Category: Nevin Manimala

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 2;15(1):23057. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-07100-8.

ABSTRACT

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a nasal inflammation triggered by the immune system’s response to airborne allergens, with white blood cells playing a crucial role in the development of allergic symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the genetic correlations between AR and various blood traits in European and East Asian populations using linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC). By leveraging GWAS summary statistics, we identified significant genetic overlap between AR and eosinophil counts in both populations. Cross-trait analysis revealed 52 pleiotropic loci associated with AR and eosinophil counts in Europeans, while 12 novel loci were discovered in East Asians. Among these, five loci, including IL1RL1 and IL4R, were shared between Europeans and East Asians. Additionally, we identified a novel East Asian-specific locus near the CD28 gene. Differential gene expression analysis further showed that CD28 expression was significantly lower in AR patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting its potential involvement in AR pathogenesis. These findings underscore the utility of multi-trait GWAS in uncovering pleiotropic loci and provide new insights into the genetic architecture of AR, particularly emphasizing population-specific loci like CD28. This research opens avenues for understanding the genetic basis of AR and developing targeted therapies.

PMID:40593228 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-07100-8

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 1;15(1):22203. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-07663-6.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated corneal epithelial thickness and its distribution in keratoconus (KC) and forme fruste keratoconus (FFK). A total of 35 KC eyes, 25 FFK eyes, and 35 control eyes underwent anterior segment-optical coherence tomography for corneal epithelial evaluation. Sixty KC eyes were included for the assessment of epithelial changes according to KC severity. Epithelial thickness in the central, paracentral, and peripheral areas-each subdivided into eight zones-was statistically analysed. Minimum, maximum, and average epithelial thicknesses were reduced in KC eyes, especially in the inferior and inferior-temporal zones. Standard deviations were greater in KC eyes across nearly all zones. In FFK and KC eyes, the differences between superior and inferior epithelial thickness were significantly altered compared to control eyes. According to the Amsler-Krumeich classification, more advanced KC stages were associated with greater corneal thinning. Epithelial heterogeneity decreased in the central and paracentral area as a result of superior epithelial thinning, whereas it increased in the peripheral area with KC progression. Epithelial thickness and distribution were altered in KC and even in FFK eyes with normal topography. Different stages of KC may exhibit distinct epithelial remodelling patterns.

PMID:40593226 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-07663-6

Clin Oral Investig. 2025 Jul 2;29(7):366. doi: 10.1007/s00784-025-06429-8.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Fluoride-based cariostatic agents are commonly used in dental products and are generally considered safe. However, ongoing discussions about potential adverse effects are driving research into alternative agents, such as lanthanide salts. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of different cariostatic agents, including fluoride compounds (NaF, Na₂PO₃F, NH₄F) and lanthanide salts (Ce(NO₃)₃, CeCl₃, Sm(NO₃)₃, SmCl₃).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse fibroblasts (L-929) were cultured in Eagle’s Minimum Essential Medium supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. Cell viability was assessed via MTT assay after 24 h of exposure to test compounds at concentrations of 0.0128, 0.064, 0.32, 1.6, 8, 40, 200 and 1000 mM, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was quantified to assess membrane integrity. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined after 24 h. Data were analyzed by non-parametric methods at a significance level of α = 0.05 (Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests).

RESULTS: Cell viability decreased significantly for NaCl and NaNO₃ at 200 mM, and for NaF, NH₄F, Ce(NO₃)₃, CeCl₃, Sm(NO₃)₃ and SmCl₃ at 1.6 mM, falling below 70% of control (P ≤ 0.0178). Similarly, LDH assays indicated a significant incline in cytotoxicity at a concentration of 200 mM for NaCl, NaNO₃ and Na₂PO₃F, and at 8 mM for NaF, NH₄F and all lanthanide compounds (P ≤ 0.0016). ROS quantification showed that NaF, NH₄F, CeCl₃, Sm(NO₃)₃ and SmCl₃ induced oxidative stress at 1.6 mM with statistical significance (P ≤ 0.0065).

CONCLUSIONS: Fluoride and lanthanide compounds exhibited similar in vitro biocompatibility, comparable to that of table salt.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both fluoride- and lanthanide-based cariostatic agents appear to pose a low biological risk to surrounding oral tissues when used at appropriate doses in dental products.

PMID:40593225 | DOI:10.1007/s00784-025-06429-8

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 1;15(1):21153. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-07878-7.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of lateral abdominal wall suspension during surgery compared with traditional procedures in patients with pelvic organ prolapse without uterine preservation. Collect the data of patients with uterine and vaginal wall prolapse who underwent surgery from January 2022 to December 2023. All patients were divided into three groups according to different surgical procedures: Study Group (laparoscopic total hysterectomy + bilateral salpingectomy/oophorectomy + lateral abdominal wall suspension + posterior colporrhaphy), Control Group 1 (laparoscopic-assisted vaginal total hysterectomy + bilateral salpingectomy/bilateral oophorectomy + anterior and posterior colporrhaphy), and Control Group 2 (vaginal total hysterectomy + anterior and posterior colporrhaphy).Statistically analyze the clinical indicators and recurrence situations in different Groups. Patients in Study group exhibited significantly higher preoperative POP-Q staging for pelvic organ prolapse severity(P < 0.01), longer operative times(P = 0.01, P < 0.01), but significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss(P = 0.01, P < 0.01)and shorter postoperative urinary catheterization duration(P = 0.01, P < 0.01) compared to the other two groups. No differences were detected in postoperative infection, vaginal bleeding or duration of hospitalization(P > 0.05). However, stress incontinence in 1-year after operation has no difference between study group and control groups. Recurrence rates in Control Group 1 is higher than Study Group (P = 0.02), While, it has no difference between Study Group and Control Group 2. Lateral abdominal wall suspension, despite a longer operative duration, surpasses traditional surgeries in minimizing intraoperative blood loss, cutting down the time of postoperative urinary catheter retention, and lowering the postoperative recurrence rate. To firmly establish the long-term curative effects and safety of lateral abdominal wall suspension, future research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is essential.

PMID:40593197 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-07878-7

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 1;15(1):21554. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-07890-x.

ABSTRACT

In this study, we investigated the status quo of illness acceptance, community self-efficacy, and social isolation in elderly patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We explored the effects of illness acceptance and community self-efficacy on the relationship between social isolation and loneliness in patients with PD based on the self-regulation theory model. We selected elderly patients with PD from the outpatient department of two Grade iii-A hospitals in Guangdong Province using convenience sampling. We collected data using a general information questionnaire. We used the Lubben Social Network Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Community’s Self-Efficacy Scale, and Acceptance of Illness Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and bootstrap sampling to test the multiple mediation model. We recruited 142 elderly patients with PD. Their mean age was 69.30 years (standard deviation = 5.34, range from 60 to 89 years). Approximately 55.6% (n = 79) of the patients were male. The mean scores for community self-efficacy, social network, and illness acceptance were 11.03 ± 6.21, 13.29 ± 5.4, and 23.56 ± 6.871, respectively. Loneliness was negatively associated with illness acceptance (r = -0.536, p < 0.001) and community self-efficacy (r = -0.654, p < 0.001). The results of multiple mediation analysis indicated that illness acceptance (effect: -0.172, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.297, 0.067]) and community self-efficacy (effect: -0.271, 95% CI [-0.446, -0.115]) individually and collectively influenced the relationship between social isolation and loneliness (effect: -0.055, 95% CI [-0.105, -0.017]). The direct effect and mediating effect values accounted for 59.6% and 40.4% of the total effect value, respectively. Illness acceptance and community self-efficacy mediate the association between social isolation and loneliness. Interventions that help facilitate mutuality, illness acceptance, and community self-efficacy may help minimize loneliness in patients with PD.

PMID:40593192 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-07890-x

Pediatr Res. 2025 Jul 1. doi: 10.1038/s41390-025-04214-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common infectious disease with a mortality rate of 2-14%. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) frequently causes CAP in children. This study aimed to investigate RSV genetic diversity in children under 15 years of age with CAP, evaluate nucleotide substitution rates, and examine associations with clinical characteristics and outcomes.

METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted using nasal swab samples collected from children under 15 years of age diagnosed with CAP. RSV identification involved cell culture and immunofluorescence microscopy, followed by molecular analyses using qPCR, nested PCR, and Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatics tools were applied to assess phylogenetics, evolutionary trends, genetic distance, and nucleotide substitution rates. Statistical analysis of clinical and laboratory data was performed to identify correlations between RSV features and patient characteristics.

RESULTS: Among 346 CAP cases, RSV was detected in 26.88%, with the highest prevalence in children aged 1-2 years. Subtype A exhibited higher nucleotide substitution rates than subtype B. Shortness of breath and high fever were significantly associated with increased nucleotide diversity. RSV infections peaked in winter, particularly in 2018 and 2019. Elevated substitution rates were linked to longer hospital stays, greater risk of complications such as secondary bacterial infections, and increased RSV-related morbidity.

CONCLUSION: RSV higher nucleotide substitution rates, especially in children under 3 years of age, were associated with more severe clinical outcomes and prolonged hospitalization. Phylogenetic analysis indicated distinct evolutionary patterns, with subtype B exhibiting a more rapid evolutionary rate than subtype A.

IMPACT: This study highlights the high prevalence of respiratory viruses, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), in children with community-acquired pneumonia in Guangzhou. It provides detailed molecular epidemiological data on RSV, including genetic variation patterns and evolutionary rates. The findings contribute regional data essential for epidemiological research and public health planning in similar geographic areas. These results support clinical decision-making and inform public health strategies, particularly those focused on RSV vaccination and infection control.

PMID:40593188 | DOI:10.1038/s41390-025-04214-7

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 1;15(1):21239. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-06116-4.

ABSTRACT

The zero-inflated negative binomial regression (ZINBR) model is used for modeling count data that exhibit both overdispersion and zero-inflated counts. However, a persistent challenge in the efficient estimation of parameters within ZINBR models is the issue of multicollinearity, where high correlations between predictor variables can compromise the stability and reliability of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE). We propose a new two-parameter hybrid estimator, designed for the ZINBR model, to address this problem. This estimator aims to mitigate the effects of multicollinearity by incorporating a combination of existing biased estimators. To test the effectiveness of the proposed estimator, we conduct a comprehensive theoretical comparison with conventional biased estimators, including the Ridge and Liu, the Kibria-Lukman, and the modified Ridge estimators. An extended Monte Carlo simulation study complements the theoretical results, evaluating the estimator’s performance under various multicollinearity conditions. The simulation results, evaluated by metrics such as mean squared error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), show that the proposed hybrid estimator consistently outperforms conventional methods, especially in high multicollinearity. Furthermore, we apply it to two real-world datasets. The experimental application demonstrates the superior performance of the estimator in producing stable and accurate parameter estimates. The simulation study and experimental application results strongly suggest that the new two-parameter hybrid estimator offers significant progress in parameter estimation in ZINBR models, especially in complex scenarios due to multicollinearity.

PMID:40593177 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-06116-4

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 1;15(1):20567. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-06046-1.

ABSTRACT

To observe the efficacy and safety of Ripertamab in the treatment of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (IMN). Clinical data from patients with IMN treated with Ripertamab or Rituximab were retrospectively collected from six tertiary hospitals in Jilin Province between January and December 2023. Patients were grouped based on treatment regimen into the Ripertamab and Rituximab groups and matched 1:1 by age and gender. Follow-ups were conducted over six months to assess baseline characteristics, laboratory parameters, and adverse reactions related to anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy. A total of 112 patients with IMN were identified, including 52 treated with Ripertamab and 60 with Rituximab. After matching, 40 patients were included in each group. Baseline clinical characteristics were comparable between the groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between the two groups (P > 0.05). At 6 months, the overall effectiveness rate of Ripertamab in the treatment of IMN was 65.0%, of which the partial and complete remission rates were 50.0% and 15.0%, respectively. The overall effectiveness rate of Rituximab was 60.0%, of which the partial and complete remission rates were 47.5% and 12.5%, respectively. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the incidence of infusion reactions, pulmonary infections, interstitial lung disease, HBV reactivation, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia (P > 0.05). Ripertamab demonstrates a therapeutic efficacy comparable to Rituximab for IMN, with a similar incidence of infusion-related adverse reactions and complications.

PMID:40593173 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-06046-1

Eur Radiol. 2025 Jul 2. doi: 10.1007/s00330-025-11754-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is highly effective for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) but cannot assess its hemodynamic significance, often requiring additional tests. This study evaluates the clinical performance and cost-effectiveness of integrating dynamic myocardial CT perfusion (DynCTP) into the assessment of symptomatic patients with suspected CAD or prior chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single center, retrospective study comparing two matched cohorts. In the first cohort patients underwent CCTA followed by non-CT-based functional tests, while in the second cohort DynCTP was included for cases of potential functionally significant CAD. The study analyzed the number of additional tests, diagnostic process duration, and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events. A probabilistic cost analysis was performed to evaluate the economic impact.

RESULTS: A total of 205 patients were included, 71% of whom were male, with a mean age of 72.5 ± 10 years. Over a follow-up of 30 months, the CCTA+DynCTP cohort showed a 56% reduction in additional tests and 45% in time to clinical decision-making, with a higher proportion of patients requiring only the initial study. No significant differences were observed in the number of invasive coronary angiograms or major adverse clinical events, although an increase in overall healthcare costs was documented.

CONCLUSION: Integrating DynCTP into the evaluation of symptomatic patients with suspected CAD or prior CCS streamlines the diagnostic process compared to a strategy based on CCTA and other functional tests, reducing time and additional testing without increasing adverse outcomes, although it is associated with slightly higher healthcare costs.

KEY POINTS: Question Evaluating the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery stenosis identified by coronary CT angiography is important to determine the best treatment strategy, but requires complementary tests. Findings DynCTP reduced the time to clinical decision-making and the need for additional testing without increasing major adverse cardiovascular events. Clinical relevance The integration of DynCTP safely streamlines the diagnostic process of CAD compared to a strategy based on CCTA and additional functional tests.

PMID:40593171 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-025-11754-3

Eur Radiol. 2025 Jul 1. doi: 10.1007/s00330-025-11648-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Early detection of lung cancer through low-dose CT lung cancer screening in a high-risk population has proven to reduce lung cancer-specific mortality. Nodule management plays a pivotal role in early detection and further diagnostic approaches. The European Society of Thoracic Imaging (ESTI) has established a nodule management recommendation to improve the handling of pulmonary nodules detected during screening. For solid nodules, the primary method for assessing the likelihood of malignancy is to monitor nodule growth using volumetry software. For subsolid nodules, the aggressiveness is determined by measuring the solid part. The ESTI-recommendation enhances existing protocols but puts a stronger focus on lesion aggressiveness. The main goals are to minimise the overall number of follow-up examinations while preventing the risk of a major stage shift and reducing the risk of overtreatment. KEY POINTS: Question Assessment of nodule growth and management according to guidelines is essential in lung cancer screening. Findings Assessment of nodule aggressiveness defines follow-up in lung cancer screening. Clinical relevance The ESTI nodule management recommendation aims to reduce follow-up examinations while preventing major stage shift and overtreatment.

PMID:40593170 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-025-11648-4