Category: Nevin Manimala

Parasit Vectors. 2025 Jul 31;18(1):314. doi: 10.1186/s13071-025-06918-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Intestinal schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni, is endemic in both Africa and South America. In Senegal and Brazil, S. mansoni is transmitted by Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Biomphalaria glabrata, respectively. With increasing human migration from Senegal to the Americas, there is a potential risk of transferring parasite strains across continents. Understanding the compatibility between Schistosoma species and strains, and snail hosts is therefore essential. This study investigated the compatibility of two S. mansoni strains from Senegal (SmSEN) and Brazil (SmBRA) with both B. pfeifferi (BpSEN) and B. glabrata (BgBRA) originating from Senegal and Brazil, respectively.

METHODS: Four infection combinations were performed: (1) SmSEN + BpSEN (2) SmSEN + BgBRA (3) SmBRA + BgBRA, and (4) SmBRA + BpSEN. A minimum of 72 snails were individually exposed to five miracidia per combination.

RESULTS: The data show high compatibility between Brazilian and Senegalese S. mansoni with B. pfeifferi (92.4% and 77.3%, respectively). In contrast, both strains showed a low compatibility with B. glabrata, with rates of 67.3 and 48% for the Brazilian and Senegalese S. mansoni, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The high compatibility between S. mansoni and Biomphalaria species from Senegal and Brazil highlights the adaptability of S. mansoni to infect different Biomphalaria species across geographically distinct regions. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring areas at risk of schistosomiasis emergence, particularly in the context of human migration and the invasive spread of Biomphalaria species into novel environments.

PMID:40745319 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-025-06918-5

World J Surg Oncol. 2025 Jul 31;23(1):306. doi: 10.1186/s12957-025-03914-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Robotic hepatectomy is widely used to treat liver tumors. However, there are limited studies comparing robotic hepatectomy with conventional open hepatectomy for large (≥ 5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aims to evaluate the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients with large and huge hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing robotic or open hepatectomy.

METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent robotic hepatectomy or open hepatectomy by the same surgical team at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, from January 2021 to January 2024. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize potential bias.

RESULTS: According to the predetermined inclusion criteria, this study included 96 open hepatectomy(OH) patients and 23 robotic hepatectomy (RH) patients. After PSM, two homogeneous groups (RH and OH, n = 23 each) were created. The RH group had less blood loss (median 100 ml vs. 300ml, P = 0.008) and a lower incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (8.7% vs. 39.1%, P = 0.016) compared to the OH group. There were no statistically significant differences in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: For patients with large(≥ 5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma, robotic hepatectomy provides a safe, feasible and less invasive approach for treatment.

PMID:40745311 | DOI:10.1186/s12957-025-03914-y

Gac Med Mex. 2025;161(2):140-147. doi: 10.24875/GMM.M25000987.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EP) is an acute, necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma and surrounding tissues, characterized by the presence of gas in the renal parenchyma and adjacent structures.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of patients with EP, treated at the General Hospital of Mexico.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, analytical study was carried out, between January 2018 and December 2023. Clinical data, urine cultures and tomographic findings (severity classification by Huang-Tseng) were collected.

RESULTS: 51 clinical records were included, 64.7% women, and average age 52 years. 70% lived with diabetes type 2 and 60% had uro-renal lithiasis, about 30% had severe EP. 80% of cases were resolved with treatment based on antibiotics and drainage by interventional radiology. There was an average of 10 days of hospitalization and fatality of 5.9%; the severity of the acute kidney injury showed an association with mortality (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of antibiotics with drainage of the abscess through interventional radiology was associated with a decrease in morbidity and mortality in these cases.

PMID:40743538 | DOI:10.24875/GMM.M25000987

Gac Med Mex. 2025;161(2):185-191. doi: 10.24875/GMM.M25000990.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The incorporation of industrial foods in Indigenous peoples has generated health problems in families, related to the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, Diabetes mellitus type II, metabolic liver disease, defined as “adiposity in poverty syndrome”.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the frequency of diseases of the adiposity syndrome in poverty in Indigenous peoples in transition to modernity in the Wixarika region of the state of Jalisco, Mexico.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: An epidemiological, cross-sectional analytical design with sampling segmented by community size is applied. 238 cases over 30 years old of 221 families from three communities are studied. Statistical analysis is performed by nonparametric tests, with significant p < 0.05.

RESULTS: There is a significant difference in the frequencies of adiposity syndrome by community size, by locality and between traditional communities and those in the process of westernization.

CONCLUSIONS: The study provides a sociohistorical approach to the problems of Indigenous peoples from critical epidemiology. In the Wixaritari populations there are changes in health conditions, determined by the degree of social development and by their incorporation into the processes of Westernization.

PMID:40743536 | DOI:10.24875/GMM.M25000990

JMIR Infodemiology. 2025 Jul 31;5:e70413. doi: 10.2196/70413.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Misinformation on social media during natural disasters has become a significant challenge, with the potential to increase public confusion, panic, and distrust. Although individuals rely on social media platforms for timely updates during crises, these platforms also facilitate the rapid spread of unverified and misleading information. Consequently, misinformation can hamper emergency response efforts, misdirect resources, and distort public perception of the disaster’s true severity.

OBJECTIVE: This narrative review aims to (1) critically evaluate the available evidence; (2) unpack the dynamics of misinformation on social media in the context of natural disasters, specifically natural hazards, shedding light on the challenges, implications, and potential solutions; and (3) develop a conceptual model linking misinformation, public impact, and disasters, grounded in sourced evidence.

METHODS: The narrative review examines the impact of social media misinformation in the context of natural disasters. The literature search was conducted using the PubMed database and Google Scholar in April 2024. Studies eligible for inclusion were published in English, with no restrictions on publication date, geographic region, or target population. The inclusion criteria focused on the original research that examined social media misinformation related to natural disasters, specifically natural hazards.

RESULTS: From an initial pool of 173 studies, 9 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The selected studies revealed consistent patterns in how misinformation spreads during natural disasters, highlighting the role of users, some influencers, and bots in amplified false narratives. The misleading messages disseminated across social media platforms often outpaced official communications, resulting in reduced trust and exacerbating anxiety, stress, and fear among affected populations. This heightened emotional response and erosion of trust in official communications influenced an individual’s susceptibility to the misinformation and prompted inappropriate actions. Consequently, such actions led to resource misallocation, overwhelmed emergency services, and diverted attention away from genuine needs. Collectively, these factors negatively impacted public health outcomes and diminished the effectiveness of emergency management efforts, as illustrated in the conceptual model developed to provide a greater understanding of this critical area of study.

CONCLUSIONS: This narrative review highlights the significant impact of misinformation in the context of natural disasters, specifically natural hazards. It stresses the urgent need for disaster preparedness and response plans that include targeted interventions such as real-time misinformation detection technologies, public education campaigns focused on digital literacy, and proactive debunking initiatives. Implementing these strategies can help mitigate the harmful effects of misinformation, strengthen public trust in official communications, enhance the effectiveness of disaster response, and improve public health outcomes.

PMID:40743535 | DOI:10.2196/70413

J Med Internet Res. 2025 Jul 31;27:e71926. doi: 10.2196/71926.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The ability to participate in digital health services such as remote blood pressure monitoring needs digital skills and knowledge known as eHealth literacy (e-HL). However, e-HL is rarely studied among those participating in remote blood pressure monitoring (RBPM).

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed e-HL levels among participants with hypertension and determined the e-HL domains that predict participation in RBPM. This study provides important focus areas to increase RBPM participation.

METHODS: This study was a quantitative, cross-sectional survey of people with hypertension in the United States. The survey included demographics, RBPM participation questions, and the e-HL questionnaire (eHLQ) for assessment of e-HL. The eHLQ is a 35-item, 7-domain validated questionnaire including the (1) ability to process information, (2) engagement in own health, (3) ability to actively engage with digital services, (4) feel safe and in control, (5) motivated to engage with digital services, (6) access to digital services that work, and (7) digital services that suit individual needs. The eHLQ item scores range from 1 to 4, and the higher the score, the higher the e-HL status. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the participants’ demographics and e-HL status. χ2 tests were used to compare participants’ characteristics between RBPM and nonRBPM groups. The Mann-Whitney U test compared the e-HL domain scores in RBPM and nonRBPM groups. Firth logistic regression was used to predict participation in RBPM. The dependent variable was participation in RBPM. The independent variables were demographics and e-HL domains.

RESULTS: A total of 507 people with hypertension participated in the survey. Sixty participants were currently participating in RBPM, giving a prevalence of 11.8% (60/507). The mean age of RBPM participants was 46.2 (SD 14.7) years and nonRBPM was 62 (SD 13.7) years (P<.001). The e-HL scores in all 7 domains were significantly higher for the RBPM group than the nonRBPM group. Among the e-HL domains, higher scores in digital services that suit individual needs (domain 7) were the only predictor of RBPM participation (adjusted odds ratio 2.84, 95% CI 1.002-8.84) adjusted for age, sex, and race.

CONCLUSIONS: Digital services that are tailored to individual patients’ needs are more likely to result in participation in RBPM.

PMID:40743532 | DOI:10.2196/71926

J Med Internet Res. 2025 Jul 31;27:e71668. doi: 10.2196/71668.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Limited research has investigated the influence of patient engagement on the long-term effects of mobile health (mHealth) interventions, particularly among older adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the long-term impact of a social media-driven mHealth intervention on blood pressure control among older Chinese individuals with hypertension, through repeated measurements of patient engagement and outcomes at 5 preset time points.

METHODS: The study included older Chinese individuals with hypertension between 2017 and 2022. Participants received a hypertension self-management program via the WeChat social media app (Tencent Holdings Ltd), which provided clinically based digital coaching. Blood pressure measurements were taken repeatedly using a home blood pressure monitor (HBPM) connected to the app at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Patient engagement was evaluated based on the frequency of completed measurements at corresponding follow-ups. Latent growth curve models (LGCMs) served to assess the impact of patient engagement on blood pressure among older individuals with hypertension across preset points.

RESULTS: A total of 1723 patients completed the 12-month follow-up (average age 70.1, SD 6.8 years; 890/1723, 51.7% female; and baseline systolic blood pressure 137.2 mm Hg). LGCMs revealed systolic blood pressure decreased significantly over 1 year, notably at 9 months (131 mm Hg, β9=3.244, P<.001), and continued up to 12 months (131.6mm Hg, β12=2.827, P<.001). In addition, a higher frequency of completed measurements was associated with better systolic blood pressure control at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months (β3=-0.016, P=.002; β6=-0.006, P=.02; β9=-0.002, P=.44; β12=-0.003, P=.02). These results remained significant even after accounting for age, sex, and comorbidity status.

CONCLUSIONS: This study, using LGCMs and repeated measures data, revealed a significant positive impact of patient engagement on long-term blood pressure control in mHealth interventions targeting older individuals with hypertension. These findings stress the importance of integration of patient-centered engagement approach into mHealth programs designed for chronic disease management in aging populations.

PMID:40743531 | DOI:10.2196/71668

Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2025 Jul 28;59:e20250060. doi: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0060en. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) admitted to a tertiary hospital in Brazil, in-hospital mortality and predictors of readmission and mortality up to six months after hospital discharge.

METHOD: A retrospective cohort study, with data collected from medical records of patients with diagnosis of IE hospitalized during the study period. For comparative statistical analysis, patients were grouped according to survival and death outcomes.

RESULTS: A total of 204 patients participated in the study. Healthcare-associated IE accounted for 62.3% of cases, with Staphylococcus aureus as the predominant pathogen. Mortality was significantly associated with complications such heart failure and septic shock (p < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus (OR 7.76; p < 0.001) and acute kidney injury (OR 7.99; p = 0.016) were independent risk factors for hospital readmission. Overall mortality was 50.9%.

CONCLUSION: Short-term mortality was high. Healthcare-associated infections were predominant, and complications and comorbidities significantly affect mortality in IE patients. Identifying high-risk patients and optimizing management may improve outcomes.

PMID:40743530 | DOI:10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0060en

Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2025 Jul 28;59:e20250035. doi: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0035en. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between perceived social support (MSPSS) and perceived insufficient milk supply (PIM) in primiparous mothers.

METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 149 primiparous mothers who visited the gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinics of a public hospital in Adana province in Turkey. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Perception of Insufficient Milk Questionnaire (PIM).

RESULTS: The mean scores obtained from the MSPSS (56.49 ± 20.19) and the PIM (27.46 ± 14.51) were above the moderate levels. A positive, moderate, and statistically significant correlation was observed between the total MSPSS and PIM scores (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Consequently, indicate a correlation between an increase in the level of MSPSS in primiparous mothers and a corresponding decrease in their PIM levels.

PMID:40743529 | DOI:10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0035en

Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2025 Jul 28;59:e20240372. doi: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2024-0372en. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between sociodemographic and socio-health factors on the civic participation of young people in Chile.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study using the Tenth National Youth Survey. Descriptive statistics and models were used to examine associations between sociodemographic, socio-health, social participation, and sociopolitical variables in Chile.

RESULTS: Female sex and education levels indicated greater political participation. Being single, not being heads of household, being happy, having a positive outlook on their future, being satisfied with their finances, health, leisure time, having time available to spend with friends and family, and the country’s characteristic democracy showed significant associations. No identification with specific political sectors, interest in political matters, and self-identification as not actively participating in politics had significant associations.

CONCLUSION: Young people are essential for building future citizenship. Their unique characteristics must be strengthened through effective citizen participation strategies, mediated by education that fosters awareness of their own value as individuals who impact public policy.

PMID:40743528 | DOI:10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2024-0372en