-episode schizophrenia (SCZ) remains poorly understood. While increased levels of systemic inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and IL-1β, have been negatively linked to severity of negative and mood symptoms in SCZ patients, the levels of systemic inflammatory markers cytokines levels neurocognitive function in SCZ warrants further investigation. The primary hypotheses of this study are as follows: (1) The levels of SOCS3 and systemic inflammatory cytokines levels could differentiate between individuals with first-episode SCZ and healthy controls. (2) Patients with first-episode SCZ exhibit significantly lower cognitive function and executive abilities compared to healthy controls. (3) Dysregulated SOCS3 pathways contribute to cognitive impairment in first-episode SCZ.

METHODS: A total of 93 patients diagnosed with first-episode SCZ and 60 healthy controls were recruited for the current study. The serum levels of CRP, IL-6, IL-1β and SOCS3 were determined with ELISA. Clinical symptoms in SCZ patients were evaluated using the PANSS scale and Stroop test, while cognitive function in the healthy control group were assessed solely using the Stroop test. Statistical analyses were performed with adjustments for age and gender as covariates.

RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, individuals with first-episode SCZ exhibited significantly decreased serum SOCS3 levels (p < 0.05) and elevated IL-6 levels (p < 0.05), while no significant differences in CRP or IL-1β levels (p > 0.05) were observed between the two groups. In the Stroop test, the SCZ group demonstrated prolonged response times (One word time, One colour time, word-Color time and Color-Word time) and increased error rates (One word errors, One colour errors, Word-Colour errors and Colour-Word errors) compared to healthy controls, with all differences reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05). Serum SOCS3 levels were negatively correlated with PANSS cognitive subscale scores in the SCZ group, whereas IL-6 levels showed a positive correlation with one-colour time and one-colour errors in the Stroop test. The predictive value of serum SOCS3 for SCZ was determined by an AUC of 0.832, surpassing that of IL-6 (AUC = 0.789).

CONCLUSION: The current findings along with previous studies support the immune dysfunction plays a potential role in development of SCZ. Notably, alteration in peripheral levels of SOCS3 and IL-6 highlighting their potential application for early intervention for first episode SCZ and these changes are further associated with cognitive dysfunction. Moreover, SOCS3 demonstrated superior sensitivity in predicting SCZ, underscoring the importance of further investigating its role in SCZ pathogenesis and exploring novel therapeutic interventions.

PMID:40545471 | DOI:10.1002/jdn.70027

Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2025 Jun 15;39(6):729-734. doi: 10.7507/1002-1892.202502032.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of using biomechanical indicators as supplementary evaluation to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scoring System (MSTS) for amputee patients.

METHODS: Twenty-four patients who underwent hemipelvectomy between September 2018 and January 2025 were enrolled. There were 15 males and 9 females with an average age of 61.4 years (range, 45-76 years). Participants performed gait tests at self-selected speeds using three assistive devices (prosthesis, single crutch, and double crutches). Motion data were analyzed using a customized OpenSim model. Biomechanical indicators of the intact limb exhibiting common characteristics were screened through correlation and sensitivity analyses. Test-retest reliability [interclass correlation coefficient (ICC)] of selected parameters was assessed to evaluate their potential as MSTS score supplements.

RESULTS: All biomechanical indicators showed significant positive correlations with MSTS scores across assistive devices ( P<0.05). Seven indicators demonstrated |Pearson correlation coefficients|>0.8, including walking speed, maximum hip angle, maximum hip moment, peak hip flexion moment, peak hip extension moment, hip flexion impulse, and hip extension impulse. Among these, maximum hip moment, hip flexion impulse, and hip extension impulse exhibited significant between-group differences in adjacent MSTS levels ( P<0.05), indicating high sensitivity, along with excellent test-retest reliability (ICC>0.74, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION: Biomechanical indicators statistically qualify as potential supplements to MSTS scoring. Maximum hip moment, hip flexion impulse, and hip extension impulse demonstrate particularly high sensitivity to MSTS score variations.

PMID:40545462 | DOI:10.7507/1002-1892.202502032

Hum Brain Mapp. 2025 Jun 15;46(9):e70257. doi: 10.1002/hbm.70257.

ABSTRACT

The increasing prevalence of multi-site diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) studies potentially offers enhanced statistical power to investigate brain structure. However, these studies face challenges due to variations in scanner hardware and acquisition protocols. While several methods for dMRI data harmonization exist, few specifically address structural brain connectivity. We introduce a new distribution-matching approach to harmonizing structural brain connectivity across different sites and scanners. We evaluate our method using structural brain connectivity data from three distinct datasets (OASIS-3, ADNI-2, and PREVENT-AD), comparing its performance to the widely used ComBat method and the more recent CovBat approach. We examine the impact of harmonization on the correlation of brain connectivity with the Mini-Mental State Examination score and age. Our results demonstrate that our distribution-matching technique effectively harmonizes structural brain connectivity while maintaining non-negativity of the connectivity values and produces correlation strengths and significance levels competitive with alternative approaches. Qualitative assessments illustrate the desired distributional alignment across datasets, while quantitative evaluations confirm competitive performance. This work contributes to the growing field of dMRI harmonization, potentially improving the reliability and comparability of structural connectivity studies that combine data from different sources in neuroscientific and clinical research.

PMID:40545448 | DOI:10.1002/hbm.70257

Eur Urol Focus. 2025 Jun 21:S2405-4569(25)00147-6. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2025.05.015. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients undergoing orchiectomy for testicular cancer (TC) may have body image concerns, with a testicular prosthesis (TP) as a potential solution. Data on regret regarding synchronous TP placement are limited. We investigated postoperative patient-reported satisfaction and decision regret after unilateral orchiectomy for TC with or without synchronous TP placement.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 142 cN0M0 TC patients who underwent orchiectomy at two tertiary-referral academic centers between 2014 and 2023. A synchronous TP was proposed in all cases. In October 2024, patients completed a decision regret scale and questions on TP placement and satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for the analysis.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Sixty-one (43%) patients had synchronous TP placement. Patients with a TP more frequently reported that their decision was correct (p < 0.01), they had less regret (p = 0.01), and they would have repeated the same choice (p = 0.02). Patients without a TP more frequently reported that they were still missing the removed testicle and they felt ashamed about their body image (all p < 0.01). Partner’s complaints about patient’s body image were more common in men without a TP (p = 0.01). A multivariable analysis showed that TP placement (odds ratio 0.4, p = 0.03) was associated with less regret. This study may have selection biases, and larger, multicentric studies are needed.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patients with synchronous TP placement reported higher satisfaction, less negative body image, lower partner disappointment, and less regret than those without a TP. Preoperative counseling should emphasize long-term satisfaction with a TP.

PMID:40545427 | DOI:10.1016/j.euf.2025.05.015

J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Jun 21;44(1):216. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-00923-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Achieving the sustainable development goal target 3.4 requires an all-hand-on-deck approach. Healthcare professionals are expected to provide health advice on lifestyle changes that will reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases, or improve the quality of life of those who already have the condition. The study examined the prevalence and correlates of receiving health advice among adults in Cape Verde.

METHODS: We analyzed the data 1,098 adults aged 18-69 years who participated in the 2020 WHO STEPS survey. All estimates were weighted. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess correlates of receiving at least one health advice. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, with 95% confidence intervals reported.

RESULTS: Overall, 60.4% (95%CI: 55.3, 62.3) of adults in Cape Verde had received at least one health advice. Compared to younger adults (< 30 years), individuals aged 30-59 years having 1.55 times higher odds (AOR = 1.55, 95%CI: 1.11-2.15) and those aged 60 years and older having nearly three times the odds (AOR = 2.93, 95%CI: 1.71-5.02) of receiving advice. Previously married (AOR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.09-2.61) and cohabiting individuals had higher odds (AOR = 1.56, 95%CI: 1.12-2.18) of receiving advice compared to those who were never married. Alcohol consumption was inversely associated with receiving advice, as drinkers had 40% lower odds of receiving advice compared to non-drinkers (AOR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.45-0.81). Individuals consuming fewer than four servings of fruit per day had significantly lower odds of receiving advice (AOR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.37-0.90), while those consuming fewer than four servings of vegetables per day had 1.41 times higher odds (AOR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.06-1.88). The likelihood of receiving health advice was high among those living with hypertension (AOR = 1.94, 95%CI: 1.41-2.65).

CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study suggests that there is a moderately high prevalence of receiving health advice in Cape Verde. The key correlates are hypertension status, increasing age, marital status, alcohol consumption and dietary habits. The findings underscore the need for targeted health education and counseling strategies that address the unique needs of different population subgroups, particularly younger adults, non-drinkers, and those with suboptimal dietary habits, to ensure equitable access to health advice.

PMID:40544311 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-025-00923-1

Trials. 2025 Jun 21;26(1):216. doi: 10.1186/s13063-025-08901-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates of up to 40% due to multiple organ dysfunction. Systemic inflammatory response plays a key role in the pathophysiology and progression of this disease. Therefore, anti-inflammatory drugs can be considered as augmentation therapy for the management of the early phase of inflammation in septic patients, along with appropriate antimicrobial therapy and source control. Experimental studies suggest the beneficial effects of colchicine in animal septic models. However, the clinical effects of colchicine in the setting of sepsis have not been investigated yet.

METHODS: This prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial will be conducted at Imam Reza Hospital, the largest northwest referral hospital, in Tabriz, Iran. A total of 44 patients aged 18 to 80 years with sepsis diagnosis will be randomized 1:1 to receive colchicine 1 mg daily or placebo for 10 days. The primary outcome is interleukin-6 (IL-6) changes from the baseline through day 4. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and qSOFA scores will be evaluated at baseline, day 4, and day 10. Patients will be assessed regarding the need for supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor from the randomization through day 4 and day 10.

DISCUSSION: The Colchicine IN Sepsis (COLINS) trial will be the first to investigate colchicine’s efficacy versus placebo in sepsis patients. The results of this trial will be a step forward in treating patients with sepsis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial ID: IRCTID: IRCT20231017059748N1. Registration date: 21 October 2023. https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/73232 .

PMID:40544304 | DOI:10.1186/s13063-025-08901-y

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Jun 21;25(1):956. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-06360-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Implant placement in the posterior maxilla is challenging, so modifications of the surgical techniques were introduced to overcome these challenges. The undersized drilling technique uses a final drill smaller than the diameter of the implant. The single drilling technique is a simplified method where the osteotomy is made using a single drill without sequential widening. This study was directed to evaluate the peri-implant bone behavior of the undersized drilling technique versus the single drilling technique of immediately loaded dental implants inserted in the posterior maxilla.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 32 patients were selected for prosthetic replacement of a missing maxillary posterior single tooth by an immediately loaded dental implant and divided randomly into two equal groups. In Group I: 16 patients received 16 implants using the undersized drilling technique, while in Group II: 16 patients received 16 implants using the single drilling technique. Insertion torque, implant stability, modified sulcus bleeding index (mBI), peri-implant probing depth, bone density, and marginal bone height were evaluated for both groups. Statistical analysis was made for clinical and radiographic data.

RESULTS: 32 implants were inserted in the posterior maxilla. During a 12-month follow-up, every dental implant was successful with no complications. Both techniques showed high insertion torque (≥ 35 Ncm) and primary stability (> 70 ISQ) with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Also, there were no significant differences between the study groups regarding peri-implant soft tissue health, bone density, and marginal bone loss (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Both techniques revealed comparable, promising clinical and radiographic outcomes over a 12-month post-loading follow-up period when the immediate loading protocol was used in the posterior maxilla, where bone density is poor, but preparing the implant bed using the single drilling technique offers several merits for both the patient and clinician. In addition to avoiding excessive heat generation, mechanical damage, and high frictional forces during drilling procedures, surgical operations, and surgical site exposure take less time.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical-Trials.gov PRS ( https://register.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov ) had this study registered under the identifier number. NCT06770231 on 01/01/2025.

PMID:40544298 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-06360-0

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Jun 21;25(1):957. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-06372-w.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of fully guided botulinum toxin (BTX) injection in lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) using muscle segmentation technique and compare it with electromyography (EMG) for management of symptomatic disc displacement with reduction (DDWR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) included 20 patients suffering from DDWR. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups receiving BTX injection in LPM using fully guided technique of muscle segmentation for LPM in group I (study) while using EMG in group II (control). Evaluation was done for disc position after 3 months and for maximum interincisal opening (MIO), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and LPM tenderness, and clicking after 1,3 and 6 months.

RESULTS: Maximum interincisal opening showed reduction at 1-month follow-up, followed by significant improvement in both groups. Significant disappearance of clicking, reduction in LPM and TMJ tenderness and disc position reduction were detected in both groups. However, the difference between both groups was not statistically significant except in LPM tenderness, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of group I at 3-and 6- month follow-up.

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the fully guided technique using muscle segmentation is a viable, cost-effective and reproducible alternative to EMG for BTX injection in LPM.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The fully guided technique by muscle segmentation in LPM is as effective as EMG, providing 3D virtual augmented environment of the muscle with its surrounding skeletal and dental structures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This prospective RCT has been retrospectively registered at Clinical Trials.gov with identification number: NCT06633445, 2024-10-01.

PMID:40544291 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-06372-w

Anim Microbiome. 2025 Jun 21;7(1):70. doi: 10.1186/s42523-025-00436-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Animals coexist with complex microbiota, including bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotes (e.g., fungi, protists, and helminths). While high-throughput sequencing is commonly used to characterize bacterial communities in animal microbiota, these methods are less often applied to gut eukaryotic composition. Here we used shotgun metagenomic sequencing to characterize eukaryotic diversity in the microbiomes of wild baboons and tested the degree to which eukaryotic community composition was predicted by host social group membership, sex, age, sequencing depth, and season of sample collection.

RESULTS: We analyzed a total of 75 fecal samples collected in 2012 and 2014 from 73 wild baboons in the Amboseli ecosystem in Kenya. DNA from these samples was subjected to shotgun metagenomic sequencing, revealing members of the kingdoms Protista, Chromista, and Fungi in 90.7%, 46.7%, and 20.3% of all samples, respectively (percentages indicate the percent of samples in which each kingdom was observed). Social group membership explained 11.2% of the global diversity in gut eukaryotic species composition, but we did not detect statistically significant effects of season, host age, or host sex. Across samples, the most prevalent protists were Entamoeba coli (74.66% of samples), Enteromonas hominis (53.33% of samples), and Blastocystis subtype 3 (38.66% of samples), while the most prevalent fungi included Pichia manshurica (14.66% of samples), and Ogataea naganishii (6.66% of samples).

CONCLUSIONS: Protista, Chromista, and Fungi are common members of the gut microbiome of wild baboons. More work on eukaryotic members of primate gut microbiota is important for primate health monitoring and management strategies.

PMID:40544290 | DOI:10.1186/s42523-025-00436-6

Cancer Imaging. 2025 Jun 21;25(1):78. doi: 10.1186/s40644-025-00901-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy and cryoablation are commonly used techniques for diagnosing and treating pulmonary malignant tumors. Performing these procedures simultaneously allows for tissue diagnosis while potentially offering therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to evaluate whether the efficacy and safety of simultaneous percutaneous CT-guided biopsy and cryoablation in managing pulmonary tumors suspected of malignancy are comparable to those of sequential procedures.

METHODS: This retrospective study involved 124 patients with 131 highly suspicious malignant pulmonary nodules. Patients either underwent synchronous percutaneous core-needle biopsy and cryoablation (Group A) or separately underwent these procedures (Group B) from December 2020 to May 2024. All procedures were performed under CT guidance using a percutaneous approach. We analyzed technical success rates, complications, diagnostic yield, and local tumor control.

RESULTS: Technical success rates were 100% in both groups. The rate of pneumothorax was 42.1% (16/38) in Group A and 34.9% (30/86) in Group B. In Group A, hemoptysis and pleural effusion rates were 18.4% (7/38) and 23.7% (9/38), respectively, while in Group B, these rates were 16.3% (14/86) and 12.8% (11/86). These differences were not statistically significant. The diagnostic positive rate in Group A was 87.5%. The mean follow-up duration was 11.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.2-13.4), with local tumor control rates of 97% for Group A and 88% for Group B. The effectiveness rates of synchronous and separate procedures were similar.

CONCLUSION: Synchronous biopsy-ablation is an effective method for obtaining tumor pathology and local treatment of lung tumors simultaneously. It is a viable option for select patients where expedited diagnosis-therapy is clinically justified, particularly when molecular profiling is not immediately indicated.

PMID:40544289 | DOI:10.1186/s40644-025-00901-0