Category: Nevin Manimala

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 6;15(1):11777. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-89755-x.

ABSTRACT

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic facial pain disorder characterized by severe stabbing pain along the trigeminal nerve. While its pathogenesis remains unclear, nerve demyelination and inflammation are likely involved. Current research has primarily focused on various blood-based omics approaches, which do not fully capture the lipid alterations occurring during TN progression in brain. In contrast, our study is the first to investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lipidomic profiles in TN patients, aiming to elucidate potential disease mechanisms. CSF samples were collected from 22 TN patients and 18 healthy controls, followed by untargeted lipidomic analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A pipeline for lipid identification and relative quantification, combined with statistical analysis, revealed 188 lipid species across 21 classes. We found significant upregulation of Cer-NPs, LPCs, PCs, TGs, and OxTGs in TN patients, while stigmasterol hexoside was downregulated. Moderate correlations were observed between lipid species and clinical parameters. These findings highlight considerable CSF lipidome alterations in TN, suggesting roles for nerve demyelination, neuroinflammation, and pain sensitization in its pathogenesis. Our study provides novel insights into lipid targets that may offer therapeutic potential for managing TN.

PMID:40189602 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-89755-x

AIDS Res Ther. 2025 Apr 6;22(1):43. doi: 10.1186/s12981-025-00719-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adolescents aged 10-19 years, living with HIV (ALHIV) lag in attaining optimal viral load suppression (VLS) rates and retention in care. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to both treatment outcomes in TASO Mbale and TASO Soroti centers of excellence.

METHODS: We used a mixed methods approach, extracting secondary data on ALHIV who were active in care during April-June 2022 quarter to determine one year retention and VLS (HIV RNA copies < 1000/ml). Analysis was done in STATA Corp, 15.0. We used logistic regression to determine predictors and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) to report levels of predictability, using 95% confidence interval (CI) and P < 0.05 for statistical significance. For qualitative component, purposive sampling of 59 respondents was done. Focused group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Thematic content analysis was done using Atlas ti.

RESULTS: There were 533 ALHIV, median age of 15 years, interquartile range of 11-18 and 54.2% females. 12-month retention rate was 95.9% and VLS of 84.0%. Poor and fair adherence [aOR = 0.044, 95% CI 0.010-0.196, P < 0.001)], [aOR = 0.010, 95% CI (0.002-0.039) P < 0.001] respectively had decreased odds for VLS while multi-month dispensing of drugs (aOR = 3.403, 95% CI 1.449-7.991, P = 0.005) had increased odds of VLS. For retention, being with a non-biological caregiver (aOR = 0.325, 95% CI 0.111-0.9482 P = 0.04) decreased the odds. Meanwhile key barriers included: individual ones such as internal stigma and treatment/drug fatigue; facility-level such as prolonged waiting time and lack of social activities; community level include stigma and discrimination, inadequate social support and food shortage. In terms of facilitators, individual level ones included good adherence and knowledge of one’s HIV status; facility-level such as provision of adolescent friendly services and community-level like social support and decent nutrition.

CONCLUSIONS: VLS rate was sub-optimal mainly due to poor adherence. HIV programs could utilize the barriers and facilitators identified to improve VLS. Conversely, retention rate at one year was good, likely due to provision of adolescent friendly health services. ALHIV and their caregivers need to be empowered to sustain retention and improve VLS.

PMID:40189577 | DOI:10.1186/s12981-025-00719-7

Diagn Progn Res. 2025 Apr 7;9(1):7. doi: 10.1186/s41512-025-00186-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Current clinical guidelines recommend the use of clinical prognostic models (CPMs) for therapeutic decision-making in sarcoma patients. However, the number and quality of developed and externally validated CPMs is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to describe and critically assess CPMs for sarcomas.

METHODS: We performed a systematic review including all studies describing the development and/or external validation of a CPM for sarcomas. We searched the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and Scopus from inception until June 7th, 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST).

RESULTS: Seven thousand six hundred fifty-six records were screened, of which 145 studies were eventually included, developing 182 and externally validating 59 CPMs. The most frequently modeled type of sarcoma was osteosarcoma (43/182; 23.6%), and the most frequently predicted outcome was overall survival (81/182; 44.5%). The most used predictors were the patient’s age (133/182; 73.1%) and tumor size (116/182; 63.7%). Univariable screening was used in 137 (75.3%) CPMs, and only 7 (3.9%) CPMs were developed using pre-specified predictors based on clinical knowledge or literature. The median c-statistic on the development dataset was 0.74 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.71, 0.78). Calibration was reported for 142 CPMs (142/182; 78.0%). The median c-statistic of external validations was 0.72 (IQR 0.68-0.75). Calibration was reported for 46 out of 59 (78.0%) externally validated CPMs. We found 169 out of 241 (70.1%) CPMs to be at high risk of bias, mostly due to the high risk of bias in the analysis domain.

DISCUSSION: While various CPMs for sarcomas have been developed, the clinical utility of most of them is hindered by a high risk of bias and limited external validation. Future research should prioritise validating and updating existing well-developed CPMs over developing new ones to ensure reliable prognostic tools.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022335222.

PMID:40189567 | DOI:10.1186/s41512-025-00186-8

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Apr 7;30(1):254. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-02530-6.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To clarify the difference between the alpha angles measured by European method and by AIUM method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, infants less than 6-month-old with clinical suspicion of DDH were enrolled from the pediatric outpatient service in a large provincial teaching hospital from October 2022 to October 2023. The hips were examined according to the protocols described by AIUM guideline and by European consensus. The acetabular alpha angle was measured on the standard sections. Statistically significant difference between groups was determined by using a paired-sample t test.

RESULTS: A total of 225 infants (median age, 4.0 months [interquartile range, 3.3-5.2 months]; 104 boys) were enrolled into the study. The mean value of alpha angle measured by AIUM method (62.1°; 95% CI 61.7, 62.4) was smaller than that by European method (63.4°; 95% CI 63.1, 63.7) (P < 0.0001). The 95% limits of agreement between alpha angles measured by the two methods were – 6.6 to 9.2 degree. Alpha angle measured by AIUM method could diagnose DDH with low sensitivity (56% [9 of 16 hips; 95% CI 31, 79]) and specificity (78% [300 of 384 hips; 95% CI 74, 82]) with Graf’s technique as a reference standard. The position of transducer arranged on the skin of infant by AIUM method was 1.6 ± 0.3 cm back to the position by European method.

CONCLUSION: Alpha angle measured by AIUM method is smaller than that by European method and should not be applied to Graf typing of DDH.

PMID:40189547 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-02530-6

BMC Med. 2025 Apr 7;23(1):203. doi: 10.1186/s12916-025-04031-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, has recently raised concerns about its ocular safety. This study aimed to investigate the association between semaglutide use and vision impairment using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

METHODS: We conducted an analysis of FAERS data, comparing reports of vision impairment associated with semaglutide to those associated with other antidiabetic and weight loss medications. The main outcome measure was the reporting odds ratio (rOR) for vision impairment linked to semaglutide use compared to other medications.

RESULTS: Semaglutide showed significantly higher reporting of vision impairment compared to other GLP-1 receptor agonists (rOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.75-2.17, p < 0.0001), DPP-4 inhibitors (rOR 2.46, 95% CI 2.12-2.86, p < 0.0001), SGLT2 inhibitors (rOR 3.89, 95% CI 3.35-4.51, p < 0.0001), and metformin (rOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.90-2.62, p < 0.0001). Similar findings were observed when compared to phentermine (rOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.07-2.31, p = 0.026) and orlistat (rOR 3.77, 95% CI 2.96-4.81, p < 0.0001). Topiramate was the sole exception, showing higher vision impairment reporting than semaglutide (rOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.20-0.45, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a potentially elevated risk of vision impairment with semaglutide use compared to other diabetes and weight loss medications, warranting further investigation and vigilant post-marketing surveillance. Future studies should assess the clinical impact of this potential increased risk on an absolute scale to better inform treatment decisions.

PMID:40189538 | DOI:10.1186/s12916-025-04031-z

BMC Emerg Med. 2025 Apr 5;25(1):51. doi: 10.1186/s12873-025-01210-2.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Workplace bullying among nurses working in emergency departments is a serious issue that can significantly impact their job stress levels. One of the most important sources of stress in every person’s life is their job. This study aimed to determine the relationship between workplace bullying and job stress among nurses in emergency departments.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency departments of hospitals affiliated with Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in 2023 in Iran. A total of 211 nurses were selected based on inclusion criteria using a census method. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, the Negative Acts Questionnaire for workplace bullying, and the Nursing Job Stress Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (P < 0.05).

FINDINGS: The findings showed that the mean scores for job stress and workplace bullying in nurses were 127.87 ± 34.30 and 56.47 ± 21.58, respectively, both at moderate levels. Furthermore, the results indicated a significant relationship between nurses’ job stress in all dimensions and workplace bullying (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Considering the average levels of bullying in the work environment and occupational stress of nurses and the existence of a significant statistical relationship between these two variables, the results of this research can help nursing managers to plan effectively to reduce bullying in the workplace and occupational stress of nurses.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:40188351 | DOI:10.1186/s12873-025-01210-2

BMC Nurs. 2025 Apr 5;24(1):377. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-03054-4.

ABSTRACT

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the impact of individualized nursing care, grounded in Meleis’ Transition Theory, on maternal role performance and parental self-efficacy in primiparous women.

BACKGROUND: Research indicates that care practices informed by theoretical frameworks, particularly those focused on the transition to motherhood, can positively influence women’s adaptation to their new maternal roles.

DESIGN: A randomized, single-blind controlled trial was conducted with women meeting the inclusion criteria. Results were reported following the CONSORT 2010 guidelines. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under registration number NCT05866588.

METHODS: A total of 99 primiparous women participated in the study, with 49 in the experimental group and 50 in the control group. The experimental group received nursing care based on Meleis’ Transition Theory, which included 8 educational and counseling sessions-4 prior to birth and 4 after-spanning from the 28th-32nd week of pregnancy through the 4th month postpartum. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Being a Parent for the First Time Scale, and the Parental Self-Efficacy Scale. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and regression analysis.

RESULTS: The nursing care provided to the experimental group led to statistically significant improvements in maternal role satisfaction, perceptions of life changes, and parental self-efficacy compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Nursing care based on Meleis’ Transition Theory enhanced maternal role satisfaction, increased parental self-efficacy, and improved maternal adaptation in primiparous women. It is recommended that nurses apply Transition Theory to support a healthy transition to motherhood in this population.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of individualized nursing care in facilitating a healthy transition to the maternal role and offers valuable insights for the nursing literature.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry NCT05866588 [Registration date 2023/05/01 (Retrospectively registered)].

PMID:40188345 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-025-03054-4

Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2025 Apr 5;23(1):33. doi: 10.1186/s12955-025-02356-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To maintain good standards of care, evaluations of policy interventions or potential improvements to care are required. A number of quality of life (QoL) measures could be used but there is little evidence for England as to which measures would be appropriate. Using data from a pilot Minimum Data Set (MDS) for care home residents from the Developing resources And minimum dataset for Care Homes’ Adoption (DACHA) study, we assessed the discriminant construct validity of QoL measures, using hypothesis testing to assess the factors associated with QoL.

METHODS: Care home records for 679 residents aged over 65 from 34 care homes were available that had been linked to health records and care home provider data. In addition to data on demographics, level of needs and impairment, proxy report measures of social care-, capability- and health-related QoL of participants were completed (ASCOT-Proxy-Resident, ICECAP-O, EQ-5D-5L Proxy 2). Discriminant construct validity was assessed through testing hypotheses developed from previous research and QoL measure constructs. Multilevel regression models were analysed to understand how QoL was influenced by personal characteristics (e.g. sex, levels of functional and cognitive ability), care home level factors (type of home, level of quality) and resident use of health services (potentially avoidable emergency hospital admissions). Multiple imputation was used to address missing data.

RESULTS: All three QoL measures had acceptable construct validity and captured different aspects of QoL, indicated by different factors explaining variation in each measure. All three measures were negatively associated with levels of cognitive impairment, whilst ICECAP-O and EQ-5D-5L Proxy 2 were negatively associated with low levels of functional ability. ASCOT-Proxy-Resident was positively associated with aspects of quality and care effectiveness at both resident- and care home-level.

CONCLUSION: The study found acceptable construct validity for ASCOT-Proxy-Resident, ICECAP-O and EQ-5D-5L Proxy 2 in care homes, with findings suggesting the three are complementary measures based on different constructs. The study has also provided evidence to support the inclusion of these QoL measures in any future MDS.

PMID:40188343 | DOI:10.1186/s12955-025-02356-0

BMC Public Health. 2025 Apr 5;25(1):1288. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22527-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy in individuals with diabetes and/or hypertension, especially when undiagnosed, untreated, or uncontrolled, can result in severe consequences, including maternal and child mortality. Contraception is crucial for the management of pregnancy in individuals with diabetes and/or hypertension. However, the decision-making and experiences related to contraception use among this population in low- and middle-income countries are poorly understood. This study aims to explore the barriers to contraception use among sexually active men and women living with diabetes and/or hypertension.

METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using the empirical phenomenological approach. We interviewed participants diagnosed with diabetes and/or hypertension, as well as stakeholders involved in providing care to individuals living with at least one of these two conditions and family planning service providers. Semi-structured interview guides were used, and data were collected through four focus group discussions, four in-depth interviews, and ten key informant interviews. All interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically.

RESULTS: People living with diabetes and/or hypertension encounter misunderstandings and various barriers when it comes to using contraception. These experiences were categorised into four main themes and nine sub-themes. The themes identified were: (i) lack of awareness/inadequate knowledge and misunderstanding, (ii) social and religious beliefs, (iii) barriers to available and affordable contraceptives, and (iv) lack of coordination between facilities providing family planning services and treatment and management for diabetes and/or hypertension.

CONCLUSION: Findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and considerations involved in contraceptive use-related decision-making among individuals with diabetes and/or hypertension. These findings can be used in policymaking and programme development to promote contraceptive use and improve the reproductive health outcomes of this population.

PMID:40188336 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-22527-4

BMC Public Health. 2025 Apr 5;25(1):1289. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22126-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with impaired cognitive function. However, limited studies have specifically examined the relationship between PM exposure and domain-specific cognitive function.

METHODS: This study involved 2,668 female participants from the Lifestyle and Healthy Aging of Chinese Square Dancer Study. Global cognitive function was assessed using a composite Z-score derived from four tests: the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and Trail Making Test-B (TMT-B). These tests evaluated specific cognitive subdomains: memory (AVLT), language (VFT), attention (DSST), and executive function (TMT-B). PM concentrations were estimated using a Random Forest (RF) model, which calculated the average concentrations over 1-year and 3-year periods at a high grid resolution of 1 × 1 km. Mixed linear regression was employed to explore the association between PM exposure and cognitive function.

RESULTS: After adjusting for basic socio-demographic factors, a 10 mg/m³ increase in 3-year exposure to PM₁₀ was significantly associated with a decrease in the DSST score by -0.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.11, 0) and an increase in the TMT-B score by 0.05 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.1). When further adjusting for gaseous pollutants (SO₂, NO₂, and O₃), even stronger associations were observed between 3-year exposure to either PM_2.5 or PM₁₀ and performance in both global cognition and specific cognitive subdomains. Specifically, in the DSST subdomain, a 10 µg/m³ increase in 1-year PM₁₀ exposure was associated with a decrease in the score by -0.10 (95% CI: -0.15, -0.04). Age-stratified analyses further indicated that older participants were consistently more vulnerable to PM exposure. Notably, 3-year exposure to both PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ was linked to declines in DSST scores across both middle-aged and older age groups.

CONCLUSION: Ambient PM exposure was significantly associated with performance in global cognitive function and specific cognitive domains among Chinese females. Female populations over 65 years old were more susceptible to the adverse effects of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Among the four subdomains, the DSST showed the strongest association with PM exposure, even at earlier ages, suggesting that impaired attention may serve as an early warning sign of cognitive decline.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:40188325 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-22126-3