Category: Nevin Manimala

Mater Sociomed. 2025;37(2):92-97. doi: 10.5455/msm.2025.37.92-97.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Understanding sexual health inequalities among university students is essential to inform targeted public health interventions. Previous studies show that knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors differ based on sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, and level of education.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess how gender, age, and SRH education influence knowledge, behaviors, and use of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among Albanian university students.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 7,679 university students in public and private institutions across Albania. A structured questionnaire assessed SRH knowledge, STI prevention behaviors, and access to healthcare services. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression to examine relationships between sociodemographic variables and SRH outcomes.

RESULTS: Female students reported higher engagement in preventive practices such as gynecological visits and Pap tests (p < 0.001), while male students reported earlier sexual debut and less consistent condom use. Prior SRH education significantly increased the likelihood of STI/HIV testing (p < 0.001). Age was positively associated with STI awareness but not necessarily with service use. Only 11.4% of respondents reported STI testing, and 7.6% had been tested for HIV, while 53.8% were unaware of available testing services.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights disparities in SRH knowledge and service utilization driven by gender, age, and educational exposure. Tailored public health programs that integrate SRH into university curricula and emphasize outreach to young men and underserved populations are needed to reduce inequities and promote preventive behaviors.

PMID:40607088 | PMC:PMC12212243 | DOI:10.5455/msm.2025.37.92-97

Cyborg Bionic Syst. 2025 Jul 2;6:0305. doi: 10.34133/cbsystems.0305. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Abnormalities in the ossicular chain, a key middle-ear component that is crucial for sound transmission, can lead to conductive hearing loss; reconstruction offers an effective treatment. Accurate preoperative ossicular-chain measurements are essential for creating prostheses; however, current methods rely on cadaver studies or manual measurements from 2-dimensional images, which are time-intensive and laborious and depend heavily on radiologist expertise. To improve efficiency, we aimed to develop a systematic approach for automated ossicular-chain segmentation and measurement using ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (U-HRCT). One hundred forty patients (226 ears) with normal ear anatomy underwent U-HRCT. Twelve parameters were defined to measure ossicular-chain components. Automated measurements based on automated segmentation of 226 ear images were verified through manual measurements. We analyzed variations by ear side, sex, and age group. Stapes analysis was limited by segmentation accuracy. Complete segmentation of the malleus, incus, and stapes was achieved in 47 ears. Automated measurements of 8 parameters showed no significant differences compared to manual measurements in 47 cases. Significant sex-based differences emerged in all parameters except stapes footplate length, incudostapedial joint angle, and stapes volume (P = 0.205, P = 0.560, and P = 0.170, respectively). Notable side-specific differences were observed in female incus height and male malleus volume (P = 0.017 and P = 0.037, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found in other parameters across different age groups, except for malleus and incus volumes (P = 0.015 and P = 0.031). The proposed algorithm effectively automated ossicular-chain segmentation and measurement, establishing a normative range for ossicular parameters and providing a valuable reference for detecting abnormalities.

PMID:40607078 | PMC:PMC12214297 | DOI:10.34133/cbsystems.0305

Imaging Sci Dent. 2025 Jun;55(2):114-125. doi: 10.5624/isd.20240243. Epub 2025 Apr 28.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the relationship of the third molars with the mandibular canal as a predictor of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) sensory disturbances using panoramic radiography (PR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted of 4 databases-PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar-for the period from 1985 to 2024. In the retrieved articles, the outcome of interest was the relationship of the mandibular canal with the third molars on PR and CBCT scans. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and quantitative meta-analysis was performed using STATA. A random-effects restricted maximum likelihood model was employed for the meta-analysis, and the I² statistic was used to assess heterogeneity.

RESULTS: A total of 1,635 articles were initially retrieved. After a rigorous selection process, 20 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 8 were selected for the meta-analysis. The findings indicated that CBCT yielded higher prevalence rates for root darkening, root deflection, interruption of the white line, diversion of the mandibular canal, and narrowing of the mandibular canal (theta values: 49.962, 4.76, 8.09, 2.229, and 4.708, respectively) compared with PR (theta values: 1.363, 1.605, 6.322, 0.655, and 1.449, respectively).

CONCLUSION: CBCT was more accurate than PR in investigating predictors of IAN paresthesia in mandibular third molar surgery. Considering the higher prevalence of paresthesia in the presence of root darkening, CBCT may be highly efficient in detecting this parameter and thus aiding in the prevention of paresthesia.

PMID:40607074 | PMC:PMC12210119 | DOI:10.5624/isd.20240243

Imaging Sci Dent. 2025 Jun;55(2):197-206. doi: 10.5624/isd.20250029. Epub 2025 Apr 28.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between incidental vascular calcification-like imaging findings and self-reported medical data, as well as to assess the relationship between reported predisposing factors and imaging findings using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 391 CBCT scans from 188 males and 203 females were anonymously analyzed for the presence of extra- and intra-cranial carotid artery calcifications (ECAC and ICAC, respectively) and signs of Mönckeberg medial sclerosis (MMS). The patients were categorized into 4 groups based on their self-reported medical histories. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the data, which were subsequently validated through simple univariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: Among the 391 CBCT scans reviewed, 23.27% exhibited ECAC, 42.71% demonstrated ICAC, and 1.8% showed MMS. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (P<0.05) between both ECAC and ICAC and self-reported predisposing factors-including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and sleep apnea/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-with notable differences among the study categories (P<0.05). In addition, a strong correlation (P<0.001) was found between the presence of ECAC, ICAC, and MMS and increasing age. Men were significantly more susceptible to ECAC than women (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the importance of a thorough pre-treatment medical history assessment in dental patients, particularly when vascular calcification-like signs are observed on CBCT imaging.

PMID:40607072 | PMC:PMC12210113 | DOI:10.5624/isd.20250029

Imaging Sci Dent. 2025 Jun;55(2):105-113. doi: 10.5624/isd.20240227. Epub 2025 Apr 28.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) facilitates the differentiation of unicystic ameloblastoma (UAM), odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), and dentigerous cyst (DC) by depicting detailed internal lesion structures based on water molecule movement. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of DW-MRI in distinguishing UAM, OKC, and DC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review included studies from 2008 to 2022 that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of DW-MRI through apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in UAM, OKC, and DC. Six studies were qualitatively appraised using the QUADAS-2 tool, and 4 studies were subsequently included in a network meta-analysis for quantitative assessment of mean ADC values. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024502152).

RESULTS: Six studies encompassing 230 patients employed DW-MRI with an echo planar imaging sequence, yielding images with either hyperintense or hypointense lesion enhancements. The studies demonstrated that the mean ADC value for UAM was >2.0×10^-3 mm²/s, for DC was >1.0×10^-3 mm²/s, and for OKC was <1.0×10^-3 mm²/s (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows that DW-MRI, when used in conjunction with ADC measurements, effectively differentiates among UAM, OKC, and DC. The statistically significant ADC cut-off values support the use of DW-MRI as an adjunctive imaging modality to improve diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice.

PMID:40607070 | PMC:PMC12210118 | DOI:10.5624/isd.20240227

Imaging Sci Dent. 2025 Jun;55(2):165-174. doi: 10.5624/isd.20240218. Epub 2025 Apr 10.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate whether the position and number of high-density objects within the field of view (FOV) affect the volumetric alteration (VA) artifact in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four cylinders, each made of either cobalt-chromium, titanium, or zirconium, were placed in a phantom for acquisitions using the OP300 Maxio (Instrumentarium Dental, Tuusula, Finland) and Eagle (Dabi Atlante S/A Indústrias Médico Odontológicas, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) CBCT systems. The cylinders were arranged in 7 different combinations based on their position and number within the FOV. Two oral radiologists segmented the volumes of the cylinders, and VA was calculated as the difference between the tomographic and physical volumes. Statistical analyses included the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and multiway analysis of variance with Tukey’s post-hoc test (α=5%).

RESULTS: VA was observed under all experimental conditions. The factors region (anterior/posterior), combination (1 to 7), and material (cobalt-chromium, titanium, or zirconium) significantly influenced VA (P<0.05). In general, the presence of 3 cylinders within the FOV reduced VA (P<0.05). Although the effect of a cylinder’s position varied with the CBCT system, VA typically increased in the posterior region (P<0.05). Additionally, titanium exhibited the lowest VA for both CBCT systems (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The presence of 3 high-density objects within the FOV reduced VA in CBCT images, whereas positioning an object in the posterior region generally increased its measured volume.

PMID:40607065 | PMC:PMC12210117 | DOI:10.5624/isd.20240218

Clin Med Insights Cardiol. 2025 Jun 30;19:11795468251347777. doi: 10.1177/11795468251347777. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The effect of Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 inhibitors on cardiovascular, renal, dyslipidemia, and inflammatory markers has not been analyzed simultaneously. The goal is to determine if SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce cardiovascular and renal mortality, and improve these health outcomes.

METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library and MEDLINE databases were used to conduct a comprehensive literature search from inception to September 2023. Randomized control trials with follow-up for at least 8 weeks, with a group taking SGLT2 inhibitors being compared with a group taking either placebo or other medication, in which cardiovascular outcomes, renal outcomes, lipid biomarkers, and inflammatory markers were reported as the primary outcomes were included. The statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager with a random-effects model.

RESULTS: Thirteen studies comprising 92 920 patients were analyzed for several outcomes. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in overall mortality, death due to heart failure, cardiovascular causes, and renal causes in the SGLT2 inhibitor group as compared to placebo. Pooled results also revealed a significant reduction in the frequency of renal replacement therapy and renal composite endpoint in patients on SGLT2 inhibitors. There was also a significant reduction in IL-6, TNF-a, systolic blood pressure in the same group. On the other hand, Flow Mediated Dilation (FMD), lipid profile, and the incidence of amputations and fractures showed no significant associated SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.

CONCLUSION: Our analysis indicates that diabetics and non-diabetics suffering from cardiovascular and renal diseases experience a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality from SGLT2 inhibitor therapy, leading to a better prognosis of such conditions in the long-term.

PMID:40607064 | PMC:PMC12214313 | DOI:10.1177/11795468251347777

Front Mol Biosci. 2025 Jun 18;12:1635227. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2025.1635227. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious clinical syndrome, with elevated serum uric acid (SUA) recognized as a potential modifiable risk factor. Nonetheless, the association between reduced SUA and the risk of AKI, along with the modification by kidney function on this association, is not well understood.

METHODS: All adult patients from Peking University First Hospital (PKUFH) were screened. The primary outcome was AKI during hospitalization. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was utilized to examine the hypothesized non-linearity between AKI and SUA as a continuous variable. SUA was categorized into six groups and Poisson regression was applied to evaluate the association between SUA groups and AKI with 240-360 μmol/L as reference. Subgroup analysis was conducted in terms of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

RESULTS: Among 62,775 patients enrolled from PKUFH, 1,866 patients developed AKI (3.0%). The RCS plot showed a U-shaped association between SUA and AKI. Compared with reference group, SUA ≤ 180 μmol/L and >480 μmol/L exhibited a 2.17-fold and a 4.86-fold increased risk of AKI in the unadjusted model. After full adjustment, the associated risk of AKI in SUA ≤ 180 μmol/L (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.57-2.36) and SUA > 480 μmol/L (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.03-1.34) was weakened but still demonstrated statistical significance. When stratified by eGFR, the U-shaped risk curve was much less steep in the subgroup with eGFR ≤ 45 mL/min/1.73 m².

CONCLUSION: This study reveals a U-shaped association between admission SUA and AKI risk. Kidney function is an important confounder for this association.

PMID:40607059 | PMC:PMC12213346 | DOI:10.3389/fmolb.2025.1635227

Front Nutr. 2025 Jun 18;12:1597065. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1597065. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Muscle strength is strongly associated with various physiological functions and health risks, with grip strength serving as a key indicator for its assessment. Currently, the relationship between novel obesity indices [Body Roundness Index (BRI), Conicity Index (CI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)] and grip strength remains unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the non-linear/threshold relationships between BRI, CI, WHtR, and grip strength.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was adopted to analyze the data of 9,356 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2011 and 2014. Researchers measured grip strength and calculated BRI, CI, and WHtR, while controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, and other covariates. Statistical analyses included linear regression, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect models to evaluate non-linear/threshold relationships. The significance level was set at a p < 0.05, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

RESULTS: BRI, CI, and WHtR exhibited significant non-linear associations with grip strength. For BRI, values below 3.55 exhibited a strong positive effect on grip strength (β = 3.60, 95% CIs: 2.81-4.39), with weakened but persistent positive effects above this threshold (β = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.10-0.39). WHtR demonstrated a similar pattern, with a threshold set at 0.51: β = 62.46 (48.36-76.55) below and β = 6.47 (2.85-10.08) above. CI showed an inverted U-shaped relationship, shifting from positive (β = 15.87, 7.85-23.90) to negative (β = -9.98, -14.98 to -4.98, p < 0.01) at a threshold of 1.27.

CONCLUSION: In U. S. adults, BRI, CI, and WHtR exhibited non-linear and threshold-dependent associations with grip strength, suggesting that these indices can help refine the assessment of muscle strength. The findings indicate that integrating these indices could enhance the accuracy of risk stratification for muscle dysfunction, particularly in individuals with central obesity. Longitudinal studies are needed to further validate the causal relationships underlying these associations.

PMID:40607039 | PMC:PMC12213410 | DOI:10.3389/fnut.2025.1597065

Front Nutr. 2025 Jun 18;12:1578459. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1578459. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The rising global prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) poses a significant threat to women’s metabolic and reproductive health. The carbohydrate quality-particularly dietary fiber, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL)-in addressing metabolic and reproductive abnormalities remains debated due to the condition’s heterogeneity. “The ongoing debate regarding PCOS arises from its complexity and heterogeneity, including variations in clinical symptoms, underlying causes, and treatment responses.” This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to examine the effects of high fiber and low glycemic index (LGI)/low glycemic load (LGL) dietary interventions on metabolic parameters in women with PCOS.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, and Scopus to identify eligible studies. The outcomes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the chi-square test and the I² statistic.

RESULTS: The study showed high dietary fiber and LGI significantly reduced fasting glucose and insulin resistance. Both high fiber and the LGI diet significantly reduced triglycerides and Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), with fiber also increasing High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). High-fiber and LGI diets increased Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) and reduced Free androgen index (FAI).

DISCUSSION: This meta-analysis highlights the significant benefits of optimizing dietary carbohydrate quality on glycolipid metabolism, sex hormone levels, and weight in women with PCOS. While further high-quality studies are needed, the findings suggest that dietary fiber and LGI/LGL consumption have distinct effects on metabolic parameters. Therefore, treatment strategies should incorporate personalized dietary interventions tailored to the specific needs of women with PCOS within a shared decision-making framework.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: www.crd.york.ac.uk, identifier PROSPERO CRD42024579681.

PMID:40607019 | PMC:PMC12213572 | DOI:10.3389/fnut.2025.1578459