Nevin Manimala

mSystems. 2026 Feb 20:e0118325. doi: 10.1128/msystems.01183-25. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Bloodstream infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Our understanding of S. aureus survival and persistence in human serum, a cell-free fraction of blood hostile for bacteria, is still limited. Here, we applied multivariate data integration methods and network analysis to a multi-omic data set generated from five clinically prevalent S. aureus genotypes exposed to human serum. We observed, and then confirmed using isogenic mutants the significant roles of gapdhB, sucA, sirA, sstD, and perR in bacterial survival in serum. These data show that metabolic versatility in carbon source usage, iron transport, and resistance to oxidative stress is interlinked and central to S. aureus fitness in serum, representing potential S. aureus vulnerabilities that could be exploited therapeutically.IMPORTANCEBloodstream infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are associated with mortality rates of up to 30%. However, the molecular mechanisms that enable this pathogen to survive in human serum-a nutrient-limited and immunologically hostile environment-remain poorly understood. By integrating multi-omic data from five clinically relevant S. aureus genotypes and validating key signatures using mutants, we identified conserved genetic determinants critical for bacterial survival in serum. Our findings highlight the interconnected roles of carbohydrate metabolic flexibility, iron acquisition, and oxidative stress resistance in shaping S. aureus adaptation to serum. This work advances our understanding of microbial strategies to survive in the bloodstream and demonstrates the potential of multi-omic integration to uncover therapeutic vulnerabilities in bacterial pathogens.

PMID:41718494 | DOI:10.1128/msystems.01183-25

Cardiovasc J Afr. 2025 Oct 17;36(4):462-466. doi: 10.5830/CVJA-2025-064. Epub 2025 Oct 17.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an important health problem and accurate prognostic evaluations are critical. We aimed to investigate the association between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and coronary complexity in stable CAD patients.

METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 247 stable CAD patients. The patient group was classified into two groups; group 1: SYNTAX 0, group 2: SYNTAX ≥1. TyG index levels were analysed in these groups.

RESULTS: A total of 247 patients were included in the study. Group 1 included 106 patients and, group 2 included 141 patients. Mean age was 68.9 ± 10.6 and 52.2% was male. TyG index was statistically significantly higher in group 2 (p < 0.001).Correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between the TyG index and SYNTAX score (r = 0.303, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: It was observed that high TyG index values increased the complexity of lesions in coronary arteries. The TyG index may be used to determine the prognosis of patients.

PMID:41718469 | DOI:10.5830/CVJA-2025-064

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2026 Feb 20. doi: 10.1002/jmri.70269. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ankle cartilage is prone to degeneration due to overuse. Developing a non-invasive MRI technique to detect early running-induced lesions enables timely intervention.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of the ultrashort echo time magnetization transfer (UTE-MT) sequence in monitoring tibiotalar cartilage changes in amateur marathon runners before and after a marathon.

STUDY TYPE: Prospective.

SUBJECTS: Thirty amateur marathon runners (25 males, 5 females; range: 24-50 years).

SEQUENCE: 3D UTE-MT (gradient-echo), 3D UTE-T2* (gradient-echo).

ASSESSMENT: MRI scans at three time points: 1 week pre-marathon, 2 days post-marathon, and 4 weeks post-marathon. Medial and lateral tibiotalar cartilage was subdivided into 12 subregions, consisting of anterior, middle, and posterior segments for the tibial and talus parts on each side. The UTE-MTR and UTE-T2* values were measured per subregion at each time point.

STATISTICAL TESTS: Repeated measures one-way ANOVA and the Tukey test. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Most cartilage subregions showed decreased UTE-MTR values 2 days post-marathon and increased after 4 weeks. Significant differences in UTE-MTR over time were observed in 9 subregions, including the medial and lateral anterior, middle, and posterior tibial cartilage (MTiA, MTiM, MTiP, LTiA, LTiM, LTiP), the medial and lateral posterior talus regions (MTaP, LTaP), and the medial middle talus cartilage (MTaM). Post hoc tests revealed significant UTE-MTR decreases 2 days post-marathon in all 9 regions (Rate: MTiA: -3.9%; MTiM: -2.8%; MTiP: -3.0%; MTaP: -4.5%; MTaM: -4.2%; LTiA: -3.5%; LTiM: -4.7%; LTiP: -5.8%; LTaP: -6.8%), with significant increases in MTiA (3.7%) and MTaM (4.4%) at 4 weeks. UTE-T2* values rose in most cartilage regions at 2 days post-marathon and continued increasing at 4 weeks. Only MTiP, LTiM, and LTaM showed significant changes.

DATA CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the UTE-MT sequence enables the quantitative assessment of dynamic changes in tibiotalar joint cartilage after a marathon.

TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.

PMID:41718463 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.70269

Pediatr Rep. 2026 Feb 12;18(1):29. doi: 10.3390/pediatric18010029.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Higher health literacy is associated with better health behaviors and better overall well-being; however, the contribution of relational and socio-economic factors to this association remains insufficiently explored. The present study aimed to examine the relationships between health literacy, well-being, social support, and stress among adolescents. In particular, the mediating roles of social support (family, peers, and teachers) and stress in the association between health literacy and well-being were analyzed.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2022 wave of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, an international survey conducted every four years in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and implemented according to a standardized protocol. The sample comprised 7643 students from the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades of Portuguese public schools. Of the participants, 53.9% were female, and the mean age was 15.05 years (SD = 2.36). Gender-based comparisons indicated statistically significant differences for all study variables, with the exception of health literacy.

RESULTS: Mediation analysis reveals an effect of health literacy on well-being. After the inclusion of the mediating variables, the direct effect of health literacy on lack of well-being remained negative. All four mediators showed statistically significant indirect effects, accounting for the difference between the total and direct effects. These findings indicate that the association between health literacy and lack of well-being was partially mediated by family support, peer support, relationships with teachers, and stress. Health literacy influenced lack of well-being both directly and indirectly through these mediating pathways, with stress emerging as the strongest indirect contributor.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings support an ecological interpretation of health literacy and well-being, as these constructs are embedded within multiple interacting systems. Individual adolescent characteristics, such as gender, age, and stress management, are interconnected with interpersonal contexts, including relationships with family members, peers, and teachers. In addition, adolescents’ socio-economic circumstances appear to play a relevant role in shaping both health literacy and perceptions of well-being.

PMID:41718441 | DOI:10.3390/pediatric18010029

Pediatr Rep. 2026 Feb 5;18(1):27. doi: 10.3390/pediatric18010027.

ABSTRACT

Background/Objectives: High-quality pediatric emergency care requires timely access, effective communication, privacy, pain management, comfort, and child- and family-centered practices; however, implementation may be constrained by several barriers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of pediatric emergency care as perceived by healthcare professionals, with emphasis on child-centered care and variations based on workplace and professional characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed in the emergency departments in two tertiary public pediatric hospitals in Athens, Greece. A study-developed 14-item Quality of Care Assessment Scale with paired ratings of agreement with quality principles and implementation in practice was completed by 162 professionals (122 doctors, 24 nurses, 16 assistant nurses). Independent items evaluated perceived barriers, overall assessments (0-100), and information provided to parents/children (5-point Likert scale). Inferential tests and descriptive statistics were also used (p < 0.05). Results: There was a significant degree of agreement with quality principles, but there was a constant lack of implementation (principle-practice gap). The primary perceived weakness was waiting times; child-friendly settings and privacy during examinations and information-giving were also lacking. Internal consistency ranged from good to acceptable (implementation α = 0.800; agreement α = 0.711). Children were most frequently rated as “moderately informed” (48.1%), while parents were most frequently rated as “quite informed” (50.0%). Compared to the organization of care (mean 60.85), perceived safety was higher (mean 73.27). Perceptions varied by age, educational level, profession, department, shift rotations, and hospital. The main barriers were workload (30.2%), poor coordination (34.0%), and lack of resources (46.9%). Conclusions: Health professionals seem to perceive that consistent delivery of child-centered care is impaired by organizational and structural limitations. Reducing the standards-to-practice gap requires targeted system-level interventions that focus on staffing, care organization, environment, and professional support.

PMID:41718439 | DOI:10.3390/pediatric18010027

Pediatr Rep. 2026 Feb 5;18(1):26. doi: 10.3390/pediatric18010026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which peer attitudes and school experiences play an important role in social inclusion and academic adjustment. Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common in secondary school populations, adolescents’ own knowledge and attitudes toward ADHD remain underexplored, particularly in non-Anglophone contexts. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes toward ADHD among Greek secondary school students, focusing on awareness of the disorder, perceptions of ADHD-related classroom behaviors, and views on educational support and intervention.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 154 adolescents aged 12-18 years attending Gymnasium (Grades 7-9) and Lyceum (Grades 10-12) in Greece. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire assessing prior awareness of ADHD, perceptions of classroom behaviors associated with ADHD, attitudes toward inclusion and teacher support, and views on educational and therapeutic interventions. Adolescents with and without a self-reported ADHD diagnosis completed different questionnaire sections according to study design. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis.

RESULTS: Approximately two thirds of participants (66.9%) reported prior awareness of ADHD. Among typically developing adolescents (n = 134), 83.0% recognized distractibility due to external noise, 70.4% noted off-topic interruptions, and 60.0% reported peers getting up without permission. While 75.5% believed students with ADHD can participate in the classroom, 65.9% also reported academic challenges such as incomplete homework or lower performance. Overall, 79.2% of participants stated that school success depends on teacher and specialist support; however, among adolescents with ADHD (n = 20), only 60.0% endorsed this, with 40.0% emphasizing personal effort. Speech-language therapy was viewed as helpful by 55.6% of typically developing adolescents, though 76.9% of adolescents with ADHD reported not receiving such services.

CONCLUSIONS: Greek adolescents demonstrate moderate awareness of ADHD and generally supportive attitudes toward peers with ADHD, alongside some uncertainty regarding available educational supports. Schools may represent an important context for improving adolescents’ mental health literacy and understanding of ADHD-related support options.

PMID:41718438 | DOI:10.3390/pediatric18010026

Pediatr Rep. 2026 Feb 4;18(1):23. doi: 10.3390/pediatric18010023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a critical stage for establishing lifelong dietary habits and preventing non-communicable diseases through adequate intake of bioactive compounds. Numerous studies have thoroughly examined the antioxidant profile of traditional diets such as the Mediterranean diet. In contrast, current research provides limited insights into the antioxidant properties of foods typically consumed by Mexican adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: So, this study aimed to quantify the total phenolic compound (TPC) content and antioxidant capacity (AC) of frequently consumed foods and to estimate dietary intake in Mexican adolescents.

METHODOLOGY: The selected food groups were identified based on their frequency of consumption by 15% or more of the adolescent population, considering those that have demonstrated a sufficient quantity of antioxidants. It was analyzed TPC and ABTS•⁺ and DPPH• to determine the antiradical activity of the analyzed samples.

RESULTS: The estimated daily intake of TPC was 1484.01 mg GAE/person, while AC intake was 345.67 mg AAE/person (ABTS•⁺) and 5399.14 µmol TE/person (DPPH•). Cereals and fruits were the major contributors to total antioxidant intake, while the contribution of leafy vegetables and nuts was relatively low. The statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between TPC and AC. The results of the study indicate the antioxidant potential of the adolescent diet.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite certain limitations, the values obtained from the study are comparable to those of other studies that employed similar methodologies. Consequently, promoting the early consumption of fresh plant-based foods rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which can enhance the dietary profile and contribute to adolescents’ long-term health, constitutes a significant area of research.

PMID:41718435 | DOI:10.3390/pediatric18010023

Pediatr Rep. 2026 Feb 3;18(1):21. doi: 10.3390/pediatric18010021.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to establish diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for common pediatric nuclear medicine (NM) procedures performed within the Dubai Health sector. The established DRLs will serve as a benchmark for pediatric NM practice, supporting standardized healthcare delivery and guiding ongoing quality improvement and internal audit activities. Patient dose survey data were collected from the solo NM center within the Dubai Health sector. The study included common scintigraphy procedures using gamma cameras and the hybrid positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) procedures. Scintigraphy procedures include the dynamic and static renal scans, and ocular eye scans. The hybrid PET/CT procedures entail tumor/infection and neuroendocrine scans. Patient demographics, administered activities, CT doses, and study description were recorded. Both weight bands of <5, 5-<15, 15-<30, 30-<50, and 50-<80 kg, and age bands of <1, 1-<5, 5-<10, and 10-<15 years were considered. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the 25th percentile, median and 75th percentile of the dose distribution. The median value was used to establish the DRLs for the Dubai Health sector. The analyses revealed significant variation in the administered activities across the different pediatric NM procedures. The proposed DRLs for various pediatric NM procedures for the weight band 15-<30 kg are as follows: renal dynamic 98.4 MBq, renal static 96.2 MBq, ocular eyes 18.5 MBq, tumor/infection 155 MBq, and neuroendocrine 80 MBq. This work provides the first pediatric NM DRLs for the Dubai Health sector, offering a key reference for developing the local DRLs for the Emirate of Dubai. The findings indicate that achieving meaningful dose optimization will require systematic revision of existing imaging protocols, with targeted parameter adjustments informed by continuous dose monitoring and benchmarking to enhance patient safety and overall diagnostic quality.

PMID:41718433 | DOI:10.3390/pediatric18010021

Pediatr Rep. 2026 Jan 19;18(1):13. doi: 10.3390/pediatric18010013.

ABSTRACT

Background/Objectives: The effects of online physical activity (PA) interventions on executive function (EF) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms are promising; nonetheless, their benefits for Latinx youth remain unclear. Methods: This study explores levels of adherence, cognitive and behavioral outcomes and acceptability of an online PA intervention, Zing Performance, among a Latinx youth sample; only a few of the participants completed their condition (n = 6). Results: There was wide variability in adherence levels at mid-treatment (n = 5) and high-level adherence at post-treatment (n = 2). A Mann-Whitney test yielded a statistically significant (p = 0.004) improvement in the treatment group’s inattention symptoms at mid-treatment (n = 5), compared to the Waitlist Control; (WLC; n = 6). EF and hyperactivity/impulsivity were not significantly different. Further, pre-, mid- and post-participant trajectory data revealed that one participant benefited significantly from treatment, one participant demonstrated little to no response to treatment, and most of the WLC participants remained in the severity ranges throughout the 12 weeks. The parents of the two children who completed treatment reported high levels of acceptability informally and on the quantitative measure. Conclusions: Exploratory findings support further investigation of Zing among Latinx families with cultural consideration to study procedures. The lessons learned from this study are valuable for future research procedures and interventions with this marginalized population.

PMID:41718425 | DOI:10.3390/pediatric18010013

Epigenomes. 2026 Feb 13;10(1):12. doi: 10.3390/epigenomes10010012.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with reduced incidence of non-communicable diseases and reduced overall mortality, with epigenomic effects representing plausible mediators. The aim of this pilot study was to explore potential epigenetic associations between DNA methylation markers in blood and adherence to an MD in pregnancy.

METHODS: Fifty-two pregnant women with high or low adherence to an MD throughout pregnancy, who participated in the BioMood ORIGINS study, were selected using an extremes-of-exposure design. DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles from whole blood were generated using the TWIST human methylome panel. We conducted both genome-wide and candidate gene-based differential methylation analyses to identify epigenetic variations between the study groups. Furthermore, we explored potential associations between blood methylation patterns and circulating inflammatory markers (GlycA, GlycB and SPC) previously observed to exhibit differential abundance in the same cohort of women.

RESULTS: There were no genome-wide significant differences in methylated dinucleotides between MD groups (p-value < 5 × 10^-8); however, a region-based analysis identified 2210 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) (FDR < 0.05, absolute maximum logFC > 1) annotated to 1537 genes, significantly enriched in metabolic, inflammatory and neuronal signaling pathways. Leveraging publicly available data, we replicated nine novel DMR associations. Changes in circulating phospholipid inflammatory markers were significantly associated with a small methylation difference in Lipin-1 (LPIN1), albeit with a small effect size (p-value < 5 × 10^-8). A look-up analysis of previously reported MD-associated genes in this cohort detected small but statistically significantly different methylation of CpGs located within collagen type XVIII alpha 1 (COL18A1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 beta (PPARGC1B) gene regions.

CONCLUSIONS: We provide preliminary evidence for modest methylation changes in specific genes associated with adherence to an MD.

PMID:41718410 | DOI:10.3390/epigenomes10010012