Category: Nevin Manimala

BMC Med Imaging. 2026 Jan 12;26(1):17. doi: 10.1186/s12880-025-02073-6.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) presents significant health risks, but studies on individual component of MetS or its combined impact on bone mass have shown conflicting results. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between abdominal fat and bone mineral density (BMD) in women with MetS using gemstone spectral imaging (GSI).

METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 76 women with MetS scheduled for sleeve gastrectomy between June and November 2021. Based on cluster analysis of BMD parameters, the patients were categorized into the high (54) and low (22) BMD groups. Clinical, BMD, and body composition metrics were analyzed separately. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate patients’ clinical and body composition parameters. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the optimal diagnostic thresholds of various parameters for diagnosing the high and low BMD groups. Furthermore, taking lumbar vertebral BMD as the dependent variable, multiple linear regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS: Significant differences in body composition were observed between the high and low BMD groups, with lower abdominal fat in patients in the high BMD group. The ROC curves showed a total abdominal fat volume threshold of 4733.2mL for predicting BMD (P = 0.008). Furthermore, using multiple linear regression adjusted for age, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed between the lumbar vertebral BMD and abdominal fat volume.

CONCLUSION: Abdominal fat volume influenced the GSI-BMD in women with MetS. As the abdominal fat increased, the patients’ GSI-BMD in the lumbar spine also decreased.

PMID:41527041 | DOI:10.1186/s12880-025-02073-6

BMC Neurol. 2026 Jan 12. doi: 10.1186/s12883-025-04621-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke spasticity affects a significant proportion of stroke survivors and impairs quality of life. Repeated intramuscular injections of OnabotulinumtoxinA are widely used for spasticity management; however, long-term real-world outcomes remain underreported. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term safety and treatment continuation patterns, and to identify predictors of treatment discontinuation associated with repeated onabotulinumtoxinA treatment.

METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study included 224 post-stroke patients treated with OnabotulinumtoxinA between 2012 and 2023. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of post-stroke spasticity, initiation of treatment before 2021, and at least three years of follow-up. Outcomes assessed included treatment continuation rates, reasons for discontinuation, dose trends, and predictors of treatment discontinuation. Logistic regression and repeated measures ANOVA were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS: Of the 224 patients, 94 (42%) continued treatment as of December 2023. Reasons for discontinuation included improvement and completion (n = 59, 45.4%), unknown reason (n = 39, 30.0%), Change of doctor or relocation (n = 13, 10.0%), insufficient efficacy (n = 13, 10.0%), switch to other treatment (n = 4, 3.1%), and adverse events (n = 2, 1.5%). Long-term treatment was associated with progressive dose escalation (p < 0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that cerebral infarction was significantly associated with treatment completion due to improvement(p = 0.004), while a lower initial dose demonstrated a non-significant trend toward treatment completion (p = 0.051).

CONCLUSIONS: Repeated onabotulinumtoxinA injections were not associated with unexpected safety concerns over long-term follow-up. Approximately 25% of patients discontinued treatment during the observation period, including cases documented as treatment completion due to clinical improvement. Stroke type was associated with treatment discontinuation patterns, supporting the importance of individualized long-term treatment planning.

PMID:41527032 | DOI:10.1186/s12883-025-04621-7

Alzheimers Res Ther. 2026 Jan 13. doi: 10.1186/s13195-025-01941-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The oral microbiota has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, earlier studies provided conflicting results using varying sampling methods, sequencing techniques, and statistics, as well as independent subjects.

METHODS: To robustly identify disease-associated microbial features, we recruited patients and their healthy life partners from the same households sharing a more similar microbiota compared to independent individuals increasing statistical power via paired design and combined three different sequencing methods – including metagenomics-and several bioinformatic pipelines. We recruited 26 AD-patients and their life partners. Salivary and supragingival samples were collected and a clinical examination of the mouth was performed.

RESULTS: Both groups showed comparable oral health. By focusing primarily on recurrently identified species across the different datasets we were able to identify a Core dysbiosis. This Core dysbiosis surprisingly spares the most central of oral diseases pathogens, namely Porphyromonas gingivalis. However, it includes numerous other species commonly associated with oral pathologies such as Prevotella nigrescens, Streptococcus anginosus, Dialister invisus, Anaeroglobus geminatus, Olsenella uli and Mogibacterium timidum. In contrast, more host-compatible species such as Prevotella melaninogenica or Streptococcus parasanguinis are identified in controls.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study using a combined sequencing approach and a paired study design to identify robust features of the oral microbiota of AD-patients. Although promising, the results should nevertheless be interpreted with caution, as the cross-sectional study design limits the possibilities of interpretation, and larger, longitudinal data are necessary for causal conclusions. However, this combined approach on multiple processing levels to identify intra-partnership differences still offers the possibility to better identify disease-associated microbial features potentially involved in AD-pathogenesis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was prospectively registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00023456) at the 30th of November 2020.

PMID:41527012 | DOI:10.1186/s13195-025-01941-1

BMC Res Notes. 2026 Jan 12. doi: 10.1186/s13104-026-07632-w. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41527010 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-026-07632-w

Infect Dis Poverty. 2026 Jan 12;15(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s40249-025-01410-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic worm infection that affects an estimated 250 million people. In Côte d’Ivoire, schistosomiasis remains a public health problem despite control efforts that have been mounted since the new millennium. The aim of this study was to assess the pooled prevalence of human schistosomiasis, to determine trends over the past 50 years and to identify risk factors for schistosomiasis.

METHODS: We systematically searched Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection without language restriction for papers published from January 1, 1974 to December 31, 2023. We adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. We performed random effect models for meta-analysis and generated forest plots. Pooled schistosomiasis prevalences and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. Heterogeneity among studies were evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and I² statistic test. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plot and Egger’s test.

RESULTS: Overall, 326 articles involving 279,340 participants were included, comprising 254,954 school-aged children and 520 preschool-aged children. The pooled prevalence of schistosomiasis was 26.1%. The prevalence decreased from 66.5% in 1994-2003 to 15.0% in 2014-2023. The highest pooled prevalence of schistosomiasis was observed in Tonkpi regional health directorate. The main risk factors for schistosomiasis were sex [male: odds ratio (OR) = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.13-1.35], age group (> 15 years: OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.82-3.08, compared to children aged 6-10 years), and altitude (< 400 m, OR = 4.76, 95% CI: 4.00-5.88).

CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Côte d’Ivoire has considerably declined over the past decades. However, the disease remains a public health problem, and hence, surveillance should be tightened up and control efforts targeted to high-risk communities.

PMID:41526998 | DOI:10.1186/s40249-025-01410-9

Eur J Med Res. 2026 Jan 12. doi: 10.1186/s40001-026-03879-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Traditional adiposity indices like the cardiometabolic index (CMI) assess central adiposity and lipid metabolism but do not directly reflect insulin resistance (IR). The modified cardiometabolic index (MCMI), incorporating fasting plasma glucose, may better reflect IR-related metabolic dysfunction relevant to skeletal muscle health. Muscle mass is a basic and objective component of sarcopenia, and relative muscle loss has been used as a proxy indicator for the low muscle mass dimension of sarcopenia-related phenotypes in some studies. This study evaluates the cross-sectional relationship between MCMI and relative muscle loss, comparing its discrimination ability with other indices (BMI, CMI, LAP, TyG, TyG-WC).

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from 3559 U.S. participants aged 20-59 years, derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018 cycles. Relative muscle loss was defined by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) as characterized by appendicular lean mass (ALM) adjusted by BMI (ALM/BMI) < 0.512 for women and < 0.789 for men. Weighted analyses assessed the relationship between MCMI and the odds of relative muscle loss. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated through multivariable logistic regression analysis. Bonferroni-adjusted P values for MCMI quartiles and tests for linear trend were calculated to account for multiple comparisons. We applied restricted cubic spline (RCS) models and threshold effect analyses to assess non-linear trends and detect possible cutoff values. In addition, subgroup analyses were carried out to examine potential effect modification by age, sex, and other important covariates. The discriminatory ability of MCMI was compared with BMI, CMI, LAP, TyG, and TyG-WC using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Key predictors of relative muscle loss were identified using LASSO regression with a 70/30 training-validation split and incorporated into an exploratory multivariable classification model for internal assessment. Model discrimination and calibration were examined using ROC curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA), and a nomogram was developed to visualize the odds of relative muscle loss.

RESULTS: In survey-weighted analyses, higher MCMI was strongly associated with greater odds of relative muscle loss (per 1-unit increase: OR = 2.68, 95% CI 2.21-3.25); participants in the highest MCMI quartile had markedly higher odds than those in the lowest quartile (OR = 21.31, 95% CI 10.16-44.70), and all quartile-based associations and the overall trend remained statistically significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Restricted cubic spline and threshold analyses suggested a non-linear association with an inflection point around MCMI 4.61: below this level, each 1-unit increase in MCMI was associated with substantially higher odds of relative muscle loss (OR = 3.52, 95% CI 2.78-4.45), whereas above the threshold the association appeared attenuated and statistically non‑significant (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.67-1.82). Associations were generally consistent across subgroups and appeared stronger in men (P for interaction = 0.002). In ROC analyses, MCMI showed the highest discrimination for prevalent relative muscle loss (AUC = 0.776) compared with BMI (0.727), CMI (0.690), LAP (0.708), TyG (0.661), and TyG-WC (0.718); a multivariable model that additionally included MCMI and selected sociodemographic and clinical covariates achieved an AUC of 0.828 in the training dataset, representing a modest improvement in statistical discrimination over MCMI alone, and the nomogram is provided as an exploratory communication tool for visualizing cross-sectional probability estimates derived from this model.

CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional NHANES 2011-2018 analysis, higher MCMI was associated with greater odds of relative muscle loss and showed better cross-sectional discrimination than with widely used metabolic indices (BMI, CMI, LAP, TyG, TyG-WC). Prospective studies are needed to assess temporality and clinical utility.

PMID:41526991 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-026-03879-y

Adv Rheumatol. 2026 Jan 12. doi: 10.1186/s42358-025-00512-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) imposes a multidimensional burden that is not fully explained by inflammation. Central sensitization (CS), pain catastrophizing (PC), and sleep disturbance may amplify symptoms and worsen outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of CS, PC, and sleep disturbances in axSpA patients and their associations with disease activity, function, and quality of life compared with controls.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included adults with axSpA (ASAS 2009) and healthy controls recruited from a tertiary clinic (April 2024-April 2025). The assessments included demographics; CSI, PCS, JSS, fibromyalgia (ACR-2016), fibromyalgianess (WPI + SSS); and axSpA outcomes (BASDAI, ASDAS, BASFI, BASMI, ASQoL, CRP, and MASES). Statistical analyses included group comparisons, correlations, and multivariable regressions.

RESULTS: We enrolled 100 axSpA patients and 50 controls. The median scores were greater in the axSpA patients for the CSI (42 vs. 28), PCS (32 vs. 12.5), and JSS (12 vs. 6) (all p < 0.001). The prevalence was greater for CS (59% vs. 20%), PC (53% vs. 18%), and fibromyalgia (43% vs. 18%). The WPI was strongly correlated with the SSS (r = 0.92). In the axSpA patients, the CSI was correlated with the BASDAI (r = 0.58), ASDAS (r = 0.43), BASFI (r = 0.45), and ASQoL (r = 0.68) (all p ≤ 0.001). The PCS and JSS are also correlated with disease activity, disease function, and ASQoL. Independent predictors were CSI-female sex, higher SSS, and worse ASQoL; PCS-ASQoL; JSS-higher SSS and arthritis, with lower scores in patients on TNF inhibitors or pain-modulating therapy.

CONCLUSION: CS, PC, sleep disturbance, and FM/FMness are highly prevalent in axSpA patients and are independently associated with worse outcomes. Incorporating nociplastic and psychosocial dimensions into assessment and care is crucial to reduce disease burden.

PMID:41526946 | DOI:10.1186/s42358-025-00512-0

Cancer Cell Int. 2026 Jan 12. doi: 10.1186/s12935-025-04080-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a major global health challenge, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Early diagnosis is essential for improving patient outcome. This study aims to develop a diagnostic model based on specific signature genes by investigating the association between double-negative (DN) T cells and GC.

METHODS: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to assess the causal relationship between immune cell phenotypes and GC pathogenesis. Three machine learning (ML) algorithms, combined with logistic regression, were employed to identify featured genes. Real-world cohorts and animal experiments were applied to validate the expression levels of DN T cells and selected model genes. Virtual screening was further performed to identify potential therapeutic candidates.

RESULTS: DN T cells were identified as significant risk factors for GC. A diagnostic model incorporating four genes-EML4, IL32, FXYD5, and TTC39C-was constructed using ML algorithms and demonstrated high predictive accuracy across multiple clinical cohorts. External validation and experimental analyses confirmed elevated DN T cell levels and increased expression of all model genes in GC tissues, correlating with poor prognosis. Virtual screening identified potential therapeutic compounds with strong binding affinity to target proteins, indicating their potential for GC treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: The study established a novel diagnostic model for GC based on DN T cell signature genes, which shows robust predictive performance and significant clinical benefit. The findings underscore the important role of DN T cells and model genes in GC, providing new insights into early diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets for effective management of GC.

PMID:41526926 | DOI:10.1186/s12935-025-04080-7

BMC Oral Health. 2026 Jan 12. doi: 10.1186/s12903-026-07667-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Hall Technique (HT) is a minimally invasive restorative approach for managing carious primary molars, in which stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are cemented over the tooth without local anaesthesia, tooth preparation, or carious tissue removal. The aim of this study was to compare the success of the HT and the modified HT in primary molars with deep dentine caries over a 24-month follow-up period.

METHODS: This prospective longitudinal randomized controlled study included 268 primary molars with deep carious lesions. The teeth were randomly allocated into 2 study arms: HT (n = 134) and modified HT (n = 134). In the modified HT group, unlike those in the HT group, the necrotic and contaminated outermost layer of the carious lesion was removed with an excavator to soft dentine. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups were performed by a blinded evaluator after 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. In addition, the 24-month treatment outcome was evaluated according to tooth group, surfaces affected by caries, preoperative pain, and SSC fit. Categorical variables were compared using Pearson chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests. Success and failure rates were compared with the two-proportion z test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: At the 24-month follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in treatment success rates between the HT group (86.6%) and the modified HT group (92.8%) (p = 0.121). Within the HT group, teeth with insufficient SSC fit showed a significantly higher rate of major failures and a significantly lower success rate compared to those with sufficient fit (p = 0.005). In the modified HT group, first primary molars exhibited a significantly higher rate of minor failures, whereas second primary molars demonstrated a significantly higher treatment success rate (p = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS: Both the HT and the modified HT exhibited high success rates over a 24-month follow-up period, with no statistically significant difference observed between the two methods. In the HT group, proper SSC fit is important for reducing failure rates.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration number NCT05220865, date of registration 22.01.2022.

PMID:41526924 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-026-07667-2

Malar J. 2026 Jan 12. doi: 10.1186/s12936-025-05778-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In 2019, the RTS,S/AS01_E malaria vaccine (RTS,S) was introduced into Ghana’s routine health system as part of the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP). Household surveys were conducted prior to vaccine introduction and approximately 18 and 30 months post-introduction. We present a description of the area in Ghana based on the baseline household survey including malaria prevalence, malnutrition, wealth, insecticide-treated net (ITN) coverage, other health interventions (deworming, Vitamin A supplementation (VAS)), coverage of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) vaccines, and health-seeking behaviour for febrile children.

METHODS: The baseline household survey was conducted between 25 February and 18 March 2019 in a representative sample of 6778 households across 66 districts (33 in each of the implementing and comparator areas) in Ghana. Caregivers of children aged 5-48 months were interviewed. For each child, vaccination details were transcribed from the maternal and child health record book, and we measured the mid-upper arm circumference and obtained a malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). Survey-weighted coverage estimates were obtained using standard survey methods. Survey Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios.

RESULTS: Overall, 7768 children were included in the study, and 21% (95% CI 18-23) tested positive for malaria parasitemia by RDT. About 87%, 95%CI (85-89) of all households owned at least one ITN, and 62%, 95%CI (59-64) of children aged 5-48 months slept under an insecticide-treated net (ITN) the night before the survey. Additionally, 22%, 95%CI (21-24) of children reported having fever in the two weeks preceding the survey; among those with reported fever, 72%, 95%CI (69-74) sought advice or treatment, 40%, 95%CI (37-44) were tested for malaria, and 42%, 95%CI (39-46) of those with fever took an antimalarial drug. Additionally, 17%, 95%CI (16-19) had a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) ≤ 13.5 cm, and 1%, 95%CI (0-1) had a (MUAC) ≤ 11.5 cm. The uptake of vitamin A VAS in the 6 months prior to the survey was 36%, based on routine delivery through EPI, and deworming coverage was 29%. Coverage of EPI vaccines was > 90%. Indicators in comparison and implementation areas were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS: The pilot implementation and evaluation of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in Ghana was conducted in an area with substantial malaria transmission and illness, modest health-seeking behaviour and ITN use, and good EPI vaccine coverage. This study has established the baseline comparability between implementation and comparator areas, which serves as the foundation for future feasibility assessments.

PMID:41526907 | DOI:10.1186/s12936-025-05778-9