Nevin Manimala

J Dent Educ. 2026 Apr 20. doi: 10.1002/jdd.70243. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of race-blind admissions policies on the recruitment and enrollment of a single, university-based, pathway program.

METHODS: Programmatic data were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study of applicants to the pathway program, Saturday Academy at New York University College of Dentistry, during the period of race-conscious admissions practices (2023) and after the implementation of race-blind admissions policies (2024). Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, and Z-tests were used to compare demographic characteristics reported by program applicants and enrollees.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in the demographics of the applicant pool between 2023 and 2024, as it related to gender, ethnicity, race, use of federal/ state assistance programs, or first-generation college status. No statistically significant differences could be observed between Saturday Academy enrollees in 2023 and 2024 as it related to gender and use of federal/ state assistance programs. There was a 46.2% (p = 0.002) decrease in the proportion of Hispanic students and a 74.4% (p = 0.001) decrease in the proportion of Black students admitted to the program in 2024. Also in 2024, there was a 119.8% (p = 0.004) increase in the proportion of Asian American students admitted, and the proportion of students who self-identified as first-generation college students increased 27% (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION: The effective federal ban on race-conscious admissions practices is likely to compromise the ability of pathway programs to significantly contribute to the development of a healthcare workforce that is representative of the demographics of the US population.

PMID:42003545 | DOI:10.1002/jdd.70243

Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2026 Apr;35(4):e70381. doi: 10.1002/pds.70381.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prescription stimulant use among the United States’ (US) older adult population is increasing, yet little is known about the cardiovascular safety profiles of the two major prescription stimulant classes, methylphenidate (MPD) and amphetamine (AMP).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the hazard of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events between new users of prescription MPD and AMP products in US older adults.

METHODS: We employed a new user comparative safety study from a 5% random sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries. Continuously enrolled beneficiaries (Parts A/B/D) aged ≥ 66 years who initiated MPD or AMP (1/1/17-12/31/21) were included. We required a 1-year washout before the first prescription claim (index date) and excluded those with contraindications based on diagnosis codes. The primary outcome was incident modified 4-Point Major Adverse Cardiovascular Event (4-P MACE), including acute myocardial infarction, stroke or transient ischemic attack, ventricular arrhythmia, or all-cause mortality; secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and CV events (all MACE excluding death). We used a 1-year follow up after index date that was censored at change in insurance coverage, therapeutic switch, addition of the comparator drug, or end of the study (12/31/21). Confounders included demographics, healthcare utilization indicators, comorbidities, and other medications. We used trimmed propensity scores (PS) to create stabilized inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) and Cox proportional hazard regression to estimate the effect of MPD vs. AMP initiation on the first occurrence of 4-P MACE.

RESULTS: We identified 2526 Medicare beneficiaries initiating MPD (N = 1340, mean [SD] age = 76.7 [7.4] years, 54.3% female sex) or AMP (N = 1186, mean [SD] age = 72.3 [5.4] years, 60.6% female sex). After PS trimming and applying IPTW, the groups were well-balanced based on absolute standardized mean differences. During 2021.6 person-years follow up (MPD [1009.9 years] vs. AMP [1011.8 years]), 339 4-P MACE events occurred (MPD [N = 280] vs. AMP [N = 59]), of which 225 were deaths (MPD [N = 192] vs. AMP [N = 33]), and 114 were CV events (MPD [N = 88] vs. AMP [N = 26]). In the primary analysis, MPD vs. AMP initiation was associated with an increased risk of 4-P MACE (HR = 1.73, 95% CI [1.36, 2.19]). The secondary analysis showed a statistically significant increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 2.20, 95% CI [1.62, 3.00]), but not adverse CV events (HR = 1.14, 95% CI [0.77, 1.67]).

CONCLUSIONS: Initiation of MPD vs. AMP among older adults was associated with an increase in the hazard of 4-P MACE. Secondary analysis suggested that this increase was driven by all-cause mortality as opposed to adverse CV events.

PMID:42003446 | DOI:10.1002/pds.70381

Ann Med. 2026 Dec;58(1):2654251. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2026.2654251. Epub 2026 Apr 20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is central to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the utility of biomarkers for lipid peroxidation (F2-isoprostanes) and DNA damage (8-OHdG) in the comorbidity of PD and T2DM remains unclear.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 54 unique studies of human subjects aged ≥ 50 years (n = 7,521: 3,522 with T2DM, 722 with PD, and 3,277 controls), measuring biomarkers in serum, plasma, or leukocytes. Mixed-effects models quantified standardized differences (Hedges’ g) across subgroups.

RESULTS: In T2DM, F2-isoprostanes (g = 1.60, 95% CI: 0.95-2.25) and 8-OHdG (g = 2.64, 95% CI: 2.13-3.14) were markedly elevated (p < 0.001). Stronger effects were observed in younger cohorts and serum/plasma samples, with complications like nephropathy exhibiting extreme oxidative stress (g = 5.24). In PD, 8-OHdG was moderately elevated (g = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.18-1.39; p = 0.011), particularly in randomized controlled trials and plasma samples, whereas F2-isoprostanes were not significantly elevated (g = 0.47, 95% CI: -0.43-1.38). High heterogeneity in T2DM (I² > 90%) reflected methodological variability.

CONCLUSION: Distinct profiles – both markers elevated in T2DM but only 8-OHdG in PD – underscore 8-OHdG’s potential in PD-T2DM comorbidity. Future research should focus on standardized assays, multi-compartmental or multi-modal sampling, and longitudinal studies to clarify mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

PMID:42003321 | DOI:10.1080/07853890.2026.2654251

J Mol Recognit. 2026 May;39(3):e70033. doi: 10.1002/jmr.70033.

ABSTRACT

Biocompatibility of a biosensor can be achieved by grafting polymer brushes onto a solid surface. These brushes must be able to attract specific analytes or repel unwanted entities. This is obtained with weak polyelectrolyte polymer brushes that shrink or swell depending on external stimuli. In this study, the conformation of polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer brushes was characterized as a function of pH and ionic strength using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in spectroscopic mode. Instead of colloidal tips classically used to measure the mechanical behavior of the brush, force curves were performed with conventional tips for better sensitivity to the interaction between ions and polymer, which is responsible for their conformation. Since force mapping experiments generate thousands of curves, a statistical representation was employed to define the general trend of the curves and facilitate their interpretation. As expected, the neutral PEO is not affected by changes in solution pH and salinity. In contrast, PAA exhibits behaviors depending on the ions present in the solution and increasing salinity; the brush shrinks at low pH with H₃O⁺ ions and swells with the addition of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions. The originality of the study also lies in the implementation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) clustering model applied to force curves to specifically study a 50% PAA/50% PEO mixed polymer brush. This AI model makes it possible to distinguish areas of the surface where only one type of polymer has been grafted and to identify its nature according to its force curve.

PMID:42003221 | DOI:10.1002/jmr.70033

Acta Otolaryngol. 2026 Apr 19:1-7. doi: 10.1080/00016489.2026.2659356. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is characterized by recurrent otorrhea and tympanic membrane perforation. The selection of surgical technique and suitable time for myringoplasty remain variable and unclear.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the feasibility and effectiveness of the CSOM patients with dry and wet ears using endoscopic inlay and underlay myringoplasty.

METHODS: Sixty-four patients with CSOM who underwent endoscopic underlay or inlay myringoplasty were studied retrospectively. Cartilage-perichondrium grafts were used to repair tympanic membrane perforations. Pure-tone audiometry was performed at pre- and post-operation assessing hearing outcomes.

RESULTS: Successful closure of performed tympanic membrane with operations was achieved in all patients. Hearing improvement was observed in both the dry ear group and the wet ear group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in hearing improvement in the two groups by inlay and underlay technique. However, the operative time in wet ear group was statistically significant shorter in inlay myringoplasty group than in the underlay myringoplasty group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The closure rates of tympanic membrane perforation and post-operative hearing improvement were not affected in the wet ears. Endoscopic inlay myringoplasty might be a suitable option for patients with wet ears, offering shorter operative times, minimal trauma to middle ear structures.

PMID:42003062 | DOI:10.1080/00016489.2026.2659356

High Alt Med Biol. 2026 Apr 19:15578682261444634. doi: 10.1177/15578682261444634. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Brillhart, Aaron, Molly Enenbach, Javier Seufferheld, Bernabé Abramor, Peter Callas, Rodrigo Duplessis, Ian Guertin, Theodore A Hartridge, Roxana Pronce, Ana Saravia, and Scott E. McIntosh. Medical screening of climbers who later develop high-altitude pulmonary edema on Aconcagua. High Alt Med Biol. 00:00-00, 2026.

INTRODUCTION: On Aconcagua (6,961 m), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is the most frequent reason for medical evacuation. This study aimed to compare medical screening data of climbers who developed HAPE with those who did not and to identify trends to aid in illness prevention and climber safety.

METHODS: De-identified medical screening data of Aconcagua climbers from 2024 to 25 were retrospectively reviewed, comparing climbers who developed HAPE with those who did not.

RESULTS: Fifty-three of 2,336 climbers developed HAPE (2.3%). Asymptomatic climbers screened at 4,300 m who later developed HAPE had lower mean oxygen saturation than controls (80% vs. 85%, p < 0.001) and higher mean heart rate (96 vs. 87 bpm, p < 0.001). Nonsignificant trends were noted with guided status (74% vs. 61%, p = 0.06), and prophylactic acetazolamide use (34% vs. 21%, unadjusted: p = 0.02, odds ratio [OR] 1.92, adjusted: p = 0.08, OR 1.74).

CONCLUSIONS: On Aconcagua, certain vital sign parameters, including oxygen saturation below 80% and tachycardia during asymptomatic screening at 4,300 m, could raise concern for later developing HAPE. Future research could clarify any association between HAPE, certain climber groups such as guided clients, ascent rate, and medication use. Gradual ascent should continue to be emphasized to facilitate acclimatization and prevent life-threatening altitude illness such as HAPE.

PMID:42002892 | DOI:10.1177/15578682261444634

Foot Ankle Surg. 2026 Apr 17:S1268-7731(26)00102-5. doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2026.04.005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Precise knowledge of the posterior tibial nerve (PTN) branching pattern is critical to avoid iatrogenic injury during medial foot and ankle procedures. This study aimed to perform a morphometric assessment of the PTN terminal branching in relation to the Dellon-McKinnon Line (DML) to identify safe surgical zones.

METHODS: Forty-three formalin-fixed adult cadaveric limbs were dissected. The bifurcation points of the PTN, its level and distance were measured relative to the DML. Bifurcation angle, and foot length were also measured. Statistical analysis of the measured parameters was performed.

RESULTS: The PTN bifurcated above the level, at the level and below the level of DML in 53.5%, 37.2% and 9.3% of specimens. The mean bifurcation angle was 16.92°.

CONCLUSION: These findings provide quantitative boundaries for establishing safe surgical corridors in medial ankle ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation), ligamentous reconstruction, and tarsal tunnel decompression.

PMID:42002460 | DOI:10.1016/j.fas.2026.04.005

Radiography (Lond). 2026 Apr 18;32(4):103417. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2026.103417. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D TOF-MRA) is widely used for non-invasive postoperative follow-up after cerebral aneurysm treatment. However, susceptibility artifacts from metallic clips or coils can cause apparent parent artery signal loss or missed detection of recanalization. This study aimed to evaluate whether optimization of the frequency-encoding direction improves diagnostic reliability compared with conventional 3D TOF-MRA.

METHODS: Nine patients who underwent surgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms were included. For qualitative assessment, conventional MRA (c-MRA) and optimized MRA (o-MRA) were consecutively acquired in the same subjects. Visualization of the parent artery adjacent to the clip was independently evaluated by two experienced radiographers using a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and weighted kappa statistics. For quantitative assessment, three patients underwent o-MRA with the frequency-encoding direction set in the anterior-posterior (AP) and right-left (RL) directions. The diameter and extension direction of susceptibility artifacts were measured on the source images.

RESULTS: Qualitative assessment demonstrated significantly higher parent artery visualization scores with o-MRA than with c-MRA (p < 0.01). Interobserver agreement was excellent for both techniques (κ = 0.80 for c-MRA; κ = 0.89 for o-MRA). Quantitative analysis showed that susceptibility artifacts consistently elongated along the frequency-encoding direction.

CONCLUSION: Optimization of the frequency-encoding direction allows susceptibility artifacts to be controlled at the scan-planning stage, significantly improving diagnostic reliability in postoperative 3D TOF-MRA.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This technique requires no additional sequences, hardware, or scan time and can be immediately implemented as a practical scan-planning strategy in routine clinical imaging.

PMID:42001775 | DOI:10.1016/j.radi.2026.103417

Talanta. 2026 Apr 10;308:129806. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2026.129806. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pediococcus spp. are lactic acid bacteria, which are prevalent in various environments, including plants and animals. Notably, they constitute a significant component of the intestinal microbiota in both humans and animals. Despite this, numerous obstacles remain in developing tools that are both highly sensitive and specific for distinguishing this genus. This study established a fluorescent detection system using an amplification-resistant mutation system-based polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-CRISPR/Cas12a) for identifying 16S rRNA gene containing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in Pediococcus spp. By aligning the sequences of Pediococcus spp. with those of other genera, we performed a comprehensive statistical analysis of SNP sites within Pediococcus spp. and designed specific primers using the 16S rRNA gene sequence of Pediococcus pentosaceus STS-6. The results demonstrated that, under optimised conditions (a Cas12a:crRNA ratio of 1:1 at 37 °C), the dual recognition process combining ARMS-PCR with CRISPR/Cas12a achieved high specificity and sensitivity in the detection of Pediococcus spp. The detection limit for genomic DNA was 8.15 × 10^-5 ng/μL, demonstrating significantly higher sensitivity than gel electrophoresis. The entire detection process took approximately 1.5 h. In summary, the ARMS-CRISPR/Cas12a detection system established in this study provided a rapid and effective method to detect the 16S rRNA gene of clinically relevant Pediococcus spp. probiotics, meeting the requirements for food production detection.

PMID:42001720 | DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2026.129806

J Forensic Leg Med. 2026 Apr 15;120:103134. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2026.103134. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Sex classification using biometric traits is vital in forensic identification. While traditional methods like Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) have been widely used, recent advances in supervised machine learning (ML) offer potential improvements in accuracy and robustness. This study investigates the effectiveness of several ML classifiers compared to conventional LDA for sex classification based on earprint morphometry and indices. A dataset comprising 423 individuals was examined to assess sexual dimorphism in earprint morphometry; however, for sex classification modelling, only 351 individuals with complete discriminating variables were included. Twelve distinct earprint measurements were analyzed, and four derived earprint indices were computed. Sex classification was performed using traditional Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) alongside nine machine learning algorithms: Boosting, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Neural Network, Logistic and Multinomial Regression, Linear Discriminant Analysis, Naïve Bayes, and Random Forest. Performance was benchmarked using Classification Accuracy, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), F1 Score, and Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC). Statistically significant sex-based differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the majority of earprint dimensions, with males typically exhibiting larger values. Moreover, conventional LDA achieved the highest overall accuracy (77.8%) and F1 score (0.82) on morphometric data, closely followed by Boosting, ML-LDA, and Decision Tree models (∼75.7%). In contrast, Neural Networks performed poorly (accuracy = 32.9%). KNN and Logistic Regression performed best on earprint indices (accuracy = 74.3% and 72.9%, respectively), while Neural Networks again underperformed (accuracy = 41.4%). MCC scores confirmed model reliability, with LDA and ML classifiers outperforming Neural Networks across both datasets. Morphometric earprint data outperform earprint indices in forensic sex classification. Traditional LDA remains robust, but ML models such as Boosting, Decision Trees, and Logistic Regression offer comparable alternatives. Neural Networks showed poor performance, likely due to overfitting and limited sample size.

PMID:42001636 | DOI:10.1016/j.jflm.2026.103134