Nevin Manimala

Cancer Med. 2026 Feb;15(2):e71566. doi: 10.1002/cam4.71566.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Identify factors influencing audiological care for chemotherapy-induced ototoxicity from the perspectives of oncology providers in the Veterans Health Administration (VA), and quantify audiology service use among Veterans receiving ototoxic chemotherapies.

METHODS: We surveyed VA oncology providers to identify barriers and facilitators to ototoxicity management (OtoM). We also conducted a VA-wide retrospective cohort analysis over a 5-year period to quantify audiology service use among Veterans who received cisplatin, carboplatin, or oxaliplatin chemotherapy.

RESULTS: A total of 30,643 Veterans received platinum-based chemotherapy from 2014 to 2019. Few of them (< 10% on cisplatin, < 5% on carboplatin or oxaliplatin) accessed audiology services within a year of treatment. Of the 8702 patients on cisplatin, only 9.6% had two or more audiology encounters. Thirty-six oncology providers completed our survey. Most providers believed OtoM should be routine for patients on cisplatin (97%) or carboplatin (70%), but they overestimated audiology service provision levels relative to our analysis. Most providers would consider giving a different chemotherapy drug (73%) or decrease the dose (56%) for patients with ototoxicity, yet only 36% routinely referred patients to audiology. Access, perceived need, and resources were major barriers to OtoM, while care coordination was a primary facilitator.

CONCLUSIONS: OtoM is a care-gap for Veterans with cancer, despite its perceived value to VA oncology providers. Cisplatin and carboplatin frequently add hearing loss and tinnitus to survivors’ treatment burdens. This study offers insights into oncology providers’ views on OtoM, guiding efforts to address the identified care gap.

PMID:41691610 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.71566

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2026 Feb 15;313(1):97. doi: 10.1007/s00404-026-08344-z.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between lipid levels and the severity of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its predictive value for pregnancy outcome.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 275 PCOS patients treated with ovulation induction therapy and 234 healthy controls (used only for baseline comparisons). Lipid levels were correlated with disease phenotype and sex hormones using Spearman/Pearson coefficients. Binary logistic regression and ROC curves assessed the predictive value of lipid levels for pregnancy failure.

RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in glycemic indexes (fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)) and sex hormone indexes (testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)). The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) were significantly elevated in patients with PCOS and were closely correlated with the severity of the disease. In addition, these four lipid parameters were significantly positively correlated with T, LH, FSH, and AMH, and significantly negatively correlated with E2. Elevated levels of T, LH, TG, LDL-C, and Apo B were independent risk factors for pregnancy failure after ovulation induction treatment. TG assisted in predicting pregnancy failure after ovulation induction therapy in PCOS patients with an AUC of 0.861 (sensitivity 75.61%, specificity 85.53%); LDL-C assisted in predicting pregnancy failure after ovulation induction therapy in PCOS patients with an AUC of 0.868 (sensitivity 75.61%, specificity 83.55%); and Apo B assisted in predicting pregnancy failure after ovulation induction therapy in PCOS patients with an AUC of 0.836 (sensitivity 74.80%, specificity 86.84%).

CONCLUSION: Lipid levels were significantly correlated with the severity of disease in PCOS patients, and TG, LDL-C, and Apo B levels assisted in predicting the occurrence of pregnancy failure after ovulation induction therapy.

PMID:41691582 | DOI:10.1007/s00404-026-08344-z

Discov Oncol. 2026 Feb 15. doi: 10.1007/s12672-026-04670-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: There is a need to assess the potential of blood-based biomarkers to detect treatment outcomes of cervical lesions. We determined the association between serum P16ink4A and FOXP3 concentrations and treatment outcomes of cervical lesions at a clinic in Southwestern Uganda.

METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, participants with cytologically and/or histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) (n = 90) and cervical cancer (CC) (n = 90) were monitored for 12 months. After consent, clinical and demographic data were recorded, blood was collected, and serum P16ink4A and FOXP3 were measured (quantitative ELISA) at baseline and 12 months post-treatment. With multinomial logistic regression, we determined the association between treatment outcomes and serum P16ink4A and FOXP3 concentrations in STATA 17 using P-values of < 0.05 as statistically significant.

RESULTS: Of the 180 participants initially enrolled, 62 returned for the 12-month follow-up assessment. At this time point, 47 participants presented with cleared lesions, 6 with persistent lesions, and 9 with progressed lesions. All participants exhibiting disease progression (n = 9) were CC cases, while 82.98% (39/47) of those with cleared lesions had LSIL. For raised (> 0.0545 ng/ml), relative to reduced serum FOXP3 (≤ 0.0545 ng/ml), the risk of progression relative to clearance of invasive cervical cancer would increase by 27.82. Also raised (> 0.946 ng/ml) relative to reduced (≤ 0.946 ng/ml) serum P16INK4A, the risk of persistence relative to clearance of low grade cervical lesions would increase by 5.16 times, given other variables remain constant.

CONCLUSION: Though results are not statistically significant and imprecise, serum FOXP3 and P16ink4A concentrations are likely associated with persistence and progression of cervical lesions. Their measurement may benefit the prognostic monitoring of cervical lesions.

PMID:41691576 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-026-04670-5

Orv Hetil. 2026 Feb 15;167(7):265-273. doi: 10.1556/650.2026.33467. Print 2026 Feb 15.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Childhood injuries are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide and in Hungary. The quality of first aid provided by laypeople has a fundamental impact on survival rates.

OBJECTIVE: To assess parents’ knowledge of first aid, to explore their need for further practical training, and to determine whom they consider the most reliable source of such knowledge.

METHOD: During our quantitative research conducted in Győr-Moson-Sopron county, we used a self-designed, online, anonymous questionnaire (n = 545) and performed descriptive statistical analyses. Associations were examined using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression (p<0.05).

RESULTS: The majority of parents (94.3%) possess basic, primarily theoretical first aid knowledge; however, this knowledge is often incomplete or outdated. The greatest deficiencies were in the practical application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in the airway obstruction caused by foreign bodies. The majority of respondents (93.4%) would be willing to learn from paramedics (84.9%), health visitor (60%), registered nurses (57.6%), physicians (56.4%). Based on the association analyses, first aid experience gained in real-life emergency situations was significantly associated with self-reported willingness to intervene (p = 0.012) as well as with a more favorable self-assessment of first aid competence (p<0.001). According to the results of the binary logistic regression, having an official, examination-based first aid qualification was an independent predictor of having provided first aid in a real-life emergency situation; among respondents without such qualification, the odds of providing first aid were reduced by approximately half (OR = 0.516; p = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.345-0.774).

CONCLUSION: The goal is to clarify the knowledge of parents and provide training in practical skills from professionals. Both formal first aid training and practical experience play a decisive role in shaping the willingness to intervene in real-life emergency situations as well as self-confidence. These findings support the need for structured, practice-oriented first aid education among parents. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(7): 265-273.

PMID:41691563 | DOI:10.1556/650.2026.33467

Reproduction. 2026 Feb 15:xaag025. doi: 10.1093/reprod/xaag025. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Evidence suggest that lipotoxicity can cause hyperandrogenesis, but little is known about the intra-ovarian environment of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and whether it displays features associated with lipotoxicity. The objective of this secondary analysis was to compare follicular fluid concentrations of testosterone, markers of lipid, lipid metabolism and inflammation between women with PCOS and without PCOS. We conducted a controlled cross-sectional study on 80 participants. Medical records were used to determine PCOS diagnosis: 15 women were identified as having PCOS, while 65 had a negative diagnosis. Inclusion criteria were 18 and 40 years old with a body mass index raging between 18 and 40 kg/m2. Follicular fluid was analysed for total testosterone, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides, NEFA metabolites (acylcarnitines and C16/C13 ratio) and inflammatory cytokines. Compared to women without PCOS, women with PCOS had increased follicular fluid levels of testosterone (7.08 nM vs 0.29 nM), triglycerides (0.30 nM vs 0.17 nM), palmitoylcarnitine (43.7 nM vs 28.4 nM) IL-6 (13.04 pg/mL vs 8.9 pg/mL), while TNF-α remained similar. These differences remained statistically different after adjustment for BMI, except for IL-6. These group differences were also confirmed in paired analyses of 13 BMI-matched pairs of PCOS vs non-PCOS women, exception made for IL-6. In conclusion, intra-ovarian inflammation, but more importantly, lipid overexposure, may play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, probably through lipotoxic effects.

PMID:41691561 | DOI:10.1093/reprod/xaag025

J Nurs Educ. 2026 Feb 18:1-4. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20250925-01. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Developing skills at each step of the research process is essential for understanding and utilizing evidence as a graduate nursing student. Opportunities to build these skills may be limited by a lack of structured research experiences and heavy clinical course loads. Incorporating a practice research project as part of the research class assists in achieving these competencies.

METHOD: Graduate nursing students in a research course used the Newest Vital Sign, a validated health literacy measure. Students formulated research questions, examined ethical considerations, conducted data collection and descriptive analysis, presented their findings, and recommended interventions.

RESULTS: Students reported enhanced research competencies in data collection and statistical analysis, and a deeper appreciation for health literacy’s implications in clinical practice.

CONCLUSION: This approach, aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing competency-based education domains, effectively integrates health literacy assessment to strengthen graduate students’ research skills, offering a replicable model for nursing education.

PMID:41691546 | DOI:10.3928/01484834-20250925-01

Clin Transl Sci. 2026 Feb;19(2):e70493. doi: 10.1111/cts.70493.

ABSTRACT

Project Optimus has been reforming the dose selection and optimization paradigm in oncology. In this context, model-informed drug development (MIDD) approaches were utilized to validate the optimal dose selection of 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks (Q3W) for datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) in patients with HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer (HR+/HER2- BC). A Tumor Growth Inhibition (TGI)-Progression-Free Survival (PFS) modeling framework was developed to assess the relationship between Dato-DXd PK exposure, tumor dynamics, and PFS, and support virtual trial simulations at different Dato-DXd dose levels. Simulations suggested that Dato-DXd at 6 mg/kg Q3W provide superior tumor control and improved PFS compared to a lower dose in patients with HR+/HER2- BC. This work underscores the importance of integrating advanced modeling techniques into the dose optimization paradigm.

PMID:41691539 | DOI:10.1111/cts.70493

J Pediatr Orthop B. 2026 Feb 13. doi: 10.1097/BPB.0000000000001333. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Syndactyly, a congenital hand deformity caused by failed phalangeal separation, often requires surgical correction to restore function and aesthetics. Traditional dorsal rectangular flap techniques involve skin grafting, increasing the risk of web creep and residual deformity. This study evaluates islanded perforator-based flaps, which offer better vascularization for improved outcomes. Preoperative Doppler ultrasound was used for vascular mapping to enhance surgical precision. This prospective observational study analyzed 31 webspaces in 26 patients undergoing syndactyly release. Doppler ultrasound was performed in 15 cases to guide flap selection. Islanded flaps were used when viable, while dorsal rectangular flaps were used otherwise. Data collection included demographics, preoperative evaluation, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes. Functional and aesthetic results were assessed using the Withey score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Score Scale, and photographic analysis over follow-up. Syndactyly release was performed in 31 webspaces. Doppler mapping optimized flap design. Statistically significant findings showed improved VAS scores postsurgery, especially in younger patients (1-5 years, P = 0.0001 and 6-10 years, P = 0.0065) and males (P = 0.0000). Simple syndactyly had better outcomes than complex cases (P = 0.0004). Long-term VAS scores favored islanded flaps (1.9 ± 0.83) over dorsal flaps (2.60 ± 0.84). Scar quality improved significantly (P < 0.001 for 6+ months), with minimal complications in patients with islanded perforator flaps. Islanded perforator-based flaps present a promising alternative for syndactyly release, delivering superior functional and aesthetic results. The incorporation of Doppler mapping ensures vascular safety and reduces complications. Further research is needed to establish long-term outcomes.

PMID:41691530 | DOI:10.1097/BPB.0000000000001333

Clin Oral Implants Res. 2026 Feb 15. doi: 10.1111/clr.70098. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To determine whether oral hygiene instructions (OHI) alone can be effective in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis (PM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial with 56 PM patients was conducted. Participants were assigned to OHI (n = 28) or OHI + Mechanical Instrumentation (MI) (n = 28). Clinical [modified bleeding index (mBI), disease resolution] and microbiological parameters were assessed at baseline (T1), 1 month (T2), and 3 months (T3). Standardized periapical radiographs were taken at T1 and T3. Outcomes were analyzed at patient- and implant-level.

RESULTS: 48 patients with 118 implants were analyzed (52 in OHI; 66 in OHI + MI). At T3, success rates were 39.1% (OHI) and 56% (OHI + MI) at the patient level, and 36.4% (OHI) versus 67.3% (OHI + MI) at the implant level. Both groups showed a significant reduction in mBI (p < 0.001). Intergroup differences were not statistically significant, though greater divergence was noted at T3. At the patient level, higher FMPI/FMBI at 3 months predicted lower success (p < 0.05), whereas compliance improved outcomes (OR = 11.4, p = 0.004). At the implant level, failure was associated with OHI-only therapy, non-compliance, and higher mPI (all p = 0.001). History of periodontitis was a negative prognostic factor, linked to higher mBI at T3 (p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS: OHI achieved resolution of PM in a considerable proportion of patients, particularly among compliant individuals. However, a history of periodontitis and posterior implant location negatively influenced outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of patient adherence and implant accessibility, while reaffirming the critical adjunctive role of MI in optimizing therapeutic success.

PMID:41691512 | DOI:10.1111/clr.70098

Sex Med Rev. 2026 Jan 2;14(1):qeaf085. doi: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf085.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Little research examines the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in primary care, especially among racially/ethnically and culturally diverse women of various ages and medical statuses across the globe. However, differences in healthcare access, utilization, and education as well as social and cultural values surrounding women’s health and sexuality suggest there are unique factors that place minoritized women at higher risk of developing FSD.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether country of origin and racial/ethnic identity account for differences in the FSD prevalence in primary care settings among studies included in a recent meta-analysis.

METHODS: Meta-analytic data were gathered and extracted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, which involved article identification, screening and inclusion resulting in n = 2177 records initially screened and a final sample of n = 48. Predictor variables included economic status (more versus less developed country), country of origin (Middle Eastern, North African, or Asian region or not), and racial identity (percentage of White, Caucasian, and/or European American women included in studies from Western societies). Outcome variables included overall FSD, genitopelvic pain, and sexual desire prevalence via meta regressions conducted in R Studio.

RESULTS: Studies including women from less developed countries reported higher prevalence rates of FSD. Studies including a greater proportion of White, Caucasian, and/or European American women also reported higher prevalence rates of female sexual desire dysfunction. Studies including women from the Middle East or North Africa (MENA) and Asia reported higher prevalence rates of overall FSD and female sexual desire dysfunction compared to studies with women from other regions.

CONCLUSION: Cross-cultural differences in values about sex and sexuality also appear to be contributing to the higher rates of FSD found among women in MENA/Asia, low-income and middle-income regions found in the present study. Health providers located in these regions need to ensure they are screening for FSD and potentially comorbid issues across all health care settings to ensure they are providing the best possible care. The findings align with prior literature suggesting that acculturation/immigration, religion, and culture may impact sexuality and should be considered accordingly in FSD prevention and intervention efforts.

PMID:41691499 | DOI:10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf085