Nevin Manimala

Cancer. 2026 Aug 15;132(16):e70550. doi: 10.1002/cncr.70550.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy drugs are hazardous and require strict safety protocols to protect health care workers. In the Gaza Strip, cancer is a leading cause of death, yet there is limited research on nurses’ adherence to safe chemotherapy handling practices. This study assesses the safe chemotherapy handling behaviors of nurses at the Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2023. All 110 nurses at the hospital were invited to complete a validated, self-administered questionnaire based on the Nova Scotia Health Authority Chemotherapy Checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25 with descriptive statistics, t-tests, and analysis of variance.

RESULTS: The response rate was 96.36% (n = 106). The mean self-reported scores for safe behavior domains were: safe handling before administration (81.77%), safe handling during administration (71.33%), safe disposal of equipment (83.05%), and safe disposal of cytotoxic body fluids (72.84%). These scores reflect nurses’ perceptions of their own practices rather than objectively observed compliance. Significant associations were found between safe behaviors and age (p = .012), years of nursing experience (p = .001), oncology experience (p = .044), qualifications (p = .004), and previous training (p = .003).

CONCLUSION: Although nurses demonstrated moderate to good compliance with chemotherapy safety protocols, critical gaps remain, particularly in drug administration and disposal practices. Regular targeted training, protocol reinforcement, and hiring of specialized oncology nurses are urgently needed.

PMID:42554107 | DOI:10.1002/cncr.70550

Telemed J E Health. 2026 Aug 5:15305627261476425. doi: 10.1177/15305627261476425. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: A prospective study to compare the mean blood pressure and mean weight of subjects with congestive heart failure (CHF) in the month before Ramadan, during the month of Ramadan, and in each of the two months following Ramadan to determine if fasting has any effect on health.

METHODS: Patients were given a blood pressure meter and weighing scale and instructed to take daily measurements. Data were transmitted wirelessly from the devices to a simple home gateway for automatic onward transmission to the data server without intervention from the subject. Subsets of data for blood pressure and weight were created for each of the months before Ramadan, during the month of Ramadan, and the two months following Ramadan for 2025 and 2026. The mean and standard deviation were determined for each patient, and comparison between successive months was performed for the cohort mean and standard deviation using t-test. Paired t-tests were performed for subgroups containing only patients participating in successive periods.

RESULTS: There was significant variation in the mean of an individual and in the mean of a cohort; however, the mean was consistent across the period with the value for the t-test between successive periods being greater than 0.25 (CI: 0.05). The value for the paired t-test was greater than 0.22 (CI: 0.05) for all periods except between post-Ramadan and 2 months post-Ramadan when the value was 0.10 (CI: 0.05), and some subjects were seen to exhibit significant changes.

CONCLUSIONS: The t-test and paired t-test values show that there were no statistically significant differences between cohort means and paired comparisons for blood pressure and weight for all months, indicating there are no effects on health in patients with CHF due to fasting if appropriately clinically managed.

PMID:42554102 | DOI:10.1177/15305627261476425

Sports Biomech. 2026 Aug 5:1-20. doi: 10.1080/14763141.2026.2711093. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Comparative data on markerless motion capture systems for upper-extremity kinematics during high-speed movements remain limited. We aimed to examine inter-system modelling differences in shoulder joint kinematics between a markerless motion capture system (Theia3D) and a marker-based system during baseball pitching, focusing on a wide range of shoulder joint motion throughout baseball pitching. Six collegiate pitchers completed 117 trials recorded simultaneously by both systems. Shoulder joint angles and joint centre positions were compared using nested Bland-Altman analysis, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC (3,1)), and statistical parametric mapping (SPM). At maximum external rotation (MER), inter-system differences were small for external rotation (bias: -0.3°; ICC = 0.77), whereas the horizontal angle demonstrated a pronounced fixed bias (bias: -19.1°). At ball release (BR), inter-system differences increased across all joint angles, with the largest discrepancy for external rotation (bias: -8.5°; ICC = 0.33). Proportional bias was evident for most variables at BR. Between-participant variance exceeded within-participant variance at MER, indicating that participant-specific offsets were primary contributors to the limits of agreement. SPM identified significant inter-system differences during the acceleration phase. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the characteristics of each modelling approach for appropriate interpretation and application of markerless motion capture in overhead athletes.

PMID:42554087 | DOI:10.1080/14763141.2026.2711093

Multivariate Behav Res. 2026 Aug 5:1-19. doi: 10.1080/00273171.2026.2708913. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Substance use disorder data are often collected by asking individuals to endorse (or not endorse) a set of items pertaining to various diagnostic criteria. The result is a bipartite network, which can be represented by a two-mode binary matrix with rows corresponding to the individuals and columns to the items. Two-mode blockmodeling is an exploratory data analysis approach for bipartite networks that establishes partitions of both the individuals and items. Some two-mode blockmodeling methods are deterministic, whereas the latent blockmodel is stochastic and grounded by an underlying statistical model. A simulation study comparing the latent blockmodel and two deterministic blockmodeling methods revealed that the methods often perform comparably with respect to recovery of the true (known) cluster memberships when the number of clusters for both individuals and items is prespecified. However, the results also showed that one of the deterministic methods is unsuitable for sparse bipartite networks. A key advantage of the latent blockmodel method is a principled approach to selection of the number of clusters for individuals and items. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of the latent blockmodel via comparison to deterministic blockmodeling for a multiple-substance use disorder data set from the literature.

PMID:42554079 | DOI:10.1080/00273171.2026.2708913

Small. 2026 Aug 5:e74823. doi: 10.1002/smll.74823. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Creating ordered plasmonic nanoparticle lattices on soft, curved templates remains challenging due to curvature‑induced frustration and kinetic trapping at fluid interfaces. Here we report a chemically programmable route to organize 5‑nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into hexagonally ordered surface “patches” on crosslinked liquid-crystalline polymer nanoparticles (LCNPs) synthesized via miniemulsion polymerization. We find that, contrary to expectations from elastic templating alone, AuNPs remain predominantly surface‑dispersed in the absence of proper co-stabilizer. By tuning the identity and concentration of hydrophobic co‑stabilizers, we induce a controlled transition from surface-dispersed distributions to monolayer patches with local hexagonal packing and tunable interparticle gaps. Quantitative gap statistics and Voronoi topology (via Delaunay analysis) show that thiol co‑stabilization yields the most uniform nearest‑neighbor separations and the highest degree of hexagonal coordination, whereas non‑thiol analogs produce broader gap distributions and increased disorder. These structurally distinct states directly correlate with optical response: as the mean inter-AuNP gap decreases, the ensemble localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peaks at longer wavelengths with stronger intensity, which is consistent with coupling signatures and near‑field hybridization confirmed in the full-wave electrodynamic simulations. This work provides a general chemical handle for programming plasmonic lattices on curved soft templates.

PMID:42554078 | DOI:10.1002/smll.74823

Vet Med Sci. 2026 Sep;12(5):e71150. doi: 10.1002/vms3.71150.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical and radiographic outcomes of multiple intramedullary and skewer pin fixation in complex humeral and femoral fractures of cats and small-breed dogs as an alternative fixation strategy in selected clinical cases.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 32 client-owned animals treated between 2015 and 2025 at six private veterinary clinics. Complex fractures with comminution, distal fragment involvement or limited fragment size were stabilised using multiple intramedullary Steinmann pins with optional skewer pins and/or cerclage wires. Postoperative radiographs were evaluated for alignment. Healing time and walking outcomes (Grade 1-4) were recorded. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS: Anatomical alignment was achieved in 26/32 fractures (81%). Mean healing time was 3.3 months. Functional outcome was excellent (Grade 1) in 24/32 cases (75%) and good (Grade 2) in 6/32 cases (19%). One case showed poor function (3%), and outcome was unknown in one case. No statistically significant association was identified between alignment and walking outcome (p > 0.05). No postoperative infections or non-unions were observed. Mild implant migration and malalignment occurred in some cases but did not prevent satisfactory functional recovery in most animals.

CONCLUSION: Multiple intramedullary and skewer pin fixation can provide satisfactory stabilisation and functional recovery in complex humeral and femoral fractures of cats and small-breed dogs when applied carefully and supported by appropriate postoperative management.

PMID:42554068 | DOI:10.1002/vms3.71150

Circ Popul Health Outcomes. 2026 Aug 5:e012988. doi: 10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.125.012988. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENT (PREVENT) equations were developed from observational research cohorts and electronic health record data and provide sex-specific risk estimates for cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD), and heart failure (HF). External validation in large contemporary samples across multiple health systems in the United States is needed.

METHODS: We assembled a national electronic health record-based cohort of US adults with individual-level patient data pooled from a collective of 30 health systems (Truveta) to externally validate the outcome-specific 10-year PREVENT equations (PREVENT-CVD, PREVENT-ASCVD, and PREVENT-HF). We included patients aged 30 to 79 years without a history of prior CVD and with an ambulatory encounter in the electronic health record between 2013 and 2018. The outcomes were defined as total CVD (composite of ASCVD and HF), ASCVD, and HF through December 2024 using diagnosis codes. Model performance of the outcome-specific PREVENT base equations was assessed with the Harrell C statistic and calibration slope, stratified by sex.

RESULTS: Of the 680 864 adults included, the mean (SD) age was 55 (13) years, and 56% were female. Over a mean (SD) follow-up of 6.8 (2.3) years, there were 29 535 incident CVD events, 19 280 incident ASCVD events, and 16 824 incident HF events. The median (interquartile range) 10-year predicted risk of PREVENT-CVD among women was 3.6% (1.3%-8.8%), and among men was 5.8% (2.5%-11.7%). The C statistic (95% CI) was 0.788 (0.786-0.790), and the calibration slope (95% CI) was 0.98 (0.95-1.01) for PREVENT-CVD. PREVENT-ASCVD and PREVENT-HF demonstrated similar C statistics (0.774 [0.771-0.777] and 0.824 [0.820-0.828]) and calibration slopes (1.07 [1.04-1.10] and 1.01 [0.97-1.04]) for prediction of the 10-year risk of ASCVD and HF, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The PREVENT equations accurately and precisely estimate the 10-year risk of CVD, ASCVD, and HF in a large sample of US adults. These findings support the generalizability of the PREVENT equations to inform guideline-recommended risk assessment and preventive efforts.

PMID:42554063 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.125.012988

J Clin Nurs. 2026 Aug 5. doi: 10.1111/jocn.70480. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To identify the barriers to timely access to palliative care from the perspective of Australian inpatients and their families.

DESIGN: A co-designed mixed methods study with an equal status explanatory design (QUAN ➔ QUAL).

METHODS: Quantitative data were collected in Phase 1 via surveys to assess participants’ knowledge and experience of palliative care. In the second phase, qualitative data were obtained via semi-structured interviews to explore participants’ perceptions of palliative care and to identify barriers to palliative care.

RESULTS: A total of 194 complete patient survey responses and 52 family/visitor responses were received. Mean self-rated knowledge of palliative care was slightly higher than self-rated knowledge of end-of-life care in both groups. Patient respondents scored a mean of 9.3 out of 13 on the Palliative Care Knowledge Scale and family visitor respondents had a mean score of 9.7. Statistically significant differences in the mean Palliative Care Knowledge scores were found when patient and family respondents reported being familiar with palliative care. A total of 11 patients and nine family members participated in an interview in Phase 2. Three main themes and nine subthemes were identified. The three main barriers were Communication, Knowledge and Perceptions, and Accessibility.

CONCLUSION: Patients and family members perceived a range of barriers to palliative care at the individual, health professional, and system level. These findings highlight areas where targeted interventions should be developed to improve timely access to palliative care.

IMPACT: While the perspectives of health professionals are well known, the perceptions of patients and families on the barriers to palliative care are underreported. A wide variety of complex issues that could impede timely access to palliative care were identified at the individual, health professional and system level. Health consumer perspectives are essential to fully understanding the barriers to palliative care access. The findings of this research can be used to inform future interventions to improve access to palliative care.

REPORTING METHOD: Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) checklist (Data S2) (O’Cathain et al., 2008).

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The study was guided by a steering group of health consumers and health professionals working in partnership with the research team through all stages of the research process.

PMID:42554039 | DOI:10.1111/jocn.70480

Vet Dermatol. 2026 Aug 5. doi: 10.1111/vde.70115. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Canine epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma (CETL) is an aggressive and generally incurable disease in dogs. CCNU (lomustine) is commonly used for management, even though it carries a significant risk of adverse effects. Several reports describe oclacitinib producing clinical improvement in affected dogs, yet comparative data between the two treatments are lacking.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes in dogs with CETL treated with oclacitinib or CCNU, focussing on tumour reduction (response), survival time and time-to-relapse.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective review (2008-2024) included 23 client-owned dogs with confirmed CETL treated with either CCNU (n = 11) or oclacitinib (n = 12). Outcomes included response (reduction in measurable tumour burden), survival (time from histopathological diagnosis to death) and time-to-relapse (for dogs with complete or good responses). Clinical presentation and adverse effects also were recorded. Additionally, sex, age and weight were compared between treatment groups to investigate potential confounding factors.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were identified between oclacitinib and CCNU for response, survival or time-to-relapse (p > 0.05 for all). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no significant difference in overall survival (log-rank test, p = 0.20). Oclacitinib was associated with fewer adverse effects and reduced monitoring intensity.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings suggest oclacitinib may offer outcomes comparable to CCNU for CETL, with fewer adverse effects and less intensive monitoring. The small, retrospective sample limits firm conclusions, yet these results indicate that oclacitinib could be a reasonable, possibly safer palliative option warranting further prospective study.

PMID:42554028 | DOI:10.1111/vde.70115

Vet Med Sci. 2026 Sep;12(5):e71141. doi: 10.1002/vms3.71141.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess livestock feed resources, feeding systems, feed availability and major feed-related constraints in the Korahey Zone of the Somali Region, Ethiopia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four purposively selected districts of the Korahey Zone. Three kebeles (the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia) were selected from each district, and 240 livestock-owning households were purposively sampled. Data on livestock population, landholding size, feed resources, feeding systems and feed-related constraints were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Feed-related constraints were prioritized using a ranking index, while dry matter (DM) supply and livestock maintenance requirements were estimated to determine the feed balance.

RESULTS: Camels and goats were the dominant livestock species in the study area. Natural pasture was the principal feed resource (75%), and 90% of respondents practised free grazing on natural pasture. The estimated annual feed supply from natural pasture was 2196 tons DM, whereas the annual livestock maintenance requirement was 4023.68 tons DM, indicating that available feed met only 54.6% of the maintenance requirement. The major feed resources included natural pasture, crop residues, improved forages, household food leftovers, maize and sorghum. The main constraints affecting feed availability were drought, grazing land shortages, limited availability of improved forage seeds, feed shortages, invasive plant species, inadequate extension services and land-use conflicts.

CONCLUSION: Livestock production in the Korahey Zone is constrained by insufficient feed resources, resulting in a substantial feed deficit. Improving livestock productivity requires rangeland rehabilitation, expansion of improved forage production, better feed resource management, strengthened extension services and further research to develop sustainable feeding strategies for the area.

PMID:42554023 | DOI:10.1002/vms3.71141