Category: Nevin Manimala

BMC Infect Dis. 2025 Sep 17;25(1):1112. doi: 10.1186/s12879-025-11556-4.

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii (TOX), Rubella virus (RUV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) are major TORCH pathogens that can cause serious congenital infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes if primary infection occurs during pregnancy. This cross-sectional study assessed the serological status of TORCH infections among 388 women of reproductive age prior to conception referred to a clinical laboratory in Tabriz, Iran, between April 2024 and April 2025. The objective was to determine the prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, CMV, and the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Serum samples were analyzed using a chemiluminescence immunoassay, and data were processed with SPSS software version 22. Results showed that IgG seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii was 28.4% (95% CI: 23.7-33.5%), significantly increasing with age (p = 0.004), with the highest rate (40.2%, 95% CI: 31.5-49.4%) observed among women aged 36-45. Rubella IgG antibodies were detected in 95.6% (95% CI: 92.7-97.6%) of participants, with the highest prevalence (98.3%, 95% CI: 94.4-99.8%, p = 0.000) in the 26-35 age group. CMV IgG seropositivity was found in 99.7% (95% CI: 98.4-100%) of women, with no statistically significant differences across age groups. HBsAg was present in 1% (95% CI: 0.3-2.7%) of the participants, and although slightly higher in older women, the association with age was not statistically significant (p = 0.384). These findings highlight a high level of immunity against Rubella and CMV, moderate exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, and a low prevalence of active Hepatitis B infection. Routine TORCH screening in women of reproductive age is essential as part of preconception care to prevent congenital infections and associated complications.

PMID:40963106 | DOI:10.1186/s12879-025-11556-4

Genome Biol. 2025 Sep 17;26(1):282. doi: 10.1186/s13059-025-03735-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Data from Single-cell Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin with Sequencing (scATAC-seq) is highly sparse. While current computational methods feature a range of transformation procedures to extract meaningful information, major challenges remain.

RESULTS: Here, we discuss the major scATAC-seq data analysis challenges such as sequencing depth normalization and region-specific biases. We present a hierarchical count model that is motivated by the data generating process of scATAC-seq data. Our simulations show that current scATAC-seq data, while clearly containing physical single-cell resolution, are too sparse to infer true informational-level single-cell, single-region of chromatin accessibility states.

CONCLUSIONS: While the broad utility of scATAC-seq at a cell type level is undeniable, describing it as fully resolving chromatin accessibility at single-cell resolution, particularly at individual locus level, may overstate the level of detail currently achievable. We conclude that chromatin accessibility profiling at true single-cell, single-region resolution is challenging with current data sensitivity, but that it may be achieved with promising developments in optimizing the efficiency of scATAC-seq assays.

PMID:40963104 | DOI:10.1186/s13059-025-03735-y

Metabolomics. 2025 Sep 17;21(5):138. doi: 10.1007/s11306-025-02340-1.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath are potential biomarkers for medical conditions that may be used for non-invasive health monitoring. One challenge that still exists is determining the fidelity of reported VOC biomarkers. The lack of universally accepted sampling methods makes it difficult to identify reliable candidates, thus allowing for the potential of false discovery.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to robustly profile VOCs in breath samples collected from relatively healthy participants using two offline methods for collection/analysis via solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

METHODS: 158 cross-sectional volunteers provided one-time samples using two methods, one which directly sampled breath via SPME and another which collected breath in Tedlar bags. Using both methods, 10 volunteers provided an additional nine longitudinal samples. Ambient air samples were collected routinely, and a robust data processing schematic was used to ensure high quality reporting of on-breath VOCs.

RESULTS: Data screening and processing led to the identification of > 30 unique VOCs in both methods. Hierarchical clustering and correlation analyses demonstrated volatile terpene/-oids showed homologous trends in both data sets. Of the 12 VOCs identified using both methods, 11 analytes displayed statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) in healthy breath samples. Finally, both methods were benchmarked regarding VOC reproducibility, and analyses showed that longitudinally collected samples were more reproducible compared to cross-sectional.

CONCLUSIONS: The quantitative results from both sampling methods mirrored each other, thus increasing the reliability and fidelity of VOCs reported along with the results from biostatistical analysis.

PMID:40963076 | DOI:10.1007/s11306-025-02340-1

Interdiscip Sci. 2025 Sep 17. doi: 10.1007/s12539-025-00749-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Traditional disease risk prediction models predominantly rely on statistical algorithms and often focus on genetic factors or a limited set of lifestyle factors to estimate the risk of disease onset. Recently, more comprehensive approaches have emerged that integrate genetic factors with additional lifestyle factors (e.g., alcohol intake) and physical features (e.g., body mass index, age) to increase predictive accuracy. Since the onset of complex diseases is often accompanied by the occurrence of comorbidities, incorporating medical history records is a critical yet underexplored avenue for improving risk prediction. In this study, we propose a novel framework, MIDRP (Multi-source Integration for Disease Risk Prediction), which incorporates genetic variants, lifestyle factors, physical attributes, and medical history records to achieve more robust and accurate predictions. At the heart of our approach lies a causal Transformer architecture, specifically designed to extract and interpret nuanced patterns from medical history records. In the experiments, we compared MIDRP with several baselines, including LDPred2, random forest, multilayer perception, logistic regression, AdaBoost, DiseaseCapsule, EIR, and Med-Bert, on three complex diseases Coronary Artery Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and Breast Cancer using data from the UK Biobank. Our method achieved state-of-the-art performance, AUROC scores of 0.783, 0.841, and 0.784, respectively, demonstrating its potential in the field of complex disease risk prediction.

PMID:40963070 | DOI:10.1007/s12539-025-00749-9

J Robot Surg. 2025 Sep 17;19(1):614. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02788-2.

ABSTRACT

Telesurgery refers to the surgical procedures performed by surgeons with the help of computer or satellite-linked robotic instruments when patients are in distant areas where a surgeon’s physical presence is challenging. This innovative technology has great potential, particularly in providing access to specialized surgical care in remote or underserved areas. This innovation integrates telecommunication networks with robotic surgery and offers enhanced precision, reduced invasiveness, and faster patient recovery. As telesurgery continues to evolve, understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of healthcare professionals is crucial for its successful integration into medical practice. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,053 medical students and health professionals aged 18 and above in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and completed a self-administered questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of telesurgery. The study reported that 93.9% of participants had heard about telesurgery. However, only 33.6% correctly identified the concept. Acceptance of telesurgery was reported by 44.9% of participants, while 12.1% remained uncertain. Significant associations were found between knowledge and factors such as gender, clinical status, and professional experience (p < 0.05). Participants identified high costs and reliance on technology as major barriers, while rural areas and emergency scenarios were seen as key contexts for telesurgery’s application. This study offers a thorough grasp of the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of medical students and professionals regarding the application of telesurgery, which will be heightened by initiating awareness programs and training sessions that will enlighten the importance of telesurgery.

PMID:40963059 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-02788-2

J Relig Health. 2025 Sep 17. doi: 10.1007/s10943-025-02446-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to investigate the barriers that physicians encounter when incorporating prayer into patient care, and to identify factors influencing both their desire to offer prayer and their actual practice of offering to pray with patients. Between March and July 2023, a convenience sample of 203 physicians affiliated with faith-based networks was recruited, including 195 from the United States and eight internationally. An anonymous online survey assessed demographics, as well as attitudes, and practices related to prayer, both personally and in clinical practice. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with both the desire to pray and the actual practice of offering prayer. A subgroup analysis examined physicians who offered prayer less frequently than they desired. Participants were primarily Caucasian (64%), Protestant (79%), and 97% valued prayer in their personal lives. Of the 203 physicians, 195 were from the United States and eight were from other countries. Additionally, 53% were aged 46 years or older, 54% were specialists, 46% were in primary care, 65% had academic affiliations, 71% worked in non-faith-based settings, and 48% identified as female. Key factors associated with a lower frequency of desiring to offer prayer included having an academic rank of professor (OR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.01-10.63) and lower religiosity scores (OR = 4.16, 95% CI: 1.15-15.05). Factors linked to a lower frequency of offering prayer included specialization (OR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.12-6.56), lower religiosity scores (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.12-6.43), and fear of institutional repercussions (OR = 6.48, 95% CI: 2.44-17.22). Subgroup analyses revealed that specialization (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.06-5.06) and fear of institutional repercussions (OR = 4.78, 95% CI: 2.10-10.87) were significant barriers to offering prayer as often as desired. This study highlights the multifaceted barriers physicians face when incorporating prayer into clinical practice. The findings will inform the development of patient-centered strategies that adhere to ethical and professional healthcare standards. Addressing these challenges through patient-centered strategies and clear guidelines can enhance comprehensive care that supports spiritual well-being. Such efforts align with evidence-informed, whole-person-centered approaches, fostering a more holistic and compassionate healthcare experience.

PMID:40963056 | DOI:10.1007/s10943-025-02446-9

Support Care Cancer. 2025 Sep 18;33(10):859. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09935-3.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Breast cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms reported. Knowledge of its prevalence and associated factors may lead to the development of strategies to reduce its impact. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with fatigue and the functional profile of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study with women aged ≥ 18 years, with breast cancer, recently admitted to the institution, who had their first consultation in the physiotherapy service between January and August 2023, before starting oncological treatment. Data were collected, as well as dynamometry, calf circumference, Timed Up and Go test and questionnaire the fatigue. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with the development of severe fatigue, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program.

RESULTS: 292 women were included in the study, with a mean age of 57.62 (± 11.70) years. The factors associated with severe fatigue, patients who did not practice physical exercise (OR = 6.36, 95% IC 2.09-19.32; p = 0.001), with high body mass index (OR = 1.05; 95% IC 1.00-1.11; p = 0.036), the presence of pulmonary comorbidities (OR = 1.19; 95% IC 1.19-14.23; p = 0.025), pain (OR = 3.33; 95% IC 1.83-6.04; p < 0.001) and the report of subjective lymphedema in the upper limb (OR = 3.29; 95% IC 1.09-9.92; p = 0.034) increased the chance of presenting severe fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients who did not practice physical exercise, with high body mass index, pulmonary comorbidities, pain and subjective sensation of lymphedema in the upper limb had a greater chance of severe fatigue.

PMID:40963054 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-025-09935-3

Odontology. 2025 Sep 17. doi: 10.1007/s10266-025-01192-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Dental implants are continuously exposed to aggressive oral conditions that can trigger corrosion and compromise their long-term success. In the present work, findings highlight the potential of surfactant nanocomposities (NCs), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with the titanium oxide (TiO₂) nanoparticals (NPs), which were evaluated as corrosion inhibitors using mild steel as a model substrate in artificial saliva. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and open circuit potential (OCP) measurements revealed that the SDS-TiO₂ system achieved markedly higher inhibition efficiency than SDS alone, owing to strong adsorption and stable inhibitor-surface interactions. Structural characterization confirmed nanoscale particle size and stability. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed nanoscale dimensions (13.9-28.6 nm) and and zeta-sizer analysis revealed a single sharp peak with an approximate size of 17 nm with good stability, supporting its effective performance. The high E_ads value ( – 2585.50 kcal/mol) for the SDS-TiO₂ NCs system reflects the greater stability (inhibitor/surface interaction) and consequently increases their inhibition efficiencies. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, p < 0.05) further validated the significant improvement in resistance parameters with SDS-TiO₂. Computational modeling (DFT, Monte Carlo (MC), and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations) corroborated experimental findings by demonstrating the strong binding affinity of the inhibitor system adsorbed on the surface of Fe (110) by a horizontal orientation. While mild steel was employed as a surrogate, these results highlight the translational promise of SDS-TiO₂ NCs for enhancing corrosion resistance in dental implant environments. Future validation of the present findings on clinically relevant alloys (CP-Ti and Ti-6Al-4 V) is essential to confirm the translational potential of SDS-TiO₂ systems for real-world dental implant applications. This addition strengthens the clinical anchoring of the study by outlining a clear direction for future research.

PMID:40963041 | DOI:10.1007/s10266-025-01192-4

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2025 Sep 18. doi: 10.1007/s12011-025-04828-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Fluoride (F), an environmental contaminant, is known to induce cardiotoxicity, although the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of the SIRT1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in F-induced cardiotoxicity and explore the potential protective effects of SIRT1 activation. Human AC16 cardiomyocytes and zebrafish embryos were exposed to increasing concentrations of sodium NaF. Cellular assays were used to assess viability, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and oxidative stress. Expression levels of oxidative and inflammatory markers, as well as components of the SIRT1/PI3K/AKT pathway, were analyzed by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR. Zebrafish were evaluated for cardiac developmental abnormalities, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. The SIRT1 agonist SRT1720 was used to evaluate the protective effects of SIRT1 activation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23 Software and GraphPad Prism7 software, with significant differences evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett’s test (p < 0.05). NaF exposure significantly inhibited AC16 cell proliferation, induced G1 phase arrest, and increased apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Reactive oxygen species levels were elevated, accompanied by downregulation of antioxidant proteins and upregulation of inflammatory cytokines. NaF markedly suppressed SIRT1, PI3K, and AKT expression while activating FOXO1a. Zebrafish embryos exhibited dose-dependent cardiac malformations, increased apoptosis, and elevated oxidative stress markers. Treatment with SRT1720 restored SIRT1/PI3K/AKT pathway activity, enhanced cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and alleviated oxidative and inflammatory responses in both cell and zebrafish models. This study demonstrates that F induces cardiotoxicity by disrupting the SIRT1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, leading to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Activation of SIRT1 by SRT1720 mitigates these effects, highlighting the protective role of this pathway in F-related cardiac injury. These findings provide mechanistic insights and identify potential molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of fluorosis-associated cardiovascular toxicity.

PMID:40963040 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-025-04828-2

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2025 Sep 17. doi: 10.1007/s12011-025-04829-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the Bioaccumulation of 14 trace elements (Li, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, Ba, Pb, Bi) in six tissues types (muscle, gill, liver, intestine, heart and gallbladder) of five wild fish species (Schizothorax waltoni, Schizothorax o’connori, Schizothorax macropogon, Schizopygopsis younghusbandi, and Oxygymnocypris stewartii) inhabiting Nam Co Lake, Tibet. Elemental concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that Zn and Cu were the most enriched elements across all tissues. Significant differences in trace element concentrations were observed among different fish species and tissues (p < 0.05), with the omnivorous species S. macropogon exhibiting the highest trace element concentrations. Among the examined tissues, gills and liver were identified as the primary accumulation sites, while muscle exhibited the lowest concentrations. Correlation analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed that fish body size had no significant impact on the accumulation of most trace elements. However, strong correlations were observed between Ti, Sr, and Ba, as well as between Cu, Zn, and Cd, suggesting common environmental or physiological factors influencing their accumulation. Based on the risk assessment results, it was demonstrated that the fish were not affected by significant trace element contamination, and that the consumption of these fish would not pose a health risk (Metal Pollution Index (MPI) < 2, the Hazard Quotient (THQ) < 1). These findings provide a scientific basis for future studies on long-term trace element accumulation trends and contribute to the ecological protection and management of alpine lake ecosystems.

PMID:40963037 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-025-04829-1