Category: Nevin Manimala

BMC Nutr. 2026 May 8. doi: 10.1186/s40795-026-01327-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. Treatment for CD relies on a gluten-free diet, and previous studies have suggested alterations in the lipid profile. However, the literature shows no consensus regarding the specific lipid fraction affected, the magnitude of the change, or whether lipid parameters tend to increase or decrease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a gluten-free diet on HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in patients with celiac disease reported in the scientific literature.

METHODS: A literature review was conducted in four databases including studies published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, publication bias was evaluated with Egger’s test, and meta-analyses were performed to estimate mean differences in lipid profile parameters using a random-effects model with the REML estimation method.

RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included, most of them conducted in Italian populations, comprising a total of 1,820 patients with CD, of whom 706 were pediatric. In pediatric patients, the meta-analysis showed no significant change in total cholesterol (6.2 mg/dL; 95% CI – 7.1 to 19.6), a significant decrease in triglycerides (- 14.2 mg/dL; 95% CI – 22.6 to – 5.8), and an increase in HDL cholesterol (11.4 mg/dL; 95% CI 8.5 to 14.2). In contrast, among adults, there was a significant increase in total cholesterol (12.4 mg/dL; 95% CI 5.1 to 19.7), triglycerides (5.9 mg/dL; 95% CI 0.5 to 11.2), and HDL cholesterol (6.1 mg/dL; 95% CI 3.9 to 8.3).

CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that patients with celiac disease experience significant changes in lipid profile following adherence to a gluten-free diet, with a differential pattern between pediatric and adult populations.

PMID:42104507 | DOI:10.1186/s40795-026-01327-y

Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines. 2026 May 8. doi: 10.1186/s40794-026-00303-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Viral-bacterial codetection is common and may increase clinical severity, but evidence in the Peruvian pediatric population is limited. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and seasonal characteristics associated with viral-bacterial codetection in children hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).

METHODS: Cross-sectional secondary database study from a private hospital in Lima, Peru. We included patients < 13 years hospitalized for LRTIs with RT-qPCR results for respiratory viruses and/or bacteria. Viral-bacterial codetection was compared against other detection patterns using Poisson regression for binary outcomes and linear regression for continuous outcomes, with false discovery rate (FDR) correction for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS: A total of 548 patients were included (median age 2.0 years; 50.5% female). Viral-bacterial codetection was identified in 21.5% of patients (n = 118), with RSV + Haemophilus influenzae being the most frequent combination. Compared with other detection patterns, viral-bacterial codetection was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of crackles (aPR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.08-1.57), lower oxygen saturation at admission (β: -0.57; 95% CI: -1.04 to – 0.10), higher platelet counts (β: 30,452; 95% CI: 5,113-55,792), higher hemoglobin levels (β: 0.29 g/dL; 95% CI: 0.03-0.56), and longer hospital stay (β: 0.66 days; 95% CI: 0.02-1.29). However, after FDR correction for multiple comparisons, none of these associations reached statistical significance (q-values: 0.056-0.113). No difference was detected according to seasonality.

CONCLUSIONS: Viral-bacterial codetection was common and was associated with crackles, lower oxygen saturation, longer hospital stay, and higher platelet counts; however, after FDR correction, none of these associations remained statistically significant, underscoring the exploratory nature of these findings and the need for larger, confirmatory studies.

PMID:42104506 | DOI:10.1186/s40794-026-00303-5

BMC Rheumatol. 2026 May 8. doi: 10.1186/s41927-026-00651-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a functional syndrome characterized by musculoskeletal pain and a variety of associated symptoms. Previous research has shown that close relatives are at a higher risk of developing the syndrome compared to the general population. Previous findings also suggest that symptoms tend to decrease with age. Our primary objective is to examine whether having a close relative with fibromyalgia is associated with greater symptom severity among patients in primary care. In addition, we assess the relationship between age and symptom severity.

METHODS: The study is based on a cross-sectional design. The data were collected at the Nokia Health Centre, Finland, in 2016. Patients meeting the ACR 2010 criteria were included in this study (n = 91). We used three validated questionnaires to assess disease severity (PSD, FIQ and EQ-VAS) and patient-reported information on fibromyalgia in a close relative.

RESULTS: The independent-samples t-test was used to examine the association. Participants were divided into four age groups, and differences in symptom severity between age groups were assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There were no statistically significant differences between family history and symptom severity, nor age groups and symptom severity. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant linear association between age and symptom severity, nor between symptom severity and family history of fibromyalgia. These findings remained unchanged after adjusting for family history. However, given the lack of statistical significance and our small sample size, these observations should be interpreted cautiously.

CONCLUSIONS: Symptom severity and functional limitations appeared broadly similar across age groups in our sample, which may suggest that increasing age is not necessarily associated with substantial symptom relief. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution given the cross-sectional design and small sample size.

PMID:42104504 | DOI:10.1186/s41927-026-00651-x

BMC Psychol. 2026 May 8. doi: 10.1186/s40359-026-04729-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communication deficits and emotional dysregulation. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has shown potential benefits in various psychiatric conditions; however, evidence regarding its effectiveness in individuals with ASD remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of DBT-based interventions on emotional regulation, suicidal ideation, and depressive symptoms in ASD.

METHODS: Six English and Chinese databases were searched from inception to April 1, 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DBT-based interventions with control conditions in individuals with ASD were included. Data were pooled using standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and subgroup analyses were conducted.

RESULTS: Four RCTs involving 375 participants were included. Compared with controls, DBT-based interventions were associated with significant improvements in emotional regulation (SMD = – 0.89, 95% CI: -1.67 to – 0.10) and reductions in suicidal ideation (SMD = – 1.97, 95% CI: -3.02 to – 0.91) and depressive symptoms (SMD = – 2.23, 95% CI: -4.35 to – 0.11). Subgroup analysis indicated that shorter session duration (≤ 60 min) was associated with greater improvements in emotional regulation, whereas no significant effect was observed for longer sessions (> 60 min). No significant effects were found for anxiety.

CONCLUSION: DBT-based interventions show potential benefits in improving emotional regulation, reducing suicidal ideation, and alleviating depressive symptoms in individuals with ASD. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of trials and substantial heterogeneity. Further large-scale, high-quality RCTs are warranted.

PMID:42104500 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-026-04729-6

Arch Public Health. 2026 May 9. doi: 10.1186/s13690-026-01924-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Somalia has one of the lowest childhood immunization coverage rates globally, with only 34.8% of children aged 0-59 months having received at least one vaccine and a high burden of zero-dose children. Immunization uptake is influenced by socioeconomic, maternal, healthcare access, and geographic factors. This study examined determinants of childhood immunization coverage in Somalia to inform equity-focused strategies.

METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using nationally representative data from the 2020 Somalia Demographic and Health Survey (SDHS), including 7,373 mother-child pairs. bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations between sociodemographic, economic, maternal, healthcare access, and geographic characteristics and child vaccination status, accounting for survey design and confounders.

RESULTS: Overall vaccination coverage was 34.8%. Health facility delivery was the strongest independent predictor (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI:1.68-2.22; p < 0.001). Children from the highest household wealth quintile had higher odds than the poorest (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI:2.00-3.00; p < 0.001). Maternal primary and secondary education were positively associated with vaccination (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI:1.34-1.87 and AOR = 1.94; 95% CI:1.40-2.67; respectively; p < 0.001). Nomadic residence was associated with higher odds compared with rural residence (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI:1.46-1.96; p < 0.001). Compared with infants aged 0-11 months, children aged 12-23 months (AOR = 1.36; 95% CI:1.10-1.69; p = 0.005) and 24-59 months (AOR = 1.33; 95% CI:1.12-1.59; p = 0.001) were more likely to be vaccinated. Lack of radio exposure was associated with lower vaccination odds (AOR = 0.64; 95% CI:0.50-0.82; p < 0.001). Children living in Gedo region had markedly lower odds of vaccination than those in Awdal region (AOR = 0.26; 95% CI:0.17-0.39; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Childhood immunization coverage in Somalia remains critically low, reflecting socioeconomic, maternal, healthcare access, and geographic inequalities that require strategies targeting disadvantaged populations and regions.

PMID:42104499 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-026-01924-0

Trop Med Health. 2026 May 8;54(1):82. doi: 10.1186/s41182-026-00967-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The escalation of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) illnesses is now a major global threat, with countries like Uganda having a prevalence of over 31 %. Herbal medicines (HM) are widely used to treat GIT illnesses in many low-resource settings including Sironko District in Eastern Uganda, but their safety remains a grave concern because they often contain bioactive phytochemicals that may cause harmful side effects. In Sironko, herbalists commonly rely on indigenous knowledge rather than formal pharmacological training when prescribing HM hence the potential for adverse reactions linked to toxic phytocompounds is substantial, warranting comprehensive scientific investigation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore plant species used to treat GIT illnesses and perceptions of their adverse effects in Sironko District, to inform safer herbal medicine use.

METHODS: A sample of 70 herbalists was subjected to an ethnobotanical survey using pre-validated semi-structured questionnaires to profile plant species primarily used against GIT illnesses plus awareness and perceptions about the associated side effects. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics using STATA version-15.0. Graphs were plotted with GraphPad Prism^® version 9.0.0.

RESULTS: A total of 80 plants species used against GIT infections were documented, mainly in families; Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae, indicated for treatment and prevention of 24 gastrointestinal illnesses, mostly diarrhea (18.94%), ulcers (11.81%), and stomachaches (8.52%), plus 39 ailments affecting other body systems. Informant consensus factors were high for all disease categories (≥ 0.630), showing homogeneity of ethnomedicinal knowledge. Chenopodium opulifolium, Tithonia diversifolia and Senna didymobotrya were reported to pose the greatest number of side effects, including headache and insomnia. The 70% of participants were unaware that HM can be toxic, 57% were certain that HM do not have side effects, yet those that opposed the need for urgent action against HM adversity were significantly more than participants who perceived it as vital (χ², p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: There is a high diversity of plant species used to treat primarily GIT illnesses in Sironko, but many potentially stimulate life-threatening adverse effects such as severe headache and vomiting. These results highlight a need for considerable investment in herbal medicine safety to leverage its optimal use in health promotion and economic development.

PMID:42104496 | DOI:10.1186/s41182-026-00967-x

Parasit Vectors. 2026 May 8. doi: 10.1186/s13071-026-07381-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular, tick-borne bacterial pathogen capable of causing disease and even mortality in various mammals, including humans. Non-coding RNAs play important regulatory roles in multicellular organisms, including innate and adaptive immune pathways, which control bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections. However, the global transcriptomic landscape encompassing both ncRNAs and mRNAs in HL-60 cells invaded by A. phagocytophilum remains unexplored.

METHODS: Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry at multiple time points after HL-60 cell infection with A. phagocytophilum. Total RNA was extracted and analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to delineate expression alterations of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) at 24 h post-infection (hpi). Bioinformatics methods were employed for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses to elucidate the potential functions of these differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, an integrated bioinformatics approach was applied to systematically construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network involving lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs.

RESULTS: A. phagocytophilum infection accelerated HL-60 cell apoptosis at multiple time points, with the most significant effect observed at 24 hpi. Transcriptome profiling at 24 hpi identified substantial differential expression, including 487 lncRNAs, 550 mRNAs, and 22 miRNAs with statistically significant changes in expression. Then, expression patterns of eight lncRNAs, eight mRNAs, and seven miRNAs were experimentally validated through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), demonstrating strong correlation with RNA-seq results. Bioinformatics analyses revealed significant enrichment of differentially expressed mRNAs in three key pathways: the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, the actin cytoskeleton regulation pathway and the p53 signaling pathway. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were largely related to the phospholipase D signaling pathway and pathways related to cortisol and aldosterone synthesis/secretion. The altered miRNAs showed predominant enrichment in Rap1 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Notably, computational reconstruction of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network identified hsa-miR-4518 and hsa-miR-3609 as central regulatory nodes.

CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive transcriptome study elucidates complex gene regulatory networks activated in HL-60 cells after A. phagocytophilum invasion, with particular emphasis on pathogen-modulated miRNA signatures that coordinate critical pathways governing host immune responses and microbial survival strategies. These findings elucidate previously uncharacterized molecular mechanisms underlying A. phagocytophilum pathogenesis and may provide actionable targets for novel therapeutics.

PMID:42104495 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-026-07381-6

Knee Surg Relat Res. 2026 May 8;38(1):20. doi: 10.1186/s43019-026-00321-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are highly prevalent among athletes and continue to pose challenges owing to persistent instability and variable return-to-sport outcomes following reconstruction. Anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction and has been introduced to improve outcomes. Increasing graft diameter was described to enhance biomechanical properties. This study hypothesis was, that ACL reconstruction (ACL-R) combined with ALL reconstruction is superior to a large-sized graft ACL-R.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of large-sized (six-strand) hamstring grafts with those of standard-sized (four-strand) grafts combined with anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction in ACL-deficient knees.

METHODS: A total of 82 patients (18-45 years) undergoing ACL reconstruction were randomized to either a large (six-strand) hamstring graft group (group A, n = 41) or a standard-sized (four-strand) graft plus ALL reconstruction group (group B, n = 41). Primary outcomes were knee stability (pivot-shift and Lachman tests) and functional scores [Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores]. Secondary measures included pain scores, return to sport, and complication rates, with follow-up at 24 months.

RESULTS: The mean diameter of the large-sized graft was 9.5 ± 2.5 mm, while the mean diameter of the standard-sized graft was 8.0 ± 2.0 mm. Both groups demonstrated significant gains in stability and function. Lysholm scores improved from 51 to 94 in group A and from 56 to 98 in group B with no significant difference between both groups (p = 0.418), while IKDC scores rose from 37 to 88 and from 37 to 91, respectively and it was significantly higher in group B (p = 0.036). Negative pivot-shift was observed in 87.8% of group A and 90.2% of group B with no significant intergroup difference (p = 0.841). Return-to-sport at 12 months was 93.5% and 96.1%, respectively with no significant difference (p = 1.00). Graft rupture occurred in 4.8% of group A and 2.4% of group B. Overall complications were low and statistically comparable (p = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS: Both large hamstring grafts and standard grafts augmented with ALL reconstruction provided significant functional and stability improvements, with no major differences between techniques.

PMID:42104476 | DOI:10.1186/s43019-026-00321-9

J Eat Disord. 2026 May 9. doi: 10.1186/s40337-026-01628-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare preoperative metabolic parameters and body composition in individuals with obesity with and without binge-eating disorder (BED), and to evaluate postoperative short-term weight-loss outcomes in these two groups in the absence of structured preoperative cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 302 participants with obesity from the Western China Bariatric Surgery Cohort. Participants were classified into the BED group and the group without BED based on the Binge Eating Scale (BES) questionnaire and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria. Basal metabolic parameters were assessed via an InBody 770 body composition analyzer, and rigorous follow-up tracking of postoperative weight variations was performed.

RESULTS: A total of 302 individuals with obesity were included, with 151 participants in the BED group and 151 in the group without BED. The proportion of females was significantly higher in the BED group than in the group without BED (p = 0.023). After adjustment for sex, there were no significant between-group differences in preoperative glucose, triglyceride, or total cholesterol levels. Sex hormone levels were comparable between groups in both males and females. Analysis of body composition showed no group differences in overall body weight, BMI, visceral fat area, or basal metabolic rate; however, females with BED exhibited greater leg fat mass (p = 0.037), while a trend toward a larger thigh circumference was observed among males (p = 0.050). In the linear mixed-effects model adjusted for sex and baseline weight, neither the main effect of group nor the group × time interaction was statistically significant, indicating comparable postoperative weight trajectories between the BED and NBED groups from baseline to 2 years after surgery.

CONCLUSION: Individuals with obesity with and without BED showed largely comparable body-composition and metabolic characteristics. Bariatric surgery was associated with similar short-term weight-loss outcomes in individuals with obesity with and without BED, even in the absence of structured preoperative cognitive-behavioral therapy. These findings suggest that bariatric surgery may be an effective short-term weight-loss intervention for individuals with obesity and binge-eating disorder.

PMID:42104469 | DOI:10.1186/s40337-026-01628-4

Alzheimers Res Ther. 2026 May 8. doi: 10.1186/s13195-026-02068-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fluid protein studies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma have provided important insights into neurodegenerative dementias; however, there is a limited investigation of sex-related differences and cross-biofluid relationships. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), large-scale, sex-stratified analyses of paired CSF and plasma samples remain scarce. Using the multiplex and ultrasensitive capabilities of NULISAseq™ technology, this study aims to characterize sex- and disease-specific proteomic alterations associated with Central Nervous System (CNS) pathology to explore underlying mechanisms.

METHODS: CSF and plasma samples from 359 individuals with AD, LBD, FTD, and cognitively healthy controls were analyzed using the NULISAseq™ CNS Disease Panel 120. Differential protein expression analyses were conducted across diagnoses and stratified by sex, adjusting for relevant covariates. Spearman’s correlation analyses were performed to assess concordance between CSF and plasma protein levels. All statistical analyses were conducted in R v4.4.3.

RESULTS: Differential protein expression analyses across diagnoses revealed two potential transdiagnostic biomarkers: ICAM1 in CSF and ANXA5 in plasma, showing consistent increases across AD, LBD, and FTD. Sex-stratified analyses in CSF showed modest changes, including higher CCL26, ANXA5, and IL10 in females with AD, and higher IL9, PRDX6, and CX3CL1 in males with AD. In LBD, females exhibited upregulation of ACHE, SFRP1, POSTN in both CSF and plasma. NPTX1 was identified as a potential CSF biomarker for FTD, showing downregulation particularly in males. In contrast, analyses stratified by sex in plasma displayed a larger number of proteins across all dementias, with females showing a higher number of upregulated inflammation-related proteins predominantly involved in cytokine signaling. Overall cross-fluid correlations were restricted to a small subset of proteins, indicating compartment-specific regulation.

CONCLUSIONS: This study represents a large-scale, sex-stratified proteomic analysis of CSF and plasma across major neurodegenerative dementias using NULISAseq™ technology. The findings highlight sex-dependent biomarker patterns, particularly in plasma, and underscore the importance of incorporating sex as a biological variable in dementia research. Future studies should validate candidate proteins in independent cohorts, investigate their functional and mechanistic roles, and assess their utility for biomarker development and sex-tailored therapeutic strategies.

PMID:42104459 | DOI:10.1186/s13195-026-02068-7