Tag: pubmed

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 10;15(1):12293. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96305-y.

ABSTRACT

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of seismic activity and structural characteristics in Shandong Province, China, with a focus on identifying seismic belts and potential epicentral zones critical for regional seismic safety. A detailed database was developed, integrating regional seismicity statistics, earthquake distribution patterns, significant geotectonic movements, and recent neotectonic activities. The results reveal that seismic activity in Shandong is heterogeneously distributed, with moderate to strong earthquakes predominantly associated with active fault zones and exhibiting zonal clustering. Earthquakes are generally shallow, occurring within the middle to upper crust, with historical destructive events averaging a focal depth of 19 km, while recent minor seismic events average 14.9 km in depth. These activities span North China Plain and Tan-Lu Seismic Statistical Areas. Projections indicate sustained or heightened seismic activity over the next century, with the potential for earthquakes up to magnitude 5. The geological framework is dominated by Luxi Fault Block and Tan-Lu Fault Zone, characterized by episodic uplift and subsidence driven by neotectonic movements. The prevailing horizontal tectonic stress regime supports the likelihood of strike-slip faulting as the predominant mechanism.

PMID:40210951 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96305-y

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 10;15(1):12337. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96133-0.

ABSTRACT

A nexus of natural and human variables mediate the success of non-native species that threaten global biodiversity and ecological stability. However, the relative importance and interplays among relevant factors has not been holistically approached. To identify spatial differences and potential connections in relevant natural and human drivers, we analyzed the number of non-native species established in European countries using a newly collated database of established non-native species. We employ a series of broadscale national predictors classified into ‘research’, ‘economy’, ‘environment & culture’, and ‘land-use’ to predict successful establishment. Our null models, which assume the distribution of non-native species mirrors that of each predictor, accurately predicted non-native species numbers across European countries. However, a few countries were identified as outliers, having significantly over- or underrepresented non-native species numbers based on adjusted quasi-Poisson distribution quantiles. A network analysis of non-native species compositions identified these regions to be central hubs (e.g. Germany, France, and Switzerland), but also highlighted distinct spatial similarities across European countries. Combinations of the predictors ‘economy’, ‘research’, and ‘environment & culture’ explained the largest shares of differences in the number of established non-native species among European countries as well as their reporting rates over time. Individual drivers alone were insufficient to wholly explain national differences, whereas interacting driver categories ultimately accounted for the largest shares of variance. This analysis demonstrates the breadth of predictors that mediate successful establishment, and particularly highlights the relevance of overlooked historical-cultural facets affecting biological invasions.

PMID:40210947 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96133-0

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 11;15(1):12375. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96460-2.

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study was to explore the impact of psychological resilience on the QOL of cancer patients and the multiple mediating roles of stigma and self-perceived burden. This study utilized a cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of 364 cancer patients selected by convenience sampling method between November 2022 and May 2023 in two tertiary hospitals in Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province. All participants volunteered to participate in the study and signed an informed consent form. Data were collected using questionnaires. The questionnaires included the General Information Questionnaire, the Psychological Resilience Scale, the Stigma Scale, the Self-Perceived Burden Scale, and the Quality of Life Questionnaire. SPSS 25.0 and PROCESS 3.5 macros were employed for description statistics and related analyses of the data, as well as multiple mediation effect tests. Psychological resilience directly affects QOL (β = 0.929, 95% CI 0.729-1.130) and indirectly through three mediating pathways: stigma (β = 0.275, 95% CI 0.154-0.398, 19.76% of total effect), self-perceived burden (β = 0.115, 95% CI 0.046-0.205, 8.26% of total effect), and both stigma and self-perceived burden (β = 0.073, 95% CI 0.029-0.132, 5.24% of total effect), accounting for 33.26% of the overall mediated effect. Stigma and self-perceived burden act as mediators in influencing psychological resilience and QOL of cancer patients. Enhancing psychological resilience and reducing stigma and self-perceived burden is crucial for improving their QOL.

PMID:40210934 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96460-2

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 10;15(1):12289. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96347-2.

ABSTRACT

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and ranks as the fourth most common cancer, as well as a major cause of cancer deaths among women globally. Despite initiatives by the World Health Organization to reduce cervical cancer incidence through vaccination, screening, and treatment, significant inequalities in healthcare access persist, particularly in low-income regions where economic and infrastructural barriers hinder access to screening services. Therefore, this study aimed to examine wealth-related inequalities in cervical cancer screening among women in Sub-Saharan African countries. The study analyzed 138,605 weighted samples of reproductive-aged women from DHS data spanning 2015 to 2023 across SSA countries. To assess socioeconomic-related inequality in cervical cancer screening uptake, the Erreygers normalized concentration index and its concentration curve were utilized. Additionally, a decomposition analysis was conducted to identify factors contributing to this inequality. The weighted Erreygers normalized concentration index was 0.25 with a standard error of 0.0078 (P value < 0.0001), indicating a statistically significant pro-rich distribution of wealth-related inequalities in cervical cancer screening uptake among reproductive-aged women. The decomposition analysis identified media exposure (20%), wealth index (15.58%), educational status (6.23%), and place of residence (2.18%) significantly contribute to screening inequalities. To address cervical cancer screening disparities in SSA, targeted strategies such as awareness campaigns for low-income groups, free screening services, mobile units in rural areas, and health literacy programs are recommended. Training community health workers and policy advocacy are also crucial. Comprehensive interventions should enhance media outreach, health education, and healthcare accessibility in both urban and rural areas to ensure equitable screening rates.

PMID:40210933 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96347-2

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 10;15(1):12277. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96275-1.

ABSTRACT

Hypothermia remains a leading contributing factor to neonatal mortality. This study reports testing of a thermoregulatory device-‘Thermal Jacket’ that includes a reusable chemical warming pad (CWP) and an insulating jacket designed for hypothermia management. The laboratory experiments were conducted in two distinct phases between February’21 and June’22. In phase 1, a ternary composite of Sodium-Acetate-Trihydrate, Glycerol, Paraffin, and water contained in a high-density polyethylene-pouch named ‘CWP’ was finalised, and an insulating jacket was designed for targeted heat retention. In phase 2, the device’s efficacy was evaluated using a mannequin in a controlled setting. The sample size was 81 events. Welch’s t-test, ANOVA, and GEE were used to assess any significant differences between successful and failed events. Among 81 events, approximately 93% events of CWP and 98% events of insulating jacket successfully maintained temperature within 36-38°C for 120 minutes. Moreover, ambient temperature, reuse of CWPs, humidity did not have any significant effect on the success rate of the CWP and insulating jacket. Thermal Jacket had achieved and sustained the temperature range of 36-38°C for 2 hours. While this study used mannequin, clinical trial with preterm or low birthweight neonates is imperative to assess its effectiveness for thermal care management.

PMID:40210918 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-96275-1

ESMO Open. 2025 Apr 9;10(4):104543. doi: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2025.104543. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Germline (likely) pathogenic variants (PVs) are identified in 5%-10% of patients with breast cancer (BC) and play a critical role in guiding clinical management, including the use of targeted therapies such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi). High-risk genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2, and moderate-risk genes such as CHEK2 and ATM, influence BC risk and treatment decisions. This study evaluates the prevalence and clinical impact of PVs in a large consecutive cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 912 individuals with BC who underwent germline testing at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona from 2016 to 2023. Genetic testing for 14 BC and Lynch syndrome genes was carried out using the TruSight Hereditary Cancer Panel. Statistical analyses were carried out to assess associations between germline results and clinical characteristics, including eligibility for PARPi therapy.

RESULTS: Of the 912 individuals, 129 (14.1%) had a PV, with BRCA2 (31.8%) and BRCA1 (24%) being the most frequently altered genes. Additionally, 16.2% carried variants of uncertain significance, most commonly in ATM and BRCA2 genes. Patients with PV were younger compared with PV-negative individuals (median age: 43.5 versus 48.2 years, P = 0.006), more likely to have bilateral BC (13.3% versus 5.8%, P = 0.002), and more frequently diagnosed with triple-negative BC (TNBC; 28.7% versus 20.8%, P = 0.046). Of those with PVs, 39.1% completed a bilateral mastectomy, 36.7% had a risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, and 22.7% had both surgeries. PV detection was associated with higher stages at diagnosis (stage IV: 13.0% versus 5.9%, P < 0.001). In the metastatic cohort, 12.9% received PARPi therapy, with 80.7% harboring BRCA1/2 PVs. In early BC, 13.1% met the criteria for adjuvant PARPi.

CONCLUSIONS: The identification of germline PVs significantly influences surgical decisions and systemic therapies. Genetic testing for patients with BC optimizes care, particularly in selecting candidates for PARPi in both early and advanced BC, improving management and prevention strategies.

PMID:40209283 | DOI:10.1016/j.esmoop.2025.104543

Nurse Educ. 2025 Apr 10. doi: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000001869. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite playing an important role in patient care and advocacy, nurses are consistently underrepresented and quoted in <4% of health care media coverage. Media training may address this gap.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to develop, implement, and evaluate a media training program to assess whether, after program completion, nurses experience improvements in belief, understanding, confidence, and commitment toward media engagement.

METHODS: A program was developed based on the 10 published media competencies for nurses and assessed using Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model. A prospective pre-post observational study design was used.

FINDINGS: Participants self-reported improvement in all measured categories. Paired t-tests showed statistical significance in understanding the media’s benefit in promoting population health (P = .026) and increased confidence in performing necessary media skills (P = .0005).

CONCLUSION: Developing a media training program for nurses is a critical first step. The findings underscore the importance of equipping nurses with the skills and confidence necessary for impactful media engagement.

PMID:40209267 | DOI:10.1097/NNE.0000000000001869

Gac Med Mex. 2024;160(6):613-618. doi: 10.24875/GMM.24000311.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is associated with 20% rate of long-term disability. This study explores the pathophysiology of GBS and the mechanism of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels following IVIg administration are linked to improved recovery of independent walking at 6 months.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retro-prospective observational study was conducted. IgG levels were measured before treatment, 7- and 30-days post-initiation. Binary regression analysis assessed the impact of individual factors on prognosis and sequelae. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate the proportion of patients who couldn´t walk unaided.

RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included. The mean baseline IgG level was 832.25 mg/dl, increasing to 3053.48 mg/dl at 7 days and decreasing to 1091.72 mg/dl at 30 days. IgG increases at 7 days were categorized into quartiles. Patients with a low increase in IgG levels (< 1945.5 mg/dl) at 7 days exhibited more severe clinical manifestations, including greater needs for invasive mechanical ventilation and increased autonomic dysfunction. Also had poorer walking outcomes at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Lower increase in IgG levels at 7 days post-treatment is associated with a worse prognosis at 6 months, including a reduced likelihood of walking unaided.

PMID:40209256 | DOI:10.24875/GMM.24000311

Gac Med Mex. 2024;160(6):578-584. doi: 10.24875/GMM.M24000907.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) being a leading cause of blindness. Identifying the risk factors for patients with a higher risk of vision loss is crucial.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors for urgent referrals in diabetic patients through an ophthalmic examination program.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specific criteria for urgent referral were established to facilitate attendance. Risk factors related to urgent referral were evaluated in a multiple logistic regression model.

RESULTS: A total of 1,265 patients were screened. 678 (54%) had DR, 245 (19.4%) had diabetic macular edema, and 124 (10%) had visually significant cataracts. 399 (31.4%) patients needed urgent referral. Significant risk factors for urgent referral were 10 to 20 years from diabetes diagnosis (OR = 5.71, p < 0.001), more than 20 years from diabetes diagnosis (OR = 15.36, p < 0.001), high systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.66 per mmHg, p = 0.003), and high HbA1c (OR = 1.15, p = 0.002), after adjusting for sex and age.

CONCLUSIONS: A third of the patients require urgent referral. Main causes of urgent referral were DME, severe or worse DR, cataract and high intraocular pressure. Principal risk factors were diabetes duration, systolic blood pressure and HbA1c.

PMID:40209252 | DOI:10.24875/GMM.M24000907

Gac Med Mex. 2024;160(6):627-638. doi: 10.24875/GMM.M24000956.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In higher education institutions, the analysis of academic trajectories is key to evaluating training, which can generate interventions to promote regularity and improve terminal efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the differences in the academic trajectories of the student body of the 2001 to 2018 generations of the medical degree at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal comparative study was conducted with 18,739 UNAM Faculty of Medicine students, integrated by real cohorts from 2001 to 2018. Survival functions were adjusted with the KaplanMeier method and a Cox proportional hazards model was adjusted to evaluate the effect of sex and high school of origin. Failure in first-year students was also analyzed.

RESULTS: The study demonstrated that sex and baccalaureate history are variables that impact failure and consequently regularity and terminal efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS: Due to a lower failure rate, there is a higher regularity and terminal efficiency in men compared to women, and in those that were admitted from external baccalaureates or the National Preparatory School, compared to those from the College of Sciences and Humanities.

PMID:40209250 | DOI:10.24875/GMM.M24000956