Category: Nevin Manimala

Anal Methods. 2025 Jul 1. doi: 10.1039/d5ay00531k. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study employed headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) technology combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods to analyze the flavor compounds in flue-cured tobacco from five different regions in China: Henan, Hunan, Yunnan, Chongqing, and Fujian. A total of 98 volatile aroma compounds were identified through HS-GC-IMS analysis, including esters, ketones, aldehydes, acids, alcohols, heterocyclic compounds, sulfur-containing compounds, other types of compounds, and 8 uncharacterized compounds. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) were utilized to conduct dimensionality reduction and distinguish the samples, effectively recognizing differences in volatile compounds among tobacco leaves from various origins. A Random Forest (RF) classification model was constructed, and its reliability was validated through ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis, achieving an AUC (Area Under the Curve) value of 0.980, which demonstrates exceptional predictive performance. PCA revealed distinct separations of tobacco leaf samples from different regions on the PCA score plot, and OPLS-DA analysis further validated these differences and confirmed the model’s validity through permutation testing. Twenty key aroma compounds with VIP > 1.0 were screened by integrating OPLS-DA with the Random Forest classification model. These compounds showed significant differences in content among different samples, suggesting their potential as chemical markers for distinguishing the origin of flue-cured tobacco. This study not only provides a new method for identifying volatile compounds in tobacco but also offers novel insights into the geographical identification of flue-cured tobacco.

PMID:40590198 | DOI:10.1039/d5ay00531k

Ren Fail. 2025 Dec;47(1):2515530. doi: 10.1080/0886022X.2025.2515530. Epub 2025 Jul 1.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of rapamycin on DFG (delayed graft function in kidney transplant) recipients through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and other databases for studies assessing rapamycin use in kidney transplantation with a focus on DGF. The search was conducted from the time of database construction to December 2024. Literature search and quality evaluation were conducted by two researchers. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3, with odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes. The meta-analysis was performed with Q-I²; fixed model for I² < 50%; sensitivity analysis for I² ≥ 50%. p Values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Nine studies (n = 9,219) were included. Rapamycin was associated with an increased risk of DGF (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04-1.58), with a prolonged DGF duration (MD = 8.86, 95% CI: 3.84-13.89). No significant differences were found in graft survival (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 0.72-2.73); patient survival (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 0.84-4.26), or rejection incidence (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.78-1.90).

CONCLUSIONS: Rapamycin significantly increases the risk and duration of DGF after kidney transplantation. However, it does not appear to affect long-term outcomes such as graft survival or rejection rates. These findings suggest that rapamycin should be used cautiously in transplant recipients at risk for DGF, and further studies are needed to optimize immunosuppressive strategies for this population.

PMID:40590196 | DOI:10.1080/0886022X.2025.2515530

Mol Ecol. 2025 Jul 1:e70010. doi: 10.1111/mec.70010. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Approximately, 40% of earthworm species can reproduce by parthenogenesis. This is the case for the cosmopolitan species, Aporrectodea trapezoides, although sexual forms have been described sporadically. We analyse the genotypes and microbiomes of 30 individuals from four localities where both forms appear in order to understand the evolutionary mechanisms related to parthenogenesis. In all sites, heterozygosity values were approximately 30% higher in parthenogenetic individuals. However, we detected a stronger genomic structuring due to reproduction than to the geographical setting only in the Algerian population, underpinned by 195 loci that were related to gametogenesis, symbiont-like processes, and nitrate reduction. Similarly, statistical differences in the abundance of ZOTUs were only found between the Algerian sexual and parthenogenetic earthworms, with 754 ZOTUs that included the genus Romboutsia, which is involved in the production of nitric oxide, which enhances sperm motility. In summary, significant genomic and microbiome differences were found only between sexual and parthenogenetic lineages in a single locality. We hypothesise that obligate parthenogenesis evolved early, leaving traces at the genomic and microbiome levels in the Algerian parthenogens that were the earliest splitting lineage. Such obligate parthenogenesis was lost secondarily and individuals in the Iberian sites were facultative parthenogens, with the potential to copulate and therefore erase the genomic and microbial traces of obligate parthenogenesis. Our results indicate a hybrid origin of parthenogenesis in A. trapezoides and shed light on the complex interplay between genomic, microbiome, and reproductive mechanisms in A. trapezoides.

PMID:40590190 | DOI:10.1111/mec.70010

Toxicol Mech Methods. 2025 Jul 1:1-28. doi: 10.1080/15376516.2025.2527154. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a serious global environmental threat due to their resistance to degradation and persistence in ecosystems. Given their potential risks to human health, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the mechanisms of toxicity and associated health consequences. This study examined the toxicological and reproductive effects of varying doses of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) in 120 male and female Sprague Dawley rats. A statistically significant, dose-dependent increase in malondialdehyde levels was observed, along with a reduction in catalase activity. Furthermore, alterations were detected in sexual hormone levels and disruptions were noted in both the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE (antioxidant response element) and p38 MAPK-Nrf2 signaling pathways. PE-MP exposure also produced marked histopathological changes in the testes and ovaries. These findings indicate that reproductive toxicity from PE-MPs is associated with impairments in the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE and p38 MAPK-Nrf2 pathways. The results underscore the importance of limiting microplastic exposure to mitigate potential health hazards and provide new data on the potential mechanisms of toxicity of MPs.

PMID:40590170 | DOI:10.1080/15376516.2025.2527154

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2025 Dec;21(1):2521188. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2025.2521188. Epub 2025 Jul 1.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to evaluate the economic burden and associated determinants of varicella cases in Qingyang City, Gansu Province, thereby informing the formulation and effectiveness evaluation of varicella prevention and control strategies. Based on socioeconomic and geographic characteristics, varicella cases reported in 2024 from Xifeng District, Heshui County, and Zhenyuan County were selected for cross-sectional surveys. The direct and indirect economic burdens were analyzed using Excel 2010 and SPSS 20.0 software. Univariate analysis (Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis tests) was conducted to identify factors associated with economic burden, subsequently, binary Logistic regression was employed for multivariate analysis of significant variables. A total of 1,010 varicella cases were analyzed. Clinical characteristics revealed a mean disease duration of 10.33 ± 2.45 days and work loss time of 9.45 ± 4.38 days. Healthcare utilization included an average of 1.80 ± 1.15 medical visits and caregiver duration of 9.37 ± 2.46 days. The overall economic burden amounted to $283,428 (US), resulting in a per capita burden of $256 (IQR: $212-$345). Per capita total economic burdens for mild, moderate-severe, and hospitalized varicella cases were calculated as $172, $257 and $487, respectively (χ² = 205.730, p < .001); for cases with 0-dose, 1-dose and 2-dose varicella vaccination histories was $286, $172 and $180, respectively(χ² = 45.507, p < .001); urban versus rural case burden were identified as $277 and $287, respectively (Z = -2.316, p < .05), indicating statistically significant differences across these data sets. The direct economic burden was $95,590, and the indirect economic burden was $187,837. Factors influencing the economic burden included fever severity, the number of rashes, case type, residence type, presence of complications, and varicella vaccination history. Varicella imposes a considerable economic burden in Qingyang, with significant variations associated with vaccination status. The low coverage of varicella vaccination underscores the urgent necessity to implement targeted vaccination strategies and enhance public health education aimed at reducing disease-related costs.

PMID:40590155 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2025.2521188

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Jul;24(7):e70329. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70329.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cordyceps is a valuable Chinese herbal medicine known for its various components with antioxidant properties, which may theoretically improve melasma. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a new skin-lightening cosmetic containing Cordyceps extract (referred to as Cordyceps essence) in treating female patients with melasma.

METHODS: Sixty-two women with melasma were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups for 12 weeks of treatment. Group A received oral tranexamic acid (TXA) combined with topical hydroquinone cream, while Group B received oral TXA combined with topical Cordyceps essence. Changes in the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), melanin index (MI), and erythema index (EI) were monitored and assessed before and after treatment. Patient-reported satisfaction and adverse events were also recorded. Additionally, a metabolomic analysis was conducted on 15 randomly selected patients from Group B.

RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, intra-group comparisons revealed that MASI scores, MI, and EI significantly decreased in both Group A and B compared to baseline (p < 0.05). However, inter-group comparisons showed no statistical differences in MASI scores, MI, or EI between the two groups after treatment (p > 0.05). Adverse reactions occurred in 4 people (13.8%) in Group A and 1 person (3.3%) in Group B. Patient satisfaction with treatment was similar in both groups. The metabolomic analysis identified significant differences in 29 metabolites and 15 metabolic pathways after treatment (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that both oral TXA combined with hydroquinone cream and oral TXA combined with Cordyceps essence significantly improved melasma in women. However, the incidence of adverse reactions was lower with topical Cordyceps essence than that with hydroquinone cream. Cordyceps essence appeared to be a promising alternative for patients intolerant to hydroquinone cream. Metabolomic analysis revealed that modulation of melanogenesis-related metabolites, enhanced antioxidant activity, and improved skin barrier function collectively contributed to the clinical improvement in melasma severity. The improvement of melasma with oral TXA and topical Cordyceps essence may be closely linked to changes in endogenous differential metabolites in the skin and the regulation of amino acid metabolic pathways.

PMID:40590148 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.70329

Quintessence Int. 2025 Jul 1;0(0):1-33. doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b6335983. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Various salivary cytokines are overexpressed in the saliva of Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) patients. In addition, the levels of salivary cytokines can differ according to local and systemic conditions, besides SjS itself.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the associations and correlations of caries experience, sialometry, and systemic co-morbidities with levels of the following salivary cytokines: Interleukin (IL): IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-17A among SjS patients.

METHODS: Upon ethical approval and signed informed consent, 20 women with SjS were recruited. Clinical examinations included Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index measurements, sialometry, and saliva sampling. Levels of salivary cytokines: IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-17A were measured by Enzyme- Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed using the Independent-Samples Mann-Whitney U Test for the associations between the categorial parameters, and Spearman’s correlation test to analyze the correlations between continuous variables.

RESULTS: We report that Salivary cytokines are inter-correlated in a statistically significant manner (p<0.05). Age is correlated with IL-17A levels (p<0.05), and decayed teeth were cor-related with IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 (p<0.05). The liquid fraction in the unstimulated salivary flow rate significantly correlates with all salivary cytokines that were measured. Cardiac disease is correlated with IL-10 levels, and Rheumatoid Arthritis is correlated with IL-1β levels (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that local factors such as caries experience and salivary flow rates as well as systemic factors such as co-morbidities should be taken into consideration when testing the levels of salivary cytokines in SjS.

PMID:40590144 | DOI:10.3290/j.qi.b6335983

Quintessence Int. 2025 Jul 1;0(0):0. doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b6336017. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study assesses the long-term effects of implants on alveolar and basal bone to determine if a patient’s sex affects dimensional changes in the jaw and evaluate whether dental implants halt the atrophy of bone when compared to no post-extraction intervention.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: IRB approval was obtained for this study. Of the 125 patients (432 sites) in the study, 53% were female. All had two CBCTs taken, an average of 4.7 years apart. The scans were divided into three groups. In the control group, the extraction site (first CBCT or T1) was not replaced when the second scan was taken (T2). Group 2 had no implant at T1 and an implant at T2. Group 3 had an implant at T1 and T2. Measurements were made from landmarks at predetermined levels (superior cortex of the IAN or the most inferior point in the nasal floor (NF) in the direction of the crest of bone height (Group C, 2, and 3). To avoid osseous changes due to placement, measurements were made from the inferior alveolar nerve for mandibular implants or the nasal floor for maxillary implants. Recognizing gender-based disparities in jaw size, we monitored percentage changes in bone.

RESULTS: Loss of alveolar bone width across all groups was common. When bivariate analysis was performed after Bonferroni correction (p<0.025), changes in alveolar bone width were significantly greater in females (p = 0.004). Although the loss in the basal bone was present, it was not significant between the sexes nor as great as alveolar bone resorption (p=0.880). When comparing groups using bivariate analysis, differences were not statistically significant between treatment groups and the control group (p=0.050) for basal bone and for alveolar bone (p=0.052). In the regression analysis for sex or groups, neither was statistically significant for either basal or alveolar bone (p >0.05).

CONCLUSION: Dental implants do not arrest post-extraction atrophy in either alveolar or basal bone. Females exhibited a statistically greater rate of alveolar bone loss. Stable long-term implant success necessitates precise placement.

PMID:40590143 | DOI:10.3290/j.qi.b6336017

Quintessence Int. 2025 Jul 1;0(0):0. doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b6335908. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is increasingly recognized as a minimally invasive and effective treatment for early childhood caries (ECC). However, the dark discoloration from its application significantly limits its acceptability among parents, especially for anterior teeth. Zinc, with known antimicrobial and biofilm-modulating properties, has recently been proposed as a potential adjunct to reduce SDF-induced staining.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc pretreatment in reducing SDF-induced discoloration on primary tooth carious lesions that involved dentin. This study also aimed to examine surface morphology and elemental composition changes associated with Zinc adjunct SDF treatments.

METHODS: Extracted human primary teeth were allocated into three groups: untreated control, positive control (38% SDF alone), and experimental group (20M zinc pretreatment followed by 38% SDF). Tooth color changes were assessed using grayscale intensity analysis via standardized photography at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and up to 14 days. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to investigate morphological and compositional changes in both sound and naturally carious dentin areas. Statistical analyses included two-sample t-tests, linear regression, and likelihood ratio tests.

RESULTS: Teeth pretreated with zinc demonstrated less discoloration compared to the SDF-only group. Although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.125), it may have potential clinical relevance. SEM images revealed modified silver deposition patterns characterized by dispersed and less densely packed silver aggregates in zinc-pretreated groups. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of zinc, suggesting its interaction with silver deposition processes.

CONCLUSION: Zinc pretreatment effectively reduces SDF-induced discoloration in primary dentition, potentially improving aesthetic outcomes and parental acceptance. This approach represents a promising advancement in minimally invasive pediatric dental care and warrants further clinical exploration.

PMID:40590141 | DOI:10.3290/j.qi.b6335908

Hypertension. 2025 Jul 1. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.24640. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Automated blood pressure (BP) devices may be less accurate in women than men, but this requires further investigation. This study aimed to determine sex differences in automated BP, measured with a single brand and model of device, compared with manual BP, with a focus on cuff sizes and associations with measures of adiposity.

METHODS: Automated (Omron HEM-907XL) and manual BP were taken sequentially in a random order among a subsample of participants attending the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2017 to 2018. Anthropometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were used to record body size and composition. Analyses, including multivariable regression to determine sex differences in BP, by cuff size, followed complex survey statistical principles.

RESULTS: A total of 3735 participants (49.0% women [95% CI, 46.4-51.6], 45 years [43-46]) were included. In women, automated systolic BP (SBP) incrementally underestimated manual SBP across larger cuffs up to extra-large (-6.4 mm Hg [-8.0 to -4.9]). In men, automated SBP underestimated manual SBP only with extra-large cuffs (-2.4 mm Hg [95% CI-3.9 to -0.9]). Underestimation by automated SBP with extra-large cuffs was independently associated with all measures of body size indicative of increased adiposity in both women and men. Hypertension classification from automated and manual SBP had moderate agreement for adult/large cuffs (weighted kappa range 0.66-0.79) but weak agreement for extra-large cuffs (0.55-0.58) for women and men.

CONCLUSIONS: The automated device used in this study underestimated manual SBP at larger cuff sizes, which was associated with indices of adiposity. Poorer accuracy of automated BP in larger cuff sizes could contribute to inequitable BP-related health care for women and men and requires further investigation.

PMID:40590130 | DOI:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.24640